PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE - Redefining Community News
Currents & Breaking News
Volume 4, Issue No. 12
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /
. . . . . A community service of Philippine Village Voice (PhilVoiceNews@gmail.com) for the information and understanding of Filipinos and the diverse communities in North America . . . . . .
The News UpFront: (TOP STORY) as of Tuesday, June 8, 2010
~ One of the two accused in the murder of a Filipino housekeeper twice glanced at the mother of their victim, hoping perhaps to see how she's coping with the pain and misery of her child's death. Prosecutors briefly showed her dead body as the Crown attorney tried to convince the jury that the two immigrants from Ecuador killed her. "Like drowning men, they reach for the life jacket. And neither men deserve it," he declared. The murder case is now up to the jury for decision.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SLAYING OF FILIPINO HOUSEKEEPER JOCELYN DULNUAN
Prosecutor Asks Jury: Convict 2 Men of Murder
By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
TORONTO - Prosecutors asked a jury on Tuesday (June 8, 2010) to convict two Ecuadorian immigrants of first-degree murder for the slaying of a Filipino housekeeper in a Toronto suburb in October 2007.
Crown attorney Steve Sherriff spelled out the reasons why Cristian Figueroa and Fabian Loayza-Penaloza should be declared guilty of killing Jocelyn Dulnuan, a 27-year-old native of Ifugao, who worked as caretaker in a stately-mansion in a Mississauga neighborhood.
Dulnuan's mother, sister and two other relatives gasped and bowed as Sherriff listed the evidence splashed on closed circuit television, including the copper wire that had been used to strangle her.
At one point court aides had to delay the entry of the mother and sister into the courtroom until after the portion showing the picture of Dulnuan's upper torso had been displayed for the jury and the public.
Figueroa glanced twice at Dulnuan's mother who walked straight ahead to her seat, accompanied by aides who made sure reporters are kept at bay. His co-accused, Loayza-Penaloza stared glumly at the video presentation.
"They killed Jocelyn by helping each other," Sherriff told the jury. "Like drowning men, they reach for the life jacket. And neither men deserve it," he declared.
Figueroa and Loayza-Penaloza had pointed to the other as the one who slew Dulnuan.
Police had earlier recovered the safe that had been ripped off from the mansion and a Rolex watch, part of the cache that Figueroa and Loayza-Penaloza stole.
Sherriff told the jury the two men had "very powerful incentive" to kill Dulnuan, which he said was done late in the robbery, apparently because she recognized one of the assailants -- Loayza-Penaloza -- from his earlier contractual work at the mansion.
"Why is this a first-degree murder?" the prosecutor posed. "Because we have proven (it) beyond reasonable doubt," then laying down the salient points of his evidence, explaining motives and what they stood to gain.
After Sherriff had finished his final statements to the jury, Justice John Sproat began to explain what the jury needs to do in arriving at a decision, either to convict or acquit them.
"Deciding facts is your job, not mine. Your duty is to apply the law," he explained.
Sproat said each of the accused must be given separate verdicts although Figueroa and Loayza-Penaloza were charged in one indictment.
(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted, on condition that the author and the publication be properly credited. By Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 4, Issue no.12, June 8, 2010)."We say to you," Sherriff said, addressing the jury, "that the lure of big, easy money ($500,000) waiting for them, blinded these two men . . . and Jocelyn was an obstacle."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Charice Wows, Rallies Filipinos in Toronto
PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE - Redefining Community News
Currents & Breaking News
Volume 4, Issue No. 11
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /
. . . . . A community service of Philippine Village Voice (PhilVoiceNews@gmail.com) for the information and understanding of Filipinos and the diverse communities in North America . . . . . .
The News UpFront: (TOP STORY) as of Saturday, June 5, 2010
~ As dusk settled in Toronto on Friday (June 4, 2010), hundreds of Filipino families thronged eastern Canada's largest shopping mall where Filipino singer Charice, now 18, showed her charm and talent. Unmindful of the inconvenience, they trekked from near and far and waited long hours for the opportunity to see, hear and touch her as she autographed her first CD -- testament to her meteoric rise to fame. The moment was one of pride for many Filipinos in Canada.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SHE'S NOW AN 18-YEAR-OLD WONDER
Charice Wows, Rallies Filipinos in Toronto
By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
TORONTO - Hordes of adoring fans filled eastern Canada's largest downtown shopping mall Friday (June 4, 2010) in what could be the biggest single turnout of Filipinos ever to gather for a visiting entertainer.
Charice, the erstwhile Charice Pempengco of Ellen DeGeneres fame, collected money and a newfound fame signing autographs of her first CD which, at $16 per, sold like the proverbial hot cakes at the local Indigo bookstore. (Broadcast journalist and videographer Imelda Suzara provides her video coverage at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF_pWqRaJq8&feature=email).
The legion of screaming devotees clogged the historic Eaton Centre, a huge shopping mall and a popular Toronto landmark, as Filipino Canadians from as far as the cities of Ottawa, Hamilton and Oshawa waited for the now 18 years old singer for the chance to see, hear, shake hands and be photographed.
Her presence alone made thousands of Filipinos proud. Charice was their hero, a living proof there's more to a Filipino than being a nurse, caregiver, nanny or housekeeper -- a whole slew of workers which in fact thrive in Toronto.
The now single-named Charice (she dropped her last name due to family problems) performed a few numbers enough to burst an estimated 4,000 people, tucked in every nook and cranny, into an endless round of applause in the centre's atrium.
Her popularity rests not so much with her singing but in what her triumph from poverty to fame signifies to the community. It's her ability to overcome years of hardship and deprivation.
That single factor alone resonates with many members of the Filipino community who also encounter the same difficulties while they work to sustain their families back home. The parallels are real, down-to-earth struggles for the good life.
Fans had gathered as early as 5 a.m. -- twelve hours early -- for the prospect of grabbing a wristband that guaranteed entry into the bookstore and an autograph from Charice. The sheer number of people, however, overwhelmed the plan. (Click the link for video coverage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZzaBNdN-94&feature=email)
A ruckus developed as security guards tried to contain the surging crowd. "Why are you pushing us?" barked the crowd. "Don't give me attitude," blared the guard. "You don't do that," yelled a Filipina back. "I know my rights," she screamed.
The tense exchange ended only when the guards pulled back. Obviously, the Filipinos knew enough to fight off even the slightest hint of discrimination. In this event where an outstanding Filipino was the honored guest, they were not to be pushovers.
Charice's fans consisted mostly of whole families -- parents with their children her age and younger in tow, and grandparents.
Kateland Galingan, 13, and friend Karmela Valenzuela, 18, squeezed themselves closer to the stage to catch a glimpse of her. They're among the thousands who trooped to the mall to have a CD signed.
"We've known her for two years, mainly through watching YouTube," says Valenzuela. "Her personal story is an inspiration".
Galingan praised Charice for what she called her "very powerful voice".
Josie Pascua, a caregiver, came with five of her friends, mainly to show support for Charice whom she considers the embodiment of triumph over adversity.
"Charice's life story is a lesson and a source of inspiration," she said. #
(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted, on condition that the author and the publication be properly credited. By Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 4, Issue no.11, June 5, 2010).
Currents & Breaking News
Volume 4, Issue No. 11
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /
. . . . . A community service of Philippine Village Voice (PhilVoiceNews@gmail.com) for the information and understanding of Filipinos and the diverse communities in North America . . . . . .
The News UpFront: (TOP STORY) as of Saturday, June 5, 2010
~ As dusk settled in Toronto on Friday (June 4, 2010), hundreds of Filipino families thronged eastern Canada's largest shopping mall where Filipino singer Charice, now 18, showed her charm and talent. Unmindful of the inconvenience, they trekked from near and far and waited long hours for the opportunity to see, hear and touch her as she autographed her first CD -- testament to her meteoric rise to fame. The moment was one of pride for many Filipinos in Canada.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SHE'S NOW AN 18-YEAR-OLD WONDER
Charice Wows, Rallies Filipinos in Toronto
By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
TORONTO - Hordes of adoring fans filled eastern Canada's largest downtown shopping mall Friday (June 4, 2010) in what could be the biggest single turnout of Filipinos ever to gather for a visiting entertainer.
Charice, the erstwhile Charice Pempengco of Ellen DeGeneres fame, collected money and a newfound fame signing autographs of her first CD which, at $16 per, sold like the proverbial hot cakes at the local Indigo bookstore. (Broadcast journalist and videographer Imelda Suzara provides her video coverage at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF_pWqRaJq8&feature=email).
The legion of screaming devotees clogged the historic Eaton Centre, a huge shopping mall and a popular Toronto landmark, as Filipino Canadians from as far as the cities of Ottawa, Hamilton and Oshawa waited for the now 18 years old singer for the chance to see, hear, shake hands and be photographed.
Her presence alone made thousands of Filipinos proud. Charice was their hero, a living proof there's more to a Filipino than being a nurse, caregiver, nanny or housekeeper -- a whole slew of workers which in fact thrive in Toronto.
The now single-named Charice (she dropped her last name due to family problems) performed a few numbers enough to burst an estimated 4,000 people, tucked in every nook and cranny, into an endless round of applause in the centre's atrium.
Her popularity rests not so much with her singing but in what her triumph from poverty to fame signifies to the community. It's her ability to overcome years of hardship and deprivation.
That single factor alone resonates with many members of the Filipino community who also encounter the same difficulties while they work to sustain their families back home. The parallels are real, down-to-earth struggles for the good life.
Fans had gathered as early as 5 a.m. -- twelve hours early -- for the prospect of grabbing a wristband that guaranteed entry into the bookstore and an autograph from Charice. The sheer number of people, however, overwhelmed the plan. (Click the link for video coverage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZzaBNdN-94&feature=email)
A ruckus developed as security guards tried to contain the surging crowd. "Why are you pushing us?" barked the crowd. "Don't give me attitude," blared the guard. "You don't do that," yelled a Filipina back. "I know my rights," she screamed.
The tense exchange ended only when the guards pulled back. Obviously, the Filipinos knew enough to fight off even the slightest hint of discrimination. In this event where an outstanding Filipino was the honored guest, they were not to be pushovers.
Charice's fans consisted mostly of whole families -- parents with their children her age and younger in tow, and grandparents.
Kateland Galingan, 13, and friend Karmela Valenzuela, 18, squeezed themselves closer to the stage to catch a glimpse of her. They're among the thousands who trooped to the mall to have a CD signed.
"We've known her for two years, mainly through watching YouTube," says Valenzuela. "Her personal story is an inspiration".
Galingan praised Charice for what she called her "very powerful voice".
Josie Pascua, a caregiver, came with five of her friends, mainly to show support for Charice whom she considers the embodiment of triumph over adversity.
"Charice's life story is a lesson and a source of inspiration," she said. #
(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted, on condition that the author and the publication be properly credited. By Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 4, Issue no.11, June 5, 2010).
Friday, June 4, 2010
The 2010 Miss Manila Toronto Candidates
Comments: Clashing Opinions About Beauty Pageants
(This blog adheres to a policy of a free flow of ideas, transparency, accuracy and a no-holds-barred airing of opinions. Comments must be signed by their authors in order to be published. Views are by their authors and as such, responsibility rests with them. Commenter's opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the blogger and editor of Currents & Breaking News).
The Miss Manila story elicited a number of comments from our readers. Here are some:
From Imelda Suzara, broadcast journalist and videographer, Toronto, Canada:
Romy,
Thanks for writing an intriguing update. I think there is a generation gap between the youth and middle aged.
* * * * *
From Jacqui Conclara, former editor, Manila Bulletin USA, San Francisco, California:
Hello Romy,
As always, wherever you are, you never fail to come with thought provoking and insightful pieces that represent how we have evolved in the Filipino diaspora worldwide. Can I share this story in my Facebook page? I am curious how my friends who are all over the world as well, will react to this "cockfight" of a pageant.
* * * * *
From Ms. Tess Cusipag, managing editor, Balita, Toronto, Canada:
When I talked to her (Ms. Marlou Tiro), I mentioned that there is no comparison between the young audience here in Toronto and in the Philippines. When she joined the Binibining Pilipinas, those people who could afford to pay and watch those pageants are middle class if not richy rich. YOU DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO SCREAM AND JUMP UP AND DOWN. DO YOU? I forgot how she replied.
* * * * *
From Ms. Wilma F. Ventura, business owner, San Diego, California:
Dear Editor,
I'm always asked to allow my youngest daughter to join one of the beauty contests here in San Diego. Well, I refused all the time, knowing how it could evolve into a cockfight of sorts. I basically agree with Ms. Tiro. Our young women are reduced to a commodity. Thanks for this nice story.
* * * * *
From Jesse Jose, retired US Navy journalist, Seattle, Washington:
Pareng Romy,
Good story. Thanks for sharing it. I enjoyed reading the two different views that came from Tess Cusipag and Marlou Tiro that you presented. That beauty pageant seemingly sounds like a "cockfight" to me.
But then in any kind of event of that nature where young people are the majority in the audience, it's always boisterous, lively and noisy . . . well, like a cockfight. Like for instance in high school or college basketball games, or in rock concerts, or in homecoming queen events. The energy coming from those young people can be overwhelming, especially to "old people" like us. You know what I mean?
Beauty pageants are not exactly church services, where everybody, young and old alike, must behave in a "traditional way."
* * * * *
From Marlou Tiro, print and broadcast journalist, Toronto, Canada:
The question here is not the cheering and energetic response of the crowd. To cheer in this kind of contest is understandable. I agree that it is not a church service.
But to incite a rowdy behavior is another thing - which the male host was doing. In between intermission, this male host was shouting, "who will vote for no 7?" then followed by wild cheers, whistling, stamping, etc., adding, "who will vote for no 8?".
I considered his behavior totally disrespectful. What made it more disgusting was the chairman saying she even gave an extra $100.00 to the male host (who happens to be her son) "for a job well done and for entertaining the crowd". If she wants to entertain the crowd, why didn't she let her singers or dancers perform once again?
And by the way, the cheers for a rock & roll concert is highly different from a beauty pageant. The main issue here is NOT to compare a beauty pageant to a cockfight entertainment because these young girls were not there to entertain the crowd. They were not there to serve as entertainers. The organizers hired entertainers and that was their job - not the job of the contestants.
The essence of a beauty pageant is a selection of a beautiful lady that embodies grace, beauty and intelligence. Having these qualities in mind, then they are looking for a respectable lady; a princess and a "dalagang Filipina" as per their website. Don't you think these ladies deserve due respect? If these young boys need to see only ladies for entertainment then there are numerous bars in town.
* * * * *
Jesse Jose responding to Marlou Tiro:
Dear Ms. Tiro,
All women, young and old, especially the true "Dalagang Pilipina," deserve utmost respect and admiration. BUT, in beauty contests, those Filipina BEAUTIES become "entertainment" when they show off their beauties and their bodies. That's what beauty contests are for, isn't it? The showing off how beautiful a woman is, and that includes showing off their bodies, right? To me, Ms. Tiro, that's entertainment at its best.
Now, to "incite rowdy behavior" as you said, "is another thing." I agree with that. But was the host really inciting "rowdy behavior"? What is a rowdy behavior to you in an event like this one? Whistling? Stamping their feet? Loud cheering? It seems to me, Ms. Tiro, that that was a happy, successful, joyous, fun-filled event.
Cockfight-like, perhaps, to you and many others like you. But to those people there, the young people who attended, it was clean, exhilarating fun. Their "rowdy" exuberant display of appreciation proved that.
* * * * *
From Tenny Soriano, columnist, Balita, Toronto, Canada:
Pre Romy,
What a hullabalo! Could be a question of, like one of your readers said, "generation gap". And she's right. The young ones express themselves much more differently from us older generation " boomers ". It's not out of disrespect that boisterous, noisy or rowdiness that these people have for the contestants but could be their own way of expressing support and rootings for their candidates.
Whether we like it or not, beauty pageants are here to stay in the Filipino community, whether to highlight the so-called "beauty or intelligence " or for pure and simple commercialism (which is more often the case).
Let's just celebrate and maybe we make some people happy and proud for having a beauty queen in the family. And of course, making a few people fat in their wallets and a few sponsors sell their products. It's summer, so let's be happy!
* * * * *
From Jay Caedo, San Francisco, California
Dear Mr. Romy,
I think the difference in beauty pageants is like the difference between "tupadas" and "derbies". Who wants to waste time and money on backyard tupadas where the entries are just "patakbuhins" and "pipitsugins", when the real games are at the derbies where the entries are imported or Island-born which are pure bred and great fighters?
* * * * *
Stories and other comments are also posted in the Los Angeles, California-based www.mabuhayradio.com website, per this hyperlink: Miss Manila Pageant Provokes Debate in the Filipino-Canadian Community in Toronto
The Miss Manila story elicited a number of comments from our readers. Here are some:
From Imelda Suzara, broadcast journalist and videographer, Toronto, Canada:
Romy,
Thanks for writing an intriguing update. I think there is a generation gap between the youth and middle aged.
* * * * *
From Jacqui Conclara, former editor, Manila Bulletin USA, San Francisco, California:
Hello Romy,
As always, wherever you are, you never fail to come with thought provoking and insightful pieces that represent how we have evolved in the Filipino diaspora worldwide. Can I share this story in my Facebook page? I am curious how my friends who are all over the world as well, will react to this "cockfight" of a pageant.
* * * * *
From Ms. Tess Cusipag, managing editor, Balita, Toronto, Canada:
When I talked to her (Ms. Marlou Tiro), I mentioned that there is no comparison between the young audience here in Toronto and in the Philippines. When she joined the Binibining Pilipinas, those people who could afford to pay and watch those pageants are middle class if not richy rich. YOU DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO SCREAM AND JUMP UP AND DOWN. DO YOU? I forgot how she replied.
* * * * *
From Ms. Wilma F. Ventura, business owner, San Diego, California:
Dear Editor,
I'm always asked to allow my youngest daughter to join one of the beauty contests here in San Diego. Well, I refused all the time, knowing how it could evolve into a cockfight of sorts. I basically agree with Ms. Tiro. Our young women are reduced to a commodity. Thanks for this nice story.
* * * * *
From Jesse Jose, retired US Navy journalist, Seattle, Washington:
Pareng Romy,
Good story. Thanks for sharing it. I enjoyed reading the two different views that came from Tess Cusipag and Marlou Tiro that you presented. That beauty pageant seemingly sounds like a "cockfight" to me.
But then in any kind of event of that nature where young people are the majority in the audience, it's always boisterous, lively and noisy . . . well, like a cockfight. Like for instance in high school or college basketball games, or in rock concerts, or in homecoming queen events. The energy coming from those young people can be overwhelming, especially to "old people" like us. You know what I mean?
Beauty pageants are not exactly church services, where everybody, young and old alike, must behave in a "traditional way."
* * * * *
From Marlou Tiro, print and broadcast journalist, Toronto, Canada:
The question here is not the cheering and energetic response of the crowd. To cheer in this kind of contest is understandable. I agree that it is not a church service.
But to incite a rowdy behavior is another thing - which the male host was doing. In between intermission, this male host was shouting, "who will vote for no 7?" then followed by wild cheers, whistling, stamping, etc., adding, "who will vote for no 8?".
I considered his behavior totally disrespectful. What made it more disgusting was the chairman saying she even gave an extra $100.00 to the male host (who happens to be her son) "for a job well done and for entertaining the crowd". If she wants to entertain the crowd, why didn't she let her singers or dancers perform once again?
And by the way, the cheers for a rock & roll concert is highly different from a beauty pageant. The main issue here is NOT to compare a beauty pageant to a cockfight entertainment because these young girls were not there to entertain the crowd. They were not there to serve as entertainers. The organizers hired entertainers and that was their job - not the job of the contestants.
The essence of a beauty pageant is a selection of a beautiful lady that embodies grace, beauty and intelligence. Having these qualities in mind, then they are looking for a respectable lady; a princess and a "dalagang Filipina" as per their website. Don't you think these ladies deserve due respect? If these young boys need to see only ladies for entertainment then there are numerous bars in town.
* * * * *
Jesse Jose responding to Marlou Tiro:
Dear Ms. Tiro,
All women, young and old, especially the true "Dalagang Pilipina," deserve utmost respect and admiration. BUT, in beauty contests, those Filipina BEAUTIES become "entertainment" when they show off their beauties and their bodies. That's what beauty contests are for, isn't it? The showing off how beautiful a woman is, and that includes showing off their bodies, right? To me, Ms. Tiro, that's entertainment at its best.
Now, to "incite rowdy behavior" as you said, "is another thing." I agree with that. But was the host really inciting "rowdy behavior"? What is a rowdy behavior to you in an event like this one? Whistling? Stamping their feet? Loud cheering? It seems to me, Ms. Tiro, that that was a happy, successful, joyous, fun-filled event.
Cockfight-like, perhaps, to you and many others like you. But to those people there, the young people who attended, it was clean, exhilarating fun. Their "rowdy" exuberant display of appreciation proved that.
* * * * *
From Tenny Soriano, columnist, Balita, Toronto, Canada:
Pre Romy,
What a hullabalo! Could be a question of, like one of your readers said, "generation gap". And she's right. The young ones express themselves much more differently from us older generation " boomers ". It's not out of disrespect that boisterous, noisy or rowdiness that these people have for the contestants but could be their own way of expressing support and rootings for their candidates.
Whether we like it or not, beauty pageants are here to stay in the Filipino community, whether to highlight the so-called "beauty or intelligence " or for pure and simple commercialism (which is more often the case).
Let's just celebrate and maybe we make some people happy and proud for having a beauty queen in the family. And of course, making a few people fat in their wallets and a few sponsors sell their products. It's summer, so let's be happy!
* * * * *
From Jay Caedo, San Francisco, California
Dear Mr. Romy,
I think the difference in beauty pageants is like the difference between "tupadas" and "derbies". Who wants to waste time and money on backyard tupadas where the entries are just "patakbuhins" and "pipitsugins", when the real games are at the derbies where the entries are imported or Island-born which are pure bred and great fighters?
* * * * *
Stories and other comments are also posted in the Los Angeles, California-based www.mabuhayradio.com website, per this hyperlink: Miss Manila Pageant Provokes Debate in the Filipino-Canadian Community in Toronto
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A Cockfight of a Beauty Pageant
PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE - Redefining Community News
Currents & Breaking News
Volume 4, Issue No. 10
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /
. . . . . A community service of Philippine Village Voice (PhilVoiceNews@gmail.com) for the information and understanding of Filipinos and the diverse communities in North America . . . . . .
The News UpFront: (TOP STORY) as of Wednesday, June 2, 2010
~ The story is provoking a debate in the Filipino community of Toronto, specially as it concerns young women being wrongly depicted and young men having a grand time in their uncontrolled, fun-filled boisterousness. One organizer likens a beauty pageant to a cockfight with all its literal and pejorative meanings. To a parent, a former beauty queen herself, the cockfight metaphor was humiliating as it cheapens the candidates. One exchange of words led to another, harsher and brimming with sarcasm, and still another in what may emerge as a healthy discussion focusing on the big number of beauty contests in the local community.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
'I FELT HUMILIATED,' SAYS A PARENT
A Cockfight of a Beauty Pageant
By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
TORONTO -- A matter of taste, or lack of it? Timidity versus rowdyism?
Two women, one advocating dignity and restraint; the other, encouraging effusive, if not impertinent, conduct among the youth.
Diiferences in age and perception, an immersion in Western culture, adherence to traditional Filipino values, upbringing -- they all figure in the heated discussion that surfaced this week between two well-known media figures in Toronto.
The impassioned exchanges of emails were triggered by my coverage of the Miss Manila beauty contest held on Saturday (May 29, 2010). I was there on the invitation of Tess Cusipag, managing editor of Balita newspaper, and chair of the pageant committee.
Ms. Cusipag had reacted to my story, explaining why the judges (13 in all) outnumbered the contestants (11, originally 15, she said), and why, despite the unrestrained behaviour of the young audience, the organizers are satisfied with the whole show.
I reported the event as it unfolded. (Please click the link to read the full story at: http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/ ). I took pictures and did some interviews. (Videographer Imelda O. Suzara covered the story too and provides fresh video at this link: Miss Manila 2010 in Toronto ).
"It is always like a cockfight, noisy but for us organizers, we are happy that they enjoy it," she said in an email hours after my story hit online outlets in Canada, the United States and the Philippines. "They paid $25 to watch. For students that is a lot of money so we just let them have a good time."
The mention of the word "cockfight" was too much of an aggravation, however, for Marlou Tiro, a print and broadcast journalist with Philippine Reporter and ABS-CBN's Balitang America, whose teenaged daughter was among the eleven candidates.
After all, a cockfight evokes images of an uproarious event, gambling and uncontrolled shouting. Whereas a beauty pageant conjures a quiet pompousness about it, regal and subdued.
"I felt humiliated," she said, loudly complaining about the way the male emcee roused the audience with what she calls "fishmarket way" to enjoin them to participate.
"He sounded as if he was selling candidates like they were fish," Ms. Tiro explained. To her, it reduced the candidates to cheap wannabes while exploiting them for the financial benefit of the organizers.
Ms. Tiro knew whereof she speaks, having been a candidate herself for the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant in Manila some years back.
That experience has given her deep background to make comparisons, particularly in the treatment of candidates by officials of the sponsoring organization.
She wrote Ms. Cusipag: "Having been a beauty title holder once, I feel disappointed that your perception of a beauty pageant is a form of a 'cockfight' entertainment. And you literally produce a 'cockfight' competition.
She continued: "I'm sorry to say, once again, I am disappointed and I will never be proud that I have been a part of it."
Ms. Tiro said she knew she would be accused of sour-graping because her daughter lost but it was important for her to voice out her concerns as a parent raising children to behave and be respectful.
"Honestly," she told Ms. Cusipag, "I was shocked by your response. I could not imagine that you tolerate such a rowdy behavior to the extent of saying that you 'encourage them' to cheer like that. As adults, we should teach our children how to treat women with respect."
My story had detailed how the youth in the audience practically took control of the proceedings at the Korean Cultural Centre in the Don Mills neighborhood in midtown Toronto. At least two big groups competed in the shrieking ang yelling which had drowned out candidates whenever they spoke.
"Pageants are always noisy," Ms. Cusipag clarified in an email to this reporter.
"These (the boisterous supporters) are classmates and friends of the candidates and we encourage them. That is their way of enjoying themselves and how they support their candidates. We always advise candidates to invite more people to cheer for them," she explained.
In another email to Ms. Tiro that she shared with this reporter, Ms. Cusipag stated: "Like I said, the kids have their way of having fun, it may not be acceptable to us adults and we can always interpret it differently as we come from a traditional background."
The discussion could have ended on that note except that Ms. Cusipag raised other issues, namely, immersion in Canadian culture which essentially means "Canadian experience" and views about sex.
"Sorry you feel that way, you are still in the 18th century," she remarked to Ms. Tiro, her words oozing with sarcasm.
"Obviously you have not adjusted yourself in the Canadian way," she continued. "I can also understand that you came from UAE which was more conservative so this rowdy behaviour that you perceived in this pageant becomes unacceptable."
Ms. Tiro personally felt uncomfortable, and complained about it, when one of the candidates was asked about sex. The young lady was clearly piqued but she managed to muster enough courage to blurt out an answer. In the meantime, the audience exploded in a combination of hooting, clapping, yelling and whistling.
Ms. Cusipag responded to Ms. Tiro's complaint. She said: "About the sex questions. These kids are so familiar with it now. Just notice that the government is trying to integrate sex education in the elementary level of the schooling here. What is that telling you? These kids were born here, their rowdy behaviour is their way of making fun as long as they are not hurting and not doing it in a demeaning way."
(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted, on condition that the author and the publication be properly credited. By Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 4, Issue no.10, June 2, 2010).
Currents & Breaking News
Volume 4, Issue No. 10
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /
. . . . . A community service of Philippine Village Voice (PhilVoiceNews@gmail.com) for the information and understanding of Filipinos and the diverse communities in North America . . . . . .
The News UpFront: (TOP STORY) as of Wednesday, June 2, 2010
~ The story is provoking a debate in the Filipino community of Toronto, specially as it concerns young women being wrongly depicted and young men having a grand time in their uncontrolled, fun-filled boisterousness. One organizer likens a beauty pageant to a cockfight with all its literal and pejorative meanings. To a parent, a former beauty queen herself, the cockfight metaphor was humiliating as it cheapens the candidates. One exchange of words led to another, harsher and brimming with sarcasm, and still another in what may emerge as a healthy discussion focusing on the big number of beauty contests in the local community.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
'I FELT HUMILIATED,' SAYS A PARENT
A Cockfight of a Beauty Pageant
By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
TORONTO -- A matter of taste, or lack of it? Timidity versus rowdyism?
Two women, one advocating dignity and restraint; the other, encouraging effusive, if not impertinent, conduct among the youth.
Diiferences in age and perception, an immersion in Western culture, adherence to traditional Filipino values, upbringing -- they all figure in the heated discussion that surfaced this week between two well-known media figures in Toronto.
The impassioned exchanges of emails were triggered by my coverage of the Miss Manila beauty contest held on Saturday (May 29, 2010). I was there on the invitation of Tess Cusipag, managing editor of Balita newspaper, and chair of the pageant committee.
Ms. Cusipag had reacted to my story, explaining why the judges (13 in all) outnumbered the contestants (11, originally 15, she said), and why, despite the unrestrained behaviour of the young audience, the organizers are satisfied with the whole show.
I reported the event as it unfolded. (Please click the link to read the full story at: http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/ ). I took pictures and did some interviews. (Videographer Imelda O. Suzara covered the story too and provides fresh video at this link: Miss Manila 2010 in Toronto ).
"It is always like a cockfight, noisy but for us organizers, we are happy that they enjoy it," she said in an email hours after my story hit online outlets in Canada, the United States and the Philippines. "They paid $25 to watch. For students that is a lot of money so we just let them have a good time."
The mention of the word "cockfight" was too much of an aggravation, however, for Marlou Tiro, a print and broadcast journalist with Philippine Reporter and ABS-CBN's Balitang America, whose teenaged daughter was among the eleven candidates.
After all, a cockfight evokes images of an uproarious event, gambling and uncontrolled shouting. Whereas a beauty pageant conjures a quiet pompousness about it, regal and subdued.
"I felt humiliated," she said, loudly complaining about the way the male emcee roused the audience with what she calls "fishmarket way" to enjoin them to participate.
"He sounded as if he was selling candidates like they were fish," Ms. Tiro explained. To her, it reduced the candidates to cheap wannabes while exploiting them for the financial benefit of the organizers.
Ms. Tiro knew whereof she speaks, having been a candidate herself for the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant in Manila some years back.
That experience has given her deep background to make comparisons, particularly in the treatment of candidates by officials of the sponsoring organization.
She wrote Ms. Cusipag: "Having been a beauty title holder once, I feel disappointed that your perception of a beauty pageant is a form of a 'cockfight' entertainment. And you literally produce a 'cockfight' competition.
She continued: "I'm sorry to say, once again, I am disappointed and I will never be proud that I have been a part of it."
Ms. Tiro said she knew she would be accused of sour-graping because her daughter lost but it was important for her to voice out her concerns as a parent raising children to behave and be respectful.
"Honestly," she told Ms. Cusipag, "I was shocked by your response. I could not imagine that you tolerate such a rowdy behavior to the extent of saying that you 'encourage them' to cheer like that. As adults, we should teach our children how to treat women with respect."
My story had detailed how the youth in the audience practically took control of the proceedings at the Korean Cultural Centre in the Don Mills neighborhood in midtown Toronto. At least two big groups competed in the shrieking ang yelling which had drowned out candidates whenever they spoke.
"Pageants are always noisy," Ms. Cusipag clarified in an email to this reporter.
"These (the boisterous supporters) are classmates and friends of the candidates and we encourage them. That is their way of enjoying themselves and how they support their candidates. We always advise candidates to invite more people to cheer for them," she explained.
In another email to Ms. Tiro that she shared with this reporter, Ms. Cusipag stated: "Like I said, the kids have their way of having fun, it may not be acceptable to us adults and we can always interpret it differently as we come from a traditional background."
The discussion could have ended on that note except that Ms. Cusipag raised other issues, namely, immersion in Canadian culture which essentially means "Canadian experience" and views about sex.
"Sorry you feel that way, you are still in the 18th century," she remarked to Ms. Tiro, her words oozing with sarcasm.
"Obviously you have not adjusted yourself in the Canadian way," she continued. "I can also understand that you came from UAE which was more conservative so this rowdy behaviour that you perceived in this pageant becomes unacceptable."
Ms. Tiro personally felt uncomfortable, and complained about it, when one of the candidates was asked about sex. The young lady was clearly piqued but she managed to muster enough courage to blurt out an answer. In the meantime, the audience exploded in a combination of hooting, clapping, yelling and whistling.
Ms. Cusipag responded to Ms. Tiro's complaint. She said: "About the sex questions. These kids are so familiar with it now. Just notice that the government is trying to integrate sex education in the elementary level of the schooling here. What is that telling you? These kids were born here, their rowdy behaviour is their way of making fun as long as they are not hurting and not doing it in a demeaning way."
(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted, on condition that the author and the publication be properly credited. By Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 4, Issue no.10, June 2, 2010).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)