San Diego Bakery Creates 'Noynoy Pandesal' for the Philippine President

PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE/The Filipino Web Channel - Redefining Community News 

Currents & Breaking News Feature
Volume 5, Issue No. 13
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /

. . . . . A community service of The Filipino Web Channel (TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com) and the 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, July 20, 2011

~ The clamor has become irresistible. So while San Diego's creative baker contemplates whether to proceed or not with yet another specialty creation, customers at her bakeshop repeatedly asked. So one day this month, "the Noynoy Pandesal" and a companion bread, the "Noynoy Ham & Cheese Bread", were quietly introduced at the famous The Original Richard's Bakery in National City, California. Public response has been overwhelming.

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The "Noynoy Pandesal" at the Original Richard's Bakery in San Diego, California.

ANOTHER PRESIDENTIAL BREAD
Filipino Baker Creates "Noynoy Pandesal" for Philippine President

By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC)

TORONTO - After the smashing success of her name breads, there's no stopping this hardworking Filipino entrepreneur from creating another.


This time, it's a special bun or dinner roll - pandesal as Filipinos call them - labeled "Noynoy Pandesal" after the popular Philippine president Benigno Simeon Aquino III, nicknamed Noynoy or P-Noy by Filipinos, who was elected in June last year.

It's no coincidence that the Original Richard's Bakery in San Diego, California is known widely in the United States as the "bakeshop of presidents, champions and celebrities" for in its stock of merchandise, there's extraordinary bread for each one of them.

"It began with President Barack Obama," explains Ms. Wilma Fernandez Ventura, owner and creative genius behind all her distinguished creations, in a phone interview.

Mr. Obama's election in 2008 was a watershed in US history. In her San Diego Filipino community, there seemed to be not much appreciation for the fact that Mr. Obama is a person of color and that his triumph may be construed as a huge breakthrough for all people of color like Filipinos.

"In that context I thought of celebrating him and immortalizing his achievement with a bread. So I created the 'Obama Pandesal,' a hamburger-bun shaped bread made from wheat and stuffed with stewed (adobo) chicken, green peas, carrots, raisin and cream cheese," Ms. Ventura says.

On the same day Mr. Obama took office on January 20, 2009, the Obama Pandesal was officially launched at the Original Richard's Bakery with a commemorative program attended by high-ranking officials. (I was there and covered it for several online publications and my San Diego newspaper).

The mayor of the City of National City, Ron Morrison, cut the ribbon that unveiled the new bread. Also in attendance were the city's vice mayor, Frank Parra; Cesar Solis, the first Filipino assistant chief of police of San Diego; and other guests. (Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gJUd7EQ2pA ).

The Obama Pandesal instantly became a hit in both the mainstream and Filipino communities, and made Ms. Ventura's two-decades-old bakeshop even more famous, though her intent was to honor the US President.

"The Obama Pandesal reflects your belief and admiration with President Obama," wrote North Carolina-based journalist Pasckie Pascua. "You have the right to exercise that admiration. Some write songs, dedicate a movie, put up a statue -- you make a pandesal. A novelty and it's cool".

Now President Noynoy Aquino - simply P-Noy to all - is joining the presidential rack at the Original Richard's Bakery, with his namesake bread Noynoy Pandesal occupying a place of prominence like the Obama Pandesal. (Video at: http://www.youtube.om/watch?v=GtBSbk6QzqE&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ).

The Noynoy Pandesal is the same size as the regular pandesal, except that it looks yellowy with the addition of artificial coloring to simulate the president's favorite color, yellow, which was also the trademark color of his deceased mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

"The ingredients make it special," according to the 46-year-old Ms. Ventura who herself formulates the mix. Nearly 30 years of experience in bread-making has made her an expert. That expertise goes into the making of the now-familiar celebrity breads, a niche her bakeshop now solely occupies.

Customers wear a smile coming into the bakery. That's because the names of the different breads ring familiar. For example, the Brazo de Pacquiao and the Siete Coronas de Pacquiao are specialty breads named after Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.

The brazo is for his formidable arms; the siete coronas (seven crowns) for the seven boxing titles he currently holds. And then there's a healthy, non-alcoholic drink from Philippine fruit juices quite appropriately named Pacquiao Punch, a take from the champ's knockout jabs that have floored his boxing opponents. (Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD2yNU_oUuQ&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL )

Cory Aquino, the housewife turned president after the removal of dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, is likewise celebrated. Ms. Ventura made sure her memory lingers with special rice cakes (or bibingka) in artifically-colored yellow, yellow being the revolutionary color in ousting Marcos.

Then there's another tribute to a fine Philippine actress, Patricia Javier, who transitioned from entertainment to domestic bliss and marked the occasion by a change to her real name, Genesis.

Ms. Ventura immortalized the milestone by creating Genesis Loaf, a hugely successful bread that tastes like a muffin. (Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU8DbR5sm6E&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ).

Asked how the Noynoy Bread is faring so far nearly a week after its soft launch, Ms. Ventura says: "People gobble it up crazy. I can say it's a testament to his popularity as president".

The "Noynoy Ham & Cheese Bread"

Ms. Ventura already created a variation, the Noynoy Ham & Cheese Bread, after noting her customers are clamoring for it.

This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted upon request by interested parties. Permission by the author and the editor must be obtained before any re-posting online or re-publication in print or re-broadcast. Copyright by Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 5, Issue no. 13, July 20, 2011. Email at: TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com, PhilVoiceNews@aol.com or CurrentsBreakingNews@gmail.com).


My news channels can be viewed by clicking the links:
The Filipino Web Channel at YouTube:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT74cbxq6ak&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL  
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2FLYca354w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL  


At Vimeo:
1. http://vimeo.com/16962555  
2. http://vimeo.com/user4144767  

'Salo-Salo sa Chop Suey' - Thanks to PIDC

The Toronto Sun banner makes the PIDC event look like it's the paper's celebration.

PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE/The Filipino Web Channel - Redefining Community News

Currents & Breaking News
OPINION/COMMENTARY
Volume 5, Issue No. 12
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /


. . . . . A community service of The Filipino Web Channel (TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com) and the 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 21, 2011
~ The day was tagged a "salo-salo", which means picnic, at Earl Bales Park. Well, it lived up to its billing except that it wasn't just the food; the whole afternoon charade was a chop suey of events made silly by non-thinking organizers. A maiden sashed and crowned to be Miss Philippines could not pronounce El Filibusterismo, a novel by Jose Rizal. One partisan organizer tried to make the Philippine ambassador a walking model for the Liberals. One Toronto tabloid lorded it over the stage as if the entire event is its own. When are Filipinos going to affirm their dignity and self-worth? And PIDC is not giving any answer.
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PREROGATIVE
"Salo-Salo sa Chop Suey" - Thanks to PIDC


By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC)

TORONTO - More than a year chasing after officials of Philippine Independence Day Council, I finally got a break this Saturday, June 18, 2011) at its "salo salo sa Earl Bales Park". Oh, that was what I thought.

I went there on my own primarily to see how the "salo-salo", or picnic, fared this year compared with last year's. Well, the green grass and the little wild flowers must be deliriously happy in not being stomped by thousands of walking, running and dancing feet. There simply wasn't that many people.

And I am told that one plausible reason for the absence of hundreds of warm bodies to bring life to the community picnic was the rift between friends, courtesy of television networks ABS-CBN and GMA.

The competing stations have quite succeeded in dividing Filipinos in Toronto - now variosuly estimated at between 200,000 to 250,000 - into the Kapamilya and Kapuso camps. Except for their call signs, there's not much difference. It's the same "tail wagging the dog".

That phrase might as well apply to the community. However big each network claims to be, its size still falls short of being the "kapamilya" or "kapuso" of the community. They will remain a "tail". But the fact is, it is this tail that's wagging the dog, which in essence is the community.

It's sad, to say the least. The true celebration of community is distorted by injecting a culture of make-believe that both the "kapamilya" and "kapuso" propagate to capture the minds and pockets of hard-working Filipinos.

As I walked around the park, I saw groups of Filipinos who purposely stayed away from PIDC's salo-salo. They would rather be with their families and friends than be with bigger but fake families in the "kapamilya" circle, which was one of PIDC's sponsors.

At the picnic I thought luck smiled on me, believing that my long wait was coming to an end. I've been seeking PIDC for stories that its officials would not like to tell, or books they would not open, or secrets they would not confide? I even challenged them - after I felt exasperated not getting any answers to my queries - that I would dig into their affairs and bring out the truth about the state of PIDC.

There's more than one way to skin a cat, so the saying goes, and I'm prepared to show to PIDC that I could do it without having to beg them for a response.

And now, out of the blue yonder this beautiful day comes the PIDC president, introducing herself. "I am Minda Neri," she says in a tone that almost escape my hearing because of the blaring music from the PA system.

It's just been a couple of days since I created a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdKKs-I10j0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ) about the PIDC-sponsored flag-raising event at Queen's Park and I figured that because of its unflattering content, it might have prompted Ms. Neri to talk to me.

She extended her hand and I shook it, introducing myself to her. Then she said she's inviting me to have lunch at the PIDC booth, a gesture I truly appeciated but which actually did not materialize, after weighing in the implied consequences of accepting it.

My personal policy has always been not to give in to invitations like Neri's because it could be fraught with hidden meanings. I tried to avoid misinterpretations specially if my news coverage has turned adversarial.

One, two, three - any number of lunch or dinner - does not win me over. Telling me stories up front, answering my questions in all honesty, could change that, however, even without an expensive treat.

A few hours later, I bumped into Ms. Neri again in another booth. I asked her pointblank: "Are you able to talk to me, on the record, before my camera? I got a lot of questions to ask you".

"Lot of questions?" she whispered, hesitating to commit herself. She asked if we could do it later, and then walked to a nearby booth in search of another person who might be willing to help her answer questions. I knew evasive tactics when I see one and Ms. Neri's demeanor falls into that category.

In journalism, being asked to wait is different from being asked to play second fiddle. In most cases, the availalbility of a journalist is much valued so that a subject readily accommodates and willingly talks without having to make an appointment. That's de rigueur in the highly competitive media industry.

In Ms. Neri's case, she wanted me to do both. My point is, in the scheme of things I am just as important as anybody else. I might look like I have all the time to squander but I don't. Each ticking minute spent waiting is a minute wasted. I don't have that luxury.

So as I expected, my interview with Ms. Neri did not come through. Questions remained about PIDC's financial situation. How much money does it make and spend in staging its gala parties, community events, fund-raisers? How much does it get from its sponsors? Who gets paid in PIDC? Where does its excess funds go? What kind of projects does it have? What benefits are derived from its programs, by who?

Meanwhile, on stage two young "Miss Philippines" were having a good time reading background information about Jose Rizal to a small crowd of photographers and onlookers. Where are the rest of the people?

When the part came about Rizal's two novels, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, one of the beauty queens stammered and choked. "Tangere" sounded like a Filipino cuss word. "El Filibusterismo" became a tongue-twister, seemingly worst than Mary Poppins' "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious".

Ha ha, ha talk of a Miss Philippines being a symbol? I wonder why PIDC let them loose not knowing how to pronounce those words.

The day was just unfolding. At a booth manned by woman named Amy, the affable Consul General Pedro Chan was being given a stick-on piece of paper to attach to his chest. The stick-on had "Liberal" emblazoned on it to mean Liberal Party (of Canada). Amy herself oferred it. And, of course, the consul general declined.

I also declined. Ambassador Chan explained it to Amy: "he's a journalist". I don't know if she understood, the implication being that I am independent of any political party and Amy's stick-on would consequently tag me a Liberal hack. That's what I had in mind. Never for a moment would I be mistaken to belong to any party, let alone Amy's Liberal.

It was stupid, I honestly believe it was, for Amy to offer the stick-on to Ambassador Chan. There's more meaning to it than just a cursory stick-on. But then, this is the same Amy who had her photo ops ahead of the flag-raising at Queen's Park; the same Amy who disrespected the Philippine flag; the same Amy who put more importance to her personal "kodak moments" than the solemnity of an independence rite.

I must have been so engaged to forget what's happening onstage. For one moment, I thought I was transported so quickly to another event. Look, the only banner that says PIDC had been taken so it could be used during the parade. How come, I asked myself, they could waste thousands of dollars for a gala night of self-promotion and not a few bucks on a decent banner that proudly proclaims our culture and heritage?

As a result, the celebration appeared like it was an event by the Toronto Sun. The paper's huge banner not only dwarfed the stage, it also made Filipinos look silly singing, talking and gyrating under the shadow of Toronto Sun. Where's the Filipino identity?

I'm fed up. That's enough for the day. I've had enough of the PIDC chop suey. #

(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted upon request by interested parties. Permission by the author and the editor must be obtained before any re-posting online or re-publication in print or re-broadcast. Copyright by Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 5, Issue no. 12, June 21, 2011. Email at: TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com, PhilVoiceNews@aol.com or CurrentsBreakingNews@gmail.com).

My news channels can be viewed by clicking the links:


The Filipino Web Channel at YouTube:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT74cbxq6ak&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2FLYca354w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

At Vimeo:
1. http://vimeo.com/16962555
2. http://vimeo.com/user4144767

For other stories, please visit:
1. http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/  
2. http://torontonewsroom.blogspot.com/
3. http://timecircumstance.blogspot.com/
4. http://travelsthemes.blogspot.com/  
5. http://gotchajournalist.blogspot.com/  .

Trivializing a Solemn Rite

PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE/The Filipino Web Channel - Redefining Community News

Currents & Breaking News
OPINION/COMMENTARY
Volume 5, Issue No. 11
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /


. . . . . A community service of The Filipino Web Channel (TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com) and the 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 15, 2011
~ Filipinos mock themselves in many ways in the pursuit of self-promoting agendas. One historic incident happened on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at Queen's Park where so-called leaders of Toronto's Filipino community bandied together for the observance of Philippine independence day. A flag-raising was set. But before the solemn ceremony could take off, one organizer decided it was time for some "kodak moments" with the dignitaries. In the meantime, the Philippine flag fluttered in the noon breeze down at the bottom of the pole, neglected and waiting for the photo ops to finish.

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The Philippine flag flies and waves in the noon breeze, left waiting as Toronto Filipino community leaders take their time shooting pictures with invited dignitaries.

Some of the officials and invited guests, including Philippine Consul General Pedro Chan and Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Dr. Eric Hoskins, getting ready for the photo shoot.


PREROGATIVE

Trivializing a Solemn Rite



By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC)

TORONTO - My news video on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdKKs-I10j0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ) has sparked a mild outburst from some viewers who expressed their take, pro or con, with photo ops, or so-called "kodak moments", by event participants having their photographs taken with guests and other important personages.



Frankly, I was expecting more people to be enraged by this wanton disregard for our own cultural and political sensitivities by no less than those who have adopted Canada as their own. And the insult is more stinging and pronounced because they were born and raised in the Philippines.


I had wanted the Consulate, for one, to express its dismay over the blatant disrespect for the Philippine flag during the June 12 ceremonies at Queen's Park and call the attention of organizers, specifically the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), one of the lead sponsors of the event.


None in PIDC and the other organizations evidently knew about the protocol of the flag, otherwise they would not have carried out to their fullest satisfaction the picture-taking with Consul General Pedro Chan and other high-ranking guests who attended the ceremonial flag-raising commemorating 113 years of Philippine independence.


By the way, contrary to protocol, the flag was hoisted so painstakingly slow and timed with the singing of the national anthem when it should have been raised briskly.


The Consul General should not have acquiesced, in my opinion, for that was tantamount to officially endorsing the faulty logic behind the instant photo sessions. It was "embarrassing," said one commentator, after realizing she had unwittingly been carried away.


The "kodak moments" pre-emptied what could have been a happy but solemn rite, considering that the June 12, 1898 declaration in Kawit, Cavite consequently made the Philippines the first republic in Asia. The Philippines broke free from Spain after patiently and subserviently serving the Spanish monarchy for more than 300 years.


The first few minutes that could have been devoted to the proud memories of those revolutionary days 113 years ago were so blatanly set aside, trivialized, for the simple expedient of having photographs taken with Filipino and non-Filipino guests.


I suspect that the initiator, a certain Amy Ada (from what I gathered, an Ontario provincial employee), had been so enthused by the presence of foreign guests. If what the program claims is correct that she is "coordinator, OPS Pinoys" (whatever that means), then we should take caution. She could just so easily trample on rules and precedent for her own personal glory.


I am not bothered if she and her friends in PIDC, notably its president Minda Neri, would spend their days being photographed with the high and mighty. But I am deeply disturbed that she, Neri and others could so conveniently sweep protocol in pursuit of their self-promoting agenda.


That should answer the video commentator who said: "And who does not want to have their pictures taken with a public figure? x x x I do not see anything wrong with a Kodak moment also anyway."


Misses Ada, Neri and the commentator all missed the point, i.e., by engaging in what they did, they disrespected the flag, the very symbol of Philippine sovereignty; they insulted the Philippine government which at that time was represented by Consul General Chan; and they made a mockery of Filipinos and their institutions.


The flag had been flying at the bottom of the pole for at least 30 minutes, waiting for the event to begin at 12 noon, presumably the exact time it would be hoisted. I have not seen a sovereign nation's revered symbol so neglected and treated like a piece of rag left flying at the pole's base because one woman decided to proceed with her photo ops. No, not until now.


If it could be interpreted as an omen, then it is bad. To think that many Filipinos in Toronto at least, are trying hard to uplift their physical selves and their souls from the stigma or working like slaves for abusive employers. Where does respect begin but from ourselves?


Some guests, probably thinking Filipinos are never on time, came in late. That's another aspect that could have been corrected right there by proceeding with the ceremony promptly at 12 noon with or without them. The waiting gave Ms. Ada a window of opportunity and she seized it.


Guests had assembled under a tree near the rostrum and Ms. Ada, blessed her ignorance, unwisely decided to have a photo session with them, inviting presidents of associations to come forward, pose and smile their widest best. I took photos and videos knowing a historic wrong was unfolding before my eyes.


She wasn't thinking . . . if she had the mind. And neither was Ms. Neri nor the Consul General, who both obliged. Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigation, also complied, as did the other guests, perhaps out of courtesy.


In the meantime, the flag fluttered at the base, its hooks firmly secured to the white rope that would take it to the top. I don't know how to call the flag's exact position because it was neither at full mast nor half mast; it was down below. Maybe it could be called the inverted full mast?


Again, this is the first time I've seen a flag unceremoniously tied to a pole and left to wait. Does that symbolize our predicament in Canada? Is that how we ridicule ourselves?


At that moment, everyone seemed to have forgotten that the only reason officials and guests were there was to commemorate Philippine independence with a flag-raising ceremony. But that had to be delayed until Misses Ada and Neri completed their photo sessions with their false smiles.


Lawyer Rafael Fabregas was a little peeved and he showed it by asking those in the picture sessions to return to their seats so the ceremony could begin. As if to stress his point, he quickly glanced at his wristwatch.


I asked him later if he had control of the sequence of events. He said he was merely a "reader" of the program and nothing else.


One video viewer, Don Azarias of Chicago, Illinois, could not contain his disappoinment. He was correct in pointing out that among Filipinos "photo-ops reign supreme while the solemn flag-raising ceremony is just an afterthought".


"For them," he writes, "satisfying their egos supersede their sincerity. They put on a false appearance of virtue or patriotism. That's another way of defining and spelling h-y-p-o-c-r-i-t-e-s."


Jesse Jose of Seattle, Washington agrees. I definitely agree.

(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted upon request by interested parties. Permission by the author and the editor must be obtained before any re-posting online or re-publication in print or re-broadcast. Copyright by Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 5, Issue no. 11, June 15, 2011. Email at: TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com, PhilVoiceNews@aol.com or CurrentsBreakingNews@gmail.com).
My news channels can be viewed by clicking the links:

The Filipino Web Channel at YouTube:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT74cbxq6ak&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2FLYca354w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

At Vimeo:
1. http://vimeo.com/16962555
2. http://vimeo.com/user4144767

For other stories, please visit:
1. http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/  
2. http://torontonewsroom.blogspot.com/
3. http://timecircumstance.blogspot.com/
4. http://travelsthemes.blogspot.com/  
5. http://gotchajournalist.blogspot.com/.

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Filipino Voters in Toronto Suburb Coalesce to Defeat 'Abusive' MP

PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE/The Filipino Web Channel - Redefining Community News
Currents & Breaking News
Volume 5, Issue No. 10
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /


. . . . . A community service of The Filipino Web Channel (TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com) and the 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 Friday, April 15, 2011
~ A small group of Filipino advocates has come out openly against a sitting member of parliament, declaring its intent to sweep her out of office come May 2nd election. This is perhaps a first in Toronto that Filipinos are flexing what little political muscles they have to advocate and protect issues and concerns affecting them. The MP they practically declared persona non grata to the Filippino community is Ruby Dhalla, a chiropractic doctor whom Filipino caregivers alleged "abused" and "exploited" them during their employ with her and her family.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coalition head Julius A. Tiangson

 AS THE MAY 2ND ELECTION HEATS UP
Filipinos Form Coalition Against 'Abusive' MP


By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC)

TORONTO - In a suburban enclave northwest of Canada's largest city, Filipinos are banding together to unseat a perceived "abusive" member of parliament.

With no more than 1,500 out of a voting population of 84,239, these Filipino voters could spell the difference between victory and defeat for incumbent Member of Parliament Ruby Dhalla, a Liberal, and challenger Parm Gill, a Conservative.

Dhalla, a chiropractic doctor, represents the riding (district) of Brampton-Springdale in the House of Commons since 2004, a year after it was carved out of six adjoining neighbourhoods. The dominant minorities are of South Asian descent.

Candidate Parm Gill (second from right) with Filipino supporters.

Gill, a businessman, courts the Filipino votes based largely on the disaffection with Dhalla, who has been accused by three Filipino caregivers of abuse. Dhalla had the caregivers under her employ, taking care of her mother.

Out of its listed population of 131,797 as of 2001, the riding has 84,239 electors. In the 2008 election, there was a 54.2 percent turnout, or 45,689. Of that number, Dhalla received 18,577 (41 percent). Her opponent Gill got 17,804 (39.3 percent) for a difference of 773 votes.

That figure -- 773 -- is quite important in that Filipinos' 1,500 could be the swing vote. They could turn the tables for Gill, assuming they would all vote.

"The Brampton-Springdale riding is significant to the Filipino-Canadian community because of the on-going allegations of abuse towards Filipino caregivers by the family of the incumbent, Liberal Member of Parliament Dr. Ruby Dhalla," said Julius A. Tiangson, one of the active leaders of Baguhin Coalition.

The coalition is an issues-oriented advocacy of Filipino community leaders working to insure that Filipino concerns are best represented. It is endorsing Gill who was born in Malaysia and raise in Canada.

It is perhaps the first all-Filipino organization intent on removing a sitting MP by voting her out on May 2nd elections.

"This coalition will continue to work together to insure the defeat of Dr. Dhalla," explains Tiangson in an interview on Wednesday (April 13, 2011) in an event he organized in Brampton where Immigration Minister Jason Kenney was the main guest.

According to Tiangson, the cases brought against Dhalla have rendered her ineffective. "The issues surrounding the allegations of abuse of Filipino Live-in Caregivers by the family of MP Ruby Dhalla compromise her ability to represent the Filipino community," he states.

Just how much Filipino caregivers detest Dhalla was echoed by Terry Olayta, the outspoken director of Caregivers Resource Center in Toronto. (For a video of Olayta's rant, please click the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPZSRlkM5o8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ).

"She is an elected woman to the highest public office that has destroyed the morale, the self-esteem of the caregivers and we want her out," she declares.

"I'm going to knock door to door until my knuckles hurt because I want to tell them: Ruby Dhalla, it's time to go. She has to go!" Olayta stresses.

Kenney, Gill and mostly Conservative supporters applauded her loudly. The huge presence of Filipinos seems to indicate an inclination to carry Gill, or any candidate for that matter, so long as it would result in kicking Dhalla out.

The complaint against Dhalla is splashed on the front page of this Filipino newspaper.

Dhalla's fallout began with the so-called "Nannygate" - an expose by the Toronto Star that has unraveled the hiring by the Dhalla household of three Filipino nannies who complained in 2009 of being exploited. They claimed working long hours without overtime pay and did non-nanny chores.

One of the damning complaints was made by caregiver Richelyn Tongson, 39, who had claimed that Dhalla kept her passport and other personal documents for months and promised to sponsor her. The MP has denied the allegations.

"It's very unfortunate, what took place but I'm looking forward to working with the Filipino community to address as many issues and concerns as there may be," said Gill, Dhalla's challenger.

Asked to comment, he states: "Honestly, when I saw that story the first time it broke, it hit me. It broke my heart because specially any time anyone takes advantage of vulnerable people who've come here just like all of us to make a life for themselves and certain people take advantage of them . . . it's very unfortunate".

Dhalla or her office spokeswoman named Candice have not responded to queries at least six hours after this story was being written. Candice has promised to get back with answers but none has been received so far.

(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted upon request by interested parties. Permission by the author and the editor must be obtained before any re-posting online or re-publication in print or re-broadcast. Copyright by Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 5, Issue no. 10, April 15, 2011. Email at: TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com , PhilVoiceNews@aol.com or CurrentsBreakingNews@gmail.com ).

My news channels can be viewed by clicking the links:
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1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT74cbxq6ak&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2FLYca354w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

At Vimeo:
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For other stories, please visit:
1. http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/  
2. http://torontonewsroom.blogspot.com/
3. http://timecircumstance.blogspot.com/
4. http://travelsthemes.blogspot.com/  
5. http://gotchajournalist.blogspot.com/ .

Arlie Ricasa Slapped with $2,000-Fine for Campaign Violation

PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE/The Filipino Web Channel - Redefining Community News

Currents & Breaking News
Volume 5, Issue No. 9
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /

. . . . . A community service of The Filipino Web Channel (TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com) and the 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 Monday, April 11, 2011
~ A prominent Filipino American school board official and her campaign treasurer were cited and fined by the California Fair Political Practices Commission for failure to report a loan of $18,000. Last year, school board member Arlie Ricasa was named by Assembly Member Marty Block as "woman of the year" for his assembly district, praising her as a "role model" for the youth.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FOR CAMPAIGN REPORTING VIOLATION
California Fines Fil-Am School Board Member


By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC)


TORONTO - A local school board official who claims to be the "highest-ranking Filipino American elected in San Diego" has been fined by the California Fair Political Practices Commission for what it said was "campaign reporting violations."

ARLIE RICASA


The commission informed the Philippine Village Voice and its associated online news outlets that Arlie Ricasa was slapped with a $2,000 fine for failure to report money loaned to her campaign for the California State Assembly in 2008.

Ricasa's committee treasurer, Kinde Durkee, was also cited and fined for the same violation.


Ricasa and Durkee "failed to disclose an $18,000 loan received from Durkee & Associates, LLC on the semi-annual campaign statement filed for the reporting period May 18, 2008 through June 30, 2008," according to a press statement made available late Monday (April 11, 2011) afternoon.

Ricasa is currently president of the board of trustees of the Sweetwater Union High School District, the second largest secondary school district in the United States.

In March last year, she was honored by Assembly member Marty Block as his "woman of the year" for his assembly district. The award is routinely dispensed by politicians as a way of recognizing individuals for whatever reason.

“Arlie is a remarkable college administrator, public servant, community volunteer, mother and wife who is a role model for youth and residents of our district,” Block then said in his website.

Ricasa, whose parents hail from Cavite province, has been repeatedly defeated in elections for the California State Assembly.

In 2008, Arlie Ricasa was a candidate for California State Assembly, 78th District. "Arlie Ricasa 2008" was her candidate-controlled committee and Kinde Durkee was the committee’s treasurer.

(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted upon request by interested parties. Permission by the author and the editor must be obtained before any re-posting online or re-publication in print or re-broadcast. Copyright by Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 5, Issue no. 9, April 11, 2011. Email at: TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com, PhilVoiceNews@aol.com or CurrentsBreakingNews@gmail.com ).


My news channels can be viewed by clicking the links:
The Filipino Web Channel at YouTube:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT74cbxq6ak&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2FLYca354w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
At Vimeo:
1. http://vimeo.com/16962555
2. http://vimeo.com/user4144767
For other stories, please visit:
1. http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/  
2. http://torontonewsroom.blogspot.com/
3. http://timecircumstance.blogspot.com/
4. http://travelsthemes.blogspot.com/  
5. http://gotchajournalist.blogspot.com/ .

Asian Population in US Rises by 43 Percent to 14.7 Million

PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE/The Filipino Web Channel - Redefining Community News

Currents & Breaking News
Volume 5, Issue No. 8
/ News That Fears None, Views That Favor Nobody /

. . . . . A community service of The Filipino Web Channel (TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com) and the 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 Sunday, March 27, 2011
~ The last decade registered the most number of Asians in the United States, posting a 43 percent increase over a 10-year period. From 10.2 million in 2000, Asians - that include Filipinos - now count to 14.7 million which, officials said, gained the most in the share of the total US population, according to an official White House announcement released Friday.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 LEAPFROGGING BY 43 PERCENT
Asian Population in US Jumps to 14.7 Million

By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ
Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)
and Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)


TORONTO - The Asian population in the United States leapfrogged by 43 percent to 14.7 million in the last decade ending last year, the White House Media Affairs Office disclosed Friday.

"The nation's Asian population became the fastest growing race over the past decade," said the White House, quoting figures released by the US Census Bureau and furnished the Philippine Village Voice and The Filipino Web Channel.

In 2000, Asians comprised only 10.2 million of US population of over 281 million. A decade later, the number has grown to 14.7 million, "gaining the most in the share of the total population, growing from 4 percent to about 5 percent".

“We must come together and understand what these changes in our country’s demographics mean for public policy,” said Kiran Ahuja, director of the White House Initiative on Asian and Pacific Islanders, who noted the importance of understanding the needs of this growing population.

“We see increasing numbers of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders representing influential positions, but many pockets of this community are in great need of basic protections and services.

Most people in the 2010 Census reported only one race, according to the Census Bureau. Of these individuals, about 14.7 million people – or about 5 percent of all respondents – identified their race as Asian alone.

The smallest major race group was Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (0.5 million), which represented 0.2 percent of the total population.

(This Currents & Breaking News may be posted online, broadcast or reprinted upon request by interested parties. Permission by the author and the editor must be obtained before any re-posting online or re-publication in print or re-broadcast. Copyright by Romeo P. Marquez, Editor, Philippine Village Voice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Volume 5, Issue no. 8, March 27, 2011. Email at: TheFilipinoWebChannel@gmail.com, PhilVoiceNews@aol.com  or CurrentsBreakingNews@gmail.com ).

My news channels can be viewed by clicking the links:

The Filipino Web Channel at YouTube:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT74cbxq6ak&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2FLYca354w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL


At Vimeo:
1. http://vimeo.com/16962555
2. http://vimeo.com/user4144767
For other stories, please visit:
1. http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/
2. http://torontonewsroom.blogspot.com/
3. http://timecircumstance.blogspot.com/
4. http://travelsthemes.blogspot.com/
5. http://gotchajournalist.blogspot.com/ .