From left: Congen Alejandro Mosquera, Ruffy Romano, Thelma Uson,
Willie Cantos, Ed Joaquin and a guest.

UP Prep Class 65 participants in the reunion tour Lakbay Wien 2007 pose
during the farewell reception at the residence of Ambassador Linglingay Lacanlale (seated, 3rd from right) who had co-hosted the group's tour with Lhet Herzog (standing left). The original 28-member Lakbay 2007 group explored famous Vienna destinations, like the Belvedere Museum and the Schonbrunn Palace;
toured the magnificent sites of Salzburg where “the hills are alive,” enjoyed Mozart's music in a concert, and experienced a boat ride on the scenic Danube River. The group likewise swooned at the exquisite architectural sites of Prague viewed amidst the breathtaking panorama of the city's horizon; and marveled at the medieval Gothic-Romanesque structures of the twin cities of Buda and Pest (Hungary), while appreciating its rich history and culture. The participating members of UP Prep class 65 came from the Philippines , US, Canada , and Italy . Previous reunions were held in Chicago (2006), Los Angeles , Niagara Falls, Vancouver , New York City , Mexico and Manila .

UP PREP 65 graduates held a reunion-tour, Lakbay Wien 2007,
covering Vienna, Salzburg, Prague and Budapest late May to early June.
After a formal dinner at Bristol Hotel in Vienna, where they celebrated
the 42nd anniversary of their graduation day, the group posed for a
souvenir photo. Reunion hosts were the Hon. Linglingay Lacanlale,
Philippine Ambassador to Austria and Dr. Agerico Lacanlale of UN Vienna
(1st and 2nd from left, front) and Lhet and Fritz Herzog of Waxenberg,
Austria. The 28 participants came from various cities in four countries.
From Canada, Mila Astorga-Garcia (left, standing, Toronto); Maripaz Chua
(top right, Vancouver and Valenzuela, Metro Manila); from Italy, Deborah
Ledesma (Piacenza); from the US, Aurora Santiago (Washington D.C.),
Espie & Ed Cruz (Las Vegas), Del, Ron & Liza (Northampton, Mass.),
Elmer Sta. Ana (New Jersey); Daddie and Noel Matic (Los Angeles),
Jojo and Rudy Tan (Bartlett, Chicago); from the Philippines, Ruth &
Rey Villareal (Los Banos), Ruth & Ric Flores (Pasig City), Zeny Manlapig
(Alabang), Ella Dimalanta (Paranaque), Loida Berbano & Nonoy de Pedro
(San Andres), Wilma Rodriguez (Paranaque) and Ana B. Urbina (Diliman, Q.C.).
UP Prep was a unique high school created for gifted students with aptitudes
and intellectual talents required by university studies.

MANILA Mayor-elect Alfredo Lim, met with Philippine Press Club of Ontario
(PPCO) president Tenny Soriano during a break at the "Bulong Pulungan"
forum at the Philippine Plaza Sofitel. Lim was guest at the forum together with Pampanga governor-elect Fr.Ed Panlilio. Photo shows Lim with Soriano and wife Myrna. Soriano covered the May 14 elections and was a guest of the Philippine Plaza Sofitel's PR executive Yazmin Hidalgo and Philippine Star's Ching Alano.

Making Waves Festival Talent Search

Young Toronto entertainers to join
world-renowed artists at Harbourfront Centre fest

Winners of the 'Filipino Making Waves' Talent Search whooped it up
after receiving their respective contracts from PACE president and
show producer Teresa Torralba after the highly-successful grand finals
held June 9 at the Golden Valley Banquet Hall.

These winners are assured to perform alongside world-renowned Filipino artists in an entertainment fete hosted by Philippine movie-TV actor and game host Edu Manzano at the colossal Making Waves Festival (MWF) set from August 17 to 19 at the majestic Harbourfront Centre along Ontario Lake in downtown Toronto.

Held at the spacious Golden Valley Food Outlet Banquet Hall in Scarborough, the grand finale to the three-month talent search saw the finalists strut their wares before a boisterous capacity crowd to get the nods of a panel of judges composed of two-time JUNO awardee for Best Reggae Recording Bruce Robinson, sultry singer Josie de Leon and Toronto Police Constable Philip Mendoza.

The outstanding performers, dubbed by Philippine Arts and Cultural Experience (PACE) and MWF producer Teresa Mendoza Torralba as "future international Filipino superstars", are Inah Canlapan, Kristine Cristobal, Sheryl Debuglado, Antonytte Estoesta, Divina Gracia Facunla, Jeffrey Byron Lean, Jessa Luna, Cassandra Malabanan, Theodore Marasigan, Vincent Villanueva, stand-up comedian Godfrey Diocada, Charlyn Marundan, Cindy Villansanta, Jav Villasanta, Jennifer Fermo, Michael Magali, CJ, DNA Dancers, and Aiza Nuguit/Katrina Mendoza Dancing Angels.

Canadian Idol finalist and recording artist Mikey Bustos and Toronto teen sensation FOR U singing group of Emilio, Andres, Aileen and Elisa, were special guests in the two-hour show hosted by Mon Datol, Zena 'Pinay Elvis Presley' Zagala, Marie Villasanta and Mark Vierra.

Others finalists who received rousing applauses from an appreciative SRO crowd but failed to make the grade included singing lady lawyer Tiny Rodriguez, Dianne Vidallon, Abigail Malunao, Nicole Lee Park, the Mariah's Cradle Band of Hamilton, Norman Antonio, Stephen Diego, the Rhythmz Dancers, and the Ryne Manleon Dancers, among others.

"They are all good. They could make it next year," said PACE Festival Over-all Director Mon Torralba.

Cecile Araneta, PACE Talent Director who chaired the search all over the GTA and Hamilton, also praised the quality of performances of all the contestants, saying they all qualified to be included in the list of MWF performers.
"But we are only allowed to have a short list and limited local (Toronto) performers because we'll be having, as producer Teresa (Torralba) and Direk Mon (Torralba) said, a long list of world-recognized Filipino artists coming from the US and the Philippines in the Harbourfront show," Araneta said.

Teresa Torralba thanked enthrepreneur Henry Sia for making available the use of the Golden Valley Banquet Hall for the talent search grand finals.

She also thanked co-producer Dr. Belle Tumbokon and the staff composed of Cecille Canlapan, Carmella Viera, Deborah P., Jimmy Villasanta, Miguel Caducio, Randy and Armie Fermo, Jeff Miranda and Sheila N., Jess C., Jojo T., Tony S. and Frank M. for the successful staging of the "Filipino Making Waves" talent search.

Toronto Consul General Alejandro Mosquera
(right) with staff during the counting of ballots of overseas
Filipinos conducted at the Philippine Consulate office.

This annual award recognizes those who have made an outstanding contribution to their community. Whether they have held local fundraisers, sponsored minor league sports or contributed in countless other ways to charitable causes, these individuals have shown an exemplary commitment to helping others. As recipients of this special award, they have set the standard not only for others in their profession, but for the community as a whole.

Ms. Talavera is a pillar of the Filipino-Canadian community. Working with a number of organizations, she has led the way in efforts to provide assistance to people in the Philippines who are suffering, as well as individuals in need here at home.

As President of the Filipino Association of Richmond Hill she has helped provide relief to victims of a devastating typhoon, supported a home for victimized women and helped raise money for medical procedures. She has also been a passionate contributor to numerous local community initiatives including assisting seniors and volunteering at the Santa Claus Parade.

In addition, Ms. Talavera has been a great help to local charities and the York Central Hospital through fundraising efforts and by donating her time. She also uses her role as a realtor to match new immigrants with unwanted furniture and appliances from her clients and she contributes to yard sales and clothing drives for other charities.

The real estate profession requires an ability to forge strong personal relationships. While business acumen is essential in order to protect the interests of clients and customers, truly understanding an individual's perspective is the best way to help them to attain their goals.

Truly understanding a community comes from being a part of it. The Toronto Real Estate Board's more than 25,000 Member realtors have a long tradition of making meaningful contributions to neighbourhoods in which they both live and work.

Ms. Talavera's generousity demonstrates the importance she places on upholding this tradition.

SINGING IDOLS Mikey Bustos and Jasmine Trias with Teresa M.
Torralba (2nd from left), president of the Philippine
Arts and Cultural Experience (PACE) and executive producer of
the Filipinos Making Waves Festival, and Dr. Belle Tombokon
(extreme right), PACE secretary-treasurer, after the "Inspiration
Concert" at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Scarborough, on June 15.
(PHOTO: jotadz)

After Las Vegas, The Great White Way is now knocking at Jasmine's door, she is being romanced by several Broadway productions. Cross your fingers! Jasmine Trias, American Idol Season 3/runner up #3 is everywhere right now: She appeared on MSNBC "Scarborough Country" April 5th. She will also be on "The Mike and Juliet Show" on Wed April 18th. She was a celebrity guest judge for a kids talent contest, "Small Kids/Big Talent", on "The Tyra Banks Show". She also just completed her interview for the upcoming book, "Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul." She will also be making appearances on 2 American Idol national follow-up shows: "American Idol Tonite", and "American Idol Extra", on April 25th. She will also be on the website "American Idol.com", and in "American Idol Magazine". Jasmine is also in "People Magazine", April 16th Issue, page 132, and "Time Magazine" April 16th Issue, page 65. She sang the National Anthem for this year's Probowl and Tennis Tournament Channel Open, and she was just so excited to sing the Anthem again for the Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Nancy Pelosi event, honoring Jon Peters and Sheriff Lee Baca.

Jasmine Trias will also start filming a movie in Asia to be released this year. This Pinoy-American Idol is still fascinating her listeners, in the U.S. and in the Philippines and will be recording her next album soon. Her continued success in the Asian market is unstoppable, and she is sure to gain as much success in the U.S. as she has in Asia.

Stay Tuned for more Jasmine Trias News!

For more information on Jasmine Trias tour schedule, and where to buy her CD, Please visit her official fan website www.allthatjas.net. Jasmine posts her personal updates on www.myspace.com/Jasmine_Trias.

(PRESS RELEASE)

PRESS RELEASE

The Rulemakers and the
2007 Philippine Elections

Sheila Coronel speaks at PPCO-CASJ forum on
Philippine dynasties and the 2007 elections.

SHEILA CORONEL (center, standing), formerly executive director
of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, now director of
Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism at the Journalism School of
Columbia University, New York City, was guest speaker at the forum
"The Rulemakers and the 2007 Philippine Elections" on Sunday, May 27
at Casa Manila in Yorkmills/Don Mills, Toronto. The forum was organized
by the Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPCO) and the Community Alliance
for Social Justice (CASJ). From left, Faye Arellano, Tenny Soriano,
Marlene Mogado, Jess Cabrias, Tess Cusipag, Nestor Arellano, Coronel,
a guest, Voltaire de Leon and Hermie Garcia. Front, seated, is Ruben Cusipag. Coronel maintained the Philippine Congress continues to be dominated by
political dynasties and a true party system does not exist.

TORONTO-The thought of stair climbing the 1,815-foot CN Tower in downtown Toronto is not a good idea for some people. Why do you have to stair climb when you can reach its top by rocket elevator? Indeed, everybody can do this with no sweat at all. But for some other people, like my good friend Alfredo Calara and me, stair climbing this most recognizable landmark in Toronto is not a bad idea. This is so especially when you are doing it for a good cause - fighting global warming.

Having said that, my friend and I decided to join the 17th Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb for WWF (World Wildlife Fund) last April 28th. This event was organized to raise funds to combat the most terrifying threat people are facing this day - global warming. Thousands of people from all walks of life joined this year's activity to make a bold statement for the environment.
In our part, Al and I decided to climb this world's highest freestanding structure to express our continued environmental advocacy. Climbing for a cause is what I call advocacy trekking. This is part of our commitment to Mother Nature.

Al and I used to be members of UTREK, a mountaineering group in Makati. That is why we are familiar to climbing mountains back home and have developed love for the environment. In fact, Al was one of the four Bikolano buddies who walked the highway from Manila to Bikol (450 kms.) during the 5-day trek last year. The walk was to promote peace and protecting the environment.
We said in a press release that global warming is definitely the most important issue confronting every person and every nation today. It is so important because it affects all of us. We think that there is a need for people and nations, especially the most developed ones like the U.S. and Canada, to bond together in fighting global warming. We believe that this is a serious problem that needs a serious solution.

We also said in a press release that our CN Tower climb was an expression of our support to the Philippine chapter of WWF for their call for food establishments and people in the Philippines to stop serving and eating dishes made from endangered species like shark fin siomai and turtle soup.

Al and I support this call simply because they are made from endangered species. We believe that we should protect and preserve these species because they are here to balance our eco-system. If we lose them, we lose our system.

We hope that this simple act may inspire other people to initiate just a simple act for environmental concern. We can do anything if we believe that there is a good cause in doing it. We can stair climb the 1,776-step CN Tower if we believe that fighting global warming is a good cause. It is indeed.

Officers of Santaginians led by President Ben Corpuz,
pose for photo during fundraiser party.

Consul Imelda Panolong, Miss Teen Santaginian 2007 Yasmine Ibrahim
and Mila Ramos, Mrs. Santaginian 2006.

Miss Teen Sta. Ignacia 2007
Yasmine Ibrahim and parents.

Josie de Leon and Julius Tinsay at their "Movin' On"
concert to benefit Butuan church.

THE final winners at Metropol Banquet Hall.

The Miss Philippines Beauty Pageant held on Sunday, May 6th, 2007 has once again proved the commitment of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) in showcasing Filipino culture and heritage. PIDC's efforts in this initiative was a resounding success as witnessed by over 500 people at this year's beauty pageant which was held at the Metropol Banquet Hall & Theatre.
Miss Philippines pageant was created to select Ambassadors of Goodwill to all PIDC activities such as the Independence Day Gala, Salu-Salo sa Earl Bales Park Picnic, the Mabuhay Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament, the Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival, the Mabuhay Parade and other invitations throughout the community.

The team of volunteers are Albert Alonzo, chair; Lorelei Redoblado, Choregrapher, Directress; Joseph Redoblado, Technical Director; Lourdes Alonzo, Administrator; Suzy Llanera, Chair-Philippine Star Babies 2007 and Judges, Auditors, Tabulators' Coordinator; and Karen Pascual-Binaday, Media Coordinator; Lorelei Redoblado, choreography.

PIDC's president Tobias "Jun" Enverga, Jr., congratulated the pageant committee for the success of the pageant. Following are the winners:

Miss Junior Philippines 2007- Khriscelle Nanola, Toronto. 1st Runner-Up-Ceara Khoramshahi, Mississauga
Miss Philippine Tourism 2007-Alexa Bella, Markham
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007-Jaqueline Munoz, Scarborough
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007-Kristine Lou Gargaritano, Pickering
Miss Popularity -Khriscelle Nanola
Miss Charity-Jaqueline Munoz
Best in Evening Gown-Alexa Bella
Best in Talent-Khriscelle Nanola
Miss Philippines 2007-Alyssa Ashley Zamora, Newmarket
1st Runner-Up-Khristine Mai Atienza, Mississauga
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007-Diane Watson, Oshawa
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007-Cheryl Chan, Oakville
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007-Apple Joy dela Cruz, Toronto
Miss Charity & Miss Popularity-Khristine Mai Atienza
Best in Terno (National Costume) -Alyssa Ashley Zamora & Diane Watson
Best in Evening Gown-Apple Joy dela Cruz; Best in Talent-Khristine Mai Atienza.

PIDC brought back The Philippine Star Babies this year. This category added the participation of infants, little boys and little girls, ages 0 to 5 years old. They will be the Little Ambassadors of Goodwill, Prince and Princesses for PIDC. The parents of Toven Bella, Kirsten Isabelle Pascual-Binaday, Ayden Buenaventura, Nicole Cairnduff, Rod-Ann Francisco, Cassandra Goodgoll, Fatima Tayag and Trinity Santiago were very happy and proud indeed.

Scott Brown, Mister Philippines 2006 and Melody Olmos, Miss Philippines 2004 co-hosted the entire show. Veronica DeLumpa, 1st Runner-Up Miss Philippines 2006 and Monica de Leon, Miss Teen Philippines 2006 hosted the Talent competition and Philippine Star Babies 2007, respectively.

Ylynne Enriquez, Angelique Esguerra, Rachel de Castro, and Jessica Silva, and other former title holders presented cash awards, sashes, bouquets, trophies, other awards & complimentary prizes to the winners.

Jackie Santos, Miss Philippines 2006 and Ylynne Enriquez, Miss Junior Philippines 2006 relinquished their crowns to their successors.

(PRESS RELEASE)

MP Lui Temelkovski, Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary
Group unveiling and presenting H.E. Ambassador Jose Brilliantes
of the Philippine Embassy with the first copy of the Tagalog version
of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

CAMARINES NORTE ASSOCIATION CANADA (ONTARIO) - The officers
and board of Directors of the newly formed Camarines Norte Association Canada (Ontario) headed by President Tony San Juan. (PHOTO BY PONG OSTANAL)

FILIPINO LADY ARTIST LAMPITOC AND HER ART WORKS  -  Filipino artist  Rocille Lampitoc (middle), is shown in photo cutting the ceremonial ribbon assisted by Consul General Alejandro B. Mosquera and Toronto Councillor Raymond Cho during the opening of her one-woman art exhibits at the  lobby of  the Philippine Consulate General's Office - Toronto,  161 Eglinton East, Toronto, Ontario,  last May 4  dubbed "Faces, Phases, and Places."  The art exhibit will run up to May 25.
PHOTO: JOJO TADURAN