Vancouver to host World
Indigenous Housing gab
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference (WIHC) will be held on June 11-15, 2012, with the breathtaking Coast Mountains as a backdrop for the event, reported the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), host of the five-day conclave.
AHMA said the WIHC is the first international forum to bring Indigenous housing leaders, senior government officials, researchers and corporate heads from around the world together to learn from best practices, build a global network, and showcase Indigenous cultures.
Participants will have the opportunity to share expertise and build powerful connections with this influential arena of leaders from Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, developed countries that share common Indigenous housing experiences.
SPEAKERS
Stimulating speakers, workshops and presentations will explore five key themes: Sharing Our Stories, Governance and Capacity Building, Government Partnerships, Housing as a Determinant of Health, and Disaster Preparedness.
Senior government leaders will exchange ideas on how to advance Indigenous housing self-management in different jurisdictions. Housing managers will share a spectrum of achievements in governance and capacity building. Indigenous leaders will reveal best practices.
Policymakers will explain ways to ensure sustainable solutions and infrastructure. And a rich cultural exchange, with vibrant traditional and contemporary Indigenous entertainment, is part of the package.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
New York-bound Surrey 'wonder boy' Cepeda trains in Oakridge
New York-bound Surrey 'wonder
boy' Cepeda trains in Oakridge
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Under strict supervision of some of British Columbia's cracked and top-notch music mentors, Surrey son Nhemy JJR Cepeda has been revving up for a Celebrity Benefit Performance at the Times Square in New York City on April 23.
Twelve-year-old Cepeda's singing prowess is being fine-tuned at the prestigious O Music Studios in Oakridge led by highly regarded music director Jeannie Lee.
In several weeks that he has been undergoing voice lessons in the music institution, Cepeda has learned how to emcee and handle musical instruments, among other skills related to entertainment.
"JJ's teachers, all experts in their respective fields, are seeing to it that no stone will be left unturned in their efforts to hone his skills as well as the skills of other students performing with him," reported the boy's father, Nemecio Sr.
SELECTED
Cepeda will perform together with other selected O Music Studios students, it was learned.
The New York performance is reportedly connected to Jane Elissa's campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Man and Woman of the Year Event (MWOY) with the New York City Chapter.
O Music Studios, which teaches classical and jazz for young aspiring musicians, believes in balancing the traditional with the modern innovative techniques of learning.
Through inspiration, innovation and imagination we strive to bring out the excellence and musical abilities of each child. Our music school offers many diverse programs, ranging from traditional classical piano lessons to informal group classes," O Music Studios' website said.
STRIDES
"We see daily strides in our students self-confidence and academic achievement, whether their best is performing in Carnegie Hall or playing for their families and peers. Music is a gift we give to our children."
The music school offers classical piano music studies, music history and theory, composition classes, Canadian and international music preparation classes, conservatory Canada prep classes, and group and private music programs.
boy' Cepeda trains in Oakridge
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Under strict supervision of some of British Columbia's cracked and top-notch music mentors, Surrey son Nhemy JJR Cepeda has been revving up for a Celebrity Benefit Performance at the Times Square in New York City on April 23.
Twelve-year-old Cepeda's singing prowess is being fine-tuned at the prestigious O Music Studios in Oakridge led by highly regarded music director Jeannie Lee.
In several weeks that he has been undergoing voice lessons in the music institution, Cepeda has learned how to emcee and handle musical instruments, among other skills related to entertainment.
"JJ's teachers, all experts in their respective fields, are seeing to it that no stone will be left unturned in their efforts to hone his skills as well as the skills of other students performing with him," reported the boy's father, Nemecio Sr.
SELECTED
Cepeda will perform together with other selected O Music Studios students, it was learned.
The New York performance is reportedly connected to Jane Elissa's campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Man and Woman of the Year Event (MWOY) with the New York City Chapter.
O Music Studios, which teaches classical and jazz for young aspiring musicians, believes in balancing the traditional with the modern innovative techniques of learning.
Through inspiration, innovation and imagination we strive to bring out the excellence and musical abilities of each child. Our music school offers many diverse programs, ranging from traditional classical piano lessons to informal group classes," O Music Studios' website said.
STRIDES
"We see daily strides in our students self-confidence and academic achievement, whether their best is performing in Carnegie Hall or playing for their families and peers. Music is a gift we give to our children."
The music school offers classical piano music studies, music history and theory, composition classes, Canadian and international music preparation classes, conservatory Canada prep classes, and group and private music programs.
'I did not shout'
'I did not shout'
MHHS Vice President Amado Mercado (right) and Richmond City Councilor Bill McNulty (Photo by Alex P. Vidal)
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The tone of his voice when he wanted to explain something during the board meeting may have been higher, "but it did not mean that I was shouting," clarified Amado Mercado, Multicultural Helping House Society's (MHHS) erstwhile second highest official.
Mercado denied he raised his voice in one of their recent board meetings the reason why a feud ignited between him and director Jose Ong that resulted in the passing of a "unanimous" resolution stripping him of his position as vice president in January this year.
"I just wanted to make a point that not all activities and programs initiated by my committee needed a board resolution," Mercado insisted.
INFRASTRUCTURE
He was referring to the committee on infrastructure he chaired when the MHHS building was built in 2010 and financed mostly by the Canadian government and private donors in the community.
MHHS president Tomas Avendano said the board was asking Mercado to provide them with copies of the job order in the construction of additional facility -- MHHS Newcomer Resource Center -- which was finished in 2011.
Avendano agreed with Mercado that "there was no need for the board to squeeze him on the job order since the project has been completed already."
Avendano assured that "Mercado is clean" saying he did not believe there was irregularity in the construction or any project undertaken under his administration.
TRANSPARENT
"Everything is transparent here and, so far, I have not monitored any irregularity done by anybody eversince I became president," said Avendano, who confirmed he was present when the board passed the resolution ousting Mercado as vice president.
Avendano, however, stressed that "a legitimate question deserves a legitimate answer." He did not elaborate.
Mercado maintained the board resolution was "illegal" because the board lacked the number or didn't have a quorum when they decided to yank him out as vice president.
Avendano, 83, clarified though that Mercado still retains his position as member of the board. The resolution passed by those present "was not official since it was not yet ratified," Avendano said.
PRESENT
Avendano identified those present as directors Ong, Ric Asistio, Robert Montes, Ching Concepcion, secretary Pocholo Insua, treasurer Michael Cayetano, and himself.
Mercado accused them of "controlling the meeting" protesting that he was not informed of the agenda. He was absent when the board booted him as vice president.
When reached for comment by this writer, Cayetano did not call back. Some of the original members of the board have already resigned, Avendano disclosed.
Mel Cruz, Patricia Diamzon, Roy Ricarse, and Marius Alparaque are the newly appointed members of the board. They were not present when the Mercado's ouster from vice presidency was tackled.
RECORDS
Avendano also confirmed their financial records are now being reviewed by an external auditor as well as auditors from the Vancouver city government and the British Columbia provincial government.
The federal government, city hall, and provincial government chipped in $500,000 each when the MHHS building was constructed in 2010. The Filipino Canadian Construction Society (FCCS), composed of General Contracting, Trade Contracting, Project Management, Estimating, Plans and Drawings, Drafting, Autocadd, Repair and Renovation, Drywall, HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical works, Painting & Water-proofing, and Sales also donated $6,000 for the three-storey building on Fraser Street.
INVITATION
Mercado snubbed Avendano's invitation for him to attend the regular board meeting last February 25 saying he was advised by his lawyer to "stay away for a while."
"I don't want to have an exchange of words with Tatay Tom (Avendano) kaya huwag na muna akong magsalita (that's why I will stop from further talking about the issue)," Mercado said.
Avendano clarified that "the board is not at war with Mercado. He is still a member of the board and he is always welcome to attend the meeting -- that is if he is still interested to serve!"
Formerly called as the Filipino Canadian Support Services Society (FCSSS) until renamed to MHHS in 2001, the non-stock, non-profit organization was founded in 1996.
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The tone of his voice when he wanted to explain something during the board meeting may have been higher, "but it did not mean that I was shouting," clarified Amado Mercado, Multicultural Helping House Society's (MHHS) erstwhile second highest official.
Mercado denied he raised his voice in one of their recent board meetings the reason why a feud ignited between him and director Jose Ong that resulted in the passing of a "unanimous" resolution stripping him of his position as vice president in January this year.
"I just wanted to make a point that not all activities and programs initiated by my committee needed a board resolution," Mercado insisted.
INFRASTRUCTURE
He was referring to the committee on infrastructure he chaired when the MHHS building was built in 2010 and financed mostly by the Canadian government and private donors in the community.
MHHS president Tomas Avendano said the board was asking Mercado to provide them with copies of the job order in the construction of additional facility -- MHHS Newcomer Resource Center -- which was finished in 2011.
Avendano agreed with Mercado that "there was no need for the board to squeeze him on the job order since the project has been completed already."
Avendano assured that "Mercado is clean" saying he did not believe there was irregularity in the construction or any project undertaken under his administration.
TRANSPARENT
"Everything is transparent here and, so far, I have not monitored any irregularity done by anybody eversince I became president," said Avendano, who confirmed he was present when the board passed the resolution ousting Mercado as vice president.
Avendano, however, stressed that "a legitimate question deserves a legitimate answer." He did not elaborate.
Mercado maintained the board resolution was "illegal" because the board lacked the number or didn't have a quorum when they decided to yank him out as vice president.
Avendano, 83, clarified though that Mercado still retains his position as member of the board. The resolution passed by those present "was not official since it was not yet ratified," Avendano said.
PRESENT
Avendano identified those present as directors Ong, Ric Asistio, Robert Montes, Ching Concepcion, secretary Pocholo Insua, treasurer Michael Cayetano, and himself.
Mercado accused them of "controlling the meeting" protesting that he was not informed of the agenda. He was absent when the board booted him as vice president.
When reached for comment by this writer, Cayetano did not call back. Some of the original members of the board have already resigned, Avendano disclosed.
Mel Cruz, Patricia Diamzon, Roy Ricarse, and Marius Alparaque are the newly appointed members of the board. They were not present when the Mercado's ouster from vice presidency was tackled.
RECORDS
Avendano also confirmed their financial records are now being reviewed by an external auditor as well as auditors from the Vancouver city government and the British Columbia provincial government.
The federal government, city hall, and provincial government chipped in $500,000 each when the MHHS building was constructed in 2010. The Filipino Canadian Construction Society (FCCS), composed of General Contracting, Trade Contracting, Project Management, Estimating, Plans and Drawings, Drafting, Autocadd, Repair and Renovation, Drywall, HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical works, Painting & Water-proofing, and Sales also donated $6,000 for the three-storey building on Fraser Street.
INVITATION
Mercado snubbed Avendano's invitation for him to attend the regular board meeting last February 25 saying he was advised by his lawyer to "stay away for a while."
"I don't want to have an exchange of words with Tatay Tom (Avendano) kaya huwag na muna akong magsalita (that's why I will stop from further talking about the issue)," Mercado said.
Avendano clarified that "the board is not at war with Mercado. He is still a member of the board and he is always welcome to attend the meeting -- that is if he is still interested to serve!"
Formerly called as the Filipino Canadian Support Services Society (FCSSS) until renamed to MHHS in 2001, the non-stock, non-profit organization was founded in 1996.
Pinoys in Vancouver to march against racism
Pinoys in Vancouver to
march against racism
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- A group of protesters led by the Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance, Philippine Women Centre of BC and SIKLAB for Migrant Workers will hold a march protest against racism at 2 pm on March 18.
Calling participants to "celebrate our courage" by bringing banners and drums in the march starting at Clark Park on Commercial and 14th and ending at Grandview Park on Commercial and Charles, the marchers will also celebrate the March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racism.
The event "marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa when police opened fire on hundreds of South Africans protesting against Apartheid's passbook laws, killing 67 and wounding 186," the marchers said in a statement.
JOIN
"Collectively, we join friends and allies around the world to mark this day and to speak the truth about racism."
The marchers said, "We know of the historic injustices this country was founded on, including the forced confinement of Indigenous children in residential schools and Japanese children in internment camps."
They added: "Today, we urgently need a renewed anti-racist consciousness as examples of institutional racism abound: Mass criminalization and incarceration under the new crime bill, human smuggling bill, and proposed anti-terror legislation; Tragedies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and communities like Attawapiskat across these colonized lands; Restrictions on immigration and family sponsorships but expanding exploitative temporary worker programs; Bailing out banks while communities of colour live in poverty."
DEMAND
They also demand an end for "corporate destruction on indigenous territories from pipelines in Alberta and BC to Canadian mining operations across Africa and Latin America; Involvement in military occupations from Afghanistan to Palestine; Racist stereotyping and scapegoating permeates the media, education system, policing institutions, and workplaces."
They marchers said they are "outraged at the white supremacist hate crimes of groups such as Blood and Honor in our very own neighbourhoods, and the general silence surrounding this horrific example of violence."
"We encourage our friends and allies to be pro-active in countering racism. Join us in solidarity and resistance on March 18th to celebrate the dignity, strength, and resilience of our communities."
march against racism
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- A group of protesters led by the Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance, Philippine Women Centre of BC and SIKLAB for Migrant Workers will hold a march protest against racism at 2 pm on March 18.
Calling participants to "celebrate our courage" by bringing banners and drums in the march starting at Clark Park on Commercial and 14th and ending at Grandview Park on Commercial and Charles, the marchers will also celebrate the March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racism.
The event "marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa when police opened fire on hundreds of South Africans protesting against Apartheid's passbook laws, killing 67 and wounding 186," the marchers said in a statement.
JOIN
"Collectively, we join friends and allies around the world to mark this day and to speak the truth about racism."
The marchers said, "We know of the historic injustices this country was founded on, including the forced confinement of Indigenous children in residential schools and Japanese children in internment camps."
They added: "Today, we urgently need a renewed anti-racist consciousness as examples of institutional racism abound: Mass criminalization and incarceration under the new crime bill, human smuggling bill, and proposed anti-terror legislation; Tragedies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and communities like Attawapiskat across these colonized lands; Restrictions on immigration and family sponsorships but expanding exploitative temporary worker programs; Bailing out banks while communities of colour live in poverty."
DEMAND
They also demand an end for "corporate destruction on indigenous territories from pipelines in Alberta and BC to Canadian mining operations across Africa and Latin America; Involvement in military occupations from Afghanistan to Palestine; Racist stereotyping and scapegoating permeates the media, education system, policing institutions, and workplaces."
They marchers said they are "outraged at the white supremacist hate crimes of groups such as Blood and Honor in our very own neighbourhoods, and the general silence surrounding this horrific example of violence."
"We encourage our friends and allies to be pro-active in countering racism. Join us in solidarity and resistance on March 18th to celebrate the dignity, strength, and resilience of our communities."
US-Philippines forge baseball sports exchange program
US-Philippines forge baseball
sports exchange program
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) SportsUnited division announced a baseball sports exchange that will bring six female softball and six male baseball coaches from the Philippines to the United States February 28 - March 8, reported the U.S. Department of State (USDS).
USDS said the Filipino coaches will engage in Major League Baseball’s (MLB) spring training in Phoenix, Arizona.
"They will meet and attend games of several MLB organizations including the Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres," USDS added.
ENGAGE
"They will also engage with young American athletes by visiting local area high schools and universities and participate in a Special Olympics event. These activities further develop their leadership skills and help strengthen people-to-people relationships between the United States and the Philippines."
USDS said this will be SportsUnited’s first exchange program with the Philippines. It is a follow-up program to the successful visit of Major League Baseball great, Ken Griffey Jr., to Manila last spring on behalf of the Department of State.
Sports diplomacy builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power,” embracing the full range of diplomatic tools, including sports, to bring individuals together to foster greater understanding.
EXCHANGE
SportsUnited is the sports exchange program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Athletes and coaches from a range of sports are chosen to conduct clinics, visit schools, and engage with youth overseas on the importance of education, positive health practices, and respect for diversity.
Since 2003, SportsUnited has brought almost 900 athletes from 59 countries to the U.S. to participate in Sport Visitor programs. Since 2005, SportsUnited has sent over 200 U.S. athletes to more than 50 countries to participate in Sports Envoy programs.
sports exchange program
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) SportsUnited division announced a baseball sports exchange that will bring six female softball and six male baseball coaches from the Philippines to the United States February 28 - March 8, reported the U.S. Department of State (USDS).
USDS said the Filipino coaches will engage in Major League Baseball’s (MLB) spring training in Phoenix, Arizona.
"They will meet and attend games of several MLB organizations including the Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres," USDS added.
ENGAGE
"They will also engage with young American athletes by visiting local area high schools and universities and participate in a Special Olympics event. These activities further develop their leadership skills and help strengthen people-to-people relationships between the United States and the Philippines."
USDS said this will be SportsUnited’s first exchange program with the Philippines. It is a follow-up program to the successful visit of Major League Baseball great, Ken Griffey Jr., to Manila last spring on behalf of the Department of State.
Sports diplomacy builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power,” embracing the full range of diplomatic tools, including sports, to bring individuals together to foster greater understanding.
EXCHANGE
SportsUnited is the sports exchange program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Athletes and coaches from a range of sports are chosen to conduct clinics, visit schools, and engage with youth overseas on the importance of education, positive health practices, and respect for diversity.
Since 2003, SportsUnited has brought almost 900 athletes from 59 countries to the U.S. to participate in Sport Visitor programs. Since 2005, SportsUnited has sent over 200 U.S. athletes to more than 50 countries to participate in Sports Envoy programs.
'PNT Idol' debuts as 'Pinoy New Talent'
'PNT Idol' debuts as
'Pinoy New Talent'
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The "2012 PNT Singing Idol" will unfold on March 17 at the Java Jazz and Bistro in New Westminster for its first monthly finals.
"We are back for our Season 5 and we are now known as the Pinoy New Talent Idol," remarked overall coordinator and managing director Jerry "Papa Bear" Legaspi.
The first audition and karaoke night has been scheduled on March 3 at 5:30 pm at the Olympia Pizza and Resto in Surrey.
"Our first monthly finals will also serve as tribute to the late Hollywood singers Whitney Houston and Etta James," said Legaspi, who is also the program's main host together with his "Pork and Bean" partner Jojo Alpuerto.
HIDDEN
"We call on all Filipino-Canadian singers in the community with hidden talent to come out in the open and join us," Legaspi announced. "This is their opportunity to be discovered and be given due recognition."
Here are the schedules for audition at the Olympia Pizza and Resto all from 8 to 10 pm: March 3, April 13 (Friday, May 5 (Saturday), June 2 (Saturday), and July 7 (Saturday). Auditions in Java Jazz and Bistro are on Mondays to Sundays (except Tuesdays) at 5:50 to 8 pm.
Schedule of singing contest at the Java Jazz and Bistro is at 7 pm Saturday on March 17. The rest -- April 21, May 19, June 16, and July 21 -- will be held at the Olympia Pizza and Resto.
The contest categories are: Young (15 years old and below), Young Adults (16 to 26 years old), Adults (27 years old and above).
TALENTS
Emcees and PNT Idol talents are: Nhemy JJR "Wonderboy" Cepeda, Angela Bianca Gerardo, Vanessa Marie Hillman, Charisse Curata, Manigeh Mirzae, Irene Lumayag, and Angel Lumayag. Judges are Emee Escaro and Wel Medina.
The PNT Singing Idol is produced by the Reyfort Media Group headed by chairman Rey Fortaleza and managed by Legaspi, Jojo Alpuerto as overall organizer, musical director and script/program coordinator; Nemecio Cepeda as associate producer and consultant, Lhord Macalanda and Salvacion "Salve" Dayao as venue sponsors.
Production staff is composed of Rolly Fortaleza, Marjo Sevilla, Johnette Sevilla, and Luningning Leonera. Here are the contact persons: Jerry Legaspi (604-720-9882), Nemecio Cepeda Sr. (604-591-3150), Jojo Alpuerto (604-616-1953), Lhord Macalanda (604-584-1388), Cely Fortaleza (604-588-6397), Jo Ann Mirzae (604-327-3466).
'Pinoy New Talent'
By Alex P. Vidal
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The "2012 PNT Singing Idol" will unfold on March 17 at the Java Jazz and Bistro in New Westminster for its first monthly finals.
"We are back for our Season 5 and we are now known as the Pinoy New Talent Idol," remarked overall coordinator and managing director Jerry "Papa Bear" Legaspi.
The first audition and karaoke night has been scheduled on March 3 at 5:30 pm at the Olympia Pizza and Resto in Surrey.
"Our first monthly finals will also serve as tribute to the late Hollywood singers Whitney Houston and Etta James," said Legaspi, who is also the program's main host together with his "Pork and Bean" partner Jojo Alpuerto.
HIDDEN
"We call on all Filipino-Canadian singers in the community with hidden talent to come out in the open and join us," Legaspi announced. "This is their opportunity to be discovered and be given due recognition."
Here are the schedules for audition at the Olympia Pizza and Resto all from 8 to 10 pm: March 3, April 13 (Friday, May 5 (Saturday), June 2 (Saturday), and July 7 (Saturday). Auditions in Java Jazz and Bistro are on Mondays to Sundays (except Tuesdays) at 5:50 to 8 pm.
Schedule of singing contest at the Java Jazz and Bistro is at 7 pm Saturday on March 17. The rest -- April 21, May 19, June 16, and July 21 -- will be held at the Olympia Pizza and Resto.
The contest categories are: Young (15 years old and below), Young Adults (16 to 26 years old), Adults (27 years old and above).
TALENTS
Emcees and PNT Idol talents are: Nhemy JJR "Wonderboy" Cepeda, Angela Bianca Gerardo, Vanessa Marie Hillman, Charisse Curata, Manigeh Mirzae, Irene Lumayag, and Angel Lumayag. Judges are Emee Escaro and Wel Medina.
The PNT Singing Idol is produced by the Reyfort Media Group headed by chairman Rey Fortaleza and managed by Legaspi, Jojo Alpuerto as overall organizer, musical director and script/program coordinator; Nemecio Cepeda as associate producer and consultant, Lhord Macalanda and Salvacion "Salve" Dayao as venue sponsors.
Production staff is composed of Rolly Fortaleza, Marjo Sevilla, Johnette Sevilla, and Luningning Leonera. Here are the contact persons: Jerry Legaspi (604-720-9882), Nemecio Cepeda Sr. (604-591-3150), Jojo Alpuerto (604-616-1953), Lhord Macalanda (604-584-1388), Cely Fortaleza (604-588-6397), Jo Ann Mirzae (604-327-3466).
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