Manila Standard - 2024 March 14 - Thursday

Marcos: PH won’t waver in defending sea rights

Even as China says it’s committed to dialogue on WPS

By Charles Dantes

BERLIN—

Amid Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea, President Marcos assured Filipinos in Germany his administration would not waver in defending the country's sovereign rights and territory.

"We adhere to the rules-based order and seek the cooperation of all nations to abide by the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS," Mr. Marcos said in his address to members of the Filipino community.

“Some other country is claiming that our territory is actually theirs.

But rest assured, we will not allow it because it is very clear that this [West Philippine Sea] is part of the Philippines,” he added.

By Rey E. Requejo

A TRILATERAL meeting between the Philippines, United States, and Japan on further enhancing defense and economic cooperation will be held in Manila next week, multiple sources said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa will be in the capital ahead of a planned summit of their leaders in Washington on April 11.

Sources said President Marcos will visit the United States from April 11 to 13, when he will have a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House before the trilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s recent appearance at a rally in support of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy,which had some guests demanding the resignation of President Marcos, sparked speculations about her stance on

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla has appealed to the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to stop compelling Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy to appear in the panel’s inquiry once the Department of Justice (DOJ) starts its own legal proceedings.

THURSDAY,

A2 NEWS

DENR, DOT move vs. viral resort

By Othel V. Campos and Macon Ramos-Araneta

ARESORT built at the foothills of Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills—which recently gained infamy after netizens raised a ruckus over its location—had been ordered closed as early as September last year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said Wednesday.

The Department of Tourism also said it had been coordinating with Bohol’s provincial government, led by Gov. Erico Aumentado, since August 2023 to rectify the

PCSO to probe ‘20-time winner’ of lottery draws

By Joel E. Zurbano

PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes

(PCSO)

Office

General Manager Mel Robles said they will investigate the observation raised by Senator Raffy Tulfo regarding a person's name on their list of official winners of the state lottery, who appeared to have won 20 times in one month.

Robles denied that the PCSO can manipulate the results of lotto games amid the allegations and questions of senators about the frequency of winning lotto games. He said that it is not hard to investigate this matter and they

unauthorized development of the Captain's Park Resort in the town of Sagbayan. Neither Aumentado nor Sagbayan Mayor Restituto Suarez III have reacted

Marcos:...

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"We stand ready to continue to work with the Philippines to properlyhandle differences through dialogue and consultation," said Wang Wenbin, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Wang's statement came as the Department of Foreign Affairs said China's proposals to resolve the issue were “contrary to our national interests” as it forces the Philippines to recognize Beijing’s controlof Ayungin Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

"We will take resolute measures to firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Wang added.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, for his part, said Germany’saffirmation of support for the Philippines in protecting its rights in the West Philippine Sea under international law validate the importance of the diplomatic initiatives of President Marcos.

“In the face of increasing aggressiveness by China, enlisting the support of like-minded allies, such as Germany, is of immense value to our national in-

US-Japan-PH...

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Retort to Duterte:

‘Ito

ang schedule, saan ang pasyal?’

BERLIN—''Ito ang schedule ko oh, saan 'yung pasyal? (Here’s my schedule, where’s the sightseeing?)''

This was how President Marcos responded to the latest tirades made by his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who spoke at a rally in Manila Tuesday night.

Speaking to the Philippine media delegation in Germany, Mr. Marcosshowed his schedule to prove that he is not having leisure time duringforeign trips.

''It's my schedule for today. Where's the (leisure time?). Wala. You know, kasama ko... we don't make ‘pasyal,’ even in the places that I spent a lot of time with, 'di ko napupuntahan 'yung mga dati kong pinupuntahan because we're here to do this,'' the President said. (There's no sightseeing. Our group is not here on tour. Even in theplaces that I spent a lot of times with, I haven't visited because we're here to work.)

Charles Dantes

Mr. Marcos will also meet top US security officials during his visit as well as attend a business forum organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council.

Blinken will reportedly arrive in Manila on March 18 for bilateraltalks with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and other senior Philippine officials.

The trilateral ministerial meeting with Kamikawa, on the other hand, will be on

‘Don‘t...

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This developed as the show cause order issued Tuesday night by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri was reportedly received by Quiboloy’s lawyer.

Meanwhile, Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting said Congress has followed due process in citing Quiboloy in contempt and ordering his arrest, having given him enough time to explain his side.

For her part, House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas lauded the decision of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises to terminate the broadcasting privilege granted to Swara Sug Media Corp., also known as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), owned by Quiboloy.

Padilla made the formal request in a letter to Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate panel, dated March 11 – a copy of which was shared with reporters.

Padilla mentioned the DOJ's order to direct the filing of criminal cases against Quiboloy last March 4.

Chief...

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"I am diametrically opposed to handling the drug problem in that way, by confrontation, by violence and it really requires so much, much deeper understanding of the problem and the much deeper solution.

So, yes, I think that we are also progressing when it comes to that,” the President stated after Scholz inquired about his current efforts against narcotics.

President Marcos, however, revealed that the proliferation of illegal drugs remained a huge concern for the administration.

"It’s a big problem, but our approach has changed significantly," he said.

To clean up the mess of the bloody war on drugs, President Marcos said he ordered the flushing out of members of the Philippine National Police involved in "nefarious activities".

Charles Dantes

to the resort going viral or have commented on the DENR and DOT moves against the resort as of press time.

The DOT said it stands firmly behind the preservation of the Chocolate Hills, a UNESCO Global Geopark and a national treasure, as it confirmed it has no record of giving the resort a tourism establishment accreditation and has not received any such application.

Senator Nancy Binay seethed at the sight of the resort, an aerial view of which is now making the rounds on social media.

“It’s infuriating and heartbreaking to see resorts standing right at the foot of

terest in the West Philippine Sea as it adds more weight to our position that international law, not unilateral actions, should govern the conduct in the area,” said Romualdez.

“We must note that Germany’s support is not singular as it joins other countries that recognize UNCLOS as the binding norm in the West Philippine Sea. As such, this diplomatic victory President Marcosclinched during his three-day working visit to Germany is invaluable to our nation and our people,” he added.

The Philippines and Germany just signed a Joint Declaration of Intentto boost the maritime capability of two nations' transport agencies.

President Marcos thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for Berlin's commitment to supporting defense cooperation, which includes support in personnel training of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, discussion on cyber and maritime domains, and bolstering of the Philippine Coast Guard's maritime capacity. Germany previously pledged to donate additional drones to enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities in the West Philippine Sea. Financed by a 129-million-euro

March 20.

"Japan is really a major partner and ally for our defense and security plus our economic relations," a highly placed source told GMA News Online.

The US and Japan have been very vocal in supporting the Philippines amid China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines and the US have a Mutual Defense Treaty that commitsthe two allies to come to each other’s aid if one becomes the subject of an armed attack in the region.

President...

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The investment deals were firmed up during the Philippine-Germany Business Forum here in Berlin, which was coordinated by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Among the notable agreements were

three Letters of Intent (LOIs) from prominent German entities—one that seeks elevate a partner hospital into a training center for lower-tier medical institutions; another on the establishment of an Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub; and one on digital healthcare collaboration with the Department of Health to ensure safety, quality, accessibility, and affordability.

A memorandum of agreement was also signed between the Philippine government and a distinguished German enterprise through aPublic-Private Partnership deal aimed at the restoration, reclamation,and rejuvenation of 5,000 hectares of depleted farmlands into organic food producing hubs.

Another pivotal MOA aimed to broaden potential collaborations on mobility solutions, software services, manufacturing, factory automation, logistics services, energy solutions, and security and safety systems, among others.

Sara,...

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The event, held at Liwasang Bonifacio on Tuesday night, was organized by supporters of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ preacher, who is currently under scrutiny in congressional hearings over various allegations of abuse.

Also in attendance was the Vice President’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who expressed his usual ambivalence toward his successor’s leadership. Organizers reportedly invited the younger Duterte to speak onstage, but she declined.

Former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong addressed the crowd and suggested thatPresident Marcos “should not return to the Philippines after his European trip.”

On Monday, the Vice President re-

Pinoys poke fun at ‘new’ P200 bill via trending edits

the Chocolate Hills,” Binay, who chairs the Senate committee on tourism, said in a statement. “At first glance alone, we already know something is wrong.”

“How come a resort with cottages and a swimming pool was allowed to be constructed inside a 'classified natural monument’ and a protected UNESCO geopark?” the senator added.

"We want the DENR, PAMB, BEMO, PENRO and the LGUs to explain as to why, even with Chocolate Hills' protected status, construction permits continue to be granted,” the senator added.

(P7.9 billion) aid package from Berlin, the drones will function as reconnaissance assets for the PCG.

"On defense cooperation, Germany has been providing training for the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines since 1974, making Germany the second oldest formal defense partner of the Philippines," Mr. Marcos said.

"I expressed the Philippine government’s openness to discussions oncooperation that goes beyond training and into new areas such as cyber and maritime domains," he added.

In Manila, Army chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido said simulation of a foreign invasion is now part of exercises conducted by the military. Galido said the Army’s Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX) “Katihan” involves large-scale formations that will move from Visayas and Mindanao going to Luzon.

“It is like we are simulating the possible security situation that someone will occupy our country. This will entail moving units from Visayas and Mindanao to Luzon. We are doing this so that we can train our units for their new duty to defend our land,” he said. With Rey Requejo and Maricel Cruz

Manila also has ongoing negotiations with Tokyo for a Reciprocal Access Agreement that will allow larger numbers of Japanese Self Defense forces to enter the Philippines for joint military training.

China has repeatedly denounced joint military exercises and patrols in the South China Sea, saying the US was militarizing the contested region and threatening regional stability.

China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea as its own, ignoring legal precedents and competing claims from a host of Southeast Asian nations.

Three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were likewise signed: investment in a comprehensive solar cell manufacturing facility; a manufacturing enterprise for high-end customized automobiles andarmored personnel carriers for the Asian market; and the establishment of data centers hosting a digital insurance platform.

The President also witnessed the signing of the renewal of the "Cooperation Program" between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training which aims to upskill and reskill Filipino workers. During a joint press conference alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Mr. Marcos underscored the significant contributions of Filipino healthcare workers and other OFWs to Germany's society and economy.

“Noting Germany’s interest in expanded labor cooperation to includeother Filipino skilled workers and professionals, the Philippines reaffirms our commitment to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipinos around the world,” President Marcos said. Germany hosts approximately 35,930 Filipinos, with 82.36 percent possessing permanent or temporary residence status, further solidifying the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.

With Othel Campos and Maricel Cruz

leased a statement defending Quiboloy. She criticized the hearings for seemingly presuming his guilt based solely on allegations from witnesses whose credibility she questioned. Duterte's appearance at the rally follows previous instances where she has engaged in public dissent against the administration. In January, she was present in a rally against charter change, where her brother Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte also called for the resignation of President Marcos.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, criticized the attendance of the former president and Vice President Duterte at the prayer rally. She said that the presence of the Quiboloy supporters at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila will not affect the ongoing hearings on his cases and the Senate as a whole. Macon Ramos-Araneta

HUMOROUS Filipinos could not help but take the now-viral image of Captain’s Peak Resort at the foot of Chocolate Hills to their 200-peso bills.

Facebook user Ken Hensly jumped in on the issue by posting a simple message on his wall.

“Check your P200 bills if they have also been updated,” Hensly wrotein Filipino, referring to the image of Chocolate Hills on the back portion of the green-colored banknote.

The post, which was set to public, evidently became viral, too. It has so far generated 28,000 laugh reactions and 18,000 shares.

One of the netizens under username Karl Marx also replied in thecomments section, posting a photoshopped version of the 200-peso bill with the ‘eyesore’ image of the viral resort.

“Is that legal? Multinational software company Adobe does not actually permit photoshopping bills as part of its counterfeit deterrence system, but some people still do it anyway,” he said.

Shoe fits! Happy ending for Baguio student Cinderella

THE story of the single shoe searching for its owner in Baguio City has reached its happy ending after a student from Nigeria claimed the size41, four-inch stiletto heel late Tuesday.

Pamela reclaimed the shoe at the city hall hours after the Public Order and Safety Division posted a whimsical poem about the “Cinderella 2.0” incident.

The heroine in this story said she changed into flats after attending Sunday's church service and belatedly discovered she left the shoe behind.

POSD chief Daryll Longid penned another poem to celebration the reunion of the prodigal shoe with Pamela:

Oh, lonely slipper, your saga did inspire, A city-wide search, a tale to admire.

Found at last, the owner did appear, Bringing to a close, our shoe mystery here.

From Nigeria’s shores to Baguio’s embrace, Pamela sought knowledge, with elegance and grace. A slipper lost, from church to abode, Led to a story, poetically ode.

Cinderella 2.0, of modern-day lore, Found not a prince, but something more.

A community united, by a shoe’s simple plight, Found friendship and laughter, in the morning light.

This tale of reunion, so heartwarmingly told, Reminds us of connections, more precious than gold.

In Baguio, a city of pine and mist, A single shoe’s journey, will always persist.

So here ends the tale of Pamela and her slipper, A story of lost and found, that’s never been chipper.

Baguio Cinderella 2.0, a story to behold, A testament to a community, wonderfully bold.

Liza Soberano, Manila Luzon at Elton’s Oscars party

ACTRESS Liza Soberano, who recently became a member of the American Screen Actors Guild after her Hollywood debut project "Lisa Frankenstein,” attended the starstudded Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party on Sunday night (Monday in Manila).

The actress shared photos of her eye-catching look in a gorgeous whitehalter neck gown on her Instagram account.

“And that sums up the 2024 awards season!” Liza wrote in her IG caption.

The actress also met drag queen Manila Luzon – Filipino-American Karl Philip Michael Westerberg in real life—during the event.

Liza’s look for the red carpet was curated by wardrobe stylist Maeve Reilly.

Apart from Oscars viewing party, Liza also attended the Vanity Fair’s Oscars Party in an elegant white gown designed by American fashion designer Christopher John Rogers. Several fans praised her look, noting how she bears a resemblance to iconic actress Audrey Hepburn. Abigail Adriatico

By Maricel V. Cruz

LAWMAKERS have expressed dismay over the “extreme haste” with which the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had signed the P18-billion automated votecounting contract with controversial firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd.

Rizal Rep. Dino Tanjuatco decried the alleged railroading of the contract signing despite mounting calls for the Comelec to investigate the controversies hounding Miru’s bid, especially its submission of a prototype machine -- a practice disallowed by law.

Tanjuatco raised his reservations during an oversight hearing on Tuesday, snubbed by Comelec chairman George Garcia and Miru executives, leaving the committee members, who were looking forward to a demo of the new automated voting system to be

used in the 2025 midterm elections, extremely disappointed.

“Members of this committee wanted to ask questions to Miru, the systems provider. I wonder why there is no sense of urgency for the contractor to attend this meeting. The expectation of the committee was there will be a demonstration to ensure the integrity and truthfulness of counting machines to be used in next year’s election,” said Tanjuatco, a member of the House Committee on Electoral Reforms and Suffrage.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, also a committee member, noted that not one of the 14 Miru officials invited by the committee attended Tuesday’s hearing.

Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog Jr., chair of the suffrage committee, lamented that neither Miru nor its officials had no

THE Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) intensified drive against illegal drugs has resulted in another seizure of dried marijuana or kush and e-vapes concealed in balikbayan boxes worth P337 million at the Port of Manila.

The foiled attempt to smuggle the contraband was the second biggest interception of high grade marijuana by the bureau in just two days.

The other day, the BOC agents seized some P238.2 million worth of kush inside several balikbayan boxes from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). In a statement, BOC-Port of Manila acting district collector Rizalino Jose Torralba said the intercepted kush and e-vapes were estimated at P337.73 million .

The shipment underwent initial verification and K-9 inspection based on X-ray images.

Following the K-9 inspection, the balikbayan boxes proceeded through Mobile X-Ray Rapiscan for further scrutiny.

Subsequently, the boxes were segregated and tagged for a comprehensive physical examination.

Representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) K-9 Unit, POM-XIP, CAIDTF, ESS, CIIS, and the consignee were present to witness the physical examination.

Both the BOC and PDEA agents collected samples for chemical laboratory analysis and assisted in the inventory of illicit substances.Vito Barcelo

875 Pinoys, aliens rescued from POGO

A COMPOSITE team of law enforcers has rescued 875 Filipino and foreign workers during a raid at a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Tarlac on Wednesday morning.

Operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and various units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Northern Luzon Command served two search warrants issued by the Malolos, Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 81 on the office of Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban town.

In a statement, PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said the operation stemmed from a complaint by a Vietnamese national who was able to escape from the facility on Feb. 28 and a Malaysian national who sought the agency’s help, claiming that he was being illegally detained inside the compound.

Cruz said operating units were able to account for 371 Filipinos, 432 Chinese, eight Malaysians, 57 Vietnamese nationals, three Taiwanese nationals, two Indonesians, and two Rwandans during the raid.

The workers are undergoing interview by personnel of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group while personnel from the Bureau of Immigration will check the immigration documents of the foreigners.

Cruz said they also found “love scam” modus scripts similar to the The operation also yielded various firearms and mobile phones allegedly being used for scam transactions.

explanation about their absence.

Tanjuatco pointed out that the absence of the Miru executives was a disrespect to the House committee.

“We are talking about the next election, which must be transparent, truthful and with integrity. If Miru as the service provider does not provide importance to those three conditions, there’s a problem,” the Rizal solon pointed out.

Tanjuatco likewise lamented that Garcia has failed to keep his personal assurances that the contract would not be awarded to Miru any time soon, considering the many controversies that should be addressed beforehand.

He pointed to the lack of transparency in the procurement process and cautioned the Comelec of dire consequences resulting from the rushed signing of the deal.

Rio N. Araja

THE country’s seven major dams have been experiencing a decline in their water contents for lack of rainfall because of the El Niño phenomenon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the water levels in Bulacan’s Angat Dam dipped from 202.78 meters to 202.47 meters, Quezon City’s La Mesa from 75.96 meters to 75.92 meters, Benguet’s Ambuklao Dam from 747.49 meters to 747.36 meters, Pangasinan’s San Roque Dam from 238.53 meters to 238.26 meters, Nueva Ecija’s Pantabangan Dam from 182.09 meters to 181.80 meters, Isabela’s Magat Dam from 172 meters to 171.99 meters, and Laguna’s Caliraya Dam from 286.82 meters to 286.67 meters.

The supply of water at the reservoirs over the past two months has been declining on a daily average of 0.1 to 0.3 meters since January, PAGASA said.

Conversely, the water elevation increased in Bulacan’s Ipo Dam from 99.51 meters to 99.55 meters and Benguet’s Binga Dam from 569.72 meters to 569.82 meters.

The existing water levels of these dams were already below their respective normal high water levels (NHWL) amid the dry season and higher consumption of water.

THE Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) has received a major boost with the entry of a new institutional partner - QBE Insurance Group - which has allotted ₱3.7 million for various projects of the foundation highlighted by the ground-breaking of the QBE Green SanQtuary Park on March 11 at the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City.

Present during the event were MTFI chairman Emeritus and former MWSS administrator Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco (ret), MTFI president and executive director Melandrew Velasco, and officers of the Australiabased QBE Insurance Group namely, Samir Kumar,; Arthur Araña, Jo Cruz, Donna Grande, Ariel Magtoto, Ton

Cabiao, and, Kai Cabuslay.

In his, Gen. Velasco welcomed the establishment of the QBE Green Park “that will not only serve as a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the concrete jungle, nor simply a place where children can play and create their own adventure, but also as a place where everyone one, young and old, can reconnect with nature and rejuvenate the soul.”

For his part, Samir Kumar expressed elation over the partnership with the MTFI even as he committed to support various projects and activities that are aligned with sustainability, climate change and the journey to planting 10 million more trees until 2030.

Water shortages for drinking and irrigation have been reported in six barangays in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental since December 2023, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

At least 12 hospitals in Zamboanga City have inadequate water supply and were relying on rationing which is being implemented on the west coast and in the central areas of the city.

The total production loss and cost of damage in agriculture nationwide due to El Niño were estimated at more than P1.23 billion. Western Visayas reported the highest cost of agricultural damage with P678.7 million. A total of 29, 409 farmers and fisherfolk as well as 26,731 hectares of crops across the country were affected by the dry spell.

Meanwhile, a state of calamity was declared in Bulalacao and Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro, Looc in Occidental Mindoro, and Zamboanga City in Zamboanga del Sur.

Financial assistance worth P426,061,272 has so far been provided to the affected individuals in MIMAROPA, the NDRRMC said.

By

Alena Mae S. Flores

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) has suspended at least six officials of the Nueva Ecija II Area 2 Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NEECO II Area 2) for alleged stolen employees’ retirement funds.

NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said the irregularity was brought to his attention after NEECO II Area 2 officials discovered multiple unauthorized withdrawals through the depository bank account of the electric cooperative . Almeda placed six members of the

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metro Manila Council (MMC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are exploring ways to expand the Traffic Code in the National Capital Region. Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the MMC was considering adding more traffic violations under the Single Ticketing System (STS) and enhancing the uniformity of the traffic enforcers’ qualifications. During a meeting, the two agencies also focused on a recent Supreme Court decision regarding the authority of local government units (LGUs) to issue traffic violation tickets.

The MMC, which is composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, is the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA.

The

Illegal parking (attended and unattended), number coding, truck ban, light truck ban, reckless driving, unregistered motor vehicle, driving without license, tricycle ban, obstruction, dress code for motorcycle, overloading, defective motorcycle accessories, unauthorized modification, arrogance/ discourteous conduct of the driver, loading and unloading in prohibited zones, Illegal counterflow, and overspeeding.

NEECO II Area 2 board of trustees, who were in charge of the retirement, under a 90-day preventive suspension. Those suspended were accused of gross neglect of duty for failing to protect the electric cooperative and the interests of its stakeholders. The NEA also installed a project supervisor for the cooperative while the investigation was ongoing. The suspension order was handed down by virtue of the NEA Reform Act of 2013, which authorizes the state-owned corporation to impose disciplinary action against the erring officers.

KAPIHAN NEWS FORUM. Former Department of Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor discusses measures to enhance food security and manage inflation at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel, with ex-senator Joey Lina; Dr. Fermin D. Adriano, Trade and Industry assistance secretary Amanda Marie F. Nograles, DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa, and erstwhile Press Secretary Sonny Coloma in attendance at the presser. Norman Cruz

PGH fire hits 3rd alarm; DOH orders evacuation

FIRE engulfed parts of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Padre Faura St. in Manila on Wednesday, the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) said.

According to the Manila DRRMO, the fire, affecting wards one to three of the PGH, has escalated to alert level three.

The DRRMO said the fire reached alert level one at 3 p.m and level two at 3:11 p.m., but was declared “under control” at 3:34 p.m.

The fire was completely extinguished at 4:30 p.m., according to the Manila DRRMO.

The agency further said patients from the cancer ward were evacuated outside the building as people inhaled smoke. The said patients will be transferred to various hospitals of the Department of Health (DOH).

In a statement, the DOH said: “All DOH hospitals in NCR have been alerted and are prepared to accommodate patients.”

Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the fire.

A fire also hit PGH in May 2021. The fire caused damages worth P300,000 while the cause of the blaze was not determined.

There were no reported casualties or injuries from the blaze.

Up to school heads to suspend classes due to El Niño—DepEd

THE Department of Education (DepEd) said the heads of schools can decide if face-to-face classes need to be suspended due to the extreme heat brought by the El Niño phenomenon.

El Niño is likely to persist until May 2024, authorities said.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said: “Since they are the school managers, they are given that authority to suspend classes and we expect that they will exercise very wise discretion when it comes to the suspension of classes, including the coming up of intervention activities for lost hours.”

Classes at all levels in Negros Occidental have been suspended since Monday in anticipation of a 41°C heat index in the area, reports said.

Classes from elementary to senior high school levels were also suspended in Bacolod City to protect the students, teachers and other staff from unrelenting heat that may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. A school in

DA: Price of rice may drop to P45 to P48 per kilo soon

THE

Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said they are monitoring a decline in retail prices, although the

Manila.

“It’s slowly dropping, we are seeing P40 plus/kg level. That level is possible. We are looking at it and our harvest is okay),” he said in a radio interview.

De Mesa said the El Niño phenomenon has minimal effects on the country’s harvest season, which is expected from March to April.

It has accounted for 14,000 hectares of damaged rice farms so far, or only 1.5 percent of the total area allotted for rice.

Solons slam civil defense on landslide

Arsenio Balisacan; Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma; and o cials from di erent government agencies. Felino Santos HOUSE

Tulfo, along with Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, said in a congressional hearing that the tragedy could have

To date, around 728,000MT of imported rice have entered the country. The DA further said it is aiming to achieve more than 90 percent rather than 100 percent, rice selfsufficiency by the end of the current administration. De Mesa said the DA is aiming to maximize productivity.

De Mesa said the Philippines’ rice sufficiency level currently stands between 86% and 88%. “Our target is 95% to 97% by the end of this administration.” he said. For now, the Philippines has to rely on importation to ensure ample supply.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) mea while has distributed over 26,400 farm equipment units in the past four years, benefiting nearly one million Filipino farmers.

Othel V. Campos

Metro Manila also prepared cold water dispensers and working electric fan units, and suspended outdoor activities.

Bringas said that students and teachers could wear more comfortable clothing aside from their regular uniforms to reduce the heat they feel while inside the schools.

The DepEd further said it will not suspend the implementation of “Catchup Fridays,” despite the calls of some teachers’ groups due to supposed issues hounding the program.

Bringas said that the agency will strive to enhance the implementation of “Catch-up Fridays,” which aims to focus on improving Filipino learners’ reading skills and enhanc-

ing their academic performance. “We do not agree with the calls to suspend the Catch-up Fridays. We will instead intensify or enhance the implementation of the program,” Bringas, quoted by GMA News, said.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) earlier urged DepEd to halt and review the Catch-up Fridays, arguing that teachers are the ones who bear the brunt of additional workload in the implementation of the program. ACT said DepEd’s intervention programs to address learning crisis should be tailored to the individual needs of students.

Fisherfolks in Palawan receive gov’t cash aid

By Maricel V. Cruz

SOME 1,589 fisherfolk and indigent senior citizens from Aborlan, Palawan received nearly P6 million in cash assistance in line with the commitment of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez to help its residents feeling the pinch of the growing tension in the West Philippine Sea.

The cash aid, under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, was handed into the qualified residents of Aborlan in payouts held on March 11 and 12 through the Palawan 3rd District Caretaker Office. It can be recalled that Romualdez was designated as caretaker of the district, which includes Aborlan and Puerto Princesa City, following the demise of its elected representative and former Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn in October last year.

“This payout manifests my solemn commitment to help the distressed residents of Aborlan as their caretaker and in accordance with the policy of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. that no one should be left behind. This is just the beginning as we are working in earnest to honor the rest of the pledge I gave to the leaders of fisherfolks during our recent meeting,” Romualdez said.

“Let me also express my gratitude to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the swift action on our endorsement of the request for assistance of the Aborlan residents,” added Romualdez, leader of the 310- strong House of Representatives.

In the pa out held on March 12, some 589 fisherfolks from Barangay Apurawan and Barangay Culandanum in Aborlan received P5,000 each in cash assistance under the AICS program.

PNP warns travelers, tourists against Holy Week online scams

SEVERAL government agencies on Wednesday warned the public to be vigilant against scams targeting tourists and travelers as the long Holy Week break draws near.

In a press conference at the National Cybercrime Hub in Taguig City, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director, Undersecretary Alexander Ramos said several government agencies in the cy-

bercrime, law enforcement, transportation and tourism sectors are working together to increase the presence of their personnel to safeguard tourists and travelers during the season.

However, Ramos said there is a need for the public to recognize scams and other criminal activities to safeguard themselves.

The information campaign identified 14 different scams that the public

3 cops face raps over director’s arrest

THREE policemen face administrative charges over the warrantless arrest of film director Jade Castro and three others for the alleged burning of a minibus in Catanauan, Quezon.

The Philippine National Police’s Regional Internal Affairs Service (PNP-RIAS) has filed the cases, Police Regional Office 4A Public Information Office chief P/Lt.Col. Chitadel Gaoiran said.

“Yes, there is. To know if there are lapses in the arrest,” Gaoiran, quoted by GMA News, said.

The announcement was initially made by Castro’s lawyer Mike Marpuri during a briefing on Tuesday.

Marpuri identified the officers as Police Captain Daniel Dela Cruz, Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonjon Pordan, and Police Corporal Christian Abenilla. He said the

should watch out for. These include fake accommodations—enticing villas, apartments, or seemingly legitimate hotel rooms that are advertised at “unbelievably low rates” but are actually non-existent. It advised travelers and tourists to book accommodations with reputable agencies or websites, verify reviews, and to speak directly with the owner or hotel.

It also called on the public to watch

preliminary hearing has been set for Friday.

Catanauan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 96 has granted the motion to quash filed by Castro’s camp, effectively dismissing the destructive arson charge against them.

It said it could not acquire jurisdiction over Castro, Ernesto Orcine, Noel Mariano, and Dominic Ramos as the Catanauan Municipal Police Station (MPS) “arrested them not in accordance with Section 5(b), Rule 113 of the Rules of Court.”

However, the Court said the order does not prevent the filing of another case against them.

“Well, prerogative naman ‘yun ng pulis, even the fiscal and the private prosecutor. Because we already expect na mag fa-file nga sila ng motion for reconsideration,” Carmela Peña, another member of Castro’s legal team, said.

out against malicious public Wi-Fis that steal personal information, too-goodto-be-true deals, “free vacation” scams, fake travel agents, overpriced tours, charity cons, lost luggage sold on Facebook, fake SIM cards and cheap airline tickets sold on social media.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy some 34,000 police officers to secure travelers for the summer vacation season. Vince Lopez

MANILA BAY FORUM. Rep. Mark Cojuangco of the 2nd District of Pangasinan discusses the country’s readiness for nuclear energy at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Malate. Norman Cruz

TRABAHO PARA SA BAYAN ACT. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva stood as a witness to the ceremonial signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Act on Tuesday which he principally sponsored and authored in the Senate. With Villanueva are National Economic and Development Authority Secretary

Eagle Eyes

Tony La Viña

To be or not to be Nicodemus

THE Gospel passage for last Sunday, drawn from the book of John, captures a profound dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and influential religious figure.

The Gospel passage narrates that one night Nicodemus approaches Jesus under cover of darkness.

A deep and meaningful conversation ensues, thus: Nicodemus acknowledged Jesus as a divine envoy, while the Lord responds by asserting the necessity of a spiritual rebirth to perceive the Kingdom of God. Their exchange delved into the significance of this concept, with Nicodemus earnestly seeking understanding despite occasional misinterpretations of Jesus’ words.

In the Gospel narrative, Jesus references a pivotal event from the Old Testament.

When the Israelites murmured in the wilderness, God disciplined them by sending venomous serpents. Upon repentance and Moses’ intercession, God instructed the crafting of a bronze serpent on a pole, offering healing to those afflicted by the serpents upon gazing upon it. Through this reference, Jesus hints at the forthcoming salvation through His own sacrifice and Resurrection.

The latter part of the Gospel passage extends into theological contemplation, elucidating key themes recurrent in John’s Gospel: the dichotomy of light and darkness, faith versus disbelief, righteousness versus wickedness, and the concepts of redemption and judgment.

The passage in question, taken from the Gospel of St. John. delves into the narrative of Nicodemus, a figure who, despite being intrigued by Jesus’ teachings and miracles, remained hesitant to fully embrace his message.

Nicodemus displayed a curious mix of interest and reservation, defending Jesus at times but ultimately falling short of committing himself wholeheartedly to the path laid out by Jesus.

Who was Nicodemus in the gospel narrative?

His name, meaning ‘Ruler’ or ‘Conqueror’, suggests a significant figure. Referred to as a ‘Teacher in Israel’ by Jesus, Nicodemus holds sway within the Jewish establishment.

Despite his importance, he appears infrequently in the gospels, his significance lying more in symbolism than personal prominence.

He embodies those drawn to Jesus but fall short of wholehearted commitment.

Similar to the rich young man encountered by Jesus elsewhere, Nicodemus demonstrates sincere interest yet maintains a cautious distance.

His portrayal by St. John reflects the struggle of those willing to explore faith but hesitant to fully embrace it, embodying the tension between curiosity and conviction.

The root of Nicodemus’s reluctance lies in his fear of societal judgment, particularly from his fellow Pharisees.

This fear of losing the approval of his peers held him back from fully embracing

Duty Calls

Florencio Fianza

Jesus’ teachings and the path to eternal life that Jesus presented. Despite the clarity of Jesus’ message and the offer of salvation, Nicodemus allowed his fear of societal backlash to obstruct his spiritual journey.

This hesitance, however, is not unique to Nicodemus.

Many individuals today find themselves in similar predicaments, where societal pressures and fear of judgment hinder them from fully living out their faith.

There are those who, out of fear of social stigma, refrain from fully participating in religious practices or fail to defend their beliefs in the face of opposition.

For those who have embraced Christ wholeheartedly, however, the perspective shifts.

Through Christ, they have found salvation and discovered the boundless love of God. This love extends not only to fellow believers but to all humanity, prompting a genuine desire to help others as an expression of faith.

True humanism, rooted in Christ’s teachings, recognizes the inherent worth of every individual as a creation of God and seeks to uplift others spiritually as well as materially.

Life is a tapestry woven with moments of wonder, joy, pain, triumph, and struggle.

Amid these fluctuations, Jesus Christ stands as an unchanging constant, offering unending mercy.

His love transcends our imperfections, embracing us in our brokenness.

To embrace Him wholeheartedly is to surrender our doubts, fears, and burdens, allowing His grace to weave through our lives.

In the quiet of prayer, we find solace. In His teachings, we discover purpose. In His sacrifice, we encounter redemption.

Let us embrace Jesus, not as a distant figure, but as a compassionate friend who walks with us daily, offering fresh starts and boundless love.

Our surrender to His will must be, unconditional and without reserve.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

members. The problem was, the Director who

—“—

I would sincerely hope that Police General Benjamin Accorda, before finally fading into the sunset, reform the accounting of police retirees in a manner befitting their dignity

He was also reportedly able to get a 10year back pay and did not lose any seniority, eventually retiring as a two-star General.

How is

Now, we are all stuck with this quarterly

EDITORIAL

$1 billion US investments in PH

IF THERE’S one clear indication that PhilippineAmerican relations have not only been revitalized but also quite possibly reached even greater heights than before is the decision of the Biden administration to send a highlevel trade and investment mission to the country from March 11-12.

The delegation, headed by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and consisting of top executives of big US firms, such as Microsoft, Google, Visa, Mastercard, and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., among others, said they plan to invest over $1 billion in the country.

Microsoft Corp. is set to partner with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to train over 100,000 Filipino women in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

An electric vehicle education center will train Filipinos for jobs in the fastgrowing industry, while investments in solar and nuclear projects will support the country’s energy and climate goals. United Airlines is planning a direct route from the US to Cebu to open up travel and tourism opportunities there.

ON THE assumption that nothing will disrupt the mid-term elections in 2025, by October this year, candidates for thousands of positions, from senators to congressmen, party-list representatives, provincial governors and city mayors, municipal mayors too, along with their respective boards and councils, will once again be up for grabs in this politics-crazy country.

This circus, which happens every three years, consumes the collective energies of our people, with dynasts and their surrogates pitted against challengers where, on the local level, money flows and more money determines the winners.

But the common interest is in the sweepstakes for 12 senatorial seats, and this early, pollsters are tracking public sentiment on who are the “llamados” and who are “dejados.” We have seven incumbents whose sixyear term ends on June 30 next year, and under normal circumstances, even assuming the performance of some leaves much to be desired, they are considered “llamados.”

There is the presidential sister, Imee Marcos whose first term ends next year, and Pia Cayetano, who has previously served 12 years, then after a 3-year congressional hiatus in Taguig, went back to the Senate for another fresh term.

Then we have three from the PDP-Laban, all formerly key officials of the Duterte government in its first three years: Senators Bong Go, Bato de la Rosa, and Francis Tolentino.

All three are gunning for re-election.

And then there are two from tinseltown, but have served as senators for several terms in the past: Lito Lapid of the NPC and Bong Revilla of Lakas.

Four of them are shoo-ins for re-election, based on current surveys; two are in and out of the winning circle; one is currently in danger of not being re-elected.

Still, an incumbent always has an advantage, both in terms of name recall and the networks they have built during their term.

US firms will also participate in the Marcos administration’s infrastructure projects and invest in priority sectors, including semiconductors, electronics, food and agriculture production, and green minerals.

—“—

What is significant about this visit is that it was initiated by US President Joe Biden himself to see what more can be done to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries

Philippine officials also brought up during discussions with the delegation the renewal of the US Generalized System of Preferences program, which expired at the end of 2020. The Philippines has been a beneficiary

of the GSP, which allows duty-free entry for exports of certain products to the US.

What is significant about this visit is that it was initiated by US President Joe Biden himself to see what more can be done to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.

For Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, the discussions with the US mission resulted in “actionable measures…to align our efforts and propel us toward stronger economic ties and shared prosperity.”

We see even more enhanced two-way trade and increased investments from the US.

At present, the US is the Philippines’ third biggest trading partner, with total trade reaching approximately $20 billion.

The US is also the largest export market for Philippine goods valued at $12 billion, and the fifth largest import market, amounting to almost $8.5 billion. In the last five years, the US has consistently ranked among the top five sources of foreign direct investments in the Philippines.

From January to November last year, the US was the fourth-largest FDI source for the Philippines, with amount exceeding $110 million.

All this clearly tells us one thing, as US Commerce Secretary Raimondo pointed out: “The US-Philippine alliance is ironclad…It is sustained over 72 years, and we remain steadfast friends and, increasingly, partners in prosperity.”

Mid-terms are coming

There are the come-backing senators: former Senate Presiden Tito Sotto, along with senators Ping Lacson and Gringo Honasan, known previously as the “macho bloc.” And not to forget, first-term senator and world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 2022.

comers and less known personalities, no matter how qualified they may be, which is a sad commentary on our politics, where dynasts and celebrities always best the more qualified, such that what was once a truly “august” body has become less and less reputable, and less performance-driven.

Others who are eager to come back are Liberals or former Liberals Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, plus, as announced by former senator Leila de Lima, lawyer Chel Diokno, son of the illustrious senator and nationalist Jose Wright Diokno. The surveys also show former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and doctor and TV blogger Doc Willy Ong in the winning circle. And of course, Erwin Tulfo, party-list congressman and brother of the uberpopular Raffy Tulfo consistently ranking quite high in recent polls. One pollster added another Tulfo sibling, Ben, who is also in the top 12, assuming he runs next year. While the elections are yet 14 months distant, the current survey favorites have made the mid-terms “masikip” for new-

From the Marcos Jr. Cabinet, there are DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, possibly SND Gilbert Teodoro. From the HoR, Richard Gomez of Ormoc and Bulacan is mentioned often as a senatorial candidate in the mid-terms, and likely some “graduating” three-termers who would want to try their luck in a nation-wide contest. Another name often mentioned is Medal of Valor awardee Ariel Querubin of the Nacionalista Party. Entertainer Willie Revillame wants to join his fellows in the present Senate, and I hear even Philip Salvador. Soon we might have an “entertainment bloc” in the Senate, a “macho” bloc, a “family bloc,” and so forth. Ah, the august. Political parties will find it difficult to field a complete slate from its own members. Coalitions, temporary alliances at that, will be the norm for 2025, whether administration, opposition or independent groups. That is a result of our crazy political “party” system which are mere “barkadahan” and covens of similar self-interest under ever-changing flags of convenience.

As for the HoR, expect the re-electionists and/or their assigns from family members to win once again, with their humongous allotments disguised in many technical forms to circumvent the Supreme Court decision on the pork barrel. Likewise the LGU officials who are more often than not part of dynasties, and who have benefited through the years from internal revenue allotments and who divvy up the spoils of public office now transformed into family businesses. Like I always rue: what a country!

from the government. How much could be gained by such action considering that the pension will eventually pass on to the surviving spouse anyway?

much inconvenience to retirees. Many of them are still quite agile and mobile but there are those who are already in a state that taking pictures of them should simply be avoided and a written report should suffice. If the retiree is already bedridden for instance, does the PNP really still want that photograph? I do not think there is anyone that would willingly and fraudulently hide the death of a retiree just to continue receiving money

The PRBS is a lot more efficient now than a decade or two ago but it must still try to find ways to make the life of PNP retirees easier. After all, those in the active service will sooner or later also join those in the retired list. I would sincerely hope that Police General Benjamin Accorda, before finally fading into the sunset, reform the accounting of police retirees in a manner befitting their dignity and mindful of the service they have rendered their country.

11

survive 3 days at sea after boat capsizes, 22 remain missing Huge

The boat with at least 35 crew capsized on Saturday in waters off the remote Selayar Islands in South Sulawesi Province before the 11 were found stranded on two separate atolls after days floating in the sea.

Their boat capsized in bad weather during Indonesia’s rainy season, according to the local search and rescue agency.

“They had been floating in the sea for three days, they were carried away by the current to Selayar waters,” local government official Andi Caco Amras told AFP Wednesday.

The two victims were found on separate islands.

The fishing boat departed from a North Jakarta port on March 3 to Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

The navy and rescue volunteers were helping with the search efforts.

“The joint team will conduct a search and rescue operation and they have departed... this morning,” local search and rescue official Andi Raswan told AFP. He said it would take rescuers five hours to reach the location.

The survivors were found after local fishermen spotted them and alerted authorities, state news agency Antara reported.

Amras told AFP survivors said they held out for three days at sea by wearing life jackets and tying themselves to the boat. AFP

MISSILE STRIKE. This handout photograph taken and released by Ukrainian Emergency Service on Tuesday shows a damaged residential building following a Russian strike, in Kryvyi Rih. A Russian strike on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih left at least three people dead and 38 wounded, including children, according to authorities in Kyiv. AFP

SANHE, China – A huge suspected gas explosion at a restaurant in northern China killed two people and injured 26 more during Wednesday rush hour, state media reported, causing severe damage to buildings. The blast occurred just before 8:00 am, state broadcaster CCTV said, in a residential area in the city of Sanhe, Hebei province, less than 50 kilometers east of the center of Bejing.

CCTV reported at 1:30 pm that two people had since died and that 26 were injured. The fire has been extinguished, it added.

The explosion was suspected to have been caused by a gas leak at a fried chicken shop, state media reported.

“I heard a great big bang... which scared me stiff,” a seller at a local market told AFP.

“Outside, I saw clouds of black smoke,” they added. Another seller said they also heard a “huge bang” from the blast site, in a bustling area of squat apartment blocks about six or seven floors high. AFP

Spanish ship en route to Gaza with desperately needed aid

PALESTINIAN Territories – A Spanish aid boat was en route to Gaza on Wednesday, opening a new maritime corridor intended to allow deliveries of desperately needed food to the Palestinian territory ravaged by months of war between Israel and Hamas.

In a sign of worsening humanitarian conditions, the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry says 27 people have died of malnutrition and dehydration, most of them children.

A weeks-long diplomatic push had sought to bring about a ceasefire and increase aid deliveries before the start of the holy month of Ramadan, but key mediator Qatar said Tuesday that the warring sides were not close to striking a deal.

Fresh bombardments could be heard in southern Gaza, an AFP journalist said early Wednesday, and the health ministry reported another 70 people killed in overnight strikes.

With land shipments into the territory severely curtailed, the international community has sought to diversify routes for delivering aid, including via air drops and the new Cyprus maritime corridor.

The Open Arms ship that left the port of Larnaca on Tuesday is towing 200 tonnes of relief goods roughly 400

TOKYO –

A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded seconds after launch on Wednesday, in a spectacular failure for the start-up’s bid to put a satellite into orbit.

But around five seconds later, the solid-fuel rocket erupted in fire, sending white smoke billowing around the remote mountainous area as orange flames raged on the ground, live footage showed.

“The launch of the first Kairos rocket was executed, but we took a measure to abort the flight,” Space One said in a statement, adding that “details are being investigated”.

Burning debris fell onto the surrounding slopes as sprinklers began spraying water in dramatic scenes watched by hundreds of spectators young and old gathered at public viewing areas including a nearby waterfront.

“I had high hopes for this, so I’m disappointed. I want to know what

happened,” one elderly man told public broadcaster NHK.

The fiery failure marks a blow to Japan’s efforts to enter the potentially lucrative satellite-launch market.

Space One is hoping to become the nation’s first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, and the plan had been for Kairos -- an ancient Greek word meaning “the right moment” -- to do so around 51 minutes after take-off.

Parts shortages and other problems had reportedly led Space One to postpone the launch of Kairos five times before Wednesday’s attempt, most recently on Saturday.

The mayor of Kushimoto, the town of 15,000 residents in Wakayama where the failed launch took place, voiced his surprise and disappointment.

“I didn’t even imagine an outcome like this,” Katsumasa Tashima told reporters shortly after the explosion.

But the town “will continue to support Space One, and we want to continue to offer our help so that the first rocket will have a successful launch,” he said. AFP

BANGKOK – Hundreds of Thai children strain to sing the national anthem, reedy voices and fragile lungs competing against eight lanes of belching traffic next to their school’s open atrium in central Bangkok. Pupils at Suan Lumphini School assemble each morning under a coloured flag indicating the day’s air quality -red for worst, yellow for

kilometers across the Mediterranean to Gaza, with US charity World Central Kitchen saying work was “underway” on a jetty to unload the shipment.

Cyprus said a second vessel was also being prepared. Gaza has experienced dire shortages of food and other essentials since Israel imposed a siege at the outset of the war, and prices have shot up for what food there is.

“Today, there are many things in the market that are not available; even if they are available, they are at astronomical prices,” said dentist and Gaza City resident Baher Hassouna, one of the 1.5 million Gazans displaced to the southern border city of Rafah.

Four US Army vessels also departed a base in Virginia on Tuesday carrying about 100 soldiers and equipment need-

ed to build a temporary port on Gaza’s coast to facilitate aid shipments.

The new facility -- which will consist of an offshore platform and a pier to bring aid ashore -- is expected to be up and running “at the 60-day mark”, US Army Brigadier General Brad Hinson told journalists.

Aid groups have been warning of the risk of famine in besieged Gaza for weeks, and the United Nations has reported particular difficulty in accessing the territory’s north for deliveries of food and other humanitarian supplies.

MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday Ukraine was upping its attacks on Russian territory in order to interfere with upcoming presidential elections. Russia has this week faced some of the most significant attacks on its territory since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine more than two years ago. Several oil refineries have been hit in waves of drone attacks and on Tuesday groups of pro-Kyiv volunteer fighters made up of Russians who oppose the Kremlin said they had broken into the border regions of Kursk and Belgorod in a brazen attack that was eventually suppressed. Asked about the attacks in an interview excerpts of which were published on Wednesday, Putin said: “It’s simple. This is all happening

blue for best.

Thailand registers dire air pollution levels annually -- its cities topping the world’s most polluted for days last year -- and children face the greatest risk of long-term damage to their respiratory systems. Lalipthat Prakham, who works as a maid, said it has already made her eight-year-old daughter sick.

against the backdrop of failures on the frontline. They did not achieve any of the goals that they set for themselves last year.”

“I have no doubt that the main goal is, if not to disrupt the presidential elections in Russia then to somehow interfere with the normal process,” the Ria-Novosti news agency and Rossia 1 television quoted him as saying.

Russia is due to hold presidential elections on March 15-17, with Putin, who has ruled the country since the turn of the century, set to secure another six-year term.

Meanwhile, a wave of drone strikes targeted Russia’s oil refineries and border regions for the second day in a row on Wednesday, with one sparking a fire and injuring several people in the Ryazan region, officials said. AFP

“I always try to make her wear a mask. I tell her to keep the mask on at all times and to avoid going outside,” she told AFP while waiting for her child outside Suan Lumphini.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has promised to tackle the issue, with his cabinet in January approving a bill aimed at tackling dangerous levels of PM2.5 -- particles so tiny they can enter the bloodstream.

But in the meantime, residents must endure.

Nanthnan Hajiub said his 11-yearold son has developed a sporadic cough.

“I’m worried about the pollution, and the effect it is having on his respiratory system,” the 45-year-old business owner said.

“I want the people in charge to take better care of the situation.”

Not all children suffer equally.

Bangkok’s elite private international schools enjoy air purifiers and filtration systems in classrooms, but public establishments like Suan Lumphini must do without them.

The school is now part of a pollution study by Chulalongkorn University which has fitted out a single classroom with a purifying air-conditioning unit, known as a “clean room.” AFP

Tokyo-based Space One’s 18-metre (60-foot) Kairos rocket blasted off in the coastal Wakayama region of western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite.

second worst,

ROCKET EXPLODES. This frame grab taken from AFPTV via online footage broadcast by Wakayama Telecasting Corp. on Wednesday shows a small rocket being launched by Tokyo-based startup Space One, at the Spaceport Kii site in Kushimoto, Wakayama prefecture. The rocket made by a Japanese company exploded just after launch, with television footage showing images of the fiery failure. AFP

Lazada, IPOPHL team up against counterfeiting

By Darwin G. Amojelar

LAZADA Philippines teamed up with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to bolster efforts against online counterfeiting and piracy. The collaboration will benefit both sellers and consumers by ensuring a safe and trusted online marketplace.

Lazada executive vice president for business risk Gordon Song underscored the importance of educating sellers and customers about trademark violations and copyright infringements and collaborating with stakeholders to establish a robust IPR protection policy.

Backed by Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, Lazada introduced its comprehensive IP protection platform.

“At Lazada, we aim to enlighten and help rights holders and brands— whether or not they are partnered with us—in upholding their IP rights as this is crucial in protecting their business. We firmly stand by IPR protection as a core value of Lazada,” Song said. Lazada said its IPR program integrates stringent policies, seller education initiatives, cutting-edge technology, a redeveloped IP protection platform and online-to-offline enforcement measures including raids, seizures, and prosecution targeting repeat offenders and violators.

“Intellectual property is an asset to its owners. If you create intellectual property, it belongs to you—you’ve invested time, effort, and money into it, and thus we are driven to protect those rights. That’s our fundamental belief as an online marketplace,” Song said.

IPOPHL’s Bureau of Legal Affairs assistant director and IP Rights Enforcement Office supervising director Christine Pangilinan-Canlapan expressed gratitude to Lazada for facilitating a thorough discussion on the importance of protecting intellectual property in online marketplaces.

Ayala’s 2023 core earnings exceeded pre-pandemic level on units growth

NEA probes Nueva Ecija coop’s missing retirement funds

STATE-RUN National Electrification Administration (NEA) said Wednesday it launched an investigation into Nueva Ecija II Area 2 Electric Cooperative Inc.’s (NEECO II Area 2) allegedly missing employees’ retirement funds.

NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said in a statement the issue was brought to his attention on March 7 after NEECO II Area 2 officials discovered multiple unauthorized withdrawals through the de-

pository bank account of the electric cooperative (EC).

Almeda placed at least six members of the NEECO II Area 2 board of trustees, who are in charge of the retirement, under a 90-day preventive suspension.

He accused them of alleged gross neglect of duty for failing to protect the EC and the best interests of its stakeholders. The NEA also installed a project supervisor for the EC, while the investigation is ongoing.

The agency said the decision was made by virtue of the NEA Reform Act of 2013, which authorizes the stateowned corporation to impose disciplinary measures against erring officers. The NEA also sought assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct its own independent investigation to determine who are criminally liable in the incident.

NEECO II Area 2 has a total of 228 employees. Alena Mae S. Flores

By Alena Mae S. Flores

AYALA Corp. said Wednesday core net income, which excludes oneoff items, increased 48 percent to P41 billion in 2023, on the back of the strong performance of its banking and real estate units.

Ayala said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that accounting for one-offs, net income grew 39 percent to P38.1 billion.

“We succeeded in getting aggregate core earnings to exceed the pre-pandemic high. Now we focus on getting better operating and financial results from each of our businesses, and on rationalizing the portfolio where it makes sense to do so.”, Ayala president and chief executive Cezar Consing said. Banking subsidiary Bank of the Philippine Islands delivered its highest full year net income of P51.7 billion in 2023, up 31 percent, driven by higher revenues, and lower provisions. The bank’s net income would be up 44 percent if excluding the impact of the one-off gain from the property sale in 2022.

Total revenues grew 17 percent to P138.3 billion due to improved net interest and non-interest income.

Total loans increased 10 percent to P1.9 trillion as all segments exhibited strong growth, with consumer loans exhibiting the fastest growth at 21 percent.

Total deposits increased nine percent to P2.3 trillion as the 41 percent jump in time deposits more than offset the one percent decrease in CASA.

Groups support changes to PH Cooperative Code of 2008

LEADERS from the cooperative movement and officials from government agencies expressed support to the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 amendments to further strengthen the cooperative sector. The Coop Chamber and CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, together with various government agencies attended the second Senate Committee on Cooperatives hearing on March 11, 2024. The hearing was chaired by Senator Imee Marcos and was jointly held with the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments led by Senator Robin Padilla and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means Committee headed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Agencies that attended the hear-

ing included the Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Development Authority, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Department of Migrant Workers and Bureau of Internal Revenue. CLIMBS chief executive, president and founding trustee Noel Raboy, NOVADECI director and Coop Chamber trustee Marlene Sindayen, CLIMBS vice president for sales Renan Diaz and Coop Chamber executive director Edwin Bustillos actively participated in the deliberation of House Bill 9673 authored by Representatives Nicanor Briones, Felimon Espares, Speaker Martin Romualdez and other members of the House of Representatives and three Senate bills. These include Senate Bill 418 au-

thored by Marcos, Senate Bill 2378 of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Senate Bill 2480 of Senator JV Ejercito. Marcos raised important points on the proposed amendments, particularly the inclusion of foreign cooperatives in a local federation, the implementation of share voting, tax exemption privileges, CETF, and the classification of different categories and types of cooperatives among others.

Raboy said Marcos appeared to agree with the position of CLIMBS, NOVADECI and the Coop Chamber. The Coop leaders led by Raboy said that while they are open to 40-percent share capital holdings in a federation, the share voting should not be allowed.

PH electricity pricing: Is imported LNG pricier than Malampaya gas?

Out in the Open

Ray S. Eñano

THE results of the supply auction for 1,200 megawatts of electricity have elicited mixed responses from contending major generation companies.

Manila Electricity Co. (Meralco), the nation’s biggest electricity supplier, awarded its supply requirement of 1,200 megawatts to South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC), a unit of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) SPPC’s offer of P7.0718 per kWh for 1,200 MW is lower than the reserve price of P7.1538 per MW set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

First Natgas Power. Corp. (FNPC) of First Gen Corp. lost with what is seemingly a high bid rate of P8.4489 per kWh for a 210-MW of capacity. The unincorporated joint venture of Limay Power Inc. and San Roque Hydropower Inc. submitted the next best bid after tendering P7.1006 per kWh for a 150-MW capacity.

FNPC’s failure to win part of the auction, meanwhile, eliminated the indigenous Malampaya gas fuel from the competition outright.

FNPC’s write-off from the bidding process gave rise to claims and counter-claims after I wrote a column about the hidden costs of electricity pricing in the Philippines on March 1, 2024. My piece essentially raised this question: Is imported liquefied natural gas

—“—

The Malampaya gas producer believes so—but Meralco thinks otherwise.

(LNG) costlier to use than Malampaya gas?

The Malampaya gas producer believes so― but Meralco thinks otherwise.

One of the challenges that the country’s energy industry had to address is the cost associated with using natural gas. An industry source conceded that the Philippines could not live without gas-fired power plants, especially with the moratorium on development of new coal power stations and the scale of supply that the former could deliver.

Even the Department of Energy (DOE) itself, the source noted, has been promoting natural gas that it even issued a directive in October last year to enjoin electricity distributors in Luzon to conduct CSP for power supply using indigenous natural gas as transition fuel.

The competitive bidding process, said the source, would precisely result in lower pricing but the DOE’s move to prioritize indigenous natural gas “might not be the best move.”

Meralco found First Natgas’ bid of P8.45 per kilowatt-hour/kWh even surprising.

Generation charge tables uploaded by Meralco on its website showed that the highest rate of First Natgas in the last three years was the rate last month at P6.60/kWh―even with imported LNG already blended into the fuel mix.

Meralco deduced that indigenous natural

gas may not really beneficial to consumers. It cited recent TV report showing that recent prices of Malampaya gas were at $13.05/ million British Thermal Units―cheaper than liquid condensate at $18.60/MMBtu but still more expensive than imported LNG at $12.38/ MMBTu.

If First Natgas secured that contract and priced its supply at that rate, consumers would see an increase of around P2/kWh in their monthly generation from the exact same power plant for the exact same baseload supply, the source claimed.

The Malampaya producer, however, contested the figure. Malampaya gas is $12.38 per MMBtu while imported LNG is $14.55 per MMBtu, or 20 percent more expensive. Imported LNG reached $15.78 per MMBtu at one point last year.

“But the cost of the product itself is not the main driver of the rates that Meralco passes along to consumers. It is transport, or freight cost, which plays a bigger role in whether the electric bills that consumers get monthly rise or fall, with the former happening ordinarily,” says the producer.

Collusion?

The Malampaya proponent claims that it smelled collusion among the nation’s biggest power generators following a partnership among San Miguel, Abotiz Power Corp. and

Meralco. Meralco unit Meralco PowerGen Corp. and Aboitiz Power are jointly investing in two of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp.’s gas-fired power plants in a deal that could be worth $3.3 billion.

The parties did not disclose the acquisition cost, but the 1,278-megawatt Ilijan power plant and a new 1,320-MW combined cycle power facility, including their terminal and land, were valued at $3.3 billion.

The Malampaya proponent questioned the role of MGen, the power generating arm of Meralco that uses mainly coal. MGen owns power plants, mainly coal-fed, and contracts electricity from companies that also generate power, including San Miguel.

“This effectively skirts the prohibition on power distribution utilities from engaging in power generation themselves to prevent conflict of interest,” a Malampaya source said, citing the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001. Such claims and counter-claims should be resolved and reconciled at once by higher authorities. The consumers and the nation as a whole deserve lower electricity charges, which are still one of the highest in this region.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT. The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) joins 121 member-organizations of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) in raising awareness on the importance of gender equality and women empowerment through the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality program. Leading the ceremony are (from left) PSE capital market development division head Mark Frederick Visda, treasurer Omelita Tiangco, general counsel Veronica Del Rosario, UN Women Philippines country pogram manager Ma. Rosalyn Mesina, Securities Clearing Corp. of the Philippines chief operating officer Renee Rubio, PSE corporate secretary Aissa Encarnacion, COO Roel Refran and market operations division head Roel Villanueva.

The Coop Chamber and CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative present a joint position paper on the proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 9520 (Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008) at the second Senate Committee on Cooperatives hearing on March 11, 2024.

BSP orders banks to accept PhilID as top document

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday ordered banks and other BSPsupervised financial institutions (BSFIs) under its supervision to prioritize the Philippine Identification Card (PhilID) as the primary form of valid identification.

It said the move recognizes the PhilID’s status as the official government-issued ID that aims to streamline financial transactions.

Before this, several banks refused to recognize PhilID presented by depositors as a valid documents because of the absence of signature and address.

The BSP said all BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) should adopt enhanced measures to ensure the broad acceptance of the PhilID, whether the physical card or the ePhilID, as a valid and sufficient proof of identity and age in all financial transactions, subject to authentication.

BSFIs may use the PhilSys Check identity authentication tool to verify if the data stored in the QR code match the information printed on the face of the ID, the BSP said.

The BSP, through Memorandum No. 2024-006, requires BSFIs to display the list of acceptable valid IDs in conspicuous places within their premises—on counters and the public entrance of their establishments—

Globe Telecom installs hybrid solar power across 26 sites

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Wednesday it completed the deployment of hybrid solar power across 26 sites nationwide, advancing its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and environmental sustainability.

The program, which ran from 2022 to 2023, focused on integrating hybrid solar power across 26 diverse Globe sites, including three in the National Capital Region (NCR), 17 in South Luzon and six in Mindanao.

The sites include off-grid towers traditionally dependent on diesel generation sets but can be fully powered either solely by renewable energy with a battery energy storage system or a combination of renewables and diesel fuel.

The technology was also tested in bad-grid tower sites experiencing frequent power outages and in good-grid tower sites that utilize a mix of coal and renewable energy sources from the power grid.

Globe said results of the initiative were remarkable, as the company saved over 119,000 liters of diesel fuel and avoided over 67,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity consumption, equating to about P6.9 million in savings.

These figures not only highlight the program’s effectiveness in reducing environmental impact but also underscore the potential for cost savings and efficiency improvements in sustainable energy solutions, it said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

as well as on their official websites, social media pages, and other consumer information channels and promotional materials.

It also instructed BSFIs to extensively disseminate the memorandum to all personnel and branches concerned.

The BSP said the memorandum is part of the ongoing program to ensure the effective implementation of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).

Republic Act No. 11055 or the PhilSys Act and its revised implementing rules and regulations provide that an individual’s record in the PhilSys should be considered as an official and sufficient proof of identity.

The PhilID serves as the official government-issued identification document for transactions with all national government agencies, local government units, governmentowned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges and private sector entities.

Ayala Land merging with 34 units to simplify ownership

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) said Wednesday it is merging with 34 units to simplify its ownership structure.

ALI said in a regulatory filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange its board approved the merger with 34 entities that it directly owns or through other subsidiaries including AyalaLand Estates Inc. (ALEI) and AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corp. (AHRC).

ALI is the surviving entity.

“The merger is an internal restructuring to simplify the ownership structure and is expected to result in operational synergies, efficient funds management and simplified reporting to government agencies,” ALI said.

ALI will present the merger for shareholders’ approval during the company’s annual meeting in April.

The company said that as a result of the merger, it would retire P1.375 billion worth of treasury shares.

The property firm earlier merged with Cebu Land Holdings Inc.,

Asian I-Office Properties Inc., Arca

South Commercial Ventures Corp. and Central Block Developers Inc. as part of its internal restructuring and consolidation of its Cebu portfolio under one listed entity.

ALI recorded a 32-percent increase in 2023 net income to P24.5 billion, driven by strong property demand and increased consumer activity which boosted condominium sales and leasing businesses.

Consolidated revenue jumped 18 percent year-on-year to P148.9 billion.

PH e-vehicle industry wants hybrids excluded from list of zero-tariff cars

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine electric vehicle industry seeks a “strategically calibrated” government decision on petitions seeking to extend zero tariff on two-wheeled and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), during the review of Executive Order No. 12 Wednesday, told the Tariff Commission (TC) that broadening the scope of tariff cuts and/or exemptions on models not previously covered by EO 12 should be able to support the local EV and charging infrastructure industry development. EO 12 temporarily brings down import tariffs on electric vehicles to 0 for a period of 5 years to allow for investments on EV to come in and create a thriving ecosystem of sustainable mobility network.

Mindanao power retail competition to start March 26

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday the retail competition and open access (RCOA) and green energy option program (GEOP) in Mindanao will start on March 26.

The DOE issued Department Circular No. DC 2024-03-0009, recognizing the readiness of the Mindanao grid for the commercial operations of RCOA and GEOP. Both RCOA and GEOP allow consumers to choose their own suppliers to promote customer empowerment.

Under the RCOA, which is part of

the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, contestable consumers whose monthly average peak demand reaches at least 500 kilowatts can choose their preferred retail electricity supplier (RES).

“All electricity end-users whose average peak demand falls within the threshold for contestability set by the ERC shall be allowed, on a voluntary basis, to source their electricity supply from a retail electricity supplier,” the circular read.

It said electricity end- users whose average peak demand does not fall within the contestability threshold, but are nevertheless interested to par-

ticipate in RCOA, may participate as part of an aggregated demand in accordance with prevailing ERC rules on demand aggregation.

Meanwhile, GEOP is a voluntary policy mechanism under the Renewable Energy act of 2008 that allows electricity users to choose RE as their source of energy.

The DOE said all electricity endusers in the Mindanao grid whose average peak demand falls within the threshold set by DOE for participation in the GEOP should be allowed on a voluntary basis, to source their electricity supply from RE supplier.

McKinsey expects PH economy to stay resilient, expand by up to 6.1% in 2024

GLOBAL management consulting firm McKinsey & Company said Wednesday it expects the Philippine economy to grow between 5 percent and 6 percent in 2024.

“Despite various global economic pressures, the Philippine economy is expected to remain resilient,” McKinsey said in a new article titled “The Philippines economy in 2024: Stronger for longer?”

It said the Philippines ended 2023 as the fastest-growing economy across Southeast Asia, with a growth rate of 5.6 percent. This was driven by a resumption in commercial activities, in-

creased public infrastructure spending and growth in digital financial services.

“Looking ahead to 2024, the current economic forecast for the Philippines projects GDP growth between 5 and 6 percent,” it said. “We assess there to be there are three potential scenarios for the country’s growth, within 5 to 6 percent of GDP,” said McKinsey Philippines managing partner Jon Canto. It predicted a 4.8-percent growth amid challenging conditions that could keep policy rates high and slow down private consumption, resulting in slower long-term growth.

EVAP, in a position paper, mounted strong opposition to include HEVs in the scope of EO 12, saying hybrids do not contribute to the development of the charging infrastructure which is one of the main objectives of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

It said a further reduction in prices of HEVs would be detrimental to the growth of battery EVs (BEVs) and slow down the development of charging infrastructures.

EVAP agreed to the inclusion of electric motorcycles for zero import tariff, but only for one year. It said this should come with a condition that the motorcycle industry should carry out CKD (completely knocked down) operations for the same model or a second model once the exemption expires on the second year.

US firm, MPower eye over $400-m energy project

ALLY Power, a Maryland startup and MPower Inc., the Philippines’ largest electric retail supplier, are looking at a more than $400-million agreement with MPower Inc., the Philippines’ largest electric retail supplier to collaborate and build a hydrogen and electric refueling station.

The agreement is part of the US Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines. The station will produce hydrogen, electricity and sodium aluminate to support the country’s energy security and climate change agenda.

MPower is the retail electricity arm of Manila Electric Co., the country’s biggest power retailer, while Ally Power builds clean, renewable and sustainable hydrogen fuel-cell and charging solutions.

Meanwhile, Ally Power and Meralco Power Academy, a platform that offers technical exchanges, training and innovation for the power and energy industry, alongside the University of the Philippines through a Center of Excellence will work together to promote breakthrough American renewable energy technologies.

Meralco is pursuing long-term sustainability strategy (LTSS) to help achieve energy security and contribute to the nation’s development.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Blazing finish puts Singson on brink of pro breakthrough

DAVAO—Mafy Singson moved a step closer to clinching her maiden professional victory at home, unleashing a stunning finish to salvage a 72 and wrest a two-stroke lead over Sarah Ababa after two rounds of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Apo Golf Classic here Wednesday.

Unable to check her skid in breezy conditions at the Apo course, Singson turned a four-over card after 12 holes with a late burst of four birdies, spiked by a three-string feat from No. 13 that propelled her to the top at 145.

“This is my home course, so obviously I want to do well,” said Singson. “But then it’s also the home course of a few other players, so I have to keep that in mind as well.”

With just 18 holes separating her from a dream championship, the seasoned national team player underscored the need for patience and a solid performance in the final round.

“I need a lot of patience and hope to play well,” she said.

Singson is no stranger to success on the LPGT, having secured titles at Splendido Taal in 2022 and at Valley Golf last year while playing as an amateur.

She bogeyed No. 2, flubbed a tricky birdie-putt from short range on the next, bogeyed Nos. 5, 9 and 12 for the second straight time.

But she dominated the par-5 No. 13, also for the second consecutive day, and birdied the next two, both side-hillers, before gaining another stroke on the par-3 17th to complete her

By Peter Atencio

THERE is still a chance for FilipinoAmerican bet Emma Malabuyo to earn a Paris Olympics’ berth with Lee Jung Ruivivar, with the fourth leg of the 2024 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series coming up next month in Doha, Qatar.

Organizers are set to qualify up to eight women to the Olympic Games through the first and second overall ranked gymnast on each apparatus when the series ends this April.

The 21-year-old Malabuyo, a fivetime member of the US national team, may have fallen behind in terms of ranking points after reaching the finals and settling for a fourth-place finish in the women’s floor exercises in the third leg in

fiery windup for a 39-33.

Sharing her game plan for the final round, Singson said: “Fairways and greens and hope the putts will drop.”

Ababa dropped to second with a 75 for a 147. The local ace appeared headed to retaining the lead she yielded to a hot-starting Mikha Fortuna with a birdie on No. 13 but failed to match Singson’s hot finish.

Fortuna, who won the season-ending Match

Play Invitational at The Country Club last November, drove past Ababa with a birdie on the first hole and stayed ahead with a frontside 37.

But the Oklahoma U product wavered with four bogeys in the first seven holes at the back and fell behind. She matched Singson’s birdie on the 17th to finish with a 76 for third at 149.

Multi-titled Chanelle Avaricio remained at fourth despite a birdie-less 78 but stood way behind Singson at 153 while Rev Alcantara matched par-72 to tie Harmie Constantino, who faltered with a 79, at fifth at 155. After a first-round 83, Alcantara mounted her comeback with birdies on Nos. 16, 17 and 3, but she struggled at the finish, bogeying Nos. 4, 6 and 8 for a 38-34.

Miya Legaspi pooled a 156 after a 78, Laurea Duque also submitted a six-over card for a 157, and rookie pro Lois Kaye Go made a 78 for joint ninth at 159 with reigning Order of Merit winner Daniella Uy, who continued to struggle with an 82 after a 77.

Baku, Azerbaijan recently. But the door for qualification remains open. “If they do good in Doha, they can still qualify. And they still have the Asian championships,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton after returning from Baku.

Carrion added that Malabuyo and Ruivivar are being scheduled to join another qualifier after Doha -- the Asian Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from May 2 to 4.

During the Baku meet, Austrian Charlize Moerz went on to take the gold medal in the women’s floor exercise event with 13.566 points, thereby

BEST holds provincial swing in Laguna, QC

is the contact person for the event.

The Ateneo College Covered Courts in Katipunan, Quezon City will also conduct basketball and volleyball clinics. Classes are set April 13 to May 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Olympism Award recipient and Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Hall-of-Fame awardee could be reached at bestcenter.inquiry@gmail. com; or though telephone numbers 83719724 and 34116260.

ASICS has made an exciting entrance into the heart of Manila’s sports and fitness scene with the unveiling of its pop-up store located at SM Mall of Asia, Ground Floor, North Entertainment Mall. Spanning an impressive 60 square meters, this avant-garde retail space showcases a diverse range of footwear, apparel, and accessories across the Performance Run, Core Performance Sports, and SportStyle categories.The ASICS pop-up store is designed with a focus on simplicity, offering a minimalistic platform that serves as a clean canvas to build the ASICS experience. Emphasizing streamlined aesthetics, the design reflects the brand’s commitment to clarity and functionality. The store’s efficiency is underscored by its flexible environment, enabling quick adapta-

assuring her of an Olympic slot. Ou Yushan of China was second with 13.533, and Kaylia Nemour was third with 13.266 points, after getting 7.966 on difficulty and 5.3 on execution. Malabuyo was .133 points in fourth behind Nemour with 13.133, 8.233 on difficulty and 4.9 on execution. Moerz, who eased Malabuyo out of the no. 1 spot in the Cottbus leg, pulled away when she earned a total of 80 points in the rankings’ after three legs of the four-part series.

In the 2024 Apparatus World Cup’s Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Reallocated Points Rankings of the International Gymnastics

tion to changing trends and evolving customer needs.

“Philippines has always been a vital market for ASICS, and we are honoured to see tremendous growth in the country, earning loyalty, trust and support amongst our customers. A new store opening be it a pop-up or a permanent space, is always a momentous occasion for us at ASICS. It cements the growth of the brand and reflects our commitment to our customers, offering them more options and accessibility to our wide range of products as well as forging deeper connections with our customers,” said Mr Gabriel Yap, Senior Regional Marketing Director of ASICS SEA. ASICS ensures the pop-up remains dynamic, aligning with the brand’s dedication to staying ahead in the

Federation, Malabuyo is 11 points behind Moerz. Malabuyo ended the Baku leg with 25 Olympic ranking points to tally 69 points, with Moerz becoming one of four female gymnasts to have been assured of an Olympic berth after three legs. The third placer in the 2024 Apparatus World Cup WAG Reallocated Points Rankings is Laura Casabuena of Spain. Casabuena has fallen quite behind with 45 points, after getting only 20 points in Baku with her sixth-place finish, after making 25 points in Cairo, and none in the Cottbus leg, where she did not join.

CIGNAL and Choco Mucho mix it up today (Thursday) in a clash of firepower, defense, resolve and style in a pivotal match for a share of the lead with Creamline in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The 6 p.m. encounter promises to be one of the most intriguing duels in the prelims, akin to the epic clash between the Flying Titans and the Petro Gazz Angels last Feb. 27. With both teams aiming for their fourth win four weeks into the season-opening conference organized by Sports Vision, the match becomes even more compelling. The extended rest period for both sides adds an element of surprise as coaches may introduce new tactics or plays to catch the opponent off guard.

Cignal, bolstered by seasoned players like Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riri Meneses, Roselyn Doria, Chai Troncoso and Chin Basas, rising star Vanie

market. Additionally, the brand takes a step towards a greener future by incorporating sustainable practices and materials in the store, demonstrating ASICS’ commitment to environmental responsibility and contributing positively to the global community.

This store carries the new NOVABLASTTM 4 and the upcoming GEL-NIMBUSTM 26, providing runners in the area, the opportunity to trial and shop these cutting-edge shoes. For SportStyle fans, the store presents an exciting range, including the latest GT-2160TM and GEL-TERRAINTM, along with the timeless classic Japan STM collection.

The pop-up store also offers sports enthusiasts a sneak peek into the innovative concepts leading to the grand opening of ASICS new store in Sep-

Paris Olympics door still open for Fil-Am gymnast Malabuyo

Gandler and setter Gel Cayuna, has further strengthened its lineup with the addition of Jovelyn Fernandez and Dawn Catindig.

On the other hand, Choco Mucho, featuring reigning MVP Sisi Rondina, the solid Kat Tolentino, along with Isa Molde, Cherry Nunag, Maddie Madayag and playmaker Deanna Wong, enhanced its roster with Royse Tubino, Mean Mendrez and Mars Alba.

The face-off is expected to deliver a high-intensity showdown between two early contenders, where execution, particularly down the stretch, will be a crucial factor.

The 4 p.m. match between Petro Gazz and Farm Fresh also generates a lot of interest.

The Angels, recovering from a tough five-set defeat to the Flying Titans, face a resurgent Farm Fresh squad coming off a surprising shutout victory over Chery Tiggo.

While the experience of the Angels might give them a slight advantage, the Foxies enter the game bristling with confidence, buoyed by their recent triumph.

Brooke Van Sickle has seamlessly integrated into Petro Gazz system, firing 23 and 24 points in their last two games, as the Angels improved to 3-1. The likes of Jonah Sabete, Remy Palma, Aiza Pontillas, Kecelyn Galdones and Myla Pablo have also been delivering consistent performances for the two-time Reinforced Conference champions.

But Farm Fresh, led by the crisphitting Trisha Tubu and Chinnie Arroyo, Rizza Cruz, Alyssa Bertolano and Kate Santiago, aims to build on its recent success and secure a third win in five games.

Mafy

Rising star Vanie Gandler of the Cignal HD Spikers

Fil-Americans Emma Malabuyo (left) and Lee Jung Ruivivar

Capital1, Smart post contrasting triumphs

THE Smart Sports Scribes exacted sweet revenge against the Say Chiz Smileys while the Capital1 Solar Boys got back on the winning track with a big win over the Strong Group Athletics Press Row Bros to open their respective second round campaigns in the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, March 12.

The Solar Boys, after absorbing their first loss the last time out, vented their ire on the Press Row Bros with an 8263 win, while the Sports Scribes settled an unfinished business with the Smileys, 67-61, to share the top spot in the tournament that is one of the projects of PSA President Nelson Beltran of the Philippine Star.

In the first game, Capital1 shrugged off a sluggish start and relied on its defense to stay within the striking distance before coming through with offensive spurts to rip the game wide apart.

Spitfire John Bryan Ulanday buried two booming triples on the way to a game-high 23 points apart from logging 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals while Christian Jacinto scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the bounce back win.

Also starring for Capital1 (Team Bonilla) were Aldo Aviñante and Mark Montejo who finished with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, and 12 points and 10 rebound, respectively, for the Capital1 (3-1), which is supported by Mandy and Milka Romero, Bulakan Mayor Vergel Meneses, Uratex, and Rebel Sports.

The 23 points of Eugene Flores and the double-double 15 points and 17 rebounds of Diego Dela Paz were not enough as the first win remained elusive for SGA after four games.

On the other hand, Smart fended off a late fightback from Say Chiz with Reuben Terrado scoring six crucial points that stopped a 17-5 run from the Smileys who came within two in the final three minutes, 57-59.

Adamson surprises Ateneo in UAAP volley

ADAMSON University, coming off a tough loss to Far Eastern University, bounced back and upset Ateneo de Manila in a tight straight-set affair, 28-26, 25-22, 30-28, in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With a 3-2 record, the Soaring Falcons have already surpassed last season’s twowin campaign.

“Siyempre it’s a process kasi last year kasi wala kaming legit na setter eh. Tapos ‘yung adaptation nu’ng system medyo hindi pa ganu’n ka-solid¥. Pero at least kahit papaano, meron ng connection,” said second-year head coach George Pascua. Adamson’s victory also forced a threeway tie with its victims and University of Santo Tomas in fourth to sixth places.

The Soaring Falcons had to weather a tough stand from Kennedy Batas and the Blue Eagles in the third set to return tothe win column.

With Adamson looking to close out the game, Batas took over for Ateneo and scored four consecutive points to turn a 20-22 disadvantage to a 24-22 lead late in the third set.

However, Amil Pacinio committed a

Nadal expected to be back in Monte Carlo

PARIS—Rafael Nadal is set to make his return to the ATP Tour on the clay courts of Monte Carlo next month, tournament organizers announced on Tuesday.

“You never know what he’s going to do, but I saw him training with his coaches on a private court... and I had the impression I was listening to a wild beast. He hits like he’s never hit before,” said tournament director David Massey at a press conference in Paris.

“He felt some discomfort, so he was scared and decided not to play at Indian Wells, but the tests he underwent showed nothing,” he added.

Nadal, with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, has dropped to 652nd in the ATP rankings this week and used a protected ranking of ninth to get into the main draw in Monte Carlo, the first clay-court Masters 1000 event of the 2024 season.

The clay specialist has won the tournament 11 times in his career but since his last victory in 2018, he fell at the semi-finals in 2019, the quarters in

2021 and missed the 2020, 2022 and 2023 editions.

“We sent him two boxes of balls to Mallorca so that he could practise (with the balls that will be used in the tournament),” said Massey. Nadal missed almost all of the 2023 season with abdominal and other injuries and has played only the Brisbane International this season, where he suffered a flare-up of a hip injury.

The 37-year-old Spaniard was set to make his comeback at the Indian Wells Masters but pulled out of the hard-court event last week without playing a point.

The bombshell decision came four days after he lost a Las Vegas exhibi-

service error which was then followed by a Paulo Paulino kill, sending the game to a deuce. Paulino traded hits with Jian Salarzon and Batas before Pacinio converted a cross-court hit which put the Blue Eagles ahead, 28-27.

That, however, proved to be it for Ateneo, who committed three consecutive errors to hand Adamson the game.

“Sabi ko nga sa mga players, kailangan mag-invest tayo nitong first round para kahit paano pagdating ng second round, eh medyo maganda-ganda. Target namin is top four, let’s see,” said Pascua. John Gay scored 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and one ace along with 13 excellent receptions while Paulino came up with 16 markers as well, laced with five digs for the Soaring Falcons.

On the other hand, Batas paced Ateneo with 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks. Salarzon registered 16 points while Pacinio had 12 markers and 14 excellent receptions in the loss. Adamson will face UST on Saturday, 12:00 p.m. while Ateneo will go up against Far Eastern University on Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to end the first round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rafael Nadal

tion to compatriot and world number two Carlos Alcaraz.

The Monte Carlo Masters begins on April 7 and marks the beginning of the clay-court season where Nadal may well play his last-ever French Open, a Grand Slam event he has won a record

Nataño stuns Cua in Barrios Cup; Gecosala triumphs

MARY Djoana Nataño emerged victorious against the fancied Dhea Cua in a gripping duel of skills and composure, snaring a 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) decision to claim the spotlight in the Ronald Barrios Cup National Juniors Tennis Championships at the Kidapawan City Club in Cotabato last weekend.

Carrying the momentum from her quarterfinal triumph over doubles partner and third seed Aika Salahuddin, Nataño survived Jasmen Kadalum, 7-5, 4-6, 10-7, in a duel of unranked players. The Cotabato City native then shocked the multititled Cua in a pair of closely-contested sets, snaring the girls’ singles 18-andunder trophy in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

While Cua took the 16-and-U crown with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Jannah Otico, the local talent fell short of extending her run of “double” victories following her romps in the Gov. Edwin Jubahib Cup, and the Mayor Josef Cagas and Gov. Yvonne Cagas Championships over the past three weeks.

Despite the runner-up finish, Cua’s stellar performance still earned her MVP honors, while Midsayap, Cotabato’s Krelz

UTR, were Job Albretch of Cotabato City, Kresthan Belacas of Mlang, Princess Placa of Digos City, Justine Gumbao of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, and Francis Dimzon of Maragusan, Davao de Oro.

Meanwhile, action in the long-running talent-search, sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro, starts tomorrow (Thursday) at the Inigos Resort in Lucena. For details, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Albretch repelled Pete Andre Cua, 6-4, 6-2, to secure the boys’ 18-and-U plum, Belacas trounced Jaycee Compa, 6-2 6-2, for the boys’ 12-and-U diadem, Placa upended top seed Jamnah Otico, 3-6, 7-6(9), 10-5, for the girls’ 14-and-U crown, Gumbao repulsed No. 1 Daneea Sinsuat, 7-5, 6-2, for the girls’ 12-and-U title, and Dimzon booked another 10-and-U unisex trophy with a 4-1, 4-1 romp over Francis Pilapil.

Meanwhile, the Cua-Sanschena Francisco and the Albretch-Arpha Sarip III tandem (18-and-U) led the doubles winners, who included Jamnah Otico and Helle Sira, and Belacas and Julius Otoc (14-and-U), and Dimzon and Sinsuat (10-and-U unisex).

Ababa surges as local aces make move in Davao

DAVAO—Jhonnel Ababa charged to the top with a two-under 70 in another challenging day at the Apo course here Wednesday, grabbing a one-stroke lead over Korean Gwon Minwook halfway through the 2024 ICTSI Apo Golf Classic.

Despite a wobbly start at the backnine, Ababa bounced back with a run of five birdies, finishing with a 20-foot putt on No. 18. He sustained his attack at the front, birdying Nos. 1 and 8 to stay in command but failed to get up-and-down on the ninth for a pair of 35s.

While content with his lead at 143, the ace Davaoeño shotmaker acknowledged the importance of the third round in maintaining his position while underlining the need to improve his driving and iron play.

“Masama ang palo sa umpisa, pero naka-recover naman agad,” said Ababa, who bogeyed Nos. 10 and 12 but rebound-

ed with three birdies in the next six holes, capped by a long putt on the par-5 18th. But he remained cautious of the strong competition with Minwook and several others staying within striking distance.

“Importante bukas (Thursday), kailangan maka-pondo ka na para sa last day di ka maiwan,” said the two-leg winner of last year’s edition of the annual circuit sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Minwook, who tied for fifth in last week’s PGT Q-School at South Pacific, struck back from a double bogey on No. 12 with an eagle on the next and a birdie on No. 18 to fire a 71, moving to solo second at 144.

Local talents Tony Lascuña and Jay Bayron also positioned themselves as contenders, along with 10 others, including fellow Davaoeños Zanieboy Gialon

and Edmar Salvador, Jr.

Lascuña, the Tour’s only four-time OOM winner who ruled this event in 2019, carded a 70, propelling him to third at 145, while Bayron, out to snap a long title spell, likewise remained in the hunt with a 72 for a 146, catching Gialon and first round joint leader Ozeki Kakeru from Japan.

Gialon, who last won at Caliraya Springs in 2022, blew a one-under card with bogeys in the last two holes at the front for a 73, while Kakeru also reeled back in a frontside finish, dropping strokes on Nos. 6 and 8 for a 74.

Notably, Kristoffer Arevalo shot the tournament-best four-under 68, highlighted by three birdies in the last six holes as he fought back from a 77 to join Salvador and Dutchman Guido van der Valk at seventh with 147s.

Co-MVPs Krelz Jan Gecosala (left) and Dhea Cua (right) pose with host and sponsor Ronald Barrios from Midsayap, Cotabato.

Jan Gecosala shone in the boys’ side with a 6-1, 6-3 triumph over Julius Otoc in the 14-and-U finals.

Chad Globasa topped the boys’ 16-and-

U class, thwarting Gecosala’s semis tormentor, Iñigo Barrios, 6-2, 4-6, 10-5. Other winners in the week-long tournament sanctioned by Philta, PPS-NTC and

IF ONLY for the fact that pop diva Tootsie Guevara has more actual hit songs than most Filipina singers you can list down to compare her with, then we can already attest to the greatness of her legacy.

There are at least four songs she popularized, all certified classics: “Kaba,” “Pasulyap-sulyap,” “Mahal Ka Sa Akin,” and “Nang Dahil Sa Pag-ibig.”

Yes, Tootsie had been a hitmaker. Then she left the music business practically at the peak of her career – a move that should make her essentially even greater, especially since her commendable character played a key role as to why she did it.

“I’m proud of the hit songs and fame, but not what went behind that,” expressed the multi-platinum awardee whose major hits were written mostly by ace tunesmith Vehnee Saturno

She was referring to the dark side of the industry, and she’d rather not name people because it is not her goal to expose certain individuals. It’s her reaction to some kind of situation that matters, like when she returned a movie script because there were scenes requiring her to go topless, or when she confronted a man that she couldn’t be simply the other woman he’s “gonna use in exchange of money.”

She said, “I was so traumatized and I told myself, is this the life that I want, surrounded by dirty old men, being offered with indecent proposals? Ayoko ng ganung buhay. I could say no and I was proud of my decision.”

Tootsie, a degree holder from St. Paul University, relocated to the United States in 2004. She became a realtor for a time before she jumped into the healthcare industry where she blossomed as a marketing manager and business development director.

It was significant that she finished college while embarking on a showbiz career that began at the age of nine when she won at a Yamaha singing competition, which led to a record deal with Vicor Records. In 1990, she became a member of That’s Entertainment, and six years later, she was signed by Star Records.

She said, in a tone of true grit that she came to develop in due time, “If I was materialistic, fame-hungry, or a gold digger, I could have easily accepted the offers. But I am a college graduate who came from a good family, and considering the lucrative offers, I don’t think I’m ugly.”

Tootsie’s father was an incorruptible government official who refused to drive a luxury car. Then in 2012, she married Italian-American Mike Monaco whom she proudly labels as the “confident, self-secured” man meant for a “driven, strong-willed woman” like her.

That immense drive helped her make another name for herself, her legal name Emma Monaco, to be exact. She has been inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry for her “expert leadership at Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center and Huntington Beach Hospital.” Marquis has recognized accomplished individuals and innovators in America for the last 125 years.

Tootsie as Emma is currently the director of post acute strategy, marketing, and physician relations at the said healthcare facilities.

She noted, “I love my job in healthcare partly because I get to understand patients and listen to their stories, many of them with traumatizing experiences worse than what I had.”

With her “heart, mind, and soul aligned,” Tootsie is making some steps to announce her loud return to the music scene. She’ll have a solo concert on April 6 (7:00 p.m.) at the View Music Lounge in Knox Street, Torrance, California. It is dubbed A Night of Musical Bliss with the OPM Diva Tootsie Guevara, produced by Rubilou Productions LLC and directed by Jensen Carlo Quijano

She said, “You can expect that I’m more bold and more confident, and I think I am a better singer now. I didn’t know that I could belt.”

Tootsie didn’t deserve those dirty proposals, while her fans deserve to see her back in the limelight partly serving as a good example of how one should not succumb to the temptation of a broken system.

She argued, “I’m not mad nor am I looking down on celebrities who chose a different path. I feel bad for them and I understand where they are coming from. Ang hirap talaga ng buhay na nasa Pinas. And it takes a special person to be able to say no when there’s almost no reason to say so.”

On that note, we need more Tootsie Guevaras in a world filled with whoever you have in mind. No need to name names. It’s Tootsie’s way to righteousness and selfdevelopment that matters.

Sparkle

By Nickie Wang

FOR Ruru Madrid, spending time with Filipinos overseas brings him so much joy, just as much as they gain entertainment from those who remind them of home. He sees it as a way to reconnect and show his appreciation for their unwavering support.

“We know they miss home, and spending time (with them) is like a remedy for their longing,” Ruru said during the press conference for Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s first-ever world tour in Canada this April.

“The longing and warmth of Filipinos abroad are different. You really know they miss the Philippines. We’re happy to be the instrument that brings joy to them. That’s a great honor for us,” he added.

Called Sparkle Goes to Canada, it is the Artist Center’s first-ever back-to-back shows in the land of the maple leaf. It is directed by Johnny “Mr. M.” Manahan and features performances from Ruru and Bianca Umali, along with Sparkle’s best Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, and David Licauco and Barbie Forteza

“It’s like bringing a piece of home to Filipinos overseas who have been away for some time, especially those who are homesick. And I guess that’s the ultimate thing we can do through our show,” stated Barbie.

Sparkle is mounting two shows for its fans and supporters abroad. The first show will be held on April 5 at the Southview Alliance Church in Calgary. Meanwhile,

SOMETIMES the universe throws challenges and misunderstandings in a relationship to test its strength and love. Though it may bring sadness and grief, these experiences contribute to one’s growth and becoming wiser in life.

Check out these relationship anthems from Kapamilya artists Chie, Maki, and Derick that showcase different struggles in love:

1. Running around in circles in “Sa Simula” by Chie

Former The Voice Teens Philippines season 1 finalist Chie formerly known as Archie Aguilar dives into the experience of being unable to get over a loved one in his latest single “Sa Simula” released under Old School Records. Chie wrote and produced the emotional track with Kiko “KIKX” Salazar that captures the feeling of being back to

the second show will be held on April 7 at the Toronto Pavilion in Toronto.

“It’s our first time performing together as a group abroad, specifically in Canada. We’re excited to see our fans, including our Global Pinoys, and mingle with them. That alone makes me incredibly excited to be part of this tour,” Julie said.

Avid fans and supporters of Julie and Rayver, Bianca and Ruru, and David and Barbie can look forward to stellar production numbers performed by the stars, which can only be witnessed live on the Canada tour.

“Simply putting on this show means a lot to them, and it’s the same for us. The reception from Filipinos abroad is truly different; you can tell they miss the Philippines,” Rayver said.

“The highlight of this show is the way we, as GMA artists, are raised to give each other equal spotlight. Fans will see individual performances and group productions in addition to the usual love team acts,” added Bianca.

For David, he’s also excited to fly to Canada and reunite with his fellow Sparkle artists.

“We don’t get to see that often, its Barbie who is the one who’s closest to them,” David said, referring to the other stars on the tour. “So, I guess we’ll be doing a lot of bonding while we’re there, especially since Barbie’s trying to introduce them to me. That sounds exciting for me as well.”

Joining the group is Boobay, who’s ready to bring laughter and joy as he joins Sparkle’s best at the highly anticipated Sparkle Goes to Canada Show.

Sparkle Goes to Canada is produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Berce Enterprises, together with GMA Pinoy TV. For those interested in tickets, please contact Vangie Fons at 587-834-1820, Beth Malcolm at 416-731-4772, and Candace David at 416-825-5750.

at sumama sa MV,” said Maki. The Tarsier Records’ release has earned almost a million streams on Spotify since it dropped last January.

3. Defying distance in “Agwat” by Derick

Up-and-coming artist Derick tackles the struggles of being in a long distance relationship in his new single “Agwat.” The upbeat pop track talks about fighting for love despite the distance that separates them. It was also produced by Kiko who co-wrote the track with Derick. “Agwat” marks Derick’s second single under Old School Records following “Goodbye For Now” released last year.

‘HBD’ by Maki takes on a reminiscent tone of a person thinking about old memories of a relationship long over

Derick delves into the trials and tribulations of a love kept apart by distance in ‘Agwat’

Julie Anne San Jose (right) and Rayver Cruz make hearts soar with a lovely duet

Reel and real-life couple Ruru Madrid (right) and Bianca Umali

David Licauco (right) and Barbie Forteza share a sweet moment onstage

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Celebrating every Filipina

IN CELEBRATION of Women’s Month, Kultura launches the #CelebrateEveryFilipina campaign, an initiative that honors Filipino women who champion various social and environmental causes.

The campaign also trains the spotlight on women who redefine empowerment, inspiring pride in Filipino identity through their stories.

Kultura’s prestigious list includes Environmentalist and Mind Nation cofounder Cat Triviño , DSWD Undersecretary and Hope For Lupus founder Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, Congresswoman and lawyer Margarita “Migs” Nograles, rheumatologist Dr. Geraldine Zamora, vegan cookbook author Jeeca Uy , children’s book author and event host Pauline Amelinckx , fashion model and influencer Shaha Meta , and theater artist

Gab Pangilinan

Beyond their accomplishments and advocacies, they are also women of style –fashion independents who are proud of our cultural heritage and creatively mix traditional and modern pieces from Kultura. Let us delve deeper into the causes they advocate and learn more about these remarkable women.

terno sleeves, complemented by coral jewelry. Her formal Filipiniana ensemble features a gold mestiza top, yellow laser-cut skirt, and baroque pearls.

Jeeca Uy

The vegan cookbook author inspires us to make healthier food choices. An advocate for buying local produce whenever possible. Just as she actively promotes Pinoy food, Jeeca shows her support for Filipino fashion and chooses a beige terno top paired with a delicate pink and white laser-cut skirt for an ultra-feminine look.

Pauline Amelinckx

Cheers to the true superpower

IN COMMEMORATION of International

Women’s Day, celebrity dermatologist Dr.

Clarissa “Issa” Cellona, founder and lead dermatologist of SKINCELL Advanced Aesthetic Clinics, posted an inspiring message on her clinic’s Instagram account.

In a post made last March 8 on @skincell. care, the popular doctor wrote: “Today we honor the power, tenacity, and grit of women the world over. May the success of women be celebrated every day to inspire others and make the world a better place for all. Cheers to the true superpower. Happy International Women’s Day!”

International Women’s Day is a global celebration honoring the social, economic, cultural, and other achievements of women the world over. The day is observed annually to raise awareness against discrimination and to take action to drive gender parity.

The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion” which emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society. It calls for action to break down barriers,

challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.

One of the key pillars of “Inspire Inclusion” is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organizations, and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation.

Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organizations can create opportunities for women to thrive. By providing support and resources, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where all

Cat Triviño

She advocates for sustainability alongside mental health awareness and accessibility. She is committed to creating a more eco-conscious, inclusive world that reflects the multifaceted nature of the Filipina. Cat shows her edgy and adventurous side with a black laser-cut terno bolero and red buntal clutch from Kultura.

Emmeline Aglipay-Villar

She advocates against human trafficking, while also serving as founder of Hope for Lupus, which raises awareness of this uncommon disease. A lover of local weaves and traditional artistry, she opts for a denim jacket hand-embroidered by the T’boli tribe and elevates it with a silk tulle skirt.

Congresswoman Migs Nograles

Nograles empowers others in and out of the office through her platform “Paano Ba Attorney?” which educates the public by providing free legal advice. Due to her busy schedule, Migs prefers versatile pieces like a floral embroidered terno blazer which she can easily dress down with denim; or dress up with an elegant skirt or slacks.

Dr. Geraldine Zamora

She promotes health equity by serving medical ward patients and raising funds for their procedures. Swapping her usual doctor’s coat for Filipiniana, Geraldine wears a Yakan weave opera coat with

Widely known as an events host, Pauline has also published a children’s coloring book focused on marine conservation. Her dedication to inspiring youth communities highlights her commitment to shaping a new generation of Filipinas. As the reigning Miss Supranational Philippines, she wears Filipiniana clothes with ease and elegance, like this terno top with bright floral appliques which reflects her radiant personality.

Shaha Meta

This model and influencer is breaking barriers by promoting modest fashion as a statement of empowerment. With this, she inspires women to take pride in their identity with grace and style. Shaha wears a hijab, a long-sleeved piñasilk peplum top with a demure neckline, and a buntal bag accented by a black agate.

Gab Pangilinan

A staunch supporter of culture and the arts, she aims to promote and sustain all aspects of theater acting. Beyond a profession, theater for her serves as an escape; it heals, inspires, and showcases the abundant talent of the Filipinos. Just as she supports the performing arts, Gab takes pride in her heritage and mixes a cropped terno top with traditional embroidery and a modern black laser-cut skirt.

women are valued and included. By working together to break down barriers and foster diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for generations to come,” said Dr. Cellona in a statement.

SKINCELL is a top dermatology, laser, and skincare clinic located in Makati, Manila, and Bonifacio Global City with two mall branches located at Venice Grand Canal Mall and Ayala Feliz.

The clinic recently launched former Miss Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio as the new face of its RFX treatment. Other celebrity patients include Dawn Zulueta, Tessa Prieto, Patricia Prieto, Cheska Iñigo, Margo Midwinter, Patti Grandidge-Herrera, Kaye Tinga, designer Patty Ang, and many more.

For more information visit https://www.skincell.care or follow their official accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

Dr. Issa Cellona encourages the continued commitment to remove the barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusivity

Cat Triviño wears a black laser-cut terno bolero together with a red buntal clutch

Migs Nograles poses in a terno blazer embroidered with floral designs

Pauline Amelinckx wears a terno top adorned with flowers of various shades

Emmeline Aglipay-Villar brandishes a hand-embroidered denim jacket with intricate designs by the T’boli tribe

Geraldine Zamora wears a Filipiniana with a Yakan weave opera coat with terno sleeves along with a yellow laser-cut skirt

Jeeca Uy goes for a feminine look with a beige terno top and a dainty white and pink laser-cut skirt

Shaha Meta’s long-sleeved piñasilk peplum top gives off a modest and graceful vibe

Gab Pangilinan partners a cropped embroidered terno top with a black laser-cut skirt for a modern and sophisticated look