BusinessMirror July 04, 2019

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n Thursday, July 4, 2019 Vol. 14 No. 267

Govt starts taxing, sets database of alien labor ₧24 billion T

By Rea Cu

recent executive committee (Execom) meeting that revisions were made to a draft joint memorandum circular (MC) being crafted with the DOLE on the issuance of work permits to foreigners, to include a provision on setting up the database.

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HINA’S increasing demand for food will deplete marine resources in the West Philippine Sea and wreak havoc on the country’s fish supply in the near future, an expert has warned.

The loss is not just on account of China’s rapid devouring of Philippine fish. Its massive reclamation and artificial island building has destroyed vital coral reefs that provide habitat to marine resources.

According to estimates by marine experts, the Philippines is losing at least $647.5 million (P33.67 billion) annually from the marine resources—within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ)—that were destroyed by China.

The figure is expected to grow as China’s population is anticipated to expand exponentially due to its two-child policy, driving demand for food including fisheries products further in the future.

“Definitely China has a huge demand for fishery products [because] fish has become like [an object of] prestige for them. If you eat fish you are rich,” Institute for Marine Affairs and Law of the Sea Executive Director Jay Batongbacal said.

“To effectively pursue our mandate [of taxing foreign workers], we need accurate data on foreigners working in the Philippines,” Dulay said.

He explained that the DOLE had invited the BIR to a meeting to discuss the joint MC on the is-

The amount of taxes expected to be collected from the Pogo sector a year, at P2 billion a month of income tax collections

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n

See “China,” A2

PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY

DATA CHAMPION

Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS

suance of work permits to foreign nationals.

“Revisions were made to develop an interagency database to be administered by the DOLE,” he added.

Dulay also pointed out that some of the 15,176 foreign nationals working in 174 establishments, mostly (Pogos), that the DOLE said had no working permits, were subsequently determined by the BIR to have the proper working permits and visas.

HE Philippine minimum-wage fixing system has always been divisive. The parties involved rarely arrive at a consensus.

The unions always ask for wage rates that approximate what they consider as the “decent living wage.” At the moment, they are asking for a P750 minimum, which is still lower than P1,000 daily, which they claim is the ideal.

On the other hand, the employers usually use the inflation index as the guide for any adjustment, or to counter any demand for higher wages. Which means a low 2-3 percent inflation rate is no excuse for any minimum-wage adjustment. Neda economists tend to support the employers’ position because they fear that higher wages are a disincentive for investments.

See “Govt,” A2

Continued on A7

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BOC to MDM traders: Tell us your concerns

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give rise to establishments or units that are qualified to choose their own retail electricity supplier, not necessarily the joint-venture firm. Given the development of New Clark City, the PCC sees an influx of locators, particularly agro-industrial and institutional clients, to qualify as contestable customers whose average monthly consumption reach at least 750 kilowatts.

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has insisted that its collection of proper duties and taxes on shipments of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) of chicken, particularly the 35-percent tariff difference, is legal.

BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla of the Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) also said the bureau is open to a dialogue with importers of chicken MDM. Maronilla’s statement was issued after the Meat Importers and Traders Association (Mita) warned that many of their members could go bankrupt if the BOC pursues the collection of the 35-percent tariff difference.

“Pursuant to Section 430 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act [CMTA], the assessment on the said imported goods is not yet final and therefore is still subject to the proper collection of the rightful duties and taxes on the imported goods.

And it is a bigger neglect on the part of BOC not to collect the legally prescribed duties in behalf of the government,” the bureau’s statement read. The BOC also said it is amenable to holding a dialogue with importers and to discussing their concerns.

See “Clark power,” A8

See “BOC,” A2

Losses

THE losses are also a conservative estimate due to lack of proper value estimation on the worth of the country’s marine ecosystems.

However, UP Marine Science Institute Deputy Director for Research Deo Onda said a scientific journal article published in 2012 estimated the global average worth of a coral reef based on the services that it provides to consumers.

The study, titled “Global estimates of the value of ecosystems and their services in monetary units” said a hectare of coral reef provides an annual income of $350,000 due to its potential services.

These potential services include provisioning (food, raw materials, genetic resources), regulating (climate regulation, etc.), habitat

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Divisiveness in the wage fixing system, and missing attention on industrial development

“The depletion of our fish stocks would be faster if poaching wouldn’t be restricted, with the West Philippine Sea being the first victim followed by our internal waters. Because they would follow where the fishes are—that is why it is important to stop them now.”—Batongbacal

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China fast outstripping PHL fish catch in EEZ, maritime experts warn

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

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@ReaCuBM

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are working on developing an interagency database of foreign nationals working in the country, to ensure they pay the correct amount of taxes to the Philippine government.

This, as the BIR will start collecting income taxes from foreign workers employed in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) this month.

BIR Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay reported to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III at a

2018 EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

THE 20,000-seater stadium in New Clark City, one of the main venues for the 30th Southeast Asian Games this November, is seen in this June 1, 2019, BusinessMirror file photo, nearly finished except for some minor sprucing up. The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has approved the joint venture of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the consortium of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and its Japanese partners for the development of a power distribution system in what is slated to become the first smart, green and sustainable metropolis in the Philippines. BERNARD TESTA

Clark power distribution deal gets PCC’s nod

By Elijah Felice E. Rosales @alyasjah

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HE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has approved the joint venture of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the consortium of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and its Japanese partners for the development of a power distribution system in New Clark

City. In a commission decision last week, the PCC authorized the BCDA and the Meralco-Marubeni Consortium to carry out its project. It said the transaction will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in the retail electricity supply market within New Clark City and the distribution utility market of generated power through a supply deal in the Luzon and Visayas grids.

The PCC argued New Clark City will

US 51.1060 n JAPAN 0.4738 n UK 64.3680 n HK 6.5537 n CHINA 7.4349 n SINGAPORE 37.6916 n AUSTRALIA 35.7435 n EU 57.6833 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.6297

Source: BSP (3 July 2019 )

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A2 Thursday, July 4, 2019

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Solons make a pitch for secret Senate sets probe of PhilHealth scams voting to select new Speaker

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By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

in the speakership race] Cong. Alan Peter Cayetano take the Majority Leader position, Cong. Lord Allan Velasco to take the Appropriations Committee, and Cong. Martin Romualdez to head the Accounts Committee,” it added.

Ungab said he welcomes the endorsement of HNP, saying he would abide by the decision of the party.

Like other candidates for the speakership, Ungab also vowed to support the legislative agenda of President Duterte.

He pledged to help the government boost economic growth, lower poverty incidence and help create more opportunities for all Filipinos through legislation.

“HNP is ready and open to work with everyone. HNP hopes that everyone will aim for and work toward unity and cooperation in order to establish a strong and efficient House. Rest assured that HNP has a vision of a House that will truly work for and serve the best interest and welfare of the Filipino people,” Ungab said.

Romualdez said he respects HNP’s endorsement of its speakership candidate.

“However, we will await the President’s final say on the matter.

Going back to the President’s last statement [June 27], he maintained his neutrality on the Speakership

@joveemarie

S the battle for the speakership continues to heat up, lawmakers appealed on Wednesday to groups concerned to allow members of the House of Representatives to elect their candidates via secret voting.

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said all the major contenders for the speakership are known solid supporters of President Duterte, namely, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.

“They are all qualified and each has his own unique leadership skills, so my suggestion is let them slug it out and may the best man win. Let them win the hearts and minds of members of the House. I also suggest that voting for Speaker be conducted by secret balloting,” Erice said.

“The said process will ensure a leader truly supported by the members and eventually may improve the image of the House,” he added.

No to Polong?

On Tuesday, the President’s son

and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte said he might vie for the speakership position in the House of Representatives if lawmakers will push through with “term sharing.”

However, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) endorsed the bid of Third District of Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab for Speaker.

“We understand if President Duterte, because of delicadeza, will not accept the intent of our brother from Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Congressman Paolo Duterte, to resolve the conflict among candidates,” the group said.

HNP said Ungab is a four-term congressman and the only lawmaker to hold the chairmanships of both the Ways and Means and Appropriations Committees.

“We suggest that [front-runners

race,” he said.

“In fact, the President told us, the Speakership candidates, that he would not meddle in the race and assured us also that he will not secretly pass on any order to support a candidate,” Romualdez added.

Cracks

WITH the addition of Ungab and Paolo Duterte in the House speakership race, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani-Zarate—the contender from the Makabayan bloc—said that “most of those vying for the speakership come from the same coalition and they are pitted against each other.”

“The Duterte coalition mirror does not lie: widening cracks are now very apparent, and it is probably sooner than expected that it will totally disintegrate,” said Zarate.

The election for the next Speaker will be done on July 22, the same day as the President’s fourth State of the Nation Address.

“As can be seen, each faction of this coalition for convenience pursues its own self-serving political and economic interests, a labo-labo is what can be expected in the remaining three years of the Duterte administration, to the detriment and prejudice of our people,” said Zarate.

BSP auction: All 3 TDF tenors oversubscribed B IDS continued to rise in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s (BSP) auction facility on Wednesday, as banks fight over the shrinking volume offered by the Central Bank for term deposits during the week.

Data from the Central Bank showed that all three tenors in their TDF were oversubscribed by double the volume offered for each maturity during the week.

The amount tendered for the 7-day tenor, in particular, reached

Govt. . .

P25.4 billion on Wednesday’s auction, rising from the P14.4 billion in the previous week and exceeding the P10 billion offered for the week.

The same is seen in the BSP’s 14day term deposits, with the total volume of bids amounting to P22.1 billion on Wednesda—significantly higher than the P17 billion bids in the previous week and the P10 billion offered by the BSP. Bids for the 28-day term deposits also surged on Wednesday after two weeks of not being included in

May debt. . .

Continued from A1

Dominguez said the monitoring of foreign nationals working in the country is necessary, to be able to come up with an accurate database of taxable aliens in the Philippines.

The finance chief also emphasized that while the government is currently focusing on Pogos, the BIR’s mission to ensure that taxes are properly collected covers all foreign nationals working in the Philippines.

Dominguez, who has been leading the campaign to collect income taxes from foreign nationals working in the country, said the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), DOLE and law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) should get their act together to weed out illegal aliens working in the country.

On Monday, the DOF said that the BIR will start collecting taxes from foreign nationals who are working in the Pogo sector this month, pointing out that the government is only enforcing the law in terms of tax collection.

At the sidelines of the preState of the Nation Address (Sona) Economic and Infrastructure Forum on Monday at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Dominguez quoted the BIR as reporting that it will start

the weekly auction. Total tenders on Wednesday amounted to P20 billion for 28-day term deposits, indicating oversubscription from the P10 billion offered during the week.

The TDF is one of the BSP’s liquidity absorption facilities to manage circulation in the economy.

As banks bid to park funds in the BSP’s facility, the TDF effectively siphons off a part of this structural liquidity from the financial system to bring market rates closer to the BSP’s main policy rate.

Continued from A8

collecting income taxes from foreign workers employed in Pogos this month.

In a meeting in May with members of the interagency task force created to monitor and list down the number of foreign nationals working in the countr y, Dominguez learned that out of 148 establishments employing 37,000 workers that were inspected so far, nearly one third or 12,000 foreign nationals in 33 Pogos lacked the necessary permits from the BI and the DOLE. “I estimated...the revenues should be at least P2 billion a month. Roughly P2 billion a month,” Dominguez said.

The amount of taxes to be collected from the Pogo sector will thus amount to P24 billion a year, at P2 billion a month of income tax collections. The tax collection is a revenue source that was nonexistent some four of five years ago, until President Duterte gave Pagcor control over Pogos.

Last month, Pagcor admonished Pogos to strictly comply with the country’s laws and regulations, and pay proper ta xes due the government, with a warning that operations of noncompliant Pogos will be seized.

The state-run agency said concerned tax agencies are closely monitoring the Pogo sector and how they do business in the country.

accounted for P1.344 trillion, euro bonds at P43.729 billion, Japanese yen bonds at P122.567 billion, Chinese yuan bonds at P29.954 billion and peso global bonds at P129.679 billion.

“At the same time, net availment of foreign loans amounted to P61.48 billion including €750 million in eurobonds as part of the NG’s effort to diversify funding sources for infrastructure investment and human capital development,” the BTr said.

The government’s total guaranteed obligations for the month amounted to P486.158 billion, showing a reduction of 1.2 percent from the P492.296

BOC. . .

Continued from A1

“BOC is open to a dialogue with the concerned stakeholders in order to come up with a solution to allow us to implement the law correctly and to accommodate some of their concerns,” Maronilla said.

On July 2, the BusinessMirror reported that small meat traders and processors could go bankrupt if the BOC pursues the collection of the 35-percent tariff difference on some imported MDM of chicken, according to Mita.Mita has appealed anew to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia to halt the collection of tariffs by the BOC to prevent small importers and processors from going out of business.

Tariffs on MDMs were increased to 40 percent from 5 percent in line with Executive Order 23, Series of 2017. The collection of the higher tariff rate was also agreed upon in a meeting last April between the

The movement of the rate, meanwhile, continued to drop during the week to move parallel to the lower overnight reverse repurchase rate of the BSP following a 25-basis-point cut earlier this year.

For the 7-day term deposit, rates fell from 4.624 percent last week to 4.5537 percent this week. For 14-day term deposits, meanwhile, the rate fell from 4.7002 percent last week to 4.6129 percent this week.

For 28-day term deposits, the rate hit 4.6347 percent on Wednesday.

billion recorded in May 2018, but posting an increase of 0.7 percent from the April 2019 level of P482.982 billion.

Broken down, domestic guaranteed debt accounted for P247.436 billion, while external guaranteed debt comprised P238.722 billion of the total for the month.

Domestic guaranteed debt posted an increase of 26.9 percent from the P194.939 billion recorded last year, as well as an increase of 25.1 percent compared to the April 2019 level of P197.724 billion.

The government’s external guaranteed debt also posted a decrease of 19.7 percent from the P297.357 billion level in May 2018, and a decline of 16.3 percent compared to the April 2019 level of P285.258 billion.

BOC, Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority and the Tariff Commission (TC) in line with the effectivity of Republic Act 11203 or the rice tariffication law in March.

The TC called the meeting after the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. requested the BOC to reinstate the 5-percent tariff on imported chicken MDM. The decision to implement the 40-percent tariff rate was included in the reply of the TC to the BOC sent on April 16, with the government agencies present during the meeting also agreeing that the difference in duties can still be collected by the BOC. Last month, the BOC announced that importers of chicken MDM whose shipments were assessed a lower tariff of 5 percent even after the effectivity of the rice trade liberalization law in March will have to pay the government more.

Chicken MDM is a key component for processed meat products, such as hot dogs and canned luncheon meat. Rea Cu

before UHC unreels

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

T

HE Senate is poised to open a full-blown inquiry into the reported Philippine Health Insurance Corp. fund anomalies involving assorted scams, including fraudulent claims that caused huge losses of over P154-billion, including recently uncovered ‘ghost’ dialysis treatments.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said Congress must promptly mount an inquiry in aid of passing remedial legislation to prevent the PhilHealth fund’s dissipation from assorted scams as soon as lawmakers resume plenary sessions on July 22.

“Before Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care [UHC] Act is implemented in full, we must make sure that the funds allocated for this purpose are being spent properly,” Angara said on Wednesday, following reports that a dialysis center was found to be making fraudulent claims from PhilHealth for deceased patients who used to get treatments for kidney disease.

The senator suspects there may be other scams targeting funds of the State-run PhilHealth, saying in Filipino, “ It seems this is not the only problem as many reports have shown other scams using the PhilHealth funds.”

Moving to avert other scams, Angara filed a resolution paving the way for a Senate inquiry “into all the allegations of fraudulent medical claims” to PhilHealth, as he voiced concern that “funds that are intended for the poor and for those who are in actual need of medical

China. . .

Continued from A1

(genetic diversity), cultural (aesthetic, recreation, etc).

The paper screened over 320 publications covering over 300 case study locations with an approximate 1,350 value estimates to come up with the average global value of a coral reef.

Given these estimates—multiplied by at least 1,850 hectares of coral reefs destroyed and reclaimed

by China in the past five years to establish military control in the area—one comes up with a sum of $647.5 million of potential revenues lost annually.

“The exact damage would be far greater than that estimate since China has been building more artificial islands. And we are just counting the visible areas and not including the less visible yet,” Batongbacal said in a press conference on Wednesday.

Citing published reports, Batongbacal said China has destroyed 550 hectares of coral reef in the West Philippine Sea and another at least 1,300 hectares in Spratly Islands.

Onda explained that the average potential income from the Philippines’s coral reefs could be even greater than the globally recognized $350,000 per hectare since they are more diverse than those in the western part of the world.

For one, Onda pointed out, there are more coral reef species found within the country’s water territories than those in Western countries.

Depletion

BATONGBACAL warned that if the Philippines continues to allow China to freely poach in its EEZ then it could bid goodbye to its water resources in a few years.

The country’s fish catch has been declining for the past decade while that of China has been steadily increasing. This, he point-

assistance should be protected.”

Angara said Senate probers are keen to “get to the bottom of all these reported scams, identify the personalities behind them, and come up with policies to prevent similar cases from taking place in the future.”

The senator said the upcoming inquiry will spare no one, if found to be involved in the multibillion-peso PhilHealth fund scam.

A the same time, Angara have assurances that the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee, which he chairs, is working on early passage of a bill increasing excise tax on tobacco products, and allocating the proceeds to supplement funding for UHC. Congress recently passed a bill raising the excise tax on tobacco, heated tobacco and vapor products to cover budgetary gaps for the full implementation of the UHC. A whopping P257 billion is needed just for the first year of UHC’s implementation.

It was reported that PhilHealth has lost a total of P154 billion since 2013 due to these scams, the latest of which involved the ghost dialysis treatments that were uncovered after former employees of WellMed Dialysis Laboratory Corp. based in Novaliches, Quezon City, exposed the alleged fraudulent claims made by their former employer to PhilHealth.

The whistle-blowers said WellMed claimed funds for dialysis treatments of patients even if they were not able to avail of their weekly sessions, adding that claims were also made “even for those were already dead.”

ed out, shows that China is getting more of the bulk of the catch in the West Philippine Sea. Furthermore, Batongbacal said China’s fishing fleet is capable of dwarfing the country’s annual total fish catch with its modern industrialized vessels.

Citing published reports on China’s fishing fleet, he said a single vessel could catch about 12 metric tons per day.

The reported 270 Chinese fishing boats present at Subi and Mischief Reefs would have a cumulative catch of 3,240 MT per day or 1.2 million MT per year, he added.

That annual figure is already equivalent to about 50 percent to 100 percent of the total estimated catch in the Spratly Islands. “ The depletion of our fish stocks would be faster if poaching wouldn’t be restricted, with the West Philippine Sea being the first victim followed by our internal waters. Because they would follow where the fishes are—that is why it is important to stop them now,” he said.

“They are already exploiting Scarborough Shoal,” Batongbacal said, adding that he no longer hoped that “we will have Scarborough Shoal in five years if China would not stop [its illegal activites there].”

Citing rough estimates by Filipino fishermen, Onda said the fish catch from Scarborough Shoal has declined by at least 40 percent year-on-year. Batongbacal estimates that the West Philippine Sea accounts for about 10 percent to 20 percent of the country’s fish catch.

Onda said it is true that there’s a higher catch in municipal waters per hectarage basis, but the Philippine EEZ provides more volume since it is way bigger than the total area of inland waters.

“They key here is exclusive access. And not only exclusive access to our EEZ but also capacity to access the area. We have to empower our fishermen to be able to use sustainably our own waters,” he said.

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, July 4, 2019 A3

Taiwan extends visa-free privilege to Pinoys for second straight year

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By Recto Mercene

@rectomercene

OR the second successive year, Taiwan has extended its visa-free privilege for Filipinos for another year, or until July 31, 2020.

The Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan’s official name, said “the visa-free privilege for Philippines nationals “will continue for another year from August 1, 2019, through July 31, 2020.”

“This privilege is a display of Taiwan’s amity with the Philippines as the country continues to boost the travel convenience for Filipinos to visit Taiwan for leisure, business or other short-term purposes,” the Taiwan Economic Cooperation Of-

fice (Teco) said in a news statement issued on Wednesday.

It added that the visa-free privilege “also aims to deepen Taiwan’s multifaceted relations with the Philippines, particularly in the fields of tourism, trade, investment, education, agriculture, fisheries and health care, and many more.”

Taiwan said, the Philippines is not only their closest neighbor but also a priority partner for Taiwan’s “new southbound policy.”

The self-ruled island had adopted the new southbound policy two years ago “to build stronger bilateral relations and closer people-to-people connectivity with its neighboring countries in the region.”

Teco said the visa-free treatment, first introduced on November 1, 2017, has resulted in a rapid increase of Filipinos visiting Taiwan.

In 2018, visitors from the Philippines reached 419,000, a 44percent increase compared to the previous year.

Since then, the regional airlines of both countries have launched more direct flights and opened new routes to the major cities between the two countries.

Today, Filipinos could fly out of Manila, Puerto Princesa, Clark, Cebu City and Kalibo for Taiwan.

This enables Philippine travelers to save more time and

money, Teco said.

Teco also encourages more Filipinos to maximize the visa-free status and to visit Taiwan as often as possible “to enjoy its beautiful attractions, the wide variety of shopping and dining options and the warm hospitality of its people.”

At the same time, Teco urged the Philippine government to return the favor and grant visa-free treatment to ROC nationals “on the basis of reciprocity.”

Teco maintains that if visa-free privileges are extended to Taiwanese, there would be a surge of tourists, businessmen, and investors from Taiwan who would visit the Philippines, and “will surely strengthen the bilateral ties and mutually benefit our two countries.”

Philippine travelers may enter Taiwan and stay for up to 14 days without having to apply for a visa

should they comply with the conditions listed by Teco.

Travelers entering Taiwan must have an ordinary, or regular passport, with at least six months validity from the date of entry; they must hold a confirmed return plane or boat ticket, or a confirmed plane or boat ticket, along with a valid visa, for an onward destination.

Also the traveler must have a con-

firmed booking, or an address and contact details, for their stay in Taiwan, as well as a financial statement.

Not the least is a clean criminal record “as verified by immigration upon arrival at an airport or seaport in Taiwan,” Teco said.

The duration of the 14-day visa-free stay is not extendable and begins on the following day of arrival in Taiwan.

This privilege is a display of Taiwan’s amity with the Philippines as the country continues to boost the travel convenience for Filipinos to visit Taiwan for leisure, business or other short-term purposes.”—Teco

BSP launches newest set of banknotes signed by Governor Diokno

By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

B

ANKNOTES duly signed by the new Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor will start circulating soon, following their launch on Wednesday at the BSP Complex in Manila.

Announced at the celebration of their 26th anniversary, the BSP released the first set of banknotes bearing the name and signature of Central Bank Governor Benjamin E. Diokno.

The 20-piso, 50-piso, 100-piso, 200-piso, 500-piso and 1,000-piso banknotes with the governor’s name and signature are the freshest set of peso bills printed under the currently circulated “New Generation Currency” series.

Since 1949, Philippine currency has borne the signatures of the

President of the Republic of the Philippines and the Governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines, which is now the BSP. Republic Act 7653 (The New Central Bank Act) of 1993, as amended by RA 11211 of 2019, mandates that the banknotes are signed by state authorities.

Diokno said, the new banknotes bear additional security features on top of the existing features but did not get into specifics for security reasons.

Also, the governor said the public can expect more security enhancements on their banknotes by 2020, including an upgraded windowed security thread with unique color and design per denomination anti-copying and anti-scanning features and incorporation of tactile marks.

“The upgraded security thread and anti-copying and anti-scan-

ning features will improve counterfeit deterrence. While the incorporation of tactile marks is meant for the elderly and visually impaired and is part of our commitment to promote broad and convenient access to high-quality financial services to the Filipino people,” the governor said.

Diokno took office in March this year to replace late BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. after passing away due to tongue cancer. Espenilla only served the BSP for 19 months as he was sworn in July 2017 after then-BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr.’s two terms as BSP chief.

In his first four months as BSP governor, Diokno has moved to cut the BSP’s interest rate once by 25 basis points after their assessment of a more stable inflation path compared to that of 2018.

Communication breakdown: Study bares ‘weakness’ in MTB-MLE education system

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

P

UBLIC schools nationwide were ill-prepared for the implementation of the Mother Tongue-based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) system, according to a study released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

In the study, titled “Starting Where the Children Are: A Process Evaluation of the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education Implementation,” less than 10 percent of schools surveyed have done the activities required for its implementation.

Some of the challenges included the lack, or absence, of relevant teaching materials such as dictionaries and textbooks; lack of expertise in the school’s medium of instruction (MOI); and other concerns.

“Due to the lack of mechanisms in place prior to program rollout, teachers resorted to various strategies, such as individualized instruction for children who do not speak the school’s MOI because they are either transferees from another language community, or the MOI of the school is not the child’s MT [mother tongue],” the researchers said.

“Sometimes, teachers seek out help from competent speakers of the language in the community.

Quite unfortunately, there were documented cases of pupils being simply abandoned to their own devices until they had learned to speak the school’s MOI [‘sink or swim’], or the children had simply stopped coming to school,” they added.

In order to implement the MTB-MLE, schools needed writing big books on language, literature and culture and document the orthography, grammar, and dictionary of language.

The study showed that in terms of writing big books on language, literature and culture, only 44.6 percent were able to do this while documenting the orthography of language was only done by 21.3 percent of schools surveyed.

Documenting grammar and dictionary of language was done by 17.5 percent and 12.7 percent, respectively. Around 3.9 percent of schools conducted other activities to implement the MTB-MLE. “Even if there seems to be an almost universal implementation, the quality of implementation appears to be wanting,” the researchers said.

“The survey revealed that, among those who claimed to have implemented the program, there are less than 10 percent who have done all these four activities and a similar proportion not doing any of these activities. One can only imagine what teachers have been doing under these circumstances,” they added.

On top of these challenges is the lack of competence of teachers to teach in school’s MOI. The researchers said this was not assured when the program was rolled out in 2012.

Teachers said there was insufficient instruction in teaching the mother tongue in the first few years of implementation. This meant that teachers who don’t speak the school’s mother tongue are faced with a decision to quit and just return to their own region.

This has forced newly hired

teachers, who lacked experience, to respond to the needs of schools, nationwide. However, this has resulted in much confusion and resistance with the new policy.

Other problems that compound the implementation of the program include the fact that students do not speak the MOI of the school, as well as parents and teachers do not speak and support the MOI. Even among school officials, the chosen MOI of the school is not spoken and supported. Schools also do not get the support from the central office/division office.

Further, in terms of the languages, dialectical differences have complicated the choice of MOI and the overall implementation of the program.

One example is in Bicol where the dialect spoken in Naga is different from the dialect spoken in other parts of the region. This is the same case in the use of Cebuano in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, as well as the Ilocano spoken in Ilocos and in Baguio.

“This has spawned a lot of conceptual and operational issues including resentment and teaching capability issues including complaints from parents that their children are being taught the archaic version of their own language,” the research stated.

The process evaluation was conducted by PIDS Consultant Jennifer D. Monje, Kris A. Francisco-Abrigo, and Erlinda M. Capones, and Senior Research Fellow Aniceto C. Orbeta Jr. It sought to determine how the program is proceeding since the passage of Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.

He also decided to cut its reserve requirement ratios (RRR) down by 200 basis points.

The implementation of the cut will be in three stages: the first 100basis-point cut was effective May 31; another 50-basis-point cut in June 28; and the last 50-basis-point cut will be effective July 26.

With his ties to the administration and his background as budget

chief, Diokno has been dubbed by several analysts and economists as a “pro-growth governor.”

In his dialogue with the BusinessMirror recently, he said that growth per se is not bad, but now that he is BSP governor he wants so see a more inclusive growth by keeping the inflation rate of the country at bay.

“The kind of growth that I am

trying to pursue which is sustained, balance and inclusive growth. And to attain that objective you really need to have stable prices, because the first bigger loser of inflation are the poor. The poor, they are fixed income earners so remember if prices are high, with fixed income they cannot cope so they have to cut down on spending and consumption,” he said.

A4

TheBroa

Business

Thursday, July 4, 2019

In defense of data: Cyber insurance n

HERE’S a ghost in your machine; and it’s far from Gilbert Ryle’s interpretation of Descartes’s work. However, there’s nothing philosophical about cyber threats as these are costing businesses billions.

Indeed, according to a report

by Microsoft Philippines last year, the potential cost of cyber threats would hit about $3.5 billion annually.

The Insurance Commission (IC) even emphasized that a breach in data privacy and cyber security poses real risks for insurers and their policyholders, which is why the IC encourages businesses to be covered by cyber insurance.

“Looking out for data privacy infringement and cyber-attacks should both be part of a company’s risk management,” Insurance Commissioner Dennis B. Funa said. “The threats of privacy breach and cyber-attacks are all too real.”

Funa cited the business-process outsourcing (BPO) industry as an example.

“The BPO sector is one industry with greatest need for cyber insurance protection as it deals primarily with data,” he added. “[However,] there is, as of now, a low take-up of cyber insurance policies.”

new kind of coverage, which basically covers everything in line with cybercrimes.

“A cybercrime can be any crime that’s committed using computers or intelligent systems, etc.,” Rellosa told the BusinessMirror.

A cyber insurance policy can cover things, namely actual damages in the aftermath of the cyber crime done to a company or person if there was money lost, the litigation costs, or the increased cost of working.

“Now, you cover two things, you can cover the actual damages or how much money was lost, or you can cover including litigation because sometimes the cost of litigation is even more than the actual money that was stolen,” Rellosa explained. “You can also cover things, like for example, you have to change the system so you call it ‘increased cost of working’ or Icow.

So it covers [this] Icow, legal fees and the actual damage.”

One product

CITING data, Funa pointed out that malware—or malicious software—infections on smartphones grew nearly 400 percent in 2016, while there were 500,000 unknown cyber threats per day during 2017.

A year before that, he said, the personal data of about 3.7 million Hong Kong voters were stolen.

About 3.2 million debit cards were compromised in Asia, he added.

“The cost of these attacks is astounding. The cyber-attack on a Bangladesh bank resulted in the loss of $81 million.”

Funa explained that the country’s adoption of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 or Republic Act (RA) 10173, as well as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175), is a helpful addition in terms of protecting against cyber security incidents.

The United States’ Computer Emergency Readiness Team website defines “cybersecurity incident” as “[a]n occurrence that actually or potentially results in adverse consequences to…an information system or the information that the system processes, stores, or transmits and that may require a response action to mitigate the consequences.”

AIG Philippines Insurance Inc. (AIG) President and CEO Mark Lwin told the BusinessMirror that cyber liability insurance covers the financial costs that come with cyber breaches.

“Cyber liability insurance covers the financial costs associated with a cyber breach, as well as first-party costs including event management, notification, data restoration, financial costs to third parties, network interruption and cyber extortion,” Lwin said.

The IC has tagged the AIG as a leading provider of cyber insurance in the country. The AIG explained its insurance product for one can cater to companies in various sectors and fields.

The firm’s trademarked product is a specially designed solution that incorporates crisis response, legal advisory, forensics, a breach coach, and other capabilities to allow companies to respond in the real-time nature of the threat, according to AIG. “However, in the current threat environment with fastmoving attacks which can bring down entire networks or prevent a company from conducting its very fundamental transactions with customers, an effective policy has to have the capability for an immediate and full-spectrum response.”

Risk identification

Audit, steps

Bangladesh, costs

CALLING out the cyber bogeyman necessitates bringing out a ghost fighter: cyber insurance.

Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (Pira) Executive Director Michael F. Rellosa explained that cyber insurance is a

LWIN said cyber insurance “can be thought of similar to a travel insurance policy where there is an immediate travel assistance hotline, and if needed, medical and security advisory or even evacuation, if the situation warrants.”

The company is a leading nonlife insurer in the Philippines providing property and casualty insurance to businesses in the country with vast expertise on cyber risk.

“The services embedded in a cyber liability policy are critical to the protection of the insured,” Lwin said.

In terms of how one gets cyber insurance, Rellosa said the insurer implements a number of assessment measures to determine the extent of the cyber insurance coverage. These steps include the conduct of a system audit on the company or business buying the cyber insurance coverage, a sight inspection, security walkthrough and even background checks on the company’s IT division or team, among others, he added.

Depending on needs

ACCORDING to Rellosa, insurers look at a lot of things to determine cyber insurance coverage.

“For example, the IT room: Does it include a cloud system?

Does the company have a backup?

What is its connection: is it fiber optic or copper wire? There are a lot of things being looked at; several pages long on the checklist,” he explained. “Insurers also look at the company’s IT specialists, the underwriters of the insurance companies should also be knowledgeable on systems; that’s why it’s a specialized coverage.”

Rellosa further explained that premiums for getting cyber insurance varies depending on the needs of the business or company.

He cited as an example that some insurers charge premium at 1 percent of the total sum insured under the cyber insurance coverage.

“For example, you want to cover P200 million, so it’s one percent of P200 million [so it’s P2 million]; that’s the premium,” Rellosa said.

“But it can go up and down depending on so many factors.”

One factor that can increase the premiums set for a cyber insurance policy is if the company has a previous hacking incident, among others.

“For example, you already got hacked in the past, then your premiums are higher unless you can show that since you got hacked you replaced all the systems and everything from passwords to people, etc.,” Rellosa added. “Again, a lot is being looked at in terms of cyber insurance; it’s not just in the system but also on the people, the background of the IT guys. It’s like a credit check and not just a background check.”

Entails many elements

LWIN pointed out that as the global arena changes in step with technology and innovation, there is also a growing frequency and sophistication in terms of cyber attacks.

“With the growing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, risk management must entail many elements of protection from managed security services, proactive monitoring, training and awareness about social engineering and insider threats, and risk transfer through insurance.”

He pointed out that cyber liability insurance is indeed a need as all industries across all sectors

are vulnerable to cyber threats and cyber attacks. The coverage is seen as a critical risk management tool.

“In today’s world, all industries are vulnerable to cyber threats, and cyber liability insurance can be a critical risk management solution,” Lwin added.

The AIG believes companies that are using just one form of defense mechanism to cover their IT needs are more susceptible to current and future cyber threats and are at more risk.

“Companies [that] rely upon only a single line of defense are vul-

INSULARLIFE.COM.PH

“L

nerable, either to current threats or those which are being deployed in the weeks or months ahead,” Lwin said. “Moreover, hackers and cyber criminals have not in the past, and will not in the future, restrict their activities to more-developed economies.”

“N

ooking out for data privacy infringement and cyberattacks should both be part of a company’s risk management. The threats of privacy breach and cyberattacks are all too real.”—Insurance Commissioner Dennis B. Funa

ow, you cover two things, you can cover the actual damages or how much money was lost, or you can cover including litigation because sometimes the cost of litigation is even more than the actual money that was stolen.”—Philippine Insurers and

PIRAINC.ORG

T

By Rea Cu

Reinsurers Association Executive Director Michael F. Rellosa

aderLook

sMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace | Thursday, July 4, 2019

A5

now top of mind for PHL businesses Lots of discussion

APART from cyber insurance, there are some companies that also offer financial crime and risk management measures to protect businesses brought about by today’s networked working environment.

For one, Fiserv Inc., a company that provides financial services technology to countries across the globe, sees the importance of having correct customer data to improve detection techniques as well as procedures in terms of having comprehensive anti-money laundering solutions for companies.

Fiserv’s Andrew Davies told the BusinessMirror that one of the interesting things he noticed when he visited the Philippines in March this year was that there was a lot of discussions within financial institutions in line with anti-money laundering and tax evasion measures.

“One of the interesting things I’ve found over time is that there is an interest in development going on particularly around anti-money laundering but also tax evasion [in the Philippines],” said Davies, Fiserv’s vice president for global market strategy, financial crime risk management. “There [are] many financial professionals in the Philippines focused on managing risk appropriately to protect their customers and the financial system itself.”

POP NUKOONRAT | DREAMSTIME.COM

Overseeing operations

Responsibilities under law

fortunately, equally exposed and, with the Data Protection Act of 2012 now in effect, have significant responsibilities under the law to protect client information,” Lwin added.

Pira echoed the same sentiment that cyber insurance is really seen as a need pointing out that

LWIN also explained that cyber criminals and hackers do not limit their unscrupulous activities to just developed economies, emphasizing that anybody is susceptible to these cyber attacks.

“Philippine companies are, un-

based on several surveys, the top concern of CEOs and top officials would be protecting their company or businesses from cyber threats.

“I think it’s a need already, you know there were several surveys done locally and internationally and actually it’s the biggest worry. In the

survey with CEOs and CIOs as the respondents, a number of them said that this is their biggest worry,” Rellosa said. “They think they have the biggest risks along these lines. More than being robbed in banks through a pick axe, etc. It’s easier to get money by hacking.”

“I

Other costs

CITING data from a study conducted by the United Nations (UN), Davies pointed out that the amount of money laundered through the global financial system annually is up to $3.6 trillion, adding that experts estimate cybercrime damage costs to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021.

Davies explained that financial crime and risk management

“I

n today’s world, all industries are vulnerable to cyber threats, and cyber liability insurance can be a critical risk management solution.”

—AIG Philippines Insurance Inc. President and CEO Mark Lwin

Key research

LATEST research from Canalys Pte. Ltd. shows cybersecurity solutions for public cloud and “as a service” accelerated in the first quarter of the year.

“These deployment models collectively grew 46.0 percent year on year,” the Singapore-based analyst company said. “These types of solutions accounted for 17.6 percent of total cybersecurity market value, up from 13.8 percent in the same period a year ago.”

The company added that virtual security appliances and agent solutions also grew strongly, up 18.2 percent on an annual basis.

“Traditional hardware and software deployments still dominate, representing almost 75 percent of the total,” Canalys said.

“Both models continued to grow but at a slower rate of just over 8 percent.”

The company added this data highlights the ongoing transition in cybersecurity solutions as organizations look to protect more data assets and workloads based in the public cloud.

“Vendors have introduced new ways of doing business with channels and enterprise customers in terms of purchasing, consumption and servicing, as well as helping simplify operations in increasingly complex IT environments.”

The statement quoted Canalys principal analyst Matthew Ball as saying that “investment in cybersecurity shows no sign of slowing down as it remains a priority for all organizations.”

“The security industry will be immune to the increasingly challenging macroeconomic and political environment,” Ball said.

“Recent high-profile ransomware attacks have resulted in organizations paying large sums to regain access to critical IT systems and data. Strengthening security strategies across devices, infrastructure, perimeters and applications will continue to be critical.”

Ball also recommends that “increasing employee training and gaining more comprehensive cybersecurity insurance will also be important to counter these threats.”

nvestment in cybersecurity shows no sign of slowing down as it remains a priority for all organizations.”—Canalys principal analyst Matthew Ball CANALYS.COM

WWW.AIG.COM.PH

DAVIES explained that the quick movement of money and data around the world is not a bad thing, as it provides convenience among others, to people. However, he emphasized that having technology in place to keep that movement safe should come with the shift.

“Moving money and data around the world is something we have as a mission; that moves the world really. It’s a good thing; moving money more quickly is a good thing],” Davies added. “But having technology in place to manage any risk or fraud or money laundering associated with the movement of that money is very important [as well].”

He said a company like Fiserv, which provides financial solutions and risk management services to financial institutions, can help monitor the movement of data or money in real time as well as monitor unusual activities through transactions to help prevent threats such as money laundering, among others.

“We know payments, and we know payment fraud risk, and we can also do that in real time. So you stop the money moving into the hands of the criminals before the money has actually left the financial institution,” Davies said.

“You’re very much protected. Just look at behaviors and unusual activities and red flags.”

solutions from Fiserv incorporate modern technologies that employ advanced analytical approaches, robotic process automation for improving alert investigation efficiency, and artificial intelligence that can sift through volumes of unstructured data, analyze risk cases, and identify early signs of potential future issues.

“I believe the UN estimates that the amount of money being laundered through the global financial system on an annual basis is between 2 percent and 5 percent of global gross domestic product,” Davies added. “And that’s variously giving it a total of around a global number anywhere between $1.6 trillion and $3.6 trillion laundered through the global financial system on an annual basis.”

He added that “that number needs to materially change going forward, particularly the application of more intelligent technology to uncover money laundering [schemes] from solutions like that provided by [companies like us].”

A6 Thursday, July 4, 2019 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Legendary nutribun to stage a comeback

W

E welcome the announcement of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso to bring back the nutribun and milk through a feeding program in all Manila elementary schools. Under this project, the city government will provide nutritious food for pupils from Grades 1 to 6, to ensure that no child in Manila’s public-elementary schools will ever be hungry in class.

Nutribun was first introduced in the country in the 1970s as part of the Marcos administration’s feeding program for poor elementary kids. It is a very hard bread that’s “fortified” with vitamins and minerals. At first, it was distributed for free in public schools, but was sold eventually (at .50 to .75 centavos). Back in the day, the feeding of nutribun became mandatory for the pupils, though it’s no secret in some rural schools that the pupils eventually hated the bread because of it’s taste, weight, texture and the flour lice (bukbuk) found in some bread. Yet for some, it is actually the food that helped them not to drop out, because it can be a child’s first and only meal for that day in school.

We don’t know if the good mayor knows that his proposed feeding program is in line with the UN Millennium Development Goals, which is the enhancement of the health and education status of children.

Actually, the Department of Education, through the Bureau of Learners Support Services-School Health Division (BLSS-SHD), has been implementing DepEd Order 39, which established the guidelines for the rollout of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) for school years 2017-2022 to address undernutrition among public-school children. The program primarily aims to improve the nutritional status of the beneficiaries by at least 70 percent at the end of 120 feeding days. Secondarily, it aims to increase classroom attendance by 85 percent to 100 percent and improve the children’s health and nutrition values and behavior.

This is how the selection of SBFP beneficiaries was done: DepEd, through its regional offices, identifies students nationwide who are malnourished.

SBFP beneficiaries are selected from this database. For school year 2012-2013, the program covered 40,361 children (or a mere 7.56 percent of the 534,054 identified malnourished students from kindergarten until Grade 6). The small coverage is largely attributed to budget constraints. DepEd’s SBFP budget for food is P15 per child and P1 per child for operational expenses, multiplied by 120 feeding days. This sums up to about P1,920 per child.

“When kids eat healthier foods, this can have a really important impact on their cognitive functioning, which can then translate potentially to better academic performance,” said Juliana Cohen, an assistant professor of health sciences at Merrimack College in Massachusetts and adjunct assistant professor of nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

Here’s the good news: Based on the teacher’s responses, most of the SBFP children enrolled in their classes improved in attentiveness during the feeding program (96 percent), as well as after (95 percent). The children also reportedly became more sociable during the feeding (97 percent), a development that was sustained after the feeding (96 percent). Improvement in class attendance was also reported by teachers for 94 percent of the beneficiary pupils; 92 percent of the children sustained good attendance.

This should encourage the good mayor of Manila to prioritize his feeding program and, more important, make it last. Who knows, he might inspire other local executives to do their own feeding programs. This will help improve the nutrition needs of more than 15 million public-elementary pupils nationwide and ensure that no poor children will attend classes on empty stomachs.

Since 2005

The stock market: Thinking pragmatically John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

O

NE of perhaps the simplest of human qualities, and probably underrated, is that we as a species are pragmatic. That is, “dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.” It is this pragmatic way of thinking and acting that unites us with the “Beasts of the Jungle.”

Maybe that’s why we talk about “animal instinct,” like newly hatched sea turtles on a beach that almost immediately move toward the safety of the ocean. Whether “created,” evolved, or the illegitimate offspring of ancient aliens, humans are also born with pragmatic instinct.

French lawyer and politician Maximilien Robespierre was maybe the most influential figure of the French Revolution. He wrote: “If the basis of a popular [people’s] government during a revolution is both virtue and terror; virtue, without which terror is baneful [harmful and

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destructive]; terror, without which virtue is powerless.” The pragmatic approach meant that if the aristocracy was ruining the economy and keeping people poor and we needed to get rid of them, then get used to and accept that many heads would be rolling off the blade of the guillotine. Every time Thailand’s political condition between “administration” and “opposition” starts going crazy, the people welcome and tolerate the military forcefully stepping in.

But when Robespierre’s yearlong “Reign of Terror” sent 16,000 to death, his obsession with the vision

of an ideal republic and his indifference to the human costs of installing it saw him lose his head to the guillotine the day after his arrest. The people’s “pragmatism”—for better or worse—took Robespierre from hero to zero. The French people got what they wanted—a Republic that has lasted more than 200 years.

The intellectual elites genuinely do not like the people’s pragmatic thinking. They create theories that often are not successful in the real world and that is unforgivable. The European Union with a single central bank and a common currency looks great on paper. Except countries like Greece became debt slaves and Germany has to provide bailout funding.

But to even talk about changing the practical application of the “theory” of the EU is blasphemy.

The stock market is also pragmatic. The Philippine Stock Exchange is up about 8.5 percent this year, which is totally impossible. “Theoretically,” high inflation was supposed to last forever. Theoretically, the peso should be at 58 to the US dollar. Theoretically, no foreign money should ever come to the Philippines because of (pick your choice) Duterte, high electricity, China, or whatever.

O

N Tuesday, former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos quietly celebrated her 90th birthday, and on this occasion, I recalled my exclusive interview with her in the book Imelda, which I wrote and published exclusively before her birthday in June 2012 by Amazon, one of the world’s largest publishing companies in the US. Here’s an extract of that interview: Where are the Blue Ladies now?

Many of them are still around, but I can count only a few of them because of what happened to us when our political enemies treated us as evils and continued to persecute us.

Many of them chose to exercise the doctrine of self-preservation rather than endure with us, and I could not really blame them.

Not one of them helped you?

I don’t want to be disrespectful, but they cannot even help themselves, so how can they help me? I was just lucky that for my trial in New York, Doris Duke, the tobacco heiress, was there. She paid my $5million bail. Libyan President Muammar Khadafi offered to pay my bail as well, but I didn’t have to take it because Doris was there. She was a real friend. I missed her and I will always miss her.

What about admirers?

There were some high-ranking officials in government and rich people who offered to take care of me.

After President Marcos’s death, was there ever a time when you thought of considering anyone of your admirers?

None. Because more than anything what I needed most was my motherland. Besides, I know I’ll never find someone as perfect as Ferdinand was. The longer he’s gone, the more perfect he becomes in my mind.

Having gone through these excruciating experiences in your life, are you not mad at anyone?

No. I have no bitterness against anyone. Besides, I am always consoled by that passage in the Bible, which says, “there is a special place in hell for those who oppressed widows and orphans.”

I am intrigued by what you call real friends. Who are they?

To cite a few, they are Muammar

Khadafi, Saddam Hussein, Mao Tsetung, Deng Xiaoping, Richard Nixon, Andrei Gromyko, Fidel Castro and Doris Duke.

What have you read in the press and seen on television about them?

Except for Doris, haven’t they all been pictured at one time or another as ugly creatures, to be avoided as “monsters?”

How did they become your real friends?

As a First Lady and one of the President’s diplomats, I applied the simple drawing of one world where we all share the common element of life. And since life should not be taken as a struggle, neither should we struggle with one another in order to be friends.

It is all very simple if you hold sacred what is constant in your heart.

I offered nothing more than the true, the good and the beautiful. I offered what was in my heart for our country and our people. I offered peace.

In return, Muammar Khadafi gave us the Koran with passages underlined and annotated in his own handwriting. He gave us the Tripoli Agreement granting autonomy to our Muslim citizens and entry to the labor needs of the Middle Eastern and North African countries. He gave us oil concessions. He gave peace.

Saddam Hussein gave us support in the Islamic Conference. He gave us access to the labor requirements of his country. He gave us an affirmation of biblical history by showing us the “Mother of all civilizations” that

But the markets are only about being pragmatic—what will work in the real world. Foreign investors were net buyers in the market at the end of the six-month period. Net buying was at P21 billion, a reversal from the P65-billion net foreign selling at the end of June 2018. The Philippine peso is trading stronger than 52 to the dollar. Even then, the “theorists” are saying this is because of a weaker dollar not a stronger peso. So what? If so, then the “58 to 1” group were pretty dumb not to take into account the possibility/probability of a “weaker” dollar.

The PSE has basically moved sideways—with normal ups and downs —since the beginning of the year, waiting to see about the reality not the theory of inflation, money flows and economic performance. And when the stock market keeps going higher, as I think it will, the theorists will blame the “people” for being too stupid to understand that the stock market should be going down.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Visit my web site at www.mangunonmarkets.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stockmarket information and technical analysis tools provided by the COL Financial Group Inc.

began along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. He gave peace.

Mao Tse-tung reopened the same ancestral routes that our brothers had traveled in the ancient and modern times. He reminded me of the importance of a country strategically located between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. “You can change ideology, religion and politics, anytime,” he said. “But you can never change geography.” He gave peace.

Deng Xiaoping gave us trade and economic agreements. He gave us favorable agreements on oil and rice and other important products. He gave us opportunities to open business within China. He gave us his personal friendship by taking us on a tour of the major cities of China.

He gave peace.

Andrei Gromyko, foreign minister for 42 years, and all the leaders of the Supreme Soviet that he had served gave us the highest honor bestowed upon a foreigner: Friend of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. And more than the agreements that we signed between our two countries, they gave us the blessed opportunity to consecrate the image of Our Lady of Fatima in the city of Moscow, opening the doors of the churches for the celebration of the Mass and the Holy Eucharist. He gave peace.

Richard Nixon was president of the United States when our Cultural Center was inaugurated as the sanctuary of the Filipino spirit. He sent the governor of California, Ronald See “Arillo,” A7

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Solution to the water crisis starts with us

In the Lord’s harvest Msgr. Sabino A. Vengco Jr.

ALÁLAONG BAGÁ

Val A. Villanueva

BUSINESSWISE

I

MUST have struck a sensitive chord among readers of this column who have flooded my e-mail with complaints about having to bear with the water shortage crisis aside from worrying a host of other problems of daily urban living.

To say that all of them are outraged and furious is an understatement. The recipients of their wrath are the government and the two water concessionaires, the Manila Water Co. and the Maynilad Water Services.

I can’t blame them and why should I? Their grievances are valid and they have all the right to be infuriated.

But if I may quote what I previously wrote about this sensitive issue, “Water shortages worldwide are mournfully distressing signs of our pitiful incompetence to manage ourselves within bounds, or to effectively chart for our indispensable assets essential to our future.”

My take here is that while we may rightfully condemn the government and the water distributors for this seemingly unending predicament, perhaps it’s about time to take stock on how we manage the use of our respective taps.

A near perfect analogy of how we deal with water use is how we control our daily finances. It’s a simple dictum of: We should never spend more than what we earn, or we should never spend beyond our means.

To better understand water use, perhaps I should share with you some thoughts from the book, Chasing Water written by Brian Richter, a global leader in water science and conservation for more than 25 years. He is the Chief Scientist for the Global Water Program of The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization, where he promotes sustainable water use and management with governments, corporations and local communes.

He says global communities using “…overtaxed rivers and aquifers around the world are in serious trouble for three simple reasons: [1] they have been consuming their available water faster than it can be regularly replenished with rain and snow, [2] they lack sufficient restraint or regulatory controls to keep this from happening, and [3] resource limitations or political lethargy cause reaction time to be too slow to avoid disaster.”

Of course we all know that our government and the two water concessionaires have failed us big time and have yet to account for their condemnable inaction. Having said that, however, how to cope with the present crisis and how to handle it in the near future starts with us. Again, we refer to how we deal with our personal funds.

Saving more and withdrawing only what we need at the moment should keep our water sources stable for a much longer time.

Richter writes that one telling measure of water bankruptcy in the US is its overdraft of groundwater from aquifers like the High Plains (Ogallala), or the Central Valley Aquifer in California. He says: “When you pump water out of an aquifer faster than it is being recharged with percolating rain or snow, the volume of the aquifer is depleted. Since 1900, we’ve drained US aquifers by a volume equal to two Lake Eries.”

What he means in water budget terms is that the communities drawing water from those aquifers are not only overspending their liquid income (percolating rain and snow are the deposits that recharge our aquifers),

Arillo . . .

continued from A6

Reagan, who also became president 11 years later, in affirmation of a kindred belief to hold sacred what is beautiful in us.

When martial law was proclaimed

they’re now raiding their savings to near exhaustion.

As with an overdrawn bank account, Richter points to two general ways to rebalance it: you can look for ways to increase your deposits (water supply) or you can reduce your expenditures (demand management).

Richter opines that even before pursuing expensive new options for bolstering water supplies, it is critically important to minimize the amount of water needed in our homes, industries and on farms. When viewed as a water budget-balancing strategy, water conservation—both in cities and on farms—typically costs one-third to one-tenth of the expense of developing new water supplies, such as by importing water or desalting ocean water. No water supply option should be pursued until we have trimmed our water expenditures to a minimum.

Here, agriculture uses the bulk of our water supply through irrigation.

Have we valued the importance of water in the produce we get from this industry? Is the cost of water inputted in the agricultural products we buy?

One has just to witness how water runneth over our rice fields like there’s no tomorrow. Perhaps, if we’d only value water’s importance in agriculture then we’d learn how to conserve it. In most households, water is being wasted in the way we use them. It’s just like splurging on what little we have even before we have the means.

In addition to cost savings, water conservation is highly preferable to water supply projects from an environmental perspective. Water importation can disrupt existing land uses or natural landscapes, or block animal migration routes as pipelines or canals are constructed across the landscape.

These projects can also include villages along the pipeline or canal route. Generating the electricity needed to power a water importation project likely also produces undesirable carbon emissions that are driving climate changes.

According to Richter, there is great potential for using water more efficiently, both in our homes and on farms. “The average rate of water use in Australian cities, for example, is less than half the volume used in cities in the western US. Much of that difference comes from the Aussies’ landscape aesthetic. In their urban landscapes, they plant native species or other vegetation well-suited to their climate, thereby requiring little to no outdoor watering.

“Much greater water savings are possible in irrigated agriculture, simply because of the gigantic volumes of water used in growing crops. While squeezing true water savings out of an irrigation system can be tricky, a tiny bit of improved efficiency here will result in a very large volume of savings. With more than a half-century of experience in pushing irrigation efficiencies higher, there is much to be learned from Israeli farmers.”

Simply, the single most important way to ride out a water shortage is to begin living within the limits of nature’s water budgets. We need to stop squandering the rain.

L

AST week’s lessons on discipleship continue in this Sunday’s gospel (Luke 10:1-12, 17-20), as Jesus gives us some principles of missiology.

Abundant harvest HARVEST is a common metaphor in the Old Testament for the messianic time of salvation and judgment (Amos 9:13-15; Psalm 125:5-6; Jeremiah 5:17). That it is abundant, meaning the entire humankind stands in need of salvation, is indicated by the symbolic sending of 72 other disciples.

Beyond the boundaries of Israel, they were to be missionaries to what was then taken as the 72 pagan nations of the world. They were the forerunners of Jesus in all the places He himself intended to visit. The playing field of the mission of salvation is global, and the intention of the Lord of the harvest is universal.

Harvesting a crop may be a touchand-go affair for many people due to the uncertainty of the environment and the weather. It is no better with the Lord’s harvest due to the scarcity of laborers. The magnitude of

the mission makes clear the need for prayer. Ask the Father, “the master of the harvest, to send out laborers for His harvest.” Jesus’ admonition emphasizes that in the mission of evangelization indispensable is prayer (a favorite theme in St. Luke).

It places up front the fact that amid all our human activities for the salvation of the world, it is God’s grace that brings it to fulfillment.

Bringers of peace

JESUS’ instructions to His disciples as they go to their mission is daunting. No money, no sack, no sandals —do not put your trust in material possessions. Your true wealth that gives you confidence and strength is the Lord who sent you. Do not greet anyone on the way—social amenities consume time; the urgency of the mission necessitates their omission (2 Kings 4:29). In the immediacy of

Thursday, July 4, 2019 A7

the reign of God, one cannot be normal like before or like others. In the absolute priority of the kingdom of God to which Jesus totally committed His life, the value system of His followers cannot be otherwise.

It is “peace” that the disciples bring to every welcoming home; the laborers in the Lord’s harvest are bringers of the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. In Luke, the message of peace is consistently associated with the gift of salvation (1:79; 2:14, 29; 7:50; 8:48; 12:51; 19:38). Note the emphasis on the family dimension of sharing and receiving the faith.

The disciples would be staying in the same house, not only in the simplicity of life but in the pedagogy of deepening the roots of the community of faith on the household level.

And they would be eating the same food together with the locals in a new openness which has no more dietary restrictions. And the presence of God’s reign among the receptive people would be verified by the victory over sickness among them.

However the ominous paradox lies in the unwelcoming places the disciples, sent like lambs among wolves, shall come upon. People have rejected Jesus, His messengers would also be thumbed down by some. But these antagonists shall face divine judgment; the notorious city of Sodom (Genesis 19:24-28), which did not get such chance to repent, would have it

tolerably better than these people who had the chance but wasted it.

Alálaong bagá, with the coming of the kingdom of love and justice, of truth and holiness, the reign of Satan must necessarily recede. The enemy who tries to make deals against God’s people (Job 2:1ff; Zechariah 3:1ff ) is finished and fallen off the sky; Jesus’ disciples can no longer be really harmed by the forces of evil, symbolized here by the snakes and scorpions (Genesis 3:1-14; Numbers 21:6-9). With their meager gears and “homeliness,” the disciples returned full of stories of their successes; they have cast out the evil spirits of pain, ignorance and sickness. It is not in such sensational display of power over demons, however, that Christians should rejoice, but in the faithful work of bringing salvation and liberation to others.

Working in the harvest of the Lord means a single-hearted, daily, personal engagement at the conversion of one’s surrounding, proclaiming the message of peace and firmly exemplifying the reign of God. It is not what grabs the headlines that prove to us what counts, but the fact that our names are written in heaven.

Join me in meditating on the Word of God every Sunday, from 5 to 6 a.m. on DWIZ 882, or by audio streaming on www.dwiz882.com.

Divisiveness in the wage fixing system, and missing attention on industrial development

For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at mvala.v@gmail.com

Somehow, the nine other factors that the law said should be considered by the Regional Wage Boards are hardly discussed. These are: a) demand for living wages, b) cost of living and changes or increases therein, c) needs of workers and their families, d) need to induce industries to invest in the countryside, e) improvements in standards of living, f) prevailing wage levels, g) fair return of the capital invested and capacity to pay of employers, h) effects on employment generation and family income, and i) equitable distribution of income and wealth along the imperatives of economic and social development.

Note the contradictory prescriptions: better living conditions for workers and their families versus guaranteed returns for investors.

On top of this contradictory feature, the law states the system of minimum-wage fixing should promote higher growth, employment and development.

The reality is that the minimum wage in the Philippines has become more and more controversial through the years because it has become the “wage leader,” meaning it is the reference wage for all. So, when investors want to set up a new business, they usually look at the minimum wage as the general guide on how much to pay their workers. On the other hand, the trade unions usually use the minimum wage as a negotiation platform.

A higher minimum wage means they can demand higher CBA wage rates.

In contrast, the minimum wage in developed countries is rarely touched or changed as frequently as what the Philippines RTWPBs seem to be doing.

This is so because the minimum wage is considered the safety net only for the unskilled and unorganized labor entrants, not for the unionized and the skilled workers. Thus, a fair average wage that is much higher than the minimum wage is the true wage leader.

In countries with either highly unionized labor force or well-developed free wage bargaining or both, the legal minimum is not given much attention.

In countries with high level of unionization, wage demands are generally above the existing average “fair wage.” Of course, employers react negatively to any upward wage proposals, as they do everywhere. However, there is respect for the right of unions to unionize and the institution of collective bargaining. If there are deadlocks, they are resolved through arbitration.

Sometimes, breakthroughs in wage agreements are forged through labormanagement agreements on productivity enhancing work adjustments.

In the Philippines, the NWPC has also been telling the tripartite actors to pay attention to productivity. Productivity has been added as the 11th major factor or criterion in wage fixing.

Unfortunately, productivity enhancement as a major guide in minimum-wage adjustments and agreements is poorly developed in the Philippines. Operationalizing it has always been problematic, although the

RTWPB of Region 4 tried to come up with a so-called two-tier system. Under the two-tier system, the first tier lists the mandatory minimum wage while the second tier outlines what a joint labor-management committee can do to come up with a voluntary scheme of productivity-based wage adjustments. This scheme is consistent with the provision of the Article 255 (renumbered as 267) of the Labor Code, which asks enterprises to constitute a committee to thresh out personnel policies affecting the personnel. Wage is certainly the number one personnel concern.

The problem is that the “voluntary” remains voluntary. In fact, an old productivity gain sharing law, Republic Act 6971 (1990), never took off the ground. Parties are bogged down on what are the appropriate mechanisms for measuring productivity and the formula for the so-called equal sharing of the benefits of productivity. In the field of industrial relations, it is well known that mandating or legislating productivity is difficult because any productivity project necessarily has to be undertaken on a firm-by-firm basis because each firm has different culture, tools and work requirements.

However, there is another approach to minimum-wage fixing worth discussing—linking minimum-wage adjustment to the task of promoting higher industrial development. The government can nudge industry to go up at the higher rungs of the industrial ladder. This is what the People’s Republic of China has been doing now.

As a result of China’s 2004 Regulation on Minimum Wages, minimum wages countrywide have more than doubled, with average real wages rising as much as 10 percent a year. For example, an average worker earned 1,500 yuan ($190) daily in 2004; in 2014, or 10 years after, the amount was 4,200 yuan or almost three times.

The surprising thing is that the wage increases in China are not the result of trade union agitation nor due to tightening labor market. In fact, there is a steady stream of stories on workers

in 1972 to unify our country and prevent a civil war, he gave us the strength to pursue the formation of a New Society, true to the Lincolnian spirit of decisive action in the face of anarchy. At his hour of defamation, we personally delivered to him the message of China’s leadership acknowledging him as a man of vision,

way ahead of his time. Nixon gave us true friendship.

Doris Duke gave from a heart whose goodness the world did not understand because, in a greedy and grasping environment, she shielded it in the sanctuary of her soul. She was a woman whose grace remained untouched by hatred’s envy. Her

spirit was as pure as the world she sought all her life to preserve for the children she never had, so that one day she may walk into her garden and see the mother she has always been.

From her unfathomable depths, she gave us love.

There is no power stronger than the power within the heart of man.

It is not measured by the tonnage of weaponry or gold. It is measured by the invisible weight of a spirit that lives in us.

The privilege of mothering we extended meant making friends with all nations, regardless of ideology or system of the government.

It was therefore natural that I

Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS Continued from A1

I

N short, the deliberations on minimum wage in the country have become a battle between the maximizers (trade unions) versus the minimizers (employers and the government).

complaint about declining number of jobs available because some employers resorted to closure or downsizing the work force in order to comply with the decrees on wage increases.

Why is China raising minimum wages? It is deliberately raising wages, especially in the coastal provinces, because it wants industries to climb at a higher level. This is part of a deliberate program to force an upward restructuring of Chinese industry and to lessen Chinese dependence on low-cost labor-intensive manufacturing for export. This partly explains the exodus of firms, especially the electronics assembly (and earlier, the garments industry), to Vietnam, Cambodia and South Asia. The idea is to build modern industry utilizing productive and skilled labor. Hence, this is also related to the US-China trade war, because industrial modernization requires acquisition of technologies.

The US claims that China has been poaching these technologies.

The Chinese wage policy in support of higher industrialization is similar to what Singapore and even South Korea did in the 1980s. In Singapore, there is no minimum wage. But the guidelines on wage adjustments in the late 1970s and in the 1980s provided by the National Wages Council were generally followed by companies in the city state.

The idea was for Singapore to graduate from cheap garments sewing and low-cost electronics assembly, for the ambition of Singapore was to accelerate the transformation of Singapore into a new industrialized country. Such transformation is not possible if the country remains stuck in low-cost production dependent on cheap labor and low wages.

The latter situation, unfortunately, seems to be the lot of the Philippines. The economy has been stuck in low-cost cheap-labor production since the 1970s. Is it not time for the economic technocrats and the NedaPIDS economists to think of new approaches on industrial development and wage fixing?

extended the Filipino hand of friendship with ease and sincerity as the Marcos government parted open the Iron Curtain, the Bamboo Curtain and the veils that shrouded the Islamic World.

To reach the writer, e-mail cecilio.arillo@ gmail.com.

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www.businessmirror.com.ph

PHL bans German meat for quarantine breach

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday formally banned all meat products from Germany—second top source of Philippine meat imports—after the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) discovered a major breach of quarantine protocol for African swine fever (ASF).

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol issued a memorandum order authorizing the suspension of the system of accreditation of German foreign meat establishments to ship meat products to the Philippines. The order takes effect immediately.

Piñol said BA I’s investigation found that the confiscated meat shipments from Germany last June 27 in Cebu contained 250 kilograms of pork from Poland, a countr y struck by ASF. Poland was banned from exporting meat to the Philippines due

NG’s May debt up 15.8% to ₧7.9T

By Rea Cu

T

@ReaCuBM

HE national government’s (NG) outstanding debt for May this year amounted to P7.915 trillion, increasing by 15.8 percent from the P6.832 trillion recorded in the same month for 2018, data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed.

Based on BTr data, the government’s outstanding debt for May of P7.915 trillion was also higher by 1.7 percent compared to the P7.786 trillion reported for April, with the increase being attributed to the net issuances of both domestic and foreign loans and foreign-exchange fluctuations.

“Of the total stock, 33.6 percent

were sourced from external markets while 66.4 percent were borrowed domestically,” the BTr said.

Broken down, domestic debt amounted to P5.256 trillion while external debt accounted for P2.659 trillion of the total outstanding debt for the month.

Domestic debt for the month rose by 18.8 percent compared to the P4.424 trillion recorded in May 2018, and showed a 1-percent uptick compared to the April 2019 level of P5.205 trillion.

“The higher level for May was caused by net issuance of government securities amounting to P50.95 billion, which added to the P0.06 billion revaluation of onshore dollar bonds due to peso deprecia-

LOW PRESSURE AREA 165 KM EAST SOUTHEAST OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY, SOUTH COTABATO SOUTHWEST MONSOON AFFECTING PALAWAN as of 4:00 pm - July 3, 2019

tion,” the BTr said.

The government’s external debt for May this year of P2.659 trillion also posted an increase of 10.4 percent compared to the P2.408 trillion reported in the same month for 2018, and also posting a growth of 3 percent compared to the April 2019 level of P2.581 trillion.

“For the month, higher external debt can be attributed to the effect of currency fluctuations of both the United States dollar and third-currency denominated debt amounting to P6.14 billion and P10.09 billion, respectively,” the BTr added.

Under the government’s external debt in securities, US dollar bonds See “May debt,” A2

to the outbreak of the fatal pig disease.

“The German company, ProFood, admitted that it imported pork from Poland and part of the importation was shipped to the Philippines,” Piñol said in a Facebook post Wednesday evening.

“BAI Director Dr. Ronnie Domingo said this was a serious violation which warranted the banning of all pork shipments from Germany,” he added.

A l l Ger man meat shipments in t ra nsit wou ld st i l l be a llowed to enter t he countr y but

‘Solar panels to cut P24-B govt power bill’

wou ld be subjected to ma nd ator y inspect ion.

The order also directs the BAI to suspend the processing and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance for meat imports from Germany effective on July 1.

“There have been lapses in the inspection system of Germany to ensure the export of safe food for the Philippine market. There is a need to prevent the entry of ASF virus to protect the health of the local swine industry,” Piñol said in the order.

DEL ROSARIO RESIGNS FROM FIRST PACIFIC

By VG Cabuag

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

S

ENATE President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto is batting for the installation of solar panels in state-owned buildings to reduce government’s P24-billion annual power bill.

In a statement, Recto on Wednesday noted that government buildings “consume at least P24 billion worth of electricity a year,” adding that the amount is “growing by P1 billion annually.”

This, Recto said, prompted him to file a bill calling for the installation of solar power systems in public buildings.

He reported that the government’s electric bill reached P24 billion in 2017, of which P11.4 billion was incurred by national government agencies while P12.6 billion was racked up by local governments.

“To compare, national agencies and local governments paid a total of P19.5 billion in 2012, which means that their total electric bill rose by almost a quarter in five years,” the senator said, adding: “If your monthly electric bill is P2 billion, you must find a way to reduce this.”

The senator suggested that “tapping the sun for electricity in a tropical country is good economics, good for the environment and good for education” adding that “a 5-percent drop in the electric bill will result in P1.2 billion savings annually, an amount that can build more than 1,000 classrooms.” At the same time, Recto harped on solar energy’s green credentials, explaining that “it does not generate greenhouse gases such as carbon, nor emit particulates that are the bane of fossil fuels.”

Solar in schools

RECTO recommended installing solar panels in public schools, saying this “will not only provide power to classrooms, but also skills and training to senior high-school students who are enrolled in the technical-vocational track, as well.”

The senator cited reports that 4,000 schools are energy-starved largely because they are far from power grids.

He added that due to the advent of computerization and the expansion of night classes in urban schools, the Department of Education’s electricity bill soared by 137 percent between 2012 and 2017, from P951 million to almost P2.3 billion.

National government hospitals have also seen their power consumption spike by 50 percent between 2012 and 2017, when they paid almost P1.2 billion.

Recto said the installation of solar power systems on the roof of school buildings, grounds of military camps, state college campuses, “is not rocket science as both the technology and price have been democratized.”

The senator stressed “it is a complementary and supplementary source. The building is still connected to the grid.”

Recto pointed out that“during calamities when the grid is down, it can independently generate electricity—maybe not enough to meet the demand of a building, but having little is better than none at all.”

The senator’s proposed “Solar Energy in National Government Offices Act” provides the mechanism for an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable supply of power from solar energy systems in the bureaucracy.

It also sets a timetable for the minimum share of solar power in government electricity consumption, setting an ambitious 10 percent during the pilot phase.

He added that another benefit of having solar panels in government properties “and seeing them work is that they will serve as demonstration units that will show the public that this clean and cheap source of power is viable.”

“The temporary suspension is for the protection of Philippine consumers pursuant to the Food Safety Act,” he added.

Germany is now the 19th country to be disallowed from shipping meat products to the Philippines as Manila intensifies its quarantine measures against ASF, which could wipe out the P200-billion local hog industry.

The Philippines purchased over 88 million kilograms of meat from Germany last year, making it the second top source of meat imports, BAI data showed.

@villygc

F

ORMER Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario has resigned from his non-executive director’s post from the board of First Pacific Co., citing constraints to his role in the company from his “personal advocacies.”

Del Rosario, who last month was banned from entering Hong Kong to attend a business meeting of First Pacific, said his resignation became effective on July 1.

He said he resigned “due to poor health as he approaches the age of 80 years and other constraints, such as, his increased involvement in a number of personal advocacies which makes it difficult for him to continue to serve as a director of the company,” First Pacific said in its disclosure to Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Del Rosario is also director of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., an affiliate of First Pacific.

He is a staunch critic of the Chi-

nese encroachments at the West Philippine Sea. He was denied entry in Hong Kong on June 19 and was sent back to the Philippines.

It was during del Rosario’s watch at the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2013 when the Philippines filed a complaint against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, citing China’s “excessive” maritime claims as embodied in its nine-dash-line policy of claiming nearly all of the South China Sea. “Ambassador del Rosario confirmed that he has no disagreement with the board and that he is not aware of any matter relating to his resignation that needs to be brought to the attention of the shareholders of the company and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited,” First Pacific’s disclosure said.

“He also confirmed that he has no claims against the company whatsoever, whether in respect of fees, remuneration or compensation for loss of office,” it said.

Suspected food poisoning downs 231 in Pasig City

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

O

Correspondent

VER 200 guests who attended the 90th birthday celebration of former First Lady Imelda Marcos were rushed to hospitals in Pasig City on Wednesday after experiencing symptoms of food poisoning.

The Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council rushed to the Ynares Sports Complex.

It said that as of 3 p.m. a total of 231 individuals were hospitalized.

All ate chicken adobo with hardboiled egg during the party.

Clark power. . .

Continued from A1

As such, they can be deemed by the Department of Energy (DOE) as qualified to participate in its electricity open access scheme, under which they will be given the right to choose their own retail electricity supplier.

These power providers can come from anywhere in the country and can compete for qualified New Clark City locators in need of the supply. They should also be provided with a level playing field under the DOE’s competitive selection process (CSP).

The competition body is of the view the CSP will ensure retail electricity in New Clark City is competitive and that it will prevent the joint venture firm from dominating the market.

The Meralco-Marubeni Consortium is composed of Meralco, Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corp. and power distributors Kansai Electric Power Co. and Chubu Electric Power Co. Marubeni; its

According to the Eastern Police District, the birthday party started around 11 a.m. Most of the attendees were Marcos loyalists.

According to police and responders, the patients experienced dizziness and vomited after eating the adobo served to them.

The Philippine Red Cross sent eight ambulances and personnel to give first aid to the victims before they were brought to the hospitals.

Authorities said around 2,500 people attended the birthday party. Despite the incident, the party of the former first lady still continued. consolidated subsidiaries are engaged in the handling of products and provision of services in the areas of import and export.

New Clark City, a 9,450-hectare area located 100 kilometers north of Metro Manila, is slated to become the first smart, green and sustainable metropolis in the Philippines.

The National Government Administrative Center will be situated there.

The NGAC will house the backup offices of several government agencies to ensure their operations are uninterrupted in times of man-made and natural calamities.

The NGAC will also feature the sports facilities to be used for the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in November.

The construction of New Clark City is in line with the Duterte administration’s economic policy of spreading growth to the regions. By building infrastructure outside of Metro Manila, the government seeks to attract investments and create jobs in rural areas, which, in theory, should decongest the capital.

News

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday, July 4, 2019 A9

Pentagon: China’s missile DOH targets 9-M test in SCS ‘truly disturbing’ learners in measles

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HE US denounced as “coercive acts” Chinese anti-ship missile tests in the disputed South China Sea (SCS), underscoring continued strategic tensions between the two Pacific powers even as they restart trade talks.

China fired at least one missile into the sea over the weekend and was expected to continue testing through a launch window that continued until Wednesday, NBC News reported on Tuesday, citing anonymous US officials familiar with the matter. Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Dave Eastburn said the tests near the Spratly Islands represented a “truly disturbing” violation of President Xi Jinping’s 2015 statement that China “does not intend to pursue militarization”

in the water body.

“The PRC’s [People’s Republic of China] behavior is contrary to its claim to want to bring peace to the region and obviously actions like this are coercive acts meant to intimidate other SCS claimants,” Eastburn said in a news statement issued on Wednesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang referred questions about the incident to the military.

The Ministry of National Defense didn’t immediately respond to a

faxed request for comment.

Navigation Rights

THE missiles could be used to target US warships that occasionally assert free-navigation rights by sailing close to occupied Spratlys features, including a May 6 patrol by two destroyers. The US rescinded China’s invitation to multinational military exercises last year after revealing the country had deployed missile batteries on reclaimed reefs.

The launch occurred while US President Donald J. Trump was in the region for a series of summits including a meeting with Xi, in which the two leaders decided to

resume trade talks. The economic dispute has helped surface a host of strategic differences between the two sides, including American complaints that China’s military moves pose a threat to navigation in the vital shipping lane.

China asserts control more than 80 percent of the SCS, overlapping with the claims of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

“We have no firsthand knowledge about it,” Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a text message on Wednesday. “We will conduct our own inquiry and will decide later what to do if proven correct.” Bloomberg News

The PRC’s [People’s Republic of China] behavior is contrary to its claim to want to bring peace to the region and obviously actions like this are coercive acts meant to intimidate other SCS claimants.”—Eastburn

Bill bans construction of ‘photobomber’ structures near landmark, historical sites

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

T

O protect the country’s historical shrines, monuments and landmarks, a lawmaker has a filed a bill prohibiting developers from constructing edifices that could possibly ruin the view and sight line of historical areas.

House Bill 102, or the proposed Cultural Property Sightline Act, filed by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman refers to cultural property as all product of humans by which the people and a nation reveal their identity including, but not limited to, national historical shrines, monuments and landmarks, as declared by the

National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

The bill refers to a national historical landmark as a site or structure that is associated with an event or achievement significant to Philippine history as declared by the commission.

It mandates the local government units (LGU), where any of cultural properties are located, to pass an ordinance that would provide for the exact measurements of the size, height and other relevant physical attributes of subject cultural properties in order to protect their designated views and sight lines.

The measure said the appropriate LGU is also authorized to

condemn, demolish and abate at the expense of the violator the offensive building or structure.

In his explanatory note, Lagman said the construction of the condominium building Torre de Manila, which stands 870 meters to the rear of the monument of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, stirred a hornet’s nest in 2014.

He said the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Park Development Committee and the Knights of Rizal, among other groups expressed grave concern over the condominium construction.

“Protesting netizens labeled the building as a photobomber.

It obstructs the skyline even as it distracts the viewers from remembering Rizal’s heroism and martyrdom at Luneta, and the dire effect of Spain’s colonial rule,” Lagman said.

The imperative of a national legislation that will obviate the recurrence of Torre de Manila issue, he added.

In this regard, the lawmaker said the bill seeks to expressly prohibit any construction of realestate development that could ruin the view and sight line of any national shrine, monument, landmark and other historic edifices and structures by amending the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2008.

Police arrests four DOST harnesses technology apps to upgrade in fraudulent sale hazard, risk assessment ‘in a click of a button’ of property in Caloocan City T

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

F

OUR suspected members of a land grabbing syndicate were nabbed by detectives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit (AFCCU) in Caloocan City.

The suspects were identified by Lt. Col. Bayani Razalan, AFCCU chief, as Annaliza Mendez, 40; Mary Grace Madrideo, 30; Roberto Mazarate, 55; and Giovanni Ignacio, 35, who were all arrested while reportedly in the act of receiving the marked money amounting to P550,000.

The suspects were arrested at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the vicinity of 3G Notary Public, Zapote Street, Maligaya Park, North Caloocan.

A report submitted to CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Amador Corpus, the operation was carried out following the complaint lodged by Noel Pagtakhan against the syndicate members operating in Camarin, Caloocan City, and responsible in the fraudulent selling of properties in the guise of being the lawful owners of a property.

The suspects were brought to the CIDG for documentation and proper disposition while a case for Violation of Article 315 in relation to Article 312 and Article 8 of the Revised Penal Code (Estafa Committed in Collusion with Others) will be filed against them. Rene Acosta

@jonlmayuga

HE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will launch on July 16 “HazardHunterPH,” a mobile application that will help the user identify the various geological hazards in the Philippines.

Interviewed during the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Technology Media Conference in Makati City, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistant Secretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Renato Solidum Jr. said the mobile application technology is a first in the world and will help individuals avoid tragic deaths in the event of disaster using their smartphones.

“I am excited about this new technology because HazardHunterPH will show the user the various hazards in a particular area, like for instance, his house, school or office,” said Solidum, also the acting director of Philvocs.

The DOST team presented the HazardHunterPH project output to Malacañang on Monday and

it was approved for launching in time for the National Science and Technology Week celebrations that will focus on the local science community’s efforts and initiatives on addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Essentially, one click in any point, the app will assess the various hazards. Flood, liquefaction, storm surge, earthquake, how far it is from fault, flood area. If you want to prepare as an individual [or as a] family, you will have an assessment of any area,” he said.

According to Solidum, the app will be very useful for everyone—whether national or local government, law enforcement authorities, first responders, businessmen, real-estate developers, property buyers, or a simple individual wishing to keep himself or herself and his/ her family safe from disaster.

The HunterHazardPH, which had cost the government P40 million to develop, can be downloaded for free and is designed to be user-friendly, he said.

“The spin-offs of this program is beyond hazard risk assessment. It also aims to assist various agencies to enhance the various disaster risk reduc-

tion management and climatechange actions,” added Solidum, The technology, he said, was developed as part of the DOST’s various technology development initiatives to reduce the risk of disaster in the face of the worst impacts of climate change.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said the Technology Media Conference aims to popularize the various technologies developed by the various agencies of the DOST. Among the technologies highlighted during the presentations were the Lightning Detection and Warning System, which determine whether it is safe for ground aircraft operations during inclement weather events where lighting is prevalent.

It uses two types of alerts: The yellow lightning alert, which generally means that only constant monitoring is advised and red lighting alert, which is a warning to suspend airport ground operations like aircraft ground servicing, towing of aircraft, cargo, and baggage, as well as the embarkation/disembarkation of passengers until further notice due to continuous lighting strikes within 9 kilometers from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

vaccination drive

HEALTH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III leads the ceremonial launch of the government’s measles immunization vaccination drive for close to 10,000 learners at the Signal National High School in Taguig City. NONOY LACZA

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

A

T O TA L o f 9, 913,0 32 learners will be inoculated with the measles vaccine, as the Department of Health (DOH) launched its free sc hool-based immu ni zat ion (SBI) to provide children, as well as adolescents, greater protection against common childhood diseases.

For the 2019 SBI, schoolchildren from kindergarten to Grade 7 (K to 7) are the target population to be vaccinated.

“School-based immunization is a strategy for reaching older children and adolescents,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said, adding that it is a catch-up opportunity for children who have missed their scheduled vaccinations.

Duque also encouraged mothers a nd ca reg ivers to ava i l themselves of the government’s school-based immunization.

While vaccines given during infancy provide children a good start in life, giving vaccines to older children will ensure that they continue to be protected against life-threatening diseases when they reach adult age.

The DOH’s SBI program aims to reach more children, especially with the yearly increase in the number of enrollees.

SBI was piloted in 2013 in selected provinces and cities nationwide. In August 2015, the DOH, in collaboration with Departments of Education (DepEd) and the Interior and Local Government (DILG), successfully conducted the vaccination of learners in 38,688 public schools nationwide, providing a second dose for measles and booster doses for diphtheria and tetanus. This became a yearly activity since 2015 when August was declared SBI month.

According to Duque, this year’s school-based immunization aims to provide all publicschool learners enrolled in Kindergarten to Grade 7 a second opportunity for measles and rubella vaccine.

The program will also provide Grade 1 and Grade 7 learners nationwide with booster doses of tetanus-diphtheria.

The health chief stressed that only lear ners w ith parental consent will be vaccinated after a quick health assessment and eva luation of t hei r i m mu n i z at ion st at u s against measles.

S B I p r e - i mp l e m e nt at io n started June 2019, while actual vaccination using selective strategy will be until September 2019.

“Let us provide our children the much-needed protection against disease. Vaccination works,” Duque said.

Wage hike remains uncertain for Eastern Visayas workers

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

T

HE regional wage board said the possible minimum-wage hike in Eastern Visayas this year is still uncertain.

Citing its initial public consultations, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region 8 said the wage hike may still need additional inputs before deciding if it will grant additional pay hike there.

“We cannot tell yet as of now, but maybe, depending on the results of the consultations, our workers here in Eastern Visayas may get wage increase this year,” RTWPB-

Region 8 Chairman Yahya A. Centi said in a news statement.

RTWPB-Region 8 has already conducted five public consultations on the issue.

The first four public consultations was held in Ormoc City, Maasin City, Naval, Biliran, and Calbayog City, and Catarman earlier this year.

The latest consultation was conducted on Tuesday at Northern Samar. The last is scheduled to be held in Borongan City on July 5.

The last wage order in Eastern Visayas took effect on June 25, raising minimum-wage rates there from P245 to P285, to P275 to P305.

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In the ad material of Notice of filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on June 27, 2019, the Company name and Address of Messrs. Yu, Haiyuan, Huang, Youwei, Liu, Xiaobo, Cai, Haojie, Wang, Jintao and Mesdames. Wang, Jinling, Zhang, Yanqiu, Wang, Taotao should have been read as TRANSCOSMOS INFORMATION SYSTEMS INC. located at Unit 4101, 41/F, PBCOM Tower, Ayala Ave., Bel-Air, Makati, Metro Manila and not as published.

If you have any information / objection to the above mentioned application/s, please communicate with the Regional Director thru Employment Promotion and Workers Welfare (EPWW) Division with Telephone No. 400-6011.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Editor: Efleda P. Campos

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, July 4, 2019

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19 electric co-ops borrowed ₧395M from NEA to stay afloat N

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

INETEEN electric cooperatives (ECs) availed of loan assistance worth P395 million from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) as of end-June this year, the state firm said on Wednesday.

Among those ECs that availed loans were those operating in Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Tarlac, Laguna, Occidental Mindoro, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Ticao Island, Capiz, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Sulu, Siasi, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Island and Surigao del Sur. The NEA said the amount would be used to bankroll the EC’s capital expenditure projects and working capital requirement.

These include construction of sub-transmission and distribution lines, substations, office buildings, rehabilitation and upgrading of distribution system and mini hydro power plant, and acquisition of vehicles and other logistical support.

The loan assistance is part of the fast-track lane being implemented by the NEA, which has supervisory powers over 121 ECs in the country as mandated under Republic Act 10531.

The NEA said it also extended P10 million in calamity loan to support the rehabilitation works of the Abra Electric Cooperative. The amount was meant to finance the rehabilitation of the distribution system and other facilities of Abreco that were damaged by Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) last year.

A calamity loan is payable in 10 years with a maximum grace period of one year at 3.25 percent interest rate per annum. The processing time is seven days “For this year, the NEA has targeted P450 million for its financial assistance to ECs through various loan windows. The amount is lower compared with last year’s P1.7 billion target. Despite this, the NEA continues to find ways to assist our ECs in the implementation of their electrification projects,” NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong said.

Globe taps Aboitiz InfraCap, Frontier Tower in telco buildup in 3 key areas

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

G

LOBE Telecom Inc. has tapped Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. and Frontier Tower Associates Philippines (FTAP) Group to “explore the possibility of leasing build-to-suit sites, towers, and other passive telecommunications infrastructure and facilities” in Cebu, Davao and Olongapo.

Ernest L. Cu, the president of Globe, said this new memorandum of understanding is “in support of the common tower initiatives” of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“Tower sharing is a means to address the demand for better Internet experience. Our collaboration with tower experts will enable us to fast-track the construction of cell sites and towers in unserved and underserved areas, as well as congested urban centers,” he said.

This deal, Aboitiz InfraCapital COO Cosette V. Canilao said, will increase the existing coverage and capacity of the local telecommunication industry, as the towers that will be built by the group will also be leased to other players.

“Our partnership with Globe represents a significant first step in our effort to ramp up the country’s connectivity through infrastructure. Through the new common towers that will be built, Aboitiz InfraCapital, in partnership with FTAP, aims to build the right infrastructure that will advance the digitalization of businesses and communities,” Canilao said.

Patrick Tangney, who chairs FTAP, added that his group will be able to support the “anticipated changes” in the telco sector.

“We are confident that, in partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital, we can offer the best one-stop solution for telecom operators in the Philippines, and that we can facilitate comprehensive and rapid development of infrastructure for use by Globe, as well as eventually other operators,” he said.

Globe is the first Filipino telco to tap independent tower operators for its network buildup. Just last month, it signed a deal with Isoc Infrastructure Inc. and edotco Group Sdn. Bhd. for development of passive infrastructure in Calabarzon.

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PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

July 3, 2019

Net Foreign Stocks Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Buy (Sell) FINANCIALS ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE BDO LEASING COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

58.1 139.4 78.2 27.35 11.98 71.5 13.2 55 57.95 27.4 170 62 1.27 2.4 18.72 4.82 1.35 0.48 765 0.98 191.5 1760 1.12

58.5 139.5 78.5 27.4 12 71.9 13.24 55.1 58 27.5 170.5 62.1 1.3 2.43 18.82 4.85 1.39 0.495 790 1 191.8 1810 1.2

57.5 139 79.1 27.5 11.76 72.65 13.2 52.45 58 27.4 170 61.85 1.34 2.42 18.72 4.85 1.39 0.495 770 1 191.8 1760 1.2

58.5 140 79.8 27.5 12.04 72.65 13.24 56 58 27.4 170.9 62 1.43 2.43 18.72 5 1.39 0.495 770 1 192.5 1760 1.22

57.5 138.8 78.2 27.3 11.74 71.5 13.2 52.45 58 27.35 169.6 61.2 1.27 2.42 18.72 4.8 1.35 0.48 765 0.97 191.8 1760 1.12

58.5 139.4 78.2 27.4 11.98 71.5 13.2 55 58 27.4 170 62 1.3 2.43 18.72 4.85 1.39 0.49 765 1 191.8 1760 1.12

14200 4067050 2714150 100700 1548600 3208920 60800 879260 30 8400 1099170 139490 1056000 26000 600 102000 24000 382000 200 91000 1280 10 135000

825000 566331495 214695589.5 2760380 18514588 231534258 803002 47920346 1740 230115 187328285 8622835 1445360 63140 11232 495130 33030 184610 153500 89710 245585 17600 158910

INDUSTRIAL ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO MANILA WATER PETRON PETROENERGY PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER AGRINURTURE CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV ALLIANCE SELECT GINEBRA JOLLIBEE MACAY HLDG MAXS GROUP MG HLDG PEPSI COLA SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VICTORIAS CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CEMEX HLDG DAVINCI CAPITAL EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP HOLCIM MEGAWIDE PHINMA TKC METALS VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA EUROMED LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR IONICS SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG

1.35 37.5 0.265 27.2 85.8 386.6 25.5 5.95 4.52 2.4 11.98 38.8 6.5 14.84 17.02 14.84 6.07 10.5 7.77 105.1 0.82 61.15 285 9.38 14.34 0.187 1.8 13.7 1.41 4.9 0.127 170.5 1.25 2.48 105.3 121 3.14 5.14 15.6 10.98 13.56 18.74 9.29 1.22 1.41 2.06 1.75 4.26 3.31 4.9 40.65 2.61 10.3 1.74 1.16 17.22

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL AYALA LAND LOG ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG MJC INVESTMENTS METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES SEAFRONT RES TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

1.01 13.04 901 56 15.68 3.97 7.02 0.74 1.31 1.34 6.79 10.3 13.9 0.237 869 6.45 67.5 6.03 4.5 0.48 3.99 15.46 0.63 2.6 4.86 0.039 1.51 1.37 994 175.6 0.82 2.41 263.2 0.232 0.33

1.36 37.55 0.27 27.25 86 387 25.6 5.96 4.7 2.41 12.1 38.85 6.55 14.98 17.46 14.96 6.1 10.52 7.8 107 0.83 61.2 285.4 9.64 14.36 0.194 1.82 13.8 1.42 4.93 0.133 171.4 1.26 2.6 105.5 125 3.15 5.3 15.7 11 13.6 18.8 9.46 1.25 1.42 2.1 1.76 4.3 3.38 5.06 41 2.62 10.36 1.75 1.18 17.28

1.38 36.55 0.265 26.95 85.3 387.8 25.5 5.96 4.56 2.36 12 39.25 6.54 14.62 16.62 15 6.11 10.54 7.66 106.7 0.84 61 285.8 9.5 14.26 0.188 1.85 13.88 1.45 4.9 0.133 167.4 1.27 2.5 123 150.8 3.04 5.14 15.6 11.1 13.6 19 9.29 1.26 1.46 2.08 1.75 4.25 3.43 5 41 2.58 10.2 1.74 1.17 18.26

1.38 37.5 0.275 27.25 86.4 387.8 25.55 5.97 4.69 2.42 12.1 39.3 6.56 15 17.5 15 6.11 10.58 7.85 107 0.84 63.5 286 9.8 14.4 0.188 1.91 14 1.46 4.9 0.133 171.6 1.27 2.6 123 150.9 3.21 5.14 15.8 11.18 13.6 19.1 9.29 1.26 1.48 2.09 1.75 4.26 3.45 5.06 41 2.64 10.3 1.76 1.18 18.26

1.35 36.4 0.26 26.9 85.3 385.4 25.4 5.93 4.45 2.33 12 38.8 6.48 14.62 16.62 14.84 6.07 10.48 7.66 105 0.82 61 284.8 9.3 14.24 0.188 1.76 13.6 1.4 4.9 0.124 167 1.25 2.49 101 120 3.03 5.14 15.58 10.96 13.48 18.5 9.29 1.22 1.4 2.06 1.75 4.25 3.4 5 40.5 2.58 10.06 1.69 1.16 17.06

1.35 37.5 0.27 27.2 86 387 25.5 5.95 4.69 2.4 12.1 38.85 6.55 15 17.48 14.84 6.07 10.5 7.77 107 0.83 61.15 285 9.64 14.36 0.188 1.8 13.7 1.4 4.9 0.127 170.5 1.25 2.6 105.5 125 3.15 5.14 15.7 11 13.6 18.8 9.29 1.25 1.41 2.09 1.75 4.26 3.4 5.06 40.6 2.62 10.3 1.74 1.16 17.28

441000 1982400 6030000 2122900 328640 116490 737700 557300 53000 14038000 34600 1205400 119500 935000 1400 1312000 25700 2022200 1353000 263860 1641000 144510 311030 66200 302000 150000 13105000 1029700 161000 7428000 490000 1356280 800000 29000 76350 24260 12304000 200 71000 809100 412400 1178300 100 485000 21564000 160000 74000 4000 43000 17000 4900 9183000 205000 1278000 459000 432000

597850 73547570 1623550 57611030 28264838 45075646 18826785 3318084 239710 33422970 417700 47251285 777334 13952486 24002 19586630 156390 21258490 10536918 28113846 1358210 8960307.5 88683192 638472 4321002 28200 24079940 14217744 227970 36397200 61780 230224855 1003180 72430 8505488 3199482 38612550 1028 1110520 8930986 5595702 22096888 929 600840 30979380 331920 129500 17010 146980 85060 198835 23895630 2099814 2209350 532940 7,556,912(

HOLDING & FRIMS 1.02 13.08 903 56.15 15.7 3.98 7.05 0.76 1.32 1.37 6.81 10.5 14.02 0.245 870 6.48 67.85 6.35 6.49 0.49 4 15.58 0.65 2.9 4.87 0.04 1.53 1.38 995.5 176.3 0.85 2.47 265 0.235 0.34

1.06 13.34 901 55.8 15.84 3.89 7.04 0.73 1.32 1.34 6.8 10.54 14.08 0.236 861 6.4 68.5 6.35 4.5 0.495 4.1 15.3 0.65 2.8 4.86 0.039 1.68 1.38 996 178.9 0.85 2.48 264.4 0.23 0.335

1.09 13.38 903 56.45 15.88 3.98 7.05 0.76 1.35 1.34 6.86 10.56 14.08 0.245 893.5 6.5 68.65 6.35 4.5 0.495 4.14 15.58 0.66 2.8 4.88 0.041 1.87 1.39 997.5 178.9 0.87 2.48 267 0.234 0.335

0.98 13.06 899.5 55.6 15.7 3.86 7.04 0.73 1.31 1.33 6.79 10.3 13.88 0.236 856 6.4 67.1 6.35 4.5 0.48 4 15.28 0.63 2.7 4.85 0.039 1.48 1.38 981.5 175.6 0.81 2.41 261 0.23 0.325

1.02 13.06 903 56 15.7 3.97 7.05 0.74 1.32 1.34 6.79 10.3 14.02 0.245 869 6.48 67.5 6.35 4.5 0.48 4 15.58 0.63 2.7 4.87 0.039 1.53 1.39 994 175.6 0.85 2.41 265 0.232 0.33

80353000 45600 754370 1943300 3564900 9063000 2300 465000 2193000 1123000 889000 1951500 32300 40000 107320 268400 1159510 100 600 440000 1119000 2970100 2843000 8000 19052000 11100000 14212000 144000 673840 382370 132000 7000 4270 820000 5720000

83792020 600244 679340045 108967935 56324266 35687190 16214 343960 2905460 1496040 6047104 20360658 450240 9530 93238420 1729544 78626533.5 635 2700 212500 4552760 45763832 1815780 21700 92706220 435600 23225830 199180 671228025 67348269 110780 17220 1122078 190160 1897900

7605 103156744 -12186733.5 -520780 -5719016 -43265845 19152804 1740 -38360 -51184618 2150356 4840 -145800 3836 -2400 55199.9998 16758919.9999 52000 21765205 185190 25640482 3576905 623456 -2546490 -1795365 -660296 -895516 -21311 11760135.9999 -766802 -1312493 3290650 22237406 -9620 27358 -3905890 -11280516 -0 17800 43236389 38750 113610 3207170 463584 3793858 -1090118 -565069.9997 62000 445320 10400 -20400 101000 -7387120 203578.0001 2,172,897.9997) 2546310 26601300 -12897940.5 -502130 482680 3650 981560 548846 -2340064 -83720 4152260 -396160 22217257 49000 -2519340 -6878310 -926650 62120250 8200 -2780 139391170 2430175 -482536 -79550

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.97 0.98 0.92 1.03 0.9 0.98 100882000 92532600 -69457170 ANCHOR LAND 11.02 11.34 11.02 11.34 11.02 11.34 2200 24276 AYALA LAND 51.75 51.8 51.75 52.35 51.55 51.75 8364750 433115915 111021002.5 ARANETA PROP 2 2.05 2.06 2.06 2.06 2.06 30000 61800 BELLE CORP 2.28 2.34 2.33 2.34 2.28 2.28 1288000 2,950,750( 2,352,260.0002) A BROWN 0.83 0.84 0.85 0.86 0.84 0.84 1516000 1280410 CITYLAND DEVT 0.91 0.92 0.94 0.94 0.88 0.91 816000 737060 21840 CROWN EQUITIES 0.238 0.24 0.238 0.242 0.238 0.238 40000 9560 CEBU HLDG 6.08 6.15 6.15 6.35 6.15 6.35 7200 44320 -38170 CEB LANDMASTERS 5.04 5.05 5.05 5.06 5.03 5.04 476300 2403409 615854.0001 CENTURY PROP 0.61 0.62 0.62 0.64 0.61 0.62 30442000 19022920 19560 CYBER BAY 0.46 0.47 0.46 0.475 0.46 0.46 1880000 874350 DOUBLEDRAGON 25.35 25.4 25.2 25.85 25.2 25.4 351500 8972230 2358030 DM WENCESLAO 9.85 9.89 9.89 9.9 9.76 9.85 57300 563911 116452.0001 EMPIRE EAST 0.475 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 210000 100800 FILINVEST LAND 1.87 1.88 1.88 1.89 1.86 1.87 28686000 53745980 -20066800 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.4 1.41 1.4 1.41 1.4 1.4 1045000 1465030 8990 HLDG 15.54 15.56 15.46 15.56 15.4 15.56 302700 4683212 -389212 PHIL INFRADEV 1.82 1.84 1.88 1.9 1.82 1.82 3265000 6021360 -2489100 CITY AND LAND 0.81 0.83 0.82 0.83 0.8 0.83 685000 556440 MEGAWORLD 6.1 6.11 6.2 6.24 6.09 6.1 12311800 75829157 8661369 MRC ALLIED 0.35 0.355 0.355 0.36 0.35 0.35 19310000 6831850 -1050900 PHIL ESTATES 0.465 0.48 0.465 0.47 0.465 0.47 3530000 1641500 PRIMEX CORP 2.2 2.23 2.28 2.28 2.2 2.23 812000 1816860 22100 ROBINSONS LAND 26.5 26.7 26.1 26.9 26.1 26.7 3559400 95015365 34905200 PHIL REALTY 0.405 0.415 0.405 0.415 0.405 0.415 710000 291200 12300 ROCKWELL 2.18 2.21 2.17 2.25 2.17 2.18 265000 578390 -2240 SHANG PROP 2.98 3.02 3.04 3.05 3.02 3.02 56000 170610 STA LUCIA LAND 1.91 1.93 1.95 1.96 1.91 1.91 979000 1898250 SM PRIME HLDG 38.05 38.1 37.85 38.3 37.85 38.05 10875400 413639345 -38485855 STARMALLS 6.2 6.3 6.47 6.47 6.2 6.2 130500 823732 SUNTRUST HOME 0.75 0.78 0.75 0.78 0.74 0.75 48000 35810 12750 VISTA LAND 7.1 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.1 7.14 3522800 25122948 -1285662

SERVICES ABS CBN 17.2 17.22 17.28 17.28 17.2 17.22 157100 2706866 GMA NETWORK 5.33 5.38 5.38 5.39 5.33 5.33 153300 820349 MANILA BULLETIN 0.53 0.54 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.53 258000 135540 GLOBE TELECOM 2236 2238 2216 2238 2214 2236 56875 126820030 44880640 PLDT 1256 1272 1290 1290 1256 1256 53050 67255680 1710975 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.044 0.046 0.047 0.047 0.047 0.047 2000000 94000 IMPERIAL 1.92 2 1.98 2.05 1.9 2 114000 222350 ISLAND INFO 0.118 0.119 0.119 0.119 0.117 0.118 1410000 166400 -1190 ISM COMM 6.77 6.78 6.81 6.81 6.7 6.78 5694100 38419533 -232541 JACKSTONES 3.01 3.11 3.04 3.17 3 3.17 30000 90560 NOW CORP 2.67 2.68 2.7 2.71 2.62 2.67 1816000 4863780 -75710 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.39 0.395 0.39 0.4 0.39 0.395 5890000 2301400 PHILWEB 3.77 3.78 3.58 3.77 3.55 3.77 3583000 13297410 254390 2GO GROUP 11.12 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.12 11.12 25900 289044 1114 ASIAN TERMINALS 20.75 21.15 21.15 21.15 20.75 20.75 4100 86675 -59220 CHELSEA 8.57 8.59 8.75 8.8 8.4 8.57 3304300 28425110 1999107 CEBU AIR 91 91.05 90.25 91.1 89.05 91 215530 19579419 -2286215.5 INTL CONTAINER 146.1 146.5 146 146.9 144.7 146.5 1085240 158916099 36022927 LBC EXPRESS 14.06 14.48 14.2 14.48 14.02 14.48 1700 24154 7100 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.84 0.86 0.88 0.88 0.83 0.86 858000 726000 20620 MACROASIA 19.32 19.38 19.18 19.4 19.1 19.38 806100 15577896 11523394 METROALLIANCE A 1.55 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 20000 32000 PAL HLDG 9.1 9.35 9.35 9.35 9.15 9.15 13500 123905 14025 HARBOR STAR 2.24 2.25 2.23 2.29 2.23 2.25 1502000 3390370 -35480 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.057 0.058 0.057 0.058 0.057 0.057 28330000 1628390 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.06 2.21 2.22 2.22 2.22 2.22 1000 2220 GRAND PLAZA 9.66 10.98 12 12 12 12 800 9600 WATERFRONT 0.74 0.75 0.74 0.76 0.74 0.75 3123000 2346470 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.98 7.22 7 7 7 7 1200 8400 FAR EASTERN U 890 895 890 890 890 890 500 445000 IPEOPLE 9.2 10.1 10.08 10.08 10.08 10.08 100 1008 STI HLDG 0.74 0.76 0.75 0.75 0.74 0.75 2056000 1540270 393500 BERJAYA 2.68 2.72 2.77 2.77 2.68 2.72 859000 2320130 70420 BLOOMBERRY 11.68 11.7 11.74 11.74 11.54 11.7 14386700 168231800 -11878280 PACIFIC ONLINE 3.1 3.12 3.11 3.17 3.09 3.1 250000 779560 -473220 LEISURE AND RES 3.74 3.75 3.76 3.8 3.63 3.75 2306000 8523600 40280 MANILA JOCKEY 3.15 3.27 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 13000 41600 PH RESORTS GRP 5.4 5.55 5.45 5.56 5.32 5.55 86200 476062 -37240 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.78 0.79 0.78 0.8 0.78 0.79 468000 368360 -120230 TRAVELLERS 5.48 5.5 5.47 5.52 5.45 5.49 580000 3187028 METRO RETAIL 2.59 2.6 2.51 2.64 2.51 2.59 4845000 12536400 1161839.9998 PUREGOLD 44 44.4 44.75 44.9 44 44 539100 23837645 -4105035 ROBINSONS RTL 76.95 77 75.2 77.95 75.2 77 2475270 190510550.5 16661817 PHIL SEVEN CORP 128 136 125 125 125 125 70 8750 SSI GROUP 3.42 3.45 3.5 3.52 3.42 3.42 5598000 19268340 2732120 WILCON DEPOT 16.96 17 17.02 17.28 16.84 16.96 1173800 19935700 -8005490 APC GROUP 0.495 0.5 0.5 0.51 0.49 0.495 4934000 2443755 EASYCALL 10.06 10.08 10.18 10.6 10.06 10.08 126700 1288236 -10180 GOLDEN BRIA 400.4 410 400.2 410 400 410 1500 611734 IPM HLDG 5.75 5.9 5.8 5.85 5.75 5.75 11500 66550 PAXYS 2.89 2.97 2.91 2.92 2.88 2.89 318000 923520 -84390 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.93 0.94 0.89 0.95 0.86 0.93 75285000 68800380 111830 SBS PHIL CORP 8.99 9.27 9 9.08 8.99 8.99 1499000 13488785 -12508160

MINING & OIL ATOK 10.68 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 300 3750 APEX MINING 1.22 1.23 1.23 1.24 1.22 1.22 1969000 2419890 -466990 ABRA MINING 0.0017 0.0018 0.0018 0.0018 0.0018 0.0018 319000000 574200 BENGUET A 1.2 1.25 1.2 1.25 1.2 1.25 35000 42050 BENGUET B 1.15 1.33 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 6000 6840 -6839.9999 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.28 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 400000 116000 -115999.9999 CENTURY PEAK 2.79 2.8 2.78 2.8 2.78 2.8 203000 566420 94860 DIZON MINES 7.8 7.86 7.85 7.89 7.62 7.85 9100 70980 FERRONICKEL 1.5 1.51 1.54 1.54 1.5 1.51 6585000 10023990 44080 GEOGRACE 0.219 0.226 0.226 0.226 0.219 0.219 470000 104160 LEPANTO A 0.106 0.112 0.119 0.119 0.106 0.106 17780000 1967330 LEPANTO B 0.115 0.119 0.122 0.122 0.114 0.119 1640000 192520 24400 MANILA MINING A 0.0075 0.008 0.0075 0.0078 0.0075 0.0078 12000000 90300 MANILA MINING B 0.0076 0.0081 0.0085 0.0085 0.0085 0.0085 7000000 59500 -59500 MARCVENTURES 1.25 1.26 1.24 1.44 1.2 1.25 145150000 177897240 218610 NIHAO 1 1.03 1.01 1.08 0.99 1.03 595000 610240 357000 NICKEL ASIA 2.26 2.3 2.32 2.35 2.24 2.3 2556000 5876040 1057409.9997 OMICO CORP 0.54 0.56 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 25000 13500 10800 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.9 0.91 0.89 0.96 0.88 0.9 2734000 2489530 PX MINING 3.54 3.59 3.63 3.69 3.54 3.54 631000 2287540 576830 SEMIRARA MINING 23 23.3 23.7 23.75 23 23 1117600 26122190 412940 UNITED PARAGON 0.0065 0.0067 0.0064 0.0067 0.0064 0.0067 27000000 176900 ORNTL PETROL A 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 27400000 330700 ORNTL PETROL B 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 2000000 24000 PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 12800000 134900 PHINMA PETRO 4.7 4.76 4.63 4.79 4.6 4.79 23000 107440 PXP ENERGY 7.4 7.48 7.52 7.62 7.3 7.48 830000 6158520 130330

PREFFERED

AC PREF B1 456 482.8 480 480 456 456 10420 4840020 AC PREF B2 490.2 495 490.2 490.2 490.2 490.2 30 14706 ALCO PREF B 100 101 100 100 100 100 6000 600000 DD PREF 98.1 99 98.1 98.1 98.1 98.1 160 15696 SMC FB PREF 2 960 979 960 960 960 960 690 662400 FGEN PREF G 103.1 107.3 107.4 107.4 104.5 104.5 30100 3145711 GTCAP PREF A 865 900 880 900 856 900 320 282810 GTCAP PREF B 855 900 900 900 900 900 200 180000 PCOR PREF 2A 991 995 992 992 990 990 100 99020 PCOR PREF 3A 1005 1010 1005 1010 1005 1005 2145 2156200 PCOR PREF 3B 1007 1008 1006 1008 1006 1008 390 392900 SMC PREF 2B 74.8 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 90 6795 SMC PREF 2C 76.1 76.8 76 76.8 76 76.8 10300 782816 15200 SMC PREF 2D 73 73.55 73 73 73 73 4700 343100 SMC PREF 2E 72.5 73 73 73 73 73 13800 1007400 SMC PREF 2F 73.85 74 74 74 73.75 73.75 37240 2753519 SMC PREF 2I 73.7 73.9 73.7 73.7 73.7 73.7 3300 243210 -

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

16.72 5.4

16.8 5.49

16.8 5.49

16.8 5.49

16.72 5.49

16.72 5.49

138900 300

2326494 1647

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.86

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ITALPINAS 4.85 XURPAS 1.15

1.91

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.86

171000

318590

-

4.88 1.16

4.86 1.14

4.89 1.16

4.84 1.13

4.88 1.16

139000 4318000

674730 4952170

-9760 90750

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

120.2

-1839294 -

121

120.2

121

120.1

121

22360

2705140

-

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PPA ready to open new CDO passenger terminal on July 15

T

HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will inaugurate the passenger terminal building of the Port of Cagayan de Oro on July 15 with a ranking official saying the new facility will help boost economic and tourism opportunities for the province.

With a floor area of 5,597 square meters and a capacity of almost 3,000 passengers per day, the new passenger terminal building is touted to be the “biggest seaport” terminal in the Philippines.

“The construction of this brandnew building will greatly strengthen the region as the global gateway to Mindanao. Once we inaugurate this on July 15, we are opening Cagayan de Oro to the nation and to the rest of the world as we pursue progress for our seaports,” PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago said.

Before the new terminal, the old

facility can only accommodate up to 1,000 passengers per day.

The terminal is also equipped with the following facilities and amenities: security checkpoints with xray scanners for luggage, body scanners, security cameras, passenger boarding stations, assistance desks, designated green areas, play area for children and a child-care station.

“This is a huge step toward giving the people of Cagayan de Oro a comfortable life through enhanced connectivity,” Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Metro Retail bazaars feature products of CSR partners

A

S part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) offers its patrons various products for a cause.

Dubbed “Metro Community Bazaar,” the shopping activities are ongoing at Metro Supermarket in Market! Market! Taguig until July 8, and Metro Supermarket Alabang, Muntinlupa, and Mandaue, Cebu, until the end of the month.

Different items produced by partner-organizations of the publicly listed firm are available, including the upcycled accessories from the

Artisan Women of Tondo, an economic empowerment program supported by The Coca-Cola Co.; food products from Caritas Margins, and Moringa Tea and Powder products from GreenEarth Foundation Inc. Also featured at the event are the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Caritas Segunda Mana, Coca-Cola Philippines, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Philippine Red Cross and St. Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center.

Timely to the National Corporate Social Responsibility month, this project is done in cooperation with

Top Mega Global exec believes in sharing best practices via Harvard Alumni Group OPM

MEMBERS and officers of the Harvard Alumni Group include Robert Yupangco, Ben Chan, Paul Co, Jen Uy, William Tiu Lim, Pinky Tobiano, Tony Tan Caktiong, Wils Chua, Roswell Limsui, Juancho Robles and Lloyd Balajadia.

T

HE Harvard Business School OPM (Owner/ President Management) Group is composed of the top Business School’s alumni who attended the Executive Education program designed to equip the owners and presidents of companies to take their leadership expertise to the next level.

In the Philippines, the group was established in 2007 with over 50 members. It inducted its 2019 officers at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel on June 29, with Mega Global Corp. President and CEO William Tiu Lim as its new president.

Mega Global Corp. is the leading manufacturer and distributor of canned goods, the company behind Mega Sardines, the No. 1 Sardines Brand in the Philippines, and other high-quality, valuefor-money products, namely Mega Creations Premium Sardines, Mega Tuna and Mega Prime Canned Vegetables.

With the scope of his business and its continued expansion, Tiu Lim said the program has empowered him better as an industry leader.

“The Harvard Business School program for OPM, which I took back in 2015, has enabled me to strategize better for my company, expanding and learning how to sustain the business over time, even with concepts such as succession planning.

It opened my mind to be global and apply different strategies in global or business-to-business perspectives,” Tiu Lim explained.

Tiu Lim has been a Harvard OPM Philippines member since 2017. He said it has helped him to continue learning even after graduating from the Harvard program.

“Among the notable activities and pro-

grams that I have joined in the organization are the case study sessions, where we had roundtable-open discussions on timely and relevant situations. Here, in programs that we take turns to host, we all learn from each other. The added value is that we network and benefit from all the ideas that are put forth, where each member brings in their own expertise. These equip me with new strategies for advancement.”

Networking is another aspect that he enjoys from his membership to the Harvard OPM group.

Activities and events are a time for all the owners and Presidents from major enterprises to gather together and meet as fellows who live and do business at their highest levels.

As he takes over from former President Pinky Tobiano of Qualibet Testing Laboratories, Tiu Lim and his board of officers composed of OPM Vice President Danny Ibasco of Fortman Cline Capital Markets, Jen Uy of Waltermart Supermarket Inc. as secretary, Raj Uttamchandani of Esquire Financing as treasurer with Juancho Robles of ChanRobles and Co. as auditor, and Carol Dominguez of John Clements Consultants Inc. as press relations, promise to strengthen those networking abilities between members and even grow them as they invite new and active alumni members to join in.

The officers will also be active in seeking alliances with other organizations within the Harvard Business School or Alumni Associations, with the thrust of setting up investors and giving scholarships toward the Harvard Business OPM program.

Vicsal Foundation Inc., the nonstock, nonprofit private organization that champions the CSR initiatives of the Vicsal Group of Co., which incorporates MRSGI. Cebu-based MRSGI posted a 65-percent increase net profit to P148.8 million in the first quarter of this year, from P90.2 million during the same period in 2018.

Net sales reached P7.7 billion, or 10.9 percent higher than P6.97 billion for the first three months last year.

The retailer’s improved performance could be attributed to the

MUTUAL FUNDS

opening of three new stores in the second half of 2018 and the reopening of Metro Supermarket Ayala Center Cebu.

Same store sales also grew by 3.8 percent from January to March of 2019.

For over 30 years, MRSGI has served Filipino consumers through its 54 stores spread across Central, Western and Eastern Visayas, as well as in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and South Luzon.

It has three store formats: A department store, a supermarket and a hypermarket. Roderick L. Abad

July 3, 2019

NAV ONE YEAR THREE YEAR FIVE YEAR Y-T-D

PER SHARE RETURN* RETURN STOCK FUNDS ALFM GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 269.83 8.69% -0.05% 1.4% 6.99% ATRAM ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 1.6666 15.5% 8.16% 3.38% 15.67% ATRAM PHILIPPINE EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 4.1714 6.24% -0.18% 0.48% 6.88% CLIMBS SHARE CAPITAL EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND CORP. -A 0.9633 10.75% N.A. N.A. 6.91% FIRST METRO CONSUMER FUND ON MSCI PHILS. IMI, INC. -A 0.8885 9.39% N.A. N.A. 8.26% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN EQUITY FUND,INC. -A 5.5697 9.47% 0.89% 1.15% 5.62% MBG EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND, INC. -A 122.1 13.25% N.A. N.A. 5.11% ONE WEALTHY NATION FUND, INC. -A 0.8964 7.62% -3.78% N.A. 7.14% PAMI EQUITY INDEX FUND, INC. -A 53.3869 11.53% 0.76% N.A. 8.46% PHILAM STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 554.71 9.84% -0.21% 1.15% 7.77% PHILEQUITY DIVIDEND YIELD FUND, INC. -A 1.3514 11.38% 1.65% 3.56% 7.77% PHILEQUITY FUND, INC. -A 39.6405 11.97% 2.34% 3.04% 8.21% PHILEQUITY MSCI PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,3 1.0694 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILEQUITY PSE INDEX FUND INC. -A 5.4164 12.6% 1.69% 3.4% 9.23% PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND CORP. -A 904.54 12.63% 1.41% 3.36% 9.19% SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 0.9453 13.03% 0.83% N.A. 9.92% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE EQUITY FUND, INC. -A 4.4202 12.3% 1.57% 2.8% 8.9% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND, INC. -A 1.0391 12.06% 1.35% N.A. 8.89% UNITED FUND, INC. -A 3.8086 10.66% 3.3% 3.58% 8.79% EXCHANGE TRADED FUND FIRST METRO PHIL. EQUITY EXCHANGE TRADED FUND, INC. -A,C,2 121.1082 13.08% 2.32% 4.43% 9.35% ATRAM ASIAPLUS EQUITY FUND, INC. -B $1.0131 -1.72% 7.02% 0.22% 9.04% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY WORLD VOYAGER FUND, INC. -A $1.3108 2.78% 9.95% N.A. 18.6% BALANCED FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ATRAM DYNAMIC ALLOCATION FUND, INC. -A 1.762 7.79% -1.23% -0.96% 6.71% ATRAM PHILIPPINE BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 2.3432 5.34% 0.11% 1.03% 6.07% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN BALANCED FUND INC. -A 2.6923 7.33% 0.14% -1.04% 5.87% GREPALIFE BALANCED FUND CORPORATION -A 1.3678 4.62% N.A. N.A. 4.87% NCM MUTUAL FUND OF THE PHILS., INC. -A 1.9567 7.48% 0.62% 1.57% 6.16% PAMI HORIZON FUND, INC. -A 3.7831 7.8% -0.54% 0.81% 7.19% PHILAM FUND, INC. -A 17.0491 8.7% -0.32% 0.86% 7.18% SOLIDARITAS FUND, INC. -A 2.171 6.7% 0.75% 2.05% 4.92% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 3.9325 9.94% 0.74% 1.87% 7.7% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2028, INC. -A,D,4 1.0298 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2038, INC. -A,D,4 1.0314 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2048, INC. -A,D,4 1.0282 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A 1.0081 10.77% 0.96% 1.51% 9.37% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES COCOLIFE DOLLAR FUND BUILDER, INC. -A $0.0375 7.85% 1.62% 2.03% 6.23% PAMI ASIA BALANCED FUND, INC. -A $0.9978 -1.18% 4.16% -0.64% 9.2% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ADVANTAGE FUND, INC. -A $3.7804 4.11% 7.01% 2.82% 14.26% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR WELLSPRING FUND, INC. -A $1.1137 4.61% 4.45% N.A. 10.27% BOND FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 350.35 3.45% 2% 2.22% 2% ATRAM CORPORATE BOND FUND, INC. -A,1 1.9004 2.07% -0.23% -0.13% 2.22% COCOLIFE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 3.0506 5.54% 5.27% 5.26% 2.5% EKKLESIA MUTUAL FUND INC. -A 2.1865 3.24% 1.02% 1.9% 2.69% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN FIXED INCOME FUND,INC. -A 2.3125 4.33% 0.96% 1.36% 4.87% GREPALIFE FIXED INCOME FUND CORP. -A P 1.6057 2.18% -1.33% 0.09% 2.64% PHILAM BOND FUND, INC. -A 4.1833 6.18% -0.13% 1.33% 6.72% PHILEQUITY PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A

3.6874 5.74% 1.1% 1.47% 4.84% SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC. -A 0.9402 4.22% -0.47% N.A. 5.5% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BOND FUND, INC. -A 2.9615 8.09% 1.41% 2.17% 7.08% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY GS FUND, INC. -A

1.6449 8.03% 0.99% 1.71% 6.82% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ALFM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $458.72 3.67% 1.77% 2.73% 2.3% ALFM EURO BOND FUND, INC. -A Є217.79 2.31% 1.49% 1.5% 2.41% ATRAM TOTAL RETURN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -B $1.1843 6.62% 1.8% 2.46% 5.21% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $0.0256 3.64% 0.93% N.A. 3.23% GREPALIFE DOLLAR BOND FUND CORP. -A $1.7154 1.41% -1.79% 0.63% 1.49% PAMI GLOBAL BOND FUND, INC -A $1.0871 5.14% -0.28% -2.03% 4.9% PHILAM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $2.3491 9.71% 1.16% 3.26% 8.21% PHILEQUITY DOLLAR INCOME FUND INC. -A $0.0592571 4.48% 1.62% 1.83% 3.96% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ABUNDANCE FUND, INC. -A $3.0876 7.22% 0.4% 2.72% 7.5% MONEY MARKET FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 123.55 3.72% 2.42% 1.94% 2.21% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A,5 1.0151 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILAM MANAGED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 1.2144 3.87% 1.72% 1.06% 2.75% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 1.245 3.72% 2.66% 2.04% 2.12% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR STARTER FUND, INC. -A $1.0282 2.15% N.A. N.A. 1.21%

A - NAVPS AS OF THE PREVIOUS BANKING DAY. B - NAVPS AS OF TWO BANKING DAYS AGO. C - LISTED IN THE PSE. D - IN NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT (NAVPU).

1 - ADJUSTED DUE TO CASH DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST JANUARY 29, 2018. 2 - ADJUSTED DUE TO STOCK DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST JUNE 5, 2018.

3 - LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 3, 2019. 4 - LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 28, 2019. 5 - LAUNCH DATE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2019.

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Angel R. Calso

The World

E.U. LEADERS BREAK 3-DAY DEADLOCK, NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR TOP POSTS

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RUSSELS—After three days of arduous negotiations, European Union leaders broke a deadlock on Tuesday and nominated German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen to become the new president of the bloc’s powerful executive arm, the European Commission, one of two women named to top EU posts for the first time.

In a series of tweets, European Council President Donald Tusk said that Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel would take over from him in the fall.

Frenchwoman Christine Lagarde was proposed as president of the European Central Bank, while Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell was nominated to become EU foreign policy chief, meaning he would be charged with supervising the Iran nuclear deal, among other duties.

Only Michel can take up his post without other formalities. The others, notably von der Leyen— who will take over from Jean-Claude Juncker for the next five years—must be endorsed by the European Parliament. The assembly sits in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday to elect its own new president, and early signs suggest that lawmakers could contest the nominations.

“It is important that we were able to decide with great unity today, and that is important because it’s about our future ability to work.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters after the nominations—decided away from the cameras and media in a long series of meetings—were made public.

Several lawmakers have already objected to the leaders’ package of nominations, and it remains to be seen whether the parliament will

flex newfound muscles following the massive turnout for EU-wide elections in May. Party leaders have said the vote has brought the assembly—the EU’s only elected institution— even more democratic legitimacy.

“This backroom stich-up after days of talks is grotesque,” said Greens group leader Ska Keller, describing the nomination process as “party power games.”

“After such a high turnout in the European elections and a real mandate for change, this is not what European citizens deserve,” said Keller, who is in the running to become parliament president on Wednesday.

Juncker, who steps down on October 31 as head of the commission, which proposes and enforces EU laws, conceded, “it won’t be easy in parliament.”

Tusk said “it was worth waiting for such an outcome” and that he would do his best to explain to what could well be a tetchy parliament on Thursday how the nominations were made and what thought processes went into the move.

“It’s always a huge question mark. This is why we have parliaments,”Tusk said, with a wry smile.

Von der Leyen would be the first woman in the commission job, and Merkel said this is “a good sign.”

So would Lagarde—currently chairman of the International Monetary Fund—and she would serve for up to eight years if her nomination is endorsed.

“That’s a very important statement that Europe leads on gender equality,” Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said. AP

BusinessMirror

Thursday, July 4, 2019

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US slaps import duties of more than 400 percent on Vietnamese steel T HE US Commerce Department imposed duties of more than 400 percent on steel imports from Vietnam, accusing some businesses of shipping products from the Southeast Asian nation to evade the levies in a further escalation of tension between the two trading partners.

In three preliminary circumvention rulings on Vietnamese steel, the Commerce Department said certain products produced in South Korea and Taiwan were shipped to Vietnam for minor processing before being exported to US as corrosion-resistant steel products and cold-rolled steel.

Customs officials have been ordered to collect cash deposits at rates as high as 456.23 percent on imports of the steel products produced in Vietnam using material from South Korea and Taiwan.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

It’s not surprising companies will try to route products through countries such as Vietnam to dodge higher duties, said Robert Carnell, Asia Pacific chief economist at ING Bank.

“It’s a no-brainer,” he said. “You increase the cost and people are going to try and find a way to avoid it. It’s human nature.”

In another case, US Customs and Border Protection is investigating six American companies for allegedly evading antidumping duties while importing and misclassifying Chinese-made carbon steel pipe fittings through Cambodia, according to the US Embassy in Phnom Penh.

The US is hardening its rhetoric against Vietnam, one of its major trading partners and an economy that’s benefiting from President Donald Trump’s trade war with China. Trump described Vietnam last week as “almost the single-worst abuser of everybody” when asked if he wanted to impose tariffs on the nation.

Vietnam says it’s working to reduce its trade surplus with the US, and is already cracking down on Chinese manufacturers who are rerouting their goods via the Southeast Asian nation for export to the US in order to bypass higher tariffs.

The US Embassy in Hanoi said this week it’s in talks with authorities and hopes “Vietnam takes steps in the near term to address our concerns in a constructive manner.”

Vietnam’s annual trade surplus with the US has exceeded $20 billion since 2014 and reached $39.5 billion last year, the highest in records going back to 1990, according to US Census Bureau data. Bloomberg News

AIR STRIKE HITS MIGRANT DETENTION CENTER IN LIBYAN CAPITAL, 40 KILLED

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ENGHAZI, Libya—An air strike hit a detention center for migrants in the Libyan capital early Wednesday, killing at least 40 people, a health official in the country’s UN-supported government said.

The air strike targeting the detention center in Tripoli’s Tajoura neighborhood also

wounded 80 migrants, said Malek Merset, a Health Ministry spokesman. Merset posted photos of migrants being taken in ambulances to hospitals.

Footage circulating online and said to be from inside the migrant detention center showed blood and body parts mixed with rubble

and migrants’ belongings.

The UN refugee agency in Libya condemned the air strike on the detention center, which houses 616 migrants and refugees.

The Tripoli-based government blamed the self-styled Libyan National Army, led by Khalifa Haftar, for the air strike and called for the UN

support mission in Libya to establish a factfinding committee to investigate.

A spokesman for Haftar’s forces did not immediately answer phone calls and messages seeking comment. Local media reported the LNA had launched air strikes against a militia camp near the detention center. AP

B4 Thursday, July 4, 2019

HYUNDAI, PGH ROLL OUT COUNTRY’S 1ST MOBILE BREAST-CANCER CLINIC SCORE A SWEET STAYCATION AT RESORTS WORLD MANILA

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ARI Foundation Inc. (HFI), the corporate socialresponsibility arm of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari), in partnership with the University of the Philippines’s Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) and the UP-PGH Cancer Institute, conducted the first medical mission of the Alagang Breastfriend mobile diagnostic clinic at the UP-PGH grounds. The mission benefited nearly 40 indigent patients on its first run.

The Alagang Breastfriend mobile diagnostic clinic, the very first of its kind in the country, will be deployed to underserved communities to impart relevant information on breast cancer and offer free screening for early signs of breast cancer. The customized Hyundai H-350 luxury van is equipped with stateof-the-art mammography and breast ultrasound facilities.

The Alagang Breastfriend (#AlagangBFF) is Hari Foundation’s flagship wellness campaign for women to take charge of their health and so continue to be a driving force for the betterment of society.

The first phase of this comprehensive breast-cancer awareness campaign consists of a donation of a Hyundai H350 luxury van customized into a modern mobile diagnostic clinic to be manned by UP-PGH doctors and personnel.

This initiative has become more relevant at a time, as the Philippines tops the list of the highest incidence of breast cancer among Asian countries. The Department of Health’s figures state that one out of every 13 Filipinas can develop breast cancer. Early detection is the key to higher survival rates.

Addressing patients and medical staff, HFI President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo declared, “We are doing something for the Filipina and, ultimately, for our nation. We value your presence here today because we see that you value your health. You want to be strong, so that you may keep on caring for the people who rely on your love and support.”

In response, UP-PGH executive director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi cited the program as “a good example for screening and preventive care” that other health institutes could

follow. “This project was realized just in time with the recent passing of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act and the Universal Health Care Act [UHC].”

The National Integrated Cancer Control Act seeks to promote the health and well-being of every Filipino; and to cut down by at least 30-percent incidences of premature death due to cancer and other noncommunicable diseases. The UHC aims to provide all Filipinos access to complete, high-quality and affordable health-care services.

In tandem with the screening procedures, a lay forum on breast cancer was held by UP-PGH Cancer Institute chairman Dr. Jorge Ignacio, whose dream is to provide charity patients the same care that a private hospital, here or abroad, can offer.

“We have so many plans for the institute,” he shares. “That is why it is very important to collaborate with the private sector, like Hyundai in the Philippines, through Hari Foundation. We make the burden of cancer awareness a shared responsibility.”

Wellness partners affirmed that this first medical mission is just the beginning of many more journeys of the Alagang Breastfriend mobile diagnostic clinic. “I look forward to have more mobile diagnostic clinics go around the country to touch more lives and so touch base with more women. I believe that the earlier you get to know your state of health, the earlier you can find a solution,” Agudo said.

The Hari Foundation, UP-PGH and UP-PGH Cancer Institute formalized the donation of the Hyundai H350 through a deed of donation signing and ceremonial turnover last October 25, in observance of Cancer Awareness Month. The partnership is an important step in fulfilling their shared goal to provide the greater part of society access to important resources and technology that may improve women’s overall well-being, and enable them to lead healthier, more productive lives.

In photo are (from left) Legaspi, Perez-Agudo and Ignacio while inspecting the mammography and breast-ultrasound facilities of the Alagang Breastfriend mobile diagnostic clinic.

AKE a break from the dreary weather with a relaxing break at Resorts World Manila (RWM), the country’s pioneering integrated resort.

Take a culinary tour around the world, through the sprawling resort’s nearly 70 dining outlets, including 11 signature RWM restaurants. Guests can also take in to the latest blockbuster hits in style at the Newport Ultra Cinema 1, where they can enjoy state-of-the-art cinema technology, plush recliner seats, unlimited popcorn and soda fountain drinks, and attentive butler service.

To make the most of their visit, guests can check out any of RWM’s seven elegantly appointed hotels, including its newest homegrown hotel brand Savoy Hotel Manila, which is celebrating one year of stylish stays with its #SavoyTurnsOne package. For only P7,000 net, guests can enjoy a threeday, two-night staycation in an essential room and more .

Available for stays until July 15, the package includes daily buffet breakfast for two, an official Savoy dog plushie, guaranteed 1:00 p.m. checkout, 10-percent discount vouchers to Savoy Hotel Manila dining outlets, and a 20-percent discount to select RWM shows, RWM’s hit musical production

Ang Huling El Bimbo, which is having its final run from July 5 until August 18.

Booking period is until July 12 only.

Guests availing themselves of the package from June 28-30 can enjoy free passes to the activity and product booths at the Savoy anniversary fair from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and to the acoustic jam featuring Princess Velasco at 8 p.m. on June 29.

Foodies will also love the Savoy Hotel

Manila’s F1esta Eats, a Filipino fusion buffet-dinner feast available every evening, until July 15 at Café Savoy, for only P1,400 net per person.

V i s i t w w w. r w m a n i l a . c o m o r download the RWM mobile companion to get updates on RWM promotions and events. Visit www.savoyhotelmanila. com.ph for b o ok i n g s a nd more information on Savoy Hotel Manila’s facilities and promotions.

ACER PRODUCES MODERN ALTOS SERVERS

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CER Philippines continues to strengthen its commercial-business segment with the latest developments in Altos computing.

The latest Altos servers pride itself on having the state-of-the-art capabilities that will help reach various enterprises reach new heights. These include: Altos T110 F4 and T310 F4. These singlesocket tower servers feature an 80 PLUS efficient power supply that runs smoothly and quietly for maximized productivity; Altos AT350 F3. This ultra dense tower server is a power-efficient solution for medium-

sized enterprises, departments and branch offices; Altos R360 F3. This dynamic system can function as a head node or used for virtualization purposes for one’s high-performance computing (HPC) and technical-computing environments; Altos R380 F3. This dynamic system can function as a head node for virtualization purposes, or as a storage system for your HPC and technicalcomputing environments; Altos W2000h-W370h F4. The 2U rackmountable form factor saves space and maximizes computing power while ensuring future-proof scale-out possibilities with four independent

nodes and up to eight Intel Xeon scalable family processors; and Altos W2200h-W670h F4. A high-density multinode server, with 2U rack-mountable form factor supporting four independent nodes, which makes it ideal for HPC computing node, in-memory database, EDA applications with CPU-intensive and memory-intensive workloads.

The business model of Altos Computing Inc. is to provide the best streamlined and costeffective integrated solutions through research and development; and working with ODM/IHV/ISV on servers, work stations, thin client, network and storage.

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The Kyrgios Experience was in full effect on Tuesday. He trailed 5-2 in the opening set and faced a pair of set points there, before coming back to grab that set. In the third set, he wasted seven chances to close it, before finally converting his eighth. Then, lead in hand, he went away for the 18-minute fourth set, outscored 24-5 in points. And for one final twist, he dominated the fifth set.

“There were a lot of ups and downs.

Five sets of tennis against Nick—anything can happen out there,” said Thompson, who has known Kyrgios since they were eight or nine and is a frequent opponent in video games. “It’s tough. But everybody that plays him knows it’s going to be tough.

He’s going to be in and out, and you’ve just got to keep your own concentration.”

Now that’s Nadal’s task. AP

IMBLEDON, England—This is quite a pair: Serena Williams is teaming up with Andy Murray for mixed doubles at Wimbledon.

Murray’s agent, Matt Gentry, said on Tuesday night that the two Grand Slam champions and former No. 1-ranked players will be partners at the All England Club.

The deadline for signing up for mixed doubles at the tournament is Wednesday morning.

When Williams appeared at her post-match news conference after a first-round victory in singles on Tuesday— which happened before the announcement that she’d play with Murray—she was greeted by plenty of questions about the possibility.

“His work ethic is just honestly off the charts. That’s something I’ve always respected about him. His fitness, everything. To do what he’s done in an era where there’s so many other great male tennis players, so much competition, to rise above it, not many people have done it. He’s actually one of the few,” Williams said. “There’s so many things to be admired. Above all, he really stands out, he really speaks up about women’s issues, no matter what. You can tell he has a really strong woman in his life. I think, above all, that is just fantastic.”

They are sure to draw plenty of attention, much more than mixed doubles normally attracts, and fill the stands— whenever and wherever their first-round match is played.

Williams, of course, is one of the most successful and famous athletes in history, someone who has transcended her sport as a global icon while winning 23 major singles championships, along with another 14 in women’s doubles with her older sister, Venus. There are even a couple of mixed doubles titles on her résumé, with Max Mirnyi at both Wimbledon and the US Open, all the way back in 1998.

Murray, meanwhile, is one of Britain’s biggest sports stars, forever known as the person who ended the locals’ 77-year wait for a homegrown men’s singles champion at the All England Club.

In addition to that 2013 triumph, he won Wimbledon again in 2016, plus the US Open in 2012, along with being the only tennis player to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals in singles.

He is limited to playing doubles at the moment as he returns from an operation for a hip replacement. Murray announced at the Australian Open in January that he thought he would need to retire this season because of pain in an already surgically repaired hip.

But following a second procedure shortly thereafter, he decided to make a comeback. Murray won the doubles title at the first tournament of his return, last month at Queen’s Club with Feliciano Lopez.

Murray is entered in men’s doubles at Wimbledon with Pierre-Hugues Herbert. AP

W IT’S just an average day in the life of Nick Kyrgios, one of the most talented, mercurial and —depending on the beholder—entertaining-slash-confounding tennis player there is. AP

KYRGIOS UP TO USUAL ANTICS AT WIMBLEDON

FANS take photos of Roger Federer during his singles match against South Africa’s Lloyd Harris. AP

Sports

Slovenia, who was born a little more than a year after Williams won the 1999 US Open.

Juvan, like Gatto-Monticone, relishes the opportunity to meet Williams.

“I’m glad I got the chance to still play with her,” Juvan said, “because she’s done so much in her career.”

This is true, of course. The thing right now for Williams is that she hasn’t been able to do much this season, in part because of an injured left knee that was a big reason Tuesday’s match was only her 13th of 2019.

Two former Wimbledon winners who have struggled this season, Maria Sharapova and Garbine Muguruza, both lost, as did a pair of major champions elsewhere, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Sam Stosur.

Sharapova, who recently returned to the tour after missing five months because of a right shoulder operation, quit while one game from defeat against Pauline Parmentier at 6-4, 7-6 (4), 5-0, blaming what she said was “a tendon in my left forearm flaring up.”

Defending champion Angelique Kerber, two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova and Ash Barty— playing her first match at No. 1 in the rankings—all won in straight sets.

The men’s bracket lost its third top-10 seed, though, when No. 5 Dominic Thiem, a two-time French Open runner-up, was eliminated by Sam Querrey of the United States.

Williams’s coach said over the weekend that the pain was gone from that knee in recent weeks and so they finally were able to prepare properly for a tournament. The lack of practice time and match play were reasons Williams pointed to after her third-round exit at the French Open.

If her knee is fine, that not only helps her cover the court, of course, but also allows her to get some extra oomph on her serve, which when at its best is the best in the game.

“I can actually use my legs now. It’s been a while,” said Williams, who pounded serves at up to 122 mph on Tuesday. “Mentally, if you’re serving without legs, you’re paranoid [about] hurting your shoulder, so you take a little pace off.... Now that I can actually use my legs, it just all feels better.”

To get to match point, Williams smacked a swinging forehand volley winner, then pumped both arms, leaned forward and screamed.

Asked about that vigorous celebration, Williams explained that she feels as if “every match counts like several matches” because she is trying to make up for lost time.

“That was just something that I was really excited about,” she said, before referring to herself in the third person: “It’s Serena, I always get excited.”

Sounds like something an opponent might say.

hursday, July 4, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

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BusinessMirror

TO get to match point, Serena Williams smacks a swinging forehand volley winner, then pumps both arms, leans forward and screamed. AP

Nowadays, they seem to be eager to go up against her—not because they think they can beat Serena Williams, mind you, but because, well, she’s Serena Williams, and what better way to create a memory for life than to share a court with one of the, if not the, greatest in the history of tennis.

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IMBLEDON, England—Used to be that players who would dread the prospect of facing Serena Williams, especially at Wimbledon.

Nowadays, they seem to be eager to go up against her—not because they think they can beat Williams, mind you, but because, well, she’s Serena Williams, and what better way to create a memory for life than to share a court with one of the, if not the, greatest in the history of tennis.

So that’s why Giulia Gatto-Monticone, a 31-yearold qualifier from Italy making her debut at the All England Club, was thrilled when the draw put her up against Williams in the first round on Tuesday, and the schedule put them on Centre Court, to boot. So what if Gatto-Monticone fell behind 5-0 in 17 minutes and wound up losing 6-2, 7-5?

“Incredibly happy to play her,” Gatto-Monticone said afterward. “Serena is Serena.”

The whole day was, she said, “a dream come true,” filled with smiles and tears and goose bumps.

From the tour of the stadium that she, her coach, her physiotherapist and her physiotherapist’s son were given in the morning: “We went through the club

The Associated Press

By Howard Fendrich

members’ area. Just a spectacular place. Truly beautiful couches, flowers. We saw the trophies. We saw the entrance to the court,” Gatto-Monticone said.

To the match itself, which was briefly even in the second set at 5-all, prompting an Italian reporter to ask whether Gatto-Monticone wondered whether maybe she had a chance: “No,” came the reply, “I never thought that.”

To the handshake after the highlight-worthy 12-stroke exchange that capped the result, including a trade of volleys with both women at the net: “She told me I’m an amazing player. I don’t know if she really thought so, but she was so nice. I told her she’s the queen of this tournament. I thanked her.”

And then came this: Gatto-Monticone asked the 37-year-old Williams if they could pose for a selfie together.

“She was sweet, because I was panicking and I couldn’t find my phone,” Gatto-Monticone recounted.

“She said, ‘That’s fine. Don’t worry. I’ll take it with mine and post it on Instagram.’ I said, ‘Perfect!’”

Consider, too, the attitude of the next woman standing in the way of Williams’s bid for an eighth Wimbledon championship and 24th Grand Slam singles trophy overall (which is aside from her hardware in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, an event she is entering this week with Andy Murray).

That’s another qualifier, 18-year-old Kaja Juvan of

‘SERENA IS SERENA’

Quite a doubles pair: Williams-Murray

IMBLEDON, England—Nick Kyrgios delivered an underhand serve on set point at Wimbledon on Tuesday. He hit a ‘tweener lob. He dived for a volley unnecessarily. He complained about someone’s camera he found too big...and someone’s talking he found too loud...and reporters’ questions he found too silly.

In other words: It was just an average day in the life of Kyrgios, one of the most talented, mercurial and— depending on the beholder—entertaining-slashconfounding tennis player there is. And now, after his this-way-and-that, up-and-down-and-sideways 7-6 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (10), 0-6, 6-1 victory over longtime pal Jordan Thompson in an all-Australian matchup, Kyrgios will take on Rafael Nadal in the second round on Thursday.

“I mean, just because I’m different, I go about it a different way, it causes a stir,” Kyrgios said.

Kyrgios versus Nadal is intriguing as can be.

First of all, Kyrgios, then just 19 years old, burst onto the scene at the All England Club in 2014 by beating Nadal to become the youngest man to eliminate the No. 1 player at a major tournament since 2005. Add to that a public spat involving Nadal, his uncle and Kyrgios in recent months, and get the popcorn ready.

“Not sure that me and Rafa could go down to the Dog & Fox and have a beer together,” Kyrgios said, referring to a nearby pub. “I don’t know him at all.”

Nadal’s immediate response when asked about the tiff?

“I’m too old for all this stuff,” the 33-year-old said after his 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 win over qualifier Yuichi Sugita.

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Business

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OKYO—Tokyo’s new National Stadium is 90 percent completed with the opening of the Olympics just over a year away.

Media were given a glimpse inside the $1.25 billion stadium on Wednesday. It is located in central Tokyo and will be the scene of the opening ceremony on July 24, 2020. It will also be the venue for track and field, and some soccer.

Organizers say they are planning events in December to inaugurate the new stadium, which was designed by Japanese Arch. Kengo Kuma.

The new stadium design was first awarded to British Arch. Zaha Hadid, but eventually the futuristic design was scrapped by the government as the cost soared toward $2 billion.

Organizers say about 45,000 of the 60,000 permanent seats have been installed, and the grass surface should be down by the end of the month. The all-weather track will be installed in August and September.

Including the stadium, Tokyo is building eight new venues for the Olympics. The other 35 venues for the games are defined as “temporary” or older buildings that are being reused, which Tokyo organizers say has saved billions. The other centerpiece for the games will be the Olympic Village for more than 10,000 athletes being built on the edge of Tokyo Bay. The Summer Olympics don’t come cheaply, and even existing venues need extensive renovation when the Games come to town. Exact costs—what are, and are not Olympic expenses—are difficult to sort out. But Tokyo is spending at least $20 billion to get ready, 70 percent of which is taxpayers’ money. AP

Tokyo 2020 Olympic stadium 90% complete

MEMBERS of the media walk toward New National Stadium during a media tour on Wednesday. AP

Ex-NBA star Person broke in ‘NC’ scandal

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EW YORK—Lawyers for former Auburn University Assistant Basketball Coach Chuck Person said on Tuesday the 13-year National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran was broke and financially desperate when he joined a bribery conspiracy that cheated young athletes by steering them toward bribe-paying advisers and managers.

They asked a judge in papers filed in Manhattan federal court to spare him from prison in the scandal that touched some of the biggest schools in college basketball.

“Chuck recognizes that his failure to manage his money responsibly led him to make the worst decision of his entire life,” the lawyers said. “He grew up poor and suddenly came into millions of dollars without a clue how to manage it. Chuck spent too freely, gave to anyone who asked, made dreadful investment decisions, and turned to high interest loans as his financial circumstances deteriorated.”

Prosecutors say Person, scheduled to be sentenced next Tuesday, accepted $91,500 in bribes to steer top players to a government cooperator posing as a financial adviser. Sentencing guidelines call for two years in prison though three other coaches who pleaded guilty to the same charge have received leniency.

Person’s March guilty plea to a bribery conspiracy charge came nearly two decades after he was a regular presence on NBA courts, known as “The Rifleman” for lighting up scoreboards with his longrange shooting skills.

After he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1986, he went on to play for five NBA teams over 13 seasons.

In 2010 he earned a championship ring as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lawyers wrote that Person’s financial troubles intensified almost as soon as his NBA career ended when he was paying $30,000 monthly to his ex-wife while he was earning $18,000 annually in his first nonplaying role with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“Chuck’s singular focus on basketball, his failure to plan for his financial future, and his unbounded generosity ultimately had catastrophic consequences,” they wrote.

The lawyers said he knew he was violating NCAA rules, and was betraying his players and their families, and Auburn University.

By 2016, when he was an assistant coach at Auburn, where he set a record as the school’s all-time leading scorer in the 1980s, he was deeply in debt with bank loans, including one to finance a community center in his hometown, and several private loans, the lawyers said. One financial institution had obtained a default judgment, which garnished 25 percent of his wages at Auburn, they added.

“Creditors were growing impatient and Chuck was becoming desperate. Chuck could have turned to his many friends for help, but he was embarrassed and ashamed,” they said. AP

Wada delivers batch of Russian anti-doping data for possible bans

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KAEPERNICK STIRS NEW CONTROVERSY FOR NIKE N

EW YORK—Nike’s sales have only grown since it seized attention with its ad campaign featuring former National Football League (NFL) quarterback Colin Kaepernick. So, the shoemaker deferred to its star endorser when he raised concerns over a sneaker featuring an early American flag.

Nike pulled the Air Max 1 USA shoe, which included a Revolutionary-era US flag with 13 white stars in a circle on the heel. Kaepernick reached out to Nike after learning they planned to release the sneaker to explain that the flag recalls an era when black people were enslaved and that it has been appropriated by white nationalist groups, a person familiar with the conversation told The Associated Press.

The person requested not to be named because the conversation was intended to be private.

Nike decided to recall the shoe after it had been already sent to retailers to go on sale this week for the July Fourth holiday, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The decision caused an instant backlash among conservatives who accused Nike of denigrating US history, with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey tweeting that he is asking the state’s Commerce Authority to withdraw financial incentives promised to Nike to build a plant in the state.

Others expressed surprise that the symbol known as the “Betsy Ross” flag, so named after the beloved Philadelphia woman credited with designing it, could be considered offensive. Although some extremist groups appear to have appropriated the flag, it is not widely viewed as a symbol of hate, and is used in museums that focus on 18th century US history.

The Anti-Defamation League does not include it in its database of hate symbols. Mark Pitcavage, a senior research fellow for the ADL’s Center on Extremism, said extremist groups have occasionally used it, but the flag is most commonly used by people for patriotic purposes.

“We view it as essentially an innocuous historical flag,” Pitcavage said. “It’s not a thing in the white supremacist movement.”

THE Nike Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July shoes have a US flag with 13 white stars in a circle on it, known as the Betsy Ross flag. AP

HE World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has turned over evidence from 43 Russian doping cases to international sports federations, all based on the trove of data received from the Moscow laboratory that Wada scientists gained access to earlier this year.

International federations will analyze the data and decide whether to pursue the cases. In situations where they don’t, Wada has the right to bring the cases to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 43 cases are among, at least, 298 “priority cases” that Wada hopes to deliver to federations by the end of the year.

Last month, in a separate handover, Wada gave more than 100,000 computer files to the agency handling track and field cases.

Data from the Moscow lab already has led to the four-year bans of two Russian biathletes.

“The fact that we have moved to the results management phase means we are another step closer to bringing to justice those who cheated,” said Günter Younger, the scientist who spearheaded Wada’s search of the Moscow lab. “This is an excellent development for clean sport and athletes around the world.”

Nike said in statement that “it pulled the shoe based on concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation’s patriotic holiday.” The company pushed back against criticism that the decision was being “anti-American.”

“Nike is a company proud of its American heritage and our continuing engagement supporting thousands of American athletes including the US Olympic team and US Soccer teams,” Nike said.

Nike is showing consistency by listening to Kaepernick, the star of the brand’s “Just Do It” campaign last year that ultimately proved a win for the company, said Chris Allieri, founder of New York public relations firm Mulberry & Astor.

“Listening to somebody that has helped the brand in so many countless ways, it makes sense. It would be completely hypocritical for them not to listen to him,” Allieri said.

Kaepernick was the first NFL athlete to take a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality.

Some people called for boycotts after Nike featured him in a campaign last year that included a print ad featuring a close-up of his face and the words, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”

The boycott calls fizzled.

Nike’s annual sales have jumped 7 percent to more than $39 billion, according to the company’s last quarterly report. Its stock is up 12 percent since the start of the year. And Nike CEO Mark Parker has said the Kaepernick campaign inspired “record engagement with the brand,” an important goal for a company trying to strengthen its direct-to-consumer business.

Because the Betsy Ross flag is not widely considered a racist image, it’s difficult to judge whether Nike should have designed the shoe in the first place.

“Can a brand be expected to know everything possible that could be offensive? That’s probably tough, but that’s why you have to have inclusive teams,” Allieri said.

While some took to Twitter to thank Nike and Kaepernick for yanking the sneaker, several Republican politicians were quick to condemn the company.

“If we are in a political environment where the American flag has become controversial to Americans, I think we have a problem,” Sen. Mitch McConnell said. AP

Günter said it couldn’t have been done without Wada’s decision last year to reinstate Russia’s banned anti-doping agency before receiving the data, which had run counter to its earlier requirements. Russia missed a December 31 deadline to turn over the data but allowed access to the lab a few weeks later.

Wada has been evaluating the data, along with samples it has accessed, and the 298 cases are the ones with the most suspicious data.

Russian sports minister Pavel Kolobkov said “the Russian side is complying with all agreements.” AP

Cargo Movers eye 3 P OWERHOUSE F2 Logistics tries to sustain its streak when it tackles struggling Sta. Lucia in the Philippine Superliga AllFilipino Conference on Thursday at the Natalio Velez Sports and Cultural Center in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Action erupts at 4:15 p.m. with the Cargo Movers looking for their sixth straight victory.

Cignal, meanwhile, tries to bounce back when it faces Generika-Ayala in the second match at 7 p.m.

Since claiming Filipino-Spiker Kalei Mau from the disbanded United VC, the Cargo Movers were never the same again as they won their first five matches, including big wins over reigning champion Petron and heavy contender Cignal.

Against the HD Spikers, the Cargo Movers showed that they are capable of regaining the crown.

Mau fired only 10 points, but it didn’t matter as other stars

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HE Blu Girls faltered anew against another hometown American team, the USA Under-19 Women’s National Team, 7-0, in the USA Softball International Cup on Tuesday at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Georgia.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls failed to get their offense going against pitcher Megan Faraimo who claimed a shutout win. She didn’t surrender a run on two hits over five

orts

sMirror

Thursday, July 4, 2019

WRIGHT ON TARGET FOR FUEL MASTERS T

HANKS to Matthew Wright, Phoenix has suddenly righted its campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup. With the 28-year-old Wright producing import-like numbers, the Fuel Masters have won back-to-back games to climb at the .500 mark and stay in contention for a berth in the eight-team playoffs.

Wright averaged 30.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in the team’s victories over top teams NorthPort and Barangay Ginebra to emerge the unanimous

Tan bags Masters youth bowling championship

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ERWIN TAN bagged the Masters youth championships in the 51st Singapore International Open 2019 over the weekend, proving his early success in the 20th Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships in Malaysia was no fluke.

Tan, 19, claimed the championship by rolling 1,687 pinfalls in eight games to beat Malaysian Megan Zaqrul Haiqal by five pins.

Japanese Keita Tokushia settled for third place with 1,657 pinfalls at the Singapore Bowling Tamasek Club in Rifle Range, Singapore.

The country’s emerging national junior bowler supported by the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF) won last April the boys’ singles gold in the Asian Youth Championships followed by the men’s open masters title in the recent Philippine International Open in Mandaluyong City.

I’don’t want to put pressure on Merwin but he is favored to win the title because of his performances in the last few months Head Coach Biboy Rivera, said.

Bea Hernandez, meanwhile, came out short by seven pins (1,667) in the girls’ youth masters to settle for second place against winner Yuen Hui Shan Natalene (1,674) of Singapore. Another Singaporean, Tay Kai Lin Arianne, finished third with 1,643 pinfalls.

The other members of the team were Alexis Sy, Liza del Rosario, Kenzo Umali, Grace Gella, Kenneth Chua, Lara Posadas, Dyan Coronacion, Patrick Nuqui, Mades Arles, Raoul Miranda, Enzo Hernandez, Rachelle Leon, Alyssa Ty, Norel Nuevo, Emerson Gotencio and Kayle Abad.

choice as the PBA Press Corps-Cignal Player of the Week for the period June 24 to July 1.

The Phoenix top gun was the only player who garnered votes out of the seven others who vied for the weekly citation.

The other candidates for the honor were Mark Barroca and Paul Lee of Magnolia, Jericho Cruz of NLEX, Columbian Dyip rookie CJ Perez, and the Barangay Ginebra trio of Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio, and Japeth Aguilar.

Wright had 28 points, five rebounds, and six assists as the Fuel Masters toppled erstwhile leader NorthPort, 97-87.

But Wright reserved his best against

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ILAS Pilipinas Youth suffered its heaviest beating—64-90 at the hands of Russia—at the close of the group stage of the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) Under-19 World Cup on Wednesday in Heraklion, Greece.

The Filipinos almost pulled massive upsets against host Greece and Argentina but the match against the Russians was just too tough. The Gilas boys’ foes posted multiple double-digit leads that went to a high of 30 with two minutes remaining.

Dave Ildefonso paced the team with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Kai Sotto was still steady with his 14

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“We have a timetable. Top Rank is negotiating a fight with WBC [World Boxing Council] champion Juan Francisco Estrada. But we’re looking at three names, including Andrew Maloney [Australia, 20-0] and Alexandru Marin [Romania, 18-0],” Jimenez said.

Of the three, both Ancajas and Jimenez agreed that Estrada is the most significant fight for the Filipino champion, who is 31-1-2 with 21 knockouts.

“That’s the fight that we want,” said Jimenez in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The other world titles at 115 pounds are held by Kazuto Ioka of Japan (World Boxing Organization) and Khalid Yahai of the United Kingdom (World Boxing Association).

LOOK WHO’S VISITING PACQUIAO Manny Pacquiao hits the bag with

impunity and later welcomes former fierce rival Erik Morales at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California. Pacquiao fights American Keith Thurman for the World Boxing Association super welterweight belt on July 20 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

PHOTO COURTESY BY WENDELL ALINEA

3rd consecutive win vs Lady Realtors like Ara Galang, Aby Maraño and Majoy Baron shone to tow F2 Logistics to an easy 25-22, 25-19, 25-14 victory.

Still, F2 Logistics Coach Ramil de Jesus is far from satisfied.

“It’s not about the record. Yes, we have a perfect card so far, but we’re still playing in the eliminations. It’s still a long way to go,” said de Jesus, who led the Cargo Movers to the All-Filipino title in 2017.

“I told the team to keep on playing hard. The playoffs will be a different ball game so we have to build momentum in this early part of the conference.”

On the contrary, the Lady Realtors are bleeding for form.

After wining over rookie team Marinerang Pilipina in the opener, the Lady Realtors greatly struggled that prompting them to absorb four consecutive loses despite a star-studded roster of MJ Philips, Amy Ahomiro, Rebecca Rivera, Amanda Villanueva and Pamela Lastimosa.

Their last game was very forgettable as the Lifesavers crushed them, 12-25, 23-25, 26-28, in front of a banner crowd at the Cadiz City Arena in Cadiz City.

But de Jesus won’t take the Lady Realtors lightly.

“We prepared for Sta. Lucia the way we prepared for Cignal,” said de Jesus, an 11-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion mentor for De La Salle University.

“We will be ready for them.”

ANGELI ARANETA and Sheeka Espinosa keep the ball alive as Generika-Ayala crushes Sta. Lucia, 25-12, 25-23, 28-15, to claim its third straight win on Tuesday afternoon at the Cadiz City Arena.

BLU GIRLS FALL TO U.S.A. U-19 TEAM innings and struck out nine.

“We came here for a specific purpose to prepare our team for the 2020 Olympics qualifiers. We will treat won games here as bonuses in this tournament,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president and

Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO. It was the third straight setback for the Philippines in the 10-team event.

The Blu Girls, ranked No. 13 in the world, will next face Mexico.

TESSA JAZMINES tessa4347@gmail.com

PART OF THE GAME

MMA stars in ONE:DOH

RUSSIA TOO MUCH FOR PHL

ANCAJAS AIMS HIGHER AT 115 LBS ILIPINO boxing champion Jerwin Ancajas, who once dreamed of winning a title even at the regional level, is now aiming to become the undisputed world champion at 115 pounds.

Ancajas, 27, is the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion and has defended the crown seven times since winning it in 2016. His next fight will come either late September or early October.

“When I was starting out, I dreamed of winning a regional belt. Now, I’m a world champion. I hope I can unify the belts if I’m blessed,” Ancajas told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Amelie Hotel-Manila.

His trainer, Joven Jimenez, said details of his next fight should be known in a week or two.

MATTHEW WRIGHT is the Player of the Week.

Barangay Ginebra, erupting for 32 points to rally back Phoenix from a 14-point deficit to eke out a 111-103 victory.

The Fil-Canadian gunner scored five points in the final five minutes of the game, none more clutch than the fadeaway jumper he buried with 1:44 left and gave Phoenix a 106-102 lead.

The twin victories evened the Fuel Masters’ record at 4-4 as they climbed in the middle of the standings entering the homestretch of the eliminations. They next face Columbian Dyip on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

points, seven boards and six blocks for Gilas Youth.

The huge loss dropped the Philippines to the bottom Group C. Still, the team advanced to the Round of 16 but with a colossal task of facing world No.4 Serbia on Thursday.

Russia sprung to a 7-0 lead right from the get-go and built a 49-30 advantage at half time.

The match turned uglier for the Filipinos in the closing minutes when the Russians erected an 89-59 lead on a drive by Aleksandr Shcherbenev with 1:20 left.

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Aleksandr Ershov topscored for Russia with 21 points that went with his six rebounds and four assists. Three of his teammates scored in double-digits, led by Nikita Mikhailovskii who had 16 points on four triples.

Against Serbia, the Filipinos are the obvious underdogs especially without injured big man AJ Edu. Serbia opened the group phase with a 106-57 destruction of China, then edged Puerto Rico and France.

Ramon Rafael Bonilla

Cool Smashers on track to snatching 3rd straight crown

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REAMLINE took a step closer to a crack at a third straight championship in the Premier Volleyball League, charging back strong early in the fourth frame on their way to posting a 26-24, 25-21, 23-25, 2520 victory over PacificTown Army in their semifinal clash in the Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.

The Cool Smashers bucked the tough-fighting Lady Troopers in the first two sets then recovered from a third set defeat and a 7-9 deficit in the fourth with a fiery windup behind Thai import Kuttika Kaewpin, Venezuelan Ale Blanco, Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Michelle Gumabao and Risa Sato to hack out the win and gain the headstart in their best-of-three series.

The crisp-hitting Kaewpin finished with 21 points, all on attacks, including key hits in the first two sets and a couple more in the fourth that helped secure the victory for the Cool Smashers, who moved three wins away from defending the crown they won over the PayMaya High Flyers last year.

The victory also put to naught PacificTown Army import Olena Lymareva-Flink’s stirring 31-point game and extended Creamline’s run to 10, counting the nine in the double round elims following an opening game setback to PetroGazz last May 26.

Blanco backed Kaewpin with 19 hits while Alyssa Valdez chipped in 12 points and Sato, Gumabao, Galanza and Kyle Negrito combined for 17 markers for the Cool Smashers, who also pounced on their rivals’ miscues, scoring 30, seven more than they yielded in the onehour and 42-minute match.

Jia Morado produced 20 of Creamline’s 22 excellent sets against PacificTown’s 20, including 13 from Sarah Jane Gonzales.

Royse Tubino fired 14 points but PacificTown’s other reinforcement Jenelle Jordan finished with just 10 markers and Jovelyn Gonzaga chipped in four hits for the Lady Troopers, who lost by seven in their spiking battle, 51-58, but had more blocks, 7-6.

The Cool Smashers, who also swept the 2018 Open Conference crown, go for a sweep of the Lady Troopers on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Aside from their vaunted firepower, the Cool Smashers showed their poise in a duel of spurts, pulling through in a number of scoring runs that marked the first two sets although they fell short coming back from 11-19 down in the third and forcing a 22-all count.

PacificTown Army import Lena Lymareva-Flink scored on a hit and the Lady Troopers regained a two-shot cushion on Blanco’s net violation.

Creamline saved matchpoint on PacificTown miscue but Flink scored on an off-the-block hit against Blanco to extend the game.

Coming into the match brimming with confidence following a sweep of their rivals in the eliminations, the defending champions found the Lady Troopers a tough nut to crack, needing an extra point in the first set and a strong finishing kick in the next.

The Lady Troopers actually put up a tough challenge but just couldn’t pull it off with a spate of errors down the stretch in the first two sets, miscues which the Cool Smashers parlayed into victories to gain a 2-0 set lead.

IT’S still a month away, almost to the day, but the next ONE Championship fight scheduled in Manila is already making a lot of buzz in the martial arts subculture.

Billed as “the greatest night in Philippine martial arts history,” ONE: Dawn of Heroes boasts of a stacked card described as “epic” and MMA fans are definitely going to have a field day on Friday, August 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

For the record, here are the fights in store: a World Title showdown between newly crowned ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World champion Jonathan Haggerty and fierce Thai competitor Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the main event; a battle between lightweight mixed martial arts icons Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and four-time world champ Eddie “The Underground” Alvarez”; two ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix semifinal bouts between 12-time Flyweight World Champion Demetrious Johnson and DEEP Flyweight World Champion Tatsumita Wada, plus another one between Philippine Lakay phenom Danny Kingad and ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat Akhmetov of Kazakhstan. Then, a ONE Featherweight semifinal bout between former ONE world champion Honorio Banario of the Philippines versus deadly knockout artist Timofey Nastyukin of Russia.

The Pinoy heroes are well known even to new mixed martial arts fans. But the international fighters are something to get excited about, as well. Definitely going to make a splash is the young and spectacular Haggerty, 22, from England who is just 15 bouts into his professional career. He got into muay thai at the tender age of 7 and got his first bout at 8. Evolving into a phenomenal striker, he racked up multiple amateur achievements in muay thai to win English and British titles and ultimately became a European champion. After turning pro, he dominated his way across the globe, knocking out almost every opponent to date on the way to becoming a Roar Combat League World Champion.

Haggerty made a stunning debut in ONE Championship, by defeating Muay Thai World Champion Joseph “The Italian Stallion” Lasiri last April. He then dispatched legendary Muay Thai World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in May 2019 to snag the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title, which he is laying on the line in the main event against the tricky Thai, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, on August 2.

For his part, Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jotmuangnon is full of both kinetic and bottled up energy that’s ready to explode any minute.

Even younger than Haggerty at 21, he has already had more than 300 professional bouts. Like Haggerty, he started young, fighting his first muay thai bout in a small Southern Thailand village and conquering it, at just 8 years old. Unlike Haggerty, he has a humbler background, with the family income coming from his parents’ work in a rubber tree farm that provided neither daily wages nor job security. These challenging circumstances spurred Rodtang on to help out, with martial arts as the golden provider. Now, Rodtang has become one of the biggest names in muay thai. His heavy hands, tenacity and explosive style have stunned audiences in many countries, including Manila where he outclassed intercontinental Muay Thai champion Fadi Khaled from Tunisia in January 2019 in ONE: Hero’s Ascent.

For Rodtang, applying pressure is everything in the ring. This approach has helped him a great deal in his career, but that’s an area where Haggerty has proven successful too. When these two men’s styles meet, fans should get ready for an action-packed affair.

Folayang’s opponent, Eddie Alvarez, is a martial arts legend.

Formerly from UFC, this four-time champion is the first and only fighter to have won championships in Bellator MMA and UFC. Exciting to watch, Alvarez grew up in Kensington, one of the roughest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. A wrestling standout in high school, he used martial arts as a way to build a better life for his family and turned pro as early as he could. Having conquered Bellator and UFC, he is now deadest on adding the Asian circuit among his conquered territory.

At ONE: A New Era in Japan last March, Folayang lost his ONE Lightweight World Title via first-round submission to Shinya Aoki. On the same card, Alvarez lost his promotional debut via first-round TKO to Timofey Nastyuhkin, eliminating him from the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix. This time the two legends are out to redeem lost pride and show who is mightier in the Asian realm. Fans should look out for how the two men, both strikers, will maneuver around each other. How they defend against each other will be key.

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is another must-watch in ONE: Dawn of Heroes. An MMA superstar, this crossover from UFC is widely considered to be one of the greatest pound for pound mixed martial artists of all time. In 2018 he set a record in North America by successfully defending his title 11 times.

“DJ” advanced to the semifinal round of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix at ONE: A New Era by submitting Yuya Wakamatsu. This time he will face Tatsumitsu Wada, another Japanese, in August. Wada is the obvious underdog against Johnson who has his eyes on the Grand Prix Finals. The winner of Johnson-Wada will face the winner of the Danny Kingad-Kairat Ahkmetov fight in the flyweight final.

Akhmetov, 23-2, an impressive Greco Roman wrestler, will test Danny Kingad’s prowess in fighting right-handed opponents in the other Grand Prix semifinal. Team Lakay Coach Mark Sangiao says Kingad, a complete fighter, will be ready any which way.

Meanwhile, Honorio Banario is back in the Grand Prix loop and will face Timofey Nastyuhkin in the lightweight semi for the right to face Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev in the Final. Win or lose, the job isn’t going to be easy for both because the Russian is tough with a capital T. What a night this will be.

By Mauricio Savarese

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The Associated Press

ELO HORIZONTE, Brazil—Brazil without Neymar has proved to be better than Argentina with Lionel Messi.

In a performance that ended with “olé” chants from the crowd, Brazil beat Argentina, 2-0, on Tuesday and will play Sunday’s Copa América final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro seeking its 10th South American title.

Superstar Messi, meanwhile, remains without trophies for his national team despite showing his best performance in the tournament at the Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte.

Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at 19 minutes after a samba-style play from right-back Dani Alves. It was the striker’s first goal in the tournament.

Roberto Firmino added the second at 71 minutes assisted by Jesus in front of 56,000 fans that sang chants on Messi’s lack of trophies with Argentina and Diego Maradona’s drug problems to celebrate.

“This win is for our coaching staff,” said Alves, one of the best players of the match. “They are beaten a lot, and we dedicate this to them. I believe many people doubt us a lot, but we trust our coaching staff very much, we trust our plan, our work.”

Brazil’s opponent will be determined on Wednesday when defending champions Chile take on underdogs Peru at the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre.

Brazil and its Coach Tite were under criticism before the superclásico after an unimpressive performance in the quarterfinals against Paraguay. The hosts advanced to the semifinals on penalties after a goalless draw.

Wearing a flamboyant golden jacket, striker Neymar, who left the squad shortly before Copa América because of a right ankle injury, celebrated Brazil’s victory with friends and with far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in the stadium’s corporate boxes.

For the first time since Copa América began, Argentina repeated its starting lineup of the previous 2-0 win over Venezuela, keeping its up-front trio with Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Lautaro Martínez. He also kept central defender Juan Foyth improvised as a right-back.

But the approach against Brazil was clearly different, with the team sitting back and preparing for counters.

Brazil had two changes to face its archrivals, with midfielder Casemiro returning from suspension in Allan’s place and Alex Sandro substituting injured Filipe Luis in the left-back.

Coach Tite said his main concern to beat Argentina was to create difficulties for “the extraterrestrial,” in a reference to Messi.

“That center of the game with Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Arthur and Casemiro, was essential to control the game and not let the extraterrestrial play,” Tite said.

Still, Argentina still was first to get an opportunity to open the scoring. At 12 minutes, Leandro Paredes fired from long distance and the ball flew near Alisson’s bar.

That did not intimidate Brazil. On the first goal, Alves flicked the ball over Marcos Acuña, left Paredes behind and passed to Firmino on the right flank. With a low cross, he allowed Jesus to score only meters away from goalkeeper Franco Armani.

The visitors nearly leveled at 30 minutes, when Messi took a free kick and Agüero headed the ball onto the bar.

Brazil’s defense cleared and avoided conceding its first goal in five Copa América matches.

After the break Brazil took extra precautions by substituting winger Éverton for midfielder Willian. But that did not stop Messi and Argentina.

At 57 minutes, Messi hit Alisson’s right post from close range. He also got the rebound, crossed the ball into the penalty box, but no Argentinian was near enough to push it to the net.

To keep the pressure on the Brazilians, Coach Lionel

BRAZIL BEATS ARGENTINA

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Thursday, July 4, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

BRAZIL’S Thiago Silva celebrates his team’s victory over Argentina. AP

Scaloni substituted midfielder Acuña for winger Ángel di María. But a counter at 71 minutes punished his audacity.

Jesus stole the ball in his half of the field and bulldozed through Argentina’s left flank. Facing Armani, he gently assisted Firmino to score the final goal.

“They were more efficient, we had our chances and could not score,” said Argentina defender Nicolás Tagliafico. “We played well for some time, badly for some time.”

His coach disagrees: “By merit, the team that should have advanced to the final was Argentina,” Scaloni said.

Scaloni complained about the refereeing, saying video review should have been used in two alleged penalties. He also insisted and said that his team had heard a whistle in the beginning of Jesus’ move before Firmino scored his goal.

Asked if he agrees with the Argentine coach, Tite said: “It is only human he puts it this way. I can say Brazil

played very consistently.”

“In a big match you cannot dominate all the time,” he added.

At the end of the match, Argentina’s Paredes wept sitting on the pitch as Messi once again looked distraught.

The Brazilians celebrated with moderation after a match that could have a different ending if Argentina had found the net instead of the posts on two occasions.

Messi’s losing streak continues

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IT’S another missed opportunity for Lionel Messi to succeed with the Argentine national team. AP

ELO HORIZONTE, Brazil— Another elimination for Argentina, another missed opportunity for Lionel Messi to succeed with the national team.

Messi’s streak without a title with Argentina has been extended after a 2-0 loss to Brazil in the semifinals of the Copa América on Tuesday.

Argentina’s senior squad hasn’t won a title in 26 years, with the last one coming when Messi was five years old.

The Barcelona playmaker stood by himself and looked in despair after the final whistle at the Mineirão Stadium.

“We played a great match,” Messi said. “We put in a great effort, but they were better than us.”

The 32-year-old Messi had his best match of the tournament, leading the team and creating most of the danger for Argentina in attack. He made a few good runs and put his teammates in good position to score, but again it wasn’t enough.

It was from a Messi cross that

U.S. GALS IN WORLD CUP FINAL

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YON, France—With Alex Morgan’s cheeky tea-sipping celebration and a postgame mobbing of goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, the United States has moved a step closer to successfully defending its latest Women’s World Cup title.

Morgan scored the go-ahead goal and Naeher preserved the 2-1 semifinal victory over England by smothering a late penalty kick on Tuesday night.

The top-ranked United States will now face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between the Netherlands and Sweden in the Americans’ third straight appearance in the World Cup title match.

Christen Press—who started with Megan Rapinoe out with a hamstring injury—put the United States up early but Ellen White’s goal tied it before 20 minutes had passed.

Morgan’s sixth goal of the tournament came before the break, and on her 30th birthday. She hadn’t had a goal since she scored five in the team’s 13-0 rout of Thailand to open the tournament.

After her goal, Morgan pantomimed a sip of tea on the field.

“I feel like this team just has had so much thrown at us, and I felt that we didn’t take the easy route to the final this

Sergio Agüero hit the crossbar in the first half, and in the second the Barcelona playmaker had two chances from direct free kicks, one saved by Brazil goalkeeper Allison and another that deflected off the Brazilian wall.

He also struck the post with a shot from inside the area after halftime.

Messi complained about the refereeing, saying video review should have been used to check on a couple of noncalls that could have favored the Argentines with penalty kicks.

“Every minimum contact was a foul for them,” he said. “Hopefully Conmebol [the South American soccer confederation] will do something about these refereeing issues.

We gave everything ALEX MORGAN scores the go-ahead goal to preserve the US’s 2-1 semifinal victory over England. AP

we had, but we had things going against us.

But I don’t think they will do anything, Brazil manages everything.”

Messi’s only title with Argentina was with the under-23 squad in the 2008 Olympics.

His first major tournament with the senior squad was in the 2006 World Cup, when Argentina fell to host Germany in the quarterfinals. He lost to Brazil in the final of the 2007

Copa América, and three years later Argentina again fell to Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Messi and Argentina again couldn’t get past the last eight in the 2011 Copa América, losing to eventual champion Uruguay.

One of Messi’s best tournaments with the national team came in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when Argentina made it to the final but lost 1-0 to Germany.

He came close again in the last two editions of the Copa América, losing both finals in penalty shootouts against Chile.

Messi was one of the three veterans who lost those two finals and the one in the World Cup in 2014, along with Agüero and Ángel di María.

Messi said after the 2016 loss to Chile he would not return to the national team, but he sounded more optimistic this time, saying “Argentina has material to keep growing.”

Argentina will play the thirdplace game on Saturday in São Paulo against either two-time defending champion Chile or Peru, who will play in the other semifinal on Wednesday in Porto Alegre. AP

tournament, and that’s the tea,” she said.

White’s goal was also her sixth but Morgan has the edge for the tournament’s Golden Boot with three assists. White appeared to score her seventh in the 69th minute but video review determined she was offside—and the Americans in the crowd of 53,512 at Stade de Lyon roared.

Another video review went against the United States late in the game when it determined Becky Sauerbrunn had fouled White in the penalty area. England captain Steph Houghton’s penalty shot was stopped by a diving Naeher in the 84th minute.

It was the first penalty kick saved by a US goalkeeper in regular time at the World Cup. At the final whistle, the team mobbed Naeher in front of the goal in celebration. Rapinoe gave her a bear hug.

The mild-mannered goalkeeper was asked afterward if

it was the biggest save of her life. “Probably up there, yeah,” she said smiling.

“It’s a special team and everybody fought hard tonight for all 90 minutes. Players on the field, players on the bench, ready to come in and make differences,” Naeher said.

“Obviously Christen coming in and starting tonight and scoring a great goal was huge for us. And I think it’s just a testament to the team.”

The Americans have been to the semifinals of all eight World Cups, and they’ve won the trophy three times, more than any nation. The US team’s lone loss in a World Cup title match came to Japan in 2011.

Third-ranked England went through to the semifinals in 2015 but fell to Japan before beating Germany in the third-place match for the Lionesses’ best finish in the tournament. AP

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God of heaven and Earth

EAR God, Your mercies are new each morning. We rejoice in Your care for us and pray: Open our eyes to Your presence, oh God. You set the Earth firm in its pillars: make us zealous in our care for creation, You put water in the wilderness: proper efforts to ensure clean water for all people.

You set rivers in the wastelands: help us to clear oceans, streams and lakes of pollution. May God lead us from death to new life in Christ, by the workings of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

GIVE US THIS DAY, SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • lifestylebusinessmirror@gmail.com

Life

ADD SUCCULENT SHRIMP TO QUESADILLA AND YOU’VE GOT A PARTY D2

BusinessMirror

Thursday, July 4, 2019

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Climate of guilt: Flying no longer the high road for some ELEVEN-YEAROLD Gabriel Bjorstrand looks out of the train window on the first of many trains on a whistlestop vacation around northern Europe in Nykoping, on June 15. Gabriel says he liked train journeys because he gets to spend time with his family, especially his brother. AP

By FrAnK JorDAns & DAViD KeyTon The Associated Press

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YKOPING, Sweden—School’s out for summer and Swedish lawyer Pia Bjorstrand, her husband and their two sons are shouldering backpacks, ready to board the first of many trains on a whistle-stop vacation around northern Europe.

The family is part of a small but growing movement in Europe and North America that’s shunning air travel because it produces high levels of greenhouse-gas emissions. While experts say fighting climate change will require bigger and bolder actions by governments around the world, some people are doing what they can to help, including changing longheld travel habits.

The trend is most prominent in Sweden, where the likes of teen climate activist Greta Thunberg have challenged travelers to confront the huge carbon cost of flying.

“Even I, who was climate aware 10 years ago, didn’t think about flying in the way that I think now,” said Bjorstrand as she waits on the platform of Nykoping station in eastern Sweden. “I didn’t know that the effect of flying was so big. So we flew everywhere.”

Airlines argue that flying accounts for just 2 percent of man-made greenhouse-gas emissions and increasingly efficient planes now use about the same amount of fuel per passenger as a half-full car. Yet, the ease and falling cost of air travel is enabling more people to fly more often, meaning airline emissions are soaring even as other sources decline.

In 2013, commercial carriers emitted 710 million tons of carbon dioxide. This year, industry group International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts airlines’ emissions of CO2 will reach 927 million tons, more than an industrial country like Germany. The figures don’t include other factors that scientists say increase the greenhouse effect from flying. Planes fare particularly poorly compared with rail travel, especially in countries where trains can draw on a plentiful supply of renewable energy, like Sweden.

Bjorstrand’s train journey from Nykoping to the Danish capital Copenhagen weighs in at 2.4 kilograms (5.3 pounds) of CO2 per person, according to an online calculator created by the Germany-based Institute for Energy and Environmental Studies consultancy. That compares with over 118 kilograms (260 pounds) of CO2 for a one-way flight.

Such amounts quickly take a big chunk out of the annual carbon budget of 2,000 kilograms per person that scientists say would be sustainable.

The rail journey is almost twice as long by train— five-and-a-half hours compared with three hours of flying and transit—but that’s fine with the family.

There’ll be plenty of time for Oscar, nine, to pore over his comic books and Gabriel, 11, to read up on World War II history or just watch the lush green forests and lakes of southern Sweden glide by.

Last year, Sweden’s forests literally went up in smoke as the country experienced a heat wave that

❹

led to wildfires unprecedented in its modern history, driving home the possible consequences of global warming for this rich Nordic nation.

It was around that time that Thunberg, then a 15-year-old student in Stockholm, began staging weekly protests outside parliament that inspired similar demonstrations by teens and young adults elsewhere. Thunberg has become a celebrity among environmentalists for her heartfelt speeches, savvy use of social media and willingness to take long train journeys to attend events in Rome, Vienna or London.

In Sweden, this stance against air travel has spawned the term “flygskam,” or “flight shame.”

“I can see guilt growing,” said Bjorstrand. “Some colleagues try not to talk to me about their long-haul flights.” The main Swedish train operator, SJ, says it sold 1.5 million more tickets in 2018 than the previous year. Even the number of business travelers is up, by 12 percent in the first three months of this year.

Pushback against flight-shaming is coming from some unlikely sources.

Anders Levermann, a scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, believes that the world needs to stop adding carbon to the atmosphere by mid-century if it wants to keep average temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) as outlined in the 2015 Paris accord.

But he said the climate movement shouldn’t focus only on air travel.

“At the moment it is treated like whales for biodiversity,” Levermann said. “It’s a poster child.”

A more effective way to reduce emissions would be to pressure political leaders into taking decisions that

have a nationwide or global effect, rather than guilttripping individuals into minimizing their carbon footprint, said Levermann.

There is some hope that governments will act.

Environmental parties were one of the big winners of last month’s European Union Parliament elections.

Leaders of the 28-nation bloc will this week debate a long-term strategy on climate change, while lowerranking officials meet in The Hague to discuss taxing aviation fuel and airline tickets.

“For decades, governments have failed to regulate aviation emissions,” said Andrew Murphy, an aviation expert at Belgium-based pressure group Transport and Environment. Some pin their hopes on technological advances in aviation, including electric planes, though viable commercial battery-powered models aren’t on the horizon yet.

In the meantime, airlines are trying to address customer concerns even as they prepare to fight new emissions taxes.

“It’s obviously a hot topic and something we’re seeing particularly in the European market,” said Steffen Milchsack, spokesman for Lufthansa. The German airlines group wants to start using synthetic kerosene produced with renewable energy in coming years and recently began paying a small fee to compensate the carbon emissions caused by staff travel. Such small, voluntary payments—known as offsets—are preferred by airlines over governmentimposed taxes or carbon caps.

So far, a majority of passengers are still unwilling to pay more for flights or fly less. A survey by the German travel agents’ association, DRV, found that

only 2 percent of air travel last year was offset.

But Julia Zhu, a spokesman for Atmosfair, a German nonprofit organization, says the amount of CO2 offsets it processed rose from 550,000 tons in 2017 to 800,000 tons last year.

“The summer of 2018 was sort of a turning point,” she said. Atmosfair uses money from offsets— typically a few euros (dollars) per person for a shorthaul flight—to support small-scale carbon reduction efforts, such as buying efficient cooking stoves for families in Africa and Asia.

Zhu said companies are increasingly deciding to offset business travel, with a similar effort under way among US academics. Murphy believes grassroots efforts to fly less could ultimately have a significant impact. The aviation industry warns there might be unintended consequences.

“Those that propose traveling less are heading to a darker place,” said Paul Stein, technology chief at aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce. “We underestimate at our peril the role that aviation has in connecting our planet, our cultures, understanding each other and moving goods and services.”

Even Pia Bjorstrand isn’t prepared to give up flying altogether just yet. Last winter, like many sun-starved Scandinavians, the family took a long-distance flight. They bought carbon credits to offset the trip to Namibia. “The US or Africa or Southeast Asia, it’s hard to go by train,” she said. n Frank Jordans reported from Berlin. Mark Carlson in Brussels and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report.

Traveling: A problem-free philosophy FOR Maria Paz Alberto, planning a vacation should be as hassle-free as your perfect itinerary. The vice president of Travel Innovators Inc. (TII) recommends that the solution of a “no worries and problem-free” travel is the perfect and trusted travel agent.

A travel agent is the answer to all your woes—they will not just plan your itinerary but take time to research and give you options, and all you have to do is make the decisions on your flight, activity schedules, and accommodations. The rest is taken care of, even the rescheduling and rebooking. You finally have your peace of mind.

“A travel agent will patiently work with you in fixing your every vacation-related problem, whether its clearing up hotel reservations or booking a different flight.

In an unforeseen emergency, travel agents can provide the much-needed assistance, something that the Internet will not be able to do,” shares Alberto.

What makes TII different from any other travel agencies is that they will not only suggest the popular tourist destination to be included in your itinerary but will encourage you to take the road less traveled or the hidden local destinations that promote sustainable practices toward community-based tourism (CBT).

Under this initiative, TII and its member travel agencies are actively promoting the lesser-known but equally captivating local attractions in the countryside. These lessvisited places are tempting goals for the millennial generation whose adventures and exploits are always well-documented and freely shared on social media.

“As the lead stakeholder from the private sector, we encourage more travelers to seek out more secret spots off the beaten track, especially those areas that let travelers soak up local culture and enjoy unique experiences.

By supporting the small-scale CBT model, many local destinations have benefited from

improved livelihood and additional income that lifts marginalized communities out of poverty,” explains Alberto.

Finally, in order to achieve your travel goal, make sure the agencies you deal with are valid institutions that will not cause you any trouble when you start your journey to your dream destination—like the agencies you will find at the Travel Madness Expo 2019.

“The Travel Madness Expo 2019 is the onestop shop that opens the doors to achieving your travel goals. Take advantage of surprising deals, big discounts and competitive prices for both local and international destinations. Drop by the expo and find whatever it is that you are looking for. Make your dream vacation a reality,” says TII President and Event Organizer Raymond Tee. Get your hands on amazing deals with participating airlines, hotels, resorts, cruises, theme parks, travel accessories and travel agencies. Avail of steep discounts, exclusive

promos, great bargains and super deals on your airfare, tickets, bookings, accommodation and other travel essentials when you visit the eighth Travel Madness Expo (www.facebook.com/ TravelMadnessPH) from July 5 to 7 at Halls 1 to 4 of the SMX Convention Center.

Shown in photo during the signing contract between TII officials and major sponsors: Philippine National Bank EVP and Retail Banking Sector Head Bernardo H. Tocmo,

Philippine National Bank President and CEO Wick A. Veloso, Travel Innovators Inc. President and Horizon Travel President Raymond Tee, Philippine Airlines President and COO Jaime J. Bautista, Mastercard Philippines Country Head Rowell del Fierro, Mastercard Philippines Director Mike Miranda, Travel Innovators Inc. Vice President and Ark Travel Express Inc. President Maria Paz R. Alberto, and Travel Innovators Inc. Director Vernon Prieto.

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Thursday, July 4, 2019

Entertaining BusinessMirror

Add succulent shrimp to quesadilla and you’ve got a party TEQUILALIME Shrimp Quesadillas, the recipe for which appears in the cookbook New Essentials. AP

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By America’s Test Kitchen The Associated Press

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CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Melanie Fiona, 35; Becki Newton, 40; Geraldo Rivera, 75; Neil Simon, 91.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t let anyone limit what you can do. Listen to reason, but make up your own mind. Use your strength, courage and intelligence to help you make your mark and live life your way. Romance will relieve stress. HHH

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): An encounter you have with someone will leave you feeling down. Approach others with caution, and be willing to let everyone have his or her own opinion. Stubbornness will be what stands between you and victory. Share and avoid pressure. HHHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stick to the basics; you’ll get the most accomplished. Don’t let anyone interfere with your plans, or you will become confused and uncertain about what to do next.

Rely on what you know, not what others try to persuade you to believe. HH

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CANCER (June 21-July 22): Live and learn.

Be observant, as well as cautious, when handling financial and medical matters. Know what you are up against and act accordingly. Serious situations will require special attention and precision if you plan to reach your destination unscathed. HHHHH

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add scallion whites, garlic, chipotle, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until softened, about two minutes. Add tequila and simmer until tequila has evaporated and pan is dry, about five minutes.

Add shrimp and cook, stirring often, until cooked through and opaque throughout, about three minutes.

Transfer to bowl, stir in zest, and let cool for five minutes; drain well.

Lay tortillas on counter. Sprinkle half of cheese mixture over half of each tortilla, leaving 1/2 inch

border around edge. Arrange shrimp on top in single layer, then sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture.

Fold other half of each tortilla over top and press firmly to compact.

Arrange quesadillas in single layer on prepared sheet with rounded edges facing center of sheet.

Brush with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Bake until quesadillas begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Flip quesadillas over and press gently with spatula to compact. Continue to bake until crisp and golden brown on second side, about five minutes. Let quesadillas cool on wire rack for five minutes, then slice each into four wedges and serve. n

‘Turo-turo’ style dining at renovated Milky Way Café Rockwell MILKY Way has served Rockwell’s clientele since the Power Plant Mall opened in 2000.

A few months ago, the spot popular for Filipino fare was boarded up for renovation.

Located at Level P1 of Power Plant Mall, it reopened after six weeks with a more contemporary motif conceptualized by Hurray Interior Design Group.

“The upgrade is part of revitalizing this outlet and brand,” explains Executive Chef J Gamboa who, along with his sister Malu G. Lindo, helm the business established by their mother, the late Julie Araullo Gamboa.

While the combination of black and white with a dash of wood provides a modern feel, nostalgic accents pay tribute to the brand’s history which dates back to 1962.

A mural of Milky Way in the past dominates the wall. Next to it is a door leading to the kitchen, made of vintage wrought iron grill reminiscent of Milky Way’s first store along Aguado Street, San Miguel, Manila, across Malacañang. The furniture was custom made in Pampanga, from where the Gamboas hail.

With its expanded offerings, Milky Way Café Rockwell has become more like an extension of its main branch along Arnaiz

By Eugenia Last

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TEQUILA-LIME SHRIMP QUESADILLAS Servings: 4 Start to finish: 1 hour

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Toss Monterey Jack with cilantro and scallion greens.

Today’s Horoscope

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Don’t lose sight of your goals.

Piling too much on your plate will be what holds you back this year. Stay focused on what’s most important to you, and refuse to let what others do sidetrack you.

An aggressive approach to saving and making your cash work for you will lead to greater options and less stress. Your numbers are 7, 13, 22, 26, 33, 39, 41.

E love a simple cheese quesadilla, but add a filling of succulent shrimp spiked with tequila and lime zest, and you turn Mexico’s griddled cheese sandwich into a party.

To make them substantial enough for a meal, we started with 10-inch flour tortillas. To make four at once, we turned to the oven. By placing the quesadillas on an oiled baking sheet and then brushing their tops with oil, we were able to brown and crisp them on both sides without having to cook each individually.

To keep the quesadillas from getting soggy while ensuring juicy shrimp, we par-cooked the shrimp slightly on the stovetop with aromatics and tequila; this gave them a head start while evaporating most of the liquid. It was essential to cut the shrimp in half so that they released most of their moisture into the pan.

Cilantro, scallion greens, and lime zest provided welcome freshness, and Monterey Jack cheese offered melty richness.

3 tablespoons vegetable oil 12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (3 cups) 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro 2 scallions, white and green parts separated and sliced thin 1 1/2 pounds medium-large shrimp (31 to 40 per pound), peeled, deveined, tails removed and halved lengthwise Salt and pepper 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce 1/3 cup tequila 1 teaspoon grated lime zest 4 (10 inch) flour tortillas

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Avenue where diners order a la carte.

“It now has more dishes to choose from—more desserts, shakes, sundaes with Milky Way ice cream and Buko Lechias Sherbet,” says chef J. “Aside from the Filipino favorites Milky Way is known for, we also serve the classic Filipino cold salads—Fruit Salad, Buko Salad and Macaroni Salad—plus Lumpiang Ubod and the famous Milky Way Sandwiches in four variants: Chicken Asparagus, Ham Salad, Adobo Cucumber and Club Sandwich.

But of course, people come here for the Milky Way Halo-Halo, overflowing with homemade sweet beans, leche flan, ube, macapuno, gulaman, pinipig, perfectly shaven ice and topped with a scoop of Milky Way ube ice cream,” he rattles off.

The options are listed on digital screens in front of the cashier, but rarely do customers take time to read.

More often than not, attention is immediately diverted to the mouth-watering spread behind the glass counter.

“It’s turo-turo style, just like the original Milky Way. If you are on-the-go and want a hearty Filipino meal, you can get it fast here,” says chef J. The dishes are presented in unique and colorful cast iron vessels inside a temperature-controlled warming cabinet.

One will find an average of 12 hot viands daily. Among the best sellers are Adobong Pusit, Sinigang na Salmon, Lechon Paksiw, and Dinuguan.

“Our recipes are classics and are from way back; they’re part of our heritage. They have been standardized and perfected using the best ingredients and employing the latest cooking techniques,” says chef J. It’s comfort food for the typical Pinoy and always a treat for balikbayans.

Large portions to share with family and friends are available. You can call in for a tray of assorted Milky Way Sandwiches (28 triangles per tray), Chicken Galantina with Potato Salad, Mini Pork BBQ or Chicken Lollipops. Their selection of party food is wide. Spanish dishes such as Paella and Cochinillo from the family-owned Cirkulo may also be ordered. A day’s notice is required.

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Shake off negativity. It’s not worth arguing over something you cannot change or with someone who is rigid. Focus on personal change that will help you project a positive image of the person you are and what you have to offer. HH

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Share with someone you love or enjoy working alongside. Collaborating will encourage a closer bond and bring you better results. Don’t be afraid to let your inner voice be heard. A creative idea will open up a window of opportunity. HHH

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Resistance is futile. If you have an idea, follow through.

It’s what you do, not what you say, that will count in the end. Be true to your word and follow your dream; you’ll gain respect. HHH

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Live your life your way. Don’t allow anyone to interfere with your plans or your goals. Surround yourself with people and things that inspire you to strive for perfection and fulfilling your dreams. Don’t let emotions stand between you and success. HHHHH

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A different environment will give you a new perspective on something you want to do.

Handle your money matters cautiously. A moderate budget will help you avoid unnecessary stress. Don’t try to buy love or friendship. HH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Move forward with confidence. Change is good and will help you put an end to conditions that have been dragging you down. Embrace what life has to offer, and explore new possibilities. HHHH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stick close to home with what’s familiar and safe.

Taking a risk will result in added stress and confusion. Slow down and be an observer for a change.

It’s OK to take a break. HHH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Share your enthusiasm and imaginative plans with someone who is looking to make similar changes. Getting involved in events that are meaningful will encourage encounters that are stimulating and progressive. Learn from an expert or those with more experience. HHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are imaginative, proactive and social.

You are opportunistic and inventive.

‘olympic game’ BY DEB SHATTEN The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Dix and Knox 6 The ___ King (2019 film) 10 Bangs-cutting sound 14 Open, as a soda bottle 15 US Open champion Murray 16 Diminish 17 When she was asked to carry the flag at the opening ceremony, the pole vaulter didn’t hesitate to ___ 20 Comcast and AT&T 21 Assistive devices 22 Penske competitor 23 Towel possessive 25 Crinkly fabric 26 When he met fellow competitors, the biathlete loved to ___ 31 Resided 32 He pitied the fool 33 Big steps for privately held cos.

37 “We ___ the World” 38 Grouper, for one 42 Double-crosser 43 Action word 45 Flamenco cheer 46 Upper crust

48 When he left late for his event, the sprinter almost had to ___ 52 Pistons Hall of Famer Joe 55 Tomcat or billy goat 56 “To reiterate...”

57 Brouhahas 59 Alphabet, informally 63 When she wanted to relax, the skip would ___ 66 Dog...or dog part 67 Suffer from 68 Large Starbucks size 69 Medicinal succulent 70 Like red, white and blue hair 71 Supplemental DOWN 1 Crisp hybrid apple 2 Burden 3 Manitoba cops: Abbr.

4 Footwear with a hard sole 5 Wellness center 6 10 p.m., say 7 Way to watch sports with vivid color 8 Lyric poems 9 MOMA locale 10 Linguistic source of “Jenga”

1 Grannies 1 12 Anvil in the ear 13 Key’s TV partner 18 Fruit-filled pastry 19 Ship’s body 24 ATL monitor listings 25 Delays, with “off” 26 Czech, e.g.

27 Employ 28 Head-heels connector 29 Glowing coal 30 Bumper protector 34 Moralistic sort 35 Bit of profanity 36 Proofreader’s “Leave it in” 39 Seemingly forever 40 ___ Grecque (Greek cooking style) 41 Convince 44 Touching letters?

47 Late sleeper 49 National language of Pakistan 50 Brought the drama 51 Salt measure 52 Decrees 53 The ___ suspects 54 Luigi’s brother

7 Not at home 5 58 Reverse somersault, e.g.

60 007 61 Dove shelter 62 Lose traction 64 Master’s topper, briefly 65 Gardner or DuVernay

Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

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Parentlife BusinessMirror

Thursday, July 4, 2019

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‘How’s your day?’: My take on parent-child communication (Part II) MOMMY NO LIMITS

MAYE YAO CO SAY

mommynolimits@gmail.com

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AST week, I shared my childhood experiences on the gift of communication from the nurturing people around me. I also shared what I learned from the book How to Be the Parent You Always Wanted to Be by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. This week, let me share my communication journey with my now 13-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son.

Through the years, I learned to accept the fact that each of my children are unique. Their personalities differ. Affections are expressed and received in varied ways. However, what has been clear and constant to me from the onset was: “I want to know my children well, both the good sides and the not-so favorable, their strengths and their weaknesses... so I could love and guide them the best way I know how.”

Below are some of the principles of parent-child communication my husband and I continue to apply today: 1. GET TO KNOW YOUR CHILD. This starts when your child is a baby. I shared in my July 5, 2018, column, titled “My fundamentals of fundamentals: Sensory development,” that performing sensory play allows us to know our child’s personality and learning style early on. In their toddler-preschool years, our weekly game nights was a welcome surprise. My son would throw all the bingo cards when someone would win first. I always thought he was a timid boy. I did not know he had that competitive side in him.

2. MENTORIAL FRIENDSHIP. Many of us aim to be called our kids’ best friend. This is good as it allows openness of thoughts and ideas in our homes. I have learned, however, that parental authority must never get diluted. Today, I have trekked my own path, called “mentorial friendship.” This reminds me of my parental role to guide by example; to lead my kids to

be the best they want to be; and to be a friend they can rely on especially in the rainiest of days.

One of the best ways we practice this is when we invite our kids to join us in the search for solutions.

First, since they were toddlers I have fostered my kids to ask questions. I hypothesized that building an open relationship is no different from learning concepts like math. If we start them young, it would become second nature to them. Both my kids ask a lot of questions. We would google things, like who invented playing cards. It takes a lot of patience and energy to answer, especially when you just want to relax after a long day at work or on weekends, but I know today that it has been all worth it. Second, I have been solving puzzles with them since they were two.

From two, four, six and eight to more than hundreds of pieces, we would first do them together, then them only, and then make a game out of it.

3. LISTEN AND COLLABORATE. When kids share an experience, listen first. Don’t assume you have gone through the same thing, or you know what they are going through. School scenarios are more complicated now. I have noticed letting them speak first gives them a feeling of being in control of the situation. It gives them space to breathe and think. When it comes to my turn to share experiences or offer advice, it becomes a friendly exchange of fascination and empathy. I call this “guiding from the sidelines.”

4. TRUST IS KEY. It is good to recognize from the start that our connection with our child is first and foremost a relationship. Any good relationship must start and continue with trust. Thus, as parents, we need to be more accountable for our actions. This is more true as our kids mature into their teenage years. Because the level of trust, whether in kids seeing the results of our advice, or them seeing our own personal decisions on infidelity or deceit toward others, sets the “volume” on how much they would want to “listen.”

5. RELAXED BONDING. We have scheduled “Alone Times” with each of my kids as early as when they were four. These days are free from any agenda. It could be satisfying a craving for Masil Korean food or Chicken McNuggets at McDonald’s. Whatever or wherever it may be, it is a time for us to just be together.

Now that my daughter is 13 and my son is nine, I am happy with how we communicate as a family. Each one of us might be born a bit “bull headed,” but we love

CLOCKWISE: One of our “Alone Times” with Meagan at Krispy Kreme at age four; our recent bonding at Sip & Gogh with both our masterpieces; Marcus’s usual choice for our dinnersout since he was four until today is Japanese food; one of our puzzle times with Marcus.

each other to respect our strong views. We know that whatever situation we encounter outside, our home is a safe space to be sad, be angry or just laugh.

When my daughter was in Grade 5, the school spoke to me about Meagan being too candid with her views. I explained to the teacher that I encourage my kids at home to say what’s on their mind because I like to know their real thoughts. The teacher explained

that some kids are not raised that way. When I got home, I discussed with Meagan how to filter her opinions. Then I asked her if maybe the way we communicate in the house was too open. She immediately said, “Mom, I will be better in school.

Please don’t change anything in the house. I like it the way it is.”

Happy parent-child communication, everyone. n

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SM Kids Casting Call 2019 winners Scarlett O’Hara Garrison and Jericho Kuzmicki with judges Rhoand Glorioso, VP for operations for SM Children’s Fashion Management Corp.; Geraldine Sopena, AVP for Operations (Premier) for SM Children’s Fashion Management Corp.; and Nourieta San Juan, branch manager for The SM Store at SM Megamall.

JERICHO KUZMICKI of SM City Fairview, SM Kids Casting Call 2019 Boy Grand Winner

SM Kids Casting Call 2019 Girl Grand Winner Scarlett O’Hara Garrison of SM Southmall

NASH JIRO DEL CASTILLO from SM City Santa Mesa, the first runner-up in the boys’ category.

SM Kids Casting Call 2019: The final runway at Mega Atrium YOUNG kids aged five to 12 years old recently had a glimpse of life on the runway and fashion photo shoots during the recent SM Kids Casting Call 2019 Grand Finals at the Mega Atrium of SM Megamall.

Now on its third year, SM Kids Casting Call has established itself as a premier modeling competition for young, stylish and

talented girls and boys.

The Grand Finals was a culmination of a nationwide search with over 13,000 registrants from SM’s 47 branches.

Scarlett O’Hara Garrison from SM Southmall and Jericho Kuzmicki from SM City Fairview, both standouts on the runway and in photo shoots, were named

the SM Casting Call 2019 Girl and Boy Grand Winners, respectively. Each received P25,000 cash plus clothes sponsorship, trip to Taiwan and modeling contract with SM Kids. Cara Mia Castelo from SM City Legazpi and Nash Jiro del Castillo from SM City Santa Mesa were named first runners-up, each receiving P15,000 cash plus clothes

sponsorship and a trip to Boracay.

As the second runners-up, Kjerstin Janikka Schei from SM City Sucat and Athan Josh Nunez from SM City Molino received P10,000 cash plus clothes sponsorship and a trip to Boracay. Clothing from the SM Kids Casting Call 2019 finals runway are available at SM Kids department of The SM Store.

Toni Gonzaga-Soriano on parenting Seve

By Leony Garcia EMPOWERED moms are those who seek information about best parenting practices, and apply those tips and techniques in raising their kids. They also work hard to ensure that their children have a bright future, and balance it with quality time and bonding moments that will be their child’s favorite growing-up memories.

At a recent celebration of moms hosted by Nature’s Spring Distilled Water (www.naturespring.com.ph), actress/singer/TV host Toni Gonzaga-Soriano joined women attendees in its campaign in support of today’s “Empowered Moms” who personify modern parenting with the best interests of their families as the top priority.

The celebrity mom, who brought her cute son Seve, also rendered a song number and a special talk about her hands-on parenting experiences. During the talk, Toni said she really makes time for Seve and strives to give him the best in both experiences and in the products that he uses everyday. That is why, she said, she chooses to give him the distilled drinking water brand that is quality, safe and bottled.

Other topics that were discussed at the openair venue SM By The Bay Central Park included Mother’s Rights, Raising Successful Kids Without Over-Parenting, Career Confidence to Mindfulness, and Time Management, Planning and Organization.

Likewise, the moms were treated to home goodies from the different participating booths and from raffle prizes.

Asked about her parenting style at the moment, she said she is at the stage of giving some rewards to Seve for good works done. At a growing and playful stage, Seve loves to discover many things and Toni said she needs to impose some discipline and reward him in return.

“Of course, parenting Seve is a lot special because he is young. I was stricter with Alex [referring to her sister] back then,” she said.

Toni and Seve also honored the four Empowered Moms who were chosen for the latest Nature’s Spring Distilled Water campaign: Maggie Villasencio, Cevil Singlao Bue, Rina Siongco and Eloise Teng. These four mothers were chosen for embodying what it means to be modern Filipino moms in a time of information and choices as to what is best for the family.

TONI GONZAGASORIANO with his son Seve at the Nature’s Spring Distilled Empowered Mom event.

D4

Show BusinessMirror

Thursday, July 4, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The Critics’ Rites: The Manunuri Way, Part 1 JAPAN OFFICIAL TO KARDASHIAN WEST: KIMONO BELONGS TO JAPAN TOKYO—Japan’s trade minister says the kimono belongs to Japan—not to Kim Kardashian West’s shapewear brand.

West announced the line, Kimono Solutionwear, last week. But some Japanese critics on social media said the name, which the reality TV star, makeup mogul and budding lawyer trademarked, is an inappropriate take on centuries-old kimono clothing.

On Monday, West tweeted that she would launch her brand under a new name following careful thought and consideration.

Japan’s trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, said on Tuesday that the kimono is globally known as belonging to Japan, and urged US trademark officials to examine the case appropriately.

“Kimono is Japan’s cultural pride that we boast to the world. Even in the United States, kimono is highly recognized as a Japanese thing,” Seko told reporters.

“We hope the case is examined appropriately to reflect the purpose of the trademark system.”

Seko said he will dispatch senior officials to Washington next week for talks with US trademark officials. The planned kimono brand also triggered a backlash in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, home to many kimono makers and a popular tourist destination.

Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa, who wears a kimono at work, said in a June 28 letter to West that kimono are not only part of Japan’s cultural heritage but also the “fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolize the sense of beauty, spirit and values of Japanese,” and that she should perhaps visit the city to “experience the essence of kimono culture.”

“We think that the name for kimono is an asset shared with all humanity who love kimono and its culture, therefore, it should not be monopolized,” said Kadokawa, who is campaigning to register kimono as a Unesco intangible cultural heritage.

Kadokawa on Tuesday thanked West for her decision to reconsider the brand name. n The Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report.

REELING

TITO GENOVA VALIENTE

titovaliente@yahoo.com

I

T starts with the viewing of films in regular moviehouses. When we are chosen to sit as jury, we get to watch films that qualify in film festivals and concourses. The informal discussions begin in December, when some films have already won prizes and recognitions. The screeners come, or, as in this year, the links to videos are sent to us as early as November of the preceding year.

We start reviewing the screeners and those films that are accessed via links. We meet and talk about our impression about films we have viewed.

The short list is composed. But we continue to search for films that we may have missed. The shortlisting continues.

The nomination night comes. This is usually about a month before the deliberations for winners. Two weeks or even less from the night of the awarding ceremonies, we deliberate.

The first deliberation focuses on full-length feature film; the second looks at the documentaries and the short films.

The process I am talking about is what the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino undertakes in order to have the Gawad Urian, a night honoring the best of the best in Filipino filmmaking.

As a member of the critics group, I have always written reports on the deliberation in order to demystify film criticism and, for that matter, film critics. I also see the need to discuss and explain the process on how we come up with the winners. For all the criticisms of some sectors about how they never get to understand the way the Manunuri chooses the best, we are consistently the first to explain the reason why a filmmaker or an actor wins in a particular category. It is a difficult act to accomplish because it fully reveals the aesthetics of the critics, opening them to scrutiny and further tedious debate. When we started this practice, we, too, were a bit anxious. That night some years ago made us see something: fans and enthusiasts would like to listen to explanations. They may not agree with the explanation but they like it when they are given an idea how the critics stand with regard to their favorite film or actor.

It is not only in the awards night that we give out the justification for a particular award but also in

film workshops and film education that many of our members conduct or are invited to give.

For the second year now, the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino has worked with Cinema Centenario, the celebrated microcinema along Maginhawa Street in UP Village. For weeks, they show the films that have won in the Gawad Urian. They call this festival, Cinema Manunuri. On the last day of the screening, we go to Cinema Centenario and discuss with the audience the merits and demerits of the films we judged. What we initially thought as adversarial and confrontational engagement has become an interesting exchange of ideas.

Voting in the Gawad Urian is never anonymous.

We write on a small sheet of paper—the smallest could be one-eight of a pad—our winners. For this year, Gary Devilles, a scholar based in Ateneo de Manila who is one of the newest members of the Manunuri, came up with a charming improvement.

He printed on a one-fourth sheet of paper the category to be voted on and below it the name of the critic. All the Manunuri has to do is write his winner and to sign above the printed name. If one therefore looks over these small pieces of paper, one will be able to track the choices of the critics.

Technically, the winners for the Gawad Urian are unanimously chosen. This is so because the critics consider their votes collegial: the winner is embraced by the society of critics. The long discussions, which yield the votes, is supposed to help the critics reach a consensus where there is none.

We need to arrive at one winner. Ties are not favored. Gawad Urian being a contest, there must be only one winner. The last time there was a tie was when Rustica Carpio and Anita Linda competed against each other as Best Actress for their roles as less-than-ideal grandmothers in Brillante Mendoza’s Lola.

The probability of a tie is always there. There are only 10 of us, with the eleventh Manunuri on leave.

Always the hotly contested field, the Best Actress, which this year had 11 nominees, had a tie: Nadine Lustre for Never Not Love You and veteran Perla Bautista for Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon. As an aging woman welcoming back her estranged husband even as she remains with a partner, Bautista imbued what could have been a tragic and hysterical character with lots of humor and candor. Lustre, noted for her popular appeal, is deglamorized in a film that subverts the rom-com genre. As one Manunuri aptly put it: this is the kind of daring and radical move from an untested young actress that the critics group supports. He even compared the situation of Lustre to that of a young Nora Aunor—all of 23 years of age—being selected as the first Gawad Urian for Best Actress for Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, during a period when no one yet took seriously the actor. With four votes given each to Lustre and Bautista, it was up to

As a member of the critics group, I have always written reports on the deliberation in order to demystify film criticism and, for that matter, film critics. I also see the need to discuss and explain the process on how we come up with the winners. the Manunuri who voted for another actress, to make the move, to shift. He opted to vote for Nadine. The rest is wild history for the fans of Nadine Lustre and the pundits observing the alterations on the cinematic landscape of the country.

With the Best Actor category, we were left to confront another tie. This time it was between Dingdong Dantes for Sid and Aya and Eddie Garcia for ML. The body was divided between the two, with one Manunuri voting for Dante Rivero for his role as the repentant and pathetic ex-husband in Kung Paaano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon. It took quite a while for one Manunuri—the one championing the performance of Rivero—to make a shift. The air became at that point redolent with the facile scent of a tie. But the group was not in the mood to tolerate a tie. The lone critic then opted to vote for Garcia. This happened on June 1.

By June 8, Eddie Garcia met that freak accident and, a few days after, passed on.

As the night of the Gawad Urian approached, many writers and admirers were sending us queries whether Garcia would win. By the time he was in a coma, we had already given our decision. The vote was not a sentimental vote. That night, we were sure also of another thing: Eddie Garcia would never be able to accept the trophy meant for him that 18th of June.

The next installment will be about the heated debate on the best film.... n

Leonardo DiCaprio helps create new environmental alliance NEW YORK—Leonardo DiCaprio is joining with billionaire investors and philanthropists Laurene Powell Jobs and Brian Sheth to create a new nonprofit environmental powerhouse charged with tackling climate change and the loss of biodiversity.

The new organization, Earth Alliance, “will work globally to protect ecosystems and wildlife, ensure climate justice, support renewable energy and secure indigenous rights to the benefit of all life on Earth,” according

to a statement.

Earth Alliance said on Tuesday it will provide grants, educational opportunities and fund campaigns and films, as well as work with grassroots organizations and individuals in places most affected by biodiversity loss and climate change.

In the statement, DiCaprio called Earth Alliance a “new larger, nimble platform that shares resources and expertise while identifying the best programs to drive real change

around the planet.”

DiCaprio has long championed environmentalism, with his eco-focused Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation giving out $100 million in grants for everything from lion recovery and mangrove restoration to the defense of indigenous rights and better access to affordable solar energy. His foundation will be folded into Earth Alliance.

Brian Sheth, the cofounder and president of private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, is the

board chairman of Global Wildlife Conservation and founded The Sheth Sangreal Foundation with his wife to support environmental and educational initiatives. The Sheth Sangreal Foundation will fund operational and administrative costs of Earth Alliance.

Powell Jobs, widow of former Apple cofounder and CEO Steve Jobs, is a philanthropist and entrepreneur and president of the Emerson Collective, a social impact organization. AP

Look like a princess: ‘Divorce’ returns for third season exclusively on HBO Go and HBO Diana’s workout sweatshirt for sale BOSTON—The baggy Virgin Atlantic sweatshirt Princess Diana wore to discourage media interest in her exercise routine is for sale.

Boston-based RR Auction says the dark blue cotton-polyester sweatshirt that was a gift from airline Founder Richard Branson is expected to get more than $5,000 during the online auction.

The garment features the airline’s “flying lady” logo with the words “Fly Atlantic” in white.

It is being sold by Jenni Rivett, Diana’s longtime personal trainer.

Diana gave Rivett several sweatshirts months before her August 1997 death.

In a letter that comes with the shirt, Rivett writes that Diana thought there were more pressing issues in the world to worry about, so wearing the same thing to every session would be “a good way to stop the media frenzy.” AP

STARRING Sarah Jessica Parker (Emmy and Golden Globe winner for HBO’s Sex and the City), who also serves as an executive producer, Divorce returned for its six-episode third season same time as the US on July 2 at 10 am, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. New episodes premiere every Monday at the same time, with prime-time encores on the same day at 10 pm. In the new season, Frances (Parker) and her ex-husband, Robert (Thomas Haden Church), encounter several bombshell surprises that spin their postdivorce lives in completely unexpected directions.

Divorce also features Molly Shannon (Emmynominee for HBO’s Enlightened) as Diane, Frances’s close friend, who is having to adjust to a humiliating new life since her husband, Nick, was arrested for embezzlement, and must now decide how independent she actually wants to be. Talia Balsam plays Dallas, Frances’s other close friend and confidante, who is grappling with her own full-blown midlife crisis: “What’s next? Is this all there is?”

Becki Newton plays Jackie Giannopolis, Robert’s

fiancée, whose life is no bed of roses as she deals with being sidelined and with her new blended family.

Sterling Jerins plays Lila, Frances and Robert’s teenage daughter who is enjoying her basketball team’s newfound success; and Charlie Kilgore plays Tom, their 17-year-old son who is wrestling with his plans for the future, creating new conflicts between Frances and Robert.

Also appearing this season are Dominic Fumusa as Jeremy, Robert’s new overzealous coaching partner; James Lesure, as Henry, Frances’s even-keeled new love interest who comes with a lot more baggage than expected; Timothy Britten Parker as Leo, Frances’s new eccentric boss; and Patricia Dunnock as Leo’s timid sister, Bev. Returning are Amy Sedaris as Robert’s off-kilter sister, Cathy, who in just one quick visit manages to throw everything into chaos; and Tracy Letts as Diane’s imprisoned husband, Nick, who is using his time in prison for absolutely zero self-reflection or improvement.

SARAH JESSICA PARKER

Envoys&Expats

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Thursday, July 4, 2019 E1

British expat is an executive chef on a mission

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By Cesar M. Cruz Jr.

HE position of an executive chef is highly in-demand in the global hospitality industry, for the person assuming it is expected to be an expert multitasker. The incumbent plays a crucial role, carrying squarely on his or her shoulders the overall culinary activities of a hotel or restaurant.

Within the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)-brand hotels Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria in Ortigas Center, Quezon City, that is the domain of Ian Chambers. The British national is a seasoned kitchen whiz, with two decades worth of experience holding senior positions in premier five-star hotels, resorts and cruise ships around the world.

His rich exposure in the global fine-dining scene has made him highly proficient in taking charge of the whole culinary operations of the aforementioned establishments, covering procurement, managing food costs, overseeing hazard analysis and critical control points, conducting daily briefings, as well as introducing new sets of menus and types of cuisine, among other things.

Armed with cutting-edge expertise, the Dublin-born expat has his eyes fixed on a target: “Our goal for 2020 is to make Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria the destination hotels of choice in Ortigas. We want to improve all of our dining options. At the moment, I’m in the process of leveling up the room-service menu of both hotels, plus the bar menu next month. All the outlets of the hotels are going to get a revamp,“ he asserted.

This early, foodies from around town are already noticing his “special touches,” such as the upgraded salad bar of 7 Corners, with its premium selection of ingredients.

The soft-spoken top chef though is not taking all the credit. “It was a total team effort. We got everybody together, and thought of the ideas together. Making premium-quality food creations is the priority. We don’t want to cut corners, or procure cheaper ingredients. We want to keep everything at top-grade. The Italian station, for instance, is a completely new one,” he shared.

Curiously, Chambers claims he does not have a signature creation.

Instead, he is bent on giving an exciting spin or twist on a dish by combining both Western and Eastern cooking influences.

For example, he tweaked the chicken-pork adobo by simmering it in apple cider vinegar and serving it with a breaded boiled egg.

Another take on the popular lechon kawali is to serve it with pickled cucumber ribbons and mango salsa.

However, among local dishes, his favorite is the banana-heart ceviche that he enjoys alongside kare-kareng bagnet.

Determination and discipline

CHEF Chambers considers bonding with his team as the best benefit of his job, as he finds his Filipino colleagues very hardworking and creative.

He is very much into their brainstorming sessions and bringing their ideas to life. According to him, it is what makes him tick. The top chef of the Manila Galleria hotels is far from being a clock-watcher when he works. Nevermind if it takes him 12 hours daily, and five days in a week.

To keep up with the demands of

the hospitality industry, he abides by a personal philosophy: “I think it is important to keep on improving.

One percent, 2 percent, on a daily and weekly basis, I don’t mind. Just don’t become stagnant.”

And also, “Keep up with the times.

Keep on challenging yourself. Keep on moving forward,” the blue-eyed chef enthused.

Interestingly, he did not picture himself becoming an executive chef when he first started out in this industry. But because he was bent on consistently improving himself, the position was realized as a result of determination and discipline.

“I started out in the fine-dining restaurant scene in Europe, where it was all à la carte. My dream then was to become a head chef of an establishment.”

But, as fate intervened, Chambers started to work in hotels and was provided with the opportunity to work abroad, where he further developed and honed his skills to eventually become an executive chef.

“It’s been great. It’s good to be in the hospitality industry and travel anywhere around the world,” he explained.

His passion for cooking was inspired in the early days of his career by acclaimed chef Marco Pierre White, whose books and shows Chambers would delve into. (A major influence in England’s culinary scene, White was the first Englishman to be accorded with three Michelin stars.)

Chambers’s advice to those who want to follow his footsteps? “Don’t!” he said without batting an eyelash.

“You have to have a passion for the hospitality industry. [Else, you] just won’t succeed, and will hate your job every day. You have to be able to sacrifice your family and work long hours—especially at the start of your career.”

Work-life balance

THE demands of his job may be the reason Chambers was able to relocate in and uproot himself from many places around the world, but his decision to move to the Philippines holds a special meaning for him.

“My wife—a Filipina—and I just had our baby girl. She asked if I wanted to move [to this country], so I applied for a job in Holiday InnClark. I got the position and moved to [Pampanga] in 2015.”

“Before coming over though, I did not know anything about the Philippines,” he admitted.

The executive chef described the past four years as being “good” to him, as he had successful stints in a cruise ship and abroad.

His time off from work is entirely spent with his family.

“I like to play with my four kids, take them to the park or the beach.

We go home to the province on weekends, get together, have a barbeque…”

Immediate plans for Chambers in the next two years?

“I’ll be here in Crowne Plaza.

Hopefully, I can stay with the IHG longer. I don’t want to leave the Philippines, because my family is here.”

Continued on E4

Envoys& BusinessMirror

E2 Thursday, July 4, 2019

EMBASSIES, EVENTS, ETC.

German firms remain bullish with PHL market amid local, global concerns—GPCCI survey

T

HE Philippines remains an attractive market for German companies, despite local economic policy uncertainty and global challenges.

percent and 8 percent, respectively.

Underlying issues in the local setting include the impending changes in the corporate income tax (CIT) and fiscal incentive structure, the progression of the security of tenure bill, as well as other interventions that have adverse effects to regular business activities such as those in the field of medicine pricing. On the general global environment, for example, the growing trade tension between the US and China shows its spillover effects vis-à-vis the expectations of the companies in the German-Philippine trade relations.

Risks, challenges

This fact was revealed by a recent annual review of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI-AHK Philippinen) as it led the conduct of a five-year assessment, “The Philippines: An Analysis–AHK World Business Outlook Survey, 2015–2019.”

According to the survey, more than 70 percent of the participating firms evaluated their current business situation in the country as “bet-

ter” than the year before. It showed a remarkable recovery from a decline of almost 50 percent in 2017.

Additionally, work force intentions also improved in 2019 from last year’s report.

Although the figures stayed high, results on the expectations in the areas of business development, investment intentions and general economic development revealed a downtrend from last year by 8 percent, 6

BUSINESSES involved in the German-Philippine economic relations continue to see various challenges with their engagement in the country. About 46 percent of respondents still account that economic policies will have a strong influence on their business in the next 12 months.

Exchange-rate volatility comes in second at 36 percent, although its importance has lost a 10-percent value compared to last year.

At third place (34 percent) are challenges in securing skilled labor and potential changes in domestic and international market demand.

Noticeably, the worries on the latter have almost doubled in the last two years.

Meanwhile, concerns on infra-

Minister of State’s visit to further boost Philippine-French political, trade ties

FINANCE Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, French Minister of State JeanBaptiste Lemoyne and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.

I

N a visit to Manila to open the eighth France-Philippines Joint Economic Committee meeting on June 27 and 28, French Minister of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne expressed France’s willingness to further enhance its bilateral relations with the Philippines in all aspects.

“My primary purpose today is to emphasize [the French government's willingness] to further deepen its relations with the Philippines, with a particular emphasis on economics and business,” Lemoyne stated during the opening ceremonies of the bilateral economic meeting.

Noting the “fast and intense development” of the French-Philippine relations not only in trade and investments, but also in culture, defense and security, tourism, as well as in science, research and technology, Lemoyne reiterated France’s confidence in the Philippines as a country looking into the future with optimism, and “which has so many assets to be a major player in the region and in the world [soon].”

During his visit to Manila, the minister of state met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. as they discussed relevant bilateral, regional and international issues, as well as European Union (EU)-Philippines relations, human rights and climate change.

Relevant player, contributor

LEMOYNE noted that France, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, is a relevant player in the Asia-Pacific region

TRADE Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Lemoyne sign the Summary of Discussions.

and seeks to “contribute in favor of peace, development and respect for international law.”

“Our two countries share common interests in supporting a rules-based international order, [as well as] trade and investments, regional and global security, including stability and economic development,” the French government official said.

In a meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Lemoyne recognized the strong economic performance of the Philippines. In turn, Dominguez invited France to further explore investment opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in infrastructure, transportation and defense.

Lemoyne also assured Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia of France’s continued support to the Philippines in achieving its development goals, particularly in the development of human capital, education, research and technology, and the environment.

“I think that France and the Philippines have a lot to do, not only in terms of trade, because we are two main engines in our respective areas: the Asean and the EU. It is crucial that we also have strong bilateral links at the political level,” Lemoyne said in his press statement.

French businesses confident in PHL

COINCIDING with this visit, a delegation of France-based companies from the French business association MEDEF International also concluded a three-day visit to the Philippines from June 26 to 28.

Said companies attended meetings with the Departments of Transportation as well as Trade and Industry, the Asian Development Bank, BDO Unibank Inc. and the Makati Business Club to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines, while both countries and business communities expand their economic cooperation.

During a briefing at the National Economic and Development Authority, in the presence of the MEDEF International delegation, Lemoyne reiterated the commitment of French companies to take part and invest in the country’s priority projects, particularly in the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, as well as in the transport sector.

Led by the President of the Asean Committee of Medef International François Corbin, the delegation was composed of 17 French firms specializing in energy, urban transport, maritime and naval, aerospace, infrastructure, agribusiness and food, telecommunications, and tourism.

“The French companies that were here had the opportunity to expose their expertise and their know-how. The fact is that we... are not just here to help, to design or to build, but also to operate [and] to stay, because we do not want just a one-shot cooperation, but a strategic relationship between our companies and our countries,” Lemoyne said.

Eighty French companies are currently present in the Philippines, providing jobs to around 50,000 Filipinos.

structure seem to have lost momentum from the past years, as the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program, with planned investments of up to $160 billion producing initial results.

Another important factor hinged on increasing inflation rates in the country, where 70 percent of the total respondents see a high impact.

Meanwhile, the importance of the availability of skilled workers, particularly in technical fields on university, as well as vocational training level, almost doubled from

2017 to 2018, as it remained at a 45 percent this year.

With regard to a potential European Union-Asean free-trade agreement, companies continue to emphasize the important influence of such an enhanced cooperation between the two economies.

Recommendations

IN line with the results of the survey, GPCCI President Tristan Arwen “Bobbit” Loveres stated: “The survey clearly shows that pending reforms have to be finalized by the govern-

ment. [It needs] to create a businessand investor-friendly environment.”

Loveres noted the discussion on the Trabaho (or Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities) bill should take into account the concerns of the industry to create an attractive incentive and fiscal structure for both existing and incoming firms. Expediting the lowering of the CIT rate is one of the elements that would immediately contribute to Philippine competitiveness in the Asean region.

Furthermore, the chamber reiterates that all necessary measures need to be taken for the fast implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act. Finally, GPCCI referred to the proposals of the government to substantively relax the restrictions on foreign investments in the country.

Amending the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Foreign Investment Act, as well as redefining the Public Service Act, will increase foreign investments and bring in more competition, as well as new technologies in the country.

“The economic shifts and developments bear much more opportunities than risks for the German-Philippine economic relations, particularly if the government immediately promotes a strong business-friendly agenda,” GPCCI Executive Director Dr. Martin Henkelmann averred.

Madrid highlights close PHL-Spain economic, cultural links

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ADRID—The Philippine Embassy in Madrid, led by Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier and Madame Edna Lhuillier, celebrated the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, the 17th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and the 120th anniversary of the end of the Siege of Baler, with a diplomatic reception held on June 12 at the Intercontinental Madrid.

Almost 600 guests from the diplomatic corps, Spanish government, cultural institutions, academe, business community, as well as Filipino and Spanish communities, graced the event. Guests of honor were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation-North America, West Europe, Asia and the Pacific Director General Ana María Salómon Pérez, as well as Spanish Army Chief of Staff General Francisco Javier Varela Salas.

In his remarks, Lhuillier underscored the strides made by the Philippine government under the leadership of President Duterte, particularly the country’s steady economic growth, infrastructure development which has seen strong participation from Spanish firms, as well as the passing into law of the Universal Health Care Bill and Magna Carta for the Poor.

“This is why, during the successful conduct of our general elections last month, our people voted overwhelmingly for administration candidates in the Philippine Senate, thereby strengthening our President’s mandate of continuing to implement real, lasting change. We also note that this election saw the largest overseas voter turnout for any midterm election in our country’s history. Within our jurisdiction in Spain, we received over 8,000 ballots—a record number,” he said.

Lhuillier also cited the close cultural and historical ties between the Philippines and Spain. He then expressed his excitement on the two countries’ preparations for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Spain in the Philippines in 2021, as well as the Circumnavigation of the Globe by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastián Elcano.

For her part, Director General Salómon Pérez highlighted the economic growth that

SPANISH Army Chief of Staff General Francisco Javier Varela Salas (from left) with Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuillier and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for North America, West Europe, Asia and the Pacific Ana María Salómon Pérez. MADRID PE

MARIO VARGAS LLOSA (from left), Isabel Preysler, Ambassador Lhuillier and Madame Edna Lhuillier MADRID PE

the Philippines is experiencing, its remarkable record in maintaining gender balance in the workplace, and also the upcoming quincentenary of historic aforementioned events.

To commemorate both the 17th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and the 120th anniversary of the End of the Siege of Baler, General Varela spoke of the enduring resonance of the 33 heroes of Baler to the Spanish people, and the role of Filipinos in their survival and eventual return to Spain. (In 1899, the 33 remaining soldiers, often called “the last of the Philippines” [Los Últimos de Filipinas] who were holed up in a church in Baler, finally surrendered and were given safe passage by Emilio Aguinaldo.)

General Varela stated, “Their bravery is inspiring, for Army and civilian peoples alike. Their single-minded determination to survive and hold on to the fight for Spain is something that resonates in all of

us, which is why the story of the heroes of Baler endure to this day. Yet, in this story, we must also not forget that their survival, after [having surrendered], was due to the decency of Filipinos. Aguinaldo gave them safe passage, [as he forbade] anyone from harming the Spaniards, or treating them as prisoners of war [by] calling them ‘friends, not enemies.’”

The evening’s special guests also included Spanish-Peruvian Nobel Prize Winner for Literature and Miguel Cervantes Prize recipient Mario Vargas Llosa, as well as socialite and TV host Isabel Preysler.

Guests were entertained by a young Filipino band who sang original Filipino music, as well as Filipino food which included an ice-cream cart with Filipino flavors, plus the presence of Filipino and Filipino-associated liquor and beer brands and wines from Spain-based Filipino-owned vineyard Bodega Williams and Humbert. DFA

&Expats

envoys.expats.bm@gmail.com | Thursday, July 4, 2019 E3

ELSEWHERE AROUND THE WORLD

PHL, Chile hold political consultations anew

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ANTIAGO—The Philippines and Chile manifested their commitment to advance bilateral relations, as the two countries held their fifth round of political consultations early in May at the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo and Secretary-General of Foreign Policy Ambassador Patricio Torres headed the Philippine and Chilean delegations, respectively.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Maria Lumen B. Isleta, Ambassadordesignate to Chile Ma. Teresita C. Daza, high-ranking officials from the departments of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, as well as their counterparts from the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the

General Directorate of International Economic Affairs, including other local officials, joined the bilateral gathering.

During the meeting, Manalo emphasized: “The conduct of the consultation is a manifestation of the Philippines’s and Chile’s mutual commitment to advance and accelerate the pace of their engagement and collaboration in areas of mutual interests.”

The recent holding of political consultations served as an opportunity for both countries to signifi-

FOREIGN AFFAIRS Undersecretary and Head of Philippine Delegation Enrique A. Manalo (left) with Chile’s Secretary-General of Foreign Policy Ambassador Patricio Torres DFA-OUP

cantly improve the momentum of their relations, as well as identify opportunities for concrete action and cooperation.

In this regard, the two sides outlined 20 action points to advance bilateral relations in the areas of security, disaster-risk reduction and management, trade and investments, finance, agriculture, tour-

MANALO (second from right) proposes action points to move Philippine-Chilean relations forward. DFA-OUP

ism, culture, air services, cooperation between diplomatic academies and other technical-cooperation initiatives.

The Philippines and Chile agreed to pursue negotiations on pending agreements on establishing a joint economic commission, tourism, standards of training for officials of merchant ships, as well as update

existing agreements on culture and agriculture.

The two sides also exchanged views on developments in each other’s regions, as well as regional and multilateral developments in the Asean, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Forum for East AsiaLatin America Cooperation, Pacific Alliance and the United Nations.

Prior to the main consultations, Manalo also had a preplenary meeting with Torres, where they discussed climate change, peace and order, human rights, nontraditional security cooperation— including a possible agreement on combating illegal drugs and narcotics—as well as maritime and territorial issues. DFA

PHL Consulate General inaugurates Embassy in Tokyo honors memory new chancery in Frankfurt, Germany of Filipino-Japanese communities

RARE photograph of school children in a Japanese school in Baguio TOKYO PE

THE Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt FRANKFURT PCG

VIEWERS watch a documentary on the lives of Japanese-Filipino nationals during World War II. TOKYO PE

T ON display is a desk used by Dr. Jose Rizal while in Heidelberg, Germany, where it is believed that the Filipino hero finished his novel Noli Me Tangere. FRANKFURT PCG

F

RANKFURT—The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt welcomed consular applicants to its new chancery at Westendcarree, First Floor, Grueneburgweg 16-18, 60322 Frankfurt in mid-May. The new office comprises almost 800 square meters of floor space inside a modern building in the city’s Westend district.

“The Filipino-German community will benefit from the larger space and new facilities of the consulate,” said Fr. Rodel Liguid, one of the first consular applicants to arrive.

He serves as chaplain of the Archdiocese of Cologne, whose jurisdiction includes Bonn, where a significant number of Filipinos reside.

FORMER Sen. Loren B. Legarda (third from left), together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General led by Consul General Evelyn Austria-Garcia (second from left), at the inauguration. OFFICE OF SEN. LEGARDA

“The consulate will now be able to cater to a larger audience and host more community events in its premises,” Fr. Liguid added.

“The new office is a testament to the sincere desire of the Philippine government, through the initiative and full support of [former] Sen. Loren Legarda, to provide quality consular services using the best facilities to all Filipinos,” said Consul General to Frankfurt Evelyn Austria-Garcia.

“The consulate’s reopening is also a manifestation of the Duterte administration’s commitment to further improve PhilippineGerman relations, which is anchored on

our vibrant Filipino-German community and strong trade ties,” Garcia underscored.

During her visit, Legarda said, “With the reopening of the Philippine Consulate General here in Frankfurt, we hope for more good things to come between Germany and the Philippines. This is just the beginning of many more programs that will foster deeper ties.”

The event also celebrated the 65th anniversary of Philippines-Germany bilateral relations, as well as commemorated in advance the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. DFA

OKYO—Philippine Embassy officials in Japan’s capital city graced a photo exhibit that featured an unrivaled collection of historic photographs that captured the lives of Japanese and Filipino-Japanese nationals in the Philippines at the turn of the century.

More than 100 images of family portraits, working life, street scenes and school pictures of Filipino-Japanese nationals who lived in the cities of Baguio and Davao, which dated back from the early 1900s through to the 1940s, were made available for public viewing at the Kumin Gallery in Shinjuku Central Park, Tokyo.

The photographs provided an exceptional visual record of the daily lives of Japanese workers and their families in the 1900s, which covered their day-to-day routine, the work they carried out to survive, as well as their social lives that included sports and leisure.

Japanese workers arrived in the Philippines in significant numbers in the early 1900s to help build Kennon Road, a route that connected the “City of Pines” to the lowlands. After it was completed, many of

the workers migrated to Davao to work for a Japanese-operated plantation that produced abaca, or Manila hemp.

Some of the foreign nationals married into Filipino families and integrated into local communities.

World War II, however, disrupted the peaceful coexistence between local Filipinos and Japanese migrants. Many FilipinoJapanese families suffered because of their ancestry.

“This group of pictures captured the contributions made by Filipino-Japanese communities to early 20th-century Philippines,” said Norihinro Inomata of the Philippine Nikkeijin Legal Support Center, which put together the exhibit from donations of photographs made by descendants of Japanese migrants to the Philippines who returned to Japan after the war.

On the occasion of National Heritage Month, the embassy actively supported community events and programs that offered an insight into the different cultures, traditions and stories, which, in turn, helped shape Philippine society in its present state. DFA

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

E4 Thursday, July 4, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

CULINARY ADVENTURES

Savoring Philippine food among the world’s best dining experiences

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ONDON—Three Filipino dishes were named by Lonely Planet among the world’s top 500 food experiences, with sisig, halohalo and adobo making their way into the latest edition of the travel guidebook publisher’s Ultimate Eatlist, a compendium of “the world’s most memorable eating experiences.”

“Filipino food doesn’t get a lot of international play compared with other Asian cuisines. And

that’s unfortunate, as anyone who has tasted sisig knows,” stated an entry on the iconic Capampangan

SISIG, halo-halo and adobo are three Filipino dishes included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Eatlist.

LONELY PLANET, THE VAGRANT COMPANION, JUAN PAULO GUTIERREZ (VIA GETTY IMAGES) AND DGBB.

pork dish, as it was ranked the highest among other Filipino offerings in the list.

“The world has yet to fully discover Filipino cuisine,” said Ambassador of the Philippines in the United Kingdom Antonio M. Lagdameo. “In the embassy, we share the Filipino community’s insatiable appetite [in showing the world that] they are missing an exciting culinary experience if they miss out on Filipino food.”

The Lonely Planet’s community of travelers and foodies, as well as an international panel of chefs and food correspondents, drew up the list. A panel of 20 chefs and food writers evaluated and ranked the entries based on

their taste, cultural significance and uniqueness of location.

Si nce 2018 , t he emba ss y, through its Cultural Diplomacy Unit, has initiated various efforts in promoting Filipino food in the UK and Ireland while strengthening its ties with the growing number of Filipino food advocates and engaging the British culinary tastemakers.

The spike in the number of Filipino restaurants, pop-ups and supper clubs in the UK, for example, shows the growing interest in Filipino food in the region.

The book is available in all major bookstores in the UK and may also be purchased online through Lonely Planet and Amazon. DFA

Filipino Restaurant Week conquers the US

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SNAPSHOTS of entries from Kinilaw and Buko (clockwise from left), Romulo Café, Sarap London and Mamasons—among the Filipino restaurants and pop-ups competing for a spot in the Golden Chopsticks Awards.

‘Pinoy’ food competes in Asian Cuisine Awards

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ONDON—Filipino restaurants and pop-ups in the United K ingdom capital were among major contenders in the annual Golden Chopsticks Awards (GCA), which recognizes excellence in Asian and Oriental cuisine across the European country and honor their contributions to the British food industry.

Among Filipino restaurants and pop-ups in the list were Romulo Café, Mamasons, Ramo’s Ramen (Filipino ramen), Coco’s Lounge, Josephine’s, Maynila, Mama’s Kubo, Sarap London, as well as Kinilaw and Buko.

“The growth in the number of Filipino restaurants, supper clubs and pop-ups in the UK shows that

Filipino food is fast becoming a favorite in this country,” said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo. “Even in its nascent stage in [this country], Filipino cuisine has already enriched the melange of international flavors in the country and in the world.”

Known to have set the standard for Asian and Oriental food in the UK, the GCA, since its launch, has been the said country’s most prestigious award for the aforementioned set of cuisine.

A total of 22 awards in three categories were given out during the GCA Awards Ceremony. These included 13 awards decided by the public, five by the Golden Chopsticks panel of judges and four by the GCA founders. DFA

British expat is an executive chef on a mission Continued from E1

With the love and support of his family, this executive chef is keen on achieving higher goals: “It is still very early in my career as an executive chef. There are still things I have to learn, and those that I need to prove to myself.”

That said, discerning and discriminating palates have now something to look forward to and experience—that is, to feel the full impact of Chambers’ inspired culinary work at the Manila Galleria establishments of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn.

EXECUTIVE Chef Ian Chambers

ASHINGTON, D.C., and New York City—Filipino Restaurant Week (FRW) finally arrived at the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area this year, which put the spotlight on Philippine-based food joints as an essential way through which the American public can discover and enjoy Filipino cuisine.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York organized the first FRW in 2015. This year, 24 restaurants and pop-ups officially participated and highlighted various culinary offerings that feature flavors of the archipelago while covering a wide spectrum of Pinoy food.

For the first time, through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., new participants from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., joined the FRW mainstay restaurants from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

“The Philippine Embassy recognizes the great role of Filipino restaurants in the promotion of cultural diplomacy through cuisine. And I am pleased that [the FRW], which began in New York five years ago, was expanded to the nation’s capital this year in order to further promote Filipino restaurants, talented Filipino chefs, Filipino food and Philippine ingredients, for the American market,” Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement at the conclusion of the two-week event.

The participating restaurants shared the embassy’s enthusiasm and excitement in being able to showcase Filipino food to the local communities in the D.C. area.

While given the flexibility to come up with their innovative menus of three courses, each restaurant was requested to feature the coconut, one of the Philippines’s notable food exports, in at least one course.

As a result, there were old favorites and traditional offerings, such as the earthy chicken binacol soup (chicken cooked in coconut water with grated coconut) and spicy Bicol Express (pork belly and shoulder stewed in coconut milk).

Bistro 1521 coowner and manager Manny Tagle said, “High praise was given to the grilled milkfish roulade in soy calamansi sauce, as well as the beef morcon. But the mango tapioca was one of those that received the most positive reviews, considered by many as ‘sublime.’”

FOOD samplers prepared by the FRW 2019 participating restaurants. RAY MARANAN

GRILLED milkfish roulade in soy calamansi sauce (from left) and mango tapioca received great reviews from patrons; beef pares (right).

Days prior, the consulate general in New York hosted a kick-off gathering on May 8 to formally launch the two-week event.

This year, the Department of Trade and Industry became an official partner, in addition to existing partners, such as the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, Tanduay and GMA Pinoy TV.

Meanwhile, 23 restaurants and pop-ups in seven states in the US East Coast also brought the best of Philippine cuisine into the limelight, from the traditional and home-style flavors to the bold, innovative and cutting-edge fusion food at the FRW in mid-May. The FRW continued to offer foodies a unique gastronomic treat that

gave them a taste of Filipino culinary identity and food culture, as well as a unique experience of Filipino hospitality.

Inspired by the New York Restaurant Week, the FRW participating restaurants served meals of, at least, three courses: appetizer, entrée and dessert. With its increasing popularity, the FRW generated buzz not only within the Filipino-American community, but also in the mainstream US gastronomic landscape, especially on social media.

Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal was optimistic of the FRW 2019 as it carried on the growing trend of offering food lovers throughout the US East Coast with a fantastic gastronomic treat which will immerse them into the fascinating tastes of Philippine cuisine. DFA

BusinessMirror

Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019

KNEE PAIN DOS AND DON’TS

WWW.FREEPIK.COM | DESIGNED BY KJPARGETER

COMMON FOODS THAT CAN BE TOXIC

MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS, LGUs URGED TO CONTRIBUTE TO BETTER CPR EDUCATION NATIONWIDE

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HE Philippine College of Emergency Medicine (PCEM) recently held an assembly where they talked about the importance of a multilevel, multisectoral, multisystems approach and following the ten steps recommended by the Global Resuscitation Alliance to improve outcomes from sudden cardiac arrests.

The event was held on April 30 at the Edsa Shangri-La Manila.

Emphasizing the burden of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the importance of providing immediate and quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the event was led by representatives from the PCEM, including Dr. Martin Luna, PCEM president; Dr. Pauline Convocar of Corazon Locsin Memorial Medical Center in Bacolod City and PCEM Chairman of Section on Advocacy; Dr. Faith Joan Gaerlan of the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City; and Dr. Bernadett Velasco of East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City and PCEM chair of committee on EMS and Disaster Medicine, among others.

Joining the PCEM in spearheading the initiative is the Global Resuscitation Alliance, an international organization that pushes for wider implementation of policies and practices that will guide emergency medicine professionals, frontliners and even lay rescuers to ultimately benefit SCA patients.

SCA is a condition wherein the heart suddenly stops functioning, preventing blood from flowing to vital organs of the body. If not treated

immediately, SCA can be fatal and chances of survival can be as little as 2 percent.

The most effective first-aid treatment for SCA is cardiopulmonary resuscitation partnered with an automatic external defibrillator. Most SCA cases happen out of the hospital, which means that patient survival can depend entirely on the knowledge of bystanders in performing CPR and using AEDs. “Using AEDs and performing CPR on victims actually doubles their chances of survival,” said Dr. Convocar, adding that knowledge on both should be made accessible to the general public, not just medical professionals.

“Conducting CPR is very basic. It doesn’t need a machine, just the knowledge of how to do it properly,” said Dr. Gaerlan. “AEDs, on the other hand, are not widely available, and making them accessible to more people should be one of our priorities.”

“Aside from knowing how to perform CPR and use AEDs, recognizing cardiac arrest is also critical. Increasing awareness about these is one of the reasons why we partake in these meaningful discussions,” said Dr. Velasco.

To show its support to the goals of PCEM and GRA, HealthSolutions Enterprises Inc. (HealthSolutions) joined the event as one of the major organizers.

HealthSolutions is committed to improving the quality of life for SCA patients, through distribution of state-of-the-art medical equipment

SM CITY LUCENA SCHOLAR RECEIVES HIGHEST HONOR

S

M City Lucena has produced its very first summa cum laude among its stable of scholars, one among the 270 graduates of 2019 SM scholars who were presented to the Sy family on Wednesday at the SMX in Pasay City.

Jhon Angelo Virtucio is a 19-year-old graduate of BS in information technology in Enverga University with a summa cum laude honor.

In his speech, Virtucio related his hardships like going to school without any allowance. He was a third child, and his father just lost a job.

He expressed his gratitude to the Sy family for helping him realize his dreams and promised

2 Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019

to help others as payback to his mentors, especially Tatang or Henry Sy Sr. He advised aspiring scholars to choose a course they really want, to excel academically.

Virtucio is among the 53 alumni of SM City Lucena Scholars since 2002.

Meanwhile, Batch 2019 of SM Foundation scholars has 270 graduates with 50 latin honors (summa, magna and cum laude) including four Academic Distinction Awards and four board topnotchers. Around 100 scholars also came from Tacloban, affected by Yolanda calamity.

for treating SCA such as the AED Plus R and X Series by ZOLL. The R Series is an AED that streamlines the defibrillation process through features that enable medical professionals to deliver highquality CPR. The device is equipped with Real CPR Help technology for accurate visual and audio feedback during treatment, as well as SeeThru CPR which reduces the duration of pauses.

The R Series can also be converted from an AED

to a full-featured manual defibrillator for added flexibility.

The X Series on the other hand is a lightweight and compact AED designed for portability without compromising performance and durability, delivering the same capabilities expected from a full-featured monitor.

Both the ZOLL R and X Series are now available in the Philippines and are exclusively distributed by HealthSolutions.

Health&Fitness

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HEALTH MONITOR

Stop the common cold in its tracks

A

S much as you want your kids to experience the happiness of playing in the rain, your motherly instinct kicks in and keeps you worried that they might catch the flu or a cold.

Studies show that an adult can get two to four episodes of the common cold annually while kids can get six to 12 episodes, but you can prevent that from happening! As every wonder wo-mom knows, a little prevention goes a long way.

We’ve got you covered with seven items you need to have to help stomp out the sniffles.

1A bottle full of water.

Drinking lots of water will help decongest airways and keep the throat moist. Keeping your family hydrated is one of the best things you can do for their bodies while their immune system is gearing up for a fight against the cold.

2

A pack of immunityboosting snacks.

Consuming immunity-boosting

4 Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019

food items on a regular basis will help prevent many illnesses including the cold and flu. If you are keen on living a healthy life, chow down on fresh fruits, yoghurt and other healthy snacks.

handy-dandy hand 3Asanitizer.

Here’s another thing that can keep the entire family healthy: hand sanitizers! Keeping their hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illnesses.

4A lot of tissue paper.

When the cold and flu season

hits, you’re going to need more tissue paper than you think. Always have a box of tissue paper because “lots” is never enough for a family.

5A stylish scarf.

Of course, you’d want your family to be protected from allergens and viruses outside your home. Give them something to cover themselves with!

May it be a nice handkerchief, a stylish scarf or a sterile face mask, you should always be prepared most especially when the fambam is going to a crowded place.

A ton of patience, 6 love and understanding.

Being a mom to sick kids can really be a test of patience. They all have their own quirks, and nursing them can really wear you down, so it’s always good to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the battle.

trusted cold 7Adefense nasal spray.

Aside from having tons of patience and understanding, you need to

have a trusted companion in keeping your family healthy. Hold the cold off before it worsens by using one of the leading and most trusted antiseptic brands in the country that is Betadine. It has a whole line of upper respiratory care products that are proven to be safe and effective, including Betadine Cold Defense Nasal Spray.

By using Betadine Cold Defense Nasal Spray at the onset of sickness, you can shorten the duration of cold symptoms by up to two days and keep the viruses from spreading further and the colds from worsening. Its formulation includes Carragelose, a natural active ingredient that has antiviral effects and is clinically proven to eliminate 99 percent of the common cold and flu viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus and influenza A virus, which are common causes of respiratory infections. Betadine Cold Defense Nasal Spray is recommended for children one-yearold and above. Plus, it is natural, steroid-free, drug-free, and has a contamination-proof nozzle.

HEALTH MONITOR

SAN FRANCISCO FIRST U.S. CITY TO BAN SALES OF E-CIGARETTES

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AN FRANCISCO—San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to outlaw the sale of electronic cigarettes across the city, which also includes online delivery of vaping products to an off-line recipient.

The legislation made San Francisco the first US city to approve an ordinance that bans the distribution and sale of e-cigarettes in brick-andmortar stores and online shops.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who has earlier expressed support for the measure, has 10 days to sign off the bill, and the or-

dinance will be fully implemented in six months.

“This is a decisive step to help prevent another generation of San Francisco children from becoming addicted to nicotine,” said City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who coauthored the ordinance.

“San Francisco is taking action to

protect our kids....E-cigarettes are a product that, by law, are not allowed on the market without FDA review,” he said in a statement released by his office.

Juul Labs, the biggest producer of e-cigarettes in the United States based in San Francisco, has argued that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco.

“This full prohibition will drive former adult smokers who successfully switched to vapor products back to deadly cigarettes, deny the opportunity to switch for current adult smokers, and create a thriving black market instead of addressing the actual causes of underage access and use,”

said Juul Spokesman Ted Kwong.

The company said it supports stricter regulation and enforcement, instead of total prohibition, of e-cigarettes consumption, and proposed some new measures including electronic age verification technology to minimize the impact of vaping.

US federal law sets 18 years as the minimum age required to buy tobacco products, while California puts the limit at 21 years old.

A national survey by the University of Michigan in 2018 showed that one in five high-school seniors reported vaping, and even eighthgraders were consuming e-cigarettes in record numbers. PNA/Xinhua

ROLE OF DIGITAL HEALTH TECH IN IMPROVING CLINICIAN, PATIENT EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTED IN FHI 2019 REPORT

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OYAL Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, recently announced the publication of its Future Health Index (FHI) 2019 report: “Transforming healthcare experiences: Exploring the impact of digital health technology on healthcare professionals and patients.” The report reflects independent research, commissioned by Philips, of what is required to accelerate the shift from volume-based to value-based care in the global drive for sustainable health-care systems.

Now in its fourth year, the report focuses on the role digital health technology plays in improving both the individual citizen and the healthcare professional experience—two elements of the “Quadruple Aim” in health care. The FHI finds that, despite the majority of individuals wanting access to their digital health record (DHR) and being prepared to share it more widely with healthcare professionals, insufficient data sharing currently takes place. This is especially true for data collected by individuals themselves.

While around two-fifths of health-care professionals recommend that patients track health data, such as their blood pressure (44 percent) or weight (39 percent), only 9 percent said that most or all of their patients share this data with them on an ongoing basis.

“Two-way sharing of information is not only essential to deliver the right care at the right time, it also helps to improve the patient and clinician experience,” said Jan Kimpen, chief medical officer for Philips. “Informed and empowered patients also take better care of their health, which contributes to the last element of the Quadruple Aim—lower cost of care. Today’s Future Health Index report highlights that health and

health care is all about people. For example, the patient-clinician relationship is highly symbiotic.

In terms of each party’s well-being, what one side does affects the other and vice versa.”

The Future Health Index 2019 report’s researchers identified three key themes:

1

Engaged and digitally enhanced health-care professionals. This theme

focuses on how health-care professionals are increasingly using and advocating digital health technology to improve their own experiences.

The report highlights that the majority of health-care professionals are adapting to new ways of working, with 76 percent reporting that they use digital health records within their hospital/practice, and 80 percent sharing patient information electronically with other health-care professionals inside their health facility.

“While many conventional DHRs are often criticized by doctors because of their intrinsic shortcomings, it is encouraging to see that the FHI study shows that the majority of the doctors interviewed still find them useful, so that patient information is readily available to them and ready to share within their hospital,” said Jan Kimpen.

The survey results also point to areas where the full benefits of technology still need to be unlocked.

“Health-care professionals are rarely prepared in terms of how to use digital technology and data when they’re training for clinical practice,” commented Patricia Mechael, cofounder

and policy lead at HealthEnabled and technical lead for the Global Digital Health Index. “They may be receiving the latest information when it comes to clinical diagnostics and treatment, but they’re not being trained in the communications and data techniques that they’ll need to use alongside their clinical skills.”

“The benefits are clear. Now is the time for the healthcare industry at large to step up its efforts to really bring patients into the cloud. Other industries have shown that the technology is there to do it in a safe way.”

2

The third theme looks at how some countries have leapfrogged others when it comes to health technology and how digital health technologies are increasingly becoming part of the everyday health-care experience for both healthcare professionals and patients. For example, the surveyed individuals in China, Saudi Arabia and India more frequently said they take action related to their health as a result of tracking key health indicators via digital health technology or mobile health apps. The experiences of digital health technology forerunners provide lessons that all countries can learn from and apply to their own health-care systems.

“We know from the previous three editions of the FHI study that it is hard for countries with a developed health-care system to change, simply because of the legacy,” said Jan Kimpen. “So we should learn from countries with an emerging health-care system that have leapfrogged in the adoption of digital technologies. Technology is no longer a limiting factor, the important thing for all of us is to be prepared for change.”

Since 2016, Philips has conducted original research to help determine the readiness of countries to address global health challenges and build efficient and effective health systems. Details on the methodology and a full list of sources are available here. To read the full report, visit www.philips.com/futurehealthindex-2019.

Empowered patients— access to data, more control. The study indicates that giving

patients access to their own health data makes them more likely to engage with it in a way that will improve the quality of care they receive and their overall health-care experience. Of the individuals surveyed, those who share their health data with their health-care professional are more likely to rate the quality of care as good, very good or excellent (74 percent) compared to those who don’t share it (66 percent). In addition, 63 percent of individuals who currently do not have or don’t know if they have access to their digital health record, say they want it.

“When patients are more involved in their care, anecdotally we do see better outcomes— they develop a richer and more sophisticated understanding of their health journey,” said Dr. K. Elizabeth Hawk, clinical instructor, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine; radiologist, Matrix Division, Radiology Partners. “Giving patients this access not only empowers them, it also builds a better relationship between physician and patient. And narrowing this disconnect can have a dramatic impact on physician burnout, too.”

“Patients are explicitly asking for access to their digital health records,” said Jan Kimpen.

from 3Learning forerunners.

Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019 5

NBA SUPERSTAR

JAMES HARDEN

RETURNS TO MANILA

By Nazarene A. Leyco

J

AMES “The Beard” Harden, the quickest stepback move in the NBA, arrived in the country last week to meet with his fans and inspire Filipino ballers who dream of making it big on the hard court.

JAMES HARDEN signing shoes for his fans

On June 26, 2019, James Harden graced his Manila fans with his official footwear adidas to show his fans how just like him, they too are free to play how they play, free to step back, “Free To Harden.” The event was part of his Asian tour, which kicked off in China.

Harden commenced his trip by visiting the University of the Philippines where adidas is refurbishing the College of Human Kinetics basketball court. Members of the National Wheelchair Basketball Team and UP Women’s Basketball Team welcomed Harden through a short exhibition game. Before coming to Manila, the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player also visited China as part of his adidas Asia Summer Tour.

The tour was more than playing the game; it was larger than life as he tried to inspire young kids who see him as their hero. But he claims to draw inspiration from those young ballers after learning their stories, struggles and sacrifices.

Harden and adidas through the event hoped to provide a basketball environment where personal development in basketball skills and fitness is reinvigorated in a team situation, with a strong emphasis on continually developing player attitude and character.

“You guys are crazy over the game,” Harden exalts as he witnessed for himself

6 Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019

how basketball-crazy the Philippines is.

At the adidas store in Two Parkade, BGC, the Houston Rockets guard met lucky fans that were chosen among hundreds of entries for having the best recreation of his signature Step Back move. He faced the press for a round of questions on the recently concluded NBA season and how adidas has helped him throughout his basketball journey. He was greeted by excited Filipino fans upon arriving at the main event—the Free To Harden Freestyle Hub, which was held in the SMX Convention Center.

JAMES HARDEN during the Beard On, Beard Off game.

Through the various games done onstage like Beard On, Beard Off and the Fast Talk questions, Harden got to show another side of him to his excited fans.

Along with some lucky fans, local adidas basketball creators like Kobe Paras, Jjay Alejandro and Rey Nambatac, among others, also had the chance to interact and impress the seven-time NBA All-Star

JAMES HARDEN with players of the Beard game, Jason Credo, Troy Rike, Roosevelt Adams and Kobe Paras

through basketball challenges like the BEARD game—based on the HORSE game.

“At adidas, we believe we have the power to change lives through sports.

And Harden’s visit—with the incredibly warm welcome he received from ecstatic fans, we saw this to be true. His journey in becoming the player he is today is truly an inspiration to his Filipino fans,“ shared adidas Philippines Brand Communications and Sports Marketing Manager Jen Dacasin.

“It’s great being back in the Philippines, and I’m thankful to adidas and my fans for the warm welcome. I’m already looking forward to my next trip back here,” Harden said.

Realizing how his skills, particularly the quick step back and other signature moves, impact not just the Filipinos’ style of game but the game itself all over the world, Harden vows to give his best every time he steps in the court and be a good example as well outside the arena.

He also urged his Filipino fans to keep loving the game and to play free like he does.

SUSAN AFRICA ON HER REAL-LIFE ROLE AS CAREGIVER

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ETERAN actress Susan Africa became a staunch cancer advocate after she battled cancer as devoted caregiver to her husband, the late Spanky Manikan. Across different platforms, Susan communicated the importance of early detection, and increasing access to screening and treatments.

For the Manikan family, the fight against cancer began in early 2017, when Spanky came home from work one day with swollen face and hands.

They immediately took him to a doctor for a blood exam. The test results were normal.

His doctor then asked Spanky to have a CT scan of the chest because he felt something in the area. “I remember it very well. The doctor asked to see me right away. He said Spanky had superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). There was no mention of the “C” word but he had to be admitted for radiation treatment. I did my own research online and found out that SVCS is usually caused by cancer.”

Apart from the swelling of his face and hands, her husband seemed well.

At most, he had the occasional smoker’s cough, which Spanky thought was nothing serious. “Maybe if you know that you or a loved one is a heavy smoker, you should consult your doctor for recommendations on early cancer detection methods, just to be sure that you or your loved one is clear of cancer. The

prospect of having cancer may be really scary, but you have to get proper treatment right away,” Susan stressed.

As caregiver, Susan with the rest of the family held Spanky’s hand throughout the physical, financial and emotional challenges of the cancer patient journey. “I think the keyword for a caregiver is love and sacrifice.” We had to be strong for him. We needed to give him love, hope and encouragement as much as we can,” she said.

She recalled that if they had detected her husband’s cancer in its earlier stages, it would have made a huge difference in his treatment journey and prognosis, and they would have taken better advantage of new developments in cancer care and treatment that are available today.

“Spanky first had radiation therapy.

Then our doctor recommended having Spanky undergo clinical trial for immunotherapy, which was then the new treatment option for lung cancer,” shared Susan.

Immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s immune system to be

able to identify and attack cancer cells.

Previous clinical trials showed that the benefits of immunotherapy were usually durable with a manageable safety profile. Patients lived longer and were expected to have better quality of life.

The treatment is currently approved in the Philippines for non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, head and neck, gastric, bladder and Hodgkin lymphoma, among others.

She took Spanky to the Makati Medical Center and Lung Center of the Philippines pathology departments for biomarker testing of his tumor cells. Spanky had non-small cell lung cancer and was tested positive for PD-L1 in 90 percent of the tumor cells, which meant he was eligible to undergo immunotherapy.

“He was successfully introduced into the randomized program. He had two sessions of immunotherapy and it was successful, in the sense that the first infusion was able to remove the excruciating pain in his right side,” said Susan.

Like all cancer treatments available in the country, the financial impact of treatment posed a challenge. Susan was open in admitting that, like everyone else, the financial burden of caring for a loved one with cancer had been overwhelming. Aside from financial support from government institutions like PCSO, Pagcor and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Susan is grateful for having friends who helped Spanky during this time.

“Spanky had been in and out of the hospital for about six times in a span of

a few months. Our savings were quickly running out. We’re blessed for having friends who organized a fund-raising event called ‘Sunday for Spanky’ back in August 2017.”

Susan added, “I think it’s vital to spread correct and evidence-based information on clinically proven new treatments, guide and support patients, and give hope. Cancer is a disease that no one should cope with alone.” After his courageous fight with loving family and friends, Spanky Manikan passed away in early 2018 at the age of 75 years old.

Shortly after, Susan became an ambassador at Hope From Within: Cancer Game Plan PH. “I met Hope From Within and I knew then that the Lord’s purpose for me is to perpetuate the memory of Spanky, and inspire others by his bravery, persistence and determination to get well.”

Hope From Within: Cancer Game Plan PH is a campaign led by MSD in the Philippines that aims to put patients at the heart of the fight against the dreaded disease. Using powerful voices from leaders, advocates, policy-makers, survivors, support groups and patients, it boosted awareness of proper cancer care, sparking conversations and actions on how to reduce the burden of cancer-related mortalities and other challenges.

Visit www.hopefromwithin.org to know more about new cancer-treatment options and where cancer patients can get support.

Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019 7

WELLNESS LIVING

FUN IDEAS TO SPEND ‘ME’ TIME

SPA services can be both relaxing and therapeutic.

NATURE has a huge impact on health and wellness.

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ACED with the increasing demand of modern-day living, we all need some time to be on our own where the No. 1 priority is self-care. Doing the things you love by yourself can do wonders on your mental health by regaining better focus and clarity of thoughts, and physical health by revitalizing your body.

Being alone for some “me” time is found to be helpful in rediscovering and getting in touch with your own thoughts and emotions. This type of activity can help achieve a better understanding of yourself, enables you to be more grounded with life’s realities so that you can make better choices when faced with challenges.

Do try to spend some time alone and you’ll be surprised how much fun you can also have with your lonesome. Here are some me time ideas you can try and routinely practice at your convenience:

Unplug and unwind. To keep ourselves updated and stimulated, we tend to spend so much time in front of digital screens to complete our work-related tasks, to be entertained or get in touch with people. To hear one’s voice, why not unplug from all these technological devices, relax and engage in a conversation with yourself. Doing so has been found to relieve stress and help lessen one’s anxiety. Apparently, it’s one good way of coping with life’s pressures.

SPENDING time outside is good for your bones.

8 Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019

GO outdoors for a change of scenery during your “me” time.

Have a staycation. Grab that opportunity to be on your own in the safety of your own room, or go out and check-in for a short stay by yourself. In the confines of your own personal space, allow yourself to relax, listen to your favorite music, pursue a hobby, reading a book or simply, get back that sleep you lost while burning the midnight oil. You’ll be surprised how checking out from the world can get you all excited again about life.

Head outdoors. Nothing beats having some fresh air, sunlight and cool breeze to brighten you up and clear your mind of all worries and concerns. And better yet if you’re physically up to it, go for a jog or run, preferably in an area with lots of trees and greenery. You can also try trekking to new trails. Some people also find walking on the beach and the sound of waves relaxing, too. For a more subdued activity, you can get your hands dirty and try some gardening by planting seedlings, or watering the plants.

GARDENING can relieve stress.

Pamper yourself. One of the quickest to de-stress and savor that moment by yourself is just to lay back and subject yourself to pampering massages, facials and body scrubs.

A day at the spa can help improve your physical well-being as well as your mental health. Aside from being therapeutic, the relaxing atmosphere, the attentive staff and treatments all work well to set you in a good mood.

Sandari Batulao currently hosts wellness activities, such as mountain trekking, acupuncture and massage treatments, and yoga sessions by the mountain. Located in Nasugbu (15 minutes from Tagaytay), Sandari Batulao has a scenic mountainous view, lush greenery and huge open spaces. Sandari Batulao is a real-estate development that promotes one’s ability to maintain a healthy physique for a quality of life that allows one to go through daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress. For more information on Sandari Batulao and it’s wellness activities, please check www.sandaribatulao.com, Sandari Batulao (Official) on Facebook and Instagram.

DONATE-A-BOOK,

SHARE THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE WITH THE SM STORE

THE SM Store Pampanga Branch Manager Benjamin Reyes reads a short story to the Grade 3 pupils.

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UST in time for the back-toschool season, SM shoppers can share the gift of knowledge through The SM Store’s SM Share Movement Donate-A-Book campaign in all branches nationwide.

Ongoing until July 7, shoppers can donate books and school supplies to benefit schoolchildren of select SM Foundation supported schools. In exchange, shoppers will receive a P50 discount coupon for every donation made.

Earlier donations from the campaign, which was launched on May 20 were distributed to the Balanga Elementary School in Bataan where employee volunteers from the nearby branches of The SM Store in Pampanga and Olongapo shared a fun-filled day with Grade 3 pupils. The SM Store donated books from Olongapo and Pampanga branches enough to fill up the mini-library of the two-story school building donated by SM Foundation. Bags and school supplies were also donated just in time for the back-to-school season.

The Grade 3 pupils of Balanga Elementar y school were also treated to a story telling session

by The Story Telling Project, a nongovernment partner organization of SM, with the aim to spark hope, inspiration and imagination through storytelling. In the session, TSP demonstrated how you can inject fun and enthusiasm

KIDS were excited to check out their new books as The SM Store was able to donate books enough to fill up the mini book corner of Balanga Elementary School.

CHILDREN from Balanga Elementary School enjoyed a fun coloring activity as part of the storybook reading session.

in reading as a group activity to teachers, parents and pupils.

According to Rey Bufi, executive director of TSP, “we are aligned with the mission of The SM Store Share Movement Donate-A-Book campaign and Balanga Elementary School to make reading an enjoyable experience for children. It can help start the regular habit of reading in an age when children are often distracted with gadgets.”

Reading, especially for third graders is a very crucial academic skill because it is the foundation of learning, Amy Inieto, principal of Balanga Elementary School, shared that in addition to their regular school curriculum, they have a program to reinforce reading habits of learners.

“The books donated by The SM Store through its Share Movement Donate-A-Book campaign will be put to good use. It will become part of our teaching instruments to reinforce the value of reading,” said Inieto.

The SM Share Movement Donate-A-Book campaign is part of The SM Store’s quarterly donation drives— wherein it collects shoes, books, toys and hygiene kits for identified unprivileged communities, including those impacted by calamities.

According to Joseph Rosal, senior AVP for Operations of The SM Store, “more shoppers are looking for ways to give back and they can do this through The SM Store. We want The SM Store to become the venue for people to come together and foster the true Filipino spirit of sharing or bayanihan.

The SM Store Share Movement Donate-A-Book campaign is ongoing until July 7 in all The SM Store branches nationwide. Shoppers can share new and pre-loved gently used books. The SM Store also accepts school packs and text books.

Kids started to read books donated by The SM Store.

Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019 9

BULLETIN BOARD

BAI HOTEL CEBU: THE BUSINESS DESTINATION OF CHOICE IN CEBU WITH its current economic growth, Cebu has developed as a hub not only for leisure travelers but also for those who want to explore business opportunities in this exciting metropolis in the South. bai Hotel Cebu offers a seamless way to maximize time spent on a Cebu business trip as it is conveniently 25 minutes away from the airport and 10 minutes away from the seaport with facilities and services that are designed for a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

Busy executives are welcome to use the Business Center for vital office services, such as meeting rooms, office pods, airline reservations, printing/photocopying/scanning of documents, local & international calls, postal service and even secretarial services, among others.

Choices of well-planned facilities for meetings and conferences are, likewise, available, so bai Hotel Cebu can cater small meetings of 15 people to big conferences of up to 600 participants.“We offer various packages guests can choose from, and we can also customize special packages to match specific requirements and preferences. Our team is very dedicated on providing the needs of the guests from day one, ensuring expectations are met,” said Vice President for Operations and General Manager Alfred M. Reyes.

For executives who want to hold meetings over a sumptuous meal, bai Hotel has several dining outlets to suit different culinary preferences. Ume Japanese Cuisine offers authentic Japanese á la carte meals which are especially prepared by the resident chef, while Marble + Grain Steakhouse is the hotel’s very own finedining restaurant, where they serve prime USDA steak. Its most popular dining destination is its all-day dining restaurant. Café bai which has been awarded as Mandaue’s No. 1 restaurant by TripAdvisor, serves Eastern to Western cuisine.

There is also Wallstreet Coffee + Bar within the hotel complex, where executives can enjoy a caffeine boost along with quick bites. To help execs unwind after a long day, the Pool Bar at the 21st floor serves light drinks and snacks beside the 25-meter infinity outdoor lap pool. bai Hotel Cebu’s Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar’s unique cocktails and chill music complements the view of the harbor and the city. The Executive Club Lounge, which is one of the largest in the city, is the perfect place for exclusive buffetstyle breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails for executive floor guests.

As an affiliate of World Hotels, bai Hotel Cebu maintains an international standard of

10 Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019

service that makes it globally competitive in terms of its amenities and services. This is in combination with a dedication to hospitality, providing sincere five-star service reflective of the warm local Filipino culture.

Because of its location, amenities and hospitable service that gives business travelers the combination of luxury and convenience in a fast-developing metropolis, bai Hotel has become the accommodation of choice for busy

executives in Cebu. Reyes shares, “Our aim is to always provide five-star service to all our guests. Given the constantly changing trend in the industry and in keeping the needs of our travelers as top-of-mind, we strive to continuously improve our quality of products and services to meet and exceed guests’ expectations.”

For more information and reservations, visit www.baihotels.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

BULLETIN BOARD

MAKE EVERY DAY A TURKSDAY, BRING HOME A PITA DONER TODAY REMEMBERING and rewarding our parents, siblings, wife, husband, children and friends should be on a daily basis, a simple gesture of love and gratitude, like asking them how they are or saying “I love you” or giving them a big hug and kiss will surely be appreciated and we will make them feel that they are loved.

Usually, for our parents, we don’t need to do anything for them, as long as they see us good and doing well in life, but for the children and the wives who are patiently waiting for the husband, the pasalubong always works to tickle the hearts of the young ones and it sparks joy in the heart of the wife.

Showing your love for your family does not have to be expensive, bringing home a pasalubong always works and you can depend on Turks to guarantee that smile on their faces when they see you holding a bag of Turks goodies.

For as low as P35, you can take home a Small Pita Doner or Doner Rice Bowl priced at P50, just enough to satisfy the craving for a delicious chicken or beef Turks shawarma.

But if you want your loved ones to enjoy Turks more, take home a regular Pita Doner or any of the Turks premium rice meal, such as Doner on Rice, Hotdog Doner

on Rice, or Beef Doner Steak and Beef and Kebab Doner Platter as these are already very filling meals.

The combination of fresh cucumber, onion and tomato on doner dishes gives the meal a crispy texture while the juicy beef and chicken make all the flavors explode in your mouth.

With Turks, budget won’t be a problem since Turks meals are affordable and you are guaranteed that all

50,000 KIDS UNCOVERED VALUABLE LEARNINGS AT MCDONALD’S KIDDIE CREW WORKSHOP

IT was a grand event to remember as McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Explorers capped off their summer activities with a fun-filled Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation! The Grand Graduation is the culminating activity to the Kiddie Crew Workshop—McDonald’s long-running flagship summer program that allows kids to take part in unique activities at a McDonald’s restaurant. This year, close to 50,000 participants from all over the Philippines joined a summer of fun and learning with the Kiddie Crew Workshop: Explorer Edition!

Eager Kiddie Crew Explorers celebrated their successful summer adventure with a series of Grand Graduations held across the country in Pampanga, Laguna, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, Cavite and Manila. With

the theme, “Quest for the Hidden Temple”, kids along with their families went on different adventures at the interactive explorer-themed booths like the Jumble Jungle, Majestic Mountain, and Wild River, and many more!

Celebrity hosts Jackie Lou Blanco and JC Santos led the audience for an exciting live show. McDonald’s chief happiness officer, Ronald McDonald, along with the rest of the McDonald land characters, Grimace, Birdie and Hamburglar joined in on the fun! McDonald’s endorser Ogie Alcasid, and McDonald’s Brand Ambassadors Maricel Laxa and Solana Pangilinan, also graced the celebration to congratulate all the attendees for their successful Kiddie Crew Workshop participation.

Ending the celebration on a high note, the kids said their graduation oaths and sang the Kiddie Crew Hymn, and in true graduation tradition, tossed their caps in the air to culminate their summer as Kiddie Crew Explorers!

The Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation was a fitting finale to a productive and adventure-filled summer for thousands of McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Explorers across the country. It was an exhilarating summer adventure, capped off with a massive graduation to celebrate the achievements of this year’s batch of excited explorers!

meals are made from quality beef and chicken and fresh ingredients that are meticulously prepared by its trained staff.

For pasalubong, Turks will surely spark love and joy in your household, so make every day a Turksday.

To know more about Turks log on to www.turks. ph and like and follow its social-media pages: IG/FB: Turks.official.

LET THE BOTTOMLESS GOOD TIMES ROLL AT THE EXCHANGE! WANT to reward yourself after a hard day’s work? Head down to Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’s The Exchange and have an intoxicating good time with your friends and colleagues with a special Happy Hour promo that’s just right for after-office-drinks and absolute fun!

For only P625 net, ease up on the work-stress by enjoying free-flowing orders of your favorite local beers, featured cocktails, Smirnoff Mule, soda and iced tea, plus a scrumptious pica-pica buffet filled with a variety of bar chow.

Wine drinkers can now join in the Happy Hour party with their beer- and cocktail-loving friends. For just a P225 net add-on to the Happy Hour rate, wine aficionados can get unlimited red or white house wine in addition to the other drink choices.

So what are you waiting for? Make plans with your friends now! The Exchange’s Happy Hour is available from Mondays to Fridays, except holidays, from 6 to 9 p.m.

For inquiries and reservations, e-mail to rho@ richmondehotel.com.ph or log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph. For the freshest updates on hotel promotions, connect at www.facebook.com/RichmondeHotelOrtigas, www.twitter.com/Richmonde_RHO and www.instagram.com.Richmonde_RHO.

Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019 11

KNEE PAIN DOS AND DON’TS

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E oftentimes complain about joint pains, especially in our knees and we usually blame it on arthritis or rheumatism. The webmd.com lists down some dos and don’ts to ease and avoid knee discomfort. Read the list below and know if you are abusing your knees or you are being careful with your body.

Do: Rest a sore knee

Don’t: Stay on the couch too long EXERCISE builds strong muscles around your joints, and that helps prevent injuries. Once your knee has had enough rest, get back out there.

Low-impact water workouts or tai chi are good options. But don’t overdo it or you’ll risk more pain.

Do: Use RICE TRY the RICE formula to treat a knee injury: Rest for a day or two to heal.

Ice your knee to calm inflammation.

Compress (wrap) your joint for support and to stop fluid buildup.

Elevate it on a pillow or stool to curb swelling.

Don’t: Risk slips, trips or falls WEAR shoes with good tread on them to cut your risk of a slip. Choose

WWW.FREEPIK.COM

TAKE a break so your knee has time to heal. You’ll only need one or two days of rest to ease minor knee pain, but severe injuries may keep you off your feet longer. Talk to your doctor if it doesn’t get better after a few days. low-heeled ones with soft, rubber soles. Keep your home’s hallways and stairwells well lit, and clear floors of things you could trip over.

Do: Use a cane if you need one FEEL unsteady? Use something to steady you as you move around.

Choose a sturdy, strong, light cane with a rubber tip and a handle that’s easy to grasp. Hold it at a 45-degree angle to be sure it’s the right height.

Find one in a color or style you like so you’ll be more likely to use it.

Do: Watch your weight EXTRA pounds add strain to your knees and raise your risk of painful arthritis and injuries. But even moderate weight loss can make it better. If you need to drop a few pounds, set a goal to lose just 5 percent of your current weight over the next few months.

Do: Consider acupuncture TINY needles are put into the skin around your sore joint. Research shows it can ease knee arthritis pain, though it’s still unclear how.

Look for someone who’s trained and experienced. Many stated they are licensed acupuncturists.

Don’t: Forget to stretch THE muscles around your knees can get tight, and that can lead to painful injuries. Daily stretches can prevent that and muscle pain. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for easy moves to help you limber up before you walk or do any other activity.

Do: Use heat and cold IF your knee pain flares, try hot or cold treatments. Moist heat is better for pain relief than dry. Soak in a warm bath, or zap a damp washcloth in the microwave. To ease a swollen knee, press a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel against the joint.

Don’t: Sleep in the wrong position THIS can make your knee pain worse. Try out different positions, and put a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side. Don’t prop up a bent knee on a pillow, because that can make it harder to unbend your leg the next day.

Do: Try braces or sleeves SUPPORT a sore, weak knee with a brace, sleeve or tape. Ask a physical therapist to fit you with one or to tape your knee. A simple sleeve that fits over your knee can offer short-

12 Health&Fitness July 4-10, 2019

term pain relief, too. You can find them at the drugstore.

Don’t: Wear out your knees YOU may get knee pain because you overload your joints. Movements you do over and over again, like go up and down stairs every day, can jar and wear down your knees. But don’t sit for long periods, either.

That puts extra pressure between your knee and leg bone that can cause pain.

Do: Support your arches CHOOSE shoes that support your arches, or get slip-in inserts at your local drugstore. If those don’t work, you can ask your doctor about custom supports. But those can be expensive and don’t always work better than the ones available over the counter.

Don’t: Keep wearing the same old shoes SHOES can stretch and wear out after a while. Don’t keep wearing your favorite pair after their support and tread have worn out. You may find that new shoes that support your feet and ankles well ease your knee pain.

Do: Talk to your doctor YOU don’t have to deal with knee pain alone. Your doctor might prescribe medication or give you a steroid shot to help. She also might talk with you about surgery to replace worn joints or ligaments.

Source: www.webmd.com

RADYO KLINIKA

By Marou Pahati-Sarne

ONYCHOMYCOSIS

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FIFTY-YEAR-OLD woman complained on Radyo Klinika at dwIZ 882 KHZ AM about her nails.

She couldn’t wash her clothes and dishes, and couldn’t even wash her own hands because her nails are almost parting from the nail bed. She said that her index and ring fingers are already affected by her nail condition and she’s having difficulty doing housework. She is suffering from social problems, as well.

She hides her nails by putting her hands in her pockets all the time.

Edwin Bien, Integrative Medicine doctor, says that her condition is known as onychomycosis. It is a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails and it causes the nails to disfigure, split, thicken, discolor or fall off. Foul-smelling debris could also accumulate in between the nail and its bed. The fungus eats the keratin or the protein that hardens the nails.

“The fungus enters inside, between the nail and its bed and thrives there

until it disfigures the nail. It is not only a cosmetic problem when it changes the nails. Onychomycosis is painful and irritating, especially when it thickens or splits. It can also cause social and psychological problems,” said Bien who holds clinic at LeBien Wellness.

Toenails are more likely to be infected with the fungus, especially when a person doesn’t dry his feet thoroughly and wears his shoes immediately. It can also be spread in floors of locker rooms or showers where the person walks barefoot. Wearing too much nail polish could also be a factor because it prevents the nail from breathing.

“A strong immune system is very important in preventing onychomycosis.

Most of the patients who have this condition are diabetic, have HIV or have circulatory problems,” added Bien.

The nail, which is infected by the fungus usually turns yellowish or brownish as it hardens then splits or crumble and fall off. There is another type of onychomycosis which turns the nail white and the surface becomes soft and dry, as well as powdery.

Doctors treat onychomycosis with minor surgery by totally taking off the affected nail, to give way for a new nail to grow.

“After the surgery, the affected finger must be soaked in warm water with potassium permanganate. This is like a black-colored salt. You can buy this in drugstores or health stores. A pinch of potassium permanganate in a dipper filled with warm water can help improve the condition of the affected nail bed.

This should be done every morning and at nighttime,” instructed Bien.

If the infection is mild or just limited to a small area of the nail, minor surgery is not needed. Instead, the doctor would prescribe an antifungal cream or a medicated nail polish. Oral antifungal medication may be prescribed if the person has several infected nails.

It is important to take care of your overall health to prevent such conditions as onychomycosis, according to Bien.

It can happen again even if a new nail grows on the affected nail bed if one doesn’t follow these preventive measures: 1. Wear comfortable shoes and hosiery or socks. Wear clean shoes and socks.

2. Don’t walk barefoot in public places or showers and locker rooms.

3. Wash the feet everyday and dry them thoroughly and use a good foot powder.

4. Keep toenails trimmed and disinfect manicure and pedicure tools before using them.

5. Keep a strong immune system.

Radyo Klinika airs Tuesday to Friday 7 to 8 p.m. on dwIZ 882 KHZ AM. It is a KBP Golden Dove awardee for Best Radio Magazine Program (2016). Its host, Marou Pahati-Sarne, is a two-time KBP Golden Dove Awardee for Best Radio Magazine Program Host (2016 & 2017). FB: Radyo Klinika. Twitter: marou_ps.

COMMON FOODS THAT CAN BE TOXIC

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OW well do you know the foods you eat? For most of us, as long as they are edible and prominent among food groups, we really don’t care. But do you know that some of our favorite foods can be toxic? Check the list below to know more about the common foods that can be toxic according to the webmd.com.

boost your immune system and treat cold or flu symptoms or constipation. But eating unripe berries, bark, or leaves of elderberry may leave you feeling worse instead of better. They have both lectin and cyanide, two chemicals that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

n Cherry pits

NUTMEG adds a nice, nutty flavor when you add it in small amounts to baked goods. But eaten by the spoonful, it can cause big problems to your system.

Even as little as 2 teaspoons can be toxic to your body because of myristicin, oil that can cause hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and seizures.

THE hard stone in the center of cherries is full of prussic acid, also known as cyanide, which is poisonous.

But there’s no need to freak out if you accidentally swallow one—intact pits just pass through your system and out the other end. Avoid crunching or crushing pits as you nosh on your cherries.

n Apple seeds

APPLE seeds also have cyanide, so throwing back a handful, as a snack isn’t smart. Luckily, apple seeds have a protective coating that keeps the cyanide from entering your system if you accidentally eat them. But it’s good to be cautious. Even in small doses, cyanide can cause rapid breathing, seizures and possibly death.

n Elderberries

YOU may take elderberry as a syrup or supplement to

n Nutmeg

n Green potatoes

THE leaves, sprouts, and underground stems (tubers) of potatoes contain a toxic substance called glycoalkaloid. Glycoalkaloids make a potato look green when it’s exposed to light, gets damaged, or ages. Eating potatoes with high glycoalkaloid content can cause nausea, diarrhea, confusion, headaches, and death.

n Raw kidney beans

OF all the bean varieties, raw red kidney beans have the highest concentration of lectins. Lectins are a toxin

that can give you a bad stomachache, make you vomit or give you diarrhea. It only takes four to five raw kidney beans to cause these side effects, which is why it’s best to boil your beans before eating.

n Rhubarb leaves

EATING the stalk is OK, but leave out the leaf. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which binds to calcium and makes it harder for your body to absorb it. In turn, your bones can’t grow the way they should, and you’re at risk for kidney stones, blood clotting problems, vomiting, diarrhea and coma.

n Bitter almonds

BOTH types of almonds—bitter and sweet—have amygdalin, a chemical compound that can turn into cyanide, but bitter almonds have the highest levels by far. Sweet almonds are safe to snack on, but eating untreated bitter almonds can cause cramps, nausea and diarrhea.

n Star fruit

IF you have kidney disease, it’s best to leave star fruit out of your diet. Normal kidneys can filter out the toxins in this sweet fruit, but for a system that can’t, the toxin sticks around and can cause mental confusion, seizures, and death.

n Mushrooms

THEY may be great on pizza, but beware of certain mushrooms in the wild. Two types are particularly harmful—the death cap (Amanita phalloides), and the destroying angel (Amanita virosa). Eating these wild mushrooms can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration, intense thirst, liver failure, coma and death.

n Raw cashews

THE cashews you get in stores with a raw label aren’t exactly that. Before they hit shelves, they’re steamed to remove a toxin called urushiol in their shells. Urushiol is the same toxin you find in poison ivy. Eating pre-steamed cashews can cause an allergic reaction and can be fatal if your allergies are severe.

n Mangoes

JUST like raw cashews, the skin, bark, and leaves of mangoes contain urushiol, the toxin in poison ivy. If you’re allergic to poison ivy, especially if that allergy is a bad one, biting into a mango can cause a severe reaction with swelling, rash and even problems breathing.

Source: www.webmd.com

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HEALTHY FINDS

n NESTLÉ LAUNCHES FIRSTEVER READY-TO-DRINK SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE IN PHL

PARENTS can now take their families on the path toward sustainability. To help Filipino families directly take part in efforts to achieve a more nutritious and more sustainable future, NESTLÉ recently launched its Nestlé Ready-To-Drink (RTD) Baon Subscription on goodfood.ph, the first ever subscription and delivery service of well-loved Nestlé RTD Baon Brands— Chuckie, Milo Ready-To-Drink, Bear Brand Yogu—and the country’s No. 1 Fresh Milk Range—Nestlé Fresh Milk, Nestlé Low-Fat Milk, and Nestlé Non-Fat Milk.

Through its new RTD Baon Subscription powered by goodfood.ph, Nestlé aims to be every household’s partner in raising a healthier and more sustainable future for kids. This is made possible by providing children with healthy and nutritious on-thego beverages, and through the subscription service that allows consumers to return their used beverage cartons through Nestlé’s partner upcycling facility, thereby extending their useful life.

Nestlé RTD’s subscription service is the first of its kind in the Philippines and is a testament to Nestlé’s untiring efforts to be there for Filipino families in their quest for a sustainable lifestyle that answers their needs, as well as aspirations.

NESTLÉ Ready-to-Drink executives along with brand ambassadors pose for a photo in support of building a healthier and sustainable future through Nestlé RTD Baon Subscription Service.

Besides taking families to the green path, this new subscription service offers a convenient, efficient and hassle-free way of purchasing Filipino kids’ baon must-haves.

Automatic replenishment means not having to worry about running out of baon, while doorstep delivery means not having to put up with horrible traffic and long lines at the

grocery counter. For added convenience, a variety of widely accepted payment options are available, including credit cards and cash on delivery. Best of all, subscribers can look forward to regular freebies, gifts and deals.

Try the RTD subscription service today at https://subscriptions.goodfood.ph/ready-todrink.

calcium and magnesium—all-important for making sure your organs function and helping your body relax. Some research has also popped up about the possible anticancer properties that cytokinins (which can be found in coconut water) might have.

liver to your home, office or gym within Metro Manila. For more information visit cocodelivery. ph or head to @CocoDeliveryPh on Facebook or Instagram for more details.

2. Coconut water helps lower your cholesterol. Coconut water is known

n REASONS WHY COCONUT WATER IS GOOD FOR YOU

YOU may have heard of a fresh and tasty drink called coconut water. It’s supposedly packed with nutrients and good for you. But, what exactly are these benefits? Here are some of the advantages you get just by drinking and adding coconut water to your diet.

1. Coconut water can help reduce stress and fatigue. Coconut water is known to be packed with potassium,

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to boost metabolism and ease digestion. It also reduces the risk of heart diseases and aids in treating high blood pressure when introduced to your diet. On top of it all, coconut water has shown to lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss.

3. It rehydrates the body. We often hear our parents and doctors tell us to stay hydrated whenever we get sick. The nutrients provided by coconut water not only hydrates your body naturally, it also makes it a better sports drink option for when you’re working out because coconut water has no sugar added and is 100 percent pure, fresh and raw.

If you’re hankering for fresh coconut water, it’s now easy to get some. Cocodelivery can de-

n ESSILOR ASSERTS ITS CONTINUED FIGHT AGAINST MYOPIA

ESSILOR, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, has affirmed its commitment to tackling the growing myopia epidemic as the platinum sponsor of the Asia Pacific Optometry Congress 2019 held in Manila, Philippines. Acknowledging the importance of Essilor’s powerful mission of improving lives by improving

HEALTHY FINDS

sight, the Congress dedicated one whole day to discuss ways for eye-care professionals to better manage childhood myopia. This was the first time that a myopia management symposium of this scale was held in the Philippines.

The four-day Congress hosted by the AsiaPacific Council of Optometry and the Optometry Association of the Philippines, brought together 28 renowned speakers from over 22 countries to explore the latest advances in optometry. During the myopia symposium, some of the industry’s top eye-care professionals with myopia expertise shared their experiences and best practices in managing their patients’ myopia progression with different solutions available today.

The prevalence of myopia is increasing at an alarming rate. As of today, more than 2 billion individuals are diagnosed with myopia. By 2050, 5 billion or half the world will be affected by myopia and nearly 1 billion will suffer from high myopia.

Myopia, also called near-sightedness or short-sightedness, is a vision condition in which people find it difficult to see distant objects clearly. High myopia (-5.0D or more) is associated with a higher risk of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration (MMD)— which can even lead to vision impairment or blindness later in life. However, when detected early, myopia can be managed with the right solutions, substantially reducing these risks.

Myopia impacts not only individuals, but also communities and nations. It may impact learning and development—as one in three children can’t see the blackboard (or whiteboard) clearly, affecting their academic performance. It also affects socioeconomic development—the global direct cost for lost productivity due to vision impairment from myopia is estimated at $392 billion.

Even in the Philippines, myopia prevalence (-0.50D or more) has been steadily increasing each decade, with nearly 40 percent of the overall population currently being myopic, predicted to increase to nearly 50 percent by 2030 and 60 percent by 2050.

Despite the magnitude of this challenge, the science of myopia is still young and awareness of the long-term adverse effects of myopia is low. A recent Essilor survey has shown that only 5 percent to 6 percent of parents in the United States and China are aware of any form of solutions to manage myopia. This growing prevalence among children has been associated with factors such as increased near work activities and less outdoor time, which are consequences of rising educational pressures and urbanization.

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued an alarm on the rising number of children in

developed cities like Metro Manila and Cebu who are suffering from myopia, mostly rooted from their constant use of electronic gadgets.

DOH Undersecretary Eric Domingo noted that the gadgets are being served as “babysitters” to the children to keep them occupied.

Essilor also emphasized the important role that parents play in ensuring the vision health of their children. To delay onset of myopia, children should be encouraged to minimize near distance work and spend more time outdoors. Taking regular vision or outdoor activity breaks during near work can help. With regard to the usage of various electronic devices, it’s not the digital devices as such, but the fact that digital devices are used at shorter distances than books, as nearwork has been shown to be a significant risk factor for developing myopia. Children should be encouraged to maintain an optimal reading distance from the screen, which is the distance between the elbow and the fingers.

When detected early, myopia can be managed—substantially reducing the risks of longterm eye diseases. Regular eye examinations are key to early detection of myopia in children.

The sooner a child’s myopia gets detected, the earlier the child will gain access to myopia management solutions and proper eye care.

To detect and manage myopia in children, it is critical for parents to know that regular eye exams by an optometrist are as important as basic health screening. It is important for children to have regular eye checks, once every six months. Even if a child has been screened for myopia in school, it’s a good idea to take them for an eye check if they are squinting, having headaches or complain of blurred vision.

Research has already shown that a number of different solutions could help in slowing down the progression of myopia in children.

Myopilux is a range of ophthalmic lenses developed by Essilor, and is designed to both correct myopia and help slow down its progression in myopic children. This noninvasive solution has successfully helped more than 1 million myopic children in Asia over the last eight years.

Myopilux Max lenses have slowed down myopia progression by up to 51 percent compared to other regular single vision lenses. Myopilux was presented at the Congress with live demonstrations on the proper use of Essilor’s products.

Essilor also recently pledged its support for the publication of eight highly anticipated white papers by International Myopia Institute, which cover a range of topics deemed essential to advancing clinical knowledge and practice relating to stemming the expanding impact of myopia. Last year, Essilor rallied the eye-care professional community in Asia by supporting the first-ever National Myopia Convention in Singapore and Global Orthokeratology and

Myopia Control Conference (GOMCC), the first conference in Malaysia to focus on myopia management. In the Philippines, Essilor has engaged all optical clinics nationwide to provide information on myopia management and Myopilux.

n ACHIEVE A HEALTHY BALANCE WITH NEUTRA K

NEUTRA K, the Philippines’s first potassium food supplement with no prescription needed, is formulated to boost overall wellness and help maintain healthy day-to-day productivity. It promotes a healthy balance by letting people have better control of their lives.

Its main component, potassium, the third most abundant mineral in the body, helps reduce blood pressure and water retention, protects against stroke, helps prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones) and kidney stones, reduces stress and anxiety, enhances the nervous system, regulates fluid level, reduces the appearance of cellulite and promotes proper food breakdown and body growth.

Potassium (K) is essential for the body’s optimal performance, especially for those who are physically active and who sweat a lot. Out of the seven electrolytes, potassium is the most necessary mineral needed for normal functioning of cells, muscles and nerves.

Sourced from one of the world’s leading producers of natural ingredients, the potassium that Neutra K uses is nonacidic, without artificial flavors and preservatives, and effectively promotes a more regulated acidity in the body to prevent potential ill-effects of prolonged imbalance.

To get enough potassium, you can include in your diet rich sources of the mineral, such as beet greens, spinach, kale and salmon. Or take Neutra K tablets twice a day—one during breakfast and another during dinner.

Neutra K comes in a 300 mg potassium FDA approved film-coated tablet. It is available exclusively in all Mercury Drugstore branches nationwide in boxes of 100 or boxes of 12.

Increase your body’s overall wellness and capacity to deal with stress with Neutra K.

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