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Stories of resistance and resilience in a Zambales mining town

Can mines and communities

FILE PHOTO

coexist? By Denver Del Rosario & Beatriz Zamora

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Special to the BusinessMirror

ARCHED, cracked and plagueridden, the land hardly yielded anything in a small barangay within the vast plains of Central Luzon. It no longer obeyed the wishes of the hard-toiled hands that have tilled it.

Francisco Delfin had high hopes for the life that waited for him in the province. Five years past, he quit his job in the Manila Electric Co., dreaming of the peace and quiet he would get in Barangay Canaynayan, a nondescript part of the small coastal town of Santa Cruz, Zambales. He had land, he had livelihood, he had assurance. ​ Three years into his life of farming, however, tragedy struck. Typhoon Lando unleashed its wrath on the province in 2015. Interlaced with the swift current of its floodwaters were mud and nickel—a contagion brought forth by the mining operations on mountains nearby. The flood—rust-red and lethal—reduced most of Delfin’s farmland into soil rendered useless. From 3 hectares of land, only less than half could be tapped. Aside from the rice plantation overlooking his home, he also tended to a small number of fruit trees in his yard. However, even these were not spared from the deluge. “ They don’t bear fruit as well

as the mango ones...then the banana trees wither and die,” he said in Filipino, adding his kaymito (st a r apple) a nd dalandan trees bore no fruit. Before Lando, Delfin har vested 200 sacks of rice from the entirety of his field per har vest season. At present, t his has been slashed to more than half, with 70 sacks as the ma ximum number the land now yields. ​ “We have to spend more money for more fertilizer and insecticides,” he said. Despite being laden with the difficulties of bouncing back from the damage inflicted upon him and his family, Delfin said the government did not extend any effort to aid them with the burden—not even the promise of recovery. T he cont i nuou s i n ac t iv it y of the loca l gover nment urged him to mobilize. Together w ith his w ife, Josefina, he joined Move Now! Zamba les, an a l liance seek ing to end the plunder of nationa l resources and

PESO exchange rates n US 50.4810

Soon after mining companies took over, the dam was transformed into a massive nuisance for the community. Mass extraction of nickel infected the once pristine river of Santa Cruz. It no longer provides clean, safe water for the people who once depended on it. Water level had gone extremely low, to the point where the once submerged earth has exposed itself to the naked eye. Gray stones became tainted with a rusty, brown color due to the extracted mineral. env ironmental degradation on a loca l and nationa l sca le. ​ Even with the fire of the fight in his heart, however, Delfin still suffers from the harsh reality of recuperation. “Recovery is a difficult process...there’s nothing simple about it,” he admitted. But he is no longer alone in his struggle.

Plagued waters

SANTA CRUZ is a first-class municipality in Zambales with a population of 59,000. With mineral-rich mountains, it has been a hot spot for mining firms. Four mining companies operate in the area—LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc. (LNL), Eramen Minerals Inc. (EMI), Benguet Corp. Nickel

Mines Inc. (BNMI) and Zambales Diversified Metals Corp. Inc. (ZDMCI)—under the cloak of economic growth and development. However, the promised progress turned out to be an utter inconvenience. ​ In Barangay Tubotubo South lies a two-decade-old dam, a vital primary source of water in the area. The dam, whose water comes from the mountains and flows out to the sea, supplies the irrigation systems of farmlands and a river system that travels to different barangays. Before the emergence of mining operations, the dam benefits the people of Santa Cruz tremendously. Livelihood was glowing in the city; the dam’s

generous supply of water gave abundant crop yields to farmers; and families harvested seafood from the river, both for profit and for personal consumption. Residents bathed and washed their clothes in the river, establishing its importance in the community. Soon after mining companies took over, the dam was transformed into a massive nuisance for the community. Mass extraction of nickel infected the once pristine river of Santa Cruz. It no longer provides clean, safe water for the people who once depended on it. Water level had gone extremely low, to the point where the once submerged earth has exposed itself to the naked eye. Gray stones became tainted with a rusty, brown color due to the extracted mineral. Despite all these, the affected communities were left with no choice but to continue relying on nickel-contaminated waters. Mining operations drastically changed the entire system of Santa Cruz, and residents paid for the consequences.

Exploited, enraged, empowered

FOR Teri Espinosa of the Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC) chapter in Zambales, the Philippines has been “too welcoming” to exploitation. In March think tank IBON Foundation said the Philippines is one of the most mineral-rich countries in the world. It ranks third in gold, fourth in copper, fifth in nickel and sixth in chromite. However, the majority of the country’s minerals are exported for the

benefit of foreign corporations. IBON found that 97 percent of mineral production in the Philippines goes to foreign industries, proving the export-oriented nature of Philippine mining. Espinosa cited the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 as one of the main reasons. “It’s what invites foreign capitalists into this industry,” she said. “We are leaving our land out into the open for these foreigners to feast on.” Signed into law by former President Fidel V. Ramos, the Act paved the way for 100-percent foreign-owned corporations to operate in the Philippines, despite the Constitution’s 60-40 rule on Filipino ownership and control of the country’s natural resources. The Mining Act, in its conception, was poised to boost national economic growth and bring progress and development, especially in mineral-rich areas. In reality, however, the mining industry is among the industries with the least contribution to the country’s wealth, contrary to the government’s claim that it helps bring about prosperity to the country. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed mining only contributed 0.8 percent to the country’s GDP in 2016, marking an 11-percent decrease from its GDP contribution in 2015. Employment in the industry decreased from 0.6 percent in 2015 to 0.5 percent in 2016, an average of 204,000 workers of the total 40.8 million people employed. Continued on A2

n japan 0.4456 n UK 65.3426 n HK 6.4651 n CHINA 7.4403 n singapore 36.7509 n australia 39.0016 n EU 57.5584 n SAUDI arabia 13.4623

Source: BSP (14 July 2017 )

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Can mines and communities coexist? ​Continued From A1 Additionally, the government gives mining corporations permission to use natural resources covered by the government-owned land. It also grants easement rights, effectively giving firms the power to displace farmers, fishers and indigenous communities who are “in the way” of their operations. Farmers and fishermen in Santa Cruz continue to suffer from the effects of mining operations in their community. The largescale extraction of nickel in the mountains contaminated the water that irrigates the farmlands. As a result, fields are dried up, leaving no profit for the farmers. With the problem at hand, farmers struggle to make money. Some buy sacks of organic fertilizer, hoping their fields will soften and be productive again. This, in turn, reduces their income. Others farm in fields they don’t own. “Other farmers resort to looking for work in cramped cities due to the loss of their farmlands,” Espinosa added. Fisherfolk near the poblacion area of Santa Cruz also faced the consequences of the same problem. ​ Instead of the everyday view of the sea, the looming sight of ships docked nearby greeted them in the morning. These waited for stockpile from the mines of the land beyond, gradually infusing the water beneath with nickel from their cargo. Before the cargo ships came, life was a series of waking up at sunrise, going out to sea and returning home before the sun sets. Now, with the danger the ships posed, fresh catch became more difficult to acquire, as they receded into more

treacherous depths. Fishermen would race to the sea before dawn’s first light, and only return long after the sun had gone down. “They look for fish everywhere. For the fisherman, the burden got heavier as consumption increased,” recounted Rosalyn Alibong, who sells marine produce to help her fisherman-husband make a living. A life of juggling fishing with other jobs was once the norm for many of Santa Cruz’s fishermen. But with the receding number of catch, Alibong’s 30 years of living by the wharf had turned into a matter of surviving day after day. “We can’t afford it anymore. We’re left to fend for ourselves,” she said. Alibong also shared that P200 was the average profit they made from a whole day of going out to the sea, matching the minimum cost of crude oil it would take for one small boat to make it to where the fishing ground is nowadays. In addition to this problem, she recounted her employer would sometimes refuse to believe their claims the fish have retreated farther into the reef. They face accusations implying she and the other fishermen have taken most of the catch for their own consumption. For Alibong, her husband and the rest of the community, only they could remove themselves from their dismal situation. Hungry for change and justice, the fisher families have organized themselves into a collective against the mining operations that have destroyed their source of living. However, with their current situation far from improving, mobilizing the community had become an even harder task to undertake. Alibong said registration was the only

Photos taken from the Facebook page of former Environment Secretary Regina Paz L.Lopez obstacle to the formal launching of their organization—but even getting recognition from the local government is something they have to work hard for. “We’re still pooling our money. We’re helping each other with the contributions since the conditions leave us with nothing,” she recounted. “Can you blame them? Of course not. The mentality is, you feed yourself first.”

​ Despite the bleak circumstances, Alibong is grateful her home and loved ones remained intact after the plague. “We’re just praying that what happened in Bayto won’t happen to us here,” she prayed.

A rush of revolt

BUT the surge of red hailed by the rainstorm of two years ago brought more than pestilence to the local folk of Zambales. It replenished them with renewed strength and vigor to take their fight both to the streets and on legal avenues. “We were home. The sun was up. We didn’t eat lunch yet when the rain began to pour although it wasn’t strong. By noon, the water was invasive. The flood began to rise,”recalled Movement for the Protection of the Environment (Move Now!) leader Cristeta Sison. They were forced to evacuate and sought shelter in the house of one of their neighbors. When they left their home, the flood only reached their knees. Moments later, half of their bodies were submerged. After the storm, they were unable to recover, just like the other families. The red flood destroyed their farmlands, her family’s main source of income. Along with other residents, Nanay Teta launched Move Now! in Santa Cruz and called for the closure of the mining companies operating in their municipality. They blamed the unforgiving nickel-mining operations in their area for the disaster. Recently, antimining advocate Concerned Citizens of Santa Cruz (CCOS) led residents of Santa Cruz and the neighboring towns of Candelaria and Infanta, Pangasinan, to file a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) against the mining firms operating in their municipality, accusing them of destroying the ecosystem, aggravating flood problems during typhoon season and affecting the livelihood of the people, among others. On June 21, 2016, the SC issued a writ of kalikasan against five mining firms in Zambales, which include the four that operate in Santa Cruz. The writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy that provides protection of one’s constitutional right to a healthy environment. ​ Despite Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso’s executive order to stop the operations, mining companies continued to run after the temporary halt. At times, even the local government was their partner in crime. The residents’ initial victory at the legal courts was taken away from them. ​ On Valentine’s Day this year, the people of Santa Cruz saw another glimpse of hope when they met former Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez, known for her unforgiving stance against mining, including those operating in the municipality. For the residents of Santa Cruz, it meant an end to all their suffering. It was not. “ These foreign capitalists will always find a way of continuing their operations. They earn millions from our land, land which we

don’t benefit from,” Espinosa said. On February 2 Lopez ordered the closure of 23 mining operations in the country, four of which operate in Zambales. She required the companies to give the farmers P2 million for every hectare of farmland affected by the mining activities. On May 3 the Commission on Appointments rejected the ad interim appointment of Lopez after three confirmation hearings. Lawmakers questioned her technical competence as environment secretary and the legal basis of her decisions. In one of the confirmation hearings, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato asked for the legal basis of this decision, stating the country is “a nation of laws and not of men”. “The fact that we have to take care of our farmers was enough reason for me,” Lopez said. On May 8 Lopez was replaced by former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Roy A. Cimatu, who maintains a moderate stance on mining, saying that he would allow such operations, as long as they are “responsible.” In the first week of June, the Court of Appeals denied the petition by CCOS for an issuance of a writ of kalikasan in Zambales. The 15-page decision said no unlawful act can be committed threatening the petitioner’s right to a balanced and healthful environment, since Lopez already ordered the closure of the operations of the four mining firms. However, it isn’t always the case. The captain of a small barrio in Santa Cruz said many local government officials, including Deloso, were pro-mining. The barangay captain claimed only he and two other barangay captains opposed mining operations in their area. “Deloso would make consultations, but in the end, it’s still clear he supports mining. Nothing could ever change that, even if we undertake appropriate measures,” he said. Espinosa said many local government officials accept bribes from these mining firms in exchange for their approval of the mining operations. “They would make deals with barangay captains to help their trucks pass in exchange for money. Stockpile is then transported; this is where the nickel is,” She said. Sison also recalled a barangay captain who expressed his support for the mining operations, as it meant more money, apart from the share they get from mining taxes. “One [barangay] captain said he would split profit wherever the mining operations are,” he said. “But me? I’m really against it.” Under the Local Government Code, local government units (LGUs) shall have an “equitable share in the proceeds derived from the utilization and development of the national wealth within their respective areas.” Apart from this, LGUs shall receive a 40-percent share of the gross collection derived by the national government from the preceding fiscal year, which includes mining taxes, royalties and fees. In that share, 45 percent goes to the municipality involved, 35 percent to the barangay, and 20 percent to the province. IBON said government shares from mining in taxes, royalties and fees in 2015 amounted to P22.83 billion, or 1.33 percent of total tax revenues. While these were obvious benefits to those in positions of power, communities continue to face dangers from impending natural disasters as a result of these activities. Typhoons, for instance, become more deadly due to nickel contamination. “Problem is, the land isn’t stable. Once it collapses, the water it stored would flow down into the rivers and fields below,” Espinosa said, citing the danger of open-pit mining activities. Antimining advocates in Santa Cruz, regardless of affiliation, help each other to gather data on mining operations in their community for a clearer, more scientific understanding of their plight. Official mining records, however, are protected by the local government. “If you’re antimining and they support it, they wouldn’t let you know. They earn money from it,”Sison warned.

Bricks of bodies

EVEN the seemingly promising idea of more jobs given the presence of mines in the province proved to be illusory. Ruel Ebelane worked under the road-maintenance arm of BNMI for four years, earning P364 for eight hours of road construction a day. When he was supposed to report back to his job after the Christmas holidays, there was no notice calling him to return to work. Together with his colleagues, Ebelane formed a human barricade, blocking trucks carrying stockpile from reaching the ships that awaited them at the docks. They demanded for their jobs back, and they were assured of it. Weeks passed, but they heard nothing from his employer. On January 20, when their husbands were handling business at the National Power Corp. in Masinloc, the neighboring town, four women stood against the rush of oncoming trucks loaded with rocks from the mines. One of them was Ebelane’s wife, Zaida. For six hours, the four women refused to give way to the cargo trucks lest the company hand back their only source of living. Their headstrong resistance was met by the security of BNMI, the Philippine National Police and weight cars. When Zaida and the three other women refused to surrender, the officials proceeded to cuff them and hold them in custody. Ebelane had no knowledge of the turn of events until he and his coworkers returned to their homes. “When I told them she was my wife, I raised my hand,” he recounted. Afterward, he was thrown against one of the weight cars, while a police official demanded to know why he “allowed”his wife to know the nature of the situation. The women’s defiance eventually resulted in Ebelane and 10 of his other colleagues getting their jobs back. “Had we not done what we had done, they wouldn’t have their jobs back,” Zaida said. While forming human barricades may seem like extreme lengths to demanding their rights, these are common occurrences in Zambales, given the state of mining in the area. Last year people from the village of Bayto in Santa Cruz gathered along the highway to call for the end of large-scale mining operations. In February this year, Nanay Teta told of another human barricade formed to stop the stockpile from going down the mountains. Aside from these, citizens have joined mobilizations advocating propeople’s mining in February. After Lopez declared the closing down of mining contracts, the residents traveled to Manila to support her decision. Their activities included holding picket protests at BNMI and demonstrations at the Senate to call for a pro-people’s mining bill. House Bill 171, or the People’s Mining Act, was refiled last year by Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna, one of its coauthors and also the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. The proposed law aims for the “appropriate utilization” of the country’s natural resources for national industrialization. Moreover, under the leadership of CEC, a solidarity program was held in the Department of Agrarian Reform, along with communities affected by mining from other provinces, such as Nueva Vizcaya and Mindoro.

At hope’s altar

IN the face of havoc, Santa Cruz stands unfazed. Until a mining act in favor of the people is passed, until the farmlands and the seas fully recover, until the mountains relish peace without the intervention of mankind, the struggle continues. Nanay Teta longs for the day when everything goes back to the way it was before: Farmers and fishermen enjoying bountiful harvest and citizens living in harmony with the environment. “A lot of people have already died. Will we let more suffer the same fate?” she said. “It has to stop.” The people of Santa Cruz vowed to keep fighting. After all, battles are built on the altar of hope. And for the people of Santa Cruz, hope prevails stronger than ever.

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1 billion metric tons of iron ore headed for China as miners jump

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ron-ore imports by China this year are on course to exceed 1 billion metric tons by a comfortable margin, breaking 2016’s record, after first-half figures showed another jump in cargoes and highlighted the ability of the top steelmaker to absorb rising supplies. Miners’ shares advanced. Shipments in June were 94.7 million tons, up from 91.5 million in May, according to customs data on Thursday. In the first six months imports rose to 539 million tons, 9.3 percent higher than the same period in 2016. Last year China only just beat the 1-billion-ton mark, importing 1.024 billion tons. Asia’s top economy has been pulling in ever-greater volumes of lowcost ore to meet resilient demand from mills, who’ve benefited from rising steel prices in the second quarter. The increase is aiding the largest miners, including BHP Billiton Ltd. and Rio Tinto Group, as well as Brazil’s Vale SA, which is bringing on production from its giant S11D project. While iron prices are lower this year, they’ve rebounded since mid-June, gaining for four of the past five weeks.

‘On the rise’

“Steel output continues to be on the rise, which will boost consumption of iron ore,” said Zhao Chaoyue, an analyst at China Merchants Futures Co., who forecasts that full-year imports of the raw material will reach 1.08 billion tons. “Mills are making chunky profits, so they’re firing up production.” Spot ore with 62-percent content delivered to Qingdao retreated 2.1 percent to $64.05 a dry ton

on Wednesday after hitting a twomonth high a day earlier, according to Metal Bulletin Ltd. Still, prices have lost 19 percent this year, as analysts flagged prospects for rising global production. C h i n a’s i r o n i m p o r t s s u p p l e ment local produc tion, although d o m e s t i c o u t p u t i s g e n e ra l l y o f lower qualit y than supplies from Australia and Brazil. Nationwide expor ts from Australia may rise to 885 million tons in 2018 and 897 million in 2019, from 851 million this year, according to a government forecast.

Record stockpiles

W hil e China is drawing in larger volumes, there’s concern that the increases in low- cost produc tion in Brazil and Australia may eventually over whelm demand, pushing prices lower. Stock piles of ore held at mainland por ts have expanded to unprecedented levels this year. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has forecast that prices will average $47 a ton next year as supply rises, and Citigroup Inc. has also predicted a drop. Capital Economics Ltd., which came out first among forecasters in the second quarter, puts the price at $50 at the end of this year. Miners’ shares gained on Thursday, with one chartist highlighting favorable patterns . In London, BHP climbed for the eighth time in nine days, rallying as much as 1.5 percent in intraday trade to 1,309.5 pence, the highest level since April. Stock in Rio and Anglo American Plc also advanced.

Bloomberg News

Sunday, July 16, 2017

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Oil bosses see more pain ahead as price recovery slips to 2020

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hree years into the biggest oil downturn in a generation, industry bosses see the recovery slipping further from view. It could easily take until the end of the decade for better times to return to an industry that’s already endured a longer slump than most people expected, according to Total SA CEO Patrick Pouyanne and Weatherford International Plc. Head Mark McCollum. Executives gathering at the World Petroleum Congress in Istanbul said they’re still focused on repairing battered finances and resetting their operations to withstand low prices. “In terms of the magnitude of damage, this is by far the worst” industry downturn, McCollum said. It may take until 2020 for demand growth to accelerate enough, or for a supply gap to emerge that US producers can’t fill. “That’s when pricing will begin to rise. Until then, it feels very tenuous.” T hat ’s a n enor mous t ur naround from the last World Petroleum Congress in Moscow in 2014, when people were speculating oil could rise as high as $125

after the precursor to the Islamic State seized parts of northern Iraq. Three years on, Iraq has driven the Islamist extremists out of the city of Mosul, but the US shale industry that triggered the slump to below $30 has survived and thrived. Even as the organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries curbs production, banks, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and BNP Paribas SA, are cutting their price forecasts for the years ahead.

pany’s ex ploration unit, said at the conference. BP Plc., CEO Bob Dud ley said his company had its “ plate f u l l ” w ith the current roster of projects amid an abundance of supply. Brent crude, the international benchmark, traded for about $47 on Thursday, less than half the level of three years ago. Dinesh Kumar Sarraf, chairman of India’s state-run Oil & Natural Gas Corp., said companies must learn to live with this and even be prepared for a “lower forever oil price”. “As companies, we have to remain very disciplined about spending, and not assume that the price will go up,” BP’s Dudley said. “The years of $100 oil will turn out to be an aberration. We used to make money at $40 oil, we used to make money at $25 oil.”

New normal

Worrying outlook

“Lower for longer is the new normal,” Lorenzo Simonelli, CEO of Baker Hughes Inc., said in Istanbul. Exploration has slowed, and producers outside the shale areas in the US aren’t increasing spending, he added. Ex xon Mobil Cor p. is debating which projects w il l be the most resi l ient a s t he pr ice slump cont inues, Stephen Greenlee, president of the com-

Dudley, who was among the first Big Oil bosses to predict the downturn would endure longer than expected, does see glimmers at the end of the tunnel. Prices will eventually rise as demand surpasses supply and erodes overloaded inventories. “It’s lower for longer, but not lower forever,” he said at an industry dinner in Istanbul. The price collapse killed off

about $1 trillion of potential energy investments, and fewer new deposits are being discovered, said Saudi Arabian Oil Co. CEO Amin Nasser. The outlook for supplies is “increasingly worrying”, and the company will invest more than $300 billion over the next decade to maintain its spare oil-production capacity, so it can help fill the impending shortfall, he said. Sooner or later, the market will catch up with the decline in spending, said Mark Richard, senior vice president of global business development and marketing at oil-services giant Halliburton Co. “You can’t have sustainable business without investment,” Richard added. “You’ ll see some kind of spike in the price of oil, maybe somewhere around 2020, 2021.” That wouldn’t be a welcome development to consumers, for whom the talk at Istanbul wasn’t of hardship and survival, but of the benefits of abundant supply. Ind ia, t he world ’s secondlargest nation in terms of population, imports more than 80 percent of its crude oil and spent $134 billion in the two years to March 2017, 47 percent less than the preceding two years, according to data from its Oil Ministry. Bloomberg News

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With the glare on Trump children, political gets personal for president

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ASHINGTON—In private, President Donald J. Trump sometimes addresses his adult children as “baby”, a term of endearment tinged with a New Yorker’s wisecracking edge. And now that Trump’s babies have been swept into the vortex of his storm-tossed presidency, he is taking it personally.

The fierce criticism of a meeting between Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and a Kremlin-linked lawyer in June 2016 has left the president by turns angry, defensive and protective, but ultimately relieved that for now, the worst appears to be over, people who spoke to him said on Wednesday. For Trump, who has faced a barrage of questions about his own dealings with Russia, watching his closest family members come under harsh scrutiny for things they are accused of doing to help his presidential campaign has marked an uncomfortable turn in the foreign entanglement that has shadowed him since he took office in January. The latest disclosures also focused renewed attention on Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, who attended Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting in June with the Russian, Natalia Veselnitskaya. And they came on the heels of a much-criticized decision by his daughter Ivanka to sit in her father’s vacated chair

at a summit meeting in Germany. L a st Wed nesd ay mor n ing , Trump discarded pleas from advisers to avoid wading into the tempest over Donald Trump Jr., and posted a fusillade of tweets defending him. He denounced reports of the meeting—to collect incriminating information about Hillary Clinton—as part of “the greatest Witch Hunt in political history” and even embraced the theory that his son might have been “the victim” in the case. “He was great,” Trump told people about his son’s appearance on Sean Hannity’s Fox News program the previous evening. By midday Wednesday, the mercurial president was telling friends and advisers that he believed the situation had improved. “I think this is getting better,” he said to one group of aides, hours before he was set to travel to France to mark Bastille Day. The Trump family, friends said, always draws closer under intense pressure. But Trump bridles at the idea that his children, who have not spent years in the public

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 11. After the release of e-mails sent and received by Donald Trump Jr., some congressional Democrats began pressing the case that months of Russia-tinged revelations had at last congealed into something unmistakable. The New York Times

spotlight like him, are now facing unrelenting scrutiny over what he believes to be a manufactured scandal by the news media. While Donald Trump Jr. has been on the firing line, the meeting with Veselnitskaya could arguably be a bigger distraction for Kushner. As a senior adviser to the president, he is involved in several of the administration’s most sensitive foreign-policy issues, from China to the Middle East peace process. His involvement in the meeting led reporters to ask the White House whether he still held his security clearance. Also under scrutiny is how forthcoming Kushner was with his father-in-law about the nature of the June meeting. He met with Trump to discuss the issue, according to advisers to the White House, around the time he updated his federal disclosure form to include Veselnitskaya’s name on a list of foreign contacts that Kushner was required to submit to the

Federal Bureau of Investigation to obtain a security clearance. Kushner supplemented the list of foreign contacts three times, adding more than 100 names, people close to him said. Kushner played down the significance of the meeting and omitted significant details, according to two people who were briefed on the exchange. They said Kushner informed the president that he had met with a Russian foreign national, and that while he had to report the name, it would not cause a problem for the administration. Another official said Kushner’s assurance to the president was based on the fact that nothing came of the June meeting. In an interview with Reuters, Trump said he had not been told last summer that his son was meeting with a Russian lawyer. “No, that I didn’t know until a couple of days ago when I heard about this,” he said. Kushner, colleagues say, has

kept up a regular work schedule, meeting on Wednesday with Gary D. Cohn, the director of the National Economic Council, to discuss the administration’s impending moves on trade. He is also in touch with Jason D. Greenblatt, Trump’s Middle East envoy, who is in Israel for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. And next week, he plans to take part in a high-level economic dialogue with China. Kushner and his wife, Ivanka, are not accompanying Trump to Paris. Instead, they plan to attend the annual media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, sponsored by the investment firm Allen & Co. An official said the couple would pay for their own travel and lodgings. Kushner is expected to cooperate in the next several weeks with the Senate and House Intelligence Committees that are looking into Russia’s intervention in the US election and any possible collusion with the Trump campaign. He will have to devote some time to preparing for those appearances with his team of lawyers. Colleagues of Kushner said he had remained focused and upbeat despite the drumbeat of negative headlines—a trait they ascribe to his experience dealing with the legal troubles of his father, Charles Kushner, who was convicted of tax evasion and witness tampering. But even as the White House labors to present a business-asusual facade, there is evidence that Trump’s family will be drawn deeper into the investigation. Two officials familiar with the Senate Intelligence Committee’s investigation said the panel was now planning to expand its inquiry to include Donald Trump Jr. New York Times News Service

Brexit repeal bill unveiled

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heresa May unveiled the landmark law that will remove Britain from the European Union (EU), setting up clashes with opposition parties and the Scottish government that will prove the prime minister’s biggest tests since her Conservative Party lost its parliamentary majority. The so-called repeal bill is aimed at transferring EU laws on to the British statute book for when Brexit takes place in March 2019. The draft released on Thursday would hand the government two years to alter UK law through a fast-track process. It would not bring the EU charter of fundamental rights into domestic law, putting the Conservative government on an immediate collision course with the main opposition parties. Labour’s Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, has made the incorporation of the charter one of the “six tests” he will apply when the party is voting. In another significant turn, the bill allows the Scottish Parliament a separate vote. Labour is already plotting to unite with rebel Tories to rewrite the legislation. Without an automatic majority, May’s team is preparing for months of attritional battles and will seek to form alliances of its own with rivals, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be named discussing internal plans. It would take only seven lawmakers from May’s Tory party to rebel in order to potentially defeat the government in any vote in the House of Commons. The end result could mean a softer form of Brexit and May being pushed from power.

‘Smooth and orderly’

T h e bill was published on the first anniversary of May taking office and came hours after the government released position papers on three areas of Brexit. It said it wants to “ensure a smooth and orderly end to the jurisdiction” of the highest court in the EU and to maintain a “close and effective relationship” with the body which oversees how radioactive materials are handled. The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, to give the legislation its formal title, is intended to provide regulatory continuity for businesses from aviation to pharmaceuticals and to avoid a legislative black hole appearing overnight as Britain exits the EU. Bloomberg News

Sperm count drop in China fuels fertility business boom O

n a recent afternoon, a v isitor from norther n China took a smoke break outside the Beijing Perfect Family Hospital. Cigarettes were one reason he had come to the capital: he reckons his nicotine habit played a part in damaging his fertility. The 38-year-old construction businessman, who asked to be identified by his last name, Zhang, worked hard to build a business with his wife, who is 35. But when they were finally ready to have kids, it was a struggle. So the Zhangs became one more couple among millions of Chinese to turn to an assisted reproductive-health market that has the potential to be worth about $15 billion. A paradox has emerged in China:

As the country finally relaxes its one-child policy, factors like lower sperm counts, later pregnancies and other health barriers are making it harder for many to get pregnant. As a result, businesses from China to Australia, and even California are lining up to help—and profit from—the growing market of hopeful prospective parents. Families in the world’s most populous country are willing to pay top dollar for fertility therapies. Zhang said his package for IVF, or in vitro fertilization, was $14,700 for each round. “Now that our economic conditions are better, we all want children but it’s hard for a lot of us,” he said, puffing on his second cigarette. “All the years of smoking and drinking and business dinners take a toll. It’s difficult for me and my wife to conceive naturally and we needed help.”

Changing lifestyles

For decades, couples in urban China were only allowed to have one child, but the country, which is trying to boost its shrinking workforce, moved to end that policy in 2015. China’s market for IVF alone was worth $670 million in 2016 and is expected to surge to $1.5 billion in 2022, according to BIS Research. Assuming that 65 percent of infertile couples choose to seek treatment, the total assisted reproductive-health market could someday be worth about 107 billion yuan using an average cost of as much as 40,000 yuan, brokerage firm Hua Chuang Securities Co. estimates. Sperm counts (measured by the number of sperm per milliliter) dropped very significantly

medical director of the Southern California Reproductive Center in Beverly Hills, says about 20 percent of its patients came from China over the past year. “There are increasing numbers of people in China who have the socioeconomic means to choose what kind of reproductive technology that they would like,” Surrey said. Among other services, the center’s California-based clinics offer tests to learn the gender of the embryo. Such services can be particularly attractive to patients from mainland China, where gender selection is banned.

A laboratory Technician holds up a slide with sperm. Jack Atley/Bloomberg News

$15B

Estimated potential worth of the Chinese reproductivehealth market

from 100 million in the early 1970s to as low as 20 million in 2012 in China, according to Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations. The higher stress levels accompanying economic development, pollution, late marriage and late childbirth, smoking and alcohol use could be contributing factors, he said. A study in central China showed that only about 18 percent of those tested had healthy enough semen to be sperm donors in 2015. That number had been much higher at

Local market

56 percent in 2001, according the study, which was published this year in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility. Many Chinese women, meanwhile, are choosing to have children later as they pursue their careers. Yet the desire to have biological children looms large, and that’s driving demand for ser vices like IVF.

Global business

Virtus Health Ltd., an Australian company that offers fertility treatments, receives regular approaches from Chinese firms looking for partnerships, but getting a local license is difficult. So, Virtus works with medical tourism agencies in China that help patients get to its Australian and Singapore clinics. It has Chinese-speaking fertility specialists, scientists and nurses and its web sites are translated into Chinese, according to the firm’s CEO, Sue Channon. T housa nd s of m i les away, Ma rk Su r rey, cofou nder a nd

At home, China’s “public facilities are currently quite overburdened, which significantly impacts the patient experience”, said Roberta Lipson, CEO at United Family Healthcare, partly owned by China’s Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group. Her company has been conducting IVF and fertility services in the northern city of Tianjin for over two years, with clinical expertise from around China, as well as from the UK and Australia. “We hope to get licensed in our other cities throughout China to provide a more convenient option for private patients,” Lipson said in an e-mail. Still, Chinese patients face a number of regulatory hurdles at home. Single women, for instance, aren’t allowed to freeze their eggs in the country. Such restrictions have many patients considering trips abroad. “Regulations make it difficult to enter the market,” said Masoud Afnan, director of fertility services and general manager of Tianjin

United Family Hospital. Clinics “need a full IVF clinic, with the required number of staff, to do IUI for two years. This is an expensive option to just do IUI,” said Afnan, referring to intrauterine insemination, a fertility treatment that places sperm directly into the uterus. As of last year, the country had 451 sperm banks and medical institutions licensed to provide reproductive care, the National Health and Family Planning Commission estimates. But that’s outpaced by demand in a country of 1.4 billion people. “Assisted reproduction has become one of the fastest-growing, high-potential fields in China’s medical market,” analysts with Haitong Securities wrote in a January report. Overseas hospital operators, like IHH Healthcare Bhd, which is listed in Malaysia and Singapore, Thailand’s Bumrungrad Hospital Pcl. and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Pcl. are among those likely to benefit from increased patronage from Chinese patients, said Laura Nelson Carney, an analyst with Sanford C. Bernstein. Zhang, standing on the busy and narrow street in downtown Beijing, said he knows many others with similar troubles. “Our friends can talk about it openly,” he said. “Many of them used IVF too.” The process requires multiple visits to Beijing: They visited in November for the extraction of eggs and sperm, and again in March for preparations. Still, he will likely consider having two children—if the first attempt doesn’t result in twins. Bloomberg News

Sports Cricket Australia, players ‘wide’ apart in pay DISPUTE BusinessMirror

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Editor: Jun Lomibao | mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

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HE chairman of Cricket Australia has heavily criticized the country’s top players for their stance in a long-running pay dispute, and accused their union of a “reckless strategy that can only damage the game”. In an opinion piece for The Australian newspaper, Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman David Peever said he was a victim of “personality focused myth-making”. Those comments, combined with social media posts from Australia Captain Steve Smith earlier this week, suggest that the game’s governing body and its top players are further apart than ever. Peever, a former managing director of mining giant Rio Tinto’s Australian operations, wants to erase the revenue-sharing model that has helped determine player payments since the first memorandum of understanding between the administration and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) was set up 20 years ago. The previous agreement expired on June 30, but CA and the union remain deadlocked, leaving about 230 players technically unemployed. Last week the players pulled out of a development tour to South Africa. A two-test tour of Bangladesh scheduled to start in August remains in doubt, and the five-test Ashes series against England beginning in Brisbane in late November is also under threat.

Test stars

FORMER test stars have urged both sides to reach an agreement, although there’s no unanimous agreement among the ex-players about which

side should concede. Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland reportedly met with the head of the ACA this week—getting involved in the direct negotiations for the first time—but there was no official word on the outcome of the meeting. Smith said there was no chance of the players folding in the pay dispute. “I’ll say what we as players have been saying for some time now: we are not giving up the revenuesharing model for all players,” Smith said in an Instagram post. “But, through the ACA, [we] are willing to make important changes to modernize the existing model for the good of the game.” Peever, who took over as CA chairman in late-2015, said the sport’s national governing body has made a “very generous offer” to the players. “The ACA has responded by not only rejecting that proposal [and recent concessions] out of hand, but by launching a campaign of such sustained ferocity that anyone could be forgiven for thinking CA was proposing the reintroduction of slavery rather than healthy pay rises,” Peever wrote. “Not content with that level of over-reaction, the ACA has gone much further. Refusing to allow players to tour, threatening to drive away commercial sponsors and damage the prospects of broadcast partners.... It’s a reckless strategy that can only damage the game.” Community clubs CRICKET Australia said the current revenue-sharing model takes funding away from community clubs. “The suggestion that CA’s push to modify the

No more long NBA time-outs L

AS VEGAS—The National Basketball Association (NBA) has, for years, heard complaints that a free-flowing, fast-paced and athletic game grinds to a halt at the most important and compelling time, when everyone tunes in to watch the final few minutes of a tight game. Now the league is finally taking steps to make sure crunch time doesn’t get bogged down by commercial time. The league’s Board of Governors unanimously approved some changes that will potentially eliminate four time-outs per game, help speed up the final minutes of games and emphasize a timely resumption of play after halftime. The changes all go into effect starting this coming season, the NBA said on Wednesday. Teams will be limited to two time-outs in the final three minutes of a game, instead of having up to three. All four quarters will have two mandatory time-outs, after the seven- and three-minute marks. “We’re pretty happy with the length of the game,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “We were more focused here on the pace and flow of the game. What we heard from our fans, what we heard from many of our teams, was that the end of the games in particular were too choppy. And I think, since I was a kid, that was an issue people were talking about, the last two minutes of a game.” Silver said the full complement of commercial-showing opportunities will still be available to the league’s broadcast partners, and that the league doesn’t believe player in-game rest will be affected by speeding up some aspects.

Fewer stoppages

ALSO, all halftimes will be 15 minutes, and delay of game penalties will be issued if teams are not ready to immediately play when intermission ends. “These changes will help us fulfill our goal of improving game flow and pace of play,” NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell said. “Fewer stoppages and less time without action, especially at the end of a game, will further enhance the viewing experience for our fans.” The league also changed the trade deadline, moving it up so teams would not have their rosters significantly altered during the All-Star break. This season’s deadline will be February 8—10 days before the All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Under the old system, the deadline would have been February 22, when teams are getting ready to resume their seasons after the break. If an All-Star is traded to the other conference before the game, Silver said the league will review which side that player should play for on a caseby-case basis. The NBA’s Competition Committee also considered making other tweaks—such as the oft-criticized play where so many shooting fouls are now called on three-point attempts, often when the offending contact there seems to be initiated by the offensive player. But on that front, no changes are coming at this point.

One and done, Tanking

IN other news from the Board of Governors meeting and Silver’s news conference, Silver said the NBA will take “a complete, holistic look” at the one-and-done rule and how prepared players are going into their pro careers. He added that Kobe Bryant spoke with teams on Tuesday about his development before entering the league straight out of high school.

“I don’t believe the system is working well for anyone,” Silver said. Silver addressed comments made by Dallas owner Mark Cuban that when the Mavericks were eliminated from playoff contention last season, they tanked with hopes of improving their draft lottery odds. “Yes, it’s not what you want to hear as commissioner,” Silver said. “The league and Cuban discussed it, and moved on, Silver added.”

player payments model has nothing to do with genuine issues facing the game is an insult to everyone involved at CA, including other members of the board,” Peever said. “It disrespects all those from across the cricket community who have flooded CA and me personally with messages of support because they see firsthand the chronic underfunding of the game at the grass-roots level.” In his earlier comments, Smith said the players “have always been willing to make those changes...for how the model can be adapted for the even greater benefit of grass-roots cricket.” But he said that can’t be at the expense of the professional players. “I have been fighting for a fair share for state players who are also partners in cricket,” Smith said. “I know from my career that when I was dropped [from the Australian team] in 2011, if I didn’t have a strong domestic competition to go back to, I certainly wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today.”

Smith

Peever

Female cricketers

SMITH said the country’s female cricketers must also be covered in the same deal as the male players. Cricket Australia has paid the women’s World Cup squad in advance for the ongoing tournament in England, where the Australians have reached the semifinals. “As women’s cricket gets bigger and bigger in Australia, women players must also be able to share in what they will be earning,” he said, adding, “It’s time to get a deal done.” Two former Australian test players—wicketkeeper

Adam Gilchrist and fast bowler Jason Gillespie— agreed with Smith. “This entire situation is both a joke and so sad. Work it out. There is so much to go around,” Gilchrist posted on Twitter on Thursday. Gillespie, who had been scheduled to coach the

Los Angeles Lakers player Thomas Bryant (31) at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, on July 11. The New York Times NEWS SERVICE

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Australia A team in South Africa this month, said he was dismayed by the “tit for tat in the media between the ACA and CA”. “Find a compromise, and let’s get on with the cricket,” Gillespie wrote in a column. “It’s not a great look for our game.” AP

Collegiate teams battle for PVL cup

AIR Fairy-Air Force battles BaliPure for solo third place of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference today at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. The Lady Jet Spikers and Water Defenders, who won two of their first three matches and tied at third place, clash at 4 p.m. After the Air Force-Balipure match, Akari-Adamson University eyes its second win when it takes on fellow University Athletic Association of the Philippines contingent University of the Philippines (UP) at 6:30 p.m. Both collegiate teams had contrasting results last Wednesday. The Lady Falcons snapped a two-game skid and barged into the win column after a 25-20, 24-26, 25-19, 25-22 conquest over the Power Smashers, while the Lady Maroons lost to Hair Fairy-Air Force in three sets, 27-29, 16-25, 22-25 and fell to 0-3 hole. Meanwhile, Air Force and BaliPure had identical results in their first three matches. The Lady Jet Spikers and Water

Luxury tax, playoff seeding

SILVER said it’s too early to say if the NBA is concerned about the chance that 10 or more teams could be in the luxury tax for the 2018-2019 season. “These systems are so hard to calibrate. As the money’s gotten bigger, it’s gotten harder to project future cap and tax levels,” Silver added. “And I think those are all things that we continue to look at. Our teams are smart. They find ways to compete. They work within the existing system, but always with one eye on the next time we sit down at the bargaining table.” Silver also spoke about the perception of conference imbalance, and the notion of seeding the top 16 teams for the playoffs with no limitations based on conferences. He said a study two years ago showed it wouldn’t be ideal, though Silver noted that it will likely be looked at again in the future. “The only fair way to do it is to have a balanced schedule throughout the season,” Silver said. Silver also reiterated neither relocation nor expansion are in the NBA’s plans right now, and that there’s no focus on putting a team in Las Vegas anytime soon. He did say that when the NBA looks to grow in the future, and it will, the league will look at the Las Vegas market—which it has been fond of for years, especially the role it plays in the summer league. AP

A5

Defenders opened their campaigns with wins over Perlas-BanKo and Power Smashers, respectively, but both lost to Creamline in their second game. But, they bounced back in their third assignment, with both beating UP. The Lady Jet Spikers, who are the runner up of last year’s Shakey’s V-League Open Conference, seek to use their experience with veterans Wendy Semana, Jocemer Tapic, May Pantino and Iari Yongco taking charge. “We need to double time and work harder,”Air Force Head Coach Jasper Jimenez said. “Our target is to make it to the top 4, so we should collect as many wins as we can to make that happen.” The seasoned Air Force faces a young BaliPure side, which is bannered by San Sebastian College standout Grethcel Soltones, National University stars Risa Sato, Jasmine Nabor, Aiko Urdas and Jorelle Singh, as well as Far Eastern University’s Jerrili Malabanan, who are all instrumental in the silver finish of the Water Defenders in the previous Reinforced Conference. In men’s play, Cignal (3-0) eyes fourth straight win against the winless Gamboa Coffee (0-3) at 1 p.m. Prior to that, Santa Elena (1-2) takes on Army (1-2) at 10 a.m. Lance Agcaoili

Football League title up for grabs

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AYA Makati guns third straight win when it hosts a bounce back-seeking JPV Marikina in the Philippines Football League today at the University of Makati Stadium. Makati and Marikina take the pitch at 4 p.m. with Kaya seeking to improve its 17 points and steal the third place from JPV, which has 18 points in the standings. Kaya Makati tries to ride on the crest of its a disrespectful visit of the host, as it blasted the ten-man Davao Aguilas with a 5-1 rout last week at the Davao del Norte Stadium in Tagum City.

JPV Marikina, on the other hand, is expected to throw all of its frustrations from its sorry 1-2 lost to Meralco Manila at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, cellar-dwellers Stallion Laguna and Ilocos United battle for first win at 7 p.m. at the Quirino Stadium in Vigan City. Both teams have seven losses across their cards with Stallion having three points from three draws, while Ilocos has two markers from two stalemates. Lance Agcaoili

Two men, money and NBA in summer L

AS VEGAS—The games may be exhibitions, and most of the players may be fringe candidates to make National Basketball Association (NBA) rosters, but the operation is highly professional. “We provide a credible product,” said Warren LeGarie, executive director of the NBA’s Las Vegas summer league. “We also know we have to put on a show.” Featuring 24 of the league’s 30 teams and the top 5 picks from the recent NBA draft, the Las Vegas summer league is the most important event on the NBA’s summer calendar. “We are the Burning Man of basketball,” LeGarie said, later trying out an analogy involving the Mos Eisley cantina from Star Wars.

NBA teams are testing their rookies and scouting players for the end of the bench. Foreign teams are searching for players who are not good enough for the NBA but good enough for Greece or South Korea. Executives are here to wheel and deal, owners are here to meet with one another, and the news media is here to talk with sources. Splintered landscape FIFTEEN years ago the summer landscape was splintered, the exhibition calendar was a hodgepodge and the organizations involved were fly-by-night. “I went to every summer league, and people hated them,” said LeGarie, who is also an agent, representing coaches like Rick Carlisle of the Dallas Mavericks and Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers. Executives would arrive as others were leaving, and scouts could not see all the players they wanted to evaluate. Games would not start on time, and it is hard to

imagine that any of the leagues made money. That all changed with the introduction of the Las Vegas summer league in 2004. LeGarie started his career representing European players and coaches, bushwhacking across the world. He knew firsthand how badly all the NBA business that went on during the summer needed to be harmonized in a central location. For years he bugged the league office and David Stern, then the NBA commissioner, until he got the go-ahead to organize the Las Vegas league, heavily supported by the current commissioner, Adam Silver. First years IN the first year six teams attended, and the games were staged at the Cox Pavilion, a 2,500-capacity arena on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A handful of media members attended, as well as a few thousand fans across the entire schedule. LeGarie and Albert Hall, the cofounder and current

vice president for business operations for the summer league, put up $30,000 of their own money. Along with their staff, they managed to strike up a few relationships with brands like Reebok and Saturn. But, no real marketing dollars were coming in, even though Hall went to creative lengths in search of them. “I put a proposal on a size-21 shoe,” said Hall, who sent it off to the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. “It said, ‘We’re trying to get our foot in the door.’” Though the two men lost money the first year, by the second they were profitable. LeGarie and Hall are careful not to disparage their competition—the much smaller summer leagues in Orlando, Florida and Utah—but it is clear they think teams that do not attend Vegas are making a poor decision, and are ceding a competitive advantage. The biggest differences between Las Vegas and Orlando, which hosts eight teams, are that in Orlando, there are no fans, and news-media access is tightly controlled. New York Times News Service

A6 Sunday, July 16, 2017

Science

BusinessMirror

Sunday

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Lyn Resurreccion

Duterte reassures support to science, R&D Story & photo by Stephanie Tumampos | Special to the BusinessMirror

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he Duterte administration gave reassurance of its commitment to the science, technology and innovation sector. This was established in the big increase in the budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) this year.

I n a s peec h by P resident Duterte, delivered by Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno during the opening of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2017, he said the DOST’s budget has quadrupled in the last seven years “from P5 billion in 2010 to P20.8 billion in 2017.” T he d e p a r t me nt ’s role i n providing science and its benefits to the people has, indeed, broadened by aiding Filipinos both in research and entrepreneurial ventures, where science, technolog y and innovation can be applied, he said. “Meanwhile, the budget for research and development [R&D] grew by nearly six times over the same period of time, from P1 billion in 2009 to P5.8 billion in 2017,” Duterte said in the speech at the NSTW held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on July 11. T he P re s ide nt a l so note d that the national government has been able to set an organized management of scientific

activities, such as formulating programs and policies that help shape the country. “I am pleased that over the last few years, the science department and the country’s S&T base have become more outward-oriented and attentive to the growing needs of its constituents and stakeholders while keeping their ears close to the ground, paying close attention to the latest trends, developments and issues that affect both the domestic front and the global community,” he said.

‘Science for the People’

Meanwhile, Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña said in his speech at the same event, “It is time to reacquaint the nation with the very reason we pursue science, technology and innovation: for the benefit of the Filipino people.” The 2017 NSTW celebration is focused on the theme “Science for the People”. As Duterte has said in his 10-point economic agenda that S&T must create an avenue for

Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno (left) and Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña cut the ribbon to open the exhibit at the National Science and Technology Week held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on July 11.

₧20.8B

The budget of the Department of Science and Technology in 2017, which has quadrupled from P5 billion in 2010

development in various sectors, such as in economy, de la Peña highlighted that the fruits of science “should ultimately reward the society and the people to which we belong”. Technology transfer and commercialization of R&D results is one of the focus of the DOST. With this, the department has shifted 10 percent of its overall budget to technology transfer. “ The result was we were able to generate 1,000 new intellectual properties in just one year

that can be adopted and harnessed toward the good of our constituents,” de la Peña said. Duterte also lauded the DOST for putting top priority to technologies and ser vices that push the national agenda to spread economic grow th throughout the countr y, citing the department’s great potentia l in a lleviating social and economic conditions of Filipinos. “I have constantly reminded ever yone in t he gover nment that I want to see a hastened development of our regions,” Duterte said. “This is a good way of reducing inequality, which we observe development-wise and income-wise.” Addressing certain perceptions in science, he said S&T will not automatically make everything better. “S&T developments and research outputs will be positive contributions only if they will be utilized to the maximum, whether by industry and

Filipino scientists receive awards S

cience has great impact in each and every Filipino’s lives. W hether it may be basic research or applied sciences, it helps to better understand and solve many issues and problems society is facing today. The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognized Filipino scientists behind breakthroughs during National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) opening ceremony last July 11 at the World Trade Center.

Space program

Besides the basic and applied research, Duterte’s speech specifically expressed the current administration’s support to the Philippine Space Technology Program. “This makes official the country’s entry into the frontiers of space,” he said, adding that the country needs to boldly move and catch up with the industrialized world, “in every measure of scientific and technological proficiency”. With a 2017 budget of nearly P150 million, de la Peña, in an interview with the BusinessMirror, said manpower for this sector needs more investment. It should be noted that the Diwata-1 satellite, which was launched in 2016 and finally put the country’s flag in space, was made by Filipino scientists that were sent to Japan by the DOST.

AI: The tech revolution PHL must face squarely By Rizal Raoul Reyes @brownindio

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The awardees, science officials and guests took the stage at the 2017 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) awarding ceremonies. They are Academician Fabian Dayrit (from left), acting president of National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST); Academician Ernesto Domingo; Dr. Nathaniel Hermosa II, NSTW Outstanding Research and Development awardee for Basic Research; Dr. Raymond Girard Tan, 2017 NSTW Outstanding Science Administrator awardee; Dr. Lucille Abad, NSTW Outstanding Research and Development for Applied Research awardee; Jude Sasing, Dr. Ilustre Guloy and Dr. Ramon Gustilo, 2017 Outstanding Technology Commercialization awardees; Dr. Maria Patricia Azanza, NSTW Outstanding Research and Development for Applied Research awardee; Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno; and Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña. Stephanie Tumampos

Awardees

Dr. Lucille Abad, whose work focused on radiation-modified carrageenan as food supplement for plants to further promote growth, has been awarded the Julian A. Banzon Medal for the 2017 NSTW Outstanding Research and Development for Applied Research. Her work at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute’s Chemistry Research Section has proved an increase of rice yield by more than 20 percent and protected plants against pathogens. Another awardee for the 2017 NSTW Outstanding Research and Development for Applied Research Julian A. Banzon Medal was Dr. Maria Patricia V. Azanza for her work on the application of laboratory-developed food technology to real-life situations, particularly the formulated emergency relief foods for the Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan) survivors. The 2017 NSTW Outstanding Technology Commercialization Award, with the Gregorio Zara Medal, which gives recognition to those who have done research and development on technologies and turned successful in its commercialization, has been awarded to Jude L. Sasing, Dr. Ilustre I. Guloy Jr. and Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo. Their Axis Knee Replacement

business, by government agencies, by community, or by education sector,” he said.

Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) awardees pose for a photograph with Luningning Samarita-Domingo (left), executive director of National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). The awardees are Phillip Alviola (from left), Dr. Aletta Concepcion Yñiguez, Dr. Landon Ocampo and Dr. Mario Antonio Jiz II. With them are Academician Fabian Dayrit, acting president of NAST; Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña (sixth, seventh and eighth from left, respectively ). The other OYS awardees are Dr. Krista Danielle Yu, Jeffrey Perez and Dr. Jayeel Cornelio. Stephanie Tumampos

System has treated severe osteoarthritis of the knee. This procedure replaces the eroded cartilage lining with an artificial knee joint allowing pain-free movement. The Dioscoro Umali Award for the 2017 Outstanding Science Administrator Awardee was given to Dr. Raymond Girard Tan. Tan was also elected to the prestigious NAST. His contributions as the vice chancellor for Research and Innovation of the De La Salle University has proved instrumental in the growth of competitive research in the university’s promotion of S&T in the country, mentoring a new generation of researchers and, more important demonstrated leadership in running international journals.

For his work on basic research regarding Laguerre Gauss beams in free space, Dr. Nathaniel P. Her mosa II was awarded the Eduardo A. Quisumbing Medal as the 2017 NSTW Outstanding Research and Development Awardee for Basic Research. Hermosa focused in understanding light and light-matter i nterac t ion , where L a g uer re Gauss beams are part of these optical systems. The applications of this can be applied to optical communications and optimize c o m mu n i c at io n c a p a b i l it i e s through light. Hermosa is also among the Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS) of 2017 recognized by NAST. Other OYS awardees include

Phillip Alviola for his work on wildlife studies; Dr. Aletta Concepcion Yñiguez, for marine biology and fisheries; Dr. Landon Ocampo, for industrial engineering; Dr. Mario Antonio Jiz II, for medical science; Jeffrey Perez, for finding faults and understanding the geological phenomena of earthquakes in the Philippines; Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio, for sociology; and Dr. Krista Danielle Yu, for research on economics. The OYS Awardees were also recognized during the closing ceremonies of the 39th Annual Scientific Meeting of NAST on July 13 at the Manila Hotel. All awardees were given medals, plaques and cash prizes. Stephanie Tumampos

The Diwata-2, which will be launched in 2018, has improved capabilities to better monitor the country. It is being made by another batch of Filipino scientists and engineers, creating a pool for this industry. Inter nationa l communities have also been interested in the planned space program. During the President’s visit to Russia, de la Peña, who was with the entou rage, v i sited Moscow ’s space agency. “The Russian government has expressed to us its interest in helping the country in terms of space,” he told the BusinessMirror. “They [Russia] said that if we are serious with our [space] program, they are willing to help develop our R&D program.” A memorandum of agreement for the cooperation between Russia and the Philippines is seen to materialize soon. Also, the investment for space will not be for naught in the economic sector. De la Peña said, “There is an industrial component when we invest in space technology.” Manufacturing hardware components for space technology can be one economic venture the Philippines can do. “We can even go into the commercialization of satellites,” he said. “Of course, that is a long shot but we have to start somewhere.” Most important, de la Peña noted that space technologies must be utilized also in other sectors, such as in agriculture and disaster preparedness. “We have to make use of the technology in monitoring our agricultural crops or preparing for disasters.”

hether the Filipinos like it, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics and machineto-machine learning, among others, are here and the Philippines must brace for the impact of these developments. In a news briefing during the 39th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on July 12, Dr. Raymond Girard Tan, vice chancellor for research and innovation of De La Salle University, pointed out that the country must equip its citizens with the knowledge and tools to handle the challenges of these technological developments. “It is a technological revolution we need to face. For example, in many parts of the world people are talking about the Fourth Industrial Revolution figuring out how the Internet can change the way we do business,” Tan said. “I think it is going to be a serious trend. I think professionals in the future or next generation have to prepare for this challenge,” Tan added. As far as De La Salle University is concerned, Tan said it is currently working double time to revamp its curriculum to cope with the changes in the technological landscape. “We want our students to keep pace with these changes so their skills will remain relevant,” Tan pointed out. Tan said academic institutions must not only rely on textbooks for building up knowledge but have to be active in doing research and development projects to keep them updated in their skills. “To be on the cutting of technology, you just don’t rely on Wikipedia for information. You have to been at the forefront of research,” Tan added. Nevertheless, he said the local science community is optimistic as the government has provided huge funds to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to encourage scientists to pursue research.

Dr. Jerrold Tubay, assistant professor at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, University of the Philippines Los Baños, urged the government to be more active in pushing AI and in incorporating mathematical modeling in their decision-making processes in order to ensure higher efficiency and productivity in their operations. “I think researchers must also think that AI will not kill us just like the things we see in sci-fi movies. If that happens we will be not around anymore,” he quipped. “On the contrary, AI will also help us a lot, especially the government, because it can help them serve the people better,” Tubay said. Dr. Landon Ocampo, assistant professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering in University of San Carlos, said the government must provide funds to boost the use of business intelligence courses to prepare the next generation of professionals to be more adept in handling data intelligence. “We must arm our students the tools to handle data science,” Ocampo added. On its part, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) welcomed the entry of AI into the country. In a separate interview, DICT Undersecretary Monchito B. Ibrahim said AI would enable workers in the businessprocess outsourcing (BPO) to move up the value chain as they can now be trained to handle higher-skill work. The NAST has adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with focus on SGD 14, or Life Below Water, as the key theme of the two-day ASM. Inducted as new NAST Academicians were Dr. Cesar Villanoy, professor, marine science institute of the University of the Philippines and Dr. Raymond Girard Tan, vice chancellor for research and innovation, De La Salle University. Dr. Carlito Lebrilla, chemistry professor at the University of California, was installed as a corresponding member. Tan also received the Outstanding Science Administrator Award.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Sunday, July 16, 2017

A7

A Taste of Southern Tagalog’s

Delicacies and Hospitality By Cesar M. Cruz Jr.

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oining a caravan offered by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) will always have its perks that are hard to top. For this particular caravan, the local delicacies of Southern Tagalog may be the main draw, but there is so much more to it. Aside from eating or watching how a particular dish is prepared and cooked, this culinary tour was extra special since participants got the rare chance to interact with the town mayors, business owners and the community, and imbibe the rich local history and culture of towns and cities while making the rounds of the numerous attractions along the way. T he Souther n Taga log Kul inar ya Caravan, which took place from May 31 to June 2, wa s a convoy of seven va ns joined by tour operators, consumers, Depar tment of Tourism personnel, media practitioners and Philtoa officers.

San Pablo City

The first stop was at the Sampaloc Lake for a magnificent sunrise viewing and was followed by a hearty Seven Lakes Breakfast at Casa San Pablo, a bed and breakfast place. The meal consisted of pinaete (shrimp paste cooked in coconut cream), dried biya from Laguna de Bay, salted egg, longganisang San Pablo, tsokolate and pinipig. A curator of Museo San Pablo talked about the history of San Pablo City, as well as the amazing versatility of the coconut.

Victoria

In Victor ia, regarded as t he countr y’s duck-raising center, we visited farm owners Leo and Josephine Dator, who showed us the different stages of duck farming. Their successful enterprise, Itlog ni Kuya, is known for their organically raised ducks, salted eggs and balut. A cooking demonstration and food tasting of their duck soon followed at

group picture of those who joined the caravan Seven Lakes Breakfast

their restaurant nearby.

Pila

Our group then went straight to the Pila Municipal Hall, where Municipal Mayor Edgardo Ramos welcomed us at his office before we proceeded to visit the town’s tourist attractions. Pila holds the distinction of being the only town in the country to be recognized as a historical site by both Church and state. Here, we visited the ancestral house of Teodoro Alava that was filled with memorabilia, exuding the aura of a museum of sorts. The parish church of San Antonio de Padua de Pila, the first Antonine parish in the country, is also a must-visit. This was followed by a cooking demo of local dishes cooked the old-fashioned way: sinukmani, ginataang hipo and puto Pila that successfully whetted our appetites. The main event, to our delight, was a boodle fight. The shared food and laughter while eating with one’s bare hands paved the way for our group to bond.

Nagcarlan

After the heavy meal, we headed to Nagcarlan’s unique attraction, the Underground Cemetery. The burial site, 15 feet below the ground, was constructed for prominent citizens and Spanish friars while it doubled as a secret meeting place of the Katipunan in 1896. As for its edible appeal, Nagcarlan brings to the table delicacies such as menudong gulay, bibingka and its famous espasol. The popular shrimp cracker snack Tanyag Kropek is also produced in this town.

Liliw

The town of Liliw is associated

San Juan Boodle Fight spread

with its slippers and its booming footwear industry. For this reason, we paid a visit to a little factory and we were amazed at the mastery of skills of the workers who churned out footwear with effortless precision. Souvenir shopping at the tsinelas capital of the region soon followed.

Majayjay

In Majayjay we made a beeline for t he Sa n Gregor io Mag no Parish Church and mar veled at its Roman-esque style of architecture. Built in 1649, the Majayjay Church is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country and has been declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The Costales Nature Farm at the foot of Mount Banahaw was the last stop of the day. The farm is a bundle of positive energies teaching visitors about living the healthy lifestyle through its organic produce. Going further, Costales offers various courses related to organic farming. For dinner, we had to work for our food by participating in the Chef ’s Challenge. We had fun sourcing the ingredients of

‘kiping’ making demostration by Milada Dealo-Walde

Sinukmani live cooking demonstration

our dish straight from the farm: chasing the free range chicken for our tinola, a demo catching of catfish, lettuce planting in a seedling tray, vegetable picking, cooking the food in a palayok with burning wood as fuel—all contributed to the lively activity. With our short immersion here, we came to the conclusion that Costales Farm is more than just farming methods; it is a way of life and a philosophy.

penned the book The Cuisine of Quezon. Pansit habhab and a moist chocolate cake were also served at our pleasure. We burned our calories from all the eating by taking a lot of photos at the pilgrimage destination Kamay ni Jesus Shrine and Healing Center. Our group picture was also taken at Malagonlong Bridge, known to be one of the oldest and longest built bridges during the Spanish Era.

Lucban

Tayabas

Wh at is a trip to Lucban without a plateful of its toasted special long ganisa a nd pansit Lucba n eaten w it h a sprinkling of vinegar? Buddy’s is the destination of choice for our breakfast cravings that day. As the town of Lucban is famous for its Pahiyas Festival, we satisfied our curiosity as to how the edible leaf-shaped wafer known as as kiping is made. We were lucky to have Lucban native Milada Dealo accommodate us at her bed and breakfast place, Sulyap sa Pahiyas, and teach us the art of making kiping. Our gracious host had us taste the fried kiping with a little sugar. She is an authority on the subject, having

Ethiopia: A Culturally-Rich and Diverse Country to Explore for Filipino Travelers

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granted one lucky winner with the trip of a lifetime by giving away two round-trip tickets to the African nation.

By Marky Ramone Go

ilipino travelers in search of fascinating new destinations are treated with a visually stimulating preview last month, when the ABS-CBN News Channel’s Asian Air Safari showed a two-part episode of their feature on Ethiopia at the Shangri-La Cineplex in Mandaluyong.

Unraveling a diverse world

A land of diversity

Containing two episodes: “A Cradle of Mankind” and “A Land of Diversity”, the show features pilot and TV presenter Capt. Joy Roa, an amiable man gifted with a curious mind and whose wonderful presence and good sense of humor, was able to take viewers along with him as he explores the diverse and culturally gifted country of Ethiopia. Hopping from the capital city of Addis Ababa mingling with the vibrant people of the country to discovering the great outdoors of the Ethiopian wildlife while encountering folks from various tribes—including the Mursi people who are known for their lip plates (pottery and wooden discs) which they wear on their lips as a rite of passage—the twin episodes conveyed the grandness of Ethiopia as a perfect destination for adventure-seeking and culturally inclined Filipino travelers. The one-hour screening of the Asian Air Safari feature on Ethiopia also provided the guests and organizers to touch base with

Capt. Joy Roa enjoys a visit to the colorful Dorze tribe in the Great Rift Valley Asian Air Safari

regards to the future collaboration of the Philippines and Ethiopia in harnessing strong tourism ties. With the help of the Ethiopian Airlines—which now flies from Manila to Addis Ababa, a cultural bridge between two nations can now be easily built. Ethiopian Ambassador Shiferaw Jarso and Ethiopian Airlines Country Manager Solomon Bekele welcomed guests to the occasion. “Ethiopian Airlines is nearing its second year of operations in Manila. Our routes connecting the Philippines to Ethiopia are important avenues to bridge the gap between the two countries in terms of tourism, trade, cultural exchange and economic partnerships. We believe our mission as an airline is beyond just selling

him/herself as we grabbed every fruit, vegetable and straw product we could lay our hands on. It was such an adrenaline rush for everybody! Just a stone’s throw away is the Gala-Rodriquez Heritage House, where we ventured excitedly to discover its history. More than its grand size and expensive furnishings, the most striking feature of the house was the presence of a hidden cellar, where visitors could enter and get a feel of the place for themselves. The house, referred to as malaking bahay (big house), was declared by the National Historic Institute as part of our national heritage. After a late lunch, we went to see how Lambanog was made u si ng a si mple cont r apt ion. Nevertheless, even without the high-tech laboratory equipment, it gets the job done like a highschool science project.

tickets. That is why we have done a variety of efforts with different local partners to introduce Ethiopia to the Philippines and the Philippines to Ethiopia. We are happy to share that we are looking forward to provide more exciting offerings for our clients in the Philippines this 2017,” Bekele said. Following the screening of the two episodes, the Ethiopian Airlines gifted the guests with a chance to witness an iconic coffee ceremony. An intimate social gathering proceeded as the guests and organizers enjoyed a banquet of authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Cultural performers from Addis Ababa were flown in to Manila to showcase their unique songs and dances. At the end of the night, Ethiopian Airlines

The new season of ABS-CBN News Channel Asian Air Safari featured destinations still unfamiliar to most Filipino travelers. Interesting places in Italy, Israel, Australia, Sweden, Japan and the Philippines gave Filipino travelers more reasons to explore the world. This season’s theme, “Tracing Our Routes, Unraveling A Diverse World”, celebrated how the countries of the free world are able to find a common connection regardless of religious diversity and cultural differences. “Asian Air Safari is the only aviationthemed travel program in Asia. Hosted by real-life pilot Capt. Joy Roa, the show has been to over 250 cities in more than 65 countries to discover the world’s most fascinating places and cultures, meet with friends old and new, and to share experiences that make life meaningful. The show strongly advocates for the aviation industry and aims to inspire new generations of aspiring pilots to pursue their traveling dreams.” Season 12 of Asian Air Safari started airing on June 11, and is shown every Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on the ABS-CBN News Channel, with replays every Saturday at 2 p.m. Follow Asian Air Safari on Facebook and Instagram for more updates! #AASAdventures

We visited the factory of Rodillas’ Yema Cake in Tayabas and saw how the popular dessert was baked that made our mouths water. We smiled with joy when we got to bring home cakes after our factory tour ended.

Sariaya

The town of Sariaya welcomed our caravan with an invitation to down a shot of their lambanog as a part of their local custom—to which we gamely obliged. To our surprise, the women in our party were the ones who drank the coconut wine without any hesitation. At the municipal hall, we joined the mock Agawan Festival. It was every man and woman for

As night fell, we moved toward La Lu z Beac h Resor t in Sa n Ju a n , B at a ng a s. Mu nicipa l M ayor R odol fo M a n a lo we lcomed our group at the private cove of the resort. Intercontinental food was ser ved at the buffet station as live music entertained us as we ate dinner. Cer t i f ic ates of pa r t ic ipat ion were awarded as each member of the caravan was called and recognized on stage. A black clay pot was given as a souvenir. The next day, everyone had a relaxing time at the resort before heading back to Manila around lunch time. The well-thought-of itinerary was made possible through the partnership of the DOT and the local government units. The Southern Tagalog Kulinarya Caravan is just one of the seven caravans that will be offered at the annual Philippine Travel Mart from September 1 to3 at the SMX Convention Center under the theme “50 Shades of Fun at Visit Asean @50”. The other caravan programs consist of the Cordillera Heritage Caravan, The Visayan Charms, The Caraga Eco Trail, Rediscover Batanes, Northern Palawan (Coron) Eco Adventure Caravan, and Bicol Express. PHILTOA is copresenting the 28th Philippine Travel with the Tourism Promotions Board.

DOT cheers Palawan

as World’s Best Island of 2017

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epartment of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo lauded Palawan for being chosen by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine as the World ’s Best Island for two consecutive years now. “We are truly proud of our country’s Last Frontier for the accolades gained and we enjoin the community, industry and local government leaders to continue preserving this valuable travel jewel for our future guardians and visitors to enjoy,” Teo said. The Philippines’s prime paradise was initially picked No.1 island in Asia, and then adjudged No. 1 worldwide, besting the likes of Santorini, Maui, Galapagos Islands and the Seychelles. Palawan first took the top spot in 2013, based on the results of an annual survey where T+L readers rated their tourism experiences in 86 different categories.
 Pa lawan was noted for its “unspoiled, sugar-white beaches”; its world-class scuba diving

sites where divers are treated to fish-filled reefs in Bacuit Bay to World War II shipwrecks; and for the Puerto Princesa Underground R iver, one of the globe’s longest subterranean rivers and a Unesco-inscribed World Heritage site.
 Also garnering attention are the “dramatic” limestone formations rising from the turquoise waters of El Nido; the “warm and friendly” locals; the 600 species of birds that make the province a popular destination for birdwatchers; and the “ delicious” food highlighted by a variety of seafood and the melting pot of Filipino cuisine that blends Indian, Spanish, Chinese and Malay inf luences. T he Travel+Leisure World ’s Best Awards, which is acclaimed as one of the leading barometers of travel destinations, will host a celebration in New York City onJuly 26 (July 27, Manila time) in honor of the World’s Best Awards 2017 winners.

Faith A8 Sunday, July 16, 2017

Sunday

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Lyn Resurreccion

Mary’s quiet presence in the brown scapular By Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS

Special to the BusinessMirror

‘W

hat’s that thing plastered on your back—Salonpas?” a male colleague in the newsroom asked. “Oh that? It’s a scapular,” I replied.

Brown Scapular

I didn’t realize it was semivisible through my white shirt, and so, assuring him that I wasn’t in need yet of Salonpas—a painrel ieveng patch for ar t hr itis or other muscle aches—I felt obliged to tell him a bit about the brown scapular. For us, Secular Carmelites, it is imposed during a ceremony marking a stage in our formation. It is made up of two pieces of plain brown wool cloth the size indeed of a Salonpas patch. Maybe he was just kidding about the Salonpas bit, but it led to his virtual initiation into Carmel and the brown scapular devotion. Serves him right. “Don’t believe what you hear about the brown scapular protecting you from bullets or knife attacks,” I warned him, “It is not anting-anting [amulet] or a lucky charm to make you rich and famous or find you the right spouse. It’s our Carmelite habit,

a sign that we belong to Mary.” I like what author John Zmirak said about the scapular being a “sleek and minimalist version of the Carmelite habit”. The one we Secular Carmelites wear may be sleek and minimalist but being made of wool, it’s itchy—to better fortify us against the pursuit of vainglory? Yes. Remember the sackcloth worn by Elijah and John the Baptist. We’re also not supposed to display it, although some of us, probably believing it expresses our “zeal for the Living God”, wear all sorts of ornate scapulars during “gala” occasions—huge like the ID cards during the papal visit, embroidered with the Carmelite logo, hung with a crucifix and bearing the text of the so-called Sabbatine privilege. All sorts—all unnecessary, but all tolerated for the love of God. Come to think of it, judging from the volume of devotees in

The image of Our Lay of Mount Carmel at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Quezon City. Notice the brown scapulars she is holding in both her hands. Samahang Men in Brown Facebook

the Philippines who unabashedly wear the brown scapular— from prison inmates to celebrities—one would think that Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) must be the best known of Mary’s manifestations in the Church. But no, despite t he t housands of brown scapulars sold i n re l i g iou s b o ok stores a nd distributed for free during her feast on July 16, countless others have yet to be introduced to the truth about it, and how it relates to Our Lady of Mount

Carmel whose popular image wears brown with a cream colored mantle, holds the Child Jesus in her left arm and in her right hand—you guessed it—a brown scapular. The Church teaches that “the scapular is a Marian habit or garment. It is both a sign and pledge. A sign of belonging to Mary; a pledge of her motherly protection not only in this life but after death. As a sign, it is a conventional sign signifying three elements strictly joined:

Saint Frederick, bishop and martyr By Corazon Damo-Santiago

of Malmesbury. Other writers, such as Baronius and Mabilon, said the assassins were sent by the inhabitants of Walcheren who resented Christianity. “I walk in the presence of the Lord in the world of the living,” from Psalm 116 were his last words. Saint Frederick, patron of deaf, was buried in Saint Salvator’s Church in Utrecht.

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r. Jacques Hamel, France; Fr. Juan Romero Nunez, Colombia; Fr. Larry Penzes, New York; Blessed Oscar Arnulfo Romero, El Salvador; Frs. Thaer Saad and Boutros Wassin, Syria; Saint Andrew Avelino, Italy; Saint Stanislaus, Poland; and Saint Pope Sixtus II of the 3rd century were priests who lived a heroic and virtuous life and died for their faith. Martyrs, they all are. They were killed while officiating the holy sacrifice of the Mass, like Saint Frederick, the saint whose feast day is being celebrated on July 18. Martyr is a word derived from a Greek word that means “witness”. So special is a martyr in the eyes of the Lord who said: “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Great evangelizer

Saint Frederick was a native of Utrecht, the Netherland. A grandson of Frisian K ing R adbound, he was born in Friesland in 780. At an early age he was tutored by the clerg y, including Bishop R icfried. After his ordination as priest, he took charge of converting heathens in Waicheran, the northern part of the diocese, and taught them about the faith. This was a great challenge for him for the inhabitants were not only

Martyrdom: A privilege

Frederick of Utrecht, engraving from ca. 1630 by Frederik Bloemaert.

barbaric but also averse to the gospel. With Saint Odulfus, he preached the gospel in Stavoren, outside the diocese. In 825 he became the Bishop of Utrecht. Known for his wisdom, prudence and piety, he was praised for his knowledge during the Synod in Mainz in 829. He got involved in the domestic problem of Emperor Louis, The Debonair. He admonished w ith char it y Empress Judith

after her sons charged their stepmother w ith immora lit y. The Empress resented the chastisement of the bishop and separated with the king. On July 18, 838, while praying before a crucifix after the morning Mass, two assassins pinned him with daggers. Biographical narrations attributed his death to assassins employed by Empress Judith, and incited by her husband, William

M artyrdom is a pr iv ilege. Jesus sa id, “Blessed are you when people insu lt you, persecute you and fa lsely say a l l k inds of ev il against you because of Me” (Matthew 5:11). Many religious prefer martyrdom to natural death. It is believed that one who dies for the faith has heaven as a reward. But martyrs for the faith ought not be sought. Christ himself said, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23). Indeed, God does not invite us to lose our life but reminds us to be willing to lose it for His sake if it need be. Santiago is a former regional director of the Department of Education National Capital Region. She is currently a faculty member of Mater Redemptoris Collegium in Calauan, Laguna, and Mater Redemptoris College in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.

first, belonging to a religious family particularly devoted to Mary, especially dear to Mary, the Carmelite Order; second, consecration to Mary, devotion to and trust in her Immaculate Heart; third, an urge to become like Mary by imitating her virtues, above a ll her humilit y, chastity and spirit of prayer.” More specifically, a Discalced Carmelite priest and a revered authority on Carmelite spirituality, Fr. Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, OCD, wrote that de-

votion to OLMC means “a special call to the interior life, which is preeminently a Marian life”. “Our Lady wants us to resemble her not only in our outward vesture but, far more, in heart and spirit. If we gaze into Mary’s soul, we shall see that grace in her has f lowered into a spiritual life of incalculable wealth: a life of recollection, prayer, uninterrupted oblation to God, continual contact and intimate union with him. “Mar y’s soul is a sanctuar y reser ved for God alone, where no human creature has ever left its trace, where love and zeal for the glor y of God and the salvation of mankind reign supreme.… Those who want to live their devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel to the full must follow Mar y into the depths of her interior life. “Carmel is the symbol of the contemplative life, the life wholly dedicated to the quest for God, wholly orientated toward intimacy with God; and the one who has best realized this highest of ideals is Our Lady herself, ‘Queen and Splendor of Carmel’.” “If we gaze into Mary’s soul…” a tall order in this day and age of verbal diarrhea! Gazing implies a numbing silence—shutting out all words and thoughts as noise impeding the ascent to the Divine through Mary’s portal. How dare we gaze into Mary’s soul! But we must at least try, humbly, as the brown scapular— devoid of popular superstitions and self-ser ving notions—reminds us of Mary’s quiet presence in our lives and assures us beyond words of her untiring maternal guidance. In “following Mary into the depths of her interior life” we heed her advice in Cana, “Do as He tells you to do,” knowing beyond doubt that our faith will lead us to “a spiritual life of incalculable wealth” and an intimate friendship with our Lord Jesus. July 16 is the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Italy uses imams in prisons to deter extremism among inmates

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ERNI, Italy—Italy’s plan to reduce the risk of a jihadi-inspired attack is pinned in small part on El Hacmi Mimoun, an imam who bikes to the prison here every week and exhorts Muslim inmates not to stray from life’s “right path” or hate people who aren’t Muslim. Seven inmates—three Moroccans, three Tunisians and a Somali—left their cells at Terni Penitentiary on an early summer day to listen as the Moroccan-born imam led prayers and delivered a sermon. Sunlight from a high-barred window streamed through Mimoun’s gauzy, offwhite robe. “If I am praying, I am not cooking up ideas to harm others on the outside,” a 35-year-old Tunisian inmate said, sitting cross-legged in the small, beige-tiled room that was converted into the prison’s Mosque of Peace. None of the inmates would give their names, and prison rules precluded asking why they were serving time. So far spared the attacks that have stunned France, Belgium, Britain and Germany, Italy has relied mostly on arresting and deporting suspected extremists to try to keep the country safe. But the Italian government has come to embrace prevention, too, especially in the prisons it doesn’t want to become training grounds for potential extremists. Inviting in imams who have been vetted to make sure they espouse “moderate views” is a tactic now being employed in Italian prisons to counter radicalization among inmates. In February the government signed a recruiting agreement with the Union of Islamic Communities and Organizations (UCOII) in Italy, which professes to foster Islamic “pluralism”.

When preaching to inmates, “we stress that we are Italians of Muslim faith, Europeans of Muslim faith....We are 100 percent citizens with rights and duties,” UCOII President Izzeddin Elzir said. Italy’s second generation of Muslim immigrants is just coming of age now. For the most par t, the nation lacks neighborhoods with heavy concentrations of Muslim residents. But Muslims make up a disproportionate share of the population in Italy’s prisons. More than a third of all inmates in Italian penitentiaries are foreigners, and 42 percent of those come from the majority Muslim countries of Morocco, Albania and Tunisia, according to a 2017 report by inmate advocacy group Antigone. The advocacy group counted 411 chaplains, but only 47 imams working in Italy’s 200 prisons. Prison system officials worry that if imams don’t make regular visits, inmates might be more vulnerable to the influence of those who are already radicalized. “It’s not so much those [inmates] who preach, but those who submit to this proselytizing” who are considered at risk, Terni Penitentiary Superintendent Natascia Bastianelli said. Justice Ministry Undersecretary Gennaro Migliore said in an interview that of about 11,000 Italian prison inmates from predominantly Muslim countries, “those who could be potentially radicalized, or already radicalized don’t exceed 400” inmates. So far, 13 UCOII imams have started preaching in eight prisons after being screened by interior ministry officials. Government officials and the organization plan to evaluate the strategy’s effectiveness as a deradicalization tool this fall. AP

Journey

»life on the go

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Sunday, July 16, 2017

A9

Foilacar Industries CEO Lester Codog, also a captain, introduces his latest business venture Foilafly.

Foilacar industries

introduces Foilafly Aeroclub

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Story & photos by Patrick P. Tulfo

ester Codog, the man behind Foilacar Industries who started the foiling craze in the country, continues to expand his business empire.

Aside from foiling cars, yachts and even airplanes, Codog’s company now also dabbles in interior decoration and design of hotel rooms—they are currently working on a high-end hotel in the bay area. But his latest venture, an Aeroclub aptly named “Foilafly”, maybe his biggest and most ambitious yet. To further explain his latest project, Codog, who is now a certified pilot, invited us over at a private hangar located somewhere in Bulacan. The huge hangar currently houses four modern turbo-propeller single-engine Cirrus airplanes (two SR20s and two SR22s), as Capt. Codog expects delivery of two additional planes (a personalized SR22 with leather seats and a dashboard adorned with the luxurious alcantara wood and a highend Cirrus Vision Jet) that will be available for use of upcoming members personally. At a hearty breakfast inside a restaurant within the vicinity of the hangar, he explained, “The members of the upcoming club are in for treats, because aside from being able to use the planes to travel to any part of the country, he also plans to construct lodging facilities or vacation houses for their use, like in Palawan and Bohol initially.”

He added, “I envisioned the vacation houses to be a complete facility manned by courteous staff ready to serve the needs of the members. There will also be a vehicle [for] each vacation house in case they want to explore the tourist attractions in the area.” Codog believes that the country is ready for such a club with the growing affluence of Filipinos buoyed by the strong economy. He based his opinion on the number of customers who want their high-end vehicles foiled at their facility in Pasig City. The mechanics of the club membership is very enticing to those who harbor a dream of flying a plane. According to Codog, “Every member will undergo flight training for three months or equivalent of 40 to 50 hours of flight time before they can fly the aircraft.” Codog himself underwent an extensive training in the US in flying the Cirrus plane and is currently the brand’s ambassador in the country. Aside from making its members certified license pilots, they will be part owners of the plane that they’ll be using. The club also offers services to members who previously own Cirrus aircraft and other services related to flying as well, like tie-downs,

The modern SR22 plane Cirrus plane that we used in our two-day jaunt in the Visayas region in front of the hangar.

The author giving a thumbs up beside Capt. Codog after being given the rare opportunity to pilot the plane beside him.

24-hour fuel availability and arrangements for a guarded hangar in airports. And what’s a better way to explain the perks of the club membership than to experience it personally. Codog took us on a trip to Bacolod in Negros Occidental, where we had our lunch to sample what the city is offering, with Vice Mayor Gerany Suatengco playing the gracious host. After lunch, we had a quick tour of the city’s landmark destination (The Ruins Mansion) before flying to nearby Cebu where we spent the night. The two-province jaunt gave us

a glimpse of what’s in store for upcoming club members. We would have made a quick stop in Bicol for snack on our way back to Manila the following day if not for the bad weather. The Foilafly Aeroclub conforms to its strict Cirrus standards and is currently undergoing certification procedure, as required by the Civil Aviation Authorities of the Philippines to operate domestic flights. Its aircraft facilities are in Manila, Bulacan and Clark in Pampanga manned by highly trained and professional personnel, while its office is along Brixton Street, Barrio Ugong, Pasig City.

The breathtaking view of Corregidor island on our way back to Manila

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Editor: Tet Andolong

Coming home to Cam Norte

Kayak surfing pics in Baybay Beach, Mercedes

Heroes Gallery at Museo Bulawan

Story & photos by Bernard L. Supetran

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P until the late-1990s, commuters to the Bicol region consider Camarines Norte a pit stop for a toilet break to the passengers and a free meal to the bus crew in a run-of-the-mill roadside eatery.

Dagotdotan Spring Resort in San Lorenzo Ruiz

I myself spent my younger years repeatedly passing what seemed to be an eternity of road twists and turns, which have earned the province the unofficial title of “Zigzag Capital”. With the opening of the Quirino Highway in 1998, nearly all Bicol-bound buses skipped it, trimming travel time to two hours by skipping the 89-kilometers zigzag road and doing the meal stop elsewhere. Ironically, Cam Norte, as it is fondly called, became a byword in recent years because of its aggressive charm offensive tourism to travelers looking for an interlude with beach getaways, minus the madding crowd of the more developed islands. And soon enough, we Bicolanos in the nearby provinces were stunned with the unadulterated allure of the proverbial girl next door we took for granted for so

long. Today, visiting it is like a homecoming with our common regional culture and the warm hospitality of the townsfolk. The province can be easily reached via daytime or overnight bus trip via Philtranco or Super Lines or about a six-hour drive by private car. If you’re a motorcycle lover, cruising around on two wheels is an exhilarating ride because of the scenery and challenging terrain. The capital town of Daet is the best place to settle and start the exploration because of its strategic location and presence of good hotels, dining outlets and other tourist establishments. Bagasbas Lighthouse Resort Hotel is the hands-down choice with its comfy amenities, aquasport facilities, Bicol cuisine, live evening music and its proximity to center of action—Bagasbas Beach, the world’s 62nd surfing

San Lorenzo Ruiz zipline

spot and the country’s first to be recognized globally. Budget travelers can stay at the Bagasbas Bed and Breakfast, which is also operated by Camarines Norte’s leading tour operator, Northlink Events, that can help you plan out your trip. With its shallow water and sandy bottom, you can get surfing 101 lessons here at friendly rates. The beach is also emerging as a haven for paramotor and kiteboarding, and has hosted the prestigious Kiteboard Tour Asia tournament a few years back. Located in downtown is the First Rizal Monument, a whitestone obelisk built in 1898 by local revolutionaries in honor of the national hero. Across is the Daet Heritage Center, the old municipal hall, which serves as the town’s sociocultural center, and the spic-and-span Provincial Capitol Complex. One of the country’s most postcard-pretty government buildings, the complex also houses the Bulawan Museum, which is the repository of the province’s history and material heritage. A must-see is the Calaguas Islands, which is about two hours away by boat in Vinzons town. Calaguas islands were among Bicol’s best-kept secrets for the longest time. It is now sleepy shores hugged the limelight when it was named the top Tourism Gem in an online poll of Isla Lipana & Co. The heart of the Calaguas archipelago is the Halabang Baybay of Tinaga Island, which is reput-

ed for its mile-long powdery sand and crystalline water. Many are tempted to call it the “next Boracay”, but locals would rather like to have it called Boracay of 30 years ago. Its back-to-the-basics allure of roughing it out under the stars is its main come-on. For a dash of modest comfort, a handful of small resorts offer tropical lodging that blends with the environment. On the way back, you can stop over at the Quinamanokan and Maculabo islands for snorkeling before heading home. A closer island getaway is the Siete Pecados chain of islets in Mercedes where you can go beach bumming, snorkeling or kayaking, which municipal tourism office rents out. Apuao Pequeña is the most popular because of its powdery sandbar, Canton boasts of caves believed by many to be enchanted, while Caringo is known for its marine sanctuary of largely untouched corals. At the mainland, you can do kayak surfing at Baybay Beach, where you can test your paddling skills as you ride the moderate waves. For a beach overload, you can hide off to the interior town of Jose Ma. Panganiban, which recently unveiled its own hideaways—the idyllic islands Parola, Calalayan and Carol, and the Bulalacao Beach. Turayog viewdeck, the highest point in the area, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the town, the ocean, the rolling

Nacali Falls in San Lorenzo Ruiz

hills and everything in between. It is open for camping, pictorials and other close-to-nature events. Also known for its old name Bulawan, which means gold in Bikol language, Panganiban was once one of the country’s richest gold mines. The mining industry might have ceased, but the town’s hidden natural wonders are its new gold mines waiting to be explored. San Lorenzo Ruiz town is another virtual waterworld where you can refresh, rinse and cool off after beach-bumming. You can get a hydro-massage and laze at the natural rock pools with icy water rushing down the Mampurog River at the various resorts lining the river bank. The facilities are basic, but its back-to-nature allure makes it worth the trip. Come to think of it, it’s not every day that you can have a river as your pool and jacuzzi. If you want an adventure trek, Nacali Falls won’t disappoint with

its moderate and challenging trail and the tall and voluminous drop that will welcome you. For a dose of adrenaline rush, try out the newly opened tramline cable car and the 700-meter dual zipline, which will glide you over the cliffs. The view down below is so scenic and arresting that you won’t have the time to scream your lungs out. The town also takes pride in its sweet-tasting Queen (Formosa) pineapple, the sweetest variety of the fruit, and the durable walis tambo, which find their way to Baguio City. Tucked in the nooks and crannies in Capalonga, Santa Elena and Basud townships are a host of unexploited natural playgrounds awaiting intrepid travelers. With the unique confluence of nature, adventure and culture, and an emerging farm tourism sector, every visit to Camarines Norte is always a memorable homecoming.

Tourism perks up PHL hotel sector T

By Roderick L. Abad

HE Philippine hospitality industry remains in good shape today, primarily due to robust tourist arrivals—both local and international—according to a group of hoteliers in the country. Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Charter Director Rose Libongco said accommodation business, in general, is doing very well as shown in the continuous development of various lodging facilities nationwide. “More and more hotels and resorts

are being opened up and they’re enjoying quite good occupancy.” For HSMA President Margie Munsayac, the proliferation of low-cost carriers has encouraged travel within the country, especially among local tourists. She said more and more off the beat and track attractions—beyond the usual highly visited destinations, like Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu and Davao, among others—are now being developed to cater to different types of travelers. The vice president for sales and marketing of Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort also

pointed out the increase in numbers of millennial travelers, who are always looking for new sites. “Domestic tourism is very much alive. They‘re filling up the rooms of our hotels and resorts,” Munsayac said, while citing that local travelers now count at 65 million. The influx of international tourists is, likewise, on the rise, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Korea is still the country’s top source of foreign tourists, with 976,499, a share of 24.16 percent. The United States (14.45 percent) followed with an aggregate 584,149

visitor arrivals; China (11.99 percent), 484,567; Japan (9.08 percent), 367,144; and Australia (3.98 percent), 161,016. Completing the top 10 list are Taiwan, with a total of 157,517 visitors, followed by Singapore, 120,241; the UK, 117,535; Canada, 114,074; and Malaysia, 95,129. At present, the occupancy rate of hotels and resorts in the country averages between 75 percent and 80 percent. Compared to other destinations in Asia, the Philippines continues to enjoy long staying guests from seven to 12 days. “We‘re more into the money spent in the Philippines.

And I think it is growing,” Munsayac said.

Brighter future ahead for PHL tourism

GROWTH prospects continue to be bullish with the Duterte administrations tourism initiatives in the pipeline, headed by Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo. The global mileage it provides is seen to bring in economic gains in various sectors of the society, including both the tourism and hospitality industries. “The Asean meetings, which the country is hosting throughout 2017, will contribute

more arrivals on multiple occasions,” the HSMA charter director said. “We’re looking to more foreign tourists arrivals for 2017 and beyond, as well as the domestic tourism numbers,” Munsayac said. It is noted that the government is raising the tourist arrival target for 2017 to 6.5 million, from the projected 6 million in 2016, and domestic tourist target from 2016’s 70.5 million to 73.3 million this year. HSMA is an association of hotels and resorts sales and marketing leaders, which count 76 members of three- to five-star properties in the country.

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Editor: Tet Andolong

Sunday, July 16, 2017 A11

Award-winning Bohol luxury resort celebrates 10

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MORITA Resort, the multiaward-winning luxury leisure destination on the southern edge of Panglao Island in Bohol, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with “Love Amorita”.

Love Amorita reflects on the most treasured and enduring parts of guests’ stay in the internationally renowned Bohol resort. Love Amorita will make you rekindle that most special and delightful experience. It is drawn from the countless “Will you marry me?” and “I do”—weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. It will tug at your heartstrings as you remember the cute little giggles and the warm smiles of your children while playing in the pool, having unlimited ice cream or simply ending the day with milk and cookies! Love Amorita will mark a decade of inspiring and innovative dining at Amorita through Saffron Restaurant and Tomar Tapas Bar. All these and more that have made Amorita Resort the most-loved resort in the Philippines over the years. This 2017 on the resort’s 10th year, Amorita proudly brings back its 16 luxury villas, each designed to provide the ultimate infinite experience. The luxury villa is one of

Amorita Resort’s key features, complete with a private plunge pool, unparalleled levels of comfort, and Amorita’s signature personalized service. This year Amorita presents two new two-bedroom pool villas, which will be a testament to the best family bonding experience. As part of the Love Amorita celebrations, the resort is also honoring its top travel agents for 2016 in an event sponsored by international luggage and travel brand Delsey, The Travel Club, The Primer Group of Cos., Moet and Hennessey, Forth and Tay and Philippines AirAsia and Philippine Airlines. Founded and built with loving care by owners Nikki and Ria Cauton, Amorita marries world-class service with signature Filipino hospitality, offering guests an escape from the urban fray and a hospitality experience unlike any other. A TripAdvisor Hall of Fame awardee and Certificate of Excellence recipient for seven consecutive years, Amorita

was also recognized as an Asean Green Hotel Awardee in 2016, and stands as the only resort in the Philippines to earn the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens’s Excellence Award 2017, Best for Service. Amorita Resort expresses its love through the rollout of the

special Perfect 10 package for guests, designed to highlight the hallmark qualities of the luxury resort and celebrate the diverse range of experiences for which Amorita has come to be known. Available all year round, the Perfect 10 package starts at

P10,000+ per night (minimum of two nights), and includes luxury accommodation for two, daily buffet breakfast featuring the best of Saffron, a delectable paella dinner at Tomar Tapas x Bar, one afternoon pizza at Saffron, and one siniksikan head and shoulder

massage for two at Sea Tree Spa. The special package also includes round-trip transfers, nightly minibar replenishment, a round of cocktails with the best view of Alona Beach, complimentary Wifi, and free use of bicycles, standup paddleboards and kayaks.

Discovery Shores Boracay works ‘Together for Water’

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ISCOVERY Shores Boracay, the award-winning resort of The Discovery Leisure Co., in partnership with international non-governmental organization (NGO) Waves for Water, is set to make waves this year for the Ati indigenous community in Sitio Carla, Barangay Cubay Sur, Malay, Aklan. The resort’s corporate social-responsibility project, Together for Water, was launched in a fund-

raising kickoff. Hotel Manager Erwin Lopez and his team visited Ati Chieftain Vicente Elorde and his community to pledge the donation of 60 water filters to the sitio’s 120 households this 2017. International NGO Waves for Water Director of Operations Jenica Dizon did an interactive demonstration, showing the audience how to use the Sawyer water filters. A talk on water, sanitation and hygiene was also given

by one of the island’s doctors, Dr. Girlie Teotico. “Now that we’re on our 10th anniversary, it’s high time for us to play a bigger role in giving back to the community,” Lopez said. “Access to clean water is a right for everyone. Clean water not only saves lives, but improves the overall wellbeing of a person. With Boracay’s recent advancements, people may have this idea that the island has an abundance of clean drinking

water. However, there are many underserved communities nearby who are in need.” To make it easy for guests and employees to join in on the fundraising drive, the “Change for Water” donation boxes are strategically placed in the resort’s reception areas and restaurants. Loose change and bills are all it takes to positively impact up to a hundred people per filter, which cost P2,500 only each.

A Five-Star getaway at Marco Polo E

XPERIENCE the five-star luxury accommodation that the only sky hotel can bring—when warm hospitality meets outstanding service. As Marco Polo Ortigas Manila receives the prestigious Five Star rating from the global authority on luxury travel, Forbes Travel Guide, the hotel is proud to share this win with its guests with a special offer that brings only the most premium accommodations. Have a “Five-Star Getaway” at a Deluxe Suite until September 30, and indulge in complimentary club services at the exclusive Continental Club Lounge. Travel in luxury with a roundtrip airport transfer or pick

up and drop off at any residence within Metro Manila in Mercedes Benz. Check-in and check-out at

the Continental Club reception at Level 44. Savor into an ultimate dining

experience with a buffet breakfast, afternoon refreshments and evening cocktails with a wide array of canapés and hors d’oeuvres, at the lounge. An authentic Cantonese set dinner for two, especially crafted by Lung Hin’s Hong Kong chefs, brings a perfect triumvirate of flavors. Enjoy a different kind of happy hour with Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge’s Aperitivo. Starting at 5 p.m. up to 8 p.m. daily, have your predinner drinks and appetizers, the Italian way, with the stunning view of Manila. Enjoy all of these exclusive benefits and more, all on us, and have a Five-Star Getaway like no other. For more information, visit www.marcopolohotels.com.

El Nido Resorts’ guides transform snorkeling T

HE creation of one of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world began around 250 million years ago. Bacuit Bay, which hosts three of the four El Nido Resorts in Northern Palawan, was then part of the Asian mainland, the island-resort guides tell their guests. Eventually, the Bacuit Bay reef and the rest of Palawan broke off from Asia drifting on the Sunda Plate immersed in sea water. As the tectonic plate turned clockwise some 5 million years ago, Palawan was hurled toward what we now know as the Philippine archipelago, which is a mere 50 million years old, the El Nido Resorts guides report citing Lee Goldman, Coral Triangle expert and author. “Bacuit Bay is a huge slab of ancient reef. This distinguishes it from other snorkeling and diving sites in the Philippine archipelago,” said Goldman, who leads customized tours for snorkeling enthusiasts from Northern America to the Coral Triangle, a portion of Asia, including the Philippines, known for the highest levels of marine biodiversity in the world. He observes that the guides of Miniloc, Lagen and Pangulasian in Bacuit Bay and those in Apulit, the fourth El Nido Resort in the Sulu Sea, are among the best trained in creating awareness and fostering appreciation for marine biodiversity in the Philippines. Their long hours of study and passion for underwater habitats are such that they often convince even nonswimmers to snorkel for the first time. Their job is facilitated by the relative shallowness of the bay and the diversity of marine habitats it holds. This combination couldn’t be better for observing the various underwater destinations minutes away from

the El Nido Resorts. It means that snorkeling, which is highly encouraged and is part of the El Nido Resorts package, and diving can be done in a more leisurely manner than if one were constantly being tugged away by cross currents or if one had to dive deeper to see the corals and fish more clearly. Moreover, the variety of habitats means there’s something new to observe every day. Each type of habitat nurtures a unique set of marine species, Goldman said, “Seagrass beds, for instance, are a great place to examine sea horses as they inhale tiny crustaceans through their long snouts and to observe a diversity of cardinalfishes—so called because their reddish hues are reminiscent of the hats worn by the princes of the Catholic Church. As early as 2008 to 2010, when Philippine tourism was still in an infantile stage, travel magazine Conde Naste Traveller and National Geographic had already recognized snorkeling expeditions in Bacuit Bay as among the best tours available globally. Today, snorkeling has become a must-do activity for those traveling to Bacuit Bay and to El Nido Resorts. Goldman rues that mass media has done a better job in creating fear rather than appreciation for marine life even among Filipinos who are never more than a few hours away from highly rated snorkeling sites. Those donning snorkeling masks and breathing tubes for the first time are often fearful of jellyfish, of sharks, of drowning and of the unknown in general. By picking the right spots in shallow water, talking to them about what they will see, El Nido Resorts guides help first-timers to be comfortable in and eventually fascinated by the whole new world offered by the ocean.

Journey BusinessMirror

»life on the go

A12 Sunday, July 16, 2017

Editor: Tet Andolong

Cuba Libre: Maltiado, Che and alternative reality Philippines

Hotel Regina Havana invites you to step back in time.

The revolutionary May you live forever in our hearts

Weeks before his death, Fidel will live forever

THE TOURISM ADVOCATE (Last Part) Photos by Brad Geiser

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Old world preserved: Where to stay.

ccomodations are a study in contradiction; the government of Cuba runs most of the grandest hotels in the city. We stayed in a number of places. The first place was the best: an adaptively reused Andalusian-inspired Mansion from the 1800s. The courtyard will make you imagine what Intramuros could have been. Another massive hotel we stayed in felt like a huge white elephant, conspicuously themed for Jewish travelers, down to a marble statue of Moses pulled from the Nile. The architecture is amazingly preserved, down to turn of the century floor fans and stained-glass ceilings. The rooms are magnificent in their size and appointment, but the sheets have holes, the soap, when there is any, is two-star at best, and the food… just try to dine out whenever possible in a privately owned establishment. On the other hand, when visiting the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-heritage city of Trinidad, we “home stayed”, meaning someone turned their home into a little rudimentary hotel and I had really delicious octopus there. There are early stage cottage industries here and

its refreshing to see that even in the stalls selling tourist memorabilia, 100 percent of everything is handmade in Cuba. The hot industry is here in tourism itself, and the guides here are highly educated, well-spoken and very charming. Apparently, you can’t earn much as an engineer or a doctor in Cuba, but guiding tourists…that’s how the real money is earned. The overqualified guides are real value for money for the traveler, but an unsettling commentary on their economy.

Richness is relative

Because everything is government rationed, Cubans have very little understanding of retail, so some things are ridiculously cheap and other things are priced like we were in Western Europe. For instance, handmade Guayaberas, the elegant four-pocket barong of the Cubanos, costs the equivalent of P200. They even have two different currencies: One for the citizens and another for the tourists. When you change your money, do it from euro to avoid overpaying in dollars, and

Step into time in Trinidad, original and preserved cobblestone roads

only get what you need, Cuban currency is not traded anywhere else. There were almost no efforts at marketing and advertising, the few examples I saw were charmingly primitive, leaving me as a consumer a little at a loss as I am so used to having my oversaturated sense of consumption expertly titillated. But I got used to it real fast. It will be a shame when that goes away. Also, the Internet is a rare novelty involving standing in line for card purchases and crowding in the street for Wi-fi. So my advice; take it as an opportunity to digitally detoxify. I did not miss it nearly as much as I thought I would.

Cuba libre: Che and Fidel

The controversial and enigmatic Fidel Castro admittedly adds to

the seduction of Cuba. Imagine, taking on a nuclear super power—at its height—while the rest of the world held its breath. While equally hated by the West, secretly envied for his longevity, he couldn’t have stayed that long in power if he didn’t enjoy the support of his people. And instead of burgeoning hate and yearning to break from the shackles of Fidel, we found a Cuba conflicted. They know they need western trade and economics to survive in today’s time, but they were also immensely proud of their country and of what Fidel did for them. Never have I heard so many references to pais in regular conversation! This is obviously one lesson we can learn from Cuba: that wealth need not be synonymous

Traditional place to stay in Trinidad

with pride. On a personal note, I didn’t expect to fall in love with Fidel prior to Cuba. But to have elicited the love support and admiration of a Che Guevarra, you know that there was a great man, a great leader there worth following. Many many years after, pouring over photos of Che and Fidel together, you could still see the warmth and tenderness the two shared. A stark contrast to the strongmen persona required of them to wage and win a revolution. Admittedly, I am not special for having chased Che all the way to Cuba but what I came to ap-

preciate of Fidel is what Che saw in the first place, which is that every liberator-revolutionary needs a builder, stabilizer. And both of them had the wisdom to appreciate each other for what they were and what they weren't. Cuba is entering a new age, one where its infamous heroes have all gone. But with Fidel's youngest brother Raul, taking the reins in 2008, we are about to see where Cuba goes. Whether the story ends here or picks up again to start a new chapter but, perhaps, one with different faces at the front lines and a different world to face.