Manila Standard - 2017 January 01 - Sunday

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

UNLEASH FULL GOVT MIGHT VS MAUTE, SOLON URGES DUTERTE

By Maricel V. Cruz A HOUSE leader on Saturday said 2017 would be the best year for the Duterte administration “to unleash the full might of the government” against the Maute group, given the latter’s ties to foreign terrorist organizations that make it an imminent threat to national

security.

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte broached the idea as he cited reports that the Maute group was bold enough to hoist the black emblem of the Islamic State or ISIS in Butig town in Lanao del Sur that the terrorist group has occupied.

At the same time, Defense Secretary

Delfin Lorenzana linked the Maute group, along with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, to last week’s bomb attack in Leyte.

Villafuerte said: “According to recent reports, the Maute members were already withdrawing from Butig following a government offensive against them.

“The fact that they are now using the ISIS emblem confirms its allegiance to this dreaded terrorist organization, which is alarming.

“We hope that the President will not relent in his campaign against the Maute. The only options that should be made available to the Maute is to surTurn to A2 render or perish.”

BUSINESS / C1

DUTERTE, TRUMP HEADLINED TOP BUSINESS NEWS IN 2016

WORLD / B3

PUTIN REFUSES TO EXPEL US DIPLOMATS, TRUMP APPLAUDS

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VOL. XXX • NO. 323 • 5 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS / C4

ONE LAST OLYMPIC QUEST FOR HIDILYN

MIDNIGHT PYROTECHNICS. For 40 minutes on Friday night, residents of Rizal province have their hearts and minds glued to the razzle-dazzle of fireworks at the Santa Lucia East Mall, preceded by live performances of rock bands and celebrities. Sonny Espiritu

JOIN MY WAR, DU30 URGES ALL PINOYS peace and development in our country,” Duterte said in his New Year message.

The President also called on the people to help in improving the country’s business environment so that working overseas will no longer be necessary among many Filipinos.

“Let us work together to enliven our business environment by attracting more investments and creating more job opportunities for our people so that, in

By John Paolo Bencito

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte called on all Filipinos to help the government in fighting the society’s ills as he vowed to continue the government’s unrelenting war on illegal drugs, crime and corruption to attain peace and development.

“I invite everyone to be our against illegal drugs, criminality, government’s partner in our fight and corruption; and in attaining

the near future, working abroad would only be an option for our ‘kababayans’ and not a necessity.”

“The achievement of these goals will reclaim order and safety in our communities and will enable us to restore the public’s trust in government and in our capacity to serve,” he added.

The President’s message coincided with a report from Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar the number of Turn to A2

TABLES ARE TURNED AT DOJ

By Rey E. Requejo

DONE FOR DESTRUCTION. Quezon City Police District Director C/Supt. Guillermo Eleazar presents to media at Camp Karingal seized illegal fireworks from different parts of the erstwhile capital city for immediate destruction.

Manny Palmero twitter.com/ MlaStandard

2016 MARKED the turning of the tides at the Department of Justice which emerged with the change in the nation’s political leadership.

For five-and-a-half years in the previous administration, Senator Leila de Lima led investigation and prosecution of many high-profile cases as Secretary of Justice.

In October this year, the DOJ chief-turned-senator got the receiving end when she was charged with allegedly benefitting from the illegal facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

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drug trade in the government-run New Bilibid Prison.

Four criminal complaints were filed against De Lima by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, National Bureau of Investigation, former NBI deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala and high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian.

She was charged with violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, along with her former driver-lover Ronnie Dayan, former

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DOJ Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, former Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Bucayu, former NBI deputy director Rafael Ragos, among others.

De Lima was also accused of qualified bribery, violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and Presidential Decree 46 or the law on accepting gifts in the NBI complaint filed with the DOJ after a fact-findTurn to A2 ing investigation.

HOUSE SET TO APPROVE MORE BILLS

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives will pass more productive pieces of legislation in 2017, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Saturday.

In his New Year message, Alvarez said Congress was poised to pass the proposed shift to federalism in the coming years—among other measures deemed controversial and yet considered by President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies beneficial to the Filipino people.

“As we enter 2017, let us forge a strong unity behind the reform agenda of the Duterte administration. Let us all work together to put an end to mass poverty strengthen our democratic institutions, and move our country forward,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez appealed to critics of the Duterte administrarion’s proposal to amend the constitution to effect federalism to keep an open eye on the proposal.

“Let us take the first of the many giant steps we as one nation must undertake to effect a paradigm shift by changing our form of government from presidential to federal.

“Let’s all open our eyes that it is only through federalism that we can break the barriers of a fatally flawed Manila-centrist government to one that grants political and economic autonomy to all of our country’s regions,” Alvarez said.

He also boasted the major accomplishments of the Lower House in the first six months of the new administration under PresiTurn to A2 dent Rodrigo Duterte.

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drug surrenderers had breached the one million mark, which he claimed made the President’s anti-drug war a “success.”

“It is evident we are hitting the mark in our campaign against illegal drugs.

But more than the statistics, the real score in the government’s intensified anti-drug operations is that it has pulled down the country’s crime rate by 32 percent,” Andanar pointed out, citing the latest report from the PNP. He attributed the President’s high satisfaction, approval and trust ratings from his successful anti-drug war which resulted in lower crimes.

“People feel safer in the streets and at night because the number of theft, carjacking, robbery, rape, physical injury has decreased. At the end of the day, this is what counts,” Andanar added.

As of 6 a.m. on Dec. 31, a total 1,007,153 drug personalities have yielded to the authorities since July 1.

Of this figure, 74,916 were pushers and 932,237 were users, he said, citing PNP data.

In his message, Duterte also called on government workers not to forget the lessons of the past year, even as the country moves forward to another.

“One year has ended and another has taken its place. Soon, we will be once again preoccupied with our daily grind and usual day-to-day activities.

“Many will forget the events of the past year. But we in government [have this] solemn duty to evaluate our work and make sure that its gains redound to the common good.”

In a recent interview, the President warned officials in government to expect him to be more strict and more unforgiving on corruption in 2017.

“I’ll be more stricter (sic)—no corruption. I’ll really punch you in public, either I can slap or kick you if you use the money of the people. Do not use that, even a single centavo on the first whiff,” Duterte told ANC. “If you do that, the Cabinet Secretary will have to let you go. If you cannot control your people, go out of your post,” he added.

In the same New Year’s message, the President also told Filipinos to take the time off to be with loved ones in ushering the new year.

“There is no greater happiness than spending time with loved ones during the holiday season. I hope that we will enjoy this time of the year by demonstrating love, solidarity, understanding, happiness, and optimism towards our personal ambitions and national aspirations.”

“Let us all welcome 2017 with renewed determination and reinvigorated spirit so that we can surmount the challenges ahead. I wish all of us a fruitful and meaningful New Year.”

According to Andanar, out of the 40,371 anti-drug operations conducted by the PNP from July 1 to December 31 under Project Double Barrel Alpha, 43,114 were arrested and 2,167 were neutralized.

Moreover, a total 5,911,306 houses have been visited in the same period through Oplan Tokhang, where police personnel knock on the houses of suspected drug personalities and ask them to mend their ways.

Treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts form part of the second phase of the President’s anti-drug war.

The Duterte administration recently inaugurated a mega drug rehabilitation facility in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija and expects treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts to be in full swing by 2017.

POLICY SHIFT MARKS DFA FEAT T

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

HE “shift to independent foreign policy” might be one of the “dramatic” changes in President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. has said, vowing the Philippines would no longer be a perceived bootlicker of any country.

In an interview, Yasay admitted seeking an independent diplomatic policy was among the dramatic changes and a challenge to him in the international arena, citing what he called “70 years of dependency” on the United States, which restored the country’s independence in 1946.

“In the past, our foreign policy was marked by subservience (to) and dependency on the U.S. that impeded our advancement and undermined our right of determination...in turn we were not treated with mutual respect and as a sovereign equal,” Yasay said.

He reiterated the independent foreign policy was written in the law and the government under President Duterte was bound to comply which, he said, the past Presidents failed to do.

“Our government, through the presidency, has no choice but to comply and fulfill the constitutional mandate of pursuing an independent foreign policy that will uphold our sovereignty, territorial integrity and right of self determination in achieving the paramount interest,” he said.

One of the accomplishments the Department of Foreign Affairs had was asserting the interest of the Philippines by weighing equally its diplomatic relationships with its neighboring countries, the United

NO FIRING PLEASE. The Bureau of Fire Protection in Caloocan City headed by Fire Marshall C/Insp. Stephen A. Requina holds a motorcade to remind the residents on the hazards of exploding firecrackers and firing of guns. Andrew Rabulan

UNLEASH..

American envoy “meddled” in the Philippines’ recent elections by “giving statements here and there,” earning for himself the title of a prostitute’s homosexual son a description similar to one Duterte previously extended to Pope Francis last year.

Shortly after his rhetoric, the United States said the $32-million assistance to promote human rights and security was now subject to “rigorous vetting,” calling on the Philippines to observe the rule of law and due process in its campaign against drugs.

Also in August, the two UN special Rapporteurs on Summary Executions Agnes Callamard and the Right on Health Danius Puras urged Duterte to put an end to the current wave of extrajudicial executions and killings of alleged drug users and pushers.

Duterte slammed the call of the two rapporteurs and theatened the Philippines would pull out from the UN, but later he said it was only a joke.

Before he left for his first official trip out of the country to attend the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Laos, he warned Obama not to raise the issue on extra judicial killings or he would curse him “son of bitch” in that gathering.

In September, Duterte also said the upcoming war games between the Philippines and the U.S. would be the last because China dis not want them.

But Yasay explained the war games would continue until 2017 but would be under review from that year until Duterte’s term ends in 2022.

In October, Duterte again ranted against the U.N and the European Union.

Duterte also launched new tirades against critics of his bloody anti-illegal drugs campaign, telling Obama, primarily, to “go to hell” and the EU “to choose purgatory” because hell was already full.

He also cursed the U.S. and decided to cut the rifle deal with a U.S. store, after an American senator made a statement that he would block the sale of rifles to the Philippine National Police.

In early December, the US government aid agency, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, deferred to renew the development assistance package for the Philippines “subject to a further review of concerns around rule of law and civil liberties.”

Yasay criticized the U.S., stressing the Philippines could survive without the assistance.

He said the uncertainty over the aid package emerged after Duterte declared he would chart a foreign policy independent of the U.S. Yasay said in 2017, the Philippines, through the DFA, would seek stronger ties with other countries and continue advancing the country’s interest.

“We do not weaken our solid relationship with others. We will continue on with tact towards the future with the political will to carry out a pragmatic policy towards upholding the national interest,” he said.

“For us in the House of Representatives, the first six months of the 17th Congress have been very productive. We have deliberated upon and passed meaningful legislation aimed at enhancing economic growth, social progress and political stability over the long term,” Alvarez said, referring to bills on death penalty, lowering the age of criminal liability among children, same-sex union, and the proposed federal form of government.

Duterte said: “I am proud to say the House of Representatives worked really hard in the past six months to pass laws consistent with the comprehensive reform program of the Duterte administration.

“But we cannot be complacent.

Much work remains to be done, and we commit to work even harder in the months ahead so that our nation can attain peace and prosperity that we all hope for,.”

“We Filipinos have much to be thankful for in 2016. We conducted free and fair elections in May and elected Rodrigo Duterte as President for the next six years,” the Speaker added.

In totality, Alvarez commended the Duterte government for its effective war on drugs, along with its other policies aimed at uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.

“After just six months in office, the Duterte administration has made significant gains not only in the war on illegal drugs and in fighting crime and corruption, but also in laying the ground for sustained socio-economic advance, lasting peace and political reforms,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez rallied behind the Filipino people and both the administration allies and political opposition to support the President’s agenda.

“As we enter 2017, let us forge a strong unity behind the reform agenda of the Duterte administration. Let us all work together to put an end to mass poverty strengthen our democratic institutions, and move our country forward,” Alvarez said.

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Villafuerte noted that Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, a security analyst who chairs the board of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, had described the Maute group as one of 10 terrorist organizations in the country that had declared loyalty to ISIS, an international jihadist group.

Banlaoi also said the Maute group had links to the Jemaah Islamiyah, associated with Al Qaeda.

“This group could become the single biggest threat to the Duterte administration’s plan to finally transform Mindanao into a primary growth driver of the Philippine economy, given the serious security implications of Maute’s links to international terrorist groups,” said Villafuerte, who is vice chairperson of the House Committee on National Defense and Security.

Villafuerte also cited a separate report on Lorenzana’s warning that ISIS could regroup in the Philippines should the global coalition formed to crush it succeeds in its military offensive in Iraq.

Lorenzana reportedly said Maute and the Abu Sayyaf Group, among other militant groups in Mindanao, have been courting ISIS for recognition as a “wilayat” or province in Southeast Asia.

“The Duterte administration should continue to pursue the peace pro-

States, and other countries.

“I don’t think I should paddle my own canoe,” he said, refusing to discuss more of the DFA’s accomplishments.

“Today, we see a dramatic change in our relationship with the international community in maintaining and strengthening friendship with all nations,” he added.

Since Duterte assumed the office, several challenges have happened in the international arena.

Aside from his announcement to pursue an independent foreign policy, Duterte also decided to cut ties with the U.S. and form new alliances with China and Russia.

Manila and Beijing forged diplomatic links in 1975, a year before Manila established diplomatic ties with Moscow.

For six months, Duterte has been vocal against the U.S. and outgoing U.S President Barrack Obama.

The President has also been cursing left and right different countries, with the DFA either defending the President or clarifying Duterte’s series of rhetorics.

In June, Duterte told the United Nations to “shut up” as it “can’t even solve the Middle East carnage”.

In August, Duterte, in a speech, called U.S. ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg a “homosexual son of a bitch.”

Duterte claimed the outgoing

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cess with Islamic groups in Mindanao, but should never waver in its hardline stance against terrorist groups or transnational crime organizations whose paths do not lead towards peace but towards violence and destruction,” Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte said a planned joint military training by the Philippines with Malaysia and Indonesia starting this year “would, hopefully, better protect our country not just from the ASG, but also from other homegrown terrorists like the Maute group.”

Villafuerte said this joint training was crucial to the Duterte administration because neutralizing ASG terrorists and protecting the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas from pirates would go a long way in addressing the festering peace and order problems that have hampered the growth and development of Mindanao despite its vast potentials.

“On top of being a defense initiative, the joint military training agreed upon by the Philippines with Indonesia and Malaysia would also be a big help in facilitating the movement of international navigation, trade and commerce in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas, which has relatively received little attention compared to other more prominent maritime interests in the region,” Villafuerte said.

The complaints were based on testimonies of witnesses, including inmates who testified in the House of Representatives inquiry on the issue, as well as documentary evidence.

They alleged De Lima received drug money from NBP drug lords supposedly in exchange for protection of their illegal activities.

The NBP inmates who testified against De Lima—Sebastian, Herbert Colanggo, Engelbert Durano, Vicente Sy, Wu Tuan Yuan alyas Peter Co and Jojo Baligad—were also slapped with drug trafficking charges as the DoJ would determine their qualification as state witnesses.

Senator De Lima has repeatedly denied the allegation that she protected drug syndicates inside the NBP in exchange for funds for her 2016 election campaign.

She claimed this was all part of the vendetta of President Duterte for her persistent pursuit of his involvement in the Davao death squad since she was chair of the Commission on Human Rights.

The DoJ has started its preliminary investigation on the charges against De Lima. It created a five-member panel and started hearing last Dec. 2.

De Lima has questioned the DoJ’s

jurisdiction on the complaints against her and sought their transfer to the office of the Ombudsman, but the DOJ rejected her plea saying it has concurrent jurisdiction on non-graft cases against incumbent officials.

Earlier this month, De Lima was slapped with another criminal complaint by the leadership of the House of Representatives, this time for her alleged attempt to prevent Dayan from testifying in the House inquiry on the NBP drug trade.

House leaders led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez sought her indictment for violation of Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code or disobedience to summons issued by Congress, its committee or subcommittees.

They cited as basis De Lima’s advice to Dayan to continue hiding and not attend the House probe—which she already publicly admitted.

The DoJ will conduct separate preliminary investigation on the House’s complaint.

The probe on NBP drug trade is part of the war on drugs by the Duterte administration.

Inevitably, De Lima has found herself in a word war with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II—both graduates of the San Beda College of Law—in several

instances.

Aguirre publicly announced De Lima had sex videos with Dayan and said these could be used as evidence of their illicit affair.

He also told the senator to stop her hysterics and instead just disprove the charges against her.

De Lima, for her part, slammed Aguirre for manufacturing evidence against her, saying the witnesses were fake just like his toupee or wig.

Towards the end of the year, just when the Duterte administration was embarking on its anti-graft and corruption campaign, another big controversy rocked the DoJ—the reported bribery attempt by Chinese casino mogul Jack Lam and alleged extortion by two Bureau of Immigration deputy commissioners.

Last Nov. 24, Aguirre led the raid on Lam’s Fontana Leisure Park and Casino in Clark Field, Pampanga where 1,316 Chinese illegal workers were arrested.

The DoJ chief revealed that Lam’s camp met with him two days after and asked if he could be his “ninong” (godfather of protector).

Aguirre said he declined the offer made by Lam’s middleman, former police chief superintendent Wally Sombero.

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LACSON TO DIGONG: BE A REAL STATESMAN

By Joel E. Zurbano

OLD SCHOOL. Kids use a traditional bamboo canon to welcome the New Year.

Geonarri Solmerano

CONDOM DISTRIBUTION: BIGGEST THREAT IN 2017

By Vito Barcelo

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SIDE from extrajudicial killings and the looming revival of the death penalty bill, the biggest threat facing Filipinos this year is the distribution of condoms to schools, a leader of a Catholic group said.

Frank Padilla, servant general of the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CFC-FFL), warned that “the greater threat is actually the push for the distribution of condoms” planned for immediate implementation by the Department of Health.

In his message to pro-life advocates on the feast of the Holy Innocents, Padilla cautioned that “acceptance

of condoms—seeming to the general public as unharmful—is actually the start of the slippery slope to the whole gamut of the culture of death.”

“The culture of death has always been in the world...

The culture of death includes abortion,” Padilla said. “When it was first allowed, it started with exceptions, such as in cases of rape and incest. Then it was permitted up to the first

trimester, then the second trimester, then the third trimester. And today for any reason whatsoever.”

“Abortion started with being illegal throughout the world. Now it is not only legal, but is permitted anytime before birth, and now also after birth. This is the slippery slope of the culture of death.”

The pro-life advocate warned it is not far-fetched that abortion may soon be legalized in the country.

“We in the Philippines do not have legal abortion, yet.

But it is coming,” Padilla said, “unless we act decisively.”

“We do not have child euthanasia yet, but that too will come, as indeed the slippery slope dictates, unless we act decisively,” he added.

Earlier, Health Undersec-

retary Gerardo Bayugo said the government is allocating P50 to P100 million for the procurement of condoms and their distribution for population control and for the HIV-AIDS awareness campaign.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III warned Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell Ubial that he will block her confirmation with the powerful Commission on Appointments if she pushes through with the DoH’s planned distribution of condoms to students this 2017.

He considered the DoH’s condom plan a “wrong approach” and said the agency should instead go on an information campaign focused on moral values.

CUSTOMS TO BUILD MODERN PORTS THE Bureau of Customs is planning to build world-class port facilities in Manila to be at par with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of trade facilitation, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said.

“Right now, we are working with some engineers and developers to come up with a conceptual framework or concept on how to build world-class port facilities, both at the Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port,” Faeldon said.

“This is around 300 hectares. This is huge. These facilities will include everything that we need.”

Faeldon said the country’s ports must have its own rendering facilities so that destroying such products as meat need not take more than a year.

He said the country has to take advantage of its geographical position—which is better than Singapore’s—since the Philippines is situated between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, enabling it to cater to the Asian region as well as the Pacific, including Australia.

“Singapore is a trading hub of the world as far as movement of imports and exports is concerned. It caters to the entire Asia-Pacific region. It’s their port that is really contributing the biggest to their economy. And Singapore is just a few nautical miles away from the Philippines,” he said.

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SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Saturday advised President Rodrigo Duterte to be a good role model for Filipinos beginning this year 2017, saying the Chief Executive can “Google” how to become a real statesman.

“I believe it’s time for the President to become multi-dimensional, not later, but starting New Year’s Day,” said Lacson in a statement.

He said Duterte’s campaign against drug trafficking is already being addressed with more than enough vigor by various law enforcement units, particularly the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

“He can still be the driving force behind the scene,” Lacson said.

The senator said aside from the drug problem in the country, the issue on corruption in government is one area where Duterte can really make a difference, owing to his political will and resoluteness in getting things done.

“Once corruption is eradicated, many great things can happen to our country as a matter of course.

He could very well be the best president we’ve ever had if he learns to discard some old habits of a mayor and develop some good traits of a national leader,” Lacson said.

“The bottom line for me is, I want him to succeed because like him and most Filipinos, I also love my country.

There may not be a better gift that my and the president’s generation can bequeath to the next generation than a proud Filipino nation worthy of respect from all the other countries in the world. Singapore sans dictatorial rule should serve as a good role model for him to follow,” he added.

Early last month, Lacson criticized the supposed double standard of the administration following Duterte’s admission that he ordered the reinstatement of Supt. Marvin Marcos who was accused of profiting from the illegal drug trade.

“I thought it was an all-out drug war I was supporting. Talk about double standard. Talk about doublespeak. Change isn’t coming after all,” he said.

Marcos, along with 17 other police personnel, was involved in the operation that resulted in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa inside a Leyte provincial jail.

CONGRESS TO TACKLE LWD’S P1.2-B BACK TAXES

By Maricel V. Cruz

SHARING THE GIFT OF LOVE. Red Cross Rescue riders distribute packed meals and juices to street kids as they traverse along the stretch of Roxas Boulevard on New Year’s eve. Ey Acasio

PAL OPENS 2017 WITH CLARK-INCHEON FLIGHTS PHILIPPINE Airlines is opening 2017 with the launch of a new route—Clark to Incheon (South Korea)—beginning today.

The daily service using the 199-seater Airbus A321 jet will allow passengers from Central and Northern Luzon to fly to Incheon without passing through Manila.

Last Dec. 16, PAL started operating out of Clark International Airport in Pampanga with the Clark-Caticlan

service using the Q400 turboprop aircraft.

Clark-Incheon will be PAL’s first international route out of Clark.

Travelers from Incheon, upon arriving at Clark, can visit interesting attractions in Central and Northern Luzon, or connect on PAL’s direct flight to Caticlan, gateway to Boracay.

From Caticlan, PAL can also take Incheon visitors direct to Cebu, host to a variety of world-class tourist

spots and the jump-off point to other international PAL destinations such as Los Angeles, Singapore, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and also back to Incheon.

The flag carrier will likewise operate Clark-Davao very soon.

“We will operate more flights outside of Manila not just to decongest the Naia but mainly to offer convenience to passengers who need not travel to Manila for their desired flights,” said PAL president Jaime Bautista.

THE House of Representatives will soon debate on proposals to remove the conditions for the condonation of all back taxes due from local water districts estimated at P1.2 billion.

House Bill 42, authored by House deputy speaker and Marikina City Rep. Romero Quimbo, is among the proposals lined up for plenary discussions when Congress resumes session beginning Jan. 16 after the House committee on ways and means approved the measure last month.

Quimbo said the condonation is deemed necessary for LWDs with no financial capability to pay their tax liabilities.

The condonation was granted previously by Republic Act 10026 but the Bureau of Internal Revenue eventually came up with a number of impositions or conditions for the condonation, he said.

“What we are simply saying is we want those conditions set by the BIR removed. As far as condonation is concerned, that has already been given. We want the will of Congress for that matter to be brought to life, not to be destroyed by the BIR, which often has had a penchant for legislating its own tax laws over and above what Congress passes. The intent of Congress today, as passed by the 16th Congress, is to remove any condition absolutely,” said Quimbo.

Quimbo said the conditions set by the BIR made it practically impossible for almost 80 percent of LWDs from fully availing of the intentions of the law.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 Francis S. Lagniton, Issue Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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NINA-HIT AREAS GET P153M FROM DSWD

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development reported Saturday that P153,371,593 worth of relief assistance has been distributed to families affected by Typhoon “Nina” in the Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions.

The assistance came from the combined resources of the department, which extended P149,285,261; local government units that gave out P4,005,832; and non-governmental organizations

that donated P80,500.

As of 5 a.m. Saturday, 46,798 families or 229,901 persons were still staying in 280 evacuation centers set up by LGUs in the affected regions.

Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo expressed relief upon learning that the number of evacuation centers has decreased, indicating that families have already returned to their homes, she said.

More than 500 evacuation centers were opened at the height of “Nina.”

“We are doing our best so that families can already return to their homes to also welcome the New Year. I commend our disaster teams who continue to work even during the holidays. DSWD will

continue to assist affected families until they are able to return to their normal lives,” Taguiwalo said.

The social welfare chief joined disaster relief teams on Friday morning as they distributed food packs to families in Marinduque province and neighboring towns. Taguiwalo also joined the aerial inspection of the province.

She then presided over a meeting of the Response Cluster at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and discussed the result of the aerial inspection. PNA

NIGHT OPS FOR AIRPORTS

By Joel E. Zurbano

MORE airports are being readied for night operations this year 2017 to further ease problem on air traffic congestion, especially at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

In his yearend report, CAAP chief Jim Sydiongco said 2016 was a very productive year for the aviation regulatory agency in charge of air safety and security of aircraft and airports in the country.

In 2016, 19 airport facilities, including Naia, the country’s premier airport, have already complied and are now capable of night activities, Sydiongco said.

The other airports are MactanCebu, Clark, Subic, Davao, Laoag, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Kalibo, Zamboanga, General Santos, Bacolod, Laguindingan, Tacloban, Butuan, Legaspi, Dumaguete (Runway 27 only), Roxas and Caticlan.

The CAAP also aims to widen various airport runways to make landing and takeoff safer for aircraft.

These airports include Kalibo, Virac, Calbayog, Ozamiz and Cotabato.

GOVT: BAD BILLBOARDS GOING DOWN

NAZARENE MARCH. Devotees of the Black Nazarene march in a thanksgiving procession ahead of the Catholic icon's feast day celebrations in Manila. Thousands of faithful are expected to flock to Quiapo Church in Manila for the Black Nazarene's feast day on Jan. 9. Norman Cruz

DUTERTE GIVES SHORTEST SPEECH

By John Paolo Bencito KNOWN for his penchant for long speeches, President Rodrigo Duterte closed 2016 by making his shortest remarks since he became Chief Executive—a short but compelling 2-minute, 38-second speech last Dec. 30.

Standing on the passenger side of a pickup truck while addressing a crowd in Hilongos, Leyte after a bombing there saw 33 people get hurt, Duterte assured residents that government security forces were already moving to ensure their safety.

“Let us wait and see, at least we are at the right place when we are entering a new phase in our country.

Because if I didn’t became President, damn it—at least we won’t be beaten down,” the President said in his native Cebuano dialect at Hilongos District Hospital.

“So don’t worry, our security forces are already moving,” he added.

“Just trust me when I’m telling you that [police and military] will protect you. We’ll get rid of the problem,” Duterte said, referring to the terror threats.

Following the blasts Wednesday night, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana linked two recent bomb

attacks to the terrorist Maute group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, saying they had formed a tactical alliance to spread terror.

Lorenzana likewise noted that the explosion could have been carried out to divert the government’s intensified military operations against these groups.

While saying he could not say the reason why Leyte was bombed, Duterte said he believes the story of his military and police aides of Moro groups’ links to “turf wars.”

Duterte noted that his aides “won’t let him say too much” after visiting wounded residents in Hilongos. “I cannot say too much, they [his aides] won’t let me say something relevant,” the President said.

But as usual, he jested, saying: “I would like to ask forgiveness if I cannot here stay long, but if there’s a beautiful, single woman here, I can bring one or two of them to Davao. I’m not boasting.”

Before flying back to Davao to spend the New Year there, Duterte visited 26 survivors of the bombing at the hospital. He provided financial aid to all 33 bombing victims, and granted scholarships to graduating students who were among the victims.

THE government will resume its campaign against unsafe and illegal billboards and other outdoor commercial displays that also pose undue distractions to motorists and may lead to accidents.

“Yes, we are now preparing for the resumption of our operations next year. The Department of Public Works and Highways will be the lead agency and we will assist them,” said Thomas Orbos, acting chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority, before the New Year holiday.

Orbos said the DPWH will come up with the rules and regulations on how to reimplement the “Oplan Baklas Billboard,” which was initially enforced during the time of thenPresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The campaign’s resumption comes on the heels of reports that most billboards displayed in Metro Manila, especially along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, continue violating provisions of the Building Code on setbacks, yard requirements, and nonconformity to land use. while some even having the nerve to re-erect their billboards after the government’s dismantling operations in the past.

The DPWH had signed a memorandum of agreement deputizing the MMDA to implement provisions of the National Building Code that regulates the issuance of clearances to applicants of billboard permits. Joel E. Zurbano

SPECIAL LANES FOR FIRE TRUCKS

ROASTED AND READY. In La Loma, Quezon City, known as the country's Lechon Capital, roasted pigs flew off the grill as Filipinos bought them for their feasts to welcome New Year 2017. Manny Palmero

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority plans to designate special lanes along Edsa and other major thoroughfares for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles by the first quarter of 2017.

MMDA General Manager Thomas Orbos said fire trucks and ambulances must be able to pass through the streets unimpeded so they could swiftly respond to emergencies.

“We assure that the MMDA will be able to provide our riders, through the assistance of our Metrobase, to help them pass through these special lanes. We will inform traffic enforcers that a certain emergency incident is happening,” Orbos said.

The MMDA will also accredit these emergency vehicles, and Orbos reiterated that special lanes are not VIP lanes, as they are intended to clear traffic for vehicles providing medical, rescue and other emergency services. PNA

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

I HEREBY RESOLVE...

EDITORIAL

By Justin Fox MY MAIN New Year’s resolution for 2017 is pretty much the same as always: Stop eating Christmas cookies, cut back on the drinking and get back to the gym. This resolve tends to stick for much of the year—only during the next holiday season does everything invariably fall apart again. Maybe I should consider making this a preThanksgiving resolution.

I’ve had some other resolutions on my mind this week, though, and it struck me that they might be of wider applicability for a year that so many people are approaching with a hangover—literal, metaphorical or both—and a lot of trepidation.

Also, while I don’t really believe that New Year’s resolutions are the key to ending the productivity-growth slowdown that has been weighing on the economy for the past decade-plus, they can’t hurt, right? So here goes.

Go outside. Modern professional life generally happens indoors. That’s inevitable, but for me staying in the building often means getting stuck in a rut, or even a funk. Just walking around the block shakes things up a little, but I’m lucky enough to have a job where I can count wandering around a California alfalfa field or a Chinese theme park as work. So why am I not doing that more often? And on weekends, why am I not spending more time exploring the gigantic, endlessly surprising city I live in?

Seriously, I need to get out more.

Maybe you do, too.

Talk to human beings, in person.

This is obviously key for a journalist, but it seems kind of important for all of us. Virtual interaction is efficient. It can open up new worlds.

It’s also incomplete, and often onedimensional. Interacting with data can be great, too. But it comes with its own biases and blinders.

Actual conversations take time. They complicate things. That’s why they’re so important.

B e generous. Yo u c a n’t b e generous to everybody. But it’s too easy to use that as an excuse not to be generous to anybody. I’m not just talking about panhandlers on the subway (although I am talking about panhandlers on the subway). It’s also that friend whose book manuscript is waiting to be read, that family member who could use a little encouragement and help, that good idea that might wither without some attention and promotion. I’m never going to be another Adam Grant—the tireless Wharton School professor who has made helpfulness into a personal and professional credo. But I do think Grant is right that generosity benefits the generous. (Which is, of course, a terribly ungenerous reason to be generous, but, well … ) Have a plan. Benjamin Franklin famously made a habit of asking himself every morning: “What good shall I do this day?” After that he would, “contrive [the] day’s business, and take the resolution of the day.” This is the basic rule of personal effectiveness— have some idea of what you aim to accomplish before you head out to face the day, or week, or year. As a self-help skeptic I’m a little alarmed to

PREVIEWS

W

E ALWAYS like to portray the future as a period of great uncertainty. us, finally, the kind we want and expect like the upliftment of the poor, better wealth distribution and the change in behavior of our government officials?

Will investments come, and stay, and will the ordinary wage earner be no longer afraid that he may not have his job after five months?

Will communities be better able to anticipate, prepare for and recover from disasters?

And will people eventually feel safe in their homes or on the streets, without worrying that they would be hapless victims or collateral damage in the war against illegal drugs and the inordinate zeal with which agents of the government carry it out?

The outcome may be too hazy to contemplate now. There are numerous factors we may not realize at the present time.

What we can know for certain, however, are the concrete steps we commit to take in pursuit of our objectives.

If we remain true to these well thought out programs, track progress and reject distractions, we will have a fair idea of where we would be by the end of the year, a knowledge based on reason, not divination.

What will happen in a few months or years is something that can only be predicted by the very wise or divined by those with a crystal ball.

After all, did it not come a surprise that a city mayor from Mindanao would emerge as the president of the land when we believed early frontrunners, all national figures, would dominate the elections held in May? And were we not taken aback by the extent of the prevalence of the drug menace? We had known all along it was there, all right, but we had no idea that it was so widespread and deeply rooted such that the people we believed protected the people were protecting drug dealers instead.

Today, the first day of 2017, we again express wonder at what could possibly happen this year. What challenges will our nation face, and will our people be any better for them? Will change dawn upon

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A TIME FOR EVERYTHING LONG STORY SHORT ADELLE CHUA

MANY say 2016 was a bad year in many respects. Many prominent and wellloved names passed on, there were a number of disasters, and Filipinos got a surprise they never quite bargained for.

I know some friends for whom the year carried a less-than-fair dose of surprises and tragedies. Personally, 2016 for me

The past year was not bad.

It was just sobering.

was still good, and I would prefer to call even the bad episodes sobering.

The best takeaway I had was that we should, for the sake of our sanity, make time for just a little bit of everything.

Time alone.

The cliché is that we work so hard on regular days that we should find time,

on weekends or during breaks, to spend time with the people who matter to us.

Whether it’s a movie date, dinner, coffee or drinks, what is important is the opportunity to catch up and be updated with what is going on in our loved ones’ lives. Perhaps we dish out advice, but for Turn to B2

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.thestandard. com.ph; e-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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Chairman Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager OIC-Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

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Opinion Editor Night Editor Art Director Chief Photographer

Opinion

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A TIME...

From B1

the most part, we offer companionship and that’s good enough as it is.

In doing all these, we forget there is one other important person to spend quality time with—ourselves. Some people, extroverts mostly, may be horrified at the idea of dining out or going to the cinema alone, or even spending one full day indoors with no human interaction whatsoever. This year I learned that time alone is premium time. It recharges you, gives you the proper perspective and puts you in your place.

Time to bring order into chaos.

When you don’t clear your desk, the paper piles up and entropy takes over until what lies in front of you is a large blob of things made up of things you need, things you don’t need, and things you think you may need at some future time. It’s a kind of laziness, really, to avoid making these little decisions so that we get rid of the baggage and accumulate less. As for me, I try to set aside 10 minutes every day for this exercise. It’s liberating.

Time to shed the image of perfection or invincibility.

Parents, especially, or those occupying positions of ascendancy, may find themselves bogged down with the pressure of always having to be perfect: Knowing all the answers, always being right. In truth, this is all an illusion. Even the brightest people are bright only in their field of expertise, and sometimes make serious errors in judgment. The compulsion to let everybody else believe they are not capable of being wrong, or stupid, may take a toll on their well-being.

So, for once, it may be good to show one’s weak side. Slip up and let others know you are capable of hurting, or crying, or admitting your frailty. After all, what is important is the journey back up, not the fall.

Time to indulge.

We sometimes confuse being smart as always playing by the rules and always doing the right thing. This is the ideal behavior, but we are not robots. I learned that it is not a crime to indulge ourselves sometimes: overloading on your favorite food (whatever the doctor says), binge watching your favorite series at the expense of your scheduled tasks, traveling without an itinerary, or even spending an insane amount of time conversing with a friend online.

We must all be adults sometimes and need to get back to what we have to do, eventually. We must not punish ourselves so if we slip up from time to time—so long as we know when it is time to whip ourselves back into shape.

Time for processes.

Everyone has had to deal with varying kinds of disappointment. The human reaction to such is not at all pretty. In fact, it could be ugly. For somebody who is always reasonable, logical and in charge, unpleasant surprises and frustrations may seem like a death knell. Imagine being lodged out of your equilibrium, not having all the answers, wondering whether you have all the truth in front of you, and feeling as though you just want to disappear from it all.

You will yearn for immediate resolutions. You wish you can get over your disappointments right away, and cross over to the part when you are already okay. You will give anything, do anything, to be in charge and logical and whole once again.

You can’t. Processes take time, and there is no way to get around them.

Otherwise, progress will be a sham.

Don’t worry—it will come, just not now. Don’t you want to stick around to experience how awesome it will be?

Time to do nothing.

We were brought up to believe that to be idle is a bad thing. Working, and working hard, is the ideal situation.

Perhaps it is knowing more about life, or growing old, or both, but more and more my idea of a perfect day is a day to do nothing. Again, it is not a crime. On the contrary, we need it so that when it is really time for is to do something, we will be rested and powered and raring to do more than we ever set out to do.

Time to disconnect.

Over the past few years, the internet has changed the way we live. We have always been available, easy to reach and easy volunteer information about ourselves, whether we realize it or not.

Being “out there” all the time can be quite exhausting. How to keep up with friends and family who are all also out there, discoverable with just a click of a finger?

To deliberately take time off might then be the single biggest favor you can do yourself. If a matter is truly urgent, people can call you on your landline or mobile. Everything else can seem to wait. It’s magical, quiet and immensely peaceful. And then after this lull, you feel you can take on and make sense of the noise of the world again.

2016 was challenging. May we all thrive in 2017. adellechua@gmail.com

WHY 2016 IS LONGER BY 1 SECOND

By Pecier Decierdo 2016, which has been dubbed by many as “the worst year ever,” has a leap second on its last day. That means the year 2016, which for many has been a tough year, is longer by 1 second. But why?

Well, it has to do with our human desire to impose a simple order into a chaotic cosmos.

Here’s the gist. An extra second will be added to Dec. 31, 2016 so that the time in our modern clocks will reflect the cycles of the seasons. We want a clock set in a way that when it reads noon, the sun is near its highest point in the sky. A leap second was also added on June 30, 2015.

Almost all clocks we use in modern life follow the system of time called the Coordinated Universal Time. The clocks on your computers and smartphones are synchronized with UTC. Your local time is derived from it. For example, Philippine Standard Time is UTC plus 8 hours.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of UTC. For one, it allows people, and computers, from different time zones to communicate with each other using a time they all agree on. It is used in global financial trans-

actions and on the internet to provide time stamps. Important events such as the arrival of shipments in a port and the landing and taking off of planes in a busy airport are all scheduled in UTC. Even the Global Positioning System many of us have become dependent on utilizes UTC. It is the clock by which modern civilization ticks, which is why it’s important that it ticks at a very regular pace.

Ever since humans tried keeping the time, we have been searching for things that happen with predictable regularity. The most obvious ones are the cycles in the sky. The sun rises and sets with some regularity, giving us day and night. However, this regularity is not perfect. Sometimes, the day is longer than the night; at other times it’s the opposite.

So people looked at other, longer cycles. For instance, there was one day in the year that was longer than any other. During this day, sunrise happens earlier than on any other day, and sunrise happens later than on any other day. This day was called the summer solstice. The time from one solstice to another was made the basis of a year.

With a year defined, all that’s left is to do is divide it into months, weeks,

days, hours, and seconds. Only there were problems.

The biggest was that the seasons drifted across the calendar. This meant that the arrival of a season, say the rainy season, is bound to move across the calendar. If not corrected, there will come a time when summer will be on December. People found that undesirable.

To prevent this drifting, extra days were added now and again. Leap years were invented. Years divisible by four are made leap years and are given 366 days instead of the usual 365. However, years divisible by 100 were not leap years, except those divisible by 400, because those are leap years.

This complicated scheme still does not solve all of the problems, but for a while it seemed good enough. Until we hit another problem—the length of the same day in the year was changing. April 1 in one year seemed to be just a little longer than April 1 of the previous year. The spin of the Earth, it seems, is slowing down.

Another way of defining how long a day is had to be invented.

Enter the atomic clock, a clock that ticked with a simpler regularity that did not care for the complexities of

the seasonal salsa and the celestial rumba. If we defined a second using this clock, we have defined a unit of time that remained constant throughout history. Add 8640 of these seconds, you get a day.

The atomic clock was the clock for the 21st century. It kept time in a way that was stable enough to form the basis of the modern world.

Except this precise clock did not reflect the cycles people lived by.

That had to change; people want to have their cake and eat it, too.

It was out of this desire to have a system of time that was both stable and synchronized with cycles of the seasons and the sun that the UTC was invented. But for it to work, extra seconds have to be added now and again.

However, the addition of the next leap second is very hard to predict. It is a hidden messiness that makes the semblance of order possible, a token of the human desire to establish a simple order in a chaotic cosmos.

I hope you enjoy your extra second of 2016.

Pecier Decierdo is resident physicist and astronomer of The Mind Museum.

SANCTIONING RUSSIA IS JUST A START

This file photo taken on Sept. 5, 2016 shows Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with his US counterpart Barack Obama on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou. Russia on Dec. 30 eyed retaliatory measures against the US after President Obama kicked out dozens of suspected intelligence agents and imposed sanctions in a furious dispute over alleged election interference. The barrage of punishment against Moscow over cyberattacks dragged ties between Russia and the United States—already at their worst since the Cold War—to a fresh low less than a month ahead of President-elect Donald Trump taking charge. AFP

PRESIDENT Barack Obama’s imposition of sweeping new sanctions against Russian spies is long overdue, risky and tarnished by political calculation. It is also the right thing to do.

The White House said on Thursday it planned to toss 35 suspected spies and their families out of the country; sanction two intelligence agencies, four intelligence officers, three companies and two alleged hackers; shut two compounds used by Russian diplomats; and take “a variety of other actions,” some of which will be covert. The penalties were in response to long catalog of Russian provocations, most recently—and explosively—its interference in the US presidential election. They were accompanied by a detailed report.

In espionage, as in nuclear strategy, the name of the game is risk management. And on this score, the president’s

actions were properly calibrated.

Ejecting the spies has already spurred retaliation, though the exact nature is uncertain. But it also makes clear that the US does not tolerate the routine harassment of its diplomats in Moscow, and sends a message that any future electoral cyber-attacks will come with very high costs. That should offer reassurance (and perhaps a model) for European countries fearful that Russia has designs on their own elections.

Likewise, the sanctions placed on intelligence officials—including travel bans and asset freezes—signal that cyberattacks are no longer anonymous or beyond the reach of US law, and that the humans behind them can be identified and held liable. That won’t prevent all future attacks. But it should force perpetrators to think twice: After the US

indicted five Chinese military hackers in 2014 for corporate espionage, such attacks all but ceased.

The promise of covert action is harder to judge without more details. A demonstration of US power in cyberspace might well concentrate minds. But it could also reveal sources and methods that are valuable to American spies, escalate a conflict in which the US has much more to lose, and set a dangerous precedent: The disclosure in 2010 that the US had used malware to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program seemed to legitimize a new form of cyberattack, and gave potential hackers plenty of new ideas. Caution should be the byword.

More constructively, the US has to come to an accommodation with Russia about norms of behavior in cyberspace.

It should offer to cooperate on issues of common interest, such as terrorism. But it should also reserve the right to widen sanctions and penalties until Russia gets the message that the costs of cyberwarfare outweigh the benefits.

Which suggests a final concern.

Obama clearly waited too long to make this announcement—it would have been far more relevant before the election than after, and he should have had the confidence to let the politics adjust to his policy, instead of the other way around. That said, part of his intention now is surely to pressure his successor into taking this issue seriously. Assuming President-elect Donald Trump sees the need to defend American elections and institutions from foreign interference, Obama’s actions give him a good foundation. He’ll have to take it from there. Bloomberg

workweek without any kind of plan.

Plans aren’t necessarily for sticking to.

It’s just that without them, all you can do realize that I’m now basically writing a is react. This goes for organizations, too.

Go out on a limb. No, I haven’t self-help column. But I’m also alarmed at how often I start my workday or chosen the limb—or, more likely,

limbs—yet. I’ll look for sturdy ones! But at a time when the consensus view has been wrong again and again, departing from that consensus seems like almost a safe bet. This isn’t the same as being contrary. It means coming up with

unique, independent arguments—or, short of that, giving attention to those who have. I’m big on being reasonable, but reasonableness always risks settling into consensus-seeking caution. And what fun is that?

I HEREBY...

From B1

World

B3

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BAN KI-MOON LEAVES UN UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon paid an emotional farewell to the United Nations on Saturday, wistfully describing his two-term stint at the helm of the global body as something of a fairy tale.

“I feel a bit like Cinderella. Tomorrow at midnight, everything changes!” he joked to staff and colleagues as he wrapped up a decade leading the United Nations.

Beginning Sunday, former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres, 67, takes over from Ban. Guterres is the first former head of government to lead the UN, succeeding Ban for a five-year term.

Ban, in a more serious vein, said it has been a “privilege” to have been at the head of an organization that endeavored to tamp down global conflict and end suffering -- and said it was an honor to have shared that mission with his co-workers.

“You should be very proud -- just as I am so very proud to call you my colleagues,” the South Korean diplomat said. AFP

WORKERS WIN ‘RIGHT TO DISCONNECT’ PARIS—French companies will be required to guarantee a “right to disconnect” to their employees from Sunday as the country seeks to tackle the modern-day scourge of compulsive out-of-hours email checking.

From January 1, a new employment law will enter into force that obliges organisations with more than 50 workers to start negotiations to define the rights of employees to ignore their smartphones.

Overuse of digital devices has been blamed for everything from burnout to sleeplessness as well as relationship problems, with many employees uncertain of when they can switch off.

The French measure is intended to tackle the so-called “always-on” work culture that has led to a surge in usually unpaid overtime -- while also giving employees flexibility to work from outside the office.

“There’s a real expectation that companies will seize on the ‘right to disconnect’ as a protective measure,” said Xavier Zunigo, a French workplace expert, as a new survey on the subject was published in October.

“At the same time, workers don’t want to lose the autonomy and flexibility that digital devices give them,” added Zunigo, who is an academic and director of research group Aristat.

AFP

RUSSIA URGES SPEEDY UN RESO ON SYRIA TRUCE IDLIB, SYRIA—Russia was hoping for a swift UN Security Council vote to bolster its fragile Syria ceasefire Saturday, though diplomats expressed doubt the resolution would pass so quickly or be unanimous.

Moscow says it wants the UN involved in the peace talks between Damascus and rebels it has scheduled to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan in January, although the UN is negotiating its own separate peace efforts slated for February.

The ceasefire, which came into effect Thursday midnight, was holding across most of Syria, though clashes near Damascus underlined the fragility of the deal brokered by rebel supporter Turkey and key regime ally Russia.

Ankara and Moscow say the Astana talks are meant to supplement UN-backed peace efforts, rather than replace them, and want to involve regional players like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan.

Russia’s UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin voiced hope that the council could vote Saturday “and adopt it unanimously”.

Diplomats however, said they did not see how a quick UN weekend vote could occur as the resolution needed to be “seriously studied” and hinted Russia might be hard-pressed to muster the nine votes needed for it to pass.

AFP

MERRY MAKING. Members of Saturno Club, group which tries to preserve the traditions of Sumpango, get ready to parade in costumes along the streets of Sumpango, Sacatepequez, 45 km west of Guatemala City during their annual event on December 30, 2016. AFP

IS CHIEF ALIVE, STILL LEADING—PENTAGON

T

he Pentagon expressed concern over reports that Islamic State chief Abu Bakr alBaghdadi is indeed alive, despite repeated efforts by the US-led coalition to take out the jihadist group leader.

Baghdadi has kept a low profile, despite having declared himself the leader of a renewed Muslim caliphate, but last month released a defiant audio message urging his supporters to defend the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

It is not clear if he is in the be-

sieged city, where he declared his caliphate in 2014 after the IS group seized territory covering much of eastern Syria and northern Iraq.

“We do think Baghdadi is alive and is still leading ISIL and we are obviously doing everything we

can to track his movements,” Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told CNN. “If we get the opportunity, we certainly would take advantage of any opportunity to deliver him the justice he deserves,” he said.

“We’re doing everything we can.

This is something we’re spending a lot of time on.”

In mid-December, the United States more than doubled the bounty on the shadowy IS leader’s head to $25 million.

The group has only released one video of Baghdadi, showing a man with a black and grey beard wear-

ing a black robe and matching turban, dating back to 2014.

Cook suggested that Baghdadi is isolated because coalition raids have killed many IS leaders.

“He’s having a hard time finAding advisers and confidants to speak with because a lot of them are no longer with us,” the spokesman said.

According to an official Iraqi government document, Baghdadi was born in Samarra in 1971. He apparently joined the insurgency that erupted after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq and spent time in an American military prison. AFP

PUTIN REFUSES TO EXPEL US DIPLOMATS, TRUMP APPLAUDS

PURIFICATION. People motion their hands to draw in smoke from incense sticks as part of rituals as they visit the Sensoji temple in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve on December 31. AFP

WASHINGTON—President-elect Donald Trump on Friday praised President Vladimir Putin for refraining from tit-for-tat expulsions of Americans in response to US punitive measures over alleged Russian interference in the November election.

Putin’s decision came despite the foreign ministry asking him to send home 35 US diplomats after President Barack Obama had expelled the same number of Russian staff.

Trump’s intervention -- in a tweet -- however illustrated the shifting political tide in Washington, barely three weeks before the Republican is due to succeed Obama at the White House.

“Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!” the incoming US president wrote.

Russia’s embassy in Washington quickly retweeted the comment, which Trump pinned so it would appear at the top of his feed for several hours.

Trump’s tweet enraged his Democratic foes as well as some members of his own Republican Party. “@realDonaldTrump alternates between embracing Russian subversion & downplaying it, but his support for Putin is constant. We must know why,” wrote Evan McMullin, who ran as an independent presidential candidate after serving as policy director for the House Republican Conference.

Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote: “Our ENTIRE cyber intel community, best in world btw, agrees that this guy tried to mess in our election & the Russians are RT TrumpPutin love.”

The alleged hacking of the US presidential election in November outraged Obama, culminating in the expulsions and other sanctions.

But outlining why he would not retaliate, Putin cited Trump’s imminent accession.

“We will not expel anyone,” Putin said in a statement, also inviting children of US diplomats to a holiday party at the Kremlin. AFP

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

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World

Joyce Pangco-Pañares, Issue Editor, mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SYDNEY KICKS OFF NEW YEAR PARTY AMID GLOBAL THREAT S

YDNEY—Global terror attacks have cast a pall over New Year celebrations but Sydney was Saturday set to defy the threats and ring in 2017 with a firework extravaganza on the glittering harbour.

2016 has seen repeated bloodshed, most recently a deadly truck attack at a Berlin Christmas market, a similar incident on Bastille Day in France that killed 86, and atrocities in Turkey and the Middle East.

But New South Wales state premier Mike Baird urged “business as usual” in Australia’s biggest city where 1.5 million people are expected to watch the midnight fireworks.

“My encouragement to everyone is to enjoy New Year’s Eve ... in the knowledge that police are doing everything they can to keep us safe,” Baird said.

Some 2,000 extra officers will be deployed following the arrest of a

man for allegedly making threats against Sydney’s big show in an online blog.

There have been a number of other reported threats this holiday period, in Asia-Pacific and elsewhere.

In Melbourne, police foiled a “significant” Islamic State-inspired terror plot planned for Christmas Day targeting the city with explosives.

Indonesia also said it foiled plans by an Islamic State-linked group for a Christmas-time suicide bombing, and 52 died in the Philippines in bomb attacks blamed on Islamist militants over the holidays.

Israel on Friday issued a warn-

ing of imminent “terrorist attacks” to tourists and western targets in India, telling its citizens to avoid public places.

Security concerns have hit many New Year events with truck blockades a new tactic to try to prevent vehicles ploughing into crowds.

Sydney is using garbage trucks as safety barriers.

The German capital has beefed up security after the December 19 carnage, deploying hundreds more police, some armed with machine-guns.

“This year, what’s new is that we will place concrete blocks and position heavy armoured vehicles at the entrances” to the zone around Brandenburg Gate, a police spokesman said.

In Cologne, after a wave of sexual attacks last year, 1,800 police will be deployed -- compared to just 140 in 2015.

In neighbouring Austria police will hand out 6,000 free pocket alarms -- which emit a shrill noise when activated -- to help stop as-

saults on women.

In Paris, there will be a firework display again this year, after muted 2015 celebrations in the aftermath of the November 13 massacre of 130 people.

Nearly 100,000 police, gendarmes and soldiers will be deployed across France against the jihadist threat.

With more than a million people expected to turn out to watch the ball drop in Times Square, New York is deploying 165 “blocker” trucks and some 7,000 men.

Rome has deployed armoured vehicles and greater numbers of security forces around the Coliseum and at St Peter’s Square where the Pope will give midnight mass.

Moscow police will deploy more than 5,000 officers backed by 8,000 members of the new national guard and 2,000 volunteer militia to maintain order.

Thousands traditionally gather in Red Square, but for the second year in a row, the area will be open solely to 6,000 invitees. AFP

LIFE GOES ON. A woman selling “Happy New Year 2017” headwear on a busy shopping street in Sydney. Global terror attacks have cast a pall over New Year celebrations but Sydney was on December 31, 2016 set to defy the threats and ring in 2017 with a firework extravaganza on the glittering harbor. AFP

TAIPEI REFUSES TO CAVE IN TO BEIJING THREAT

MORE SELFIE. People visit Times Square as New York City prepares to welcome nearly two million people to the New Year’s Eve celebrations. AFP

TAIWAN will not bend to pressure despite China returning to its “old ways” of intimidation, President Tsai Ing-wen said Saturday, following protests from Beijing over her call to US President-elect Donald Trump.

China has stepped up military drills near Taiwan since the call earlier in December, in a move seen as putting on a show of strength as its ties with the self-ruled island and the United States deteriorate.

The call with Trump upended decades of diplomatic precedent in which Washington has effectively ignored Taipei in favour of Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province to be brought back within its fold.

In her end-of-year address, Tsai urged calm from Beijing and warned that recent actions by China were affecting cross-strait stability.

“Beijing authorities are returning to their old ways of isolating and suppressing Taiwan, and even of threats and intimidation,” Tsai said.

“We hope this is not a policy decision by Beijing,” she said. “We won’t bend to pressure yet we also won’t return to the old path of confrontation.”

The Taiwanese leader called on Beijing to resume dialogue to find a “reasonable” solution.

China cut off official communications with Tsai’s government after it refused to accept Beijing’s interpretation of the “One China” concept.

The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war but Beijing still claims the self-ruling island as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring about unification.

The Taiwan Strait that separates them has been heavily fortified for decades.

“Whether cross-strait relations can be turned around next year depends on our patience and belief,” Tsai told reporters.

Tsai is scheduled to transit through the United States when she travels to Central America in January, stopping in Houston and San Francisco. AFP

MAGNITUDE 5.5 QUAKE STRIKES JAPAN TOKYO—A 5.5-magnitude earthquake hit near Japan’s east coast on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said.

The moderate quake hit at a shallow depth of 11 kilometres (6.8 miles), 244 kilometres northeast of Tokyo, just after 5:00 am (2000 GMT).

Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year. But rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even strong tremors often do little damage.

On Wednesday a 6.3-magnitude quake hit 18 kilometres north-northeast of the town of Daigo, but there were no reports of injuries or damage. AFP

SOKOR ALLOWS ‘COMFORT WOMEN’ STATUE SEOUL—The southern South Korean port of Busan said Friday it would allow activists to place a statue symbolizing victims of Japanese wartime sex slavery outside the city’s Japanese consulate.

The municipal authorities had previously removed the “comfort woman” statue, but changed track after Japan’s hawkish defense minister offered prayers at a controversial war shrine in Tokyo.

Tomomi Inada’s visit on Thursday to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors millions of mostly Japanese war dead -but also senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes -- swiftly drew flack from China and South Korea.

Activists had first placed their statue outside the consulate on Wednesday -- marking their opposition to a South Korea-Japan agreement reached a year ago to finally resolve the comfort women issue.

Under the accord, which both countries described as “final and irreversible,” Japan offered an apology and a one-billion yen ($8.3 million) payment to surviving Korean comfort women. AFP

11 DEAD IN MINE COLLAPSE NEW DELHI—The toll from a deadly mine collapse in eastern India’s Jharkhand state rose to 11 on Saturday with rescue workers searching for more dead bodies under the rubble.

A massive mound of earth caved in late Thursday at the Lalmatia open cast mine, around 240 miles (390 kilometres) from the state capital Ranchi.

“The search operation at the site hasn’t stopped. We can confirm 11 dead and fear that one or two more dead bodies may still be under the rubble,” Jharkhand police spokesman RK Mallick told AFP after rescuers recovered another body, raising the toll from 10.

“15 or 16 miners had managed to escape the collapsed mine soon after the incident on Thursday with only minor injuries. The tough terrain of the region (remote forest) and dense fog has been a challenge to the rescue work,” he added.

The rescue workers hope to complete their search operation by late Saturday.

There was no immediate explanation for the collapse, but the government has launched an investigation into the incident. AFP

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@thestandard.com.ph

CITI HEAD RECEIVES ASIAN AWARD Scan this icon to view the PDF

Aftab Ahmed (center) is awarded as Outstanding Entrepreneur for the Financial Services Industry by Enterprise Asia chairman Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn (left) and president Dato’ William Ng.

NEW YEAR.

Traders celebrate during the last day of trading in front of a giant electronic board at the Philippine Stock Exchange in Manila on Dec. 29, 2016. AFP

DUTERTE, TRUMP HEADLINED TOP BUSINESS NEWS IN 2016 T

he election of Rodrigo Duterte and Donald Trump as presidents defined the business news in the Philippines in 2016, as their simple remarks could move markets and cause jitters among investors.

Duterte, the former Davao City mayor who brought his bloody anti-crime campaign to the national scene, shocked the business community when he shifted the country’s economic relations away from the US and towards China.

Trump, who will become the 45th US president on Jan. 20, 2017, vowed to bring back jobs to the US by tightening immigration controls and restricting job outsourcing.

The Philippines, the world’s call center capital, is edgy.

Aside from Duterte and Trump, here are the other top business news in the Philippines last year.

PH GROWS FASTEST IN ASIA The Philippines posted one of the fastest growth rates in Asia in 2016. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that its gross domestic product expanded 7.1 percent in the third quarter and 7 percent in the first nine months, beating the government’s target of 6 percent to 7 percent for the year.

The World Bank in turn upgraded its 2016 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.8 percent from the

previous estimate of 6.4 percent.

The Washington-based multilateral lender said it revised upward its projections for the Philippines as a part of its quarterly forecast exercise “considering recent trends.”

“R ecent economic trends illustrate the high confidence among investors and consumers, and provide the foundation for a more optimistic outlook for the remainder of 2016 and for 2017,” said World Bank lead economist for the Philippines Birgit Hansl.

The World Bank also revised upwards its 2017 growth projection for the Philippine economy to 6.9 percent from its October estimate of 6.2 percent. In 2018, the economy is expected to expand 7 percent.

The bank said the growth in capital investment would remain the Philippine economy’s primary growth engine.

The Investor Relations Office of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the Philippines would remain on a “sweet spot” of high growth and manageable inflation in 2017, as more opportunities open up and outweigh the impact of external headwinds.

The government set an economic growth target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent and an inflation target of 2 percent to 4 percent in 2017.

DENR SHUTS DOWN MINES Regina Lopez, the staunch environmentalist who was appointed the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ordered an audit of mines in the country. The audit resulted in ten mines being shut down while another 20 face suspension.

She also cancelled the environmental permits of three nickel mines and warned that three more producers were at risk of losing theirs.

The Philippines, the world’s top nickel ore supplier is reviewing h u n d re d s o f e nv i ro n m e nt a l compliance certificates, including those granted to mines.

The DENR is expected to come out with a final decision on 30 mining companies. The audit, which started in July 2016, dragged on, hurting the operations of companies.

As a result, the value of mineral production declined 11 percent in the first three quarters from a year ago.

months to more than 300,000 units.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association said in a joint report that their members sold a total 32,966 vehicles in November, up from 26,979 units delivered in the same month last year.

“The good sales performance last November was because of enticing promotions and events matched with good demands of our market. With the robust demand, especially this Christmas season, we expect a stable to higher sales

by December,” said Campi president Rommel Gutierrez.

Campi said as of November, automotive sales already surpassed the full-year 2015 sales, with 325,468 units sold. This was 24.3 percent higher over last year’s 11-month sales of 261,930 units.

STOCKS, PESO SLIDE The peso fell 5.7 percent, while local stocks lost 1.6 percent in volatile trading last year, as the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate hike and Donald Trump’s surprise win in the American election pulled money away from emerging markets such as the Philippines.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, closed at 6,840.64 on Dec. 29, the last trading day of the year.

Car sales exceed 300,000 Meanwhile, the peso ended Sales of motor vehicles in the Philippines climbed 22.2 percent the year at 49.72 against the US year-on-year in November 2016, dollar, still near a decade low. The bringing total sales in the first 11 Turn to C2

GLOBAL banker Aftab Ahmed was recently awarded Outstanding Entrepreneur for the Financial Services Industry at the 2016 Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards held at Dusit Thani Manila.

Now in its third year, APEA recognizes and honors business leaders who have shown outstanding per formance and tenacity in developing successful businesses within the Asia Pacific region.

Over 250 business and community leaders graced the affair, including deputy speaker of the 17th Congress and Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia and Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. APEA is organized by Enterprise Asia, the region’s leading association for entrepreneurship. Each year, awards are presented to a handful of entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific, with ceremonies held in over fourteen countries.

Nominations to the APEA are only by invitation, either through past or current awardees, a supporting trade association or the executive committee of Enterprise Asia.

Nominees are then subjected to a series of rigorous interviews, which include financial verification by an appointed audit firm and a compulsory physical site audit, culminating with a confidential balloting process by an independent judging panel.

Awardees are expected to be torchbearers of entrepreneurship and business leaders in their respective countries, while adhering to strict standards of personal and business ethics.

In awarding Ahmed, Enterprise Asia president William Ng said: “Being an APEA winner is a testament to your leadership and determination.

We hope that this award plays a part in your business as a beacon of excellence in the industry as you stride forward in all your endeavors.”

Ahmed is currently the chief executive of Citi in the Philippines. As CEO for the largest foreign bank in the country, Ahmed is responsible for one of the very successful Citi Franchises in Asia. He leads a team of nearly 8,000 banking professionals, and is the envy of the industry that continues to look to Citi for quality talent.

Ahmed has worked in 11 countries including the US, Pakistan, Greece, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Egypt, Hungary and now the Philippines.

He has built his whole career at Citi, starting as an executive trainee.

With his energy and drive, business acumen, and most importantly his passion to learn and contribute, he progressively was given challenging assignments.

“Leaders need to be versatile, agile, and flexible to be able to effectively address different business requirements and situations,” said Ahmed.

BPI LADY BANKER NAMED AMONG 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL GLOBAL FILIPINO WOMEN A DISTINCT brand of leadership continues to build the Bank of the Philippine Islands, as one of its senior executives is recognized for her exemplary leadership and service.

Ma ria Cristina “Ginbee” Layug Go, senior vice president at BPI Family Savings Bank, is one of this year’s 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World, receiving honors in the ‘builders’ category from the Filipina Women Network.

FWN’s The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in theWorld Award recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who are influencing the faceofleadershipintheglobalworkplace,having reached status for outstanding work in their respective fields, industries and communities.

They are recognized for their achievement and contributions to society, femtorship and legacy.

FWN defines buildership to be about “building better organizations, leading organizations to adjust, repair, and realign.”

Go says the award is a summation of her entire experience not just as a banker but as a leader as well. She gives full credit to the openness to new ideas and enterprising spirit that the BPI Group imbues in its employees. “ I a m fo r t u n ate to h ave b e e n recognized. I guess it’s owing to what I’ve done with the bank. I spent 11 years in the payments, during which we transformed the industry,” she says.

“We did a lot of things including the launch of the first EMV chip on credit cards that changed the rewards landscape with instant rewards. We have consolidated our businesses and saw it as an opportunity to go beyond credit cards by which we can promote financial inclusion through debit and prepaid cards,” she says.

Go became the head of BPI’s retail lending group in 2015, which turned out to be another banner year for BPI Family

BPI Family Savings Bank senior vice president Maria Cristina Layug Go

Savings Bank. She now says it’s the result of concerted focus on the true aspirations

of the Filipino.

“Based on our research, we found out that the top three dreams of the Filipino are first, to have a house, second, to have a car and third, to put up their own business.

These dreams are what Filipinos aspire for and I’ve taken it as a personal challenge to educate more of our kababayans and their families that those dreams are within reach,” says Go. The 165-year-old BPI is the first bank in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Go is particularly upbeat about targeting BPI Family Bank’s programs to the broad C market. She thinks that the economic progress being experienced right now will rebound to new opportunities for the bank in the middle market.

“You’ll never have enough cash to pay for a house or a car. They’re simply very expensive as a one-time expense. But if you’re paying by

installment, your dreams are within reach.That is what we want Filipinos to think about—that you don’t have to postpone your dreams. The way to make your dreams come true is to act now,” she says.

Go highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of the clients. “We educate the clients on a one-on-one basis. When I look at a client, for instance, I see her as an individual who has her own set of needs, which I should be able to satisfy based on what I know about her,” she says.

Upon receiving her nomination as one of the 100 most influential global Filipinas, Go says she was pleasantly surprised. “It was such a humbling experience to be considered side by side with the other awardees. What they have gone through, the hurdles, the challenges they faced before becoming influential in their fields, is simply amazing,” she says.

Business

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 business@thestandard.com.ph

SOPHOS PREDICTS CYBER TRENDS THE year 2016 saw a huge number and variety of cyber attacks, ranging from a high-profile DDoS using hijacked Internet-facing security cameras to the alleged hacking of party officials during the US election. The year also saw a rising tide of data breaches, from organizations big and small, and significant losses of people’s personal information.

With the year almost over, Joergen Jakobsen, regional vice president for Asia-Pacific and Japan at Sophos, looks into his crystal ball to predict the top cyber security trends for 2017: Destructive DDoS IOT attacks will rise. In 2016, Mirai showed the massive destructive potential of DDoS attacks as a result of insecure consumer IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

Shift from exploitation to targeted social attacks. Cybercriminals are getting better at exploiting the ultimate vulnerability - humans. Ever more sophisticated and convincing targeted attacks seek to coax users into compromising themselves.

Financial infrastructure at greater risk of attack. The use of targeted phishing and “whaling” continues to grow. These attacks use detailed information about company executives to trick employees into paying fraudsters or compromising accounts.

Exploitation of the Internet ’s inherently insecure infrastructure.

All Internet users rely on ancient foundational protocols, and their ubiquity makes them nearly impossible to revamp or replace. These archaic protocols that have long been the backbone of the Internet and business networks are sometimes surprisingly flaky.

I ncreased attack complexit y.

Attacks increasingly bring together multiple technical and social elements, and reflect careful, lengthy probing of the victim organization’s network . Attackers compromise multiple servers and workstations long before they start to steal data or act aggressively.

More attacks using built-in admin languages and tools. Jakobsen sees more exploits based on PowerShell, Microsoft’s language for automating administrative tasks. As a scripting language, PowerShell evades countermeasures focused on executables.

DUTERTE,...

From C1 local currency depreciated 5.7 percent in 2016.

JOBLESS RATE, POVERTY EASE Both unemployment rate and poverty incidence eased last year, as the strong economic growth generate thousands of jobs and lifted many people of out poverty.

Results of the Labour Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority show that unemployment rate eased to a record low of 4.7 percent in October from 5.6 percent a year ago.

“This means that the growth of our economy is becoming more inclusive as it engagesmoreandmoreFilipinostoparticipate in the labour market,”said Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

Poverty incidence dropped to 21.6 percent of the population in 2015 from 25.2 percent in 2012 and 26.3 percent in 2009, according to PSA. The National Economic and Development Authority said this meant there were 1.8 million less poor Filipinos last year, compared to 2012. This also put the Duterte administration’s goal to reduce poverty rate to 17 percent by 2022 on track.

“We’re confident that it can be reduced so much more, especially now since we are coming from a much lower base which is at 21.6 percent.

And from 2012 to 2015, that’s actually a 3.6-percentage point reduction over a period of three years,” Neda assistant director-general Rosemarie Edillon said.

RESTAURANT DEPOT REINVENTS FOOD SERVICE

By Othel V. Campos

A

YOUNG lady helped launch a new food service store in the Philippines called Restaurant Depot—a one-stop shop for food, equipment and supplies.

Margaret Tieng, the marketing manager of Restaurant Depot, deals with the daily challenges of keeping up with the demands of clients, especially start-up businesses who are still learning the ropes of running a food service business.

“Our target market is anybody involved in home baking, running a canteen or eatery, owns a single restaurant, or has a catering business. Basically these are people who are starting out a business. They want more flexibility in terms of what they require with the budget they have. This is the kind of target market we want to provide convenience and cost savings,” Tieng says.

She says Restaurant Depot gives consumers and clients the advantage of securing their needs under one big roof, instead of them doing the rounds to procure items from different suppliers.

Restaurant Depot is a membership-only warehouse club for people involved in the food service industry—canteens, food stalls, restaurants, caterers, home bakers and chefs.

The membership gives clients access to a large selection of ingredients, food supplies and kitchenware in a convenient shopping format, where buying in bulk translates into big savings.

Restaurant Depot is a unit of Le Professional Food Service Concepts Inc., one of the companies under the Solar Group, owned and managed by the Tieng family.

The store was built from the ground up, two years after the company spotted and eventually bought a 2,0000-square-meter property along Harrison Ave. corner Edsa.

The retail space spans 1,200 square meters of eclectic assortment of food and wares.

Tieng got her degree from Ateneo de Manila University. The eldest of two children, Tieng, despite being soft-spoken and mildmannered, possesses a sharp business acumen, having worked previously in a retail consumer firm, another family-owned business.

She has been very hands-on from the the conceptualization phase, churning out ideas and creatives that will make the depot concept a surefire endeavor.

“In the two years before the Depot

Jack Lam fled from the Philippines after authorities raided his casino operations in Clark Freeport and Fort Ilocandia, after he allegedly offered a bribe to government officials for the release of over 1,000 Chinese workers in his gaming sites.

The resort’s gaming facility in Clark was also shut down due to lack of permits and alleged illegal or unlicensed gaming operations.

VISITOR ARRIVALS HIT NEW RECORD International visitor arrivals in the Philippines rose 12 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2016 to hit a record 4.46 million.

With the increase, the Philippines is on track towards reaching its 6 million tourist arrivals target for the year.

South Korea, US, China, Japan and Australia remained the top five source markets of the Philippines, he added.

For the month of September, visitor arrivals reached 422,943, up by 7.5 percent from 393,589 arrivals in the same month last year. It is the first time that visitor volume for the month of September surpassed the 400,000 mark.

Consistent growth was observed throughout the year with double-digit gain from January to July except for the month of May. The biggest volume was recorded in July while the highest growth was registered in the month of February.

BPO SURVIVES TRUMP’S ELECTION T h e I n fo r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g y and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) expects the continuous growth of the IT and Business Process Management Industry, despite the win of Donald Trump in the US election.

The IT-BPM sector contributes 10 percent to the gross domestic product and provides jobs for over a million Filipinos. IBPAP expects the industry to generate $25 billion this year and over $40 billion by 2022.

ONLINE GAMING SHUT DOWN President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the closure of online gaming operations in the Philippines, saying corruption in the approval of gaming licenses has become rampant.

The country’s gaming regulator earlier refused to renew the license of PhilWeb Corp., an online gaming operator owned by businessman Roberto Ongpin, after he was singled TRADE DEFICIT WIDENS TO $20B out by President Duterte as among The balance of payments (BoP) “oligarchs” that he wanted to destroy.

Meanwhile, Chinese gambling tycoon position of the Philippines reversed to

Restaurant Depot marketing manager Margaret Tieng star ted ,we were curating all these SKUs [stock keeping units], thousands of them, in fact, with a hundred suppliers. We were checking prices, counter-checking them with other suppliers, checking the market, checking with chefs, and restaurants and caterers, to see what are their preferred brands,” she says.

Tieng says the exercise was both exhilarating and tiring.

A survey from target clients also helped the owners in creating the best selection for edibles and non-edibles.

Restaurant Depot, upon opening a few weeks ago, came up with several categories that offers a wide range of choices for buyers.

At the fresh and frozen counter are seafood, meat, chicken and pork products that went through rigorous quality control standards by trusted suppliers and priced competitively while the processed section section carries food fares from frozen dimsum products to processed meat and shabu-shabu ingredients.

Restaurant Depot is also a baker’s

haven with specialized sections for fudges, syrups, flavorings, sprinkles, nuts and chocolates.

It also offers great selection of cooking oil, olive oils and truffle oil; dry goods which are the staple of full service meal from flour, rice, salt to sugar products in bulk sizes; dairy products like big portions of mozzarella, cream cheese and other dairy products.

The dry goods section has various sizes of canned mushrooms, corn, olives, tuna, meat products, pasta and noodles.

Restaurant Depot has an extensive array of spices, with shelves full of choice seasonings and at least 50 popular and rare spices in large packs.

From ready to drink juices, beverage syrups, purees, to economical juice powder packs, Restaurant Depot provides numerous choices of beverage blends for food service needs. The store also has a wide section of alcoholic products— from imported wines, beers and liquor.

The store offers all sor ts

of condiments from ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, soy sauce, fish sauce and vinegar, as it also brings world food cuisine to table tops with everything from Thai to Malaysian to Japanese condiments.

A huge assortment of non-edibles like packaging sets include cupcake liners, pastry and cake boxes; as well as various plastic food storage sizes for take-out needs and disposable party products in bulk.

The Depot also carries cleaning aids from scrubs to sponges and cleaning liquids.

Restaurant Depot has a network of local suppliers from international sources. For 2017, the Depot will start directly importing hard to find goods and products, per request of clients.

“Our objective is to pass on savings for people who are just starting a business. Ours is a depot, so our price everyday is cheaper than most shops. As much as we give premium to better price points, we also want them to save time. With us, clients are always doubly compensated,” Tieng says.

The AIIB will co-finance with the percent (equivalent to 89.2 million liters) Asian Development Bank and the World per year and achieve 79-percent carbon Bank, the P37.76-billion Edsa Bus Rapid dioxide foot print avoidance.

Transit System and the P23.46-billion BANGLADESH HEIST ROCKS Metro Manila flood control project, BANKING SECTOR respectively.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council tightened the regulations on money laundering, 10 months after some $81-million were allegedly stolen from Bangladesh Bank’s account in New York and laundered to a Philippine bank.

Officers of AMLC also filed money laundering charges before the Justice Department against several officials of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in connection with the$81-million laundering scam that rocked the domestic banking industry in February.

Senate investigations earlier found out that the $81-million fund was stolen by cyber thieves from the account of Bank of Bangladesh in Federal Reserve in New York. The dirty money entered the country’s financial system through an RCBC branch on Jupiter Street in New high-rise buildings are being constructed in Cubao’s commercial district Makati City. in Quezon City, as the area benefits from the expansion of business process Former RCBC president and chief outsourcing industry and real estate sector. executive Lorenzo Tan resigned from his post at the height of Senate investigation into the case. transactions with the rest of the world, Bangko Sentral also imposed a P1GOVT CANCELS E-VEHICLE posted a deficit of US$206 million in billion penalty on RCBC for its alleged PROGRAM January to November, a turnaround The Electric Vehicle Association of the involvement in the scam. from the US$2.136-billion surplus a Philippines is adopting a new roadmap year ago.

GOVT TO TERMINATE ‘ENDO’ The country incurred a record for the domestic e-vehicle industry SCHEME merchandise trade deficit of nearly as it looks to recover from the recent The Employers Confederation of $20 billion in the first 10 months, decision of the Energy Department to as imports continued to outgrow scrap the $500-million electric tricycle the Philippines expressed support to the government’s attempt to end the exports. Merchandise trade is the largest project.

The Energy Department previously practice of labor contractualization or component of BoP. Duterte banks on China investments issued the notice of award to Uzushio end-of-contract (endo).

The Labor Department said that President Rodrigo Duterte asked Electric Co. Ltd. of Japan and local China to invest in the Philippines during partner Bemac Electric Transportation since the start of the government’s his state visit in the world’s second Philippines Inc. for the supply of 3,000 crackdown against endo, over 25,000 contractual workers were accorded units of e-trikes. largest economy.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, with regular status by their employers.

President Duterte’s four-day state visit to China in October healed the bilateral however, said said the e-trike project The agency vowed to end labor-only contractualization by the end of 2017. relations between the two countries proved to be too costly.

The project, largely financed by Several companies, however, expressed which were strained by a maritime the ADB and the Clean Technology concern over the plan. dispute in the South China Sea. S e m i c o n d u c t o r g i a n t Te x a s China-led Asian Infrastructure Fund, was supposed to deploy 100,000 Investment Bank committed to help e-trikes nationwide to replace the same Instruments Philippines Inc. opposed fund President Duterte’s infrastructure number of traditional gasoline-fed measures that would penalize firms which overhaul, which includes two projects tricycles, reduce the transport sector’s hire contractual workers for a limited annual petroleum consumption by 2.8 period. Roderick T. dela Cruz in the capital. a deficit in the first 11 months of 2016, pulling down the value of the peso to a near 10-year low, amid a record trade deficit this year.

Data from the Central Bank show that the BoP, which reflects the country’s

Sports

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 reuelvidal@yahoo.com

DUTCH FIGHTER WANTS REVENGE

Not even three Mahindra Floodbuster defenders could slow down GlobalPort Batang Pier guard Terrence Romeo (7).

ROMEO GIVES FAJARDO A RUN FOR HIS MONEY

By Reuel Vidal

T

ERRENCE Romeo receives the ball from teammate Billy Mamaril who inbounds the ball from the baseline.

Romeo dribbles almost casually until he reaches the midcourt line where a defender confronts him.

He darts forward, dribbles past the three-point line and easily shoulders past his defender.

As Romeo nears the paint a second defender tries to block his way.

Romeo hesitates, switches the ball to his off hand and then back again.

A classic cross over move. Then with the second defender frozen, his long hair trailing in the wind, Romeo glides to the hoop to convert an unguarded layup.

Yes the most exciting player in the league, who is virtually impossible to guard, scores again.

Romeo is playing so well that he leads the Philippine Basketball Association in both points scored (27 points per game) and assists (6.3 apg).

He has earned 230 statistical points or an average of 37.5 which places him second in the chase for the Best Player of the Conference award.

San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo, winner of the past three PBA MVP awards, leads the standings with a 44.2 average SPs. He is second in points scored with 20.2 and is number one in rebounds with an average of 17.2.

Romeo and Fajardo could not be more different from each other in appearance and style.

Romeo is a shade below six feet and relies on skill, speed and an unerring shooting hand to score points or issue assists to teammates.

Fajardo is all of six feet 10 inches who relies on size, length and power to carve a space inside and score near the basket. He also benefits from the sage strategy of SMB coach Leo Austria who surrounds Fajardo with deadly outside shooters to effectively discourage double teams inside the paint.

Fajardo, who has won four BPC awards the latest during the Philippine Cup last season, seems destined to win another. But he will have to contend with the rambunctious Romeo who is the most exciting, most electric performer the PBA has seen in years.

Romeo’s only handicap is the fact that the GlobalPort Batang Pier is doing so poorly despite his stellar play. In contrast San Miguel Beer leads the standings which added to the Won Game Bonus points for Fajardo.

Another beneficiary of San Miguel’s league-leading run is Alex Cabagnot who is third with an aver-

San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo (right) sizes up the defense of Meralco Bolts counterpart Reynel Hugnatan (21).

San Miguel Beer guard Alex Cabagnot (center) dribbles past Meralco Bolts counterpart Chris Newsome (11).

age 34.6 SPs (18.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.2 spg). Barangy Ginebra big man Japeth Aguilar is fourth with 33.2 SPs (20.0 spg, 8.5 rpg, 1.7 bpg).

Do-everything Mac Belo of Blackwater has an average 33.0 SPs (17.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.9 apg). The Far Eastern University product deservedly leads the race for the Rookie of the Year honor. He may want more than just the ROY award because at

fifth place he is within reach of the BPC crown.

Former league MVP Arwind Santos is at sixth spot with 31.3 SPs. The veteran SMB forward averages 14.2 points and 7.0 rebounds while relying on his long, wiry arms to lead the league in blocks with 2.3 per game.

Despite playing just four games compared to at least six by other

VINCENT “Magnivincent”Latoel (16-18-2) will be looking for revenge when he fights Filipino Vaughn “The Spawn” Donayre (8-6) at ONE: Quest for Power in Jakarta, Indonesia on January 14.

The 37-year-old kickboxer from Deventer, Netherlands has fought two highly-regarded Filipino competitors in his 36-fight career.

Latoel fought and lost to future ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang in December 2013.

He locked horns and bowed to featherweight standout Edward Kelly last August last year.

Although the Dutch-Indonesian fighter fell short on both occasions he had nothing but high regard for the fighters and even expressed admiration for Filipino MMA fighters.

“Filipino fighters are true warriors. I’ve faced Eduard Folayang before he became the ONE Lightweight World Champion.

He was so tough and a gallant competitor.

The same goes with Edward Kelly. He has a big heart,” Latoel said.

“Filipinos fight with their pride and heart. I like these kinds of fighters because I have the same mentality.”

He may not harbor ill feelings for the two Filipino fighters but Latoel is still determined to bounce back from those losses and return to his winning ways when they battle in Jakarta.

“Winning and losing are part of the sport. A true winner is someone who doesn’t give up and learns from his losses.

I have learned from those fights. I am back, more focused and much stronger,” he said.

Latoel expects that his three-round bout with Donayre will have no shortage of firepower as they are both known for their fan-friendly attacking fight styles.

“I expect the fight will be energetic and hard. It will have a lot of action, and I promise everyone that you will see a different Vincent Latoel. I will fight at a high pace for this bout. I know that Donayre is a veteran with a dream. I will prepare for everything,” he said.

The 5-foot-11 Tatsujin Dojo representative is confident that he will walk out of the Jakarta Convention Center with the victory as he believes that his experience will be a vital factor against Donayre.

“My greatest advantage against Donayre is my experience. I have over 30 fights in my career. I hope that I can utilize that advantage in the fight,” he said.

Even if he has a burning determination to beat Donayre, Latoel clarified that he does not hold any grudge against Filipino fighters.

“This is nothing personal, but I am determined to win. I’m fighting a brave Filipino fighter again. I have a lot of respect for Vaughn Donayre, but it’s my time to shine,” he said.

The Dubai-based Cebuano Donayre will be looking to bounce back to a victory after he fell to Singapore’s Amir Khan via submission in ONE: Defending Honor at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Donayre, who was coming in on short notice to replace an injured Samir Mrabet, went up against a much younger opponent in the 22-year-old Khan. But even at 37, he threw powerful punches and kicks and lasted until the last round.

The Singaporean repeatedly shot for takedowns in a skirmish mostly fought on the ground. The Filipino, for his part, was rock-solid until Khan caught him with a rear-naked choke at the 2:22 mark of the final round.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel big man Japeth Aguilar (25) fires a jumper over the blocking hand of Rain or Shine center Raymond Alamazan.

players Alaska Aces forward Calvin Abueva is at seventh place with 31.0 SPs on averages of 15.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.0 apg. Abueva is also averaging about 20 minutes of burn, maybe more than 10 minutes less per game than everybody else in the top 10.

At eighth place is Jayson Castro of TNT Katropa. At ninth is Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters rookie Matthew Wright. Last season’s rookie of the year Chris Newsome of Meralco is at tenth.

Dutch-Indonesian Vincent Latoel battles Filipino MMA fighter Vaughn Donayre.

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Sports

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Reuel Vidal, Issue Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

ONE LAST OLYMPIC QUEST FOR HIDILYN

For ending the Philippines’ 20-year medal drought in the Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz is Manila Standard’s 2016 Athlete of the Year. AFP

By Peter Atencio

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IFE has changed for Olympic silver medallist Hidilyn Diaz.

The 25-year-old Diaz said many things in her life changed five months after she earned a silver medal in the 53-kg division of the women’s weightlifting competitions of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

“Nakapag-adjust na rin ako sa mga pagbabago sa buhay ko,” said Diaz during the Christmas party she attended with fellow national athletes.

Hidilyn has accepted a scholarship offer from the College of St. Benilde, through the help of another Olympian, La Salle alumnus Stephen Fernandez, who reached out to her through the Philippine Olympian Association.

Fernandez is best remembered for his bronze medal in the demonstration sport of taekwondo at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.

“Mag-aaral ako. Tatapusin ko ito,” said Hidilyn, who has enrolled in the school’s business management evening classes.

Diaz formally accepted the offer when she and her parents showed up at the La Salle-University of Santo Tomas game of the 79th University Athletic Association of the

Philippines to watch and cheer the Green Archers on.

Going back to school, according to Diaz will help her get a clearer view of how she will chart her life in the next four years on her journey to compete again in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Sa gabi ako mag-aral. Sa umaga, gusto ko mag-focus sa training,” said Diaz.

Plans to teach kids who want to learn the sport and her training for many international meets are also in the pipeline.

“Maraming competitions, tapos magkakaroon pa ako ng mga clinics,” remarked Hidilyn.

Most of her training usually takes place at the weightlifting center of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, just a stone’s throw away from her would-be school.

Blessings

Many blessings have come her way following her silver-medal feat in the Olympics.

Aside from her scholarship offer, a businessman has offered her a property at the Deca Clark Resorts in Bgy. Margot in Angeles, Pampanga.

Her new home was put in a street which was eventually named after her. The house became a gift to her parents.

Diaz has earned more than P7 million from her silver-medal feat in the Olympics, P5 million of which was her incentive as provided by

law. The rest came from President Rodrigo Durterte.

After that, a power generating company, Alsons, has come forward to provide varsity scholarships to her and a number of athletes working out at the small training gym inside their family residence at Bgy. Mampang in Zamboanga City.

Diaz won’t spend much in sprucing up the property as the company promised to also take care of home improvements.

What’s in store in 2017

For now, Diaz is set to compete in next year’s World Weightlifting Championship in Anaheim, California.

It will be Diaz’s third time to join the tournament organized by the International Weightlifting Federation.

The first was in Paris, France in 2011, when she finished sixth. The second was in Houston, Texas last year, when she won the bronze medals in the snatch (96kg), clean and jerk (117kg) and total (213kg) events in the women’s 53kg division.

Diaz’s performance in Houston, the venue of a qualifying tournament in 2015, helped her qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

It turned out also that her Houston sojourn prepared her well for the Olympics.

She also won three golds at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Phuket, Thailand last year.

Diaz will focus on preparing for

Hidilyn Diaz displays her Olympic silver medal.

the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia as the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur is now out of her plans since organizers have deleted many women’s events from the calendar.

Both the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Weightlifting Association are extending full support to the Zamboangueña’s bid to qualify for the 2020 Olympics.

Diaz initially said that the Rio games were to be her last Olympic stint, only to have a change of heart.

“Isang laban pa. Sino ba naman ako para tumalikod sa bayan?,” Diaz asked.

(For ending the Philippines’ 20year medal drought in the Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz is Manila Standard’s 2016 Athlete of the Year)

FILIPINO ROWERS TO FOCUS ENERGIES ELSEWHERE WITH rowing competitions not included in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, the national men’s and women’s teams will have to focus their energies elsewhere.

National head coach Ed Maerina said this after he learned that the sport was not in the final list of events approved last July by the SEA Games Federation Council.

“We have a lot of training scheduled here and abroad. Then, there are competitions around that we can join in,” said Maerina in a radio interview.

This year, plans are now afoot for national rowers to take part in sculls’ competitions slated in Thailand and Japan.

The new leadership of the Philippine Rowing Association, now headed by Quintin Pastrana, are now finalizing their plans for the year, added Maerina.

Locally, the national squads are set to train in Bulacan and in Palawan.

To help strengthen the level of the national team’s performance, they are now coordinating with the Philippine Sports Commission on the acquisition of coaches from Russia, China and Canada.

In the 2015 SEA Games, Filipino rowers placed sixth overall with a silver and bronze.

Nestor Cordova gave the Philippines its lone silver in the 1000-meter single sculls’ event, while Benjamin Tolentino and Edgar Ilas Jr. added a bronze in the 1000-m lightweight double sculls.

Back in 2013, the Philippines was third with a gold and two silvers.

It was Cordova, who delivered the gold in the single sculls.

Last July, the SEA Games Federation Council gave its final approval and endorsed the Local Organizing Committee’s proposal of having a total of 38 sports and 405 events to be contested for the biennial Games.

The final list featured 208 events for men’s competition, 177 for women and 20 for mixed events.

Among the spor ts which were missing in the last Games in Singapore, but will make its appearance in Kuala Lumpur 2017 are cricket track cycling, futsal, ice hockey, ice skating, karate lawn bowl, muay and men’s weightlifting.

Among the sports that were featured in Singapore but were omitted from the Kuala Lumpur list are canoeing, floorball, rowing, softball and traditional boat race.

There are a total of 1,332 medals at stake, with 403 gold medals up for grabs in the games. Peter Atencio

VALDEZ HOPES THAILAND STINT WILL OPEN DOORS TO PH PLAYERS

Alyssa Valdez, shown here scoring on a smash, said playing overseas is a blessing.

FORMER Ateneo star spiker Alyssa Valdez hopes that more Filipino volleyball players can play for club teams in other countries.

Valdez said this after she got an opportunity to join a club team in Thailand.

“I am very excited about this and hope that this opens doors for more Filipino volleyball players to get the chance to play overseas. This is a blessing that has been very timely as we celebrate the Christmas season,” said Valdez in a statement.

The 23-year-old Valdez has dreamed of playing and shining in international meets.

This is why she is thankful and has expressed her gratitude with the Thai

club 3BB Nakornnont, which has asked her to report for practice in two weeks’ time.

“I thank 3BB Nakornnont for giving me the opportunity to join them next year We are still threshing out details as of now,” she added.

She will be flying to Thailand on Jan. 15 to begin preparing for the Women’s Volleyball Thailand League starting Jan. 29.

Four other Filipina players from the Philippine Superliga are being considered by Thai teams.

PSL president Ramon Suzara said invites have been sent Jaja Santiago of Foton, Kim Fajardo and Aby Marano of F2 Logistics and Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola-Army to see action in the Thai-

Denmark Super League in March.

Valdez’s first international stint comes at the end of a five-year collegiate career with Ateneo in the UAAP last April.

After that, she saw action for BaliPure and Bureau of Customs in the Shakey’s V-League.

3BB Nakornnont, which is based in Nonthaburi, Thailand, is the same club where Som Kuthaison and Nic Jaisaen play—Thais who recently were teammates of Valdez at Customs in the V-League Reinforced Conference.

“It’s always been a dream to play internationally and this is a very important step to making it happen. Thank you,” added Valdez. Peter Atencio

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017

Jimbo Gulle, Editor

Roger Garcia, Issue Editor

LGUs

mslocalgov@gmail.com

YEARENDER: SOLAR CITY KEY TO MANILA’S FUTURE

By Sandy Araneta

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(FIRST OF TWO PARTS)

HE multibillion-peso Solar City project, a new commercial and business district to rise in Manila Bay, is among the three major infrastructure projects Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada would complete under his administration.

The state-of-the-art green urban center in Manila Bay will provide Manileños with thousands of jobs, and generate additional revenues for the city government through taxes to be collected.

“You can only imagine the benefits it will bring to the city—at least P17 billion a year additional revenue for the city government, plus P10 billion in annual taxes, and about 500,000 jobs to Manileños,” Estrada said in an exclusive interview with Manila Standard.

A former president, Estrada said this will also be a big boost to the country’s tourism industry, “cementing our city’s place in the world map of most favored tourist destinations.”

He also assured that the reclamation project, which entails the creation of three islands with total land area of 148 hectares, will not hide or cover the famous sunset of Manila Bay. Designed to be green, selfsustaining and innovative, Solar City will be the first of its kind in using renewable energy from solar, wind, and biomass sources.

Estrada said he would also build more roads and other facilities during the remaining years of his second term as mayor of the country’s capital.

“Build, build, build. I want to put up more infrastructures—more roads, health centers, modern city hospitals, school buildings, housing for the poor, facilities for the poor, elderly, and youth,” he said.

Estrada spelled out the gains of his administration during his first term as mayor after winning reelection last May.

“We have achieved great gains in our 10-point agenda, especially in infrastructure, peace and order, traffic, and cleanliness,” he said.

“We have intensified our road clearing operations in the past months and as a result, we have ‘liberated’ our major roads from all kinds of obstructions, resulting in reduced traffic congestion. We have removed anarchy in our city streets.

“Take for example, Divisoria.

While it hurts me that some illegal vendors have been temporarily displaced, we’ve been able to bring back order there,” he added.

In support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against drugs, Estrada said Manila has successfully campaigned against illegal drugs.

He said Manila Police District operatives have arrested thousands of drug suspects this 2016. Ten thousand Manila residents into drugs have also voluntarily yielded to authorities this year.

“To complement our law enforcement operations, we have revived DARE [Drug Abuse Resistance Education] in our elementary schools as a means to prevent the youth from getting involved in drugs,” the mayor said.

“In helping drug dependents who want to change their ways, we have instituted ‘Oplan Sagip Buhay, Sagip Pangarap,’ a communitybased drug treatment program. We also have plans to put up a drug rehabilitation center at the Manila Boys Town complex in Marikina,” he added.

Estrada noted that Manila’s anti-criminality campaign has

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada shakes hands with Ziyi Deng, CEO of the West Zishoujinzhang (Beijing) Pictures Co. Ltd., one of the largest private movie and television production companies in China, who paid a courtesy call on the mayor on Thursday.

resulted in a 32-percent reduction in crime rate. He said: “I am sure we will rise even further, as the Manila Police District continues to address criminality in our streets.”

The mayor also cited the city government’s financial gains, which he said have surpassed the previous administration.

“We’ve been successful in reviving

Manila’s financial stability after my first term,” Estrada stressed. “We’ve paid the P5.5 billion in debt left by the previous administration.

We’ve brought back social services to the poor—free hospitalization, medicines, education. We have addressed our illegal drug problem and reduced crime.”

(To be continued tomorrow)

ONE-STOP SERVICE CENTERS FOR OFWS OPENED

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CALL OF THE WILD. Malabon Zoo and Botanical Garden owner Manny Tangco, sisters and priests of the Holy Face, and Malabon City policemen hold up a horn to a tiger named ‘Duterte’ and a Burmese python on Thursday to ask the public to refrain from using firecrackers to welcome the New Year. Andrew Rabulan

OVERSEAS Filipino workers may now avail of the services of the OneStop Service Center for OFWs in 15 provinces outside Metro Manila.

Launched on Aug. 15, 2016 at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration POEA headquarters in Mandaluyong City, the OSSCO aims to provide efficient service to OFW’s and help reduce their expenses particulalry in the processing of various government related requirements for overseas employment, among others.

Government frontline services are made accessible in all these locations for Filipinos who are currently working or planning to work overseas. It operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Offices, together with POEA, established OFW one-stop centers at the following locations: Manna Mall, San Fernando City, La Union; City Tourism Office, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Baguio Convention Center, Baguio City; Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga; OWWA Regional Office 4A in Calamba City; Robinson’s Place, Puerto Princesa

Local Gov’t Units

City, Pacific Mall, Legaspi City; SM City, Cebu City; Robinson’s Place, Iloilo City; Robinson’s Place, Bacolod City; DOLE Regional Office No. 8, Tacloban City; Goodwill Center, Zamboanga City; OWWA Regional Office No. 10, Cagayan de Oro City; Butuan City Hall Complex, Butuan City and New City Hall, Koronadal City.

The government agencies at the OSSCO are Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Maritime lndustry Authority (MARINA), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), Philippine Health lnsurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau lnvestigation(NBI), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Tourism lnfrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of lnternal Revenue (BIR).

US NAVY HONORS BATAAN NATIVE A NATIVE of Bataan has been selected the 2016 Sailor of the Year for Navy Medicine East—one of two regional commands that manage the United States Navy Medicine’s global health care network—in a recent ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Petty Officer First Class Bernard A. Morales has served 14 years in the US Navy. In accepting the award, he said he is “learning about being a more responsible leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.”

“The Navy provided me with the motivation, direction, and focus to excel not only in my career, but in my everyday life,” said Morales, whose father Reynaldo Langres and mother Raquel Navarro Managuio both reside in Managuio, Virginia.

Morales is a 2002 Salem High School graduate from Virginia Beach, Virginia.

He is currently attending Ashford University with a projected graduation date of 2018, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.

Navy Medicine East oversees the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery of medical, dental, and other health care services to approximately one million patients across almost 100 facilities—including the Tidewater Enhanced Multi-Service Market, which brings together US Air Force Hospital Langley and McDonald Army Hospitals.

As a hospital corpsman serving with NME, Morales is directly responsible for being the Directorate for Administration Leading Petty Officer within the command.

He provides direct administrative oversight in the completion of correspondence onboard to include instructions, policies, awards, regional taskers, and support agreements in support for 20 Echelon III commands.

“Being recognized as Navy Medicine East Headquarters Sailor of the Year signifies the accomplishments of my sailors not just within the past year, but throughout my naval career,” said Morales. “It’s because of them, along with the tremendous leadership and mentorship I have received over the years, that I was selected.”

VIZCAYA CORN FARMERS GET FUNDS FOR SEEDS

By Brenda Jocson BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya— At least P3 million worth of corn seeds and fertilizers were allotted for farmers producing below four metric tons of corn crops per hectare, according to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist here.

Alexander Domingo, OPA chief, said that among the 15 municipalities of the province, at least nine were identified as corn producing areas, which will receive corn seeds to boost corn production in the province.

The recipient towns are Villaverde and Bagabag -- both awarded as “Hall of Famers” for Outstanding Corn Achievers in 2014 and 2016 respectively -along with Diadi, Quezon, Solano, Bayombong, Bambang, Kasibu and Dupax Del Norte.

To recognize top performing local governments in corn production, the Department of Agriculture came up with the National Quality Corn Achievers Award.

It aims to improve the welfare of farmers and corn producing provinces in pursuit of the national government’s effort to support and strengthen the Philippine corn industry.

The OPA is developing a provincial nursery and farm school as an informal learning site for new farming technologies and techniques.

LGUs

D2

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FIBERGLASS BOATS FOR FISHERMEN VIA MAGAT SN ABOITIZ Power-Magat Inc. has turned over 15 fiberglass boats to fisherfolk organizations in Isabela, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya to promote sustainable livelihood.

The turnover was held recently at Magat Dam’s View Deck in Ramon, Isabela, the boats were the result of a fiberglass boat making training held in August by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region Region II. Materials for the boats were provided

by SNAP-Magat under its corporate social responsibility program.

The project aimed to train fisherfolk on the design, construction and maintenance of fiberglass fishing boats. This would enable them to develop boat-building as a skill and potential source of alternative income.

The project also promotes eco-friendly practices as use of fiberglass boats will reduce dependence on wood from trees for boat materials.

Boats made of fiberglass have the advantage of withstanding the elements under heat and cold, and have corrosion-resistant properties that allow them to last for around 30 years.

The project was granted through the Magat Task Force, a multipartite advisory council responsible for sustainable aquaculture in the Magat reservoir, among others.

SNAP-Magat and BFAR Region II are members of the MTF along with BFAR-Cordillera Administrative Region and National Irrigation Administration-Dams and Reservoir Division, which also provided support to the project; National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center; the provincial governments of Isabela and Ifugao; Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-San Isidro, provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Nueva Vizcaya and the Fisherfolk Sector Council.

SNAP-Magat owns and operates the 360-megawatt Magat Hydroeletric Power Plant at the border of Ifugao and Isabela. It is a joint venture of SN Power of Norway and Aboitiz Power.

BEAST OF BURDEN. Native furniture craft vendors continue to use cows to pull their cart of wares as they trudge along the highway in Rosario, Cavite.

Norman Cruz

P10M NEEDED FOR STUDY ON BENGUET MONORAIL

By Dexter A. See

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A TRINIDAD, Benguet—The Cordillera office of the Department of Science and Technology on Thursday said it needed about P10 million for a full-blown feasibility study of the proposed multibillion monorail project between this capital town and Baguio City.

Victor Mariano, DoST-CAR regional director, said it needs the endorsement of the Cordillera Regional Development Council to do the feasibility study for the ambitious environment-friendly project aimed at addressing the traffic between these areas.

Based on its pre-feasibility study, the 5.2-kilometer line of the Automated Guideway Transit from the

Provincial Capital to the Slaughterhouse Compound in Baguio City requires P3.8 billion, while the 2.1-kilometer AGT line from the Bonifacio Rotunda up to SM City Baguio passing through the central business district will cost approximately P2.9 billion.

Mariano explained the AGT system is one of the locally developed alternative modes of transport us-

ing electricity instead of fossil fuel to reduce air pollutants around the heavily populated areas of Baguio and La Trinidad.

Nancy Bantog, DoST-CAR assistant regional director, said the P10 million for the feasibility study was recommended for inclusion in the agency’s budget for 2017, but regional officials are not yet aware if this fund was approved.

The results of the study will ascertain if the government is capable of completing this project geared toward a sustainable mass transport system that would also reduce the monstrous traffic congestion in Baguio and La Trinidad.

“It will now be up to the RDCCAR to determine whether or not to pursue the implementation of the project. We will have to wait for the next RDC en banc meeting what action they will take on the

project,” Mariano stressed.

The La Trinidad and Baguio local governments earlier endorsed the pre-feasibility and full feasibility studies, as they see this project will contribute to reducing traffic congestion in the heavily populated areas of the two localities.

The AGT that will be installed will be similar to the one that was pilot tested by the agency at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus that turned out to be successful and worthy of being replicated.

The coaches of the AGT will be installed on an elevated platform over the Balili River and right at the central business district area to serve as a mass transport system for commuters to use instead of using their own motor vehicles in going around the urban centers.

PHILEX HANDS ITOGON P30M IN PROPERTY TAXES

TUITION-FOR-WORK PROGRAM RELAUNCHED. As part of its continuing support to families affected by Super Typhoon ‘Lawin,’ the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte opened applications anew for the Asikaso ni Manang Imee Tuition-for-Work Program to students of state universities and colleges in the province. Filing of applications for the program started last Dec. 22 and will end on Jan. 14.

CASH GIFTS FOR BUKIDNON REBEL RETURNEES CAMP OSITO D BAHIAN, Malaybalay City—A new batch of former rebels recently received cash remuneration from the government.

Eight former rebels received P65,000 each from the Government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program through the Bukidnon Provincial-DILG office with the assistance of the Provincial Governor’s Office and the Philippine Army, particularly the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade under Col.

Eric C. Vinoya.

The former rebels decided to go back to the fold due to the hardships they endured when they were in the armed movement. Also, they like to join the mainstream society and enjoy their new life together with their loved ones.

“We thank the DILG, the Province of Bukidnon and the Philippine Army for helping us in receiving this money that can help us in starting and getting our

lost lives back. It took a little long but finally have it,” said one of the former rebels, who was not identified for security reasons.

“The cash assistance given was just part of what awaits the former rebels of their new found lives, the true essence of their remuneration is getting their lost lives back as they reunite with their families and communities, free from violence,” said Vinoya, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.

TUBA, Benguet—Fulfilling yet again its duty as a responsible miner, Philex Mining Corp. has paid P29.8 million in real-property tax to the municipality of Itogon covering a five-year period for a proposed tailings pond in Barangay Ampucao, an amount that could build 10 big classrooms and pay the salaries of 200 public employees for about four months.

“This marks another point in our harmonious relationship with Itogon, one of our host towns, the other being Tuba,” Eulalio Austin Jr., CEO and president of Philex Mining, said. “We are happy that we have consistently helped build communities and contributed to nation-building through the taxes we paid.”

During Wednesday’s turnover of the check worth P29,812,407 at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City, Manuel Agcaoili, SVP at Philex Mining and resident manager of its Padcal operations in Benguet, said the amount represents two percent of the assessed land value representing 180 hectares for the would-be Tailings Storage Facility No. 4.

Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan said 50 percent or about P15 million of the total RPT, which covers from 2012 to 2016 and with back taxes to 2013 as required under a new tax declaration, is intended for the “basic fund”—40 percent or about P6 million for the municipality, 25 percent or P3.7 million for Barangay Ampucao, and 35 percent or P5.2 million for the province of Benguet.

“The basic fund for my town falls under the annual general fund, which will go toward the improvement of the municipal gym,” stressed Palangdan, who has thanked and praised Philex Mining on various occasions for having paid its taxes religiously, not to mention the various social and environmental projects it has implemented for beneficiaries in the town.

The other 50 percent of the P29.8-

million RPT is mandated for allocation for the Special Education Fund, to be equally divided between Itogon and the provincial government. Intended to fund the needs of public schools, SEF goes toward teachers’ salaries, the building of classrooms and other facilities, and the purchase of necessary materials.

Roselyn Dahilan, finance group manager at Padcal, said the P15-million SEF alone could build 10 classrooms for big classes of 30 to 50 pupils each.

The basic fund, on the other hand, could pay for the salaries of 200 employees in a first-class municipality for 3.7 months. The average monthly salary between SG 1 and SG 18, according to the Department of Budget and Management on its website, is P20,100.

Agcaoili reiterated that Philex Mining would continue to fulfiull its tax obligations to both local and national governments, as part of its commitment to responsible mining—which the company, in fact, has brought a notch higher by putting a human face to it.

It may be noted that in the 12 years to 2015, Philex Mining had spent P86.5 million for its education program in Padcal’s host and neighboring communities, P40 million for its livelihood program, and P306 million for public infrastructure.

The gold-and-copper producer had likewise spent P65 million for its programs on environmental protection since the 1980s, when the companyimplemented reforestation projects took over from its community-based counterpart.

Agcaoili has said that Itogon and Tuba are two of the four first-class municipalities in Benguet, owing mainly to the significant economic impact of Padcal operations. The nine other Benguet towns listed under the third, fourth, and fifth economic classes are all into agriculture while three of the four first-class towns are predominantly mining communities. Dexter See

Gadgets & Games

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

XOOM, MONEY TRANSFER A CLICK AWAY

By Peter Paul Duran

Radio personality Sam YG tests the JBL Reflect Aware during its launching.

JBL REFLECT AWARE MIXES QUALITY, STYLE

By Peter Paul Duran

S

TILL looking for that awesome and unique gift even after the holiday season? The receiver won’t mind the delay as this product definitely is the perfect gadget for any sports enthusiast.

Power Mac Center may just have the answer for you as it introduces the world’s first sports earphone with noise cancellation and adaptive noise control—the new JBL Reflect Aware.

Designed to help the wearer stay aware while staying active, the JBL Reflect Aware has best-in-class noise cancellation properties for a more focused workout, while still being able to mix in environmental sound for greater awareness of surroundings. And because it’s JBL, expect its signature engineering of the precise, naturally articulated sound found in high-end cinemas, arenas, and recording studios around the world.

“Quality and style are foremost in our criteria of choosing a retail partner. JBL surpassed that and with the continuous innovations that it provides, Power Mac Center couldn’t be happier to carry JBL products in our stores,” said Power Mac Center

Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

The JBL Reflect Aware has a unique reflective design, with eyecatching and tangle-free cables, best for athletes, who prefer exercising at night. The ergonomic fit keeps the earpieces in place no matter how intense the workout gets. Sweat-proof, water resistant, and easy to clean, the JBL Reflect Aware doesn’t have any batteries because it draws power and digital audio directly from the lightning connector on Apple devices. That’s right, you can use it on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

“Consumers these days expect no compromise in value and design under varying activity and lifestyle conditions. We’re extremely pleased to expand our range of models to be one of the industry’s most comprehensive families of sport and lifestyle headphones, specifically designed to amplify everyday expe-

The JBL Reflect Aware has a unique reflective design, with eye-catching and tangle-free cables, best for athletes, who prefer exercising at night.

riences,” said Larry Secreto, Country connector) (SRP P8,490) Head at JBL by HARMAN. • JBL Reflect Mini (SRP 2,490) The JBL Reflect Aware earphones are now available in Power Mac Wireless In-ear Headphones Center stores.

• JBL Reflect Contour (SRP P4,599) • JBL Reflect Response (SRP JBL Sport Headphones P7,490) Product Range • JBL Reflect Mini BT (SRP P4,990) JBL Reflect Series Sport In-ear Under Armour® Headphones— Headphones: Engineered by JBL®: Wired In-ear Headphones • Under Armour® Sport Wireless • JBL Reflect Aware (with Lightning –Engineered by JBL®

LAZADA PH RECORDS NEARLY 3 MILLION APP INSTALLS AT ONLINE REVOLUTION LAZADA Philippines’ Online Revolution closed its Online Revolution campaign with record-breaking milestones, as the country’s biggest shopping event of the year with almost 3 million app installs.

The sale which brought together over 8,000 merchants and 13,000 brands, proved that Lazada is definitely the one-stop shopping destination for the best deals this Christmas.

Anchored on the theme Brands for All, brands such as SanDisk, Geneva, Casio, Nivea and Maybelline are this year’s most loved brands. VR Boxes, flash drives, LED TVs, waterproof mascaras and SD cards filled most shopping carts as the perfect gift items this season of giving.

Online Christmas shopping spells convenience. One customer was recorded to have ordered 113 items during the sale. Moms and techies also had their own share of online Christmas shopping frenzy with over 57,000 diapers and 120,000 smartphones sold during the month long sale.

The sale brought together over 8,000 merchants and 13,000 brands.

“We have worked hard to provide an effortless Christmas shopping for our customers. From reaching out to our merchants and brands, forging corporate partnerships, and delivering items from the city down to the far flung areas in the country. We hope

that online shopping becomes a part of every Filipino’s life not only during the Christmas season.”

Lazada’s gift giving treat is not yet over!

A wide assortment and huge discounts are still available this Christåmas season. Visit www.lazada.com.

ph or download the mobile app for free to shop anytime, anywhere.

Lazada Group operates Lazada, Southeast Asia’s number one online shopping and selling destination, with presence in Indonesia (www.lazada. co.id), Malaysia (www.lazada.com.my), the Philippines (www.lazada.com.ph), Singapore (www.lazada.sg), Thailand (www.lazada.co.th) and Vietnam (www. lazada.vn).

Launched in March 2012, Lazada is pioneering eCommerce in the region by providing customers with an effortless shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, extensive customer care and easy returns. Lazada features a wide product offering in categories ranging from consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.

Lazada offers brands and sellers a marketplace solution and an ecosystem of partners providing direct access to about 560 million consumers in six countries online.

DO you have a relative in the United States? Are you short on your holiday spree and left with the arduous task of asking for some extra?

Well, worry no more, as a new PayPal service has been made available in the country to solve just that.

Xoom, a leading digital money transfer provider, launched a new feature for remittance beneficiaries in 29 countries, including the Philippines marking the first time users outside the US can ‘request’for money transfer, bill payment or mobile reload.

Launched in countries across Latin America, Europe and Asia, including the Philippines, Xoom’s new ‘request’ feature offers Filipino beneficiaries a single digital tool to control the frequency and form in which they receive funds that are often used for necessities like food, utilities or healthcare expenses.

This new service was made available beginning in the busy Yuletide season, which traditionally sees the highest number of remittances made by overseas Filipinos to their families.

It has been reported by the Central Bank of the Philippines that personal remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers have reached US$7.2 billion in the first quarter of this year, which is higher by 4.3% as compared to the same period in 2015. The steady demand for overseas workers remained a key driver to the growth of remittance inflows. It is estimated that over 2.4 million overseas workers are deployed all over the world who send cash remittances to their families.

Aside from requesting money, Filipino Xoom users can also easily request for reloads for Globe, Smart and Sun prepaid mobile phones and bills payment for PLDT ans Smart postpaid mobile phones.

It offers Request Money, Request Mobile Reload and Request Bill Pay. The website also features an easy-to-access interface, and plans for an app is also under works as bared by Pia Guter, Xoom’s Director of Marketing for the Philippines among many other improvement during video conference call at the Makati Diamond Residences Hotel.

Officially launched on Oct. 24 and went live mid-November, Xoom is getting hundreds of request per day and expects the trend to continue well beyond Christmas season, execs say. Hundreds of sign-ups were made from the Philippines alone.

Although the feature is only essentially a one-way process which only lets US residents to send money, proponents say they are looking into further improvements to beef-up the service.

Filipinos also need not worry as Xoom’s cash pickup network is the most extensive in the Philippines and partners include trusted names like Cebuana Lhuillier, M. Lhuillier, BDO, Metrobank, and all major banks, LBC and Globe G-cash.

Senders can safely and securely send money to their loved ones, and beneficiaries can go to any of the partner branches for cash pickup at their convenience.

BRAIN...

From D4

The new test involves placing three small sensors on the skull, having a person listen to a sound, then measuring brain activity.

For this study, two groups of children— some diagnosed with concussion and the rest healthy—were exposed to the same sound.

“What differed is the amount of brain activity that their brains generated in response to that sound,” Krause explained.

The concussed children—previously diagnosed by a different physician—showed less brain activity, the researchers found.

The team was confident the technique would work in adults too.

The new tool represents “a single, fast test that does not require advanced training to administer,” said Kraus.

It can also be used to track recovery in a patient, allowing doctors to better determine when the patient can resume normal activities after a period of rest and recovery —the main course of treatment.

Previous research had shown that the risk of suicide among adults who suffer a concussion triples, while survivors of traumatic brain injury are three times as likely to die younger.

The study was published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports.

A video explaining the method can be watched here: http://brainvolts.northwestern. edu/demonstration.php. AFP

D4

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Gadgets & Games

A ROBOT BUILT TO GO WHERE HUMANS CAN'T

Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul. AFP

G

UNPO, South Korea— A giant South Korean-built manned robot that walks like a human but makes the ground shake under its weight has taken its first baby steps.

Designed by a veteran of science fiction blockbusters, the four-metretall (13-foot), 1.5 ton Method-2 towers over a room on the outskirts of Seoul.

The hulking human-like creation bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie “Avatar”.

It is claimed as a world first by its creators at Hankook Mirae

Technology, a South Korean robotics company, where about 30 engineers were hard at work conduc ting initial tests Tuesday afternoon.

“Our robot is the world’s first manned bipedal robot and is built to work in extreme hazardous areas where humans cannot go (unprotected),” said company chairman Yang Jin-Ho. A pilot sitting inside the robot’s torso makes limb movements which are mimicked by Method-2, whose metal arms each weigh 130 kilograms (286 pounds).

The robot, more than twice the size of a tall man, is so heavy that it shakes the ground when it takes a step with a loud whirring of motors.

Yang, who dreamed as a child of building his own robot, said he has invested 242 billion won ($200 million) in the project since 2014 to

“bring to life what only seemed possible in movies and cartoons”.

Building the giant robot was a challenge for the engineers—most of them in their mid and late 30s—as its unprecedented scale meant they had nothing to refer to, said one who declined to be named.

So far, it remains unclear how the robot will be used. Method-2 is seen more as a test-bed for various technologies that will allow the creators to build any type and size of robot in future.

While its enormous size has grabbed media attention, the creators of Method-2 say the project’s core achievement is the technology they developed and enhanced along the way.

“Everything we have been learning so far on this robot can be applied to solve real-world problems,” said designer Vitaly Bulgarov on his Facebook page.

He has previously worked on film series such as Transformers, Robocop and Terminator.

Yang said they have already received inquiries from industries ranging from manufacturing and construction to entertainment.

There have even been questions about its possible deployment along the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone with North Korea.

But the robot, tethered by a power cable and still a bit wobbly on its feet, is far from finished. More work is needed on its balance and power systems, according to its creators.

“The robot is one year old so it is taking baby steps,” Yang said.

“Just like humans, it will be able to move more freely in the next couple of years.”

He said the robot will be ready for sale by the end of 2017 at a price of around 10 billion won ($8.3 million). AFP

BIGSKY: INNOVATIVE LEARNING SPACE

THE Philippines is currently on its way to fully integrate technology in local education, specially since the Internet

has quickly progressed into In this era where classroom a learning playground for walls are slowly becoming a students for wide access to thing of the past, Globe Teleknowledge. com and De La Salle-College

Students from the College of Saint Benilde enjoy a video game which makes use of a banana for a controller at the BigSky fair.

of Saint Benilde have collaborated together to provide more accessible education through virtual learning.

Globe initiated Brightspace™, a Learning Management System that enables a personalized approach to education. Brightspace was created by D2L—a partner of Globe—to transform the classroom interactions via a digital platform which connects and improves the learning experience for both teachers and students. This gave birth to BigSky —a creative, innovative, and inclusive virtual learning space.

“BigSky’s launch marked the beginning of local education taking on a global perspective with technological tools. It’s about time the PH education sector took a step further to keep up with the flood of information coming from digital gateways. It’s our company’s purpose to contribute to a greater nation with quality education solutions,” said Globe Chief

Commercial Officer Albert de Larrazabal.

BigSky Benilde is De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s forward-thinking cloudbased integrated learning platform, which provides Benildeans reach to quality education anytime, anywhere.

Globe wishes to provide a bridge between technology and education, to inspire creativity, collaboration, and a sense of community in learning institutions. BigSky Benilde grants efficient means for teachers to manage class curriculum, as well as enables them to evaluate student performance via real-time analytics. In addition, students will likewise gain access to digital lessons and lectures using their mobile devices, and may even integrate them to their calendars, email, and social media.

To learn more about Globe Education Solutions, visit www.globe.com.ph/education or send an email to educationsolutions@globe.com.ph.

TWITTER UNVEILS 360-DEGREE LIVE VIDEO WASHINGTON—Twitter on Wednesday began streaming 360-degree video, allowing users to interact and get behind the scenes of live broadcasts.

“Starting today, you can check out live, interactive 360 videos from interesting broadcasters and explore what’s happening with them,” Twitter’s Alessandro Sabatelli said in a blog post.

“You’ll be able to get an inside look with well-known personalities and go behind the scenes at exclusive events.”

The first such video was delivered over Twitter’s live Periscope application from broadcaster Alex Pettitt, showing a Florida sunset, while allowing users to see it from different angles by clicking on the stream.

“With 360 video on Periscope, you can experience moments with the broadcaster and take a look around —it’s one step closer to actually being there,” the Periscope team said in a blog post.

“Starting today, you’ll be able to join live 360 videos on Periscope and Twitter from some incredible broadcasters —getting front-row access at exclusive events, traveling to places across the globe, and getting up close with wellknown personalities.”

Earlier this year Facebook began streaming 360-degree videos, which require a special set of cameras to capture surroundings.

Twitter said it was testing 360 broadcasts “with a small group of partners,” and will be rolling out the feature “more broadly during the coming weeks.”

“Live 360 video isn’t just about taking you to places you’ve never been; it’s about connecting you with people and letting you experience something new with them,” the Periscope team said.

“With these videos, the broadcaster anchors the experience so you can be present with them from whatever environment they ’re sharing from.” AFP

BRAIN WAVE: USING SOUND TO DIAGNOSE CONCUSSION PARIS—From blows to the head on the sports field, to car crashes and playground falls, concussion is a common brain injury notoriously difficult to diagnose—until now, researchers said Thursday.

A US-based team unveiled a fast, portable and reliable test measuring differences in brain activity in response to sound.

“Our measure... can take the guesswork out of concussion diagnosis,”study co-author Nina Kraus of Northwestern University in the United States, told AFP. “We have found that concussions disrupt how the brain processes sound and this disruption, which can be noninvasively measured, can potentially diagnose and manage concussions.”

Concussion occurs when a hard blow causes the brain—a soft organ cushioned by a layer of fluid inside our protective skull—to jolt violently.

In severe cases it can lead to bruising, as well as injury to the nerves and blood vessels.

A concussion can be mild to severe, with symptoms ranging from loss of consciousness or amnesia to headache and confusion.

Severe cases may require surgery to relieve brain swelling or a buildup of blood in the skull.

For diagnosis, doctors need to know what happened to the patient, and consider a vast basket of symptoms—some of them obvious, others not.

X-rays and other scans often fail to pinpoint the damage, and telltale signs such as disorientation, slurred speech or memory loss may be absent or hard to spot.

Same sound, different waves

Diagnosis “requires judgment and balancing many potential factors,” said Kraus. “Our discovery makes it more like a thermometer—yes or no, is there a concussion here.”

Turn to D3

E1

Young Life

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor / Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com.ph

5 PLANNERS TO HELP YOU PLAN THE DAYS AHEAD

Scan this icon to view the PDF

WE MAY have to-do list apps installed on our phones, but nothing still beats the feeling of ticking off things we ought to do that are written on a notebook. In fact, several studies substantiate that the act of writing—with pen and paper—boosts learning and memory.

To help you plan your days ahead this 2017, we rounded up five diaries/planners that are so cool and creative you would love to write on them everyday.

BRING IT ON,

By Bernadette Lunas

I

T’S the beginning of another year today, and, just like any other new year, it feels that we once again have a clean slate to start all over. The changing of the calendar has a certain effect that makes us feel that we have another chance to do better and be better.

And that chance for us to write a new chapter in our book of life makes us hopeful for the rest of the year.

We asked these young individuals how they plan to do better and be better in 2017.

“I had plans last year that I was not able to do; goals that weren’t able to materialize because of many changes that have happened in my life, and I became extremely disappointed because of that. It’s not that I will no longer make plans this year, I still will. But I will be more open to changes, not box myself in plans I made in the beginning of the year, and be ready to steer towards where I can grow as a person.”

—Hanna Joaquin, 26 * * * “To be honest, I am afraid on what’s going to happen to the world with all the impunity, altercation and disagreement that continues to happen on a daily basis. But, despite of everything, I trust in the goodness of people. I will begin with myself to be kinder and more aware about the plight of others, and I hope more will do this, too.”

—Mark Anthony Velez, 24 * * * “With so many ways to be productive and maximize every second in our life, I hope to spend more time on things that I love and with people who are dear to me.”

—Christopher Sanchez, 27 * * * “I promised myself that I am going to run my first 21k distance this year, so I will carve out time to train and be healthier: more sleep and better food choices.”

—Joan Marie Castillo, 23 * * *

“I spent so much money on things last year, I want to change that this year by spending on experiences: something intangible but will forever be stored in my memory.”

—Jay Paul Tenido, 31 * * * “I feel like my life was so cluttered last year. Literally and figuratively. So I want to be more organized, live simpler and get rid of distractions.”

—Sam Diaz, 25 * * * “I put off my plan to go back to school to study again for the past three years, and I feel like this time, I should go for it. I know it’s not going to be easy considering that unlike before when I was a full time student, I have many responsibilities now as a full time employee. But I believe doing that would be better for me.”

—Kristine Mae Gonzales, 28 * * * “I’m resigning this year from my job of eight years to finally pursue my passion. But I saved up and made sure I have other options once my venture won’t take off.”

—Anonymous, 33 * * * “I vow to exercise more, not for the sake of losing weight, but for the sake of being healthier and stronger—so I’ll be ready for whatever 2017 may bring.”

—MJ Yamson, 29 * * * Turn to E2

DO BETTER, BE BETTER. A small step towards change goes a long way, and a small step followed by a few more small steps will take you to your better self. These 10 millennials share with Young Life how they plan to make themselves better this 2017.

Tita Witty’s #TheLordPangitBaKo­ Planner2017

Are you single this year? This witty planner by Antoinette Jadaone and Chinggay Nuque will help you navigate 2017 with its interactive pages and funny relatable situations. Not having a significant other becomes less sad and frustrating with this planner. Make 2017 the year you focus on making yourself better.

You do you!

Available at wittywillsavetheworld. com.

Jacinto & Lirio

Water hyacinths are put to good use with this planner. Another great thing about Jacinto & Lirio planners is that the notebooks are undated and removable, meaning you can reuse them again next year. The cover, on the other hand, has pockets for your small knickknacks or journal tools such as stickers and post-its.

Available at jacintoandlirio.com.

ABC Daily Journal by Abbey Sy

Artist Abbey Sy wants you to chronicle your days and write down or sketch your short- and long-term goals in this undated, journal-type planner that features monthly dividers, hand-lettered quotes and journaling tips.

Be inspired to go on adventures, seize the day and unleash your creativity with the help of this notebook.

Available at SM Stationery.

Turn to E2

Young Life

E2

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Pokemon Go is the most searched term on Google in 2016

WHAT THE WORLD GOOGLED IN 2016?

THE world became a one big Pokémon universe as people of all ages ventured out to catch pocket monsters, like Ash Ketchum, using their mobile devices.

Yes, 2016 has been the year catching Pokémon became possible through the location-based augmented reality game Pokémon Go. Having been downloaded more than 500 million worldwide, the mobile app developed by Niantic for Android and iOS devices was not only a success in the gaming industry, as Pokémon Go was also crowned the most googled in 2016.

In Google’s annual “Year in Search,” Pokémon Go topped the list of 10 most googled subject. The spike happened in July, during the game’s initial release in Australia, New Zealand and US. Pokémon Go became available for download in the Philippines in August. In just 90 days of being available in the market, the game generated $600 million in revenue, according to app intelligence firm SensorTower.

Apple’s latest smartphone device, iPhone 7 was the second most googled, following its launch in September. IPhone 7 features improved cameras, better battery life and water resistance.

His stunning victory in the recent US Presidential Election, and the events that transpired in the run-up to his win, made Donald Trump the third most googled last year.

The passing of famous musicians Prince in April and David Bowie in January has made them the fourth and sixth most googled worldwide, respectively.

The fifth most googled last year was Powerball, after the US lottery drew the largest jackpot in the world history amounting to $1,586,400,000 in January.

Rounding up the list are Ryan Reynolds-starrer Deadpool (7th), Olympics (8th) which was held in Brazil, the reincarnation of the classic Snake game on mobile phone Slither. io (9th), and the action film based on DC Comics characters Suicide Squad (10th).

PRINT MEDIA

IN THE EYES OF THE YOUTH

By Kryzette Papagayo

T

HE future of print journalism is bright as student journalists continue to see the power and value of the print medium in the digital age.

Mikaela Canto, Editor-in-Chief Miriam College

In a bid to promote print journalism, the first Youth Print Media Congress (YPMC), organized by United Print Media Group (UPMG), gathered student journalists, media professionals and print enthusiasts recently.

“The first Youth Print Media Congress is a pioneering effort that encourages the habit of reading and writing,” said UPMG president Barbie Atienza. “United Print Media Group strives to gather the youth to express their interest and skill in Journalism.”

Despite them being part of the social media generation, these six campus journalists believe that print media remains vital in today’s fast-paced digital age.

Bryle Suralta, Editor-in-Chief Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba

“Print is still the most influential medium aside from television. It shapes not only public opinion but also how people look at things because it’s more solid.

It represents traditional journalism, credibility and validation.”

Apec Sta. Ana, Associate Editor Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila

BRING...

“With the emergence of social media, mas lalo kong naappreciate ang print because of its importance. Mas lalo akong na-inspire mag-work sa aming publication because of this event. When it comes to print media, lahat doon accurate kasi dumaan sa process, proofreading and fact checking.”

“Save money for rainy days that will come.”

—Jasper De Jesus, 23 * * * “Say ‘yes’ to things. I know that may sound careless or thoughtless, but for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m missing out on so many chances and opportunities because of my fear to get out of my comfort zone. I want to change that this year.”

—Cyrille Perez, 27 * * * We believe that we don’t need to do drastic changes to make 2017 our best year so far. A small step goes a long way, and a small step followed by a few more small steps will take you to your better self. Take your time and always be ready to face the challenges and surprises that will come to you this year.

Happy New Year!

5FromPLANNERS...

E1 Design Your Life 2017 Planner

Care for a monthly challenge? This planner features a 30-day challenge section every month to motivate you to achieve your goals. It also has monthly to-do lists, expense tracker and a travel planner—all in one chic notebook.

Available at cnsdesigns. com.ph.

“Newspapers can still have the advantage if they use creativity to glue the readers’s eyes into the story. But of course it’s not only the artwork or the layout, it also depends on the content. You should pull the reader in from start to finish. It’s the combination of both.”

“Print caters to a different audience. Although sa generation namin we really depend on technology, may mga bagay pa rin na we prefer printed.

Ang bilis kasi ng pagbabago ng technology. It’s inevitable. We need the right mind to converge new media and print.”

Nathaniel Mariano, News Editor Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila

From E1

John Poliquit, Managing Editor Lyceum University of the Philippines

Jye Alexander Ramirez, Bulacan State University

“Print is growing as we speak. It’s evolving. And social media has become an aid to print. I think it’s not a factor whether your means of reading is on print or online.

When it comes to convenience, sa online ‘yan. But we still rely on print media for facts.”

Deadpool is the seventh most googled term last year

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always believed that print media, especially newspapers, have utilized the power of words in a compelling way. I’ve always had a passion for self-expression and the best medium for me is writing. I would always have a higher appreciation for the printed word.”

Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Senator Sonny Angara impressed upon the 500 delegates from 12 schools the importance of having reliable media institutions.

“Many observers say we live in a post-truth era. An independent and trustworthy media is needed now more than ever,” he emphasized.

The first Student Journalism Awards of Gawad Inkstitusyon awarded the following campus journalists and campus papers during the congress: Best News Story to Robbin M. Dagle and Liam C. Lu of Ateneo de Manila University; Best Feature Story to JC A. Beltran and Miguel N. Sevidal of Ateneo de Manila University; Best Editor-in-Chief to Bryle Suralta of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila; Best Photo for Sports to Ateneo de Manila University; Best Photo for News, Best Photo for Feature, and Best Masthead to Colegio de San Juan de Letran; Best Layout to Miriam College; and Best Campus Paper to Lyceum of the Philippines University.

STORAGE.it Pocket Planner

A planner and a storage in one, this notebook comes with a zip bag cover where you can put small items like pens and cards and a weekly layout where you can write down goals and to-dos. Other features include a list of holidays and average temperatures, among others.

Available at National Bookstore.

Showbiz

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017

E3

A YEAR IN MUSIC STREAMING

The duo of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart, otherwise known as The Chainsmokers, is the most streamed artist in the Philippines

HERE is a fun fact, based on Spotify, the world’s most popular music streaming service provider, The Chainsmokers is the most streamed artist in the Philippines. Its hit songs “Closer,” “Don’t let me Down,” and “Roses” are the most popular tracks.

Now, after wrapping up 2016, and we now brace ourselves for 2017, let’s have a quick rundown of the music Filipinos listen to in the year that was.

ANIMALISTIC. Andrea Torres during her shoot for Asia Brewery calendar

CALENDAR GIRL...

From E4

Two weeks before the new year, the Alyas Robin Hood star went wild and sexy during Asia Brewery’s calendar photo shoot clad in animal printed bikini. Andrea posted behind-the-scenes photos of the shoot on her Instagram account.

In one photo, the 26-year-old actress slayed it wearing a skimpy leopard-printed two-piece, the same bikini featured on the beverage brand’s calendar. In another photo, Andrea looks fierce as she posed wearing a zebra-printed two-piece intimate apparel.

For Max Collins, the New Year is all about pumping up your energy. The 24-year-old Kapuso is Cobra Energy’s 2017 muse for its calendar. Apparently, people from the beverage brand have been keeping their eye on the actress whose favorite pastime is hitting the gym.

The energy drink brand has chosen Max to be its poster girl for 2017, gracing the upcoming calendar looking mighty fit and well, sensationally sultry. She is also featured on the sweltering augmented reality video clad in her now famous yellow bikini.

Another Kapuso star is setting our calendars ablaze. Known as the new “Pantasya ng Bayan,” Bubble Gang regular Kim Domingo is living up to everyone’s expectation in five calendar layouts with a “cheeky and geeky” theme.

Late in October, the sexy star and Ginebra San Miguel calendar girl surprised her followers when she posted a revealing photo on Instagram. In her personal page, Kim is seen wearing a red two-piece bikini highlighting her ample asset.

And lastly but definitely not the least, December FHM cover girl whose naked photos went viral on all social media platforms is Ellen Adarna.

The controversial beauty, who also received flak from netizen for telling the whole world that she’s able to smoke aboard an aircraft triggering the fire alarm is this year’s Tanduay cover girl.

Ellen will be Tanduay’s flag bearer for 2017 as the company will be aggressively using digital content with series of webisodes that will guide every man on how to become better versions of themselves.

Ellen will be debunking misconceptions and inspire confidence to male viewers on situations like Valentines date, asking Miss Independent out, and even grooming guides and what to wear to impressively introduce themselves in a bar.

Kapuso star Max Collins in her iconic yellow bikini for Cobra Energy 2017 calendar

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Sunday, January 1, 2017

ACROSS 1 Said excitedly 6 Walrus hunter 11 Make catty remarks 16 Bagpipe sound 21 Jimmy, for one 22 Metaphysical poet 23 December ditty 24 Mirage sights 25 Conjecture 26 Ms. Foster of “The Silence of the Lambs” 27 Do the trick 28 Hums 29 Tarzan’s earldom 31 Champagne bottle 33 Heir, often 35 Festive night 36 Plea at sea 37 Balked 38 “En garde” weapon 39 Art categories 41 Sturm — Drang 42 Flatten 44 Address similar to “sport” 46 Shish-kebab holders 51 Fiscal period 52 Shredded 53 Wonka’s creator 57 Edmonton pucksters 58 Bee and Em 59 Country gallant 60 Estuary 61 Hop out of bed 62 Dawns 63 Closes in on 64 Smudges 66 Herd of whales 67 Grubby 68 Satyrs 69 Grommet 70 Montand or St. Laurent 72 Douses or drenches 73 Ben, of “Bonanza” 74 Generosity (var.)

75 Booster rocket 77 Coup plotters 78 “Aida” composer 79 Fauna 82 Dollar value 83 Fish story 84 Hebrew letters 88 Happen as hoped (2 wds.)

89 Natural climbers 90 Luminous auras 91 Favor-currying gift 92 Close by 93 Quarries 94 Nectar, finally 95 Bandleader Count — 97 “Pulp Fiction” name 98 Skimpy tops 99 Quick kisses

100 101 103 104 105 106 108 110 111 114 115 117 120 121 123 125 127 129 131 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141

Happened to Trig function Made tracks Havens Geometric pattern Happy rumbles Them that’s got — Tome Trouser-leg feature And then —!

Primitive weapon Turn sharply Underwater shocker — and haw Mongoose prey Quill possessor Summa cum — Piano exercise Free play Cattle country Lightweight quilt It may be rattled Box-office totals Whims and yens Makes tea or mead Some coin-toss results That is Pizzazz

DOWN 1 Plugs up 2 Dupe 3 Creepers 4 “—, meeny, miny, moe” 5 Formal, maybe 6 Borders on 7 Gazed at 8 Left off 9 Verse lead-in 10 Jeans go-withs 11 Cuts too short 12 Blues 13 Really ticked 14 South Seas staple 15 Architects’ wings 16 Swallowed 17 Sidelines cry 18 Basket willow 19 Effrontery 20 Mountain curves 30 Day of the wk.

32 Squints at 34 Nash of humorous poems 40 Give silent assent 42 Old postcard cost 43 Hamelin pests 44 Zen riddles 45 Late spring flower 46 In a lather 47 Bolshoi rival 48 “Forget” a letter 49 Craven of horror films 50 Prior to 51 Round dwellings 52 Coil about

54 55 56 58 59 62 63 64 65 67 68 69 71 73 74 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 85 86 87 89 90 93

As — — (usually) Charters Keeps on going Major artery Steam bath Demeanors “Wayne’s World” pal Polar explorer On the up and up Resided Basins in a church Merits Where Pago Pago is Entices “Bad, Bad — Brown” France, long ago Indiana or Casey Dingles and dales High mark (hyph.)

Singer — Judd Quechua speaker — and dined Tugs Black-ink item Monsieur’s shout Trance Intuitions Horse’s ankles California’s — Woods

94 95 96 98 99 100 102 105 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 122 124 126 128 130 132

Present Maude of TV Pro Bowl letters Number of Fates Patio block Rodeo mount Clean-air org.

Most beautiful Flashlight carriers Wearing a cowl Fossil resins Ski runs Glitterati member Broadcast again Give the slip Cousteau invention Had one’s say Meditation guides Full of zest Show backer Formation fliers Netting — spumante Component It glistens — kwon do Rotter

The Chainsmokers A production duo featuring Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall, The Chainsmokers mixes indie, dance, and pop into a charttopping sound that spawned hits like “Roses,” and “Don’t Let Me Down.” Pall and Taggart first made a name for themselves by creating mixes of their favorite indie bands that garnered tens of millions of streams. The Chainsmokers has 34 million monthly listeners.

Justin Bieber Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber was barely into his teens when he released his 2009 debut, My World, and became one of the youngest success stories in contemporary pop it went either platinum or double platinum in several countries.

Bieber is the most streamed male artist with 24 million monthly listeners.

Ariana Grande A television star turned pop diva, Ariana Grande emerged in the mid-2010s as an heir to the throne of Mariah Carey. Blessed with powerful vocals that belied her petite frame, Grande is this year most streamed female artist with almost 30 million listeners.

Pantasya ng Bayan and Ginebra San Miguel calendar girl Kim Domingo

Top Hits Philippines It has finally gained more than a million followers this year. Top Hits Philippines is now the country’s most popular playlist followed by Today’s Top Hits, It’s a Hit!, #Hugot, and Morning Stroll.

E4

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor

Showbiz

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com

ANDREA, MAX, ELLEN, OR KIM

WHO'S YOUR ULTIMATE CALENDAR GIRL?

By Nickie Wang

W

HETHER it’s a desktop calendar or the one you hang behind your door, guys, you are in luck because it’s going to be a smoldering sight. You only have to choose among Andrea Torres, Max Collins, Ellen Adarna, and Kim Domingo.

This year’s eagerly anticipated calendars are all about these four eye candies gamely trying to appear seductively in the way we rather expect. You know, with heaving bosom in sight, these impossibly sexy yet glamorous images (probably manipulated for commercial interests) will surely be our favorite for the rest of 2017, just like how the classic song goes – in each in every day of the year! Turn to E3

IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERE. Ellen Adarna (left) and Andrea Torres set our 2017 calendar ablaze with their sensational photos featuring their ample assets