Manila Standard - 2017 May 14 - Sunday

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VOL. XXXI • NO. 89 • 5 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

DU30 CAN DELIVER ON PROMISES—SWS M

By John Paolo Bencito

ORE than half of Filipinos remain optimistic that President Rodrigo Duterte will be able to fulfill most, if not all, of his promises despite a 10-point drop in his ratings since he took office in June, the latest Social Weather Stations Survey showed.

The First Quarter survey, conducted among 1,200 respondents, found 52 percent of Filipinos believe that Duterte can make good of his promises, with 17 percent saying “all or nearly all” can be accomplished and 35 percent believing he can fulfill “most” of his promises.

However, the number of Filipinos who expect that most, if not all, of Duterte’s promises will be fulfilled stood at 63 percent in June 2016, slid down to 56 percent in September, and went down further to 53 percent in March 2017.

Part of the survey findings released earlier showed that many Filipinos sup-

port the President even though his trust and approval ratings slipped to 76 percent, a significant seven-point drop from 83 percent in December 2016.

Duterte’s performance ratings also slipped by five percentage points to 78 percent in March from the 83 percent he obtained last year.

Disapproval and distrust ratings of the President were set at 7 percent and 5 percent, respectively, while indecision toward his performance and trustworthiness stood at 15 percent and 18 percent of respondents, respectively.

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WORLD/ B3

FROM SHEPHERDS TO SAINTS

YOUNG LIFE / E1

THE LIFE OF YOUNG MOMS

MARITIME ROW TOPS PH-CHINA AGENDA

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

MULTITASKING MOM. A young mother carries her baby on a 'kangaroo wrap' while attending to her work in a touching scene of maternal care for her child. Manny Palmero

WORLD REELS FROM CYBERATTACKS WASHINGTON, United States—A fast-moving wave of cyberattacks swept the globe Friday, apparently exploiting a flaw exposed in documents leaked from the US National Security Agency.

The attacks—which experts said affected dozens of countries—used a technique known as ransomware

that locks users’ files unless they pay the attackers a designated sum in the virtual currency Bitcoin.

Affected by the onslaught were computer networks at hospitals in Britain, Russia’s interior ministry, the Spanish telecom giant Telefonica and the US delivery firm FedEx and many other organizations.

Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre and its National Crime Agency were looking into the UK incidents, which disrupted care at National Health Service facilities.

“This is not targeted at the NHS, it’s an international attack and a number of countries and organizations have been affected,” British

Prime Minister Theresa May said.

Russia’s interior ministry said that some of its computers had been hit by a “virus attack” and that efforts were under way to destroy it.

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CLINKING CUPS AT NAPA VALLEY ADDING GLORY TO THE WINE

By Honor Blanco Cabie

VALLEJO, California—Near this city in the northern part of California, where many Filipinos hack out a living, lies Napa Valley which takes pride in besting several famous French labels 41 years ago.

The reputation, earned from the blind Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 which featured a Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, has been a source of pride for Californians, known for hectares of vineyards from up north down to the southern part near Los Angeles and San Diego facing the Pacific Ocean.

Officials familiar with the blind tasting format say Napa Valley’s entries bested several famous

French labels—distinction which younger generations of Californians take pride in.

A member of the younger generation is 44-year-old Orville Maen, a retired non-commissioned officer from the US Marine Corps and a veteran of the first Gulf War in the 1990s.

Maen, who now works as a financial specialist and who washes down his steak and other food with Napa Valley wines, told the Manila Standard: “Napa Valley, which has 33 soil series with more than 100 soil variations is home to thousands of hectares of grape vineyards and is a good source of blended wines. The land itself makes Napa unique and the [cool] weather is perfect.

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CIVILIZED CULTURE. Part of the more than 18,000-hectare vineyards of Napa Valley, north of San Pablo Bay in northern California, which has become internationally known after winning in 1976 the Paris Wine Tasting, a badge of honor generations of Californians are proud of, prompting California vineyard operator Robert Mondavi to say ''Wine is family and friends, warmth of heart and generosity of spirit; an art; culture; the essence of civilization and the art of living.'' Contributed photo

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MANILA and Beijing will discuss maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea next week, even as a former national security adviser warned that China continues its construction of a “mammoth” naval and air base in Scarborough Shoal.

In a press conference in Beijing at the sidelines of China’s Belt and Road forum, Ambassador to China Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana said both countries, despite their territorial disputes, would start the bilateral consultative mechanism to discuss sensitive issues on the South China Sea. “Next week, we will inaugurate the bilateral consultative mechanism on issues of particular concern to each side. This is where the sensitive issues will be discussed,” Sta. Romana said.

“A chance to exchange views on the South China Sea issue,” the envoy said, adding that both the Philippines and China have resumed bilateral talks that were frozen during the previous administration.

He said the bilateral talks will formally start next week, and both sides agreed to have meetings twice a year.

Sta. Romana said the bilateral mechanism is in line with the diplomatic track of President Rodrigo Duterte in resolving the dispute, where the Philippines would put its claims in the back seat and focus on the economic interests and cooperation of Manila and Beijing.

“I think the Philippine approach is basically give diplomacy a chance—give peace a chance. You don’t force an issue, you cannot resolve an issue where there is no consensus, where the two sides are not ready to take it up or discuss,” the ambassador explained.

Earlier, Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said during Duterte’s visit to China last October, the two countries agreed to establish bilateral consultation by creating a peaceful resolution to the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight.

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DU30...

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Duterte’s trust and approval ratings remained high in his home region, Mindanao, at 88 percent and 90 percent, respectively, while he obtained the lowest trust and approval scores in Balance Luzon and the National Capital Region.

Malacañang blamed the significant drop in Duterte’s trust and approval ratings to the “seemingly orchestrated events” organized by the administration’s critics to dampen support for the President.

Still, the high approval rating overall showed that the majority of Filipinos appreciate Duterte’s decisiveness, said Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella.

During the survey period, a party-list lawmaker filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte.

At the Senate, a self-confessed but perjured assassin tagged Duterte as the leader of the Davao Death Squad when he was still Davao City mayor; human rights groups attacked the administration’s anti-drug campaign; and Vice President Leni Robredo issued a video message attacking the administration’s war on drugs that was to be shown at a United Nations meeting.

CLINKING...

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“The grapes are all natural, no harmful chemicals used, and the authorities keep the vineyards as natural as possible.”

According to Maen, who sounded familiar with wine processing in the Valley, the producers mix their wines with different berries from Canada and place these in wine caves underground.”

Napa Valley is known for its distinct reds: Opus One, Rubicon and Dominus. These are blends primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon.

Many say Most Napa Valley’s blended wines use the grape varieties famous in the French Bordeaux region— Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Meriot—and sometimes Petit Verdot and/or Malbec.

Since ages back, the Napa Valley has sat on Mount Saint Helena, now a dormant volcano whose outer ridge forms the rings of mountains surrounding the Valley, whose volcanic rocks have given the area what Maen described as “soil quality perfect for growing grape varieties.”

Napa’s first commercial winery was established in 1861 by Charles Krug, whose success and leadership excited a wave of new growth that by 1889 there were more than 140 wineries in operation.

Within the Valley, north of San Pablo City and near this waterfront port city in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay area, lie more than 18,200 hectares of vineyards planted.

Cabernet Sauvignon is king in Napa Valley with 3,318 hectares while Chardonnay is the most widely planted white wine variety with 2,950 hectares.

Today, there are almost 850 wineries in California although only 4 percent of California’s wine is produced in Napa Valley.

The figure is interesting, according to old hands here, since the Napa Valley is only 48 kilometers in length and 8 kilometers across at its widest point.

The Valley’s vineyards can be found from sea level up to about 2,400 feet above sea level.

The Napa Valley wine industry creates almost 46,000 jobs in Napa County with some 303,000 reported, according to latest and available figures, nationwide and represents more than $50 billion in the domestic economy in contemporary times.

With its badge of honor among wine experts, the Napa’s wine country has become a major tourist attraction.

Some in the industry have said that with a climate similar to a Mediterranean weather region—mild winters and dry hot summer temperatures— “the grapes are happy here.”

According to chroniclers of the Napa Valley wine, California was first introduced to “vitis vinifera” wines, a species of wine grapes native to the Mediterranean region, in the 19th century by the Spanish, who planted vineyards with each 21 missions they established.

The wine was used for religious sacraments as well as for daily life.

The vine cuttings used to start the vineyards came from Mexico and were the descendant of the “common black grape” brought to the New World by Hernán Cortés in 1520.

The grape’s association with the church caused it to become known as the Mission grape, which was to become the dominant grape variety in California until the 20th century.

HISTORIC TIES UNFOLD AMONG PH, CHINA, ASEAN

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“NEW page of history” has begun for China, the Philippines and the Asean, President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday as he worked to intensify economic development and exchange views with Beijing through China’s Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this weekend.

“China has built a relationship between the Asean and with the Philippines a new chapter, a new page of our history. China has, and [if ] they were to help, and it could only do so [if ] we come up with a common economic program for everybody. If there’s investment, we can have more businesses, make the economy grow and China would likewise benefit from it,” Duterte told China Central Television.

Duterte, who will visit Beijing for the second time, said that he will attend the forum not only representing the Philippines but also the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as the Philippines is currently the rotating chairman of the regional grouping.

“The Philippines is now the chair of the Aseanand whether I like it or not, I would bring some messages

from the Asean community. Second is I also represent my country there upon the invitation of President Xi Jinping. Then I would work on a more robust bilateral connection with China, make it, fortify it with understanding the intricacies of our government including how the One Belt One Road would operate,” he said.

Duterte said that the Belt and Road initiative fits into the Philippines’ 2017-2022 development plan, especially in infrastructure development.

He said he hoped to promote the connectivity of capital, cargo, and people to further upgrade trade cooperation.

Duterte said he wants to learn more about the economies of other nations and how they operate, to boost the Philippines’ connectivity. “[It’s important that] I listen par-

ticularly, listen and learn more on how I can go about bringing in the Asean community, with it I hope that the state leaders would also be there. And at the same time, I can have a conference with them of how best we can address the projections of what the One Belt One Road would operate in our community, in my case, in the Philippines,” said the President.

In an interview in Beijing, thePhilippine Ambassador to China, Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana said that the President has decided to put the issue on the country’s arbitration ruling in a “separate track” so as not to derail the Philippines’ improving relations with China.

Duterte has said he would use a “soft” approach in dealing with the Philippines’ maritime dispute with China and has engaged into bilateral talks instead of pressing the issue on China.

“If you put the disputes in the front and center of bilateral relations and say you have to resolve this first before you can have trade and cultural links, the relations will be frozen,” Sta. Romana said.

“The strategy is to put the dispute in a separate track, [but] to put it in a separate track is not to abandon or

give up,” he added.

Instead, Duterte and his team of economic managers will “proceed from our own national interest under the banner of an independent foreign policy” when crafting deals with their counterparts in China’s capital, Sta. Romana said.

“Where there are areas of convergence, we will proceed,” he said.

Sta. Romana, however, clarified that putting the issue on a separate track doesn’t mean the government was giving up on the country’s claims in the disputed sea.

“If you put the dispute on the center (of the discussion), it will poison the atmosphere,” he said.

The government is employing a different strategy this time, saying that it wants to avoid a row with China from escalating.

“It could if it’s not handled properly like what we have experienced in the past couple of years,” he said.

During the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Manila, Duterte chose to remain silent on alleged Chinese incursions into Philippine waters, including its militarization and land grabbing activities, and the Philippines’ arbitration victory.

John Paolo Bencito

NDF CONSULTANT, BISHOP DETAINED IN OZAMIS

By John Paolo Bencito and Lance Baconguis THE National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente on Saturday demanded the release of an NDF’s peace consultant and an IFI bishop who were arrested in Ozamis City this week.

NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said that Rommel Salinas, whom authorities described as the “most wanted” New People’s Army commander in Western Mindanao, “is a duly accredited person under the Jasig (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees). He is the holder of Document of Identification No. ND978453 under the name of Hermie Abella.

Apart from Salinas, Bishop Carlos Morales was also arrested together with his wife Maria Teofilina, and their driver Isadome Dalid when they were stopped and apprehended at a checkpoint in Barangay Gango, Ozamis City on Thursday

evening.

“Agcaoili slammed the illegal arrest last Thursday evening of NDFP consultant Rommel Salinas as another clear violation of Jasig,” the NDF statement read.

“It is obvious from the narration of events that Salinas had been conducting consultations with various sectors, including the religious, when he was arrested,” he added.

Police said Salinas has a standing warrants of arrest for “destructive arson, murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, and robbery issued by court judges in Dinagat Island and Surigaro City.

Police said they found in Salinas’ possession a hand grenade, six cellphone units with assorted SIM cards, 25 battery packs, P80,700 in cash, a map of Misamis Occidental, a Lenovo tablet, a pair of rubber boots, a 12-inch bolo, prepaid cards and an NDF ID card.

Police said Morales is the secretary of the Secom Sendong, the largest unit of the CCP Western Min-

WORLD...

out at Mendiola.

After vainly trying to shake off the two men on a motorcycle who followed them, the Tiamzons decided to return to the protest camp where they found help evading their pursuers, Agcaoili said.

Agcaoili likewise cited other attacks against NDF consultants, as he urged the government to “look seriously into these incidents and take whatever measures are necessary, saying that they may have severe repercussions on the ongoing peace negotiations.”

“Other NDFP consultants who have also complained of surveillance include Ruben Saluta, Concha Araneta, Tirso Alcantara, Ernesto Lorenzo and Kennedy Bangibang,” Agcaoili said.

The NDFP peace panel chairman also expressed “grave concern” over reported military “shoot-to-kill” orders against Northern Mindanao NDFP consultant Pedro Codaste and supposed plans to abduct another consultant, Porferio Tuna.

MARITIME...

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aware of ransomware infections “in several countries around the world.”

Jakub Kroustek of the security firm Avast said in a blog post update around 2000 GMT, “We are now seeing more than 75,000 detections... in 99 countries.”

Kaspersky researcher Costin Raiu cited 45,000 attacks in 74 countries, saying that the malware, a selfreplicating “worm,” was spreading quickly.

In a statement, Kaspersky Labs said it was “trying to determine whether it is possible to decrypt data locked in the attack—with the aim of developing a decryption tool as soon as possible.”

‘Kill switch’ On Saturday, a cybersecurity researcher told AFP he had accidentally discovered a “kill switch” that can prevent the spread of the ransomware.

The researcher, tweeting as @ MalwareTechBlog, said the discovery was accidental, but that registering a domain name used by the malware stops it from spreading. Computers already affected will not be helped by the solution.

However, @MalwareTechBlog warned that the “crisis isn’t over” as those behind it “can always change the code and try again.”

danao Regional Party Command.

The bishop said he heard Salinas telling investigators that he is a consultant of the NDF. The Aglipayan Church likewise condemned Morales’ arrest on Saturday.

“The Iglesia Filipina Independiente strongly denounces the illegal arrest of Bishop Carlos Morales and his wife Maria Teofilina, and two other companions, Isadome Dalis and Rommel [Salinas],” said IFI Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana.

In the same statement, the NDF denounced the “series of incidents involving a number of its consultants” which it considers to be “flagrant violations” of the Jsig.

Recently, NDF peace panel member and CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma, a political consultant, were allegedly tailed by military intelligence in Manila Tuesday night after meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang and visiting protesting farmers from Mindanao camping

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The malware’s name is WCry, but analysts were also using variants such as WannaCry. “It’s unequivocally scary,” said John Dickson of the Denim Group, a US security consultancy.

Dickson said the malware itself, which exploits a flaw in Windows, was not new but that adding the ransomware “payload” made it especially dangerous.

“I’m watching how far this propagates and when governments get involved,” he said.

Forcepoint Security Labs said in a statement that the attack had “global scope” and was affecting networks in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Mexico.

In the United States, FedEx acknowledged it had been hit by malware and was “implementing remediation steps as quickly as possible.”

Britain’s National Health Service declared a “major incident” after the attack, which forced some hospitals to divert ambulances and scrap operations.

Germany’s Deutsche Bahn computers were also impacted, with the company reporting on Saturday morning that display panels in the stations were affected. AFP

“The Philippines and China should work together and cooperate for peace and stability in the region, and build mutual trust and confidence,” Manalo said last Jan. 18.

“Both sides agreed to establish a bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea, which will discuss current and other issues of concern to either side, as stated in the Joint Statement issued on the occasion of President Duterte’s State Visit to China in October 2016,” he added.

Meanwhile, former national security adviser and lawmaker Roilo Golez warned that despite the current good relations with China, the latter is still constructing a “mammoth naval and air base” in Scarborough Shoal, a legitimate Philippine territory.

Golez said since August 2012, he has been warning the Philippines over his blog, social media, various and speaking engagements that China intends to develop Scarborough Shoal into a military-civilian base.

“China, if not stopped, can transform Scarborough Shoal into a mammoth naval and air base that would be a clear and present danger to the entire Philippines and our allies,” he warned.

“If China succeeds in transforming Scarborough Shoal into a mammoth Chinese naval and air base, they will be

able to complete their envisioned strategic triangle to gain full control of the South China Sea,” he added.

Sta. Romana, a former journalist who worked in China for 21 years before being appointed by Duterte, also said the President, in attending the forum, will not compromise the Philippines’ claim in the South China Sea. “We are not signing an alliance or treaty here. We are participating in a forum or a discussion,” Sta. Romana said, adding that attending the affair is voluntary for all participating countries.

He said China and the participating countries will release a joint communique over what they have agreed in the Belt and Road forum where trade, labor and goods from each countries will converge into one area.

“He will be here [in Beijing] to promote Philippine economic interest and development interest in broad terms,” Sta. Romana said.

He explained this will be an opportunity for the Philippines to better understand the implications and the projects involved in the summit.

“So in other words, we proceed from our own national interest under the banner of an independent foreign policy, as initiated by the President, and see how we can promote further our economic development interest,” the envoy explained.

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ISIS NOW IN CENTRAL MINDANAO —DU30

VOLUNTEER SPIRIT. Volunteers from Telus help repair armchairs and classrooms prior to Brigada Eskwela on Monday at the Almario Elementary School in Tondo, Manila.

Norman Cruz

GOVT COUNSEL VOWS TO UNMASK NOY’S ‘DAAN’

By John Paolo Bencito and Rio N. Araja detention case before the CA.

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HE hypocrisy of the “Daang Matuwid” will be out in the open once pork barrel queen Janet Lim Napoles turns into a state witness, Solicitor-General Jose Calida said Saturday as he slammed Liberal Party president Senator Francis Pangilinan who questioned plans to make Napoles confess her involvement in the massive looting of government funds in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam.

“Daang Matuwid,” the infamous battle cry of yellow forces, is the catch-all phrase of the previous administration’s “good governance, anti-corruption, and transparency platform.”

“Are you afraid Napoles will unmask the supercilious hypocrisy of the unlamented ‘Daang Matuwid’ regime?” Calida asked Pangilinan in a series of tweets.

Calida told Pangilinan that only the prosecution and the courts are involved in the process of turning an accused into a state witness.

“Why do you keep on sticking your nose in this judicial process?”

On Thursday, Calida questioned Pangilinan and Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, a member of the Senate minority bloc, for expressing their opposition to Napoles’ acquittal in her illegal

“Why are you so agitated on Napoles’ acquittal in the illegal detention case?”

He likewise taunted the two senators, asking them if they are “hiding skeletons” in the closet.

“I can hear your teeth gnashing and knees knocking in fear of Napoles spilling the beans,” Calida said.

He asked: “Are you hiding skeletons in the closet?”

Pangilinan had earlier questioned the administration’s plan considering Napoles as a state witness, saying that she will say anything “just to save her skin.”

“Paano nangyari na yung pinakamalaki ang nakulimbat sa pork barrel na mas malaki pa sa bawat politico—dahil sa lahat nung congressman at senador na kanyang kasabwat ay may hati siya —ay gagawing state witness?” said Pangilinan in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that he believes Napoles to be a “minimal player” in the pork barrel scam, after she expressed readiness to reveal more names “higher” than lawmakers that allegedly benefited from siphoning off the Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations through ghost projects carried out by the businesswoman’s fake non-government organizations.

Former President Benigno Aquino III, meanwhile, has insisted that there was no sufficient ground to charge him for implementing the Disbursement Acceleration Program during his administration.

In his comment to the complainants’ motion for reconsideration submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, Aquino argued that his actions were “performed in accordance with law, as

well as the rules and regulations existing and presumed valid at that time.”He added that he was “motivated solely on good faith and a desire to improve the operational efficiency of the government, as well as spur economic growth and development in the country.”

In his comment, Aquino also urged the Ombudsman to uphold its finding of no probable cause in his case and dismiss the complainant’s motion for reconsideration for lack of merit.

In March, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the criminal and administrative charges against Aquino in the DAP case, prompting Zarate to ask the court to reconsider its decision.

The ex-president appealed to the Ombudsman to reaffirm its decision that there was no probable cause to indict him for graft, and that Zarate’s plea must be dismissed for lack of merit.

He said Zarate’s contention was anchored on “mere rehash” of the accusations against him.

When Aquino stepped down from the presidency in July 2016, Zarate, in a 26-page complaint, filed malversation, usurpation of powers and graft charges against Aquino and ex-budget secretary Florencio Abad for the controversial DAP, which in 2014 the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional.

“This is nothing more than a big pork barrel of the President, which we remember was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court,” Bayan said.

But the Ombudsman dismissed the charges against Aquino in March, and only Abad was indicted for usurpation of powers.

Aquino said Zarate “made no further assertions which would prompt the Honorable Office to reconsider its Decision,” adding he could not even be charged with usurpation of legislative power.

CHED URGES HS GRADS TO PURSUE STUDIES THE Commission on Higher Education on Saturday told high school graduates who were unable to proceed to college, or college students who stopped school, to continue with their studies this year before the new higher education curriculum is implemented by SY 2018-2019.

“Now is really the best chance to go back to college. By next year, Lifelong Learners who would want to continue their undergraduate studies will face more requirements in going back to school, as colleges and universities may require them to take bridging programs or additional subjects in line with the competencies required in the new GE curriculum,“ CHED Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan said.

Collectively called “Lifelong Learners,” these are graduates who have obtained high school diplomas in SY 2014-2015 or earlier under the old 10-year basic education curriculum.

Licuanan explains that these requirements are brought about by the full implementation of the K to 12 Program, particularly the transition to the revised general education (GE) curriculum start-

ing June 2018.

According to CHED Memorandum Order No. 10, Series of 2017, Lifelong Learners may enroll in their preferred higher education program beyond SY 2017-2018, provided that they fulfill the admission requirements of colleges and universities they intend to study in.

“We fully recognize the financial constraints that hamper our Lifelong Learners from pursuing their education. As such, we will be implementing a free tuition scheme in our SUCs this year and continue to provide scholarship programs to eligible students. These interventions underline our efforts and commitment here at CHED to provide wider access to quality higher education nationwide,” Licuanan added.

At the same time, CHED is also calling on all higher education institutions (HEIs) nationwide to accommodate Lifelong Learners this coming school year by extending the deadline for applications and enrollment in SY 2017-2018, and directing students to apply for the Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAPs) offered by CHED. John Paolo Bencito

BIBLE-BASED. Beautiful ladies garbed in colorful gowns participate in the annual Biblical Santa Cruz de Mayo of the Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc. at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Friday, May 12. Norman Cruz

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday warned that the jihadist Islamic State forces have already migrated to the Central Mindanao from their lairs in Sulu province.

Speaking to the Filipino community in Hong Kong, Duterte said that the country would have been in “heaven” already only if terrorism and drugs won’t exist.

“Iyang ISIS kasi, sana huwag mangyari. From Jolo, they have migrated to Central Mindanao,” Duterte said in Filipino.

Duterte insisted that the only thing he won’t do is to talk with terrorists, and that the full might of the military will be used to destroy them.

“I can’t talk to terrorists. One of them was adopted as the chair of the ISIS in Mindanao,” Duterte said, without explaining further.

“Now we have jets ... I am using it, before we didn’t use it, but now, I have to use them hastily to [destroy] the enemy. Because they’re very dangerous,” he added.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told Congress that military offensives have weakened the terror groups.

In a recent House committee on national defense and national security situation, Lorenzana, along with Armed Forces of the Philippines’ General Eduardo Año, told the House of Representatives the government will continue its assault so as not to give the terror groups a chance to regroup.

Both officials expressed optimism the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front would result in fewer skirmishes with government troops.

Among the internal security concerns being addressed were the threats coming from the extremist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-identified local terrorist groups, and foreign terrorists that “they are closely monitoring,” and extortion activities of leftists groups, such as the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front, the two military officials noted.

John Paolo Bencito and Rio N. Araja

DIGONG SAYS RISE IN SALN DUE TO ‘PARAMOUR’ PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday cracked a joke on having a new paramour as he admitted that the sudden P3-million increase in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities came from the excess of his contributions during the campaign.

“That’s the excess from what came to me, I don’t know the purpose and who are they, but I placed it there as income. It’s already the excess. But I already paid for the income tax,” Duterte told reporters in Hong Kong.

In his 2016 SALN filed last April 18 but only made public to reporters on Friday, it showed his net worth rose to P27,428,862.44 at the end of 2016 while he had P24,080,094.04 net worth as of June 30—mainly attributed to an additional P3,148,768.40 in his cash assets. He also acquired other personal properties worth P1 million.

Prior to his admission about the sudden increase in his cash assets, Duterte opened up on a certain girl named “Vanessa,” who would often accompany him in his trips abroad.

“If BIR would catch me, I’ll tell the truth about Vanessa,” the President said. “But as of now, she remains incognito but ah, she’s nice. And someday, I will reveal the truth. But for now... you guess where my P3 million came from. The woman has money.”

Duterte described “Vanessa” as a single woman from Manila, who would refuse to tell him if she’s separated or single and would accompany his trips.

“But this time, she’s not here. But in the previous trips, she was always a member of the ... Bong [Go] would like to tell the truth about her, but I said not now,” he said.

John Paolo Bencito

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MMDA TO DEPUTIZE VILLAGE WATCHMEN

By Joel Zurbano

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HE Metro Manila Development Authority will train and deputize community watchmen to complement the agency’s traffic enforcers and help in managing and directing traffic in the metropolis.

Aside from traffic management, the MMDA will also rigidly train the selected village watchmen from an initial number of 13 barangays in Quezon City on anti-littering, anti-jaywalking, and clearing of illegally-parked vehicles and illegal vendors and illegal terminals in their communities.

MMDA general manager and acting chairman Thomas Orbos said agency officials will sit down with the 13 barangay chairpersons and their subordinates and members of Quezon City’s Department of Public Order and Safety on Tuesday, May 16, 2 p.m. at the MMDA main office in Makati City.

“The barangays, the smallest unit of government, play a vital role in keeping these secondary and tertiary roads obstruction-free. They should also be engaged and tapped to be able to maintain and continue what the agency has accomplished so we can maximize our personnel as well as other resources,” Orbos said.

The cost of training of the barangay watchmen will be shouldered by the agency, he added. Orbos said that after undergoing intensive training on traffic management, the barangay watchmen will be issued traffic violation receipts once they are deployed to their respective areas of responsibility.

Expected to come and discuss the training and deputization are barangay officials from Barangay Veterans Village, Barangay Ramon Magsaysay, Batasan Hills, Barangay Commonwealth, Barangay Holy Spirit, Barangay Old Balara, Barangay Loyola Heights, Barangay E. Rodriguez, Barangay Immaculate Concepcion, Barangay San Martin de Porres, Barangay Socorro, Barangay Apolonio Samson, and Barangay Balingasa.

Orbos said that those who will undergo training and deputization will be tapped to enforce the agency’s anti-littering and tricycle ban on major thoroughfares in their respective localities.

“They will be one of our active partners in our efforts to ease the traffic situation in Metro Manila.

With everyone’s help, we can do it,” he said.

MMDA officials said the ideal number of traffic enforcers should be at least 5,000 to man and to manage traffic flow on major thoroughfares but currently the agency could only afford to deploy around 2,300.

To date, the MMDA has only a total of 2,368 traffic enforcers doing three shifts. These personnel are spread to the 197 kilometers of major roads and thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

Orbos said that traffic enforcers are also needed because there are only 424 major roads with traffic signals as compared to the more than 1,000 main intersections.

SLIM BEAUTY. Candidate No. 12 Natalie Lane of Slimmers World Adriatico beams after she was crowned as Slimmers World Miss Bikini Philippines 2017 in the pageant night held at the Resorts World Manila. The event is also sponsored by Manila Standard. Sonny Espiritu

GOVT DELAYING TACTICS ON OFWS RECRUITMENT HIT

By Vito Barcelo A GROUP of recruitment agencies criticized the government’s delay in securing an appointment with the Consular Affairs Department of the Department of Foreign Affairs which takes more than three months, which it claimed resulted in inconvenience and loss of job opportunities to many overseas Filipino workers.

Recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani said that the appointment system has rendered useless the efforts of the recruit-

BLESSED IMAGES. Minister head Tess Corleto preps up the 200 images of Our Lady of Fatima which will be blessed and distributed to the barangay community by Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle on Friday’s Feast Day of Our Lord of Fatima Parish in Pasay City.

Norman Cruz

ment industry in providing jobs for hundreds of thousands of new hires for their job orders because it takes more than three months to get an appointment.

“Many employers have canceled the contracts as the new workers have given up on long processing time in acquiring the passport,” he said.

He added that the overseas recruitment industry have been at loggerheads with officials of Consular Affairs and withdrew an agreement with the Federation of Manpower Exporters Inc. allowing the walk-in processing

of new overseas applicants with the presentation of verified job orders from the POEA. “This is the existing problem resulting to loss of their jobs because their visas expire before they can get a new passport,” he said.

POEA statistics show that there are 300,000 new hires each year that require new passports aside from the millions of OFWs who come home for their vacations to renew their contracts.

Geslani said the delay has a serious effect in the aspirations

of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who are seeking better opportunities abroad in the absence of decent jobs in the country.

“There is also a domino effect to the recruitment agencies that despite the high demand for HSWs, the lack of qualified OFWs with passports is detrimental to their companies.”

The recruitment agency has repeatedly requested the DFA to prioritize passport processing of OFWs as this is the sector that continues to support the national economy.

‘OSMAK’ ACQUIRES THREE NEW EQUIPMENT MAYOR Abigail Binay on Saturday announced that the city-run Ospital ng Makati has acquired three new ultrasound equipment worth more than P4 million through the Health Facility Enhancement Program of the national government.

In a simple turnover ceremony, Binay expressed her gratitude to the Department of Health for the new medical equipment, noting that these would “significantly improve Makatizens’ access to quality health care.”

The new equipment consist of one unit of Ultrasound 4-D Scanner worth almost P3.5 million, and two units of Color Ultrasound System worth P748,000 each.

Also present at the turnover ceremony held Thursday were Dr. Vergel Binay, OsMak medical director; Second District Representative Luis Campos; Dr. Realinda Pimentel, chairperson of the Department of Radiology; and Dr. Rodney Fernan, Director for Ancillary Division.

Four months ago, OsMak also began accepting patients in need of routine laboratory examinations.

The hospital has been given P2.79- billion budget for this year, with funds for personal services, P951.19 million; maintenance and other operating expenses, P1.47 billion; and capital outlay, P375.13 million.

The laboratory services of the facility include CBC Platelet Count, Peripheral Blood Smear, PT/PTT (Prothrombin time/Partial thromboplastin time), Routine Blood Chemistry, and Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)-Pulmonary Laboratory.

Available tests for Routine Blood Chemistry include Glucose/OGCT; BUN, Creatinine; Blood Uric Acid; Lipid Profile (complete); AST, ALT, AlkPhos; Na, K, Cl, Ionized Calcium; Total Protein, Albumin; HbA1c; Magnesium, Phosphorus; Amylase, LDH; Bilirubin (Total and Direct); Total Calcium;CSF Glucose and Protein; Troponin I; Pro-BNP; and D-Dimer.

Binay said that under the previous administration, the services of the ISO-certified OsMak deteriorated.

Its laboratory and medical supplies suffered serious shortages while its major diagnostic equipment and air-conditioning system had broken down and were not repaired.

Mayor Binay said her administration has already taken urgent measures to “restore efficiency and compassion” in the services of the hospital.

Dr. Vergel Binay, OsMak medical director, said certain innovations were put in place in the past few months primarily for the convenience of the patients.

These include the introduction of the Bar Code System in the registration process, which is being done by phase. Old patients already registered in the hospital’s electronic database have been given their own bar code attached to their Yellow Card so that when they come back, their cards will just be scanned to activate their registration.

The new hospital management also established a Self-Registration Kiosk for computer-literate patients, and an Assisted Registration Kiosk for those who need assistance in using the facility. Joel Zurbano

‘STL-TENG’ EMERGES IN N. VIZCAYA "STL-teng," a hybrid of the illegal jueteng and the PCS-sanctioned Small Town Lottery, is emerging a week after police raided betting stations in some municipalities to stop the illegal numbers game in the province.

In April, police raided bet operation centers managed by Meridien Vista and Gaming Corp. in Bayombong, Solano and Bagabag which reportedly resulted in the folding up of MVGC in the province.

However, observers said the raids and arrests were only for a show since the illegal numbers game continues to operate in at least 10 towns in the province, including the capital town

and the other premier municipalities of Solano, Bambang and Bagabag.

This time, jueteng continue to thrive with new operators reportedly using the PCSO-sanctioned Small Town Lottery or STL as their legal front.

According to sources, “STL-teng” operators here are taking advantage of the supposed “dry run” operation of PCSO's STL in the province by reopening raided betting stations with some even using the logo of the PCSO apparently to deceive bettors.

PCSO officials said they have given a deadline to the provincial police office led by Senior Supt. Leumar Abugan to stop the ongoing illegal num-

bers game playing combinations of one to 37 or one to 40.

Alexander Balutan, PCSO general manager, explained that the operation of jai alai is one to 10 and if one bets on one to 37, then that is clearly jueteng.

Reports said that STL-teng in the province is being run by “personalities” identified with local government officials and ex-military men.

The PCSO-listed Authorized Agent Corp. for Nueva Vizcaya is King's 810 Gaming Corp., which failed to start its operation due to the resurgence of the illegal numbers game claiming to be a PCSOsanctioned STL. Abe Almirol

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SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 Adelle Chua, Editor

Opinion

Joyce Pangco Pañares, Issue Editor

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE

KEEPING A COMMONPLACE BOOK

UNDER FIRE S

FROM cavemen’s drawings of animals on walls to internet blogs, for as long as people have been making marks on paper, they have been documenting what they do, see, feel, think, desire.

This urge became easier to fulfill when paper, pen, and ink became more affordable and accessible and higher levels of literacy became the norm rather than the exception.

There have been several versions of the notebook, each with a different purpose.

Planners and daybooks are for making lists and schedules; they allow us to to bring order and some degree of control to our lives.

Diaries are for documenting, in chronological order, daily activities and occurrences, thoughts and feelings, wishes and dreams.

Friendship books, common in the 19th century, were collections of dedications, poems, and drawings from and autographs of friends. A version of this familiar to many of us is the “slumbook” of our youth, with each page pre-printed with questions such as “what’s your favorite color?” and “who is your crush?”

Regular notebooks are for preserving important bits of information; examples of these are school and work notebooks.

Sketchbooks are for drawings and other forms of illustration. For some it serves as a diary or daily log.

We’ve used one or more of these types of notebooks at some point and we are familiar with how to create them. However, there’s one type of notebook that may be unfamiliar to most—the commonplace book.

Before the internet and easy access to information, such a book was necessary if one were to recall things that mattered to them in some way.

Scraps of poetry, aphorisms and saying, quotations, and passages of books were copied into these commonplace books.

In the 13th century, the Italians had a version called zibaldone, which means “a heap of things.” In addition to text, these notebooks contained sketches and drawings and random jottings such as lists, calculations, thoughts, meal logs.

“Commonplacing” was popular in Enlightenment-era Europe and America, where people transcribed from books and other sources the ideas that attracted them, going on to create their own personal philosophies from these collected concepts.

Bruce Lee refined and developed the philosophy that he was to turn into Jeet Kune Do by much the same technique. The famed martial artist kept a two-by-three inch notebook with him in which he wrote down poems, pupils’ phone numbers, training regimens, affirmations, and ideas.

In modern times, notebooks are often started but not finished. With good intentions to persevere, I’ve started many planners and diaries that ended abruptly three or four months later.

I first began a commonplace book on New Year’s Day of 2008.

In it, over the years, I wrote poems, sayings, proverbs, aphorisms, postal addresses of friends abroad,

INCE the start of the Duterte administration, the international community has trained its eyes on the Philippines.

There was a war to be fought, and the new president was employing an unconventional way to accomplish the task.

The global audience is aghast that President Rodrigo Duterte prefers a manner that involves the violation of human rights of those he suspects to be involved in the use, or trade, or both, of illegal drugs. The numbers vary but the consensus is that thousands have been killed either through police operations where the suspects evaded arrest or tried to wrest control of the firearm, or through vigilante killings. This even as administration officials insist the numbers have been distorted.

Lawful arrest and a fair trial seem to be roundabout ways to achieve immediate results.

Mr. Duterte’s public demeanor and pronouncement suggest he encourages such extrajudicial methods. He has spoken about how the suspects are a menace to society, how they threaten our children’s future and how they should be wiped out in big numbers. He has assured the police of his support as they go after these drug suspects.

And for his critics, domestic and foreign, he only has fighting words.

At last week’s conference on human rights at the United Nations

headquarters in Geneva, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said there was no statesponsored killing in the Philippines, and that there is no sudden wave of killings.

Notwithstanding these assurances, 45 out of 47 nations expressed concern over the conduct of the war on drugs here, called on Mr. Duterte to end the killings and withdraw the plan to revive the death penalty.

The President has responded to these international calls with resentment.

Even the presence of UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard was roundly criticized by his supporters; Callamard herself was even subjected to personal insults from supposedly enlightened individuals.

Sure, the drug problem is a domestic problem, and the solutions are domestic, as well. But what all these tell us is that we cannot exist in isolation and ignore what the community of nations has to say. This is exactly why such forums exist. Openness to the opinion of others is not subservience.

It is a way to evaluate whether we are doing the right things, and whether we are doing the right things right.

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CALL TURKEY’S BLUFF ON ARMING SYRIAN KURDS THE White House’s announcement that it would start directly arming the Syrian Kurds fighting Islamic State was greeted as big news. It was no such thing for the Kurds themselves, who have been receiving US weapons for more than two years, and opposition

from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shouldn’t deter the plan from going forward.

It’s not as though Turkey was unaware that US weaponry was ending up with Kurdish Democratic Union forces, which Ankara considers a terrorist

Stepping up military shipments will speed up Islamic State’s demise.

group allied with Turkey’s outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. But for the White House to announce that such shipments are now official policy, and will include heavier equipment such as mortars and armored cars, is a direct warning to Erdogan, who has

become increasingly autocratic as a leader—and problematic as an ally— since he put down an attempted coup last summer.

It’s a delicate balancing act for Washington to maintain relationships Turn to B2

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From B1

with both the Turks and the Kurds in Iraq and Syria. At the moment, however, annihilating Islamic State is the overriding priority in the Syrian civil war—reason enough to make arming the Kurds official US policy.

They have been the most effective proxy force for the anti-Islamic State coalition, and should take the lead in the final push to defeat the jihadists in their self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa.

Moreover, and uncharacteristic for Donald Trump’s White House, the decision on the Kurds seems to have been taken carefully. Trump’s top military advisers, including National Security Adviser General H.R. McMaster, are said to have been the prime advocates of the plan, arguing that the push for Raqqa should be made quickly while Islamic State is concentrating on the fight for Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city. Former President Barack Obama also reportedly favored stepping up Kurdish arms shipments and had his aides present the incoming Trump administration with a plan to do so.

Once the terrorists are defeated, the US can turn to longer-term issues such as patching up relations with Erdogan, as well as reaching some sort of peace deal involving protected, autonomous zones for US-supported factions and, eventually, the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s murderous reign.

Erdogan has responded to the arms announcement with typical bellicosity, raising concerns he will step up attacks on anti-government Turkish Kurds. This presents a complication for the US, but not necessarily a bad one. The US also considers the PKK a terrorist group, and it is a bitter rival of the Iraqi Kurdish groups that have been fighting on the American side for more than two decades.

As frustrating as Erdogan can be, Turkey remains a vital Nato ally and a bulwark against terrorism and instability in the Middle East. So the US can make some concessions to ease Turkey’s concerns: promising that it has no intention of recognizing a sovereign Kurdish state, for example, or that it will cut off the arms flows if there is strong evidence weapons are flowing across the border to Turkish Kurds, or that Turkish forces can remain in control of the city of al Bab, west of Raqqa, which they conquered in February.

But Trump’s strongest case—which he should make to Erdogan in their scheduled meeting next week in Washington—is that it’s in Turkey’s interest to accept this policy. Not only does Turkey have a greater stake in defeating Islamic State and ending the civil war on its southern border, but drifting away from the West and Nato toward Russia’s orbit would result in an economic disaster for a nation whose economy is looking increasingly vulnerable. Bloomberg

KEEPING...

From B1

online usernames and passwords, quilt patterns, recipes, the lyrics of Nessun Dorma in Italian and English translation, and other things that were of interest or significance to me.

One entry was a list of cheeky Latin phrases: “Stercus accidit (Shit happens).” “Si fractum non, sit noli id reficere (If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it).” “Sit vis vobiscum (May the Force be with you).”

I’d also jotted down a lengthy list of archaic words, no longer used but with such fine nuances of meaning that I would applaud their return to regular usage: “blateration” (blabber, chatter); “obstrigillate” (to oppose, to resist); “omniregency” (state of complete authority). To use these in a sentence that is relevant to present times is easy: “Trump and Duterte’s ill-considered blateration provoked many citizens of their countries to obstrigillate against them lest they impose an omniregency led by themselves.”

What are the benefits of keeping a commonplace book?

It is a repository of information that you will otherwise find difficult to retrieve. It reminds you of what you were like at a certain time in your life through the things were important to you or inspired you. It imposes a discipline on thinking through writing—studies have proven that writing helps us process thoughts more effectively.

All you need to start commonplacing is a notebook and a pen. After that, the rest is up to you.

Dr. Ortuoste is a California-based writer. Follow her on Facebook: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste, Instagram: @jensdecember, @ artuoste

THE VARIETIES OF MOTHERHOOD

By Pecier Decierdo WHAT does motherhood mean?

That question is difficult, perhaps even impossible, to answer to the satisfaction of everyone. And I think that’s fine. Maybe there are as many different kinds of motherhoods as there are mothers.

Perhaps one does not even have to be a mother, or even a woman, to experience some aspect of it.

Still, there are two facets of motherhood in the narrower sense that are worth a closer look. First is the biological connection between mother and offspring. Second is the social connection between those who nurture and those who are nurtured.

For a vast majority of living things on Earth, motherhood means making copies of oneself.

That’s what many microbes do, and microbes easily outnumber us animals.

However, since we are animals, we are often more interested in the varieties of motherhood among our fellow animals. We can also relate more to animal mothers, at least to those more closely related to us. After all, insect motherhood seems so alien to us. Bacterial “motherhood” barely deserves the human-made term.

Even then, the variety of motherhood among animals is staggering.

Consider the African elephant.

After being pregnant for 22 months, an elephant mother gives birth to a young that weighs up to 110 kg (around 240 lbs). Born blind and almost helpless, elephant calves need a lot of help to gain their footing in life.

Fortunately, the calf’s mother is rarely alone in raising it. The other females in the herd, from grandmothers to sisters to aunts and even cousins, will help in raising the young calf. These full-time baby sitters are called “allomothers,” and their participation in raising the calf is critical in preparing it for life in the savannah.

This style of raising young is found in many other groups of animals, including some human societies. As the proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Some animals, and cultures, take this to heart.

Among meerkats, a dominant pair in a group breeds to produce young meerkats. The rest of the group will forgo reproducing and will instead dedicate their lives to raising the offspring of the dominant pair. Dwarf mongooses have a similar family setup.

Contrast these styles to those of solo mothers.

For the first few months of a polar bear cub’s life, the only contact it will have will be with its littermates and its mother. Mother polar bears give birth in the dead of winter, when the temperature averages at

minus 40 degrees Celsius. A mother polar bear is basically trapped in its den with its young cubs for months on end.

Female octopuses often have to protect their brood alone, and they will do this even at the cost of their life. When it gets very hungry, a female octopus will consider nibbling on its tentacles rather than leave its brood. By the time the eggs hatch, a female octopus can be too weak to defend itself against predators.

Other mothers do not even get to see their young. From green sea turtles to many species of fish, the mothers will lay their eggs and then swim away.

Meanwhile, newly pregnant female orangutans often intentionally break her relationship with other individuals, particularly the male who got her pregnant. One theory is that pregnant orangutans do not want to share resources with the father. Instead, the female wants to focus her attention and resources to raising her young, which she will do for five years and possibly more. A mother orangutan will provide not only material but also emotional and social support for her young for as long as she can.

Because of this dependence on their mothers, young orangutans that are abandoned or orphaned have a lower chance of surviving.

Our closest relatives, the chimpanzees and bonobos,

experience motherhood somewhere in between the extremes of solo parenting and alloparenting. The bond between mother and young is very strong, and the motherhood style of a particular female can greatly influence the life story of an individual chimp or bonobo. But grandmothers, aunts, and even uncles and other males can play huge roles in raising the young into chimp or bonobo society.

In the same way that the human experience of motherhood is not restricted to a biological bond, chimpanzees and bonobos also experience non-biological motherhood in the form of adoption. Wild chimps and bonobos have been found to adopt orphaned young chimps or bonobos not related to them.

And that’s just a sampler limited to a few non-human animals.

Imagine how greater the variety would be if we included the wide range of motherhood among different human societies.

Even in the stricter biological sense, there are so many different ways to be a mother. Likewise, there are so many different ways to have a mother or to consider someone your mother. We should respect that. We should celebrate it.

Decierdo is resident astronomer and physicist for The Mind Museum.

UNFIT, YET HE’S STILL THE PRESIDENT

By Francis Wilkinson PRESIDENT Donald Trump is not always crazy like a fox. And that— more than obstruction of justice, or any potential criminality related to Russia—is the greatest threat facing the US. It’s also a threat that US institutions are failing to acknowledge, let alone confront.

Trump is unlikely to succeed at completely derailing the FBI investigation into his campaign’s ties to Russia. But he might undermine it enough to avoid any serious consequences. Even without his subterfuge, the investigation could prove inconclusive.

But at least there is an investigation into Russia, in addition to congressional inquiries, news reporting, and a general mobilization of expert opinion and institutions. The investigations are vital. Unless they are, ultimately, beside the point.

For two days early this week, Trump’s staff went to great lengths to establish a plausible claim that Trump did not instigate the firing of FBI director James Comey.

Instead, White House aides and Vice President Mike Pence insisted that Trump was responding to concerns raised in a memo by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

This White House has not assembled a highly competent or ethical team. So the explanations were pretty dodgy. But they nonetheless represented a coordinated effort to define Trump’s actions and confine the

Not very reassuring. AFP

political damage from firing Comey.

Then on Thursday Trump told NBC News anchor Lester Holt that Rosenstein’s memo wasn’t even significant. “I—I was going to fire Comey,” Trump said. Holt immediately questioned him on the issue, all but encouraging Trump to get his story aligned with the previous White House talking points. Trump wasn’t having it.

“Oh, I was gonna fire regardless of recommendation,” Trump said.

There is good reason for journalists and others to ask whether Trump’s statements to Holt constitute something close to an admission that he fired Comey to impede the Russia investigation. (Trump said he was eager for the investigation to end.) There is good reason to use this interview as evidence that Trump’s White House staff is often no more

truthful than Trump himself.

But the issue of the motives and means of the Trump White House is small compared with the enduring madness of the man himself. Trump’s admission to Holt was not an effort to distract from a bunch of bad news stories. Does Trump use such tactics?

Frequently. And from this comes the notion that Trump is “crazy like a fox.”

But the Holt interview wasn’t evidence of being crazy like a fox. This was not a devious move. Trump can be cunning. But he also flails wildly, harming others often and himself occasionally. His recent interviews with the Economist and Time were bizarre and frequently incoherent.

Trump can’t be bothered to even master his own talking points, even in something which could put his entire presidency at risk. Or perhaps he’s

intellectually incapable of doing so.

Trump is almost supernatural in his multivariate unfitness, combining combustible levels of ignorance, amorality, venality and mental imbalance in a way not seen even when Richard Nixon drank alone.

The Russia investigation serves as an outlet for collective anxiety about Trump’s unfitness, just as the prospect of indictments offers a potential deus ex machina to resolve the dangers inherent in Trump’s administration. But what if they resolve nothing? Or take too long doing so?

It’s easy to miss the dense and haunted forest of Trump for all the trees. Speaking to National Public Radio, Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who has kept a safe distance from Trump, spoke of his concerns and lamented the state of American political conflict. “We have a crisis of public trust in this country that is much deeper than just the last four months or the last 18 months. We have an erosion of a shared narrative about what America is about. And we have the huge unpopularity of almost all of our governing institutions.

That should trouble everybody.”

Yes, indeed. That’s all true.

Meanwhile, however, we have a slightly more pressing problem.

The president of the United States is mentally and morally unfit with a nuclear arsenal at his fingertips.

And no one in Washington knows what to do about it. Bloomberg

CHINA’S AMBITIOUS ROAD TO SOMEWHERE Bloomberg Editorial EVERYTHING about China’s “Belt and Road” project is big—from the scale of its investments to the guest list for this weekend’s gathering to celebrate the initiative. To improve its odds of success, China would be wise to think smaller.

True, the initiative—which envisions building energy and transportation infrastructure from Asia to Europe— addresses real needs. The often-poor countries along the proposed routes need modern roads, rails, ports and power plants. China, meanwhile, has legitimate worries about the security of its energy supplies, as well as money, expertise and excess capacity in its construction industry.

The risk, for China no less than participating countries, is that vaulting ambitions could doom the project’s chances of success. What’s held back infrastructure development in Asia isn’t

so much a lack of funding but a dearth of viable projects. Inevitably, as it has within China, politically motivated lending will produce more white elephants, burdening host countries with unsustainable debt burdens.

Strategists might rationalize these losses as the price for support and stability along China’s periphery. But the costs may not be so easy to sustain.

Fitch Ratings has already warned of the risk to banks’ balance sheets as loans sour. Exporting China’s investmentheavy development model will also ease pressure on inefficient stateowned enterprises to reform and slash overcapacity. And with China blocking capital outflows and holding onto reserves in order to bolster the yuan, there’s simply less money to waste on bad projects.

Nor is there any reason to think that building more roads and pipelines will in itself achieve China’s larger stated goals: to promote economic

growth and hence political stability.

Pouring money into development projects could just as easily encourage graft in countries along the route, fuel anti-Chinese fervor and encourage sabotage attacks. China’s historic preference for dealing with authoritarian governments—and raising few questions about their governance—can breed resentment among ordinary citizens, risking future problems.

China’s experience with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, one of the main Belt-and-Road funders, is instructive. The institution’s flashy launch in 2014 inspired fears that Chinese leaders were seeking to overturn the global financial order.

These fears were misplaced. Run by a cadre of international professionals and adhering to high standards, the AIIB is, according to one estimate, unlikely to lend much more than $2 billion annually for its first five years.

That will limit its influence, but also its losses.

China needs to apply the same rigor to Belt-and-Road projects, which should be scrutinized not only for their headline numbers but their long-term viability. Lenders need to be transparent about financing terms and considerate of borrowers’ ability to repay. Project officers should consult with local farmers, merchants and NGOs, not just bureaucrats, or worse, corrupt leaders; environmental concerns should be aired and addressed.

And along with infrastructure, China should be promoting greater openness in economies along the route.

Most of all, China needs to treat the Belt and Road with care and a cleareyed appreciation of risk. That will likely result in fewer, less high-profile projects. But they—and China—will be the stronger for it.

World

Manila

Standard

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MACRON FACES FIRST CHALLENGES AHEAD OF SWEARING IN PARIS, France—Tensions over president-elect Emmanuel Macron’s bid to redraw France’s political map burst into the open Friday as a key ally was briefly angered ahead of crucial parliamentary elections next month.

Macron annoyed fellow centrist Francois Bayrou and faced mockery from his opponents after his La Republique En Marche (REM, Republic on the Move) party unveiled more than 400 candidates for crucial parliamentary elections in June.

“It’s a big recycling operation for the Socialist party,” Bayrou told L’Obs magazine, adding that candidates from his MoDem party had been offered only 35 constituencies instead of the 120 he expected.

Bayrou, a veteran centrist and presidential candidate, threw his support behind Macron at the end of February at a crucial time when the 39-year-old presidentelect’s campaign needed new momentum.

“When I offered him my support, he was at 18 percent,” Bayrou added bitterly.

However, by Friday evening Bayrou announced a “solid and balanced” draft agreement had been reached with Macron’s party regarding the list of candidates, putting an end to 24 hours of tension.

Macron, who will be inaugurated on Sunday, has promised to refresh France’s parliament and his party unveiled 428 out of 577 candidates on Thursday.

Half of them have never held

elected office, including a retired female bullfighter and a star mathematician, and half of them are women.

The initial reaction from three out of four voters was positive, a survey published Friday by the Harris Interactive polling group suggested.

“Probably the biggest success of Emmanuel Macron is having motivated so many people who were outside of politics to have committed themselves to try to renew things,” his spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said on Friday.

But as well as angering Bayrou, REM was forced to correct its list after around 10 people said they had not agreed to stand for the party or had never applied to be a candidate.

One was Mourad Boudjellal, the wealthy president of Toulon rugby club, who said that while he was flattered about being approached, “it is not my ambition” to enter politics.

The vice-president of the farright National Front, Florian Philippot, accused Macron of “amateurism.”

The parliamentary selection process is seen as a tricky and risky balancing act for Macron, who will take over from unpopular Socialist Francois Hollande.

Without his own parliamentary majority, the former investment banker will find it hard to push through his planned reforms of the labour market, pensions, unemployment benefits and education.

GOP PATH NARROWS AFTER COMEY FIRING

W

ASHINGTON— United States Republicans struggling to pass a health care overhaul and tax reform this year have seen their path narrow, as Congress reels from fallout over President Donald Trump’s firing of his Federal Bureau of Investigation director.

CANONIZATION. Pope Francis looks down during the Blessing for the Candles from the

Chapel of the Apparitions, in Fatima on Friday. Two of the three child shepherds who reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, one century ago, will be declared saints on Saturday by Pope Francis. The canonization of Jacinta and Francisco Marto will take place during the Argentinian pontiff ’s visit to a Catholic shrine visited by millions of pilgrims every year. AFP

POPE FRANCIS TO MAKE FATIMA CHILD SHEPHERDS SAINTS FÁTIMA, Portugal—Two young shepherds who had visions of the Virgin Mary 100 years ago in Fatima, a Portuguese site now a global draw for pilgrims, will be declared saints Saturday by Pope Francis.

The Argentine pontiff was greeted by a cheering crowd of hundreds of thousands when he arrived Friday in the central Portuguese town on a pilgrimage to mark the centenary of the first reported apparition on May 13, 1917.

Catholic faithful from countries as varied as China, Venezuela and East Timor filled a giant, 400,000-capacity esplanade that faces the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, falling silent when the pope called for harmony “among all

people” in a prayer broadcast across the holy site.

The canonization on Saturday is also expected to attract crowds to the sanctuary where the Virgin is said to have appeared six times between May and October 1917 to three impoverished, barely-literate children.

She apparently shared three prophesies with Jacinta, 7 at the time, Francisco, 9, and their cousin Lucia, 10, at a period marked by the ravages of World War I. These reportedly included warning of a second conflict.

Francisco died in 1919 and his sister Jacinta the following year in the Spanish Influenza epidemic that swept through Europe at the end of the war.

Their cousin Lucia lived on until 2005, becoming a nun and meeting several popes including the late John Paul II. He was possibly the most devoted to Fatima, attributing his narrow escape from an assassination attempt at St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981 – the anniversary of the first reported apparition – to the intervention of the Virgin Mary.

It was John Paul II who beatified Jacinta and Francisco in 2000 following decades of debate over the events at Fatima and their meaning.

They will now be canonized after the Church officially attributed two miracles to the pair – a necessary step to become a saint. AFP

HIGH HOPES FOR FIRST NEPAL POLLS IN 20 YEARS KATHMANDU, Nepal—Nepal holds its first local elections in two decades on Sunday hoping to cement a fraught transition to democracy and fill an institutional void that has seen corruption flourish.

The last local representatives were elected in 1997 and their mandates lapsed after their five-year terms expired at the height of the brutal Maoist insurgency.

After a 2006 peace deal ended a conflict in which 16,000 people died, the impoverished Himalayan nation began a rocky transition from a Hindu monarchy to a secular federal republic, which has

seen the country go through nine governments.

In the vacuum left at the local level, graft has become a way of life. Nepal is ranked one of the most corrupt countries in South Asia.

Bureaucrats appointed on the basis of allegiance to political parties filled local government positions, and spawned a shadow industry of brokers who earned fees for everything from getting citizenship documents to registering a marriage.

When Mahananda Timilsina decided to extend his house, getting permission took months of work and in-

volved hefty bribes.

“If there were elected representatives at the local level, the civil servants wouldn’t dare to ask for bribes from us,” said the 35-year-old.

Many of the nearly 50,000 people vying for 13,556 seats in Sunday’s polls are shunning the main political parties to run as independents or as candidates for new reformist parties.

“It couldn’t get any worse.

The gap between society and government couldn’t get any wider,” George Varughese, Nepal representative for the Asia Foundation think-tank, told AFP. AFP

The shock dismissal of James Comey – and the White House’s bungling of the aftermath – has triggered distress on Capitol Hill, with Democrats and Republicans increasingly preoccupied with how Trump’s action affects investigations into his team’s possible collusion with Russia.

The resulting chaos has antagonized some moderate Republicans, who had hoped to move on from the cycles of controversy that have marked the administration’s first four months and forge consensus on legislative priorities.

Trump campaigned heavily on pledges to repeal and replace Obamacare and reform the tax code.

Both are monumental tasks, and while Congress can act with due speed when it wishes, its chambers are paralyzed by gridlock. Seamless bipartisan cooperation is a fantasy on Capitol Hill in 2017, and some say the Comey hue and cry will only make it more difficult to cooperate on big-ticket legislation.

“Certainly there is a case to be made that it will be more polarizing and more partisan, not less,” Republican Senator Tim Scott said Thursday as he contemplated prospects for getting a controversial Obamacare repeal bill through the Senate.

Even staunch conservatives acknowledged that the latest political uproar – parts of which have unfolded like a spy novel, including subpoenas of Trump’s former national security advisor Michael Flynn and hints of clandestine White House recordings – is cutting into congressional efforts to move forward.

“I’d say it’s a distraction,” warned Orrin Hatch, the Senate’s longest-serving Republican.

Complicating the schedule in coming months is a series of fiscal deadlines, including passing a spending bill by September 30 and negotiating a raise of the debt ceiling, that could suck up weeks if not months of valuable Washington legislative time.

With Comey’s departure, another hiccup to the already tight timing: a potentially protracted Senate confirmation process for a new FBI director.

Macron, a former economy minister in Hollande’s government, has so far failed to attract centrist members of the rightwing Republicans party, but still believes some will cross over before he announces his final list next Wednesday.

Before then, he faces other crucial decisions on his staff at the Elysee Palace and his first government.

The most important will be his choice for prime minister, who will head the government until at least the parliamentary elections on June 11 and 18 and perhaps beyond.

Amid feverish speculation in the French media – will he pick a loyal supporter or someone from the rightwing Republicans?

– nothing has leaked from his small group of aides.

The choice will send a strong signal about Macron’s intentions, and he has promised to pick someone with past experience of parliament and capable of managing a majority. His declared preference is for a woman.

Immediately after his swearing-in, Macron will head to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel to start discussions about his ambitious plans for reforming the European Union.

Macron wants to deepen integration in the 19-country eurozone, giving the zone its own budget, and wants to toughen the EU’s response to “unfair” industrial competition from countries such as China. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF 16GB TABLET (BLACK) (REBID) IB NO. 2017-128-A l.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2017 intends to apply the sum of Eleven Million Five Hundred Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP11,500,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of 16GB Tablet (Black)(Rebid) under IB No. 2017128-A. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The DOH now invites bids for the procurement of the above-captioned project. Delivery of the Goods is required within the period specified under SECTION VI. Schedule of Requirements. Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the COBAC Secretariat, Ground Floor, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 15 May - 05 June 2017 from the address above and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhiIGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 22 May 2017, 10:00 AM at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the COBAC-B Secretariat at the address below on or before 05 June 2017, 9:00 AM All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 05 June 2017, 9:00 AM at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders ‘ representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The DOH reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to: COBAC-B Secretariat Department of Health San Lazaro Compound Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1625 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775; 740-6830 (SGD.) MA. CAROLINA V. TAINO, CPA, MGM, CESO IV Assistant Secretary of Health COBAC - B Chairperson

(MS-MAY 14, 2017)

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

INVITATION TO BID SUPPLY, DELIVERY, AND TESTING OF 560UNITS HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS Bid Ref. No. 2017-10 1. ThePhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum ofONE HUNDRED SIX MILLION FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTYTHOUSAND PESOS(₱ 106,480,000.00)through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2017 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the SUPPLY, DELIVERY, AND TESTING OF 560 UNITS HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected duringbid opening.

2.

The PDEA - BAC now invites bids for SUPPLY, DELIVERY, AND TESTING OF 560UNITS HIGHPOWERED FIREARMS.Delivery of the goods is 180calendar days upon receipt of Authority to Import from PNP-FED. Bidders should have completed within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instructions to Bidders.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours (8:00 am to 5:00pm).

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on April 17, 2017 from the address given below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of fifty thousand pesos (PhP50, 000.00).

The Invitation to Bid may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov.ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The PDEA-BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on May 11, 2017, 9:00 a.m. at ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City 1100 which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before May 23, 2017, 9:00 a.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on May 23, 2017, 9:00 a.m. at PDEA Main Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City 1100. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/oMs. Aroceli E Sonido or Mr. Arvin E Sadulloat the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PMonly, Mondays to Fridays starting May 5, 2017at Tel No. (632)920-8082.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids.

9.

PDEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: Ms. Aroceli E Sonido or Mr. Arvin E Sadullo PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082 (Sgd) JESUS A FAJARDO, MMOAS Deputy Director General for Administration Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (MS-MAY 14, 2017)

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SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017

Jimbo Gulle, Editor

Roger Garcia, Issue Editor

LGUs

mslocalgov@gmail.com

‘PAOAY KUMAKAWAY’

TOURISM IMPACT LIVES ON

By Brenda Jocson

L

AOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—To showcase the province’s natural and manmade wonders on local and international television, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte filmed the “Paoay Kumakaway!” (PK) tourism brand sometime in January 2012.

Production was done by award-winning director Mark Meily and his wife, Lee, a renowned cinematographer. Joining them were filmmakers from the Creative Media and Film Society of the Philippines, a Best Picture Awardee during the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The video was dubbed necessary by Gov. Imee R. Marcos as tourism had proven to be one of Ilocos Norte’s greatest employers, consistently generating more jobs and revenues two years prior.

The PK campaign was also PGIN’s response to the 2010 Luneta hostage crisis, which had led to numerous cancellations from Chinese visitors who had been flocking to Ilocos Norte each year as the province’s main tourism clients.

Marcos also clarified that the PK campaign was a consolidation of must-see

destinations and not only a promotion of the San Agustin Church or Paoay Church.

“We coined the brand as a total package for travelers who wish to visit the province’s great sites,” she said.

As a result of the campaign, Ilocos Norte recorded a total of 259,148 day visitors in the year 2012. Efforts to boost the province’s tourism sector, including the pioneering of “film tourism” and the promotion of sports and cultural tourism, added to this growth.

Triathlons and international dragon boat races have been held in Ilocos Norte, while events like the “Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals” and “Himala sa Buhangin!” Arts and Music Festival have enticed thousands to visit the province for more than the natural landscapes and heritage structures.

In 2016 alone, the province welcomed 2,031,884 visitors, signaling an increase of

more than 600 percent in tourist arrivals in just four years. The Holy Week season of 2017 alone recorded 472,989 visitors.

Tourism in Ilocos Norte still anticipates sustained growth, as the sector continues to thrive. Last March 20, the first luxury cruise ship line, Star Cruises, made its maiden arrival through Superstar Virgo docking at Currimao, a southern coastal town in the province.

“We see the biggest growth in our tourism sector, very dynamic and still growing,” said Marcos.

Meanwhile, the 2017 Himala sa Buhangin! Arts and Music Festival, staged by the provincial government on the Paoay Sand Dunes, will feature OPM rock icon Ely Buendia and DJ Jennifer Lee, the former Viva Hot Babe, this year.

Himala! is known as the event that pioneered Philippine film tourism, paying tribute to cult classic films like “Himala,” (1981), “Ang Panday,” (1980), and “Temptation Island” (1980, 2011).

Buendia rose to fame in the 1990s as lead vocalist and guitarist of nationally acclaimed band Eraserheads.

While he left “E-heads” in 2002, Buendia still performs for bands Pupil, The Oktaves, and Apartel. He is expected to perform the E-heads greatest hits for Himala! on May 13.

Families have their picture taken in front of the big Paoay sign with the town’s famous church in the backdrop.

Tourism is a big part of the economy of this Ilocos Norte town and the whole province as well. Brenda Jocson

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Local Gov’t Units

VIZCAYA EYES P4-M DA PRIZE FOR RICE BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya— This province is expecting P4 million from the Department of Agriculture as incentive for being chosen as one of the country’s Search for 2016 Rice Achievers Awardees.

Provincial officials headed by Gov. Carlos Padilla are expected to receive the award and incentive on May 23 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

“This award is also attributed to the efforts and hard work of our farmers, who continue to produce quality rice yields despite our small rice production areas compared to other province,” he said.

Other provincial awardees are Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Pangasinan, La Union, Lanao del Norte and Compostela Valley with P4million incentive each.

The RAA outstanding municipalities and cities are Luna, Apayao; Solsona, Ilocos Norte; Santiago City, Isabela; Victoria, Tarlac; Pila, Laguna; Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; Ligao City, Albay; Talibon, Bohol; Hinundayan, Southern Leyte; Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur; Lala, Lanao del Norte; Hagonoy, Davao del Sur; Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat; Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; and Villadolid, Negros Occidental, with P1 million each as incentive.

Ben Moses Ebreo

RP ENERGY TO TEACH CAWAG FOLK FISH SKILLS

By Butch Gunio

P50 MILLION SET FOR KALINGA FARMERS

By Dexter A. See TABUK CITY, Kalinga—Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has announced that the national government will be downloading to a capable credit cooperative or rural bank an initial amount of P50 million to be given to farmers from the province in the form of soft loans to help them improve their production.

Piñol, who visited the province to have a dialogue with farmers, said the initial funds to be made available to them through soft loans will be under the government’s Production Loan Easy Access, which is geared to provide farmers with the needed capital for them to have better productivity.

Under PLEA, each farmer could avail of

maximum loan of P50,000 with an annual interest of 6 percent and with a grace period of two years for rice farmers and six years for coffee growers.

However, Piñol said the farmers must be able to present proper identification cards showing that they are farmers with the assistance of the regional and provincial agriculture offices who will subject the farmers to geo-tagging among other means to establish and monitor their identity.

Engineer Domingo Bakilan, Kalinga provincial agriculturist, said the downloading of funds that farmers could avail through low interest loans is a welcome development considering that many farmers really need sufficient capital to help improve their production for the various cropping seasons.

“Our farmers were impressed on the support being infused by the national government to help them improve their production. We hope that we will be able to implement the program once the funds will be downloaded to the accredited credit cooperative or rural bank so that they will be able to realize better production in future cropping seasons,” Bakilan stressed.

While it will be difficult for them to come out with a database of the farmers who will be qualified to avail of the loan, Bakilan claimed the inventory and geo-tagging of the farmers will be undertaken by both the regional and provincial agriculture offices so that the noble program of the government will be fully implemented in the province.

SUBIC, Zambales—Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. or RP Energy, as part of its “Protect the Bay Initiative” program, aims to provide additional livelihood for residents of Barangay Cawag here, company officials said.

“We want to introduce fish processing to the people of Cawag.

This could be fish drying or smoked fish,” said RP Energy Corporate Social Responsibility officer Jason Gavina.

“The nearby province of Bataan is very well known for its dried and smoked fish products. Here in Subic, plenty of fish are caught in the sea, which could also be processed for additional income of Cawag folks,” Gavina added.

“We will coordinate with the Department of Agriculture about the fish processing training to be able to start this livelihood program,” he said.

RP Energy launched recently here the “Protect the Bay Initiative” program with the coastal cleanup in Cawag seeing about 200 community folk participate.

The program also aims to promote environmental awareness and curb illegal fishing activities in the area.

RP Energy is set to construct a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Cawag this year.

PINAGPALA IN MUNTINLUPA NOW DRUG-FREE

PITC-PCG DEAL. Philippine International Trading Corp. president and CEO Dave M. Almarinez and Philippine Coast Guard Officer-in-Charge Commodore Joel S. Garcia sign a Memorandum of Agreement on Friday commencing the strategic partnership of the two government agencies. Roy Tomandao

ONE community at a time, the local government of Muntinlupa shows that it means business in making every community in the city drug-free.

The City Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Office, in cooperation with Department of the Interior and Local GovernmentMuntinlupa, declared Pinagpala Compound, San Guillermo St., Bayanan as a drug-free community during an inauguration ceremony last May 11.

City Government officials unveiled a drugfree community billboard in the compound, the second community to be proclaimed of such status. The first community declared was Gundran Compound in Putatan.

DAPCO director Senior Supt. Florocito Ragudo (Ret.) said the declaration took more than one year before its realization. Ragudo added the Barangay Drug Clearing Operation started last February 2016.

The local exec said the clearing operation involved Muntinlupa Police, PDEA, Dangerous Drugs Board, the academe, and community officers.

Key components to meet in order to declare a community as drug-free include: the formation and creation of an assessment team, signing of MOA by and between the members of the team, conduct of a community orientation and Drug Awareness Forum, formation of three support task forces,

enumeration and spot mapping of the compound, segregation of suspected drug personalities, posting of drug-free home stickers to households, intervention for those identified drug personalities, and an assessment conference.

Muntinlupa City stands with the national government’s campaign to eradicate illegal drug activities and its adverse effects in the barangays.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi vowed to support campaign against illegal drugs and rehabilitate drug personalities. Recently, the local government recorded 618 surrenderers who were given social service assistance such as scholarship and livelihood.

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SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net

BOI STARTS SEARCH FOR ‘UPLIFTING’ COMPANIES

T

NEW MAKATI CAFÉ SERVES FOOD, FUNDING HERE is a new cafe in town, and it serves not only food and beverage, but also business ideas and funding support for startups.

Appropriately named Venture Capital Cafe, or VC Cafe, the new Makati hangout was established

by Chinese investors who also plan to put up restaurants, hotels and resorts in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

“It is not an ordinary cafe,” says Frankie Meng, the 31-year-old general manager for the Philippines of Youth Hostel Leisure and Resort Corp., the Chinese company behind VC Cafe.

“VC Cafe is a very unique concept. It combines office and cafe together. We can offer assistance to young people who want to put up IT startups,” he says in an interview at the café, a 300-square-meter space at the ground floor of Don Chua Lamko Building at the corner of L.P. Leviste Street and Dela Costa Street in Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Meng, who has been living in the Philippines for six years now, says VC Café represents the first investment project of Youth Hostel Leisure, which is also building a new 150 to 200-room resort in Boracay Island that will be called Y Hotel. It will take the place of Red Coconut Beach Hotel at Station 2.

VC Café, which employs a fulltime chef, offers a complete line of beverage from coffee, tea, soya milk, yogurt and fruit juice to cocktails.

Its menu includes a fusion of Italian and Chinese cuisines, American-size burgers and desserts. It is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, or until the last customers leave, according to Meng.

The café has 1980s as a theme, and there is an HOU logo at the entrance of the place, which in Chinese means 80s generation. “We encourage them to come here. We can offer food, drinks, coffee, soy milk, beverage. After your work, you want to relax,”says Meng. Paintings of anime and six-foot models of robots greet customers upon entering the café.

“Interpersonal relationship has changed in the modern times. This is a place for everyone to make friends, communicate and exchange ideas.

When you open communication with your friends, maybe new ideas will come out,” says Meng.

Anne Myers, the marketing manager of Youth Hostel Leisure says

Meng also wants to make sure everything served in the café is healthy, thus the addition of unsweetened soya milk and yogurt. “We want to impose that everything we offer here is healthy at a price that is friendly and fair,” says Myers.

More than a café and restaurant, VC Café wants to become a business incubation center where customers can meet, exchange ideas and hold seminars, workshops and events. It offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, which has already attracted a horde of IT professionals and college students in the area. The café has four conference rooms, two large TV sets, projectors, printers and other office equipment.

“It is not your ordinary cafe. We want to offer very 80s anime vibe.

You can chill here. But it is also multi-functional. Everyone can come here. They can enjoy the food and be creative at the same time.

They can share ideas for startup businesses,” says Myers.

“If you have a business, we will be happy to assist you in terms of human resource. This cafe will be an extension. We will discuss everything here, and hopefully close a business deal. We will be helping you fulfill your dream of having your own business or starting up your own business,” she says.

Myers says there are also plans to hold painting competitions and art exhibits at VC Café to showcase the talent of Filipino youth.

“We want to help passionate young people in the IT sector. We believe that everyone is good and has potential. We want to help trigger their passion for business.

The future of the country depends on the young people. They will become the mainstream of this country soon. The Philippines offers good opportunities, economically,” says Meng.

“The main function of this cafe is like business incubator, a business center. We hope to help customers who want to have their own business or startup. We are an like incubator. We can help you on how to turn your ideas into business. We can also help you in the areas of legal assistance, accounting, consulting, even funding,” he says.

In return for funding support,

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VENTURE CAPITALIST.

Youth Hostel Leisure and Resort Corp. general manager for the Philippines Frankie Meng Youth Hostel Leisure is willing to take a stake in the startup. VC Cafe will then live up to its name as Venture Capital.

On why the company is expanding in the Philippines, Meng says it is the vibrant Filipino culture that attracts more companies to invest in the country. “Filipinos are openminded and you have a mix of western and eastern cultures. The Philippines has a population of 0.1 billion [100 million] and Filipinos

like spending. That is a good factor,” he says.

“Filipinos have mixed cultures, unlike Indonesia or Malaysia. Filipinos are open-minded and accept new things. This is a good thing.

You can find western culture here as well as Chinese and Filipino cultures.

Fifty years ago, the Philippines was the second richest country in Asia.

Filipinos have a good chance to become rich again,” says Meng.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

THE Board of Investments is in search for the country’s most efficient, socially-sound and economic-uplif ting industries and companies who will be recognized during the 2017 Guinogulan Awards.

“As the country’s lead investments promotion agenc y, we will be recognizing businesses and firms that show excellence and significant contribution to the country’s economic growth through capital infusion, employment generation, introduction of new technologies and innovation, implementation of community relations, economic link ages, and adoption of inclusive business models in their operations,” said Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo.

Inspired by the native Filipino word “Guinogulan” which literally means “lord of golds,” the brand of citation will recognize BoI-registered business enterprises that show excellence and significant contribution to economic growth through capital infusion, employment generation, introduction of new technologies and innovation, implementation of community relations, economic link ages and adoption of inclusive business models in their operations.

Guinogulan is the best grade of native gold that weighed about 22 carats.

Being of highest grade, these are made into precious jewelry and ornaments. It is energizing and powerful as it conducts heat and electricity.

Gold is tenacious and in its purest form, withstands tarnishing even with the passage of time.

“All these characteristics a re m e t a p h o r i c t o t h e awards as the recipients exemplify stabilit y, flexibility, and adaptability in the face of changing economic conditions.

They are current symbols of prestige, commitment, and responsibility as they believe in the strength and potential of the Philippines to meet challenges of global competition,” Rodolfo said.

In support of the Philippine global branding, the awards will also highlight the competitive advantages of doing business in the Philippines with the awardees as living proofs and testimonies to the viability and profitability of doing business in the country.

Othel V. Campos

FILIPINOS’ DEMAND FOR BEAUTY PRODUCTS ON THE RISE

By Angelo Yanga and Jove Moya

DOMESTIC demand for beauty products is on the rise, amid rising income and evolving lifestyle of Filipinos.

Trade exhibitors are so optimistic about the growth of the Philippine market for beauty products that they invited 200 brands from 24 countries to participate in PhilBeauty 2017, a beauty trade show that will be held on May 31 to June 2 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“We found that suddenly there was a big increase in buyers from the Philippines,” said M. Gandhi, president of UBM Exhibitions Philippines Inc., the exhibit organizer.

Philbeauty 2017, its third edition, has become an integral part of local beauty business environments

Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines president Silliman Sy (left) and UBM Exhibitions Philippines Inc. president M. Gandhi

and is highly regarded as a platform to meet with serious trade buyers and distributors. The three-day exhibition is expected to attract 6,000 local, regional and international trade visitors.

“We have 50 percent more exhibitors compared to two years ago. That’s a clear indication of the growth of the show,” said Gandhi.

The exhibit will bring together local and world’s leading suppliers from color cosmetics, skin care, hair, nail, make-up, spa and wellness, personal care and toiletries, perfumery and fragrances to beauty salon equipment, packaging and machinery, raw materials and natural health supplements, formulators and R&D to showcase the most diverse range of innovative beauty products, services and technologies.

“When the market grows, initially, we are

importing finished products, but then these companies will be going to look for local partners,” said Gandhi, citing opportunities for business deals during the three-day event.

Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines president Silliman Sy said teaming up with UBM has helped them organize the exhibit. Philbeauty 2017 is considered a good opportunity for business networking between local and international industries expanding channels so people will look for Filipino products, he said.

“It’s very expensive for a small and medium enterprise to be going out of the Philippines to explore their opportunities to grow their business.

This one opportunity is coming to us in the Philippines, so we are very thankful,” said Sy, who is also an executive of Ever Bilena.

Business

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SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 business@manilastandard.net

TECHNOLUX HOLDING SEMINAR FOR FOODPRENEURS TECHNOLUX, an importer and supplier of foodservice, small wares and laundry equipment, is holding a business series for business owners and budding foodpreneurs to showcase its Taylor soft serve machines and Comprital Italian gelato and soft serve mixes on May 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mall of Kitchens in San Antonio Village, Makati City.

Product demos showcasing the use and benefits of Taylor and Comprital to make the most profit out of an ice cream business will be conducted by the sales and technical team of Culinary Best Source Inc., a sister company of Technolux.

Taylor machines are among the top choices of quick service restaurants, fast-food chains, convenience stores, cafes and other establishments in the local restaurant and hospitality industry.

They have “a high over run ratio” compared to other brands.

This means that a Taylor machine can inject the right amount of air into the mix that makes the best finished product that look and taste good.

Customer satisfac tion and more sales for one’s business are guaranteed. Made in the USA, they are available in a wide variety of models ranging from single serve counter top to twin twist floor models to produce ice creams of all kinds of gelatos, sorbets, Frozen Yogurt and soft-serve ice cream.

Meanwhile, for those who want to earn much more from their ice cream business, Technolux said the gelato and soft serve ice cream mixes to use should be Comprital.

They are imported from Italy made with quality ingredients.

Fo u n d e d 3 0 y e a r s a g o i n Milan and currently present in 68 countries, Comprital mixes are customizable according to the flavors that businesses want.

Flexibility is a big factor to grow one’s enterprise and Comprital is not limited to only a few ice cream and gelato flavors.

“For those who want to open a gelateria or upgrade their machines and ice cream ingredients, this business series is meant for you,” according to Technolux.

Working moms (from left) Rio Miana, Monique Tapia, Michelle Jacinto, Lourdes Bon, Glenda Ambayec and Maricar Cagampang of P.A. Properties share how they accomplish everything as working moms.

HOW SIX MOTHERS MANAGE WORK AND FAMILY

F

rom waking up so early to have breakfast with their family, to accomplishing their daily tasks at work, to still finding time to have dinner with their loved ones – the following six working mothers surely know how to manage their time and priorities well.

MonicaTapia, 44, a mother of two children (22 and 20 respectively) has been with P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corp. since it started about 23 years ago as a real estate developer concentrated in Laguna, and over the years, has developed communities in Bulacan, Pampanga, Batangas, and North Caloocan, Pasig and Pasay cities.

A loans processing and documentation supervisor, Tapia said that her children grew along with the company. She said that P.A. Properties, led by chairman Romarico “Bing” Alvarez, has always been looking after the welfare of their employees and their families, thus it made her stay this long with the real estate firm, which currently has about 70 working mothers.

“For me, it’s always ‘family first.’ Never mind if my career (takes a backseat), but what’s important for me is that I can take care of my family—that I prepare their breakfast, we eat together, that I don’t miss any of my kids’ school activities. And these were all made possible because P.A. Properties values family as well,” Tapia said.

“FAMILY FIRST” Glenda Ambayec, 48, mother to two children (22 and 18 years old) and P.A. Properties credit and collection assistant manager, said she had an ultimate goal.

“I aimed to join P.A. Properties because it’s near my home, and that would mean more time to spend with my family. I always told myself that I would join this company and stay for

more than 11 years—which I spent in my former company. And now, I am nearing my 13th year here,” Ambayec said.

While her work is tiring at times as sales and marketing assistant manager, Lourdes Bon 49, said she is still the one who wakes up her five children (ages 23, 21, 20, 19, and 17), and that she really spends her weekends with them.

“I became a model to my kids. They see how hard I work. My two eldest kids are already working, so they are applying the work values they have seen in me,” Bon said, who has been with P.A. Properties for 12 years.

Maricar Cagampang, 32, a broker coordinator and who has been with the company for nearly seven years, is expecting her second child (her eldest is 11-years-old). She said that it is about time management, as well as her husband’s support that makes it possible for her to be accomplished in her work role.

“My husband and I just help each other out.

And it also helps that I already set my mind first thing in the morning on what I need to accomplish for the day,” Cagampang said.

Michelle Jacinto, 34, has three sons (17, 14, and 10), and for that, she thanked her mother for co-raising her children.

“My family relies on me so I have to be strong for them. Everything I do is for them. That’s why it’s a big help I’m with P.A. Properties so I can support my family’s needs,” said Jacinto, a corporate security protection office assistant.

Rio Lin-Lin-Ay Miana, 21, and who has a 3-yearold kid, also gave credit to her grandmother and uncle for looking after her child while she is working as a sales booking assistant.

“I prepare all the things my kid needs for school. When I get home, even if I’m so tired, I still bond with my kid. If my kid wakes up early, we have at least an hour to spend together. If I don’t have work, I spend my whole time with my kid,” Miana said.

INNER STRENGTH The six working mothers agree that without inner strength, coupled with their family’s support and a family-oriented workplace, it

would be impossible for them to accomplish anything, thus they share the following words of wisdom to fellow working moms: “If you’re not strong, you wouldn’t be able to do it. It’s hard being a working mom. You’d never be able to give 100 percent of your time to your children. That’s why I treat my kids like friends.

I don’t restrain them so they won’t be scared of me,” Bon said.

“What’s good here in P.A. Properties is that family is important to them. So if you need to file a leave, especially if due to family reasons, your bosses would understand and approve it.

Prayers and inner strength [go hand-in-hand as well],” Tapia said.

“If you’re starting to feel weak, you’d just give up. You’d start blowing things out of proportion.

You’d be questioning yourself if you’re being a good mother or not. That’s why being strong is important to be able to hold everything together,” Cagampang said.

“Know and apply the values, and manage your time – manage your work, manage your family. Don’t make decisions in haste. If you need to file a leave, file a leave. If you need to cry, cry.

If you feel like you’re losing grip, look for a friend in the workplace and share your problem. After that, move forward and fight,” Ambayec said.

Cagampang, Jacinto, and Miana all shared that like how they are helping buyers have their own dream home through P.A. Properties, they also hope to become eligible and fulfill their dream of having their own home.

Thus, Ambayec told them, “We need this job.

But we don’t just need this – we have to treat this job, our company as a family because this is our source to support our family.”

For nearly 25 years, Laguna-based P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corp. established itself a name in the competitive Philippine real estate industry by enabling the public to have their dream homes at affordable rates and payment schemes. The company continues to embark on strategic expansion efforts to further build and create comfortable, safe and joyful Filipino communities.

MILLENNIALS, A SWEET SPOT FOR THE INVESTING INDUSTRY WITH time and higher purchasing power on their side, Filipino millennials have become a sweet spot for the local investing industry, according to the umbrella organization of close to 300 fund management professionals across the country.

And while the popular saying “You only live once” may envision young, happy-go-lucky professionals, it is precisely millennials’ willingness to take risks that makes them ideal investors— not just for their retirement that will take three decades to come, but to sustain their desired lifestyle as well.

“While most millennials prefer to spend their money on ‘experiences’ such as traveling and food trips instead of investing, these are not mutually exclusive,” said Fund Managers Association of the Philippines corporate secretary Julio Bucoy.

“Money is required to indulge in many of these experiences, and investing actually allows millennials to afford more and thus make the most out of

their finances. Millennials generally have high disposable income, which continues to increase. And they do not have significant financial responsibilities yet, such as dependents to support,” the 30-year-old Bucoy, a millennial himself, said.

Based on the Manulife Investor Sentiment Index released in February, few Filipino millennials regularly set aside money to prepare for what they expect to be a comfortable retirement.

The study showed that the “lack of discipline and planning” in investments is a concern, with only seven percent of millennials reported having a monthly savings plan.

The study also showed that Filipino millennials are at risk of being debtstrapped. More than four in 10 Filipino investors carry debt, with the mean debt level incurred by millennials below the age of 35 at P291,582 higher than the debt levels of those in the 35-49 age bracket (P207,428) or those over 50 (P143,958).

But for Bucoy, incurring a debt is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if the long-term returns outweigh the cost of the investment.

“A good debt is when the resulting benefits, either quantitative or qualitative, outweigh the actual cost of the debt. The convenience and security of owning a house, for example, may justify availing of a housing loan,” Bucoy said.

“Once a decision to incur debt is made, millennials must pay attention to the actual cost of the debt. I’ve noticed that the advertisements for various loans only focus on how low the down payments or monthly amortizations are, without actually showing the effective interest rate and the total amounts one ends up paying,” he said.

Bucoy said a key component to increasing the number of millennial investors is to incorporate financial education as early as possible at home and at school.

“Sometimes it is all about framing.

Finance and investing tend to be

intimidating or boring. So when discussing these, especially with millennials, it must be framed in such a way that makes it relatable and relevant,” he said.

“I would, for example, start by teaching them the importance of delayed gratification. As a kid, I was very much into video games, and I had to save money to buy the game console I wanted,” he said.

Bucoy, who grew up in a household where the purchase of stocks is discussed regularly, began investing as early as 12 years old through his parents.

“I got my money from savings and cash gifts from my parents and other relatives. My mom would regularly monitor the stock market and she explained to me how her shares were going up. I was thrilled with the thought that the money that I have, while small, can grow bigger if I invest,” he recalled.

The pay-off was higher given that his money had time to grow, and the experience likewise proved to be invaluable, Bucoy said.

“I learned that one must be consistent and patient. Expectations must be managed, too. Many inexperienced investors who are lucky enough to catch a good break early on tend to be unrealistic in their expectations, which may also cause them to take a lot of unnecessary risks,” he said.

“The key is to have fun while taking calculated risks. Personally, other than the obvious monetary and financial security benefits, I was also able to apply the decision-making process I go through when I invest to other aspects of my life, which has led me to make better decisions over the years,” Bucoy said.

The FMAP official underscored the need to have a sense of urgency in terms of investing as early as possible.

“People tend to keep deferring financial planning, thus failing to take advantage of opportunities that will pay off in the long run,” he said.

“The best time to start investing is yesterday, but the second best time is now,” Bucoy said.

Sports

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SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 randyproject@yahoo.com

PH GILAS MEAN SERIOUS BUSINESS Sports patron Jean Henri Lhuillier (left) is getting a barrage of support from tennis stakeholders who are batting for his assumption to the top post of the Philippine Tennis Association. This photo with national player Johnny Arcilla (right) was their partnership in winning runner-up honors in the McKinley Park Sacramento Men’s Open. With them are tournament director, Mr. Ken Selby.

TOP SPORTS ADVISER BACKS LHUILLIER’S BID

Japeth Aguilar will not be stopped in showing his might (From Smart Gilas Basketball)

By Nathaniel Mariano

T

HEY say that sending an all-pro Gilas players to the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) tournament is an overkill.

But for the Philippine national players, it’s all about chemistry. The team needs to build overwhelming confidence and jell better going to bigger battles ahead.

The team’s co-captain JunMar Fajardo vowed that they are working to build coherence and teamwork and everyone in the team is on exactly the same page.

Asked about his role inside the court, the 27-year-old basketball veteran said, “Maganda

naman okay naman. Kung ano lang ‘yung ipapagawa ni coach Chot sa akin ‘yun ang gagawin ko at pagbubutihin ko. Ibibigay ko lahat para makatulong sa game.”

Naturalized player Andray Blatche also has the same thing in mind.

“A lot of new faces but like I said before I’m trying to get to know the guys on and off the court,” Blatche said, mentioning that the national team has to stay focused in order to win. “I know we have the same goal in mind and it makes thing easier.”

It was indeed an easy first day on the job as the Gilas squad pounded Myanmar to pieces for a whopping 147-40 win at the start of the tournament on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was blowout win like no other for coach Chot Reyes, and something that Gilas rarely enjoys in an international competition.

“I told the players that a lot of times in international competition, tayo ang dehado. It’s very

The main men of the Gilas squad will show no mercy in showing who’s boss of basketball in the region. Photo courtesy of Bounty Sports

rare that we come into a game na tayo ang liyamado,” said Reyes.

Everyone in the team is taking their roles seriously.

Fajardo, who was hardly needed early in the game, knocked in 14 points while Jio Jalalon and Troy Rosario sank 13 apiece.

Fajardo also gave credit to Blatche. “Malaking bagay ‘yan si Andrey. Pero ‘yun nga, sabi ni coach, hindi tayo pwede maging kampante.”

Japeth Aguilar shared that they still need to play their best even if it is just SEABA. “We still have to play in the highest level as possible. Nasa individual rin naman na gusto rin namin maglaro at wag mag-let down. Hindi mo rin masasabi eh,” said Aguilar, recalling the team’s strength from the past.

“We were in the same situation as before like nung papunta kami sa FIBA World kahit we were the shortest, we still fought hard and parang ganun rin ‘yung mangyayari ngayon.”

As for the team’s chemistry, Aguilar also guaranteed that they will do their best by showing himself as a good example. “Kami naman, we are all professional in the PBA and feeling ko naman mabilis mag-aadjust ‘yung bawat players,” added Aguilar.

Raymond Almazan has no doubt that they will dominate the SEABA. “Ang mindset namin lahat eh whatever happens kailangan namin manalo at magchampion tayo dito kasi ‘pag natalo tayo dito lahat ng paghihirap natin mababaliwala. Kailangan talaga diinan natin ngayon,” the 6-foot-9 Almazan said, sharing that he will do his best to make the most out of his Gilas career.

Almazan, like Fajardo, Aguilar and Blatche, hopes that the Filipino crowd will support the team all the way.

“Manood sana kayo para lumakas ‘yung energy namin kasi iba talaga kapag nakikita mo ‘yung crowd na nanonood sa’yo. Suportahan niyo sana kami, suportahan niyo ‘yung Gilas.

Laban Pilipinas, Puso!” he ended.

Gilas is taking on Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam for the title and they are bound to show no mercy. With Peter Atencio

WITH Philippine Tennis Association leadership row remains unresolved, long-time sports patron and Philta presidential aspirant Jean Henri Lhuillier continued to draw support from top sports personalities, including presidential sports adviser Dennis Uy. “We need new leaders who have great vision, new ideas and have the passion. Jean Henri did not come overnight in Philippine tennis. In fact he has strongly supported the sport for more than two decades now,” said Uy. “He has supported more than 500 various tennis events to improve tennis in the Philippines from the elite Davis cup team, to sponsoring our national athletes, international tournaments, to junior events, coaching seminar and various clinics around the country.”

“He has also the support of the stakeholders and the backing of various tennis sponsors. With his passion now for the sport, I believe he can make the tennis association in the Philippines to be a world class tennis federation,” added Uy. Earlier this month, former Philippine tennis king and world-class player Felix Barrientos also threw his support to Lhuillier for the sake of Phl tennis revival. Prominent stakeholders from top tennis sponsors such as Palawan Pawnshop, Toby’s Sports, Dunlop, Babolat have also endorsed Lhuillier for the top tennis post in the country.

The Philta elections have been postponed several times that has led to the growing frustration in the tennis community.

The Philta has been rocked by confusion and disunity when an election that was supposed to elect Lhuillier as president after the Philta board instead put former president Salvador Andrada to the top post. Former president and now back as interim president Edwin Olivares is set to step down when the new set of officers are elected.

In recent development, the Philippine Olympic Committee met with Lhuillier to discuss the process of succession.

VOLLEYBALL LEGENDS TO ADD GLITTER TO CLASH OF HEROES IT’S going to be an emotional and nostalgic night as the stars of the present pay tribute to the stars of the past in the Clash of Heroes on Monday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Zenaida Ybanez-Chavez, Rosemarie MolitProchina, Joanne Tavera-Tomacruz, Arlene Apostol-Ladimo, Grace Antigua, Jan Buquid, Nory Laroza, and other legends of the game who won gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games were all invited to grace this one-day battle that serves as the final tryouts for members of the men’s and women’s national teams.

Regarded as one of the best players in the region back in the day, Ybanez-Chavez, Molit-Prochina and Tavera-Tomacruz were the stalwarts in the fabled team that last won the country’s gold medal in the Singapore biennial meet in 1993.

Apostol-Ladimo and Antigua are threetime SEA Games gold medalist, while Buquid and Laroza were key players in the Philippines’ domination in the international arena.

Also tipped to show up for this star-studded affair organized by the PSC-POC Media

Group in cooperation with Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. with Philippine Sports Commission as major sponsor, TV5 as broadcast partner, and UCPB Gen as official insurance provider were Emil Lontoc and Sammy Acaylar, who served as deputies to Russian coach Stav Lyugaylo during the golden age of Philippine volleyball.

Thelma Barina-Rojas, a three-time SEA Games gold medalist and the face of the Philippines in international competition, was also invited, but has yet to confirm her attendance.

The Arellano University pep squad, the reigning champion in the NCAA cheerdance competition, will bang the drums as the stars of the present roll out the red carpet for their predecessors.

“It is only fitting that we recognize their past contributions and hard work in helping grow Philippine volleyball,” said PSC-POC Media Group president June Navarro of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“We want the stars of today to personally meet them and be inspired as they embark on their long, difficult journey to the Southeast

Asian Games and the AVC Championships.”

Invited to do the ceremonial serve are PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, LVPI president Joey Romasanta and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who will head the organizing committee in the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games in 2019.

Former Ateneo sensation Alyssa Valdez and Kim Fajardo spearhead a young Pilipinas-Blue squad against the seasoned Pilipinas-Red squad of Rachel Anne Daquis and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas in the women’s match set at 7 pm.

In the men’s play, it’s going to be the Pilipinas-Blue team of reigning NCAA Most Valuable player Johnvic de Guzman against the Pilipinas-Red team of UAAP MVP Marck Espejo.

Men’s match will be livestreamed at Sports5.ph starting at 4 pm, while the women’s battle will be aired live at TV5 at 7 pm.

Tickets are still available at the media center of Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

For inquiries, look for Reuben Terrado at (02) 536 4722.

Mika Reyes, one of the ‘Faces’ of Philippine women’s volleyball, is one of the top players that will compete in the Clash of Heroes

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Sports

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Reuel Vidal, Issue Editor / Randy Caluag, Issue Editor

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Ben Askren

ASKREN PREDICTS QUICK VICTORY Bernadeth Pons (left) and Sisi Rondina show off their gold medals after ruling the 2017 Belo Philippine Superliga (PSL) Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup at the SM By the Bay at the Mall of Asia grounds.

H

RONDINA, PONS RULE THE SANDS

EIGHT doesn’t matter much in beach volleyball.

Skill, quickness, tenacity and stamina are more important in the hot, humid and stifling arena and the shifting surface of the sand court.

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons of Petron Sprint 4T essayed a fitting ending to their perfect campaign when they demolished Fiola Ceballos and Patty Orendain of Generika-Ayala A, 21-12, 21-8, to emerge champions of the 2017 Belo Philippine Superliga (PSL) Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup last night at the SM By the Bay in Mall of Asia.

Rondina, who plays for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses, and Pons of the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws are relatively short. Both are undersized outside spikers for their respective UAAP squads.

Fiola Ceballos of Generika Ayala-A calls a play by giving a sign to teammate Patty Orendain during a game in the 2017 Belo Philippine Superliga (PSL) Beach Volleybal Challenge Cup at the SM By the Bay at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

They made up for their lack of height with power packed spikes, supreme athleticism and unbridled tenacity to finish the tournament with an immaculate unbeaten record.

Rondina was highly motivated to win the crown. After all she barely lost to Gonzaga in a dramatic final battle last year. She said her victory is very sweet as it came at the heels of winning the crown in the UAAP beach volleyball tourney.

“All of the country’s best beach volleyball players are here, so this win is something I should be proud of,” said the Campostela, Cebu-native in Filipino after winning the tourney without losing even a single set.

“It was a difficult battle. But in the end, everything is worth it.”

Rondina and Pons established themselves as the best sand players today. They were impressive from start to finish en route to winning the title of this prestigious tourney backed by Stoked, Mikasa, Mizuno, Senoh, Rebisco and SM By the Bay. Settling for the bronze medal was the tandem of Bang Pineda and Frances Molina of Petron XCS. They edged the pair of Danika Gendrauli and Jackie Estoquia of Sta. Lucia, 10-21, 21-14, 15-9.

Ousted champion Jovelyn Gonzaga and Maica Morada of Cignal HD A claimed fifth place following a 21-15, 26-28, 15-11 thrashing of Mylene Paat and Janine Marciano of Cignal B. Marijo Medalla and Bianca Tripoli of Perpetual took home seventh place after notching a 21-13, 21-19 triumph over Wensh Tiu and Abie Naval of Cocolife.

Also emerging with a crown were Anthony Arbastro and Calvin Sarte of Generika-Ayala, who clobbered EJ Ramos and Edmar Bonono of Cignal HD, 21-17, 21-18, in the finals of the men’s division.

Arbastro, a University of Santo Tomas standout and reigning UAAP beach volley champion, played with Sarte for the first time.

Bernadeth Pons (2) of Petron XCS and Mylene Paat (1) of Cignal HD-B joust at the net during their game in the 2017 Belo Philippine Superliga (PSL) Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup at the SM By the Bay at the Mall of Asia grounds.

The pair looked very comfortable with each other as they completed a seven-game sweep of this tourney, which also has TV5 as official broadcast partner.

Mike Abria and Edwin Tolentino of SM By the Bay settled for third place following a 21-19, 2321 win over Rey and Relan Taneo of Perpetual Help in the classification round.

Arbastro, the tourney’s Most Valuable Player, said patience paid off as they didn’t panic despite trailing by three during the crucial stretch of the first set, 14-17.

ABUEVA EMBODIES MERCILESS GILAS

By Reuel Vidal

IT was as merciless a drubbing as any basketball game could get. The Philippine team eager to prove its worth before a hometown crowd mauled Myanmar by 107 points, 147-40, in the first game of the Southeast Asia Basketball Association tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Friday, May 12.

Embodying that unforgiving stance against an overmatched Myanmar was Alaska Aces forward Calvin Abueva.

Abueva was part of a platoon substitution and took the floor along with Troy Rosario, Terrence Romeo, Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright with 2:34 to go in the first period.

The man they call The Beast immediately

made his presence felt by blocking the layup attempt of Myanmar’s Tin Min Mon. With 46 seconds to go in the quarter Abueva issued an assist to teammate Rosario who scored.

With 25 seconds to go in the period Abueva barreled into the paint to convert a fastbreak layup attempt and drew a foul. He then canned the bonus free throw to push Gilas to a 32-7 lead after the first period.

In the second quarter Abueva received a long outlet pass from Romeo then converted a fastbreak layup to hike the Philippine lead, 36-7, with 9:00 to go in the quarter. He received another assist from Romeo to score on a layup to extend the Gilas lead to 40-7 with 8:15 left to play.

At the 7:50 mark of the period Abueva issued an assist to Aguilar who converted a la-

yup, to push the score to 42-7 for Gilas. Less than two minutes later Abueva would score another layup to push the count to 46-9 with 6:20 to go at the half.

Abueva was his usual belligerent self at the defensive end as he also stole the ball twice during his first stint on the floor.

The Alaska forward returned to action late in the third period. He was ferocious at both ends of the floor as he helped the nationals post an insurmountable 110-29 advantage after three quarters.

Abueva showcased his entire offensive arsenal as he also drilled a three-pointer from the deep right corner to push Gilas to a 122-35 lead with 7:47 to go in the game. He then scored on a layup to extend his team’s lead to 124-35 before leaving the game for good with 7:19 left to play.

BEN “Funky” Askren, the undefeated ONE Welterweight World Champion expects a quick victory when he defends his crown against unbeaten Malaysian challenger Agilan “The Alligator”Thani in the co-main event of ONE: Dynasty of Heroes at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

While Thani is excited for the opportunity, the champ expects that joyous feeling to fade for the Malaysian once the cage door closes.

“A lot of people have been excited to get their shot. But once they get into the cage and realize what they are really in for, their excitement level drops,” said Askren.

The 32-year-old champion says he’s not even concerned about Thani’s skills.

“It does not matter what my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses are, because at the end of the day, I have got the trump card. If he cannot stop my wrestling, which he cannot, then he is going to be on his back, and he is going to get beaten up,” the champion said.

“Once they are on their back, they only have one choice, and that is to fight off their back. Usually, it is just not enough, and by usually, I mean it always is never enough.”

Thani, who trains out of Kuala Lumpur’s Monarchy MMA, is a former MIMMA Welterweight Champion who holds a spotless 7-0 record.

Three of his wins have come by TKO and another four by rear-naked choke submission, including his most recent victory over Taiwan’s Jeff Huang at ONE: Throne of Tigers last February.

Askren is a two-time NCAA Division I Champion and former Olympian in wrestling who made the transition into mixed martial arts in 2009. Success followed, and the “Funky” gladiator has been perfect in the sport thus far. He has amassed a bedazzling 15-0, 1 NC record, with four wins coming by TKO and another four coming by submission.

The Evolve MMA product captured the ONE Welterweight World Championship at ONE: Reign of Champions in August 2014, when he delivered a first-round TKO to Nobutatsu Suzuki. He has been dominant ever since.

Askren predicts that he will finish his Malaysian opponent in the “late first round via TKO stoppage by elbows.”

Forward Calvin Abueva (8) attacks the defense of a Myanmar’s Aung Phyo Wai (7). Abueva embodied the merciless stance of the Philippine team which handed Myanmar a 14740 demolition right on opening day of the Seaba tournament.

Mother’s Day Special

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 advertise@thestandard.com.ph

D1

I Heart You Mom: A tribute to all mothers Mom’s the word

Words by JR Padlan

S

HE scolds, she nags, she criticizes, and sometimes even punishes. Yet for all the times she annoys, pesters or angers us, we know that our mom is the one person who will always be by our side when everything is said and done.

Who would not be grateful to have a woman who has never given up despite the hardships and sacrifices of raising her children?

We are all fortunate that we have a woman who embraces our imperfections and accepts us for who we are. Mothers are the foundations of hope and joy in many families. As such they have become our inspiration to confidently achieve whatever we want to be.

Everyone has his or her own poignant stories about their mothers. This Mother’s Day, let us celebrate how lucky the world is for having such beautiful moms with beautiful hearts.

The ‘first’

For most of us Mom is the first person you learn to love.

In my case, my mom was my first kiss. She was the first girl to teach me how to love… and wash the dishes. She was the one who satisfied my Chicken joy cravings with extra rice.

She was my first priest (she would deliver long sermons everyday).

Because of her and her machinegunlike mouth, I grew up minding my manners, and developing excellent etiquette and enjoying a positive outlook in life.

She was my first running-mate, tagging after me bringing my shirt, belt, or slippers whenever I ran late. Because of her, I grew up disciplined, and always prepared.

When I was in 6th grade I used to play patintero. I accidentally slipped on the floor and slammed my head against the wall, resulting in a big gash on my forehead. When my mom saw me lying on the ground, blood streaming down my face, she immediately rushed me to the hospital.

With my head on her lap, she scolded me in a soft, tearful voice, “Napakakulit mo naman kasi Utoy.”

Ironically, it was at that time that I felt her love the most.

A Mothers’ love

Joey is now an excellent and successful professional in his chosen career because of the overflowing love and support he received from his 81-year-old mom. His mother is sick and he makes sure that she receives all the love she wants and needs on a daily basis.

His mother “taught us how to be responsible in keeping the house - cleaning, washing the

Mom, mommy, mama, mother, mamu or mudra. No matter what you call her, there’s only one way to describe this important person in your life--special.

Her designation may be Mother, but she is certainly more than that. Mentor, nurse, counselor, beauty consultant, number one cheerleader, and best friend. She is all these and more. She is the ultimate multitasker, the go-to person for any and every concern you may have--from boo boos to broken hearts, from pep talks to real talk, from small secrets to big decisions.

Truly, for many of us, WWMD (what would mommy do) is a constant guide for any issues encountered in life.

For 364 days, she is the lynchpin that keeps everything together. But for one day during the year we set aside our normal activities to celebrate her, and to give her the special treatment she deserves. A special day that she gets all to herself. With this special Mother’s Day issue, we offer up a toast to all the mothers, the nanays, and the mamus who deserve all the love, respect and gratitude in the world.

dishes, tidying up and taking care of the younger siblings.”

His mother usually likes to be taken out on a date during Mother’s Day. As an obedient son who loves to give back everything his mother has done for him, Joey really grants all her mom’s wishes not just on a special day but every day. He buys her new dresses, or jewelry. He takes her to a cafe for some tête-à-tête over coffee and cake.

“I remember when I was in fourth grade and we were going on a school excursion, my mom took me out to get me a new pair of jeans. I felt special because it was the first time that only she and I were on that short shopping trip, considering that there were four other siblings at that time, and the money was not easy. It made me feel loved.

“I know that whoever or whatever I become, I could come to her whenever I wish and wherever she is,” he shared.

Fulfilling her dreams for her mom

Saying goodbye to your Mom is devastating. Especially when Mother’s Day comes around. Sadly for Samantha, that’s how this Mother’s Day will feel.

“This Mother’s Day won’t be as joyous as it should be for me. But I relish all the fond memories with my mother, and these memories are enough for me to feel her presence.”

Samantha’s mother passed away last month, and it was a big loss for her. She wasn’t able to witness her daughter walking onstage in her toga and finally receiving the diploma she and her mother have been dreaming of.

“Itong diplomang hawak ko ang siyang nagpapa-alala sa nanay ko, kung hindi dahil sa kanya hindi ako makapagtatapos ng pag-aaral. Simula nang mag-aral ako, kahit walang-wala na kami, gagawin niya ang lahat at igagapang ako maipagpatuloy ko lamang ang aking pag-aaral.

Sinabi niya rin sa akin na pwede na siyang mawala pag naka-graduate na ako.”

Her mother had been a selfless mom to her that she did not care even about her personal needs just to make sure that Samantha had what she needed to fulfill her goals.

“Walang pakialam si Mama sa sarili niya basta mabigay lang lahat ng gusto at mga pangangailangan ko sa eskuwelahan,” Samantha said.

My mom, the superwoman

For a long time, Kenneth did not know the warmth of a mother’s hug.

His mother worked abroad as he and his siblings were growing up.

Despite the challenges of growing up without a mom, however, Kenneth never felt deprived.

In fact, he appreciated all the sacrifices and efforts of his mother, and understood the reason she needed to leave the country.

The family recently migrated to Canada, where they reunited with their mom.

“Ma, even though you weren’t able to see us grow up and you weren’t with us during our childhood, there’s no resentment in me. Seeing what you have done for us makes me think how you were able to do that alone.

I love you, Ma! Let’s make new memories to cherish,” said Kenneth, who considers his mother a superwoman.

Resorts World Manila makes it a Mother’s Day to remember

By Mary Anne Dejada

The Newport Plaza is turned into a women’s wonderland with beauty and makeup counters, a sparkiling wine booth, and flower shops.

RWM’s Mother’s Day Beauty Fair has everything mom needs to be a blooming beauty on her special day.

A special Mother’s Day Mass at the Ceremonial Hall of Marriott Grand Ballroom lets families get the day off to a blessed start. The Catholic service begins at 11am on Sunday (May 14) and is open to the public.

After mass, the family can choose among the many Mother’s Day meals and buffets prepared by RWM hotels, signature restaurants, and Newport Mall outlets.

To celebrate the first love of everyone’s life, Maxims Hotel at RWM is serving up a trifecta of Mother’s Day feasts for the whole family at signature restaurants Passion, Impressions, and The Terrace.

Mothers who love meals with an Oriental flair, Mom’s Imperial Treat by

Executive Chef David Chu Wai Fung of Passion is a sure-fire hit. This 4-course, 8-dish lauriat featuring some of Passion’s best sellers.

With its wide selection of dim sum, and other Cantonese dishes and desserts, Passion has become a firm favorite among Manila’s Filipino-Chinese community as well as discerning foodies who appreciate authentic gourmet cooking.

Impressions, RWM’s multi-award winning French fine-dining restaurant, serves up a little taste of Paris to mothers.

Treat mom to a culinary journey care of Chef Cyrille Soenen, who holds the distinction of being the first and only resident Maitres de Cuisiniers de France (Master Chef of France) in the Philippines,

Happiness is a choice

Being a single parent is not easy and Silka salutes her mom for taking on such a big responsibility. Seeing her mom alone dealing with everyday expenses while dealing with her educational needs made her felt important and loved.

“When my parents separated, my Dad was supposed to take me under his care but that would have meant living with his new family and during that time everything was too messed up.”

After what happened, Silka became clinically depressed. At that point, her Mom reminded her that happiness is a choice.

“My mom fought for me and tried to give me the best life she could possibly give and gave me more care and made our then lonely home feel like a happy home,” shared Silka. Continued on D4

Find fantastic feasts for the family at RWM signature restaurants such as The Terrace, Impressions, and Passion.

with the Queen’s Dinner – a four-course premium set dinner fit for royalty.

For families who take their feasting seriously, The Terrace at Maxims Hotel is the place to be for Mother’s Day. Set to the relaxing sounds of a live acoustic band serenading mom with her favorite songs, Especially for Mom is a true feast for the senses. Featuring contemporary Filipino fusion dishes that combine familiar flavors with

sophisticated touches, this bountiful buffet will leave the whole family’s taste buds tingling.

Makeup maven mothers will have a blast at Aesthetic: A Mother’s Day Beauty Fair at The Plaza in Newport Mall. Luxury beauty brands M∙A∙C, Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, and Origins are offering makeup tutorials, giveaways, discounts, and free facials for ladies who love to look good.

The Plaza will also have a Raffa booth where the light and bubbly sparkling wine comes in a special box set that includes a specially-engraved flute glass that will make a delightful gift. A popup flower shop will also be there on Mother’s Day weekend for moms who love classic bouquets.

RWM has a wide range of thrilling offers in celebration of Mother’s Day – from special themed menus, mommyfriendly entertainment, and special sales. Legendary steakhouse Wolfgang’s is offering unlimited Mother’s Day cocktails and complimentary desserts for all weekends of May. Mr. Kurosawa will give vouchers worth P500 for the first 50 customers on May 14.

Pamper her with a beauty day at Velvet by Jing Monis Salon where the Vanilla Bean hair treatment is at 50% off from May 12 to 15. Give her the gift of glowing skin with an Oxygen Facial at Skin Perfection that comes with a free diamond peeling session from May 12 to 18.

Take her out shopping at Newport Mall and enjoy special deals and discounts at Victoria’s Secret, Samsonite, Res|Toe|Run, Sunglass Haven, and Meridian.

Download the RWM Mobile Companion free on the AppStore or GooglePlay, or visit rwmanila.com to learn more about RWM’s Mother’s Day specials. For inquiries and reservations, call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (02)908.8833.

Gadgets & Games

D2

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

NEW OPPO F3 USHERS NEW WAVE OF STUNNING GROUFIES

G

LOBAL electronics brand OPPO is driving the next wave of the groufie revolution with the launch of its latest dual selfie camera phone, the OPPO F3.

For only P16,990, the newest member of the F3 Series family went on sale starting May 13 in the Philippines as well as in India, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

“We at OPPO always strive to reinvent the mobile experience, and the release of the F3 reflects our relentless passion for even better smartphone photography,” OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng said. “Through our continued innovation, we hope to cement our brand’s position as the leading camera phone in the industry.”

OPPO’s recent focus on creating the perfect groufie follows a growing trend in groufies especially among younger users on social media: “Filipinos are known for our strong relationships with family and friends,” Cheng explained. “With a phone like the F3, it becomes easier for us to turn even ordinary events into special moments with the people we love best.”

Perfect Groufies Anytime, Anywhere

Like its predecessor the F3 Plus, the OPPO F3 is designed with a 16-megapixel selfie-focused main camera paired with a sub-camera capable of capturing groufies through a larger field of view. This wide-angle camera also inherits the earlier model’s distortion-minimizing features to prevent image warping, while OPPO’s Beautify 4.0 photo editing software ensures a fresh look with every snap.

Farewell to the Selfie Stick

Fitting an entire gang inside

By Peter Duran

a single shot will no longer be a struggle, and travel selfies won’t have to crop out the background and look like they were done in the backyard.

With twice the size of a selfie camera’s field of view, the secondary camera can easily include either a large group inside the picture frame or the background during a memorable trip—all without a selfie stick. This helps reduce the number of accessories needed for groufies and travel selfies.

Superb Inside and Out

For added sleekness without compromising gripping comfort, the OPPO F3 is crafted using exclusive Urail spray technology that allows the body frame width to go as thin as 2.0 millimeters—27 percent slimmer than the F1s. The aluminum body has also undergone 220 fine zirconium sandblasting treatments to achieve its polished, delicate look that appears natural.

The screen is built with 5.5-inch 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 with pre-applied protective coating for unmatched durability and scratch-resistance.

FHD in-cell technology further

For added sleekness, the OPPO F3 is crafted using exclusive U-rail spray technology that allows the body frame width to go as thin as 2.0 millimeters.

gives the phone display crystalclear visibility and vividness despite the glare of the sun on the glass surface.

To fulfill the u s e r ’s n e e d fo r speed, the OPPO F3’s home-button fingerprint reader provides lightning-fast touch access in just 2.0 seconds—the fastest in the market.

Backing the OPPO F3’s advanced features is an octo-core processor supported by 4GB of RAM and a 64GB ROM. A triple-slot tray also ac-

commodates two Nano 4G SIM cards and one micro SD card to expand memory up to 128GB. Even the rear camera offers highquality performance. Powered by PDAF technology, the back camera is capable of fast focusing speeds to capture precious moments without causing any blurring.

“Our latest Group Selfie Expert is a total package that comes at an affordable price,” Cheng added. “With its combined features from the front and back cameras to the aesthetics and battery life, the F3 holds great potential in taking the groufie trend to new heights.”

For more details, visit https:// www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ or log on to http://www.oppo.com/ph/ index.html.

ELEGANCE IN CHERRY MOBILE DESIRE SERIES and hoard as many photos and videos that you like.

The Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus is priced at P5,999SRP and is perfect for the millennials, online savvies and photography enthusiasts who are looking for a premium mobile device that doesn’t come at a hefty price.

CHERRY Mobile is set to fulfill more of one’s desire with their latest premium line up, the Cherry Mobile Desire Series.

Built to complement every lifestyle, Desire R7, Desire R7 Plus and Desire R8 will bring users a more compelling performance and more impressive specs in a sleeker, sophisticated look.

DESIRE R8: Dual Rear Cameras

Cherry Mobile Desire R7: Great Entertainment

Experience great entertainment and premium mobile experience like no other with the Cherry Mobile Desire R7. With its 5” HD display screen, now you can indulge yourself with exceptional mobile viewing as this produces vibrant and realistic colors. Perfect also for photography enthusiasts, the Desire R7 is designed with a 13MP rear and 8MP front cameras that can capture like-worthy photos.

Download more of your favorite apps and pamper yourself with the sweetest features of the latest Android Nougat 7.0 OS, coupled with a 2GB RAM coupled with 16GB internal storage (expandable up to 64GB via microSD).

For the go-getters and high-achievers, the Desire R7 lets you stay connected and on top of your game as the device is 700MHz LTE-ready. With a price tag of P4,999 SRP, enjoy a sleeker feel as well and modern navigation thanks to the premium built and fingerprint sensor.

DESIRE R7 PLUS: Bigger Screen

The Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus takes inspiration from its sibling and levels up with a bigger HD screen – measuring 5.5”, and a bigger battery at

AERIAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY NOW MORE ACCESSIBLE

Cherry Mobile Desire R7

3000mAh. Like its predecessor, the Desire R7 Plus is fitted with the latest Nougat 7.0 operating system and an upgrade of a generous 3GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, which can be expanded to 64GB via micro-SD. Now you can stock more data, files

A model for the big boys, the Desire R8 is a perfect fit for aspiring photographers and gamer thanks to its dual rear cameras and refined phone specs. For your viewing and gaming pleasure, the R8 boasts a 5.5”FHD screen. Watch your videos, review your gallery, and play your games with exceptional clarity. Capture more stunning photos as well with your 8MP Front and 13MP + 5MP dual rear cameras.

Quickly upload your images to social media through the device’s 700MHz LTE-capability.

Ensuring that you enjoy a seamless mobile experience, the Cherry Mobile Desire R8 is powered by a 1.5GHz Octa-Core processor, and is built with 3GB RAM. Storage is at 32GB, that can be expanded to 64GB via Micro SD. For a reasonable price of P9,999, be one of the firsts to score the latest Cherry Mobile Desire R8.

Learn more about the Cherry Mobile Desire Series, as well as catch up on the latest news and promos from the brand through: CM website: www.cherrymobile.com.ph FB: www.facebook.com/cherrymobile Instagram: @cherrymobileph Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CherryMobilePH Twitter: @CherryMobilePH

AT LAST, the latest aerial imaging technology has been made more accessible for Filipinos.

This, after MSI-ECS, a leading IT equipment distributor in the Philippines, partnered with DJI to become its authorized distributor of top of the line products in the Philippines including the just released Phantom 4.

The local IT distributor’s partnership with the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology will also involve an array of DJI products, including the smallest, most compact, foldable drone, the Mavic Pro, the iconic Phantom drone series, the ready to fly professional platform for filmmakers the Inspire 2, as well as handheld gimbals from the Osmo series.

“As digital lifestyle continues to evolve, MSI-ECS is committed to being at the forefront of the world’s latest and most innovative products, solutions, and services, which will allow us to better serve the changing needs of the market,” said Jimmy Go, President and CEO, MSI-ECS Phils. Inc. The executive also bared his confidence that the “future of technology” will make waves in the country, especially among the millennials and young professionals.

“In the Philippines, the interest and usage of civilian drones have also grown dramatically and we are confident that its use for commercial purposes will gain momentum and the addition of drones to our impressive portfolio will not only boost our offerings but also enable us to anticipate market changes,” he added.

DJI products will be on shelves in more than 50 retail outlets in the consumer electronics, photography, hobbyist and lifestyle channels across the Philippines.

“This partnership will enable us to bring our best-in-class aerial platforms and imaging solutions across the Philippines so that more people can learn about the technology and better understand what it can do for them,” said Kevin On, DJI’s Director of Communication.

Meanwhile, the newly improved Phantom 4, will give photographers a 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor and a mechanical shutter. It is also equipped with many of the intelligent features offered on the Phantom 4 Pro, including Draw, ActiveTrack, TapFly, Gesture, Tripod and the FlightAutonomy system.

TEAM...

From D4

Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Microsoft’s association with ASEAN is a strong testament of the company’s commitment to develop and unleash the potential of young talents in South East Asia, as well as to foster the growth of the next generation to help them achieve more in the digital age.

Dave Miller, Developer Experience Lead, Microsoft Asia Pacific, said: “For the past 15 years, Imagine Cup has been a platform to help students turn their dreams into reality. This year’s regional finalists brought great ideas to the stage, and we see a lot of potential in these projects in solving some of the biggest challenges today across the region. Imagine Cup is just the beginning for many of these budding innovators and entrepreneurs, and we are excited to be part of their journey.”

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT WITH ALL-NEW XPERIA XA1 COMMITTED to delivering the best in mobile technology, Sony announces the arrival of Xperia™ XA1 in the Philippines.

Xperia XA1 brings superior photo quality and smooth performance to consumers who need a handy smartphone that fits their fast-paced lifestyle.

Building on the success of last year’s Xperia XA models, the Xperia XA1 features a 23 megapixel main camera delivering perfect images built in its beautiful and sophisticated borderless design.

Take pictures that fit your style and exceed your expectations

At 0.6s capturing speed, you’re guaranteed to never miss a moment with the Xperia XA1. It promises a superfast journey from launch to capture with incredibly

fast and accurate Hybrid Autofocus, so even the most spontaneous moments are always in focus. Blurry moments are a thing of the past with the newest midrange offering from Sony.

The Xperia XA1 borrows expertise from Sony cameras and previous Xperia devices as it delivers excellent high resolution pictures at 23 mega-pixels. Photos are always impressive all thanks to its large 1/2.3” Exmor™RS for mobile sensor and bright F2.0 lens that enables it to take superior photos even at lowlight. Take fashionable selfies with great confidence with its 8 mega-pixel, 23mm wide-angle lens.

Edge-to-edge Beauty

The beautiful borderless design introduced in 2016 has been refined to create the illusion of a seamlessly never-ending surface

whose curvature aids the perfect fit in your hand. The edge-toedge HD (720p) 5” screen on XA1 is supported by display technologies to deliver a crisp, sharp viewing experience.

Sony craftsmanship is clear to see with the diamond cut-like finish on top and bottom, along with the choice of materials such as the aluminium sides which create a rich feel in the hand.

Creating performance that lasts a lifetime

With their power-efficient MediaTek helio P20 octa-core processors you get a quick and smooth experience, whether you browse the web, watch a video or play your favorite game.

The XA1 is designed to ensure a longer lasting performance over the smartphone’s lifetime. Qnovo Adapt Charging monitors the bat-

tery’s health and adjusts charging current accordingly to avoid damage and maximize lifespan whilst Stamina Mode keeps your battery going for longer when you need it the most by disabling some of the functions and extending the lifetime.

The Sony Xperia™ XA1 is now available in Sony Centers, Sony Mobile Stores and Authorized Dealers nationwide. Xperia XA1 is priced at cash SRP P14,990 and comes in colors classic black, clean white, rosy pink, and stunning gold.

Get the latest updates and promos from Sony by visiting them on their official website, www. sony.com.ph, and following them on social media—like facebook. com/SonyPhilippines, and follow twitter.com/SonyPHinc and instagram.com/sonyPHInc.

New mid-range device from Sony offers superior image quality in a beautiful and sophisticated device

Gadgets & Games

Level up your selfie game with the newest member of the Vivo V5 line, the V5s, a selfie-centric phone that can capture crystal clear, beautiful selfies.

VIVO TO LAUNCH V5S FOR SELFIE-LOVING CONSUMERS

J

UST when we thought top five global smartphone brand1 Vivo has launched the most impressive selfie-centric lineup with its V5 series, the dynamic smartphone manufacturer gives us yet another perfect selfie phone to look forward to: the Vivo V5s, further expanding its hold on the smartphone market.

The newest Vivo model will be revealed on May 19, at SM North Edsa Annex, with technology and lifestyle bloggers, Vivo executives, and key personalities in the smartphone industry expected to grace the event.

The newest perfect selfie phone will brandish the coveted 20-megapixel front camera with f2.0 aperture, which enables it to capture crystal clear, high-resolution selfies.

Aside from the remarkable front camera, the V5s has advanced selfie tools as well. For instance, this Vivo phone features an updated selfie softlight—a feature found in the V5 series. This tool allows users to take selfies in poor lighting conditions, but the updated version of the V5s comes with an enhanced night mode for better-quality selfies taken at night.

Meanwhile, the V5s’ rear camera takes beautiful photos at 13 megapixels and f2.2 aperture, with an ultra-high-definition mode that can render stunning images of up to 52 megapixels.

Furthermore, the V5s is touted to share several design elements with the V5 Plus series. For one,

the V5s features a 5.5 inch display in corning gorilla glass, its side panel and back cover meeting in seamless curved edges and elegant U-shaped cover lines, making it comfortable to hold.

As with most phones in the V5 line, the V5s features the Hi-Fi Music AK4376 audio chip for clear surround sound, whether through earphones, headphones or speakers.

It naturally follows, then, that Vivo’s V5s—built with an octa-core CPU, a 4GB RAM, and a personalized operating system, Funtouch 3.0, which is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow—is efficient in terms of speed and performance.

Still another new feature of the V5s is the App clone, designed to help users separate their professional lives from their personal lives. Using this application, users can log on to two different accounts using the same social media app.

The said feature currently supports important chat apps like WhatsApp, Line, BBM and Viber.

More details of Vivo’s newest perfect selfie phone— its price, sale date, and pre-order process—will be

Be selfie-ready with the Vivo V5s, the latest perfect selfie phone of the top five global smartphone brand.

revealed at the big launch.

For inquiries about Vivo V5s, visit the Vivo website at www.vivo.com/ph, or check out their Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/Vivo Phil), Instagram (https://www. instagram.com/viv ophil/), and Twitter (https://twitter. com/vivo_phil ) accounts.

LG ELECTRONICS, SM SUPERMALLS TEAM UP

LG Mobile Philippines VP Jay Won, social media personality and program host Janeena Chan, LG Mobile Philippines brand ambassador Lauren Reid, LG Philippines Managing Director Inkwun Heo, SM Supermalls Marketing SVP Jonjon San Agustin and LG Mobile Product Manager Faith Mijares.

DURING a recent event at SM Mall of Asia, industry leaders SM Supermalls and LG Electronics announced their partnership which aims to bring Filipinos closer to the world’s best brands in select malls nationwide. Unveiling SM’s Home of Global Brands campaign, LG reintroduced its premium product line to the Philippine market through its “Innovation for a Better Life” exhibit.

Kicking off in a four-day roadshow at SM Mall of Asia, the exhibit let consumers experience first-hand some of LG’s top-of-the-line products like the 65-inch OLED TV, the

multidimensional surround sound bar, the flagship G6 smartphone, the InstaView Door-in-DoorTM refrigerator, the TurboWashTM front-load washer-dryer and the Smart Inverter Mosquito Away air conditioner. They were also given the chance to take home some of the coveted products during the exciting on-ground raffle activities.

Through SM Supermalls’ partnership with global brands like LG, customers will be treated to world-class and innovative activities that will allow them to experience the same level of excitement as how the best global brands are

felt and brought to life abroad.

The LG and SM collaboration will roll out its succeeding legs at SM North Edsa, SM City Seaside Cebu, and SM Lanang Premier in Davao.

For more details on LG’s“Innovation for a Better Life”roadshow, cutting-edge products and compelling online promos, visit lg.com/ph, like LG Philippines’ official Facebook page or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

Share your thoughts and upload photos of your moments at LG’s roadshow exhibit in participating SM malls, then use the partnership’s official hashtag #ExperienceLGAtSM.

D3

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

REINVENTING MOM'S DAY MEMORIES WITH ORIG HP INKS GIFT-GIVING is most special when done for loved ones. For children, it’s when they give their parents heart-felt presents—not only on birthdays and Christmas, but on special occasions like Mother’s Day. However, finding the perfect token of appreciation can sometimes be difficult, especially when usual gift ideas become less exciting.

Of course, moms will surely appreciate any form of present. From everyday things to wonderful gestures like spending time with them, moms are mostly easy to please. But for those looking for fresh gift ideas—ones that are original, creatively personalized and can last for years—HP printers and Original HP ink cartridges can definitely help make Mother’s Day gifts even more memorable.

From simply printing out mom’s personal recipes into a DIY book, to designing and ironing-on pictures and decals onto her kitchen apron, HP printers and Original HP ink cartridges assure kids of visually-stunning personalized gifts. And with more than 500 years of combined experience, HP’s ink cartridges deliver 36,000 drops of ink per second to produce lasting prints that reinvent memories, especially when used on HP Photo Paper.

For special moments captured in digital images, creating a personalized photo album is made easy—photographs printed using Original HP ink cartridges remain accurate, vibrant, and fade-resistant, to let mom’s most memorable moments stand out even years after. Original HP ink’s fastdrying and anti-curling properties also make it the ideal tool in creating such personalized gifts that involve high volumes of printing.

So whether it’s crafting a simple graphic greeting card or a hardworking picture collage, gifts for Mother’s Day are always made extra special when printed using reliable HP printers and Original HP ink cartridges, as they are built to work the first time, every time. With equal or minimal effort, compared to searching for the perfect present in stores, using Original HP Ink also makes for low-cost, superiorquality prints for such important occasions.

Indeed, when it comes to a unique way of creating do-it-your-own, personalized gifts that will reinvent memories on Mother’s Day, the HP printer and Original HP Inks are truly the best tools to make each gift-giving moment an unforgettable feat.

Want to reinvent memories today?

Head on over to the nearest HP printer reseller to get an HP DeskJet printer and Original HP Inks that can produce print-outs that will last a lifetime.

TEAM OPTICODE TO REPRESENT PH IN MICROSOFT IMAGINE CUP WORLD FINALS MICROSOFT has announced that Team Opticode,composed of students Christian Lou Cepe, Jasmine Pearl Raymundo, and Rochel Reyes from Lyceum of the Philippines University Laguna, will be representing the Philippines at the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2017 World Finals to be held in Seattle this July.

As 2nd runner-up in the Southeast Asia Finals, Team Opticode qualified for the World Finals with their mobile app Minerva, which was designed to improve the quality of life of those with visual impairment.

Using various Cognitive Services running on Microsoft Azure, Minerva identifies objects in the immediate environment of users. After pointing their smartphone cameras at a box of cereal, for instance, the app will to describe this aloud using the

phone’s speakers.

“The country is full of bright young minds, and Team Opticode represents the best of our present crop of budding technologists,” said Karrie Ilagan, Managing Director of Microsoft Philippines. “With this level of talent, we’re confident that the Philippines will emerge as a leading example of how digital transformation can be used to improve the people’s lives and provide better social opportunities.”

This latest milestone comes alongside an accelerating adoption of digital technology in both the public Second runner-up winners Team Opticode composed of students and private sectors in the Philippines.

Jasmine Pearl Raymundo, Christian Lou Cepe and Rochel Reyes from Following the establishment of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Laguna are shown during the Department of Information and awarding ceremony of Imagine Cup SEA Finals Communications Technology, the government announced a “cloudTeam Opticode will be joined at from Singapore, who were awarded first policy” for all national and local the global rounds by Team CIMOL as Champion and 1st runner-up of government offices. from Indonesia andTeam HeartSound the Southeast Asian leg, respectively.

They will also be joined by four other student teams from across the region, all of whom were recognized for their efforts to push the boundaries of human invention.

Team CIMOL’s won for their Hoax Analyzer web-based app, which aims to combat the proliferation of “fake news”. The app is capable of identifying if certain contextual information can be categorized as hoaxes or not.

Team HeartSound invented the S3, a smart wearable device that combines the function of a stethoscope and an electrocardiography machine. The device actively monitors the wearer’s heartbeat and flags any abnormality wirelessly to a doctor so that patients can receive further check-ups or treatment without delay.

The Imagine Cup World Finals

will gather more than 50 students teams from all over the world, all vying for the top prize of US$100,000, mentorship opportunities with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, as well as Azure grants and credits to bring their winning solution to the market.

In all, Microsoft will sponsor a total of seven teams to bear the standard for Southeast Asia at the World Finals this July, putting the breadth and depth of creativity and innovation in Southeast Asia youth on full display in front of the world.

Co-organized with ASEAN as part of the latter’s 50th Anniversary Summit, the Imagine Cup Southeast Asia Regional Finals saw 10 bright student teams competing to be the best in the region. These teams were chosen from local finals held in 13 countries across the region, which included Turn to D3

D4

Mother’s Day Special

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 advertise@thestandard.com.ph

I Heart...

From C1

Growing up with Lola Claudine grew up with her grandmother, this is why she is as close to her as her Mom. Her Lola is the one who cooks and prepares the food every time she goes to school and work. Her Lola is also the one who takes care of Claudine when she is sick.

She is there to support her granddaughter in all the things she loves to do.

“My Lola loves me so much and I felt it especially when she and my parents granted my dream to have a debut. It was an unforgettable and special night of my life, and I appreciate all their efforts to make it a success,” she said.

We may not all be perfect sons and daughters, but for one day a year let us make sure we show our appreciation for all of the efforts they do for us.

Let your mother feel how important she is. Spend the day with her, give her a hug, and make this Mother’s Day special.

Claudine Medina with her grandparents Isidro and Luisa Medina during her debut.

DOW Goes to Annual Buntis Day HOTEL Sogo through Doctor’s on Wheels (DOW) Program recently supported the Annual Buntis Day. The event was hosted by the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society at the Bayanihan Center, UNILAB Pasig City.

This yearly activity aims to give free health and maternal care to underprivileged women.

With the help of DOW, over 250 soon-tobe mothers benefited from the free Prenatal Check-up Labortatory Tests, Ultrasound Scan.

The DOW is a mobile medical bus equipped and furnished with four examining beds, 10 examining chairs, medical/examination lights, and other equipment to be used for medical missions across the country.

The DOW is staffed with volunteer doctors, social workers, nurses, pharmacists, and Hotel Sogo personnel.

Hotel Sogo is open for partnership to different government and non-government organizations. For details, please contact any of the Hotel Sogo branches or call 725-0000.

Find great treasures for mom at Arya Plaza THIS Mothers’ Day, find good digs for mommy at The Treasures at Arya Plaza, an agora of traditional arts and crafts, old books, and organic treats, featuring local artisans and organic food producers. Arya Plaza is located at McKinley Parkway in Bonifacio Global City.

The Treasures at Arya Plaza will run from 11 o’clock in the morning to 7 o’clock in the evening on Sunday, May 14, and will showcase organic produce, antiques, art gallery finds, fine pottery, vintage maps, records, lace, handwoven textiles, fine traditional jewelry, flowers, and plants.

Since Mothers’ Day is about grand celebrations for moms, treat her to a sumptuous lunch in various concept restaurants at The Plaza.

These include Arroz Ecija, Basil, Fukudaya,

and Foundry.

While away the afternoon till sundown listening to bongo and jazz performances from the Nonpareil group. There will also be an ikebana demonstration and poetry reading.

The Treasures is co-presented by Mara’s Organic Market, the same group behind the vibrantly charming Legaspi Markets in Makati.

Those interested may call 09175858708 for reservations.

(To get to The Arya Plaza from Makati, take McKinley Road straight to McKinley Parkway (just go straight after the first traffic light) where you will have a view of Arya Residences. Turn right at the first corner (Rizal Drive) where you will see the parking entrance to your left.)

E1

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor

ce Nathaniel ne with son Prin Mommy Lady An

/

Young Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com.ph

Mommy Edchar with son Steven John

Mommy Maria Grace with daug hter Gail Anne

THE LIFE OF YOUNG MOMS

By Bernadette Lunas

B

EING a mother is not easy. Being a mother at a young age is challenging.

There is no book or class available to prepare a woman for the pain and pleasure she has to endure as a parent. But women are one tough creature, and motherhood brings out the best in them, regardless of age and life experience.

Manila Standard Young Life had the privilege to talk to and share the stories of these young women who balance motherhood/career/relationships/adulthood even before they turn 30.

Maria Grace Miraflores, 26, Accounting Associate Daughter: Gail Anne, 8

“I am the mother/best friend—my daughter can say to me anything.”

The first thing that came to my mind when I saw my child for the first time: I was looking for a distinguishing mark on her because at that time people usually talk about ‘baby switching,’ then I saw a birthmark on her leg. After a few seconds, I realized she looks exactly like her father!

The best part of being a mother: First is seeing your child for the first time—it’s like in the movies wherein a background music plays as they give you your baby. Next is seeing your child grow and learn all the things in life—she may succeed and fail but the best part is I am with her during those moments.

The most challenging part of being a mother: Being a single mother, I have to be a father and a mother at the same time.

I cannot be too gentle otherwise she will not know that she did something wrong; I cannot be too strict or else she will not express her emotions.

Our bonding time: Every moment is a bonding moment for us. We eat breakfast together and watch cartoons until I go to work. At night we play with her stuffed toys. On weekends we go to the mall after attending a Sunday mass.

Dear Gail Anne, Take it slow. Don’t rush things and always think about your actions many times before doing them. Don’t forget to pray and don’t forget that whatever happens, I will always be here for you no matter what.

Edchar Villar, 25, BPO Trainer Son: Steven John, 7

“I’m the do-what-you-want-but-never-forget-I’mstill-your-mama kind of mother. You can call me the cool/chill mom.”

The first thing that came to my mind when I saw my child for the first time: It was my eureka kind of moment. Better than finding true love; [a kind of] happiness I’ve never felt before. And for the first time, I knew what I wanted in life and that I now have a direction to take.

The best part of being a mother: I have someone who calls me pretty even if I have bad hair day, someone who says the food I cook is delicious even if it’s just something fried. And the best of all, I know I’ll never be alone.

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The most challenging part of being mother: Managing my time between work and Steven. I am a solo parent and a mom at the age of 19, so I had to endure a lot on my own.

Turn to E2

Young Life

E2

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

THE LIFE...

From E1

I tried doing almost everything on my own because I don’t want any negative feedback, but as I matured, I realized that there’s nothing wrong if you ask for help.

THERE ARE NO

Our bonding time: Steven enjoys biking, so we make it a habit that every Sunday after church we go to a park and bike together, then eat ice cream, and hold hands as we walk on our way home.

Dear Steven John, Live and enjoy life. Take risks. Fall in love. Be compassionate and humble. Be yourself and follow your heart’s desire. Trust God with all your decision and let Him be the center of your life. And most of all, never forget that you have a mother who’s always on your side. I love you.

Lady Anne Louise Laconsay Barrun, 24, Consultant Son: Prince Nathaniel, 2

“I’m a caring, thoughtful, selfless, paranoid, loving mother.”

The first thing that came to my mind when I saw my child for the first time: I said ‘Finally! Here you are! Thank God for a successful delivery.’ I wanted to hold him in my arms, I wanted to hear him crying.

The best part of being a mother: Watching him growing, seeing my son’s first smile, first crawl, and first walk, and hearing his first word and first laugh are really amazing. Having my child inspires me so much to do my best.

The most challenging part of being a mother: Shifting of priorities. No more overnight with friends and impromptu night outs because I have to go home as early as I can.

Our bonding time: I make sure at least once or twice in two months, we go out as a family and spend quality time together. We also watch movies at home and read books.

Dear Prince Nathaniel, Live your life to the fullest. Be kind and have courage. Don’t be afraid to try or explore new things. Don’t stop dreaming and always believe in yourself.

PET TALES

A

BAD DOGS

BY DESIREE CARLOS

PUG was featured in a television program called Bad Dog on Animal Planet.

He is so cute like any other pug but his head is already too small for his fat body. He was nominated as a “bad dog” for being a “pizza monster,” a dog who loves pizza so much that he would even get pizza scraps from the trash can and sleep with them.

His owners found this funny and bought him more pizza.

If they found him adorable for being a pizza addict, why was he nominated as a “bad dog” then?

Simple. His owners, who are on the heavy side themselves, are actually proud of their dog’s “unique” addiction.

Is this good or bad? Of course it is bad. It is not good for his health to become obese.

Is the dog good or bad? Of course not. He didn’t ask to be programmed to like pizza. He never knew what pizza was like before his owners decided to give him pizza again and again. It was his owners who turned him into a pizza addict.

As pet lover John Grogan said: “There is no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner.”

Bad food for dogs

The following are definitely a no-no for your dogs. Foodbeast explains why.

1. Grapes/raisins

These can kill your pet. It is not known what chemicals or compounds are in grapes that cause toxicity. But when your pet eats a grape or raisin, it can cause rapid kidney failure.

Here are the symptoms to watch out for: *vomiting *diarrhea *lethargy *dehydration *lack of appetite Please bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately when you observe one or two of these signs. Your pet can die within three to four days due to kidney failure.

2. Avocado

A toxin called persin is in that delicious avocado. The toxin is in the leaves, pits, bark, and fruit.

Avocados can have toxic effects on dogs depending on the variety. They can cause upset stomachs in dogs, breathing difficulties, and fluid buildup in the chest.

The most dangerous is the pit. Since it is slippery, the dog can accidentally swallow it, and this can lead to obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Chocolates

3. Garlic

MAKE YOUR MAMA SPARKLE

IT’S your turn to spoil your mom— and, no, we don’t mean a giving her a greeting and a kiss on her cheek, we mean giving her sparkling diamonds or shiny jewelry.

Let the queen in your life shine with an elegant diamond ring or a stylish bracelet or a beautiful pair of earrings. MyDiamond offers a 40 percent discount for every single-receipt purchase and 45 percent off for purchases of two or more items until May 15.

Or give her a sophisticated timepiece that lets her live deeper from TechnoMarine. TechnoMarine also gives an exclusive 30 percent discount on selected women’s watches until May 15.

Yes, you still have a chance to make her day special.

MyDiamond concept stores are at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Manila, Festival Supermall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Gateway Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, and SM Lanang Premier.

TechnoMarine boutiques are at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, ShangriLa Plaza Mall, and at all MyDiamond branches nationwide.

Garlic has compounds that are toxic to dogs. The adverse effects on the red blood cells will not show in a few days but your pet will be lethargic, reluctant to move, or look tired. Your pet’s urine will be orange to dark red in color.

Please bring your pet to the vet immediately as blood transfusion might be required in severe cases.

4. Milk

Dogs do not have the enzymes to break down milk sugar.

Possible effects of milk consumption are: *vomiting *diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems Milk consumption is not life-threatening but it can contribute to a serious bacterial infection which can lead to an equally serious illness.

5. Onions

6. Cheese

Cheese contains sugar and fatty components which dogs can not break down as they don’t have the necessary enzymes.

Cheese and other dairy products, when ingested in excess, can cause: *diarrhea *vomiting

7. Macadamia nuts

While the chemicals in macadamia nuts are not known yet, it has been recorded that these nuts cause a toxic reaction if ingested.

The effects of these nuts are: *weakness *inability to walk, specifically problem in the use of the hind legs *vomiting *staggering gait *depression *tremors *hypothermia

8. Apple cores, and cores of pears, apricot, peaches and plums

The core of these fruits contain cyanide or cyanogenic glycosides, thus, make sure not to leave these lying around. Also, please make sure the lid of your trash bin is closed when you throw fruit cores.

The symptoms of poisoning thru fruit core consumption are: *dizziness *difficulty in breathing *seizures *collapsing *hyperventilation *shock *coma

9. Bread dough

***

The more methylxanthines in food, the higher the toxicity level for dogs.

Unfortunately, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine. These are methylxanthines.

The phrase “the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous” is true for dogs.

White chocolates contain fewer methylxanthines therefore has less toxicity.

But then again, never give any food with toxins to your pet.

Your dog can experience any one, two, or all of these effects of chocolate on dogs: *vomiting *dehydration *abdominal pains *severe agitation *muscle tremors *irregular heart rhythm *elevated body temperature *seizures *death

Spoil your mom with a TechnoMarine watch

dogs will likely be damaged, and will lead to a weak dog who can not move around. A lot of ingested onions will damage more red blood cells which might require blood transfusion.

Onions have compounds that are harmful to dogs. The red blood cells of

Raw yeast dough will become toxic when it ferments in a dog’s stomach.

The yeast dough, when it expands in dog’s stomach or intestines, will create a large amount of gas in the digestive system. This is very painful for the dog and can lead to ruptured stomach or intestinal tract. Other effects are vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and lethargy.

10. Caffeine

Sorry but only a stupid owner will give coffee to their dogs. Any drink with caffeine is bad for your pet actually.

Coffee has methylated xanthine which stimulates the nervous system in dogs.

This, in turn, causes vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitations, and, worse, death.

11. Bacon

Any food rich in fat can result in pancreatitis in dogs. Once a dog has developed pancreatitis, their pancreas becomes inflamed and stops functioning correctly. Problems in digestion and nutrient absorption will occur.

12. Alcohol

If it’s bad for humans, it’s bad for dogs.

Foodbeast notes: “It should also be noted that the amount of damage these foods can do vary on the specific breeds and sizes of your dogs. Like humans, all dogs are different and can react differently to foods. Though it’s better to keep them away from these foods just for good measure.”

When you see the symptoms mentioned above, please see a veterinarian immediately. Do not hesitate to inform your vet what your dog ate. Being honest with your vet will save your pet’s life.

Every now and then, researchers record other food that are bad for dogs.

This list contains the most dangerous food for your pet. In succeeding columns, we will add to this list.

Now, let’s go back to the pug who is a pizza addict. After reading what is bad for dogs, do you still find it cute and good for your pet to eat pizza or anything he asks with those “kawawa” round eyes?

Note that pizza contains bread dough, milk, cheese, sometimes onions and garlic. With just a slice, you are actually slowly killing your dog.

Would you do that to a best friend, to a loved one? Of course not.

As Dr. Scott Peck, author of the Road Less Travelled, said: genuine love requires tough love. Tough love means, he said, doing what will make your loved one a better person/dog no matter how uncomfortable any act of love is.

Let us be honest with ourselves and go back to what we learned last Sunday. Your pet does not know what pizza tastes like or smells like before you gave him that slice.

Your dog does not know chocolates exist before you gave him chocolates.

Dogs are simple beings. They eat, they sleep, they play, they poop, they urinate, they walk, they run... They depend on YOU for everything: on when you will feed them or play with them, on what you will decide to give your pet or what activity your pet will have for the day. YOU are their world.

Remember this the next time you see your pet begging for YOUR food. Remember to do only the best for your loving, lovable pet so he or she will live for many years as one happy, healthy doggy.

Namaste!

WHAT GOOD FOOD CAN DO. Thanks to natural home-cooked food and multivitamins, Sage, a rescued dog who was previously sick and dying, is now a healthy and happy four-year-old dog.

A TASTE OF MOTHER’S LOVE BERNICE TENORIO, 19, initially wanted to take up Accountancy or Engineering in college. But it all changed when she saw her mother up till the wee hours of the morning cooking her baon.

“It started when I saw my mom in the middle of the night, at 3 a.m. and she was still cooking. [I asked her] ‘how can you do that? You’re already tired from a whole day of cooking and cleaning the house and you still find time to cook at 3 am, just so I could have packed food for school',” Bernice recalls, as shown in a video on Jolly Eats’s Facebook page.

Her mom, Lalaine, is a former magazine writer and reporter, but decided to take over their homebased kitchenette business in Marilao, Bulacan when her mother passed away in 2012. From then, Bernice knew she needed to help her mother run it, thus she took up Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Sto. Tomas.

Today, Bernice and mommy Lalaine work together finishing bulk food orders or decorating cakes for their customers.

“She’s my first idol and mentor. I learned a lot about cooking from her, I look up to her and I try to mirror her strength: her patience, discipline, resourcefulness, diligence, and how she handles the

nitty-gritty aspects of running our small kitchen while looking after the family’s welfare,” Bernice beams with pride.

Hence Bernice decided to honor her mother by creating a recipe for the JOLLY University Year 4 cooking competition. With the help of her coach, she came up with the Chicken and Mushroom Empanadilla dish.

The recipe, which was finalized in two weeks, was simple yet creative; it’s an easy-to-do Jolly-inspired dish with balanced elements that satisfied judges’ expectations.

“I didn’t have a clear sense of winning,” she admits. “The other entries were equally great. It was a tough competition; I just maintained focus and trust in my abilities, and tried my best to apply what I have learned from Mom and from the JU boot camp.”

Bernice’s Jolly Chicken and Mushroom Empanadilla took home the top prize in the competition’s Individual Category. “I’m pleased to have fought and won the title for my Mom,” she enthuses.

Mommy Lalaine is a living portrait of the many mothers who have selflessly supported, endlessly inspired, and rejoiced in their children’s unforgettable milestones. And Bernice couldn’t think of any-

Jolly University Year 4 winner Bernice Tenorio (left) with her Mommy Lalaine

one else to dedicate her hard-earned triumphs and delicious dishes other than her mom.

“I find myself in the kitchen, and the main reason of that is her,” says Bernice.

Showbiz From E4

KYLIE PADILLA’S

MATERNITY SHOOT

E

XPECTANT mother Kylie Padilla flaunted her growing baby bump in several curvehugging dresses in a photo shoot set against romantic floral décor.

Rica Peralejo Four years after getting married, she welcomed their first child when she gave birth to son Nathaniel. Gushing over motherhood, she said, “It has opened up a whole new life for me. It gave a new direction, focus and purpose, if you will.” That being said, Rica is narrowing her focus when it comes to work. Although she is not closing her doors on showbiz for good, she now prefers having a private life more.

Iya Villana

Now seven months pregnant, the former Encantadia star shared on Instagram a couple of photos that feature her different OOTDs. The shoot took place at the ancestral home of the Padillas, which is now converted into a museum.

In a recent interview, Kylie said that the shoot felt nostalgic because the set was the same place where she grew up.

Jennylyn Mercado teams up with model and showbiz newcomer Gil Cuerva

Host and TV personality welcomed her first child with Drew Arellano in August last year. She admitted that it wasn’t easy for her when she became a parent because of the adjustments that she had to make including the number of hours that she gets to rest. But now, her mantra is: A happy mom is equal to a happy baby. She’s stopped counting the hours of sleep she was getting, and she has also stopped counting how many times she would feed her kid.

Cristine Reyes

YouTube channel that they are having a baby boy. ***

‘My Love From the Star’ soon on GMA The local adaptation of the hit Korean TV series was a hot issue last year. Now, Kapuso Network has just released the trailer for My Love from the Star’s local adaptation.

The highly anticipated TV drama, stars Jennylyn Mercardo and Gil Cuerva playing the lead roles originally played by Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun.

Directed by Joyce E. Bernal, the series is set to premiere on May 29 on GMA Telebabad primetime block replacing AlDub’s Destined to be Yours. ***

Anne Curtis featured in Vogue The “Annekabogable” actress and TV host Anne Curtis makes it to the website of Vogue, which called her “the Filipino-Aussie actress with effortless style.”

After mentioning Curtis’ beginnings in showbiz, Vogue gave its readers a glimpse of the actress’ outfit posts on Instagram, describing her style as “feminine, modern and well worth the follow.”

The article was published on May 11. The story also quoted that “Curtis merges fashion, beauty and travel into one appealing package.”

TV host and fashionsadfdffdf icon Anne Curtis

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Sunday, May 14, 2017

ACROSS 1 Gather 6 Muffler 11 Gill or McMahon 16 Actress — Massey 21 Bergson or Matisse 22 Birch 23 Thoughts 24 Nest on a crag 25 Bert’s Muppet pal 26 Vacuum tube 27 Work in a store 28 Like some estates 29 Ring great 30 Travel choice 32 Emerson opus 34 Old card game 36 Fan 38 Furnishings 39 Robin Cook thriller 40 Corpulent Cartwright 41 Duffer’s goal 42 Pie flavor 43 Loran or radar 45 CPA’s concerns 48 Whitecaps 49 Trapper’s commodity 50 Shade of meaning 54 Solidifies 55 Fat, to a chemist 56 Graceful wrap 57 Artists 58 — Baba 59 Kind of wave 60 Aloha State port 61 Type of collar 62 Just great (hyph.)

63 Spectacles style (hyph.)

65 Thailand, formerly 66 Twins and doubles 67 Sarah — Jewett 68 More gung-ho 69 Wineglass part 70 Prickly husks 71 Runner-up 72 Afts.

73 Gunks 74 Secondhand 75 Vitality 76 Slowly vanishes 79 Ant habitat 80 Bow and scrape 81 Sties 85 Symphony or tome 86 Shortening 87 Brownish fruit 88 Tackle box item 89 Brink 90 Await judgment 91 Big black dogs 92 Deadly serpent 93 Depot (abbr.)

94 Cats, informally 96 Longings 97 Flower or weed 98 Eat “lite” 99 Barracks bane

100 101 102 103 105 106 107 110 111 112 116 118 119 120 121 122 124 126 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135

Gets a tan Excellent, in slang Nervous Grain bristles Down East Guitarist — Paul — Bator Flair Code inventor Created charged particles China’s language Decrees Home-loan agcy.

Always, to the bard Caper PC feature (hyph.)

Facilitated Aristocratic Lyon’s river Blake of jazz Actor — Reeves Weight deductions Croons Spotted Urns Black holes, once

DOWN 1 Winning 2 Singer— Haggard 3 Yearly observance, briefly 4 — Lanka 5 Afternoon naps 6 — Hawkins Day 7 Neaten the hedge 8 Uproar 9 Used a coupon 10 Pompeii art 11 Country parson 12 Lazily 13 Once called 14 Open-air garage 15 Arctic habitant 16 “Othello” heavy 17 Actress Cloris — 18 Garden care brand 19 Physicist — Bohr 20 Yellow fever mosquito 31 “Love — Madly” 33 Junior 35 Au pairs 37 Makes choices 38 Goethe villain 39 251, to Nero 42 Bolivia’s capital (2 wds.)

43 Prefix for dynamic 44 Arizona city 45 Open-mouthed 46 Jonson dedicatee 47 Hold on tight 48 More spacious 49 Take stealthily 51 Advances 52 Witch

53 55 56 57 59 60 61 64 65 66 67 69 70 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 86 87 88

E3

MILLENNIAL MOMS...

SHOWBIZ ROUNDUP

Kylie got engaged to fellow actor Aljur Abrenica in October and announced her pregnancy in January. In April, Kylie announced through her

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017

Glacial ridge Queues Yul’s film realm Law degs.

Contract details Makes haste Shade plant Fleshy mushrooms Small-runway plane Go up in smoke Energy Found a buyer Arrow launchers Blond Surround Jokesters Pop in Citadels Of bees Flying elephant Inventor — Geiger Stretches the truth Keyboard instrument Biologist’s dye Jots down Winter sports gear More doubtful Ceiling fixtures Chassis

90 91 92 95 96 97 98 100 101 102 104 105 106 107 108 109 111 112 113 114 115 117 118 119 123 125 127

Boat berth Monocle “Dave” actor Cowboy’s work Beijing coin More prudish — Arnaz Type of comic Share Leaseholders Cuts the cake Ostrich look-alike Actor Herbert — Amherst sch.

Hawaiian porch Writer — Chekhov Said with gestures River of India Safari sighting Lamprey hunter Maxi or mini Snake eyes Pate de — gras Chromosome part Slugger’s stat Aykroyd or Marino Mare’s morsel

After giving birth to a preemie, Cristine admitted that she was very scared and doubted herself if she’d be a good mom.

Amarah is two years old now and growing into a healthy kid.

Meanwhile, Cristine, who was hailed as FHM sexiest woman in the Philippines once, has left sexy roles behind and move on to more “dramatic” projects.

E4

Showbiz

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor / Nickie Wang, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com

SHOWBIZ’S MILLENNIAL

DARYL ONG’S

MOMS

BIG DREAM

By Nickie Wang

T

HE Voice Philippines runner-up Daryl Ong is ready to make his mark on the music world. Gearing up to a solo concert with plans to create original music running through his mind, the former animator turned singer eagerly answered the question: What can we expect from his first solo major show?

“It’s going to be an intimate show. I’m going to tell a story which starts from my humble beginnings doing gigs with my former band while working as an animator to singing songs for big TV shows and performing before large crowds,” the singer told Manila Standard.

He added that the show and the songs he is going to perform will also touch on his relationship with his family, his kid, his avid supporters, and to his colleagues who are all instrumental in making his musical journey looking better and promising at this point.

Daryl is returning to the Music Museum on May 19 for the concert billed Daryl Songs (stylized as DARYL SONGs to highlight his last name) performing some of his hits and famous covers including “Stay,” “On the Wings of Love,” “Ikaw,” and “Basta’t Kasama Kita,” to name a few.

Produced by ABS-CBN Events and Star Events, the one-night concert will have special guests namely Jay R, Jona, Thor, and Vice Ganda.

“I’m very thankful that I was given this rare opportunity to connect with my fans. And treat them with the thing that I do best. I’m also grateful because solo concerts are like milestones for us singers. Not everyone is given a chance to do a solo concert,” he shared.

Inspired by the music of Justine Bieber, Ed Sheeran and Gary Valenciano, Daryl considers himself as a late bloomer in terms of discovering his passion for music. He was 22 when he started performing gigs and he was 26 when he started doing some music demo.

“I asked Vehnee Saturno if it’s too late for me to make a name [in music] and he told me that it’s still possible for me to known in this industry that most of the time looks for fresh and very young talents. He said Ariel Rivera was already 27 when he started making a name on the recording scene,” he narrated.

Daryl failed to win the second season of The Voice Philippines in 2014. But despite not being the grand winner, he still continued his dream and showed everyone that he’s definitely here to stay.

He is now focused on conquering the concert stage and preparing to come up for a solo record, too. He is keen on establishing his name as a recording artist so that one day he could also help out aspiring singers – something that he considers as his responsibility being lucky enough to be surrounded by people who help his career in music fly.

“This is my preparation for a bigger dream. I was part of a band before so I know how hard it is to penetrate mainstream music. There are so many talented singers and music artists out there that we have yet to discover.

Some of them simply don’t have the proper venue to perform or the right avenue to be known. That’s why my ultimate dream is to become a music producer,” the R&B singer concluded.

PARENTING is tough enough but being famous while raising kids is another story. And yet, many stars have jumped to the challenge and have seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day today, we’re listing down some of the inspiring moms in local showbiz who gracefully embrace motherhood while still keeping a blooming career.

Marian Rivera She is often photographed carrying around her daughter, Zia. Marian, who already sported a two-piece bikini just a few months after giving birth, makes motherhood looks so glamorous. While in most cases, women spend a year or so to shed those pounds they gained during pregnancy, Dingdong Dantes’s wife seemed to have not gone to that phase. Her secret? She doesn’t have any. Probably it’s just in her genes. But it’s good to note that she’s a hands-on mom and an advocate of breastfeeding.

Tony Gonzaga For the TV host, becoming a mother is the “most beautiful change” that happened in her life. But she also admitted that she suffered from postpartum depression. She used to think that moms who went through depression were just exaggerating. But she was wrong as she experienced self-pity herself.

But with the help of her loving husband and supportive family, Toni is back to work fulltime six months after giving birth.

Bianca Gonzalez Like the Kapuso primetime queen, the Kapamilya TV host is an advocate of breastfeeding.

Additionally, the hands-on mom supports longer maternity leave for mothers. She said that it’s very challenging to be a mom to a newborn and that they need all the help they can get. Turn to E3

ARIANA GRANDE TO BANG-BANG MANILA ANEW DID you miss her first concert in Manila in 2015? Fans, don’t fret because you can still catch your idol as she is set to stage another concert in the country.

Ticket prices have yet to be announced but promoter MMI Live announced on Thursday that Ari will perform at the Mall of Asia Arena on Aug. 21 as part of her Dangerous Woman tour.

The pop superstar’s Dangerous Woman Tour began in February, with stops in North America, Europe, Latin America, Oceania, and Asia. After the

Manila concert, the 23-year-old singer will be visiting Hong Kong, Taipei, and F1 Grand Prix in Singapore as part of the Asian leg of her Dangerous Woman tour.

Ariana first gained prominence as Cat Valentine from the Nickelodeon series Victorious. She then broke into the music scene, producing hit singles “The Way” and “Baby I” from her first album Yours Truly. She previously performed in Manila in 2015 for her The Honeymoon Tour, which was also held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Pop superstar Ariana Grande is set to return to Manila in August