Manila Standard - 2017 July 23 - Sunday

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VOL. XXXI • NO. 159 • 5 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

'SWEET AVALANCHE' AND SPICE GIRL

GOVT VOWS NO DISRUPTION IN MINDANAO

By John Paolo Bencito

EMERGENCY EXTENDED. House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (right) bangs the gavel while Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III (left) wait for his turn (inset) to open the joint special session Saturday of Congress which voted to extend President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2017. Ver Noveno/Manny Palmero

CONGRESS EXTENDS MARTIAL LAW IN SOUTH

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

C

ONGRESS, in a weekend joint session, granted President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2017.

Voting 261-18, senators and congressmen overwhelmingly approved the President’s request to extend the martial law imposition—clamped down on May 23—in the south hours before the earlier 60-day martial law proclamation lapsed Saturday night.

With the extension, the emergency would effectively be in force in Mindanao for 222 days, given the 162 days bump-out to the original 60 days.

The voting equation comprised 16-4 vote from senators, with opposition members led by Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senators Francis Pangilinan, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, and Risa Hontiveros voting against the martial law extension by five months; and 245 for and 14 vote from House members.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, speaking for his chamber after a seven-hour hearing, said: “As per the Constitution and the Rules of the Joint Session, the Motion to Extend Martial Law and the suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus is approved by Congress.”

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel said 16 senators heeded

the President’s appeal while only four rejected his call.

During the interpellation, Sen-

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ate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon pressed Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea for the “factual basis” for the President’s call on Congress to grant an extension of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.

He questioned the proposed extension of martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year, noting that the request has no factual basis.

At the special joint session of Congress, he said that nearly 400 of the 600 members of the ISISinfluenced rebel groups in Mindanao had been neutralized in only two months under martial law.

Drilon cited Duterte’s report attached to his letter requesting Congress to extend martial law as saying, “from May 23 to July 10, or less than two months into the Turn to A2

NATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon on Saturday assured lawmakers that extending martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year would neither disrupt democratic processes even as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana maintained that a nationwide imposition of martial rule “will not happen.”

Defending President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend the period of the declaration until yearend, Esperon stressed that civil institutions would remain in place.

“The local officials are there, courts are functioning, we have not suspended anybody there.

They are helping us. We are helping Turn to A2

REDS TWIT DU30 ON 'BULLYING' COMMUNIST rebels taunted President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, urging him to “do his worst” amid the continued implementation of martial law in the country.

Responding to Duterte’s vow of “bullying” communists for being enemies of the state, National Democratic Front chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said that the President is doomed to repeat his same mistakes, citing the brutal drug war which killed thousands since he took office last year.

“Let him do his worst,” Agcaoili said. “If he thinks by going on a killing rampage against the revolutionary movement he would achieve social change, he is absolutely mistaken—just as he has been shown to be wrong in trying Turn to A2

US NAVY CREW AT FAULT, SAYS DEFENSE DEPT

WAR ZONE. Marines prepare Saturday to fire 81mm mortars against Muslim militants’ positions at the frontline in beleaguered Marawi City, on the same day Congress overwhelmingly voted to extend martial law up to yearend. AFP

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WASHINGTON, United States— The crew of a Navy destroyer that collided with a Philippine-flagged cargo ship will “certainly” be held accountable for the crash that killed seven American sailors, a US defense official said Friday.

“The way it looks now, it seems that the crew on the [USS] Fitzgerald is going to be at fault,” the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“They are certainly going to be held accountable in some way for their actions,” the official added.

“This is something we take very seriously. There are seven sailors who lost their lives.”

Senior spokeswoman Rear Admiral Dawn Cutler said the investigation was still in its “early stages” Turn to A2

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

GOVT...

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each other. Congress is in session. This is not the martial law that we had before,” Esperon told lawmakers who convened Saturday in a special joint session on the proposal to extend the martial law.

“The martial law that we have now is to protect the people of Mindanao,” he said.

The London-based Amnesty International, in a press statement, said the Philippine government must ensure that human rights were protected during its campaign against militants in Mindanao, as martial law remains in place.

“Ongoing martial law in Mindanao must not mean that human rights take a back seat at a time when people need crucial protections more than ever. The Philippines armed forces must show the utmost restraint to ensure that civilians are safeguarded during operations in Marawi,” said James Gomez, Amnesty International’s director of Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Lawmakers should also take the lead in ensuring that the armed forces and state institutions are held accountable for their actions throughout the imposition of martial law, Gomez said.

Defense Secretary Deflin Lorenzana on Saturday said there is no need to expand martial law to cover Luzon and Visayas amid the possible escalation of offensives by the New People’s Army.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said the government should now return to work in bringing normalcy to Mindanao after Congress granted the extension of martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2017.

“Now that the debate is over, let us get on with the job of nation-building and contribute in the attainment of the full promise of Mindanao. There is much work to be done to bring back public safety and law and order in the whole island of Mindanao,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

REDS...

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to solve the drug problem by killing thousands of poor drug users or in trying to solve the Deash [Islamic State] problem by killing hundreds of Moros and destroying Marawi.”

On Friday, Duterte said he will no longer talk peace with the communist rebels and ordered the military to train its guns on the New People’s Army after it has retaken Marawi City from Islamist terrorists.

Duterte likewise said that the NDF was no longer interested in pursuing talks amid its continued criticism of some of his policies and the NPA’s relentless attacks on state troops even as he ordered the arrest of all NDF consultants who were given temporary freedom to hold talks with the government.

The Office of the Solicitor General earlier asked the Supreme Court and several regional trial courts handling the cases against the communist leaders to recall the bail grant earlier given to them, after backchannel talks were called off Wednesday amid the renewed attacks by communist rebels, including against members of Duterte’s security detail.

Agcaoili warned that Duterte is already “doing a Marcos” for his obsession with martial law.

“Well, the cat is out of the bag,” Agcaoili said. “Duterte is not for change or even a modicum of reforms in Philippine society. He is for a repeat of [Ferdinand] Marcos’ military rule and patronage politics under the old semicolonial and semi-feudal system.” John Paolo Bencito

US...

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and added that it was too soon to release any definitive information.

“It is premature to speculate on causation or any other issues,” Cutler said in a statement.

The defense official said the result of the probe would likely be released in about a month.

The sailors were killed in a June 17 predawn collision between the USS Fitzgerald and the Philippine-flagged ACX Crystal in a busy shipping channel off Japan’s coast.

Aged 19 to 37, the seamen were found by divers in flooded sleeping berths a day after the collision tore a huge gash in the side of the USS Fitzgerald.

There have been around 30 ship collisions over the past decade in the busy shipping area, including a 2013 incident in which six Japanese crew members died, according to the Japan Coast Guard. AFP

RIGHTS PROBE SMACKS OF US BULLYING—JV SOLON FUMES OVER LOSS OF GRAB, UBER PAPERS T

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE hearing set to be conducted by the United States House of Representatives is another case of diplomatic bullying “we have come to expect from the US government,'' Senator JV Ejercito said.

“It smacks of hypocrisy as the US has never hesitated to violate human rights when it is to their interests. It is also an affront to our sovereignty,” said Ejercito.

He cited the Duterte administration’s assertion that time and again, it respected human rights even as it was determined to solve the problem of illegal drugs that had ruined many Filipino lives.

The US House’s Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bi-partisan caucus, is set to hold on Thursday a hearing on “the human rights consequences of the ‘war on drugs’ currently under way in the Philippines.”

Sought for his comment on the US investigation. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III replied, “the more investigations, the merrier.”

Pimentel said he would ask for a copy of the report after the conduct of the US investigation to compare it the Senate committee report. “We have nothing to hide,” he also said.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said the US Congress had no business over our sovereignty unless they were pro-drugs.

This was the same view expressed by Senate President Pro

CONGRESS...

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“The question is if we have neutralized 379 Maute or their sympathizers in less than two months, why do we need six more months, considering the time it took to neutralize more than half of the rebels, to defeat the remaining rebels?”

In response, Medialdea said the warfare being engaged by the rebel groups was known as an “urban warfare [which is] not an easy task running against these rebels,” adding six months was the recommendation of the military.

“I think it will be better to ask for a longer period than a certain period,” he added.

In a related development, some protesters, seated at the back of the plenary hall and identified as volunteer teachers and students from De la Salle University and the University of the Philippines, briefly disrupted the joint session.

They raised hand-painted signs and were heard repeatedly chanting “Never again, never again to martial law” and “Martial law sa Mindanao, ibasura” before security herded them out.

Drilon had strongly objected to the motion of Senator Gringo Honasan on the 150-day—erroneously counted since July, August, October and December have 31 days each—extension or until December 31 and sought out an amendment to shorten the add-on to only 60 days.

Drilon had earlier stressed that illegal drug syndicates and “peace spoilers” were not part of rebel groups.

He mentioned the Operational Directive of the Armed Forces Chief of Staff in recommending to the President an extension of martial law beyond the 60-day period.

Drilon said the military’s OD showed that martial law should be extended to dismantle the New People’s Army, other terrorist groups, illegal drug syndicates and peace spoilers.

On May 23, the President placed Marawi City under the martial rule after it was rampaged by members of the Maute terror group.

Drilon said the executive branch had the burden of justifying that indeed rebellion continues to persist to warrant an extention of martial law and a con-

Tempore Ralph Recto although he said he disagreed with the Duterte administration’s disregard for human rights in the war against drugs.

But detained Senator Leila de Lima said the probe by the US legislative body was very much welcome, adding the probe was appropriate because human rights issues were universal.

She said the entire world must really monitor what’s happening in the Philippines particularly on the issue of human rights.

“So it is needed since our domestic authorities are not doing measures to seriously inquire into daily killings, the extrajudicial killings,” said the opposition senator, a staunch critic of Duterte.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the US body had no right to summon a Philippine delegation to the hearing.

However, he said they could send to the US Congress available documents earlier presented to the United Nations.

He said they would make good reading material “for those who want to be fair and those who are real human rights advocates who have due process.”

tinuation of the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.

He insisted that mere presence or fear of “imminent danger” was not a ground to declare martial law or much more extend martial law.

He said this danger had been deleted in the 1987 Constitution which mandates that actual rebellion or invasion should be the basis for martial or its further extension.

But Medialdea noted that drug syndicates and peace spoilers were “connectors” to the Maute terrorist group, giving them financial support from the illegal drug operations.

He said there were indications they were helping the terrorist group which engaged government forces in heavy firefight in Marawi City.

He said since martial law was enforced in Marawi City two months ago, large volume of illegal drugs and huge amount of money were confiscated from the NPA and peace spoilers.

Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 shortly after the gunmen, waving the black flags of the IS group, occupied parts of Marawi, triggering weeks of bloody fighting.

The Saturday vote was largely a foregone conclusion as Duterte enjoys majority in both houses of Congress.

But opposition lawmakers dragged out the debate, questioning why martial law was needed for the whole of Mindanao when the fighting was limited to only one city.

“I fear that the plan to extend the martial law in Mindanao will pave the way for a Philippines-wide martial law,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros ahead of the vote.

A slide presentation accompanying Duterte’s request, compared the Marawi crisis to the Islamic State takeover of the Iraqi city of Mosul.

Marawi itself could now become a magnet for foreign fighters in Iraq and Syria, it said.

Most of the militants’ leaders remain at large, the presentation added, while about 90 of the gunmen have slipped past security cordons and can link up with other armed groups in the region to mount similar widescale attacks.

At the hearing, defense and security officials justified the extended martial law, saying that aside from Marawi, Islamist militants were planning attacks in other parts of Mindanao, the country’s second largest island after Luzon.

They said almost a thousand pro-IS militants, holding 23 hostages, were still active elsewhere in the south.

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has called on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate and immediately suspend officials and staff of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board responsible for the missing accreditation documents of transport network companies Grab and Uber.

“I call upon the Office of the Ombudsman to exercise its power of motu proprio investigation on this matter and to immediately preventively suspend all the responsible officials and personnel pending investigation,” Aangat Tayo party-list Rep. Neil Abayon said in a statement.

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada had said the accreditation papers of Grab and Uber were missing.

“Ever since we assumed office last year, we tried to locate the accreditation folders of both Uber and Grab. However, after searching the office of the [executive director] and the office of the chairman, they are nowhere to be found,” Lizada told reporters.

The LTFRB is currently deliberating on the renewal of accredi-

tation of Grab and Uber.

Grab’s accreditation expired on July 3 while Uber’s will expire on August.

But Lizada said that while the documents were missing, this would not affect the renewal of their accreditation.

Meanwhile, Abayon said he was not surprised by Lizada’s revelation.

“It simply and clearly proves the intensity of the gross negligence of not just the top officials of the LTFRB but even of the middle level managers and rank and file responsible for the recording, processing, and safekeeping of those files,” Abayon said.

He urged Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to appoint LTFRB officials and personnel who would replace those who would preventively suspended pending investigation.

Abayon said he would immediately file a resolution in the House of Representatives calling for an inquiry into the supposed “gross incompetence and neglect of duty” of the LTFRB officials once the second regular session resumes on Monday.

In Marawi, the military said only about 60 gunmen were left in a 49-hectare (121-acre) area of Marawi, but Duterte said he needed martial law powers to rebuild the city and ensure the war did not spread elsewhere.

“I cannot afford to be complacent,” Duterte told reporters Friday, adding the military would be conducting further “mopping up operations” even after they recapture Marawi.

“If there is a spillage it will not be as bad if you have this stopgap,” he added.

Drilon said: “We are one with the Filipino people in supporting the military’s efforts to neutralize the Maute extremists at the soonest possible time. With the facts presented to us, however, we are confident that our military will be successful in resolving the crisis for a period of time shorter than the end of the year.

“We also remain faithful to the Constitution in recommending that the extension will be limited only to the areas directly affected in Mindanao.

“History will judge us on whether we fulfilled our mandate under the Constitution and acted in the interest of the people we represent.”

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said martial law was an added tool “to our soldiers, to policemen. And if we are to arrest them [terrorists and rebels] immediately as fast as we could… if we are to impose curfew, we would appreciate if you arm us with what is provided by the powers of martial law.”

Esperon rebuked Hontiveros when she inquired question on the civilian liberties the military took over since martial law was imposed.

He took it to mean that Hontiveros was implying that Duterte’s martial law was similar to the martial law imposed

by President Ferdinand Marcos from September 1972 to January 1981—not 20 years as critics always want to count.

Esperon emphasized Duterte’s martial law was different because democratic institutions such as the courts, Congress, and local government units remain functional despite the martial rule in Mindanao.

“This is again looking back at another type of martial law. We have the local officials, they are still there, the courts are functioning. We have not suspended anybody there. They are helping us, we are helping each other. Congress is in session,” Esperon said.

Sen. Francisco Pangilinan, also president of the minority Liberal Party, proposed that the Armed Forces and the Commission on Human Rights co-

ordinate with human rights groups to submit regular reports on the human rights situation in the martial law-covered areas.

Lorenzana agreed with the proposal.

While she supported an extension of martial law, Senator Grace Poe vouched for a congressional monitoring mechanism on the ground from the military since they were the ones on the ground to give senators regular briefing, assessment on human rights and assessment on the situation of evacuees.

She also asked the Commission on Human Rights for a statement when it comes to the assumption or the claim that there has been no human rights violations, to confirm the record that there are no human rights violations.

An emotional Samira Mutoc, a native of Marawi City, and head of the Ranao Rescue team, spelled out what she claimed were the human rights abuses committed by soldiers on residents of the city. Her narrations were contrary to the pronouncements of military officials and the government.

Senator Cynthia Villar said she voted yes to show support to the country’s mostly young soldiers—100 of them died—to prevent the movement of terrorists to and from Marawi City.

Honasan, who moved for the approval of Duterte’s request on the part of the Senate, said the imposition of martial rule in the entire Mindanao was necessary “as fast and as far as the law will allow.”

Honasan also said it would speed up the “painful task” of rehabilitation and reconstruction of strife-torn Marawi City.

“Is martial law the solution? There are potentials for abuse but the mechanisms for prevention are within our control. Martial law in Mindanao involved both risks and opportunities and we can manage both,” Honasan said.

Drilon frowned on the martial law extension.

On the part of the House, Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas sponsored Duterte’s request on martial law extension.

Militant lawmakers led by Reps. Edcel Lagman of Albay objected to it.

“What is happening in Marawi City is lawless violence amounting to terrorism, but not actual rebellion. The President and his subalterns failed to sufficiently show the element of culpable political purpose of the terrorist groups,” Lagman said in explaning his “no” vote. With AFP

PCSO TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES:

TRAIN GUNS ON GAMBLING LORDS

T

HE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has called on law enforcement agencies to mount coordinated efforts against illegal gambling across the country as the agency makes headway in its campaign to promote legitimate gaming such as Lotto and the Small Town Lottery.

PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan said the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation must now train their guns on the “big fish” operators of illegal numbers games in the provinces.

Balutan said this is the only way to effect the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte for the government to wage war against illegal gambling.

“Let’s translate that Memorandum of Agreement we all signed last November 22, 2016 into concrete action,” he said.

“The PCSO is determined to wage war against gambling lords and their coddlers. Let us share our President’s dream to give our people a country free of the corruption of crime lords who continue to exploit our impoverished countrymen and enticing them to illegal activities,”

3.0 percent; police stations (P154,402,103.11) or 2.5 percent, and provincial governments (P54,569,381.61) or 0.75 percent shares which all came from STL earnings as stated in the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations,” the PCSO official added.

The PCSO has also allotted P50 million worth of medical equipment each for the four poorest provinces identified by the National Anti-Poverty Commission, namely Sulu, Sarang-

Balutan added.

Illegal gambling operators have been competing with STL games being run by PCSO’s authorized agent corporations (AACs).

The PCSO has also been receiving reports that some local police officials allegedly continue to accept payola from gambling lords in exchange for protection for their illegal numbers games.

For his part, PCSO chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz said the agency is working toward increasing revenue collections with the expanded STL for all 92 approved AACs starting this year.

“The PCSO is generating revenue at an average of P60 million a day from all its gaming products and out of that amount, the agency is dispensing P7.9 million a day in Metro Manila and P10 million a day in the provinces for every Filipino in

Medical form now available online—PCSO

PCSO General Manager Alexander F. Balutan “The PCSO is determined to wage war against gambling lords and their coddlers.

Let us share our President’s dream to give our people a country free of the corruption of crime lords who continue to exploit our impoverished countrymen and enticing them to illegal activities."

PCSO Chairman Jose Jorge E. Corpuz “All these revenues are plowed back to the benefit of our kababayan in need. This is why we all need to work together to fight illegal gambling, which eats on the revenues of PCSO.”

Official Website: www.pcso.gov.ph Facebook community page: https://facebook.com/mandirigma83

gani, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. “We call this the Integrated Health for Overall Productivity and Empowerment [I-HOPE] program which aims to help the country’s poorest provinces, particularly medical equipment for their hospitals.

These four provinces are only the first ones to benefit from the program and we are still working with NAPC to reach more provinces soon,” Balutan said.

need of assistance,” Corpuz said.

“So all these revenues are plowed back to the benefit of our kababayan in need. This is why we all need to work together to fight illegal gambling, which eats on the revenues of PCSO,” he added.

For the first semester of the year, PCSO was able to generate more than P24 billion from its various gaming products.

“It’s a 32.38 percent increase from the P18 billion the agency earned over the same period in 2016,” Balutan said STL revenues alone accounted for P6.17 billion from January to June, or an increase of 149.36 percent as against the same period in 2016.

“That’s just from 56 AACs. What more if the 92 become operational nationwide?” Corpuz said.

Balutan said the bulk of the collected revenues or about P3.5 billion was spent for the Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP) that benefited 184,907 Filipinos nationwide.

The IMAP has registered a 48.24 percent increase in its

number of beneficiaries from last year’s tally.

“The increase is mainly due to the expanded Small Town Lottery,” Balutan said.

Balutan said PCSO also held medical and dental programs for 2,528 beneficiaries and donated medicines to 73 beneficiaries from January to June.

A total of 202 ambulances worth more than P157 million have also been distributed nationwide.

“We decided to expand the STL operations in the country when we took office in September 2016 in the hope of increasing revenues and also generating legitimate work for our countrymen. Thus, we are delighted to report the STL expansion created 206,181 new STL jobs, a 71.03 percent increase from last year,” Balutan said.

“Aside from creating jobs for our countrymen, the expanded STL also allowed us to share from our charity fund more than P426 million to offices in the congressional districts (P31,934,964.92) or 0.25 percent; cities and towns (P185,289,115.94) or

FILIPINOS seeking medical and charity assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office no longer have to suffer from long lines after the agency launched its Online Appointment System (OLS) in response to the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for government offices to make public services accessible to the people.

The new online system, designed to streamline and expedite the applications for the Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP), will make it easier for the public to avail of PCSO’s services.

PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan assured that the agency will always find ways to bring its services to the people in a more convenient way with the help of the latest technology.

“PCSO is taking advantage of the latest technology to help deliver faster and more efficient services to Filipinos seeking medical assistance from us,” he said.

PCSO chairman Jose Corpuz said the new online system will cut long lines and enable the public to avail of medical assistance from the agency without the hassle of going back and forth to PCSO branches.

“As we always tell the public, charity is the main product of PCSO. We are here to serve the people and giving them a choice on how to seek help from us in the comfort of their homes is a true public service,” he said.

To avail of the service, the public will only need to access the online IMAP service through www.pcso.gov.ph/cad-program-and-services/individual-medical-assistance-programon-line-appointment/ This online appointment system is limited to securing a schedule for processing of documents and/or interview. It operates on a first come first serve basis while the preferred date of appointment will be dependent on the existing manual appointment scheme of the PCSO’s Charity Assistance Department.

Applicants will be responsible for supplying, attesting, verifying and correctness of the information they provide on this system in connection with their application, using such data to conduct checks and validation against existing records and previous IMAP applications.

The paperless service, which is now initially being tried at the PCSO extension office at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City, will be replicated in other PCSO branches as well, Corpuz said.

After securing an online appointment, a printed IMAP Application form and the original documentary requirements should be submitted on the date of appointment at the RadioOnco Building, Lung Center of the Philippines at 8:00am to 3:00pm.

A one time transaction only per assistance/request is needed.

SERBISYO. TRABAHO. LARO. Bawat Taya, Para sa Kawanggawa!

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‘HOUSE ACCOMPLISHED MUCH IN FIRST SESSION’

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE House of Representatives has passed a grand total of 210 bills of national and local significance in 97 session days held in the First Regular Session of the 17th Congress, records show.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said the Lower House accomplished more than enough during the first regular session as the said figure is equivalent to an average of two bills approved per day by legislators.

Including bills approved on second reading and resolutions adopted, the House approved a total of 290 measures in its first year.

Alvarez said factoring in the measures under calendar of business, those consolidated or substituted,

as well as referral of resolutions on inquiries, the House processed a total of 1,247 measures during 97 session days; or an equivalent to 13 measures processed per day.

Under Alvarez, committee hearings at the Lower House are now being conducted until Thursdays, and even on Fridays and Saturdays, whether in the House or in other venues, including the provinces.

With Alvarez also actively participating in many committee hearings,

members were encouraged to attend the proceedings, too.

Traditionally, the House conducts committee hearings on Mondays to Wednesdays, so lawmakers are free from Thursday until the entire weekend to go back to their respective districts.

And to ensure there is quorum during plenary sessions, Alvarez a d o p t e d a new policy on requests of congressmen for travel authorities: He encouraged them to reschedule their trips on nonsession days.

But Alvarez said he allows official trips of lawmakers for Thursday up to Sunday, provided they would go back to attend the plenary session the next Monday.

Records show that since Nov. 9, 2016, he has issued travel authorities

which conform to his requirements.

The results speak for themselves: Quorum was declared in all 97 session days of the House of Representatives for the First Regular Session.

The total of 210 measures the House approved during this period can be broken down as follows: 194approved on third and final reading, 6 ratified bicameral conference committee report, 1 adopted Senate version, 4 concurred with Senate amendments.

In addition, the House accomplished the following: 13 bills approved on second reading and 67 resolutions adopted.

Including bills approved on second reading and resolutions adopted, the House has approved a total of 290 measures in its first year under the leadership of Alvarez.

Roxas Boulevard in Manila. Norman Cruz

POLICY TO CURB SPREAD OF AIDS REINFORCED wide-ranging social, political and economic repercussions. Responding to the HIV and AIDS epidemic is therefore imbued with political interest.

The bill also noted the State policy to uphold, respect, protect, fulfill, and promote human rights and dignity as the cornerstone of an effective response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

The measure also said that the State shall likewise guarantee the confidentiality, anonymity and voluntary nature of HIV testing; ensure the provision of non-discriminatory HIV and AIDS services; and, develop redress mechanisms for persons living with HIV (PLHIV) to safeguard their civil, political, economic and social rights.

Furthermore, the State shall recognize the vital role of affected individuals in propagating correct information and learning messages about HIV and AIDS and shall utilize their experience to educate the public about the disease.

Thus, the State shall establish policies and programs to prevent the spread of HIV and deliver treatment, care, and support services to Filipinos living with HIV in accordance with evidence-based strategies and approaches that uphold the principles of human rights and gender responsiveness age-appropriateness, including meaningful participation of communities affected by the epidemic.

The State shall adopt a multi-sectoral approach in responding to the HIV epidemic by

ensuring that the whole of government, civil society organizations, and persons living with HIV are at the center of the process.

The State shall ensure access to HIV and AIDS-related services by eliminating the climate of stigma and discrimination that surrounds the epidemic and the people directly affected by it.

Moreover, the State shall positively address and seek to eradicate conditions that aggravate the spread of HIV infection.

As defined under the bill, “Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome” refers to a health condition where there is a deficiency of the immune system that stems from infection with HIV, making an individual susceptible to opportunistic infections. Maricel V. Cruz

DUTERTE’S HELP SOUGHT ON DEATH OF ANTIQUE DPWH OFFICIAL

WATER WEEK. Manila Water Co. president Ferdinand M. dela Cruz (seated, second from right) stresses a point at the closing session of the Singapore Water Week attended by water executives, decision makers and professionals from many countries including the Philippines led by Reynaldo Velasco, administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. Serving as one of the featured panelists in the Singapore conference with theme ‘Forging Alliance Amongs Water Utility Leaders,’ Dela Cruz cited the case of Manila Water updating its risk-based ‘Water Safety Plans from Source to Tap’ working with the Department of Health and the World Health Organization. Velasco cited the Ayala-owned Manila Water not only for its performance as a concessionaire over the last 20 years serving 6.5 million customers in the East Zone with only 11 percent non-revenue water but also for exporting the successful Public-Private Partnership legal framework to other Asean countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

MEDIA practitioners of Antique have appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to order an investigation into the mysterious death of the district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the province recently.

DPWH Antique district engineer Arnel Rebeta was found dead last July 9 at his boarding house in Jaro, Iloilo City with bullet wounds in the mouth and chest from a .45 caliber pistol which police quickly declared as an apparent suicide.

But media practitioners in Antique, along with other concerned citizens of the province believed otherwise, saying the death of Rebeta could be work-related considering the mounting problems he had inherited in the district.

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Migrante International on Saturday slammed the Bureau of Customs’ order as an "insult, an added chore and a killjoy" to overseas Filipino workers and their families.

The group said that Customs Memorandum Order 04-2017 appears to be another money-making scheme aimed to justify tax impositions and other fund-generating requirements from OFWs and their families.

“Itong mga taga-Customs, halatang walang malasakit at walang respeto sa mga OFWs. Hindi ba nila alam na kasama sa sayang dulot ng balikbayan box ang surpresang dulot nito sa mga pamilya? Pati ba naman ito ay tatanggalin nila? Gusto nilang tanggalin ang saya ng OFW at pamilya sa pagpapadala at pagtanggap ng balikbayan box [It is obvious that these people from the Customs do not care and has no respect for the OFWs. Don’t they know that these balikbayan boxes bring happiness to the OFWs and their families?]," Arman Hernando, Migrante International spokesperson, said.

CMO 04-2017 requires balikbayan boxes to include an itemized list of all its contents and receipts of newlypuchased items inside the box.

It also requires that recipients should be relatives and family members who have to prove that they are Filipino citizens.

Migrante cited one of the reactions of an OFW, who has wondered why the BoC targets them instead of bigtime smugglers.

"The balikbayan box is sacred to OFWs. The most humble balikbayan boxes contain the most personalized translation of love and affection for its recipients. Sending and receiving is a delightful event in itself. The least the government could do is to make sure that this simple vehicle of love is not burdened by unnecessary requirements and money-making schemes at the expense of OFWs and their families,” Hernando said.

DOCU FILM ON PINOY DEAF SHOWN

DAREDEVILS. Bike riders display their skills in an exhibition show in Baywalk along

THE House of Representatives’ committee on health has approved a substitute bill seeking to strengthen the country’s policy to prevent the growing prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome cases.

At a congressional hearing held earlier, La Union Rep. Pablo Ortega presented a report of the technical working group on the consolidation of several bills which seek to strengthen the comprehensive policy on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support.

The unnumbered substitute bill titled “Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act” declares it a State policy that HIV and AIDS are public health concerns that have

CUSTOMS SLAMMED ON ‘BALIKBAYAN BOX’ MEMO

“This is not a simple case of suicide.

There is more to it than meets the eye,” said veteran newsman Wilson Geronimo of Radio Bandera, showing a copy of the letter to President Duterte in a media forum in Quezon City.

The letter, signed by at least 50 mediamen and concerned citizens, asked President Duterte to get to the bottom of the case, considering the controversies that shrouded the implementation of public works projects in Antique.

“If indeed, DE Rebeta committed suicide, which we refuse to believe, then there was simply an extreme pressure, spelled serious threats, on his person that it degenerated into allegedly taking his own life for reasons silenced by his death,” the letter said.

AS PART of the observance of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, the Philippine Embassy in cooperation with Discovering Deaf Worlds Inc. hosted a free screening of the documentary, ”Signs of Change: Deaf Filipinos’ Campaign for Equality“ at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Washington.

More than 80 guests, majority of whom came from the deaf and hearing communities in the Metro DC area, attended the film screening.

Signs of Change is a film made by Manila-based documentary film maker Mirana Medina which tells the story of 10 members of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf and their journey of personal and organizational growth through a capacity building program administered by DDW and funded by the USAID/Philippines from 2013 to 2016.

Vice Consul Darell Artates opened the event by sharing the activities of the Embassy and initiatives of the Philippine government in line with the NDPR Week.

“We have vowed to be advocates, to be part of the solution, and to be part in making sure that our fellow Filipinos who are persons with disabilities [PWDs] are integrated into the mainstream society and included in our social development,” said Artates.

“The Philippine government established a framework that helps promote the inclusion and empowerment of PWDs, not just the deaf community but all sectors that are covered by the PWD group,” she added.

Prior to the screening, Mencie Hairston, founder of High Bridge Foundation Inc. and renowned community advocate, gave a background of the documentary film by providing a brief history of the Filipino deaf community and updates in their progress.

“In 2012, Discovering Deaf Worlds [DDW] and the Philippine Federation of the Deaf [PFD] established a partnership with the intention of strengthening PFD through organizational development,” Hairston said.

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 Adelle Chua, Editor

Opinion

Joyce Pangco Pañares, Issue Editor

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SPICER WASN’T WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS WHITE HOUSE

EDITORIAL

By Jonathan Bernstein

SONA CLICHÉS

WE’VE finally found the one thing that’s perfectly normal about the Donald Trump White House: When things go bad, blame the message (and the messenger), not the substance. And so, with things going quite badly indeed, we get to the resignation of Sean Spicer, press secretary and short-term celebrity “Saturday Night Live” send-up, and the hiring of a new communications director, Anthony Scaramucci.

Spicer reportedly resigned over his opposition to Scaramucci, although as with all such explanations, we’ll have to see whether it holds up over time. What is obvious from Friday’s news is that the White House is as chaotic and mismanaged as ever, given that the news media has already reported not only Spicer’s objection to the new press secretary, but also the strong opposition of both White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and senior adviser Steve Bannon, who said Scaramucci would get the job “over my dead body.”

That part is not normal.

It is meaningful.

And it doesn’t bode well for the future.

Nor do reports that Scaramucci got his job by impressing the president with his hard-hitting defense of the administration on cable TV shows. While appearing on television certainly is part of the job of a White House communications director, the real job is to map out and execute an overall communications strategy, something Scaramucci doesn’t appear to be qualified for. He hasn’t worked in government or politics, much less in a White House; his background is in finance, not communications. His hiring is another disturbing indication that the president of the United States is still governing mainly by reacting to what is on TV news shows, and that he still uses a “cut of his jib” test for personnel. That’s all very bad news.

Indeed, as the Washington Examiner’s Sarah Westwood and Al Weave report: Scaramucci would take the prestigious communications director title “but would not be fulfilling that responsibility because he doesn’t know how,” the source said. “Basically, Trump wanted to give Scaramucci something to do because he thinks he’s a ‘good Italian kid,’” the source said.

Replacing Spicer and former White House communications chief Mike Dubke with Scaramucci is also another step away from the Republican Party and toward a more personal presidency. That’s not good news, either, since the record of personal presidencies in the 1960s and 1970s was not very impressive. Indeed, Sean Spicer was one of the very few people in the Trump White House who actually had the proper experience and credentials for the job he was hired to do.

Was he good at the job? I’ll admit up front: As a former Hill press aide long ago, I have a principled bias in favor of all White House press secretaries.

It’s a very difficult job in the best of times, and with the current president, it was almost certainly impossible for anyone to look good doing it. I do agree that Spicer made a serious mistake when, on Trump’s orders, he undermined his own credibility in his first days on the job by arguing an impossible position over inauguration crowd sizes. As hard as it would have been to do, Spicer should have stood up to Trump right away and explained that no one could do the job under those circumstances.

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte addresses the nation a second time tomorrow, a year and change after assuming the presidency.

It’s that time of the year again and we expect to see things we have always seen at around this time.

The occasion would not be complete without the usual protests on the road leading to the Batasan. The President will no doubt be pilloried on the streets, rightly or wrongly, for his controversial methods in quelling the drug problem. A likely result would be traffic jams near the House of Representatives.

There will be dramatizations of issues, likely the supposed extrajudicial killings of suspects in drug cases, the gaping wealth inequality, the destruction of the environment. In previous administrations, effigies were burned and other gimmickry staged.

Lawmakers would be in their Sona best, even as Mr. Duterte last year said he would have no more of the annual fashion show that traditionally featured government officials and their spouses in designer outfits. Perhaps the best costume they would put on is their show of loyalty to their political patron, the majority or the minority.

Last year, the Duterte administration engaged a multi-awarded filmmaker to direct the State of the Nation Address, and we indeed saw experimental shots—curious angles, undue focus. We wonder whether there would be more of the same tomorrow, for the viewing pleasure, or disgust, of those watching from their television sets, computers or mobile devices.

Last year, too, we were promised a concise, moving speech from the President. “Moving” would be arguable—different people can be moved in different ways—but the speech was by all standards not concise. This is a speaking style we all got used to over the next few months.

But since this is a president who ran and won on the promise of change, we will continue to hope that tomorrow’s address will assure us all that the change is not merely in form.

No matter Mr. Duterte’s same rambling, expletive-laden manner of speaking. We have long accepted that he will never act or talk like a conventional, presidential head of state. But we would like to hear concrete plans—though not down to the last tactic—about how he intends to bring the terrorists down, now that Congress has granted his request for an extension of martial law. We would like to hear how he would address the drug menace, balancing it with adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights.

We want to be assured that he knows what he is doing about China, and he is not just being swayed by promises of official development assistance and other investments. Finally, we want to hear that the aggressive infrastructure program is not a pipe dream, and that it would realistically provide opportunities for as many Filipino workers as possible.

We would not mind the Sona clichés, just as long as we can also bank on something new, something different, and something doable to glue us together in these most trying of times.

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NEWS FROM THE ACADEME: LITERATURE AND COMMUNICATION EVENTS POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE

MULTI-AWARDED writer Edgardo B. Maranan has been selected as a recipient of this year’s University of the Philippines Alumni Award in Culture and the Arts (Literature).

Along with other honorees, he will be recognized at the UP General Alumni Homecoming on Aug. 19 at

the Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman campus, for “leadership, achievements, and contributions in [their] field of endeavor,” according to UP Alumni Association President Ramon M. Maronilla, that have “benefited not only [the individual and their] profession, but also the University and

the community [they] have chosen to serve.”

Maranan taught undergraduate courses in political theory and international relations science, and graduate courses in Philippine studies, in UP. From 1993 to 2006, he served as the information officer of the

Philippine Embassy in London.

An essayist, fictionist, playwright, poet, translator, and writer of children’s stories, he has received 30 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in various categories, and Turn to B2

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

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NEWS...

From B1

his work has been recognized by many other award-giving bodies. *** Professor Ma. Ailil B. Alvarez was recently named director of the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, succeeding Dr. John Jack G. Wigley. Alvarez served as deputy director of USTPH until her new appointment. Both she and Wigley teach literature at UST. *** The Communication Research department of the UP Diliman College of Mass Communication (UP-CMC) is holding the 5th National Communication Research Conference on Nov. 22-25 in Baguio City, with the theme “FCX: The Filipino Communicative Experience.”

The event is being staged in cooperation with the UP Baguio College of Arts and Communication, the University of the Cordilleras, and the Philippines Communication Society. It is open to the public.

This is the first time it is being held outside Metro Manila, opening it to wider inter-regional interaction and scholarly collaboration.

Last year’s conference attracted nearly 1,000 attendees who viewed 30 research presentations. This year’s event has three pre- and postconference workshops that will provide students with valuable knowledge about research conceptualization, methodologies, and dissemination.

Students, faculty, and communication professionals will be presenting research papers on communication and media studies.

Among the themes that will be covered are: Filipinos as creators and audiences of content in traditional and new media; communication in various Filipino groups such as family; indigenous peoples, and organizations; and communication in Philippine politics and governance, development, and identity (religion, gender, class, etc.).

The deadline for submission of abstracts has been extended to Aug. 31. Abstracts must be between 350 to 500 words, in Filipino, other Filipino languages, or English. Include five keywords. Find out more on Facebook: @NCRCPhilippines. *** UP-CMC recently announced that this year’s UP Gawad Plaridel will be awarded to 40-year veteran broadcaster Tina Monzon-Palma on Aug. 23 at the UP Film Center.

Monzon-Palma will also deliver a lecture at the ceremony.

The annual UP Gawad Plaridel, established by UP-CMC in 2004, is named after nationalist journalist Marcelo H. del Pilar’s pen name. The award recognizes outstanding media practitioners in print, radio, film, and television who have performed at the highest level of professional integrity in the interest of public service.

Previous awardees were: Eugenia Duran-Apostol (2004, print), Vilma Santos (2005, film), Fidela “Tiya Dely” Magpayo (2006, radio), Cecilia “Cheche” L. Lazaro (2007, television), Pachico A. Seares (2008, community print), Kidlat Tahimik (2009, independent film), Eloisa “Lola Sela” Canlas (2011, radio), Florence “Rosa Rosal” Danon-Gayda (2012, television), Jose “Pete” Lacaba (2013, print), Nora “Nora Aunor” Villamayor (2014, transmedia), Ricardo “Ricky” Lee (2015, film), and Francisca “Babes” Custodio (2016, radio).

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

SPICER...

From B1

Still, much of what Spicer was subsequently hit for seemed to me mostly about blaming the messenger. Of course he was going to spin. Of course the White House was going to limit access at times. And of course reporters would complain about it. That’s how the system works, and as far as I could see, Spicer— more than most in this White House— was doing his job more or less the way it was supposed to be done.

One could certainly argue that Spicer simply should have resigned early on, and that no competent professional could possibly hold down that job in this administration. There’s a pretty good case for that.

And obviously he made his share of mistakes over his six months in the job.

Still, anyone who thinks Sean Spicer was among the top 100 problems with Donald Trump’s presidency is confusing visibility with importance. And there’s a much-better-than-zero chance that the press corps six months from now will be telling stories of how much everything has deteriorated since he left.

Bloomberg

WHY THE SCIENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH CAN MAKE US A BETTER SOCIETY

By Pecier Decierdo THE suicide of Linkin Park front man Chester Bennington has caused a recent spike in the conversation surrounding mental health. And while the conversation surrounding depression and mental health has matured over the recent years, we as a society have still a long way to go.

Here in the Philippines, the Senate has just recently approved the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2017. Senate Bill No. 1354 was unanimously approved upon third and final reading in May. In a statement she made shortly after the approval, Senator Risa Hontiveros, who sponsored the bill, hailed the event as “historic.” While this is certainly true, the late arrival of this historic event, and the fact that concrete legislation that addresses mental health issues is still in the works, is telling of where Philippine society is when it comes to dealing with mental health issues.

What Senator Hontiveros said later in the same statement drives the point of why such a bill is urgently needed in the Philippines: “Sa lahat ng hindi makatarungang sinabihan ng sira-ulo, lukaret, maluwag ang turnilyo, may sayad, baliw, abnormal, may topak, emo, praning, sinto-sinto,

at buang dahil sa maling pang-unawa sa issues sa mental health—para po sa inyo ang batas na ito.”

In that part of her statement, Senator Hontiveros is touching on the fact that like in many societies, there is a widespread view in the Philippines that mental illness is a sign of some moral failing or a weakness of personality instead of a health issue like diabetes or pneumonia.

Such a view is often accompanied by a belief that mental disorders, because they are not physical like polio or diabetes, are less serious, or even less real. Closely related to this is the view that because the illness is mental, the patient can just will them away.

Such views have resulted in a lack of understanding toward the mentally ill and their actions. Worse, they have led to interactions that make the illness worse. Many mental health patients are yet to seek professional help and treatment because of many reasons. Among them is the view that such treatments are unnecessary because willpower is enough.

But what does the science say about mental health and mental illnesses?

Unfortunately, many details of the picture are not yet very clear. For example, scientists are only now realizing that there may

be more kinds of depression that we previously thought. This might explain why there is a very wide array of possible causes and symptoms for depression, which makes the illness difficult to diagnose early or prevent.

This might also explain the very wide array of treatments out there, only a few of which work for a particular patient. Often, each treatment can only partially help the patient, and so a combination of treatments must be explored, often by guesswork.

This is why, at the moment, many psychologists and psychiatrists explain that the treatment of many mental health disorders is as much an art as it is a science. This does not mean that there is no scientific basis to the many treatments that exist and are prescribed by specialists. On the contrary, there is a significant body of research to back up our current understanding of what causes different kinds of mental illnesses, how they affect those afflicted with them, and what possible treatments can be given to people who suffer from mental illness.

However, our understanding is far from complete. This is no surprise.

After all, the human brain is the most complex thing known to science. To understand its inner workings, we are using the very same brain, with all of

its limitations. For another, scientists have only begun approaching the issue of mental health from a throughly scientific and medical standpoint. Some psychiatrists even compare our current understanding of mental health to that of doctors during the time when they were only beginning to understand that the cause of infectious diseases were not imbalances in the body’s “humors” but rather disease-causing agents such as microbes and toxins.

That said, we must welcome every advance in our understanding of mental health and mental illness, instead of holding on to old notions of human agency. For one, it will make us more effective in dealing with our own mental health and that of those near and dear to us. But more importantly, a more up-to-date scientific understanding of mental health will make us more empathetic and understanding. This also serves as a reminder of the general rule that a deeper scientific understanding of the human condition has the potential to increase our capacity to build a more compassionate and humane society.

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

EUROPE’S SOFT CORE IS GETTING TOUGHER

By Leonid Bershidsky THANKS to the defeats of populist candidates in several European elections and Theresa May’s failed bid for UK political dominance last month, the European Union has appeared triumphant. But it’s only a triumph for an increasingly exclusive club of countries that is increasingly willing to embrace conflict on its periphery.

In the euro area, mainstream political parties are riding high after populist failures in Austria, the Netherlands, France and, soon, in Germany; the split of the Finnish far right; the taming of Alexis Tsipras’s oncefiery far-left government in Greece; the lack of political achievement by radical leftists in Spain, and the lackluster performance of the Five Star Movement in the Italian local election last month.

It’s that heart of the EU—19 out of the 27 countries remaining after the UK leaves—that will be the focus of fiscal and banking reforms that French President Emmanuel Macron is discussing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The rest of the EU is no longer courted. Core Europe appears to have few reservations about alienating the Eastern European countries that have chosen to keep their own currencies and nations that could be the targets of further expansion, such as Turkey and Ukraine, with harsh rhetoric or public expressions of contempt.

The standoff with Poland over its ruling Law and Justice Party’s

attempts to give the parliament and the government more control over the judiciary is an example. On July 19, European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans said the EU was “very close” to triggering Article 7 of the Lisbon Treaty—a procedure that has never been used against any country. Seen through to the end, it strips a member nation of its vote for deviating from the EU’s core values, which include the rule of law.

Poland is also the first country under investigation for possible rule-of-law breaches for previous moves to take control of the judiciary.

No one as senior as Timmerman has ever threatened to invoke Article 7, even though Hungary, like Poland run by a populist government, has also weakened its courts in recent years.

Though the EU made threatening noises and took legal action in several cases, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has never been challenged as forcefully as his Polish allies are challenged today.

There’s even high-level talk in Berlin and Brussels about making subsidy payments to Eastern European countries conditional on their compliance with the core European values. That’s another new kind of threat in response to Eastern Europe’s illiberal tendencies and its refusal to help Western European allies with the crisis presented by migrants from North Africa.

The Eastern Europeans appear to be betting that the threats are not serious.

On July 19, the leaders of the Visegrad

Four—Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic—wrote a letter to Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni saying they’d be happy to help his country deal with the influx of migrants smuggled across the Mediterranean from Libya, but not by taking in migrants. The Polish government is defiant despite the prospect of an Article 7 procedure.

The Visegrad countries are also pushing the issue of dual food quality—branded foods sold with cheaper ingredients in Eastern Europe than in the West—to show that they won’t tolerate being treated as secondclass members.

The defiance is based on the assumption that the loud noises from Western Europe mean little: The core EU and the bloc’s institutions have always preferred to signal inclusiveness, even at the expense of declared values.

Things could be changing, however, as attention switches to deeper euro-area fiscal integration.

The EU’s toughness in Brexit talks is an example of what could come for Eastern Europe, too. Eastern European nations have called on the European Commission to be softer on the UK as it tries to leave. Instead, the negotiators in Brussels have taken a hard line, which was evident throughout the first round of substantive talks this week.

Negotiations are deadlocked on every key issue: the exit bill to be paid by the UK, post-Brexit citizens’ rights, the Ireland-UK border, the post-2019 jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. The likelihood of no deal by

2019, when the UK drops out of the bloc, is higher than ever. The EU doesn’t feel it has anything to gain by being toothless; its uncompromising position on Brexit appears tougher than in the 2015 negotiations with Greece, which, although in a far weaker economic position, was still a privileged partner as a euro-area member.

Core Europe also shows a new, sterner face to its allies just outside the bloc. Germany has just announced a “reorientation” of its policy toward Turkey, warning tourists and investors to stay out of the semi-authoritarian country.

A recent EU-Ukraine summit ended without a concluding document because core EU countries, including the Netherlands, Germany and France, refused to include a line recognizing Ukraine’s desire for eventual full membership – even though a similar formula is part of Ukraine’s trade and association agreement with the bloc.

Eastern Europeans pushed for the small concession but were ignored.

The more assertive EU core—which also dares to state its differences with the US on trade and environmental policy—may be just an optical illusion born of the Western European centrist parties’ forced electoral combativeness in the face of populist threats. But it could also mean the birth of a smaller, tighter and tougher Europe that only wants allies on its own terms and is confident of its power. Like a harmless, over-friendly teenager whose patience has been abused by classmates, this core of Europe is beginning to lose its temper and ball up its fists. Bloomberg

‘DUNKIRK’ AND THE GREAT FILMS THAT WON’T BE MADE

By Megan McArdle

course, that there is only one Christopher Nolan, and only so many people willing to give him $150 million I WAS perhaps unreasonably excited to see “Dunkirk,” to spend putting thousands of extras and some World Christopher Nolan’s new movie about the evacuation War II-era ordnance onto a French beach. But the easy of British forces from a French beach during World answer is incomplete.

War II. The historical event on which it is based is It is getting rarer for a genius like Nolan to be given astonishing: unable to get enough warships close substantial sums of money to put their vision on the to the beach to load their fleeing troops, the British screen. Instead, the substantial sums go to “franchise government mobilized a flotilla of small private craft, films.” The pursuit of blockbuster movies is becoming which ultimately helped evacuate more than 330,000 less of an act of creation, and more an exercise in brand soldiers ahead of the German army. I was eager to see management. Franchises generate box office revenue, what one of my favorite directors would do with the merchandising revenue and what economists call story. option value: “Furious 7” does not simply bring ticket He did not disappoint. This nearly flawless film put revenue for the studio, but also the ability to make more me on the edge of my seat for two hours. It is the best revenue through Fast and Furious Episodes 8, 9, 10 and thing I’ve seen about war since the stunning opening of onward to “The Fast and the Furious 987.”

“Saving Private Ryan”—and Nolan, bless him, is not prey Naturally, such valuable properties cannot be left to Steven Spielberg’s compulsion to mar his creations to the quirky whims of some individual; studios have by slopping them over with speechy goo. intervened more and more heavily to ensure that As with all of Nolan’s films, it’s emotionally distant no director goes too far off the rails. As with other from its characters. Cillian Murphy plays an officer markets where mass franchises have taken over, the credited only as “Shivering Soldier,” and none of the result is a sort of flattening of the available quality: characters have much in the way of backstory or goals, There aren’t so many truly awful blockbusters being other than survival. Matt Zoller Seitz calls it an “Ant Farm made anymore, but there aren’t so many truly great Picture,” a portrait of society in which individuals are ones either. Indeed, there aren’t so many big movies almost incidental. That’s rather the point. being made at all, because studios find it much more A lesser director would have given in to the attractive to rake in cash off of a predictable comic temptation to make this a story about the righteous book film with a big global audience than to make crusade against the Germans, men fighting other men, risky bets on greatness. but Nolan shows us a world in which the enemy is a In some ways it looks like a return to the studio plane, a torpedo, the water and the flying bullets, and system of yore, with its factory-like control over every men are reduced to little more than their rage to live. aspect of production. But in the old days, the studios The result is less a war film than a disaster movie. An were mostly making lots of cheap films fast. The studios exquisite disaster movie. I didn’t expect such a vivid and could afford to permit a little more variance, a little visceral illustration of how quickly a ship can sink, or more creativity and serendipity, because the bets were just how difficult it is to hit a target in the sky. I left the reasonably small, and even an oddball picture might theater almost too overwhelmed to talk. find an audience somewhere. But if the old studio Having recovered, I began to wonder why we can’t system was a well-diversified industry placing lots of have more pictures like “Dunkirk.” The easy answer is, of bets—the cinematic equivalent of an index fund—the

modern system is looking more and more like a hedge fund taking a few giant positions. When all the bets are potential firm-killers, the investment committee is going to want to oversee every detail, leaving less room for genius to emerge, much less thrive.

One reason “Dunkirk” is such a joy is that here is a film in which the deadening hand of the committee is nowhere evident. A committee would have wanted something with more merchandising and tie-in opportunities (“Just a thought: What if the captain of the destroyer is drinking a Diet Coke? Then we could give his action figure a detachable can that fits in his right hand.…”) A committee would have wanted a lovable band of misfits who could be taken into sequels. (“No, this is terrific: Next time, instead of fleeing France, they invade it!”)

A committee would have wanted all the mawkish paraphernalia of the modern war picture—the rumpled photograph of the girl back home, the square-jawed lead who learns a Very Important Lesson about leadership and loyalty, and the speeches, oh Lord, the speeches, about what war is, and what it all means. Even the pictures that explicitly reject the cheap and easy sentimentality of the modern war movie are still hung up on rejecting it. Nolan simply ignores it, and does something infinitely more interesting.

As the “tentpole” picture increasingly becomes the main product of Hollywood, and directors are selected for their ability to please a committee, how many more memorable big films can we hope to get? When a legend like Spielberg has so much trouble getting “Lincoln” into theaters that it comes “this close” to ending up on HBO, you have to wonder if the days of the original creative project are numbered within the studio system. If the flotilla of small craft disappears, all we’ll have left is a few big ships drifting inoffensively in international waters—and a lot of moviegoers stranded on the beach. Bloomberg

World TENSIONS RISE AT JERUSALEM TEMPLE MOUNT JERUSALEM—Three Israelis were stabbed to death and clashes left three Palestinians killed Friday as tensions rose over new security measures at a highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site where police restricted access for Muslim prayers.

As Israeli and Palestinian leaders faced pressure to respond, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas announced late Friday he was freezing contacts with Israel over the holy site dispute.

The unrest came after Israeli ministers decided not to order the removal of metal detectors erected at entrances to the Haram al-Sharif compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, following an attack nearby a week ago that killed two policemen.

In anticipation of protests on Friday, Israeli police barred men under 50 from entering the Old City in annexed east Jerusalem for prayers, while all women were allowed in.

Police said later in the day that discretion could be applied in the use of the metal detectors instead of forcing everyone to go through them.

But Palestinian and religious leaders still called on worshippers not to enter until the devices were removed. AFP

CIA, US ENDING SUPPORT FOR SYRIAN REBELS

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

COPS STILL GUARDING LIU XIAOBO’S HOME B

EIJING—At a small park outside the Beijing home of late Chinese Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo, security officers sat around a stone table surrounded by shrubbery, scrutinizing everyone who neared the gate they guarded.

More than a week after the Nobel Peace Prize winner succumbed to liver cancer in custody, four agents stood watch on the stoop of the apartment where his widow, the poet Liu Xia, has largely been kept under house arrest since 2010.

Their presence contradicts official claims last weekend that Liu Xia, 56, is “free”.

She appeared in a government-released video on July 15 showing her husband’s sea burial in the coastal city of Dalian, but close friends have been unable to reach her and believe that she is under police control in southern Yunnan province.

But the medley of uniformed and

plainclothes officers outside her home on Friday were undeterred in their surveillance -- even if they may have been guarding an empty apartment.

“Where are you going?” a man wearing a “special duty” uniform asked two middle-aged women who approached.

“We live here,” one of them retorted, as if accustomed to the question.

On the other side of the gate, a uniformed officer sat in a chair parked outside the entrance to Liu Xia’s apartment.

Three other men sat inside the dark entranceway, including one eating a bowl of noodles.

They all stood up when an AFP reporter approached.

“What are you doing here? You don’t live in this neighborhood,” said the uniformed officer, gesturing for the reporter to leave.

Outside the gate, security agents talked among themselves as they waited for their lunch break.

“Yesterday there were five to six reporters who came,” a middleaged man said to the group. He wore a black T-shirt, the preferred attire of plainclothes agents.

“Those foreigners just come here to make trouble. They want to take photos of everything. Lunch time is rush hour for them, then things die down after 7 p.m.”

Earlier that day, a four-person foreign television crew had come through one of the complex’s main gates.

They were soon surrounded by officers in both black and green uniforms.

“Do you know who Liu Xia is?”

one of the journalists asked a guard, who barked back: “Never have I met anyone as rude as you!”

At around the same time, an AFP photographer was held by police who asked him to delete three photos he had taken of the apartment exterior.

He did not comply, and was shortly released.

All was calm on the riverfront boardwalk that Liu Xia’s apartment overlooked, as joggers, bikers and fishermen alike appeared to be unaware of the commotion on the other side of the gate.

The Chinese government has erased virtually all mentions of Liu Xiaobo, a 1989 Tiananmen Square protest veteran, from the internet and domestic media.

Liu was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 for “subversion” after co-writing Charter 08, a petition calling for democratic reforms in the Communist Party-ruled country. AFP

WASHINGTON—The head of the US military’s special operations confirmed Friday that the Central Intelligence Agency is shutting down its program to support rebels fighting against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

General Tony Thomas denied that the four-year-old operation was ended to placate Russia and earn its support for a ceasefire in southwestern Syria.

It was a “tough, tough decision” but “absolutely not a sop to the Russians,”Thomas said at a forum in Aspen, Colorado.

“It was, I think, based on an assessment of the nature of the program, what we’re trying to accomplish, the viability of it going forward.”

Asked about Thomas’s comments, the CIA declined to comment.

On Wednesday, the Washington Post reported the covert CIA program was being shut down.

The Post said President Donald Trump made the decision nearly a month ago after a meeting with CIA chief Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor HR McMaster.

The Post said Trump made the decision to find ways to work with Russia in Syria, where Moscow supports Assad’s government. Trump has said the main US focus in Syria should be to eliminate the Islamic State group, rather than opposing the Assad regime. AFP

EAST TIMOR VOTES FOR PARLIAMENT AMID CHALLENGES DILI, East Timor—East Timor headed to the polls to elect a new parliament Saturday, as Asia’s youngest democracy battles economic challenges 15 years after gaining its independence from Indonesia.

About 760,000 people are expected to cast their votes for candidates from 21 parties in the tiny half-island nation, in the first parliamentary election since the departure of United Nations peacekeepers in 2012.

The polls come at a challenging time for the country, with key oil reserves running dry while the government struggles to resolve a long-running row with Australia over lucrative energy fields.

But despite fears of violence, there were no reports of unrest in the run-up to the election.

“I am happy I can vote today because it’s important we choose the best to lead our country,” said voter Mateus Araujo.

The parliamentary election will determine the choice of prime minister for the former Portuguese colony.

The prime minister, chosen by the winning party or a coalition of parties in parliament, oversees the government and is the most influential political figure in the country.

East Timor voted for a new president in March with Francisco Guterres -- known by his nom de guerre “Lu-Olo” -- winning the presidency, a role which is largely ceremonial but can help keep the peace between feuding politicians. AFP

This file handout photo provided by the Shenyang Municipal Information Office shows late Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo’s wife Liu Xia (center) holding a portrait of Liu Xiaobo, and family members holding a portrait of Liu Xiaobo and receiving the ashes (right) in an urn at a funeral parlor in the Chinese city of Shenyang, Liaoning province, on July 15. The death of Liu Xiaobo deprives China’s dissident movement of a crucial figurehead at a time when political activism on the mainland is being forced ever deeper underground, and pro-democracy forces in Hong Kong are under threat. There are fears that Liu’s supporters will now be targeted, particularly his wife Liu Xia, who has been under house arrest since 2010. AFP

QATAR EMIR READY FOR CRISIS TALKS WITH CONDITIONS

INUNDATED. An Indian commuter rides along a flooded street after heavy rain in Amritsar, India on Saturday. AFP

DOHA—Qatar’s ruler said Friday that the Gulf emirate is ready for talks to resolve a diplomatic crisis with a Saudiled bloc so long as his country’s sovereignty is respected.

“We are open to dialogue to resolve the outstanding problems,” so long as Qatar’s “sovereignty is respected,” Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in his first public comments since Saudi Arabia and its allies severed ties with the gas-rich emirate.

“Any settlement of the crisis must be based on two principles,” he said in a televised speech.

Sheikh Tamim insisted that any deal “must not take effect in the form of diktats but rather through mutual commitments undertaken by all the parties.”

“We are open to dialogue to find solutions to lingering problems within the framework of respect for the sovereignty and will of each state as mutual undertakings and joint commitments binding all,” he said.

On June 5, Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United

Arab Emirates and Egypt cut ties with Qatar accusing it of backing extremism and fostering ties with their Shiite rival Iran. Doha denies the claim.

In his speech delivered on Friday night, the emir said Qatar was “fighting terrorism relentlessly and without compromises, and the international community recognizes this.”

The crisis between the regional allies is the worst to hit the Gulf in decades.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and its allies also imposed sanctions on Doha, including closing its only land border, refusing Qatar access to their airspace and ordering their citizens back from Qatar.

And on June 22, they went on to present the emirate with a list of 13 demands with which to comply to resolve the crisis.

Kuwait has been trying to mediate the crisis and several top Western diplomats have toured the region to try to defuse the row, including US Secretary of States Rex Tillerson. AFP

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

World

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

POST: SESSIONS DID TALK TO RUSSIAN ENVOY

ALL FOR SHOW. The Viking ship of the History Channel show’s ‘Vikings’ burns during the Viking Funeral Ceremony at San Diego Comic Con 2017 on Friday in San Diego, California. AFP

SEAN SPICER QUITS IN WHITE HOUSE SHAKEUP

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ASHINGTON—White House press secretary Sean Spicer abruptly resigned Friday in protest at a major shake-up of Donald Trump’s scandal-tainted administration, as pressure mounted from a broadening investigation into the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia.

New White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci (left) replaces Sean Spicer (right) as President Donald Trump’s chief spokesman. AFP

Spicer quit after Trump named Anthony Scaramucci, a Wall Street financier and one-time critic, as the new White House communications director -- a role Spicer had hoped to play.

“It’s been an honor & a privilege to serve @POTUS @realDonaldTrump & this amazing country.

I will continue my service through August,” Spicer tweeted.

In a written statement, Trump said he was “grateful” for Spicer’s work and praised his “great television ratings” -- a reference to Spicer’s keenly watched, combative and often-satirized news briefings.

“Spicer is a wonderful person who took tremendous abuse from the Fake News Media - but his future is bright!” Trump tweeted.

Spicer was replaced by deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

In an interview with Fox News, Spicer said he stepped aside to “not have too many cooks in the kitchen” to convey Trump’s message.

Trump used the occasion of Spicer’s departure to lash out at the media, claiming his administration had “accomplished so

much” and been “given credit for so little.”

“The good news is the people get it even if the media doesn’t,” Trump added.

Spicer’s resignation marked an escalation of tensions within an administration that has seen its legislative agenda falter at the same time it has been buffeted by an investigation into alleged collusion with Russia.

The Washington Post reported late Friday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions, contrary to his prior testimony, discussed campaignrelated and policy matters with Russia’s ambassador to Washington, citing intelligence intercepts.

The report will heap pressure on Sessions, who already was on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing

by Trump over the Russia probe.

The president suggested Sessions had betrayed him in stepping away from the investigation.

And in another blow, Mark Corallo -- who was coordinating the Trump legal team’s public response to the Russia crisis -- told AFP that he, too, had stepped down. AFP

US DIALS UP PRESSURE ON IRAN OVER HOSTAGES WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump’s White House dialed up the pressure on Iran Friday, demanding the quick return of Americans detained in the Islamic Republic.

“President Trump is prepared to impose new and serious consequences on Iran unless all unjustly imprisoned American citizens are released and returned,” the White House said in a statement.

The tough warning comes just days after Trump rowed back on a campaign promise and upheld the Iran nuclear deal, while introducing new non-nuclear related sanctions.

The threat of prisoner-related sanctions opens a new front in tensions between Tehran and the Trump administration.

The measure comes after a Chinese American accused of “infiltration” in Iran was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The man was identified as Xiyue Wang, a 37-year-old researcher at Princeton University.

US officials say Trump has taken a keen interest in the fate of Americans held overseas and was deeply affected by the case of Otto Warmbier, a student who was released last month

from a North Korean prison in a coma and died shortly after being sent back home.

“President Donald J. Trump and his Administration are redoubling efforts to bring home all Americans unjustly detained abroad,” the White House statement said.

“The United States condemns hostage takers and nations that continue to take hostages and detain our citizens without just cause or due process.”

The statement mentioned Xiyue Wang by name, along with Siamak and Baquer Namazi and ex-FBI agent and CIA contractor Robert Levinson -- who went missing in March 2007.

Washington and Tehran have had no diplomatic relations since April 1980 in the wake of the Islamic revolution, and tensions have sharpened under Trump after a brief warming under his predecessor, Barack Obama.

The two countries along with other major powers signed an accord July 14, 2015 aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program. Washington has continued to honor the accord despite Trump’s threats as a candidate last year to “rip it up.” AFP

MAN’S BEST FRIEND. Singer/songwriter Michael Ray and his rescue dog Wrigley show affection on the bus during Day 2 of the ‘Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin’ show on Friday. AFP

WASHINGTON—Embattled US Attorney General Jeff Sessions discussed campaign-related issues with the Russian ambassador to Washington during the presidential race—something Sessions has insisted he did not do, The Washington Post reported late Friday.

The paper quoted current and former administration officials who cited US intelligence intercepts of Ambassador Sergey Kislyak’s accounts to his bosses in Moscow of two encounters he had with Sessions, then an adviser to Trump, during the campaign.

The report is certain to add more pressure on Sessions, whose job security is seen as being in jeopardy after President Donald Trump criticized him in scathing terms in an interview this week with The New York Times, saying he was sorry he had hired him.

Trump said he regretted the hiring because Sessions in March recused himself from overseeing an FBI-led probe into Russian meddling in the election in Trump’s favor and whether the Trump team colluded in that effort. AFP

MINNEAPOLIS IN FUROR OVER AUSSIE’S DEATH CHICAGO—Fallout intensified Friday from the fatal police shooting of an unarmed Australian woman, as Minneapolis’s police chief resigned, an angry crowd shouted down the mayor, and protesters filled streets for the second day in a row.

Police chief Janee Harteau resigned at the request of the Midwestern US city’s mayor, who herself faced calls to stepped down by an angry crowd that brought her Friday evening news conference to an abrupt end.

Meanwhile, protesters filled the streets of downtown Minneapolis, demanding - among other things - greater police accountability and reform. Some celebrated news of the police chief’s resignation.

Mayor Betsy Hodges promised to remain in her post, but said she understood the frustration of residents following the police shooting of Justine Damond last Saturday night, which has ignited an international outcry. AFP

LONDON HUNTS FOR WAYS TO STOP YOUTH STABBINGS LONDON—Nearly one young person a week has been stabbed to death in London so far this year, leaving British authorities hunting for ways to stop the increasing violence.

Twenty-seven people under the age of 25 have been stabbed to death in London since the start of 2017, according to figures from city hall.

The alarming figure is but “the tip of the iceberg” according to Patrick Green from the Ben Kinsella Trust, an educational organization set up in memory of a teenage stabbing victim.

Police registered more than 12,100 knife attacks which left 4,400 people injured between April last year and March, the highest figure in five years.

“Many of the victims of stabbing are left with permanent disabilities, permanent scars, and the most awful disability which isn’t reported is the mental trauma,” Green told AFP. “The fact that you recover doesn’t mean that you return to your normal life,” he added.

In contrast to widely held perceptions, most attacks are unrelated to organized crime. Three out of four cases involve individuals who carry a knife because they believe it will make them feel safer. AFP

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

Business

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

SILICON VALLEY ICON GOES TO CEBU

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SUNSHINE HEROES

From left: Dole Asean cluster general manager Noel Casanova, National Solid Waste Management Commission executive director Eligio Ildefonso, Dole Asia vice president for marketing and innovations Ashvin Subramanyan and Gone Adventurin’ founder and chief executive Ashwin Subramaniam

PLDT Inc. will once again host Asia’s premier telecom event, the ACC, with Silicon Valley icon Guy Kawasaki, former chief evangelist of Apple and trustee of Wikimedia Foundation, as keynote speaker, at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa in Cebu on Sept. 12 to 15, 2017.

The much-anticipated telco and technology conference has always top billed speakers from around the world who are experts in the fields of telecommunications, carrier business and technology. This year, Silicon Valley venture capitalist Kawasaki, who is also a much sought-after speaker in international conferences, will explore the ACC 2017 theme “Reinventing Customer Experience in the Digital Age.” “If you provide enough value, then you earn the right to promote your company in order to recruit new customers. The key is to always provide value,” said Kawasaki who is currently the chief evangelist of Canva, an online graphic design tool.

He is also a brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz and an executive fellow of the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley). He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University, his MBA from UCLA and an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

FRUIT COMPANY WANTS FILIPINOS TO STOP POLLUTING PACIFIC OCEAN

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MASSIVE island of plastics is forming in the Pacific Ocean, and the Philippines is pinpointed as the third biggest culprit in dumping trash to the world’s largest body of water.

“If you look at the southern Pacific Ocean, there is a massive, almost like a floating island of plastic trash. The Philippines ranks number three in contribution to plastic waste in the ocean in the world. Number one is China, number two is Indonesia and number three is the Philippines,” said Dole Asia vice president for marketing and innovations Ashvin Subramanyan.

Subramanyan said this could be due to the fact that the Philippines has the second longest coastline in Asia after Indonesia, and there is a need to improve waste segregation and recycling in the country.

Ocean Conservancy, a US environmental nonprofit group, reported in 2015 that the majority of plastic waste enters the Pacific Ocean from a small geographic area, and that “over half comes from just five rapidly growing economies—China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.”

Ocean Conservancy said the rising economic power of these countries had also generated exploding demand for consumer products that had not yet been met with a commensurate waste-management infrastructure.

The study found that of the 275 million metric tons of plastic waste that coastal countries produced in 2010, between 4.8 and 12.7 million MT leaked to the ocean.

China was listed as the top contributor, with 1.32 million MT to 3.53 million MT going into the sea, followed by Indonesia with 480,000 MT to 1.29 million MT and the Philippines with 280,000 MT to 750,000 MT of plastic waste.

While China was the biggest producer of plastic waste with 50 million MT of plastic waste per year, compared to the Philippines’ 2.7 million MT, waste in China was spread over a much greater geographic area, resulting in a much lower density

of waste.

Metro Manila in the Philippines generates roughly 560,000 metric tons of plastic waste each year within an area of 620 square kilometers, translating into a plastic waste density of 900 metric tons per square kilometer.

In its estimate, Ocean Conservatory said of the 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste produced by the Philippines, about half a million metric tons leaked to the sea.

An executive of Dole, a multinational fruit producer which has a 17,000-hectare plantation in South Cotabato province, said companies were contributing to the problem.

“Disposable container has created issues for the environment. Because of the nature of business of Dole, we know that we also contribute.

That is why we have decided to put emphasis on putting training, wisdom among the students,” said Dole Asean cluster general manager Noel Casanova.

Subramanyan agreed, saying: “We have business in the Philippines, so we can do something about it. So let us do something about it.”

Dole Philippines teamed up with Gone Adventurin’ and Mother Earth Foundation to launch the Sunshine Heroes campaign—a CSR and sustainability drive centered on engaging the schoolchildren and instilling within them the passion to embrace sustainability, through recycling, as a lifestyle and a progressive movement.

“We need to teach kids that all the trash they see laying around our streets and clogging our waterways is because we need more recycling and less trash,” said Subramanyam.

Data showed the Philippines was producing around 40,000 tons of garbage every day or about 14.6 million tons a year. Experts said that at least 70 percent of these wastes were generated by households, while about 75 percent could actually be recycled.

To encourage the youth to recycle materials, the Sunshine Heroes campaign is putting up material recovery facilities in five public schools in Malabon and Quezon City where students will be

requested to bring household recyclable wastes to the facility.

The trash will then be sold to local recyclers once it reaches a certain amount. Money generated from this program will go directly to the school to help fund other school activities. The pilot schools are Potrero Elementary School, Potrero National High School, Masambong Elementary School, Sergio Osmeña Sr. High School and Holy Spirit Elementary School.

“We chose to engage the youth because of their role in helping change mindsets about recycling and proper waste management,” said Subramanyam.

“Down the road, we hope that other schools will be able to replicate this sustainability model.

Making this model a staple in every school can make a lasting impact in terms of advocating for proper waste management nationwide,” said Subramanyam.

National Solid Waste Management Commission executive director Eligio Ildefonso said the industries and the private sector have crucial roles to play in waste management. “The order of the Supreme Court is to clean up Manila Bay to restore it to former status where everyone can swim,” he said.

“We want to see more companies as partners of the government,” said Ildefonso.

Gone Adventurin’ founder and chief executive Ashwin Subramaniam said urban waste in the Philippines was expected to rise significantly in the coming years. “The World Bank has forecasted that urban waste in the Philippines will increase 165 percent by 2025 from 2012,” he said.

He said teaching students to recycle materials is a good start. “Our whole future depends on the next generation or two,” said Subramaniam.

“Each household has 4.4 members and if you can influence one student or one child in the family, you have 3.4 other members of the family who can start segregating and recycling,” he said.

Subramanyan, the Dole executive, said aside from the fruit company, everybody should take part in recycling of materials. “We all live in this planet. We owe it to ourselves to protect it,” he said. Roderick T. dela Cruz

Silicon Valley’s Guy Kawasaki leads speakers at ACC 2017

Kawasaki’s quotes have captivated audiences: “When you enchant people, your goal is not to make money from them or to get them to do what you want, but to fill them with great delight.”A prolific writer, he has authored numerous best-selling books such as The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, The Art of the Start 2.0 and nine others.

Several international experts in technology and telco will be joining Kawasaki as speakers at the plenary session.

“As ACC provides an ideal venue for industry leaders to discuss and share the latest technological breakthroughs, it also spearheads Thought Leadership on the future of technology and telco through relevant activities such as the plenary session, bilateral meetings, workshops, exhibits, and networking events,” said PLDT Group chief revenue officer Eric Alberto.

Last year, the ACC was attended by over 1,300 delegates representing 414 companies from 62 countries around the world. “The ACC has always been well-attended since it was first held 13 years ago,” Alberto said.

“Both international and local delegates look for ward to this conference every year because it offers them great technological knowledge and enormous opportunities for networking, collaborating and conducting business with industry leaders and players,” he said.

The conference program consists of the plenary session, various workshops, bilateral meets, networking sessions, and social activities.

ABOITIZ INTRODUCES THE ‘GREEN’ JEEPNEY

By Alena Mae S. Flores BUSINESSMAN Endika Aboitiz teamed up with Spanish investor Enrique Bañuelos to reinvent the old ‘jeepney’ and transform it into a green, electric vehicle.

QEV Philippines Electromobility Solutions and Consulting Group Inc., the joint venture between Aboitiz and Bañuelos, proposes to convert an initial 50,000 jeepneys over five years, or 10,000 per year, by replacing their diesel engines with

lithium-ion batteries.

QEV Philippines, the Philippine unit of Singapore-based electromobility holding firm QEV Capital Pte. Ltd., also seeks the help of the government to shoulder the cost of electric kit of around P600,000 per unit.

“The jeepney is as much Filipino as all of you. It is like London’s double-decker bus. It in itself is a moving museum. Taking the jeepney away is taking away a piece of our colorful history, an icon that

many have come to associate with the Philippines. We can preserve the jeepney and modernize it without taking away its charm,” Aboitiz said during the launching of the green jeepney in Taguig City.

When Bañuelos, QEV’s principal investor first laid eyes on the jeepney, it was love at first sight. In his resolve, he had a Sarao jeepney sent to Spain for extensive research and development, so they could study how it could be converted Turn to C2

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from an internal combustion engine into electric. After more months of local research, a team of Spanish engineers then flew to the Philippines to start work on the conversion. Today, that jeepney is now a green jeepney, having zerocarbon emissions and running 100 percent on electricity.

The green jeepney made its debut on July 20 at Shangri-La at The Fort, Bonifacio Global City.

The cost of electricity is far less than the cost of fuel. In effect, the take home pay of the jeepney drivers would improve since they would have more earnings.

Charging of lithium ion batteries for 15 minutes costs 30 percent less than the average liter of diesel. This will enable the green jeepney to run for 100 to 140 kilometers. Compared to the high cost of diesel that can fetch as high as P31/ liter for the same distance.

The charging stations for the green jeepneys will soon be made widely available. QEV Philippines has as its technological partner, ABB (Asea Brown Boveri), which produces universal charging stations that will be installed all over the city.

The company said that once the proposal was adopted, electrification/reconversion would be undertaken by QEV Philippines affiliate QEV Technologies and local jeepney manufacturers such as Sarao Motors in four local facilities.

Charging stations—to be powered by Aboitiz Power’s Corp. clean and renewable energy brand “Cleanergy” whose network will be initially formed with the help of Manila Electric Co., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Ayala Corp. and SM Group.

With virtually no emissions, QEV Philippines said its green jeepneys are expected to sequester an estimated 540 tons of carbon million trees, and earning $35 million in United Nations carbon credits.

Further, this will come at no cost to jeepney drivers, with as much as $800 (or approximately P40,000) a year seen in energy and maintenance savings.

The jeepneys’ charging stations are also expected to help save 375 million liters of oil per year, or the equivalent of 3 percent of the country’s total imported Brent Crude barrels.

QEV Philippines’ green jeepneys are also expected to revitalize the country’s long-running jeepney industry by paving the way for local jeepney manufacturers to enter the electric solutions industry via building, renewal, and maintenance trainings. “ W h a t we p ro p o s e i s n o t replacement, but rehabilitation.

Rehabilitate old jeepneys and make them like new, complete with electrical motors that will make it run on electricity instead of diesel. Help drivers pay for the rehabilitation, through a special program that the Philippine government will make out for them—and in the end put more money in their pockets because the costs of charging with electricity would be so much cheaper than filling it up with diesel,” Bañuelos said.

Waves Beach Club and Residences chief executive Fausto Liriano (left) leads the groundbreaking of DusitD2 in San Juan, La Union

INTERNATIONAL RESORT LIFTS LA UNION REAL ESTATE MARKET

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WORLD-CLASS resort which promotes the preservation of ‘pawikan’ or sea turtles is lifting the real estate market in La Union province, in terms of quality and prices.

Construction of DusitD2 at Waves Beach Club and Residences on a seven-hectare property with a 350-meter beachfront in San Juan, La Union has started, drawing more attention to the potential of the area as a surfing hub and the next major tourist destination.

Fausto Liriano, the president and CEO of Waves Beach Club, says the luxury residential resort complex is set to become the biggest resort in La Union and will be managed by international hotel group Dusit.

“Construction has already started. We are committed and we will do our best to work until the second quarter of 2019. So basically, it will be ready for operations after two years of construction,” says Liriano, a civil engineer from the Dominican Republic who also heads real estate company RCL Realty & Consulting Services as chairman and chief executive.

RCL Realty and Brightbeam Corp. are in charge of the development of DusitD2 at Waves Beach Club and Residences in San Juan.

Liriano says land prices at the beach areas of San Juan surged to as high as P20,000 per square meter from only P5,000 per sqm several years ago when RCL Realty announced the plan to develop Waves Beach Club, with DusitD2 as its anchor hotel.

“We should have bought more properties then,” he says.

DusitD2 will be a five-star hotel, equipped with modern amenities. Average room size will be 41 square meters, bigger than other five-star hotels’ 35 sqm.

Liriano says that at present, the accommodation sector in La Union cannot catch

up with demand. He says there are less than 1,000 hotel and resort rooms in the province.

“Now, there are a lot of other hotels in conversation with us that they want to do something in La Union,” says Liriano.

He says DusitD2 at Waves Beach Club, which draws architectural inspiration from Malibu in California, is expected to become a landmark in the province. Its location is near the popular surfing spot of Urbiztondo.

“Aside from that, the development will bring a lot of income into La Union province, not only in terms of putting a landmark, but also in terms of employment which is very very important,” he says.

He says once the project is completed, about 200 to 300 people will be directly employed in the resort, with about 80 percent of them coming from La Union province.

“That will be a big impact on the economy of La Union. We are committed to the province that we will have at least 70 percent to 80 percent locals,” he says.

Dusit International, a global hotel brand from Thailand, is in charge of the management, branding and licensing of DusitD2 while Waves Beach Club is in charge of construction.

The whole project will include a 10-story hotel with 174 rooms and a function room with 1,000 seats; an Olympic-size swimming pool; 110 residential villas; and a condominium building.

Construction of the hotel alone will cost around P1 billion, he says.

Liriano is personally involved in making sure the project takes off. He attends three to four meetings a day while he is in Manila, and up to five meetings a day when he is busy overseeing the project in La Union, where his family also lives.

Liriano, who was also involved in the development of Thunderbird Resort in San Fernando, La Union a decade ago, says Waves Beach Club has tapped the best contractors in architectural design, engineering plan, security,

interior design and sound system to develop the project. He used to work for Thunderbird International, before he decided to establish RCL Realty with two other partners.

“For me, Thunderbird will always be my baby.

I am here in the Philippines because I was asked

by Thunderbird International’s management to come and work into the development of Thunderbird in La Union. Ten years ago, there used to be basically nothing there and now, you will see such a beautiful development with nice amenities a world-class golf course and a casino there,” he says.

On what makes DusitD2 different from other five-star hotels, Liriano says the project has an environmental advocacy focusing on the protection of ‘pawikan’ or sea turtles which inhabit the coastline of San Juan.

Liriano says Waves Beach Club hired one of the best companies in developing a sewage treatment plant to make sure wastewater is properly filtrated. “We always comply with what the law is saying,” he says.

“The reason we also engaged Dusit is because we strongly believe that they comply with all the international standards,” he says.

“We at RCL are also committed to the environment. We are adopting the pawikan.

We are integrating pawikan into our design and concept. There are pawikans in La Union,” he says.

Liriano says the resort is now designing its lighting, sound system and heat-resistant technologies so that they will not disturb pawikans.

“We will be working in La Union for a long time. We believe in La Union and we make the big challenge to prove that La Union has the potential. That’s why we started Thunderbird and now we are developing another landmark which is DusitD2 at Waves Beach Club and Residences. We are doing our part to help the community, to develop La Union and to promote La Union,” says Liriano.

Marielle Franchesca Santiago

SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS TURNS INTO AN INDUSTRY LEGACY LUCIO Cochanco Sr. and Ederlina Cochanco started a small family business—retailing agricultural products in Binondo, Manila in 1972. Little did they know that the venture would turn into a legacy.

The Jolly General Merchandise set up by the Cochancos led to the establishment of Fly Ace Corp. in 1993, which is now one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the Philippines.

Fly Ace, under the leadership of the Cochanco siblings, launched their first owned brand—the Jolly Food line in 1997. Now in its 20th year anniversary, the Jolly canned vegetables and fruits have become staple products used by many Filipinos in their cooking.

As Jolly continues its high-quality service in serving the public and setting the expectations of their consumers, the secret has been revealed by the company itself.

“We make sure that each of Jolly products that comes out in the market has consistent high quality,” said Fly Ace assistant vice president for marketing

Abigail Ng Reyes.

“What we mean by consistent is that each and every products, we make sure the quality, we don’t compromise,” she said.

Reyes said Jolly products are very affordable yet they are of high quality.

Many stores teamed up with Jolly to make the products accessible to everyone.

That’s one of the three strongest point of the company, according to Reyes.

She said while there are a lot of hurdles in the business, Jolly has been very blessed to overcome them. “We are very blessed that Jolly has enjoyed a continuous growth over the past years,” said Reyes.

Jolly started a nationwide cooking caravan in 2000. In 2007, it aired its first television commercial.

Jolly products continued to evolve through the years and became more readily available across the nation, with Jolly mushrooms being used in a lot of restaurants nationwide and Jolly corn, the country’s no. 1 corn brand, being used in the preparation of mais con yelo and halo halo during the summer

Jolly brand endorser Maine Mendoza (center) along with Fly Ace Corp. executives

season.

Jolly also developed and spearheaded an interactive live cooking demo called The Jolly Show, with one of their chef masters, Chef Casison, to expand and share culinary tips and experiences nationwide.

As part of its success, Jolly shares

its skills through the Jolly University where culinary students are given the opportunity to take a leap on their aspirations. They are encouraged by Jolly to adopt significant industry skills, establish career milestones and share inspiring values with others.

Jolly University in its fifth year has

provided over a thousand students with culinary tips.

“This is the backbone of how we managed our brands and Fly Ace Corp.

As we move on, we know there will be more challenges, competition will be deeper, but standing in front of all of you now, our dear trading partners, our friends from media, and all our customers, we are very grateful for your support,” said Fly Ace general manager Ramon Daez.

To further promote the brand, Fly Ace chose celebrity Maine Mendoza as its latest endorser. “Who has the jolliest personality among all the celebrities we have these days?” asked Reyes.

She said Maine Mendoza reflects the values that the Fly Ace Corp. treasures— discipline, integrity, resourcefulness and passion.

“Even more, she is also very close to her family, like how Fly Ace family treats one another. We are all very jolly as there is no one who could compare to her jolly personality which shines especially on a noontime show,” Reyes said.

Sports

PSC CHILDREN’S GAMES

MARAWI KIDS INDULGE IN DAY OF FUN, FRIENDSHIP

Time for bonding for these three friends at Children’s Games

One of the participants tries soccer for the first time and he just can’t hide his happiness (inset) four-year-old Christopher Bascones Jr., is the youngest participant in soccer clinic.

By Randy Caluag

S

OME of the children evacuees from Marawi City had no idea why they left their homes to live in a cramped abode so stranger to them, others had traumatic experiences that are hard to forget.

There were these kids who were left by their parents in their home and got first-hand contact with the Maute rebels, who barged in their houses and stationed there for many days before leaving.

“Whenever they (children) see people holding guns, they call them ISIS,” said Aliah Dimaporo Cimafranca, a program consultant of Philippine Sports Commission.

Children from conflictplagued Marawi carried with them forgettable stories as they now live in evacuation centers in the another city of Iligan just 30 kilometers away.

This prodded the Department of Social Welfare to seek help from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to provide gun and entertainment for the children affected by the government’s war against the Maute in Marawi.

On Saturday, staff from the PSC and volunteers from the Mindanao State University, flocked to Sgt. Miguel Canoy Memorial Cultural School in Baru-un to hold fun games and sports clinics for some 300 children living in a nearby evacuation center.

Muslim and Christian kids played together in fun games like Maria Went to Town, which they coined here Fatimah Went to Town, and sports clinics in soccer, basketball and volleyball.

Among them was the youngest participant in fouryear-old Christopher Bascones Jr., one of the five children of Analyn and Christopher Sr, who have been living for two months now at the evacuation center inside the Buru-un Fisheries School.

“Gustong-gusto niya talagang maglaro, pag inawat mo nagagalit yan. Kaya enjoy na enjoy siya talaga,” said her mother Analyn.

Christopher could relate well with his teammates and gamely followed instructions from the football volunteer coach..

He later joined younger kids, mostly girls, in the fun games. Her siblings also played in other games and sport clinics.

Christopher’s family left Marawi on the morning of July 24, the second day of the Marawi conflict.

“Hindi kami nakaalis nung

gabi kasi natatakot kami na baka maharang kami ng Maute group at kunin ang mga asawa namin,” said Analyn, while cuddling her fourmonth old son, the youngest among their children.

They used to live in Basoc, Malotlot in Marawi City.

Analyn and the others present were so moved at the sight of her children playing and enjoying the Children’s Games that they expressed hopes that the PSC come back and do it again, not just in their place but also in other evacuation sites.

The PSC will do just that.

“I will recommend to chairman (Butch Ramirez) that we should do these in other evacuation centers. From what I saw today, my heart really goes to these beautiful children who came here to have fun and be happy,” said PSC commissioner Charles Maxey.

He flew to Iligan, just a couple of hours after arriving from Singapore where he accompanied the Philippine Team which had a successful participation in the Asean School Games.

“They (children) undergo counseling from DSWD

and our help was asked to provide fun and games for these children, to let them and not just pure competition,” Maxey said.

Maxey said he will instruct the PSC staff to leave all the equipment which can be used by the volunteers from Mindanao State University to continue conducting regular games even on a smaller scale.

“We should do these on a regular basis because and hindi naman makukuha ang ultimate objective overnight. I will also suggest to chairman (Ramirez) na bumalik kami dito,” Maxey added.

Ahmad Kabiron is one of the volunteers from Mindanao State University in Marawi where he serves as PE instructor.

“Nakakapagod pero masarap na nakikita mong Masaya ung mga bata, pati yung mga magulang na nakabantay sa kanila.. At nakita natin natin ung friendship and bonding among the kids.”

He said they are able to teach some sense of discipline and provide temporarily relief for children.

“Iyung iba sobrang apektado talaga nawalan ng kabuhayan ang family at naalis sa mga bahay nilang kinalakihan.

Pwede pa rin naman palang tumawa at maging Masaya, kahit pansamantala lang.”

Nenita Samung, Dean of

MSU’s College of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation, led the volunteer group from the state university.

She was also from Marawi and has been staying in Iligan until the situation normalizes at MSU campus, which is situated atop a hill, three kilometers from the Marawi City proper.

She said the Children’s games provided a therapeutic psychological experience for the children affected by the conflict.

“The children need more than just material things. With this activity, we were able to develop friendship among them. We also teach them how to understand papano manalo at matalo. Especially na ung feelings nila talo sila dahil napaalis sila sa bayan nila.”

Kabiron left the MSU campus on the second day of the siege.

He was entertaining guests from Philippine Sports Institute that included former track queen Elma Muros before they got evacuated.

“Iyung gabi ng July 23, magkakasama pa kami sa MSU campus and nakarinig na kami ng mga putok. Sabi ko naman kina Mam Elma, pangkarinawan lang dito yun at mawawala din. Iyun pala yun na ang atake ng Maute,” said Kabiron Kabiron and his family now live with relatives in Iligan.

About 300 kids from Marawi join the Children’s Games

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 randyproject@yahoo.com

TAGAYTAY KEEPS LEAD IN WGAP, TOPS CLASS B TAGAYTAY Highlands drew 40plus points from three players as it dominated Class B to stay two points clear of new pursuer Villamor after four legs of the WGAP Circuit at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite recently.

Host Orchard flashed its familiarity with the Palmer layout and ruled Class A while Canlubang took the Class C crown even as Villamor produced the most points halfway through eight-stage circuit organized and conducted by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines.

The Villamor ladies posted three podium finishes, including a pair of runner-up efforts in Classes B and C while ending up third in Class A for a fivepoint output that netted them 15 overall points, just behind Tagaytay’s 17-point total.

Meanwhile, Forest Hills dropped to third in the overall championship with 12 points while Sta. Elena hiked its output to eight heading to the fifth leg at Forest Hills on July 31.

The Highlanders banked on Rosario Dimson’s 43 Stableford points and Maline Flores and Marissa Vergara’s identical 41 points while Misha Jang added 36 points for Tagaytay’s 161 total and a nine-point victory over Villamor in Class B. Melissa Gozum paced Villamor with 41 points while Gloria de Villa, Mae Dolonius and Marie Guererro backed her up with 38, 37 and 36 points, respectively, for a 152, nipping Sta. Elena and Camp Aguinaldo in the countback for runner-up honors.

Josephine Barredo and Therese-Leanne Zuniega carded 43 and 41 points, respectively, while Alex Etter and Amelia Dy shot 36 points apiece as Orchard pooled a 156 and beat Alabang by five in Class A. Alabang assembled a 151 while Villamor edged Canlubang for third in the countback after identical 148s followed by Forest Hills (146), Tagaytay (145), Camp Aguinaldo (142), Sta. Elena (141) and Eagle Ridge (133).

Canlubang, on the other hand, banked on Lea Suarez’s 39 points and Rosabel de Leon, Theresa Enriquez and Mercediline Magno’s 38, 37 and 36 points, respectively, as it pooled a 150 to nip Villamor (148) by two for the Class C diadem.

Sta. Elena posted another third place effort with a 147.

Sharing individual honors were Villamor’s Kristine Torralba (41-Class A), Villamor’s Katherine Uy (44-Class B) and Wack Wack’s Isabel de Jesus (45-Class C).

QUE ROMPS TO RECORD 12-SHOT ICTSI CLASSIC WIN LIPA CITY—Angelo Que kept his stroke of luck at Mt. Malarayat going, winning the ICTSI Classic in record fashion—a whopping 12-shot victory over James Ryan Lam on a closing two eagle-spiked 68 here on Saturday.

The four-stroke lead he had built after three rounds of dazzling play at the Mts. Lobo and Makulot nines proved too big for erstwhile pursuer Clyde Mondilla to overcome and with the rest failing to mount any real challenge, Que played pressure-free and put on a virtual clinic throughout for another runaway triumph on the Philippine Golf Tour with a 21-under 267 total.

“I really don’t know why I play so good here at Mt, Malarayat,” said Que, who had actually hinted at reliving his glory days here—where he

won back-to-back from 2008 on the ASEAN PGA Tour—before the start of the P2 million event sponsored by ICTSI. His eagle-birdie-birdie run from No. 5, coupled with Mondilla’s shaky opening 39 in scorching heat, put Que way ahead at 11up and just when it seemed he had started to crack up with a bogey-parbogey-bogey start at the back, the former Philippine Open champion hacked a monster drive on the 331-yard par-4 16th and drilled in an eagle from 8 feet.

He then holed out with a 12foot birdie on the par-5 18th from 12 feet to cap his four-day display of brilliant shotmaking, iron play and putting.

“While I practically played good in all four days, the rest had some

bad rounds, particularly in the final day,” added Que, who pocketed another P360,000 after banking P650,000 in his nine-shot triumph over Japanese Toru Nakajima in the Anvaya Cove Invitational in Bataan last February.

The 12-stroke winning margin also bested the 11-shot win posted by Tony Lascuña in beating Zanieboy Gialon for the ICTSI Forest Hills Championship last year.

Mondilla, who had put on gutsy final round stand in ruling the Southwoods Championship and the Philippine Masters of the circuit organized

by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. last May, broke down this time, limping with a 76, his four-over card marred by two double bogeys at the back.

That enabled Lam, who birdied the final hole for a 71, to claim a

career-best runner-up finish at 279 worth P250,000 while Jerson Balasabas also holed out with a birdie to match par 72 and snare third place at 280 for P140,000.

Joenard Rates carded a 70 and took solo fourth at 281 while Jay Bayron fired a 69 and Lascuña shot a 70 to finish tied for fifth with Mondilla at 282.

Jun Bernis pressed his bid for a top three finish with four birdies in the first eight holes but the former national amateur champion bogeyed five of the last 10 and wound up with a 73 for joint eighth with Albin Engino, who had a 69, and Rico Depilo, who turned in a 70, at 283 int h event backed by Custom Clubmakers, BDO, Meralco, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and K&G Golf.

Angelo Que (right) gets a handshake from Clyde Mondilla after completing a dominant ICTSI Classic win.

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F

Sports

SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Reuel Vidal, Issue Editor / Randy Caluag, Issue Editor

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

LOCALS COMPETE IN GLOBAL STAGE

Raymund Magdaluyo

RESTAURATEUR ORGANIZES POWERMAN DUATHLON

ILIPINOS get a chance to run, bike and repeat beside the best of the best when they test their mettle against the best duathletes in the world at the 2017 ASTC Powerman Philippines Asian Championships Presented by Summit Drinking Water on October 8 at Clark Freeport Zone, Last year’s winners were noted international duathletes Miriam Van Reijen and Thomas Bruins. They lead an elite cast of competitors from all over the world who will be observed, watched and tested by their local counterparts led by John Chicano.

F&B International Events Group provides the best and most promising among our homegrown duathletes the opportunity to race alongside the best duathletes from around the globe, particularly within the Asian region as it prides itself with being given the honor of this year’s Asian Duathlon Championships in just a few years.

Additionally, the upcoming event will serve as a qualifier for the Powerman World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland.

“The driving force behind this year’s event is to bring the Filipino duathlete to the world stage. It’s all about investing in their potential with the ultimate goal of sending our top duathletes to the 2019 Powerman World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland,” said Powerman Philippines general manager and coach Kaye Lopez.

Now on its third year, the race promotes duathlon as a lifestyle, as a sport, and as an event while pushing the

By Reuel Vidal

boundaries of Filipino athletes by inviting world-class duathletes to local shores.

Race categories include the Powerman Classic (10km run, 60km bike and 10km run), the Powerman Short (5km run, 30km bike and 5km run) and the Powerteens which will traverse the smooth, wide roads of Clark and the scenic views of SCTEx. The 2017 ASTC Powerman Philippines Asian Championships Presented by Summit Drinking Water will serve as a qualifying event for the Powerman World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland.

Registration is still open. Just visit www.powerman.ph and follow @powermanph on social media.

Road, triathlon, folding bikes, and mountain bikes will be allowed for the Powerman Short and Powerteens. For Powerman Classic, only road, triathlon, and mountain bikes will be allowed.

All participants, including beginners, are given plenty of time to complete the race.

For Powerman Short and Powerteens, cut-off time will be after five hours.

For Powerman Classic, cut off time will be after seven hours.

Joining the race is a bargain for participants, as each

FAMILY AFFAIR. A young girl escorts her father across the finish line. The Powerman event also serves as a bonding experience which bring families closer together.

LOCAL WINNER. John Chicano raises his arms as he crosses the finish line. Powerman allows the best local duathletes to compete against the world’s best in the sport.

registrant receives a race kit that includes a bag, race bib, bike decal, helmet decal, timing chip, post-race meal, and other giveaways from our generous sponsors.

However, only the person who registered will be allowed to claim his/her own race entry pack and sign the waiver.

All finishers will also get finishers’ shirts and finishers medals.

To ensure the safety of the racers, as well as the audience watching along the route, there will be roving bike marshals and bike mechanics along the race course.

Bike mechanics will also be available at the expo area when participants claim their race kits.

Powerman Duathlon is for everyone who wants to push their boundaries and go beyond their abilities.

The event promotes run-bike-run both as a sport and a lifestyle. It encourages runners to enjoy biking and bikers to love running. It is in combining these two disciplines that true endurance is discovered. Running-bikingrunning is engaging, not just as a multisport but as a way to experiencing life to the fullest.

Race venue is accessible from Metro Manila.

Participants may take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exit at Dau, YOUNG AT HEART. The Powerman then take the Subic Clark duathlon race is an excellent activity both Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) for the young and the young at heart as going to Subic, exit at shown by this participant who is running Clark South. beside the bike at the transition stage.

WHAT’S celebrated restaurateur Raymund Magdaluyo doing organizing and promoting an international duathlon race?

Magdaluyo is owner and/or coowner of restaurants such as Sumo Sam, The Italian Market, New Orleans Bourbon Steaks and Oysters, Claw Daddy, Red Crab, Teddy’s Bigger Burger, Black Beard, Seafood Islands, 12 monkeys, Hatch 22, Crisp on 28th, Pink Panda, Sprout, Sabao and Baits.

His first foray into racing was organizing the Challenge Philippines in 2014. Later he introduced races such as the Bataan International Triathlon or Bi3 until finally he focused on the Powerman Duathlon Pilipinas.

He said he saw the opportunity to help Filipino athletes compete in a sport that they can excel in, help bring them to the global stage and create a community which will support an international event for tourism and job creation.

Duathlon is not only more suited to local conditions it also more accessible to ordinary people who may not be able to shoulder the expenses entailed to participate in a triathlon.

“Duathlon can surpass triathlon which is expensive. It is expensive to swim and train in good swimming pools. It is not only expensive but also difficult to go to a sea or the ocean where you can safely swim. Medyo mahirap. Duathlon is more democratized,” said Magdaluyo who is President and CEO of F&B International Events Group which brought the Powerman to the Philippines.

The event is now on its third year. It is presented by Summit Drinking Water.

It is backed by Clark Freeport Zone and SCTEx as official venue partners, official energy drink Cobra, official sports apparel partner Columbia, official sports nutrition partner ActiveHealth, official timing partner Garmin and event partners Seafood Island Restaurant, Hammer Nutrition, Dan’s Endurance, 2XU and Skechers Performance.

Magdaluyo said they staged the event to promote run-bike-run not just as a sport but also as a lifestyle. He said they want to encourage runners to enjoy biking and bikers to love running.

Organizers expect 800 to participate. There are already 550 participants registered with still two months to go before the race. The competition, which continues to grow, is now on its third year.

“We want Clark to be the permanent home of Powerman. We want the people of Pampanga as well to embrace the event as their own. Duathlon is a natural progression from running or biking. It is therefore a sport to participate in. We want to promote Powerman as more than just a sport but more so as a lifestyle,” said Magdaluyo.

Organizers said a big turnout is likely especially now that the sport is growing in the country.

The race includes the following categories: the Powerman Classic (10-km run, 60-km bike, 10-km run), the Powerman Short (5k run, 30-km bike, 5-km run) and the Powerteens.

THEUS TEACHES BOYS AND GIRLS FINER POINTS OF THE GAME Former NBA head coach and player Reggie Theus (right) walks by a girl who is learning how to properly pass the basketball.

FORMER NBA head coach Reggie Theus, assisted by Jr. NBA coaches Chris Sumner and Natalia André, conducted a basketball clinic for students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Laboratory High School as part of NBA Cares.

Boys and girls aged 10 to 14 years old learned basketball fundamentals through fun basketball lessons from the NBA coaches who introduced them to skills training.

Later, Alaska invited Jr. NBA AllStar alumni to experience an elite basketball clinic to learn advanced and intensive drills from Coaches Theus and Sumner assisted by Jr.

NBA coaches Christian Luanzon, Ewon Rosete, and John Ramirez from Alaska.

Jr. NBA All-Stars alumni from 2014 to 2017 attended the clinic.

They were led by national player Rhayyan Amsali, Kenji Duremdes and Echo Laure of the National University Bull Pups; Cy Narvasa and Vince Dolendo of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers; and Rhic Gatuz, JC Macalalag, Roby Castro and Julian Jugo of La Salle Greenhills. In addition, Jr. WNBA AllStar alumni present were Kyla Flores, Jeehan Ahmed and Carly Monreal of De La Salle-Zobel; Jane Araza and Bonie Solis of Chiang Kai-Shek College;

Lindsay Nacional of La Salle College Antipolo; Camille Nolasco of Miriam College; and Jazmin Maniquis of St. Paul College Pasig.

Before that, the National Basketball Association (NBA) officially turned over a refurbished basketball court and staged two basketball clinics in preparation for NBA 3X Philippines 2017 presented by AXA. Jr. NBA Philippines—the league’s youth basketball participation program—introduced this court refurbishment initiative that will revitalize a community court through the NBA Cares platform.

The newly repainted indoor court at Polytechnic University of

the Philippines (PUP) College of Engineering was received by PUP President Emanuel de Guzman, Ph.D, who said it would inspire their basketball athletes to excel in their competitions. The PUP Mighty Maroons are champions in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA).

NBA Cares is the league’s global community outreach initiative that addresses important social issues such as education, youth and family development, and health and wellness. The NBA and its teams support a range of programs and initiatives that positively impact children and families worldwide.

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

Jimbo Gulle, Editor

Roger Garcia, Issue Editor

LGUs

mslocalgov@gmail.com

GIANT LAPU-LAPU SPAWNERS FREED INTO SARANGANI BAY M AASIM, Sarangani— Sarangani Bay is now the home of five king grouper spawners donated by Finfish Hatcheries Inc., the largest commercial fishing hatchery in the Philippines.

Locally known as “lapu-lapu” or “kugtong,” the giant groupers were released into Sarangani Bay from the jetty of the Sarangani Energy Corp's 210-megawatt power plant during the province’s Ocean Month Celebration recently to help replenish the grouper population in the area.

According to Genia Genosa, production superintendent for the Sarangani-based Finfish Hatcheries—the first fry hatchery in the Philippines—a giant lapu-lapu’s weight can range from 80 kilograms to more than 100 kilograms.

One giant grouper can spawn as much as 20 percent of its own body weight in eggs, with a spawning grouper able to lay between 16

kilograms to more than 20 kilograms of egg per cycle. Each kilo of a giant grouper egg can carry as many as 1.2 million fish fry.

“The reason why they lay so many eggs is because the mortality [rate] of their fry is only around 5 percent. With proper monitoring and supervision, the giant groupers we released can help repopulate Sarangani Bay with groupers,” Genosa said.

A major concern is to ensure the survival of the giant spawners and to keep them safe from fishermen, but Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. gave his assurance that the local government will help through constant monitoring and feeding.

According to Mayor Lopez, SEC’s jetty area is part of the 216,000-hectare protected portion of Sarangani Bay, which is why catching them and other marine species in the covered area would be considered illegal.

Declared as a “protected seascape” under Presidential Proclamation 756, Sarangani Bay is also home to a variety of commercially viable fish species such as milkfish fry or “bangus.”

“We will ask the Bureau of Fisheries and

Local Gov’t Units

Aquatic Resources to keep an eye on the giant groupers and help us make sure that they are safe,” Lopez reiterated.

The 805th Squadron of the Phil. Coast Guard Auxiliary stationed near the jetty also vowed to watch out for enterprising fishermen who might be tempted to catch one of the giant groupers.

Former Sarangani governor and Alsons Aquaculture vice presdient for operations Miguel Dominguez said that this is the first time that a private company is reseeding a marine protected area with breeders to ensure continued fish production.

“We have been restocking Sarangani Bay with milkfish but we decided to take it a step further by putting breeders back in the wild where they belong. Not only will it help in the sustainability of the bay, but hopefully the giant groupers will also become a big tourist attraction for Maasim.

Divers can swim with these giant creatures since they are friendly,” Dominguez added.

During the event, Alsons Power corporate affairs manager Ruben Tungpalan reiterated SEC’s commitment to protect and preserve Sarangani Bay.

REGIONAL PLUM FOR BEE FARM OF BOHOL A HOTEL resort and food production company engaged in organic food production and eco-tourism services in Panglao Island, Bohol, was chosen as the 2017 Best Setup Adoptor (regional level) during the Regional Science and Technology Week held at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City recently.

A partner-beneficiary of the Department of Science and Technology 7, Bohol Bee farm, at the same time, awarded as one of the top 5 finalists for National Best Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program Adoptor in the country.

Owned by the Victoria Sandidge, the Bohol Bee Farm is a beneficiary of the DoST 7 funding and technical assistance to boost the productivity and profitability of its organic food business.

Her products include organic ice cream, spread, bread and other products whose ingredients are mostly sourced from within the farm of the eco-tourist resort.

As a partner-beneficiary of the DoST 7 under Setup, her business was able to avail of funding assistance for the acquisition of a brand new ice cream machine that enables it to increase its production from 40 gallons a day to an average of 250 gallons a day.

The DoST also provided the Bohol Bee Farm technical support to raise the packaging and shelf-life quality of its products to excellent standards.

WITH GPS, SARANGANI EAGLE GOES HIGH-TECH Scan this icon to view the PDF One giant grouper, like this one carried into (inset) and released into Sarangani Bay, can spawn as much as 20 percent of its own body weight in eggs, with a spawning grouper able to lay between 16 kilograms to more than 20 kilograms of eggs per cycle. Each kilo of a giant grouper egg can carry as many as 1.2 million fish fry.

BOHOL PLAYS HOST TO VINTAGE CAR RALLY ANEW VINTAGE car enthusiasts once again will have the chance not only to display their “treasured and well-loved vehicles” but likewise test its competitive conditions and endurance as the fourth edition of the racing event unfolds in October this year once again in Bohol province.

Inspired by Italy’s Mille Miglia rally—which gives emphasis on time accuracy over speed—better known as a Time-Speed-Distance rally, more than 50 participants are expected to join that would include international drivers from Hong Kong and Singapore Tour de Cebu, the country’s only 1,000-kilometer rally for vintage cars—that traverses across the Visayan regions and runs mostly along scenic and historic routes— returns to the province of Bohol on

The Tour de Cebu will visit Bohol and travel its roads again on Oct. 22.

Oct. 22.

Dubbed as “Touristic” Rally Across the Visayas, participants will be comprised of motor vehicles with year models 1972 or older.

Presented by the Performance

and Classic Enthusiasts of Cebu and the Manila Sports Car Club, the annual motoring event will be participated in by well-known and distinguished local vintage car owners such as CNN Philippines’

automotive journalist James Deakin, world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, and business tycoons Michael Lhuillier, Darren Deen, Cebu congressman Red Duran, and hotelier Grand Benedicto.

Last year’s edition kicked off in Cebu City and made its way to Tubigon, Bohol onboard a roll-on, roll-off boat. Thirtythree vintage cars made its way through the scenic route of Bohol’s landscape and capped each end of the Bohol route at the triple A luxury resort Be Grand Resort in Panglao Island.

First-time and youngest participant, Martin Aguilar, took home the trophy as the champion for the 3rd Tour de Cebu.

‘SWEET AVALANCHE’ AND SPICE GIRL ON A farm tour at a pineapple farm in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, a young lady (left photo) picks her choice from a pile of big-size and sweet pineapples along the national road. Meanwhile, a farm girl (right photo) looks enthralled by the large-size native garlic harvested from their farm in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya.

Despite the abundant harvest, many farmers cry foul because they are battling “smuggled competition” beyond their control. Thus, farm tourism has been launched by the provincial government to entice local visitors.

(Photos by Suzanne June G. Perante)

SARANGANI Pride, the Philippine Eagle rescued early this year in the wilderness of Maitum town, has been fitted with a high-tech transmitter to send global positioning system daily readings The device aims to make monitoring of the endangered bird more efficiently and effectively. Monitoring the bird’s location will help it mature and propagate in the wild, and rescue it when distressed.

Once the transmitter units are replaced, the team can get as many as 20 GPS location readings per day as opposed to 1 reading with the current transmitter, and whose battery life can last up to a maximum of 10 years.

The eagle was found on Jan. 2 within Mt. Busa complex, a key biodiversity area and habitat to critically endangered, threatened, vulnerable and rare bird species.

The rescued eagle was brought to the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao for rehabilitation before being released to the wild.

Davao City-based Philippine Eagle Foundation recently deployed a team to recapture and replace the battery-powered GPS satellite transmitter harnessed unto the eagle with a solar-powered GPS-GSM (global system for mobile communications) tracker.

“The bird was so agile. It took days before the team finally planned for a solution,” says biologist Rowell Taraya who headed the team from the PEF and the Maitum municipal government.

“Last July 9, Sarangani Pride was spotted being mobbed by a flock of crows. It was tough for the team to divert SP’s attention for he was preoccupied with the birds,” he said.

The bird was released less than an hour in custody after retagging and physical checkup.

According to Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian, there is a need to declare the place a protected watershed and wildlife area, citing reports from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office that the whole stretch of the Maitum and Kiamba forest can be declared a wildlife sanctuary.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

LIVELIHOOD FROM TRADITIONAL ART

By Ben Moses Ebreo

K

AYAPA, Nueva Vizcaya—Loom weaving in the province is being revived with the help of local as well as from national government agencies.

The artistic creation and subsequent mass production through loom weaving in this town is part of the cultural and traditional practices among the Igorot natives. Weaving was done by their ancestors and elders to produce blankets and their traditional clothing.

The blankets were used for rituals, specifically for wrapping their dead kin and for the bones of their previously deceased loved ones.

Woven blankets were also used as

warmers during the cold season, especially for their young, head gears and even a shawl or a wrap-around skirt.

“Our present-day Igorots have long forgotten the art and skill of loom weaving, but for the aggressive efforts and support given by our local government unit, along with the national government agencies,” said Jessie Ayadi, president of the Kayapa Loom Weavers Association.

Likewise, through women’s group

Abot Palad Foundation, trainings, financial assistance and equipment have been given to provide source of livelihood among APF members.

In the past years, several members of the ATF such as the Igorot (people of the mountain) settlers’—composed of the Kalanguya, Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Ikalahan, Iwak and Bontoc considered loom weaving as a vanishing art and industry, leaving the skills of the elders not handed down to the younger generation.

“After the loom weaving industry waned in several barangays in our town after the death of our skilled elders, our fellow villagers have been forced to buy their traditional attire from Baguio City which costs higher, compared to what we were producing

then here,” Ayadi said.

In 2009, a festival in the town called Owag Shi brought the staff of the Department of Trade and Industry in the municipality and offered their assistance on the revival of the loom weaving industry among Igorot women.

“Because of the positive attitude and the enthusiastic support of local officials, a project concept was later prepared by our agency staff in collaboration with the existing women’s organization in the town,” said Ellerie Ramel, DTI information officer.

Through a cost sharing scheme with the LGU of Kayapa, and the DTI, training was pursued which consists of the following phases: weaving, advanced weaving and application of designs

and trends incorporating the raw materials available in the community.

Ramel also said experts from the Philippine Textile Research Institute were tapped to conduct the proposed trainings which was hosted by the municipality.

Due to the lengthy distance between the barangays, some of the loom weaving equipment were already handed out to the villages where there are loom weaving members.

“This scheme will enable them to weave after finishing their farming and other household chores,” Ramel said.

The venture also resulted in the registration of 13 new entrepreneurs now actively engaged in the loom weaving industry.

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 AND DELIVERY OF 19 UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES (Re-Bid) Bid Ref. No. 2017-14A 1.

ThePhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum ofSEVENTEEN MILLION ONEHUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS(P 17,100,000.00)through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2017 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 19UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected duringbid opening.

2.

The PDEA - BAC now invites bids for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 19 UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES.Delivery of the goods is 60calendar days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed.

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 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 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 June 23, 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 twentyfivethousand pesos (PhP25, 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 July 27, 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 August 8, 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 August 8, 2017, 9:00 a.m. at ODDGA 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/o 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 July 19, 2017, 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: 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-JULY 23, 2017)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE InvItatIon to BId PRoCUREMEnt oF StRUCtUREd LoCaL aREa nEtWoRK (Lan) CaBLInG FoR SELECtEd REGIonaL oFFICE and HoSPItaLS IB no. 2017-206 1.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2017 intends to apply the sum of Fifteen Million Philippine Pesos (PhP15,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of Structured Local Area Network (LAN) Cabling for Selected Regional Office and Hospitals under IB No. 2017-206. 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 three (3) 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 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 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 24 July – 14 August 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 (PhilGEPS) 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 31 July 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 14 August 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 14 August 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. TAIÑO, CPA, MGM, CESO IV Assistant Secretary of Health COBAC – B Chairperson

(MS-JULY 23, 2017)

MOST CHILD-FRIENDLY CITY IN NCR. Muntinlupa City is the 2016 Most Child-Friendly Highly Urbanized City in the National Capital Region. The Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children, an Inter-Agency Task Force, lauded Muntinlupa for its exemplary childcare services and conferred the city with the 2016 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance. Shown in the photo are (from left, first row) DILG Muntinlupa Director Bing Ferino, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Engineer Juan Jovian Ingeniero, Council for the Welfare of Children Deputy Executive Director lawyer Mari Joy Segui, City Administrator Allan Cachuela, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and DSWD-NCR Regional Director Vincent Andrew Leyson.

SEAOIL AND CITYMALL VENTURE OPENS ON SCTEX SEAOIL, the leading and largest independent fuel company in the Philippines, and CityMall, the mall development arm of DoubleDragon Properties Corp. recently opened the Seaoil-CityMall SCTEX mega station. Located midway between Baguio and Manila, it is the perfect pit stop for motorists traveling from North Luzon destinations.

The two-hectare Seaoil-CityMall SCTEX mega station is a P600-million collaboration between Seaoil Philippines, Inc. and CityMall Commercial Centers Inc. Through this joint venture, the two companies are making sure that #TheFunContinues for travelers passing by the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway who are likely families and groups of friends on the way home from their northern trips.

As Seaoil’s biggest outlet and its first along an expressway, the opening of this mega station is a suitable prelude to the company’s upcoming 40th anniversary next year.

“We have come a long way from 1987 when we established our petroleum storage facility and since 1997 when we started our fuel retailing business,” said

Seaoil chief executive Glenn Yu. Through its innovative franchise models, Seaoil continues to expand its retail network. To date, Seaoil has over 400 stations nationwide located as far north as Aparri all the way to the south in Sarangani. It has also consistently developed and introduced innovative and environment-friendly fuel and lubricants products.

Seaoil recently launched a product campaign with celebrity racer Arci Muñoz as brand ambassador. Seaoil’s world-class fuels are driven by its top three qualities—firstly, Seaoil’s base fuels are imported from select refineries in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Secondly, Seaoil fuels are tested at least three times daily at the station for consistency in quality.

Finally, all Seaoil fuels are powered with STP additives, which are known for their superior cleaning formula that improves engine performance. Seaoil is the only fuel company in the Philippines that uses this world-renowned additive brand.

“Our banner station on SCTEX will make our high-quality products more accessible to more motorists,” said Yu.

NOTICE The State of Hawaii to Lawrence Antonio Lago, you are hereby notified that a petition for adoption of the child born to Marie Venensi Widmann has been filed in the Family Court, First Circuit, State of Hawaii.

The petition alleges that your consent to the adoption of the above-named child by the petitioner above-named is not required and may be dispensed with pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 578-2(c) as amended.

A hearing on the petition will be held on Sep 5, 2017 at 1:30 pm at the Family Court located at the Kapolei Court Complex, 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Third Floor, Kapolei, Hawaii.

If you fail to appear at the hearing on date and time and at the place noted above or if you fail to file a written response to the allegations reflected in the Petition for Adoption, further action may be taken including the granting of the adoption without further notice to you. Your written response should be addressed to the Presiding Judge, Family Court, First Circuit, Kapolei Court Complex, 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, Hawaii 96707-3272.

Failure to obey this notice may result in an entry of a default and default judgment against you. You are further notified that the child, the adoptive parent and the natural parent have rights under H.R.S. Section 578-15 regarding confidentiality of adoption records after the child reaches age 18.

(MS-JULY 2,9,16 & 23, 2017

Officials and staff of Seaoil and CityMall cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of the SCTEX Mega Station that will serve motorists traveling from Manila to Baguio City.

SEA ‘AGRIMUSEUM’ PLAN IN SPOTLIGHT

By Brenda Jocson LOS BAÑOS, Laguna—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture will present its proposal to establish the Southeast Asian AgriMuseum and Learning Center at the biennial meeting of education ministers of 11 countries in Jakarta, Indonesia this week.

This Searca initiative has been included in the agenda of this high-level meeting on the instigation of Thai Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin who is concurrently president of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Council.

Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., Searca director, will present at the 49th Seameo Council Conference the design of the interactive museum, which will be one of the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Searca is looking to complete the AgriMuseum by 2019 with an estimated budget of US$1.8 million.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

“Searca is actively inviting partners in the project, including the public and private sector, particularly food or agri-related companies that could contribute to it as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts,” Saguiguit said.

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research of the Philippines has already approved a P5-million grant to the project.

Searca sees the AgriMuseum as an innovative approach to promote awareness and draw attention to agriculture and its all-important role in food security, poverty alleviation, and overall development of economies in the region that are highly dependent on it.

Saguiguit added that “the museum will put on centerstage the history, science-based knowledge and innovations in agriculture, cross-cultural and cross-ecosystem comparisons, current issues and challenges, and envisioned futures of agricultural and food systems in Southeast Asia.”

Gadgets & Games

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN MOTO Z2 PLAY

Sony outs the highly anticipated Xperia XA1 Ultra in the Philippines

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

LENOVO YOGA BOOK ROLLS OUT 2 NEW COLORS YOGA Book with Windows is rolling out with two brand new colors! You’ll see the new Yoga Book in Ruby Red and Pearl White hit the shelves in September of this year.

Pricing for the Yoga Book starts at US$499 (P25,149) for the Android version and US$549 (P27,669) for the Windows version. Pricing and availability may vary from country to country.

Be on the lookout!

Prices do not include tax or shipping or options and are subject to change without notice; additional terms and conditions apply. Reseller prices may vary. On-shelf dates may vary by geography and products may only be available in selected markets. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings, features and specifications at any time without notice.

Lenovo Mobile Business Group & Motorola Mobility Philippines Country Manager John Rojo (right) and Marketing Manager Vince de la Cruz display the new Moto Z2 Play. Giana Anella G. Atienza

By Patricia Bianca S. Taculao

M

OTOROLA recently expanded its Moto Z family with the addition of the Moto Z2 Play.

The Moto Z family of smartphones along with Moto Mods™ welcomed the new Moto Z2 Play, which features a precision-crafted, all-metal unibody design.

“Motorola remains committed to delivering meaningful experiences through innovative mobile technology to consumers. Moto Z2 Play is a testament of bringing our philosophy ‘different is better’ to life,” Country Manager

for Lenovo Mobile Business Group Philippines John Rojo said.

Other product specifications include a 5.5” Full HD Super AMOLED display, 24 hours of battery life and 2.2GHz octa-core processor.

The newly unveiled product also boasts of its 12 MP rear camera, which showcases a combination of laser autofocus that shows off an expanded range of up to five meters and a dual autofocus pixel technology that allows its user to take brighter and sharper photos even in low-light conditions.

Moto Z2 Play’s 5MP front camera comes with a dual color corrected flash and wide-angle lens for a bigger image scope Unique Moto Experiences are also available in the Moto Z2 Play. This includes the Night Display Feature, which will automatically adjust the

screen to warmer tones at night to reduce the blue light that can disrupt sleep.

Another innovation is the Moto Voice that provides helpful information like weather or calendar updates; it also automatically launches an application without having to touch or unlock your phone. The Moto Z2 Play also boasts of a redesigned fingerprint reader, which makes navigation easier.

“We believe that the ultimate satisfaction we can give to Filipino consumers is a transformative experience,” Rojo added.

Moto Z2 Play is now available at three exclusive Motorola outlets at the Cyberzone areas of SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM North EDSA. The product will also be available in major Motorola retailers nationwide and through the online shopping site Lazada.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINES BAG ‘ERGONOMIC DESIGN AWARD’ SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd. recently announced that its activ dualwash, AddWash and FlexWash washing machines have been honored with the Ergonomic Design Award at the Asian Conference on Ergonomics and Design in Tokyo, Japan. Developed based on in-depth consumer behavior analysis, the Samsung washing machines have gained rapid global popularity, as well as various industry accolades.

The ACED, established in 2014 and held every three years, is the international organization for ergonomics and design. For this year’s conference, the organization selected four winners in the sectors of software, automotive products, household furniture and home appliances, with Samsung’s activ dualwashTM, AddWashTM and FlexWashTM winning the Grand Prix award in the home appliances category.

“This recognition reflects our effort to create consumer-focused and ergonomic products derived from countless hours of behavioral research and user analyses,” said Hyunjoo Song, Vice President of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung

Electronics. “We will continue to make groundbreaking new technologies and innovations to better the lives of our devoted consumers.”

The three advanced laundry machines at the heart of Samsung’s ergonomic design series showcase Samsung’s relentless innovation and continued industry leadership in the home appliances space: • activ dualwash: features an upper sink for easier pre-treatment without having to bend down.

• AddWash: attaches a small

AddWash

window on the main door, which can open widely when consumers have extra clothing, detergent or fabric softeners to add during the wash.

• FlexWash: a holistic and all-inone laundry system that offers an upper washer and a main washer on the bottom in one compact unit.

For its part, FlexWash also was recognized with the Best of Best Ergonomic Design Award by the Ergonomic Society of Korea in April. The system adds flexibility to laundry routines and saves time by enabling users to handle multiple loads of sorted clothing at once.

Rather than putting the second compartment in the pedestal, Samsung installed it on top of the main drum so users can comfortably perform laundry without stretching or bending over.

In addition, the transparent glass material of the top door of FlexWash allows users to look inside the machine and monitor the cycle’s progress, and the ‘VRT plus (Vibration Reduction Technology plus)’ of the washing machine reduces noise and disruptive floor vibrations.

identify the top performers. In 2017 the event has been refined to award the top performers in three distinct categories: Studio Lighting/Home Theater, HDR, and Streaming Performance. Judges rated each TV based on several criteria including, perceived contrast ratio, color saturation and color volume, colorimetry, and motion artifacts, amongst others. To ensure an equal playing field for all manufacturers every TV in the shootout was purchased at retail, calibrated independently by TV Shootout organizers and evaluated by experts in the field of video imaging.

“We’re delighted and humbled to be the first and only television brand to receive this honor four years in a row,” said Brian Kwon, president of the LG Electron-

from fossil fuels, the main problem is that there just isn’t enough left.

Because fossil fuels take millions of years to manifest and only so little time to consume, the demand is slowly overpowering the supply. In fact, energy experts determine that crude oil will be depleted within 30 to 50 years.

Some 70 million barrels of petroleum are consumed daily, never to be replenished. Even coal, which is arguably more abundant as of late, is estimated to be wiped out by 2166.

A Renewable Hope

activ dualwash

LG OLED TV WINS 4TH STRAIGHT CE WEEK TV SHOOTOUT TITLE SEOUL—The highly acclaimed LG E7 OLED TV was crowned “2017 King of TV” in the 14thAnnual CE Week TV Shootout in a competition amongst six contending flagship 4K Ultra HD TV models during CE Week in New York City.

This is the fourth consecutive year LG OLED has won at the CE Week Shootout and the first time a single manufacturer has swept all three newly created categories.

The 65-inch LG E7 OLED TV combines a unique Picture-on-Glassform factor, The LG E7 Picture-on-Glass OLED the unparalleled picture performance TV earned 3 awards for Outstanding of OLED technology, immersive Dolby Picture Quality and Performance.

Atmos sound and unmatched high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities to deliver The CE Week TV Shootout is an annual outstanding picture quality and an unri- event that pits flagship TVs from leading valed home cinema experience. manufacturers against each other to

PH TECH...

From D4

ics Home Entertainment Company. “We have always been proud to be the firstto market with OLED technology and Dolby Atmos sound but it’s always gratifying to see the industry’s experts confirming that LG TVs are second to none.”

The LG 2017 OLED TV lineup consists of the following models: 77- and 65-inch W7, 77- and 65-inch G7, 65- and 55-inch E7, 65- and 55-inch C7 and 65- and 55inch B7. Each model in the 2017 lineup lives up to the unrivaled ability of OLED to reproduce the most lifelike images of any display technology, with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, expanded color gamut, and wider viewing angles.

For more news on LG OLED TVs, please visit www.LGnewswroom.com.

What makes renewable energy so important is the very fact that not only does it protect our environment but it is also in abundant supply. This supply is also infinite, because unlike fossil fuels it can be reused and converted as needed.

Scientists have long been pioneering renewable energy so that the ozone layer may be restored without the need to forego energy consumption. Various institutions and companies have created machinery and technology so that sustainable sources of energy can be made viable to the masses.

Stanford University also recently held a study that shows solar energy, now cheaper than before, can prevent 12,000 deaths caused by air pollution while generating the necessary amount of energy for years to come. This same study proves that solar energy can work hand-in-hand with other renewable sources like wind, water, and geothermal assets.

Here in the Philippines, various efforts are already being made to spread the use of renewable energy, what with wind farms being pioneered in Ilocos Norte and Puerto Galera (making the Philippines the top wind energy producer among ASEAN nations), and solar panels being adopted by large companies.

One company that has been a major contributor to the push for renewable energy is Filipino technology company, AMTI. The company has been keeping up with local demands on renewable energy by being a full turnkey solution provider and/or EPC for solar projects complemented with other such as perimeter security protection using fiber optic, to which solar farm that can be monitored and protected with their Advanced Premises Protection System (APPS).

Making APPS in tandem with their renewable energy hardware, AMTI is aiming for large strides toward greener and more efficient energy production plants in the country. “Our main goal in AMTI is to help provide the ways be which Filipinos can make use of renewable energy in line with the global initiative to provide alternatives to fossil fuel and help mitigate global warming,” says AMTI President Allyxon Cua. A combined effort from the government, private organizations, and the masses may just pave the way for a clean world that the next generation can thrive in. A sustainable future could be in our hands, if we choose to grab it now.

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Gadgets & Games

TAKE CHARGE WITH INFINIX NOTE 4, PRO

NFINIX Mobility Philippines, builders of cutting-edge technology and fashionably designed and dynamic mobile devices, launched its new Note series smartphone, the ‘Infinix Note 4 and Note 4 Pro, with stylus ‘Xpen.’

The latest devices from Infinix are the most anticipated smartphones yet to be released this year, what with its ‘5-minute charge, 250 minutes talk’ feature.

As the Note series remains a game changer in its product market, Infinix integrated other technology innovations in the new Note4 and Note4 Pro smartphones. They are pre-packed with Xcharge 4.0, which provides the quickest charge with low voltage and high efficiency, equipped with a big battery life of 4300MAH to 4500MAH. These features allow the Note 4 to charge fast within five minutes to talk for 250 minutes.

The Infinix Note 4 & Note 4 Pro are also the first Infinix smartphones to be pre-packed with the latest Android 7.0 OS, infused with the Infinix UI ‘XOS 2.3’. The Note 4 also comes with other outstanding features such as the Sharp 5.7FHD screen, 13MP AF back camera with dual color LED Flash, 8MP-mega pixel front camera, Octa-core 1.3GHz 64bits processor, Fingerprint recognition, 2.5 Touch panel, 32GB ROM, with expandable storage space to 128gb and 3GB RAM both devices are 4G enabled.

MICAB senior adviser David Vacher

MICAB: WE‘RE DIFFERENT FROM UBER, GRAB

By Peter Paul Duran

As the Note series remains a game changer in its product market, Infinix integrated other technology innovations in the new Note4 and Note4 Pro smartphones

Meanwhile, the new Note4 Pro also comes with the stylish stylus ‘Xpen,’ which offers great functionality for Infinix Note users as it allows them to take down notes, create shortcuts, and also sketch easily on the Xnote using the Xpen.

Comparison Table Infinix Note 4 and Infinix Note 4 PRO

Note 4 –Camera 13 MP AF / 8MP FF; Fingerprint Module Fingerprint recognition - 0.15s unlock; Memory 32GB ROM + 3GB RAM; Battery 4300 MAH; Processor Octa Core 1.3 GHz 64 bits; Screen size 5.7”FHD Sharp; OS Android 7.0 Nougat; User Interface XOS 2.3; Network 4G/3G/2G; Fast charge Xcharge – 5-Minutes

charge 250 minutes talk time Note 4 PRO --13 MP AF / 8MP FF; Fingerprint recognition + 2.5D Touch Panel; 32 GB ROM + 3 GB RAM; 4500 MAH; Octa Core 1.3 GHz 64 bits 5.7” FHD Sharp; Android 7.0 Nougat; XOS 2.3; 4G/3G/2G; Xcharge – 5-Minutes charge 250 minutes talk time

ML WALLET: FAST, SECURE MONEY TRANSACTIONS

By Jun P. Velasco

Sending and receiving cash transactions are now faster and more secure with ML Wallet.

MILLIONS of apps are available for download in either Google Play or Apple App Store, all promising to improve the way we do things or even improve the way we live. And the reality is, there are remarkable apps out there that do deliver on that promise.

There is an app that allows us to grab a cab or a motorcycle ride faster, an app that allows us to send messages without the text charges, and even an app that guides us through traffic. Technology has indeed empowered us and solutions are literally just a touch away.

ML Wallet is another remarkable app that offers specific values to the loyal customers of M Lhuillier. It is an innovation created to deliver fast, secure, convenient, and reliable way of sending money, paying bills and even loading mobile devices.

Using the ML Wallet app is intuitive, and requires a few steps before you get started. Like most apps, ML Wallet requires the user to register. However, as a regula-

tory requirement, a user must visit an M Lhuillier branch to complete the registration. Once registered ML Wallet is ready to go.

Sending and receiving cash transactions are now faster and more secure with ML Wallet.

To start off, visit any M Lhuillier branch, complete a cash load-up and you are set to transfer cash to anyone, anywhere in the country.

It is even possible to do a transfer from one ML Wallet to another ML Wallet user, making it a cashless and safe transaction. The cash received is safely recorded and stored in the ML Wallet app that is ready to be cashed out with M Lhuillier.

On top of managing cash remittances, ML Wallet allows for a convenient way of paying bills.

No need to travel and fall in line to settle bills, with ML Wallet it is now just a click away. Pay your electricity, water and telephone bills with ML Wallet. “Bills payment is a service we are aiming to further improve as we aim to add more and more merchants and institutions that will accept payment through the app. Soon there will

be no need to go anywhere to settle any bills,” said Ceasar Laro, division manager of M Lhuillier.

Finally, if loading up your mobile devices is a concern, ML Wallet makes it more convenient and reliable. Your “suking tindahan” will surely miss visits as you now have the ability to load up with any telco provider at your convenience. Having the ability to load up anytime is a valuable service for Filipinos, who aim to keep in touch with family members abroad through their mobile devices.

“Over time, ML Wallet will offer additional functionalities that would further improve its value to its users. We foresee that ML Wallet will become a staple app and valuable service to millions of households in the country,” added Laro.

ML Wallet is an app designed with the M Lhuillier customers in mind, as well as the millions of Filipinos that remain without access to banks and other financial institutions. It is a fast, secure, convenient and reliable app that definitely helps bridge the gap.

WITH the current state of Transport Network Vehicle Services in limbo, a third competitor is ready to join the fray.

Mobile Internet-CAB (MICAB), a Cebubased taxi hailing technology startup, looks very similar to Uber and Grab, but according to its proponents, it is “much different.”

“There are similarities, but our business model is different,” MICAB senior adviser David Vacher put it bluntly during the company’s Memorandum of Agreement and Contract signing with ATOMM (Association of Taxi Operators in Metro Manila) and PNTOA (Philippine National Taxi Operators Association) at the Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas.

“We don’t work with private drivers.

We work with taxis. We offer the same services, the same convenience and the exact same safety and comfort,” Valcher added, noting another clear distinction of the data-powered cab hailing service from Uber and Grab.

“The key difference is we have low booking fees and absolutely no price surges,” Vacher stressed, referring to the fares of the leading transport network companies doubling when demands are high or any reason ranging from app usage, road conditions and traffic.

The transport service provider is also planning on a soft launch in less than two months, with a fleet of more than 3,000 vehicles to start its maiden operation in Metro Manila, and the aim of equipping 7,000 taxi units by the end of the year.

According to the execs, the planned launch has nothing to do with the ongoing issue involving the two TNVS providers, saying that they have been planning for the launch even before the issue arose just a week ago.

“We have 20,000 taxis in the Philippines, but they are disorganized so our goal is to optimize the fleet and we are going to do it through this application,” added the senior adviser with plans to incorporate 1,000 to 1,500 taxis per month.

Featuring a proprietary call and chat system between passengers and drivers, MICAB also has built-in customer support ticketing system with human interaction, credit/debit card options for payment, passenger reward system, and an electronic wallet payment for payment and loyalty points for the driver and in the future, a 1-push emergency button for passengers, who feel threatened during their trip.

The software is given free of charge.

Thanks to a partnership with Smart Communications, the 7-inch Huawei Tablets to be used by the drivers as well as the internet connection and free Wi-Fi on board for the passengers are all for free, pioneering new moving alternatives with emphasis on safety, reliability, affordability, and convenience.

PH TECH COMPANY AMTI A PROPONENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY MUCH like the human body, the Earth runs on energy, or at least that’s what we require of it. Because of man-made construction and other human needs, we use the planet’s natural resources and convert them into power for our purposes. Unlike humans, however, there is no supplement for the Earth to regain its energy. And with energy depletion and uninterrupted expansion, we could soon be running on empty.

The Need to Constantly Renew the Call to Action

Although the staggering rise of global warming has been written

about extensively, and so many projects have been initiated to mitigate this, there is still so much to be done. We still need to pursue the matter further and not let discussions on this die down, lest we become complacent and let our guard down.

The fact is that we should still continue to seek for alternative options energy sources and to increase the adoption of renewable and sustainable sources of energy. And one way to ensure this is to continue pursuing conversations about the matter and thus sustain awareness and, hopefully, concern.

The ‘Hot’Topic: Climate Change Due to Fossil Fuel Abuse

One of the biggest offenders to climate change has been the abuse of fossil fuels. A recent study by top climate scientists with Argentina’s Universal Ecological Fund revealed that in three decades, global warming will inevitably reach intense levels that could endanger most people alive today.

As we continue to exhaust our resources, the consequences become even more drastic. Recent studies by Princeton University exposed that the massive burning of fossil fuels is depleting our oxygen at faster rates

than ever before. In fact, the effect of climate change has been so rapid that by 2050, the Arctic could be completely void of ice during the summer.

Despite its alarming effects, fossil fuel is still consumed at a staggering rate of up to 61.25% here in the Philippines.

As the Philippines continues to favor coal, petroleum, oil, and natural gas as our main sources of energy, the ‘carbon budget’that sets a limit on global temperature also continues to get tighter.

Out of Fuel

Aside from the hazards that arise Turn to D3

E1

SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor

/

Young Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com.ph

SAFETY IN THE CITY BAGS THAT GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND WHILE COMMUTING

SLANG WORDS

OF TODAY’S YOUTH (Part 3) OLDER folks could sometimes feel like talking to an alien whenever they talk to teenagers. Not because today’s youth is speaking a new language; they’re still using English, only sometimes with a different meaning.

Here’s the third part of our “youthspeak” dictionary that will help you understand what millennials and edgers are saying.

Go here: http://manilastandard. net/lifestyle/young-life/234750/ slang-words-of-today-s-youth. html and here: http://thestandard.com.ph/lifestyle/younglife/235945/slang-words-of-today-s-youth-20170507.html for the first and second parts of the series.

By Bernadette Lunas

M

ETRO Manila commuters agree that traveling around this megacity is no easy feat.

Clap back

WORRY-FREE. Travel around the metro without worrying about losing your belongings with Pacsafe's

Definition: (verb) To return a disrespectful talk or to insult someone after they insulted you; (noun) A snappy comeback How to use: “Clap back fast if someone disses you” / “He never thought you’re capable of such a savage clap back”

new Citysafe CX collection of functional and stylish bags equipped with anti-theft features.

Those who take public transportation have to deal with our inefficient public transport system, and all that it entails. And as if that’s not enough, there’s also the danger of losing our belongings from the hands of thieves. No wonder why in a commissioned study by car manufacturer Ford, 30 percent of Filipinos said that commuting was the “worst part of their day.”

We know solving the first issue requires efficient and effective urban planning; for the second issue, CX we, as a commuter only need to be mindful of our Tote in surroundings and belongings—that sounds like a Merlot lot of stress, thankfully there’s a bag company that gives travelers peace of mind.

Australian travel gear brand Pacsafe wants your stuff secured while you’re on the go. Pacsafe products have been revolutionizing travel with its anti-theft technology, thus giving them the tag as “the safest bag in the world.”

“Pacsafe has always been known for its anti-theft technology. We have always been focused on functionality and making sure that you are always secured while you’re on the go—giving you peace of mind on all your adventures,” said Pacsafe brand manager Hannah Villame.

However, functional doesn’t always mean styl- Antiish. The label’s bags, while safe with their eXo- theft mesh slashguard, Carrysafe slashguard straps, and Wristlet in RFIDsafe pockets, look “manly,” so to speak.

Blush Tan According to Pacsafe merchandising head Charmaine Siason, around 80 percent of Pacsafe market is male.

“Previous styles are manlier, [because] initially it was more targeted towards male consumers,” Siason told MS Young Life. “Pacsafe has a line for women, but it’s only in the classic line, which caters to more mature women market.”

Young, and even the not-so-young, women who want a bag teeming with anti-theft features now have seven styles to choose

from, as Pacsafe recently launched its Citysafe CX collection.

Made for dynamic city living, these bags allow you to be fully mobile around the city, being worry-free to embark on both daily and daring urban adventures: a long commute, traversing the business district, a walking food tour, or even an overnight staycation.

The collection is composed of Anti-theft Wristlet (P2,490) perfect for storing IDs, credit cards, and other small valuable items; Crossbody (P3,390) that’s ideal for mall trips or dates; Convertible Crossbody (P4,490) whose expandable flap makes it bigger; CX Hobo (P5,590) perfect for students or working commuters; Convertible Backpack (P5,590) that collapses into a crossbody bag; CX Backpack (P7,190) that’s spacious enough for your everyday essentials and 13-inch laptop; and CX Tote (P7,790) that you can use as an overnighter bag or gym bag.

Each style comes in black, merlot, and blush tan colors.

“We want to move towards being fashionable with this collection. You’ll see that all seven styles are versatile, still have all the anti-theft features, and they’re nice to look at,” Siason proudly shared.

Another highlight of the new collection is the Roobar Style locking system—an electro-plated gold hardware that locks zipper at a specific security point. The salt water-tested hardware, according to Siason, won’t rust. There’s also the Turn & Lock or Snap & Lock mechanisms that allow owners to attach their bags around fixed handles such as chair pillars or poles.

The Pacsafe Citysafe CX collection is currently available in all Travel Club branches, and will be available in Pacsafe stores (Glorietta 5 G/F, SM Mall of Asia 2/F and SM Seaside Cebu 2/F), Urbanize and Rustan’s branches, as well as Fashion Rack NAIA 3 and Duty Free starting August 1. Visit www.pacsafe.com for more information.

Fire Definition: (adj.) Used to describe something or someone that is hot; something that is trendy How to use: “Last night’s concert was straight fire!” / “Beyonce is fire”

Grind Definition: (verb) To work hard; to always hustle How to use: “Midterms coming up, I need to be on the grind” / “Sorry I wasn’t able to come to your party, I was on the grind”

Gucci Definition: (adj.) Something that is cool or good How to use: “Your millennial pink hair is so Gucci” / “Distressed jeans are not gross, they’re Gucci” Turn to E2

BULLETIN BOARD

ASIAWORLD HOSPITALITY REACHES OUT TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Treston International College students participated in Certified Guest Service Professionals workshop

THIRTY-TWO students from Treston International College have recently gone through AsiaWorld Hospitality’s AHLEI (American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute) certification—Academic Certified Guest Service Professionals module. The training was facilitated

by Gigi Porter, a certified hospitality sales and guest service professional (CHSP, CGSP).

In addition, 34 participants from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Europcar Philippines took part in the Professional Certified Guest Service Professionals led by guest professional Marjorie June Lucero-Antonio.

The trainings are part of AWH’s mission to equip hotels and related establishments with the necessary training programs to enhance professional services. The specialized training programs are envisioned to boost people development and support continuous learning.

In addition to the existing training modules delivered by AHLEI in the Philippines through AWH, the AHLEI has recently added training and certification for Breakfast Attendants to its START program (Skills, Tasks, and Results Training), its premier workforce training curriculum.

This training is designed for Individual Positions series, providing flexible training and certification modules in multiple formats to meet the needs of schools, workforce agencies, and properties.

For more information, log on to asiaworldhospitality.com, email info@asiaworldhospitality.com, or call Scan this icon to on (02) 556-7994 or view the PDF +63917-523-2128.

Young Life

E2

SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

HOW TO ACHIEVE

SLANG...

From E1

INSTAGRAM #FEEDGOALS

Hundo P Definition: (adv.) Short for 100 percent; used to describe something that is really awesome or something the speaker believes is totally certain How to use: “Game of Thrones is hundo P the baddest TV show today” / “I’m going to pass the exam, hundo P”

By Marjelle Sy

D

Ship Definition: (noun) Short for “relationship”; A fictional couple; The word is said to have originated in the world of fandoms How to use: “Gendry-Arya is still my ship. I hope they end up together”

Sus Definition: (adj.) Short for “suspect” or “suspicious”; Used to describe something or someone shady or suspicious How to use: “His business offer with high return is sus” / “Don’t believe her excuse, it’s sus af”

Thirsty

URING its early years, Instagram was just used to post random #nature or #selfie pictures, then it turned to a space to showcase our #IwokeUpLikeThis snaps.

Today, Instagram is no longer just a social media site teeming with photos of food, bad-lit selfies, and over-exposed pictures of nature, but has become a business for some—making thousands of bloggers and influencers around the world up their Instagram game.

Your IG is probably the next social media account people check after your Facebook profile, which could make some content-conscious.

Your feed should at least show photos representing who you are. But many users strive for more, as they make it a habit to post photos in a uniformed or themed way, and not just absentmindedly uploading snaps, thus achieving the ultimate #feedgoals.

Instagram has made it easier for social media addicts to express their moods, artistic talents, and tastes. Some users post pictures on a white frame, while others arrange trimmed photos in multiple rows to make up a large image.

Here are five IG #feedgoals ideas that can be your source of inspiration should you want to make your Instagram feed a standout from the rest.

Definition: (adj.) Too eager or desperate How to use: “Let’s have some fun tonight, I’m so thirsty” / “He’s so hot, he’s making me thirsty af”

Turnt Definition: (adj.) A variation of “turned,” it’s used to describe someone who is excessively excited; Usually used as “turnt up” How to use: “I’m so turnt up, let’s ride the rollercoaster!” / “I’m so turnt to watch the next episode of Game of Thrones!”

YAAASS

1. Lauren Bullen (@gypsea_lust) A renowned Instagram influencer with over 1.8 million followers, she posts her travel photos frame-less and add dreamy filters that make you want to go to the places she had been.

2. James Reid (@jaye.wolf) His feed consists mostly of cut-out panorama shots that form into one picture, a mix of retro and classics, and not to mention, tons of pictures of his girlfriend Nadine Lustre (@ nadzlustre)--it’s an obviously romantic feed.

3. Shaira Luna (@shairaluna) A photographer who has the perfect excuse to use all different colors with her perbatch-differentcolor-themed feed.

There’s a batch of yellow hues, a dark theme, red and brown mood, and a girly set of pastels, among others.

4. Gil Cuerva (@gilcuerva) His feed has black and white photos, and, sometimes like James Reid’s’, has large photos broken into a number of square pictures.

5. Naomi Rahim (@auroradesign) This photographer’s feed showcases her natureand animal-loving personality with her only-rectangular-photos theme which is unique and elegant.

Definition: (interjection) A variation of “yes”; Used as an expression of approval, agreement, and excitement How to use: “Movie tonight?”

“YAAASS!”

THAT DREADED DISEASE CALLED DISTEMPER THE VIRUS WebMD describes distemper as “a virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and

BY DESIREE CARLOS central nervous system, as well as the conjunctival ONE fatal illness that has spread among dogs in membranes of the eye.”

Metro Manila is called distemper.

Rescuers wait anxiously for the distemper test HOW YOUR DOG CAN BE INFECTED result whenever a rescued dog is brought to the 1. It is airborne, thus, it can be transmitted by both clinic for several reasons: pets and humans. Sneezing and coughing by infect1. It is a fatal disease. Your dog can die if this is ed animals are ways the virus can be passed on. not detected early and not managed soon enough 2. A dog can be infected through direct contact with by a good, responsible vet. fresh urine, blood, or saliva. Do not allow sharing of 2. THERE IS NO KNOWN CURE, ONLY SUPPORT- food and water bowls. Also, disinfect beddings, towels IVE AND SYMPTOMATIC CARE CAN BE GIVEN. and other items used by an infected dog.

3. It can leave your dog with a neurological problem for life like shaking or trembling. This PREVENTION happens when the dog survives but the disease You can prevent this disease from infecting was either detected at an advanced stage or not your dog by: managed early.

1. Having your dog VACCINATED. During the 4. It is expensive to provide supportive care. first year, a series of shots will be given. Every year (Prevention, on the other hand, is not expensive.) thereafter, a booster or one shot is given. A pup5. The dog has to be isolated for a minimum of py has to be given the first shot when he is six to three months and a maximum of six months be- eight weeks old. Please keep the pup away from cause it is highly contagious. possible disease carriers until he has completed

PET TALES

Blossom, a dog pulled out by Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL) from the Cainta pound in 2014, survived distemper and has been adopted by Dodie Garcia-Cu

the series of vaccines at four or five months old.

An older dog must also be vaccinated.

2. Keeping your dog’s immune system strong by giving good food and multivitamins, and keeping your place clean.

3. Immediately isolating infected animals.

4. Always cleaning and disinfecting your home.

WARNING The following are most susceptible to the distemper virus: 1. Young, unvaccinated puppies 2. Non-immunized older dogs 3. Newborn pups WebMD warns: “Puppies younger than seven weeks, born to mothers who haven’t been vaccinated against the virus, are extremely susceptible.

Once infected, puppies are severely weakened.

Often, the virus travels to the brain, causing seizures shaking and trembling. A weakened immune system leaves an infected dog open to secondary infections like pneumonia.”

Continued on E3

Showbiz

SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

E3

KEANNA REEVES’

20-YEAR-OLD

BEAU

Millennial musical preferences have been eclectic, they listen to songs that cross genre lines. And interestingly, they listen to old records, too.

WHAT’S PLAYING ON MILLENNIAL PLAYLIST?

By Sundy Locus

M

USIC transcends time. Over the years, it has shared its part in establishing the identity and culture of a certain generation. Psychedelic rock ruled over the ‘60s, the ‘70s glittered up with funky Disco music while the ’80s marked the popularization of Pop Punk.

As for the Millennials, a diversity in genres emerged, along with the birth of new platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, and Spinnr, and new genres such as Vaporwave and Electronic Dance Music(EDM).

Spotify, as a counterpart of RollingStone’s Top 500 tunes, released its own list of top 500 tunes for the Millennials, which was based on the app’s play data and demographics.

Beyoncé dominated the list with her chart-topper “Crazy In Love” while R. Kelly came out second with the remix version of “Ignition.”

Artists like Michael Jackson, The Notorious B.I.G, and Van Morrison also joined the list with hit tracks “Billie Jean,” ”Juicy” and “Brown Eyed Girl.”

The chart goes out for the Millennials worldwide but what songs do the young Filipino music consumers listen to? Some of them share what tunes grace their playlist.

“Well, I primarily listen to rock in different forms and variations. But sometimes I listen to other genres like pop, R&B, disco, jazz, rap, etc. I also listen to some tunes from the

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is popular among millennials

Rising solo act Reese Lansangan

‘40s to now. As long as I like the melody and the lyrics, I’ll be damn well sure to listen to it.” – Carl Aquino, 20, DLSU-CSB “I enjoy listening to One Direction, twenty one pilots and Panic! At The Disco. I generally like upbeat melody and sound.” - Angeline Nicole Ortiz, 16, PUP-SHS “Ed Sheeran, for me, is one of today’s most influential artists.

In his most recent album Divide, he used it as an instrument to foretell stories about life and his loved ones. His song “Perfect” was a lovely serenade that will make all girls blush. Another song of his sings about selflessness, the song was entitled ‘Happier.’ All in all, I recommend Divide because when you l listen to that album, it will make you fall in love.” - Alex Laylo, 19, LPU “My music preference varies, it ranges from songs that you listen on phonographs to songs that you stream or download in digital

formats. I often listen to local and foreign indie/alternative music; mostly indie pop, indie rock, alternative rock, and alternative pop.” – Jesh Alberto, 20, PUP “Songs with ‘pabebe’ or ‘pacool’ messages are mostly not in anymore. Millenials usually go for songs with deeper meanings and unique tune.

Here in the Philippines, Millennials have great love for the indie music scene (or independent music scene). Indie artists like Reese Lansangan, Keiko Necesario, Clara Benin, and Ben&Ben, to name a few, are the reasons why famous acoustic bars in Manila are being invaded by teens. Well, except for the fact that some teens love to go on a night out or “gimik” they also go and enjoy there when their favorite indie artists are having gigs.” – Noreen Trinidad, 17, Collegio de San Juan de Letran

PET TALES...

From E2 SYMPTOMS PLEASE BRING YOUR DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY FOR A TEST when you observe these symptoms enumerated by PetMD: During the initial stages: 1. High fever (≥103.5 ° F, or 39.7° C) 2. Reddened eyes 3. Watery discharge from the nose and eyes.

4. Lethargy and tiredness 5. The dog becomes anorexic 6. Persistent coughing and vomiting 8. Diarrhea In the advanced stage: 1. Fits, seizures, paralysis and attacks of hysteria when the virus hits the nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord.

2. Hard pad or when a certain strain of the virus causes the pad of the dog’s paw to thicken or

grow bigger.

“In dogs or animals with weak immune systems, death may result two to five weeks after the initial infection,” PetMD warns.

Thus, the need for immediate and aggressive medical intervention.

DISTEMPER TESTS There are three kinds of tests: antibody (blood sample); antigen fluid (nasal and eye discharge); and antigen blood (blood).

“Canine distemper tests do exist, but the results alone are not always reliable. Rather than just testing for the infection, your vet has to look at the whole picture, including a dog’s specific symptoms and health history. Positive results can help confirm an infection, but a dog can still be infected even if test results are negative,” WebMD says.

Dr. Cerdy Deloso takes fluid samples (for a distemper test) from Princess, a pup who was almost hit by a vehicle in San Mateo, Rizal and rescued by Save ALL admins Nicole Benedito and Ruby Bautista on July 2

FORMER sexy star and comedienne Keanna Reeves is dating a basketball player who is almost 30 years her junior.

On Thursday, Reeves posted a photo of herself and her hot new boyfriend on Facebook.

The picture of the actress with the young man was accompanied by a sweet caption, “feeling loved.”

In an interview with a popular showbiz news site, the former Pinoy Big Brother winner shared that she first met her fresh-faced boyfriend, whom she identified in the interview as John del Rosario, at a local club. But at the time, Del Rosario still had a girlfriend.

The two then later on bumped into each other once more, after Rosario had called it quits with his ex. Rosario then pursued Reeves for a week before they became a couple.

According to Reeves, Rosario likes her because she’s “matured.” She added that the lad does not mind being in a relationship with a celebrity, sharing: “Sabi niya, ready naman na daw siya kasi mahal niya ako.”

The 47-year-old Reeves is no longer a stranger to May-December love affairs.

In 2013, she introduced the then 19-year-old Kevin Mercado as her boyfriend. Reeves said they first met in a party where Mercado was one of the visitors. When she saw Mercado, the comedienne gets attracted to him recalling “it was love at first sight.”

Keanna Reeves and her "hot" new boyfriend John del Rosario

TREATMENT There is no known cure for distemper. The treatment plan provides supportive care and alleviates the symptoms, Dr. Cerdy Deloso says.

Dr. Deloso says they provide the following, among others: 1. Intravenous fluid to prevent dehydration and when the dog is not eating or has diarrhea.

2. Antibiotic to prevent secondary bacterial infection.

3. Meds to control convulsions and seizures.

4. Supplements like multivitamin and minerals to strengthen the immune system.

5. Mucolytic to help the dog breathe.

6. Medicine for fever.

7. An analgesic helps relieve body pains.

8. Immunoglobulins like Canglob.

9. The vet may opt for sears serum or other anti-viral

drugs.

The vet will monitor your dog specifically for signs of pneumonia.

“A dog’s chances for surviving canine distemper will depend on the strain of the virus and the strength of the dog’s immune system,” PetMD says.

PLEASE CONSULT A VET FOR THE BEST TREATMENT PLAN FOR YOUR DOG. THE KIND OF MEDS, WHEN IT SHOULD BE GIVEN, AND THE DOSAGE WILL DEPEND ON THE STAGE OF ILLNESS, THE STRAIN, AND THE CONDITION OF THE DOG. It adds: “Recovery is entirely possible, although seizures and other fatal disturbances may occur two to three months after recovery.”

A dog who has fully recovered from the virus do not spread the virus.

But why wait for the virus to hit your dog? Please, have your dog vaccinated now.

E4

Showbiz

SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor / Nickie Wang, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com

PIA WURTZBACH

QUEEN OF THE CENTURY Comedienne Cacai Bautista

By Nickie Wang

S

IT’S NOT YET OVER FOR AHRON AND CACAI

HE stands 5-foot-8, with big bosom, a 23-inch waistline, and a pert posterior – an hourglass physique made for the most beautiful woman in the universe. Yes, that’s Pia Wurtzbach and her incredible curves.

Asked how she got that whistle bait body, the beauty queen, who was a victim of body shaming a few years ago, said it involved a lot of hard work in the gym.

With a help of a personal trainer, Pia heads to the gym regularly, where she engages in a combination of planking to tone her mid-section, tricep pull-downs to define her arms, as well as squats and lunges to make her legs look firm and strong.

But Pia is not just all about her sensational physique. Even if she is not wearing a skimpy bikini, she exudes an appeal that made her one of the most admired personalities of her generation. She’s a determined and strong-willed person, smart and eloquent, a woman of substance. After all, she’s a former Miss Universe, a title 42 other Filipino beauty queens failed to bring home.

The Filipino and German mutt began acting at an early age and stepped in as her family’s bread winner at 11. Starting in showbiz as Pia Romero, she was managed by Star Magic and was included in the Star Circle Batch 11. She appeared in a string of television shows and movies including the teen-oriented series K2BU, the concert variety program ASAP, the romance anthology Your Song, the sitcom show Bora, and the drama series Sa Piling Mo, and Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003), All My Life (2004), and All About Love. She even became a stylist, makeup artist and beauty writer for a national daily.

Thank-you-girl no more But her real break came when she won Miss Universe Philippines after her third attempt at the coveted crown in Binibining Pilipinas pageant. The victory at the national pageant earned her ticket to the Miss Universe 2015 beauty contest, which she eventually dominated after the dramatic and now infamous crowning moment.

As Miss Universe, she continued her advocacy on HIV and Aids awareness visiting different countries and territories to further her cause. After her reign ended, she signed with the New York-based talent management group IMG, and still continued to work with the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). She then was named a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific “It was a remarkable year. I’ve really grown as a woman. I learned so many things. This actually opened a lot of doors for me,” Pia said in one of her interviews with Steve Harvey.

The Queen Now that Pia is back home, she’s been busy with her showbiz commitments. She’s currently preparing for the Metro Manila Film Festival entry starring alongside Vice Ganda and Daniel Padilla.

She’s also appeared in numerous ads being a trusted name by companies to represent their products and services. Most recent of which is Century Tuna that aptly named the 27-year-old beauty the “Queen of the Century.”

“We’re thrilled to have Pia Wurtzbach in the Century Tuna family,” beams Greg Banzon, Century Pacific Foods, Inc. General Manager. “Pia is indeed ‘The Queen of the Century,’ the epitome of a mutli-faceted woman who excels in a variety of fields while staying fit and sexy.”

A statement from the leading tuna canning company furthers, “Together with, of course, her ravishing looks—her poise, style, and grace—her talents and intelligence, it is Pia’s commitment to self-discipline and physical fitness that brought her into the Century Tuna fold.”

Actor Ahron Villena

SENSATIONAL CURVES. Pia

Wurtzbach claims another title as the Queen of the Century after joining the roster of celebrity Superbods who promote active and healthy lifestyle

NADINE LUSTRE’S

STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS IT’S no surprise to Nadine Lustre’s growing 4 million followers on Instagram that she has a true photographer’s eye. Her Instagram is a collection of perfectly captured snapshots from priceless trips, iconic OOTDs, and flawless selfies with her loved ones.

The Viva talent and FHM’s sexiest woman will continue to shoot breathtaking photographs and listen to her favorite music using her favorite Sony products as she renews her ties with Sony Philippines. At an event at Seda Vertis North in Quezon City, the 23-year-old multimedia artist couldn’t hide her excitement as she continues on as Sony’s Brand Endorser for Digital Imaging and Personal Audio lines.

“It brings me great pride to be part of the Sony family

again,” Nadine shares. “It excites me to be able to do the things I love—take photographs, listen to music, and dance to my favorite songs—using some of the best and most exciting products in the market right now,” adds Nadine.

Sony shares Nadine’s excitement. “Nadine’s dynamic personality and innate love for music and photography strongly resonates our target market here in the Philippines. Having someone like Nadine as our endorser has helped us connect with a new breed of customers and generate significant growth for our Personal Audio and Digital Imaging categories. We are ecstatic to have her in the Sony family once again.” says Sony Philippines Managing Director, Nobuyoshi Otake.

Like her beau, Nadine Lustre is also a budding photographer

We are seeing a word war going to erupt anytime soon between former “BFFs” Ahron Villena and Cacai Bautista.

And the internet is watching for every development.

In a recent interview with ABS-CBN Push, the comedienne revealed some telling statements that may have hinted something about Ahron’s sexuality.

Before the rehearsals for Cacai’s upcoming show in Resorts World Manila, the diminutive comedienne was interviewed regarding her past relationship with the hunk actor. She revealed that they have already made amends.

“Matagal na naman din kami nag-sorry sa isa’t isa. Kasi minsan kahit na mag-sorry parang gusto mo pa ipatumba di ba? Wala siyang pinakilala. Sinagot ko na yan dati kasi alam ko naman yun and accepted ko naman kung ano man siya, bakla ba siya o ano. Tanggap ko naman.”

This statement fumed Ahron and prompted him to air his side on Twitter.

“There are always two sides to every story. Tangap mo kung ano ako? Saan galing ‘yun? Bakit ano ba ang alam mo sa pagkatao ko? Naging tayo ba? Ako ang alam ko never naging tayo.

Nanahimik ako kasi marunong akong rumespeto sa babae,” his socmed post said.

In 2014, an entertainment writer released a blind item about the actor claiming that the he is gay. Then in 2016, his Instagram feed became a subject of numerous speculations about his sexual orientation.

He’s been spotted vacationing in Europe with a hunky non-showbiz friend whom he tagged as a very good friend and travel buddy.