Manila Standard - 2017 October 1 - Sunday

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VOL. XXXI • NO. 229 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

PH RELENTS, LETS UN LOOK INTO 'ABUSES' T

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

HE Philippines has agreed to accommodate any Special Rapporteur on Summary Execution to investigate the country’s human rights situation—but not its chief Agnes Callamard for “prejudging” Manila’s bloody war against illegal drugs and for calling President Rodrigo Duterte a “murderer,” Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

In a statement, Cayetano said he had decided to finally work with the United Nations, eight months after the invitation to Callamard to probe the human rights situation in the country did not work out.

“We will fully cooperate and work

with you on a rationale, open, fair dialogue on our campaign against crime and illegal drugs,” Cayetano said during his meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres.

More than 3,800 Filipinos have been killed in the government’s

anti-drugs operations since Duterte came to power in June last year. But human rights groups believe the figure could be higher.

“There are real problems but perceptions have overtaken us in Western media that make it appear the situation is worse than it actually is,” he told Gutteres.

During the meeting, Cayetano thanked the secretary general for allowing him to present the side of the Duterte administration in its campaign against crime and illegal drugs.

“We’re not turning our back on human rights,” Cayetano assured Gutteres. ''The campaign against crime and illegal drugs is not intended to violate human rights. It is intended to protect the human

rights of our people.”

DFA spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said in an interview that Cayetano did not mention yet who was the specific Special Rapporteur who could be invited to probe human rights violations, stressing he or she should “conduct a fair and objective” assessment.

“No mention of specific Special Rapporteur at this point, as long as the experts demonstrate that they do not have biases against the Philippines and are willng to conduct a fair and objective assessment of the human rights situation in the country,” Bolivar said.

Bolivar noted that although there was no specific Special Rapporteur, Cayetano did not opt to Turn to A2

DFA: WARM WELCOME FOR TRUMP

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and John Paolo Bencito THE Philippines on Saturday welcomed the White House announcement on the visit of United States President Donald Trump to Manila in November, saying this affirmed the strong partnership between the two allies.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Trump’s visit underscored the “improving relations” between the Philippines and the United States.

“President Trump will definitely receive a very warm welcome in Manila,” Cayetano said, adding “President Duterte is looking forward to welcoming President Trump in Manila...Our people are excited to see the first face-to-face meeting between our two leaders.”

Trump is among the leaders expected to visit the country as the Philippines hosts the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit summit in Manila. Turn to A2

OMBUDSMAN URGED TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND

By John Paolo Bencito

MASSKARA FESTIVAL. Bacolod Night this weekend ushers in the annual festival in the city with highlights that include street dancers in colorful costumes, masks and headdresses. In posh Makati City, the Masskara Festival opens the Negros Trade Fair at the Glorietta Center in Makati City. The fair will be until Oct. 1. Diana Noche

17,000 COPS LINKED TO ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE MORE than 17,000 members of the Philippine National Police are into the illegal drug trade in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday.

In a taped interview, Duterte also sought help from the Church on how to reform alleged drug suspects, after sharing “state secrets” on the government’s anti-criminality drive.

“There are about 17,000 policemen in this country involved in drugs and they’re the ones operating, not the locals anymore. They knew they will be hit hard,” the President told state-run PTV-4.

The number of policemen into drugs represents more than 8 percent of the total police force, estimated at 194,410—but the President did not cite the basis for his claims.

Amid the government’s bloody drug war, which saw thousands killed since he took office last year, the President also claimed the crime rate saw a decline by “40 percent”— again without citing the basis of his pronouncements.

Meanwhile, Duterte also admitted Friday bribing officials in the Office of the Ombudsman to appeal for the dismissal of cases involving lowerranking military and government officials, despite his rather harsh criticism on the supposed “corruption” activities in the agency.

Saying he used “personal money” on at least four occasions to bribe officials in the agency, Duterte said he did this to save the “career” of the officials who were subjected to dismissal proceedings.

All of the cases filed against his former police chiefs in Davao City were dismissed because of his apparent intervention, the President said.

Most of them faced raps due to deaths of suspects during police encounters, he added.

Duterte had threatened “arrest” against officials of the Office of the Ombudsman should they resist “summons” of the independent commission he said he would create next year to look after their alleged Turn to A2

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SIR, YES SIR. Some 991 personnel from the Philippine National Police-Regional Public Safety battalion have been deployed to the seven police stations in Caloocan City after National Capital Region Police chief Director Oscar Albayalde relieved Friday 448 Caloocan cops. Andrew Rabulan

S

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THE Palace on Saturday said the Ombudsman should be open to any probe that would check into its alleged corrupt practices amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s threats to have the office investigated, or worse, its prosecutors arrested.

“The [Ombudsman] should be open to any probe that would check into alleged corrupt practices amongst its officials and employees to underscore that there are no sacred cows in the Government,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

While the Palace claims to recognize the Ombudsman’s constitutional duty “to probe erring government officials,” Abella said that they should “act promptly on Turn to A2

'SIX WILL MAKE TELCO TRADE EXCITING' PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is planning to allow four to six foreign Internet service providers to break the country’s telecommunications duopoly in a bid to promote greater competition for faster Internet services.

“The only way to improve your service is to give them competitors. Or if there are only two of you, mag-uusap kayo niyan,” the President said in an interview over state-run PTV-4 Friday.

“I need about 4, 5, o 6. They’ll enter, we’ll just choose. Like the [television and radio] stations,” he added.

The President said that the telco duopoly could have been disadvantageous to the public, since the two dominant players “can always go into a cabal” and do a “cartel” on market prices and services.

Turn to A2

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PH...

From A1

invite Callamard to do the probe.

He explained that Callamard passed judgment even before coordinating with the Philippine official.

“SFA [Cayetano] was referring to the fact that Ms. Callamard made conclusions and passed judgment on the Philippines even before engaging our officials. Remember that our HR delegation even sought a meeting with her in Geneva during our UPR session but to no avail,” the spokesman said.

“That being said, the most important issue is the objectivity and impartiality of the UN experts,” he added.

He claimed Callamard “is seemingly lacking in these criteria.”

“An SR [Special Rapporteur] should not be making conclusions or passing judgments on a country or government prior to actually having a constructive dialogue with that government. Otherwise her impartiality and objectivity to conduct the inquiry is severely compromised,” Bolivar said.

In August, Callamard and the Right on Health Dainius Pūras urged Duterte to put an end to the current wave of extrajudicial executions and killings of the alleged drug users and pushers.

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

In September, Duterte agreed to invite UN experts to investigate the increased extrajudicial killings in the country, but Callamard needed to agree to a public debate with the President.

Aside from the condition to ask the prober freely and publicly, Duterte also wanted the Special Rapporteurs to request an approval first on places before they could investigate.

Callamard then rejected Duterte’s investigation to prove, insisting the probe would be in their terms and not Duterte’s precondition.

When asked if Duterte’s precondition still stood, Bolivar said both the Philippines and UN would discuss the preconditions.

Bolivar said Cayetano had asked Gutteres to help the Philippines draw up mechanisms for Philippine-UN collaboration on human rights issues “so the preconditions would likely be discussed while these mechanisms are drawn up.”

The meeting came a day after the Philippines responded strongly against criticisms of its human rights record by Iceland and several other mostly European countries before the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva.

During the country visit, the Special Rapporteur examined the situation of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and formulated recommendations to the Government and other actors on upholding the right to life.

The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions conducts county visits, examines situations of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions worldwide, monitors implementation of international standards on the right to life in all countries, and engages with Government and other stakeholders.

'SIX...

From A1 Duterte said that he was already “hurrying up” the entry of new players—with some pending applications in his desk already. Referring to one company, Duterte said: “I think it’s a…

‘Yung… Beginning with ‘H’?”

There were Chinese, Singaporean and American investors who wanted to enter the market, the President said but are still pending because his former classmate, the resigned Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, apparently favored the interests of telecommunications giant Globe Telecom.

“Ang sinabi ko naman kasi sa Cabinet, “One month. Pagka hindi mo kaya, i-release mo, sabihin mo na “We cannot give this to you. We are sorry but…” Ilagay mo diyan para kung mag-abot sa akin, mabasa ko.”

Recently, the President approved the entry of an industry third player— the former leading telegraph company Philippine Telegraph & Telephone Corp. (PT&T) as the firm challenging Globe and Smart Communications on the telecommunications business.

Listed firm PT&T said last month in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that it sold majority shares to Menlo Capital Corp., a company majority-owned by Zamora and Peregrino P. Fernandez. John Paolo Bencito

TRILLANES CODDLING 2 HITMEN, SAYS DU30 S

By John Paolo Bencito

ELF-CONFESSED hitmen Edgar Matobato and Arthur Lascañas, the prized witnesses of the opposition on the alleged Davao Death Squad, are living off Senator Antonio Trillanes’ supposed stash of wealth in his alleged bank accounts, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed Friday.

In an interview with state broadMatobato and Lascanas, selfcaster PTV4 aired Friday night, confessed serial killers, pinned Duterte questioned why the two the blame on Duterte as the one “until now are out abroad.” responsible for the thousands of

deaths by the DDS when he was still Davao mayor.

Both Matobato and Lascañas said they saw signatures of the Davao slayings in the extrajudicial killings in Duterte’s war on drugs, but the President’s allies in the Senate said they found no evidence of extrajudicial or summary execution done by police and unknown assailants in his anti-narcotics crackdown.

Lascanas has fled to Singapore since April, while Matobato remains at large.

Duterte said that the money used to fund anti-government rallies “could be” from Trillanes’ stash of illgotten wealth.

Duterte claimed that Trillanes’ stash of money from his offshore accounts may be used to destabilize the government.

“Based on analysis, the funds being laundered by Trillanes and his group may not be for their personal use, but rather is being caused for their cause and possibly to destabilize government by paying for witnesses and funding for destabilization operations,” the President said.

He added that the senator’s associates, who were extorting money from some senators and large corporations, were the ones bankrolling efforts to topple him.

RODY SHUTS DOOR TO PEACE GAB WITH REDS PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has rejected the resumption of peace talks with communists, taking back his recent statement expressing openness to the revival of negotiations.

“Gastos lang ‘yan. Walang mangyari diyan,” [It entails cost. Nothing will come out of it.] Duterte said in a recorded interview on state-run PTV4.

The President blamed the communist rebels’ supposed “impatience,” adding that he has became wary about their many demands while continuing their attacks on government troops and installations.

“Nakakadala kasi. Kasi kung anong pinagsasabi na ganun. Sabagay, nagmumura rin ako pero itong mga ‘to, almost [dreaming?],” he said.

DFA:...

From A1 “We confirm US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Philippines this November. President Trump’s visit underscores the improving PH-US ties and President Duterte is looking forward to welcome the US president in Manila,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

The White House in a statement on Friday (Saturday in Manila) said Trump would visit Manila as part of a bumper Nov. 3 to 14 tour that will also include stops in China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the US state of Hawaii.

Trump had backed away from a threat to skip a summit with Southeast Asian leaders in the Philippines later this year, with the White House saying it had accepted an invitation from host Duterte.

The White House announcement tees up a meeting between Trump and Duterte, who has been accused of “crimes against humanity” for waging a bloody war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives.

During a visit to Asean’s Jakarta headquarters in April, Vice President Mike Pence had promised allies—anxious about waning US engagement in the region—that Trump would attend the bloc’s summit in Manila this November.

“You know, when you come to a negotiation and you bring along a dream. Sometimes, it’s really impossible. ‘Yung gusto mo ‘yung, you do not go into the harsh realities of life, kung ang nandiyan. But you start to dream of things that are not really, that are unreachable stars. Mahirap ‘yan,” he added.

Early this month, Duterte said that he was considering whether to accept the offer of communist rebels for an eventual resumption of the peace talks, but said could not accede to all their demands for the release of political prisoners.

Responding to Duterte’s offer of a general amnesty for communist rebels who will lay down arms and cooperate with the government, the

Since then Trump’s souring bromance with Duterte— prompted, in part, by Duterte’s rights record and his vow in July to never visit “lousy” America— had thrown those plans in the air.

Trump said earlier this month that Duterte had extended an invitation, but the US president pointedly said he had not yet decided whether to accept.

“He invited us so we’re going to see,” Trump said, while announcing he would go to Japan, South Korea, China and, maybe, Vietnam for a regional Apec economic summit.

Philippine officials were surprised by the about face and the issue was raised during Cayetano’s visit to Washington this week.

Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, who met Duterte in the Philippines earlier this year, was among those who urged Trump to attend.

“I think it’s very important that the president travel to the region to the summit,” he told AFP. “Now more than ever the United States needs to show its leadership not just in rhetoric, but in action, in visible ways.”

‘Unbelievable’ Early in his tenure, Trump courted controversy by praising Duterte for doing an “unbelievable job on the drug problem.”

Duterte’s crackdown on alleged drug dealers has seen the police kill an estimated 3,850 people in 15 months and made

17,000...

From A1 partiality and corruption in the agency, when they are supposed to go after grafters in government.

The President also slammed Senator Leila de Lima, herself a former Commission on Human Rights chairman who investigated him over the drug killings in his city—saying she could not prove anything against him.

Earlier this year, the Philippine National Police said the total crime

National Democratic Front said that he will not “fool anyone in the revolutionary movement” with his offer as “nothing but a psywar tool to create division within the revolutionary movement”.

The negotiating panel said Duterte made the pronouncement to make it appear like he is sincere in building peace with the communist rebels.

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison expressed belief that the communist rebels might not accept Duterte’s calls for a protracted and indefinite bilateral ceasefire, ahead of a return to peace talks.

Sison reiterated that the Duterte government must first commit to

him a virtual pariah.

Both men have shocked with similar barbed language: Duterte’s favored insult, “putang ina,” was recently echoed in English when Trump called an NFL player a “son of a bitch.”

But Duterte had been angered by a US Congress human rights commission hearing, where various advocate groups assailed his bloody war on drugs.

Aides were left trying to convince Trump—who has also been skeptical of multilateral institutions and shown modest interest in South East Asia—that it is important to attend.

Fast-growing South East Asia has become a focus point for US trade and sits astride a major geopolitical hotspot, the South China Sea. US governments have tried to defend the right of free passage there as China and other countries make increasingly forceful maritime and territorial claims.

“It would be very noticed -- in a negative way -- if he did not go, while all the other leaders are there including the Chinese premier,” said Amy Searight, a former top Pentagon official for Asia, now with the CSIS think-tank.

Pivot away?

US presidents have not always played much attention to the Asean bloc, which includes the fast-growing economies of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and five other countries. With AFP

volume across the country fell from 675,816 recorded incidents in 2015 to 584,809 in 2016.

Nearly one-fifth of the total crime volume in the entire year was categorized as “index crimes,” which numbered 139,462 for 2016 while “nonindex crimes” made up the remaining 445,347 instances.

Following criticisms by the church on the government’s anti-drug campaign, Duterte said he showed to the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines the list of suspected drug pushers and drug lords—and sought help on how to fix

the social and economic reforms, isues that are at the heart of the communist insurgency.

The Communist Party of the Philippines earlier tagged the Duterte government as “anti-people, proimperialist, and fascist” for embarking on efforts to undermine the very institutions that serve as a check on his executive powers,” including revived threats to declare martial law nationwide and impose a “revolutionary government.”

Duterte ended the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front in July following a series of attacks of its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA) against government forces. John Paolo Bencito

OMBUDSMAN...

From A1

complaints filed against officers or employees of the government.”

“The sad reality, however, is that the OMB is not exempt from allegations of corruption, which the President said, need to be investigated.”

On Friday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales shot back against the President’s threats to investigate her and her office, saying that she “won’t be intimidated” by the President’s latest string of attacks.

“The President’s announcement that he intends to form a commission to investigate the Ombudsman appears to be a retaliation to our ongoing investigation. We will, nonetheless proceed with the probe, as mandated by the Constitution,” the Ombudsman said.

The Ombudsman is also standing by the media statements of Overall Deputy Ombudsman Arthur Carandang on bank transaction records of Duterte and his family. Carandang said the records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council show a flow of money amounting “billions.”

“As to the documents in our possession, we stand by

the drug problem.

Last Sept. 18, Duterte met with Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, who got recently elected as president of the CBCP, the episcopal conference of the Roman Catholic Church in the country.

He said he gave the CBCP a list of those involved in drugs...if you want to help, then read that.”

It was not clear, however, if Duterte gave them his “narco list,” his supposed list of officials from the judiciary, police, and local governments allegedly involved in the drug trade.

In the same interview, the President also expressed his willingness to talk

our word,” the Ombudsman said.

The president earlier threatened to arrest officials of the Office of the Ombudsman should they resist “summons” of the independent commission that he will create next year to look after the alleged partiality and corruption in the agency.

“If you’ll tell me that you can’t be investigated—we’ll be having a problem,” the President told state broadcaster PTV-4 in an interview aired Friday night.

“I will apply summons from the court. If it won’t get implemented—I will arrest you. If you won’t attend to the commission’s [hearings], I will apply for subpoena powers from the courts,” Duterte said.

“If you won’t show up, I will order the police and the military to arrest you.

That’s the only way. Sauce for the gander, sauce for the goose,” he added.

Duterte, who said that the corruption inside the Office of the Ombudsman is making a “mockery of the constitution,” said that he would create a creating a fact-finding commission similar to the Agrava Commission created by former President Ferdinand Marcos to start pressing charges against corrupt officials.

with opposition Senator Franklin Drilon over the “organized” drug operations of his relative, Iloilo Mayor Jed Mabilog.

“I would like to invite him to join the police and military in a briefing,” he said.

Mabilog, a second cousin of Drilon, has been included in Duterte’s list of government officials allegedly involved in the drug trade.

Mabilog has already denied Duterte’s accusation, saying he finds it “very unfortunate and disconcerting.” He said then he was fearing for his and his family’s safety. John Paolo Bencito

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

DON’T BLAME BONGBONG, IMEE FOR PA’S SINS—DU30

By John Paolo Bencito

I

MEE Marcos and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. were still young and should not be blamed for the sins of their father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos during his dictatorial rule, President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday.

In a taped interview aired over state broadcaster PTV-4, Duterte said that the two, who are still active in politics years after their father’s regime, should not be faulted.

“Ngayon, sabihin mo na, ‘You prosecute, you punish.’ At that time, si Bongbong Marcos, binata pa. He was only about seven years old when…

Anong kasalanan nila? Bakit hindi ako magpunta, mag-shake hands? Anong kasalanan ni Imee?

Bata ‘yan sila lahat. Ang matanda lang doon si Imelda pati si Ferdinand,” he said.

Imee, who was born in 1955, turned 17 when her father declared martial law. Contrary to

Duterte’s claims, her brother and their father’s namesake, Ferdinand Jr., who was born in 1957, was already 15 years old at that time.

When their father was toppled during the 1986 “People Power” revolution, Imee was 30 and Bongbong was 28.

Duterte added that “guilt is personal” and someone could not be held to account for a wrong that another person committed, unless there was a conspiracy. ”Hindi naman ito organized crime na basta bigla ka na lang mag-ano diyan. Guilt is personal. ‘Yung kasalanan mo, ‘yun lang. Hindi mo ipahid doon sa lahat ng barangay,” he said.

Duterte, who courted controversy for his apparent closeness with the Marcos family, likewise credited Imee for supporting his presidential run.

The President likewise noted that his father, Vicente held the General Services (now Interior) portfolio during the Marcos regime.

Last August, Duterte said the Marcos family had agreed to return their vast unexplained wealth, including a “few gold bars,” to the government.

But Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman held a contrast-

ing view on the culpability of Marcos’ children.

Lagman said Duterte cannot absolve Ilocos Sur Gov. Imelda “Imee” Marcos and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as “sinless” just because they were “young” during their father’s regime.

He added that the Marcos siblings have had their share of their father’s ill-gotten wealth and that Imee and Bongbong were already adults when the late strongman declared Martial Law. Lagman also noted the ages of Imee and Bongbong during their father’s regime.

“Imee and Bongbong celebrated their 18th birthdays in 1973 and 1975, respectively, and they were old enough when the documented atrocities and plunder were committed by the ‘conjugal dictatorship’ of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos,” said Lagman.

Lagman also cited the case of Mapua Institute of Technology student Archimedes Trajano, who was allegedly killed by Imee’s security escorts in 1977 after he questioned Imee’s capacity to lead the national youth organization Kabataang Barangay. Imee was chosen by no less than his father to lead the KB.

ANIMAL LOVERS.

Malabon Zoo and Aquarium founder Manny Tangco celebrate the World Animal Day together with a Tibetan Mastiff, the largest and most expensive dog in the world, a Samoyed from Siberia, a large dog with thick, long, white coat and an Alaskan Malamute sled dog. More than 10 pet associations and around 200 pet lovers and their pets joined the celebration held at the Malabon Zoo and Aquarium.

Andrew Rabulan

MANILA’S WATER PPP CITED IN KOREAN FORA WORLD water leaders cited the 20-year-old successful Private Public Partnership between the Philippines’ Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and its concessionaires Manila Water, Maynilad Water, and SMC’s Luzon Clean Water Corp. at the 1st Asia Water Week and Korea International Water Week (held Sept. 20-23) in Gyeongju, South Korea.

The three day event brought together some 2,500 water stakeholders who discussed ways to establish lasting partnerships that are needed to resolve water issues around the world.

MWSS administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco, Manila Water president Ferdinand M. dela Cruz and Maynilad president Ramoncito S. Fernandez shared stellar billing in the twin Korea water conferences as they presented “Water Security under the Duterte Administration and the Successful PPP in the Philippines.”

“The Korea water conferences was an important event to promote the country’s effective, participative and successful PPP legal framework started in 1997 by President Fidel V. Ramos

through a Concession Agreement in the water industry that the Philippines through Manila Water is now exporting to Asean countries like Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia,” said Velasco.

In his speech, Manila Water president Ferdinand dela Cruz stressed that “water PPP can work in many places provided the Regulatory framework is clear, transparent and consistent. An output-based scheme is appropriate for the private sector to provide an environment to perform well and in an efficient manner. Water PPP has worked in Metro Manila. It has worked in other parts of the Philippines. It can work in many more places in Asia.

Manila Water is a testimony that Asians can solve Asian water issues.”

For his part, Maynilad president Ramoncito Fernandez said “our partnership with the MWSS has benefited millions of Filipinos, spurred economic activity with our investments and generated thousands of jobs. We are now setting our sights to other areas in the Philippines as there are still 15 million Filipinos without access to water. We want to replicate our success story to

SOLON PAYS TRIBUTE TO GRANDPARENTS AN OPPOSITION leader in the House of Representatives on Saturday paid tribute to grandparents providing effective guardianship of grandchildren due to growing number of overseas Filipino workers and even single parents.

“We salute all Filipino centenarians for their longevity, and for their lives of service to family, community and to nation,” Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr., a deputy minority leader, said as the country pays tribute today, Oct.1, to all Filipinos who have lived to or beyond the age of 100 years.

National Respect for Centenarians Day is observed every first Sunday of October by virtue of Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarians Law of 2016.

“In Makati, the city government has been paying tribute to every centenarian with a one-time P100,000 gift and a plaque of recognition since

2013—long before the passage of the Centenarians Law,” Campos said, adding that the city has so far recognized 42 residents who have turned a century old.

The P100,000 from the city government is on top of the P100,000 from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as mandated by the Centenarians Law, according to Campos.

The national government has set aside P189.5 million of its budget for 2018 to pay for the P100,000 one-time bonus of 1,895 Filipinos who are turning 100 years old.

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation 470 series of 1994, Oct. 1 also marks the start of Elderly Filipino Week, in honor of all senior citizens above 60 years of age.

Maricel V. Cruz

other areas so others can also enjoy improved water supply and sanitation.”

The water conference was attended

by Dr. Hak-Soo Lee, president of Asia Water Council and CEO of K-water, World Water Council President Dr. Benedito Braga, Minister of Public Works and Housing of Indonesia Dr. Ir. Basuki Hadimoeljono, Korea Minister of the Land of Infrastructure and Transport Hyun Mi Kim, Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Kwan Yong Kim and Daegu City Mayor Yeong Jin Kwon.

In the high level panel discussion that focused on water related topics regarding the SDGs, water forums, NGOs, global community sustainability, the participants included: moderator Dr. Bindu N. Lohani, Representative of the Resources Center (TRC); and, the five panelists: Tunc Erk, managing director of SUEZ Water South East Asia; Sun Young Kim, vice president of K-water; Gen. Reynaldo Velasco, administrator of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from the Philippines; Dr. Hyoseop Woo, vice president of Korea Water Forum; and Kusum Athukorala, Chair of NetWwater.

Velasco also acted as one of the 10 major signatories to the World Water Cities Declaration spearheaded by Daegu City Mayor Yeong Jin Kwon who stressed the need for cities and countries to work together to resolve water issues. Daegu will host next year’s KIWW. AWC president Lee stressed on the need for greater cooperation and participation to address water issues as he emphasized that AIWW and KIWW can be the platform to share technology and know how-in order to resolve water issues. Likewise, Lee formally accepted the new membership of Manila Water President Dela Cruz, Maynilad President Fernandez and Luzon Clean Water Corporation’s Edgar Dona to the prestigious Asia Water Council upon the sponsorship of MWSS Administrator and AWC Director Velasco in the 5th AWC Board Meeting.

World Water Council President Braga urged the stakeholders to focus on resolving water challenges, to address the gap between rural and urban areas and the need to share their thoughts through social innovation in order to resolve global water issues.

JUST JOKING, DIGONG SAYS ON INDAY SARA AS ‘PRESIDENT’ THE public should not take seriously his pronouncements anointing his eldest daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as the country’s next president should he step down, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday.

“It started with a joke. They asked, ‘Who might replace you in the presidency?’” the President said in an interview aired on government-owned PTV4 on Friday night.

Duterte recalled asking Davao-based journalists if they want the equally feisty mayor as the next president.

“Sabi ko, ‘Gusto ninyo ng ganun? Si Inday.’ Eh nagtawanan. Pero as I have said, ayaw ni Inday na sa politika,” he said.

The President, however, said that he wanted a “senator” as his successor instead, but did not mention the name of the lawmaker.

In a report last week, Duterte was quoted as saying that he could not find any other better candidate than Sara to become the next president.

“I couldn’t find any other better candidate than Sara to become the next president. And one thing about her is she is not bigot.” John Paolo Bencito

LAWMAKER FILES BILL ON ‘FAKE NEWS’

By Maricel V. Cruz A LAWMAKER has filed a measure intended to rid both the traditional and social media of fictitious or misleading reports that are being manufactured and passed on to the public as legitimate information.

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte penned House Bill 6022 which penalizes not only the creation of false content and the malicious distribution of this “fake news,” but also the failure to remove such content once it has been published.

“This bill proposes to nip the cause of fake news in the bud by prohibiting the creation and malicious distribution of false information. It aims to ensure that the content being published and disseminated by mass media outlets and social media personalities are free from false, misleading or fictitious stories through a clear definition of what fake news is,” said Villafuerte.

Villafuerte said his proposal aims to encourage responsible and credible journalism, as well as create awareness of the harmful effects of spreading untruthful facts.

“Misleading and deceptive news can cause divisiveness, health hazards, security risks, panic and chaos to this nation, contrary to our Constitutionally enshrined principle of adhering to a policy of peace and cooperation,” he said.

He pointed out that while the age of the Internet has “truly democratized free speech,” it has also made it easier for people to create and distribute false information.

Villafuerte’s HB 6022, defines “fake news” as: misquotation or the false and/or inaccurate report of one’s statement; editing audio or video that results to the distortion of facts and/ or the context; or purely fabricated content.

The bill penalizes mass media outlets found guilty of creating fake news of fines ranging from P1 million to P5 million and suspension of their operations from one week to one month.

PDEA BACKS BILL ON MARIJUANA FOR MEDICAL USE HOUSE Bill No. 180, or “An Act Providing Compassionate and Right of Access to Medical Cannabis and Expanding Research Into Its Medicinal Properties,” drew support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, provided that safeguards are set up so as not to open marijuana use to abuse.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said the agency supports the intention and purpose of the bill, but at the same time has proposed amendments that marijuana will not be used for recreational purposes.

“PDEA supports the intention and purpose behind the proposed bill.

The Agency recognizes the need of patients to have access to safe, affordable, available medical cannabis prescribed by registered physicians in cases where cannabis has been found to be effective in the prevention, treatment and management of chronic or

debilitating health conditions,” Aquino said.

PDEA recommended that the definition of the terms marijuana and cannabis should be included in the bill’s Definition of Terms.

(Marijuana is a term used to describe all plant parts of Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis sativa forma indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, namely, leaves, fruiting tops, stems, flowers, and roots.)

Cannabis, also known as marijuana among several other names, is a preparation of the cannabis plant (scientific name: Cannabis Sativa) intended for use as psychoactive drug or medicine.

The PDEA also recommended that the proposed bill be very specific and only legalize the use of tablet or capsule preparations of the medicinal component of cannabis and not cannabis per se.

In Section 6 of the bill, PDEA proposes to amend paragraph b to read as: proof of bona fide relationship with the patient. The Agency believes that in order for a physician to be competent to certify a patient’s medical need to use cannabis, he/she must show proof that he/she has a bona fide relationship with the patient; and In Section 26 of the bill, PDEA said it is more prudent to include a statement that “cultivation, possession, use, sale, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of cannabis not in accordance with the provisions of the Act shall be deemed a violation of Republic Act 9165, Otherwise Known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Aquino also reminded that under existing laws, the sale and use of marijuana is still illegal.

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Opinion

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

WHY PLUTO IS NOT A PLANET ANYMORE

By Pecier Decierdo

I

“WHY is Pluto not a planet anymore?”

This is one of the most common questions I get asked when I host my planetarium shows at The Mind Museum.

Here’s the condensed answer.

Officially, there are only eight planets in the Solar System. Pluto is not one of them because it got reclassified as a dwarf planet. Many planetary scientists disagree with this and believe that Pluto should be called a planet. Let’s unpack all of these.

The word planet came from the Greek ‘planetes’ which means wanderer. ‘Planetes’ was originally used to describe the celestial bodies that were seen by ancient observers to move across the background stars.

Seven naked-eye objects fit this bill: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the sun, and the moon. These seven objects were the original planets.

The special status of the planets shows up in the names of the days of the week—Sunday for the sun, Monday for the moon (or Lunes for Luna), Saturday for Saturn. It’s easier to see this in Spanish: Martes for Mars, Miyerkules for Mercury, Jueves for Jupiter, and Viernes for Venus.

From hindsight, we can see that this definition of ‘planet’ was not very informative. After all, it lumped together things that we now know are very different from each other. It also notably excluded the Earth, which was not seen as a celestial object then.

The Scientific Revolution produced a new and better system of organizing celestial bodies, when ‘planet’ came to stand for any large object that goes around the sun. Those that go around planets were called satellites.

The discovery of Uranus and Neptune offered no problems to this new system.

When Ceres was discovered, some astronomers thought of calling it a planet, too. After all, it went around the Sun like the others.

However, astronomers soon realized it was not alone in the space it inhabits between Mars and Jupiter. Rather, there were thousands of objects similar to Ceres. Astronomers did not want to call all of them planets, so they called them asteroids. The new system was saved.

Then Pluto was discovered. For a long time, its status as a planet seemed safe. Although smaller than the rest, it seemed to be in the same category as the others.

Over the years, many objects like Pluto were discovered. They had names like Makemake, Hamuea, and Quaoar.

One of them, Eris, was almost as big as Pluto. If Pluto were a planet, those objects had to be, too. It’s like Ceres all over again!

As a response to this, some members of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) voted to change the definition of ‘planet’ in 2006. According to the new definition, a celestial object had to satisfy three criteria to be called a planet.

First, the celestial object must directly orbit the sun. The moons, which orbit their planets, don’t satisfy this criteria.

Second, the object must be big enough to be nearly spherical in shape.

Smaller objects, like comets and most asteroids, do not have enough gravity to force them into a spherical shape.

MAKING HEADS OR TAILS

N A survey done in June 2017, the Social Weather Stations asked 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above nationwide how they felt about this statement: “Many of those killed by the police in the anti-drug campaign did not really fight against the police.”

Margin of error is +/- 3 percent for national percentages.

More than half agreed that those killed did not really put up a fight.

In fact, 20 percent strongly agree and 34 percent somewhat agree.

The number is higher among the masses, with 58 percent of those in class E agreeing with the statement.

In Metro Manila—63 percent either somewhat or wrongly agree.

As to the statement “Many of those killed by the police in the antidrug campaign are not really drug pushers,” 49 percent agree. Another 27 percent are undecided; only 23 percent agree. In Metro Manila, 58 percent do not think that many who have been killed were drug pushers.

In yet another survey by yet another polling firm, President Rodrigo Duterte and his campaign against illegal drugs appear to enjoy the majority’s support.

US polling firm Pew Research Center conducted face-to-face interviews with 1,000 respondents across the country.

The poll, done between February 26 and May 8 this year, had a margin of error of 4.3 percent.

According to Pew, 86 percent of respondents have a favorable view of President Duterte, and 78 percent approve of his handling of the illegal drug

problem.

Further, 62 percent believe that the government is making progress in its campaign against illegal drugs, 21 percent say it is the same as in the past, while 15 percent say it is losing ground.

It is helpful to note that these surveys were conducted before the August 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos at the hands of Caloocan City police. After Kian came several other teenagers who died under mysterious circumstances. These deaths enraged the public; it would be interesting to know how many could have changed their minds in response to these statements after this.

At first blush, the numbers seem to defy logic. Why would a government campaign still enjoy overwhelming support from the people when a significant percentage—at least half—of them believe that many of those who died were not really drug dealers and did not really fight back?

Does this mean that Filipinos condone irregular methods about the President’s war? It cannot be that we do not know; it can only be that we know, and yet approve. The international community seems to know and not approve—just this week, 39 countries expressed serious concern about human rights violations here.

The next few months will be a test for the administration that is convinced it is doing the right thing, and for the people who say they feel safe in their neighborhoods despite what they say they know.

At the very least we know that respondents, and by extension the rest of the country, are aware of what is truly going on. What they choose to do, or not do, about this awareness is their personal choice.

Turn to A5

HUGH HEFNER’S LEGACY HUGH Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, left a legacy to popular culture that is immense and influential, but like many human innovations it also had a profoundly dark aspect.

Hefner died on Sept. 27 at the age of 91 in his ritzy Los Angeles home, the Playboy Mansion.

In 1953, he launched Playboy magazine with $8,000 in money

funded by 45 investors, including his mother who contributed $1,000 because “she believed in her boy.”

That first issue carried a nude study of Marilyn Monroe.

Although there were other nudie magazines on the market at the time, it was Playboy that became the most popular, reaching its Golden Age in the 1970s.

The rise of the brand would make an excellent marketing case study.

Playboy positioned itself as “clean” and “wholesome” as smut could be, with the naked models posed against

barns, cars, and other such symbols of Americana. Most of the models were healthy and curvy, none were unduly made-up, the photography was tasteful and not as explicit as that in the pages of rivals Penthouse and Hustler.

Playboy commercialized sex and pornography, and legitimized them as reading material. It was readily available at newsstands. The brand extended itself into other goods and services for men including apparel and accessories, the magazine’s bunny mascot appearing on wallets,

cigarette cases and the like.

One such successful branded venture was the Playboy Club, which in its heyday operated in various locations from 1960 to 1988. Its waitresses, called Playboy Bunnies, were dressed in bunny suits—bunny ears, a pompom tail on a corset teddy, bowtie, collar, cuffs, and black pantyhose. Bunnies were not the centerfold models— those were called Playmates.

It was the magazine that people claimed “they read for the articles,” and in truth many groundbreaking pieces were published by Playboy. One was

an interview by “Roots” author Alex Haley of American Nazi Party founder George Lincoln Rockwell, and it was a spectacular coup for its day, because Haley was black.

Rockwell, though surprised at the choice of interviewer, only made sure that Haley was not Jewish before speaking to him. The “Playboy interview” became a standard feature of the magazine. Hunter S. Thompson also wrote investigative pieces for Playboy.

The magazine was also famous for Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

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

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

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Opinion WHY...

From A4

Third, the object must be big enough to have cleared its area of debris.

Although Pluto, Ceres, and a bunch of others satisfy the first two, they fail under this third criterion. It was then decided that they should be called ‘dwarf planets.’

This definition is not without its critics.

One problem of the new system is it that excludes the thousands of exoplanets that have now been discovered. Exoplanets orbit stars other than the sun, so by the new definition they are not planets.

To respond to this, many planetary scientists propose (and are already using) an alternative definition: a planet is any celestial object big enough to be nearly spherical but not big enough to have nuclear fusion. Objects that have nuclear fusion are called stars.

This definition has two advantages.

First, it counts exoplanets as planets.

Second, the basis for the classification is not motion (there is no requirement to orbit something) but physical characteristics.

If this definition is accepted, the Solar System will end up with lots of planets; the dwarf planets and the biggest satellites (like the moon, Europa, and Titan) will all be called planets.

Planetary astronomers are fine with this proliferation of planets. To them, this way of organizing the Solar System is more helpful in our exploration of our neighboring worlds. I tend to agree with them on this.

At the end of the day, what I like the most about this discussion is the public’s level of interest and involvement in it.

The discourse around what makes a planet is a great illustration of science as an ongoing process.

Since we’re all living on a planet—a wanderer—it is also a discussion that hits close to home.

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

HUGH...

From A4

publishing science fiction stories by notable authors, among them the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, which was serialized in the March, April, and May 1954 issues. Under Fiction Editor Robie Macauley from 1966 to 1976 the magazine published stories by such heavyweights as Saul Bellow, John Updike, Doris Lessing, Joyce Carol Oates, Vladimir Nabokov, and Kurt Vonnegut.

For all its innovations that changed media and publishing, for all that it helped launch the sexual revolution that changed how people in society engage in sex and perceive sexual behaviors, Playboy had a dark side.

It objectified women as commodities for the delectation of men. It was demeaning towards women. At the Playboy Mansion, Hefner encouraged competition among the models and fostered body-image issues. At the Playboy Clubs, Bunnies were weighed in before being sewn into their teddies and a weight gain of over one pound (allowance for water retention) would lead to penalties.

Still, during its time, it was a cultural force to be contended with. For many Filipinos who were children and young teens in the ‘70s and ‘80s, their sexual awakening was courtesy of their father’s Playboy magazines stashed in a dark corner of the closet.

The magazines were shared and ogled over, and carefully returned to their hiding place before the owner came home. Playboy had a certain prestige, a cachet that trying-hard Penthouse, which was raunchier, did not possess.

For girls, the magazine was an introduction to a burgeoning femaleness that was aspirational, but could not be successfully emulated because the Playmates were mostly white, corn-fed blonde beauties whose huge breasts and behinds were the opposite of the Asian bodytype and complexion.

But along with the insecurity of body image, fostered in part by colonial mentality, Playboy in those early years exposed Filipinas to the idea of sexual freedom, that it was to be explored and experimented with. Sex in the pages of Playboy was normalized, and this was a radical concept for girls educated in strict convent schools.

For good or ill, Playboy left its mark on several generations who were influenced one way or another by Hugh Hefner’s vision and concepts of sex and sexuality.

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

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CHINA-PHILIPPINES: PARTNERS IN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN

EVERYMAN

By Ambassador Zhao Jianhua neighboring countries.

ILLICIT drugs and narcotics harm public health in a destructive way, give rise to corruption and crimes, hinder economic growth and, in a long run, might wreak havoc on national security and social order. Therefore, any narcoticsrelated crimes must be effectively addressed, strictly prohibited and punished in accordance with law.

The Chinese government maintains that illicit drugs are a worldwide public hazard confronting the mankind. For many years, the Chinese government has firmly committed to combating narcotics-related crimes, both as a law-enforcement practice and a long-term strategic task, and has successfully carried out a series of measures in this regard, which include strengthening drug control legislation with death penalty as the capital punishment, cracking down upon various drug-related criminal activities, exercising stringent export and import control over precursor chemicals, providing treatment and rehabilitation services to drug addicts, raising national awareness of drug prevention, and conducting international cooperation.

China has strengthened its partnerships with UNODC, INCB and other international organizations, and actively participated in multilateral anti-drug cooperation platform in Great Mekong Subregion, Asean and China Drug Control Mechanism, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS. In 2016 alone, China successfully closed a total of 87 international and crossborder drug cases in cooperation with more than 20 countries, and provided assistance, training and alternative economic development programs on drug control to many

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017

Among our close neighbors, China attaches great importance to the Philippines in terms of functional cooperation in combating narcotics-related crimes. China fully understands and firmly supports President Duterte prioritizing the fight against illicit drugs, and we have expressed explicitly, on both bilateral and multilateral occasions, China’s willingness to work out a joint plan of action in this regard with the Philippine Government.

During President Duterte’s state visit to China in October 2016, the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency signed a Protocol on Cooperation to deal with drugrelated crimes between our two countries. In accordance with the Protocol, the NCB and the PDEA agreed to conduct and enhance cooperation in information sharing, data exchange, drug-related criminal investigations, repatriation of drug criminals, assisting the Philippines in anti-drug technical equipment, providing exchange and training programs to the Philippine law enforcement personnel. For almost one year, the implementation of the Protocol has been effective and productive.

Since October 2016, around 200 trainees from the related Philippine law enforcement agencies such as PNP, NBI and PDEA have attended more than 20 training programs held in China and the related programs are about to continue in the years to come. China has also provided the Philippines with two batches of equipment worth RMB 56 million, among which are drug detecting and testing equipment such as Ramon Spectrometers,

Protable Anti-Narcotics Inspection Boxes and Liquid Mass Combination Instruments. The law enforcement agencies from China joined hands with their Philippine counterparts in handling the criminal cases of drug trafficking and secured significant achievements, one of which was the successful seizure of a batch of smuggled methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as shabu) worthy of P6.4 billion on 25 May 2017 based on the intelligence provided by the Chinese side. Moreover, in March 2017, the two governments signed the Memorandum of Agreement of Grant-Aid Dangerous Drug Abuse Treatment Rehabilitation Centers Project, which paves the way for setting up two drug rehabilitation facilities respectively in Sarangani Province and Agusan del Sur Province, Mindanao. The modern facilities would each be equipped with 150-bed capacity and a recovery service center. The groundbreaking ceremony is expected to be launched this November.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, China has rendered staunch support to the Philippines’ antidrug campaign at the multilateral fora. During the Universal Periodic Review undertaken by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in May 2017, China has called on the international community to fully respect the judicial sovereignty of the Philippines and support the Philippines’ anti-drug endeavors through international cooperation.

Furthermore, China also cosponsored with the Philippines the Statement on Enhancing Cooperation in Addressing and Countering the Drug Problem, which was unanimously adopted at the 24th ARF Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila on 7 August 2017.

The spread of drug problems across the world is posing a graver menace to humanity as illicit drugs are closely intertwined with international terrorism, money laundering, corruption and other organized transnational crimes.

No single country nor region can effectively and completely deal with this international scourge alone. Launching a global struggle against narcotics-related crimes should be a common cause and shared commitment for all countries and governments. The Chinese government knows well that combating against narcoticsrelated crimes will continue to be a challenging up-hill task.

However, we are firm in both commitments and actions. China will continue to earnestly advocate four principles with regard to antidrug international cooperation: adhering to the principle of extensive participation and shared responsibilities; promoting the principle and policies of the rule of law in each state; adopting an integrated, comprehensive and balanced international drug control strategy; and attaching importance to promoting sustainable and preventive alternative development as an essential part of successful prevention and control of drugs. In pursuit of this meaningful cause, collective efforts always weighs more than finger-pointing and scapegoating. We have every confidence that, as long as all countries firmly resolve to confront with the drug problems in our world, we are destined to succeed in rooting out illicit drugs one day and leaving a cleaner and safer planet for future generations.

Zhao Jianhua is the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines.

PUERTO RICO STUMPS TRUMP

A man kayaks down a street flooded by Hurricane Maria in Juana Matos, Catano, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 21.

The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello called “the most devastating storm in a century,” had battered the island of 3.4 million people. AFP

By Timothy L. O’Brien DONALD Trump will always tell you that he is a “great builder.”

“You can go ahead and speak to the guys who have 400-pound wives at home who are jealous of me,” he told me several years ago. “But the guys who know me know I’m a great builder.”

A month before he announced his presidential candidacy in 2015, Trump smacked around the people he knew would become his opponents as folks who “can’t build”: He brought it up again when he announced his presidential bid on June 16, 2015: “I will build a great wall—and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me.”

The master builder was also a central character in his books.

“I’m a great builder,” Trump wrote in “Great Again,” his 2016 treatise about what ails America and how he would fix it. “I’ve built buildings all over the world. I’ve had tremendous success.”

Getting skyscrapers, hotels and golf courses built requires myriad planning and management skills. Developers create and monitor supply chains so that building materials can get to construction sites. They assemble capable work crews and deploy them against deadlines and budgets. They come up with architectural plans, often from scratch, and have the foresight and imagination to balance beauty and practicality.

They deal constantly with hurdles, surprises and complexities.

These are precisely the business and administrative skills that could be of great use today in Puerto Rico, which has been flattened by a pair of hurricanes and is mired in a humanitarian crisis.

Yet President Trump waited days to even acknowledge there was a problem in Puerto Rico. When he finally addressed the crisis on Monday, he did so via a series of Twitter freefor-alls that emphasized the island’s debt quagmire rather than specifics about how his administration would relieve the hardships of 3.4 million people who are without electricity, have limited phone service, and are struggling to secure scanty supplies of water, food and gas.

To be sure, the US military and the Federal Emergency Management Association have now sent thousands of federal personnel to deliver food and supplies.

But the White House set this response in motion more than a week after Hurricane Maria ripped across the island, on the heels of Hurricane Irma. Trump, who has waxed poetic about engineering a vast overhaul of US infrastructure, seems stymied by the challenge of resuscitating tiny Puerto Rico’s roads, bridges and power grid. Thousands of cargo containers stocked with relief supplies are piling up on docks in San Juan because there is no way to transport them to the island’s interior.

“We’re literally starting from scratch,” Trump complained on Friday, in response to

widespread criticism, including from members of his own party, about his lackadaisical management of the Puerto Rico crisis. “Nobody has ever seen anything like it.”

A guy who campaigned on the notion that he is a singularly great businessman, dealmaker and builder shouldn’t be hamstrung by a crisis like this one. Rather than throw up his hands and complain, he should be strutting his stuff, finding innovative ways to build new supply chains and distribute goods and services. He should be rallying people to the cause.

Unless, of course, he’s not really who he says he is.

Campaign speeches, shot through with promises and partisan appeals, differ from the mundane but crucial work of managing essential services. Good governance—whether the left or right is in charge—may be shaped by values, but it is defined by process.

Trump isn’t, shall we say, a “process person,” as his history shows. New York’s real estate community has never considered him to be a premier developer. The Trump Organization is a mom-and-pop operation. Trump drove the biggest business he ever ran, his casino company, into the ground.

He loves recounting how he developed the Wollman Rink in New York’s Central Park, bragging that his business savvy led to the completion of a project that had stumped City Hall. But note, the Wollman Rink is an iceskating rink. I repeat, a skating rink. It is not a landmark project. Getting an ice-skating rink up and running isn’t as complicated as, say, helping to rescue Puerto Rico.

It’s not only Trump’s skill set that’s wanting.

His priorities are off, too. He cares about selfpromotion more than problem-solving, or delivering on campaign promises.

The nuts and bolts of health-care policy eluded the president, and Puerto Rico’s struggles appear not to interest him either. His observations on the territory’s problems are preschoolish. Puerto Rico, he said on Friday, “is an island. Surrounded by water. Big water.

Ocean water.”

Trump has been much more animated about positioning himself amid the racially charged debate he ignited over how professional athletes voice their opinions on issues of social justice.

Perhaps the president tilts this way because he’s more interested in marketing than building, and more interested in campaigning than governing. He’s sensitive to these distinctions, of course, and whenever they surface always tries to spin them in his favor.

There’s still time to embrace your inner builder, Mr. President. Puerto Rico needs a builder, not a marketer. Bloomberg

News

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ONE-WAY TRAFFIC SCHEME MULLED FOR 3 HIGHWAYS

T

O EASE the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, a lawmaker is proposing a one-way scheme for its three major thoroughfares.

Samar Rep. Edgar Sarmiento proposed to turn Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa), C-5 Road, and Roxas Boulevard into purely oneway highways.

There was no immediate reaction from the Department of Transportation nor from the Metro Manila Development Authority.

According to the lawmaker, Edsa should be turned into a purely northbound superhighway from Caloocan to Pasay City with bi-directional service roads on its opposite sides that will be for the exclusive use of the Bus Rapid Transit System.

“To accommodate northbound vehicles from Pasay City, Parañaque and Cavite, portions of Roxas Boulevard passing through C-3 and C-4 would be also turned into a one-way highway,” the lawmaker said.

Sarmiento also suggested that C-5 road—which will be also turned purely as a northbound expressway —to be used by vehicles coming from Muntinlupa and Laguna going northbound to Quezon City, Bulacan and Pampanga.

“In the absence of needed infrastructure and efficient public transportation system such as elevated

highways and subways, traffic managers should now consider adopting the ‘one-way-all-the-way’ scheme similar to what is being used in New York City,” Sarmiento said.

The lawmaker is also proposing to use the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit terminals as loading and unloading stops for the BRTS. “This will augment the capacity of our mass railway transit system, since passengers who will not be accommodated in the trains have the option to use the BRT system,” Sarmiento said.

He added that provincial buses should no longer be allowed to use Edsa and instead, terminals should be placed on its southern and northern edges to cater to provincial passengers.

Bus companies that operate the BRTS will be asked to provide buses to carry

passengers to and from the southern and northern provincial bus terminals.

Sarmiento said his proposal might look “too drastic.”

However, he emphasized that “at the rate things are going, Metro Manila’s traffic problem could get really out of hand once the government starts constructing other big-ticket projects in Metro Manila such as the proposed Metro subway system and the additional elevated train systems.”

“It is better to consider drastic solutions than continue to lose P3 billion daily in economic productivity due to traffic congestion,” he said.

“Imposing a moratorium on the purchase of new cars or banning sales during weekdays is also counterproductive as this will limit economic activity,” he added.

WORKING TOGETHER. Volunteers from different schools and government agencies join hands in cleaning up the coastline of the Las PiñasParañaque Critical Habitat and Eco Tourism which is included in the Ramsar Convention List of Wetlands of International Importance. Ey Acasio

CUSTOMS TO MEET P50.1-B TARGET REVENUE

By Joel E. Zurbano WITH the help of high-tech X-ray machines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Customs officials expect to more than meet this year’s target revenue of P50.1 billion for the country’s premier gateway.

Customs-Naia collector Edgar Macabeo pointed out that their collection during the lean month was a whopping P3 billion per month, 11 percent deficit on monthly target collection of P4.2 billion.

Nevertheless, he said, there was a time they hit the goal during the month of February, March and May. “We made it, and even exceeded from the target although the port is not so big like the other ports such as the Manila International Container Port and the Port

of Manila,” Macabeo said.

Aside from enhancing the collection performance, airport authorities can also easily monitor all incoming luggage and carry-on bags for contraband with the operation of the 19 brand new X-ray machines worth P172 million.

The machines can provide a threedimensional views of pieces of luggage by subjecting it to X-ray scan from the sides and from the top or bottom.

“Previous X-ray machines here at the airport could only show a onedimensional views of items inside the luggage, hence it is often necessary to open the boxes and subject the content to another set of examinations,” said Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña Jr. Lapeña said with the new X-ray ma-

chines, taxable items could be easily detected as well as drugs and guns hidden in luggage and balikbayan boxes without opening them.

He said the previous machines would only show a horizontal line if a gun like a .45 caliber pistol was laid at the bottom of the luggage, whereas the Rapiscan units could show the hot item, from the side and from the top or bottom.

“These are advance units. We will be able to improve the facilitation of luggage and, at the same time, every box or bag would be subjected to thorough inspections,” Lapeña said.

Seventeen machines will be installed at the four terminals while two mobile units will be utilized to check personal belongings and luggage of VIPs and celebrities, especially those

with chartered flights and whose aircraft are parked at the remote parking of Naia terminals.

Without the machine, the authorities would have to rely mainly on profiling system or information coming from their counterparts abroad especially on drugs.

In 2013, the X-ray technology helped the Customs bureau in the seizure of more than P17 billion worth of smuggled goods.

The machines were described as the agency’s first line of defense against tax cheats and smugglers.

The X-ray Project has been recognized by the World Customs Organization as a model innovation for enhancing inspection and examination efficiency, cargo security, detection and deterrence at customs zones.

LAWYER HAILS APPROVAL OF PUP-SABLAYAN CAMPUS

SPECIAL BLESSING. Zoe Ellise Gonzales, 6 months old, and grandparents Pamela and Enrico celebrate Grandparents Day at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, one of 63 SM Supermalls which underscore in September the importance of family bonds through fun-filled activities at SM. Norman Cruz

A LADY lawmaker has welcomed the decision of the House of Representatives’ committee on higher and technical education to approve the measure which seeks to establish the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sablayan Campus.

Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato of Occidental Mindoro, author of HB 6137, said the committee’s approval was a moraleboosting factor not only for the Municipality of Sablayan but the entire Province of Occidental Mindoro.

She lauded Rep. Ann Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay, the panel chairperson; and the members of the panel for acting with dispatch on the proposed measure.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito filed his counterpart measure in the Senate in August 2016. Ejercito’s bill is up for second reading approval.

PUP-Sablayan Campus has been in operation for six years through a memorandum of agreement signed by the local government of Sablayan and the PUP Administration.

Under such status, the Sablayan-LGU provides funding for the operation of the university.

Once enacted into law, Sato said expenses for the operation of PUP-Sablayan Campus shall be charged to the National Government through the General Appropriations Act, which in return will lessen the expenditures of LGU-Sablayan, Sato, a former Governor of Occidental Mindoro, said in her sponsorship speech before members of the panel.

With that, she said the LGU-Sablayan could focus more on educational support programs or other infrastructure projects.

“The proposed P11 million operational expenses for PUP-Sablayan Campus, which is such a small amount in the GAA, can go a long way for the students and faculty,” she said.

Sato said the Occidental Mindoro Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan 2014-2023 aimed to terminate the mismatch of college graduates and professional and skills demand of the economy or job market. Maricel V. Cruz

YOUNG FARMERS PROGRAM PUSHED

By Maricel V. Cruz

A HOUSE leader on Saturday said more young people from agricultural areas were turning away from farming.

Citing recent studies conducted by the STI Education Services Group Inc., deputy speaker and AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin said the average age of farmers in the Philippines was 57 years old.

Senior and middle-aged farmers find it harder to pass on the work to young people.

This, as Garin pushed for the passage of her House Bill 6277 or the Young Farmers Program Act that seeks to provide an institutionalized scholarship program for agriculture and fisheries courses in State Universities and Colleges as well as Private Education Institutes.

Garin said the tendency for the youth to turn away from pursuing agricultural professions was caused by the difficulty and supposedly low income associated with farming.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show a dwindling share of agricultural employment out of the country’s total number of laborers.

As of April 2017, agricultural workers comprised just 26.1 percent of the labor force, from a high of 32.4 percent in 2006, and 41.7 percent in 1997.

“Majority of the youth are simply not inclined to pursue a career or business opportunities in the agricultural field,” Garin said.

“This is clearly evident in the decline in enrollment [in] agriculture-related courses in colleges and universities,” Garin said.

Garin said her measure called for the putting up of a Young Farmers Program Committee which shall be tasked to implement the provisions of the HB6227.

Garin’s proposal provides that members of the committee will come from different government agencies such as Commission on Higher Education, National Agriculture and Fisheries Education System, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

RECTO WANTS CATALOGUE PUBLISHED SENATOR Ralph Recto on Saturday urged the government to print and publish a catalogue containing public service performance guarantees, from how fast travelers should exit out of airport immigration queues to police response time.

Dubbed as Booklet of Service Speed (Boss), the pocket-size booklet will contain the processing time for applied documents like licenses, response time from law enforcers like the police and firemen, and completion period for services asked.

“You can also call it Booklet of Service Standards,” said Recto.

He said these performance indicators were included in the national budget, part of reforms which link funds given to an agency to a set of promised outcomes.

Among the performance guarantees embedded in next year’s national budget are “the maximum 7-minute response time of firemen to all distress calls and the police vow to respond within 15 minutes to all calls for assistance.”

One particular interest to the public, Recto said, is the guarantee by the Metro Manila Development Authority that road traffic obstructions would be cleared within 15 minutes and for flood water to substantially recede within 20 minutes.

Recto said the Bureau of Immigration had promised “a gone in 40 seconds rule” in immigration exit and entry queues.

“But that benchmark applies to the moment the passport is handed over to the officer. What passengers want is a standard from the moment they queue,” he said.

In the case of passports, of which 3.1 million will be issued next year, the Department of Foreign Affairs has promised that these will be issued within the prescribed period.

The Department of Transportation has promised a 20 percent reduction in airline travel time delays. The department has also included in its 2018 performance guarantees an average 40 kilometers per hour speed of Metro Railway Transit trains. Joel E. Zurbano

Sports

A7

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017 randyproject@yahoo.com

ARELLANO TURNS BACK UP LADIES TO PIERCE PVL SEMIS

The victorious Team Philippines which made the Philippine flag fly high in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Peter Atencio

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

By Peter Atencio and Randy Caluag

P

ETITE and pretty Meggie Ochoa may look harmless. With her superior jiujitsu skills, though, she can immobilize a man twice her size.

Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, a prodigy of many Southeast Asian judo champ and Olympian John Baylon, made the country proud by winning a gold medal each in the recent 5th Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

When jiu-jitsu was still in its infancy in the Philippines, Ochoa and other practitioners would go to social media to raise funds to be able to compete in jiu-jitsu tournaments abroad.

With the full backing of the government through the Philippine Sports Commission, the sport delivered the highest honors in the fast-growing multi-nation sports meet that is the biggest in Central Asia.

The 5’1 Ochoa won the first gold for the Philippines following a convincing 5-0 victory over Vietnam’s Le Thu Trang Du in the women’s Ne-waza -45kg finals. Ramirez, for her part, won on points over Jenna Kaila Napolis, 9-0, in the allFilipino finale of the women’s Ne-waza -55kg category.

Their golden performances contributed to the country’s total medal haul of 2 golds, 14 silvers and 14 bronze after two-weeks of competition.

Ochoa said she dedicates her winnings to God. “Mula umpisa, ito ay para kay God. I want to glorify God throughout my preparations,” said Ochoa during a thanksgiving dinner which honored the athletes who went to Turkmenistan held at the V Corporation Bldg. in Makati.

Her experience in becoming a three-time world jiu-jitsu champion in the past boosted her confidence in the meet. Thankfully, she was able to scout her opponent, and knew how difficult it will be to face the Vietnamese.

Ramirez was a judoka first and foremost before Filipino judo icon John Baylon convinced her to also develop herself in the sport.

She said her participation in the 2017 Asian Championships gave her a chance to adjust her game.

It boosted her confidence after she won two gold medals, one in the 55 kg event and

AIMAG gold medalists Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez with sports officials

the other in the open category.

“We prepared for the whole year for this. And in one of the tune-ups, I became the Asian champion,” said Ramirez.

With their victories, Ramirez and Ochoa will be rewarded by the government with P2 million each.

Most Accomplished Chef De Mission

Playing a major part in Team Philippines’ success was chef de mission and Makati congressman Monsour del Rosario, who was credited by the athletes for his hands-on stance in taking care of them in Turkmenistan.

“Sana nga po siya lagi ang kasama namin. Na motivate po kami nang husto dahil sa kanya,” said Ochoa.

Kickboxing coach Rennie Ross said he saw how Del Rosario took care of the athletes.

With Del Rosario as chef de mission and ably assisted by his assistant Raymund Lee Reyes, the Filipinos took home two gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals to finish 19th out of 62 competing countries.

The performance was way better than their finish in the previous edition in Incheon, South Korea in 2013, when they copped only one gold and two bronze medals.

included the Oceania region headed by Australia and New Zealand, ended with a lavish closing ceremony late Wednesday night at the 35,000-seater Ashgabat Olympic Stadium.

Completing the silver performers are poomsae specialists Rodolfo Reyes Jr. and Jocel Lyn Ninobla, the men’s rapid chess team under-23 of international masters Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Paulo Bersamina

and the dancesport pair of Gerald Jamili and Cherry Parcon.

Next Mission

Due to his sterling leadership skills, Del Rosario was appointed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco as chef de mission of Team Philippines to the 30th Southeast Asian Games which the country is hosting in 2019.

“I got the job. I cannot refuse,” said Del Rosario, who for-

ARELLANO U came out of a grueling fourth-set setback in fierce form, holding University of the Philippines to just three points to carve out a 22-25, 25-10, 25-19, 32-34, 15-3 decision and clinch the second semifinal berth in Group B of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference in San Juan yesterday.

The Lady Chiefs bounced back strong from a tough set loss in the fourth, racking up the first five points in the decider then taking seven of the next nine to virtually finish off the Lady Maroons, who failed to step up after losing ace hitter Justine Dorog to knee injury in the fourth.

The one-hour, 48-minute victory thus sent Arellano to the semis, alongside elims tormentor Adamson, as it finished the single round elims of the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision with a 4-1 card.

The Lady Falcons secured the first semis seat in Group B with a 4-0 card and will close its elims campaign against the ousted San Beda Red Spikers tomorrow.

It was a sorry setback for the Dilimanbased squad, which stayed alive by outsteadying Arellano in a gripping back-andforth fourth set duel, only to reel back with a poor start in the fifth.

The Lady Maroons closed out its campaign with a 3-2 mark.

Arellano’s victory also proved to be a big welcome for returning coach Ogie Javier, who missed their game against Technological Institute of the Philippines last Sept. 18 to undergo an operation.

“We actually had a good preparation against UP. We made some adjustments after that loss to Adamson,” said Javier, who drew 26 hits from top player Jovielyn Prado, who also produced 17 excellent receptions.

Regine Arocha backed her up with a solid 25-point output, including the semisclinching dink after a faulty UP reception.

Nicole Ebuen had 15 markers while Andrea Marzan added 10 points for the Lady Chiefs, who clobbered the Lady Maroons in spikes, 73-54, and came away with 11 aces against their rivals six.

Diana Carlos actually outscored Prado with a 29-hit effort but only Isa Molde turned in the only other double-digit output of 20 points as Marian Buitre struggled with seven markers and Dorog finished with five hits.

Earlier, Ateneo primed up for the Final Four with an imposing 25-19, 25-19, 25-15 victory over UAAP rival National U to sweep the elims of the men’s division of the tournament backed by Mikasa and Asics.

The Bulldogs fell to a 3-3 card and must hurdle St. Benilde tomorrow to advance to the semis. A loss would set up a playoff with La Salle, which closed out with a 3-4 slate, for the last Final Four seat.

UST took the second semis berth with a 25-14, 25-10, 22-25, 25-20 victory over St. Benilde in the other game as the Tigers pooled a 4-3 mark to join the Eagles and the Far Eastern U Tams.

Monsour del Rosario cheers Meggie Ochoa in action against her foe. Photos Courtesy Of Monsour Del Rosario And Meggie Ochoa Facebook

“Wala siyang kinikilingan or tinitingnan, sikat ka man or maliit na atleta lang, pantay-pantay ang pag asikaso nya sa lahat.

Kaya talagang lahat motivated.”

Del Rosario, for his part, said the successful campaign in Turkmenistan exceeded all expectations.

“What our team did was beyond our expectations.

God gave more than what we asked for. When we are united, we can make the impossible happen,” said the former Asian taekwondo champion and Olympian.

“We didn’t make any bold projections and just believed that our athletes can accomplish it,’’ said Del Rosario, who had 116 Filipino athletes who took part in 17 sports.

Silver medalists led by Olympian Hidilyn Diaz, trackster Eric Cray, muay fighter Phillip Delarmino, cue aces Chezka Centeno, Rubilen Amit, bowler Kenneth Chua and the dancesport tandem of German Enriquez and Danella Publico will earn P1 million each from the government.

The 62-nation Games, which

and jiu-jitsu’s Marc Alexander Lim, Jenna Kaila Napolis and Gian Taylor Dee. Taekwondo jins Kirstie Elaine Alora, Francis Agojo, Kristopher Uy, wrestlers Alvin Lobreguito and Jefferson Manatad wound up with bronze medals as well as kurash grappler Al Rolan Llamas, lifter Kristel Macrohon and cue master Carlo Biado.

Joining them are the women’s rapid team under-23 starring woman grandmaster Janelle Frayna and woman Fide master Shania Mae Mendoza

mally accepted the appointment on Friday night.

Del Rosario said he will be up to the task and will leave no stone unturned in making sure that the Filipino athletes will be more prepared they take on the task of recapturing the country’s dominance in Southeast Asian sports.

“I will have four assistant chef de missions and we will make sure that Team Philippines will shine again basta magkaisa lang tayo lahat at tigilan na ang pagkaka watak-watak.”

Arellano’s Andrea Marzan scores a hit against UP’s Marian Buitre during their duel for the second semifinal slot in Group B of the PVL Collegiate Conference.

DASMARINAS ALL PRIMED UP FOR HIS FIGHT IN SINGAPORE’S RINGSTAR BOXING

Michael Dasmarinas (right) fights Thai opponent, Phupha Por Nobnom, on Oct. 20 in ‘The Roar of Singapore III - The Chosen Wan’.

(From Michael Dasmarinas Facebook)

UP-AND-COMING Filipino boxer Michael “Hot & Spicy” Dasmarinas, is all set for his boxing debut for Singapore-based sports management and boxing promotions outfit, RingStar Boxing. His fight is set to take place on October 20 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, for the much-anticipated ‘The Roar of Singapore III - The Chosen Wan’.

The IBO undercard bantamweight division fight will see Dasmarinas go up against a newly announced Thai opponent, Phupha Por Nobnom.

The 25-year old Dasmarinas, who has a record of 25-2 and the former WBC World Youth Super Flyweight champion, recounted how he had to fight for his passion for

boxing while growing up.

When he was nine years old, a family member burned his boxing gloves, just so he would give up the sport. He was also bullied and was told that he would never make it as a boxer because he was thin and frail-looking.

But he persevered and was guided by a cousin who was an amateur boxer that time and proved that this was his calling. He was also inspired by world-renowned Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.

In fact, it was because of this sport that he was able to obtain a high school scholarship, and thus, was able to graduate.

This Camarines Sur native who is the 9th of 11 siblings, also shared

how trying his growing up years were financially. He, in fact, recounted, how happy he was with the first income he made from boxing, which was a mere P200.00. Dasmarinas says, “Masaya na ako noon sa halaga na iyon, maski papaano kumita ako ng pera. Naging inspirasyon ko ito para ipagpatuloy ang boxing. (I was happy I made that amount of money.

It became my inspiration to carry on and pursue the sport of boxing).”

And when he started winning more fights, he realized that this was what he was called to do, so he kept on.

Dasmarinas is excited that this will be his debut fight for RingStar, which gave him a 3-year contract. Apart from his fight purse, he will also re-

ceive a percentage of endorsements and sponsorship from RingStar’s sponsor—Cellmaxx, a sponsorship deal which the promotions outfit recently concluded.

Dasmarinas says, “Handa na po ako para sa laban ko sa Singapore. Sana po suportahan po ito ng mga kababayan nating Pilipino, lalo na yun mga nasa Singapore.” (I am ready for my fight in Singapore. I hope my fellow Filipinos can support me, specially those who are based in Singapore.)

Sanctioned by the International Boxing Organization (IBO), The Roar of Singapore III will take place on Friday, 20th October, 2017 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

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Sports

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Reuel Vidal, Issue Editor / Randy Caluag, Issue Editor

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

ABUEVA, PRINGLE, ROSS LEAD LOCALS

By Reuel Vidal

T

HE 2017 Philippine Basketball Association, with the semifinals starting today Sunday has proven to be an imports’ conference with locals, who lead all statistical categories, belonging to teams that have Calvin Abueva of the Alaska Aces leads in rebounding with 10.63 per game. Stanley Pringle of the GlobalPort Batang Pier leads in scoring with 19 per game. Chris Ross of the San Miguel Beermen leads in assists and steals with 6.45 (apg) and 2.82 per game.

John Paul Erram of the Blackwater Elite is tops in blocks for locals with 2.27 per game.

Abueva entered the league with a bang in 2013 after establishing basketball history during his amateur career with the San Sebastian College Stags in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He finished as leader in points, rebounds and assists at the end of his final season which is the first time this has happened in a major league in the Philippines.

He then led the Aces to the throne of that season’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup and has been the Alaska franchise player since then.

Abueva also averages 15 points, 2.25 assists, 1.25 steals and one block per game. This put him at eighth place in the chase for Best Player of the Conference award with 29.44 Statistical Points per game.

Pringle played college basketball for Pasco–Hernando State College and then Penn State in the US. He was the top overall pick of the 2014 PBA draft ahead of Kevin Alas, Ronald Pascual, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Chris Banchero, Rodney Brondial, Anthony Semerad and Jake Pascual.

Pringle also averaged 5.89 rebounds, 3.33 assists, 0.56 steals and 0.33 blocks per game for an average of 29.44 Statistical Points per game which put him at seventh place in the standings.

Ross was originally selected as the fourth pick of the 2009 PBA draft by the

Dwayne Wade of the Cleveland Cavaliers holds the basketball in his hands during Media Day at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP

WADE EXCITED AT LEBRON REUNION

Alaska Aces forward Calvin Abueva (8) starts his dribble against Kia Picanto defender Glenn Khobuntin (24) while Alaska teammate Marion Magat (seated on the floor) looks on.

Burger King Whoppers who traded him to the Coca-Cola Tigers for their first-round pick in the 2010 Draft. After a one-year stint with the Tigers he was traded to Sta. Lucia in exchange for Paolo Mendoza.

One season later Ross— along with Chris Timberlake —was traded by the Meralco Bolts (who acquired the franchise of Sta. Lucia) for rookie guard AJ Mandani and the then highly regarded Gary David.

Ross was traded yet again to the Petron Blaze Boosters (now SMB) for Denok Miranda October, 2013. He has since found a home with the Beermen where he is their best perimeter defender and clutch shooter.

Ross was named Finals MVP after scoring a career high of 21 points to go with five rebounds and five assists to help the Beermen win Game 7 of the 2016 Philippine Cup Finals.

GlobalPort Batang Pier guard Stanley Pringle (center) drives into the teeth of the Star Hotshots defense.

San Miguel Beer guard Chris Ross (center) tries to past Alaska Aces defender Kevin Racal (61) while Alaska Aces import Buck Henton looks on.

Ross also averaged 8.64 points, 4.36 rebounds and 0.09 blocks per game for an average of 25.45 Statistical Points per game.

Erram joined the PBA as the15th overall pick in 2013 by the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and who then shipped him to the Elite.

The unheralded big man, playing for lowly Blackwater, has relied on hard work and dedication to his craft to improve every year and is slowly making waves and making heads turn with his steadily improving game.

SMB center and threetime PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo actually leads the Best Player of the Conference chase. He is followed

by Chris Newsome of the MeralcoBolts, Greg Slaughter of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Arwind Santos of the Beermen, Jayson Castro of TNT KaTropa, Alex Cabagnot of the Beermen, Pringle and Abueva.

Baser Amer of the Meralco Bolts and Kevin Alas of the NLEX Road Warriors complete the top 10 in the BPC standings.

CLEVELAND, United States— The Cleveland Cavaliers introduced Dwyane Wade on Friday, and he says he can’t wait to be reunited with LeBron James because, like ham and eggs and peaches and cream, the duo are a matching pair.

“We’re just ... it’s like peanut butter and jelly, man,” Wade said of his warm friendship with James. “We just go together.”

The 35-year-old Wade went to four NBA finals and won two championships in four years together with the Miami Heat before James left to join his hometown Cavaliers.

“Every time we walk by each other in the locker room and everywhere, we just look at each other and shake our head because it just don’t seem real,” Wade told reporters on Friday.

“It’s like, ‘How did this happen? How did we get here?’ We just start laughing every time we walk by each other.”

Wade has reached a buyout agreement this week with the Chicago Bulls, reportedly leaving $8 million on the table before signing with the Cavaliers for the veteran’s minimum of $2.3 million.

Wade, who grew up on Chicago’s south side, averaged 18.3 points and 3.8 assists in 60 games for the Bulls last season. It was his lowest point totals since his 2003 rookie season.

“I’ve been lucky enough in this league to be in a lot of big games, a lot of big moments,” Wade said.

“Been in five finals and my whole life I’ve been in some big moments, so that’s what makes me alive. “You come into a basketball season and you just plan to play, I don’t like that feeling.

“Those are things that make me feel alive. Just being on that big stage, being in those moments.”

Wade owns career averages of 23.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 14 seasons with Miami and Chicago.

The overhauled roster in Cleveland now includes Derrick Rose, Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Jose Calde ron and Wade. AFP

TRIATHLETE HUELGAS AIMS TO IMPROVE RIDING SKILL WITH the Olympic gold medal set firmly in sight, Southeast Asian Games Triathlon gold medal winner Nikko Huelgas wants to improve every aspect of his game. Wanting to become a better rider he will try to join the 2018 LBC Ronda Pilipinas.

Huelgas joined almost 400 cyclists who vied for 38 slots which are up for grabs during the 180-kilometer road race that started in front of the Tarlac Provincial Capitol and ended on a mountain top at Monasterio de Tarlac yesterday.

Another qualifying race is set to unreel October 21 in Danao, Cebu, where 38 more spots are up for grabs.

Huelgas is preparing for the World Cup late this year, the 2018 Palembang Asian Games, the 2019 SEAG in Manila

and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The 26-year-old has a somewhat eclectic career. He is the Chairman of the National Athlete’s Commission, a motivational speaker, a commercial model and an entrepreneur.

Brothers Daniel Ven and El Joshua Carino of the Philippine Navy pulled off a one-two finish while teammate Ronald Oranza came in third in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2018 qualifying race.

The younger Daniel Ven, who will turn 19 on Oct. 13, and the elder El Joshua, 24, held hands approaching the finish line and checked in at four hours, 11 minutes and 21.2 seconds to split the first and second place prizes worth P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.

Daniel Ven, who finished fourth in

this year’s edition topped by another Navyman Jan Paul Morales that seeded him straight to 2018 race, towed El Joshua into the seventh staging of this annual cycling spectacle staking a cool P1 million top prize courtesy of LBC, Versa Radio, MVP Sports Foundation, Petron, Mitsubishi, Standard Insurance and Quad X. “I just want to help my brother to qualify,” said Daniel Ven in Filipino.

Other big-name riders made it through. They include Julius Mark Bonzo, Goerge Oconer, two-time Ronda champion Santy Barnachea, 2013 Ronda King Irish Valenzuela, Marlboro Tour champ Warren Davadilla and old guards Merculio Ramos, Alfie Catalan and Sherwin Carrera.

There were some rookies too like

Joshua Mari Bonifacio, who came out of nowhere to finish fourth in 4:14:16.

Young guns Jemico Brioso, Warren Bordeos, Jonel Carcueba, Ismael Grospe, Jr. and Ronnilan Quita likewise advanced.

LBC Ronda Pilipinas project director Moe Chulani said it was successful race considering that almost 400 riders, which included Southeast Asian Games triathlon gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, have joined.

“This was probably the biggest one-day qualifying race we’ve held because we’ve attracted about 400 riders and we even rejected some,” said Chulani. “This was made more promising because more than half are first timers.”

Triathlete Nikko Huelgas shouts in celebration after winning gold during the 2017 Southeast Asia Games in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. PSCPOC Media

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017

Business

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

THE JAPANESE ARE COMING TO BUILD FIRST PH SUBWAY Scan this icon to view the PDF

Shinya Mitsudomi (left), corporate officer, group head of sales and managing director of Hitachi Ltd. Japan/Asia Pacific and Mitsushiko Shimizu,general manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch answer questions from journalists during a news briefing at Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

J

APANESE companies are now lining up to win construction contracts for the first subway in the Philippines, and one of them—Hitachi Ltd.—came to Manila to present its engineering capability to undertake what will be the country’s most expensive infrastructure project to date.

“We are explaining our capability to the government and stakeholders,” said Shinya Mitsudomi, corporate officer, group head of sales and managing director of Hitachi Ltd. Japan/Asia Pacific.

Hitachi Ltd. and regional unit Hitachi Asia Ltd. hosted Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2017 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Sept.

29 where top executives discussed Hitachi’s contribution towards social innovation for over 100 years, its full product range, turnkey, operations, maintenance solutions and international footprint.

The forum presented Hitachi’s railway solutions, with Mitsudomi discussing the latest trends in the global railway industry, including future technologies on asset monitoring, IOT/analytics and maintenance optimization that Hitachi Rail is spearheading.

“Hitachi has a long history in rail business. We have a very big global footprint. That kind of experience is very much important to construct a stable and high-quality railway system in the Philippines. In addition, we now have a very big and strong turnkey engineering solutions. We have a lot of experience in the world, including Honolulu, Peru, Taiwan,” Mitsudomi said during a news briefing ahead of the forum.

Hitachi is among the Japanese companies interested in the P355.6-billion Metro Manila Subway Project and other rail systems that will be implemented by the Philippine government, with the help of Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan’s main donor agency.

Mitsushiko Shimizu, the barong-clad general manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch, said Hitachi would employ more Filipinos once it won the subway project and other infrastructure contracts in the country. “We have 11 companies here, with 3,000 employees,” Shimizu said.

The subway project, which will run more than 30 kilometers from Mindanao Ave. in Quezon City to FTI in Taguig, before terminating at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque City, will be funded by an official development assistance loan from Jica. The loan will have an interest of 0.10 percent per annum payable in 40 years with a grace period of 12 years. In exchange of the concessional

loan, Japanese companies will be prioritized to handle the construction of the project, which is typical of a Japanese ODA loan agreement.

Hitachi Social Innovation Forum introduced Hitachi’s railway solutions and presented how it could contribute to improving the Philippines’ railway systems and infrastructures. “We are able to provide safe, efficient and sustainable railway systems that are also environment-friendly. Railway has been drawing global attention due to its potential as a form of transportation infrastructure that can deal with many challenges faced by rapidly growing economies like the Philippines,” Shimizu said.

“Through the Hitachi Social Innovation Forum and the company’s Social Innovation Business, we aim to contribute to the Philippines’ growth trajectory in an inclusive and sustainable manner,” Shimizu said.

The subway project is a part of the Duterte administration’s P8-trillion ‘Build, Build, Build’ program that aims to decongest Metro Manila and spread out development to other parts of the country.

Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Danilo Lim said the subway project, along with a longer Skyway, Metro Rail Transit Line 7 along Commonwealth Ave., NLEx-SLEx Connector Road and a rail line from Tutuban to Malolos to Clark will help ease traffic congestion in the coming years.

The Cabinet last month approved the first phase of the subway project that will cost at least P355 billion to build. It involves the construction of a 28-hectare training center and depot in Valenzuela City as well as other related facilities. Implementation period is from 2018 to mid-2025.

National Economic and Development Authority director-general Ernesto Pernia said the first phase of the subway project would not only ease traffic in Metro Manila but also improve the quality of life of Filipinos. “For one, carbon emissions will be reduced.

And, with greater mobility, people can spend more time on things that matter to them,” Pernia said in a statement.

Travel time from Mindanao Ave. to FTI complex in Taguig City is expected to take only 31 minutes onboard the subway rail project. It is expected to serve 365,000 passengers in the first year of operations.

Phase 1 of the project, or the subway central zone, will traverse six cities, including Valenzuela City (for the depot), Quezon City, Pasig City, Makati City, Taguig City and Parañaque City. It will have underground stations at Mindanao Ave., Tandang Sora, North Ave., Quezon Ave., East Ave., Anonas, Katipunan, Ortigas North, Ortigas South, Kalayaan Ave., Fort Bonifacio, Cayetano Boulevard, FTI and Naia.

Phase 2 will extend the subway to Caloocan or Meycauayan, Bulacan in the north and to Dasmariñas, Cavite in the south.

First phase of the subway project was previously designed to end at FTI, but Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, along with other economic managers, pushed to have a spur line extending the subway to Naia to make it easier for airport passengers to get to their destination in Metro Manila.

“In most of our neighboring countries in Asia, you can reach the city without ever leaving the platform. So, economic managers thought we’re going to build a subway anyway. So why not push to extend it to Naia? It just makes perfect sense.

The extension will mean greater connectivity and improved passenger comfort and convenience,” Tugade said in a separate statement.

Groundbreaking is currently scheduled in fourth quarter of 2018 while target completion is 2025.

Cabinet officials, however, asked Jica to expedite the start of construction so that a portion of the subway can open within the term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III recently led a Philippine delegation to the 3rd PhilippinesJapan High-Level Meeting of the Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation in Tokyo to push for “Fast and Sure” principle.

The Filipino and Japanese officials agreed to streamline their respective approval processes and introduce measures to put in the fast lane the implementation of the subway and other big-ticket infrastructure projects presented by Manila to Tokyo for possible financing.

Dominguez said in a statement that “significant milestones” were reached in the processing of the jointly agreed project list between the two countries.

“Now that our plans have progressed, we intend to lay out specific plans on how to expedite the processing and implementation of the flagship projects,” Dominguez said.

Atsushi Konno, general manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd.’s corporate communications group, said Hitachi has the capability to complete major rail projects on schedule, based on its performance in other countries.

Hitachi focuses on the so-called social innovation business and offers a broad range of information and telecommunication systems, power systems, social infrastructure and industrial systems, electronic systems and equipment, construction machinery, high functional materials and components, automotive systems, home appliances and others.

Hitachi said that under its 2018 mid-term management plan, it targets to increase its overseas sales ratio to more than 55 percent. “The Philippines will play an instrumental role in helping Hitachi achieve this target by focusing on energy management, railway and urban development solutions in addition to its high functional materials and ICT businesses,” the Japanese company said.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

MOST FILIPINOS NOW TALK TO SOFTWARE ROBOTS

By Ryan Carlos Gamilla NINETY percent of Filipino consumers now experience interacting with virtual

agents or software robots monthly, a study conducted by Forrester Consulting for software company Amdocs shows.

Costumers of communications and media service providers in the Philippines have given their critical judgment on use of artificial intelligence for customer care and commerce and how they want software robots or chatbots to serve them.

“I don’t think there’s anyone around the world to say AI [artificial intelligence] is not gonna change them, quite the reverse. Actually it’s really gonna start to revolutionize and transform businesses and people’s experiences across the world,” says

Dan Horan, chief digital officer and chief marketing officer for Asia Pacific of Amdocs.

Amdocs surveyed 7,200 consumers, 521 of them from the Philippines, and 31 communication service providers across the world, 10 of them from Asia Pacific.

Forrester and Amdocs conducted two surveys among consumers and decision makers at CSPs to identify the correlation between consumers’expectations and CSPs’investments.

The survey shows that consumers understand virtual agents are here to stay and they are open to use them as 90 percent of consumers engage with bots between once a day to once a month. Almost half agree that these interactions will be an increasing part of their life.

The findings, however, show that current virtual agents struggle to deliver value

and meet customer satisfaction. Bots, say consumers, cannot deal with complex requests (their biggest problem), understand human emotions (second biggest problem) or deliver personalized offers as well as humans (third biggest problem).

About 67 percent of consumers think CSPs are investing in AI to reduce costs and cut jobs while 77 percent of the CSPs state that they are measuring the value of their AI-powered processes and bots investments in satisfaction metrics.

Ninety percent of Filipino state that its more convenient (43 percent) and quicker (46 percent), but 48 percent say this is only because they had no other option. If offered a choice, 87 percent would prefer to speak to a human since human agents better understand their needs (83 percent)

and can address multiple questions at once (63 percent).

The results of the survey suggested that CSPs must close the customer experience and expectation gap with clear plan to further the function of AI and produce contentment to customers. CSPs must involve the right people in the AI strategy process, focus on intelligence, and align the core use cases with what consumers want.

“The good news is consumers actually believe that if anyone can get AI right, the communications and media industry can.

And that’s ahead of retailers and banks. So AI could be a winning gambit for service providers as long as they sync up their AI investment priorities with what customers actually want,” says Gary Miles, general manager of Amdocs.

DRAGON SHINES IN INT’L PYRO SPECTACLE IT IS a spectacular way to live up to a company’s name in time for the Christmas holiday season.

More than asserting the company’s product excellence, Dragon Fireworks Inc. brought fame, honor and pride to the Philippines.

DFI bagged the Jury Prize at the Festival D’ Art Pyrotechnique de Cannes in France recently.

DFI, the biggest and most awarded fireworks manufacturing company in the country brought home the Jury Prize from the most prestigious fireworks display competition in Europe.

Because of this award, DFI was invited to the next round, dubbed the Battle of the Champions edition where all winning nations over the last three years of the competitions would square off.

Joven Ong, managing director of DFI, said the invitation is a huge honor because it is one of two most prestigious World of Fireworks Championships.

He said while many fireworks companies applied, only a few were invited to join the Festival D’ Art Pyrotechnique de Cannes, and Dragon Fireworks was lucky to be given the opportunity to represent the Philippines to showcase its excellence in the art of fireworks display.

Ong expressed appreciation to the Filipinos who came to watch the competition, and gave their solid support to the country’s entry.

“We are truly honored to represent the Philippines wherever we join these fireworks competitions. We are also happy that our fellow Filipinos came out to watch our show which was well liked by the audiences and jury alike,” said Ong. Ong said that after the competition, they also received positive messages and commentaries from social media, indicating admiration for the fireworks display.

Ong said he expects the same support from Filipinos for a grander, more spectacular fireworks display next year.

Ong who is also the president of the Philippine Fireworks Association, believes that because of the prize, his company would be able to convince other nations to make the Philippines an option as a tourist destination where they could experience impressive fireworks from DFI. “I believe that with our wins in European competitions, we somehow bring not only pride to our fellow countrymen, but encourage Europeans to take a look at our country as a possible destination to go to. We try our best to show what the Philippines has to offer and carry ourselves as ambassadors of our country in the field of pyrotechnics,” said Ong. DFI also won at the Pyronale in Berlin, Germany and snagged the gold prize in Flammende Sterne in Ostfildern, and the silver prize at the Silver Anniversary edition of the Hannover International Fireworks Competition held at the famous Unesco World Herritage Herrenhausen Gardens.

Ong said his desire to win is not only for his company but also for the country.

DFI seeks to make the country at par with, if not ahead of the world’s best fireworks makers and exporters of high quality and grand pyrotechnics. “ We t r y to j o i n t h e to p 5 competitions in the world. This is like a professional golf or tennis player trying to join the elite competitions of their sport. This way, when you win, you are able to gauge yourself only with the best in your field of expertise,” Ong said.

Ong’s team is composed of Don Miguel Villarosa, Eduard Ilagan, Hans Ong, Jay Turingan, Joseph Veloso, Oliver Zeng and Vander Tenedero who choreographed the fireworks display.

DFI is busy crafting a good concept for an even grander fireworks display next year to ensure getting the championship and Gold Vestale which would add another honor to the country.

Business

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017 business@manilastandard.net

IN BRIEF Chickenjoy preferred in Vietnam

PLDT UNIT DISRUPTS BUSINESSES

THE Chickenjoy craze has gone overseas.

A market research agency revealed that Chickenjoy from Jollibee is significantly preferred more than another fried chicken from a well-known international fast-food brand in Vietnam.

The Intage Vietnam Research Agency conducted a blind product test among 300 respondents in Ho Chi Minh and results showed a significant preference for Jollibee’s Chickenjoy.

Jollibee currently has 92 stores in Vietnam, the most number of international stores for the Jollibee brand in a foreign country.

It aims to open its 100th store within 2017.

Aside from Chickenjoy, Jollibee Vietnam also offers Saigon Chili Chicken, Spicy Chickenjoy and other rice meals that are part of the special menu items in the country.

“We are pleased to know that the Vietnamese locals love our Chickenjoy. We are proud of the results of this study, especially since Jollibee Vietnam is different. It is a mainstream market, unlike other Jollibee international stores that primarily capture Filipino customers. In Vietnam, it is really the locals that we hope to engage and serve.

This is indeed an achievement for the company and we hope this will continue in the coming years,” said Jollibee Foods Corp. chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong.

The study was conducted by Intage Vietnam which belongs to Intage Holdings in Japan, and has been in market research for more than 50 years. It is the first research agency to receive a certification ISO 20252 for its qualifications and standards in marketing research in Vietnam.

Jollibee opened its first store in Vietnam in 2004.

Vea (second from right) joins the panel during ACC (Asian Carriers Conference) 2017 held at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa.

PhilJets gets new helicopter PHILJETS Group announces the arrival of a new Bell 407GX Helicopter to its fastgrowing fleet. This is the eighth aircraft of the boutique business aviation group.

The recent addition to PhilJets’ aircraft roster is ready for operations – making it the only Bell 407GX Helicopter currently available for charter in the Philippines.

PhilJets is thrilled to have a new type of aircraft to join its existing line-up which consists of four Airbus H130s, one Airbus AS350B2 and two business jets which are the Cessna Citation XLS+ and the Bombardier Challenger 350. About 80 percent of the fleet are brand new.

Having both Bell and Airbus brand to its helicopter fleet, the boutique business aviation group is now able to meet the variety of needs the most demanding customers can have. While the H130 and the AS350B2 have front facing seats, the Bell 407GX helicopter is a perfect choice for those who prefer club seating configuration.

Choy Elciario, in charge of air charter sales, elaborates the key difference that sets the Bell 407GX apart from PhilJets’ other helicopters, “Most of our helicopters have forward-facing seat configuration, which are proven to be ideal for tours and sightseeing flights. Now, we can offer club seating experience to our customers who prefer having conversations on board,” he says.

Dentists hold forum on implants THE Philippine Academy of Implant Dentistry has launched series of scientific seminars to help practitioners level up their skills especially along dental implantology.

The program kicked off with the holding of the Implant Symposium in collaboration with the Philippine College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons on Sept. 20 at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City.

The symposium which provided a vibrant platform for dental professionals to explore the potential and impact of new advances in technology while encouraging them to incorporate implantology in their practice and continuing education, drew an attendance of 210, surpassing the target number of participants.

“This is an impressive number. I thank the attendees for their encouraging response to and growing interest on the subject. Topnotch and seasoned resource persons who are experts in their field, shared their skills in implants dentistry from digital planning, surgical placement, prosthetic fabrication and esthetic outcome where attendees will earn Continuing Professional Development credit points,” said Dr. Levy Louie Villaruel, president of Philippine Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Technolux brings German kitchen to PH

TECHNOLUX Corp. is bringing Germanmade kitchen products to the Philippines.

“Smart and discerning businessmen should know what will work best for them so they make educated decisions when purchasing kitchen products. What they prefer are reputable and reliable brands recognized worldwide like Blanco Holding Cabinet and Bunn Hot Water Dispensers, both distributed by Technolux Corp.,” the company said in a statement.

Made in Germany, Blanco Professional’s state-of-the-art cabinet has features that keep food warm for long hours, and even the most sensitive food can be kept warm gently thanks to its adjustable interior that prevents excessive subsequent cooking and drying out.

Blanco Professional’s new models under Blancotherm K are synthetic food transport containers that are ideal for canteens, catering companies , hospitals, dining halls and restaurants, providing chefs with easy mobility during live cooking.

Another must-have in a professional kitchen are Bunn Hot water dispensers which used for dispensing hot water and are perfect for convenience stores, hospitals and restaurants, Technolux said.

P

Voyager Innovations Inc. president and chief executive Orlado Vea

LDT Inc., the country’s largest telecommunications company, has a disruptor in its own business that prepares the company for a full transition into the digital economy.

“The disruptor you describe is actually me. Because what I run in the PLDT Group is the disruptive part,”Orlando Vea, a co-founder of Smart Communications, the mobile arm of PLDT, said in the recent ACC 2017 or Asian Carriers Conference held in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu. The word ‘disruptor’ originated from the phrase ‘disruptive innovation’ which refers to a technology that creates a new market and in the process displaces traditional businesses.

Vea, 67, now heads Voyager Innovations Inc., the digital arm of PLDT and the one behind digital platforms such as Smart Padala (mobile remittances), PayMaya Philippines Inc. (formerly Smart e-Money), Freenet (free sponsored data platform), VYGR (digital performance-based marketing), Tackthis! (electronic commerce platform), Hatch, (marketing technology and innovations platform), Lendr (digital consumer loan platform), FINTQ (financial technology unit) and Voyager DX (digital transformation).

Voyager, which has 600 employees, introduces solutions that allow customers to participate in the digital economy such as by using digital money.

Voyager houses all the digital innovations and services of PLDT Group.

Vea said while PLDT started its business as a legacy carrier, it needed to transform as startup companies disrupted traditional businesses and redefined customer

experience or CX. He said this is why Voyager thinks like a startup. “I would like to think that CX is better executed at the mainstream by considering yourself as a startup,” said Vea. “A startup does not have the baggage of being disrupted by competition, as it is so focused on customer. That is a startup kind of thinking. The second one, we need to focus on customer experience before we even think of technology,” he said.

Vea said traditional telcos have never felt the love or loyalty of customers.

“Life is unfair for telcos. Telcos are never loved. When your services are okay, then you are okay. But when it is down, you are hated. So it is an asymmetrical kind of relationship that you have with the world. I think that digital now presents an opportunity to be loved,” he said.

Vea said while the telco industry has brought the world together through connectivity, this has also shifted the attention to customer experience.

“Once connectivity is there, you have to give customers more value than just connectivity. This is a work in progress for telcos,” he said.

“Now you can have a deeper connection emotionally, servicewise, communications-wise with your customers. That I think is where telcos should go. Telcos now have to run at two speeds. While winding the legacy business, telcos now have to create a separate parallel track to be more

relevant to customers. That is about being more digitally connected to our customers,” said Vea. Dindo Marzan, the managing director of Hatch, the digital transformation group of Voyager, said the company aims to own the digital space not only in the Philippines but also in other emerging markets.

“Voyager DX is basically digital transformation. To sum up, DX is digital experience. Either way, they are quite interchangeable. At the end of the day, it is focused on experience and transforming your business,”said Marzan.

“It has become our advocacy to make sure that we not only bridge the digital divide but actually enable enterprise companies to help us empower the digital consumers. We don’t move the needle. We break the needle. We do not just cross the finish line. We move the finish line. We change the game.

This is the culture in Voyager. It is so much aligned with how other startups would design their company culture,” Marzan said.

Marzan said being a digital first company, Voyager started creating digital services. “Digital is changing humanity,” he said. “Because of digital technologies, everything has become easy. You use technology to be efficient, to be effective, to be informed, to make sure you are empowered. That’s how we position digital technology.”

Marzan presented data showing that 60 million or 58 percent of the Philippines’ 103 million people are Internet users. Active social medial users are 60 million as well. “Here in the Philippines, Internet is equal to Facebook and Facebook knows that. That is why they are heavily present here,” he said.

“In the Asia-Pacific region with 4.2 billion population, 46 percent are already Internet users and active social media users are 1.5 billion or 36 percent. Mobile connection is 3.99 billion and active mobile social users are 1.44 billion. This is exponentially growing and we have to prepare for it,” Marzan said.

Marzan said PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan allows PLDT Group to be disrupted because it is now ready for the transition. “As a business owner, you need to have self-awareness or selfassessment. Are you the one disrupting, or the one being disrupted? If you are very accepting that either you are being disrupted or the one that is disruptive, then that is a good starting point,”he said.

“For MVP, our chairman, he knows that

the business is being disrupted. Hence, Voyager was created and he was very much open to disrupting himself. From his end, he needs to do both—manage the core business but venture into new businesses. Now, we are at this stage of working together with core business which is PLDT Global, ePLDT, Smart and all others under the PLDT Group,” said Marzan.

PLDT, which saw call and text businesses shrink because of Facebook Messenger and other over-the-top applications such as Viber and WhatsApp, expects an improvement in bottomline this year.

Consolidated core income in the first half still fell 2 percent to P17.4 billion from a year ago, but net income surged 33 percent to P16.5 billion. Consolidated service revenues declined 6 percent to P71.2 billion, mainly because of the 16-percent drop in wireless consumer business.

Data, broadband and digital platforms made up for the decline in wireless consumer business. This cluster of service revenues grew 11 percent to P32.6 billion and represented 46 percent of the total revenue mix. Mobile internet revenues climbed 18 percent to P9.6 billion, while corporate data and data center revenues rose 15 percent to P9.7 billion. Fixed home broadband revenues were up 19 percent to P8.4 billion.

Voyager, for one, has gained traction in its platforms and services for enterprises and consumers. PayMaya Philippines is now leading the adoption of cashless ecosystems by local governments. Cities such as Muntinlupa, Balanga, Malolos, Catbalogan and Tacloban are using PayMaya cards to disburse financial support and grants, and, to accept payments for services.

FINTQ, Voyager’s financial technology arm, launched a new commercial campaign for digital loans marketplace Lendr in June and saw a more than 20-fold increase in signups and loan applications in just a month. Lendr now counts on more than 40 banks and financial institutions as partners.

Through Lendr, the partner institutions have disbursed more than P21 billion in loans to more than 200,000 borrowers.

Vea said PLDT’s evolution is in response to the demands of the new generation. “I think you just have to admit that the world now belongs to a different generation,”he said, referring to the mobile and digital-savvy millennials.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

PH MEAT MANUFACTURER PRODUCES WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTS MEAT manufacturer and supplier RDF, the principal of retail meat store chain Fresh Options, prioritizes food safety in its operations.

RDF, or Red Dragon Farms established by veterinarian Dr. Robert Lo in 1988, has ensured that every aspect of its operations complied with both local and international food manufacturing standards particularly those of the National Meat Inspection Service and Food and Drug Administration.

The company also complied with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point and current Good Manufacturing Practices programs.

Although full compliance to the rigid protocols of said procedures was tedious, RDF said it believes in the importance of consistently producing quality meat products and avoiding product contamination.

“We at RDF are in the business of elevating the experience of food consumption by processing and packing safe and highquality meat. We continuously challenge ourselves to improve our quality and food safety management system, and remain the most trusted and preferred brand of meat and meat products by our consumers,” says Dr. Camille Hernandez, head of RDF technical services and quality assurance division.

RDF conceptualized its company-owned, company-operated or Co-Co business strategy to ensure that it had full and sole control of each step of the supply chain.

Thus, it ensures that every stage of its operations remained above or at the very least at par with the local and international guidelines.

The company is staffed with a team of experts who oversee the day-to-day operations. The team, which is composed of veterinarians and technical personnel, supervises the entire Co-Co process – from livestock breeding to retail distribution.

Under these specialists’ watchful eyes, farms are strictly monitored to ensure that livestock and poultry are only fed with clean, nutritious, plant-based feeds. Personnel also ensure that animals are treated humanely and housed in sanitary conditions to prevent the spread of disease or infection.

From there, livestock are brought to slaughterhouses that have been accredited

by NMIS. The carcasses are then sent to company’s central depot for processing and production under the strict supervision of quality assurance associates. These slaughterhouses and plants meticulously adhere to strict sanitation and processing regulations to safeguard the quality of the meat.

Prior to production, all of the raw materials, such as fresh meat and ingredients, are carefully inspected and analyzed by the Quality Assurance Food Laboratory located inside the plant. Another rigorous evaluation is also conducted to fresh and processed meat after they have been dressed or produced. Meat and meat products are subjected to sensory, physical and microbial analyses prior to delivery to retail stores.

RDF’s attention to food safety guidelines does not end at its plants. Unlike other meat manufacturers, RDF assures the quality of its products up to its logistics and distribution chain. Through the use of its CO-CO refrigerated vans, it guarantees

the product quality through the use of a climate-controlled system.

Once in stores, fresh cuts, marinated, ready-to-cook, ready-to-heat and valueadded meat are only displayed in upright chillers and freezers to maintain their freshness. Compared to other suppliers who use traditional chest-type freezers that have varying temperatures inside the freezer, RDF ensures that its products are cooled at a constant and even temperature. In fact, store personnel monitor temperature by the hour.

To further complement RDF’s exacting food manufacturing procedures, it uses advanced food technologies to ascertain food safety. For instance it utilizes individual quick freezers or a type of blast-freezer that locks in the freshness of meat through very rapid freezing. These freezers help maintain the texture, taste, smell and nutritional content of the meat.

RDF also uses a metal detector that checks for the presence of metal particles during the production process. It also makes use of technologies such as the breading, battering and frying machine, Combination steamer oven, stuffer, tray sealer and braising pan to hasten production time and lessen the risk of contamination.

A huge factor in maintaining food safety and quality relies on RDF’s workforce.

Production and sales personnel receive regular trainings on cGMP, HACCP, food safety, 5S and other procedures. Retail staff also receive added training on customer service. Aside from this, the company also posts guidelines inside each area of operation and employs corrective action should there be any deviations.

A food safety inspector of RDF checks the correct temperature of the carcass

World

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

SCANDAL-HIT US HEALTH SECRETARY PRICE RESIGNS WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump’s embattled health secretary was forced out of the US administration Friday amid a scandal over his use of costly private jets for government travel.

Tom Price was the latest top official to join in a stream of steady and embarrassing exits from a White House administration that has stumbled from one scandal or self-inflicted wound to another since Trump took power in January.

Price, a wealthy orthopedic surgeon and former lawmaker from Georgia, is the most senior official to be forced out so far.

The scandal that ultimately doomed the 62-year-old has been brewing for days, placing Trump, whose campaign pledges included one to clean up Washington wastefulness and sleaze, in an increasingly difficult position.

The announcement of his resignation came less than an hour after Trump told reporters that Price had not offered to resign, but that his fate would be decided later Friday.

For days Price battled to keep a position he had held for less than eight months, after it emerged he had repeatedly used taxpayer funds to hire chartered jets. AFP

#NOFREEPHOTOS ROW SHAKES UP FASHION WORLD PARIS—Photographers have risen in revolt at the way fashion labels and influencers are using their street style images without crediting them, highlighting discontent about the “work for free” culture in the multibillion-dollar industry.

More than 40 photographers who follow the fashion circuit and snap its top celebrities and bloggers as they arrive for shows in New York, Paris and Milan have formed an unofficial union, and have threatened to shame brands and influencers who use their images without permission.

Influencers and bloggers are often paid by labels to wear their clothes and promote their lines in social media posts, mostly on Instagram.

And the photographers claim that some influencers with hundreds of thousands of social media followers are making money from their photos while they get nothing in return.

The row raises questions about how the fashion industry works in the digital age, with many people prepared to work for little or nothing to get a foothold in such an outwardly glamorous world.

Most models, particularly young ones climbing the catwalk ladder, are paid “peanuts,” with one 17-year-old model at Paris Fashion Week telling AFP: “It is pocket money for doing something that I love.” AFP

RESCUERS RACE TO SAVE ANIMALS FROM BALI VOLCANO KARANGASEM, Indonesia—Volunteers are risking their lives to save tens of thousands of animals left at the mercy of a rumbling volcano on the tourist island of Bali, making perilous trips into the red zone to relocate them.

Mount Agung, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from the resort hub of Kuta, has been shaking since August, causing some 144,000 people to evacuate their homes over the past week as experts warn an eruption could be imminent.

As evacuees have streamed into temporary shelters or moved in with relatives, animals -- including wild monkeys as well as dogs and farm animals such as pigs, chickens and cows -- have been left in the danger zone close to the volcano that is most at risk of cascading ash, rocks and hot gas.

“I’m really worried because all of us that work together to rescue the animals don’t know when the eruption will be,” Vio Verandhini, from Jakarta Animal Aid Network, told AFP. “Earthquakes happen every day, maybe every hour.”

There are hundreds of tremors each day triggered by the volcano, a handful of which are magnitude 2-3 and are strong enough to rattle windows and rock furniture.

Verandhini’s organization and several others have formed a 12-person emergency response unit that has been making dangerous trips into the red zone, which extends between nine and 12 kilometers from the mountain’s summit. AFP

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TILLERSON, CHINA TO PILE PRESSURE ON N. KOREA B EIJING—United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with China’s foreign minister in Beijing on Saturday to discuss efforts to curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and prepare US President Donald Trump’s November visit.

Tillerson, whose arrival was delayed due to technical problems with his plane in Tokyo, was greeted

by Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Great Hall of the People at Tiananmen Square.

Tillerson told Wang that he looked forward to an exchange “on issues important to us and in particular to begin the important work to prepare for the upcoming visit of President Trump.”

He did not mention North Korea in his brief remarks before reporters were ushered out of the room. Tillerson was scheduled to meet later with President Xi Jinping after talks with top diplomat Yang Jiechi.

Tillerson had been due to arrive on Friday evening but his aircraft’s problems forced him to travel to China on a military transport plane on Saturday.

The visit comes as relations between the two superpowers appear to be improving after months of tensions over how to handle North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un’s nuclear provocations.

Trump has repeatedly urged Xi to exert more economic pressure on Pyongyang to convince the renegade regime to give up its nuclear ambitions.

China, North Korea’s main trade partner, has responded by backing

a slew of new United Nations sanctions.

For its part, Beijing has insisted that the sanctions must be coupled with efforts to organize peace talks, but Trump and Kim have traded increasingly personal insults that have raised fears that the crisis could spark a conflict.

“There appear to be two trains of thought in the international community regarding denuclearization of the peninsula: Crush North Korea or talk to North Korea so as to increase its sense of security. China and Russia hold the latter view,” China’s state-run Global Times newspaper said in an editorial.

The acting US assistant secretary for East Asia, Susan Thornton, told skeptical US lawmakers ahead of Tillerson’s trip that China appears to be on board with the plan to squeeze Pyongyang.

“We are working closely with China to execute this strategy and are clear-eyed in viewing the progress

-- growing, if uneven -- that China has made on this front,” she said.

“We have recently seen Chinese authorities take additional actions,” she said, referring to new controls on the cross-border trade and finance that is North Korea’s economic lifeline.

On Thursday, China said it was ordering North Korean firms on its territory to close by January.

The announcement came days after China confirmed it will limit exports of refined petroleum products to North Korea from October 1 while banning imports of textiles from its neighbor.

The measures were in accordance with UN sanctions that were approved earlier in September after North Korea detonated its sixth and most powerful nuclear bomb -- a test that triggered an earthquake felt across the border in China.

Trump’s November trip will be part of a tour that will also take in regional allies Japan and South Korea. AFP

LONG TABLE. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (second from left) attends a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (third from right) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Saturday. Tillerson met with China’s foreign minister to discuss efforts to curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and prepare President Donald Trump’s November visit. AFP

IRAQ CUTS KURDS’ AIR LINKS WITH OUTSIDE WORLD ARBIL, Iraq—The Iraqi government cut autonomous Kurdistan’s direct air links with the outside world indefinitely on Friday, partially isolating the northern region after it voted a massive “yes” in an independence referendum.

The move increases the pressure on the Iraqi Kurds amid soaring regional tensions following Monday’s non-binding but deeply contentious vote.

Washington said it did not recognize the “unilateral” referendum and urged all parties to reject the use of force and engage in dialogue.

“The vote and the results lack legitimacy and we continue to support a united, federal, democratic and prosperous Iraq,” US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement.

The central government in Baghdad had ordered the halt to all foreign flights to and from the autonomous Kurdish region from 6 p.m.

(1500 GMT) on Friday.

Foreigners scrambled to fly out of the region’s capital Arbil and its second largest city Sulaimaniyah before the ban took effect.

Iraqi Kurdish transport minister Mawlud Bawa Murad told AFP at Arbil airport that the ban would “negatively impact all international businesses in the Kurdistan region, in addition to all civilians, from all nations.”

It would “negatively impact our daily life,” he said. “We will do our best

to find a viable alternative, or succeed to bring back international flights.”

Arbil is a key gateway for humanitarian aid workers helping Iraqis affected by the battle against the Islamic State group (IS).

Washington said earlier it would be willing to facilitate talks between the Iraqi Kurdish authorities and Baghdad to calm escalating tensions over the 92-percent “yes” vote.

Neighboring Turkey and Iran also strongly opposed the vote, fearing it would inflame the separatist aspirations of their own sizeable Kurdish populations.

Ankara has threatened a series of measures including blocking lifeline oil exports from the region via Turkey.

The Kurds, whose borders with Turkey, Iran and Syria remain open, have condemned the flight suspension as “collective punishment.”

Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider alAbadi said it was not “punishment” but a legal measure that would be reversed if the transport authority was transferred to Baghdad in line with the Iraqi constitution.

The ban saw people, many of them foreigners, flock to Arbil airport to avoid being stranded.

Iraqi Kurdistan is home to a large international community, most of whom enter on a visa issued by the regional authorities that is not recognized by the central government, so they cannot travel elsewhere in Iraq. AFP

WHIZZING BY. A Syrian man rides his bicycle past a destroyed building in the district of Jisr al-Shughur, in the northwestern Idlib province in Syria on Friday. AFP

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

Gadgets & Games

NOKIA 8: BRINGING MOBILE TECHNOLOGY TO NEW LEVEL A

FTER weeks of anticipation, Nokia 8, Nokia’s new flagship smartphone, was unveiled at lavish rites Friday at the Intramuros Ballroom, Manila House, Taguig.

And judging from the reception it got from media folks, bloggers and techies alike, the Nokia 8 could actually give the smartphone leaders a run for their money, coming on the heels of a successful global launch that demonstrates continued support for the brand.

“The Philippines has always been a strong market for Nokia. Filipinos, particularly those in the provinces, have a strong affinity for Nokia phones, which have always delivered on quality, reliability and innovation. We want to continue broadening and deepening our reach here, especially in untapped provinces that need high-quality mobile communication technologies,” said Shannon Mead, HMD Global Country Manager, Philippines.

HMD Global, the new home of Nokia phones, is looking to position Nokia as the go-to smartphone for Filipinos across the different market segments.

“Nokia will continue to leverage quality and innovation to serve the thriving smartphone market,” Mead shared.

Nokia 8 forerunner Android smartphone

The Nokia 8 brings mobile communication technology to a new level and marks three world firsts for Android smartphones.

The phone features the first-ever Dual-Sight camera, allowing users to capture or livestream moments in both first- and second-person perspective.

The 13MP front and rear cameras, codeveloped with ZEISS, can run simultaneously and show images in splitscreen mode, inspiring everyone to “Be less Selfie, be more Bothie.”

“This marks the coming of Nokia on Android, which is clearly the dominant OS with its 94 percent share of the global market. Nokia phones are futureproof to support new Android OS versions, making it even easier for users to optimize the phone’s features and functions,” Mead said.

The Nokia 8 smartphone pioneers the use of OZO audio to deliver immersive 360-degree spatial surround sound.

This high-fidelity playback complements 4K videos and brings Hollywood technology in mobile technology.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835-powered phone features a seamless unibody with a full-length graphite shielded copper cooling pipe for better heat dissipation, especially when running demanding applications. It runs on Android Nougat 7.1.1 and comes in single- and dual-SIM variants.

Nokia 8 combines premium design and powerful performance to enable smartphone users to create and share experiences in many new ways. We are excited about the positive feedback about Nokia smartphones and look forward to engaging the country’s robust mobile phone market even more in the coming days,” said Mead.

Making smartphone technology more accessible

The Nokia 8, along with other Nokia Android smartphones, penetrates PH’s robust smartphone market.

“Nokia’s latest innovation reflects its commitment to connect people with technology that breaks new ground while reinforcing old foundations. The

With its business principle anchored on the belief that every Filipino should have access to the best mobile communication technology, Nokia offers a wide range of smartphones to address the needs of the different market segments.

This means a smartphone for every user type, need and pricing considerations.

The Nokia 3, optimized for everyday use, comes in a precision-machine aluminum frame to ensure a strong build unheard of in the affordable smartphone segment. It features a 5-inch Gorilla Glass HD screen and 8MP cameras.

LTE 4G connectivity allows fast download and streaming, supported by 16GB of internal storage. A microSD card slot allows up to 128GB capacity.

The Nokia 5, which packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor, has 2GB RAM and 16GB storage expandable to 128GB. It features a 13MP camera with dual-tone flash and a 5.2-inch HD screen. A fingerprint sensor provides extra security and convenience.

FUJITSU SELLS 10M SCANNERS

Motorola executives and Presnet Cellphone Shop owners grace the opening of Moto Experience store in SM Batangas. They are Motorola Channel Sales Manager Patrick Mascarinas, Retail Manager Michael Bayot, Country Manager John Rojo, Presnet Cellphone Shop Owner Presnedy Bacal, Presnet Cellphone Shop Owner Mrs. Amor Bacal, Presnet Cellphone Shop Owner Aris Bacal.

By Patricia Bianca Taculao PFU has launched a “10M Achievement” special website to commemorate the milestone of its global shipments of FUJITSU image scanners surpassing the 10-million mark.

In honor of the 10-million scanner mark, the website, which contains testimonies from different users about their reason for choosing PFU’s scanners, utilizes the slogan “Good quality has 10 million reasons.”

The website also shares various types of campaign information held throughout the world as well as the underlying history of PFU’s scanners.

A website named“Our Scanner Story”was also launched to share PFU’s stance in producing image scanners, define quality and technology and continue to provide for their customers through its products.

PFU released its first image scanner, the U4301A flatbed scanner, in 1983.

PFU has since faced customers’ needs one by one while expanding its “fi-Series” scanner lineup with the addition of ADF equipped models and high-speed image scanners.

The year 2001 opened up a new era for PFU with their release of the “ScanSnap Series” enabling “One Touch” scanning and digitization. PFU then proceeded to evolve along with modernization of the world with the release of the Wi-Fi compatible iX Series.

It has been 34 years since PFU sold its first scanner.

“We’ve developed a wide range of quality products to serve our customers’challenges and to enhance their scanning experience,” said Regional Marketing Specialist Jasmine Yeo. Yeo also said that the 10-million-scanners-shipped benchmark is only a checkpoint for Fujitsu scanners as they will continue to challenge themselves to go beyond the limits.

MOTOROLA PRESENCE ENHANCED MOTOROLA Philippines continues to solidify its presence in the Philippines and make the Motorola experience more accessible to Filipinos nationwide with the opening of the Motorola Kiosk in SM Batangas, its first retail kiosk outside Metro Manila.

Motorola is maintaining its momentum of expansion as it officially marks its fourth local retail store after entering the Philippine market barely a year ago last October 2016. The new kiosk in SM Batangas comes on the heels of a new retail kiosk in Cyberzone, Mall of Asia, which opened just two months back. Earlier this year, Motorola opened its first two concept stores located at the fourth level of the Cyberzone areas in SM North Edsa Annex and SM Mega-

mall. Both stores are operated by MemoXpress.

“We aim to cater to the smartphone needs of all Filipino consumers, including those outside Metro Manila. We stay true to our promise of making the Motorola experience available to every Filipino consumer with our lineup of entry-level smartphones, midrange models and premium offerings. As we open our first retail kiosk outside Manila, we assure that more opportunities to bring Motorola closer to Filipinos will open before this year ends as we create more consumer engagement through experiential activities and communications,” said John Rojo, Country Manager, Lenovo Mobile Business Group Philippines.

GK SITE GETS BOOST WITH SMART SHINE OS+ SHINE OS+ (Secured Health Information Network and Exchange) illustrates perfectly how technology can be harnessed to improve existing services.

SHINE, an electronic medical record (EMR) and referral system funded by Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), and developed by the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center, was recently deployed at Gawad Kalinga Ark of Noah in Barangay Taal, Bocaue, Bulacan.

Gawad Kalinga Ark of Noah, which is composed of 79 families, has a community clinic formally opened in August. Before that, the clinic was a makeshift structure made of pawid or leaves from the mangrove palm.

“SHINE is the perfect fit for Ark of Noah, which is a very organized and modern community. Thus, I believe the people here will benefit from SHINE and what it can do,” said Dr. Elmer Soriano, managing director of Civika Knowledge Management Solutions Inc. It was Civika that made a proposal to Smart to implement SHINE in Gawad Kalinga villages and possibly in other GK communities as well.

SHINE OS+ runs on an open source

Tia de Vera (right), a senior high school student volunteer from the US, interviews a member of a GK household. Tia will be staying in GK Ark of Noah to profile the health data of the community using SHINE OS+.

platform, allowing developers to design modules and plug-ins to customize it according to the needs of beneficiary communities. The platform refers patients to better-equipped health facilities electronically, reminds them of appointments and medication via SMS and submits relevant patient information to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. for faster processing

of claims and health statistics.

The Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center also developed SHINE OS+ Mobile to make it accessible to health professionals anytime, anywhere.

“The launch of SHINE OS+ in Ark of Noah is compatible with our efforts to disseminate information about health and nutrition to the people of Barangay Taal,” said Barangay Taal captain Ren Eusebio.

“SHINE OS+ will help health workers so that they don’t need to search for and retrieve files manually. No matter what happens, in the event of a disaster like floods, the files are there. They won’t be destroyed.

They won’t disappear,” said Soriano.

Tia de Vera is a 17-year-old student from the United States who has done volunteer work in Haiti. The daughter of two Filipino doctors, she is interning at GK Ark of Noah for three weeks to help with the SHINE OS+ implementation there.

“I was briefed about SHINE OS+ and I am amazed at what it can do for this community and communities in general,” said Tia, who will be encoding the medical information of the GK Ark of Noah residents.

She is also tasked with helping develop a manual for using SHINE OS+ in GK sites.

With a bold new industry challenger mentality, Motorola continues to enhance its user experience with cutting-edge technology. The Moto Mods, one of the brand’s offerings, creates a unique mobile experience in a snap when partnered with the Moto Z family. It can transform a smartphone into a super-zoom camera, projector, high-quality speaker or power bank.

Motorola also aims to simplify smartphone use with Moto actions, which are convenient ways of enabling some features such as chopping twice motion for flashlight, twisting twice motion to open the camera, twisting twice motion again to take selfies and flipping or placing the phone down to switch to silent mode.

Snap and instantly share more precious moments with the HP Sprocket + Free ZINK Photo Paper promo.

MAKE MORE MEMORIES WITH HP SPROCKET PRINTER W H AT b e t te r way to m a k e memorable moments last than by capturing them instantly. And with the newest pocket-sized printer, HP Sprocket, you can even experience a more exciting and personal way to showcase and share your unforgettable memories!

Lightweight and portable, the HP Sprocket allows you to instantly print pictures— anytime, anywhere—directly from your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. You can also edit your favourite images with frames and filters with the HP Sprocket app which you can download from Apple Store or Google Play.

And with the HP Sprocket + Free ZINK Photo Paper promo, moments with family and friends can get more fun and exciting as every HP Sprocket purchase at online store, Lazada, comes with two (2) free packs of HP ZINK Photo Paper with 20 sheets each.

The HP ZINK Photo Paper is designed to easily transform your favorite memories into 2x3-inch smudge-free, glossy, and colorful photos that you can share with everyone. You can also peel off the back of your printed photos to turn them into stickers that you can use to create scrapbooks or decorate your space with your snapshots.

So what are you waiting for?

Visit www.lazada.com.ph/hpsprocket-official-store/ now to get your HP Sprocket and share even more unforgettable moments with two free packs of HP ZINK Photo Paper. Promo ends Oct. 31.

VIVO V7 TO FLY OFF SHELVES WITH 5,000+ PRE ORDERS “VIVO V7+ is the most in demand selfie smartphone in the Philippines with over 5,000 units pre-ordered in just one week” The Vivo V7+, which was unveiled a week ago with Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla leading the roster of celebrity endorsers, is proving to be the fastest-selling smartphone to date, already receiving more than 5,000+ pre-orders.

The V7+, the latest pride of the topnotch Chinese smartphone manufacturer, boasts of a world-first 24MP front camera, a Face ID security access, and a 5.99” all-screen display.

The pre-orders skyrocketed mainly because of the V7+’s top-of-the-line features. The V7+, a selfie-centric phone’s front-facing 24MP camera rocks LED flash and smart photography algorithms which produce sharp and natural-looking photos. The V7+ also prides itself with its revolutionary 5.99”all-screen display with an 84.4% screen to body ratio, providing a more exciting and enhanced gaming and visual experience.

Also, a special Face ID feature allows high-technology security access to one’s smartphone, unlocking the phone with mere facial recognition. Male and female smartphone fans equal in the pre-ordering of the V7+ with the former preferring the Matte Black color and the latter the Crown Gold.

The Vivo V7+ , is available for preorder at Lazada Philippines, Argomall and in all Vivo concept stores and kiosks.

Selling at a reasonable price of P17,990, the Vivo V7+ is available nationwide.

C1

sunday, october 1, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor

/

Young Life

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

driven lauren:

pickS for the young peepS:

Millennial perfuMe, SwiSS watch, and More

the girl who’S alwayS up for a challenge

RUN, LAUREN, RUN! Discipline, determination, and drive are Lauren Lim's secrets to getting to where she is now in the field of running and triathlon.

Guess 1981 eau de toilette

By Bernadette Lunas

“I

hate it when people tell me I can’t do things,” Lauren Lim said frankly. You might think such as person saying such a statement is just another stubborn twentysomething, but her refusal to accept that her capacity is limited to what other people think has gotten her really far, quite literally.

At 24, Lauren is considered a wunderkind in the running and triathlon community. she has already stepped on the podium several times. she placed third in her age group (20-24) at the Regent 5i50 Triathlon last June, her team sante Barley TriTeam took the second spot at the TRI united 2017 exceed Long Distance in subic held in July, and she finished second in her category at the Cobra Ironman 70.3 with an impressive overall time of 06:05:23 covering a total distance of 113km (1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km run) With such accomplishments, it’s hard to believe that Lauren only started running two years ago, when a friend “forced” her to join a 5km fun run which took her an hour to finish. she shared after that event she swore off running, but she did again, this time a “real” run.

“I finished [the 5km distance] in 30 minutes,” Lim cheerfully related. she said that something “just clicked” when she crossed the finish line. “[I thought] if I can do it in 30 and I wasn’t tired when I crossed the finish line, maybe I can join another one and push myself even more,” she recounted.

When her run time for short distance has improved she then decided to tackle a 42-kilometer track, which drove skeptics to question her capacity. “someone pointed out that marathon would be extremely hard and extremely painful; they told me I might not be able to finish it,” shared Lauren.

The “warning” did not shake Lauren’s resolve though, as she signed up for the Bull Run, a marathon event for first-timers, and went home with a first place (women’s division) trophy.

Her thirst for challenge led her to sign up for her first triathlon event; she joined without prior experience in biking and swimming.

“I just signed up for it—I had no background, I had no coach, I had no team, I had nothing.” But since she already bought a bike, her first triathlon coach, Andy Leuterio reluctantly guided her.

Her discipline (she trains every morning before going to work and after) and sheer determination helped her cross the finish line.

Lauren stressed, “everyone’s potential is limitless, people can do so many things. When someone tells me that accomplishing something is impossible, I take it as a challenge.”

The young athlete will be taking on another challenge on Oct. 8 as she’s about to run at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon wearing the latest skechers Performance GORun Ride 6. The latest model features a lightweight and enhanced 5Gen cushioning for additional impact protection and response, and skechers Go knit fabric upper with 3D printed overlays.

Lauren, skechers Performance’s newest brand ambassador, emphasizes the importance of wearing the right pair of shoes especially when running long distance. “A good pair of shoes can get you really far.”

Turn to C2

Guess Fragrances is making a huge comeback armed with a clean scented perfume for women packaged in a millennial pink box.

Inspired by the heritage of the brand, and quite obviously by the year of its foundation, Guess 1981 is made for the modern Guess girls “who know exactly what they want.”

The light, understated fragrance embodies the LA lifestyle, where the brand was founded, and echoes notes of southern Californian nature through clean, textured woods and airy, sensual musk. It opens with a powdery violet and woody ambrette, which then transforms into tantalizing jasmine petals, sweet juicy pear, and sandalwood heart.

Guess 1981 Eau de toilette is available in 50ml for P2,350 and in 100ml for P2,850. All perfumes under Guess Fragrances are available at select Rustan’s, SM, Landmark, and Robinsons department stores.

Lauren trains at 5:30 a.m., then goes to work, and trains again after she clocks out.

* * * scan this icon to view the PDF

TechnoMarine watch

The sports prodigy makes sure she still has time to relax and have fun, like going on vacation.

Do you want to have your very own TechnoMarine Cruise, Manta, or uF6 watch?

Turn to C2

Brick run 2017 Brings together Builders and runners ADRenALIne, good vibes, and lots of Lego bricks made the first Brick Run at sM By the Bay on sept. 17 a fun experience. (Photos by Rex Perzeus Sardinia) Young builders making their own LeGO creations

Runners join in the post-run exercise

LeGO model of the Brick Run 2017 track at sM Moa

Winners of the 16km run

Young life

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su suNDAY, ocToBer 1, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Conquer your day

like daniel Marsh and niCo BolziCo

By Daniel Reyes

A

TYpIcAl work day can drain a person’s physical energy and mental sharpness, but famous travel vlogger Daniel Marsh and savvy businessman Nico Bolzico enjoy their work, no matter how tough their day is.

Their secret? They make sure they have enough energy.

Solenn Heussaff’s funny husband Nico says that having the right amount of energy, enough to sustain him through the day, affects everything. “[When] you have more energy you enjoy everything else. If after work you’re still energetic then you [can] go have dinner with your wife, or you can still have a drink with your friends,” he explains.

despite the difficulty managing time, he still tries to workout and be healthy.

“I do as much as I can because having a healthy body, not just aesthetically healthy, [but] physically healthy—[by] eating the right food and exercising regularly—makes you think faster and more efficient in tackling the world in front of you,” shares the vlogger who currently has 199,411 subscribers on YouTube.

For Nico, having the will and knowing your Strive to live a healthy lifestyle priorities are vital in living and maintaining a Achieving a healthy lifestyle can be hard healthy lifestyle filled with good vibes. especially today when finding extra time to be physically fit and socially active is a Look at the bigger picture challenge.

Nico says his motivation to always And Daniel is no stranger to this strug- have the energy and the willpower to gle, what with his nomad lifestyle that en- maintain the lifestyle that he has now is tails traversing in different landscapes. But his family.

“[When] the day [comes] that I have kids, I want to be able to play football with them, and be able to run and still have the energy to enjoy things with my family,” he muses, adding, “If you’re healthy, you can enjoy much of your life.”

Daniel, meanwhile, advises to always work hard and go beyond one’s perceived limitations.

“You gotta, like, not care about what people think because if you do you’re not gonna get anywhere. Accept what you are, what you do, and believe in the bigger picture.

Believe in the long-term and not think about what the people in the short-term say about you or think about you because you define who you are,” emphasizes Daniel.

Supplement your energy Aside from living healthy and keeping a positive attitude, Daniel and Nico get a boost to conquer their day from Berocca.

Berocca, which contains a specific combination of B-vitamins, Vitamin c enhanced with added calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc, helps improve physical energy and mental sharpness by releasing the maximum energy people get from their food.

ENERGETIC. Travel vlogger

Daniel Marsh and entrepreneur Nico Bolzico enjoy their work, no matter how hard their day is, with the help of healthy lifestyle, positive attitude, and Berocca.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE Request foR expRession of inteRest pRoCuReMent of ConsuLtinG seRViCes foR tHe DeVeLopMent AnD iMpLeMentAtion of HeALtH pRoMotion CoMMuniCAtion AnD ADVoCACY pLAn foR tHe essentiAL non-CoMMuniCABLe DiseAse DiVision (enCDD) pRoGRAMs Rei-Cs-Gop-2017-025 1. The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2017 intends to apply the sum of Twenty Million Philippine Pesos (PhP 20,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment under the contract for the Procurement of Consulting Services for the Development and Implementation of Health Promotion Communication and Advocacy Plan for the Essential Non-Communicable Disease Division (ENCDD) Programs. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposal.

2. The DOH now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the Procurement of Consulting Services for the Development and Implementation of Health Promotion Communication and Advocacy Plan for the Essential NonCommunicable Disease Division (ENCDD) Programs. Eligibility documents of interested consultants must be duly received by the COBAC B Secretariat on or before October 9, 2017, 9:00 A.M. at COBAC Conference Room, G/F Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

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

4. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on October 1, 2017 to November 6, 2017 from the address above upon payment of 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.

5. The COBAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted Expression of Interest, including the eligibility documents, and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The criteria and rating system for short listing are: a) Applicable Work Experience of the Consultant (50 %) b) Qualification of Consultant (40 %) c) Current Workload Relative to the Capacity (10 %) 6. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of R.A. 9184.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

7. The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality Cost Based Evaluation Procedure (QCBE). The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

8.

The contract shall be completed within Twelve (12) months upon receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP).

9. 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.

10. For further information, please refer to: COBAC B SECRETARIAT Department of Health 2nd Floor, Building 6, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila 1003 Tel. No. 651-7800 Loc. 1625 – 1627; Telefax No. 711-6061 Website: www.doh.gov.ph; (SGD) MA. CAROLINA V. TAIÑO, CPA, MGM, CESO IV Assistant Secretary of Health COBAC B Chairperson (MS-OCT. 1, 2017)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE Invitation to Bid PROCUREMENT OF VARIOUS GOODS 1.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act CY 2017 intends to procure the following projects listed below: IB No.

2017-312 2017-313 2017-314

driven lauren...

From C1

“Before skechers, I always get injured. When I switched to skechers, I stopped getting injuries and my pr was really big after that. I continue to get faster with skechers because they’re really light,” she shared. skechers performance’s mid-foot strike technology also helps

lauren run faster as her ground contact is reduced. For her first world major marathon, she said she’ll be bringing her Gorun ride 6 and Gorun 4s.

After chicago Marathon, the sports prodigy plans to join another Ironman, marathon, and ultramarathon (for the first time).

Despite her packed schedule, that includes training and working, lauren makes sure she still has time to relax. “I actually just came from Bora with friends,” she shared, “But I still trained. My friends would wake up at 8 a.m. And I would wake up quarter to 4 to run or swim.”

ABC (PHP)

Cost of Bidding Documents (Php)

309,014,512.675

50,000.00

80,988,447.68

50,000.00

95,837,500.00

50,000.00

2.

The DOH now invites Bids from eligible Bidders for the procurement of the abovecaption projects. Delivery of the Goods is required as specified in Section VI. Schedule of Requirements. Bidders should have completed contracts similar to the cited projects, equivalent to at least twenty five percent (25%) 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, G/F, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila and inspect the Bidding Documents at 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

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

5.

The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference and the Submission and Opening of Bids at COBAC Conference Room, G/F, Building 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila on the schedule given below:

IB No.

piCks...

Name of Contract Procurement of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food for 6-59 mos.

Children Procurement of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food for Moms Procurement of Lamivudine 300mg + Tenofovir 300mg + Efavirenz 600mg

Activity (Date & Time) Submission Pre-bidding and Opening of Conference Bids

Name of Contract

of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food for 6-59 2017-312 Procurement mos. Children 2017-313 Procurement of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food for Moms of Lamivudine 300mg + Tenofovir 300mg + 2017-314 Procurement Efavirenz 600mg

From C1

6.

Take advantage of the last day of sale of these stylish collections as the swiss watch brand celebrates its sweet 16 anniversary.

These best-selling timepieces are available today for a 30 percent discount.

If this is your first time to have a TechnoMarine watch or you want to add another one, or two, to your collection, go to any of its branches at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, Robinson›s Galleria, Robinson›s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, and all MyDiamond boutiques nationwide.

23 October 2017; 9:00 AM

Bid must be duly received by the COBAC-A Secretariat at the address below on or before the date given above. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated below: Form of Bid Security

(a) Cash, Cashier’s/manager’s check issued by a Universal or Commercial Bank. (b) Bank draft/guarantee or irrevocable letter of credit issued by a Universal or Commercial Bank: Provided, however, that it shall be confirmed or authenticated by a Universal or Commercial Bank, if issued by a foreign bank. (c) Surety bond callable upon demand issued by a surety or insurance company duly certified by the Insurance Commission as authorized to issue such security. (d) Bid Securing Declaration

Amount of Bid Security (Not less than the required percentage of the ABC)

Two percent (2%)

Five percent (5%) No percentage required

Bid opening shall be at COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, 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.

* * * Those looking for a new credit card might want to consider applying for citi as it is giving away a free Nike stadium or planet sports e-gift worth p6,000 to new cardholders.

When your application has been approved, use your new citi credit card for

09 October 2017; 9:00 AM

New citi credit card holders can get a new pair of sneakers

purchases of p20,000 or more within 60 participating Nike stadium or planet days to be able to redeem your e-gift sports branch by simply presenting your through the citi Mobile App. e-gift code email or sMs. shop for a new pair of sneakers at any This offer runs until Oct. 31.

7.

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.

8.

For further information, please refer to: COBAC-A Secretariat Building No. 6 Department of Health San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1625 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775

(MS-OCT. 1, 2017)

(SGD) GERARDO V. BAYUGO, MD, MPH, CESO III Undersecretary of Health COBAC – A Chairperson

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017

Isah V. Red, Editor / Nickie Wang, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com

ARE THE LEGASPI TWINS GOING FULLTIME IN SHOWBIZ?

By Nickie Wang

T

HERE’S an adage that goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” And it holds true especially in entertainment industry where most celebrity kids follow in their parents’ footsteps. Take Cassandra and Maverick Legaspi for example.

DOUBLE TREAT.

Cassy and Mavy Legaspi are growing up as charming teenagers.

The sibling duo is active in sport as well as in numerous extracurricular activities apart from their occasional showbiz appearance.

The twins of Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi have literally grown up right before the public eyes being brand endorsers and commercial models since they were little toddlers. Now at 16, these young achievers are expected to be doing more than TVCs and promotions as they started aappearing in numerous TV shows. Does it mean they’re already bound to take the showbiz route?

Much like her parents, Cassy seem to have caught the showbiz bug and sees herself being showbiz in the very near future. For her bedimpled twin, however, it’s the other way around, he doesn’t see himself doing something more than TV commercials.

“I’m just going with the flow right now. I think I can [be like my parents who are actors]. Right now we do TV guestings, probably I’ll do a teleserye in the future but I still don’t know.

I’m just enjoying what we’re doing right now,” Cassey told the press when they, along with their parents, were launched as the new brand ambassadors of CitiDrug pharmacy.

The teenager added that if she wouldn’t end up being an actress, she might still do something similar to what her parents are known for.

“Perhaps, a hosting job. I like doing that,” Cassy confidently beamed.

As for Mavy, school is his top priority. “Right now I really don’t know if I’d go fulltime in showbiz but there’s one thing I am certain about, I want to finish school first and then go to college.”

Their mother agreed that as of now the twins are focused on their studies and she thinks “it’s better that way.”She revealed that they have been receiving offers for the twins to be part of a television series but they’re reluctant to give affirmative answer since they believe that their children are not yet ready for the demanding schedule of showbiz.

“I’m not sure kung kakayanin ko yung intriga especially on social media. Baka mapaaway ako. I

DONNY PANGILINAN

and Mavy has literally grown up right before the public's eyes

think we just need to pray and we need talk as a family if ever we decide to let the kids go fulltime in showbiz,” Carmina related.

Apart from being achievers in school, the Legaspi twins also excel in sport. Mavy for instance is good at basketball, he was even awarded Most Valuable Player in his school early this year. He also plays tennis, football, and volleyball.

Just like her brother, Cassey also plays basketball and volleyball. And sometimes, she bonds with her dad during boxing classes while learning self-defense. As a family, they go to the gym three times a week.

As brand endorsers, the fraternal twins are glad that their family is entrusted, yet again, with another project, this time to promote CitiDrug, which currently operates 60 outlets nationwide.

“We couldn’t be any happier for this opportunity. We are just thankful that a lot of companies choose our family to endorse their products and services,” the twins concluded.

LOVE TEAMS SHINE IN #STARMAGICBALL2017 name-combos, and Twitter was packed with news on who’s going with who.

Here is the list of couples fans were excited to see in this year’s Star Magic Ball.

Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber Known as MayWard to their fans, this

EYE CANDY

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

THROWBACK. Cassy

A STELLAR pool of A-list celebrities and love teams showed up and walked on the red carpet for Philippine showbiz’ glitziest and most glamorous night of the year—the annual Star Magic Ball 2017.

This gathering of Star Magic talents is one of the biggest fashion and showbiz events in the country, not to mention the most anticipated, too.

Last night, Twitter erupted with hashtag # StarMagicBall2017 as the annual gala saw the brightest stars rocked the red carpet. As a real-time and live platform, celebrities share live glimpses of the best show-stopping moments to make fans shriek in excitement through the microblogging site.

While Kapamilya royalty were prepping up for the big night, fans and onlookers were eager to find out who their favorite stars would be bringing as dates. The guessing game made the fans all the more excited, as they post their reactions using the hashtag #RoadToStarMagicBall2017.

It’s a veritable battle of the couple

DONNYFIED. Showbiz scion Donny Pangilinan is slowly making a name for himself as he dabbles between his music and hosting career.

rising love team attended their first-ever Star Magic Ball. Fans swarmed on Twitter when Edward asked Maymay to be his date during a TV show appearance. With all the hype the duo was getting, their debut appearance on the red was one of the most talked about arrivals during the glitzy night.

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla Telenovela hitmakers KathNiel once again made everyone turn their heads as they made an appearance in this year’s ball. With the two being spotted so affectionate towards each other, the fans couldn’t do anything more except to adore them.

Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil Liza stunned everyone in her elegant Michael Cinco number last year, making her the Best Dressed Female actress by the end of the night. Her beauty wasn’t the only feature that caught the attention of the public; Liza was seen together with her onscreen partner, Enrique Gil. The two looked regal standing beside each other on the red carpet and fans

can’t deny the chemistry between the two actors.

Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona Elmo also whipped up something special for Janella for his proposal. #ElNella fans were up in the air when Elmo popped the question while they were on set shooting for their upcoming film, My Fairy Tale Love Story. The whole scene was nothing short of magical —a sweet song and poem number from Elmo accompanied by a stringed ensemble in the background.

HE HAS the looks everybody is raving about. From his charming smile to his boy-nextdoor looks, Donny Pangilinan easily sneaked his way to his fangirls’ hearts.

Born as Donato Antonio L. Pangilinan, Donny started as an Instagram celebrity where he shared his passion for fashion, travel, music and sport through his photographs. The 19-yearold son of former actress Maricel Laxa and TV host Anthony Pangilinan stole the attention of netizens with his wacky personality and artsy Instagram feed. His photos are a mix of his OOTDs, travel destinations and concerts he went to. He also shares snippets of his everyday life such as song covers with his sister Hannah and photos of his family.

But beyond his physique and charisma, the rising star is slowly making a name for himself in the industry. Just recently, he dropped his debut single “Did You?” produced

by Universal Records. He maneuvers to the music scene and is currently posing as the newest VJ for music channel, Myx. He shared that his song is the kind of music that can make listeners feel both happy and sad due to its lyrics and upbeat rhythm.

Before entering show business, Donny is a regular teenager who enjoys doing mundane activities. He played as small forward in his alma mater Brent International School. He also has an affinity for triathlon, water sport, and horseback riding.

Growing up, his parents never expected him to have an interest in being a celebrity. He was diagnosed “slow to warm up, shy child,” which means he feels uneasy in new situations with unfamiliar people. That’s why it came out as a surprise when Donny told them about his intention to be in showbiz.

Still, his parents supported him all the way.

He made his debut appearance in the national television in 2016 when he guested alongside his mom in the morning talk show Magandang Buhay and since then he never left the limelight.

Fiercer and bolder, Donny is more than ready to conquer greater heights and reach out for his dreams.

C4

sunday, october 1, 2017

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets My Furry Bestie This corner will feature pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features. We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals.

For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject.

What can you Buy

L

For P30?

OADs of fun, and dog food and cat food for 68 rescued dogs and cats!

Ain’t that the best way to spend a sunday with your family of pets and humans?

You not only enjoy a relaxing, fun-filled day, you also get to help dogs and cats who were rescued from the streets and pulled out of kill or slow-kill pounds by save Animals of Love and Light (save ALL), an animal welfare group.

Today, it is Pet's Day Out at the Planas Garden inside the Quezon City Memorial Circle starting at 10 a.m.

A lot of wonderful surprises and awesome experiences await both pet and furparent.

Royal Canin Philippines has prepared games and prizes for participants in their mini workshop on proper care of pets.

Raffle prizes will also be given away by Manila standard, the organizer of the event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

sha sha Veterinary Clinic will give away dog food. Their vets--Dr. Anthony Prado Basa and Dr. Vanessa D. Ong--will administer free anti-rabies shots to the first 200 registered dogs and cats. Just show your pet's 2016 vaccination record, and your pet will be qualified to get the free shot.

Dr. Ong will also talk about the importance of giving vaccination to your pets.

Katrina Costales will share the benefits of using organic items on your pets.

At 3 p.m., there will be a pet blessing.

The whole day, enjoy a variety of items will be on sale. There are pet seat belts, collars and leash, dog shampoo and soap, mousepads, pillows for your babies, t-shirts, and food, among others.

Before the day ends, Manila standard will announce the Dog of the Day and the Cat of the Day. Do come and have fun with pets and fellow animal lovers. in photos (mousepad design by Jeannie salgado) are some of the rescued dogs and cats you will help with your participation in today's event.

PROGRAM 10:00AM – Registration 11:10AM- Welcome Remarks ( Mr. Rollie Estabillo) – Manila standard Publisher 11:15AM- introduce Pet section Ms. Desiree Carlos (Editor) FiRsT BATCh RAFFLE PRiZEs 11:30AM- Presentation from save Animals of Love and Lights (saveALL) sECOND BATCh RAFFLE PRiZEs 12:20PM- insights on Vaccination and Anti-Rabies shot

By Doc Vanessa D. Ong sha sha Veterinary Clinic 1-3:00PM- TALKs from ROYAL CANiN by Clark santos(Dogs and Cats) • Grooming-Pet Care • Health and Wellness • Travel and Tricks • Training and Behavior 3:15-4:00PM- Pets Blessing ThiRD BATCh RAFFLE PRiZEs 4:30PM- Awarding-Pet of the Day One Winner each (Dog and Cat)

A purrfect love AffAir pet tales

By desiree carlos shE loves cats. her aunt hates animals. she can not bring home animals in her aunt's house but she could not ignore this one cat. shoosha Badiola was biking on her way to the grocery store in Paranaque when she heard a cat crying under a car. she stopped and watched the cat as he lay there, seemingly calling to everyone who passed by. she noticed he was healthy and looked well so she continued biking to get to the grocery and told herself, "i would check on you later." shoosha hurriedly brought home her grocery items, then went back to where she saw the cat.

But he was gone. she looked for him in the area and called out as one would call a cat's attention. she suddenly heard cats making noises as if poised to fight.

Then she saw him.

There he was inside a house where she saw a lot of cats. she knew a fight

was about to ensue.

"All i wanted to do was to stop the fight. i went inside and took the cat, "shoosha says.

When she turned to go back to the gate, the cat now in her arms, someone from the house came out. "i was shocked and scared that she might get mad. Then i said ‘hi, sorry,

PRiNCEss ANYA was adopted

by Maricel Mondejar from save Animals of Love and Light (save ALL) when she was two months old in December, 2013. she was to be put to sleep with her mother and siblings in a pound when save ALL rescued her together with 33 other dogs and cats.

Today, she is Maricel's 4-yearold bestie. "i have learned a lot about loving unconditionally fro her. No questions asked, no breed matching, just pure love," Maricel says.

pumasok na ako. Nag-aaway na kasi sila,” she recalls. she was relieved when the woman said, “ it’s okay. “ it turned out the cat was a stray who went inside the woman’s house.

Despite her aunt’s dislike for animals, she brought home the cat. she named him snow. “he is very sweet and gentle. he meows at me while eating.,” she describes snow.

On that first day, she noticed that there seemed to be something different about him. his two front paws are not fully developed. “i thought maybe he was born that way, and i almost cried thinking how he survived in his condition when he was a kitten. Then i thought, ‘Well, he is one amazing cat!’” shoosha says. she fell in love with him the moment she saw his condition. For like him, she felt she too needed to be saved at that time. And he became her “rescuer.” “it's like we were meant to see each other, “ shoosha says. shoosa suffered form anxiety attacks then. she kept this from friends and loved ones. she felt alone then, stay-

ing inside the house and crying a lot to keep her secret, and having to handle the anxiety attacks on her own. “i kept it a secret because i was sacred that they might avoid me. Later, i would find out that i was wrong. They loved me even more,” shoosha says.

But while she kept things to herself, snow was there for her.

“Every time i cried, he was there. he meows at me as if he was talking to me and saying, ‘it's okay, i'm here,’" shoosha recalls. she adds: ”he helped me with my anxiety attacks. Every time i had an attack, he was there. We spend a lot of time together and we sleep together.

Even if he keeps peeing on my bed, it's fine with me because i love him. i promised him that we will be together for a long time. i won't give up on him.”

Today, shoosha is free from anxiety attacks. “i am amazed that a cat helped me cope with the attacks. i was’nt and am not alone anymore. i am happy. i can smile now and not be scared about what might happen. “ shoosha shares. "he saved me just i like i saved him.

We saved each other, “ she adds.

LALA and three other kittens were abandoned in a vacant lot.

Jhet Man saw saw them and decided to bring them home. One kitten died while the other two kittens were adopted.

Jhet decided to keep Lala. she describes her furbaby: "she dominates the household. Ayaw nya ng mushy. Gusto niya, sya lang ang lalapit para maglambing."

Lala also asks for treats when the dogs are given some. Jhet recounts: "she always gives me that mataray look as if she is saying, ‘hindi pa ba ako kakain?’"

For Jhet, it is ironic but funny that her first rescued cat made Jhet her slave, somehow making her allow Lala to do some crazy stuff. But she is so cute, Jhet says, and such a loviable cat that she can’t say “No” to her.

Lala is also not afraid of dogs, Jhet says, "Nangkukutos pa.” “she also kneads me always and loves to stay on my chest. she also stays on my shoulder."

JELLYBEAN, 3, is Carlyn Jao's first adopted dog. says Carlyn: "her previous owner cannot take care of her anymore because she was anemic and had a kidney and liver problem. But now she is healthy and will soon be spayed."