Manila Standard - 2017 December 24 - Sunday

VOL. XXXI • NO. 310 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

ISABELLE DUTERTE

ISABELLE TAKES TO FB ONCE MORE

RESPONSIVE RESCUE. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go hops on a jet ski to help rescue residents of Davao City’s Jade Valley Subd. trapped by severe flooding. During the presidential campaign in 2016, then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte pledged to ride on a jet ski to the Spratlys to plant the Philippine flag. Many parts of Davao were flooded after Tropical Storm 'Vinta' made a landfall in Davao Oriental on Friday. Roland Jumawan

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'VINTA' PUMMELS SOUTH; 133 PERISH HE death toll from a tropical storm in the southern Philippines climbed swiftly to 133 on Saturday, as rescuers pulled dozens of bodies from a swollen river, police said.

Tropical Storm 'Vinta' (international name Tembin) has lashed the nation’s second-largest island of Mindanao since Friday, triggering flash floods and mudslides.

In Lanao del Sur, the Provincial Disaster-Risk Reduction and Management Office reported the death toll from Friday’s storm landfall had reached 16 in five affected Lanao del Sur towns.

Still, search and rescue operations continued for four other persons reported missing in WatoBalindong and Tugaya towns as of 6:12 p.m. on Friday.

Gov. Bedjoria Soraya Alonto-Adiong also confirmed the casualties, saying two persons were reported dead and one missing in the municipality of Wato-Balindong; one fatality in Tugaya town where three

residents have been missing, and four more dead persons in Madalum municipality.

In nearby Lanao del Norte, the provincial government placed the province under a state of calamity Saturday afternoon following deaths and devastation caused by Vinta.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Lanao del Norte made the decision in a special session following severe flooding in different towns across the province.

A five percent calamity fund will be used by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to augment funds to address immediate needs of 11 se-

verely flooded municipalities: Maigo, Salvador, Kauswagan, Tubod, Lala, Kapatagan, Bacolod, Munai, Kolambugan, Tangcal, and Sapad.

In Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, in a statement, said at least 72,592 individuals were affected by the Vinta flooding and landslides.

In his statement, he said: “We in the national government shall continue to provide assistance to affected communities.

“The DSWD Central Office, Field Offices, and the NROC have total stockpiles and standby funds amounting to P735,066,659.89.”

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7 FILIPINOS AMONG 20 TERRORISTS NABBED IN KL

PARADE OF STARS. Film actors and actresses take the limelight in the annual Metro Manila Film Fest parade in Muntinlupa City Saturday, with the Muntinlupa local government previously announcing the closure of its national highway from Susana Heights to Alabang Viaduct. The MMDA said the thoroughfares were closed from noon to 6 p.m. due to the annual Metro Manila Film Festival parade of stars. Norman Cruz

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A SELF-C0NFESSED kin of dead terrorist leader Isnilon Hapilon from the Abu Sayyaf Group in Mindanao has been arrested for allegedly recruiting his countrymen working in Malaysia to fight in the southern Philippines.

According to the News Straits Times, the arrested suspect’s confessed recruitment work had raised worries among security officials that the terror group might attempt to recapture Marawi City, which has since been recaptured by government troops after terrorists launched a siege there in May this year.

The Straits Times said the unnamed 50-year-old Filipino man was picked up on Dec. 6 in Kuala Lumpur in a special operation conducted by Malaysia’s

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Counter Terrorism Unit.

He was among 20 people—seven Malaysians, seven Filipinos, five Indonesians and a north African—arrested in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Johor and Selangor, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 15 for their alleged involvements in terrorist activities.

There was no immediately available comment from Philippine security officials nor from the defense establishment.

The latest security swoop meant that 105 suspected militants have been nabbed in Malaysia this year. The authorities arrested 119 suspected militants last year, both Malaysians and foreigners, with many of them enticed by Turn to A2

ISABELLE Duterte once again took to social media to clear accusations against an unidentified “friend” whom her father, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, reportedly mauled recently.

“My friend, who is now in the hospital, is a good friend of mine since we were [in] 7th grade,” the controversial presidential granddaughter wrote on Facebook Friday night.

“My friend’s family has shown respect to me and my mother over the years, I’m quite sure, considering that my friend is also coming from a respectable family, [that] my friend is decent enough to keep an image far from what my friend is accused of,” Isabelle added, in an apparent reference to accusations by her dad that she was being “pimped” by someone.

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BAN ON PICCOLO STAYS, DILG SAYS

By John Paolo Bencito THE Interior Department on Saturday said that pyrotechnics or ‘‘pailaw’’ were still allowed to be used outside the place of residence following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order regulating the use of firecrackers.

But it reiterated the ban and discharge of Piccolo or “scratch bangers” and other prohibited firecrackers.

At the same time, Palace spokesman Harry Roque told local government units to strictly enforce Duterte’s Executive Order No. 28, regulating the use of firecrackers and to designate community fireworks displays for the enjoyment of the public.

“All allowable consumer pyrotechnics or ‘pailaw’ may be used outside designated community fireworks areas, meaning outside places of residences,” Interior officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy said in a recent memorandum order.

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MOST PINOYS EXPECT 'HAPPY CHRISTMAS'

By John Paolo Bencito

ABOUT three in four Filipinos said they expected a happy Christmas at 77 percent, the highest in 14 years, the latest Social Weather Stations survey released Saturday showed.

The 77 percent who are expecting a happy Christmas is the highest since 2003, matching the second-highest 77 percent who expected a happy Christmas in 2003.

Some 5 percent, meanwhile, expect their Christmas to be sad and 18 percent are neither happy nor sad.

The December 2017 Survey also found four in five (81 percent) adults said it was “better to give” gifts this Christmas season, while 19 percent said it was “better to receive.”

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

'MILITARY, NOT EXTRA POWERS, CAN STOP TERROR'

By John Paolo Bencito and Rio N. Araja MAJORITY of Filipinos expressed opposition to President Rodrigo Duterte’s move extending military rule beyond its end date on Dec. 31, 2017, with an even higher number believing the military could “suppress” terrorists even without additional powers from Congress.

But the Palace insisted the Marawi siege “was just the tip of the iceberg,” as it slammed how the survey questions were constructed.

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, an opposition lawmaker, believes the “undue delay” of Congress to prepare a joint resolution approving the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao could be done deliberately to deprive challengers to attach their petitions.

“The undue delay in the preparation and enrollment of the joint resolution extending martial law in Mindanao could be deliberate and premeditated,” he said.

“Why approve with inordinate haste the extension just to foot-drag the preparation for enrollment of the requisite joint resolution?” he asked.

“In fact, Senate sources revealed that as of Dec. 21, 2017, the resolution was ‘still with the Office of Majority Leader [of the House of Representatives Rodolfo] Fariñas’,” Lagman said.

He said the undue delay was a “patent design” to deny the challengers of the martial law extension to attach their petitions before the Supreme Court the required certified true copy of the enrolled joint resolution.

“As the delay progresses, aggravated by the ensuing holidays, the effectivity of the extension on Jan. 1, 2018 will soon set in,” he said.

He added “once the extension becomes effective, any petition or prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order or a writ of preliminary injunction may be mooted.”

The latest Social Weather Stations survey, conducted from Dec. 8 to 16 but only released Friday, Dec. 22, showed that 62 percent of Filipinos oppose martial law extension in Mindanao, while 26 percent were in favor.

Indecision, meanwhile, is at 12 percent.

Opposition to the extension of martial law in Mindanao beyond Dec. 31, 2017 was highest in Metro Manila at 67 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 63 percent, Mindanao at 62 percent, and Visayas at 55 percent.

In the meantime, 66 percent said the Armed Forces of the Philippines could readily suppress the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf even without martial law.

Some 18 percent disagreed with the notion, while 6 percent were undecided.

The proportion of those who agree that the AFP can suppress the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf even without martial law is 12 points above the 54 percent in September 2017, the pollster said.

It was at 57 percent in June 2017, when SWS first asked the question.

Compared to September 2017, the proportion of those who agree that the AFP can suppress the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf without martial law rose in all areas.

It rose by 16 points in Metro Manila, from 54 percent in September 2017 to 70 percent in December 2017.

In Balance Luzon, it rose by 15 points from 52 percent to 67 percent; by 8 points in the Visayas, from 58 percent to 66 percent; and by 9 points in Mindanao, from 52 percent to 61 percent.

But in a statement, Palace spokesman Harry Roque insisted there was still a need for martial law, which was responsible for the “seemingly peaceful” environment in southern Philippines.

Roque said: ”We understand the sentiment of the public when 62 percent of the respondents said they oppose martial law extension in Mindanao, given the construction of the survey question which began, ‘Dahil tapos na ang giyera sa Marawi City’ (since the siege is over).”

The SWS survey asked: “Gaano po kayo sumasang-ayon o hindi sumasangayon sa pangungusap na ito: ‘Dahil tapos na ang giyera sa Marawi City, hindi na kailangan palawigin pa ang martial law nang lagpas ng takda nitong pagtatapos sa Dec. 31, 2017.”

“Martial law allowed our defenders to keep the Daesh, their supporters, and remnants in check. If martial law had not been implemented, the current situation in the communities in Mindanao would have been vastly different,” said the Palace spokesman.

“We therefore have to explain to our people that what the Daesh-Maute did in Marawi was just the tip of the iceberg,” he added.

Roque said that terrorist remnants remains determined to establish an IS wilayat in Mindanao.

CAM JUST A PAWN IN ILLEGAL NUMBERS GAME—PCSO GM

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EWLY-APPOINTED Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board member Sandra Cam is “being used as a pawn” to control the nationwide numbers game in favor of the illegal gambling operations of her longtime friend, Charlie “Atong” Ang, a top official of the agency said Saturday.

Describing Cam as a “loose cannon,” PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan lambasted her use of the agency’s employees Christmas gathering to throw unfounded allegations against him and PCSO chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz.

This, he said, would clear the way for Ang’s Meridien Vista Gaming Corp. to supplant the government’s Small Town Lottery, the only legal numbers game in the country and created to counter the illegal but popular “jueteng” game.

“Her ultimate goal is to replace me or the chairman and usher in her longtime friend Atong Ang into the PCSO systems to control STL nationwide,” Balutan said in a statement.

If Cam thinks there was something irregular about the agency’s Christmas Party, the GM said she should have gone to court and not

gone talking to the media.

“If she thinks and has evidence to show that we’re corrupt, then file a case in court, not ruin the reputation of the person she wants to attack through the media. She is now a member of the board and she should act like one. Be professional,” he said.

Shortly after he and Corpuz entered PCSO last year, Balutan claimed that Cam accompanied Ang, a reputed jueteng financier to his office, with Ang offering him P200 million in monthly remittances if the agency would allow him to handle the STL operation nationwide.

“I immediately rejected Ang’s offer and told him and Cam I cannot allow a notorious gambling lord like him to meddle in the affairs of PCSO. I told them President Duterte doesn’t

like a gambling lord to lord over PCSO’s lottery games,” Balutan said.

Sources close to the PCSO leadership said they have the goods against Cam and her purported links to Ang, whose operation is the main competition against the government’s expanded STL game.

Ang made headlines last May after he accused some retired military and police generals, including National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, of plotting to kill him, while claiming they were taking kickbacks from the STL operations.

Esperon and Aguirre have dismissed the allegation as a ‘tall tale’ and said Ang’s impunity on illegal gambling “will be killed” and not him.

Cam, the former whistleblower, had lashed out against her fellow PCSO officials and accused Corpuz, Balutan and other members of the board—former Quezon City congressman Bong Suntay and former Davao City village chief Marlon Balite—for having a “lavish Christmas party” at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel where the agency spent more than P10 million.

She likewise peddled alleged board documents not yet approved

and authorized by the board as a collegial body, Balutan said.

Saying Cam “is now creating havoc at PCSO,” Balutan scored the official for peddling lies about the agency’s Christmas Party, when only P6.5 million was spent.

Corpuz, for his part, said PCSO’s over 1,580 employees and their families “deserved” the fellowship at Shangri-La after a year of hard work.

Corpuz said Cam’s statements cannot hide the achievements of PCSO “now being enjoyed by the Filipino people,” specially the indigent who need medical assistance under the Duterte government.

“We might be hitting up to P51 billion or it could be more this year as compared to only more than P37 billion in 2016. It’s all because we intensified our President’s battle against illegal numbers game. And I think that is one thing, particularly the STL, Sandra Cam wants to destroy in favor of a notorious gambling lord,” he said.

He and Balutan said they are open to any investigation, and disputed Cam’s allegations of corruption in PCSO. “PCSO’s growth is historic high today under the new leadership,” Balutan said.

LEGARDA MAKES A PITCH FOR 'SLOW FOOD' SENATOR Loren Legarda has urged Filipino families to prepare “slow food”—as an alternative to serving fast and processed food—in order to support local cuisines and traditional cooking, as well as the local businesses that comprise and imbibe the principles behind the slow food movement in the Philippines.

Legarda said that slow food is a global advocacy that advances the concept of good, clean, and fair food by preserving traditional and regional cuisines that are becoming extinct and promoting the propagation of plants, seeds, and livestock of local ecosystems.

She added that the slow food advocacy supports sustainable food produced by local entrepreneurs through just and environmentally friendly

7FromFILIPINOS...

A1 the ideology of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

More than 400 suspected militants have been detained since 2013, with many of the locals behind bars and the foreigners deported.

Malaysia’s police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun, referring to the Filipino detainee, said in a statement on Friday: “The suspect has family ties with a high-ranking ASG leader.

“He was believed to be recruiting his fellow countrymen in Kepong [Selangor] to join the terror group in southern Philippines.”

A intelligence source told The Straits Times the suspect—whose exact affinity to Hapilon was not established in the Straits Times report—told investigators he had been recruiting Filipinos living in Malaysia since 2016.

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The percentage of those who said it is “better to give” increased to 81 percent in 2017, up by six points from 75 percent in 2016.

Expectations of happy Christmas are still higher in areas outside the National Capital Region.

In Mindanao, having a happy Christmas is at 84 percent, followed by 80 percent in Visayas and 75 percent in Balance Luzon.

Only 69 percent in NCR are happy this Christmas.

The December 2017 Social Weather Survey fielded among 1,200 adults had sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national percentages.

practices, with the products marketed through fair trade—as opposed to the highly industrialized and globalized production of processed food.

“At the heart of the slow food movement in the Philippines is the preferential choice for food that is innately ‘good’—from the planting of seeds up to harvesting, to the preparation of food, including its packaging, marketing, and delivery, the whole process, which harnesses local skills and talents, is ethical, righteous, and respectful to the environment and the labor put into it. It is an advocacy that envisions a world that embraces the process of food production that is good for the humanity and the planet,” Legarda said.

The slow food advocacy started as a grassroots movement in Italy

'VINTA' ...

From A1 The Philippines averages by 20 major storms each year, many of them deadly.

But Mindanao, home to 20 million people, is rarely hit by these cyclones.

Vinta is the 22nd tropical disturbance to hit this year the Philippines, home to 106 million people from Batanes down to Tawi-Tawi.

Rescuers retrieved 36 bodies from the

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According to Executive Order 28, signed

by Duterte last June 20, the use of firecrackers will be confined to community fireworks displays “to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.”

Under Republic Act 7183, only the following types of firecrackers can be manufactured, sold, distributed and used: baby rocket, bawang, small triangle, pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo, and sky rocket (kwitis).

Meanwhile, the following pyrotechnic

ISABELLE...

From A1 The presidential granddaughter, who was herself at the center of controversy recently for having a pre-debut photo shoot at Malacañang no less, likewise apologized to her friend for the trouble the trouble they got up to.

“I just wanted to correct this matter, not concerning me but for my friend’s sake. I would also like to say sorry to my friend and to the family for what had

in 1986 and has since spread worldwide.

In 2012, the Slow Food Manila was organized in the Philippines. Legarda has been supporting the organization’s efforts to showcase slow produce in the World Food Expo and the Madrid Fusion Manila, also in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.

Legarda said that she is a member of one of the five slow food convivia or local chapters in the Philippines, which are hosted in Manila, Negros, Baguio, Pangasinan, and Cavite. A convivium brings the Slow Food philosophy to life by organizing events and activities within their communities.

“It is important for us to communicate more to the public the message that to support slow food is to sup-

port what is right and what is good for our people and our country,” Legarda said.

Legarda added that Slow Food Manila holds taste workshops to show people how to use endangered heirloom species, such as the gluten-free adlai, a grain from Malaybalay, Bukidnon; the luxurious Criollo cacao from Davao; coffees like the barako or Liberica from Batangas and Arabica from Benguet; and souring agents like the batwan, tabon-tabon and suha.

She emphasized that the slow food advocacy also seeks to protect Philippine biodiversity by encouraging the swapping of seeds from the different regions in the country, as well as preserving traditional and indigenous Filipino knowledge.

Salog River in Mindanao on Saturday, as officials reported more fatalities in the impoverished Zamboanga peninsula.

The bodies were swept downriver from a flooded town upstream called Salvador, Rando Salvacion, the Sapad town police chief, told AFP. Authorities in Salvador said they had retrieved 17 other bodies upstream.

Salvador and Sapad are in Lanao del Norte, which is one of the provinces hardest hit by Vinta.

The death toll for the Zamboanga peninsula also rose to 28, and police said 81 people were missing after mud

and rocks swept down coastal communities in Sibuco and other fishing towns. ''Tembin'' struck less than a week after Tropical Storm Kai-Tak left 54 dead and 24 missing in the central Philippines.

The deadliest typhoon to hit the country was ''Haiyan,'' which killed thousands and destroyed entire towns in heavily populated areas of the central Philippines in November 2013.

Tembin is expected to hit the tip of the western island of Palawan late Saturday, the state weather service said.

AFP, JP Bencito, Nash Maulana, PNA

devices are allowed: sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device, and butterfly.

The extremely popular Piccolo is still prohibited, including but are not limited to Super Lolo, Whistle Bomb, Goodbye Earth, Atomic Big Triangulo, Judas Belt, and Watusi.

All firecrackers with gunpowder exceeding two grams or 1.3 teaspoons are also strictly prohibited.

The new clarificatory policy guideline comes after the Philippine Fireworks Association asked the department to explain Section 2 of Executive Order 28, series of 2017 which states that: “Pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers may be used

outside community fireworks displays.”

The DILG said that non-compliance of local government units to this Memorandum Circular shall be dealt with in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

Just last week, Cuy told PNP and BFP to enforce stricter measures on use of firecrackers this holiday season—including the conduct/inspections, confiscate (sic) and destroy prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in accordance with EO 28 as well as Republic Act 7183.

Just recently, on Dec. 22, an 11-year-old boy in Pasig City was listed as this year’s first case of fireworks-related injury, and was treated at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center.

happened, this was never my intention and never wanted for this to happen,” she added.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s granddaughter, on her Twitter account earlier Friday, slammed her father for allegedly beating up a person.

“Dili ingon naa kay posisyon sa city kay pwede na ka mangulata!!!! di ingon naa kay power kay pwede naka manakit ug tao!!!! tao gihapon na imong gina hilabtan!!!! di lang kay tao, bata na!!!! dili ingon naa kay pangalan pwede naka mag ana!!!! dili ingon kay duterte ka, pwede na!!!!

[Even if you have a position in the

city, you can’t beat up a person! Even if you have power, you can’t hurt another person! You are hurting a human being!

Not just human being, but a child! Even if you have a name, you can’t do things like that! Even if you’re a Duterte, that is unacceptable!],” she said.

Isabelle then received a tongue-lashing from her father on social media, after she supposedly allowed herself to get “pimped” twice.

The vice mayor also blasted his daughter for her seeming arrogance, when she ranted against him on her Twitter account. John Paolo Benito

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POLICE OFFICER KILLED IN CLASH VS KFR GROUP

By Francisco Tuyay

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RANKING police officer and four unidentified members of a kidnapfor-ransom group were killed in a shootout between authorities and the suspects in a rescue operation that resulted in the successful rescue of a kidnap victim.

Another police officer who was also wounded was rushed at the Chinese General Hospital hours after the incident. He was in stable condition.

Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos, spokesman of the Philippine National Police, identified the slain police official as Supt. Arthur Masungsong, head of

the Anti-Kidnapping Group unit for Luzon.

The wounded police officer was Chief Insp. Reynaldo Lumactod, who sustained bullets wounds in the different parts of his body from high-caliber firearms.

The bloody event was triggered after AKG operatives responded to an emergency police assistance sought by Roniel Bungay relating to the kidnapping of her sister Raziel Esguerra last Friday at her house in Biñan City, Laguna.

Esguerra was inside her house in Biñan City, Laguna when the suspects, armed with high-powered firearms, barged-in and forcibly took her at gunpoint and led her to a waiting Mitsubishi vehicle.

The suspects had demanded P15 million for Esguerra’s immediate release but subsequent negotiations reduced the demand to P1 million.

In a spot report following the incident, Carlos said elements of the AKG led by Masungsong were on their way for an entrapment operations with the suspects at a Shell gasoline station in Balagtas, Bulacan at around 1 a.m.

However, the suspects instead changed the meeting place to Barangay Sta. Lucia for still unknown reasons.

While traversing the main road leading to Barangay Sta. Lucia, the AKG operatives chanced upon the suspects’ vehicle, a white Mitsubishi Adventure with license plate SHP 289, the same vehicle used in the kidnapping of Esguerra.

The suspects apparently noticed that they were being tailed by AKG operatives. Minutes later, the suspects fired at the police operatives, prompting the authorities to retaliate which triggered the exchange of gunfire.

Four of the suspects were killed on the spot while Masungsong and Lumactod were wounded.

Masungsong, however, died due to fatal wounds he sustained from the volley of gunfire.

One of the slain kidnappers was identified as a certain Alebanza, brother of Rolando Alebanza who was also in the group but managed to escaped at the height of the shootout.

SPD STEPS INTO MISSING GIRL CASE IN ‘MUNTI’

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Southern Police District has stepped into the case of a 17-year-old girl who has gone missing in Muntinlupa City four days before Christmas.

SPD director Tomas Apolinario formed a special team tasked to investigate and locate the whereabouts of Ica Policarpio who was declared missing since 10:53 p.m. last Thursday.

“For information in connection to the missing female teenager, Special Investigation Team ICA was created effective this afternoon,” he said.

The team, to be headed by Muntinlupa City police chief Senior Supt. Dante Novicio and his chief of police for operation Chief Insp. Ritchie Salem, is composed of men from the Women and Children Protection Desk and Intelligence and Investigation Unit of Muntinlupa.

“The team will be supported by the District Investigation Unit, District Intel Unit, Southern Metro Manila-CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), Parañaque Intel and Investigation Section,” said Apolinario.

He added that the task force will also be in close coordination with other units of the Philippine National Police and contacts in the local government units in Cavite.

On Saturday, Apolinario denied reports that the victim was already rescued during a police operation in Bulacan.

“This fake news was just forwarded to me. We appeal for people not to spread unconfirmed information. We are in constant communication with the parents of Ica Policarpio and the police are doing all efforts to bring Ica home safely the soonest, with God’s help. We have positive developments and we will keep you informed,” said Apolinario.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

LAWMAKER DENIES ‘INFRA’ PROPOSAL

By Rio N. Araja

BAYAN Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate on Saturday clarified he did not propose any infrastructure project, and also denied that his office was given a zero-budget for infrastructure projects.

He said there was no money removed from his office since he never asked for such.

He reacted to claims that the 24 opposition members of the House of Representatives were stripped of funding for their infrastructure projects.

He said the P11-billion fund, based on media reports, had been earmarked for infrastructure projects in the original General Appropriations Bill that was subject to conference discussions between the Senate and the House of Representatives during the past several weeks.

“Since my first term in Congress in 2013 and until now, I did not partake of any pork barrel-type congressional allocation in pursuance of our advocacy against patronage politics and the pork barrel system,” he said.

“Those reports apparently indicate the pork barrel system is still alive and the loopholes in the 2013 Supreme Court decision on Priority Development Assistance Fund are being used to make this porky habit still thrive in our political system. Only the style and name have changed but it is still the old patronage-driven pork barrel system,” he added.

He said efforts to completely abolish the pork barrel system remains a big challenge.

FELLOW MUSLIMS DEFEND LATE SOLON LECHON FOR THE HOLIDAYS. A worker removes the remaining skin hairs from roasted pigs at a store in La Loma on Saturday, for the busy holiday season. ‘Lechon,’ or roasted pig, has always been a favorite delicacy at Philippine festivities, especially during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Norman Cruz

RECYCLE TRASH ON HOLIDAYS—ECOWASTE ENVIRONMENTAL group Ecowaste Coalition on Saturday appealed to people celebrating the Yuletide season to keep reusable, recyclable and compostable discards out of bins and dumps, saying these materials can be used for the next holidays and other purposes in school and at home.

The group made the appeal amid the climate and garbage problem facing the country, especially the National Capital Region.

Ecowaste cited government estimate that the country produces over 40,000 tons of trash a day. In Metro Manila alone, the daily waste generation is approximately 9,213 tons.

“We request the faithful to place the 3Rs [reduce, reuse, recycle] at the heart of the joyful celebration,” said Daniel Alejandre, the group’s Zero Waste campaigner.

With increased consumption and disposal, waste production soars during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“Instead of ripping and throwing them to the bin, we can save those bags, wrappers and ribbons for the next gift-giving season, or reuse or repurpose them for household, office and school needs,” Alejandre suggested.

He said every packaging item that is not disposed of and put to good use is good for the environment. “Of course, it is better not to wrap gifts at all to avoid the use and depletion of resources.”

Ecowaste cited several ways of preventing Christmas packaging from adding to what it described “holitrash” or holiday trash.

• Paper or plastic gift bags can be reused as a carry bag, as a receptacle for office or school documents and materials, or as a container for holiday decorations.

• Wrappers can be folded neatly and use as book or notebook cover or as a material for school art and craft projects, while ribbons can be made into an ornamental garland or stored for future uses.

• Gift boxes can be reused as an organizer for e-gadgets and accessories, photos, prayer articles, toys, trinkets, needles, threads, buttons and other sewing essentials, bills, letters, etc.

• Hampers can be reused as a container for fruits, vegetables, and indoor plants.

• Greeting cards can be cut into bookmarks or kept as art materials; gift tags can be used for labeling purposes; and money envelopes can be reused to keep name cards, ID photos and the like.

The group added that discards from the holiday food preparations can be washed, dried and reused or repurposed in a variety of ways.

“For example, tin cans, juice and milk packs, and plastic bottles can be used for container gardening, or reused as an organizer for accessories, jewelry, keys and office supplies, while empty bottle jars can be reused as a container for candies, jams and preservers made from overripe fruits,” it stated. Joel Zurbano

COTABATO CITY—Fellow Muslims sympathetic to the family of the late Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong had said that the former Justice secretary deserved to be cleared of graft charges after the Ombudsman acknowledged of committing an error in charging him months after he died last February.

A co-respondent of Datumanong’s in the Sandigan said the late former congressman of Maguindanao deserved to be cleared, as the P3.6-million community projects funded with his Priority Development Assistance Fund “have been implemented and liquidated, unlike the ghost Napoles projects.”

But Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales said that Datumanong’s name would not be dropped from the charge sheets just as yet, pending determination of whether a “conspiracy” among all six respondents, including him, attended alleged irregularities in the procurement process.

Because of this, some relatives of Datumanong are now entertaining thoughts that Datumanong could be the subject of a “political vendetta” as one of four lawmakers who questioned before the Supreme Court the constitutionality of then President Benigno Aquino III’s Executive Order No. 1, creating a Truth Commission. Aquino lost that case (G.R. 193036) in 2010.

DFA MULLS DOWNGRADE OF LIBYA SITUATION

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

MAN HEALED THROUGH NOVENA

By Ben Cal

“WITH man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

This was the case of a seriously ill retired bank employee, who was given by his doctors a 50-50 chance to survive, but miraculously recovered from his illness after his family prayed the Novena of Nuestra Seπora de la Salud (Our Lady of Health), which was recently revived by the Catholic Church in the Philippines 72 years after being hidden from public devotion.

“I believe that our Lord God Jesus Christ healed me through the intercession of the Blessed Mother also known by the name Nuestra Seπora de la Salud, or Our Lady of Health,” said Greg Montes in an an exclusive interview over the weekend.

Montes said he was rushed to the Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center in Fairview, Quezon City last Nov. 15 due to continued vomiting.

He was diagnosed of having mul-

tiple organ infections, which had affected his pancreas. His liver, kidneys, lungs and heart were also infected.

A team of physicians, led by Dr. Ricardo Javison, a cardiologist, told his wife, Marietta that her husband’s condition was critical and was given a 5050 chance to live.

Montes was immediately brought to the intensive care unit. His family called a priest, Rev. Fr. Elpidio Z. Luza, SCJ, of the San Roque Parish in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, to administer the Extreme Unction to the very seriously ill patient.

A week later, a mutual friend, Antonietto “Boy” Pernia, consultant of Bohol Congressman Aris Aumentado, texted this writer that Greg was in the hospital and in a very serious condition.

Having not seen each other since 1972, I visited Greg at the ICU. I handed to his wife a novena prayer booklet of Nuestra Seπora de la Salud, with which his wife was thankful.

CATCH OF THE DAY. Fishermen unload their catch at the Cardona Municipal fish port in the province of Rizal on Friday. A state of calamity has been declared in 14 barangays in Cardona as at least 8,600 fisherfolk are affected, according to municipal officials. Manny Palmero

THE Department of Foreign Affairs has said that it was still studying the possibility of whether or not to downgrade the alert level from 2 to 1 in Libya, an official said.

Although she did not say the exact date, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said that the agency has been constantly monitoring the situation in Libya.

She said a decision will be made on the basis of the safety of the Filipino workers there.

“Our OFWs in Libya face two natural difficulties: their safety and security, and their ability to send their earnings back to the Philippines,” Arriola said.

Based on actual feedback from the few remaining Filipino workers in Libya, the required infrastructure and mechanisms for remitting their hard salaries are still in the offing.

Foreign currency is scarce in Libya, and in the competition for the scarce resource, ‘foreign workers lose out to uncontrollable economic and political forces.’

Arriola advised prospective workers to carefully scrutinize private offers for employment in Libya.

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Opinion

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

THE US JUST HAD A VERY GOOD WEEK AT THE UN

EDITORIAL

By Eli Lake AFTER the UN General Assembly voted this week to condemn US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the conventional wisdom is that the Trump administration has only isolated itself at the United Nations.

And it’s easy to see the logic.

America’s adversaries gloated. Palestinians cheered. Even staunch allies like France and the UK joined the majority of finger waggers. After all, the UN General Assembly did vote 128 to 9 to condemn the US after Ambassador Nikki Haley promised that she would be “taking names.”

But that headline is hiding the real news. While most of the world was focused on the symbolic gang up at the UN General Assembly, the Trump administration had some quiet diplomatic success.

Let’s start with the meaningful 15-0 vote on Friday to impose new sanctions on North Korea. The US persuaded China, North Korea’s primary patron, and Russia, another key trading partner to the Hermit Kingdom, to go along with the resolution—no small feat. The new sanctions cap oil exports to North Korea at current levels and demand countries expel North Korean foreign workers. The sanctions could be tougher, but diplomacy is a give and take.

On Thursday, the same day of the General Assembly vote, the UN Security Council quietly passed Resolution 2396, 15-0, urging all member states to better screen for foreign fighters returning from Syria, imposing new checks on fake passports and requiring member states to notify other countries when such fighters are detained or prosecuted.

Finally, Haley won a personal diplomatic victory on Iran. This week, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert acknowledged a recent UN report on the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal that compiled evidence of Iranian missile transfers to Houthi rebels in Yemen. “The findings contained in the secretary-general’s report reinforce our fears that Iran is violating the restrictions on the transfer of arms and ballistic missiles imposed on it,” Seibert said. “The report contains several clear indications that there is Iranian involvement in the firing of missiles on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia on July 22 and Nov. 4, i.e. missiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen.”

This is important for two reasons.

Haley this month personally presented evidence to the public at a US military base of Iranian components found in the fragments of the missiles fired at Saudi Arabia. The UN confidential report on this did not reach the definitive conclusion that Haley raised, as Foreign Policy Magazine has reported. Nonetheless, the German government is concerned enough by the evidence that it is now saying it fears Iran has violated an important provision of the nuclear bargain.

It’s also important because Germany was an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump’s decision

BEST PRESENT IS IN VIEW OF THE FUTURE

T

HE past 12 months have been trying and, on several occasions, exasperating. We do not just speak of affairs in national or local politics, although those too have been challenging.

We refer, too, to the simple, everyday things that define the quality of life of most Filipinos—waking up with some measure of purpose, traveling to work or school, having a job that enables one to take care of family and oneself and coexisting with others in the community without fear or intimidation.

But these too have had mixed results.

Millions of Filipinos still saw themselves poor and hungry, and the streets as unsafe. They remain in a constant state of making ends meet while seeing waste and extravagance among those who swore to deliver change, and those who preach the better way. They fear for themselves and their children when they are out at night.

Random misfortune may determine the

difference between life and death.

This year, too, people fell prey to the mangling of information. Not everything we read about is true even as it is packaged as the truth. Worse, it is not mere inadvertence but an intent to deceive and mislead. Those who are supposed to safeguard the truth become the ones to spread inaccuracies and lies.

On top of all this, hypocrisy abounds— championing the interest of the people has become a convenient and trite defense against wrongdoing and imprudence.

Given all these, we are fortunate the holidays are here. Religious differences notwithstanding, it gives us a pause— evaluate what we need instead of what we simply want, know what we can tolerate and what we cannot live without, and believe that better days are coming despite, sometimes, evidence to the contrary.

Hope is the greatest present we can all receive—and give—during the season.

Turn to A5

LET’S MAKE BOOKSGIVING HAPPEN THIS CHRISTMAS

LAST Christmas I wrote about the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod— Christmas Book Flood—where Icelanders give each other books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading.

Put a cup of hot cocoa by your bedside and curl up under a patchwork quilt as you read, and you’ve got instant hygge (a Danish term for cozy and comfortable).

I suggested that we create a similar tradition called “Booksgiving.” Instead of the usual gifts or toys that we give this season that are soon discarded or used up, give books. Choose books that are special to you, perhaps a childhood favorite or one that influenced or transformed your life in some way. Give them to everyone.

They don’t read? Give it to them anyway—the book might spark an interest. Or, choose a book on a topic that they like.

Looking for recommendations? Creative writing professor Cristina Pan-

toja Hidalgo recently posted on social media a list of 27 books by Filipino authors, among them F.H. Batacan’s Smaller and Smaller Circles, that has been made into a movie. The list was picked up by two other writers and published online.

Here’s a suggestion: give a book of ghost stories. It was the tradition back in England in the centuries leading up to the post-Victorian era to tell or read ghost stories at Christmas, hence Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol.’

The book’s spooky premise is that

a mean Grinch of a man changes his ways after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. It is really a morality tale, but the supernatural elements fit it right into this tradition.

More recently, there was a BBC production of M.R. James’ ghost stories starring Christopher Lee called “Ghost Stories at Christmas,” with Lee playing James, who was a university professor, telling his stories to a group of students all agog. Look for the episodes on Youtube.

You don’t have to buy new books to

give as gifts—you can visit your favorite thrift book shop and pick up a lot of bargains there. This strategy is best done throughout the year, stockpiling books for December.

Here’s another idea: go through your own collection of books, cull the ones you don’t want to keep and donate them. I usually give my books—balikbayan boxes-full through the years—to my alma mater’s library.

Once I gave a box of fiction books that were not quite suitable for the Turn to A5

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Opinion CATALONIA GOES BACK TO SQUARE ONE Bloomberg Editorial Board AFTER Thursday’s election in Catalonia, the long-simmering dispute between the region and the government of Spain is about where it was to begin with. Pro-independence parties won a slender majority in parliament, with slightly less than half the popular vote. Neither side in this quarrel can legitimately claim a mandate for anything.

Nonetheless, the vote was a setback for Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. If he was counting on support for the separatists to subside, he has been disappointed.

Meanwhile, Carles Puigdemont— author of the region’s unlawful declaration of independence, selfexiled in Brussels and facing charges in Spain—is undiminished as the movement’s champion.

No side in this dismal saga has acquitted itself well. Madrid needlessly provoked Catalonia by rescinding some of the region’s autonomy. The separatists responded with an illegal referendum, and followed that with an equally illegal declaration of independence. Madrid further antagonized the separatists by using excessive force in trying (and failing) to shut the referendum down.

Against this background, it’s wrong to say Rajoy erred in calling an election. Having shuttered the region’s law-breaking government, he had little choice. His mistake was in letting the impasse reach this point.

The refusal to compromise—on both sides—is what needs to change.

The absurdity here is that a free and fair referendum on independence would probably have gone Madrid’s way. And Rajoy could probably have quelled demand for a vote had he been willing to discuss restoring the autonomy that Catalonia had previously enjoyed.

Madrid’s position, essentially, is that this subject cannot be debated, much less voted on.

This stubbornness is doubtless popular with Rajoy’s supporters, and with voters elsewhere in Spain who are tired of Catalonia’s complaints. But the best outcome in this dispute—and one well within reach—is a settlement based on discussion. Rajoy needs to ignore the provocations of a refreshed separatist alliance and rise to that challenge.

The separatists, for their part, need to curb the triumphalism and reflect on the fact that most Catalans failed to support their cause.

In getting to a deal, the European Union could do more to help. Fearful of stirring separatist sentiment elsewhere, the EU has so far kept its distance, declaring that these are purely internal matters. But the people of Catalonia are EU citizens, and the EU should be mindful of their rights.

Those rights do not include independence—certainly not if most Catalans don’t want it— but they ought to include talks on constitutional reform that might underwrite greater regional autonomy. Gentle pressure from Europe might help Rajoy do the right thing.

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to decline certifying Iran’s compliance with the nuclear deal in October. The German government has sought to stay in the nuclear deal.

Haley’s efforts to prod the UN to examine the Iranian role in arming the Houthis are paying off. Trump’s strategy has been to leverage the prospect of America leaving the nuclear deal to get European allies to address its flaws. Curbing Iran’s weapons transfers is a good place to start.

None of this is to say that these recent diplomatic successes are because of Haley and President Donald Trump’s threats over the Jerusalem vote. But the inverse is also true.

America’s symbolic isolation at the General Assembly has not hindered its diplomacy where it matters.

Bloomberg

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WHAT IS BITCOIN GOOD FOR?

By Megan McArdle WHAT is bitcoin good for?

This may be a question you’ve asked yourself, looking at the recent runup in prices. Why, exactly, would you want to pay $18,000 and change to get your hands on one?

I myself have been asking that question. Is bitcoin in a bubble? Or do all those folks who are eagerly snapping it up know something that I don’t?

Maybe they do. That’s the magic of markets, isn’t it? As individuals, we’re often wrong, but markets aggregate the opinions of individuals, and over time, the errors ought to cancel each other out. So the market’s guess at the value of bitcoin is probably better than mine.

Except: Markets do go into speculative bubbles (just ask anyone who bought a house in 2006). Also, the bitcoin market is a little strange. At the moment, it consists of a relatively small band of heavy enthusiasts. A bunch of those enthusiasts work in media or Silicon Valley, so their fixation gets more attention than, say, the market for Hummel figurines.

But essentially, the market is similar to a market for collectibles, in that it is disproportionately composed of people who are obsessed with bitcoin.

Now, in and of itself that doesn’t mean the price reflects a bubble.

But it does mean that we have to go back to the original question: What is a bitcoin good for?

There are basically two answers to this: Either a bitcoin is money, or it is a payment system. This is a problem that very smart economists grapple with all the time; the question “What is money?” is perhaps the most delightfully dizzying metaphysical mystery to be found in modern economics.

The best way to think about it is

LET’S...

From A4

library and suggested they be sold at ‘booksale’ prices to students to raise money for the school.

I advocate reading because not only is it a form of delicious escape from everyday life, studies show that it also creates better outcomes for students in school. Start your children reading early, and make books a part of your family life if they aren’t already. Build rituals and traditions around books, and let Booksgiving be among them.

A very merry Christmas to you, and may you and your loved ones enjoy each other’s company this season.

Blessed be. *** The University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing has announced the names of the fellows who will participate in the 57th edition of the prestigious workshop to be held in April 2018.

The UP National Writers Workshop started out as a proving ground for young writers but was reformatted to mentor writers in mid-career. This means writers who have already published or are on the verge of publishing a book, or have won major literary awards.

The 2018 fellows are: Cherilyn Sarigumba (Fiction, Filipino), Januar Yap (Fiction, Filipino, translated from Cebuano), Bernardo O. Aguay Jr. (Poetry, Filipino), Niles Jordan Breis (Essay, Filipino), Victorette Joy Z. Campilan (Fiction, English), Noreen Capili (Fiction, Filipino), Carlito P. Casaje, (Essay, English), Mark Anthony L. Daposala (Poetry, Filipino, translated from Cebuano), Eljay Castro Deldoc (Drama, Filipino), Patricia Celina A. Ngo (Fiction, English), Romeo P. Peña (Poetry, Filipino), and Anna Sanchez (Essay, English).

The Advisers, Fellows, and Associates of the UP ICW who comprise the workshop panel are National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, Gémino H. Abad, Jose Y. Dalisay Jr., Charlson Ong, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, J. Neil Garcia, Jun Cruz Reyes, Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera Jr., Luna Sicat Cleto, Eugene Y. Evasco, Roland Tolentino, and Vladimeir Gonzales.

Dr. Ortuoste is a California-based writer. Facebook and Twitter: @jennyortuoste

that if bitcoin is a payments system, it will compete with Visa, or PayPal, or bank settlement, or some other system of moving money hither and yon. If it is money, it will compete with the dollar and the euro and the yen.

Bitcoin’s future as a payment system is more plausible, because it would not need to dethrone other currencies, something that the governments that run those currencies are apt to get rather testy about.

But if you think bitcoin is a payments system, you quickly run into a few problems.

The first is that bitcoin has severe scaling problems. It is designed for transactions to take 10 minutes to clear (a modern miracle, but those of us used to the modern miracle of debit cards are probably not willing to stand at the grocery checkout queue for 10 minutes after our groceries are bagged). And its overall architecture means it simply can’t

clear very many transactions—a tiny fraction of what Visa and Mastercard handle every day. Already people are complaining about rising fees and longer wait times for payments to clear.

For bitcoin to compete as a payment system, it has to offer the same benefits that Visa does: rapid transfers of funds, immense scale, protection against theft (in the US, at least), and the ability to dispute charges, all at a reasonably low transaction fee. Otherwise, it has to be better at something than Visa is. The only area where it can really be said to better than a credit card lies in the privacy.

But I’ve yet to see evidence that people other than current bitcoin enthusiasts actually value privacy all that highly. I doubt they value it enough to support current bitcoin valuations. So bitcoin is going to have to deliver on some of Visa’s other advantages. There’s no sign it can. Which makes it hard to see how

bitcoin-as-payment-system can justify current valuations.

There are ways to fix these problems. For example, you can increase the size of the transaction ledger that posts every 10 minutes (in fact, bitcoin’s digital architecture just had a “fork” that did this). But then the total ledger of every transaction that was ever done will also get bigger— and bitcoin’s peer-to-peer architecture means that this bloated ledger would have to be stored on every computer in the network. That’s unlikely to be practical.

Alternatively, third-party systems can develop on top of bitcoin, so that most of the transactions are posted inside the third-party systems, and netted out, so that only some of the transactions have to be posted to the mass ledger. But then those third parties are really the ones competing with Visa, and bitcoin starts to look more like money.

Bloomberg

MUST-READS OF 2017 COME WITH SOME BEHAVIOR LESSONS

By Cass R. Sunstein

it’s even true. Stephenson and Galland breathe new life into IN 2017, hundreds of thousands old ideas about counterfactual of books were published in the history and time travel. That’s United States alone. Many of pretty magical. them were terrific, and some were Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of sensational (OK, I haven’t read all Joni Mitchell by David Yaffe of them, not by a long shot, but Joni Mitchell belongs at or still). Here are the five best: near the top of any list of the The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry greatest singer-songwriters from Perry’s tale seems to focus 1960 to the present. She was on a search for a mysterious, astonishingly inventive. It is true, otherworldly creature, but her but not nearly enough, to say that novel is really about friendship, she drew on folk, pop and jazz. female independence and Her music is all her own. Have a longing. At its core is a romance, look at this. Or this.

Yaffe demonstrates that free of cliches, involving misses and near-misses, cluelessness, Mitchell’s mercurial life has been secrets, understanding and as bold, creative and intriguing as her songs. He captures Mitchell’s soulmates.

In most years, you can’t find a love-hate relationship with what contemporary novel to put in the she called, in one of her early same company with the works triumphs, an “urge for going”— of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and with a condition that she and Thomas Hardy. “The Essex described, with both irony and defiance, as “busy being free.”

Serpent” belongs right there.

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.

by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland For many people, science fiction is literature’s pimply faced teenager: awkward, noisy, a bit of an embarrassment. But at its best, science fiction illuminates our world by looking at it sideways—presenting its most familiar features as puzzles, or demonstrating that with a little push here or a tug there, things could be radically different.

Stephenson and Galland start with a bold premise, to the effect that magic was once real but died out. More precisely, it died in 1850, when the rise of photography essentially murdered it. As one character puts it, “Photography breaks magic by embalming a specific moment—one version of reality—into a recorded image.”

That’s brilliant, and in a way,

The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman, Israeli psychologists, are more responsible than anyone else for the rise of behavioral science, which explores how human beings deviate from perfect rationality. Even so, the story of their collaboration would not appear to be a promising basis for a book. Who wants to read about two middle-aged men, patiently identifying behavioral biases and cataloging departures from expected utility theory?

With equations?

But Lewis’ book is captivating, above all because he brings Tversky and Kahneman to life.

Charismatic, quick and disciplined, Tversky was an optimist, not only because it suited his personality but also because, as he put it, “When you are a pessimist and

the bad thing happens, you live it twice. Once when you worry about it, and the second time when it happens.” Introverted and self-critical, Kahneman was a pessimist and also a font of ideas, with extraordinary insight into where human intuition goes wrong.

The two had a kind of love affair.

They produced extraordinary work independently, but their best work was done together.

Lewis explains why.

The Influential Mind by Tali Sharot If you want to influence people, what should you do? Sharot, a neuroscientist at University College London, demonstrates that many of our answers are wrong. If, for example, you try to frighten people, they might just tune you out. It’s better to try to get people to want to agree with you—which is why it is often more effective to promise a reward, creating a kind of “Go!” reaction in the brain.

One of Sharot’s most important discussions focuses on a topic to which social scientists have given far too little attention: the importance of maintaining a sense of control. John Locke, a character on the television show “Lost,” captured something universal when he proclaimed, time and again, “Don’t tell me what I can’t do!”

Sharot shows that once we understand the failure of so many of our efforts at influencing others, we can identify more promising strategies. For example, “Offering control, or even perceived control, is ultimately the best way to get people to act.”

Smart parents know that— and so do the best teachers, doctors, investment advisers and employers. Bloomberg

World

A6

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

‘THOMAS FIRE’ LARGEST SINCE 1932—CAL FIRE LOS ANGELES—A California wildfire that firefighters have battled for over two weeks is now the state’s largest since at least 1932, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Friday.

The so-called “Thomas Fire” has burned 273,400 acres (70,172 hectares), destroyed 1,063 structures and cost more than $177 million since it broke out on December 4, Cal Fire said.

More than 2,800 fire personnel are battling the blaze, which is now 65 percent contained. San Diego-based Cal Fire engineer Cory Iverson died fighting the Thomas Fire in Ventura County on Dec. 14.

The Thomas Fire is now even larger than the 2003 Cedar Fire, which burned 273,246 acres and previously topped Cal Fire’s list of the top 20 largest wildfires in California, the oldest entry on which dates to 1932.

However, larger fires may predate the list, including the Santiago Canyon Fire of 1889 that reportedly burned 300,000 acres.

“There were fires with significant acreage burned in years prior to 1932, but those records are less reliable, and this list is meant to give an overview of the large fires in more recent times,” Cal Fire said.

This year is the worst on record for wildfire devastation in California. AFP

IN SESSION. This picture taken on Dec. 22 and released from North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency on Dec. 23 shows an overview of the second day of the 5th Conference of Cell Chairpersons of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang. AFP

OMAN OPENS ORYX RESERVE TO ECOTOURISM HAIMA, Oman—The Gulf sultanate of Oman is looking to carve itself a new niche in ecotourism by opening a sanctuary for one of the desert’s most fabled creatures — the Arabian oryx.

Once extinct in the wild, the rare member of the antelope family famed for its elegant horns has been dragged back from the precipice in a sprawling reserve fenced off for decades from the public.

That changed last month when authorities for the first time officially opened the sanctuary to visitors —part of a broader bid by Oman to boost tourism as oil revenues decline.

On a recent outing, wildlife rangers in SUVs patrolled the sandy plains of the reserve in central Oman’s Haima province, spotting groups of grazing oryx and other indigenous species.

For years, the main goal has been a basic one — ensuring the oryx can survive by focusing on “helping the animals here reproduce and multiply”, said sanctuary spokesman Hamed bin Mahmoud al-Harsousi.

But now, as numbers have ticked up from just 100 some two decades ago to almost 750 today, the authorities began eyeing another role for the reserve.

“There has been more interest in its tourism potential — to take advantage of its uniqueness and rare animals,” Harsousi told AFP. AFP

N

NOKOR GETS NEW SANCTIONS FROM UN

EW YORK—With China’s backing, the United Nations Security Council on Friday slapped new sanctions on North Korea that will restrict oil supplies vital for Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs.

The council unanimously adopted a United States-drafted resolution that also orders the repatriation of North Korean workers sent abroad to earn revenue for Kim Jong-Un’s regime.

It is the third raft of sanctions imposed on Pyongyang this year and comes as the United States and North Korea show no signs they are willing to open talks on ending the crisis on the Korean peninsula.

US President Donald Trump Friday hailed the move, saying the international community was pushing for peace with the isolated regime.

“The United Nations Security Council just voted 15-0 in favor of additional Sanctions on North Korea. The World wants Peace, not Death!” Trump tweeted.

The resolution bans the supply of nearly 75

percent of refined oil products to North Korea, puts a cap on crude deliveries and orders all North Korean nationals working abroad to be sent back by the end of 2019.

The United States put forward the draft text on Thursday following negotiations with China, Pyongyang’s ally and main supplier of oil.

Describing North Korea as “the most tragic example of evil in the modern world,” US Ambassador Nikki Haley said the new sanctions are “a reflection of the international outrage at the Kim regime’s actions.”

The resolution “sends the unambiguous message to Pyongyang that further defiance will invite further punishment and isolation,” she said.

The measures are in response to North Korea’s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Nov. 28 that marked an advance in Pyongyang’s drive to threaten the US mainland with a nuclear strike.

Trump has threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea if it attacks the United States while North Korea insists the world must now accept that it is a nuclear power.

Last month, Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to cut off oil to the North, a move that would cripple its struggling economy. AFP

ISRAEL DOPE DEALERS BOOST BUSINESS WITH HIGH TECH SMOKESCREEN JERUSALEM—It only takes a tap on a smartphone to reveal it: a world of dealers posting photos of their products and promises of top-quality marijuana.

“It’s like e-bay,” one Israeli user, who declined to give his name, told AFP. “Thousands of pictures of weed.”

Telegrass, an Israeli platform for drugdealing, has won praise from its users but sparked alarm among drug counsellors and police.

Amos Dov Silver, a 33-year-old Israeli, founded it in March as a channel on the encrypted messaging app Telegram.

A dual Israel-US citizen, he now lives in the United States “for fear that he’ll be arrested” in Israel, according to Haaretz newspaper.

Telegrass lets sellers list their wares and prices, exchanging self-deleting messages with buyers to set up deliveries.

“We don’t know exactly how many people are using the platform, however we have over 100,000 registered users,” Silver told AFP in an online chat. “We will have better statistics in the future.”

The platform is in Hebrew, as is Silver’s open Facebook page, which hosts general discussions and news on marijuana-related issues and says it has 22,442 followers.

“Ground zero is Israel and therefore we work mostly there. However we plan to grow internationally in the future,” he said. AFP

HAIL THE EMPEROR. People wave national flags to celebrate the 84th birthday of Japanese Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 23. Akihito, who plans to abdicate in 2019, made an appearance to mark his 84th birthday, celebrated as a holiday across the country. AFP

US GIVING UKRAINE ‘ENHANCED DEFENSE’ EQUIPMENT WASHINGTON—The United States announced Friday it would provide Ukraine with “enhanced defensive capabilities,” a move that could escalate a conflict between government forces and pro-Russian separatists that has claimed more than 10,000 lives since 2014.

It also threatens to undermine President Donald Trump’s calls for improved relations with Moscow.

“The United States has decided to provide Ukraine enhanced defensive capabilities as part of our effort to help Ukraine build its long-term defense capacity, to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to deter further aggression,” a State Department statement said.

It added: “US assistance is entirely defensive in nature, and as we have always said, Ukraine is a sovereign country and has a right to defend itself. The United States remains committed to the Minsk agreements as the way forward in eastern Ukraine.”

An ABC news report before the announcement said the US planned to supply Ukraine with anti-tank missiles, including possibly the advanced Javelin system, quoting four State Department officials.

“The total defense package of $47 million includes the sale of 210 anti-tank missiles and 35 launchers. Additional supplies will need to be purchased,” the report added. AFP

Sports

STUFF OF GREATNESS AT PH SPORTS MUSEUM in the 1924 Olympic Games but has not yet won a gold medal.

Travel exhibit

Rio Olympics weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz (fifth from left), accompanied by her mother, donates her competition jacket to the Philippine Sports Museum. Philippines Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez (fourth from left) receives the donation along with his commissioners Mon Fernandez, Arnold Agustin and Celia Kiram. Randy Caluag

The museum started as part of a travel exhibit by the Philippine Sports Commission during the term of chairman William Ramirez in 2005-2008. A few medals, trophies and paraphernalia by Filipino athletes were put in display in the duration of the PSC’s BAtang Pinoy, Philippine National Games and other PSC-sponsored activities that were held in different parts of the country.

Ramirez’s goal was to “create awareness about our past sports achievers and inspire the participants to pursue excellence in their chosen field and become sports heroes of the future generation.”

When Ramirez returned to the PSC in June 30, 2016, the expansion of the museum is on the list of his programs with the main objective of paying tribute to the Filipino sports heroes who made the country proud in the global stage.

Ramirez also hopes to create awareness on the greatness of the Filipino athletes, and in the process, motivate the next generation to excel in their chosen fields.

By Randy Caluag

I

F YOU want to get to know more about the great Filipino athletes who have made the country proud, take a trip down memory lane by visiting the Philippine Sports Museum (PSM).

On exhibit here are blownup photos of Filipino Olympic medalists and their personal items like shoes, uniforms.

Among them were the uniforms, gloves and the actual medal won by boxing silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, USA. The Philippines has so far won three silver and seven bronze medals, with boxing as the top medal-producing sport.

All Filipino Olympic medalists and some of their memorabilia are displayed like those owned by Teofilo Yldefonso who bagged two bronze medals in the men’s 200-meter breastroke in swimming in 1928 Amsterdam Olympiad and in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics; High jumper Simeon Toribio and boxer Jose Villanueva, who also took bronze medal each in Los Angeles.

Also featured are Miguel White, bronze medalist in the men’s 400 meters hurdles in 1936; Anthony Villanueva, silver medalist in the men’s featherweight of boxing in 1964 Tokyo Olympics; Leopoldo Serrantes, boxing bronze medalist in 1988 Seoul Olympics; Roehl Velasco, boxing bronze medalist in the 1992 Barcelona and Velasco.

Rio 2016 Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz was the most recent donor to the museum as she shared her parade uniforms. She also allowed Awareness and inspiration the PSC to make a replica of her At the center of it all is the Olym- medal for display. Her items though pic Games section which is the are yet to be displayed. main attraction of the museum.

The Philippines first competed The PSM is where the personal memorabilia of past Filipino winners in international competitions like the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics are displayed for public viewing.

It’s located inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila and the only one of its kind in the Philippines.

On display in the museum are interesting and story-rich items like original medals, plaques and trophies won by the athletes; the uniforms they used inactual competitions like shoes, gears, balls, jackets, gloves, among others.

The items were mostly donated voluntarily either by the family of the departed athletes, or the athletes themselves, who had already retired and those who are still alive.

“That’s why we invite the families of departed champions to donate more items because we are expanding the museum,” said Annie Ruiz, PSM’s officer–in-charge.

The museum is divided into several cubicles according to sports disciplines such as athletics and track and field; karatedo, taekwondo and judo; sailing, rowing and windsurfing; billiards, snooker and shooting; dancesport, gymnastics and weightlifting; boxing, sepak takraw, chess and golf; basketball, softball, baseball and volleyball; equestrian and wushu; and swimming and bowling sections.

Museum officer-in-charge Annie Ruiz with the memorabilia of 1996 Atlanta boxing silver medal winner Onyok Velasco

House rules

The set of uniforms worn by former Asia’ sprint queen Lydia de Vega

Ruiz said the museum is open to interested corporate groups or students.

To maintain order, there are house rules to be followed inside the museum because “we want to make the visit pleasant to everyone.”

First, all the visitors’ belongings are to be left at the counter although pencil and a writing pad or notebook are allowed.

Mobile phones must be switched to silent mode. Taking selfie and groupie maybe arranged prior to the visit. And no horseplaying while inside the museum.

The items and display cases are not allowed to be touched. For obvious reason—these are considered national treasures and, therefore, should treated with utmost care.

For details, contact 525-0808 local 156 or send inquiry through email address: supportservices@psc. gov.ph

A7

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 randyproject@yahoo.com

GLOBALPORT REIGNS SUPREME IN PGBL CAGEFEST THE GlobalPort Spurs hooked erstwhile titlists Rain or Shine Tiger Scribes in the winnertake-all championship, 80-62, to cap an epic sweep of the 4th Pakitang Gilas Basketball League Willie Caballes Cup recently at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Winners of the inaugural season, the Spurs (7-0) reclaimed the throne in a dominating fashion to become the first undefeated titlist and twotime champion of the league among sports scribes backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Basketball Association and the Philippine Sportswriters Association.

Anchored by Aldo Aviñante, Paolo Poblador and Jerome Lagunzad, Globalport drowned Rain or Shine with a flurry of Since then, GlobalPort didn’t let go of the driver’s seat the rest of the way, even coasting to as many as 24 points, spread early in the final canto en route to a clean voyage to the “promised land.”

Like a man on a mission, Aviñante poured 17 of his 29 points in the opening quarter alone to go along with four rebounds which earned him this year’s Finals Most Valuable Player plum.

Rookie Poblador chipped in 21 points and six assists while the seasoned Lagunzad racked up six markers, eight boards, two steals and three blocks.

On the other hand, scoring champion Cedelf Tupas tallied 16 points while rebounding leader Diego Dela Paz was limited to nine points and nine rebounds as Rain or Shine failed to capture a backto-back title.

Meanwhile, Christian Jacinto stuffed the stat sheet anew with 10 points, 13 rebounds and seven dimes as the Best Center Pioneers clipped Dymons, 51-47 to salvage a third-place finish.

Steals leader Arnold Cagang was also instrumental for the Pioneers with 23 points, four assist and three steals.

For his impressive all-around showing the whole season, league’s top shot blocker Jacinto was also named the Season MVP after averaging 19.3 points, 15.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.8 blocks.

Best Center’s Jacinto was joined by his teammate Cagang, Tupas and Dela Paz alongside Lagunzad in the Mythical First Team.

PGBL also feted Poblador, Aviñante and Bryan Ulanday of Spurs, Reuben Terrado of Best Center and Karlo Sacamos of TigerScribes as the Season 4’s Mythical Second Team.

Cagang was hailed as the Rookie of the Year while the Spurs’ Air Urquiola, Best Center’s Terrado, the TigerScribes’ Alder Almo and Randolph Leongson of the Dymons received Sportsmanship Awards.

PSC CHIEF SEES BRIGHT FUTURE “I SEE medals in 2018, also a gold in the Olympics,” thus said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez when asked about the prospects of Philippine sports in the coming years.

The agency chief said this as he expressed confidence that the PSC’s partnerships with different government agencies, LGUs, thrusts towards grassroots development and the Philippine Sports Institute would all contribute towards the betterment of our elite athletes and future ones. “But we all have to work hard. If we work together despite the issues we can do better.”

“We have also collabo-

rated with local government units and signed partnerships with the Department of Education to promote sports to our children,” added Ramirez, who is also looking forward to a tie-up with the Commission on Higher Education next year.

He is also upbeat about better funding for NSAs. Ramirez shared that the PSC Executive Board has agreed to “have an annual budget for NSAs in 2018 which they would then use towards their elite athletes.

We would like NSAs to perform better and work better and improve the whole performance through this budget.”

PSC Executive Direc-

tor Atty. Sannah Frivaldo, also shared the development on the rehabilitation program for the aging Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and the PhilSport Complex.

“As we end the year, several Senators have expressed their commitment in supporting the rehabilitation of our sports facilities. Although these are not yet enough, we are relentless in our efforts to raise funds and reach our target,” bared Frivaldo.

Asked about the PSC’s stand on the Philippine Karatedo Federation controversy, Ramirez said that they have handed the investigation to the National Bureau of Investigation

as they are more adept on the matter. Ramirez assured that support to the athletes will continue despite the issues, “hindi naman ang mga atleta ang iniimbestigahan.”

Comm. Ramon Fernandez was also on hand and clarified rumors that he egged the athletes to file a complaint against the PKF. “They were already decided when they approached me.

I was in Cebu that time.

Somebody just sent me a copy of the letter.” Fernandez said. The letters being referred to are the written complain of karatedo athletes who alleged that they got an equivalent of $470 instead of the $1800 they signed.

DAGITAB NETFEST CHAMPS.Khim Iglupas (center) and Jeson Patrombon hold their trophies as they pose with Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala area manager Almee Joy Salvador after winning the women’s and men’s singles crowns, respectively, in the PPS-PEPP Dagitab Tennis Festival Open in Naga City, Cebu recently.

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Sports

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Reuel Vidal, Issue Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

DETERMINATION PROPELS F2 TO PSL GP VICTORY

By Reuel Vidal

I

T ALMOST seems trite but the team that wanted it more, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, bucked the odds to rule the Chooks to GoPhilippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix.

The Cargo Movers weren’t event supposed to be in the finals. Defending champion Foton Tornadoes and the Petron Blaze Spikers were picked by most experts to contend for the crown with the Cignal HD Spikers as dark horse.

F2 bucked the odds to advance to the finals against Petron where they promptly dropped the first game. No team which trailed 0-1 in the Finals has gone on to win.

Petron was expected to take the crown but the Cargo Movers displayed tenacity and determination to post back-to-back victories, including a 3-1 decision before a roaring crowd last week at the Mall of Asia Arena, which gave them the PSL Grand Prix crown.

Veteran Cha Cruz, who helped build a De La Salle University dynasty in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines with his F2 coach Ramil De Jesus, stepped up for the Cargo Movers by delivering the key hits which propelled the team to victory.

Import Maria Jose Perez (the eventual Most Valuable Player), whose older brother passed away a day before the deciding contest, hardly showed any emotion to lead the team in scoring. But it was the heroics of Cruz which proved pivotal to the contest.

Moving team captain Cruz to the open spiker spot and transferring import Kennedy Bryan back to opposite, was the key move which propelled the Cargo Movers to rousing victories in the first two sets.

The new configuration allowed Kim Fajardo (awarded the league’s best setter) new options for attacks which the Blaze Spikers could not contain. Coach De Jesus said F2 made the adjustments while Petron could not adjust in time.

Petron made the match more interesting by snatching the third set. American import Hillary Hurley went on a tear to lead Petron which overhauled a slim 17-18

Meralco Bolts forward Niño Canaleta (right) tries to dribble past Blackwater Elite defender Mac Belo during their game. PBA

CANALETA EXACTS SWEET REVENGE Players of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers celebrate at center court after they bucked the odds to rule the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix. PSL

Petron Blaze Spikers, from left: Hillary Hurley, Yuri Fukuda and Aiza Pontillas scramble to save a point against the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. PSL

deficit to post a 25-20 set win.

But the Cargo Movers would not be denied as they went on to take the fourth set and win only their second PSL crown since the 2015 All-Filipino Conference.

The team’s other podium finishes were second for the 2017 PSL All Filipino Conference as well as third for the 2016 PSL Invitation-

al Conference and the 2016 PSL Grand Prix.

Like all De Jesus-coached squads the Cargo Movers relied on their stonewall blocking at the net not only to contain the other team’s attacks but to score points from blocks. Majoy Baron (awarded second best middle blocker) and Aby Maraño terrorized opposing

attackers with their belligerent defense at the net.

Lindsay Stalzer (chosen second best outside spiker) was reduced to a tentative, ineffective attacker leaving the Blaze Spikers looking for alternatives to score points. They couldn’t, which allowed F2 to register the hard-earned victory.

BLACKWATER Elite officials must have wished they renewed Niño Canaleta’s contract instead of releasing him after the veteran forward scored the crucial points to power his new team, the Meralco Bolts, past the Elite last Friday.

Canaleta and the Elite failed to come to terms after the expiration of his contract. Canaleta balked at the Elite’s offer and instead tried his luck elsewhere.

Although he was set on playing in the Philippines, for a while he considered playing in Thailand. Thankfully the Bolts, who sorely needed additional firepower with their starting forward Ranidel De Ocampo still on the injury list, came calling with the right offer.

Canaleta said he didn’t want to be away from his family. His first choice remained the PBA and was thankful for the Meralco offer. After his spectacular debut, the Bolts were equally thankful Canaleta decided to stay.

Canaleta was singularly responsible for beating the Elite.

He scored a game-high 25 points ( with 10 in the fourth), grabbed nine rebounds, issued two assists and had two blocks while starting for his new squad.

The Elite almost erased a 19-point deficit in the fourth period and came dangerously close by cutting the gap to just 95-92. Canaleta doused cold water on their rally by drilling a dagger three to peg the count at 98-92 and eventually propel the Bolts to a 103-98 victory.

CANAVAN SPONSORS FILIPINO FIGHTERS THROUGH CAGE GLADIATORS

Laurence Canavan (center) is flanked by, from left: UFC fighter Jenel Lausa, URCC fighter Rex de Lara, UFC’s CJ de Tomas and ONE Championship’s Jeremy Miado. Homer Vidal

GETTING professional Mixed Martial Arts fighters from different promotions together in one room usually never happens. But that’s exactly what transpired when Cage Gladiators presented its roster of fighters to the media at the Gloria Maris Restaurant, Gateway Mall last Wednesday, December 20.

UFC fighters Jenel “Demolition Man” Lausa and CJ “Goldenboy” De Tomas, URCC’s Rex “T-Rex” de Lara and ONE Championship’s Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado sat beside Cage Gladiators founder Laurence Canavan as they fielded questions about the nature of the non-profit organization.

De Lara, who competes in the Universal Reality Combat Championship

said his ordinary routine includes teaching at gyms, training and then running around trying to find sponsors for when he has to travel for fights.

Now he won’t have to worry about being able to go to fights because of Cage Gladiators which provides for his needs enabling him to focus on preparing for upcoming bouts.

Cage Gladiators’ credo is fight to live, live to fight. It is the brainchild of Canavan, an ex-fighter and soldier who is now a successful businessman.

He says he’s grateful for the opportunities he received in the Philippines and hopes to give back to the country by helping Filipino fighters.

Laurence is an exmilitary veteran who was involved in many perilous undercover rescue missions and dangerous military operations. He settled down in the Philippines 20 years ago.

Fighting has always been in his blood. He even experienced fighting in an underground fighting arena. There were no rules, no gloves and no rounds. Two men fought at the center of an empty swimming pool until one gave up or had to be carried out.

Although now a successful businessman, competitive fighting still has a firm grip on Canavan’s heart. He has always been a warrior and he identifies with and respects his fellow fighters.

When he realized the lack of support for fighters, he decided to offer scholarships to those he believed most deserved them.

While Canavan is now financing Cage Gladiators from his own pocket, he hopes to eventually find sponsors who will generously give cash for a worthy cause. In exchange these sponsors will gain publicity and goodwill through their support of the fighters.

Cage Gladiators is unlike any other stable of fighters. Instead of making money off fighters it gives money to the fighters so that they can train well, harness their full potential and later in their careers enjoy the fruits of their labors. Reuel Vidal

B1

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

Business

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

COUPLE TURNS POKE BOWLS INTO A PROMISING FRANCHISE Bellefleur by Beatrix owner Bea Atienza

A

Poke Poke founders Speedy and Alta Lyttle

n entrepreneurial couple looked at Hawaiian dishes as an inspiration for a new restaurant brand that grew into four stores within 12 months and is set to add more outlets next year through franchising.

“We are the first Poke specialty store in the Philippines,” says Speedy Lyttle, who together with wife Alta established Poke Poke a year ago.

Speedy and Alta opened the first Poke Poke branches at Estancia Mall in Pasig City and SM Aura in Taguig City in December 2016. They added two more outlets this year—one in Greenhills, San Juan and another at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Poke is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine. It has become a food trend around the world catering to health-conscious individuals.

“We really want to introduce to the Philippine market Poke and healthy fastfood,” says Speedy, whose grandfather is an Irish American. Speedy’s father was born in the Philippines.

“Poke is a staple in Hawaii. We thought of bringing it here and introduce in the Philippine market,”says Alta.

In the Philippines, Speedy and Alta together with chef Kel Zaguirre introduced Poke bowls, a fusion of Poke dish and Asian cuisines. Poke bowls consist of marinated cuts of fresh seafood, vegetables and rice.

“It is mostly fresh. It consists mostly of vegetables, fish and rice. Actually, a bowl is a complete meal already,” says Speedy.

“It’s kind of East meets West.

Poke is basically raw. But in Poke Poke, we have the option to cook it or sear it. We anticipated that not very many Filipinos want to eat raw yet. But we discovered that millennials are now a wider, bigger market of people who eat raw. Many people are now trying

it,” says Speedy.

Alta says despite being healthy, a Poke bowl with fresh ingredients is appetizing and not bland. Poke bowl, she says, is reinvigorating, and does not make diners feel lethargic and sleepy as other fastfood do. “It is delicious and satisfying, and it won’t make you feel as guilty,” she says.

“It is perfect for people on the go, especially those who work during the day. They want to move after lunch, and not feel sleepy after,” says Speedy, adding that food laden with monosodium glutamate tends to make diners feel sluggish.

Speedy assures that no MSG and other synthetic flavorings are used in food served at Poke Poke and Locavore, the couple’s Filipino restaurant brand. “Even with our Locavore, we don’t use MSG in Filipino food. Almost 80 percent of our food at Locavore is organic, but they still taste great.”

Aside from Poke Poke and Locavore, the Lyttles also own Xtensions Salon, which now has 10 branches nationwide. The couple, who first met a decade ago in their early 20s, shares the same passion for entrepreneurship and love for culinary arts.

At the age of fifteen, Speedy was selling imported perfume that was not available in Manila. Alta remembers that in grade school, she was selling Chinese jackstones, stationary and stickers to classmates.

“My mom had a big fashion brand supplying for SM Department Store, and I studied and worked in fashion,” says Alta, who manages Xtensions Salon.

Together with a group of friends, the couple opened Locavore Kitchen and Drinks in Kapitolyo, Pasig in 2014. Locavore soon became a popular choice among diners in Metro Manila. They opened a second branch in Bonifacio Global City.

Speedy is optimistic about the expansion of Poke Poke. “We want to target everybody. That is why we

are working hard in marketing and educating people on what Poke is.

There is a perception that eating healthy is bland. We want to change that,” says Speedy.

“It is not gonna stop here,” Alta says in an interview at Poke Poke’s latest store that opened at SM Megamall in August 2017. “Next year, we are thinking of putting up four more outlets, and that is the most conservative. But since we will be open for franchising, I feel that four will be too conservative or too little. Who knows, we may open 10,” she says.

Alta says they need to scale up the brand to ensure the continuous supply of fresh fish and vegetables, which Poke is most known for.

Alta says she expects the brand to become more popular as more millennials discover the benefits of eating healthy food. “Eventually, a lot of people would be leaning towards healthy food. More people are becoming health conscious, because of the illnesses associated with modern lifestyle. People now watch their diet,” she says.

Speedy says the plan is to expand in Metro Manila first, because of its very large market. “For franchises, we will be accepting even outside the malls,” he says, He says other restaurants have tried to duplicate the success of Poke Poke by introducing Poke bowls in their menu.

Alta, however, says it is not as easy as serving an ordinary rice bowl.

“The stock turnover is fast. We don’t stock fish, because freshness might suffer. Since we already have four branches, it is not difficult for us to dispose the supplies. We want to stay fresh,” she says.

Alta says they are now reinforcing their marketing efforts to make more people try Poke and discover the benefits of eating healthy food. “We are getting there, but we have to exert more efforts to introduce the brand to them,”she says. Roderick T. dela Cruz

INVENTOR TURNS TO TECHNOLOGY FOR FIRECRACKER-FREE NEW YEAR A FESTIVE New Year celebration remains possible despite the government ban on firecrackers, according to Filipino inventor Francisco Pagayon.

Pagayon designed four types of cannon-like electric firecrackers that produce loud bangs and are safe to use inside homes.

“As an inventor, I think that using cannonlike e-firecrackers is the safest way to celebrate the New Year tradition, without leaving pollution that is harmful to the environment,” says Pagayon, the president and chief executive of Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative Inc. Pagayon says Filipino inventors develop new technologies to provide solutions to age-old problems such as the unsafe celebration of New Year in the country.

“As a start, we produce limited number of e-firecrackers to create awareness and make people know about safer alternatives to traditional firecrackers. We hope that in the coming years, we will be able to spread its use and produce more e-firecrackers, thereby reducing its cost,” he says.

Pagayon’s company Oral Educational Distributor Inc. is rushing the production of hundreds of units of e-firecrackers that come in four sizes. These include the bazooka-like ‘Digong” which was named after President Rodrigo Duterte; a smaller version ‘Boy’ named after Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña; a large-sized two cannon piece

Inventor Popoy Pagayon (left) demonstrates the e-firecracker ‘Digong’ to Echague, Isabela Mayor Francis Dy (second from left) during the National Inventors Week 2017 held at F.L. Dy Coliseum. called ‘Bato’ named after Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa; and a Romancandle like model called ‘Trump’ which was named after US President Donald Trump.

President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 28 early this year to regulate the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

The Philippine National Police said that under EO 28, firecrackers could only be used at firework display areas designated by local government units. Pyrotechnic devices can be used outside firework designated areas.

The order specifically prohibits the use of firecrackers with gunpowder content exceeding two grams or 1.3 teaspoons.

These firecrackers include Super Lolo, Whistlebomb, Goodbye Earth, Atomic Big Triangulo, Piccolo, Judas’ belt and other powerful fireworks imported from other countries. Firecrackers with hazardous chemicals like ‘watusi’ are also banned.

To i m p l e m e n t t h e o r d e r, l o c a l government units such as Quezon City issued an ordinance imposing a total ban on the use or play of firecrackers and

pyrotechnic devices in all public places.

Pagayon says instead of using the banned firecrackers which are hazardous to health and the environment, holiday makers should try electric firecrackers which produce rapid explosive sounds, without causing an actual explosion.

“Our e -firecrackers are a better alternative to the unsafe and environmentally-harmful traditional firecrackers that Filipinos used in the past to welcome the New Year,” he says.

He says the cannon-type e-firecrackers provide the same thrill to celebrants, because the users have the choice to light up the trigger before the devices can produce successive explosive sounds.

“This is our innovation, because the thrill of firing up a pyrotechnic is still there. The difference is that it is safe to spark e-firecrackers even inside your homes. They do not emit toxic smoke and harmful chemicals to the atmosphere,” says Pagayon.

These devices consist of electronics that load electricity to produce loud sounds, similar to the explosion of piccolo firecrackers. “You can store e-firecrackers after the New Year celebration and use it again for the next year,” says Pagayon.

Pagayon says the e-firecrackers are being sold at FISPC OneStore Hub at the ground floor of Delta Building at the corner of Quezon Ave. and West Ave. in Quezon City. Roderick T. dela Cruz

LADY BAKER DISCOVERS BAKING BLISS FOR Bea Atienza, owner of Bellefleur by Beatrix bakery, knowing how to bake is not enough if you want to have your own baking business.

This 27-year old lady first discovered her passion for baking when she was in high school.

“In high school, I really like to bake cookies. My classmates tried them and liked them so much. They started asking if they can order more. That’s when I realized that people are willing to purchase what I bake. I realized that I can turn it into a business,” Bea said.

Soon after, she took up a fouryear business degree program abroad. After that, she came back to the country and took up a three-month culinary course.

As she was going through that short course, she felt that there was something missing.

“Yes, I was able to learn the fundamentals of baking, but I was yearning for a culinary education that would help turn my baking dreams into reality,” Bea said. “I searched again for another culinary school that would equip me not only with baking skills, but also on how to set up my baking business.”

Bea enrolled at the country’s top culinary school, the Center for Culinary Arts, under its Baking and Pastry Arts Program.

I m m e d i ate l y, B e a fe l t t h e difference and the advantage of a world-class CCA education.

CC A’s B a k i n g a n d A r t s Program includes a Baking Entrepreneurship Module where product development, costing and marketing and other lessons are imparted to help students put up their own baking and pastry arts business. The capstone of that program is the development of a viable business plan -- which is something unique to CCA. “Immediately, I was taught the ins and outs of forming and maintaining a baking business.

Aside from the fundamentals of baking, I learned how to massproduce baked goods, how to find a target market to finding an ideal location,” she said.

Bea was also inspired to have her own business by CCA mentors who also have their own baking businesses. From her learnings at CCA, Bea bravely ventured into the world of business and started with an online baking shop she called Bellefleur by Beatrix.

From that, she opened her first bakery in Unimart Greenhills in July 2017 and it is now a crowd drawer especially during the holiday season. One of her bestselling pastry is the Frozen Ube Brazo. Due to popular demand, even Filipinos abroad order it online for their loved ones living here in the country.

With her growing business, Bea sets her eyes to a bright future. She believes that starting small is the right path to take as an entrepreneur. Soon, she plans to open more kiosks for Bellefleur, and eventually, to open cafes bearing her brand.

Business

B2

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 business@manilastandard.net

ONLINE RETAILER ZALORA TO ROLL OUT ‘POP-UP’ STORES Jardine Distribution Inc. president Edwin Hernandez

JARDINE BOSS RECEIVES CEO EXCEL AWARD JARDINE Distribution Inc. president Ed w i n H e r n a n d e z h a s re ce nt l y received the CEO Excel Award from the International Association of Business Communicators.

T h e C E O E xc e l Aw a r d i s a n annual recognition handed out by the IABC to leading and innovative business, government and social personalities who have demonstrated their exceptional use of strategic communications to advance their causes and/or business interests.

Hernandez’ career cover various industries including stints in advertising, public relations, marketing and corporate communications with leading companies such as the Manila Chronicle, Asia Brewery, Sime Darby and recently with Jardine Davies and now Jardine Distribution.

The CEO Excel award particularly recognizes Hernandez’ and Jardine Distribution’s drive to educate the marginalized sectors of society such as farmers and carpenters so that they can improve their livelihood. Jardine Distribution is a leading marketing com p any that mar ke ts va r iou s agriculture, construction and home care related products.

“I am both humbled and honored to be awarded the CEO Excel Award,” said Hernandez. “As is customary with us at Jardines, we do not rest on our laurels but instead, recognitions such as these will only motivate us further to help the marginalized sectors of our society,” he said.

BANANA MAGNATE GETS ZERO HOUSE BUDGET DAVAO Del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr., the second of six children of the late ‘banana king’ Antonio Floirendo Sr., said he is among the members of the House of Representatives who received a zero budget.

Floirendo, a former member of the ruling PDP-Laban political party who had a falling out with Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, said the zero budget “reflects the shady intention of the House leadership and speaks clearly of how he has looked down on the people of Davao del Norte, treating them as sacrificial lambs in his ultimate goal to bring me down.”

Alvarez was quoted as saying that some congressmen lost infrastructure funding for being non-allied members.

“It’s a question of leadership. I have to take care of my members,” Alvarez was quoted as saying.

Floirendo, however, said such action was a “great disservice to the electorate.”

“Though this is a big setback in my pledge to bring home more projects, Alvarez’s action will not hinder me from delivering what I had promised,” Floirendo said.

“Surely, there are other sources of funds for well-meant projects and I am sure there are people in government who firmly believe that bringing public services to the people cannot be taken hostage by callous politicians,” Floirendo said in a statement.

Floirendo, whose family owns the Anflo Group of Companies that include Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc. and Pearl Farm Beach Resort, earlier said he continued to support President Rodrigo Duterte despite the decision by the national hierarchy of PDP-Laban to expel him from the administration’s political party.

Zalora Group CEO Parker Gundersen

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Zalora Group, an online fashion retailer, teamed up with Ayala Malls to roll out ‘pop-up’ stores in January 2018. A ‘pop-up’ store is a short-term sales space operated by an online merchant.

The idea is to leverage both companies’ combined customer base and digital capabilities to create a far more connected shopping experience for Filipinos, according to Zalora Group chief executive Parker Gundersen.

“Ayala’s investment in Zalora earlier this year has created a unique opportunity to combine the country’s leading premium mall operator, telecom provider and consumer bank [just to name a few of the Ayala companies] with Zalora—the region’s leading digital fashion platform, to create a groundbreaking partnership for the benefit of shoppers here in the Philippines,” he said.

He said that with the shifting consumer behavior, shoppers start to demand a more seamless shopping experience across channels and devices as they are always on their mobile devices and make purchasing decisions in between places.

Moreover, the changing Filipino lifestyle prompted retailers to be present at the different touch points of the consumer journey and continue to entice them while they’re on the go

given the mindset that consumers of the future want to have options anywhere and everywhere.

By the turn of the year, Zalora will be breaking into Greenbelt, an upscale retail destination of the Ayala Group, where it will feature a new and exciting brand that will debut in the Philippines via Zalora.

In the coming months, pop-up stores will be seen in Glorietta, Alabang Town Center, UP Town Center, Trinoma, Market Market, Vertis North and Abreeza Mall in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City.

“We believe that by working together, Zalora and Ayala Group can transform the customer journey into a more connected experience, where customers can move between physical and digital channels seamlessly, and that we can better learn and adapt to customer needs by leveraging our data sets to study behavior and draw insights that will help us improve customer touch points,” Gundersen said.

The collaboration will engage a number of projects that can be long term and experimental.

This will involve Ayala Malls selling their products online on Zalora through dedicated Ayala shops, allowing customers to do click-and-collect in store, or receive their favorite products at home fulfilled by Zalora on top of the highly successful digital pop-up shops exclusively at Ayala Mall properties.

The digital fashion site is also working with Ayala Malls to enhance digital shopping assets to introduce best-in-class digital service and

marketing solutions and introduce Collection and Drop Off points for Zalora orders in Ayala Mall locations.

“To further drive the Seamless Shopping experience, we are working with Ayala on digitizing the customer journey in the Ayala malls – leveraging mobile technologies like beacons, AI and chat bots to digitize the offline shopping experience. We are also exploring ways to equip restaurants, cinemas and other common areas to allow customers to shop on demand anywhere in the mall,” Gundersen said.

“Aside from the work we are doing with Ayala Malls, a few other examples of projects we are working on with Ayala companies include partnering with Globe to provide a range of unique services exclusively for Globe subscribers, with a focus on creating an easier, lower cost and substantially faster way to shop on the Zalora mobile site and app.

“We’re collaborating with Globe’s Mint Payments to launch new e-payment options for Zalora customers, many of whom pay with cash on delivery today who we feel would greatly benefit by the transition to e-payments. And we are also working with the Bank of the Philippine Islands to provide a unique range of marketing partnerships and loyalty benefits to create a better experience for BPI customers,” he said.

Gundersen said these initiatives are only the beginning of Zalora’s plans in the region to broaden platform capabilities for brands and shoppers.

BUILDING A NATION OF SKILL-BASED ENTREPRENEURS A NATION is considered progressive when its citizens collectively help create an environment that fosters more inclusive economic growth through employment and provides conducive ecosystems for small businesses to thrive.

The challenge to create a citizenry of entrepreneurs is daunting, and governments in collaboration with reliable partners with expertise and resources must be encouraged to achieve this goal.

I n an effor t to address this challenge, a public-private partnership – between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Bayan Academy and the social responsibility arm of global banking giant J.P. Morgan—was formed with the objective of training Tesda trainers who can then teach ‘skillspreneurship’ or skill-based entrepreneurship to a broader population.

Tesda, through its National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development, chose trainers from all over the region to attend the “National Training of Trainers on Skillspreneurship”.

“This program aims to introduce entrepreneurship to Tesda technicalvocational graduates to explore the path to entrepreneurship as a way to maximize their technical skills and promote family-based enterprises for employment generation in their own localities,” said Philip Felipe, executive director of Bayan Academy. “With Bayan Academy’s Learning Systems, skillsbased entrepreneurship education could be democratized.”

Two ‘skillspreneurship’ trainings were

The graduates of the Skillspreneurship program. It features skills-based entrepreneurship training for TESDA trainers from all over the country.

implemented, the first batch having 44 participants while the second having 55. The attendees – who’ve come from all over the country some of them as far as Buyabod in Marinduque or Surallah in South Cotabato – were identified by Tesda as trainers who have the potential to become skills-based entrepreneurs and who can later on help uplift their respective communities and bring employment opportunities to their localities.

The training not only introduces the benefits of ‘skillspreneurship’ but is also aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge of related topics such as customer profiling, market research, location analysis, investing, marketing, and Human Resources among others.

“Bayan Academy has established itself

as a pioneer of enterprise development, technopreneurship and transformative education by developing curriculum and learning materials in grassroots enterprise development. We are very proud of our partnership with both Tesda and J.P. Morgan as we look to contribute to long-term efforts towards social equity for all Filipinos,” said Felipe.

“At J.P. Morgan we believe that increased economic opportunity and more widely shared prosperity are essential to the growth and development of countries where we live and operate in. Through our social responsibility arm, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, we hope to create pathways to opportunity for all by supporting economic growth, workforce readiness and financial capability programs in communities

around the globe,” said Roberto Panlilio, managing director and senior country officer at J.P. Morgan. “We also recognize the impact made by our partners like Bayan Academy, as they engage with underserved sectors of our society and extend effective technology-based interventions like the Community-Based Technopreneurship Program,” he said.

To ensure continuous learning, program participants are not only encouraged to further that “multiplier effect” (as they share what they’ve learned in their community groups) but also to increase their technical knowhow independently through the J.P. Morgan-sponsored entrepreneurship online platform (bayanlearningsystems. ph) where they can access a customized version for Tesda tech-voc graduates.

Tech & Gadgets

B3

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

GET BEST PLDT DEALS FOR YOUR FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS

ENJOY X’MAS WITH SAMSUNG’S BIGGER AND BETTER PROMO

I

T’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

People are starting to shop for gifts like busy little elves, putting a lot of thought into the items that they will buy for the countless parties they’re attending and using the money they have saved up for months.

The weather is a little bit colder and the streets are much merrier, filled with lights and decorations all over.

And now, Christmas at home can even be bigger and brighter with Samsung’s wider screen TVs with stunning visuals and vivid color display. Lucky for you, the tech giant’s Christmas deals allow you to get the items you’ve always wanted and still have enough money for all the other gifts that you have to buy.

Samsung TV’s Bigger and Brighter Holidays nationwide promo began last Oct. 18 and will end on Jan. 31.

Receive the gift of the best viewing experience while scoring great deals on Samsung’s state-of-the-art home entertainment devices. Get discounts of up to 40% on our Samsung Flat and

Samsung Soundbar HW950

Curved UHD TVs. Buy a Samsung Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Technology or the Samsung Sound+ Curved Soundbar at a lowered price and get a free Wireless Audio 360 Speaker or Blu-Ray Player, respectively. Enjoy discounts on other flat and

curved Samsung Soundbars until Dec. 31.

Sit back and relax while watching your favorite Christmas films with upgraded 4K picture quality on your Samsung UHD TV. The stunning 4K resolution, which is 4x better than Full HD, will give you an

immensely satisfying viewing experience.

Meanwhile, spread the holiday cheer as you listen to your favorite tunes with the Samsung Soundbars. Its high-quality audio played by multiple built-in speakers will be a hit at your parties.

With Samsung TV’s Bigger and Brighter Holidays Promo, TVs and Soundbars are just one trip to a Samsung authorized dealer near you. Know more about this promo by visiting Samsung Electronics Philippines’ official Facebook page or samsung.com.ph.

EON BY UNIONBANK IS BEST DIGITAL BANK EON by UnionBank has garnered recognition from numerous international award-giving bodies, a testament to the bank’s commitment to provide a fully-digital banking experience to Filipinos.

Launched in early 2017, EON introduced a whole suite of products and services that offers a truly delightful banking experience. It incorporates new cutting edge features that make the service more secure, efficient, and convenient to use, placing it at the forefront of UnionBank’s digital transformation mandate.

The most notable among the new technologies that EON introduced is ‘Selfie Banking’. By using state-of-theart face recognition technology, the same technology being used by the US and other countries for border control, immigration, and securing critical infrastructure, EON spares its customers from all the hassle while attaining the gold standard in security —something you know, something you have, and something you are—a multi-factor authentication process to protect customers from the escalating threats to cybersecurity. Being the first to provide this service to its customers, UnionBank

has been granted the patent to“Selfie Banking”, making it the first Selfie Banking in Asia.

EON has created a safe haven for users that makes it impossible for cyber fraudsters to access their accounts.

Aside from Selfie Banking, users can lock their EON card when not in use and unlock their EON card only when they’re using it to pay for stuff. For lingering concerns over being charged for unauthorized purchases, EON also lets customers come up with a list of trusted webstores. Only transactions from these webstores will be allowed to go through. For added security, users may change their PIN remotely, there is no need to visit an ATM, as they can do this using the EON app. Users who would lose their EON card should worry not! Should they need to replace their card, they can just unlink the lost EON card, purchase another EON Starter Kit and link it to their existing account.

Getting an EON Account is a snap!

EON Starter Kits, are available in Lazada and major convenience stores nationwide. EON customers can also activate their accounts through the EON app, which can be downloaded via Apple App Store or Google Playstore. The

EON by UnionBank took home the ‘Best Digital Bank’ award at the 2017 Asiamoney Banking Awards for its “impressive suite of digital services” that made use of the latest in banking technology to raise the standards of digital banking.

The ceremonies were held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Beijing, China last Sept. 26 by international financial publication Asiamoney, which is part of global media group Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC.

app’s services can be accessed anytime through multiple devices, anytime and anywhere.

Through its wide array of innovative and trailblazing features, EON by UnionBank earned the respect and recognition of prestigious international banking awarding bodies including “Best Digital

Bank” at the 2017 Asiamoney Banking Awards, “Best Mobile Banking Project” at the 2017 Asian Banker Philippine Country Awards, and the “Best New Digital Product Launch 2017” at the VISA annual client event, which awarded banks for their leadership in growth and innovation.

GET YOUR WISHCARD FOR FREE ALL-HITS FM radio station Wish 107.5, the leader in groundbreaking innovations, launched the WishCard last Nov. 23, 2017 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati for its legions of followers.

Spearheading the launch of the WishCard and WishApp were (from left) Joseph Miranda—Vice President for Engineering, Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International; Noel Peralta— Chief Executive Officer, 1K Solutions; Dr. Sarah Barba-Cabodil—host of the morning show in UNTV, Good Morning Kuya; Gerardo Etorma III—VP for Radio, BMPI; and Jay Eusebio—VP for Marketing & TV.

Tagged as the newest and coolest card in the Philippines, Wish 107.5 followers can get the WishCard by downloading the Wish App for free via Google Play for Android phones. Apple users can also avail of the App soon.

A WishCard holder can avail of exclusive promos, rewards, and other freebies from different partner establishments.

Signing up is free and will be delivered right in front of your doorsteps.

For more information, please visit the Facebook page @Wish1075Card and just keep tuning in to Wish 107.5 for more details.

IT’S the season of gift-giving and PLDT has the perfect present for the digitally savvy and entertainmentloving Filipino families.

This December, the leading digital services provider, together with the country’s leading pay TV provider and mobile services leader, offers families the PLDT Christmas 3 Bundle Promo —product bundles that enable subscribers to easily mix and match their preferred Internet, mobile, and pay TV plans from PLDT Home, Smart, and Cignal TV. According to PLDT SVP for Consumer Business Market Development Oscar A. Reyes, Jr., beyond the convenience and the savings, a converged service will make it easier for families to level up their digital experiences in and outside the home.

“We want to empower our subscribers to enjoy a complete and integrated digital experience powered by the country’s most powerful broadband, fastest mobile service, and premier pay TV provider,” he said. “With this bundle promo, our subscribers can conveniently enjoy the best of what we have to offer while getting the best deals that only the PLDT Group can offer.”

Aside from the convenience of a unified bill, subscribers can save up to 15% off their total bill when they choose to combine two or three services from PLDT Home, Smart, and Cignal TV. PLDT Home enables Filipino families to enjoy the best digital experiences at home, right where it matters most. Subscribers can choose from PLDT Home’s unlimited Fibr plans and enjoy the benefits of a SmartHome with the most powerful broadband. For topnotch entertainment, Cignal TV gives them access to a wide range of high-definition (HD) pay TV content and channels perfect for every member of the family.

Lastly, to ensure that the strongest connections can be accessed beyond the home, subscribers can complete their Christmas 3 Bundle with a Smart plan for superior mobile data and voice services.

Reyes stated: “As the leading digital and telecommunications group in the country, we want to reinforce the strength of our network and our market leadership by maximizing our unique ability to deliver converged services. For our subscribers, this simply means a more powerful and seamless digital experience wherever they are in the country.”

This year, PLDT announced that the company is ramping up its efforts to provide Filipinos with the best data experience and support their increasingly digital lifestyle. The telco leader is spending P11 billion in the next two years to roll-out over one million ports that will upgrade over 1.3 million subscribers to fiber technologies and create more Fibr-powered SmartCities nationwide. On the other hand, its wireless unit, Smart, is also boosting its Smart LTE coverage and deployment of ultra-fast WiFi in the country’s top urban hubs.

PLDT has invested around P300 billion or nearly US$6 billion over the last decade to roll out the country’s most extensive fixed and wireless network infrastructure which now has 165,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables designed to support the Filipinos’ growing use of fixed and mobile data.

For more information on how to build your own PLDT Christmas 3 bundle, check out www.pldthome. com/fibr.

5 TRICKS TO AVOID OVERSPENDING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON CHRISTMAS is almost here! You might have just received your bonus, and now, you’re just too excited to spend it on this and that, go on a shopping spree, or give gifts to your family, friends, or even to random people—sounds good, because you have a lot to spend so you won’t end up broke this season, right?

NOT. The truth is, you can’t truly spend just enough without a plan.

So, how do you plan it out? Perhaps you’ve been reading too many budgeting tips since the—ber months started, so you might have noticed by now what they have in common. If you’re trying to come up with a Christmas spending strategy, but you’re flooded with the hundreds of advices that you don’t know what to follow anymore, go back to basics and keep it simple. Make your funds work with you with these five straightforward tips.

1. Do your pre-Christmas cleanup. There’s more to it than just decluttering your closet. Cleaning before Christmas will help you find the stuff you barely or never used—those that take up too much of your space. Try

selling them. Or give them to friends or family members.

How about give them away as charity gifts? You can also draw ideas from the things you’ll find: What do I have here?

What do I NOT have here? What more do I need?

2. Make a list. We know there are too many gift ideas you’d like to try, but before you rush in to Christmas shopping without a battle plan, you might want to think twice.

Identify what’s worth your budget—if you already set a budget! Making a list (and checking it twice) is a must when you’re playing Santa Claus for this season. It will help you plan and keep track of your spending, and most importantly, help you avoid impulse buying.

3. Check online. Now that you know what you need, you might also aim for a cheaper version or an alternative. From the many hours you spend on social media, try to take at least 30 minutes of it to research on the items you want to buy. This will give you info about the product, or maybe if you know where to look, you’ll even find good deals. So by the time you do the real shopping in a physical store, you’ll know the price

range and specifications of your items. This will save your precious time!

4. Take advantage of promos and discounts. You know the best thing about online research? You get to discover more affordable options. If you already set a spending limit to your Christmas shopping, then buying things on sale or availing of promos might just be good for you; with cheaper purchases or installment promos, you’ll get a chance to add more items to your list without exceeding that limit.

5. Set your budget. Stick to it. Have we mentioned this already?—Let us say it again: avoid impulse buying.

You’ve already tidied up your closet, made a list, checked online, so now you know what you’re going to buy when you visit the mall.

We know self-control is hard to practice when you find something that really appeals to you, but staying within your limits is crucial if you don’t want to overspend. If you really can’t help it, remind yourself of #4. And you’d be surprised—you may even get the product you want by

paying through monthly installments that fit your budget.

Installments? But I have no credit card! Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Home Credit lets you easily afford the things that matter to you. Even without a credit card, you can pay for it through installments at 0% interest. Through a simple, easy, and fast process, you can take home that item you want and still have a budget to spare.

Now if you succeeded with these tips, why don’t you reward yourself with that spare budget? You deserve it!

For more info about Home Credit’s promos, loan applications, and store locations, visit www.homecredit.ph.

B4

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

TECH & Gadgets

WHAT’S YOUR TREASURED NOKIA MOMENT?

Kärcher workers clean the Rizal Monument.

A

DMIT it, before all the fuss about touchscreens and sleek metal frames and glass back, the rave was all about the sturdiest body, intuitive interface, and interchangeable covers and keypads.

Before the wide range of games on the App Store and Google Play Store, Snake and Space Impact provided the much-needed fun and diversion. Before social media and other online platforms that linked netizens in real-time regardless of distance, there was already that strong connection—that bond with your first beloved phone, your Nokia 5110, 3310, 6310, 1100, 3200… you name it.

You and the rest of the world were part of the Nokia history. That is why it is not surprising that hearing the brand’s name, Nokia, automatically evokes a memory, nostalgia—a connection. Well, you’re not alone! Let’s hear what others have to say about their Nokia memory.

Allana, 22 “My very first phone was a Nokia 2100. It was a hand-me-down from my mom, who gave it to me when I was in third grade. It was small enough to fit my equally small hand and had a soft keypad. I remember dropping it a lot, but it never broke.

One of my favorite memories with this phone was picking out cases for it. The cases came in many colors, mostly pastel.

I remember changing both the front and back covers a lot, and each time I got a new case it kind of felt like I got a new phone, too.”

Jes, 22 “Both my parents had a Nokia 5110, twinning relationship goals circa 1990s.

One time they did not allow us to play outside so my siblings and I played Snake on their phones. We were very competitive kids. The one who got the highest score and the longest snake received a little something from my parents.

We did that many times and it became our own family bonding in a way.

The Nokia 5110 sort of helped bring us closer together. And the phone’s quality is very good: Kahit ilang beses nabagsak

KÄRCHER RESTORES RIZAL MONUMENT

Nokia 3 yung phone, maayos pa rin.”

Pau, 26 “My crush would usually play games on his Nokia 3315, which back then had the coolest graphics. Though I already had a Nokia 3210, I asked my mom if we could trade it for a 3315. Luckily, she said yes.

Since then, my crush and I would always play Space Impact, Bantumi and Snake together. We shared so many fun moments with our 3315.”

Len, 44 “I took my sweet time riding the mobile phone trend despite being a tech follower.

I didn’t want to be always “accessible.” But that changed when I had my firstborn. I felt I needed a way to make sure I can check on my baby and that whoever was with him can reach me anytime. So I got my first mobile phone, a Nokia 8210. I liked that it was small and lightweight enough to fit in the pocket and be with me anywhere because that meant I can easily place a call to the house even when I was walking around covering a trade show or rushing to the next R&D facility or meeting while on a business trip. Its speed and voice

dial capability was also a selling point for me. The interface was very intuitive and the form factor was small enough such that when my son was a year older he would grab the phone and put it in his ear to listen to me talk from the other side whenever I would check on him.

For me, getting a Nokia phone back then reflected my commitment to being there for my family. As a young new mom back then, my Nokia helped me juggle work and family life. I was happy with how my first Nokia phone served as a handy tool that when I upgraded some years later I stayed with the Nokia brand. I’ve kept both phones.”

The legacy continues Apart from the classic ring tone, long battery life, and resilient frame and body, Nokia has always been more than just a mobile experience.

It is about the moments shared and memories created, indeed a fulfilled promise of connecting people.

Share your own treasured Nokia #moments and get a chance to make your Christmas merrier with a brand new Nokia

smartphone, now on Android!

HMD Global’s exciting holiday campaign “12 phones of Christmas” lets you win a Nokia Android smartphone with these easy steps: Go to the official Nokia Mobile PH Facebook page and share with us your most memorable story with your Nokia phone. Comment your story on the promo thread and use the hashtags #unitefor #moments.

On your comment, tag one friend that you’re most excited to share new moments with. Who knows, your friend might also get a surprise.

Like the page and wait for the announcement of winners on Dec. 27, 2017.

Submission of entries started last Dec. 16 and ends Dec. 25. Winners will be drawn through an electronic randomizer.

Visit the official Nokia Mobile PH Facebook page now and get a chance to be one of the lucky winners to create new precious memories with a Nokia Android smartphone.

TRUEMONEY PARTNERS WITH BAYAD CENTER

FINTECH company TrueMoney Philippines has signed a Partnership Agreement with bills payment center company CIS Bayad Center Inc. The partnership will give Bayad Center customers in far-flung areas of the Philippines access to its payment services, thanks to TrueMoney Philippines’ nearly 7,000-strong agent network.

“Teaming up with TrueMoney gives

Manuel Lorenzo Tuason—president and CEO, CIS Bayad Center Inc.

Bayad Center access to community-based establishments in the rural areas. We all work hard to pay our bills. One way of rewarding Filipinos for paying their bills is giving them access to more convenient channels of payment by bringing the service closer to them,” said Manuel Lorenzo Tuason, President and Chief Executive Officer of CIS Bayad Center Inc. TrueMoney—whose shareholders include the C.P. Group from Thailand and Jack Ma’s Ant Financial from China—is the largest and fastest growing financial life platform in the region. From one market nearly two years ago, it is now present in six emerging markets in the region: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines. TrueMoney started operating in the country a year ago and it now has approximately 7,000 centers or partner agents, with continuing expansion across different regions in the country.

“TrueMoney and CIS Bayad Center are two industry leaders in their respective fields. Bayad Center is a top aggregator of payments and billers, so

this partnership will give us access to more biller relationships. TrueMoney, on the other hand, has wide reach and distribution of financial services centers across the country, most especially in the provinces outside the urban areas,” said Xavier Marzan, President & CEO of TrueMoney Philippines.

TrueMoney is present in far-flung areas in Albay, Bataan, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Ilocos, Isabela, Laguna, La Union, Metro Manila, Misamis Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Tarlac and Zambales and more.

TrueMoney’s goal is to be the largest FinTech network in the country, endeavouring to build in just under two years’time what other similar companies have taken a decade or two to establish.

This is consistent with the company’s mission of serving the unserved and unbanked segments of the population, which is over 70% of the population in the Philippines. The term “unbanked” refers to adults who do not have their

Xavier Marzan—president and CEO, TrueMoney Philippines Inc.

own bank accounts, those who may rely on alternative financial services such as TrueMoney for their payments and financial needs. TrueMoney’s transactions include money transfer & remittances, bills payments, payments for e-commerce purchases, and loading of various products.

Like banks and other financial institutions, TrueMoney is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Kärcher, a Germany-based worldwide leader in cleaning technology, in collaboration with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Parks Development Committee, recently launched the cleanup project restoring the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park.

The morning started with a short program, which included words of appreciation from various representatives and stakeholders: German Ambassador Gordon Kricke, NHCP Deputy Executive Director Carminda Arevalo, NPDC Director Penelope Belmonte, and Kärcher Country Manager Zurich Fernandez.

Cleaning experts from Kärcher’s headquarters in Germany were also present in the event. Thorsten Möwes, specialist for cleaning and hygiene technology and restorative cleaning projects, said that the equipment used to clean the monument was Kärcher’s steam cleaning machine.

“Here, we decided to use steam cleaning because the soil [present in the monument] is just emission dirt from cars and industry,” Möwes explained.

Möwes, together with his team, then headed towards the monument itself to demonstrate how steam cleaning worked. With just a simple press of a button, the nozzle of the machine emitted low-pressure water, as well as steam The process also didn’t have to include the use of soap or any kind of detergent.

The cleanup of the monument, was held ahead of the celebration of the 121st death anniversary commemorating the martyrdom of our National Hero on Dec. 30. Kärcher has only been in the Philippines since 2015, but has committed to execute their corporate social responsibility to support the preservation of cultural heritage in the country.

The German company Kärcher has been cleaning historic monuments for 35 years for free, as part of their global cleanup initiative called Kärcher Cleans the World. Since then, they have restored over 100 monuments worldwide, such as Mount Rushmore in the US, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, London Eye in the UK, The Colonnades in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, and the Merlion in Singapore.

Country manager Zurich Fernandez said that the Kärcher Cleans The World motto is one that the company prioritizes, having already demonstrated their competence and expertise in these projects.

“Through these types of cultural sponsorships, Kärcher is making a unique and very personal contribution to cultural heritage which goes far beyond simple donations as we dedicated ourselves with our experience, our knowledge, and our technology,” he said.

Kärcher donated their steam cleaning equipment to the NHCP and NDCP, and their teams of experts are available to support the people at the said government agencies.

The launch was supported by MyPhone, the first local brand of cellular phone in the Philippines and Rizal Park Hotel, a historic boutique hotel and former Army Navy Club built in 1911 , which is declared as a national heritage site.

For more info, please visit www. kaercher.com.ph.

VIVO PH CARES FOR MARAWI SOLDIERS VIVO Philippines, in the true spirit of a Filipino Christmas, decided to give back to the heroic deeds of the soldiers who fought in Marawi by spending the afternoon with them last Dec. 17 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Hospital in V. Luna, Quezon City.

The special outreach affair was attended to by Vivo employee-volunteers who interacted with the 150 soldiers and their families and entertained them with song and dance performances. The brand’s celebrity influencers were also in attendance to give joy and encouragement to the Marawi freedom fighters.

KZ Tandingan, Darren Espanto, Jason Dy, and Kisses Delavin also shared their talent in one afternoon of gratitudegiving, to the delight of the soldiers and their families.

Vivo Family, Darren Espanto sharing Christmas joys with an injured Marawi solider

“The soldiers who fought in Marawi are more than heroes--they are also fathers, sons, brothers, friends who placed their life on the line in the name of things that matter most to

Vivo Philippine presenting a cheque worth P100,000 for the rehabilitation and recovery of the soldiers. From left to right: Erin Valera (host), Jason Dy (Vivo Endorser), KZ Tandingan (Vivo Endorser), Darren Espanto (Vivo Endorser), Lt. Srgnt (AFP Medical Center rep.), Hazel Bascon (Vivo VP and Head of Sales) and Neri Choy (HR Director) Brand Director for Vivo Philippines the affair, shared her respect for these Annie Lim, who was also present at courageous soliders.

Kisses Delavin taking a clearer selfie with Vivo V7

every Filipino: togetherness that goes beyond religion and love that knows no boundaries.” she said.

Vivo Philippines also just recently came out with a heartwarming Christmas video on the plight of a soldier who fought in Marawi and his family.

Vivo, by way of the special Christmas video, shares and celebrates what a truly meaningful Christmas is for Filipinos.

Family, togetherness, empathy, and the spirit of giving make a Filipino Christmas

like no one else in the world. https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil/videos/525331654510639/ ?id=296173570575105&brand_redir=296173570575105 For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at www.vivo.com/ph or check out their Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ vivophil/), and Twitter (https://twitter. com/vivo_phil) accounts.

C1

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor /

Young Life

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

THE 'C'

LAST MINUTE

STOCKING STUFFERS

YOU NEED THIS

HERE are presents you can easily buy and quickly sneak into your loved one’s Christmas stockings.

CHRISTMAS

Ever Bilena lipstick set

'C' THE DIFFERENCE. Citrus fruits, like orange, and leafy vegetables are rich source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps prevent and repair skin damage.

By Bernadette Lunas

M

ANY twenty somethings believe they’re too young to worry about fine lines and wrinkles. Besides, why trouble yourself with skin aging when you can’t even see any visible evidence yet, right? But experts assert that your 20s is the right time to start your preventive anti-aging routine.

In an interview with InStyle, esthetician Renee Rouleau said, “Anti-aging products, particularly those with antioxidants, can be used as early as age 21, but the most important thing is to use anti-aging products that are appropriate for your skin type.”

A powerful antioxidant that helps prevent and repair skin damage is vitamin C. It is found in leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. We can take it in its natural form or in supplement form; and we can even apply it to our skin.

Several anti-aging products harness the power of this antioxidant, but only few are able to take it a notch higher.

Kiehl’s has introduced recently its new and improved Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, which features a much powerful formulation with increased vitamin C and added hyaluronic acid.

“Our previous formula only contains 10.5 percent vitamin C, but [after several formulation trials] we were able to increase it to 12.5 percent while keeping it stable,” Kiehl’s Philippines product manager Joan Hwang told MS Young Life.

The additional 2 percent come in the form of vitamin Cg or Ascorbyl Glucoside, which boosts the visible wrinkle reduction effect of vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) over time. It is activated once it absorbs into the upper layers of the skin’s surface.

With vitamin C and vitamin Cg working together, Kiehl’s anti-aging serum promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (even deep set wrinkles), visibly improve skin brightness, and boost skin’s surface quality. Despite the increased amount of vitamin C, the Powerful-Strength LineReducing Concentrate doesn’t have a stinging sensation, rather a pleasant warm sensation that’s suitable during the cold season.

Whether she loves neutral shades or bold colors, these lipstick sets from Ever Bilena got her covered. For the Christmas season go for polished and corporate chic with three nude lip essentials from High Heels during the day and switch to the bold and vivid colors of City Romance at sundown.

These limited edition lipsticks are quick-dry and transfer-proof. Go to Watsons and SM Department Store near you to get a set or two.

Mr. Bones explains how vitamin C works in fighting skin aging

Kiehl's new and improved Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate has increased amount of vitamin C and added hyaluronic acid

To further increase the potency of its anti-ag“Together they work hand in hand—vitamin C reing serum, Kiehl’s added hyaluronic acid, a natu- duces lines and wrinkles and boost radiance, while ral substance that plumps the skin by drawing hyaluronic acid plumps the skin,” said Hwang. moisture in to the surface layers.

Turn to C2

WWF glass tumbler and metal straw

These reusable glass tumbler with neoprene sleeve and metal straw with cleaning brush don’t only help in reducing plastic waste but also give back to the environment, as portion of each purchase Turn to C2

HOTEL SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER TO 150 KIDS

New World Hotel Makati treats kids in Makati City to a fun afternoon filled with toys, games, food, and holiday cheer.

IT WAS an afternoon of joy and laughter for 150 children in Makati as New World Hotel employees led a fun program of food, games, and gifts on Dec. 7 at the Makati City Hall grounds.

The activity was made possible through the help of Philusa Corporation, Monde Nissin, Richprime Global Inc., Star 360 Philippines Inc., Universal Robina Corporation, Lampara Publishing, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and Toys R’ Us, and in cooperation with the Makati City Social Welfare and Development and the local government unit of Makati City.

Young Life

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

THE 'C'...

From C1

Clinical trials show positive results, as improved tactile skin texture, radiance, and decreased facial lines occur immediately after using the product.

Four weeks into applying the serum results in decreased facial wrinkles and deep set wrinkles.

Hwang attests to the efficacy of the new formulation of Kiehl’s PowerfulStrength Line-Reducing Concentrate, saying that it outperforms the previous version. She shared, “it blends quickly and has a very silky—almost like a makeup primer—texture.”

Kiehl’s chemists carefully balanced the formula to allow it to absorb quickly without feeling greasy or oily. It also features a pleasant, citrus scent.

Kiehl’s new Powerful-Strength LineReducing Concentrate (50ml) is priced at P3,675. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/KiehlsPhilippines and @KiehlsPhilippines on Instagram.

LAST MINUTE...

From C1

goes to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines’s conservation projects. Email pandagifts@wwf.org.ph or call (02) 920-7923 to find out how you can get these eco-friendly gifts.

Gift shopping wouldn't be a stressful activity when you can find all you need for all the names on your list in one store

BRIGHTEN UP

Celeteque Hydration Light Facial Cream

This ultra-moisturizing cream which has a lightweight formula will keep the skin of your friend, who always forgets to put moisturizer on (because he says it feels sticky), thoroughly hydrated.

It also has SPF 30 that protects skin against harmful UV rays. Go to a leading beauty store to buy a tub.

Nxled Emergency Bulb

Sure, an emergency light is not an appealing gift, until a power outage happens. This 6 Watts Emergency Bulb from Nxled (Next Generation Lighting) can be attached to a regular socket in the house and charges while it’s being used. When a power failure occurs, it will automatically light up, thus switching into emergency lighting. It is powered by a 3.7V 3000mAh lithium battery and can remain lit for up to six hours. It’s available in leading hardware stores nationwide.

THE SEASON OF GIFT GIVING

W

HILE gift shopping might be easy for some, it could be daunting to shop for the most unforgettable presents for your loved ones.

But it doesn’t mean you have to stress yourself just to give them something they will truly love. The SM Store has shaped up to be the ultimate stop for everything you dream of giving for the Holidays.

Step into The SM Store and leave with all your loved ones’ Christmas wishes picked, wrapped and ready to be given. At The SM Store, you’re bound to find just the perfect present for the lucky ones in your “nice” list: an elaborate beauty set for Mom, a pair of sturdy shoes for Dad in his signature hue, #OOTD essentials for the sister, the trendiest techie tools for your bro, and a wide array of gift ideas for your friends. Its selection of products is meant to help give great gifts that will make only fond memories.

Get on-trend denim, fashion and plus-size pieces at the Ladies’ Fashion section, treat your loved ones to stylish, new-age menswear at the Men’s Fashion section, get the best for the little ones at the Kid’s section, gift your nearest and dearest with new trinkets to start the new year at the Accessories section, indulge the ones closest to you with a new pair at the Shoes and Bags section, offer memorable keepsakes from the Home section, and give the gift of personal care and makeup with prized products from the Beauty section.

For more information, visit www.thesmstore. com. Follow @TheSMStore on Instagram and www.facebook.com/TheSMStore on Facebook.

Fashion finds for all ages are available at The SM Store, making it easier to shop for gifts this holiday season

A COLLABORATION BORN FROM PASSION

Poor Taste with DBTK co-founders Vince and Emil Javier

AMERICAN sneaker brand Pony has always symbolized the ethos of a city that’s built on dreams, grit, and hustle. Over the years, the brand has displayed unfaltering dedication to stay true to its original values, while at the same time constantly innovating itself through creative collaborations, infusing its signature Brooklyn attitude as it engages disruptors across the globe.

This year, Pony brings its all-Asian streetwear collaboration series to the Philippines as it partners with Don’t Blame The Kids (DBTK) for a collection that celebrates the two labels’ passion, authenticity, and true hustler attitude.

“Attention to details is expressed in this collaboration…every component of the shoe was scrutinized and polished to perfection. Everything that inspired us since the very beginning are all coming together. It feels so surreal,” enthused Vince Javier, co-founder of DBTK. The collaboration features two of Pony’s most iconic silhouettes—the classic City Wings 85’ and perennial favorite Shooter 78’.

Steeped in heritage yet given a fresh, contemporary perspective with artistic nods to both brands’ roots, the PONY x DBTK collaboration sneakers play subtlety and bold statements against each other in its design. The sneakers are made with premium leathers in signature contrasting black/ white colorways. PONY and DBTK logos are printed, one on each footbed, while a custom leather shoe chain hangs from the top eyelet.

The City Wings is composed of premium black textured leather and suede uppers, a white leather Pony chevron, and classic gum sole bottoms.

PONY x DBTK collection features Shooter 78' and City Wings 85'

Each heel tab features a tonal embossed PONY or DBTK logo on either side.

The Shooter is designed with buttery suede leather in deep black and a subtle perforated chevron pattern. Heel tabs feature the classic DBTK character logo as a throwback to the brand’s earliest days.

All collaboration pairs come in an exclusive PONY x DBTK shoebox showcasing the New York and Manila cityscapes—an homage to the brands’ birthplace.

Showbiz

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

JERIC GONZALES

AN EMPIRE THE MILLENNIAL DARNA WANTS TO BUILD

IN ‘STORIES FOR THE SOUL’ As though her being one of the most bankable stars wasn't enough, Liza Soberano wanted to add "entrepreneur" to her resume. So, early this month, she launched a wellness center that caters to people of all ages.

By Nickie Wang

F

ROM sporting stilettos on the runway to marketing makeup brands or from starring in film and television roles to owning her own company at 19 years old, Philippine showbiz industry’s “ultimate crush” Liza Soberano is proving everyone that she is not your ordinary showbiz star.

The Kapamilya talent, who recently bagged the coveted Darna role in the upcoming big screen adaptation of the Mars Ravelo comics, talked about her attempt to move beyond her original career and develop a serious “wellness empire.”

The now a certified entrepreneur, has just

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

ventured into the wellness industry with her very own HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness, a relaxation and beauty center that also serves as the springboard of her wellness advocacy.

She wanted to focus on wellness as a mindset, a lifestyle and a ritual.

“Wellness is not just something you do now.

It’s forever. You can do it whenever you want, wherever you want and when you start practicing wellness rituals you can bring that with you forever and it could possibly make you feel younger even as you aged,” Liza explained.

Her decision to have a wellness center as her first business should not come as a surprise to many because she has always been a great believer in wellness that goes beyond beauty.

“Wellness impacts more than meets the eye. It is all about making us feel better holistically, from head to toe, body to soul,” Liza said.

Liza, whose real name is Hope Elizabeth Soberano, shared her own wellness ritual by using a lot of essential and organic oils to pamper her hands and feet and also to boost her body and spirit.

“I am a great believer that wellness is essential in making us the best version that we can be. We want HOPE Wellness to be the go-to place for everyone and

anyone who wants to feel better. HOPE is open to people of all ages, genders and walks of life,” Liza said.

Speaking like a true entrepreneur, Liza quoted economist Paul Zane Pilner who said that the health and wellness industry is predicted to become the next trillion-dollar industry worldwide, underscored by the trend that spas and wellness centers have become a lifestyle for many people around the world.

“By putting up HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness, we do not only encourage people to have their own proper wellness ritual but we are also aggressively taking part in what is described as the business of the future,” Liza noted.

Liza mentioned that as much as her time would allow it, she would want to be very hands-on in managing the operations of her wellness center.

“I made sure that I am actively involved from conceptualization to the actual construction of this place down to the services that we offer,” she added.

Asked if how she plans to balance being an actress and being an entrepreneur since she’s very hands-on in terms of managing her wellness center, the teen actress said, “For now, I am focused on my career of course but as much as possible I do want to be part of this business.

I have of course my family to back up the things going on with my life and they are here to help me make the right decisions.”

TODAY, Sen. Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao’s Stories for the Soul presents another story that will make viewers appreciate the value of their parents.

Inspired by the Bible’s “Parable of the Prodigal Son,” its episode entitled “Alibughang Anak” is about the story of Jess (Juan Rodrigo) and his two sons, Alex (Martin del Rosario) and Patrick (Jeric Gonzales).

Alex, the older one, is hardworking and helps out his father run their family bakery business in the province. On the other hand, his youngest son, Patrick, is carefree and adventurous.

One day, Jess tells his plan to set up another bakery for Patrick. However, the latter wants to become a model and an actor. With his ambition in mind, he then asks for the money that will be used for the business expansion and heads to pursue his dreams.

In finding a way to achieve his dreams, Patrick spends his money in irrelevant things.

Soon, his ambition starts to crumble while his money eventually runs out.

With this, will he admit to his mistakes and ask for forgiveness from his family?

Find out what happens in Stories for the Soul today, 11:30 p.m. on GMA.

Kapuso actor Jeric Gonzales learns the importance of family in today's episode of ‘Stories for the Soul‘

STANDARD’S CHOICE

MOST POPULAR HOLIDAY SONGS FOR MILLENNIALS WITH over 217 million global streams on Spotify, Mariah Carey’s festive song “All I Want for Christmas is You” topped the list of most popular Christmas songs in 2017.

In the Philippines though, and interesting enough, Aiza Seguerra, Carol Banawa, and Juris, and Yeng Constantino’s “Star ng Pasko” emerged as the listeners’ top choice (yes, it’s not Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in our Hearts”).

But if we are talking about age group, listeners between 18 and 34 have a unanimous choice – it’s Justin Bieber’s holiday beat, “Mistletoe.”

According to a recent Neilsen survey, people between the ages of 18 and 34 account for a whopping 36 percent of holiday music fans. Hence today, as we anticipate the most festive time of the year, we are listing down some of the most popular songs (among millenials) that make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, as well.

“Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber This track decorates seasonal song surveys on top almost every year since its debut in 2011 as the lead single from Justin’s Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe.

“Mistletoe” is a pop and R&B song that has reggae influences. Upon release, the song reached the top ten in Canada, Denmark and Norway, and slightly missed the top ten in the US, peaking at 11, while also reaching the top 40 in nine other countries.

On Spotify this year, the song ranked no. 4 globally and no. 1 among 18 to 25 age group.

“Hallelujah” – Pentatonix In their most viewed upload to date at 230-plus million views, the acapella group’s unforgettable version of “Hellelujah” is delivered calm but fierce in resonance.

It is the most notable track on the group’s Christmas album, A Pentatonix Christmas Delux, released in October this year. Even though the song is not necessarily a Christmas track, Pentatonix still chose to include it on the album as it expresses something that ignites hope among young listeners this Holiday season. Nickie Wang

“Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande The R&B influenced Christmas song was released worldwide in November 2014 via iTunes.

Commercially, “Santa Tell Me” entered the US Billboard Hot 100 and later peaked at number 42 while also entering the record charts of several other nations, including Japan, South Korea, and various European countries. In Spotify’s 2017 global list, it sits comfortably at no. 5.

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Michael Buble Rounding out our top three list of Holiday ditties is crooner Michael Bublé with his version of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” The song, which was originally written in 1951

by American composer and playwright Meredith Willson and was released on the same year, is also Spotify’s third most streamed Christmas song this year.

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sunday, december 24, 2017

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

pet tales

By desiree carlos

T

HouSANDS of pets suffer every New Year’s eve due to the loud noise and the smoke or fumes that come from firecrackers.

Some dogs and cats even run away from home out of fear and go missing for days. Worse, some dogs never find their way back home.

“Animals have very acute hearing. Loud bangs and whistles may cause them actual pain in their ears. But by following these simple guidelines your pet need not suffer, Blue Cross for pets says.

Tips to help your pet during New Year’s eve:

1.Always keep dogs and cats inside the house or an outhouse familiar to them.

2. Walk your dog earlier in the day before the fireworks start.

3. Close all windows and doors (even the garage door), to keep noise to a minimum and to stop your pet from “escaping.”

4. Draw the curtains. Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), an animal welfare group, wet the curtains with water to absorb the fumes so that the fumes will not get inside the house.

5. If the animals like the sound of TV or radio, switch them on (but not too loud) to block out some of the noise from firecrackers. Save ALL uses calming music like baby songs and soft instrumental music to calm the dogs and cats.

6. Put some form of readable identification on your dog or cat , complete with the name of the contact person and the contact number. Put a collar and tag on your pet

goodbye firecrackers,

heLLo happy pets

rescued dogs Henry and Sophie roaming and playing in the garden. Tire your dogs out during the day so that by night, they might just go to sleep or will barely notice the noise from firecrackers.

7. Put your pet in a place where it can feel safe and comfortable. Some pets hide under a bed with some of your old clothes.

8. Allow your pet to whine, meow, pace around, and hide in a corner if he/she wants to. Do not disturb your pet as he/she is just trying to release the stress and looking for a safe place.

9. owners, please stay calm. Act normal. Praise your pet for his/her calm behavior. Cuddle and stroke your pet if it helps him or her relax.

10. Avoid leaving your pet alone during this upsetting time.

If you have to leave, do not get mad with your pet if he/she was destructive or pooped or urinated in a place that is not allowed during normal days. “Shouting at a frightened pet will only make them more stressed,” Blue Cross says.

11. Never tie a dog outside while fireworks are being let off.

12. Never bring a dog to a fireworks display. He or she may not bark or whimper but this does not mean he/she is happy.

13. Your dog is stressed if you notice him or her panting excessively and yawning,

More tips to keep pets calm

Sunny, a rescued dog of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), loves to play with his Spongebob stuff toy. Give toys to your pets when the fireworks start to distract them.

1. PetMD stresses that physical work-up like walking or exercising your dogs will keep them calmer when the fireworks start. Bring them to a park early in the day and let them play with other dogs.

“If you have a cat, plan out your day to spend time with feather wands and laser pointing toys. Keep your cat moving for as long as you can before the evening’s revelry begins,” PetMD says “Hopefully, when the noise starts, your pet will be too tired to get very stressed out by it, “ add PetMD .

2. Some oils calm dogs, PetMD says.

“For dogs, lavender oil, which has been found to reduce car

anxiety in dogs, can be helpful. Make sure the oil has the name Lavendula augustifolia or Lavendula officinalis. It can be used either on the skin or by letting your dog smell it. Try spraying the lavender oil on your dog’s favorite blanket, “ PetMD says.

Again, please make sure the oil is prepared in such a way that it is safe to out on your pet’s skin. Please ask your vet. There are synthetic oils which are a no-no to pets.

To be safe, spray the lavender oil on the curtains or areas that can not be reached by your pet.

There are calming sprays for cats too which can be used as a plug-in room diffuser or as a spray. Please ask your vet.

3. Toys and games can distract your pet.

“Give your dog or cat some food puzzles to play with during the time when there will be a lot of noise, or get a few new toys for him to play with, “ PetMD says “If you have a cat, try spritzing catnip spray on the new toy to keep him interested, “ PetMD adds.

For dogs, give them their favorite food or treat, their “ comfort food.”

Seek advice from your vet

Blue Cross advises that “all pet owners seek veterinary help for their animal six to 12 weeks before the firework season begins. Behavioural advice for your pet needs to be sought three to six months in advance.”

Senior dogs may need more help during this time. Some may have a heart condition and can be more sensitive to the loud noise. remember too that the fumes from firecrackers are not good for the lungs of both animals and humans. The effect is worse for pets who have smaller lungs.

Your vet will know how to help dogs with special needs or a certain medical condition during this time.

Love is a rescued dog

More and more people are deciding to adopt, instead of buying dogs and cats.

What gladdens animal welfare groups and advocates more is the fact more people no longer discriminate against dogs without breeds, and adopt asong Pinoy or aspins, and mixed breeds.

Because all dogs deserve to be loved. All dogs are loving, loyal, and easy to please. All dogs are also easy to take care of as long as owners are not pasaway or irresponsible.

Who are the pasaway owners?

Those who

1. Give table food or food scraps. These food cause mange or skin problems, and adversely affect the kidneys, liver and heart, among others.

2. Do not give vaccines to protect their dogs from illnesses.

When their dogs get sick, they end up paying a lot for treatment or their dogs die because they can not afford the treatment.

3. Do not give the yearly anti-rabies shot to their dogs which leave them and those in contact with the dogs open to rabies infection. A bite incident can cause one his/her life, and will leave an owner open to possible imprisonment and being ordered by the court to pay thousands of pesos in damages.

4. Keep their dogs in dirty places. This is one of the reasons dogs get sick. Again, treatment will cost an owner a lot of money. Failure to have the dog treated will cause suffering to the dog and worse, death.

These are just some of the acts of owners that are deemed irresponsible.

But it is easy to take care of dogs. All owners have to do is provide clean food and clean water, bathe the dog once a week, provide a clean space for the dog, have the dog vaccinated against illnesses and rabies.

In return, dogs bring color to one’s life, wonderful experiences and valuable lessons to each member of the family.

Audrey reyes, adopter of rescued aspin Derek, and raycyn enriquez-Aabad, adopter of rescued mixed breed Bonus, both attest that their adopted rescues brought so much joy into their lives.

Here are their stories in their own words:

Audrey with her adopted dog Derek.

excited. I love dogs so much that I prefer being around them rather than with other people. People bite and my dogs won't.

Whenever I'm going through tough times, they are there for me.

With different personalities, they have different approaches.

Derek would just lie down by my side quietly and would keep staring at me with his puppy eyes. And once he got my attention and I started to pet him, he would then be jolly and would give me tons of smooches to lighten up my day.

He gets along well with his brothers and sisters. He loves their morning and afternoon walks. (They do their potty outside the house.) He loves to play with balls though he doesn't know how to catch one.

All my dogs sleep beside me after my shift. They all know when to be quiet so as not to wake me up and when they can be very playful.

I find my dogs much more responsible than other people. You'll know when they did something wrong as they would feel sorry about it. My dogs won't lie. They would not harm us. They're my best friends. They're my family. our family.

raycyn and her adopted dog Bonus (brown) and rescued dog MoreLuck (white).

the first time we got an adult dog. We did not know anything about her life before she was saved by SAVe ALL. But we saw that anyone can bounce back from a past.

Second, it made our sense of commitment stronger. Since getting Bonus (of course there were a lot of adjustments and circumstances that needed our correction), I am happy to say that my husband and I stuck by Bonus' side and never thought of giving her back.

My dad, mom, Gab and I take turns in feeding , walking, bathing and training her. We are a team.

Third, Bonus taught us what true loyalty means. She was once a shy dog. But now, she alerts us multiple times of possible dangers.

May it be a popping sound of a stove, or a stranger trying to get in, she would alert us until the situation is handled.

I would very much encourage everyone to adopt a rescued dog.

Sometimes, I ask myself who really rescued who because Bonus brought such joy into our life.

Adopting a rescued dog not only changed the life of that dog, but you are affecting multiple dogs in the process. By adopting a rescue, Raycyn Enriquez-Abad and Bonus you can encourage others to do the same, lessen the number of stray Audrey Reyes and pup Derek Bonus made so many positive changes in our life. It was truly a dogs, bring awareness in your own circle, and you just saved a life!

Being a furparent is a blessing. Derek made my kids responsible Adopting a rescued dog not only changes the life of that dog, it And every dog deserves a good life as much as we, humans, do. blessing that she joined our family.

To name a few , she made us believe in second chances. It was changes you and your perspective as well.

When we--my kids and I--decided to adopt Derek, we were all