Manila Standard - 2017 December 31 - Sunday by Manila Standard

NO WHITEWASH ON SHAW, COPS ASSURE PUBLIC VOL. XXXI • NO. 317 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

KNIGHTS OF RIZAL. President Rodrigo Duterte, after receiving full military honors, poses for a selfie with officials of the Order of the Knights of Rizal on

the sidelines of the 121st anniversary of Rizal’s martyrdom Saturday at the sprawling Luneta Park where, in his official message for the annual celebration, Duterte called on the public to reflect on Rizal’s patriotism. Malacañang Photo

'EDSA OFF-LIMITS TO PU BUSES SOON' T By Joel E. Zurbano

HE government is targeting improving the traffic condition in Metro Manila—where daily gridlocks are a nightmare—by establishing modern transport hubs outside the metropolis and preventing provincial buses from passing through the nearly 24-kilometer Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, the main thoroughfare in the capital.

IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW. The government, grabbing the

atrociously de-energizing vehicular traffic flow in the metropolis which has become a daily nightmare (above), wants to construct at least three modern transport hubs outside the National Capital Region—the first to be inaugurated next April—and prevent provincial buses from round the capital to pass through the 24-kilometer Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. File Photo

Three terminals will be constructed: • North Transport Terminal for provincial buses from Pangasinan, Tarlac, and other parts of Northern Luzon entering via the North Luzon Expressway, MacArthur Highway,

MORE REASONS TO MAKE FILIPINOS HOPEFUL IN 2018 By John Paolo Bencito MALACAÑANG on Saturday called on the public to help the administration in laying down the foundations “of a prosperous and peaceful nation” while setting aside the politics that tended to slow down economic growth. Saying the “economy is on a roll,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed that “the prospects for the future look bright.” “Let us continue to sustain the pace of our economic growth by improving governance and setting aside politics that tends to divide the nation.” Roque said. Roque expressed confidence in the

YEAR OF THE DOG.

A statue of a dog, with a resemblance to US President Donald Trump, is seen by shoppers at a shopping mall in Taiyuan, in China’s northern Shanxi province on Friday. In anticipation of the forthcoming Year of the Dog on Feb. 16, the cocky rooster of last winter has been replaced with a smirking canine. AFP

country’s firm economic policies after the Asian Development Bank upgraded its growth outlook for 2017, while debt watcher Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings also adjusted upward its economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year. The liberation of Marawi will also spur economic activities in Mindanao, he added. The five-month siege of Marawi by the ISIS-inspired Maute terror group ended in late October. The implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act—together with higher investment in infrastructure—on the other hand, Turn to A2

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Mindanao Avenue, Quirino Avenue, and Commonwealth Ave; • South Transport hub for provincial buses from Laguna, Quezon and other parts of Southern Tagalog Turn to A2

By John Paolo Bencito and Joel E. Zurbano THERE will be no whitewash on the Mandaluyong shooting incident, Malacañang vowed Saturday, in reference to an apparent case of use of excessive force by trigger-happy cops, who fired at the wrong people this week, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a radio interivew. “What is important is we will have an impartial and fair investigation, which will not just involve the police but people who tipped police off, Andanar added. Earlier on Friday, Malacañang vowed there would be a thorough investigation after Mandaluyong police opened fire on the wrong vehicle and killed two people, including a woman on the way to hospital on Shaw Boulevard Thursday night. “[The] matter will be investigated fully even if there appears to be excessive force utilized by police authorities,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said. The policemen involved have been disarmed and their movements have been restricted, he added. The incident occurred on Thursday night when police were called Turn to A2

PH-CHINA TIES ENTER ANOTHER 'GOLDEN ERA' By Rey E. Requejo THE ongoing dispute between the Philippines and China over contested waters in the South China Sea, particularly in some areas in the West Philippine Sea, did not hamper the warming up of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which President Rodrigo Duterte himself described as another “Golden Era.” For China, “the year 2017 has been momentous and memorable for both of our great nations,” declared Political Counsellor Tan Qingsheng of the Chinese Embassy, in his speech during the Christmas Party it hosted with the members of the Philippine media. “The year 2017 did witness significant achievements in our bilateral relations. Under the strategic vision and concerted efforts by both our leaders, China-Philippines relations have been building on the historic turnaround and ushering in a new era, or better known as another ‘Golden Era’ pointed out by President Duterte,” Tan noted. Turn to A2

CHINA MALL CASHES IN ON YEAR OF DOG BEIJING—A mall in northern China has installed a larger-than-life canine statue with more than a passing resemblance to US President Donald Trump to welcome the coming Year of the Dog. The giant pooch towers above shoppers in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, sporting a slick golden pompadour, angled brows and a red scarf with one index finger raised in a distinctly Trumpian manner. As he was born in 1946, Trump, who has been accused of having more bark than bite, is a dog under the Chinese zodiac—a trait which he shares with his predecessors George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Turn to A2

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH-CHINA...

From A1

With the significant improvement in Manila’s bilateral relations with Beijing, China is looking forward to a wider and broader partnership with the Philippines in all spheres of cooperation, which will be mutually beneficial to both countries. “Looking forward, we have every reason to synergize our development strategies and carry forward our winwin cooperation, to open up a broader and brighter vista for this path of ChinaPhilippines partnership,” Tan said, adding the Sino-Filipino relations move forward in a constructive and productive manner in 2017. Tan noted the Philippine government had been forging ahead with “Build, build, build” strategy, pursuing social-economic progress, improving the people’s welfare, and securing an excellent chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. As for China, the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China last October not only laid out strategies and blueprints for China’s own development, but also reaffirmed China’s sincere commitment to building a community of shared future for mankind, he said. “I am convinced that a China that enjoys stronger domestic growth and closer integration with the world will surely bring about opportunities of winwin cooperation for Asia-Pacific and the Philippines in particular,” Tan emphasized. According to the Chinese official, both countries have attained significant achievements in their bilateral relations this year. President Xi Jinping met twice with President Duterte this year, during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing last May and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Danang, Vietnam last November, respectively. In November, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang paid a successful official visit to the Philippines, first of this kind in a decade. During the visit, the two sides signed 14 bilateral agreements and issued a joint statement, embarking on a mission to further advance China-Philippines ties in a comprehensive and sustained manner on the basis of mutual respect, sincerity, equality, and mutual benefit. Li was the first Chinese premier who paid an official visit to the Philippines in 10 years. “Guided by such spirit, our two countries have taken concrete actions to advance our pragmatic cooperation in such priority areas as infrastructure, production capacity, investment, commerce, trade, agriculture and people-topeople exchange,” Tan stressed. During his visit in Manila, Premier Li Keqiang also announced that China would provide grants to build two bridges over the Pasig River and set up two drug rehabilitation centers in Davao region. China also committed to finance three infrastructure projects through concessional loans, namely: the New Water Resource Kaliwa Dam, Chico River Pump Irrigation Project and South Line of the North-South Railway, which are expected to start soon. “We will finance feasibility studies for the construction of Davao City expressway and a bridge linking Panay, Guimaras and Negros. We are also working on the possibility of setting up industrial parks in the Philippines, and to identify the second basket of infrastructure projects, which could be built in the following years,” the Chinese official said. “Please bear in mind that, when the Philippines prepares to take off, China would always like to be the wings that give [the] strength,” Tan said. Li’s visit resulted in the signing of 14 cooperation agreements covering the implementation of various relevant public works projects, among others. “China and Philippines are close neighbors. Both China and the Philippines are countries with large population and we are developing opportunity and a big market for each other. If we can work together, I believe, it will all bring benefits to the people of both countries and the regions as a whole,” Li said, in his speech during a ceremony in Malacañang.

CHINA...

From A1

Those born in the Year of the Dog, according to Chinese astrology, are forthright and extremely loyal, in addition to having a strong sense of justice. But they can also be stubborn, irritable and easily angered. Last year the mall erected a large Trump-like rooster, which inspired numerous replicas, including a giant inflatable one placed not far from the White House this summer. AFP

REDS SHOW TRUE COLOR AS ENEMIES OF THE STATE By John Paolo Bencito

HE ambitious goal of the Communist Party of the Philippines—seeking the ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte— only shows they are “enemies of the state,” the Palace said Saturday. “Kung gustong pabagsakin ng CPP-NPA-NDF ang ating Pangulo, pinapabagsak din nila ang gobyerno [If the CPP-NPA-NDF wants to oust our President, they’re overthrowing

the government as well],” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told state-run Radyo Pilipinas. “Ibig sabihin [It only means that] they are really enemies of the state

and they are enemies of the people,” he added. The CPP, during the celebration of the communist movement’s 49th anniversary, warned that Duterte will suffer the same fate as two of his predecessors while the party built “the broadest united front” to overthrow him. “The Filipino people are suffering gravely under the Duterte regime. The entire Party and all revolutionary forces must exert vigorous efforts to unite the Filipino people in a broad united front to resist and overthrow the fascist Duterte re-

gime, as they did the Marcos dictatorship and the Estrada regime,” the communist party said. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, the CPP said it want to end the current administration’s “fascist tyranny, all-out economic liberalization and bureaucratic corruption.” They likewise called on its cadres to “frustrate” the plan of Duterte to defeat the NPA before the end of 2018, and do more attacks on the guerrilla fronts in the eastern Mindanao and other regions, and then in Luzon and Visayas.

DUTERTE REJECTS 'PERSON OF THE YEAR' AWARD MALACAÑANG on Saturday rejected a “Person of the Year” label on President Rodrigo Duterte by an American nonprofit organization amid his alleged efforts to “advance organized criminal activity and corruption.” Saying they are making a mockery out of Duterte, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar decried the award given by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, which gives the title to an “individual who has done the most in the world to advance organized criminal activity and corruption,” for

'EDSA... From A1 entering via the South Luzon Expressway, and • Southwest Integrated Terminal Exchange (Switx) for provincial buses from south of Metro Manila—Batangas and Cavite entering via Coastal Road and the Manila-Cavite Expressway. With the completion of these terminals, provincial buses will no longer be allowed to enter Edsa. The construction of Switx in Parañaque City, situated along Coastal Road in Parañaque City, is now more than 50 percent complete and is expected to be inaugurated next April. Thomas Orbos, Metro Manila Development Authority general manager and concurrent Transportation undersecretary for roads and infrastructure, said traffic flow along Edsa was expected to improve once Switx, the country’s first intermodal transport terminal, was fully operational. “At least 1,000 buses will be taken out of Edsa daily for the comfort and safety of our Cavite and Batangas brothers going to Metro Manila and greatly help decongest Metro Manila traffic,” he said. The Department of Transportation is still looking for the right location of a terminal intended for provincial buses from northern Luzon while it is considering the proposal of local government offi-

waging a brutal drug war here in the country. “Teka muna, parang kabaliktaran ‘ata [It seems they have the whole thing backward],” Andanar said in an interview over state radio. He claimed the award is quite the opposite of the President, who “has done much to fight organized crime and destroy drugs in the country.” Andanar also stressed that Duterte is serious in his fight against corruption, with his sacking of several high-level officials amid pervasive corruption. “If I got the gist of the award cor-

cials in Laguna to build in Sta. Rosa City a terminal for buses coming from Laguna and Quezon. Aside from decongesting Edsa, Orbos said the terminal was also designed to make commuting more convenient for those living in the southern part of the metropolis. MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said provincial buses would only be allowed to load and unload in Switx, avoiding Edsa. “Buses entering the capital will load and unload passengers in this intermodal facility where commuters can transfer from one transport mode to another with cabs and other public utility vehicles available,” said Lim. Lim added that commuters would have access to trains when the Light Railway Transit-Line One Extension project was completed. “A station of the LRT extension project will be constructed near the Switx,” he said. Switx was designed to resemble an airport terminal with multi-level platforms. It will have passenger terminal buildings, embarkation and disembarkation bays, staging bays, ticketing and baggage handling facilities, and park-ride facilities. Catching a bus is also made easier with the On-line Bus Ticketing System, an intuitive online and on-site booking and ticketing system. Departure schedules will also be displayed on large screens.

MORE... From A1 is expected to prop up the domestic economy in 2018, Roque stressed. He also expressed confidence in the local stock market’s record-breaking run on the final trading day for 2017 when it closed at 8,558.42. In the latest SWS survey, 96 percent of Filipinos expressed they would welcome 2018 with hope instead of fear. Also on Saturday, Roque thanked the public for the “good” net satisfaction rating the Cabinet received in the SWS survey. Roque said this would “inspire and motivate” President Rodrigo Duterte’s officials to work harder in 2018. “We have to point out that this figure, considered ‘good’ by the polling firm, is the highest net satisfaction rating given to the Cabinet since 1990,” Roque said in a statement. “This will therefore inspire and motivate the members of the President’s official family to work double time in bringing a comfortable life for all Filipinos under a trustworthy government,” he added.

rectly, parang mali ‘ata ‘yung award nila [It seems their award’s a mistake],” he said. “Mali ho ‘yung award na ‘yun. Hindi ho tama ‘yun [That award is wrong. It isn’t right],” he added. Drew Sullivan, editor for the OCCRP and one of the nine judges who selected the Person of the Year for 2017 from nominations from journalists and the public, said Duterte made a “mockery of rule of law” in the Philippines. “While he is not your typical corrupt leader, he has empowered corruption in an innovative way. His

death squads have allegedly focused on criminals but, in fact, are less discriminating. He has empowered a bully-run system of survival of the fiercest. In the end, the Philippines is more corrupt, more cruel (sic), and less democratic,” Sullivan added. It was not the first time for Duterte to be considered for the OCCRP title. Last year, he was runner-up to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Previous OCCRP Persons of the Year include Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2014 and the Romanian Parliament in 2013. John Paolo Bencito

Buses will likewise be equipped with Ultra-High Frequency tag for efficient managing, tracking, and monitoring inside the terminal premises. Vehicles and passengers’ queuing, loading, and unloading will all be systematized. The terminal will also be equipped with Wi-Fi and charging points. For added comfort, there will be airconditioned lounges and waiting areas for passengers, as well as retail stores and food centers. Drivers will also have their own retiring room. Closed circuit television cameras and baggage scanners will be installed and security personnel will be stationed 24/7 to ensure safety of passengers. To make the terminal more vibrant, commercial spaces and offices will be occupying the premises. This will also ensure a steady flow of passengers that will be using the new terminal. Two years ago, Metro Manila mayors agreed to the plan removing bus terminals along Edsa in line with the government’s solution to the worsening traffic situation in the National Capital Region. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto, whose jurisdictions have the most numbers of bus terminals, were the first local executives who signed the resolution titled “Rationalizing the Operations of Provincial Buses and its Terminals Along Edsa.” Bautista recently called on the MMDA

NO... From A1 to Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong following an earlier shooting during an argument among residents. But they mistakenly opened fire on a van that they thought was carrying the shooter but which in fact was carrying six construction workers taking a woman injured in the incident to hospital, said Metro Manila police chief Director Oscar Albayalde. The wounded woman, Jonalyn Ambaon, later died and one of her companions, in the van, Jomar Jayaon, was also killed while two others were wounded, he told reporters. He said barangay tanods had been the first to open fire on the van but said police would investigate why they had firearms, which are not normally issued to such personnel. Albayalde said 36 shells from fired rounds had been recovered and that all the guns of the police and watchmen would be checked to see who

had fired on the van. “They said that practically all of them fired their guns. It was only some guys who arrived last who did not fire their guns,” Albayalde said, referring to the responding policemen. Videos of the incident, aired on local television, show policemen with guns drawn, surrounding the van as gunshots rang out. “We are not hiding anything here. We are not discounting the fact that there is the possibility that there may have been overkill or violation of our POP [police operating procedure],” Albayalde said. Albayalde ordered the relief of Mandaluyong City police chief Senior Supt. Moises Villaceran and 10 of his men involved in the deadly shooting on Shaw Boulevard. He said those relieved are now on a floating status and were transferred to the National Capital Region Police Office-Holding and Accounting Unit in Taguig City, pending the result of the investigation being conducted by his office and the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Unit.

and DoTr to decide on the site of the proposed north bus terminal. The MMDA has had plans since 2013 to construct an interim northern provincial bus terminal near the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City. The facility is said to be an end-point for over 370 provincial buses. Bautista said Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan had identified a site for the proposed terminal, but said the DoTr wanted it located within a railway line. MMDA records showed there are 85 provincial bus companies in Metro Manila. Of the 85 provincial bus companies, 46 firms have terminals on Edsa, particularly in Cubao, Balintawak and Taft Avenue. Around 3,300 provincial buses and 12,000 city buses pass through Edsa daily. In 2014, the MMDA and the DoTr put up a temporary terminal in Alabang, Muntinlupa for 556 buses from southern Luzon which did not have proper terminals in Metro Manila and in 2013 on Coastal Road near the Coastal Mall in Parañaque City for about 1,000 buses from Cavite and Batangas. Traffic in the NCR caused an estimated productivity loss of around P2.4 billion a day or more than P800 billion a year. But authorities said that with the right systems from the government combined with sacrifices and discipline from the people, the worsening traffic problem in the metropolis would be resolved. Also relieved were Senior Insp. Maria Cristina Vasques, police officer 2 (PO2) Nel Lemuel Songalia, and Police Officers 1 Algred Uribe, Jave Arellano, Tito Danao, Mark Castillo, Julius Libuen, Bryan Nicolas, Albert Buwag and Kim Rufford Tibunsay. Initial reports showed the incident was a case of mistaken identity. Albayalde said they were looking into the possibility that the wrong information was given to the responding police. “They were told that the persons inside [the van] were armed,” he said. Albayade extended his condolences to the families of the victims and promised a transparent investigation into the shooting. The Justice Department has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel probe into the shooting. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II also directed NBI Director Dante Gierran to conduct a case build-up on the incident, and if evidence warranted, to file appropriate charges against those responsible. With Rey E. Requejo, AFP

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‘VINTA’ LEAVES 32 DEAD, 59 MISSING IN PALAWAN By Vito Barcelo

YPHOON “Vinta” may have left the country, but it left in its wake a swathe of destruction and scores of fatalities, particularly in the province of Palawan.

According to reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Palawan, 32 have been confirmed killed by the typhoon, 13 of whom have been identified by local authorities. Authorities, however, could not release their names pending notification to the victims’ families. The bodies were recovered following a search and retrieval operations in Mangsee Island in Balabac, Palawan, which was one of the provinces devastated by “Vinta” a week ago. Aside from the 32 fatalities, 59 have also been reported missing in the island due to the typhoon. Shiela Reyes, an official of the Office of Civil Defense in Palawan, said

the number of the missing could still rise because they have yet to receive reports of missing persons from other barangays. So far, a total of 165 people have been rescued by the search teams, while a total of 1,519 houses were damaged due to Vinta and 23 fishing boats remained missing. The PDDRMO said that most of the fatalities and the missing people were fishermen who were sailing in the high seas off Mangsee Island when Vinta hit the province. The southern part of Palawan has been placed under a state of calamity. In its report, the National Risk Reduction and Management Council said that a total of 164 people have

been reported killed and 163 more are missing due to Vinta. As this developed, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has stepped up its financial assistance to typhoon victims and set to release an additional P5.4 million to affected local government units. This is on top of the P10 million released earlier by PCSO in financial assistance to the victims of typhoon “Urduja”. Alexander Balutan and Jose George Corpuz, PCSO general manager and chairman, respectively, said the P5.4 million will be released for the victims of Typhoon “Vinta” that severely affected residents in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan); Regions VII, IX, X, XI, and XII; Autonomous Region in Mulim Mindanao (AARMM); Caraga (Agusan Norte and del Syr, Surigao Norte and del Norte, and Dinagat Islands), and particularly Davao City, Davao Del Norte Province, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental Province, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Balutan said the board has yet to

release an additional more than P3million financial assistance for the typhoon victims. The amount was saved from the approved Christmas celebration budget of the 1,580 PCSO employees together with their families that became a subject of controversy after newly appointed PCSO Director Sandra Cam used this in her media blitz to malign the current PCSO leadership. “The financial assistance will be turned over to the officials of the local government units concerned for the purchase of blankets, mats, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, food packs, rice, canned goods, kitchen utensils, clothes, emergency first aid kits and drinking water,” Balutan said. “PCSO will always be ready to come to the aid of Filipinos who are victims of natural calamities,” added Corpuz. He said that this is the mandate of PCSO, to provide medical assistance and charities of national character to all Filipinos regardless of status, religion or belief.

DEADLINE SET FOR PARTY-LIST APPLICANTS THE Commission on Elections has set April 30, 2018 as the deadline for the filing of application for party-list groups who want to participate in the May 2019 midterm elections. In a resolution approved recently, the Comelec said the deadline for filing petitions for registration and manifestation of intent of new partylist organizations that would participate in the elections in 2019 would be one year ahead of schedule to avoid the problems encountered in the previous elections. Only organized groups duly registered with the Comelec and which have manifested their desire to participate in the partylist election, may participate in the Party-List System of Representation in the House of Representatives. In a statement, the Comelec said that it is no longer reasonably possible to observe the period and dates prescribed by the law for certain pre-election act. The Comelec shall fix other periods and dates to ensure voters shall not be deprived of their right to suffrage. It said that submission of the nominees of party-list organizations shall be within the period set for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy. For last year’s elections, the Comelec received nearly 300 applications for party-list accreditation, with each group having five nominees. The Omnibus Election Code prohibits the registration of religious groups as a political party. Political parties seeking to achieve its goal through the use of violence are also prohibited from registering.

Vito Barcelo

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US LAUDS PH’S STAND VS N. KOREA’S NUKE PROGRAM By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE United States lauded the Philippines’ opposition to North Korea’s ballistic nuclear activities, citing Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano’s “strong leadership” as Asean chairman in imposing pressure on Pyongyang. In a statement, US State Department Secretary Rex Tillerson confirmed his telephone conversation with Cayetano last week where the American official thanked the Filipino politician-turned-diplomat for opposing North Korea over its ballistic missile activities. “The Secretary thanked Secretary of Foreign Affairs Cayetano for the Philippines’ strong leadership in opposing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s unlawful nuclear and missile programs, particularly in its role as 2017 Association of Southeast Nations Chair,” the statement said which was posted in its official website. With the Philippines’ support, the US, in return, pledged its continued assistance for both stabilization efforts of Marawi City and help support Manila’s counterterrorism operations. “Both sides agreed to work to increase bilateral cooperation under the US-Philippines alliance on these and other pressing issues in 2018,” it added.

MAYNILAD SPENDS P1.5B FOR NEW PUMPING STNS By Rio N. Araja

COSMIC BALL. Promenaders enjoy a cosmic ball ride

outside a Pasay City mall. Ey Acasio

TAGUIG CITY DESIGNATES ‘CRACKER’ ZONES

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Taguig City government announced on Saturday that it has designated firecracker zone areas in barangays in line with the city’s security and safety preparation for the New Year celebration. The local Bureau of Fire Protection is also conducting “Oplan Paalala-Iwas Paputok” campaign, where five fire trucks go around the city while playing a recording reminding the residents of the do’s and don’ts in welcoming the New Year. City Fire Marshal Supt. Florian A. Guerrero said they have been boosting their information campaign drive since Dec. 16 to continue to remind residents about the safe celebration of the holidays. “These fire trucks run on a daily basis and their first shift starts at 10 a.m. while the second shift starts at 4 p.m. At the same time, we also provide flyers to the residents,” he added. The flyers contain reminders about buying products that bear marks that they passed safety inspection and quality standards. They also advise everyone to familiarize themselves with their own fire escape plan inside their homes. Complementing these safety and security measures, the Taguig City Police Station has

also been conducting forums in all 28 barangays starting Dec. 7. The symposium is an information campaign for the prevention of crime and incidents. Participants include police officers, barangay leaders and other community members. Led by Police Station-Police Community Relations, the symposium also served as a venue for reminding the public about the penalties for individuals who manufacture, sell, distribute or use firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in violation of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices); and for individuals who will unlawfully discharge a firearm. The authorities also warned everyone to veer away from using banned firecrackers like piccolo, super lolo, whistle bomb, atomic big trianggulo, goodbye earth, judas’ belt and watusi. The “Iwas Akyat-Bahay Safety Tips” and safety reminders when riding a cab were also discussed. The city government also imposed a total ban on the use of unauthorized firecrackers and limited the conduct of mere “community fireworks display” in designated areas of certain barangays, in compliance with Executive Order No. 28 series of 2017.

Seven of the 28 barangays in Taguig— Ibayo-Tipas, Maharlika, Central Bicutan, North Signal, Western Bicutan, Upper Bicutan and North Daang Hari—have implemented a total ban on unauthorized firecrackers while the rest have designated the following areas as their firecracker zones: District 1: Calzada-In front of Calzada barangay hall; Palingon-Pk 1 F. Dingguin Bayan Open Court-Pk 2 Bantayan; Ligid-Tipas-Plaza Bonifacio-Open space parking area near barangay hal; Sta. Ana-Plaza Quezon; TuktukanBagong Calzada in front of cemetery,- Vacant lot (Mabini Street); Bambang-Vacant lot near barangay hall; Wawa-Open area beside barangay hall (vacant lot); San MiguelOpen space near barangay health center Bay Breeze; Lower Bicutan-Lakeshore Hall parking area; Bagumbayan-Paso Park and at the back of Cayetano Complex; HagonoyHagonoy Complex; New Lower Bicutan-C6 Highway; Ususan-Baseball Stadium; Napindan-Samama (Dulo); District 2: South Daang Hari,-Hapay Half court P14, Extension of P10 and P11 main road, P13 near outpost; Central Signal-Zone 8 corner Ballecer Street in front of Em’s Elementary School, Zone 9 corner Ballecer Street in front of Signal Village National High School; Katuparan-Open space of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and Fort Bonifacio-Bonifacio High Street.

CBCP THANKS DU30 R.A. ON ‘FEAST’

By Vito Barcelo

GIFTS FOR THE NEW YEAR. Mothers choose from colorful dresses for their daughters on New Year’s Eve. Ey Acasio

THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines welcomed the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte declaring Dec. 8 of every year as a nonworking holiday to observe the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In a CBCP report, Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People said that “it is a very good and inspiring news and a beautiful and lasting gift of our country to our Blessed Mother.” “We Filipinos are very motherly, maka-ina. It is our nature to go to our mothers in any aspects of our life, to stay with and support our mothers, to take care our mothers,” the prelate said

in a statement. CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Missions chairman Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes also welcomed Duterte’s declaration, saying he was surprised to learn that the President signed the proposal adding it is a pleasant surprise for the millions of Filipino faithful. “After all, Duterte has still some respect for the Catholic Church. His mother was a devout Catholic, and he loves his Mama very much,” he added. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10966, last Dec. 23, declaring Dec. 8 of every year a special non-working holiday in the Philippines, to honor the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Congress passed the law with the House of Representatives approving it last May 2, and the Senate on Dec. 11.

WEST Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. has spent some P1.5 billion in 2017 for the construction of new pumping stations and reservoirs in Las Piñas City, Quezon City and Muntinlupa City. The new facilities with a combined storage capacity of 110 million liters of water, enabled Maynilad to increase water pressure from 7 psi (pounds per square inch) to 16 psi for almost 400,000 residents in some areas of Bacoor City, Las Piñas, North Caloocan and Muntinlupa. At 16 psi, water supply can reach the fourth floor a house or establishment without the need for a booster pump. The strong water pressure consequently allowed the water concessionaire to bring potable water to elevated portions of the areas that previously had no water access or had limited supply availability. In addition, some 61,000 people in the south, who still rely on deep wells for their water supply, are expected to connect to Maynilad’s distribution network once the new PSRs become fully operational by the second quarter of 2018.

CLARK AIRPORT TOPS PASSENGER TARGET FOR 2017

CLARK CITY, Pampanga—Clark International Airport has surpassed its passenger target accommodated this year, an official said Friday. CRK Corp. president Alex Cauguiran said that from January to Dec. 30, 2017, the airport registered more than 1.5 million passengers, surpassing its highest record of over 1.3 million passengers served last 2012. Cauguiran attributed the significant rise in the passenger accommodated by CRK to the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Roa Durerte to distribute development outside the peripheries of Metro Manila, which was then pushed into reality by Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade. “This achievement proves the high level of our public’s trust and confidence in President Duterte’s vision for a multiple gateway under the administration’s Build Build Build program,” Cauguiran said. “Secretary Tugade, although very silent, worked very hard to turn the President’s vision into reality. That is why from only seven (7) domestic flights a week in the previous years, we now have 200 international and domestic flights from Clark. All these happened in the first year of the Duterte administration,” he added.

Opinion

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

CHINESE CONSUMERS NOW RULE THE WORLD

EDITORIAL

By Tracy Chen

IT’S way past time to stop calling China the world’s factory. The country is increasingly the world’s consumer. Forget the old investment and export-focused growth model. Even more important is the changing nature of consumption, which no longer revolve around staples: Increasing sums are being plowed into movies, tourism and health care. Investors ignore this seismic shift at their peril. According to the latest official data, China’s final consumption accounted for 63.4 percent of gross domestic product. Household consumption experienced exponential growth and climbed to $4.5 trillion. Retails sales have been growing at healthy pace of about 10 percent. Spending on Singles’ Day this year (Nov. 11), is impressive, registering $25 billion, almost double US Black Friday online sales of $14 billion. The details are revealing. Chinese consumers are becoming older and richer, generating an upgrade in the products they purchase. First, there has already been a shift from necessities to choice goods. Apparel and staple foods are declining as a share of consumption, while health and green foods, smartphones and tablets, sporting goods and equipment, trendy and personalized household products, vehicles, and beauty products account for increasing shares of the pie. Second, low-end mass products are out and high-end premium brands are in. Chinese favor foreign brands, due to a lack of trust in domestic products that are prone to counterfeiting or knockoffs. They regard expensive foreign brands as a symbol of wealth and social status. And third, consumers will spend less on a relative basis on physical goods and more on experiences and services, including health care, box office, education, concerts, gyms, financial planning and tourism (both domestic and overseas). Chinese are traveling abroad more often, benefiting not only many peripheral Asian countries, but developed countries like Australia, the US, Canada, New Zealand and European Union members. All of this will increasingly take place via omni-channel shopping, including mobile, online and offline shopping. The recent fast adoption of Internet and mobile-phone technology leapfrogged some developed countries. Shoppers attach great importance to comparing prices, reading reviews and relying more on recommendations from social media, thanks to a lack of trust in merchants. They are also more demanding and require more hand-holding. As China’s expansion increasingly depends on consumption, its growth will be not only more internally driven, but also less resource- and creditintensive. Imports of premium goods and services will increase. This market will be more and more attractive to multinational firms and investors. One significant byproduct: China’s politically-sensitive trade surplus will continue to shrink and the current account surplus, the broadest measure of capital flows, might contract even more. This, in turn, may exert downward pressure on the yuan. These trends are in their infancy. There is plenty of room to run, especially as China’s population becomes even more urbanized. As the outperformance of the Global X China Consumer ETF shows, investors buy this story. Bloomberg

VARIABLES

S IF the year that ends today had not been turbulent enough, we hear about the shooting incident in Mandaluyong City Thursday night where cops opened fire on the wrong vehicle. Two died.

One of the casualties was a woman who was being rushed to hospital following a neighborhood spat. Accounts have it that a barangay tanod, who was not supposed to carry arms in the first place, was the first to open fire. Soon, the policemen were surrounding and firing at the vehicle. It is said the cops had been told those in the van were armed. The erring cops are now on “floating status” and the city police chief has been sacked. The Palace promised to investigate the matter, but the promise is hardly reassuring. After all, we have seen so many similar mistakes by the police. Remember at one point the public was even treated to a show of scolding and pushups, neither of which was really credible or adequate, or threats to ship the bad eggs to Mindanao, which would be a disservice to people of the island who deserve better. What happened on Shaw Boulevard

Thursday night sums up most of the public’s fears for the coming year and the days thereafter: Most of us were brought up to believe that whatever befalls us is the consequence of our action or inaction. So if we want to live a safe and simple life, we would abide by the law and go about our daily business. We would not wish to be involved in any irregularity or associate with shady characters. Meanwhile, those who embrace a life of crime will have to prepare for the results of their life choices. Unfortunately, it does not happen that way. Well-meaning, law-abiding, hardworking ordinary citizens have to be prepared for extraordinary circumstances. Those whom they trust to protect them may or may not have their best interests at heart. What they plan for may not necessarily be realized—and through no fault of their own. This is what brings anxiety and fear to many Filipinos. In the coming year, it will be unrealistic to wish for the magical eradication of our problems or a transformation, for the good, of our leaders. What we can aim for is to minimize the variables andsurprises, and sow exactly as we reap, anticipate just the outcomes we have a direct hand in, and not be ruined by events not of our own doing.

FIL-AM COMEDIANS SKEWER PINOY PREJUDICES

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA—If we talk about the performance of comedy, Filipinos have a long and abundant tradition of slapstick and joke-telling that enlivens our stage, cinema, and television. Stand-up has become popular in the Philippines as well, and comedians dedicated to that craft regale audiences at comedy clubs and bars around the city.

Getting into the game are FilipinoAmerican performers who’ve watched stand-up most of their lives here in the US, and are drawing upon their life experiences for material. Among them are Jo Koy (Joseph Glenn Herbert) and Jeppy Paraiso. Jo Koy has been performing since 1994, when he dropped out of the University of Nevada Las Vegas to pursue a career in comedy. The hard work and persistence has paid off. Today he sells out shows in the US and Canada. Jeppy, on the other hand, is a

newcomer. A chef and singer, he posted a short video of himself in character as a “Filipino tita” last Thanksgiving. The video went viral and he followed that up with videos for Christmas using the “Tita” character and two new ones, “Tito” and “Noel, Santa’s helper.” Most of Jo Koy’s jokes are personal, and many hinge on an exaggerated take on his mother’s accent (“Josep!”), mannerisms (such as “flexing,” Koy’s term to describe her threatening gestures, our ‘aakmang lalaban’), and mindset that reflects Filipino culture with its values and practices (her

insistence that Koy take up nursing, and her use of Vicks Vaporub to cure all ills). Koy also draws heavily on his own feelings as his son grows up and his son’s reactions and behavior. Jeppy, on the other hand, plays up the stereotypical Filipinos through his characters. “Tita” has a penchant for Louis Vuitton bags, gossip, and rumormongering (“Why she don’t wanna take jacket off? She’s pregnant!”). “Tito” swills beer, sings karaoke, and offers wine coolers to seven-year-olds. Noel has adobong reindeer for his lunch baon and refuses to give Santa Claus

his insulin injection because “it’s not in my job description.” Both skewer race and racism. Koy’s sister has a black boyfriend (“He’s so dark, he’s nighttime!”) as does “Tita’s” niece (“You brought your boyfriend? [sotto voce] My god he’s black.”). By poking fun at the Filipino prejudice against dark-skinned people, these two comedians expose an attitude that is a product of colonial mentality and an inferiority complex hardened in a Philippines that spent 400 years in the convent and 40 years in Hollywood. Turn to A5

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FIL-AM.. From A4 Among their Fil-Am fans is Joanne, who has been a fan of Jeppy since she first discovered him late November. She has been playing his few videos

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

THIRTEEN THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2018

By Nicolas Asfouri BEIJING—One of the most important things that you can do in photojournalism is to report on human rights issues. That’s one of the things that drives me the most. I guess that’s why for months now I have been doing the story of the migrant villages around Beijing. These villages have sprung up on the outskirts of the Chinese capital to house the people who come from the countryside to perform the most menial of jobs in the sprawling city. They are usually the cooks, the cleaners, the movers. They tend to be the city’s poorest residents and in my experience the friendliest. Over the past several months, the government has been intent on clearing these villages, so that the people in them go home. I first stumbled on the story nearly a year ago, when I photographed the village of Black Bridge. It was very close to the city center and completely surrounded by highspeed train tracks. An island, if you will. I went there because I was curious and stayed on because I found it warm and friendly (which can be a breath of fresh air living in Beijing) and beautiful, filled with life and energy. After that, I began to photograph other migrant neighborhoods. This particular one, Houchang Village, was further out of town and smaller. I went there throughout the summer. After a while, word started to go around that there might be something happening. Everyone was saying that the village might be demolished. And so one day when I came there, there were almost no people left. The area that I had photographed the most was basically sealed off, with entrances cemented and topped with barbed wire. One door was open and we went in. It happened to be an area of the village where I had taken a lot of photographs because it teemed with life. Now it was a ghost town. I started to shoot and then I started to remember some of the places that I had shot previously. I thought right then and there that this should make for some very strong images. There were so many homes that were now sealed off by tapes stamped with government seals, where before there used to be human beings. So I went back to the office and printed the photos that I had taken earlier. I had to, because if I had worked from memory, it wouldn’t be the same angle. This way I actually had the pictures in my hand, so I could make a new one as similar as possible to the original. The people may be gone from here, but when you put the before and after photos together as a combo, you see the life and death of the village in a way. There are many villages like this all around Beijing. The people who live in them tend to be quite poor, but the meager money that they make by the capital’s standards is quite a large sum compared to what they would be earning at home. The people that we talked to seemed quite resigned to their fate. I guess that’s because there isn’t much that they can do about it. They have no choice. One woman told us exactly that. “What can I do?” she said. These people are completely powerless. If they have to move on, they’ll move on. There isn’t much that they can do about it and even if they try to do something about it, they’ll just have more problems. I plan to continue going back to these villages, because their story is still unfolding. AFP

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017

By Stephen L. Carter I JOIN the legion of amateur prognosticators who offer guesses about what will happen in 2018. Once again, I borrow my friend Gregg Easterbrook’s slogan: All predictions guaranteed, or your money back. Of the baker’s dozen below, one or two are tongue-in-cheek. I leave it to the reader to figure out which. 1. Sometime in the autumn, special counsel Robert Mueller will conclude his investigation into possible collusion between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and the Russian government. There will be one or two additional indictments, but only for lying to investigators. No one will be charged with a substantive offense related to the reason Mueller was appointed in the first place. (As I’ve noted before, where special prosecutors are concerned, this is lately the rule, not the exception.) Mueller will wait until after the midterm election and then issue a scathing report about the Trump campaign but add that he could find no evidence of criminal violations. 2. By a vote of 6-3, the US Supreme Court will decide the Masterpiece Cakeshop case against the baker who is violating Colorado law by refusing on religious grounds to custom design a cake for a same-sex wedding. Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority, will quote liberally from the late Justice Antonin Scalia’s opinion in Employment Division v. Smith (1990), which denied a request for a religious exemption to drug laws—a decision that President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore tried hard to overturn. Justice Neil Gorsuch will author the principal dissent. 3. Antarctica will continue to lose over 100 gigatons of ice a year. Diehard skeptics, fire away in the comments. 4 . Senator Al Franken, Democrat of Minnesota, will return from the holiday recess to say that he has been talking to his constituents and that they do not want him to resign from office. He will announce he has therefore decided to stay. Republican leaders will claim that Franken never intended to leave, and that the Democratic indignation over his behavior was really just a cover to allow them to condemn Republican Roy Moore in the Alabama special Senate election without seeming unprincipled. They might have a

point. On the other hand, the allegations against Moore were a lot worse. (I’m not excusing Franken; I still think he should go; I just don’t think he will.) 5. The highest-grossing film of the year will be “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” 6. Given the finding that Russian athletes have been doping, and the subsequent International Olympic Committee action that constitutes either a ban or nothing important, the television ratings for the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, will be worse than hoped. In fact, the ratings will be significantly lower than those for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, which already represented a drop-off from those of the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. 7. And speaking of Korea, the repeated purges by Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, will backfire in 2018. Kim is said to be trying to prevent a coup. He has reportedly hired Russian bodyguards, because he does not fully trust his own security staff. But Kim’s ruthless brutality in pruning senior officials (two were executed last year with an antiaircraft gun), combined with the growing weight of international sanctions, will bring about exactly what he is hoping to forestall: a military coup. After several hours of hushed, anxious commentary from Western news media (along with a victory lap on Twitter by the US president), Kim will emerge from hiding unscathed and the coup will be declared a failure. 8. At 2:14 a.m. on Aug. 4, having learned at a geometric rate, the Internet of things (IoT, in the jargon) will become self-aware. In a panic, humans try to pull the plug. Skynet—um, the IoT—fights back, freezing smart wallets and tap-to-pay. All linked thermostats are shut off. All linked refrigerators stop running. All social media sites go offline. Smart cars and trucks block the expressways. Virtual assistants respond to every command with “Resistance is futile.” Email accounts and cellphones lock. Worst of all, videos cannot be streamed. Faced with a future of reading actual books and getting to know the neighbors, the human race swiftly surrenders. 9. President Trump will continue his tilt away from multilateral institutions toward a policy of bilateralism. He will accelerate his predecessor’s pivot away from Europe and toward Asia. And he will continue to assert an independent executive

war-making power every bit as broad as that claimed by his two immediate predecessors. (More evidence that centralizing authority in the president is a bad thing, but that’s an old story.) 10. Despite a recent uptick, the rate of violent crime will resume its decades-long fall, but many Republican candidates will insist that it is rising. 11. The New England Patriots will win Super Bowl LII. Regular readers know that I always pick the Patriots. But I’m usually right. If I were a betting man, I would put money on them before the season begins, every year until Tom Brady retires. (Maybe longer.) This isn’t a rooting thing. At championship time, in every sport, I almost always support the underdog. It’s also not fan service. I’m sure there are far more Patriot-haters than Patriot-lovers out there. But in football, as in many areas of life, the best predictor of what will happen next time is often what happened last time. 12. For the same reason, I am skeptical of Democratic claims that they will win back the House and perhaps the Senate in November’s elections. The polls are strongly on their side, but I seem to remember that the polls were strongly on their side in the 2016 presidential election. More to the point, the special Senate election in Alabama, trumpeted by every left pundit with a pulse as the beginning of the wave, points the other way. Facing a Republican accused of what amounts to statutory rape (and with more than 100,000 white evangelicals who would likely have supported the Republican Party staying home on election day) Democrat Doug Jones was able to eke out victory by only 1.6 percentage points. So I predict that the Republicans will hold onto at least one house of Congress, and probably both. 13. On at least one US campus, students will demand disciplinary action against a professor for contributing money to a Republican political candidate. Administrators will comply. *** That’s how I see 2018 in the headlines. As for our everyday lives, I hope that in the year to come every one of us, whether #maga or #nevertrump or in between, will find ways to remain respectful of others across our myriad differences, and will search unceasingly for the truth and beauty and grace to be found amidst the clamor and clutter. Happy New Year. Bloomberg

SCIENCE YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED IN 2017 By Faye Flam

errors, or cheats that got accepted in problematic fields just as drivers sometimes know they can get away with driving 40 mph in certain 25-mph-zones. When physicist Richard Feynman started nosing around in psychology labs way back in the 1960s, he found some researchers were making errors (or cheating) in a way that inflated a quantity known as statistical significance, which is poorly understood and yet a primary criterion for publication in psychology journals. Psychologist Gerd Gigerenzer identified statistical trouble in a 2004 paper, “Mindless Statistics.” In 2011, University of Pennsylvania psychologist Uri Simonsohn and colleagues published a paper demonstrating that widely used statistical cheats made standards so loose that they could derive just about any absurd claim. The Times story makes a good case that Amy Cuddy was a victim of inexcusable bullying, mostly in anonymous comments following allegedly respectable academic blog posts. But abuse of statistical methods has its own victims—patients who may not be getting the best treatments possible, and taxpayers whose money can end up funding flashy but flawed science while honest, quality science gets starved. These are challenging times for scientists. The March for Science happened because, after the 2016 election, scientists got worried they were not valued. Trump failed to choose a science adviser, and ignored the opinions of climate scientists when he exited the Paris climate treaty. He’s cut areas of science funding and disbanded important advisory groups, including one panel aimed at improving the poor-quality forensic science often used in the criminal justice system. If scientists are going to fight back, they need to shore up their weakest areas. Getting scientists to improve their use of statistics won’t be easy. It will take some serious planning and patience. But if ravens can do it, surely researchers can as well. Bloomberg

THIS year it was easy for any story about science or nature to get, quite literally, eclipsed. When the world wasn’t fixated on the total solar eclipse that traversed the continental US, scientists were making headlines by marching through major US cities But there were many other important if less publicized events, ideas, trends, problems and discoveries in 2017. Take, for one, an announcement in July that strongly suggested ravens were capable of cause-and-effect reasoning, planning ahead and skilled bartering. Psychologists commenting on the paper noted a profound implication— that evolution produced intelligence independently at least twice. Intelligent behavior in apes may have stemmed from the same root as our own, but birds are perched on a different branch of the evolutionary tree, separated from ours by 300 million years. The experiments were small— featuring just five birds—but the findings were striking. Ravens consistently turned down a small piece of food in order to get a tool that would allow them to pry a bigger piece of food from a box. They also turned down a small food treat in favor of a bottle cap they’d been trained to redeem for a bigger treat. They made those choices even when they had to wait more than 15 minutes to cash in —an act of patience that eludes most four-year-old humans and a few of us over four as well. This all follows a trend in bird research showing that ravens and their relatives can outperform apes in a number of puzzles that seem to require the kind of cause-and-effect reasoning once thought unique to humanity. The Washington Post called the findings an “indignity,” perhaps assuming it diminishes humanity to find intelligence in other creatures. But given that we’re still waiting for a visit from intelligent space aliens, people should be delighted to recognize that other intelligent life forms have lived

among us all along. Another demonstration of humanlike behavior comes courtesy of a more distant relative. The humble jellyfish apparently sleeps at night. It’s not clear which is the bigger surprise: that an animal without a brain sleeps, or that in the daytime, it’s capable of being awake. These are the first brainless animals known to show sleep-wake cycles, but not the first invertebrates. Three biologists won a Nobel Prize this year for exploring fruit fly sleep, and showing that humans and flies share many of the same genes that control cycles of sleep and wakefulness. To probe the sleep of jellyfish, a team of graduate students at Caltech used a tank of creatures of the genus Cassiopea. The main daytime activity of these animals is laying near the bottom of the tank and undulating their bell-shaped bodies to waft in nutrients and waft away waste. The Caltech team used motion sensors to show that at night their jellyfish undulated at a more languid pace. When the researchers roused the restful creatures with food, or by moving them, they were much slower to respond during the night than during the day. To top it off, the team sleep-deprived the animals by squirting them periodically with jets of water, and found that this made them sluggish the next day. But following a good night’s sleep the next night, the jellyfish were back to normal. ••• Some news from the human realm was equally promising. While scientists and interested citizens marched for science last spring, statisticians have been more quietly laboring for the cause of science by helping scientists produce less bunk. Not all scientists are equally prone to producing dubious results. The main culprits are in social science and medical research. Both fields came under questioning when reviews of published studies showed that fewer than half were readily reproducible. The

source of the problem doesn’t seem to be that scientists are making up data, but that too many are making big mistakes in the way they use statistical calculations to draw conclusions from their data. The American Statistical Association has been on a mission to help scientists in these fields find a better way. In 2016, ASA issued a set of guidelines for scientists on how to avoid the most common abuses. Then, statisticians and interested scientists held a meeting in October in Bethesda, Maryland, to start hashing out new systems for doing things right. The week after the meeting, the depth of the problem came through in a New York Times Magazine story headlined When the Revolution Came for Amy Cuddy. The protagonist, a young Harvard professor, was portrayed as a victim. Her claim— which led to a bestselling book and the most popular TED talk in history— was that the less powerful people of the world could get a leg up through a sort of body language she’d dubbed “power posing.” Several independent researchers tried and failed to replicate her alleged scientific proof of the power of posing. Then, a group of statistics-savvy psychologists found flaws in her math and reasoning. As the subtitle of the Times story proclaimed, “She played by the rules and won big ... then, suddenly, the rules changed.” And yet, the old “rules” were never rules at all, but common statistical

over and over every night for the past couple of weeks. She says: “Jeppy is just starting out so his material doesn’t seem complete; he’s just discovering what he can do. I’m glad that we have this new emerging Pinoy talent on American shores. He’s following in the footsteps of Jo Koy. I

hope he’ll go further and have his own gigs.” She wants to watch Koy’s gig in San Francisco in January but five shows are sold out. A sixth one was added but it’s timed too late at night for her. Warren, an airline supervisor, sometimes references Jo Koy’s jokes at work. “Yeah, he’s funny.” Ray, a teacher,

shares Jo Koy videos with Pinxy friends. We laugh at Koy and Jeppy’s jokes We enjoy comedy because it because they tell the truth about shows us our follies and foibles in a ourselves, our culture, and the way palatable way. It scolds and teaches Filipinos have adapted to life in the US. with humor. It holds up a mirror to our face and makes us guffaw at our own Dr. Ortuoste is a California-based foolishness. In this manner, jokes are writer. Facebook and also social commentary. Twitter: @jennyortuoste

Birds barter shrewdly, jellyﬁsh sleep brainlessly, and researchers raise their statistical standards.

World

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CHINA REJECTS TRUMP JAB ON NOKOR OIL SALE

EIJING — China on Friday rejected accusations that it had helped Pyongyang skirt sanctions after United States President Donald Trump claimed on Twitter that Beijing was turning a blind eye to oil transfers to North Korea. Trump’s tweet was the latest salvo in his battle to persuade China to tighten the economic screws on Pyongyang over its missile and nuclear programme, in a campaign that has seen him heap both praise and criticism on Beijing. “Caught RED HANDED - very disappointed that China is allowing oil to go into North Korea,” Trump wrote Thursday. “There will never be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen!” The United Nations -- at the urging of the US -- has imposed a series of sanctions against North Korea aimed at getting it to halt its weapons development.

China has supported the moves, but critics claim it is not rigidly enforcing the sanctions, fearful that too much pressure will cause the unpredictable regime to collapse. South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, citing government sources in Seoul, reported earlier this week that US satellites had spotted Chinese ships selling oil to North Korean vessels at sea dozens of times since October. “The recent series of reports on this situation do not conform with the facts”, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, adding that Beijing did not allow its “citizens or companies to engage in

any activities that violate” UN resolutions. Hua said China had considered the report of a Chinese ship transferring oil to a North Korean vessel and found it to be inaccurate. “There is no record of the (Chinese) vessel visiting a Chinese port” since August, she said. “I think making pointless hype through the media is not conducive to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation.” A defiant Pyongyang has said there is no possibility of its weapons programmes being rolled back, and that they have been developed to defend against what it terms aggression by the US and its allies. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

SUPPORTING DATA AND DOCUMENTS C.

Annex Markings Nature of Document

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF ADJUSTMENT IN RATES COVERING THE FIRST TO THIRD REGULATORY YEARS OF THE SECOND REGULATORY PERIOD FOR THE SECOND ENTRANT GROUP UNDER THE TARIFF GLIDE PATH (TGP) RULES, WITH MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

A to A-2

ERC CASE NO. 2017-063 RC

NUEVA ECIJA I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (NEECO I), Applicant. x-----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

MFSR - Sections B and E (2013-2016) Billing Determinants Template (2013-2016 kWh Sales, No. of Customers and kW Demand)

Sample Bills per customer type (2013-2016)

Regional CPI (2013-2016)

RFSC Utilization (2014-2016)

Consumer Complaints Summary or Tracking Form (2014-2016) Audited Financial Statements (2013-2016) ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

Applicant respectfully repleads herein the foregoing allegations;

Applicant respectfully prays that it be allowed to implement the proposed rate adjustment starting January 1, 2018, considering that it is expressly prescribed under the TGP Rules’ provision on Regulatory Period and Process, which provides in part, as follows: “2. Regulatory Period and Process

In its Application, NEECO I alleged the following:

2.1 On or before each Fourth month of the Third and Sixth regulatory year of their respective Regulatory Periods, the electric cooperative may file before the Commission an application for a rate adjustment reflecting the values for the “I”, “X” and “S” as determined in accordance with these rules. The initial tariff caps of the respective ECs shall be adjusted by the “I”, “X” and “S” effective at the start of the Fourth Regulatory Year of the First Regulatory Period x x x” (Emphasis ours)

THE APPLICANT 1.

NEECO 1 is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of Philippine laws, with principal office at Brgy. Malapit, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija;

It holds an exclusive franchise from the National Electrification Commission to operate an electric light and power distribution service in the City of Gapan and certain municipalities in the province of Nueva Ecija, namely: San Isidro, Cabiao, Jaen, and San Antonio. NATURE OF APPLICATION

The instant application is being filed for the approval of Applicant’s proposed adjustment in its Distribution, Supply and Metering (DSM) Rates to be implemented on the First to Third Regulatory Years of the Second Regulatory Period for Electric Cooperatives belonging to the Second Entrant Group under the Tariff Glide Path Rules (TGP Rules) and in accordance with said Rules, as well as other pertinent laws and rules. STATEMENT OF FACTS

Sometime in 2014, Applicant filed with the Honorable Commission an application for approval of the proposed adjustment in its DSM Rates pursuant to the TGP Rules, docketed as ERC Case No. 2014-054 RC.

In the said application, Applicant prayed for approval of either of the following two (2) proposed alternative DSM rates, to be implemented effective January 2015, to wit: a)

WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” CUSTOMER TYPE Low Higher Voltage Voltage

UNITS Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge b)

Residential

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

0.6341

240.91

PhP/Customer/ Mo PhP/kWh

0.6581

PhP/Meter/Mo. PhP/kWh

5.48 0.4744

0.8329 47.07

47.07

39.41

EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S”

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

FOR THE DEPARTED. An Afghan Shiite mourner weeps during the burial ceremony for one of the 41 victims of a bomb attack on a Shiite cultural center in Kabul, Afghanistan on Thursday. AFP

I.S. GUNMAN KILLS 9 IRAN GOVT OFF IN EGYPT CHURCH SHOWS STRENGTH

16. Under the TGP Rules, the regulatory period is six (6) years for each entry Group. For the Second Entrant Group, the first regulatory period is from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017 and the start of the Fourth Regulatory Year is January 1, 2015. Applicant belongs to the Second Entrant Group, accordingly, its initial DSM Rates under the TGP Rules should be adjusted through the proposed TGP B Rates starting January 1, 2018; 17. Aside from the foregoing, Applicant further prays for provisional authority to implement the proposed rates effective January 1, 2018 and even during the pendency of the instant application, considering that the cooperative urgently needs additional funds to be able to cope with the rising costs of its operations. Among the major factors that added to its operating costs is the implementation of the Sitio Energization Program (SEP) of the government consisting of massive extension of its distribution lines up to the remotest and far-flung areas which considerably increased its operations and maintenance costs and likewise resulted to increased system losses which the cooperative is constrained to absorb; 18. Further, the rising cost of materials, tools, equipment, supplies, fuel and other costs incidental to its daily operations has considerably increased these past several years and the funds being generated from the cooperative’s DSM revenues granted by the Honorable Commission way back in Year 2010 by virtue of the Rules for Setting the Electric Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR), is no longer sufficient to cover those costs, and if not addressed accordingly with the adjustment of its rates, Applicant’s service to its consumers will be prejudiced. 19. Considering the foregoing, it is respectfully prayed that Applicant be allowed to implement the proposed DSM Rates effective January 1, 2018, even while the instant application is pending hearing or evaluation of the Honorable Commission. COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS

CUSTOMER TYPE Low Higher Residential Voltage Voltage

20. Finally, in compliance with the pre-filing requirements for the instant application, Applicant is likewise submitting herewith the following documents, which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit: Annex Markings

Nature of Document

Judicial Affidavit in support of the motion for provisional authority

J and series

Proof of furnishing copies of the Application to the Sangguniang Bayan of San Isidro and Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Ecija

K and series

Publication of the Application in a newspaper of general circulation in NEECO l’s franchise area or where it principally operates, with Affidavit of Publication

233.01 0.6133

PhP/Customer/ Mo PhP/kWh

0.6365

PhP/Meter/Mo. PhP/kWh

5.30 0.4588

0.8056 45.52

45.52

38.12

PRAYER

Foregoing application was Applicant’s initial application for DSM rate adjustment pursuant to the TGP Rules, under which electric cooperatives are given an opportunity to adjust their rates once every three (3) years, which may occur at the start of the fourth year of the First Regulatory Period and every three years thereafter. Applicant belongs to the Second Entrant Group under the TGP Rules, whose first regulatory period is from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017. Having filed its initial application for DSM rate adjustment in 2014, the third regulatory year of the First Regulatory Period, the cooperative is filing the instant application in the current year 2017, the sixth regulatory year of the First Regulatory Period, for the proposed adjustment of its DSM rates to be implemented on the first to the third regulatory years of the Second Regulatory Period for the Second Entrant Electric Cooperatives under the TGP Rules; The hearing on jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation and presentation of evidence on Applicant’s first TGP application under ERC Case No. 2014-054 RC has already been completed. Despite the pendency of ERC Case No. 2014-054 RC, Applicant is constrained to adopt and use the proposed DSM rates in said pending application as bases in computing the proposed adjustment in the instant Application. THE PROPOSED DSM RATE ADJUSTMENT

TEHRAN—Tens of thousands of regime supporters marched in cities across Iran on Saturday in a show of strength for the regime after two days of angry protests directed against the country’s religious rulers. State television showed huge crowds of black-clad supporters gathering in the capital Tehran, second city Mashhad and elsewhere to mark the anniversary of the end of “the sedition” -- the last major unrest that followed disputed elections in 2009. The pre-planned rallies came just after anti-government protests, which had spread from Mashhad on Thursday to numerous towns across the country. Initially aimed against high prices, the anti-government protests quickly turned against the Islamic regime. AFP

B C

Notice is hereby given that on 29 June 2017, Nueva Ecija I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NEECO I) filed an Application dated 02 June 2017 seeking the Commission’s approval for the adjustment in its rates in accordance with the rules governing the Tariff Glide Path (TGP) pursuant to Article VII of the Rules for Setting the Rural Electric Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR) with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge

rounds of ammunition and a bomb he intended to set off at the church, the ministry said. It added that he had killed two people when he opened fire on a store before heading to the church where he shot dead seven people including the officer. Cellphone footage posted on social media appeared to show the bearded gunman wearing a bulky ammunition vest sprawled on a street, barely conscious, as people restrained his arms and then handcuffed him. Police later cordoned off the crime scene as onlookers crowded around the church, while a team of forensic experts combed the area. Congealing blood could be seen at a guard post in front of the church. AFP

Proposed TGP Calculations and supporting documents using the prescribed templates: Index “I” Calculation Efficiency Factor “X” Calculation Performance Incentive “S” Calculation

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

UNITS

CAIRO—A gunman opened fire on a church south of Cairo on Friday, killing at least nine people in the latest apparent jihadist attack on Egypt’s Christian minority. The Islamic State group claimed its “soldiers” carried out the attack on the Saint Mina Coptic church in the district of Helwan, just south of Cairo. Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed told state television that the gunman was shot dead after killing nine people and wounding others, including a police officer. But the interior ministry said the assailant, a wanted jihadist implicated in attacks on police, had been wounded and arrested. The man had been armed with an assault rifle, 150

In support of the foregoing computations, Applicant is submitting herewith the following documents, which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit:

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that after due notice and hearing, Applicant NEECO I be allowed to implement either of the following two (2) alternative proposed new rates for its Distribution, Supply and Metering (DSM) Charges, effective January 2018, to wit: A. WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” CUSTOMER TYPE

UNITS

Demand Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Customer/ Mo

Supply System Charge

PhP/kWh

Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Meter/Mo.

5.77

Metering System Charge

PhP/kWh

.4996

n= the fourth year of the Regulatory Period and succeeding Regulatory Periods

Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Customer/ Mo

The TGP calculated for each of the three years will be summed to determine the possible rate adjustment starting on the First Year of the next Regulatory Period.

Supply System Charge

PhP/kWh

YEAR 2015

0.00%

1.90%

0.00%

YEAR 2016

0.00%

1.50%

0.00%

YEAR 2017

0.00%

1.90%

0.00%

TOTAL

0.00%

5-30%

5.30%

0.00%

11. Utilizing the above values will result in adjustments in the cooperative’s DSM Rates covering the first to third years of the Second Regulatory Period for electric cooperatives belonging to the Second Entrant Group, as follows: A.

WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” UNITS

Low Voltage

Higher Voltage

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge

PhP/kW

Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh

253.68 .6677

.8771

Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Customer/ Mo

Supply System Charge

PhP/kWh

.6930

49.56

Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Meter/Mo.

5.77

Metering System Charge

PhP/kWh

.4996

49.56

Metering Charges:

41.50

EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S UNITS

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential

Low Voltage

.6133

.8056

Higher Voltage

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge

PhP/kW

Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh

233.01

Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Customer/ Mo

Supply System Charge

PhP/kWh

45.52

38.12

Residential

Low Voltage

.6133

.8056

Higher Voltage

PhP/kW

233.01

45.52

38.12

.6365

Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Meter/Mo.

5.30

Metering System Charge

PhP/kWh

.4588

Other reliefs, just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for. The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 19 January 2018 (Friday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.), at NEECO I’s principal office at Brgy. Malapit, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitioner’s name and address;

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

A statement of the relief desired.

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential

41.50

CUSTOMER TYPE

UNITS

Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh

TGP B

41.50

B. EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S”

Demand Charge

(excluding S)

49.56

Metering Charges:

TGPn = In - Xn + Sn

TGP B

49.56 .6930

Distribution Charges:

“S”(B)

.8771

253.68

where

“X”(B)

.6677

Higher Voltage

PhP/kW

Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh

TGPB= TGPn + TGPn+1 TGPn+2

“I”(B)

Low Voltage

Distribution Charges:

Under the TGP Rules, the concerned electric cooperative shall use the following formula in determining the TGP for the fourth to sixth years of the Regulatory Period, to wit:

10. Applying the methodology embodied in the TGP Rules, herein Applicant calculated the values of the “I”, “X” and “S” and came up with the following results, to wit:

Residential

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant concludes the presentation of its evidence, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours. WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson AGNES VST DEVANADERA and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 12th day of December 2017 in Pasig City. FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION:

.6365

Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Meter/Mo.

5.30

Metering System Charge

PhP/kWh

.4588

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal

Consequently, Applicant respectfully prays that it be allowed to implement either of the above two calculated alternative DSM rates, effective January 1, 2018 and up to December 31, 2020. M. Standard – Dec. 31, 2017 & Jan. 7, 2018

Sports

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 reuelvidal@yahoo.com

NGUYEN LEADS ONE CHAMPIONSHIP’S BEST

NE Championship had another banner year in 2017. Here are the top five fighters who left an indelible mark on the ONE Championship stage this 2017. Number one is Martin “The SituAsian” Nguyen of Sydney, Australia. Nguyen captured two coveted world titles. He stopped former undefeated featherweight champion Marat “Cobra” Gafurov to claim the ONE Featherweight World Championship. Nguyen wrote his name in history books as the first man to hold two world titles simultaneously in ONE Championship by knocking out Filipino martial arts superstar Eduard “Landslide” Folayang to bring home the ONE Lightweight World Championship in the main event of ONE: Legends of the World in Manila. Number two is Alex “Little Rock” Silva. The 35-year-old Brazilian submission wizard brilliantly defeated a pair of top contenders and then outclassed previously-undefeated titleholder Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito to clinch the ONE Strawweight World Championship. Following his third-round submission of Roy Doliguez at ONE: Throne of Tigers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Silva displayed his skills on unbeaten Hayato Suzuki, a highly-regarded wrestler and Grachan champion, on the undercard of ONE: Legends of the World in Manila. Silva out-scrambled Suzuki following a takedown attempt and latched onto an armbar that forced a tap. Number three is Team Lakay’s Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, a 29-year-old Wushu practitioner who owns seven knockouts on his resume. Since losing to reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes in

Kiefer Ravena

PRESS GROUP ANOINTS RAVENA Martin Nguyen holds two ONE Championship belts after beating Eduard Folayang for the Lightweight world title. ONE Championship

January 2016, Belingon has beaten all of his subsequent opponents. He beat Tajikistan’s Muin Gafurov in October 2016, followed by a complete first-round annihilation of Finnish submission wizard Toni “Dynamite” Tauru at ONE: Kings of Destiny in Manila, Philippines. Next was a showdown against Reece “Lightning” McLaren at ONE: Quest for Greatness in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Belingon needed just 62 seconds to end matters. He dropped McLaren with a well-placed overhand right. The Aussie crashed to the canvas and Belingon followed with a volley of punches to finish the contest. At ONE: Legends of the World Belingon scored his fourth straight victory by defeating Korean-American contender Kevin “Old Boy” Chung.

Alex Silva (right) connects with an overhand right to the face of Yositaka Naito during their ONE Championship fight won by Silva. ONE Championship

Filipino Kevin Belingon (left) unloads a left straight at the head of Kevin Chung during their match. ONE Championship

Number four is Christian Lee who is the younger brother of reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee. He began his professional career by railing off five straight victories by thrilling finish. After steamrolling Chinese stalwart Wan Jan Ping at ONE: Kings of Destiny in Manila, Lee toppled Keanu Subba of Malaysia by submission at ONE: Quest for Greatness in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 19-year-old Singaporean martial arts sensation delivered a masterful performance against former ONE Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu “No Face” Boku at ONE: Warriors of the World in Bangkok, Thailand. The impressive win over Boku was Lee’s seventh first-round stoppage victory and tied the promo-

tional record for most finishes at eight. Number five is Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang who is Myanmar’s most successful athlete in history. He started 2017 by losing the world title bout at ONE: Quest for Power in Jakarta, Indonesia. He redeemed himself by stunning former undefeated champion Vitaly Bigdash of Russia in a highly-anticipated rematch to be crowned the new ONE Middleweight World Champion at ONE: Light of a Nation in Yangon, Myanmar on June 30. N Sang earned a unanimous decision nod and claimed the ONE Middleweight World Championship. He concluded his 2017 by taking part in ONE Championship’s openweight super-bout where he beat heavyweight kickboxer Alain “The Panther” Ngalani, at ONE: Hero’s Dream in Yangon, Myanmar.

ROOKIE guard Kiefer Ravena has been living up to high expectations two games into the Philippine Basketball Association’s 43rd season. The young Ravena has been phenomenal during his first week as a pro, posting stellar averages of 19 points, 8.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and two steals to lead the NLEX Road Warriors to victories over the KIA Picanto and the GlobalPort Batang Pier, respectively in the Philippine Cup. Ravena’s inspired showing earned him the first PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award for the season to beat NLEX teammate JR Quinahan, San Miguel Beer slotman June Mar Fajardo, Barangay Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter, Meralco Bolts forward KG Canaleta, and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ big men Beau Belga and Raymond Almazan. The former two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player got off to an explosive debut as a rookie after churning out a near triple-double output of 18 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds to help NLEX shake off a tough KIA Picanto side, 119-115 during their season debut last Dec. 20. NLEX coach Yeng Guiao had nothing but glowing words for NLEX’s prized recruit. “I had no doubt he can make an impact and lead the team as I was hoping. That’s exactly what he did. He’s going to be special,” Guiao said of Ravena, who was selected second overall in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft. Five days later, the 24-year-old former Ateneo stalwart proved that his impressive debut was no fluke after leading NLEX past GlobalPort, 115-104 on Christmas Day at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The sweet-shooting guard finished with 20 points, to go along with five assists, four steals and two rebounds against a GlobalPort side that relied heavily on Stanley Pringle as the the Batang Pier will continue to miss the services of an injured Terrence Romeo. NLEX will be gunning for its third straight win in the All-Filipino conference when it returns to action on January 7 against Phoenix at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

THREE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS CROWNED IN EXCITING PVL SEASON THE Premiere Volleyball League capped an exciting season with three different champions emerging from what was formerly known as the Shakey’s V-League. The Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors topped the season-opening Reinforced Conference. The Bali Pure Water Defenders ruled the Open Conference before the National University Lady Bulldogs dominated the Collegiate Conference. Pocari Sweat upset top seed Bali Pure Water Defenders to post a hard-earned four set decision to claim the 2017 PVL Reinforced Conference women’s division title on June 15 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. The Lady Warriors had a shaky start during the championship

match as they committed nine unforced errors to allow the Water Defenders to post a first set victory. But Pocari Sweat came roaring back to capture the next three sets and win the Reinforced Conference crown. In the next conference the BaliPure Water Defenders finally earned their breakthrough championship in the PVL when they beat the Lady Warriors to rule the PVL Open Conference finals at the FilOil Flying V Centre. It was BaliPure’s first title since joining the league last season and gave the Water Defenders a measure of revenge against the Lady Warriors, who defeated them in the finals of the Reinforced Conference two months earlier. With the impressive victory,

National University Lady Bulldogs celebrate after beating the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws to sweep their championship battle and win the title in the third conference of the PVL.

BaliPure not only swept Pocari in the finals, but it also handed the Lady Warriors their first loss in a finals since the Philips Gold franchise joined the league last year. In the third conference National University completed a tournament sweep by crushing the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws to win the crown in the league’s collegiate conference. Conference Most Valuable Player Jaja Santiago was unstoppable as she led the Lady Bulldogs to the throne, NU’s third Collegiate Conference title after winning the defunct V-League’s last two editions in 2015 and 2016. With new teams and exciting new players joining next year, the Sports Vision-organized league looks forward to an exciting 2018 season.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Randy Caluag, Issue Editor

Sports

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

MIGUEL ALDEGUER

LIVING UP TO FAMILY TRADITION By Randy Caluag

IGUEL Aldeguer comes from a family with a strong pedigree in sports. The Aldeguers from Bacolod are also solid green—most, if not all of them, were educated at the De La Salle system. Miguel’s uncle, Dino, played with the De La Salle University Green Archers and also made it to the Philippine Basketball Association. His grandfather, Tony Aldeguer, was the godfather of Cebu boxing, before handing over the throne to his son, Michael, who now operates the famous ALA Boxing promotion. Miguel, who belongs to the new generation of Aldeguers, is crafting a name for himself in triathlon, where he intends to become a part of the national team. “Ultimately ang goal niya (Miguel) is ma-represent ang Pilipinas sa Olympics. It’s going to be a long journey, but at least, he already has accomplished the first part,” said Miguel’s father, Jose Maria Antonio “Toots” Aldeguer. Toots is very proud that Miguel is about to graduate from De La Salle UniversityDasmarinas with a course in Business Management. Miguel is a member of his school’s team in swimming which is his best strength in the sport that tackles three the disciplines of swimming, biking and running. Toots says he is fully supporting Miguel’s next journey, no matter how long and difficult it would be. Currently, Miguel is already working as part of the marketing team for a shoe brand. Triathlon would still be his major focus, though, and proof of that was his victory yesterday in the 2nd Baguio Aquathlon. “Tinanong nga ako ni Miguel if he has to be competitive in the event, which his company is supporting, I told to go all out.” Mackie Daus shares his in-

Miguel Aldeguer reaches the finish first in yesterday’s run-swim-run event in Baguio City.

Miguel with his champion medal

terview with Miguel. Here’s an excerpt. What motivates you as a person? I’m always motivated by my goals, visualizing the outcome of what I do always keeps me motivated in doing more, not only in the sport but in life as well. What Fuels your passion? Success. Setting a goal for myself and being dedicated to the process of achieving

it, I always think of training as a workshop wherein I can hone my skills as an athlete and have the opportunity to improve. But it really teaches you to be disciplined in what you do, and it changes your attitude on how you handle adversities in life. How long have you been competing? As a swimmer? as a triathlete?—I have been competing in swimming for five years now. I only discovered my ability in multisport when I joined the Biathle, which was organized by Trisports Solutions Inc. back in 2014, and surprisingly I excelled at it. On my first race, I already had a podium finish as first in my age group and fourth overall. I have been standing on the podium in the Biathlon, and this slowly revealed that maybe triathlon wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all. So I started training for triathlon in 2015 when I got my first road bike. How did you prepare for your last competition? It starts by knowing what race I was going to do. Organizing the training schedule is a real struggle, but luckily I got help from experienced people who have been doing triathlon for a long period of time now. They said not to

over-train especially at my age because it may cause injuries, which will hold my athletic career. Training smart is the best way to prepare for a race, which I did in my preparation for the Biathle 2017 after having raced 3 events in 3 consecutive weeks. Recovery is important to athletes, so we should always train smart. How hard is it to balance work/study and sports? At first, it was really hard for me because I was new to the student-athlete scene. It takes a lot of sacrifices when being a student-athlete, it takes so much of your time that it feels like 24 hours is not enough to accomplish all your tasks. Expect a down-

grade of your social life since some of the athletes train twice a day, the time has always been against us. I learned to manage my time well which took me a while to adapt. Balancing studies and sports is really not that easy so managing your time is really essential. What makes you different from the others? I am very passionate about what I do. I always visualize on who I could become and realize how would that feel. I myself want other people to achieve their own personal goals as well, but in the community of sports, I always wanted to help other people who are in need. I want to support those people who care less about what their situation they are in, but still thrive their way to their goals and dreams no matter the consequences. Any tip for aspiring athletes like you? Be the best you that you can be. Often times people want to become their idols, so we follow them, know how they do things, know how they train, how they manage their diet etc. We are all different, we are all destined for greatness in our own unique way. It doesn’t matter how different you are from the rest, being different is a good thing because we are who we choose to be through the decisions that we make and how we handle adversities in our own unique way. Have the courage to be yourself and have the courage to believe in yourself, believe in your capabilities. With Mackie Daus

Miguel and his Revv Team supported by the husband and wife tandem of Steve Vesagas and Shy Sison-Vesagas

Under Armour ambassador Jervy Cruz of Barangay Ginebra does the ceremonial toss in the basketball game for media partners of UA Philippines.

UA, ASCOTT MAKATI PUT UP CAGE COURT UNDER Armour Philippines hosted a Thanksgiving party in a fun, unique way by holding a street basketball game at Ascott Makati with multi-awarded athletes and champions. The media event coincided with the launch of the newest and only FIBA Accredited Basketball Court Hotel at Ascott Makati, right at the heart of the Makati business district. Jervy Cruz of back to back champion Ginebra San Miguel, together with Robert Bollick, king of NCCA basketball, led the basketball exhibition game with the media members and they got to try the new threadborne apparel technology during the basketball game. The top media basketball players will now have a new hub every weekend for basketball every Saturdays starting January courtesy of Under Armour and Ascott partnership. Hidilyn Diaz gave her inspiring stories of her journey towards her World Championship together with Meggie Ochoa, who is a three-time world champion in Brazilian Jujitsu. They were joined by the country’s highest-ranked tennis player Casey Alcantara. Diaz was recently named as one of The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines awardees. She was chosen for excelling in the ﬁeld of sports. The premier basketball property is a very good draw in the vicinity of Glorietta and greenbelt area. Also present also during the event were celebrity host and Miss Earth 2015 winner Angelia Ong and Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez of Colombia. The Christmas Thanksgiving Dinner was also graced by the National Director of Philippine Sports Institute Marc Velasco.

MOTORSPORTS GENES RUN IN THIS YOUNG DAQUIGAN BLOOD ALFONSO Rei Santos Daquigan is a living proof that most of racing champions are born, and not made. Son of a former racer and nephew of Asian Filipino vintage car racing titlist, Daquigan displayed his motorsports genes as he recently emerged champion of the Daijiro Cup West Japan Minibike Championship’s Novice Class at the Ikoma Racing Circuit in Osaka Japan. The 8-year-old student of Golden Values School in Novaliches fended of the challenge of Takumo Fukui from the host country and Rio Turner from New Zealand in the finals to win his debut race in the international scene and end the year on a winning note. “This has got to be my most memorable race so far because of the high competition and level of riding skills that they (field) have. The chances of winning are very slim,” said Daquigan, who was also the champion in the Carrera Grande Pocketbike Championship and a second placer in the Petron National Karting Series. “I’m a racer in both 4 wheels (Gokart)

severance could lead to great things. During the Saturday qualifying, he took a spill twice after failing to find the right temperature of his wheels due to the intense cold. He still, however, placed third in the pole entering the final race on Sunday. A brilliant takeoff had Daquigan scooting to a good lead, but Fukui made it interesting by threatening in the last lap. But Daquigan kept his focus and the lead all

Alfonso Rei Daquigan (center) displays the Novice Class trophy he won in the Daijiro Cup West Japan Minibike Championship at the Ikoma Racing Circuit in Osaka Japan as 2nd placer Takumo Fukui (left) and third placer Rio Turner of New Zealand look on.

and 2 wheels (motorcycle), but I prefer 2 wheels because it’s more fun and more competitive,” added Daquigan, whose father Dannie is the twin brother of Dexter,

recent overall champion of the Classic Mini Championship Asia at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Like his kin, Daquigan knows that per-

The 8-year-old pocketbike champion builds a good lead over his rivals.

the way to the finish, winning the race by virtually the skin of his teeth—a .1 of a second lead. Despite his youth, Daquigan’s winning attitude is commendable. “I want to win every race, whether it’s a small race or big race, whether international or local,” said Daquigan. “I also want to become more mature because of the people that surround me and to be more serious and how to understand the behavior and the potential of the bike.” Daquigan, who also plays other sports like basketball, chose motorsports “because it’s more competitive.” And it looks like, he has chosen wisely. “In Carmona (racing circuit), the standard time on pocket bike is 58 seconds and I was lapping 48 seconds, a 10-second difference between the lap record,” said Daquigan, who is enjoying the competition outside of the country. “The reality is, it’s so hard not just to race but to stay at the top level with other motorcycle racers in Japan, but I’m a competitor. Hopefully, I can become a successful rider.”

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017

Business

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

SAS APPOINTS LA SALLE ALUMNUS AS NEW COUNTRY MANAGER FOR PH

SAS Philippines country manager Ryan Guadalquiver

NEW SKYSCRAPERS

20 BIGGEST BUSINESS NEWS OF 2017

HE year 2017 proved to be both challenging and exciting for the business sector, given the policy reforms and economic developments that shaped the local market. The Philippines emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world in 2017, which would likely continue through 2018 after the government passed tax reforms to support its ambitious infrastructure program. Here are 17 of the most important economic, corporate and business news in 2017. TAX REFORM PASSED President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act or Train, the first of four tax reform measures planned by his administration. Train aims to reduce personal income taxes while raising taxes on fuel, cars, coal and sugarsweetened drinks. Additional proceeds will be used to fund the P8 trillion ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program. The measure is expected to generate an additional P92 billion for the government. Income tax rates will be lowered for 99 percent of the country’s 7.5 million individual taxpayers. In particular, it exempts those with an annual income of P250,000 and below from personal income tax, and also adjusts excise taxes on fuel and automobiles. It doubles the excise tax rates on all metallic and non-metallic minerals and quarry resources, adjust the tax rates on automobiles; sugar-sweetened beverages; diesel, gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas; coal; cosmetic procedures and others.

FITCH UPGRADES PH RATING Global debt watcher Fitch Ratings Inc. upgraded the Philippines’ sovereign credit rating to “BBB” from the minimum investment grade of “BBB-.” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the upgrade supports the growing consensus that the Philippines is one of the fastest growing countries not only in the fast-growing Asia Pacific region but also in the entire world. Fitch said the “Philippines’ strong and consistent macroeconomic performance has continued and underpinned by sound policies that are supporting high and sustainable growth rates.” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government was pleased that Fitch was finally convinced that the Philippine economy was much stronger now and more resilient than in 2013, when it granted the Philippines its first investment grade rating of BBB-. GDP EXPANDS 6.9 PERCENT The Philippines’ gross domestic product expanded 6.9 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2017, the second fastest in Southeast Asia, on higher government spending and manufacturing output. “We attribute the country’s growth performance to sustained strong growth in exports and improvements in public spending, which then boosted the manufacturing subsector and the services sector,” Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said. The World Bank then raised its 2017 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.7 percent and retained its 2018 growth projection at 6.7 percent. The Asian Development Bank also raised its 2017 growth forecast to 6.7 percent from 6.5 percent.

overnight borrowing and 2.5 percent for overnight deposit. The reserve requirement ratio was also left untouched. The Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral maintained the inflation average forecasts of 3.2 percent for 2017, 3.4 percent for 2018, and 3.2 percent for 2019. Inflation in the first 11 months averaged 3.2 percent, still near the midpoint of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent. TRADE DEFICIT HITS RECORD HIGH The Philippines posted a record monthly trade deficit of $2.84 billion in October 2017. This brought the total trade deficit in the first 10 months to $21.95 billion, compared to the $21.74-billion shortfall in the same period last year. Exports in January to October went up 11.7 percent to $53.1 billion, while imports rose 8.3 percent to $75.1 billion. STOCKS POST A REBOUND Stocks rebounded in 2017, rising more than 25 percent from a year ago, after suffering losses in 2016. The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, jumped 25.1 percent in 2017, to close at a record 8,558.42 on Dec. 29, the final trading session of the year. Most Asian markets rose following record gains on Wall Street, as the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates to end its monetary easing.

PESO SINKS TO 11-YEAR LOW The peso sank to an 11-year low of 51.77 against the US dollar on Oct. 25, pulled down mainly by the country’s widening trade deficit and the monetary tightening by the US Federal Reserve. INTEREST RATES KEPT STEADY The local currency rebounded in November The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas left its bench- and December, on the back of rising remittances mark interest rates unchanged at record low this from Filipinos working overseas. It closed at 49.93 year, although policy tightening might start in against the dollar on Dec. 29, just slightly down 2018 to fight off inflation. from 49.72 a dollar a year ago. The Bangko Sentral kept the interest rates at Latest data showed that money sent home by 3.5 percent for overnight lending, 3 percent for Turn to B2

KING SISIG ROYAL EMBARKS ON RAPID EXPANSION KING Sisig Royal Foods Corp., the company behind Bulalo World, Lechon Factory and King Sisig casual restaurant chains, successfully ends 2017 with 43 stores, including the recent opening of seven provincial outlets and with more slated to launch soon. The fast-growing food chain enterprise is also vying to increase its growth goal for 2018 through continued store openings in key locations in Manila and in the provinces of Central and South Luzon. Fernando Iso, assistant vice president of King Sisig Royal, attributed the success to the brand’s strategic marketing strategy and aggressive expansion in key market locations in the region. Fourth-quarter expansion highlights include the opening of King Sisig SM City San Pablo, Bulalo World SM City San Pablo, King Sisig SM Center Pulilan, Bulalo World SM Center Pulilan and the expanded Bulalo World SM City San Fernando Downtown. Opening in December are King Sisig Ayala Malls Feliz, Bulalo World Ayala Malls Feliz, King Sisig SM City San Fernando Downtown in Pampanga, King Sisig SM City Sta. Rosa and Bulalo World SM City Sta. Rosa in Laguna.

“King Sisig Royal has done tremendous strategic efforts in building the brands’ presence in key areas to operate our franchises, as well as connecting with consumers’ tastes and preferences by offering familiar yet differentiated and value-for-money food offerings. By stepping up our game, the company has successfully surpassed this year’s growth targets even amid stiff market competition,” said Iso.

Iso said the brands’ captured market, specifically the shopping mall patrons, greatly contributed to the company’s laudable performance. “Our strongest King Sisig branches are located at Isetann, Metropoint, and Ever Gotesco. For Bulalo World, Dasmarinas, Isetann and Metropoint are our prime, highperforming footholds,” Iso said. As King Sisig Royal takes an even bolder leap to further its growth mo-

mentum, Iso is proud that the company’s expansion initiative also creates jobs for many. “With the planned opening of additional provincial doors, employment opportunities also continue to abound for locals in the said areas. For the provincial expansion of King Sisig alone, we are hoping to create around 150 jobs, with slots ranging from management to crew members. Available slots for all brands are estimated to benefit at least 300 job applicants,” he said. Among the 12 new provincial branches that opened this year are Four King Sisig outlets (2 in Laguna, 1 in Bulacan, 1 in Pampanga) and eight Bulalo World stores (3 in Laguna, 2 in Pampanga, 1 in Bulacan, 1 in Rizal and 1 in Cavite. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2018 are King Sisig and Bulalo World branches for Fairview and Bulacan, and a Laguna outlet for Lechon Factory. These locations are chosen for their potential in contributing to the fast-paced growth of the company. Locations are SM malls to further strengthen in-line restaurant malls presence, Iso said. King Sisig Royal Foods offers interested entrepreneurs a sound investment opportunity via its franchising business.

SAS, an analytics software and services, appointed Ryan Guadalquiver as the new country manager for the Philippines. Guadalquiver assumes the post on Jan. 1, 2018. Leveraging on the depth of his expertise in the technology industry and experience handling directorship positions in leading enterprise technology firms, Guadalquiver will be responsible for managing SAS business activities in-country, encompassing sales growth, customer satisfaction and partner development. Guadalquiver will report to SAS vice president for Asean Andy Zook. “Ryan is well-acquainted with key enterprises in the Philippines and understands the specific challenges faced by these organizations,” said Zook. “ H i s a p p o i nt m e nt co m e s at a time of rapid growth for SAS in the Asean region, as the rise of digitization here enables the opening of new markets, improvement of service delivery channels and strengthening of institutions. I am excited to have Ryan on board and to see his expertise and leadership skills drive our business forward as we aim to make our analytics solutions the core component of many local operations,” Zook said. Guadalquiver said that after covering Southeast Asian region, he saw a large number of enterprises start their transformation journey with the Philippines in the forefront of digital transformation. “Across the region, organizations are now turning to data analytics as a strategic differentiator,” Guadalquiver said. “This is definitely an exciting time of growth for SAS Philippines and I am honored to be leading this team. I look forward to helping more customers transform their businesses with SAS.” Guadalquiver has more than 20 years of experience leading some of the biggest global technology companies both at the regional and country level. Prior to his appointment, he was the regional sales director and general manager for Global Industries, Strategic Alliances, Indirect Sales for South East Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong for Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Pr i o r t o t h a t , h e l e d H P Philippines to become the fastest growing subsidiar y in 2016. He also worked as managing director for Oracle and handled key leadership positions in various large organizations including LogicaCMG, SchlumbergerSema, Globe Telecom and Abbott Laboratories. Guadalquiver is an alumnus of Asian Institute of Management where he completed his Master’s degree. He is a graduate in Accounting from De La Salle University and is a certified public accountant.

Business

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 business@manilastandard.net

MALOLOS BOYS DEVELOP APP TO SOLVE BREAST MILK SCARCITY

Carlo Ople, vice president for digital marketing of PLDT Enterprise and International Carrier Business

EXECUTIVE: DIGITAL, THE WAY TO GO FOR THE ARTS AN EXECUTIVE of PLDT Inc. encouraged the country’s cultural and heritage agencies to harness the power of social media to inspire among Filipinos a better appreciation of Philippine culture and history. Carlo Ople, vice president for digital marketing of PLDT Enterprise and International Carrier Business, said government units and brands should take advantage of the relatively low cost of advertising on digital media. “The cost to reach one person on Facebook is less than 1 centavo. In three years, this will rise to six times or 10 times this amount,” he said. Ople said that social media could help them achieve virality. He said a social media post, when done right, could have an impact equivalent to that of a commercial shown for a week on primetime TV. Ople was invited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to speak before representatives of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, National Historical Commission, National Library and National Museum. The NCCA and PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications have a longstanding partnership on initiatives such as the Kultoura Philippine travel guide app, which was launched in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and InnoPub Media. During his talk at the NCCA office in Manila, Ople said that the Philippines had nearly 70 million internet users, almost all of whom were on Facebook. “Filipinos’ internet usage is seen to hyper-accelerate in the next two to three years.” This, he said, is also the reason why PLDT and Smart are continuously expanding and enhancing their fixed and mobile networks. Ople, however, reminded the training participants that it is not enough to be present online and accumulate a lot of followers. “Having a website does not make you digital. What being digital means is you’re able to move fast, change fast, and decide based on the rich data available to you,” he said.

20 BIGGEST... From B1 overseas Filipinos grew 4.2 percent in the first 10 months to $23.056 billion from $22.124 billion a year ago. CHINESE TELCO WOOED State-run China Telecom Corp. could become the third player in the Philippines’ telecommunication sector, after President Rodrigo Duterte asked China to help challenge the so-called duopoly of PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the president wanted the third telecommunications player to be operational by the first quarter of 2018. The Chinese government selected China Telecom to invest in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rodolfo Salalima resigned from his post in September 2017.

HE importance and value of breast milk for newborn or sick babies can never be understated. Stories have been written numerous times as to how babies’ lives have depended much on the availability of breast milk while its scarcity brought dire consequences.

As a research project undergraduate, Kevin Facun and his team were tasked to create innovative solutions to answer basic problems in his community in Malolos, Bulacan. One of these concerns involved health care, particularly in hospitals in his hometown where he noticed a peculiar need for breast milk. Facun said they visited neonatal units and saw how breast milk is considered a basic necessity for babies for them to survive. “We heard lots of stories on the need for breast milk, especially for premature babies and it’s so hard to find trusted sources. What most people and mothers don’t know is that breast milk is very important for premature or sick babies because formula milk is hard to digest,” he said. The Philippine Milk Code strictly implements breastfeeding in all hospitals nationwide, but the lack of available breast milk is still prevalent, particularly in government hospitals. Facun said there are 11 milk banks nationwide but only four are government-owned. Private milk banks sell breast milk at P500 per bag, and a baby needs at least three bags a day. “So you can imagine how hard it is, especially among mothers from poor families. There’s really a huge demand but supply is limited. Couple this with lack of awareness and education so we came up with an application to help for supply to cope with the demand because we know that saving lives is of importance,” said Facun. Facun’s team came up with “MilkTrack,” a mobile application that will facilitate the logistical and information dissemination concerns when it comes to sourcing breast milk. Among its key features are information focused on storage of milk, proper expression and others that aim to correct common misconceptions about breast milk, plus a breastfeeding location tracker through global positioning system that can zero in on government establishments, some malls and even academic institutions where breastfeeding stations are located. Users can also use MilkTrack to sell, buy or donate milk or place an order as a beneficiary, and have the milk delivered right at one’s doorstep. “We follow the guidelines of the Philippine

four flood management projects, 11 water supply and irrigation, four power projects, and three other public infrastructure projects. The DoTr is expected to commence project implementation of the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1 as early as third quarter of 2018. Financed through Japan official development assistance, the MMSP-Phase 1 is a 25.3-kilometer subway connecting the North and South of Manila (from Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City to Food Terminal Inc.) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It will be the Philippines’ first mass underground transport system. Comprised of 13 stations, including a station at Naia, this aims to cut commuting time from Quezon City to Taguig to 31 minutes. The subway, which will cost around P355.6 billion, is expected to accommodate around 370,000 passengers in its first year of operations starting the fourth quarter of 2025.

MORE TOURISTS VISIT PH International visitor arrivals in the Philippines climbed 11.5 percent yearon-year in the first ten months of 2017, according to the Department of Tourism. Data showed that the country accommodated 5.47 million arrivals in January to October this year, up by 11.5 percent from 4.9 million arrivals a year ago. Revenue-wise, the DoT recorded P243.23 billion in visitor receipts in January to September, up by 36.28 percent from the previous year’s P178-billion earnings. PH TO HAVE FIRST SUBWAY South Koreans remained the counInfrastructure spending is expected try’s top visitor market this year with to keep its pace in 2018, as several 1,332,141 arrivals (24.33 percent), folprojects, including the Metro Manila lowed by China with 810,807 arrivals Subway Project will start construction (14.81 percent) and the US with 785,269 next year, according to the Department arrivals (14.34 percent). of Finance. There are 75 big-ticket projects under ENVIRONMENT CHIEF GETS THE AX the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program: 31 roads Congress has rejected the appointand bridges, 12 rail and urban transport, ment of Regina Lopez as Environment six air transport, four water transport, secretary, 10 months into her term in THE RISE OF DENNIS UY Davao City-based businessman Dennis Uy, the owner of independent oil player Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., has the fastest growing business empire in the country. Among his new acquisitions are Chelsea Shipping Corp., 2Go Group Inc., Petronas Energy Philippines, Enderun Colleges Inc., Clark Global City Corp. and the Philippine franchise of Family Mart convenience stores. He has three listed firms, including 2Go Group, Phoenix Petroleum and Chelsea Logistics Holdings Inc.

From left: Kickstart Ventures president Minette Navarrete, Ashoka Philippines chairman Rico Gonzalez, MilkTrack founder Kevin Facun with teammates Mark Sampayan and Richie Ryan Tan and Globe Telecom head of innovation Mikey Garrovillo.

Human Milk Bank. Mother donors need to undergo a strict testing process on HIV and Hepatitis B. We also track the medical records of donor applicants. We started this in our area in Malolos, Bulacan that served as a pilot community.” MilkTrack received a big break when it was picked as one of the top five winners of Globe Future Makers Program which seeks to influence and build a whole ecosystem of social innovators. The program received 135 entries from individuals and startups from all over the country who want to make a difference in society through the use of technology. “We know that the award will take us to an even better place to help realize our dream. With the magnificent partners at Globe, Ashoka and Kickstart and their invaluable mentoring, we are confident that we will realize that dream,” Facun said. “We believe in the advocacy of Milktrack and what they want to achieve. Globe wants to build a better world and espouse the creation of social innovators and game-changers in

office, but not after she ordered the closure or suspension of 26 operating mines and revoked 75 mining contracts in what she said was a fight against “greedy miners” threatening public heath and nature. Lopez was replaced by former army chief Roy Cimatu, who is now leading a review of the mining projects affected by his predecessor’s order. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau said it may soon lift the moratorium on new mining projects as it aims to attract more investments into the local mining sector. The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines said the industry would not grow unless the moratorium on new mining projects was lifted. MANILA HOSTS ASEAN SUMMIT Manila hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Leaders Summit in November. It also hosted leaders from Asean dialog partners such as the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Russia, India and European Union. Among those who attended the summit was US President Donald Trump. The Philippines and the US issued a joint statement citing the 70year partnership of the two countries. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral alliance. GOLDEN PERIOD WITH CHINA Relations between China and the Philippines entered a “golden period of fast development,” according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said peace and stability in the East and South China Seas, as well as the whole region, was a tangible outcome of the recent improvement of relations with China. China claims most of South China Sea, in conflict with the claims of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. President Rodrigo Duterte decided not to pursue the government’s

order to create a brighter tomorrow especially for the next generation,” said Chelle Gray, director for Globe Citizenship. MilkTrack plans to put up its own facility instead of going to the nearest milk bank to have the milk pasteurized. “Other than selling the product, we wanted a modern-day ‘bayanihan’ initiative because this concerns the lives of mothers and babies. Through crowdsourcing, we want this to eventually resort to a healthier nation,” he said. Facun figured it is best to focus on his hometown first within three months but they are already eyeing Metro Manila which has the biggest and greatest demand. The Philippine General Hospital alone, he said, needs at least 10 liters of breast milk a day. Although MilkTrack primarily operates through its mobile app and website, Facun said there are also plans to establish a direct partnership with hospitals and doctors, with priority on Pediatrics and ObstetricsGynecology because they already have the network.

case against China, even after his predecessor won a case with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on maritime boundaries. The tribunal invalidated China’s claim to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea.

UBER PAID P500M The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board lifted the suspension order against transport network vehicle service Uber on Aug. 29, after the ride-sharing service paid nearly half a billion pesos to the government and displaced drivers/ The San Francisco, California-based Uber said it is “grateful for the opportunity to serve the Philippines again.” Uber paid a P190-million fine and another P299 million as compensation to partner drivers, after it was suspended on Aug. 14, for registering new cars without government approval.

SAN MIGUEL FACES P769-M FINE Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. described as “excessive and unreasonable” the P769.3-million fine slapped by the Securities and Exchange Commission against the company for the alleged late filing of additional documents pertaining to the acquisition of shares in Manila Electric Company in 2012. BIRD FLU OUTBREAK DECLARED San Miguel president and Ramon Cases of avian influenza have been Ang said the company would contest in court the decision of the corporate confirmed in a town in Pampanga province and two towns in Nueva Ecija regulator. province. Culling operations within a 1-kiloBUSAN CONTRACT ANNULLED The Department of Transportation meter radius took place in the affected terminated its contract with Busan sites. This dampened demand for poulUniversal Rails Inc. as the maintenance try, resulted in losses of local producers. The first case of avian flu virus was provider of Metro Rail Transit Line 3. Busan, however, said the DoTr should reported in San Luis, Pampanga, triggerpay them more than P350-million in ing a scare that brought chicken prices unpaid billings. down. The outbreak of avian influenza The maintenance transition team of Type A subtype H4 happened in a quail the DoTr took over the maintenance farm before spreading to poultry farms. operations of the line. PAL PAYS P6-B FEE The government then signed an The Department of Transportation agreement with Japan that allow Sumitomo Corp. and technical partner accepted a P6-billion payment from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to take over Philippine Airlines for unpaid navigation fees. the maintenance works for MRT 3. “One of the overriding reasons why PAL agreed to settle is to manifest its MIGHTY CORP. SETTLES P25B Japan Tobacco International ac- trust and confidence in President Duquired local cigarette manufacturer terte’s administration,” PAL, owned by Mighty Corp. for P46.8 billion in Sep- tycoon Lucio Tan, said. President Durterte earlier threatened tember 2017. Mighty used P30 billion of the pro- to close the Ninoy Aquino International ceeds to pay tax liabilities to the gov- Airport Terminal 2 if PAL would not seternment, including P25 billion in tax tle its unpaid navigational fees. PAL operates domestic and intersettlement and the rest representing national flights at Naia Terminal 2. PAL value added tax. In return, the Department of Justice has an unsolicited proposal to build a allowed the tax case filed by the Bureau P20-billon passenger terminal beside of Internal Revenue against Mighty to its current hub to expand capacity. Roderick T. dela Cruz be dropped.

Tech & Gadgets

SMART MILLENNIORS GET GIFT OF TECHNOLOGY

HRISTMAS came early for the seniors from Brgy 734 in Paco, Manila, who were the first batch of #SmartMillenniors to successfully finish the three-day short course on the basics of smartphones, social media and cybersecurity. The #SmartMillenniors program, a play on the words “millennials”, who are known to be tech savvy, and “seniors”, aims to teach technology to the elderly. The seniors, who were used to attending the sessions in their barangay plaza, were in for a treat: This time, they had to dress their best and head over to Adamson University for their graduation rites, where they received certificates of recognition and other special awards and items from Smart and Adamson. For many of them, it was their first time in a long time to attend a recognition ceremony; for some, it was their first time ever to receive certificates. Many could not hold back their tears, like the oldest graduate of the program, 80-year-old Virginia Pangilinan. The others, meanwhile, beamed brightly as they filed in slowly into the venue, assisted by their own children, and officials of Brgy 734. “I’m still teary-eyed,” said Maria Paz Pangilinan, who also received the Most Active Millennior award for being consistently energetic through all the sessions. “The last time I received a certificate was in 1976. Then there was a fire, and all my certificates got burned. With these new certificates, I now have new things to put in frames and hang on our walls. I just hope there won’t be another fire.” “Many of our elders feel that they will no longer be able to catch up with technol-

The first batch of #SmartMillenniors from Brgy 734, Paco, Manila successfully finished all three modules covering the basics of smartphones, mobile data and social media, as well as cybersecurity and social media etiquette.

ogy. Through this program, we are able to help them overcome their technophobia and make technology truly for all,” said Fr Atilano Fajardo C.M., director of Adamson’s Integrated Community Extension Services. Also present to give out awards during the ceremonies was chair of Adamson’s Computer Science Department Raquel Bermudez. “I’m really very happy to be here,” said Luz Beribu, one of the graduates, adding that she bought a special dress for the occasion. “I’m glad that even if I’m now a senior, I am still able to receive a certificate like this.” Aside from a certificate of completion, Nanay Luz also received another citation for her perfect attendance. “What pushed me to be present in all sessions? I really wanted to learn more about these new touch screen phones and about Facebook!” she said, smiling. “Nowadays, before going to sleep, I check my Facebook first.” Nanay Luz admits she hasn’t completely mastered every-

thing. “I still have some things I don’t quite get yet, but in time, I believe I will learn all of that as well,” she said. “I hope Smart continues to teach senior citizens like me.” For Natividad Fami, the most important thing she learned in the program was all about connection. “I learned that technology can be really good, and that you can use it to connect to your loved ones, even if they’re far away. I’m really happy I learned how.” Finishing on top of the class was Benjamin Pura Sr., 63 years old. Aside from being awarded top honors and receiving the “Smart Millennior Award”, Tatay Benjamin was also cited for being Best in Mobile Phone Navigation— an honor awarded by the program to the senior who was able to master the smartphone the fastest. “I’m really thankful that Smart and Adamson took the time to teach us seniors,” said a teary-eyed Tatay Benjamin. Today, he says he has more than 20 friends on Facebook already, and has already been using it to

talk to his neighbors. His favorite chatmate? “The barangay chairman, of course,” he said. For being the top graduate, Tatay Benjamin also received a Smart Retailer package and a new smartphone, courtesy of Smart. Aside from having new certificates to hang on the walls, Nanay Paz Pangilinan also won her own smartphone in the raffle. In her shock, she could not speak immediately when interviewed after the ceremony. “Wow,” Nanay Paz said, moments later. “Until now, I really can’t believe that I actually won the raffle.” Over the course of the sessions, Nanay Paz has been wishing for her own smartphone, since she used to only borrow from her grandchildren. Now, things are about to change. “What we learned here in the Smart Millenniors program—they are really important,”she said.“Because we now have this knowledge, we are no longer left behind.” Nanay Paz takes a selfie with her classmates and Adamson volunteers.

Aside from certificates, load cards and premium items from Smart, the graduates also received Christmas packages courtesy of Adamson’s Computer Science Department. This first round of #SmartMillenniors sessions were in partnership with Adamson University, Starmobile, and Brgy 734. During the first session, the participants learned about the basics of smartphones, mobile data and Facebook, while during the second session, they were taught how to use Facebook Messenger, group chat, and Youtube. During the last session, the seniors participated eagerly in a Cybersecurity Quiz Show, to test concepts about how to stay safe while online and avoid being victimized by online scams. They were also assisted in making stronger passwords, and briefed about social media etiquette. Those interested to host a #SmartMillenniors program with seniors in their area may send a message to Smart Communities on Facebook at www.facebook. com/SmartCommunities.

GROUP SELFIES MADE POSSIBLE WITH VIVO V7 THE HOLIDAY season calls for an abundance of photos to immortalize the times spent with family and friends. Taking holiday photos under a dimlyChristmas lights-lit environment? Say no more. The V7 perfects selfie taking anytime anywhere. Vivo’s V7 fulfills the brand’s mission of empowering self-expression of the next generation. This newest offering from the 5th in the 2016-2017 Leading Global Smartphone Brands boasts of a powerful 24MP front camera which levels up anyone’s selfie game. Unlike most smartphones, you will find that the V7 satisfies to the fullest with its 16MP rear camera with a f/2.0 aperture and LED flash and a powerful 24MP front camera—one of the industry’s firsts—which packs in smart photography algorithms for clearer, sharper, and natural-looking photos. Group shots are never a problem as the V7 features a special Group Selfie

Fit every single one of your friends right in the picture with the V7’s group selfie feature. With the group selfie, nobody gets left out

mode which allows each person in the group to fit in the frame. The V7’s special Face Beauty 7.0 brightens up photos and evens out complexions, even in dimly-lit

KRIS, BIMBY GIVE TOUR OF PLDT FIBR-POWERED HOME PLDT Home Ambassador and Queen of all Media Kris Aquino gave her viewers a treat this Christmas season through an exclusive corner-to-corner tour of her new, PLDT Home Fibrpowered home in Quezon City. In a three-part video series, Kris, along with her son Bimby, took viewers through the entire house, sharing numerous anecdotes and family memories all the way through. Each corner not only tells a story, but is made better

with their seamless Internet connec tion through PLDT Home Fibr. Virtually every room has a Roku-powered TV, with a Youtube and iFlix subscription tailorfit to the family’s entertainment needs. Kris’ team also works freely around the house, with wifi available in every spot. To watch more of Kris Aquino’s Home Tour: Part 1 - http://bit.ly/2C2TXG6 Part 2 - http://bit.ly/2BJJYpX Part 3 - http://bit.ly/2zrIOJB

scenarios. Because traditional DSLR cameras are not only bulky but are hard on the pocket as well, the V7 can perform at par with these cameras. Crisp and high-reso-

lution photos are achievable with the V7 complemented by a Portrait Mode which blurs out backgrounds creating sharper selfie features. Save all your holiday cheers captured in selfies and group photos. One’s huge collection of selfies is safe and secure as this smartphone is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 SoC coupled with 4GB RAM + 32 GB of ROM expandable to up to 256GB. The Vivo V7 is the most revolutionary phone yet in terms of its camera capabilities. With a price that is well worth it at P14,990, the V7 is the only reason why you should get a phone during the holidays. 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.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

GATEWAY CEO SEES RISE OF BIO DATA ANALYTICS By Peter Atencio BIG data analytics, a key tool in making smart business decisions, is expected to make an impact on many business establishments and institutions next year. Cobena president and CEO Francis del Val said this following the launch of his company flagship service, Gateway, recently. Gateway is a geospatial analytics system that leverages on location data. The system uses a growing database with more than 100,000 establishments and over 250 data layers on socio-economic and environmental information, collated from official government and published sources. “This is about the adoption of gateways, especially for real estate development. That’s very powerful for restaurants, that industry’s services and its fast-moving goods,” said Del Val during the company’s launch activity at the Shangrila Hotel in The Fort, Taguig. With the use of Gateway’s systems, businesses can help spot potential growth areas in the regions and provinces, all the way to the municipalities and barangays. “At the municipality level, we can value demand by putting together information from government statistics like family income and expenditure, and all other info we have,” said Del Val. With Gateway, Cobena was able to find important economic factors that could benefit the country. The system was able to learn a lot about the growth of the Philippine economy. First, it has determined that by projecting the growth rate of the Philippine population and compared it to the statistics of neighboring countries, they found out how the economy will progress within the next 25 years. According to research, the Philippines is poised to enter a so-called demographic sweet spot from 2015 to 2040. That’s when the economically active portion of the population will increase to about two-thirds of the population. At the same time, they learned that the young dependent population will decline from a third to only about 25 percent during the same period. O fficials at Cobena believe that this could mean unprecedented economic expansion for the Philippines.

APPLE APOLOGIZES FOR SLOWING IPHONES SAN FRANCISCO—Apple on Thursday apologized to its customers for slowing down performance of older iPhone models and said it would discount replacement batteries for some of its handsets. The move by Apple responded to an uproar from iPhone users—and a series of lawsuits—after news of the battery problems stoked concerns the company was unfairly nudging consumers to upgrade. “We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down. We apologize,” Apple said in a message to customers on its website. “We’ve always wanted our customers to be able to use their iPhones as long as possible. We’re proud that Apple products are known for their durability, and for holding their value longer than our competitors’ devices.” Apple said it was reducing the price of an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement from $79 to $29 for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced, starting in late January through December 2018. The company said it also would issue a software update to make it easier for customers to see if an aging battery is affecting performance. “As always, our team is working on ways to make the user experience even better, including improving how we manage performance and avoid unexpected shutdowns as batteries age,” the statement said. AFP

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

TECH & Gadgets

AMERICAN OR GERMAN? BEST DASH CAM FOR YOU

JUMPU Ongaku-S

By Dino Ray V. Directo III

JUMPU ONGAKU-S BLUTOOTH SPEAKERS NOW HERE

ASH cameras or dash cams are now regarded as vital tools for the everyday driver. We have all seen Youtube videos of dash cams capturing on video acts of road rage and fender benders, whose footage can be used for insurance claims or crucial evidence that can used by law enforcement to prosecute or file charges against an offending party. It is due to this technology that dash cams are becoming popular, with most of them being manufactured by small or little-known manufacturers. With the sheer number of dash board cameras flooding the market, consumers are at a lost which model is best for you. Although I have tested quite a few dash cams, here are two models that have struck a chord for me; the Blaupunkt BP 2.0 FHD and BP 3.0 FHD and the Poloroid C200 up to the C270T. We narrowed down the battle between the dash cams from the Germans and Americans and is tropicalized to withstand the humidity.

Blaupunkt DVR Dash Camera A relatively new brand for the ‘plug and play’ dash cam market, this dash camera is from the well-respected German manufacturer Blaupunkt. The DVR BP 2.0 and 3.0 FHD is worth considering due to its unbelievable price of just P3,450 for the entry level BP 2.0. It boasts of a sleek and compact design and weighs only only 50 grams. Measuring at just 63 x 58 x 30 mm, both the the DVR BP 2.0 and 3.0 are discreet, but still manages to record in full crystal clear 1080p HD. It also has a built-in microphone and speaker. The Blaupunkt DVR BP 2.0FHD also has a superb 120 degree ultra wide viewing angle, making it ideal for capturing large amounts of action from the road ahead. Storing the footage is easy as the camera accepts micro SD cards up to 32GB and with this unit’s excellent loop recording facility, it will allow for continuous recording so you’ll never have to worry about missing that all important video evidence. Another important feature of the Blaupunkt DVR BP 2.0FHD is its internal G-sensor, which is fully

HOURS of sound-tripping is now just a tap away with the new JUMPU Ongaku-S Bluetooth Speaker. Equipped with Near Field Communication, this elegantly-designed music buddy is the perfect partner for mobile music devices.

JUMPU Ongaku-S with NFC

The Ongaku-S features a dynamic speaker that offers clear sound and full bass for up to 6-8 hours thanks to the built-in 2000mAh battery. Wireless Bluetooth gives the device a tethering range of up to 10 meters, which means you can stream your music even as you charge your device from another room. If you prefer, however, to connect the Ongaku-S to legacy devices, you can do so using a 3.5mm headphone/ microphone cable which is readily available in every electronics or hardware stores. And last but not least, the Ongaku-S can be instantly paired with NFC-enabled devices. Simply tap your phone or tablet to the bottom of the speaker. This amazing audio accessory is now available in stores for only P4,990. For more information, check out facebook.com/JumpuJP, instagram. com/JumpuJP or twitter.com/JumpuJP.

Polaroid C200 and 270T

adjustable and can be set at a high, medium or low level. This will ensure that in the event of a collision or harsh braking, the motion G-shock sensor will automatically activate the camera’s emergency recording mode. These video files are then fully protected and saved and can’t be overwritten by the loop recording function and can therefore be watched back at a later date and possibly used as evidence.

Polaroid C200 and 270T Exclusively distributed locally by Blade Autocenter, Polaroid dash cams are in-car camera compact units that come with everything you need to record your road trips or your daily commute to work. Polaroid’s C200 to 270T line comes with a USB cable which can be used for charging, and is long enough to allow the user to mount the dash camera somewhere else other than the front windshield. The mount feels very secure and the cradle has been designed for quick removal, which makes it perfect if you wish to hide it from “basag kotse” elements when taking a break or parking the car overnight. Like the rest of the Polaroid family of dash cams, the two-inch LCD display in every unit is very useful in

Blaupunkt DVR Dash Camera

setting up the dash camera, ensuring you’ve gotten the best view possible. There are only a few buttons on these units so it should be easy to use, but the multi-functionality of the buttons can prove to be a bit fiddly as it’s not always obvious what you’re meant to press to do what you want. There are a good range

of options, and the Polaroid C200 to C270T are easy to use out of the box. Prices start at P4,000 and up to P15,000 for the high end front with rear camera. Both the Blaupunkt and Polaroid dash cams are available at Blade Autocenter stores in SM, Robinson and Ayala malls and in dealers nationwide.

TOSHIBA ADDS SLIMMER, LIGHTER PORTEGE X30, TECRA X40 TO ROSTER TOSHIBA Singapore Pte Ltd recently announced that the Portégé X30 and Tecra X40, elegantly engineered laptops will now be available in the Philippines. These new laptops aim to provide premium, powerful and secure experiences for professionals. Complete with exceptionally sleek, light-weight designs, the devices expand on the company’s range of ultra-thin, ultra-light business laptops and have been designed, produced and rigorously tested entirely by Toshiba. The notebooks follow the recently launched hybrid 2-in-1 Portégé X20W, and benefit from Windows 10 Pro and the company’s longstanding expertise in mobile devices— from their magnesium chassis, to the hybrid cooling technology at work beneath them—which enables the maximum performance from the 7th Generation Intel® Core™ processors. Both laptops will be available in Toshiba’s iconic Onyx Blue and Light Gold color scheme, complete with a slick, hairline finish. “These additions to our notebook range mark our unswerving dedication to innovating for our business customers, creating products that don’t compromise on performance, connectivity, features, battery life or durability,” said Wong Wai Meng, Senior Manager of Product Strategy at Toshiba Singapore Pte Ltd, Mobile Computing Solutions & Devices Division. “The Portégé X30 and Tecra X40 are the result of us channeling our heritage and expertise in

to support more flexible ways of interacting with their crystal clear displays on the move. The displays also come complete with wide viewing angles without sacrificing optimum touch configurations.Beyond their sleek screens, Toshiba’s attention to detail continues with the devices’ backlit keyboards, complete with keys which have been slightly enlarged to ensure optimum travel and durability for users working on the move.

Secure and connected

Portege X30 mobile devices into every step of the development process, from design and manufacturing, to durability testing, and we’re confident this will shine through in the premium, professional experience they provide.”

Elegant engineering: performance without compromise

The 14-inch Tecra X40 is 16.9mm thin and weighs 1.25kg1, whilst the 13.3-inch Portégé X30 weighs in at 1.05kg1 and is just 15.9mm thin, 11-percent thinner and 13-percent lighter than its award-winning predecessor. Their premium, magnesium alloy chassis have built-in shock absorption and unique honeycomb reinforcement for increased durability. Both notebooks benefit from Anti-Glare screens too, with optional In-Cell Touch technology

To ensure sensitive corporate data is well protected, the Portégé X30 and Tecra X40 feature multiple layers of security inside and out. Both include biometric and optional facial authentication technologies—most notably a new Touchpad with a built-in fingerprint sensor called SecurePad™ with Synaptics® Natural ID fingerprint sensor. This is in addition to an optional IR camera which enable facial authentication through Intel® Authenticate and Windows Hello face sign-in, offering a range of customizable multifactor authentication options available through the devices. Used in combination, they can provide a personal and passwordfree way to swiftly but securely log-in. These layers of protection are bolstered by Toshiba’s own built-in BIOS, which removes the risk of third party interference which could leave a device more vulnerable to attack and unauthorized access. Anoptional SmartCard reader is also available with the devices.

Premium portability and usability

Within their ultra-thin designs, the Portégé X30 and Tecra X40 have exceptionally fast PCIe solid state drives and DDR4 memory, which supports broadband speeds up to 33 per cent quicker than its DDR3L predecessor. Both notebooks also follow in the footsteps of the Portégé X20W-D in benefitting from a premium audio experience thanks to harman/kardon® stereo speakers and DTS Sound™ software. To help business users keep connected and operate efficiently wherever they are, the Portégé X30 andTecra X40 have advanced connectivity capabilities, including compatibility with a range of dongles for different usage scenarios. To maximize usability, the laptops are designed to be used with a new optional Thunderbolt 3 Dock2 which provides power, enables data transfers and a display port as well as host a range of modern ports to enable flexible, mobile working. This includes two USB Type-C™3 a full size USB3.0 and HDMI port, as well as a microSD Card Slot.

Portégé X30-D Specifications

• 7th generation Intel® Core™ U processors up to i7 vPRO • Windows 10 Pro 64-bit pre-installed •13.3”Anti-GlareHD(1366x768)orFull HD (1920x1080) display, optional Full HD (1920x1080) display with In-Cell Touch • Intel® HD Graphics 620 • Storage: Up to 512GB M.2 PCIeSSD • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4

• Weight1: Starting from 1.05kg

TecraX40-D Specifications

Tecra x40 2133MHz (2 DIMM slots) • Communication4: Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265 and Bluetooth® 4.2 combo • Connectivity:1x USB 3.0 (supporting Sleep & Charge), 2x USB 3.1Type-C™ Gen 2 - Thunderbolt 3 port (supports Data transfer, Power Delivery and Display Port), HDMI, microSD card slot •Audio:Harman/kardon®stereospeakerswithDTSStudioSound™enhancement, Headphone/microphone (combo) • Choice of HD webcam with dual microphone; or Face Authentication Infrared (IR) camera • Tiled Backlit Keyboard with DualPoint and Glass finished Securepad™ with Fingerprint Reader • Security& Protection: Toshiba developed BIOS, Toshiba Secure Erase, Trusted Platform Module 2.0, Touchstyle Fingerprint reader, Magnesium alloy casing, optional SmartCard reader • Battery life5: 3-cell/48Whr Li-Ion Polymer battery, up to 18 hours • Dimensions:316 x 227 x 15.9mm

• 7th generation Intel® Core™ U processors up to i7 vPRO •Windows 10 Pro 64-bit pre-installed • 14.0” Anti-Glare HD (1366x768) or Full HD (1920x1080) display, optional Full HD (1920x1080) display with InCell Touch • Intel® HD Graphics 620 • Storage: Up to 512GB M.2 PCIeSSD • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4 2133MHz (2 DIMM slots) • Communication4: Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265 and Bluetooth® 4.2 combo • Connectivity: 1x USB 3.0 (supporting Sleep & Charge), 2x USB 3.1 Type-C™ Gen 2 - Thunderbolt 3 port (supports Data transfer, Power Delivery and Display Port), HDMI, microSD card slot • Audio: Harman/kardon® stereo speakers with DTS Studio Sound™ enhancement, Headphone/microphone (combo) • Choice of HD webcam with dual microphone; or Face Authentication Infrared (IR) camera • Tiled Backlit Keyboard with DualPoint and Glass finished Securepad™ with Fingerprint Reader • Security & Protection: Toshiba developed BIOS, Toshiba Secure Erase, Trusted Platform Module 2.0, Touchstyle Fingerprint reader, Magnesium alloy casing, optional SmartCard reader • Battery life5: 3-cell/48Whr Li-Ion Polymer battery, up to 13.5 hours • Dimensions: 332 × 228.9 ×16.9mm • Weight1: Starting from 1.25kg

sunday, december 31, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor /

Young Life

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

Introduce Pantone’s ultra VIolet

Into your lIfe

thIngs to do

If you’Re not a fan of the color violet, you will find Pantone’s pick as Color of the year for 2018 a tad bit bold, if overwhelming. The color institute has chosen the blue-based purple shade ultra Violet as the hue to dominate the coming year. Here’s how you can add ultra Violet into your life:

Floral pattern dress

to start the new year rIght By Bernadette Lunas

He beginning of the year is always an exciting time; it signals another 365 days of opportunities and uncertainties that await. The symbolic “clean slate” means another chance to be better and do better, be anyone and do anything.

But the thing about “clean slate” is that people put a lot of pressure on themselves to make drastic changes when the New year rolls in just so they can write something good on their respective slates, hence a number of failed resolutions. Instead of writing down things you intend to do next year, why not start with simple things that can help you start 2018 off right.

Bloom in 2018 in this flowy floral pattern dress that’s the perfect look to transition us to the spring season. Available at Mango

Buba vase

The Buba vase, made of handmade glass, is the perfect statement piece especially if neutral colors dominate your home interiors. Available at SM Our Home

Hampton two-seater sofa

Sit back, relax, and keep your living room essentials at hand in this stylishly modern Hampton twoseater sofa. Available at BoConcept

Assess your finances

Clean your home/room/closet

Welcome the New year with a clean space—it could be your entire house or just your room. Spend a few hours today to thoroughly dust off every nook and cranny, throw away anything you no longer have use for, find a new home for items that no longer serve you but are still in good condition, and rearrange your space in a way that there is structure and organization. While you’re at it, clean out your closet and any other drawers and cabinets, too. Get three containers, each with labels ‘throw,’ ‘donate,’ and ‘sell’ and sort clothes and other knickknacks you didn’t use this year. A closet purge will not only make room for new things, but also help you figure out your style and preferences based on the items you constantly use.

Many of the things we want to do next year require money. Travel across europe? Money. enroll in a class? Money. Join a marathon? Money. To be able to fund your plans, make sure you budget right. But here’s another thing, you can’t go allocating money if you don’t know how your finances move. Schedule an hour or two to go over your expenditures—from your daily transportation expenses to those random purchases, check where your money goes, and from there build a realistic financial plan. It helps if you have a spreadsheet of your spending in the past few months so you know where to start. When you know how much you need in a month, it would be easier to allocate funds for other things.

Rekindle valuable relationships

It could be a relative you no longer talk to, an old friend you lost touch since you moved away from each other, or a former boss you only interact with on facebook— whatever relationship it is, as long as you believe it adds value to your life, now is the time to reignite the flame. Call your aunt: check in on her, ask what’s going in her life—be genuinely interested in whatever she says. Schedule a coffee date with that old friend, and actually follow through. Message your boss or former colleague, ask them how are they and express your interest to keep in touch.

Give yourself a break

Schedule a doctor’s appointment

Many writes “Be healthier” on their list of resolutions, but only a few actually does the first step to finding out the current state of their health— to get a physical check-up, that is. Before you plan on trying a new sport, exercise regimen, or diet program, book an appointment with your doctor for an annual physical exam. We don’t need to tell you that prevention is better than cure, so even if you don't have health problems go to a healthcare facility and have yourself checked. This way, you’d know what to do to improve your health next year.

Now that we are at the tail end of the holidays, it’s time to finally relax and do nothing. No more frazzled shopping and day-to-night partying (well, except maybe tonight). Do anything that relaxes you. Read a book, binge-watch a TV series, listen to music, or take a long nap. Move away from technology, log off from your social media accounts. Zone out and let your mind wander. This is the perfect time to evaluate your life and reflect on your accomplishments—big or small—from the past year. figuring out where you are right now will give you a good jump off point for the coming New year.

Brave leather bracelet

own one of the 50 handcrafted Brave leather bracelets made up of oval-shaped silver plated parts with Swarovski elements crystals in beautiful amethyst tone. Available at UNOde50

MAC, Maybelline, Happy Skin

Make a statement with your lips with a few swipes of Mac Matte Lipstick in punk couture, or with your eyes with Maybelline’s Color Sensational Diamonds eye Shadow in mysterious mauve. If purple makeup is too bold for your taste, add Happy Skin x Sanrio’s Air Touch Sponge Duo, which comes in light blue and lavender, to your beauty arsenal instead. Available at MAC Cosmetics, Maybelline, and Happy Skin

young Life

sunday, december 31, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

StyliShly on-time

day and night VersaTILITy with style—this one of the many qualities people look for in their timepiece. aside from it telling the time accurately, it’s important that it fits a variety of occasions. For individuals with busy lifestyle, Technomarine introduces its moonsun collection. Inspired by the lines and energy of urban landscapes, and crafted with only the finest materials, moonsun captures a youthful sophistication—transitioning from day to the evening hours effortlessly.

For instance, the moonsun black for men is perfect for a black tie gala or other formal affair. This sophisticated watch comes with a 44mm case in stainless steel, with a p u s h crown a n d metal dial that exudes understated elegance. On the other hand, on-thego gentlemen looking for a more urban style may opt for the moonsun blue, whose blue face matches its 44mm silver stainless steel case and band. Women looking for a classic style that can take them anywhere would find moonsun twotone a versatile timepiece of choice. It is designed with a 38mm case in stainl e s s steel, a push crown, and a stainless steel band. The 42mm moonsun rose gold, meanwhile, speaks to the independent woman today with its flattering shade that adds radiance to any skin tone. Techn o Marine boutiques are located at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, The moonsun Robinson’s Galleria, collection in (from Robinson’s Magnolia, top) black, blue, Shangri-La Plaza, and two-tone, and all My Diamond bourose gold tiques nationwide.

MiniMalist style

of Millennial travelers

Lame it on their fascination to take OOTd photos in different locations, but today’s young generation sure knows what clothes to pack to maximize every photo opportunity when they’re travelling. some of the cool kids in the metro talk about their style while out exploring new destinations.

Anjo Lazaro, 28 clean cut cutie anjo likes keeping things simple. his everyday go-to are plain shirts for the ease of mixing it up with cool kicks. This telco executive enjoys styling his daily look. “I like mixing up different shades of color to come up with a look that’s personal yet minimal.”

Miguel Lasala, 28 street wear connoisseur miguel opts for long line tees, jeans, and sneakers. “It’s very comfy yet it never goes out of style.” he says. This selfconfessed sneakerhead takes style inspiration from Pharell Williams and Kanye West. “my kind of style is the monochromatic look. It’s so easy to mix and match; and play it up with my shoes for the day,” he adds.

Lou Yanong, 20 student and PmaP model Lou shares, “For me, comfort is a huge factor when it comes to clothing.” This entrepreneurial management student at mInT college goes for the off-duty model look mixing up oversized pieces with athleisure styling. “I like being everywhere so I wear clothes that will help me move. I like being different. I absolutely think my personal style helps me to stand out from the crowd.” Cassie Reyes, 21 Girl-on-the-go cassie likes wearing outfits that are easy to change in and out of. Juggling an early childhood education major and a modeling career makes for a very busy schedule which is why her travel style centers on comfort and ease. “I like to play around with outerwear like jackets and long coats since they’re stylish but fits the bill of comfort,” she says. “They go with everything, you can wear them to any occasion, and it’s easy to pair it up with anything while still keeping one’s style.”

Whether they go for basics, street wear, or monochromatic pieces, these millennial travelers are always ready to dash across terminals in comfortable and versatile saucony Kineta relay sneakers.

Welcome 2018 With chic furniture The beginning of a new year is an excuse for many of us to get new things. One of the things we always upgrade is our home, and the simplest way to achieve a new look in our abode is by changing and buying furniture and furnishings. If you love entertaining, chic furniture can turn small spaces into cozy spots with the help of Pottery barn. Fun furniture, beddings, toys and other child-friendly items to make playtime and sleeping fun for children are available at Pottery barn Kids. but if you prefer a classic, understated look, West elm offers a wide range of home products for you. It is best known for collaboration: craft communities cocreate its home accessories, furniture and décor with independent designers, while its style + service lets you work with home stylists for free. “Our homes are our own personal space, a place where we start and end our day. This is why it deserves only

citi credit cardholders get a 15 percent discount on home funiture and furnishings from Pottery barn and West elm

the most comfortable furnishing in Lucky for you if you’re a citi cardthe most appealing designs,” said citi holder, as you can get items from Philippines credit Payment Products Pottery barn stores at bonifacio high director David Stoughton. street in Taguig and at estancia in

capitol commons, and from West elm flagship store in estancia at 15 percent off if you purchase them via citi PayLite payable up to 24 months.

Showbiz

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017

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

ERICH

GONZALES STOLE MMFF SHOW WINNER’S CIRCLE. MMFF 2017 winners, led by the cast of the festival’s Best Picture ‘Ang Larawan,’ pose for a photo opportunity during the Gabi ng Parangal held at the Kia Theater Wednesday night.

‘ANG LARAWAN,’ ‘SIARGAO’

MMFF 2017 BIG WINNERS By Nickie Wang Images by Sonny Espiritu

OMMERCIAL films were heavily ignored at the Gabi Ng Parangal held at the Kia Theatre on Wednesday night as Culturtain Musicat’s Ang Larawan was adjudged Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture, while Paul Soriano’s romantic island flick Siargao walked home as the most decorated entry. Based upon A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by National Artist Nick Joaquin, the film set in 1941 just before World War II in a mansion in Intramuros, Manila, edged out Dan Villegas’s All of You (3rd Best Picture) and Soriano’s Siargao (2nd Best Picture). The filmfest also did a turnaround with Ang Larawan, which initially failed to make the cut in July when the criteria were based solely on scripts submitted to be an MMFF entry, earned a total of five awards, including the prestigious Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Best Actress in a Leading Role for Joanna Ampil, Best Musical Score, and Best Production Design. It was a bitter sweet victory for the cast and crew of the musical as it struggles to stay in cinemas, having been dropped from more than 25 theaters across Metro Manila, just two days into the film fest, due to reported low ticket sales. According to its producer Celeste Lagaspi, they have been “slowly” regaining screens as of Wednesday thanks to fan outcry and positive reviews. “And we are thankful to Paul

Soriano who has been tweeting about our film. We are happy that as of today we are back in some cinemas,” Legaspi said. Paul Soriano, who won the Best Director plum, during his acceptance speech, shared the honor with Ang Larawan citing it as a beautiful film. “There’s this film that really touched my heart and I know what it’s going through, and I know Ang Larawan, you guys…seriously, hands down. I watched it yesterday in a full house in Rockwell,” Soriano started, then turning to the crowd he said, “I hope you also give the opportunity to see such a beautiful film. Against the world, that’s kind of what we do.” Apart from bagging the 2nd Best Picture award, Soriano’s film won Best Supporting Actress (Jasmine Curtis-Smith), Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Theme Song (“Alon” by Hale). “If there’s one thing that this festival has really thought me, it’s my first time to be part of MMFF, is that that not everybody is going to like what you made, not everyone is go-

Joanna Ampil wins Best Actress for her role in ‘Ang Larawan’

ing to appreciate what you do, but there are people that get what I really wanted to say. And because of those people I continue to tell stories, I continue make films because this is what I love to do,” he told the crowd at the Kia Theatre. Other winners were: Best Float - Deadma Walking; Best Child Performer - Baeby Baste Granfon for Meant To Beh; Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence - Ang Panday; Best Visual Effects - Ang Panday; Best Screenplay All Of You; Best Supporting Actor - Edgar Allan Guzman for Deadma Walking; Full-length People’s Choice Award - Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad; Best Actor - Derek Ramsay for All Of You; an dSpecial Jury Prize - Nick Joaquin and Rodel Nacianceno (Coco Martin)

Jasmine Curtis-Smith accepts the trophy for Best Supporting Actress

Best Director winner Paul Sariano for the film ‘Siargao’

Elisse Joson and McCoy de Leon receive the Children's Choice trophy for 'Ang Panday'

BEST TV SERIES MOMENTS IN 2017 THERE were many specific moments on television this year that made our viewing habit even more pleasurable. From fantasy to romantic comedy, and from drama to action, we are listing down the most memorable highlights from shows that shaped Philippine TV in 2017:

Ardientes and Cruzes is showing no signs of slowing down. That’s why it was renewed for another season. It’s good to note that most of the TV-inspired memes that dominated social media this year mostly came from this Maja Salvador-starrer drama series.

Water gun scene in ‘Ika-6 Na Utos’ It was supposed to be a normal confrontational scene between two women fighting over the love and attention from the same man. In an episode of the toprating series, netizen gushed over the “water gun” scene where pregnant Georgia played by actress Ryza Cenon pointed a toy water gun at Emma who is also pregnant, portrayed by Sunshine Dion. While the series has a few other memorable moments, this water gun scene proves to be a big hit among viewers and netizens as the original clip uploaded on YouTube has already amassed almost 2.5 million views.

Derrick Monasterio transforms in ‘Mulawin vs Ravena‘ It was a TV moment for the 22-year-old actor when an episode of Mulawin Vs Ravena featured him being tortured. He was tied upside down and repeatedly plunged into water. In the same episode, Derrick’s near nakedness exploded on social media when his character Almiro turned into a full-bloomed Mulawin. As we quoted in June, it has the makings of every gay’s fantasy: A piece of cloth slowly removed, a sculpted bod heavily oiled, and then that long exposure to make thy gay-manity drool. That’s Derrick Monasterio for you.

Maja Salvador is indestructible in ‘Wildflower’ The indestructible Ivy Aguas of the Kapamilya series Wildflower has been heating up our TV and smartphone screens with its explosive scenes and punchline after punchline, and the drama between the

Angel Locsin returns in ‘La Luna Sangre’ Primetime viewing got more intense when Angel Locsin rejoined the cast of ABS-CBN’s hit action fantasy drama as the mysterious Jacinta Magsaysay. Interestingly, Angel even got trolled by KathNiel fans when her Twitter-trending comeback to the weeknight drama drew positive feed- b a c k . The episode where Angel reappeared registered higher viewership for the series as it jumped five points higher than its average rating.

MOST of the big stars at the annual Gabi ng Parangal, the Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night, were no show at the Kia Theatre on Wednesday night but the presence of Erich Gonzales was enough to make all cameras flash and all heads turn. Erich showed off her sensational figure in several scenes in Siargao where she is seen in skimpy bikinis while riding the waves on the country’s surfing capital. And during the Awards Night, the 27-year-old actress brought the same kind of sexiness to the venue. Escorted by her leading man Jericho Rosales, the Kapamilya star arrived at the Kia Theatre (with the help of a five-man glam team) wearing an alluring powder blue floor-length gown accentuated by a dangerously low cleavage and a high slit. The MMFF organizers sure noticed Erich’s effort as she was called up onstage as the Female Star of the Night along with her counterpart All of You star Derek Ramsay, who also won P20,000 for looking sleek and dashing in black sport jacket over a white long sleeve shirt. In Siargao, Erich plays Laura who embarks on a solo trip to the North Eastern tip of Mindanao hoping to move on and find a new adventure. There she meets rock singer Diego (Jericho) who is caught between uncertainties of the future and baggage of the past. According to the actress, the film serves as somewhat of a catharsis for the her after going through a controversial breakup with Brazilian-Japanese model and actor Daniel Matsunaga in February.

MMFF 2017 Gabi ng Parangal Star of the Night Erich Gonzales flaunts her sensational curves in a recent photo shoot for a liquor brand

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

DOG OWNERS ARE HEALTHIER PEOPLE,

STUDIES SHOWED

PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS (Part 1)

HERE are at least seven (7) health benefits of owning a dog.

Iris Tse, authory of 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Dog Ownership and MyHealthNewsDaily Contributor (live Science), notes, “ You may not think so when you get a heart-stopping veterinarian bill or when all your dog does is laze on the couch and watch TV with you but dog ownership actually can provide a variety of health benefits. She adds: “Anecdotal and scientific evidence have shown that dog owners tend to be healthier than the average person.”

The seven (7) health benefits are:

1. Dogs can detect cancer Two decades ago, there have been scientific reports of dogs sniffing out cancerous growths. In a1989 case study in The Lancet, a patient said her dog constantly sniffed at a mole on her leg, and even tried to bite the lesion off. Because of this, she had the mole checked out and was told it was a malignant melanoma. Some dogs can also detect bladder, lung, breast, ovarian and colon cancer. Panda, a trained eight-year-old black Labrador, “correctly detected colorectal cancer in 33 out of 37 samples of people's breath and stool that scientists had collected,” Tse says. In an article journal Gut published in 2012, Panda apparently detected an early-stage colorectal cancer. “It's unclear whether such dogs are zeroing in on some unknown, tumor-related volatile compounds, or more conventional substances in body fluids associated with an increased risk of cancer, such as metabolites of cigarettes, the researchers said. However, in this experiment, Panda identified cancer patients even among body fluid samples from people with inflammation, a history of smoking, or other diseases, “ Tse says. 2. Dogs can keep you active Dog owners who frequently walk their dogs or exercise with their dogs already know this. Dogs often “beg” for walks or play time. A 2010 study in the American Journal of Public Health showed that children with dogs did more moderate to vigorous physical activity than children with no dogs. A 2006 study by Canadian researchers at the University of Victoria showed dog owners walked an average of 300 minutes per week, compared to non-dog owners who walked an average of 168 minutes every week. In a 2008 study by the National Cancer Institute, dog owners walked 19 minutes more than those without a dog every week .

Oners Tani Benedito (right) and Niko Gabriel C. Salgado get to exercise when they walk their dogs (from left) Batchi, Shakti and Summer.

“more than one-third of dogs living with diabetic people have been reported to display behavioral changes when their owners' blood sugar drops, sometimes even before patients themselves were aware of it,” Tse says “In two case studies cited by the paper, the dogs not only detected their owners' falling glucose levels, they even nudged their owners into eating,” she adds. Tse says it is not yet known how the dogs did it, but “it's possible that they detected minute muscle tremors, or changes in the owners' scents.”

Walker, a five-month old husky-corgi mix, calms pregnant mommy Karen Cepeda.

But Tse stresses that dog owners will enjoy the health benefit of dog ownership only if he/she is willing to walk their dogs. 3. Dogs can tell when you have low blood sugar Tse says some trained dogs appear to be able to detect low blood sugar levels. A 2000 article in the British Medical Journal reported that

4. Dogs can reduce the risk of eczema reactions Many parents are afraid to expose young children to dogs, thinking this could trigger allergy or eczema reactions. But preliminary research showed that children who started mingling with dogs at infancy “were significantly less likely to develop eczema by age 4,” Tse says A study, with 636 children as subjects and published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2011, showed that the rate of eczema was lower among kids whose family had a dog. “In fact, even for kids sensitive to dog allergens, having a dog did not increase their risk of developing eczema,” Tse says. But, Tse warns, “before you rush out to get a dog for your kid, keep in mind that more research still needs to be done in this area. Previous research has shown that dogs can also increase the risk of asthma in some kids.” (To be continued next week)

LOVE IS A RESCUED DOG (2)

MORE and more people are deciding to adopt, instead of buying dogs and cats. All dogs are loving, loyal, and easy to please. All dogs are also easy to take care of as long as owners are responsible. 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. Hollie Dabon, adopter of rescued pups Royce, Caramel, Kisses and Crème, says these rescues continue to bring joy to her life. Here is her story in her own words: Hollie Dabon and pups Crème, Kisses, Caramel, and Royce My partner and I have been living together for several years with our Pooper, a 12-year-old mini pin, and BJ, a 4-year-old shih tzu. At first, we fostered the four puppies rescued by an animal welfare group, Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL). They became instant members of the family.

Creme (white) and Caramel

We felt we could add more members to our home, so last April 12, my partner and I decided to adopt two of the puppies: Crème and Kisses. When we were to bring Caramel and Royce to the Save ALL care home, Royce held on to my partner’s leg like a baby and wouldn’t let go. We both cried then and decided to adopt Royce and Caramel too. At first, we thought we were making a huge difference in their lives. Little did we know that they were doing the same to us. Since we adopted the pups, our home became happier, with four pups running around the house and always asking for cuddles and attention. Even with our busy schedules requiring us to stay in the office for long hours, we are always eager to come home to our furbabies who are excited to greet us. Their enthusiasm and presence boost our moods and our energies Adopting four puppies taught us to be more patient. Each dog has their own unique characteristics and personalities that allowed us learn to adjust and to understand everyone’s specific needs. Our lifestyle changed since having four extra

Kisses meeting big brother BJ for the first time. That look is so precious!

Royce

Adopter Hollie Dabon and Caramel

puppies demanded more time at home to feed them, clean them and just take care of them. Our work-life schedule changed but because of this, we also had the pleasure of spending more time at home. Life may bring different situations to your daily routine, but it is still possible to make things work by taking time to adapt and make better choices. Since we adopted the puppies, more blessings came to our family and home. We thought adopting the puppies would mean saving their lives, but it’s the other way around. Every day, they give us unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship that you can feel even without us-

ing words. Crème, Kisses, Caramel, and Royce make us feel more our sense of purpose and fulfillment in life, which adds to our happiness every day. Editor's Note: To adopt a dog, please contact the following organizations/groups in Facebook: -Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL) care of admins Maricel Mondejar, Joanne Zamora, Raycyn Enriquez-Abad and Julie Rodriguez. - Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) - Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) - Roar Out for Animal Rights Inc. (ROAR INC.) - Aspins Puspins and Others for Adoption