Manila Standard - 2018 February 11 - Sunday

US BLACKBALLS ISIS-LINKED PINOY, 2 OTHERS Special anniversary supplement comes out on Feb. 12, 2018.

VOL. XXXI • NO. 359 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

GETTING READY. Workers rush to install colored red lights along a 220-meter illuminated tunnel adorned with roses set up for couples and people looking for a place to spend Valentine’s Day at the Lumina Rose Garden at the Resorts World in Pasay City, one of 122 cities in predominantly Christian Philippines which marks Ash Wednesday on the same day but ironically with tightlipped groundwork. Norman Cruz

800 PINOYS COMING HOME FROM KUWAIT

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

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NLY a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a total ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Kuwait , the government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, is set to bring home the first batch of 800 individuals from the Arab country next week.

BEYOND JURISDICTION. President Rodrigo Duterte shows a photo of a Filipino worker in Kuwait he described as 'roasted like a pig' during a news conference in Davao City on Friday, where he declared himself beyond the jurisdiction of an International Court probe into thousands of deaths in his 'anti-drugs war,' claiming local laws do not specifically ban extrajudicial killings. AFP

The voluntary repatriation follows the death of a Filipina household worker whose body had been lying in a freezer for a year.

In related developments: • The Cebu Pacific Air management on Saturday announced it was sending an aircraft to assist the government in its efforts to repatriate overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait.

The move followed Duterte’s appeal to airlines to help in repatriation efforts in the wake of recent deaths of Filipinos in Kuwait.

BORACAY FACES SHUTDOWN

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to close the country’s most popular tourist beach resort, the Boracay, which he described as a “cesspool,” if the vacation island’s environmental issues would not be resolved in six months.

The President instructed Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Saturday to address the growing environmental concern in Boracay, saying there would come a time that no more foreigners would go there because of contamination.

The Department of Tourism has previously said that human waste were found in the waters of Boracay.

The President even mentioned architect Felino Palafox that the architect was fully aware what was the tragedy in Boracay.

“Now, during days when I was there, the waste was just 20 meters away from the beach. At a distance you see cotton balls

of Boracay [as] white sand,” he said.

“But when you go into the water, it’s smelly. Smell of what? S***.” Duterte said.

He said those going there were destroying the environment or the Republic of the Philippines and creating a disaster coming.

“There will be a time that no more foreigner will go there because he will have—when he goes back to the plane to where he belongs, he will be full of s*** going back and forth to the restroom,” he said.

Duterte said he already ordered Cimatu to fix the environmental issue in six months.

The DoT said visitors in this world-famous island hit a record high of 1,529,895 foreign and domestic tourist arrivals from January to September compared to last year’s 1,348,064 in 2016.

The Tourism department attributed the increasing tourist arrival to visits from East Asian and Southeast Asian countries.

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ROLLING IN THE DEEP.

Filipino singer KZ Tandingan meets up with British pop singer Jessie J ahead of the former’s performance in the fifth episode of Singer 2018 in China, the second season of the Chinese television series that airs on Human Television. The episode was taped on Feb. 9, with KZ the season’s second challenger and temporarily declared safe.

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The Chief Executive tapped Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to facilitate the repatriation within 72 hours.

Charo Logarta Lagamon, CEB corporate communications director, said the airline would be mounting a special flight to Kuwait to assist Filipinos who wish to be repatriated to the Philippines.

“We are coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait on the airlift details and other travel arrangements. We will provide further information once these are finalized,” she said.

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WASHINGTON, United States—The US Treasury on Friday (Saturday in Manila) placed three men it said were part of the Islamic State’s global financial network on its sanctions blacklist, as it seeks to shut down the flow of funds to the group.

The Treasury said Abdulpatta Escalon Abubakar of the Philippines, Yunus Emre Sakarya of Turkey, and Mohamed Mire Ali Yusuf of Somalia all provided financial, material or technological support for the Islamic State group.

Abubakar is alleged to have been instrumental in getting funds to the IS network in the Philippines in 2016 and 2017, handling transfers from IS outside the country.

He also helped the group obtain weapons and explosives, the Treasury said.

Abubakar was arrested by Filipino authorities last September after he flew into Manila from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Treasury said Sakarya supplied IS with materials for drones from his Turkey-based company, Profesyoneller Elektronik.

The company handled some $500,000 worth of orders for unmanned aerial vehicles and related equipment in 2016, it said.

Mire Ali livestock trading business Liibaan Trading “served as a front for ISIS-aligned groups in the Bari region of Somalia,” the Treasury said. AFP

RECOUNT DELAY FRUSTRATES MARCOS ALLIES FORMER Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on his supporters who gathered in front of the Supreme Court in Manila to remain calm despite another delay in the recounting of votes in his election protest.

In a message to hundreds of his supporters who have been holding a prayer rally at the Supreme Court premises since Wednesday, Marcos said, “I feel your frustration. But let us remain calm. We have come this far and I promise you that we will not stop until every one of your votes have been counted.

“I promise you we will not stop until we have uncovered the truth of why there are square boxes instead of oval shadings. The truth is slowly coming out. We shall prevail.”

According to reports submitted by Marcos’ retrieval team, who accompanied the trucks which brought the ballot boxes to Manila, the third and last batch of ballot boxes—totaling 424 ballot boxes altogether—were unloaded in the Supreme Court gym at 11:30 p.m. of Feb. 1.

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PINAY FAN BEATS BRITISH POP IDOL

By Nickie Wang IT’S a fan-meets-idol moment for KZ Tandingan when she met up with British pop singer Jessie J ahead of her performance in the fifth episode of Singer 2018 in China.

The two singers exchanged hugs with KZ telling her idol the British star had inspired her to sing again.

“I had polyps in my throat during her high school days,” the Pinay singer started.

“I couldn’t reach the high notes anymore. And then I heard you, I realized that I don’t have to hit those high notes to make a difference. So, I started singing again,” KZ told the “Flashlight” singer adding she is the kind of singer she is today because of her idol.

She was also in tears when she learned that she was competing with her idol.

“I can’t believe I’m talking to you!” an excited and emotional KZ told Jessie J upon meeting the British pop star.

Jessie J then told the Pinay singer, “I’m not a competitor, I’m just your friend.”

During the live performance, KZ sang a jazz version of Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep,” where she also did some Filipino rapping. Turn to A2

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HALAL-CHICKEN FACILITY OPEN FOR BUSINESS

THIRD-PARTY EXPERT ON DENGUE BACKED

By Nash B. Maulana BULUAN, Maguindanao—Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol on Friday opened the country’s first halal dressed-chicken facility here to cater to large-scale meat production with the trade name Philippine Halal Manok.

The modern halal facility can process up to 30,000 heads of dressed chicken daily, but on its inaugural run will start with just 1,500 heads a day, Maguindanao board member Jazzer “King” Mangudadatu said.

Piñol said the Department of Agriculture, which is member of the Philippine Halal Board under Republic Act 10817, a law that instituted the country’s Halal Export Development and Promotion Program, is helping jumpstart the plant.

Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said the facility was built partly with foreign corporate interest represented by Taiwanese businessmen.

The governor said livestock supply, including poultry-raising feeds, for the plant’s initial operation would come from broiler farms here and in nearby towns that have developed community groups trained on poultry raising.

He assured officials and residents that the constitutional “60-40 rule” of businesses with mixed local and foreign interests was being faithfully complied with.

Board member Mangudadatu said the project is an income-generating opportunity to families of participating communities in Maguindanao. “It will also reduce instances of armed conflict when everybody becomes involved in massive production for livelihood,” he added.

The Oxford International Dictionary defines halal as “religiously acceptable according to Muslim law as in [the principles of] ‘halal banking [transactions]’” and one that is “denoting or relating to meat prepared as prescribed by Muslim law.”

According to a 2015 report by the World Halal Forum, the industry for halal food and beverages has a potential global market of US$1.4 trillion annually.

Locally processed chicken meat would then carry the “Halal Philippines” label, pursuant to RA 10817, which Congress passed last year.

Halal promotes the concept of total wellness in food processing by considering animal-raising and feeding history as part of meat preparation for food, literally “from the farmgate to the plate.”

The medium enterprise venture encourages residents to put up poultry buildings with environment-compliant design, and become part of the fastgrowing halal industry with some reasonable support package program that the venture may provide, according to Mangudadatu.

RECOUNT...

From A1

However, the next day, at 1:30 p.m., the office of SC Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa met with the lawyers and supervisors of Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo and handed them a “Projected Timeline of Activities” for the recounting of ballots, among others.

As clearly indicated in the new timeline, the recounting of ballots was now scheduled for March 19, 2018. The reason for the one-month delay was for the Presidential Electoral Tribunal to “conduct and process psychological examinations” for its revisors.

In a press statement released by the Marcos camp to media, Marcos said: “Many of you [his supporters] have been asking me why the inordinate delay again.

“It’s been almost two years and yet, on the eve of the arrival of the last batch of ballot boxes, that’s the only time the PET will conduct psychological examinations for its revisors? Well, I guess we have [no] choice but to follow Justice Caguioa’s decision. I’m just wondering . . . why do it only now?”

PINAY...

From A1

At the end of the show, the former X Factor Philippines grand winner took the top spot in this week’s episode of show.

Her idol Jessie J settled in second.

The episode was taped on Feb. 1 was aired on Feb. 9. KZ was the second challenger of the season and temporarily declared safe, while Tien Chong, a singer from Hong Kong, was eliminated.

Second season will air its finale in April.

Singer 2018 is the second season of the Chinese television series that airs on Human Television.

Apart from Jessie J, other contestants are professional singers like Angela Chang from Taiwan; Li Xiaodong, Wang Feng, James Li and Juno Su from China.

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EALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Saturday said he supports the proposal to hire a third-party pathologist from abroad to examine the bodies of children who died supposedly because of the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.

PROTEST VS BEIJING. Activists, wearing improvised hats decorated with missile, hold placards during a protest friday in front of the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea after installing military facilities and equipment on some of the disputed reefs. The Philippines said in January it would lodge a diplomatic protest with China after Manila questioned if Beijing had backed out of a pledge not to militarize the disputed reefs. AFP

Duque followed President Rodrigo Duterte, who expressed the same idea after meeting with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta, and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Dante Jimenez in Malacañang on Friday.

“That [proposal] should be supported. For us, what’s important is the truth surfaces clearly, and we learn all the reasons why these deaths happened,” the Health secretary told radio dzBB. Duque said he was not present during the President’s meeting with the three officials, and sought to clarify Duterte’s directives and confirm the proposal to hire foreign pathologists.

“Probably on Monday I’ll learn the real score, because I will be with the President, and hear from himself what his orders are regarding this third party,” he said in the radio interview.

In a statement, the DoH also said it wants to partner with the World Health Organization, which has an office in Manila, in probing future “adverse events” related to Dengvaxia.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said the department wants the WHO to be part of an expert panel together with the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital.

“We are seeking guidance from the WHO so we can continue the process in investigating the adverse effects of Dengvaxia. We want to work with them,” Domingo said.

Duque said the DoH already turned over the findings of the UP-PGH’s Dengue Investigative Task Force to the Department of Justice, saying they wanted to cooperate with the probe instead of pointing fingers.

The Health secretary said he saw television reports that proposed an independent investigating body, which he noted were unclear because there were other offices investigating the vaccine issue like the DoJ, the National Bureau of Investigation and PAO. Previously, Duque said the PAO was not cooperating with the Department of Health’s investigation into deaths linked to the use of Dengvaxia, the vaccine made by French drugmaker Sanofi that the government under the previous Aquino administration bought for P3.5 billion to use in a school-based dengue immunization program.

Acosta on Friday defended her decision not to share PAO’s forensic findings with the DoH, saying there was a conflict of interest and that the President, after their meeting, never told her to do so.

The DoH asked the UP-PGH to conduct its own investigation after the PAO conducted several autopsies on the victims and linked the deaths to Dengvaxia.

800...

From A1 Officials of the Manila International Airport Authority-Media Affairs Division said 49 OFWs from Kuwait were set to arrive via flight PR 669.

They added 79 other Filipinos from Kuwait also arrived last Friday.

The President was angered by the Kuwait government for not seriously taking any actions against abusive Kuwaiti employers, despite repeated appeal to treat Filipino workers fairly.

The Chief Executive was addressing his displeasure with the Kuwaiti government in a press briefing in Davao, saying Filipino workers were not slaves to anyone and were merely working in their country to help their families back home.

Duterte said the Filipina household service worker’s body was found a few days ago inside a freezer. The body bore torture marks and indications she was strangled to death.

• The Philippine government may sign an agreement with China to open its labor market for Filipinos, after Duterte ordered a total ban on the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait.

Duterte on Friday ordered the extension of the deployment ban of OFWs in Kuwait after its government failed to protect and treat Filipinos “with dignity.”

In a radio interview, Bello said the government would meet with Chinese government officials to sign a bilateral agreement with China for the deployment of Filipino workers.

Bello said the bilateral deal on deploying OFWs was supposed to be signed on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in November last year.

• Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo is batting for the creation of a one department for migrant workers to improve the delivery of services for them.

Salo of the House committee on government reorganization said he was hammering out the working draft of a consolidated bill seeking to create a separate department that shall focus

on the welfare and development of overseas Filipino workers.

“Under the baton of one conductor, the secretary for migrant workers will improve the way government delivers its services and address many of the issues and problems OFWs and other migrant Pinoy workers face,” he said.

Several agencies are spread across various departments which not only hamper coordination and response, but also create unnecessary burdens for OFWs hopping from one agency to another, he noted.

Under Salo’s proposal, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration would be part of the new department for the OFWs. Lawyer Raul Dado, DFA executive director for Migrant Workers Affairs, said the DFA was processing more Filipinos who wished to go home.

“We are processing more...that’s the first batch,” he said.

There are more than 250,000 Filipinos in Kuwait and majority of them work as household service workers.

More than 2.3-million Filipinos opted to work abroad and, of that figure, 8 million were already residing there.

Majority of these figures were working in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Dado said the Philippine government had filed a homicide case against Lebanese employers Nader Assaf and his Syrian wife.

“A case for homicide has been filed with the Prosecutors of Maidan Hawally in Kuwait,” he said.

“The body has been presumed to be in the freezer for more than a year since their Lebanese employers Mr. Nader Assaf and his Syrian wife left Kuwait in November 2016,” he added.

Currently, he said, Kuwait authorities were searching for the couple in Lebanon to arrest them with the help of Interpol.

“A new meeting with the highest of-

ficials of the Kuwait forensics department continues,” he added.

Meanwhile, the family of Joanna Daniela Demafelis called on the government to give the family justice.

“I am appealing for government’s help in seeking justice for my daughter’s death,” the victim’s mother Eva Demafelis said in a report over ABS-CBN website.

Her father, Crisanto, also requested her remains be brought back home to the OFW’s hometown in Iloilo.

Demafelis worked in Kuwait as a household worker in 2014.

She opted to work abroad to help her family and support her siblings.

The family said on the first three months, their communication with her was constant.

In 2016, she called them and told them that she would be extending her contract for another year.

Gradually, communication stopped, until February of 2017, when family members had to seek help from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

According to OWWA, officials did their best to contact the migrant worker but failed to reach her since her agency had closed down.

Dado said Duterte ordered law enforcement to investigate and prosecute the recruiters of Demafelis.

“The Philippine Embassy this week immediately sent a diplomatic note to Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the recent case of a deceased household worker who was found in a freezer in Kuwait,” he said.

So far, he said, the embassy officials were also meeting police and forensics to get the results of the investigation immediately.

“Embassy lawyers have also been met and briefed on the necessary legal action against the employer and other parties responsible in this case,” he added.

Demafelis’ case is among seven re-

cent Filipino deaths in Kuwait that had prompted the government to order a deployment ban to the Gulf State.

Duterte also threatened to withdraw all Filipinos from Kuwait if another worker dies there.

DFA officials said more than 800 undocumented OFWs in Kuwait were scheduled to return in batches in Manila from Sunday to Tuesday.

Reports showed that 103 OFW deaths were recorded in Kuwait, up from 2016 figures at 82.

In September, the Cebu Pacific, in coordination with the Philippine Army and National Police, also used its plane to airlift wounded soldiers and police personnel in Marawi City.

The airline also provided free cargo for relief goods intended for the affected communities in the city.

The CEB management stated that they would continue to provide free cargo support for relief goods and other essential items for displaced residents of Marawi City and adjacent areas from various organizations, most notably the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Duterte has asked China to open its doors to the Philippines and would allow Filipino workers to work there, but told them not to abuse them.

While the ban of OFWs to Kuwait would reduce its income, Duterte said the country was ready to suffer but not at the expense of the lives of Filipino workers.

The latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data show cash remittances from Kuwait from January to November 2017 amounted to $735 million (P37.5 billion).

“Do not destroy their dignity as a human being,” he said.

“Let them sleep long enough. (One) complaint is that they’re fed with leftovers, that’s why they commit suicide.

They can’t take it anymore, including rape.” With Vito Barcelo, Joel Zurbano and Rio Araja

News

BILL FILED VS GOVT MEN PEDDLING ‘FAKE NEWS’

By Sara Susanne Fabunan

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OON, government officials may be held accountable for peddling ‘fake news.’

This would be made possible if Senator Grace Poe’s proposed measure passes muster and becomes a law.

Poe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Information, filed a bill that would prohibit government officials from peddling “fake news.”

Poe’s Senate Bill No. 1680 seeks to amend and expand Sections 4(b) and 7 of Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards from Public Officials and Employees.”

The proposed measure will penalize all public officials and employees of government agencies,

instrumentalities, offices and departments, especially those tasked to disseminate information or news, for publishing, disseminating or causing to publish or disseminate false news or information.

“It is thereby the goal of this legislative measure to hold public officials to higher standards in the advent of the unavoidable continuous rise of the influence of internet penetration brought by social media by amending pertinent provisions of RA 6713,” Poe said in the bill’s explanatory note.

Poe explained that government officials were “official” sources of information, and their pronouncements thus are presumed to be truthful, reliable and accurate.

Poe’s committee had been holding hearings on fake news, wherein government officials were criticized for continuing to operate as pro-Duterte bloggers.

Poe earlier warned that fake news, if left unchecked, will cultivate “a culture of lying” and created “lynch mobs” that could destroy people and institutions.

But Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque did not agree with Poe’s proposal.

“Presumed unconstitutional as content based restriction,” Roque said in a statement.

He added that the bill is “...infirmed for violative of equal protection clause as no basis for singling out government employees.”

Meanwhile, the Reporters Without Borders on Saturday assailed the Philippine government over its continued failure to renew the license of the Catholic Media Network of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

In a statement, RSF Asia-Pacific head Daniel Bastard suspects that the non-action over CMN’s license renewal bid could be politically motivated.

TWO MORE SLEEPING POLICEMEN RELIEVED

By Joel E. Zurbano TWO more policemen were relieved while eight others were reprimanded after they were caught by Metro Manila police director Oscar Albayalde sleeping while on duty at their precincts over the weekend.

Relieved from their posts were Police Officers 2 Roland Tiburcio and Atoz Robinson Monroyo, both assigned at the Police Community Precinct-1 Anonas Station in Quezon City.

Albayalde did not identify the eight cops who were reprimanded but he said they were all assigned at the Special Reaction Unit of the Caloocan City Police Station annex. He said eight SRU members and 12 others will be investigated by the Police Oversight Committee for their lapses and negligence of duty.

Albayalde and his team from the National Capital Region Police Office are conducting random and surprise inspection at police precincts in Metro Manila to check their readiness when emergency situation arises during wee hours.

The NCRPO chief emphasized the importance of being alert and awake of policemen during night time as it is the time in which lawless elements and criminals might take advantage.

He reminded that being alert during their tour of duty is part of the police’s operational readiness.

“We are paid to provide security. With the full support from the government, we have no reason not to perform our duty well,” he said.

Three PCP commanders— Ferdinand Oyad, John Glenn Siguan and Ferdinand Durren— were earlier relieved from their posts and placed on floating status to NCRPO Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit after they were also caught sleeping and drinking liquors with their men while on duty in their precincts in the cities of Muntinlupa and Pasay.

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PATA, SULU LOCAL EXECS, RESIDENTS GIVE UP 48 LOOSE FIREARMS

By Francisco Tuyay LOCAL officials and residents of Pata, Sulu, the site of the deadly massacre of army soldiers in 1981, voluntarily surrendered 48 assorted highpowered firearms into two batches to military authorities in the island province.

The first turnover of the weapons took place on Feb. 2. Pata island Mayor Anton Burahan and some village officials led the surrender of a cache of weapons and ammunitions, which include three 81 MM mortar tubes, a 90 Recoilless Rifle crew-serve weapon, a barrel of Cal. .50 machine guns, four M16 rifles, three M14 rifles, five garand rifles, an M79 Grenade Launcher and several hundred rounds of ammunitions.

On Friday, another batch of local officials and residents surrendered 20 high-powered firearms and war materials to the Joint Task Force Sulu under Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana at the detachment of the 31st Marine Company in Barangay Simbangon, Pata town at around 10:05 a.m.

The surrendered firearms include four M16 rifles, an M653, a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) for Caliber .30, thirteen Garand rifles, a Sig 7.62 and magazines of various caliber. ”This was a result of the relentless efforts of our forces in the campaign against loose firearms to pave the way for peace and progress in the province of Sulu,” said Brigadier General Sobejana.

STIFFER PENALTY VS ATM SKIMMERS, HACKERS OKAYED

By Rio N. Araja

FLOWER SEASON. Small merchants prepare their makeshift flower stalls along Manila’s main thoroughfares for the upcoming Valentine season. Ey Acasio

PNP DETAINS TWO PCSO EMPLOYEES IN CAM SUR THE daily processing of financial assistance to medical patients especially to indigents has been paralyzed following the arbitrary arrest and detention of two organic personnel of the branch of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office based in Pili, Camarines Sur, general manager Alexander Balutan said on Friday.

“Two of our key personnel in our branch who sign important documents in the daily processing of financial assistance to indigents were in detention after the local police arrested them during an illegal raid Thursday against our draw court of the Small Town Lottery [STL]. I am appealing to the police to release our personnel,” Balutan said.

Balutan said the PCSO is verifying reports that the police raid was prompted by an interview by a local radio station in Naga City with PCSO Director Sandra Cam about the termination of the authority of the Evenchance Gaming Corp. to play the STL in the province for various violations against the STL

Implementing Rules and Regulations.

He said that he had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Balutan said the PCSO-Camarines Sur branch has a daily medical allocation of P400,000 under its flagship project Individual Medical Assistance Program.

“The branch is averaging at least 22 clients, most of them indigents, in a daily basis seeking financial and medical assistance. Today and maybe the coming days our daily processing of financial assistance there in the branch is temporarily stopped until our personnel are released from jail,” he said.

In the province alone, the PCSO had donated 34 ambulances to different local government units.

In a letter dated Feb. 5, 2018, the PCSO board resolved to terminate and cancel the authorization of Evenchance to play the STL pursuant to Board Resolution No. 0024 series of 2018.

The letter indicated that the PCSO sought the assistance of the PNP to

conduct an investigation in relation to the allegations of Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte against Evenchance.

The violations include accepting bets from minors, non-wearing of STL uniform and identification cards, and using tickets not prescribed by the PCSO. It also failed to reach the presumptive monthly retail receipt that it has committed in its application.

But Balutan said that after the termination letter is given, Evenchance was given five calendar days upon receipt of the letter to file for a motion for reconsideration, but still the police raided the STL draw of Evenchance.

Under the STL-IRR, PCSO branch offices shall supervise STL operations and ensure compliance of the IRR, especially the conduct of STL draws.

“Apart from disrespecting the fiveday grace period to file for a motion for reconsideration, the action made by the police is reckless and has caused the disruption of our daily operation in the province,” Balutan said.

DEPED’S NON-REMITTANCE OF PREMIUMS FOR TEACHERS HIT

KAWAY FESTIVAL. Students from Katimo National High School perform a Sayaw Kaway dance during the 7th Kaway Festival Celebration at Freedom Plaza in Tagkawayan, Quezon. The people of Tagkawayan is rich in talents and culture making them win in national competitions. Ver Noveno

ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro on Saturday slammed the Department of Education for the non-remittance of Government Service Insurance System premiums of public school teachers resulting in penalties and interests amounting to millions of pesos.

“One of the long-running concerns of public school teachers is the nonremittance of GSIS premiums despite having their contribution deducted automatically from their salaries monthly,” he said.

“Case in point is the complaint we recently received regarding the DepEd Batangas province division’s failure to timely remit the premium despite having their contributions almost P1.93 million in interest. Aside from the delay, premiums for one month

remain unremitted,” he added.

He called on the Education department to immediately remit such lapses in contributions, and check with all its regional and division offices to see if non-remittance of contributions was an isolated case or not.

“It should also address the other complaints which we continue to receive such as failure to deduct and collect payments for teachers’ loans as well,” he said.

“The law is clear but DepEd simply fails to do its task. The law also provides for a 2 percent interest per month for delayed remittance. The same applies to teachers’ loans from GSIS, they incur penalties and interests to be shouldered by the teachers,” he added.

Rio N. Araja

CONGRESS has approved on third and final reading a measure to give more teeth to penalties for violation of Republic Act 8484 or the “Access Devices Regulation Act.” House Bill 6710 was principally authored by committee on banks and financial intermediaries chairman, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, and committee on basic education and culture chairman, Cebu Rep. Ramon Durano VI. All 224 House of Representatives members backed the bill designed to acknowledge advances in information technology on access devices, such as cards, codes, telecommunications services, or other means of account access used to initiate fund transfers or to obtain money, goods, services, or any other thing of value.

The measure noted such advances have been exploited by criminals and criminal syndicates in perpetrating fraudulent activities that ultimately undermine the trust of the public in the banking industry.

HB 6710, if passed, shall declare the commission of a crime using access devices as a form of economic sabotage and a heinous crime.

Under the bill, hacking is defined as “unauthorized access into or interference in a computer system or server, or information and communication system in order to corrupt, steal, or alter without the knowledge or consent of the owner.”

GOVT DEPLOYS ‘SOLAR’JEEPNEYS THE government has started deploying solar-powered jeeps offering free rides to accommodate students and workers affected by the continuous drive against dilapidated public utility vehicles in the metropolis.

More than 10,000 passengers have so far been provided with free rides since the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) implemented the campaign dubbed as “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” in Jan. 8.

The Metro Manila Development Authority initially deployed military trucks and buses to assist stranded commuters.

But on Thursday, I-ACT Task Force Alamid sent 10 solar-powered jeeps during an operation in the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus in Quezon City. The jeep can accommodate at least 15 passengers.

In its first month, the I-ACT team apprehended and issued citation tickets and summons to more than 1,500 violators and impounded 80 PUVs for smoke belching and for not able to present valid franchise.

Joel E. Zurbano

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018

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Adelle Chua, Editor

KIMCHI DIPLOMACY FOR TWO KOREAS IN OLYMPIC RAPPROCHEMENT

EDITORIAL

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SEOUL, South Korea—South Korea’s president ate kimchi and drank soju liquor with the North’s ceremonial head of state and the sister of its leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday, even as the US warned against falling for Pyongyang’s Olympic charm offensive.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in hosted the elderly Kim Yong Nam—technically the highest-level Northern official ever to go to the South—and Pyongyang’s star representative Kim Yo Jong at the presidential Blue House for the landmark meeting.

Smiling, he shook hands with each of the delegates ahead of their formal talks, and television footage showed that Kim Yo Jong—who analysts expected to bring a personal message from her brother—was carrying a blue folder emblazoned with a seal.

There is speculation Pyongyang could invite Moon to visit for a summit later this year.

The nuclear-armed North’s delegation is the diplomatic highlight of an Olympics-driven rapprochement on the divided peninsula.

Tensions between the two soared last year as Pyongyang tested missiles capable of reaching the US mainland and its most powerful nuclear device to date, while Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump traded personal insults and threats of war.

The North is subject to multiple rounds of UN Security Council sanctions over its banned weapons programs. Analysts believe its diplomacy is seeking to weaken the measures against it, and could be trying to loosen the alliance between Seoul and Washington.

Moon shook hands with both Kim Yo Jong and Kim Yong Nam at the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, and they cheered as athletes from North and South entered the arena together behind a unification flag showing an unbroken Korean peninsula.

US Vice President Mike Pence, who was seated in the same box, did not interact with the North Koreans at any point, US officials said.

He also did not shake hands with Kim Yong Nam while making a brief appearance at a leaders’ reception ahead of the ceremony—although Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose country is also regularly threatened by Pyongyang, did so, while exchanging pleasantries with the North Korean.

“We are determined to make sure that even in the midst of the powerful background & idealism of the Olympics, the World is reminded of the truth about North Korea,” Pence tweeted on Friday.

He also reiterated the Trump administration’s stance that the US would take whatever “action is necessary to defend our homeland,” including military operations, as it

THE PRACTICE OF PREACHING

OPE Francis, the leader of the Catholic church, this week advised priests to keep their homilies brief— “no more than 10 minutes, please!”

He reminded homilists that they are not doing something of their own—“He’s preaching, he’s giving a voice to Jesus, he’s preaching the Word of Jesus. It has to be well-prepared and brief, brief,” he said during the fifth General Audience for 2018, attended by roughly 8,000 people this week, reported cruxnow. com.

Catholics among us know the effects of an incoherent, pompous and protracted “sermon.” Listeners become restless, actually go out of church, even chat with other churchgoers only to return when it’s over. Some priests go to town with their opinion on political or social issues, driving a wedge between themselves and the faithful, alienating listeners when they are supposed to be drawing them closer to the fold.

It’s not just what they preach about, either, but how they preach, that turns churchgoers off. Then again, those

who are listening have to do their part, too, the Pope said. Sometimes it is the prejudice that creates the obstacles, he said, while emphasizing that each preacher has both merits and limits.

We are all too aware of the limits— and excesses—of the speakers we listen to, and not just at church. All too often the idea of hogging a microphone and having a large audience listening to them gets in the way of their humility.

They say anything they feel like saying, rambling like fools, hopping from one subject to another before returning to a matter discussed before. Sometimes they use language inappropriate for their audience, or their office. They may have guides prepared—assiduously, we hope—for them by their staff members, but they stray from them keeping their audience guessing what they would touch on next, and how.

The pontiff ’s “ten minutes” was given in the context of homilies for masses. For other public speaking functions, brevity may vary, even as it should not depart from the idea that messages have to be clear, concise and direct. When delivered in an undisciplined manner, even the most powerful, credible messages lose steam.

Turn to A5

PALIHANG ROGELIO SICAT OPEN, NEW HIDALGO MEMOIR, LIKHAAN CALL FOR MSS

THIS year, the One-Act Play is included among the genres accepted to the Palihang Rogelio Sicat (PRS), now on its 11th year.

Spearheaded by the University of the Philippines-Diliman Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, PRS is the national writing workshop which conducts sessions in Filipino,

the national language. Works written in other languages like Ilokano, Cebuano, Kapampangan, and others must be sent with their Filipino translations or versions.

This year’s workshop will be held at UP Baguio on May 16-20, 2018 and has 15 slots. Applicants can send in any of the following for consideration: five poems, two short stories (each 1025 pages), two children’s stories (5-10 pages), five flash fiction pieces, two essays (10-25 pages), and/or a one-act play (30-45 minutes’ running time).

Entries must be typed in Arial or Times Roman 12 at 1.5 spacing. En-

close a bionote with full name, address, contact details at school and/or office, publications, and awards, and a colored photograph of self. Please send entries to palihangrogeliosicat11@ gmail.com until April 10, 2018. *** Congratulations to University of the Philippines-Diliman professor emerita Dr. Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo on the recent launch of her latest memoir, “The Thing with Feathers: My Book of Memories” (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House).

Krip Yuson wrote a glowing review of her book in his Feb. 5 column for

Philippine Star. He says, “She remembers only too well, in riveting detail, so that her recollections, even when employed as the spine for academic lectures and conference papers, form a solid, fleshed-up corpus as both source materials and guideposts for her own long journey through the world of letters. She remembers everything…”

True enough, Hidalgo has a penchant for remembering, and memory.

The act of remembering, and of writing about remembering, forms the basis for much of her work, from her previous books of memoir, particularly travel, to an academic paper she

turned into a book: “To Remember to Remember,” about Filipina memoirists.

Hidalgo’s latest book adds to the trove of writings we have related to Philippine memoirs and creative nonfiction. In it she adeptly, as Yuson says, “fuses literary genres” in “layering cycles of remembrance” while “adapting critic and memoirist whom she cites Thomas Larson’s ‘sudden memoir’ or ‘the memoir that examines more recent life phases.’” *** The University of the PhilippinesTurn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

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

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors City Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Night Editor Art Director Chief Photographer

Opinion

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KIMCHI...

From A4

seeks to denuclearize the North.

“We’re going to continue to put all the pressure to bear economically and diplomatically, while preserving all of our military options to see that that happens,” Pence told NBC. In stark contrast, two kinds of kimchi—the fermented cabbage that features in every Korean meal— were on the menu for lunch, a Blue House official told AFP, one mild Northern-style version and a spicier Southern recipe.

The officials would also drink soju, the Korean rice alcohol, together.

The North’s presence in the South has dominated Olympic headlines, with the winter sports festival triggering a flurry of cross-border trips culminating in the diplomatic delegation.

All eyes have been on Kim Yo Jong, who has rapidly risen up the ladder since her brother inherited power from their father.

She is now among his closest confidantes, and is the first member of the dynasty to set foot in the South since the end of the Korean War in 1953.

She has been demonstrating a very different demeanor than she does in the North, said Korean Peninsula Future Forum analyst Duyeon Kim. There, she was deferential, she tweeted. “Here, she projects Royal Family air, power, nose held high w/slight smirk saying she’s superior over South, & charm w/smiles, sass.”

The Rodong Sinmun, the official mouthpiece of the North’s ruling party, carried seven pictures of the group’s departure from Pyongyang and arrival in Incheon on its front page Saturday.

On page two it printed seven more of the opening ceremony and its representatives’ meetings and handshakes with Moon, whom it described as president.

It is rare for the North’s official media to refer to the South’s leader as president, usually describing them as chief executive or similar, and even more unusual for a picture of them to be shown. AFP

PALIHANG...

From A4

Diliman Institute of Creative Writing is now accepting submissions for the 12th issue of “Likhaan: The Journal of Contemporary Philippine Literature.”

The Philippines’ leading literary peer-reviewed journal, Likhaan is published annually with funding from UP. It features the best of new and unpublished Philippine writing in English and Filipino. Award-winning writer Eugene Y. Evasco will be the issue editor.

Submissions will be accepted in English and Filipino for: • Short stories from 12 to 30 pages double-spaced, in 12 points Times Roman, Arial, or similar fonts. A suite of short prose pieces will be considered.

• A suite of four to seven poems; long poems will be considered in lieu of a suite.

• Literary and personal essays, including memoirs, profiles, etc., same length as short stories (see above).

• Critical/scholarly essays, same length as short stories.

• Excerpts from graphic novels, or full short graphic stories, for reproduction in black and white on no more than 10 printed pages 6”x9”. Excerpts should be accompanied by a synopsis of the full narrative.

All submissions must be original and previously unpublished, and accompanied by a cover letter (including the author’s contact information) and a one-to-two paragraph bionote.

Email to likhaan.journal12@gmail.com, or post to The Editors, Likhaan Journal 12, Room 3200, Pavillion 3, Palma Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The deadline for submission is April 30, 2018.

For submissions sent via e-mail, please use the following subject line and filename format: [Language], [Genre], [Title], [Author’s Last Name].

For example: English, Fiction, “The Life,” Aquino. The attachment should either be a .doc, .docx, or .rtf file.Previous issues of the Likhaan Journal are available for download as PDF file at http://journals.upd.edu.ph and http:// panitikan.ph. For inquiries, email managing editor Isa Lorenzo at likhaan. journal12@gmail.com.

Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communications consultant.

Facebook: @DrJennyO, Twitter: @jennyortuoste

IN LOVE WITH MAYON Ash spews from the Mayon Volcano, seen from the Philippine city of Legazpi in Albay province, south of Manila early on Jan. 31. Nearly 90,000 people living around the volcano have fled to overcrowded relief camps where authorities have warned of a worsening sanitation crisis. AFP

By Ted Aljibe LEGAZPI CITY—The Mayon and I have had a love affair for years.

It started when I was a little kid. I saw a photo in one of our school textbooks of a farmer taking shelter from the rain, under a coconut tree, with the Mayon Volcano in the background. The image of the mountain, a near perfect inverted cone, captured my imagination.

I promised myself that one day, I would see it in person.

I got my first chance as a student in Manila. I would take a bus home during semester breaks and saw it in the distance. It was so majestic, rising up surrounded by a sea of green, with that perfect cone pointing to the heavens. Gazing at it in the distance, it was hard to believe that such beauty could cause destruction and death.

I first got to see the effects of its power 10 years into my photojournalism career. It was 1994 and Mayon erupted without warning, killing some farmers who were working at the foot of the mountain. We went there a few days later, but the mountain had calmed.

We spent a few days in the area, waiting to another eruption that never came.

I was mesmerized by it. The weather was beautiful, so it was all blue sky and that cone. Green

all around, except for the parts that were burnt by the erupting lava. Mayon is a bit peculiar in that its crater doesn’t collapse when it erupts. It may collapse a bit, but in between eruptions it heals itself.

So the mountain retains this perfect shape.

This year was marked by particularly prolonged activity. My bureau chief sent a photo and video team to cover it on Jan. 24, two days into a worsening situation. We drove 10 hours to Guinobatan, one of the towns at the foot of the mountain that always seem to bear the brunt of the volcano’s fury.

We shot there for a few hours and then headed to Legazpi, a city nearby. As we drove, I saw a huge smoke column rising up above the cloud-shrouded crater. Mayon was welcoming us with a bang! The car screeched to a halt, we jumped out and started shooting. Some locals were nearby, some wearing face masks, others muttering to themselves, “Ash fall again.”

We arrived at our Legazpi hotel near dusk, checked in and swiftly headed for Lignon Hill, a knoll beside the towering mountain where government volcanologists had set up an observatory. As darkness fell, Mayon started to emit lava and spew ash. Rocks cascaded the slopes of the volcano like a red river, an enthralling sight.

Dozens of tourists were taking snapshots. Every time Mayon oozed lava, people would mutter and whistle in awe, like the sound a tree makes as its branches and leaves are being blown by the wind.

The next few days were spent driving around the farmlands around the volcano, looking for good spots to take photos. Then the rain began to pour. And pour some more. This continued until the next day, hiding Mayon in fog.

I said to myself this is not good for the people, and me, because rain would mean “lahar,” an Indonesian word that scientists use to refer to dangerous mudflows from the millions of tons of ash, rocks, and other volcanic debris being deposited by the eruption on its slopes and cascading down onto villages and homes destroying everything in its path. Luckily this time there was none.

Just prior to the downpour, I had visited farmland at the foot of the volcano. As I chatted with a farmer, two rainbows appeared. I looked at the farmer and was surprised that he seemed to be worried. He started telling me about local folklore. Each time a rainbow appears near Mayon, he said, it means the volcano will erupt. And this time there were two rainbows. Not a good sign. I nodded.

The next day, as Mayon spurted a column of ash into the air, I recalled what the farmer told me, looked up the sky, saw only a small column, and tried to convince myself: rainbows only color the skies.

To me, this is what makes the Mayon so special. As far as volcanos go, it’s not too dangerous.

It has the potential, of course, to cause havoc and death and destruction and sometimes, as during the 1994 eruption, it does on a large scale. But for the most part, its eruptions are safe enough to watch from a few kilometers away, like this year.

It’s like it’s there just for us—she shows enough for us to take pictures, to be awed at nature’s beauty and power, but not to be hurt by it. It’s beautiful, powerful, but not too deadly. So you can enjoy it.

The next day, I climbed a hill at dawn to get a morning shot of the volcano. Getting to the right spot wasn’t easy. Aside from climbing up a slippery and stone-filled pathway through thick vegetation, I had to carry with me 10 kilos of camera equipment. But I was rewarded when I reached the top. I gazed at Mayon, in a resplendent golden morning light and no clouds around. There it was again, as it has been in my life since I was a child. Magnificent and beautiful.

Our love affairs continues. AFP

HOMELESS LEBANESE DISHWASHER BECOMES MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF

By Paloma Soria Brown PARIS—When Lebanese chef Alan Geaam first arrived in Paris two decades ago, he found himself sleeping on the streets, lost and penniless with hardly a word of French.

This week, Geaam, who began his career as a dishwasher while he was sleeping rough in a Paris park, received his first Michelin star from the French gastronomic bible for his acclaimed new restaurant within a stone’s throw of the Arc de Triomphe.

“I never thought the Michelin would be interested in someone like me, who was self-taught, who had to sleep in the street at 19 and who began as a dishwasher,” he told AFP. “I thought the guide was about chefs in big fancy hotels or those trained by the great masters. But it turned out to be the opposite.

It’s a wonderful surprise,” said the 43-year-old, who was born to Lebanese parents in Liberia, before they exchanged one war zone for another by returning to Beirut.

By then, Geaam’s fascination with food was clear, watching cookery shows on television rather than cartoons after school.

He started cooking while doing his national service in Lebanon, and the colonel of his regiment was so impressed he made him his personal chef.

But Geaam never thought we would be able to cut the mustard in France, and only got his break when the chef of the restaurant where he was washing the dishes was rushed to hospital when he slashed his hand with a knife.

“I worked during the day as a construction worker and at night delivering pizzas and washing dishes. One night the cook cut his hand and had to go to hospital. No one asked me, but I just took over. There were 14 tables and so I just feed the customers and at the end of the night they were delighted.

“The owner said to me, ‘But you can cook!’ and I said, ‘Yes.’” “The reason I cook is to make people happy,” said Geaam. And he

has certainly spread joy among restaurant critics with Michelin’s rival Gault Millau guide raving about his langoustines and chard and its dark chocolate-coloured sauce tinged with Vietnamese cardamom.

Alexander Lobrano, author of “Hungry for Paris,” was even more effusive, declaring this “gentle, shrewd, self-taught chef as one of quiet men of Paris gastronomy... who has a brilliant future ahead of him.”

Although Geaam delights in bringing the very best of French produce to his table, Lobrano said he also brings the “tender buds of his very personal cooking that makes references to the lost world of a little boy born to a foreign family living in tropical Africa.”

And the influence of his Lebanese roots is never far away either.

One of Geaam’s favorite dishes at the moment is “an escalope of foie gras lacquered with pomegranate molasses served with a tartlette of beetroot and pomegranate.

“I ate a lot of pomegranates when I was a kid,” he said. “I made juice with

them, I made lots of reductions with them, and I loved putting this very Lebanese touch with something so French as foie gras.”

Since Geaam got his Michelin star, his restaurant’s phone has not stopped ringing. He said his small, tight team of highly-talented chefs— whose CVs he admits look far more impressive than his own—”really feel that something has happened in our lives.””You can criticize the Michelin guide but I can tell you the effect, a star massively boosts a restaurant.” Within hours the restaurant was booked up for three weeks. “It is quite something,” he said.

Geaam, who told how his son boasted to his friends at school that his father got a Michelin star, put his success down to his own parents, who “lost everything” in Liberia only to have to struggle again in Lebanon during the civil war.

He said working with his father in his grocery shop from the age of 10 gave him a taste for business while his mother “taught me how to love people and how to cook.” AFP

World

A6

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

TRUMP BLOCKS DEMS’ MEMO ON RUSSIA PROBE WASHINGTON—United States President Donald Trump is refusing to declassify a high-profile memo written by Democratic lawmakers about the Russia probe.

In a letter to the chair of the House Intelligence Committee Friday, White House counsel Don McGahn says the memo “contains numerous properly classified and especially sensitive passages.”

The Democrats’ memo aimed to counter a Republican-drafted one the president declassified and released.

However, portions of the memo “would create especially significant concerns for the national security and law enforcement interests,” McGahn wrote.

Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Christopher Wray and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in a separate letter indicated that releasing this material would present concerns for the “protection of intelligence sources and methods, ongoing investigations and other similarly sensitive information.”

House Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called Trump’s move to block the memo a “stunningly brazen attempt to cover up the truth about the Trump-Russia scandal from the American people.” AFP

2ND WH AIDE QUITS OVER ABUSE CLAIMS WASHINGTON—A second White House staffer in a week resigned Friday over domestic abuse claims, in a widening scandal that called into question the president’s judgment and tainted his chief of staff John Kelly and longtime aide Hope Hicks.

White House speechwriter David Sorensen denied his wife’s claims of abuse, but resigned—hours after President Donald Trump was criticized for wishing staff secretary Rob Porter a “wonderful career” after he too resigned amid similar accusations.

Porter—who denies abuse alleged by two ex-wives, one of whom released a photo of herself with a black eye— worked at the heart of the White House throughout the first year of Trump’s administration, despite being denied full security clearance.

He only stepped down from his post Wednesday after the accusations became public.

Trump, who has himself been accused of sexual harassment or assault by two dozen women, fueled the scandal by praising Porter and suggesting he had a bright future.

He made no mention of the ex-wives or the alleged domestic abuse.

“We certainly wish him well, and it’s a tough time for him,” Trump said in the Oval Office.

“He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career and he will have a great career ahead of him.” AFP

MAHATHIR SICK WITH CHEST INFECTION KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia’s veteran former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has been picked to lead an opposition bid for election victory, has been admitted to hospital with a chest infection, authorities said Saturday.

The 92-year-old, who has joined forces with his former protegeturned-nemesis Anwar Ibrahim in an attempt to topple scandal-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak, “is being treated in the general ward for chest infection following a bout of cough,” the National Heart Institute said in a statement.

Mahathir was admitted late Friday and would remain for a few days for “treatment and observation.”

In recent weeks, Mahathir has been criss-crossing the country to beef up support for the opposition with polls fast approaching.

Mahathir has undergone two coronary bypass surgeries, in 1989 and 2007.

Political analysts say with Anwar, the country’s most popular opposition leader and currently in jail, Mahathir is regarded as the biggest threat for Najib, who must call an election by August but is facing a massive corruption scandal over the sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. Mahathir, who during his 22-year tenure as prime minister earned the reputation of being an authoritarian, could emerge as the world’s oldest leader if the opposition wins. AFP

SEE THE RINGS. A woman wears Olympic-rings sunglasses during the figure skating team event men’s single skating short program during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung, South Korea on Friday. AFP

S

KIM JONG UN ASKS SK’S MOON TO MEET

EOUL—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un invited the South’s President Moon Jae-in for a summit in Pyongyang Saturday, Seoul said, even as the United States warned against falling for Pyongyang’s Olympic charm offensive.

The invitation, delivered by Kim’s visiting sister Kim Yo Jong, said Kim was willing to meet the South’s leader “at the earliest date possible,” said a spokesman for the presidential Blue House.

An inter-Korean summit would be the third of its kind, after Kim’s father and predecessor Kim Jong Il met the South’s Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moohyun in 2000 and 2007 respectively, both of them in Pyongyang.

But it could threaten to sow division between Moon, who has long argued for engagement with the nuclear-armed North to bring it to the negotiating table, and US President Donald Trump, who last year traded personal insults and threats of war with Kim. Washington insists that Pyongyang—which is under multiple sets

of United Nations Security Council sanctions—must show a willingness to give up its weapons before any negotiations can happen.

After months of silence on whether it would even take part in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in the South, which had their opening ceremony Friday, the Games have driven a rapprochement on the peninsula, while the North’s athletes, performers and delegates have dominated the headlines.

Moon met Kim Yo Jong and the North’s ceremonial head of state, the elderly Kim Yong Nam—technically the highest-level Northern official ever to go to the South—for talks and lunch at the Blue House on Saturday in a landmark meeting.

“Special envoy Kim Yo Jong delivered a personal letter” from her

brother stating his desire to “improve inter-Korean relations,” said Moon’s spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom, and verbally conveyed his offer to Moon “to visit the North at his most convenient time.”

Moon did not immediately accept the offer, calling instead for efforts to “create the right conditions to realize” such a visit and urging Pyongyang to actively seek dialogue with the US, he added.

“It is absolutely necessary for the North and the United States to engage in talks at an early date,” he cited Moon as saying.

Tensions between the two soared last year as Pyongyang launched intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland and carried out by far its most powerful nuclear test to date.

Analysts believe the diplomatic drive by the North—which put its ICBMs on show at a military parade in Pyongyang on Thursday—is seeking to weaken the measures against it, and could be trying to loosen the alliance between Seoul and Wash-

ington.

Kim Yo Jong has rapidly risen up the ladder since her brother inherited power from their father, and is now among his closest confidantes.

Her visit makes her the first member of the dynasty to set foot in the South since the end of the Korean War in 1953.

Moon shook hands with both Kim Yo Jong and Kim Yong Nam at the Olympics opening ceremony and they cheered as athletes from North and South entered the arena together behind a unification flag showing an undivided Korean peninsula.

US Vice President Mike Pence, who was seated in the same box, did not interact with the North Koreans at any point, US officials said.

He also did not shake hands with Kim Yong Nam while making a brief appearance at a leaders’ reception ahead of the ceremony—although Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose country is also regularly threatened by Pyongyang, did so, while exchanging pleasantries with the North Korean. AFP

SYRIA DOWNS ISRAELI JET HITTING ‘IRAN TARGETS’

DUCK AND COVER. A Syrian man drops to the ground following an air strike in the rebel-held enclave of Arbin in the Eastern Ghouta near Damascus on Thursday. The death toll from Syrian regime air strike on the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus rose to 36, a monitor said. Ten children and seven women were among Thursday’s victims, bringing to 185 the number of civilians killed since Monday, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Observatory. AFP

JERUSALEM—An Israeli fighter jet crashed on Saturday after coming under fire from Syrian air defense during attacks against “Iranian targets” in the war-torn country, a spokesman said.

The exchange of fire was the most serious between arch foes Israel and Iran since the start of the civil war in Syria in 2011.

It marked the first time Israel publicly acknowledged attacking what it identified as Iranian targets in Syria since the war began.

The Israeli military issued a warning to Tehran, saying it was responsible for the drone that entered Israel.

Israel has repeatedly warned in recent weeks against the presence of Iranian forces in neighboring Syria.

The Israeli pilots of the crashed F16 were reported alive.

The Israeli military “targeted the Iranian control systems in Syria that sent the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) into Israeli airspace. Massive Syrian anti-air fire, one F16 crashed in Israel, pilots safe,” spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus tweeted.

According to a separate military statement, Israeli forces identified an “Iranian UAV” launched from Syria and intercepted it in Israeli airspace with a combat helicopter.

Police said the F16 crashed in the Jezreel valley in northern Israel.

“During the attack, multiple anti-aircraft missiles were fired at IAF (Israel Air Force) aircraft,” the military statement read.

“The pilots of one of the aircraft abandoned as per procedure. The pilots landed in Israeli territory and were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.”

Conricus meanwhile said that the army had confirmed “accurate hits of (the) Iranian UAV control facility” in Syria.

“Iran is responsible for this severe violation of Israeli sovereignty,” Conricus said on Twitter.

Syria said its air defenses repelled two Israeli raids on its military bases in the centre of the country, hitting more than one warplane during the first.

“At dawn, the Zionist enemy carried out a new aggression against one of our military bases in the centre of the country,” state news agency SANA reported.

“Our air defense repelled it and hit more than one plane.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor of the seven-year civil war, said the Israeli raids had targeted several military bases in the east of the central province of Homs used by both Iranian and Russian military personnel deployed in support of the regime.

Air raid sirens had gone off in Israel in the early hours of the morning following the UAV interception and raids. AFP

Sports

A7

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 reuelvidal@yahoo.com

LEBRON WELCOMES CAVS’ NEW PLAYERS Alaska Aces big man Vic Manuel (4) tries to pivot past Phoenix defender Willy Wilson.

MANUEL POWERS ACES TO WINS

L

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives strong to the hoop during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 9, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. AFP

OS ANGELES—LeBron James on Friday welcomed the wave of new players brought into the Cleveland Cavaliers on deadline day as the team bids to reignite their season.

The arrival of Clarkson and Nance, both 25, adds youth and athleticism to the Cavs ranks.

Another 25-year-old, Rodney Hood from the Utah Jazz, and point guard George Hill (31) were also signed. Speaking before Cleveland’s clash with the Atlanta Hawks later Friday, James spoke approvingly of the roster revamp.

“I think we became a younger team, more athletic. We added some more shooting as well. So, we’ll have to see how it meshes,” James told reporters.

“I like the pieces that we have coming in. It’s my job to get these guys integrated as fast as possible.

“I know the coaching staff is going to do it as well, but it’s my job to get these guys on the same page with us where we want to accomplish what we want to do.

“I look forward to getting them here. All four of them are pretty smart guys, and it should be fun.”

James meanwhile admitted he had mixed feelings about the departure of so many teammates, which included close friend Dwyane Wade, who returned to the Miami Heat.

“It’s always tough when you lose teammates,” James said. “The trade deadline is always a difficult time for everybody. I wish it could’ve been a lot better than it was. I definitely wish all six guys the best.”

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kyle Korver The Lakers confirmed waits for instructions after performing well during the Cavs’ game. AFP Thomas and Cavs forward

The Cavs dominated the headlines on Thursday with a sweeping restructure of their roster, bringing in four new faces and shipping out six players in a hectic day of dealmaking.

The biggest trade saw Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye, as well as a first round pick, go to the Los Angeles Lakers while Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. headed in the opposition direction.

Cleveland Cavaliers player Jeff Green (32) drives against Dewayne Dedmon (14) of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 9, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. AFP

Channing Frye were joining from Cleveland in exchange for guard Jordan Clarkson and forward Larry Nance Jr. The Lakers will also get the Cavaliers’ protected first-round draft pick in 2018 as part of the deal.

Thomas joined the Cavs last year as part of the move which sent Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics.

However the playmaker has been unable to settle in Cleveland, missing the first two months of the season with a hip injury.

Thomas is now expected to form a partnership with rookie Lonzo Ball in the backcourt, despite the fact they both play at point guard.

The Thomas deal deal marked a frenzied deadline day for Cleveland, who also offloaded Dwyane Wade back to the Miami Heat in exchange

for a protected second round pick.

Jae Crowder and Derrick Rose were also sent to Utah as the Cavs dramatically reshaped their roster in a bid to kick-start a season which has seen them fall away at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Whether the restructuring is enough to persuade James to remain in Cleveland however is an open question.

Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman said the arrival of Clarkson and Nance Jr. from the Lakers would “add athleticism, energy and length” to the roster.

“This trade is also a reflection of our continuing commitment to invest in our roster in ways that help us evolve and compete at the highest level now and into the future,” Altman said. AFP

HE’S back, better than ever.

With his knee issues now a thing of the past, Vic Manuel is back to his explosive self, helping Alaska stretch its winning run to six this past week in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. Nicknamed the “Muscleman”, Manuel averaged solid numbers of 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals off the bench to power Alaska past Phoenix and GlobalPort, respectively and in the process, earning the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of Jan. 29 to Feb. 4.

Moving without pain anymore on his knee, the stocky Manuel showed mobility and strength. He came off a 21-point, five-rebound effort in Alaska’s thrilling 105-98 overtime win over GlobalPort Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The 6-4 Manuel followed up his pair of free throws with an inside stab in extension period to frustrate the Batang Pier. The Elite blew a 13-point lead in the third period, leading to their fourth loss in seven matches.

Prior to their match against GlobalPort, Manuel logged in 10 points and grabbed three rebounds in another off-the-bench role as Alaska routed Phoenix, 93-75 in a lopsided contest.

Alaska, which started the season with back-to-back losses, has won its last six matches to occupy joint second place with Magnolia, just half a game behind pacesetter San Miguel (6-1) in the race for the two twice-tobeat incentives.

The 30-year-old Manuel bested teammates Calvin Abueva and Chris Banchero, Kelly Williams and Jayson Castro of TNT; Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga, Chris Tiu and Ed Daquioag, SMB’s Chris Ross, Chico Lanete and Fajardo, NLEX’s Cyrus Baguio and Larry Fonacier as well as Magnolia guard Mark Barroca for the weekly citation.

Alaska took a week-long respite before swinging back to action on Sunday against the NLEX Road Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Manuel looked good as new as early as the last pre-season. But it did take a while for him to recover fully.

“Nakuha sa tiyaga sa rehab namin.

Better na sya ngayon kesa nung unang bumalik ako sa practice. Everyday nag-improve sya kaya nakakapaglaro na uli ako,” he said.

“Wala na akong nararamdaman (sakit). Nagagalaw ko na yung gusto kong galaw sa court. Talagang thankful ako kasi naka-recover.”

SAN BEDA, ARELLANO ARRANGE NCAA WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TITLE SHOWDOWN THE San Beda Lady Red Spikers made history for their school while the Arellano University Lady Chiefs want to repeat their title romp last year.

Underdog San Beda feels no pressure at all because the Lady Red Spikers enter the finals of the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament for the first time ever.

San Beda swept University of Perpetual Help, 25-21, 25-15, 25-23, in the Final Four on Friday at The Arena in San Juan to advance to the title series.

First game of the best-of-three

finals will be played on Friday next week.

Defending champion Arellano University made it back to the finals by ripping the Jose Rizal University, 25-13, 25-20, 25-17, in the Final Four.

Arellano’s Regine Arocha was excellent with 15 points, 15 digs and five excellent receptions. The best of three with San Beda starts next Friday on Feb.16.

Arellano setter Sarah Verutiao tallied 39 of the team’s 43 excellent sets that were converted to 38 kill points.

Andrea Marzan also had nine markers for AU, while Necole Eu-

ben added eight. Skipper Mary Ann Esguerra and Jovielyn Prado chipped in seven apiece.

Javier reminded his team to double their efforts when they face San Beda.

Dolly Verzosa scored 12 for JRU, while skipper Shola Alvaraez, who averaged 21.3 points per game in the elimination round, only had seven in her last game in the NCAA. It was a rough end to JRU’s stint after making it to the semifinals for the first time since the school started its women’s volleyball program in 2008.

San Beda Lady Red Spikers middle blocker Satrriani Espiritu (10) and Nieza Viray (9) celebrate after Espiritu scored on a quick attack against University of Perpetual Help. San Beda made history by making it to the finals for the first time in the NCAA

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Sports

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Randy Caluag, Issue Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

IOC SAYS POC ASSEMBLY, NOT COURTS, SHOULD DECIDE DISPUTE

By Peter Atencio

When not seeing action in formal tournaments, the country’s top guns in billiards—Johann Chua and Carlo Biado—are in their most casual outfits when playing in local billiards halls.

PH BILLIARDS SHALL RISE AGAIN

By Randy Caluag

L

ONG ago, there was Amang Parica and Efren “Bata” Reyes.

Then the historic rivalry fizzled out when Parica migrated to the US where he continued and ended his career.

Then Philippine billiards came to life again in 1999, when Reyes, watched live by millions of Filipinos over live TV coverage, became the toast of the world again, capturing the World title in Cardiff, Wales.

After Reyes’ victory, billiards halls sprouted here in there, with passionate entrepreneurs trying to cash in on the popularity of the sport.

Few years after, even after the World Championship victory of Ronnie Alcano in 2006 and Francisco “Django” Bustamante n 2010, billiards’ popularity was not the same again.

With not a lot of fans’ interest, media outfits and TV networks are not keen on covering the sport that has made the country proud on the international stage, and a few skilled Filipino players rich and popular.

Unknown to many, though, the Philippines has a rich pool of billiards talents today. The rising stars are perfectly fit to become the sport’s ambassador—young, good-looking and highly skilled—like Johann Gonzales Chua.

The 27-year-old Chua has been playing in the money game, touring the country to play against top-notch pros, including World 9-ball champ Carlo Biado.

He has come full circle when he ruled the All-Japan Championship, placing runnerup in the Korean Open and as a national team member won

a bronze medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur in October last year.

“Sana po mag-tuloy tuloy na and sana maraming tournaments this year para lalo pa akong makapag bigay ng karangalan sa bansa,” said Chua during the PSC-POC Media FB live chat recently. “ “Sana po ay mapasigla muli sa bansa natin ang larong billiards dahil isa po ito sa mga sports na kilalang-kilala ang husay ng mga Pilipino,” Chua said.

Chua started playing billiards at the age of nine and came to love the game on his own.

“Nahilig lang ako mag isa.

Nung una ayaw nila (parents).

Pero dahil makulit ako at hindi nila ako mapigil, sinuportahan na nila ako,”said Chua, who revealed that his father gave him his moniker—Bubwit (mouse)--because he was so small at the time that he it was hard to locate him when they watch local tournaments in billiards halls.

Chua stopped going to school after finishing his elementary years. “Nag fulltime na ako nun. Pero pag binabalikan ko, iba pa rin pala sempre nakapag-aral.”

It’s not that he regrets playing billiards full-time.

“Malaking bagay naman ang nabigay sakin ng bilyar.”

Chua has played with Biado a few times, winning some and losing some—the last time was at the Zane Billiards-Club Bilyarista, located at the North EDSA, Quezon City and managed by longtime organizer Troy Danao.

“Gusto kong magpa tournaments for big-time players para mapasikat muli ang bilyar satin at mapagbigyan ng pagkakataon ung ibang hindi kilala pero magagaling din,” said Danao, who promoted several tournaments for boxing icon and billiards

Johann “Bubwit” Chua in winning the All-Japan Open last year

enthusiast, Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Chua gave Biado a big scare, before bowing to Biado in their one-on-one showdown, 23-20.

Much to the excitement of the crowd, Chua came back from 10-19 deficit to tie the count at 19-all, before Biado’s nerve of steel came to fore and won the next four games to one, en route to the win.

For the two players, who are both members of the Philippine national team, it was part of their preparation for big tournaments ahead, including the Asian Games in Indonesia in August and World 10-Ball Championships that will be held here in October.

“Buti naman po at may ma host tayong malaking event na hinihintay ng marami nating kababayang players.

“Marami na po tayong magagaling na mga batang players na hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makasali sa mga torneo kahit na dito lang sa atin dahil walang masyadong tournament. Huling beses po tayo na naghost ng malaking tournament ay noon pa 2016 sa Pasay at hindi na nasundan,” said Biado.

“Sana po ay mapasigla muli sa bansa natin ang larong bil-

liards dahil isa po ito sa mga sports na kilalang-kilala ang husay ng mga Pilipino.”

One of the lesser-known but talented players is Roland Garcia, who finished runnerup to Biado in the World 9-ball tilt in Qatar.

They all have a dream and that is to meet President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang and present their medals and

trophies, especially Biado who said previous World champions have paid a courtesy call to former Philippine presidents.

“Gusto po namin ipaalam sa pangulo na mataas po ang pagkilala sa atin mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa sa billiards lalo pa noong magawa natin na dalawang Pilipino ang naglaban sa unang pagkakataon para sa titulo,” Biado enthused.

Zane Billiards’ Troy Danao (left) with Carlo Biado

ASSEMBLE YOUR ARMOUR IN BALESIN OLYMPIC silver weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz and celebrity host-athlete Gretchen Ho led a group of campers in a oneof-a-kind fitness retreat that was part of the Under Armour’s Assemble Your Armour in the beautiful resort island of Balesin.

Held in partnership with Aegle Wellness Center, the three-day fitness camp gathered a few privileged participants to train under the UA ambassadors who generously shared their time and their best practices to getting fit.

Ho, a former collegiate standout, shared her skills and passion for the sport during the indoor volleyball clinic.

The clinic included basic warm-ups, volleyball drills and culminated with an exciting volleyball game among the par-

Olympic weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (8th from left) and celebrity host-athlete Gretchen Ho (6th) with the participants

ticipants. Gretchen learned some Weightlifting techniques and strength and conditioning tips from the Olympian.

Diaz enjoyed playing volleyball w her co-athlete and participants and shared her Olympian workouts. Her workouts consisted

of regular fitness exercise and proper weightlifting form aided

by Sanctband resistance bands.

MMA fighter Asia’s superstar Mark Streigl was a surprise guest when Yoga trainer had canceled a flight due to inclement weather condition.

Mark shared his six-minute abs workout, which is a combination of knee rolls, leg lifts, planks and mountain climbers.

Streigl also stressed on the importance of proper nutrition when it comes to weight management. This is also his teaser for his 28 days fits trong challenge which he had a shoot as well in Balesin during the weekend.

The participants also had an extensive fitness wellness check from Aegle Wellness Center and was able to experience the Hyper-

baric Oxygen Therapy, IV Therapy or Thalassotherapy treatment.

Aegle Wellness Center Medical Director, Dr. Benedict Valdecañas also held a talk on nutrition over a healthy and delicious gourmet lunch at Ambrosia.

The participants got a free 10,000 worth of sports HBOT & IV Boost treatment during the event. All of them we’re also so ecstatic about their experience and gain from the event.

As part of the fitness retreat, the participants were able to get the feel of the different themed village of Balesin Bali, Phuket, St. Tropez, Costa Del Sol, Mykonos and a whole lot more.

The fitness retreat showed the participants several fitness activities and nutrition tips they can incorporate into their lifestyle.

UPON advice from the International Olympic Committee, talks on having new elections for chairman and president in the Philippine Olympic Committee will continue this week.

The POC, through secretary-general Steve Hontiveros, has convened the executive board to discuss this on Feb. 15, in an extraordinary meeting of the POC general assembly on Feb. 19, and then for elections to be held on Feb. 23.

Pere Miro, IOC director general for National Olympic Committee relations has advised POC officials who went to the 2018 Winter in PyeongChang, South Korea of their recommendations.

Miro, following a meeting with POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., said that it is up to the POC general assembly, and not the courts, to decide on internal issues concerning elections.

“While this should not be interpreted as government intervention with the judicial process, it must be recalled that NOCs are autonomous sports organizations,” said Miro in his letter.

The director general cited Rule 27.6 of the Olympic Charter, which states that the IOC General Assembly has the final authority within the NOC to adopt(and consequently interpret) the NOC constitution, and freely elect the members of the executive board.

“In this context, we recommend that you refer the present situation to your NOC General Assembly,” Piro went on.

And this is in view of an ongoing court case, the POC’s constitution and bylaws, and the applicable provisions of the Olympic charter.

He said the IOC will monitor the progress of the Philippine situation in the coming weeks, with the understanding that there is an ongoing court case, and an obvious need to discuss, clarify and agree upon the implications, and the next step.

DEL ROSARIO QUALIFIES FOR CHINA LPGA TOUR PAULINE del Rosario enhanced a promising golf career by qualifying in the tough China LPGA Tour, finishing tied for 15th in a field of 110 in the 54hole elims at The Dunes of Shenzhou Peninsula West course in Wanning, Hainan, China.

Del Rosario, who won four events on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour to clinch the Order of Merit trophy on her rookie season, shot rounds of 7275-73 to pool a 220 for joint 15th with Thai Thanaporn Palitwanon (72) and Chinese amateurs Liu Yiyi (71) and Zhang Jingwen (73).

They finished 12 shots behind Tahnia Ravnjak of Thailand, who banked on a solid 68 start at the seaside Tom Weiskoph-designed layout to assemble a 208 after a closing 70. Chinese amateur Zhang Yue also carded a 70 and placed second at 211 while Taiwanese Chieh Peng matched par 72 and a 214 for third in the event which drew aspirants from Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Australia and The Philippines.

“The field was strong and the course was tough so I’m very happy to have qualified,” said Del Rosario, 19, who highlighted her big 2017 debut with a victory in the Taiwan LPGA last September.

The China LPGA, one of the premier ladies circuits in the region, has lined up 16 tournaments this year beginning with the Brunei Ladies Open on March 17-19.

Del Rosario, meanwhile, resumes her campaign on the LPGT on Wednesday for the ICTSI Splendido Ladies Classic where she is the defending champion.

The former De La Salle-Zobel standout, who gave up a golf scholarship at University of Kansas to pursue a pro career, beat former three-time OOM winner Cyna Rodriguez by seven last November to cap a four-title romp.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018

Business

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

PETER SENGE SET TO VISIT PH AGAIN

Dr. Peter Senge

Retired Gen. Victor Corpus (second from right), together with (from left) Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative president Francisco ‘Popoy’ Pagayon, Department of Science and Technology regional director for NCR Jose Patalinjug III and FISPC director Davis Pagayon, showcases a model of the improved Nautilus vertical-axis wind turbine innovation in Pasay City.

FORMER MILITARY GENERAL TURNS INTO ‘REVOLUTIONARY’ INVENTOR

A

73-year-old retired general who shook up the military organization and the communist movement in the 1970s is now a full-fledged inventor who talks about ‘maximum angle of attack’ for a wind turbine design that can potentially revolutionize the Philippine power industry.

Victor Corpus, who became famous in 1970 as the rebel soldier, now spends most of his time tinkering with wind turbines. An early experiment on a tidal power project became the basis of his vertical-axis design for a wind turbine that can capture the full force of the wind to produce electricity at a rate much lower than the prevailing cost, he says.

“Our target is to bring down the cost of electricity. We have one of the highest power rates in Asia and in the world, second only to Japan. It costs P12 per kilowatt-hour in Cagayan province, compared to P4.16 per kWh in China. If we can use a more efficient turbine to provide clean and sustainable energy, then foreign investors will come to us,” Corpus says during the presentation of his improved Nautilus wind turbine innovation in Pasay City before technical experts from the Department of Science and Technology and major universities.

“If China can produce electricity at P4.16 per kWh, we can produce it at a lower price because labor cost in China is now double our labor cost.

Then, we have a more efficient vertical-axis wind turbine which has at least three ‘maximum angles of attack’ compared to China’s horizontal axis which has no maximum angle of attack,” says Corpus, who served in the board of PNOC Alternative Fuels Corp. before pursuing his invention.

The ‘maximum angle of attack’ refers to the angle between the oncoming wind and the spokes of a vertical-axis wind turbine that can produce the strongest torque.

Corpus says the Nautilus wind turbine is much cheaper to build and install because it is groundbased. The turbine is designed to control the velocity of the wind through ‘weirs’ or ‘funnels’ which redirect the flow of the wind for maximum torque and capture the spilled wind energy by channeling its flow into a series of ‘Venturi’ chambers which also has the effect of accelerating wind velocity.

Before becoming an inventor, Corpus, who obtained his elementary and high school education from De La Salle College in Manila, graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1967 where he was heavily exposed to engineering courses. He was a lieutenant and an instructor at PMA when he defected to the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the communist movement in the country in 1970.

H e b e c a m e a c t i ve i n t h e co m m u n i s t movement as a training officer of NPA Northern Luzon command from 1971 to 1976 and was based in Sierra Madre mountain range where he nearly died. He later became disillusioned in the movement and surrendered to his former PMA classmates. He was imprisoned for 10 years until he was among the political

prisoners freed by former President Corazon Aquino in 1986. A film was made about Corpus’ life in 1987.

He returned to the military in 1987. He was appointed chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2001 and received the rank of brigadier general in 2003.

He retired from the military in 2004 and was appointed to the board of state-run Philippine National Oil Corp.- Alternative Fuels Corp. in 2005, when he started his research on renewable energy.

While working for PNOC- Alternative Fuels Corp., Corpus became interested in tidal energy. “Because of our so many islands, we are one of the richest countries in the world when it comes to tidal energy. It taps current as a result of ‘Venturi’ effect between islands.

We can just tap the current from the islands that are close to one another to produce enough energy to supply the whole country.

The problem we saw is that we would need $7 million per kilometer of submersible cable to bring the output from the sea back to land.

It is very costly,” he says.

A typhoon destroyed one of their early prototypes for a tidal power plant and blew it to the South China Sea. “We were forced to go back to the table model,” he says.

A new model for the tidal power project used weirs and ‘Venturi’ chambers to redirect the flow of water and remove the counterflow effect. “After experimenting with the model, we brought it ashore and on the beach where you could feel the breeze. It turned out to be our ‘eureka’ moment. On the beach, the turbine

Turn to B2

CAREER COACH WRITES ROADMAP FOR CAREER SUCCESS

Career coach Malou Treñas-Del Castillo

“I deal with people who are a little bit unsure of how to go forward with their career. Maybe they’re feeling a little stuck and they want to achieve certain things - whether to get promoted, move jobs, learn something new, or get more rewards. Or sometimes they want to change careers but they’re not sure what it is they want to do,” Malou Treñas-Del Castillo explains what she does as a career coach.

“We figure out what you do best, what environment is best for you, and how to go after it”.

Career coaching appointments usually run for about an hour.

The number of sessions required varies per person. “Sometimes if the person is very ready, we figure it out quickly and in four sessions, we’re done. And then they go forward, straight ahead. But it’s also very typical that they can be afraid. They get worried and scared about security specially when they have a lot of dependents.

Sometimes it takes a little more time,” says Treñas-Del Castillo.

For those who are unable to see her for one-on-one consultations,

she recommends “The Career Roadmap: Your Personal Guide to Corporate Career Success”, a book she wrote so she can reach out and share her knowledge with more people. It covers the entire life cycle of careers, from finding work all the way to exiting it. Aside from advice and anecdotes, there is a worksheet portion for most sections.

The 140-page easy read is divided into four parts. The first one helps people find purpose and figure out what they would like to do.

“Much confusion, dissatisfaction, and restlessness comes from employees who are unsure what type of job they really want, and what their goals are. The book helps them identify what is really important to them so they can find the best job that they can stick to,” says Treñas-Del Castillo.

Next comes the practical side of going after the dream job where she shares real relevant tips about job search, how to make an impact on resume, how to do well in interviews, and then how

to negotiate. “These are practical tips that many of us are not aware of especially if we’ve been in a job for a very long time,”she says.

After that, Treñas-Del Castillo discusses managing corporate life and its different aspects like trying to fit it, playing office politics, and getting promoted.

The last part is about resignations or getting redundated. “I’ve had a lot of clients who found even better jobs after they are affected by involuntary separation,” says Treñas-Del Castillo who finds fulfillment in providing guidance so people’s lives will improve.

A career coach and a licensed psychologist, Treñas-Del Castillo also works with those struggling with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or sometimes some psychosis or trauma. She says her counseling room is a safe place where clients can share what they think, feel and need. “I help them get to the root of their condition, cope with it and heal. There is no judgement in the counseling room, only acceptance,” she says.

AS THE ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only thing that is constant is change.”

From those times in ancient Greece up to the present, Heraclitus’ words still ring true. Indeed, the certainty behind them has become even more apparent in the fast-paced, knowledge-driven world, where change happens in the blink of an eye.

Accordingly, the top management experts around the world emphasize that the best strategies are the ones that assume a VUCA environment: volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Even from everyday experiences, the reality of VUCA is validated, thus requiring a framework to excel in everchanging and formless situations.

“The organizations that will truly excel in the future will be the organizations that discover how to tap people’s commitment and capacity to learn at all levels in an organization,” noted Dr. Peter Senge, arguably the world’s foremost authority on systems science and a senior lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management.

In his pioneering book entitled “ The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organization” – a book which has since become a required reading for nearly all Ivy-League curriculums – Dr. Senge defined learning organizations as those that encourage adaptive and generative learning, encouraging their members to think outside the box and work in conjunction with other’s strengths to find the best answer to any problem. “As change is unending in nature, so should learning be,” he said.

Due to the phenomenal success of “The Fifth Discipline,” countless companies worldwide made institutional changes in order to transform themselves into learning organizations. Soon, however, there was a clamor to learn more from Dr. Senge, specifically how to sustain the momentum of their efforts. In response, Dr. Senge wrote a follow-up book, “The Dance of Change”, which details how to overcome the ten most common challenges that undermine a company’s attempt to change and become a learning organization.

Since then, Dr. Senge has authored and/or co-authored nearly 20 best-selling books and manuals, and has toured extensively throughout the world in sold-out seminars. In 2011, he held his first conference in the Philippines, but was unable to conduct a follow-up due to his jam-packed schedule.

Seven years later, Dr. Senge will once again visit the country to share his expertise with current and future leaders. In a conference entitled “Dance of Change in the Age of Complexity”, Dr. Senge will delve deep into learning organizations, systems thinking, the Five Disciplines, and his other theories and its applications t o c re a t e h i g h p e r fo r m i n g organizations.

The three -day event is presented by The Rizal Academy for Innovation and Leadership and will be held on Feb. 21 to 23 at Shangri-la Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The conference is seen to be beneficial to companies and businesses, schools and government agencies, with keynote speakers from each sector imparting their knowledge with attendees.

Senge’s “Deep Dive” sessions will happen on the third day and will serve as a synthesis of all the topics learned throughout the event.

Business

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

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E-COMMERCE PLATFORM BETS BIG ON MILLENNIALS

From B1

rotated continuously,” he says.

This became the basis of the Nautilus design for a vertical-axis wind turbine. Even long after leaving the government service, Corpus pursed the development of the project at his home.

“To tell you the truth, it took us 12 years to define the problem, just to come up with the definition of the problems for wind turbines,” says Corpus. His improved Nautilus vertical-axis wind turbine apparatus, which he developed along with wife Germelinda, daughter Cynthia, chief engineer Mark Anthony Nillo and chief technician Dar yl Carl Rebadomia, is awaiting an official p ate nt. Co r p u s a l s o j o i n e d t h e Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative led by Francisco ‘Popoy’ Pagayon to push for local inventions and innovations.

“Basically, it is an improvement of a vertical-axis wind turbine that addresses all the basic weaknesses of a traditional wind turbine. We identified seven basic weaknesses,” Corpus says of his innovation. “We have eliminated all the weaknesses and enhanced its strength.”

Corpus’ design addresses the issues of negative headwind, lack of maximum angle of attack, inability of traditional wind turbines to manipulate wind velocity, spilled wind kinetic energy, wasted wind kinetic energy, gravitational stress limits and need for towers.

“We have corrected these seven problems, removed the negative headwind or counter flow and converted it into a positive wind flow with maximum angle of attack. We also tapped the wasted energy by diverting them into the turbine. So the wasted energy turns into positive energy,” says Corpus.

About 40.7 percent of the wind flow escapes between the blades of traditional horizontal-axis wind mills which have sprouted in Ilocos Norte, Rizal and Guimaras. The same volume of wind is not harnessed by existing vertical-axis wind turbines.

Corpus’ innovative design using weirs harnesses the wasted energy and recyles the spilled energy. Negative headwind is converted into positive tail wind, adding one maximum angle of attack at 225 degrees.

The design uses weirs to add maximum angles of attack. The Nautilus also increases wind velocity by incorporating a series of ‘Venturi’ chambers.

Corpus says unlike the horizontal axis wind turbine which requires tall towers, the apparatus for a vertical axis wind turbine is ground-based with relatively low profile. This eliminates high gravitational stress.

He says it is also much cheaper to fabricate and install the verticalaxis wind turbine using local materials and facilities, compared to horizontal axis blades that are manufactured abroad.

The Engineering Department of De La Salle University is set to evaluate the capacity of the improved Nautilus vertical-axis wind turbine and compare it with existing wind turbines.

Jose Patalinjug III, regional director of DOST in the National Capital Region, agreed to support the further development of Corpus’ Nautilus design. “If we need further R&D on this, we are willing to fund this. If we need further testing to collect the necessary data, we will do that, until finally we can say that this invention, this innovation is commerciable,” Patalinjug says.

“If we can install the Nautilus in Sierra Madre which faces the strong wind from the Pacific Ocean, our people will benefit from much cheaper electricity. It will not only reduce the cost of electricity, it will also make it cleaner,” says Corpus.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

S

hopee, an electronic commerce platform, employs 250 Filipinos with an average age of 24 in an elegant office building in Fort Bonifacio.

Shopee, which is also present in six other countries, occupies a whole floor spanning 2,000 square meters at Net Park Building. A part of Singapore’s Sea Ltd., Shopee focuses on growing its market in the Philippines, whose e-commerce sector was estimated at $1.2 billion in 2017, and other Southeast Asian countries.

“In terms of the outlook of e-commerce as whole in the Philippines, it’s just pure growth. Last year, in terms of e-commerce revenue from the Philippines, it was at $1.2 billion...I don’t think it’s ever going to stop. I think the whole concept of online shopping is just beginning to warm up in this region, and it shouldn’t be stopping at all,” says Agatha Soh, Shopee’s head of regional marketing. Shopee provides an online link between sellers and buyers.

“I think Filipinos are very entrepreneurial, which is why Shopee came in at the right time to provide a tool, a platform for these sellers who might not have had access to be able to reach more buyers before,” says Soh, who carries with her over five years of experience in e-commerce.

Prior to joining Shopee, Soh worked as a marketing manager at SingPost eCommerce and spearheaded Zalora Singapore’s overall customer relation management strategy and execution.

She says Shopee has provided Filipino entrepreneurs an online platform to grow their business. “We have gotten feedback from sellers who really love us. They tell us about how much their business has grown. I think it’s really harnessing this spirit. At the end of the day, it’s a platform that we want to bring to all kinds of people in this country,” says Soh who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Communications and New Media from the National University of Singapore. She also holds a minor in Technopreneurship from Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management.

Soh says Shopee believes in empowering sellers through the Shopee University. “We believe in the value of it. We ran it across 40 states the last two years. So far, we’ve garnered more than 3,500 participants. And the feedback that we’re getting from the small sellers is really positive. They like that Shopee is here to really help them grow. More often than not, some of them are very new to the whole concept of online selling,” she says.

Aside from employing mostly millennials, Shopee also looks at the younger generation as a source of growth.

“It is the growth of the power of the millennials. It’s not something that’s specific to the Philippines. Across the region we do see that. But when it comes to the adoption of technology, millennials are early adopters. They spend so much time on mobile, on Facebook, on Instagram.

Leveraging on what these millennials can take the lead on, and kind of expanding it to the rest of the audience after,” she says.

Soh says millennials represent around 60 percent of Shopee’s buyers. “The majority is the younger audience, 18 to 25,” she says.

“It’s interesting because, more often than not, not just in the Philippines, but when we launch new features, when we launch new tools, we get more real-time feedback from these millennials because they use the app a lot more often.

They spend more time on the platform. They are basically our ambassadors per se, and we take their feedback quite seriously to figure out how best to tailor the features further to suit the audience,” says Soh. Soh says Shopee does not focus on the revenue side at the moment and invests in growing the market.

“Right now, Shopee’s free. We don’t charge any fees. We don’t charge any commissions, and monetization right now is actually not a priority for the Philippines at this moment in time. I think this whole concept of monetization is not something that we think is a one-size-fits-all approach, the same way we have been doing in all the countries in Shopee. At the end of the day, when we talk about monetization, the bigger question is, how ready is the market?” she says.

Shopee’s head of regional marketing Agatha Soh at Shopee’s office in Fort Bonifacio

“A lot focuses on how do we bring Shopee to get more people to know about Shopee across the nation and not just in the main cities that people always talk about. How do we continue to build our product, our tools, our features to cater to all kinds of sellers...And then for smaller sellers, what is it that they need, what kind of tips and tricks, we continue to work on them,” she says.

“This year we continue to expect aggressive growth on a monthly basis. And this year we are planning to do a huge round of brand awareness pushes because we think that our product is ready to be able to bring out to the rest of the nation,” says Soh. Shopee has recently tapped brands such as Colgate, Palmolive and SM Store to be on its platform. “Our goal is to continue to bring in more of these big sellers. A lot of them want to expand their presence online, and Shopee provides a good base for them to start with because we already have a huge base of users,” she says.

“What’s more important, a lot of these

brands want to reach out to millennials, which are younger users, younger buyers, which is what Shopee is very strong in right now,” says Soh. Shopee recorded 80 million downloads in 2017, including 6 million downloads in the Philippines. “In terms of performance as of October last year, we are looking at more than $5 billion in terms of gross merchandise volume across the region,” she says.

Shopee has 180 million active listings in the region, including three million in the Philippines. Other markets served by Shopee are Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Shopee has been in the Philippines for more than two years.

Soh says the Philippines, in particular, offers a lot of opportunities for growth. “We really believe that, whenever players want to enter Southeast Asia, everybody talks about Indonesia. Everybody talks about all these big countries. But what I strongly believe in this day, the Philippines is a market with a huge potential,” she says. Roderick T. dela Cruz

LADY CEO PROMOTES SOLAR-POWERED HOMES

IT TAKES a clear vision to address the mass housing backlog in the Philippines.

For Emma Imperial, chief executive of Imperial Homes Corp., this vision means creating sustainable communities.

Despite the rise of luxury condominiums and villages in major cities, the housing backlog in the country remains high at 5.7 million, according to reports. The Lamudi Real Estate Market Report 2017 mentioned the lack of low cost and social housing as a pressing concern.

IHC is taking active steps to help

ease the problem with Imperial Lifetime Homes, a new generation of mass housing innovation that uses the technology of Connovate Aps, partially owned by Ambercon, one of Denmark’s leading concrete elements manufacturer.

With I mperial Lifetime Homes, Filipinos can own not just internationally recognized and certified homes built with imported technologies but also eco-friendly homes with up to 100 years of warranty on the panel system. This

means that these homes can be passed on and last up to three generations – a ‘pamana’ home.

IHC is offering Filipinos a chance to live in a budget-friendly home engineered with world-class technologies that promise big savings on many levels.

Connovate technology helps deliver the promise of a healthy home that is non-porous, emphasizing big savings on medical bills with the reduction of various health risks caused by molds formation in

an ordinary home.

By combining the new mass housing innovation with solar power solutions which IHC is already known for, savings on electricity is upgraded. And due to the panels high-quality surfaces, robustness and durability as well as lifetime structural warranty, each Imperial Lifetime Home provides big savings on refurbishments.

“Imperial Homes is continuously looking for new ways to make better residential living experiences accessible to Filipinos through mass housing innovations, which will be available in our future projects,” Imperial says.

“We believe that no matter which part of the country you are, you deserve a comfortable life brought by an affordable yet high-quality home. By combining sustainability, worldclass technology and budget-friendliness in our mass housing projects, we are elevating the living standards of Filipinos while helping the country alleviate the housing backlog,” Imperial says.

Being a female CEO, Imperial chooses to focus differently compared to other real estate developers. She hopes to influence other residential developers to

make world-class sustainability features accessible to a larger audience.

“Hopefully, our projects will inspire other residential developers to build sustainable communities designed with green technology and affordability in mind,” she says.

Known for pioneering solar power solutions in mass housing, IHC has already developed a roster of solar-powered residential communities in different parts of the country. The first solar-powered mass housing community in Sto. Tomas, Batangas was introduced with the launch of Via Verde, which is overlooking the picturesque view of Mt. Makiling.

IHC expanded its footprint in the Bicol Region with Imperial Rosmont Heights in Legazpi City, Albay and Victoria Highlands in Iriga City, Camarines Sur. In the northern region, two residential communities in Nueva Ecija boast of the same solar power technology—the Marita Villas and the Imperial Central Plains.

Aside from the 24-hour solar solutions, the residential communities are also surrounded with scenic views and are close to modern conveniences.

Business

B2

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

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E-COMMERCE PLATFORM BETS BIG ON MILLENNIALS

From B1

rotated continuously,” he says.

This became the basis of the Nautilus design for a vertical-axis wind turbine. Even long after leaving the government service, Corpus pursed the development of the project at his home.

“To tell you the truth, it took us 12 years to define the problem, just to come up with the definition of the problems for wind turbines,” says Corpus. His improved Nautilus vertical-axis wind turbine apparatus, which he developed along with wife Germelinda, daughter Cynthia, chief engineer Mark Anthony Nillo and chief technician Dar yl Carl Rebadomia, is awaiting an official p ate nt. Co r p u s a l s o j o i n e d t h e Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative led by Francisco ‘Popoy’ Pagayon to push for local inventions and innovations.

“Basically, it is an improvement of a vertical-axis wind turbine that addresses all the basic weaknesses of a traditional wind turbine. We identified seven basic weaknesses,” Corpus says of his innovation. “We have eliminated all the weaknesses and enhanced its strength.”

Corpus’ design addresses the issues of negative headwind, lack of maximum angle of attack, inability of traditional wind turbines to manipulate wind velocity, spilled wind kinetic energy, wasted wind kinetic energy, gravitational stress limits and need for towers.

“We have corrected these seven problems, removed the negative headwind or counter flow and converted it into a positive wind flow with maximum angle of attack. We also tapped the wasted energy by diverting them into the turbine. So the wasted energy turns into positive energy,” says Corpus.

About 40.7 percent of the wind flow escapes between the blades of traditional horizontal-axis wind mills which have sprouted in Ilocos Norte, Rizal and Guimaras. The same volume of wind is not harnessed by existing vertical-axis wind turbines.

Corpus’ innovative design using weirs harnesses the wasted energy and recyles the spilled energy. Negative headwind is converted into positive tail wind, adding one maximum angle of attack at 225 degrees.

The design uses weirs to add maximum angles of attack. The Nautilus also increases wind velocity by incorporating a series of ‘Venturi’ chambers.

Corpus says unlike the horizontal axis wind turbine which requires tall towers, the apparatus for a vertical axis wind turbine is ground-based with relatively low profile. This eliminates high gravitational stress.

He says it is also much cheaper to fabricate and install the verticalaxis wind turbine using local materials and facilities, compared to horizontal axis blades that are manufactured abroad.

The Engineering Department of De La Salle University is set to evaluate the capacity of the improved Nautilus vertical-axis wind turbine and compare it with existing wind turbines.

Jose Patalinjug III, regional director of DOST in the National Capital Region, agreed to support the further development of Corpus’ Nautilus design. “If we need further R&D on this, we are willing to fund this. If we need further testing to collect the necessary data, we will do that, until finally we can say that this invention, this innovation is commerciable,” Patalinjug says.

“If we can install the Nautilus in Sierra Madre which faces the strong wind from the Pacific Ocean, our people will benefit from much cheaper electricity. It will not only reduce the cost of electricity, it will also make it cleaner,” says Corpus.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

S

hopee, an electronic commerce platform, employs 250 Filipinos with an average age of 24 in an elegant office building in Fort Bonifacio.

Shopee, which is also present in six other countries, occupies a whole floor spanning 2,000 square meters at Net Park Building. A part of Singapore’s Sea Ltd., Shopee focuses on growing its market in the Philippines, whose e-commerce sector was estimated at $1.2 billion in 2017, and other Southeast Asian countries.

“In terms of the outlook of e-commerce as whole in the Philippines, it’s just pure growth. Last year, in terms of e-commerce revenue from the Philippines, it was at $1.2 billion...I don’t think it’s ever going to stop. I think the whole concept of online shopping is just beginning to warm up in this region, and it shouldn’t be stopping at all,” says Agatha Soh, Shopee’s head of regional marketing. Shopee provides an online link between sellers and buyers.

“I think Filipinos are very entrepreneurial, which is why Shopee came in at the right time to provide a tool, a platform for these sellers who might not have had access to be able to reach more buyers before,” says Soh, who carries with her over five years of experience in e-commerce.

Prior to joining Shopee, Soh worked as a marketing manager at SingPost eCommerce and spearheaded Zalora Singapore’s overall customer relation management strategy and execution.

She says Shopee has provided Filipino entrepreneurs an online platform to grow their business. “We have gotten feedback from sellers who really love us. They tell us about how much their business has grown. I think it’s really harnessing this spirit. At the end of the day, it’s a platform that we want to bring to all kinds of people in this country,” says Soh who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Communications and New Media from the National University of Singapore. She also holds a minor in Technopreneurship from Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management.

Soh says Shopee believes in empowering sellers through the Shopee University. “We believe in the value of it. We ran it across 40 states the last two years. So far, we’ve garnered more than 3,500 participants. And the feedback that we’re getting from the small sellers is really positive. They like that Shopee is here to really help them grow. More often than not, some of them are very new to the whole concept of online selling,” she says.

Aside from employing mostly millennials, Shopee also looks at the younger generation as a source of growth.

“It is the growth of the power of the millennials. It’s not something that’s specific to the Philippines. Across the region we do see that. But when it comes to the adoption of technology, millennials are early adopters. They spend so much time on mobile, on Facebook, on Instagram.

Leveraging on what these millennials can take the lead on, and kind of expanding it to the rest of the audience after,” she says.

Soh says millennials represent around 60 percent of Shopee’s buyers. “The majority is the younger audience, 18 to 25,” she says.

“It’s interesting because, more often than not, not just in the Philippines, but when we launch new features, when we launch new tools, we get more real-time feedback from these millennials because they use the app a lot more often.

They spend more time on the platform. They are basically our ambassadors per se, and we take their feedback quite seriously to figure out how best to tailor the features further to suit the audience,” says Soh. Soh says Shopee does not focus on the revenue side at the moment and invests in growing the market.

“Right now, Shopee’s free. We don’t charge any fees. We don’t charge any commissions, and monetization right now is actually not a priority for the Philippines at this moment in time. I think this whole concept of monetization is not something that we think is a one-size-fits-all approach, the same way we have been doing in all the countries in Shopee. At the end of the day, when we talk about monetization, the bigger question is, how ready is the market?” she says.

Shopee’s head of regional marketing Agatha Soh at Shopee’s office in Fort Bonifacio

“A lot focuses on how do we bring Shopee to get more people to know about Shopee across the nation and not just in the main cities that people always talk about. How do we continue to build our product, our tools, our features to cater to all kinds of sellers...And then for smaller sellers, what is it that they need, what kind of tips and tricks, we continue to work on them,” she says.

“This year we continue to expect aggressive growth on a monthly basis. And this year we are planning to do a huge round of brand awareness pushes because we think that our product is ready to be able to bring out to the rest of the nation,” says Soh. Shopee has recently tapped brands such as Colgate, Palmolive and SM Store to be on its platform. “Our goal is to continue to bring in more of these big sellers. A lot of them want to expand their presence online, and Shopee provides a good base for them to start with because we already have a huge base of users,” she says.

“What’s more important, a lot of these

brands want to reach out to millennials, which are younger users, younger buyers, which is what Shopee is very strong in right now,” says Soh. Shopee recorded 80 million downloads in 2017, including 6 million downloads in the Philippines. “In terms of performance as of October last year, we are looking at more than $5 billion in terms of gross merchandise volume across the region,” she says.

Shopee has 180 million active listings in the region, including three million in the Philippines. Other markets served by Shopee are Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Shopee has been in the Philippines for more than two years.

Soh says the Philippines, in particular, offers a lot of opportunities for growth. “We really believe that, whenever players want to enter Southeast Asia, everybody talks about Indonesia. Everybody talks about all these big countries. But what I strongly believe in this day, the Philippines is a market with a huge potential,” she says. Roderick T. dela Cruz

LADY CEO PROMOTES SOLAR-POWERED HOMES

IT TAKES a clear vision to address the mass housing backlog in the Philippines.

For Emma Imperial, chief executive of Imperial Homes Corp., this vision means creating sustainable communities.

Despite the rise of luxury condominiums and villages in major cities, the housing backlog in the country remains high at 5.7 million, according to reports. The Lamudi Real Estate Market Report 2017 mentioned the lack of low cost and social housing as a pressing concern.

IHC is taking active steps to help

ease the problem with Imperial Lifetime Homes, a new generation of mass housing innovation that uses the technology of Connovate Aps, partially owned by Ambercon, one of Denmark’s leading concrete elements manufacturer.

With I mperial Lifetime Homes, Filipinos can own not just internationally recognized and certified homes built with imported technologies but also eco-friendly homes with up to 100 years of warranty on the panel system. This

means that these homes can be passed on and last up to three generations – a ‘pamana’ home.

IHC is offering Filipinos a chance to live in a budget-friendly home engineered with world-class technologies that promise big savings on many levels.

Connovate technology helps deliver the promise of a healthy home that is non-porous, emphasizing big savings on medical bills with the reduction of various health risks caused by molds formation in

an ordinary home.

By combining the new mass housing innovation with solar power solutions which IHC is already known for, savings on electricity is upgraded. And due to the panels high-quality surfaces, robustness and durability as well as lifetime structural warranty, each Imperial Lifetime Home provides big savings on refurbishments.

“Imperial Homes is continuously looking for new ways to make better residential living experiences accessible to Filipinos through mass housing innovations, which will be available in our future projects,” Imperial says.

“We believe that no matter which part of the country you are, you deserve a comfortable life brought by an affordable yet high-quality home. By combining sustainability, worldclass technology and budget-friendliness in our mass housing projects, we are elevating the living standards of Filipinos while helping the country alleviate the housing backlog,” Imperial says.

Being a female CEO, Imperial chooses to focus differently compared to other real estate developers. She hopes to influence other residential developers to

make world-class sustainability features accessible to a larger audience.

“Hopefully, our projects will inspire other residential developers to build sustainable communities designed with green technology and affordability in mind,” she says.

Known for pioneering solar power solutions in mass housing, IHC has already developed a roster of solar-powered residential communities in different parts of the country. The first solar-powered mass housing community in Sto. Tomas, Batangas was introduced with the launch of Via Verde, which is overlooking the picturesque view of Mt. Makiling.

IHC expanded its footprint in the Bicol Region with Imperial Rosmont Heights in Legazpi City, Albay and Victoria Highlands in Iriga City, Camarines Sur. In the northern region, two residential communities in Nueva Ecija boast of the same solar power technology—the Marita Villas and the Imperial Central Plains.

Aside from the 24-hour solar solutions, the residential communities are also surrounded with scenic views and are close to modern conveniences.

Tech & Gadgets

MVP: PH’S MOST INNOVATIVE REWARDS PROGRAM YET

By Peter Paul Duran

T

HE PLDT Group has launched its most innovative rewards program yet—the Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Rewards program at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Makati recently.

The converged rewards program will benefit PLDT, Smart, TNT, and Sun subscribers.

The company also bared that beyond earning points, customers can experience real power with their very own virtual rewards wallet and physical card.

“Our customers are our most valuable partners and they deserve nothing less than an innovative and unparalleled rewards program,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan during the media launch.

“MVP Rewards is in a category of its own. We’ve taken what is best across industries and put it in one powerful program that offers more than just rewards. And the PLDT Group has the unique ability to provide this level of convergence owing to the breadth of our combined services,” added Pangilinan.

Rewards programs are designed to create a mutually beneficial relationship between brand and customer.

In return for the customer’s continued patronage, they get rewarded in the form of points and perks. On the surface, it’s a win-win situation that many customers find value in. In fact, studies show that Filipinos keep up to 11 rewards cards in their wallets or purses— to ensure that every purchases,

whether groceries, pizza or coffee, counts.

The rewards programs being offered today award points that expire and provide a list of redemption partners. Imagine a program with limitless possibilities—no points expiring, no redemption venues and one that offers more than just rewards. Be rewarded for paying your most important bills Earn points for paying something essential and inevitable like your monthly bills. And not just points – points as good as cash. It’s a simple yet innovative approach that goes beyond rewarding consumers, and now, it’s a reality.

Pioneered by the PLDT Group, MVP (Most Valuable Partner) Rewards is an innovative program that allows PLDT Home, Smart, Sun and TNT customers to earn points that are good as cash just by paying for the basic necessities of modern day living—mobile and internet. Points earned from different accounts are credited into the MVP Rewards Card powered by PayMaya. With this, customers can choose how they want to enjoy their rewards without ever having to worry about expiration dates.

And because points are good as cash, it can be used to shop or dine locally and abroad.

The MVP Rewrds card can be

the only wallet you’ll need for all your points and the only card you’ll ever need inside your wallet. The more accounts you enroll in this program, the more points you get AUTOMATICALLY since earned points from each service of each company are credited and consolidated into one wallet.

The perks go beyond than just rewards as can even use the card to pay your toll fees. The MVP card also has Paywave function which means it can be used as ‘tap card’ when paying for toll fees in Cavitex.

Members get automatic perks and discounts. For starters, customers enrolled in the program are automatically included in regular member-only raffle draws. Here you get a chance to win big rebates for your phone, cable, Internet, and utility bills!

Members also enjoy special discounts when they show their MVP

card at various establishments nationwide including restaurants, fitness and wellness centers and retail outlets.

Get your personalized card delivered to your door for free wherein qualified subscribers who sign up for the MVP Rewards Card on or before Feb. 28, 2018 will get their very own sleek black personalized card delivered right to their doorsteps for FREE. MVP Rewards members can also earn more points as good as cash plus enjoy up to 15% savings if they subscribe to the PLDT Best Buy Bundle offer—product bundles that enable subscribers to mix and match the best unlimited Internet service from PLDT Home Fibr, fastest LTE from Smart, and Cignal HD TV. Sign up for your own MVP Rewards Card and enroll your PLDT Home, Smart, Sun and TNT accounts at www.mvprewards.ph.

WARGODS REDLYT 2ND IN LENOVO LEGION OF CHAMPS

Wargods Redlyt from the Philippines emerged as the First Runner-up of Lenovo’s Legion of Champions Series II Grand Finale after a grueling three-day competition that saw Asia Pacific’s best League of Legends players battle it out for supremacy last Jan. 26 to 28 in Bangkok, Thailand.

WARGODS Redlyt from the Philippines took home the First Runner-up award after facing off against Asia Pacific’s best LoL players at Lenovo’s Legion of Champions Series II. Wargods Redlyt from the Philippines emerged as the First Runner-up of Lenovo’s Legion of Champions Series II Grand Finale after a grueling three-day competition that saw Asia Pacific’s best League of Legends players battle it out for supremacy last Jan. 26 to 28 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The team took home a cash prize of 100,000 THB or approximately P165,000.

Argma from Hong Kong was crowned grand champion after defeating Wargods Redlyt in a fierce and highly

entertaining final matchup.

Meanwhile, Fire Dragon from Malaysia was declared second runner-up.

“This was our first time competing outside the country and we are very and happy and humbled to represent the Philippines in a huge gaming event,” said Wilson Marañon of Wargods Redlyt, which won the right to represent the Philippines after besting 113 other teams through seven elimination rounds during the national qualifiers held last December.

“Reaching the finals was beyond our expectations.

It was a tough competition.

We still can’t believe that we reached that far,” added Marañon.

Lenovo Legion gaming

devices were used throughout the whole tournament, thus giving every team world-class experience in speed, performance, and consistency. Together with Intel, Legion of Champions Series II is one of Lenovo’s major efforts in nurturing the next-generation gamers and growing the gaming community in Asia.

“All of the devices that we used provided high performance and really helped our game. We thank Lenovo for all the support that they have given us, and we hope that the Legion of Champions tournament will continue its success,” said Marañon For a recap of the Legion of Champions Series II, visit https:// legionlenovo.com/loc20 18/

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION TO ADD $8B TO GDP BY 2021

BY 2021, digital transformation will add an estimated $8 billion to the Philippines’ GDP, and increase the growth rate by 0.4% annually, according to a new business study released recently.

The research, “Unlocking the Economic Impact of Digital Transformation in Asia Pacific”, was produced by Microsoft in partnership with IDC Asia/Pacific.

The study predicts a dramatic acceleration in the pace of digital transformation across Asia Pacific economies.

In 2017, about 3% of the Philippines’ GDP was derived from digital products and services created directly through the use of digital technologies, such as mobility, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI).

“The Philippines is clearly on the digital transformation fast track. Within the next four years, we expect to see approximately 40% of the Philippines’ GDP to be derived from digital products and services,” said Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director of Microsoft Philippines. “At the same time, organizations in Asia Pacific are increasingly deploying emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence as part of their digital transformation initiatives, and that will accelerate growth even further.”

The survey conducted with 1,560 business decision makers in mid and large-sized organizations across 15 economies in the region highlights the rapid impact and widespread disruption that digital trans-

formation is having on traditional business models.

The study, which included 100 respondents from the Philippines, identified five key benefits to their bottom line from digital transformation: According to the research findings, organizations are seeing significant and tangible improvements from their digital transformation efforts across these benefits in the range of 6% to 12% today. Business leaders expect to see more than 50% improvements in those key areas by 2020, with the biggest jump expected in profit margin and productivity.

Digital Leaders in Asia Pacific to Gain Lion’s Share of Economic Opportunities The study indicates that while 93% of organizations in the Philippines are in the midst of their digital transformation journey, only 7% in the entire region can be classified as Leaders. These are organizations that have full or progressing digital transformation strategies, with at least a third of their revenue derived from digital products and services. In addition, these companies are seeing between 20 - 30% improvements in benefits across various business areas from their initiatives.

The study indicates that Leaders experience double the benefits of Followers, and these improvements will be more pronounced by 2020. Almost half of Leaders (48%) have a full digital transformation strategy in place.

Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director of Microsoft Philippines

“The pace of digital transformation is accelerating, and IDC expects that by 2021, at least 48% of Southeast Asia’s GDP will be derived from digital products and services, with growth in every industry driven by digitally enhanced offerings, operations and relationships. The study shows Leaders seeing double the benefits of Followers, with improvements in productivity, cost reductions, and customer advocacy. To remain competitive, organizations must establish new metrics, realign organization structures,

and re-architect their technology platform,” said Daniel-Zoe Jimenez, Research Director Digital Transformation Practice Lead, IDC Asia/Pacific.

The Study identified key differences between Leaders and Followers in Asia Pacific, which contribute to the improvements tracked: • Leaders are more concerned about competitors and emergence of disruptive technologies: The digital economy has also given rise to new types of competitors, as well as emerging technologies such as AI that have contributed to the disruption of business models.

• Business agility and culture of innovation are key goals: When addressing business concerns, Leaders are focused on creating a culture of agility and innovation to counter competition. Followers, on the other hand, are more focused on improving employee productivity and profitability.

• Measuring digital transformation successes: Organizations across Asia Pacific are starting to adopt new key performance indicators (KPI) to better measure their digital transformation initiatives, such as effectiveness of processes, data as a capital, and customer advocacy in the form of Net Promoter Score (NPS). As organizations realize the potential of data as the new oil for the digital economy, Leaders are much more focused on leveraging data to grow revenue and productivity, and to transform business models.

B3

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

LAZADA’S CHINESE NEW YEAR SALE SET LAZADA.COM.PH joins this year’s Chinese New Year festivities with a big sale happening from Feb. 13 to 16, 2018, with discounts up to 85% off. Here are top deals to fetch this year of the earth dog: Style in Full Bloom New Year means new you!

Now is the best time to buy your beauty and travel essentials online. Stay fresh and pretty by getting yourself a L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask for only P319.20 and a Nyx Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick on flash sale at P230. Plan your future travels in style by getting a Jansport backpack at P1,450 which comes in various designs such as white leopard, vintage vacation and sweet nectar.

Bountiful than Ever Prepare for your Chinese New Year celebration at home.

Enjoy listening to your new year playlist with the JBL Clip 2 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker at P2,199. Get yourself a Sony DSC-W800 Digital Camera at P3,999 to capture every moment of the celebration. Celebrations aren’t also complete without the feast. The Demotech Wide Electric Grill Tray at P899 is a must-buy for all your grilling needs.

Creating good feng shui is now easier! Shop for items you usually get from Chinatown like incense, lucky charms, feng shui lucky cat, golden wealth pot, red money tree and banguas, and have them delivered straight at your doorstep. Customers also enjoy free delivery for all Metro Manila orders.

This 2018, Lazada has also revamped both its website and mobile app to give customers a better shopping experience. So, what’s new? Customers now get to see products, brands, categories, and bundles personalized according to their preferences and shopping interests. The new shopping platform also provides an unlimited scrolling experience allowing customers to enjoy browsing Lazada’s top deals as if they were on social media.

More Discounts Additional discounts are up for grabs thanks to RCBC and PayMaya. Customers who use their RCBC savings MyDebit Mastercard get a Php 200 discount during the Chinese New Year Sale for a minimum purchase of P1,500. PayMaya users get 15% off (maximum discount of P200) whenever they use the code PAYMAYAFEB for a minimum purchase of P1,000 until Feb. 25.

It is just the start of a prosperous year with Lazada!

More deals, brands and special offers are up for grabs this year of the dog. Visit www. lazada.com.ph or download the Lazada mobile app for free.

About Lazada Group Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia—present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. As the pioneer of the eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia, Lazada helps more than 135,000 local and international sellers as well as 3,000 brands serving the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions.

With over 210 million SKUs available, Lazada offers the widest range of products in categories ranging from consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion, sports equipment and groceries. Focused on delivering an excellent customer experience, it offers multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, comprehensive customer care and hassle-free returns through its own first and last mile delivery arm supported by more than 100 logistics partners.

Lazada Group is majority owned

by Alibaba Group H o l d i n g Limited (NYSE: BABA).

B4

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

TECH & Gadgets

BETTER COMFORT WITH HITACHI INVERTER SERIES

By Angelica Villanueva

T

O SHOWCASE their new line of top-notch products, leading air-conditioning manufacturer Hitachi launched their 2018 Home Inverter Series at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay recently.

Donning their “Come Home to Better Comfort” tagline, the grand launch embraced Hitachi’s mantra with the release of its state-of-the-art Full DC Inverter Technology, which features three inverters instead of the conventional two-improvements in their product line that certainly make the manufacturing giant a cut above the rest.

The three inverter components—DC compressor, DC fan motor, and DC inverter module—are combined in one to deliver cooling comfort that Hitachi users deserve while consuming least possible power. Meaning, Hitachi ensures that its users will get more savings on electric bill, while having a cooling and comfortable experience at all times.

What makes it different from an ordinary air-conditioning unit is that Hitachi air-conditioners have an exceptional energy-saving ability to automatically adjust its internal settings. This function will avoid wasteful power consumption.

The Full DC Inverter Technology also highlights cooling flexibility as Hitachi air conditioners are equipped with artificial intelligence. This feature will adjust the cooling temperature automatically based on the existing environmental factors.

Hitachi also proudly presented its Win-

NOKIA 2 BOASTS OF 2-DAY BATTERY LIFE Taiwan Hitachi Co. Ltd, President and Johnson Controls - Hitachi Air Conditioning Philippines Inc., Chairman Hidenori Yokoyama delivers a speech in front of dealers and media. (Right) The new inverter type series air conditioners are unveiled during the launch at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay. Peter Paul Duran

dow-Type, Hi-Luxe Split Type, and Royal Split-Type with Full DC Inverter Technology through an exhibit to their loyal users and the media during the event.

The inverter window-type one highlights specifications of delivering cooling performance without making any noise, guaranteeing total cooling comfort while

consuming less power.

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art hiluxe split type has the power of three high technology functionalities: nano silver and photocalyst filter, anti-mold and cleaning function, and the PM 2.5 filter.

The last type of air conditioner, the royal split-type, features anti-allergy

filter, dehumidification device, and ecofriendly refrigerant, making it unmatched in the industry.

The series are already available in the Philippines.

This 2018, Hitachi continues giving the brand’s customers a better cooling experience. With Peter Paul Duran

HOP PICO PIKO ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE DOMINATE the local neighborhood in Hop Pico Piko, a vertical scrolling casual game set in the streets of Quezon City.

Inspired by the classic kalye or street game “piko,” the Filipino version of Hopscotch, this game brings Filipino culture and nostalgia to all smartphones here and around the globe.

All you have to do is tap active squares while trying to reach the end of each street. After that, it becomes a game of endurance in Endless Mode where you have to go as far as you can as the street scrolls faster and faster. It’s the perfect mix of simple mechanics and addictive gameplay that will keep you tapping that Retry button again and again.

Players will also jump with Pinoy pride as local Filipino indie rock blares

through the streets in the game. From concept to music to graphics, everything about this game is all-original and proudly Pinoy!

Bringing this mobile game to life is technocreative lab Digify, Inc., the same company behind hit mobile games Kapuso Milyonaryo and Encantadia Blast of GMA Network.

Unlike these games that were promo- and program–driven, Hop Pico Piko draws inspiration from the fun and nostalgia of playing one of the well-loved street games that many have fond childhood memories of. “We created this app to reminisce all those old games we used to play in the streets back in the 80s. Nowadays, kids are always on their phones or tablets; they really love their apps. Hop Pico Piko is one way for us to keep that Pinoy tradition alive and pass it on to the

next generation in a way that they will appreciate and enjoy,” explains Binky Belardo, VP for Marketing and Content. “Hop Pico Piko is just the first of a series of Kalye Games that we plan on developing.”

Digify has partnered with Gamecon Philippines that mounts a yearly event aimed to bring gamers of all ages together for two full days of gaming fun.

Download Hop, Pico, Piko now at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free!

Digify, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of GMA New Media Inc., is a technocreative lab that specializes in sensor technologies such as augmented reality and proximity marketing, and end-to-end software and creative solutions for stand-alone and integrated digital marketing campaigns.

MCDO STORES NOW ACCEPTING PAYMAYA PAYMENTS KEEPING up with the fast-paced lifestyle of the Filipino, McDonald’s Philippines and PLDT ALPHA, PLDT Enterprise’s corporate business arm, continue to work together to redefine the customer fast food experience as it introduces cashless payments in stores nationwide.

Over 40 McDonald’s restaurants across the country have started accepting cashless payments through a collaboration with PayMaya Philippines, the digital financial services arm of PLDT, Inc.’s Voyager Innovations.Through this partnership, McDonald’s stores can benefit from an end-to-end payment acceptance processing of PayMaya Business which includes the provision of a point-of-sale (POS) device, card and wallet authorization, and fraud and chargeback management.

This payment facility enables a more seamless transaction for customers by simply using their Mastercard and Visa credit, debit, and prepaid cards in purchasing items on the McDonald’s menu.

PayMaya QR payments will also soon be accepted in select McCafe branches, as well as to make online booking and payment for McCelebrations Birthday

Parties and even McDelivery.

As the trusted partner of McDonald’s Philippines, PLDT has been the sole telco provider of McDonald’s stores nationwide.

PLDT’s continued work with the fast food chain has strengthened over the years with PLDT empowering its digital transformation. An example of which is the processing of data used in McDelivery’s website and mobile app. Developments like this have secured the position of McDonald’s as one of the most innovative food services company in the Philippines.

Golden Arches Development Corp. Executive Vice President and Deputy Managing Director Margot Torres shared how innovation has already changed their customers’ lifestyle and how McDonald’s, as a brand, should be able to adapt.

“Our company has been in business for the past 36 years. However, there are things that still keep us on our toes—fear of change, fear of making mistakes, and fear of being irrelevant. If a brand is irrelevant, then there’s no point in existing. To overcome these fears, we cannot do it alone. It is important to collaborate with experts to enable us to stay on top,” shared Torres.

“Digital is now, if not yesterday, and we need to take advantage of that. With our partnership with PLDT and its various arms like PayMaya, we are confident that we can stay relevant. We have always sought to provide frictionless experience to our customers, and with our ever-growing partnership with the country’s leading telco and digital services provider, I can confidently say that McDonald’s will always be in the forefront of innovation,” Torres added.

Apart from McDonald’s, PLDT also supports various companies and merchants to achieve digital transformations through various innovations and services. The growing roster also includes LGUs and government offices in line with PLDT’s vision to have a digitallyenabled nation.

“Beyond supplying innovations, our mission at PLDT is to be our customers’ partner towards growth. Technologies come and go, but the relationship and dedication we provide our partners to ensure that their customers and stakeholders achieve an elevated brand experience, will remain a constant,” said First Vice President and Head of PLDT ALPHA, Vic Tria.

Chairman & CEO of PLDT Inc. Manuel V. Pangilinan (5th from left) together with (L-R) PLDT ALPHA VP & Head of Corporate Relationship Management Victor Aliwalas, PLDT ALPHA VP & Head of Enterprise Digital Solutions John Gonzales, PLDT ALPHA Relationship Manager Christian Villar, GADC Chairman & Founder George T. Yang, GADC President & CEO Kenneth Yang, SVP & Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups Jovy Hernandez, FVP & Head of PLDT ALPHA Vic Tria and Voyager Innovations Inc. President & CEO Orlando Vea

“McDonald’s is such a beloved brand to all Filipinos and with this solution, they will be better able to strengthen that bond by being more accessible to their customers.”

As an enabler of digital transformation, PLDT, along with its subsidiaries, aims to future-proof

Philippine businesses through its wide range of telecommunications and digital services.

To know more about the various products and services by PLDT Enterprise, please contact your PLDT Relationship Manager, or visit www. pldtenterprise.com.

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, recently announced the local pricing and availability of the Nokia 2.

Nokia phones are associated with great battery life and the Nokia 2 takes this to a whole new level. With its twoday battery life, the Nokia 2 will keep going long after other smartphones need recharging.

The phone’s impressive 4100mAh battery doesn’t come at the expense of performance. Combining a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ quadcore Mobile Platform and a 5-inch HD display with the pure, secure and up-to-date AndroidTM experience, the Nokia 2 offers technology that today’s users can depend on, all day every day.

“Filipinos lead a busy lifestyle juggling work, family and other personal activities, from spending time with friends to pursuing passion projects. The Nokia 2 was created for consumers with that lifestyle in mind.

With its two-day battery life, the Nokia 2 is built to last longer than other smartphones, enabling users to further immerse themselves in productive work and continuous entertainment.” said Shannon Mead, HMD Global Philippines Country Manager.

Built to last in every way The Nokia 2 delivers unrivaled durability in design, drawing on all the hallmarks of the Nokia phone heritage of quality, simplicity and reliability. Its sleek frame is precision-machined from a single block of aluminum while the Corning® Gorilla® Glass is complemented by sculpted polycarbonate on the back, delivering both a great feel and sturdy build-quality users expect from a Nokia phone. Premium materials and thoughtful, ergonomic design combine to create a unique model that’s as practical as it is stylish, leaving users free to enjoy an affordable, longlasting smartphone experience.

Always pure, secure and up-to-date Android Nokia smartphones always offer a pure, secure and up-to-date Android experience, with incredible features such as Google Assistant but no preinstalls or skins. Launching with Android Nougat and upgradeable to Android Oreo, the Nokia 2 receives monthly security updates to ensure the smartphone is safe and up-to-date.

Freedom to do more It’s not just about the high-capacity two-day battery. The 5-inch LTPS LCD HD display offers a bright, crisp viewing experience at lower power consumption. The Nokia 2 gives users the freedom to fully immerse in continuous entertainment–from HD videos and crisp, clear photos to favorite songs, social media and web browsing–without worrying about running out of battery.

With an 8MP rear camera featuring automatic scene detection and auto focus, the Nokia 2 delivers fantastic shots every time. Using the 5MP front camera, users can capture any moment from any angle. There will always be extra capacity for all the photos and videos captured with the phone’s dedicated memory card slot and unlimited[i] photo and video uploads to Google Photos.

Availability Available in Pewter Black, and Pewter White variants, the Nokia 2 is priced at a suggested retail price of P5,290 and will be available in MemoXpress stores nationwide, online at argomall.com and in Nokia stores, kiosks and exhibits nationwide. With an on official on-sale date of Friday 9th February, you can already pre-order today from argomall.

To celebrate the month of love in February, you can get two Nokia 2 units at 0% interest for 6 months on Home Credit for a discounted price of P10,000.

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Young Life sunday, february 11, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

5

unconventional valentine’s

date ideas

How to win somebody’s

ThIS list doesn’t include watching a movie in a packed cinema or queuing to get a seat in an overpriced restaurant—because we know you’re tired of those suggestions.

Catch the sunset on the road

Heart

WRAP YOUR LOVE. The Mastercard love Index reveals the most popular way and the most popular gift to win over someone special.

a

BouqueT of flowers, a sparkly jewelry, a box of chocolates. These are just some of the most popular things we spend money on to make our significant other happy on Valentine’s Day. But did you know what is the most popular way to win over someone special?

a little road trip to a city outside town is a fun way to jumpstart a romantic night out. For busy bodies typically holed up in the office, catching the sunset— whether on the road, or by a nearby beach just outside t h e Metro—is a fine break t o spend with a loved one.

Should you find yourself by a beach or bay walk, be sure to dress the part of an adored partner.

Chase sunsets in comfort by donning the comfiest ballet flats ever, the Skechers Cleo.

according to the annual Mastercard love Index, which was created by analyzing credit, debit, and prepaid transactions over the past three years, investing in experiences is still the most popular option.

The way to one’s heart seems to still be through their stomach, as dining out took a majority, or 56 percent share of spend and 22 percent share of transactions The way to one's heart is through their stomach, as you get to share a meal while sharing a special moment together.

Flowers remain the most popular traditional Valentine's Day gift.

in 2017. While a dinner date lacks in creativ creativity, it is a popular gift for a reason: you get to share a meal while sharing a special moment together.

Meanwhile, going on special getaways with a loved one also rose steadily over the past three years, taking a 27 per percent share of spend and a 16 percent share of transactions last year. The number of transactions on transportation increased by 17 per percent in 2017, accounting for 47 percent of total spend during the Valentine’s Day period. love blooms with flowers, as spend spending on more traditional gifts still continues to rise, with overall spend on flowers increasing by 67 percent and jewelry increasing by 79 percent in 2017 compared to 2015.

“Spoiling your loved one on Valentine’s Day shows no signs of slowing down. our data suggest that while people still purchase tradi traditional gifts, the move towards giving a great

experience trumps all,” says Mastercard Philippines country manager Poch Villa-real. according to the study, sentimental spending in the Philippines has increased by 22 percent since 2015, with the overall number of transactions up by 36 percent, and with a 20 percent increase in the number of e-commerce transactions from Valentine’s Day 2015 to 2017.

It seems that many people are also getting ahead of the curve when it comes to buying gifts, with fewer purchases being made at the last minute. The index shows that 48.8 million Valentine’s transactions globally over the past three years were made on February 11; however, just over a quarter of all transactions were made on Valentine’s Day itself. last minute transactions are made possible with the help of contactless transactions which saw a staggering increase of 16608 percent since 2015, along with the increase in value of contactless transactions by 26934 percent.

“Contactless payments are convenient and makes life that little bit easier, so it’s great to see people embracing the technology around the world,” added Villa-real.

Finally, the trend for online shopping continues with an enormous 136 percent increase in the number of e-commerce transactions from Valentine’s Day 2015 to Valentine’s Day 2017.

Do a food tour

While we are all for a four-course meal in a candle-lit table somewhere fancy, you might want to try a food adventure worth your money. no idea where to go?

Worry not as numerous apps and websites can point you where the best wine bar is, or where to get the tastiest pizza, and even a great dessert place where you and your significant other can spend some alone time over a slice of decadent cake.

Keep your feet comfy while scouring for the ideal food grub.

Slip on a pair of Skechers go Walk.

Florangel rosario Braid stages exhiBit

Braid's paintings feature beautiful images of nature, historical sites, and other popular subjects.

Florangel rosario Braid, a teacher, writer, and member of the ConCom that drafted the 1987 Constitution, displays her paintings at the Sunshine Place. as an artist, she uses her vast experience to paint on popular subjects such as mother and child, historical sites, and on issues she is passionate about—seeking peaceful solutions to conflict, the rights of nature, bridging gaps that divide us, advocating for sanctuaries of silence and a more balanced order.

The ideals of truth, human rights and freedom are interwoven in the beautiful art pieces she has craft-

ed. Some have drawn inspiration from the memory of her late husband andrew, and son Ferdie, who suggested some of the themes and prepared titles and captions.

The exhibit is done in collaboration with her mentor, art association of the Philippines president Fidel Sarmiento. Braid also acknowledges the assistance of robert Fernandez, Tere Buiser, and Che de Vega, as well as the staff of Sunshine Place who helped curate and manage the exhibit.

For inquiries contact (02) 8564144, 856-4162, (0917) 515-5656 or email seniorhubjupiter@gmail.com.

Stay at home with the fam

For those with mini-me’s running around, take the time to let your kids know the essence of the celebration: love and time for people who matter. and Turn to C2

young Life

C2

sunday, february 11, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

5...

From C1 since Valentine’s falls right smack in the middle of school week, lay off the booze and have fun with your family instead. Let them help prepare dinner or take them out to your date, too.

In the spirit of the quintessential twinning that sprawls on the city streets during Valentine’s, opt for shoes that can match the whole family. skechers Go Walk runs its sizes for kids, mens, and ladies.

StayCation

Celebration For SingleS

Go on a barkada date

If you and your friends are all in a relationship, or all of you are single on heart’s day, herd them and plan a night out together. before hitting the booze and the club, use this time to try something completely new such as shooting arrows at the mall or jumping endlessly at the nearby trampoline park. Other suggestions include playing bowling, badminton, or a card game. take any style off the skecher street collection for a trendy take on group date Valentine’s fashion.

Choose from sequined slip-ons or classic white lace-ups.

Spend a relaxing ‘me’ time

show some self-love and treat yourself to some wonderful “me” time. be it at a relaxing spa, a trip to the salon, or a chill yoga session, give yourself the time to unwind and enjoy the urban reprieve. If you feel up to it, a quick retail therapy may also do wonders to your day. aside from the typical jewellery gift set, get something stylish and practical like unisex timepieces from skechers time.

Choose from classic steel designs or colorful sporty watches.

SINGLES' NIGHT. Gather your single friends and celebrate the day of love in scout area in QC. (Photos from Guilly's Island, Mario's, Music Match, and Ludo's facebook pages)

y

es, Valentine’s day is all about hearts, roses, and romantic dates. but if you’re single on feb. 14, don’t fret, as you, too, can join in on the festivities. the day is all about love after all, so why not celebrate it with your fellow single friends? think of going out together as a great “thank you” gift to friends who will always have your back.

Gather the gals or the bros in scout area in Quezon City. the whole place is home to an interesting choice of dining places, plus more.

Go Hotels recommends spending the night at their branch located on timog ave. It has the same world-class facilities the brand is known for: clean and clutter-free rooms, comfy ambiance, comfortable beds, hot and cold showers, and free Wi-fi. your barkada can book up to five rooms, and the earlier you reserve them, the more chances of availing the lowest possible rate.

“Our timog ave. branch is located right in the middle of scout area, making it perfect for those who wish to go food-tripping or bar-hopping,” said JJ Montinola, assistant vice president of roxaco–Vanguard Hotel Corporation. feeling a bit fancy? Head over to Mario’s and splurge on a three-course meal. Choose among a variety of entrées like their twin tournados of tenderloin steak duo with béarnaise and Mush-

room sauce or rib eye and Prawn thermidor. for drinks, they have a wide assortment of wine, vodka, rum, tequila, and beer. for a livelier atmosphere, why not get a good laugh at the famous Zirkoh bar in timog? a comedy bar is just the right place to let all the sawi feelings subside, while enjoying some grub, too.

Comedians making fun of heartbreak and other

out on Valentine’s day. Prepare your Most requested song list, grab the microphone, and sing the night away. Choose from a variety of food and drinks from their barkada packages.

Large groups need not worry as Music Match has rooms that can fit up to 20 people. and last but not the least, for those who look to party, Guilly’s Island in tomas Morato is there for you. One of the longest running nightclubs in Metro Manila, it is known for the excellent crowd, food, and music. Who knows? Maybe some in your barkada might find their one true love here.

things romantic will leave everyone less upset about the clichés of Valentine’s.

Competitive single friends can choose to go to Ludo’s boardgame bar & Café on sct. torillo street, a perfect place for the whole gang. Just order some food and drinks and all the board games are yours to play. try themed cocktails, inspired by shows and movies such as Doctor Who and Star Wars, and dig into their Chicken Wings, super nachos, and their famous Vegetable or Cheese Gyoza.

KtV bar Music Match in tomas Morato is a top choice for those who want to sing their hearts

M.A.D. MillenniAls relAte volunteering stories It’s not easy establishing a volunteer group. but Christian Marx rivero, together with the other founders of I am Making a difference (I am M.a.d.), a nonprofit volunteer group for millennials, made it possible.

“Hindi mo kailangan ng budget; ang kailangan mo puso (you don’t need budget, what you need is passion),” said rivero, recalling how the organization started with a two-hundred peso budget and the times when he sought donations from classmates and friends who also came from poor families. rivero said the organization wants to promote volunteerism as a culture and believes that change should start in every filipino child. He is proud to say that from two volunteers in 2009, the organization has now engaged 346 volunteers, in 39 camps and benefitted more than 1,500 learners.

I am M.a.d. recently held a youth forum event dubbed “M.a.d. talks: nagmahal. nasaktan. nagvolunteer. (repeat)” at the Meralco Mini the-

I am M.a.d. co-founder Christian Marx rivero

erica Curatcha

Joyce armillo

Wino dela Cruz

ater. the forum featured informal, moving story sharing of three I am M.a.d. members whose volunteering experiences were inspired by their personal struggles. delivered by erica Curatcha, “nagmahal” revolved on her love for service and how this was tested during her last year in college. an active student leader, she was accused of theft,

suspended, and lost her scholarship.

It was in this turbulent time when she volunteered in one of the camps of I am M.a.d. and met a kid named Jepoy. she reflected on how Jepoy motivated her to move forward and continue on volunteering to inspire more children. days after her participation in the camp, she was proven innocent and she regained her scholarship.

for “nasaktan,” Wino dela Cruz shared the times when he worked on various odd jobs just to make ends meet and encountered numerous heartbreaks. He told the audience that when he surrendered everything to the Lord, he also asked Him to lead him to the right people. His prayer was answered when he met I am M.a.d. and joined its camp in romblon in 2017.

“nagvolunteer” put the spotlight on Joyce armillo, an attendee on the first Mad talks in 2017 and currently an active member of the organization. Her experience in the Mad camps and her interaction with the beneficiaries inspired her to dream and be an instrument to help the children fulfill their dreams. “Volunteering is a small step for my vision to have a better world,” said armilllo.

Showbiz

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018

C3

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

Twenty-six-year-old Norliah Deron became a social media figure when she posted a collage of Marawi on her Facebook wall with the question, “Why were they killed?” Her post went viral; within an hour she got over a thousand friend requests.

STORIES

OF MARAWI INTHE EYES OF

MORO MILLENNIALS

YOUNG HOLLYWOOD. Teen star Angourie Rice (left) and actor Justice Smith in a scene from the romantic drama, 'Every Day.'

A MUST-SEE

TEENAGE ROMANCE

C

AN you have a relationship with a soul who inhabits a different body every day – sometimes a boy, sometimes a girl, sometimes the school quarterback, sometimes the outcast? Find out the answers in the preternatural young adult movie Every Day directed by award-winning Michael Sucsy.

Every Day is based on David Levithan’s tome that resonated so deeply with his readers that it spent months on the New York Times bestseller list and spawned online chat groups, fan art and writing. The movie tells the story of Rhiannon (Angourie Rice), a 16-year-old girl who falls in love with a mysterious soul named “A” who inhabits a different body every day.

Rhiannon and A work each day to find each other, not knowing what or who the next day will bring. The more the two fall in love, the more the realities of loving someone who is a different person every 24 hours takes a toll, leaving Rhiannon and A to face the hardest decision either has ever had to make.

Rhiannon is a good 16-year-old – she helps out at home, doesn’t cause trouble, and does well at school. However, her family has been struggling – her father had a nervous breakdown and stopped working leaving her mother the pressure of being the sole breadwinner.

At school things are little better – Rhiannon’s boyfriend Justin is the popular athlete, however, he’s also self-centered and takes Rhiannon for granted. That is, until one day when Justin shows up at school acting differently.

Suddenly, he’s attentive and curious and sweet. Taken aback and enamored, Rhiannon suggests they play hooky and steal away to Baltimore. The two take off in Justin’s car, listen to music and sing along, share stories they’ve

never shared before, and play at the beach. It is a day like they’ve never had before: perfect.

Yet the next morning at school, Justin seems back to normal and he barely remembers what they talked about or the day they spent together. Rhiannon is perturbed, but tries to shake it off. Not long after, Rhiannon meets a few other teenagers her age and finds out that it is A who inhabits these teens but only for 24 hours. Rhiannon is naturally disbelieving at first, until A manages to make contact with her a few more times over the next few days and eventually proves they are telling the truth.

What follows is an extraordinary love story that transcends external appearances and physical limitations.

The movie also stars today’s exciting young talents including Justice Smith (Netflix’s The Get Down), Owen Teague (Bloodline, IT), Debby Ryan (Disney’s Jessie), Colin Ford (We Bought A Zoo), Lucas Jade Zumann (Sense8) and Jacob Batalon (Spider-Man: Homecoming).

Every Day opens Feb. 21 in cinemas from Pioneer Films / Viewer’s Choice Philippines.

CELEBRATING

ALL KINDS OF LOVE

Janine Gutierrez in Gino M. Santos's psychological-thriller , 'Lila'

LOVE in all its forms is worth celebrating, from loving one’s self to young and hopeful, and familial.

This February, Cine Lokal features a set of incredible films exploring these concepts which are all set to screen in eight SM Cinemas.

Included in the lineup is a 2016 Sinag Maynila suspense thriller film Lila directed by Gino M. Santos starring Janine Gutierrez, Sherry Lara and Enchong Dee. The film, which opened on Feb. 2, is about a woman who tries to escape a past that haunts her and moves into the house of a warmhearted landlady, seeking atonement and a fresh start -- the house, however, has other ideas.

This is followed by the romantic drama film 4 Days directed by Adolf Alix Jr. starring Sebastian Castro and Mikoy Morales.

4 Days, which opened on Feb. 9, tells the story of two college friends who slowly realize they mean more to each other than either had initially realized. 4 Days joins Derek and Mark in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day over the course of a few years- charting the blossoming of a friendship in to something much more enduring as time goes on - and challenging both

to question who they thought they were and who they truly want to me.

Painting a moving picture of how an abiding friendship can sometimes lead to love - and how we sometimes have to wrestle with our own demons to find their true self, 4 Days is achingly romantic and delicate.

Completing the list of February films is the 2nd ToFarm Film Festival’s 2nd Best Picture drama film What Home Feels Like opening on Feb. 23. The film directed by Joseph Abello won the Best Actor and Actress awards for Bembol Roco and Irma Adlawan, together with Rex Lantano and Bianca Libinting.

It tells the home life of father and seaman, Antonio, who is forced to spend most of time at home upon learning that he can never aboard a ship again. Facing struggles as he doesn’t know what to do next, he follows the footsteps of his parents and buys a farm using their family savings.

Catch these films at SM Manila, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, SM Southmall and SM Bacoor.

AS THE violence settles down in Marawi, its denizens’ stories of struggle and personal tragedy are finally starting to come to light.

To authentically capture these stories, CNN Philippines, in partnership with Havas Media Ortega, traveled to ground zero of the conflict, where they were given an unprecedented 45 minutes to explore the war-torn region and get a firsthand glimpse at what happened to the oncebustling city center. They were accompanied by Moro millennials from MARADECA, a local non-profit that had been sheltering refugees from the city. LG Electronics loaned out two units of its flagship smartphone, the V30+, given to the respondents so that they could capture a unique perspective on the ground.

While CNN provided traditional news media coverage of the site, the Moro respondents, equipped with the V30+ and its high-end camera, gave a more deeply personal look. Norliah Deron, a young woman who lost her home in the siege, captured a beautiful photo of the lake near the city, across which she used to gaze as a child. She also took selfies of her and fellow Moros whose lives were disrupted by the war, eyes red and stained with tears but still hopeful for the future.

Norjanah Cosain, a millennial mother and schoolteacher who evacuated her home along with her five children, took photos of the shacks that serve as the temporary homes of more than 30 families.

Through the lens of the V30+, these young women were able to not just tell, but show their story to the world, every detail captured in every shot. Their photos bear silent testimony to not only the terrors of war, but also the indefatigable human spirit, ready to pick themselves up once more even after such tragedy.

Norliah taught the Christians in her group how to say the Shahada, in case ISIS militants stopped them in search of non-Muslims to kill. At one point, they were questioned by a militant who asked why a girl among their group was wearing her hijab incorrectly.

C4

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

NO PAST TENSE

FOR A DOG NAMED

BAILEY

Bailey still looked cute in a box when she grew older.

By Abby Munoz

I

DIDN’T know that a runt of the litter—a Pomeranian in a Zesto box— would change my life one afternoon seven or eight years ago.

I love you when you were so tiny and ate under our table in Pizza Hut. I love you no matter how much people would push me away from you.

I love it when you noticed a hint of movement from the blue gas tank where your leash and harness were placed and how you would react and just bark in excitement.

I love how you pooped and peed in odd ways like in semi circles or on the humps on the road.

I love how you knew how to daintily step into your harness.

I love how you would take a Denta Stick or something from me and just safeguard it until Violet comes too close and maybe... just maybe... you would start to eat or finish it entirely.

I love how you would receive treats only if you could eat it from the palm of my hand.

I love how you learned not to have your tail in between your legs, and stopped wanting to bite us.

I love it that you no longer felt “pain” when we touch your sensitive butt or legs, and learned how to accept belly rubs and get carried around without fussing, even when we were putting on clothes on you.

I love it that when we left you in the vet for surgery-- instead of crying or looking sad in your crate like the other dogs -- you were just your usual happy self.

I love how strong and hyper you got when you were out on a walk, almost as if you were jumping.

I love your long, red tongue with a black spot in the middle that seemed to pop out at the right moment. It’s so unrealistically long, I love it.

I love how you pee with your leg up.

I love how you copy almost every one of Violet’s moves.

I love your bark. Your indisputable big bark from a tiny dog.

I love your unique “Bailey”/caramel ombré with a hint of white in the middle coat.

I love your face with your big eyes and how it turned white due to old age.

I love how much you matured and would willingly let us touch your face, your behind, or legs. And how you would willingly accept your muzzle, clothing, and your daily dose of OxyCan. I love carrying you. One of my favorite things was to carry you.

I love your special places in our home: wasabi cushion to mom’s green cushion under the table or under one of the couches, your spot under my chair or just under the dining room table, your place under the stainless steel table in the dirty kitchen, your rug sleeping area there, and especially, your spot under the ladder steps.

I love giving you cool water on a hot day, wetting you with water if it was too hot on some days, giving you a bath, blow drying your fur, handing you your weekly dental treats.

I love seeing you explore new places, and I am sorry you didn’t get to explore more.

I love how you wore shoes. You would act so funny with them on.

Model Bailey had her own photo shoot.

Author Abby with furry best friend Bailey.

I love how you could rip or step out of your diaper even if it’s securely taped.

I love how you looked even when you were shaved. Even with a cone or with a shaved body or abstract looking tail, you were and will always be beautiful to me.

MY FURRY BESTIE

THIS corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features. We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals.

For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject.

Bailey is beautiful—hair trimmed or not.

I love taking you out. On walks around the neighborhood, to the mall, to the vet, and even dressed up for family get-togethers.

I love how just last year, despite being close to Ate Malou, you suddenly stood up from her lap and moved to mine.

I love how happy you were even when you are at your weakest.

I love seeing you after school (when I was in the mood).

When I wasn’t in the mood for school, you would cheer me up.

Even when I failed two college exams a couple of weeks ago, I just wanted to be with you.

Grammar-crazy people may wonder why I used “love” instead of “loved” since she is gone and those memories are now in the past.

From that day when I met you in a Zesto box, from your troubling years, from splooting anywhere, from red polka dot shirts, from a confused struggling dog to a happy, strong, loved one, I will always love you. No past tense.

There were so many things you will miss like graduation, prom, college, my sister’s future wedding, long-awaited trips to more places, especially the beach, but I’ll never not miss or love you. Your paw print will always be on my heart.

And I still love the memories we had and will never not love them or remember them.

I wanted you to grow up with me some more, but God has decided to take you on one of the best dog walks of your life.

I hope the flee powder and pawfume will help. Don’t forget your harness or denta stick on the journey.

You’ll always be and still are my girl. I love and miss you. I pray to see your tiny face and long tail waiting for me someday.

Enjoy the belly rubs up there, my friend. Hope we’ll keep Violet from looking for where your food went. I hope I prepped you well enough and am sad I never got to carry my girl one last time.

Even if we ever get another dog, NO DOG will ever replace you or be a fill-in for what you brought into our lives. Thanks for the licks, laughter, and joy that you gave me and many others.

God unconditionally loves us but I think He taught me to unconditionally love starting with YOU. I don’t know how I can cope without carrying and seeing my girl. I really pray that I’ll see you soon. But if not, you will never fade away from my life.

I love you, my Bailey, Bailsters, beautiful lady, my girl. I’ll forever treasure a memory a week or some time ago, when I made you sit on the dining chair on my left as I ate lunch. At some point, you just looked at me intently and I thought how I should take a photo of you but instead thought not to do so, and keep it as an uncaptured memory between the two of us.

I’m glad I did.

Now, are you ready for your eternal dog walk, friend? I still don’t think how I’ll continue to walk in my life without you.

Pray to carry you once again in my arms in another lifetime.

Enjoy the painless days now, Bailey!

“To love another person is to see the face of God.” - Victor Hugo About the author: Abby Munoz, 19, is a senior high school humanities student at San Beda Alabang. She loves reading, musicals and art.

Abby is a friend to all—humans and animals alike Editor’s note: Sunday Pets page accepts contributions from readers or stories about dogs, cats, rabbits or any pet.

Please send your personal essay or story about your pet to daycarlos28@yahoo.com.

BASTIE, a small but big-on-love dog, was adopted by the family of Julie Rodriguez in February, 2015.

“Ever since he came into our life, our family became closer, “Julie says.

Who would have thought this healthy, sweet and fun-loving boy is actually a survivor of two deadly diseases parvo and leptospirosis? He is a fighter indeed, this Bastie.

“We promised that we will take care of him until he gets old because we love him so much,” Julie says.

CHESTER is a cute, intelligent and lovable cat, says owner Joy Gallarpe.

He sleeps wih Joy and wakes her up when he needs to pee.

He also knows what time Joy will come home from work, and will wait at the door for her.

“He is my stress reliever like my five dogs and three cats,” Joy says.

Joy adds “Behave at napagsasabihan ko sya kapag hindi na ok ang ginagawa nya” “We call him “patabaing baboy” because photo he will sleep immediately after eating and then he will play,” Joy says.

“All four of us can fit it in here, Mommy!” These are just four of the many kittens rescued by animal lover Tet Santos.