Manila Standard - 2018 December 23 - Sunday

US SHUTS DOWN AS CONGRESS, TRUMP FEUD WASHINGTON—The US House of Representatives adjourned Friday (Saturday in Manila) without Congress passing a spending deal, assuring a partial government shutdown at midnight as President Donald Trump and lawmakers remain at odds over border wall funding.

Operations for several key agencies will cease in the early hours of Saturday, despite lastditch talks that continued on Capitol Hill between White House officials and congressional leaders in both parties.

Trump is seeking $5 billion for construction of a wall on the US border with Mexico. Democrats are staunchly opposed, and the absence of an elusive deal means federal funds for dozens of agencies will lapse at midnight.

It remained unclear how long the shutdown will last. But the optics are bad, as hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be either furloughed or forced to work without pay in the runup to the Christmas holiday. Turn to A2

VOL. XXXII • NO. 311 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

BICOL SOLON, AIDE KILLED IN AMBUSH

LIGHTS BEFORE SHUTDOWN.

SLAIN SOLON. AKO Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe (above) and his police escort slain in ambush Saturday during a gift-giving activity in Daraga, Albay, a murder condemned by Malacañang and members of Congress.

The US Capitol (left) is seen with lights on ahead of a possible government shutdown in Washington, D.C., on Friday (Saturday in Manila). The House of Representatives adjourned without Congress passing a spending deal, assuring a partial government shutdown at midnight as President Donald Trump (above) and lawmakers remain at odds over border wall funding. AFP

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

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Countdown to Christmas 2018

2 DAYS

MOUTH-WATERING. This picture taken on Dec. 21, 2018 shows a worker displaying roasted pigs for sale in Manila. Smoke rises day and night from their cooking pits in the La Loma area, which brands itself a hub for producing one of the nation’s favorite foods: ‘lechon’ or roast suckling pig. AFP

By Rio N. Araja and Vito Barcelo

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KO Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort were shot dead in a gift-giving activity in Daraga, Albay on Saturday at around 3 p.m., police authorities said.

Unidentified gunmen killed Batocabe, 52, while taking a ride inside his van at a covered basketball court in Barangay Burgos.

Earlier in the day, in Mindanao, former Kadinigilan, Bukidnon Mayor Joelito Talaid, 43, died also in an ambush in Cagayan de Oro City.

An initial police investigation showed the attack on Talaid occurred at past 9 a.m. in Cagayan de Oro City’s Upper Carmen area.

A witness told police Talaid bought fruits at a store, and moments before riding his car a gunman emerged and shot him twice in the head.

Before fleeing, the assailant threatened the security guard at the store against interfering, ordering him to keep

his mouth shut. He then fled on a waiting getaway motorcycle, the witness said.

Reacting to the incidents: • Malacañang condemned the killing of Batocabe and Talaid, with Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo denouncing the slaying, expressing its deep condolences to the two families.

“Proper authorities are now investigating this brazen murder (of Batocabe) as we vow to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this felonious act to justice,” he said.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing of an ally and friend, Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe. Nothing can justify his murder and that of his police aid,” Speaker Gloria Arroyo said.

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HOUSE LEADERS HEED DU30 CALL ON ROAD BOARD

By Rio N. Araja and Vito Barcelo

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SUSPECTED member of the Abu Sayyaf has been arrested in Tondo, National Capital Region Police Office Director Guillermo Eleazar said on Saturday.

Eleazar identified the suspect as Sudais Asmad, 25, a native of Landang, Zamboanga del Sur who is residing at the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila.

Asmad, allegedly a follower of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Furuji Indama, was reportedly in Manila to receive financial support from sympathizers, and other unknown missions.

He was arrested for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges, Eleazar said.

Operatives of NCRPO’s Regional Special Operations Unit served the warrant of arrest against the suspect.

Police recovered a pistol, a magazine loaded with

four live ammunition, and a chamber loaded with one live ammunition during the operation.

Eleazar said Asmad was part of the Abu Sayyaf group that kidnapped 15 employees of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan from June to October 2001.

One of the victims identified Asmad as one of the kidnappers and provided an affidavit on his involvement in the crime.

Asmad is also said to be a liaison and escort/guide of Balik Islam that was supposed to augment the local terrorist group under Isnilon Hapilon during the Marawi siege in May 2017.

The suspect is under the custody of the RSOU in Camp Bagong Diwa.

In addition to the kidnapping charges, Asmad will also face charges for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. PNA

1ST FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURY IN N. ECIJA

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

HOUSE Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. has given in to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to support the abolition of the Road Board.

In a statement sent to the media, Andaya said “the President has spoken.

We heard his message to the House. We will act based on his guidance.”

Earlier, the House majority leader said there would be no Road Board abolition after he and Speaker Gloria Arroyo met with the President, who allegedly wanted the Road Board to continue and disburse funds from the road users’ tax.

Congress rescinded the abolition of the Road Board passed under the Turn to A2

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SUSPECTED ASG FALLS IN TONDO

THE Department of Health on Saturday reported this year’s first fireworks-related case involving a 12-year-old boy in Nueva Ecija.

The victim lost his left hand’s middle finger due to a “five-star” firecracker blast.

The boy, who played with the banned firecracker at home, was treated at the J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan.

He was given tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, the Health department said.

The DOH began its fireworks-related injuries surveillance on Friday.

Under Executive Order 28, the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.

The DOH recently checked the readiness of Philippine General Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo and Tondo Medical Center in treating fireworksrelated injuries.

“Our hospitals should be ready for any eventualities during this holiday celebration when alcohol and fireworks sometimes become the center of merriment,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

“A community fireworks display is a safer way to celebrate because skilled personnel handle

the lighting of the fireworks,” he added.

The DOH surveillance on fireworks-related injuries will run until Jan. 5, 2019. About 50 sentinel hospitals nationwide submit their reports daily.

In 2017, the surveillance recorded a total of 463 cases. Majority of these victims belonged to the 10 to 14-years-old age group.

“We are reiterating our advice to parents and caregivers not to allow children to use any kind of firecrackers, especially piccolo, which is the most common cause of injuries among children aged between 10 and 14 years old,” Duque said. With PNA

‘LECHONEROS’ MAKE A KILLING FOR HOLIDAYS ROW upon row of pigs on bamboo spits sizzle slowly over orange embers in Manila just days before Christmas, peak season for the country’s pigroasting “lechoneros.”

Smoke rises day and night from their cooking pits in the La Loma area, which brands itself a hub for producing one of the nation’s favorite foods: “lechon” or roast suckling pig.

Crews shovel mounds of charcoal into neat rows under the pigs as they cook, gradually darkening into a crispy, caramel-color.

“In December the demand for pork spikes, starting on the 15th up to the 31st,” said 44-year-old Arturo Ayapana, who has been a lechonero for 15 years.

“We start [cooking] at dawn.”

Pork is one of the majority-Catholic country’s year-round staples, a taste introduced during 400 years as a Spanish colony—but consumption goes into overdrive for the holidays.

In La Loma, the roads and sidewalks are darkened and slippery in spots from the grease dripping from cooked pigs, which are hauled between roasting pits and sales stalls on hand carts.

Squealing, still-muddy pigs arrive by the truck load, before being slaughtered and skewered on bamboo poles for cooking. They get a final dunking in seasoning before the roasting begins.

Over the next several hours they are slowly spun over the blazing coals by a mechanical crank system that is still turned by hand in many of the pits.

A whole roast pig, which weighs at least 15 kilograms, sells for about $150.

That is a small fortune for many in the Philippines, where nearly a quarter of the country lives on less than $2 a day.

“We cannot afford to buy and eat lechon,” said Ayapana, the lechonero.

“We have to content ourselves with small bites.” AFP

OWWA TO PROVIDE WORK TO REPATRIATED WORKERS THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is ready to provide employment assistance to over 100 overseas Filipino workers who were recently repatriated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

With this, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac on Saturday urged the 110 distressed workers to submit their biodata so that OWWA could employ them through the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration, noting that most of the Filipino migrant workers were in the field of infrastructure.

“We will provide employment facilitation. Our President spearheads the Build, Build, Build program. The DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] and various contractors are looking for supplementary manpower which are fit to your skills,” he said in a statement.

C a c d a c s a i d O W WA h a s package of assistance for the distressed OFWs, arrived in the country on Dec. 8 from Dammam, which include P20,000 financial aid for their smooth reintegration.

“These were the directives from Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. We hope that this can help them cope with the daily expenditures,” Cacdac added.

A total of 88 workers were from Azmeel Company in Al Khobar were affected by the lockdown of work sites and have failed to receive proper wages and overtime pay.

Another 18 OFWs from Rakan Trading Contracting Company and four more from Samama Company decidedtocomehomeduetocontract violations of their Saudi employers.

Aside from the financial aid, the repatriated Filipino workers can also apply for livelihood assistance should they choose to stay in the country for good.

“Our repatriated OFWs also have the opportunity to apply for a livelihood assistance. A seminar will be arranged for them and they will be required to submit their respective business plans. We will teach them how to do it,” Cacdac said. PNA

‘REMOVE VAT ON VITAMINS, MAINTENANCE MEDS’ GOING THE DISTANCE. A man’s best friend rides with his master along Kamuning Road in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

THE party-list group Anakalusugan has called on government to remove the 12 percent expanded value added tax on vitamins and maintenance medicines, saying this will be the best Christmas gift for Filipinos who have been bearing the brunt of high medical costs.

The health advocacy group noted the country’s medical inflation rate is expected to be the highest in Asia and is predicted to hit 13.1 percent this year.

“The double-digit medical inflation rate means the cost of medication is becoming more prohibitive. Making vitamins and maintenance medicines VAT-free will be the best Christmas gift that the government

can give to Filipinos. We call on President Rodrigo Duterte to seriously consider our proposal,” Anakalusugan said in a statement.

“We should look at health not just from a prescriptive point of view but from preventive as well. This is why making vitamins more accessible for Filipinos is just as crucial as ensuring that our people are able to take their maintenance medicines.”

The group cited a study undertaken by the World Health Organization in 2016 which classified the Philippines as one of the top countries where less than 30 percent of the population have access to es-

sential drugs.

“This means almost 70 percent of Filipinos are deprived of the medicines they need.

Removing the VAT on vitamins and maintenance medicines will also bring down Filipinos’ out- of-pocket expenditure for medicines,” Anakalusugan added.

Filipinos, according to a Euromonitor study, are the sixth top consumers of vitamins and minerals worldwide.

A survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute likewise showed that the most common dietary supplements taken by Filipinos are multivitamins and minerals, Bcomplex and vitamin C.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

25 FOREIGN OBSERVERS TO WITNESS BOL PLEBISCITE AT LEAST 25 international observers are going to witness the plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law on Jan. 21 and Feb. 6 next year, the Commission on Elections said.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the foreign observers were from the European Union, Australia, Japan, Canada, and the US. He noted that allowing international observers to monitor the plebiscite would increase the credibility of the electoral process they would be witnessing.

“Having third-party witnesses to the event basically assures that the world has a clear view into (sic) what’s going on in the ground level. In that sense, it increases the comfort level of people outside the elections as to what’s going on with the elections,” he said in a media interview.

“Second, observers do give reports to the election management body which means these reports act as very valuable feedback that will allow the election management body to fine-tune its procedures, to weed out procedures that don’t work and to adopt good practices that do,” he said.

“Finally, when we talk about international observers, of course we’re talking about people who are very knowledgeable, normally in the democratic process.

And people who are very interested in ensuring that fundamental rights of people who are voting are protected and that’s a very important part of any election, especially in a plebiscite,” Jimenez said.

The Comelec official reminded the visitors about some restrictions to be implemented.

He said: “Very few. Primarily we only ask them to act professionally at all times, to identify themselves to the election authorities on the ground. And that they give copies of their reports.

“They have access to all parts of the process, to the people involved in the process. For instance, if the Philippine National Police were to hold a command conference on the ground, they, theoretically, can ask to sit in and watch the proceedings.

“However, it is expected that international observers will not interfere in the process. Whether or not they agree with what they see, whether or not they feel that there is something wrong with the process as it is ongoing.

“It is expected by international convention that they will not interfere in the process. The point is manuod tayo, hindi yung makikialam tayo (The point is let us observe, not intervene).”

As for their security, Jimenez said they were coordinating with proper authorities.

“We are coordinating with the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

They themselves have security liaisons.

That is a very serious, real concern and that’s why we’re not sparing any effort in terms of putting the two of them together. These observer missions know that it is their primary responsibility to keep their observers safe. We will assist in every way possible,” he said. PNA

US...

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The House is due back in session at noon (1700 GMT) Saturday (1 a.m. Sunday in Manila).

The Senate, meanwhile, remained open late Friday, but there were no signs yet of a breakthrough, and the chamber was quiet.

Senators told reporters that congressional leaders from both parties were negotiating behind the scenes with White House officials including Vice President Mike Pence, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and incoming chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.

One focus of discussion was the $1.6 billion in border security funding that was a part of pending Senate legislation, number two Senate Republican John Cornyn told AFP. But conservatives in the House would likely balk at that figure.

“There’s no agreement,” congressman Mark Meadows, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus of ultra-conservatives, told reporters as he made his way from Senate meetings to the House.

“There’s a whole lot of numbers being thrown around,” but a maximum $1.6 billion for border security “is not acceptable.”

Trump was scheduled to fly to Florida late Friday for his Christmas break, but the White House said the president postponed the trip and would remain in Washington in an effort to salvage a spending deal. AFP

EX-AIR FORCE CHIEF TO HEAD COCO AGENCY

By Vito Barcelo

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte appointed another former military official to a government post, naming retired Philippine Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. as head of the Philippine Coconut Authority.

EMBLEMATIC GIFT. President Rodrigo Duterte hands over a token to outgoing Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. during the PAF Change of Command Ceremony at the PAF Multipurpose Gym, Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Friday. Presidential Photo

BICOL SOLON,...

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“I call on our law enforcement agencies to conduct a speedy and thorough investigation to bring all those behind this dastardly act to justice,” she added.

• Senator Grace Poe herself deplored the killing of Batocabe and Talaid, saying “this sorry history in our nation of political violence must stop.”

According to Chief Insp. Malou Calubacib of the Bicol provincial police, Batocabe, who was running as Daraga mayor, was in the area to give gifts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Batocabe and SPO1 Orlando Diaz were rushed to a nearby hospital, but were declared dead on arrival.

House Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., for his part, shared the “outrage, the pain and the shock” over the killing of Batocabe.

“He was a man of peace and a visionary for progress. The laws he had authored and the programs he had initiated will continue to make a difference in the lives of the people he had selflessly served long after he is gone,” he said.

“His murder must be strongly condemned, swiftly solved and the culture of violence that stalks our land must be stopped,” he said.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said “[Batocabe’s] killers and their mastermind must be relentlessly pursued,

apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” he said.

“Politics must not be stained by the blood of politicians and partisans. It must be confined to the confrontation of ideas and programs in the tranquil fora of mutual respect and civility. The culture of violence must be forthwith eliminated, instead of being perpetuated, condoned and encouraged by those in power,” he added.

Batocabe, a lawyer who graduated with honors from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, was a member of the House committees on dangerous drugs, energy, health, tourism and good government and public accountability.

The appointment was made as Congress was crafting a bill for the return of the multi-billion Coco Levy Fund to Filipino coconut farmers, which had more than P100-billion fund including interests, Malacañang said. “ I want somebody who is really above the rest of the crowd...

He has a spotless record...,” the President said in his speech during the PAF change-of-command at Villamor Air Base. “...when we were conferring in the Cabinet, I was looking for a candidate to be the chairman who should be someone where I could rest my hope in him and no single peso would be lost,”he said.

The President admitted that even though he did not know much about Kintanar, he was already “eyeing him” to fill the position.

“When the time comes and if I can get the mechanisms of how the money will be distributed to the beneficiaries and if I look for somebody...where the money would not be lost, that person should be the retired General Kintanar,” he said.

During the event, the President praised Kintanar for accomplishing the Air Force mission, especially in its efforts to fight insurgency and terrorism.

Under his watch, the PAF in coordination with other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other agencies, many terrorists have surrendered or have been arrested, firearms were recovered, a drug laboratory was dismantled, many drug personalities were captured, and millions worth of illegal drugs were seized.

“During his tenure, General Kintanar has proven his commitment to duty as highlighted by his valuable contributions in ensuring security during the rehabilitation of Marawi, as well as the humanitarian and relief assistance during typhoons and disasters throughout the year,” the President said.

“All these attest to the exemplary leadership of General Kintanar and the collaborative efforts of the valiant men and women of the Philippine Air Force,” he added.

HOUSE LEADERS...

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speakership of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

Andaya previously said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo might have been “misinformed” when he said the President backed the agency’s abolition, adding a proposed bill would create a special fund directly under the disposal of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Transportation.

“As an institution, we will heed the President’s call. Finally, we can concentrate on the scrutiny of the 2018 budget, parked pork and P75-billion Department of Budget and Management insertions,” Andaya yesterday said.

“All is well. The public, however, needs to understand not just the abolition phase but also what is sought after that,” he added.

In Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Saturday said

Andaya was finally in touch with reality contrary to the solon’s claim he and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno were out of touch in regard to the abolition of the graft-ridden Road Board.

In a statement, Panelo, who is also the Presidential Legal adviser, said the President was serious to abolish the road board, which is the milking cow of corrupt politicians.

Panelo said the President, pursuant to the command of the Constitution to serve and protect the people, had laid the basis of his governance at the inception of his presidency that the people’s money shall only be spent for their welfare, and those who steal from it shall be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

“Let the President’s call for a clean and responsive government to the needs of the governed be taken to heart by those who temporarily wield political power so that our country could commence

to traverse the path righteousness and progress so long denied them by those they have entrusted with authority.”

During the PAF change-of-command at Villamor Air Base, Duterte said he wanted the Road Board abolished since he assumed the presidency in 2016.”

“Ever since I assumed office, I’ve always been wary about this office because it has been the milking cow of people who are corrupt in government. Ever since I’ve really questioned the existence of this office. It’s nothing but a depository of money meant for corruption,” Duterte said.

“You know there’s a little bit of a ruckus there in Congress regarding the abolition or the continuance of the road user’s tax—board. I believe that the Senate has decided the right thing and has stated that the road tax—board has been dismantled,” he added.

Morever, Andaya said, “if the President wants an abolition of the road

board, let it be real abolition. No residues. No Three Road Kings.”

“We are in support of putting proceeds from the motor vehicle users’ charge (MUVC) as part of the General Fund. Not an off budget item that will be spent by one person in an untransparent way,” he added.

According to Andaya, the proceeds need to be included as a line-item fund in the annual budget of the DPWH in the General Appropriations Act. “This way, the real and full funding level of the DPWH is reflected clearly, unlike today when MVUC spending is segregated and treated as a non-national budget expenditure,” he said.

“We also prefer that non-road user activities like garbage collection be stricken off the spending menu,” he added.

“If the President will send a better bill and certify it as urgent, the House, convinced of its merits, will approve it without delay.”

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‘GRADUATION LEGACY’ ECO MEASURE PASSED

By Rio N. Araja

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ONGRESS has passed on second reading the proposed “Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act” requiring all graduating elementary, high school and college students to plant at least 10 trees as a prerequisite for graduation.

Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano authored House Bill 8728 declaring that the State shall pursue programs and projects that promote environment protection, biodiversity, climate change

mitigation, poverty reduction and food security.

He said the educational system should be used as an avenue for propagating ethical and sustainable use of natural resources among the

youth to ensure the cultivation of a socially responsible and conscious citizenry.

Deputy Minority Leader and Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, Rep. Strike Revilla of Cavite, Noel Villanueva of Tarlac, Mark Go of Baguio City and Pablo Ortega of La Union co-authored the proposed measure.

The bill mandates the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education to implement the bill, if passed into a law, in partnership with

the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Department of National Defense, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Justice, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

CHRISTMAS WELCOME. A miniature Belen welcomes visitors at the World Bazaar at the World Trade Center in Pasay City just days before Christmas. Norman Cruz

PAINTINGS TO GIVE LIFE TO PASIG RIVER LANDSCAPE

By Vito Barcelo COLORFUL paintings will give life to the landscape along Pasig River which is undergoing river rehabilitation, the Metro Manila Development Authority said.

The MMDA said that murals on the Pasig River embankment is part of the “Pasig River Art for Urban Change Project (PRAUC) of the agency to provide pleasing

eyesight for ferry passengers.

The project started last year and the second phase will begin within the first quarter of the coming year.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said the main activity for Phase II include painting of mural works on the retaining walls along the 27-kilometer stretch of the Pasig River.

The Phase project I has inspired

MMDA to lobby for the approval of Phase II under the Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program which President Rodrigo Duterte has identified as a priority project.

Last year, murals were painted on nine pumping stations along Pasig River to highlight the importance of these structures in the flood mitigation efforts of the Metro.

International and local artists were commissioned to bring life to these structures through their original art work under MMDA’s partnership with British Council and other private firms.

Other MMDA projects that received approval include Bikeway Development and Easement Recovery which are both scheduled for implementation on 2019 as well, Lim said.

POST REMITTANCE FEES, BANKS TOLD THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should require banks to visibly display their international remittance prices on their websites, ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III said on Friday.

“We see no reason why regulators cannot compel banks to clearly post their applicable remittance prices for all to see. Banks are already obliged to make public most of their other fees and charges anyway,” he said.

“Greater transparency from banks with respect to their remittance prices would give more meaning to the rights of consumers, mainly our migrant workers, to be informed and to choose,” he added.

The party-list is batting for reduced bank remittance charges to help ease the burden on migrant Filipino workers and their families.

“The less our workers pay for bank money transfer charges, the more cash goes into the pockets of their families here,” Bertiz said.

The United Nations’ Social Development Goals seek to lessen income inequality by eventually lowering the cost of an international cash remittance

to a global average of 3 percent of the amount sent, he cited.

“Banks remain the most expensive type of [remittance] service provider, with an average cost of 10.51 percent of the amount sent,” he said, citing the World Bank’s Remittance Prices Worldwide quarterly report as of September.

“The report basically implies that for every $200 sent home through banks, our migrant workers pay an average of $21.02 in transfer charges, which is too much,” Bertiz said.

He said the overseas Filipino workers would still prefer to wire their money home via banks, despite the rise of The Western Union Co., MoneyGram International Inc. and other non-bank remittance agents.

Banks capture some 85 percent of all the money sent home by overseas Filipinos, the World Bank said.

The OFWs have been sending home through the banking system a total of $21.29 billion from January to September this year, up 2.5 percent from $20.78 billion in the same nine-month period in 2017, the BSP said. Rio N. Araja

JAIL VISITATION. The Public Attorney’s Office, led by Chief Atty. Persida Rueda Acosta, held a legal, medical, dental, optical jail visitation and decongestion outreach program for inmates at the Quezon City Female Dormitory at Camp Karingal, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Manny Palmero

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TARGET ON WASTE MANAGEMENT EXCEEDED THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources has exceeded its year-end targets for environmental programs on solid waste management, clean air and clean water, the top priorities of Secretary Roy Cimatu.

The agency’s program on solid waste management topped the list of its major accomplishments in 2018, having exceeded its target for the implementation of rehabilitation and closure plans for open and controlled dumpsites by 22 percent.

Through its Environmental Management Bureau, the DENR was supposed to monitor only 535 closure and rehabilitation plans of local government units this year, but it ended up monitoring 654 as of November.

Cimatu said it also successfully monitored 919 materials recovery facilities (MRFs) or around 11 percent higher than the original target of 829 MRFs for 2018.

Both the implementation of closure and rehabilitation plans and the establishment of MRFs by LGUs are mandated under Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Also this year, the National Solid Waste Management Commission, an inter-agency body chaired by the DENR, was able to approve a record 322 solid waste management plans (SWMPs) of LGUs, bringing to 806 the total number of approved SWMPs since the enactment of RA 9003.

According to Cimatu, the agency was able to surpass its 2018 targets in connection with the implementation of RA 8749, or the Clean Air Act of 1999.

It registered a 102 percent accomplishment in terms of monitoring the compliance of industries to emission standards set by the EMB. A total of 16,117 industries were monitored for their emissions in 2018.

There was also 100 percent accomplishment in the formulation and updating of 22 air-shed action plans and maintenance of 98 air quality monitoring stations (AQMS) across the country. Properly maintained AQMS are crucial to the monitoring of air quality in Metro Manila and other urban centers. Rio N. Araja

DPWH RECONSTRUCTS BILIRAN ROAD THE reconstruction of P27-million farm-to-market road projects in Biliran Province will be completed by the end of 2018 which is expected to provide abundant opportunities to local farmers and producers, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.

The project is funded under the 2018 Convergence Program of DPWH and the Department of Agriculture to help boost agricultural productivity in the towns of Caibiran, Cabucgayan, Almeria, and Naval, DPWH-Biliran district engineer David Adongay Jr. said.

He said the ongoing FMR projects include the concreting FMR to connect Barangay Matanggo to Sitio Patag in Barangay Tabunan, town of Almeria; FMR at Sitio Canumay in Barangay Baso, town of Cabucgayan; FMR at Sitio Libtong Gamay, Barangay Libtong, town of Naval.

DPWH has already completed the concreting of 500-meter FMR connecting Barangay Kaulanguhan to Kawayanon in the town of Caibiran with budget amounting to P5 million.

Meanwhile, DPWH-Biliran has also completed the concreting of 700-meter FMR from Barangay Haguikhikan to Sitio Rosales in the town of Naval amounting to P7 million, which is funded under the FY 2016 Yolanda Restructuring Program.

Farm-to-market roads are priority projects of the department in the mountainous province of Biliran which can support various agricultural crops such as rice and other high-value crops traditionally grown in cool highlands.

Vito Barcelo

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

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Countdown to Christmas 2018

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MOUTH-WATERING. This picture taken on Dec. 21, 2018 shows a worker displaying roasted pigs for sale in Manila. Smoke rises day and night from their cooking pits in the La Loma area, which brands itself a hub for producing one of the nation’s favorite foods: ‘lechon’ or roast suckling pig. AFP

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SUSPECTED ASG FALLS IN TONDO

SUSPECTED member of the Abu Sayyaf has been arrested in Tondo, National Capital Region Police Office Director Guillermo Eleazar said on Saturday.

Eleazar identified the suspect as Sudais Asmad, 25, a native of Landang, Zamboanga del Sur who is residing at the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila.

Asmad, allegedly a follower of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Furuji Indama, was reportedly in Manila to receive financial support from sympathizers, and other unknown missions.

He was arrested for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges, Eleazar said.

Operatives of NCRPO’s Regional Special Operations Unit served the warrant of arrest against the suspect.

Police recovered a pistol, a magazine loaded with

four live ammunition, and a chamber loaded with one live ammunition during the operation.

Eleazar said Asmad was part of the Abu Sayyaf group that kidnapped 15 employees of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan from June to October 2001.

One of the victims identified Asmad as one of the kidnappers and provided an affidavit on his involvement in the crime.

Asmad is also said to be a liaison and escort/guide of Balik Islam that was supposed to augment the local terrorist group under Isnilon Hapilon during the Marawi siege in May 2017.

The suspect is under the custody of the RSOU in Camp Bagong Diwa.

In addition to the kidnapping charges, Asmad will also face charges for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. PNA

1ST FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURY IN N. ECIJA

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Department of Health on Saturday reported this year’s first fireworks-related case involving a 12-year-old boy in Nueva Ecija.

The victim lost his left hand’s middle finger due to a “five-star” firecracker blast.

The boy, who played with the banned firecracker at home, was treated at the J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan.

He was given tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, the Health department said.

The DOH began its fireworks-related injuries surveillance on Friday.

Under Executive Order 28, the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.

The DOH recently checked the readiness of Philippine General Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo and Tondo Medical Center in treating fireworksrelated injuries.

“Our hospitals should be ready for any eventualities during this holiday celebration when alcohol and fireworks sometimes become the center of merriment,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

“A community fireworks display is a safer way to celebrate because skilled personnel handle

the lighting of the fireworks,” he added.

The DOH surveillance on fireworks-related injuries will run until Jan. 5, 2019. About 50 sentinel hospitals nationwide submit their reports daily.

In 2017, the surveillance recorded a total of 463 cases. Majority of these victims belonged to the 10 to 14-years-old age group.

“We are reiterating our advice to parents and caregivers not to allow children to use any kind of firecrackers, especially piccolo, which is the most common cause of injuries among children aged between 10 and 14 years old,” Duque said. With PNA

‘LECHONEROS’ MAKE A KILLING FOR HOLIDAYS ROW upon row of pigs on bamboo spits sizzle slowly over orange embers in Manila just days before Christmas, peak season for the country’s pigroasting “lechoneros.”

Smoke rises day and night from their cooking pits in the La Loma area, which brands itself a hub for producing one of the nation’s favorite foods: “lechon” or roast suckling pig.

Crews shovel mounds of charcoal into neat rows under the pigs as they cook, gradually darkening into a crispy, caramel-color.

“In December the demand for pork spikes, starting on the 15th up to the 31st,” said 44-year-old Arturo Ayapana, who has been a lechonero for 15 years.

“We start [cooking] at dawn.”

Pork is one of the majority-Catholic country’s year-round staples, a taste introduced during 400 years as a Spanish colony—but consumption goes into overdrive for the holidays.

In La Loma, the roads and sidewalks are darkened and slippery in spots from the grease dripping from cooked pigs, which are hauled between roasting pits and sales stalls on hand carts.

Squealing, still-muddy pigs arrive by the truck load, before being slaughtered and skewered on bamboo poles for cooking. They get a final dunking in seasoning before the roasting begins.

Over the next several hours they are slowly spun over the blazing coals by a mechanical crank system that is still turned by hand in many of the pits.

A whole roast pig, which weighs at least 15 kilograms, sells for about $150.

That is a small fortune for many in the Philippines, where nearly a quarter of the country lives on less than $2 a day.

“We cannot afford to buy and eat lechon,” said Ayapana, the lechonero.

“We have to content ourselves with small bites.” AFP

OWWA TO PROVIDE WORK TO REPATRIATED WORKERS THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is ready to provide employment assistance to over 100 overseas Filipino workers who were recently repatriated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

With this, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac on Saturday urged the 110 distressed workers to submit their biodata so that OWWA could employ them through the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration, noting that most of the Filipino migrant workers were in the field of infrastructure.

“We will provide employment facilitation. Our President spearheads the Build, Build, Build program. The DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] and various contractors are looking for supplementary manpower which are fit to your skills,” he said in a statement.

C a c d a c s a i d O W WA h a s package of assistance for the distressed OFWs, arrived in the country on Dec. 8 from Dammam, which include P20,000 financial aid for their smooth reintegration.

“These were the directives from Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. We hope that this can help them cope with the daily expenditures,” Cacdac added.

A total of 88 workers were from Azmeel Company in Al Khobar were affected by the lockdown of work sites and have failed to receive proper wages and overtime pay.

Another 18 OFWs from Rakan Trading Contracting Company and four more from Samama Company decidedtocomehomeduetocontract violations of their Saudi employers.

Aside from the financial aid, the repatriated Filipino workers can also apply for livelihood assistance should they choose to stay in the country for good.

“Our repatriated OFWs also have the opportunity to apply for a livelihood assistance. A seminar will be arranged for them and they will be required to submit their respective business plans. We will teach them how to do it,” Cacdac said. PNA

‘REMOVE VAT ON VITAMINS, MAINTENANCE MEDS’ GOING THE DISTANCE. A man’s best friend rides with his master along Kamuning Road in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

THE party-list group Anakalusugan has called on government to remove the 12 percent expanded value added tax on vitamins and maintenance medicines, saying this will be the best Christmas gift for Filipinos who have been bearing the brunt of high medical costs.

The health advocacy group noted the country’s medical inflation rate is expected to be the highest in Asia and is predicted to hit 13.1 percent this year.

“The double-digit medical inflation rate means the cost of medication is becoming more prohibitive. Making vitamins and maintenance medicines VAT-free will be the best Christmas gift that the government

can give to Filipinos. We call on President Rodrigo Duterte to seriously consider our proposal,” Anakalusugan said in a statement.

“We should look at health not just from a prescriptive point of view but from preventive as well. This is why making vitamins more accessible for Filipinos is just as crucial as ensuring that our people are able to take their maintenance medicines.”

The group cited a study undertaken by the World Health Organization in 2016 which classified the Philippines as one of the top countries where less than 30 percent of the population have access to es-

sential drugs.

“This means almost 70 percent of Filipinos are deprived of the medicines they need.

Removing the VAT on vitamins and maintenance medicines will also bring down Filipinos’ out- of-pocket expenditure for medicines,” Anakalusugan added.

Filipinos, according to a Euromonitor study, are the sixth top consumers of vitamins and minerals worldwide.

A survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute likewise showed that the most common dietary supplements taken by Filipinos are multivitamins and minerals, Bcomplex and vitamin C.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Opinion

EDITORIAL

Y

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

impressive displays of available gifts and other ULETIDE 2018 may not be to mark the momentous event. any different from previous presents For the well-heeled, the song “Joy to the celebrations—with the World” breathes a consequential meaning, with sumptuous meals in posh restaurants, overnight increasingly getting bigger stays in star hotels, or perhaps a quick refreshing lanterns and Christmas trees vacation off the city jungle.

Those in the lower rungs are at peace with as well as huge mangers with spending the hours with family members, the season’s colors supposedly animated by exchanges of anecdotes from the reflecting the birth anniversary expanding clan that has different generations and persuasions, including calling and discipline. of the most important person in Opening gifts under blinking Christmas trees Christian history. at the receiving rooms shortly after Midnight Mass on the 24th, a liturgical tradition in the In the runup to the date laureate, shops and Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, malls in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized and the Lutheran Churches, or before the areas compete with each other on extremely midnight repast has become ineradicable in the

The Department of Justice has guidelines for media practitioners on the reporting and coverage of cases involving children. The rationale goes, in part: ‘Existing laws passed protecting the child provide for confidentiality. The confidentiality clauses are meant to protect the child’s right to privacy and to prevent the child from trauma, social stigma, and further suffering arising from inappropriate publicity or approaches to media coverage.”

Among the laws cited as legal basis for the issuance of the guidelines is Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004). Sec. 44 provides for confidentiality, specifically anti-doxxing, but only for the victim: “Whoever publishes or causes to be published, in any format, the name, address, telephone number, school, business address, employer, or other identifying information of a victim or an immediate family member, without the latter’s consent, shall be liable to the contempt power of the court.”

The law, however, provides in Sec. 41 for the “Counseling and Treatment of Offenders.—The DSWD shall provide rehabilitative counseling and treatment to perpetrators towards learning constructive ways of coping with anger and emotional outbursts and reforming their ways. When nec-

WHY THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS ALSO ABOUT OUTER SPACE

culture of predominantly Christian Philippines, which received the Cross in the 16th century.

The Mass is and has been the central act of worship in the Catholic Church, which describes it as “the source and summit of the Christian life.”

We agree with observers who suggest the true essence of Christmas relies not on the wrapped gifts under the Christmas trees, which command people to spend more and more from their limited resources, given the distressing bite of recession.

We endorse their line the essence of Christmas must depend on love and unity which we must continue to build, holding fast to the Lord’s new commandment in John 13:34: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.”

An essential Christmas to all persons of goodwill.

Covering cases involving minors MUCH has been said about the bullying at Ateneo Junior High School because the incident struck a strong chord in the heartstrings of the community; many who have weighed in with their opinions also suffered from bullying in their past.

Responses came fast after videos were posted online of a young Atenean and taekwondo champion, who humiliated fellow students by forcing them to kneel to him, kiss or touch his shoes and crotch, on pain of receiving a beating—“Bugbog or dignidad?”

Several senators, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Education, the Foreign Secretary, the Philippine Taekwondo Association, actors, balikbayans, and people from all walks of life said either the bully deserved a comeuppance of his own, or “don’t bully the bully.”

The administration of the Ateneo is investigating the matter and promises to deal strictly and fairly in the matter, although they have received criticism for seemingly being more concerned with privacy issues rather than meting out justice.

Let’s talk about that. The cybercommunity moves swiftly and although some of the video posts were taken down, they had been spread too far and wide to be fully contained. Yet there are rules that shield the privacy of minor victims and perpetrators.

PECIER DECIERDO

essary, the offender shall be ordered by the Court to submit to psychiatric treatment or confinement.”

Also for the benefit of the bully, Republic Act No. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006), another one of the laws cited in the media guidelines, “mandates that all records and proceedings involving children in conflict with the law from initial contact until final disposition of the case shall be considered privileged and confidential.”

“Children in conflict with the law” (CICL) is defined by the guidelines as referring “to a child who is alleged as, accused of, or adjudged as, having committed an offense under Philippine laws.”

The first two media guidelines are unequivocal: “1. In the best interest of the child, the identity of a child victim of abuse, child witness, CIAC [child involved in armed conflict] or a CICL shall not be disclosed whether directly or indirectly. No information that would lead to the identity of the child or any member of his/her family shall be published or broadcast.

“2. Photographs, images, or video footage of the face or any distinguishing feature or information of a child victim of abuse, child witness, CIAC or a child in conflict with the law including his or her family members shall

CHRISTMAS is right around the corner.

Christmas lights illuminate our streets and curtain some buildings with their sparkly glow. Cooler, dryer winds are starting to blow our way. Gifts (and our spending for them) are piling up. Our bellies are already getting their practice for the festivities to come. And of course there is the traffic of the holiday rush.

In all of this, it is sometimes easy to forget that Christmas is actually a religious celebration observed by many Christians.

Even easier to forget is the fact that even before Christians started celebrating the birth of Christ during the 25th of December, people from around the world have already been celebrating this time of the year because of what it represents in the yearly cycles of the sky. In other words, this holiday season is also about outer space.

Of course the people who celebrated Yule, Dongzhi, Ayan Parivartan, and other similar celebrations around the world probably did not understand the full correlation of their celebrations with a regular astronomical event. What they were aware of, however, was that they were celebrating an important point in the cycles of the sky, cycles that affected the way they lived in very intimate ways. Today we know that these cycles occur because of regularities dictated by the laws of gravity and motion. In other words, the equations of physics conduct the regularity of our holidays.

Two important set of laws are the conservation of angular momentum and the laws of gravity.

The first one says that the tilt of the Earth’s axis will change very slowly because of how big and massive the Earth is. In effect, over the course of hundreds of years the Earth tilts toward the same direction in outer space. One effect of this is that Polaris, our current North Star, has been our north star for centuries now and will continue to be so for the next few thousands of years.

The second set of physical laws, the laws of gravity, dictate the way the Earth moves around the Sun over the course of a year.

A combination of the effects stated above results in the fact that each of the Earth’s halves or hemispheres gets tilted away from or toward the Sun at specific times of the year. The Earth’s northern hemisphere, where the Philippines is located, is tilted toward the Sun in June and tilted away in December. The opposite holds for the southern hemisphere, where countries like Australia and South Africa are located; the Earth’s south pole is tilted away from the Sun in June and tilted toward in December.

As the Earth goes around the Sun in its yearly cycle, as appointed by the laws of physics, we here on Earth observed regularities in the way the Sun moves across our sky. Because the Sun is the main source of energy for most of the process here on Earth, these cycles also translate to changes in the way we humans live our lives.

The cycles, more or less, go like this.

Starting from March, the days progressively get longer and longer. The Sun climbs higher and higher in the sky, giving us both the heat of summer and the energy that results in our rainy seasons from June onward.

By June, the day gets as long as it can be, after which time it starts to get shorter, giving way to longer nights. By September, daytime and nighttime are almost equal. By October, the nights start to gain ground, progressively getting longer than the days, culminating in the shortest day of the year, the solstice of December.

The solstice of December, also called the “winter solstice” in parts of the northern hemisphere which experience winter, falls on December 21 or 22. (This year it falls on the 22nd.) This is the time of the year when, in the view of many pre-modern societies, the Sun gets reborn. The days, which have previously gotten shorter, begin to get longer once again. The longer nights begin to give way to the daytime.

People from around the world have observed this pattern and began celebrating this special day of the year in many forms.

The Germanic people of Europe celebrate the Yule, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia, the Chinese celebrate Dongzhi, and so on.

Some historians speculate that Pope Julius I declared Christmas to be on December 25th partly to make it coincide with the Roman celebration of Saturnalia, that way making celebrations seamless for new converts to Christianity.

So this holiday season, however you celebrate it, I hope you would consider adding thinking about our place in the universe to the mix. Happy holidays to one and all!

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE not be taken, published, or shown to the public in any manner.”

The use of social media as a public shaming mechanism has been eagerly adopted by netizens and while this might act as a deterrent and a means to impose social order, when minors are involved there are laws that protect their future from the foolishness of their youthful actions.

In this instance, though, the bully’s name and other personal circumstances are now known, and you can’t put the yolk back into a broken egg. Going forward, both mass media practitioners and social media users should keep these guidelines and child welfare laws in mind.

••• To my readers, have yourself a very merry Christmas with your loved ones! May there be no place for violence and sorrow in our celebrations as we spread love, understanding, and joy this season and always!

Dr. Ortuoste was bullied as a child and calls upon the Ateneo to look to the victims’ welfare and eradicate the culture of bullying in its schools.

FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

23 DEAD IN NEPAL STUDENT BUS CRASH KATHMANDU—Twenty-three people died in western Nepal when a bus carrying school students and teachers back from a botanical field trip plunged into a gorge, police said.

The students were aged mostly between 16 and 20. Two teachers and the driver also died in the accident early evening on Friday in a remote area.

The vehicle was carrying 37 people, with 22 killed at the scene and another in a nearby hospital. Fourteen people were treated for injuries.

“Our preliminary investigation shows the cause of the incident was speed,” police officer Bel Bahadur Pandey told AFP. Road accidents are relatively common in Nepal because of poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.

The latest comes a week after a truck accident in central Nepal killed 20 mourners returning from a funeral ritual. AFP

IRAN EXECUTES ‘SULTAN OF BITUMEN’ TEHRAN—Iran executed a trader known as the “Sultan of Bitumen” on Saturday over charges of fraud and large-scale smuggling of the oil product, the judiciary’s news agency Mizan online reported.

Hamidreza Bagheri Dermani is the third businessman to be executed since an anti-corruption drive was launched over the summer.

He was convicted of “corruption on earth,” Iran’s most serious capital offense, after swindling over 10 trillion rials (around $100 million at the current rate) through “fraud, forgery and bribery,” Mizan reported.

Dermani, first arrested in August 2014, reportedly forged dozens of documents of fake real estate to acquire loans from state banks.

He then used front companies to procure more than 300,000 tons of bitumen—an oil-based substance used in asphalt and other products and one of Iran’s most profitable businesses—Mizan said.

Dermani was also accused of ties to business magnate Babak Morteza Zanjani, who is awaiting execution after being convicted in 2016 of embezzling $2.7 billion while helping the government circumvent international sanctions. AFP

DUTCH MODEL LOSES SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE VS STEVEN SEAGAL LOS ANGELES—Hollywood action star Steven Seagal will not face prosecution after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17, prosecutors said.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said time had run out to pursue the case brought by a Dutch model who alleges she was groped in a hotel room in 2002.

Prosecutors did not name the alleged victim, but lawyer Lisa Bloom identified her as Dutch model Faviola Dadis.

Dadis, who didn’t come forward until several years after the alleged assault, accuses Seagal of attacking her during what she thought was an audition in the W Hotel in Beverly Hills.

She claims Seagal slipped his hand underneath her clothing, fondled her breasts and groped her crotch.

She is one of several women who have come forward with allegations of sexual assault or harassment against the 66-year-old “Under Siege” star. He has denied all claims of misconduct.

In paperwork released Friday, a prosecutor said the case was referred for further investigation which did not yield evidence “sufficient to meet the requirements of state law involving the statute of limitations.”

“Therefore, the case is declined due to the expiration of the statute of limitations,” it said.

Prosecutors had declined earlier this year to file a case against Seagal involving an alleged sexual assault in 1993, citing the statute of limitations.

AFP

P

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

VERSAILLES CLOSES AHEAD OF PROTESTS

ARIS—French “yellow vests” prepared for a sixth Saturday of nationwide demonstrations, but numbers on the streets are falling fast as the police clear protest camps in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.

The protesters had been split Friday on whether to stage another large rally in Paris, or in the nearby town of Versailles, once home to king Louis XVI who lost his head to the revolutionary guillotine.

Fearing possible unrest, authorities said they were closing the Palace of Versailles and its gardens, a top tourist venue, on Saturday.

A Facebook event organised by “yellow vest” leader Eric Drouet listed 1,400 people as “participants” in the Versailles demonstration with a further 8,000 people saying they were

“interested.”

Meanwhile shopkeepers in Paris, many of whom remained shuttered over the past two weekends to guard against looting and violence, were urged to exercise caution.

Further demonstrations were also planned in Lyon, Toulouse, Orleans and Brittany.

On Friday evening, the French Senate approved a raft of measures to help the working poor and pensioners, just hours after they had been adopted by the lower house of parliament.

The measures should come into force early in 2019.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe also visited the Haute-Vienne region of central France to discuss grievances of disgruntled rural-dwellers with local mayors.

Philippe was greeted by demonstrators shouting “Macron resign,” in a reference to President Emmanuel Macron.

Elsewhere, some “gilets jaunes” sought to keep pressure on the government to further boost spending power and give citizens more of a say in lawmaking by staging sporadic protests.

In Pfastatt, eastern France, 14 demonstrators trying to block access to a factory supplying parts to PSA Peugeot Citroen, Europe’s secondbiggest carmaker, were arrested by police.

In the southwestern city of Toulouse, some 30 protesters held a rally lampooning Macron on his 41st birthday.

“We haven’t brought him any presents because he hasn’t given us any,” said one protester.

The number of protesters has however fallen significantly since last week, when Macron, a pro-business centrist, gave into some of their demands.

The interior ministry estimated the numbers taking part in various protests on Thursday at under 4,000, the lowest since demonstrations began on November 17, with 282,000 taking part on the first Saturday.

The number of traffic roundabouts occupied by protesters in yellow high-visibility vests over the past five weeks has also markedly dropped.

Some 300 have been cleared by police since mid-December, with 200 still occupied, the interior ministry said Friday. AFP

SHUTDOWN. The US Capitol is seen ahead of the partial government shutdown in Washington, DC, on Dec. 21, 2018. President Donald Trump earlier warned that a shutdown could last a “very long time” unless Democrats in the Senate join Republicans and approve funding for the border wall with Mexico. AFP

CANADA, US CALL FOR RELEASE OF 2 CANADIANS OTTAWA—Ottawa and Washington have stepped up pressure on Beijing, calling for the immediate release of two Canadians detained in apparent retaliation for the arrest in Vancouver of a top Chinese tech executive on a US warrant.

The European Union also said it was backing Canada in the detentions dispute, in which Ottawa has been caught up in the rivalry between Beijing and Washington.

“We are deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese

authorities of two Canadians earlier this month and call for their immediate release,” Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement.

US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino also called for the two to be freed, while European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini said through a spokesperson: “The EU supports the efforts of the Canadian government.”

China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and China-

based business consultant Michael Spavor on December 10, following Canada’s arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou while she was changing planes in Vancouver on December 1.

Meng was later released on bail pending the outcome of an extradition hearing. The United States – which is locked in a trade war with Beijing – has accused her of violating sanctions on Iran.

She is now living under electronic surveillance in a luxury home in Vancouver, welcoming visitors

daily and writing a blog, while Kovrig and Spavor have been held under more difficult conditions and denied access to lawyers.

“Canada will not compromise nor politicize the rule of law and due process,” Freeland said.

“Canada is conducting a fair, unbiased and transparent legal proceeding with respect to Meng Wanzhou,” she said, adding that Canada “respects its international legal commitments, including by honoring its extradition treaty with the United States.” AFP

UNSC GREENLIGHTS DEPLOYMENT OF OBSERVERS TO WAR-TORN YEMEN

LET THERE BE LIGHT. A man walks through a Christmas illuminated sculpture at the Stavros Niarhos cultural center in Athens on Dec. 22, 2018. AFP

UNITED NATIONS—The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution that authorizes the deployment of observers to war-torn Yemen to oversee a fragile truce in the strategic Red Sea port of Hodeida.

The draft, which was submitted by Britain, had been the subject of tough negotiations among the 15 council members, and was amended several times before the vote.

It also endorses the results of UNbrokered peace negotiations in Sweden last week. Yemen’s warring parties agreed to a ceasefire that took effect Tuesday and the withdrawal of fighters in Hodeida, a major gateway for aid and food imports.

The city is a vital lifeline for millions at risk of starvation, and the ceasefire between Saudi-backed government forces and Huthi Shiite rebels is seen

as the best chance yet of ending four years of devastating conflict.

The agreement also included a planned prisoner swap involving about 15,000 detainees.

The UN Security Council resolution “insists on the full respect by all parties of the ceasefire agreed” for Hodeida.

It authorizes the United Nations to “establish and deploy, for an initial period of 30 days from the adoption of this resolution, an advance team to begin monitoring” the ceasefire, under the leadership of retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert.

Saudi Arabia welcomed the resolution which means the Huthis “will lose their margin of maneuver,” Khalid Manzlawi, the kingdom’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. AFP

Images

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE. People walk past trees decorated with Christmas fairy lights at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens, on Dec. 21. AFP

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

MODERN-DAY SANTA’S ELVES. Lazada Philippines vice president for cross border Joel Deligero and chief executive officer for logistics Juan Pavez oversee the unloading on tons of parcels to be delivered to Filipino shoppers for the holiday season. Norman Cruz

FROM ONE POPE TO ANOTHER. This handout picture taken and released by Vatican Media on Dec. 21 shows Pope Francis (left) offering a gift to Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. AFP

STREET ATTRACTION. A vendor wears a funny mask which he sells for P50 per piece along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. Lino Santos

BIRTHDAY BASH. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Israel, son of Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, during the latter’s birthday celebration at the KCC Convention and Events Center in General Santos. Presidential Photo

CLEANUP. Environment officials conduct a coliform check in Manila Bay, aiming to rehabilitate the heavilypolluted waters. Lino Santos

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

OLYMPIC SKATER PERFORMS AT BIG DOME’S MAGIC ON ICE

3X3 CAGING GETS BOOST

By Peter Atencio

Olympic skater Maria Sergejeva ( fifth from left), who plays Raven in the Magic on Ice show at the Araneta Coliseum, is flanked by Magic on Ice cast members, Steve Wheeler (Voyager, third from left), Tracey Wheeler (Ice Angel, fourth from left) and Emiliano Morgia, lighting director (right). Ram Agustin

By Ram Agustin

O

LYMPIC Figure Skater and four-time Estonian National Champion Maria Sergejeva will be starring at the debut of Steve Wheeler’s Magic on Ice in Manila at the Smart Araneta Coliseum from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 next year.

‘Magic on Ice’ is an illusion spectacle that has already wowed millions of audiences in the United States, Europe and Asia.

“Our show is the only show of its kind in the world. It has a very unique combination, world-class figure skating and grand illusions,” said Wheeler, who will be playing the part of the Voyager.

“The audience will see lightning fast appearances, vanishes and transformations, beautiful levitations, and death-defying escapes, and some real fun, interactive comedy numbers that involve members of the audience,” added Wheeler.

Sergejeva, on the other hand, will be portraying the dark and mysterious Raven, counterpart to Steve’s wife Tracey Lynn Wheeler, who gives life to the role of Ice Angel.

“Our shows are very different from competitive skating. I like it way more because you don’t have the stress that

comes with competing, you just have the joy of performing and bringing smiles to people’s faces. I get to do elements that I like, enjoy, and feel comfortable doing,” said Sergejeva.

The 26-year-old pair skater and model represented her country at the 2010 Winter Olympics, went into her professional retirement at the same year, and has since performed theater acts and arena shows around the globe.

“When preparing for a show, we need teamwork. We have a cast of 20-30 people, we have props that we need to use, especially in a Magic on Ice where we use lots of insane and mindblowing props like you’ve never seen before,” explained Sergejeva with how the shows differ from competitive skating.

“Skating is the most amazing sport.

It brings skaters so much grace and physique, and it’s not just in competitive skating. You can do so much more

Maria Sergejeva (right) and a cast member promote Disney on Ice. (Maria Sergeva’s FB page)

with it. It can also give you confidence when you pursue a different career in modelling or in acting,” she added.

Tickets to the dynamic fusion of mind-blowing illusions and thrilling ice acrobatics are available from as low as P190 for general admission to P2,335 for VIP seats via Ticketnet outlets.

There is a segment in the show, wherein kids from the audience can

participate and interact with the actors.

The creative team behind “Magic on Ice” has worked on some of the best shows in the world including “Le Reve,” the only Las Vegas show set in an aquatic theater-in-the-round stage in Wynn Las Vegas Casino Resort; Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystere” and “O”; the 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony; and concerts of Prince, Sting, and Madonna.

MILLIAM CAPS PPS RUN WITH 5TH 3-TITLE FEAT ed by Dunlop the last two months.

ALEXA Milliam staked her claim as the “Through hard work and dedication, best player in the junior ranks today, Milliam has achieved her goal to become upending top seed Bliss Bayking twice the best and her amazing run of victories in the semis to complete another threeshould inspire the other youngsters as title romp in the PPS-PEPP City of Naga they prepare for another busy season next age-group tennis tournament at the year,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/ Naga tennis courts in Cebu yesterday.

CEO Bobby Castro, who has lined up a reThe 14-year-old Milliam topped her cord 70-leg circuit in 2019. age-group category with a 6-0, 6-1 vicTop seed Vinz Alforque, meanwhile, tory Kay Gabonada then stunned Baykoverpowered No. 8 Eric Longakit, 6-1, ing, 6-2, 7-6(5), in the girls’ 16-U semis Alexa Milliam 6-2, in the boys’ 16-U finals and trounced before holding off No. 2 Rose Bahonsua, Carl Zaragosa, 6-3, 6-1, for the 18-U plum 6-3, 6-3, to claim the championship.

The Pontevedra, Negros Occidental ace repeated as he shared the MVP honors with Milliam in the seaover Bayking, 6-1, 6-3, in the 18-U semis then blasted son-ending tournament of the annual circuit put up Bless Coderos, 6-2, 6-1, to clinch the premier crown, by the country’s leading remittance center.

Other singles winners were Valencia, Dumaguete’s thus matching her three-title feats in the Dumaguete, Argao, Cebu and Negros stops of the circuit present- Sharra Paliwag (girls’ 12-U), Pardo, Cebu’s Aaron Tabu-

ra (10-unisex), and local bets Mitch Largo (boys’ 12-U) and Longakit (boys’ 14-U) while Milliam teamed up with Ghylliana Yu to edge Bayking and Coderos, 8-6, for the 18-U doubles title.

Other doubles winners were Alforque-Longakit (boys’ 18-U), Paliwag and Sheynna Yu (girls’ 14-U), Hans Cabellon and Raymund Goco (boys’ 14-U) and Paliwag and Velos (10-U) while victors in the Legends division were Jonathan Largo and Longakit (40-and-above), Roel Canillo and Eduardo Parangan from Balamban, Cebu (50s), and Johnny Bohol and Fritz Tabura from Pardo, Cebu (60s).

Meanwhile, another Legends men’s doubles will cap the year-long PPS-PEPP season with the Nueve Ecija Tennis Association hosting the event on Dec. 28-30 in Cabanatuan City where MCTA coaches will also conduct free tennis clinics for junior players. For details, call PPS-PEPP Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

TWELVE city-based club teams will be among the first to join Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 basketball tournament when it kicks off with a pre-season tournament on Jan. 14 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

Members of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League are among the teams wishing to be part of the the firstever attempt to form a national 3x3 basketball league in the country.

“Ito na ang unang pagkakataon ng 3x3 tournament (at the national level) sa Pilipinas, although 3x3 leagues are already happening around the world,” said tournament commissioner Eric Altamirano during a meeting of team owners recently at the Bar One restaurant of the Holiday InnOrtigas Center.

The tournament is part of the process of selecting talented players who can be part of the national men’s 3x3 team.

The chosen players, once the process is completed this year, will join Kobe Paras, who has joined the world 3x3 events twice.

Paras is the first official member of the national squad and a talent search will now be focused on three new members of the team, who will join him.

Among the club teams which have showed up are the Bataan Risers through their owner Borgy Hermida. San Juan through Jeremy Go was there, along with Bulacan (Britt Reroma), Manila Star (Roman Ang) and the Marikina Shoelanders (Elvis Tolentino).

There’s Quezon City Zarks (Christian Roxas), Taguig (MC Abolucion), Valenzuela Classics (Voltaire Oro), Cebu Hotshots (John Roa) and Bacoor Strikers (Dennis Abella).

Davao Occidental has shown interest, along with another team from Luzon.

The Philippines is currently making efforts to improve its world ranking of no. 43 and this can improve if players and tournaments on 3x3 will be registered with FIBA. And if the Philippines makes it to the Top 8, it can join the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

After the pre-season tournament, six legs will be held in the provinces before the national finals commence this April.

GO FOR GOLD ATHLETES REAP YEAR-ROUND SUCCESS

Jeremy Go

FILIPINO athletes under the Go For Gold program have delivered both in the local and international scenes in the year that’s about to end.

The paddlers from the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation have become world champions again after capturing five gold medals in a global meet held in the United States this year before triathlete John Leerams Chicano ruled the prestigious Tri-Factor International Triathlon in China last month.

Go For Gold cyclists Jonel Carcueva and Rex Luis Krog topped the elite and junior races of the punishing Tour de Linggarjati in Indonesia.

Skateboarder Margielyn Didal, who won a gold medal in the Asian Games, is preparing for an Olympic qualifying tournament in Brazil early next year. ``Our national athletes under the Go For Gold program have made the country proud in their respective competitions. Overall, I can say that the program is successful,’’ said Go For Gold

godfather Jeremy Go. Aside from cycling, dragonboat, triathlon and skateboarding, Go For Gold has also embraced the Philippine sepak takraw squad and the national wrestling team in its arms. ``We have succeeded in attaining our goals for 2018. The program has brought home medals from different sports around the world,’’ said Go For Gold project director Ednalyn Hualda. ``Still, there are a lot of things that we have to work on to produce more top-caliber athletes.’’

Filipino wrestlers Margarito Angana, Michael Vijay Cater, Noel Norada, Luke Cruz, Minalyn Foy-os and Noemi Tener accounted for the six gold medals during the country’s campaign in the Southeast Asian Senior Wrestling Championships two months ago.

The PH sepak takraw team brought home one gold and three bronze medals from the world championships in Thailand. This was before two-time SEA Games gold medalist Nikko

Huelgas ruled the men’s elite category of the National Age Group Triathlon recently. ``We have partnered with the national sports associations of these athletes and teams as we continue to strive for excellence, especially that the Southeast Asian Games next year is looming on the horizon,’’ said Hualda.

Go also announced that the Go For Gold cycling squad has transformed into a continental team that will allow them to compete in more challenging races and set the stage for a possible stint in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Capping Go For Gold’s impressive year-round campaign for the national athletes was the rewarding performance of the Filipino grapplers in a continental meet in Singapore, where they seized two gold medals courtesy of Jhonny Morte and Alvin Lobreguito.

Besides these victories, the Pinoy wrestlers claimed three silver medals and a pair of bronzes through the efforts of the Ronil Tubog and Cadel Evance Hualda.

C1

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

Business

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

SWISS HOTELIER TO LEAD UPSCALE BORACAY RESORT

André Brulhart, general manager of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay

LOVE FOR SPORTS BUILDS WORLD-CLASS PH CHAIN

A

FILIPINO family’s love for sports has led to a thriving retail business that now has 64 outlets nationwide, including a flagship store spanning 1,000 square meters that has recently opened in the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

“I really believe that we are in a business that helps people,” Toby Claudio, president of Toby’s Sports, says in an interview at the P70-million flagship store along 5th Ave. across the Philippine Stock Exchange building.

Toby’s Sports, the leading multi-brand sports retailer in the Philippines, is the retail arm of the Quorum Group of Companies, established by Toby’s father, Roberto Claudio Sr. in 1978.

“My dad is still active and my uncles are also into sports. My dad was very passionate about tennis and that is how this business started. We started as a toy store but because he was so passionate about tennis, he converted into a sports store in 1980. When I was growing up, he would always ask me to play tennis, baseball or basketball,” says Toby who looks younger than his age of 44.

Toby, who became the president of Toby’s Sports seven years ago, keeps himself fit by working out every other day. He started as a tennis player before diversifying into other physical activities.

“I alternate from gym, running, road biking, mountain biking, golf and basketball. I started as a tennis player when I was young. For three years, I did triathlon. I finished two Iron Man races. I love swimming, biking and running,” says Toby, who also encourages his three young sons to take up sports.

Toby, who leads a team of 400 in the company, describes the flagship store at C1 Building on Bonifacio High Street Central as the ‘pinnacle of sport’. The two-story space houses a premium footwear, sports apparel and equipment from the world’s best brands. It features various zones

that create an experiential shopping experience including PlayZone, which doubles as a basketball court; LaunchZone which features the latest innovations from the top sports brands; Toby’s Custom Lab which offers apparel customization services; and Run Signature gait and running form analysis.

Toby says the flagship store is one of the first to feature a highly digital experience where customers can browse the retailer’s e-commerce website on large interactive walls in the store. It also uses RFID technology that allows customers to unlock virtual content by placing a shoe on a platform and browse all its specs and features via touchscreen.

“It has been a while since our flagship store at Glorietta closed in 2007,” Toby says, referring to the store that was affected by a huge explosion that rocked a portion of Glorietta 2 shopping mall in Makati City.

“We have been planning to open a new flagship and we are lucky we have the ideal location for it here in BGC. We built it to be as an epicenter for sports and an iconic retail destination,” he says.

“We did not cut any corners. We went to major cities around the world, looked at the best sports retails stores and flagships of other brands in New York, Tokyo, London. This is something that we should have here in the Philippines—a really world-class experiential store that harnesses the latest technology for retail and combines the online and offline shopping experience,” says Toby.

“We wanted to combine the experience to give customers flexibility and convenience. While they are home or in their office, they can shop online and then they can choose to collect it here in the flagship store which is centrally located. It is a lot faster and you get exactly what you want. You don’t have to guess if there is available stock in the store. It offers the best experience,” he says.

The flagship store has 30,000 products under 40 brands, including 20,000 shoes with different brands, models and colors.

Toby’s Sports, which is celebrating its 40th year in the business, carries more than 60,000 items from the world’s top sports brands and in-house brands that offer value-for-money. It operates 55 stores and an online store (www.tobys.com) which now accounts for 5 percent of total sales.

Aside from Toby ’s Sports, the Quorum Group also operates Runnr, a running specialty store; urbanAthletics, a cutting edge sneaker and street wear store; and Move, a fitness specialty store.

Toby says the group plans to build more flagship stores. “If this proves to be successful and it is doing great so far, we hope to build other flagship stores in major cities around the country,” he says.

“We decided to focus on the top sports, the ones played by Filipinos such as basketball, running, training.

We also carry merchandise for other sports like baseball, badminton, tennis, table tennis, swimming. We carry a

Toby’s Sports president Toby Claudio

wide range of products,” he says.

Toby says to cater to the needs of the young generation, Toby’s Sports is expanding its digital presence. “The growth of online shopping in the Philippines is really fast. Our biggest market is the youth. For a company that has been around for 40 years, we really make it a point to cater to the younger generation by constantly innovating and changing our store concept. I think we are one of the stores in the Philippines that renovates the most often. We always try to update our store look, our experience,” he says.

“There are so many foreign retailers coming into the country, but we really want to prove that Filipino retailers can come up with a worldclass store experience. Having seen some of the flagship stores in other countries, modesty aside, this store has really accomplished our goal to make a world-class store—something that can be a pinnacle shopping experience here. If you are visiting the Philippines, it is a must see,” says Toby.

Toby’s Sports is also open to franchising. “The key is working with franchise partners who really have a passion for business, passion for sports. We are lucky that many of our franchisees have been with us for a very long time. Our franchisees are very successful. It is a proven business model.

We have been franchising for more than 20 years already. Now that the brand is very strong at its Turn to C2

MÖVENPICK Hotels & Resorts has appointed André Brulhart as the new general manager of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay.

A Swiss national with three decades of hospitality management experience, André has worked with a series of leading brands. He has also spent more than 20 years in Thailand, heading up popular hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya.

Fluent in German, French and English, André is a graduate of the prestigious Swiss hotel school, École Hôtelière de Lausanne. Having completed his management training with Mandarin Oriental, he entered the hospitality industry with Hilton, working at hotels in Hong Kong, Hawaii and Indonesia.

André later held senior management roles at leading Thai hotels including The Regent Bangkok, The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Plaza Athénée Bangkok and Le Royal Méridien Phuket Yacht Club, prior to joining Centara in 2005 at the then Sofitel Centara Grand CentralPlaza Bangkok. He also spent time in Vietnam with the famed Sofitel Metropole Hanoi.

“We are delighted to welcome André to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, with his expert knowledge of the Asia Pacific region and lifetime of experience managing high-end resorts, André is the perfect person to lead this exceptional property,” said Gerard Hotelier, vice president of operations for Asia.

“Mövenpick Resor t & Spa Boracay is one of the island’s top international resorts with a strong reputation and loyal customer base.

André’s deep passion for hospitality, impeccable attention to detail and exceptional leadership skills will ensure that all guests continue to enjoy incredible experiences in Boracay,” he said.

André’s impressive career now enters an exciting new chapter as he moves to the Philippines to become GM of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay. Nestled in tropical gardens and with its own private beach, this stylish resort features 312 rooms and suites, seven restaurants and bars and Boracays largest multi-level pool of 3300 square meters, plus an array of upscale amenities for a wide range of guests, from honeymooners to families.

“I am extremely excited to take on this new challenge with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Boracay is an idyllic island destination that is already a firm favourite with domestic visitors and becoming increasingly popular with international travellers,” said Brulhart.

“I look forward to working with the team at the resort to offer Mövenpick’s world-famous Swiss hospitality to all our guests,” he said.

OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT SPARKS LIGHT FOR MARANAOS THIS CHRISTMAS THE war-torn city of Marawi has started to emerge from the dark, a year after terrorists fled and left its residents in a state of uncertainty. And this Christmas season, the outpouring of support from both the private and public sector brings nothing but a ray of hope and a brighter future ahead.

They were literally in the dark then. The conflict left the entire city with damaged electric poles and all their transformers stolen. Thanks to the reenergization initiatives of AboitizPower through subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Company and Cotabato Light and Power Company, electricity in the city is gradually being restored.

The power companies donated distribution transformers, wooden poles, and electrical equipment and supplies to Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, the local electric cooperative covering Marawi.

The Aboitiz Group donated P5.6 million worth of transformers, electric poles, wirings and supplies to Lasureco in two tranches—on Feb. 12 and Nov. 8 this year—amid efforts to restore the city’s power supply.

“Lasureco was down until Davao Light came along with the donation. We are now slowly able to get back [up],” Lasureco chief of operations Abdul Aziz Datu said. Today, at least 42 barangays and temporary shelters in Marawi are bound to celebrate Christmas more comfortably.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the agency, together with the private sector, would continue to support the people of Marawi on their journey toward recovery, committing to work tirelessly until the energy supply in the area once again becomes reliable, stable, and sustainable.

“We did not abandon Marawi, we will never abandon Marawi, and we will continue doing the rehabilitation of Marawi,” Cusi said.

Cusi led the ceremonial switching of electrical service to six coastal towns in the province of Lanao del Sur and the turnover of 200 energy-efficient electric tricycles to the local government to help generate jobs for residents early this year.

Among the 200,000 displaced residents is Riza Lagumbay, a mother of three who was able to escape the conflict. She and her family are temporarily seeking refuge at the Sarimanok Tent City in Marawi as they await the reconstruction of their homes.

“The electricity provides our lives with some comfort,” she said, adding how thankful she is that power is now available at the evacuation center, making this holiday a little brighter.

Business

C2

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

AMAIA STEPS SELLS OUT 2 BUILDINGS UPON the success of the first two buildings of Amaia Steps Pasig, it now prepares to launch its newest building, Blanca, in early 2019.

This positive development encouraged property developer Amaia Land Corp. to push its goal of providing quality yet affordable condo living to more residents in the metro.

Amaia Steps Pasig sold a total of 220 units in its Aria building and another 122 units in its Esperanza building. The new Amaia Steps Pasig Blanca will start construction in the first quarter of 2019, with a target turnover period in June 2021.

Located at Eusebio St. in Barangay San Miguel, Amaia Steps Pasig Blanca is a mid-rise condominium with support retail shops in the sprawling residential landscape of Pasig City. It will best exemplify contemporary living in its spacious and sleekly designed studio, de luxe and premier units.

The property’s recreational facilities will feature a swimming pool, a courtyard garden, a children’s play area, jogging path and a clubhouse which were completed in the early half of 2018.

Amaia Steps Pasig Blanca will be easily accessed from major roads and will be less than six kilometers from the Ortigas business sistrict and four kilometers from C5 Road suitable for working professionals such as engineers, accountants, consultants, officers and call center agents.

The mid-rise condo will be near retail establishments such as Tiendesitas, SM Supercenter Pasig, Robinsons Galleria and Pasig Public Market, as well as educational institutions, hospitals and restaurants.

Transportation will readily be available as shuttle services, jeepneys, tricycles, and ferries abound in the area.

TECHNOLUX ORGANIZES LAUNDRY BUSINESS SERIES TECHOLUX successfully held its latest business series on the profitability of investing in self-service, coin-operated laundry.

The event, which was held at Mall of Kitchens, was attended by entrepreneurs and businessmen from Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The company’s sales and technical team presented the advantages of owning a laundry, return on investment and the features of IPSO—the equipment that is offered in this new business initiative.

Special guests and Technolux partners included Isla LPG Solane account manager Reegie Neri, who discussed services like layout and installation; Jovelyn Espinosa, product manager of Chemlux Inc. the supplier of laundry chemicals and chemical dispenser; and Emerson Galvez chief executive and Neilgene Jose, vice president of NS Laundry Services, contractor and sub-dealer who provides technical assistance and contractor services to all business packages.

Technolux’s bank partner UCPB sent its representative, assistant manager James Patrick Aliviado who discussed how they can help clients with limited capital through bank financing and personal and business loans.

Technolux offers different ways to get into the coin-operated laundry enterprise.

Clients can simply purchase individual IPSO/Primus washers and dryers so they can start their own business by themselves or they can choose from different packages for a turn-key business.

Te c h n o l u x c l i e n t s c a n e x p e c t comprehensive support, hauling and delivery of machines, installation and commissioning, inspecting sites, advising clients on design and layout of the space, supervising construction and staff training.

LOVE... From C1 40th year, it is a good opportunity to expand. There are so many new developing markets, developing cities that we are getting into,” he says.

Toby says despite the intensifying competition with the arrival of large foreign retailers, Toby’s Sports is doing well. “We have a great year this year.

It is a great indication of the growing consciousness of Filipinos that believe that staying active and fit is important.

Our company motto is to help Filipinos become champions in sports and in life. Our mission is to get more people into sports, get them to adopt healthy and active lifestyle. The whole reason we spend so much in creating nice stores is to inspire people to play,” he says.

Toby’s Sports posted more than P1 billion in sales in 2017, and growth this year is in the vicinity of 15 percent. “It is faster than the average for retail industry which is about 5 percent,” says Toby, who first worked as a management trainee and later as brand manager for Selecta, before joining the family business.

“We think that there is still a lot of growth in the Philippines and we want to protect our market share. We have a mission to help Filipinos. I am really grateful to be in this business,” says Toby. Roderick T. dela Cruz

J

JOLLIBEE CEMENTS STATUS AS MOST AWARDED BRAND

OLLIBEE remains the most awarded quick service restaurant in the country this year with its industry-leading marketing campaigns that have won the approval of experts and audiences from around the world. The fast-food chain has garnered more than 50 major recognitions from prestigious award-giving bodies in the country and abroad.

Reaping the most awards and recognitions for the country’s leading fast-food chain is its game changing brand love campaign with creative agenc y M cCann Wor ld Group Philippines, the #KwentongJollibee Valentine Series which captured millions of hearts when it was launched in February 2017.

The trilogy that encouraged viewers to celebrate the joy of love with the now iconic “Vow”, “Crush” and “Date’ stories remains one of the most viral campaigns in recent history and started the trend of heartfelt brand stories told in long form videos in the Philippines.

It was one of the campaigns which shone brightest at the 2018 APAC Effie Awards in Singapore as Jollibee went home with 2 golds, 1 silver and 2 bronze trophies. The brand also bested other companies from all over Asia to win Brand of the Year (2nd place) and Marketer of the Year (3rd place) awards.

The Effie Awards recognizes the region’s most outstanding marketing communication works that brought results in meeting strategic objectives.

Kwentong Jollibee also received the bronze recognition for Tangrams Effectiveness at Spikes Asia 2018 for its innovative digital marketing strategy that stood above the rest of Asia Pacific brands.

The Tangrams is headed by a panel of top client and agency professionals who review campaigns that have transformed businesses and brands.

The campaign was shortlisted as one of the best for having driven results in Asia at the WARC Prize for Asian Strategy. Moreover, it was also one of only three campaign finalists from the Philippines at the New York Festivals International Advertising Awards 2018,

earning a shortlist spot in the Creative Marketing Effectiveness category.

At the 2018 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards, the brand went home with several more top awards led by its 2 golds and 1 bronze for outstanding brand storytelling for Kwentong Jollibee. Its other campaigns such as the Grandparents’ Day IMC and Jolly Spaghetti advocacy campaign also managed to score gold and silver metals, respectively. At the 2018 Kidlat Awards, Jollibee took home a silver for its record-breaking “Vow” and bronze for the rest of the videos under the Valentine trilogy.

The brand’s winning streak for its Valentine series continues with its 2018 lineup— “Homecoming”, “Signs”, and “Status”—taking the spotlight during the YouTube Ads Leaderboard Philippines in the first semester of 2018.

All three videos, along with the Alex Wassabi for Jolly Crispy Fries, made it to the list of the most watched YouTube ads in the country during the period.

This is the first time in the history of the YouTube Philippines Leaderboard that a brand dominated their semesterly ranking by claiming four out of the ten spots.

Jollibee also launched various online thematic campaigns that put the spotlight on its flagship products and other delicious food offerings, as well as engaging PR campaigns, events and activations that resulted in sustained brand buzz. Among these are the Jollibee Chickenjoy Perfect Pairs Campaign, Yes to Jollibee Burger Steak with Anne Curtis, The Return of the Choco Mallow Pie and the Jollibee Family Values Awards, among others, which contributed to Jollibee’s great

Jollibee chief marketing officer Francis Flores

haul of metals from the PR industry’s top award-giving bodies such as the Anvil and Philippine Quill Awards.

“For us in Jollibee, we always want to create campaigns that are relevant and engaging for our market. We are constantly thinking outside of the box and challenging ourselves to deliver unforgettable and effective digital marketing and PR campaigns that will help further drive sales and foster brand love,”said Francis Flores, Jollibee’s brand chief marketing officer and PH Marketing Head. “We share the international recognitions that we have received with the Filipinos who love the brand. These awards are a proof that the Philippines can indeed compete with foreign brands when it comes to world class advertising, PR and marketing.”

For his tireless efforts to steer the well-loved Filipino brand to global prominence, Flores himself was recognized by Campaign Asia as one of the 50 Most Influential Brand Marketers in the Asia Pacific region. The first-ever list drawn up

by Campaign Asia’s editorial team honors the region’s best marketers for adapting and taking advantage of the digitization of their customer experience and sales models using

connected channels, to reach a loyal base and deliver a strong brand purpose. Flores is the only Filipino to be included in the so-called Asia Pacific Power List of 2018.

The Campaign Asia write-up on Flores reads: “This was a great year for Jollibee, as the Filipino chain continues to evolve into a truly global brand. Opening its first European venues in Italy and the UK, and sweeping up awards at events such as the APAC Effies were just a few noteworthy touchstones. Jollibee’s success is no sudden lightning bolt, however, but the culmination of more than a decade of work by its CMO, Francis Flores.”

“For many Filipinos, Jollibee isn’t just a fast-food chain. Controlling over half the market, it is intrinsically part of the community, and Flores has doubled down on this identity, championing campaigns that put a focus on warm hearts rather than hungry bellies. Events under Flores’ stewardship, such as the Jollibee Family Values Awards [now in its eight year] have helped humanize the chain but it is the social-media dominating Kwentong Jollibee online video series of 2017-2018 that has been Flores’ absolute triumph,” the citation read.

PH FINTECH COMPANY SELECTED TO JOIN GLOBAL ENDEAVOR NETWORK FIRST Circle, the Philippine-based fintech firm dedicated to support small and medium enterprises, has been selected among thousands of high-impact companies to join the prestigious global Endeavor network leading high-impact entrepreneurship movement around the world.

Endeavor aims to identify innovative and driven entrepreneurs from across the world who are committed to building big businesses that have a positive economic impact. The global organization has screened more than 80,000 businesses from 33 markets worldwide to date.

The International Selection Panel held in Stellenbosch, South Africa on Dec. 11 to 13 is the culmination of a rigorous multi-step selection process to identify innovative and driven

entrepreneurs who are committed to advancing an ecosystem of entrepreneurship.

Among the 25 high-impact entrepreneurs selected in the global panel hosted by Endeavor South Africa are Irish co-founders Patrick Lynch and Tony Ennis who started First Circle in the Philippines where SMEs comprise 99.6 percent of businesses, but rarely grow due to inadequate financing.

First Circle is closing the $50-billion financing gap by providing SMEs with working capital through a fintech platform that can approve and disburse unsecured loans in as little as five days.

Through its automated loan application process, First Circle is able to efficiently and accurately analyze credit risk, originating $10 million monthly to almost 400 clients at a 1-percent default rate.

Top business leaders and investors from around the globe — drawn from Endeavor’s network of board members, mentors and supporters, and experienced Endeavor Entrepreneurs — served as panelists at the Stellenbosch event, evaluating them on their potential for high-impact growth, and deliberating on which candidates should be selected to become Endeavor Entrepreneurs.

Selected Endeavor entrepreneurs gain access to comprehensive customized services, including introductions to local and international business mentors and volunteers from Fortune 500 consulting firms who will help them address key needs.

Endeavor now supports 1,793 entrepreneurs leading 1,124 companies in 33 markets around the world.

ECONOMISTS, BUSINESS LEADERS EXAMINE PH ECONOMIC PROSPECTS THOUGHT leaders from government, the academe and industry examined the Philippine economic outlook for 2019 in the Pilipinas Conference organized by independent think tank Stratbase ADR Institute in Makati City.

Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase ADRi said: “A balance between strategic engagement and strategic retreat is imperative for managing the economy and steering the country’s development.

In short, state-market synergy is key to address the primordial concern of a developing nation like the Philippines.”

“Poverty reduction and labor expansion should be prioritized to demonstrate the presence of inclusive growth. The volatile growth of the manufacturing sector in relation with the service sector reveals an indeterminate improvement for labor. In turn, poverty reduction cannot simply be addressed through dole-outs. Reducing poverty undeniably necessitates both political and economic reforms”, Manhit said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in his keynote speech “reforms have helped

propelled the economy to an impressive streak of 79 consecutive quarters of uninterrupted growth.” “ That means 19 years and three quarters since the first quarter of 1999.

Moreover, the structural reforms have been translated into higher potential

output for the economy,” he said.

“Our estimates show that potential output growth has been rising, averaging 6 percent for the period 2010 to 2017.

So the talk about the large output gap is without basis. Our output gap is either a small positive or a small negative. So, the issues about overheating is quite misplaced,” Guinigundo said.

Calixto Chikiamco, president of Foundation for Economic Freedom said that the country failed to achieve its target of reducing poverty incidence to 17.2 percent by 2015 and instead hit 21.5 percent.

“The slowdown in overseas Filipino workers remittance growth, innovations to business process outsourcing sector, import growth far outpacing export growth, and declining Government International Reserves are among the challenges of rising current account and trade deficit,” Chikiamco said.

Dr. Raul Fabella, professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines School of Economics compared economic growth as the “new normal versus old normal” and said that the Philippines experienced an

average GDP growth rate of 4.8 percent in the past 8 years and only 4 percent in the last three decades where growth of services exceeded that of manufacturing.

He observed that in the second year of Duterte administration, growth in manufacturing slowed down and hoped that this won’t persist as manufacturing is relatively linked to poverty reduction.

“Inclusion as poverty reduction fares better when manufacturing growth exceeds services growth in low-income countries,” Fabella said.

George Barcelon, chairman of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “Government must be consistent of the law in order to entice conglomerates. Basically, improving infrastructure and providing a blueprint to go outside of Metro Manila, for example, the New Clark City.”

“What the country needs is to uplift the SMEs. Ease of doing business, power facilities can help SMEs to propel the growth of countries. Government should focus on both education and skills training, which is crucial for economic growth and what causes us for being uncompetitive,” Barcelon said.

Tech & Gadgets

XIAOMI’S POWERFUL NEW FLAGSHIP MI MIX 3 NOW IN PH

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LOBAL technology leader Xiaomi revealed that its premium flagship Mi MIX 3 smartphone will be available in the Philippines for P29,990.

The Mi MIX 3 will come in Sapphire Blue, Emerald Green, and Onyx Black with the 6GB + 128GB variant.

Mi Authorized Stores started selling the Mi MIX 3 last Dec. 19, while Lazada began accepting pre-orders for its Dec. 21, 2018 sale.

Customers who will purchase the devices at Mi Authorized Stores will get cool eco-products and t-shirts. First 20 customers will get earphones while the rest get power banks. On the 20th, customers who will pre-order at the Mi Authorized Stores will get Mi Casual Daypacks. Meanwhile, those who will pre-order on Lazada should stay tuned for special surprises.

“Xiaomi has constantly pushed boundaries in technology and art. As we launch the Mi MIX 3 in the Philippines, we are continuing the tradition of building innovative devices that exceed people’s expectations of what a smartphone should be,” said John Chen, Regional Director for Southeast Asia.

Patented magnetic slider and ultimate full screen display experience Mi MIX 3 is the newest device in the company’s award-winning Mi MIX series. It merges technology and art, sports a beautiful ceramic back, and has an extreme 6.39” full screen display made possible by an innovative magnetic slider design.

Mi MIX 3’s patented slider incorporates neodymium magnets that have been carefully calibrated. Once the screen is pushed down, the magnetic mechanism immediately kicks in and finishes the opening in a snap with just the right amount of force. Xiaomi has dedicated substantial resources to the production process to ensure the slider has a life expectancy of 300,000 cycles in lab tests.

The slider design not only creates space for front cameras and antenna, but also allows for the maximum full-screen display. Mi MIX 3 employs a 6.39-inch, 2340 x 1080-pixel FHD+ Samsung AMOLED display with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. Its bezels have been further reduced from the its predecessor to achieve an extremely high

The Mi MIX 3 will come in Sapphire Blue, Emerald Green, and Onyx Black with the 6GB + 128GB variant.

screen-to-body ratio.

The full-screen slider is fully customizable.

Users can slide open the phone to answer calls or customize it to launch different functions.

Additionally, there is a special in-game function for the slider, allowing users to access screen capture, screen recorder, or hide notifications during gaming sessions.

World-class photography rated 108 by DxOMark Mi MIX 3 features a 12MP + 12MP rear dual camera that uses the same sensors as Mi 8. To further improve low-light performance, Xiaomi introduced a steady handheld night photography mode in Mi MIX 3, bundling various useful software features. Coupled with the rear camera’s 4-axis OIS, Mi MIX 3 is Xiaomi’s best smartphone for low-light photos to date. The rear dual camera also features 4K video recording and 960 fps slow-motion video capture.

The 24MP + 2MP front module sports a Sony IMX576 main sensor that can capture more details than ever before. In low-light conditions, the sensor uses Super Pixel technology to combine the information of four pixels into one

1.8µm large pixel, greatly improving clarity. The secondary 2M sensor captures depth information to facilitate an AI bokeh effect.

With these enhancements, Mi MIX 3 achieved a DxOMark photo score of 108, ranking among the world’s best smartphones for photography.

Beautiful ceramic back, dedicated AI button, and wireless charging Mi MIX 3 continues the series’ tradition of using unique materials with artistic design, adding a new Sapphire Blue version inspired

by Chinese ceramic crafts. These ceramic pieces are renowned for their beauty and were meticulously made using a complex production process with very precise temperature control.

For the first time, Xiaomi added a dedicated AI button to the left side of the phone. Users can wake Google Assistant by holding the AI button and customize one-click and double-click to perform different functions. Mi MIX 3 also supports Qi standard wireless charging and comes with a 10W wireless charger.

For additional information about Xiaomi, visit: http://blog.mi.com/en/

GET UTMOST PRODUCTIVITY WITH HP SCANJET NETWORK SCANNER IN MOST medium- and large-scale enterprises, document scanning can be a tedious and tiring chore especially with the everyday volume of materials that a department or the entire office needs to capture and share or store on digital file.

Recognizing how much company time and resources are wasted on slow scanning processes, HP introduces its Scanjet Enterprise Flow N9120 fn2 Document Scanner to help fast track and secure scanning jobs, to make office work more productive.

The HP network scanner’s 200-page automatic document feeder can handle large volumes at amazing speeds of up to 120 ppm/240 ipm or up to 20,000 pages per day. An 8-inch touch control panel with full pull-out keyboard enables users to conveniently and directly manage scanning jobs.

For basic scanning tasks, the HP Scanjet can be connected to any computer through standard interface or linked through built-in network for high-performance digital sending with a 600 ppi scan resolution. Using an embedded optical character recognition, the Document

The HP Scanjet can integrate workflow solutions as it simplifies complex scans and automatically enhances images as it scans to the cloud and other destinations. A full suite of feature rich software also captures and organizes documents, business cards and other files.

As the world’s most secure scanning device, the HP Scanjet boasts of the HP FutureSmart firmware, a powerful operating system that enables the network scanner to have the latest security enhancements, mobile device connectivity, or workflow features through periodic upgrading. A firmware architecture also allows the HP FutureSmart to be scaled across different devices for consistent, intuitive control panels, menus, messages, and features while a 500GB HP High-Performance Secure Hard Disk helps Boost office productivity and document keep sensitive data safe. security with the world’s most secure Accelerate your business forward by getscanning device, the HP Scanjet Enterprise ting the most out of office productivity. Speed Flow N9120 fn2 Document Scanner. up network scanning while keeping digital files Scanner can also easily and quickly transfer secured with the HP Scanjet Enterprise Flow scans into editable text, encrypted PDF files, or N9120 fn2 Document Scanner. For more details, other file formats. contact the nearest HP reseller today.

DISCOVERY HOTELS & RESORTS TAKE DIGITAL LEAD WITH CHATBOT ALREADY the leading homegrown luxury hotel group in the Philippines, The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc. is again taking a step further in digital transformation and customer service, with the introduction of the revolutionary auto-agent chatbot.

This makes TLDCI the first homegrown hotel group in the country to utilize on-page AI technology as part of its award-winning customer service program.

Auto-Agent, an automated website chatbot created to help hoteliers provide an elevated quality service 24/7, is already being utilized in hotels abroad. Powered by Triptease, a UK-based tech solutions company that empowers hotels to recapture guest relationships from Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and increase direct bookings. Guests can therefore expect immediate, high quality responses when chatting online, even when hotel staff are engaged or are not immediately available.

“Here at the Discovery Leisure Company, we’ve always believed that complementary

Auto-Agent, an automated website chatbot, helps hoteliers provide an elevated quality service 24/7.

to our superb, personalized service is the utilization of the latest technologies available,” says Blessy Townes, Group Director, Digital Marketing, TDLCI. “As such, we always keep abreast of the latest trends in the global hotel and hospitality industry.”

TDLCI is a proud pioneer among local hotels in the digital marketing space with

its successful Independence Day Sale, Black Friday and 11.11 online promotional initiatives. In recognition of this, Townes has been invited as speaker at the Digital Travel Asia-Pacific and Direct Booking Summit Asia-Pacific, in Singapore next year. Both events will gather various hoteliers from the region to share their expertise and learn from other experts in the industry.

“The roll-out of the Auto-Agent chatbot service as part of our progressive digital transformation will truly take our already superior brand of service to a whole new level, providing for a great Customer Experience (CX) like never before,”says Townes.

The Auto-Agent chatbot will be available on Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise Palawan, Discovery Suites, and Discovery Primea websites.

Blessy Townes, TDLCI Group Director, Digital Marketing

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

MAPUA UPHOLDS DIGITAL EDUCATION ADDING to its massive efforts in implementing online education, Mapúa University had launched a new teaching-learning innovation called the STEM Teach Mapúa, which provides free online teaching enhancement trainings for Senior High School teachers.

STEM Teach Mapúa offers online courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Statistics subjects to enhance expertise of teachers under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand of the senior high school education. Each course is equivalent to 24 hours of contact time of face-to-face session. A total of 447 teachers from various schools nationwide participated the training.

Cosponsored by energy company PetroEnergy Resources Corporation, the program ran from Nov. 17 to Dec. 12. STEM Teach Mapúa’s orientation was held last Nov. 16, while awarding of certificates to participants was held on Dec. 15 at the Mapúa Intramuros campus.

Utilizing the University’s digital learning technologies, Mapúa used Blackboard Learn, a learning management system, to deliver the trainings online. Cengage and Wiley’s Coursewares, namely Mindtap and WileyPLUS, were made available to the participants throughout the duration of the training.

Participants of STEM Teach were also given access to the electronic databases of learning materials and video lectures in these online platforms.

Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs of the Department of Education , gave his message to the participants of STEM Teach in the awarding ceremony.

Mapúa University has been a partner school of DepEd’s Adopt-ASchool project, providing academic extension activities in public schools like technopreneurship seminars, lectures, review sessions, and school building outreach programs, etc.

Mapúa and DepEd had a Memorandum of Agreement exchange during the STEM Teach orientation for its continuing partnership for education.

With its partnership strengthened by the new MOA, the University intends to continue its efforts in imparting new knowledge and technological skills to students and teachers of other learning institutions.

The launch of STEM Teach Mapúa is an addition to the University’s efforts in addressing concerns in the education sector. In 2006, Mapúa University has pioneered in the country the adoption of the outcomesbased education, a learner-centered approach requiring students to validate their knowledge through measurable outcomes, leading to several of its programs’ accreditation from the United States-based ABET (www. abet.org) two years later.

INDOOR...

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than 100 countries globally and is used in transportation hubs, shopping malls, stadiums, schools, hotels, offices and many other indoor scenarios.

The two top real-estate developers in China, SOHO China and Wanda have deployed DIS and indoor digital services in their homes, offices and shopping malls, and this has been received well by their customers. The sales and rental of their properties are among the highest in the industry, and their digital homes are also among the most occupied. Nowadays, prospective buyers of properties are looking at the quality of indoor mobile network as one of their top priorities. Due to this sentiment, real estate developers have been more proactive in reserving space in their building design to accommodate the communication equipment needed for a DIS. Real estate developers also even lay out the cables needed throughout the buildings for DIS and lowered their indoor rental space for DIS equipment operators to encourage them to build DIS in the real estate projects.

The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in the region with a fast growing middle class that has a high purchasing power and keen aspiration to own a place they can call home. More and more high rise buildings for residential and commercial purposes are being built and will be built across the country. As of now, only around 10% of buildings have dedicated indoor network coverage and less than 1% are digitized. Although the proportion of DIS is very low, it is encouraging to see that operators and some building owners has taken action to make changes to their indoor coverage network, and we all look forward to a future that is enabled and enhanced by indoor digitization.

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TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

NOKIA 106: SIMPLE BUT ESSENTIAL MOBILE EXPERIENCE H

MD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announced today the availability of the Nokia 106 in the Philippines.

The Nokia 106 is a handy feature phone that offers incredible battery life at a great price.

“Committed to offering only premium mobile experience, we make sure that we address diverse consumer needs. The Nokia Android-powered smartphones that we have recently launched and today’s highlight, the Nokia 106, are designed for markets of different styles and demands yet keep the same reliable quality that Nokia mobile is known for,” said Shannon Mead, country manager for the Philippines, HMD Global. “This handy feature phone is specially made for those who are looking for a secondary phone or a more simplistic mobile experience with only the everyday essentials of text and calls.”

Simply essential from sunrise to sunset The Nokia 106 features an incredible

battery life of up to 15.7 hours talk time and 21 days standby time, enabling fans to talk from sunrise to sunset on a single charge. Promoting a user-friendly experience, the Nokia 106 can also be powered through a standard and microUSB charger.

The Nokia 106 brings an iconic Nokia feature phone design in a tough polycarbonate body. Its inherent colouring means the colour runs through the material, making scratches less detectable. Thanks to the contoured design, the Nokia 106 fits perfectly in the hand. The carefully considered spacing between each button on the keypad also makes dialling and texting easy even in the dark.

Featuring everyday essentials, the Nokia 106 has the space to hold up to 2,000 contacts and store up to 500 messages. It also comes with an LED torch, an FM radio and the classic Snake Xenzia game for longer fun moments with friends or family.

The Nokia 106 is available in Dark Grey for P890 online and in-store at any authorized Nokia mobile resellers and Nokia mobile -branded stores, kiosks and exhibits nationwide.

Nokia 106

ACER PRODUCTS NOW ON SHOPEE Christmas shopping at https://shopee.ph/acerONLINE shopping has definitely changed philippines our buying habits. We no longer Acer and Predator products available at need to actually go to a Shopee are: physical store and buy what we want Laptops or need.

Acer ES, Acer Nitro 5, Acer Aspire 3, Acer AsIt allows you to pire E5, Acer Aspire S13, Acer Swift 3, Acer Swift do it right in the 5, Acer Swift 7, Acer Aspire VX15, Predator Triton comfort of your 700, Predator Helios 300, Predator Helios 500 home or wherever you may be at Monitors the moment.

Acer R1, Acer EB2, Acer KA, Acer S2 Smart shoppers know where Projectors Acer C200, Acer X118, Acer X1123H, to go when they Acer X1126H, Acer X127H, Acer X1226H, want a hassle-free Acer X1326WH, Acer H7550ST, Acer P5330W, shopping experience Acer P6200, Acer S1386WHn, Acer P5530, and great deals.

Acer P5515, Acer U5313W, Acer U5320W, Online stores with Acer P6500 mobile apps like Acer Nitro 5 Shopee have definitely made shopping more convenient—no more long lines and definitely, no more traffic!

This holiday season, many brands are making their products and best deals more available online earlier too.

Acer recently launched its partnership with Shopee to make its laptops, monitors, and projectors easier to purchase. All you need Acer X118 to do is download the Shopee app now and search for Acer PhilipFor more information on pines to enjoy their exthe promo, visit Acer Philippines clusive deals and shop online: hassle-free. With the Facebook—@AcerPH new partnership, Acer Instagram—@acerph offers up to 30% off on Twitter—@acerphils their products.

Website —www.

Take the smart move acer.com.ph and check out Acer on Founded in 1976, Shopee now for a hassle-free Acer is now one of the world’s Acer Aspire ES14

Acer EB2

top ICT companies and has a presence in over 160 countries. As Acer looks into the future, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will fuse with one another to open up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. From serviceoriented technologies to the Internet of Things to gaming and virtual reality, Acer’s 7,000+ employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

Acer X1126H

HOW VIRTUAL TECHNOLOGY CHANGES GAME FOR PH MUSEUMS VIRTUAL reality is one of the most exciting advancements of our time. It can transport people with no barriers in time or space, and make learning more fun and engaging. Thanks to VR, Filipinos can now experience and explore history through immersive storytelling tools that are optimized to what the younger generation is looking for.

In collaboration with VR content provider I AM Cardboard Philippines (IAC PH), Ayala Museum was able to launch two virtual reality dioramas that depicted significant events in Philippine history. By merging technology and history, these organizations have successfully harnessed the true power of VR – moving people by telling compelling stories.

“Virtual reality presents great opportunities to the world of museums, galleries, and archives. Using it as a tool to tell stories can really entice the younger generation to visit museums more and learn our history in an immersive way. We’ve partnered with Ayala Museum again on another virtual reality diorama, and we’re hoping for more industries, not just museums, to embrace this kind of technology,” Ibba Rasul, CEO of IAC PH shared.

Since the launch of the two dioramas, Ayala Museum has recorded a notable increase in foot traffic in their museum. More Filipinos have been attracted to go out of their homes and take on a virtual reality tour. VR, according to IAC PH, does not aim to lessen or replace real-life experiences. Its goal is to enhance and add context to the stories. VR fosters curiosity among audiences, which then inspires them to seek more information after seeing and experiencing this technology in museums.

“We are giving our Filipino museum-goers a whole new perspective as to how these important events in our history have transpired by putting them in the shoes of these remarkable figures.

We want to enable them to have deeper connections with our exhibits and we have achieved that by using technology and innovation, specifically virtual reality, as a tool,” said Ms. Mariles Gustilo, Senior Director, Arts & Culture of Ayala Museum.

Being always at the forefront of innovation, Ayala Museum recognizes the importance of technology in enhancing the traditional museum experience, and how it can give a different flavor to heighten the curiosity of Filipinos in learning history and art.

Ayala Museum is continuously pushing the boundaries of the role of Philippine museums by embracing and utilizing Virtual Reality in their dioramas.

INDOOR DIGITATION HELPS TRANSFORM LIVES IN PH COMMUNICATION has been present since the beginning of humanity and played an important part in human history development in relation to spreading knowledge and information. In ancient times, people communicate through simple language, paintings, smoke signals and etc.

Technology has brought forward a fundamental change to our communication medium and methods. Smartphones are now a staple, and apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Viber, and others have further disrupted the way we do things, allowing us to communicate, work, play and go about our daily routine.

Always ON Communication, as with water and electricity, has become an indispensable part of our daily lives.

Statistics have shown that more than 70% of mobile communications are done in an indoor scenario. As the number of 4G/5G services continue to increase, coupled with the industry’s ever expanding reach, more and more communications are expected to happen indoors, with a projected increase of up to 80% to 90% of all mobile communications.

In a high-rise building or in a large shopping mall, due to the limited mobile signal penetration from outdoor mobile networks

to indoor buildings, users will sometimes encounter challenges with connection due to weak or non-existent signal in some areas.

Consequently, the ability to make calls and access the internet will be unavailable. This then causes anxiety among users over the inability to be in touch, with the possibility of missing important information and opportunities, and even more in the case of emergencies.

All the reasons above signify the importance of indoor network coverage for availability to communicate anytime, anywhere and is a part of basic security and social needs of the general public.

Indoor Digitization Bringing Intelligent Experience to People’s Lives With the development of mobile internet and wireless communication, new services such as precise indoor positioning, indoor navigation and big data analysis will be the next trend in property development, and the digitization of indoor mobile networks has the ability to provide these diversified services.

An example would be Beijing Wangfujing Shopping Center, which deployed an indoor “Smart Shopping Mall”, which enables the mall manager to monitor realtime customer location by generating a heat map of the shopping mall customers.

Technology has brought forward a fundamental change to our communication medium and methods.

The mall can utilize the real-time customer flow information for useful purposes such as real-time security alerts, which can also be obtained through a dedicated app.

Based on historical data, the mall management is able to pinpoint the areas with highest foot traffic where they can conduct marketing activities and mall events.

Another example is to have a dynamic rental system based on the customer foot traffic in the mall. Mall management also can utilize the data available to increase the foot traffic in historically less popular area of the mall by providing value added services such as real-time push of preferred advertisement by retail stores. Customers

can also view promos or discounts available throughout the retails stores through the mall app, getting the information and realtime navigation to a particular store, retail shop ranking and popularity to have an enjoyable, easy shopping experience.

Indoor digitization will usher in the age of smart shopping malls, smart gymnasium, smart hospitals, smart parks and so much more intelligent building and structures to make people’s lives smarter, easier and more enjoyable.

This is something that major retail spaces in the Philippines such as Ayala Malls, SM Malls, and Robinsons Malls, five-star hotels, airports, and office buildings should take into consideration in order to provide a better indoor digital experience to the public.

Indoor Digital System are Widely Deployed Worldwide and in New Build Buildings The Digital Indoor System (DIS) has been a highly innovative indoor coverage solution for the 4G era in the past five years. These solutions, which incorporate an active digital head-end, digital oriented cable and a visualized operations and maintenance have been widely recognized worldwide.

Today, DIS has been deployed in more Turn to C3

Destinations D1

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

H O M E

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

IS WHERE YOU CAN COOK, WASH YOUR CLOTHES

HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Apartment hotel brand Citadines Bay City Manila's One-Bedroom Premier units come with a separate living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washer-dryer unit, allowing guests to truly feel at home.

By Bernadette Lunas

S

ERVICED residences brand Citadines further expands its reach in the Philippines with the opening of its latest property in Bay City Manila (formerly Manila Bay Freeport Zone) in Pasay City.

The Ascott Limited apartment hotel brand caters to short-stay and long-stay—as in 30 days and above—guests looking for a place that offers the same services and amenities of a hotel but with additional facilities such as a washer-dryer and fully equipped kitchen in the room.

“Whatever you find in a hotel, we have here,” Ascott Ltd. Philippines country general manager Daniel Wee said during an intimate press conference at the soft opening of the third Citadines brand in the country on Nov. 28.

He continued, “There’s a washer-dryer and kitchenette in the rooms. You can cook here.

In fact, some families stay here to host family gatherings and cook in the room.”

Citadines first opened in Salcedo, Makati, followed by Citadines Millennium Ortigas.

Although serviced apartments primarily cater to long-stay guests, Citadines, according to residence manager Rennan John Reyes, is designed mainly for short-stays.

“The ratio is about 70:30—70 percent of our guests stay for short term, while 30 percent for long term,” said Reyes, adding that they expect short-stay guests to account for 80 percent of bookings during the first few months of its opening.

Hence, of Bay City’s 212 rooms, 146 are 32-square-meter Studio Deluxe units suitable for solo travelers or couples. Each unit comes with either a queen-size bed or two twin beds.

“About 30 percent of our rooms are designed for extended stays,” said Reyes.

Fourteen units are allotted for Studio Premier, which are ideal for long-stay guests as each room comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a queen-size bed. The 32-square-meter unit can accommodate up to two persons.

Families or guests who want more space may opt to stay in one of the 52 One-Bedroom Premier units, which, at 49 square meters, has a separate living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a washer-dryer unit, and a queensize bed.

All apartments come with a television, en-suite bathroom with amenities, and split air conditioning system.

Reyes said Citadines Bay City Manila offers special rates for guests staying on a long term basis.

“We actually have guests stay in some of our properties for more than a year.

That’s something that we look forward to in the (Citadines Bay City) property as well,” he said.

Guests staying in units with a kitchen can easily whip up Citadines Bay City Manila residence manager Rennan John Reyes

Studio Deluxe Twin Room is suitable for short-stay guests.

meals as it comes with basic cooking tools and equipment, including an induction cooker with range hood, microwave oven, bread toaster, rice cooker, pots and pans, ladle and spatula, and kitchen knife and chopping board. A set of dinnerware is also included.

Those who prefer to eat out may dine in Citadines Bay City’s own brand of food and beverage outlet, the Bay

City Café. The restaurant serves buffet breakfast and ala carte meals for lunch and dinner. It also caters the 24-hour room service.

Bay City Café offers primarily Filipino and Asian cuisines, in keeping with the property’s Filipino theme.

“We always incorporate the unique elements of the location of each property,” said Reyes. Bay City is the reclamation area on Manila Bay, west of Roxas Boulevard and ManilaCavite Expressway.

“That’s why we have a jeepney (display) outside which is inspired by old Manila.”

Meanwhile, the entire property features a vibrant blue color scheme in tribute to Manila Bay, and a modern design aesthetics as the brand targets the younger set of travelers.

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HAPPY CHRISTMAS WISHES FROM THE HOTELS THESE past few weeks, several events have brought me around different hotels and I marvel at how they manifest their spirit of the merry season. They have come up with creative ways to convey their happy wishes to everyone, the perfect way to end the year right.

MERCURY RISING For this week’s column, I am sharBY BOB ZOZOBRADO ing with you some of these impressive, colorful, and artistic displays set up by our friends in the accommodation industry. tide designs that always attract the young ones and the young once.

The Manor at Camp John Hay At night, the entire field is ablaze The hotel decided to use to full ad- with all sorts of colorful lights that vantage its expansive back garden herald the happiest time of the year. by turning it into a Christmas Won- Staying in the garden amidst all derland of sorts. It has a towering, those brightly colored lights, with fully lit Christmas tree at the edge, the cold mountain air caressing and several stations all throughout, me, was so invigorating it made me Santa, his sleigh and reindeer help brighten up the beautiful garden of The Manor at Camp John Hay. each highlighting various Yule- promise to myself to make another

visit soon...and that is the magic Baguio’s climate weaves on its visitors!

Century Park Hotel

When the hotel switched on the lights of its humongous Christmas tree at the lobby, they added more luster to it by asking the beauteous winners of the recently held Miss Earth competition to help out. Of course, the group was led by the hotel’s chairman, Lucio Tan who came with a couple of members of his family.

The hotel’s department heads did their share of merrymaking by rendering some Christmas carols to the delight of the guests, making the occasion even more festive

City of Dreams

This popular entertainment complex Turn to D2

Destinations

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas' Holiday Chocolates for Charity.

HOTELS SPREAD LOVE AND CHEER

BRIGHT AND MERRY HOLIDAYS AT ETON CENTRIS

NOW on its eighth year, Eastwood Richmonde enjoins its guests to extend their love and care to the residents of Reception and Study Center for Children through its Angel of Hope program.

For every P200 donation, an angel ornament will be displayed at the Christmas Tree of Hope in honor of the donor. All donors will also get a chance to win an overnight stay in the raffle, plus an assortment of goodies when they play the Help Angel Afriel game.

B

Musical performances by bands and choral groups are happening on all Fridays and Saturdays of December at the Centris Walk Open Grounds.

PO hub and commercial center Eton Centris in Quezon City takes its holiday offerings up a notch this year in a bid to become a new place where family and friends celebrate the merry season.

Angel ornaments displayed at Eastwood Richmonde's Christmas Tree of Hope.

Over at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, sweet treats await all kindhearted kin this year. Ongoing all year round for several years already is the Chocolates for Charity at the Lobby Café. Proceeds from the sale of the Christmas chocolate lollipops (P50nett per piece and P350 per seven pieces in a mug) go to two foundations supported by the hotel, namely C.R.I.B.S. (Create Responsive Infants By Sharing) Foundation, which nurtures and cares for abandoned babies and sexually abused young girls; and the Bahay Kanlungan ni Maria Domenica, which provides shelter for old, destitute people.

Go to www.richmondehotels.com.ph to know more.

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Bay City guests are in close proximity to a number of business, commercial, and entertainment establishments.

For instance, W Mall is beside the property, while convention sites, offices, casinos, the SM Mall of Asia, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are only a short drive away.

With health and wellness as its focus, the property has a fully equipped fitness center, a functional area for group exercise classes, a 25-meter swimming pool, a sun deck, a running path, and a spa.

Other facilities include a ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 persons, two function rooms, a wading pool for kids, a pool bar, and a self-service launderette.

On top of strategic location, modern design, and complete facilities and amenities, Citadines Bay City Manila, much like other Ascott brands, takes pride in its genuine, family-oriented service. The personnel goes all out in making sure guests feel truly at home.

Here’s an anecdote: I personally experienced the brand of service the company is known for during my stay at Citadines Millennium Ortigas last year. When one of the staff found out I was celebrating in the property when my friends borrowed a lighter for my birthday cake, he and with two of his colleagues came back to our unit to render a song number and give me a slice of delectable chocolate cake.

Home is truly where you feel loved.

As of this writing, Citadines Bay City Manila has completed 124 rooms, 93 of which are already on sale. Reyes said the apartment hotel is expected to be fully operational by April 2019. Call (02) 550-3200 or email enquiry.manila@theascott.com for more information.

One of the newest attractions in the complex this December is the Illumination Festival Manila organized by Kirin Creative Entertainment. It features Luminarie Light Structures, shows by international performers, and a state-of-the-art VR experience that is a must-see for families and friends.

The public can experience walking with dinosaurs, flying on a glider, or even walking on top of buildings using the event’s advanced virtual reality technology. There's also a Gini Casting portable professional studio used in K-pop auditions—a sure hit for K-pop fans. Rare K-pop merchandise are also available for purchase.

Music lovers are treated to awe-inspiring musical performances by Manila Concert Choir, Himig Scientia, CEU Singers, Novo Concertante, UP Manila Chorale, Banda Zamora, and UST Singers during Christmas Musical Nights on all Fridays and Saturdays of December.

These evening concerts take place at the Centris Walk Open Grounds at 8:00 p.m.

Shoppers can finish their holiday shopping at the Eton Centris Christmas Gift Shop Bazaar, open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. this December. The bazaar complements the neighborhood favorite SIDCOR Sunday Market where unique finds abound—from food, clothes, accessories, home décor, dry goods to wet market items, plants, and even pets. SIDCOR happens every Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Further, Santa Claus will be available for a meet and greet every Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

HAPPY...

From D1 created a Winter Wonderland at its entrance lobby, with a towering 32foot Christmas tree and a spectacular synchronized holiday lights-andsounds show. The display glistens with white ornaments, glimmering

'Asia's Got Talent' finalist Gerphil Flores

On top of this lineup of attractions and activities is a spectacle of lights at the weekly Grand Fireworks Display running every 9:00 p.m. on all Saturdays of December.

The holiday festivities at Eton Centris was kicked-off by a Christmas tree lighting ceremony held on Nov. 14. The 50-foot giant tree is adorned with over 2,000 pieces of décor in red, orange, green, cyan, and magenta ornaments that represent the new and revitalized Eton Centris.

“More than a BPO hub and commercial center, we want our Eton Centris to become the place where people go to in order to enjoy the things that make them happy, activities that they love, and their passions and interests,” said Eton Centris assistant vice president Marjorie Abot.

She added, “From good food and events to music and the arts, we want Eton Centris to be known as the soulful side of Quezon City.”

lights, soaring ice crystals, snowmen, small Christmas trees, and a life-size Santa’s sleigh, drawn by a set of reindeer.

The lights and sound show, dubbed as “Bedazzle,” features a festive production of about 10,000 multi-colored lights dancing to jovial beats. This display comes to life on Saturdays and Sundays of December, including

Century Park Hotel’s tree-lighting ceremony headed by Lucio Tan became even more dazzling with the presence of the beauteous Miss Earth winners.

Eton Centris' 50-foot Christmas tree shines brightly with its over 2,000 pieces of colorful décor.

Christmas Day, every 15 minutes from their lobby, with real live Santa Claus 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and his elves all dressed up in green.

I have to say that this strategy made Conrad Manila the hotel unique, as every guest realThe hotel officially ushered in the izes that green is just as cheerful as radiant holiday season with the high- the usual red Yuletide color. ly anticipated lighting of its innovaThe hotel also opted not to have tive 20-foot Christmas Tree art instal- a tree-lighting ceremony. Instead, lation, Celeste they highlighted Yule, designed their CSR activity by renowned which benefits YOUR WEEKEND sculptor Impy the children of Pilapil. The arKythe FoundaCHUCKLE tistic tree is tion. Every year, MOTHER: How was school today, made of prethe hotel takes Patrick? mium stainless time out to bring PATRICK: It was great, mom. Tosteel rods and cheer to these day we made explosives! orbs that are children who are MOTHER: Ooh, they do very fancy free flowing, afflicted with difstuff these days. And what will they suggesting the ferent kinds of make you do at school tomorrow? very essence of illnesses, some PATRICK: What school? a happy life. of them termiThe treenal. They are lighting cerebrought to the mony was followed by a concert, with hotel to celebrate Christmas and are the inspired musical performance of given a lavish dinner to enjoy. artists Arman Ferrer, Bianca Camille I’m sure the other hotels are just as Lopez, the Manila Symphony Junior festive and as happy to wish one and all Orchestra, and the Madrigal Singers. the Best of the Season. As for me, I take comfort in the fact that the Christmas New World Manila Bay Hotel season always proves to everyone that The hotel management wanted our world can become a better place to be different from the rest of the after all! Merry Christmas! pack, so they are celebrating the festive season with the color green—a For feedback, I’m at towering green Christmas tree at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

D3

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

CLAIRE CASTRO THE NEWEST SHOWBIZ ROYALTY G

Jessica joined Catriona inside the private plane that brought the 2018 Miss Universe back to the Philippines.

Claire with her dad, '90s matinee idol, Diego Castro

MA has recently welcomed Claire Castro to its roster of talents as she signed a management contract with Artist Center.

Present in the contract signing were GMA Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun S. Ferrer, Senior Talent Manager Tracy Garcia, and comanager Diego Castro.

The new Kapuso star claims that she has always loved acting, and she looks forward to doing roles that tug at the heart of viewers. When asked what career path she would like to pursue, she proudly shares that she’d like to follow in the footsteps of Marian Rivera.

“I’ve always looked up to Ms. Marian ever since I was a kid. I remember doing her iconic Marimar role in front of the mirror, and now that I’m officially a Kapuso, I can’t wait to meet her,” the young sweetheart says.

Her father and co-manager, ‘90s matinee idol Diego Castro, says that he trusts Claire in showcasing her raw talent, “On her own she already knows what to do, since bata pa lang, she’s been exposed to showbiz. I guess the best tip I can give her is humility, kasi no matter how pretty or talented you are, kung wala kang humility babagsak ka nang mabilis.”

Claire admits to feeling intimidated by her new venture, but she is excited to try new things that showbiz has to offer, “I’m still nervous, but more than that, I feel excited that I’m finally going to do what I love. I am willing to learn everything and I trust my management to guide me through it.”

Meanwhile, Ferrer sees the raw talent in Claire and he is excited to witness the new chapter of Claire’s life in GMA. “Definitely we will focus on honing her talent in acting. From the auditions pa lang, we have already seen how passionate she is, so we look forward to all the opportunities we can give her in the near future,” he concluded.

A day after the coronation, Jessica Soho immediately flew to Thailand where the Miss Universe fever is far from over.

JESSICA SOHO MEETS CATRIONA “SHE’S in it, to win it!”

That’s what Miss Philippines Catriona Gray proved when she won the Miss Universe title in Bangkok, Thailand—becoming the fourth Pinay Miss Universe.

A day after her coronation, Jessica Soho immediately flew to Thailand where the Miss Universe fever was far from over.

Here the KMJS host sat down with Catriona’s mother Normita Gray and her boyfriend Clint Bondad.

At the same time, KMJS learned about the secret behind Catriona’s Glam Team composed of her close friends who all worked hard so that the Philippines can reclaim the Miss Universe crown.

Last Wednesday, Jessica joined Catriona inside the private plane that brought the 2018 Miss Universe back to the Philippines where a homecoming awaited Catriona.

Catch the comprehensive report on Catriona’s win tonight in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA 7.

STAR TO WATCH. Showbiz scion and teen star Claire Castro is one of the newest additions to GMA Artist Center's roster of talents.

Miss Universe Catriona Gray's triumph at the world's biggest pageant was witnessed by almost 8 million viewers on Twitter and recorded nearly 6 million tweets.

CATRIONA'S WIN GENERATED NEARLY 6 MILLION TWEETS AS THE #MissUniverse coronation unfolded, Filipinos were just as tuned in on Twitter as with their television sets-to nurse their anticipation, air their sentiments, and finally share their happiness as the go-to platform kept them abreast of #WhatsHappening.

From the contestants’ beautiful gowns to the unique national costumes, fans all over the world turned to Twitter to spark conversations and share their excitement.

The hashtag #MissUniverse generated close to six million Tweets during the coronation ceremony, and it peaked around 9:00 a.m. with 1.4 million Tweets per minute.

Philippines became the #1 most Tweeting country, followed by Thailand, the United States, Brazil, and Venezuela which comprised the top five Tweeting

countries.

The stars definitely aligned for Miss Philippines Catriona Gray as she brought home the fourth Miss Universe crown to The Philippines. Nearly eight million viewers on Twitter watched her crowning moment.

Twitter’s most followed Filipino personalities Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Bianca Gonzales, and Lea Salonga expressed their admiration and support to the new Miss Universe through heartfelt congratulatory Tweets.

As the pageant was broadcast worldwide, the Twitterverse went ablaze as Filipinos around the world expressed their undying support for their kababayan from the 15-second speech round until the crowning moment.

Jessica Soho with 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray this Sunday.

Jessica Soho with Catriona's boyfriend Clint Bondad.

D4

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

JANGGO AND KIRAY:

D

DOGGO EARTH ANGELS OGS are indeed God’s angels on earth.

Two of the rescued dogs of animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL) continue to send love to rescued animals and the organization long after their adoption.

Through them, donations poured in for Save ALL and its rescues this holiday season.

Janggo and Kiray, adopted in February this year, were so sweet and loving to Save ALL officers and caretakers while they were still in the home for rescues. Today, they are still making Save ALL and the rescues feel their love through their adopters Rhea and Job Abat who helped get donations the group sorely needs.

A number of students of the Beacon School donated items that the group seldom receives but spends a lot on. Thus, the donations are such a big help.

Janggo and Kiray were former strays who were rescued more than two years ago in Marikina before the pound catchers could get them. They eluded the pound catchers three times, reporter Chaermayne Biag said.

Though elusive, Save ALL rescuer Loribert Sobrio Bersabe was able to get them and bring them to the clinic where they were tested and treated for bacterial infection and low blood count by Dr. Anthony Prado Basa.

They were given all the love and best care Save ALL can give to any rescue, and Janggo and Kiray loved the humans and other rescues back.

It is amazing that they are still returning the love to this day.

Thanks to the Abat family of Janggo and Kiray, Save ALL received much-needed items like cotton for wiping eyes of dogs with eye discharge due to old age and

PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS

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.

other uses, betadine, towels, alcohol, anti-fungal soaps, dishwashing liquid and paste, and other cleaning materials.

These items cost a lot as most are used on a daily basis and Save ALL has no funding from any local or foreign agency. It is always juggling funds (using even personal funds of its officers) to ensure these items are available.

To Save ALL, proper care of dogs and cats means giving the best (and allowed) food one can afford, supplements to keep their immune system strong, keeping them clean and groomed, and providing a clean environment.

Save ALL aims to always provide quality care to all rescues which includes talking to them, playing with them, kissing and hugging them, and bringing them out on walks and car rides for their mental and emotional health.

Save ALL is thus grateful to Rhea and Job for helping continue to provide quality care to the rescues through the Giving Tree of the Beacon School.

Rhea shared: “The Giving Tree is a project that The Beacon School has every

LUCHO is a rescued dog that amazes her rescuer to this day.

“It was in October, 2017 when I saw a plea for rescue for a dog tied and left on the side of the street. I went and found him secured by a good samaritan leaving nearby. A month after, the almost blind and mangy dog is unrecognizable. Meet Lucho, my rescued shih tzu, now a bully and loving his new life,” Tet Santos says.

Janggo and Kiray with adopter Rhea Jover Abat.

Janggo and Kira y, rescued dogs turned doggo earth angels

The heartwarming greeting cards and ornaments from the Beacon School's Giving Tree.

MY FURRY BESTIE

year. It aims to support various beneficiaries (non-government organizations) by providing donations in kind.”

“A christmas tree is placed in the school's lobby. Ornaments on the tree contain the names of the beneficiaries along with a list of the things/materials/equipment that they need. Parents, students, teachers and staff may get an ornament and acquire the things that the beneficiaries need,” Rhea said.

“This year, I presented Save ALL to the committee as one of the

beneficiaries. Save ALL is very dear to my fam family. Apart from adopting our furbabies Janggo and Kiray from there, we wholeheartedly support Save ALL's cause of fight fighting for animal rights and welfare. I am very grateful that the school commit committee approved Save ALL as one of the beneficiaries. I am also grateful to the par parents, students and teachers who sent in their donations,” Rhea added.

The Beacon School for PreK to Grade 8 “provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of Filipino culture and heritage, as they actively engage in a high quality, inquirybased program of study that fosters an awareness of complex global issues and the skills needed to address them.”

Happy and grateful are not sufficient to describe how the Save ALL officers felt when the gifts arrived. The officers felt the love energy that is wrapped around each

gift for the rescued dogs and cats Save ALL is also amazed at how a rescued dog (or two rescued dogs in this case) gives back through their furparents. The group is now more inspired to help more animals in need knowing two dogs found a good, loving family and are living THE life, and through their furparents, have inspired others to help animals in need.

Save ALL also admire the Beacon School and its students for their compassion and generosity for those less fortunate. I personally hope others will follow their example.

Bless you Janggo, Kiray, furparents Rhea and Job Abat, the Beacon school, and the many students and parents who donated to Save ALL abundantly in healing, loving, magical, and triumphant ways always!

Namaste! I salute the Divine in you all.

Note: To know more about the Beacon School, please go to https://www.beaconschool.ph/.

10 TIPS FOR HEALTHY TREATS FOR CATS HERE are some tips in "Cat Treats and Snacks: What’s Healthy?" by Wendy C. Fries in WebMD. 1. Moderation is key. “Keep cat treats novel by offering them no more than two or three times a week,” says Susan G. Wynn, DVM, CVA, a veterinary nutritionist in Georgia.

2. Try to avoid giving ‘people food.’ “Foods made for cats are formulated to contain the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids a cat needs for good health, so ‘people food’ should be a minimal part of your cat’s diet. For an occasional delicacy, you might try small bits of cheese or cooked tuna, chicken, fish, or liver. You can also give your cat a tablespoon of milk now and again, but for cats that are lactose intolerant, this may cause diarrhea, “ Wynn adds.

3. Avoid toxic food like raisins, grapes, onions, alcohol, salt, and tea. Please talk to your vet.

4. No to begging. Don’t give in to their begging.

5. Cats who are overweight need special care.

Have a vet evaluate your cat and give you a special diet for an overweight cat, complete with treats you can give. Take note though that rapid weight loss in a fat cat may mean a serious liver disease.

Please bring to the vet immediately.

6. Green is good. “Catnip makes a fine cat treat," Wynn says. “It’s low-calorie. Most cats love both catnip and 'cat grass,' which is actually a cereal grass like wheat or oats. Both treats are easy to grow in a sunny window, and you can also find dried and fresh greens in pet stores, she says.

Marla J. McGeorge, DVM, an Oregon vet, says, “If you’re not sure a plant is cat-safe, check the ASPCA’s web site for information on plants toxic to felines.”

7. Try to give cat treats for fun and fitness too.

“Help your cat exercise brain and body by using cat treats to train them in agility exercises or tricks. This can be even more enjoyable for

CHEDDAR and CHESKA were “newborn kittens found with their navels dangling in February 2019 along Quirino Avenue in Manila during my lunch break, “ says owner Janelle Manalang.

“I talked to the store owner nearby if I can keep them. They may be puspins (pusang Pinoy) or cats with no breed to others but I will continue to shower them with much love and care just like my other rescues. Today, they are 10 months old, healthy and very beautiful!” Janelle says.

Editor's note: These stories were compiled by admin Miks Lim of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), a SEC-registered animal welfare group that helps animals in need, and encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from fosters, shelters and pounds, and spaying and neutering of pets to control animal population in the country, among others.

indoor-only cats,” Fries says.

8. Apologize with treats. “Try giving cat treats after something kitty doesn’t like— such as claw trimming, tooth brushing, or a dose of medication. Along with praise and petting, this can go a long way toward soothing a feline who’s been forced to do something unpleasant,” Fries suggests.

9. Treats should not replace love. Nothing can replace playing, petting, and holding. Cats require only a healthy diet, a safe home, and loving attention.

10. You can make a natural cat treat. “By cooking up small bits of liver, fish, or eggs for your cat, you’ll know exactly what’s in the treats she’s eating. You can even make organic cat treats for kitty by buying meat, fish, and eggs that are certified organic. But remember, these treats should make up only a small part of your cat's A cat does not ask for much. A cat just needs a safe home, a overall diet,” Fries says. DC healthy diet, and a lot of love.