Manila Standard - 2018 March 11 - Sunday

HOUSE TO TAP LAWYERS FOR SERENO TRIAL

By Maricel V. Cruz VOL. XXXII • NO. 28 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

SOME unnamed private lawyers have expressed willingness to help lawmakers who will act as prosecutors in the impeachment trial against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, a House official said on Saturday.

“We have a list of volunteer private prosecutors. But we have not talked to them yet. We will first consider public prosecutor[s] and then we will consider others depending on the need whether or not to get private lawyers as volunteers,” said Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, chairman of the House committee on justice.

The House justice committee earlier tapped its vice chairpersons to draft the committee report on the probable cause to unseat Sereno, and the Articles of Impeachment.

The President’s allies voted 38-2 in favor of declaring the existence of a probable cause in the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Larry Gadon against Sereno.

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TRUMP ASKS XI TO TURN UP HEAT ON N. KOREA

MILITARY HARDWARE. Promenaders take a close look at the static display of military hardware during the Philippine Army information caravan that showcases the Army’s capabilities at the posh Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila on Saturday. The activity is part of the Army’s month-long celebration of its 121st anniversary. Norman Cruz

PALACE CHIDES UN: FINE-TUNE PROCESS M

By Vito Barcelo

ALACAÑANG denied Saturday that the inclusion of Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, UN Special Rapporteur on IDPs in the petition to declare the CPP-NPA as a terror group, was a witch hunt, but advised the United Nations to “fine-tune” selection process so individuals identified with terrorist groups would not be given any mandate.

“I assure everyone, including the international community, that it is not a witch hunt on UN special rapporteurs,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told a press conference.

“Instead, perhaps, the UN rapporteur system should fine tune its selection process to ensure that individuals identified with terrorist

groups are not given any mandate by the UN Human Rights Council,” Roque said.

At the same time, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday night it was taking grave exception to the “irresponsible and disrespectful” comments of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights against President Rodrigo Duterte.

“This action of High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein is completely uncalled for and demeans not only the Head of State of a Member State, but tarnishes the reputation of the Office of the High Commissioner,” Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement.

Cayetano made the statement after the UN official suggested that President Duterte “needs to submit himself to some sort of psychiatric examination.”

He said there was no reason whatsoever for such outburst directed against the President.

“This could set a dangerous precedent that the Council would have to immediately address as otherwise member states could also fall victim to those who seek to politicize and weaponize human rights to undermine legitimate governments,” Cayetano said.

In a related development: • Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison on Friday accused Duterte as the number one terrorist in the country for allegedly running amok, slandering people under the guise of fighting terrorism.

In a statement, Sison said “Duterte has been engaged in a wild, anti-communist witch hunt, killing people on his spurious list of so-called terrorists.”

Also, Sison said to silence “patriotic and progressive” Filipinos and the political opposition, Duterte had resorted to intimidation, brandishing a fake list of suspects slapped with trumped-up charges.

Moreover, he said the present administration’s move to shift the form of government from unitary to federal was “just a ploy to perpetuate Turn to A2

CHINA AID COMES WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED—ENVOY

By Joel E. Zurbano

TOURISTS’ TOKEN. Local and foreign tourists take mementos in front of what remains of the ancestral mansion of the family of wealthy sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, who built it in—in Italianate architecture—early 1900s, in memory of his Portuguese wife Maria Braga who died during delivery of their 11th child. It was burnt down by the American colonial masters during World War II. Lino Santos twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

CHINA has never asked to use natural resources as collateral in loan agreements with other countries, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said.

Geng Shuang was responding to a question regarding an article from a Chinese newspaper Global Times which cited a Chinese scholar’s view on China’s official preferential loan to the Philippines.

The article mentioned the Chinese scholar’s view that China was willing to provide assistance as the Philippine government proposed a large-scale investment plan to develop its economy.

It stated that the loans provided by China were usually accompanied by repayment agreements, which would use certain natural resources as collateral.

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The article triggered Philippine media to come up with reports speculating that China provided loans with terms that required the Philippines to compromise on the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea issue.

“We have noted that the Philippine side has already made remarks on this, so I assume a response from our side is also due. I would like to say that the view of the relevant scholar only represents himself, not the official stance of the Chinese government,” said Geng in a routine press briefing in Beijing.

He said since the turnaround of China-Philippines relations in 2016, China had been actively helping the Philippines develop its economy and improve people’s livelihood, and “we have given our full support to President Turn to A2

WASHINGTON—Donald Trump enlisted Friday (Saturday in Manila) the help of China’s Xi Jinping to keep sanctions pressure on North Korea, amid fears an audacious diplomatic gambit by the US president could lead to backsliding.

In an evening tweet, Trump praised a possible agreement with the communist North as “very good” for the international community as a whole, after the US leader stunned the world by accepting an invitation to meet Kim Jong Un before the end of May. “The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined,” Trump wrote.

During a telephone conversation, Trump and the ever-morepowerful Chinese president committed to “maintain pressure and sanctions until North Korea takes tangible steps toward complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization,” according to the White House.

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Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson

'MOCHA A ROLE MODEL FOR PH WOMEN'

By Vito Barcelo

CONTROVERSIAL Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson is a role model for Filipino women for her bravery and courage to change her life, according to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

But he had unkind words for women who are critics of President Rodrigo Duterte.

While he praised the former sexy model and dancer, the Malacañang spokesperson criticized Vice President Leni Robredo, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, Senator Leila de Lima, former Social Welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo and UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard.

The Malacañang official has said he also admires his own wife, and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos whom he described as ''down-toTurn to A2 earth.''

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

HOUSE...

From A1

Umali said the committee might tap the services of the “so many” private lawyers-volunteers as soon as the panel had formed the prosecution team and complete its members.

As per the composition of the prosecution team, Umali said, “we are looking at the committee who will constitute it.”

“The prosecution panel who will constitute it must not only be lawyers but also litigators who are experienced in their discipline,” Umali said.

“If we lack expertise in some areas then we will look for other lawyers to fill in the gap,” he said.

A lawmaker who requested anonymity earlier said the 11-man prosecution panel for the impeachment trial of Sereno was almost complete, with Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez as the prosecution manager.

Alvarez organized the panel ahead of the imminent plenary approval the Articles of Impeachment against Sereno before the Congress goes on Holy Week recess on March 23.

CHINA...

REJECT NARCO-POLS COME BARANGAY POLLS, SAYS DILG

H

ELP oust local officials with links to illegal drugs by voting for the right candidates in the coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in May. The Department of the Interior and Local Government made the appeal to the public on Saturday, saying that the elections is the right opportunity to weed out corrupt, incompetent officials, as well as those with links to illegal drugs.

“This is the reason why we are urging the public to vote for candidates who are actively fighting the war against drugs in the barangay level,” DILG spokesman and assistant secretary Jonathan Malaya said Saturday in a statement.

Malaya made the remark after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported that a total of 289 barangay officials are on the “narco list” of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Should there be evidence against incumbent barangay officials, DILG OIC-Secretary Eduardo Año has directed the PNP to do case buildup so that the necessary charges can be filed against them without delay,” Malaya said.

But the DILG said it is PDEA’s call whether to release in public the names of the barangay officials included in the narco list.

The PDEA was tasked to prepare the narco list, even as the DILG and its attached agencies provide information on the drug personalities and activities for PDEA’s verification.

“The DILG, through the PNP, has been proactive in supporting PDEA in the war against illegal drugs. The public knows that the PNP has been going after drug personalities whether they be public officials or private individuals. The DILG will not waver in its commitment to end the menace of illegal drugs in our country and we will provide all the support needed by PDEA,” Malaya added.

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Rodrigo Duterte’s large-scale infrastructure program “Build, Build, Build.”

Geng said the Chinese government and financial institutions have also provided financing support to the Philippines, including preferential buyer’s credits, and assisted the Philippines in issuing the panda bonds, which effectively ensured the implementation of relevant projects.

“By convention, parts of China’s concessional loans require the borrowers to use certain sovereign credit as collateral, which is an international practice. China has never asked and will never ask relevant countries to use natural resources as collateral in loan agreements. In this vein, our assistance and support to the Philippines are provided with no strings attached,” he explained.

According to Geng, to properly resolve the South China Sea issue was the basis and important guarantee for the sound and steady development of China-Philippines relations, but China would not link the South China Sea issue with bilateral economic and trade cooperation project.

“China stands ready to work with the Philippines to follow through on the consensus between the two leaderships and stay committed to properly resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, ensuring the sound and steady development of bilateral relations and jointly upholding regional peace and stability,” added Geng.

For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the statement as reported by Global Times did not come from the Chinese government.

“It was disclosed by an academic...I won’t use a Chinese newspaper as a primary source to establish a fact,”said Roque.

“Since there is no such deal, that’s gossip. The presidential spokesperson does not comment based on gossip. I don’t know if it’s fake news, gossip, because I cannot comment on alleged newspaper report because I myself did not see that newspaper report,” he explained.

'MOCHA...

From A1 He criticized the detained senator De Lima for her alleged involvement in the drug trade, while he described Ombudsman Morales as being selective of justice for not filing cases against those allied with the previous administration.

On the other hand, Roque labeled Robredo as hungry for power when she expressed openness to the idea of joining the Cabinet.

The Palace official also questioned Taguiwalo for accepting a Cabinet post when she, Roque said, was apparently a detractor of Mr. Duterte.

In a Facebook interview, Roque described Uson as a strong woman with a will to change her past.

“Women should emulate Uson for her courage to change her past life and pursue a decent living and strive to excel in her new endeavor,” Roque said, as the country observed the National Women’s Month.

“I really believe that Mocha Uson is more of a model for women because Mocha Uson, we can see, decided to turn over a new leaf and is dedicated to her new life,” Roque said in the interview with Los Angeles-based Duterte supporter “Binibining Maharlika.”

“I really believe that Mocha is a role model for women because we saw how she decided to change her life and strive in her new-found calling,'' Roque said.

The presidential spokesman likewise called on Mocha’s critics to stop bringing her past because for someone who lost her father and supported her family at the same time, Mocha only did what she thought she could back then.

METRO'S TOP COP DEFENDS SUBPOENA POWER A TOP police official said he sees nothing wrong with Republic Act 10973, which authorizes the Philippine National Police chief, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director, and the CIDG deputy director for administration to summon individuals and documents through a subpoena in aid of investigations.

National Capital Region Police director Oscar Albayalde also explained that the restoration of the powers of select police officials to

PALACE...

From A1 Duterte’s cruel ... fascist regime, which is out to railroad Charter change efforts into coming out with a pseudo-federal constitution.”

In a petition filed in a Manila court last month, the Department of Justice said it wanted the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, tagged as terrorist organizations.

Roque issued the statement after UN experts called for the Philippine Department of Justice to drop her name from a list of 600 members of the CPPNPA that the DoJ had asked the court to declare as a terrorist group.

Roque said Corpuz was included in the list “because of intelligence information that she is somehow connected with the CPP-NPA.” “The DoJ would not have filed the petition without evidence that she is a member of or somehow affiliated with the CPP-NPA,” Roque said.

He guaranteed that the Philippines, as a “civilized country,” would allow Corpuz to defend herself, urging her to present evidence she was not part of the CPP-NPA. “In any case, we are a civilized country in the Philippines, we will accord Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz the right to be heard, inherent due process rights...”

TRUMP...

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As aides scrambled to catch up with Trump’s decision—taken before consulting key confidantes—the White House sent mixed messages about conditions.

“They’ve made promises to denuclearize, they’ve made promises to stop nuclear and missile testing,”White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

“We’re not going to have this meeting take place until we see concrete actions that match the words and the rhetoric of North Korea,” she told reporters.

Officials behind the scenes said this did not constitute a change of heart.

A day after the bombshell announcement that the US and North Korean leaders would meet, Vice President Mike Pence said the White House would keep “maximum pressure” on Pyongyang and claimed US efforts to isolate Kim had been vindicated.

There has been limited reaction from Kim’s regime, but South Korean President Moon Jae-in said news of the summit—announced by his national security advisor on a visit to Washington—was “like a miracle.”

issue subpoenas on cases under investigation can help speed up the resolution of cases.

Albayalde said with top officials issuing subpoenas themselves, an element of “compulsion” is added to the normal police processes.

“Matagal na yang batas na yan, ibinalik nalang sa ngayon ... ang pagkakaiba lang ay binibigyan ang ilang mga opisyal ng police ng kapangyarihang i-compel ang ilang mga tao na maaaring involved sa isang kaso na pumunta upang

matanong at maimbestigahan,” he said.

Albayalde said that usually, a person being questioned may choose not to appear for investigation, causing delays in resolving some cases.

“Sa ilalim ng RA 10973, maaari nang mapilit ang isang testigo o sino mang involved na humarap sa imbestigasyon ... at sa ganung paraan, mapapabilis ang imbestigasyon ng kaso.”

Under the directive, failure to

comply with the subpoena will result in the filing by the PNP-CIDG of a case for indirect contempt before the Regional Trial Court.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, the main proponenlt for the bill’s passage in the Senate last year, recalled that when the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police were merged to establish the current PNP under Republic Act 6975, most of the powers due the agency were carried over except for the power to issue subpoenas.

Roque said.

Roque said she could dispute the classification in the regional trial court where the petition to declare the CPPNPA as a terrorist group was pending.

“In our legal system, we adhere to the rule of law and hence, Corpuz can submit controverting evidence to what I am sure the DoJ already has linking her with the terrorist group—the CPP-NPA,” Roque said.

He said this classification of Rapporteur Corpuz had also resulted in very harsh language from the Prince of Jordan, who is also the High Commissioner on Human Rights.

“I reiterate that the language used by the High Commissioner is uncalled for.

I’m very tempted to respond in similar language, but I have opted to restrain myself, opting not to respond in the same abominate used by the UN High Commissioner,” Roque said.

The presidential spokesman said such language directed against a democratically-elected head of a UN member-country was uncalled for, and was an affront on the sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines.

“I will, however, state that perhaps, the UN High Commissioner’s language is because of the fact that they do not have democracy in his home state of Jordan. Jordan’s leader is not elected unlike our President,” he said.

“I would hope that although you do not have the same democratic system in your

home country of Jordan, you will respect the kind of democracy that we have in the Philippines. Your language was not just an insult to the Philippines and the Filipino people; it is an insult to all countries who have democratically elected their heads of state,” Roque added.

In a news conference, Zeid also referred to a pending case against TauliCorpuz over her alleged links to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.

Zeid said Tauli-Corpuz believed the case was due to her comments against the alleged killings of indigenous people in southern Mindanao where Duterte declared martial law to quell threats of terrorism after the Marawi siege ended.

Cayetano said the High Commissioner made the statement without first ascertaining the facts surrounding the inclusion of Tauli-Corpuz in the petition filed by the Department of Justice against the CPP-NPA. “Contrary to the impression of the High Commissioner, Ms. Victoria TauliCorpuz was included in the list not because of her position as Special Rapporteur but because of her alleged links with the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee [ICRC] of the CPP-NPA, which, if the High Commissioner is not aware of, is in the list of foreign terrorist organizations of both the United States and the European Union,” he pointed out.

“The High Commissioner may wish to know that the petition for proscrip-

tion filed by the Department of Justice is a civil case that seeks to declare the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization for its continuing terrorist activities in the Philippines,” he added.

Cayetano noted the action is in accordance with Republic Act No. 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007 of the Philippines and was intended to protect the Filipino people.

“Ms. Tauli-Corpuz and the other individuals mentioned in the petition are there because of their membership in or association with the CPP-NPA as reported over the years by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

If indeed Tauli-Corpuz and the others named in the petition are innocent, Cayetano said they should see this as an opportunity to clear their names and prove in court that they have never been members of or associated with the group.

“The High Commissioner may not be aware of it but he is being used in a well-orchestrated effort to destabilize a legitimate government that is being undertaken by parties with self-serving agendas and who stand to benefit the most by unseating President Duterte,” the foreign affairs chief said.

Cayetano said “the world actually needs more Dutertes—leaders with empathy; leaders who listen to their people; and leaders who are ready to sacrifice their lives to protect their people.” With PNA

For his part, Xi urged the two leaders to begin talks as “soon as possible” and praised Trump’s “positive aspiration.”

China has long been North Korea’s most important ally but has been on board with the sanctions agreed at the United Nations.

A cryptic report by South Korean news agency Yonhap said the South’s envoys also delivered a “special message” to Trump from Kim during their US trip, but did not elaborate on what was said.

‘Huge gamble’ The UN Security Council has imposed tough economic sanctions aimed at choking off revenue to Pyongyang’s military programs after Kim’s regime carried out a sixth nuclear test and advanced missile launches.

China and Russia argue that sanctions alone will not push North Korea to change course and have repeatedly called for stepping up diplomatic efforts to achieve a solution.

The summit announcement triggered a rise in global stock markets while world leaders voiced hope the meeting would deflate tensions that had been building dramatically in recent months.

Some observers questioned the US president’s wisdom in granting Kim a

long-standing wish for a meeting after only agreeing to temporarily halt nuclear tests.

Bill Richardson, a former US ambassador to the United Nations who has negotiated with and traveled to the North, told AFP it was a bold move that is “worth taking” but also a “huge gamble.”

“This is not ‘The Apprentice’ or a reality TV event... It’s a negotiation with an unpredictable leader who has at least 20 nuclear weapons and who threatens the United States,” he said.

Republican Senator Cory Gardner said America’s approach to North Korea still needs not just a drop “but a whole bucket of reality.”

“There is no greater diplomatic tool or lever than the President of the United States,” he added. “If this doesn’t succeed how much is left of that diplomatic runway is a very good question.”

‘Little Rocket Man’ Trump has previously ridiculed Kim as “Little Rocket Man,” imposing wide-ranging bilateral sanctions on the Pyongyang regime and also leading a drive for international sanctions through the UN. Pyongyang has hit back by calling Trump a “dotard.”

Pence stressed that the White House has made “zero concessions” to get Kim

to the table and emphasized that the sanctions would remain in place.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among the world leaders to hail the announcement as a “glimmer of hope,” saying North Korea’s nuclear drive “has been a source of great concern for all of us.”

The International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, voiced hope the summit would produce “concrete progress” and a resumption of long-suspended nuclear inspections.

Pyongyang’s long race to develop a nuclear weapon capable of reaching the United States has proved a problem for successive US administrations.

But the alarm bells have been ringing even louder since July, when Pyongyang conducted two intercontinental ballistic missile tests, declaring the entire United States now within range.

Trump threatened “fire and fury” if Pyongyang continued to threaten the United States, only for North Korea to carry out its sixth nuclear test.

The US and North Korea fought on opposite sides of a war in the 1950s, and in the last two decades have been engaged in perhaps the world’s most dangerous nuclear standoff, with 30,000 US military personnel stationed just over the border in the South. AFP

News

HOUSE TACKLES P1.25-T BUDGET FOR MINDANAO

By Maricel V. Cruz

A

PANEL in the House of Representatives has created a technical working group that will review and work on the proposed P1.25-trillion budget for Mindanao for 2019.

The TWG will be composed of the six vice chairmen of the House committee on Mindanao affairs, namely, Zajid Mangudadatu of Maguindanao, Ruby Sahali of Tawi-Tawi, Alberto Ungab of Davao, Aurora Enerio Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur, Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato, and Evelyn Mellana of Agusan del Sur; and representatives of the Department of Budget and Management, Mindanao Development Authority, and National Economic and Development Authority.

At a congressional hearing, Rep. Maximo Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City, the panel’s chairman, said the proposed 2019 budget for Mindanao, which was presented by MinDA

Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, is 21 percent higher than this year’s budget.

“We need around P1.25 trillion spread over five years to ensure that we get the minimum 21 percent of the budget. So, ito ‘yung master plan natin,”said Rodriguez.

But Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte said the Neda did not absorb the ideas of Alonto.

“There should be a discussion so that Neda will adopt our ideas. I think what Secretary Alonto is doing, is for us to take it [2019 budget] up with the DBM and Neda,” said Dimaporo.

Rodriguez said the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the House of Representatives came out with a report dated Sept. 12, 2017 on how Mindanao fared in the budget along with all the agencies included in the General Appropriations Act. The CPBRD report said under the 2018 National Expenditure Program, Mindanao’s share of 12.5 percent to the total national budget is almost the same as its average share in 2014 to 2017.

But the difference between the shares of the National Capital Region and Mindanao, the report said, widened from 1.9 percentage points, compared to the 2014 to 2017 average of 11.3

percentage points. The same widening gap in budget shares occurred between Mindanao and nationwide allocations.

Considering that Mindanao has 40 percent poverty incidence and still has the lowest budget, Rodriguez said “12.5 percent is too small for us.”

Budget and Management Director Amanella Arevalo corrected the figure, saying based on the table from the budget expenditure, Mindanao has 16.2 percent share of the total allocation.

Arevalo explained to the committee how the DBM formulated the budget for a given year. She said the DBM issued a budget call which specified all the requirements that an agency had to submit before its budget proposal for the year will be developed.

Arevalo said the DBM is following the Two-Tier approach in the formulation of the budget. She said the budget call contains all the requirements for Tier 1, including the budget calendar that the agency should follow before the finalization of the budget.

Tier 1 covers the cost of ongoing programs and projects while Tier 2 covers all the new or expanded cost of existing projects, Arevalo said.

“As of now, we are developing the Tier 1 level,” said Arevalo.

MIAA GEARS UP FOR TRAVELERS FOR LENT

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Manila International Airport Authority is gearing up to accommodate thousands of air travelers going to and coming from Manila to ensure their safety and convenience in time for the observance of Lent.

MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal said stricter security measures will be enforced at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and a contingency plan will be made to assist Immigration officers in managing queuing in their area so they can maximize use of their people to process arriving and departing passengers of international flights.

He added that the MIAA also coordinated with airline representatives, Bureau of Customs, Police-Aviation Security Group, and private security agencies to ensure all their personnel are present to accommodate and protect the passengers.

Monreal said brand new air-conditioners were also set up at Naia Terminal 3 especially at the domestic side where an increase number of both domestic and international passengers are expected.

Airport workers were instructed to prioritize passengers whose flights are about to board, elders and persons with disability, and those passengers with connecting flights.

“Preparations are in place to make sure that traveling will be as hassle-free as possible this coming Holy Week. Help desk will also be installed at all international and domestic terminals to be manned by MIAA public affairs, terminal operations, medical and terminal police,” said Monreal.

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

WESCOM ACTIVATES JOINT TASK GROUP

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan—The Army’s Western Command on Saturday activated a joint task group on urban security operations, scaling up Puerto Princesa’s security and safety against any threat of lawless elements.

Capt. Cherryl Tindog, Wescom spokesperson, said the Joint Task Group Puerto Princesa will be under the operational control of Joint Task Force Peacock, the ground component in the military command’s Joint Area of Operations.

“Under the leadership of its newly appointed commander, Lt. Col. Dante Robert Grasparil, the JTGPP is in charge of the conduct of Internal Peace and Security Operations in Puerto Princesa City, complementing the security efforts of Joint Task Groups North and South, thereby covering the entire province of Palawan,” she said.

The task group shall also conduct mobile and foot patrols in commercial centers, points of convergence, and other vital installations and facilities.

“It shall also provide security coverage at the airport, seaport, wharves and other points of entry through waterways. It shall also conduct random riverine checkpoints and security patrols to deny entry to lawless elements,” Tindog said.

The activation occurred at the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Brigade in Barangay Tiniguiban. It was done in the presence of Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, commander of Wescom as presiding officer, and Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron as guest of honor.

“The City of Puerto Princesa is grateful for the activation of the Joint Task Group Puerto Princesa because of the security it will provide to our constituents. It gives us the assurance that the City is safe for all local residents and tourists,” Bayron said. PNA

LEAGUE EYES PROV’L STATES IN FEDERAL PH

MAKATIZEN CARDS. Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the ceremonial launch and distribution of the ready-to-use Makatizen Card on March 10, 2018, Saturday, at the Covered Court of Barangay Rizal in Floraville Street. The first batch of Makatizen Cards was distributed at the said venue to some 1,000 residents of Barangay Rizal who have passed pre-screening and successfully registered for the program. Registered merchants, including fish ball vendors and GCash outposts, was on hand to allow the new cardholders to experience the Makatizen Card’s efficacy in real time. Ey Acasio

MAKATI ROLLS OUT ‘MAKATIZEN CARDS’ THE Makati City government on Saturday started the village-level distribution of Makatizen Card, a multi-purpose card which can be used by residents and city hall employees for official, personal and financial transactions.

Mayor Abigail Binay presided over the launching of distribution in Barangay Rizal, where some 1,000 residents who had successfully registered were able to immediately activate their cards and try them out with partner merchants.

She said a Makatizen Card Team, composed of city personnel and representatives from private sector partners G-Xchange Inc., Globe Telecom and iBayad Online Ventures Inc., will be present at every distribution venue to assist card holders on scheduled dates in each of the city’s 33 barangays.

“For the convenience of our residents, we are bringing the Makatizen Card right to their barangays so they need not go to City Hall to claim it.

We will also ensure their cards are immediately activated on-site by providing the services of the Makatizen Card Team, who can show them how to use their card right away,” Binay said.

She also noted that by inviting partner merchants to be present at every distribution site, including ambulant vendors registered with iBayad Fishball and iBayad Buko, and GCash loading stations, new Card holders will be able to test and experience their card’s efficacy in real-time.

“We are doing everything possible to fast-track the rollout and activation of Makatizen Cards so that our Makatizens can immediately experience its benefits and enjoy a better quality of life,” added Binay.

The village-level card distribution has been launched through the collaboration of the city government, represented by the Urban Development Department, and its partners G-Xchange Inc., Globe Telecom and iBayad Online Ventures Inc.

The Card, which functions as a valid government-issued ID card, will allow cardholders to access the city’s public services and transact with the city government through the embedded NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. The card allows city offices equipped with iBayad machine readers to verify the identity of residents and Makati City employees in a single tap. Thus, a Makatizen Card holder need not present additional documents to avail of cityprovided services and benefits.

Since the card is linked to their GCash mobile wallet account, citizens can receive cash allowances, stipends, and other cash benefits using their Makatizen Card. City government employees can also receive their salaries and other financial benefits through their card. Card holders can also use their cards to pay fees and taxes, as well as for personal remittances and other financial transactions. Joel E. Zurbano

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The country’s biggest league of local officials went an extra mile in the move to shift to a federal government by proposing to scrap the idea of forming regional states and instead maintain the existing provincial governments as the expression of local autonomous power.

“Regional states are supposed to be autonomous, but the Local Government Code says the provincial governments and independent cities are already autonomous,” former senator and ULAP founder Jose “Joey” Lina said in a forum held here.

ULAP is the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines, an umbrella organization of various leagues of local officials.

“We still don’t know what animal a regional state is, pardon my use of the word,” Gov. Carlos Padilla told a gathering of local officials and civil service organizations at the St. Mary’s University.

Padilla is referring to regional subdivisions under the proposed federal setup, citing that the existing 81 provinces as good to start with, instead of creating another middle level bureaucracy if regional governments are formed.

“There are many bright people here in Nueva Vizcaya, but when elections in a would-be federal state of Luzon, these bright politicians of Vizcaya will be consumed by Isabela and Cagayan,” Lina hinted.

Lina also noted that the Regional Development Councils are fully capable of performing the role of the proposed regional government. He proposed a 20 percent of national revenues for the regional councils, in addition to the 40 percent share given to local governments.

Abe Almirol

SALCEDA: BALIK SCIENTIST ACT TO TRIGGER PH TECHNOLOGY INFLOW

AFRICAN SUSPECTS. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director-General Aaron N. Aquino (left), presents to the media the two African drugs syndicate members who were caught selling P2.5 million worth of shabu during an entrapment operation in Cavite last March 9, 2018. The arrested suspects were identified as Agu Austin Chukwuebuka and Nkwocha Chimaobi, both Nigerian nationals. Manny Palmero

A DRAMATIC reversal of the so-called “brain drain” that saw Filipino scientists and technologists leaving the country for better earning opportunities abroad, is expected to happen under the Balik Scientist Act the bicameral conference committee of Congress will ratify shortly for the President’s signature.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, principal author of the measure in the lower house, said the Balik Scientist Act will trigger the flow of modern technologies into the country that will help speed up development as Filipino scientists working broad, armed with the latest scientific know-how, flock back home to avail of the benefits and incentives the new law offers.

The Balik Scientist Act which aims to institutionalize the existing Balik Scientist Program, Salceda said, will “encourage Filipino scientists and technologists abroad to come home, share their expertise, and help speed up the country’s development in exchange for a package of benefits that is globally competitive.”

The measure, he added, will widen the Philippines’ chances to be at par with other countries in terms of science, technology, research and development. He noted that the country’s scientific environment had experienced a drought in the past due to the exodus of the best minds, encouraged by large pay and unlimited opportunities abroad.

Established under PD 819 in 1975 and extended until 1986, the BSP had somehow served as a wake-up call for Filipino researchers and technologists employed abroad, that they now stand to be compensated well at home where they can share their expertise with their compatriots, he added.

The BSP was strengthened anew through Executive Order No. 130 in 1993, due to “the remarkable outcome of the program and the presence of many highly trained overseas professionals who have the expertise in the priority priority areas of agriculture, energy and nutrition development.”

Despite the success of the BSP, how-

ever, Salceda noted that there were still many Filipino scientists, technology experts, and researchers outside the country who were not tapped due to circumstances that cannot be addressed by the existing program.

Now the Balik Scientific Act, he said, is set to “institutionalize the program, and strengthen the scientific and technological human resources of the academe, public institutions and domestic corporations to promote knowledge sharing and accelerate the flow of new technologies into the country.”

Salceda said the country needs to tap and utilize the expertise of expatriate Filipino scientists and technologists, which are vital components of the nation’s political, economic and social development efforts. “Toward this end, any foreign based scientist, professional, technician, or any person with special skills or expertise who is of Filipino descent shall be allowed to share his or her profession in the Philippines,” he added.

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FREEDOM ON A LEASH: DOGS GIVE NEW LIFE TO DISABLED OWNERS

EDITORIAL

KINDRED SPIRITS

By Antoine Pollez

T

OWARD the end of May, “little rocket man” will meet “the dotard.”

United States President Donald Trump agreed this week to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to talk about the latter’s denuclearization program in exchange for the lifting of economic and other sanctions.

World leaders hailed the announcement of the talks.

South Korea’s president said the meeting would be a “historic milestone.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the talks offered a “glimmer of hope.”

Some analysts, however, say that the North Korean leader gains more from the talks because he finally gets to be taken seriously.

Serious or not, news of the talks provides some comfort to countries that are in direct harm’s way.

This is assuming that the two leaders, equally burdened with their view of themselves and the world, would arrive at something rational and practicable.

To begin with, they should not allow their egos to get in the way. This is real geopolitics, not some online game or a contest on who talked tougher. Remember these are the two leaders who called each other names, forgetting—or disregarding—the fact that millions of lives may be at stake.

Peace is always desirable, and no one country should pose a threat to the safety of others. Calm, rational minds must prevail when there is a violation of this basic concept.

We can only cross our fingers that both Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim bring their rational, grown-man selves to the meeting for it to be actually worth the enthusiasm and optimism it has begun to generate.

CEBU CITY LAUNCHES 24/7 LIBRARY AFTER reading a student’s plea on social media, Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña flexed his executive power and got things done immediately—opening the Rizal Public Library in Cebu City 24/7 as a safe and free study area.

Mitch Roldan, in her senior year in Electronics Engineering at the Cebu Institute of Technology-University, requested the mayor on his Facebook page to “consider having the public library be open 24/7 for us students who

really need to study in a library setting.”

It is a common practice for students all over the country to study in a café or eatery or where it is usually relatively quiet, safe, and free from distractions such as television. Such places are also popular for study meetings and group work. However, there is cost involved which is often a burden on the students (and their parents footing their bills).

Roldan said opening the library, even at a minimal cost, would be helpful to students. “I think students would be glad to pay a little amount to keep the services good, kaysa magsige mig spent sa Mcdo

nya papahawaon ra diay after pila ka hours [rather than keep on spending at McDonald’s where they will ask you to leave after several hours].”

Mayor Osmeña replied within three minutes, saying, “Ok! Give me a week.”

Doing even better, the mayor got the library running full swing in less than a week, on March 8, with airconditioning and security. WiFi is also available.

CCTV cameras are to be installed. There are areas for quiet study and group discussions. Food and drinks such as coffee are allowed, and snacks will later be sold for the convenience of patrons.

Osmeña told Roldan, “I did not know how important this was to students until you brought it up. You made it happen. Thank you.”

The Rizal Memorial Library and Museum Building on Osmeña Boulevard was opened in 1919. It will turn 99 years old on April 13. Opening it 24/7 gives the institution a new lease on life.

On March 9, the mayor posted photos on FB with the caption: “Time check: 12:45 a.m.” The photos show the library entrance, with an armed security guard in front of the door, and students of Turn to A5

BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom— Alongside well-groomed canines taking part in beauty contests this week at Britain’s Crufts dog show, specially trained labradors, poodles and cocker spaniels showed off a different set of skills that can save the lives of their disabled owners.

These four-legged helpers are trained not just to help the blind or partially sighted but also to recognize a variety of sounds for the deaf or detect the signs of an impending epileptic fit.

Some of the dogs can recognize the sound of an alarm clock, a knock on the door or a fire alarm—and transmit the information by moving their paws or adopting certain positions.

Veronica Pearce, a spokeswoman for the association Hearing Dogs For Deaf People, which was taking part in the display at Crufts, the world’s biggest dog show, said the aim of the charity was to give disabled people their independence back.

“We have got lots of people who before might be relying on their parents or their parents wouldn’t be able to leave them, but are now living on their own,” Pearce said.

Since it was created in 1985, the organization has helped more than 2,000 people.

“If someone requests a certain sound at application stage, we will make sure that the dog is trained ready for that,” said Janine Hovey, a 27-year-old trainer.

One example is training dogs to react to baby monitors.

“If they’ve got a child, and they want to be able to hear the baby monitor, we can train the dog for that specific sound,” she said.

‘Got my freedom back’ For the past three years, John Morris, a former warehouse worker based in Leeds in northern England, has had Theo, a cocker spaniel given to him by the association.

“I have now got my freedom back.

Without him, I could not go out,” said Morris, who lost his hearing 15 years ago because of his job and now works as a volunteer for the association.

For Morris, it is about more than having a dog who can hear for him.

Walking around with Theo and the curiosity that the dog arouses has given Morris his confidence back.

“I now talk to people, whereas I didn’t before. I couldn’t look at people in the face,” he said. “It gives me a new life.”

In total, more than 7,000 people in Britain are helped by a dog, including around 5,000 for the blind or partially sighted.

Epilepsy warning Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1998, Lynn Radcliffe lost her driving license and her job and had to give up going to football games.

“It was really dangerous to go out on my own. Just simple things like crossing the road were dangerous—I could have gone into a seizure without warning, so I had to have someone with me.”

The arrival of Simba, a labrador trained by the association Support Dogs, has changed things.

“There are very subtle signals that we wouldn’t see, but dogs are very good at picking these signals up,” said Rita Howson, the director of the association, which also helps adults with physical handicaps and autistic children.

“They can warn the person between 15 or 50 minutes prior to that seizure happening.”

While a warning bark fails to prevent an epileptic seizure it does give time for people to prepare for it.

“It makes life safer in the house,” said Radcliffe. AFP

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college age seated at tables throughout the library. The place was fully occupied even at that late hour, pointing to the success of the endeavor.

Students are happy about the library’s extension of service hours, and parents are too, citing that their concerns about their children’s safety were alleviated.

Enthusiasm for the library has spread to other citizens, who are clamoring to donate “books or even money to the city library,” according to FB commenter Jerard de la Victoria.

The latter added, “Bilib jud ako ani mga achievement Mayor Tom [I am impressed by your achievement], it shows that you really listened to your fellow Cebuanos.”

Now that’s a public servant with the political will to serve his constituents.

Osmeña’s swift response shows that it is possible for mayors and other local government officials to cut red tape and respond immediately.

In contrast, Quezon City, which is now considering following Cebu City’s example at the QC Public Library, is still “studying the proposal,” according to Mary Ann Bernal, head of QCPL Readers Services.

On March 8, she said that the approval to remain open round the clock would come from QC Mayor Herbert Bautista.

Bernal also said that the library section heads would still have to compute the necessary budget and draw up the logistics to present to Bautista. QCPL, which was recently renovated, touts itself as the country’s “premier public library.” It is open from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, up to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays.

Libraries are important institutions within a community—they serve to promote and spread literacy and support public and private educational efforts. They are quiet spaces that allow for reading and rumination. They should not be allowed to close, as is happening now in first world countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Mayor Osmeña’s move to open the library 24/7 is proving as early as now to be a great boon to students. May his speedy action for the good of his constituents serve as an example to other public servants.

Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communication consultant. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR: US SANCTUARY CHURCHES PROTECT MIGRANTS UNDER TRUMP

By Issam Ahmed GREENSBORO, United States—Business owner Oscar Canales has spent the past three months confined to a church basement in the US city of Greensboro, knowing he could face deportation to El Salvador the moment he steps outside.

Expulsion would mean tearing him apart from his wife and three American children, not to mention shuttering the thriving roofing company he founded which today employs six US citizens.

Canales first came to authorities’ attention six years ago, when he was arrested for lacking papers following a minor accident at a traffic light.

But with no criminal record, past administrations chose to overlook the fact he crossed the border illegally in 2005 and issued him work permits that were renewed every year.

Now, he and millions of others are facing expulsion under tough new immigration guidelines instituted by President Donald Trump.

In response, some progressive Christian groups have boosted their efforts to protect vulnerable migrants by exploiting the protected “sanctuary” status of their places of worship while providing shelter and legal aid to wouldbe deportees.

Canales, who received his deportation order last December, has been living in the United Church of Christ since Jan. 17.

He cannot imagine leaving America.

“All my family is here, my wife, my kids,” he says, adding he is fearful of being forced to face the violent gangs of a homeland he left long ago.

“They can take one kid and ask for money. If you don’t give it today, they can do anything. They can kill people.”

Growing movement Canales is among more than 40 people currently known to be taking sanctuary in US churches, a figure that has skyrocketed since Trump’s election in 2016, when there were just five, according to the Reverend Noel Andersen of the Church World Service which tracks the movement.

“Under the Obama era, there was a lot more prosecutorial discretion” especially for those who have committed low-level offenses such as traffic violations, or had community or family ties like Canales, he said.

“Essentially Trump comes in and gets rid of the priority guidelines, and anyone who is undocumented is a priority”—a group that is estimated to number some

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THE MESSAGE OF THE DIVINE MERCY: TO HAVE PEACE, MAN MUST TRUST GOD

By Honor Blanco Cabie ON April 8 this year, the Sunday after Easter, Catholics worldwide, including parishioners from predominantly Catholic Philippines, will observe once again the Feast of the Divine Mercy.

This is an observance in which followers are encouraged to offer forgiveness and reconciliation to all, based on visions seen and recorded from St. Faustina Kowalski. In 2000, it was decreed a solemnity, a high feast day, by Pope John Paul II. Roman Catholics have since been required to attend worship, go to confession, and take Holy Communion.

According to theologians, the Message of the Divine Mercy that Sr. Faustina received from the Lord was not only directed toward her personal growth in faith but also toward the good of the people.

With the command of the Lord to paint an image according to the pattern that Sr. Faustina had seen, came also a request to have this image venerated, first in the Sisters’ chapel, and then throughout the world.

The same is true with the revelations of the Chaplet. The Lord requested that this Chaplet be said not only by Sr. Faustina, but by others: “Encourage souls to say the Chaplet that I have given you.”

These requests of the Lord given to Sr. Faustina between 1931 and 1938 can be considered the beginning of the Divine Mercy Message and Devotion in the new forms.

Through the efforts of Sr. Faustina’s spiritual directors, Fr. Michael Sopocko, and Fr. Joseph Andrasz, SJ, and others—including the Marians of the Immaculate Conception—this message began to spread throughout the world.

Theologians say the message revealed to Saint Faustina “is a powerful reminder of who God is and has been from the very beginning. This truth that God is in His very nature Love and Mercy Itself, is given to us by our Judeo-Christian faith and God’s self-revelation.

“The veil that has hidden the mystery of God from eternity was lifted by God Himself. In His goodness and love God chose to reveal Himself to us, His creatures, and to make known His eternal plan of salvation.

“This He had done partly through the Old Testament Patriarchs, Moses and the Prophets, and fully through His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. In the person of Jesus Christ, conceived through power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, the unseen God was made visible.”

Jesus reveals God as Merciful Father The Old Testament speaks frequently about God’s mercy. Yet, it was Jesus, who, through His words and actions, revealed to man in an extraordinary way that God is a loving Father, rich in mercy and abounding in great kindness and love.

In Jesus’ merciful love and care for the poor, the downtrodden, the sick and the sinful, and especially in His freely choosing to take upon Himself the punishment for man’s sins which ended with death on the Cross.

According to theologians, the message of God’s Love and Mercy is especially made known by the Gospels.

The good news revealed through Jesus Christ is that God’s love for each person knows no bounds, and no sin or infidelity, no matter how horrible, will separate man from God and His love when man turns to Him in confidence, and seeks his mercy.

God’s will is man’s salvation. He has done all on man’s behalf. But since He made man free, He invites man to choose Him and partake of His divine life, according to Bible experts.

Based on writings of Saint Faustina Theologians say the message of The Divine Mercy is simple: “It is that God loves us—all of us. And, he wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy.”

Some offered the first letters of the English alphabet to help the faithful remember much more easily the message: A—Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon the whole world.

B—Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does to us.

C—Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that the graces of His mercy are dependent upon our trust. The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will receive.

According to theologians, this message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of St. Faustina Kowalski, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God’s mercy.

Even before her death in 1938, the devotion to The Divine Mercy had begun to spread.

Pope John Paul II promoted Faustina’s message Pope John Paul—now Saint John Paul II—had actively promoted the message of Saint Faustina.

In his 1980 encyclical on God’s mercy, Rich in Mercy, he developed a scriptural and doctrinal basis for the Catholic followers’ faith in the mercy of God. By linking the revealed truth about God’s mercy to one of the most solemn Sundays after Easter itself, theologians say the Pope “illumined the fact that the liturgy already proclaimed the divine mercy (and) the truth has been embedded for two millennia in the worship of the Church. Once again we see an illustration of the ancient saying, ‘The law of faith is the law of prayer.’”

Mr. Cabie is a sodalist of Our Lady of Montserrat and a catechist of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine.

FROM BELLICOSE TAUNTS TO HISTORIC MEETING: TRUMP AND KIM IN QUOTES NEWS that Donald Trump would meet Kim Jong Un struck Washington like a ton of bricks—particularly as the brash leaders of the feuding nations have engaged in rhetorical warfare in recent months.

The US and North Korean leaders will meet before May’s end, in a development South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in dubbed a “miracle.”

Last year, the mercurial Trump said he would be “honored” to meet Kim—whom he has characterized as both “madman” and “smart cookie.”

Kim, meanwhile, has called the Republican commander-in-chief “mentally deranged” and a “dotard.”

Here are some key quotes from the Trump-Kim squabble.

Whose button is bigger?

Kim used his annual New Year address to warn he has a “nuclear button” on his table, sweetening his remarks by expressing an interest in dialogue.

Trump jumped on his favored medium of Twitter in response: “North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the ‘Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.’ Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!”

The North’s official party newspaper dismissed Trump’s “swaggering” as nothing but the “spasm of a lunatic” frightened by North

11 million.

In Trump’s first year, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 109,000 criminals and 46,000 people without criminal records—a 171 percent increase in the number of non-criminal arrests over 2016.

The goals of the sanctuary movement are to prevent the breakup of families, win legal reprieve for as many people as they can, and effect narrative change.

Their philosophy is at odds with the anti-immigration tide that has swept the country’s political right, particularly in many southern states which are also a bastion of right-leaning Evangelicals.

Rooted in faith But for the Reverend Julie Peeples, the Greensboro pastor, her duty to provide shelter to those in need couldn’t be more clear.

“Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves, that was the most important command of all,” said the soft spoken

to the destruction of entire cities,” ICAN head Beatrice Fihn said.

‘A madman with nuclear weapons’ “We can’t let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that,” Trump told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during an April phone call.

“We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20—but we don’t want to use it.”

But in an interview that aired April 30, he called Kim “a pretty smart cookie”—expressing admiration that the North Korean strongman “was able to assume power” at a young age.

A South Korean soldier walks past a television screen showing pictures of US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a railway station in Seoul on March 9. Trump agreed to a historic first meeting with the North Korean leader in a stunning development in America’s high-stakes nuclear standoff with Pyongyang. AFP

Korea’s power, and the “bark of a rabid ard with fire,” in an address read out on dog.” state television by a star news anchor before a still image of Kim at his desk.

‘Rocket man’ versus ‘US dotard’ “A frightened dog barks louder,” Kim In his debut speech at the United said of Trump.

Nations in September, Trump dubbed Kim a “rocket man” on a “suicide mis‘Sick puppy’ sion.”

On the heels of an intercontinental “The United States has great strength ballistic missile test from Pyongyang and patience, but if it is forced to defend in November, Trump derided Kim as itself or its allies, we will have no choice a “sick puppy,” drawing cheers from but to totally destroy North Korea,” he a crowd of supporters at a campaign said. style rally.

“Rocket Man is on a suicide mission A few weeks later, the International for himself and for his regime,” Trump Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapadded. “The United States is ready, ons (ICAN) warned while accepting the willing and able, but hopefully this will Nobel Peace Prize that the bellicose not be necessary.” rhetoric could trigger nuclear war.

Kim retorted with his own tongue“A moment of panic or carelessness, lashing, vowing to “surely and definite- a misconstrued comment or bruised ly tame the mentally deranged US dot- ego could easily lead us unavoidably

preacher who has led her congregation since 1991.

“We are convinced that Jesus wouldn’t call anyone an alien, for starters, that we are all human beings, that we are all children of God—I believe personally that God crosses all our borders and has no interest in or respect for the borders that we create.”

Canales is the second person to benefit from sanctuary at the Greensboro congregation—the first was single mother Minerva Cisneros Garcia, 42, who came from Mexico’s Guerrero state in 2000 with her first son, who became blind as a baby as a result of cancer.

Like Canales, Minerva was a lawabiding citizen who was caught up in an immigrant raid in 2009, after which she was granted stays at her annual hearings.

But last spring she received a letter in her mailbox informing her that her time in the US was up, and she would have to leave her three sons behind.

She then sought help from the church, which provided her sanctuary from June until October, when a federal judge became aware of her case and vacated the original order.

“It feels like a golden cage,” she said of her time spent at the church. “That place used to feel safe, I used to feel like a small bird inside a cage, because they used to provide me with everything, food, water, shower, everything.”

“I used to feel sometimes very sad, but very happy, too because I knew I had support from people.”

Minerva’s case is one of five successes Anderson has tracked so far, with others as far and wide as Connecticut, Arizona and Colorado.

Despite her victory, immigration agents gave her an ankle monitor to wear at all times, a decision she says leaves her feeling under threat.

“I think they want to show they have the power, I really don’t understand why,”

‘Honored’ to meet Kim “If it would be appropriate for me to meet with him, I would absolutely, I would be honored to do it,” Trump said of Kim in May. And now, Trump has formally agreed to a first face-to-face meeting with Kim. The only prominent American who has met Kim is former basketball star Dennis Rodman, who Trump once fired from his reality show Celebrity Apprentice.

The former Chicago Bulls star—who said he went horseback riding and sang karaoke with Kim during his multiple visits—greeted news of the historic summit on Twitter.

“Much respect to President Trump and Marshall Kim Jong Un for their upcoming historic meeting,” Rodman wrote on Twitter.

“I said it back in 2014 that doors will open. #Peace #Love #NotWar.” AFP

she said from her modest home as her two younger sons played after returning from school.

Doug Long, another pastor at an affiliated church in the nearby town of Raleigh, says his church is prepared to deal with greater legal consequences, and understands that the authorities’ decision to not enter sanctuary churches is based on a non-binding guideline.

His congregation took a vote before deciding to host 39-year-old father of four Eliseo Jiminez, in sanctuary since October, and now members take turns to stay overnight in the church to record video in case federal agents enter the premises.

“The legal aspects of this all this are a grey area,” he admitted.

“But again I’m confident that what we’re doing is right and what we’re doing is just and that is more important to me than what might happen legally.” AFP

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‘MOST HATED MAN’ GETS 7 YEARS IN JAIL FOR INVESTOR FRAUD NEW YORK—Martin Shkreli, once dubbed the most hated man in America for ratcheting up the price of an HIV drug, was sentenced to seven years in prison Friday on charges of defrauding investors.

The disgraced former pharmaceutical executive and hedge fund manager was convicted in August of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and two counts of securities fraud.

Shkreli, who once led Turing Pharmaceuticals, became known as “Pharma Bro” and is infamous for suddenly raising the price of the drug Daraprim in 2015 by 5,000 percent -- from $13.50 a pill to $750.

He smirked through a congressional hearing that scrutinized his actions and has since earned a reputation for an extravagant, self-publicizing lifestyle.

Although the drug controversy had nothing to do with his trial before a federal court in New York, so great was the 34-year-old’s notoriety that it was initially difficult to find an impartial jury for the trial.

Arrested in December 2015, his bail was revoked in September after he offered a reward for anyone who would grab a strand of former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s hair. AFP

EU EYES CLARITY FROM CRUNCH US TRADE TALKS BRUSSELS, Belgium—Top European Union trade officials will hold crunch talks with their United States counterparts in Brussels on Saturday hoping to get “clarity” on President Donald Trump’s controversial new steel and aluminium tariffs.

Trump’s announcement of duties of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminium has stung the European Union and triggered warnings of an all-out international trade war.

Brussels has prepared a list of US products to hit with countermeasures if its exports are affected by the tariffs, but says it hopes to join Canada and Mexico in being exempted.

The EU’s top trade official Cecilia Malmstroem will meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in Brussels from 9:00 am (0800 GMT) along with Japanese Economy Minister Hiroshige Seko.

The talks have long been in the diary but after Trump’s dramatic announcement they are now a de facto crisis meeting.

“Dialogue is always the prime option of the European Union,” Malmstroem told reporters on Friday, saying Brussels was “counting on being excluded” from the new duties.

She predicted a “long day” of talks on Saturday, while European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen sought to play down expectations, saying it was “a meeting, not THE meeting”.

Katainen said Brussels wanted “clarity” on how the tariffs will be implemented and was ready to enforce retaliatory measures to protect European interests if needed. AFP

JUST GIRLS. Brigitte Macron, wife of the French President Emmanuel Macron, sits with a young girl as she attends a cultural show at the Mother Teresa Orphanage, a home for orphan children with mental and physical disabilities, in New Delhi on Saturday. The Macrons are visiting India on an official three-day state visit where they will travel to New Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. AFP

PUTIN ‘COULDN’T CARE LESS’ ON POLL MEDDLING W

ASHINGTON—President Vladimir Putin said in an interview released Friday that he “couldn’t care less” if fellow Russian citizens sought to meddle in the 2016 US presidential election, insisting such efforts could not be tied to the Kremlin.

“Why have you decided the Russian authorities, myself included, gave anybody permission to do this?” Putin asked in the often-combative interview with NBC television.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is conducting a wide-ranging investigation to determine whether President Donald Trump’s campaign colluded with Moscow to help elect him.

Last month Mueller indicted 13 Russian nationals and three Russian companies for allegedly backing Trump’s

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PPA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 02 - 2018 TO

: The Port Manager PMO-Bohol Tagbilaran Maritime Services, Inc. Port Users Others Concerned

SUBJECT : Approved Eight Percent (8%) Increase in Cargo Handling Tariff at the Port of Tagbilaran______ Pursuant to Board Resolution No. 2686, an eight Percent (8%) upward adjustment in the cargo handling tariff at the Port of Tagbilaran is hereby approved.

The increase to be implemented in one (1) tranche shall be effective 30 days after publication of this Circular in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

(SGD.) JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO General Manager

(MS-MAR. 11, 2018)

campaign, maligning his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and engaging in other election interference.

“So what if they’re Russians?” Putin said of the allegations.

“There are 146 million Russians. So what?... I don’t care. I couldn’t care less... They do not represent the interests of the Russian state.”

Mueller issued a 37-page indictment against the Russians, but Putin indicated he has seen no evidence thus far that the alleged meddling broke any US law.

FRANCE WOOS INDIA IN 3-DAY MACRON VISIT EW DELHI, India—French President Emmanuel Macron Saturday said he wanted his country to be India’s best partner in Europe as he started a three-day trip to the country aimed at ratcheting up security and energy ties.

Macron, who was welcomed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his traditional bear hug on his arrival late Friday, also said “collective security” will be on top of the agenda during talks later Saturday.

“France is the entry point to Europe. We want to be India’s best partner in Europe,” Macron said after a ceremonial reception at New Delhi’s presidential house.

“The first (objective of my visit) is to seal for the decade to come a strong pact around collective security in the region between our two democracies.”

The two countries are to sign an accord to step up military cooperation in the Indian Ocean where regional power China has been flexing its muscles.

Macron also talked about his personal rapport with Modi which was established after their meeting in Paris last year.

“I think we have very good chemistry, our two great democracies have a historic relationship,” the French president said.

Modi broke protocol to receive Macron at the airport Friday, exchanging warm hugs and robust handshakes.

“Welcome to India, President @EmmanuelMacron!

Your visit will add great strength to the strategic partnership between India and France,” he tweeted Friday.

On Sunday, Macron will attend a solar power summit designed to showcase India and France’s commitment to fighting climate change, which both leaders have made a priority. AFP

“Are we the ones who imposed sanctions on the United States? The US imposed sanctions on us,” he said.

“We in Russia cannot prosecute anyone as long as they have not violated Russian law... At least send us a piece of paper... Give us a document.

Give us an official request. And we’ll take a look at it.”

America’s leading intelligence agencies concluded last year that Putin himself had directed a broad intelligence effort to influence the US election to undermine Clinton’s campaign and boost Trump’s chances, but Trump has repeatedly denied colluding with Moscow.

The Russian leader also rejected those assessments.

“Could anyone really believe that Russia, thousands of miles away... influenced the outcome of the elec-

tion? Doesn’t that sound ridiculous even to you?” Putin asked.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, when he announced the Russian indictment, said it made no judgment on whether the alleged Russian propaganda campaign altered the outcome of the election which Trump won.

“It’s not our goal to interfere. We do not see what goal we would accomplish by interfering. There’s no goal,” Putin said.

Trump himself has repeatedly shied away from condemning Russia over the alleged meddling.

US intelligence chiefs last month said Russian attempts to meddle in US politics are continuing unabated—and pose a threat to mid-term congressional elections in November. AFP

3 WOMEN, GUNMAN DEAD IN CALIFORNIA HOSTAGING LOS ANGELES—A gunman and three women thought to be his hostages were found dead Friday at a California veterans home after an hours-long standoff with police.

The assailant struck at 10:20 a.m.

(1820 GMT) at the Veterans Home of California-Yountville in the Napa Valley, the largest veterans’ home in the United States with around 1,000 former servicemen and women.

“Shortly before 6:00 pm this evening law enforcement personnel made entry into the room where we felt the hostages were being held by the suspect and unfortunately made the discovery of three deceased females and one deceased male suspect,” Captain Chris Childs of the California Highway Patrol told a news conference.

“This is a tragic piece of news, one we were really hoping we wouldn’t have to come before the public to give.”

The Napa County Sheriff ’s Office had earlier issued an advisory on social media telling people to avoid the area following reports of gunfire, as the California Highway Patrol dispatched officers, air support and a SWAT team to the site.

Childs said a sheriff ’s deputy who was first on the scene exchanged fire with the suspect, adding that “we credit him with saving the lives of others in the area by eliminating the ability for the suspect

to go out and find further victims.”

The three victims were described by local media as employees of The Pathway Home, an on-site counseling service for veterans who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is was not immediately clear whether they had been targeted or were chosen at random.

The San Francisco Chronicle said the gunman -- apparently a 36-year-old war veteran wearing “a stash of bullets” around his neck and waist -- had been on the PTSD treatment program, adding that his weapon was a rifle.

It quoted state senator Bill Dodd identifying the program’s executive director, Christine Loeber, as being one of the dead, although the victims’ names have not been officially released.

Police did not say how they died, although local media, citing unnamed sources, reported that the assailant shot the three women before turning the gun on himself.

Dodd, whose district includes the center, said the gunman had been asked to leave several days earlier, according to the Chronicle.

“It’s a residential program so guys live in the building, staff work in the building,” Larry Kamer, whose wife Devereaux Smith was working at the center, told the local ABC7 News channel. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

LEVISTE AIMS FOR 6TH ASIAN GAMES’ STINT

By Lito Cinco

B

ELIEVE it or not, but long-time national team member equestrienne Toni Leviste, 44, is aiming for a sixth stint in the coming Asian Games in Indonesia slated later this year.

Leviste, who flew back to Manila from Florida to receive her citation from the Philippine Sportswriters’ Association recently, bared her intention to this writer, who visited her at her horse ranch in Lipa City in Batangas.

“I will definitely join the 2018 Asian Games, even if I have to join as an individual but still representing the country. I would go also for the 2020 Olympic Games if I qualify,” said Leviste, whose previous stints in the Asiad came in 1994 in Japan, 1998 in Thailand, 2002 in Korea, 2006 in Qatar and again in Korea in 2014.

Also an Olympian, who had a stint in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Leviste has also qualified in the Olympics of the equestrian world, the 2018 World Equestrian Games set in September this year in North Carolina at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

“I qualified for this last year in a tournament in Sweden,” said Leviste, whose award from the PSA came from her winning a Grand Prix event in Slovakia in August last year.

Aboard her 17-year-old chestnut stallion, Maximillian, Leviste bested

Olympic equestrienne Toni Leviste hoists her 2-star Grand Prix of Samorin trophy during the awards rites. Aboard her 17-year-old chestnut stallion, Maximillian, Leviste bested 60 of the world’s best riders and for the first time in the history of Philippine Equestrian Sport, the Philippine National Anthem was played on European soil.

60 of the world’s best riders and for the first time in the history of Philippine Equestrian Sport, the Philippine National Anthem was played on European soil.

“I was not expecting to win there because I looked at it as part of the preparation for the SEA Games in Malaysia, and I shed tears when I heard the Philippine national anthem and our flag was hoisted.

I competed against some of the

world’s best riders,” said Leviste, who is presently based in Wellington, Florida, acknowledged as the center of international equestrian during the months of January to April, which are the winter months in Europe.

On the disqualification of Colin Syquia after his horse was found to have a banned substance after a doping test in last year’s SEA Games, Leviste expressed her disappointment that

even as the case has not been decided with finality, the news has already come out and the gold medal won by the Philippines was taken back.

“I do not want to go into details but our whole team is behind Colin here and he has already submitted his side and it will still be heard by the proper body,” she said.

Here’s to more of Leviste proudly representing the Philippines in the world of equestrian.

NEW NATIONAL SLALOM SEASON BEGINS THE 2018 season of the RACE Motorsports Club’s Phoenix Pulse Technology National Slalom Series is upon us.

Powered by the new Phoenix Pulse technology for enhanced power and acceleration and Phoenix Accelerate fully synthetic oil, the 12-leg National Series begins today (Sunday) at Robinsons Novaliches.

Registration is set from 8 a.m. onwards, with the open practice runs slated from 8 to 10 a.m.

Official practice begins at 11 a.m., wherein each driver will only be given one practice session regardless of how many classes or cars he/she is entered.

Each participating driver will receive four liters (1 gallon) of Phoenix Accelerate Fully Synthetic Oil. A free slalom clinic is offered from 9 to 10 a.m.

Newbies, Junior and Executive Classes, Car Clubs, Race Drivers, Ladies and slalom enthusiasts are invited to join Sunday’s race at the venue, where there will be lots of adrenalin-pumping slalom racing action. Come and experience the breathtaking slalom action and become a real slalom race driver.

The organizing RACE Motosports Club revealed that the event can be used as a car club meet or an eyeball time for the different car clubs.

Contenders in the overall and class divi-

Champions of the 2017 slalom season, led by multi-titled Asian Gymkhana king Milo Rivera, raise their trophies.

sions must use the specified Federal Tyres for at least nine legs or 75% of the series and possess the Automobile Association of the Philippines’ Clubman license. All drivers will be charged an additional P300 per leg for the AAP Clubman License.

The national slalom events are affiliated with the AAP and FIA and is the longest-running motorsport discipline in the country.

Expected to participate are the Club Slalom Series Champions, headed by, Milo and Estefano Rivera of Tough Gear, the 2017 National Slalom Champions; Dr. Peewee Mendiola of Team Big Chill; JAF Racing Team; AF Racing Team; KAJEGA Racing Team and RODLEA Racing Team, among others.

Aside from the National Slalom Series, RACE will also hold three Invitational Sla-

lom legs at Robinsons Calasiao Pangasinan to cater to car enthusiasts from the north.

The 2018 RACE motorsports Club National Slalom Series is powered by Phoenix Pulse Technology and Phoenix Accelerate Fully Synthetic Oil, with major sponsors Federal Tyres, 3K Batteries, Robinsons Novaliches, New SR KYB Special Shock Absorbers and supported by Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter, media partners Stoplight TV, C! Magazine, Auto Car Magazine and Power Wheels Magazine.

For details, contact Bing Bang O. Dulce at tel. nos. 928-6951 and 0917-8119337; email racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com or like RACE’s Facebook page.

The 2018 Tentative Schedule: March 11 Robinsons Novaliches; April 15 Robinsons Starmills; May 6 Robinsons Novaliches; May 20 NFA Compound Cabanatuan City; June 24 Robinsons Novaliches; July 8 Robinsons Starmills; August 12 Robinsons Novaliches; Sept. 9 NFA Compound Cabanatuan City; Sept. 23 Robinsons Novaliches; Oct. 12 Robinsons Starmills; Nov. 11 Robinsons Starmills; and Dec. 9 Robinsons Starmills.

The Slalom Invitationals will be held on April 22, August 19 and Oct. 7, all in Robinson Calasiao.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018

A7

NEW SPORTS, LIFESTYLE CHANNEL LAUNCHED SKY subscribers now have new reasons to stay glued on TV as it adds new channels across the sports, news, and lifestyle genres to its line-up including LIGA, Fight Sports HD, EDGEsport HD, TLC HD, and Euronews.

Select SKYcable and SKYdirect subscribers will get access to three new sports channels including Liga, which airs the ASEAN Basketball League, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, among others.

Other channels include Fight Sports HD, a 24/7 live sports network that airs epic boxing bouts on “MEGA Fights;” and EDGEsport HD, the home of the Festival International Des Sports Extremes World Series, which brings together top athletes in the most popular action sports such as skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking, wakeboarding and inline skating among others.

Meanwhile, the popular lifestyle channel TLC HD that houses hit shows like “Cake Boss,” “Say Yes to the Dress,” and “The Kings,” will also be added to the lineup of select plans, as well as worldwide news channel, Euronews, that offers a comprehensive perspective on current events by putting to light diverse viewpoints on issues.

Fight Sports HD, EDGEsport HD, TLC HD and Euronews are available in selected plans to SKYcable subscribers in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Liga is available nationwide in standard and high definition in selected SKYcable plans, in One SKY Premium and Lite plans, and all SKYdirect plans.

For more details, visit mysky.com. ph.

SOUTHWOODS...

From A8

winds were blowing so hard and the course has hardened so much that everyone suffered bad breaks throughout their rounds.”

Sean Jean Ramos fired 37 and Luis Miguel Guerrero signed for 33 as Luisita amassed 129 and practically bagged second place over Canlubang with a 385 total.

Benjie Sumulong and the veteran Eddie Bagtas accounted for 31 and 28, respectively, and Luisita threw away the 27 of Josh Jorge to be 16 points ahead of the Sugar Barons going to Marapara.

Josef Bucay accounted for 32 and Jonas Magcalayo 31 for the Sugar Barons, who had 119 and would need a really big final round to be able to dislodge the Luisitans in second spot.

Gido Mandanas and JP De Claro had 28 apiece for Cangolf, which will take a 369 tally into the final day.

This year’s Interclub’s Platinum sponsors this year are RMN and Manila Times, while major sponsors are Mastercard, The Philippine Manila Standard, Rolls Royce, Bombardier, T V5, Primax, BusinessWorld, Crossover and Fox. Other sponsors include Boeing, Pagcor, Belmonte Hotel, Eton Properties and Asia Brewery Inc.

ELEMENTS THAT BIND FRANZIA CYCLING TEAM THE Franzia Executives Cycling Team continues to venture on a road of fitness and fun as its members now eye to conquer the Ronda Pilipinas 2018 by fielding a Franzia PRO Team in the most prestigious cycling competition in the country today.

Franzia PRO Team is also considered a rookie team in Ronda 2018.

It hopes to liberate aspiring young athletes on the fitness and excitement that cycling can bring; aiming to have the younger generation continue what team founder Lucio “Jun” Cochanco, Jr. had started, the Franzia Heritage.

Ronda Pilipinas has seen thousands of cycling enthusiasts support the event since way back in 2011. This year, Ronda Pilipinas 2018 will have a 12-stage race which started in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on March 3 and will end in Filinvest, Alabang on March 18 with 12 competing teams and 96 participating cyclists; and a whopping 1 million peso prize for the winner.

Eight of the participating cyclists will

come from the Franzia Pro Cycling Team, headed by Team Captain, the two-time and inaugural champion of Ronda Pilipinas, Santy Barnachea (41 years old).

Along with him are fellow highly-experienced cyclists: Leonel Dimaano (32 years old) a former participant of the SEA Games; Beejay Nojana, (28 years old); Dennis Gabaldon (23 years old); Alshyrnel Amiladjid, (21 years old); Jinggo Tabayoyong, (21 years old); Mervin Corpuz, (20 years old), also a former SEA Games Participant; and the youngest of the team, Kenneth Krog, (19 years old). This team is currently mentored by the Veteran Cyclist and a Marlboro Tour Multiple Stage Winner, Coach Johnny Borja.

These men found themselves greatly appreciating cycling as it didn’t just help them be in good shape, but it was the stories that the activity has brought them in the past, which made their love for cycling grow even stronger.

“Nalayo ako sa masamang impluwensya,” said the 19-year-old Krog, stating how cycling changed his life since he

started when he was 15. Said he doesn’t just enjoy cycling because it keeps him fit, but because it takes him to various places.

For others, it may be for fitness, but for Amiladjid, it’s all about the brotherhood which he forms with his teammates. The friendliness of not just the members of the team, but all cyclists in general, is what keeps him motivated. Amiladjid is a competitive person. He is too passionate and serious about sports, that’s why according to him, he couldn’t accept that he wasn’t good at cycling. He kept on going until eventually, he became so attached that he had to let go of his first sport, which is swimming.

Tabayoyong, who built his own bike in their farm in San Miguel, Pangasinan at 17 years old, remembers how he used to sneak out just to ride, as his parents didn’t want him cycling.

At the Ronda Pilipinas 2018, he’s aiming to win so he could buy a new cow to add extra help for his parents on the farm.

The family is Dimaano’s inspiration as

Members of the Franzia Cycling Team, headed by Team Captain, the two-

time and inaugural champion of Ronda Pilipinas, Santy Barnachea

well, looking forward to training his kids and one day share the road with them.

When asked for an advice for other aspiring cyclists, Dimaano said: “Tamang training lang and huwag mayabang.

Dapat walang takot, laban lang.”

He sees cycling as a mind game that requires focus.

Gabaldon, on the other hand, is one of the newest participants of Ronda Pilipinas being watched out for by the cycling community as he made some noise during

the Luzon qualifying leg. He said that he wishes to improve his stats in this race as he pursues a deeper career in cycling.

Thankful is one of the members, Nojana, as he saw the effects of cycling against his asthma attacks, which recurred at some point when he stopped with the activity to work as a merchandiser and as a timekeeper. As well as Team Captain Barnachea as he thought he’d be an alcoholic if he didn’t start with cycling.

A8

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

Evan Nelle

SBC GETS A TRUE POINT GUARD

Tom Kim (left) and Aidric Chan were instrumental for Manila Southwoods which kept its lead going into the final day of the PAL Interclub’s centerpiece Regular Men’s Championship at Binitin.

PAL INTERCLUB: STAYING TRUE TO ITS PROMISE Text by Peter Paul Duran and photos by Lino Santos

B

SOUTHWOODS SLOWS DOWN, BUT STILL LEADS

ACOLOD CITY—Even though the competition has grown fiercer every year, the Philippine Airlines Interclub, one of Asia’s longest running and most prestigious amateur team golf championships in the country, has always put camaraderie first since its inception more than 70 years ago.

Concluding its 71st edition today, the PAL Interclub has stayed true to its promise to bring together different golf clubs from around the country, the world even, for a week of unwavering brotherhood that spans well beyond any course.

But more than that, what PAL has realized throughout seven decades of hosting the Philippines’ biggest amateur golfing event, is that it gets to flaunt the beauty of the country through this auspicious event for all the world to see.

“This is our opportunity to showcase the wonders of the Philippines to a lot of foreign guests, who participate in the tournament,” PAL VP for Corporate Communications Jose Enrique. L. Perez de Tagle told Manila Standard in a brief talk during the third day of competition.

The tournament here in Marapara and Binitin attracted more foreign teams and players than local bets in its Seniors’ Division, while clubs in the championship flight featured a slew of international talents.

“This a great opportunity to showcase the Philippines in the best possible light. And when it contributes to the local economies in the various

destinations that host us, then so much the better,” he added.

“But more than (attracting foreign interest), it serves a lot of amateur Filipino teams and players (who want to experience topnotch level of play).

It really is a test of golfing excellence,” the exec pointed out.

According to “Josen,” as colleagues fondly call him, they feel it is their responsibility to continue sponsoring this tournament as a real form of support to sportsmanship and the promotion of Philippine tourism.

“PAL has always been trying to promote the Philippines, as a tourism, adventure, and a sporting destination. It’s even more important for us now because PAL is also transforming to cater to the needs of the many growing destinations outside Metro Manila,” De Tagle continued.

Right now, the PAL Interclub has rotating venues in Davao, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro, with plans to stage the 72nd tourney in Cebu’s Alta Vista and Cebu Golf and Country Club next year.

“We want to show the countrysides to foreign and Filipino golfers alike, other than concentrate in Manila. This is really for our regions

Veteran Eddie Bagtas, a regular at the PAL Interclub

to shine,” he added, while Corporate Communications Department’s Jonathan P. Gesmundo says that this could materialize sooner than later.

“The trend (of more international contingent joining) should continue with the opening of more non-stop routes via PAL from Europe, Northern America, and the Middle East to Manila,” he said.

“The trend of more foreign teams joining the Interclub is expected to continue in the coming years as PAL opens more new international destinations, enticing golfers from the local Filipino communities to participate in a distinctly Filipino golfing tradition,” said Gesmundo.

BACOLOD—Tom Kim fired a level par 70 for 36 points yesterday and Luigi Wong added 32 as Manila Southwoods slowed down with just 126 third round points in the PAL Interclub’s centerpiece Regular Men’s Championship at Binitin.

With the elements at their worst, the Carmona-based squad struggled like the rest, but team skipper Thirdy Escano knows that they have accomplished what they set out to do here as they take a 20-point lead over Luisita into the final day.

“I can sleep soundly tonight,” Escano said even after Aidric Chan added 30 points and Carlo Corpus 28 for a 405 aggregate as Southwoods moved closer to the tournament’s first-ever “four-peat.”

Kristopher Arevalo, who signed for a 38 on Friday, failed to count with a 26.

But despite their meager output, the defending champions still played well enough to keep their heads above water and not give Luisita a chance to pull out an upset when the final round is played at tree-lined Marapara today.

“It was a really difficult day for everyone and I can’t complain at the way the boys played,” Escano said. “The

Turn to A7

By Peter Atencio NOW that members of the Red Cubs are joining the San Beda University Red Lions, the team will have a legitimate point guard in Season 94 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

Red Cubs’ standout point guard Evan Nelle is one of two junior members, who committed to stay put to play for the school’s college team.

Along with forward Peter Alfaro, Nelle has joined the practices of the Red Lions, who did not have a point guard last season.

Nelle averaged 14 points and 6.8 rebounds when he played for the Red Cubs, who won two titles out of four attempts with him around in the NCAA. The 5’10” guard is expected to stabilize the Red Lions’ rotation next season, according to Red Lions’ coach Boyet Fernandez.

“He will be a very good asset to the team. Last year, we had no point guard. With Evan around, his teammates Jomari Presbitero and Radj Tongco will be more consistent in their positions,” said Fernandez.

On the other hand, Fernandez said Robert Bolick, who acted as their point guard the last time around, will give way to Nelle.

In high school, the 19-year-old Nelle helped the Red Cubs not only win titles in the junior division, but also in the National Basketball Training Center, Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, the Palarong Pambansa, Metro Manila Basketball League and the Filoil Flying Preseason Tournament over the last three years.

On the other hand, Alfaro, a three-point specialist and skilled forward, has accepted an offer by manager Jude Roque to be in the Team B for the coming schoolyear and wait for a chance to be in Team A in Season 95.

Alfaro’s brother Marius said Peter’s decision to stay put came after a long talk with Roque.

His other teammates like big men Sam Abuhijle and Germy Mahinay and Peter Alfaro are not joining them.

CHALLENGING THE ENDURANCE OF FILIPINO CYCLISTS

Champion EJ Flores (center) is shown with podium finishers Jake Rivera (left) and Jigo Mendoza.

7-ELEVEN once again challenged the endurance of Filipino cyclists who joined their biggest single-loop cross-country mountain biking race to date, Trail 2018, held last Feb. 18.

With more than 2,500 registered racers, Trail 2018 recorded the most number of participants since the said event started in 2014. The race was held at Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal, known as the “mountain biking capital” of the Philippines.

“It makes me happy that a lot of racers registered for this year,” Jose Victor Paterno, president and CEO of Philippine Seven Corporation said. “At 7-Eleven, we believe that it is important to have a balanced lifestyle, that’s why we encourage our customers to eat healthy and engage themselves in sports such as this or do simple exercises.”

Cyclists, who joined had to face a very

challenging race course which was a mix of road climbs (10%), fire road (30%), and single track (60%). The single loop course was stitched together using favorite routes of San Mateo regulars, otherwise inaccessible trails on private land, and newly created trails just for the race.

“For this year, we built a lot of new trails. Also, for the very first time, we are finishing here at the Glades, which is a bit of an uphill finish, it can be challenging but I think the venue is really worth it,” Paterno said.

Crossing the finish line victoriously were EJ Flores and Ariana Dormitorio, overall male and female champions for the 40KM race with time records of 1:18:32 and 1:24:58, respectively.

“Masarap sa feeling na ako ang nagoverall, nahawakan ko na ‘to dati, dalawang sunod. Nasiraan lang ako [ng bisikleta] last year, kaya buti nakapwesto ulit ako

ngayon,” Flores said. “Kinabisado talaga namin ‘yong ruta, araw-araw kaming nageensayo rito sa Timberland. Siguro ang advantage ko ay ‘yong sa technicals, sa downhills, at sa rocks.”

Meanwhile, Dormitorio considers this as an opportunity for her to challenge herself, especially when it comes to competing with male racers.

“I’m actually feeling really great. There are a lot of improvements, it’s really a fast-paced race course and I’m happy to be able to compete with other men.

Because here at 7-Eleven, I really try my best to be up with their level, especially that my goal is to compete abroad. So, it’s really a good feeling that I was able to do my plans for this year’s race,” Dormitorio ended.

For the complete list of Trail 2018 winners and official time records, you may visit www.facebook.com/trail711.

B1

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018

Business

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

PH STARTUP EXPANDING TO ASEAN COUNTRIES

By Jenniffer B. Austria

The Philippine Retailers Association honors the ‘12 Icons of Philippine Retailing’ at the launching of coffee table book’Legends, Lives and Legacies’ at Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City. Shown are (from left) Araneta Group management consultant Rowell Recinto for Jorge Araneta; Ayala Malls general manager Mariana Zobel de Ayala-Aboitiz for Fernando Zobel de Ayala; Philippine Franchise Association chairman emeritus and Blims Lifestyle Group chairman Samie Lim; SM Investments Corp. vice chairman Tessie Sy-Coson; National Bookstore Inc. founder Socorro Ramos; Wilcon Depot Inc. founder and chairman William Belo; SM Investments Corp. chairman Jose Sio for Henry Sy; Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. president Robina Gokongwei-Pe for John Gokongwei Jr.; Mercury Drug president and general manager Vivian Que-Azcona for Mariano Que; Puregold founder and chairman Lucio Co; Megaworld vice president Christine San Joaquin for Andrew Tan; and Rustan’s administraton manager Paolo Tantoco for Bienvenido Tantoco Sr.

T

FILIPINO ICONS OF RETAIL SECTOR

HE Philippine Retailers Association, the recognized national association of top retailers and suppliers in the country, honored the 12 icons of Philippine retailing at the launching of coffee table book “Legends, Lives and Legacies” on Feb. 27 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

The 12 icons in the elite list of the prestigious PRA president’s awards were recognized for their indelible mark and contribution to the growth of the Philippine retail industry.

The elite list of personalities who were recognized as pillars of Philippine retailing are Henry Sy of SM Investments Corp. (Father of Philippine Retailing), Fernando Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Group (Pillar of Philippine Retail Development), Jorge Araneta of Araneta Group (Pioneer of Philippine Retail Entertainment), Samie Lim of Blims Lifestyle Group

and Philippine Franchise Association (Pioneering Pillar of Franchising), Socorro Ramos of National Bookstore (Matriarch of Philippine Retailing) and John Gokongwei Jr. of Robinsons (Champion of Retail Entrepreneurship).

Also in the list are Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. of Rustan’s and Shopwise (Father of Luxury Retailing), Mariano Que of Mercury Drug (Father of Health and Wellness Retailing), Teresita Sy-Coson of SM and BDO (Philippine Retailing’s Woman Visionary Leader), Dr. Andrew Tan of Megaworld (Pillar of Mixed-Use Developments), Lucio Co of Puregold (Patron of Micro-retail Entrepreneurship), and Engr. William Belo of Wilcon Depot (Patriarch of Home Building Retail).

“These icons’ invaluable contribution to the Philippine retail industry truly deserves PRA’s highest recognition,” said PRA president Paul Santos who heads Picture City.

The PRA coffee table book launch is a project of PRA vice chairman and PRA President’s Award proponent Mars Chua

and vice chairman Jorge Mendiola of SM Retail.

“It is our honor and pleasure to present this commemorative book that is our tribute to the pillars of Philippine Retailing. This publication is the retail industry’s way to recognize your success stories and celebrate your relentless dedication and invaluable contributions to the retail industry,” Mendiola said.

“Through your businesses, you were able to change peoples’ lives for the better, as well as drive the nation’s economic growth. For every new store or branch built, you created new jobs and better opportunities for the people.

There is a vast ripple effect to every success and milestone that each one of our retail pioneers achieved, and for that, we celebrate our gratitude to you through this memorable book,” Chua said.

“Your lives and your stories embodied in this book truly serve as an inspiration to many Filipinos that anything can be achieved through hard work , perseverance, and dedication,” Chua said.

FILIPINO star tup Acudeen Technologies plans to expand to six countries with a combined total market of over $400 billion.

Acudeen chief executive Mario Jordan Fetalino III said in a statement the company would launch fullscale operations in Myanmar this month and in Vietnam and Indonesia by next year.

“Like the Philippines, small business owners in these countries face the same perils with regard to mobility due to inaccessible and expensive financing options,” he said.

Ac u d e e n a l s o d e c i d e d to establish its regional headquarters in Singapore to facilitate the expansion binge to emerging markets.

Fetalino said the establishment of the regional headquar ters would serve as “a stepping stone towards its goal of becoming a marketplace which essentially democratizes financial inclusion for everyone regardless of geographic location, allowing their system to be implemented on a global scale.”

This move will make Acudeen’s ser vices more accessible and leverages the capability to better support its remote deployment across Southeast Asia.

Fetalino, however, said the overseas expansion could face headwinds in the form of regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles.

“Though belonging to one region, the policies and regulations, and the general business environment in Southeast Asia are very different per country, which is why agile companies are the ones succeeding in this region,” Fetalino said.

Fetalino said Acudeen has been very active in finding the right partners in the region.

Acudeen facilitates receivable discounting for small businesses in the country.

For 2018, the company targets a 10-fold increase in growth to $30 million from last year’s $3 million as it continues to support the economic development in the Philippines through financial inclusion.

The technology company enables small and medium enterprises and micro, small and medium enterprise finance receivables ahead of time as its platform allows transactions to happen fast from receivable uploaded cash within days.

OVER 19,000 KIDS BENEFIT FROM CDO’S FEEDING PROJECT CHRISTIAN Valdez, a six-year-old son of carpenter Hilario Valdez and wife Jennifer from Barangay Gen. T. de Leon, Valenzuela City, was considered underweight for his age.

After undergoing a 90-day supplemental feeding program organized by Odyssey Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of food manufacturing firm CDOFoodsphere Inc., Christian gained 3.1 kilograms.

Christian is among the 19,000 children beneficiaries of OFI’s Nutrition Program dubbed as Gabay Nutrisyon.

Gabay Nutrisyon is a nationwide campaign of OFI designed to eliminate hunger among children two to six years old.

The campaign has reached out to children in underprivileged parts of Metro Manila and far-flung communities such as Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Malilipot, Albay; Presentacion, Camarines Sur; Benguet and Leyte. It has basically provided intervention to the serious problem of malnutrition in the country.

Data from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute show that chronic

malnutrition rate among Filipino children aged 0 to 2 was at 26.2 percent in 2015, the highest in 10 years.

According to studies, the first 1,000 days are a crucial period when the child must receive optimum nutrition. If not achieved, the effects of malnutrition will be irreversible.

Aware of the problem, OFI’s core

advocacy is hunger mitigation to save children from undernutrition.

“Hence, we are actively implementing Gabay Nutrisyon supplemental feeding program to provide nourishment to children and enable them to reach their fullest potential,” said OFI executive director Dindo Danao.

OFI conducts nutrition advocacy

interventions in the form of a 90-day supplemental feeding program when nutritious food and medicine are given to children. At the end of the feeding program, the children are expected to have reached their normal nutritional status and their families have gained better understanding of health and nutrition practices that will equip them to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

OFI data show that as of Feb. 28, 2018, total beneficiaries of the Gabay Nutrisyon program reached 19, 044 kids.

“Urgent interventions are needed to reverse the health condition of underweight Filipino children. We believe that a directly administered and closely monitored feeding program brings the needed results,” said Jerome Ong, president of Odyssey Foundation and CDO-Foodsphere.

“We envision seeing healthy and wellnourished children in our communities.

The supplemental feeding program is our maiden way of sharing our resources by giving children a chance for a healthier and better life,” Ong said.

OFI was established on May 11, 2004 with a mandate to develop programs

concerning children nourishment, childcare and education, livelihood enhancement and health and nutritional advocacy, and to generate funds via solicitations and fund raising activities to support its programs.

It is guided by the general framework of social development, firmly anchored on the principle of giving something back to the community.

In 2005, OFI first conducted Gabay N u t r i s yo n , a co m m u n i t y - b a s e d supplemental feeding program focusing on addressing child hunger and malnutrition in chosen communities.

By providing nutritious food and vitamins, OFI aims to restore to normal health status underweight children enrolled in the program. This started on June 14, 2005 with children of Barangay Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City as the initial beneficiaries, Paso de Blas being home to OFI’s mother company, CDO Foodsphere.

OFI expanded the program and launched the NEELS advocacy campaign. NEELS stands for Nutrition, Education, Environment, Livelihood and Service to Humanity.

Business

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SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

PH NOW A BIGGER MARKET FOR COGNAC THAN FRANCE PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies president and chief executive Jean Henri Lhuillier holds the 2017 Grand Stevie Award.

LHUILLIER BAGS AWARDS IN SPAIN THE PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies brought home a Grand Stevie Trophy during the 2017 International Business Awards in Barcelona, Spain. The organization is behind the country’s largest micro-financial institution, Cebuana Lhuillier.

The company received the Grand Stevie Award for placing 8th over-all after bagging 18 awards, including five gold, four silver, eight bronze and a People’s Choice trophy.

PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies president and chief executive Jean Henri Lhuillier won Gold Stevie awards for Executive of the Year for Insurance and Executive of the Year for Diversified Services. He also won Bronze Stevie awards for Executive of the Year for Conglomerates, Executive of the Year for Financial Services, Maverick of the Year and Innovator of the Year.

“Winning these prestigious global awards brings us much pride and honor as we have always reveled in the quality of our products and the programs we implement. These awards will continue to motivate us to further introduce innovative products and services towards achieving our ultimate goal of financial inclusion for the country,” Lhuillier said.

PJ Lhuillier also brought home Gold Stevie awards for Company of the Year for Diversified Services and Most Innovative Company of the Year and Bronze Stevie awards for Company of the Year for Financial Services and Company of the Year for Insurance.

The company’s Disaster Resilience advocacy program was also awarded with Silver Stevie awards for Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year and PR Campaign of the Year for Consumer Services.

The Cebuana Lhuillier Legacy Book won a Gold Stevie for Company History Publication while the Cebuana Lhuillier Ninong Ceb Facebook Group for employees and the Cebuana Lhuillier Financial Inclusion campaign won Silver Stevie awards for Best Facebook Group and PR Campaign of the Year for Public Service, respectively.

The Cebuana Lhuillier Website and Cebuana Lhuillier Isang Bangka campaign also won Bronze Stevie awards for Website Awards Financial Services and PR Campaign/Program of the Year for Internal Communications, respectively.

PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies also bagged 8 trophies in the 2017 Golden Bridge Awards, including a Grand Trophy for placing 4th overall in the competition.

Representing the only Asian country among the winners, the company won two gold trophies for Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year and Milestone of the Year and five bronze trophies for Executive of the Year, Company of the Year, Business Expansion of the Year, Company Growth of the Year and Best Apps.

In 2017, the PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies won a total of 59 awards from various international and local award-giving bodies, including eight Anvil Awards, two Philippine Quill Awards and four CEO World Awards, among others.

The International Business Awards is the world’s premier business awards created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide.

Golden Bridge Awards, on the other hand, is an annual industry and peers recognition program honoring Best Companies of all types and sizes from all over the world.

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Martell cognac brand ambassador for Southeast Asian Pierre Boyer

HE Philippines consumes more cognac than France, the only country that produces the premium variety of brandy.

This is according to Pierre Boyer, the 28-year-old brand ambassador of Martell cognac in Southeast Asia. “The cognac market is growing in the Philippines,” Boyer says in a cognac tasting event organized by Martell in Makati City.

Boyer, who was born and raised in the city of Cognac and is an active cognac enthusiast, says the expanding economy of the Philippines and the penchant for premium brands is driving the growth in demand for cognac in the country.

The Philippines is one of the world’s largest markets for brandy, with homegrown Emperador Inc., which owns Bodegas Fundador in Spain, now considered the largest producer.

Boyer says what makes cognac different from other brandy types is the place where it is produced. The variety is named after the city of Cognac in the western part of France and is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region spanning 75,000 hectares in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime.

Martell is the oldest cognac producer in France, having first produced the premium cognac in 1715.

Martell, now owned by Pernod Ricard, is also one of the four largest producers of cognac, along with Courvoisier, Hennessy and Rémy Martin.

Martell cognac contains fine brandies dubbed eaux-de-vie or “waters of life”, according to Boyer.

Boyer graduated with a Master’s in International Business from HEC Paris in 2015 where he wrote a thesis about the French wine industry. He joined the Pernod-Ricard group as a marketing trainee in Paris in 2013 and became the brand ambassador for Martell cognac and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagne at Pernod-Ricard Malaysia in 2016.

Boyer says cognac is made from Ugni blanc, a dry and acidic grape variety which is distilled twice and aged for at least two years. Boyer says while Ugnic blanc is not a good variety for wine, it is perfect for distillation and aging of brandy.

Martell is the oldest among the 200 cognac houses in the Cognac region, says Boyer, and is most famous for Cordon Bleu. It also produces very superior old pale or VSOP and extra old or XO cognac.

Pernod Ricard, the parent company of Martell, is also the one behind Chivas Brothers scotch, Malibu rum, Beefeater gin and Absolut vodka.

Boyer, who is now based in Kuala Lumpur, says

China and the United States are two of the largest markets of cognac, but one of the fastest growing markets is Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Before moving to Kuala Lumpur, Boyer has lived in Cognac, Paris, Brussels and Rotterdam and traveled around Southeast Asia, Africa and North America.

Boyer says cognac has an alcohol content of 40 percent and drinking it should depend on one’s preference and ability to handle alcohol. On whether cognac should be enjoyed pure or mixed with water, ice or juice, Boyer says: “It is should be the way you like it.” Roderick T. dela Cruz

LEARNING GURU DISCUSSES ‘A DANCE OF CHANGE’ AS participants attended ‘A Dance of Change in the Age of Complexity,’ a threeday seminar held at Shangri-La BGC Hotel, it seemed like just another conference for educators, businessmen and other adult professionals.

That business-as-usual atmosphere instantly changed when young children from Benedictine International School and Mother Goose Playskool Lipa, also participated in the conference.

A couple of boys from BIS were given the opportunity to speak at the podium. There, they discussed how systems thinking and learning could potentially help them in their future careers.

The conference guest of honor and main resource expert, Dr. Peter Senge, expressed his excitement to see such a rare sight in his welcoming remarks. “How many conferences do we go to where there are kids?” the world renowned organizational learning guru and systems thinking authority asked. “We go to conferences with business people all the time, those almost never have kids, right?”

Dr. Senge underscored the importance of proper communication with the young, especially in these types of seminars. “They get to learn something from the adults, while the adults in turn are reminded of their own innocence, playfulness, and the lack of fear—traits that will help in any leadership endeavor,”

Best-selling author and systems thinking expert Dr. Peter Senge (left) explains to the rest of the panel the importance of constant adaptability. With him are (from left) Zuellig Family Foundation executive coach Ina Teves, Benedictine International School teacher Joan Antonio-Bondoc, Ateneo Management Engineering Association president Wesley dela Cruz, Office of the Vice President undersecretary Philip Francisco Dy and Senator Benigno Aquino IV. he noted.

The three -day seminar took its attendees, both young and old, through an extensive workshop which focused on organizational learning, systems thinking and success within an ever-changing

organization. These activities varied in methodology but embraced a core principle of constant adaptability.

The Rizal Academy for Innovation and Leadership was the main organizer of the event. It featured a full roster

of influential speakers coming from business, government, private/public partnership and education sectors.

Senator Benigno Aquino IV and Vice President Leni Robredo were among the keynote speakers, providing valuable insight and an insider’s perspective within their respective fields.

Dr. Senge capped off the symposium with a “Deep Dive” session, which served as a synthesis of the topics discussed and the skills mastered during the three-day conference.

Dr. Senge and a panel of motivational coaches, politicians, students and teachers discussed topics which were essential in the growth the Filipino people, most notably the youth. Among the topics discussed was the outlook of the nation, to which the international management guru gave an intuitive response.

“When asked if things will get better or worse, the response I always give is yes”, Senge said. “Things are getting worse; however, things are also looking better, this is where you need to look the world through multiple lenses,” Senge said.

“A funny thing – or you might even say a quirk – in our awareness is that all of us focus excessively on what we don’t want to see; we obsessively focus where our fear directs our focus. We need to cultivate our ability to focus on the future that we want to see,” he said.

Tech & Gadgets

B3

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

VIVO REVEALS APEX FULLVIEW CONCEPT SMARTPHONE

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HENZEN, China—Vivo is unveiling its new APEX™ FullView™ concept smartphone which sets new benchmarks for future smartphone design, featuring the world’s highest screen-to-body ratio and Vivo’s ground-breaking HalfScreen In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology.

In pushing the boundaries of mobile experience, Vivo has taken its FullView™ technology to a whole new level by introducing new engineering breakthroughs in camera, speaker and sensor elements as well as rethinking the design structure of conventional smartphones.

Vivo’s pioneering approach in fingerprint scanning technology has resulted in the world’s first Half-Screen Fingerprint Scanning Technology on APEX™, building on the success of industry’s first mass-produced In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Smartphone X20 Plus UD. “APEX™ is an iteration of our constant pursuit of setting new industry standards and to deliver the ultimate mobile experience,” Alex Feng, Senior Vice President of Vivo said. “From breakthroughs in audio, photography to In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology, Vivo has remained committed to realizing our vision for future smartphones. What we showcase in this concept phone is only a fraction of our innovation pipeline. We will continue to explore all possibilities to bring the best possible experiences to our consumers.”

New Structural Design that Takes Bezels to the Limit The APEX™ features unprecedented top and side bezels of 1.8mm--the thinnest in the industry, with a 4.3mm bottom bezel. The screen-to-body ratio will exceed 98% if the bottom bezel reaches 1.8mm, ulti-

ENJOY NOKIA WITH A JBL FREEBIE, PRICE DISCOUNTS mately creating truly bezel-less experience. Thanks to the flexible OLED platform, microchips mounted directly to the flexible circuit board enables the APEX™’s staggering screen-to-body ratio.

Leveraging its accumulated expertise in audio technologies, Vivo introduces Screen SoundCasting Technology with APEX™, transforming the entire FullView™ Display into a speaker. The Screen SoundCasting Technology sends vibrations through the display without the need for a traditional loudspeaker. Compared to other audio solutions for bezel-less smartphones, it conserves power, reduces sound leakage, and optimizes low to high pith sound for a better and more balanced audio experience.

In keeping with the promise to continuously support user habits, APEX™ also features an 8MP Elevating Front Camera. The camera seamlessly rises in 0.8 seconds when it is required and retracts after use. Together

with the hidden proximity sensor and ambient light sensor, this eliminates the space taken up by conventional front cameras, while offering the same selfie experience to users.

World’s First Half-Screen In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology Following the success of In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology at CES 2018, Vivo has installed the world’s first Half-Screen In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology in the APEX™. Transforming the entire bottom half of the OLED screen, users can touch anywhere on the bottom half of the screen to perform fingerprint recognition, enabling a more flexible and intuitive experience while meeting industry standards for security.

Half-Screen In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology also enables new usage scenarios, such as the new dual-fingerprint scanning feature in APEX™ for even greater strengthened security.

SMART GETS PARTNERS FOR KINDEGARTEN APP OPPO A71 RAISES BAR IN ENTRY-LEVEL PHONES OPPO Philippines strengthens its entrylevel smartphone offering with the new OPPO A71 2018, carrying a mid-range class processor and includes OPPO’s A.I. Beauty Technology for P7,990.

Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 octa-core processor found in smartphones at the mid-range level, the A71 2018 elevates the standard of speed and battery efficiency in its price point.

Selfies will never be the same with the A.I. Beauty Technology infused in the 5MP front camera, for this allows more personalized selfie experience by analyzing the subject’s face in more than 220 facial points. Similar with the OPPO F5, the A71 2018 can also detect the skin tone, age and race for a natural looking selfie.

Along with a 13MP rear camera, capturing moments will be fun and easy with multiple modes such as time-lapse, panorama and even expert mode for ultra-HD 42MP shots. All these features are seen through the 5.2” HD display and compact shell body that is easy to hold and carry around.

In addition to value for money, the OPPO A71 2018 comes with a free preinstalled screen protector and transparent protection case. The smartphone also

has all-around connectivity with dedicated dual-sim slot and microSD storage for expansion. This gesture is a standard in OPPO smartphones, ensuring that customer experience is on-top of mind in every aspect.

Running on Color OS 3.2 under Android 7.1.1, the A71 2018 runs smooth with premium features like O-Share to transfer files from other OPPO smartphones in lightning speeds. Plus, with its battery efficient processor, the 3,000mAh battery can last for more than 12 hours.

“We keep on pushing the industry by coming up with the best smartphone in every price point. We believe the A71 2018’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor and A.I. Beauty Technology will elevate the smartphone experience in the entry-level arena,” said Eason de Guzman, Public Relations Manager of OPPO Philippines.

The OPPO A71 2018 will be available in all concept stores nationwide starting tomorrow. For more information, customers may visit https://www.oppo. com/ph/. They can also follow OPPO on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/ OPPOPH/ to see the latest updates and events from the brand.

SMART Communications has partnered with the Bangsamoro Development Agency and Far Eastern University Institute of Technology to develop a learning app for Muslim kids in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

The app, which will feature fun stories and games, will be aligned with the Tahderiyyah kindergarten curriculum implemented in Islamic schools. It is expected to be launched within the year, for free download from Google Play.

The Tahderiyyah app project is part of Smart’s broader effort to enhance Filipino education through mobile and digital technology.

Smart is also helping create learning apps in different local languages.

Studies show that the managed use of digital learning tools and content can improve the literacy skills of children and heighten their interest in learning.

Under the partnership, the BDA will provide content which FEU information technology and multimedia students will digitize and animate.

To equip the students for the job, Smart organized animation, sound design, and sound production workshops facilitated by experts from OrangeFix and Click Multimedia Studio. Smart will also help transform the digitized content into an app.

Groups that want to partner with Smart to develop localized literacy apps in other languages may send an email to TechnoCart@ smart.com.ph

Photo shows (from left to right): BDA Executive Director Mohammad Yacob, FEU Institute of Technology Executive Director Dr. Benson Tan, and Smart Vice President for Community Partnerships Darwin Flores.

GET A GOPRO WHEN YOU RESERVE FOR A MITSUBISHI XPANDER WITH the much anticipated launch of the all-new Mitsubishi XPANDER in the country, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. recently started accepting reservations.

An overwhelming feedback was received by MMPC from customers who are all excited to be among the first to drive home this all-new cross multi-purpose, sport utility vehicle. And to make it more exciting, MMPC is providing a pre-booking exclusive for those who have made reservations and who are still planning on reserving one.

Customers who will reserve until March 31, will receive an XPANDER XCLUSIVE, in the form of a GoPro Hero5 Black. Thisitem will be delivered to the customer together with the delivery of his/ her all-new Mitsubishi XPANDER. Complementing every road trip with the all-new XPANDER, the GoPro Hero 5 is

more than just a camera. It offers great solution for shooting, sharing and editing videos and is packed with so much more features to capture great moments with your every adventure. It perfectly matches your lifestyle just like the all-new XPANDER. To avail of this limited offer and to preorder, simply visit the all-new XPANDER special webpage at xpander.mmpc.ph, register to access the page and fill-out

the pre-order form. A reservation fee of Ten Thousand Pesos only (P10,000) must be paid at your preferred Mitsubishi Motors dealership to complete the pre-order.

Completed purchase transaction is required to receive the GoPro Hero5 Black.

About the all-new XPANDER The all-new XPANDER is powered by the 1.5L DOHC 16-valve with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System (MIVEC) engine. It boasts of the best in class interior dimensions for a spacious cabin which can seat comfortably seven adults complemented by a generous luggage space.

The all-new XPANDER will be offered in five colors for the GLS Sport and GLS variants: Red Metallic, Titanium Gray Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Quartz White Pearl and Diamond Black Mica while the GLX Plus

will be available in Titanium Gray Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Quartz White Pearl and Diamond Black Mica and the GLX MT will be available in Titanium Gray Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Diamond Black Mica. Best value for money is what you expect from the allnew XPANDER with its indicative price tag of P885,000 for GLX MT, P960,000 GLX Plus AT, P995,000 for the GLS AT and P1,060,000 for GLS Sport AT.

GET the hottest early summer deals from HMD Global, home of Nokia phones, as they announce their new promo offerings for their Nokia smartphones on Android.

From March 1 to 31, you can get P1,000 off with every purchase of the Nokia 5 and Nokia 61, or get P500 off2 and a free JBL GO Bluetooth speaker (worth P1,599) on the Nokia 33. The flagship smartphone Nokia 8, now with P5,000 discount, also comes with a FREE JBL Bluetooth headset (worth P3,000) on every purchase. For only P10,000, you can pick up a pair of the all-new Nokia 2 for you and your loved one at participating dealers nationwide.

Nokia has also extended its partnership with Home Credit, with 0% installment deals on all Nokia smartphones on Android.

Elevated smartphone experience at a lower price At the promo price of P6,490, the Nokia 3 is designed with precisionmachined aluminum frame and Corning® Gorilla® Glass, making it a durable phone that’s best to take on any adventure. It comes with 8MP front and back cameras with auto-focus, enabling users to preserve moments with ease.

Now priced at P8,990 on promo, the Nokia 5 sports a 13MP rear camera with dual-tone LED flash, which allows users to capture vivid photos and full-HD videos at 30fps. With its 5.2” display and aluminum body with round edges, the Nokia 5 is a sleek smartphone that nestles perfectly in the user’s palm.

The Nokia 6, which now retails for a promo price of P10,990, offers a large 5.5” display and comes in a pure metal frame. Its 1920x1080-pixel IPS LCD and Dolby Atmos™ audio allows users to enjoy an immersive multimedia entertainment experience. It also features a 16MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera.

Equipped with Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 430 octa-core, the Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 units take pride of high-quality performance that meets the standards of today’s smartphone technology. Both devices are already upgradable on Android Oreo 8.0.

For a discounted price of P24,990, experience Nokia 8’s three world-firsts of smartphone technology: collaboration with ZEISS optics, Dual-Sight technology, and OZO spatial 360° audio. The phone’s 13MP front and back cameras featuring ZEISS optics and Dual-Sight technology gives users the ability to capture both sides of every story.

The Nokia 8 is already available on Android Oreo 8.1.

With an SRP of P5,290, the Nokia 2 boasts of a two-day battery life and comes with a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera with automatic scene detection and auto-focus. With its 5in LTPS LCD HD display, the Nokia 2 offers a crisp viewing experience at lower power consumption. Get two units of the Nokia 2 at any MemoXpress store on online with argomall.com for only P10,000 this month.

Extended partnership with Home Credit Through the tie-up with Home Credit, the Nokia 8 may be availed at 0% interest for 12 months, while the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, Nokia 6 and Nokia 2 Android smartphones are at 0% interest for 6 months.

All Nokia smartphones are future-proof with pure, secure and up-to-date Android upgrades.

Visit any authorized Nokia reseller, including MemoXpress and argomall.com, as well as any Nokia store, kiosk or exhibit near you for the whole month of March to enjoy these deals.

B4

TECH & Gadgets

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

ALL THE BEST FEATURES YOU WANT IN A PHONE

By Charles Arvin Dantes

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AMSUNG officially launched its new flagship product for the ever-innovating S-series, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 plus, on Friday at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City.

Phone and camera lovers, get ready, as this new smartphone from technology giant Samsung has all the qualities of the best possible things you can wish for in a new set of smartphones, with its new and exciting feature of AR emoji and Super slow-mo that will surely become a hit in the market.

Along with the release of the newest face of the smartphone is the introduction of new brand ambassadors, Georgina Wilson and Solenn Heusaff, who took center stage during the recent media conference.

Joining the duo was famous photographer BJ Pascual, who completed the team of key endorsers for the Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Samsung redefined the phone game in the country as it completely changed the landscape of communicating, sharing and experiencing the moment with its huge upgrade for the camera, hence the quote—The Camera, reimagined.

Transform your every day life into treasured moments with its breathtaking super slow-motion footages and stunning videos, thanks to the high-performance of the new Galaxy S9 and S9+.

The Camera S a m s u n g S 9 a n d S 9 + a re equipped with the Super Speed Dual Pixel 12 megapixels rear camera with autofocus and optical image stability. However, the Galaxy S9+ takes it to a much higher level with an additional of 12MP rear camera. Both units boast, though, of an 8MP front camera.

Adding to the enhanced camera is the Augmented Reality emoji to further express yourself as you can map out your facial features and use it as an emoji. Finally, a much better slow-mo feature, the Super Slow Mo that can capture up to 960 frames per second—four times slower than standard slow motion—making

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be officially released in the market on March 16.

New brand ambassadors Georgina Wilson (leftment) and Solenn Heusaff (rightmost) join Samsung officials during the launch of the Galaxy S, S+. Charles Dantes

every video you make much epic and special.

The Performance The S9 and S9+ house unparalleled performance with the operating power of 4GB and 6GB ram, respectively, and expandable memory up to 400GB— almost as strong as a computer. The phones are also water and dust resistant and can efficiently power up via wireless charging.

It also offers the Iris, face and fingerprint recognition for much better security.

The Experience Taking the cue from the S8 and S8+ series, the new S9 and S9+ has the Super AMOLED infinity display and sport the curved Quad HD screen.

Complimenting the amazing display are the stereo speakers tuned by renowned acoustics’ brand AKG. It also supports the Dolby Atmos, giving that 360-degree sound effect. With the combination of these elements, you can now experience cinematic pleasure on-the-go.

Making the night “super” was the participation of more than 400 dealers

and press people to experience the new Galaxy S9 and S9+ firsthand.

The product presentation were lead by Ivan Pua, Product Marketing Head for IT and Mobile and Lea Cua, Product Marketing Manager for Flagship Phones.

The launching/celebration ended on a high note with the performance of famed musician Ely Buendia performing his hits.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be officially released in the market on March 16.

LET’S PLAY NOW AT SM SUPERMALLS IN ITS pursuit to change the game in Philippine retail, SM Supermall fuses digital experiences and on-ground shopping as SM launches this February its nationwide “Let’s Play Now at SM” campaign, inviting everyone to have fun with QR codes and in-app games for exciting treats.

This first-of-its-kind live brand experience is set to transform several SM malls across the country into fun play lands, where shoppers can play and instantly win freebies,

discounts and deals, and gift certificates—all possible through their smart phones!

As part of the #LetsPlayNowAtSM campaign, mallgoers of SM Seaside City Cebu can avail an instant P100 discount from participating brands and a chance to win a trip for 2 to one of five Asian destinations, like Japan South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, or China.Promo is valid until March 31, 2018 only.

Also not be missed is the Dinos

in the Mall at SM City Santa Rosa, where customers are treated a virtual experience, playing with some of the world’s prehistoric lizards through augmented reality. You can see them run, walk, and hear them roar until March 3! Visit the SM City Santo Rosa Facebook Page to know more.

Don’t forget to check out new and rewarding experiences in SM malls near you. Truly, shopping has never been this PLAY-ful!

F5 GIVES TECH TALENTS A BOOST F5 Networks announced the SuperNetOps initiative today an Asia Pacificfirst training program aimed at helping businesses and the wider IT industry more effectively embrace automation, unlock new levels of performance, address lingering skill gaps and help IT professionals deliver critical network operations functions through DevOps methodologies.

Evolving threat landscapes and multicloud environments have driven an increased demand for application services to be delivered in a more automated way. This demand for greater efficiencies within the IT infrastructure has created a gap in professionals skilled in both essential and emerging technologies—a key point that businesses have identified as an obstacle to success.

“When speaking with many of our customers, a common theme rings through—the gap when it comes to work practices and collaboration between the NetOps and DevOps teams,” said Adam Judd, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, China and Japan, F5 Networks. “As the need for IT services exceeds the capabilities of manual, task-based approaches, F5 is committed to meeting this challenge head-on, and helping the industry grow with the right tools and talent.”

F5’s global Super-NetOps program aims to provide participants with a combination of essential and emerging networking skills. Its aims to shake up the network operations (NetOps) community to facilitate stronger collaboration with developers (DevOps) and fuel a shift from manual task-based practices to achieve unprecedented levels of automation, continuous improvement and business return on investment. Already trialed with hundreds of F5 customers, the course has been specifically structured to break down operational silos and reduce time-to-service from days to minutes, all while ensuring applications meet necessary compliance, policy, and performance standards.

F5’s Super-NetOps program is delivered through a combination of video lessons and hands-on lab sessions and comes to the Asia Pacific with a localized approach that is tailored to the unique cultural nuances of the region. This initiative comes as governments across the region are implementing policies to plug the gaps in certain skillsets. In last year’s 31st ASEAN Summit hosted by the Philippines, investment in skills development was highlighted, leveraging on the economic integration among member countries.

In the coming months, F5 will roll out an expanded curriculum, including security-focused automated deployment methodologies for the burgeoning DevSecOps role. Other topics set to feature include application language frameworks and third-party automation toolchain enablement.

“As a majority of Asia Pacific businesses look to expand their offerings of digital products and services through to 2020, network operations expertise is more important than ever, especially as businesses look for faster, smarter and safer applications. The pressure is on traditional IT teams to enable the orchestration and agility needed to succeed in a digital economy by embracing programmability.The future is very much automated, and there’s no one better suited to automating the network than the engineers and architects that know how to keep the engine of the Internet economy running,” added Judd.

AIM LAUNCHES 1ST DATA SCIENCE CORP LAB

By Angelica Villanueva

FOR its 50th year, the Asian Institute of Management, in partnership with the StanShih Foundation and Acer Group, launched and presented its first corporate laboratory recently at its AIM Campus.

Named ACCeSs@AIM, which stands for Analytics, Computing, and Complex Systems Laboratory, the lab is designed to promote the use of data science, artificial intelligence, and computational models in maneuvering and distinguishing critical issues and points of various sectors such as industries and government agencies.

Aside from that, the institution also aims to achieve its commitment, which is to play a part in developing and expanding the growth of Asia businesses, societies, and of course, the Philippine economy.

“We want to train the next generation of data science leaders to ask the right ques-

tions, as well as mine, refine, and convert data into information that will greatly benefit businesses and communities in the era of industry 4.0,”said ACCeSs@AIM Executive Managing Director Professor Christopher Monterola.

The Acer supercomputer, which features computing speeds of up to 500 teraflops and a capacity of 500 terabytes, is donated by the StanShih Foundation piloted by Stan Shih, Acer Founder and Honorary Chairman.

The corporate laboratory will be used as venue for the formal application of AIM’s formal data science, Master of Science in Data Science, headed by Professor Monterola.

As for the application of the laboratory, projects will be developED to use in businesses, society, and communities. Projects will be made through access in collaboration with faculty, researchers, graduate students, policymakers, executives and industry decision-makers to enhance com-

petitiveness, sustainability, and adaptability.

“By enabling data scientists to work closely with domain experts and individuals familiar with business and management issues, ACCeSs@AIM will create a collaborative ecosystem where business acumen meets data science skill sets. The goal is to empower managers, government leaders, and policymakers to make data-driven decisions,” added AIM President and Dean Jikyeong Kang.

The MSDS program is the first formal data science in the Philippines and ASEAN, designed to be as world-class on three fronts: the caliber of its faculty, the challenging data problems, and of course, the lab work through the ACCeSs@AIM. By the end and completion of the degree, the institution believes that each student “will have a better appreciation of the term ‘intelligence’ when linked to the word ‘business.’”

AIM panelists are shown here. They are (from left) Prof. Erika Legara, Deputy Director of ACCeSs@AIM; Dr. Chris Monterola, Head of AIM-SITE and ACCesS @ AIM; Dr. Jikyeong Kang, president & Dean of AIM; Stan Shih, Founder of acer Group and Chairman of StanShih Foundation and Maverick Shih, President of BYOC Smart Producta, Acer Inc. Charles Dantes

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Young Life sunday, march 11, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Words from Wise Women

ThERE is no shortage of women who prove that a woman can be who she wants to be and excel in doing it. We have come a long way from the time when women were considered the weaker gender, but there is still much work to do. in celebration of Women’s Month, we list some of the many inspiring quotes from women in politics, entertainment, literature, and fashion.

TOY MAKER. Elmer Padilla showcases Filipino creativity and ingenuity in creating dolls and action figures made of recycled slippers.

from slippers

S

to superheroes

ToRiES of Filipino ingenuity and creativity have always been a source of inspiration for us, much more when they are recognized globally.

in September last year, Elmer ako ng mga robot sa sarili kong imaPadilla made headlines when his hinasyon. Hanggang sa nahilig ako sa handmade action figures, made of mga action figures sa movie. Sinuburecycled slippers, were posted on kan ko na po gumaya ng mga action Facebook. The figures (i was viral post earned nine years old him an appearwhen i started ance on Kapuso making these.

Mo, Jessica Soho. at the time, i his work was didn’t make then handed to characters. i Thor: Ragnarok just made boats actors Chris out of broken hemsworth and flip-flops until Mark Ruffalo, i was able to who praised Pamake robots of dilla’s depictions my own imagiof their characnation. Then, i ters. began taking Padilla has an interest in always loved action figures action figures, from movies. but he could at that point, i never really aftried imitating ford them as a action figures),” child. he turned he related. to his creativity From Samar, at a young age Padilla, together Padilla uses flip-flops and adhesive in so that he could with his family, making his toys make his own. moved to imus, “nine years Cavite to try and old po ako noong mag-start ako sa fulfill his dream of making and selling paggawa. Hindi pa po character ang action figures. it was here where he mga ginagawa ko noon. Bangka- was discovered selling his tsinelas acbangka lang po gamit ang mga tsine- tion figures on the streets, and from las na sira hanggang sa nakakabuo na there, his fame skyrocketed.

“You are the one that possesses the key to your being.

You carry the passport to your own happiness.”

–Diane von Furstenberg in her book The Woman I Wanted To Be

“I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say ‘yes, women can’.”

–Dilma Rousseff in her speech after winning as Brazil’s first female president

“In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman.”

–Margaret Thatcher in her May 1965 speech to the national Union of Townsmen’s Guilds Conference

hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo with Elmer Padilla's tsinelas hulk action figure (Photo from @MarkRuffalo on Twitter)

Today, the toy creator receives guidance from Jerry Santos, a toymaker who makes life-sized statues for his store, Jerry’s Life-Size Statues and Collectibles. orders for his work have piled up so much, he can barely keep up with demand.

“actually, sa isang araw, nakakatanggap kami ng 70 orders. Yung iba hindi na niya nasasagot sa social media dahil nga medyo busy na rin talaga. Akala nila suplado si Elmer pero marami lang talagang dating ng Turn to C2

“Take criticisms seriously, but not personally.

If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.”

–hillary Rodham Clinton in her book Living History

Turn to C2

Filipina bartender wins

world bartending competition

Jholan Peñafiel was named 2017 TGiFriday's World Bartender Champion

Pinay talent reigned supreme at the world bartending stage when Jholan Peñafiel was adjudged 2017 Grand Champion in the recent TGiFriday's World Bartender Championship held in Dallas, Texas.

The TGiFriday's Philippines bartender earned the judges’ admiration in the Compulsory Round, an intense competition that tested the skills of the contestants when it came to mastery of recipes, speed, and accuracy of pouring drinks down to the last drop. Meanwhile, in the Freestyle Competition, Peñafiel

expertly mixed and served drinks while tossing, juggling, flipping, and catching bottles mid-air.

Peñafiel bested other competitors from the USa, Latin america, United Kingdom, and Europe.

First runner-up honors went to Michael Ressureccion of Pennsylvania, USa, while Russell Ward of Sheffield, UK was named 2nd runner-up.

Peñafiel is the second Filipina bartender to win the world championship, following Rizza Umlas who won the title in 2015 also Jholan Peñafiel (center) with 2nd runner-up Russell Ward of Sheffield, in Dallas, Texas.

UK and 1st runner-up Michael Ressureccion of Pennsylvania, USa

young Life

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sunday, march 11, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

words...

From C1

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

–malala yousafzai in her speech at harvard’s sanders theater

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.”

–nora ephron in her commencement address to the Wellesley class of 1996.

ariel marks this year's national Women's month with an inspirational video that celebrates and empowers women

“It’s not trailblazing to write the world as it actually is.

Women are smart and strong.

They are not sex toys or damsels in distress.”

–shonda rhimes in her Producers Guild awards acceptance speech

“I’m over trying to find the ‘adorable' way to state my opinion and still be likable!

Fuck that. I don’t think I’ve ever worked for a man in charge who spent time contemplating what angle he should use to have his voice heard. It’s just heard.”

–Jennifer Lawrence in her article on Lenny Letter

“Don’t look at your feet to see if you’re doing it right.

Just dance.”

–anne Lamott in her book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

s

rising above stains

ocIety often places great demands on women, expecting them to live up to standards that are often not asked of men. our community is often harsh on those women who fail to live up to expectations— “kababaeng tao,” accusers would say, as they are judged, or even ridiculed or bashed on social media, for breaking traditional expectations.

Kris aquino is a woman who has endured numerous challenges and stains, so to speak, in her life, but has still managed to succeed and rise above it all. as the world observes national Women’s month, ariel #AhonPinay uplifts women using aquino life and words. as the Queen of all media puts it, “Walang paratang that stains so deeply that the truth cannot wash away. Walang baho na ‘di naglalaho sa pag-asa ng bawa’t umaga. Kaya kahit paulit-ulit pa tayong madapa at mamantsahan, tayong mga kababaihan, we will keep rising.” (Because there’s no accusation that stains so deeply, that the truth can’t wash away. there’s no stench so intense that won’t vanish with the hope of a new day. and even if we fall and get stained over and over again, we, women, we will keep on rising.) ariel #AhonPinay focuses on each woman’s uniqueness and ability to rise above every challenge. the advocacy program brings to life the brand’s goal to celebrate progressive and empowered women, as it seeks to inspire them to rise up and reach their goals.

“Kris aquino exemplifies resilience and inner strength. since her childhood, the nation has seen her go through different setbacks, yet she has risen above each one. In the process, she has become a source of hope and inspiration for those women who need to be encouraged so that they, too, can rise above their challenges,

Kris aquino stars in an advocacy video that encourages women to rise above their challenges

and know that these stains do not define them,” explains Louie morante, regional brand communications at P&G asia Fabric and home care. he added, “that is precisely what ariel #AhonPinay wants each fearless Filipina to know, and we believe that Kris aquino can strongly drive that message home.” through the years, ariel has proudly stood behind and advocated for the empowerment of women across the Philippines, working alongside women advocacy groups through the ariel #AhonPinay program. one groundbreaking ariel #AhonPinay initiative is a training program, held in partnership with the technical education and skills development authority, to train women in male-dominated fields such as welding, auto mechanics, plumbing, as well as electrical and installation maintenance.

How to capture summer in vivid detail adventures are present at every corner, but summer has always been the perfect time to seek them. sony’s #SummerClicktoClique brought photography enthusiasts together to inspire and be inspired through a fun and exciting afternoon filled with stories of passion for photography, and lessons on how to capture and tell the best visual stories during the best season for adventures. talks were conducted by some of the industry’s top visual storytellers, which included Kitty Bunag and ayen dela torre (of Wheretonext), Lucky so alabado (of discovermnL), and ashley sandrine yap. they shared inspirations and tips on various topics that included how to turn one’s passion for photography into a career and best practices in capturing motion and still moments. the day concluded with a meet-and-greet session with sony α5100 endorser, nadine Lustre, wherein she showcased how she enjoys her summer adventures with her sony α5100.

Photography enthusiasts trying out the sony α5100 camera at the experience booths Perfect for anyone on-the-go, the sony α5100’s small and stylish compact design makes it easy to bring anywhere. It’s a fast shooter that takes tem with 179 points—plus intuitive touch focus. able Lcd touch screen for self-portraits and is also about 50-plus continuous shots of high qual- shots are given a phenomenal focus and picture equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity making it easier ity images and equipped with a hybrid aF sys- quality. the α5100 camera has a 180-degree tilt- to transfer and share photos to anyone.

the ariel #AhonPinay campaign is the Philippine leg of P&G’s #WeSeeEqual global campaign, which embodies the company’s commitment to empower women in order to create an equal world for all, including those women who have struggled and have risen.

P&G believes that gender equality is a journey, not a destination, and works hard to ensure that it is part of its corporate culture. this focus extends to its female consumers who are at the heart of its brands and products around the world. “at P&G, we have a sustained focus on women empowerment with our #WeSeeEqual global campaign which strives to create a world that is free from gender bias with equal representation and an equal voice for women and men,” shared morante.

From slippers...

From C1

order. (actually, in a single day, we can receive up to 70 orders. he can’t respond to other orders on social media because he’s really busy. they think elmer is being snobbish, but really, there are just so many orders coming in),” shared santos.

Padilla’s primary expense in making his action figures has been the purchase of mighty Bond adhesive. sometimes, when he runs out of money, he’d just buy ordinary shoe glue, but this lowers the quality of his work.

“Kapag ordinaryong shoe glue lang talaga, madaling matanggal ang dikit kapag natutuyo na. Kapag mighty Bond ang gamit ko, mabilis dumikit at matibay kahit na yung sa mga parte pa ng action figures na mahirap dumikit gaya nung mga wires at plastic. (When I use ordinary shoe glue, the adhesion easily fades when it dries. When I use mighty Bond, it sticks quickly and it stays sturdy, even the parts of the action figures that are hard to glue like wires and plastic),” he said. although Padilla’s income from his craft remains a little slow, as it’s just him working on fulfilling the orders, he’s being courted by international flip-flop brands hoping to become his supplier.

In spite of rising fame and fortune, the Filipino toy maker dreams remain squarely grounded at home. he wants to be able to buy a house for his family, and buy whatever they need. With all the hard work he puts in for his family, he truly is as good as the superheroes he depicts.

Showbiz

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018

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

HOW TO BE

YASSI

PRESSMAN? Y

ASSI Pressman is a force to be reckoned with.

She pours her heart and soul in all her acting roles – from primetime to the silver screen, and electrifies the dance floor with smooth moves and unparalleled energy.

Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio in today's episode of 'Wansapanataym.'

‘WANSAPANATAYM’S’

LESSONS IN HUMILITY

Yassi Pressman draws strength from her fans whom she sees as a big part of her life. (Photo from Instagram)

But how does she do it?

“My family fuels me to go all-out in life.

My dad always pushed me to work hard and persevere, especially during the times when I felt like I was nothing,” the 22-year-old shares.

But more than her family, Yassi also draws strength from her fans whom she sees as a big part of her life.

“You’ll be surprised with the photos they tag you on. They spend so much time and effort. If I could give back with inspiration, that’s something I’d really want to do,” she says.

And she definitely does not disappoint. On top of her amazing performances and dance covers, Yassi has also impressed fans and celebrities alike with her role as Alyana in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano which she considers her most memorable a n d challenging role yet. But on the other end, working for the drama series

also allowed Yassi to share awesome memories with her co-stars. These experiences, the actress notes, inspire her to do her best and carry on.

To help her relive these inspiring best experiences, Yassi loves to take a lot of candid photos. “Every experience in our lives is something that we would want to store in our memory box – if we have it.

But the closest that we have are photos and videos, and these are things that can take us back to those times.”

Now, the Fil-Brit actress has been recently introduced as the newest face of the Samsung Galaxy A8 and A8+, she cannot wait to experience even more.

As a millennial seeking to elevate her experiences, Yassi appreciates how her phone can help her capture visual narratives like never before, and how it performs well under low light. It’s also water and dust resistant, allowing Yassi to take the photos with confidence.

With a powerful mobile device that she can carry around all the time, we can expect this young go-getter to make the most out of life, and live to tell the tale through photos.

NCCA RECOGNIZES ARTISTS IN ANI NG DANGAL AWARDS National Commission for Culture and the Arts recently recognized artists who have earned international recognition and accolades from the past year with the 10th Ani ng Dangal Awards, a culminating activity of the annual celebration of National Arts Month.

Among the recipients were Riki Benedicto and Gracielle So in the Dramatic Arts Category for winning at an global youth festival in the City of Minsk in Belarus.

The Teatralny Koufar International Student and Youth Theatre Festival lauded the Dulaang Filipino (DF), the resident theater company of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), for Best Performance and Amateur Theatre and a Special Jury Prize for the Best Physical and Sound Solution for its presentation ofOedipus by Sophocles.

Benedicto directed the production, while So won as Best Actress.

DF’s success in Minsk was doubly

important, because it was the only group from Asia which was invited to join the festival. Companies from Belarus, Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom competed for the grand prizes as Best Amateur Theatre, Best Theatre of Professional School, Best Youth Professional Theatre, Best Actor and Actress, Best Performances, and Special Jury.

Oedipus, first presented in 2014, is a one-hour reduction of Sophocles’ Theban trilogy of Oedipus Rex,Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone, in Filipino translations by Rolando Tinio and Onofre Pagsanjan.

The play has been performed at the UP Theater Council’s Curtain Call Play Festival in 2014 and at the Mont-Laurier International Theatre Festival in Quebec, Canada in 2015. It recently won the International University of La Rioja Award (UNIR) in La Rioja, Spain, for Best International Show in the IV Premios Escenamateur Juan Mayorga de las Artes Escénicas.

From left: Dulaang Filipino Trainer and Artistic Director Riki Benedicto, Marvin Primcias, Gracielle So, Ian Santos and Jason Nathan Dawis.

TODAY in ABS-CBN’s Wansapanataym Presents: Gelli in a Bottle, Loisa Andalio’s character Gelli finally learns to accept her mistakes and apologizes to Robin (Ronnie Alonte) for her vanity and arrogance as she realizes how her misdeeds caused misfortunes to her family.

The consequences of Gelli’s selfishness have already reached her loved ones after she granted Robin’s wish of becoming rich, in exchange for her family becoming poor.

Guilty of seeing her parents suffer, Gelli will learn how to be humble and ask for forgiveness from Robin to show that she has had a change of heart.

However, their friendship will not be immediately mended as Gelli tries to steal the magical bottle and hand it over to another person for her to have a new master, whom she hopes would wish for her freedom.

However, everything will not go as planned because she gets involved in a vehicular accident, which will put her life in danger.

Will Gelli have the life she once had? Will she be able to keep herself safe?

CINEMALAYA

LAUNCHES NESPRESSO VERTICAL SHORTS THE Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, the country’s biggest independent film competition, just got bigger and more exciting with the launch of Cinemalaya Nespresso Vertical Shorts Competition.

In partnership with Novateur Coffee Concepts Inc., the vertical shorts competition will be open to all Filipinos, including those residing and working abroad.

The theme for the competition is “Pagmamalasakit (Compassion).”

Entries should be created using a mobile phone, threeminute long only, in a vertical format (9:16). Entries can be in any language, but must have English subtitles. Entries should be for General Patronage.

Deadline for submission of entries will be on June 8.

Awarding of the winners for the Cinemalaya Nespresso Vertical Shorts will happen during the Cinemalaya Awards Night on Aug. 12. Winning entries will receive cash prizes from Nespresso: first place will take home Php50,000, second place, Php30,000, and third place, Php20,000.

The competition mechanics and entry forms will be available at the www.cinemalaya. org andwww.culturalcenter.gov. ph.

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is slated on Aug. 3 to 12, at various CCP venues and theaters.

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sunday, march 11, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets

Protect your cats

from the deadly Panleukemia

By Anthony Prado Basa, DVM

T

here are many illnesses that cats can get on the streets or even at home, with humans as carriers of the virus through their shoes or slippers.

Transmission

Panleukopenia is spread through contact with an infected animal's bodily fluids, feces, or other fomites.

It can also be spread through fleas, thus preventive spot-ons are also given to cats but only those formulated for cats. Those formulated for dogs are a big No-No for cats because these can cause damage to a cat’s organ (s) or worse, lead to the cat’s death.

It may also be spread to and by cats through contact with beddings, food dishes, or even through the clothes and shoes of handlers of infected animals. humans will not get infected.

Symptoms

Amber, a stray kitten who was found in Pasay City

by Save ALL admin Tani Benedito, was given the tricat vaccine recently to keep him safe from three deadly diseases, including FPL.

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.

Veterinarians thus always urge cat owners to have their pets vaccinated.

One of the three deadly, highly communicable diseases is FeLINe PANLeUKOPeNIA VIrUS. Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is also known as CAT PLAGUe, feline infectious enteritis, feline parvoviral enteritis, feline distemper, or feline ataxia.

It is a viral infection that affect both domesticated cats and wild feline species.

The cause is feline parvovirus, a close relative of both type 2 canine parvovirus and mink enteritis.

It can be fatal to the affected cat and is highly contagious.

Like all parvoviruses, FPV is extremely resistant to inactivation and can survive longer than one year in a suitable environment. The virus primarily attacks the lining of the gastrointestinal tract causing internal ulceration.

This results in: 1. profuse and usually bloody diarrhea, 2. severe dehydration, 3. malnutrition, 4. anemia , 5. and often, death.

It causes a decrease in the cat's white blood cell, thus compromising the cat’s immune system. Typically, it also causes a decrease in hematocrit and platelet counts . This is often key in diagnosing panleukopenia.

Other symptoms include: 1. depression, 2. lethargy, 3. loss of appetite, 4. fever, 5. vomiting, 6. loss of skin elasticity due to dehydration, 7. and self-biting in the tail, lower back and back legs.

Affected cats may sit for hours at their water bowl, although they may not drink much. This is one of the things you should not ignore and must report to your vet.

Cats with terminal cases are hypothermic (low temperature) and may develop sepsis .

my furry Bestie

To keep your kitten safe from FPL and other deadly diseases, the kitten needs to be dewormed 4-6 weeks after birth. Your vet will examine the kitten before deworming to determine if he or she is fit for deworming.

In the photo is Nagui, a kitten left on the side of the busy Naguillan road in La Union. he was almost hit by a truck but was rescued by Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL). Nagui, along with brother Lian, was dewormed and vaccinated.

Most panleukopenia deaths are due to Complications secondary infections or dehydration resultComplications are quite common in feline ing from diarrhea. This is because the virus panleukopenia. The most prevalent one is affects the infected cat's immune system, dehydration, which develops in almost all leaving it vulnerable to secondary infection. FPL-infected cats who are clinically ill.

Feline panleukopaenia and canine parvovirus are closely related, but viruses can not Prevention be transmitted between dogs and cats.

1. Deworming 2. Vaccination Treatment 3. regular vet check-up Feline panleukopenia (FPL) requires aggresCat owners are encouraged to always seek sive treatment if the cat is to survive, as this the help of a veterinarian in the proper care disease can kill cats in less than 24 hours. of their pets.

Treatment includes 1. whole blood transfusion to improve pan- About the Author: cytopenia, Anthony Prado Basa, 34, graduated from 2. intravenous fluids as most cats are de- Virgen Milgarosa University Foundation in hydrated, San Carlos City, Pangasinan in 2008. He is 3. antibiotics, married to Married to Mariliza Basa and 4. injections of vitamins to prevent septi- has been a practicing vet in Metro Manila cemia which develops in most cats with feline for several years now. He is the head vetpanleukopenia if antibiotics are not used, and erinarian at Sha Sha Veterinary Clinic, West 5. hospitalization.

Avenue, Quezon City.

Author Doc Anthony Prado Basa plays with Val, another rescued kitten, during his weekly visit to the care home for rescued dogs and cats of Save ALL.

GOYGOY, born Sept. 8, 2009, is Ironchow Lotilla’s best buddy.

But it was not always that way.

Ironchow says, “Goygoy was the son of our late Kimkim, the matriarch of our tzus, who died while Goygoy and Lingling were just six months old. he was not the apple of the eye in our home because he is a boy and the girls are always the favorite.”

“One day, we used a detick solution which turned out to be strong for him. he became weak and wobbly so I decided to rush him to the clinic, “ Ironchow recalls.

Since there was only the motorcycle to transport him, Ironchow says, “I put him inside my knapsack and drove to the clinic. After that, he would always sit on my bag when he knows I’m going to go out.”

Since then, Goygoy would ride the motorbike with Ironchow “wherever I would go.”

Because Goygoy is now eight (8) years old, Ironchow no longer uses the motorbike when best buddy Goygoy is with him during travels.

PUTI is a stray dog who was adopted

by Kat Perez Abundancia on Oct. 6, 2017.

Kat recalls: “After work and getting off the shuttle, I always go to the market and look for stray dogs to feed. On this particular day, I was walking home when I felt someone was following me.

I turned around around and saw her.

She followed me until I reached the gate of my house. I looked at her and I saw her wiggling her tail. I asked her if she wanted to come home with me.

At first, she hesitated. Then it started to rain. I asked her to go inside so she would not get sick. She did.”

Kat adds:” I also asked her what her name is. I called her “Whitey” but she ignored me.

When I called her “Puti,” she smiled. Ngiting tagumpay (a smile of victory).

Since then, Puti became a part of Kat’s family.

Puti, says Kat, loves to go to the vet because she knows she will get to ride the tricycle.

“She gets excited in the sense that she gets to ride around town,” Kat says.

“She's a princess and wants to be carried always like a baby. She bullies our senior dog, Dugs. She also eats like a construction worker,” Kat adds.

“From five kilos when I first saw her, malnourished, sad, and homeless, she now weighs 20 kilos and she is happy, playful and acts like a princess,” Kat says.