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HOW TO CARE FOR NEWBORN KITTENS VOL. XXXII • NO. 108 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

P750 WAGE HIKE BILL URGENT, SAYS SOLON

VIVO V9 TAKES IT UP A NOTCH

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has been urged to certify as urgent a bill seeking to impose a national minimum wage of P750 in face of rising commodity prices blamed on the newly implemented Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio told a forum this weekend in Quezon City his group in the House had filed a measure and challenged the Duterte administration to give the bill priority when Congress resumes session following the sine die adjournment. In House Bill 7787, the seven-member Makabayan Bloc sought to apply the P750 national minimum wage to “all enterprises, regardless of location, size or industry classification.” The Congress was on sine die adjournment from June 3 to July 23. Sessions will resume on July 24, when both chambers of the legislature will convene for the State of the Nation Address of Duterte. This followed Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III’s statament on Tuesday that workers could expect an increase in their salaries in June to cushion the impact of rising costs of goods and servic es. “The instructions of the President were very clear: to address the issue of rising prices,” Bello said in Filipino. But he said the wage hike might not be as high as the P750 sought by labor groups, because that could result in fewer jobs as employers might be unable to absorb the higher cost. Noting the urgency of the situation, Bello said the regional wage boards had been ordered to speed up discussions on the wage adjustments. He said representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment, Department

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TRUMP, KIM SET FOR DATE WITH HISTORY

of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority, and Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board would meet with labor groups on Wednesday, June 5 to tackle their demand for higher pay. He said demands for a higher national minimum wage must go through Congress. Turn to A2

HOMEWARD BOUND. Workers in Sarangani in Mindanao take the jeepney, a popular mode of public transportation in the Philippines and an ubiquitous symbol of culture of the Land of the Morning, known for crowded seating and kitsch decorations, as the wage earners negotiate the meandering country roads while others start going to their work in the nearby shipyards. Sonny Espiritu

WASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump said Friday he will meet North Korea’s Kim Jong-un as originally scheduled on June 12 for a historic summit after extraordinary Oval Office talks with a top envoy from Pyongyang. After more than an hour of discussion with Kim Yong Chol, Trump told reporters that denuclearization—and a formal end to the decades-old Korean war— would be on the table in Singapore. But the US president warned that he did not expect to immediately sign a deal to bring a halt to the reclusive regime’s nuclear program. “I never said it goes in one meeting. I think it’s going to be a process, but the relationships are building and that’s very positive,” he said, after waving farewell to the North Korean leader’s right-hand man. Turn to A2

'STATE-IMPOSED PRICE TAGS TO CURB ABUSES' TRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez said Saturday the plan of his department and the Department of Agriculture to put a suggested retail price on rice and other agricultural products would be initially rolled out in Metro Manila. In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB beamed nationwide, Lopez quoted Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol as saying they would first testcase the SRP in the metropolis for easier monitoring. Last April, DTI and DA announced a technical working group was being formed to study how to put in place a system of pricing for rice, an issue raised in lioght of shortage of subsidized commodity. Officials said during inspections of retail outlets, the DTI and DA discovered that rice retailers Turn to A2

PANTOMIMIST KIM. A Kim Jong-un

impersonator holds a durian fruit (right) and a packet of chicken rice (left) days after US President Donald Trump canceled a planned June 12 meeting with the North Korean leader. But Trump said the talks will go ahead after productive talks were held between officials from Washington and Pyongyang. AFP

TRICOLORS ON THE HIGHWAY. Dozens of Philippine flags vibrate in the Cavite sun along the Aguinaldo Highway in Dasmariñas in preparation for the 120th Independence Day celebration on June 12. PNA

MATTIS HITS BEIJING FOR INTIMIDATION SINGAPORE—China’s military buildup in the South China Sea and its deployment of high-end weapons systems in the disputed waterway is designed to intimidate and coerce neighbors, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Saturday. Speaking at a high-profile security summit in Singapore less than two weeks before President Donald Trump is due to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the Pentagon

SEIZED, DESTROYED. Confiscated vehicles and motorcycles are destroyed during

a ceremony attended by President Rodrigo Duterte at the Customs zone in Manila on Wednesday. The Chief Executive (not in picture) watched heavy equipment flatten hundreds of motorcycles and six vehicles as part of a campaign to fight corruption at the country’s Customs bureau. AFP

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chief also said the US military continues to support diplomats pushing for the “complete, verifiable and irreversible” denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Mattis said Beijing had deployed a range of military hardware including anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jammers across the South China Sea, where it has built islets and other maritime features into hardened military facilities. Turn to A2

CHINA TOLD: KEEP OUT OF SPRATLYS PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has asked China to stay away from the Philippine claimed Spratly Islands, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told his pre-departure news conference Friday night. Before he took the four-hour flight from Manila to Seoul, where he joined President Duterte on the latter’s first official visit to the Asian country, Cayetano added that aside from Duterte’s request to China regarding lending the Philippines billions of pesos worth of loans, that if Beijing stopped entering the disputed Spratly Islands, both countries could be friends. Turn to A2

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TRUMP,...

SERENO CHALLENGES QUO WARRANTO OUSTER

From A1

Ending the war The Korean War has been largely frozen since an armistice ended hostilities, but not the underlying conflict, in 1953. Since then, there have been occasional clashes on the divided peninsula. “We talked about ending the war,” Trump said. “Historically it’s very important, but we’ll see. We did discuss that, the ending of the Korean War. Can you believe we’re talking about the ending of the Korean War?” Washington is determined that Kim should agree to what US officials call the “complete, verifiable and irreversible” end of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and intercontinental missile programs. Kim says he is committed to “denuclearization” in some form, but he is expected to demand security guarantees in return. Most expert observers are skeptical that even an unprecedented summit between the two leaders can lead to a rapid breakthrough, and Trump admitted it would be a long and difficult process. “We’re not going to go in and sign something on June 12. We never were. I told him today, ‘Take your time’,” he said, adding nevertheless that he expects “a really positive result in the end.” Kim Yong Chol, the most senior North Korean to visit the United States in 18 years, spent almost 90 minutes in the Oval Office. Afterwards, Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo walked the North’s small delegation to their cars, smiling and shaking hands in front of the media before the motorcade pulled away. Security guarantees North Korean officials said Kim Yong Chol was expected to return to Pyongyang shortly. Meanwhile, discussions between US and North Korean officials continue in Singapore and in the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. On Thursday, Kim Jong-un told Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that his commitment to denuclearization remains “unchanged and consistent and fixed,” but experts warn he will seek concessions from Washington. In addition to an end to the war, he is likely to want international recognition as well as guarantees against any strike by the US forces stationed in South Korea. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, however, said Saturday that the presence of American troops in South Korea is not “on the table” at the Trump-Kim summit. Pyongyang has insisted that it needs nuclear weapons to defend against a US invasion, and has offered to negotiate over them in exchange for such guarantees in the past. For the North, denuclearization has long been code for the withdrawal of US troops from the peninsula and the end of its nuclear umbrella over the South— something unthinkable in Washington. But it remains to be seen if either side has changed its position in the whirlwind diplomacy of the last few weeks. As expected, Kim Yong Chol handed Trump a letter from Kim that may clear up some of the questions. The US leader said the missive was “very nice” -- but then admitted he had not yet read it. An aide later confirmed he did after the talks. It came only a week after Trump threatened to consign the entire process to history, abruptly cancelling the summit in a sharply worded letter, only to revive preparations shortly afterwards. Trump said that, after Friday’s talks, the parties are “totally over that and now we’re going to deal and we’re going to really start a process.” Since the short-lived boycott threat, diplomats from both countries have conducted an intense flurry of talks, culminating this week when Pompeo sat down in New York with Kim’s envoy. ‘Their decision’ Pompeo said on Thursday that, after what have now been two meetings with Kim Jong-un and three with Kim Yong Chol, he believes the North is at least ready to consider addressing US demands for denuclearization. AFP

P750...

From A1

“The President said the immediate need can be met by the wage boards. In the long term, Congress can address the issue of the minimum wage,” Bello said. The biggest labor federation on Tuesday rejected the P18 to P23 wage increase proposed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines. Alan Tanjusay, spokesman for the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said that while labor groups are asking for P800 across-theboard daily minimum wage for all workers nationwide, the P1,200 a day is the right amount needed by a family to live above poverty line. The labor group said it welcomed Duterte’s move to order the 17 regional wage boards to hold emergency meetings amid extraordinary increases in the prices of commodities and surges in the cost of services. “We urge the businessmen and the government to desist from pre-empting the

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

HIEF Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, facing a disbarment complaint, said on Saturday the Supreme Court decision that granted the quo warranto petition leading to her ouster was marred by legal and factual errors and due process violations sufficient to warrant its reversal. Sereno, in the 205-page motion for reconsideration she filed, argued the majority decision penned by Associate Justice Noel Tijam and concurred in by seven other justices— six of whom she sought to be recused from the case due to what she described as their extreme bias and prejudice against her—reversed settled legal doctrines and principles, resulting in “inherent inconsistencies in the court’s conclusions of law and evaluation of evidence.” “Basic, fundamental, and longstanding constitutional and legal rules and principles, and settled judicial precedents, were ignored, set aside, and reversed by the majority decision, to achieve one end—the

disqualification and ouster of the Chief Justice,” Sereno said in her motion filed through her lawyers led by Alex Poblador. “More than its numerous legal and factual errors, the Decision proves that in meting out justice, an impartial tribunal is crucial and indispensable. The Decision illustrates vividly the dire and far-reaching consequences of a denial of due process,” she added. In a related development: • Sereno’s ouster may not yet be the end of her personal battle, as disbarment looms large in the horizon for her, one of her lawyers said Saturday. “Again, this is likely that it is in the

realm of possibility and, of course, it is unfortunate...” lawyer Josa Deinla, one of Sereno’s spokespersons, told a forum in Quezon City on Saturday. On Monday, Sereno’s camp asked for a 15-day extension on the submission of her compliance to the SC’s show cause order. On the day it ousted her by granting a quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida, the SC also gave Sereno 10 days from receipt of notice to explain why she should not be punished for “violating the Code of Professional Responsibility and the Code of Judicial Conduct for transgressing the sub judice rule and for casting aspersions and ill-motives to the members of the Supreme Court.” In its decision, the SC through Tijam said Sereno might be held liable for disbarment for allegedly violating the sub judice rule by “repeatedly discussing the merits” of her case in a manner that could sway the tribunal’s vote and influence public opinion. In her motion, Sereno questioned the manner by which Tijam handled the petition as member-in-charge, giving rise to perception of prejudgment on his part. She said the footnotes of Tijam’s

153-page ponencia would reveal that the decision was already being drafted as early as March 15, or four days before she even submitted her comment to the quo warranto petition in the afternoon of March 19. Based on these footnotes, it appeared that the drafting of the decision had commenced, and certain websites and online articles, which were used in the ponencia, had already been “visited” on March 15 and March 19, the same date Sereno submitted her comment. “These show that Respondent never had a chance from the start. Justice Tijam had condemned Respondent before he heard her,” Sereno lamented. She also assailed Tijam for taking cognizance of several pieces of evidence which neither party in the quo warranto case had submitted. As an example, Tijam mentioned in his ponencia about a finding that Sereno’s July 23, 2012 letter to the Judicial and Bar Council explaining why she only submitted her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth as SC magistrate, and not as University of the Philippines professor, was allegedly not deliberated upon by the council’s executive committee.

DUTERTE SETS OUT FOR SEOUL PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was scheduled to fly to South Korea at around 11.30 Saturday night on his first official visit to the Land of the Morning Calm where he is expected to reaffirm long-standing ties with the East Asian nation. On Sunday, the first of three days he will be there, the President is expected to meet with the 68,000-strong Filipino community in South Korea at the Grand Hilton. He will be back in Manila Tuesday night.

MATTIS,... From A1 Beijing has also landed heavy bombers on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands. “Despite China’s claims to the contrary, the placement of these weapon systems is tied directly to military use for the purposes of intimidation and coercion,” Mattis told the Shangri-La Dialogue. He also blasted Chinese President Xi Jinping for reneging on a 2015 promise made at the White House that Beijing would not militarize the island features in the South China Sea. Mattis’ address in Singapore was the second time he had attended the summit since becoming Pentagon chief. He returned to a theme that he and other senior US officials have hammered since Trump took office -- that America is here to stay in the Asia-Pacific region and that allies should stick with Washington instead of aligning with Beijing. Tariffs on close allies But the message of inclusivity, cooperation and working with allies might be a tougher sell for Mattis, who is generally popular on the international scene, after his boss this week imposed metals tariffs wage board process by issuing statements as to how much the wage board can decide. We urge employers and business owners to listen to poor’s appeal for equality and do not disrespect their struggle for better lives. Let us not provoke them with these unnecessary and uncalled for statements,” Tanjusay said in a statement. “Let us stop insulting these aspirations and avoid making jokes to the poor,” he said. The group is urging employers and business owners to respect the proposed P800 and P750 wage hike proposals because it is the aspirations of the millions of impoverished Filipinos left behind by economic growth to live decent lives. BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the wage board can only grant P18P20 increase in daily minimum wage. ECOP’s Edgardo Lacson, on one hand, also said employers can only afford P23. The ALU-TUCP supports House Bill 7787 which proposes a uniform P750 national minimum wage. Tanjusay said they are throwing their support behind the bill because it needs an additional push, since many lawmakers represent the vested interests of employers.

He is set to meet his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in on Monday at the Blue House, where the two leaders are expected to reaffirm ties ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. Moon invited Duterte for a visit during the East Asia Summit in Manila last November. “The significance of this visit refers back to basically conveying to the Republic of Korea the importance of

on some of America’s closest allies in the name of “national security”. Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin asked Mattis whether he thought it was unproductive for Trump to pick fights with allies on trade. “Certainly we have had some unusual approaches, I’ll be candid with you,” Mattis replied. “But I’m reminded that so long as nations continue dialogue, so long as they continue to listen to one another and to pay respect to one another, nothing is over based on one decision.” In a dig at China, which the Pentagon has accused of using “predatory” economics to exploit neighbours, Mattis said the US supports the peaceful resolution of disputes, “free, fair and reciprocal trade and investment” and adherence to international rules and norms. Despite frequent warnings from Washington about China’s rising might and the pitfalls of its “Belt and Road” global infrastructure initiative, Beijing has faced few consequences for its South China Sea build-up and sweeping territorial claims. One modest exception came last week when the Pentagon disinvited China from biennial maritime exercises in the Pacific. Mattis characterized this action as an “initial response.” AFP

'STATE-IMPOSED... From A1 were pricing the commodity varieties on their own, without a system of price verification. Lopez said putting an SRP was not a form of price control but this would serve as a basis to comment on price changes at the retail level. Piñol had noted “There is no uniformity in pricing,” stressing this was observed by the DA, DTI, and National Food Authority during a recent inspection of rice outlets. Rice retailers were pricing rice varieties on their own, and without a system of price verification for a particular variety. “Anybody can just put na ito ay dinorado” Piñol said. He said putting an SRP based on rice variety and a uniform pricing system would protect consumers against unscrupulous traders and retailers. During the same briefing, Lopez said the SRP would only cover regular and well-milled varieties. He noted the policy-making NFA Council would decide on the SRP for rice.

its partnership with the Philippines and to reaffirm the strength of Philippines-Republic of Korea relations,” Foreign Undersecretary Ernesto Abella told a Palace press briefing Friday. Duterte and Moon are expected to discuss the rehabilitation of wartorn Marawi City. But it is not clear whether Duterte and Moon will discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula amid recent developments on the

matter. The two nations, which fought side by side with other allies during the Korean War in the 1950s, are also expected to sign agreements on transportation, science and technology, and trade as well as a loan agreement for the new Cebu International Container Port. Abella had earlier said Manila was seeking to acquire access to the South Korean market for fruits and vegetables.

ASIAN SECURITY. US Secretary of Defense James Mattis (right) and his Philippine counterpart Delfin Lorenzana leave after a bilateral meeting Saturday on the sideline of the 17th Security Defense Summit, a unique meeting of ministers and delegates from over 50 countries. AFP ment. “We only have the framework as of now, but this August, there will be a meeting of From A1 the Ministers. This time around, like what we had last year, it won’t be just the Asean At the same time, Cayetano said China but also our dialogue partners, our strategave “assurance” to the Philippines regard- gic partners, they’re all included,” he said in ing the latest “incident” in the disputed Filipino. “We intend to push it to get as far as we West Philippine Sea, which prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs to file a dip- can, as fast as we can,” he added, adding lomatic protest against its giant neighbor. the Philippines expects no less than an “efLast May 11, a Philippine Navy boat re- fective COC.” “We want an effective COC, something supplying Filipino troops at the Ayungin Shoal was allegedly challenged and ha- that we can rely on because the DOC (Decrassed by the Chinese Coast Guard and laration of Conduct), a lot has happened (to) it, so we want the COC clear. For examChina’s People’s Liberation Army Navy. Cayetano explained that the note ver- ple on the environment, how do we probale on the incident was filed just recently tect (it), what will be the arrangement and because it “was not settled immediately” how do we implement (it),” Cayetano said. Last year, the Asean regional bloc and through dialogue. While he did not elaborate on the issue, China adopted the COC framework under the foreign affairs chief said the Philip- the Philippines’ chairmanship, where both pines already received an assurance from parties welcomed the adoption as a sign of progress after 15 years since the 2002 China over the incident. “It’s how we should talk and how our re- DOC was signed. China, Taiwan and some Asean member supplying would not be hampered. In fact, someone already went here the other day. states including the Philippines, Malaysia, The conversation was good—coast guard Brunei, and Vietnam have overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. to coast guard,” Cayetano said in Filipino. During the Asean Foreign Ministers ReMeanwhile, the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China treat in February 2018, Singapore’s Foreign are set to convene negotiations for the Minister Vivian Balakrishnan admitted the crafting of the code of conduct on the COC negotiation would be “very compliSouth China Sea in August, Cayetano said. cated” and will require all parties to “ultiBut he admitted all parties were still mately exercise political will” to resolve facing challenges on the substance of the sensitive issues, adding territorial claims COC, but assured that the Philippines was would not be resolved with the COC alone. keen on pushing for a substantial docu- Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and PNA

CHINA...

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‘CAVITEX FLYOVER, WIDENING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER’ By Vito Barcelo

year on year, a sign that Region 4A continues to boom, and is likely to become a highlyprogressive and viable area for more investments. HE P700-million flyover These enhancement projects will reduce travel and road widening of time in Cavitex by around 15 to 20 minutes,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said. Manila-Cavite Expressway is Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation has expected to be completed invested a total of P 700 million on the Cavitex enhancement project which aims to ease traffic in before September this year which the area, and to respond to the traffic congestion is expected to cut travel time by at being experienced by motorists. The decongestion strategy of CIC comes in least 20 minutes from Manila to Trece two phases, phase one of which is about P400 Martires and other towns in Cavite, million and will fund the road widening from the Department of Public Works and MIAA to Zapote and the Southbound Flyover on the intersection of Pacific Ave. The second phase, Highways said on Saturday. worth about P300 million, will include the bridge “Cavitex, being the gateway to the Cavite, widening at the Wawa, Las PIñas area. Laguna and Batangas provinces, responds to the ”This project started late last year and is challenges of progress. More cars pass Cavitex targeted to finish by end of July or early August

2018. The widening consists of one lane per direction and this is coupled with the construction of an elevated south-bound bridge structure at the corner of Pacific Drive, which will greatly ease traffic as this area is presently being managed through a stop-and-go traffic light signalization system that affects the throughput of vehicles,” according to Luigi L. Bautista, president and CEO of Cavite Infrastructure Corporation. “About 140,000 cars pass Cavitex at different periods of the day, and we would like each one of them to have a good experience to take with them after passing our expressway,” further said Bautista. The Cavitex is the start of a road network being expanded by the Metro Pacific Tollways South, a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. It will connect to the 45-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway until Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna, giving more travel options to motorists.

TOLLWAYS READY IN TIME FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL TRAFFIC TO ENSURE faster, safer and convenient travel for motorists, the NLEX Corp. has prepared every possible solution and quick remedies for the expected surge in traffic volume at the opening of classes on Monday, June 4. For what is popularly called “Balik Eskwela” for the opening of classes, the firm has made sure all traffic and toll collection management plans are in place at the NLEX and SCTEX. The tollway firm expects peak travel on June 3, 10, and 17 for Manila-bound motorists since most of the schools in Metro Manila will be starting their classes on either June 4, 13, or 18. Working hours will be extended by NLEX-SCTEX Traffic Operations, which will also intensify patrol coverage, the company said. More traffic personnel will be fielded in a bid to promptly assist motorists, as they closely monitor traffic at all interchanges and stretches of the entire length of the expressways. Particular attention will also given to major toll plazas in Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue, Bocaue, Tarlac, and Tipo. In the afternoons of June 2, 9, and 16 (Saturdays), the Bocaue Toll Plaza will beef up its capacity from the usual 30 collection points to 40. On Sunday afternoons of June 3, 10, and 17—when traffic is heaviest—the same Bocaue toll plaza will be equipped with 50 collection points. What’s more, portable toll booths—or portabooths—will be set up. In time for “Balik Eskwela,” only urgent major construction activities will be continued, so only a few lanes will be closed. Moreover, maintenance works will be limited to roadsides and shoulders unless safety repairs are required. To complete the preparation, traffic signs are installed at strategic locations to further guide motorists as they travel. The tollway company also assures its motorists that enough number of lanes are open during weekdays for smooth travel.

SPARED FROM TREE CUTTING. One

of five narra trees lining the road at Sitio Makipot, Barangay Manocmanoc which DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu ordered protected from the road widening project that would ease traffic flow in Boracay. According to locals, all the five narra trees were planted in the ‘60s.

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SOLON ASSAILS LACK OF DETAILED PLAN ON BORACAY By Maricel V. Cruz A MILITANT lawmaker on Saturday assailed the “serious lack of a detailed and comprehensive action plan” for the rehabilitation of Boracay more than a month after it was closed more than a month ago. “The government has arbitrarily declared Boracay closed supposedly for rehabilitation, but apparently, to this day, the government has no clear detailed action plan yet to address the myriad issues confronting the island and its people, including issues of livelihood, environment, land tenurial claims and corporate greed,” Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Zarate, member of the Makabayan Bloc, said. “This is outrageous given the severe impact of the closure, especially to the ordinary poor people who depend on their survival on the island’s tourism industry. Closure without a plan is like putting the carriage ahead of the horse,” Zarate added. Zarate was among the lawmakers who joined the House committee on natural resources’ onsite investigation on Boracay following its closure last April 26. The committee, chaired by LPGMA party-list Rep. Arnel Ty headed the investigation, joined by the panel’s vice chairpersons, Reps. Allen Mangaoang of Kalinga and Jesus Sacdalan of North Cotabato, and Rep. Roger Mercado of Leyte.

HOUSE BACKS ENTREPRENEURSHIP BILL FOR GOV’T RETIREES

BACK TO SCHOOL. Parents, with their children in tow, shop for school supplies and uniforms in Divisoria in Manila in time for the opening of classes on Monday, June 4, 2018. Norman Cruz

FEMALE COP, 2 OTHERS CAUGHT IN SHABU DRUG SESSION By Francisco Tuyay and Joel E. Zurbano POLICE operatives on Friday night caught in the act an active member of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force and two others while having a drug session inside a house in Barangay Tuktukan in Taguig City. The SAF personnel was identified as PO3 Lynn Tubig, 38, who is assigned in Camp Bagong Diwa, while her two companions were identified as John Vincent German, 21; and Fernando German, 48. “The group is also allegedly involved in incidents of robbery,” said SPD director Tomas Apolinario, who along with newly designated Metro Manila police director Guillermo Eleazar, presented the suspects to the media Eleazar earlier warned the socalled “rogue cops” to stop their illegal activities because he would certainly run after them as he takes the helm of National Capital Region Police Office.

Eleazar, the former commander of the Police Southern Tagalog Region-4A (Calabarzon), replaced Camilo Cascolan, who is now assigned as head of the Civil Security Group. He promised to continue the government’s anti-illegal drugs crackdown in Metro Manila and reinforce its fight to weed out the police force of scalawags. Tubig’s arrest for illegal drugs was the first incident involving a SAF personnel. The arrest came after a team of operatives responded to a robbery incident in Kawayanan Purok 6 Tuktukan, Taguig City. While approaching the scene of the incident, the operative noticed an unidentified gun-wielding suspect hurriedly fleeing the scene who had sought refuge in one of the houses in the interior village of Kawayanan Purok 6. This prompted the policemen to chase the suspect who was subsequently caught where users were having a shabu session inside

the house. Recovered from the suspects were three plastic sachets of suspected shabu, assorted ammunition and drug paraphernalia. Aside from Tubig and her companions, 123 others have been arrested during simultaneous antidrug operations in the southern part of Metro Manila last Friday. The 24-hour operation, involving operatives of the Southern Police District, also led to the seizure of 161 sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, worth more than P130,000. Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency admitted that the international drug syndicates are operating in the country in cahoots with government officials, including ranking police officials. Shabu, marijuana and party drug ecstasy are the top three narcotics distributed in the streets and these prohibited substances are manufactured by Chinese, Taiwanese and Mexican drug syndicates.

VIRAC AIRPORT’S NEW TERMINAL INAUGURATED THE Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines inaugurated on Friday the newly-repaired passenger terminal building of the Virac Airport in Virac, Catanduanes. Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo, CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, Philippine Airforce Commanding General Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar, Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua, and Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes, led the inauguration rites. The terminal rehabilitation project began in January 2016, and involved turning the old design of the passenger terminal building into a modernized structure. The P39-million project, whose initial completion date was on July 20, 2016, was suspended on May 23, 2016 after additional retrofitting works were considered necessary to provide stability for the old

building originally built in 1963. It was suspended once again in December 2016 due to damages brought by Typhoon “Nina,” resulting in added P4.5 million in cost to repair the passenger terminal building. The rehabilitation project was finally completed on May 24, 2018. “When President Duterte appointed us in his Cabinet, he gave us one important directive— ensure that we make the Filipino comfortable. That is why we continue to build, build, and build. We build to enhance mobility and connectivity, not just to improve movement of transportation of people and goods, nor just to improve travel. We do this to enhance the Filipino’s way of life,” Tugade said. With the inauguration of the rehabilitated passenger terminal building, Virac Airport will increase its capacity from 100 passengers to 300 passengers. The ground floor and second floor predeparture areas have been expanded, and the arrival area in the ground floor has also been rehabilitated.

THE House of Representaives has passed a measure enabling retired and soon-to-retire government employees to look forward to more productive years beyond government service. The House approved House Bill 7445 by a 237-0 vote. The bill proposes to develop entrepreneurship skills of government employees to prepare them for better economic opportunities after working with government. The bill, authored by Rep. Victoria Isabel Noel of AnWaray Party-list, aims to ensure continuous flow of innovative and development-oriented government programs and projects for entrepreneurial development and promote the creativity of highly competitive and resourceful government employees. To achieve this, the bill mandates all government offices and agencies to prepare and implement a post-service Government Service Entrepreneurship Development Program for their employees based on guidelines to be prescribed by the Civil Service Commission. Under the GSEDP employees would be introduced to technology transfer systems, entrepreneurial educational programs, entrepreneurial networks, financial literacy and livelihood trainings/seminars, as part of the agency’s annual training plan. Intensive preparatory activities and learning modules shall start five years prior to the retirement date of the government employee. Maricel V. Cruz

OPPOSITION LAUDS BILL PROHIBITING PRIVATIZATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS AN OPPOSITION leader in the House of Representatives on Saturday hailed the support of the House leadership to a bill prohibiting the privatization of public hospitals and other health facilities and services. Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, a senior deputy minority leader, was referring to House Bill 7437 which prohibiits the privatization and corporatization of public hospitals, public health facilities and public health services. The bill was approved on second reading last Wednesday. “We thank our colleagues in the Lower House for supporting this bill. This will stop the alarming and unacceptable trend of big business eyeing the real estate value of strategically-located hospitals,” Atienza said. Atienza’s original bill HB. 3491 prohibiting the privatization of government hospitals, and two other similar bills were consolidated into the current HB 7437. Instead of privatizing government hospitals, Atienza said that the National Government should instead allocate more funds for improving and modernizing health facilities across the country. Fellow opposition and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman introduced an amendment to the bill to include specialty hospitals with separate legislative charters such as the Philippine Heart Center, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Lung Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center— which Atienza accepted. Maricel V. Cruz

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018

Reira U Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports FARMER’S DAUGHTER RIPS HIGH JUMP MARK

SUBIC HOSTS

1 FULL IRONMAN IN PH ST

By Reuel Vidal

Hundreds of participants answer the starting gun in the Century Tuna Super Bods Underpants Run yesterday, one of the side events of the first-ever full IRONMAN unfolding today (Sunday) in Subic.

UBIC— After 10 long years of anticipation the most eagerly awaited race in the country finally unfolds today when Sunrise Events holds the first full IRONMAN in the Philippines with the 2018 Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Sunrise Events founder Wilfred Uytengsu said the sport of triathlon has grown exponentially over the years and the triathlon community in the country is now finally ready for the full IRONMAN experience. “The clamor from our triathletes has been immense and we are now finally answering that with this race. We wanted to honor the sport. We wanted to honor the distance. We wanted to honor IRONMAN. We believe with the course we have laid out here in Subic will do justice to

that,” said Uytengsu. Some of the best triathletes in the world including 12-time IRONMAN New Zealand champion Cameron Brown and four-time IRONMAN champion Liz Blatchford will lead close to 1,300 local and international triathletes who will take part in the IRONMAN Philippines journey. “Everybody’s got that mixed feelings heading to the event – thrilled yet wary. But it will certainly be a unique feeling for every full IRONMAN finisher, a combination of relief, fatigue, joy, this being the first full IRONMAN to be staged here,” said Sunrise Events general manager Princess Galura. Sunrise Events partnered with Century Tuna which has successfully held three 5150 and 70.3 races before. “Century Tuna has the same values about health and wellness. Why are you eating tuna? Because you

don’t just want to work out your body, you also want to fuel it properly. And you have all this science and data about tuna and wellness. They have the right product and are great partners to be holding the first full IRONMAN,” said Uytengsu. Up for grabs is the $25,000 prize purse and 30 age group qualifying slots for the 2018 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. There will also be Swim Bonus, Bike Bonus, Run Bonus, Fastest Swim/Bike/Run for Age Groupers; Sunrise Award: Over-all Top AG Filipino Male and Female ($500 each); and Century Tuna IRONMAN Team Award. The shorter distance IRONMAN 70.3, to be held in conjunction with the full distance race, will not give away prize money but will offer 25 slots to the 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nelson

Mandela Bay, South Africa. IRONMAN is the ultimate test in endurance racing and the race will also showcase the Filipino triathletes’ passion in the sport before the world through the finisher’s medals. Sculptor Daniel de la Cruz designed the “Alab ng Puso” medal which embodies the passion and love for the sport of triathletes who participate in the grueling sport. The lace that holds the medal itself was created by the dream weavers from Marawi City. The 2018 Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines is presented by Alaska, the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. Venue hosts are the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and ACEA Subic Bay. Racing partners are NLEX and SCTEX. For more details about the 2018 Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines please visit sunriseevents.com.ph.

TOP PERFORMERS MAKE JR NBA ALL-STARS

AFTER a little over five months and four Regional Selection Camps, the 2018 edition of Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska officially had its curtain call over the weekend. From the thousands who signed up, 74 outstanding campers -- the top performers from the Regional Selection Camps held in Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Metro Manila and Alaska Power Camp, moved on to the National Training Camp. Leading the main camp’s training were Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein and WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes in attendance who served as mentors and coaches to the young aspirants, along with Jr. NBA Coaches Carlos Barroca and Rob Newson, together with Alaska coaches led by PBA Legend Jeffrey Cariaso. And after a series of intense training at the Gatorade Hoops Center last May 18 and the Don Bosco Technical Institute, 16 lucky hoopsters were named to the 11th batch of Jr. NBA Philippines All-Stars at the National Training Camp held at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. This year’s selection, a wellbalanced group was chosen from the National Capital Region, Luzon,

WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes teach a young participant in the Alaska-Jr. NBA Philippines 2018 National Training Camp (NTC at the Gatorade Hoops Center, Liberty Center, Mandaluyong City.

Visayas, and Mindanao, who showcased their skills on the court and exemplified the Jr. NBA core S.T.A.R. Values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude, and Respect. They are Prince Ray Alao of San Beda University, Ethan Rod Aljan (La Salle Greenhills), John Lester Amagan (St. Roberts International Academy of Iloilo), Seven Gagate (Chiang Kai Shek), Nathan Jan Jundana (Bacolod

Tay Tung), Christian Joi Mesias (Jose Maria College of Davao), Kim Aaron Tamayo (National University) and Rhon Khaniel Telles (St. Anthony De Carmelli Academy) in the boy’s team. The girls team roster includes Madelyn Flores of Bukidnon National High School, Gin Kayla Huelar (St. La Salle University, Bacolod), Aishe Solis (Corpus Christi School in Cagayan De Oro)

Pauline Angelique Valle (Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School), Nichole Venterez (Baguio City National High School), Marielle Vingno (Escuela de Sohia of Caloocan Inc.) Amber Esquive (De La Salle Zobel) and Kyla Marie Mataga (De La Salle Zobel). Alao and Valle were likewise named as this year’s Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Most Valuable Players in the Boys and Girls divisions, respectively. Marielle Vingno and Ethan Rod Alian, meanwhile, were selected as Alaska Ambassadors. Hazel Yambot of Baguio and Mark “Tata” Belangel of Bacolod were chosen as the Coaches of the Year. Special awards were handed out to Kayla Marie Mataga and Javier Louis Jugo as Gatorade Hustle awardees, Merylle Cuasay and Czarlo Salvador as Panasonic Rising Stars, and Aishe Solis and Kim Aaron Tamayo were named Cloudfone Awesome Players of the Game. The players’ on-court skills were not the sole focus of the Jr. NBA program. As a longtime partner, Alaska helped put emphasis on the athletes having balanced nutrition to further sharpen their intelligence and emotional quotients.

ILAGAN CITY—A farmer’s daughter hoping of someday making it to the Philippine team boosted that dream by leaping a jaw-dropping 1.71 meters to set a new national junior record in the girls’ high jump on Saturday in the 2018 Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships at the Ilagan City Sports Complex here Participating in the girls’ heptathlon, 17-year-old Dasmariñas City East Integrated High School student Evangeline Caminong achieved the feat in her second attempt as she smashed the 1.69-meter record of Kaylene Mosqueda during the Philippine Sports Commission– Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association Weekly Relay in 2016 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. Though it was only one of the six events in the prestigious heptathlon and didn’t offer a gold medal yet, Caminong’s feat was nonetheless impressive as the new record more than made up for her loss to Ateneo rival Alexie Mae Caimoso, who scored two big victories at her expense in the past. Caminong settled for a bridesmaid finish in the Palarong Pambansa last April in Vigan to Camioso before falling short anew in her rematch here with the Lady Eagle jumper, who once again took home the girls’ high jump gold medal. Camioso registered 1.65 meters in the individual girls’ high jump to best the 1.60M of Caminong on Friday. “Pambawi ko po ito kasi natalo ako (ni Camioso) sa Palaro at sa individual event,” she said after getting her rivals’ number on her third try. Caminong later bagged her first gold after ruling her other individual event—the girls’ long jump with a 5.23-meter tally. With the record-breaking feat, Caminong could receive a minimum reward of P20,000 as promised by PATAFA President Dr. Philip Ella Juico for record-breaking athletes. “Gustong-gusto ko po mapasama sa national team dahil iyon po ang pride na mabibigay ko sa pamilya ko na nagtiis pong mahiwalay ako sa kanila,” added Caminong, who left her home in San Vicente, Palawan to get an athletic scholarship in Manila. Caminong’s sacrifices to gain free education in the Big City finally paid off after being recruited to National University this school year to somehow ease the burden off her farmer father, who is taking care of her and three other siblings as a single parent since 2010. Meanwhile, national team member John Albert Mantua duplicated the feat of Philippine Army’s Richard Salaño as the most bemedalled male athlete thus far here by clinching his second gold medal in the third day of the five-day athletics spectacle presented by Ayala Corp. and the City of Ilagan, with support from Milo, the Philippine Sports Commission, Foton, Cocolife, Rebisco and F2 Logistics. Also the winner of men’s shot put on opening day, Mantua owned the men’s discus throw by recording 46.45 meters, beating teammate Rogelio de Borja (37.65M) and La Union’s Mark Anthony Talisay (36.18M). Palaro standout Eliza Cuyom became the most successful junior athlete in the APAC with two gold medals so far after her triumph in girls’ 100-meter hurdles and the girls’ 4x100-meter relay. Also hailing from Dasmarinas City, Cuyom has a chance to clinch a third gold medal after topping the heats for girls’ 100 meter dash yesterday.

PH YOUNGSTERS JOIN FOOTBALL FOR FRIENDSHIP IN RUSSIA AJ BOY Victoriano and Matteo De Venecia, the selected 12-year-old young ambassadors from Philippines, will be on their way to Russia on June 8 to participate in the 6th Gazprom Football for Friendship International Programme. They will be joined by kids from over 210 countries around the world, in Moscow. Victoriano, selected in the role of a midfielder will be a part of the 32 International Teams of Friendship that play against each other in the Gazprom Football for Friendship International Championship. The young footballer will be a part of the “Komodo Dragon” team, and will undergo a 3 day training camp in Moscow, to get used to the playing

conditions and get ample practice with his team, before the start of the championship. Each International Team of Friendship will be trained by 14-16 year old young coaches from different countries. The young footballers will also participate in workshops and sessions, conducted by renowned celebrities. At the F4F Programme in Russia, he will be accompanied by De Venecia, who will act as a young journalist and cover all the local and global activities of the program as part of the International Children’s Press Center. The Press Centre acts as hub for the young journalists who gather information, make reports, write news articles and prepare materials on the initiatives implemented as

part of the Programme. De Venecia is a sports enthusiast who hails from Metro Manila. Matteo who belongs to a sports loving family, started playing football when he was 4 years old. A player of Team Socceroo FC, he believes that football has helped him to learn about teamwork and sportsmanship at a young age. Apart from football, Matteo also likes to play baseball, ultimate frisbee and basketball. A student of PAREF Southridge School, Matteo has been appointed as one of the officers of the Grade School Student Council. An admirer of Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich football clubs, he considers Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andre Iniesta and Ian Robben as his favourite players. In his free

time, Matteo likes to play video games, go for a swim, read interesting books and go for a bike ride with his friends. Aj Boy Victoriano and Matteo De Venecia will also participate in the Sixth Football for Friendship International Children’s Forum in Russia, which will provide the youngsters an opportunity to meet their peers from other countries, share their experiences, and discuss with famous footballers and journalists on how to promote key values of the F4F Programme around the world. The International Children’s F4F Forum will be participated by famous sportsmen, journalists, and public figures who support the project and provide their thoughts and inspiration to the young athletes.

Evangeline Caminong with Patafa Secretary General Renato Unso

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Opinion

EDITORIAL

FROM WHERE I STAND ERIC JURADO

HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

VIGILANCE

OLICITOR General Jose Calida is known as that official who raised the quo warranto petition against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, which caused the latter’s ouster via majority vote of her colleagues.

Increasingly, though, he is also getting to be known as the government lawyer who did not know what conflict of interest meant even if it hit him on the head. A worse, more dangerous possibility is that he knew what it was and disregarded it anyway, believing it did not apply to him. We will not get into the details of Mr. Calida’s personal entanglements—these are matters best discussed and resolved in the family circle. We’d like to dwell on, however, the things he did and did not do as the government’s top lawyer. Reports have surfaced that he remains a majority stockholder—60 percent—of a security agency named Vigilant. He has not denied this. His wife and three sons each own a share of 10 percent. Calida says it is enough that he has resigned as chairman and president of the company in 2016. His office is not in any way involved in the approval of the contracts, and hence it does not interfere with the performance of his duties. Vigilant has been found to have engaged in deals with several government agencies—the National Economic and Development Authority, the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the National Parks Development Corporation. Beyond the complaint it was also discovered that Vigilant

secured contracts with the Department of Justice, the House of Representatives and the National Electrification Authority. Most recently, the Commission on Audit discovered that Calida had been paid P7.46 million in excess allowances, but he has argued that allowances even exceeding 50 percent of salaries are allowed by law. On this one, he is on the same boat as his predecessors, Florin Hilbay and Francis Jardeleza. A Senate investigation appears to be in the works even as the President himself has come to Calida’s defense. “Why should I fire him? He’s good,” Mr. Duterte said. Palace Spokesman Harry Roque said Calida’s accusers are just bitter about his role in Sereno’s ouster. These have emboldened Calida to say he will not divest his shares in Vigilant and he will not resign. Investigations will establish whether or not Calida indeed violated laws on procurement, on ethics, and on the engagement of certain officials in a business or profession. These should proceed, not because he was instrumental in the ouster of Sereno, but because as the top lawyer for the government he must be the first to avoid impropriety—or even the appearance of such. Whether or not Calida is good at his job, as the President maintains, should also not matter, because there are plenty of competent individuals that can take on the job without raising doubts on the administration’s will to stamp out corruption in government.

NATIONAL COMMUNICATION RESEARCH CONFERENCE CALL FOR PAPERS

THE call for papers is out for this year’s National Communication Research Conference which will be held Nov. 22 to 23 at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. The event is organized by UPD’s Department of Communication Research, College of Mass Communication, and was first held in 2012. In 2016, the department and the

Philippines Communication Society staged the first Communication Research International Conference. Last year, the NCRC was held in Baguio City, the first time it left the UPD campus. The NCRC provides students and their faculty mentors with the opportunity to present and discuss their research papers beyond the

classroom. This year’s NCRC theme is “Examining Philippine Media: Texts and Contexts.” “Given the divergent and often conflicting assessment of media today by various institutions,” say the organizers, “there is a need to revitalize our critical engagement with and consumption of the media within and across platforms. As an emblem of a

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE Turn to B4

DO YOU want to make the world a better place? Best-selling author and clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson explains how incremental daily changes can lead to a better life and ultimately a more harmonious world. Dr. Peterson is a professor at the University of Toronto, a clinical psychologist, and the author of 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. His now-classic book, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, offers a revolutionary take on the psychology of religion, and the hundred or more scientific papers he published with his colleagues and students have substantively advanced the modern understanding of creativity and personality. As a Harvard professor, he was nominated for the prestigious Levinson Teaching Prize, and is regarded by his current University of Toronto students as one of three truly life-changing professors. His classroom lectures on mythology and psychology, based on Maps of Meaning, were turned into a popular TV series. Dr. Peterson says that blaming others for your problems is a complete waste of time. When you do that, you don’t learn anything. You can’t grow, and you can’t mature. Thus, you can’t make your life better. In his three decades as a professor and clinical psychologist, Dr. Peterson has learned that there are two fundamental attitudes toward life and its sorrows. Those with the first attitude blame the world. Those with the second ask what they could do differently. Imagine a couple on the brink of divorce. They’re hurt and angry. The unhappy, bitter husband recalls the terrible things his wife has done, and the reasons he can no longer live with her. The harried and disillusioned wife, in turn, can describe all the ways her husband let her down. Each has a long list of necessary changes—for the other person. Their prospects for reconciliation are grim. Why? Because other people aren’t the problem. You’re the problem. You can’t change other people, but you can change yourself. But it’s difficult. It takes courage to change, and it takes discipline. It’s much easier—and much more gratifying to your basest desires—to blame someone else for your misery. Consider the youthful activist, making a “statement” against the “corrupt” capitalist system by smashing in the storefront of a local business. What has he done, other than to bring harm to people who have nothing to do with his real problems? The guilt, doubt, and shame he will inevitably feel in consequence will have to be suppressed so his beliefs can remain unchanged. And that suppression will do nothing but foster his anger and alienation. In the play, “The Cocktail Party,” by American-English poet T.S. Eliot, one of the characters is having a very hard time of it. She speaks of her profound unhappiness to her psychiatrist. She tells him that she hopes her suffering is all her own fault. Taken aback, the psychiatrist asks why. Because, she tells him, if it’s her fault, she can do something about it. If it’s in the nature of the world, however, she’s doomed. She can’t change everything else. But she could change herself. Now, there are people who seem to be consigned to a terrible fate. But most of us aren’t. Most of us have a chance to make our lives better. But how? Turn to B4

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SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018 B2 Standard Manila

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EU JOINS BATTLE VS. TRUMP TARIFFS

HISTLER, Canada —The European Union on Friday launched its first counteroffensive against Washington’s punishing steel and aluminum tariffs while the United States began meetings in Canada with outraged finance ministers from its top trading partners.

UNDER THE STAR. This picture taken on Friday shows Christine Ribbe, commanding officer of French navy ship Surcouf, during a ceremony on board the ship as it is anchored at a dock in Ho Chi Minh City. French Navy’s Mistral-class amphibious assault ship Dixmude and La Fayette-class frigate FS Surcouf, with 713 officers and sailors on board, began their five-day visit Vietnam on June 1, part of activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE InvItatIon to BId for SUPPLY, dELIvErY, InStaLLatIon and CoMMISSIonInG of CrYoPrESErvatIon SYStEM (rE-BId) IB no. 2018-235-a 1.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2018intends to apply the sum of Fourteen MillionPhilippine Pesos (PhP14,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of Cryopreservation System (Re-bid) under IB No. 2018-235-A. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DOH now invites bids for the procurement of the above-captioned project. Delivery of the Goods is required within the period specified under SECTION VI. Schedule of Requirements. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) yearsfrom the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%)of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from theCOBAC Secretariat, G/F, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 04 June 2018 to 26 June 2018from the address above and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TwentyFive Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP25,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The DOHwill hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 13 June 2018, 10:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall beopen to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the COBAC-D Secretariat at the address below on or before 26 June2018, 9:00 A.M. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on 26 June 2018, 9:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The DOH reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: COBAC-D Secretariat Department of Health San Lazaro Compound Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1625 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775; 740-6830

(MS-JUNE 3, 2018)

(SGD) HERMINIGILDO V. VALLE, MD, MPA Undersecretary of Health COBAC-D Chairperson

Meanwhile in Washington, US President Donald Trump floated the possibility of scrapping the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement in favor of separate bilateral deals with Canada and Mexico. And in another leg of Trump’s multifront trade offensive, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross arrived in Beijing to continue fraught talks with Chinese officials. Trump has vowed to press ahead with tariffs on as much as $50 billion in imports from China. Brussels and Ottawa on Friday filed legal challenges at the World Trade Organization against Washington’s decision. The EU, Canada and Mexico also threatened stiff retaliatory tariffs as they pushed back against Trump’s moves. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he was dumbfounded by Washington’s national security basis for the tariffs, given that US and Canadian troops had fought together in World War II, Afghanistan and elsewhere. “This is insulting to them,” he told NBC News. British Prime Minister Theresa May said she was “deeply disappointed” and reiterated a call for Britain and the EU to be “permanently exempted” from the “unjustified” metals tariffs. At the Group of Seven ministerial meeting in Canada, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin faced stern reactions from his counterparts, who accused Trump of jeopardizing the world economy with steps that would prove job killers for all concerned. “The French, British and Germans held firm,” French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told reporters. “Everyone expressed their complete incomprehension of the American decisions and everyone said it was up to the Americans to take the next step since they were the ones who imposed the tariffs.” Le Maire had earlier Friday referred to the talks as a “G6 plus one,” with the United States standing apart, adopting a joke circulating among attendees at the weekend. Talk of trade did not completely drown out the meeting’s agenda, which included tax evasion and crypto-currencies, but the meeting’s chair, Canada’s Finance Minister Bill Morneau, allowed participants to register grievances with Mnuchin one at a time, according to a Canadian source.AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

GOOGLE EXITSFROM MILITARY ‘AI’ US PROJECT SAN FRANCISCO—Google workers on Friday got word that the internet titan will retreat from a deal to help the US military use artificial intelligence or AI to analyze drone video following an outcry from staff, according to reports. The collaboration with the United States Department of Defense was said to have sparked rebellion inside the California-based company. An internal petition calling for Google to stay out of “the business of war” garnered thousands of signatures, and some workers reportedly quit to protest a collaboration with the military. The New York Times and tech news website Gizmodo cited unnamed sources as saying that a Google’s cloud team executive announced told employees on Friday that the company would not seek to renew the controversial con-

tract after it expires next year. The contract was reported to be worth less than $10 million to Google but was thought to have potential to lead to more lucrative technology collaborations with the military. Google did not respond to a request for comment. Google has remained mum about Project Maven, which reportedly uses machine learning and engineering talent to distinguish people and objects in drone videos for the Defense Department. “We believe that Google should not be in the business of war,” the employee petition reads, according to copies posted online. “Therefore, we ask that Project Maven be cancelled, and that Google draft, publicize and enforce a clear policy stating that neither Google nor its contractors will ever build warfare technology.” AFP

SANCHEZ UNSEATS RAJOY AS SPANISH PRIME MINISTER MADRID—Spanish Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez will be sworn in as prime minister on Saturday, a day after ousting Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote in parliament sparked by fury over his party’s corruption woes. Sanchez, a 46-year-old economist with no government experience, will take the oath of office at 11 am (0900 GMT) before King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Palace near Madrid. The Socialist leader still must name his cabinet and it is only when their names are published in an official government journal in the coming days that he will fully assume his functions. After leading the Socialists to two crushing general election defeats in 2015 and 2016, Sanchez was forced to resign by the party apparatus. But he was reelected as party head by members in 2017, and managed to oust Rajoy, a 63-yearold veteran politician who had been in power since 2011.

Sanchez filed a no-confidence motion against Rajoy on May 25, a day after a court found former officials of his conservative Popular Party (PP) guilty of running a slush fund. Other opposition parties lined up against Rajoy, who was abandoned by his allies, the centrist Ciudadanos and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV). The PNV had just helped Rajoy’s government approve its 2018 budget in exchange for receiving 500 million ($584 million euros) in investments for the northern Basque region which it governs. An absolute majority of 180 lawmakers voted for the motion to loud applause and shouts of “Yes we can”, even if Sanchez faces a tough road ahead as he will govern with an even smaller minority than Rajoy. “It’s been an honor—there is none bigger—to have been Spain’s prime minister,” Rajoy told parliament. AFP

NO MORE MR. NICE GUY: TRUDEAU GETS TOUGH OTTAWA, Canada—Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has a reputation for playing it safe on burning political issues, showed a new level of grit in the face of two crises, and it may help him win re-election in 2019. On Thursday, Trudeau hit back at punishing US tariffs on steel and aluminum with Can$16.6 billion (US$12.8 billion) in duties on US goods and accused American President Donald Trump of lacking “common sense.” His actions and words were in stark contrast to the charm offensive he launched after Trump’s inauguration in 2016. The amateur pugilist traded in his “sunny ways” for fighting words. He also launched the largest trade action that Canada has taken in eight decades. Canadians, industry and even opposition parties applauded the prime minister’s unusually pointed rebuke of Trump and retaliatory tariffs. “Trudeau uttered some of the harshest words a prime minister has directed at an American administration in decades,” said Toronto Star columnist Chantal Hebert, calling this a “watershed moment in the Donald Trumpera Canada/US relationship.” “It is not every day that a Canadian head of government pointedly notes that he is dealing with a US administration that is short on common sense” or “that a prime minister uses a news conference to dig in his

heels in a trade negotiation,” she noted. Two days earlier the prime minister stuck his neck out to save an oil pipeline project, likely alienating environmentalists but picking up broader support with his defense of the energy sector. University of Ottawa professor Patrick Leland said in an interview with AFP that Trudeau’s newfound swagger “will help the Liberals in the next election.” “I think people understand that this (trade row) is not the Liberals’ fault in any way,” he said. “I think the Canadian government did as much as they could to avert this outcome, they’ve tried engagement and continue to do so. It’s Donald Trump’s failure to understand the implications for the US and world economy of his isolationist policies.” If the Canadian economy tanks as a result of a trade row, however, that may change. “We know that the incumbent party suffers (at the ballot box) when the economy is bad,” Leblond said. Since 2016, Canada and the United States have sparred over softwood lumber and aircrafts, while also endeavoring to negotiate, along with Mexico, a revamp of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Washington had granted Canada and Mexico an exemption on the metals tariffs to give the parties time to successfully renegotiate the 1994 continental trade pact. AFP

‘MARIA’ MEMORY. Shoes are displayed in memory of those killed by Hurricane ‘Maria’ in front of the Puerto Rican Capitol in San Juan on Friday. ‘Maria,’ which pummeled Puerto Rico in September 2017, is likely responsible for the deaths of more than 4,600 people, some 70 times more than official estimates, US researchers said Tuesday. AFP

BRIAN DE PALMA WANTS TO TACKLE WEINSTEIN STORY PARIS—“Scarface” director Brian De Palma is to tackle the story of disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood legend told AFP. The maker of “Carrie” and “The Untouchables” said he was toying with the idea of dealing with Weinstein and the #MeToo movement the Hollywood producer unleashed after claims that he had raped and abused a string of actresses over the years. “I have been following it very closely because I know a lot of the people involved,” De Palma told AFP in Paris, where he has just published his first novel in

French. “This has inspired an idea for another book,” he added. “As a director you have to get actors’ confidence and their love to be able to use their instrument in your movie. And to violate it on any level is just to me the worst thing you can do, just because of your gluttony or your lust,” the 77-year-old said. “I’ve heard stories over the years” about abuse and casting couches, the veteran filmmaker added. “I always reacted very strongly to anybody that was doing such things. And of course, you would hear stories about the most notorious people.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MAKATI LAUDS 12 PRIVATE FIRMS By Joel E. Zurbano

HE city government of Makati gave recognition to 12 private firms for their significant roles in the city’s sustainable development and digital transformation. The awardees included Ayala Land, Inc. as Outstanding Corporate Citizen–Hall of Fame; Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Valued City Development Partner; Makati Business Club, Business Organization of the Year; Asian Institute of Management, Business Academe of the Year; Rotary Club of Makati, Service Organization of the Year. The Outstanding City Partner Award was conferred on Globe Telecom, iBayad Online Ventures, Mynt, GCash, and Neo Converge ICT Solutions while the Outstanding Corporate Citizen–New Enterprise Award was given to Chang Hwa Commercial Bank. Hailed as this year’s Outstanding Corporate Citizen of Makati–Hall of Fame awardee was Ayala Land Inc. for being the undisputed lead partner of the

city government in the environmental, economic, social, and cultural development of Makati. ALI president and chief executive officer Bernard Vincent Dy accepted the award. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry was named the Valued City Development Partner of the Year for its invaluable contributions to business growth and sustainable development in Makati. The award was accepted by PCCI president Alegria Sibal-Limjoco. The Makati Business Club, represented by its chairman, Edgar Chua, was awarded as the Business Organization of the Year for being a major catalyst in the socio-economic development of Makati, which remains the undisputed center of commerce and industry in the country. The Rotary Club of Makati was named Service Organization of the Year to pay tribute to its members and countless volunteers who have contributed to the social development of the city through meaningful initiatives and joint projects with the city government for the welfare of the less privileged sectors. Club past presidents Rafael Hechanova and Cesar Campos accepted the award. The city awarded the Asian Institute of Management as Business Academe of the Year for its invaluable role in imparting knowledge and

expertise on good governance and public service to Makati’s officials and civil servants. AIM president, Dr. Jiekyong Kang, accepted the award. This year’s Outstanding City Partners were recognized for their key roles in jumpstarting the digital transformation of Makati through PPP. Globe Telecom was represented by its president and chief executive officer, Ernest Lawrence Cu. Other key officers who accepted the award were iBayad president and CEO Jose Paolo Angelo G. Saycon; CEO Anthony Thomas of Mynt and GCash; and Aristoteles Elvina, corporate secretary of Neo-Converge. The Chang Hwa Bank Commercial was named Outstanding Corporate Citizen-New Enterprise for being the lead taxpayer among the top 10 new businesses in Makati, based on the data of the city’s Business Permits Office. The City Private Partner for Social Enterprise was awarded to MetroStores Inc. represented by its general manager, Lemuel Quimpo. Through Makati’s long-standing partnership with MetroStores, new and clean food trailers replaced old ‘jolly jeeps,’ at no cost to the city. The project has provided sustainable livelihood to low income resident-entrepreneurs, as well as ensured safe and affordable meals for city workers and the public, even in the central business district.

BIÑAN HEALTH CARE. True to her commitment of representing the people of the City of Biñan in the national scene, Biñan City Rep. Len Alonte Naguiat receives the ambulances from the Department of Health on May 31. Alonte, the vice chairman of the House Committee on Health, exerted efforts to meet the health care needs of target populations. Despite her legislative work in the House, she makes it a commitment to bring care and assistance to the people of the City of Biñan. She expressed gratitude to the national leadership through Health Secretary Francisco Duque and DOH Region 4A Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo. Inset from left with Alonte are Dr. Jen Mendoza, CHO2 chief; Romulo Reyes, Biñan OIC-city administrator, Dr. Janairo, and Dr. Mirabelle Benjamin, CHO1 chief.

EX-DENMARK PM CALLS ON NAVOTAS MAYOR TIANGCO HELLE Thorning-Schmidt, former Prime Minister of Denmark, recently paid a courtesy call on Mayor John Rey Tiangco at the latter’s office at the Navotas City Hall. As chief executive officer of Save the Children, Thorning-Schmidt checked on the nutrition programs and activities of the city. Tiangco, through the Navotas City Health Office, reported that Navotas has Operation Timbang Plus, Community Deworming and School Monitoring, Supplemental Feeding Program, Micronutrient

Supplementation Program, among others. From 2.06 percent in 2016, the city’s malnutrition rate dropped to 1.6 percent last year. Asked by Thorning-Schmidt what drives his continued support to the city’s nutrition programs, Tiangco answered, “Family.” “Just like every Filipino, I value my family. We want our families to be safe, healthy, and have a better chance in life. We can only secure that if they are healthy and well nourished,” he said. Jun David

Helle Thorning-Schmidt (right), former Prime Minister of Denmark and current chief executive officer of Save the Children, talks to Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco. Jun David

HELP IN DRUG WAR, GO RALLIES TARLAC VILLAGE OFFICIALS By Romeo Dizon SPECIAL Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has called on newly elected 5,000 barangay officials of Tarlac to join the government’s campaign to solve the big problems of the country. Go made an appeal during the recent mass oathtaking ceremony of barangay officials in Tarlac City, where he called for support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaigns against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality. Go told the barangay officials that as “foot soldiers” of the government in their localities, they know everybody and everything that is going in their areas of responsibility. Go added that for them to ignore this is a dereliction of their duties. “Your cooperation and support would be a big help in resolving the main problems of the country like illegal drugs, graft and corruption and criminalities,” he said. Go urged the local barangay officials to unite and strive for the good of the communities and the government in general for the benefit of the people. During the mass oath taking, Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap also urged the barangay officials to improve their services so that these can be felt by their constituents. Yap said that barangays must improve their health, education, infrastructure, and livelihoods services in their respective localities for the benefit of the people. The governor added that although the barangay has minimal budget, this shouldn’t be reason not to elevate their services to the people. “You should know several programs of the province, regional and national offices that help barangays, financial, livelihood projects, and others that improve all the villages of the country,” she said. Yap added these projects and assistance must be implemented with full transparency and accountability.

CHASE DREAMS, ESPINO URGES ALS GRADUATES By Dexter A. See LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—“All we pray for is that you reach your dreams, so you can help your families.” Pangasinan Gov. Amado I. Espino III said this as he commended the graduates of the Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E) Program of Alternative Learning System of Schools Division Office of Pangasinan II during their Completion and Moving-Up Ceremony held at the Sison Auditorium. Espino said the joy of the parents during graduation is the same with local leaders’ elation, knowing that the youth today “are headed to a better future.” The provincial government remains keen on its objective in sustaining education thrusts that will empower the future generations, he added. “We do everything in the provincial government as local leaders to prepare your future and your family,” said Espino in laying the foundation of good governance. As such, he urged all the graduates to stay firm on their dreams and keep their mind focused despite the setbacks they have faced through their journey. He also exhorted those graduates who are married to make their families as inspiration in finishing their studies with flying colors. The provincial chief executive also extolled parents and teachers who took a huge part in the success of the ALS graduates.

LORENZANA LEADS MINDANAO PEACE, SECURITY SUMMIT By Mark Navales COTABATO CITY—The first Mindanao Peace and Security Summit recently wrapped up at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College, highlighted by the presence of Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, representing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Terrorism, violent extremism, illegal drugs, criminality, and the menace of corruption in our country were discussed the focus of the Duterte administration. “Liberating our society from this problem requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders. These problems are so inter-connected that discussing one will lead to the need to understand the others,” Lorenzana said. The activity bannered the theme “Grasping the Role of the Academe on the War Against Illegal Drugs, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in the Pursuit of Peace and Development in Southern Philippines.”

The Joint Task Force Central and the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College recognized the imperative to engage all stakeholders by giving priority to the youth sector, being the most prone and vulnerable to radicalization. As she welcomed the peace advocates, Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said: “Others say that Cotabato would be the next Marawi and I said no, because we the leaders and the people will not allow it to happen. We need to work with you and help each other specially the youth. The people of Cotabato deserve more than what they are enjoying now.” The initiative of Cotabato City State Polytechnic in organizing the Peace and Security Summit 2018 is a welcome development because it demonstrates the eagerness of the academe to perform their role. In this endeavor the traditional and religious leaders have been tapped, being the most influential segment of the society in Central Mindanao.

The new commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Lt. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, said: “There is a need to institutionalize the program on countering violent extremism, combating illegal drugs and corruption in all academic institutions, not only in Central Mindanao, but also all over the country.” “I cannot overly emphasize the importance of the academe’s role in countering the threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism. The military will continue to work closely with you to sustain what you have started and advocate for the program to be emulated in other academic institutions,” Dela Vega. After the three-day Peace and Security forum last February 2018, the convenors came up a module on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism that can be offered not only for CCSPC but also to all other schools, colleges, and universities all over the country was formulated and tested.

CARING KITCHEN. Republic Cement president Nabil Francis (center) helps

hold up a check marking the firm’s donation—free lunches for 1,500 school children for 120 days this year—as the framework of the ‘Kusina ng Kalinga,’ an antihunger and malnutrition prevention program that aids schoolchildren through free nutritious meals and parental education school-year long, spearheaded by Republic Cement in tandem with Gawad Kalinga. Teddy Pelaez

PINOY LIFE

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PETER PAN AT 65: THE BOY WHO WOULDN’T GROW UP COMES OF AGE

By Bladimer Usi

By Frankie Taggart

HOW... From B1 Dr. Peterson says start small. Ask yourself a few questions: Have you taken full advantage of the opportunities offered to you? Are you working to your fullest capacity at school or at work? Have you, in other words, set your own house in order? If the answer is no, try this: stop doing what you know to be wrong. Stop today. Don’t waste time asking how you know that what you’re doing is wrong. Inopportune questioning can

NATIONAL... From B1 robust democracy, the media merits the public’s active reception of their content. The principles, procedures, and practices behind media content creation and production also require scholarly investigation using different methods and theories.” Abstracts of between 350 and 500 words are being accepted on the following topics involving Filipinos and the Philippines: media platforms (folk/ traditional, legacy/mass, interactive/ digital media), media content (creation, construction, transmission, and exchange), media audiences (reception and effects), media and indigenous peoples, media and identity (i.e., religion, gender, class),

confuse without enlightening, and deflect you from action. You can know something is right or wrong without knowing why. Start paying attention: Do you procrastinate, show up late, spend money you don’t have, and drink more than you should? It’s not a matter of accepting some externally imposed morality. It’s a dialogue with your own conscience. What are you doing that’s wrong, from your own perspective? What could you put right—right now? Get to work on time. Stop interrupting people. Make peace

media, politics, and governance, media and development, media and the family, organizations and media, media and strategic communication (i.e., PR, advertising, IEC campaigns), and media and persuasive communication. The deadline for abstract submission is Aug. 31, 2018. Other dates to remember: Sept. 15, notification of acceptance and opening of registration portal; Oct. 15, deadline for submission of full papers; Oct. 25, deadline for early bird registration; and Nov. 8, deadline for registration. The conference is open to everyone, including those who will not present a paper. The registration fee is P500 and covers the book of abstracts, conference badge, and certificate of participation. Abstracts must include five keywords

with your siblings and your parents. Diligently utilize everything you already have at hand. If you do those things, your life will improve. You’ll become more peaceful, productive, and desirable. After some days, or weeks, or months of attentive effort, your mind will clear. Your life will become less tragic, and you will become more confident. You’ll start seeing right from wrong more clearly. The path in front of you will shine more brightly. You’ll stop getting in your own way. Instead of bringing trouble to yourself, your family, and your society, you’ll be a

positive and reliable force. Your life will still be difficult. You’ll still suffer. That’s the price of being alive. But maybe you’ll become strong enough to accept that burden, and in that fashion even come to act nobly, and with purpose. The proper way to fix the world isn’t to fix the world. There’s no reason to assume that you’re even up to such a task. But you can fix yourself. You’ll do no one any harm by doing so. And in that manner, at least, you will make the world a better place.

and may be written in Filipino, English, or indigenous languages (the latter with accompanying translation in Filipino or English). For more details on the format of submission of abstracts and full papers, visit the event’s Facebook page at NCRC Philippines or email ncrc@up.edu.ph. *** Now why is this event important? There would be no human endeavor without communication. With today’s technological advances and the massive and rapid cultural shifts that occurred and are occurring with digital and new media, we need to study the impact and effects of these technologies and cultures in our lives, as well as that of the media content that they generate. Social media now allows every

individual with access to the Internet to air their views and opinions, and share those of others immediately to large masses of people. This makes it easy to share not only truths but also lies—“fake news.” Many people cannot discern between the two. The immediacy of social media and other attendant factors has also led to the rise of propagandists and the polarization that we now observe in our society particularly on the political front—i.e., the “DDS” (die-hard Duterte supporters) and the “Dilawan” (those opposed to Duterte, specifically those allied with the previous administration). However, social media also provides us with the opportunity and platform to take up social causes. One such movement that started on Twitter and Facebook was #BabaeAko (also

LOS ANGELES—Most of us need eight hours’ sleep, posh skin cream and a macrobiotic diet to halt the advancing years. Peter Pan—that lucky little imp— gets by on a little faith, trust and pixie dust. J.M. Barrie’s creation may never age but this year marks the 65th anniversary of the Disney movie that set imaginations soaring with tales of Lost Boys, swashbuckling pirates and an ominously ticking crocodile. A paean to the wonder of youth but a poignant reminder that it doesn’t last forever, “Peter Pan” is steeped in “a child’s imagination and where it can take us,” says Disney historian Mindy Johnson. “We as adults need to return to that sometimes and this is a constant reminder of that—to regain our sense of wonder, magic and imagination,” she told AFP at the Disney lot in Burbank, California. Barrie, a Scottish writer, created Pan in stories that he told the sons of his friend Sylvia Llewelyn-Davies, naming the character for the youngest of the boys and the Greek god of the woodlands. His 1904 play and 1911 novel follow the Darling children—Wendy, John and Michael—as the mischievous Peter and his fairy friend Tinker Bell whisk them off to the magical island of Never Land. They visit Peter’s secret hideout with the Lost Boys and leap into high-flying battles with the infamous villain Captain Hook, who has his own problems as the quarry of Tick-Tock the Croc. “Here is a story, it seemed to me, which had never been quite fulfilled, despite its wonderful career on the living stage, a story which deserved the added dimension of animation on the screen,” Walt Disney said. A million drawings The impresario deployed his elite animation team—known affectionately as the “Nine Old Men”—and they completed around a million drawings, taking around a week each to come up with five seconds of footage. Kathryn Beaumont was 12 when she was chosen to voice Wendy, and to double as a model that the animators could attach to high-wire rigging whenever they needed reminding of what children look like flying. She had already voiced the titular character in “Alice In Wonderland” (1951) and is the only actress in the world who can boast of spending time in both Wonderland and Never Land. Beaumont, who spent most of her working life as a teacher but still lives near the Disney studio lot, remembers Walt inviting her to visit the various departments making the movie, from animation to ink and paint. “It was a learning experience but I was so fascinated, and the fact that he allowed me to go freely through these places to learn about all that was just wonderful,” the 79-year-old told AFP. “So I had a lovely few years working with Walt Disney and getting to know him as a person.” While 2018 is a significant milestone, it also marks a darker aspect of the production— the 50th anniversary of the death of Bobby Driscoll, the child star who voiced Peter. More recently, there was the smashhit spin-off, “Hook” (1991), a moderately successful sequel—”Return to Neverland” (2002) – a 2003 live-action remake and an ill-advised 2015 prequel called “Pan.” “Tink,” a live-action film with Reese Witherspoon in the title role, is in the works and the 1953 movie gets a new release jam-packed with extras on Blu-ray on Tuesday to mark the anniversary. The New York Daily News declared on February 12, 1953 that “Peter Pan” was one of Disney’s best productions and closer to Barrie’s conception than any other adaptation. “So many writers, artists, directors, decorators and colors stylists worked on the film that there isn’t space enough to mention them all,” noted the paper’s reviewer Kate Cameron. “Between them, however, they have created a delightful, entertaining film that will appeal to the young and the not-so young alike.” AFP

#BabaeTayo) where Filipinas expressed their outrage at the current Philippine president’s misogynistic remarks and expressed policies, such as not wanting to hire women for some higher offices because they cannot handle “threats and intimidation.” These and other such interesting communication phenomena deserve to be studied in a scholarly fashion, and I look forward to the papers that will be read at this year’s NCRC. We look to our communication scholars to help us understand what is happening in the media and why, with a view to providing solutions that will unite rather than divide us as a people. Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communication consultant. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018

Business

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

AMERICAN ATM PROVIDER BULLISH ON PH EXPANSION By Othel V. Campos

HE American company which has deployed more than half of all automated teller machines in the Philippines remains bullish on its expansion in the country despite the increase in cashless transactions made possible by electronic commerce.

Diebold Nixdorf, the market leader of selfservice banking technology in the Philippines that serves more than 40 banks with 11,500 ATMs or 58 percent of the total nationwide, believes that it is well positioned to support the industry’s expansion. It has a team of over 400 associates around the Philippines, while its service call center team supports over 250 field techs through a dedicated help desk and an in-house depot repair center in Makati. It established its presence in the country in 2003 to take advantage of the growth potential in the banking sector where 70 percent of households did not have bank accounts. Diebold Nixdorf Philippines president and country manager Julius Servando says the Philippines is a growing market for the company. A study by consulting firm RBR predicts that the country will see a rise in ATM deployment by 48 percent to 29,400 terminals by 2022, from the current 19,851 terminals. “What sets us apart from other competitors is our ability to service ATMs and use terminals outside the metros because we do have engineers in those areas 7/24,” Servando says. Servando says the company is also instrumental in bringing the government aid closer to the country’s less unfortunate families who benefit from the conditional cash transfer program of the Social Welfare Department. Diebold Nixdorf is also one of the first companies to bring in financial solution to Tacloban City after the devastating typhoon Yolanda hit the Visayas in November 2013. “We were the first to set up an ATM terminal in the province when the Philippine government needed the support of a financial solutions provider like us. They believed in us and we delivered,” says. Servando says that in the retail sector, the Philippines is still far from closing the gap with other countries in the Asia Pacific in terms of e-commerce sales. Data show that of $140 billion in total retail sales in 2017, e-commerce sales accounted for only $3.9 billion or 2.1 percent. “We have seen mobile penetration contributing to an increase in e-commerce transaction. We can expect Philippine e-commerce to grow though not as fast as in other markets in Asia. Growth will be measured by the limits of infrastructure on hand and some issues on online security,” Servando says. “Given this situation and the innate fear of Filipinos to shop on the net especially cashless buying, we see the potential of physical stores still growing. They will be needing support from solution providers like us. We continue to see growth in 30 years,” he says. Diebold Nixdorf will soon introduce the use of QR codes and biometrics in automated transactions as well as for retail. A local bank plans to adopt the technology to provide better security for its clients. Deibold is celebrating 15 years in the Philippines with a host of new solutions for both the banking and retail sectors. Globally, Diebold Nixdorf has presence in over 130 countries, supported by 15,000 service members and 1,900 software experts.

VAPERS HOLD PH SUMMIT ON HARM REDUCTION FILIPINO vapers gathered together in Quezon City on May 28 for the 1st Summit on Harm Reduction and pushed for their right to safer alternatives to smoking. The summit organized by The Vapers Philippines at Sulo Riviera Hotel discussed the need for regulation and cooperation among players in the electronic cigarette sector. Vaping is an act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an e-cigarette—a battery-operated device which vaporizes a flavored liquid made of water, nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol and flavorings. Ad vo c a t e s s ay v a p i n g i s considered a significantly less harmful practice compared to the traditional burning of cigarettes.

Nancy Sutthoff, New Zealand spokesperson of the International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations, asked the Filipino vapers to work together, form a network and be a community of advocates for e-cigarettes or vapes. Standing in their way are medical associations, pharmaceutical companies and the Department of Health which tows the line of the World Health Organization that refuses to endorse e-cigarettes. “Three years ago, New Zealand was basically in the same position as the Philippines in terms of the proposed regulatory framework and legislation on e-cigarettes,” says Sutthoff, a former smoker who switched to e-cigarettes. New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world where e-cigarettes are accepted and regulated, along with Japan, South Korea, England, Denmark and other areas in Canada and Europe. “What vaping advocacy groups in New Zealand did was we got together, learned as much as we possibly could about the regulatory and legislative environment and collected the latest scientific evidence on e-cigarettes,” says Suthoff, who lost her mother to an illness caused by years of smoking. “We then talked to doctors and connected these experts to people in the government, such as mayors and legislators, and presented the evidence to make them understand,” says Sutthoff, who is also the cofounder and co-director of the Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy in New Zealand. Heneage Mitchell of Hong Kongbased advocacy group Fact Asia Consultants Ltd. says e-cigarettes should not be classified as a tobacco product which is normally burned. E-cigarettes, he says, are Turn to B2

FILIPINOS RECOGNIZED FOR HARD WORK IN ANDORRA AND MALAGA PHILIPPINE Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier recently met with Andorra Foreign Affairs Minister Maria Ubach to discuss ways to enhance Philippine-Andorran trade relations. Among the areas they agreed to focus on were exchange programs between Andorran and Philippine colleges and universities, the opening up of employment opportunities for Filipino English teachers in Andorra, encouraging tourism and promoting trade and investment activities that would redound to greater economic engagement between Andorra and the Philippines.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Andorra were established in February 2000. Around 422 Filipinos live and work in Andorra, mostly in the domestic services sector. Ubach expressed her countrymen´s admiration for Filipinos in Andorra, saying that Filipinos are held in high esteem for their industriousness, honesty, solid Christian values, and skills in the English language. L h u i l l i e r a l s o p re s e n t e d h i s credentials as the Philippines´ nonresident ambassador to the Principality of Andorra to Archbishop Joan EnricVives Sicilia, the co-prince of

Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier meets with Andorran co-prince, Archbishop Joan Enric Vives Sicilia.

Andorra at the Palacio Episcopal in La Seud’Urgell. Lhuillier also visited Malaga in Spain, a tourist destination where around 3,000 Filipinos reside and work, to pay a courtesy call to Miguel Briones Artacho, representative of the Spanish national government in Malaga. “ The Spanish National Police regarded the Filipino community in Malaga as the ‘most integrated immigrant community’ and praised the Filipinos for their outstanding behavior and for being a widely respected part of the Malagueño community,” Artacho said.

Business

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

ENTREPRENEURS INVITED TO JOIN COOKING DEMOS BUDDING entrepreneurs as well as those who are already running their businesses in the food and beverage industry are invited to join Technolux’s Business Series this June. Admission is free. Technolux, the country’s largest importer and supplier of a complete line of foodservice, small wares and laundry equipment for over 40 years, knows the pulse of the local hospitality and F&B landscape. Its TBS initiative helps new enterprises take off and existing businesses grow through the introduction of the latest kitchen equipment from world-class brands. TBS on June 13 and 14 will feature EuroChef, the projects division of Grope Matfer-Bourgeat, French manufacturer of quality kitchen utensils since 1814. Its products that Technolux distributes include pots and pans, exoglass molds, silicone pastry molds, knives and cutting tools. The series will be held at Mall of Kitchens (2703 Kamagong St. corner Lawaan St., San Antonio Village, Makati City). Technolux’s corporate chefs will conduct product and cooking demos on the benefits and use of various EuroChef items. A Bakery Fair TBS will also be held on June 29 also at Mall of Kitchens to showcase KOLB, provider of total solutions for all the baking needs of bakeries, cafes, restaurants, pastry shops and home bakers. To be launched in the Bakery Fair TBS is Italmill S.P.A, one of the biggest family-run businesses in the flour and semi-finished baking product industry in Italy with quality products for making pastry, pizza and bakery items. A baking demo will be conducted by a foreign principal from Kolb, Technolux’s corporate pastry chef, Jessa Bata and chef Erika de Leon of Global Academy. A quick demo will also be held for the following equipment: Vitamix Blenders, Vittore Espresso Machine, Taylor Soft Ser ve Machine and Manitowoc Ice Machine.

VAPERS...

From B1

only heated and thus do not produce tar which is harmful. WHO position The WHO, however, does not endorse e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking. Armando Peruga, who has two decades of experience in tobacco control, said on the WHO website that “these devices have become popular over the last four or five years, so there are only a few studies on the health risks and we don’t know the long-term effects.” “We don’t have epidemiological studies, such as those on the links between tobacco and cancer, because such studies take decades to complete. Nicotine is highly addictive and we don’t want nonsmokers to start using it,” Peruga said. Mitchell, however, says there are now numerous studies attesting to the efficacy of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool which is 95-percent less risky than cigarettes. Suthoff says authorities should “protect the health of the public with science and knowledge”. She says that in the case of New Zealand, the high incidence of smoking resulted in many smokers developing smoking-related illnesses, which put a heavy financial burden on the National Health System. New Zealand experience Sutthoff says similar to the situation in the Philippines, there is a big group of people in New Zealand who want to regulate e-cigarettes in the same way as conventional cigarettes. “Luckily for us, our Ministry of Health [MoH] is well informed because we spent so much time educating them,” she says. “ The potential of vaping products to help improve public health depends on the extent to which they can act as a route out of smoking for New Zealand’s 550,000 daily smokers, without providing a route into smoking for children and non-smokers,” the MoH stated. The agency cited expert opinion that vaping products are significantly less harmful than smoking tobacco but not completely harmless. Sutthoff will be one of the speakers on the Global Forum on Nicotine to be held on June 14 to 16 in Warsaw, Poland.

RENOWNED FILIPINO CHEF JOINS VISA’S DINING SERIES

Jessie Sincioco (center), president and chief executive of Chef Jessie’s Group of Restaurants, is flanked by Stuart Tomlinson (right), Visa country manager for the Philippines and Guam and Shabab Muhaddes, Visa head of products for Indonesia and the Philippines.

HEF Jessie Sincioco, who runs three upscale restaurants bearing her name in Makati City and Pasig City, has joined the Visa Epic Experiences affluent dining platform—a wine and dine series exclusive to Visa Platinum, Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders. Cardholders can enjoy either a complimentary glass or a bottle of wine at some of the Philippines’ finest and most premium dining establishments, including Chef Jessie’s Group of Restaurants. Sincioco, who won the grand prize in the baking category of The Great Maya Cookfest in 1983, became the first Filipina pastry chef in 1990. She has twice bagged the L’Assiete D’Or, the most coveted gold trophy in “Chefs On Parade”, the country’s most prestigious culinary competition. With three expat partners, she set up and managed the popular Le Soufflé restaurant in Greenbelt in 1991. The partnership led to more Le Soufflé branches and other restaurants like Papermoon and Poppies until the break-up in 2009. Sincionco then decided to establish her own group of restaurants. Global payments company Visa invited Sincionco to become among the merchants under Visa Epic Experiences, its exclusive dining and travel privileges for cardholders

worldwide. Through this platform, all Visa cardholders, including tourists from all over the world, can easily discover unforgettable trips and gastronomic experiences by presenting their Visa card at over 60 choice establishments nationwide. Visa cardholders can enjoy epic offers from well-known establishments such as Kettle in Manila to Taza Fresh Table in Tagaytay to Enye by Chele Gonzalez in Cebu to Subo in Boracay. This year, sought-after restaurants such as Antonio’s, Chef Jessie’s Group of Restaurants, Pablo Bistro, Samba, Epilogue and many others were introduced into the Visa Epic Experiences affluent dining platform. In addition to dining merchants, Visa Epic Experiences platform also includes travel offers such as 25-percent discount off published room rates at Anya Resort Tagaytay, 60-percent off published room rates and 30-percent off massage services at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan. “Filipinos love to travel and dine and this is proven from our data, where we see almost half of all Filipino cardholders spend on these categories. With this in mind, we are introducing the fifth edition of Visa Epic Experiences. Every year, we make an effort to revamp and introduce new offerings to make this platform bigger and better for our cardholders,” says Stuart Tomlinson, Visa country manager for the Philippines and Guam. “Filipino cardholders and tourists from all over the world who own a Visa card will be able

to enjoy exclusive dining and travel privileges, where they can create unforgettable life memories with their families and loved ones,” Tomlinson says. The unique perks of Visa Epic Experiences are available to all Visa cards issued anywhere in the world. Visa cardholders can enjoy all the offers on Visa Epic Experience platform until March 15, 2019. Visa also introduced the Visa Digital Concierge app, where Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders can view the Visa Epic Experiences offers, and also book hotel accommodations and make restaurant reservations through the app. Traditionally, cardholders need to dial a hotline or email a concierge service provider to engage their services. The new Visa concierge mobile app offers a real-time channel for affluent consumers to arrange for services such as hotel, flight and restaurant reservations, event ticket purchases or other enquiries. A recent survey conducted by Visa found that most Filipinos make flight reservations, accommodation and dining reservations on their own because they find it troublesome to have someone else doing it for them. The Visa Concierge mobile app simplifies these traditional concierge processes. It is equipped with a live-chat function, which enables consumers to chat with a customer service representative directly to make personalized and bespoke requests. Through this feature, they can get instant results and prompt responses to their requests.

ROYAL CARGO MAKES A MARK IN GLOBAL LOGISTICS END-TO-END logistics solutions provider Royal Cargo takes pride in its rich history spanning four decades of serving the local market while making a mark in the global arena. The Filipino multinational company is directing its sights toward bigger things as it draws upon a legacy of overcoming challenges. From its humble beginnings in 1976 with only two people in a rented table space in Makati, the company has expanded to 13 other countries with more than 2,000 personnel. From its early years, the company has established a foothold from northern Luzon to down south in Davao. “Passion fueled the dream of building Royal Cargo and serving not just local but international clients as well,” said Royal Cargo founder and group chief executive Michael Raeuber. In the 1990s, the company embarked on its first milestone project: the fasttrack transport of a power plant in La

Union. Besides showcasing capability in this field, the project addressed the perennial problem at that time, the power shortages. In 1992, Raeuber entrusted the leadership of the project and heavy lift operations to his business partner, Elmer Sarmiento. After successfully establishing its presence locally and opening branches abroad, the company diversified into other businesses such as food processing. It did not pan out as expected, and the company incurred huge losses caused by its main customer defaulting. Nonetheless, the company honored all its financial obligations by restructuring existing loans. By 2003, the company has become a trusted name in integrated logistics solutions, handling international freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution, project transportation and heavy haulage, trucking, moving and

storage, free port logistics, eco-zone logistics, liquid solutions and shipping. The company’s revenue jumped from P165 million in 2003 to P4.3 billion in 2017, with company assets growing from P241.43 million to P4.9 billion and net income from P6.28 million to P638 million during the same period. During the same year, Royal Cargo realized one of its long-term investment plans: its first solarpowered cold storage warehouse in the country. Located in Binan, Laguna,

this warehouse was completed in 2016. In 2017, the company kicked off the construction of its biggest cold storage facility by far, on a 6-hectare property in Plaridel, Bulacan. “Royal Cargo is more than just an end-to-end logistics provider. We deliver as needed. Apart from delivering power plants, cement ball mills, wind mills, we are bringing products that people consume to convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide,” Sarmiento said.

Tech & Gadgets

OTTERBOX BARES FULL CASE LINEUP FOR GALAXY S9, S9+

“N

O love for Samsung!??” It’s come to our attention that Samsung fans have been relegated to the sidelines when it comes to the breadth and depth of mobile accessory options available for their favorite devices. OtterBox is saying goodbye to saying #Sorry and replacing it with #MoreGalaxyLove. OtterBox, the No. 1-selling smartphone case, announces a full lineup of cases for Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, available now. OtterBox proudly offers its full lineup for Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ with Pursuit Series, Symmetry Series, Defender Series, Commuter Series and Strada Series Folio cases as well as Alpha Glass screen guards.2 OtterBox is showing the love by offering a wider range of colors and graphics than ever before. “For years we have heard our fans ask why OtterBox doesn’t extend the range of styles, colors and designs offered for Galaxy devices,” OtterBox CEO Jim Parke said. “We’re here to say that we have heard you and are expanding our case colors, graphics and series offerings for Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.” Give Galaxy more grit. Cover Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ with Pursuit Series, the thinnest, toughest OtterBox case. Available for the first time on a Galaxy device, the two-piece case snaps around the device to block out drops, dings, dust and grime. The case features audio scoops for amplified sound and comes with a lanyard for added security while carrying. For more Galaxy pop, Symmetry Series comes in a variety of colors, graphic or clear styles. Symmetry Series is easy to slip on and off the device and in and out of pockets with a slim, single-piece form. The stylish case keeps Galaxy devices safe from bumps, drops, scratches and dings. The classically rugged Defender Se-

DS1618+ is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom® processor C3538 and 4GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM, expandable up to 32 GB in ECC SODIMMs.

VIVO...

From C4

With the revamped face recognition on the V9, we were able to automatically unlock the phone in an instant with only minor non-detections. Although the face unlocking feature does not really work well in dim and unlit conditions, the fingerprint scanner at the back still provides stelar fast unlocking capabilities for optimum security and access.

Cameras

We would not do any honor to this review if we went without stating the awesome cameras this phone has. Already a trendsetter in the selfie arena, Vivo cemented its place atop the hill with the 24-MP selfie camera with revolutionary AI technology. As oppose to the competition, the AI fares fairly well and the Face Beauty option produces selfie shots that fortunately don’t make our faces resemble any work of Madame Tussauds’. You can experiment and goof around with the many downloadable AR stickers while capture pics that seem to come out of prime lenses with the “bokeh” effect feature that lets you pull the aperture to as low as f2.0 for that creamy and bokelicious background blur. The phone also lets you shoot Live photos. The back shooters produce decent photos in well-lit areas, and are decent when it comes to lowlight situations. The cameras offer good contrast and high dynamic range for the best shot whether indoors or outdoors. The cameras also have professional mode where you can adjust factors such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for a more bespoke shot for your artistic needs. You can shoot up to 4K video and capture awesome slo motion and time lapse videos as well. Although the 4K feature seems too “laggy” when we reviewed the footage, but the 1080p and 720p modes are exceptional.

Verdict

ries guards Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ from scrapes, drops and dings. The tough case is designed with an open screen to suit the curved display and is fully compatible with Alpha Glass. Defender Series boasts a shell with a rigid exterior and flexible interior for drop protection, and a tough, textured outer layer provides additional shock protection and blocks out dust, dirt and grime. The slim Commuter Series keeps Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ covered with two layers of slim protection. The thin case slips easily in and out

of pockets for on-the-go use, helps guard against bumps with a tough exterior shell and blocks out grime with the shock-absorbing slipcover’s port protection. Cover Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in 360-degrees of crafted protection with Strada Series Folio. This slim protective case guards the brilliant display with a genuine leather folio that protects the touchscreen from harm. The elegant design covers the device in classic, sophisticated style with a discrete wallet slot for cards or cash. Protect Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+’s

expansive displays from harm with Alpha Glass screen protection. The fortified, anti-shatter glass defends the display while reactive technology retains touchscreen sensitivity and are compatible with all OtterBox cases for Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. Pursuit Series, Symmetry Series, Defender Series, Commuter Series, Strada Series Folio and Alpha Glass are available at OtterBox retail kiosks and select Samsung Experience Stores. Prices start at PHP 2,250. For more information and product availability, visit www.tenkiebox.com

STRONG WIFI THRU EASTERN COMMUNICATIONS EASTERN Communications and Marriott Manila recently celebrated their Strong Connection and partnership at an afternoon tea hosted at Marriott Manila’s Still Tea & Whisky Bar. Eastern Communications is one of the country’s top premier telecommunications companies, trailblazing paths for business connectivity in strategic locations in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Baguio. Marriott Manila’s Tea and Whiskey Lounge, one of the many areas where guests can enjoy Eastern Communications’ hotel Wi-Fi services Powered by Eastern Communications, Marriott Manila is a testimony to Eastern’s continued vision of providing the hospitality industry with innovative data services and faster, more reliable internet connection. Creating Stronger Connections Marriott Manila General Manager Bruce Winton lauded Eastern Communications as a connectivity partner, describing how Eastern has provided internet speed of up to 450 Mbps. This fast and stable internet connec-

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Marriott Manila’s General Manager Bruce Winton shares how Eastern Communications lets their guests enjoy a reliable and strong internet connection. From Left to Right: Catherine Muynila, Eastern Communications’ Head of Marketing; Marriott Manila General Manager Bruce Winton; Bernard Bernardino, Eastern Communications’ Head of Quality Assurance, customer service and fraud; event host KA Antonio.

tion is a great asset for Marriot Manila as the hotel has also expanded over the years, with the addition of more hotel rooms, the West Wing, and the Grand Ballroom, which is one of the largest meeting facilities in the country. Winton shared that they’ve had as much as 10,000 users simultaneously

connected to their public area WiFi. He added: “Needless to say, no General Manager in our business would want 10,000 unhappy guests. I’m not a technical guy ... but I’ll tell you what’s important to me, and that is 10,000 happy users. And I’m very pleased to say that is the case.” Providing fast and reliable internet

for the hospitality industry Catherine Muynila, Eastern Communications’ Head of Marketing, also shared details about Eastern Communications latest products and services for hotels and restaurants, highlighting the company’s edge in providing better services for the hospitality industry. These products include their Internet Direct Service or IDS, a premium and dedicated internet service with a 1:1 contention ratio. It runs through Eastern Communications’ fully redundant fiber optic network, capable of providing gigabit per second connection between the Philippines and peering partners in the Asia Pacific Region, as well as the US and Europe. IDS has highspeed, high quality and redundant links that are ideal for companies with roundthe-clock, mission critical transactions. Meanwhile, the ISDN PRI is a voice service that allows customers to utilize multiple voice channels through a single phone line. ISDN PRI service is suited for companies with high voice traffic, such as contact centres, which allow clients to experience better value for money without sacrificing voice quality.

As always, Vivo delivers in their impeccable selfie promise. The 19:9 “all screen” aspect ratio leaves us in awe, and the competitive price point is the proverbial cherry on top. The vibrant displays jump out of the screen, the smooth gaming experience was outright fun and exciting, and the refined cameras are a cut above the rest. Software and performance was a bit a slight concern, but can never be considered a deal breaker. Fast charging could have also been utilized with the Type-C port as is customary with some flagship phones of other brands, but you couldn’t really as for more in the juice department as the V9 is workhorse of a phone that can leave you entertained and immersed for hours on end. PROS: Design is gorgeous Unbelievably lightweight Handsomely priced and is the most competitive in its price point Selfie camera is the bomb Smooth interface and navigation Exceptional battery life Added security CONS: Processors App glitches with heavy usage Cameras in lowlight conditions

SMARTPHONES...

From C4

HCPH sees further growth as it has beefed up its IT infrastructure, expanded offices and call centers, and grew its workforce to over 9,000 employees. “From day one, our mindset was to grow big and grow fast, while changing the landscape with our financially inclusive products,” Witschard says. “Our remarkable growth and expansion in 2017 tells us that we are on track in achieving our goals. And our results in 2017 tell us that our business strategy is an effective one.”

SMART-BACKED TRAVEL APP SHOWCASES BEST OF DAVAO REGION TOURISTS planning a trip to Davao now have a tool that can give them more indepth information about the region’s destinations, culture, and famous delicacies. This is the KulToura Philippine travel guide app, a project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, with support from PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications and InnoPub Media. The KulToura app was unveiled during the opening ceremonies for the National Heritage Month celebration at SM Annex in Davao City. Present at the event were NCCA Chair and National Artist Virgilio Almario and Executive Director Rico Pableo; Davao City Administrator Attorney Zuleika Lopez; Smart Visayas-Mindanao public affairs head Attorney Maria Jane Paredes and community partnerships head Darwin Flores; and InnoPub Media cofounder Max Limpag, among other representatives. “In the face of globalization and rapid technological advancements, it is crucial that we devote efforts for the preserva-

tion and promotion of our historical traditions and cultural heritage, for these are part of who we are as Filipinos,” said Lopez, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Sara Duterte, during the launch. “Today we witnessed the launching of the KulToura app, which brings historical, cultural and tourism information right at our fingertips,” Lopez said. The KulToura app features information provided by NCCA on heritage sites, historic schools and churches, nature parks, popular attractions, famous landmarks and other must-see places in the Davao Region—such as the Mt. Hamiguitan range wildlife sanctuary, the Caraga church, and the Davao Museum—and other parts of the country. It also contains colorful details of the history of selected cities and provinces, including their famous personalities, delicacies, and other interesting trivia. “The KulToura app aims to give both tourists and students a better appreciation of Philippine culture and heritage.

By featuring the Davao Region and other parts of the country in the app, we hope to invite more travelers to explore our beautiful destinations while learning about the stories behind these places,” said Almario. Initially designed as an aid for tourists, KulToura is also a handy resource for students. The comprehensive information found on the app can help them gain a better understanding of the rich culture and history of the country. “We are happy to help promote tourism in the Davao Region through the KulToura app,” said Darwin Flores, Smart community partnerships head. “With this app, mobile users can have access to various tourism information and services and explore more places like never before,” he added. Available as a free download for Android and iOS devices, the app is continuously being updated to provide more relevant content and encourage travelers to explore the country. To enhance the tourist experience,

Smart will also install interactive markers with quick response (QR) codes and NFC (near-field communications) chips at selected tourist and heritage destinations in the region to enable access to additional travel information. “Our mobile phones are our constant travel companion. It serves as our messaging device, camera, map, and tour guide. With this program, important historical, cultural and heritage information are now more widely available through mobile devices,” said InnoPub Media cofounder Max Limpag. The KulToura app and the tourist markers are part of the digital tourism program launched by InnoPub and Smart in 2012 in partnership with local government units. The program aims to harness mobile technology to promote tourism and the preservation of cultural and heritage sites. It has been implemented in locations such as Albay, Baguio, Bohol, Cebu, Dapitan, Davao City, and Iloilo.

This mobile phone screen shows the main page of the KulToura app.

TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

VIVO V9 TAKES IT UP A NOTCH By Peter Paul Duran

DELL PUSHES BOUNDARIES WITH NEW DELL XPS 13

N THE smartphone world of today, the one that holds the key to the best selfie game is king of the realm.

Vivo, now among the top 5 smartphone makers in the world, has the distinction of offering unheard of front-facing camera features in their new models released in recent years. With their latest flagship model, however, they’ve certainly took it up a “notch”. Let’s take a deeper look at the new Vivo V9 which Manila Standard Tech was able to get its hands on recently. At a glance, take a look at the specs of the phone. (Photo) Right off the bat, the V9 is a notable overhaul from its predecessor the Vivo V7 and V7 Plus. The V9 boasts more interesting stuff than its now “little” brother V7, but offers the same initial price point at only P17,990. Then and there, you know it’s already a steal. Sporting a 90% body-to-screen ratio, you get an in-your-face experience thanks to the massive 6.3-inch screen size. But none can be more glaring a feature than the “notch”- a certain smartphone display feature that is all the craze these days which the new Vivo flagship phone has adapted from the iconic (and rather notorious) design of the iPhone X. Though more than anything, the Vivo V9 certainly played this new staple of smartphone design to their advantage.

First Glance

The V9’s interesting new notch is leaner compared to that of the phone where it got its inspiration from, but it blends well to bring balance to the phone’s display. Of course, this is an ergonomic step to say the least, as the V9 only need its notch for the earpiece and the 24MP front-facing camera.

gives you a comfortable grip on the phone. Although the back is made out of plastic, it does not diminish the “premium” feel that this phone gives overall. When we tried playing PUBG Mobile on the V9, one could really maximize their gaming experience without failing to push a button on a screen otherwise too small for your fingers. Same goes when playing racing games, where the stable feel adds to the gaming experience.

The phone is pretty slim, and even with a jelly case on, which comes free with the box, the phone is still very sleek and thin. In essence, Vivo could have made this thinner if they adapted a USB-C port and did away with the 3.5mm port, plus this could have given them the edge with fast charging technology. But, we don’t mind. Looking at the whole of the screen, there’s still a wee bit of space for a slim bezel at the phone’s chin. Forgivable, even for bezel-less purists who still have 6 inches of screen left to contend with. Bottomline is, if smartphones of today attend a digital gala, then this phone is dressed to the nines.

Real Feel

The phone is pretty lightweight even for its sheer size. Comprising only 150 grams, the phone is magically light for its size. Hand strain was never an issue, and the V9 is perfect for gaming which

not encounter any lag or crashes in this department thanks to the processor this phone has. The phone has its flaws, but no extreme downside in any way, as there were some hiccups when it comes to using RAM-heavy apps like Spotify running on the background while we played PUBG. There were times when the phone would automatically go out of Spotify and into the home screen but does not necessarily lead to At the back and all around the app closing or crashing abruptly. StunningThe Vivo V9 kept it simple at the back. Notable ly enough, we didn’t come by any lag when is their vertical positioning of the 16MP + 5MP playing the likes of Asphalt 8, even if placed on dual cameras and flash. You have the Vivo logo, the highest settings. and the fingerprint scanner with the “Designed Performance and Battery by Vivo” mark on the bottom to complete the cast. Powering the Vivo V9 is the Qualcomm SnapOn the sides you have the power and volume dragon 626 with a 2.2GHz octa-core processor. buttons all on the right. On the other side you Considering there were better alternatives on have the nano sims and micro SD slot you’ll be the market, Vivo could have utilized the more adable to open with the free pin ejector. vanced chips. But hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Display, Software and Interface The Snapdragon 626 held considerably well while Boasting Full HD + IPS display (1080 x 2280p), multiple apps were open. the icons are more plush, more vivid. Browsing picThough as stated above, the phone could still tures and watching videos is one delightful experi- needs a teeny wee bit of kick. In general though, ence. The user experience did not diminish a single this phone is perfect for multi-taskers. This phone bit at the time the phone was with us as the built-in is highly recommendable to those busily engulfed Touch OS is intuitive enough for every task. in all their social media accounts, while juggling You have native apps like Facebook, WPS, the tasks such as work emails, scheduling meetings, Google family, and the Lazada app. The built-in etc., you get the picture. keyboard, powered by their Touchpal software, is The Vivo V9 has exceptional battery life. Even a nod to that of the latest iOS keyboard. But we with a typical 3,260mAh non-removable battery, opted to download the emoji keyboards avail- the phone still had enough juice at the end of the able on the Google Play store, the native key- day after non-stop activity coupled with heavy board was good and easy to use, but hey, millen- data usage. When we left the phone running overnials need their emojis. night to play some background music on spotify, The interface of the phone inspires from the the battery level remained in the 80s percentage iOS of Apple. It has no app drawer so you have all after fully charging the phone. There were no sigyour apps in the home screens. You can, however, nificant instances the phone heated up to disbundle them together which makes for a clean in- comfortable levels, even with the data connecterface. The movement of icons are smooth and tivity on all day. Certainly cool to the touch! navigation through apps and inner workings of Security the phone was a breeze. The V9 is secured with AI face unlocking We used the phone mainly for social media features, a fingerprint scanner, pin, pattern, and usage in updating our socmed pages and we did password security features. Turn to C3

SMARTPHONES STILL ON TOP OF FILIPINOS’ PURCHASE LIST By Lou Marquez-Hernandez WE Filipinos are smartphone-obsessed. That is based on an observation of consumer finance provider Home Credit Philippines on what Filipinos normally acquire when they avail of loans. Though this is not surprising since we practically use our smartphones for everything aside from the obvious messaging, calls and quick selfies. Filipinos even treat it as mobile computers to check or send e-mails, and for banking and payments. Thanks to smartphones, social media is easily accessible as the country topped a survey three years in a

row with most time spent online. The Filipinos’ fondness for smartphones shows itself even in the ranks of the unbanked and non-credit card holders as it is the topmost choice when they use the HCPH loan facility on purchases that include computers, appliances, furnitures and cash loans. “Smartphones are the top purchase on the retailers or stores we partnered with,” says Annica Witschard, HCPH chief executive officer. Among the smartphone brands that partnered with the company are Oppo, Samsung, Vivo and Huawei. Since its entry into the country in

2013, HCPH has partnered with leading retailers and manufacturers to provide in-store financing for smartphones and other goods. HCPH has enjoyed continuous growth in sales, from a modest start of P29 million in 2013 to P4 billion in 2016 and grew further to P14 billion in 2017. It now has a 2.5 million Filipino customer base of which more than 1.5 million have active loans. Smartphone purchases figure highly on the company’s receivables of P14 billion as of the end of 2017. In the early part of 2018 HCPH has already approved more than 800,000 new

loans. The month of April is the highest performing month so far with more than 190,000 new active loans. The company acknowledges that technology is key to its success as shown by the preference for smartphones. “We will not be here without technology. It’s essential, without it our business model won’t be possible. I think it will play a bigger part in the future,” Witschard reiterates. HCPH chief finance officer Zdenek Jankovsky adds, “Smartphones are very important. It makes it easier for us to communicate and reach the customers since most are buying it.” Turn to C3

DELL Philippines recently officially unveiled the new Dell XPS 13, the world’s smallest and most powerful 13-inch laptop in its class. In addition to revealing one of the world’s most beautiful devices, Dell also highlights the incredible hidden innovation within this product, designed to improve performance, functionality and the overall user experience. “At Dell, innovation never sleeps. We’re passionate about creating technology that expands the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Jay Ranola, Consumer Head, Dell Philippines. “With Dell, beauty and brawn lurk beneath all our devices. The incredible product design that makes up the exteriors complements the striking innovation that comes from within. Thus, beneath those beautiful exteriors, we are revolutionizing and redefining personal computing, giving people experiences they want - and we demonstrate it, yet, again with this new Dell XPS 13.” Feat of engineering—XPS 13 Dell’s XPS portfolio has won more product awards than any other brand in the company’s history. The latest XPS 13 is improved in every conceivable way and was named a CES 2018 Innovation Award honoree in the last CES event earlier this year. Along with its next-generation InfinityEdge 4K Ultra HD display, the XPS 13 adds a dazzling Rose Gold with Alpine White woven glass fiber interior as an option to traditional silver and black carbon fiber interior. This new system comes with narrower borders and up to 80% more thermal headroom. Inside its thinner, lighter design, the Dell Power Manager delivers power just when you need it. And GORE Thermal Insulation, the same silica aerogels used in the Mars Rover to diffuse and dissipate heat, introduces an innovative material into the thermal design to keep the system cool while it works hard. The new Dell XPS 13 comes with the new Dell Cinema suite of entertainment-enhancing technologies and next-generation InfinityEdge 4K display to create the ideal viewing experience. Complete with Windows 10 Pro and powered by the latest Intel 8th Generation Quad Core processor, XPS 13 delivers superior mobile performance with fast booting SSDs up to 1TB. It delivers the longest battery life of any 13-inch laptop, with almost 20 hours on FHD and up to 11 on UHD (Mobile Mark 14). So, in addition to making the system smaller and lighter, Dell has also been able to double the performance on the new XPS 13, making it as twice as powerful from its previous version. In fact, it is the most powerful 13-inch laptop in the class. Power efficient, designed with smarter materials, sustainably packaged and recycle-friendly, the XPS 13 is one of Dell’s most environmentally sensitive products. The silver aluminum model includes Dell’s Ocean Plastics Packaging—plastic trash that has been recovered from waterways and remade into useful materials. And the rose gold model wrapped in the bamboo packaging tray that is 100% recyclable. Immersive experiences with Dell Cinema Now more than ever, people watch movies and TV shows on their PCs with the expectation of a full cinematic experience, including studio sound and visual quality, as creators intend. That experience is now available on XPS and select Inspiron PCs through Dell Cinema, an immersive audio and visual experience.

Young Life sunday, june 3, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Things you need

To survive in school

By Raye Sanchez and Danielle Macadangdang Pack your bags and prepare your pens and other school supplies because school is about to start. Yes, no matter how we love summer, like all things, it has to end. But fret not, because you can always beat the odds, may that be a mountain of deadlines or an avalanche of quizzes, as long as you’re prepared. We list down some things you’ll be needing every day to survive this school year.

Janel Perez

A hefty breakfast

on how To be an

It’s true that the brain can’t function properly without food so before leaving home, have a filling breakfast in order to prepare your brain for all the information it’s about to absorb. If having breakfast at home is not an option, make sure to eat at least before the start of your first class.

ouTsTanding

sTudenT

(Enough) money

SPUNKY STUDENT. Incoming Dartmouth college freshman, Janel Perez proves that Filipinos, even those who graduated

from a public elementary school like her, can make it to prestigious schools.

If you commute and buy food at the cafeteria, you'll be needing cash. Bring only the amount you need for the day and a little extra for emergencies.

UTING Elementary School graduate Ma. Janel consuelo Perez recently made headlines for her remarkable achievement of getting accepted to several Ivy League schools.

Perez, an International School Manila Scholar, is being welcomed into the fold of Dartmouth college, Harvard University, Yale-NUS college, and Vanderbilt University. She ultimately decided to pick Dartmouth college in Hanover, New Hampshire where she is offered the king Scholarship that comes with a four-year full merit scholarship that covers her tuition and boarding, travel internships, extensive mentoring, leadership training, and stipend. Perez’s admission was no small feat as the undergraduate admissions in Dartmouth, the smallest of all Ivy League schools, is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 8.7 percent for the class of 2022—her batch. Being educated in a public elementary school and eventually in a prestigious international school, allowed Perez to see both ends of the spectrum. Just like most students from Filipino middle class families, she knows how it’s like to make the most of what you have. She makes light of her circumstances, such as commuting at 5 o’clock in the morning to school or doing homework in a poorly-lit jeepney, and does not use them as an excuse to neglect her studies. The spunky 18-year-old proves that even a public school graduate can make it to an Ivy League school or any other prestigious schools, for that matter. “I just want to convey to other Filipinos that you can do it; it’s possible, nothing’s barring you,” she said.

Here are her tips to unprivileged students who want to succeed in school and in life:

Stop blaming your circumstances

“a lot of other students, who, despite their circumstances, have strived beyond that and have done amazing things in life.”

Embrace your human agencies

“God gave you the freedom to make your own decisions and not follow a set of life, or a straight path. You can choose to spend your time watching telenovela and playing video games or you can spend it studying, improving your mind, and improving your body. But you can still have fun watching telenovela or playing video games at their own time.”

A good playlist

While this can't be used during classes (unless you want your teacher to take your phone away), having a good playlist to listen to during your free time can help your mind focus or wake you up.

Be efficient, live in the moment

“When your studying, study, don’t have Facebook open, Turn to C2

Two Pinays graduaTe summa cum laude from us universiTies Janelle Micaela Panganiban

TWo Filipino students graduated with the highest honors from two prestigious universities in the US this year. Lara andrea Montales, 21, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics, major in finance and business analytics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Montales finished elementary at the colegio San agustinMakati, where she graduated valedictorian. She also received high honors upon graduating from the Philippine Science High School. Meanwhile, Janelle Micaela Panganiban graduated summa cum laude from the New York University with majors in global public health, public policy, and sociology. Turn to C2

Bag

an ideal bag with the right shape and size is important to keep your things organized so that you’ll be able to conveniently go to and from school (or even go to a friend’s house to do school projects). Turn to C2

young Life

sunday, june 3, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

things...

From C1

Pen and paper

don’t be that student who always borrows pen and asks for a sheet of paper from his seatmate. always have a pad of paper and/or notebooks as well as a couple of pens with you so that you can easily take notes and answer exams without having to bug your classmates.

Incoming Filipino high school and college students are looking forward to learning new things and enjoying fun experiences.

what students look Forward to in sY 2018-2019

Umbrella

This helps protect you and your belongings from the sun and rain.

By Danielle Macadangdang and Raye Sanchez Smartphone

Let us all agree—today’s generation will not get through the day without their smartphones. This gadget comes in handy in communicating with friends and teachers, staying updated with #MayPasok and #WalangPasok announcements, and sharing your ideas with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers.

Chargers and power banks

Power banks come in handy especially when you’re on the go, transferring from one room to another. Plug your charger only in outlets where it’s allowed, and always keep an eye on your belongings.

any students grimace over the fact that it’s time to leave the beach and start another year full of stress on school works and examinations, among others. nevertheless, there are many things to be excited about the opening of classes. so we asked incoming high school and college students what they look forward to the most when classes start. I am looking forward to discovering the difference between the lives of a junior high student to a senior high student and also what senior high has to offer for the new generation of incoming grade 11 students. – Luke Eidref Berja, 17, senior high school For the incoming school year, I am looking forward to maximizing my abilities and gaining more skills that I can use for the career that I will choose. – Gian William Ramelb, 19, college as one of the officers in my broadcasting organization, I am looking forward to productions inside and outside the school. We will make the events bigger as a welcome for the incoming freshmen this semester. – Aira Mae Rebenito, 19, college every year students look forward to school activities and events, because pure studying can sometimes be a bit boring. I look forward to participating in such events and look forward to enjoying it. – Keziah Anne Mansia, 18, college I am looking forward to seeing my classmates and teachers, to catching up with them and exchange stories. also I would like to wear my new uniforms and use my new school supplies. – Luke Aga Berja, 14, high school I am looking forward to enjoying fun-filled memories. Memories I will cherish forever and memories that I can learn from. – Angelo Luigi De Los Santos, 15, high school

It's time for homework again as the classes are about to open.

I am looking forward to having more knowledge about the strand I am about to take, more experiences since I am about to enter a university and will travel to school for the first time, more great friends since I’m going to transfer schools, and more religious knowledge since it’s my first time to enter a Catholic school. – Mary Gellain de Leon, 16, senior high school I look forward and I am very much excited to meet new psychmates since there are freshies who’ll enroll next school year. – Moniq Olaes, 19, college I’m looking forward to my on-the-job training because I will be able to apply the teachings that I have learned in school. – Ysabel Calderon, 19, college I’m looking forward to being more responsible in what I do in school. To thinking more than twice to make sure nothing would go wrong. – Michael Sorreda, 19, college

Flash drives

Flash drives are essential for saving your word or video files. They also come in handy when the teacher allows you to have a copy of her power point presentations. Have a thumb drive with a big storage space—8mb and up would be fine.

two...

From C1

The Immaculate Conception academy in ciology as well as the Founder’s day award. Greenhills alumnus also received the alexBoth Montales and Panganiban were ander L. shluger award for excellence in so- consistent dean’s Listers.

janel...

From C1

Moral, emotional, and spiritual support

The holy trinity of this survival kit. Being around people who make you feel loved and appreciated will motivate you to do better in school.

don’t be texting or calling, don’t be watching TV, just study and be present. When you’re in class don’t talk to your seatmate unless it’s related to class discussions. Focus on what your teacher is saying. When you’re having fun, have fun. don’t let stress or school distract you. When you’re with family, spend every moment with them.”

that’s just the way life works, especially for people who are less privileged than most. If you want to reach a dream, a goal, you have to keep your mind on it, because I believe that if you give up early on maybe you don’t deserve that dream anyway. That’s what differentiates a person who’s been successful from just an ordinary person who’s still struggling. Like Winston Never give up Churchill said: ‘If you’re going through hell, “you are going to get hit so many times, keep going.’ unless you wanna stay in hell.”

Lara andrea Montales

Entertainment

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018

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

2ND EDDYS NOMINEES NIGHT ALL NOMINEES in the 14 categories of the 2nd Eddys (Entertainment Editors’ Choice) come together today at 5:00 p.m. at 38 Valencia Events Place for Nominees Night prior to the awards night in July. The Nominees Night of the 2nd Eddys is in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Globe, OneMega Group and Wish 107.5 FM station. The officers of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), along with FDCP headed by Chairperson Liza Diño, will give out certificates of nomination. The nominees will then be interviewed aboard the Wish Bus. Kapuso star Rhian Ramos will host the Nominees Night, which will feature performances from singers Dessa, Katrina “Suklay Diva” Velarde, and Hazel Faith. Directed by Paolo Valenciano, the production is under Wish, while Globe Studios, headed by Senior Vice-President Yoly Crisanto, is major presenter. In July after the awards night OneMega Group will lead the after-party called The Eddys Mega Party. The Eddys by SPEEd honors annually the outstanding works, talents and creatives in the Philippine movie industry.

Miguel Antonio is a young singer-songwriter who croons in English, Mandarin and Filipino.

SINGAPORE-BASED PINOY TEEN MAKES HIS OPM DEBUT Y

‘UNEXPECTEDLY YOURS’ BRINGS TWOFOLD ROMANCE ON CINEMA ONE

OUNG Filipino singer-songwriter Miguel Antonio has released his first OPM single “The Only Thing” under Star Music.

The cover for Miguel Antonio's debut single, 'The Only Thing.'

The 17-year-old Singapore-based artist who was born in Davao City has officially entered the OPM scene with his new single after making waves in The Lion City’s music industry. He chose “The Only Thing,” a song he also composed, as his first OPM single because of its storytelling. “It’s a love song and it’s about long distance relationships. I feel like there are elements in the song that people would relate to in certain ways,” he shared in a recent interview. Miguel first rose to fame when he won the 2011’s Born To Sing Asia talent competition and got selected by world-class musician David Foster to perform at the David Foster & Friends concert in Singapore. He also signed with US-based BMBX Entertainment, led by Grammy award-winning producer Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas in 2014. A year later, the young singer was able to tour Manila to promote his then single “Every Day,” shoot the music video for another song, “Breathe You In,” and record his other single, “Satellite,” written by the song-writing team of One Direction. Aside from his great voice, the Star Music artist also writes songs and plays the piano and guitar. Miguel’s “The Only Thing” is now available for download via Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.

5 VLOGS TO WATCH TO BEAT RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC WE HAVE come to accept traffic as part of city life, and we all have our ways of coping like sneaking in a quick nap, tuning into our own ‘traffic playlist,’ catching up on social media, and even squeezing in some work on the go. But with highresolution smartphones and fast mobile data, there’s nothing like watching entertaining vlogs to keep our mind off any bad road situation. If you’re looking for new content to keep you entertained and informed while beating rush-hour traffic, here’s a list that might just work for you: 1. Ranz & Niana When it comes to #siblinggoals, Ranz and Niana definitely top the list. This brother-and-sister tandem is a hit among YouTube viewers who enjoy watching them move and groove to the latest dance hits, pull pranks on each other, and just be charming cool kids overall. They’ve also released their own music, proving how talent truly runs in the family. Follow Ranz and Niana at www.youtube.com/ranzkyle and www. youtube.com/nianaguerrero. 2. Michelle Dy There’s no shortage of make-up tutorials and beauty vlogs on YouTube, but Michelle Dy continues to be a fan favorite

because of her simple and practical make-up tips. Instead of sulking inside the taxi, plan your look for the day by watching one of her beginner-friendly tips on how to look your best without ruining your budget. Catch her at www. youtube.com/michelledy051. 3. Chris Cantada Force If you love Power Rangers, Star Wars or the Marvel Universe, then you’ll love Chris Cantada’s YouTube channel. When he’s not making awesome fan films, he’s unboxing and reviewing toys. Chris also collaborates with his fellow content creators to create fun and action-packed videos that will keep your mind out of the traffic and bring out the pop culture geek in you. Watch Chris at www.youtube.com/ChrisCantadaForce. 4. Erwan Heussaff Make ‘traffic time’ productive by planning your next food crawl or travel itinerary with tips from no less than Erwan Heussaff. His YouTube channel is filled with informative and entertaining content—from cock-

tail recipes and travel diaries to more insightful content on food and farming in the Philippines. And, if you’re a sucker for celebrity couples, you also get a sneak peek into his married life with equally lovable wife Anne Curtis. Follow Erwan at www.youtube.com/ErwanHeussaff. 5. Andi Manzano-Reyes There’s nothing like adorable kids to brighten up any gloomy situation, and if you need a quick ‘pick-me-upper,’ check out Andi’s YouTube channel with her three-year old daughter Olivia where they share family-friendly adventures and heartwarming moments. If you’re a young mom looking for tips and hacks, Andi’s got you covered too. Catch them on www.youtube.com/andimanzano. These entertaining and informative vlogs at your fingertips are your best ally in combating traffic blues. Enjoy this vlogs with up to one hour of free YouTube streaming every day using your Smart, TNT and Sun prepaid sim cards until July 15. Simply register to load packages like GigaSurf99, AllOutSurf99, GigaSurf50, AllOutSurf 30, Panalo Data 30, Panalo Combo 30, Super Combo 20, and Big Time Data 70, and enjoy up to one hour of free YouTube daily - for as long as your chosen promo is valid.

Joshua Garcia and Robin Padilla in a scene from the romcom, 'Unexpectedly Yours.'

THE blockbuster romantic-comedy flick Unexpectedly Yours, last year’s much-awaited reunion of Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla, is set to bring love and excitement on television screens as it premieres at 8:00 p.m. today on Cinema One. Unexpectedly Yours also marks the third movie pairing of one of today’s hottest loveteams, Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, after their successful projects Vince and Kath and James and Love You To The Stars and Back. In this Sunday’s blockbuster premiere, former high school sweethearts Patty (Sharon) and Cocoy (Robin) bump into each other 30 years later not only as organizers of their high school reunion, but also as neighbors. Patty is a marketing executive who recently went through an annulment and is currently struggling to move on with her daughter, Yanni (Julia). The mother-and-daughter’s quiet lives awaken when Cocoy and his nephew, Jason (Joshua), come knocking on their door. Will they welcome unexpected love in their lives? This must-see story about taking a leap of faith and giving love another chance is directed by blockbuster filmmaker Cathy Garcia-Molina. Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, the movie sprang a sweet surprise as it became one of 2017’s top ten highest grossing films.

sunday, june 3, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets p o H s t n d t p o #ad

Apple breastfeeding her kittens Uno and Tres.

How to care for newborn kittens

He main concerns during the first few weeks of a kitten’s life are:

pet tales

By desiree carlos

1. feeding Save ALL dilutes a small amount 2. keeping them warm of the cat food by putting water. 3. developing social skills You can give this to the kitten as 4. learning how to excrete on is. But we still give milk, aside from his/her own. this milk replacer. You can also pound (durugin) a Normally, the human simply high quality cat food and put in watches the mama cat take care of the milk. her kittens. The food must be served on a But if the mama cat is not shallow bowl for the kittens. Feed around, or has rejected the kitten, them several times a day. or can not produce sufficient milk, At five weeks old, the kittens would the human has to take over. have adjusted to the new diet. At six to seven weeks old, they Feeding a newborn kitten will start to chew dry cat food “A mother cat’s milk provides even if you do not moisten it with everything a kitten needs during water or milk. the first four weeks of life,” says “Kittens are typically fully WebMD Veterinary Reference weaned by around eight weeks of from the ASPCA in “Newborn Kit- age, “ WebMD says. ten Care.” It adds,” Kittens need large Here are tips on what to do: amounts of energy--about two to 1. If the mama cat died or can not three times that of an adult cat. be found, please ask a veterinarian Food for your kitten should conor a shelter to help you find a mama tain at least 30% protein. Make cat who is nursing her kittens. sure the food you offer is specifi2. If you cannot find a mama cally formulated for kittens.” cat, please ask a veterinarian on how to bottle-feed the kittens the Frequency of feeding proper way using milk that is apWedMD provides below the propriate for cats. eating schedule for newborn kitKitten milk is available in pet tens and young cats: stores and clinics. The instruction Newborn kittens: every 1-2 hours. on how to prepare the milk ( ratio At about three to four weeks of milk to water) is at the back of old: milk replacer from a bowl the container. ( dry food with milk or canned Save ALL - Save Animals of Love food with water) and then small and Ight Inc. (Save ALL), an animal amounts of moistened kitten food welfare group, gives .5 ml to 1 ml four to six times a day. of milk using a dropper every two Kittens from six to 12 weeks old: hours. Put the dropper at the side four times a day as access to milk of the mouth, not in the middle, so replacer is slowly decreased. as not to “drown” the kitten. Kittens from three to six months Give water in the same manner old: dry cat food or canned food to hydrate the kitten, specially on three times a day. a very hot day. 3. Do not give cow’s milk to cats Keep a Newborn Kitten at any age. This can not be digestWarm ed well and can cause diarrhea in An orphaned kitten needs to be kittens/cats. kept warm. Here are tips from WebMD: Food for kittens other 1. Wrap a heating pad or a hot water bottle in a towel. than milk At three to four weeks old, you 2. Put this near the kitten in can introduce a milk replacer like such a way the kitten can move moist, chewable food (canned away from it at will. food) or dry food with milk. 3. Please ask your vet about

oNe way of monitoring your dog’s health is to check the ears. Most owners do not think this is necessary but in “How to clean your dog’s ears” in wikiHow, it is important to examine the ears weekly. This is more important for dogs with floppy ears or dogs with allergies. “Many times, when inspecting the ears you will find that they need cleaning. Cleaning a dog’s ears at home is fairly simple as long as the ears are not infected or damaged. ensure proper ear care for your loyal companion by regularly inspecting and cleaning its ears, floppy or otherwise,” wikiHow stressed. Checking a dog’s ears and what to look out for: 1. Make your dog sit or stand where you can easily examine the ears. It you

ideal temperature. Too hot is not good for the kitten. 4. Always monitor the heating pad to make sure it is functioning properly.

on through the seventh week-this is considered an important time for socialization,” WebMD says. It adds,”Please note, kittens are prone to injury if handled roughly-anyone who handles the little Weight of kittens ones in your care will need to be Depending on the breed and lit- very gentle. Young children in parter size, the average birth weight ticular should be supervised.” is about 3 ½ ounces, WebMD says. The body weight may douTeaching Kittens to Go to ble or triple during the first few the Bathroom weeks, it adds. The mama cat grooms her ba“Gaining ¼ to half an ounce bies after feeding. She gives spedaily until they are weaned is con- cial attention to the anal area to sidered healthy. Kittens who don’t stimulate excretion. Kittens can’t gain adequate weight during this poop on their own until their secearly period may not survive, “ ond or third week. WebMD says. If the kitten is orphaned, you have to stimulate excretion. Human touch Dip a soft washcloth or a piece of If a kitten has a mother, please do gauze in warm water, then gently not over-handle or get the kitten of- massage the anal and urinary arten as this might upset the mother. eas. You can also use a cotton bud. The mother might be stressed “The warmth, texture and out as she might be afraid that movement mimic a mother cat’s you will not return the kittens or tongue,” WebM says. will hurt her babies. WebMD also says that at four “If the kitten in your care is weeks old, “you can teach them younger than one week old, to use a litter box by placing please consult your veterinarian. them in the box after their meals. In order to properly socialize a Cutting one side down will make young feline to humans, start to it easier for the kittens to go in handle him from the second week and out. “

Tres is one of the kittens of Apple, rescued by animal welfare group Save ALL. He is lucky he has a caring mother in Apple.

CheCk your dog’s ears see only dirt or normal wax, you can clean the ears. 2. If there is any drainage of fluid from the ear (clear or gray/brown), thick waxy material, wounds, any scratch, or scabs, Do NoT clean the ear and contact your vet instead. 3. Do not clean deep inside the ears without a vet’s instruction as you will not see deep into the ear canal where it meets the head and takes a sharp turn. 4. Do not use a cotton bud in the canal. You may push a hard wax material deeper inside the canal or even hit the eardrum.

5. Check for parasites and foreign bodies in the ear such as grass or seeds. You can gently remove these objects. If you can not do so, take the dog to your vet. 6. Mites, ticks and fleas can be hiding inside and around the ears. Mites can cause severe itchiness and can be the cause of a thick , brown discharge. Bring your dog to a vet. 7. Yeast infection makes the ears smell quite bad, causes itchiness, and makes the ear produce a brown discharge. Your vet can prescribe a spe-

cial medicine for fungal infections. Cleaning the ears alone might worsen the condition. 8. Check for bacterial infection in the outer part of the ear. only a vet can say if the infection is mild which can easily be cleared with medication, or serious which will make your dog feel really sick. A vet is needed to prevent serious complications. 9. Though rare, check for any tumo, lumps or bumps in and around the ears. These are mostly skin cysts or reactions to trauma or bug bites. But it is best to be sure so please contact your vet when you see or feel bumps or lumps, specially if the lumps or bumps grow larger within a week. Next week: How to clean your dog’s ears

FLASH was rescued from a holding facility before he can be transported to a pound where he was to be put to sleep. He is about 2-3 years old.

MoRe and more abandoned, neglected, sick or hurt dogs and cats are found on the streets of Metro Manila and provinces like Cavite, Bulacan, Pangasinan, La Union, among others. They are rescued by animal welfare (AW) groups and concerned citizens or private rescuers. AW groups and rescuers now face two challenges: funds for medical treatment and maintenance care of rescued pets and space in their shelters, sanctuary or fosters' homes. Animal lovers have been donating funds and AW groups and rescuers are grateful for the much-needed help.

This black beauty was pregnant when caught by a pound catcher. BeLA was to be put to sleep too but was rescued and gave birth last Dec. 17, 2017 to four pups. She lost one pup due to lack of nutrition in the pound. Hopefully, a family who can truly love this adorable, sweet dog for life will adopt her with one of her pups. She is such a doting mother.

But to rescue more, they also need adopters. If you have love overflowing in you and your family and can commit to a lifetime of caring for another being, the best way to help is to adopt a pet. Dogs in shelters are beautiful and loving, sweet and loyal. Please contact animal welfare groups. They have pages in Facebook and can be contacted easily. AW groups make sure the pets are vaccinated, dewormed, given heartworm prevention and tick-free. They also release the rescued pet spayed or neutered if he/she is not a pup. All AW groups are for controlling animal population in the country to hopefully reduce substantially the number of abandoned pets who will end up as strays or in pounds where they die slowly (no-kill pound) or are put to sleep (kill pound). . There is an adoption fee which hardly covers the expenses of AW groups for the rescue, treatment and maintenance care of the rescued pet. Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL) is one such animal welfare group. Save ALL has dogs and cats, pups and kittens up for adoption. In the photos are some of the "adoptables," meaning they are vaccinated, socialized, and spayed or neutered if adults. For more details on adopting a rescued pet, please contact Save ALL admins Maricel Mondejar, Joanne Zamora, Raycyn enriquezAbad or Julie Rodriguez in Facebook or go to the FB pages of Save ALL and send a message.