Manila Standard - 2018 December 9 - Sunday

'BALANGIGA' BACK IN TIME FOR 'SIMBA' VOL. XXXII • NO. 297 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

OPEC SUPPLY CUT SEEN TO HIKE PRICES A4

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018

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SENATE TOLD TO ACT ON WEIGHING SCALE BILL

By Maricel V. Cruz

TASTY TREATS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte admires the food in one of the stalls at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City during the Department of Tourism’s Food and Travel Festival dubbed ‘Kaon Ta!’ on Friday. To the President’s left are Ayala Corp. chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat. Presidential Photo

‘BLAME TYPHOONS FOR JOBS LOST IN Q3’

By Vito Barcelo

R

ECENT typhoons that hit the country led to lost jobs in the agriculture sector and caused the rise in the unemployment rate in the third quarter, the Department of Labor and Employment said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Typhoons “Ompong” and “Rosita” affected hundreds of farmers in the months of August, September and October, considered as typhoon months.

The jobless rate thus rose to 5.1 percent for the third quarter of the year, up slightly from the 5 percent rate in October 2017, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor Force Survey.

The employment rate also declined to 94.9 percent, down from 95 percent last year, the survey revealed.

Of the 71.886-million working-age population of 15 years and older,

the unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in October, from 5.0 percent in the same month last year.

This translates to 2.202 million of unemployed Filipinos in the labor force against 41.3 million working citizens., compared with 2.185 million in the previous period, DOLE noted.

Regions with the lowest employment rates were Ilocos Region (93.3 percent) and Calabarzón (93.4 percent), which wer also the most affected by typhoons, the PSA added.

In a radio interview, Bello said that summing up the figures from the first to third quarter, the unemployment

rate actually went down, as unemployment rose only in the 3rd quarter.

The “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the government, Bello said, is helping address the unemployment rate.

With the start of the “Ber” season, many establishments, particularly retail stores, have hired additional workers, the labor chief added.

Even as unemployment has inched up, the ranks of those wanting more work thinned, he said.

For the year, the country’s unemployment rate has averaged 5.3 percent, at the upper end of the 4.7 percent to 5.3 percent target set for 2018 under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

The quality of available jobs, DOLE noted, has improved as the underemployment rate—the proportion of those already working but still looking for more work or longer working hours—decreased to 13.3 percent from 15.9 percent in the same comparative period.

A LAWMAKER on Saturday appealed for Senate action on the proposed law sponsored

by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo imposing a fine or imprisonment for tampering with the “timbangan ng bayan” [public weighing scale] center to be placed in all public and private markets nationwide.

Rep. Juliette Uy of Misamis Oriental, a co-author of House Bill 7857 already approved by the chamber, said the bill’s enactment is long overdue.

The measure seeks to impose a maximum fine of P300,000, five years’ imprisonment, or both for tampering with the “timbangan.”

Similar measure had been filed at the Senate—Senate Bills 1970 and 2050—with Senators Ralph Recto and Grace Poe as authors, respectively.

“With the Timbangan ng Bayan, consumers can check the accuracy of the weight of food and other goods they purchase in their city or municipal public markets, while at the same time discouraging dishonest merchants from commiting any irregularity,” said Uy, vice chairman of the House committee on small business and entrepreneurship development.

HB 7857 amends the Consumer Act of the Philippines by providing stiffer penalties against fraudulent practices relative to weights and measures.

The bill raises the current fine of P200 to a minimum of P50,000 against fraudsters, and imprisonment of at least one year if found guilty of tampering with weighing scales.

The House-approved version substituted Speaker Arroyo’s HB 2957.

Arroyo said the establishment of such centers would provide the buying public with an effective means of checking the accuracy of the weight and the quantity of the goods they are buying.

PINAY FOUND DEAD IN SABAH A FILIPINA found dead floating in a river in Sabah, Malaysia a week ago was a possible homicide victim, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

In a statement, the department expressed condolences to the bereaved family of Madelyn Bernardo Asuncion, whose body was found in the Pengalan River in Melalap, Malaysia by a plantation worker on Nov. 28.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose said authorities have informed the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur that there was enough evidence to classify the case as a possible homicide.

The Embassy is waiting for the official report of the incident and the

result of the autopsy from authorities.

Asuncion, who had been staying with her father in Malaysia for the past 10 years, was originally from Zamboanga City.

According to the DFA, her father assisted authorities in identifying her remains. She was identified through a tattoo on her thigh, a report on GMA News TV said Friday. Her body was found disrobed and with stab wounds. Her hair was also shaved.

The Zamboanga-based relatives of Asuncion, who was 30 years old, are asking for justice and for assistance in bringing her remains home.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration promised to help Asuncion’s family despite her application to OWWA expiring in 2016. PNA

BUBBLE FUN. A young girl draws close to the Christmas decoration displayed in a bubble at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig on Saturday. The exhibition has become a favorite spot for family photos and selfies especially with Christmas around the corner. Lino Santos

PH ‘NET’ SPEED LIKE KOREA’S IN 18 MOS. WITHIN 18 months, Filipinos will likely enjoy an average Internet connection speed of at least 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) on their mobile phones, or up to five times the current speeds in the country, an opposition lawmaker said on Saturday.

“Competition can create wonders.

We should soon be where South Korea is now in terms of average mobile Internet connection speed, with the Mislatel consortium in play,”Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr., a deputy minority leader, said.

Campos said the two dominant telecommunications players—PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.—would be driven to deliver faster connections to aggressively defend their market shares even before Mislatel actually starts offering its own Internet services.

“We reckon that PLDT and Globe may each have to spend up to P65 billion every year starting 2019 to stay ahead and quickly build up their capacities to supply superior Internet connections,” he said.

“To include Mislatel’s pledge to invest at least P50 billion yearly to put up its own network, we are thus easily looking at up to P180 billion in combined annual capital spending from the three players to advance the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure,” Campos added.

In a research note, online stockbroker COL Financial Group Inc. said the Mislatel consortium “has the financial muscle to execute its plan and will most likely engage in a price war (with PLDT and Globe) to grab market share.”

“Deep pockets” would enable Mis-

latel “to operate at a loss for a long period,” COL said, adding that the consortium’s foreign partner, China Telecom Corp., “generated the equivalent of P146 billion in profits in 2017.”

“Once Mislatel starts offering its services in Metro Manila, consumers could end up shifting subscriptions every now and then, depending on which of the three players provides the best Internet connection in terms of speed and price,” Campos said.

Mislatel has committed to invest an aggregate of P257 billion between 2019 to 2023, and to deliver a minimum average Internet connection speed of 27 Mbps in its first year of operation and 55 Mbps by the fifth year.

The consortium expects to provide network coverage to 84 percent of the population by the fifth year. Maricel V. Cruz

HAUNTING MARS WIND NOW HEARD TAMPA, United State—Humans can now hear the haunting, low rumble of wind on Mars for the first time, after NASA’s InSight lander captured vibrations from the breeze on the Red Planet, the US space agency said Friday.

The strong gusts of wind, blowing between 10 to 15 mph (five to seven meters a second), were captured as they moved over the solar panels on InSight, an unmanned lander that touched down on Earth’s dusty, desolate neighbor Nov. 26.

Two sensors picked up the vibrations: an air pressure sensor inside the lander and a seismometer on the lander’s deck, awaiting to be deployed to the surface by InSight’s robotic arm.

“This is the very first 15 minutes of data that have come from the short period seismometer,” said Thomas Pike, lead investigator at Imperial College London, during a conference call with reporters.

“It’s a little like a flag waving in the wind,” he added.

“It really sounds otherworldly, and that is exactly what it is.”

InSight is designed to study the interior of Mars like never before, using seismology instruments to detect quakes and a self-hammering mole to measure heat escape from the planet’s crust.

Sensing the wind, which moved from northwest to southeast at around 5 pm local time, was “an unplanned treat,” said Bruce Banerdt, InSight principal investigator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

NASA’s Viking 1 and 2 landers also picked up signals of the Martian wind when they landed in 1976. AFP

N. LUZON TO SEE ‘AMIHAN’RAINS THE northeast monsoon affecting northern Luzon will cause light rains over the region, the weather bureau said Saturday.

Batanes and the Babuyan Group of Islands will experience cloudy skies with light rains owing to the “amihan” winds, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated light rains, will prevail over the Cordillera and Ilocos regions, Pagasa added.

Meanwhile, the easterlies will cause cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over eastern and central Visayas, Caraga and Davao.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms.

Strong winds will blow over the northern and western sections of northern Luzon, where coastal waters will be rough.

Moderate to strong winds will prevail over the eastern section of the country. Coastal waters along this area will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas, Pagasa said. PNA

By Alena Mae S. Flores

O

RGANIZATION of Petroleum Exporting Countries members and 10 other oilproducing nations, including Russia, agreed Friday to cut output by 1.2 million barrels a day in a bid to reverse falls in prices in recent months.

This will likely result in oil price increase as local oil companies said they would likely increase gasoline prices by P0.30 to P0.40 per liter in the coming week but will continue to cut the price of diesel by P0.10 to P0.15 per liter.

“Expect fuel prices to have a rollback for diesel and an increase

for gasoline. Diesel should decrease

by P0.10 to P0.15 per liter while gasoline should increase by P0.30 to P0.40 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said in its oil price advisory.

Energy ministers of OPEC member-countries reached the deal— which takes effect from Jan. 1 but Turn to A2

THE Balangiga bells begin their journey home to Balangiga town in Samar, Philippines.

In a statement, the United States Embassy said the bells had already been taken down from a US air base in Wyoming where they had been placed after it was transported from Samar as war booty in 1901, and had been packed for their historic return to the country.

The US embassy said a short ceremony was held before the bells were taken down from its location at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

The eventual return of the bells to the Philippines was in accordance with the promise of the US government to return the three bells taken

by US soldiers from a church in Balangiga, Samar.

Turn to A2

HISTORIC PIECES.

The Balangiga bells have been taken down from a US air base in Wyoming and are repacked for their return to the Philippines in time for the first Simbang Gabi in Samar.

ARREST ORDER VS TRILLANES OUT—DAVAO RTC ALTHOUGH he has yet to receive a copy of a warrant of arrest against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Director Guillermo Eleazar said the police will be monitoring the whereabouts of the opposition senator.

Eleazar said they are still waiting for a copy of the warrant, which was issued

by Judge Melinda Alconcel-Dayanghirang of the Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 54.

In the warrant, Judge Dayanghirang ordered the arrest of Trillanes for libel, a bailable offense.

The judge set the bail at P24,000.

Named as complainant in the warrant was former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, the President’s son, who Turn to A2

TACLOBAN SCHOOL TOPS NURSING BOARD EXAMS

By Maricel V. Cruz and Ronald Reyes THREE graduates of Doña Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation College of Nursing topped the recent board examinations for nurses.

They are Kathryn Angelie A. Bugho (Top 2), from Leyte; Angelae Priscilla B.

Cahilig (Top 7) of Calbayog, and Arianne P. Grapilon (Top 9) also from Leyte.

The three obtained a hundred percent passing rate for the 25 first takers of Doña Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation College of Nursing examinees.

Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) president Martin Romualdez, and her wife, Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie

Romualdez, a nurse, congratulated and expressed elation at their having given honors to the school.

“We congratulate the three topnotchers as well as others who passed the board. Their diligence paid off and are now licensed professionals who brought honors to their alma mater,” the Romualdez couple said.

Turn to A2

ANGELAE PRISCILLA B. CAHILIG

ARIANNE P. GRAPILON

ENERGY CONSERVATION BILL GETS UNANIMOUS HOUSE NOD THE House of Representatives has unanimously passed on third and final reading House Bill 8629 or the proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which seeks to encourage the efficient use of energy and ensure that it will promote sustainable development.

A total of 219 lawmakers voted for HB 8629, with Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as one of the bill’s authors.

The bill, which will be submitted to the Senate for action, aims to push for the judicious conservation of energy resources to minimize their adverse impacts on the environment.

The Joint Congressional Power Commission, which was established under Section 62 of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, shall exercise oversight functions over the implementation of this measure upon its effectivity.

It intends to be instrumental in achieving the government’s objective to spur economic

activity, and therefore, growth.

HB 8629 proposes the Department of Energy to lead the development and implementation of plans and programs to secure the stability and sufficiency of energy supply in the country, which shall cushion the impact of the high price of imported fuels to local markets.

Thus, the DOE shall undertake the following functions: (a) update the development of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (NEECP) and monitor its implementation; (b) initiate and maintain collaborative efforts with the business sector to ensure their compliance; (c) support local government units (LGUs) in planning, promoting, and implementing the programs and in preparing their Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (LEECP); (d) develop a national awareness and advocacy campaign; and (e) provide annual reports to Congress on the status of the implementation, among others. Maricel V. Cruz

KATHRYN ANGELIE A. BUGHO

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FISHERMAN MAKES BIG HAUL: 48 KILOS OF COCAINE MAJURO, Marshall Islands—A fisherman in the Marshall Islands netted more than he bargained for when he hauled in his catch to find a suspected 48 kilos of cocaine.

The white powder, professionally wrapped and taped in plastic bags, had a street value of about $4 million, police said.

“We’re pretty sure we got all of it,” deputy police commissioner Robson Almen added, saying there was no indication the packs had broken out from a larger bundle.

Almen said the fisherman called the police when he found the drugs last week while trawling off Kwajalein Atoll, 494 kilometers from the capital Majuro.

Marshall Islands law enforcement personnel have requested US Drug Enforcement Agency assistance as the western Pacific territory does not have a laboratory capable of confirming the substance is cocaine.

However, the remote archipelago, which is on the northern trans-Pacific cocaine route from South America to Asia, has a history of cocaine finds.

Between 2002 and 2009, bundles of cocaine and boats with cocaine on board were found washed up on beaches around the Marshall Islands on at least six occasions.

“This indicates a very substantial and long-established cocaine trade, and one on a massive scale,” according to a 2012 report in the Asia Pacific Defence Reporter, an Australia-based military and law enforcement-related website. AFP

EMULATE VIRGIN MARY'S TRAITS, RODY URGES

By Vito Barcelo

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, a known critic of the Catholic Church, called on the Filipino faithful to emulate Mother Mary’s humble qualities as he acknowledged the virtues of the Blessed Virgin.

“Let us emulate Mary’s qualities as a humble and caring person and remain guided by her faithfulness as we strengthen our devotion and nurture our lives with unconditional love and good deeds that will benefit

the Filipino people,” Duterte said in a statement issued Saturday on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“Every year, our thoughts and hearts unite to celebrate the life

of the Virgin Mary whose simplicity, kindness and humility we truly adore and admire. Since the advent of Christianity in the Philippines, she has been an epitome of faith and a source of inspiration for our people, especially during times of challenges and uncertainties,” the President said.

Duterte said the narrative of Mother Mary’s Immaculate Conception should be “a constant reminder of her selflessness.”

Last week, the President renewed his attack on Catholic bishops, saying they should be killed because“all they do is criticize.”

“These bishops, kill them. These fools are good for nothing,” he said.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo quickly downplayed Duterte’s remarks.

“I think that’s only hyperbole on the part of the President. We should be getting used to this. He makes certain statements for dramatic effect,” Panelo said.

“The President, just like any ordinary human being, is upset when the good things that he does for this country are not even appreciated by people who are supposed to support it, like the Church,” he added.

POPE'S ENVOY.

Manila Archbishop Antonio Tagle embraces Cardinaldesignate Thomas Aquinas Manyo Maeda of Osaka and envoy of Pope Francis during Mass in celebration of the Immaculate Concepcion at the Manila Cathedral on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018.

Norman Cruz

'BALANGIGA' ...

From A1 The third bell remains at a US Army museum in South Korea.

The bells in Wyoming were placed in wooden boxes and loaded into a truck.

These, in turn, will be loaded into a US Air Force plane for the trip back to the Philippines.

The US Embassy said that the US government has committed to return all three bells safely in the best possible condition and as quickly as possible.

According to Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, the Balangiga bells will be back on Philippine soil on December 11, specifically at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, where the first turnover ceremony will take place.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will personally receive the bells.

The bells will later be airlifted to Eastern Samar by a Philippine Air Force plane for a formal hand over to church officials in Balangiga on December 15, in time for the first Simbang Gabi in the early hours of December 16.

On September 28, 1901, as the Balangiga bells signaled an attack of Filipino guerillas to the 9th US Infantry Regiment in Balangiga, killing 48 American soldiers.

The Americans retaliated by razing towns to the ground, sending males aged 10 years and above to prison and taking the Balangiga bells.

On November 15 this year, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis agreed to formally return the church bells to the Philippines, in a bid to close a contentious chapter in the two allies’ shared history.

Lorenzana said the much-awaited return of the artifacts is a form of “closure” and a gesture to honor the dead “on both sides.”

OPEC SUPPLY...

From A1 has already sent prices surging on oil markets—after two days of talks at OPEC headquarters in Vienna.

“OPEC group countries are contributing 800,000 barrels per day as a cut, and the non-OPEC (countries) will be contributing 400,000 barrels per day,” Emirati Oil Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei said at a news conference.

OPEC and its partners, which together account for around half of global output, met against the backdrop of a glut in the market which had led to oil prices falling by more than 30 percent in two months.

Mazrouei said that three countries had been allowed exemptions from the agreement due to“special circumstances.”

“Those countries are Iran and Venezuela because of the sanctions and Libya because of the fact that unfortunately they are on and off,” he added, alluding to the impact on Libyan production of continuing conflict there.

Mazrouei said that the exemptions mean that the cuts introduced by other member states are“going to be a bit higher than just the average for everyone”.

For his part, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak—whose country is the

TACLOBAN...

From A1 Dr. Socorro Gasco, dean of the RTRMF College of Nursing, were also proud of the three.

“We value a culture of excellence.

We do not shortcut the curriculum and we see to it that it is implemented well. This has been the 11th year of

ARREST ORDER...

From A1 filed the complaint against Trillanes over the senator’s allegations linking him to the smuggling of billions worth of shabu.

“Ang pinakamagandang gawin natin is monitor his whereabouts so that ‘pag magkaroon na tayo ng hawak na warrant, we can inform him na meron tayong ganoon,” El-

world’s second biggest producer of oil— said that the agreement “should help the market reach a balance” and recognized that negotiations had been “complex.”

The price of Brent crude, the European benchmark, surged 4.43 percent on Friday to $62.7 as of 17:15 GMT. But some said Friday’s deal may not be enough to keep oil prices buoyant.

“I would describe the cuts as close but not close enough with regards to eliminating the global oil glut,” said Stephen Brennock, oil expert at London brokerage PVM. “A combined reduction of 1.5 mbpd was needed to avoid a supply surplus in the first half of next year,” he told AFP. “Accordingly, the price outlook for the coming few months still remains skewed to the downside despite today’s knee-jerk reaction.”

The deal was announced after Novak held bilateral meetings with several counterparts, including Iranian Energy Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, before the full meeting.

However, the major players all had their own reasons to look to others to act first and the details of how any cuts will be Novak said that Russia, which leads the non-member countries in the so-called OPEC+ alliance, would introduce cuts “gradually” to allow for “climatic and technical conditions” but

excellent performance of the RTRMF College of Nursing in the [Nursing Licensure Examination],” Gasco said.

“We are overwhelmed with joy and pride. Our profuse thanks to you all. Praise God for an early Christmas gift,” she added.

Gasco also expressed her gratitude to batch Onyx 2018 for its 100 percent passing performance.

“Doña Remedios T. Romualdez

Medical Foundation College of Nursing Tacloban did it again for 11 consecutive years now. Another feather in our cap,” said Gasco while acknowledging the support of Madame Juliette Gomez-Romualdez, former Leyte First District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and his wife Leyte First District Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez, along with the entire RTRMF community.

The Professional Regulation Commission released the examination results on Friday, Dec. 7.

It said that 4,811 out of 12,033 examinees passed the examination given by the Board of Nursing in various cities in the Philippines on Nov. 17 and 18.

Jennifer Jacob Quirante from the University of Santo Tomas topped the examination with a rating of 87.80 percent.

eazar said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB. “Saturday naman ngayon, so wala naman magiging problema kung ito man ay [matatanggap] sa susunod na araw, bukas, hanggang sa Monday makakakuha kami ng kopya,” he added.

The NCRPO chief said that Trillanes has invoked his right as a member of Congress not to be arrested in cases punishable by less than six years imprisonment while Congress is in

session.

Eleazar, however, acknowledged Trillanes’ move to coordinate with them and voluntarily surrender.

“Pero ang maganda naman po niyan ay nagpahayag din siya at nakarating sa atin na siya po ay kusang loob din naman na magsu-surrender or magvo-voluntarily undergo ng process para siya ay humarap sa korte at mag-post ng bail just like what he has done nu’ng magkaroon ng warrant of arrest du’n sa kudeta

na hinarap niya noong isang buwan,” he said.

The NCRPO chief added that he does not see the need to tighten security at the Senate.

“Hindi naman po kailangan kasi experience naman natin, kung ‘yun nga pong kaso ng kudeta eh kusang loob siyang in-abridge ‘yung sarili niya, para du’n sa proseso,” he said.

Eleazar said Trillanes may not travel abroad on Dec. 11 without posting bail.

aimed to reach the cuts target in the next few months.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, had to bear in mind pressure from the United States after President Donald Trump demanded in a tweet on Wednesday that the cartel boost output so as to lower prices and help the economy.

The kingdom’s diplomatic position has been badly weakened by the furore over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Trump insists he will stick by Riyadh despite the outrage but he has been also ramping up the pressure for more oil.

However, at Friday’s press conference Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih sought to play down Trump’s influence on the decision, saying: “Over 2018 I have met with consumers in Asia more often than I have read tweets coming out of the White House.”

India had also asked for action to bring down high oil prices, he said.

In addition, while admitting that “many consumers are suffering from the high cost of energy”, Falih said: “I take the opportunity to plead with consumer nations to take it easy on their own people with taxation,” claiming that this was the main driver of prices at the pump.

In June, OPEC and its partners agreed to allow for a boost in production by

Saudi Arabia and Russia to compensate for the expected losses in output from Iran after the US dramatically withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in May and decided to re-impose tough sanctions.

However, the US then granted temporary waivers to eight countries, including crucially China, to allow them to carry on importing Iranian oil, contributing to a plunge in oil prices which wiped out the gains seen since early 2017.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy said next week’s oil price movement was influenced by several factors.

DOE said in its latest monitoring report that US oil prices stabilized on Friday, buoyed by a fall in US crude oil inventories, but sentiment remained weak as producer group Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries postponed a final decision on output cuts, awaiting support from non-OPEC heavyweight Russia.

DOE said oil producers have been hit by a 30-percent plunge in crude prices since October due to oversupply but demand outlook has weakened amid a global economic slowdown.

Monitoring showed that oil output from the world’s biggest producers— OPEC, Russia and the United States—has increased by 3.3 million barrels per day to 56.38 million bpd bpd since end 2017, meeting almost 60 percent of global

consumption.

“The increase alone is equivalent to the output of major OPEC producer the United Arab Emirates,” DOE said.

It said sentiment in the Asian gasoline market remained bearish as market participants continued their search for support amid chronic supply overhang.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said early this week that Qatar’s decision to leave OPEC will have an impact on oil prices globally.

“Qatar will be acting more independently and hopefully that would increase their production and increase the supply in the world market. If there will be more supply, then the price would go down,” Cusi said.

Cusi also said that the planned OPECRussia production cut may not have much impact on supply.

“As of now, the forecast is that the world supply is something at 100 million barrels per day and demand is the low 98 to 99 million so there is a buffer and it is projected that the US will be increasing its production so if the US will be able to cover for the production cut of Saudi Arabia and Russia, it will be okay,” the energy chief said.

Last week, the oil firms cut pump prices by as much P2.10 per liter to reflect the movement in world oil prices amid the ongoing supply glut.

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SENATE QUIZZES PT&T’S MULTIBILLION REHAB BID

COASTLINE CLEANUP.

Volunteers gather trash during the coastal cleanup activity along the coast of Manila Bay at Roxas Boulevard on Dec. 8, 2018.

Norman Cruz

MWSS-DPWH PROJECT SEEN EASING KATIPUNAN TRAFFIC

A

FTER almost six decades on the drawing board, the Katipunan Ave. extension project that will ease traffic in the area going to Batasan and San Mateo, Rizal, will finally push through.

This, after the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Public Works and Highways and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System on Thursday.

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar signed on behalf of DPWH, while Administrator Rey Velasco signed for MWSS. The signing was held at the MWSS head office in Balara, Quezon City.

The project will cost P90 million.

In an interview after the signing ceremony, Velasco said the road project was planned way back in 1960, but suffered many delays due to right-of-way problem. Many of the land areas are owned by private individuals.

Velasco said that after many negotiations failed over the years, the government under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’S “Build, Build Program� program finally was able to convince private owners, whose lands are affected by the road construction, to sell their properties.

Roselle Agustin of DPWH said the government bought the land at a cost ranging from P9,900 to P40,000 per square meter, depending on the location of the land.

Agustin said the construction will last for 10 months.

With the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila, such as on Katipunan Ave. and

Commonwealth Ave., both in Quezon City, Villar revived the road extension project, which has been in the doldrums for 58 years.

The project aims to decongest traffic in the area, including the Batasan-San Mateo Road with a total length of 7.11 kilometers.

The extension will start at the corner of Katipunan Ave. and MWSS properties passing through Loyola Grand Villas, the properties owned by the Government Service Insurance System, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit Association Inc., Capitol Homes, Vista Real Subdivision, and Filinvest Northview Subdivision with a total length of 5.76 km.

When the project will be completed in 10 months, traffic along Katipunan Ave. will be decongested, as well as along nearby major thoroughfares, not to mention the economic boom in these areas, Velasco said. PNA

INCENTIVES AWAIT FIRMS THAT PROVIDE PWDS WITH JOBS COMPANIES and employers who allot at least 10 percent of their workforce to persons with disabilities (PWDs) will get an incentive from the Department of Labor and Employment.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Saturday said these companies and employers will receive incentives in the form of moratorium on inspections for compliance with labor laws, Bello said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB. The law mandates that at least one percent of a company’s workforce should be comprised of PWDs. The Labor secretary said companies and employers experience inconvenience when DOLE conducts inspections to check on their payroll and other matters.

The moratorium will be lifted if a complaint is filed against the erring company or

employer, he said.

The moratorium, however, does not cover inspections to check on compliance with safety and health standards such as having a fire escape and a fire extinguisher, he added.

Bello said the law requires that companies and employers provide equipment and facilities for the convenience of PWDs. Other provisions in the law protect and promote the welfare of PWDs. The DOLE conducted a job fair for PWDs at the Quezon City Hall on Wednesday.

Over 1,000 jobs in the business process outsourcing, electronics, advertising, hotel, health and wellness, travel, media, logistics, manpower and security services, sales, property management, pharmaceutical, and memorial services, among other industries, were made available.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III

COKE RESETS XMAS CONCERT

By Joel E. Zurbano ORGANIZERS of the Coke Studio Concert on Saturday opted to reschedule the staging of the event to ensure public safety and prevent a repeat of last Friday’s unruly crowd.

The organizers met with officials of the Pasay City Police Station and SM Mall of Asia. The event dubbed “Coca-Cola Christmas Concert� will be moved early next year.

Police said that a number of concertgoers, most of them young individuals, suffered minor injuries because of unruly crowd. Those hurt were immediately given medical attention.

More than 15,000 people attended the free concert. “The safety of everyone is of utmost importance to us. The unsafe behavior of portions of an estimated 15,000 spectators such as pushing, jumping on the barricades and throwing bottles, threatened the safety of the rest of the concert-goers, despite numerous reminders from authorities present,� the Coca-Cola

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management said in a statement issued Saturday.

It added “There were some who sustained minor injuries and were immediately given medical attention. After careful assessment, and repeated requests for the public’s cooperation, Coca-Cola, together with all the artists, PNP, the City of Pasay, and SM MOA, deemed it necessary to reschedule the concert to a later date.�

The company thanked the Pasay PNP and city government personnel who helped them ensure the protection of the crowd and the artists. It also thanked the participating artists for their passion and fully supporting the decision to prioritize their fans’ welfare, and the concert goers for their understanding and support. “We recognize that a lot of them have traveled far to see their favorite artists.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.,� the company said.

ABS-CBN News said that most of the victims either fainted or sustained bruises, prompting the Pasay City police to ask the concert organizers to suspend the program.

CRIMEWATCH. Pasay City

cops under police chief Sr. Supt. Noel Flores round up suspects facing various criminal cases during the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation (Sacleo) in the city. Ey Acasio

“ROUGHLY about 10 billion [in liabilities] and roughly about P2 billion [in assets]�, revealed by Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corp. president and chief executive officer James G. Velasquez about his company’s financial conditions.

This after Senator Francis “Chiz� G. Escudero asked Velasquez for the third time “how much was PT&T’s total liabilities and assets? [Magkano po ba iyong total na utang at magkano po ba iyong asset?]� during the Senate explanatory hearing on the third telco in the country.

Escudero’s PT&T inquiry came from its promise to roll out over P250 billion in five years and to spend P150 billion in the first year despite the company being engulfed by financial crisis and its rehabilitation plan case still pending before the Supreme Court.

Last May 19, 2017, the Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Regional Trial Court acting as PT&T’s rehabilitation court which gave PT&T an order to undergo corporate rehabilitation by approving its rehabilitation plan instead of ordering its liquidation to settle its massive obligations.

The CA found the rehabilitation plan “unilateral and detrimental to its creditors and the public.�

That decision was elevated to the Supreme Court but was dismissed for being filed beyond the reglementary period.

Just last June 14, 2018, the PT&T filed a motion for reconsideration before the SC arguing that they filed within the required period.

Velasquez, however, claimed that as far as the capability of the PT&T and their creditors are concerned, they “are well on our way to exit� [their corporate rehabilitation status].

The Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act of 2010 allows financially troubled corporations to undergo rehabilitation while suspending payments to creditors. However, the same law also provides for liquidation of the corporation to settle creditors if rehabilitation is no longer possible.

In its June 30, 2017 annual report, PT&T reported more than P10 billion in total liabilities with only P759 million in total assets. In addition, PT&T only reported P4.8 million in cash as of reporting cut-off.

With PT&T’s failure in securing the third telco spot, Escudero questioned not only PT&T’s financial status but also its capability of sourcing P250 billion required of the third telco.

CEBU-MACAU FLIGHTS BEGIN CEBU Pacific Air on Saturday said it has started its four-day a week flight operation service from Cebu to Macau and vice-versa.

On Dec. 7, CEB launched the first flight.

The Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday flights leaves Cebu at 6:35 pm and arrives in Macau at 9:45 pm while its return flight leaves Macau at 10:25 pm and arrives in Cebu at 1:25 am the next day.

CEB holds 50 percent of the total number of seats between the Philippines and Macau Special Administrative Region. It is the only carrier that flies to Macau from three key Philippine gateways Clark, Manila, and Cebu.

Base fare for the direct Macau-Cebu flights start as low as P2,388 or P3,151 all-in. “Cebu Pacific is very proud to launch a direct Cebu-Macau flight as we expand our Cebu network to cater to a growing number of leisure travelers. We are committed to expanding our air services out of Cebu, providing Cebuanos and residents of neighboring provinces in the Visayas with more travel options,� said Alexander Lao, president and chief executive officer of CebGo, the inter-island subsidiary of Cebu Pacific.

A former Portuguese colony, Macau is a vibrant mix of historical landmarks, world-class entertainment and attractions such as the Macau Tower and the Grand Lisboa hotel. Officially designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, Macau is one of Asia’s leading culinary destinations and home to the world’s first fusion food: Macanese cuisine.

It is also one of the richest places in the world and the only region in China where casinos are legal, turning it into a go-to destination for high-rollers with a wide array of extravagant casinos.

Philippine passport holders can apply for Visa on Arrival should they wish to visit nearby China cities such as Zhuhai and Shenzhen. “As a free port, Macau serves as a gateway to China’s Pearl River Delta Metropolitan Region, one of the key global trading and industrial centers. A direct Cebu-Macau route will provide a logistics support to further stimulate two-way trade and investments. With the opening of the Hong Kong- ZhuhaiMacau Bridge, Macau is a perfect access point for business and leisure travelers alike,� Lao added. Joel E. Zurbano

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News

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SENATE TOLD TO ACT ON WEIGHING SCALE BILL

By Maricel V. Cruz

TASTY TREATS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte admires the food in one of the stalls at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City during the Department of Tourism’s Food and Travel Festival dubbed ‘Kaon Ta!’ on Friday. To the President’s left are Ayala Corp. chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat. Presidential Photo

‘BLAME TYPHOONS FOR JOBS LOST IN Q3’

By Vito Barcelo

R

ECENT typhoons that hit the country led to lost jobs in the agriculture sector and caused the rise in the unemployment rate in the third quarter, the Department of Labor and Employment said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Typhoons “Ompong” and “Rosita” affected hundreds of farmers in the months of August, September and October, considered as typhoon months.

The jobless rate thus rose to 5.1 percent for the third quarter of the year, up slightly from the 5 percent rate in October 2017, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor Force Survey.

The employment rate also declined to 94.9 percent, down from 95 percent last year, the survey revealed.

Of the 71.886-million working-age population of 15 years and older,

the unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in October, from 5.0 percent in the same month last year.

This translates to 2.202 million of unemployed Filipinos in the labor force against 41.3 million working citizens., compared with 2.185 million in the previous period, DOLE noted.

Regions with the lowest employment rates were Ilocos Region (93.3 percent) and Calabarzón (93.4 percent), which wer also the most affected by typhoons, the PSA added.

In a radio interview, Bello said that summing up the figures from the first to third quarter, the unemployment

rate actually went down, as unemployment rose only in the 3rd quarter.

The “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the government, Bello said, is helping address the unemployment rate.

With the start of the “Ber” season, many establishments, particularly retail stores, have hired additional workers, the labor chief added.

Even as unemployment has inched up, the ranks of those wanting more work thinned, he said.

For the year, the country’s unemployment rate has averaged 5.3 percent, at the upper end of the 4.7 percent to 5.3 percent target set for 2018 under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

The quality of available jobs, DOLE noted, has improved as the underemployment rate—the proportion of those already working but still looking for more work or longer working hours—decreased to 13.3 percent from 15.9 percent in the same comparative period.

A LAWMAKER on Saturday appealed for Senate action on the proposed law sponsored

by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo imposing a fine or imprisonment for tampering with the “timbangan ng bayan” [public weighing scale] center to be placed in all public and private markets nationwide.

Rep. Juliette Uy of Misamis Oriental, a co-author of House Bill 7857 already approved by the chamber, said the bill’s enactment is long overdue.

The measure seeks to impose a maximum fine of P300,000, five years’ imprisonment, or both for tampering with the “timbangan.”

Similar measure had been filed at the Senate—Senate Bills 1970 and 2050—with Senators Ralph Recto and Grace Poe as authors, respectively.

“With the Timbangan ng Bayan, consumers can check the accuracy of the weight of food and other goods they purchase in their city or municipal public markets, while at the same time discouraging dishonest merchants from commiting any irregularity,” said Uy, vice chairman of the House committee on small business and entrepreneurship development.

HB 7857 amends the Consumer Act of the Philippines by providing stiffer penalties against fraudulent practices relative to weights and measures.

The bill raises the current fine of P200 to a minimum of P50,000 against fraudsters, and imprisonment of at least one year if found guilty of tampering with weighing scales.

The House-approved version substituted Speaker Arroyo’s HB 2957.

Arroyo said the establishment of such centers would provide the buying public with an effective means of checking the accuracy of the weight and the quantity of the goods they are buying.

PINAY FOUND DEAD IN SABAH A FILIPINA found dead floating in a river in Sabah, Malaysia a week ago was a possible homicide victim, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

In a statement, the department expressed condolences to the bereaved family of Madelyn Bernardo Asuncion, whose body was found in the Pengalan River in Melalap, Malaysia by a plantation worker on Nov. 28.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose said authorities have informed the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur that there was enough evidence to classify the case as a possible homicide.

The Embassy is waiting for the official report of the incident and the

result of the autopsy from authorities.

Asuncion, who had been staying with her father in Malaysia for the past 10 years, was originally from Zamboanga City.

According to the DFA, her father assisted authorities in identifying her remains. She was identified through a tattoo on her thigh, a report on GMA News TV said Friday. Her body was found disrobed and with stab wounds. Her hair was also shaved.

The Zamboanga-based relatives of Asuncion, who was 30 years old, are asking for justice and for assistance in bringing her remains home.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration promised to help Asuncion’s family despite her application to OWWA expiring in 2016. PNA

BUBBLE FUN. A young girl draws close to the Christmas decoration displayed in a bubble at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig on Saturday. The exhibition has become a favorite spot for family photos and selfies especially with Christmas around the corner. Lino Santos

PH ‘NET’ SPEED LIKE KOREA’S IN 18 MOS. WITHIN 18 months, Filipinos will likely enjoy an average Internet connection speed of at least 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) on their mobile phones, or up to five times the current speeds in the country, an opposition lawmaker said on Saturday.

“Competition can create wonders.

We should soon be where South Korea is now in terms of average mobile Internet connection speed, with the Mislatel consortium in play,”Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr., a deputy minority leader, said.

Campos said the two dominant telecommunications players—PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.—would be driven to deliver faster connections to aggressively defend their market shares even before Mislatel actually starts offering its own Internet services.

“We reckon that PLDT and Globe may each have to spend up to P65 billion every year starting 2019 to stay ahead and quickly build up their capacities to supply superior Internet connections,” he said.

“To include Mislatel’s pledge to invest at least P50 billion yearly to put up its own network, we are thus easily looking at up to P180 billion in combined annual capital spending from the three players to advance the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure,” Campos added.

In a research note, online stockbroker COL Financial Group Inc. said the Mislatel consortium “has the financial muscle to execute its plan and will most likely engage in a price war (with PLDT and Globe) to grab market share.”

“Deep pockets” would enable Mis-

latel “to operate at a loss for a long period,” COL said, adding that the consortium’s foreign partner, China Telecom Corp., “generated the equivalent of P146 billion in profits in 2017.”

“Once Mislatel starts offering its services in Metro Manila, consumers could end up shifting subscriptions every now and then, depending on which of the three players provides the best Internet connection in terms of speed and price,” Campos said.

Mislatel has committed to invest an aggregate of P257 billion between 2019 to 2023, and to deliver a minimum average Internet connection speed of 27 Mbps in its first year of operation and 55 Mbps by the fifth year.

The consortium expects to provide network coverage to 84 percent of the population by the fifth year. Maricel V. Cruz

HAUNTING MARS WIND NOW HEARD TAMPA, United State—Humans can now hear the haunting, low rumble of wind on Mars for the first time, after NASA’s InSight lander captured vibrations from the breeze on the Red Planet, the US space agency said Friday.

The strong gusts of wind, blowing between 10 to 15 mph (five to seven meters a second), were captured as they moved over the solar panels on InSight, an unmanned lander that touched down on Earth’s dusty, desolate neighbor Nov. 26.

Two sensors picked up the vibrations: an air pressure sensor inside the lander and a seismometer on the lander’s deck, awaiting to be deployed to the surface by InSight’s robotic arm.

“This is the very first 15 minutes of data that have come from the short period seismometer,” said Thomas Pike, lead investigator at Imperial College London, during a conference call with reporters.

“It’s a little like a flag waving in the wind,” he added.

“It really sounds otherworldly, and that is exactly what it is.”

InSight is designed to study the interior of Mars like never before, using seismology instruments to detect quakes and a self-hammering mole to measure heat escape from the planet’s crust.

Sensing the wind, which moved from northwest to southeast at around 5 pm local time, was “an unplanned treat,” said Bruce Banerdt, InSight principal investigator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

NASA’s Viking 1 and 2 landers also picked up signals of the Martian wind when they landed in 1976. AFP

N. LUZON TO SEE ‘AMIHAN’RAINS THE northeast monsoon affecting northern Luzon will cause light rains over the region, the weather bureau said Saturday.

Batanes and the Babuyan Group of Islands will experience cloudy skies with light rains owing to the “amihan” winds, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated light rains, will prevail over the Cordillera and Ilocos regions, Pagasa added.

Meanwhile, the easterlies will cause cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over eastern and central Visayas, Caraga and Davao.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms.

Strong winds will blow over the northern and western sections of northern Luzon, where coastal waters will be rough.

Moderate to strong winds will prevail over the eastern section of the country. Coastal waters along this area will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas, Pagasa said. PNA

ENERGY CONSERVATION BILL GETS UNANIMOUS HOUSE NOD THE House of Representatives has unanimously passed on third and final reading House Bill 8629 or the proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which seeks to encourage the efficient use of energy and ensure that it will promote sustainable development.

A total of 219 lawmakers voted for HB 8629, with Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as one of the bill’s authors.

The bill, which will be submitted to the Senate for action, aims to push for the judicious conservation of energy resources to minimize their adverse impacts on the environment.

The Joint Congressional Power Commission, which was established under Section 62 of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, shall exercise oversight functions over the implementation of this measure upon its effectivity.

It intends to be instrumental in achieving the government’s objective to spur economic

activity, and therefore, growth.

HB 8629 proposes the Department of Energy to lead the development and implementation of plans and programs to secure the stability and sufficiency of energy supply in the country, which shall cushion the impact of the high price of imported fuels to local markets.

Thus, the DOE shall undertake the following functions: (a) update the development of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (NEECP) and monitor its implementation; (b) initiate and maintain collaborative efforts with the business sector to ensure their compliance; (c) support local government units (LGUs) in planning, promoting, and implementing the programs and in preparing their Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (LEECP); (d) develop a national awareness and advocacy campaign; and (e) provide annual reports to Congress on the status of the implementation, among others. Maricel V. Cruz

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Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Opinion

EDITORIAL

T

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

CRUSHING CORRUPTION

ODAY, we join the throngs standing United Against Corruption: rich and poor countries, North and South, which has become, to quote UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “an assault on the values of the United Nations.”

The Philippines itself has the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act which criminalizes active and passive bribery, extortion, abuse of office, and conflicts of interest.

The law prohibits giving gifts, except for gifts of insignificant value given in line with local culture. But facilitation payments are not addressed by anti-corruption regulations and private sector bribery has this far been not criminalized.

And this is where the problem cannot seem to be properly dealt with.

The legislative framework for fighting corruption, which undermines the rule of law and abets crimes, is strewed and not effectively enforced by the

PECIER DECIERDO

ARE WE REALLY DOOMED?

markedly weak and non-cooperative law enforcement agencies.

Guterres’ own observation that tax evasion, money laundering and other illicit flows divert much needed resources for sustainable development is properly on the board, which should not be ignored by countries and government agencies as well as private bodies.

A World Bank study suggests businesses and individuals pay more than $1 trillion in bribes each year while the World Economic Forum has estimated the cost of corruption at $2.6 trillion, or 5 percent of global gross domestic product.

In the Philippines, corruption breathes through the judicial system, police, public services, land administration, tax administration, Customs administration, public procurement, natural resources and civil society.

Some things have been done, for certain, since the world stood up to this menace it acknowledged 14 years ago. But much remains to be done, which includes, but is not limited to, raising awareness with the public, media and government about the costs of corruption for major services like health and education.

We must all be united in crushing corruption.

THIS month, representatives of countries around the world are meeting in Katowice, Poland to negotiate the rulebook for the Paris Agreement. During the 24th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the global community will try to come up with the implementing guidelines for the Paris Agreement, the international accord to try to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees.

Earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a special report summarizing the scientific consensus that even if we limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, there will still be harmful effects. Limiting warming to only 1.5 degrees will be better, but even that will result in climate change that is worse than what we are currently experiencing. According to the special report, we have around 12 years to limit global warming to 1.5 or less. The thing is, even with the Paris Agreement, the world is set to exceed 2 degrees of warming.

Given all this, it is natural to ask: Are we doomed? Is there anything we can do? And if there is, what is it?

What is sure is that there is no room for hopelessness and resignation.

First, the short answers. Knowing if we are doomed depends on what we mean by “doom.” What is sure is that there is no room for hopelessness and resignation. If anything, the facts suggest that we must do everything in our power to change the system to achieve the best situation possible. Every bit of effective action will result in a better outcome than inaction. Effective action ranges from decreasing consumption to changing the system through collective action, with the latter be being far more effective than the former.

Before I expound on these short answers, it helps to review a few basics.

Global warming refers to the fact that the average temperature of the world is increasing over the long term. This average temperature is measured for the whole planet and over the course of a year. This averages out the effects of weather and regional variations.

Last year, the average global temperature was measured at 0.84 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels. It is part of a trend of increasing global temperature. The last three years are the also the three hottest years on record.

The current levels of global warming is already causing the dangerous effects of climate change that we have been seeing in the past few years. The Philippines, for example, has been named one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change after several record-breaking extreme weather events hit the country several years in a row, from Typhoon “Yolanda” and unusually heavy monsoon seasons to record droughts.

Other countries are also feeling the brunt of climate change. India has seen a spike in heat waves in recent years. Meanwhile, the US has been hit by superstorms and long wildfire seasons.

Enough carbon dioxide has already been released into the air to ensure that the warming will continue. This means things will only get worse.

In other words, we are, in a way, doomed to live in a planet with worse climate. However, we are far from doomed to live in worst possible scenario. This means that we have to double our efforts to reduce carbon emissions to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. If we fail to do that, then we must limit it to 2 degrees. If we fail even at that, then we must limit it to 2.5 or lower, and so on.

Every fraction of a degree matters a lot.

Every fraction of a degree matters because every slight increase in average global temperature results in an increased probability of the most extreme weather condition. And it is the extreme events that cause the most damage.

Imagine the difference between your average storm and the most extreme ones. The difference is big, especially in terms of damages.

According to the IPCC Special Report, the most effective way to limit global warming is through changing the system. One example would be to shift the system of energy production away from fossil fuels to renewables.

One way we can do this is through collective, even political action. Another way would be to support a carbon tax.

Another important thing to note is that we must be prepared to miss the target and then find ways to compensate and hit it at a later time. For example, if the world fails to limit carbon emissions enough to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, we must be prepared to capture the carbon already in the air to bring the warming back to 1.5.

Every fraction of a degree of warming we can prevent is a victory. The more we can limit the warming, the greater our victory. Let us maximize our victory now.

Future challenges of our foreign policy

By Ambassador Albert del Rosario (Concluded from Saturday ) WE have to encourage dialogue and trustbuilding among the major powers to shield our region from their rivalry. This can be done by providing venues to reinforce our areas of common interest in stability, security and interchange. It is in this context that the Philippines needs also to maintain our external security links with the United States, our only mutual defense treaty ally, and with like-minded countries such as Japan and Australia.

Keeping our defense ties strong is not taking sides. It is a conservative position conducive to stability. It is important for us that a regional security balance be maintained and that we avoid the unexpected. The status quo need not be static, but a dynamic balance is needed to account for everyone’s strategic concerns.

There are other areas where the benefits of regional cooperation are more clearly evident. These include counter-terrorism, anti-money laundering, education to fight against extremist ideologies and other transnational crimes. In addition, we can seek from our partners more access to modern technologies and know-how to confront the negative effects of climate change, address extreme weather, and handle marine ocean pollution, over-fishing and the depletion of maritime resources and to clean up our cities.

On the United Nations These and many other complex issues, however, need global and not just regional management. It is for this reason that Philippine diplomacy reaches out to the international level, principally the United Nations System. We must do so even in the face of attacks against the multilateralism symbolized in the United Nations.

Attacks against the multilateralism symbolized in the United Nations are not in our favor. The United Nations and other international organizations give developing countries like the Philippines a forum where their views can be heard and where they can combine their numbers to really help shape global outcomes. We need the United Nations so that the strong and powerful might perhaps be persuaded to find their interests together with ours.

At the present time, when the world order seems to be fracturing, we should reform the United Nations, not wreck it.

At any rate, the three pillars of our foreign policy—national security, economic development, protection of Filipinos overseas—are covered at different angles in our multilateral agenda centered on the UN system. National security, broadly speaking, is covered by the UN’s efforts in nuclear disarmament, other arms control, counter-terrorism, counter-illegal narcotics and prevention of other transnational crimes.

Socio-economic development must remain to be a major focus of the Philippines in the international realm.

We are drawing ever closer to the

global economy beyond ASEAN. What happens overseas matters increasingly to our country. We cannot act as passive onlookers. We must maintain a vigorous presence in all the rule and norm setting international bodies including WTO, UNCTAD and WIPO. In addition, the Philippines must continue its involvement in the United Nations system both in established and new areas for cooperation, such as closing the digital divide and managing the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution. The purpose of this is to keep abreast of developments, to have a say in the global governance of these issues and to tap fresh sources of knowledge, expertise, capacity building and assistance from the UN’s technical agencies.

On the need for governments to listen to their people Allow me to revisit the subject of the South China Sea. I would like to share with you some very interesting findings published by my good friend Mahar Mangahas in his column over the weekend.

His article reported the findings of a survey held early this November by the University of Hong Kong’s Public Opinion Program (HKUPOP) led by Dr. Robert Chung, a globally respected pollster. There were 1,000 respondents in the study.

To quote the main heading of the report, “Most Hong Kong people hope to see different governments follow the opinion of the people in settling the South China Sea disputes.”

The survey found that, of those who are aware of the issue, 58 percent of them

considered it important for a government to follow its people’s opinion in settling the South China Sea disputes.

Considering the limited freedom of Chinese citizens, I was not expecting encouraging figures which Mahar aptly interprets, “These items support the theme that public opinion in countries directly concerned, and in the world as a whole, has a role in settling cross-country disputes.”

This means that even Chinese citizens believe their government should listen to public opinion.

For us Filipinos, this punctuates a growing clamor for government to listen. Accordingly, there was a recent SWS survey that nearly 9 out 10 Filipinos are asking for government to assert the tribunal outcome.

The voice of the Filipino people is becoming stronger and clearer.

The government needs to listen to our people.

China needs to hear from our people.

The community of nations needs to hear the Filipino speaking with one voice.

At day’s end, we need to adhere to the rule of law and stand for what is right.

In closing, amid most difficult challenges facing the new Secretary of Foreign Affairs, we respectfully proffer to him our highest level of confidence that his leadership will result in the significant advancement of our national interest among the nations of the world.

Ambassador Del Rosario is chairman of the Stratbase ADR Institute.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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JAPAN ENACTS LAW TO ACCEPT FOREIGN WORKERS TOKYO—Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition early Saturday rammed through legislation to bring more blue-collar foreign workers into the country, in a controversial move to address chronic labour shortages.

The bill was enacted after the upper house gave approval despite a raft of criticism by opposition parties following its passage through the lower house in late November. Both chambers are controlled by Abe’s ruling camp.

Under the new system, the government plans to bring in as many as 345,000 foreign workers in construction, food services, nursing and other designated sectors for five years.

“We aim at starting it in April next year because we need to swiftly launch the new system in order to deal with the current labour shortage,” Abe told parliament on Thursday.

But opposition parties claimed that the law fails to address the potential impact on Japanese society of new foreign labour, and does not protect foreign workers’ rights.

In a bid to block its passage, opposition parties submitted censure motions against Abe and Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita, but they were easily rejected by the ruling bloc.

The law allows foreign nationals with skills in sectors facing particularly severe shortages to obtain five-year visas, which would not allow them to bring their families. AFP

V

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

HUAWEI EXEC FACES US FRAUD CHARGES

ANCOUVER—Chinese telecom giant Huawei’s chief financial officer faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran, a Canadian court heard Friday, a week after she was detained on an American extradition request.

Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested in Canada’s Pacific coast city of Vancouver on December 1 while changing planes during a trip from Hong Kong to Mexico -- ratcheting up tensions between the United States and China just as the countries’ leaders agreed to a truce in their trade war.

A day-long hearing was adjourned until Monday, when the judge is expected to render a decision on bail. Until then, she will remain in custody.

Canadian government lawyer John GibbCarsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of “conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions” and if convicted faces more than 30 years in prison.

She is specifically accused of lying to a US bank, identified by her lawyer as “Hong Kong Bank,” about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions.

Meng had personally denied to bankers any direct connections between Huawei and the subsidiary, SkyCom, when in fact “SkyCom is Huawei,” Gibb-Carsley said, putting the bank in jeopardy of violating sanctions. SkyCom’s alleged sanctions breaches occurred from 2009 to 2014, while Meng’s alleged fraudulent misrepresentations were in 2013.

Meng had been a member of SkyCom’s board a decade ago, but the company was later sold, said her lawyer David Martin.

US authorities, however, claim Huawei continued to control the company, with Gibb-Carsley noting that SkyCom employees continued to carry Huawei identification and

use its email.

He suggested that Meng has also shown a pattern of avoiding the United States over the past year since becoming aware of the investigation into the matter, arguing that she has no ties to Canada and has access to vast wealth and political connections—and thus poses a flight risk.

Huawei said in a Friday statement that it “will continue to follow the bail hearing” next week, expressing “every confidence that the Canadian and US legal systems will reach the right conclusion.”

Meng’s detention in Canada came on the day of a summit at which US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in the escalating trade dispute between the two economic powerhouses.

China says Meng—the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China’s People’s Liberation Army—has violated no laws in Canada or the United States and has demanded her release. AFP

SAND SCULPTURE.

Russian artist Ilya Filimontsev sculpts sand to construct a nativity scene at Piazza San Pietro in The Vatican on Thursday. The Nativity Scene of the Vatican this Christmas will be built from sand and sculpted by international artists.

AFP

STAMPEDE KILLS 6 AT ITALIAN NIGHTCLUB ROME—Six people died and dozens were injured in a stampede when panic broke out during a rap concert at an Italian nightclub Saturday morning, the fire service said.

Media reports say the suspected use of a pepper spray-like substance sparked the chaos at the venue in the town of Corinaldo, near Ancona in central Italy.

“The cause may have been the dispersal of a stinging substance, the young people fled and trampled over each other. Sadly, six people died and dozens are injured,” the fire service said in a statement on Twitter.

The victims include five people under the age of 18—three girls and two boys—and an adult woman who accompanied her daughter to the concert, media reports say.

They said 12 of the injured were in serious condition.

Witnesses said people were crushed to death after falling from a small wall as they attempted to flee.

Around 1,000 people—many of them young—were in the Lanterna Azzurra (Blue Lantern) club for a performance by Italian rapper Sfera Ebbasta.

The accident happened around 1 am (0000 GMT).

“We were dancing and waiting for the concert to start when we smelt this pungent odour,” a 16-year-old boy who was taken to hospital told the media. AFP

NEO-NAZI GUILTY OF MURDER OVER CHARLOTTESVILLE WASHINGTON—An American neoNazi was found guilty of murder on Friday for killing a woman when ramming his car into counter-protesters at a 2017 white supremacist rally that made Charlottesville a byword for racial violence under President Donald Trump.

In addition to first-degree murder, which carries a possible life sentence, James Alex Fields Jr, 21, was found guilty of five counts of aggravated malicious wounding, three of malicious wounding, and one hit-and-run count.

A jury of seven women and five men reached their verdict near the end of the first day of deliberations of a trial that lasted a little under two weeks.

The August 12, 2017 violence, which claimed the life of 32-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer and injured dozens more, turned the bucolic university city in Virginia into a symbol of the growing audacity of the far right under Trump.

The president drew broad criticism in the aftermath when he spoke of “blame on both sides,” appearing to establish a moral equivalence between the white supremacists who came to protest the removal of a Confederate statue, and those who opposed them. AFP

‘RUSSIAN OFFERED AID TO TRUMP CAMPAIGN’ NEW YORK—US prosecutors have revealed that a Russian offered cooperation to Donald Trump’s campaign as early as 2015, declaring that the president’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen had provided “relevant” and “substantial” help to the Russia investigation.

In a separate case, federal prosecutors Friday demanded “substantial” jail time of between 51 to 63 months— four to five years—for Cohen for bank fraud and campaign finance violations to which he plead guilty in August.

United States Attorney Robert Khuzami accused the 52-year-old, who once vowed to take a bullet for the

president, of being motivated by “personal greed” and of “repeatedly” using his power and influence for “deceptive ends.”

“Totally clears the President. Thank you!” tweeted the US president cryptically as television networks were consumed by the Cohen documents —which the White House dismissed as revealing “nothing of value.”

The campaign finance violations to which Cohen plead guilty—unrelated to the Russia investigation—concerned hush payments he made on Trump’s behalf to alleged former lovers of the president, including porn

star Stormy Daniels.

In the 40-page document Khuzami drew a direct link between Cohen’s illegal behavior and Trump.

“In particular, and as Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of Individual-1,” the document reads, referring to Trump.

Robert Mueller, the special counsel heading up the probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 vote, followed up with a separate filing saying Cohen had made “substantial and significant efforts to remediate his misconduct,

accept responsibility for his actions, and assist” the special investigation, a thorn in Trump’s side.

Cohen continued to provide “relevant and truthful information” to assist the probe, holding seven sessions with investigators, “many of them lengthy, and continues to make himself available to investigators,” it said.

He had provided information about contacts with Russian interests during the campaign, attempts by Russians to reach the campaign and about contacts with “persons connected to the White House” in 2017-2018, the filing added. AFP

GERMAN FARMERS SUE GOVT OVER CLIMATE TARGETS

FIERY PROTEST. High school students burn a barricade in front of the Francois Mauriac high school during a demonstration against the French government’s education reforms on Tuesday in Bordeaux, southwestern France. AFP

VETSCHAU, Germany—Dismayed by the German government’s failure to meet climate protection targets, dairy farmer Heiner Luetke Schwienhorst has filed a lawsuit against Berlin to force it into action.

“Some describe this as a fight between David and Goliath. To me, that’s besides the point,” said Schwienhorst, who suffered his poorest harvest in three decades after a record drought.

“The attitude of political representatives, the way they trivialize climate targets by giving up what they have set, is something that we need to bring to political accountability. That is important,” he told AFP. Together with two other farmers and Greenpeace, Schwienhorst has launched a challenge against the German government for having “given up”

trying to achieve cuts in greenhouse gas emissions set out under its own climate target, as well as under European law.

A dairy farmer near Hamburg and a livestock farmer on the North Sea island of Pellworm have joined the first such lawsuit to seek “climate protection, not monetary compensation”.

Berlin had pledged to take action to slash greenhouse gas emissions in Germany by 40 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.

But in its latest annual climate protection report published in June, the government admitted that it was now expecting to achieve 32 percent in reductions compared to 1990.

The shortfall of 8 percentage points is equivalent to about 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. AFP

Images

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS FIELD. Students cross a field in front of giant Christmas ‘Belen’ decorations at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.

Lino Santos

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

HERO’S STEPS. Six-year-old Enrique Mindo retraces the last steps of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. Seemingly lost in the rush of the Christmas holidays is the commemoration of the anniversary of the death of Rizal on Dec. 30. Diana Noche

PROUDLY PINAY. Models wearing Filipiniana dresses take a selfie during the unveiling of the costume exhibition and the preview of the fashion show ‘Likha Isang Diwa’ at the New Barbara’s Attic Museum in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday. Norman Cruz

APPROVED. This seems to be what Senators Loren Legarda, Richard

EJK PROTEST. Fr. Robert Reyes (left) holds up a white cross as he leads members and supporters of Gomburza, the cause-oriented organization of priests, nuns, and the laity, in a solidarity walk in front of the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City to remember the victims of extrajudicial killings or EJK under the current administration. Manny Palmero

IP SAFETY. Datu Joel Unad (center), chairman of the Mindanao

Indigenous Peoples’ Council of Elders and Leaders, presents to the press a resolution signed by the council, condemning the violations on their rights supposedly by communist forces in their areas, on Friday in Malacañang Palace. PNA

Gordon and Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri (from left) seem to celebrate after scrutinizing the proposed P19.66-billion 2019 budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs during the marathon deliberations on the General Appropriations Act for 2019 on Thursday night.

PRIB/Joseph Vidal

BALL’S MINE. Ateneo’s Kakou Kouame towers for the rebound

against University of the Philippines’ Juan Gomez de Liaño, Paul Desiderio and Frederick Tungcab in Game 2 of their UAAP Men’s Basketball Finals match at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday. Ey Acasio

ROUNDUP. Pasay City Police Chief Sr. Supt. Noel Flores (right) briefs detainees with different criminal cases over a Simultaneous AntiCriminality Law Enforcement Operation or SACLEO at the Pasay Police Station 1 on FB Harrison St. Ey Acasio

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

NBA, VIVO INK PACT; ZO TALKS BIG-MAN EVOLUTION

By Peter Atencio

T

Jun Rodriguez, gold medalist in the 50m and 100 m breast stroke.

HE game of the big men in the National Basketball Association is no longer limited in the painted area. It has evolved.

Retired NBA star Alonzo “Zo” Mourning made this observation Thursday evening during the NBA-Vivo smartphone partnership launch at the Sofitel Harbor Garden Tent.

“Players are coming into the league are a lot more versatile and talented in different areas. Not only are they able to shoot the basketball, they move well with it as well,” said the 48-year-old Zo, who finished his 15-year career from 1992 to 1998 with many awards.

One of them is being a 7-time NBA All-Star from 1994 to 97, 2000 and 2002, while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, the New Jersey Nets and the Miami Heat.

The 6’10” Mourning said that during his time as player when he played center-forward, the big man was limited to the post.

“But, now they play on the perimeter, and they’re shooting the 3s, and they’re handling the ball like Kevin Durant. There are fine examples like Dirk Nowitzki, and there are certainly shooting guards who evolved, guys who can pass the ball extremely well, guys who have the size,” added Mourning, who played in the Olympics back in 2000.

Mourning joined NBA Philippines’ managing director Carlo Singson and Vivo officials, led by Chief Executive Officer Ted Xiong during the launch.

Through the partnership, Vivo will be the presenting partner of the NBA Playoffs Bracket Challenge, a fantasy game that allows participants to submit their predictions.

As an official partner of the Jr.

DAVAO CONTINUES SURGE

VIVO Philippines brand manager Ian Jocson (left), Carlo Singson of NBA Philippines, NBA great Alonzo Mourning and Hazel Bascon, VIVO VP for sales. Peter Atencio

NBA in the Philippines and NBA 3x3, Vivo will leverage the league’s youth platform to stage interactive fan activities and showcase its latest mobile devices.

Since retiring, Mourning has been vice president of player programs and for the Miami Heat, noting that the evolution of the game of the big men is now putting emphasis on the perimeter playrs.

“So, you take the technicalities out of the game. The game (of the big man) is still critical, but not as critical as the perimeter,” added Mourning.

He noted that players who are versatile, are able to run a lot more on the perimeter and get their shots off easier, but it does not take

anything away from the players’ skills at the level.

“Younger kids are seeing the players in this league and are working on their games from the outside, not from the inside out,” he continued.

Mourning said that when he was still playing, he was working on his game from inside the paint.

“So, now emphasis is on the perimeter player and shooting,” he said.

Averaging 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds during his era, Mourning observed that some teams like the Houston Rockets now have all five guys on the floor shooting 3s, and it’s the same with Golden State Warriors.

“This opens the court up, opens the driving range. So you can gets

lots of layups and threes,” he added.

The evolution thats taking place with the big men, according to Mourning has seen teams scoring more than 100 points per game.

“More teams are scoring in the hundreds now more than ever. So the game has changed, and stayed for the better,” he added.

Outside the NBA, he has established the Alonzo Mourning Charities, where he has raised millions for programs that help children and their families, especially thos who have been abused, abandoned and neglected.

For his work in teaching kids about leadership and perseverance, Alonzo has been recognized by the NBA and the National Urban League.

TOBY’S SPORTS OPENS FLAGSHIP STORE IN BGC TOBY’S Sports, the leading sports retailer in the Philippines, has opened a new, innovative flagship store that highlights its long-standing commitment to elevating its retail experience to world-class standards.

Toby’s Sports held a special preview party of the new flagship store situated in the heart of the bustling Bonifacio Global City last Nov. 28. The event, called “Pinnacle of Sports,” gathered celebrities, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and members of the media who had a first look at the new flagship store. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was spearheaded by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and Toby’s Sports officials.

Among those who attended the star-studded launch were Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Miss International Kylie Verzosa, Adidas country manager Adrien Semblat, actors Bubbles Paraiso, The two-storey Toby’s Sports BGC flagship store is touted as its biggest and most innovative store yet.

Quorum International Inc. president Toby Claudio participates in the basketball shootout challenge during the launch of Toby’s Sports’ BGC flagship store.

Bobby Yan, and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, and athletes from the PBA, UAAP, and NCAA. The 1,000sqm, two-story space houses a premium assortment of footwear, sports apparel and equipment from the world’s best brands. According to Toby Claudio, President of Toby’s Sports, “we wanted to create an iconic store, a pinnacle shopping experience in the heart of Metro Manila.” To achieve that, the store utilizes cuttingedge technology, such as stunning LED displays towering over 5th avenue and multiple interactive touch screens that uses RFID technology to show information on its latest products. It also features various zones that create an experiential shopping experience: • PLAYZone. The flagship store features an interactive PLAYZone to host events and sports clinics on a regular basis. It also doubles as a basketball court, which utilizes a professionalgrade basketball shooting machine, where people can hone their shooting

skills. Prizes will be given out regularly to top scorers in the Toby’s Shooout game.

• LAUNCHZone. As its names suggests, the LAUNCHZone will host product launches that feature the latest innovations from the top sports brands.

Toby’s Sports also plans to use this area for curated installations, special VIP events and athlete appearances.

• Toby’s Custom Lab. The Toby’s Custom Lab, located on the 2nd level, offers apparel customization services.

With the capability to create full custom uniforms and jerseys, it will include express customization via sublimation, making a more personalized customer experience.

• Run Signature Analysis. The flagship store offers Run Signature gait and running form analysis, from Brooks. It is a radical new approach to gait analysis that takes an in-depth look at the body’s natural running characteristics so that the store personnel can offer

the ideal shoes to every customer.

Latest Retail Technologies The Toby’s Flagship is one of the first stores in the country to feature a highly digital experience where customers can browse the retailer’s e-commerce website,tobys.com, on large interactive walls in the store.

Toby’s Sports also uses RFID technology that allows customers to unlock virtual content by placing a shoe on their Shoe Showcase platforms and browse all its specs and features via touchscreen.

“We harnessed the latest technology to bring our store experience to the next level. We wanted to create more than just a store, but a space that tells stories about the latest sports innovations and inspire people to play,”Claudio said.

World-class Interiors Toby’s Sports commissioned the tandem of world-renowned German architectural firm Blocher + Blocher and Philippine-based Sonia Olivares and Associates to bring to life the retailer’s vision for its first flagship store.

The interior design combines architectural details inspired by Manila’s raw aesthetics with larger-than-life graphics and pops of color that represent the vibrant nature of sports.

Going Omnichannel Toby’s Sports also saw the flagship store as the perfect opportunity to marry its offline and online initiatives to truly provide an immersive omnichannel experience. The store offers a Click & Collect service that allows its online consumers to pick-up their orders in the store within hours. Toby’s Sports also plans to fully equip its products with QR codes that will lead customers to a particular product’s page in its online store. Soon, Toby’s Sports will introduce an automated locker area, where online customers can pickup their orders 24/7, even when the store is closed, using a generated passcode that will be sent directly to the customer’s mobile phone.

BRUNEI—Davao continued its surge in swimming, even as Palawan reaped the dividends of a solid athletic program as the Philippines shone in the 10th B r u n e i - I n d o n e s i a - M a l ays i a Philippines-Northern TerritoryEast Asia Growth Area (BIMPNTEAGA) Friendship Games on Saturday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium here.

Fritz Jun Rodriguez became the Philippines’ first double-gold medalist as he topped the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:09.59.

The lanky 17-year-old swimmer, who will see action for San Beda University in the NCAA swimming competitions this season, earlier won the 50-meter breaststroke at the start of the swimming competitions.

Not to be outdone, Eirron Seth Vibar added a gold medal to his two silver medals with an outstanding swim in the 200-meter butterfly. Vibar a Grade 10 student at the Apo Learning Village in Davao City, posted a winning time of 2:16.

As of this writing, the Davao splashers have a total of five golds.

Palawan also contributed its share in the Philippine campaign in this biennial event promoting not only brotherhood, but economic cooperation as well among the so-called focus areas which are away from the capital cities of the competing countries.

Jessel Lumapas and John Lloyd Cabalo, both natives of the picturesque town of San Vicente, Palawan, beat the opposition in the women’s and men’s 400 meters.

Lumapas had a winning time of 57.47 seconds, while Cabalo, the smallest among the finalists, ehad a personal best of 50.14 seconds.

Both Lumapas and Cabalo have already earned athletic scholarships from National University.

Chef de mission of the Philippine delegation is Philippine Sports Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey. The PSC, under Chairman Butch Ramirez and in cooperation with the Local Government Units of Palawan and Davao City and the Mindanao Development Authority, fully supported the participation of the nationals.

STA. ELENA, PLDT IN FINALS Games Tuesday 1 p.m. – Air Force vs Cignal (best-of-three for 3rd) 3 p.m. – PLDT vs Sta. Elena (best-of-three for crown)

PLDT and Sta. Elena rode on the momentum of their gripping Game Two victories and repelled Air Force and Cignal, respectively, in their sudden death duels to arrange a showdown for the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Blue Eagle gym in QC. The PLDT Home Power Hitters lost in their power clash with the hard-hitting Agilas but banked on their hustle and spunk and pounced on their rivals’ miscues to pound out a 25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17 victory.

The Sta. Elena Ball Hammers, on the other hand, survived three grueling sets against the Cignal HD Spikers, carving out a 27-25, 28-26, 25-22 decision in the other semis clash.

Air Force took Game One, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21, but PLDT struck back with a thrilling 23-25, 25-21, 25-18, 15-25, 15-12 escape while Sta. Elena battled back from two sets down to upend Cignal, 23-25, 22-25, 25-18, 2516, 18-16.

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Business

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

FATHER OF PH COSMETICS NAMED TOP ENTREPRENEUR

VER Bilena president and chief executive Dioceldo Sy was named Regus Entepreneur of the Year during the 2018 Asia CEO Awards.

FARMERS WORK TO PRESERVE IFUGAO’S RICE TERRACES

The award was given to Sy for successfully building Ever Bilena as the leading cosmetics company in the country.

The 2018 Asia CEO Awards, held at Marriot Hotel in Pasay City, is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia that recognizes extraordinary leaders who have made outstanding achievements for their organizations and contributions to others.

The Regus Entrepreneur of the Year award is given to individuals who achieved business growth and expansion across the Association of Southeast Asian Nation region, as well as those who have successfully demonstrated a commitment to introduce innovation and boost economic capabilities and competitiveness within the region.

This is a huge win, not only for us, but for our loyal customers as well.

“I am really honored to accept such a prestigious award. Ever Bilena is a team, and we are very proud of everything we have accomplished for the past 35 years. This is a huge win, not only for us, but for our loyal customers as well,” said Sy. Hailed as the ‘Father of Philippine Cosmetics, Dioceldo sits at the helm of Ever Bilena, which now has over 1,000 affordable quality products. Multiple brands such as EB Advance, EB Naturals, Careline and Blackwater were also launched for diversity.

Following Ever Bilena’s success in the Philippines, Sy is setting his sights on neighboring Southeast Asia, particularly Ever Bilena CEO Dioceldo Sy

Ever Bilena chief operating officer Siliman Sy accepts the trophy on behalf of Dioceldo.

Indonesia, one of Asia’s fastest growing beauty markets.

Sy is also a major supporter of basketball and is a former chair of the Philippine Basketball League. He has bankrolled several championship teams. He also supports several charitable causes.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Circle of Excellence Awardees include Dr. Carl Balita of Carl Balita Review Center, Jean Henri Lhuillier of PJ Lhuillier, Joel Cruz of Aficionado Perfumes-Central Affirmative, Karla Stefan Singson of PREP-KSS Events and Promotions, Mario Berta of Fly Spaces, Paul Rivera of Kalibrr Technology Ventures and Robbie Antonio of Revolution Precrafted.

IN THEIR desire to preserve the rice terraces, traditional farmers and villagers whose major produce is the native rice called Tinawon, held the first “2nawon Festival” in Barangay Anao, Hingyon, Ifugao.

Tam-an Banaue Cooperative chief executive Jose Tomas said the three-day festivity is a show of the villagers’ and farmers’ commitment to help in the preservation of their rice terraces.

“Together with villagers and native farmers who are the major producers of the Tinawon rice and other traditional rice varieties, we celebrated the first harvest festival for a successful second harvest this year,” Tomas said.

“The idea of celebrating a harvest festival is to give honor to the cultivators of the payo [rice paddies] who contributed to the preservation of the Ifugao culture,” he said.

Also a native of Anao village, Tomas said that while planting on the terraces is not economically viable, the Ifugao farmers still continue to grow Tinawon and other traditional rice varieties.

“This is our contribution to what Ifugao is known for,” he said.

Tomas said Tinawon rice, which is traditionally a once-a-year crop, is also known as heirloom rice because it is produced in the traditional way of farming.

“We do not use farm machineries or any equipment or the carabao, and no commercially produced fertilizers are sprayed over the growing rice plants,” he said.

While Tinawon rice is grown only once a year in some areas in Ifugao, many among the Ifugao farmers have now started growing it twice a year.

“This is one of the reasons why we now have the 2nawon Festival as we can see the possibility of harvesting the Tinawon rice twice a year in rice terraces found in the different mountain areas of Ifugao,” Tomas said.

In the rice paddies, the Ifugao farmers also grow the native Dolog fish and the almost extinct Juju fish while waiting for the next harvest season.

During the festivity, participants joined the “Hudhud hi botok” contest where they performed the “hudhud” (traditional chant) while harvesting and other activities including the “Haydun di Yuyu” (fish catching), “Binakle” (native cake) making demonstration and native dance contest.

During the festival, a seminar on biological farming was conducted with the groundbreaking of the Anao-Burnay road funded by Sen. Cynthia Villar and Rep. Dong Mangudadatu.

Meanwhile, Orlando Ravanera, Cooperative Development Authority chairman, said he would bring a delegate from Ifugao to China to learn effective organic farming.

“One of the current focus of the agriculture department is on heirloom rice production and the rehabilitation of the damaged tuping [stone walls] to bring back the rice terraces to its former glory,” Ravanera said.

He said the government also aims to help the Ifugao farmers learn new methods to boost rice yield and assist in marketing the Tinawon rice and other products to boost the economy of the province.

Ifugao farmers can produce woodcarving, weaving and other handicrafts, which are part of the Ifugao’s rich culture.

ESIP PROJECT CREATES INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN EASTERN SAMAR INVESTORS, business owners and government leaders came together for the first National Harampang forum entitled ‘From the Tree to Your Tray: A Market-led Approach towards Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Development’, an investment platform and partnership building event held at the Marco Polo Hotel on Nov. 14, 2018.

The event is part of the Enhancing Sustainable Income in the Philippines project, a five-year intervention funded by Swiss Solidarity and jointly implemented by development organization Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and People in Need.

Through the forum, the ESIP project aimed to attract partners and investors for production, marketing and distribution support for farmers and agricultural micro-enterprises.

The ESIP project’s main purpose is to increase the sustainable income of 12,000 smallholder farmers in Eastern Samar and improve their resilience to natural disasters. Eastern Samar was hit by super

ESIP team, stakeholders and representatives of agricultural microenterprises

typhoon Yolanda in 2013 that ravaged hectares of coconut farms, crippling the livelihood of thousands of farmers in the province.

“Using a market systems development approach, we are able to address the root causes of market failures and meet the needs of poor farmers who come from the 12 municipalities that were most affected by Yolanda,” said Adwyait Kumar Roy, chief technical adviser of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation.

This approach has four facets that ensure long-lasting and largescale beneficial changes: sustainability, value for money, scalability and inclusivity. “Because of the project’s interventions, 80 percent of the target beneficiaries exceeded their pre-typhoon income in the past 3 years,” said Roy. “This approach is about empowering these farmers – supporting them in a way that they can grow and develop their income, skills and productivity and market linkages for the long-term as opposed to giving them direct aid,” said Claudia Oriolo, country director of PIN.

Business

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

GOW TO LAUNCH DIGITAL CURRENCY TOKEN IN MANILA GOW, a digital currency service provider licensed by the Bangko Sentral under its subsidiary ETranss, is launching in Manila in the fourth quarter. Licensed to provide exchange services between legal fiat and digital currencies, Gow will offer a variety of products and services that are set to be announced later this year, giving customers greater variety and real-world application.

Gow differs from existing service providers as it aims to be the first major bridge between traditional banking and digital currency industries. It will service both retail and institutional clients, bringing new liquidity to the digital economy.

As a provider of feedback on the SEC’s draft ICO policy and respondent to the draft in August, Gow plays a key role in spearheading best practices and standards for security token offerings, especially in its capacity as a BSP licensed VCE. “We began this journey with a simple goal—bridge the industry chasm and bring digital currencies and its benefits into the mainstream. To achieve this, Gow is working in partnership with regulators, big four auditors and academia to define the next evolution of the digital token economy,” said Gow co-founder and chief executive Tim Ying.

Tim also alluded to partnering with traditional banking and new digital currency partners to provide the industry with an alternative to service providers such as Swift which offers cheaper and faster cross-border remittance.

Gow has a long history of serving Filipino and Chinese workers, making foreign remittances cheaper for overseas workers.

Gow Exchange is the parent and holding company of ETranss and (ETranss Remittance International Corp.) and CMT (China Money Trade). ETranss is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a licensed virtual currency exchange .

TECHNOLUX SHOWS HOW TO EARN FROM LAUNDRY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS and businessmen are invited to Technolux Business Series that will focus on the potentials of investing in a coin-operated laundry business.

TBS will be held on Dec. 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mall of Kitchens located at Kamagong St., Corner Lawaan St. in San Antonio Village, Makati City.

Technolux, the country’s biggest distributor of premium laundry machines for 43 years, recently launched its selfservice, coin-operated laundry business.

The company said it would like to share with interested participants the benefits of the new business model.

Technolux’s technical and sales teams will discuss feasibility and ROI studies as well as the features of IPSO, the equipment that is offered in this new business initiative.

IPSO belongs to Alliance Laundry Systems Network, the global leader in commercial laundry. The equipment are smartly designed and equipped with the latest technology to boost efficiency and reduce water, energy and detergent costs.

Technolux offers different ways to get into the coin-operated laundry enterprise. Clients can simply purchase individual IPSO washers and dryers so they can start their own business by themselves or they can choose from different packages for a turn-key business.

Technolux clients can expect comprehensive support, hauling and delivery of machines, installation and commissioning, inspecting sites, advising clients on design and layout of the space, supervising construction and staff training.

OFFICE SPACE PROVIDER BOOSTS START-UP ECOSYSTEM

KMC Mag Solutions vice president for marketing Riccardo Corsini

By Othel V. Campos

F

lexible workspace provider KMC Mag Solutions Inc. launched the first KMC Via Startup Summit to create an ecosystem that is responsive to the needs of small businesses in the age of digitalization and globalization.

The event held at Green Sun Hotel in Makati City pooled together industry experts and startup proponents to pep up the entrepreneurial spirit of attending start-ups from various sectors of the business community.

KMC Mag Solutions vice president for marketing Riccardo Corsini said the recently concluded summit served to recognize the valuable contributions of start-ups to the local economy.

“Many startups have ventured into mobile, ecommerce, and fintech. This is proof that Philippines’ startup ecosystem is growing rapidly with more and more young professionals starting their own ventures. Matthew Barrie is one of our young CEOs and his company has just won an International Smart City competition called AcceliCITY

against 600 startups from 40 countries,” he said.

KMC organized the event in partnership with Impact Hub Manila. The summit highlighted the role of the government, the academe and the industry in fostering growth for the Philippine startup and invocation ecosystem.

KMC and IHM jointly crafted a program called ‘Space for Ingenious Program’ which helps bring an idea from conception to reality through mentorship from industry experts, spaces conducive to productivity and idea incubation and access to a vast network of connections and potential investors.

The six-month program began in May 2018 and has incubated six startups that were among the first batch of applicants for the program.

One startup is Pushkart PH, an online grocery application that basically does the shopping for you.

Start-ups that received mentoring from the program lauded the efforts and time spent into the projects by both KMC and IHM to help them hop into bankable lead that will strengthen the concept and push for connections that will help them takeoff.

According to the 2017 Philippine Startup Survey, there are now more than 300 startups in the country, most of which were established between 2012 and 2017.

Continuing changes in technology and innovation have also contributed to the growth of startups.

KMC wants to provide startups and entrepreneurs the avenue to establish relationships, develop connections and engage in programs that will help grow and sustain their endeavors.

KMC has provided start-ups with the opportunity for low-cost, affordable spaces where they can work, fit for a starting up business.

“We’re doing more co-working spaces next year.

We’re expanding to more CBDs to accommodate more companies, more start-ups and even freelancers,” Corsini said.

The company is spreading out to the north, initially eyeing Clark as a potential site. It will be opening up two floors of co-working space in Cebu while the site in Ortigas will be expanded.

KMC, which has been operating in Manila for eight years now, has opened and developed 18 sites nationwide―with offices in BGC, Ortigas, Makati and Iloilo.

Co-working as a business has evolved through the years that the service has extended beyond the traditional common space features to include common personal activities health and wellness, according to Corsini.

“What were proud is that our flexispace comes with a lot of common facilities. In some case we have yoga and wellness.We’re looking at providing more and more of these resources. In Ortigas, we are looking at providing media rooms for photos and videos. For some sites, we might have working rooms for youtubers and even media publications,” he said.

KMC is an ISO certified flexible office solutions and staff leasing provider, dedicated to delivering customer-centric and highly flexible solutions to businesses seeking to set-up and grow in the Philippines.

It helps shape businesses by following them through each phase of their growth―from spaces which include serviced offices, co-working and virtual offices; people encompassing HR management or payroll and benefits administration; to enterprise covering tailored office fit outs, end-to-end offshore and business continuity plan solutions.

The company has the biggest portfolio of flexible co-working space with 50,000 square meters available for space retailing.

EVER MALLS SHARE TIDINGS OF JOY THIS CHRISTMAS IT’S that most wonderful time of the year once more! With the exciting holiday occasion fast approaching, Ever Malls invites shoppers and revelers alike to celebrate the season by spreading cheers, good tidings and surprises with its ‘Give Love this Christmas’ campaign.

Its Christmas campaign highlights the timely need for kindness, generosity and community spirit amid these challenging times.

“By joining our ‘Give Love this Christmas’ campaign, we help start a cycle that pays it forward, creating small deeds or acts of kindness that can bring smiles to beneficiaries under our chosen charitable organizations that need support,” said Chie Arao-Santos, Ever Malls corporate marketing manager.

Ever Malls goes the extra mile in treating its loyal customers. Kicking off the long list of festivities was the

grand launch of the ‘Give Love this Christmas’ campaign along with the Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 17 at Ever Commonwealth.

Ever Mall shoppers will have the op-

portunity to give back via the ‘Shop to Share Raffle Promo’. Beginning Nov. 17 until Jan. 6, 2019, customers who meet a minimum single receipt purchase from stores inside Ever Mall will

get a raffle coupon for a chance to win one of the many prizes at stake. The shopper can also choose from a list of beneficiary organization/community printed in the coupon who he/she wanted to help this holiday season.

The grand raffle winner will receive P100,000 worth of prizes (P50,000 gift certificates and P50,000 worth of home appliances), while nine major prize winners will take home 43” Smart TV, refrigerator and washing machine. There will be 15 minor prize winners who will be awarded P5,000 worth of groceries, P5,000 worth of Ever gift certificates and mobile phones.

The total of 25 winners will have a chance to bring home these amazing prizes plus the opportunity to share blessings to any of the three charities: Go Tong Foundation, Asilo de San Vicente de Paul and Hospicio de San Jose.

LEGACY SNACK MAKER PENETRATES GLOBAL MARKET FOR millions of Filipinos living or working all across the globe, a familiar flavor or a well-loved taste can instantly bring back fond memories and rekindle that warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort.

While most Filipino dishes can be recreated in any kitchen, some Pinoy staples require a bit more effort to find.

This is where Rebisco comes in.

The snack food giant has been doubling down on its international business, ‘invading’ key markets armed with delightful sweets and treats.

“Wherever there are Filipinos, we have a market for Rebisco products because our snacks represent a piece of home,” Rebisco president Jonathan Ng said.

“At the same time, the shared love for food is a universal language that transcends boundaries, languages and cultures. While we bring our diverse portfolio of products to a wider market, we also want to put the Philippines on the global map as a maker of world-class snacks,” he said.

Rebisco has been in the export business since early 2000, with key markets including China, UAE., Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Myanmar. Among their top export brands are local favorites like Ding Dong, Hansel, Fudgee Barr, Rebisco Sandwich, Doowee Donut, CuppKeyk and Choco Mucho.

According to Rebisco International Business Group head Jonnel Mangubat, main consumers vary per export market. “For countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, USA and Taiwan the main consumers are our overseas Filipinos as these countries are top OFW and Filipino migrant destinations,” he said.

“As for China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Myanmar, we primarily cater to the mainstream or local consumers. Thus, our products could be found in their supermarkets and wholesalers

where local consumers go to,” he said.

Marketing strategy varies, depending on the market. “We localize our portfolio and promotions based on the unique consumer needs per country,” Mangubat said.

“While some distributors directly approach us due to our company’s popularity, we mainly enter new mar-

kets through participation in international trade missions and food exhibits. As soon as we see market potential and product acceptance, as indicated primarily by consistent orders, we follow through with significant investment in sales and marketing initiatives in order to maximize the business potential,” he said.

Manufacturing is a key success factor for Rebisco’s international business.

In 2015, the legacy snack maker opened its Vietnam manufacturing facility, complete with a sales and marketing force.

Mangubat said: “Vietnam’s strategic location in the region makes it an ideal manufacturing hub for businesses that want to penetrate the Asean markets.

Its free trade agreements also make the country more attractive to investors be-

cause of the fewer tariffs and restrictions.”

The Vietnam plant produces cakes, biscuits, wafer and cream paste, for domestic and top export markets like China and Myanmar. Rebisco Vietnam has also recently begun export shipments to Hong Kong and Singapore.

Mangubat said total operations in Vietnam have steadily doubled its sales in the past five years, with the top-selling brands including Doowee, Krim Stix and Rebisco Extreme.

As Rebisco celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, the homegrown manufacturer of snack time favorites sees a bright future ahead for its international business.

Ng said: “We’re optimistic about the sustained growth of our international operations. We continue to evolve with the changing needs of the market—both locally and globally. Good food never goes out of style. Regardless of where you’re from, there’s always a good reason to sit down and enjoy a snack.”

Tech & Gadgets

ENJOY YOUR NETFLIX VIEWING EXPERIENCE WITH LG OLED TVs

W

ITH today’s fast-paced technology, entertainment has taken a completely different form. Gone are the days of only catching movies at cinemas and we’ve long said goodbye to grainy films with low picture quality.

Today, it’s all about having an immersive, almost life-like viewing experience. Now, you can have it at home.

Tech giant LG and streaming pioneer Netflix have come together for the ultimate viewing experience in the comfort of your own home. Now, all you have to do is turn on your LG OLED TV and pick your favorite show or movie from Netflix’s wide array of selections.

“At Netflix, we have acclaimed movies and TV series from around the world that are best enjoyed in 4K and UHD. That is why we are pleased to have apartner like LG, which has the technology to bring viewers the ultimate entertainment viewing experience through their amazing OLED TVs. At the end of the day, we share a mutual passion for delighting our customers,” said Tony Zameczkowski, Vice President of Business Development - Asia, Netflix.

“We’re very excited with this new partnership with Netflix. We know millions of people subscribe to Netflix to watch their favorite shows, so we

Philippines Managing Director Inkwun Heo, Netflix’s Head of Partner Marketing for Southeast Asia and Taiwan Dipashree Das, and LG Philippines VP for Home Entertainment Jongnam An

A recreation of the Byers’ family living room setup at Anson’s The Link.

created these TVs with its own unique features so everyone will have the best viewing experience every time,” shared Jongnam An, Vice President of Home Entertainment at LG Philippines.

Partnership made in TV heaven Four state-of-the-art televisions from LG’s OLED line have been named official Netflix Recommended TVs. To be an official Netflix Recommended TV, LG has met the following criteria: fast app launch, a dedicated Netflix button, easy access Netflix icon from the TV menu, TV resume function, and having the latest version of the Netflix TV app with all its latest features.

All Netflix Recommended TVs from LG are equipped with top-of-the-line technology: LG’s trademark ThinQ® AI technology with Google Assistant, an Intelligent processor, LG’s pioneering OLED display, 4K Cinema HDR, and the most advanced Dolby Atmos® sound system.

The most notable from the line-up is the 55inch B8, also known as LG’s 30th Anniversary OLED TV, has the α7 Intelligent Processor, which makes switching through different functions— from TV to Netflix to browsing the Internet—a breeze. The OLED screen is also equipped with the Full Array Dimming Pro feature and its crystal clear Nano Cell™ Color Pro Display. It is the most competitively priced OLED TV in the Philippine market today.

To launch this partnership, LG and Netflix did a roadshow on Nov. 28 to showcase just how amazing it is to watch your favorite shows and movies on a brand new B8 OLED TV with its billion color technology for crisp contrast, truest blacks, and unbelievably vibrant colors.

Can’t decide what to watch on your LG B8 OLED TV? We have several suggestions.

If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, you’re going to fall head over heels with the latest Netflix Original Movie “The Princess Switch”. Vanessa Hudgens stars as both Margaret, the duchess of Montenaro, and Stacy, a humble baker from Chicago. The two look-alikes decide to switch lives to find out more about their two very different worlds and in the process fall in love with different people. A recreation of Stacy’s bakery at the SM Appliance Center transported guests to her humble bakeshop in Chicago. The movie is filled with heartwarming comedy that’ll surely get you in the Christmas spirit. “The Princess Switch” premiered on Nov 16th on Netflix. Visit the SM Appliance Center at SM Megamall and catch a special Netflix set-up using LG OLED TVs to celebrate the newly found partnership.

Since its first episode in 2016, “Stranger Things” has become a worldwide phenomenon. It has taken over pop culture with its lovable characters and scary good plot-lines. In fact, the show has become so popular that Netflix has declared November 6th—the day Will Byers disappeared —as the official Stranger Things Day. People have been known to finish watching both seasons in one day! A spot-on recreation of the Byers family room emerged at Anson’s The Link and brought everyone to Hawkins, Indiana. So if you love suspense and excitement, join Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Will, Dustin, Joyce, Chief Hopper, and Steve on their adventures. Visit Anson’s at The Link, Ayala Center in Makati to catch a glimpse of the “scary good” Netflix set-up featuring LG OLED TVs.

SYNOLOGY INTRODUCES DISKSTATION DS1819+ SYNOLOGY Inc. recently launched DiskStation DS1819+, an 8-bay desktop NAS providing outstanding performance with great expandability, ready to grow as your business thrives.

“This is a compact NAS with an expandable design that can be an ideal investment for small to medium-sized businesses, especially when capable of hosting versatile applications.” Said Kevin Meng, product manager of Synology Inc. “As an updated 8-bay desktop NAS in the Plus family, DS1819+ provides a performance increase of over 57% in sequential reading compared to its predecessor, making it more than capable of being just a file server or backup target to satisfy various business requirements with its allinclusive built-in applications.”

A Scalable Storage Server with Outstanding Performance DS1819+ incorporates the advanced technologies of Intel’s new generation Atom processor, providing superior performance with great expandability, allowing the seamless expansion and

upgrade to satisfy your growing business needs.

Processor: Intel C3538 quad-core, 2.1 GHz; Memory: 4GB DDR4 pre-installed, upgradable up to 32GB; Storage: up to 216TB raw capacity with two expansion units; Performance: delivering sequential throughput at over 2,045 MB/s reading and 656 MB/s writing Fulfills Intensive Workload with PCIe Expansion DS1819+ comes with four Gigabit Ethernet

ports and one PCIe expansion slot, providing great configuration flexibility and can satisfy your intensive workload demand.

Supports 10GbE add-on card: to break through the data transmission bandwidth; Supports M.2 SSD adapter card: to boost random IOPS with M.2 NVMe/SATA SSD cache; Built-in four Gigabit Ethernet ports: support failover and Link Aggregation.

Powered by Synology DiskStation Manager DS1819+ runs on DiskStation Manager, the advanced and intuitive operating system for Synology NAS devices, with various applications offered to enhance work productivity. Synology has received numerous media accolades, topping the mid-range NAS category in TechTarget’s storage solution survey and winning PC Mag Readers’ Choice eight years in a row.

For more information on DS1819+, please visit https://www.synology.com/products/DS1819+ Availability DS1819+ is priced at P57,999 and is available through Synology’s local distributors.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

BOC STEPS UP EFFORTS TO CURB SHIPMENT PILFERAGE WITH iTRACK WEEKS after the initial roll-out of 1-Assessment, the Bureau of Customs is again stepping up speed on yet another program set to revolutionize its operations.

Called iTrack, this geographic information system allows the Bureau of Customs to track containers via container seals equipped with Global Positioning System technology.

The iTrack system covers customs transit operations involving containerized and non-containerized cargo, whether transported by land, water or air. It enhances the capability of the BOC in ensuring that the transit cargo arrives safely and securely at the intended destination by effectively sealing, tracking, monitoring, providing alerts for diversion and tampering, and audit of said cargo through the use of GPS technology. It also strengthens the security and monitoring of transit cargo during customs transit operations.

“The iTrack system is intended to directly address the problem of swinging or diversion of transit cargo, since unauthorized stops, route deviations, or tampering with the seal in order to open the container will automatically be detected by the system in real time and trigger alarms that will alert the enforcement personnel of the bureau to potenial criminal activities,” said Customs Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Dy, who heads the Management Information System and Technology Group.

He added that the adoption of the iTrack system will promote the BOC’s increased level of compliance with RKC, SAFE Framework and other related international agreements pertaining to supply chain security. This system is also intended to complement and, ultimately, replace the guarding of transit cargo, where applicable The pilot implementation of the iTrack system has allowed the BOC to identify the major routes being used by haulers/truckers/ transport/logistic providers and has enabled the BOC to properly define the geo-corridors where the containers may be taken through, en route to its final destination. Upon rollout to the out ports, there would be a similar process of gathering data of the proper routes that may be taken to ensure that the bureau can identify route deviations from major and common routes. Based on the pilot implementation, there is minimal impact on the processing and release of containers. Outfitting containers with the electronic GPS seal does not take more than two minutes, as long as the arming station for the device is found in an optimal location.

Dy believes that: “The iTrack system is a modern technological innovation that will definitely address the problems of the BOC with regards to security and monitoring of transit cargo. Through the iTrack system, smuggling by pilferage due to “swinging” or diverting of transit cargo will be eliminated, and real time monitoring with regards to location will be enabled. We are confident that the iTrack system will ensure that trade corridors are secure and cargo transported between bonded ports and zones are released from origin and arrive at the destination untampered”.

SMART LAUNCHES MOTHER TONQUE APPS PRIMED FOR DIGITAL LITERACY

By Ram Christian Agustin AN ARRAY of mobile applications geared towards digital literacy was launched by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications at the “Digital Education For All: No Learner Left Behind” on Friday at the Hole in the Wall, Makati.

The five literacy apps include the tagalog app Bahay Kubo, Cebuano app Kaalam, Arabic apps Taallam and Tahderiyyah, and an app for Davao and Bukidnon’s Matigsalug tribe named Matigsalug.

“Smart believes mobile technology is uniquely positioned to help facilitate learning opportunities, which is why we have tailored initiatives to help address the needs of our partner learning communities,” said PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto.

The apps are primed to work efficiently with Smart’s School-in-a-Bag, a portable digital classroom equipped with a teacher’s laptop, student tablets, a projector, a

DVD player, and a pocket WiFi. “Our mission is to develop mother tongue based apps as interactive tools that can help support learning strategies, as well as help preserve and promote local culture and heritage for the present and future generation,” Isberto explained.

Aside from the five headlining applications, Smart will be launching more literacy apps for 2019, which includes Sanut Ilokano for Ilokano-speaking regions, Gnare Blaan and Tagakaulo for Sarangani, and a Kapampangan app called Singsing.

The mobile applications are already available in Google Play.

The School-in-a-Bag beneficiaries received Dynamic Learning Program modules, teacher-training courses, and regular monitoring and evaluation from Smart.

“We all need to work together to help build a nation where no learner is left behind,” said Darwin Flores, Smart Community Partnerships Head.

PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto and Darwin Flores, Smart Community Partnerships Head, make a toast for digital literacy. Ram Christian Agustin

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TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

FWD LIFE INSURANCE TAPS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY WITH TAPP

Insurer’s latest digital innovation focuses on delivering a convenient and mobile customer-led experience.

P

AN-ASIAN insurer FWD Life Insurance, one of the country’s fastest-growing insurance companies, has unveiled the latest in its digital customer innovations—the Tapp mobile app.

the Tapp mobile app for always on and always on-the-go customers.

Tapp, dubbed the “one-tap insurance app,” is a one-stop shop for FWD customers to manage their policies digitally. With Tapp, policyholders will have access to their policy coverage and details, pay their premiums, and track their investment values, all rolled in one convenient and Crowning more industry-firsts since its pioneer user-friendly app.

“In line with FWD’s vision of changing the introduction of a 24/7 support hotline and customer service live chat in 2017, FWD conceived way people feel about insurance, we are fo-

cused on making insurance accessible and convenient for our customers. It is with pride that we unveil Tapp as another testament to our customer-led business strategy,” said FWD Life Insurance Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes. “We envision Tapp to be the most interactive self-service insurance mobile portal in the country with its host of power-packed features which put insurance at our customers’ fingertips.”

“With Tapp, FWD is giving our customers round-the-clock support and empowering them to get information they need independently and conveniently,” Grimes added. “Exciting app features are underway and are geared towards meeting the dynamic needs of Filipino customers of today, providing them efficient and reliable after-sales service, anytime and anywhere.”

Providing meaningful digital customer engagement; Eliminating customer pain points FWD’s competitive differentiator lies in creating meaningful digital customer engagement and investing in technology that completes our existing human touchpoints. FWD’s Tapp will take the company’s customer engagement and customer experience to the next level.

“In bringing Tapp to life, we asked our customers how they would like to manage their policies with us. Based on the insights we gathered, the app’s first launch already hosts some industry-first features including the ability to show the growth of customer’s investment values over time,” said Grimes. “Tapp is where ease-of-use and best-in-class service meet as it is designed for, around, and with our customers and their lifestyles.”

Tapp also hosts a built-in Live Chat feature saving time on voice prompts and phone verification procedures, on top of the robust self-service options within the app.

A round-the-clock information gateway and service center, from due date reminders and online payments, to generating policy documents and updating contact details, Tapp streamlines frequent customer inquiries and service requests to an App suitable for the active lifestyles and busy schedules of FWD customers.

GIFTS FOR GADGET ADDICTS AT LAZADA'S 12.12 SALE HOW do you please a gadget lover this Christmas? By gifting him electronic items of course!

Finding the perfect gizmo for your loved ones is no easy feat, but Lazada’s here to make the process much easier with its upcoming sale.

From Dec. 10 to 12, get access to the finest deals from top brands for up to 90% off in the comforts of your home with Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Year End Sale.

Watch out for these electronic gadgets going on sale during Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Year End Sale: Originally priced at P2,336å≠≠, bring out the best taste of ri c e with Philips Jar Rice Cooker with 5-layer gold inner pot that help transmit heat evenly JBL C150SI for only P989!

Bring music into celebrations and bonding moments with the Platinum KS-10 Plus Junior 2 DVD Karaoke player for only P1,661 from its original price of P3,499!

Grab the ultra-light, comfortable & legendary JBL C150SI In Ear Headphones for only P469 from its original price of P1,199!

For only P12, bring home the Romoss USB LED Light ideal for notebook, laptop users or anyone using a computer in a low-light environment. This deal is 70% of its original price of P59!

It” and “Slash It”.

More treats await our Christmas shoppers. Get a chance to win an Avida condo when you pay with Gcash and a brand new Toyota Rush when you use Paymaya. We’re also raffling off 2 roundtrip tickets to New York from Philippine Airlines!

Discounts are also up for grabs when you use your credit cards from BPI, Citibank, RCBC Bankcard and Savings and JCB. Twelve Samsung Galaxy 9 phones will also be given away by MVP Rewards. You could also load up your Lazada wallet and get Stay connected longer additional cashbacks as you with the Samsung Galaxy prepare your shopping carts Watch for only P8,495, for 12.12! originally priced at For more information, P16,990! stay tuned to Lazada Nothing says “hapPhilippines official sopy holidays” like giftcial media accounts, on ing your loved ones Facebook: https://www. electronic gadgets facebook.com/Lazaand many more this daPH, and Instagram: @ Christmas. Get a chance Lazada_PH. You could also to grab all these items log on to www.lazada.com. with additional discounts ph/ or download the Lazada and promotion vouchers via Samsung Galaxy Mobile app via App Store the Lazada games “Shake or Google Play!

Watch

FUJITSU COOLING SYSTEM RECEIVES AWARD FUJITSU recently announced that it has received a 2018 Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity (Technology Development and Commercialization) for its Fujitsu Server PRIMERGY Liquid Immersion Cooling System, which provides revolutionary energy savings.

This award recognizes the contribution of the Liquid Immersion Cooling System to overall reduction of server system power consumption and CO2 emissions, marking the second year in a row Fujitsu has received this award, and the sixth time overall.

Going forward, Fujitsu will continue to contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and the digital transformation of its customers by providing highly energy-efficient products and services.

About the Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity The Environment Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity honors organizations and individuals for outstanding achievements to mitigate the impact of global warming, as part of efforts by the Ministry of the Environment since 1998 to promote global warming countermeasures.

About the Liquid Immersion Cooling System This product is a cooling system designed to efficiently and evenly cool servers by immersing them entirely in a cooling liquid. The system provides significant energy savings because it doesn’t disperse the heat generated by the servers into the room, which not only renders air conditioning unnecessary, but also eliminates the need for cooling fans installed on the servers themselves. Due to these factors, the system reduces the overall power consumption of a server system, including cooling equipment, by about 40% compared to air cooled systems, contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Moreover, the system can more or less double server installation density in terms of installation space, also contributing to reduced TCO.

INSTAView DOOR-IN-DOOR REFRIGERATOR: THE FRIDGE OF THE FUTURE FOOD will always play an important role in fostering relationships. Whether it’s with the family, a group of friends, or even with business transactions, food makes it easier to build a connection and a measure of trust among those sharing the meal.

Nowadays, cooking seems to be such a chore and a luxury that only those with extra time can afford. Today, almost everyone is choosing convenience instead of a home-cooked meal.

Thankfully, technology is catching up with today’s need for fast and healthy food.

Appliances are now equipped with more advanced technologies to anticipate the user’s needs and even routines. And LG, the world’s leader in smart home solutions, has designed a refrigerator for the modern home—perfect for those who want a fussfree kitchen experience. Meet the new LG INSTAView Door-in-Door Refrigerator.

The Fridge of the Future The LG INSTAView Door-in-Door Refrigerator is nearly 26 cubic feet of stateof-the-art features tailored for the needs of the modern home. ”This refrigerator is pretty amazing. The space is like the kitchen equivalent of a walk in closet,”said host and author Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, LG’s lifestyle ambassador. ”This freezer is a dream. I have all these space to separate the meats and poultry from the seafood and have enough space for storing ice cream!” she added.

The most notable feature of the sleek black stainless steel fridge is the INSTAView Door-in-Door™ mirror glass panel, which allows you to see inside your fridge with just two taps. This breakthrough technology also helps reduce cold airflow loss to help keep food fresher longer and saves energy by up to 41%.

The INSTAView panel, combined with

LG’s own Inverter Linear Compressor, saves 32% more energy in total by adapting efficiency-engineering mechanism. With the 10-year-warranty on the Inverter Linear Compressor, you can rest assured that your INSTAView Fridge will always be in top condition—keeping your fridge in optimal temperature to maintain freshness longer. ”My favorite part about this refrigerator is the InstaView Door-in-Door feature.

My kids love the ‘knock knock’ feature. It’s added space in the fridge that allows me to put my favorite snacks and drinks in an area that’s easily accessible. My husband loves that he can just grab a cold bottle of beer and go,” Stephanie shared.

Cooking is made easy when you can see all your ingredients you need to make something delicious for your family.

Aside from cooking, errands like grocery shopping becomes a breeze because you’ll know what you need—minimizing

time spent at the store and maximizing your time at home.

Planning your weekly menu also helps in figuring out what you need from the grocery store. Buying in bulk is a great way to save time and money. Gone are the days of worrying about wasted food due to improper storage inside the fridge.

With the LG INSTAView Door-in-Door Refrigerator, moisture and humidity are maintained at its optimal level, thanks to the FRESHBalancer and Moist Balance Crisp storage areas. This means vegetables and fruits stay crisp and fresh, not limp and bruised, inside the fridge until the time you need it. The INSTAView Refrigerator is also equipped with HygieneFRESH+, a five-step air filter that removes up to 99.999% of harmful bacteria inside the fridge, which means food stays safer and fresher longer and unpleasant odor is eliminated.

Destinations D1

sunday, december 9, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

no worrieS

in Melbourne

@MStandardLIFE

mercury rising

By BoB zozoBrado

The Japanese section of the kilometric buffet.

Drink a glass of ‘Cab sauv,’ Take a biTe of ChoColaTe MEET ME UNDER THE CLOCKS. Flinders street Railway station, one of Melbourne's famous landmarks, features an elegant Victorian architecture style.

Cheese and citrusy Chardonnay paired with Le Dauphin from France. De Bortoli’s Pinot Noir has a strawberry-like smell, which paired perfectly with Piave. We also took a sip of its shiraz, marked by a slightly spicy taste, and its peppery Cabernet sauvignon, or as Aussies call it, “Cab sauv.”

De Bortoli’s flagship wine, Noble One, features lush honey, apricot, and citrus characters. It has a rich syrupy taste and goes well with blue cheese.

Aside from cheese, wine goes perfectly well with chocolate. And Yarra Valley Chocolaterie has it in hundreds of kinds and flavors.

As I mentioned in a past column, I rely on my eldest son to tell me what new attractions there are here in the metropolis, as he’s the one who goes around town very often. This time, however, I heard about a new place from a former colleague who is now its marketing director.

I didn’t want to check out the place by myself so I brought my eldest son with me. Just as well. Because being the blue-blooded discoverer that he is, he took the time to check out every nook and cranny of the place and had a lot of things to say about what he saw.

I’m talking here of the newest mega-buffet restaurant in the metropolis, six Doors 3D Barbecue Buffet, which, I’m sure, will soon be the favorite of foodies and discriminating diners. since my son had the patience to check out every single item on the kilometric buffet, while I enjoyed a few of my favorite entrées and a cold beer, I’m once again yielding my space to my son. Here’s what he has to say: In the world of smokeless grill buffets, where “all-you-can-eat” is pretty much the same as “you-can-eat-all,” i.e., everything from A to Z, there’s little any restaurant can do to make itself different from the others.

Yet, newcomer six Doors 3D Barbecue Buffet seems to be the right brand that can break the mold for this type of dining experience. It has a kind of magic about it that makes you leave the place full in more ways than just stuffing your tummies.

Turn to D2

Turn to D2

(Part 2)

By Bernadette Lunas

I

T WAs the tail end of winter when our media group went to Melbourne, Australia. We woke up to a fair weather with a cold breeze and crisp air on our last day there.

The sun was shining in the morning. Coat and sunglasses were necessary. Then, before we had our lunch at Queen Victoria Market, it rained.

De Bortoli's Chardonnay and Noble One (left) and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie's gourmet chocolate collection (right)

Melbourne is known for having four seasons in one day. A day may start off bright and sunny, but come afternoon it might be overcast with a bit of light drizzle.

“The typical Australian weather changes every five minutes; it rains then it’s sunny,” said Nigel, our tour guide.

According to locals, the tugof-war between seasons is due in part to its location in the mid latitude. Being in the temperate zone—or the zone between the tropics and the polar regions— it is influenced by both the cold weather in the south and the warm weather in the north.

For reference: summer in Melbourne is from December to Feb-

WITH 700 meters of pristine white beach overlooking azure waters, combined with a superb service and amenities, Club Paradise Palawan is truly a piece of paradise.

The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc.-managed hotel is an eco-tourism destination that ofThe hotel fers natural is nestled wonders and in a exciting acUNEsCO tivities for biosphere all types of reserve guests— which includes from the a turtle adventure nesting seeker to site. the romantic, from a barkada or family to solo travelers who simply want to indulge in a re relaxing, quiet getaway.

Only an hour away from Busuanga Airport, Club Paradise is nestled in a UNEsCO biosphere reserve which includes a turtle nesting site and protected marine sanctuary. As part of its EcoConserve advocacy to preserve and protect its environment, sustainable practices and initiatives are being implemented. These include proper

ruary, autumn is from March to May, winter is from June to August, and spring is from september to November. The city enjoys warm summers, lovely springs, mild autumns, and crisp, snow-less winters Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, erratic weather notwithstanding, Melbourne grows high quality grapes for light wines.

Wines and chocolates at Yarra Valley

An hour away from Melbourne CBD is Yarra Valley, home to several boutique wineries and the biggest handmade chocolaterie in Australia.

The upper region which surrounds the Yarra River was Vic-

garbage management, coastal cleanups, and tree care.

Weary travelers and vacationers can recharge in Club Paradise Palawan’s spacious and comfortable suites and villas. The Garden View provides a refreshing view of the rich island flora, as well as connects to a sunrise Villa.

The Garden suite, on the other hand, has its own private balcony. The s sunrise Villa and sunset Villa have their own balcony plus a hammock where guests can chillax to their heart’s content.

Guests can sat- isfy their food cravings or simply chill with glass of their favorite drink—alcoholic or otherwise—at the Firefish Restaurant and Lounge, which offers a menu of local and international ala carte meals, with some ingredients sourced sustainably from its Taranuman farm.

The Dugong bar, with its wide selection of wines, cocktails, and spirits, is

toria’s first wine growing district.

Yarra Valley’s official website said vines were first planted in the region in 1838 by the Ryrie brothers on their property known today as Chateau Yering.

It is recognized for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the country.

De Bortoli, one of the internationally known names in the region, is the second largest winery in Yarra Valley, covering 200 hectares of vineyard.

The 90-year-old winery let our group try its reds and whites, including its award-winning dessert wine, accompanied by cheeses.

We tried their light-tasting Riesling paired with Meredith Goat

Six doorS to an international culinary journey

a piece of paradiSe in palawan Club Paradise Palawan offers an array of sun-sand-sea activities.

perfect for enjoying the island’s wondrous sunset.

Those who fancy a boodle fight-style lunch can host a fun meal with the gang at Hidden Beach, while couples

can indulge in a romantic dinner at the beachfront.

After a day of frolicking at the beach, guests can soothe those tense muscles with a massage from Glow spa,

which uses only all natural and organic massage oils, or relax at the Entertainment Room or reinvigorate their tired spirit at the Yoga area.

Turn to D2

destinations

D2

sunday, december 9, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

six Doors...

From D1

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From D1

The restaurant’s officers—Tony Toh (comptroller), Vicky yee (general manager), Laurence aurelio (megaworld assistant vice president-Leasing), and Jack Wang (president)

Located on the second floor of bonifacio Global city’s uptown mall, this new entry in the metro’s culinary list engages one’s senses, from the moment you walk through its main entrance. With their 3d projections on the wall, the inner child in everyone will be mesmerized and entertained. children of all ages will also have the time of their lives interacting with the giant projected aquarium right behind the multi-purpose stage that has been set up for the musical entertainment lined up for the restaurant’s guests.

The regular tabletop grilling experience is amazingly complemented by the international cuisine prepared by chefs from all over the world. With food from all around asia, europe, and the americas, this buffet restaurant truly gives you the World-On-a-Plate experience.

It has a showroom where customers can choose from over 250 belgian chocolate products—from spreads to bars, a chocolate production area, and an all-day café set on 16 hectares of orchard and landscaped gardens. chocolate lovers must try its single-origin gourmet chocolate collection, available in 12 flavors, including mango and Passion Fruit, roasted nuts and dried Fruit, sesame and Poppy caramel crunch, strawberry and Vanilla bean, Praline and coconut and macadamia, Violet and Forest berries, Lemon Lime and mint, crunchy choco malt and Honeycomb, Ginger and Lemon myrtle, cookies and cream, Orange and almonds, and its bestselling macadamia and salted caramel. each chocolate bar, priced at 11,95 australian dollars, makes for a perfect gift or pasalubong as its packaging features lovely artwork of the surrounding areas in yarra Valley.

The graffiti walls on Hosier Lane showcase the active street art scene in melbourne.

Colorful houses and laneways

There is so much that has been said to melbourne’s multi-cultural population. Of its 4.8 million residents, about 36 percent are immigrants—mostly coming from the united Kingdom, India, and china.

Its cultural diversity is reflected in its restaurants, which serves a variety of cuisines. being a melting pot of cultures, the city is home to the best-known cultural institutions and has been recognized as a global center for live music, theatre, and street art.

Its most colorful alley, the Hosier Lane is a popular landmark due to its graffiti walls, showcasing the active street art scene in the city. Tourists come here to take photos of the walls, while locals working in cafés go

colorful bathing boxes, which store beach equipment, line the shore of brighton beach.

worlds—where contemporary buildings such as the modern Federation square, a venue for arts and public events on the edge of the cbd, and Victorian-designed Flinders railway station and st. Paul cathedral are just an intersection away.

It is also a place where people can shop at outlet stores in dFO south Wharf and at hundreds of stalls in the Queen Victoria market.

Looking for branded items and local goods? a pair of uggs and packs of juicy winter-grown strawberries?

A mix of old and new They’ve got it. melbourne offers the best of both There’s so much to see and experi-

here for their cigarette break. another vibrant sight in melbourne is the row of 82 distinctive bathing boxes, featuring classic Victorian architectural features, lining the shore of brighton beach. They may be small, made of timber, and have no electricity and running water, but these boxes are not cheap— you will need about aud$300,000 to own one. It sure is pricey to own a room where you can change and store your beach equipment.

ence in this city. all you need is an open mind and a light parka in case it rains. * * * Cebu Pacific now flies non-stop from Manila to Melbourne on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 a.m., and from Melbourne to Manila on the same days at 5:00 p.m. Melbourne is Cebu Pacific’s second Australian destination, after Sydney. For inquiries and reservations, call Cebu Pacific’s hotline at (02) 702-0888 or log on to www.cebupacificair.com.

Photos by Rosemarie Razon

The OPm hitmen—richard reynoso, renz Verano, rannie raymundo, and chad borja

since it wants to be known as the trendiest buffet restaurant in the country, it pulled out all the stops to get to that goal. With a whopping 228-seating capacity, its open dining area makes customers feel they’re dining with royalty. replete with cozy, spacious, and elegantly designed furniture, the guests will definitely enjoy their culinary adventure. comfortable function rooms, for 10-40 customers, and equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, are available for those who opt for a more private event.

The pinnacle of the customer’s awesome experience will have to be the

YOUR weekend CHUCkLe When I see lovers’ names carved in a tree, I don’t think it’s sweet. I just think it’s surprising how many people bring a knife on a date.

restaurant’s VIP rooms. each of the “six doors” leads to a unique VIP private enclave with visual projections on the wall that will “transport” the VIPs to any of the following destinations: beijing, seoul, Tokyo, rio de Janeiro, Washington, d.c., and the city of Love, Paris.

Proud to have the country’s first and only table mapping projections, the restaurant’s VIP rooms guarantee the customers an awesome dining experience. such is taken to a higher level as the dining plates and the spaces around them virtually come to life, with creative visuals in vivid colors prancing around, while guests wait for their food to be served.

These VIP rooms also provide a special butler service and an exclusive topof-the-line menu selection, definitely assuring the guests of a first-class dining experience. six doors 3d barbecue buffet, which officially opened this week, has married the best of international cuisine with state-of-the-art technology to truly differentiate itself from a plethora of buffet restaurants in the city.

If these other restaurants brag about their being “a door to a great culinary experience,” can you imagine what sIX dOOrs can offer you?

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

The Queen Victoria market features hundreds of stalls selling a variety of wares, souvenirs, and produce among others.

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meanwhile, the Kids Tree House will keep children entertained for hours. and at 4:00 p.m. daily, there’s a special program called “discovery scouts” where they can learn about the ocean, trees, and other eco-friendly practices. club Paradise Palawan also offers guests an array of activities such as snorkeling at the house reef where they can meet schools of Jacks, mantas, Green sea Turtles and more. The adventurous types can go kayaking, paraw sailing, hiking to eagle’s point (the highest part of the island), island hopping, rope relay, and intro or professional scuba diving.

Visit www.clubparadisepalawan.com for more information.

club Paradise Palawan in coron is an eco-tourism destination that offers natural wonders and exciting activities for all types of guests.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2018

CATRIONA GRAY

GUNS FOR PH’S 4TH MISS UNIVERSE CROWN The statuesque model during the Thai Gala Dinner highlighted by the Thai Silk fashion show featuring the delegates.

By Eton Concepcion

I

N 2016, Catriona Gray was widely predicted to bag the Philippines second Miss World crown, but she lost to a Puerto Rican woman. Will Miss World’s loss be Miss Universe’s gain?

All eyes are in the country’s Miss Universe bet as she flew to Thailand for the 67th Miss Universe pageant. “Off to Thailand to represent my beautiful country, the Philippines ‘mahal kita’ I hope to make you proud,” Gray posted on Instagram even as she thanked everyone who worked with her in her journey and her parents for their encouragement.

“Venturing off on an adventure of a lifetime and my thoughts turn back to the people who believed in me since the very beginning. Mom and Dad, thank you for always lifting me up and guiding me to become the woman I am today. Although you couldn’t be here to see me off. I love you both so much and see you in Thailand,” the 24-year-old Fil-Australian model said.

Expectations are high for a Catriona victory at this year’s Miss Universe pageant based on pageant websites’ prearrival forecasts making her the number one favorite for the title. As a sign of great things

Ahead of her arrival in Bangkok, Thailand, Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray was already grabbing the attention of pageant fanatics. Now in Thailand, it is said that she's the most guarded delegate being the most popular candidate among international and local fans.

to come, Gray arrived in Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport to a warm welcome from a group of young, cheering Thai students carrying her name in big letters. Catriona was wearing a stylized Thai Chakkri asymmetric emerald green corset designed by Anthony Ramirez.

Gray has gained a wide following among Thai fans since she posted a video declaring her love for Thailand as one of her favorite travel destinations. Thais also expressed excitement for Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers and Miss Spain Angela Ponce, a transsexual model whose entry in the pageant has met opposition from some candidates including Miss Colombia Valeria Morales.

Catriona, who was born in Cairns, Queensland to Scottish father Ian Gray and Filipino mother from Oas, Albay, Normita Magnayon, earned a Certificate in Music Theory from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as a Certificate in Outdoor Recreation. She is a black belt in Choi Kwang-Do martial arts and was the lead singer of her school’s jazz band.

Catriona has revealed her extensive preparations for the tough competition including her signature ‘Lava’ walk. Gray has revealed that she will wear an evening gown highlighted with Filipino symbolism by designer Mak Tumang, a well-distinguished name and esteemed personality on the local and international fashion scene.

Follow Catriona’s performances at the Miss Universe 2018 itineraries: National Costume Competition (Dec. 11), Preliminary Competition (Dec. 13), Red Carpet Event (Dec. 16) and the Finals (Dec. 17).

TOP TWITTER PH HASHTAGS IN 2018 WHATEVER happens, it happens on Twitter.

Last year, Philippines’ Twitter timeline was ruled by the entertainment industry. As 2018 bids farewell, Filipinos have proven that Twitter is the go-to platform to track #WhatsHappening in the Pinoy entertainment scene, as it dominated the conversation this year once again.

This 2018, entertainment remained to be the biggest conversation driver among Pinoy users. It was a year top billed by local and international talents from BTS and EXO to Maine Mendoza and Mayward.

Here are Twitter’s lists of the hashtags that reigned on the platform in 2018: 1. #BTS—Filipino fans and supporters of the Korean boy band, Bangtan Boys dominated this years’ top hashtag. BTS fans continue to show their love for their idols across the country through the platform. Looking back, Filipino fans rooted for them at the Kids’ Choice Awards, which contributed to the band’s success in winning the orange blimp for Favorite Global Music Star.

2. #EXO—The K-Pop scene is truly strong in the Philippines. Filipino fans didn’t fail the band as it took the spot on this year’s top hashtag as they kept Twitter alight of their support for their idols. 2018 is a memorable year for PHIXO-Ls as they have witnessed EXO’s comeback through a concert in the country, EXO PLANET #4 last April 28. Fans expressed their warm support for the band at the Mall of Asia Arena and on the Twitter platform.

3. #MORPinoyBiga10—My Only Radio or MOR 101.9 For Life has been known on supporting Original Pilipino Music. As such, every weekend they do a weekly round up on the most requested Pinoy music. Fans gathered on Twitter using the #MORPinoyBiga10 to Tweet in their requested song of their favor Pinoy artist.

4.. #ABSCBNBall2018—This first-ever #ABSCBNBall2018 has been one of the most awaited events of the network as this year’s ball showcased the full roster of Kapamilya stars compared to the previous years’ which was limited to the Star Magic artists. The charity ball generated 5.6 million Tweets from fans all over the Philippines and overseas.

5. #MaineMendoza—The reigning top female celebrity on Twitter, Maine Mendoza’s constant success shows her fans’ endearment for her. Twitter never gets dull with Maine fans Tweeting on their happiness and excitement seeing their idol blooms in her career.

6. #PushAwardsMayWards—One of the most anticipated awarding that recognizes today’s Kapamilya top online influencers promoting positivity in the digital realm is now on its fourth year. Using #PushAwardsMayWards, MayWard fans show their eagerness to get their favorite love team to win at this year’s #PushAwards2018. 7. #Mayward—Former PBB housemates and one of the most soughtafter love teams, Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber continue to make a name both as a love team and individually as they take on several projects this year. Fans of MayWard constantly share their kilig moments on Twitter.

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray enjoying her time with her co-candidates at Miss Universe in Thailand.

ALDEN RICHARDS IS FILIPINO SANTA IN ‘DAIG KAYO NG LOLA KO’

Alden Richards in a scene from 'Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko'

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

IT’S that time of the year again.

Christmas begins early in GMA’s top-rating program Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko as it treats its loyal viewers this December with a month-long special featuring multi-talented actor and Pambansang Bae Alden Richards.

Alden breathes life to Nonoy, a simple, kind and giving man who works as a tour guide in Batangas.

Nonoy believes in the spirit of Christmas so much.

He gets disappointed when the people think of Christmas as something that would just pass by. It seems everyone has lost excitement over it. He wishes he can do something

so people can start believing again in the magic of love, joy and happiness that Christmas brings.

Unknown to him, in Santa’s magical land, Santa Claus is preparing his elves to go to different countries so they can assist his chosen Santa for each country. Santa sends one of his gnomes to the Philippines and lands in front of Nonoy’s house.

Will Santa’s elf help Nonoy with his goal? And will Nonoy be of help to Santa as well?

Find out what happens in Alden’s adventures as Santa Claus in Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko every Sunday on GMA Sunday Grande.

8. #DyisIsItManila—This is another weekly round-up of MOR 101.9 for Life wherein they play the top 10 most requested OPM song for the week. Fans were eager in supporting their favorite Pinoy artist. As of now, Maymay Entrata leads the top chart with her single “Bituin”.

9. #ALDUBWithBroadwayBoys—Aldub has been consistently trending everyday. Without a doubt, fans continue to be very supportive of the phenomenal love team - Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards, even though they have pursued individual projects. In July, Aldub fans were definitely awed with their musical number from a broadway musical, Grease, in the noontime show where their love team was born, Eat Bulaga.

10. #TheHowsOfUs —Top billed by the famous love team of their generation, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla , the story revolves around a young couple’s dream of growing old together as they as they dealt with the ups and downs of a long-term relationship. The movie was a blockbuster with KathNiel Fans sustaining the conversation on Twitter.

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sunday, december 9, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

a christMas wish list

W

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

ishes of an animal welfare advocate may seem simple. But they may take time to manifest.

This is okay lover.

May pet tales as one lesthere be a law By desiree carlos son that an regulating animal welfare breeding. advocate has 2. May all pet learned is to be patient. owners learn to be responsible and it takes time for a rescued dog truly loving parents. May they have or a cat to heal physically, mentally their pets vaccinated against illness and emotionally. and rabies, and provide the approit takes times for a rescued dog or priate food and other needs of their cat to be adopted. some may not pets. May they find time to hug and even be adopted because they are play with their pet. May they give too old or they have a disability. them time to roam and to walk.

This is why we, animal welfere 3. May all people be kind to advocates, have become very pa- animals, specially to stray dogs tient beings. and cats.

Though my wishes may not 4. May all circuses and zoos be manifest soon or even in my closed, and all animals used for lifetime, i would like to list these entertainment be freed from such down and i now claim that they an abuse. have come true.

5. May all kill pounds be turned here is a list of my top 10 wishes into shelters where caught anifor Christmas: mals are provided proper care as 1. May people adopt animals required by the law. May the dogs from shelters of animal welfare and cats be put up for adoption groups and the pounds, instead instead of killing them or allowing of buying pups and kittens from them to die slowly due to hunger backyard and irresponsible breed- and illnesses for which they are ers. May people stop giving . pups not given treatment at all. and kittens as presents this Christ6. May more people feed the mas without even finding out if hungry stray dogs and cats, and the recipient is indeed an animal not hurt them.

My Furry Bestie

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

Dathir will turn one year old on Dec. 17 but he is one big doggy. he is one gentle giant. he is ready to be adopted by a loving, lifetime hooman.

sylmar, paralyzed due to lack of proper nutrition during pregnancy, needs special care. But she is doing well in the foster home where she is with rescued dogs like her.

seb and Dos, rescued by save Animals of Love and Light (save ALL), just laze around the foster home.

Nathaniel and Onyok, born with splayed legs, can walk and run as they were give a massage five times a day while they were growing up and supplements for their bones and nerves. They are are lovable as dogs with no disability.

7. May more people support animal welfare groups by adopting rescued animals from them, fostering and donating funds, food and medicine. May they be more discerning and careful, and avoid supporting scammers and pseudo-rescuers who make money out of the misery of dogs and cats. There are a lot of these people who live off on donations for the dogs and cats they “rescued” but who put the animals in dirty places. These people “self-medicate” the dogs and cats to save on donations and do not provide sufficient food for the dogs and cats despite the donations. May these scammers and pseudo-rescuers be exposed, now.

8. May there be more veterinarians who are truly compassionate towards animals.

9. May the government make spaying and neutering of pets their priority project, hand in hand with the anti-rabies campaign.

There will never be an end to the anti-rabies campaign and government will just need more funds if the animal population is not controlled through spaying and neutering.

10. May all government agencies tasked to implement the Animal Welfare Act be strict in enforcing the provisions of the law.

All these i claim now. And so it is. And so be it. it is done!

PePPeR was just a month-old Pomeranian when Garet Bang-on first met her. “i fell in love with her instantly, “ Garet says.

Garet named her Pepper because “i find it cute and adorable.”

Garet adds: “she was super shy and stiff at first and a bit frightened. Finally, after a few weeks she adjusted to her new home.”

Pepper also “loves eating and has a very good appetite. Believe me, she can empty her bowl in a jiffy,” says Garet “she's very sweet and playful to me but gets furious with people she is not familiar with. The thing i love the most about her is her fluffy appearance. i find it so cute and charming. Pepper is now six months old and still looks adorable and dashing,” Garet adds.

COOKie, five-year-old Bichon Frise, is a very generous baby who loves giving her owner Len inigo lots of kisses! “she loves long road trips and playing with her hooman,” says Len. Editor's note: These stories were compiled by admin Miks Lim of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), a SEC-registered animal welfare group that helps animals in need, and encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from fosters, shelters and pounds, and spaying and neutering of pets to control animal population in the country, among others.

Food you Must avoid giving to your cat TheRe are good food and then there are, of course, bad food for cats.

Below are the toxic food for cats from homeoAnimal: 1. ONiONs AND GARLiC Do not give cooked, raw, dehydrated or powdered onions and garlic to cats. These food contain sulfoxides and disulphides which can poison your cat and lead to anemia and gastrointestinal problems, among others.

2. RAW eGGs Cats can get salmonella from eating raw eggs. The symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy.

Raw eggs also contain an enzyme called avidin which can decrease the absorption of a B vitamin called biotin. This can lead to hair coat and skin problems.

Tres, the cat, roams freely in the garden.

Thus, the garden must always be cleared of all poisonous food and plants.

3. ALCOhOL Alcohol can cause intoxication, coma and death. A small amount can damage the cat’s liver and brain.

Alcohol is very toxic to cats because the body absorbs it fast.

4. YeAsT DOUGh A dough ingested by a cat will rise and expand inside his stomach. it cause him pain. it will make the stomach stretch which can rupture the stomach and intestines.

While the dough is inside your cat’s stomach and fermenting, the yeast will release alcohol. This is more dangerous to your cat.

5. RAW Fish Raw fish can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats. it can also lead to poisoning because of the bacteria in raw fish.

Raw fish can also destroy the vitamin ThiAMiNe which is important to cats. Without thiamine, the cat can experience neurological problems and can also lead to loss of appetite, seizures and death.

6. GReeN TOMATOes OR POTATOes These food contain the poisonous alkaloid called Glycoalkaloid solanine. “it is very toxic and it can lead to lower gastrointestinal problems. some pet foods contain tomatoes, but they are in very small quantity and are ripe, so they don’t represent a problem,” homeoAnimal says.

7. ChOCOLATe Theobromine is a toxic substance in chocolates.

“Chocolate toxicity can lead to tremors, irregular heart rhythm, seizures and death. All types of chocolate are dangerous for your cat. even white chocolate.

But the worst type is baking chocolate.

After that, dark chocolate. Then milk chocolate, and the less dangerous one is white chocolate, “ homeoAnimal says.

8. MiLK PRODUCTs Kittens can be given milk but milk is not good for adult cats.

“Adult cats are lactose intolerant. They have a difficult time processing dairy products since they don’t have a sufficient amount of the lactase enzyme which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in an upset stomach and diarrhea. if you really want to give milk to your cat, you can buy at your local pet store lactose-free milk. This way, your kitty can have his milk without the downsides, “ homeoAnimal says.

9. CAFFeiNe Caffeine is very dangerous for cats. Do

not give coffee, tea, chocolate, colas and even cold medicines to your cat.

“A small dose of caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, tremors and heart palpitations. A large amount of caffeine can be fatal and lead to death,” homeoAnimal says.

10. XYLiTOL Xylitol increases a cat’s insulin levels which will lower the sugar level.

Worse, it can also lead to liver failure Do not give gum, candy, toothpaste, diet foods and baked foods.

“The first signs of xylitol intoxication are vomiting, loss of coordination and lethargy. The symptoms can increase to a seizure and eventually resulting liver failure, “ homeAnimal says.

Do read up on what is good and what is bad for cats so that you will know what human food are safe for your cat.

Please ask all the humans in your home not to leave toxic food on the dining table.

Do ask them to also watch out for toxic food that may have fallen on the floor.

Please bring your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect any kind of poisoning. DC