Manila Standard - 2019 January 2 - Wednesday

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Picture perfect fireworks display got year wrong SYDNEY―The spectacular fireworks show on Sydney’s harbor that rang in 2019 and dazzled spectators around the world was picture-perfect, except it got the year wrong.

More than 1.5 million people packed the harbor front of Australia’s largest city to watch the extravaganza, and noticed a sign beamed onto one of the Sydney Harbor Bridge’s pylons had the words “Happy New Year 2018!”

Photos of the typo were shared on social media sites.

“According to Sydney, it’s still 2018, so I’m going back to bed,” one Twitter user quipped.

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GLARING GAFFE.

VOL. XXXII • NO. 321 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody prods Pinoys to help in drug war STRONG SENTIMENT. Mother Lenie Felisailda Bonto, 31, hugs her baby Zairah, born at 1:05 a.m. on Jan. 1, at the Fabella Hospital, minutes after the fireworks that lighted up the Metro Manila sky started returning to their dust.

Norman Cruz

‘Cracker injuries down 68%; rain dampens use of fireworks—DOH

By Macon Ramos-Araneta AS A result of government restrictions and the rain that began in the last few days, the number of firecracker-related injuries during the New Year celebration for 2019 dropped 68 percent to only 139 cases from last year’s 428, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Tuesday.

“This is the biggest reduction in fireworks-related injuries. Remember there were also times in the past that it was also raining, but the injuries were high,” he said.

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WEATHER

‘Usman’ death toll hits 75; damage to farms mounting UP TO 75 people may have died in the aftermath of Tropical Depression “Usman” in Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas, the government said Tuesday as it verifies reports on the mounting death toll from floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain.

The latest unverified death toll came from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in its 6 a.m. update Tuesday.

"Usman" has so far affected 45,348 families or about 191,597 people living in 457 barangays in Calabarzon,

Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

Of these, 6,637 families or 24,894 people are being served in 170 evacuation centers while another 12,132 families or 54,665 people are being aided outside.

The NDRRMC also reported that 92 road sections and three bridges in Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas were affected by "Usman," with 51 already passable.

The Department of Agriculture recorded an increase in the damage and losses brought about by the storm, to P299.44 million.

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Tons of garbage after NY revelry

By Joel E. Zurbano MANY residents in Metro Manila who celebrated the New Year left tons of garbage on Tuesday and early Wednesday, drawing the ire of environmental activists.

The Ecowaste Coalition said many residents again welcomed the new year with piles of garbage around the metropolis.

TONS OF TRASH. Heaps of uncollected The group said the merrymakers left trash on the streets, sidewalks, parks and market garbage outside the Quiapo Catholic Church areas following the countdown to 2019 and in the heart of Manila provide an eyesore to the customary media noche feast. commuters and other passersby following the New Year celebration. Norman Cruz “It’s really great to see families happily

celebrating the New Year. But what makes this beautiful tradition ugly is our penchant to consume and throw a lot of things as can be seen from the overflowing bins to the garbage piles dotting our neighborhoods following the revelry,” said Ecowaste campaigner Daniel Alejandre.

“Many of our communities, especially in the thickly populated areas, are drowning in post-revelry garbage on the first day of January, which, incidentally, is observed as ‘Zero Waste Month.’ In some places, it may take a few days for the haulers to clear the streets of mini-dumps. We need to stop Next page trashing our communities.”

More than 1.5 million people gather at Sydney’s iconic Harbor Bridge and Opera House (far left and top middle) to look at the Sydney sky in erstwhile darkness pitch Monday night as they welcome the new year 2019, in light of a razzle-dazzle display of fireworks, then some laugh as their eyes are jabbed by the words ‘Happy New Year 2018.’ Three hours later in Eastwood-Quezon City, fireworks illuminate the Metro Manila sky (top right) with 300,000 revelers joining in the New year countdown. AFP

MILF denounces Cotabato mall blast; military sees terror hand

By Nash B. Maulana

By Nat Mariano

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged the public to help his administration in fight illegal drugs and crime in 2019 as he joined millions of Filipinos in celebrating New Year’s Day. “We welcome the new year full of hope and optimism... Let us all work hand in hand to defeat the ills of drugs, criminality, and corruption that stunt our development,” Duterte said in his message to celebrate the new year.

“I have no doubt that, with our patriotic fervor and with our solidarity as a people, we can overcome the challenges that impede our continued march towards a prosperous and progressive future,” he added.

The President said people should “reflect on storied past and learn from its lessons” so they could face the future with more confidence.

“Together, let us face all obstacles head-on, armed with the knowledge and brimming with hope that we can triumph over any struggles that we may face as a Next page

COTABATO CITY—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has added its voice to those condemning the bomb attack that killed two persons and wounded 31 others along a busy thoroughfare outside a mall on Monday.

At the same time, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission under MILF first vice chairman Ghazzali Jaafar urged the Office of the President to direct national law enforcement agencies to help determine the real perpetrators of the bomb attack and bring them to justice.

In an official statement sent to news organizations, MILF Chairman Hadji Murad Ibrahim said the MILF “condemns in the highest possible terms” Monday’s bomb attack.

“The dastardly act of [placing] an improvised explosive device [IED] with intent to kill or harm civilians is an act of cowardice, inhuman, and atrocious,” Murad said.

Murad called on “concerned authorities to sincerely and thoroughly investigate this evil act”—saying that ascribing any motive would be too premature at this time.

“We ask the authorities to examine all angles and make the result of the same public. We should not allow any party or group to make premature conclusions or draw insinuations so as to advance their own personal interest and political agenda,” he said.

He said the MILF sympathizes with the victims, and that the families of the Next page

BEFORE

TODAY AND BEFORE. The 16-hectare shipshape Luneta by Manila Bay, its manicured greens fronting the nearly 13-meter stone Rizal Monument (above) on nonholidays of the week, becomes some front yard for families from different parts of the capital (below) as they await the arrival of 2019. Norman Cruz AFTER

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News

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody...

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BLAST VICTIM. A person injured by firecrackers is cared for at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila early on Jan. 1, 2019, after New Year’s celebrations. Adding to the danger of annual fireworks celebrations in the streets, there are over 1.2 million unlicensed firearms in the Philippines and some of those are used in the festivities. AFP

7 cops, 16 other people face gun raps T

WENTY-THREE people, including seven policemen, will face charges for illegally discharging their firearms from Dec. 16, 2018, to Jan. 1, 2019, Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said Tuesday.

safety duties in places where people gather, including transportation hubs and bus terminals during the holidays.

The police arrested 97 people for selling or using prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Esquivel said except for a lone attempted homicide that took place at 10:30 pm on Monday in Gulod village in Novaliches and 11 firecrackerrelated injuries, there were no other crimes reported.

He credited the almost zero-crime incidents and generally peaceful celebration of the New Year to the policemen who patrolled the streets despite the rainy weather.

“As a whole, we deployed 1,405 police officers on the streets and identified firecracker zones in different villages. I ordered my men to apprehend those behind indiscriminate firing and the use of illegal firecrackers,” Esquivel said.

“Because of this, we had a generally peaceful New Year celebration.”

At least 965 violators of city ordinances were accosted and two were arrested for illegal drug use from Dec. 31 until Jan. 1.

Firecracker-related injuries also decreased, with only 11 incidents reported compared to 25 in 2017.

Rio N. Araja bunsuan Complex here.

Hataman urged investigators to look deeply into the case and ensure that civilians do not get caught up in terror.

“We cannot afford to be divisive at this moment. Only by melding together can we bring about peace and justice,” he said.

He urged civil leaders and security officials to remain united.

“What we need is to be composed, to redouble our efforts, and to hold on to our dream of peace in the region. We cannot be divided on this front,” Hataman added.

The Japanese government and the European Union on Tuesday stood in solidarity with the Philippines following the mall bombing.

As a country “strongly condemning violent extremism,” Japan stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Philippines, Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda said in a statement.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen, meanwhile, said his thoughts and prayers go to the victims as he reiterated the bloc’s support to the ongoing peace process in Mindanao.

“The EU fully supports the ongoing peace process in Mindanao. I frequently visit Cotabato and am impressed each time by the progress made, and the commitment of my counterparts to build a better future for the region.

Peace and reconciliation is the way forward. Violence and hatred will never succeed,” he said in a separate statement.

“The New Year brings new hope to us all, and we stand together with the Philippine government in its efforts to make the country more peaceful and safer,” he added. With PNA and poor waste segregation contribute to the huge amounts of garbage that require disposal after the holidays.

“While we demand that manufacturers embrace clean production and extended producer responsibility, we as consumers need to consume responsibly, choose products in least packaging and ditch single-use plastics altogether. We should also properly sort our discards to facilitate their reuse, recycling or composting,” Alejandre said.

He made the statement even as Quezon City Police Chief Joselito Esquivel Jr. said there were no reported cases of stray bullets and almost “zero-crime” incidents in Quezon City during the holidays.

Albayalde said aside from the policemen, the others who were caught illegally firing their guns were two government officials, one Armed Forces of the Philippines serviceman, 10 civilians,

two security guards and one law enforcement agent.

“As I have promised, there will be no mercy for errant personnel who will fire their guns to celebrate the holidays,” Albayalde said in a statement.

“The full might of the law will be applied to these trigger-happy gun owners.”

The PNP deployed 26,676 policemen for general law enforcement and public

‘Usman’...

MILF...

In the latest bulletin of the DADisaster Risk Reduction and Management Operation Center issued at 5 p.m. Monday, damage to rice crops alone was recorded at P266.98 million with 7,496 metric tons volume production loss.

The total affected areas planted to palay was 12,858 hectares and 9,622 farmers in the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Quezon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Samar were affected.

Taiwan has offered assistance to the Philippines.

“To help [the] affected people overcome the adversities and promptly restore their lives back to normal, Taiwan is willing to cooperate with the Philippines by providing necessities and assistances specifically required by the affected people,” the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Manila said in a statement Monday. No figure was specified, however.

On Tuesday, residents and officials of Lope de Vega in Northern Samar sought immediate help.

Mayor Anna Tan-Palloc said they are in need of housing materials, food, water, hygiene kits, and used clothing after “Usman” brought heavy rains and floods in their town last week.

Palloc said at least 389 houses have been destroyed, and 729 have been damaged by the storm.

She said that some upland and interior barangays have remained inaccessible and without power supply. PNA, Ronald O. Reyes

fatalities and the wounded deserved true justice.

He said it is for the reason of securing the community that the MILF and the government, together with all their partners in the peace process, have pushed hard for the passage of Bangsamoro Organic Law” to establish a “government that can really protect and promote the peace and security of the place and its peoples.”

In a BTC statement, Jaafar said it was unfortunate that one of the fatalities was an employee--Jonathan Torribiano, who was a driver for BTC Commissioner Melanio Ulama.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, secretary-general of the MILF’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party, said while residents should be thankful for a prompt defusing of “explosives found in the baggage counter of the mall,” reports falsely identified Nur Misuari, founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as the owner of the South Seas Mall.

Sinarimbo said residents knew that the mall is not owned by Misuari but by the Lim family, who have been engaged in legitimate businesses after settling in Tawi-Tawi in the early 1960s, when Misuari was still virtually unknown.

Military officials said they believed the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters had a hand in the bombing.

Among those injured in Monday’s bombing, which came at about 2 p.m., were 10 minors, according to Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID).

He said initial investigation led to the BIFF, which has shifted to attacking non-combatants, starting with the twin bombings in Isulan in September 2018.

“We are not discounting the possibility that the Daesh-inspired group was responsible in the bombing,” Sobejana said.

Senior Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director, said police are reviewing the closed circuit TV (CCTV) camera footage taken at South Seas Mall to help identify the perpetrators.

“Our authorities have the information about the suspects, as to the motive, that is being determined,” Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said in a news conference some two hours after the blast.

Octavio said bomb experts recovered about one kilo of cut nails, a plastic container with traces of black powder and broken parts of a mobile phone at the blast site.

In a follow-up operation inside the mall, police found another bomb in the second-floor baggage counter left by a still unidentified man.

“A CCTV captured the man’s facial features,” Octavio said.

Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the 00Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao also condemned the attack, calling those behind it “evil.”

“We are irrevocably grieved about the casualties incurred, thoroughly condemn this act, and call for a thorough investigation. We need to make sure acts like these never happen again, and that the perpetrator is brought to justice,” Hataman said in a statement released Monday.

Cotabato City, though not part of ARMM, hosts the administrative center of the region through its Shariff Ka-

Tons...

ardous residuals from firecrackers and fireworks,” Alejandre said.

His group witnessed widespread dumping at the Balintawak market in Quezon City, along Recto Avenue and adjacent streets in Divisoria, Manila, at the Monumento, Caloocan City and around the Marikina City Public Market.

Reports from the Metro Manila Development Authority showed that Quezon City topped the list in garbage production in the metropolis, generating

3,610 tons per day. It was followed by Manila and Caloocan City at 1,175 and 913 tons per day, respectively.

Marikina City ranked sixth at 460 tons per day after Parañaque City (635 tons per day) and Makati City (474 tons per day).

The MMDA says Metro Manila produces 9,872 tons of garbage daily, constituting close to 25 percent of the national daily waste production at 40,000 tons.

Ecowaste says crass consumerism

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Based on the monitoring conducted Tuesday morning by the group’s members, the streets surrounding bargain hubs and market places were found to be the filthiest, with the trash strewn in wide areas.

“We found mixed wastes dumped in the streets, including leftover food, product packaging, plastics and haz-

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nation,” the President said, wishing everyone a “blessed and bountiful” new year.

Malacañang also echoed the President’s sentiment in wishing the public a peace new year as they welcomed the results of the latest survey showing that majority of Filipinos are hopeful with 2019 even as the latest figure was lower than the record-breaking result last year.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) said nine out of 10 respondents or 92 percent in its latest survey said they enter 2019 with optimism. This was four points below the previous recordhigh 96 percent for 2018.

On the other hand, Filipinos entering the New Year with fear increased by four points to 8 percent.

Still, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the latest survey results were a testament that even with the “demolition job” and “the climate of negativity” used against the government in 2018, the majority of the Filipinos remain optimistic under the Duterte administration.

The Palace official then cited some developments in government’s policy programs as he believes “there is much to celebrate” even with the imposition of the second round of fuel excise tax increase this year.

“The country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain solid and robust.

There is construction everywhere in the National Capital Region with the President’s Build-Build-Build program already in its implementation stage, the crime rate is down, and people now feel safer,” he said.

He then expressed confidence that the public will continue to rally behind the government towards genuine change and prosperity.

‘Cracker...

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At a news conference at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City, Duque said President Rodrigo Duterte’s executive order limiting the use of firecrackers to community fireworks displays was a big factor in the decline.

The EO prohibits residential and personal use of fireworks, and restricts their use to community fireworks zones.

“Nature, this time, took the side of DOH. It has been raining in the past several days and unrelentingly so this also contributed on the substantive reduction of fireworks-related injuries,” Duque added.

No stray bullet injuries or deaths were recorded this year.

Of the 139 firecracker-related injuries, two were due to ingestion. Five cases resulted in amputation, and 36 cases caused eye injuries.

The regions with the most number of firecracker-related injuries were the National Capital Region (53 cases), Western Visayas (26 cases), Central Visayas (13 cases), Central Luzon (10 cases) and Calabarzon (10 cases).

Duque said the firecrackers which caused the most injuries include were (30 cases), boga (16 cases), piccolo (15 cases), lusis (eight cases) as well as five star (seven cases) and triangle (seven cases).

Duque said the number of injuries might rise yet due to late reports from the regions.

The report said 64 percent of the victims were active users of firecrackers, while 36 percent were bystanders.

Duque said he supports a total ban on firecrackers but said the government would first set up livelihood programs for people who would be hurt by such a ban.

“We cannot be reckless. We have to be clear about the alternative livelihood programs for people who will be displaced because of the ban.

That is the more compelling reason that we need to look into,” he said.

With PNA

Picture perfect...

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Another wrote: “Oh will this horrible year never end.”

Organizers the City of Sydney, who invested huge resources and time into planning one of the world’s first New Year’s parties, saw the funny side of the mistake.

“We just laughed about it, you know these things happen as we said, it takes 15 months to organize an event of this size and scale,” the fireworks’ executive producer Anna McInerney told reporters in Sydney Tuesday.

“Obviously we weren’t pleased, but look, you move on, you just get back to doing the show.” AFP

News Solon lauds SC for upholding Anti-Hospital Deposit Law

By Maricel V. Cruz HOSPITALS will now be held liable in case an emergency patient, including pregnant women, are refused admittance due to their failure to pose a deposit and dies.

This was declared by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting as he lauded the Supreme Court’s decision which upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 10932 or the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law. Tambunting was one of the principal authors of the measure at the House of Representatives.

“I am proud our Supreme Court has ruled that this law has not violated the rights of our hospitals, said Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on games and amusements.

“Clearly, there was no real basis for this case to have been filed in the first place,” he said.

Tambunting added that “no Filipino must be deprived of basic emergency care due to poverty. We ask our hospitals to be our partner in achieving this goal.”

The Supreme Court ruled that “If the Court were to invalidate the questioned law on the basis of conjectures and suppositions, then it would be unduly treading questions of policy and wisdom not only of the legislature that passed it, but also of the executive which approved it.”

The law increased the penalties against hospitals which require deposits before accepting patients in emergency or serious cases.

The coverage of the law extends to pregnant women in active labor as one of the emergency cases which hospitals cannot refuse. It also makes the hospital liable in case a patient dies due to the refusal of treatment by the medical facility.

Tambunting said RA 10932 is one of his legislative legacies as it will ensure the health of poor patients are not put at even greater risk simply because they do not have enough money to pay the advanced deposit.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

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CJ to go after ‘hoodlums in robes’ T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Supreme Court will intensify its crackdown against the so-called “hoodlum in robes” and corrupt personnel in the judiciary starting this year.

Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin said on Monday that he has ordered a purge against “misfits and scalawags” in the courts, especially in the provinces where there is prevalence of corruption.

Bersamin specifically instructed Court Administrator and spokesman Midas Marquez to start the cleansing with the courts in his home province of Abra.

“I directed [Marquez] to start with [my] home province of Abra. That is a marching order… no matter if they are my relatives or not,” Bersamin said.

The Chief Justice came from a political clan in Abra. He is the brother of former governor Eustaquio Bersamin and slain former representative Luis “Chavit” Bersamin Jr. The chief justice said that the campaign against corruption in judiciary should start in courts in the provinces where he believes there still is a strong perception that justice is only for the strong, the influential and the wealthy.

“Those judges and employees in the provinces who have contributed to this

wrong perception about the judiciary will have to go,” the top magistrate warned.

With this perception, Bersamin said there is need to “purge the judiciary of misfits and scalawags and enforce the rules of discipline.”

He said this is why he has set the anticorruption campaign as one of his priorities in his one-year tenure in the top judicial post.

Bersamin vowed to “institutionalize changes that are designed to expedite the administration of justice.”

The chief justice, who was appointed last November, also plans to revise the Rules of Court and implement reforms in the Bar exams as well as legal education in the country.

Bersamin admitted that court rules still l have provisions that institutionalize delay in resolution of cases, bringing the

need “to update our procedural rules to make them embody and be attuned to the technological developments.”

The top magistrate pointed out that such reform “will make the judicial system responsive to the public need for quick dispensation of justice.”

Bersamin also vowed to initiate reforms in the Bar exams, proposing to law deans to study the “Pass/Fail” approach which is practiced in the United States instead of grading the exams and having topnotchers.

Lastly, the Chief Justice wants the country’s law schools to improve legal education by adopting best practices abroad.

“We should adopt the best practices abroad on the legal clinic to improve the quality of legal education and ensure access to justice,” he said.

THEY NEVER LEARN. A man injured

by firecrackers arrives in a wheelchair at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila early on Jan.1, 2019, after New Year’s celebrations. Other photos show a girl and another man being cared for in the same hospital.

The Philippines is mainly Roman Catholic but the celebrations draw on ancient superstitions and Chinese traditions in which the noise from firecrackers is meant to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck in the coming year. Adding to the danger of annual fireworks celebrations in the streets, there are over 1.2 million unlicensed firearms in the Philippines and some of those are used in the festivities.

AFP

Punish online copyright violators —solon A HOUSE leader on Tuesday pushed for the enactment of a measure which shall empower the government to disable access to websites that are being used to infringe on copyrights.

KABAYAN Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, author of House Bill 8001, made the call after the House committees on information and communications technology, and trade and industry agreed to create a technical working group (TWG) to fine tune the bill.

“HB 8001 lays down the necessary legal framework, which will facilitate the proper coordination and support between the IPO and the NTC, in restricting access to websites that are being used to facilitate copyright violations,” Salo, a deputy majority leader, said.

Salo said common sites used for illegal distribution of copyrighted materials operate outside the Philippines, oftentimes in Eastern Europe. “Since those rogues operate outside of Philippine jurisdiction, the proper course of action would be to prevent our access to those sites,” Salo said.

Salo, a lawyer, said that for “meritorious cases” the IPO would have the authority to recommend to the NTC, the cancellation of licenses of internet service providers involved in copyright infringement.”

“With the advent of cyberspace, copyright infringement has taken a new form which is beyond the reach of the country’s administrative and regulatory agencies such as the NTC and IPO,” he said.

He pointed out that copyright infringement is no longer confined to the conventional or traditional ways of IPR violations. “Cyberspace has been used to evade liability and regulation,” he said.

“Once this bill becomes a law, our local creative wizards—musicians, filmmakers, content providers, and the entire Filipino entertainment industry will be protected from unauthorize use of their works, saving them losses amounting to billions of pesos,” Salo said. Maricel V. Cruz

BI to hasten processes for departing OFWs

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration has implemented a scheme that will hasten the process of departing overseas Filipino workers in traveling out of the country.

In a memorandum order, BI Port Operations Division Chief Grifton Medina instructed personnel at the airports’ immigration departure areas to ensure that OFWs lining up for immigration processing are given utmost priority.

Medina said he issued the directive in compliance with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente that immigration depar-

ture formalities for OFWs be conducted expeditiously and efficiently.

“Our objective is to see to it that our modern-day heroes are given all the care and courtesy that they deserve in sacrificing not only for their families but for the country as well,” Medina said.

He added that Morente approved his recommendation to create a special team of immigration officers who will be tasked to conduct pre-screening of OFWs and attend to the latter’s immigration needs at the airport.

In his memorandum, Medina ordered that designated OFW counters shall only be used exclusively by OFWs.

In case of long lines in OFW counters, members of the Bureau’s Travel Control and Enforcement Unit shall speed up the queues by inspecting and ensuring that the passengers’ travel requirements are complete while they are still on the line.

“It’s a matter of deploying more people to focus on OFWs,” said Medina. “It’s a small move, but you’ll be surprised at the impact on easing the lines for them,” he added.

The said memorandum also instructed officers to “expeditiously process the documents of OFWs”. Ordinarilly, a passenger is processed within 45 seconds.

Medina sees that the scheme may decrease the processing time up to 33 percent.

Medina said that OFWs referred for secondary inspection due to concerns on their travel documents will likewise be prioritized and the matter resolved within 10 minutes.

He added that OFWs are also given priority at the arrival area, through the installation of 21 e-gates in major airports.

Morente announced that the scheme is part of the series of improvements he plans to implement.

“The year 2019 will be all about process improvement,” he said. “We have studied what can do to provide better service. The e-gates and the pre-screening of OFWs are just the beginning.”

Aliens told to register with BI for their annual report on Jan. 3

LIGHT TRAFFIC. Traffic is very light along Edsa Ave. in early dawn of New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2019 as people were either at the parks or at home celebrating the New Year.

Manny Palmero

THE Bureau of Immigration advised all foreign nationals to register with the agency for their annual report starting Jan. 3 until March 1, 2019.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the annual report is required under the 1951 alien registration act and warned those who do not comply may be fined or imprisoned for violating the law.

Under the said act, all BI-registered foreigners are required to report to the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila or the nearest participating BI field, satellite or extension office in their place within the first 60 days of every calendar year.

BI-registered aliens are resident foreign nationals who have been issued immigrant or non-immigrant visas and are holders of the alien certificate of registra-

tion identity card (ACR I-Card).

He said that foreigners must present his original ACR I-Card and his confirmation number and pay annual report fee and legal research fee.

“For aliens who are not in the Philippines during the annual reporting period, they shall make the report within 30 days from the date of their return to the country, provided they have valid reentry permits,” he said.

“We are encouraging all foreigners to report and remit their payments to BI designated offices, the list of which can also be accessed in our website,” Morente said.

The BI advised aliens to make their report early and not wait for the deadline rush to avoid inconvenience. Vito Barcelo

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Balloon drop: how not to do marketing

IN THE face of overwhelming negative public opinion, a nightclub still decided to proceed with an event that would have contributed to the country’s waste problem, only cancelling it after strong urging from the government’s environment agency.

Cove Manila announced that it was selling tickets at P2,000 (general admission) and P4,000 (VIP) to a “historic” 130,000-balloon drop set for Dec. 31. A nightclub located at Okada Manila, a casino resort and hotel complex in the Entertainment City gaming strip in Parañaque, Cove Manila said in its publicity material: “Be part of history as Cove Manila attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the biggest balloon drop in the world as we welcome the New Year!”

Thousands of netizens were quick to express their anger at the plan, citing environmental concerns. One of the many commenters on Cove Manila’s Faecbook page, said, “Looking at your past posts, your original announcement of the event has an Angry:Sad:Like ratio of 15k:2k:944! [Angry 15,000—Sad 2,000—Like 944]. The negative comments abound.”

DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu stepped in and asked Cove Manila not to push though with the balloon drop. DENR spokesman Benny Antiporda said the department would not hesitate to arrest the organizers and file charges against them, calling the event a “solid waste disaster waiting to happen.”

Cove Manila defended themselves in a Facebook statement posted Dec. 29: “Firstly, the balloons are biodegradable. Secondly, the balloon drop has been planned with solid environmental management protocols in place to minimize, if not eliminate, any possible impact on the environment. And thirdly, we are recycling all the balloons and creatively turning them into something useful.” They also said the event will be held indoors.

First, even rubber latex balloons are not ‘biodegradable’ in the sense that paper is. Latex material takes years to degrade and only in the right temperatures and conditions. Second, what are these “protocols”? If they did not have the balloon drop in the first place, there would be no waste to dispose of! Third, what were they going to recycling the waste into? They did not say at the time.

It was all quite vague, and, because of that, questionable.

In addition, the Guinness Book no longer monitors environmentally unsound practices including balloon drops. But Cove Manila used the Guinness name—do the officials of the Guinness Book know about this?

If Cove Manila was trying to break the record unofficially, why did they not say so?

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Upon receiving a letter from the DENR, Cove Manila canceled the event. However, the balloons have already been inflated. News reports said the club would recycle the waste into ecobricks or school chairs.

Cove Manila’s initial insistence on holding their event despite the DENR and the clamor of netizens seemed to be plain stubbornness and the unwillingness to admit a mistake. They have tarnished their brand. It’s a public relations disaster.

Peninsula Manila, on the other hand, also set to hold a much smaller NYE balloon drop, canceled it voluntarily after observing all this. In a statement they said, “Oftentimes it’s all too easy for the celebrations to come with a big price tag for the planet.

Doing good is better business.

“But it is also possible for the New Year’s celebrations to be environmentally-friendly as well as enjoyable which is why we will no longer be having our traditional balloon drop as it is not in keeping with our Sustainable Luxury Vision 2020 philosophy.” Now that’s a better attitude to take.

When companies behave ethically, the better its reputation among customers and the more business it generates.

In a 2017 study by Cone Communications about corporate social responsibility, 87 percent of consumers said “they would be willing to buy a product or service based on a company’s advocacy concerning a social matter”, and 76 percent of those surveyed said “they would decline to do business with a company if it held views and supported issues that conflicted with their beliefs.”

Wayne Elsey, writing for Forbes magazine in May 2018, said: “The bottom line for businesses large and small is that you get a competitive advantage in regards to sales and also talent recruitment by not only claiming that you support positive social outcomes but also by walking the walk and demonstrating it.”

Not only does being environmentally-friendly burnish a brand, it also benefits the company. “When we prevent physical waste, increase energy efficiency, or improve resource productivity, we save money, improve profitability and enhance competitiveness,” said Keivan Zokaei, writing for The Guardian in 2013.

In short, doing good is not only morally and ethically responsible, it’s also better business.

Provoking shock and disgust

A

S EXPECTED, the Gabriela’s Women’s Party has called on President Rodrigo Duterte to resign after he admitted—rather graphically—that he molested a sleeping maid when he was a teenager.

This the President did as part of a speech in Kidapawan City, Cotabato, recounting how he confessed his sin to a priest in high school.

“I went to the room of the maid. I lifted the blanket. I tried to touch what was inside the panty... I tried to insert my finger, Father. There was hair. It was wet,” he said. Perhaps to the crowd’s amusement, he then related how the priest had told him to recite one Our Father and five Hail Marys so he would not go to hell.

Gabriela correctly condemned the President’s comments as “repulsive” and said he should resign for admitting to attempted rape. “Rape does not happen only through penile insertion. If it is a finger or an object it is considered rape,” the secretary general of the group pointed out.

Just as predictably, Mr. Duterte’s spin masters in the

Palace said the President’s “confession” was a mere allegory to dramatize his point, a “laughable anecdote... spliced up with vulgarity” to highlight the sexual abuse that he suffered as a boy at the hands of Catholic priests.

In a pompous, even selfrighteous way, the Palace spokesman added: “The President will not discard his shocking and amusing out-ofthe-box utterances that have been his political signature, which has endeared him to the masses, and which he finds effective in transmitting to the nation his political and social dogmas.”

Sadly, we have seen the same pattern played out over and over again. The President says something shocking, the women’s groups react, and the Palace says it was a joke. Nothing changes, until the President’s next outrageous statement.

In the meantime, the “ma-

niac in Malacañang,” as Gabriela has come to call the President, goes along his merry way, seemingly enjoying the shock and disgust he provokes, until his next despicable utterance. There is no behavioral change, much less remorse.

To this extent, the women’s movement here has been a failure, because none of the denunciations and condemnations have changed Mr. Duterte one iota. He remains as lecherous and as lascivious an old man as he ever was, taking delight in the sexually inappropriate.

The only time the President and men like him will stop is when it becomes apparent that even their words will have true and serious consequences—as the #MeToo movement proved worldwide.

Women’s groups and allied organizations clearly need to break the pattern, organize themselves better, down to the grass roots, and hit the President hard where it hurts the most—every time he disrespects women with his poorly chosen words.

Dr. Ortuoste: Everyone should watch The Lorax movie. FB and Twitter: @ DrJennyO

NASA rings in New Year with historic flyby of faraway world

By Kerry Sheridan NASA rang in the New Year on Tuesday with a historic flyby of the farthest, and quite possibly the oldest, cosmic body ever explored by humankind -- a tiny, distant world called Ultima Thule -- in the hopes of learning more about how planets took shape.

“Go New Horizons!” said lead scientist Alan Stern as a crowd including kids dressed in space costumes blew party horns and cheered at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland to mark the moment at 12:33 am (0533 GMT) when the New Horizons spacecraft aimed its cameras at the space rock four billion miles (6.4 billion kilometers) away in a dark and frigid region of space known as the Kuiper Belt.

Offering scientists the first up-close look at an ancient building block of planets, the flyby took place about a billion miles beyond Pluto, which was

until now the most faraway world ever visited up close by a spacecraft.

Real-time video of the actual flyby was impossible, since it takes more than six hours for a signal sent from Earth to reach the spaceship, and another six hours for the response to arrive.

The first signal back to Earth should come about 10 hours after the flyby, around 9:45 am (1445 GMT), letting NASA know if New Horizons survived the risky, high-speed encounter.

Hurtling through space at a speed of 32,000 miles per hour, the spacecraft aimed to make its closest approach within 2,200 miles of the surface of Ultima Thule.

“This is a night none of us are going to forget,” said Queen guitarist Brian May -- who also holds an advanced degree in astrophysics -- and who recorded a solo track to honor the spacecraft and its spirit of exploration.

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Manila’s best mayor VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ IN 30 months as president, Joseph Estrada scored the highest agricultural growth rate ever by any president (6.5 percent in 1999), broke the backbone of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front by capturing 45 of their camp, including their headquarters, banned sovereign guarantees on contracts of private investors, and revived the economy from near recession.

From minus 0.6 percent in 1998, real

GDP growth immediately leaped to 3.4 percent in 1999 and 4.4 percent in 2000 before falling to a 3-percent rise in 2001, Gloria Arroyo’s first year.

President Erap’s record 6.5 percent agriculture growth has never been surpassed. This year, a severe rice shortage developed. Rice being 20 percent of the consumer basket, the shortage spiked inflation, doubling to 6.7 percent by September 2018—the highest in 11 years.

The reason for the rice shortage—neglect of agriculture.

Erap also made the government closer to the people with his populist policies. He stopped rate increases by utilities controlled

Joseph Estrada has been in public service since 1969. by the country’s oligarchs and monopolies. betAs commander-in-chief, he gave bet ter pay and incentives to soldiers, buying them boots and bullets and providing them a sack of rice monthly.

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Opinion 2019 issues and controversies TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO WHEN President Duterte started attacking the Catholic Church, its bishops and priests, I asked myself—what did he hope to achieve by doing this?

Certainly when a person says and does something, he must have motivations and expectations.

Does the President hope to stop the Church from criticizing him? Does he want to prevent the faithful from going to church?

Does the President hope that the

What await us this year?

Church would get down on its knees before him?

If President Duterte were an ordinary Filipino, what he is doing might be dismissed. But he is not just any Filipino.

He is the President of 109 million Filipinos. Everything he says and does affects our lives.

I have covered 10 presidents and I have never seen a leader as hateful as Duterte. It looks like he is bullying the Church to submission!

and pusher, but the problem will persist.

On corruption, the President can only minimize it. Eradicating it would be impossible. The system itself allows and enables government people to steal the people’s money.

At Customs, for instance, so long as there is discretion and intervention involved in the entry of contraband, smuggling will continue. This is also true in other agencies where money is involved.

And as long as there is poverty and joblessness, and with the kind of politics we have especially in this election year, people will be killed.

As the midterm election approaches, more will be killed as political rivalries persist in both the local and national levels, and the only way the government can minimize it is for the police to go after crime-for-hire syndicates, loose firearms and private armies.

On the economy, the Duterte admin administration must stop looking at statistics like the slowdown of inflation. Instead it should listen to the people’s outcry about the rising prices of goods and services.

On the national level, the issue of charter change or amending the Con Constitution to pave the way for a federal system of government will dominate all issues. But as far as I am concerned, charter change and federalism can only becloud people’s minds on what are urgently needed by the people, such as efforts to stop the rising incidence of poverty, joblessness, low wages, and the high cost of medical services.

This is exactly why I believe that while there is need to amend the 1987 Constitution to make it relevant to the changing times, federalism as an issue should be set aside in favor of the more urgent and critical issues facing the nation.

On foreign affairs, the issues is whether we need to review the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.

This is relevant in the face of China’s ascent to power and aggressiveness in taking control of the South China Sea. The question comes up. In the case of war between the United States on one side, and Russia and China on the other, will the MDT require us to side with the US? This must be made clear to all Filipinos since it involves our future as a nation, given Mr. Duterte’s pivot to China.

** There are many expectations this new year as there are many self-styled analysts and opinion writers.

On my part, I believe that controversies over President Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, criminality and corruption will persist, and if the President thinks that he will put an end to them, then he is sadly mistaken.

I repeat myself when I say that so long as there is demand for illegal drugs from the 3 million to 4 million users, the drug menace will continue. This is because Mr. Duterte regards the issue and a peace-and-order problem when it is a health concern.

As I have said, the police and the ** Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Here is my list of nation builders. In may be able to kill the last drug user my book, they are also heroes. They

NASA...

Stern said Ultima Thule is unique because it is a relic from the early days of the solar system and could provide answers about the origins of other planets.

“The object is in such a deep freeze that it is perfectly preserved from its original formation,” he said.

“Everything we are going to learn about Ultima -- from its composition to its geology to how it was originally assembled, whether it has satellites and an atmosphere and those kinds of things -are going to teach us about the original formation conditions of objects in the solar system.”

cause it appears to show an elongated blob, not a round space rock.

The spaceship was to collect 900 images over the course of a few seconds as it shaved by. Even clearer images should arrive over the next three days.

“Now it is just a matter of time to see the data coming down,” said deputy project scientist John Spencer of the Southwest Research Institute.

Scientists decided to study Ultima Thule with New Horizons after the spaceship, which launched in 2006, completed its main mission of flying by Pluto in 2015, returning the most detailed images ever taken of the dwarf planet.

Stern said the goal is to take images of Ultima that are three times the resolution the team had for Pluto.

What does it look like?

Frontier of planetary science

have contributed to the country’s development.

They are Henry Sy, Sr., Lucio Tan, John Gokongwei, Andrew Tan, Ramon Ang, Bobby Ongpin, Ricky Razon, Manny Villar, Manny Pangilinan, Jaime and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and the late George SK Ty. They have one thing in common.

They are all visionaries and risk takers. They see opportunities. They work hard. They have patience and perseverance and most importantly they share their blessings with those in need through their Corporate Social Responsibility activities. ** The National Economic and Development Authority has approved the proposed aerotropolis on a 2,500-hectare property in Bulacan. The proposal was by San Miguel’s Ramon S. Ang. The project will break ground early this year. Indeed, the aviation industry is looking up!

The airport will have four runways with provisions for an additional two.

The P750-billion project will generate about a million jobs—a boost to the national economy.

What is more exciting about the project is that it will also boost the fishing industry. There is a plan to put up a fishing port at the end of the airport’s runway. This will enable to local and foreign airlines to operate outside NAIA which has become so congested.

Ang is also contemplating extending TPLEX all the way to San Fernando, La Union, Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Laoag, Ilocos Norte. TPLEX may even extend nearer to Baguio City.

What I cannot understand is why the government has not yet approved Ang’s proposed 1.5-kilometer bridge from Aklan to Boracay Island to enable flee flow of water to the island and outflow of wastewater to the mainland itself.

Sometimes I think the government is the biggest stumbling block to progress. ** Here’s my wish list of the senatorial candidates in the Magic 12: Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, Imee Marcos, Koko Pimentel, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Serge Osmeña, Francis Tolentino and Mar Roxas.

If at least 10 of these names win, I would be happy. My wish is to have a Senate we can all be proud of. www.emiljurado.weebly.com

Scientists are not sure what Ultima Thule (pronounced TOO-lee) looks like -- whether it is cratered or smooth, or even if it is a single object or a cluster.

It was discovered in 2014 with the help of the Hubble Space Telescope, and is believed to be 12-20 miles in size.

A blurred and pixelated image released Monday, taken from 1.2 million miles away, has intrigued scientists be-

Ultima Thule is named for a mythical, far-northern island in medieval literature and cartography, according to NASA. Project scientist Hal Weaver of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory said humans didn’t even know the Kuiper Belt -- a vast ring of relics from the formation days of the solar system -- existed until the 1990s.

“This is the frontier of planetary science,” said Weaver.

“We finally have reached the outskirts of the solar system, these things that have been there since the beginning and have hardly changed -- we think. We will find out.”

Another NASA spacecraft, OSIRISREx, also set a new record on Monday by entering orbit around the asteroid Bennu, the smallest cosmic object -about 1,600 feet (500 meters) in diameter -- ever circled by a spacecraft.

NASA said the orbit some 70 million miles (110 million kilometers) away marks “a leap for humankind” because no spacecraft has ever “circled so close to such a small space object -- one with barely enough gravity to keep a vehicle in a stable orbit.”

The twin planetary feats coincided with the 50th anniversary of the first time humans ever explored another world, when US astronauts orbited the Moon aboard Apollo 8 in December, 1968.

“As you celebrate New Year’s Day, cast an eye upward and think for a moment about the amazing things our country and our species can do when we set our minds to it,” Stern wrote in the New York Times on Monday. AFP

Manila’s...

his movies, many of which were blockbusters, but for public service.

In Manila thus, Estrada spent a spectacular P6.76 billion, from 2013 to 2016, to modernize the capital that was once described as the Pearl of the Orient and the Paris of the East.

Looking forward, Erap’s biggest projects are four reclamation projects covering 1,400 hectares. This will double Manila’s commercial space. The projects will modernize Manila overnight and recapture the city’s title as the Philippines’ greatest city.

No mayor in Manila’s history has poured so much on great projects in so short a time as Estrada. He offers Manilans a “womb to tomb” program of government, one inclusive to include everyone, young and old.

As mayor, Estrada never worked so hard as an executive. Twelve-hour days were the norm each week—interacting with people, conducting advocacy and visioning meetings, signing voluminous papers, conducting oculars at any

time of the day and night to check on the progress of numerous projects in simultaneous construction in many different places.

“Being mayor of Manila is more difficult than being president of the Philippines!” exclaims Estrada. In Malacañang, the presidential palace, the chief executive is surrounded by cabinet men and other subalterns to whom he can bark orders and he is sure those orders will be executed. Visitors to the palace are screened by protocol and appointments secretaries.

“Being mayor is my last hurrah,” Estrada keeps saying. He knows the enormous problems he faces as CEO of the Philippines’ national capital and most important city, it being the center of trade, commerce, finance, and governance.

He recalls that after World War II, “we were the second richest in Asia. We were richer than Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea, and much, much richer than Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. Now, we are second to the last.”

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Estrada’s cabinet was never involved in any shady deals or contracts grossly disadvantageous to the government. He gave away broadband rights for free, thus making cellular telephony available to the poor. In Europe, broadband licenses were auctioned for billions of dollars. After Estrada, the aborted ZTE NBN contract was marred by allegations of kickbacks that doubled project cost.

Estrada had been in public service since 1969, when he first won the mayoralty of San Juan town, Metro Manila.

He went on to be elected four times as town mayor.

Erap was San Juan mayor for 17 years, senator for six years, vice president for six years, president for less than three years, and Manila mayor for four years. He won the prestigious TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) not for

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Feminist filmmakers tackle adult movie machismo

By David Courbet ETHICAL, diverse and not a silicone breast in sight -- feminist filmmakers are standing up to mass-market porn with adult movies free of male domination and gender stereotypes.

Their films aim to show realistic, consent-based and egalitarian sex instead of the superhuman bedroom exploits of macho studs and submissive women.

“Feminist porn is part of a fight against misogyny on the same territory and with the same weapons as the sex movie mainstream,” French filmmaker Ovidie, 38, told AFP at a recent film festival on the subject in Berlin.

The first attempts at feminist pornography date back to the 1980s in the United States, but the movement has received a new lease of life in response to a flood of free online porn in the internet age.

The easy availability of even hardcore porn online has raised concerns that a generation of young people is being exposed to material that could warp their sexual attitudes and expectations.

To counter this effect, Berlin’s centre-left Social Democrats who govern the city-state in coalition with the Greens, are now proposing to use feminist adult films in sex education programmes.

‘X-Girl vs. Supermacho’

Traditional adult films “always follow the same kind of choreography... men dominate women,” said Ovidie, who has spearheaded the “femporn” movement in France.

In her “Stories of Sex(es)” and “X-Girl vs. Supermacho”, women are no longer reduced to objects -on the contrary, they are in charge.

To be truly “feminist” the productions must meet several criteria, explained Laura Meritt, a German linguist and specialist on the movement.

In addition to portraying the desires “of all genders” -- including of men, who in most porn are “merely reduced to their penis” -- the cast must be “varied physically and culturally” and not of uniformly perfect physique, she said.

Condom use is a must and so are ethical “working conditions, based on consent, where everyone has the choice to take part in certain practices or not,” Meritt said.

An actress who goes by the name

of Misungui Bordelle said that the sex scenes are usually shot with “the least possible” interruption, rather than through the mainstream industry’s “methodical execution... with many takes”.

The American director Jennifer Lyon Bell, a 49-year-old Harvard graduate, in 2004 launched her company “Blue Artichoke Films”, specialising in movies that “portray sexuality in an emotionally realistic way”.

She sees her work as part of “sexpositive feminism” which, rather than seeking to abolish pornography, sees sexuality as the arena in which women must win their emancipation.

‘Drop in the ocean’

In 2006, Toronto hosted what organisers billed as the world’s first “Feminist Porn Awards” at its adult film festival, and similar events followed in Lausanne, Lisbon and Sydney.

In Europe, the biggest festival is organised annually in Berlin, attracting 10,000 visitors this autumn.

Despite this, feminist pornography is far from breaking into the mainstream.

“I have very little relationship with the mainstream industry. The festivals and modes of income are different, these are circles that rarely intersect,” said French director Lucie Blush, 30.

It is a view reflected in the global sex movie industry, where many are yet to see this type of film-making as competition, said Gregory Dorcel, manager at Marc Dorcel, one of the leading porn media groups.

These “ethical” productions remain “a drop in the ocean of porn” online, said Camille Emmanuelle, a writer specialised in issues of sexuality.

Lacking broad distribution channels, the business model is based on subscription systems -- a limiting factor since “people, especially young people, are now used to free porn”.

The Swedish Film Institute in 2009 pioneered a series of 12 short films directed by feminists and produced by Mia Engberg.

Inspired by Sweden’s example, the proposals by Berlin’s Social Democrats to use such films in sex education may make them eligible for state funding.

The party’s Ferike Thom said that “it would be great if this alternative porn, which portrays sex differently, could be as easily and freely accessible as the classic sex movies”.AFP

Vietnam’s draconian cybersecurity bill comes into effect A LAW requiring internet companies in Vietnam to remove content communist authorities deem to be against the state came into effect Tuesday, in a move critics called “a totalitarian model of information control”.

The new cybersecurity law has received sharp criticism from the US, the EU and internet freedom advocates who say it mimics China’s repressive censorship of the internet.

The law requires internet companies to remove content the government regards as “toxic”.

Tech giants such as Facebook and Google will also have to hand over user data if asked by the government, and open representative offices in Vietnam.

The communist country’s powerful Ministry of Public Security (MPS) published a draft decree on how the law may be implemented in November, giving companies which offer internet service in Vietnam up to 12 months to comply.

MPS has also said the bill was aimed at staving off cyber-attacks -- and weeding out “hostile and reactionary forces” using the internet to stir up violence and dissent, according to a transcript of a question-and-answer session with lawmakers in October.

In response to the law, which was approved by Vietnam’s rubber-stamp parliament last June, Facebook said they are are committed to protecting the rights of its users and enabling people to express themselves freely and safely.

“We will remove content that violates (Facebook’s) standards when we are made aware of it,” Facebook said in an emailed statement to AFP, adding that the social media giant has a clear process to manage requests from governments around the world.

Hanoi has said Google is taking steps to open up an office in Vietnam to comply with the new law.

In response to AFP’s request for comment, the internet giant said it would not comment at this stage.

The law also bans internet users in Vietnam from spreading information deemed to be anti-state, anti-government or use the internet to distort history and “post false information that could cause confusion and damage to socio-economic activities”.

Critics say online freedom is shrinking under a hardline administration that has been in charge since 2016.

Dozens of activists have been jailed at a pace not seen in years.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the communist authorities to revise the law and postpone its implementation.

“This law is designed to further enable the Ministry of Public Security’s pervasive surveillance to spot critics, and to deepen the Communist Party’s monopoly on power,” Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of HRW said.

The law comes into force a week after Vietnam’s Association of Journalists announced a new code of conduct on the use of social media by its members, forbidding reporters to post news, picture and comments that “run counter to” the state.

Daniel Bastard of Reporters Without Borders decried the new requirements for journalists and the cybersecurity law, calling it “a totalitarian model of information control”.

Vietnam wants to build a reputation as a Southeast Asian hub for fintech.

Critics warn the new internet law -particularly the data-sharing element -will make start-ups think twice about relocating to the country. AFP

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House okays more benefits for employees

By Maricel V. Cruz

USMAN'S ONSLAUGHT. Heavy rains unleashed by Typhoon “Usman” inundated villages in several towns in Sorsogon province, including Barangays Sta. Cruz and San Juan in Casiguran town where roads in Sta. Cruz was rendered not passable and the San Juan’s Bronosa bridge going to Barangay Mabini sustained damage due to floods.

Also affected by the floods were the towns of Sorsogon City, Juban, Magallanes, Bulan, Pilar, Matnog, Bulusan, Gubat, Donsol. Photo courtesy of Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

‘Road Diet’ not sexy, says safety advocate A ROAD safety advocacy group expressed Tuesday concerns over the plans by the Metro Manila Development Authority to push for a solution to fit in more cars to overcrowded Edsa.

“We doubt this ‘Road Diet’ scheme will solve traffic problem in Edsa,” Road Users Protection Advocates (RUPA) chairman Ray Junia said in a statement.

The group expressed fears, instead, this scheme would worsen traffic in the busy streets.

Rupa explained that “road diet” solution had always been in the roads for a long time now without it being officially recognized.

This happens at choke points along Edsa where official four-lane roads become five lanes with vehicles squeezing in and pushing each other for space, Junia said.

“This tight squeeze in jockeying for lanes by abusive drivers has caused most of road accidents that results in traffic buildup,” Junia added.

RUPA fears slimming down lanes in busy roads is a prescription for minor accidents that will cause massive traffic build up. Resolution of conflicts in traffic accidents takes time and causes the traffic buildup.

Junia said: “MMDA should look at the traffic problem as a space problem, an effect of high demand for space from insanely increasing numbers of cars sold in the market each year.

“The government should look at how to cut down the demand for space and enforce discipline in our roads, then surely sanity will return to our roads.”

According to RUPA, on the side of discipline, enforcement traffic rules is the solution. Enforcement, though, is a problem because we have enforcers are more interested in fast buck.

“But road diet? This one is surely not going to be sexy,” Junia said.

Imee Marcos calls for review of Cheaper Medicines Act

By Rey Requejo

I

LOCOS Norte Gov. Imee Marcos on Tuesday called for the exemption from the value added tax (VAT) of all medical drugs to make health services more affordable to the Filipino people as she sought a congressional review of the Cheaper Medicines Act. “For 2019, I would want the removal of VAT on medicines,” said Marcos, the only local executive running for senator in the coming midterm elections.

Marcos lamented that the Cheaper Medicines Act, or the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medi-

cines Act of 2008, failed to make medicines more affordable to the people because of provisions included in the law that favor the interests of big pharmaceutical companies in the country.

“We need to revise the Cheaper Medicines Act and make it more people-friendly as originally intended,” Marcos said.

“No Filipino must die of sickness because of the prohibitive cost of medicines,” she added.

The Cheaper Medicines Act was enacted into law with the end-goal of making medicines more affordable and accessible to the people, especially the poor who cannot afford to buy expensive prescription drugs for their illnesses.

But 10 years after the law was passed, prices of medical drugs, es-

pecially for critical diseases and illnesses, remain exorbitant.

Marcos said that to drastically bring down the prices of medicines, removing the VAT imposed on all medical drugs was necessary.

She said the VAT exemption on the sale of vital medicines for diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension would not be enough.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act, or TRAIN Law, mandates the removal of the 12 percent VAT on medicines for diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

The exemption took effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

The VAT exemption will apply to the “sale by manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers” of the medicines, which will be identified by the Food and Drug Administration.

Du30 orders probe on security slay

CLEANING UP. The Bureau of Fire Protection and Manila City Hall personnel, on orders of Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, use fire trucks to clean up the sidewalks along Divisoria area on Tuesday. Norman Cruz

85 nabbed in continuing police ops vs. street loiterers

By Joel E. Zurbano POLICE operations against the socalled tambay or street loiterers continue even during the celebration of New Year.

Elements of the Southern Police District apprehended 85 individuals, 38 of them involved in a street gang riot in Muntinlupa City, the night before New Year’s Day. SPD spokesperson Jenny Tecson said 35 of those apprehended

EMPLOYEES of hotels, restaurants and similar establishments may soon receive a bigger share in the service charge collection, giving more benefit to the workers.

This came after the House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 8784 seeking to increase from 85 percent to 90 percent the share of rank-and-file and supervisory employees in the total service charges being collected by hotels, restaurants and similar establishments.

The remaining 10 percent shall be retained by management to cover pilferages and breakages, and for distribution to local managerial employees.

The bill, principally authored

by Rep. Dennis Laogan of Ang Kabuhayan party-list, further provides that the share of the regular rank-and-file and supervisory employees shall be fully and equally distributed among them.

In case the minimum wage is increased by law or wage order, service charges paid to the covered employees shall not be considered in determining the employers’ compliance with the increased minimum wage.

To implement all these, the bill proposes to amendment of Article 96 (Service Charges), Section 1 of Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines.

Laogan said that for the longest time, rank-and-file employees of various establishments, which collect service charges from clients and customers, have been receiving only 85 percent of such charges, pursuant to the limit set

by P.D. 442.

In an effort to further aid rank-and-file employees, he said he filed his proposal to ensure that the workers will be better compensated compared to their managerial counterparts, because rank-and-file employees are the ones who deal with clients and customers most of the time and have wages that are barely compliant with minimum wage statutes.

Laogan also sponsored the bill on the floor.

violated the curfew on minors while 12 were caught smoking in public places.

She added the city of Muntinlupa got the highest number of minors apprehended.

The SPD and its police stations in close coordination with the local government units and barangay officials are conducting the police operations in the cities of Parañaque, Pasay, Taguig, Makati, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, and the town of Pateros.

Authorities said the police operation is in line with the government’s continuing campaign against loiterers on the streets aimed to ensure a peaceful community, especially at night.

In Las Piñas City, 21-yearold Chinese national Wen Hong Tao was arrested inside Cowboy Grill along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almazan 1 on New Year’s Eve for alarm and scandal.

The suspect was also accused of

beating up one Jenny Rose Batain inside the establishment. He is now detained pending the filing of criminal charges before the city prosecutors office.

Police also arrested 26-yearold Reynaldo Guarte and Robert Supetran, 33, for trespassing in Makati City while Roberto Garcia, 39, was apprehended for beating up Armando Maravilla in Barangay Sta. Rosario Silangan in Pateros, both incidents also happened on New Year’s Eve.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a probe on the killing of Richard Red Santillan, security aide of former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo gave this assurance after serious accusations were made against some members of the Calabarzon (Region 4-A) police.

“The Palace strongly denounces the brutal and brazen incident which led to the death of Mr. Richard Red Santillan,” Panelo said in a press statement on Monday.

“President Duterte has ordered a fair and thorough investigation of the case until the killers, including the mastermind, are put behind bars,” he added.

Following allegations made against some Calabarzon police personnel, Panelo said the Palace would “let the chips fall as they may.”

“As we know by now, PRRD does not condone erring men in uniform who grossly violate the law,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the President never turned a blind eye and would be harsh to police and military personnel involved in crimes.

Earlier, the Palace also ordered an investigation into the killing of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe last Dec. 22 and vowed to bring perpetrators to justice.

“Similar to the Batocabe murder case, he certainly has the same commitment of getting justice done for the family, relatives, friends, and for all those Mr. Santillan left behind,” Panelo said. PNA

Sports

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Harden on a roll, lifts Rockets past Grizzlies LOS ANGELES—James Harden posted a 43-point triple-double on another record-setting night Monday to lead the Houston Rockets to a 113-101 NBA victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Harden, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, added 13 assists and 10 rebounds for his fourth triple-double of the season and 39th of his career.

And with his eighth straight game with at least 35 points and five assists he set an NBA record—bettering Oscar Robertson’s two such seven-game streaks.

More important for Harden, the Rockets—who made a sputtering start to the season—won for the 10th time in their last 11 games to improve to 21-15.

That’s a better measure, he said, than individual accomplishments, as “bringing a championship to the city is the important thing.”

Harden drained six three-pointers and made 21 of his 27 free throws and the Rockets led by as many as 24 before Memphis sliced the deficit to nine points with 1:26 to play.

A free throw from P.J. Tucker and a layup

by Austin Rivers helped rebuild the lead as

PH squash pinning hopes on Fil-Am

By Peter Atencio THE Philippines is set to form another fighting team that will once again challenge mighty Singapore in 30th Southeast Asian Games squash tournament.

Robert Bachmann, president of the Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines, said they hope to do so with the presence of Princeton University standout and Filipino-American Cody Cortes.

The 22-year-old Cortes is part of the Princeton Tigers’ squad that placed eighth in the US Collegiate Squash Association tournament this year for the school’s best finish in six years.

Cortes is a student of English Literature and East Asian Languages and is from Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Bachmann said Cortes can make it to the national team if he gets his Philippine passport approved in time.

“He has not played for the national team before. And he has joined some competitions there,” said Bachmann.

Cortes distinguished himself in the 4-5 positions of the team when he had a key victory in 2018 that helped Princeton beat its highest-ranked opponent since 2013.

Two years ago, the Philippines bagged a silver medal in the men’s division after losing to Singapore, 1-2, in the men’s team finals.

At that time, the title-hungry Singaporeans saw action against Filipino standouts Reymark Begornia and David Pelino in the best-of-3 finale.

The Pinoy racket-wielders turned to the heroics of veteran Robert Garcia, who fashioned out a gripping 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9 win over Ben Chan in a match that lasted for nearly an hour, paving the way for a winner-take-all rubber match.

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. AFP

the Rockets continued to win despite the injury absence of point guard Chris Paul.

“Offensively and defensively guys are stepping up,” Harden said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re heading in the right direction.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder rode point guard Russell Westbrook’s tripledouble to a 122-102 home victory over the Dallas Mavericks, a day after falling to the Mavs in Dallas.

Westbrook, who said after his disappointing nine-point performance in Dallas that he was letting his teammates down, bounced back in a big way with 32 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds.

Paul George added 22 points and Jerami Grant chipped in 16 for the Thunder, who never trailed.

Warriors eclipse Suns The two-time defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors closed out 2018 with a 132-109 victory over the Suns in Phoenix.

Stephen Curry scored 34 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Kevin Durant added 25 points and Klay Thompson chipped in 15 for the Warriors, who led by as many as 30. AFP

Floyd earns $9M in 2 minutes

T

OKYO—Floyd “Money” Mayweather beat Japanese kickboxing phenomenon Tenshin Nasukawa by a technical knockout Monday after just two minutes of a New Year’s Eve “exhibition” bout that brought the US boxing superstar out of retirement for a big pay day.

In a mismatched contest, Mayweather floored Nasukawa, a kickboxer less than half his age, three times in the first round of the three-round contest before the Japanese fighter’s trainer rushed in to stop the fight.

“Money” Mayweather has hinted on social media he was pocketing $9 million for the fight, meaning he earned around $4.5 million per minute for the spectacle.

The American boxer at first appeared not to be taking the fight seriously, grinning at his opponent and aiming only soft punches at him.

But he then demonstrated his power, launching a series of jabs and hooks to the head of the 20-year-old Japanese fighter, sending him to the canvas after

just one minute with a left hook.

Sensing his opponent was struggling, Mayweather stepped in for the kill, unleashing a flurry of punches that left Nasukawa reeling again within just two minutes of the bout and facing his second standing count after a huge right hook to the head.

With the Japanese fighter clearly battling to stay on his feet, the trainer rushed in and stopped the fight with less than one minute of the first round remaining.

“It was all about entertainment. We had fun,” Mayweather said in the ring after the event.

“I’m still retired. I don’t look forward to coming back to boxing but I did this just to entertain the fans in Japan,” added

the 41-year-old.

The rules were very strictly defined: three, three minute bouts and boxing only -- kickboxer Nasukawa was reportedly facing a $5 million fine if he aimed a kick at Mayweather.

There were no judges, with only a knockout or technical knockout considered a victory in the bout, promoted as a pure exhibition match.

Crucially, the match did not feature on the record of either man, allowing them both to retain a cherished unbeaten record.

“This won’t go on my record. This won’t go on Tenshin’s record. Tenshin is still undefeated. I’m still undefeated.

This is just entertainment for the people,” he added. $9m for 9 minutes The purse for the event was not disclosed but “Money” hinted on Instagram that he would be making $1 million per minute.

“What if I told you I was making $9,000,000 for nine minutes of spar-

US boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr (L) knocks down Kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa of Japan (R) during their exhibition match at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on December 31, 2018. - Floyd Mayweather beat Japanese kickboxing phenomenon Tenshin Nasukawa by a technical knock-out in the first round of a New Year’s Eve “exhibition” bout that brought the US boxing superstar out of retirement. AFP

Big Four still Grand Slam stars to beat, insists Djokovic DOHA—World number one Novak Djokovic saidMonday that tennis’ big four—himself, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray—were still the favourites to win Grand Slam titles in 2019.

Despite a combination of age, injury and long-held prediction of a

Novak Djokovic

new generation of stars about to burst through, Djokovic insisted the four veterans remained the players to beat.

“I think if we are healthy and playing well, the four guys still have probably the best chance to always win Slams,” said Djokovic in Doha, ahead of playing in his season-opener, the Qatar Open.

Djokovic is the favourite to dominate in 2019, having finished last season so strongly, overcoming an injury-hit start to the year to claim the Wimbledon and US Open titles.

The 31-year-old also rose from world number 22 to number one, becoming the oldest ever player to finish the year as the highest ranked player in the world.

His rivals, especially Nadal and Murray, are still battling back to full fitness, increasing the chances that the Serbian could add to his 14 Grand Slam titles.

One more major win and he will overtake Pete Sampras to become third on the all-time list of Grand Slam win-

ners. Only Federer (20) and Nadal (17) have more.

Since and including 2010, the “Big Four” have won 32 Grand Slams between them, with Djokovic top of that list with 13 of his titles coming in the current decade.

Djokovic though insisted that “the next generation is already there” and singled out Germany’s world number four Alexander Zverev, Croatia’s Borna Coric, number 12 and Greece’s number 15 Stefano Tsitsipas as the main threats.

“It’s a matter of time when we will see some of them competing in the last stages of Grand Slams,” he added.

Another of those who might challenge the usual suspects is Austria’s Dominic Thiem, who is also in Doha, and the number two seed after the Serb.

The world number eight admitted it was time for the next generation to step up.

“All the guys who won Slams in previous years are on tour, so it will be

very tough,” Thiem said.

“Yes, there are four chances for us... and we are very pumped to take one Grand Slam and maybe it is going to happen this year.”

Djokovic won a Qatar Open doubles match on Monday, partnering his brother Marko.

He begins his quest for a third Doha singles title on Tuesday against Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In Doha, his main challenge is likely to come from Thiem and Karen Khachanov who ended Djokovic’s 22-match winning streak in November.

Khachanov starts against three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka.

“I’m happy, I’m fit, I’m ready for the season and I’m looking forward to starting it,” said Swiss star Wawrinka.

On Monday, there were wins for Thomas Berdych, the Czech beating Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) and Russia’s Andrey Rublev against Italy’s Andreas Seppi, 7-5, 6-1. AFP

ring in Tokyo, Japan,” he wrote on his official page. “Would you do the same if you were me? I like to call it a nineminute walk thru,” the post added.

Mayweather, a legend in the boxing world, has a perfect 50-0 record with 27 knockouts. He won world titles in five different weight divisions and was considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the sport.

Virtually unknown outside the kickboxing ring in his own country, Nasukawa from Chiba near Tokyo also boasts an unbeaten record.

He won the world junior karate championship, made his professional kickboxing debut at the age of 16 and has a 28-0 record with 21 wins by knockout.

Promoters RIZIN have hailed him as “perhaps the best combat sports prospect the country has ever seen” and the 20-year-old himself had claimed he has a “punch that boxers don’t have”.

But he hardly penetrated Mayweather’s defences and barely made the older man break sweat. AFP

Pacers’ Turner breaks nose in win over Hawks LOS ANGELES—Indiana big man Myles Turner broke his nose in a collision with John Collins Monday in the Pacers’ 116-108 NBA victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Turner contributed 20 points before departing in the fourth quarter, with the Pacers announcing the diagnosis shortly thereafter.

The four-year NBA veteran, who is averaging 12.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and a career-high 2.8 blocks in 35 games this season, also had eight rebounds and four blocks for the Pacers, who head into 2019 on a five-game winning streak.

Pacers star Victor Oladipo, who suffered a facial fracture in a preseason practice in 2014, said he’d give Turner some tips if his teammate has to wear a protective mask when he returns to court.

“I’ve worn a mask before, I’ll give him some pointers,” Oladipo aid. “The mask has secret powers so he’ll be all right.”

Oladipo led the Pacers with 22 points, seven assists and five steals.

After a strong third quarter Indiana built their lead to 17 points early in the fourth before the Hawks trimmed the deficit to six with less than two minutes to play.

“They’re a really good team, especially offensively,” Oladipo said. “We did a great job of digging down and getting stops when we needed it.”

The Pacers, who improved to 25-12, are third in the Eastern Conference but Oladipo said they have their sights on doing more.

“We’re doing pretty good, but we can be better, man, that’s what’s scary about it,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of room to improve. We have bigger goals.” AFP

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

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Sports

Nietes now a 4-division champion

By Jessica Luna

Donnie Nietes of Philippines (C) celebrates his victory over Kazuto Ioka of Japan during their WBO super flyweight championship boxing bout in Macau. AFP

Nadal: Body first, ranking later B

RISBANE—Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal insisted Tuesday he is not chasing the world’s top ranking as he prepares to make a comeback from ankle surgery, with taking care of his body a key priority.

He said he wanted to ensure he could take care of his body to allow him to keep playing as long as possible because of his love for the game.

“The thing that I don’t want to do is suffer more than what I did last year, because if you do (suffer injuries two) years in a row, that mentally kills you,” he said.

“I really believe that I have to keep having tennis to play in my career, and I really feel that my body is not going to get worse every year.

“Really my only goal is to keep doing the things that makes me happy, and today playing tennis makes me happy, and I want to do it the best way possible and as long as possible.”

In the second round Nadal will play either Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France or local hope Thanasi Kokkinakis, two players who have also been trou-

OOZING with confidence and showing superior technical boxing skills, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes became a fourdivision world titleholder by beating Japanese Kazuto Ioka via split decision on New Year’s Eve, winning the vacant World Boxing Organization belt at the Wynn Palace in Macau.

The 36-year-old Nietes joined Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. with more than three world titles in different weight divisions. Pacquiao has a record eight world titles in eight divisions, while Donaire has four.

The Murcia, Negros Occidental-born boxer got favorable scorecards from American judges Levi Martinez (118110) and Patricia Morse Jarman (116112), just enough to secure the title.

Ioka got a favorable score from Panamanian judge Samuel Nieto (112-116).

“I felt so nervous when the announcer revealed the judges’ decision. We were not expecting a split decision because everybody knew who really won the fight, but that’s okay,” Nietes’ trainer Edito Villamor told Manila Standard via overseas call early New Year morning.

“It was really a career-defining performance by Donnie (Nietes). We executed very well our game plan,” Villamor added. “Donnie fought at his very best and avoided Ioka’s massive body shots by countering them with his timely uppercuts.”

Relying on great head movements and jabs, Nietes overcame Ioka’s body shots with superb counterpunching and uppercuts particularly in the latter rounds. Despite Ioka’s aggressiveness in the latter rounds, Nietes was able to avoid his solid punches the rest of the way.

“I’m really happy to get it (fourdivision world title) during the New Year,” said Nietes, who improved his win-loss-draw record to 42-1-5 with 23 knockouts as he succeeded in winning a world title in the super flyweight, adding it to his previous world title collections.

He already won world titles in the minimumweight, light flyweight and flyweight classes.

Nietes also returned to the elite circle of Filipino world champions after relinquishing his International Boxing Federation flyweight belt.

The current world number two has not played a main tour event since a knee problem forced him to retire during his US Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro in September.

The 32-year-old had surgery on his ankle in November to remove a loose intra-articular body and only resumed training three weeks ago.

He played the opening round at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last week, where he lost to South African Kevin Anderson, and gets his season proper under way in the second round of the Brisbane International on Thursday.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner said

he hadn’t been worried about the world rankings for the past two years.

“My goal is just to be happy doing what I am doing and be competitive all the weeks that I am playing,” he said.

“I want to feel myself competitive every week that I am on court and I want to keep fighting for the things that really make me feel alive, you know, for the things that motivate me.

“So I will not (chase) the number one because it’s not my main goal.

“Of course, I prefer to be number one than number two, and I prefer to be number two than number five, that’s obvious,” he added.

World Cup host Qatar to introduce 100% booze tax

Masterful win by Obra Maestra at Juvenile Race

DOHA—World Cup 2022 host Qatar is to introduce a 100 percent tax on alcohol from January 1, a government official confirmed on Monday.

The “sin” tax is being introduced just weeks after the conservative Muslim Gulf state announced in its annual budget statement that it would introduce a levy on “health-damaging goods”.

The policy was revealed by the Qatar Distribution Company, the country’s only alcohol store, in a 30-page list of new prices for beer, wines and spirits, citing the introduction of a 100 per cent “excise tax”.

The list was widely shared on social media and showed drinks doubling in price overnight, as it detailed charges which come into effect from January 1.

When asked if the document was genuine, a government spokesman told AFP: “it is true”.

With the new levy, a 100cl bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin will now cost 340 Qatari riyals ($93, 81 euros) and a 75cl of Shiraz wine from South Africa will be sold for 86 riyals ($23, 20 euros).

A 24-pack of Heineken 330ml beers will now cost 384 riyals ($105, 92 euros).

It is legal to buy alcohol in Qatar with a permit, and also to drink in licenced bars, clubs and hotels —although drinking in public is banned.

The issue of alcohol is likely to be a sensitive subject in the run-up to the World Cup in four years’ time.

Tournament organiers in Qatar have said alcohol will be available for fans in designated areas, but not in public spaces, out of respect for the country’s traditions. AFP

Rafael Nadal of Spain wears festive new year 2019 eyewear during a media call in front of the Queensland Tennis centre in Brisbane. AFP

Nadal was forced to retire during matches at two of the four Grand Slams in 2018, but still added a record-extending 11th French Open crown to his collection.

Sandy Javier Jr. (right) receives the Breeder’s Award from Philracom Commissioner Victor Tantoco after his horse Obra Maestra won the Juvenile Championship. They are joined by (from left) Richard Tupas, representing his father Ruben for the Trainer’s Award, PRCI manager Antonio Alcasid, Karen Javier and jockey JB Guce.

OBRA Maestra delivered another masterful show, this time on a rainy New Year’s eve as she pulled off an emphatic victory in the 2018 Juvenile Championships the Saddle and Clubs Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite.

The Sandy Javier Jr.-owned two-yearold filly measured the mettle of the

heavy 12-horse field in the early goings, before going full throttle in the final 400 meters to score the eight-length win, its third stakes triumph for the year.

“Ngayon lang din naman mapapasabak ng maramihan ‘yung kabayo ko, kaya kina-kalkula ko. Pero nu’ng naramdaman ko sa half mile na medyo kaya

ko na siya, tinitignan ko na lang ‘yung nasa harapan ko kaya para ‘di masyadong mabigyan ng pressure. Kaya pagdating po ng home stretch, sabi ko na kaya ko na itong last 400 meters,” said jockey JB Guce.

With the win, Guce declared his horse’s readiness for the bigger races ahead, including the 2019 Triple Crown.

“Puwede na po ‘yan sa Triple Crown, hasang-hasa na,” added Guce.

Obra Maestra, which was also coming off a dominant victory in the P2million 2018 Philracom Juvenile Fillies Stakes only last month, gifted her owner the top purse of P1.5 million from the guaranteed total pot of P2.5 million put up by the racing commission. Javier also took the P75,000 prize as breeder of the winning horse.

Javier and his wife Karen personally received the Juvenile Championship trophy from Philracom Commissioner Victor Tantoco and Philippine Racing Club Inc. Racing Manager Antonio Alcasid. Richard Tupas received the trainer’s award on behalf of his father Ruben.

Full of Grace (jockey MA Alvarez, owner Alfredo R. Santos) took the runner-up purse of P562,500, while My Jopay (CP Henson, Moises B. Villase-

nor) received P312,500. Lady Mischief (KB Abobo, SC Stockfarm) placed fourth, worth P125,000.

Forest Cover, the 2nd leg winner of the Philracom Juvenile Colts Stakes Race, could only finish fifth in the race ran over 1,600 meters.

Other winners in the last Philracom offering for the year were AZAP (Race 1), Misha (Race 2), Aim Thirty One (Race 3), Yosemite (Race 4), War Dancer (Race 5), Always On Time (Race 7), Hail Storm (Race 8), Universe (Race 9), Beautiful Star (Race 10), Nostradamus (Race 11) and Native American (Race 12).

Philracom races are being conducted in accordance with the Philracom’s Rating-Based Handicapping System, which is a result of the commission’s affiliation with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, whose mission is to promote good regulation and best practices on international matters pertaining to the sport.

As a member of IFHA, Philracom is ready to embrace the world standards set by the international body, such as the rating-based handicapping system, equine drug-testing and transfer of technology, thereby making sure that horseracing in the Philippines is held at the highest level.

Pagdanganan, Dy banner PH Am Open cast FRESH from their successful team-up in the National Doubles, Bianca Pagdanganan and Jed Dy seek individual honors this time as they lead the crack international field in the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championship starting Thursday (Jan. 3, 2019) at Riviera’s Langer course in Cavite.

But while Pagdanganan, 21, looms as one of the players to watch in the ladies division of the 72-hole stroke play championship sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, the 15-year-old Dy faces tall odds in his side of the event which features the country’s leading players headed by Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus, Weiwei Gao, Miguel Ilas, Peter Po, Paolo Wong and Kristoffer Arevalo among others.

The Koreans dominated last year’s staging of the annual event organized and conducted by the National

Golf Association of the Philippines and serving as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour with Kim Joo Hyung nipping Luis Castro by one and Hwang Min-jeong scoring a record 16-shot romp over compatriot Kim Hee Ji. But the locals are raring to re-claim the crown last won by the Filipinos in 2016 courtesy of now pro Jobim Carlos and Harmie Constantino with Pagdanganan hoping to ride the momentum of her doubles victory against a field that includes Japanese Tae Saito, Ayumi Takahashi and Riko Nagai along with Koreans Kim Seo Yun, Lee Yeonseo and Kim, Malaysians Natasha Oon and Eliza Kho, Linette Chua, Inez Ng, Linna Loh and Callista Chen of Singapore.

For details, call NGAP at telefax No. (02) 7065926 or at Riviera Golf Club, Inc. at (02) 888-9089 or 09568821149 email ngap2009handicap@yahoo.com.

Also on tap is the Special Division for boys and girls’ 12 years old and below as part of NGAP’s continuing talent-search. Leading the boys’ cast are Santino Pineda, Vince Tiamsic and Zack Villaroman while Alethea Gaccion, Venice Tiamsic and Jody Castillo banner the girls’ roster that also drew a slew of Koreans.

Still, focus will be on the centerpiece Open division with 16 Koreans out to crowd the local bets in men’s play along with Liam Cully and Leo Connolly from Ireland, Ricardo Terlajo from Guam, Japanese Atsushi Ueda, Kyosuke and Gen Nagai, Malaysians Ying Hock Hong and Marcus Chuen and Dutch Frank Schneider.

Singapore is also fielding in six players in the event, including Andre Chong and Brandon Han, while Thailand will pin its hopes on Vanchai Luangnitikul and Nopparat Panichphol.

IN BRIEF Taiwan offers help to Usman victims THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, on Tuesday, offered to help people affected by tropical depression Usman.

Teco said in a statement it would help typhoon victims overcome the adversities and promptly restore their lives back to normal.

Taiwan is willing to cooperate with the Philippines by providing necessities and assistances specifically required by the affected people.

It vowed to keep in contact with relevant government agencies of the Philippines to monitor the damage and casualties caused

by Usman.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also conveyed its goodwill of offering assistance to the Philippine government through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines.

The government and people of the Taiwan also expressed their sincere care and condolence to the government of the Philippines and people in the affected areas.

Usman hit central islands of the Philippines in the weekend before the New Year, triggering flooding and landslides and causing dozens of casualties. Othel V. Campos

Business

Wall Street stocks end worst in 10 years NEW YORK, United States—The US stock market concluded its worst year since the global financial crisis on Monday following a late-season collapse that also raised doubts about the prospects for 2019.

Major indices notched modest gains in the year’s final session, but it barely made a dent compared with the rest of December, the market’s worst month in nearly a decade.

Ending in the red for 2018 did not appear in the cards in the first weeks of the year, when Wall Street repeatedly shot to new records on the heels of a sweeping tax cut signed into law in December 2017 by President Donald Trump.

Concluding the year with losses is “astonishing,” Manulife senior portfolio manager Nate Thooft told AFP. “From an investor perspective, it probably shakes them a bit.”

STATE-RUN National Transmission Corp. said it will pay more than P2 billion worth of feed-in tariffs to renewable energy developers this month.

“We have reduced significantly the backlog of FIT liabilities to RE developers,” TransCo president Melvin Matibag said.

TransCo previously had a backlog of about P4 billion, but it was able to receive approval for its 2017 feed-in tariff allowance application from the Energy Regulatory Commission, allowing it to collect from consumers higher FIT rates.

“We will have an outstanding [backlog] of about P2.3 billion after our payment on Jan. 5,” said Dina Dizon, head of TransCo’s feed-in tariff team.

TransCo is set to pay P851 million on

ABOJEB’S NEW OFFICE. Abojeb Company, one of the leading maritime and manpower services companies, inaugurates its new office in Paranaque City. The recently opened office occupies the fifth and sixth floors of Ri-Rance Corporate Center 1 at Aseana City. With 3,000 square meters, it houses Abojeb’s entire workforce and provides a modern welcome to the seafarers. Shown during the inauguration of the office are (from left) Abojeb shareholders Endika Aboitiz, International Maritime Organization Ambassador Carlos Salinas and Abojeb chairman Bjorn Jebsen.

Congress has adequate time to pass tax reforms

By Julito G. Rada

F

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III is optimistic that Congress will approve the remaining packages under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program ahead of the national elections in May.

Dominguez said Tuesday these reforms should include the reduction in the 30-percent corporate income tax and the overhaul of the fiscal incentives system.

He said the current Congress has several remaining session days in the first half of 2019 before a new set of lawmakers gets elected in May, providing them some time to tackle the proposals. The 17th Congress adjourned session on Dec. 15 for the traditional yearend break and will resume work on Jan. 14. It will adjourn again on Feb. 9 and resume on May 20, after which it will adjourn sine die on June 8.

Dominguez acknowledged that the coming May 2019 elections could dim hopes of getting the tax reform packages

Jan. 5 and another P1.6 billion to P1.7 billion on or before Jan. 25.

TransCo manages the FIT-All fund under the FIT system. It is an incentive scheme that gives solar, wind, biomass and small hydro plants priority to connections to grid.

ERC approved TransCo’s 2017 FITAll application, granting the state-run firm an authority to collect P0.2563 per kWh, an increase of P0.0733 per kWh from the previous rate of P0.1830 per kWh. TransCo also has a pending FIT-All application of P0.2932 per kWh for 2018 and 2019.

The company filed a petition with the ERC to collect from consumers P0.2780 per kHh for 2019, higher than the current approved rate of P0.2563 per kWh. TransCo asked ERC to allow it “to

Consumers asked to save power this year

By Alena Mae S. Flores ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi asked consumers to embrace an energy efficient lifestyle this year.

Cusi said the department was promoting the ‘Save, Save, Save’ campaign for consumers to save more in 2019.

“E-Power Mo means we have that energy ability. Embracing an energy efficient lifestyle will make our families and our nation more prosperous,” Cusi said.

The energy chief listed several simple resolutions towards electricity and fuel efficiency to enable consumers to save on their consumption.

“Let us welcome the new year with new perspective, new hopes and new ways in dealing with our daily activities in 2019,” Cusi said.

Cusi said consumers should practice turning off lights when not needed and unplugging unused electric appliances.

He said that unplugging your appliances

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

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By Jenniffer B. Austria

approved in the current Congress.

“We will discuss again with them [legislators] and see how we can push [the tax reform packages],” Dominguez said in a recent interview.

Finance assistant secretary Antonio Joselito Lambino II echoed Dominguez’s statement and said the DoF would push for the remaining tax reform packages to complement the first CTRP package—the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law—and complete the process of making the country’s tax system fairer, simpler and more efficient.

“We are always supportive of our legislators when they require technical data and analysis for these proposed tax reforms.

Transco agrees to settle P2-b debt with renewable power

By Alena Mae S. Flores

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

SEC to finalize rules on initial coin offering

Visually-impaired gets access to content THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines said it secured wider access to novels, textbooks, and other printed materials currently limited in distribution and production by copyright law, for more than three million visually-impaired Filipinos.

The Philippines, on Dec. 18, 2018, deposited its instrument of accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to Director General Francis Gurry of the World Intellectual Property Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) in charge of administering the Treaty.

Ambassador Evan Garcia of the Philippine Mission to the UN and Other International Organizations facilitated the event.

The IPOPhl has been pushing for the country’s accession to the treaty, in a bid to increase trade in published materials in ‘accessible formats’ and institutionalizing freer production and distribution, since its adoption in a diplomatic conference in Marrakesh, Morocco on June 27, 2013.

An accessible format copy is a copy of a work in an alternative manner or form which gives a beneficiary person access to the work, including to permit the person to have access in the same way as a person without visual impairment or other print disability.

Publications in Braille format or audio books, for example, are considered accessible format copies. Othel V. Campos

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

avoids “phantom load” or the wasted energy for leaving appliances plugged but unused.

A CRT television (8 watts standby power) and its cable or digital box (8 watts standby power) as combined consume a total of 16 watts of phantom load or an equivalent of P57.60 worth of wasted electricity per month.

Cusi also urged consumers to shift to LED light to save at most 86 percent energy from incandescent bulb to LED or 50 percent savings from compact fluorescent lamp to LED. He said that consumers could save about P96 for regularly cleaning the filters and condensers of a one-horsepower conventional aircon being operated for eight hours a day.

Consumers can also save by defrosting frozen food before cooking as it reduces LPG/electricity consumption.

Cusi said simply drying out clothes in the sun instead of spin dry or heated drying will save on electricity costs.

timely implement the FIT-All rate of P0.2780 per kWh effective January 2019 without prejudice to the final and actual rate pending the final disposition of its present application.”

“The grant of a provisional authority will allow TransCo to perform its duties to make a timely payment of the FIT rate to RE developers to which they are entitled, thereby allowing their continued operations,” it said.

TransCo said that as 2019 would be the last year of the offering of tFITs, it based its application on the Department of Energy’s list of renewable energy projects.

“Our projections are lower [for 2019]. The reason why we are also trying to bring it down is because we are mindful of the plight of the consumers,” Matibag said earlier.

We are available 25/8,” said Lambino.

The remaining CTRP packages pending in Congress include Package 1B on the reforms in the Motor Vehicle Users’ Charge. This is still being deliberated in Congress; Package 2 covers the corporate income tax reduction and reforms in fiscal incentives. The House of Representatives approved its version of the measure—the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities or Trabaho bill—in September.

The Senate version remains pending at the ways and means committee.

Package 2 plus proposes additional excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products as well as an increase in the government’s share from mining while Package 3 covers reforms in property valuation to make the system more equitable, efficient and transparent. It proposes to adopt the Schedule of Market Values as single valuation base for national and local property taxation.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said it will hold a second round of public consultations and finalize the rules on initial coin offering this year.

The regulator said in a notice posted on its website that concerned parties would have until Jan. 15 to submit their comments and inputs.

ICOs refer to distributed ledger technology fundraising operations involving the issuance of tokens in return for cash, other cryptocurrencies or other assets. They involve coins (or tokens) being issued in order to raise money from the general public through online platforms.

“Considering that the enhanced interest in the proposed rules, the Securities and Exchange Commission resolved to subject the proposed rules on Initial Coin Offering to a second round of public consultations,” the SEC said.

“Hence the commission is inviting banks, investment houses, and other parties to submit their views, comments and inputs to the said proposed rules and guidelines which are revised based on the comments received during the previous round of public consultation,” it said.

The proposed rules are benchmarked from the rules in various jurisdictions and markets.

Under the draft circular issued in August, the SEC will assess an ICO in two stages: the initial assessment and registration proper.

The initial assessment will require ICO proponents to prove that the tokens they have are not security tokens. Security tokens are defined as “payment, utility, and/or asset tokens that satisfy the definition of securities under the Securities Regulation Code, its implementing rules and regulations, and other issuances of the SEC.” Several ICOs conducted prior to the release of the draft rules claimed that the tokens issued were not securities and should not be under the jurisdiction of the SEC. The SEC said that once it found that the tokens were securities during the initial assessment stage, it would order the proponent to register the coins and proceed to registration proper.

Clark International Airport’s new terminal expected to open in 2020

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation said the construction of a new passenger terminal at Clark International Airport is on track and will be operational by 2020.

“It’s on track. Hopefully, we can get it operational by 2020,” Transportation Undersecretary for aviation Manuel Antonio Tamayo said.

The Megawide-GMR consortium submitted the lowest financial proposal for the airport expansion project at P9.36 billion on Dec. 14, 2017.

Clark International Airport is the second main gateway into the country, and the new 100,000-square-me-

ter terminal will double its capacity to eight million passengers a year, boosting air transport capacity for the Greater Manila Area.

The project is expected to reduce the strain on the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport and help create jobs and increase development in Central Luzon, a growing economic center.

Clark International Airport is envisioned to be Asia’s next premier gateway.

It now has an annual capacity of four million passengers. Airlines operating in Clark include Qatar Airways, Cebu Pacific, Tigerair, Jin Air, Asiana Airlines, Dragon Air, AirAsia Berhad, Philippine Airlines and Emirates Airlines.

PEPSI SUPPORTS SUMMIT.

The Department of Labor and Employment launches its first Visayas-wide Family Welfare Summit in Bacolod City to enrich the wellbeing of workers. As a long-time collaborator and strong industry partner, Pepsi-Cola Product Philippines Inc. shared world-class practices on successful employee and culture programs that local businesses can leverage on. Shown during the summit are (from left) Melrose Bedonia, vice president of Panay Federation of Family Welfare Committees; Dole Region 7 director Johnson Canete; Gloria Pasustento, summit chairperson and president of Family Welfare Association of Negros Occidental; and Woodro Guanzon, vice president of Family Welfare Association of Negros Occidental.

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Markets stagger towards yearend N EW YORK—World stock markets staggered Monday towards the end of their worst year since the global financial crisis a decade ago, rocked by rising interest rates, the global trade war and Brexit, dealers said.

London and Paris wobbled in holidayshortened trade on New Year’s Eve—but nursed dizzying double-digit annual falls after an exceptionally volatile 2018.

Hong Kong rose Monday after US President Donald Trump hailed “big progress” on resolving Washington’s trade war with Beijing, but was down almost 14 percent over the year.

Wall Street gained in the final trading session of 2018, but major indices declined for the year, with the Dow shedding 5.6 percent compared to the end of 2017.

Equities have been hammered in

2018 by tighter monetary policy— from the US Federal Reserve and also the European Central Bank, which halted its quantitative easing stimulus policy this month.

“Global stocks are set for their worst year since the financial crisis, thanks to the tightening monetary policies,” said ThinkMarkets analyst Naeem Aslam The Bank of England meanwhile hiked British interest rates in August for the second time since the financial crisis to help tame inflation, despite worries that Brexit could wreak havoc on the economy.

Sentiment was also dented by US President Donald Trump’s “America First” trade policy which has sparked a damaging trade war with China and others.

Wall Street did however mark the longest-ever “bull market” in August, a run that began amid extraordinary crisis-era monetary policy—but for which Trump has claimed credit after his tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks.

Yet markets have since spiralled lower on slowing global growth, Italy’s fiscal woes, a US government shutdown and Trump’s attacks on the Fed. Investors also ran for cover as the uncertain nature of Britain’s looming exit from the European Union in March 2019 casts a long shadow.

“Stock markets have been on a wild ride this year and the United States has been at the center,” Oanda analyst Craig Erlam told AFP.

“Tax reforms hugely boosted earnings, bringing an economic boost with it,” he said.

However, “the trade war with China and skirmishes elsewhere have weighed heavily on the relevant domestic markets which has dented investor sentiment.”

Washington and Beijing imposed titfor-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion worth of goods in total two-way trade earlier this year, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits and contributed to stock market plunges.

While investors remain concerned, relations have thawed since Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump agreed to a 90-day trade truce in early December while the two sides work to ease trade tensions by March 1.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua quoted Xi as telling Trump both leaders want “stable progress.” AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW STOCKS

DECEMBER 26-28, 2018 Close Volume

Value

Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank COL Financial Eastwest Bank Ferronoux Holding Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

59.3 130.80 94.00 2.19 1.50 27.1 16.24 11.9 4.47 7.32 0.72 1.53 750.00 0.465 80.95 0.91 11.98 20.20 42.75 62.3 145.2 180 28.5 155 1800.00 63.95 1.18

29,930 8,138,180 4,484,590 142,000 1,280,000 165,200 362,900 2,247,600 4,468,100 12,200 740,000 18,000 100 450,000 6,077,300 1,367,000 11,500 900 135,200 24,010 11,280 2,480 508,300 729,770 170 125,970 1,000

FINANCIAL 1,767,006.00 1,048,281,405.00 417,523,934.50 304,620.00 1,871,240.00 4,489,815.00 5,800,060.00 26,425,340.00 21,086,135.00 89,304.00 508,390.00 25,500.00 75,400.00 213,050.00 488,659,444.00 1,233,220.00 136,688.00 18,053.00 5,775,880.00 1,492,003.50 1,596,971.00 443,535.00 14,404,445.00 113,629,258.00 306,000.00 8,019,918.00 1,180.00

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Basic Energy Corp.

Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Petron Corporation PH Resorts Group Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SMC Food and Beverage SPC Power Corp.

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

35.1 17 1.06 1.28 0.240 98.15 16.00 1.9 15.2 169 30.95 64.95 37 1.8 6.5 6.38 10.980 15.46 7.95 7.11 1.7 19.98 64.75 26.75 1.9900 5.80 10.6 1.810 291.80 45.00 4.3 3.3 9.68 28.25 10.26 18.5 0.176 380.00 5.85 1.34 3.50 7.71 5.39 9.00 1.15 10.74 47.75 5.8 4.89 1.98 2.67 1.41 11.9 82 5.44 0.125 0.85 127 2.33 1.99 1.60

6,214,200 2,772,400 13,423,000 136,000 15,250,000 230 1,200 48,057,000 554,800 150 1,037,500 170 81,000 299,000 958,500 192,400 17,246,800 1,240,900 840,300 10,095,400 6,000 3,674,400 676,730 33,700 26,889,000 566,400 7,204,500 1,057,000 2,098,820 200 89,000 19,000 23,700 1,629,600 487,300 17,592,800 1,110,000 631,760 8,000 4,343,000 2,965,000 9,154,500 280,700 21,000 26,097,000 264,200 886,000 211,600 361,000 1,453,000 12,000 257,000 706,300 433,290 499,800 340,000 390,000 1,915,230 148,000 46,016,000 15,314,000

INDUSTRIAL 217,753,090.00 47,480,210.00 14,095,820.00 174,500.00 3,730,940.00 22,014.50 19,092.00 86,380,230.00 8,333,190.00 25,480.00 32,247,165.00 10,105.50 2,998,780.00 530,530.00 6,470,562.00 1,216,957.00 184,820,514.00 19,172,150.00 6,710,243.00 71,296,148.00 10,110.00 72,957,711.00 43,537,622.50 846,850.00 52,190,010.00 3,330,311.00 75,627,708.00 1,916,210.00 614,811,248.00 9,000.00 382,700.00 60,740.00 206,970.00 45,367,130.00 4,975,762.00 320,473,422.00 194,890.00 245,607,744.00 46,493.00 5,865,860.00 10,679,110.00 71,062,508.00 1,481,628.00 189,000.00 30,803,750.00 2,811,286.00 41,779,420.00 1,226,840.00 1,693,550.00 2,908,900.00 32,040.00 359,020.00 8,390,686.00 35,339,604.50 2,723,181.00 42,390.00 326,020.00 245,137,869.00 343,770.00 87,947,560.00 25,003,330.00

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ Asiabest Group ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ BHI Holdings Inc. Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ F&J Prince ‘B’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Keppel Holdings `B’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Lopez Holdings Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Transgrid Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.610 55.00 11.90 0.88 6.50 26 1.420 1.420 900 1251.00 6.71 12.78 5.3 5.19 11.80 0.219 975 5.83 55.70 6.78 4.82 4.91 0.56 4 16.6 0.590 4.64 2.56 0.0370 1.230 2.370 2.62 147.00 2.6 917.50 1.32 0.74 249.800 536.00 0.2470 0.223

27,740,000 3,027,860 11,716,400 1,000 185,800 190,500 28,438,000 6,489,000 789,960 70 1,284,600 7,346,400 35,000 12,000 1,676,700 560,000 165,480 25,600 5,556,320 105,200 18,000 176,600 114,000 2,576,000 3,384,400 5,327,000 33,581,000 10,000 5,200,000 355,000 1,382,000 12,000 1,114,010 32,000 697,600 193,000 40,000 10,210 80 6,930,000 130,000

HOLDING FIRMS 16,762,720.00 167,263,035.50 139,309,090.00 880.00 1,207,700.00 4,889,215.00 46,020,840.00 9,249,510.00 716,891,005.00 87,780.00 8,620,854.00 92,188,192.00 181,500.00 61,380.00 20,579,812.00 115,420.00 159,186,670.00 149,418.00 307,852,859.50 697,732.00 83,470.00 826,394.00 62,320.00 10,410,960.00 56,576,822.00 3,177,820.00 156,508,590.00 25,600.00 191,600.00 420,160.00 3,323,940.00 30,710.00 163,946,746.00 83,000.00 640,214,215.00 251,950.00 29,600.00 2,548,810.00 43,200.00 1,687,290.00 27,280.00

2,333,700 4,140,000 14,800 117,000 27,266,000 24,207,200 12,446,000 2,347,000 23,900 9,910,000 4,000 181,000 7,300,000 900,000 1,394,800 1,181,700 600,000 190,000 7,726,000 6,743,000 43,000

PROPERTY 18,912,304.00 3,290,400.00 164,996.00 203,290.00 24,755,680.00 995,180,620.00 28,128,260.00 9,596,690.00 150,157.00 4,167,650.00 3,400.00 158,360.00 1,744,600.00 342,250.00 10,856,326.00 21,103,106.00 294,150.00 21,690.00 10,970,040.00 7,378,590.00 153,950.00

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

DM Wenceslao Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Keppel Properties

8.100 0.78 11.46 1.730 0.960 40.600 2.31 4.14 6.37 0.430 0.85 0.870 0.235 0.380 7.800 17.84 0.485 0.121 1.41 1.13 3.52

DECEMBER 17-21, 2018 Close Volume Value 59 129.00 90.70 2.19 1.49 27.45 15.9 11.7 5.1

75,720 13,284,140 10,650,590 314,000 19,061,000 423,400 22,900 5,217,100 6,628,000

4,450,917.50 1,705,855,722.00 984,706,476.50 680,370.00 30,785,680.00 11,435,670.00 363,034.00 63,445,418.00 32,893,540.00

0.67 1.4 780.00 0.485 81.1 0.91 12.2 18.00 42.30 63.85 122.8 179 28.5 154.5 1800.00 63.70 1.13

100,000 116,000 200 14,960,000 18,677,090 2,388,000 191,800 600 1,373,700 32,720 2,050 5,040 294,700 2,122,380 510 94,700 438,000

67,000.00 162,010.00 153,000.00 7,469,005.00 1,500,141,509.50 2,126,500.00 2,394,524.00 10,800.00 58,963,240.00 2,110,572.00 249,260.00 910,491.00 8,294,565.00 333,926,686.00 921,705.00 6,082,506.50 497,140.00

35 17.28 1.03 1.26 0.235 93.5 16.80 1.73 14.6 170 32 59.1 37.2 1.71 6.99 6.6 10.520 15.3 8.19 7.00

9,847,700 4,060,700 15,755,000 689,000 3,280,000 3,780 31,300 72,681,000 7,933,100 3,740 2,925,400 3,820 208,600 776,000 4,215,100 67,100 14,794,600 1,319,800 1,868,300 36,784,600

333,511,955.00 70,655,902.00 16,095,270.00 852,350.00 784,200.00 351,327.50 507,192.00 126,495,950.00 121,588,968.00 643,564.00 93,706,520.00 231,431.50 7,759,070.00 1,365,160.00 31,069,092.00 440,373.00 153,151,250.00 19,949,560.00 14,996,279.00 261,375,108.00

19.54 64.35 25.05 1.9900 5.80 10.52 1.850 302.40 45.00 4.39

10,306,500 1,363,870 259,500 40,974,000 2,043,800 14,875,400 3,654,000 5,440,470 4,300 436,000

207,058,725.00 88,197,251.00 6,467,455.00 83,265,490.00 11,866,651.00 150,320,811.00 6,724,120.00 1,644,347,866.00 180,545.00 1,875,670.00

9.89 26.5 10.34 18 0.178 390.00 5.80 1.4 3.90 7.77 5.39 9.02 1.19 10.64 46.7 5.75 4.75 1.96 2.68 1.44 11.46 81.7 5.4 0.128 0.86 128.5 2.32 1.88 1.68

5,200 5,013,700 1,132,100 18,861,000 1,100,000 1,080,250 66,700 13,204,000 162,000 10,753,200 245,400 112,500 184,613,000 8,394,500 1,846,300 202,200 750,000 6,337,000 176,000 495,000 4,240,700 2,463,690 1,461,200 360,000 1,756,000 5,120,100 152,000 68,315,000 24,455,000

49,756.00 133,602,310.00 11,696,758.00 346,343,850.00 187,890.00 339,967,592.00 392,296.00 18,305,880.00 643,760.00 86,460,154.00 1,327,566.00 963,042.00 209,481,880.00 89,165,210.00 86,642,310.00 1,161,310.00 3,564,100.00 12,954,010.00 470,580.00 693,730.00 48,211,780.00 198,759,932.50 7,722,331.00 45,740.00 1,530,360.00 657,523,396.00 353,080.00 130,212,640.00 41,025,900.00

0.590 56.00 12.30 0.90 6.50 26 1.370 1.390 914

72,715,000 6,150,400 31,093,500 240,000 119,000 866,500 21,631,000 2,855,000 1,906,890

44,807,150.00 336,903,837.00 382,958,342.00 200,730.00 772,534.00 23,423,825.00 29,332,110.00 3,911,740.00 1,748,794,925.00

6.65 12.70

6,882,200 20,939,000

47,435,150.00 261,782,534.00

11.92 0.204 991.5 5.83 56.10 5.88 4.61 6.57 0.57 4.08 16.6 0.620 4.62 2.56 0.0360 1.250 2.500 2.60 145.00 2.58 910.00 1.31

13,898,100 520,000 461,840 4,700 10,028,820 164,000 17,000 179,600 272,000 18,118,000 19,706,600 2,340,000 91,671,000 8,000 30,000,000 264,000 4,631,000 639,000 4,188,510 98,453,580 1,439,290 166,000

160,539,144.00 123,060.00 446,550,060.00 27,831.00 535,458,061.50 951,187.00 79,070.00 1,155,222.00 155,380.00 74,075,960.00 329,607,864.00 1,433,920.00 424,648,890.00 21,810.00 1,108,400.00 321,520.00 11,387,440.00 1,612,310.00 521,123,537.00 12,900.00 1,327,595,960.00 219,820.00

250.200 480.00 0.2470 0.206

360,530 930 10,450,000 1,670,000

97,399,198.00 467,120.00 2,608,780.00 338,790.00

8.010 0.83 11.24 1.700 0.830 41.300 2.19 3.99 6.47 0.425 0.88 0.880 0.249 0.395 7.900 18.02 0.490 0.124 1.43 1.06 3.88

9,704,900 12,972,000 82,000 830,000 102,679,000 44,697,400 20,560,000 1,628,000 159,400 40,320,000 20,000 120,000 31,100,000 3,430,000 1,042,700 2,183,000 1,280,000 70,000 44,792,000 5,654,000 21,000

75,714,845.00 10,845,640.00 974,460.00 1,416,610.00 87,655,680.00 1,880,972,475.00 46,076,760.00 6,428,180.00 1,004,472.00 17,181,050.00 17,350.00 104,980.00 7,766,410.00 1,354,800.00 8,259,321.00 40,100,990.00 614,000.00 8,740.00 64,020,640.00 6,000,490.00 89,330.00

STOCKS

DECEMBER 26-28, 2018 Close Volume

DECEMBER 17-21, 2018 Close Volume Value

Value

Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil Infradev Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

4.75 0.450 2.2500 0.4700 0.425 40.00 3.54 20.15 2.01 3.12 35.80 1.25 5.4 0.740 5.410

27,090,000 114,610,000 22,260,000 800,000 1,380,000 1,600 579,000 4,207,000 416,000 133,000 23,310,800 2,155,000 878,500 88,000 33,376,500

127,971,100.00 51,302,700.00 49,219,780.00 367,300.00 580,050.00 63,975.00 2,055,570.00 86,120,110.00 831,520.00 411,630.00 833,141,505.00 2,659,980.00 4,908,907.00 63,710.00 176,461,357.00

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Chelsea DFNN Inc. Discovery World Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Metro Retail MetroAlliance A NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Wilcon Depot

13.78 20 1.4 0.405 0.039 13.88 4.5 9.41 73.2 6.46 7.69 2.15 14.92 1900 5.44 325.00 2.95 100 1.87 11.2 8.20 0.129 6.0300 3.39 14.1 3.26 0.80 17.00 16.26 0.370 5.45 2.49 2.09 3.440 9.99 8.33 3.25 9.48 124.00 3.22 1125.00 0.325 0.800 43.00 80.00 7.50 2.38 0.790 0.44 5.31 0.700 12.600

676,800 197,400 685,000 1,790,000 10,433,200 217,800 24,658,000 9,103,700 199,320 2,990,600 79,000 8,000 176,800 66,925 208,400 3,520 5,222,000 3,321,630 17,000 15,600 271,200 41,240,000 22,898,200 59,000 8,900 2,665,000 734,000 2,876,000 1,000 1,550,000 2,500 2,568,000 758,000 5,537,000 28,000 2,000 257,000 22,700 563,850 3,582,000 271,715 1,360,000 14,422,000 7,782,900 1,687,610 308,500 5,877,000 48,842,000 120,440,000 625,300 4,647,000 13,189,600

SERVICES 9,076,414.00 3,955,766.00 909,840.00 741,700.00 1,702,600.00 2,987,186.00 103,243,780.00 86,083,648.00 14,644,593.50 19,439,427.00 576,145.00 17,200.00 2,670,122.00 127,183,320.00 1,133,548.00 1,141,758.00 15,415,230.00 328,686,746.50 31,840.00 167,338.00 2,190,440.00 5,290,880.00 140,526,226.00 184,960.00 129,854.00 8,982,920.00 568,690.00 48,451,358.00 16,260.00 570,050.00 13,277.00 6,420,290.00 1,504,180.00 19,075,690.00 278,151.00 16,630.00 897,330.00 184,628.00 64,172,664.00 11,533,630.00 172,714,735.00 435,900.00 11,561,990.00 334,798,935.00 134,253,248.50 2,319,525.00 13,936,570.00 38,500,590.00 54,774,400.00 3,316,912.00 3,199,110.00 165,387,958.00

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Phinma Petro Semirara Corp.

United Paragon

0.0020 1.67 2.56 15.48 1.5000 1.5000 2.08 0.300 7.27 1.660 0.206 0.112 0.115 0.007 0.0065 1.18 2.2 1.08 0.6000 0.9400 0.0130 0.0130 3.09 15.20 0.0130 3.3700 23.05 0.0055

993,000,000 7,678,000 336,000 19,800 694,000 259,000 4,197,000 1,140,000 66,800 49,203,000 2,750,000 21,130,000 3,320,000 18,000,000 3,000,000 1,877,000 13,414,000 450,000 169,000 621,000 38,900,000 177,100,000 11,456,000 2,607,000 300,700,000 43,000 3,526,800 7,000,000

MINING & OIL 1,970,200.00 12,972,110.00 852,220.00 294,926.00 1,039,800.00 384,150.00 8,637,300.00 340,700.00 479,271.00 81,857,680.00 554,050.00 2,311,760.00 377,040.00 122,500.00 19,500.00 2,280,680.00 29,171,040.00 455,950.00 101,260.00 584,440.00 484,700.00 2,300,700.00 34,536,220.00 39,936,120.00 3,739,400.00 136,560.00 82,104,915.00 38,700.00

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ DD PREF First Gen G FPH Pref C GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B House Preferred Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I Swift Pref

18.7 445 98.8 101.2 465 480 5.36 900 900 96 1.02 98 980 1490 100 102 997 75 76 74.95 73 75 74.9 74.5 73.5 2.15

600 10,070 2,960 420 10,000 630 52,200 310 20 5,700 629,000 9,660 690 5 3,310 3,190 1,000 17,490 17,540 522,450 500 517,810 22,040 4,480 517,930 10,000

LR Warrant

1.950

483,000

PREFERRED 11,270.00 4,497,750.00 291,233.50 42,484.00 4,650,000.00 302,400.00 274,750.00 255,860.00 18,000.00 544,205.00 629,120.00 952,830.00 669,500.00 7,450.00 328,190.00 325,690.00 991,900.00 1,311,750.00 1,333,803.50 38,661,485.00 36,500.00 38,584,894.50 1,625,060.00 333,547.00 38,067,555.00 21,500.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 947,510.00

Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

2.73 4.85 1.72

1,000 3,414,000 55,234,000

First Metro ETF

111.5

8,680

SME 2,730.00 16,431,700.00 92,960,990.00

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 965,995.00

4.8 0.430 2.2800 0.4700 0.440 40.00 3.57 20.55 2 3.08 35.00 1.25 5.87 0.700 5.250

110,530,000 154,060,000 36,266,000 1,000,000 13,250,000 4,400 2,631,000 12,337,800 401,000 595,000 70,090,300 1,544,000 3,936,500 47,000 13,533,400

531,144,060.00 65,571,900.00 81,959,970.00 459,950.00 5,812,100.00 157,375.00 9,311,130.00 257,490,375.00 796,330.00 1,819,110.00 2,453,652,215.00 1,921,870.00 23,324,941.00 32,900.00 70,664,031.00

13.7 20 1.36 0.420 0.041 13.5 3.9 9.78 72 6.46 7.67 2.31 15.90 1900 5.50 325.00 3.07 103 1.90 11.2 7.20 0.123 6.0200

3,843,500 385,800 4,670,000 2,270,000 60,100,000 32,900 55,772,000 70,184,400 1,140,490 5,604,700 178,800 7,000 845,000 226,450 1,103,200 4,370 3,682,000 11,090,670 103,000 21,600 7,100 345,980,000 32,589,600

56,599,874.00 7,674,068.00 7,262,490.00 945,200.00 2,415,600.00 444,150.00 212,016,850.00 677,849,604.00 82,659,869.50 36,212,900.00 1,352,715.00 15,540.00 13,661,892.00 444,695,710.00 5,980,002.00 1,412,292.00 11,298,440.00 1,112,919,114.00 196,940.00 228,832.00 51,120.00 46,109,190.00 191,294,228.00

14.5 3.50 0.80 16.46 17.40 0.340 5.45 2.48 2.06 3.380 10 8.30 3.11 7.8 112.00 3.05 1149.00 0.320 0.840 42.20 80.00 7.54 2.39 0.730 0.46 5.29 0.690 12.380

4,700 131,305,000 1,216,000 5,744,700 3,100 260,000 135,200 7,454,000 1,370,000 7,194,000 32,800 31,000 314,000 1,000 273,350 5,522,000 632,540 2,520,000 33,821,000 13,483,500 2,520,550 1,030,600 13,125,000 46,172,000 228,920,000 1,950,700 10,658,000 5,794,300

68,040.00 450,212,770.00 940,350.00 90,358,188.00 55,086.00 92,300.00 704,085.00 18,265,290.00 2,791,350.00 24,018,740.00 332,607.00 246,965.00 1,079,390.00 7,800.00 30,545,866.00 16,967,560.00 728,584,585.00 825,050.00 28,617,050.00 573,608,840.00 200,112,323.50 7,854,559.00 31,485,200.00 34,113,580.00 100,270,800.00 10,276,820.00 7,378,830.00 70,321,252.00

0.0020 1.65 2.51 15.76 1.4500 1.3500 2.04 0.295 7.27 1.680 0.209 0.110 0.112 0.007 0.0063 1.31 2.2 1.07 0.6000 0.9500 0.0130 0.0130 2.70 14.54 0.0120 3.3900 22.50 0.0056

3,044,000,000 5,990,000 1,719,000 4,900 117,000 80,000 4,984,000 510,000 81,600 4,182,000 280,000 19,840,000 3,640,000 38,000,000 14,000,000 11,964,000 31,473,000 470,000 228,000 1,572,000 763,500,000 191,800,000 8,593,000 5,936,500 1,202,900,000 314,000 11,908,000 105,000,000

5,948,600.00 9,646,050.00 4,343,090.00 72,990.00 160,650.00 105,280.00 9,993,240.00 152,300.00 585,209.00 7,030,900.00 58,210.00 2,101,440.00 400,020.00 248,000.00 89,900.00 16,899,860.00 67,087,290.00 485,110.00 136,970.00 1,521,020.00 9,902,400.00 2,481,500.00 22,735,560.00 87,556,048.00 15,553,000.00 1,045,400.00 278,312,495.00 605,900.00

18.8 456 98.9 103

945,100 2,200 26,870 87,800

17,899,508.00 994,074.00 2,595,999.00 8,901,910.00

480 5.3

2,130 317,900

1,012,400.00 1,675,138.00

928 97 1.02 101.3 1007

8,100 800 95,000 300 220

7,525,910.00 77,360.00 96,990.00 30,390.00 217,990.00

99 105 990 75.2 76.15 74 72.5 74.8 72.5 73.25 73.5

500 5,100 400 2,110 59,970 10,200 11,070 91,240 7,120 107,540 61,890

49,505.00 521,800.00 397,500.00 160,154.50 4,583,003.50 754,800.00 806,985.00 6,810,057.00 516,348.00 7,881,682.00 4,533,028.00

2.050

1,857,000

3,804,290.00

4.5 1.59

1,163,000 62,961,000

5,143,470.00 94,542,470.00

111.8

29,530

3,290,324.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining Philodrill Corp. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Transpacific Broadcast MRC Allied Ind. Xurpas Ferronickel STI Holdings Cemex Holdings Vitarich Corp.

VOLUME 993,000,000 300,700,000 177,100,000 120,440,000 114,610,000 55,234,000 49,203,000 48,842,000 48,057,000 46,016,000

STOCKS Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Ayala Land `B’ SM Prime Holdings Ayala Corp `A’ SM Investments Inc. Jollibee Foods Corp.

Metrobank Bank of PI Puregold I.C.T.S.I.

VALUE 1,048,281,405.00 995,180,620.00 833,141,505.00 716,891,005.00 640,214,215.00 614,811,248.00 488,659,444.00 417,523,934.50 334,798,935.00 328,686,746.50

China’s production contracted in December BEIJING, China—China’s manufacturing activity in December contracted for the first time in over two years, official data showed Monday, amid a bruising trade war with the United States and a slowing domestic economy.

The manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, a gauge of factory conditions, came in at 49.4 for the month, down from 50.0 in November, according to official figures from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Marking its lowest point in over two years, the PMI fell below the 50.0 mark separating expansion from contraction.

“Some industries have gradually entered the off-season of production, and companies are cautious about the recent market expectations,” said NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe in a statement.

“Second, due to factors such as more external environmental variables and slower internal demand, the recent import and export boom has been lower.”

He noted that the average PMI for 2018 has been 50.9, but a slowdown in global economic growth and international trade friction had impacted China’s manufacturing industry.

After spending much of the year locked in a trade war, China and the US are now reportedly preparing for talks after a 90-day truce agreed between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Argentina earlier this month.

Washington and Beijing have imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion worth of goods, and the bruising trade conflict has spooked markets worldwide.

Trump is seeking a massive reduction in the US trade deficit with China and deeper reforms to open the economy to foreign companies.

In a sign of thawing relations, China on Friday said it would approve US rice imports.

Earlier this month, China’s major state-owned grain stockpiler said it had resumed buying US soybeans, and Beijing announced it would suspend extra tariffs on US-made cars and auto parts starting January 1.

China is also targeting intellectual property theft in the country -- one of the main sticking points in the dispute with the US. AFP

Most Asian lenders eye Open Banking MOST large banks in Asia Pacific said that providing Open Banking services for their commercial clients is a key strategic initiative in their digital transformation programs, and many expect Open Banking to help them achieve double-digit revenue growth, according to a global research report by Accenture.

Open Banking enables financial services commercial customers to share their financial data securely with banks and third parties, making it possible to easily transfer funds, compare products and manage accounts using application program interfaces.

According to the study, 90 percent of large banks in Asia Pacific said they plan to provide Open Banking services for their commercial clients, with half (50 percent) of the banks in the region expecting Open Banking to help them grow their revenues up to 10 percent and another one-third (33 percent) expecting it to help them grow their revenues up to 20 percent.

The report, “Opening Up Commercial Banking, The Brave New World Of Open Banking in APAC,” is based on a global survey of more than 750 executives at global banks, small- and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations.

Commercial bank customers in the region often want the same things that retail bank customers want — moreinnovative processes and a better customer experience — which Open Banking can facilitate.

When asked to identify the most significant benefit of using an Open Banking ecosystem platform, respondents in AsiaPac most often said gaining access to convenient and innovative banking services, cited by 30 percent and 20 percent of executives at large corporations and SMEs, respectively.

B3

World

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

China taking advantage of openness of Taiwan—Tsai TAIPEI―China’s manipulation of Taiwan’s democratic openness is the biggest threat to the island’s security, President Tsai Ing-wen said Tuesday as she called on Beijing to seek peaceful means to solve their differences.

Relations between China and Taiwan have spent two years in the doldrums since the election of Tsai, who has refused to acknowledge Beijing’s stance that the island is part of “one China”.

Tsai’s comments came a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to give a landmark speech on Taiwan. It will be closely watched on the island where many have been rattled by the Chinese leader’s increasingly muscular rhetoric.

Beijing still sees democratic Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified by force if necessary, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949.

China has cut off official communication with Tsai’s government and stepped up military and diplomatic pressure.

In a New Year’s Day speech, Tsai called for Beijing to come to the table but she warned that Taiwan’s people would never give up the kind of freedoms unseen on the authoritarian mainland.

“What we need is for the two sides to understand and face the reality that both sides are fundamentally different in their values, lifestyles, and political system,” she said. AFP

FOTO 1

REVELRY. Revelers gather for the New Year’s Eve celebration under the rain on December 31, 2018, in Times Square in New York. AFP

Trump critic Warren enters 2020 race for White House WASHINGTON―Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren―an outspoken critic of Wall Street and nemesis of Donald Trump—entered the 2020 race for the White House on Monday.

The 69-year-old progressive announced she was launching an exploratory committee for president, becoming the first major candidate in what is set to be an extraordinarily crowded Democratic primary, united by a singular focus on unseating the Republican Trump.

The move will help Warren raise funds and hire more staff early in the campaign cycle―an effort in which she already leads most other potential Democratic candidates.

Her announcement came 13 months before the Iowa caucuses that launch what is expected to be a boisterous primary season.

“America’s middle class is under attack,” said a video message from Warren, who has represented Massachusetts in the Senate since 2013, crafting a reputation as an economic populist.

“Corruption is poisoning our democracy,” she said. “Politicians look the other way while big insurance companies deny patients life-saving coverage, while big banks rip off consumers and while big oil companies destroy this planet.”

That, she said, is why she is launching her exploratory committee.

A former public-school teacher and then Harvard law professor, Warren has been a vocal advocate of consumer and workers’ rights. But Americans may know her best for her frequent sparring with Trump—which has had mixed results.

Warren’s searing criticisms of Trump’s trade policies, erosion of consumer protections, and openness to authoritarian regimes―not to mention her call in September for Congress to use a constitutional maneuver to remove him from office—have drawn his attention, and his disdain.

Reacting to her latest move, Trump said he was unsure whether Warren could replace him at the White House.

“You’d have to ask her psychiatrist,” he quipped in an interview with Fox News.

“We’ll see how she does. I wish her well, I hope she does well, I’d love to run against her.”

At his election-style rallies, Trump took to mocking her claim to have some Native American heritage by dubbing her “Pocahontas,” a derisive reference to the 17th century Native American who lived in what is now Virginia. AFP

Vote sought to end US shutdown W ASHINGTON―Democratic lawmakers unveiled plans to emerge out of the partial shutdown of the federal government by examining and voting on an appropriations bill as soon as they take control of the House of Representatives―on Thursday.

But the bill’s future appeared uncertain.

The text does not include financing for the US-Mexican border wall sought by President Donald Trump to halt illegal immigration.

In a tweet taunting Democrats for their refusal to fund the border fence, the Republican president said: “The Democrats will probably submit a Bill, being cute as always, which gives everything away but gives NOTHING to Border Security, namely the Wall.

“You see, without the Wall there can be no Border Security - the Tech ‘stuff’ is just, by comparison, meaningless bells & whistles.”

He also reiterated his claim -- so far unproven -- that Mexico was paying for the border wall through the new trade deal struck between all three North American countries (Canada, Mexico and the United States).

“I’m in the Oval Office. Democrats, come back from vacation now and give us the votes necessary for Border Security, including the Wall,” Trump tweeted.

Congress is in recess for the New Year’s holiday but will reopen on Thursday, while Trump has stayed in the White House through the year-end festivities, shelving his annual vacation to his private Florida golf resort amid the impasse.

To retaliate over the Democrats’ refusal to fund the wall, Trump is refusing to sign a wider spending package.

That has resulted in swaths of the federal government being shut down over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays -- and for the foreseeable future until a deal is reached.

The standoff has turned into a test of strength between Trump and the Democrats, who will enter the new Congress in 2019 as the majority in the House of Rep-

resentatives, after a decisive victory in the November midterm elections.

“No, we are not giving up. We have to have border security and the wall is a big part of border security, the biggest part,” he told Fox News.

Trump says a wall is needed along the whole border to keep out migrants trying to enter the country illegally, casting them as an “invasion” force of dangerous criminals.

On Monday, he called the border “an ‘Open Wound,’ where drugs, criminals [including human traffickers] and illegals would pour into our Country.”

Democrats say the wall idea—one of the president’s key election campaign platforms—is a distraction from more complicated immigration problems and a tool for Trump to whip up support among his conservative base.

Democrats plan to put the ball back in Trump’s court immediately on Thursday by passing a general spending bill that would allow the government to reopen fully, but would not include extra wall construction money.

They are proposing to pass administrative budgets that are not controversial lasting through September 30, while only financing until February 8 the thornier

budget of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security.

The budget extension “would allow time for President Trump to reach agreement with Congress on border security,” the Democrats explained.

Similar proposals were passed by the Republican-controlled Senate in recent days, until Trump suddenly withdrew his support.

Those texts did not reach the House.

“It would be the height of irresponsibility and political cynicism for Senate Republicans to now reject the same legislation they have already supported,” Democratic leaders said in a statement.

“Once the Senate passes this legislation and puts us on a path to reopening government, the president must come to his senses and immediately sign it into law.”

The bill will go from the Democraticcontrolled House to the Republican-held Senate and from there, it would need Trump’s signature.

If he refused, still insisting on the wall funding, Democrats would then get ammunition to accuse him of being responsible for the government shutdown.

Lawmakers of the current Congress are expected to meet one last time on Wednesday, before the new session begins Thursday. AFP

Cuba celebrates 60 years of revolution

HAVANA―Cuba will celebrate 60 years of revolution on Tuesday amid economic crises and political reforms, the first time it will mark such an anniversary without a revolutionary fighter in power.

The symbolic commemoration will take place in Santiago de Cuba at the foot of the tombs of national heroes Jose Marti and Fidel Castro, while the latter’s brother Raul will give a speech.

For the first time since 1976, Cuba’s president is not a Castro, after Miguel Diaz-Canel, 58, took over in April as president from Raul, who nonetheless retains significant influence.

Diaz-Canel wasn’t even born when Fidel Castro declared on January 1, 1959: “At last we’ve arrived in Santiago. The road was long and hard, but we’ve arrived.”

The United States-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista had fled the country earlier that day, leaving the way for Castro to install a communist one-party system.

Last week, Diaz-Canel wrote on Twitter: “The Cuban revolution is invincible, it grows, it lasts.”

But not everyone is convinced.

Dissident Vladimiro Roca, whose father Blas Roca served as a high-ranking official under Fidel Castro, insists: “The revolution died a long time ago.”

Abroad, Cuba’s government has

faced much criticism for its authoritarian nature, intolerance of opposition and persecution of detractors. Vladimiro Roca was jailed from 1997 to 2002 for his protests.

And while relations between Cuba and the US thawed under Barack Obama, the Caribbean island of 11 million people has had to contend with an increasingly hostile administration under President Donald Trump these last two years.

Change is coming, though.

The communist regime submits to referendum in February a new constitution which will officially recognize private property, markets and foreign investment.

However, it also ratifies communism as the “social goal,” insists the country will “never” return to capitalism, and defines the Communist Party as “unique” and the “supreme political force of State and society.”

Aside from constitutional changes, there are also set to be economic ones following a landmark deal between Major League Baseball and the Cuban Baseball Federation that will allow the island’s top talents to sign multi-million dollar deals with MLB clubs.

“For sure a new cycle is being opened. This cycle is continuity and change,” academic Arturo Lopez-Levy, from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, told AFP. AFP

NEW YEAR’S EVE. Singer/songwriter Christina Aguilera performs on New Year’s Eve in Times Square on December 31, 2018 ,in New York. AFP

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

B4

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

LGBTQ CONGRESS.

Dedicated to achieving equal rights and dignity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, the local government of Muntinlupa launched the ‘One Love: Muntinlupa LGBT Congress’ at Vivere Hotel and Resorts, Alabang on Dec. 22, drawing 280 LGBTQ members.

The Congress aimed to champion equality and the community’s rights in the city.

Advocates showing support through video messages in the Congress were Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, TV hosts Boy Abunda, Kaladkarin Davila, and K Brosas. Also attending the program were LGBTQ activist Rain Matias, former broadcaster Jiggy Manicad, and LGBTQ Muntinlupa president Third Boncayao.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi vows to promote and deliver inclusive development for all regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Let kids study early, Joy B. tells parents QUEZON City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte is urging all parents to be more open to early childhood education.

She said parents, particularly mothers, must change their mindset and be more open to enroll their children early in life.

Children five years old and below should be taught reading at least the letters of the alphabet, Belmonte added.

She said some elementary graduates still do not know how to read, adding such issue could be solved through teaching kids to read and write in their toddler years.

“For my part, I think we can already teach a threeyear-old child to read and write even a few letters. I have noticed that there are many of our children in the elementary level, such as those in grades four and five, who still cannot read,” she said.

“They are not trained to love books at an early age or even to learn things,” Belmonte added.

The vice mayor also called on preschool teachers to think out of the box and incorporate modern teaching techniques to make children’s learning experience more fun and effective.

She advised the teachers to expand the minds of their students and bring them to their limits to help the children develop their talents.

If elected as the next mayor in 2019, Belmonte said she would prioritize the founding of child-minding services where solo parents could entrust their child if they have any other things to do. Rio N. Araja

QC grants amnesty for property taxes Q

By Rio N. Araja

UEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista has announced the grant of an amnesty to real property owners from payment of interests, fines, surcharges and other penalties for delinquent real property taxes for taxable year 2018 and prior years.

He signed City Ordinance 2779 to give private lot owners burdened with accumulated unsettled paid business taxes and fees a tax reprieve.

Instead of the city losing income, the incentive serves as an alternative to encourage delinquent taxpayers to update their tax payment records, Bautista said.

“The effort shall eventually translate to an en-

hanced local tax collection and shall generate more funds to finance more projects and obligations,” he added.

The relief granted may be availed by the real property taxpayers starting Jan. 1 until Oct. 20.

During the period, taxpayers may settle their delinquent taxes for taxable year 2018 and the previous years.

“It is only upon full payment of the delinquencies that the taxpayers are allowed to make full payment of their real property tax for the current year 2019,” the measure read.

The payment of delinquent real property taxes can be made in full or on installment basis within the due date.

The tax amnesty shall not apply to real properties that have already been auctioned or are currently being settled or paid under a compromise or similar arrangements, and to those with cases pending with the Quezon City Board of Assessment Appeal or in any regular courts of law, the mayor clarified.

Zambales community models international reforestation tack

By Romeo Dizon SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga―A registered upland community farmer organization based in Zambales has now become a model for implementing a new international reforestation program promoted by member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Malatapi Community Livelihood Center Inc., based in Candelaria, Zambales, has so far reforested 60 out of the 1,400 hectares assigned to them to improve the ecosystem of the province.

The community-based farmer organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission since 1997 is the partner of the Department of Environment and Natural Resouces under its Community-Based Forest Management Program in the region.

The program, which is promoted by the Asean-Republic of Korea Forest Organization, aims to fast-track the reforestation of degraded forest lands and watersheds

with less cost to the government.

Paquito Moreno Jr., executive director of the DENR in Central Luzon, said the organization used a new method called Assisted Natural Regeneration program.

Under the ANR, Moreno said about 35 upland farmers will find surviving trees species and seedlings, including wildlings. Once located, they uproot grass around the trees combined with grass pressing by foot to clean the surrounding of the trees of weeds.

According to the regional executive director, the farmers also protect tree species from grass fire by establishing fire-lines or fire breaks to ensure their survival.

Another protective measures being implemented by the farmers is the construction of the lookout tower for regular monitoring against any form of forest disturbance.

“We find this method very effective as we have already reforested a wide area under the CBFMP,” Moreno said.

TURTLE NESTS. Sea turtles of the Olive-Ridley variety have created nesting sites with

more than 300 eggs along the Chevron Batangas Terminal coastline, where Chevron employee volunteers recently conducted their annual coastal cleanup. Every year, Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, conducts its annual coastal cleanup with the Olive-Ridley’s nesting season to ensure a favorable environment for the turtles during their nesting period.

North Cavite towns observe peaceful New Year fetes GENERAL TRIAS CITY—This city and its neighboring towns of Noveleta, Amadeo, Tanza and Naic in northern Cavite province celebrated a generally peaceful New Year’s Eve, police officials said.

Police Supt. Paul Bometivo of GenTri PNP confirmed that the locality celebrated New Year with no casualties and no untoward incidents.

Bometivo attributed it to the local governments’ peace and order campaign, the national ban on firecrackers, and the massive information dissemination of the local police, the GenTri Bureau of

Fire Protection, and GenTri City Health Office days before the New Year celebration.

GenTri Ppolice also confiscated prohibited firecrackers from firecracker vendors during the inspection at the public market in Barangay Sampalukan early Monday.

Amadeo town also reported no incidents, revealed Police Sr. Insp. Xelacor Garcia, acting police chief.

Amadeo police also distributed free horns to kids in Poblacion to welcome the New Year in the upland Coffee Capital of the Philippines.

In Noveleta, local police chief Sr. Insp.

Rosalino Panlaqui said the 16 villages in the area quietly celebrated the New Year.

In Naic, police chief Supt. Janet Arinabo said they patrolled the town all night long to ensure the safety of the residents.

In Tanza. Mayor Yuri Pacumio installed a firecracker zone for the community fireworks display in four areas of the town to ensure the safety of the residents’ revelries.

The fireworks areas, located at Barangay Julugan Fishport Center, Poblacion 1, Bagtas Circle Park in Barangay Bagtas, and at Barangay Amaya 5 Basketbal Court drew thousands of onlookers for the colorful nighttime display.

Davao Region corners P15b in investments despite ML DAVAO CITY—Davao Region is on track to corner at least P15 billion in investments in 2018 despite martial law jitters, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry said.

Region 11 has already captured investment projects worth P14.8 billion as of January to November this year, DTI11 Assistant Regional Director Edwin Banquerigo noted.

Of the total projects, majority are in Davao City worth P14.1 billion, followed

by Davao del Norte at P687.4 million.

“This is an indication that the region is right for investment,” Banquerigo said during the agency’s annual yearend briefing.

Banquerigo said concerns on martial law had initially spooked the business sector this year, but these proved to be a nonfactor as more businesses remain bullish with Davao Region’s economic potential.

He said optimism for the region’s business climate is expected to drive more investments well into 2019.

DTI-11 records show that based on the business name registration alone, Davao City has close to 10,334 new business registrants as of November 2018.

“If you move around, there are many infrastructures everywhere. The skyline is changing very fast. The number of hotels is popping up,” the DTI official noted.

DTI-11 said the major projects in the region in 2018 consist of water supply, sewage and water management worth P13.32 billion; real estate activities with P665.3 million; human health and social science with P376.5 million; agriculture, forestry and fishing with P325.97 million; administrative and support services with P121.25 million; and accommodation and food service activities with P14.8 million.

The agency also noted an increase in investment promotion activities, such as the holding of trade fairs, forums, and capacity building workshops.

Banquerigo said trade promotion activities have resulted in the realization of big infrastructure projects, as the Davao South Greenspace Eco-Industrial Park, where a 450-hectare lot in Astorga, Davao del Sur will be developed into a seaport that will host a shipbuilding facility, logistics center, a business park and information technology hub.

Meanwhile, the Compostela Valley Business and Investment Conference raked in total investment leads worth P258.08 million from 15 firms.

The business sector also negotiated and booked sales amounting to P56.704 million while new and expansion projects in ComVal province are also expected in the areas of processing, production, real estate, and infrastructure development. PNA

‘Lambat’ nabs 149 vehicles in N. Cotabato KIDAPAWAN CITY—The implementation of “Oplan Lambat Bitag” in Kabacan, North Cotabato this year has been successful, with 149 vehicles impounded for various violations.

Chief Insp. Realan Mamon, Kabacan town police chief, said most of the vehicles were impounded due to the absence of license to drive by motorists and the lack or expired motor vehicle registration.

“The impounded vehicles consist of 120 motorcycles, 26 tricycles, and three multicabs,” Mamon said on Monday.

He said enforcement that started in January was primarily aimed at stopping incidents of carnapping of vehicles, mostly motorcycles, in the municipality.

The operation also included the implementation of other laws such as Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591 or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives. PNA

CYBER PLATFORM.

Assistant Secretary Allan Cabanlong discusses the National Cyber Intelligence Platform as the Department of Information and Communication Technology recently hosted the contract signing with the representatives of the venture who were successful in their bid to supply, train and assist in the initial management of the NCIP in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

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FOR MEN AND WOMEN. French fashion label Lacoste blurs the line between men and women’s wardrobes by launching a dynamic collection featuring pieces that can be worn by all genders.

F

A genderless future RENCH fashion label Lacoste presents its spring/ summer 2019 collection that focuses on style rather than gender.

True to its talent for harnessing contemporary trends, Lacoste does away with the last relics of a hyper-gendered fashion to reveal a genuine link between male and female wardrobes.

With a mix of timeless pieces and seasonal ones, Lacoste induces a powerful vintage feeling by merging the brand’s tennis DNA with the streetwear universe of the ‘90s. It’s a creative and offbeat take on the “sportcore” style that advocates a certain type of uniqueness as well as liberating non-conformity.

A new impetus is given to the brand’s identity markers.

The iconic polo shirt, unisex sportswear icon, is central to this new collection. As the streets embrace tennis, basics are jostled to enter the subversive world of street style, becoming a new standard of everyday life. Here, cotton is held up to more technical materials such as polyester or diamond taffeta, while volumes and proportions amplify, relying on oversized and layering to structure the silhouette and increase possibilities.

Worn by men and women, the sports pants and their matching jacket make a new life for themselves. The men’s suit turns into a pants and blazer outfit for women, while the XXL polo shirt is paired with a long-pleated skirt or with technical jersey shorts that are worn high-waist, restrained by a strap belt.

The line between fashion and sports has been rubbed out.

The logo stands out, resolutely clannish and radically displayed on a bucket hat that is casually dropped onto a cap and signs a pair of retro aviator sunglasses. The crocodile also brands two pairs of sneakers, the white canvas Sideline model with its tennis court-inspired multicolored streaks and the Masters

model, whose minimalist leather line was drawn from the Lacoste archives.

If the crest is ubiquitous, so is the name of the brand, written as all-over prints on a clear denim total look.

A dynamic fashion emancipated from prints—with the exception of a revisited palm print and the geometric lines of a polo shirt—gives free reign to traditional Lacoste colors such as navy, green, red, white, and black, that play out monochromatic or as color blocks.

The campaign, shot by Craig McDean, features the looks of the Lacoste spring/ summer 2019 collection: interchangeable and unisex; transcending gender.

Clothes that once defined are now used as a means to thrive—finding proper

context in the current non-gendered fashion and bringing about a socio-cultural change with a far-reaching impact.

Lacoste is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, Estancia in Capitol Commons, Fairview Terraces, Gateway Mall, Greenbelt 3, Kiss & Fly NAIA T3, Newport Mall, Okada, Podium, Power Plant Mall, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Robinson’s Place Manila, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, TriNoma, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Davao, SM Davao, and Veranza KCC Mall General Santos and Zamboanga.`

Lacoste spring/summer 2019 collection consists of pieces that merge the brand’s tennis DNA with the streetwear universe of the ‘90s.

Trendy makeup techniques to try this 2019 START off the New Year on a positive and fun vibe with makeup looks that match a variety of personalities.

Homegrown cosmetic brand for teens Careline shares makeup looks to try in 2019, from bold and sparkly colors for a more adventurous and glamorous year to fresh and monochromatic looks for an easygoing and wholesome vibe.

Fresh

Planning for a new makeup routine for everyday look? Go for a fresh and youthful makeup look using Careline’s Multi Sticks. Start by applying the Blur Stick all over the face to keep

it smooth and oil-free. This will also ensure that makeup stays in place the whole day.

Hide blemishes and highlight your facial features with the Brighten Stick.

Then, with the Contour Stick, draw a line along your temples, the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and sides of the nose. Blend with your fingers.

Add a pop of color on the cheeks, lips, and eyes with the Rose and Peach Sticks. Complete the look with a healthy glow using the Strobe Stick, applying on the high points of your cheeks, the inner corners of the eyes, eyebrow bone, nose bridge, Cupid’s bow, and chin.

Monochromatic

The monochromatic look involves keeping your eyes, lips, and cheek within the same makeup shades. Perfect for any occasion, this makeup trend is not only easy to wear but also easy to apply.

The trick is to choose a color that complements your skin tone like Careline Multi Sticks in Rose and Peach.

You can apply it all over your lids, even dab some on your cheeks and use it on your lips. Voila! You’re good to go.

Bold brows and lips

Bold brows and lips will never go out of style. To achieve this look, be sure Careline, a local cosmetics brand for teens, offers a wide variety of products that help create several makeup looks.

your eyebrows are well-groomed so it’s easy to fill them in with your preferred eyebrow product.

With the brow comb, brush your eyebrow hairs upward then fill in sparse spots with Careline’s Best Brow Liner in Taupe or Brunette. Complete your look with bold lips using your preferred shades from Careline’s Metallic Lipstick or Matte Liquid Lipstick.

A perfect everyday makeup look is fresh and fun like Klea Pineda.

Klea Pineda sports a sultry smoky eyes, soft lips look.

Ash Ortega is ready to party with Andrea Brillantes sports a her bold brows and lips. monochromatic look.

Pull this off by filling in your whole lids with Careline Color Pencil, which has a creamy texture that can be used as an eyebrow and eyeliner pencil. After application, blend it with a flat eye shadow brush.

Of course, smoky eyes aren’t complete without a swipe of Go Big! Mascara on your lashes and dramatic winged-eyes using Careline’s Liquid Eyeliner. Balance it out with any nude shade of lipstick using Careline Kiss Sticks.

Smoky eyes, soft lips Try these looks using Careline prodSmokey eyes are perfect during special ucts available at supermarkets, drug celebrations or a night out with friends. stores, and cosmetic stores nationwide.

Life

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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It’s the year to be hair-free NE-STOP hair removal salon HairX offers treatments that are affordable and reliable—perfect for those whose resolutions include being hair-free and worry-free.

Launched in August 2015, it is a local concept that was inspired by Musee, Japan’s No. 1 hair removal salon. HairX is managed by highly trained aestheticians knowledgeable in using the latest equipment, techniques, and procedures in a clean and relaxed environment.

HairX Hair Removal ensures that each procedure is painless by combining modern services with the latest state-of-the-art technology such as IPL hair treatments, Diode Laser machine, Lycon wax, and threading procedures that are effective with long-term reduction results without the pain and distress.

The IPL hair treatment (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad-spec-

trum, visible light that’s devised to reduce hair growth and target the melanin pigment in the hair located on specific areas of the body.

The hair removal salon also offers Power Brows Microblading, body massage and foot reflexology (in its S Maison branch only) plus facial services (Glow, AquaFacial and Pristine Facial), and skin lightening treatments (AquaLite, PristineLite, IV Glutathione, IV Placenta and IV Cinderella).

It caters to men and women from 14 to 40 years old.

HairX Hair Removal has branches at Conrad S Maison in SM Mall of Asia complex and at Eight Forbes Town Road in Bonifacio Global City.

HairX Hair Removal offers modern services using the latest state-of-the art technology.

The IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair treatment uses a broad-spectrum visible light that’s devised to reduce hair growth and target the melanin pigment in the hair located in specific areas of the body.

Colorful casuals for children

CHRISTMAS continues for kids with Debenhams’ great selection of festive and fashionable pieces that boys and girls can wear for celebrations and even during regular days.

Debenhams Kidswear’s Christmasthemed lines feature outfits like a Mrs. Claus dress for baby girls, 0-24 months old.

Other fashionable pieces from the brand include Christmas casuals, which are stylish all-year-round apparel, perfect for everyday OOTDs. For the boys, put together Bluezoo’s dark grey “Good Vibes” knit jumper,

red checkered long sleeve shirt, and black chinos for a look that can pass as holiday haute couture.

A matching outfit for the girls is Bluezoo’s Tartan Rara dress, featuring a cheery red and green checkered ruffled skirt and cute little checkered bow.

John Rocha’s Red Embroidered Lace dress and Bluezoo Girl’s red winter scene knit tunic and penguin trim leggings also ooze with a real festive vibe.

For more versatile looks, the girls could pick from Bluezoo’s navy unicorn sequined tunic with bag, pink uni-

corn print shower resistant jacket, and two-pack pink plain and navy bunny print leggings.

The boys, on the other hand, will look dapper in J by Jasper Conran’s navy striped jumper and blue chino trousers, navy Harrington jacket paired with the textured long sleeve navy shirt, or J

by Jasper Conran’s multicolored check shirt and navy belted slim fit chinos.

Debenhams in the Philippines is located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Glorietta Rustan’s Makati, TriNoma, and Abreeza Mall in Davao.

The country’s premier wedding and special occasions’ expo organizer, Themes & Motifs will stage the two-day Life’s Big Events Expo 2019 featuring wedding and party products and services suppliers.

Themes & Motifs to stage 2-day wedding and party expo Debenhams Kidswear’s Christmasthemed lines feature colorful pieces boys and girls can wear to parties and on regular days.

COUPLES planning their wedding this year or those who are looking for suppliers for their next milestone events are invited to join Themes & Motifs’ Life’s Big Events Expo 2019, a twoday wedding and party expo billed as the country’s biggest one-stop-shop for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.

LBEE2019, happening on Jan. 12-13 at the SM MegaTrade Hall, will be divided into two zones: the Birthday and Party Zone and the Wedding and Anniversary Zone.

The Birthday & Party Zone will highlight some of the Philippine’s finest party suppliers showcasing the trendiest ideas in debuts, gender reveal parties, proms, grad balls, and other once-in-a-lifetime events.

Moms and dads can accompany their kids to join the free kiddie party activities such as magic shows, face painting sessions, and storytelling, among others to get inspiration for their next birthday celebrations. Kiddie-party. com, the country’s foremost supplier of dream birthday party packages is an event partner and chief party designer of LBEE2019.

On the other hand, debutantes, grad ball attendees, and prom goers may consult with the couturiers, makeup artists, stylists, etc. that will be exhibiting in LBEE2019 for the newest and trendiest party scene ideas. The Con-

cept Room Studio, a pioneering alloccasion glamour photo styling studio, will give expo visitors a chance to have their very own portraiture sample at the event.

Meanwhile, the Wedding and Anniversary Zone will feature the local wedding industry’s cream of the crop wedding professionals certified to be legitimate supplier.

As the only wedding fair organizer that puts a premium on selecting only wedding suppliers with legitimate businesses, Themes & Motifs combines both talented newbies and well-loved veteran professionals in LBEE2019.

Major sponsors Goldenhills Jewelry, Henry Pascual Event Styling, Hizon’s Catering, and Nice Print Photography will treat brides, grooms, and anniversary celebrants to fine ideas and great discounts.

A complete lineup of wedding caterers, photographers, bride and groom’s wear, cakes, florists and event stylists, wedding and engagement ring manufacturers, hair and makeup artists, and other wedding related products and services professionals will offers deals during the two-day affair.

Soon-to-be wed couples, debutantes, graduates, and anniversary celebrants are invited to register through www. themesnmotifs.com to get free admission and giveaways.

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Early bird rates available for Pacquiao’s comeback match

Simply...

From C4

The two frontrunners at the box office – Fantastica and Jack Em Popoy – may not have shades of outstanding imagination to compete among the supposedly more inventive entries, but it has the elements to pull in the audience to the theaters that will pay their way to the screenings.

It is the Christmas season, and everyone is yelping it is for children. Vic Sotto, Coco Martin, and Vice Ganda know this and they are definite in their feelings that they had to make something for them for the annual festival. And guess what, they are winning the audience and they are not carping.

Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes. But in the case of the annual MMFF, it should be a variety of genres, and not about subjects. That’s what the Executive Committee and eventually Selection Committee should adopt for the next festival in December. Perhaps we would hear less grumbling from producers whose films would be on the to-be-pulled-out list of theater operators.

Excellent craftsmanship of Las Piñas Lantern Makers Residents of Las Piñas watched the parade of giant colorful lanterns made of recycled materials as part of this year’s celebration of the 13th Las Piñas Parol Festival recently. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar and representatives from the local government joined the spectators as giant lanterns made by local residents were paraded on the city grounds.

“A Filipino Christmas is not complete without a traditional parol hanging outside our homes. I am truly amazed by the creativity of the Las Piñeros as they continue to come up with unique and creative designs that make Christmas in our city truly alive and colorful,” Senator Villar said.

The festival was launched by Senator Villar 13 years ago to revive the city’s parol-making industry. Villar helped organize the “Samahang Magpaparol ng Las Pinas” and later on set up the Las Pinas Parol Center which has since served as the training area for lantern makers. This year, the lanterns built by Las Piñeros were used to adorn the façade of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, one of the popular landmarks in Metro Manila.

“I am proud to say that our unique design ingenuity has caught to eye of both local and international markets as seen by the increasing demand of our parols” Villar added.

Apart from the usual raw materials such as bamboo, parol makers also used recycled materials such as plastic, straw, pet bottles, cartons, cans, and shells like tahong and tulya, and indigenous materials like coconut husk, dried leaves, feathers and shells in their finished products.

For this year, 18 parol makers submitted their striking lantern designs, which have been on display at the Villar SIPAG grounds since Dec. 1.

Lighting of the lanterns and judging was done on Dec. 5. Participants in this year’s lantern-making competition included Fercival Santos, Andrew Flores, Alicia Benicio, Bryan Flores, Luzviminda Gallardo, Girlie Santos, Merlito Menchero, Rogelio Apuli, Toefanes Bernal, Whelma Apuli, Leah Esguerra, Dolores Alifaro, Alma Tacsiat, Josefa Advincula, Glenda Mendoza, Francis Hernandez and Elena Casas.

Parol maker Merlito Menchero took home the first prize pot of P20,000; while second prize of P15,000 was given to Rogelio Apuli and Dolores Alifaro took home the third prize award of P10,000.

The colorful festival also featured a street dance competition participated in by elementary school students from the various Las Piñas schools. CAA Elementary School, CAA Elementary Annex and Gatchalian Elem. School won the grand prize of P50,000 cash. Almanza Elementary School Annex and Pilar Village Elementary School garnered the second prize of P30,000 cash and Manuyo Elementary School Daniel Fajardo, Ilaya and Las Pinas Central got the third prize of P20.000 cash. The rest of participants received a subsidy of P40,000 for their costumes, props and other equipment. *** More stories of these kinds at www.isah. red. Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@ isahvred). ΙŘ

Miguel Faustmann, Liesl Batucan, and Andres Borromeo of "Father's Day"

REP announces special production lineup for 82nd season

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HE untold story of a Philippine hero, an unexpected but hilarious reunion between a man and his estranged family, a poignant companionship between an actor and his dresser, and a fresh and original retelling of a Filipino epic. Are you ready to see all these stories unfold on the stage?

After recently concluding yet another stellar season, Repertory Philippines or REP has announced the exciting roster of shows it is set to stage in 2019.

The leading theater company’s 82nd season includes some captivating foreign plays as well as original productions penned by REP talents. With a star-studded stable of directors, writers, and cast members, the next season is shaping up to be yet another promising one for REP. “This season of REP is incredibly special for a number of reasons,” said president and CEO, Mindy PerezRubio. “We’ll be working extensively Rubio with some of the most iconic REP talents, as well as several fresh new faces who each embody REP’s brand of worldclass quality. As the foremost theater company in the Philippines that stages Broadway and West End plays as well as local originals, we steadfastly commit ourselves to giving audiences a topnotch theater experience that celebrates all kinds of genres.”

"Peppa Pig" became very popular in China this year, but came under the eye of the censors as "subversive"

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

53 Compunction 56 Big bird 60 Delightful garden 61 Ancient empire 63 New Zealand language 64 Resin source 65 Plant part 66 Deal with a knot 67 Small earring 68 Somber evergreens 69 Iffy attempts DOWN 1 “Believe” singer 2 Island dance 3 Turkey’s neighbor 4 Robin Hood’s weapon 5 Win over 6 Cherry seeds 7 — got it!

8 Insert mark 9 Varmint 10 Furtiveness 11 Tree house?

12 Court ritual 13 Make like a mule 21 Sudden forays 23 Site 25 Lovey-dovey 26 Pile up 27 Kind of tea 28 Cache

between a tormented thespian and his loyal dresser, the production stars powerhouse duo Teroy Guzman and Audie Gemora and runs from May 3 to May 26.

The year ends on a strong note with the REP Theater for Young Audiences production of another REP-original play, The Quest for the Adarna. Running from Sept. 14 to Jan. 12, 2020, the production is an English adaptation of the popular Filipino epic Ibong Adarna and is written by Luna Inocian with music by Rony Fortich. To be directed once more by the multi-talented Joy Virata, the play is poised to be a colorful celebration of Philippine culture fit for the whole family.

With such a great season ahead, make sure you grab your season passes right away! Make 2019 your most entertaining year yet with REP’s world-class productions.

For inquiries, you may call REP at 451.1474, and Ticketworld at 891.999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter

SKY Sports Pay Per View is set to unleash slam-bang boxing action this month as it features a skirmish between Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner for the WBA Welterweight title this Jan. 20.

SKY subscribers nationwide who will avail of the “Pacquiao vs. Broner” fight on or before Jan. 4 can enjoy the early bird rate of P699, instead of P949. The fight airs live, commercial-free, and in high or standard definition with a replay on the same and day right after the live event.

Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) who recently turned 40, is out to prove to the world that he is not yet done as he faces the 29-year old boxer for his 70th fight.

This fight also serves as a reunion with his trainer Freddie Roach who confirmed that he has agreed to work again with Pacquiao.

The American boxer Broner (333-1, 24 KOs), a former four-division titleholder, is hungry for a win since he lost to Mikey Garcia in July 2017, and got a draw in his fight with Vargas last April 21.

Call 418 0000 or your local office or visit www.mysky.com/pacman to subscribe. SKYcable and One SKY Fiber with HD Cable subscribers can also text PACMAN to 23662. SKYdirect postpaid subscribers can text SKY to 23668, while prepaid subscribers can text PPV BOXING <BOX ID> to 23667 (available to Globe Prepaid and TM).

Meanwhile, One Sky Fiber subscribers who have no access to cable TV may avail of this same offer via SKY On Demand.

Before Pacquiao’s highly anticipated return to the ring this January, SKY subscribers nationwide can watch the live, commercial-free, and high-definition airing of the Donnie Nietes-Kazuto Ioka battle for the vacant WBO Superflyweight title for only P99. Call 4180000 or visit mysky.com.ph/boxingppv to subscribe.

Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner are set to square off on Jan. 20. Photo credit Getty Images

China to mark Year of the Pig with ‘Peppa Pig’ movie

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Neighbor of Peru 6 Type size 10 Uppity one 14 A Great Lake 15 Dreaded czar 16 Split apart 17 Spiral-horned antelope 18 Garr of “Tootsie” 19 “This,” in Spain 20 Wildlife protectors 22 Understanding 24 Sheep sound 25 — — costs 26 Proverb 30 Starbucks orders 34 Pet plea 35 Designer label 37 Bite 38 Rap-sheet letters 39 Give credit 41 Deep-dish dessert 42 Categorizes 44 Den piece 45 Glen or dale 46 Tranquil 48 Made the most of 50 Dishonest ones 52 Rights-movement word

"Miong" cast members Noel Rayos, and Tim Pavino, and director Joy Virata

The much-anticipated season begins with Miong, a historical play about the first-ever president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo. To run from Feb. 15 to March 10, the production will be staged during the 150th birth anniversary of the national figure.

Directed by REP veteran Joy Virata and starring rising actormusician Tim Pavino in the lead role, Miong is a REP-original play, with script and lyrics written by Virata and music by Ian Monsod. Additonal lyrics are by Freddie Santos, while Ejay Yatco serves as musical director.

The momentum continues with the comedic Father’s Day, which will run from March 22 to April 14 and top bills Miguel Faustmann. A sharp and witty play about an awkward and hilarious reunion between a divorced man and his estranged family, the production sees the return of the legendary Baby Barredo to the REP director’s chair.

Next on the lineup is British drama The Dresser, to be directed by Loy Arcenas, whose movie musical Ang Larawan won Best Picture at the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival. Centered on the relationship

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29 Incites Rover 31 Gold-orange gem 32 Work by Rousseau 33 Go with rapidity 36 Narrow fissure 39 Moving about 40 Deals with a leaky boat 43 Like a hawk 45 Zingy 47 Without strain 49 Paper in chem lab

51 Ms. Zellweger of films 53 Tie fabrics 54 Work for a magazine 55 Waiter’s offering 56 Clumsy bumblers 57 Pinch 58 Storage bin 59 Makes tracks 62 Cornfield sound

CHINA is set to mark the Year of the Pig with a film starring Peppa Pig, the popular British cartoon character that fell foul with its censors earlier this year.

A government document listing upcoming movie projects shows a new film in the works titled Peppa Pig celebrates Chinese New Year to be released in February 2019 during the Lunar New Year holiday.

The film includes Chinese New Year customs such as a dragon parade and fireworks, state-run China Daily reported.

Co-developed by Alibaba Pictures and Canadian media company Entertainment One—which currently produces Peppa Pig—the film includes the entire Peppa Pig cast and two new characters named Dumpling and Glutinous Rice Ball, two popular Chinese new year delicacies.

The series, introduced in the mid-2000s in China, has become extremely popular through episodes dubbed into Mandarin.

This fervour intensified at the end of 2017 among a young adult audience. Many internet users including stars sported temporary “Peppa Pig” tattoos in selfies, and cups, watches and clothes appeared bearing the image of the heroine Peppa.

A Chinese internet platform in May gave Peppa Pig the chop as state media lamented the series had become a “subversive” icon for slackers and anti-social young people.

At least 30,000 clips of the British cartoon were removed from the popular Douyin video-sharing platform, while the #PeppaPig hashtag was banned from the site.

People who upload videos of Peppa Pig tattoos and merchandise and make Peppa-related jokes “run counter to the mainstream value and are usually poorly educated with no stable job,” state-run Global Times said after the ban.

“They are unruly slackers roaming around and the antithesis of the young generation the [Communist] party tries to cultivate.” AFP

Entertainment

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

C4

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG

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MA Network, through a stunning omnibus cinema plug, unveiled its groundbreaking offerings slated to premiere on the first quarter of 2019.

The special TV plug features only the network’s stars who will headline the cutting-edge programs this year.

Primetime viewing will never be the same as the Kapuso station brings to light the inspiring story of a young Badjao woman who triumphed despite all life’s challenges in Sahaya.

Throughout her journey, Sahaya remains true to her culture and beliefs as a Badjao, even defying the power of love.

Headlining this extraordinary and unique masterpiece are Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix. After starring in several shows together, Bianca and Miguel’s onscreen chemistry is palpable which make their scenes delightful to watch.

This time around, viewers will witness anew the magic of their tandem as they capture the hearts of Pinoy audiences with their latest TV project.

Sought-after Kapuso leading man Migo Adecer completes the love triangle of Bianca and Miguel.

Meanwhile, the well-loved pair of Kylie Padilla and Ruru Madrid will be seen onscreen anew in the political romantic comedy series TODA One I Love, under GMA Public Affairs.

Viewers will surely be entertained and at the same time be educated with this primetime offering in time for the upcoming midterm elections.

The series gives viewers a glimpse of Philippine local politics—all presented with a sprinkle of comedy and romance. Also in the cast are Gladys Reyes, Victor Neri, David Licauco, Jackie Rice, Kim Domingo, Tina Paner, Maureen Larrazabal, Raymond Bagatsing, Cai Cortez, Buboy Villar, Archie Alemania, Kimpoy Feliciano, Ayeesha Cervantes, and Bruce Roeland, under the direction of Jeffrey Hidalgo and Nick Olanka.

And lastly, based on a true story from India and an urban legend in Great Britain comes Kara Mia. The highly-anticipated series revolves around the riveting tale of two sisters, Kara and Mia, born with Disprosopus or craniofacial duplication,

OKADA Manila, the metro’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, is no stranger when it comes to welcoming the new year in grand, festive style. To ring in 2018, the resort staged a breathtaking spectacle of light, music, and water complete with DJs, live acts, a grand fireworks display, and stunning shows at The Fountain and the Crystal Corridor.

This year, Okada Manila takes its New Year’s Eve celebrations to bigger, more extravagant levels—it’s a full explosion of vivid colors, lights, and special treats that made this night of partying the metro’s most unforgettable one.

A feast for the senses On New Year’s Eve, the entire property was lit up in the brightest lights and beams shooting up straight to the skies. Something special awaited guests of every age and preference at Okada Manila, including special shows, an exclusive concert, and scrumptious culinary offerings.

The Crystal Corridor was all decked out for the party with two entertainment stages for live music from acts like Mayonnaise and the Okada Manila Entertainment Group to get guests hitting the dance floor.

What’s a New Year’s Eve celebration without drinks? At the newly opened Coral Lounge, guests got to enjoy a consumable package for as low as P2,000 per head for groups of 15 and dance to tunes performed live by Blast and Zcentido.

An evening to remember It’s truly an evening for the books at the Grand Ballroom with A Legendary Countdown Concert—a luxurious evening filled with memorable music, sumptuous food, and free-flowing drinks. This special dinner buffet and entertainment countdown will bring guests performances from OPM legends Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison, and Rey Valera, as well as Hazel Faith and the Manila Sound Project, hosted by Nikko Ramos and Janeena Chan.

Partying straight into 2019 Recently ranked 37th in the Top 100 Clubs of the World by the International

GMA rolls out breakthrough programs

Bianca Umali as a Badjao girl in "Sahaya"

Barbie Forteza in "Kara Mia"

a congenital defect where they have two faces but share only one body. Kara’s face is in front, while Mia’s face is at the back of their head.

Playing the role of Kara is one of the generation’s most talented actors - awardwinning lead star Barbie Forteza. Barbie is at the top of her game and continues to deliver mesmerizing performances over the years. She is phenomenal in any kind of role she portrays and she is all set to showcase her dramatic chops in this TV spectacle.

Kapuso viewers should look forward to Mika dela Cruz’s incredible talent as she portrays the role of Mia. Playing vital roles in Kara and Mia’s lives are Jak Roberto and Paul Salas.

Top-caliber actors Carmina Villarroel, Glydel Mercado, Mike Tan and John Estrada deliver powerful performances

Kylie Padilla and Ruru Madrid in the political romantic comedy series "TODA One I Love"

in this fantasy drama. Completing the star-studded ensemble.Alicia Alonzo, Althea Ablan, Liezl Lopez, and Karenina Haniel Kara Mia, an Entertainment Group Drama original concept, is under the helm of Albert Langitan.

Catch the Omnibus Cinema Plug of GMA’s primetime launches for the First Quarter of 2019 in various Metro Manila Film Festival movies in SM Cinemas nationwide. *** Super Radyo DZBB launches three new exciting programs Super Radyo DZBB has unveiled three new and exciting programs as GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station continues to deliver unparalleled “Serbisyong Totoo” to its listeners.

Every Monday to Friday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m, Senior Radio Correspondent Rowena Salvacion hosts DZBB’s newest public service program dubbed Serbisyo On the Spot (S.O.S) to assist in responding to the ordinary Filipinos’ various concerns toward government agencies as well as guide them in applying for governmentissued documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport. At the same time, S.O.S. also highlights inspiring stories of simple acts of kindness and help missing persons reconnect with their loved ones.

On the other hand, two popular FM disc jocks of Barangay LS 97.1—Mama Emma and Papa Marky—are now also heard on DZBB every 12:00 mn to 3:00 a.m..

‘Hugot Queen’ Mama Emma promises

to accompany late night callers and listen to their problems whether in love, work, or family—paired with all-time favorite hits—through Mama Emma sa Dobol B every Tuesday to Friday.

Meanwhile on Saturdays and Sundays, listeners get a dose of uplifting life advice from the PPOP Awards Pop Radio Jock of the Year and ‘Life Coach’ Papa Marky in Buhay-Buhay. The interactive program features stories of callers that will make listeners laugh, cry, and see life from a different perspective.

Catch Serbisyo On the Spot (S.O.S), Mama Emma sa Dobol B, and Buhay-Buhay on Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz. Listeners can also tune in online via audio livestream at www.gmanetwork. com/radio/streaming/dzbb.

Welcoming 2019 in style The problem with MMFF

Okada Manila welcomes the New Year with the biggest party in the metro

Nightclub Association, Cove Manila offers an unparalleled party experience within Southeast Asia’s biggest indoor beach and night club.

But before guests officially welcomed 2019, LA-based English DJ Pete Tong dished out dope beats from the booth. DJ Pete Tong has made his name hosting the annual Miami Music Week pool party and his tenure at the legendary Ibiza nightclub Pacha.

Mesmerizing fireworks display Okada Manila had not one, but two simultaneous fireworks display on its property. Guests headed over to The

Fountain for a special New Year edition of Okada Manila’s famous water shows and as the New Year drew closer, a count down to the last seconds of 2018 climaxed to a mesmerizing fireworks display.

“Our annual New Year’s party is one of the most highly anticipated events in Metro Manila this season,” said Ivaylo S. Ivanov, Vice President for Hospitality.

“As we celebrate in grander, brighter, and even more extravagant style, we toast to 2018 and cordially invite all guests to join us in welcoming 2019 with fantastic entertainment and amazing firework displays.”

IT NEVER changes, I mean the annual Tagalog movie filmfest or known as the MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival.

Films deemed superior to most of the other entries have been losing theaters to what theater operators think are more profitable. Did you hear Lamangan’s acceptance speech at the Joel Lamangan Gabi ng Parangal on Dec. 27 last year at the Theatre at Solaire in which he begged theater owners to restore the film to their screens because Rainbow’s Sunset had won most of the awards and the audience might want to watch it?

It’s a pity to see and hear a well-decorated filmmaker appeal to theater owners to come to their senses and screen his film. But that is the Metro Manila Film Festival. It’s all about money and never about encouraging filmmakers to do exceptional films the country might be proud of, eventually.

Yet, the local movie industry has apparently accepted this as the festival’s norm, and they continue to join with nary a protest. And when the reality sets in, meaning the entries fail to entice the general audience to patronize their work they would lament the situation, particularly after their films are pulled out of the screens a day after it opened. They’d say, “It should be given a chance.”

Film is first a business proposition.

While it’s true that it is also an art form, films intended for public consumption are considered more as audience driven. Art films (in local scenario includes those made

by Kidlat Tahimik) don’t need a largescale audience as they cater to the most esoteric of audiences.

Already, the annual Metro Manila Film Festival’s purpose since the Marcos regime took it from its originator, the City of Manila as an adjunct to the annual Araw ng Maynila celebration in June, has been clear. And that is to make money to bankroll the likes of MOWELFUND and other government projects including flood

control.

So, it is unfathomable why certain producers continue to insist on ISAH V. RED producing entries that aren’t box-office friendly.

It is also not the fault of the producers. The selection committee of the annual MMFF should have been briefed from the beginning of what the filmfest want to achieve, and ergo should choose films that will sync with the MMDA’s goal.

When the committee deliberated on the last four entries (finished films) between Brillante Mendoza’s Alpha, The Right To Kill and Joven Tan’s Otlum, the members used the box-office results a previous Mendoza film in the festival as an case in point to finally give the vote to Otlum. The committee’s final decision didn’t sit well with one of the members as he was arguing for Mendoza’s film. On hindsight, I think the choice of the committee was correct as Otlum is doing better than most other films in the festival. Continued on C3

"Rainbow's Sunset" Joel Lamangan begs theater owners to restore his film to their screens