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PAC-MAN HALF POUND LIGHTER THAN BRONER AT VEGAS WEIGH-IN LAS VEGAS—Filipino star Manny Pacquiao tipped the scales half a pound lighter here Friday for his WBA welterweight title bout against Adrien Broner. A trim-looking Pacquiao, who faces Broner at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand

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Garden Arena on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), weighed in at exactly 146 pounds. Broner, who is determined to wreck what will be Pacquiao’s first fight on US soil since 2016, came in at 146.5 pounds. Turn to A2

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Manny Pacquiao

HENRY SY: PH RICHEST MAN DIES, 94

Tale of The Tape

146 60 7 39 2 69 57% 5’6” 67”

Adrien Broner

Official Weight Wins Lost KOs Draws Total Bouts KO% Height Reach

Southpaw Stance Gen. Santos City, Philippines Hometown December 12th, 1978 Date of Birth

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019

146 33 3 24 1 37 65% 5’6” 69” Orthodox Cincinnati, Ohio, USA July 28th, 1989

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DATA BREACH AFFECTS 900K CLIENTS, NPC STEPS IN C

EBUANA Lhuillier said Saturday some 900,000 clients might have been affected by a breach that might have compromised their personal data, prompting the National Privacy Commission to launch an investigation.

PRE-BOL VOTE VIOLENCE: TWO KILLED

By Francisco Tuyay

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AT LEAST two persons were killed while another was wounded when unidentified armed men opened fire at them Friday night in Sultan Kudarat even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines geared up to thwart security threats ahead of the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite on Monday. The attack happened hours after the send-off rites for 20,000 troops tasked to secure the plebiscite. Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Arvin John Encinas said the still unidentified victims were traversing the Davao-Cotabato National Highway on board a white and black Honda XRM tricycle when they were fired upon by the suspects. Encinas said one of the victims was killed on the spot while the other fatality died upon arrival at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center. Turn to A2 twitter.com/ MlaStandard

YCOON Henry Sy Sr., the country’s richest man who rose from being a penniless Chinese immigrant to leading a multi-million dollar business empire, died Saturday. He was 94. “It is with deep sadness that we inform you [of] the peaceful passing of our beloved chairman emeritus, founder and Tatang, Henry Sy Sr. this morning,” SM Investments said in a statement. SM Investments said the interment details were still being finalized by the family. “We are truly grateful for the outpouring of sympathy on the passing of our father Henry Sy Sr. May we ask for privacy today to give the family time to reflect and finalize the arrangements,” it added. The industry captain, from the Chinese city of Xiamen, made his fortune with a Philippine shopping center conglomerate that has put up some of the largest malls in the world. However, his holdings also included banks, hotels and real estate in the Philippines, as well as shopping centers in China. He had a net worth of $19 billion as of Friday, according to Forbes.com. Turn to A2

Henry Sy Sr.

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The local pawnshop, in a statement, said the data compromised might include birth dates, addresses, and sources of income. But it gave assurances that transaction details or information were not compromised and the pawnshop’s main servers “remain safe and protected.” The pawnshop had previously said attempts to use one of its servers were detected last Jan. 15 but that unauthorized downloads from its servers took place on Aug. 5, 8, and 12 of last year. It said affected clients had been notified and the data breach had been reported

to the NPC, adding “We are committed to ensuring the data privacy of our clients and adhere to strict security protocols in protecting our interests.” “We will provide additional information regarding the incident as soon as it becomes available,” it added. NPC Commissioner Raymund Liboro said representatives from Cebuana Lhuillier went to the NPC on Jan. 19 to seek assistance regarding a data breach involving their email server. “At the meeting, they committed to submit a more detailed report regarding the data breach,” he said.

VIVA SEÑOR! Hundreds of devotees carry their own images of the Holy Infant Jesus during the pre-celebration of the Santo Niño Festival at Tondo, Manila on Saturday. Norman Cruz and Ey Acasio

TRUMP, KIM TO MEET FOR A SECOND TIME IN FEB. WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump will meet for the second time with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un around the end of February, the White House said Friday, after a top general from Pyongyang paid a rare visit to Washington. Vice Chairman Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to the North Korean strongman, met the embattled president at the White House for an unusually long 90 minutes as the countries seek a denuclearization accord that could ease decades of hostility. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said that Trump— who has opined that he and Kim Jong-un fell “in love” after last year’s landmark first summit—would again meet the North Korean leader “near the end of February” at a location to be announced later. The flurry of diplomacy comes little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe North Korea off the map, with Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile tests rattling nerves in East Asia. Sanders praised North Korea’s efforts to reconcile but ruled out, for now, a key demand of Pyongyang— a lifting of sanctions. “The United States is going to continue to keep pressure and sanctions on North Korea until we see fully and verified denuclearization,” Sanders told reporters. “We’ve had very good steps in good faith from the North Koreans in releasing the hostages and other moves and so we’ll continue those conversations,” she said. She was referring to Pyongyang’s quick deportation last year of an American. In 2017, a US student returned home comatose from North Korea and died within days after what a US judge said was torture. AFP

AMID SHUTDOWN, PORNHUB REPORTS SPIKE IN TRAFFIC

MAKATI STARTS TRAFFIC REROUTING By Joel E. Zurbano THE Makati City government on Saturday started implementing a traffic measure to ease road congestion in connection with the closure and reconstruction of the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge, also known as Rockwell Bridge, which connects the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong. The Department of Public Works and Highways and a private construction firm partner are now conducting road works which involve the construction of a new bridge in the area. The project aimed not only to cater to more vehicles but also to make the bridge structurally sound in case of an occurrence of a massive earthquake. The 30-month construction of the bridge replacement was originally scheduled in September last year but the DWPH asked the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Makati City government to defer it to give way to the holiday season when traffic is heavier. “Effective today, Jan. 19, a traffic rerouting

scheme will be implemented at Ayala Avenue and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue due to the closure of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge,”the Makati City government said in its advisory to motorists. Motorists are advised of the following changes: The stretch of Makati Avenue from J.P. Rizal Avenue going to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue will be converted into a one-way street. Vehicles going toward the Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge shall turn right at P. Burgos Street and head toward the intersection of J.P. Rizal Avenue and Makati Avenue and turn right toward the bridge. Motorists turning left along Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue going to Salcedo Village must take the Zuellig Loop while those going to the Central Business District from the Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge must turn right to J.P. Rizal Avenue, turn left to N. Garcia Street, right to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and take a left turn to Ayala Avenue, entering the commercial district. Motorists turning right along J.P. Rizal Avenue from the Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge can also make a left turn to Zapote Avenue.

MARAWI SIEGE SUSPECT NABBED COTABATO CITY—A suspected terrorist long wanted in connection with the five-month siege carried out by Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups in Marawi City in 2017 was arrested Friday. Police identified the suspect as Datu Mohalidin, 25, of Malagapas, Barangay Rosary Heights 10. “The suspect carries the aliases Amir Khatab Usman, Datu Fahad Abdula Mangulamas, Abu Kattab, and Dats Usman,” said police Station 2 commander Chief Insp. Efren Salazar Jr. Salazar said Mohalidin was apprehended by virtue of Arrest Order No. 01 signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on May 29, 2017 for rebellion and illegal possession of explosives. No bail was recommended for the suspect, who was caught with a hand grenade and different identification cards. Martial law remains in effect in Mindanao.

PORNHUB has reported a spike in traffic during the same time that most federal workers have stayed home amid the partial government shutdown in the United States. In its report, Fox News cited the porn site’s data from Jan. 7 to Jan. 11 showing that not only has PornHub seen an almost six percent increase in visitors, it has also recorded a “distinct shift in the hours during which people are watching porn.” The porn-viewing site’s traffic prior to the pre-shutdown usually peaked from 10 p.m. to midnight. Post-shutdown, “late-night traffic increased by up to 14 percent above average, while early morning traffic from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. had the smallest change.” The now-longest government shutdown in US history started on Dec. 22 as President Donald Trump continues to demand $5.7 billion for a border wall. The shutdown has left more than 800,000 federal workers and contractors without pay.

LPA EXPECTED TO DEVELOP INTO MILITARY STRATEGIST TO HEAD EASTMINCOM A TROPICAL DEPRESSION IN 36 HRS By Francisco Tuyay

A LOW pressure area off Mindanao has entered the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday, the state weather bureau said. The LPA, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said, it is expected to develop into a tropical depression in the next 36 hours. PAGASA said once the LPA becomes a tropical depression, it may place the provinces in Eastern Samar and Caraga under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1. Moderate to heavy rains, on the other hand, will prevail over the Caraga region, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Camiguin, and Misamis Oriental.

The state weather bureau said Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, the Bicol Region, Southern Quezon, Marinduque and Romblon may experience moderate to heavy rains today. By Monday, the same weather co n d i t i o n m ay b e e x p e r i e n ce d ove r t h e B i co l R e gi o n , Vi s aya s, Southern Quezon, Marinduque, and Romblon. “Residents of the aforementioned areas, especially those living in areas at high risk of flooding and landslides are advised to continue monitoring for updates, take precautionary measures, and coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices,” PAGASA said.

ARMED Forces chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal has designated a military strategist in Eastern Mindanao to boost peace and security in the region, particularly in fighting terrorists and insurgents. Madrigal said Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., former commander of the 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, will assume office as the new commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command on Mo n d a y, coinciding with the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite. Santos was branded as a “strategist” by his peers in the military due to his immense contribution in critical aspects of the AFP’s mandate, especially in dealing with peace and security in the country, particularly in Mindanao.

“Major Gen. Santos is as commander of the not new in the Mindanao 39th Infantry Battalion, situation. He is adept in a unit with jurisdiction wide-ranging peace and in various provinces of security programs not Mindanao. only in Mindanao but “Aside from operain the whole country, tions and intelligence, having been assigned his experience in civilwith the strategic offices military operations of the AFP dealing with having been assigned operations, intelligence to the Civil Relations and civil-military operaService of AFP and havtions,” Madrigal said. ing previously headed Santos once headed Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. the Civil Military Operthe 11th Intelligence ations Group of the Service Unit based in Davao City Philippine Army, is expec ted to and subsequently became the Group boost the peace and security effort Commander of the Intelligence Service in Eastern Mindanao, more so in the adGroup of the Philippine Army. vent of the implementation of Executive Santos was a graduate of the Philip- Order 70 which institutionalize ‘whole pine Military Academy Class 1986. of nation approach’ in fighting insurShortly, after his graduation, he assumed gency in the country,” Madrigal said.

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HENRY SY:...

From A1

Forbes said he was the 52nd richest person in the world last year, beating out bold name tycoons like Elon Musk, Rupert Murdoch and George Soros. Sy’s empire has earned its share of criticism from labor groups, who say it uses thousands of contractual hires to avoid paying higher wages and benefits that permanent workers are entitled to. SM officials have insisted that they do not engage in so-called “contractualization,” but say they hire “seasonal” workers for peak periods like Christmas, back-toschool and even weekends. Sy put up his first shoe store in downtown Manila in 1956, a business which later grew into a diversified empire. He stepped down as chairman of his holding firm in 2017, assuming the title of “chairman emeritus” and leaving trusted allies as well as his children in charge of his empire. It was a long journey for a man who came to the Philippines as a boy to work in his immigrant father’s variety store. Businessmen and friends of the family also expressed deepest sadness with the passing of Sy. “Henry Sy is an icon. He is the real entrepreneur and we Filipinos are proud to benefit from all the businesses [SM and BDO] that he has built,” said Philippine Stock Exchange director Vivian Yuchengco. Belle Corp. vice chairman Willie Ocier also expressed sorrow over the death. “Mr. Sy was like a father to me. I feel very sad now,” Ocier said. Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines condoled with Sy’s family and relatives. “We feel and sympathize with their grief and great loss,” TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said. Mendoza said Sy created jobs for thousands of Filipino workers and helped improve the quality of lives of ordinary working people and their families for many decades. “While Mr. Sy’s pioneering business model in the Philippine retail industry is world-class, he always strive (sic) to make sure his employees were always part of his thriving business,” he said. He added:“The TUCP family of unions is hoping that Mr Sy’s legacy and his commitment to improving the quality of lives of all his employees and their families stays (sic) and will continue to improve with the assumption of whoever takes his place.” For his part, ALU-TUCP executive vice president Gerard Seno said the labor unions recognized Sy’s commitment to voluntarily regularize directly hired thousands of SM employees into SM over a period. San Miguel president and chief executive Ramon Ang himself also expressed admiration for Sy’s legacy. “He is a visionary. He is a good and honest person,” Ang said. Born in Xiamen, China, Sy started out by learning the ropes of the retail beside his father in the family’s convenience store. After saving enough money, Sy went out on his own and started his first business with a footwear shop. He opened the first Shoemart Store in 1958 where he offered a variety of shoes from both the country and abroad. He pioneered business systems remembered to this day by his loyal shoppers and employees. Under his stewardship, Sy built an empire under SM Investments which has investments in retail, banking and real estate. SM Prime is currently the country’s leading largest integrated real estate firm and has 71 malls in the Philippines and 7 in China as well as six hotels and eight office buildings. With assets worth over P2.8 trillion and more than 1,200 branches nationwide, BDO Unibank Inc. is the largest bank in the Philippines in terms of resources, capital, customer loans, deposits and assets under management. SM Retail is also the country’s largest retail company with over 2.7 million gross selling area. After their shop was destroyed during World War II, Sy’s father returned to China but Henry chose to stay in the Philippines. He got a commerce degree from a Manila university and started selling shoes in a shop which would later grow into a chain named “ShoeMart.” By 1972, his shops had branched out into selling all manner of goods, prompting the name to be changed to SM Department Store. But it was in 1985 that Sy made history when he opened his first “Supermall” in Manila. Spanning over 424,000 square meters, the mall included dozens of stores, numerous cinemas, restaurants, banks and other attractions that made it a onestop shop for millions of Filipinos. This was just the start, as more of Sy’s mammoth malls popped up across the country, some even containing ice skating rinks, a rarity in the tropical country. With AFP, Vito Barcelo

UNIOIL SETS OFF 3RD ROUND OF WEEKLY PRICE INCREASES By Alena Mae S. Flores

IL prices are expected to go up anew this week by as much as P0.40 per liter, an oil industry player said during the weekend.

“Expect fuel prices to go up next week. Diesel should go up by P0.30 to P0.40 and gasoline should go up by P0.10 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said in its advisory. This would be the third consecutive weekly oil price increase, reflecting the movement in world oil prices.

Oil players historically raise prices every Tuesday. Last Jan. 15, the oil firms raised pump prices by P2.30 per liter for diesel, P1.40 per liter for gasoline and P2 per liter for kerosene. On Jan. 8, oil companies also raised prices by P0.80 per liter of

gasoline, P0.70 per liter of diesel and P0.40 per liter of kerosene. World oil prices have been on an uptrend on hopes that Washington and Beijing can resolve a trade dispute that has triggered a global economic slowdown Oil prices have also been receiving support from supply cuts started at the end of 2018 by Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Oil prices were further boosted by reports that the US oil and natural gas rig count fell by seven to 1,138 during the first full week of 2019 as disclosed

by S&P Global Platts Analytics. The total is 95 rigs below the recent high of 1,233 posted in mid-November. Year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P0.90 per liter for gasoline, P0.50 per liter for kerosene and P1.15 per liter for diesel, according to the latest monitoring of the Department of Energy. Gas stations are also expected to continue to carry out the second tranche of excise taxes under the TRAIN Law, which will add P2.24 per liter—including a value-added tax—to pump prices for both diesel and gasoline.

MAKE-BELIEVE. The Commission on Elections conducts a mock election in 19 areas nationwide, including Araullo High School in Manila (left) and Toro Hills Elementary School in Bahay Toro, Quezon City Saturday in preparation for the May 13 mid-term elections using new Voter Registration Verification System. Manny Palmero, Norman Cruz

MINOR GLITCHES IN MOCK POLLS RESOLVED—COMELEC By Vito Barcelo THE mock elections conducted by the Commission on Elections Saturday ran smoothly with only minor glitches reported but these were quickly resolved. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the mock elections were simultaneously held in at least 60 areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

aimed to check the security features, accuracy, and functionality of the automated electoral system, as part of the preparation for the forthcoming elections. The Comelec was satisfied by the performance of the registration verification system (RVS) and vote counting machines (VCM) that would be used for the elections from voting to canvassing of votes.

The RVS identifies the voters by scanning their fingerprint in a machine, using their biometrics data, the Comelec said. He said the dry run was also intended to educate the people in using the VCM , adding that while the automated electoral system was previously used, the voters must be more familiar with it. Jimenez said they used the names

of the celebrities in the mock election, and only 100 people were allowed to vote in each precinct. The poll body is expecting more than 60 million voters in the forthcoming May 2019 elections, as there are more than 62 registered voters. “We are urging all registered voters to participate in the coming elections to exercise their rights to choose their leaders,” he said.

Pacquiao said. “Forty is just a number, it doesn’t matter that I’m 40 years old—I feel young,” he added. “Tomorrow I have something to prove: that at 40 I can still be at my best ... I want to prove that Manny Pacquiao is still there.” Pacquiao (60-4-2, 39 knockouts) last fought in July last year, when he

scored his first knockout in six years with a seventh-round stoppage of Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur. Pacquiao, who holds the lesser version of the WBA’s two welterweight belts, is widely believed to be angling for a rematch with retired welterweight king Floyd Mayweather.

Mayweather won their moneyspinning first bout in 2015 in a contest that failed to live up to its “Fight of the Century” hype. Broner, 29, said Friday he is determined to seize his opportunity. “I feel good. It’s a helluva opportunity,” he said. “After I win tomorrow night I’ll be a legend overnight.” AFP

PAC-MAN...

From A1

Pacquiao smiled broadly as he faced off with Broner for the cameras following the weigh-in. The eight-division world champion later said he wants to prove that he still has the ability to be a force in the welterweight division despite turning 40 last month. “I’m happy to be back here and happy to fight tomorrow night,”

PRE-BOL... From A1 The wounded victim was identified as Nasser Sanday, a resident of Barangay Nituan, Parang, Maguindanao. Earlier, Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal visited troops in Camp Ranao, Marawi City to ensure their readiness in responding to any possible threats during the plebiscite. “We extend our full support

to every soldier currently deployed to conduct vital security services in the City of Marawi and the Province of Lanao del Norte and the adjoining towns,” Madrigal said. “The AFP is thankful for your service in this historic city at this critical time when peace through BOL ratification and rehabilitation through task force Bangon Marawi is at its most important phase,” he added. Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde identified two terrorist groups that may attempt to disrupt the conduct

of the BOL plebiscite. He said the remnants of the Ansar Khilafa Philippines and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters will try to disrupt the electoral exercise, citing the recent bombing incident in Cotabato City. “Although we see no immediate threat, we cannot take everything for granted because of the incidents of bombings, particularly in Cotabato City,” Albayalde said. Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez, for his part, called on the people whose provinces

will likely form part of the envisioned Bangsamoro area to cast their votes on Monday and on Feb. 6. “We would therefore like to call on everyone in the Bangsamoro not to waste this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to cast your vote. The plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law is a momentous event for the Moro as well as non-Moro people residing in the proposed territory,” he said. “This political exercise is an opportunity for them to assert their identity and choose their

own destiny. By casting their vote, they are re-defining the Moro narrative as well as charting the future of Mindanao,” Galvez added. The plebiscite is set to take place on Monday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao areas, Isabela City in Basilan, and Cotabato City. The Feb. 6 plebiscite will cover Lanao del Norte (except Iligan City) and six towns in North Cotabato. There are some 2,839,659 registered voters in the areas covered by the plebiscite.

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HANJIN ‘NATIONALIZATION’ DRAWS SUPPORT FROM TUCP

By Vito Barcelo

HE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on Saturday expressed support for the proposed partial nationalization of the Hanjin NJIN shipyards at Subic by the Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. In a statement, the TUCP said there is a need to emphasize a Philippines-first strategy to ensure that Hanjin is rehabilitated under Philippine management, perhaps through a management contract with the Philippine Navy. “TUCP reminds the five creditor banks of Hanjin that national security interests and saving

the jobs of Filipino workers makes economic sense. We urge the creditor banks to be prudent and cautious in their rush to look for a “white knight” investor lest they unwittingly actually compromise our national security and open us up to a “hostile dragon,” TUCP president Rep. Raymond Mendoza said. The big labor group said that there are natural ups-and-downs in the shipbuilding industry, saying that when demand for ships once more increases, the Philippines will have world-class workers and a world-class shipyard ready and perfectly positioned to take advantage of the renewed demand. “Only recently, the Philippine Coast Guard acquired three modern fast patrol craft from a French firm. This is proof that there is an existing market as under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, our naval fleet and coast guard fleet have to be modernized to fight smuggling and the threat of terrorism,” Mendoza said.

He said that instead of buying ships from the French or the Israelis, the Philippines can produce ships in Subic, and improve the internal capacity to equip the country. “In the process we also save the jobs of Filipino workers in Hanjin,” Mendoza added. “TUCP insists that if there are any existing corporate liabilities that is due to the workers earlier laid off, the creditor banks must proritize this. Again, we caution the creditors from following the path of least resistance and trying to cut off the assets of Hanjin into pieces and selling it at a firesale at discount rates. We fear the creditors may pick an investor to step up and come in who will begin by laying off the remaining workers, who will lower occupational safety and health standards to bring down operational costs, or who will re-classify existing regular workers as contractual labor. These are highly-skilled workers so let us make use of their strategic value as a specialized team. Let us put Filipino worker interests first also,” he said.

SPD COPS NAB 900 UNRULY ‘TAMBAYS’

By Joel E. Zurbano

SOUTHERN Police District operatives have apprehended more than 900 individuals in the continuing police campaign against the so-called tambays or street loiterers violating city ordinances. The police operations is in line with the government’s anti-crime policy initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte to ensure a peaceful community, especially at night. In its Jan. 13 to 19 accomplishment report, the SPD, with the help of local police stations, apprehended a total of 946 individuals during a series of night operations in the cities of Muntinlupa, Taguig, Makati, Pasay, Parañaque and Las Piñas, and the town of Pateros. SPD spokesperson Supt. Jenny Tecson said most of those brought to the police stations violated the curfew for minors (ordinance) totaling 378. She added that 346 persons were also caught smoking in public places while 143 others were apprehended for drinking on the streets. The rest of those apprehended were brought to police stations for littering and urinating in public. Most of the apprehended 138 minors were caught in the City of Makati followed by Parañaque (115) and Taguig (52). The City of Muntinlupa got the highest number of apprehended smokers with 190 while Makati caught 98 others. Parañaque City also has the highest number of arrest against street drinkers (75) followed by Pasay City (30). In June 2018, President Duterte ordered police commanders to go against idlers to get rid of people loitering in the streets, especially at night.

BIRDS AT THE BAY. Migratory birds wander over and around the Manila Bay. The once world-famous scenic spot known for its breathtaking sunset is set to be rehabilitated by the government. Norman Cruz

BILL LOWERING AGE OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY OPPOSED By Maricel V. Cruz THE Save the Children Philippines and the United Nations Children’s Fund are opposing Congress’ move to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to nine years old. In a statement, the SCP said the proposal, which is being finalized at the House of Representatives, would not be for the best interest of the children. “This will only push them to further discrimination, abuse and eventually, into more anti-social behavior,” the group said. “What we need is for the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act to be fully implemented with clear programs and services for prevention, response, and the reintegration of children back into their families and communities,” he added. Meanwhile, UNICEF cited the “lack of evidence and data that children are responsible for the increase

in crime rates committed in the Philippines.” It said that pushing through with the proposal will not deter adult offenders from abusing children to commit crimes. “Lowering the age of criminal responsibility is an act of violence against children,” the UNICEF said in a statement released Friday. UNICEF explained that children exploited by adults to commit crimes must be protected and not further penalized. Citing scientific studies, it noted that brain function reaches maturity only at about 16 years old. “Proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility argue that children as young as nine years old are criminally mature and are already capable of discernment. If this was the case, then why is the legal age to enter marriage, legal contracts and employment in the Philippines at 18 years old?” it said. It also underscored the risk of

exposing these children from cohabiting with hardened criminals in jail, while waiting for their sentence for the crime they committed. “Branding children as criminals removes accountability from adults who are responsible for safeguarding them. If children who have been exploited by criminal syndicates are penalized instead of the adults who abused them, we fail to uphold the rights and well-being of children,” it stated. The House committee on justice, chaired by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Doy Leachon, will hold a hearing on Monday to repeal the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, by lowering the age of criminal liability from 15 years old to nine. Leachon earlier said the House bill is considered a “priority matter of legislation.” On the other hand, a similar bill filed at the Senate seeks to set the minimum age of criminal liability at 13.

CONGRESS URGED TO OVERHAUL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF TNCS A HOUSE leader on Saturday asked Congress anew to pass a law overhauling the regulatory framework for ridehailing services. Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur aired the call on Saturday following reports that the government accredited two more transport network companies (TNCs) last year and opened 20,000 new slots for vehicles providing ride-hailing services. He said transferring control over transport network vehicle services (TNVS) and TNCs from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to the Department of Transportation, which he has proposed under House Bill 6467, should now be strongly considered by the Congress, given these new developments in this sector. “With this sector expanding because of ever-increasing demand, both the Executive and the Congress should

recognize the fact that TNCs and TNVS require a different regulatory environment. Overregulation leads to a deterioration, rather an improvement, of services that this sector provides,” Villafuerte, a deputy majority leader, said. Villafuerte renewed his call for the swift approval of HB 6467 after the LTFRB accredited two new mobile ride-hailing companies— RYD Global Inc. and Aztech Solution International Corp.—that raised the number of TNCs to nine. It also opened another 20,000 slots for accreditation of TNVS. Online applications for new Certificate of Public Convenience for TNVS started on Dec. 17, while the acceptance of applications started on Jan. 3. Villafuerte said TNVS connected to TNCs like Grab or Hype, are not like taxicabs that are public or common carriers. Maricel V. Cruz

ANTI-DRUG DRIVE. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

Director General Aaron Aquino (right) hands over a new caliber. 45 pistol to PDEA-3 (Central Luzon) Director Gil Pabilona, during a ceremony at the PDEA Headquarters in Quezon City on Jan. 18. The agency’s newly-procured high-powered firearms, bullet-proof ‘sando‘ vests, and tactical protective shields worth P79.59 million, are expected to boost the agency’s anti-drug campaign. PNA

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SOLON SLAMS PALACE REMARK ON CHINESE FISHING AT WPS AN OPPOSITION lawmaker on Saturday expressed his dismay over Malacañang’s response on the reported massive presence of Chinese fishing vessels in the West Philippine Sea.“ Malacañang has dismissed the matter as mere speculation even in the face of clear documentation of the presence of Chinese fishing vessels in the West Philippines Sea. The government also seems unfazed by the possibility that these Chinese fishing vessels are getting our resources and source of food, Magdalo Party-List Rep. Gary Alejano said. Alejano made the statement after Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that Malacañang sees no problem if the Chinese vessels are fishing in the West Philippine Sea saying, “Walang problema kung fishing-fishing lang”. Alejano reminded the administration that the area where Chinese fishing vessels are clustering is part of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. “Only Filipino fishermen can fish within the Philippines’ EEZ as affirmed by the arbitral ruling. Filipinos have exclusive sovereign rights over our EEZ. Hindi pwedeng sabihin na walang problema. The statement of Malacañang can be taken by China as a waiver of Philippine sovereign rights,” Alejano said. According to the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in July 2016, Mischief Reef is part of the Philippines’ EEZ which means that the Philippines has sovereign rights in the area. The tribunal also said that China has violated the rights of the Philippines when Chinese vessels fished in Mischief Reef and other areas within the Philippine EEZ. Meanwhile, Chinese-occupied Subi Reef was found to be a lowtide elevation by the tribunal which does not generate entitlement to a territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, or continental shelf for China. Given this, Alejano, a.former Marine officer, called on the government to be careful on its assertions regarding our claims and rights in the West Philippine Sea. He said that officials must be aware of the repercussions of their official statements on the country’s national interest and security. Maricel V. Cruz

EASTERN SAMAR SOLON FACES CORRUPTION, GRAFT CHARGES By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—A veteran lawmaker in Eastern Samar is charged before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged graft and corruption charges amounting to P5.37 million when he was a provincial governor 10 years ago. Edilberto Grata Jr., a private citizen, accused Eastern Samar congressman Ben Evardone of violating section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act when he granted financial assistance to the Liga ng mga Barangay of the Province of Eastern Samar. Grata, in his complaint, said that Evardone also “entered into an informal agreement with an airline company, SEAIR, to exclusively transport the barangay chairpersons to Luzon” in the guise of Lakbay Aral (Study Tour). He said that the conduct of the seminar-workshop in Luzon in February 2009 was “to lure and entice the barangay chairpersons to travel to a prime tourist destination ensuring their attendance.” Grata said that Evardone, who had expressed his intention to run as congressman in the 2010 elections as he was on his last term as governor during that time, also “personally gave” P1,000 to each barangay chairperson during the seminar. Evardone’s alleged actions “caused undue injury” to the provincial government, Grata said in his Jan. 14 complaint. According to Grata, his case “is anchored on the COA Resolution decided by the Supreme Court with finality finding the disbursement of public funds by Ben Evardone to be excessive, unjustified and unreasonable.” But Evardone, who is running as governor in the 2019 elections, said that the filing of the case “is purely politically motivated.” He added that “the fund in questions were an aid to barangays which transferred to the Liga ng mga Barangays through a memorandum of understanding.”

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019

News

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DATA BREACH AFFECTS 900K CLIENTS, NPC STEPS IN C

VIVA SEÑOR! Hundreds

of devotees carry their own images of the Holy Infant Jesus during the pre-celebration of the Santo Niño Festival at Tondo, Manila on Saturday. Norman Cruz and Ey Acasio

AMID SHUTDOWN, PORNHUB REPORTS SPIKE IN TRAFFIC

LPA EXPECTED TO DEVELOP INTO MILITARY STRATEGIST TO HEAD EASTMINCOM A TROPICAL DEPRESSION IN 36 HRS By Francisco Tuyay

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

LET’S BRING IT ON

OMING to one’s senses, quoting Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., may well be an understatement—but the release of funds for salary increases for government workers has a rippling effect in many work zones across the country. Andaya, who has been at daggers with Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno during the past weeks, has welcomed the release of funds, underlined in two Department of Budget and Management Circulars, which authorize Local Government Units and Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations to release the fourth

tranche of the wage hike to their employees under the Salary Standardization Law. The DBM Circulars—Local Budget Circular No. 118 and Corporate Budget Circular No. 23—were both signed by Secretary Diokno on Jan. 15, 2019. Both took effect on Jan. 1, 2019. According to Andaya, the twin circulars only mean that what legislators have been saying is true: that the DBM has the tools to implement the salary increases for at least 1.4 million employees even under a reenacted budget. “Secretary Diokno can use these tools to release the salary increase for other civil servants in the executive, legislative and judicial branches as well as in constitutional offices. Secretary Diokno is just taking these employees hostage in a desperate bid to force Congress to approve his pet projects the soonest time possible,”

PECIER DECIERDO

A FAILURE OF GOVERNANCE THE tangled web of the passport data mess continues to unravel, showing that government has not learned its lessons from past mistakes. Recently installed Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. claimed on Twitter last week that a “former contractor” had run off with passport applicant’s personal data. He blamed persons on the other side of the political fence, adding that he would “autopsy alive” the “Yellows who did the passport deal.” Others with knowledge of the issue weighed in. Former foreign secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said former contractor Oberthur did not steal any data. Current passport printer APO Production Unit, Inc. (APUI) chairman Michael Dalumpines agreed, saying “Passport data are with us,” and “all data were all in those [Oberthur] equipment turned over to us by Bangko Sentral.” Sundry politicians called for an investigation. Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde called the snafu a “national security threat,” and rightly so. Among the data that passport applicants give DFA are name and address, date and place of birth, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and signature. The personal details on these documents can be used to answer security questions on bank apps, commit credit card or other

fraud, harass, bully, or doxx someone, and whatever else evildoers can think up. This is not the first time that government has lost data through its own fault. Remember ‘Comeleak’? On March 27, 2016, two months before the national elections, Anonymous Philippines hacked the Comelec website to post a message about the security of the votecounting machines. The next day, LulzSec Pilipinas leaked online the Comelec database of over 70 million registered voter records.

What really happened in the passport snafu? “It is considered the biggest leak of personal data in Philippine history, and among the biggest breaches of a government-held database in the world,” wrote Rappler’s Michael Bueza. This infernal incident was followed on Jan. 11, 2017, by another potential data breach when burglars made off with the computer of the Wao, Lanao del Sur election officer. The machine contained a copy of the national list

NO, THE PLANET IS NOT GOING TO BE OKAY

Andaya said. He added: “Finally, Secretary Diokno has come to his senses. Now, he realizes that he has to implement the law granting salary increases to civil servants even under a reenacted budget.” The government employees, from where we are and given the present state of affairs— prices of prime commodities, among others, hurtling to a gallop—deserve the immediate compassion and increase of the government as their employer. Salary delayed is salary denied. And while we do not begrudge those in the bureaucracy who would eventually have a fatter take-home pay envelope on time, the Department of Budget action is a saga worth emulating. Let’s bring it on.

of registered voters (NLRV) of about 55 million voters. The file was said to have been encrypted, but almost any encryption can be cracked by a talented enough hacker. The National Privacy Commission, which investigated both incidents, found out that all Comelec field offices keep their own copies of the NLRV, which at the time held the personal data of about 55 million voters. At the time, NPC Chairman Raymund Liboro said, “This breach illustrates that there are many ways to lose personal data. That is why data protection is not only an IT security issue involving firewalls. It’s a governance matter that covers organizational and physical measures to protect data.” The agency will investigate this latest data breach to find out whether the Data Privacy Act of 2012 was violated in relation to the personal information of passport holders and applicants. As Liboro said, these incidents are issues of governance. Good governance means using best practices to administer a service or program properly and efficiently with due care given to security and safety. It means allocating resources to create and implement the “organizational and physical ways” he mentioned to

THERE is a line of reasoning that I keep on hearing whenever climate change is discussed. I hear it in conversations, see it posted on social media, and read it in comment threads. It goes along these lines. Yes, climate change is bad, but it is bad only for humans. The planet will be fine. This line of reasoning is wrong. Yes, climate change is negatively affecting humans, but only because we are part of the complex web of life on this planet. That entire web is being disrupted by climate change, and we, along with all the living things with whom we share this planet, are suffering from the impact. Hence, saving ourselves by acting on climate change is no different from saving the web of life to which we belong. We cannot save people without saving the planet. Now, to be charitable, the people making the argument have a point. When they say that the planet will be fine, they are thinking of the fact that the Earth has gone through countless changes over its 4.5 billion-year history. Indeed, many of the changes in the past were drastic. For instance, the Earth has been through deep ice ages when a lot of its water was locked up in continent-sized glaciers, draining entire seas. During such times, what is now the Mediterranean Sea was a desert, and what are now the seas separating Indonesia and the Philippines from mainland Asia were land bridges. The Earth has also gone through some very hot times. During the Carboniferous period some 359 million to 299 million years ago, the average global temperature was 20 degrees hotter than today’s. The Earth was a very swampy, damp planet filled with lush forests and giant dragonflies with 2-foot wingspans. Even further back in time, the Earth was a hellscape where no life was possible. During the Earth’s early days, in the aptly named Hadean time, the Earth was so hot its surface was an ocean of molten lava. In other words, climate change over the hundreds of thousands of years is part of the Earth’s natural cycles. These cycles are caused by a lot of factors, from changes in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to the amount of energy released by the sun. Some of the Earth’s changes were even catastrophic. The most famous example is the event that caused the demise of the dinosaurs some 66 million years ago, when an asteroid slammed into Earth. That event caused tons of dust to spray into the atmosphere, plummeting the planet into a global winter that lasted for years. We get mini versions of this whenever a major volcanic explosion happens. When Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, the ashes from the volcano cooled the Earth’s temperature by up to 0.6 degrees. Meanwhile, the eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Tambora probably resulted in 1816 to be “The Year Without a Summer.” So in some sense, the Earth will indeed be fine. After all, it has survived far worse. However, it is only correct so far as we are talking about the mere lump of rocks that is Earth. Most of the time when people talk about “the planet,” they are not merely referring to the inanimate parts of Earth. When people say “the planet”, that usually includes the Earth’s living components. It is, after all, what makes Earth such a unique planet. When one includes this living component, then the planet is indeed under threat because of climate change. Climate change will result in a great dying throughout the planet, the likes of which humans have never seen before. Even a warming of 1.5 degrees will wipe out hundreds of species of animals and plants. A warming of 2 degrees will make the problem much worse. According to the special report released last year by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a warming of 2 degrees will put 98 percent of the world’s coral reefs at risk. Millions of people, and even more marine animals, depend on healthy coral reefs. When the corals go, they will take countless other living things with them. The stable climate of the past few thousand years is what made complex human civilization possible. Climate change is disrupting that once stable foundation. The things we depend on, from predictable seasonal changes to healthy forests, are going away. If that foundation collapses altogether because of climate change, it is not just humans who will suffer. Instead, we will be dragging hundreds of thousands of species along with us, from some obscure forest frog to the coffee plants we farm for their seeds. This is why saving the planet and saving human civilization amount to the same task. There is no doing one without doing the other.

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE safeguard data. What many don’t realize is that data is an asset, a resource that must be protected, particularly when it belongs to other people. Citizens use a state’s services trusting that their information will be kept safe. Our government, regardless of who is in power, has shown that so far they cannot be trusted with our personal data. And even if we haven’t heard that the leaked information was used, it is still out on the internet somewhere, with the potential for its misuse a dangling sword of Damocles. We are left with many questions. What really happened with the passport contractor deal? Will Locsin be the one to straighten out this and other messes at the DFA? Will other agencies that collect personal data—SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, BIR, to name a few— now double-check and strengthen their own information technology security measures? Will our government ever learn? Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and researcher. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

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VIOLENCE FLARES IN THAILAND; TWO MONKS SHOT DEAD

BANGKOK—Gunmen in Thailand’s deep south shot dead two Buddhist monks and wounded two others inside a temple, police said Saturday, capping a week of deadly violence as the prime minister vowed to “punish” those responsible. Black-clad assailants carrying rifles crept into Rattanaupap temple in Narathiwat province near Malaysia’s border on Friday evening and started firing, local superintendent Pakdi Preechachon told AFP. “The attack took place around 7:30 pm (1230 GMT) when an unknown number of gunmen dressed in black entered the temple through a rear area via a creek,” Pakdi said. “Two monks were shot dead at the temple while two others were wounded.” Since 2004 clashes between ethnic Malay-Muslim rebels and the Buddhistmajority Thai state that annexed the region a century ago have killed nearly 7,000 people, mostly civilians of both faiths. The death toll in the south dropped to a record low last year as Thailand’s junta tightened its security web but violence has boiled over in recent days, raising concerns about soft targets at schools and religious institutions. AFP

BREXIT BULLION: WORRIED IRISH HOARDING GOLD DUBLIN, Ireland—In a vault under the streets of Dublin a pot of gold owned by anxious investors is growing every day Britain edges closer to leaving the European Union without a deal. “They’re worried about a significant devaluation in sterling if there’s a hard Brexit,” said Seamus Fahy. Fahy is co-founder of Merrion Vaults, a gold brokerage and safe deposit facility in the centre of the Irish capital. Over 2018—as the prospect of Britain crashing out of the EU turned from a scare story into a very real prospect—he has seen a 70 percent rise in clients from the British province of Northern Ireland. “Customers are taking money— physical money—out of the bank and they’re buying gold bullion with us to store it, and it’s a hedge,” Fahy explained. There is no equivalent facility in Northern Ireland. With the border only an hour away it is no long trip to secure peace of mind as Britain risks a split with the EU critics are branding a “cliff-edge Brexit”. Set in the basement of an unassuming grey office block, Merrion Vaults does not advertise its presence to passersby, marked only with a coy plaque reading “Merrion Private”. Down an elevator, past a manned security booth and a fingerprint scanner —as well as a hefty metal safe door—is a caged vault, ranked with 3,000 doublelocked deposit boxes. AFP

POLAND FAREWELL FOR SLAIN MAYOR DRAWS THOUSANDS GDANSK, Poland—Poles will gather on Saturday in the Baltic port city of Gdansk for the funeral of murdered liberal mayor Pawel Adamowicz, whose public stabbing has raised questions about hate speech in politics in the country. Around 3,500 people, including Polish President Andrzej Duda and EU Council President Donald Tusk, a longtime friend of Adamowicz, are due to attend the ceremony. Duda has announced a day of national mourning. Adamowicz, 53, was stabbed in the heart in front of hundreds of people at a charity fundraiser last weekend by an ex-convict wielding a knife. The 27-year-old attacker, who reportedly has a history of mental illness, had previously been sentenced to more than five years in jail for armed robbery. Recently released, the man claimed he was wrongly imprisoned by the previous government -- led by the centrist Civic Platform (PO) party, to which Adamowicz once belonged. For many Poles, the mayor’s murder cannot be solely blamed on the knifeman but also the prevalence of online hate speech and toxic divisions between the main political parties. “It’s hatred that killed Pawel,” PO leader Grzegorz Schetyna told lawmakers on Wednesday. “A well-organised, crazy hatred directed at a man who with the help of thousands of Gdansk residents was building this great, proud and free city,” he added. Politicians from PO and the ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party have traded barbs for years, as have their supporters online, with critics accusing the government of tacitly condoning the atmosphere of hostility. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

TRUMP MAN NIXES ‘BUZZFEED’ REPORT

ASHINGTON— Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s office took the rare step Friday of disputing a news report on his Russia investigation, saying a BuzzFeed article alleging that US President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress is “not accurate.” Trump’s lieutenants had already strongly pushed back against the report, which said that the president ordered Michael Cohen to lie about a Russian skyscraper project they pursued during the 2016 election. “BuzzFeed’s description of specific statements to the Special Counsel’s Office, and characterization of documents and testimony obtained by this office, regarding Michael Cohen’s Congressional testimony are not accurate,” spokesman Peter Carr

said in a statement. Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 vote and possible collusion between Trump’s campaign and Moscow is the subject of frequent articles and even more frequent speculation. But it is extremely rare—if not unprecedented —for Mueller’s office to issue such a statement. BuzzFeed’s editor-in chief however said the news organization stood by its work. “We stand by our reporting and the sources who informed it, and we urge the Special Counsel to make clear what he’s disputing,” Ben Smith tweeted. The statement was nevertheless a cause for celebration for the president, who retweeted numerous supporters slamming BuzzFeed and later wrote it was “A very sad day for journalism, but a great day for our Country!” “Fake News is truly the ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!” he added, a now familiar refrain when talking about critical media. Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani had earlier called the allegation in the BuzzFeed report “categorically false” in a comment sent to several White House reporters, while Deputy White House Spokesman

Hogan Gidley labeled the report “ridiculous.” He said Cohen is someone “who now quite frankly has been proven to be a liar.” Democrats in Congress had pledged to investigate the report to see if the president had committed an impeachable felony. “These allegations may prove unfounded, but, if true, they would constitute both the subornation of perjury as well as obstruction of justice,” said Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. BuzzFeed reported late Thursday that Cohen, who worked for Trump for more than a decade, has told investigators that the president personally instructed him to lie about the Moscow Trump Tower plan in testimony in 2017 to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. The BuzzFeed article was based on interviews with two anonymous “federal law enforcement officials” who are familiar with Cohen’s testimony to the investigation led by Mueller. “Any suggestion—from any source—that the president counseled Michael Cohen to lie is categorically false. Michael Cohen is a convicted criminal and a liar,”Giuliani said in a statement quoted by New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman. AFP

DARING ESCAPE. Kenyan security forces help people to escape after a bomb blast at DusitD2 hotel in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday. A huge blast followed by a gun battle rocked an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi, causing casualties, in an attack claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab Islamist group. AFP

MEXICO PIPELINE BLAZE KILLS 21, HURTS DOZENS TLAHUELILPAN, Mexico—A massive fire broke out at an illegal pipeline tap in central Mexico on Friday, killing at least 21 people and injuring 71 more, just as the government wages a major crackdown on fuel theft. Scores of locals with jerry cans and buckets had been collecting gasoline that was gushing from a leaking pipeline when an explosion occurred, according to witnesses. Video taken in the aftermath showed desperate people fleeing the scene, screaming for help, as the enormous fire lit up the night sky in Tlahuelilpan, in Hidalgo state, about 65 miles (105 kilometers)

north of Mexico City. “I went just to see what was happening, and then the explosion happened. I rushed to help people,” said Fernando Garcia, 47. “I had to claw through pieces of people who had already been burned to bits,” he told AFP. The tragedy comes as the federal government is waging a highly publicized war on fuel theft, a problem that cost Mexico an estimated $3 billion in 2017. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador traveled to the scene in the early hours of Saturday. “I am deeply saddened by the suffering in Tlahuelilpan caused

by the explosion of a pipeline,” the leftist leader earlier wrote on Twitter. “I call on the whole government to assist people there.” Federal and state firefighters and ambulances run by state oil company Pemex rushed to help victims with burns and take the wounded to hospitals. The flood of patients overflowed local clinics and hospitals, said AFP correspondents at the scene. Security Minister Alfonso said around midnight that the fire had been brought under control. Pemex said it was also responding to another fire at a botched pipeline

tap in the central state of Queretaro, though in that case there were no victims. Mexico is regularly rocked by deadly explosions at illegal pipeline taps, a dangerous but lucrative business whose players include powerful drug cartels and corrupt Pemex insiders. The tragedy comes as anticorruption crusader Lopez Obrador presses implementation of a controversial fuel theft prevention plan. The government has shut off key pipelines until they can be fully secured and deployed the army to guard Pemex production facilities. AFP

LATEST MIGRANT CARAVAN ENTERS MEXICO ILLEGALLY

BOUND AND NABBED. Kyrgyz police officers detain supporters of opposition politician Amanbol Babakulov during a rally against so-called Chinese expansion at the Ala-Too square in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday. AFP

CIUDAD HIDALGO, Mexico—Hundreds of Central Americans entered Mexico illegally as the latest migrant caravan trying to reach the United States began crossing the Mexican-Guatemalan border en masse Friday. Not content to wait five days for the humanitarian visas Mexico is offering them, several hundred migrants took to make-shift rafts to cross the Suchiate River, which forms the frontier, or snuck across the loosely guarded border bridge overnight, AFP correspondents said. Their advance could trigger a new Twitter firestorm from US President Donald Trump, who has urged Mexico to halt such caravans, and who tweeted early Friday: “Another big Caravan heading our way. Very hard to stop without a Wall!” Hundreds more of the 2,000 migrants in the caravan gathered patiently on

the border bridge, trickling into Mexico as the authorities processed them. The authorities will set up checkpoints in southern Mexico to make migrants who snuck into the country register for visas, said Alejandro Encinas, undersecretary for migration. “We are informing all of them that they must comply with our country’s laws,” he said. Caravans of migrants seeking safety in numbers have taken center stage in the raging debate in the United States over Trump’s proposed border wall, which has led to a government shutdown that is now the longest in history. The latest caravan is smaller than the one that swelled to 7,000 migrants late last year, leading Trump to warn of an “invasion” by “hardened criminals” and send thousands of troops to the USMexican border. AFP

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK TEST FISHING. Young boys throw their lines to catch fish at Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Friday, ahead of government plans to rehabilitate the heavily-polluted waterway. Ey Acasio

WELCOME CHINA. Dragon dancers welcome the arrival of the Chinese Navy’s guided frigate Handan at Pier 15 in Manila on Thursday. The Handan (Hull 579), along with the frigates Wuhu (Hull 539) and Donglinghu (Hull960), is in the country for a four-day goodwill visit. Norman Cruz

STRIKING LIKENESS. President Rodrigo Duterte (right) presents a portrait painting of visiting Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena as a token of friendship during the latter’s visit to Malacañang on Wednesday as part of Sirisena’s four-day state visit. Presidential Photo

VAPERS UNITE. A member of the group Responsible Vapers shows off his vape models against the Department of Health logo at the DOH headquarters in Manila, where talks on the rules and regulations regarding the use of electronic cigarettes were ongoing on Friday. Norman Cruz

WOMEN’S ISSUES. Theater and film actress and women’s rights activist Monique Wilson (right) joins members of the group Gabriela in a protest to highlight various issues that Filipino women are facing this year due to the implementation of the second tranche of the TRAIN Law. Norman Cruz

CONFISCATED FIREARMS. National Capital Region Police Director Guillermo Eleazar (center) joins Northern Police District Director Chief Supt. Rolando Anduyan (right) in presenting to media confiscated unlicensed firearms at the Malabon City Police station following a raid on Friday. Andrew Rabulan

SURPRISE TEST. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Aaron N. Aquino submits a urine sample as he leads a surprise drug test on all PDEA personel right after the turnover rites of their newly procured high-powered firearms on Friday. Manny Palmero

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

GYMNAST, SKATEBOARDER

PH’S BEST OLYMPIC HOPEFULS Jhonnel Ababa

ABABA RISES AGAIN, KEEPS PRADERA GOLF CROWN Carlos “Caloy” Yulo with gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion

By Randy Caluag

DD gymnastics and skateboarding to sports disciplines that will be possible sources of honor for the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Combat sports, especially boxing, used to be the only sport, where the Philippines has great chances of making it to the toughest, biggest sports show on earth. But gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo and skateboarder Margielyn Didal, just the past year, pierced into the elite circles of their respective sport. Kid from the Creek When Philippine gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion saw this diminutive kid for the first time, she knew right away that she has a star in the making. After several years of nurturing and polishing, Yulo was transformed into a jewel of a gymnast.

Margielyn Didal

Accompanied by his grandfather Rodrigo, Yulo walked into the headquarters of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, which was a few hundred meters from their home near a creek in Manila and just at the back of the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. That was 11 years ago. Carrion saw the potential in the then seven-year-old “Caloy” and included him into the gymnastics’ program. It didn’t take long for Caloy to shine. He began winning every local gymnastics tournament, including in the Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa. Carrion, with the help of private sponsors, put Caloy under the care of Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya. Under Munehiro, the “kid from the creek” began making a name in the international stage and the Philippine Sports Commission also took notice and began supporting Yulo’s international training and competitions. The PSC and GAP’s cooperative efforts are now reaping dividends as Yulo began showing his potential for a medal in the Olympics. “We’re all-out for Caloy and this year, he really put gymnastics as one of the top newsmakers in 2018,” said Carrion. “We will continue to make our mark all the way to the Olympics.” Competing in his first seniors’ battle earlier this year, he bagged a bronze medal in the men’s vault of the World Cup Gymnastics Melbourne 2018 held in Australia in February.

Carlos Yulo with his family

Then, he took the silver in the men’s vault of the Baku World Cup held in Azerbaijan on March 18 and added another silver in the men’s floor event of the 2018 Doha World Cup in Qatar the week after. He did his medal-winning binge in a span of one month, before topping them all with a bronze medal in the World Championship in November. He capped his fruitful year with a two-silver medal finish in the Toyota Cup in Japan two weeks ago. “Masaya po ako and para po ito sa aking family and sa mga taong tumulong po sa akin,” said Yulo, who is going full blast this coming year (2019) in his attempt to compete in the Tokyo 2020

Olympics. Ranked no. 13 in the world, he is poised to dominate the Southeast Asian Games to be hosted by the Philippines on Nov. 30-Dec. 12 next year. The 18-year-old Yulo is one of the Philippines’ potential delegates and medal hopefuls for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “Yes po. Kaya naman (win gold). Basta po tuloy lang po ako sa training ang gagawin ko ‘yung best ko,” he said. Caloy’s young brother and sister are now following in his footstep. His brod Eldrew, is a three-time Palarong Pambansa champion. Pretty soon, the Yulo siblings will all be making their country proud.

EXCITING TIMES FOR BEERMEN By Peter Atencio IT’S going to be an exciting season for the San Miguel Beermen, criticism from Alaska coach Alex Compton notwithstanding. Compton was said to have criticized the Beermen for boosting their roster further by acquiring star point guard Romeo, “saying kawawa ang liga.” But SMC management said Romeo was offered to all the PBA teams before he was traded to Bremen. SMC also fired back that Alaska has traded “competent players’ RJ Jazul and Calvin Abueva during Compton’s watch.”

“It is unfortunate that Alaska team head coach Alex Compton had to make a statement against the Beermen and the league when he actually traded away competent players like RJ Jazul and Calvin Abueva,” the SMC statement read. The Beermen, however, are keen on looking forward. “Despite Mr. Compton’s unnecessary remarks, we are still excited about what the future holds for PBA, our teams and the fans. Each PBA team has a responsibility to create the right chemistry and harness talents to come up with a formidable squad. This league has a gone a long way in providing entertain-

ment and appreciation for this great sport and for that we thank all the people who have been a part in building it,” according to SMB officials. By taking in last year’s rookie Christian Standhardinger into its fold mid-season, SMB was hailed by pundits as the team to beat, but it failed to even enter the Gov Cup finals, where Magnolia beat Alaska, 4 games to 2 to win the conference. And so the challenge for the Beermen is how to put their star-studded lineup composed of fivetime MVP JuneMar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross and now Romeo, working as a single unit.

LUBAO, Pampanga—Jhonnel Ababa kept his astounding streak of luck on the Philippine Golf Tour Asia, besting a horde of rivals with a solid windup to retain the ICTSI Pradera Verde Classic crown by two over Aussie David Gleeson on a closing four-under 68 here yesterday. Ababa beat at least 10 bidders in the most fiercely fought final round clash in the two-year-old circuit, gunning down three birdies in the last five holes in hot, breezy condition, the last on No. 17 giving him a two-shot cushion over erstwhile pursuers Sam Gillis of the US and Clyde Mondilla, who had wrapped up their respective rounds ahead of the back-to-back champion and Gleeson. “Fantastic,” said Ababa, whose 10-under 278 total that included rounds of 68-73-69 netted the diminutive former amateur hotshot his fourth championship, becoming the first player to score back-to-back victories in the region’s newest circuit put up by ICTSI worth another $17,500. “I think I’m just lucky playing on PGT Asia. But the key was my birdie on No. 14. It didn’t only bolster my morale but more importantly, it gave me a one-stroke lead. That’s when I felt I could win again.” said Ababa, who then came through with superb approach shots on Nos. 16 and 17 that set up birdie chances from close range to seal the victory. Ababa also scored back-to-back wins at Eagle Ridge and here to close out the circuit’s inaugural season last year then broke away from a tight final round duel with three others and beat Jobim Carlos by three to rule the PGTA second season stop at Forest Hills last July. Gleeson, who snared the kickoff leg crown of the second PGTA at Luisita on a three-hole playoff with Erwin Arcillas last April, snatched runner-up honors with an eagle on the par-5 18th, matching Ababa’s closing four-under card for a 270. He pocketed $11,500. “He (Ababa) really played good all day. He’s a real warrior and a real champion,” said Aussie Andrew Campbell, whom Ababa beat here last year. Gillis battled back from four shots down from fifth to the last flight with a bogey-free 67, forcing a four-way tie at seven-under overall after his last birdie on No. 12. But he flubbed a couple of birdie chances the rest of the way, ending up at 281 for joint third with Mondilla, who birdied three of the last 12 holes to card a 69. Each received $6,300.

BROWNLEE SEES DEEP RUN FOR MIGHTY SPORTS BARANGAY Ginebra resident import Justine Brownlee knows personally how tough the 30th Dubai International Basketball Championship is, but the charismatic American player is convinced Mighty Sports can go deep this time around. “It’s going to be a lot of fun out there so I hope Filipino fans in Dubai will continue to support us,” said Brownlee, who helped the Gin Kings capture the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last season. Emboldened by the presence of former LA Lakers star Lamar Odom and Chinese Basketball Association veteran in 6-foot-11 Randolf Morris and a pair of Fil-Am players Jeremiah Gray and

Roosevelt Adams, Brownlee is hoping the team backed by SMDC, Healthcube, Oriental Group and Go For Gold can play better this time and contend for the championship in the event slated Feb. 1 to 9. “Hopefully, we can win the championship,” said Brownlee who will reunite with former Ginebra player Jett Manuel who quit from the most popular ballclub in the pro league after playing only one season. Brownlee was part of the team that won only once in seven games two years ago. Despite Brownlee’s assertion, Mighty Sports owner Alex Wongchuk-

ing stressed that success can only be achieved if team members will embrace their roles to the letter. “Key words are sacrifice and determination,” said Wongchuking. “They should know that we are representing our country so they have to give their all.” Mighty Sports coach Charles Tiu said both Gray and Adams are welcome additions to the team as they can provide additional firepower and length to the team owing to their experiences playing for various colleges in the US. Gray, who stands at 6-foot-4, recently broke Dominican College’s singleseason scoring record in the NCAA Divi-

sion II era with 509 points. Last season, he averaged a respectable 18.9 points per game being a 42 percent shooter from the field, including 33.8 percent from 3-point range. The 6-foot-5 Adams, on the other hand, went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft after playing for the College of Idaho. Apart from Manuel, other local players in the team are former PBA star Joseph Yeo, Gab Banal, University of the Philippines playmaker Juan Gomez de Liano, La Salle’s Santi Santillan and College of St. Benilde’s Justin Gutang and FilAm Troy Rike.

Justin Brownlee

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019

Business

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

SOFTWARE COMPANY RECOGNIZED AS TOP EMPLOYER

Oryspa Spa Solutions Inc. founder and president Sherill Quintana

ORYSPA CEO WINS ASIA PACIFIC WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARD A

Laguna-based entrepreneur who formulated rice branbased health and beauty products became the first Filipino woman to win the Asia Pacific Women Entrepreneur Award conferred by the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry at Carigan Palace, Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulated Sherill Quintana, the founder and president of Oryspa Spa Solutions Inc., for winning the prestigious award. Quintana serves as PCCI’s Committee Chair for Women and Social Entrepreneurship. Quintana is a multi-awarded entrepreneur, educator and well-known in the country, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises as mentor and advocate of the Filipino brand.

Prior to her latest award, Quintana was named Outstanding Citizen of Los Baños 2017, while Oryspa was recognized as the ‘Most Promising Franchise’ at the 2015 Franchise Excellence Award. She also won the ‘Asean Business Awards for Excellence in Healthcare’ at the Asean Business Summit in Vientiane, Laos in 2016. Quintana, who obtained a degree in Sociology from the University of the Philippines, worked for the US Agency for International Development and World Wife Fund for Nature before establishing her business, with the support of her husband. “The selection process was very rigorous. The panel of judges was composed of business leaders from different countries. I am so happy I made it. Yes, the Filipino brand can,” Quintana said after winning. CACCI, a network of National Chambers of Commerce and Industry from 27 countries in Asia and the Western Pacific recognizes women entrepreneurs who are outstanding in entrepreneurial and leadership contribution to the social well-being of the local community,

Quintana teams up with Card Mutually Reinforcing Institution to come up with a lotion and beauty oil out of turmeric.

JOEY LEVISTE INDUCTED PRESIDENT OF ‘KAMPON NI PAKAKAK’ THE Kampon ni Pakakak, the oldest and most respected socio-civic organization in Batangas province, elected its 2019 officers led by business leader Dr. Jose P. Leviste Jr. as President to sustain the group’s vision of a Greater Bauan, Batangas in preparation for the KNP Centennial in 2022. Former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, himself a former president of KNP, inducted Leviste and other newly elected officers of the group recently. Leviste’s immediate predecessor is former Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. KNP is an association of distinguished citizens of Bauan who work closely with fellow

Batanguenos both within Batangas, in the Philippines, and abroad. Other previous KNP Presidents were House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu, Batangas Governor Herminigildo Mandanas and Dr. Miguelito de Guia who served in 2017. As President of KNP, Leviste brings with him decades of experience in top management and business leadership. He is currently the President of the Batangas Provincial Investment Council, which is chaired by the Provincial Governor. Leviste is the Chairman of Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Co. of Manila and Chairman of OceanaGold Philippines Inc. He is the Primo Turn to C2

practice of good business ethics, and support of the chamber movement in the region. “I am a living witness as to how Sherill struggled in her early years as a start-up entrepreneur. I am one of her mentors and I am proud how she is reaping the fruits of her labor and hardwork. It is indeed a welldeserved win” PCCI president Ma. Alegria Limjoco said.

I am so happy I made it. Yes, the Filipino brand can. Limjoco was with Quintana during the gala awards ceremony at the 32nd CACCI Conference on Nov. 24, 2018. Oryspa Spa Solutions Inc. is the number 1 maker of 100-percent rice bran based spa products in the Philippines. Quintana incorporated the health benefits of rice bran into personal care products such as shampoos, soaps, lotions, body scrubs under the Oryspa brand and launched the business in 2010. Oryspa opened its first stall in SM Calamba. Oryspa won the Asean Business Excellence Award in Healthcare 2016, Best in Social Responsibility Program and Most Outstanding Filipino Franchise of the Philippine Franchise Excellence Awards 2017. It inspires other MSMEs to level up, go mainstream and export their brands prompting its founder Quintana to launch the advocacy project ‘Yes The Filipino Brand Can’ and publish the book ‘A Small Entrepreneur’s Journey: How to Start, Survive, Succeed in 2016’.

SAP Philippines, the local unit of a German-based software corporation, has been recognized as the 2019 Top Employer for empowering best people practices and having exceptional employee working conditions. This is the second year that SAP Philippines received the distinction. The annual, international research undertaken by the Top Employers Institute recognizes leading employers around the world that provide exceptional employee conditions, nurture and develop talent throughout all levels of the organization, and strive to continuously advance best-in-class employment practices. Cr u c i a l to t h e s e l e c t i o n procedure is that participating companies must complete a stringent research process and meet the required high standard across multiple continents and countries.

The Top Employers Institute evaluated SAP ’s employee offerings on the criteria of talent strategy, workforce planning, on-boarding, learning and development, per formance management, leadership development, career and succession management, compensation and benefits and company culture. The bar for a successful pass rate also increases every year, thus forcing companies to take each year’s certification process just as seriously as the previous year’s. As such, only the world’s leading employers become certified as Top Employers. Comprehensive independent research from Top Employer Institute disclosed that SAP Philippines provides exceptional employee conditions, nurtures and develops talent throughout all levels of the organization and has demonstrated its leadership status in the HR environment, always striving to optimize its employment practices and to develop its employees. “ We are delighted to be recognized again for our ‘peoplefirst’ HR practices through this certification for the second year in a row. It is truly our people who are at the core of our vision to help the Philippines run better and improve the lives of Filipinos. This honor would not be possible without the mutual trust and confidence from our SAP colleagues,” said SAP Philippines managing director Edler Panlilio. Former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay (center) administers the induction of the 2019 officers of the Kampon ni Pakakak led by Dr. Jose P. Leviste Jr. (fourth from left) who was elected as the new President, succeeding former Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr.

Business

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 business@manilastandard.net

FREELANCER REVEALS FASTEST GROWING ONLINE JOBS IN 2018 THE vital importance of an online presence in today’s business landscape was driven home in 2018, with jobs aimed at developing, populating, promoting and marketing websites among the fastest growing areas of online work last year, according to Freelancer.com’s latest Fast 50 Report. The Freelancer.com Fast 50 Report charts the quarterly movement of the top 50 fastest growing and declining job categories on the Freelancer. com marketplace, which claims more than 31 million users around the world and has facilitated over 15 million jobs to date. The special edition of the Freelancer.com Fast 50 Report looks closely at the big job trends that dominated 2018 and also provides a snapshot of the fastest moving job types in the fourth quarter of 2018. “Freelancer.com is the largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace in the world by number of users and jobs posted, so the depth and breadth of data we are able to draw upon to uncover global online employment trends is unparalleled. This rich insight offers invaluable information to freelancers who want to maximise their skills and ensure they remain up to date and in step with the broader business market, which can be dynamic, with demand changing over time,” said Freelancer.com chairman and chief executive Matt Barrie. Analysis of nearly two million jobs posted on Freelancer.com in 2018 revealed that online content was king in 2018, with both the first quarter and the final quarter of the year dominated by growth in jobs focused on the creation of websites and the content that populates them.

JOEY... From C1 Consiglieri of Italpinas Development Corporation, the developer of the Miramonti Towers in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Leviste is a Director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and served as Chairman of PCCI’s 2017 Philippine Business Conference. He is Chairman of PCCI’s PhilippineSpanish Council, Vice Chairman of the Philippine-Swedish Business Council, Resident Representative of the Australia Philippines Business Council, a Director to the Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and a Governor of the Philippine Constitution Association. He is a member of the Governing Council of the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology. Also inducted as 2019 KNP officers in time for the organization’s 97th anniversary are Bauan Mayor Ryanh M. Dolor as Vice President; Mr. Ernesto V. Arada Jr., Secretary; Dr. Rogelio C. Tarriela II, Treasurer; Roselito H. Castillo, Auditor; Atty. Jovencio Y. Karaan, Legal Counsel; Gen. Edgard Arevalo, P.R.O.; and MGen. Emeraldo Magnaye, Sgt. at Arms. KNP’s Council of Advisors includes former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu, Batangas Governor Herminigildo Mandanas, Atty. Rogelio Flor Tarriela and Engr. Juanito Rosales. KNP is a non-stock, non-profit organization which has 97 years of fostering fellowship among its members, instilling civic pride and rendering service to the community, to Bauan, to Batangas and to the whole Philippines.

PASSING ON THE ARTISAN’S LEGACY

Intricate carving techniques perfected over the years by Betis Crafts

HAT started as a small business of building and selling billiard tables and buying and selling souvenir items has now evolved into a conglomerate of design-centric companies. Four furniture firms have burgeoned from the artisan heritage started by the Bituin family of Pampanga. The family’s legacy translated into exportquality pieces for different tastes and markets.

the success only to themselves. Family matriarch Myrna Bituin gladly shared that some of their carvers and workers are with them for up to 25 years already. “We value our employees as they are the ones who help us achieve our goals. We encourage growth by implementing training programs and housing benefits for our workers,” Myrna shared. 45 YEARS OF EXPORT “From the very first venture of JB Woodcrafts, we now have 45 years in the industry and joining international trade fairs such as the Manila FAME has been instrumental to our success,” the matriarch said. “Other countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and China might emerge as a major competitor, but the country is thriving because platforms like Manila Fame effectively showcase our edge and niche in the global market – and that is the Filipino brand of creativity,” she said. The Manila Fame April 2019 organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, is opening its doors to local and international exhibitors to take advantage of its numerous show opportunities. Slated on April 25 to 27, Citem invites everyone to take part and witness how the show continually elevates Filipino craftsmanship. Manila Fame is one of the longest-running trade shows in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only trade event in the Philippines approved by the Union des Foires Internationales, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. It is held every April and October.

Jose and Myrna Bituin started JB Woodcrafts and Betis Crafts in the 70s, laying the groundwork in creating intricate wood carvings that many international buyers have set their eyes and hearts on over the years. The artistic energy of the couple has since passed on to their children as each now heads a company of their own that also produce exquisite handcrafted furniture and accent pieces. Inheriting craftsmanship Eldest daughter Alona Bituin-Sinsuat is now at the helm of Betis Crafts while sister Leslie Bituin-Mendoza handles JB Woodcrafts. Determined to expand the business even more by capturing modern and contemporary designs for today’s market, Allan Bituin founded More Than a Chair and Lieza Marie Bituin leads South Sea Veneer. These independent companies complement each other’s operations and can be differentiated by their expertise. Betis Crafts, for instance, is proud of their simple but sophisticated carvings and classic designs while JB Woodcrafts takes pride in their elegant finishes and elaborate details. “We are looking forward to seeing the design footprint of our work that is why we see ourselves as the makers of the Antiques of the Future,” said Alona Bituin-Sinsuat. More than a Chair, on the other hand, targets the modern imagination of today’s young buyers through their minimalist contemporary lines while South Sea Veneer’s identity is rooted in the manufacturing technology of marquetry or veneer inlay. The Bituin children may have inherited their artistic flair and penchant for international trade from their parents but they are also imbuing their own individuality in each of the companies through their new designs and in the way they do business. “The influence of social media helps us a lot in selling our inventories. We help our partner buyers by sending styled and high-resolution photos of our products that they can promote on their websites and social media channels even before our items reached their shores,” said Alona. “Our service to our foreign customers does not stop in manufacturing quality pieces as we also work closely with their sales people. We add value to our products through an enhanced and more engaging marketing solutions,” she said. The Bituin family may be running several businesses but they don’t keep

JB Woodcrafts in the recently concluded Manila FAME October 2018

BOHOL TOURISM ON THE RISE WITH OPENING OF MODERN AIRPORT BOHOL is set to be a top tourist destination in Asia with the opening of its “green gateway to the world” the new Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Inaugurated in November 2018 by President Rodrigo Duterte, the airport is already helping boost Bohol’s tourism industry. Bohol Tourism O ffice head Josephine Cabarrus is optimistic a f re s h a p p ro a c h to a i r p o r t management and operation is a welcome strategy to make the airport at par with other international airports. With the prospect of tourist arrivals doubling this year, Cabarrus said airport services should be elevated to international standards. “Learning from how the Tagbilaran airport was managed,

we know there are things to be improved. If you say that you have an international facility, then you should have an international-level service,” she said. According to airport consultant ICF, Tourism in Bohol has grown at an impressive annual rate of 25.2 percent from 2011 to 2017 and 30 percent from 2016 to 2017 to reach an estimate of 1.3 million tourists. Panglao is the most popular tourist destination in Bohol and had 704,000 tourists in 2017. The New Bohol airport will be instrumental in the development of the island’s tourism industry. Cabarrus said the new airport is poised to bring in more warm bodies from outside of the country. “We’re looking at Bohol-Panglao airport to be a game changer for the

economy of not only Panglao, but of the whole province,” she said. According to Cabarrus, an offshoot of a flourishing tourism industry is increased job generation from the construction, retail, food and transportation sectors. “We have been trying to develop tourism areas and get the people out of Panglao and to other travel destinations in Bohol,” she said, adding this will create an economy even for small businesses which cater to both local and foreign visitors. Cabarrus claimed the limiting runway at the old Tagbilaran airport is a factor of non-competitive airfares to and from Bohol, which hamper its full potential as a tourist destination. “ Fo r t h e l o n g e s t t i m e, we

have been at the mercy of very expensive airfares. For instance, a one-way trip between Manila and Bohol at peak season can be around P8,000 to P10,000. [It’s] almost the same fare [rate] to Hong Kong. We’re hoping that with the operation of the new airport, the fares could be lower due to supply and demand,” she said. The new Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which is ten times bigger than the old Tagbilaran airport, boasts of a 2,500-meter runway that can accommodate seven aircraft at a given time and a passenger terminal that can handle around two million people annually. With sustained growth expected, the new airport could require expansion as early as 2025.

Tech & Gadgets

VIBAL LAUNCHES FREE AUGMENTED REALITY APP

By Ram Christian Agustin and Lorraine Alberto

IBAL Publishing House Inc., the leading publisher of educational materials in the country, announced that they will be releasing an augmented reality app for textbooks called LearnLive AR starting June this year. Vibe Technologies, the technology arm of the publishing house turned digital-services company, developed the free augmented reality mobile app that brings its readers one step closer to classroom digitization since they began digitization in 1986. “Bridging traditional methods of teaching and digital learning has been made easy through LearnLive AR,” said Christopher Datol, Vibal Head of Publishing. “Complex ideas are simplified and made more interesting through the use of visual 3D models, videos, and auditory features, thus making it easier for students to understand difficult concepts.” The application integrates the use of Augmented Reality technology which incorporates digital graphics, sounds and sensory experiences into an experiential walkthrough to enhance the learner’s experience and can only be used exclusively for Vibal textbooks. “We are launching the LearnLive app, where textbooks come alive with the country’s first textbook with augmented reality enhancement,” said Vibal Head of Marketing Rio Lim. The users just simply scan a designated image in the book when using the app in their smartphones or tablet and it will instantly unlock digital renditions of concepts, theories, processes and the like from the initial available AR ready textbook series ranging from Science and Technology, English,and MAPEH among others. “The heart of Vibal is really into innovation.We really want to expand the brand and we don’t

Attendees of the launch try out the LearnLive App on Ipads scanning science textbooks. (Anatomy of the ear).

Paul Baloja, Vibal Brand Management Head explains the need for AR to the everyday classroom. Right photo shows Vibal employees demonstrating how the app works with their books.

just stick to what we are known for. We have an entire plethora of technology solutions that we offer to our clients,” said Paul Baloja, Vibal Brand Management Head. The LearnLive AR application will be free to

download in the App Store for iOS users and the Google Play Store for Android users and can be operated along with a TV and projector through Apple TV, Chromecast or Anycast, and even with the handy VGA or HDMI adapter.

LG ELECTRONICS WOWS CES 2019 CROWD WITH SMART HOME OF THE FUTURE LG Electronics welcomed the new year by being the highlight of the world’s premier consumer electronics show, CES. “Is technology making your life better?” LG Electronics president and CTO Dr. I.P. Park asked the audience at the beginning of his keynote speech. Dr. Park outlined the company’s vision for the future in his keynote entitled “AI for an Even Better Life” on Jan. 7 at the MGM Park Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Dr. Park outlined how the three key pillars of artificial intelligence – Evolve, Connect and Open – could deliver a robust AI ecosystem with diverse solutions for the real world. Dr. Park presented LG’s latest innovations in these appliances which leveraged the power of AI: the world’s most advanced AI chip for home appliances, a washing machine with reinforced learning, and “self-healing” machines that can detect and fix malfunctions automatically without interrupting operation. “Our ambition is to go way beyond LG’s current role as a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics and to become a lifestyle innovator that serves a truly intelligent way of living,”

Dr. I.P. Park

Dr. Park continued. Dr. Park highlighted the importance of evolving intelligence in consumer electronics and LG’s effort in extending its unparalleled consumer insight from home to the road with its innovative offerings for a new in-car experience. He then presented LG’s ambition to unlock the potential of AI technology a much larger scale by connecting hitherto individual units into intelligent systems. LG’s Robot Service Delivery Platform (RSDP) will systematically coordinate what mul-

tiple robots see, hear and learn to transform how we manage our work and our environment. AI-based smart grid will allow us to radically improve the efficiency of our energy ecosystem, from production and storage to consumption. Intelligent signage will turn the physical elements of space such as walls, signboards and even floors, into an active, intelligent part of environment. “LG is a global powerhouse at the forefront of the AI revolution, which will impact nearly every major industry from technology to healthcare, agriculture, transportation, engineering and beyond,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “We were thrilled to have LG talk about ‘AI for an Even Better Life’ as its first keynote in CES history.” Working together for a smarter future This year, LG and Microsoft entered into a memorandum of understanding to further enhance LG’s autonomous vehicle and infotainment system business. With this new partnership, LG will accelerate the transformation of its existing digital platform for the vehicle industry, seen as key growth engines for the company, by leveraging Microsoft’s Azure

cloud and artificial intelligence technologies along with LG’s future self-driving software. LG will apply Microsoft’s AI knowhow to its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Driver-Status Monitoring Camera (DSM) and Multi-Purpose Front Camera products and incorporate Microsoft’s Virtual Assistant Solution Accelerator in LG’s infotainment systems. “Our expectation is that the combination of Microsoft’s advanced cloud infrastructure with LG’s fast-growing automotive components business will accelerate the self-driving auto industry as a whole… We’re confident that the combination of Microsoft and LG technologies will create a new benchmark in autonomous auto AI,” said Kim Jin-yong, president of LG’s Vehicle Component Solutions Company. “Together LG and Microsoft can help shape the future of transportation… Working together, we can empower automakers to deliver differentiated mobility experiences, create new services and revenue opportunities, and to build safer, more intelligent and more sustainable vehicles,” said Sanjay Ravi, general manager, automotive industry at Microsoft.

eSAKAY LAUNCHES eJEEP IN MAKATI-MANDALUYONG By Carmela Martinez eSAKAY introduced 15 electric jeeps (eJeep) to Makati-Mandaluyong commuters at a launch ceremony at the Circuit Event Group in Makati City this Friday. eSakay—a subsidiary electric vehicle company of Meralco, helps address the country’s transportation concerns and answers the Department of Transportation’s shift to the 2017 Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. “Today is yet another milestone for Metro Manila as our private sector partners Meralco and eSakay launch their electric jeepney route directly connecting Makati and our neighbour city Mandaluyong. Together we are building and innovating ways to improve the lifestyle of our citizens," said Makati Mayor Abigail Binay. The modern eJeeps from eSakay are 100% electric with zero noise and emission. It is designed to be safe and convenient for the public, featuring a side entrance for easy accessibility, onboard free WiFi, an automated fare collection system, CCTV cameras and USB ports so passengers can charge their phones while travelling. The service would also include a priority seating for senior citizens and PWDs. “Meralco established eSakay, a company that would propagate charging stations and participate

in the employment of EVs themselves. We want to become an end-to-end electric vehicle transport solutions provider," said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of the Board for Meralco. These jeeps have the capacity to carry 29-40 commuters every day. The vehicle itself is equipped with a solar panel on the roof for an extra pump of energy. It can last 48 hours before charging for eight hours overnight. The GPS system has a map that guides the drivers around the route. Other than that, the eJeep can also create jobs as their drivers have salaries that are opposed to the P300-400 wage they get every day. Thus, drivers and operators have a stable and sufficient livelihood. “This project is just one of the many steps in our efforts to spur EV adoption, as we work towards a common goal of nation-building, sustainable growth and inclusive development. With this route, we, at eSakay, hope to prove the viability of electric vehicles and inspire other operators to follow suit,” said eSakay President/CEO and Meralco Vice President Raymond B. Ravelo. Traffic has been a problem in the Philippines time and again. The government, along with Meralco and their partners hope to provide solutions to such a concern with electric-powered vehicles like eTrike, eBike and eJeep.

eJeepney features on the inside (from the top of the image then left to right): The USB port, the Pregnant Women and PWD’s priority seat, the handrails, the fans lining the jeepney, the automated fare collection tool, the driver’s seat and the passengers’ seats. Carmela Martinez

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

FUJITSU: DevOps TO BECOME MAINSTREAM IN 5 YEARS ENTERPRISES are expecting rapid advances in the uptake of DevOps at scale over the next five years, according to new survey findings by Fujitsu. With its focus on unifying software development and software operation, the majority of organizations with more than 500 employees surveyed see DevOps as a valuable approach to cope with continuous change, enabling greater agility and decreasing cost. Although just 20 percent currently have mature DevOps in place, IT decision makers expect a dramatic shift. Results from the Fujitsu State of Orchestration 2018/19 survey confirm that almost eight in 10 (78 percent) expect enterprises to use DevOps to deliver applications and services at scale within the next five years. Leading independent analyst firm IDC recently confirmed Fujitsu as a ‘leading player’ in the increasingly popular field of DevOps, citing Fujitsu’s key strengths in its services offering, delivery model and portfolio benefits. However, current DevOps maturity is still low, according to decision makers surveyed by Fujitsu at enterprises in Australia, Finland, Germany, Spain, the UK and the USA. Just under half of respondents (45 percent) currently have DevOps categorized as ‘established’ (25 percent) or ‘fully-established’ (20 percent). Only one in four have completed a DevOps pilot and 22 percent are running or planning a pilot. But only eight percent of the sample had no plans to explore DevOps. The key reasons for pursuing a DevOps model, say those interviewed, are to cope better with continuous change and improvements (42 percent), to become faster and more able to support business change (37 percent) and to decrease costs (36 percent). Cloud orchestration seen as the key to unlocking truly-effective digital transformation Fujitsu’s survey reveals a growing realization among large enterprises that cloud orchestration holds the key to unlocking truly effective digital transformation. A significant majority of respondents (81 percent) anticipate a more widespread use of software containers to make orchestration more effective over the next five years. Further predictions include: • An increased adoption of microservices architecture (75 percent) • The widespread use or orchestration of cloud native, digital technologies (83 percent) • Autonomous services management decisions with minimal human intervention (83 percent) and autonomous technical operations (82 percent) Brad Mallard, CTO, Digital Technology Services at Fujitsu EMEIA, comments: “DevOps is key to transforming service delivery and enabling businesses to take advantage of the ever-faster evolving capabilities of the cloud. We’re seeing more organizations embrace DevOps multi-disciplinary teams to deliver and evolve their digital vision. The minority have implemented this at scale although the majority are still experimenting and trying to restructure their organization around a new concept. “The momentum behind DevOps is accelerating for very good reasons—high velocity delivery of products, applications and services with DevOps promises to outpace competitors who are stuck using conventional methods,” continues Mallard. “We are seeing a very clear expectation that DevOps will go mainstream within the next five years, and likely even sooner for organizations planManila ning to accelerate past their comStandard TODAY petition. With Fujitsu confi rmed as a leading DevOps player Notice is hereby given by a recent that the intestate of the Late Ma. Jennifer Cecilia IDC report, J. Macatangay, who died our advice without living any will on April 19, 2017 has to organibeen settled by way of zations is Self-adjudication by her sole heir and mother, Ma. not to deTeresa J. Macatangay as lay, but to per Doc. No. 82, Page No. 18, Book No. I, start thinkseries of 2018 of notarial ing about register of Atty. Henson M. Montalvo Notary DevOps dePublic for and in the City ployments of Makati. today.” (MS-JAN. 20/27 / FEB. 3, 2019)

TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

FACEBOOK INVESTING $300M TO SUPPORT JOURNALISM

ASHINGTON—Facebook announced that it will invest $300 million over three years to support journalism, with an emphasis on promoting hard-hit local news organizations.

By MJ Blancaflor

The move, on the heels of a similar initiative by Google last year, comes with online platforms dominating the internet advertising ecosystem, making it harder for legacy news organizations to make a transition to digital. “People want more local news, and local newsrooms are looking for more support,” Campbell Brown, Facebook’s vice president in charge of global news partnerships, said in a blog post. “That’s why today, we’re announcing an expanded effort around local news in the years ahead.” In the US, social media has overtaken print newspapers as a news source for Americans, according to a survey released last year by the Pew Research Center. The survey report found 20 percent of US adults say they often get news via social media, compared with 16 percent from newspapers. Facebook, which has been criticized for enabling manipulation of its news feed, has consistently said it does not want to be considered a media organization that makes editorial decisions but wants to support (FILES) In this file photo taken on May 16, 2018, a figurine carrying the logo of social journalism and efforts to fight misinformation. network Facebook is viewed in Paris. Facebook announced on January 15, 2019 that it It has funded fact-checking projects around the will invest $300 million dollars in various projects related to journalism, especially to world, including one in partnership with AFP. promote local news, which has been hit hard in the digital age. "Over the next three The move by Facebook follows the Google News Iniyears, we will invest $300 million in news programs, partnerships and content," Campbell tiative unveiled last year by the US internet search giant. Brown, Facebook's vice president in charge of global news partnerships, said in a Ken Paulson, a former USA Today chief editor who message posted on the social media site. AFP heads the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, said the Facebook initiative was“a great move.” “Local news media have suffered significant collateral “But nothing is going to make that much difference based Community News Project, which partners with damage from the enmity directed at national news orga- unless Facebook and Google pay for the content they regional news organizations and the National Council for the Training of Journalists. nizations, and yet they’re the most critical to a functioning are displaying.” The huge social network said it was expanding its democracy,” Paulson said. “Every investment helps.” Matthew Ingram of the Columbia Journalism Review said both the Facebook and Google initiatives Accelerator pilot, which launched in the United States Smoke and mirrors? in 2018 to help local newsrooms with subscription and But Nikki Usher, a George Washington University include money for previously announced projects. In Facebook’s case, it includes spending to get media membership models. professor of media studies, said the effort “is a bit of Facebook said it would invest over $20 million to smoke and mirrors because it’s hard to tell what’s re- companies to produce content for its Watch video feature. “In Google’s case, and to some extent in Facebook’s continue the initiative in the US and to expand globally local for Facebook.” Usher said the effort may end up aiding large re- as well, the aid that is being given amounts to help ally, including in Europe. The funding includes $2 million for the Report for gional newspapers and local TV stations but may not in convincing newsrooms and journalists to use the America initiative to place 1,000 journalists in local US impact the under-75,000 circulation publications company’s products more,” Ingram wrote. newsrooms over the next five years and $1 million for ‘Bringing stories home’ which make up a large part of the news ecosystem. The Facebook initiative includes a $5 million en- the Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund, a Facebook’s effort is “a lot of money in one sense but in another sense it’s not that much, the equivalent of dowment to the Pulitzer Center to launch “Bringing news innovation and technology hub. It also includes a $1 million commitment to revenues of one large newspaper,” said Dan Kennedy, a Stories Home,” which will foster coverage on topics that affect local communities—funding at least 12 lo- the American Journalism Project, aiming at projournalism professor at Northeastern University. “It’s certainly better than doing nothing, and I hope cal in-depth, multimedia reporting projects each year. moting venture philanthropy and local civic news Facebook also said it giving $6 million to the British- organizations. AFP it will be of some help,” Kennedy said.

NIKE UNVEILS SELF-LACING BASKETBALL SHOES NEW YORK—In the 1980s, the “Back to the Future” film franchise suggested we would all eventually wear self-lacing sneakers. Then a few years ago, Nike made the movie magic a reality, introducing its first shoe to the public with so-called “power lacing.” And on Tuesday, the global sportswear giant took it a step farther—now your shoes will automatically loosen or tighten when you step into them, and then adapt based on your activity. Wait for it—the Nike Adapt BB shoes, which go on sale on February 17 for $350 in the United States, are controlled by the touch of a button or a smartphone app. “We picked basketball as the first sport for Nike Adapt intentionally

Nike president and CEO Mark Parker reveals their latest innovative sports products during an event in New York. Nike revealed a series of products highlighted by the groundbreaking “adaptive lacing” platform. Nike took it a step farther—now your shoes will automatically loosen or tighten when you step into them, and then adapt based on your activity. The Nike Adapt BB shoes, which go on sale on February 17 for $350 in the US, are controlled by the touch of a button or a smartphone app. AFP

HS PROJECT CAPTURES INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY TOP PRIZE

because of the demands that athletes put on their shoes,” Eric Avar, Nike VP creative director of innovation, said in a statement. Using a custom motor and gear train, “Adapt” technology enables the shoe to be automatically adjusted to the foot. The app allows the player to load in different fit preferences—for example, game play versus a timeout. Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is the first pitchman for the new shoe. “That the app allows the ability to put the shoe on and touch the button, change the colors, see the percentage on the battery...it’s just cool,” Tatum said in a statement. Nike says it plans to bring the system to shoes for other sports. AFP

FOR its proposal to launch the first green algae microfarm in the country, Muntinlupa National High School recently bagged the 2019 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the East Asia and Pacific Region. MNHS proposed efficient algae cultivation with photo-bioreactors to produce algae products such as renewable fuel. Through the school-based algae microfarm, MNHS and its nearby communities can produce high-value products that are sustainable and profitable and are related to energy, water, food and health. The researchers also envisioned a Community Hub that will serve as a research and training facility, catering to product development and livelihood training. MNHS bested other finalists in the Global High Schools Category: New Zealand’s Fiordland College, Australia’s Lowanna College, and Fiji’s Nabala Secondary School. The United Arab Emirates government granted $100,000 to fund the project. MNHS research teacher Regaele Olarte, who was also named Metrobank Outstanding Teacher in 2016, received the prize on Monday as part of the “World Future Energy Summit” at Abu Dhabi, UAE. She was accompanied by fellow teacher Jason Albaro and student-researcher Maria Eliza May Faldas. Also present in the awarding ceremonies were the country’s vice consul to the UAE Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Muntinlupa schools division superintendent Mauro de Gulan, and MNHS principal Rante Marmeto. Established in 2008, the Zayed Future Energy Prize honors the environmental legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of United Arab Emirates. In April 2018, the Prize focused on multiple sustainability sectors and thus renamed the Zayed Sustainability Prize, making it aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.Aside from East Asia and Pacific Region, other regional categories were The Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa (Mena), Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia.

LOCAL TOURISM GETS DIGITAL BOOST FROM SMART

A phone shows the home page of the KulToura app, with the Davao City Hall as background.

MORE travelers can now discover new and exciting destinations all over the country as PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications maximized technology innovations in 2018 to support Philippine tourism initiatives. Through its digital tourism program, #TravelSmart, more destinations in the Philippines are now accessible to travelers wherever they are in the world. The program is a collaboration of Smart, tech startup Innopub Media and partners from various local government units, in the creation of mobile guide apps and eguides, and the installation of interactive tourism markers at selected landmarks and attractions. The markers feature QR codes and NFC chips that can download detailed information about the site onto one’s smartphone. Last year, the digital tourism program

continued to connect travelers to more unique destinations in various communities within Antique, Capiz, Davao, Iloilo and Sorsogon. Information on the said provinces were included in the Antique Guide, Iloilo Guide and #SoSorsogon apps, as well as in the expanded KulToura app of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. These travel guide apps contain information useful to visitors and students, such as historical background, local folklore and other interesting cultural trivia. The apps also list things to do and places to see. Provincial officials also installed the interactive tourism markers at various locations in the said provinces. In Antique, for instance, tourists may find out that the first Malaysian settlement in the Philippines was built in Hamtic town; in Sorsogon, travelers may learn where to find the province’s pink sand beaches, surfing spots and river cruis-

es; and in Iloilo, sightseers may rediscover the clear aquamarine waters and stretches of white sand of the Islas de Gigantes in Carles, among other pristine destinations. “These digital innovations can help increase tourist visits in the areas where these are deployed. By making localized information on travel and culture accessible to more people—that is, through their phones—the digital tourism program can help further enhance tourism in communities all over the Philippines,” said Smart public affairs head Ramon R. Isberto. The apps developed by Smart and InnoPub may be downloaded for free on both Android and iOS devices. In partnership with government units, the digital tourism program of Smart and InnoPub is a nationwide initiative that harnesses technology to deliver tourism, cultural and historical

A mobile user scans the tourism QR code at the Casa Real in Iloilo City.

information to mobile users. The program was launched in 2012 and has since been implemented in Baguio City, Cebu, Davao and Metro Manila, among other areas.

Destinations D1

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

72 HOURS IN HONG KONG WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE PIG FESTIVE FLOWERS. Hong Kong invites Chinese New Year revelers to welcome and celebrate the Year of the Earth Pig by

witnessing the dazzling fireworks display as well as by participating in a number of fun events and activities.

O PLACE celebrates Chinese New Year with as much ardor, glamor, and flavor as Hong Kong. It is one of the country’s biggest and most colorful festivals so much so that for nothing shy of a week, a buoyant mood envelopes the city as the locals engage in merrymaking and a variety of festive events such as a headline-worthy night parade, signature fireworks display, fragrant flower markets, temple visits, and the ever-popular horse races. To fully experience this joyous occasion, it is ideal to spend at least 72 hours in Hong Kong; a day before the country welcomes the new year and all its promises until a day or two more after.

Richmonde's well-appointed rooms welcome Dinagyang revelers.

HOME DURING DINAGYANG Shop for seasonal flowers and plants that symbolize well wishes at flower markets on your first day in Hong Kong. (Photos from HKSAR)

Day 1 – The day before Chinese New Year Rub shoulders with the locals at a flower market

Arrive in Hong Kong before the Year of the Dog ends to go to one of the convivial flower markets in the city, where locals shop for seasonal flowers and plants that symbolize different well wishes, such as cherry blossoms that are believed to improve per-

sonal—particularly romantic—relationships, and water bamboos which are said to bring wealth. Find also at the fairs creative products and delicacies that truly reflect the unique local culture. For a fullfledged experience, visit Victoria Park or Fa Hui Park, two of the biggest and most popular flower markets which are packed with people in the evening.

Lion dancers at the International Chinese New Year Night Parade (left) (Photo from Hong Kong Tourism Board) ; Good Luck Garden in Ngong Ping Village

Day 2 – First day of Chinese New Year Start the new year with a spiritual walk and a healthy lunch

Many locals hike on the first day of Chinese New Year as climbing uphill signifies progress in life. The perfect place to go for such a walk is Lantau Island, home to the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue built outdoor. Start the spiritual journey by taking the cable car from Tung Chung to marvel at views of lush green and the sea along the way. Stop at Ngong Ping Village to visit the “Good Luck Garden,” before sampling Chinese vegetarian dishes at Po Lin Monastery.

Join the biggest Chinese New Year soiree in town

Head over to Tsim Sha Tsui early to secure a spot for viewing the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade (from 8:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.), a signature event that began in 1996. As the evening approaches, roving performers begin to emerge along the parade route starting at 6:00 p.m., before dazzling floats including those by Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong as well as ebullient dancers, acrobats, and other performers from around the world take over the major roads and fill the district with joyful commotion. Turn to D2

DAVAO’S ICONIC ATTRACTIONS

The primary personalities of Marco Polo Davao’s 20th anniversary celebration include (from left) Cynthia Dominguez, Cielito Avancena, President Rodrigo Duterte, and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

I WAS one of the lucky ones My recent stay was on who checked in at the Marco the Continental Club Floor Polo Davao a few days after which banners personalized it opened 20 years ago. The service to the highest level, surrounding area was sparsewith the staff anticipating ly populated then, with miniyour every need, highlighting mal vehicular traffic. This is the hotel’s unique blend of why I was so happy when Western comforts and Asian MERCURY RISING hospitality. My room had a I received an invitation to BY BOB ZOZOBRADO the hotel’s 20th anniversary stunning view of Mount Apo. celebration last month, and Although I could have had my glad that the hotel has now daily breakfast buffet at Cafe become “the heart of Davao.” Marco, I preferred to have it at the Continental Marco Polo Davao is an iconic landmark and Club Lounge which offers a certain degree of an attraction, strategically located right at the privacy and complete exclusivity. center of town. It is Mindanao’s first and only The 20th anniversary celebration, which premier hotel with 245 well-appointed rooms was attended by President Rodrigo Duterte and suites. Having checked in there again re- no less, was held at the ballroom, elegantly cently, I am happy to say that the hotel con- decorated with a touch of emerald, peacock, tinues to live up to its brand of elegance and crystal, and silver by Davao’s most prestigious Turn to D2 warm hospitality.

ONE of the much-awaited festivals in the Philippines, Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City has become more and more exciting with must-see competitions, pageants, and other events and activities. Highlights include the Fluvial Procession, the Kasadyahan Cultural Parade, and the Dinagyang Ati Competition. There are also a number of fun events around the city that showcases not just the history and heritage of the Ilonggos, but also their exuberant spirit and warm hospitality which has earned them their City of Love title. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo offers special promotions during the festival, from Jan. 25 to 27. Stay in a wellappointed deluxe room for a nightly rate of P8,500 nett, in a premier room for P9,000 nett, and in a onebedroom suite for P15,500 nett. All rates are valid for single or double occupancy and inclusive of taxes and service charge. Accommodations include a hearty breakfast buffet for two adults and two children 5 years old and below, Wi-Fi access, and use of the Fitness Center’s gym and swimming pool. On Jan. 26, the hotel presents a heritage dinner buffet, dubbed “Tabu-an sa Dinagyang,” featuring the heirloom dishes of Iloilo’s premier chef, Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza. A staunch advocate of preserving and promoting Ilonggo cuisine, Chef Tibong aims to educate the public on the true identity of Iloilo food that is much broader than the usual batchoy, pancit molo, and KBL. Chef Tibong’s specialties to be served include roasted lamb, lechon, lengua con setas oliva, tenderloin steak, and many more. Richmonde’s very own Chef Jeffrey Ticao and his kitchen team will also showcase delectable treats like kinilaw na isda, paella negra, paella valenciana, pancit guisado, almondigas, and various street food fare. “Tabu-an sa Dinagyang” starts at 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the hotel’s pool deck area on the 7th floor. Tickets to the dinner buffet are priced at P2,000 nett per person, each ticket includes bottles of San Mig Light Beer and bottomless lemonade. Email rhireservations@richmondehotel. com.ph for inquiries and reservations.

Chef Rafael 'Tibong' Jardeleza

Destinations

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

DAVAO'S...

From D1

event stylist, Annie Lim. Of course, the guest list included leading personalities from business, government, diplomatic, and social circles. During the evening festivities, Wharf Hotels Management president Dr. Jennifer Cronin congratulated the hotel’s founding chairman, Carlos Dominguez III, the country’s current Finance Secretary, “for having the bold vision and determination 20 years ago to establish an iconic, internationally acclaimed hotel.” A symbolic gift from Wharf Hotels Management, a peacock embroidery artwork, suggestive of power and grace, was presented by Dr. Cronin to Chairman Bienvenido Tan and President Francis Ledesma, both of the hotel’s owning company Halifax Davao Hotel, Inc.

REJUVENATING

The hotel’s ballroom was transformed into a magical garden with crystal, sapphire, and silver chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, thanks to the wizardry of event stylist Annie Lim.

After the congratulatory messages delivered by the President and by the Finance Secretary, a raffle was conducted, with valuable prizes from Philippine Airlines, Cathay Dragon, Silk Air, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia, bundled with overnight accommodations at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Pan Pacific Singapore, Marco Polo Hong Kong, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE The police stops an old guy in questionable condition at 1:00 a.m. “What are you doing out so late, sir?” asks the police officer. “I’m going to a seminar on ‘The Harmful Effects of Alcohol’,” replies the man. “Are you pulling my leg?” says the police officer, “Who would hold a seminar like that at this hour?!” The man sighs, “My wife.” It certainly was an evening to remember as guests were also treated to a musical journey from the country’s leading violist Maestro Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata, renowned concert pianist Najib Ismail, and international opera singer Mee Hai Cho. Songspell Philippines, Inc., Davao’s best musical group, performed an excerpt from The Greatest Showman, and some Broadway classics. Another icon in Davao is actually the city’s newest tourist attraction, “iconic” because everybody I know who has visited Davao during the past two years, including myself, have made it a point to go see it and take some photos. Ever since President Duterte was elected to office, people from all walks of life are amazed at the simple lifestyle he has led all these years. They troop to his residence located inside Doña Luisa Subdivision, a middle class residential enclave, and take pictures of his humble abode which he continues to use when he goes back to Davao on weekends. It has become a very popular tourist attraction that a police security detail now mans the entrance to the subdivision 24/7, while another one is positioned a block away from the President’s residence, requiring visitors to register and leave an identification card. Another officer is posted right outside the front gate of the house, but this one is not so much for security reasons but to help tourists take photos beside the cardboard standee, which is a life-sized replica of the President placed right in front of his house. When I went, I was lucky that there was no other tourist there with me, so I could take all the photos I wanted without any “photobomber” muddling the scene. However, on my way out of the subdivision, I met a van of tourists and a busload of schoolchildren on the way to the house. And why not? If Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went out of his way to visit President Duterte’s house and stayed there for 45 minutes, ordinary Filipinos, like us, have the right to appreciate and marvel at our President’s humble abode and plain lifestyle. It was quite a memorable visit to Davao. Of course, before I flew back home, I added other “iconic” items to my list: I brought back with me a substantial supply of Davao’s famous Malagos Cheese, Malagos Chocolates, and pomelos. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

BEACHFRONT BREAK TAKE A DIP. Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay provides services and facilities that can be enjoyed by both young and old.

OTHING beats starting the year relaxed and rejuvenated, in world-renowned Boracay island, no less.

Nestled directly on the soft sands of Punta Bunga Cove, on Boracay’s exclusive northwest tip, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is a haven of tropical tranquillity with extensive wellness and children’s facilities. Sagay Spa features a full menu of treatments designed to “Refresh,” “Restore,” “Rejuvenate,” and “Regain.” Guests can tailor therapies to suit their specific wellness needs, with a wide range of massages, body scrubs, facials, and beauty treatments. Locally-inspired spa therapies include the signature 90-minute Sagay Regenerating Ritual, which uses seashells from the Visayan Sea; a 90-minute Hilot Ritual, which takes advantage of the ancient healing properties of warm tuba tuba leaves; and state-of-theart WINBACK therapies, which harness radio-frequency currents to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, rejuvenating the body at a cellular level. While parents are relaxing, kids can enjoy a fun-filled start to 2019

with a series of dedicated activities. At the Little Birds Club, children can learn new skills such as hair braiding, cupcake baking, or kite making, while also discovering a full schedule of healthy outdoor activities. “At Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, we want to ensure that all guests—young and old—are able to start 2019 in the best possible way,” said Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay general manager André Brulhart. He continued, “The New Year is a wonderful opportunity for families to reconnect and make moments together. Parents can recharge their batteries after a stressful festive period and children can have fun learning new skills and making new friends. Our aim, as always, is to create magical guest experiences that will live in the memory for many years to come.” Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay attracts couples and families alike with its idyllic upscale resort features, including a magnificent 3,300 square meter, multi-level swimming

72 HOURS... From D1

Guests can tailor therapies to suit their specific wellness needs.

Mövenpick Sagay Spa offers a variety of locallyinspired spa therapies using different tools and technologies.

pool; water sports; a fitness center Call (036) 288-2256 or email hotel. and yoga classes; and a choice of boracay@movenpick.com for inquiseven exceptional F&B outlets. ries and reservations.

Day 3 – Second day of Chinese New Year Make a wish and aim high

Venture to the New Territories for some morning fresh air and try placard throwing at the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po. Initially a tradition of the village, it gradually attracted people from across the city. Buy a placard, which is tied to an orange, write your wishes on it, and throw it at the imitation Wishing Tree. The higher the placard hangs, the greater chance for the wishes to come true.

Feast your eyes on a festive flower

Write your wishes on a placard tied to an orange and throw it at an imitation Wishing Tree during the Well-wishing Festival (Photos from HKSAR, HKTB)

Firework, or literally “smoke flower” in Cantonese, is an integral part of festive celebrations in Hong Kong. For many years running, a fireworks display is staged above Victoria Harbour on the second day of Chinese New Year. The almost 30-minute spectacle is best viewed for free along the harbor front in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, or IFC in Central. It is also a good idea to enjoy dinner at the same time at restaurants overlooking the harbor.

Day 4 – Third day of Chinese New Year Spin the windmill and turn your fortune around

Paying respect to the deities is a customary practice among the locals, especially the older generation. For a glimpse into this tradition, visit Che Kung Temple in Tai Wai, which attracts crowds of avid worshippers every year around this time. Try Kau Chim or fortune stick drawing, to see what fortune awaits in the Year of the Pig. Remember to spin the temple’s famous copper windmill clockwise to summon good luck in the new year.

Get an adrenaline rush at the city’s popular sporting event

From Che Kung Temple, take the MTR East Rail Line to arrive at the Sha Tin Racecourse for the Chinese New Year Race Day. The special races, which are the first in the Year of the Pig, provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience horse racing, a hugely popular activity in Hong Kong.

Bonus: Extend your trip to Mainland China Visitors can also take a detour to Mainland China, which is conveniently connected with Hong Kong by coach, by train, by air, and by sea. The recently opened Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link make it even easier to explore this neighboring destination.

Cheer for your favorite during the Chinese New Year Race Day (top); Spin the copper windmill in Che Kung Temple. (Photos from The Hong Kong Jockey Club, HKTB)

Entertainment

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019

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

MICHAEL ANGELO LOBRIN BORN TO LAUGH (AND MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH)

Apey, the Binibining Daldal of Gensan

Andre Brouillette, the Amazing Alo-Hunk of Hawaii

Fumiya Sankai, the Konichi-Wonder Vlogger of Japan

AN “EX-CONVICT” he is. That was how former seminarians were referred to in the days I was in the seminary myself. It was a satirical way to describe someone who had been living a semi-cloistered life finally finding himself in the outside world. Michael Angelo Lobrin was a couple of years before his ordination to priesthood in the Catholic Church, but the deacon then at San Carlos Seminary after consulting with the late Cardinal Sin decided he could serve God better as a layman, hence, starting a new life outside of the seminary as Michael Angelo – comedian, motivational speaker, philosophy professor, and entrepreneur. He is also on TV, starring in a sitcom his production company (Michael Angelo TV Productions) churns out weekly. And on Jan. 27, #MichaelAngelo: The Sitcom begins its 13th season on GMA News TV (Channel 11 on uncabled TVsets and on Cignal; Channel 24 on SKY). Not to mention his off-and-on stints on the radio. Oh, he is also a best-selling author (check out best-selling titles at National Book Store and you will likely see Laugh With God on it).

Abi, Kolehiyala Cutie of Isabela Actor and TV host Michael Angelo Lobrin

TORIES that tug at the heart abound in Kuya’s second batch of housemates who entered his house on Jan. 8 and all of them have something to share, including the incredible stories of long-lost siblings who might meet for the first time on the show and the modern family love story of a trans woman and her lesbian partner.

Apey, the Binibining Daldal of Gensan, was raised by her grandparents and she grew up not knowing who her mother and father were. Unbeknownst to her, and star dreamer Mark, the Incredible Itay of Compostela Valley, they are actually brother and sister through their father. Will their stay in Kuya’s house and in Camp Star Hunt bring their paths together? Meanwhile, viewers can keep up with the amazing story of Mitch Talao, the Trans mama of Lucena. Because of their strong desire to build a family, Mitch and her lesbian partner decided to do everything to have a child. They were blessed with a baby boy to complete their modern family. On the other hand, Fumiya Sankai, the Konichi-Wonder Vlogger of Japan, will show viewers what it’s like to be Filipino at heart. The fullblooded Japanese started living in the country in 2017 and has since fallen in love with it and Filipino culture. Lou Yanong, the Rampa Sister of Mandaluyong; Yamyam Gucong, the Iskulit Bai of Bohol, and Abi Kassem, the Kolehiyala Cutie of Isabela, are driven to become a successful housemate so that they can fulfill their dreams and be able to help give better lives to their families. Self-improvement and a desire to prove to themselves that they can take on any challenge are what motivated Andre Brouillette, the Amazing Alo-Hunk of Hawaii, and Wakim Regalado, the Gifted GoGetter of Iloilo, to join Star Hunt and become housemates. Tune in to PBB Otso to watch how these housemates will grow individually and as friends during their stay inside Kuya’s house. Watch PBB Otso every night on Primetime Bida after Halik, every Saturday after Home Sweetie Home, and every Sunday after Wansapanataym. Viewers can also tune in every afternoon to PBB Otso Gold on Kapamilya Gold after Los Bastardos. Fans can follow Camp Star Hunt and PBB Otso on iWant for catch-up episodes and livestreams for both houses.

UFC® and FOX Networks Group Asia today announced a multi-year media-rights deal in the Philippines that will see the streaming of UFC’s 42 live events in 2019, including its prestigious Pay-Per-View (PPV) events and original programming, on video-streaming service FOX+. The first event is the highly anticipated flyweight championship superfight between UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo and UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw. It will be streamed live starting at 11:00 a.m. today on FOX+ with a catch up option post the live event. FOX+ is FOX Networks Group Asia’s video-streaming service available on Android and iOS devices as well as on Apple TV and select Android TVs. A free 30-day trial is available for new subscribers. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with our long-standing partner, FOX Networks Group Asia,” said UFC Vice President APAC, Kevin Chang. “This agreement allows us to continue serving our passionate fans in the Philippines with the premier MMA programming in the world. The

FOX+ NOW HOME OF UFC IN PH

UFC® and FOX Networks Group Asia sign a multi-year deal to showcase live events and original UFC programming to fans in the Philippines.

popularity of MMA continues to grow across Asia with UFC’s fan base in the Philippines increasing at an exponential rate,” he added. Chang further said that UFC social

media accounts have also experienced tremendous growth over the past five years. With Facebook fans growing +107 percent and YouTube subscribers increasing by +1200 percent, these

massive surges in consumer engagement illustrate the strength in UFC’s brand and the opportunity for further growth in the market. “We are very pleased to announce this long-term rights agreement with UFC. Customer Feedback has shown that there is an increasing demand for UFC in the Philippines. We are excited to give the Philippine audience another strong reason to download FOX+, now the home of all UFC events,” said Jude Turcuato, Senior Vice President & General Manager of FOX Networks Group Philippines. UFC’s commitment to the AsiaPacific region has driven exponential brand growth with increases in fandom, live events and local MMA talent. Last month, UFC announced it will open the world’s largest MMA training facility in Asia, offering professional athletes of all disciplines in the region the opportunity to hone their skills and push the boundaries of athletic performance at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai®.

You don’t have to like the guy, but I am sure even if you don’t you will find yourself laughing at his punch lines, so to speak, mostly laced with satire, parody and at times mockery. Michael Angelo is a selfdeprecating comedian who finds humor in his own experiences. At the last time he met with the entertainment press a week after New Year, everyone on the second floor of Limbaga 77 was in stitches while Michael Angelo talked about his plans for this year. Success didn’t come easy to the exseminarian who dreamt of making it big in the outside world. A strong believer in the scriptures, he adheres to “If there’s no opportunity, you create the opportunity.” And that’s how he started in show business. “I wasn’t invited to guest in shows so I put up my own show and I’d be the one to invite stars. Kapag kilala na nila ako, iimbitahin nila ako sa shows nila. For that, I have to thank Dingdong Dantes and Ai-Ai de las Alas who were kind to me, I proved myself right. That was how #MichaelAngelo: The Sitcom was born.” It started as a talk show, but folded up after six weeks due to things he wasn’t aware of, like plastering all over the set the Point of Sales (POS) and advertising material of his major sponsor, San Miguel Corporation. But, again, he believes that when a door closes, a window will open. So, after delivering an inspirational talk to employees of Agro Ventures, Inc., owner of Chooks-To-Go, the owner offered to sponsor his show. Now he has a roster of supporters that believes in him, they won’t let him go. Don’t introduce Michael Angelo as a selfmade man. He says, “There’s no such animal as a self-made man. Bakit, wala ba siyang Nanay, wala ba siyang Tatay, wala ba siyang mga kapatid at mga kamag-anak?” That’s the kind of humor you’d hear in his inspirational talks. You may not be inspired but you will certainly be entertained. GMA Network has given him timeslots for the Holy Week, and he is producing shows that will be called #MichaelAngelo Holy Week Reflections, a travel show featuring the Holy Land. And that is apart from the drama shows that he will do, similar to those that got the rival channel thinking twice. * * * Science is fun Join the cool experiments with awardwinning host Chris Tiu, the wacky duo of James & Roadfill of Moymoy Palaboy, Kapuso Starstruck alumni Nikki Co, Liezel Lopez, Faith Da Silva and Cebuana actress, Kapuso Devon Seron today in I-Bilib. Join James and Roadfill as they have fun doing the Bilibabol Dancing Tower with Kapuso cuties Nikki, Liezel and Faith. For Huling Hirit, Devon celebrates the Panagbenga flower festival of Baguio with a delicious Fruit Flower Art. Remember, make your Sunday mornings more exciting and educational with I-Bilib. *** GOT’s final season on April 15 The eighth and final season of Game Of Thrones will debut in Asia same time as the U.S. on April 15 at 9 a.m. exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. The debut date was announced with a new tease that was just released, entitled Crypts of Winterfell. The tease was directed by David Nutter, who won an Emmy in 2015 for his work on the season five finale, “Mother’s Mercy.” The tease includes an original score by Ramin Djawadi, who won an Emmy in 2018 for his score on the season seven finale, “The Dragon and the Wolf.”

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

KEEPING DOGS WARM DURING COLD MONTHS

HE weather has been erratic in the Philippines for many months now. But it has been much colder during the night since December. And when it rains, it can also be very cold during the day for dogs from December to February.

MY FURRY BESTIE THIS corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features. We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals. For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject.

“Even if your In Chinese PET TALES dog has a thick, medicine, “hot BY DESIREE CARLOS heavy coat, he food” or food might still feel that produces chilly... Pets are heat in the just as likely to (have) .. hypother- body are recommended. These inmia (low body temperature) as clude beef, pork or chicken which their owners,“ says Amanda Gard- can be given to dogs. ner in Cold Weather Tips for Dog 4. Know the warning signs. Owners in WebMD. Be on the lookout for symptoms The good news is: It is easy to of hypothermia, and know when protect your dog from the cold. to call your vet. Most of the safety measures you 5. Get your pet inside when apply to yourself will keep your needed. furbabies safe and warm. If your dog is whining or looks Here are some tips from Gardner anxious, bring him inside the for dog owners that can be ap- house immediately, Gardner says. Summer, a 13-year-old shih tzu, needs to keep warm during cold nights. plied in the Philippines. The other signs that tell you 1. Limit the time outside the the dog has to be brought to the house when it is very cold. house are: the dog stops moving wrap him in blankets and call the dog, pup, cat or kitten while waitThis applies to small dogs and or slows down, is shivering, or is vet for more instructions, “ Gar- ing for the vet. nder says. It is important to check your dog short hair dogs in the Philippines. looking for a warm place to stay. Put a bottle with warm water every day for any unusual changes Please keep them inside the house. “These can be signs of hypoMedium-sized or large dogs can thermia. Once he’s out of the cold, wrapped in a towel beside your like painful or pale areas,” says Barry Kellogg, VMD, of the Humane Socihandle the cold weather outside ety Veterinary Medical Association. the house if they have a blanket to 6. Protect your dog against the lie on or their place or cage is covelements. ered partly with a cloth to mini“If you have no choice but to mize the cold. There must a space leave your dog outside for a time, for air to circulate in the said space. make sure he has a dry, roomy 2. Dress the dog warmly. shelter out of the wind (and cold). Which brings us to the next tip: The floor should be raised several dogs outside the house do love inches off the ground…Keep the clothes when it is very cold. Dressdoorway covered with waterproof ing them up can warm them. plastic or canvas. Give him plenty On the other hand, “small dogs of food, “ says Gardner. and those with short hair need extra help when there’s a chill in the Save Animals of Love and Light air. Puppies and older canines also (Save ALL) puts pranela blankets in may find it hard to control their sleeping areas of rescued dogs. body heat, “ Gardner says. Save ALL also does not wait for 3. Adding “warming” food in rescued dogs to develop a cold or the diet. cough. Save ALL urges dog owners Gardner adds it is also a great to provide 3 ml. of any multivitaidea to increase the protein and mins daily to keep the immune sysfat in the diet to keep the coat Po and Louise also need clothes when it is cold outside. tem strong. healthy during cold months.

CHUBBY is the Santa Claus cat and BuddhaZen cat of Pam Claveria, a human doctor who just can not help but rescue kittens and cats who are sick or injured or in dangerous areas on a highway or a busy street. “I just have to look at his face and somehow he calms me down. Such a cool serene tomcat. He gives off this peaceful aura just by BEING there, “ Pam says. “BEING tranquil amid his immense form, Chubby has a very interesting back story. He is a rescued cat. I rescued him on December 2016 along Pearl Drive in Ortigas, Pasig City near my workplace, “ Pam adds. Pam shares: “Per routine, I took my lunchbreak walk to feed Pear, the ginger cat along my route at Pearl Drive. Pearl was there along with a tabby white cat with three black spots on his body. That cat also had an open wound on his inner right hind leg. It was a clean onepeso-coin-sized wound but open.” “I went back for him after work, glad that he was still at the same place. As with my previous rescues, a trip to the vet before anything else is warranted. My suki vet advised me that the wound would close on its own. No need to stitch it up. Just keep it clean by dabbing (not rub) the wound with povidone-iodine solution,” Pam says. Pam brought Chubby home but the wound kept her worried. So she brought Chubby to another vet who stitched him up. The sutures opened as it was difficult to stop him from moving about. “Off I went to another vet, got him stitched up and behold, after two to three days, the stitches didn't hold up. In short, the first vet was right. I was just a stubborn cat owner, Pam says. “Eventually, the wound closed on its own after a year of vet-hopping. Chubby is now a very healthy cat. An agile cat despite his heft. He likes to stay by the kitchen door whenever it's human mealtime. I think I have to rename him Super Chubby,” Pam says, laughing.

HOME-MADE TOYS FOR YOUR DOGS

YES, there are a lot of toys you can make for your dogs using items in your home. “Wanting to make your pooch’s own toys goes way beyond a simple urge to save money—it’s fun too!,” says Kayla Fratt in DIY Dog Puzzle Toys: Challenging Toys You Can Make At Home in K9 Of Mine web site. It is important to keep your dog’s body and brain active so that your dog will remain healthy and happy. “The overall benefits of play for your dog can never be underestimated. Active dogs are both happier and healthier than dogs who do not get the same amount of exercise—that’s why it’s always recommended to take your dogs on regular walks.,” says Fratt. She adds that activity is also good for your dog’s mental health, not just for his physical health “Without sufficient stimulation, dogs are bound to get bored, and your favorite pillows or shoes may suffer as a result (bored dogs tend to be prone to nervous behavior which can be perceived as being—for lack of a better term—naughty),” Fratt stresses. A lot of puzzle toys and treat dispensing toys are available in pet stores and vet clinics but they can be very expensive and not all are safe for your dogs. Here are some DIY toys you can make that are not expensive at all: 1. Stuffed Puzzle Pal You can make a stuffed toy for your dog. Cut a fabric, put cotton or used clothes inside, then sew by hand. You can go to the internet to look for patterns if you want. There are also instructional videos available in the net. When the stuffed animal is finished, you can turn it into a puzzle. “All you have to do is sew a small ‘kangaroo pocket’ somewhere into the toy—make sure your dog can practically fit their nose and/or paw in there— and hide your treats in there, “ Fratt says. 2. Sweet Potato Rope Chew Toy Some dogs can destroy even toys that are advertised as indestructible.

Rida, a rescued dog of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL) who lost one eye when she was hit by a vehicle, loves to run in the garden like any other dog. But she also likes to lie down in the garden to enjoy treats and toys.

“For that, consider making your dog a nearly indestructible chew toy made from dried sweet potato and rope … The process is pretty self-explanatory: Dry the sweet potato and attach them to the rope, knotted in-between for each piece. This is great especially great for dogs who are teething,” Fratt says. 3. Tennis Ball Treats This is a spin off from the find-the-treat game that lots of dogs have fun playing with. “In this case, cut a small hole in a tennis ball— and by small, we mean big enough for them to be able to get treats out, but not big enough for them to just fall out. You might be surprised to find that your pooch appreciates the challenge, “ Fratt says.

4. Bottle Spinning Toy Another spin-off from popular dispensing treats which keeps dogs occupied is a bottle spinning toy. “These instructions from Hallmark guide you through how to build a basic frame (which can be constructed from wood or PVC-piping with a little bit of imagination and DIY-prowess), and the dispenser itself: Three bottles with holes drilled through them, tops off, able to be tipped forward or back by your pet,” Fratt says. Fratt adds,”The guide recommends that you always supervise your pet while they’re making use of the dispenser or you might come home to a floor full of debris—or treats absolutely everywhere. 5. Find-The-Treat Another cool puzzle toy, Fratt says, provide more mental exercise, Fratt says. “For this game, all you have to do is get some PVC piping (from your nearest hardware store), drill some holes in the side, put on the end-caps and, well, throw treats into the one end. PVC piping has the benefit of being both cheap and way more durable than cardboard, “ Fratt says. “And guess what? Research has shown that dogs who are kept mentally active are much healthier in old-age and less likely to develop dementia later on. Hurrah!, “ Fratt shares. 6. Mysterious Muffin Tin Fratt suggests you get an unused cupcake tin and a couple of tennis balls. “And, of course, you can’t forget the treats for this – reward is an essential part of dog training and learning; plus, it’s half the fun, “ she says. “Place the treats inside the muffin tins and simply stick the tennis balls over the treats. It’s up to your dog to figure out how to get to the treats, and for variety you can change-up the configuration (or change it up completely by not using tennis balls next time), “ Fratt says. Fratt adds:”Make sure that it’s not a shape your dog can simply tip over with their paw—once they figure that out, well, they might just take over the world next.” DC

EARL, the earless dog, was adopted by Chiara Karenina Gaud Manuel from their local pound last August, 2017. “We believe that he was abused, hence his ears are cropped, aside from his fear of laughing men and the sound of guitar strings, “ Chiara says. “He was so thin and sickly when he was turned over to us, but after several vet visits, blood transfusion and confinements, he is now healthy and he is simply our sweet baby,” Chiara adds. Earl is one of the lucky few who have been rescued from the pound. There are not too many Chiaras or adopters of dogs from pounds. Many dogs are left in the pound— dogs surrendered by owners or were captured after being strays for years on the streets or after the owner let him or her out of the house to poop. The dogs in pounds are either killed as per city policy, or die of an illness in the pound, or are still in the pound waiting to be rescued. Chiara chose to love Earl. “We had him neutered and showered with all the love he never received before, “ she says. Because of Earl, Chiara adds she became “an active volunteer at the pound, had other dogs adopted, and now opened our home to other rescues in need of fostering.” “My Earl is a testament of how grateful rescue dogs are to those who choose to make them part of a family, “ says Chiara. Editor's note: These stories were compiled by admin Miks Lim of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), a SEC-registered animal welfare group that helps animals in need, and encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from fosters, shelters and pounds, and spaying and neutering of pets to control animal population in the country, among others.