Manila Standard - 2019 February 16 - Saturday

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Hugpong bets stump in Pampanga

By Maricel V. Cruz, Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

VOL. XXXII • NO. 6 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday brought Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP) senatorial candidates in her district in Pampanga where they received a spirited welcome.

Former presidential assistant for political affairs Francis Tolentino and former aenator Bong Revilla kicked off the day-long sortie in Porac, Pampanga at 8 a.m., and were joined by Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and former congressman Mikey Arroyo, Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda and other Next page local officials.

Rody drops Jinggoy, Bong

By Nat Mariano

They don’t need his help to win, Palace clarifies

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is not endorsing two former senators who were linked to the multi-billionpeso pork barrel scam, but the Palace said Friday he probably felt they didn’t need his help to win.

CONCERT APPLAUSE. President Rodrigo Duterte and his long-time partner Honeylet Avacena applaud during the Sergio Mendes concert Thursday at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Paranaque City. With them are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. Malacañang photo

Rice tariffication, political ads bills enacted into law, says Sotto

By Nat Mariano

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday has signed into law the Rice Tariffication Bill and a measure amending the Fair Election Act to lower the cost of political advertisements.

“Tariff bill signed,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

The measure seeks to liberalize rice importation by replacing quantitative import restrictions with tariffs.

Duterte’s economic managers have identified rice tariffication as one of the means of addressing soaring inflation.

The measure would create the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund or

RCEF with an annual funding of P10 billion as a special rice safeguard duty to protect the rice industry from sudden or extreme price fluctuations.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed that the President has signed into law a bill that gives additional discounts to political advertisements on television and radio.

Candidates will now enjoy a 50 percent discount when they place political ads on television networks, up from the current 30 percent.

On radio, political ads will have a 40 percent discount, up from the current 20 percent. The discount for print, on the other hand, was retained at 10 percent.

House pushes graft raps vs road scammers

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives has recommended the filing of graft and other charges against public works officials and other people allegedly involved in the more than 3-billion-peso road rightof-way scam in in Central Mindanao.

The House made the recommendation even as it adopted the report of the Com-

mittee on Good Government and Public Accountability led by Camiguin Rep. Jesus Xavier Romualdo.

The House under the leadership of Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in plenary session, approved the resolution that recommended the prosecution of several Department of Public Works and Highways Region XII officers,

“Maybe he feels they don’t need his endorsement,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said, referring to Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla. “They could win because they’re former senators, they have familiar names, and people know about them, so maybe they don’t need it.”

Estrada still faces plunder and graft charges in connection to the pork barrel scam, but the anti-graft court, the Sandiganbayan, acquitted Revilla in December 2018, saying prosecutors failed to present evidence linking him to the millions of pesos in kickbacks that lawmakers alleg-

edly received.

The President has endorsed 11 candidates, including Estrada’s half-brother, Senator JV Ejercito.

Duterte was expected to include Estrada in his list of candidates after he raised Next page

Get your kids vaccinated, parents told

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on parents, to have their children vaccinated against measles as outbreaks of the highly contagious disease have been reported in several parts of the country.

In a public service announcement, Duterte informed the parents of the consequences of not having their

children vaccinated.

“My countrymen, the cases of measles are rising and it can cause death. For our children, having them vaccinated is the only way to avoid from this disease,” the President said.

Duterte’s announcement came after he ordered the Department of Health to conduct a vigorous campaign to promote the complete im-

munization for children.

The DOH earlier released a separate PSA video featuring Health Secretary Francisco Duque and Senator Manny Pacquiao.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that efforts to halt the spread of measles were “backsliding” with case numbers worldwide surging around 50 percent last year.

Next page

Palace slams Ressa ‘abuse of power as journalist’

By Nat Mariano

RAPPLER CEO Maria Ressa should stop blaming the government for the “incompetence and unpreparedness” of her lawyers, Malacañang said on Friday, stressing the administration will “never” interfere in the judiciary’s affairs.

In a Palace press briefing, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo shrugged off anew Ressa’s claims that the government

has used the country’s laws to attack her.

“She says that there has been an irregularity in the filing of the case, as well as she’s harassed. Let me tell you, Maria, that the case filed against you was in accordance with the law. This is not a case of freedom of expression as you claimed.

It is a case of one man, and personally complainant, asserting his right under the law for a perceived violation of his right,” Panelo said.

He said it was Ressa who was abusive of the rights given to her by the Constitution as a member of the press by saying that the government instills fears to journalists because of her case.

“Now you say, ‘There is an abuse of power.’ Excuse me Maria, abuse of power? You are the one abusing your power as a journalist. You’re marshaling your colleagues to support you on the basis of a misplaced Next page

Next page

Lawmaker quits over sandwich Ljubljana, Slovenia—A Slovenian lawmaker resigned Thursday for stealing a sandwich from a supermarket because he was annoyed about being ignored by staff.

Darij Krajcic, a member of parliament for the Marjan Sarec List (LMS) Next page

Greatest cat show in Pasay City PASAY City will host the first ever international cat show in the country (Best Cats in the Philippines) organized by the World Cat Federation in cooperation with the World Next page Felinological Center “Astra.”

CHECKPOINT CATCH. Quezon City Police District Station 7 personnel inspect the papers of a motorcycle rider as part of law enforcers’‘Oplan Sita’ along the intersection of P.A. Bernardo Street corner Edsa in Quezon City on Thursday. ‘Oplan Sita’ is a campaign of the Philippine National Police against riding-in-tandem criminals and the Commission on Elections gun ban for the May 2019 polls. PNA

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

’DBM payables balloon to P100b’

By Maricel V. Cruz

R

EP. Rolando Andaya Jr. on Friday pressed his attack on Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno as he questioned the P100 billion payables that the legislator said he found in the Public Works department’s contracts in its 2018 projects.

“Concerned DBM and DPWH employees have intimated to me that the total amount of unpaid contracts for 2018 infrastructure pro-

jects have risen from P44 billion last November to more than P100 billion at the end of the year,” Andaya said.

“These are the DBM’s payables to government contractors that ballooned to P100 billion at the end of the year. Up to now, the DBM has not paid a substantial part of these debts.”

Andaya, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and a former budget secretary, said the payables had reincarnated an old system that forced DPWH contractors to cough up kickbacks just to be paid for completed infrastructure projects.

Andaya said the release of payments from the DBM to the DPWH varied per engineering district. Some districts were paid only 10 percent, others 30 percent.

“Notices of Cash Allocation are given in lump sum. No breakdown. Discretion is given to Regional Directors. Since it’s insufficient, contractors have to resort to bribery just to get paid. What’s worse, DPWH casuals were not paid their salaries for three months,” Andaya said.

He cited reports that “99 percent of the contractors are still not paid fully for the completed projects. DBM only released partial payments. Ten months to pay, just like paying for credit card installments. “in short, the DBM has resorted to rationing of payments. If there was a rice shortage before, now there is cash shortage thanks to Secretary Diokno. This is one of the reasons why we are questioning his decision to adopt

Crackdown vs illegal campaign materials starts

By Vito Barcelo, Macon RamosAraneta and Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started to tear down campaign materials that are oversized and placed in areas not allowed by the poll body, after the deadline for candidates to remove them lapsed on Thursday.

More Comelec teams will be deployed around the northern and southern parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces to pull down illegal campaign materials committed by candidates, the spokesman for the agency, James Jimenez said.

He said the Comelec will document all violations and will be use this as evidence when it files election violation cases against noncompliant candidates.

Jimenez said an election offense is punishable by up to six years imprisonment, fines and disqualification.

Meanwhile, the Comelec reminded anew voters to ensure that their ballots are not pre-shaded and are free from unnecessary markings before they cast their vote in the May 2019 polls.

The Comelec called on the public to be vigilant about people who would want to rig the results of the scheduled midterm polls.

Jimenez also advised voters not to accept ballots with pre-shaded markings and ask for another ballot.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III asked the Comelec to identify the locations of his supposed posters so that he could immediately remove them.

“I have very few posters. Hence that’s

V-Day cocaine haul valued at P500m—PNP

By Francisco Tuyay THE Philippine National Police seized P500 million worth of cocaine in two dropoff points by drug syndicates off the coast of Caraga region on Valentine’s Day. Caraga police director Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz said the cocaine were concealed in plastic-wrapped boxes ton Valentines day.

Cruz said a fisherman spotted an object floating off the shoreline of Cagdiano in Dinagat Island on Tuesday.

Upon inspection, the box yielded 40 bricks of cocaine.

Two days later, another box containing cocaine was fished off the shoreline of Brgy. Pacifico in Siargao.

The box yielded at least 48 bricks, all wrapped in plastic to prevent it from melting.

Earlier this month, police operatives in Camarines Norte recovered P5 million worth of cocaine off the shoreline in Vinzons.

Last year, some P125 million worth of cocaine was also recovered floating off the waters of Matnog, Sorsogon.

Palace slams....

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and baseless cause,” he said.

“You are the one using or weaponizing the law. What is the law? The Constitutional right to freedom of expression – you are using that now against the government.”

Panelo reminded Ressa that under the Constitution, libel is not protected by the freedom of expression.

“That is precisely why you are charged because as far as this complainant is concerned, his rights have been violated by you,” he said.

“You have to be woman enough to face the complaint against you. Stop blaming the government. Otherwise, if we will follow your logic, then journalists, commentators, reporters can no longer be sued because there will always be the accusation, the allegation, the perception that the government is trying to curtail their freedom of expression.”

On Wednesday evening, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation stormed Ressa’s office after a court issued an arrest warrant against her over a cyberlibel case filed by the Department of Justice.

The Rappler chief, who spent the night at the NBI Cybercrime Division, posted a bail of P100,000 the day after.

Ressa said the incident only exemplifies the government’s “abuse of power and weaponization of the law.”

But Panelo, a lawyer, insisted the rule of law has been observed in Ressa’s case, stressing that even journalists are not above the law.

most unlikely,” Pimentel said, when he learned he was among those accused of violating the poster rules.

“Where are they located? So we can check and if true, I can have them removed,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said they have many supporters who put up his campaign materials.

Because of this, it is impossible for him to memorize all the locations of the posters they have put up.

“Anyway our general instructions to all campaign staff volunteers as well as all supporters is to follow the law,” he added.

The Comelec issued a notice reminding all candidates and parties to immediately remove all prohibited forms of election propaganda otherwise, the candidate or party shall be presumed to have committed the election offense.

Prohibited election materials are those posted outside common poster areas, such as parks and markets, the poll body said.

Those posted in private properties without the consent of the owners are also counted as a violation.

Under election rules, posters and banners with a maximum size of 61 centimeters by 91 cm or 91 cm by 61 cm are allowed.

Jimenez said the candidate or the political group would be held accountable regardless of who put up the illegal campaign materials.

“Any violation of campaign rules is an electoral offense, and an electoral offense is punishable among other things by disqualification,” he said.

A total of 62 candidates are running for senatorial posts while 134 groups are vying for party-list seats in the House of Representatives.

Also on Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday threatened to file charges of violation of Presidential Decree 953 against any politicians for nailing or tacking campaign materials on trees.

In an interview, Undersecretary Benny Antiporda urged all candidates running in the midterm polls to stop from posting their election materials on trees just to get the attention of the voting public.

“We will go around different places in the country to identify violators of PD 953 so we could file cases against them whether they belong to the ruling party or the opposition group,” he told the Manila Standard.

Republic Act 3571 as amended by PD 953 prohibits the “cutting, destroying or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, school premises or in any other public ground.”

An offender who is a public officer of employee could be dismissed from the public service and disqualified perpetually to hold public office, the law states.

Antiporda said they have already fielded a team to go around Metro Manila and have instructed regional offices to closely monitor and document violations of PD 953.

He advised candidates and their supporters to voluntarily take down campaign posters on trees.

Hugpong...

From A1

electionist Villar came in second with 60.5 percent voter preference.

Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano and former senator Lito Lapid shared the third to sixth spot in the overall ranking places with 53.3 percent and 53.0 percent voter preferences, respectively.

Both re-electionist senators Ma. Lourdes Nancy Binay, with 50.1 percent voter preference, and Angara, 48.8 percent, were ranked third to seventh and third to ninth places, respectively.

The ruling party PDP-Laban senatorial bet Senator Aquilino Pimentel III ranked 5th to 11th places with 45.5 voter preference while Duterte’s former top aide Christopher Go entered the 6th to 12th spot with 44.7 voter preferences.

Estrada, who faces plunder and graft cases, ranked 6th to 12th spot with 44.3 percent.

The Liberal Party’s former senator Manuel Roxas II, with 41.8 percent, ranked 7th to 14th places.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, at 41.2 percent, ranked 7th to 15th places, former senator Bong Revilla, Jr., 40.2 percent, ranked 8th to 15th places, and re-electionist Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, at 38.5 percent, ranked 10th to 15th places.

Completing the top 15 list were former senator Sergio Osmeña III, 37.7 percent, at 10th to 15th places, and former Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald Dela Rosa, 36.9 percent, at 11th to 16th places.

Only 3.4 percent of the respondents were undecided about who they would vote for as senator, while 1.1 percent refused to identify their preferred candidates. Another 1.1 percent said they were not included to vote for any candidate for the post.

The survey, conducted from Jan. 26 to 31, used face-to-face interviews of 1,800 Filipino adults nationwide. It has a + 2.3% error margin at the 95% confidence level.

Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following error margins at 95% confidence level: +6.5% for Metro Manila, +3.5% for the rest of Luzon, +5.3% for the Visayas and +4.7% for Mindanao.

Seven out of the 11 Duterte-endorsed senatorial candidates were able to make it in the Top 15.

Administration-backed senatorial bets who didn’t make it in the list were Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, former political adviser Francis Tolentino, re-electionist Senator JV Ejercito, and folk singer Freddie Aquilar.

They then proceeded to Floridablanca and where they were joined by Senator Cynthia Villar and former Presidential special assistant Christopher Go and welcomed by some 10,000 supporters.

They also attended jam-packed sorties in Arroyo’s hometown in Lubao.

HNP candidates were scheduled to go next to Sasmuan, Guagua and Sta. Rita.

Arroyo has vowed to give the HNP senatorial candidates her all-out support.

HNP led by its founder and chairman Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, kicked off its senatorial campaign on Tuesday in Pampanga because it is where President Duterte received the most number of votes outside of his own bailiwick, Davao.

Meanwhile, six of the candidates wooed voters in the north, making a stop in Baguio City.

Duterte led the caravan along with the party’s senatorial bets--re-electionist Senators Edgardo Angara and JV Ejercito, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu and former reporter Jiggy Manicad.

The mayor said they do not intend to join the alumni homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy as they had a rally Saturday in La Union.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has barred PMA alumni, including honorary class members, from “engaging in political campaigning” during their annual homecoming this weekend at Fort del Pilar.

Dela Rosa belongs to PMA Class 1986.

On the other hand, re-electionists Senators Grace Poe (Independent) and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV (Liberal Party) will be at the Lipa Love Fest Free Valentine Concert to be held today at the nBIR compound (Olan’s Place), Barangay Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas.

The event was organized by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto together with Team Bangon Poe remained the top senatorial candidate in the 2019 midterm elections, the latest Pulse Asia revealed on Friday.

Last month, Pulse Asia interviewed 1,800 respondents nationwide on their preferences for senator.

Poe remains at the top with an overall voter preference of 74.9 percent for a statistical ranking of solo first place.

President Rodrigo Duterte-backed re-

Lawmaker....

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party ― the senior partner in the ruling coalition ― said he walked off without paying because three supermarket employees had “treated (him) like air” and continued chatting.

“I must have stood some three minutes by the counter,” he told private POP TV. Krajcic insisted that he returned shortly afterwards to pay for the sandwich.

But he apologized and resigned from parliament.

The center-left LMS party of Prime Minister Marjan Sarec is the senior member of a five-party minority government, voted in last September.

Public support for the premier has received a boost recently from public sector wage hikes and the dismissal of two ministers accused of abuse of power and bullying.

The head of LMS’ parliamentary faction, Brane Golubovic, condemned Krajcic’s actions as “unacceptable” and said the MP “has to bear the responsibility, in line with LMS’ high ethical standards.”

a cash-based budget system for 2019. Why insist on cash-based budgeting when you have billions of pesos in payables for 2018?

“These payables are incurring interest expense. Banks are already demanding payment from government contractors, who face foreclosure of their properties. Contractors are already in default of their obligations.

“How can we convince legitimate contractors to continue bidding for infrastructure projects if we cannot pay them on time?

A contractors’ revolt is possible. The Build, Build, Build Program may turn out to be Stop, Stop, Stop Program, courtesy of Secretary Diokno. Given this scenario, an economic slowdown is imminent.”

Rody....

From A1 his hands at an event in February, but he later told reporters that he felt obliged to do so out of courtesy, because he was there.

“He was there. How could I not, even for just one single day, say that I am endorsing 13 candidates? What is that to a friend? We know that he has suffered. We know that he was in prison,” Duterte said in a chance interview.

Panelo said the President probably did not want to embarrass Estrada before the crowd.

In a statement, Estrada said he respected the President’s decision.

“With or without the endorsement of the President, I will continue to be an ally of this administration. My support to this administration is not diminished in any way,” he said.

Critics have already questioned Duterte’s endorsement of Estrada as it contradicts his tough stance against corruption.

The Palace, however, said Estrada is considered innocent until he is found guilty by the court.

As Duterte’sPDP-Laban kicked off its campaign rally, Duterte introduced the 11 candidates that would get his endorsement.

They are: Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu; former Philippine National Police chief Ronald Dela Rosa; former top aide Christopher Go; former political adviser Francis Tolentino; re-electionists Juan Edgardo Angara, Aquilino Pimentel III, Ejercitoa nd Cynthia Villar; Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano; Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos; and folk singer Freddie Aquilar.

Get...

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The UN health agency pointed to preliminary data showing that the disturbing trend of resurgent measles cases was happening at a global level, including in wealthy nations where vaccination coverage has historically been high.

“Our data are showing that there is a substantial increase in measles cases.

We’re seeing this in all regions,” Katherine O’Brien, WHO’s director of immunization, vaccines and biologicals, told reporters in Geneva.

“We’re having outbreaks that are protracted, that are sizable and that are growing,” she said. “This is not an isolated problem.”

O’Brien pointed out that less than 10 percent of actual measles cases are reported.

“So when we see the reported cases increasing by 50 percent, we know that we’re heading in the wrong direction,” she said, adding that the true number of infections was “in the millions.”

Countries have until April to report measles cases registered in 2018 to the WHO. But the agency said the data it has received so far showed that around 229,000 cases had already been reported, compared to 170,000 for 2017.

Last year, measles caused about 136,000 deaths around the world, according to WHO’s preliminary figures.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, which can cause severe diarrhoea, pneumonia and vision loss and can be fatal in some cases, and remains “an important cause of death among young children,” the WHO says.

This is frustrating since the disease can be easily prevented with two doses of a “safe and efficient” vaccine that has been in use since the 1960s, the UN agency said.

Up until 2016, the number of measles cases had been steadily declining, but since 2017 the number has soared, according to Katrina Kretsinger, who heads WHO’s expanded immunization program.

“There are a number of outbreaks ... which are driving some of these increases,” she told reporters, pointing to significant outbreaks in Ukraine, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad and Sierra Leone.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta, AFP

Greatest cat...

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The event is scheduled for this weekend, Feb. 16 to 17, at the GSIS gymnasium.

“We look forward to this exciting event.

The staff who are mostly volunteers are working hard to create the most magical cat show,” Nina Akimova, show manager and organizer said.

The two-day event will see exhibitors and breeders compete for numerous prizes and awards culminating with the Best in Show.

In addition to the judging rings, the ex-

’Lend a wife’ a hyperbole, Palace defends Rody vs Tatad

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s challenge of virility to former Senator Francisco Tatad was just hyperbole, the Palace said Friday, adding Duterte was “only making fun” of the columnist for proliferating “false news.”

As usual, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo again defended Duterte’s remark, saying he was only “dramatizing” things when he asked Tatad to “lend” his wife.

In his speech in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, on Thursday night, Duterte slammed Tatad for allegedly spreading rumors about his “deteriorating” health.

The former Senator recently wrote in a newspaper column that Duterte underwent a “successful” kidney transplant at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan.

The transplant, he said, was conducted on Jan. 29.

But Duterte allegedly had attended the premiere of the biopic of former Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa that day.

“Hey Tatad, you know there’s a border between press freedom and disrespecting a person. If I see you, avoid me. F*** you, I will slap you. Believe it, I will slap you in front of many people,” Duterte said as he led the initial campaign rally of the ruling PDP-Laban party.

He said Tatad had violated press freedom by publishing a “disrespectful” column about his health. The 73-year-old President then dared the 79-year-old columnist to prove his manhood.

“You really want to try if we still have it or not? Do you have a wife? Lend it to me...

Maybe let’s do it here. It’ll be fine. It’s just 10 minutes,” he said.

Panelo then added Duterte’s remark to his long examples of “figurative speech.”

“Well, that’s just hyperbole. That’s just to dramatize that he’s still virile at his age.

He’s pissed off with false news,” Panelo told reporters.

“People have been used to this President. Hyperbole. He uses certain situations and makes fun of it, makes fun of me, and makes fun of others. It’s just for fun.”

It was not the first time that Tatad targeted the President’s state of health in his column.

In 2017 he said Duterte traveled to China to assess his health condition with the doctors of the Fuda Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou.

The President then said he went to China to be circumcised.

Since then, Duterte has called Tatad an “idiot” for using his column to redeem himself from the negative views about his role during Martial Law. In 1969, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos appointed Tatad as Minister of Public Information. He gained prominence when he went on air on Sept. 23, 1972, when he announced Proclamation 1081 in which Marcos declared martial law.

House pushes...

From A1 including former Regional Directors Subair S. Diron and Reynaldo Tamayo.

Romualdo’s panel investigated the alleged large- scale road right-of-way scam in Central Mindanao.

In its report that was adopted before Congress adjourns on Feb. 9, the committee said “there is a manifest showing of a pattern employed by the syndicate led by Ms. Wilma Mamburam and Nelson Ti in submitting fabricated documents and representing fictitious claimants or landowners.

“The participation of several DPWH Region XII officers, including former Regional Directors Subair S. Diron and Reynaldo Tamayo, were instrumental in consummating their illegal scheme,” Romualdo said in the committee report he signed.

Romualdo’s committee found that Diron and Tamayo approved 127 ROW claims filed by members of the syndicate amounting to at least P3.3 billion and that Tamayo continued to approve the disbursement of the fourth and fifth tranches of payments for the same set of claims despite knowledge of the red flags that had already been brought to his attention by the Commission on Audit through management Letters.

The Romualdo committee found that Tamayo also “approved the verification, evaluation and payment for new RROW claims amounting to more than P633 million filed by the same individuals in 20152016.”

hibition will have the theme “The Greatest Cat Show on Earth,” featuring acrobats, jugglers, stilt walkers and various production numbers.

The show will gather expert judges from all over the world including the President of World Cat Federation, Anneliese Hackmann (All-Breed, WCF, Germany), Cornelia Hungerecker (All-Breed, WCF, Germany), and Natal’ya Lebedeva of Russia (All-Breed, WCF, Russia).

Spectators can also win prizes courtesy of popular pet supply store Pet Express.

The two-day show will be open to the public from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDSA, C-5 roads up for repairs —MMDA

HIGH-POWERED.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDGARMM) officials headed

by PSupt James Gulmatico (middle), present the high-powered firearms seized by Army soldiers with the 33rd IB led by Col. Harold Cabunoc (2nd from left). The soldiers served the search warrant on Friday at 6 a.m., Feb. 15, 2019 in Brgy. Poblacion, Buluan, Maguindanao against Abusama Abpun, 60, an illegal firearms manufacturer. The suspect has been identified as the source of firearms for criminal elements in Maguindanao area including the outlawed BIFF. Mark Navales

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Friday said two sections of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and Circumferential Road 5 (C-5 Road) will undergo road repair and maintenance this weekend.

The road works, which will begin 11 pm Friday (Feb.15) until 5 am Monday (Feb. 18), will be made after the MMDA gave the Department of Public Works and Highways – National Capital Region the go signal to resume its weekend road reblocking and repair.

DPWH Metro Manila Director Ador Canlas said the road reblocking will cover portions at the southbound direction of EDSA from Lagarian Creek to Ermin Garcia, and at the northbound direction from corner Congressional Avenue Extension.

In C-5 Road, repair works will be implemented at the southbound directions fronting SM Aura; and after Lanuza Avenue to Bagong Ilog Flyover.

The northbound directions of Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard from Ramon Magsaysay Bridge to Pureza Street; and Fairview Avenue from Atherton to Regalado Avenue North will also undergo rehabilitation.

Motorists are advised to take possible alternate routes due to traffic slowdowns in affected areas.

In 2017, the government imposed a policy prohibiting diggings and other road works at daytime.

The ban of road works at daytime came following the MMDA meeting with officials of the departments of Transportation, and Public Works and Highways to further improve the flow of traffic in the National Capital Region.

The government also required contractors to use quick dry cement on the road works to be able to meet the one-day curing period.

Gov’t to address lack of manpower for ‘Build, Build Build’program

By Nat Mariano THE Philippine government is “doing something” about the country’s shortage of manpower in technical services, the Palace said on Friday after President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that his administration’s mega infrastructure program has been delayed.

In his speech during the initial campaign rally of the ruling PDP-Laban party, Duterte said the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program has been stalled because of the lack of manpower.

“The construction has been delayed because we don’t have the manpower,” Duterte said, referring to the country’s lack of electricians, carpenters, and plumbers.

According to the President, most of the Filipino construction workers already went to the Middle East for greener pastures.

“That’s why that ‘Build, Build, Build’ was delayed a little. There are no workers, but there are a lot of Filipinos.

If we don’t help each other, then nothing [would happen],” he said.

Malacañang assured the public that the government has been taking steps to address the issue.

Panelo said the President already directed Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Isidro Lapeña to fill in the void left by Filipino construction workers overseas.

“He directed the TESDA Chief to do something about it because we are lacking in experts in carpentry, welding, and other technical [jobs],” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.

The Palace official also said the President stressed the need to have a deep bench of construction workers.

“That’s why he told the TESDA to have a deeper bench for carpenters, welders, and electrician because many of them are going abroad,” he said. “But in other words, we are doing something about it.”

In his 10-point Socioeconomic Agenda, the President said he hopes to boost the acceleration of infrastructure and the development of industries that will “increase the productive capacity of the economy, create jobs, increase incomes, and strengthen the investment climate leading to sustained inclusive growth.”

League of Provinces backs Gov Imee’s senatorial bid

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE League of Provinces of the Philippines has squarely backed the senatorial bid of Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, citing her “no non-sense performance in public service and governance as champion for the improvement of the lives of Filipinos, especially those in the countryside.”

Marcos is advocating for the unconditional and automatic release of the 40 percent share of all national taxes of local government units.

In a resolution released recently, the LPP describes Marcos as “an efficient and effective local public official” who can immensely contribute in realizing the vision of President Rodrigo Duterte to build a stronger and more progressive republic.

The LPP, which gathers all governors from the 81 provinces across the country, expressed confidence that Marcos will “bring to the Senate the concerns of local governments and local government officials to reinforce local autonomy and ensure local development.”

Marcos, who committed to become the voice of LGUs in the Senate, is batting for the immediate release of the 40% mandated “just share” of LGUS of Internal Revenue Allotments—computed

on the basis of all national taxes collected and not just from national internal revenue taxes.

She lamented that LGUs have only been receiving 16 percent of their national taxes share instead of 40 percent.

“That is really insufficient. As a candidate coming from the ranks of local government officials, I know what local executives feel—the issues that are closest to their hearts. Our budget is sorely lacking when in fact we are at the frontline when it comes to delivering services to our constituents,” the governor said.

“There is already a Supreme Court ruling on the 40 percent IRA share of LGUs. But in reality, Customs duties, excise tax, documentary tax and stamp tax – all these are removed from the computation of the IRA,” she added.

Marcos said that the IRA share of LGUs must be released automatically

without need of yearly appropriations.

“When our kababayans have problems, who do they run to? They go to us local government officials. So we must help our LGUs by ensuring they receive their ‘just share,’” Marcos said.

“More than 50% of the poor are also in the countryside and the LGUs are our front liners in the fight against poverty. They need all the resources they can muster to address the problem of poverty in the rural areas,” she added.

In July last year, the Supreme Court ruled that the “just share” of LGUs must be based on all national taxes.

The decision stemmed from a petition filed by former Batangas Rep. and now provincial Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, who claimed that from 1992 to 2012, unreleased IRA had reached P500 billion.

However, the SC ruled the implementation of higher IRA is prospective and not retroactive.

The SC decision included six more tax sources for LGUs, namely tariff and customs duties collected by the Bureau of Customs; 50 percent of value-added taxes; 30 percent of all national taxes collected in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; 60 percent of national taxes collected from mining; excise taxes collected from tobacco products; national taxes collected under Section 283 of National Internal Revenue Code; and franchise taxes under Horse Racing laws.

BOC seizes guns, ammo worth P.5-m at NAIA

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Customs seized guns and ammunitions worth more than half a million pesos at the Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Alert customs personnel found four Glock 19 9-MM pistols, four Heckler & Koch P2000 V3 pistols, 20 magazines and 266 live rounds of ammunition concealed in secret compartments in tool boxes and solar panels.

The seized goods were found in two outbound packages from Taiwan which

VOTING MACHINE.

Commission on Election Information Officer Leo Lim explained how the voting machine is operated as DILG spokeperson Asec. Jonathan E. Malaya, Commission on Election Spokeperson Dir. James Jimenez, NPC President Rolando Gonzalo, Chief, Public Information Office, PNP S/Supt. Bernard Banac, Deputy, Regional Operations Division NCRPO C/Insp.

Romeo S. Panal and NPC Vice President. Paul Gutierrez look on. The Comelec, NPC and police officials discussed the preparation and security for the upcoming election on May 13, 2019 during the Election Pulse 2019 Media Forum held at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila. Andrew Rabulan

were declared as “Solar Panel” and “Tool Cart.”

The senders and recipients of the seized outbound shipments have been identified based on transaction documents and will be investigated.

Firearms and ammunition were discovered through the profiling skills of BOC NAIA and subsequent x-ray examination of the shipments.

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said that NAIA examiners and operatives are trained on profiling illegal goods both inbound and outbound

shipments.

He said exportation of firearms and ammunition through fraudulent misdeclaration and without necessary permits constitute violation of Section 119A, 1400, 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. The Bureau of Customs will continue to protect the country against entry and exit of contrabands and will remain vigilant to protect all inbound and outbound cargoes.

Angara slams police on Ressa’s ‘night’ arrest LAW enforcers should not serve warrants of arrest if the courts are closed, Sen. Sonny Angara said on Friday.

Angara was referring to the action made by the National Bureau of Investigation which arrested Rappler Chief Executive Officer Marian Ressa over a cyberlibel case at night.

“Our law enforcement officers should evolve to the degree where they can perform their tasks in humane ways.

Aside from not serving warrants when the courts are closed, Angara said law enforcers should not make threats and should always be courteous, He admitted that the country still needs a long way to enhance the people’s belief in the justice system.

Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, said a free press helps keep the democracy alive and attempts to silence and intimidate them are disturbing developments that may have a chilling effect on press freedom.

“I think that we should fear more if the press is silenced because it is really through the freedom of speech that we are able to guard the different institutions of government; that we are also able to uphold democracy in our country,” Poe said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

JV bats for development of Luzon ‘growth triangle’ REELECTIONIST Senator JV Ejercito on Friday batted for the development of a “Luzon growth triangle” which would stimulate rapid economic boom and sustain growth in the region.

“I have been very vocal in pushing for the creation of a ‘Luzon growth triangle’ composed mainly of Subic, Manila, and Batangas. This will not only bring economic growth in the region, which will benefit the whole country also, but also create jobs for our workers,” said Ejercito.

He noted that the growth triangle should also include the full development of Clark International Airport, a modern railway system, and vital road networks “to ensure seamless delivery of goods, services, and people.”

Ejercito said Luzon should evolve into an “investment magnet” that would attract both foreign and local investors.

“I am really for massive infrastructure program and modern railway system.

I am running now for my reelection because I really want to push for these,” he said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Nancy seeks more benefits for bgy officials SAYING that they are crucial partners in nation building, re-electionist Senator Nancy Binay is pushing for the regularization and more benefits for barangay officials.

“We are also focusing on giving additional benefits to barangay officials,” Binay said during an assembly of barangay officials in Baguio City.

“I know that many of you have been spending money feom their own pockets just to help our people,” she said.

Binay filed Senate Bill number 182 in the present Congress that would make regular employees of the government the punong barangay, members of the barangay council, including the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson, barangay secretary, and treasurer. Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Opinion

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Welcome home, Bernaditas de Castro Muller! the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was drawing to a close in Katowice, Poland. I was there when the news of her passing spread and universal grief was the response in the halls of the International Congress Centre where COP 24 was being held. Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman, Vice-Chair of the Climate Change Commission and head of delegation of the Philippines, acknowledged this in his final statement: “For the work we cannot finish in our time, we shall pass on to our younger colleagues. After all, climate change is an intergenerational challenge that requires the passing of the baton of responsibility from one generation to another.

It is in this context, Mr President, appre that the Philippines conveys its appreciation to the COP Presidency and the Parties for the thanks extended to Bernarditas de Castro Muller of the Philippines.

Ditas, as colleagues fondly called her, passed on peacefully yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland. She was one of the prime movers of the Convention.

For many years, she led the climate finance negotiators of the Group of 77 and China.

Bernarditas was once described by the Guardian as the “dragon lady” of the climate negotiations. Others have called her the “lioness” of developing countries. She was feared by some but loved by many. But we were always awed by this magnificent woman who dressed in the colors of Asia and Europe, who pulled everywhere her roll-on luggage full of COP decisions, who would recall with unparalleled mastery every article of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, and who always spoke with impeccable English.

Above all, we remember her passion

LAST December 14, 2018, in Geneva, Switzerland, Bernaditas de Castro Muller passed peacefully into eternal life. Ditas was a Filipino diplomat with only a few equals, a champion of developing country interests, lioness and dragon lady of the climate change negotiations, and my comrade in the fight for climate justice and my good friend.

I am so proud to have worked and learned from her, and to have had her as a friend.

Today, Saturday, the 16th of February 2019, her family and the Filipino diplomatic and climate change community will welcome Ditas home. We are grateful to her husband and daughter for bringing her ashes here to the Philippines and giving us whom she work with and this country she served a chance to tell her: Maraming salamat, Ditas! Thank you very much for all you have done for the Philippines, for developing countries challenged by climate change and other global issues, and for our planet endangered by the foolishness and greed of men!

It was not a coincidence that Ditas left the world last December as the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP 24) of

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

‘Excuse me, Maria’

T

HE CEO of online news organization Rappler, Maria Ressa, says that the Duterte administration is using the law as a weapon to intimidate and silence its critics.

Ressa was arrested Wednesday in connection with a cyberlibel case filed against her and a former Rappler reporter by The Department of Justice. The story in question, published 2012, was about how former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona had used SUVs of prominent businessmen, which included businessman William Keng.

Ressa spent the night in jail but posted bail the following day – the seventh time, she said. In all, she has posted bail of P364,000.

This is not the first legal wrinkle faced by Rappler, which has been critical of Mr. Duterte and the administration’s policies.

Early last year, the Securities and Exchange Commission moved to revoked Rappler’s license to operate, saying it was effectively owned by a foreign entity. In March, the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed a tax eva-

sion case against Rappler, Ressa and Rappler’s treasurer for supposedly attempting to evade paying taxes and for failing to provide accurate information on its income tax and valueadded tax returns for 2015.

Rappler’s reporter was prevented from entering Malacañang to cover its events.

Despite all these, or likely because, Ressa was among the journalists hailed as Person of the Year

by TIME Magazine, alongside slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, jailed Burmese journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo of Reuters and the Capital Gazette in Maryland.

They were depicted as guardians of the truth.

Ressa’s arrest has also prompted condemnation from British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, former United States Secretary of

State Madeleine Albright, and CNN International’s Christiane Amanpour, among others.

Meanwhile, the Palace slammed Ressa’s allegations and said she was simply blaming the government for the incompetence and unpreparedness of her lawyers.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, in usual fashion, spewed a mouthful as he denied Mr. Duterte’s hand in Ressa’s predicament.

“Excuse me, Maria. You are the one abusing your power as a journalist,” Panelo said.

Sadly, the administration’s personal attacks and emphatic words against Ressa all serve to negate its denial that it is out to silence its critics. Perhaps it is not aware that a consequence of what it is doing is to reinforce the perception that it is indeed oppressing those who dare speak out.

The lawyers and the courts will thresh out the merits of the case. In the meantime, any more words to demonize, belittle or punish those who do not agree with the administration’s policies will only reflect badly on the government.

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Review: Cartas Philippinensis My only beef is that the images reproduced on the cards and in the book are fuzzy and lack detail. They are neither sharp nor crisp, but perhaps this is as the artist intended in an effort to emulate the style of colonial era art.

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE THE product of a collaborative art project and an intense interest in history, ‘Cartas Philippinensis’ (2016) by lawyer and professor Saul Hofileña Jr. is a reimagination and revisiting of our colonial past, the effects of which still reverberate through our present.

This self-published work comes in two parts – a deck of 22 Tarot cards in the Major Arcana and a book that explains the significance of the figures on each card, with a narrative of the inspiration or historical background for the images on the cards.

The cards were illustrated by Guy Custodio, who studied art in Los Angeles and several places in Spain. The ideas for the images were the author’s, and the artist added form and color.

Custodio says in his foreword that he painted each card “subject to [the author’s] instructions… If a figure did not comply with historical details, he asked that it be revised. Details were crosschecked for their historical accuracy.”

Hofileña calls the Cartas “the only playable Tarot cards with Philippine themes.” By ‘play’ he doesn’t mean games like pusoy dos or poker, but in the sense of using them to “speak to you of your past and help you understand the present,” as Custodio puts it.

The author took for his theme the Patronato Real, or Royal Patronage.

This was an agreement between the Holy See and the Spanish monarchy for the latter to support Catholic missionaries in Spanish possessions.

Thus the cards speak directly to a past “when the Church, in conjunction with the Spanish civil authorities, ruled the lives of the indios.”

Cartas is presented in a box shaped like a book. The art on the box cover recalls paintings of the 19thcentury.

Inside the box is the deck of cards in a receptacle on the left inside cover, and the hardcover book in the recess on the right. The entire inside of the box is covered with burgundy fabric. Everything about it – box, book, cards - is of the best quality.

It has a place on every collector’s shelf and in the libraries of those interested in Philippine history, art, and spirituality.

The cards’ archetypal figures are inspired by personalities or incidents from colonial Philippines. El Mago (The Magician) is a friar surrounded by a broken rosary and a blank book symbolizing that he has “debased the Faith.” La Sacerdotisa (The High Priestess) commemorates the Filipina beatas who “formed their own religious clusters;” La Emperatriz (The Empress), is the “undisputed queen of the Philippines,” the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In “How the Game is Played,” Hofileña shares a horizontal three-card spread. The first card (on the left) shows “what the seeker sees;” the second (middle) explains “why he does not see the truth;” and the third (right) “will present the truth.”

Hofileña says to shuffle the cards first, but they are larger than the usual Tarot cards and awkward to hold. It is easiest to shuffle them along their width rather than their length. After shuffling and cutting, these are the cards I drew: In the first position was El Mundo, The World, representing, Hofileña says, “illumination, change, worldly success, perpetual power.” The middle card was El Juicio, Judgment (in Filipino, ‘wisyo’): “awakening, renewal, mending, and healing.” The last card was El Emperador, The Emperor: “force and responsibility, stability, irrevocable and unassailable judgment and strength.”

Relating this spread to my current Turn to A5

A tribute for whom?

SOMEWHERE near the vicinity of Tomas Morato Avenue, a street named after Quezon City’s first mayor, a 21-storey condominium is being constructed. Sadly, it is being constructed right above where the 80-year old ancestral house of the former mayor and his family once proudly stood.

headed by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, condogranted the developers of the condo minium, named “The Tribute,” as its act allegedly violated Republic Act The tower cannot 10066 which provides protection for compensate for the heritage structures 50 years and older, loss of an ancestral prohibiting thgeir demolition without house. going to court. And this covers the Morato ancestral house that was built in the 1950s.

The only basis for the special permit granted by the Council was a City In fact, it was the subject of my Ordinance designating Morato Avcolumn some months back as I quesenue as a commercial area. tioned the Quezon City Council

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Opinion

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Deport the ‘taho’ woman THE Chinese woman who splashed "taho" on a Mandaluyong policeman at a Metro Rail Transit station recently surely would not have committed the same offensive behavior in any other country.

There’ s no way 23-year old student Zhang Jiale, who held a questionable Special Retirees Residence Visa, would committed a similar offense in countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea or in Indonesia.

She knows what would have happened to her had she done the same

Welcome...

From A4

for people and this planet, and for climate justice. We remember Bernarditas for her generosity, especially in mentoring young Filipino and developing country negotiators. Beyond her institutional legacy, she lives on in the hearts and minds of the younger colleagues she had taught and inspired.

Mr President, with the passing of Ditas, the Philippines lost a dear colleague; the developing countries lost a champion of their cause; and the world lost a great citizen.

May the passion and commitment we saw in Ditas inspire us and those who will come after us to carry on the work in the climate negotiation process.

Let us honor her by making the Convention and the Paris Agreement work for all humanity.”

A few days later, in Manila, Senator Loren Legarda described very well the legacy of Ditas: “Ditas rigorously served in the Philippine Foreign Service and in environment and climate negotiations, having been involved in the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in 1991 that established the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and elected as cochair of the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF) in 2017.

She led negotiations for the G77 and China negotiating bloc, where the Philippines is affiliated, championing ever so passionately the interests of the poorest countries in climate talks especially in the provision of climate finance, paving the way for the eventual creation of the green climate fund.

Her fierce negotiating style had earned her the name “dragon woman”— a character feared by industrialized countries but adored by poor countries.

She would however always insist that she was not working for the developing countries, rather “for their children’s children and what we will leave the world.”

I will remember Ditas in our common advocacies in the environment and climate change, as well as in our shared aspirations for a just and fair world.”

As for me, Ditas was my colleague in the climate change delegation of the

A tribute...

From A4

And since when has a City Ordinance superseded a Republic Act? Seemingly, there was more to it than usurpation of power.

In a case filed by the Morato clan, led by former PCSO chair Manuel “Manoling” Morato, before the Office of the Ombudsman, it is alleged it was the Belmontes – Vice Mayor Joy, Feliciano Isaac, Juan Kevin and Jaime Miguel, who conspired with several others, including one of Morato siblings, Jose “Pepito” Morato, to “illegally” acquire the property on which they are now constructing the Tribute Tower.

Also named respondents to the case, numbered IC-OC-19-0133, were City Councilor Lena Marie Juico and Liberato and Exequiel Robles of Sta. Lucia Land, Inc. In their complaint sheet, the Morato siblings (with the exception of course of Jose), alleged that in April 2002, Jose “duped” them into agreeing to transfer four parcels of land registered under the name of their late mother, Consuelo, to Javea Properties Corporation, a corporation owned and

abuse on, let’s say, a cop in Saudi Arabia or a law enforcer in China, for that matter.

She is aware of the harsh punishment she will definitely get in those countries.

The said incident starkly shows how lowly we Filipinos are regarded by some people of other countries, commanding less respectability.

We are simply too friendly to visitors that sometimes we fall victims to such treatment even in our homeland.

Just as Filipinos are known all over the world for our uniquely excessive hospitality to our guests, some visiting foreigners tend to think they can just mistreat us in our own country without fear of any severe consequence.

This is true in many instances at the airports, at hotels, at the workplace and on the streets that some of these visitors

look down on us like animals.

Thus the “taho incident” is not the first of such type of assault on an agent or a person of authority. It happened before and it will definitely happen again if we don’t do anything about it now.

It’s about time we show the world that we cannot be bullied in our own soil.

One thing for sure, if it didn’t get that much media attention that went viral, the Chinese woman might not have ended up in detention for splashing taho on the cop who stopped her from bring it in the train.

This undesirable alien deserves to be deported as soon as possible, her questionable student visa cancelled, and permanently blacklisted.

Let’s show her that she is not welcome in this country.

Philippines for nearly 25 years. We fought battles together, sometimes disagreeing on strategies and tactics, but always coming together for a common purpose - to obtain the best outcome for the Philippines, all developing countries, and for the planet. I am so proud to have worked and learned from her, and to have had her as a friend.

Ditas’ last climate meeting was in Songdo, Republic of South Korea last July 2018 for the board meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). In retrospect, this was appropriate because Bernaditas, among others, was one of the prime movers in the creation of the GCF. From the first conference of the Parties in Berlin, she led developing countries in advancing the idea that the climate convention needed an independent party-owned financial mechanism.

That was resisted at first, certainly by most developed countries and even by a few developing countries who were content with the existing mechanisms.

But she was stubborn and led a United Group of 77 and China COP after COP for 15 years until the GCF was finally created in Cancun in 2010. After that, she continued to be active in the processes that made sure the GCF would get off the ground, serving as the closein adviser of Philippine Governor Joey Salceda, who served as founding CoChair of the GCF. In his tribute to Ditas, Vice Yu quotes Martin Khor of Malaysia, who had taken Ditas on as a special adviser on climate change when he was the Executive Director of the South Centre: “Never have we known someone so totally deeply committed, indeed so fully in love with the Convention, with its faithful interpretation and implementation, with the rights and interests of the developing countries that she came to symbolize so much, for the climate, for Mother Earth and for the people of the world, South or North, East or West, old or young.

Those are her finest legacies to us; the formidable spirit of defending the Convention and what is right, the spirit of taking part despite difficulties and pain, the generosity of sharing, the love for her friends. And in the climate change negotiations, the need for developing countries to unite positions and to put text on the table.”

Vice asked: “What motivated Ditas

to be so passionate and committed to the climate change negotiations?”

Quoting Vice again, “Ditas once said, in an article in The Guardian nine years ago, that climate change is the most complex and satisfying of all the diplomacy she has done because there is so much at stake. Get it right, she said, and the world has the chance to both halt catastrophic climate change and find a better path to develop. Get it wrong and all the injustices and disadvantages that developing countries now face will be magnified 1,000 times in the coming years. She said that “I am not working for developing countries but for our children’s children and what we will leave the world.†Clearly, Ditas not only loved the negotiations and regaled us with stories of negotiations past; she even more so loved her family, and would regale us with stories of the antics and affection of her grandchildren. For her, her work in the climate negotiations was all about leaving behind a better world for her grandchildren to grow up in.”

I last met Bernaditas de Castro Muller in Songdo during the GCF Board meeting. We spent a few hours then working on a common project for the Philippines. As we parted, we embraced and promised to see each other in Katowice In a few months.

I make mine the poem of Zaheer Fakir from South Africa, with whom Ditas worked on climate finance issues and who was a Chair of the Green Climate Fund Board (thanks again to Vice Yu for quoting this). It is entitled In Loving Memory of Our Ditas: “You never said you were leaving us/ You never said goodbye/You were gone before we knew it/And only God knew why.

A million times we needed you/A million times we’ll cry/If love alone could save you/You would never have died.

In life we all loved you dearly/In death we love you still/In our hearts you hold a place/That no one could ever fill.

It breaks our heart to lose you/But you did not go alone/A part of us goes with you/The day God took you home.”

For us in this country, who loved the woman who has given so much to this country and our people, we exclaim with great love and affection: Welcome home, Ditas!

organized by the siblings including Jose, to facilitate the expediency in availing a tax amnesty progran of the government that time.

To execute the transfer, Jose reportedly affixed the thumbmark of their mother on a Deed of Sale covering the properties, but with the full consent of the other siblings.

However, without their knowledge, the Moratos alleged Jose executed a series of Deeds of Sale involving the said properties, transfering the properties his wife Ma. Rosario, the Belmontes – Jaime Miguel, Kuan Kevin and Feliciano Isaac, and JLM Trading Corporation, a company owned by Jose.

The sale of the properties by Javea Properties to the Belmontes and to Jose, his wife and his corporation, was allegedly signed by one Benjamin Sim, who had had no authority to represent the Moratos.

The complainants further alleged Jose obtained Deed of Donation covering one of the properties in favor of his company, by affixing their mother’s thumbmark, who was then reportedly bedridden and too ill to consent to such act by herself.

According to the complainants, sale of the properties was illegal as it

involved fraud. Even the transfer was illegitimate as it violated the law on succession. It affected the complainants who were also children and immediate successors-in-interest and heirs of Consuelo.

The respondents, the complainants alleged, entered into an agreement with Sta. Lucia Land, Inc. for the contruction of a 21-storey condominium over the properties in question and the work commended in April 2018.

And this is where Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte reportedly played a crucial role which prompted the Moratos in filing a case of Violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against the respondents.

According to the complainants, the respondents, mainly Jose Morato and the Belmonte brothers, solicited the active participation and intervention of their sister, Vice Mayor Joy, in the approval and issuance of the Cdertificate of Exception denominated as Reolution No. 7176 Series of 2017 as evidenced by the Minutes df the 3t5th Regular Session held on July 17, 2017, which was appoved and signed

by Vice Mayor Joy herself.

Juico was implicated in the case as she reportedly presided over the Council when the resolution was ap-

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Roblox, the game platform teaching young kids to code

By Julie Jammot

WITH its Lego-like avatars and easy-to-learn coding for budding programmers, the online gaming app Roblox has cornered the market in younger gamers, with 80 million monthly users, many of them under 16.

Now the platform, which has already taken the United States by storm, is setting its sights on Europe and Asia to become a global giant.

Kids log on to the mobile app after school to guide their avatars through obstacle courses full of pitfalls, escape from jail, dive into a treasure hunt or even to build their own adventure park.

None of it is very original, content-wise, and its simplistic, blocky style cannot compete with the lush aesthetics of the big studios' games, but its 3D user-generated games are aimed at younger players, and at teaching them coding skills for the future.

"It's not a game, it's a platform for creativity and play," said Chris Misner, head of Roblox International.

"We provide tools and support for people to build what their imagination wants. The only limit is their imagination."

The company does not release much user data, but claims to have 80 million active players per month in more than 30 countries. Most of the players are aged nine to 12, while content creators tend to be 16 and over.

Misner told AFP the company spends almost nothing on advertising -- word of mouth has been enough to make it one of the most popular entertainment platforms among 6-12 year-olds, according to Comscore.

"We have positive cash-flow," said Misner.

'Building houses' "It is not the first 'meta game' to allow users to engage in worldbuilding, but it's certainly the first to have done so well," said Laurent Michaud, of the online think tank Idate.

While it is free to play, Roblox makes its money from users buying up units of its virtual currency, "Robux," to personalize their avatars or buy kit that helps them advance through the game.

The best developers can make money off it too. Alex Balfanz, a 19-year-old American, created several games before striking gold with his game "Jailbreak" in April 2017, which according to US me-

proved.

According to the complainants, they conspired with one another in securing the Special Permit for the construction of the condominium over the contested properties. Even if it was in violation of the law.

So, for whom exactly are the respondents paying tribute to when they started the construction of the Tribute Tower? Obviously not in honor of the late Mroato matriarch as what the complainants claim when their own brother, in alleged cahoots with the Belmontes and the other respondents, violated Consuelo’s 1976 holographic will, wherein she stated that the family home and the lots on which it stands, shall be preserved as much as possible for her six children for their common and mutual enjoyment and that any partition of the property will never be entertained.

As for the complainants, the Tribute Tower can never compensate for the loss of their ancestral house.

And for Vice Mayor Joy who is now seekng the city’s mayoralty post, this could actually spell disaster for her as the complainants are seeking her supension and that of Juico, along with their perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

dia racked up more than $1 million in a year.

But most of the 56 million games available on the app do not enjoy that level of success.

"Last year I was playing 'Blocks bird' with some friends. You have to get a job, you build houses and go to your friends' houses for parties," said Edouard Chatelain-Moor, 11, who lives in the US capital Washington.

"I don't play that often now," he said. "There are some good games, but you get tired of them after a while because updates are rare."

Launched for computers in 2006, Roblox took a decade to really take off. It is now available on most devices, including Virtual Reality helmets, and even runs summer camps to teach kids to code games.

'Gang rape' Last summer, Roblox gained a lot more publicity, but initially for the wrong reasons.

In June, a seven-year-old girl who was playing the game showed her mother the screen of her iPad, where her avatar was being attacked by two male characters.

It was a scene which the mother, Amber Petersen, later described on Facebook as a "violent gang rape" of her little girl's online character.

"We were upset that somebody had violated the code of conduct," said Misner, noting that 700 moderators oversee the platform.

"It was very a specific incident, we were able to shut it down and put safeguards. It was contained and addressed rapidly."

The disturbing incident has not dented the financial health of the gaming platform: five months ago, it raised $150 million in a round of investor funding and was valued at $2.5 billion, the magazine Techcrunch reported.

"The money will be used to build our infrastructure and our network globally, to increase the performance of our platform and hiring lots of people," said Misner.

"We invest in technology, people, safety, creativity."

As well as being available in English in dozens of countries, Roblox can also be played in Spanish, and has added some support services in French, German, Portuguese, Korean and Mandarin.

It doubled its number of users last year in the European market, which it predicts will surpass its US audience in three to five years.

AFP

Review:...

From A4

personal situation, I interpreted this to mean that my prospects will improve so long as I play by the rules. Other adepts may come up with a different meaning, but the interpretation of Tarot cards is largely intuitive and what’s important is what resonates with the seeker. I’ve found Tarot divination to be not so much a prediction of what is to come but a presentation of the array of options that may not have been readily apparent at first thought.

Compared to Western Tarot cards I’ve used, the Cartas connect me to Filipinas and my sense of identity; they are grounding and centering. They immediately felt familiar and ‘at home’ in my hands. However, the lack of the Minor Arcana does not allow me to use larger spreads to extract more complicated meanings. But for those who intend only to delight in the art and the historical narratives in the book, these cards are enough and perfect.

‘Cartas Philippinensis’ is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and intellectually interesting works I have had the privilege of enjoying. It has a place on every collector’s shelf and in the libraries of those interested in Philippine history, art, and spirituality.

To inquire about ‘Cartas’, call or text Ms. Mimi at 0917-623-4717.

Find me at FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

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News

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Manila Water denies it’s not addressing pollution

By Rio N. Araja EAST zone Manila Water Co. Inc. on Friday denied allegation it was not helping to address pollution at Manila Bay. At a roundtable discussion in Quezon City, Jeric Sevilla, Corporate Strategic Affairs head, said representatives of the water firm were not given the chance to speak well about its efforts to help in the rehabilitation effort to save Manila Bay during a Senate inquiry.

Members of the House of Representatives, including former Manila mayor and Buhay Rep. Joselito Atienza, hit Maynilad Water Services Inc. and the Ayala-led Manila Water for failure to deliver sewage treatment facilities that were supposed to be built and operated a long time ago.

According to Sevilla, the company has “consistently intensified its campaign toward proper wastewater management” in its coverage area through its used water master plan.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources kicked off the P47billion cleanup and rehabilitation of Manila Bay on Jan. 27.

Secretary Roy Cimatu called on the cooperation and participation of the stakeholders, including the two water concessionaires of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

Sevilla said Manila Water would invest P115 billion in capital expenditure for its used water master plan to ensure full sewerage service coverage by 2037.

He said they had invested P33 billion in wastewater infrastructure from 1997 to 2018.

SC rules on officials’ term limits

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Supreme Court has declared that conversion of a municipality into a city does not interrupt the term of office of the incumbent elected officials or affect the three-term limit imposed on them by the Constitution.

The SC ruling means that if a town mayor has served for three consecutive terms or for nine consecutive years and in between his or her terms the municipality was converted into a city, he or she cannot run again for mayor for another term.

The high court cited Section 8, Article X of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that “the term of office of elective local officials… shall be three years and no such official shall serve for more than three consecutive terms.”

“The intention behind the three-term limit rule is not only to abrogate the ‘monopolization of political power’ and prevent elected officials from breeding ‘proprietary interest in their position’ but also to ‘enhance the people’s freedom of choice,’” the SC ruled, in a decision penned by Senior Justice Antonio T. Carpio, involving the case of Mabalacat City in Pampanga.

The SC reiterated its previous ruling that “the conversion of a municipality into a city

does not constitute an interruption of the incumbent official’s continuity of service.”

“We held that to be considered as interruption of service, the ‘law contemplates a rest period during which the local elective official steps down from office and ceases to exercise power or authority over the inhabitants of the territorial jurisdiction of a particular local government unit,’” it said, as it affirmed the Aug. 3, 2016 resolution of the first division of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the May 26, 2017 resolution of the Comelec en banc.

Court records showed that Marino P. Morales was elected and served as mayor of the then municipality of Mabalacat for three consecutive terms from 2007 to2010, 2010 to2013, and 2013 to 2016.

On May 15, 2012 during Morales’ sec-

Morente warns BI officers

By Vito Barcelo

RIVER FESTIVAL. Senator Cynthia Villar (middle) with her daughter Camille (to her right) pose with the Drum and Lyre students from different schools in Las Pinas City during the 5th Las Pinas Zapote River Festival Parade with Drum and Lyre Competition held at Gatchalian Phase7b Las Pinas City. Lino Santos

6 gov’t auxiliary hostage released House to adopt Senate version on seniors

By Francisco Tuyay

SIX government auxiliary men who were taken hostage by terrorist NPA’s who raided a military patrol base were freed after 75 days of captivity even as four NPA rebels and two army soldiers were killed in a renewed fighting preceding a raid by local insurgents at a construction site of a military detachment in Bukidnon.

The six Civilian Active Auxiliary were part of the 15 government troops (two soldiers and 13 CAAs) manning the Tubigon Patrol Base in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur who were kidnapped by the NPA rebels during a raid on December 1 last year.

Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the NPA captors of the six CAAs were forced to released their captives in the midst of exhaustion and on the run from pursuing security forces in Caraga region.

Santos identified the freed CAAs as Jurian Gaviola, Marson Iligan, Bienvenido Lamion. Eddie Tindoy, Sanny Malobay and Hermito Iligan.

The civilians volunteers were reportedly released at the vicinity of Barrage San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur at about 6:07 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Santos said the release was facilitated by a third party—the erstwhile hostages subsequently turned over to the the 401st Brigade at Purok 12-A, Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Santos said military units were continuously conducting operations to rescue the remaining troops who were still being held hostage and used as human shield and propaganda by the NPAs. Meanwhile, four New People’s Army rebels and two army soldiers were killed during a clash preceding a raid by the terrorist group at a construction site of a patrol base at the outskirts of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Thursday night.

Capt. Rhyan Delgado Layug of the 403rd Brigade said a platoon of soldiers was constructing a patrol base in in Sitio Green Valley, Dalwagan, Malaybalay City when some 30 armed NPAs struck at them.

Layug reported that the team of army troopers was surprised and overwhelmed by the attacking NPA rebels resulting to the death of two soldiers.

However, the soldiers managed to retaliate against the rebels forcing them to scamper and flee, dragging with them their four dead comrades.

Layug said the NPA rebel band had admitted in a radio communication intercepted by the military that they indeed lost four men.

ond term, Congress passed Republic Act No. 10164 which converted Mabalacat town into Mabalacat City. RA 10164 was ratified by the town residents in a plebiscite.

On Dec. 8, 2015, Morales filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor of Mabalacat City for the 2016 elections as a substitute candidate for Wilfredo Feliciano.

Mayoralty candidate Pyra Lucas filed a petition to cancel Morales’ COC with an argument that he (Morales) had served three consecutive terms prior to the 2016 elections.

In his answer, Morales insisted that he did not violate the three-term rule because the conversion of Mabalacat town into a city interrupted his term.

He maintained that his term as mayor of Mabalacat City was not a continuation of his term as mayor of Mabalacat town.

By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo has assured senior citizens the House of Representatives will adopt the Senate version on the creation of the National Commission of Senior Citizens to avoid delay in its implementation.

Arroyo gave the assurance to the more than 800 leaders and members of the different senior citizens organizations that attended the consultative meeting at the House of Representatives to discuss the recently approved House Bill 8837.

The oversight committee hearing was requested by the House Special Committee on Senior Citizens chaired

by Rep. Imelda Marcos of Ilocos Norte on the request of the Speaker through

the committee’s vice chairpersons, Reps. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay and Francisco Datol Jr. of Senior Citizens party-list.

The bill proposes the creation of the National Commission of Senior Citizens, provide for its functions, abolish the National Coordinating Council and Monitoring Board and amend for the purpose Republic Act 7432, as amended and appropriate funds therefor.

Both the House and the Senate have passed the bill on the senior citizens national commission on third reading.

“In order to speed up the sending of the bill to the President for his signature, on May 20 after election when we convene, the House will adopt the Senate version so that there will be no more

delay, after which we will send the consolidated version which is the Senate version to the Office of the President,” Arroyo said.

Arroyo also recommended for another oversight committee hearing after May 20 to call those who will do the implementing rules and regulations namely the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines and other stakeholders to do the first draft of the IRR. “So that as soon the President signs the bill, they can proceed to do the official draft of the IRR,” Arroyo said.

IMIGRATION Commissioner Jaime Morente warned immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to stop using mobile phones while on duty or they would be meted out stiff disciplinary actions.

Morente issued the warning after his office received reports that some immigration officers on duty at the NAIA were caught on camera using their mobile phones in violation of a standing directive prohibiting the practice.

The BI chief stressed the use of mobile phones was disallowed to ensure that immigration officers render full and uninterrupted service to the traveling public during their tour of duty.

“I have thus instructed our Port Operations Division Chief, Grifton Medina, to see to it that the ban on mobile phones is implemented to the letter not only at the NAIA but in the other international airports as well,” he said.

For his part, Medina said he had directed BI head supervisors of NAIA’s three terminals and the other airports to take Morente’s warning seriously or be also held responsible for the actions of their subordinates.

“I am taking them to task for every violation of the Commissioner’s directive by any personnel under them,” Medina said.

“Using mobile phones is disallowed as aside from being counterproductive and may promote corruption, it is also an eyesore to passengers who expect us to give them fast and efficient service.”

Meanwhile, Medina said the BI would soon launch an integrity management program for immigration personnel as part of the agency’s anticorruption campaign.

He bared that an integrated management committee, composed of selected BI officials, would soon be formed to formulate and implement anti-corruption measures in all of the bureau’s offices, including the different ports and sub-ports nationwide.

JBC shortlists 13 nominees

DEMOLITION SOON. Vehicles pass along the Tandang Sora Flyover Friday. The flyover will be demolished, while the intersection will be closed for two years starting on February 23 to give way for the construction of the MRT-7 railway and station. Manny Palmero

THE Judicial and Bar Council has transmitted to President Duterte its shortlist of nominees for the Supreme Court associate justice post vacated

by Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin when he was appointed Chief Justice.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, an ex-officio member of the 7-man council, said the JBC shortlisted 13 nominees for the SC justice post, namely: Court of Appeals Associate Justices Edgardo delos Santos and Amy Lazaro-Javier, who both got six votes from the council.

CA Associate Justices Japar Dimaampao and Ramon Garcia and Court of Tax Appeals Presiding Justice Roman Del Rosario got five votes each.

Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and CA justices Henri Inting, Jhosep Lopez, Mario Lopez also landed the shortlist with four votes each.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez and CA justices Eduardo Peralta, and Ricardo Rosario and former Ateneo law school dean Cesar Villanueva completed the list with four votes each, Guevarra said.

Dimaampao, Lazaro-Javier, Tang, Garcia, Marquez, Mario Lopez, and Villanueva are also in the shortlist for another vacancy in 15-member bench, particularly the seat vacated by retired SC Associate Justice Noel Tijam.

The President has yet to appoint a new justice to the SC post vacated by Tijam from the shortlist which was approved by the JBC in early December.

Under the Constitution, the president must choose his appointee from the council’s shortlist. Vacancies in the SC have to be filled within 90 days.

Bersamin took his oath as chief justice last Nov. 28. Tijam retired last Jan. 5. Rey Requejo

Supreme Court junks Mabalacat ex-mayor Morales’ petition MABALACAT CITY—The Supreme Court en banc threw away the petition to unseat the present chief executive here filed by the camp of ex-mayor Marino Morales.

In a 21-page decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the High Tribunal dismissed the petitions for Certiorari filed separately by Morales and Halili.

They were filed few days before Crisostomo Garbo assumed the mayorship as the Comelec rn banc issued a Writ of Execution on June 8, 2017.

The writ ordered for the proclamation of Garbo on June 27, 2017.

The SC dismissed for lack of merit and affirmed Resolution of the Comelec First Division issued on August

3, 2016 and the subsequent Resolution of Comelec En Banc issued on May 26, 2017.

Both were the subject of the petitions of Morales and Halili.

“I am elated with the recent Supreme Court decision as this lay to rest the issue on the legitimacy of my leadership as City Mayor of Mabalacat City. I extend my hand of conciliation to the parties and for them to to help me achieve my dream of transforming Mabalacat City into a world-class City in the Philippines,” said Garbo.

On June 2, 2017, Halili filed with the SC a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with application for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Status Ante Order.

Separately, Morales filed also with the SC three days later a Petition for Certiorari with Urgent Prayer for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Status Ante Order and/or Write of Preliminary Injunction.

The nature of the petitions assailed the rulings of the Comelec of August 3, 2016 and May 26, 2017.

The Comelec’s First Division on August 3, 2016 ordered the cancellation of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of Morales and votes cast in his favor declared astray.

The same ruling ordered the City Board of Canvassers to reconvene and annul the proclamation of Morales and proclaim the qualified candidate with the next highest number of votes. Jess Malabanan

Sports

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Magcalayo cruises to record win in RVF Cup Amateur golf JOLO Magcalayo rolled to a troublefree 11-stroke victory with another 71 while Junia Gabasa needed to hang tough in the clutch to hold off Rianne Malixi and snare the women’s crown in the W Express RVF Cup Amateur Golf Championship at Cangolf’s North course in Laguna.

Magcalayo, who all but clinched the men’s title with a whopping nine-shot lead after three rounds Thursday, just went through the motions in the last 18 holes, mixing two birdies against a bogey and never giving the rest a chance by settling for regulation pars.

Boosted by a solid opening 65, Magcalayo wound up with a 10-under 278 that included back-to-back 71s in the middle rounds that kept him well ahead of the field, completing his dominant, record run despite a day-long struggle in windy conditions yesterday.

“I struggled with my shots that’s why I’m quite disappointed since I wasn’t able to do my game plan,” said Magcalayo, whose romp nearly tripled the four-shot win by Korean Kim Joo Hyung over Aniceto Mandanas last year. “Perhaps,

Kabacan hosts PPS tennis Mindanao leg ACTION in the Mindanao stage of the Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala circuit resumes in Kabacan, Cotabato today with new faces out to grab the spotlight at the Kabacan Tennis Club.

Earl Bermudez gains the top seeding ahead of Bruce Hurtado in the boys’ singles 18-and-under class that also drew the likes of Eric Comendador and Herald Aton while Jonn Nadela and Princess Haro banner the cast in the girls’ side of the premier division of the Group 2 tournament hosted by Mayor Herlo Guzman Jr. A free clinic will also be held among participants as part of the PPS-PEPP’s commitment to help develop the sport in the countryside and at the same time sustain the circuit’s talent-search program.

“There’s a lot of potentials waiting to be tapped, especially in the countryside and the PPS-PEPP circuit will provide them the proper venue to hone their talent and skills,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Ysay Ysulat, Joyce Saldivar, May Torrecareon and Haro, meanwhile, lead the girls’ 16-U field with Reyman Saldivar Jr., Geoross Manuel, JB Comendador and Brent Magno looming as the players to watch in the boys’ section of the same agegroup in the five-day event serving as the third of a six-leg circuit in the region.

Kidapawan City will host the next stop on Feb. 21-25 with the fifth and sixth legs slated in Digos City on Feb. 28-March 4 and Tagum City on March 7-11, respectively.

For details and listup, call PPSPEPP Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464.

Keen competition is also seen in 12- and 14-U divisions as well as the 10-unisex of both categories with five doubles events spicing up the ranking tournament sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg.

it’s because of the wind and I didn’t putt quite well unlike in the first round.”

Still, his four-day performance stood out with Kristoffer Arevalo and Paqo Barro finishing tied for second way behind at 289, 11 shots off the Grade 10 student at De La Salle-Zobel.

Arevalo shot the day’s best six-under 66, spiked by an eagle on No. 14 for a closing 31 for joint runner-up with Barro, who birdied three of the last five holes to finish with a 68.

Gabasa, on the other hand, nearly blew a huge five-shot lead with eight holes left, needing to match Malixi’s par on the final hole to salvage a 74 and a one-stroke victory with a 296 total in women’s play of the 24th staging of the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and held in honor of the late NGAP president and golf patron Rod V. Feliciano.

Malixi fell by five with a bogey on No. 10 but birdied Nos. 14 and 16 and pulled within one as Gabasa bogeyed Nos. 16 and 17. But the former failed to shake off the 18-year-old Cebuana in their final hole duel, settling for par and second at 297 after a 73.

SOLAIRE GOLF AMBASSADOR. World No. 2 Sung Hyun Park (right) dons the Solaire cap as she poses with Solaire Executive Vice President Cyrus Sherafat after signing a sponsorship contract with Solaire Resort & Casino in Korea Thursday. The 25-year-old South Korean ace will be wearing the logo of Solaire, which is run by Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, across her headware for the next two years.

Explosive Superliga opener today

T

HE long wait is finally over as Philippine Superliga Grand Prix fires off with an explosive double-header and a festive opening ceremony today (Saturday) at the Ynares Sports in Pasig City.

Generika-Ayala tests the mettle of Sta. Lucia at 6 p.m., while two-time champion Foton collides with an overhauled United Volleyball Club side in the 4 p.m. opening salvo of this women’s club tourney that has ESPN5 and 5Plus as broadcast partners.

Before that, all eight competing teams will parade from the Oranbo Barangay Hall going to the venue with MFBD Marching Band and an LBGT group as spearheads, giving fans a chance to personally wish them well before they embark in another grueling tourney.

Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. Peter Cayco was invited to deliver the opening remarks, while Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas will

Games Today: (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City) 3:00 p.m. -- Opening ceremony 4:00 p.m. – UVC vs Foton 6:00 p.m. – Sta. Lucia vs Generika-Ayala

render the inspirational speech before PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico declares the games open.

Generika-Ayala is marching with high morale following an impressive run in the All-Filipino Conference of this tourney that is backed by Asics, Mikasa, Mueller, Senoh, Team Rebel Sports, Bizooku, UCPB Gen, Hotel Sogo and Data Project.

With head coach Sherwin Meneses calling the shots and Marivic Meneses, Fiola Ceballos and Patty Orendain at the firing end, the Lifesavers made it all the way to the semifinals before falling prey to a powerhouse F2 Logistics squad.

This impressive run gave the Lifesavers high morale heading into the importflavored Grand Prix.

“Our confidence is high,” said Meneses, who will parade open spiker Nikolle del Rio of Brazil and middle blocker Kseniya Kocyvit of Azerbaijan in their pursuit to advance to the finals for the first time since winning the crown in 2014.

“As much as possible, we want to give our local players a lot of opportunities in the Grand Prix. That’s why we tapped a middle blocker and an open spiker as imports. We want to reward our locals for a job well done in the previous conference.”

Sta. Lucia, however, is coming in with a chip on its shoulders following a winless campaign in the All-Filipino, prompting it to tap a new coach in for-

mer National University mentor Babes Castillo.

Castillo said Filipino-American spiker MJ Philips has yet to fully recover from her shoulder injury, but the rest of the team led by American imports Molly Lohman and Casey Schoenlein are all ready to go.

They also have new players in former Adamson ace Amanda Villanueva and Ateneo libero Rio Lo while veterans Michelle Laborte, Rubie de Leon and Pam Lastimosa return for another tour of duty.

“I expect more energy from the team now,” said Castillo, who took over from George Pascua in the off-season.

“We had a really good four weeks already and everything is working well in this team. The imports are also very young and energetic, so it’s really a good combination. Our hopes for this conference are really high.”

Also set to draw attention is the battle between Foton and UVC.

PVF-Tanduay Athletics U-18 Volleyball tilt set

Bong Tan Jr.

EVERY event held at the Tanduay Athletics Volleyball Center (formerly Cantada Sports Center) is always a festivity.

Action on Feb. 17 (Sunday) will be no exception as the PVF-Tanduay Athletics Under 18 Boys and Girls Volleyball Championships get underway at the newly named Tanduay Athletics Volleyball Center.

Eight teams in both boys’ and girls’ divisions are competing in the one-day league at the multi-court center, with Dr. Otie Camangian acting as Tournament Director.

PVF referees coming from different provinces are tasked to officiate.

Participating teams include those coming from Infanta and Lucban, Quezon; Dasmariñas and Imus Cavite; Bal-

anga, Bataan; Pasig; Muntinlupa; Antipolo; Laguna; and Baguio City.

Players come mostly from public schools under the Department of Edudation.

As always, there are no entry fees and all participants will be treated to sumptuous meals, flowing drinks and very comfortable accommodation for overnight stay. It will have a fiesta atmosphere as only the Cantada family— noted for their hospitality—could provide. The place boasts of a pool, a jacuzzi, billiards and a basketball court with a wooden floor that is exactly the same as the ones installed at the Mall of Asia Arena and Araneta Smart Coliseum.

The tournament is supported by Tanduay Athletics and sportsman Bong Tan Jr.

GOAL to broadcast UEFA Champions League live on Twitter GOAL, the world’s largest online football destination, announced a new collaboration with Twitter to broadcast the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 games live to Twitter users in Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos.

The four games will be available for free to logged-in and logged-out users on Twitter on connected devices in Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos via Goal’s Thai Twitter account @Goal_TH. Twitter will be the exclusive social live stream platform for the following games: Liverpool (@LFC) v Bayern Munich (@FCBayern), Feb. 20, 4 a.m. PHT; Paris SaintGermain (@PSG_inside) v Manchester United (@Ma-

World Slasher...

From A8

Lamoste, Uniprom Inc. COO Irene Jose, as well as the reigning queens Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar, Miss International 2018 First Runnerup Ahtisa Manalo, and the country’s first-ever Miss Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman.

Fielding Kelso, Roundhead and Sweaters in the grueling derby, team CPB and Cris took the solo championship at this year’s WSC first edition with a perfect 9-0 card.

The Birthday Gift 1 and 2 entries of Team Alcala, with 8 points, followed closely behind. Racking up 7.5 points in the last day were Belle Almojera of Florida, and Santi Sierra of Cebu; and 7 pointers were Nene Araneta, Biboy Enriquez, cockfight idol Patrick Antonio, Jomel Gatlabayan and RGBA Friends, Jimmy Junsay, Doc Marvin Rocafort, and Cris/Paolo Mercado.

World Slasher Cup 1 was a success thanks to the support of sponsors Thunderbird, Emperador, and Powertrac – the latter giving out 32” LED TVs each day of the derby to a lucky raffle winner. The derby was also supported by media partners The Journal Group, Pilipino Mirror, Saksi Ngayon and Diaryo Bomba; as well as Pitgames Media Inc., Bakbakan Na TV, Sabong Pilipinas, Tukaan, Sagupaan, and others.

The World Slasher Cup prohibits the use of hennies in the fights.

nUtd), March 7, 4 a.m. PHT; and Manchester City (@ ManCity) v Schalke 04 (@s04), March 13, 4 a.m. PHT. Highlights of all Round 16 games will also be made available to Twitter users in Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. Live and on-demand coverage of all the matches will also be streamed on the Goal website in the region.

“We are delighted to extend the live broadcast of this year’s UEFA Champions League onto Twitter for four key Round of 16 games. This will allow as many fans as possible in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines to enjoy these high-stakes games between some of the best supported teams in the region,” said James

Dickens, Goal’s Head of Content/ Maurizio Barbieri, Head of Sports Partnerships for Southeast Asia at Twitter, said: “Football doesn’t get much bigger than the business end of the UEFA Champions League, so we couldn’t be more excited to be teaming up with Goal to bring live broadcasts of these massive matches to Twitter. Looking at the levels of conversation on Twitter, football fans in our region are some of the most engaged and passionate on the planet, so it’s fitting that the matches are being streamed in this way.”

For more updates, visit Goal or follow them on Twitter at @Goal_TH.

DELTA turns 40 THE De La Salle Tae Kwon Do Association will celebrate its 40th year on Saturday at the DLSU- Henry Sy Hall at Taft Ave., Manila.

The Korean Martial Arts of Taekwondo was introduced to students of De La Salle University by Grandmaster Hong Sun Chon.

Through the years it has produced some of the best Taekwondo jins in the country, some of whom include La Salle Sports Hall of Fame Awardees Cong. Monsour del Rosario and College of St. Benilde Sports Head Stephen Fernandez, who went all the way to the Olympics.

The 40th year milestone brings

together all the alumni of DELTA from DLSU, De La Salle Zobel , La Salle Green Hills and College of St. Benilde to where it all started.

The event will be held at the former DLSU football field where the Henry Sy Hall now stands.

To date, DELTA has raised funds and donated to the DELTA teams of DLSU and CSB, a Precision Scoring System or PSS in order to help them improve in competitions such as the UAAP , the NCAA and other major leagues like the prestigious Philippine Taekwondo League.

DELTA plans to raise more funds and provide LSGH and DLSZ with

their own PSS system each.

Without these systems, current varsity teams are practically practicing blindly since they are not aware as to how the computer sensors work.

Sports

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

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Pelicans surprise Thunder LOS ANGELES—Julius Randle finished with 33 points and 11 rebounds as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame another triple double from Russell Westbrook to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 131-122 on Thursday.

The victory could prove costly for the Pelicans as all-star Anthony Davis left the game with a shoulder injury at the end of the first half.

The disgruntled Davis, who has requested a trade, did not return and it was unknown whether the injury would keep him out of the NBA allstar game on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Davis finished with 14 points in 15 minutes of playing time.

Randle also added three clutch baskets in the final minute and teammate Jrue Holiday scored 32 points for the Pelicans, who have lost eight of their last 12 games as the league now heads into the annual mid-season all-star break.

“Man, we had to be up for this one, the last one before the break,” said Holiday. “We came out and fought hard against a great team with Paul George and Russell Westbrook.”

Westbrook continued his eye-popping performances, extending his league record with an 11th straight triple-double as he finished with 44 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.

It was the 12th time in Westbrook’s career in which he scored at least 40 points in a triple-double. That puts him in a tie for second place with Houston’s James Harden for the most 40-point triple-doubles in NBA history.

However, Westbrook missed badly on a poorly executed three point attempt with Oklahoma City behind by five points late in Thursday’s game.

The Pelicans took possession of the ball and cruised from there.

On Monday, Westbrook’s tripledouble against Portland extended his streak to 10 games, breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s mark of nine straight set in 1968.

“I have so much room for improvement, just for me personally, because I know how good I can be and how much I can bring to the game and to help this team be successful,” he said.

“So I’m very, very optimistic.”

George added 28 points, and Nerlens Noel tallied 22 for the Thunder, who had won four straight and 11 of 12. AFP

Spieth, Kang share lead as Woods waits LOS ANGELES—Three-time majorwinner Jordan Spieth and South Korean Kang Sung topped the leaderboard Thursday when darkness halted play in the weather-hit Genesis Open, where tournament host Tiger Woods never even got to tee off.

Spieth was five-under through 12 holes of the first round and Kang was five-under through 14 at Riviera Country Club, where heavy rain saw the first round get underway in earnest seven hours late.

Organizers tried to get things going on time, only for increasing rain and deteriorating visibility to prompt them to call a halt, and take the unusual step of nullifying the few scores that had been posted.

That saw Phil Mickelson’s unlikely par at Riviera’s 10th—where he was in three bunkers and holed out from the sand—expunged.

Mickelson, coming off a win on Monday at the weather-disrupted Pebble Beach Pro-Am, returned in the afternoon and was one-over through 12 when darkness fell, unable to get much going playing alongside Xander Schauffele and Spieth.

Spieth grabbed five birdies on the rain-softened course while Kang had one bogey, four birdies and an eagle at the par-five 11th.

“Given I went cart path to cart path to junk on the first start, and then we got to re-start the round—I went from kind of being unfortunate to fortunate,” Spieth said.

“Played the par-fives well,” said Spieth, who birdied the three par-fives and also chipped in twice for birdie.

“Really solid start, but certainly got some good breaks,” he said.

Kang said the weather was worse last week at Pebble Beach. AFP

Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. AFP

It’s Bullpups-Eaglets for crown

By Peter Atencio

T

ERRENCE Fortea struck with a season-high 30 points to tow the Nazareth School-National University Bullpups to a 94-72 swamping of the Adamson Baby Falcons and into their eighth straight finals appearance yesterday at the FilOilFlying V Sports Center in San Juan.

Fortea, providing leadership from start to finish, scored his biggest output since the elimination round as the Bullpups hurdled their Final Four assignment with ease in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines Junior Basketball Tournament.

Drawing 13 and 11 points from Cyril Gonzales and Gerry Abadiano, respectively, the Bullpups went on to reach the

best-of-three finals for an eighth consecutive time since 2010.

“We really prepared well for the game.

We executed well,” said Bullpups’ coach Goldwin Monteverde on their campaign.

The Bullpups found themselves in a finals’ clash with the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eaglets for a second straight season.

Led by Kai Sotto, who recovered from

a sprain in the first period, the Eaglets won over the Far Eastern UniversityDiliman Baby Tamaraws, 90-82, to reach the finals with the Bullpups for a second straight year as well.

“Masayang masaya kami, with only five guys coming back from our championship team. Masaya, that we will be able to defend the crown with this young group of talents,” said coach Regie Varilla of the Blue Eaglets, who got 22 points and eight rebounds for the 7’1” Sotto.

Ateneo also got double-digit outputs from four teammates, with Ian Espinosa, who took over Forthsky Padrigao after he went down on cramps, making 19. Jaymalin had 15 and Geo Chiu, who dominated the boards with 11 rebounds after replacing Sotto for most of the first

Charlotte hosts NBA All-Star Weekend IT’S THAT time of the year where 24 of the brightest NBA stars converge in one arena and put on a show for fans all over the world.

The mid-season classic of the NBA, the 2019 All Star Weekend, will be held in Charlotte from Feb. 16 to 18 (Manila Time) and Solar Entertainment’s—Basketball TV & NBA Premium TV—guarantees that you never miss the action.

First event will be the Mountain Dew Rising Stars where top NBA rookies and sophomores are divided into Team USA & Team World take the centerstage on Feb. 16, live at 10 a.m. Team USA will be represented by The second day of the weekend, the State Farm All Star Saturday Night will highlight the highly skilled players of the NBA thru different side activities like the Skills Challenge, 3 Point shootout and the most awaited event—the Dunk Contest. NBA stars that have confirmed participation for the side events include 2x NBA MVP Steph Curry & brother Seth (3 Point Shootout), 2nd year players Kyle Kuzma & Jayson Tatum (Skills Challenge) and Young players Dennis Smith & John Collins (Dunk Contest).

Team Lebron vs Team Giannis. The 2019 NBA All Star Game pits 24 of the best performing players of the 1st half of the season. The team rosters will be unpredictable for the 2nd straight year as the 2 captains are set to draft the players who will be their teammates during the All Star Game. Catch the 2019 NBA All Star Game Live at 9AM

on February 18.

For those who want to experience the 2019 NBA All Star Weekend Live, fans can troop down to the “BTV All Star Festival 2019” on Feb.17 at Eastwood Central Plaza. Fans will be treated to a day of Live NBA events plus different basketball activities that will bring the All Star Experience closer to you! Admission to the event is FREE and you also get a chance to win exclusive merchandise

from NBA partners.

For more schedules & updates, follow Basketball TV on Facebook.com/ basketballtv and Twitter & Instagram @ btvhoops. Basketball TV is seen on Sky Cable Ch 33, Cignal Ch 95, Cablelink Ch 60, GSAT Ch 36 and Easy TV Ch 13.

NBA Premium TV is seen on Sky Cable Ch 84(SD) and Ch 175 (HD), Cignal Ch 96 (SD) and 262 (HD), Cablelink Ch 350 (HD) and Easy TV Ch 14.

Game 1 Monday (FilOil-Flying V Sports Center) 3 p.m. Ateneo vs NU

half, scored 11.

They broke free from a 18-all deadlock at the start of the second period, with JR Jaymalin knocking in two of three triples in the last 8:44 to help Ateneo take command with a 30-18 edge.

Game 1 is slated at 3 p.m. this Monday.

With the Bullpups limiting the Baby Falcons to 18 points in the first period, Reyland Torres scored thrice in the opening minutes of the game before Fortea took over with his drive, triple and three charities.

Pilipinas 3x3 1st leg begins THE search for ranking points that will qualify a team to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics begins today at the start of the first leg of the Chooks-toGo Pilipinas 3x3-2019 President’s Cup. Twelve pioneering teams, which have already been pooled into groups of three, will see action starting at 11 a.m. at the SM Megamall Events Center in Mandaluyong City.

“There’s only one intention for us to start this league. There’s a small window for us to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and that’s through ranking points,” said league owner Ronald Mascariñas.

The San Juan-Go for Gold Knights, which head Pool A, will clash with the Valenzuela Classics in the 11 a.m. opening game.

The Grindhouse Kings of Pasig take on the Marikina Shoemakers, while the Pasig Voyagers will meet the Cebu-Max4 Birada cagers.

Philippine Basketball Association veterans Mac Cardona, John Wilson, and Larry Rodriguez will lead the Knights’ campaign and they will be reinforced by Larry Muyang, Mike Ayonayon, and Cedric Pelayo.

The Zamboanga Valientes are also in Group A, while the Pasig-Grindhouse Kings are grouped together with the Bulacan Kuyas and the Marikina Shomasters in Group B. On the other hand, the Pasay Voyagers, the Cebu-Max4 Birada, and the Vigan Wolves are bunched in Group C. Pool D, considered a tough bracket, will have the 1Bataan Risers, the Bacoor Strikers, and Quezon City-Zark’s Jawbreakers.

Peter Atencio

World Slasher Cup 2 slated

Shown in photo are (from leff ) Miss Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman, Miss International 2018 First Runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar, Mr. Claude Bautista’s representatives Cesar Tan and Alejandro Jochico, Uniprom Inc. COO Irene Jose, and WSC Derby Office head Dong Lamoste

AFTER American Cris Copas of Kentucky and partner Claude Bautista of the CPB group of Mindanao (CPB and Cris entry) topped the 2019 World Slasher Cup 9-Cock Invitational Derby last Feb. 6, World Slasher Cup 2 is already in the works from May 27 to June 2, also at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Those who want to prove their fighting birds’ worth may register their entry with the WSC Derby Office by calling 588-4000 local 8227, or 911-2928.

Foreign and local entries can in-

quire about slots and cock houses as early as now.

Interested parties may also visit www.worldslashercup.ph.

CPB Group’s Bautista, who was represented by Cesar Tan and handler Alejandro Jochico, was feted in a grand awarding ceremony at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center on Wednesday. The champ was presented with a coveted silverplated trophy that was shipped from Hong Kong.

The festivity was also graced

by WSC Derby Office head Dong Turn to A7

IN BRIEF

Villar asks coconut farmers to diversify

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food chair Senator Cynthia Villar urged coconut farmers across the country to venture into other sources of income, such as planting cash crops and inter-cropping, to boost their source of livelihood.

Villar issued the call in the wake of fluctuating copra prices being experienced by farmers in Leyte and Samar islands. The price of copra currently hovers around P10 per kilo.

“Coco farmers should think other source of income like inter-cropping, livestock raising and coffee and cacao farming,” VIllar told reporters on the sideline of Hugpong Ng Pagbabago opening salvo political rally held at the Capitol grounds Tuesday (Feb. 12).

Aside from copra, Villar said coco farmers should venture into coco water and coco sugar as these products are highly in-demand abroad.

“I attended a food fair in Germany where coco water is being processed into coco sugar,” said Villar, adding that the government would provide training and processing equipment. Jess Malabanan

Business

NEA respects right of co-ops to protest

STATE-RUN National Electrification Administration on Friday said it respects the right of the electric cooperatives to engage in peaceful protest against the Department of Energy for alleged “unfair treatment.”

Electric cooperatives in different parts of the country took part in a “Black Valentine’s Day” protest on Thursday against the DoE for initially recommending the cancelation of the franchise of 17 electric cooperatives nationwide.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has since recalled the letter to the House of Representatives, citing the “need to further evaluate and assess the present status and performance” of these ECs. “The NEA respects the right of our electric cooperatives to freely express their sentiments, it being a bulwark of democracy and an essential element against abuse of power,” NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong said.

“Rest assured that the agency under the present government will continue to examine regulatory issuances to ensure that the policy environment is fair, just and equitable... ,” he added.

Alena Mae S. Flores

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

B1

By Julito G. Rada

BATUMI TERMINAL EXPANSION. International Container Terminal Services Inc. formally inaugurates the expansion of the Batumi International Container Terminal in Georgia. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate BICT’s multifaceted expansion program are (from left) Salvatore Prudente, executive director of MEDLOG Georgia; Giorgi Kobulia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; Hans Ole Madsen, ICTSI senior vice president and Europe, Middle East and Africa head; and Tornike Rizhvadze, chairman of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.

Ayala Land upbeat, allots P130b for capex this year

By Jenniffer B. Austria

M

AJOR property developer Ayala Land Inc. has allotted P130 billion for capital expenditures this year, up 18.2 percent from P110 billion in 2018, as the company continues to build its growth plans.

Ayala Land president and chief executive Bernard Vincent Dy said in a press briefing the company would launch P130 billion worth of residential and office units for sale in 2019.

Ayala Land registered a net income of P29.2 billion in 2018, up 16 percent from P25.3 billion in 2017, fueled by strong demand from the residential sector as well as the healthy performance of the leasing businesses.

Ayala Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated revenues in

2018 rose 17 percent to P166.2 billion Property development revenues increased 18 percent to P113.4 billion on sustained robust sales across its residential, office for sale and commercial lot segments, while leasing revenues grew 17 percent to P34.9 billion on the back of robust local consumption, the increasing demand in business process outsourcing offices and a thriving tourism sector “As we celebrated our 30th year in 2018, we remained focused on developing more sustainable communities that enrich the lives of Filipinos. We introduced two new estates to bring our total to 26, registered the highest level of residential sales in our history, and stayed on track to open more commercial developments. These led to strong financial results and positioned our company for continued growth in the coming years,” Dy said.

The property firm in 2018 launched P139.4 billion worth of residential and office for sale projects. Reservation sales reached P141.9 billion, up 16 percent from P122 billion in the previous year, driven by strong demand from lo-

cal and overseas Filipinos.

Revenues from the sale of residential lots and units rose 18 percent to P94.6 billion in 2018, while revenues from the sale of office spaces climbed 16 percent to P11 billion.

The company opened three new malls in 2018, namely Circuit Mall in Makati with 52,000 square meters of gross leasable area, Capitol Central Mall in Bacolod with 67,000 sqm. of GLA and One Bonifacio High Street in Taguig with 23,000 sqm of GLA. This brings the total GLA of shopping centers to 1.90 million sqm at the end of 2018.

Revenues from shopping centers reached P19.9 billion, up 13 percent from a year ago.

Ayala Land also completed new offices in 2018, namely Bacolod Capitol Corporate Center with 11,000 sqm of GLA, Vertis North Corporate Center 3 with 38,000 sqm and Ayala North Exchange with 20,000 sqm ,its HQ tower and 22,000 sqm of GLA in BPO Tower.

Ayala Land’s office leasing business had a total GLA of 1.11 million sqm at the end of 2018.

MANILA BAY REHAB.

Visiting Filipino scientist and United Nations consultant Dr. Noel Moya (left), who is based in Toronto, Canada, and Frederick Erum (right) of Forming Access & Support, meet with Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor and Manila Yacht Club Comdr Robert Joseph during the kick-off ceremony of SAVE MANILA BAY at the Quirino Grandstand. He is here to offer his services in solving the water pollution at the bay.

Colliers calls for more PH hotels to meet demand

By Othel V. Campos COLLIERS International Group Inc., one of the top global real estate services and investment management companies, urged property developers to create more local hotels and other brands near airports to keep pace with the increasing demand for rooms and space.

The company monitored the opening of about 1,000 new hotel rooms in the second half of 2018, including the 357-room Hilton Manila and the 390-room Sheraton Manila in the Newport Area and Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.’s 130-room Mella Hotel in Las Piñas.

Colliers sees an aggressive completion of local hotel brands by well-established property companies like Ayala Land Inc., Filinvest Land Inc., Rockwell Land Corp., 8990 Holdings Inc., Eton Properties Philippines Inc. and Vista Land from 2019 to 2021.

All other developments are expected to be spread among integrated townships across Metro Manila. Foreign brand owners, meanwhile, expect to wrap up new projects in one to two years. They include Okura, Mövenpick, Mandarin Oriental and additional rooms in Okada Manila.

About 40 percent of the 5,500 new hotel rooms due to be completed from 2019 to 2021 are classified as three-star. Colliers estimated the annual completion of about 1,800 new units each year from 2019 to 2021.

Despite the growing numbers of international visitors, most of foreign branded hotels in Manila still lag behind their Asian counterparts because of the relatively lower number of tourist arrivals in the country compared with other Asian destinations.

The Philippines, thus, receives one of

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Remittances increased 3% to hit record $28.9b in ‘18

Cebu Pacific plans more Japan flights

CEBU Pacific plans to mount flights out of Clark International Airport to Japan.

“Manila is too full so we for us to grow more, we need to have more hub point to fly in. I think another one is Clark because that is also other international point,” said Cebu Pacific country manager to Japan Tomohiko Matsumoto.

Matsumoto added the airline planned to add more flights to Japan from Cebu.

“I think Cebu is one of Japanese favorite destinations so that is also being studied. Right now, Narita to Cebu is the only one that we have direct Cebu and Japan route but we may have other points to Cebu,” he added.

Matsumoto said Filipino visitors to Japan had been rapidly growing in the last five years.

“Every year the number of Filipino visitors are increasing by almost 70,000 to 80,000 and last year it reached half a million visitors from Philippines,” he said.

Matsumoto vsaid Japanese visitors to the Philippines were also increasing.

Darwin G. Amojelar

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

Accuracy of GDP forecasts by economists improving THE Finance Department said the accuracy of gross domestic product growth forecasts published by economists from prominent institutions improved in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Based on the DoF’s analysis among the 10 published estimates in the fourth quarter of 2018, the most accurate forecast was only 0.1 percentage point away from the official estimate (an error of 1.6 percent) compared with the weakest, which was 0.4 percentage point higher than the official figure (off by 6.6 percent).

Only two out of 10 forecasts have errors greater than 5 percent, an improvement from 7 out of 15 forecasts with errors above 5 percent in the third quarter

of 2018.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the DOF’s Strategy, Economics and Results Group analyzed the performance of 20 economists and analysts from institutions that regularly announce their forecasts in Manila’s daily newspapers. Not all analysts regularly publish their forecasts.

From 2016 to 2018, quarterly forecast errors averaged 5.6 percent, with 13 out of 20 forecasters scoring an average error of more than 5 percent.

The best forecaster registered an average error of 3.1 percent, while the widest margin was 7.2 percent during the period 2016-2018. An error of 5

percent or less is considered a good forecast.

Analysts and economists from the following organizations, listed from most to least accurate, published forecasts for 7 or more out of 12 quarters covered in the DoF analysis.

They are Security Bank, Ateneo de Manila University, Institute for Development and Econometric Analysis, University of Asia & the Pacific, De La Salle University, Land Bank of the Philippines, BDO-Nomura, Union Bank of the Philippines, Asian Institute of Management, University of Sto. Tomas, DBS Bank, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and ANZ Philippines.

Julito G. Rada

MONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas in 2018 reached a record $28.943 billion, up 3.1 percent from the $28.06 billion a year ago and surpassing slightly the revised 3-percent growth target for the entire year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

“Cash remittances in 2018 remained strong amid political uncertainties across the globe. This is evident in Asia, the Americas and Europe, which grew annually by 12.3 percent, 9.7 percent, and 7.7 percent, respectively,” the Bangko Sentral said.

“The growth in these regions made up for the 15.3-percent decrease in remittances from the Middle East, partly due to the continued repatriation program of the government,” BSP said.

The bulk of cash remittances for the year came from the US, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Canada, Germany and Hong Kong. Cash remittances from these countries accounted for almost 79 percent of total cash remittances.

Cash remittances in December rose 3.9 percent to an all-time high of $2.849 billion from $2.741 billion on year.

The growth in cash remittances in December was supported by the transfers from both land-based and sea-based overseas Filipino workers, which grew 2.8 percent and 4.6 percent from last year’s level, respectively.

The countries that contributed most to the increase during the month were the US and Canada.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also registered a record high of $32.2 billion in 2018, up 3 percent over the $31.288 billion a year ago.

Personal remittances in December rose 3.6 percent to a record $3.2 billion from $3.046 billion on year.

“The growth in personal remittances during the year was driven by remittance inflows from land-based OFWs with work contracts of one year or more and remittances from both sea-based and land-based OFWs with work contracts of less than one year, which rose annually by 2.8 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively,” the central bank said.

PH Resorts trims offering price to P3.65 per share

PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc., the leisure and gaming unit of Davaobased businessman Dennis Uy, has cut the offer price of its planned share sale to P3.65 to P5.84 per share from the original offer price of up to P9 apiece.

PH Resorts is now looking to raise between P7.5 billion and P12 billion from the sale of up to 2.054 billion common shares at the current price range.

It set the offering period from March 4 to March 8 and listing date on March 18.

PH Resorts will use the net proceeds from the offering to partially fund the construction of two integrated resort and casino complexes and expansion of its Donatela Hotel in Bohol.

The company hired CLSA Ltd. and UBS as the international underwriters and China Banking Corp. as the the domestic lead underwriter of the offering.

The company will have public float of 30 percent if the offered shares and over allotment shares are issued.

PH Resorts plans to pump in $1 billion (P53.3 billion) to fund the construction of two casino projects—The Emerald an integrated resort and casino in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu, and Clark Resort, an integrated gaming and tourism resort in the Clark Freeport Zone.

The construction of The Emerald began in December 2017 and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2020.

The first phase is expected to have 7,585 square meters of aggregate gaming floor area, with 1,186 electronic gaming machines, 146 gaming tables, a five-star hotel with 838 rooms including five villas, a retail complex covering 8,000 square meters, a convention center and 18 restaurants. Jenniffer B. Austria

B2

Business

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market tumbles; Bloomberry rises

T

HE stock market slumped Friday amid the impasse on the US-China trade talks and Wall Street’s decline overnight after the release of weak US retail sales.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 82.36 points, or 1 percent, to 7,908.89 on a value turnover of P16.4 billion. Losers beat gainers, 127 to 83, with 46 issues unchanged.

BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, fell 5 percent to P133.60, while PLDT Inc., the largest telecommunications firm, also lost 5 percent to P1,112.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty family dropped 3 percent to P990, but casino operator Bloomberry Resorts

Corp. advanced 7.6 percent to P13.

The rest of Asian stocks retreated Friday as the US hailed “productive” trade talks in Beijing despite earlier reports suggesting an impasse, while Wall Street was hit by weak US retail sales.

Bourses across the region were already well down as Chinese inflation eased more than expected, reflecting sluggish demand.

With no further detail available about the outcome of the talks, traders turned their attention to a planned meeting between US officials and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing later Friday.

American and Chinese officials had gathered in a bid to resolve differences on trade before US President Donald Trump’s March 1 deadline for escalating tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports.

Trump indicated earlier in the week he could extend the deadline if progress

was made by the delegates.

His economic advisor Larry Kudlow said the talks were “covering all the ground,” and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin tweeted that the meetings were “productive.”

But multiple reports said there had been little progress on thorny issues such as US demands that China crack down on forced technology transfers and reduce subsidies that favor domestic companies.

Hong Kong shed 1.9 percent while Shanghai fell 1.4 percent. Tokyo dropped 1.1 percent, with equities weighed down as the safe-haven yen rose, harming exporters.

Seoul, Taipei, Wellington and Jakarta all posted losses too, though Sydney edged up.

The bearish mood was amplified by official data showing factory and consumer price inflation in China rose at a slower rate than expected in January.

The weak producer prices were “a concern since these are highly correlated with profit growth in industry,” Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said in a research note.

Wall Street fell earlier after data showed US retail sales had dropped 1.2 percent in December—the largest month-to-month decrease in nine years.

The report suggested American consumers had held back during a peak holiday shopping season that coincided with a plunge in the stock market.

Markets shrugged off the news that the US Congress passed a spending bill to avert a government shutdown, which Trump has signaled he will sign before midnight Friday.

Any optimism was offset as the American president alarmed lawmakers with a plan to declare a national emergency to fund his controversial wall on the Mexico border. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND FIRST ABACUS IREMIT MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK VANTAGE

59.15 90.9 2.24 136 1.5 27.95 7.58 17.24 13.1 4.64 7.74 0.7 1.5 0.485 82.4 1.32 14 48 185 114.2 58.85 26.25 175.1 1,780 62 1.15

59.15 92 2.24 138.8 1.5 28 7.58 17.46 13.18 4.64 7.74 0.71 1.5 0.5 82.4 1.37 14 48.5 186 114.2 59 26.75 176.5 1,780 62 1.3

59 89.2 2.24 133.3 1.42 27.75 7.58 17.24 12.96 4.6 7.74 0.61 1.43 0.475 80 1.24 13.8 47.55 185 114.2 58.45 26.25 171.5 1,780 61.5 1.14

FINANCIALS 59 2,010 89.2 8,806,520 2.24 1,000 133.6 8,492,380 1.42 146,000 27.95 34,100 7.58 200 17.36 152,700 13.1 749,100 4.6 41,000 7.74 600 0.7 153,000 1.48 25,000 0.475 401,000 80 2,333,800 1.25 3,330,000 13.8 27,000 48.3 111,700 185 700 114.2 20 59 7,430 26.5 186,700 172.2 426,750 1,780 95 62 16,590 1.19 1,287,000

118,591.50 798,732,997 2,240 1,138,893,614 208,980 949,075 1,516 2,655,174 9,781,246 188,640 4,644 105,110 36,290 192,380 189,047,867.50 4,400,000 377,600 5,354,155 129,520 2,284 437,108 4,958,800 73,767,144 169,100 1,028,504.50 1,544,060

118,000 46,876,313 -515,704,417 8,385 626,390 -2,247,518 -46,522,581 -17,720 2,106,330 125,800 2,653,000 16,855,438 16,940

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

36.6 16.6 1.05 1.56 0.25 97 2.42 16.16 125 29.9 16.6 43.5 63.95 71 1.8 6.45 6.79 11.66 15.98 8.25 7.5 21.2 72.85 26.4 3.21 9.14 12.68 1.79 321.2 52.5 4.36 3.73 14.64 27.25 13 18.18 362 0.22 6.15 1.4 3.79 6.7 8.9 1.3 11.38 47.45 6 4.71 2.19 3.06 1.44 12.42 92 6.3 0.133 1.3 144 2.73 1.72 1.42

37.55 16.68 1.05 1.61 0.25 98.3 2.43 16.16 125 29.9 16.6 43.5 63.95 71 1.85 6.46 6.79 11.68 16 8.3 7.7 21.2 73.5 27.3 3.21 9.4 12.98 1.79 323.8 53 4.36 3.73 15.24 27.45 13.48 18.26 369.6 0.221 6.15 1.42 3.8 6.82 8.9 1.31 11.56 47.45 6.01 4.71 2.19 3.07 1.44 12.84 93 6.36 0.139 1.38 147 2.84 1.73 1.42

34 16.2 1.02 1.5 0.244 97 2.2 15.8 125 28.7 16.5 43.5 63.95 71 1.8 6.45 6.62 11.58 15.94 8.2 7.5 20.3 72.75 26.4 3.14 9.14 12.4 1.75 316.6 52.5 4.36 3.56 13.58 27.1 13 18.04 355 0.2 5.92 1.36 3.79 6.55 8.9 1.29 11.22 46.85 6 4.7 1.85 2.92 1.36 12.4 91 6.28 0.133 1.2 143.8 2.61 1.68 1.38

INDUSTRIAL 34 1,310,600 16.2 282,100 1.02 7,215,000 1.56 10,401,000 0.25 2,150,000 98.3 190 2.24 27,100,000 15.84 721,100 125 190 29.5 141,700 16.52 7,000 43.5 200 63.95 20 71 60 1.85 121,000 6.45 4,100 6.7 6,800 11.66 530,800 15.94 184,800 8.28 108,300 7.62 280,400 20.6 1,242,500 72.8 92,550 27.3 3,900 3.18 14,771,000 9.38 660,900 12.5 432,500 1.75 303,000 316.6 615,040 53 3,500 4.36 2,000 3.6 9,000 14 178,500 27.45 303,800 13.1 2,476,800 18.1 566,000 355 224,800 0.201 6,180,000 6 10,500 1.36 4,436,000 3.79 32,000 6.6 67,847,900 8.9 500 1.31 4,597,000 11.56 225,400 46.9 421,300 6 17,500 4.7 130,000 1.9 1,629,000 3.02 97,000 1.36 480,000 12.54 217,900 91.95 244,650 6.36 12,400 0.139 330,000 1.23 10,320,000 146 995,590 2.84 564,000 1.72 2,116,000 1.38 2,396,000

46,545,435 4,671,584 7,409,870 16,163,540 527,010 18,448 62,870,470 11,549,794 23,750 4,174,245 115,636 8,700 1,279 4,260 220,400 26,465 45,698 6,170,416 2,951,836 895,708 2,126,075 25,612,400 6,743,934.50 103,110 46,750,900 6,170,734 5,486,600 534,750 197,234,356 184,750 8,720 32,580 2,529,216 8,283,095 32,661,152 10,252,248 80,948,806 1,286,190 62,998 6,157,630 121,450 449,096,371 4,450 5,986,160 2,573,950 19,773,445 105,020 611,010 3,318,410 291,400 662,990 2,736,182 22,536,282 78,051 43,950 13,549,590 145,703,471 1,533,940 3,616,880 3,357,450

10,018,725 -242,708 519,480 -92,280 281,600 4,624,860 -11,242,646 -620,265 110,600 -11,426 1,648,340 55,930 -42,158 216,332 -792,670 -1,123,541.50 -3,024,860 1,294,917 -71,206 49,575,110 293,980 7,797,460 -708,074 200,982 -4,678,436 418,500 -11,370 -110,151,254 -93,600 -9,217,900 -53,990 -517,010 740,354 -3,778,132 4,050 90,800 103,129,862 -446,660 -

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.85 63 13.86 0.84 6.5 23 1.43 1.45 926 7.37 12.6 14.2 0.228 1,000 6.08 62.5 0.63 5.23 15.08 4.9 0.044 1.2 2.71 2.58 164 2.36 989 0.8 1.39 276.2 0.26 0.37

0.86 66 14.02 1.22 6.5 24.2 1.45 1.46 961 7.37 12.72 14.72 0.295 1,000 6.15 64.95 0.63 5.26 15.3 4.91 0.047 1.2 2.8 2.58 164 2.38 989 0.83 1.42 282 0.265 0.4

0.83 62.4 13.8 0.84 6.5 21.5 1.42 1.44 926 7.3 12.48 14 0.228 981 6.08 62.25 0.62 5.15 14.8 4.79 0.042 1.18 2.63 2.58 162.1 2.36 969.5 0.79 1.36 273 0.255 0.36

HOLDING FIRMS 0.85 22,684,000 66 2,127,800 13.86 11,061,600 0.9 23,341,000 6.5 300 21.5 503,900 1.44 2,862,000 1.45 1,328,000 961 956,590 7.34 581,800 12.5 2,369,100 14.06 1,882,400 0.235 5,410,000 990 319,805 6.15 17,800 62.25 1,601,790 0.63 127,000 5.26 860,700 15.3 3,324,600 4.79 8,137,000 0.042 308,700,000 1.18 289,000 2.63 684,000 2.58 1,000 163 492,150 2.38 14,000 970 292,000 0.83 201,000 1.42 75,000 278.4 10,440 0.255 5,640,000 0.38 108,950,000

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY

11.92 0.8 11.06 1.85 0.93 44.95 2.51 3.96 6.48 0.495 0.84 0.94 0.255 0.415 10.46 22.5 0.55 0.14 1.54 1.24 5.15 0.44 0.47 2.22 0.49

12 0.83 11.06 2.25 1.02 44.95 2.55 4.02 6.48 0.5 1.1 1.05 0.26 0.425 10.6 22.85 0.6 0.14 1.54 1.31 5.2 0.44 0.47 2.22 0.51

11.8 0.79 10.96 1.85 0.9 44.2 2.49 3.9 6.22 0.485 0.84 0.9 0.25 0.41 10.26 22.45 0.55 0.132 1.52 1.24 5.13 0.42 0.47 2.2 0.46

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

2.91 22.85 2.06 3.13 39 1.42 6.38 0.77 6.3

2.91 22.9 2.06 3.15 39.4 1.45 6.38 0.85 8

2.75 21.8 2.03 3.13 38.95 1.38 6.05 0.74 6.24

2.76 21.95 2.04 3.13 39.4 1.44 6.1 0.82 8

1,264,000 2,228,100 41,000 236,000 4,340,400 2,719,000 1,192,600 1,521,000 17,868,600

3,512,840 49,738,940 83,690 739,720 170,748,800 3,822,390 7,339,914 1,223,710 138,512,249

-58,820 -18,024,400 33,355,400 -13,800.00 -29,900 -33,439,408

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA GRAND PLAZA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

13.1 23.2 1.32 0.465 0.045 15.76 3.01 12.1 0.067 87.65 6.36 7.21 15.2 1,930 5.8 360 11.04 2.82 2.1 115.8 10.96 7.2 0.149 6.3 3.15 15.94 3.32 0.96 19.8 0.77 2.88 2.09 2.11 16.02 3.14 9.3 12.4 5.6 133.5 3.2 1,170 0.97 1.44 47 88.5 8.88 2.34 0.77 0.45 5.56 0.74 14.5

13.8 23.2 1.32 0.465 0.046 15.76 3.02 13 0.069 87.65 6.4 7.21 15.22 1,983 5.82 360 11.06 2.95 2.1 116.8 11.22 7.24 0.149 6.38 3.15 15.94 3.32 0.96 20.05 0.84 3.03 2.12 2.3 17.88 3.19 9.3 12.4 5.6 133.8 3.22 1,202 0.98 1.53 47.5 89 8.98 2.35 0.77 0.45 5.61 0.75 14.5

13.04 22.9 1.32 0.45 0.043 15.76 2.75 12.08 0.067 86.1 6.2 7.2 14.92 1,890 5.76 348.4 11.04 2.81 2.01 115 10.94 7.1 0.13 6.17 3.15 15.52 3.31 0.9 19.4 0.75 2.85 2.06 2.11 16.02 3.05 9.26 12 5.02 132.8 3.15 1,112 0.95 1.33 46.9 85 8.81 2.13 0.74 0.44 5.56 0.71 14.04

SERVICES 13.7 23 1.32 0.46 0.045 15.76 2.85 13 0.068 86.5 6.2 7.2 15.16 1,890 5.78 360 11.06 2.9 2.1 115 11.22 7.2 0.13 6.2 3.15 15.52 3.31 0.93 19.62 0.79 3 2.06 2.3 17.88 3.07 9.26 12.2 5.4 133.8 3.18 1,112 0.97 1.33 47.1 85 8.98 2.13 0.74 0.445 5.6 0.72 14.04

29,200 66,500 27,000 1,650,000 24,400,000 100 2,751,000 118,928,500 71,280,000 87,040 2,221,000 14,500 174,300 33,925 64,700 2,250 800 2,567,000 81,000 2,369,370 3,100 10,200 36,650,000 3,969,500 3,000 6,700 413,000 63,000 362,600 21,473,000 7,466,000 400,000 35,000 2,400 1,727,000 2,200 101,000 4,425,300 112,830 1,482,000 247,530 4,767,000 109,099,000 594,000 491,420 63,000 23,349,000 18,572,000 8,190,000 1,071,200 1,773,000 1,991,500

385,088 1,529,860 35,640 750,950 1,076,700 1,576 7,955,300 1,516,416,386 4,799,590 7,529,923 13,850,627 104,420 2,632,528 65,430,265 375,070 803,920 8,846 7,434,510 165,880 275,220,359 34,242 72,789 5,001,980 24,831,750 9,450 105,246 1,367,420 56,820 7,172,542 16,974,800 22,295,640 829,210 75,040 42,354 5,320,600 20,440 1,227,288 23,674,528 15,095,254 4,722,820 280,536,180 4,616,760 157,092,600 28,057,115 42,437,721.50 560,898 51,436,270 13,986,790 3,661,350 5,990,017 1,295,180 28,208,802

-54,430 -381,465,748 -2,681,283.50 -2,274,804 -98,708 -8,601,190 21,360 -165,960 164,129,395 40,800 1,147,678 1,029,812 2,627,060 -432,810 73,316 717,226 4,022,585 266,690 -1,264,320 10,815,690 19,905,253 -88,800 2,535,260 3,139,170 -1,244,728 -354,776

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK BENGUET A BENGUET B CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL PHINMA PETRO PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.0022 1.53 2.96 13.96 1.35 1.26 2.16 0.32 8.1 1.48 0.315 0.131 0.133 0.011 0.01 1.14 2.65 1.17 0.77 1 0.012 0.013 0.013 3.59 4.16 14.22 23.5 0.0088

0.0022 1.53 3 13.96 1.35 1.26 2.24 0.32 8.14 1.68 0.325 0.131 0.135 0.011 0.01 1.14 2.65 1.17 0.81 1.03 0.013 0.013 0.013 3.59 4.18 14.52 23.5 0.0088

0.0021 1.49 2.96 13.5 1.34 1.23 2.16 0.3 7.93 1.48 0.305 0.131 0.133 0.009 0.009 1.09 2.6 1.08 0.75 0.99 0.012 0.013 0.012 3.29 4.07 14.16 23.05 0.008

MINING & OIL 0.0022 519,000,000 1.49 4,184,000 3 33,000 13.9 2,000 1.34 75,000 1.23 32,000 2.16 2,987,000 0.305 2,370,000 8.14 2,900 1.66 32,777,000 0.305 3,360,000 0.131 550,000 0.135 30,000 0.0091 84,600,000 0.0093 82,900,000 1.13 266,000 2.65 2,032,000 1.12 410,000 0.76 3,399,000 1 565,000 0.013 2,100,000 0.013 450,200,000 0.012 4,000,000 3.53 354,000 4.07 1,630,000 14.16 637,300 23.05 734,500 0.008 94,000,000

1,136,100 6,292,070 98,600 27,146 100,560 39,480 6,555,650 726,750 23,489 53,321,200 1,042,150 72,050 4,010 793,450 801,040 295,130 5,321,620 446,940 2,690,760 567,210 26,100 5,852,600 51,600 1,197,410 6,775,190 9,065,076 17,002,985 785,400

-757,710 21,700 -926,150 -3,150 -9,240 -30,450 -117,710 -545,460 -770,970 -4,784,085 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FPH PREF C GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF B LR PREF PNX PREF 3A SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

20.8 461 482 101 97 450 497 899 1 100 991 75.5 76.45 73.5 75.3 73.2 73.75 73.5

20.8 461 498.4 101 98 455 497 900 1.01 100 991 75.5 76.5 73.5 75.3 73.2 74 73.5

20.7 461 482 101 97 450 496 899 1 100 991 75.1 76.45 73.4 75.3 73.2 73.75 73.4

PREFERRED 20.7 30,600 461 50 498.4 60 101 1,500 98 36,040 450 1,620 496 580 900 30 1.01 152,000 100 30 991 9,590 75.1 80 76.5 31,670 73.45 55,000 75.3 50 73.2 50 74 5,500 73.5 41,050

635,470 23,050 29,576 151,500 3,495,930 729,328 287,920 26,990 152,020 3,000 9,503,690 6,016 2,422,600 4,041,750 3,765 3,660 406,725 3,016,675

-4,984 881,450 406,725 -

LR WARRANT

1.93

1.93

1.91

WARRANTS 1.92 133,000

255,540

-

MS

PROPERTY 11.96 0.8 10.96 1.93 0.9 44.5 2.5 4.02 6.48 0.485 0.85 0.9 0.255 0.415 10.4 22.45 0.57 0.134 1.52 1.25 5.13 0.44 0.47 2.21 0.48

2,283,400 4,308,000 3,000 7,525,000 19,253,000 6,612,900 989,000 2,042,000 6,200 14,831,000 5,917,000 2,669,000 17,270,000 1,120,000 1,520,500 383,200 16,599,000 2,950,000 5,580,000 2,643,000 17,136,800 18,920,000 570,000 2,854,000 6,630,000

19,274,620 137,056,172 154,009,442 25,052,100 1,950 11,247,225 4,095,530 1,928,340 903,252,235 4,267,120 29,813,588 26,746,036 1,450,140 316,544,350 109,370 101,088,352.50 78,840 4,478,852 50,328,964 39,380,220 13,631,300 341,740 1,851,040 2,580 80,248,651 33,260 284,152,720 161,160 102,550 2,921,102 1,456,200 42,184,000

27,276,560 3,480,890 32,980 15,440,780 18,619,030 294,734,680 2,470,420 8,020,370 39,396 7,251,790 5,743,250 2,572,390 4,429,500 464,000 15,872,542 8,630,860 9,532,220 397,800 8,569,920 3,387,980 88,707,461 8,103,550 267,900 6,299,950 3,239,350

-601,580 -20,968,510.50 50,905,414 -617,310 1,950 225,925 1,026,580 62,174,420 -490,964 19,508,590 2,425,904 -175,329,267.50 49,814,895.50 289,390 -2,188,658 6,215,400 9,000 441,210 28,581 -93,250,340 -1,042,752.00 -952,850 -5,805,542 9,800 101,791,110 -600,100 -7,031,820.00 490 -24,110 -19,600 -2,550 2,549,280 835,230 908,820 -495,300 25,400 73,568,161 -208,900 -4,700 -75,550 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.72 1.79

4.79 1.81

4.7 1.57

FIRST METRO ETF

119

119.2

118

USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10.1 1

TRADING SUMMARY

10.1 1

SHARES

FINANCIAL

72,678,536

INDUSTRIAL

177,937,719

HOLDING FIRMS

524,379,291

PROPERTY

192,099,919

SERVICES

476,038,503

MINING & OIL

1,293,533,584

GRAND TOTAL

2,813,907,530

10.1 1

4.71 1.6

SME

554,000 76,680,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118 5,020 10.1 1

DDS

10,000 2,300

2,614,940 127,813,010

-9,440 -24,309,740

593,908

77,025

101,000 2,300

-

VALUE 1,786.39 (down) 48.71 8,093,729,072.31 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,457.29 (down) 91.59 1,390,155,525.49 HOLDING FIRMS 7,901.93 (up) 9.52 3,077,546,460.07 PROPERTY 4,036.70 (up) 6.93 1,568.54 (down) 21.92 922,998,058.50 SERVICES MINING & OIL 8,492.91 (down) 23.28 2,654,728,294.93 PSEI 7,908.89 (down) 82.36 121,147,431.73 All Shares Index 4,823.32 (down) 28.32 16,391,332,179.52 Gainers: 83; Losers: 127; Unchanged: 46; Total: 256

Meralco taps solar power in energizing Isla Verde

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, is switching on its first 32-kilowatt solar micro grid facility in Isla Verde in Batangas province as part of a commitment to achieve total electrification in the franchise area.

The Batangas City local government unit, the United States Agency for International Development and Meralco collaborated in the construction of the solar panel micro-grid and 192-kilowatt hour battery storage facility.

The project was formally switched on Friday after leasing agreements were finalized and secured approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission.

“This is the fulfillment of our promise to provide electric service to the people of Isla Verde,” said Meralco senior vice president and head of networks Ronnie Aperocho, who led the Meralco team.

The project is Meralco’s first solar microgrid–small-scale power grids that can be operated independently from the country’s interconnected network of power transmission facilities.

“The project was intentionally pursued using green energy, and with a safe and sustainable supply of power, another Batangas destination will be given the opportunity to further develop. We are happy to be of help in uplifting the lives of everyone in the island,” said Aperocho.

The project supports the distribution utility’s initiatives toward using more sustainable energy sources and highlights efforts on rural electrification, a point of focus by President Rodrigo Duterte, who has said he wanted to put a stop to hurdles in the electrification of rural areas.

The project provides electricity to an initial 30 households.

Isla Verde is surrounded by waters and situated six kilometers from Luzon. It is accessible only through a one-and-a-half-hour boat ride, making it a challenge to connect with the mainland power grid.

Local residents for years have been subsisting on diesel generator sets from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for electricity.

ePLDT launches solutions against cyber criminals

By Darwin G. Amojelar ePLDT said it is committed to deliver the best-in-class cyber security solutions to protect subscribers from cyberattacks. ePLDT said it was delivering a more secure internet experience for residential, mobile and corporate users of DNS security as it implements a fully DNSSEC-compliant DNS infrastructure.

“Today’s cybercriminals and the threats they pose are ever growing in size. They have hundreds of ways to compromise DNS servers and it could lead to loss of personal information of users and mission-critical data of companies. We at ePLDT are committed to delivering groundbreaking and innovative digital solutions to our customers, while ensuring their security and protection online,” said Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group senior vice president and chief operating officer.

DNS (domain name system) is the phonebook of the internet, matching the web addresses users type into browsers with an IP address so that they can reach the correct website.

This important function of DNS makes it prone to attacks by cybercriminals that could cause denial of service and redirecting of users to malicious websites.

DNSSEC or DNS Security Extensions provides a level of additional security where the web browser can check to make sure the DNS information is correct and not modified. The advantage of the solution is that the DNS infrastructure itself is no longer vulnerable to common attacks such as DNS cache poisoning or denial of service.

To create an island of trust that protects end-users and subscribers of the PLDT Group, Smart and Sun Cellular, ePLDT teamed up with Secure64—a leading provider of genuinely secure DNS solutions that are purpose-built to be highly secure, self-protecting, and immune to malware.

World

B3

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Venezuelans sneak into Colombia to peddle scrap

IN BRIEF Spanish PM expected to call snap polls

MADRID―Spain’s prime minister is expected to call an early general election on Friday, the third in less than four years, after his draft budget was rejected in parliament over the Catalan secession crisis.

Pedro Sanchez took power just over eight months ago after he ousted his conservative rival in a dramatic parliamentary no-confidence vote.

At the head of a fragile minority government, the 46-year-old has had to rely on the support of unlikely bedfellows in parliament, including the farleft Podemos party, Basque nationalist lawmakers and—crucially—17 Catalan separatist MPs. On Wednesday, these groups joined right-wing lawmakers in rejecting his budget.

They withdrew their backing in protest at separatist leaders being put on trial for their role in a 2017 attempt to break Catalonia from Spain.

Budget Minister Maria Jesus Montero told Spanish radio that Sanchez would call elections on Friday and that they would take place this year, but gave no further details.

The government later said Sanchez would make a statement at 10 am (0900 GMT) Friday after a special cabinet meeting.

Sanchez’s socialists have already adopted a campaign-like tone, accusing Catalan separatists and conservatives of blocking a budget that included many social-spending measures. AFP

School shooting victims remembered

PARKLAND―Students, parents and politicians marked the first anniversary of the Valentine’s Day shooting at a Florida high school Thursday with somber tributes, prayers and calls for action.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where a former student killed 14 students and three staff members a year ago, cancelled classes for the day and offered counseling services instead.

A moment of silence was held at 10:15 am (1515 GMT) by the few students who turned up at the school in Parkland, Florida.

“It’s a hard day,” said Victoria Gonzalez, 18, standing next to a flower garden surrounded by 17 angels that she helped create to remember those who died.

“I lost my best friend,” Gonzalez said of Joaquin Oliver, 18, who was among those killed by a troubled ex-Stoneman Douglas student armed with a semi-automatic weapon.

Thousands of people later gathered in the Pine Trails Park for a brief interfaith service at which the names of the victims were read.

Many people wore red Marjory Stoneman Douglas shirts, while others wore shirts bearing the names of those killed in the shooting.

“Seeing all these people come out and care, it means a lot,” said Julia Brighton, a 16-year-old survivor who lost both of her best friends and a neighbor in the attack. AFP

Hong Kong seizes $1m of rhino horns HONG KONG―Two men carrying at least 24 severed rhino horns were arrested in Hong Kong airport by customs officers who said it was their largest ever seizure of rhino contraband smuggled by air passengers.

The haul―worth some HK$8 million ($1 million)―was transported brazenly through the terminal in two cardboard boxes, the customs department said.

The pair had arrived from Johannesburg and were planning to transit to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, according to a statement from the department, which did not give their nationalities.

An environmental group in Hong Kong said the 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of horn was a major bust— accounting for 20 percent of the total amount of rhino horn seizures in the city in the last five years.

Sophie le Clue, environment program director of ADM Capital Foundation, said there was likely an organized network behind the trafficking.

“What I would like to see is less seizures and more of those who are responsible for crimes in the court -- and not just the people who are carrying it,” she told AFP. It came just two weeks after Hong Kong announced it had found a record eight tons of pangolin scales in a shipping container from Nigeria headed to Vietnam. That haul also contained more than 1,000 ivory tusks.

Local conservation groups have long called on Hong Kong to do more to crack down on illegal wildlife smuggling by ending legal loopholes and lenient sentences.

In a landmark report last month analyzing seizures and convictions, a coalition of conservationists said the southern Chinese financial hub played a “disproportionate” role in wildlife crime. AFP

WAR ZONE. Civilians who fled from the embattled Baghouz area in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor sit in a truck on February 14, 2019, during an operation by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to expel hundreds of Islamic State group jihadists. AFP

$100m of humanitarian aid pledged to Venezuela C ARACAS―Twentyfive countries have pledged $100 million in aid to Venezuela, a top US official said Thursday, as the crisis-hit country’s Supreme Court took aim at oil executives appointed by the opposition.

Venezuela is plagued by hyperinflation and major shortages of basic goods, and two men―opposition leader Juan Guaido and President Nicolas Maduro―are vying for control of the country.

The United States is among more than 50 countries that have recognized Guaido as interim president, but Maduro—backed by the country’s military as well as Russia, China and dozens of other states—has so far refused to relinquish his office.

US national security advisor John Bolton made the announcement on the aid pledged to Venezuela following an Organization of American States conference on assisting the country.

“Today, 25 countries, united at the OAS-hosted Conference on Humanitarian Assistance in Support of Vene-

zuela pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance,” Bolton tweeted.

According to David Smolanksy, coordinator of an OAS working group on migration and refugees from Venezuela, the money will go directly to aid collection centers set up on the borders with Colombia and Brazil and on the Caribbean island of Curacao.

At the opening of the conference in Washington, Guaido’s representative in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, said the priority is to get aid into Venezuela on February 23 -a month after Guaido declared himself Venezuela’s interim president.

Guaido and Maduro have been locked in a battle over allowing aid into the country, and the military reinforced a blockade on Thursday at the border with Colombia, where the opposition leader has vowed to bring in desperately-needed goods.

AFP journalists saw several new freight containers blocking the road that connects the town of Urena in Venezuela to Cucuta in Colombia, where tons of US aid has been piling up for a week.

Venezuela is enduring the biggest economic crisis in its modern history, with hyperinflation predicted

to hit 10 million percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund.

On Wednesday, the oppositioncontrolled National Assembly— which is headed by Guaido—appointed executives to form new boards for Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA and its US-based affiliate Citgo.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court took aim at the move the following day, ordering that the new appointees face criminal prosecution.

The high court—which is packed with Maduro loyalists—ruled that the executives were named by a legislature whose decisions are “null,” and that the appointees should face prosecution for crimes including “usurpation,” “corruption,” “organized crime” and “terrorism.”

The Supreme Court decision set in motion the process of extraditing the accused, most of whom are in the United States, and freezing their accounts.

Guaido celebrated the appointments as a “step forward in the reconstruction of PDVSA,” but Maduro had warned that those accepting “illegal” appointments would face justice. AFP

VILLA DEL ROSARIO, Colombia― In the thick vegetation along the Colombian border, bands of Venezuelans make their way unseen, puffing under the heavy loads of scrap metal on their backs like leaf-cutter ants, covered in filth and trying to make enough money to simply survive.

Maria, a 52-year-old single motherof-two, recently had to stop driving the vehicle she had once used to make her living because there were no more spare parts to buy, and she had no money to buy them anyway.

Now she trudges along a muddy path through the long grasses, pushing a handcart laden with scrap metal she has scavenged from who knows where, to sell on the other side of the border.

It is one of the 30 or so illegal crossings that Colombian police have identified along the border with Venezuela, close to the Colombian border town of Cucuta and the Simon Bolivar International Bridge which connects the two countries—but is currently closed to all but pedestrian traffic.

Venezuela’s economy has imploded under the stewardship of President Nicolas Maduro, and most people cannot make ends meet.

With what she earns from selling the scrap, Maria—who declined to give her last name—will buy flour, potatoes, carrots and garlic to keep her family going for a few days, before she has to set out again on the murky trail through the weeds.

“I enter Colombia here with the cart, through this muck, but when I come back I come over the bridge. I push the cart along this path so they don’t confiscate what I’m carrying,” she said.

For those who live in the border region, no visas or other special papers are needed.

As she talks, people pass by—young and old—carrying bundles of scrap metal. Some are wearing rags, others are shirtless. The lucky ones have handcarts, others are bent double under the weight of the cargo they carry on their shoulders.

The border has long been a center of smuggling, but it used to be focused on the much more valuable commodity of gasoline, which was massively subsidized by the state and sold at impressive mark-ups across the border.

Now, the contraband is essentially junk—old bits of metal and tires, or whatever people can carry through this steaming hot bush.

“I do it because I have to, I don’t like this work, it’s very hard for me to carry these bundles,” said Maria.

More than 40,000 people cross the Simon Bolivar bridge every day, according to Colombia border officials.

It is, however, impossible to estimate how many people cross illegally each day all along the 2,200 kilometer (1,400 mile) border.

The crisis in Venezuela has only bolstered the illicit cross-border traffic. AFP

Oscar organizers struggle to keep show relevant despite problems LAUNCHING. Caitlyn Warakomski attends the Matt Shultz x FRYE Launch on February 14, 2019, in New York City. AFP

LOS ANGELES―From going without a host to handing out key awards during commercial breaks, to a quickly nixed idea for a popular film category―Oscar organizers are struggling to keep Hollywood’s biggest night relevant while dealing with a string of messy controversies.

With less than two weeks to go before the February 24 gala, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been weathering the latest debacle over four awards to be presented off-air―a decision many in the industry have denounced as “stupid” and “disrespectful.”

The awards are Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Live Action Short, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Academy president John Bailey informed the membership of the plan earlier this week, saying it was in line with a promise to shorten the broadcast to three hours, an hour shorter than previous telecasts.

The decision, however, has been met with derision across the industry, with more than 40 top cinematographers and directors, including Quentin Tarantino and Spike Lee, sending a letter of protest to the Academy.

“Relegating these essential cinematic crafts to lesser status in this 91st Academy Awards ceremony is nothing less than an insult to those of us who have devoted our lives and passions to our chosen profession,” the open letter read.

Alfonso Cuaron, whose celebrated movie “Roma” has been nominated for 10 Oscars, including best cinematography, said the move amounted to marginalizing key players in the art of moviemaking.

“In the history of CINEMA, masterpieces have existed without sound, without color, without a story, without actors and without music,” he tweeted “No one single film has ever existed without CINEMAtography and without editing.”

Lee, whose film BlacKkKlansman has been nominated in six categories, including for best director, also weighed in during an interview on US television. AFP

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PREMIUM COMMUNITIES IN PAMPANGA. Property developer Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation recently launched the second phase of its Spanish-Mediterranean themed townhouses in Pampanga. La Aldea Fernandina II is a 12-hectare community, and part of a 30-hectare masterplanned community of Pueblo de Oro in San Fernando. The project has over 1,100 units of classic and

‘Going to the wood’

SPRUCING up your home, the sustainable way

REJUVENATING THE SENSES. The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place is the irst Westin-branded residences in Southeast Asia, made possible by Robinsons Luxuria and international hospitality group Marriott International, Inc. At the heart of the Ortigas central business district, The Residences redefines luxury as the pursuit of wellness and well-being. The center of activity—The Haven— is a business and leisure hub comprised of four levels. One receives a warm welcome at the grand lobby at the ground floor. The second floor is a workspace for productivity, with a business lounge as well as meeting rooms, and a boardroom for executives, entrepreneurs and professionals. The third level is an entertainment lounge with a residents’ lounge, a wine room, a private theater, a sound stage, and a playhouse for kids. Golf enthusiasts can even practice their swing at a golf simulation room. The fourth level houses fitness amenities.

Spaciousness is the hallmark of the living units. Future residents can select from among one, two or three-bedroom configurations, or the penthouse suites. Floorto-ceiling windows maximize expansive views of the city.

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RCHITECTURALLY, wood is having a resurgence in popularity with more and more people opting to use it as a primary construction material.

A growing number of houses and buildings opt to use wood in unconventional applications, lending warmth and personality to these structures. This interest in wood also comes with a growing consciousness for the environment, as wood is, hands down, the most ecologically-viable of all construction materials.

Though wood is making headway outside our homes and offices, the interior is an altogether different subject. The predominant aesthetic trend favors materials such as steel, glass, marble, and ceramic products.

But what many fail to see is the fact that wood is charming, functional, and most importantly, timeless. Here are five reasons why wooden furniture is the perfect match if you want to spruce up your home.

DURABILITY There’s no denying the long-lasting and robust qualities of wood. If you’re looking for a piece of furniture that can last up to the next generation, then wooden furniture is perfect for you. Longevity and stability are two of the main components of wooden furniture, which means that you get excellent value for your money.

CONVENIENCE It’s easy and simple to maintain wooden furniture; all you have to do to clean dirt or stains is to simply wipe them away

MANHATTAN PROJECT. Within the Araneta Center is a garden residential community that offers a respite from the fast pace of the city. Manhattan Garden City’s laid back environment is teeming with greenery chosen to match the aesthetic of the entire development. Residents of the soon-to-be completed 5.7-hectare, 18-tower community—composed of Manhattan Parkway, Manhattan Parkview, Manhattan Heights, and its latest phase the Manhattan Plaza—will waking up to a stunning sunrise with either the Metro Manila skyline, or the mountains of Antipolo as their glorious backdrop. The residential

premium homes ideally for start-up families. The townhouse units at La Aldea Fernandina II have redesigned layouts and bigger floor areas starting from 47 square meters. The project is in Barangay Del Carmen in the City of San Fernando – close to the city’s major malls and retail centers, as well as hospitals, churches, and schools. It is less than two kilometers away from the San Fernando NLEX exit and 3 hours away from Metro Manila. Sales of La Aldea Fernandina II is ongoing with units as low as P1.2 M. Financing is available with ‘zero equity’ under the Home Mutual Development Fund (HDMF). Aside from Pampanga, Pueblo de Oro has been offering innovative home designs in other locations around the country, including Cagayan de Oro, Mactan Island in Cebu, and the municipalities of Santo Tomas and Malvar in Batangas.

with a cloth. Occasionally and only in special cases should you have to wax, oil, or polish it, which are also undemanding processes.

While wooden furniture may cost a bit higher than furniture made from other materials, it also promises uncompromised quality. It is a commendable investment because once you purchase it, you only need little effort to maintain.

Whether you opt for hardwood or softwood, wood has innate stability that will make it last.

VERSATILITY Wood can be dressed up for any purpose. Be it modern or rustic, wood can blend in well indoors or outdoors. The wide range of wood tones also enable variety, providing options for different needs. If you’re buying from a craftsman, you can have it customized to your liking to ensure a one-of-a-kind piece. These just show that wherever you wish to put wood, it is adaptable and would bring seamless grace to your home.

PREMIUM FEEL With the right set-up, a simple piece

of wooden furniture can add charm and even opulence to your home. Varieties of wood like mahogany, molave, and acacia can promote a sense of oneness with nature. The organic feel of wood can even help ease the mind and relax the senses.

GREEN CHOICE There is no more ecologically sound way to furnish your home than acquiring wooden furniture. Responsibly sourced wood is actually the only renewable furniture material today, which means trees that were harvested can possibly be replenished for new growth--100% biodegradable, to put simply.

More importantly, the tree itself absorbs carbon dioxide, and the absorbed carbon remains stored even when wood is cut. It will not be released back to the atmosphere unless the wood decomposes or gets burnt, therefore contributing to the health of the environment.

As the world continues to make greener choices and opt for sustainable living, building a home that is eco-friendly should be a no-brainer because it doesn’t just benefit Mother Earth but your entire household as well. A wooden touch can instantly add the organic, homely, and welcoming feel into your home and ultimately reflect combined aesthetic and structural integrity that other materials cannot offer.

BALANCING ACT The Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) is the national association of companies, corporations, partnerships, and individuals involved in forest management. Through events such as the annual Philippine Wood Expo, it promotes the sustainable management of natural and plantation forests that will increase their capacity to supply the wood requirement and enhance their capacity to provide ecological balance for the country.

towers within Manhattan Garden City are connected to one another via a 720-meter shaded garden walkway.Through these elevated walkways—which form part of a 1.5-kilometer network of footbridges connecting the development to MRT-3 and LRT2—residents of Manhattan Garden City can start their day with a meal from one of the many dining establishments along Manhattan row. The rest of the day unfolds with them shopping at the nearby malls and retail outlets, working at the various BPO offices within the community, and fulfilling errands at the different government offices within the development.

BUILDING A CLEANER FUTURE. Known as a building materials provider, Holcim Philippines, through its waste management unit, Geocycle, also provides waste management services to companies and local governments. The Philippines has a problem managing its waste, explained Alan Cuyno, technical manager of Geocycle Philippines. The National Solid Waste Commission estimates that residential, commercial, and industrial sectors produce 40,000 tons of wastes daily that government agencies are struggling to deal with. Holcim is helping address this issue, said Tuyno.

He said making cement requires lots of energy and raw materials. But through Holcim’s co-processing technology, the company has been able to use waste as raw material and a source of energy. Co-processing helps improve the company’s fuel costs, but more importantly it enables it to conserve natural resources, and contribute to managing wastes in a safe manner.

Moving forward, Tuyno said Holcim is looking to increase the types of materials it can use as substitute fuels in its facilities including sorted municipal wastes.

Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife

YOUNG LIFE

@MStandardLIFE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

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College students

brighten up daycare centers DESIGNING THE COMMUNITY. Graduating interior design students paint the walls of Barangay 739’s daycare center with images

inspired by Philippine Origin Stories.

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IXTY two graduating interior design students applied lessons they learned in college by renovating daycare centers and a health center in Manila.

Fun colors and multi-purpose facilities improve the classroom experience of young students in Manila.

The project, dubbed “Odyssey: Seeking Adventures Through Timeless Local Folklores and Its Morals,” brought De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde students, divided into three groups, to Barangays 739, 752, and 745.

This community project integrated design principles and theories the students learned in their classes and translated those into social responsibility.

“It started as a class requirement which helped us to maximize our skills and create substantial impact among the members of the community,” shared project leader Bianca Barican.

The students took inspiration from the country’s abundant folklore and the lessons attached to those. The batch redesigned the daycare centers and healthcare center into more adaptable and flexible spaces for the kids and the rest of the community with materials and facilities that are multipurpose in nature.

The group that headed the renovation for Barangay 752 Daycare Center replaced the old big cabinets into more compact shelves to have a wider sitting room for the pupils. The ceiling was repaired and designed with a butterfly wing to inspire children to be more creative and artistic. Their inspirations were Philippine folklore Alamat ng Bulaklak and Paru-Paro.

Meanwhile, the unit for Barangay 739 Daycare Center likewise changed

big cabinets into colorful shelves to provide more comfortable sitting. At the same time, the daycare’s walls were painted with plants and animals to encourage curiosity, creativity, and connection that interplays with tradition, nature, and contemporary life.

The concepts behind these designs were Philippine Origin Stories.

On the other hand, the team for Barangay 745’s Health Center revamped the Monobloc chairs into seats with foams for comfort, durability, and ability to support weight. The walls were designed with images of ancient Filipinos and mythical creatures, following local myths.

Several fundraising campaigns such as garage sales and selling of student-made merchandise were held to ensure the success of the projects.

The transformations took a month to be completed. In gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of neighbors, the batch concluded the project by distributing food and treats to kids and senior citizens.

“To all who worked hard for the success of Odyssey and to those who we hope we helped make their lives a little brighter through their spaces, thank you for all the patience and cooperation for making certain that this project became successful. We all learned something from this heartwarming experience,” shared Barican.

Benilde’s Interior Design program then partnered with S Maison to stage “Odyssey,” an exhibit that showcased the students’ renovation process.

0917 Lifestyle’s limited edition We Bare Bears collection consists of T-shirts, sweaters, and jackets.

0917 Lifestyle launches We Bare Bears collection

GLOBE Telecom’s fashion brand 0917 Lifestyle has teamed up with Cartoon Network for a bear-y special collection.

The adorable Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear star front and center in the latest 0917 collection. The apparel label rolls out limited edition T-shirts, sweaters, and jackets featuring the Internet-famous bears from the BAFTA Award-winning series We Bare Bears.

It also features a one-of-akind denim jacket with a print of a tiger, inspired by the bedazzled, mystical Jean Jacket the bears found could shift the wearer’s luck.

Launched in August 2016, 0917 Lifestyle has since been offering thematic seasonal collections such as Camp 917, Holiday, and Block Parade. It has also released curated and much coveted special editions like its 0917 x New Balance 574 collab.

The 0917 x We Bare Bears collection is now available at the Globe online shop and in select Globe Stores, including Iconic Store BGC, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, SM Masinag, SM Taytay, SM Mall of Asia, Market Market, SM Aura, SM Manila, SM Novaliches, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces Ayala, Uptown BGC, SM Marikina, Eastwood Mall, SM Southmall, SM Megamall, Gateway, and Greenbelt.

Children from beneficiary barangays in Manila grace the ‘Odyssey’ exhibit at S Maison.

T-shirt featuring the Internet-famous trio of Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear.

Life

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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Get to know The Umbrella Academy

ATHER the barkada today for a whole day of solving puzzles in the Seven Super Rooms at Shooting Gallery Studios in Manila.

Netflix celebrates the launch of its brand new original series The Umbrella Academy with an immersive experience.

The Super Room, powered by PLDT, Smart, and LG, brings alive the show’s seven superhero siblings in a fun, engaging, and Insta-worthy format. Each room is inspired by the key characters from the show.

The Umbrella Academy is based on the comic book series created and written by Gerard Way, illustrated by Gabriel Bá, and published by Dark Horse Comics. It follows the story of seven infants adopted by billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves a.k.a The Monocle to train to save the world.

Luther Hargreeves (Spaceboy) – As the leader of The Umbrella Academy, Luther possesses super strength, which is reflected in his room. Everything in the room is miniature sized which makes guests look super big and super strong.

Diego Hargreeves (The Kraken) – True to Diego’s vigilante character, his Super Room is styled as a dark hero’s lair, complete with gadgets and target practice (he’s good at throwing knives).

Allison Hargreeves (The Rumor) – Guests can channel their inner star a la The Seven Super Rooms, inspired by the key characters of ‘The Umbrella Academy,’ offer an immersive experience where players can solve puzzles.

Allison, with a room styled as a recording studio filled with musical and movie memorabilia.

Klaus Hargreeves (The Séance) – Party the night away like Klaus, whose room is designed like a neon-lit dive bar.

Number Five (The Boy) – The Boy possesses unique time-traveling

abilities, but somehow has managed to stay (and look) the same age. His nostalgic-themed room will definitely give friends some major throwback.

Ben Hargreeves (The Horror) – This sibling from The Umbrella Academy passed away several years before the current events of the series.... Be

warned: Only the bravest and most daring can solve this room.

Vanya Hargreeves (The White Violin) – Unlike the rest of the heroes, Vanya doesn’t have any powers. Instead, she finds herself entangled with the group after writing a tell-all book about their family. Her room is themed as an

author’s study.

The Umbrella Academy stars Ellen Page, Mary J. Blige, Cameron Britton, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Colm Feore, Adam Godley, John Magaro, Ashley Madekwe, and Kate Walsh.

Netflix presents ‘The Umbrella Academy,’ an original series based on the comic book series created and written by Gerard Way.

The Tattooed

Kittie

By Robbie Pangilinan

Asia’s largest obstacle course racing facility opens in Manila Pretty Huge Obstacles is touted as Asia’s largest obstacle course training facility with more than 100 configurable obstacles.

THRILL-seekers have a new place to test their skills at the same time achieve finess goals with the opening of Pretty Huge Obstacles.

Pretty Huge Obstacles or PHO is touted as Asia’s largest obstacle course training facility, with a huge number of obstacles configured into 100 flexible combinations.

It includes both an Adult and Kid Obstacle Zones, a 100-meter elevated indoor race track, functional and obstacle training classes, five-star level changing rooms, and a health food lounge.

Among the obstacles inside are quintuple angles steps, monkey bars, five-foot wall, balance beam, small wheels, ninefoot wall, island hops, gymnast rings, weaver, cliffhanger, tarzan swing, and the famous wave wall—all designed to push one’s limits.

Further, PHO offers three types of group classes. Free popular classes are suited for those looking for yoga classes, HIIT, and pilates, while functional training classes work best for mobility. Those who are training for their next obstacle course race can take advantage of obstacle course training classes.

It also has an adjunct facility called Physio-PHOrtress which provides outcome-based health programs for

PHO officers together with Philippine athletes.

obstacle course racers through sportsspecific individualized assessment and intervention.

PHO employs licensed and accredited personnel within the facility, offering services on performance enhancement, recovery program, physical therapy rehabilitation, and newbie profiling.

Pretty Huge Obstacles ambassador Noel Agra described obstacle course racing as a functional sport that involves a lot of running, swimming,

and climbing walls, that makes one feel energetic.

“Conquering obstacles makes you feel like a kid again; and Filipinos are known to persevere and to never give up. I believe that by conquering physical obstacles, you get to conquer the mental and harder obstacles in life,” he added.

PHO is located at 2/F Civic Center, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Go to www.prettyhugeobstacles.com for more information.

MULTI-AWARDED tattoo artist, freelance DJ, and model Melody Grace King has 90 percent of her body covered in ink, thus gaining her the title “Most Tattooed Filipina” of the Philippine Book of Records.

King, also known as Tattooed Kittie, used to be a flawless lass from Tarlac.

But 11 years ago, at 22 years old, she got her very first tattoo when she attended the Dutdutan Festival, the country’s biggest and grandest tattoo exposition, and felt intrigued by everyone sporting tattoos of various designs. She has not stopped since then. She says she has probably spent more than a million peso on her tattoos.

Kittie considers her skin as her diary.

“Like the Hello Kitty image on my elbow: When I was little, I wanted to collect Hello Kitty stuff but I did not pursue it,” she shares.

She is also a big fan of zombies, images of which can be seen all over her body, in addition to portraits of her loved ones.

In 2012, Kittie started tattooing. Her first design was the traditional rose tattoo. Kittie’s forte includes traditional, neo traditional, and new school tattoos.

She finds portraits the most difficult and admits she needs to improve her black and gray works.

Kittie considers tattoo master and PhilTAG founder Ricky Sta. Ana her idol and mentor. PhilTAG and Tribal

Kittie shares her love of tattoo at her own Tattooed Kittie Studio.

Gear Philippines have given her many opportunities to share her talent. She now runs her own Tattooed Kittie Studio. Kittie has inked some popular personalities such as local rappers.

To be a good tattoo artist, Kittie says one needs to learn proper hygiene, proper tattoo executions, and be keen with the details of the design. Pakikisama is also an attribute that has helped her in the industry.

Kittie wants to be an inspiration to women who want to get tattoos but are afraid of being judged.

“Tattoos are part of our culture, and we must be proud of it,” ends Kittie.

Melody Grace King, also known as Tattooed Kittie, has 90 percent of her body covered in ink.

(Photos from Tattooed Kittie/ Facebook)

Entertainment

Manila hosts 13th Mister International

By Eton Concepcion

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VER forty gorgeous hunks from all corners of the world are converging in Manila for the 13th edition of Mister International pageant, a presentation of Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation, Inc. (PEPPS) in partnership with Mister International Organization.

Mister International Philippines 2018 Mark Kevin Baloaloa, 26, is a print ad and runway model.

Photo by Joy Arguil

“PEPPS Foundation is very proud to bring back the Mister International pageant in the country. The live broadcast of the competition draws millions of viewers worldwide and we are happy to showcase the best that the Philippines can offer during the two-week pageant,” PEPPS president Carlo Morris Galang said.

Mark Kevin Baloaloa, a 26-year-old print ad and runway model and native of Catanauan, Quezon, is the country’s bet and will try to duplicate the feat of PO2 Mariano Flormata, Jr.(better known as Neil Perez) who won Mister International 2014. Alexander Aquino’s win as Grasim Mr. International 2001 in India was a different pageant.

“I am very excited as host delegate to welcome them and show the beauty of our country, our famous hospitality, and culture. I’m proud to carry the Philippine flag, and with God’s blessings and the support of the best fans in the world, I could not ask for more,” Baloaloa said.

Baloaloa will have an all Filipino made wardrobe with cultural significance, including a national costume inspired by the Philippine legend of Bakunawa, a moon-eating dragon, designed

by Michael Barassi, with Olan Roque and Bea Bianca providing for his formal wear. The Lynn Bentsen Academy has given support thru intensive runway and communication skills training.

The top attractions of Ilocos Norte have been chosen as locations for this year’s prepageant activities which will be graced by the reigning Mister International Seung Hwan Lee of South Korea. The grand finals of the 2018 Mister International pageant will be held at One Esplanade Mall of Asia C o m p l e x , Pasay City on Feb. 24.

ENGLISH actor Nicholas Hoult dons outlandish outfits and puts on heavy wig in this year’s frontrunner Oscar contender and entertaining royal rumble movie The Favourite as Robert Harvey, chief minister to Queen Anne played by Best Actress nominee, Olivia Colman.

Apart from the top nominations at the Oscars this year, The Favourite has so far opened to phenomenal box-office success overseas and will soon open in the Philippines on Feb. 20 (exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas).

Directed by Academy Award-nominee Yorgos Lanthimos, the film is also nominated for Best Picture – a story that traces a time in history when then Queen Anne’s reign was perhaps unfairly dismissed. Such time was when Britain was at war, while in the Queen’s court the absurdities of palace life run rife.

Gout-ridden and beset by grief over the loss of no fewer than 17 children, Anne relies on her only confidant, Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), who keeps the Privy Purse and offers much more than guidance in the matters of state. Her relationship with the Queen is as intimate as it comes, but when she introduces her downtrodden cousin, Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), to court, she soon discovers a rival for Anne’s affections, and so begins a struggle for power and love that might threaten the monarchy itself.

Meanwhile, orbiting these three

Saturday, February 16, 2019

ACROSS 1 Panhandle 4 Univ. degrees 7 Fishnet 12 Woody’s son 14 Leap in a tutu 15 Cowboy show 16 Ticket info 17 Gutter site 18 Exudes moisture 19 King’s regalia 21 Soda fountain treats 23 Crowd 25 Virus infection 26 Rewards for bravery 29 Grate upon 31 Agreement 35 Revise 36 Building block maker 37 Ghost’s cry 38 Dahs’ partners 39 Minces 40 Boards 41 Frothy brew 42 Cookout intruders 43 Assisted 44 Former talkshow host — Griffin 46 Final letter 47 Cantankerous 48 — got it!

50 DJ’s platters

52 Mollify 56 More spiteful 60 Shrimp 61 Long, arduous journey 63 Fjord port 64 Prime-time hour 65 Mitchell mansion 66 Snatches 67 “Carmen” or “Lohengrin” 68 Check fig.

69 Kendall or Starr DOWN 1 Belfry dwellers 2 “Layla” singer — Clapton 3 Mirth 4 Five o’clock shadow 5 Dune buggy kin 6 Come off as 7 Folklore dwarf 8 Bring to light (2 wds.)

9 Ax cousin 10 Garden intruder 11 Gain’s opposite 13 Foundlings 14 Yells insults 20 Announced or proclaimed 22 Puffy hairstyles 24 Ousted 26 Lady’s title

27 Boxer — Fortune” name Griffith 51 Inactive or sluggish 28 Discourage 52 Lhasa — from acting 53 Kind of school 30 Epochs 54 Do road work 32 Habitat 33 Dove or pigeon 55 James or Kett 57 Ms. Dinesen 34 Winter quaff 58 Napoleon’s 36 Wrinkle island 39 Bewilders 59 Blushing 40 Mr. Churchill 43 Orbit segments 62 Sheep 45 Spectator 47 Major Japanese port 49 “Wheel of

nickie.standard@gmail.com

women are the men who perhaps expected to be in charge, including Robert Harley (Nicholas Hoult) the Tory leader of the opposition who misreads Abigail as a pawn to force his agenda, and Samuel Masham (Joe Alwyn), the handsome nobleman who finds himself inextricably drawn to Abigail’s charms.

Known for his role as the Hank McCoy aka Beast in the global box-office XMen films, Hoult’s earliest breakthrough role alongside Hugh Grant in About A Boy was followed by other notable projects such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Clash of the Titans, Newness, and Rebel in the Rye. In The Favourite, Hoult brings forth his theatricality fully immersing himself in the role of a dapperly dressed chief minister to a queen encumbered by grief, gout, and insecurity.

“What I love is how many moments there are that will really split the audience.

Moments where some will laugh and others will whimper at the same time. It’s what’s so brilliant about the film; it works either way. Even watching the film myself, knowing where it’s going, I think “Oh that’s funny, but it’s also really tragic.” It’s a great contradiction,” says Hoult of his character.

From Fox Searchlight, The Favourite opens Feb. 20 at Trinoma, Glorietta 4, Alabang Town Center and Ayala Center Cebu.

English actor Nicholas Hoult

From C4

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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Nicholas Hoult in the midst of royal rumble in ‘The Favourite’

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SENATORIAL hopefuls are ready to prove that they are worthy of the people’s votes in the Harapan 2019: The ABS-CBN Senatorial Town Hall Debate series that will kick off tomorrow, Feb. 17.

The much-anticipated face-off will be aired live on ANC (the ABSCBN News Channel), DZMM TeleRadyo, iWant, news.abs-cbn.com and other ABS-CBN platforms online. Viewers can also catch the delayed telecast of the debates on ABS-CBN’s “Sunday’s Best.”

The debates, which will happen tomorrow, Feb. 24, and March 3, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., will give voters a chance to hear the candidates’ position on pressing national issues before they cast their votes in the midterm elections on May 13.

Trusted broadcast journalists Karen Davila and Alvin Elchico anchor Harapan 2019, which will tackle important topics to Filipinos today such as job security, health, education, prices of goods, peace and order, and more.

For the first town hall debate tomorrow, guests include Bam Aquino, Glenn Chong, Chel Diokno, Larry Gadon, Samira Gutoc, Florin Hilbay, Jiggy Manicad, Willie Ong, Koko Pimentel, and Francis Tolentino.

Harapan 2019: The ABS-CBN Senatorial Town Hall Debate is part of ABS-CBN’s comprehensive coverage for Halalan 2019.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Heart is important in taking photos Alvin Lee is a firm believer that every photograph should be taken with a heart and a story to tell. This is his guiding theme for this solo exhibit.

After more than 40 years of taking photographs mostly in black and white, Alvin is back - this time incorporating color photographs of land and seascape in his portfolio.

He shoots with the unique style of a street and documentary photographer, feeling what nature wants to say and capturing the scene to convey that certain moment. This style of photography goes back to his humble beginnings as an energetic 20-year-old photographer scouring the streets of Metro Manila for subject matters that best represent his view of society and its surroundings.

Alvin was taught well by his mentor and friend, the legendary photojournalist Honesto Vitug who shots photos of Presidents - from Emilio

Aguinaldo to Ferdinand Marcos. He learned at a young age to see with his eyes, think with his mind, and feel with his heart before taking any photograph.

This is still his workflow ethics in any photograph he takes.

Alvin is also a firm believer that a photograph not printed is only half done.

He believes that photographs shared only on the Internet are missing one important quality of art. Photographs must be printed, framed, and displayed to complete the cycle.

Alvin Lee’s solo exhibit “Glimpses” will be held from March 5 to March 17 at the Crucible Gallery 4th floor SM Megamall A. Artist reception is 6:00 p.m. on March 5. *** Fishing boats, tri-bikes to Baseco residents Sen. Cynthia Villar led the distribution of fishing boats and tri-bikes to residents of Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila.

Kitchen utensils were also given to three schools in the area; Sen Benigno Aquino Jr. Elementary School, Pres.

Corazon Aquino High School, and Herminigildo J. Atienza Elementary School.

The distribution of 10 fishing boats, five tri-bikes and utensils was initiated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). BFAR is a partner of Villar and the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG) in providing livelihood opportunities to Baseco residents through aquaculture.

“We are very thankful for the help and intervention dedicated to the improvement of Baseco and its residents.

Soon, we can all be proud of our hard work and showcase Baseco as a model site for a community rehabilitation project coupled with urban agriculture, aquaculture, and other livelihood projects,” Villar said.

The day’s activity also included the planting of 500 mangrove seedlings participated by representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metro Manila Development Authority, Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran ng Baseco, MBC-DZRH and the barangay officials of Gasangan. *** Visit www.isah.red for more stories.

Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@ isahvred). ΙR

Entertainment

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

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Netflix wars hit Berlin filmfest as lesbian drama premieres THE first Netflix movie in competition at the Berlin film festival, telling the extraordinary true story of a gay marriage in Spain a century ago, premiered Wednesday amid a protest by German cinema operators.

One of Spain’s most acclaimed directors, Isabel Coixet, presented Elisa and Marcela, a lushly photographed black-and-white lesbian love drama. But even before the film could be shown at the Berlinale, Europe’s first major cinema showcase of the year, 160 German independent arthouse theatre operators fired off an open letter to Culture Minister Monika Gruetters and the festival demanding that the picture be yanked from the race.

“We... do not agree with a film that will not have normal theatrical distribution (in Germany) but will only be seen on Netflix, being screened,” they said. “We therefore demand that the film be shown out of competition.”

The Berlinale rejected the appeal, which had also drawn support from the International Confederation of Art Cinemas.

But outgoing chief Dieter Kosslick, who is leaving after 18 years at the helm, called for a summit of the top festivals including Cannes and Venice to resolve the issue roiling the industry.

'Elisa and Marcela' dramatizes the story of two girls—Elisa Sanchez Loriga and Marcela Gracia Ibeas—who developed a romantic relationship while at school in 1880s Spain.

“The international film festivals should take a common stance on how to deal with films from streaming platforms in the future,” he told AFP in an emailed statement.

Cannes has barred Netflix films from its vaunted competition in the name of protecting embattled cinemas, while the Berlinale has excluded movies from its race that do not have at least some theatrical distribution.

Meanwhile Venice has embraced streaming platforms and crowned the Netflix feature Roma with its top prize in September.

At the Berlinale screening, there were both boos and cries of “bravo” as the red Netflix logo appeared on screen during the opening credits.

Speaking at a news conference later, Coixet reacted angrily to the German cinema operators’ campaign, describing herself as a “struggling filmmaker” who needed to accept financing where she could find it.

“It certainly hurts. It’s being done in the name of culture but I don’t think it is. They have shown a lack of respect for the festival and my work,” said Coixet, who is known for English-language features such as The Bookshop and My Life Without Me. “There’s a supposition behind it as if we were some kind of mafia trying to smuggle our film in. They should have known it was happening.”

Calling for a peaceful “coexistence” of platforms, she noted that the film would be shown in cinemas in markets including Spain and probably Brazil.

“That is a country that’s going to ban gay marriage so I think it’s an important film to show there,” she said.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Brazil since 2013 but the country’s new far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, has vowed to repeal the law. AFP

‘Project Feb. 14’

NICKIE WANG

finally streaming

TODAY

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T SOME stage in our life, we all need to reinvent ourselves, and JM de Guzman is no different. He believes that reinvention in his professional and personal life has driven his survival in showbiz especially after what he considers “the dark phase in his life.”

In an interview with Manila Standard, the 30-year-old actor said that he would be juggling numerous projects this year, among them another television series, a film , and another album.

“I’m going to be very busy. For my television project, instead of love story for a TV series, I changed genre. Now, it’s family drama...issues and problems surrounding members of the family.

There will be a bit of romance but it will not be highlighted that much,” JM revealed.

“We’re trying to do away with romcom especially in movies. I wanted to do offbeat characters. I think, the management is allowing me to do that,” he added.

The actor, who is doing a movie with Arci Muñoz, which he describes as a “romcom within a romcom,” said he’s glad that his management is very supportive of his effort to give his fans and supporters something fresh, new, and different.

“In this movie, Arci is a purist, she doesn’t like romcom, she didn’t want to do formula films until she gets employed by a production company where her main assignments are to do romcom films. So, it’s like she’s thrown into a situation that she didn’t like but she’s forced to do it kasi kelangan sa trabaho,” he explained.

In speaking of doing films, JM personally wants characters that would highlight his passion for acting. If given an opportunity, he would like to portray challenging characters like that ofJames Mcvoy’s role in Split, where he plays a man suffering from dissociative identity disorder (DID), who has 23 prominent personalities.

“It’s interesting if I’d portray a role with multiple personalities. I’d really love to do psycho thriller films. It’s when you really get into your character and stretches your limits as an actor,” he shared.

New endorsement An exciting 2019 is unfolding for Barefruit Group of Companies’ only Mediterranean food brand JM Shawarma as they are taking a bigger bite of Luzon by having the Araw Gabi actors their official face.

Originally from the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santos City, JM Shawarma has been one of the top Shawarma brands in the Visayas and Mindanao region for almost six years

Singer and actor JM de Guzman

The Kapamilya actor with the executives of Barefruit Group of Companies during their contract signing.

JM flanked by the press during his launch as an endorser of a shawarma joint.

Reinventing

JM de Guzman now. But more recently, the brand has ventured in Manila thereby widening their reach to a total of 100 stores nationwide.

Although JM Shawarma is known for offering new products every quarter, other exciting and unique flavors and variants can be expected soon with JM onboard their team.

According to Barefruit Group of Companies’ founder and chief financial officer Hannah Miranda-Mamon, choosing JM as their official face is a no brainer since, like JM, their brand also has great potential.

“We believe na sa dami ng pinagdaanan ng JM Shawarma as a brand, we can relate to the story of JM de Guzman. Si JM himself ay marami ding pinagdaanan pero ngayon, he made a great comeback and that he never gave up,” said Miranda-Mamon.

While they are a newcomer in Luzon, Hannah boasts that JM Shawarma’s superior food taste made up of fresh ingredients and tasty sauces of garlic, cheese and barbecue is something that could put them at par with their competitors, on top of their products’ affordability.

Expect to see more JM Shawarma stalls in the coming years, especially in the common areas in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon and Visayas with their commissaries now ready to serve the entire Philippines and with JM ready to just munch it with JM Shawarma *** PAL Business Class and Premium Economy Deals Here’s a

treat for those who’re used to the VIP treatment in the skies flying extra comfortably –The PAL Business Class and Premium Economy Special Offer is here to make your booking experience even better. The country’s only 4-star airline has great deals coming your way, providing premium comfort at great fares, all yours beginning this month. Available for both domestic and international trips, you can book until tomorrow for your flights from Feb. 20 to Dec. 13.

Get the same heartfelt service straight from seats worthy of your trips. That’s the signature Philippine Airlines experience: warm smiles, delectable in-flight meals, a dedicated crew. And the same Business and Premium Economy perks remain, of course: (1) priority boarding, allowing you to skip lines when checking in and getting on the plane; (2) increased baggage allowance, giving you more space for things you need and things you’d bring home; (3) more room to move, complete with spacious premium seats and built-in rests for the legs and feet; (4) better dining, all with metal cutlery and deliciously satisfying meals; (5) added entertainment, showing a wider view of fun with personal myPAL eSuite screens and access to speedy myPAL Wi-Fi connections; (5) and extra amenities under Business Class: Mabuhay Lounge access, full-flat beds, a plush duvet for long-haul flights, the all-new Furla Amenity Kit, and a dine-at-your-leisure gourmet meal service.

Bask in the finest services at the best prices yet. So get your travel plans in order, and book your PAL flights right away! Experience the Heart of the Filipino as you head off to the destinations you already have planned. The PAL Business Class and Premium Economy Special Offer’s here to make sure you get the same service you deserve, just at a more attractive price range.

For more information on Philippine Airlines, visit www. philippineairlines.com, or follow its Facebook page (Facebook.com/flyPAL), Twitter (@flyPAL) and Instagram (@flyPAL).

ISAH V. RED

IF YOU’VE set your mind to watching Project Feb. 14, the first daring engagement of McCoy de Leon and Jane Oineza on screen on Feb.9 but got disappointed when Dreamscape Digital announced on social media it is moving the streaming today, Feb. 16, it’s your chance now to see how far the two lead stars could go in this dark love story.

The six-episode series Project Feb. 14 is produced by Dreamscape Digital and Kamaru productions and is written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, who previously directed 2 Cool 2 Be Forgotten, To Love Some Buddy, and 100 Tula Para Kay Stella.

From creating memorable teleseryes on television, ABS-CBN’s production unit Dreamscape Entertainment has expanded its Portfolio of original content to include digital movies and series through Dreamscape Digital, which produced the trending movie Glorious and NashLene’s reunion project The Gift.

In the series, newfangled couple who got together in a chat group believes a documentary film would make their story viral around the world. While doing the docu the couple gradually realizes they are not just dealing With an ambitious journalist but with someone whose psyche is warped, hence he is lade with a disturbing agenda.

As Brix (De Leon) and Annie (Oineza) spend their last two weeks together, after they said “yes” to Cody’s (JC Santos) proposal to film their last days together in a documentary leading up to Feb. 14.

What does this couple plan on Feb. 14? That’s what you fans of McCoy de Leon and Jane Oineza have to find out for yourselves, so you’ve gotta watch the streaming of the series on iWant.ph The blurb of the series hints at a disturbing love story. Jason Paul Laxamana, at the presscon for the series, admitted that this is some kind of unusual as it deals with people afflicted with some kind of mental health issues, like the affluent Brix who finds love in someone masquerading as a cyberprostitute who is tired of living a life she finds meaningless, and Cody whose traumatic childhood from constant abuse of a woman he grow up with.

Watch Project Feb. 14 for free on iWant via its iOS or Android apps or via web browser on iwant.ph starting today.

More subscribers can also get their iWant craving in the comfort of their own homes as they can already connect the streaming service to their TVs via Chromecast and Apple Airplay.

For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant. and follow @ iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial and @dreamscapedigital on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH. Continued on C3