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TREATY REVIEW PRESSED DEFENSE CHIEF WANTS U.S. TO DEFINE 'ARMED ATTACK'

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 21 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has insisted the Philippines and the United States must review the Mutual Defense Treaty the two allies signed in 1951 and define in the review what constitutes an attack. Lorenzana’s insistence followed a declared vow by visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Washington would defend Manila against “armed attack” in the disputed South China Sea— seen by political analysts as the strongest warning thus far against Chinese claims to most of the strategic waterway. According to Merriam-Webster, attack is the act of attacking with physical force or unfriendly words or a belligerent or antagonistic action launched against one’s opponent. Lorenzana, citing the MDT, said in Filipino the Philippines was not being attacked militarily in the South China Sea by the Chinese. They (the Chinese) just got an island. Where will that fall under? Those are the ambiguities that must be reviewed. Turn to A2

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‘CHARGE AQUINO, ABAD, TOO’

By Vito Barcelo

ORMER President Benigno Aquino III and former Budget chief Florencio Abad should have been included in the criminal charges to be lodged by the Department of Justice over the Dengvaxia mess, a senator said on Saturday. “Quite frankly, I am a bit disappointed because I figured they should have studied closely the involvement of President Aquino, Abad and company because they revisited the case,” said Senator Richard Gordon in a radio interview. Gordon, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that looked into the controversy, was referring to a DOJ resolution finding probable cause to indict former Health Secretary Janette Garin and several others for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide over the deaths of eight kids allegedly due to the vaccine. “If you look at our investigation, you will see that the procurement of Dengvaxia is hastened whenever President Aquino is present,” he said. Gordon noted that following Aquino’s meeting with officials of Dengvaxia distributor Sanofi in Paris, the Special Allotment Release Order for the vaccines were immediately released. “How can you explain that the President met with a drug dealer from Sanofi three times? And if you take into account the time it took for Senfori to dialog with government, that was really fast!” the senator said. In its resolution, the Justice department said state prosecutors found Garin and the other respondents “exhibited ‘inexcusable lack of precaution and foresight’ when they facilitated, with undue haste, “the registration and purchase of Dengvaxia’ and used the vaccine in implementing a school-based dengue mass immunization program.” Malacañang, for its part, appealed to all stakeholders, including the public, to stop politicizing the Dengvaxia controversy as it has already affected the country’s health programs. “We wish everyone would finally stop politicizing the issue in the court of public opinion, noting that such exercise has only caused an unnecessary fear on the part of parents for good and creditworthy health programs of the government to the detriment of innocent children,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said. “As for the defendants, they should welcome this latest development as an opportunity to clear their names and raise whatever defense they have in relation to the matter before a court of law,” the Palace official said. According to the DOJ, Garin and the other respondents “have exhibited inexcusable lack of precaution and foresight when they facilitated with undue haste, the registration and purchase of Dengvaxia and used the vaccine in implementing a school-based dengue mass immunization program.” The DOJ added that Garin and the others “totally disregarded the identified risks and adverse effects of the vaccine.”

PALACE SLAMS COLMENARES FOR QUESTIONING CHINA DEAL MALACAÑANG has slammed senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares for being “pitiful” and “desperately seeking media mileage” in criticizing the administration’s Chico River irrigation deal with China. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo accused Colmenares of politicizing bilateral relations with China to boost his senatorial bid. “Mr. Colmenares is just desperately seeking media mileage by unduly compartmentalizing the loan agreements of the country without the benefit of context and by maliciously labeling it as a China issue,” Panelo said in a statement. “For the information of Colmenares, the Philippines and China signed a $62.09-million deal last year to help fund the construction of the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, which will provide a stable supply of water to around 8,700 hectares of agricultural land, benefit 4,350 farmers and their families and serve 21 barangays in the provinces of Kalinga and Cagayan in Northern Luzon once completed,” Panelo said. He said the project has gone through an Investment Coordinating Committee approval and the loan agreement was reviewed, negotiated, and approved by the inter-agency committee composed of the Department of Justice, the Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. “On the concessional interest rate, according to the DOF, if we account for all salient factors and not just the nominal rate—or example, project cost, denomination of loan, and foreign exchange depreciation risk, among others—the effective interest rates between the recently signed Japanese and Chinese loan agreements are actually quite close to each other,” Panelo said. Vito Barcelo

‘EVALUATE PARTY-LIST NOMINEES’

BREAKFAST STAPLE. Salinas dried fish are beautifully arranged by vendors to attract more buyers in Quiapo, Manila. Lino Santos

PDEA WARNS VS ‘LEVELED UP’ DRUG OPS THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Saturday warned drug syndicates are planning to ship illegal drugs through various ports in Western Visayas by hiding the contraband in other cargo. “This is a possible strategy that they will do knowing that the PDEA is persistent with its operations in Dumangas port and other ports in the region,” said Alex Tablate, PDEA Region 6 officer-in-charge. “Drug peddlers are thinking critically to evade arrest. They have formulated new ways and ‘leveled up’ with

their operations,” he added. Tablate noted that with the creation of the Seaport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, drug peddlers may be planning to stuff shabu and other illegal drugs inside fish, poultry, and even fruits that enter Western Visayas. “We need the cooperation of the public living in coastal areas to report to us immediately suspicious strangers who pretend to be fishermen so we can verify their identities,” he said. Another strategy, Tablate said, was to conduct drug transactions at the baggage counter of supermarkets.

He cited a report in Aklan where a drug peddler left a box containing dried marijuana leaves at the baggage counter of a supermarket that was later picked up by a client. “We had the names, but unfortunately we were unable to trace the suspects because the supermarket had a protocol in gaining access to their CCTV footage,” he said. “Malls and supermarkets must cooperate. We are not aiming to encroach for any personal purpose. Our point is to prevent illegal drug transactions in their establishments,” he added. PNA

THE Commission on Elections on Saturday said the release of the names of the nominees of over 130 party-list organizations will give voters a chance to know the personalities behind the organizations. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez noted that in party-list elections, voters must evaluate not just the sectoral organization but also the nominees. “While the Comelec maintains that, in a party-list elections, it is the party-list organization as a whole that should be evaluated by the electorate, it cannot be denied that the identity of the nominees remains a significant reference for voters,” he said. “This is especially true in view of the large number of party-list organizations currently participating in the #NLE2019 elections,” Jimenez added. On Friday, the Comelec released the list of nominees on its Twitter account. “The release of the names of party-list nominees was effected to enhance the transparency of the electoral process and to enable voters to make an informed choice,” Jimenez said. PNA

CRIME INCIDENTS IN MM DOWN By Joel E. Zurbano CRIME incidents in Metro Manila, including robbery, car and motor thefts, rape and physical injury, went down during the last quarter of 2018, the National Capital Region Police Office said. NCRPO data showed that 3,468 crime incidents happened between October and December last year, down from 3,750 cases in the third quarter. Crimes against person declined by four percent from 1,423 in the third quarter to 1,366 while crimes against property went down 9.6 percent from 2,327 to 2,102 incidents. Cases of carnapping were also down 31 percent from 54 to 37 while incidents of rape dropped by 7.86 percent from 280 to 258. NCRPO chief Dir. Guillermo Eleazar attributed the decline to the government’s continuing

war against drugs and other crimes as well as the serious internal cleansing policy of the Philippine National Police to eradicate scalawag cops. The NCRPO also reported that more than 780,000 individuals have been arrested in Metro Manila since it began implementing the intensified drive against street loiterers and those violating local ordinances in June last year. A total of 775,645 persons were apprehended for smoking, accounting for 24.01 percent arrests made. Minors violating curfew hours had the next biggest number with 47,034, followed by 41, 715 individuals caught half-naked. Those caught drinking in public places came next with 36,615. The Quezon City Police District still had the biggest number of arrests at 453,558 violators or more than half of all those arrested in Metro Manila.

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CLEAR. Leyte (1st District) Rep. and Tingog Partylist nominee Yedda Marie K. Romualdez joins actress and TV host Karla Estrada join a motorcade around Tacloban City during the second launching of the party-list group. Ver Noveno

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RULE OF LAW INDEX: PH NOTCHES 3 'POGI' POINTS

BAGUIO’S BLOSSOMS. Performers display their dancing skills during the Panagbenga 2019 Street Dance Parade on Saturday in the country’s summer capital. Panagbenga Festival, also known as the 'Blooming Flowers Festival,' is an annual flower festival in Baguio City. The term 'Panagbenga' comes from a Kankanaey term meaning 'season of blooming,' and this festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. Peter Paul Duran

MORE FILIPINOS FEARFUL OF EJK

By Vito Barcelo

By Vito Barcelo MANY Filipinos have expressed fear they would become victims of extrajudicial killings or EJKs, according to a new Social Weather Stations Survey. Results of a Dec. 16 to 19, 2018 poll of 1,440 adults showed 78 percent of Filipinos were worried they, or anyone they know, would be victims of summary execution, up by five points from the previous 73. But 22 percent said they were “not worried,” compared with 27 percent Turn to A2 facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

CADETS ON CALL. Cadets from the Philippine National Police Academy display their discipline and talent at the start of the Fire Prevention Month led by the Bureau of Fire Protection at the bayside Quirino Grandstand at the sprawling Luneta Park in Manila. The observance has been done for the past 52 years after then President Ferdinand Marcos signed a Proclamation making March the Fire Prevention Month. Norman Cruz

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THE Philippines has improved its ranking but remains to be among the lowest in a global index on the rule of law, placing 90th out of 126 in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2019 released recently. Observers said the ranking was an improvement from 88th place out of 113 countries in the 2017 to 2018 index. Reacting to the report, Malacañang said it was pleased with the latest ranking, which is three notches up from its ranking in 2018. Turn to A2

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OIL PRICE ROLLBACK MINIMAL

DEFENSE CHIEF SHRUGS OFF U.S. WARNING ON HUAWEI

By Alena Mae S. Flores and Maricel V. Cruz CONSUMERS are expected to get a reprieve from three weeks of consecutive oil price hikes as oil firms are set to implement a minimal price rollback next week. “Expect fuel prices to rollback next week. Diesel should decrease by P0.10 per liter and gasoline should stay the same,” Unioil Philippines said in its price forecast. The oil firms implement price adjustments every Tuesday. Year-to-date adjustments now stand at P3.65 per liter for gasoline, P4.45 per liter for diesel and P3.05 per liter for kerosene, according to the latest monitoring report of the Department of Energy. Oil prices have been going up for the third consecutive weeks, the latest on Feb. 26 where the oil players implemented a big time price increase of P1.45 per liter for gasoline and diesel by P1.45 per liter and P 1.35 per liter for kerosene. Oil prices went up after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and producer allies such as Russia agreed to cut production output by 1.2 million barrels per day to prevent a supply overhang from increasing. Nigeria’s decision to limit output and declining output from Iran and Venezuela further fueled the bullish sentiment in the oil market. Oil players also raised the price of cooking gas by as much as P2.90 per kilo equivalent to P31.90 per 11-kilo tank to reflect the higher contract price of liquefied petroleum gas for the month of March. Petron Corp. and Isla LPG issued separate advisories of the LPG increase implemented on March 1. Petron raised its LPG by P2.90 per kilo while Isla LPG which markets the Solane brand raised prices by P2.60 per kilo. “Petron will implement a P2.90 per kilo increase in LPG prices effective 12:01 am, March 1. AutoLPG prices will likewise increase by P1.65 per liter at the same time. These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of March,” Petron said. Prior to the increase, LPG sells from P576 to P755 per 11-kilo tank in Metro Manila. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi urged the oublic to be conscious of their energy and fuel usage, especially when oil prices are “steadily climbing to high levels due to economic and geopolitical factors which we are bound to experience as an oil importing country.” “But even if oil prices go down, it is imperative that we embrace the efficient way of using our energy resources. We would like to remind fellow Filipinos that we are responsible for our individual actions. If we come together with the common goal of energy conservation through energy efficiency, we can achieve a lot in terms of immediate inpocket savings and energy sustainability in the long term,” he said. Meanwhile, a party-list lawmaker on Saturday said the rising prices on oil products and basic goods should compel the Duterte administration to suspend the imposition of excise taxes on oil as provisioned by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) law as well as value-added taxes.

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in June 2017. The survey also found 50 percent of respondents said the poor were the usual victims of EJKs, while 48 percent said the killings did not choose a class, and two percent said only the rich were targeted. The worry is highest in Visayas at 83 percent, followed by Metro Manila at 79 percent, Mindanao at 78 percent, and Balance Luzon at 75 percent. However, three percent believed that only the rich became EJK victims while 48 percent said the problem did not choose a class. More than 5,000 drugs suspects have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency in 2016, getting widespread criticism for alleged state-sponsored killings. Also, the SWS said 12 percent of respondents personally knew a victim of EJK, down by three points from 15 percent recorded in the June 2017 reading. The survey also said 71 percent of Filipinos believed the administration was “serious in solving the EJK problem.” This is five points above from 66 percent previously.

EFENSE Secretary on Friday assured the public that there is no cause for concern on Huawei’s involvement in the country’s telecommunications industry.

Lorenzana made the declaration even after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned of Huawei’s lack of transparency and the risks that the it poses to the Philippines during his recent visit to Manila. “Wala naman akong nakikita eh. Kasi what can they not find outside of Huawei. Mukhang open naman tayo. Open naman silang makapasyal sa buong bansa , eh, ‘di ba?” Lorenzana said. “Wala naman tayong sikretong maitatago sa mga ito. Even the Americans. Meron din ba tayong

matago sa kanila?” he added Lorenzana also brushed aside the possibility of the Chinese listening in on the country’s communication lines via the Chinese firm, saying that “Well that is a cause for concern if they are already interfering in our activities.” “But I’m sure the [officials of the Department of Information and Communication Techology] are doing their job to secure us,” Lorenzana said. “The DICT has assured us that, maganda naman yung kanilang

vetting, our security is not compromised,” he added. On Friday, Pompeo cautioned the Philippine government against dealing with Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei following allegations that the tech firm could be used by the Chinese government for spying. Pompeo instead said that American companies were the “best partners” when it came to infrastructure, development and digital economy because they followed the highest standards of transparency and adhered to the rule of law. “The same cannot be said for Chinese state-run or state-backed enterprises,” Pompeo said. The Philippine government recently entered into a P20-billion

contract with state-owned China International Telecommunication Construction Corporation for the “Safe Philippines” emergency response and monitoring system, with Huawei tapped to provide the equipment, including CCTV cameras. “We believe that competition, whether it be 5G or some other technology ought to be open, free and transparent and we worry that Huawei is not that,” Pompeo said. “America may not be able to operate in certain environments if there is Huawei technology adjacent to that,” he added. “Our task has been to share with the world the risks associated with that technology, the risks to the Philippine people, the risks to Philippine security,” Pompeo said.

NPA-CALAPAN LEADER WITH BOUNTY ON HIS HEAD SLAIN IN CLASH By Francisco Tuyay

SKATEBOARDER’S SKILLS. An unidentified skateboarder displays his adroitness on his wheeled vehicle at Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Manila’s Malate district on Satrurday when weekend strollers dot the public square. Sulayman, whose statue is by the skateboarder’s frame, was the paramount leader of the Rajahnate of Maynila, a fortified Tagalog polity on the southern half ot the Pasig River delta when the Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century. Ey Acasio

A RANKING New People’s Army guerilla leader believed by authorities to be behind burning heavy equipment in Mindoro was killed in an encounter after security forces heightened their hunt against rebel fighters, the military said Saturday. This coincided with reports that soldiers discovered a cave used as hideout and hospital by rebel fighters in the hinterlands of Agusan del Norte farther south. Sr. Supt. Socrates Faltado, spokesperson of MIMAROPA, said Rustom Simbulan, alias “Bobby/Silang and Bayani,” platoon leader of KLG Central, was killed during an encounter with security troops in Sitio Uraray, Barangay Waygan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro at about 5 a.m. Friday. Faltado said Simbulan had a standing bounty of P500,000 and was listed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police Joint Order 14-2012. Prior to Simbulan’s death, he was the object of a warrant of arrest for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder issued by RTC 4th Judicial Region, Branch 40 in Calapan City. Faltado said that Simbulan was involved in torching heavy equipment of Sta. Clara Hyrdo Electric Power Plant in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 26 and the failed raid of the PMI Aggregates in Gloria, Oriental, Mindoro last Feb. 28 that resulted in the death of a policeman. Faltado said troops recovered a cal .45 pistol from Simbulan’s possession along with two magazines, one cellular phone, medicines, backpack, sling bag, and hammock. “Our country’s peacekeepers will push forward in eradicating these terrorists, with the help of the people, we can do it,” Faltado said.

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Political observers said Pompeo’s statement was the first time a US government official from the Trump administration clarified that the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing are locked in years-long territorial row, is covered by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. “As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any attack on Philippine forces, aircraft, republic vessels, in the South China Sea will trigger mutual defense obligations under article 4 of our MDT,” Pompeo told a joint press conference with Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin in Manila. Article IV of the MT states: “Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.” “As an island nation, the Philippines depends on freedom and unrestricted access to the seas. China’s island-building

and military activities in the South China Sea threaten your sovereignty, your security and, therefore, economic livelihood as well as that of the United States,” Pompeo said. But Lorenzana said the treaty was not ratified by the US Congress. “It was only signed by their executive so." You read the MDT. It is said there ‘according to constitutional processes (still).” “I don’t know why it was never revisited and I still believe that the best time to have reviewed the MDT was when the bases of the Americans left the Philippines in the 1990s,” Lorenzana said. Speaking after meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, Pompeo said Beijing’s artificial islands in waters also claimed by the Southeast Asian nation and other neighbors was a threat. “China’s island-building and military activities in the South China Sea threaten your sovereignty, security and therefore economic livelihood, as well as that of the United States,” he said at a joint news

conference with Locsin. “As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any armed attack of Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea will trigger mutual defense obligations under Article 4 of our Mutual Defence Treaty.” Pompeo’s comments marked the first time any US official had publicly stated Washington’s intent to defend the Philippines specifically in the strategic waterway, a potential flashpoint, according to observers. A 1951 US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty committed Manila and its former colonial ally to come to each other’s aid in case of an “armed attack in the Pacific area” on either party. Senior Duterte officials have called for a review of the pact because they were unsure whether it applied to the maritime row. Troops and fishermen have frequently complained about harassment by Chinese maritime security forces around some of the islands and reefs Manila occupies.

The United States has said it is not taking sides in the dispute over waters claimed by China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. However, Washington has asserted its right to freely sail over waters through which trillions of dollars in global trade pass through each year and which reputedly contain vast mineral and oil reserves. The Philippines used to be the staunchest critics of China’s expansive claims over the sea. But after his election in 2016, Duterte put the dispute on the back burner in favor of courting Chinese trade and investment. He threatened a split with the United States and called then President Barack Obama a “son of a bitch.” Relations are being rebuilt under US President Donald Trump, who has hailed Duterte’s actions including a drugs crackdown that has claimed thousands of lives as a sign of toughness. Nat Mariano, AFP and PNA

administration had enhanced the social fabric; reduced inequality transformation and increased growth potential. “The Duterte administration has been tirelessly working on these since Day One and we are pleased of (sic) the Philippines’ improved global rank in 2019, from 88 out of 113 countries in 2017-2018 to 90 out of 126 countries in 2018-2019, as a result of our initiatives. We will not rest and [will] continue

exerting efforts on this aspect,”Panelo said in a statement. But the Philippines also placed at the bottom of the roster for East Asia and the Pacific region, ranking 13th out of 15, ahead only of Myanmar and Cambodia, and ranked 14th out of 30 amonglowermiddleincomecountries. Overall, ranked at the top of the WJP Rule of Law Index 2019 were Denmark (1), Norway (2), and Finland (3). The bottom three

were the Democratic Republic of the Congo (124), Cambodia (125), and Venezuela (126). Meanwhile, East Asia and Pacific’s top performer was New Zealand (8th out of 126 countries globally), followed by Australia and Singapore. “Effective rule of law is the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity, and peace,”William Neukom, WJP founder and CEO, said in the report.

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The Washington-based World Justice Project defines effective rule of law as reducing corruption, combating poverty and disease and protecting people from injustice large and small, which are all embodied in the Duterte administration’s numerous programs, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. Under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 , Panelo said the Duterte

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SENATE ADOPTS ‘SAGIP SAKA’ MEASURE By Maricel V. Cruz

HE House of Representatives led by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has expressed optimism that the proposed “Sagip Saka Act” will soon get enacted.

This came after the Senate adopted House Bill HB 8857 which institutes the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program to be under the Department of Agriculture, as an amendment to Senate Bill 1281. The House unanimously approved on third and final read-

ing HB 8857 with 185 votes last Jan. 31. It requested last Feb. 6 for the formation of a conference committee with the Senate. However, the Senate adopted on the same day HB 8857 as an amendment to SB 1281. House Bill 8857, principally authored by Committee on

Agriculture and Food Chairman Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr. of party-list ANAC-IP, states that it is the declared policy of the State to achieve sustainable modern agriculture and food security by helping the agricultural and fishing communities to reach their full potential, increasing farmers’ and fishermen’s incomes, and bridging gaps through publicprivate partnerships, thereby improving the quality of their life. Pursuant to this, the State shall strengthen the farmers and fisherfolk enterprise development program by 1) es-

tablishing a comprehensive and holistic approach in the formulation, coordination and implementation of enterprise development initiatives; 2) consolidating the roles of different government agencies involved in farmers and fisherfolk development enterprise development, and 3) intensifying the building of entrepreneurship culture among farmers and fisherfolk. The bill provides for the establishment of the “Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program” which shall refer to the comprehensive set of objectives, targets and ho-

listic approach in promoting the creation of enterprises involving agricultural and fishery products. The program shall be integrated and be made consistent with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan, and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Program. The Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program shall make use of sciencebased technologies in the identification and prioritization of agricultural and fishery products that will be covered. The forms of assistance under the program are: 1) im-

provement of production and productivity, including agricultural extension services, skills development, provision of production inputs, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure for production and post-production activities; 2)improvement of producers’ and enterprises’ access to financing in the form of credit grants and crop insurance; 3) provision of access to improved technologies through research and development; and 4) provision of business support and development services, particularly in the areas of access to markets, marketing, and networking.

P900 DAILY WAGE EYED FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS PARTY-LIST group ACTS-OFW has called for a P900-daily minimum wage for construction workers to help address a looming shortage due to migration. “We are losing a great deal of good construction laborers to other countries that are paying up to 10 times the P537 daily minimum wage in Metro Manila,” said ACTSOFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III. Bertiz cited the case of New Zealand, where Filipino construction workers are getting on average the equivalent of P5,300 (or NZ $150) as daily wage, without counting benefits. “This is why the government has to raise substantially the floor wage for construction workers. Our sense is, many of them would prefer to

stay here at home with their families, as long as they get higher pay,” Bertiz said. “Under the law, regional tripartite wages and productivity boards may fix minimum wages per industry or economic sector, and not just along territorial lines,” Bertiz pointed out. ACTS-OFW is not the first to openly call for higher wages for construction workers. No less than the chief executive officer of DMCI Holdings Inc., one of the country’s largest builders, previously said that he favors a daily minimum wage of between P737 to P837 for construction workers. Higher wages for construction laborers are needed, according to DMCI president Isidro Consunji. “They [construction workers] are

exposed to the elements [heat and rain]. It’s a lot heavier work and a lot riskier (compared to those in other industries such as manufacturing or services),” Consunji said. Consunji acknowledged that his firm is having difficulty looking for construction workers. The Duterte administration’s economic growth strategy is partly anchored on a P9-trillion public infrastructure development program that includes 75 big-ticket projects. Last week, the Department of Transportation broke ground for the construction of the country’s first underground rapid passenger transit system—the 36-kilometer Mega Manila Subway, or Metro Manila Subway Line 9. Maricel V. Cruz

ROBOT FIREFIGHTER. Raha Sulayman Firefighting Volunteers parade their robot machines during the kickoff ceremony of the Fire Prevention Month spearheaded by the Bureau of Fire Protection at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta. Norman Cruz

MARCH 5 IS RENEWABLE ENERGY DAY IN NEGROS ORIENTAL By Alena Mae S. Flores NEGROS Oriental has declared March 5 every year as renewable energy day, solidifying its commitment to promote renewable energy in the region. Negros Oriental is the first province in the Philippines to institutionalize its support and commitment to renewable energy through an annual commemorative local government event. Governor Roel Ragay Degamo recently signed Executive Order No. 22-18 declaring Renewable Energy Day in Negros Oriental every 5th of March. “Consistent with these directives and ideals, the Province of Negros Oriental shall prioritize the utilization of clean, renewable energy, which is abundant in the province; to continuously protect and develop such renewable energy sources and, at the same time, shun operations and activities including sourcing and use of energy sources that are destructive to the environment and harmful to its citizens’ health and livelihood,” the declaration stated. “Such detrimental operations and activities are primarily caused by the operation of power plants run by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal,” it said.

The first Renewable Energy Day in 2019 is seen as a culmination of a week-long celebration in the province focused on increasing awareness and information about renewable energy sources, engaging the public especially the youth in pro-environment initiatives and causes, and showcasing the positive effects and benefits of “greener” and reliable energy. This follows a similarly groundbreaking executive order signed in March last year declaring Negros Oriental as an environment-friendly and clean energy province. “Making my province, Negros Oriental, as an environment-friendly and clean-energy province is one of the toughest decisions I have made as governor,” Degamo said earlier. “I want to share our experience so that it can serve not just as an example but an inspiration on how we can achieve a cleaner energy future not just for individual communities but for the entire country,” he said. Negros Oriental is host to several renewable energy power plants that generate clean, reliable power through geothermal, solar, hydro and wind sources, contributing substantially to the electricity needs of the Visayas region.

FDA RAIDS ERRING FIRMS IN DAVAO, ANTIPOLO FOOD and Drug Administration agents on Wednesday simultaneously swooped down on two establishments of the Misumi Direct Sales cosmetics distribution company in Antipolo City and Matina, Davao City for selling or offering for sale unregistered beauty and skin-whitening products. FDA Director General Nela Charade G. Puno said the two Misumi Direct Sales branches, owned by one Donnah Mae Martinez-Miranda, faces consequential administrative sanctions if found guilty of violating rules and regulations on FDA-issued license to operate (LTO) and Certificate of Product Registration (CPR). The Misumi branch in Davao City was ordered padlocked by the FDA after the respondents failed to present a valid FDA-issued License to Operate during the implementation of the agency’s Summons. The establishment was also found to be selling unregistered Bihaku Aha Blue Booster with Blueberry Fruit Extract 50ml skin-whitening products. In the Antipolo City raid, FDA agents seized P220,560.00 worth of unregistered Bihaku Whitening Lotion with SPF 60

200 ml; Bihaku Aha Blue Booster with Blueberry Fruit Extract 50 ml; and Seoul Beauty Pore-Fect Powder Infuse with Snail SPF45 30 ml. FDA agents initially conducted surveillance and test-buys at the Misumi Direct Sales branch at #25 Maya Avenue, Okinari Bldg., Marville Park Subdivision, San Roque, Antipolo City while another group of agents conducted same strategy at same store’s branch at Unit 11, 2nd Flr., Vastland Bldg., McArthur Highway Cor. Topaz St., Matina, Davao City before simultaneously implementing the FDA-issued legal orders at around 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Puno said the seized products were part of the 34 unregistered and potentially hazardous cosmetic products that are subject of the FDA’s public advisory (No. 2018-167) issued on May 3, 2018. In the FDA’s public advisory, all concerned establishments were warned not to distribute or sell such products while all local government units (LGEs) and law enforcement units were requested to ensure that said products are not sold or made available in their localities or areas of jurisdiction. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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‘CHARGE AQUINO, ABAD, TOO’

By Vito Barcelo

‘EVALUATE PARTY-LIST NOMINEES’

BREAKFAST STAPLE. Salinas dried fish are beautifully arranged by vendors to attract more buyers in Quiapo, Manila. Lino Santos

LOUD AND CLEAR. Leyte

(1st District) Rep. and Tingog Partylist nominee Yedda Marie K. Romualdez joins actress and TV host Karla Estrada join a motorcade around Tacloban City during the second launching of the party-list group. Ver Noveno

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

HAWK-EYED IN MARCH

HERE is a hot-rod reason to be vigilant in March, the start of the searing months which end in May in this two-season archipelago, since it has been observed for the past 52 years, by Presidential Proclamation in November 1966, as the Fire Prevention Month. These months constitute the quarter which has registered the highest number of fire incidents in recent years. The Bureau of Fire Protection has been designated as the lead agency for such observance, ushered in on Friday with a simultaneous “Walk for a Fire-Free and a Fire-

Safe Nation” nationwide, except for the BFP National Headquarters and National Capital Region which will conduct the activity today at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. Activities across the archipelago, from TawiTawi up to Batanes, will focus on the theme slogan “Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin.” These activities include, but are not limited to, TV and radio guesting, stressing the importance of fire safety; Berong Bumbero sa Paaralan or the conduct of fire safety awareness campaign in all elementary schools through story telling from March 3 to 7. There will also be Takbo Laban sa Sunog on March 7, refresher training course for all volunteer Fire Brigades and Barangay Disaster Control Brigade of all Regional Offices/Fire Stations on March 9; a three-day Open House for school children for lectures on fire safety

change the world.” Paloma has “released fundraising chapbooks such as ‘Marawi’, in support of relief efforts in the Southern Philippines; and ‘After Irma After Harvey’, in support of hurricanedisplaced animals in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico…In 2018, the fundraising anthology ‘Humanity’ was released in support of UNICEF’s Emergency Relief campaigns on the borders of the United States and in Syria.” Edited by Tabios, ‘Humanity’ is a collection of essays and poetry conceived by Cassinetto, inspired by Annie Dillard’s ‘For the Time Being’ “which, in a large part, contemplates humanity ‘in a world of almost 7 billion individuals’” and presents “humanity’s explorations, often struggles, with itself in a variety of contexts.” (from Tabios’ introduction) One of the essays, “Holy Tunganga: Meditations on Becoming an Ancestor”, traces retired university professor Leny Mendoza Strobel’s journey to “deepen my spiritual practice that is rooted in my Filipino indigenous spirituality.” She migrated to the US in 1983, and needed to be uprooted from the Philippines, she said, “to find Home.” “We wanted to recuperate the ancient babaylan tradition,” she

POWERING CIVILIZATION USING RECENT SUNLIGHT

and provide them proper knowledge in using different firefighting equipment. Throughout the Fire Prevention Month, the Fire Safety Awareness Campaign will be continuing, with leaflets, posters and other information materials distributed in different areas. At the same time, lectures on fire prevention, inspection of establishments, testing of fire hydrants, fire disaster emergency evacuation planning, fire drills, monitoring of all hazard operations, identification of fire-prone areas and conduct of pre-fire planning to areas identified, as well as caravans will be intensified. But some caveat must be raised. People from all walks of life must be on the beam as regards the importance of taking requisite safety measures—not only during the Fire Prevention Month but throughout the year when fire can stealthily charge like a thief in the night.

PALOMA PRESS AND FIL-AM LITERATURE WHEN I migrated to the US a couple of years ago, one of the first things I did there was try to recreate a sense of home by joining a writers’ community. It was Philippine letters’ elder statesman Krip Yuson who got me in touch with Eileen Tabios, and she connected me with Aileen Cassinetto. In October 2017, my sister and I had dinner with the two ladies, their husbands, and other friends including writer and diversity studies professor Melinda de Jesus at a quaint eatery in San Francisco. From there we went on a ‘lit crawl’ to the Dovre Club on Valencia street, where they read poems amid the din of people chattering and a TV at full blast. I still have the photographs from that night. Eileen and Aileen were born in the Philippines and later moved to the US. Tabios is a poet and anthologist who has published many books. Cassinetto is the first Asian-American poet laureate of San Mateo County. The year before we met, Cassinetto founded Paloma Press, a San Franciso Bay Area-based independent literary press publishing poetry, prose, and limited edition books. Shebelieves in “the power of the literary arts, how it can create empathy, bridge divides,

PECIER DECIERDO

wrote, “that is still alive and well today even though still relatively unknown to many of us in the diaspora and even in the homeland.” Mendoza-Strobel related the questions that young Fil-Ams often ask: “What does it mean to be urban and indigenous? What does it mean to be a Filipino in the diaspora? What does it mean to heal communities of color and their colonial trauma and historical amnesia?” Other essays in ‘Humanity’ tell of experiences in other countries, other cultures. Swiss-French-Filipino Christine Amour-Levar writes about the Nenets reindeer herders of Siberia and their harsh life in temperatures that dip to 36 degrees below zero. In “Desert Castles,” JA Bernstein, of Jewish heritage, recounts a friendship with the Palestinian Samir. S. Lily Mendoza, a professor of culture and communication in Michigan, tells of her childhood in Pampanga and her separation through the years from her ‘indigenous soul,’ and reconnecting with it again. Paloma Press’ most recent title is ‘The Good Mother of Marseille’ by Christopher X. Shade, a novel of Americans abroad. The first chapter starts with Chinelo the dog getting cut on shards from bottles being flung from a fourth-floor window. It

ALMOST all of the energy we use in our everyday lives ultimately comes from the Sun: the energy from the food we eat, the electricity powering our homes and workplaces, and the fuel used by the vehicles we use to move around. Most of this energy comes from ancient sunlight. Unfortunately, we have now come to realize that harnessing ancient sunlight creates threats to our civilization’s continued existence. The secret to our survival on this planet lies in our ability to live to shift away from ancient sunlight, and to power our civilization using mostly recently sunlight. Allow me to expound. There are two main sources of energy that power things here on Earth. The first is the energy coming from deep inside the Earth: the heat of the Earth’s core. This energy can do things that are both slow and sudden. On the side of the slow, the energy from the Earth’s core moves continents and raises mountains. On the side of the sudden, this energy leads to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The second main source of energy is the Sun. There are many things that are obviously powered by the Sun. For example, we learned from grade school that all the energy in the food chain came from the Sun. Plants convert sunlight (light and heat energy) to food (chemical energy), which then goes up the food chain until it reaches our tables and mouths. There is also the water cycle, the process by which the Sun moves water around the face of the Earth. It supplies the heat that evaporates water. The water vapor forms clouds and rains down, usually somewhere else. But there are many other things that derive their energy from the Sun. For example, the wind gets its energy from the Sun. The Sun heats up different parts of the Earth’s atmosphere in different ways. This results in differences in the air pressure, which makes the wind blow. In fact, our civilization is almost entirely powered by energy from the Sun, from the generation of electricity to the fuels we use to power our vehicles. The only exceptions would be the geothermal energy (it comes from deep inside the Earth) and nuclear (which comes from the energy of splitting atoms). By now the astute reader would be saying hold on, are we not mostly powered by fossil fuels? Are not most of the electricity we use generated using coal, oil, ang gas? And are not almost all vehicles out there running, floating, or flying powered by oil? Well, yes. But all these fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—ultimately derive their energy from the Sun. Fossil fuels are, as the name suggests, fossils. They are the remains of organisms that lived on Earth millions of years ago. For example, coal, the so-called “king” of energy sources, is the fossilized remains of plants that lived more than 200 millions years ago. This means all the energy contained in coal ultimately came from the Sun. A lump of coal is thus a bundle of compressed ancient sunlight. By the same token, the energy of oil is ancient sunlight in liquid form, whereas natural gas is ancient sunlight in gaseous form. Given how most of our electricity is produced using fossil fuels, and how almost all of our vehicles are fueled by them, we can say that the modern world runs on the energy of ancient sunlight. A lot of great things were built using the energy of ancient sunlight. However, we cannot keep on relying on ancient sunlight forever, or even for very long. First, because it will eventually run out. The amount of oil, gas, and coal in the ground is not unlimited. Sunlight, on the other hand, will be around for another billion years and more. Second, because using the energy of ancient sunlight releases the ghost of ancient living things in the form of carbon dioxide. And these ghosts were not happy to have been awaken from their eons of slumber, and they haunt our atmosphere by trapping excess heat, giving the Earth a fever that wrecks that delicate balance that made our civilization possible in the first place. Third, because we now have found a way to power our civilization using recently sunlight. We have found a way to harness the power of the wind, waves, and water, all of which ultimately derive their energy from recent sunlight. We even have learned how to directly harness the energy of sunlight itself. Our generation it at a crossroads. One road leads to the destruction of the climate that has allowed civilization to flourish. The other leads to a world where we leave the ghosts of ancient life forms on the ground and, like a sunflower, flourish on power of recent sunlight.

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE gets more interesting from there. As a publisher, Cassinetto’s mission to bring voices out of the silence, to make heard those who are ignored and disregarded. She champions the beauty and magic of poetry. She brings to the page the words of POC (people of color), those of the Philippine diaspora, those of mixed heritage who are struggling with issues of race, self, and nation. In her own book ‘The Pink House of Purple Yam Preserves and Other Poems’ (Our Own Voice and Little Dove Books, 2018), Cassinetto reveals her yearning for her home country, for Inang Bayan. In her essay “Traveling With Tsinelas” she says: “Tokens aside, nothing, of course, beats the real thing—my homeland in all her sultry, jangling, ragged, luscious, cerulean, burnt amber, ironic, contradictory, heartbreakingly proud, and heartbreakingly lovely glory. In the most hushed hours of my day, I think of her. “Then I am home, more often than she knows.” Poetry is the soul and conscience of a people. FB and Twitter: @ DrJennyO

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CANADA APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS TOBACCO RULING MONTREAL—Quebec’s appeals court on Friday upheld a historic ruling ordering three tobacco firms to pay Can$15.5 billion (US$11.6 billion) to smokers in the Canadian province who claimed they were never warned about the health risks associated with smoking. Imperial Tobacco Canada, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, Rothmans Benson & Hedges and JTIMacDonald have one month to launch an eventual appeal before Canada’s Supreme Court. In June 2015, the Superior Court of Quebec ruled that the three companies should pay the whopping amount to tens of thousands of smokers suffering from emphysema, lung cancer or throat cancer. According to media reports, accruing interest will bring the final amount to more than Can$17 billion. The two class action lawsuits behind the award, which were originally filed in 1998, affected nearly one million smokers or ex-smokers, some of whom had been consuming tobacco since the 1960s. The trial only began in March 2012. AFP

GOODBYE, VIETNAM.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un (left) waves from his car in Hanoi as he concludes his state visit to Vietnam —and a failed negotiation with US President Donald Trump over the hermit state’s nuclear program—on Saturday. AFP

‘CHLORINE USED IN ATTACK ON SYRIA’S DOUMA’ THE HAGUE, Netherlands—The world’s chemical weapons watchdog said Friday that chlorine was used against the rebel-held Syrian town of Douma in 2018, in a long-awaited final report on the deadly attack. The report by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was based on a visit by inspectors to the site of the attack which witnesses said killed 43 people. Western powers led by the United States blamed the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the incident and unleashed air strikes on military installations in response. The Hague-based watchdog said two cylinders likely containing chlorine smashed into a housing block in the town. The OPCW report said that there were “reasonable grounds that the use of a toxic chemical as a weapon has taken place on 7 April 2018. This toxic chemical contained reactive chlorine.” It said however that it found no evidence of the use of nerve agents in Douma, which had been previously alleged by some parties in the conflict. The findings confirmed an interim OPCW report released last July saying that traces of chlorine were found. The report does not place blame because it was not in the OPCW’s remit at the time, although the watchdog has since been given powers to investigate responsibility for all chemical attacks in Syria back to 2014. AFP

BRAZIL’S PRESIDENT TO VISIT US, CHILE, ISRAEL THIS MONTH BRASÍLIA—Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will pay his first official visits to the United States, Chile and Israel this month, in a clear sign of the alliances the far-right leader wants to shore up, official sources said Friday. The former Army captain, who took office on January 1, will be in the United States on March 18-22 and in Chile on March 23, said Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, quoted by state-owned Agencia Brasil. At the end of March, Bolsonaro will travel to Israel, Araujo added. The Israeli foreign ministry said Wednesday that the Brazilian leader would be in that country from March 31 to April 4. These will be Bolsonaro’s first official visits as president. In January, he went to Switzerland to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos. Recent Brazilian presidents traditionally have made their first trips to neighboring Argentina. But Bolsonaro’s itinerary represents the political and economic shifts he highlighted during his successful election campaign. Bolsonaro, like US President Donald Trump, largely rejects multilateralism, and both want to oust embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and see opposition leader Juan Guaido in his place. In Chile, seen by Brazil’s new economy minister Paulo Guedes as an economic success story, Bolsonaro will take part in the launch of the Prosur forum, which aims to promote development projects in South America. AFP

TRUMP OMITS KIM IN WARMBIER ISSUE

ASHINGTON— President Donald Trump on Friday sought to quell a firestorm sparked by his comments on the case of an American student tortured and left in a coma in North Korea, saying his words had been “misinterpreted.”

Trump sparked widespread criticism when he told reporters at this week’s summit with Kim Jong Un in Vietnam that he believed the North Korean leader’s claim that he didn’t know what happened to Otto Warmbier during his detention. The 22-year-old Warmbier died days after being sent back to the United States in 2017. After a stern rebuke from Warmbier’s parents, Trump took to Twitter, insisting he held North

Korea responsible for the student’s death -- but without directly blaming Kim or even mentioning him. “I never like being misinterpreted, but especially when it comes to Otto Warmbier and his great family,” Trump said. “Of course, I hold North Korea responsible for Otto’s mistreatment and death. “Most important, Otto Warmbier will not have died in vain. Otto and his family have become a tremendous symbol of strong passion and strength, which will last for many years into the future.” Earlier Friday, Warmbier’s parents Fred and Cindy condemned the US leader’s “lavish praise” of Kim this week following their summit in Hanoi. “We have been respectful during this summit process. Now we must speak out,” they said in a statement. “Kim and his evil regime are responsible for the death of our son Otto. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for unimaginable cruelty and inhumanity,” they said. “No excuses or lavish praise can change that.”

In his response, Trump noted: “I got Otto out along with three others. The previous Administration did nothing, and he was taken on their watch.” He concluded: “I love Otto and think of him often!” Warmbier, an Ohio native who studied at the University of Virginia, had traveled to North Korea on a tour. He was pulled away at the Pyongyang airport and charged with crimes against the state for allegedly taking down a propaganda poster in his hotel. He was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. After lengthy negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang, Warmbier was released but died a few days later on American soil. After the Hanoi summit, Trump said of Kim: “He knew the case very well, but he knew it later.” Kim “tells me that he didn’t know about it, and I will take him at his word,” Trump said. Washington politicians reminded the president that in 2017, he took credit for obtaining Warmbier’s release. AFP

CANADA TO EXTRADITE HUAWEI EXEC MENG TO US OTTAWA—Canada on Friday launched the extradition of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou to the United States—the latest move in a case that has roiled relations between the North American neighbors and China. The 47-year-old businesswoman was changing planes in Vancouver in December when she was detained at Washington’s request on suspicion of violating US sanctions on Iran— sparking arrests of Canadians in China that were seen as retaliatory. “Today, Department of Justice Canada officials issued an Authority to Proceed, formally commencing an extradition process in the

case of Ms. Meng Wanzhou,” the government said in a statement. Meng, Huawei’s chief financial officer and the daughter of the company’s founder Ren Zhengfei, is due in court on March 6, when prosecutors will present the evidence against her and lay out detailed arguments for her extradition. The decision, the statement said, followed a “thorough and diligent” review which found sufficient evidence to warrant putting the matter before a judge. At the end of the process—which could last months, or even years— Canada’s attorney general will have the final say on whether or not to

hand Meng over. China’s embassy in Canada said it was “utterly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes” the decision to proceed with the extradition, calling it “political persecution” and asking for Meng’s unconditional release. Meng has been released on bail pending the outcome of the hearings. China is furious over the US charges against Meng, saying they are the product of “strong political motivations” and an attempt to undermine its flagship telecoms company. Huawei has strenuously denied

any wrongdoing. Nine days after Meng’s arrest, Chinese authorities detained two Canadians—former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor—in what was widely seen as an act of retaliation. A third Canadian, meanwhile, had his sentence for drug trafficking upped from 15 years in prison to death row. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has insisted on a strict hands-off approach to the issue, with his justice department stressing on Friday that “Canada is a country governed by the rule of law.” AFP

US SLAPS NEW SANCTIONS ON MADURO-LED VENEZUELA WASHINGTON—The United States and Russia clashed Friday over how to assist crisis-wracked Venezuela, with Moscow pledging new relief channeled through President Nicolas Maduro and Washington slapping sanctions over the blocking of US aid it tried to push through the border. A day after Russia and China vetoed a US and European resolution at the UN Security Council that called for unimpeded aid deliveries, Washington said it was targeting six Venezuelan military officers for stopping last weekend’s US-led convoy. Four people were killed in the melee as Maduro’s forces prevented the 178 metric tonnes of rice, beans and other food from crossing into the country from Colombia. The leftist strongman

says the aid is a pretext for a US-led invasion. “We are sanctioning members of Maduro’s security forces in response to the reprehensible violence, tragic deaths and unconscionable torching of food and medicine destined for sick and starving Venezuelans,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. The six include Major General Richard Jesus Lopez Vargas, the commander of the Venezuelan National Guard. The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States and penalize US financial dealings with the officials. The United States also revoked the visas of 49 Venezuelan officials and their family members, the State Department said. AFP

NOWHERE TO GO. Venezuelan indigenous children of the Warao tribe are seen at the Janokoida shelter where they have been taking refuge in Pacaraima, Roraima State, Brazil, on the border with Venezuela on Saturday. AFP

Images

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WELCOME TO MANILA. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (center) shares a group picture with the staff of the US Embassy in Manila on Friday as he wrapped up his two-day visit to the Philippines. AFP

GREETING GREENPEACE. Indigenous dancers perform PREGNANT CELEBRATION. Pregnant women from all sectors of society literally bump bellies at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila to celebrate the passage of the Expanded Maternity Leave law, which grants women up to 105 days of paid leave from work. Norman Cruz

OPEN FIELD. Student athletes and health buffs take time to run or work out in the huge track and field oval and football stadium in Biñan City, Laguna, built during the term of former mayor Marlyn ‘Len’ Alonte Naguiat, currently Biñan’s representative in Congress. Sonny Espiritu

at Pier 15 of the Philippine Coast Guard docks in Manila on Friday to welcome the Greenpeace flagship ‘Rainbow Warrior’ to the country. Manila is the first stop of the eco-warrior ship’s 16-day journey called ‘Ship It Back’—referring to wastes dumped on countries by other countries. Norman Cruz

TRASHED TARPS. Members of the Department of Public Order and Safety guard the collected dismantled illegal campaign posters after their ‘Oplan Baklas’ works on Thursday in Quezon City, fulfilling orders by the Commission on Elections ahead of the May 13 polls. Manny Palmero

PRICES UP. A store attendant

changes price tags on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks at a shop along V. Luna Street in Quezon City on Thursday. The Department of Energy announced a price increase of LPG or cooking gas by P2.91 per kilogram, reflecting the movement of prices in the world market. Manny Palmero

NEEDED NEEDLE. A pet puppy gets a rabies vaccine as pet owners brought their furry friends to the San Andres Gymnasium on Friday. March is the National Rabies Awareness Month in the country. Norman Cruz

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

TABLE TENNIS ADVOCATE LIM PAYS IT FORWARD

By Arman D. Armero

USINESSMAN-sportsman Charlie Lim clearly remembers the time when as a young, aspiring table tennis player in Cebu, he had to rely on kind-hearted people to help him pursue his passion. A varsity player both in high school for the Cebu Eastern College and as a college student at the University of San Carlos, the young Charlie and his teammates rewarded their supporters with a number of victories and championships. Needless to say, he survived both his time in the table tennis arena and inside the classroom. Fast forward to the future. Charlie has become a successful businessman, but he never once have forgotten the people who had helped him become what he is today. Now, he is paying his “debts” forward by rediscovering his athletic roots and helping young Filipinos achieve their dreams of becoming world-class table tennis players in this part of the world. As organizing committee chairman, Charlie is the force behind the highly-successful 9th Flexible Cup Invitational Table Tennis Championship two weeks ago at the Harrison Shopping Complex in Manila, which drew 400 foreign and local participants, some of them from table tennis powerhouse nations such as Indonesia, China and Malaysia. He is also the honorary president of the Table Tennis Association for National Development, which he founded 19 years ago, and which later gave birth to the Flexible Cup tournaments and other related activities. Today, Charlie looks back with fondness as to how it all started for him. “Noong estudyante pa kasi ako, siyempre wala pa naman tayong kinikita noon, marami ring tumulong sa akin sa pagiging varsity player ko. Kaya ibinabalik ko lang ngayon, gusto ko ring makatulong sa mga aspiring table tennis players,” Charlie said. In helping young table tennis players achieve

Table Tennis Association for National Development Honorary President and 9th Flexible Cup Table Tennis Invitational Championship Organizing Committee Chairman Charlie Lim

their dreams, Charlie more often than not, had to dig deep from his own pocket and sometimes ask help from like-minded friends to fund his projects. In fact, Charlie’s company, the Flexible Packaging Corp., had been sponsoring international events for the past nine years. But the untiring Charlie doesn’t seem to mind, because from the outset, he had been nurturing a long-cherished dream, not for his own, but for young Filipino table tennis players. “Ang dream ko talaga ay makapag-produce tayo ng mga players who can be at par with the best players in the world, na puwede nating dalhin hanggang sa Olympics,” Charlie said. He may have found that gem of a table tennis player in Russel Misal, a varsity player for National University. In December last year, Misal reached the round-of-16 in the prestigious World Championship of Pingpong held in London, England.

The Davao native again proved his mettle when he became the lone Filipino campaigner to crash into the round-of-8 in the men’s individual category in the 9th Flexible Cup, faring better than the national team members entered in the event. With his recent successes, Misal has become a source of pride for TATAND and Charlie, who is supporting Misal’s table tennis career all the way. Still, Charlie says that he wishes that like Misal, more young players would take up the sport and excel. “I believe that Filipinos can really excel in table tennis, kasi hindi naman kailangan ng height dito. Kahit maliit ka, pero mabilis kang kumilos and if you are properly trained, puwede kang maging world-class player. But we need to support these players so they can achieve their dreams,” said Charlie.

THE PLAYERS’ AGENT OF CHOICE, ALL 78 OF ‘EM By Lito Cinco AT THE age of 71, Danny Espiritu remains the choice of a great majority of professional basketball players to represent them in their contract negotiations. How many players? Seventy-eight to be exact, including most of the league’s superstars, while his son Marvin and partner Matthew Manotoc have 25 cagers they represent, most of whom are the newer players. Danny never thought of becoming a player agent. He was just an ordinary basketball fan of the Crispa Redmanizers. He used to spend thousands of pesos getting tickets from scalpers during the Crispa-Toyota championship games in the late 1970s up to the early 80s. One time, he even paid P10,000 for a ticket. It was Bong Alvarez, though, who started Danny’s path towards being a player agent when he requested the latter to accompany him in his meeting with Alaska, which was offering a twoyear contract then to the player known as Mr. Excitement. The two agreed on a foot signal if Alvarez was okay with the offer, then Danny would agree on behalf of Alvarez. What happened was the player was happy with the initial terms offered, but the manager was not. And instead of accepting, he requested for another meeting, to the disappointment of Alvarez. But in their next meeting, Danny was able to get a hefty improvement from the initial offer. Word then started to spread around to other players how good Danny was in negotiations. And

Danny Espiritu with the writer Photo by Rey Nillama

before he knew it, Danny was swamped with requests from other players. At that time, Danny was just happy to help, getting free PBA tickets to the games as a payment. But five years into this new-found calling, the PBA told him that in the absence of any contract between him and the players he was representing, the league will not recognize him as a player agent. Forced by circumstances, he had his lawyers draw up a contract, which now includes a small commission, to which all the players readily agreed. Being an accountant by profession, Danny found legitimate means to steadily improve

the packages of his players through incentives, bonuses, and other perks. And as he always negotiates with teams in good faith and with transparency, he earned the respect of the team owners and managers. “I believe that (respect) is the key to my still being here after close to three decades. The teams know, I know what I am talking about and they can always check with each other on what I tell them during negotiations. On the part of the players, I have never made a decision on my own for them. For me, my job is to work out the best deals possible and lay down to the players the different options open to him, including possible consequences. In some cases when players are hard headed, up to now, I maintain this position, the players decide what they want, “ said Danny, who admitted though that not everything is easy with this kind of job as being a player’s manager means, too, he has to absorb the heat for his players at times. “The truth is, I find it more difficult to address off the court problems and situations for some players,” said Danny. Asked about the difference between the players in the 1980s, the 90s and the present crop of players, Danny said: “I believe the players then had more love for the game. Now, it is more of a job and emphasis is on the money side of the matter, which adds to difficulties at times in negotiating.” But whatever happens, Danny intends to stay in this “world” until he can. “I thought before that when I reach 60, I would retire already and let my son eventually carry on. Instead, I have more players under me now.”

LUISITA DETHRONES CANLUBANG IN PAL SRS INTERCLUB

Edmund Yee Photo by Angelica Villanueva

CEBU CITY—Luisita clinched its 17th championship in the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Seniors Interclub tournament after holding off rival Canlubang Saturday at the Alta Vista Golf Club. Luisita finished the four-day event with 569, three points clear of Canlubang which did not go down without a fight. Six points down before the start of the final round, Canlubang reduced the margin to just three after Abe Rosal edged Chino Raymundo, 4946, in the first flight. Damasus Wong, the second man out, was cruising at one-over par through 15 holes, but finished disastrously with bogey, a pickup and double bogey to limp home with 47. Wong went out of bounds off the tee in the 17th and 18th after missing the green on the 16th for bogey.

In contrast, Edmund Yee, his Luisita flight mate, breezed through the last three holes at one-under to salvage 49 points. That seven-point swing in the last three holes turned out to be what Luisita needed to dethrone Canlubang. Luisita also drew 50 points from Eddie Bagtas and 46 from Rafael Garcia. Veteran Rolly Viray turned in 52 points for Canlubang while teammate Abe Avena did not count with 42 points. Del Monte Golf Club finished third with 552 points, closing out with 144 points behind Ramon Velez (54), Erning Apas (46) and Florencio Badelic (44). First round leader Cebu Country Club wound up fourth with 543 after a finishing 141. Scoring for CCC were Ramontito Garcia 51, Nonoy Tirol 46 and Jufil Sato 44.

UST POLE VAULTER WINS PH’S 1ST GOLD LAGAN CITY—Pole vault newconer Maria Khrizzie Clarisse Ruzol averted a gold-medal shutout for the Philippines in the 14th Southeast Asian Youth Games opener Saturday afternoon here at the Ilagan City Sports Complex. The 16-year old University of Santo Tomas standout leaped to a height of 2.60 meters in the girls’ pole vault to win the country’s first gold medal later in the day after a barren morning show from the Filipino youngsters. “It was my first time competing here in the SEA Youth so I was very nervous at first, but that nervousness was replaced with happiness with our win,” said Ruzol, whose friend Jessa Marie Libres made it a 1-2 finish. Training under the tutelage of coach Emerson Obiena and national team player EJ, the Navotas City-native Ruzol proved that first timers can also thrive in such tournament level despite her playing pole vault just five months ago. “Pole vault’s not my first sport. I just started playing this sport five months ago,” said the University Athletic Association Season 81 juniors’ division gold medalist who played badminton, volleyball and track and field before falling in love with pole vault. “I guess it’s just a blessing in disguise,” she added. Five other local athletes struggled for just a silver medal and four bronze medals in the eight-nation tournament organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association of the Philippines (PATAFA) for a 1-2-4 gold-silver-bronze. Cebuana sprinter Princess Jean Nalzaro clocked in 15.61 seconds in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles to take home the silver medal behind Thai champion Nattchicha Sengna (15.40s). “I’m nervous because it’s my first time but the Thai runner was just too good. She’s just too tall,” the 4-foot-11, 16-year-old 2016 Batang Pinoy National Finals campaigner said of her 5-foot-6 counterpart. Patrick Shane Tolentino (boys high jump), middle distance runner Jeshrelvan Ombid (boys’ 800-meter) and Michael Alfred Adan (boys’ 2000-meter steeplechase), on the other hand, settled for bronze medals.

ARDINA LEADS LOCALS’ BID IN TCC LADIES THE Filipina shotmakers brace for three days of grueling battle of shotmaking and wits against world No. 2 Sung Hyun Park and a host of LPGA of Taiwan campaigners, aiming to protect their turf in the first The Country Club Ladies Invitational unfolding Wednesday (March 6) at the TCC layout in Laguna. The hosts hope to cash in on whatever slim edge they have at one of the country’s toughest courses although all agree that they are in for a tough outing given the depth of the field. “Playing against the world’s No. 2 and some of the best in the region should serve as motivation for us to do better. Although the long hitters, like Park, have the edge at TCC, we believe we have the skills and talent to match up with them,” said Ardina. Meanwhile, for details and reservations for tickets to the TCC Ladies, contact Jocelyn Duque at 09157974751 or email lpgtinvitational@gmail.com. Ardina is actually making a return to the course where she reigned during the inaugurals of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour in 2013 before vying in the Symetra Tour and then eventually gaining a full card on the LPGA Tour this year. Like the Canlubang ace, reigning LPGT Order of Merit champion Princess Superal and former 2017 OOM titlist Pauline del Rosario see the event as an opportunity to bolster their respective games and prove their worth at the wind-raked course which punishes even the slightest of mistakes. “This is one rare opportunity for us to showcase our talents, to prove that we can be ranged against the world’s best,” said Superal. “But it will take a lot of hard work to at least contend.” “The event is a great challenge for us and it should be fun to see how we would all fare with Park,” said Del Rosario.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019

Business

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

24-YEAR-OLD ATENEO DROPOUT NOW EMPLOYS MORE THAN 100 S

HE quit college to earn her first million at 18, established an interior design company employing engineers and architects at 20 and recently put up a 300-squaremeter café at a busy nook of Quezon City.

Now at 24, Gila Salvador employs more than 100 people in construction, design and restaurant operations and plans to venture into hotel and property development soon. “I plan to retire and settle down at 27,” she says in an interview at the stylish MadCafe along Congressional Ave. near Visayas Ave. “I want to build, build and build so that whoever I get to marry, I would not have to rely on him and my family would have a comfortable life because of me,” says Salvador, the founder and chief executive of MadHouse Design Studio and the owner of MadCafe. Her first venture was PaperPlanes Manila, an online shop of notebooks and customized gifts. Salvador is also a popular vlogger with thousands of followers on Facebook. Her video on how to redesign a 22-square-meter studio unit for a family of five has more than 2 million views. Her biggest project thus far is the interior design of a 42-story building in Manila owned by a FilipinoChinese family. She also designed the interiors of OneOkada International, the network marketing company established in Quezon City by Alexander Salvador, her 50-year-old father. She considers her parents as her inspiration. Her father is an architect and businessman who expanded Cut & Fix International Salon into a 47-branch chain. Her mother Michelle Salvador loves cooking and helped her prepare the recipe for MadCafe. “My dad is good in construction, while my mom loves cooking. Both my parents are my inspiration,” says Salvador, who funded her businesses on her own. She was taking Information Design, Minor in Management at Ateneo de Manila University when she got hooked on selling notebooks online. With a capital of P4,000, she started an online shop called PaperPlanes Manila. “I started in business when I was 18. I sold notebooks. When I raised a seven-figure income from that online shop, I stopped going to school and bought a P400,000 printer for tarpaulin and wallpaper,” she says. She established a graphic design studio called Graphic Factory. Salvador took advantage of the power of social media to reach out to potential clients—first fellow millennials and then their parents. “It became popular on Facebook. When I earned seven figures, I stopped going to school and bought a printer. I didn’t finish college. It is not that I don’t need a degree. It is just that I was too busy to go to school,” she says. “I don’t say it out loud that you don’t have to finish college. I respect the people who finish college. When you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, obviously you have to go to school. But in my case, being a businesswoman, it worked out. For other people, I recommend that they finish college,” says Salvador, who now leads a team of professionals with college degrees. “Now, I have architects, engineers and interior designers in my team. I conceptualize a project and they put it together for me,” she says. Salvador used the large printer she bought to print stickers, tarpaulin and wallpaper. “When I started with a room makeover for kids, their parents loved what I have done and they asked if I could also design their house. I tried and enjoyed doing it. From creating notebooks, I now design houses,” she says. MadHouse Design Studio handles interior design and fit-out, including the installation of tiles, bathroom fixtures, kitchen, walls, glass, lights, cabinets and furniture. The company handles 10 projects per quarter and is fully booked until the second quarter. “When I look at a space, I imagine how it will look at its best. Although I did not finish college, I know what to do and I know how to execute. I also know how to manage a team of construction workers,” says Salvador,

MadHouse Design Studio and MadCafe owner Gila Salvador

Rice meals and pasta at MadCafe

who considers herself somewhat boyish. Salvador leads a team of 80 workers at MadHouse Design Studio and 25 at MadCafe. She says MadCafe provides a quirky, whimsical and interactive space for multiple types of customers. “It is the first cafe in the Philippines with a concept of bringing people together from different walks of life. We are trying to target families, friends, children, millennials and professionals. We designed it in a way that there are certain areas for study, dining, gaming lounge and happy hour,” she says. Inside the cafe, customers are greeted by a bright bike-accent sculpture, wood pallet ceiling, brick walls, murals and neon lights. The cafe, which opens 11 a.m. to 12 midnight, serves coffee, milk tea, fruit tea and rice meals. At night, it transforms with dimmer lighting to serve liquor mixes and flavored beer. “I want it to look nice and Instagram

worthy while we are serving affordable meals,” says Salvador. “It is industrial, rustic with a side of quirkiness,” Salvador says, in describing the look of the cafe. She says this also reflects her personality. “I am very out of the box. I don’t conform with other people. I don’t fit the same way. I am quite different. This place reflects who I am—slightly reserved and rustic, and I have crazy and quirk sides.” The cafe officially opened on Feb. 3 and quickly became a crowd drawer in the area. “We were overwhelmed so we hired more staff,” she says. Salvador says she invested “seven figures” in the cafe and was originally expecting to post an ROI in two years. “But with the sales that we are having, it looks like we can achieve it in two months,” she says. “I get a lot of support from people. But I would not push my luck as I want to study more about this business.” This early, Turn to C2

FURNITURE MAKERS TO HOLD ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE EVENT T H E Philippines International Furniture Show or PIFS, one of Southeast Asia’s premier trade fairs, will offer an extensive range of furniture products, accessories and décor at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City on March 7 to 9. The event is jointly organized by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc., the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines and the Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation. Known as the “Milan of Asia”, the Philippines has exhibited a strong reputation for innovative and original, often ground-breaking, ideas and design interpretation. PIFS continues to attract buyers from all over the world who want to see first-hand what Filipino design and craftsmanship has to offer.

Buyers come from as far as the United States, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia, France, Thailand, Germany and India. “We organize one of the premier ve n u e s fo r a l l f u r n i t u re a n d furnishing products that are up to par to world-class standards,” said Eduardo Zuluaga, the overall event chairman for PIFS and president of the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines. “It is where we show the world the ingenuity of our local manufacturers and designers, how we interpret the latest industry trends, and in many cases, take the lead in design innovation,” he said. Among the highlights is the iDisenyo Interior Design Competition which will be showcasing the teams’ final furniture pieces and awarding the winners during PIFS. It is a contest for teams of interior design students and professionals and their corresponding furniture manufacturer as partner. Each team will be designing a furniture piece that fit their m a n u f a c t u r e r ’s m i s s i o n a n d vision, taking into consideration the increasing limitation of space without sacrificing function, comfort and aesthetics. The contest is organized by the University of the Philippines Interior Design Alumni Association and the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines in collaboration with Adams Philippines. “ This year, we decided on portraying different kinds of lifestyles and stories behind our featured furniture pieces, furnishings, and fixtures,” said Christina Gaston, event chair for the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. “PIFS remains to be a curated venue that is truly a feast for the senses – you’ll see different styles, techniques, and textures from different designers and manufacturers,” Gaston said.

SENIOR CITIZENS SUPPORT THE ANTI-PLASTIC CAMPAIGN WITH ‘JOBO’ POTS

Lola Remedios Mellijor, 84, from Hinatuan is proud of her jobo pots and is happy she is earning again.

MAKING “jobo pots” is an incomegenerating activity for communities in Hinatuan, Surigao del Norte and supports the national anti-plastic campaign.

At Hinatuan Mining Corp., members of the mining community, mostly senior citizens, are given the opportunity to earn by making “jobo pots” that the mining company will use for growing planting materials, instead of the usual small plastic bags. Pronounced with an “h”, the jobo seedling pot is made from species of leaves native to the island such as bariw (Pandamus copelandii), nipa (Nypa fruticans) and coconut (Cocos nucifera). HMC initiated the jobo pot project as a campaign to help reduce the use of synthetic polyethylene bags in massive production of quality germplasms in forest tree nurseries. The jobo is used

to hold the seed, instead of plastics, as the seeds are prepared for planting materials. It is an income-generating activity for the community through HMC’s Community Output-based Livelihood Program led by the company ’s Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Department. HMC buys the jobo pot for P5 apiece. Each participant in the project will produce 5,000 jobo pots per contract, which HMC will buy for P25,000. Lola Remedios Mellijor, 84, earns by making jobo pots for HMC. When she finishes a contract, that is a clear P25,000 additional funds for her family.

She says it’s a past-time for her as she stays at home most of the time. She is happy to be earning again and contribute to the income of her family despite being a senior citizen. What she is most proud about is the fact that the traditional weaving that her parents had taught her, using native leaves, is in demand again, thanks to HMC. When she was young, she says, everybody in the community knew how to weave with leaves. These days, HMC is inspiring everyone to weave again and some are only recently learning the craft. The jobo pot project is a unique

approach of providing livelihood to the communities while instilling the importance of caring for the environment. “It is one-of-a-kind, a two-in-one program that provides income to the elders in Hinatuan and a campaign to help protect the island against plastic pollution,” said HMC environment manager Forester Manuel Torres Jr. “The livelihood program provides opportunities for the unemployed, mostly senior citizens, of HMC’s host and neighboring communities, many of whom are skilled weavers,” said Marichu Calungsod, an environment specialist at HMC.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019 business@manilastandard.net

AMAIA SCAPES OFFERS PAG-IBIG IN CAPAS PROJECT

MOST Filipino families yearn to have their own abode, freed from the burden of paying for monthly rentals and the costs of maintaining a home they can’t even call their own. Yet, most aspiring homeowners hesitate to take that first step to fulfilling this dream, wary as they are about getting into debt and stumped by the seemingly complicated process of applying for home loans. Thankfully, taffordable real estate developer Amaia Land Corp. presents flexible payment options to prospective homeowners, bringing them closer to owning affordable and sustainable homes. O n e s u c h o p t i o n i s Pa g - I b i g financing, which is available at Amaia Scapes Capas in Tarlac. Through PagIbig financing, families may purchase a home at Amaia Scapes Capas by paying for a minimum of 5-percent down payment spread over six months, with the 95 percent balance to be settled through Pag-Ibig financing. Located along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Estrada, Amaia Scapes Capas offers 114 available units in different sizes and designs, ranging from Twin Homes and Bungalow Pods to Twin Pods and Multi Pods. Amaia Scapes Capas offers lots as well. It has recreational amenities like a village pavilion, swimming pool, basketball court and kiddie playground, assuring future residents of a relaxing and wholesome familycentered lifestyle.

16 PH COMPANIES TO SHOWCASE FOOD PRODUCTS IN JAPAN

SIXTEEN Philippine companies are set to showcase the best of Filipino food products in the 44th edition of International Food & Beverage Exhibition, or FoodEx Japan. The event will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba on March 5 to 8. Led by the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the Philippine delegation will showcase the country’s premier fruit selections and tropical products as well as its processed derivatives and by-products. “Japan is one of our leading importers of Philippine fruits and other tropical products. As such, we are bringing 16 Philippine companies to showcase these finest selections in Japan’s biggest food show,” said DTI-CITEM executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan. Japan is the Philippines’ largest export destination for fresh food and the second largest market for processed food next to the United States in 2018. The tropical fruits to be showcased in Japan include banana, coconut, durian, papaya, pineapple and mango. The Philippine delegation will also highlight organic food, cakes and confectionary, tuna, shrimps and crabs, as well as powdered juice drinks of other herbs.

CEBU PACIFIC’S INFLIGHT MAGAZINE NAMES NEW EDITOR

INK, a leading travel media company, announced the appointment of Kristine Fonacier as editor-in-chief of Smile magazine for Cebu Pacific Air. Fonacier joins Smile magazine from Esquire Philippines where she was editorin-chief. She is also one of the founding editors of the travel magazine Grid. Prior to that, she has led teams in a wide range of magazines, including Entrepreneur Philippines, Pulp, MTV Ink and Pen & Ink. “Cebu Pacific has been part of my traveling life from the very beginning. As an eager young traveller on a budget, their promise to be the airline where ‘Every Juan Flies’ broke open new horizons for me. Over the years, I’ve known Cebu Pacific as a passenger, and then as a reader and contributor to Smile magazine, so it’s an honor for me to join the talented team now as editor,” Fonacier said. Fonacier replaces Tara FT Sering, who is departing after seven years in the role and 17 years in the publishing industry. “It’s been a wonderful journey with Smile through the years. We’ve grown as a brand, ventured out into digital, and have picked up some awards along the way,” said Sering. Ric Stockfis, managing director of Ink in Asia Pacific, said: “I am delighted that Kristine has joined Smile magazine as she brings with her a wealth of experience in the media world and a passion for travel. Kristine is perfectly placed to lead our award-winning team as we continue to take the magazine to new heights as more and more people fly with Cebu Pacific each year.” Cebu Pacific Air vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said: “We are grateful to Tara for the great collaboration and wish her well on her new journey. We look forward to continuing the fruitful relationship with Ink and Smile magazine now with Kristine at the helm.”

ILOCOS REGIONAL COUNCIL BACKS FILIPINO INVENTION

he Regional Development Council of Region I passed a board resolution encouraging all concerned government agencies to patronize and promote the use of the portable solar dryer (Portasol) as a post-harvest facility and solution to drying palay and other crops without using the ManilaNorth Road.

“It is necessary to address the challenges faced by the region [given] the insufficient numbers of postharvest facilities which aggravate the practice of drying of palay on the pavements of national roads and highways, which also causes billions of pesos in losses and the ‘Portasol’ is timely on achieving what the country needs now,” said RDC 1 vice chairperson Nestor Rillon who also serves also as the National Economic Development Authority regional director for Ilocos Region. For decades, no significant solution has been made to address the problem of poor post-harvest system in the country. The stretches of the national highways particularly reveal the primitive ways of post-harvest drying system despite the ban on drying of palay and other farm produce along the national highways by the Department of Public Works and Highways through Department Order No. 41 s. 2013. Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative president and CEO Francisco ‘Popoy’ Pagayon shows how Portasol, or the portable solar dryer, works.

A copy of Ilocos Regional Development Council resolution endorsing the Portasol technology

In a statement, inventor Francisco “Popoy” Pagayon said Portasol, short for portable solar dryer, has been designed to help farmers dry palay, corn, high-value crops, fish and others. Pagayon said high fines should be slapped against big rice dealers who were using the road stretches for their own interest. “Perhaps, if we can put high fines to penalize them per square meter of roads and national highways used, instead of just P1,000, we can stop yearly losses and this dangerous practice,” Pagayon said. Motorists complain against the practice because it presents dangerous road hazards. “These lapses will also easily aggravate our rice farmers because they too do not have drying facilities and have no choice but to sell their palay at a lower price to big rice dealers,” he said. In a study, the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension under the Department of Agriculture reveals that the country loses P15 billion worth of harvests each year due to the old and wasteful drying practices. The Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative presented the Multi-Purpose Grains Solar Speed Drying Trains Portasol technology to Ilocos Region in 2017 and reached the RDC-Region 1 in different levels of meetings. In February 2019,

the board of RDC Region 1 fully evaluated the multi-purpose technology and officially signed and released RDC-1 Resolution No. 72-A series 2018 endorsing Portasol. The copy of the RDC resolution was disseminated to all local government units and concerned agencies such as the DA, Department of Interior and Local Government and DPWH for their consideration. “Many farmers from the regions gave good feedback on how the technology is helpful and most advantageous for them,” Rillon said. “The uneven economic and social development in the country is the cause of this malpractice and so we are now integrating this Filipino invention to check it.” The RDC also encourages government agencies to coordinate with the Department of Science and Technology and team up with FISPC for the adoption of the Portasol technology to support regional and national development. “Discipline and proper solution to the problem will allow the Philippine economy to grow without affecting our natural resources,” Pagayon said. Pagayon is the president and chief executive of the Quezon City-based Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative.

FILIPINO-DESIGNED TECHNOLOGIES BOOST SUGAR INDUSTRY DELGADO Brothers (Delbros) Group, one of the country’s pioneers in agriculture and logistics innovation, presented a new cutting-edge system for the sugarcane industry through its sugarcane farm solutions member company Cane Express. Aimed at modernizing and optimizing the sugarcane farming industry, CaneX’s new innovative system revolutionizes traditional harvesting, loading and hauling. CaneX is the first in the country to deploy 48ft triple axle intermodal trailers, which employ the company’s “drag and drop” model and can haul multiple loads in one day, efficiently shortening overall delivery time of sugarcane. “The country’s sugar output for 2017 to 2018 declined due to a drastic drop of labor and unfavorable weather conditions,” CaneX managing partner Sebastian Ledesma said. “With our modernized solutions, we aim not only to bridge the labor gap but also contribute to the sugarcane industry’s positive output by improving the current harvesting, loading and delivery model.”

24-YEAR-OLD... From C1 Salvador received five requests to franchise MadCafe. A secret door at the cafe leads to MadHouse Design Studio. She wakes up at 7 a.m. and works until 1 a.m. to oversee her businesses. “I have like 10 projects per quarter. Every day, I go to Wilcon, purchase items, talk to my construction workers. One reason we have so many clients is because of social media,” she says. Salvador says she could only accommodate requests for condo unit fit-out in the third quarter because the jobs for the second quarter were already fully booked. “I feel that may hair becomes thinner

CaneX “Big Blue” loader efficiently cuts down loading time to help farmers increase sugarcane delivery.

Because of inefficient traditional farm practices, labor costs and lack of financing and infrastructure support, the industry is facing higher production costs for small and large farms compared to neighboring Southeast Asian countries. These challenges have caused a drop in the country’s overall sugarcane supply and a surge in sugar prices.

as if I support five families. But it is okay. It makes me happy. I want to retire at 27. I want to reach the point that even if I don’t work, money will still come in,” she says. Salvador says her goal this year is to put up a resort called MadHostel in Siargao. “So I would have MadHouse, MadCafe and MadHostel. By 27, I don’t want to travel everyday and suffer the traffic of Metro Manila just to survive,” she says. On how she manages her finances, Salvador says she has an accountant to do just that. She does not spend much on material things such as clothes, bags or shoes, she says, although she plans to travel more this year. “My last rest day was in 2015, so I told myself that I should have more time to

Through the Filipino-designed CaneX trucks, mechanized cane harvesters and loaders are expected to cut hauling, harvesting and loading time, allowing farmers to focus on growing crops as best as they can and for sugar mills to get the freshest sugarcane. This new technology can help lower production and labor costs as well as help local farmers

properly assess competitive prices for their products. CaneX trucks allow for three to four trips with bigger loads for hauling, as opposed to the current process that is limited to two trips a day. Compared to traditional farming that takes 10 people three to four days to harvest one hectare of land, mechanized harvesters can cut 1.2 hectares per day. Additionally, manual loading usually takes up to three to four hours to fill a 10-wheeler truck, while mechanized loaders efficiently cut the process to just 50 minutes. The company looks to double its current fleet of 15 harvesters and 7 loaders in the next 2 years by committing over P90 million in equipment and personnel investment. Additionally, it also sees an opportunity to expand its services from simply harvesting, loading, and hauling to full end-to-end farming, which includes planting, fertilization, cultivation and farm management services by 2020. At present, CaneX is used in farms in Negros, Bukidnon, Cavite and Batangas.

travel this year to Siargao and Palawan,” she says. Monthly revenues from MadHouse Studio and MadCafe are now in seven to eight figures. Aside from the future MadHostel, she plans to form a property development company to put up townhouses and subdivisions. “I noticed that there are a lot of townhouses that are too costly for their quality. I know their actual construction cost. They should look nice. I want to give Filipinos affordable, but world-class houses,” says Salvador. On her advice to fellow millennials, Salvador says her father taught her that nothing is impossible if one really wants to accomplish it. “I have been instilled with the mindset that nothing is impossible. Whatever I think, I feel

that it is possible and that I can do it. It is all in the mind. People say you need a lot of money or resources. Do you know that I started in business with just P4,000? And it became seven figures after a year. It is all about marketing and recirculating your money. It does not matter how big it is,” she says. “You have to create something unique. Some people have money, but they just franchise. They just copy other businesses. It has to be something unique for you to really earn. If it is not, it is just mediocre,” she says. The most important thing, she says, is the will to execute one’s dream. “You just have to make it happen. Anything you want in your life, make it happen,” says Salvador. Roderick T. dela Cruz

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SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

ONLINE RAVES, SOCIAL NETWORK GIVE BULACAN RESTO A BOOST

between their Facebook and Instagram accounts, and they are still growing. “I also have my own Facebook account, and I make it a point to reach out to customers myself,” he added. As Bulacan becomes a foodie haven, good connectivity has helped restaurants like Café Nenzo by helping them leverage social media to grow their business. “When I was younger, social media helped me stay in touch with my friends. Now that I have my own business, it helps me stay in touch with my customers as well,” Abacan said. To address the continuously growing mobile data and connectivity needs of Bulacan residents and businesses, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have upgraded both their fixed and wireless networks in the province, especially in the main component cities of San Jose del Monte, Malolos and Meycauayan, to name a few. “These efforts to improve our network in key areas like Bulacan are part of our overall thrust to provide better customer experience across the country,” said Mario G. Tamayo, senior vice president for network planning and engineering for PLDT-Smart.

Through social media, Chino Abacan, 26, head chef and co-owner of Café Nenzo, stays in touch with his customers.

“With better connectivity, we are not just empowering local businesses like Café Nenzo and helping them find their customers, we are also helping our customers in Bulacan access important online services, like emails, online banking and shopping,”Tamayo said.

LENOVO OPENS 1ST LEGION GAME STORE IN PH GLOBAL innovation leader and number one PC developer Lenovo inaugurated its first ‘Legion Concept Store’ in the Philippines as part of efforts to bring game-changing devices closer to Filipino gamers in the company’s bid to own the local gaming segment. Located at the 4th floor of the Annex Building of SM City North EDSA, the Legion store features a wide range of products from Lenovo’s Legion gaming lineup, which visitors can personally test and play games on. Launched in the Philippines in 2017, the Lenovo Legion line has established significant foothold in the

c o u n t r y and is expected to continuously increase in sales and popularity among the gaming community. “As the gaming market grows exponentially every year, we at Lenovo would like to maintain our commitment in pro-

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES National Capital Region

viding best performing and top of the line devices to the Philippines, which includes the Legion line of gaming notebooks. The exclusive Legion store was conceptualized to support the local gaming culture and provide virtually everything that a gamer needs,” said Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan. In addition to showcasing Legion products, the store will occasionally hold mini gaming tournaments to further engage the local gaming community. The Legion store at SM City North EDSA is just the first of many planned Legion Concept Stores set to open all over the country.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES National Capital Region

REGIONAL BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Invitation for Negotiated Procurement

INVITATION TO BID Contract for Security Services For Field Offices

INVITATION TO BID FOR Contract for Utility Services For newly created Field Offices

The DENR-NCR, through the General Appropriations Act of 20191 intends to apply the sum of Four Million Nine Hundred Forty Three Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Six Pesos & Forty Centavos only (PhP4,943,696.40) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Security Services for Field Offices. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DENR-NCR, through the General Appropriations Act of 20191 intends to apply the sum of Two Million One Hundred Fifty Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty Three Pesos & Sixty Eight Centavos only (PhP2,158,783.68) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Utility Services. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DENR-NCR now invites bids for the Contract for Security Services – Field Offices for the provision of fifteen (15) guards, equipment, tools, and apparatus necessary for the discharge of the services. The contract period shall be for twelve (12) months. Bidders should have completed within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

The DENR-NCR now invites bids for the Contract for Utility Services for the newly created Field Offices for the provision of eight (8) utility workers. The contract period shall be for twelve (12) months. Bidders should have completed within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

3. 3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

2. The DENR-NCR now invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, authorized franchised dealers to bid for the following project, to wit:

2 3 4 5 6

Get the Next Generation Galaxy S10 now! The Galaxy S10e will be available in Prism White, while the Galaxy S10 will be available in Prism White and Prism Black. Consumers who will opt for the Galaxy S10+ (128GB) will have three colors to choose from: Prism White, Prism Black, and Prism Green. The Galaxy S10+ (1TB) will also be available in a premium Ceramic Black variant. The Galaxy S10 line will be available in authorized retail stores, telco operator partners, and online beginning March 8. Pricing starts at P39,990 for the Galaxy S10e, P49,990 for the Galaxy S10, and P55,990 for Galaxy S10+ (128GB). The limited edition Galaxy S10+ (1TB) Ceramic Black model will only be available via preorder at P89,990. Consumers who pre-order a Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+ will receive freebies worth up to P28,500. The limited-edition Galaxy S10+ (1TB) pre-order bundle will come with a 43” Samsung Smart FHD TV. The 128GB Galaxy S10+ can be pre-ordered alongside a FREE 32” Samsung HD TV worth P13,499 or a Samsung store voucher worth P7,000.

REGIONAL BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

1. In view of the two (2) failed public biddings, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) Regional Bids and Awards Committee (RBAC) invites suppliers to participate in the negotiation for the “Procurement of Gasoline, Diesel, Oil & Lubricants” in accordance with Section 53.1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” The Approved Budget for the Contract isTwo Million Six Hundred Four Thousand Pesos (PhP2,604,000.00).

Unleashing a gaming beast At the inauguration of the first Legion Concept Store, Lenovo also showcased the Legion Y740 gaming laptop, Lenovo’s first device to have NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ graphics card. Geared towards eSports professionals and mainstream gamers who mostly play the latest AAA games, the Philippine release of the Legion Y740 boasts of having the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060. Powered by NVIDIA’s Turing architecture and its new RTX platform, the GeForce RTX™ 2060 has up to 6X faster performance than the previous generation of graphics cards.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES National Capital Region

Procurement of Gasoline, Diesel, Oil & Lubricants

Item No.

mizes battery, CPU, RAM, and even device temperature based on how the smartphone is used. It also sports a wider battery capacity than the previous Galaxy variants: 4,100 mAh for the Galaxy S10+, 3,400 mAh for the Galaxy S10, and 3,100 mAh for the Galaxy S10e. Next Generation Wireless PowerShare for more possibilities Samsung also introduces the Wireless PowerShare feature on the Galaxy S10, allowing the charging of Qi-certified smartphones by simply placing them against the flagship smartphone. As an industry-first, the Galaxy S10’s Wireless PowerShare will also charge compatible wearables, such as the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. This allows on-the-go users to avoid the hassle of looking for sockets to charge their devices. In addition, the Galaxy S10 is capable of charging itself and a second device simultaneously via Wireless PowerShare, while connected to just one regular charger. One can save time by powering up multiple gadgets in one go, allowing users to tackle their day with fully-charged devices.

OW does a restaurant stand out these days? For Café Nenzo’s head chef and co-owner Chino Abacan, it’s their online connections that have helped them gain customers all these years.

Located in Meycauayan, the five-year-old restaurant is among Bulacan’s top-rated restaurants on US-based travel website TripAdvisor, which compiles crowdsourced restaurant and hotel reviews worldwide. “We are rated as the number one restaurant, not only in Meycauayan, but in the whole of Bulacan,” said Abacan, who started Café Nenzo as a hobby in 2014. “We are among the first to offer semi-fine to casual dining here.” Abacan says new customers usually find them online, thanks to good reviews and their extensive social network. “We do our marketing only via the Internet. We don’t have traditional materials, like flyers and posters. Everything is done through our Facebook and Instagram pages,” said Abacan. Café Nenzo’s marketing team is in charge of updating their social media pages, as well as responding to customer inquiries online. “Aside from using our Facebook and Instagram pages to inform our customers about our new dishes, promos and events, we also use these channels to answer customer inquiries and to take reservations,” Abacan said. Today, Café Nenzo has some 35,000 followers

GALAXY S10...

From C4

Description Gasoline – unleaded/ regular Diesel Motor/Engine Oil Brake Fluid ATF Coolant

Engine Wash and Under Chassis Wash

Fleet Card TOTAL

Quantity

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

10,800 liters 51,600 liters 192 liters 96 liters 96 liters 64 liters 64 times (16 cars every quarter)

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Regional Bids and Awards Committee of the DENR-NCR and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Mondays to Fridays.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from February 27, 2019 to March 19, 2019 from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00).

16 pieces PhP2,604,000.00

3. The DENR-NCR will hold a negotiation meeting with the interested supplier on February 27, 2019, 11:00 A.M. onwards, at the Conference Room, 4th Floor, DENR-NCR Building, National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be open to all interested parties. The meeting shall include discussion of any requirements, guidelines, documents, clarifications, or other information relative to the negotiations, including technical and financial requirements of the project, to enable the interested suppliers to submit a responsive proposal. 4. The following eligibility and technical documents, as well as the best and final offer (Annex A), shall be submitted on or before March 11, 2019, 10:00 A.M. at the RBAC Secretariat/Procurement Section, 3rd Floor, DENR-NCR Bldg., National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City: (a) CY 2019 Mayor’s/Business Permit; (b) PhilGEPS Registration Certificate; (c) Audited Financial Statements for the preceding calendar year stamped received by the Bureau of Internal Revenue; (d) Statement of Single Largest Completed Contract which is Similar in Nature (Annex B); (e) Compliance with the Schedule of Requirements (Annex C) and Technical Specifications (Annex D); (f) Omnibus Sworn Statement (Annex E); (g) Bid Securing Declaration (Annex F); and (h) Authority of the Signatory (Annex G) 5. The opening of the best and final offer will be on March11, 2019, 10:30 A.M. onwards,at the Conference Room, 4th Floor, DENR-NCR Building, National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. 6. For further information, you may call the RBAC Secretariat/ Procurement Section at Tel No. 932-13-71from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7. The DENR-NCR, reserves the right to accept or reject any offer, to annul the negotiation process, and to reject all offers at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected firms. February 14, 2019 (SGD) GWENDOLYN C. BAMBALAN Chairperson, Regional Bids and Awards Committee DENR-NCR (MS-MAR. 3, 2019)

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organization with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

PhP2,604,000.00

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the DENR-NCR website (http://www.ncr.denr.gov.ph) provided that bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. 6.

The DENR-NCR will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on March 07, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. onwards at the DENR-NCR Conference Room, 4th Floor, National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the RBAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 A.M. of March 19, 2019. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from February 19, 2019 to March 11, 2019 from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the DENR-NCR website (http://www.ncr.denr.gov.ph) provided that bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The DENR-NCR will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 27, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. onwards at the DENR-NCR Conference Room, 4th Floor, National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be duly received by the RBAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 am of March 11, 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The DENR-NCR reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. 9. The DENR-NCR likewise assumes no obligation whatsoever to compensate or indemnify any bidder or winning bidders as the case may be from any expenses or loss that said party(ies) may incur in its participation in the pre-bidding and bidding process nor does it guarantee that an award will be made.

The DENR-NCR likewise assumes no obligation whatsoever to compensate or indemnify any bidder or winning bidders as the case may be from any expenses or loss that said party(ies) may incur in its participation in the pre-bidding and bidding process nor does it guarantee that an award will be made.

10. For further information, please refer to: For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat Procurement Section, 3rd Flr, DENR-NCR Bldg. National Ecology Center East Avenue, Quezon City Tel. 932-13-71

BAC Secretariat Procurement Section, 3rd Flr, DENR-NCR Bldg. National Ecology Center East Avenue, Quezon City Tel. 932-13-71

February 12, 2019 February 21, 2019. (SGD) GWENDOLYN C. BAMBALAN. Chairperson, Regional Bids and Awards Committee DENR-NCR National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone No. (02) 426-38-46 (MS-MAR. 3, 2019)

(SGD) GWENDOLYN C. BAMBALAN. Chairperson, Regional Bids and Awards Committee DENR-NCR National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone No. (02) 426-38-46 (MS-MAR. 3, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

GALAXY S10: CUTTING EDGE CAMERA, DISPLAY, FEATURES

ELEBRATING the first decade of the Galaxy S series, Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation officially introduces the Samsung Galaxy S10 in the Philippines last Feb. 26, 2019. Held at Cove Manila, Okada Manila, the event gathers over 800 media personalities, celebrities, Samsung dealers, representatives, and business partners. Hosted by Joey Mead King, Samsung Philippines’ first-ever concert launch showcases the next generation experience that the Galaxy S10 offers, made possible through cutting-edge display, camera, and performance features. Leading the presentation of Samsung’s newest flagship smartphones are Benson Galguerra, Product Marketing Head for IT & Mobile, and Lea Cua-Lopez, Product Marketing Manager for Flagship Smartphones - S Series. “The Samsung Galaxy S10 builds on the incredible legacy of the Galaxy S series, which has delivered the best mobile experiences to consumers in the past decade,” says James Jung, President of Samsung Philippines. “Delivering the most advanced display, camera, and performance innovations, the Galaxy S10 is perfect for the next generation user who desires to make a difference. Looking ahead, we envision the Galaxy S10 as the pioneering device that will catapult Samsung toward another decade of groundbreaking smartphone technology.” Maximized Infinity-O Display: The future of viewing Sporting minimized bezels, a wider 19:9 screen-body ratio, and a punchhole display for the front camera, the Galaxy S10 maximizes the screen real estate without any distractions. The Infinity-O Display comes in three variants: a 5.8-inch display for the Galaxy S10e, a 6.1-inch display for the Galaxy S10, and a 6.4-inch display for the Galaxy S10+. The Galaxy S10 also has the world’s first Dynamic AMOLED Display, delivering amazing visibility and vivid visuals under any lighting condition. As the first HDR 10+ certified device with Dynamic Tone

Members of the Top 5 teams shortlisted in the “emPOWER UP! Design a Better World: App Development Challenge” participate in workshops and in-depth planning sessions with Apple Certified Trainers and representatives from partners KIDS CAN! Innovation Camp, Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST Asia), De La Salle College of Saint Benilde HiFi (Hub of Innovation for Inclusion), Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, and I Am VR Panda.

Mapping, the Galaxy S10 generates a wider and more accurate range of colors, even in the darkest of scenes. The screen remains pleasing to the eyes, as the smartphone already reduces blue light emissions by 41% even before activating the Blue Light Filter. Perfectly capture any moment with the True Vision Multi-Camera The Galaxy S10’s True Vision Multi-Camera combines a full array of lenses in one powerful device. The Galaxy S10e has a dual camera set-up, utilizing a 12 MP Wide Dual Aperture Lens and a 16MP UltraWide Lens—a first for the S series. The Galaxy S10+ and the S10 sport three rear cameras, adding the 12 MP Telephoto lens for zoom. The triple camera set-up of the Galaxy S10 & S10+ lets users easily switch shooting modes, from telephoto (2x optical zoom), to Wide (77°) and UltraWide (123°), perfect for capturing detailed close-up portraits and epic panorama shots. Both the S10e and S10 carry a 10 MP Dual Pixel UHD Selfie front camera, while the Galaxy S10+ adds another 8 MP Camera for artistic Live Focus selfies and UHD videos. Powered by upgraded AI, the Galaxy S10 automatically adjusts its settings based on the scenes being captured, and can even suggest composition recommendations to frame the shot beautifully. The Galaxy S10 also functions as a Pro Camcorder, offering Super Steady & High-Quality Video Recording. This allows users to take dynamic action videos with minimal shakiness. Both front and rear cameras can shoot in up-to UHD quality, and in an industry first, the rear camera provides the flexibility to record in HDR10+.

BRAINVENTURES WINS POWER MAC APP CONTEST

Making the most out of the Galaxy S10 with Intelligent Performance Ensuring maximum phone security, the Galaxy S10 & Galaxy S10+ use the first-ever embedded Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner that reads the 3D contours of a physical thumbprint—not a 2D image of it— for improved anti-spoofing. The feature detects every unique nuance of a fingerprint, even with changes in humidity, sunlight, or ambient temperature, offering vault-like security to keep the device safe. Operating faster than ever, the Galaxy S10 delivers efficient and seamless user experience with an 8nm mobile chipset. Engineered for the best possible performance, the

flagship phone’s hardware increases CPU & GPU performance while reducing power consumption. This allows the device to launch frequently used applications and games smoothly. The Galaxy S10 also offers the largest storage capacity available on a Galaxy device, with 1TB of builtin storage expandable up to 1.5TB on the limited-edition Galaxy S10+ variant. The base models of the Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10 carry 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the Galaxy S10e supports 6GB RAM and internal memory of 128GB. Built to adjust to its users’ needs, the Galaxy S10 automatically opti-

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OKTO, TAILOR-MADE SOLUTION FOR SMEs By Ram Christian Agustin

Shown during the launch of OKTO are (from left) Mark Lorenz Ong, Lead Engineer for OKTO POS; Mark Joseph Gomez, Marketing Director; Roland Christian Chua Jr., Chief Technology Officer; Kriza Diane Sy, General Manager; and Ace Louie Eusebio, Lead Engineer fo OKTO Pay. Lorraine Alberto

AIMING to provide a secure and reliable platform for cashless payments and a digital hub for loyalty and rewards programs, GoDigital built OKTO, an ecosystem that empowers customers to pay, earn and redeem rewards, while providing SMEs a fully customizable POS platform. “We help companies whether they’re big or small, to take their first step in digital transformation. OKTO is all about empowering business innovation. OKTO is mainly three core products; OKTO Pay, OKTO Loyalty, and the OKTO POS,” said GoDigital’s Chief Technology Officer Roland Christian Chua Jr. OKTO Pay, the first module of the OKTO series, integrates bills payment functions, loading services, and epin purchasing transactions in an app for consumers. Lead engineer Ace Louie Eusebio said OKTO Pay will involve a consumer and merchant app, where the former allows cashless transactions, while the merchant app allows SMEs to gain more foot traffic

through bills, load, and pin payments that bring an additional stream of revenue. “OKTO Pay is a platform wherein customers and merchants alike can do cashless transactions using digital wallets. It features QR code usability and NFC compatibility. It uses transactions that are fast and secured which is recorded in real time. To be accessible for everyone, we designed our wallets to have a zero maintaining balance,” said Eusebio. Meanwhile, OKTO Loyalty customizes transactional rewarding from how the clients of SMEs get rewarded, receive promotions, and enjoy targeted benefits to engage both the business and the consumer. “We created a way for our merchants to keep their users engaged while building long time value through rewarding. Through a platform that they can customize, they can use their creativity to build whatever type of campaign that they want and give rewards to whoever the y want that can redeem whatever they want to,” said Mark Joseph Gomez, Marketing Director of GoDigital.

A GAME app that will help toddlers and grade school students build their passion for learning bagged the grand prize in Power Mac Center’s recently concluded “emPOWER UP! Design a Better World: App Development Challenge” for kids. The winning app concept aims to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education by integrating valuable lessons during gameplay. According to the UN, more than 265 million children are currently out of school, 22 percent of which are of primary school age. Moreover, 617 million youth all over the world lack basic mathematics and literacy skills. By integrating lessons into something ubiquitous like smart devices, providing quality education doesn’t stop at traditional venues like classrooms thereby reaching more learners, even in far-flung areas. Games, in particular, help keep children’s minds active and their imagination going. The app titled BrainVentures puts the player through a series of activities with the help of a digital sidekick. These activities let players explore and develop their skills and creativity along the way. The concept was developed by Derek Joshua Altuna, Alexandria Jillian Braga, and Aniela Jenina Lesaca, collectively known as “Team BrainVentures” from De La Salle Santiago Zobel. Power Mac Center Director of Product Management and Marketing Joey Alvarez is all praises for the winners. “Kids nowadays are woke. They understand what’s happening, they know what’s needed, and they help create simple but impactful solutions. And because they’re digital natives, they know how to leverage technology to their advantage.” Apart from the iPad units they received, the kids of Team BrainVentures also get to attend free workshops by Power Mac Center’s Apple Certified Trainers, who will help create and upload their app in the App Store. It is expected to be up and running within the year.

ACER PH OFFERS EXCLUSIVE DEALS AT SHOPEE 3.3 MEGA SHOPPING DAY ACER just dropped their exciting deals for the highly-anticipated Shopee 3.3 Mega Shopping Day and it includes a 10% discount on Acer Nitro 5 laptop or monitor, and 11% off on Acer EB2 EB192Q 18.5” LED! “The partnership between Acer

Philippines and Shopee, a leading e-commerce platform, is something tech enthusiasts and gadget fans should look forward to. They’ll be getting the best deals, including Shopee’s exclusives on monitors and laptops,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines Sales and Marketing Director. The Shopee 3.3 Mega Shopping Day Sale, which started Feb. 15, features themed days and big discounts of up to 90% off from leading brands, with flash sales that go as low as P33, free shipping fees for as low as P99 and a whopping P3 million worth of vouchers. Other exciting activities include upsized sessions on Shopee Quiz and Shopee Shake where users can earn and win Shopee coins. Visit Acer’s Official Store on

Shopee at https://shopee.ph/acerphilippines and in other online platforms: Facebook—@AcerPH, Instagram—@acerph, Twitter—@acerphils, www.acer.com.ph. For more information about Shopee 3.3 Mega Shopping Day, visit http://shopee.ph/3-3.

SHARP PH MARKS 4-MILLIONTH TV PRODUCTION. Sharp Philippines Corporation gathered together as they marked 4-millionth TV production last Feb. 27 at its head office at Muntinlupa City. Headed by its President and General Manager, Kazuo Kito, and graced by Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, the celebration with employees and young generations in Muntinlupa proved how far they have come to be the longest-running TV production in the country. As a part of of the Thanksgiving event, Sharp Philippines donated LED TV To the Municipality of Muntinlupa, Muntinlupa Fire Department, Muntinlupa Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office, Elsie Gatches, and Elsie Gatches, Mintcor Village, Rizal Village, Brgy. Cupang.

Destinations D1

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

A SUPERSTAR ON THE SEA. Star Cruises' 13-story SuperStar Virgo will come back to the sea as Explorer Dream, joining Genting Cruise Lines' luxury cruise brand Dream Cruises.

5 DAYS ON SUPERSTAR VIRGO’S

LAST WINTER CRUISE By Bernadette Lunas

T WAS the first time I’d ever taken a medicine for motion sickness. Guess I was lucky to have never needed it while in transit—in a car, on a bus, on a plane— but a cruise ship was a different story altogether. Sometimes, it felt like walking on a mattress. I was one of the 670 passengers aboard SuperStar Virgo’s five-day Winter Deployment cruise from Manila to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam and 'Love Around the World' and 'Spirits' were two of the special evening shows at the Zodiac Theater. Sanya, China in December 2018, one of the cruise ship’s last trips prior to its rebranding as Explorer Dream— drinate or (as some crew members night, keeping everyone, from kids to Joining these activities either ship, except for the lower decks. but more on that later. seniors, occupied. There were fitness made us forget the dizzy spells or SuperStar Virgo has 935 cabins, suggested) green apple shake. According to Captain Christian Aalactivities, special classes and tours, ex- made us all the more feel our lack divided into four types: Inside Cabbers, and some of the Filipino crew, hibits, bingo, trivia and board games, of balance. But either way, the pro- in, Oceanview Cabin, Balcony Cabin, Life onboard the seas were rough on that particular Days onboard SS Virgo were filled game shows, film showing, and spe- grams offered a great way to pass and Suite Cabin. The sizes of the cruise, hence the need for dimenhy- with activities from morning till mid- cial shows. the time and explore the 13-story cabins, except for the suites, were modest at best. Despite the small size, the cabins were equipped with the essentials: two single beds or one double bed, sofa, writing desk and chair, flat screen TV, closet, and a toilet and bathroom. During the ship’s tour, we were told the cabins were small so guests would go outside. And outside awaited the Grand Piazza, where events and shows were held; the two-level Zodiac Theater, where the special shows were staged and films were shown; the Activity Center, where passengers can play board games among other activities; the Diamond Club lounge Sanya, the southernmost city on Hainan Island in China, is home to the country's biggest Buddhism-themed tourism zone and long stretch of white sand beaches.

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STILL, IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

The beautiful dome of the National Museum of Natural History, under which the launch was held.

THOSE of us in the travel industry were excited when we learned that Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat was going to MERCURY RISING launch the reinBY BOB ZOZOBRADO vigorated tourism slogan. Although she already mentioned that she would maintain the current tagline, still, we were thrilled to see how it will be enhanced. The invitation came for all of us to assemble at the National Museum of Natural History, the former Department of Tourism building, at 2:00 p.m., for the unveiling of the new tourism campaign. Industry leaders were there, together with prominent personalities in Manila’s social and business circles. The media representatives must have been just as excited as we were because they came in full force.

I love the new tourism ad. It is 100 percent crowd-sourced, which makes it so real, so honest, so genuine! The popularity of the previous campaign has encouraged a little over 4 million domestic and foreign tourists to post their photos, videos, and comments online, showing how much they enjoyed various destinations in our country. Since the numbers continue to grow each day, the Tourism department was inspired to use the images, footage, and reviews shared online by tourists. These visual stories further enhance the tourism slogan because they come on as truly authentic, being experienced first-hand by those who share them. In fact, during the launch, the Tourism Secretary invited everyone, local and foreign tourists, to share their photos and videos online, using the #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines hashtag for a chance to get featured in future advertising materials of the department. Taking a closer look at the ad campaign, one will notice that a distinct font, which the ad agen-

The new, refreshed Department of Tourism slogan

cy called “Barabara,” has been used. It imitates the Filipino style of hand-painted lettering that one often sees in the names of sari-sari stores, on jeepneys, or on almost everything else that Filipinos label by hand. The new logo, inspired by local woven textiles, banners a fresh graphic identity that symbolizes fun, contemporary, and sustainable Turn to D2

Destinations

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

STILL...

From D1

tourism offering. The weave on the logo is made of different colors that symbolize things truly Filipino—the red is the predominant color of the Cordillerans’ woven materials; the orange reflects the glorious sunset we see anywhere in the country; the blue stands for the refreshing blue waters surrounding our archipelago; and the green reflects our verdant countryside. And if we talk of sustainability, what could be more sustainable than this refreshed and vibrant campaign? Because it is a 100 percent crowd-sourced material, it will continue to excite tourists who will be encouraged to share their Philippine experience and be part of the slogan’s perpetually unravelling display of how much fun tourists have in our country. During the press conference, which was also participated in by DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano and Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., the Tourism Secretary stressed that she adopted the same tagline used by the two previous Secretaries because she “believes in continuity” and pointed out that other Asian countries have done the same. For so many years now, India has used “Incredible India” and Malaysia has been claiming to be “Truly Asia” for the past decades.

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO: CHIANG MAI NATURE TRIP. Chiang Mai, Thailand is on the rise as a hub for sustainable tourism offering travelers eco-oriented and immersive experiences.

ET in the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is on the rise as a hub for sustainable tourism, giving visitors a perfect backdrop full of natural and cultural wonders.

YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE Chess is the only game in the world which reflects the true status of the husband. The poor King can take only one step at a time, while the mighty Queen can go wherever and do whatever she likes!

For his part, Sec. Ano declared that his department is committed to ensure the safety and security of all tourists in our country, which is very reassuring for us in the industry. In spite of the various travel advisories issued by some countries, Usec. Bengzon announced that these have not affected the continuous increase of foreign arrivals in our country. With this “refreshed” tourism slogan now primed to further charm the world, I have no doubt that we will reach the 8.2 million foreign visitors targeted for this year, a hefty 15 percent increase over last year’s 7.1 million arrivals. It certainly is a most commendable performance by our tourism industry, especially because it has given livelihood to approximately 5 million of our countrymen, and its revenues now account for a little over 12 percent of our economy. With these healthy figures in place, those of us in the tourism industry cheer on and congratulate our Secretary Romulo-Puyat and her team for giving us the reason to have “more fun in the Philippines.” For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

5FromDAYS... D1 where the mahjong crowds were at; and the Galaxy of the Stars, bar and lounge area where band played and bingo games were held. In addition to these facilities were the library dubbed Writing Room, Oscar’s Hair and Beauty Salon, Apollo Spa, Universal Gym, Ocean Drug cosmetics and pharmacy, and Duty Free shops and Star Boutique. On deck 12 was Parthenon Pool, popular for its 100-meter mega water slide. It was virtually impossible to be hungry onboard, as the cruise provided seven meals per day at inclusive restaurants Taverna, The Lido Buffet, Star Dining, and Pavilion Restaurant Chinese Cuisine. Other dining establishments on the ship were Silk Road Chinese Restaurant, Palazzo Western Restaurant, Samurai Japanese Restaurant, The Taj Indian Ala Carte and Shabu Shabu, Blue Lagoon Asian Bistro, and Coffee Nook Special shows on the trip I joined were “Love Around the World,” “Spirits,” “Vince Vignaud Close Up Magic,” and “Ballroom Dancing.” These nightly performances were free for all passengers. But one of highlights of onboard activities was the “Manila Philharmonic Orchestra Concert at Sea.” It was, according to MPO founder and music director Rodel Colmenar, the orchestra’s first time to perform on a cruise, hence he “brought with me the best musicians in our orchestra,” said Colmenar.

Experience the Thai way of life in Doi Ang Khang.

To visit Chiang Mai is to fully experience Thailand’s concept of the 7Greens: Green Heart, Green Logistics, Green Attraction, Green Activity, Green Community, Green Service, and Green Plus. Through the 7Greens, which the Tourism Authority of Thailand introduced, Thailand brings together different sectors in addressing climate change-related challenges and creating a pattern for sustainable tourism. For the eco-oriented traveler, this means having a more immersive experience basking in nature and learning about heritage, while helping preserve them. Planning to visit Chiang Mai and not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to help you fill out that itinerary.

Interact with elephants

Travelers who wish to feed, bathe, and pamper the gentle giants can make their goals come true in Chiang Mai. At the Patara Elephant Farm, visitors can spend a day taking care of mother elephants and babies. The province is also home to the Elephant Nature Park, where guests can spend up to two days with an elephant herd. Learn about elephants’ personal behavior and history at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Visitors at the Elephant Nature Park can spend time with the center's thriving elephant herd. (Photo from www.elephantnaturepark.org)

raw visual spectacle, Chiang Mai’s national parks would be a feast for the senses. Doi Inthanon National Park, nicknamed “The Roof of Thailand,” is a must-visit as it is home to a number of waterfalls, trails, and villages. The crowning glory of this place is no other than a perfect spot for a sunrise selfie: Doi Inthanon Summit, which is Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 meters above sea level.

Immerse in local communities

Community-based tourism in Thailand lets tourists participate in hands-on activities like traditional fishing, local cuisine cooking, and local crafts. A plantation called Akha Ama Coffee, for example, lets them interact with a local Akha hill tribe as they learn about a coffee bean’s journey from farm to cup. Another unique destination to visit is the Jim Thompson Farm where travelers can witness the nitty-gritty of the silk-making process.

Go on a volunteer vacation

Sparing some time to volunteer can make a trip more meaningful. Trash Hero Chiang Mai, for instance, lets tourists join group cleanups by local and Thai joggers, walkers, and bikers. Visitors can also join their education program, where they can Visit a national park help teach zero-waste, sustainable Those who are after nature’s lifestyle in schools.

An adult show, entitled “Goddess,” was open for those willing to pay a minimal fee.

Shore excursions

On the third day of the five-day cruise we arrived in Ha Long Bay in northeastern Vietnam, home to about 2,000 limestone islands and islets, similar to those in El Nido, Palawan. It was a rainy day during the winter season when we docked. Despite the ongoing hotel and casino developments left and right Quang Ninh Province, there was a certain stillness and calm in the place. Waiting for your Vietnamese coffee to transfer from the stainless steel drip filter into your cup was almost meditative. The coffee was glorious. The six hours we had in Ha Long Bay were spent on a bay cruise and a visit to the four-story Vincom Halong shopping mall (which sold mostly local brands) and a local products shop. We then stepped on the shores of Sanya in China the following day. Visa was waived for cruise/shore excursion passengers. Disembarking passengers were given seven hours to explore the “Best of Sanya,” the southernmost city on Hainan Island. Previously occupied only by fishermen and navy soldiers, the city, since it has been developed in the ‘90s as a tourist destination, is now home to rich Chinese nationals, who, according to our tour guide, own villas that serve as their summer home when they want to escape the cold weather in the northern part of the country. Those who don’t

SuperStar Virgo had various outlets and facilities, most of which the passengers could use free of charge. Clockwise: The fully equipped Universal Gym fitness center, the Parthenon Pool, the Grand Piazza, and dessert served during the Captain's Gala Dinner.

own villas stay in the many international hotel chains scattered in the city. Our group went to Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, China’s biggest Buddhism-themed tourism zone featuring the Nanshan Temple and a 108-meter Nanshan South Sea Kwan-yin Bodhisattva Statue; Summer Mall, one of the biggest shopping centers in Sanya; and a local products shop. We also spent an hour at Dadonghai

Beach, where we tried some of the is- be sailing outside of Asia, according to Genting Hong Kong executive chairland’s skewered delicacies. man Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay. Rebranding Explorer Dream will feature Dream After its Grand Finale Cruise on Jan. Cruises’ signature The Palace, a luxuri3, SuperStar Virgo is now undergo- ous “ship within ship” enclave that has ing a $30-million makeover as it joins 140 suites and private VIP facilities inDream Cruises’ fleet as Explorer Dream. cluding its own swimming pool, spa, The luxury cruise will sail out from Syd- gym, and dining outlets. ney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand—the first time Dream Cruises will Photos by Bernadette Lunas

Entertainment

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019

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

Ten-year-old singer Eleana Gabunada performs her rendition of Barbra Streisand's 'Rain on my Parade' in 'Asia's Got Talent'

10-YEAR-OLD PINAY CLINCHES LAST GOLDEN BUZZER IN ‘ASIA’S GOT TALENT’

Derrick Monasterio, Bea Binene and Kristoffer Martin

‘TWEEN HEARTS’ STARS REUNITE IN NEW AFTERNOON SOAP

By Nickie Wang

“W

E’RE definitely more mature. But it was a gradual process. The network made a conscious effort in preparing us for the roles that transitioned us from teen stars to young adult actors that we are today,” Bea Binene told Manila Standard when asked about her reunion project with Derrick Monasterio and Kristoffer Martin. The three stars were part of the coming-of-age romantic drama series Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts, which aired in September 2010. The series, according to Bea, made her closer to Derrick and Kristoffer even after it went off air in June 2012. In fact, she considers the latter one of her best pals. After six years, the stars of three former teen stars reunite on the small screen for their special roles in the afternoon series, Dragon Lady. The three artists are set to portray significant characters in the

lives of Celestina Sanchez portrayed by Janine Gutierrez and Michael Chan played by Tom Rodriguez. “We’re playing support yet equally important roles. We’re going to open the series for a week or two, sort of to introduce the story and give the audience a better picture of where the main characters are coming from,” Derrick shared. In the series, Bea plays Almira. She works as a cashier in a chain of supermarkets owned by a rich Chinese businessman (Leo Martinez in a special role). When he tries to rape her, she hits him with an ancient dragon statue to defend herself.

She runs away with the dragon statue which has her fingerprints on it. The dragon statue proves to be a lucky charm as good things started to happen in her life. However, every piece of good luck comes with a price to pay. Her only daughter, Celestina, is cursed with dragon-like features. Despite this, Almira loves her daughter unconditionally and protects her at all costs. Meanwhile, Derrick plays the role of young Charles, the son of a wealthy Chinese family and Celestina’s biological father. His obedience to his parents and lack of willpower to fight for Almira, caused their break-up. Kristoffer then breathes life to the role of young Bryan. He is Almira’s loyal friend who loves her unconditionally. Later on, they marry and he becomes Celestina’s father figure. As the years go by, Almira and Bryan will be played by Diana Zubiri and James Blanco, respectively. “I’m happy for this reunion. We are already comfortable with each other. And that makes taping for the series so much easier,” Kristoffer chimed. Dragon Lady premieres tomorrow, March 4 on GMA Network.

MORE SENATE HOPEFULS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE IN ‘HARAPAN 2019’ NOW on its third week, the Harapan 2019: The ABSCBN Senatorial Town Hall Debate features 19 more senatorial candidates who are up to prove they are worthy of the people’s vote. Viewers can look forward to hearing the stands and platforms of candidates Shariff Albani, Gerald Arcega, Marcelino Arias, Balde Baldevarona, Jesus Caceres, Melchor Chavez, Charlie Gaddi, Emily Mallilin, Jose Sonny Matula, Luther Meniano, and Allan Montano live on ANC, DZMM TeleRadyo, news.abs-cbn.com, iWant.ph, TFC.tv, and on the ABS-CBN News Facebook page and ABS-CBN News YouTube channel at 12:00 noon today. Senatorial hopefuls Ernesto Arellano, Toti Casino, Leody De Guzman, JV Ejercito, Elmer Francisco, Rj Javellana, Dado Padilla, and Dan Roleda, meanwhile, will also face the tough questions of anchors Karen Davila and Alvin Elchico, and representatives of Filipinos also live on the same platforms at 7:00 p.m.. Viewers of ABS-CBN can watch 7:00 p.m. debate

Alvin Elchico and Karen Davila anchor 'Harapan 2019'

today in the same timeslot after GGV. The 12:00 noon debate will be telecast in full, with no cuts, on March 17 on Sunday’s Best. Harapan 2019, which had previous legs last Feb. 17 and Feb. 24, has made it to the top of Twitter’s list of trending topics, with netizens posting their thoughts on the answers being given by the candidates. With 36 participants in four debates this year, ABS-CBN is able to deliver on its pledge to give exposure to as many senatorial candidates as possible, to help the Filipino voting public make well-informed choices in the coming midterm elections on May 13. Harapan 2019: The ABS-CBN Senatorial Town Hall Debate is part of ABS-CBN’s comprehensive coverage for Halalan 2019. The third and fourth legs of Harapan 2019 debates will air live on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, DZMM TeleRadyo and various ABS-CBN platforms including news.abs-cbn.com, iWant.ph, and TFC.tv, and on each platform’s Facebook page.

RECORD producer and Asia’s Got Talent judge David Foster gave 10-year-old Eleana Gabunada a standing ovation and his Golden Buzzer after she gave a rousing rendition of the classic Barbara Streisand’s “Rain on My Parade.” “There’s a lot of people much older than you that could sing that song, but they don’t understand the genre…but somehow at age 10, you understand your mission, and you understand your job and there’s no doubt in my mind that if you want to be on Broadway one day, you will,” David Foster exclaimed. Anggun was equally floored by her performance, proclaiming that Eleana performed like a “baby Streisand”. “I think you’re the only act that made David stand up,” Jay Park added. Eleana grew up listening to David Foster’s music and she was definitely thrilled to receive a Golden Buzzer from him. The Golden Buzzer will send Eleana Gabunada straight to the Semi-Finals where she will have a shot at the $100,000 grand prize and the winning title. New episode of Asia’s Got Talent airs every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on AXN. To watch extended highlights of Asia’s Got Talent and exclusive behind-thescenes footage, fans can subscribe to the official AXN Asia YouTube Channel at www.YouTube.com/AXNAsia.

BRUNO MARS’ CHEEKY TWEET ABOUT INDONESIA SONG RESTRICTIONS POP superstar Bruno Mars has launched a cheeky Twitter protest over Indonesia’s most populous province slapping restrictions on some of his biggest hits--and poked fun at fellow music megastar Ed Sheeran in the process. The West Java broadcasting commission ruled this month that some 17 foreign songs could only be played on the airwaves between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., citing morality concerns. Restricted titles include Grammy award winner Mars’ “That’s what I like” and “Versace on the Floor”, Ed Sheeran’s megahit “Shape of You” and Ariana Grande’s “Love Me Harder.” “WTF! I was poppin in Indonesia! Then here comes @edsheeran with his sick, perverted lyrics, gettin us all pinched! Thanks Ed. Thanks a lot,” the funk revivalist said to his 42 million Twitter followers this week. Separately, Indonesia is drafting a national law that seeks to ban blasphemous and “pornographic” music content, sparking concerns about freedom of expression in the world’s biggest Muslim majority nation. Responding to the American singer’s tweet, broadcast commission chief Dedeh Fardiah said Mars “maybe didn’t understand the context” of the new rules. The commission, she said, responded to complaints from local residents in West Java, which has some 48 million people and is one of Indonesia’s most conservative provinces. Foreign artists have occasionally found themselves in the cross-hairs of religious conservatives or fallen afoul of Indonesia’s censors. Last year, a TV ad featuring members of K-pop supergroup Blackpink dressed in miniskirts was banned because the national Broadcasting Commission deemed it indecent. AFP

Fil-Am pop star Bruno Mars

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets

MOST UNUSUAL

DOG

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

BEHAVIOR

Summer is one dog who loves to get licks from herself. She licks her paws always.

ARE NORMAL

(Last part)

HERE are more dog behavior that make some owners anxious. Again, observe and do not worry PET TALES unnecessarily. There BY DESIREE CARLOS are ways to handle such actions and they will stop unless there is a medical condition behind it. If the behavior does not stop, do consult a vet. WebMD enumerates other such Herding unusual behavior that are normal “Some dogs will try to herd among dogs: anything -- cats, ducks, even kids. They were bred to herd. They natRolling in Garbage urally want to move things around “If you see a decaying animal or or collect things because it's what a pile of garbage, you step around their genes are telling them to it. Your dog, though, wants to roll do. Even though herding can be in it. The grosser the smell, the bet- normal, it still can be a problem. ter it is to your dog,” WebMd says. With training, dogs can learn It adds: “ One theory is that dogs to herd only when like to cover their own scent with you want them to, “ icky odors to make it easier to WebMD notes. surprise prey. You probably can’t change that, so try to spot smelly Noise Phobia things first and steer your dog clear.” We have dogs who are afraid of noises. DurDrooling ing the rainy season, we A dog will drool when you are play calming instrumental grilling steaks. That si normal. music for babies as we have “But drooling too much, or for two dogs who are afraid of the no good reason, could be a sign sound of thunder. of a health problem. If your dog “Some dogs are afraid of noises drools a lot and starts having be- like thunderstorms or sirens. Seek havioral problems, such as chew- professional help for those noise ing or hiding, it also could be a phobias. You can help your dog sign of anxiety. Nausea can also learn to relax by doing fun activicause drooling. Consult your vet, “ ties with her while listening to reWebMD says. cordings of the noises that scare

her. Talk to your vet for advice,’ WebMD says.

Paw-Licking

Dogs do lick their paws to clean themselves. “That's normal, as long as they don't overdo it. When dogs lick their paws too much, it's often because of an infection or skin allergy. Sometimes, it's a habit. Talk to your vet to find out the cause and how to treat it,” WebMD says.

Glow-in-the-Dark Eyes

WebMD says, “Dog eyes naturally glow in the dark, because they're different from human eyes. Dogs have a layer of eye tissue which reflects light back through the retina. This is one reason d o g s

have better night vision than people do.”

Dreaming

Yes, dogs do dream. They bark in their sleep, and even look like they are running. “Your dog is curled up in bed, eyes shut and paws twitching. Every now and then, he whines. He's probably dreaming. If you could see a dog’s brainwaves during sleep, they seem to have REM cycles. REM or rapid eye movement is the stage of sleep when people usually dream. So what do dogs dream about? That’s one secret our four-legged friends get to keep,” WebMD says. Shakti is afraid of the sound of thunder. We play baby music or calming classical music during the rainy season.

RUNFURLIFE FOR VICTIMS OF DOG MEAT TRADERS THE Animal Kingdom Foundation’s annual fundraising event participated by dog owners and their pets goes to Central Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija. Now on its fourth year, this year’s RunFurLife event is franchised by AKF to CLSU hoping to start a festival of fun for “hoomans” and their furry-friends in every school and campus nationwide. The first three (3) successful years of RunFurLife were held in Quezon City with an average turnout of a thousand runners, hoomans and dogs, providing AKF the mo-

tivation to stage it yearly since 2016. The main recipients of this event are the once slaughter-bound dogs that AKF rescued from the dog meat trade. There are at least 170 dogs undergoing rehabilitation at the AKF’s sanctuary in Capas, Tarlac. AKF rescued fifty dogs from being slaughtered this year through a series of operations: once in January and twice in February in Batangas and Nueva Ecija, respectively. All these dogs were being transport-

A terrified dog caught by dog meat traders was rescued by the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) on the way to a slaughterhouse. AKF needs help to rehabilitate 150 dogs who have been saved from dog meat traders and to continue rescuing dogs. Please contact AKF and support their fundraising event.

ed, together with a number of carcasses, to the main market in the North. All nine arrested traders were brought to court and have pleaded guilty. The RunFurLife4-Campus Edition will be on March 17 at CLSU campus and the participants can gather as early as 3:30 a.m. inside the university and participate in a zumba aerobics until gunstart at 6:30 a.m. The program will end with the awarding of winners until 9 a.m. Know more about the event via RFL’s Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/ events/237709760468384/?ti+cl or get your ticket at: http://bit.ly/RFL4CLSU

NINA, a five-year-old shih tzu, was roaming around the subdivision, apparently lost. “We informed the homeowners’ association about Nina and kept her safe for a few days and waited for someone to claim. Unfortunately, no one came to get her, “ says rescuer and new owner Zaida A. Roman. “So our family decided to give her a furever home and a loving family, “ Zaida adds. “Nina loves morning walks, eating, and the best part of her day is cuddling and belly rubs from her hoomans. She sleeps on our bed and loves it when she is being pampered like a baby, “ Zaida shares.

AKF is appealing for sponsorship for their rescued dogs and you can fill up the form here to support the monthly upkeep of the once slaughter-bound dogs until they are adopted: https://bit. ly/AKFdogsponsor Donations can be sent through: · BPI Acct. - AKF Inc. 1681 0015 88. · RCBC Saving - Animal Kingdom Foundation. 1046 0083 64 · BDO - Animal Kingdom Foundation. 0069 1011 0365. · PayPal: akfrescues@gmail.com · M. Lhuillier: To: Animal Kingdom Foundation. No charges applied.

CHEN was only one year old when Paula Diana A. Domingo decided to adopt her. The co-worker of Paula’s father tried to abandon Chen in different places far from the owner’s house many times. But Chen always returned. “They do not know why she wouldn’t leave and how she was able to return, “ Paula says. “My father told us she is very sweet. I asked our parents if we could take her in. They agreed,“ Paula adds. Paula’s family loves cats. Her mother would always look for food to give to stray cats while they were walking on the streets. Their neighbors would also bring kittens to their house and their parents would adopt the kittens. Paula and her brother grew up seeing their parents loving and caring for cats, thus she and her brother became cat lovers too. They took in Chen because of her situation despite the fact they already had many cats and dogs to care for then. Today, Chen is already eight (8) years old and she sleeps with Paula. “She is indeed very sweet, While I was doing my assignment when I was about 13 years old, she would stay up and watch over me. She is very protective, “ Paula says. “Now I know why she kept going back to the place of her former owner. She probably knew there’s a forever home for her, and a family who will take her in. And that’s us. I am glad my parents adopted her seven years ago. She is like my baby and I love her very much, “ Paula, now 20, says. Editor's note: These stories were compiled by admin Miks Lim of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), a SEC-registered animal welfare group that helps animals in need, and encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from fosters, shelters and pounds, and spaying and neutering of pets to control animal population in the country, among others.