Manila Standard - 2019 June 30 - Sunday

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 136 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

HIGH ALERT IN MM AFTER SULU BLAST

By Orlan L. Mauricio MALOLOS CITY—Eight persons were confimed dead and at least eight others injured after a Manila-bound bus hit an SUV and crossed into the northbound side of the North Luzon Expressway and flipped on its side.

The passenger bus, Del Carmen Transit with plate AGA 8610 owned

by BuenaSher Transport, was carrying some 30 passengers when the accident happened along Torres Bugallon, Valenzuela City just after the Smart Connect flyover.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board immediately ordered the suspension of the bus operator, with the suspension covering the operator’s 19 units plying the Cubao-Sta. Maria, Bulacan route via NLEX. “The SUV and bus were both southbound, then allegedly the bus hit the rear of the SUV, reason the SUV was thrown off and the bus turned turtle and faced north,” Sr. Supt. Carlito Gaces, chief of Valenzuela Turn to A2

PALACE: NO NEED FOR NSC TO CONVENE

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By Vito Barcelo

TIME TRAVEL. Local merchants and travelers take the decades-old ‘Skits’ ride from their homes in Calauag, a first class town in Quezon, with nearly 74,000 population 232 kilometers southeast of Manila, to their respective destinations to avoid what they call bumpy jeepney and bus rides and enjoy the scenic countryside lifestyle in Quezon. Ey Acasio

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8 KILLED IN TOLLWAY SMASHUP; BUS GROUNDED

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo

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ETRO MANILA, the countrry’s National Capital Region, was placed under heightened alert status following the bombing incident this week in Indanan, Sulu where at least eight people were killed and 22 others were wounded.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News 106 ILLEGAL ALIENS ARRESTED IN LAGUNA

DOWNER.

Around P52 million worth of marijuana plants were destroyed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyCordillera Administrative Region and other law enforcement agencies of Mt. Province and Kalinga provinces. Some 13,000 pieces of fully-grown marijuana plants were uprooted and burned.

Photo courtesy of PDEA-CAR

By Vito Barcelo

CA JUNKS AMPARO PETITION

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HE Court of Appeals has junked a petition for writs of amparo and habeas data filed by three groups against various government officials making up the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

In a 24-page decision dated June 28, the appellate court’s 14th Division, through Associate Justice Mario Lopez, cited President Rodrigo Duterte’s duty to uphold national interests and the general welfare of the people.

“The petitioners failed to establish [the] accountability of the President, as commander in chief directly under the doctrine of command responsibility,” read the decision.

The petitioners, led by Karapatan Alliance Phils.

Inc., Rural Missionaries of the Philippines Inc. and

Gabriela, sued Duterte and a number of military and Palace officials before the Supreme Court, which in turn remanded the case to the CA. “The petitioners merely included President Duterte as a party respondent without showing that he exhibited involvement in or can be imputed with knowledge of the violations, or had failed to exercise reasonable diligence in conducting the necessary investigations required by the rules,” the appellate court said.

“It is presumed that the President acted pursuant to his constitutional obligation to protect the people, promote their welfare and advance the national interest... There was [also] no unlawful act or omission on the part of the respondents [government] that violated or threatened the petitioners’ rights.”

The CA said the writs of amparo and habeas data cannot be issued “on amorphous and uncer-

“Although there are no threats detected within the NCR, as a proactive means in response to this terror attack, the entire region is now placed under full alert status,” said Metro Manila police director Guillemo Eleazar.

“Having this measure would be of great help in deterring unscrupulous individuals in carrying out their illegal or terroristic acts,” he added.

Two suspected suicide bombers were killed in the blasts last Friday along with three military men and three civilians.

tain grounds lest their purpose be undermined by the indiscriminate filing of petitions on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations.”

The groups denounced the alleged harassment against them being undertaken by the government.

The court, however, said the distribution of propaganda materials, such as posters, tarpaulins, flyers linking the petitioners to communist rebels cannot be simply ascribed to the government.

“The origin of such materials [was] unexplained.

Hence, the government cannot be ordered to refrain from distributing something that, in the first place, it was not shown to have,” it said.

The CA added that the alleged surveillance activities were a “mere impression based on the petitioners’ personal assessment of the circumstances.” PNA

IMMIGRATION authorities arrested 106 foreign nationals—mostly Chinese workers—during a raid of a business process outsourcing company in Biñan, Laguna.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreigners were caught in the act by operatives from the bureau’s Intelligence Division working at a BPO firm without the necessary visas.

“They failed to present any proof of identification during verification formalities,” Morente said.

Of the 106 arrested aliens, 22 were female, including a minor, while 84 were male.

“They were obviously trafficked to work here illegally,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.

“Information about the illegal aliens came from several complaints from the community,” she said, adding that most of those arrested were undocumented or were able to present only tourist visas.

Arrested were 97 Chinese, 4 Indonesians, 3 Malaysians, 1 Vietnamese, and 1 Laotian.

“They were arrested for violating the conditions of their stay,” said Sandoval. “Foreigners are not allowed to work here without the proper visas or permits.”

The aliens will be detained at the bureau’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig while ongoing deportation proceedings.

The BI’s intelligence division recommended the release of the 17-year-old minor under recognizance to her guardian, but she may still be ordered to leave the country.

TOWER BRIDGE MARKS ANNIVERSARY LONDON’S iconic Tower Bridge celebrates its 125th anniversary on Sunday by showing off the weird and wacky alternative designs that were nearly built instead.

The globally-recognized landmark which opens and closes for large boats plying the River Thames, has become one of the symbols of the British capital.

But it could have been very different.

The fairy tale castle-style masterpiece was just one of 50 designs which vied to solve the conundrum of erecting a much-needed new People relax in the hot and sunny weather on the grass bridge that would still allow large beside Tower Bridge and the River Thames in London. ships into what was the world’s London’s iconic Tower Bridge celebrates its 125th busiest port. anniversary on Sunday. AFP “There were all sorts of weird exhausted before they got near the top!” and wonderful, really creative Other ideas included rotating bridges or ideas,” said Tower Bridge head Chris Earlie.

“There were spiral roadways—like you even tunnels.

Engineer John Wolfe Barry and architect would see in car parks—either side of the River Thames and then a high-level bridge,” the Horace Jones’ winning design was a bridge that flips open in the middle, with huge chambridgemaster told AFP. “One design that got quite far was a very bers in the feet of two towers to accommodate high-level bridge with long approaches. But it the counterweights swinging down as the was found that horses pulling carts would get bridge halves swing up. AFP

GUARDIANS OF APOLLO 11 CHANTILLY, United States—Lying on a workshop counter that is closed to the public at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum’s annex near Washington Dulles airport, Neil Armstrong’s gloves look almost as good as new.

You can hardly tell they made a trip to the Moon and back 50 years ago.

To their side is the slightly yellowed “Snoopy Cap” (formally known as a “communications carrier”) worn by crewmate Buzz Aldrin.

The space suit worn by Michael ColApollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin standing lins, Apollo 11’s third astronaut, is in by the US flag planted on the surface of the near mint condition. moon on July 20, 1969. NASA handout But the blue silicon fingertips of Armstrong’s gloves have begun to degrade—a process that for now remains invisible to the naked eye—as has Collins’ suit.

“After 50 years, we do know that the rubber is breaking down, and becoming a little bit stiff and brittle,” says Lisa Young, an objects conservator for the museum.

“It is inevitable. These were made for one time use, get to the moon and back,” added Young, who was only a child when Armstrong and Aldrin touched down on lunar soil on July 20, 1969.

“We know the rubber bladders were only supposed to last six months, and they’ve lasted now 50 years.” AFP

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WE WON'T FAIL YOU, ROMUALDEZES TELL LEYTEÑOS

Twelve other soldiers and 10 civilians were also wounded in the incident.

In a related development: • Malacañang on Saturday strongly condemned the bombing, with Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo saying the terror group Abu Sayyaf was behind the attack.

“We will pursue them and all other terrorist groups that sow and instill fear among our people. We will run after them until they can run no more,” Panelo said in a statement.

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MALACAÑANG said Saturday there was no need for President Rodrigo Duterte to convene the National Security Council to discuss the ramming incident in Recto Bank and the presence of foreign vessels in waters within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

This was the response of Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo to Senator Richard Gordon who suggested that Duterte should talk to the NSC over the abandonment of the 22 Filipino fishermen by a Chinese vessel.

The Palace spokesperson said the NSC should only be convened if the country was facing a crisis, saying there was no imminent danger to the country’s security.

In a related development, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also refuted Duterte’s statement that the provision Turn to A2

Turn to A2

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—Newly elected Leyte lawmakers Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and wife-Tingog Party-list Congresswoman Yedda Marie Romualdez along with Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez thanked their supporters in the midterm elections after they were sworn into office Saturday at the Price Mansion here.

Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association and Lakas-CMD party, vowed to keep his election promise of serving Leytenos to the best of his abilities.

“I would not be here without you. It’s an honor and privilege to be back to serve you. Leyte is my top, my first priority. You are the reason why I stand here,” said the Turn to A2 facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

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SO HELP YOU GOD. House Speaker candidate and 1st District of Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez (right) and his wife Yedda, newly elected Tingog Party-list Representative take their oath of office before Barangay 54 Tacloban City Chairman Cyril Malinao during the-oath taking ceremony of elected officials of the 1st Distrct of Leyte at the Price Mansion in Tacloban City Saturday. Ver Noveno

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SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ARROYO TAKES NEW JOB IN PAMPANGA OUTGOING House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who represented Pampanga’s 2nd district for nine consecutive years, is the consultant of newly-elected Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda, who succeeded his mother.

Pineda’s mother will also take over the post as vice governor vacated by her son.

On the sidelines of the oath taking of Pampanga government officials on Saturday, Arroyo, a former president, told reporters: “I will not leave the Pampanga government. Of course, it’s because governor Pineda offered me the job. I want to make sure the incoming officials are good with him.”

For the new governor, who said he would give priority to health and education, having a former president and lawmaker as a consultant was a great honor.

He said: “I guess in the history of the Philippines I am lucky; no one has ever had a consultant who was a former President and House Speaker.

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2 TONS OF ASF-TAINTED MEAT TORCHED IN CEBU

EBU CITY—Two tons of imported meat from countries affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) seized last week were incinerated on Friday by Cebu City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries and the National Meat Inspection Service.

City Veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang said in a social media post two tons of meat from Belgium were incinerated.

Utlang said the DVMF confiscated two boxes containing an estimated 378 kilograms of pork from Belgium last June 21 while inspecting cold storage vans entering the city.

When the boxes of meat were confiscated, Utlang coordinated with the NMIS to also inspect the cold storage facility in Mandaue City.

During the inspection, a total of 1,900 kilos of meat from Belgium were also confiscated.

The “hot meat” was imported by FN Asia Import Export Corporation and a certain Mercy Abello is listed as the buyer. The shipment has import permits, but it was discovered having a manufacturing date of Aug. 30, 2018.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol issued a memorandum on Sept.

17, 2018 for the temporary ban on

the importation of domestic and wild pigs and their by-products including pork meat and semen originating from Belgium.

Frozen meats with slaughter/ process date on or before Aug. 25, 2018 are allowed to enter the country subject to veterinary rules and regulations.

The pork meat that was incinerated was manufactured on Aug. 30, 2018.

Earlier, the Agriculture department imposed another ban on imported swine, swine products, pork and pork products from North Korea—a few days after it banned swine products from Laos.

The Philippines does not import any pork products from Pyongyang, but the Department ordered the ban as soon as it received official com-

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in the 1987 Constitution on protecting the country’s exclusive economic zone was “thoughtless and senseless.”

“This exclusivity is not a ‘thoughtless and senseless’ provision in our Constitution as President Rodrigo Duterte has unfortunately characterized,” Carpio said in his speech during the graduation rights of the University of the PhilippinesCollege of Social Sciences and Philosophy.

His speech came after Duterte reiterated his stance that the Philippines could not risk waging war against China as Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of “trouble” if the Philippines would push ahead with drilling oil in a disputed part of South China Sea. The arbitral tribunal decision in 2016, however, clarified the Philippines' sovereign rights over its 200-mile EEZ to access offshore oil and gas fields.

The boat of 22 fishermen was rammed by the Chinese vessel which immediately fled and abandoned the Filipino fishermen and were later rescued by a Vietnamese vessel.

“You only convene the NSC if there is a crisis. There’s no crisis.

But that’s what the critics want,” he said.

“Because by pursuing their line of aggressive isolationist policy, we will really have a crisis.

But for now, there’s none,” Panelo said.

He also gave assurances the relationship between the Philippines and China was in good terms.

“We have good agreements.

We have good trade relations with them, we can deal with them through diplomatic channels,” Panelo added.

According to Carpio, “it is clear the specter of war is being raised only to intimidate the Filipino people into submitting to China’s encroachment of our EEZ.” He added: “Of course, we also know that if we go to war with China to enforce the arbitral ruling, we will lose and lose badly.

Only a fool will go to war with China.

“The correct recourse is to protect our territorial integrity through the rule of law.

“That is why when China seized Scarborough Shoal in 2012, we did not send the Philippine marines to retake Scarborough Shoal. We sent our lawyers to The Hague to protect our territorial integrity by invalidating China’s nine-dashed line before an arbitral tribunal under UNCLOS.” Carpio noted that the area of the Philippines’ EEZ in the West Philippine Sea, as affirmed with finality by the arbitral tribunal at The Hague, was larger than the total land area of all our islands put together.

He said: “All the fish, oil, gas and other mineral resources in this huge maritime area belong exclusively to the Filipino people.”

munication from the World Animal Health Organization confirming the reports of an outbreak of African Swine Fever.

The outbreak was traced from Buksang farm based on the report of the Central veterinary station of the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary Research Institute.

The DA upheld the importance of keeping the local swine and hog industry safe by preventing the entry of the ASF virus.

The ban covers the importation of domestic and wild pigs and their products, including pork meat, pig skin and semen.

All swine and swine products from banned countries will be confiscated and held by veterinary quarantine officials as ordered by the Agriculture department. PNA

NEW COMMANDER. Valor Awardee Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana formally assumes office Saturday as

the new commander of Western Mindanao Command at Camp Navarro in Calarian in Zamboanga City, succeeding Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega who opted to have his early retirement, nine months shy of his official retirement date. Mark Navales

police, in a mixture of Tagalog and English told mediamen shortly after the mishap.

Gaces added, quoting the SUV driver, the rains were heavy, fact was visibility was zero.

The casualties were brought to the funeral parlors, but police have yet to determine their identity.

Some of injured passengers were rushed by several ambulances of NLEX Rescue Team and National Red Cross to the MCU Hospital, Valenzuela General Hospital and at least two others at the Rogaciano Mercado district hospital in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

An official of the bus company summoned by police has vowed to shoulder the expenses of the victims.

The accident created monstrous traffic jam near the Balintawak entry plaza late Friday evening, aggravated by heavy downpour on both directions of the NLEX. NLEX Corp. said that motorists were being diverted to the Mindanao Exit due to the traffic jam near the area hours after the accident.

WE WON'T...

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returning Leyte solon after the newly elected officials took their oath before Tacloban Barangay 54 chairman Cyril Malinao.

“So I won’t fail you, I will do my best. I honor you as I honor God. I will serve you faithfully,” said Romualdez, adding they were humbled by the honor given to them by the voting public.

“I just want to tell you this, I will never get tired of serving you… This is my dream, my objective, my vision, we will make Leyte First the number one,” Romualdez said while urging his constituents to support them as they would continue their legislative

works in the 18th Congress.

“Leyte is number one in my heart, in my mind,” added Romualdez, a strong contender for the post of House Speaker.

In a brief speech, Rep. Yedda Romualdez also reiterated her gratitude to the support they received from the people of Eastern Visayas and across the country.

During the election, Tingog campaigned to be the voice for regional development in Congress.

“I am very happy to see you all after the campaign. What I can say is thank you very much,” said Yedda, who headed the House committee

on accounts in the 17th Congress.

Meanwhile, returning Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who took his oath of office before barangay chairman Alden Villarmino, disclosed to the local media he would “strengthen the social services” in the city.

“We’ll look at the present set up and target…There will be changes in everything that need changes,” said the mayor.

He reminded the city workers that he would be expecting much from them in the delivery of their social services under his administration.

“My demands are very high. I

set high standard. I expect hard work…Rest assured, we will push for sustainable development and social programs for our people,” said Romualdez, who succeeded his wife Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez.

Other city officials who were sworn into office on June 29 were Tacloban councilors Elvie Casal, Leo Bahin, Vangie Esperas, Aimee Grafil, Dalisay Erpe, and Brian Steve Granados.

Earlier, Tacloban Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin and councilors Jom Bagulaya, Edmund Chua, Nikki Chua, and Rachelle Pineda had their oath-taking in a separate occasion.

HIGH ALERT...

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He said the government would harness all its might to destroy the enemies of the state as well as their supporters to secure lasting peace in the region.

“If these bandits have not learned from the terrorists who were annihilated in Marawi, then this time they will,” Panelo said.

According to reports, two alleged suicide bombers, not a grenade-throwing assailant, rushed one after the other into a military camp in Indanan, Sulu and detonated the bombs they were carrying, killing themselves and three soldiers.

A firefight ensued as the bomb explosions were followed by mortar and sniper fires from the companions of the two suicide bombers. The gunfight lasted about an hour.

Eleazar, in a statement, said he was saddened and sent his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the bombings in the vicinity of the

military camp in Tanjung.

The NCRPO chief ordered all district and police station commanders under his jurisdiction to intensify police visibility and anti-crime operations at entry and exit points of Metro Manila.

“And so I highly encourage the public to remain alert and vigilant. Report any incident or suspicious person to the nearest police station or you can reach or communicate through our NCRPO hotlines,” Eleazar said.

“Rest assured that Team NCRPO remains steadfast and dedicated for the peace and order in the whole metropolitan area,” he added.

The military earlier said the kidnapfor-ransom group and IS-affiliate Abu Sayyaf was likely behind the midday blast on Jolo.

IS claimed the bombing was the work of two suicide attackers, according to tweets from Rita Katz, the director of SITE Intelligence Group which monitors jihadist activities worldwide.

The Philippines has renewed its campaign against the militants on Jolo this year after a suspected suicide bomber struck the island’s Roman Catholic cathedral in January, killing 21 people.

The country is home to numerous armed groups, several of which are linked to the decades-old insurgency aiming to create a Muslim homeland in the Christian-majority nation’s deep south.

Friday’s blast blew the roof off the sentry gate of the military camp and blackened its concrete walls, according to photographs of the aftermath of the attack shown on local television.

Three members of the military unit were killed and nine others were wounded, while two civilians—a motor tricycle driver and a woman street vendor—also died in the attack, army spokesman Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP. “This attack is meant to disrupt the

intensified security operations and our operational tempo following (a) series of recent operational gains in the area,” Zagala said in a separate statement.

An AFP reporter on the scene saw a blood-soaked man slumped beside a gore-covered motorized tricycle parked on a street outside the temporary headquarters of the 1,500-member First Brigade Combat Team.

The authorities could not say what kind of explosives were used.

Abu Sayyaf was active in the Philippines years before linking up with Islamic State, and has supported its violent activities with kidnapping.

The group has held hostages over the course of years and negotiated ransoms, but has also shown a willingness to kill its captives.

In the same week, a Dutch birdwatcher held for years by the Abu Sayyaf was killed on Jolo during a firefight between his kidnappers and soldiers sent to rescue him. With AFP

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SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

QC BOASTS P26B IN CASH, INVESTMENTS

SANGLEY AIRPORT ASSURED OF FUNDS THE House of Representatives is ready to provide the Department of Transportation with additional funds to quickly operationalize the Sangley reliever airport in Cavite as ordered

by President Rodrigo Duterte, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. said on Saturday.

“Whatever the DOTr needs in terms of new appropriations, we are all set to authorize and make available,” Campos said. “We really need multiple aviation gateways around Metro Manila, considering the average six percent annual growth in domestic air passengers alone.”

Many fast-growing metropolitan areas around the world depend on several airports, not just on one, Campos said.

“The United States of New York, for instance, has 16 primary airports, plus dozens of secondary, reliever and general aviation airports,” he said.

New York’s 20 million population is smaller than the combined 26 million population of Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal, the Makati lawmaker said.

Malacañang’s decision to put the Sangley airport into action augurs well for the country’s aviation sector and the broader economy, he stressed.

“The seamless air transfer of passengers and shipments are vital for a rapidly growing economy,” he noted.

According to Campos, the tourism industry relies heavily on aviation.

“Aviation in itself is huge industry that not only employs a large number of Filipinos, but also has great potential to drive future jobs growth, if given an extra stimulus besides low oil prices,” he said.

He said he feared that the buildup of aircraft and passenger traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is bound to worsen flight delays in the months ahead.

“The only way to fix the congestion is through new reliever gateways in Cavite and Bulacan, on top of Clark International Airport in Pampanga,” he said.

Just recently, five airline operators have signed a commitment of support for the Sangley project.

Among the signatories were Cebu Pacific Air president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei, AirAsia president and CEO Dexter Comendador, Philippine Airlines officer-in-charge Vivienne Tan, PAL Express president Bonifacio Sam, and CebGo vice president for Corporate Affairs Paterno Mantaring Jr. Also present during the event were Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat, Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines director general Jim Sydiongco and Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla.

Rio N. Araja and Joel E. Zurbano

MISHAP. A backhoe driver tries to lift a barge that fell on a car along España Boulevard in Manila on Saturday. The owner of the automobile, a local police officer, escaped unhurt after the truck’s restraining chains that held the barge snapped.

Norman Cruz

ANGAT DRYING UP; NOY’S INACTION HIT

By Rio Araja

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ESPITE the monsoon rains, the water elevation at Angat Dam in Bulacan has declined even further, according to the weather bureau.

Saturday’s level reached 157.96 meters from Friday’s 158.02, the PAGASA said.

Water managers prayed for more rains to fall on Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s main water supply source, even as they revealed that the water crisis being experienced by service areas of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System was the result of the inaction of the previous administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the former MWSS management under Administrator Gerardo Esquivel.

The failings of the Aquino administration came to light during the House Oversight Committee’s special hearing that looked into the water crisis in Metro Manila thereby absolving the Duterte administration and the present MWSS leadership from culpability.

MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco said at the hearing that the previous administration failed to carry out a water supply master plan suppposed to be completed in 2012.

Another Water Security Infrastructure Roadmap for 2016-2037 based on the UP-NEC Study conducted in 2011 warned that the supply-demand projection based on the study revealed that as early as 2016 there would have been 57 million liters a day (MLD) deficit in the supply. This deficit could balloon to 624 MLD in 2021 unless the water security infrastructure projects put in place by the present administration were vigorously pursued.

Velasco said that the present administration has to take the decisive leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte to push for the 600 MLD Kaliwa Dam given the over dependence on Angat Dam that supplies 97 percent of the water needs of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Even President Duterte’s directive for the release of more water from Angat Dam to the concessionaires at the onset of the water shortage in March this year could not be implemented because the Tunnel 4 project through which the additional water could flow was still inoperable, MWSS said. Work on Aqueduct 6 and Tunnel 4 were both started during the Duterte administration by the present MWSS Board and Management and expected to be operationalized by January 2020.

Two projects for additional raw water supply of

around 275 MLD, namely, the 100-MLD Rizal Province Water Supply Improvement Project (RPWSIP) and the Tayabasan River Water Supply Project were also rejected by MWSS under Aquino’s watch. The RPWSIP was later approved in 2016, three years after it was disapproved.

Today, the MWSS has reoriented its priorities and adopted short-term, medium-term and long-term raw water security roadmap that will provide potable and sustainable water supply in the next 5, 10 and even 50 years with at an increase of at least 1,518 MLD by 2022, Velasco said.

Being fast-tracked under the new water security roadmap are the following projects: 150 MLD Putatan (2019); 100 MLD Cardona (2019); 188 MLD Sumag (2020); 50 MLD Rizal Wellfield (2020); 80 MLD Calawis Wawa (2021); 100 MLD Putatan 3 (2022); and 250 MLD Lower Ipo. These, aside from the 600 MLD Kaliwa Dam project whose implementation was began in 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2023.

Medium-term water source projects from 2023 to 2027 are the following: 420 MLD Wawa Dam; 250 MLD East Bay; 350 MLD Bayabas Dam; 550 MLD Angat Norzagaray Phase 2; 250 MLD East Bay; 750 MLD Sierra Madre; and 1,800 MLD Kanan River Phase 1.

MWSS also expects to complete by June 2022, Aqueduct 7 and Tunnel 5 which are now on stream to provide another 1,600 MLD to flow towards La Mesa. The completion of these aqueducts and tunnel system will optimize the flow of excess water from Angat to La Mesa Dam. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between MWC and Prime Metroline Infrastructure Holdings, Inc. to pursue the development of a water supply source east of Metro Manila—the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project. MWCI also signed MOUs with Sierra Madre and AMA to develop new water sources.

In a related development, House Committee on Metro Manila Development Chairman Rep. Winston Castelo during a joint hearing of the Committee on Public Works and Highways and the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources indicated that an underlying issue of the water crisis was the neglect of the previous administration that delayed the construction of the Kaliwa Dam. “It was admitted that in the past administration, there was a talk on this but it did not materialize,” Castelo said.

Velasco who was invited as resource person during the hearing was quizzed by Castelo. “Do you think that it is safe to assume that had the past administration not been remiss on their duty to roll out the Kaliwa Dam, we would not have experienced this water crisis right now?” Velasco responded in the affirmative.

TOFIL AWARDS DEADLINE SET

THE Quezon City government has at least P26 billion in cash and investments, according to outgoing Mayor Herbert Bautista.

Bautista said he was leaving the city with cash on hand and investments amounting to P26,274,036,108.

During his end of term report and valedictory address last Friday, he said he has doubled the city’s revenue collection.

“Our biggest revenue contributions come from business tax collections, which increased by 172 percent, from P3.83 billion in 2010, to P10.43 billion in 2018,” he said.

He crowed about the efforts of the city’s departments in addressing pressing issues on social development, fiscal management, peace and order, and disaster risk reduction and management.

One of the key projects of the mayor is Bistekville which was recognized by the United Nations for providing affordable housing for indigent residents and those who live in hazard-prone areas, thus, Bistekville was conferred the Sustainable Cities Human Settlements Award.

In the past three years since 2017, Quezon City excelled the regional validation for the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

From being a Hall of Famer in the regional level, the city finally bagged the National Gawad Kalasag for the Best City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Bautista acknowledged the efforts of the 142 barangays for strengthening their management and operations through efficient and effective standards set by the Barangay Seal of Good Housekeeping.

He lauded the city’s departments and all its employees for a job well done during his three terms as the city’s local chief executive.

“I cherish the support of my Quezon City team who have helped our government and our city reap so many recognitions and awards for pioneering and the best practices in governance through the nine years of my administration,” he said.

Rio N.Araja

SSS STEPS UP CAMPAIGN VS. NON-COMPLIANT EMPLOYERS THE state-run Social Security System continued its nationwide campaign against non-compliant employers with its second simultaneous Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) Campaign in Binondo, Cabanatuan, Dumaguete, and Iligan on Thursday.

SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora C. Ignacio said 53 establishments were visited by the RACE team and posted “Show Cause Orders” to remind them of their obligations under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

“The non-compliance of these establishments to the Social Security Law jeopardizes the social security protection of more than 125 employees as their employers failed to pay their contributions.

Social security coverage is one of the basic rights of every employee,” Ignacio said.

Of the 53 non-compliant business establishments, 14 were from Binondo in Manila, 13 from Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, 11 from Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, and 15 from Iligan City. The participating SSS branches are expected to collect—P4.12 million worth of contribution delinquencies from these employers.

The RACE Team in Binondo visited 14 establishments for not registering their business to SSS while 13 establishments were also visited in Cabanatuan due to non-registration of business, non-production of records, and non-remittance of SSS contributions.

In Dumaguete, 11 establishments received Show Cause Orders from the RACE Team due to non-remittance of SSS contributions and under-reporting of employees. SSS Dumaguete is expected to collect contribution delinquencies amounting to P1.70 million.

THE submission of nominees to this year’s search for The Outstanding Filipinos (TOFIL) Awards has been firmed up on July 15 without extension.

This was announced by the JCI Senate Philippines and its institutional partners ANSA Foundation and TOFIL Foundation headed by JCI Senate President Jun Roque, TOFIL National Chairman JCI Senator Melandrew Velasco, ANSA Foundation president Philip Nocom and JCISP TOFIL Foundation Chairman JCI Senator Rogelio Garcia.

“We are flooded with queries with regards to this year’s TOFIL search under a banner theme “Nation Builders and Heroes in Our Midst,” said Velasco.

The TOFIL awards recognize outstanding Filipinos who made great contribution to nation-building and it is open to all Filipinos 41 years of age and above.

Manila For over 30 years, more than 100 eminent Filipinos have received the TOFIL awards notably Standard TODAY the coveted trophy designed by the late National Artist Napoleon “Billy” V. Abueva.

Please be advised that the MyCloudPH application TOFIL Search Committee chairman Beep Tan is services of Smart Communications Inc. (SMART) optimistic that a record number of nominees will be received by this year’s TOFIL Executive Committee. shall be discontinued on August 15, 2019.

“Aside from submitting the official nominations and Subscriptions may be availed until July 15, 2019 bid books at the JCISP Secretariat at the Chino Roces ONLY to enjoy the full 30-day subscription. national headquarters, nominators can also log on to jcitofil.com to download forms and also nominate online and submit nominations and bid book via For inquiries, call Smart’s toll-free hotline at *888. e-mail,” said Tan.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

TOFIL AWARDS 2019. Former Insular Life chairman JCI Senator Vicente Ayllon receives a plaque of recognition and the book ‘Silver Linings: The Continuing Saga of the 1986 People Power Revolution’ from publisher/author JCI Senator Melandrew T. Velasco who serves as this year’s TOFIL national chairman. During the March 6 national launch at Club Filipino, the 2019 TOFIL Executive Committee headed by JCISP president Jun Roque, ANSA Foundation president Philip Nocom and TOFIL Foundation chairman Bicbic Garcia formally honored Ayllon and Insular Life for their contributions to the growth of TOFIL as an institution being the prime movers and institutional partners for 26 years until ANSA Foundation took over in 2016.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News 106 ILLEGAL ALIENS ARRESTED IN LAGUNA

DOWNER.

Around P52 million worth of marijuana plants were destroyed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyCordillera Administrative Region and other law enforcement agencies of Mt. Province and Kalinga provinces. Some 13,000 pieces of fully-grown marijuana plants were uprooted and burned.

Photo courtesy of PDEA-CAR

By Vito Barcelo

CA JUNKS AMPARO PETITION

T

HE Court of Appeals has junked a petition for writs of amparo and habeas data filed by three groups against various government officials making up the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

In a 24-page decision dated June 28, the appellate court’s 14th Division, through Associate Justice Mario Lopez, cited President Rodrigo Duterte’s duty to uphold national interests and the general welfare of the people.

“The petitioners failed to establish [the] accountability of the President, as commander in chief directly under the doctrine of command responsibility,” read the decision.

The petitioners, led by Karapatan Alliance Phils.

Inc., Rural Missionaries of the Philippines Inc. and

Gabriela, sued Duterte and a number of military and Palace officials before the Supreme Court, which in turn remanded the case to the CA. “The petitioners merely included President Duterte as a party respondent without showing that he exhibited involvement in or can be imputed with knowledge of the violations, or had failed to exercise reasonable diligence in conducting the necessary investigations required by the rules,” the appellate court said.

“It is presumed that the President acted pursuant to his constitutional obligation to protect the people, promote their welfare and advance the national interest... There was [also] no unlawful act or omission on the part of the respondents [government] that violated or threatened the petitioners’ rights.”

The CA said the writs of amparo and habeas data cannot be issued “on amorphous and uncer-

tain grounds lest their purpose be undermined by the indiscriminate filing of petitions on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations.”

The groups denounced the alleged harassment against them being undertaken by the government.

The court, however, said the distribution of propaganda materials, such as posters, tarpaulins, flyers linking the petitioners to communist rebels cannot be simply ascribed to the government.

“The origin of such materials [was] unexplained.

Hence, the government cannot be ordered to refrain from distributing something that, in the first place, it was not shown to have,” it said.

The CA added that the alleged surveillance activities were a “mere impression based on the petitioners’ personal assessment of the circumstances.” PNA

IMMIGRATION authorities arrested 106 foreign nationals—mostly Chinese workers—during a raid of a business process outsourcing company in Biñan, Laguna.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreigners were caught in the act by operatives from the bureau’s Intelligence Division working at a BPO firm without the necessary visas.

“They failed to present any proof of identification during verification formalities,” Morente said.

Of the 106 arrested aliens, 22 were female, including a minor, while 84 were male.

“They were obviously trafficked to work here illegally,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.

“Information about the illegal aliens came from several complaints from the community,” she said, adding that most of those arrested were undocumented or were able to present only tourist visas.

Arrested were 97 Chinese, 4 Indonesians, 3 Malaysians, 1 Vietnamese, and 1 Laotian.

“They were arrested for violating the conditions of their stay,” said Sandoval. “Foreigners are not allowed to work here without the proper visas or permits.”

The aliens will be detained at the bureau’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig while ongoing deportation proceedings.

The BI’s intelligence division recommended the release of the 17-year-old minor under recognizance to her guardian, but she may still be ordered to leave the country.

TOWER BRIDGE MARKS ANNIVERSARY LONDON’S iconic Tower Bridge celebrates its 125th anniversary on Sunday by showing off the weird and wacky alternative designs that were nearly built instead.

The globally-recognized landmark which opens and closes for large boats plying the River Thames, has become one of the symbols of the British capital.

But it could have been very different.

The fairy tale castle-style masterpiece was just one of 50 designs which vied to solve the conundrum of erecting a much-needed new People relax in the hot and sunny weather on the grass bridge that would still allow large beside Tower Bridge and the River Thames in London. ships into what was the world’s London’s iconic Tower Bridge celebrates its 125th busiest port. anniversary on Sunday. AFP “There were all sorts of weird exhausted before they got near the top!” and wonderful, really creative Other ideas included rotating bridges or ideas,” said Tower Bridge head Chris Earlie.

“There were spiral roadways—like you even tunnels.

Engineer John Wolfe Barry and architect would see in car parks—either side of the River Thames and then a high-level bridge,” the Horace Jones’ winning design was a bridge that flips open in the middle, with huge chambridgemaster told AFP. “One design that got quite far was a very bers in the feet of two towers to accommodate high-level bridge with long approaches. But it the counterweights swinging down as the was found that horses pulling carts would get bridge halves swing up. AFP

GUARDIANS OF APOLLO 11 CHANTILLY, United States—Lying on a workshop counter that is closed to the public at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum’s annex near Washington Dulles airport, Neil Armstrong’s gloves look almost as good as new.

You can hardly tell they made a trip to the Moon and back 50 years ago.

To their side is the slightly yellowed “Snoopy Cap” (formally known as a “communications carrier”) worn by crewmate Buzz Aldrin.

The space suit worn by Michael ColApollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin standing lins, Apollo 11’s third astronaut, is in by the US flag planted on the surface of the near mint condition. moon on July 20, 1969. NASA handout But the blue silicon fingertips of Armstrong’s gloves have begun to degrade—a process that for now remains invisible to the naked eye—as has Collins’ suit.

“After 50 years, we do know that the rubber is breaking down, and becoming a little bit stiff and brittle,” says Lisa Young, an objects conservator for the museum.

“It is inevitable. These were made for one time use, get to the moon and back,” added Young, who was only a child when Armstrong and Aldrin touched down on lunar soil on July 20, 1969.

“We know the rubber bladders were only supposed to last six months, and they’ve lasted now 50 years.” AFP

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SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MULES, TOOLS AND OLD BRICKS: REBUILDING CHINA’S GREAT WALL

EDITORIAL

IMAGE OF ODDITY

L

INES of water consumers waiting for their respective turns to have their handcarried containers filled in corner streets by the authorities have unleashed an image of oddity at the start of the rainy season.

At a time when the rains appear to start ushering in the monsoon season, the water level at the 131-meter high Angat Dam, which supplies 97 percent of raw water requirements for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, is visibly on a downswing.

The dam’s level of 158.02 meters recorded before the weekend is on a steady plunge and very near the lowest level of 157.56 meters

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

recorded in 2010—its normal high water level, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is 210 meters.

Three months ago, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System said it would solve the water shortage in some parts of Metro Manila and nearby Rizal province in five months, which gives a time line of August.

MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco assured President Rodrigo Duterte then that the agency was doing its best to solve the water shortage problem while “putting to task Manila Water to give us a definitive time line of solving their distribution and operations systems to bring back to normal level the water supply to ease the suffering of the consuming public.”

Velasco had admitted the agency was in “a

catch up mode” as far as water supply source was concerned since the main source, Angat Dam, was built in 1967 and no major water source had since been built save for some water supply projects from Laguna Lake by both Maynilad and Manila Water.

Authorities have noted it was only in the last two years when serious efforts were put in place to push for major water flagship projects like the 600 millions of liters (MLD) Kaliwa Dam, the 500 MLD from Wawa Dam, the 800 MLD from the unutilized water from Angat-Norzagaray, the 350 MLD from Bayabas Dam as well as the 500 MLD from Laguna Lake.

While drenched consumers mark time in corner streets waiting for rationed potable water under the rains, they get understandably uptight encoded rebates in their monthly water bills are not reflective of the truth.

By Leo Ramirez NATURE, time, neglect and millions of footsteps have taken their toll on the Great Wall of China leaving much of it crumbling, but repairing it can be painstaking—and controversial— work.

After public outcry when a 700-yearold section of the monument was ‘fixed’ by covering it with cement— authorities insisted on more authentic restoration using traditional methods: so now laborers, aided by mules, use reclaimed stones and mortar.

“They are all the bricks that collapsed from the original wall. The bricks are used to mend these places,” said Li Jingdong, one of the workers restoring the Jiankou section.

Around him, laborers use an electric hoist to put a large stone that had fallen from the wall back in place, while mules traverse the steep mountainside bringing water and lime mortar for workers to mix and bind the stones with.

It is physically demanding work— placing one rock can take around 45 minutes and for their efforts, they are paid 150 yuan ($22) per day.

The plan to use traditional methods was implemented earlier this year in a bid to preserve the original look of China’s famous landmark, which is split into sections that altogether stretch for thousands of kilometers from China’s east coast to the edge of the Gobi desert.

Engineer Cheng Yongmao, who has led operations in Jiankou for 15 years, said the latest restoration plan is meant to make “people feel that it has not been repaired.”

Construction of the Great Wall first began in the third century BC and continued for centuries. Nearly 6,300 kilometers, including the Jiankou section, were built in the Ming Dynasty of 1368-1644.

Today it attracts around 10 million tourists per year—but the swell of visitors, combined with age and weathering, has left swathes of it in ruins.

In places it is so dilapidated that estimates of its total length vary from 9,000 to 21,000 kilometers, depending on whether missing sections are included.

To protect the relic, authorities in the heavily-visited Badaling section of the wall decided to cap visits to 65,000 people per day from June 1.

‘It will break’ In 2016, a section of the Great Wall in northeast Liaoning province was covered in cement, turning the uneven path—originally built in 1381—into a flat surface which some compared to an ordinary pavement.

Images of the restoration work went viral, causing a social media uproar, with people leaving comments such as “it’s heartbreaking” and “poor Great Wall”.

In response to that and other less high-profile cases, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism released a new conservation plan earlier this year based on the principle of minimum intervention to restore the wall.

Song Xinchao, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said some of those tasked with preserving the wall have “stereotyped ideas” that every portion should look like Beijing’s Badaling section, a heavily visited site that includes cable cars.

“They confuse restoration of the wall with the development of a tourist attraction,” Xinchiao was quoted as saying the state-run China Daily earlier this year.

But on the ground, some workers view the new method with skepticism.

“In the past, we repaired the entire ground. Now the idea is to repair less and keep more of the original things intact,” said Li Jingdong.

While the new regulation will accomplish the goal of keeping the aesthetic of the old wall, Li fears that such repairs will not last and the structure will keep falling apart.

He explained: “The idea is right, but I personally think that it still looks tattered after being repaired. Especially in the slopes, it will break in less a year under the feet [of tourists].”

THE SCIENCE OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

PECIER DECIERDO THIS month of June, people around the world are celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. Pride Month is celebrated to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, a set of events which many consider as a tipping point in the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.

Fifty years after the Stonewall riots, many LGBTQ persons around the world still face discrimination.

In a study by the United Nations Development Programme and the International Labour Office, 30 percent of LGBTI persons in the Philippines reported being “harassed, bullied or discriminated against by others at work due to their SOGIE and/or intersex status in their current or latest workplace.”

The ‘I’ in LGBTI stands for intersex.

Another abbreviation sometimes used is LGBTQIA, where ‘A’ stands for asexual. SOGIE, meanwhile, stands for sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

Due to the still rampant discrimination, advocates continue to fight for an Anti-Discrimination Bill to be passed into law in the Philippines to protect everyone from discrimination on the basis of SOGIE.

In light of this, activities such as pride marches continue to be an important tool for the LGBTQ community and their allies to fight for equality.

Often, the discrimination against LGBTQ persons are expressed using supposedly scientific reasoning. A review of the basic concepts is necessary to refute pseudoscientific arguments used to justify discrimination.

According to the University of California Davis LGBTQIA Resource Center, sexual orientation is an “enduring emotional, romantic, sexual or affectional attraction or non-attraction to other people.” In other words, sexual orientation is about your feelings of attraction towards others. Heterosexual people are attracted to people of a gender other than their own. Gays and lesbians, meanwhile, are attracted (physically or emotionally) to people of the same gender. Bisexual people, on the other hand, can be attracted to people regardless of their gender.

Meanwhile, asexual people generally do not feel sexual attraction or have a desire for a sexual partner, which is different from emotional attraction or the desire for a romantic relationship.

People who say that being gay or lesbian is “wrong because it is not natural” are incorrect in two ways.

First, such arguments are invalid because many things that are “not

natural” can be considered “good”, while many things that are “natural” can be considered “bad”. Second, same-sex behaviors have been observed in many animal species, from swans to lions.

While sexual orientation is about attraction, gender identity is a sense of one’s self as a woman, man, gender queer, or some other identity. A person who is gender queer has a gender identity or gender expression that falls outside of the norms of their society, or is beyond genders.

Gender identity is intimately connected with gender and gender expression. Gender refers to the construct used by a given society on what it means to be a man, woman, or some other identity, while gender expression is how an individual expresses their gender identity through their behavior and sense of style.

Throughout history, many societies have traditions that recognize three or more genders. Even then, each society has a set of norms expected of each gender which any given person might not adhere to.

Gender identity, like sexual orientation, is a different matter from the sex one is assigned at birth. Sex assigned at birth usually depends on the assessments of a health care provider, such as a doctor. The dominant practice is to assign a baby male or female at birth based on the

doctor’s interpretation of the baby’s sex characteristics.

Gender identity and sexual orientation, on the other hand, are matters of neurology. In other words, they have something to do with brain structure and function. It should therefore be no surprise that some people are transgender—their gender identity does not “match” with the sex they were assigned at birth. These include people who identify as a woman but who were assigned male at birth, or those who identify as a man but who were assigned female at birth.

The neurological basis of gender identity is revealed in multiple studies that show that the brains of people who identify as a certain gender have several distinctive features in common, regardless of whether they were assigned the same sex at birth or not.

All this of course barely scratches the surface of the myriad ways humans can experience or interact with the concept of gender and sexuality. And we have not even touched on intersex people, people whose physical sexual characteristics does not fit society’s definition of male or female.

Seeing is there really is no scientific basis to discriminate, I think there is no reason not to celebrate the great variety of human experience and identity.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.thestandard. com.ph; e-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

‘SAY HELLO’: TRUMP BIDS NOKOR’S KIM TO DMZ MEETING

EUROPE SIZZLES AGAIN AS HEATWAVE CONTINUES

OSAKA, Japan—US President Donald Trump on Saturday invited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet for a historic handshake at the demilitarized zone that divides the Korean peninsula and said he would have “no problem” stepping over the border.

The invitation issued on Twitter caught observers by surprise. If Kim accepts, it would be the third meeting between the leaders of the two former enemies amid efforts to contain North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

The North’s official KCNA news agency quoted Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui as saying the offer was “a very interesting suggestion” but that no official request had been received.

Trump lobbed the shock invitation on Twitter from the G20 summit in Osaka, saying: “if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!”

He later said he would have “no problem” stepping into the North with Kim—in what would be a dramatic gesture re-enacting an extraordinary 2018 scene when the young leader invited South Korean President Moon Jae-in to walk across.

“Sure, I would, I would. I’d feel very comfortable doing that. I’d have no problem,” Trump told reporters.

The US leader said the invitation was spontaneous, but it comes amid a recent flurry of diplomacy over North Korea’s nuclear programme after a Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi collapsed without an agreement.

OPPOSITES.

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (right) arrive for a meeting on “World Economy” at the G20 Summit in Osaka on Friday.

AFP

G20: TRUMP, XI AGREE TO RESUME TRADE TALKS

O

US TELLS TURKEY RUSSIA MISSILE DEAL ‘A PROBLEM’ OSAKA, Japan -- Turkey’s purchase of a major Russian missile defence system is “a problem”, US President Donald Trump told his Turkish counterpart at a Saturday meeting on the sidelines of the G20.

Washington has made clear it opposes the purchase of the Russian S-400 system, giving Turkey until July 31 to give up the deal, which it considers incompatible with Ankara’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet programme.

And Trump reiterated the position in talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Japan’s Osaka where the G20 summit is being held.

“It’s a problem, there’s no question about it,” Trump said.

“It’s not good. It’s not good.”

But he added that Turkey “has been a friend of ours... We’re a big trading partner. We’re going to be much bigger.”

Washington has said that if by July 31 Turkey does not give up on the S-400 system, Ankara would be blocked from purchasing F-35 fighter jets and Turkish pilots currently training in the US would be expelled.

The purchase has raised eyebrows among Turkey’s NATO allies and provoked anger in Washington, which expected Ankara to opt for the Manila Patriot air defence system American Standard instead.

AFP TODAY

SAKA, Japan—US President Donald Trump said trade negotiations with China were “back on track” after “excellent” talks Saturday with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in which Washington agreed to hold off on new tariffs.

The crunch talks on the damaging trade war between the world’s top two economies came on the sidelines of a meeting of the G20 in Japan’s Osaka, with all eyes on whether the pair would agree a truce.

“We had a very good meeting with President Xi of China,” Trump said after the talks. “I would say excellent.”

“We are right back on track,” he added.

Both sides were expected to issue official formal statements later, but Trump confirmed that Washington had committed not to impose any new tariffs on Beijing’s exports and that the two sides will continue talks.

“At least for the time being,” Washington will not impose new tariffs or remove existing ones, Trump said at a press conference. “We will be continuing to negotiate.”

The outcome was likely to be seen as a win, with experts cautioning ahead of the meeting that a full agreement was unlikely but a truce that avoided a new tit-for-tat round of tariffs would be positive.

Trump has struck a conciliatory tone since his arrival in Japan for the G20 summit, despite saying China’s economy was going “down the tubes” before he set out for Osaka.

He said he was ready for a “historic” deal with China as the leaders kicked off their meeting and Xi told him that “dialogue” was better than confrontation.

In their final statement, the G20 leaders admitted that “most importantly, trade and geopolitical tensions have intensified,” echoing hard-won language from their finance ministers at a meeting earlier this month.

There were no immediate details about the China-US discussions, including whether they raised the thorny subject of Chinese telecoms firm Huawei.

Washington has banned the company over security concerns and China reportedly wanted the restrictions lifted under the terms of any trade truce.

The first tete-a-tete between the leaders of the world’s top two economies since the last G20 in December has cast a long shadow over this year’s gathering in Osaka. AFP

BIDEN SCRAMBLES AFTER SLIPPING IN DEMOCRAT DEBATE WASHINGTON—A wounded Joe Biden scrambled to defend his frontrunner status Friday after getting pummeled over his record on race relations at a Democratic election debate, throwing the battle for the party’s nomination to challenge President Donald Trump wide open.

Watching from Japan, where he was attending the G20 summit, Trump licked his chops as the 10 Democrats at the Thursday night debate in Miami veered sharply to the left on immigration, health care, taxes and the ever-emotional subject of gun ownership.

Biden, vice president under still highly popular ex-president Barack Obama, came in as the favorite, polling well ahead of Trump and all Democratic rivals.

But it was Kamala Harris, the only black woman in the 2020 race, who stole the show when she left 76-year-old Biden speechless by attacking his stance on civil rights issues.

Harris, a senator and former attorney general of California, pinned down Biden on his past opposition to busing programs that forced integration of segregated school systems in the 1970s.

Biden faltered in response, then cut himself off, saying: “My time is up.”

Although he was referring to the few seconds granted by moderators on the crowded debate stage, his words went viral on Twitter as a symbolic admission that he is a man of yesteryear in a party demanding radical change.

In a speech in Chicago on Friday, Biden highlighted his many contributions to civil rights, as well as the fact that he was deputy to America’s first black president.

“We all know that 30 seconds to 60 seconds on a campaign debate exchange can’t do justice to a lifetime commitment,” he said.

However, he risked getting in further trouble with his phrasing about the need to give

youngsters in disadvantaged black communities a chance when he said “that kid wearing the hoodie” could turn out to be a poet rather than a “gangbanger”—slang for gangster.

“This isn’t about a hoodie. It’s about a culture that sees a problem with a kid wearing a hoodie in the first place. Our nominee needs to have the language to talk about race in a far more constructive way,” Democratic hopeful Senator Cory Booker tweeted.

The radical spirit pulling the Democratic Party leftward was on full display both Thursday and in a similar debate held Wednesday, illustrating how a centrist like Biden may have trouble getting through the primaries.

“That’s the end of that race!” gloated Trump, after Harris, self-described socialist Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Elizabeth Warren on Wednesday, championed higher taxes, fewer immigration barriers and tighter firearms laws. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

‘NO ONE’ BLAMES SAUDI PRINCE ‘MBS’ OVER KHASHOGGI

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC The following shipments which were exempted by DAO 17-05 from the Bureau of Philippine Standards’ (BPS) Certification Process for having been imported by a cement manufacturer with Integrated Cement Plants, did not undergo the new Certification Process as prescribed under DAO 17-06, Series of 2017.

Type Brand Batch Code No.

: : :

Manufacturing Date Manufacturer Address Importer Address

: : :

PNS Prescribed Distributors

: :

Incidents/Injuries

:

OPC Type 1 Holcim TCC20171023, TCC20171025, TCC20171102, TCC20171103, TCC20171110, TCC20171112, TCC20171118 October 1, 2017 to November 4, 2017 113 Chung Shan N. Road, Sec. 2 Taipei, Taiwan 7F Venice Corporate Center, 8 Turin St, Mckinley Town Center, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, 1634, Philippines PNS 07:2005 GRJ Jaro Enterprise Incorporated, A. Macalindong Trading and Construction, Mega Orosteel Marketing Corporation, Bicol Bestrade Sales Center Inc, Sahara Batching Plant Corporation, Peaksun Enterprises & Export Corp, Megacem Incorporated, Raeken Marketing Co. Inc, Saturn Cement Marketing Corporation, High Performance Concrete Inc., New Golden Hub Corporation, Km. Seventeen General Merchandising, Jose Prissco Trading, Macrocem Trading, Chaper Trading & Trucking Services, Chiong Giok Trading Inc, Marc Alain General Merchandising, Marcbilt Construction Inc., Ahnex Builders & Ready Mix Corporat, XYZ Construction & Suppliers, Bauer Foundations Philippines Inc., Pacific Concrete Products Inc., House Technology Industries Pte Ltd None reported

The importer,Holcim Philippines, Inc., has executed a Sworn Undertaking assuring quality and safety standards of the subject goods, which are covered by a Philippine Standards (PS) License.

For Inquiries: Importer’s Contact Person Telephone/Mobile Number Address

: : :

DTI-FTEB Telephone No. : (Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau) DTI-BPS Telephone No. : (Bureau of Philippine Standards)

CARPENTRAS, France— Europe was bracing itself for a sweltering Saturday as the heatwave continued across the continent.

The Meteo-France weather service lifted its red warning but forecast a “very hot day” across a large central band of the country with the mercury expected to rise to 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit) in some parts.

With France, Spain, Italy and parts of central Europe hard hit by the record-breaking temperatures, officials pleaded with people to take precautions.

France’s new record temperature of 45.9 degrees C (114.6 degrees F) was registered on Friday in Gallargues-leMontueux, a village in the southern department of Gard near Montpellier, breaking successive records set earlier in the day, Meteo-France told AFP. This is the same area where the previous high of 44.1 degrees Celsius was set in August 2003. Records began at the turn of the 20th century.

The weather service said the new high was comparable to August temperatures in California’s Death Valley.

Earlier Friday, the mercury rose above 44 degrees C in the southeastern French town of Carpentras. The town was deserted, with cafe owners contemplating empty terraces which would normally be packed.

“We have never seen this!” one exclaimed.

The new record makes France just the seventh European country to have recorded a plus 45-degree temperature, along with Bulgaria, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Greece and North Macedonia, Meteo France said. AFP

Hillary Luke Correa (+632)459 3333 7F Venice Corporate Center, 8 Turin St, Mckinley Town Center, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, 1634, Philippines (+632) 811-8231 (+632) 751-4720 MS-JUNE 29 & 30, JULY 6 & 7, 2019

PLASTIC TORNADO. A boy looks up at the installation entitled ‘Tornado by plastic waste’ by artists from the social enterprise To He at the exhibition ‘Plastics Planet’ in Hanoi on Thursday. AFP

OSAKA, Japan—US President Donald Trump said Saturday he is “extremely angry” about the murder of a Saudi journalist but that nobody had “pointed a finger” at the Kingdom’s leader.

The comments came despite a recent UN expert report that judged it “inconceivable” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was unaware of the operation that assassinated Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

“I’m extremely angry and unhappy about a thing like that taking place” Trump said, when asked about whether he had raised the murder during talks with Prince Mohammed on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Japan’s Osaka.

But “nobody so far has directly pointed a finger at the future king of Saudi Arabia,” Trump added.

“They’ve taken it very seriously,” the US leader insisted, referring to a trial that has been criticized for secrecy and is being conducted largely behind closed doors with even the names of the suspects unknown.

“They’ve been a terrific ally.”

Despite the international uproar over the murder, Trump has maintained friendly ties with the crown prince, and showered him with praise during the meeting on Saturday. AFP

Images

BATTLE READY. Members of the Philippine Marines 8th Battalion Landing Team stand in formation during their send-off ceremony for a tour of duty in Sulu at the South Harbor in Manila on Friday. Norman Cruz

TOUGH TALK. President Rodrigo Duterte dares his critics to file impeachment cases against him—and threatened to jail them in return—as he answers the media’s questions following the oath-taking ceremony of Senator-elect Christopher ‘Bong’ Go (right) at Malacañang on Thursday. Also pictured is Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo.

Presidential Photo

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SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

GOOD TIMES. Speakership candidate and Leyte Rep.-elect Martin Romualdez (center) shares a laugh with (from left) newspaper columnist Rolly Reyes, former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, former Trade Secretary Peter Favila, and Anakalusugan Party-list Rep.-elect Mike Defensor on Thursday. It was Arroyo’s 73rd birthday celebration at his La Vista residence in Quezon City. Ver Noveno

WET AND WILD. The 44 candidates of the Miss Earth Philippines beauty pageant enjoy the pool at the Diamond Hotel in Manila despite a sudden downpour during their press presentation on Monday. Lino Santos

SCHOOL DAY BLUES. Students walk

side by side along Taft Avenue in Manila as they brave the morning shower on Friday, when the state weather bureau reported a new low-pressure area entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Norman Cruz

OVER YOUR SHOULDER.

A painter hangs on scaffolding as he surveys the area that he needs to clean at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus church along Macapagal Blvd. in Pasay City. Lino Santos

FLY THE COLORS. Protesters from the group Bahaghari and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community show signs and hoist rainbow flags (inset) to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York and the 25th anniversary of the first Pride March in Asia as they march from Espana Ave. to Mendiola in Manila on Friday to push for LGBT rights. Lino Santos

S O T PHOF THE O EEK W

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SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

CEREBRAL PALSY NOT A HINDRANCE FOR THESE KIDS

Individuals with cerebral palsy play a game of football.

T

HEY may have physical challenges like cerebral palsy, but the ailment was never a hindrance in bringing out the best in individuals who have big hearts and the passion to succeed, especially in sports like football.

“Sabi ng mga nanay na isama ko daw ‘yung anak ko (sa football practice) at subukan lang. Tapos nagulat na lang ako na nasisipa niya ‘yung bola. Hindi ko ine-expect na magagawa niya ‘yun dahil ‘di naman siya involved sa kahit anong sport dati.

Sabi ko tuloy na dapat pala dati ko na siyang sinasali sa mga ganito (The mothers told me to bring my child and just try it out. I was surprised that my child can kick the ball. I didn’t expect that he can do it because he was never involved in any sport before. I realized that I should have brought my child before to this kind of activity),” said Marinela S. Kaabay whose eldest child Kenneth has cerebral palsy

among other disabilities.

The activity Kaabay referred to was the 1st CP Football Day where kids with cerebral palsy from Metro Manila and nearby provinces gathered for a friendly game of football at the La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City.

Around 50 CP individuals, including Kaabay’s child and four others from her area, ran and kicked the elusive ball to their hearts’ content despite the scorching afternoon heat.

The 1st CP Football Day is just one of the efforts to have more children with CP get into sports. It received a big boost when Globe Telecom entered into a partnership with the Henry V. Moran Foundation, the Philippine Sports Association of the Differently Abled and CP Football Philippines, the prime movers of CP football in the country.

Globe gave the foundation and its beneficiaries the much-needed communications platform to reach individuals with CP who live in various parts of the country who may be interested in football. The program also complements Globe Telecom’s “TM Sports Para sa Bayan,” a long-term

program that helps kids develop and grow in a sport that they love.

“We want to use the power of sports to make a difference in the lives of individuals especially those who belong to the marginalized sectors of society. Over the past several years, Globe has gone beyond business by offering basketball and football development programs to underprivileged kids. This time, we want to extend our support to individuals with cerebral palsy and help them pursue their dreams,” said Miguel Bermundo, Head of Globe Citizenship and Advocacy.

CP Football is similar to a regular football game but the rules were tweaked to make the sport more attractive, accessible and fit for those with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. The playing field is smaller and game time lasts for one hour with a 15-minute half-time break.

Aside from having fun, the 1st CP Football Day also saw the formal introduction of CP football in the Philippines as well as the search for CP individuals with the potential to become members of the “CP Rascals,” the team

that will represent the Philippines in the 2022 Asian Para Games.

To support the search as well as the training, living expenses and other needs of the players, interested groups and individuals may send their donation to the following: Account Name: The Henry V. Moran Foundation, Inc. Account Number: 2251-0005-33 Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands Bank Address: Greenhills Missouri Branch Missouri cor. Nevada Sts. NorthEast Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila Swift Code: BOPIPHMM Dr. Anna Raganathan, Consultant Psychologist and Board Member of the International Federation of CP Football, said that based on research, individuals with cerebral palsy who have consistent exercise can recover to become almost normal. “Even when they get physical therapy already, the addition of sports can make them stronger and help them avoid injuries because they get to develop their bones and muscles.”

CLEAN-UP RUN AIMS TO SAVE MANILA BAY CLEANLINESS efforts to save Manila Bay continued to get a big boost as Olympic Village outlets at Robinsons Forum, Festival Mall, and Farmers Plaza as well as the registration center at the MBC-DZRH lobby in Pasay go into full throttle to enlist runners for the Manila Bay Clean-Up Run, scheduled July 7.

Open to all interested participants in male and female divisions, the Manila Bay Clean-Up Run will feature races in the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K divisions.

The event, which is a project of Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City, is meant to support efforts to clean our marine and coastal resources under the umbrella program

of Land Bank and various establishments along Manila Bay which comprise the Sunset Partnership.

Since 2011, funds generated by the fun run have been used to institute systematic long-term solutions to environmental sanitation problems that have beset the country’s coastal resources and tributaries.

The Manila Bay Clean-up Run is the prelude to the 80th anniversary celebration of MBC’s flagship radio station DZRH— the Philippines’ oldest surviving radio network. For inquiries, log onto the official Facebook page of the Manila Bay Clean-Up Run, or call Runners Link at 0926-205-2787.

Participants in the Manila Bay Clean-Up Run 2018 answer the starting gun.

Joseph Ortega of Pongga Racing Team

acceleration is also supported by major sponsors Federal Tires and 3K Batteries

ILOILO—Juvic Pagunsan birdied the 18th from two feet to nip Michael Bibat in sudden death, snatching the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge crown and capping an amazing sweep of the last three legs of the Visayan swing of the Philippine Golf Tour here yesterday.

Proving he’s a cut above the rest, Pagunsan hit three birdies at the front to tie third round joint leader Rene Menor at the helm then recovered from a bogey on No. 10 with a birdie on the 17th to match Bibat’s closing 67 and force a sudden death at 272s.

But the region’s former No. 1 used his experience and showed his poise in sudden death, unleashing a superb drive on their return to the par-4 closing hole then hitting his approach shot to “gimme” distance. He first watched Bibat muff his own birdie bid from 12 feet to nail another crown worth P550,000 put up by ICTSI. Menor came up short on his home course with a 70 and ended up third at 273 while Pastor sputtered at the back and limped with a 73 to drop joint sixth at 276.

“I just tried to keep the leaders in sight and I’m so happy to win again,” said Pagunsan, who earlier flubbed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to enable Bibat to force a playoff. “It was pure luck.”

After sweeping the Bacolod legs of the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit in Binitin and Marapara in smashing fashions, Pagunsan had hinted at skipping the Iloilo stop to take a much-needed break but decided to play at the last minute. He made a so-so 69 start for joint 12th, barely moved at 10th with a 68 in the second round but pulled within two after another two-under card Friday.

“I struggled with my putting in the first three days so I polished my stroke Friday. I’m happy it produced good results,” added Pagunsan, who has banked a total of P1.55 million in three weeks after matching Tony Lascuña’s three-peat feat at Eagle Ridge, Forest Hills and Bacolod in 2016.

HARDEN ENTERTAINS PH FANS

By Kenneth Sunga

ESTEFANO CROWNED PHOENIX SLALOM KING AGAIN ESTEFANO Rivera of the PMMS/Tough Gear Racing Team once again bagged the title of the 2019 Race Motorsports Club Phoenix Pulse Technology National Slalom Series 4th leg recently.

Rivera won the overall and Front Wheel best time of 44.34, followed by his brother Milo Rivera with 45.00.

Coming in 3rd was Powee Base, also of PMMS/Tough Gear Racing Team with 45.13, Jevoy Moreno of JAF Racing Team (4th) with 45.18 and Rod Chang of JAF Racing Team Bulacan (5th) with 46.16.

Meanwhile, Joseph Ortega of Pongga Racing Team captured the Rear Wheel Production best time of the day of 49.53.

Chang won a 4th straight win in the novice class with 46.16, followed by JP Polintan with 46.80, JC Alberto with 47.02, and Amiel Barquez with 47.47.

The 2019 RACE Motorsports Club Phoenix Pulse Technology National Slalom Series with enhanced power and

JUVIC SWEEPS VISAYAN LEG OF PH TOUR

and Robinsons Malls It is also backed by Starbright Body

Kits, Auto Transporter, media partners Stoplight TV, C! Magazine, AUTO CAR Magazine, Power Wheels Magazine, Medical Team AEROMED, Walter Lights and Sounds and Antipolo Mayor Jun Henares.

The event was participated in by G Spot Racing Team, Auto Force Racing Team, RODLEA Racing Team, PMMS Rennsport Racing Team, Pongga Racing Team, JAF Racing Team and Tough Gear Racing Team.

The 5th leg will be held on June 30 at Robinsons Sta. Rosa while the 6th leg is on July 7 at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga.

Winners of the 4th leg will get their awards on Sunday.

The 2nd Slalom Invitational is set on Aug. 11 at Robinsons Place Calasiao, Pangasinan.

For details, contact Bing Bang Dulce at 09178119337 or like the event’s Facebook page racemotorsportsclub.

JAMES Harden of the Houston Rockets entertained his Filipino fans anew during his Free To Harden Manila tour recently at the SMX Convention Center.

The 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player, who is in Manila for the fourth time, talked about his inspiration behind his signature shoes, his consistency, and his influence on aspiring basketball players all around the world.

“It’s mostly for the fans. The fans are the ones who’s wearing the shoes.

I just need the right technology so I can perform on the court. But, as far as the colorways and all the good stuff like you guys are the ones who’s wearing the shoes,” said Harden when asked about how he creates and who inspired him making his shoe.

Nicknamed the Beard, Harden was in town to promote his latest signature shoe with adidas—the Harden Vol. 3.

In the main event of the tour, Harden interacted with fans and joined a couple of games with some PBA players Aljon Mariano, Rashawn McCarthy amd Rey Nambatac, as well as college standouts Kobe Paras, Maverick Ahanmisi and Deigo Dario, among others.

Harden capped the night by taking selfies and signing autographs for the Pinoy fans.

“Thank you guys for having me.

I appreciate it. I’ll continue to show love to Manila and the Filipino fans,” Harden said.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

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Business

Manila

Standard

TODAY

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDICAL DOCTORS, INC.

Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (“MPHHI” or the “Offeror”) is currently the shareholder of One Million One Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Fifteen (1,128,715) outstanding common shares of Medical Doctors, Inc. (“MDI”), owner and operator of Makati Medical Center, which represent approximately 33.3% of the outstanding MDI shares.

MPHHI has offered to acquire up to Five Hundred Sixty Three Thousand (563,000) outstanding common shares of MDI, which represent approximately 16.6% of the total outstanding shares of MDI, which will bring the Offeror’s ownership to no more than 49.9%.

Accordingly on May 24, 2019, MPHHI filed with the SEC a Tender Offer Report (SEC Form 19-1) in compliance with Rule 19 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Securities Regulation Code.

The Tender offer will commence on June 28, 2019 and the same shall last for a period of at least twenty (20) business days from June 28, 2019 to July 26, 2019. All of the shares tendered shall be purchased by MPHHI in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the summary below:

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

SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE TENDER OFFER Target Company

PASTOR’S SON BREEDS SECOND PH UNICORN

Medical Doctors, Inc. (“MDI” or the “Company”)

Offeror

Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (“MPHHI”)

Subject Shares

Up to a maximum of 563,000 MDI common shares, which comprise approximately 16.6% of the total outstanding shares of MDI (“Tender Offer Shares” or “MDI Shares”), which will bring the Offeror’s ownership to no more than 49.9% of MDI

Tender Offer Price

The Offeror is offering to acquire the Tender Offer Shares at a price of Philippine Pesos: Four Thousand Sixteen (Php 4,016.00) per share.

Entitlement

Every registered owner of the Tender Offer Shares as of any date during the Tender Offer Period is entitled to sell his/her/its Tender Offer Shares to the Offeror in accordance with these Terms of the Tender Offer.

Tender Offer Period

The Tender Offer period will commence at 9:00 a.m. of June 28, 2019 until 5:00 p.m. of July 26, 2019 (“Tender Offer Period”). In the event that a holiday(s) will be declared during the Tender Offer Period, said Tender Offer Period will automatically be extended by the corresponding number of days of holiday.

Tender Offer Agent

Atty. Jane Catherine C. Rojo 10F MGO Building, Legazpi corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City Telephone No : (+632) 804-2855 Mobile No : +63 949 9942305 Email Address: jcrojo@mpic.com.ph

Applications

Tendering stockholders who wish to offer all or a portion of their shares for sale to the Offeror may do so by submitting a duly accomplished Application to Tender Shares form and must accomplish and submit all the relevant attachments and supporting documents to the Tender Offer Agent not later than 5:00 p.m. of July 26, 2019 at the following address: Atty. Jane Catherine C. Rojo 10F MGO Building, Legazpi corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City Telephone No : (+632) 804-2855 Mobile No : +63 949 9942305 Email Address: jcrojo@mpic.com.ph

Xpanse Technologies Inc. CEO Josh Supan

Applications presented after the end of the Tender Offer Period shall not be accepted, unless the Tender Offer Period is extended by MPHHI with the approval of the SEC. Applications that are not properly filled up, or lacking any of the required attachments, will also not be accepted. The Tender Offer Agent will likewise not accept an Application if it cannot verify the signature of the stockholder on the Application or the endorsement of the stock certificate.

Acceptance of Tendered Shares

Only MDI Shares validly tendered by the shareholders of record of MDI shall be accepted for payment by MPHHI. All tendered MDI Shares must be free from any claims, liens, encumbrances or restrictions, whether or not valid. Only fully paid, non-assessable and unencumbered MDI Shares shall be accepted and paid for

by MPHHI during the tender offer. By tendering their Tender Offer Shares, the tendering shareholders are making the representations and warranties contained in the Application to Tender Shares in Medical Doctors, Inc. to MPHHI. Acceptance of tendered shares shall be conditioned on MPHHI having obtained all corporate and regulatory approvals, consents and authorizations for the purchase by MPHHI of the tendered MDI Shares, including the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission (“PCC”).

The Tender Offer may require the approval of the PCC pursuant to R.A. 10667, otherwise known as the Philippine Competition Act and its implementing rules and regulations (“PCA”). The Settlement Date (as defined below) may be delayed in case the approval of the PCC is not obtained before the target Settlement Date. Furthermore, in case the PCC does not approve the Tender Offer, it shall be deemed withdrawn and the stock certificates comprising the tendered MDI Shares shall be returned to the relevant stockholders, and the Offeror shall have no obligation to proceed with the Tender Offer.

Pro-rata Acceptance of Tendered Shares in case of Over-subscription

If the tender offer is oversubscribed, the validly tendered MDI Shares shall be proportionately reduced in accordance with Rule 19.2.2 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Securities Regulation Code (“SRC IRR”)1 . The formula for the pro-rata distribution shall be as follows: [No. of Tendered Shares of Applicant/Total Number of Tendered Shares] x 563,0002 . Provided that fractions shall be disregarded and ultimate result shall be rounded down.

Settlement Date

Within ten (10) business days after the termination of the Tender Offer period (July 29, 2019 to August 9, 2019) (unless validly extended) or after obtaining the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission, whichever comes later (“Settlement Date”).

Documentary Requirements

The following documents must be executed and submitted to the Tender Offer Agent during the Tender Offer Period: REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS TO THE APPLICATION TO TENDER SHARES IN MDI TO MPHHI

A

PASTOR’S son who once worked for Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio hopes to breed the country’s second startup unicorn.

Josh Supan, 27, is the founder and chief executive of Pasig City-based Xpanse Technologies Inc., an e-commerce enabling technology company that now has thousands of clients and posts P35 million in monthly revenues just a year after it was launched.

Xpanse is different from large online marketplaces such as Amazon, Lazada and Shopee. It helps businesses sell their products through their own webstores and ship orders automatically. Among its clients are Lacoste, Gap, Banana Republic and the different fashion brands under SSI Group of Companies.

“Right now, I have the entire SSI line. I am supposed to launch 110 of their brands by 2020...We have 200 macros and 3,000 micros,” Supan says, referring to clients that include large and micro-enterprises.

STRONG GROWTH Clients recorded growth in orders of as much as 300 percent in the first three months after their webstores were developed, says Supan.

He says Xpanse combines web development and shipping in the e-commerce industry, something that nobody has done yet in the Philippines. It builds websites for clients and those websites are connected to an automated shipping platform.

“With Xpanse, we give you a logistics arm that is automated. That’s unheard of before. It is either you have a brand.com and you do the manual calling of couriers and all those things.

Now, it is different. We give you better rates, better service, better revenues,” Supan says in a roundtable discussion in Ortigas.

Xpanse tapped PayMaya for its payment gateway.

With the dramatic growth Xpanse is experiencing amid the explosion of electronic commerce in the country, it is poised to become a unicorn—a billion-dollar privatelyheld startup with the help of venture capitalists.

Supan says with the ongoing fund seeding rounds, Xpanse is projected to value more than $1 billion. The Philippines has one unicorn so far—Revolution Precrafted, a developer of prefabricated designer homes established by Robbie Antonio.

SECOND UNICORN Supan is optimistic about Xpanse being a unicorn as he sets his eyes on Asian expansion. He has a good business model and a powerful platform called noah, a cloud-based system that handles orders to expedite the shipping process. The platform processes the order and sends it through partner couriers to any location in the country.

“What we are doing is we are aggregating the orders of all those brands and we are sending it through couriers locally. Right now, we are connected to five major couriers—LBC, 2Go, Ninja Van, Black Arrow and QuadX. We are aggregating them. We are changing the game,” says Supan.

“Because of the whole aggregation system that noah does, we have lowered our RTS [return to sender] to around 4 percent, the standard being 15 to 20 percent. It is really good for the brands,” he says.

“The Philippines is perfect because it has more than 7,000 islands. If you can achieve it in the Philippines, you can achieve it in Asia,” says Supan.

The platform collects a 2-percent fee from every order. “We are profitable now. If we want to expand to Vietnam, we can do it by ourselves.

Our brands are doing 500 to 1,000 orders a day.

The website development pays for the salaries of my employees and office space, but the 2 percent is clean. That’s where we are really happy. If there is a problem, we have a bot automatically fixing that,” says Supan.

He describes Xpanse as an e-commerce enabler. “In e-commerce, there are four pillars— webdev, digital marketing, warehousing and last-mile logistics. I cover the two—webdev and last mile.” he says. “We are gonna have also digital marketing soon.”

2020 GOAL His goal is to achieve annual revenues of $20 million by 2020 and expand his team from 30 at present to about 100 by the end of 2019.

Supan is also the co-founder and chief operating officer of International Leaders Inc., a business development consultancy firm for international businesses expanding in the Philippines which has Korean and Japanese clients.

“I want to reach as many countries as possible,” says Supan, who was named after Josiah, a Judah king. Supan’s father is a pastor at Victory Christian Fellowship, a born-again Christian group.

“One of my passions really is that a lot of tech graduates in the Philippines don’t get jobs after college because they have only BPOs and call centers waiting for them. What I want is to build hacker houses in the Philippines, so I can take all the dev work here. I want to expand to other countries.

All the webdev work, all the digital marketing work will be outsourced from the Philippines. It is about bringing jobs back here,” he says.

Supan was a debate champion at Ateneo de Davao University and was a basketball varsity player at Davao Christian High School.

After graduating from Ateneo de Davao with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, he served as an operation and financial consultant at the Davao City Mayor’s Office for four months in 2012. He then became a leasing manager at SM Davao for four years.

DOING GOOD He remains single as he focuses on running Xpanse. Being a pastor’s son instilled in him the discipline of being frugal. “We think like a western company, but we act like a Chinese company. We save, save and save because we have an expansion to plan. I am really focused.

We are expanding a lot,” he says.

He has a strong belief in having a good relationship with the clients. “A good starting point is to be a good company. You are set with your character, with your goals and with your non-negotiables.

I always believe that it always pays forward.

When you are good, good will come back to you also,” he says.

“Everybody is smart, fast, aggressive and hardworking, but not everybody is good. And that will be the differentiator all the time...I feel strongly about taking care of my clients. It is 2019. Providing a service is one thing, but it has to be service-plus. You have to be relational in a way. If you provide a service, you have to have a connection with your client,” says Supan.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

1.

Duly executed tender offer application form (Two original copies).

2.

Original MDI stock certificate/s duly endorsed, which shall be verified by the Tender Offer Agent with the Office of the Corporate Secretary of MDI as valid and authentic certificates3.

3.

Duly executed Deed of Absolute Sale of Shares indicating all the required details. The price and number of shares will be inserted and the Deed of Sale will be notarized after the Tender Offer Period. For this purpose, the signatory to the Deed of Absolute Sale will have to appear before the notary public for purposes of notarizing the Deed of Absolute Sale on Settlement Date. (Two original copies. Form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent.)

4.

Photocopies of two (2) valid identification cards issued by an official agency of the government, showing the applicant’s signature and photograph (i.e., driver’s license, SSS/GSIS card, or passport, etc.). In the absence of such government-issued ID, a duly accomplished signature card containing the specimen signature of the Applicant and verified by an officer of the bank where the Applicant maintains an account.

5.

Copies of the proof of acquisition cost of the MDI Shares tendered by the tendering shareholder sufficient for purposes of obtaining a Certificate Authorizing Registration (which will be used by the tendering shareholder in applying for a Certificate Authorizing Registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue), including among others, the official receipt, Subscription Agreement or Deed of Sale for the purchase of the tendered MDI Shares by the tendering shareholder 4.

6.

Irrevocable Proxy in the form prescribed. (Two original copies. Form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent.)

7.

If the individual shareholder will tender his/her shares through a representative, an original notarized irrevocable Special Power of Attorney (Form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent) authorizing the stockholder’s attorney-in-fact to enter into all transactions and to sign, execute and deliver the documents and agreements enumerated herein shall also be submitted as part of the documents.

8.

In case of corporate stockholders, (i) an original notarized certification from the corporate stockholder’s duly elected and incumbent corporate secretary attesting to the approval by the board of directors and stockholders (if necessary) to tender the MDI Shares and to sign, execute and deliver all documents and agreements, and to perform such acts as may be necessary for the tender of the MDI Shares to MPHHI in the form prescribed (two original copies and form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent.); (ii) copy of SEC Registration and latest Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws or equivalent constitutive documents and General Information Sheet certified as true copy of the original by the corporate secretary or equivalent person having official custody of the company records, and (iii) a valid government-issued identification card containing the picture and signature of the Applicant’s authorized signatory or, in the absence thereof, a duly accomplished signature card containing the specimen signature of the Applicant’s authorized signatory and verified by an officer of the bank where the Applicant/authorized representative maintains an account.

9.

In case of partnerships: (i) an original notarized certification from the partnership’s duly elected and incumbent partnership secretary attesting to the approval by the partnership to tender the MDI Shares and to sign, execute and deliver all documents and agreements, and to perform such acts as may be necessary for the tender of the MDI Shares to MPHHI in the form prescribed (two original copies and form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent.); (ii) copy of SEC Registration, latest Articles of Partnership and/or equivalent constitutive documents and General Information Sheet (or equivalent) certified as true copy of the original by the partnership secretary or equivalent person having official custody of the partnership records or a valid government-issued identification card containing the picture and signature of the Applicant’s authorized signatory or, in the absence thereof, a duly accomplished signature card containing the specimen signature of the Applicant’s authorized signatory and verified by an officer of the bank where the Applicant/authorized representative maintains an account.

NOTE: Documents executed abroad must be consularized. In case of married shareholders who are Philippine citizens, the special power of attorney must likewise be signed by the spouse of such stockholder to indicate his/her consent to the appointment of the attorney-in-fact for purposes of disposing of the Tender Offer Shares.

Settlement

Subject to MPHHI’s receipt of confirmation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), MDI Shares that are validly tendered shall be paid for by MPHHI under the following terms: 1.

Initial payment of 75% of the purchase price (“Initial Payment”), payable on Settlement Date. It is expected that part of the Initial Payment will be used by the tendering shareholders to pay for the capital gains tax due on the sale of the MDI Shares.

2.

The balance equivalent to 25% of the purchase price (“Balance Amount”) shall be paid within five (5) calendar days from delivery to the Offeror of the original and valid Certificate Authorizing Registration from the relevant Revenue District Office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue authorizing the transfer of the MDI Shares from the tendering stockholder to MPHHI.

All payments shall be made through check payable in the name of the stockholder of record who made a valid tender of MDI Shares. When collecting payment, the tendering stockholder (or his/her authorized representative) shall present the “Applicant’s Copy” of the application together with a certification duly signed by the Tender Offer Agent or her authorized representative, as well as proper identification (e.g. driver’s license, passport). Duly authorized representatives shall be required to present an authorization from the tendering stockholder.

In case the stockholder fails to submit the Certificate Authorizing Registration to MPHHI within six (6) months after the Settlement Date, MPHHI and/or the Tender Offer Agent is hereby authorized to file the Capital Gains Tax Return, pay the Capital Gains Tax (together with any applicable penalties, interests and surcharges as the Bureau of Internal Revenue may assess) and apply for Certificate Authorizing Registration for the transfer of legal title over the shares to the Bidder, and all expenses incurred in undertaking such activity/ies shall be deducted from the Balance Amount Withdrawal

Any MDI Shares tendered may be withdrawn by the tendering stockholder at any time during the Tender Offer Period upon submission of an original written request to withdraw the tendered shares from the tender offer. All written requests for withdrawal must be received by the Tender Offer Agent before 5:00 p.m. of July 26, 2019.

The request to withdraw from the tender offer must clearly state the name of the tendering shareholder and the number of shares to be withdrawn from the tender offer. MPHHI shall have the right to exercise discretion in determining the validity of any written request to withdraw from the tender offer.

Furthermore, in case the PCC does not approve the Tender Offer, it shall be deemed withdrawn and the stock certificates comprising the tendered MDI Shares shall be returned to the relevant stockholders, and the Offeror shall have no obligation to proceed with the Tender Offer.

Taxes and Expenses

The tendering shareholder shall be responsible for the filing of the Capital Gains Tax Return, payment of the applicable capital gains tax within the period provided by law and securing the Certificate Authorizing Registration. MPHHI shall shoulder the payment of the documentary stamp tax and filing of the appropriate return. The tendering shareholder shall shoulder all of its own costs and expenses for the sale of the MDI Shares to MPHHI under the tender offer.

Inquiries and Request for Documents and Other Prescribed Forms

For copies of prescribed forms and other related documents, including a copy of SEC Form 19-1 filed with the SEC, and for any inquiries regarding the tender offer, please contact the Tender Offer Agent as follows: Atty. Jane Catherine C. Rojo 10F MGO Building, Legazpi corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City Telephone No : (+632) 804-2855 Mobile No : +63 949 9942305 Email Address: jcrojo@mpic.com.ph

The following banks confirmed that collective resources available to MPHHI are sufficient to satisfy the full acceptance of the Tender Offer: Bank of Philippine Islands, Banco de Oro, Security Bank, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation

1 2 3 4

Rule 19.2.2, SRC IRR: “If the tender offer is oversubscribed, the aggregate amount of securities to be acquired at the close of such tender offer shall be proportionately distributed across selling shareholders with whom the acquirer may have been in private negotiations and other shareholders.”

Tender Offer Shares or 16.6% of the total outstanding shares of MDI, which is the maximum number of MDI shares that the Offeror is willing to acquire.

For corporate/partnership stockholders, the stock certificates must be endorsed by its authorized signatory/ies whose name and specimen signature/s is/are on file with the Corporate Secretary of MDI. This is to enable the Offeror to apply for, and obtain the Certificate Authorizing Registration with the BIR in case the stockholder fails to submit the Certificate Authorizing Registration to MPHHI within six (6) months after the Settlement Date.

(MS-JUNE 28, 29 & 30, 2019)

Business

C2

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 business@manilastandard.net

CHINA BANS QUENCHING, TEMPERING OF STEEL BARS GLENN BANAGUAS, one of the country’s leading climate change scientists, said local government units should be in the forefront in ensuring that high-rise structures are safe and pose no threat to the population especially during natural calamities.

China, he said, implemented new rebar standard rules which also banned quenching and tempering of steel rebars. According to an article by SP Global, “The new rebar standard, which came into effect Nov. 1, 2018, is aimed at preventing water cooled bar disguised as hot rolled rebar from circulating in the market.”

The changes in the rebar regulations were triggered by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake which killed more than 69,000 people and injured 374,176. The earthquake also left about 11 million people homeless.

Banaguas said cities and municipalities have the power to approve or reject the construction of a high-rise structure in their respective jurisdictions if it does not adhere to the safety provisions specifically prescribed in the law.

“Before, infrastructures were built based on the old national building code.

Now, there is a need to incorporate the Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Reduction and Management strategies on the planning and decision-making,” said Banaguas who was conferred Outstanding Young Scientist of the Philippines by the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Banaguas noted what happened in Tacloban City after super typhoon Yolanda hit the city and the entire Eastern Visayas in 2013.

“Why were many infrastructures damaged? Why were a lot of people affected? So aside from identifying the most vulnerable areas and most at risk, it is also significant to check the quality of our buildings...Based on the National Climate Change Action Plan priority area, our infrastructures should be climate proof,” he said.

Banaguas said to avoid a repeat of the Yolanda disaster, high-rise structures should withstand typhoons with a strength of more than 300 kilometers per hour. To do this, LGUs should be more than strict in granting building permits. They should also be more cautious and ensure that only standard materials are used in the construction of high-rise structures, he said.

Banaguas said reports of the prevalence of substandard steel in the market was a major concern.

“Generally, if there are some concerns on the methodology or process, it will be better to conduct more scientific tests and analyses. In experiments, if we want to prove the accuracy of the output, there is a need to validate them. For example, we can modify the methodology or we can introduce different parameters in the process.

There is also a possibility to introduce new approach or innovative idea. Then look at the impact of the project. No matter how technical and innovative our research projects are, we want to make sure that these projects will create positive changes to the lives of the people,” he said.

Banaguas said to ensure the safety of existing quench-tempered steel in the market, there is always a way to do it. “It has to be tested more. It has to undergo a series of tests. It has to be based on science,” he said.

It was reported in some news outlets following a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck on April 22, 2019 that the building which collapsed in Pampanga—Chuzon Supermarket— had used quenched-tempered rebars.

T

LADY ENTREPRENEUR SHIPS WELLNESS MACHINES TO PH

HE wellness industry is where women are rising up and introducing new ways to drive self-care and a healthier and more beautiful way of living.

One such woman who has the entrepreneurial mindset and the courage to trailblaze in this area is Katherine Alejar.

As the chief executive and chief innovator of i3 Inc. (short for “initiate, innovate, integrate”)—a full-service marketing communications agency that specializes in both conventional and unconventional media—Alejar is an emerging entrepreneur with 18 years of experience in sales and advertising.

A Liberal Arts graduate of De La Salle University, Alejar has always had an entrepreneurial frame of mind and loves the challenges that come with establishing and growing a business.

She was recently awarded the exclusive rights to distribute Vital Dome Infratheraphy Machine from France by its founders, Alexandra Gavsevitch and Eric Fauchon.

“I believe in investing in one’s physical wellbeing, fitness and in leading a healthy lifestyle.

So my recent acquisition of Vital Dome machine and my choice to be an entrepreneur promoting a breakthrough wellness machine is a perfect business fit,” Alejar said.

Alejar saw a great business opportunity during these times when the popularity of skin care clinics, spas, gyms, wellness centers and beauty-enhancing products and treatments is at its peak. So she decided to introduce the stateof-the-art Vital Dome machine, an advanced infra-therapy ecosystem machine that uses pure far infrared to regenerate the body from inside and out.

Its founders - Fauchon and Gavsevitch—both internationally known in the naturopathy and health and wellness industry—realize that skin body toxins are the real cause of health concerns so they looked into a more effective and natural detoxification process. With their invention of the Vital Dome, more people can enjoy the most advanced and most natural beauty and wellness maintenance machine that uses far infrared (a vital radiation of the sun), which is the ultimate, most natural and essential factor for body rejuvenating and healing.

“We have clinical studies which prove that

Katherine Alejar, CEO of i3, shows a client how to get maximum health benefits from Vital Dome far infrared technology.

82 percent of those who experienced Vital Dome’s Infra-therapy system feel more relaxed while 77 percent achieved a slimmer silhouette. Almost 70 percent noticed how their skin got firmer and almost 80 percent proved they attained lighter legs, improved sleeping pattern and an enhanced overall well-being. I am very proud of that,” she said.

Aside from weight loss, the more essential results from the Vital Dome experience is an ultimate detoxification, oxygenation of tissues, reduction of edema and skin stimulation. Damaged tissues due to stress are regenerated; wrinkles are reduced. It also helps relieve dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

The machine is highly recommended for athletes and sports enthusiasts because Vital Dome can improve their physical and mental abilities, plus it has better fatigue management, and promotes oxygenation of muscles for a faster and more effective recovery.

Alejar personally uses the Vital Dome regularly.

“I get quality sleep every day, it has reduced stress level significantly, and my muscles are more relaxed,” she said.

“Anyone who moves, those who carry a lot of workload and responsibilities, those who want to

look and feel good, and of course, those who want to boost their health and well-being could use some sessions in the Vital Dome. So, that’s practically everyone,” Alejar said.

That is why she is aggressively marketing the machine to beauty and skin care clinics, spas, gyms, hotels, hospitals and resorts. This year, her target is to bring 10 Vital Domes to the Philippines.

Alejar founded i3 Inc. in 2014 and has been marketing new-age technology products such as Gifmo, a digital platform for gift cards. Concurrently, she is a managing partner at Driven Manila, an events production agency.

Being the project lead for the company’s important clients, Alejar is responsible for identifying and managing key opportunities to maximize its clients’ presence in the local market.

She may be a rookie in the wellness industry but a veteran in sales, information technology and business marketing. She has worked in prestigious media companies like MTV Philippines, where she developed her selling and marketing skills.

Vital Dome Philippines is located at Unit 1122 Centuria Medical Makati, Kalayaan corner Salamanca Street in Makati City.

ODYSSEY FOUNDATION MARKS 15 YEARS OF NURTURING LIVES ODYSSEY Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of CDOFoodsphere Inc., marks its 15th year of nurturing lives and helping underprivileged Filipinos in June 2019.

“It is said that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Odyssey Foundation’s 15-year journey started with our desire to reach out to our communities.

It is has been our commitment to support an organization that helps nourish lives.

Being a food company, nutrition has been the core program of Odyssey Foundation,” said OFI president Jerome Ong. Formally established on June 4, 2004, OFI is observing its anniversary under the theme “15 years of Nurturing Lives” in line with its vision to be a catalyst of social development for the benefit of the less privileged and marginalized members of Philippine society.

OFI co-chairs Jose Ong and Corazon Ong said the foundation was launched in Valenzuela City in 2004 with nutrition as the maiden initiative. “We later expanded these CSR efforts to include NEELS which refers to nutrition, education, environment, livelihood and service to humanity.

NEELS represents the commitment of OFI to help uplift the lives of those who are in need,” said the OFI founders.

“We duplicated and expanded the social endeavors in Malvar, Batangas which is the site of our modern manufacturing plant,” said Jerome Ong. OFI now focuses on developing programs

concerning children nourishment, education, livelihood enhancement and environmental advocacy.

It is guided by the general framework of social development, firmly anchored on its principle of giving back something to the community.

“We envision seeing healthy and wellnourished children in our communities.

The supplemental feeding program became our maiden way of sharing our resources by giving children a chance for a healthier and better life,” said Jerome Ong. From that single step, Odyssey

Foundation started building partnerships over the years. “ We shall continue to embrace the hallmarks of good values, best practices and good governance through transparency, accountability and high level of professionalism,” said Jerome Ong. OFI has helped feed more than 25,000 hungry and undernourished children, supplied learning materials to over 10,000 elementary and high school students, planted hundreds of trees including vegetables for poor communities, provided livelihood training to over 3,000 individuals,

donated 50 houses in Yolanda stricken-areas and rendered medical missions to more than 5,000 poor people, mostly children.

“Foodsphere Inc. has grown to become a leading food company because of the loyal support of our customers, who became accustomed to our high-quality, but affordable products. As we become bigger as a company, we recognize the need to reach out to the segments of our society who have less in life and do not have enough access to proper nutrition,” Jose and Corazon Ong said.

“It has become our commitment to help these segments of our population, particularly the undernourished children.

Sharing and giving has thus been integrated into our corporate values. We feel that as a food company, we should take the lead in sharing not only food, but also hope with less-fortunate brothers, sisters and children,” they said.

The founders of CDO-Foodsphere and OFI agreed to sustain the operations of the foundation in order to help more people.

“We believe in the capacity of the people to take an active role in their own development and success. We will strive to create avenues for them to be productive members of society. Sharing and giving is indeed a shared and social commitment that has become a core value of our company. In God’s hand, we entrust the future of Odyssey Foundation as we continue to serve Him and the people,” the company and foundation founders said.

SD-WAN UNLOCKS PROMISE OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PH

Dean Vaughan, vice president for Asia Pacific and Japan, Silver Peak

AN EXECUTIVE of network hardware company Silver Peak expects a rising demand for software-defined wide area network or SD-WAN technology in the Philippines as companies migrate to the cloud.

“The Philippines is a cloud-first country, and we expect to see further demand for SD-WAN as Filipino enterprises accelerate their cloud migrations, connecting users to applications with the highest levels of performance regardless of where the applications reside,” says Dean Vaughan, Silver Peak vice president for Asia Pacific and Japan.

“For some time now, ‘digital transformation’ has been touted as the driving force that would propel companies to the ‘next level’. But what does that really mean? One thing’s for sure — it goes beyond making sure that each and every member of the organization knows how to use the necessary digital equipment and platforms,” he says.

Digital transformation demands the strengthening of a company’s IT infrastructure, he says. “In other words, its digital backbone has to be solid. It must be able to easily adapt to other technologies and applications that have become part of the IT infrastructure — such as multi-cloud environments. This is where SD-WAN technology comes in, and it is imperative to select the right SD-WAN solution in order to drive top-down business intent to fully realize the transformational promise

of the cloud,” says Vaughan.

Silver Peak founder and chief executive David Hughes says:“All the discussion around SD-WAN has helped shine the spotlight on the business value enterprises can realize by changing the way they build and manage their wide area network. As enterprises turn to multiple cloud deployments, SD-WAN provides a uniform network fabric between physical locations and across cloud instances.

Automation will make adding new cloud instances easy and fast, despite the inherent complexities and idiosyncrasies of each underlying cloud environment.”

SD-WAN helps solve the inherent problem created by router-centric Multiprotocol Label Switching WAN architectures that were never designed for today’s agile cloud era, according to Vaughan.

Conventional router-centric WAN approaches are complex and expensive to manage and are unable to keep up with the shifting traffic patterns of cloud applications and services beyond the data center. To be freed from this constraint, forward-thinking IT organizations are turning to SD-WAN solutions and shifting toward a business-first networking model where the network enables the business, rather than the business conforming to the constraints of traditional branch router architectures, he says.

In the past, enterprises used to build router-centric MPLS-

based networks as applications were hosted on-premise within corporate data centers, with little cloud or internetdestined traffic.

As more and more applications moved to the cloud, enterprises were forced to backhaul cloud-destined traffic from branch offices to the centralized data center instead of routing traffic directly to SaaS and IaaS instances. This approach is highly inefficient and difficult to manage, and application performance suffered as a result as well.

“In the face of the said challenges, although the required technology has been made available for some time, it wasn’t fully embraced as the IT department was having difficulties adjusting to these new protocols because it wanted to retain control and manage security,” says Vaughan.

“However, as network and application control becomes increasingly difficult to manage due to growing complexity and more applications moving to the cloud and getting dispersed, IT organizations and users now realize they need to solve the problem fast,” he says.

“That is why Silver Peak leverages a first-packet inspection engine so that enterprises can apply intelligence to identify and classify applications on the first-packet to automatically steer internet bound traffic to the correct path in compliance with application-driven business and security policies,” he says.

Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard

TODAY GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM

Tech & Gadgets

GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1308

C3

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

CELEBRATE PINOY PRIDE WITH HOOQ

H

OOQ, Southeast Asia’s leading video-on-demand service, today announced that it is expanding its freemium offering with the launch of HOOQ FREE, enabling direct access to high-quality content without having the need to register. As well as continuing to deliver the best in regional and Hollywood content, HOOQ is committed to bringing the very best in local content, via HOOQ FREE, celebrating the essence of Pinoy pride during the month of Independence and accepting local diversities.

As part of the launch, HOOQ is also introducing the HOOQ FREEPLAY Festival, an innovative streaming festival that will bring a variety of local content from HOOQ’s vast library onto the freemium layer every quarter.

Sheila Paul, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager, said, “HOOQ is attuned to the evolving needs of the social, convenience-driven and digital-savvy Filipino. We understand local nuances and most importantly, we get our audience – so we’re introducing HOOQ FREE and the HOOQ FREEPLAY Festival in response to their wants and needs as VOD consumers.”

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE WITH HOOQ FREE HOOQ FREE is a major enhancement to the user-experience from HOOQ, providing Filipinos access to a wide array of popular on-demand local films, programs, live channels and short-form content – without the need to register. The revamped platform, which can be accessed via the web, mobile app, and on select TV mod-

els and set-top boxes, has been designed to give viewers immediate access to some of the nation’s most popular films and series, so they can browse and access authentic, unique and locally relevant stories that they want to watch.

Aside from bringing exciting local stories at the forefront, HOOQ FREE also bolsters the HOOQ live TV experience, adding two new channels; CNN Philippines and PTV. With the addition of these new channels, HOOQ increases the total number of live and feature TV channels to 20.

Jennifer Batty, Chief Content Officer, HOOQ said, “We are giving Filipinos the freedom to view over 1,000 titles for free! There will be no sign-ups, no registration for a trial or paid subscription needed. Based on our data and insights, and our deep connection to the local audience, we know that video entertainment delight is all about instant enjoyment, consumption that’s mobile, and the power of bitesize and binge-worthy content with local relevance.”

Shown here are HOOQ PH Country Manager Sheila Paul, Christian Bables, Dra. Margie Holmes, Nadine Lustre, and HOOQ Chief Commercial Officer Vishal Dembla.

DEVANT TIES UP WITH COLUMBIA PICTURES DEVANT, a home-grown TV brand known for its high quality products and reputation as a trusted TV brand with its strong tie-ups with both local and global partners, has collaborated with Columbia Pictures Industries Inc., the official distributor of the latest Spider-Man movie, for the promotion of Spider-Man: Far From Home in the Philippines.

Spider-Man: Far From Home, which stars young English actor Tom Holland who reprises his role as the friendly neighborhood web slinger, will be shown in Philippine cinemas starting July 3, 2019.

In line with this partnership, Devant has launched its Big Screen Match-Up promo.

Simply buy any of the participating Devant Quantum Ultra HD or Ultra HD TV and get the new Devant SB-50 2.0Ch Soundbar absolutely free from June 1 to July 31, 2019.

Participating models include the 75-inch 75QUHV01 Quantum Ultra HD TV, the 65-inch and 55-inch QUHV02 Quantum Ultra HD TV, the 65-inch 65UHV300 Ultra HD TV, and the 55-inch and 50-inch UHV400 Ultra HD TV. Devant’s Quantum Ultra HD TVs are powered by Quantum dot technology in which the display is four times brighter than a standard display. Boasting a 4K resolution and HDR feature, pictures and images are clearer, sharper and more vibrant than ever. Its Ultra Dimming function, on the other hand, provides the user with deeper and darker blacks for a more improved view of dark scenes. The smart features such as Anyview Cast or screen mirroring, Youtube and Netflix streaming, and access to different apps through the VEWD App Store completes the user experience.

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1. Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process.

Acceptance of Purchase Offers shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

2. Dropping of bid envelopes will be on the date of bidding from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM only. Opening of Bids will immediately follow. Late bid envelopes will not be accepted 3. Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on an “As-Is Where-Is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

4. Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he/she wants to buy, as long as, he/she posts the required 10% bid deposit of the total bid price for each property. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

5. Purchase offer may either be in Cash or an accredited through External Financing Institution (EFI).

MODE

PAYMENT DUE DATE

Cash

Payable either in cash or Manager’s Checks within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of bidding, without privilege of extension

EFI

Shall submit the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of bidding, without privilege of extension

6. Interested bidders planning to purchase the GSIS property through EFI shall first secure certification from accredited banks stating that he/she is qualified to avail of a loan from EFI and insert inside the bid envelope.

7. A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data: a. Date of Bidding b. Name of the bidder c. Exact address of property you are interested to bid d. Transfer Certificate of Title No. e. Mode of Payment f. Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) g. Signature of the bidder/representative 8. Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and must not be lower than the Minimum Acceptable Offer of the property. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

9. Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System.

10. The following shall be inserted on a sealed bid envelope: a. the properly accomplished bid form b. Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer c. Pro-forma Certificate of due diligence (for occupied or unoccupied) d. the Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is an authorized representative e. Pre-conditional approval from PBCOM, if applicable f. Two (2) proofs of occupancy, if applicable f.1. Barangay certificate that Bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property and any of the following: (1) Valid Government Issued IDs, or (2) Latest Billing Address under Bidder’s Name 11. The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope)

12. The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: a. he/she is present during the bidding b. participated in actual bidding c. presently occupying the property subject of bidding supported by the following proofs of occupancy: c.1 Barangay certificate that he/she is occupying or residing in the subject property c.2. Any valid government identification document with his/her address similar to the address of the property he/.she is bidding.

13. If the occupant will exercise his/her Right to Match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she need not secure another bank pre-qualification corresponding to the matched offer. Instead, he/she shall pay the full 10% deposit based on the matched bid amount in cash on the day of bidding.

14. The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within fourteen (14) calendar days of the actual bidding, the following documents: (a) duly accomplished Personal Profile/Company Profile/Corporate Profile, whichever is applicable (downloadable); (b) photocopies of two (2) valid IDs (one should be a government-issued ID); (c) Articles of Incorporation/Partnership, By-Laws and current General Information Sheet, for corporation/ partnership, if applicable; (d) Registration Certificate from SEC for corporation/partnership, DTI for sole proprietorship and CDA for cooperatives, or any proof of such registration, if applicable; (e) current Mayor’s permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located, if applicable.

15. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. The Bidder’s deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately.

16. In case the bid is in CASH, the 90% balance of the bid amount shall be paid either in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension.

17. In case the bid is through EFI, winning bidder shall submit the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of bidding. The equity, if any, shall be paid in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of LOG by the GSIS. The equity is the amount corresponding to the difference between the Offered Bid Amount and LOG amount.

18. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS will result in the forfeiture of the 10% bidder’s deposit.

19. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the said NOAS shall be deemed automatically revoked and the highest/winning bidder shall be informed in writing. The second highest bidder, if any, shall be informed in writing if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, GSIS require him/her to pay the non-refundable deposit equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his/her previously submitted bid amount and will be issued a NOAS. 20. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice.

21. For bidding inquiries, you may call the Real Property Accounts Management Department (RPAMD) at trunkline telephone numbers (02) 479-3500, (02) 479-3600 and (02) 976-4900 local numbers 3228, 3374, and 3396.

(MS-JUNE 28, 29 & 30, 2019)

TECH & Gadgets

C4

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

#MSBIYAHERO

USING TIKTOK’S FEATURES TO REDISCOVER MANILA

By Dexter Tilo and MJ Blancaflor

O

N THE 24th of June, Manila celebrated its 448th foundation day since its proclamation as Spain’s capital in the Philippines during its colonization.

The city has become a witness to different landmarks in Philippine history—from the heroic lives of our countrymen to the battle scars by foreigners who fought with them in the past.

In celebration of Araw ng Maynila, MS Biyahero revisited and recollected the city’s rich history.

Going on a trip has become lovelier and colorful using TikTok features such as filters and stickers.

Create and share short videos of your travel to your friends and loved ones. With easy-to-use features, TikTok can make you look at history with a fresher perspective.

Rizal Park Formerly known as Bagumbayan, Rizal Park (or Luneta Park) has earned its name after the Philippine National Hero, who was executed on the site. Today, the park is the perfect place to visit with family and friends who want to take a quick break from their busy lives.

Manila Cathedral After several cycles of destruction and getting rebuilt since its establishment, the Manila Cathedral is not only a religious landmark but also a symbol of resilience to Filipinos. Its glorious facade remains numerous falls and after different disasters that threatened its existence.

Intramuros Another place of historical significance is the walled city of Intramuros. Home of different national landmarks, Intramuros was once the heart of Manila, and Spain’s former political and military base in the country. The city is way past its glory days, but efforts from different organizations are made to restore the walled city’s pride.

San Agustin Church Completed in 1607, San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the country. Despite its age, the church remains open to devoted Catholics.

Fort Santiago From a historical fortress to a national landmark, Fort Santiago is one of the must-visit places in Manila. Once, it housed national hero Jose Rizal before he was executed.

Franchette Cardona, Home Credit Philippines’ Chief Marketing and Product Officer receives the Bronze Stevie Award.

HOME CREDIT PH WINS AGAIN AT STEVIE AWARDS

RIZAL PARK—Highlight the beauty of Rizal Park using vintage filters 70s and Film. Or how about applying some Time Effects like Slow Motion?

INTRAMUROS—Imbibe the historic feels of Intramuros by taking videos. Don’t forget to use the Filter Feature to add some drama!

Currently, it is a park that holds different artifacts form Philippine history.

Manila Bay Not only known for its breathtaking views, the Manila Bay is also a strategic place in terms of commerce and trade. One can enjoy the beautiful sunset with loved ones or witness the breathtaking city lights on the harbor.

Malate, Manila Known for housing a lot of tourist places and business establishments, Malate has drawn crowds from different places to eat and rest.

Beyond traffic, beyond pollution, Manila is a city abundant with culture and heritage. Enhance the experience by capturing your favorite

MALATE—Capture the “Paluto and Paihaw” in Malate with TikTok and apply some time effects there!

moments with TikTok. Enjoy the good food, record the laughter, and replay history with the app’s Photo Template feature!

With this feature, make your trip more exciting by uploading your photos and using the app’s prerecorded video templates to spice up your images and make them even more interesting to watch.

Using the #TikTokTravel, share the beauty of these tourist destinations in Manila and the rest of the Philippines to your friends all over the world!

In this social media savvy time, one can experience Manila and capture the beauty of the Philippines like never before using TikTok.

HERBALIFE PAYMENTS NOW ACCEPTED AT BAYAD CENTER PREMIER global nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition recently announced that payments for its products are now accepted through Bayad Center branches nationwide, following a recent signing of the memorandum of agreement between the two companies.

This new initiative allows for Herbalife Nutrition members to make their payments through Bayad Center’s 30,000-plus touchpoints all over the Philippines.

“This is a landmark project for Herbalife Nutrition, as we celebrate 25 years in the Philippines this year,” said Sridhar Rajagopalan, Senior Director and Sub-Region Head for the Philippines of Herbalife Nutrition. “It coincides with our city-by-city campaign to reach out to more Filipinos nationwide, while striving to ease the way of doing business for our customers.

With Bayad Center’s auto-posting pay-

Shown here are (from left) Pete P. Quevedo, SVP and COO, CIS Bayad Center, Inc.; Manny L. Tuason, President and CEO, CIS Bayad Center, Inc.; Sridhar Rajagopalan, Senior Director and Sub-Region Head of the Philippines for Herbalife Nutrition; and Edwin Serrano, Warehouse & Logistics Senior Manager, Herbalife Nutrition.

ment feature and outlets in cities and partner to support their businesses.” towns across the country, our memBayad Center is the country’s bigbers have a reliable and convenient gest and widest multi-channel pay-

ment platform. A subsidiary of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), it is the pioneer and market leader in the outsourced bills and bills collection payment industry.

Rajagopalan together with Bayad Center President Manuel Lorenzo Tuason led the contract signing. Likewise, executives from both companies who have worked on the details of the partnership were also present at the event.

“We have more than 30,000 payment touchpoints that Herbalife Nutrition members can easily access as the touchpoints of Bayad Center are available nationwide. With the recent launch of the Bayad Center App, Filipinos now have the convenience of processing not only bills payments, but also other products and services. The Bayad Center App is secure, on-time and hassle free. You can now process payments and more at your fingertips with the Bayad Center App,”Tuason concluded.

HOME Credit Philippines took home the bronze award at the 2019 Stevie Awards for Innovation in Community Relations or Public Service Communications.

The annual Stevie Awards is a premier body that recognizes outstanding organizations that make positive contributions in the industry.

This is the second time Home Credit has been recognized by the awardgiving body, having won the Silver Award under the same category last year.

The company, which makes financing easier for its customers through its tech-driven products, has also been making great impact in financial literacy with its Juan, Two, Three Program, a three-year-old campaign that helps educate different communities about the basics of budgeting and saving. Financial literacy is the whole Home Credit Group’s global advocacy. The program, which has partnerships with civic and non-civic organizations, visits different locations all around the Philippines and reaches out to a diverse audience—from fishermen to its very own employees. It also uses creative approaches like games and comic books to educate.

Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Home Credit Philippines Franchette Cardona shared her excitement about the recognition.

“Since we started, helping people understand money has always been very important for us. So this is really a victory for us and the communities we serve,” said Cardona.

HUAWEI, MORE THAN 30 PARTNERS ESTABLISH ALLIANCE FOR 5G SHANGHAI—At the Mobile World Congress 19 Shanghai, a 5G Deterministic Networking Summit was successfully held, wherein Huawei and more than 30 industry partners jointly established an industry alliance and an industry innovation base on 5G deterministic networking.

The establishment is aimed at continuously promoting consensus on industry development and ecosystem building, and accelerating the development of the 5G industry.

Differentiated and deterministic network service capabilities are the key to development of 5G industry applications. Huawei is the first in the industry to propose the idea of deterministic networking. By leveraging key technologies such as Cloud Native, distributed architecture, dynamic, intelligent Network Slicing, and heterogeneous ultraperformance MEC, the 5G deterministic networking adopts the “Single Cloud” to meet differentiated network requirements and deterministic SLA commitments across industries to ensure optimal user experience, promote industry innovation of applications, and enable thousands of industries.

Ms. Shi Jilin, President of the Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, delivered a speech on the establishment of the alliance: “5G means more possibilities for a digitalized industry, and 5G networks will provide a reliable, predictable network environment for industry applications to keep up with differentiated and deterministic requirements for the industries. The 5G deterministic networking industry alliance aims to unite industry partners to promote open collaboration between upstream and downstream partners, incubate best practices in industry applications, and promote healthy, sustainable development of the industries.”

China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom, and other industry partners, such as China Media Group, State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Company, Country Garden Holdings, Guangzhou Public Transportation Group, and Haier, share their industry applications and practices, demonstrating a broad prospect and vitality of 5G applications in different industries.

Liu Yun Jie, the academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, commented: “Fu-

Establishment ceremony for the 5G deterministic networking industry alliance and industry innovation base ture networks will provide users with tens of billions of cross-time-and-space, secure, and intelligent connections and services. They will become an indispensable part of our social

lives.” The academician also called on industry partners to foster a platform based on the 5G deterministic networking industry alliance and industry innovation base, collaborate

with one another to explore a win-win business model, and promote the development of future networks.

At the summit, Huawei and more than 30 industry partners jointly held an opening ceremony of the establishment of the 5G deterministic networking industry alliance and industry innovation base. The establishment of the alliance will open a new chapter for 5G development and accelerate the commercial deployment of 5G and industry applications. Working together, the alliance members will fully leverage the 5G differentiated and deterministic network capabilities as well as the industry innovation base to incubate more innovative 5G solutions and applications.

MWC Shanghai 2019 is held from June 26 to June 28 in Shanghai, China. Huawei will showcase its products and solutions at booths E10 and E70 in the Main Exhibition Hall (N1), and booth ICA01 in the Innovation City Hall (N5) at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). For more information, please visit http://carrier.huawei. com/cn/events/mwcs19.

Destinations D1

sunday, june 30, 2019

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

Voyage

Through space,

baTTle

in The waTer UP, UP, AND OUTER SPACE. Guests aboard ocean Park hong Kong's The Abyss VR Space Voyage will be

o

transported outside the planet to embark on a mission of looking for a new habitable place in the universe.

CEAN Park hong Kong brings guests to outer space with its latest attraction, the city’s first-ever virtual reality (VR) free-fall ride.

Using VR headsets, The Abyss VR Space Voyage transports players outside the planet surrounded by breathtaking views of outer space as they enter an adrenaline-pumping free fall during their mission to Saturn’s largest moon—Titan.

The story is set on Earth facing irreversible environmental issues,

such as climate change, that lead to the exploration of a new habitable place in the universe.

As members of the “ocean Park Mission Titan” team, guests will be launched into space to investigate Titan. A mission briefing video featuring world-renowned aerospace engineer Dr. Aprille Joy Ericsson and pre-trip interactive games ofPre-trip interactive games offer insights into the space and the challenges of space travel.

Luffy and the Straw hat crew members will be in hong Kong on July 13-Sept. 1 to transform ocean Park's Waterfront Plaza into a water battle zone.

fer insights into space and the challenges of space travel, furthering the park’s long-standing mission of providing world-class "edutainment" experiences.

After embarking on a trip to outer space, guests can join an exhilarating water battle as the park collaborates with iconic Japanese anime series One Piece, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, to bring the ocean Park Summer Water Battle presented

by Skechers.

Luffy and the Straw hat crew members will be in hong Kong from July 13 to September 1 to transform the Waterfront Plaza into a water battle zone where guests can recreate classic scenes from One Piece.

Armed with water guns, guests can join Luffy’s crew to fight against the Marines in a throwback to the Battle of Marineford, harnessing the incredible power of their friendships to dodge all kinds of water cannons and traps.

“Water games have always been the park’s most-loved activities during summer season in hong Kong. We are thrilled to partner with the immensely

popular One Piece to stage the ocean Park Summer Water Battle presented by Skechers and throw a one-of-a-kind bash inspired by the Straw hat crew's battles with the Marines. We hope to attract One Piece fans from all over the world to join us on an adventure filled with passion and dreams,” said ocean Park hong Kong operations and entertainment director Timothy Ng. To complete the experience, guests may check out awesome photo spots including the Thousand Sunny Ship by the park’s lagoon, the wanted posters, and the mega-sized fountain in the shape of Luffy’s signature straw hat.

In addition, an exciting array of One Piece-themed food items and limited-edition memorabilia infused with One Piece snippets will be on offer at designated restaurants, food kiosks, and souvenir shops, At Whiskers harbour, kids can enjoy and take a break from the summer heat at various One Piece-themed water attractions including a foam party zone, straw hat water-mist arches, super water curtains and fountains.

problem-free TraVeling

By Sara Fojas FoR Maria Paz Alberto, planning a vacation should be as hassle-free as your perfect itinerary. The vice president of Travel Innovators, Inc. (TII) recommends that the solution to a “no worry and problem-free” travel is the perfect and trusted travel agent.

“A travel agent will patiently Philippine National Bank executive vice president Bernardo Tocmo, Philippine National work with you in fixing your every vacation-related problem, wheth- Bank president and chief executive Wick Veloso, Travel Innovators Inc., president Raymond Tee, Philippine Airlines president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista, Mastercard er its clearing up hotel reserva- Philippines country head Rowell Del Fierro, Mastercard Philippines director Mike Miranda, tions or booking a different flight. TII vice president Maria Paz Alberto, and TII director Vernon Prieto at the contract signing In an unforeseen emergency, travfor Travel Madness Expo 2019. el agents can provide the muchWhat makes TII different from other to be included in the traveler’s itinerary needed assistance, something that the Internet will not be able travel agencies is that they do not only but also encourage them to take the suggest the popular tourist destination road less traveled or the hidden local to do,” asserts Alberto.

destinations that promote sustainable practices toward community-based tourism (CBT).

Under this initiative, TII and its member travel agencies are actively promoting the lesser known but equally captivating local attractions in the countryside. These least-visited places are tempting goals for the millennial generation whose adventures and exploits are always well documented and shared on social media.

“As the lead stakeholder from the private sector, we encourage more travelers to seek out more secret spots off the beaten track, especially those areas that let travelers soak up local culture and enjoy unique Turn to D2

@MStandardLIFE

mercury rising

By BoB zozoBrado

The DiamonD sparkles wiTh hisTory I hAVE always liked the Diamond hotel Philippines, not only because its impressive 27-story structure lords over Roxas Boulevard and the adjacent Manila Bay, but also because the hotel comes up with interesting events that never fail to attract Manila’s fun denizens.

This 500-room property always catches my attention every time I drive by it, whether during the day or at night. Somehow, the building’s granite texture and art deco architecture seem to enhance its prominence, betraying its 26 years of service to guests, especially because it has recently undergone a facelift of all its guest rooms and public areas. Nobody feels the hotel’s age because one walks in to a fresh-looking, charming welcome. of course, I stay there for some peace and quiet, and I’m lucky they always give me a room facing Manila Bay squarely. There, I’m mesmerized by the panoramic view of the glorious sunset that everybody needs to be thrilled by, to compensate for the ill-effects of today’s stressful environment.

Just the other day, the hotel invited me to a “Malolos Congress Wine Dinner” which, of course, intrigued me.

What has that part of our history got to do with a lavish culinary event? Naturally, curious that I was, I immediately accepted the invitation.

After General Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence on June 12, 1898, the Malolos Congress was convened in Barasoain Church in Bulacan on September 15, 1898. Aguinaldo appointed 50 delegates, including an illustrious group of wealthy and well-educated

Some of the hotel’s banquet staff are dressed for the occasion in vintage Filipino fashion.

Filipinos, to take part in that milestone event. Their task was to draw up the constitution of the First Philippine Republic. After being worked on and debated upon for several months, it was finally promulgated on January 21, 1899 and became the first constitution of a republic in Asia.

Now, how did this historical event fit into the culinary showcase that Diamond hotel Philippines invited me to?

Their guest chef, Christopher Carangian, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, researched on the French cuisine served at dinner when the delegates celebrated the ratification of the Acta de la Proclamación de Independencia del Pueblo Filipino. he made sure that all the ingredients, down to the last condiment, were available.

Paired with the hotel’s top-rated vintage wines, the Malolos Congress Wine Dinner came to be.

The hors d’oeuvres passed around during cocktails included Golden Roast Capon, Stuffed Crab Shells, Adobong Tagalog, Lamb in Paper with Potato Straws, Baked and Fresh oysters.

These were paired with Dom Potler Cava Brut.

The moment the banquet staff, who were all dressed in vintage Filipino Turn to D2

destinations

D2

sunday, june 30, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

amazing eats anD finDs

at thailanD’s night markets

shopaholics can have a field day at asiatique the Riverfront, a night bazaar slash shopping mall divided into four districts.

F

OOd trips and shopping are among the experiences Filipinos love most. and if the combination of shopping hauls and local flavors, with a side of vibrant nightlife is what one seeks, Thailand’s night markets are sure to give a colorful fusion for filling, picture-perfect experiences.

Thailand's night markets combine shopping hauls, local flavors, and vibrant life and culture.

problem-free... from D1 experiences. By supporting the smallscale CBT model, many local destinations have benefited from improved livelihood and additional income that lifts marginalized communities out of poverty,” explains alberto.

Finally, in order to achieve travel goals, alberto advises travelers to make sure that the agencies they deal with are valid institutions, such as the agencies present at the Travel Madness expo 2019.

“The Travel Madness expo 2019 is the one-stop shop that opens the doors to achieving your travel goals. Take advantage of surprising deals, big discounts, and competitive prices for both local and international destinations. drop by the expo and find whatever it is that you are looking for. Make your dream vacation a reality,” says TII president and event organizer Raymond Tee. The Travel Madness Expo is happening on July 5-7 at Halls 1-4 of SMX Convention Center. Guests can take advantage of amazing deals from participating airlines, hotels, resorts, cruises, theme parks, travel accessories, and travel agencies. Go to www.facebook.com/TravelMadnessPH for more information.

For starters on Thailand’s night markets, Bangkok is always a great place to be in. after all, many of the night markets in the capital cater to diverse interests.

For old souls, Rod Fai Market in Bangkok is the place for a night crawl to remember. Here, one will have their fill of household items, secondhand clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories all in vintage style. strolling down the market, shoppers will see old cameras, bicycles, Coca-Cola collectibles, and 1960s action figures from japan.

For fashion, art, and music junkies, the must-visit place is the saphan Phut night Market. Known as the top bazaar for the people of Bangkok, this night market’s stalls offer new and secondhand clothes, shoes, brand name bags in perfect conditions, and musical instruments. shoppers can also commission a portrait or have a tattoo or henna painting. after an all-night’s stroll, grab a bite at any restaurants in the area.

For a full-blown shopping spree, Bangkok’s asiatique the Riverfront is the night bazaar slash shopping mall that’s perfect for shopaholics. asiatique has four districts to explore depending on what the shopper wants to buy or do. a number of small boutique shops that sell souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing can be found at Chareonkrung district. Cutting-edge fashion and gadgets abound at The Factory district’s more than 500 shops. Head to the Town square district for a meal after a long stroll. aside from filling shopping bags and bellies, many of Thailand’s night markets are

Filipino dinner was the string band that played non-stop my favorite Filipino classic songs of yesteryears.

Then the 7-course dinner took fashion, opened the ballroom doors for guests to be seated, there was a center stage. after the various hors resounding cacophony of ooohhs d’oeuvres served at the cocktail and aaahhs, as the most beautiful area, a parade of the hotel’s waitdinner set-up unfolded in front of us. staff, dapper in their embroidered The “woman’s touch” of General barongs, served the event’s pièce Manager Vanessa Ledesma suateng- de résistance.

First, the bevy of servers brought co was very evident in the culinary event’s theme applications and its in Chicken Consomme, followed by corresponding accoutrements. each a plate of seasonal salad. The apperectangular, eight-seater dinner ta- tizer was Fish in Bechamel sauce with ble was adorned with three antique Philippine-style Croquettes, paired candelabras. dinner linens were all with Pebble Lane sauvignon Blanc The first main course was Larded elaborately embroidered. even the Braised Beef with Philippine Chickseats, covered with white cloth, were en sausage, draped with served with blue and red Cade d’Oc accents, clearly YOUR weekend Cabernet saureminding evvignon. Pigeon CHUCkLe ery guest of the with Mushdinner’s theme.

There is a way of transferring rooms was the On stage funds that is even faster than second main were some of electronic banking. It’s called course, and the hotel’s emMaRRIaGe. served with ployees in peardeche Pinot riod costumes, noir. portraying roles Of course, even after such delicious of some members of the Malolos Congress, with a “General emilio agui- dinner fare, I still looked forward to naldo” seated at the center. adding to dessert, for which they served Mocha the magical ambience of the elegant and Vanilla Butter Ice Cream, paired

hotspots brimming with life and culture.

In Chiang Mai’s night markets, tourists can get their fill of both local art and cuisine. Its kilometer-long sunday Walking street, which starts at the Tha Pae Gate, is a venue for different performances, from dance recitals to beauty pageants. among the great finds shoppers can score here are an assortment of tourist trinkets from hill-tribe vendors. On both sides of the road, food stalls in temples offer sample of unique delicacies, including street massage, painting, handicraft, and many more. another can’t-miss in Chiang Mai is its night market, where one can find almost any sort of item from handicrafts and housewares to antiques and jewelry. after a night-long haul, choose from a selection of Thai seafood and noodle restaurants to dine at.

If art is the priority for going on a night crawl, Hua Hin’s Cicada Market will feel like paradise. Cicada Market has four sections: art Indoors offers painting, sketches, and sculpture for sale; the open-air amphitheater art of act, on the other hand, is a venue for performances by local art groups. score deals on clothes, decorative items, homeware, and handmade accessories at the Cicada Market’s art a la Mode section.

Feast on salads, steaks, pastas, and seafood barbecues at the open-air food court called art of eating.

To know more about Thailand’s night markets, visit www.tourismthailand.org or www.facebook.com/TATPhilippines.

the DiamonD... from D1

The elegantly set-up dinner table, with antique candelabras as centerpieces.

with Clos de Verdot Moelleux semillion Muscadelle.

This dinner certainly was a beautiful and unique way to revisit our country’s history. To the best of my recollection, I don’t think any other de luxe hotel in the country has done something like this. no wonder sales and marketing director sunshine Robles and public relations director Melanie samonte

kept on reminding me of the event.

It truly was something to be proud of. The elegant manner in which it was staged, further enhanced by the soothing sound of Filipino classic melodies in the background, made diamond Hotel Philippines sparkle even more!

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

Entertainment

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019

D3

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

KahNiel in the top-grossing local film, ‘The Hows of Us’

‘THE HOWS OF US’ FIRST TIME ON CINEMA ONE

Forty lovely ladies vying for the Miss Philippines Earth 2019 crown were presented to the public on Monday, June 24 at Diamond Hotel. Photos by Lino Santos

EARTH-FRIENDLY BEAUTIES

IN GREEN BIKINIS

By Eton Concepcion

R

AIN showers did not dampen the excitement on the forty-two official delegates of Miss Philippines-Earth 2019 as they were presented to the press at the poolside of Diamond Hotel Manila, Roxas Boulevard on Monday.

The beauty delegates come from the different regions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and the Filipino communities in Australia, Canada, Italy, and Germany.

The 19th edition of Miss Earth Philippines 2019 honors

the flowers of the nation this year in tribute to the beauty and preservation it gives to the environment.

“It’s time to give awareness and recognition to the many species of Flora in the Philippines through

our environmental ambassadors who embody the flowers’ beauty and power of healing the environment,” the Miss Earth Philippines organization said in a message.

Miss Philippines Earth 2019 environmental events kicked off with participation at the coastal clean-up held in Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat (LPPCHEA). It has partnered with UAP Manila Archizonian Chapter for environmental activities and charity works in Camarines Sur from June 15 to 17.

In the Talent Competition held at House Manila Pasay, the Top 3 in the Dancing Category were the

delegates from Fil-Barcelona, Spain, General Santos City, and Midsayap, North Cotabato, while the Top 3 in Creative Category were Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Carmona, Cavite, and Caloocan City.

The Swimsuit competition will be held on July 3 to 6 in El Nido, Palawan.

Reigning Miss Earth Philippines 2018 Silvia Celeste Cortesi will turn over her title during the Grand Coronation to be held at the Cove Manila in Okada Manila on July 10, to be telecast on July 14 on ABSCBN’s Sunday’s Best.

The winner will represent the country at 2019 Miss Earth pageant later in the year.

CINEMA One is set to premiere the highest grossing Filipino film of all time, The Hows Of Us, today in continuing celebration of its silver anniversary of championing Filipino films.

Phenomenal stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla topbill the movie that broke the country’s box office records and earned the Golden Jury Award from the 50th Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Awards.

The Cathy Garcia-Molina film also received the prestigious Camera Obscura award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines. It was graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

George (Kathryn) and Primo (Daniel), a longtime couple with an almost perfect relationship, face struggles when Primo goes into depression for not getting the big break he was waiting for while George is forced to juggle between school and work. Will they be able to fix the ‘hows’ in their relationship?

Cinema One commemorates 25 years of championing Philippine cinema by delivering classics and contemporary local movies to its audiences on-air, onground, and now online through its YouTube channel. It also holds the annual Cinema One Originals film festival.

Don’t miss KathNiel’s The Hows Of Us on this week’s Blockbuster Sunday at 7:00 p.m.. Cinema One is available on SKYcable Channel 56, SKYdirect Channel 19, Destiny Cable Analog 37 and Digital 56. Watch Daniel Padilla’s “Laging Kasama” #CinemaOne25 music video on Cinema One’s YouTube channel.

THE STATE OF EDUCATION IN BATANES, TAWI-TAWI IN

‘THE ATOM ARAULLO SPECIALS’

Host Atom Araullo journeys to the farthest islands of the Philippines to learn about the current state of education in these places.

FOUR FRESH COLLABS YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO IT’S been raining feels recently. Songs have also been pouring emotions to listeners, with artists even teaming up with other artists—making tracks seem like a double-whammy to most.

Here are the latest collabs you should listen to asap: “Crazy About” by Jayda and Renn Miko Our sweet Jayda takes her music to new heights as she works with up and coming Indonesian singer-songwriter Renn Miko for the track “Crazy About.”

Their duet talks about two people wondering if the other feels the same way, sung in the most hopeful yet most youthful way. Jayda is one of the Kapamilya artists who is slowly breaking into the international music scene as ABS-CBN continues to champion Filipino talent on the world stage.

“Salamat Sa...” by Loisa Andalio and Kritiko The catchy track showcases Loisa’s newly-forged team up with rising rapper Kritiko. It talks about how the lives of both changed since they met the other and being immensely thankful for it. Kritiko first graced the

local music scene through Himig Handog 2018 where he won 3rd Best Song.

“Patawad, Paalam” by Moira deal Torre and I Belong to the Zoo Two artists known for heart-aching songs come together in a new hurting track, “Patawad, Paalam.” Let Moira and I Belong to the Zoo pluck at your heartstrings as they sing about the difficult road of loving and letting go.

“Imposible” by KZ Tandingan and Shanti Dope Originally off KZ’s sophomore album Soul Supreme, the new version of “Imposible” features rapper and young hitmaker Shanti Dope.

He matched KZ’s lyrics about realizing how much she deserves better than an ex-lover with a verse of his own that goes, “Kaso parang pagod ka na kakaunawa / Panahon na din yata maalalang ‘di na ako bata.” The collaboration’s music video, which premiered on YouTube last June 14, now has over 1.2 million views.

FROM Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, join Atom Araullo in an eye-opening journey to the farthest islands of the Philippines to learn about the current state of education in these places.

Batanes and Tawi-Tawi can be found in the northernmost and southernmost tips of the Philippines, respectively.

Both possess wonders of nature and colorful culture. But there is a stark contrast between the two with regards to education.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA revealed that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM, which Tawi-Tawi is a part of, registered the nation’s lowest functional literacy rate of 72.1 percent in 2015.

With dilapidated ceilings, windows, chairs, and doors—this was how Atom and team discovered the current state of Lawm Sikubong Elementary School, the biggest school in Sapa-Sapa Island.

Some of the classrooms don’t even have roofs, doors, and windows. In Bubuan Elementary School in Languyan, classrooms have been abandoned because of derelict condition. Students have to cross the sea just to study in Languyan Elementary School where there are more decent classrooms.

The situation in Batanes is different.

Provinces in the Cagayan Valley Region, which include Batanes, posted the highest functional literacy rate in the country in 2015 at 97.2 percent according to numbers from the PSA. In Yawran Barrio School in Itbayat Island, Batanes, only four to eight students use each classroom. They have complete facilities like a big TV screen, projector, and computers.

Whether their educational conditions are easier or harder, students in Batanes and Tawi-Tawi toil to provide their families a better future.

Learn more about their stories in Sa Magkabilang Dulo: The Atom Araullo Specials at 4:30 p.m. today on GMA 7.

D4

D

sunday, june 30, 2019

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets Safe ToyS for CaTS

Kennel Cough in DogS

ear owners, pet tales do not take By desiree carlos coughing lightly. When your dog has a persistent dry cough, please bring him or her to the vet immediately.

Though kennel cough goes away on its own, it is highly contagious to other dogs. It also causes a lot of discomfort in your dog.

“Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complex of respiratory infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis and is similar to a chest cold in humans, “ the american Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals (aSPCa) said.

pet without proof of a recent vaccination against parainfluenza and Bordetella, two of the main causes of kennel cough, “ aSPCa said.

(Second of three parts)

· Young and unvaccinated dogs · a humidifier, vaporizer or steam are at higher risk. from a shower can provide relief for irritated breathing passages.

Prevention · avoid exposing your dog to · Prevent exposure. cigarette smoke or other noxious, · Vaccinate your dog against irritating fumes. kennel cough. · a cough suppressant or antimiask your vet if the vaccines are crobial may be prescribed. recommended for your dog, and · If your dog pulls against her how often these should be given. collar while being walked, replace · Vaccinations will not help if the it with a harness until the coughdog has already been infected. ing subsides. · Supportive care is very imporTreatment tant—be sure your dog is eating, Bring your dog to a vet if your drinking and in a stress-free environment,” aSPCa said.

Recovery

The signs of kennel cough will decrease and then disappear after three weeks, aSPCa said.

“Young puppies, elderly dogs and other immunocompromised animals may take up to six weeks or more to recover, “ aSPCa added.

It added: “animals may remain infectious for long periods of time even after the symptoms have cleared up.”

Symptoms

1.

Persistent dry cough with a “honking” sound.

2. The dog, in most cases, appear healthy except for the cough.

3. Gagging 4.

Coughing up white foamy phlegm 5. Fever 6. Nasal discharge

Causes

Dogs catch kennel cough through the following ways: · It spreads through aerosols in the air, either from dog to dog, or through germs on contaminated objects. · It is often spread when the area is enclosed and the air circulation is poor like Dogs Prone to Kennel in a kennel.

Cough · It can be spread through direct · Those who have frequent concontact like shared water dishes or tact with other dogs, especially by greeting another dog. in enclosed or poorly-ventilated “Most kennels will not board a places.

What you can do

· Isolate your dog from other dogs and see the vet if you suspect your dog has kennel cough. · Your dog’s condition should improve within one week of treatment for kennel cough.

However, be alert as to how long the symptoms last. If symptoms persist, please bring your dog to the vet again. · Symptoms like nasal discharge, rapid breathing, refusal to eat or lethdog has a cough. argy require another visit to the vet.

“In some cases, you may be ad“Serious cases of kennel cough vised to simply let kennel cough run can lead to pneumonia if left units course and heed the following: treated,” aSPCa warned. · Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.

Next week: Parvo virus Yssa became catatonic when she was caught by the pound and placed in an illness-ridden pound with poor air circulation. It took time to get her out of her shell and trust people even after her rescue by animal welfare group Save aLL Inc.-Save animals of Love and Light in 2014. Save aLL noticed she was prone to coughing.

Because of this, she is given additional supplements to boost her immune system.

Pack Light but Pack Right

By Pet Food Institute

Veterinarians remind owners that leaving their homes and traveling to THOuSaNDS of pet owners now con- foreign places can be overwhelming sider their furry companions as fam- and stressful to pets.

These animals thus have a tendenily and would often bring them along cy to avoid eating, become lethargic, when they go on vacation. and even run away from their owners. To avoid these instances, owners must remember to bring their pets’ essentials in order to make the journey fun and enjoyable for their beloved pets.

Here is a list of essential things pet owners must bring when they travel with their pets.

Stick to the basics

One-eyed rida, a rescued dog, loves to travel. Say the magic word, "Pasyal!" (Let's go out!), and she will come running.

bring their pet’s leash or crate. Pets are often overwhelmed when they are introduced to a foreign environment and may run away from their owners. In order to prevent this, it is important for owners to always keep their pet on a leash and a collar.

Securing one’s identity

Much like humans, pets also need their documents when they travel.

While traveling, these four-legged companions may get lost due to their unfamiliarity of the surrounding areas hence identification is important when they travel. Pets should always wear a collar that includes identification with the owner’s contact information. This increases the chances that their beloved pets would be returned to them if they do run away. another important document that owners must carry would be their pet’s medical records. Pet parents must have this with them as they travel just in case their pet would need to seek the help of a veterinarian.

every pet owner wishes nothing more than to see their pets happy and healthy.

To ensure that their pets achieve this even while they are on vacation, they must never forget to pack their pet’s food, as well as their pet’s bowls.

When traveling, owners must keep their pet’s food in a sealed container and off the floor to avoid ants, cockroaches, and mice from contaminating the food.

Say goodbye to boredom Several owners are hyped up on Cooped up in a small confined the idea of exploring the city with space for hours may be stressful to their pets that they often forget to some pets. a handful of dogs and

cats might take a nap as they travel.

But several pets might show signs of discomfort and become restless.

In order to get rid of their pet’s boredom, owners must bring with them a handful of toys to entertain their furry companions while they are on the road. If playing with them is not an option, toys can greatly help their pets cope with the with boredom. about the Pet Food Institute : The Pet Food Institute (PFI), together with its members from pet food and treat manufacturers, reinforces its commitment to educate the Filipino pet community about nutrition and proper pet care to keep pets healthy and happy.

Through its local initiative, WellFed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners association of the Philippines (VPaP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.

Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the u.S. pet food industry.

For inquiries, please contact Jinny Dolendo/ Andrea Alido of Strategic Edge, Inc. through email jjacaria@ seinc.com.ph/ group3@seinc.com.ph or contact numbers 892-0247 or 50.

Cats love toys with food. It stimulates their minds and make eating fun.

“These toys are often referred to as cat puzzle feeders and they can be a very useful way of increasing activity in sedentary or indoor cats as well as providing entertainment for food-orientated individuals, who will work hard to get the treats out from inside the device, “ said Vet West animals Hospitals.

These are in many pet shops but you can also make them.

Look for a plastic bottle which has small holes in the side that are big enough to release pieces of dry cat food that are placed inside. “as the cat knocks the bottle around the floor, it will be rewarded with pieces of food and the fact that the bottle is transparent and makes a noise as it moves will help to keep the cat's interest, “ said Vet West animal Hospitals.

It is best to look for small soft plastic bottles which are easy for the cat to pick up and carry around.

angel, the cat who brings home kittens, rubs against his owner's leg when he wants to play. He meows a lot too when he wants something: a toy, a belly rub, food, or when his blanket gets wet inside his tent. He is one very communicative cat. His owners have learned to "listen" and study his unique ways of communicating.

Vet West animals Hospitals said “..this appears to increase their (toys’) level of attraction in feline eyes!”

When is the best time to play with your cat?

You would know it is the best time to play with a cat when it appears to be interested.

“Predatory activity will naturally occur around the times of dawn and dusk so morning and evening playtimes are likely to be the most successful,” Vet West animals Hospitals said.

It added: “Sessions can be varied in length depending on each individual cat's interest but in general terms a number of short playtimes of 10-15 minutes each will be more beneficial than one long session of half an hour.” DC

Bring My Dog To The VeT

PeTS’ health care is always important. royal Canin, dog and cat feed manufacturer and supplier, is inviting pet owners to help elevate pet healthcare standards among dog owners in the country by joining its Bring My Dog to the Vet campaign.

On July 3, 2019, royal Canin will launch the campaign that will provide standard check-ups with partner vets for the first 3,000 dogs registered in the Bring My Dog to the Vet site.

Through the event at Parallax Studio, 7389 Bakawan, Makati, 1203 Kalakhang Maynila, Makati City , royal Canin hopes to engage pet owners in a discussion on responsible pet ownership and the importance of veterinary expertise for the general well-being of pets.

Registration starts at 12 noon Contact Kat Domingo through cell number 09178309762 to confirm attendance and provide details such as the name and contact number of confirmed attendee, and his/her dog's name, breed, and age.