Manila Standard - 2019 July 21 - Sunday

MGM FIGHT ACID TEST FOR PACQUIAO VOL. XXXIII • NO. 157 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SPORTS B4

RANKS OF POOR SWELLING—SWS

SPELL OUT GAME PLAN, RODY URGED

By Macon RamosAraneta, Joel Zurbano and Maricel Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday should spell out the “second half game plan” of his administration, “and the things he wants the nation to achieve in the last 1,000 days” of his six-year term, said Senator Juan Edgardo Angara.

“I think that is what the people will be looking for in his speech.

For him to state the vision, set the target and explain to us how to get there,” Angara said.

“It would be better if it is a goal-setting speech. More looking forward than looking back. He should list down the urgent things to do,” he added.

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CAYETANO PROVOKES DEFIANCE

By Maricel V. Cruz ‘DISOBEDIENCE’ campaign is simmering in the House of Representatives as the opening of session draws near.

Members of the House of Representatives will elect the Speaker when the 18th Congress convenes for the first time on Monday morning.

President Rodrigo Duterte will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address a few hours after the Speaker has been elected.

Despite Duterte’s endorsement of Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano as Speaker, some congressmen who are reportedly ‘peeved’ by his alleged high-handedness have reportedly launched a silent ‘disobedience’ campaign Turn to A2

ONE SMALL STEP. American astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the surface of the moon, described the July 1969

event as 'one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.' Apollo 11 effectively ended the Space Race and fulfilled a national goal proposed in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy: During Apollo 11, Mike Collins orbited the Moon while Buzz Aldrin and Armstrong made history on the surface. AFP File Photo

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MANILA SEEKS RELEASE OF FILIPINO SAILOR IN TEHRAN

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HE Philippines said Saturday it would ask Iran to free a Filipino crew member of a British-flagged tanker seized by Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards.

The Swedish-owned Stena Impero was seized in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday for colliding with a fishing boat, Iranian authorities said, as tensions mount in a key waterway for the world’s oil supplies.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said one of the ship’s crew is a Filipino citizen, and that the others were 18 Indians, three Russians and a Latvian.

The agency that supplied the Fili-

pino crew member told Manila there were no reported injuries as the vessel headed for the Iranian coast on Friday, the department said in a statement. “(Philippine) Ambassador to Iran Fred Santos is contacting Iranian authorities to seek assurance that the Filipino seafarer is safe and will be released soon,” it said, adding the unidentified crew member’s family has been notified.

Iranian authorities said the tanker has anchored off the port of andar Abbas with all its 23 crew aboard.

Britain said a second ship had also been seized in the Persian Gulf—the Liberian-flagged Mesdar.

The Mesdar’s British owner said its

ship had been temporarily boarded by armed personnel, but was free to leave and that all crew were “safe and well.”

The British-flagged tanker seized

by Iran is now at anchor off the port of Bandar Abbas with all its crew aboard after colliding with a fishing boat.

“The British tanker Stena Impero collided with a fishing boat on its route and, according to law, after an accident it is necessary that the cause of the accident are investigated,” said Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan province port and maritime organization.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionar y

Guard Corps said on Friday it had seized the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking “international maritime rules.”

Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US President Donald Trump in June calling off air strikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed a US drone, and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

Washington has been ratcheting up sanctions against Tehran after the US unilaterally withdrew from a 2015 deal under which Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear development activities in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions. AFP

VIETNAM, CHINA TRADE BARBS OVER SEA ROW HANOI—Vietnam has accused China of trespassing and demanded a Chinese survey ship in the South China Sea withdraw in the latest flashpoint over the disputed territory.

The two countries have long been locked in a maritime disagreement over the resource-rich waters, with the Chinese claiming nearly all of it.

But the international community has largely sided with the other claimants—Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei—citing the importance of freedom of navigation.

On Friday, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized China’s survey vessel the Haiyang Dizhi 8, and its escort ships, for entering its waters in “recent days,” although it did not give exact dates.

“This is completely in the sea area of Vietnam,” a statement said, adding they had contacted the Chinese multiple times, on different diplomatic channels, “to protest” the act.

The Vietnamese have “persistently requested them to... withdraw all these ships from Vietnam’s waters and respect its sovereignty.”

While the Chinese did not confirm the presence of the vessel in the South China Sea, a Ministry of Foreign affairs spokesman said they hope Vietnam “can truly respect China’s... jurisdiction” over the waters.

“We hope that the Vietnamese side can... refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation,” said spokesman Geng Shuang. AFP

DEMOLITION OF ERRING BORACAY FIRMS BEGIN ILOILO CITY—The Boracay InterAgency Rehabilitation Management Group began the demolition of establishments violating the 25+5 coastal easement in Bulabog Beach in Barangay Balabag, Malay, Aklan.

Natividad Bernardino, general manager of BIARMG, said the group targets to take down eight erring establishments “within the week.”

“We have started with one establishment on Friday and we hope to finish all eight within the week,” Bernardino said.

Two establishments were scheduled to be removed yesterday.

The establishments that will face demolition include hotels, restaurants, bars, and kite surfing schools, Bernardino said.

She said Aklan Mayor Ceciron Cawaling already issued the violators an ultimatum to self-demolish in October 2018.

Last March 25, Aklan Mayor Abram Sualog also issued the same to the erring establishments.

“They were already given (a) demolition order. We just implemented the order,” Bernardino said.

Last year, the rehabilitation group already put markings on the structures that need to be removed.

The establishments have to be demolished because they obstruct the drainage system being built by the Department of Public Works and Highways, she added.

Business owners did not show any violent reaction to the demolition because they know they have to face the consequence since they refused to self-demolish, Bernardino said. PNA

SOKOR WANTS TO JOIN INFRA PROGRAM

By Ben Cal

FUR BABIES. Owners raise their pets as a priest gives out blessings during the Cats and Dogs Expo at SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay on July 20. Norman Cruz

FUNDS FOR CONTRACTUAL DOH WORKERS OK’D THE Department of Budget and Management has authorized the creation of 26,035 contractual positions for health workers to support the implementation of the Human Resource for Health Deployment Program of the Department of Health.

Contractual positions, the DBM said, enjoy employer-employee relationship and are covered by civil service rules and regulations.

In the last 18 years, the Health department had been engaging medical and allied-medical workers on a contract of service basis and without

employer-employee relationship.

In addition, these health workers were previously only receiving basic salaries without other benefits in the past years.

The DOH pursued the creation of the contractual positions such that, in addition to their salaries, the health workers will now receive benefits currently being received by a regular government personnel, such as the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance, midyear bonus, year-end Bonus, and cash gift, among others.

The health workers to be hired by the DOH on a contractual basis are composed of medical officers, dentists,

medical technologists, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and midwives.

They will be deployed to 1,634 cities and municipalities nationwide, especially in far-flung, geographicallyisolated, disadvantaged, and remote areas with inadequate personnel to enhance the access to and delivery of health care services to the public.

The goal of the HRHDP is to assign at least one dedicated health worker per barangay to ensure availability of health services eight hours a day, seven days a week.

SEOUL—South Korea has reiterated its interest in actively participating in the Duterte Administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program to help an old ally in its development while boosting its own infrastructure sector.

This was disclosed by Lee Hyuk, secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Korean Center, during an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency.

Hyuk was a former South Korean ambassador to the Philippines, serving in that role for three years.

He said South Korea “has shown high interest to actively participate in this (Build, Build, Build) program.”

“For instance, the two countries signed five bilateral agreements when President Duterte visited Seoul for the first time in June last year,” Hyuk said.

He also said Korea and the Philippines “agreed to expand (their) Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) up to $1 billion to further strengthen mutual cooperation in transportation, infrastructure, energy, water management, and information technology sectors.” PNA

TOLLWAYS GROUP REAPS BUMPER CROP OF AWARDS MOVERS and shakers in the global market have thought of making a powerful statement about game-changing financing deals, and thus draw attention to the crucial role of bankrolling huge projects that otherwise would not take off at all.

The Hong Kong-based Asset Magazine, known for its authoritative coverage and independent research of Asia’s financial services sector, has conceived the annual Triple A Infrastructure Awards to recognize companies and individuals who have excelled in their fields.

A number of Philippine corporates and financial institutions have been recognized for these Awards in the past, but only when the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. harvested four top awards—the highest number so far for a single year—did the Awards make headlines here in the Philippines and the rest of the region.

MPTC was recognized by the award-giving magazine for successfully closing big-ticket PPP financing deals in 2018 for three major Philippine toll road projects. Overall, the MPTC-sponsored deals obtained a total of P60 billion in financing.

HAUL. Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco (left) and group chief finance officer Christopher C. Lizo hold the four awards conferred by the Asset Triple A Infrastructure Awards for 2019.

MPTC won the ‘Sponsor of the Year’ award under the institutional awards category in the transport industry covering the Asian region.

MPTC, the developer and operator of the longest network of quality expressways in the Philippines, won the “Project Sponsor of the Year” award for 2019 for the transport sector under the institutional awards category.

MPTC president and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco, on being the Project Sponsor of the Year, said: “This award all the more underscores shareholder belief and commitment in all our cited infrastructure projects.”

Apart from MPTC’s top award, the three MPTC-led infrastructure financing deals that won in the ASEAN country category awards are: Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX) as “PPP Deal of the Year”; Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) as “Transport Deal of the Year” and Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) as “Transport Deal of the Year-Highly Commended,” respectively.

Christopher Daniel Lizo, MPTC chief finance officer, noted the significance of the awards, saying: “Given the difficult financing environment in 2018, the financing transactions related to these infrastructure projects are proof of the lenders’ solid support.”

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By Vito Barcelo

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HE number of Filipino families who considered themselves as poor went up 45 percent or 11.1 million families, according to the second quarter Social Weather Survey.

The Social Weather Stations, who fielded the survey among 1,200 adults nationwide last June 22 to 26, 2019, said the number of self-rated poor families had gone up by 7 percentage points from the record low 38 percent or an estimated 9.5 million in March.

The rise in the proportion of Self-Rated Poor families came after a 14-point decrease over the previous three quarters from 52 percent in September 2018, to 50 percent in December, and then to 38 percent last March. facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

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SELF-RATED POOR. Four family members, among 9.5 million individuals nationwide who rate themselves as poor and aching to hear President Rodrigo Duterte address their disquieting state in his State of the Nation Address tomorrow have their 'Food Poor' lunch Saturday along the bayside Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

Lino Santos

HISTORIC MOON LANDING WASHINGTON—Fifty years ago on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans in history to set foot on the Moon, an event watched on television by half a billion people.

Their lunar module, named “Eagle,” touched down at 2018 GMT (4:18pm ET) on July 20, 1969.

A little over six hours later, at 0256 GMT, Armstrong placed his left foot on the lunar surface, declaring: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

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The latest survey also showed at least 35 percent or an estimated 8.5 million families rated their food as “mahirap” or poor, termed by the SWS as “Food Poor.”

It was eight points above the record-low 27 percent or an estimated 6.8 million families in the March 2019 survey.

For the June 2019 Social Weather Survey, SWS said it used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide, with 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

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RANKS...

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Similar to the SRP percentage, the rise in the proportion of Self-Rated Food Poor families came after a nine-point decline over the previous three quarters.

It went down from 36 percent in September 2018, to 34 percent in December, and then to 27 percent in March 2019.

SRP and SFRP significantly increased in Mindanao from the record-low 37 percent in March to 56 percent in June, and from record-low 27 percent in March to 47 percent in June, respectively.

SRP also rose in Balance Luzon (from 35 percent in March to 40 percent in June), and in Metro Manila (from 28 percent in March to 31 percent in June), while it stayed at 55 percent in the Visayas.

The same survey also found that among the estimated 24.6 million total households surveyed in June 2019, 12.1 percent or at least three million families used to be poor 1-4 years ago, termed

by SWS as “newly noon-poor,” while 13.8 percent or 3.4 million families used to be poor five or more years ago or those “usually non-poor.”

Meanwhile, 28.7 percent (estimated 7.1 million) have never considered themselves as poor, classified as “always non-poor.”

Survey questions about the family’s self-rated poverty and self-rated foodpoverty were directed to the household head.

For self-rated poverty, they were shown showcards with the choices “not poor,” “on the line” and “poor,” and were asked: “Where would you place your family in this card?”

For self-rated food poverty, the question was: “Based on the type of food eaten by your family, where would you place your family on this card?”

The SWS explained that the 7-point increase in the number of SRFP families was due to the increases of 19 points in Mindanao, five points in Balance of Luzon, and three points in Metro Manila, combined with a steady proportion in the Visayas.

SWS noted that it rose especially in Mindanao, where it went from a recordlow 37 percent in March to 56 percent in June, whereas it stayed at 55 percent in the Visayas.

The 8-point increase in the proportion of SRFP families, on the other hand, was due to increases of 20 points in Mindanao, six points in Balance Luzon, and three points in Metro Manila, combined with a 3-point decline in the Visayas.

The SRFP in Mindanao, the SWS said, rose by 20 points from a record-low of 27 percent in March to 47 percent in June.

CAYETANO...

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meant to elect a Speaker other than the Duterte-endorsed Cayetano.

Some congressmen are reportedly unhappy with the recent statements of Cayetano in his unending Facebook live posts, such as the issue on the creation of new deputy speaker posts, Charter Change to limit the term of senators, among others.

A congressman who asked not to be named said “at the rate he (Cayetano) is creating deputy speaker positions to ensure his election we may end up having 300 or so deputy speakers.”

Latest to be offered a deputy speaker position is Davao City Rep Paolo Duterte who Cayetano offered the ‘non ‘existent position of deputy speaker for political affairs.’

There used to be only one deputy speaker but then Speaker Jose de Venecia created positions of deputy speaker for each of the country’s island groups— Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Until in the last 17th Congress, there were 12 deputy speakers.

Cayetano said he would create several deputy speaker positions such as those for health, education, tranportation, etc.

Another congressman frowned on Cayetano’s idea, saying the House had standing committees at the Lower House to take care of government agencies involved in it.

“Why is there a need for deputy apeakers for those functions?” the congressman asked.

The lawmaker-source said Cayetano was still “insecure” of getting the top House post, thus he promised heaven and earth to congressmen to ensure that they would vote for him.

“What is this? He doesn't trust the endorsement of the President.”

This developed as Cayetano appeared confident he would secure the House’s top post despite resistance of many congressmen.

Cayetano, the presumptive Speaker, said he would hit the road running and immediately tackle committee chairmanships and memberships for the smooth and fast work in the chamber once seasion started.

However, Cayetano’s statements might do him in because many congressmen are peeved by his posturing.

BIKOY'S 'LACK OF CREDIBILITY' NO DEFENSE VS. SEDITION—LUNA

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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N ANTI-CORRUPTION commissioner said Saturday individuals against whom police have filed sedition complaint over the controversial “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos could not invoke as defense the lack of “credibility of the accuser.”

In a statement, Presidential AntiCorruption Commission Commissioner Manuelito Luna said the common principle in law “falsus in unum, falsus in omnibus” (false in one, false in all) had long been abandoned in the Philippines.

His statement came after some of the respondents in the case the PNPCriminal Investigation and Detection Group filed Thursday said the accuser Peter Joemel Advincula, who claims to be “Bikoy” in the “Ang Totoong Narco-list” videos, had no credibility.

“The Supreme Court has ruled in a litany of cases such as in Abaya versus People, a 1992 case, that such rule does not obtain or apply in this

jurisdiction. Hence, a testimony may be disbelieved in part, and believed in part,” Luna said in his statement released to media.

Luna added, “This may be the reason why the PNP-CIDG still proceeded to investigate ‘Ang Totoong Narcolist’ (Bikoy videos) and later, file charges against opposition figures and others named by Advincula as behind Project Sodoma.”

Bikoy earlier claimed“Sodoma”was a plan to unseat President Rodrigo Duterte, in office since 2016, and put in place as president Vice President Robredo, and install top Liberal Party officials to high government posts.

In a related development:

• Opposition Senator Leila de Lima downplayed Saturday the threat to impeach Robredo for supporting an independent probe on the government’s bloody war on drugs.

She branded as diversionary tactic to cover up for Duterte’s own culpability the threat to slap the Vice President with an impeachment case.

She also said the impeachment threat by Luna against Robredo was meant to earn “brownie points” from Duterte.

She said the administration had once again found another mouthpiece to cover up their sins to the public.

“Calling for the impeachment of the Vice President is also a diversion from the real accountability that President Duterte has to answer,” she added.

Luna claimed Robredo’s support to the resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council for a probe on human rights situation in the Philippines might cause her to be impeached as it allegedly constituted betrayal of public trust.

Like the members of the Senate

minority bloc, Robrero has urged the government to welcome the UNHRCled investigation into the reported human rights abuses in the country, especially if the administration has nothing to hide.

De Lima, the staunchest critic of the Duterte administration’s violent war on drugs, explained that Robredo’s support for the UNHRC Resolution was only expected from any self-respecting public official, let alone the President himself.

“It should be what any President who has nothing to hide would also do,” said De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion.

After denouncing the UNHRC resolution as mere interference, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo revealed that Duterte was mulling Philippine withdrawal from the UNHRC. The Senator lamented how the Duterte regime was using the Vice President as an easy scapegoat for the government’s flagrant failure to uphold human rights and the rule of law in implementing its all-out war on drugs.

S. COTABATO ACTS TO PREVENT DENGUE OUTBREAK GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The provincial government of South Cotabato has allotted an initial P5 million to address the outbreak of the deadly dengue fever, which had already claimed 21 lives.

The Provincial Board, which convened for a special session on Friday, approved the immediate release of the funding as it formally declared the entire province under a state of calamity through Resolution 1, series of 2019, authored by Board member Jinky Avance.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, chaired by South Cotabato Gov. Reynado Tamayo Jr., signed an order on Wednesday endorsing the calamity declaration and requested urgent action by the board.

Lawyer Renette Bergado, provincial administrator and acting head of the PDRRM Office, said the P5-million funding would be drawn from the province’s P31 million quick response fund.

“It will be used for the purchase of necessary logistics like fogging and misting machines, biologics and the conduct of massive information and education campaign,” she said.

In Manila, Senator Christopher Go on Saturday called for actions to prevent dengue this rainy season and spelled out better healthcare access for affected Filipinos.

The Department of Health also released an update on dengue cases, showing 5,744 cases from June 30 July 6, 2019.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said there were 115,986 cases nationwide from January 1 to July 6. He said this figure was 22 percent higher than last year’s 4703 cases.

Most cases came from Region 6 which listed 15,826 incidents. Ths was followed by Region 4A with 12,780 case, Region 12 - 9572, Region 10 9354 and Region 7- 9259.

A total 7768 for 2019 had been recorded in the National Capital Region for 2019 while 8603 for 2018 in the same place.

Duque also said the most affected group was composed of those with ages 5-9 which is 23 percent, followed by 10-14 yrs old—19 percent.

Of all the dengue cases, 52 percent are males and 48 percent are female.

As this developed, the Department of Health-CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon)

HISTORIC...

clustering as three or more cases recorded in a barangay in four consecutive weeks.

Jose Barroquillo, IPHO’s mosquitoborne disease program coordinator, said that along with the purchase of the needed logistics, it was important for local communities to observe the “4S” strategy against dengue.

It stands for search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure selfprotection measures by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent, seek early consultation, and support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas.

“The regular cleanup of our communities and households is still the best way to combat dengue,” he said.

Barroquillo said the fogging or misting operations should be done in four cycles and not only once to ensure that dengue-carrying mosquitoes will be wiped out.

Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said this is in support of the declaration of Health Secretary Francisco Duque on the National Dengue Alert due to the continuous increase of dengue cases in various regions including CALABARZON. Macon Ramos-Araneta, with PNA

SPELL OUT...

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Manila is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time or GMT. NASA has been in overdrive for several weeks to mark the anniversary, with exhibits and events nationwide but most notably at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida and the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

On Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence is due to deliver a speech from the Kennedy Space Center, from where Armstrong, Aldrin and Michael Collins, the third crew member, took off.

All three men were born in 1930.

Pence sent shock waves through the industry in his last major space speech in March, when he advanced the deadline to return humans to the Moon by four years, from 2028 to 2024.

It is within this charged context, with President Donald Trump publicly questioning NASA’s plans to return to the Moon to test technology for Mars, that the US is celebrating the anniversary of the epoch-making Apollo 11 mission.

‘World in my window’ Collins, 88, has remained the more active of the surviving Apollo veterans, and frequently shares lyrical recollections of the mission.

Speaking at a Washington event on Thursday, he said that while the Moon itself was breathtaking seen up close, it was the view of Earth that has stayed with

issued a Dengue Alert Response and Emergency Management of Cases to all Pprovincial Health Offices, City Health Offices, Municipal Health Officers, Dengue Prevention and Control Program Coordinators, Provincial Department of Health Office and other concerned Units in the region.

The Integrated Provincial Health Office proposed the purchase of dengue NS1 rapid test kits and a platelet separator, which is considered one of the important equipment in the handling of dengue cases, she said.

Based on a report submitted by the IPHO to the PDRRMC, the reported dengue cases in the province’s 10 towns and lone city already reached a total of 3,348 as of July 13.

The number was 149 percent higher than the 1,344 cases recorded in the same period last year.

High dengue incidence was noted in the municipalities of Surallah, Banga, Norala, Tantangan, and Sto. Niño, which have earlier declared a state of calamity.

It said the province’s dengue cases breached the epidemic threshold as of May and with clustering of cases on 91 barangays.

The epidemiology bureau defined

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him and shaped his perspective.

“When we rolled out and looked at (the Moon), oh, it was an awesome sphere,” he said.

“The Sun was behind it, so it was illuminated by a rim of gold which made the strangest appearances of the craters and crater pits, the contrast between the whiter than white and darker than dark.”

As magnificent as that view was, it was “nothing compared to this other window out there,” Collins continued.

“Out there was this little pea about the size of your thumbnail at arm’s length: blue, white, very shiny, you get the blue of the oceans, white of the clouds, streaks of rust we call continents, such a beautiful gorgeous tiny thing, nestled into this black velvet of the rest of the universe.”

While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were on the surface, exfighter pilot Collins remained in lunar orbit where he was in touch with ground control, providing them updates on his position.

“I said to Mission control, ‘Hey, Houston, I’ve got the world in my window.’

Cold War victory By placing men on the Moon, the US achieved the ultimate victory in the Space Race after losing the initial heats to the Soviet Union, which was first to put a satellite and then a man in space. AFP

For his part, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he wanted to hear the President talk about his unrelenting drug campaign.

“I have been a senator for years and yet I haven’t heard illegal drugs in SONA. So I am excited if the President will talk about it,” related Sotto in an interview over dwIZ heard nationwide.

Sotto, who served as chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, stressed illegal drugs had been his advocacy since 1988.

“He will mention it, I’m sure, but I and the incoming Speaker (Presumptive House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano) have agreed to conduct a mini LEDAC a week after the SONA—referring to the Legislative- Executive Development Advisory Council, created through Republic Act 7640 approved by then President Fidel Ramos on Dec. 9, 1992.

In related developments: • Environmentalist group Ecowaste Coalition is hoping Duterte will use his SONA to send a message declaring waste importation is banned in the Philippines.

“We hope President Duterte...will reinforce his resolute stance against foreign waste dumping and give the Environment department and the Customs bureau their marching orders to ensure zero entry of all wastes from overseas, including processed residuals cunningly called alternative fuels,” said Ecowaste national coordinator Aileen Lucero.

The group also appealed to the Chief Executive to set a definite deadline for the immediate re-export of waste shipments came from Australia and South Korea now languishing in Mindanao.

Some 211 tons of waste-derived processed engineered fuel from Australia and 5,177 tons of mixed plastic waste from South Korea are stranded at the Mindanao Container Terminal and Phividec Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis, Oriental.

To assure the Filipino people that foreign waste dumping would no longer happen under Duterte’s watch, Ecowaste reiterated the need for the government to enforce a complete and permanent ban, not simply a moratorium, on waste exports to the Philippines.

“His fourth SONA is the right time for the chief policy maker to announce a total ban on foreign waste imports and his intent to ratify this year the Basel Ban Amendment and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, two landmark global agreements that seek to protect public health and the environment against hazardous chemicals and wastes,” Lucero said.

• Aviation authorities declared a no-fly zone within the 10-kilometer radius from the House of Representatives as part of the government’s security measure in connection with the SONA. In its advisory released on Saturday, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines stated it would be enforcing limited and no fly zones at the House of Representatives in Batasan Complex and its immediate vicinity two days before, during and a day after SONA. Beginning 9 a.m. of July 20 until 11 a.m. of July 21, according to CAAP, drones and aircraft would be limited from flying at “a vertical limit of 700 ft above ground level within 10-km radius of Batasan Pambansa.”

CAAP spokesperson and chief information officer Eric Apolonio said training flights of flying schools within Luzon were also suspended from 12 a.m. of July 22 to 12 a.m. of July 23.

He added on Monday, the no-fly zone would be strictly imposed from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. within “four nautical miles radius from surface to 10,000 feet above mean sea level” of the House of Representatives.

• The local government of Quezon City has set up security and othet measures to ensure the seemless delivery of Duterte’s SONA, the QC Mayor’s office said in a statement.

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‘RESET VILLAGE POLLS TO 2021’

By Maricel V. Cruz

PRE-SONA ROUTINES. Security men with bomb-detecting dogs inspect all vehicles entering the gates of the House of Representatives while helicopter pilots (right panel) of the Presidential Security Group practice landing and take-off routines as part of the preparations for President Rodrigo Duterte’s delivery of his 4th State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Sonny Espiritu and Ver Noveno

SENATE BILL GIVES NEDA A BIG BOOST SENATOR Win Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of a measure institutionalizing the National Economic and Development Authority, which will empower the agency to play a more important role in steering government policies to solve the country’s most pressing socio-economic concerns.

Saying there is a need to instill a culture of planning in the formulation and implementation of the country’s economic and development policies, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill No. 169, or “The National Economic and Development Authority of 2019,” as part of his 10 priority bills in the 18th Congress.

The bill provides for the creation of two distinct but functionally related entities, namely the NEDA, which formulates plans and programs; and the National Economic and Development Board, which directs the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies that would promote economic development.

“The bill will strengthen the autonomy of the units within the various regions of the country to accelerate their economic and social growth development,” Gatchalian said.

“Distressed communities will thus be empowered to revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructures to attract new industries, encourage business expansion in the countryside, diversify local economics, and generate or retain long-term private sector jobs and investments,” he added.

Under SBN 169, the NEDA shall ensure the integration of major regional and local development priorities into the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan and Medium-Term Regional Development Plans, respectively.

The proposed measure also institutionalizes the so-called “Planning Call” that will ensure a timely and coordinated planning process. The NEDA shall prescribe the standards and guidelines in the preparation of the MTPDP and MTRDPs, as well as the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP) and Regional Medium-Term Development Investment Programs (RMTDIP), including a planning and investment programming timetable aligned with the budget calendar. Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘MAKE BIRTH DOCS VALID FOR LIFETIME’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATE President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto has filed a bill conferring lifetime validity on a birth certificate regardless of the date of its issuance, saying that it’s not a perishable commodity that rots quickly.

“It is sad that there are still many offices which asked for newly-acquired birth certificate that is an added burden to an applicant,” he said.

The proposed measure also mandates state agencies to accept a birth certificate provided it is not tampered with or damaged.

Recto said his bill will end the practice of government and private offices requiring applicants for a document, permit, service or job to present a new or recently-issued birth certificate.

To the credit of the Philippine Statistics Authority, Recto said “it has never been remiss in explaining that birth certificates it has issued have no expiry dates, but this assurance remains unheeded in many offices which continue to require that the submitted birth certificate was issued within the past six months.”

Birth certificates certified by the PSA are printed on security paper, otherwise known as SECPA. “While SECPA over the years has changed in appearance to keep the proliferation of fraudulent birth certificates and identities at bay, the PSA has been emphatic in its assurance that such does not remove the validity of

the birth certificate,” Recto said in the bill’s explanatory note.

In spite of this, some government agencies require applicants to submit a birth certificate that was printed on the most recent version of SECPA and issued during the last six months, Recto said.

PSA charges P155 for an authenticated copy of a birth certificate, and P365 if delivered to the home of the requesting party.

Recto believes that only a law conferring a lifetime validity on a birth certificate would stop offices from enforcing “an unnecessary, expensive and oppressive” requirement.

A provision in Recto’s bill states that a “birth certificate certified and issued by the PSA shall not expire and shall be considered valid at any time.”

The bill, however, provided exceptions to the rule such as birth records that provide administrative corrections as provided under Republic Act Nos. 9048 and 10172.

Recto said it is also high time for the government to persuade foreign embassies in the country to drop the “six month old” rule in the birth, marriage and other PSAissued certificates they require from visa applicants.

MANILA SETS UP ONE-STOP CENTER FOR BUSINESSES

By Vito Barcelo OBTAINING building permits in Manila will only take one day as processing of papers will be made easier and faster with the establishment of onestop shops, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso said.

Domagoso signed an order for the creation of a Business One-Stop Shop that would make getting business permits in the city a lot easier.

The mayor signed Executive Order No. 8 on July 8, establishing the “Business One-Stop Shop” or BOSS, which reduces the processing time from the current 11 steps and 11 windows to just three steps in one window, and the permit to be released in one day.

The year-round BOSS will be launched on Monday, July 22 and will be housed at the Manila City Business Center/Taxpayer’s Lounge

at the ground floor of the City Hall’s Taft Wing.

“This is one way of fulfilling our promise to Manileños that we will promote ease of doing business in the City of Manila,” Domagoso said.

He said the program is in compliance with Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

The executive order streamlines the issuance of local business licenses, clearances, permits, certification, and authorizations, as well as manage the flow of documents among departments and offices.

The order defines BOSS as a “single common site or location for Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) of an LGU (local government unit) to receive and process application, receive payments, and issue approve licenses, clearances, permits and au-

thorizations.”

It added that the receiving, processing and issuing of business permits and licenses “shall be made solely within BOSS as soon as practicable, in compliance with existing ordinances, issuances, rules and laws.”

“Towards this end, evaluation and improvement of transaction systems and procedures shall be made to conform with the new streamlined system,” the order read.

Aside from the Bureau of Permits and the License Division, the mayor also included in the one-stop shop the following offices: City Treasury Cash Division, City Planing and Development office Zoning Division, City Engineering/Building Office including its Electrical Division, Manila Health Department, Electronic Data Processing, and other regulatory offices.

A LAWMAKER has filed a bill seeking to push back the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls by 17 months to give the Commission on Elections more time to get ready.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, in House Bill 905, said the barangay elections and SK polls originally scheduled on May 11, 2020 would instead be held on Oct. 11, 2021.

“We simply want to give the Comelec greater leeway to prepare for the next barangay and SK elections, considering that we just concluded the May 13 midterm national and local polls. Plus, we get to defer P3 billion in spending,” Pimentel said.

“In particular, we want the Comelec to see to it that young Filipinos who come of age have ample time to register as voters for the first time, so that they can actually participate in the balloting,” Pimentel, a former provincial governor, said.

Under Pimentel’s bill, all of the country’s 670,000 sitting barangay and SK officials whose terms are due to end on June 30, 2020, would remain in office until their successors are elected, unless sooner removed or suspended for cause.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel

The country has 42,044 barangays, each with the following elected officials: one chairperson and seven councilors, plus one SK chairperson and seven SK councilors.

The most recent barangay and SK elections were held last year. Originally set for Oct. 31, 2016, the elections were first moved to Oct. 23, 2017, and then eventually to May 14, 2018.

Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy V earlier filed a bill seeking to postpone the forthcoming barangay and SK polls by three years—to May 2023.

Dy cited a different reason for his initiative. He actually wants to extend to five years the terms of all barangay and SK officials elected in 2018, so that they would have more time to fulfill long-term programs and projects in their communities.

T1he 2017 law that enabled the barangay and SK polls in May 2018 also scheduled the subsequent elections for May 2020, thus cutting the terms of the winners to two years, instead of three years as prescribed by a preceding statute.

In the Senate, Senator Imee Marcos previously filed a bill seeking to put off the next barangay and SK polls to May 2023.

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go also filed a separate bill proposing to defer the polls until October 2022.

LABOR CHIEF VOWS LIVELIHOOD, PROTECTION FOR PWDS LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III has assured persons with disabilities (PWDs) of livelihood opportunities as the government boosts its programs to protect their rights and promote their economic empowerment.

The Labor secretary made the commitment during the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week at the Employers Forum on Disability Inclusive Employment held in Manila, recently.

“Given the government’s commitment under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability and the department’s agenda on achieving inclusive growth and decent work for all, we shall continue to bring hope to all PWDs by providing them employment and livelihood opportunities,” Bello said.

Bello also said the government aims to promote awareness of the

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III

rights of PWDs, particularly the right ment, the government also cato equal access to employment op- pacitates PWDs through livelihood portunities, and encourage more undertakings under the DOLE Inteprivate establishments to open grated Livelihood and Emergency doors of opportunity to PWDs. Employment Program.

Under Republic Act No. 10524, For the first quarter of 2019 alone, at least 1 percent of all positions to a total of 1,900 PWDs were granted all government agencies, offices, or livelihood assistance amounting to corporations shall be reserved for P1.51 million. This is aside from the PWDs. On the other hand, private 19,206 PWDs who benefited from corporations with more than 100 DILEEP from 2008 to 2018. employees are encouraged to reVito Barcelo serve at least 1 percent of all Manila Standard positions for PWDs. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC TODAY “I am very happy that private companies heed the call This is to inform the of including PWDs in their public that Mr. Alexander workforce. I hope that more M. Madrona has been employers will do the same,” Bello said. appointed as a new Director He said that there are curof Cirrus Global, Inc. rently about 270 companies effective July 3, 2019. with published job vacancies for PWDs. Apart from wage employ(MS-JULY 21, 2019)

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019

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News

MANILA SEEKS RELEASE OF FILIPINO SAILOR IN TEHRAN

T

HE Philippines said Saturday it would ask Iran to free a Filipino crew member of a British-flagged tanker seized by Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards.

The Swedish-owned Stena Impero was seized in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday for colliding with a fishing boat, Iranian authorities said, as tensions mount in a key waterway for the world’s oil supplies.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said one of the ship’s crew is a Filipino citizen, and that the others were 18 Indians, three Russians and a Latvian.

The agency that supplied the Fili-

pino crew member told Manila there were no reported injuries as the vessel headed for the Iranian coast on Friday, the department said in a statement. “(Philippine) Ambassador to Iran Fred Santos is contacting Iranian authorities to seek assurance that the Filipino seafarer is safe and will be released soon,” it said, adding the unidentified crew member’s family has been notified.

Iranian authorities said the tanker has anchored off the port of andar Abbas with all its 23 crew aboard.

Britain said a second ship had also been seized in the Persian Gulf—the Liberian-flagged Mesdar.

The Mesdar’s British owner said its

ship had been temporarily boarded by armed personnel, but was free to leave and that all crew were “safe and well.”

The British-flagged tanker seized

by Iran is now at anchor off the port of Bandar Abbas with all its crew aboard after colliding with a fishing boat.

“The British tanker Stena Impero collided with a fishing boat on its route and, according to law, after an accident it is necessary that the cause of the accident are investigated,” said Allah-Morad Afifipoor, director-general of the Hormozgan province port and maritime organization.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionar y

Guard Corps said on Friday it had seized the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking “international maritime rules.”

Tensions in the Gulf have soared in recent weeks, with US President Donald Trump in June calling off air strikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed a US drone, and blaming Iran for a series of tanker attacks.

Washington has been ratcheting up sanctions against Tehran after the US unilaterally withdrew from a 2015 deal under which Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear development activities in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions. AFP

VIETNAM, CHINA TRADE BARBS OVER SEA ROW HANOI—Vietnam has accused China of trespassing and demanded a Chinese survey ship in the South China Sea withdraw in the latest flashpoint over the disputed territory.

The two countries have long been locked in a maritime disagreement over the resource-rich waters, with the Chinese claiming nearly all of it.

But the international community has largely sided with the other claimants—Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei—citing the importance of freedom of navigation.

On Friday, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized China’s survey vessel the Haiyang Dizhi 8, and its escort ships, for entering its waters in “recent days,” although it did not give exact dates.

“This is completely in the sea area of Vietnam,” a statement said, adding they had contacted the Chinese multiple times, on different diplomatic channels, “to protest” the act.

The Vietnamese have “persistently requested them to... withdraw all these ships from Vietnam’s waters and respect its sovereignty.”

While the Chinese did not confirm the presence of the vessel in the South China Sea, a Ministry of Foreign affairs spokesman said they hope Vietnam “can truly respect China’s... jurisdiction” over the waters.

“We hope that the Vietnamese side can... refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation,” said spokesman Geng Shuang. AFP

DEMOLITION OF ERRING BORACAY FIRMS BEGIN ILOILO CITY—The Boracay InterAgency Rehabilitation Management Group began the demolition of establishments violating the 25+5 coastal easement in Bulabog Beach in Barangay Balabag, Malay, Aklan.

Natividad Bernardino, general manager of BIARMG, said the group targets to take down eight erring establishments “within the week.”

“We have started with one establishment on Friday and we hope to finish all eight within the week,” Bernardino said.

Two establishments were scheduled to be removed yesterday.

The establishments that will face demolition include hotels, restaurants, bars, and kite surfing schools, Bernardino said.

She said Aklan Mayor Ceciron Cawaling already issued the violators an ultimatum to self-demolish in October 2018.

Last March 25, Aklan Mayor Abram Sualog also issued the same to the erring establishments.

“They were already given (a) demolition order. We just implemented the order,” Bernardino said.

Last year, the rehabilitation group already put markings on the structures that need to be removed.

The establishments have to be demolished because they obstruct the drainage system being built by the Department of Public Works and Highways, she added.

Business owners did not show any violent reaction to the demolition because they know they have to face the consequence since they refused to self-demolish, Bernardino said. PNA

SOKOR WANTS TO JOIN INFRA PROGRAM

By Ben Cal

FUR BABIES. Owners raise their pets as a priest gives out blessings during the Cats and Dogs Expo at SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay on July 20. Norman Cruz

FUNDS FOR CONTRACTUAL DOH WORKERS OK’D THE Department of Budget and Management has authorized the creation of 26,035 contractual positions for health workers to support the implementation of the Human Resource for Health Deployment Program of the Department of Health.

Contractual positions, the DBM said, enjoy employer-employee relationship and are covered by civil service rules and regulations.

In the last 18 years, the Health department had been engaging medical and allied-medical workers on a contract of service basis and without

employer-employee relationship.

In addition, these health workers were previously only receiving basic salaries without other benefits in the past years.

The DOH pursued the creation of the contractual positions such that, in addition to their salaries, the health workers will now receive benefits currently being received by a regular government personnel, such as the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance, midyear bonus, year-end Bonus, and cash gift, among others.

The health workers to be hired by the DOH on a contractual basis are composed of medical officers, dentists,

TOLLWAYS GROUP REAPS BUMPER CROP OF AWARDS MOVERS and shakers in the global market have thought of making a powerful statement about game-changing financing deals, and thus draw attention to the crucial role of bankrolling huge projects that otherwise would not take off at all.

The Hong Kong-based Asset Magazine, known for its authoritative coverage and independent research of Asia’s financial services sector, has conceived the annual Triple A Infrastructure Awards to recognize companies and individuals who have excelled in their fields.

A number of Philippine corporates and financial institutions have been recognized for these Awards in the past, but only when the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. harvested four top awards—the highest number so far for a single year—did the Awards make headlines here in the Philippines and the rest of the region.

MPTC was recognized by the award-giving magazine for successfully closing big-ticket PPP financing deals in 2018 for three major Philippine toll road projects. Overall, the MPTC-sponsored deals obtained a total of P60 billion in financing.

MPTC, the developer and operator of the longest network of quality expressways in the Philippines, won the “Project Sponsor of the Year” award for 2019 for the transport sector under the institutional awards category.

MPTC president and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco, on being the Project Sponsor of the Year, said: “This award all the more underscores shareholder belief and commitment in all our cited infrastructure projects.”

Apart from MPTC’s top award, the three MPTC-led infrastructure financing deals that won in the ASEAN country category awards are: Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX) as “PPP Deal of the Year”; Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) as “Transport Deal of the Year” and Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) as “Transport Deal of the Year-Highly Commended,” respectively.

Christopher Daniel Lizo, MPTC chief finance officer, noted the significance of the awards, saying: “Given the difficult financing environment in 2018, the financing transactions related to these infrastructure projects are proof of the lenders’ solid support.”

medical technologists, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and midwives.

They will be deployed to 1,634 cities and municipalities nationwide, especially in far-flung, geographicallyisolated, disadvantaged, and remote areas with inadequate personnel to enhance the access to and delivery of health care services to the public.

The goal of the HRHDP is to assign at least one dedicated health worker per barangay to ensure availability of health services eight hours a day, seven days a week.

SEOUL—South Korea has reiterated its interest in actively participating in the Duterte Administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program to help an old ally in its development while boosting its own infrastructure sector.

This was disclosed by Lee Hyuk, secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Korean Center, during an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency.

Hyuk was a former South Korean ambassador to the Philippines, serving in that role for three years.

He said South Korea “has shown high interest to actively participate in this (Build, Build, Build) program.”

“For instance, the two countries signed five bilateral agreements when President Duterte visited Seoul for the first time in June last year,” Hyuk said.

He also said Korea and the Philippines “agreed to expand (their) Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) up to $1 billion to further strengthen mutual cooperation in transportation, infrastructure, energy, water management, and information technology sectors.” PNA

HAUL. Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco (left) and group chief finance officer Christopher C. Lizo hold the four awards conferred by the Asset Triple A Infrastructure Awards for 2019.

MPTC won the ‘Sponsor of the Year’ award under the institutional awards category in the transport industry covering the Asian region.

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019

Opinion

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

RISING RISK

W

E ADD our voice to the rising call for local government units, public and private health workers, particularly those from the provincial down to the barangay levels to report all public health threats and emergencies, particularly at this point dengue, to the Department of Health.

Before the weekend, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has registered a rising dengue total death toll at 202 in some regions.

In the Eastern Visayas region, death toll from

the dengue fever—sometimes rising to 40.5 degrees C—has risen to 21 by latest count this week alone, with 5,577 others hospitalized from January 1 to July 16, which is twice the number in the comparative period in 2018.

A silver lining has appeared, with the recent declaration of dengue outbreak in Iloilo by the Department of Health, with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) giving assurances to the public that confinements due to dengue are compensable.

PhilHealth’s president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales has underscored that the corporation “correspondingly insures its eligible patients with dengue (with or without warning) and severe dengue at P10,000 and P16,000.”

These benefits are available at Level 1, 2, and 3 hospitals while non-severe dengue could be treated in primary care facilities.

Farther south, in Zamboanga Sibugay, Gov.

PECIER DECIERDO

GASLIGHTING 101 THERE are people who are so good at manipulating others that they can make you believe black is white, up is down, or that something you personally experienced did not occur at all or did not happen the way you remember it did.

No, it’s not hypnotism or magic. It’s a psychological technique called gaslighting. By lying, denying, misdirecting, and contradicting, the perpetrator undermines the victim’s belief in an effort to destabilize and manipulate them.

American social worker and feminist author Florence Rush, who wrote a book about child abuse in 1980, said the word “is used to describe an attempt to destroy another’s perception of reality.”

Gaslighting is used by abusers as part of their strategy. A womanizing husband will insist to his wife that he came home earlier than she remembers, or a molester will convince his child victim that what he is doing is actually something that the victim wants to happen. Victims are left doubting their memories, beliefs, knowledge, and experiences, until they question reality and accept their abuser’s version of it.

Perpetrators not only use the technique in their personal relationships, but also in their professional dealings. It is glaringly obvious when a politician or elected official employs it, because then it comes to the attention of members of the public, who share their analyses and opinions

using social media, often resulting in a collective condemnation of the erring official’s behavior.

Here’s a case of gaslighting in the political context. At a Palace news briefing last July 16, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo had the effrontery to claim that President Rodrigo Duterte “never was bastos,” and that his lapses into rude and crude language were “intended to make people laugh, never to offend.”

Panelo made the remark in relation to the President’s signing last April 17 of Senator Risa Hontiveros’ Bawal Bastos Law, also known as the Safe Spaces Act. The law, Republic Act No. 11313, penalizes sexual harassment-related actions including wolf-whistling, catcalling, persistent telling of sexual jokes, leering and intrusive gazing, taunting, unwanted invitations, and online sexual harassment.

Reminded that the President himself was prone to making off-color jokes and misogynistic and homophobic remarks, Panelo defended the former’s behavior.

“Iba naman ‘yung pambabastos eh,” he said. “You women should know that. Iba ang dating ng bastos saka ‘yung nagpapatawa lang,” adding that proof of the inoffensiveness of Duterte’s sexist jokes is that his audiences respond with “hearty laughter.”

But the rape jokes and such are bastos.

Panelo’s insistence that they aren’t is gaslighting. He is trying to convince us that

WHY THE MOON IS IMPORTANT TO US

Wilter Yap Palma has ordered mayors of the 16 LGUs to conduct synchronized fogging as the entire province is placed in a state of calamity due to the rising cases of dengue—2,908 cases with 10 deaths as at mid-July.

But what really is dengue and what bacterium causes it? Dengue fever is caused by any one of four types of dengue viruses spread by mosquitoes that thrive in and near human lodgings. A person can either have symptoms of dengue fever or may have no symptoms.

After about one week, the mosquito can transmit the virus while biting a healthy person —no such thing, say medical experts, as dengue being spread from person to person .

It is only appropriate that we are aware of the warning signs of dengue infections: severe abdominal pain; persistent vomiting; bleeding gums; vomiting blood; rapid breathing; as well as fatigue and restlessness.

THIS week, the world is celebrating the 50th year anniversary of the first people to walk on the surface of the Moon. On July 19, 1959, NASA’s Apollo 11 entered the Moon’s orbit. Aboard were astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.

The following day, on July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin went aboard the Lunar Module Eagle while Collins stayed to pilot the Command Module Columbia. The Eagle soon landed on the surface of the Moon, making Armstrong and Aldrin the first two humans to walk on the surface of another celestial object.

Since that momentous day 50 years ago, only 12 people have ever walked on the surface of another world. And so far, there is no other world humans have stepped on besides the Moon.

The Moon carries great cultural significance to cultures around the world and throughout history. Just think of all the songs, from pop songs to folk songs, that mention the Moon. Not only that, but our human calendars are partly based on the Moon’s cycles. This can be seen in the fact that the word for month in many languages is based on the word for ‘moon’. This is not surprising given its prominence in our sky. It is, after all, our neighbor in space.

Better yet, it is the Earth’s companion in a vast universe that is mostly empty. (Well, empty relative to the things we humans are interested in, such as atoms and molecules.

The vacuum of space is of course an exciting arena for many phenomena.)

To get a sense of how lonely our planet would be if it did not have a Moon, let’s look at the spaces between our other neighbors in space.

If the Earth were the size of a basketball, the Moon would be about the size of a tennis ball. Based on its composition, most scientists think that the Moon was formed from a collision between the young Earth and a Marssized planetary object billions of years ago.

This proposed origin explains why the composition of the Moon is partly like that of the Earth, but also partly different.

At this scale, how far would the Moon be from the Earth? Try to make a guess for a moment.

Is it a couple of paces away? A dozen paces away? Actually it is more than 70 meters away! That is more than 30 times the diameter of the basketball.

Even though this sounds far—and at more than 380,000 kilometers it is—it is far closer to us than any other things in the universe. Even at its closest, the planet Venus gets no closer than 38 million kilometers from Earth.

In the scale of the basketball and tennis ball, Venus (which would be the size of a youth club basketball compared to the Earth’s professional league ball) would be around three quarters of a kilometer away!

Farther celestial objects seem even more unreachable. Mars does not get closer that 54 million kilometers away (more than a kilometer away, in the scale of the basketball Earth). Meanwhile, the Sun is around 150 million kilometers away (about three km away from the basketball Earth). The farthest reaches of the Solar System, the Oort Cloud, is 100,000 times farther than this. The next nearest star, Proxima Centauri, is more than 260,000 times farther.

In the context of these vast distances, the Moon is really just a proverbial stone’s throw away. Except that we need to throw the stone really fast to escape the Earth’s gravity and then maneuver it well to lands safely on the surface of the Moon.

It should then come as no surprise that despite the excitement over visiting other planets, futurists around the world say we should prioritize visiting the Moon again soon. This time, they say, the motivation should not be fear and aggression, as it was in the original space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Instead, the goal of visiting the Moon again is to take advantage of its strategic properties. This includes its weaker gravity, which can then allow rockets launched from there to require less starting fuel.

The Moon can also provide invaluable experience about the effects of living on an alien world, but unlike Mars which requires a great voyage across the dangerous, radiation-filled space between the planets, the Moon is only less than a dozen days away.

Of course, visiting the Moon again should not take priority over solving our problems here on Earth. In fact, the Moon’s importance to the development of life on Earth serves as a reminder of the fragility of our planet’s ability to host life.

Without a Moon to stabilize the Earth’s orbit, we would probably not be alive today. Such is the sensitive nature of life on this, or any planet. Hence, as we look up at the Moon during the 50th anniversary of the time people first walked on it, I hope it reminds us of how lonely our planet is in the universe, how there is no Planet B (and therefore no Plan B), and that we should do everything within our power to protect our home orbited by our lone but beautiful Moon.

POP GOES THE WORLD

wrong is right or at the least harmless, just because people laughed. Laughter, in such a situation, is not proof of the humor or harmlessness of the remark, but an affirmation of the divide between the powerful and the powerless.

Most likely some people laughed because they did not want to embarrass the President, were trying to gain his favor, or were reluctant to be seen as unsupportive.

Power relations becomes a factor in such situations, where the President as the highest-ranking official in the land holds influence or command over everyone in the room.

The difference in status between president and audience members is so great, and power distance—the strength of societal social hierarchy and the acceptance of lower-ranking people that power is distributed unequally—so vast in our culture that it’s practically assured that many, if not most, will guffaw at Duterte’s bad jokes only for the simple fact that he is the president.

Panelo is toeing the patriarchal line when he gaslights the public about Duterte’s sexist behavior. They both belong to a generation that takes male privilege for granted, and they are unused to having their behavior questioned, particularly by women – as Panelo said, “You women should know that.”

In line with this, women are often the targets of gaslighting. Philosopher Kate

JENNY ORTUOSTE Abramson explained in a 2014 journal article, “It’s part of the structure of sexism that women are supposed to be less confident, to doubt our views, beliefs, reactions, and perceptions, more than men.

“And gaslighting is aimed at undermining someone’s views, beliefs, reactions, and perceptions. The sexist norm of selfdoubt, in all its forms, prepares us for just that.”

On the bright side, the discriminatory attitudes of people like Panelo and Duterte are slowly but gradually being swept away by feminists and egalitarians, borne on the tide of the #MeToo movement and other initiatives that push back against male-dominated and anti-women societal norms and practices.

Proof that the change is happening can be seen in the current paradigm shift in Philippine culture that now calls to account errant officials, a task made easier by the ubiquity of and ease of access to social media.

In other words, gaslighters in government are going to find it more difficult to get away with it.

Sexist jokes are dumb, pointless, and creepy—just like the men who tell them. / FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

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GERMAN HEROES IN HITLER SLAY ATTEMPT CITED BERLIN—Germany paid tribute Saturday to Claus von Stauffenberg and others who sought to assassinate Adolf Hitler 75 years ago, a plot that was recognized only belatedly but which a resurgent farright is now seeking to expropriate.

In the attempt on July 20, 1944, Stauffenberg and other high-ranking conspirators within the Nazi regime sought to kill Hitler at his Wolf’s Lair headquarters.

The plot was to seize control of the regime and make peace with Western allies to end World War II. But Hitler survived the bombing and Stauffenberg and other key figures in Operation Valkyrie were executed the same night.

Chancellor Angela Merkel underlined the importance of remembering this anniversary, at a time when far-right forces are once again gaining ground with their nationalist line.

“This day is a reminder to us, not only of those who acted on July 20, but also of everyone who stood up against Nazi rule,” she said in her weekly podcast.

“We are likewise obliged today to oppose all tendencies that seek to destroy democracy. That includes right-wing extremism.”

‘Coward’ or hero?

Stauffenberg and his Operation Valkyrie was brought to the big screen in 2008 when Tom Cruise played the former count as a hero who led an act of resistance against Hitler and his deadly regime.

But at home, the verdict on Stauffenberg is more mixed, with some critics branding him a committed Nazi who only changed sides when it was clear that Hitler was going to lose the war.

In the aftermath of World War II, some in then West Germany—where former Nazis had assumed key positions in the new democratic country—also viewed him as a traitor. AFP

VATICAN TO OPEN OSSUARIES IN HUNT FOR PRINCESSES VATICAN CITY—The Vatican was set Saturday to open ossuaries discovered under a trapdoor as it attempts to get to the bottom of a riddle involving two princesses and a missing teenager.

The ossuaries were found last week under the floor of the Pontifical Teutonic College after the shock discovery that the bones of the princesses had disappeared from two tombs in the Teutonic Cemetery.

The graves of Princess Sophie von Hohenlohe and Princess Charlotte Federica of Mecklenburg had been exhumed after an anonymous tip-off that they may hold the remains of an Italian youngster who went missing 36 years ago.

Emanuela Orlandi, the daughter of a Vatican employee, was last seen leaving a music class in Rome in 1983 aged 15, and theories have circulated for decades about who took her and where her body might lie.

The family had received a picture of an angel-topped grave in the cemetery, and a message which simply read: “Look where the angel is pointing”.

But in a surprise twist, not only was there no trace of Orlandi, the remains of the princesses were gone too.

The Vatican said the bones were likely moved during work on the cemetery and college during the 1960s and 1970s.

The ossuaries will be opened by forensic scientists in the presence of an expert appointed by the Orlandi family.

It was not known whether relatives of the princesses, who died in 1836 and 1840, would attend.

Actress and designer Ira von Fuerstenberg, a distant relation to von Hohenlohe by marriage, told Italian media the disappearance of their skeletons was “an incredible... crazy situation”.

Forensic anthropologists expect to be able to roughly date the bones within about five hours. AFP

STILL UNFINISHED. A part of the nave is seen through a safety net on Wednesday during preliminary work in the NotreDame de Paris Cathedral three months after a major fire in Paris.

French members of Parliament on Tuesday approved a law on the reconstruction of Notre-Dame, three months after flames ravaged the great Paris cathedral, but with the rebuilding process still mired in controversy.

AFP

RUSSIAN FLOODS. An aerial picture taken from a helicopter shows the flood-affected town of Tulun in Russia’s Irkutsk region on Friday. AFP

JAPAN COPS: ANIME STUDIO FIRE WAS ‘ARSON ATTACK’

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OKYO—The horrifying fire at a renowned anime firm which killed dozens in Kyoto is being treated as arson and murder, Japanese police have said, with scores of detectives investigating the deadliest violent crime for decades in the famously safe country.

The blaze on Thursday killed 34 people and wounded dozens more at Kyoto Animation—well known among fans across the world for its animations of popular manga works—and left anime fans and insiders shocked and heartbroken.

In a rare move, Kyoto police on Friday identified the 41-year-old man suspected of starting the inferno as Shinji Aoba. Japanese authorities usually wait for the formal arrest of a suspect before releasing such details.

“We have determined that this is an arson attack... and murder,” a senior police officer told a press conference.

Aoba is in serious condition and has burns all over his body. He has been moved to a special facility for

treatment, a Kyoto police officer told AFP. As firefighters struggled to control the blaze and locate survivors on Thursday, a man presumed to be Aoba was spotted lying on a bench at a park some 500 meters (1,600 feet) from the studio, Jiji Press reported, citing a nearby resident who said the man seemed to be asleep.

Police suspect that Aoba may have stayed at the park for several days to secretly inspect the studio, Jiji added.

Local media said Aoba had served three and a half years in prison for stealing cash from a convenience store. Police have said the suspect’s profession was unknown.

People continued to pay tribute to the victims on Saturday, leaving flowers in front of the building that housed Kyoto Animation. Eyewitnesses described the inferno as “hell”, and anime fans likened it to a terror attack on their community.

Founded in 1981, Kyoto Animation might lack the name recognition of Studio Ghibli, but to anime fans it is a household name, responsible for beloved television series like “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”.

Some media reports have suggested Aoba believed the company had stolen his work.

But the president of Kyoto Animation said Saturday the company had never received a submission from him, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported. AFP

POLLUTED, BIKE-HOSTILE BRUSSELS TO SLAM ON BRAKES BRUSSELS, Belgium—Brussels has made its choice: to reduce emissions and encourage greener, twowheeled transport options, the road speed limit will have to come down.

From 2021, any car that escapes the gridlock on the streets of Europe’s capital will still be limited to only 30 kilometres per hour -- less than 19 mph.

The Belgian city is following in the footsteps of Berlin and Madrid, but road-users are not convinced that the measure will make any real difference.

Restrictions already apply to around 55 percent of the city, but the capital region’s left-Green government is rolling the limit out beyond residential districts.

By January 1, 2021, cars, vans and trucks will face a 30 kph limit everywhere apart from key thoroughfares —grand avenues and the inner ringroad.

But even with this 18-month de-

lay, the measure is regarded as ambitious by many experts and unwelcome by many road-users already mired in Brussels’ notorious road chaos.

Benoit Godart, spokesman for road-safety agency Vias, says studies have shown that without physical speed-limiting infrastructure, drivers ignore limits.

“If it’s just a question of a couple of signs announcing the start and end of a 30-kilometre zone, that’s no use,” he told AFP. But if it’s a question of putting in traffic-calming measures, that will come at a cost to both the capital region and the 19 communes that make up the city.

Conservative opposition councilors are opposed and, perhaps not surprisingly, so are taxi drivers.

“Traffic congestion makes it impossible to pass 30 and 40 kilometres an hour anyway,” said Fethi Dhib, who has been on the road since 1987.

In this, Brussels has more in common with congestion champions London and Moscow than bike-riding cities in the Netherlands or Scandinavia. In the UK capital, the average speed is 10 kilometres per hour.

Belgian cyclist associations and environmental groups have welcomed the limit change, however. And Godart said his agency believes it will improve the safety of other road users.

“A pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling 30 kph has around three times more chance of survival than one hit by a vehicle travelling 50,” he said.

Bike riders such as Dudley Curtis, a 42-year-old Briton, hoped Belgian police enforce the new limit, but also argued for better-protected cycle lanes.

“I think we also need separate cycling infrastructures in Brussels because often we’re just mixed up all with the traffic and the cars, vans and the lorries are just cutting into us,” he told AFP. AFP

DEMOCRATIC UNITY VS TRUMP WON’T MASK DEEP RIFTS WASHINGTON—US Democrats presented a united front this week after Donald Trump’s coarse attacks on progressive lawmakers, but the solidarity masks deep fissures in the party as it moves toward choosing a 2020 presidential nominee.

From the most liberal quarters to the centrists, Democrats circled the political wagons and trained their outrage on Trump for his bullying of a quartet of ethnic minority congresswomen whom he said should “go back” to other countries if they hate America.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rushed to the defense of her more liberal colleagues, pushing a resolution through the divided chamber that rejected Trump’s “racist comments that have legitimized fear and hatred of new Americans and people of color.”

But the party has splintered on several fronts, notably economic policies including health care and the trillion-dollar Green New Deal, and issues like immigration and how to care for detainees at the border.

The four increasingly powerful congresswomen targeted

by Trump—Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, collectively known as “the Squad”— are unapologetic in seeking to pull their party leftward.

The quartet—all US citizens and all but one born in America —openly call for Trump’s impeachment and accuse him of enflaming racial and ethnic tensions.

“They’re so angry,” a pugnacious Trump said during a campaign rally Wednesday in North Carolina. AFP

NORTH KOREA SLAMS JAPAN OVER TRADE SPAT WITH SOUTH KOREA SEOUL—North Korea’s state media has slammed Japan for its recent trade restrictions against Seoul over wartime slavery disputes, accusing Tokyo of “destroying the trend of peace” on the Korean peninsula.

After South Korea’s high court ordered Japanese firms that used forced labor to compensate Korean victims, Tokyo earlier this month restricted the export of several chemicals to South Korea that are crucial to its world-leading chip and smartphone companies.

South Korea’s left-leaning President Moon Jae-in, who favors engagement with Pyongyang, has said Tokyo’s actions are “politically motivated” and have caused an “unprecedented emergency” for Seoul’s export-driven economy.

North Korea has repeatedly warned the South to stop “meddling” in nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington but sided with Seoul for its trade row with Tokyo.

Japan is one of the most hawkish of the major

powers on the nuclear-armed North—whose leader Kim Jong Un agreed to a resumption of dialogue with Tokyo and Seoul’s major ally the US last month—and has received some of Pyongyang’s harshest rhetoric.

Japan is “trying to destroy the trend of peace on the Korean Peninsula by putting pressure upon South Korea through the restrictions”, reported the North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday night, describing Japan as its “sworn enemy”.

It added: “The human, physical and emotional damage Japan has caused to the Korean people (during its colonial rule) cannot be compensated even if the entire nation of Japan sacrifices itself.”

Pyongyang’s remarks came as a top South Korean official said “all options” were open on the fate of a military intelligence-sharing agreement known as GSOMIA -- a pact that enables Seoul and Tokyo to share intelligence regarding North Korea—if Japan does not withdraw its trade restrictions. AFP

Images

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

S O T PHOF THE O EEK W DENGUE RISING.

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

ROACH: MGM FIGHT ACID TEST FOR PACQUIAO

AS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman both tipped the scales at 146.5 pounds ahead of their much-anticipated WBA world welterweight title clash on Friday.

Filipino icon Pacquiao smiled and waved to several thousand fans inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena as he faced off with undefeated champion Thurman for the final time before Saturday’s bout.

“It’s going to be a good fight,” Pacquiao said from the stage.

“I want to prove something in this fight. It’s all set for tomorrow,” added Pacquiao, who was half a pound lighter for his last fight in January against Adrien Broner.

Time to quit?

Pacquiao’s longt-time trainer Freddie Roach acknowledges that for all Pacquiao’s impressive form in training, the acid test will come under the bright lights of the MGM Grand’s Garden Arena on Saturday.

Boxing history is littered with veterans who needed one fight too many to realize they are shot.

“This is true,” Roach said. “Usually it doesn’t show up in the gym. It only shows up in the fight. And I’m very aware of that. And if it does show in the fight I’ll be the first one to stop the fight if need be.”

Thurman meanwhile was greeted by loud boos from an overwhelmingly pro-Pacquiao crowd.

“It is my time. This is one time.

Manny Pacquiao ain’t doing nothing to me, baby,” Thurman said.

Pacquiao is attempting to capture Thurman’s WBA “super” welterweight crown, regarded as the sanctioning body’s most important championship belt in the division.

The 40-year-old will be climbing

GOLF QUEEN. Taiwanese amateur

Yu-Chiang Hou (left) holds her trophy as she poses with LPGA of Taiwan chairlady Mei-Chi Cheng (center) and Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club course designer and general manager Mike Singgaran after edging Thai pro Wanchana Poruangrong on the second playoff hole to snare the ICTSI Ladies Pradera Ladies Classic in Lubao, Pampanga Friday.

LOWRY, HOLMES SHARE LEAD; TIGER, RORY OUT

Boxers Manny Pacquiao (left) from the Philippines and Keith Thurman from the USA face off during their weigh-in at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fighters will meet Sunday in a WBA super world welterweight title fight. AFP

into the ring for the 71st time in what is seen as his most challenging contest since defeat to Floyd Mayweather in 2015’s “Fight of the Century.”

Thurman meanwhile returned to the ring in January after a near twoyear layoff, defeating Josesito Lopez to improve his record to 29 wins with 22 knockouts.

The 30-year-old from Florida is determined to boost his legacy with a win over Pacquiao, and has pledged to send the Filipino into retirement

with a decisive victory.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to destroy a legend,” Thurman told reporters ahead of Saturday’s fight.

Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 knockouts) meanwhile said he was unconcerned

by Thurman’s trash-talk.

“For me nothing is personal,” Pacquiao said. “Our job is to fight. He has to prove something, and I have to prove something. It’s easy to say things. But it’s not so easy to do it in the ring.”

Roach is bracing for an early onslaught.

“I feel he’s going to try and come for Manny and try to prove that he’s the bigger, stronger man,” Roach told AFP. “He will come forward. He’s a pretty good puncher but Manny’s footwork should keep him out of trouble.

“I would love a collision because Manny will beat him to the punch every time. One guy is fast, one guy is slow. Thurman hits hard but he has no speed at all. I don’t see him being able to get close to Manny because of his speed.” AFP

CIGNAL EXTENDS STA. LUCIA’S PSL WOES

Paat had nine attacks to finish CIGNAL added to Sta. Lucia’s misGames on Tuesday: with 12 points while Robins-Hardy ery after hammering an impres(Ynares Center Antipolo) chipped in 10 markers laced with sive 25-8, 25-16, 25-22 victory in 4:15 p.m. -- PLDT vs. Sta. Lucia 7:00 p.m. -- Marinerang Pilipina four aces and eight excellent sets the Philippine Superliga All-Filivs. Generika-Ayala for the HD Spikers, who turned the pino Conference yesterday at the match into a rout in the first set.

Filoil Flying V Centre.

“Our players did a good job, we are very pleased Opposite Mylene Paat and setter Alohi RobinsHardy led the way for the HD Spikers, who captured that everybody stepped up especially our second their fourth win in five games in this women’s club stringers,” said Cignal assistant coach Rico de Guzman, tourney bankrolled by Team Rebel Sports, SOGO, Eu- who called the shots for head coach Edgar Barroga.

“I told them (second stringers) not to doubt themselves rotel, PCSO, Cocolife, UCPB Gen, Mueller, Senoh, Asics, because I believe in them and they did not disappoint.”

Bizooku and One Sport.

Janine Marciano and May Luna combined for 17 points for the HD Spikers in the match that took an hour and 24 minutes to finish.

After two lopsided sets, Sta. Lucia tried to give Cignal a scare in the third as Amanda Villanueva kept the Lady Realtors at bay, 16-16, before Robins-Hardy took over for the HD Spikers and hand her team a 21-18 breather.

Cignal looked to end the match after reaching match point, 24-19, before Sta. Lucia saved three match points, 22-24, but Paat sealed the win for the HD Spikers.

Roselle Baliton, Joy Dacoron and MJ Philips each had six markers for Sta. Lucia, which slid to 1-9.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: OBIENA’S GOLDEN FEAT

By Graham C. Lim NAPLES, ITALY—It was a surprising turn of events, even in the eyes of officials from the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines that sent him to the 30th Summer Universiade in Napoli, Italy this month.

The 23-year-old Ernest John Obiena showed he was made of sterner stuff when he copped the country’s second Universiade gold medal ever by topping the men’s pole vault event in athletics before an appreciative crowd at the San Paolo Stadium in the city of Naples in southern Italy.

Obiena, a product of Chiang Kai Shek College and the University of Santo Tomas, ruled the event on a Friday evening where seemingly, all the stars in the sky were aligned in his favor.

Obiena’s gold medal-winning performance was 5.76 meters.

Germany’s Torben Blech also registered 5.76 meters, but the Obiena took the gold with just two jumps—one less than the German athlete.

Blech settled for the silver. Also making it to the medal podium was Belgium’s B.J. Broeders (5.51 meters), who copped the bronze.

Obiena was a standout in the Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation track and field competitions during his high school days at CKSC. The soft-spoken Obiena spent some time in Italy in preparation for the Napoli Universiade.

He will continue to stay there for some time before embarking on another international tournament in August—the Diamond Athletics Championships to be organized by the IAAF. For his golden feat, FESSAP President Angel Ngu, Chair Alvin Tai Lian and honorary president David Ong doff their hats off this gentleman athlete.

Prof. Robert Milton Calo, Chair of the Universiade Preparation Committee, sent a text message congratulating Ernest John Obiena

Well wishers post for prosperity photo with Obiena at the Athletes Village Center at the Port of Napoli. for his great performance in bringing honor to the country.

EJ Obiena is the second athlete to be sent by the FESSAP to bring honor to the Philippines by romping away with a Universiade gold.

Woodpusher wizard Wesley So, who has since migrated to the U.S. to seek greener pastures, also won a Universiade gold in men’s chess during the 2013 Kazan Universiade in the Russian Republic in 2013.

Ironically, a grandmaster, Wesley So also emerged victorious via a tie-breaker. A deadlock among seven athletes resulted in a blitz contest between So and his Armenian foe, who held the white pieces but was timetroubled to complete 40 moves.

Overall, the Philippines, through FESSAP, has won four medals in the Summer

Universiade.

The other medalists are Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison from Far Eastern University in men’s taekwondo during the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade in the People’s Republic of China and Jomar Balangui from the University of Baguio City in men’s wushu during the 2017 Taipei Universiade in Taiwan.

Both Morrison and Balangui settled for the silver medal.

The FESSAP has been sending athletes to the Summer Universiade since it was recognized by the International University Sports Federation in 2009 in Serbia as the lone national university sports federation from the Philippines.

The FISU is the international governing body for university sports.

The Summer Universiade, which is a prestigious multi-sport competition, is organized by the FISU along with the Winter Universiade and World University Championships in various sports.

This marked the fifth consecutive time that the FESSAP has sent Filipino university athletes to the Summer Universiade. In the past, it also funded the country’s participation in the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade in China, 2013 Kazan Universiade in Russia, 2015 Gwangju Universiade Games in the Republic of Korea and 2017 Chinese Taipei Universiade in Taiwan.

Considered by many as the Olympics at the university level, the biennial Summer Universiade attracted more than 150 countries and 8,000 university athletes and team officials during the Napoli Universiade, including the delegation from sports powers the United States, Germany, France, Russia, South Korea, Japan and China.

Some of the legendary sports figures who once took part in the Summer Universiade in the past included all-time NBA great Michael Jordan, Yao Ming (basketball) and Li Ning (gymnastics) from China.

The Philippines’ participation in the 2019 Napoli Universiade was made possible with the generous support of Bestank Corporation, OMNI Electrical & Lights from Yatai International Corporation, Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Megaworld Corporation, Globe Telecom, San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation, Bataan Peninsula State University, Republic Biscuit and University of Baguio. The Philippine Delegation’s Official outfitter is ASICS Tiger from Sonak Corporation-Philippines.

This early, the FESSAP is already preparing for the next Summer Universiade two years from now. The 31st edition of the Summer Universiade will be held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China in August 2021.

PORTRUSH—Ireland’s Shane Lowry shot a four-under par 67 to claim a share of the lead with J.B. Holmes at the British Open as 15-time major winner Tiger Woods and pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy missed the cut on Friday.

Resuming on four-under, Lowry birdied four of the opening five holes and picked up another two shots on eight and 10.

However, he bogeyed the 14th and 18th coming home to fall back level with overnight leader Holmes on eight-under.

“There’s not too many days like that on the golf course,” said Lowry.

Holmes consolidated his challenge with a three-under round on Friday.

“You can have that great round and that day where everything goes right, but it’s nice to get two rounds in a row. It shows a little consistency,” said the American.

McIlroy fell just short with a brave attempt to make the weekend after a horrendous eight-over round on Thursday left him with a huge mountain the climb.

The home favorite posted the joint best round of the day with a six-under 65 to get back to two-over, but missed out by just one shot with the cut at one-over.

“I felt today I showed the real Rory McIlroy and the golf that I can play,” said the world number three.

“I tried my best for them until the very end. I just came up a little short.”

Woods was also made to pay for his 78 on Thursday as a one-under par round left the Masters champion still on six-over.

“It’s more frustrating than anything else because this is a major championship and I love playing in these events,” said Woods.

The American raised hopes that he could recover from a difficult opening round with his troublesome back restricting his movement in cold conditions.

Woods was two under for the day after six holes, but a bogey at the seventh stalled his fightback.

Back-to-back birdies at 10 and 11 gave Woods hope again but a bogeybogey finish was a fitting end to a frustrating two days for the 43-year-old.

English trio in contention England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood are just one shot off the lead on seven-under, while world number one Brooks Koepka also kept himself in the hunt for a fifth major on five-under.

Fleetwood played a starring role in Europe’s victory at the Ryder Cup last year and the world number 20 has a chance for his first major heading into the weekend as he birdied the last for a round of 67.

Westwood rolled back the years with four birdies on the back nine to shoot into contention with a 67.

Playing in his 25th British Open, Westwood has finished in the top three at majors nine times without getting over the line.

“It’s nice to do it at The Open Championship, it’s a big tournament and prestigious tournament and on a great golf course,” said the former world number one.

Justin Rose is another Englishman in the mix as an eagle on the 12th moved the world number four to six-under. AFP

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019

Business

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

GARDENIA ELEVATES BREADMAKING IN PH

By Othel V. Campos

G

ARDENIA Bakeries is creating a nationwide network of bread facilities to ensure the stable supply of bread from Luzon to Mindanao.

The company, which started as an in-store bakery in Singapore in 1978 and expanded to the Philippines in 1997, has recently inaugurated a fully-automated bread manufacturing facility in Pampanga and a world-class bread factory in Cagayan de Oro City.

Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. president Simplicio Umali Jr. says the company is moving forward with “Bake to the Future 2.0”.

Big factories “For the first time in Gardenia’s histor y in the Philippines, Gardenia Bakeries opens two huge factories with sophisticated technologies in a span of four months. This is truly a significant milestone for Gardenia in its 21 years in the Philippine bakery industry,” Umali says.

“Gardenia is bringing the future of breadmaking [here] and we are excited to embrace the limitless possibilities in the north as we officially open a completely new and automated bread plant in Pampanga,” he says.

Top company executives went to Europe in search of the most advanced technology suited for Philippine operations and attended robotics technology show while scouting for the best available manufacturing process.

“The whole plant is computercontrolled starting from the use of an upgraded concept in the ingredient handling and makeup systems, proofing, use of robotics in handling baking pans and unique technology in the depanning process which promises to be gentle to the bread, completely untouched by human hands,” Umali says.

“The use of tumbler to check all four sides of the loaf bread and the presence of tornado cleaner to ensure all baking pans are clean and free of crumbs were also incorporated in the process,” he says.

The oven baking system will continue to use environmentfriendly liquefied petroleum gas like in the other Gardenia factories, according to Umali.

Modern technologies The company is proud of the fact that all equipment, machines and baking technologies were sourced from the best baking equipment suppliers from Germany, the Netherlands, Japan

Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. president Jun Umali

and the United States.

“The expertise in making advanced equipment from different sources operates as one integrated and a fully automated system [and] is a proprietary technical capability developed by Gardenia in its factories in Asia. This fusion of technology differentiates us from the competition,” Umali says.

The sophisticated technology together with a proprietary manufacturing process and premium and finest ingredients all contribute to the freshly-baked aroma, softness and delicious taste of the world-class Gardenia bread.

Umali says the newest plant in Pampanga is designed to allow consumers to visit and witness the modern baking process through a catwalk plant tour especially for consumers from North Luzon.

The Pampanga plant is Gardenia’s second-biggest facility next to the Laguna plant with two production lines and a provision for expansion for a third and even a fourth line. “ This new factory has a white loaf production line, a flavored loaf line, a bun and pandesal line and a

snack toast line. With these four new production lines, the Pampanga factory will be able to produce nearly 400,000 loaves and buns every day ready for delivery to supermarkets, groceries and convenience stores,” he says.

Vitabread Food Products Inc. handles bread manufacturing for the North and Central Luzon bread needs and supports Metro Manila markets, while Gardenia Bakeries Philippines ensures the marketing and distribution of finished Gardenia products.

A wide selection of Gardenia products will be produced in the Pampanga bread facility, including white bread, health bread selections, flavored loaf offerings, buns or pandesal and Neubake loaf and bread rolls.

The Teco Industrial Estate in Mabalacat, Pampanga houses the newest Gardenia plant which is strategically situated near North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

It offers an efficient trade and distribution gateway to the provinces in Central Luzon, Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley.

P2-billion plant

The P2-billion plant is located adjacent to major transportation hubs of Subic Seaport, Clark International Airport and the newest business district of Clark Global City.

Umali says the new bread plant is accessible with direct logistics connections, a delivery strategy employed by the company for all its plants in the Philippines.

He says in case of breakdowns or natural disasters, the plant can supply Metro Manila and Southern Luzon which is the same case for the bread factories in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro that can also serve the Visayas market, providing back-up for each plant.

With the current logistics and distribution capabilities, Gardenia reaches as far as Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Isabela, Kalinga and Cagayan. With Vitabread in place, it will be able to reach even the smallest stores in these areas, says Umali.

Increased supply With the two new bread factories, Gardenia now has a combined capacity of producing more than 1.8 million loaves and buns a day, serving the bread requirements of Filipino consumers nationwide.

The increased production capability and expanded operations require more extensive market saturation, new area penetration and wider distribution coverage to reach more Filipino consumers in the farthest north and farthest south of the Philippines, Umali says.

“As the market leader in the industry with more than 60 percent market share, we can contribute in ensuring food security and continuous supply of bread, not only during long weekends or when there are special occasions, but also even when there are typhoons, flooding or earthquakes,” Umali says.

“As we bring our fresh, greattasting quality products to more and more Filipinos, we will definitely expand our fleet of trucks all over Luzon and Metro Manila to distribute across various distribution channels,” he says.

Gardenia’s rapid sales growth makes it necessary to add more plant facilities to cater to the increasing bread demand in the Philippines.

Umali says the Philippines’ consumption of bread per person is still lower compared to its neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore. With increased supply and availability of quality and great-tasting bread, consumption is expected to grow faster, he says.

“While we are a rice-eating country but due to lifestyle changes and increased health consciousness of Filipinos, bread consumption is growing,” Umali says.

CCA MANILA EQUIPS STUDENTS WITH WORLD-CLASS CULINARY SKILLS A SIX-FIGURE salary, a chance to see the world, an opportunity to taste the best food and a prospect to work in the best kitchens and be trained by Michelin-starred chefs await students taking up a diploma course in the country’s top culinary school—the Center for Culinary Arts.

“The foodservice industry is booming. Hotels and restaurants are opening left and right. Cruise ships are filled with tourists. Due to the increase in demand for good food, a career in the culinary industry has become one of the highest-paying jobs in the world,” said Dr. Veritas Luna, chancellor of CCA Manila.

Recent industry reports reveal that a top executive chef may earn as much as a corporate executive or even higher. Even entry-level jobs in the culinary industry are at par with salaries of those entering the BPO and engineering industries.

With the industry’s evident fastpaced growth, competition is also tighter. One must be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to advance in this cutthroat industry. A degree in culinary arts, such as the one that can be earned at CCA Manila, could be a ‘gold ticket’ towards the path to success.

“Culinary schools allow their students to learn the basics, ensuring versatility and mastery. They are introduced to various techniques, styles, cuisines, and anything that is relevant to their chosen field of expertise,” said Luna.

At CCA Manila, students undergo intensive hands-on training.

After hundreds of hours of training, with lecture and guidance by chefinstructors, students become more skilled, prepared and better in handling the pressure inside a kitchen.

“Students can also widen their network by meeting other culinary professionals. Other relevant skills are also taught such as the business side of the industry. CCA Manila has partnerships, for example, with the Thames for equipping our students with entrepreneurship skills so their restaurants, commissaries, coffee shops, or canteen can prosper. They can even learn management, people skills, and even cost-benefit analysis of their food inventory,” said Luna.

Being in the industry for 22 years, CCA Manila is the pioneer and has already established its reputation in the industry. The school offers a variety of options for students, allowing them to have the freedom to explore and master their chosen field of expertise.

The school invites chefs from abroad and significant figures in the industry to expose students to the practices of the world’s best.

SALESPRENEURSHIP CREATES LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES A WHOLE new class of enterprising individuals is emerging from the cluster of salespeople accustomed to the pressures of closing sales and hitting their quota.

They can be found in the thriving world of real estate selling where they have discovered and learned the concept of salespreneurship after joining a realty marketing company established by successful salespreneur Gabriel “Billy” Dominguez.

As the president of Green Circle Realty that has been in the industry for more than 13 years, Dominguez introduced salespreneurship as his own success formula that has enabled his company to fulfill its two-pronged mission of wanting to help middle-and-above-middle-income earners acquire affordable, quality

homes and providing income opportunities to people who want to upgrade their lifestyles.

Dominguez defines salespreneurship as the combination of creative salesmanship and innovative entrepreneurship.

It challenges the traditional sales agent mindset that is limited to setting sales quota and short-term goals.

Salespreneurs go beyond selling a product or service by creating value for what they have to offer. At GCR, Dominguez makes sure that his salespeople realize that they do more than just sell homes but are part of the company’s noble vision to help thousands of families dreaming of having their own home.

Through the years, GCR remains committed to helping people have access

to affordable, quality housing, particularly the OFWs, ordinary workers, starting families and business owners. As the leading and most trusted sales network of ProFriends and its flagship project, Lancaster New City, GCR continues to fulfill this mission.

Purchasing a home can be an intimidating prospect to most people. This is why Dominguez is happy to share that they have made homeownership more affordable through flexible and creative financing schemes.

“With our payment terms, owning a house and lot ranging from P1.5 million to P1.6 million is made more pocketfriendly by having the usually 30-percent downpayment scaled down to only 12.5 percent or about P12,000 for Turn to C2

Green Circle Realty team led by president Gabriel Dominguez (center)

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019 business@manilastandard.net

From left: Odyssey Foundation Inc. executive director Dindo Danao, CDO Foodsphere and OFI president Jerome Ong, GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. executive vice president and COO Luz Annalee Escudero-Catibog and GMAKFI media supervisor Tracy Cruz.

GMA KAPUSO, ODYSSEY HELP 4,500 CHILDREN GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. and Odyssey Foundation I nc., the corporate social responsibility arm of food conglomerate Foodsphere Inc., are celebrating 12 years of partnership that has nurtured the lives of more than 4,500 undernourished Filipino children.

The two foundations teamed up in 2007 to undertake the Give-A-Gift: Feed A Child feeding program where they serve nutritious meals to undernourished children across the country. They launched a feeding program in Ternate, Cavite on March 15 to Aug.t 28, 2007 that helped restore the health of 477 previously undernourished kids. Since then, they have assisted more than 4,000 others in different areas across the country.

“GMA Kapuso Foundation and CDO/ Odyssey’s strong partnership over the years is helping address the problem of malnutrition through our annual Give-A-Gift: Feed A Child feeding program. For 12 years, we have served thousands of children in remote areas of our country who need help. We are able to serve nutritious meals and share the mission of alleviating poverty and fighting malnutrition, together,” said Luz Annalee Escudero-Catibog, vice president and COO of GMAKFI. OFI president Jerome Ong said Gabay Nutrisyon, the foundation’s major initiative, is a community-based supplemental feeding program which focuses on addressing child hunger and malnutrition in chosen communities.

“Developing this program was the first step of the foundation in fulfilling its mission to give back to the community. By providing nutritious food and vitamins to targeted beneficiaries, the foundation aims to restore to normal weight status the underweight children enrolled in the program,” said Ong, who is also the president and chief executive of CDO Foodsphere Inc. “Aside from this, the program seeks to improve the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers and child caregivers regarding key nutritional practices through health and nutrition lectures provided by health workers and nutrition scholars,” he said.

Ong said the partnership with GMAKFI aims to address the serious problem of child malnutrition in the country. Based on Food and Nutrition Research Institute data, the Philippine chronic malnutrition rate among children aged 0 to 2 reached 26.2 percent in 2015, the highest in 10 years.

Studies show that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life is a crucial period when the child must receive optimum nutrition. If not achieved, the effects of malnutrition will be irreversible.

OFI said this is the reason why it focuses on hunger mitigation as its foremost advocacy.

OFI is actively implementing Gabay Nutrisyon supplemental feeding program to provide nourishment to children and enable them to reach their fullest potential.

Under the project, nutrition advocacy interventions are conducted. At the end of the feeding program, the children are expected to have reached their normal nutritional status and their families have gained a better understanding of health and nutrition practices that will equip them to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

OFI envisions a hunger-free society especially among children. To widen its impact, the foundation teams up with different organizations with the same advocacy.

In the past 12 years, OFI has been working hand-in-hand with GMAKFI to alleviate hunger among school-aged children from areas where malnutrition is rampant.

SALESPRENEURSHIP...

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12 to 15 months. This way, there is no initial jolt to their finances,” he said.

This also allows homebuyers to avail of shorter loan terms and save on interest as they pay the monthly amortization and start earning better income.

His passion for homeownership comes from his years of service as the public affairs department manager of Pag-IBIG Fund where he saw the importance of investing for the future.

“Our basic requirements for those who want to join GCR is that they are goal-driven, results-oriented and with a willingness to serve. Since we don’t offer basic pay or allowances, we are able to gauge those who have the potential to make it big in an opportunity-based profession,” he said.

“We also see those who are committed to partner with us in fulfilling our mission to help more people have access to affordable homeownership,” Dominguez said.

To ensure that aspiring salespreneurs get the opportunity to excel in the competitive arena of realty selling, he underscores the importance of providing continuous training and professional development. It is also part of the transformation process of starting as ordinary sales agents to becoming empowered salespreneurs.

He said salespreneurship can be easily learned and adapted even by people who do not have a background in sales or business management. It is mainly about having the heart of a salesman who believes in the product or service he offers, beautifully combined with an entrepreneur’s mindset whose goal is to convert his hard work into profit or revenue.

FILIPINO-DESIGNED GROOMING APP SEEN TO BECOME A TECH UNICORN

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THIRD of the world’s population utilizes smartphones and apps that provide information, connectivity and convenience, according to a recent study by Hootstuite and We Are Social.

More than half of the 2.5 billion users are in the Asia Pacific region where they log on, comment on or book some sort of service.

The convenience of access to data, mobile gadgets and online payment portals set against a landscape of densely populated cities, roads choking on the volume of vehicles and changing lifestyle have resulted in an exponential rise of apps that make life arguably better.

Dining preferences, transport and shopping have long been favorites that the mobile set have grown accustomed to. No longer does one have to cue or drive to get a meal, attend a meeting or go out to purchase an item as there will be some apps for these errands and a lot more.

One app that has been getting a lot of attention lately is the on-demand/byappointment self-improvement solution, SIF, that started by offering grooming, beauty and wellness services that eliminated the travel and waiting time people usually took for granted. Sure, home-service has long existed, especially for the high-end market but, now, SIF makes it accessible to anyone with a few swipes.

Within a span of six months since it was launched, SIF has been populating from two partner independent contractors to a current 300-strong combined force of partner establishments and independent contractors.

Such growth is not surprising though as behind the app is Luigi Nuñez, known as an innovator and founder of world-renowned beer chilling system Beer Below Zero. Not only did BBZ change the way consumers preferred their brews, but it also holds the distinction of being one of the first Filipino start-ups to breach the $10-million valuation.

“What used to be a 20-minute drive has now become over an hour for most parts of the day. Multiplied over the number of errands or services that one would need to have over the course of a month, these minutes and hours on the road do add up to unproductive time,” Nuñez explains.

Simple solution Nuñez’ first investment in the tech space clearly provides a solution to the challenges faced by consumers in today’s hectic and stressful environment.

With his strategic partners and their respective expertise, Nuñez was able to conceptualize, develop, test and deploy SIF by simply centering on what would have the most traction based on what the digitally connected might want.

“While SIF’s main goal has always been to provide everyone a way to escape the hassles of metro traffic, a detraction that makes people realize that 24 hours a day is sometimes not enough for all the errands and needs we travel for. In effect, what SIF provides its users is access to the most valuable commodity— time,” Nuñez says.

In its next iteration, expected to launch by mid-September this year, SIF will undergo a major update that will include various home services for the betterment of one’s self: SIF Health (diagnostics, drips, chiropractors), SIF Beauty and Wellness (massage, body scrubbing, hair and makeup), SIF Nutrition (dieticians, nutritionists, meal planners), SIF Fashion (stylists, personal shoppers, tailoring, haberdashery), SIF Fitness (personal trainers, yoga instructors), SIF Care (physical therapists, sports therapists) and SIF Skills (personal coaches, executive coaches, tutors).

The app will also have an e-commerce aspect where users will be able to purchase products from Davines, Tigi, Bedhead and Scrub by Talulah among the growing list of brand partners.

The ingenuity of utilizing ingredients that solve perennial problems faced by a sector is not the only advantage Nuñez and his partners possess. This, paired

Luggin Digital Ventures Inc. chairman and SIF app founder Luigi Nuñez

with tenacity and a can-do mindset, has proven to be crucial in excelling whether in advertising sales, brewing local beers or now, giving back a very valuable commodity which is time.

The simple idea with relevant results has also caught the attention of international investors. Speculation is that the company is now valued at $1.5 million because of the milestones it was able to achieve in six months and its potential to scale up and expand to other markets rapidly given its unique synergistic mode. It won’t be a surprise if it turns out to be the country’s first tech unicorn.

“The secret sauce to SIF’s tremendously fast growth was the ability to pivot from being an independent entity to synergizing with existing establishments who wanted to add a revenue stream by offering home services. Why compete when we can synergize?” Nuñez says.

With SIF expected to grow even more in the next few months, Nuñez has already lined up four more ground-breaking app-based projects and is working on a timeline that will see them available in the market by next year.

BPI SHARES STRATEGIES FOR GOING GREEN AT THE WORKPLACE

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE call to go green is stronger nowadays as companies and entrepreneurs become more aware of the need to look for cost-effective and sustainable solutions for businesses.

Even legislation is keeping up with the green movement. From the Philippine Green Building Code to the recent signing of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, the Philippines is setting the stage for environmentallyresponsible and resource-efficient practices that can help curb the threat of climate change.

“The problem is some companies find going green daunting. They think of the high cost of technology, complex solutions and radical culture change.

They ask, ‘Where do we start?’” said BPI sustainable energy finance head Jo Ann Eala.

She said the Philippine Green Building Code has six practical, easy-toremember guidelines for building construction projects.

The first on the list, she said, is for companies to engage in energy ef-

ficiency programs. By simply switching to LED lights, inverter air-con or chillers, operable windows for natural ventilation, light-colored paints and roof insulation to reflect heat, and softstarting escalators with motion sensors, consumption can be reduced.

Eala said savings of around 30 percent to 90 percent can easily be achieved with these innovations.

Secondly, with concerns about water conservation, solutions to promote water efficiency and wastewater management should be implemented. Eala said implementing simple conservation measures such as conserving water for cleaning by simply using dual-flush, low-flow faucets and showers and learning to harvest rainwater are good ways to start.

“You’ll not only lower your operating cost but also help solve the water shortage problem,” she said.

Eala said promoting indoor environmental quality will also help. By maintaining good air quality within the building by using air filters, ventilating fans and restricting smoking to specified areas, companies can protect building occupants from health disorders such as Sick Building Syndrome and respiratory illnesses, she said.

According to Eala, maintaining a healthy environment within the building is a growing trend in more developed communities, and there is a strong clamor among building occupants as well.

Another practical guideline is en-

suring site sustainability when constructing a building. Using gravel bed, collecting rainwater, filtering sediment and keeping existing endemic foliage can help prevent soil erosion and water pollution during site clearing, grading (or adjusting the slope and elevation of the soil) and excavation.

Eala said blending landscaped areas with indigenous or adaptable species of grass, shrubs and trees to allow recharging of the natural groundwater reservoir, cool the building surroundings and provide indoor to outdoor connectivity for the building occupants promote site sustainability.

Eala said efficient solid waste management also helps. Eala encouraged the use of eco-friendly recyclable materials, less plastic and paper, and provide a fully enclosed and easily accessible garbage facility called the Materials Recovery Facility for the collection and segregation of solid waste materials.

These help reduce both the volume of waste going to landfills and conserve resources used to produce new materials.

PARAÑAQUE NOW P3.7 BILLION RICHER

Parañaque City treasurer Dr. Anthony Pulmano

E V E R Y time a new local leader is elected, problems like scarcity of cash, huge debt, delayed salaries of personnel and unsettled utility bills are being linked to the inefficient fiscal management adopted by the previous administration.

These problems are the major challenges being faced by new local chief executives. Those who have followed their predecessors remain in the vicious cycle of “passive fiscal management” and some elected officials choose to increase real property or business tax rates to secure enough cash for operations.

Parañaque City has a different story. In 2013, it had P2-billion worth of loans from Land Bank of the Philippines where the big chunk was spent for the construction of the city hall which was left unfinished despite the full payment.

Records show that this resulted in a cash deficit of P2.786 billion that should be paid to contractors and suppliers and various benefits and allowances.

When the administration of incumbent Mayor Edwin Olivarez took over in July

that year, the cash on bank was only P37 million, enough to provide half a month of salaries of permanent and casual city hall employees.

Amid the improved business climate and simplified transactions, the Parañaque City government recovered from the fund deficit for public projects and services six years ago, city treasurer Dr. Anthony Pulmano said.

As of May 30, 2019, the city government was holding more than P3.7 billion that could be dispensed for various programs and projects, according to Pulmano.

Paranaque also paid almost P1-billion (P999, 999,743.71) worth of loans to LBP in February this year. “Side by side, Paranaque was able to settle its financial obligations to LBP and contractors and suppliers without sacrificing spending for public services,” he said.

The good news, he said, is that the city government surpassed the proposed budget by almost P700 million and the target imposed by the Department of Finance by P900 million last year.

“Financial liquidity without any

increase in taxes or loans [was achieved],” Pulmano said. The increase was brought about by the taxpayers’ compliance and investors’ confidence in the city government and local leaders, he said.

Pulmano said that in 2013, the city had only P3.3-billion proposed budget.

Six years later, it more than doubled to P7.8 billion.

With the increase in funds and cash liquidity, the city government under the leadership of Olivarez was able to focus on the needs of the residents through the delivery of social services and infrastructure.

The city has embarked on various human capital investments such as the construction of school buildings, improvement of roads, health services and capital outlay for the welfare of Parañaquenos.

It constructed two public hospitals, one in Barangay La Huerta and another to be built in Barangay Don Bosco. The city government also built elementary and high school buildings in every 16 barangays.

Tech & Gadgets

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1ST DYNABOOK BRANDED PRODUCTS IN ASIA UNVEILED

AKARTA—Dynabook Singapore Pte. Ltd. (formerly Toshiba Client Solutions Asia Pte. Ltd.), today announced its first Dynabook-branded solutions with three laptops and a USB-C Dock.

Designed for business, these three laptops include the Dynabook Portégé X30, Dynabook Tecra X40 and Dynabook Portégé A30. This month also marks the 30th Anniversary of the first Dynabookbranded laptop in Japan.

“We have evolved and these four products are the perfect example of the direction the organization plans to the take as Dynabook,” said Wong Wai Meng, Assistant General Manager, Product Strategy for Mobile Computing Solutions, Device & IoT, Dynabook Singapore Pte. Ltd. “Our new X Series and newly redesigned Portégé A30 push the mobile computing envelope as powerful, full-performance solutions with thinner and lighter form factors. The USB-C Dock demonstrates our understanding of the modern mobile professional’s connectivity and expansion needs.”

The 13.3-inch Portégé X30 and 14-inch Tecra X40 are part of the Dynabook premium B2B laptop collection and include a variety of upgrades in processor, connectivity, instant on/off and cooling technologies. These new professional-grade laptops feature the latest 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processors to the Portégé X30 and Tecra X40 to improve performance and connectivity speeds. With a 13.3-inch display, the Portégé X30 measures 15.9 mm1 thin and weighs 1.05kg2 making it our lightest X Series laptop to date. Offering the perfect of portability and a 14-inch display, the Tecra X40 features an easily portable form factor that is just 16.9mm1 and 1.25kg2.

Both X Series laptops feature Windows 10 Modern Standby, which delivers instant on/off capabilities. This feature allows optimized software and applications on the Portégé X30 and Tecra X40 to stay up-to-date by maintaining a low-power connection to an available network (Wi-Fi, mobile broadband/cellular or wired Ethernet) in order to run background processes while the laptop is in sleep mode. The ability to remain always on and connected to the Internet, ensures a user’s email, no-

tifications and calendar are current. Not only does this feature boost system wake and resume times, it also makes the laptop more energy efficient.

To support the new performance features of the X Series laptops, Dynabook enhanced the fan technology for improved airflow and cooling by increasing the volume of air by 10% while also lowering rotation speeds. Called an S-Type fan, this cooling design improvement delivers a quieter running system especially when running processor-intensive tasks.

standard, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to durability.

Equipped with 8th Generation Intel® Quad Core processors and Windows 10 Pro, the Portégé A30 was designed to offer seamless integration into any corporate infrastructure. Dynabook fortified the A Series laptop with security elements including the company’s proprietary BIOS, TPM 2.0 and optional smart card reader. Two new optional biometrics features available on the Portégé A30 are an integrated IR camera for face authentication and a Synaptics TouchPad SecurePad™ with integrated fingerprint reader. To expand the over-

Portege X30

The Portégé X30 and Tecra X40 laptops are Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ ready. The new Wi-Fi standard based on 802.11ax3. This enhancement enables next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity provides higher capacity, coverage, and improves performance even in congested environments with many connected devices such as conference halls and other public venues.

Both laptops incorporate Dynabook’s elegant and durable Onyx Blue magnesium alloy chassis designed to pass Military Durability Testing (MIL-STD810G) standard. Meaning these laptops can easily handle the rigors of professional mobility.

Dynabook Portégé A30 Ideal for small and medium businesses, Dynabook completely redesigned the 13.3-inch Portégé A30 to make it our thinnest and lightest A Series laptop to date. These design enhancements resulted in the Portégé A30 measuring 11 percent thinner (19.9 mm1) with a starting weight of 1.2kg2 while still being a full-featured performance laptop. Featuring a new designed Polycarbonate Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) chassis, the Portégé A30 is designed to pass the Military Durability Testing (MIL-STD-810G)

all functionality of the laptop in terms of data, display and power, Dynabook added a USB-C port to the laptop, which pairs perfectly with the new Dynabook USB-C Dock.

Dynabook USB-C Dock The Dynabook USB-C Dock is the newest addition to the company’s expansive portfolio of industry-leading docking solutions and features a streamlined design. The dock supports 10 ports and an SD Card Slot to expand overall productivity and connectivity to make it the ideal complement for any laptop with a USB-C port, including the Portégé A30. The Dynabook USB-C Dock can support up to three Full High Definition Monitors or one 4K UHD Monitor. The front of the dock has the following ports: an SD Card Slot, USB-C (USB Power & Data), two USB 3.1 and a Headphone/Mic. The back of the dock offers the following ports: two USB 3.1, HDMI, VGA, Display Port 1.4 and RJ45. For convenience, one of the USB 3.1 ports on the front of the dock delivers power to charge phones, tablets and other peripherals.

SHARP: BETTER SOLUTIONS, BETTER LIFE WITH over 37 years of continuous mission in providing a better life for everyone, SHARP Philippines Corporation is truly one of the leading appliance brands. As part of the brand’s firm commitment of introducing quality and innovation, SHARP launched revolutionary products last July 2 at ShangriLa Fort Grand Ballroom.

These game-changer products are categorized in four sections: Entertainment, Business Solutions, Clean & Comfort and Health & Beauty.

During the launch, the media witnessed an awe-inspiring display, which give the audience a real Sharp Experience through the four unique viewing pavilions. Each product line has a dedicated booth to showcase featured products upclose and personal which was explained by their product specialist.

Entertainment Solution Under the vision, Changing the World with 8K, 8K Technology pioneer, SHARP is finally selling 8K LED TV for Filipino market.

Starting its 8K related R&D in 2009, the world’s first 8K display launched in 2011, consequently the world’s first 8K LED TV (1st generation) was launched in Japan, China, and Europe in 2017.

For the Filipino market, this will be SHARP’s 2nd generation 8K TV (8TC80/70/60AX1). With this advanced tech-

SHARP provides entertainment, business, clean and comfort, and health and beauty solutions to Filipinos.

nology, SPC surely retained its standing as the country’s most innovative appliance brand. With the 8K LED TV impressive features, the viewing experience of every Filipino household will surely level up. In fact, with the 8K AI Revelation Engine, the current contents are analyzed and up-converted up to 8K picture quality, resulting in clear, high definition videos. It has SHARP’s original panel with IGZO, an extremely high resolution with around 33 million pixels, delivering crystal clear images. AQUOS 8K LED TV has some successful cases in Japan, already to make

society better to use in medical field, security and education field. It is expected to enhance industry/business possibilities in Philippines as well.

Business Solutions With the continuous evolution of technology, the need to upgrade the tools used in organization and enterprises should be considered. In fact, SHARP launched its new set of B2B AQUOS TV, which are perfect for signage in retail and product AVPs in the office.

Additionally, SHARP acquireD Toshiba Dynabook and will finally be

introduced in the Philippine market.

All-in-one Display—A professional LCD display monitor with built-in SoC (system on a chip) technology for versatile digital signage solutions.

Videowall—A signage display monitor using SHARP Advanced UCCT (Universal Colour Calibration Technology) for superbly colour-accurate, dynamic video walls for inspiring signage. And more.

SHARP BIG PAD—An Interactive display monitor that can be a smart and a powerful partner to boost your collaboration in business meeting.

4K B2B AQUOS—A 4K resolution digital display monitor built for eyecatching signage.

Clean and Comfort Filipinos give importance to hygiene and comfort at homes. The cleaner your house is, the better will be the kind of lifestyle that you get to spend. For this reason, SPC is showcasing the following products: Vacuum cleaner, AIoT J-Tech inverter, and PCI, which are recommended for homes, but also in hospitals, schools, offices and other industry.

Health and Beauty SPC understands the everevolving consumers’ demands on health and beauty, thus offering customized products to meet their needs and objectives, providing fast, costeffective solutions.

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

NOKIA...

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The Nokia 8.1 lets you effortlessly enjoy up to two days on a single charge.

Long-lasting power combined with the Snapdragon 710 Mobile Platform means the Nokia 8.1 can get through any task without breaking a sweat, with 35 percent faster graphics processing and 20 percent higher performance than the previous generation. It also has twice the AI power, thanks to a multi-core AI engine that employs a brand-new architecture for efficient performance. Its Qualcomm® aptX™ audio support also means music lovers can enjoy highquality sound wirelessly over Bluetooth.

The Nokia 2.2, Nokia 3.2 and Nokia 8.1 come with Android 9 Pie out of the box and are all Android Q ready. These Nokia smartphones also join the comprehensive lineup of the Android One family, which means they deliver the latest Android innovations and software experiences. With Android One, you can get great storage and battery life right out of the box with three years of monthly security patches and two major OS updates, keeping the promise of a Nokia mobile experience that just keep getting better.

Availability The Nokia 2.2 with 3GB RAM/32GB ROM configuration is available in Tungsten Black at authorised Nokia mobile resellers online and in-store at official Nokia mobile stores, kiosks and exhibits nationwide for P5,990.

The Nokia 3.2 with 3GB RAM/32GB ROM configuration is available in Black and is on sale exclusively at Shopee.

Every purchase comes with a free Shopee discount voucher worth P1,000, reducing the original price from P7,990 to only P6,990 upon check-out.

The Nokia 8.1 with 6GB RAM / 128GB ROM configuration in Iron Steel colour combination comes exclusively through Lazada for P19,990.

TOP 25...

From C4

eye-catching, while Park Inn by Radisson Davao takes the cake for this list.

Special hotel amenities are features that make these hotels extra cool. In Metro Manila, The Henry Hotel Manila’s The Library is one of those gems. Hotel H2O Manila is also a unique amenity in itself as it’s housed by The Manila Ocean park. Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan has Crimzone for Kids and the Maayo Hotel Cebu has a refreshing rooftop garden. Dusit D2 Davao’s has special Namm Spa for a therapeutic experience like no other.

So, where will your next destination with the best hotel amenity be? Leave it to Traveloka to provide a convenient, hassle-free staycation! Visit https://www. traveloka.com/en-ph/hotel and book your desired hotel now!

IN1GO...

From C4

ness objective or problem, students tried developing solutions based on the information from the data. The collaborative project also served to meet thesis requirements of AIM’s Data Science students.

“What we envision is for our students to work closely with different industries and do a practical application of data science by working hand in hand with various organizations,” said Dr. Christopher P. Monterola, executive director at ACCeSs@AiM and head of AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship.

The Master of Science in Data Science program is a pioneering program of AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship, considered the first in the Philippines and one of the firsts in Asia.

In1Go specializes in supply chain, field and distribution management, location marketing and locationbased services using state-of-the-art technologies.

LENOVO ACCELERATES DIGITAL SHIFT WITH 9TH GEN THINKPADS, THINKVISION TO CONTINUOUSLY provide the Philippine workforce with the enhanced agility and performance required in the modern workspace, global technology leader Lenovo is releasing the newest 9th generation platform ThinkPads with upgrades on portability, enterprise-level security, and power.

“Technology has made it possible for the workforce to conduct business anywhere, anytime. To help organizations achieve maximum efficiency and productivity in a workspace with no boundaries, we at Lenovo continue to develop ThinkPad devices that are both exceptionally powerful and portable to meet today’s complex business demands,” said Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan.

The ultimate business tool, the ThinkPad is known for hallmark features that boost productivity such as its renowned red TrackPoint, ergonomic keys, multimedia buttons, heightened security, and various intelligent features, which are further bolstered by the device’s legendary durability, having undergone military-standard tests.

Lenovo Philippines is releasing five new ThinkPads to cater to the Filipino business market. Bannering them is the Lenovo T490, a powerful device given a boost in performance by the optional Discrete NVIDIA® GeForce® MX250 graphics. It also has a high

memory capacity of up to 48GB DDR4 RAM (2400MHz).

The lineup also has a ThinkPad geared for mobile workers in the form of the X390. It has a battery life of up to 17.6 hours with a Rapid Charge feature. An epitome of portability, it is only 16.5mm thin, weighs only 1.22kg/2.68lbs, and has a hinge that tilts it to 180° max.

The L390, meanwhile, has a full-HD 13.3-inch touchscreen display that allows for more interactivity when dealing with complex datasets at work. Completing the lineup are the E490 and E490s devices, which pack a punch despite being entry level ThinkPads. The E490’s Intel Optane Memory capability, optional two SODIMM, and optional dual-drive storage provides faster performance, while the E490s’ Discrete AMD Radeon 540X graphics with 2GB VRAM and up to 32GB DDR4 2400MHz SODIMM memory makes work a breeze.

For an even more boost in power, Lenovo equipped the ThinkPads with 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processors with an astounding 40% leap in productivity performance over its predecessor. The new ThinkPads also allow users to easily connect the device with their favorite peripherals as they come with an array of ports including USB 3.1 Gen1, USB Type-C, HDMI, and Thunderbolt.

Enterprise-level security is also assured within the new ThinkPads, with the T490 and X390 coming

out with ThinkShield, a suite of security solutions position as the number one player in the PC market that offer comprehensive end-to-end security. The and maintain this by persistently evolving our offerE490, E490s, and L390, meanwhile, include a discrete ings. For the ThinkPad specifically, we will continue to dTPM 2.0 chip that encrypts data, in addition to the explore new opportunities and technologies for employees in the intelligent workspace,” said Ngan.

ThinkShutter camera cover.

ThinkVision: Clarity, connectivity, comfort According to Ngan, these new ThinkPads are in line Together with the new ThinkPads, Lenovo is furwith the company’s moves to strengthen its position as the global leader in PC development and as a provider ther bolstering business with two new ThinkVision displays—the M14 and S24e-10. of innovative commercial The M14 is a mobile and enterprise technolmonitor designed for those ogy. Lenovo is hoping who want to bring an exthat the new devices will tra display with them as sustain the company’s it only weighs a mere 1.3 growth in the commercial pounds. It also has two PC market, wherein LenoUSB Type-C ports to make vo claimed the top spot connectivity to various in worldwide commercial devices effortless. The PC shipments during the S24-10, on the other fourth quarter of fiscal year hand, is designed to 2018-2019, with 34% yearproject clear and crisp on-year growth. presentations at the of“We drive innovation fice with its 23.8” nearthat exceeds expecedgeless panel full-HD tations as we have ThinkVision M14 1920x1080 VA monitor. strengthened our

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TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

NOKIA INTRODUCES NEW RANGE OF SMARTPHONES

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MD Global, the home of Nokia phones, introduces the Nokia 2.2, Nokia 3.2 and Nokia 8.1 to its Filipino fans through exclusive offers on Lazada and Shopee.

With the promise of pure, secure and up-to-date Android that just keeps getting better, the new lineup of Nokia smartphones brings sophisticated AI-powered low-light imaging and fast access Google Assistant at the lowest price point yet through the Nokia 2.2; massive screen and twoday battery life in an affordable yet premium package through the Nokia 3.2; and flagship calibre imaging with ZEISS Optics, PureDisplay screen technology and accelerated performance to the value flagship segment through the Nokia 8.1.

Sancho Chak, HMD Global, General Manager for Philippines, Hong Kong and Macau, said: “We value our relationship with the Filipino Nokia mobile fans.

This is why we offer them only the best smartphones with accelerated performance, designs that are made with precision and are of the highest standards, and the latest AI advances, including fast access to Google Assistant. Running on pure, secure and up-to-date Android 9 Pie reinforced with Android One™, these smartphones uphold HMD Global’s commitment to phones that just keep getting better, made accessible through our online retail partners at irresistible price points.”

Nokia 2.2: Get ahead with advanced AI features and the latest Android The first Nokia 2 series smartphone to be part of the Android One programme, the Nokia 2.2 delivers sophisticated AI-powered low-light imaging and Google Assistant at the press of a button, all at a truly astonishing price.

It gives you the latest full Android experience on a modern 5.7-inch screen with a discreet selfie-notch. The Nokia 2.2 is Android Q ready and will receive two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates, ensuring access to all the latest innovations from Android.

Bringing sophisticated AI-powered low light image fusion, the Nokia 2.2 can take detailed photos even in tricky low-light conditions with its camera

TOP 25 STAYCATION PH HOTELS WITH BEST AMENITIES Nokia 3.2

Nokia 8.1

Nokia 2.2

that snaps multiple images simultaneously through advanced algorithms to create a single image with more light, greater detail and less noise. HDR photography also allows the Nokia 2.2 to capture vivid colours with greater dynamic range in every shot.

The Nokia 2.2 is one of the first phones in its category to come with a biometric face-unlock feature, enabling you to unlock your phone effortlessly. Its Google Lens lets you search what you see—simply point the camera lens at your product of interest to know how you can buy it or point the lens at an album artwork to discover new music and stream via music services such as Spotify.

Nokia 3.2: View more, do more The Nokia 3.2 combines the biggest HD+ display with our signature twoday battery life powered by the latest Android 9 Pie experience.

Nokia 3.2 combines a larger battery than many premium smartphones with efficient hardware and software ingenuity. It has an Adaptive Battery feature introduced in Android 9 Pie that manages background applica-

tions using AI, learning from user behaviour to know when to throttle or increase power for specific apps or processes. It also features an impressive 6.26” HD+ display so you’ll never struggle to watch your favourite movies, TV shows and streams on screen.

Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 429 mobile platform and available with up to 3GB RAM/32GB ROM configuration, the Nokia 3.2 will get through tasks with ease. It is also among the first Nokia smartphones to include a notification light in which the power button comes to life to alert you of notifications so you know when to unlock your phone and check your apps.

Nokia 8.1: Elevate the value flagship experience As the newest addition to Nokia mobile’s value flagship range and the first Nokia smartphone to receive Android Q update, the Nokia 8.1 punches above its weight with extraordinary imaging achieved by its highly sensitive, industry-leading camera sensor, ZEISS Optics and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). It delivers enhanced view-

ing experience even in bright sunlight with its Proprietary PureDisplay screen technology with HDR 10 support along with highly accurate colour reproduction whilst the chipset ensures smooth performance for up to two days on a single charge.

The Nokia 8.1’s great low-light imaging performance comes from its 12MP main camera with ZEISS Optics that has an industry-leading 1/2.55=inch super-sensitive sensor with large 1.4 micron pixels for precise light capture, delivering exceptionally detailed images. With its combination of Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) technology and super-fast autofocus, the Nokia 8.1 doesn’t let shaky hands stop you from capturing crisp images and videos.

The Nokia 8.1 is the second Nokia smartphone to come with PureDisplay screen technology for an enhanced viewing experience. Visuals are taken to another level with HDR 10, which delivers higher contrast, great clarity and over a billion individual colours to ensure images remain accurate whether you’re in a dark room or out in bright sunlight.

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IN1GO, AIM COLLABORATE FOR DATA SCIENCE PROJECT IN1GO TECHNOLOGIES Inc. has partnered with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) for the data science project Capstone Project Collaboration.

The project aims to use information or real data to solve the company’s real-world business problems.

Data from various industries are becoming more and more important for businesses to get ahead.

In1Go Technologies, Inc., an information technology services and BPO (business process outsourcing) company that provides a wide range of value solutions using the latest technologies, provided data so students in AIM’s Master of Science in Data Science program could develop a model that could lead to solutions to its business problems.

“We’re looking forward to this partnership because this is new in the industry. With data science becoming more important, we’re looking into gaining insights from the information that we have to

Present at the signing ceremony held at AIM were (from left) Dr. Tahrini A. Garcia, chief finance officer of In1Go; Ramon S. Garcia, chief executive officer of In1Go; Dr. Christopher P. Monterola, executive director, ACCeSs@ AiM and school head of AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Erika Fille T. Legara, deputy director, ACCeSs@AiM and program director of AIM’s Master of Science in Data Science program.

leverage our clients’ position,” said Ramon S. Garcia, chief executive officer of In1Go. Data In1Go shared from its clients could help develop a predictive model that the company could use internally for its projects or incorporate into its existing applications. In1Go’s clients are mostly from the fastmoving consumer good (FMCG) industry. Their data include inventories, sales and on-shelf availability.

Data Science students from AIM studied, analyzed and worked on the live data to create a model that could benefit In1Go’s clients. Students partnered with data scientists from ACCeSs@AiM to look for patterns and gain insights from the information provided to meet In1Go’s requirements and parameters to solve its business problems.

Students used computers, machine learning and algorithms to process the data. Depending on the busiTurn to C3

WHIRLPOOL LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTS FOR 27 years, Whirlpool and Exatech have joined together to bring quality US appliances to Filipino consumers. Coming from a humble beginning as a local appliance retailer, Exatech has grown into an international distributor after its partnership with Whirlpool in 1992.

Now, three new products were launched at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Hotel ballroom. Special guests included Blanco Wong, Managing Director of Whirlpool Southeast Asia, and Rodrigo Salamoni, Marketing Director of Whirlpool Southeast Asia. Hosted by Donita Rose, the program consisted of demonstrating the unique product features to the audience.

The first product to be revealed was the MWP 305 ES Vancouver microwave oven. Built with an integrated handle and touch-screen design, this model is perfect even for first-time users. The 30-liter capacity Including the grill and steam function also makes it flexible for all kinds of cooking needs.

The next product was the new and improved Bloomwash Inverter Plus washing machine. The Zen Direct Drive Inverter Technology allows a quiet yet high wash performance and ensures high energy savings. Its Hot Wash feature heats up the water up to 45°C to remove different types of stubborn stains and allergens. This was further supported by the lab test done by FAST Lab that showed

the low bacterial count after just one wash cycle.

The final product to be launched was the revolutionary Quattro French Door Refrigerator. Equipped with Whirpool’s patented 6th Sense Technology, it is able to maintain the optimal environment of your food. The Fresh Lock automatically adjust the temperature to maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables while the Freeze Lock reduces freezer burns. Meanwhile. its FlexiFreeze compartment allows you to choose three different temperature levels depending on what food you are storing.

Wong said: ‘We are happy to see that Whirlpool is always warmly welcomed here in the Philippines. The products we present today are meant to increase the comfort and security of every Filipino. It’s our goal to provide energy efficiency along with the high-quality performance that Whirlpool has been known for over 100 years. Our future plans will definitely include innovative features and better quality suited for the different needs in the Filipino market. With the support of Exatech, Whirlpool will surely continue to bring delight to our consumers in the years to come.”

The latest Whirlpool Vancouver Microwave Oven.

BloomWash Inverter Plus Washing Machine and Quattro French Door Refrigerator are now available to the public

Shown here are (from left) Raymond Wee, Whirlpool SEA Head of Business Development; Blanco Wong, Whirlpool SEA Managing Director; Nixon Sioco, Exatech President and CEO; Rodrigo Salamoni, Whirlpool SEA Marketing Director and Chris Sioco, Exatech Sales Director.

through all leading appliance stores nationwide. You may check their website at www.whirlpool.com.ph for more information.

SEARCHING for a staycation destination with specific hotel amenities can be a daunting task.

This is especially true for certain types of travelers: A decent room with a comfortable bed works for the on-the-go traveler. The picky eater needs mouthwatering buffets or a la carte dishes from flagship restaurants. A water baby prefers to stay under the sun in a cozy pool, while a socialite might look for a hip inhouse bar. One can also require an impressive first impression from the reception area’s aesthetics.

That said, Traveloka has rounded up a list of 25 staycation hotels with the best amenities to help those who are looking to have staycations in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The list features lodging luxuries such as swimming pools, breakfast buffet service, flagship restaurants, inhouse bars, and even the lobby, as well as distinct activities.

For the hotels with best swimming pools, Richmonde Hotel and Mella Hotel in Ortigas and Las Pinas, respectively, start the list for Metro Manila. The Crimson Resort and Spa Cebu Mactan and Hotel Tropika Davao wraps up this portion with equally stunning swimming pool facilities. Apart from the structural design and appearance, the line-up also considered the perks guests can experience, like food and beverages to be consumed by the pool, among others.

Foodie travelers who can’t begin the day on an empty stomach, can refer to these hotels for the best, most extensive breakfast buffet options in town. Cafe Ilang Ilang of The Manila Hotel headlines this list, as well as Diamond Hotel’s Corniche for Metro Manila area. Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino’s UNO and Radisson Blu’s Feria are the go-to places in Cebu, while Waterfront Insular Davao’s equally delicious breakfast fare completes the list.

Continuing the eater’s guide to great food flagship restaurants offering hearty meals with quality ingredients and a wide selection of offerings.

Essential Goodness, for the Pilgrims at Lub d Makati and Discovery Suites Manila’s Prime 22 are gastronomic havens in Metro Manila. Cafe Marco in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu and Radisson Blu Cebu’s Urban Table Events Plaza offer culinary masterpieces in the Queen City of the South. Bondi&Bourke at The Bourke Hotel is a new hotspot worth the visit in Davao.

Those in search of a good time need to be in these best hotel bars around the country. The Bayleaf Intramuros Sky Deck View Bar and I’M Hotel Makati’s Antidote Tapas & Bespoke Cocktails will intoxicate guests in Metro Manila. Maayo Hotel Cebu’s Dayun Lounge bar and Bai Hotel Cebu’s Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar, as well as Marco Polo Davao’s Eagle Bar wrap up the socializer’s list for Cebu and Davao, respectively. These joints provide the best drinking ambiance accompanied by sumptuous chow and light or heavy libations for every traveler.

Traveler’s with a discerning visual palette can enjoy these hotels at first glance of the lobbies. The Manila Hotel and Nuwa Manila in The City of Dreams are Metro Manila’s finest.

In Seda Ayala Center Cebu and The Henry Hotel Cebu, the lobbies are Turn to C3

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

UNDER THE SEA IN THE LAND OF LEGO

UP CLOSE. The newly opened marine attraction SEA LIFE Malaysia at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

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lets guests experience a close encounter with more than 13,000 marine life from 120 species.

EGOLAND Malaysia Resort has a new attraction and a special treat to Filipino guests.

A Lego-themed marine sanctuary, SEA LIFE Malaysia is a twostory indoor aquarium that houses more than 13,000 marine life from 120 species and 11 different habitat zones. Among those housed across 25 tanks are stingrays, zebra sharks, blacktip reef sharks, seahorses, jellyfish, and more.

The special habitat zones in the 2,123-square meter aquarium include the Malaysian Rainforest, Stingray Bay, and the fascinating Ocean Tunnel that offers a 180-degree view of the underwater world.

Another amazing spectacle at SEA LIFE Malaysia is the Ocean Cave where visitors can take a magical dive and watch marine life through a concave glass.

“SEA LIFE Malaysia will present families an up-close marine experience through magical storytelling, interactive displays, and a

hands-on encounter at the Rock Pool zone. As visitors journey through the aquarium, we will also engage and inspire them to learn, love, protect, and care for the ocean,” said Kurt Stocks, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort general manager.

Aside from the marine attraction, families who are visiting LEGOLAND Malaysia can also enjoy other exclusive attractions such as The Great LEGO Race VR Coaster—the only virtual reality roller coaster in Malaysia—NINJAGO will delight children as they embark on an action-packed and interactive adventure where they can become Masters of Spinjitzu and have their ninja skills tested.

For a limited time, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is offering a special web promotion to guests from the Philippines. For

FREQUENT FLYER

Emirates Skywards Gold members get various perks.

EMIRATES SKYWARDS OFFERS UPGRADE TO GOLD TIER SILVER and Blue members of Emirates’ loyalty program, Emirates Skywards, have a chance to hop straight to the coveted Gold tier when they buy return Business Class Flex or Flex Plus tickets.

Members must register for the offer and book between July 18 and 26, for travel between July 18 and August 20, 2019. The traveler’s membership will be updated automatically to Gold after completing the return journey.

The Gold membership entails a number of benefits, such as complimentary Business Class lounge access for a member and one guest; priority baggage, check-in, and boarding; additional 16kg checked baggage allowance; unlimited Wi-Fi; 50 percent bonus Skywards Miles; complimentary seat selection; and more.

The Ocean Tunnel offers a 180-degree view of the underwater world.

SkyJet flies four times weekly from Manila to San Vicente

SKYJET LAUNCHES SAN VICENTE PALAWAN ROUTE Among the marine life housed across 25 tanks are stingrays, zebra sharks, blacktop reef sharks, seahorse, jellyfish, and more.

Legoland Hotel has a wide variety of themed rooms and suites.

@MStandardLIFE

the price of a one-day TriplePark pass (P3,931 for adults and P3,140 for kids), Filipino families can already enjoy the LEGOLAND Theme Park, Water Park, and SEA LIFE Malaysia for two days.

“The location of SEA LIFE Malaysia is ideal in attracting tourists from different countries such as the Philippines, especially since

there are available direct flights to and from both countries daily,” said Johor executive committee chairman Yang Berhormat Liow Cai Tung.

Tickets may be purchased at www.legoland.com.my/bookvisit/int-admission-tickets-andannual-passes.

Boutique airline SkyJet now flies directly to San Vicente, Palawan.

The new route provides easier access to iconic spots in San Vicente, Port Barton, and El Nido in just one flight.

These include the ever-famous Long Beach, which is dubbed as the country’s longest white sand beach with a total of 14.7 kilometers.

San Vicente also offers breathtaking spots for island hopping, such as Irawan Beach, Double Island, Exotic Island, Boayan Island, and Inaladelan Island.

Skyjet’s Manila to San Vicente flights fly four times a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

HOTEL ATTRACTIONS INVITATIONS to hotel events poured in during the summer.

Although it is quite a struggle to crisscross the metropolis in this debilitating heat and worsening traffic conditions, the hotels always make it a point to come up with interesting events, so I find myself hurdling all the physical challenges I am faced with, just to experience what they have to offer. Here are two that caught my attention.

The betrothed couple’s table is embellished with attractive Chinese ornaments for the Ting Hun.

The backward walk is followed by another ritual, where a married woman with a wealthy and healthy family, whom the bride should see as a role model, turns the bride around three times until she is allowed to meet the groom.

After the entrance, the ceremonial serving of the drink ensues. The MERCURY RISING drink, which symbolizes happiness

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO and good luck, is served from the eldest to the youngest members of the family, while the soon-to-be Century Park Hotel’s Ting Hun married couple is served last. Sweet tea soup, which Filipino-Chinese families have their own version of signifies harmony, is also served to the entourage.

Pamamanhikan (engagement tradition) which they Ting Huns are also known for their extravagant gift call Ting Hun, widely known for its unique and tradi- exchange between the couple’s respective families. It tional rituals presented during the ceremony. One ritu- is common to exchange jewelry, but it all depends on al is the walking of the bride backwards when entering the families’ financial capabilities. What is important is the place where the event is held. This is to prevent the that the gifts come in pairs. bride from seeing the groom immediately and to avoid Noodles, eggs, rounded fruits, cakes, and sweets negative energy.

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Destinations

STAY IN Affordable accommodations for budget travelers, stranded commuters

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N OUT of town trips or days when a person find themselves stuck in an impossible traffic or flooding situation—or, you know, the usual Metro Manila problems— budget hotels come to rescue.

Singapore-based tech-enabled hotel accommodations RedDoorz is a growing presence in the Philippines with its more than 150 affordable accommodations in over 10 cities in the country.

RedDoorz runs on its digital bookings from a user-friendly application that can recommend hotels based on users’ specifications, and provide reviews along with detailed descriptions.

“For instances that you would want to watch and swim with the whale sharks in Cebu, visit the beaches in Palawan, see the century-old Spanish churches and houses in Iloilo, have a taste of the famous Chicken Inasal in Bacolod, go on a food trip in Pampanga, feel the cold air of Tagaytay, hang out in Manila, there’s always a range of properties you could choose from,” RedDoorz said in a statement.

Basic amenities are available in each property. An overnight stay starts at P599.

RedDoorz has more than 150 accommodations in over 10 cities in the Philippines. Basic amenities are available in each property, and an overnight stay starts at P599.

OYO Hotels & Homes, an Indian hotel chain that partners with small, independent hotels, has over 500 rooms across the country.

HOTEL...

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lated to their forthcoming wedding.

Call (02) 528-8888 or 0917-528-5888, or email information@centurypark.com. are also exchanged. Noodles, in the ph for more information.

Chinese culture, have always signified longevity. Eggs, on the other hand, Conrad Manila’s symbolize fertility towards building a The Perfect Pair family in the future. Fruits represent I have always enjoyed sipping my fawealth, while the cake and sweets sig- vorite cocktails at the C Lounge of Connify a sweet start for the couple. rad Manila because of the breathtaking Ting Huns are panoramic view usually held at of the sunset it ofthe house of the fers. After a long YOUR WEEKEND bride-to-be, as day, nothing beats it is the future CHUCKLE such de-stressing groom’s time ritual, especially WIFE: Honey, what happened to to formally ask because the food “Ladies First?” for the woman’s served enhances HUSBAND: That’s the reason why hand in marthe feel-good mothe world’s a mess today, because riage. ment. This is why I a lady went first!

But for those was so excited to who prefer to learn of the hotel’s host the event, new offering at Century Park Hotel offers a complete the C Lounge.

Ting Hun package, making it easy for The Perfect Pair is a weekly couples to focus on other matters re- (Wednesday evenings), three-course

India’s hotel chain, OYO Hotels & Homes likewise makes it easier to go around Metro Manila with over 500 rooms across the country. It partners with small, independent hotels with less than 100 rooms.

Nature lovers looking for a respite from urban stress may explore the various plant and animal species in the 33-hectare La Mesa EcoPark. Or head over to Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife, which offers a quick oasis right at the center of Quezon City, where families and friends can have a picnic or stroll around.

Accessible from these parks is OYO 108 Spiral Suites which offers premium customer service and an in-house restaurant overlooking the area.

For a weekend of art appreciation around Quezon City, must-visit is the Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center inside UP Diliman as it has a rich collection of the paintings of Juan Luna, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, Victorio Edades, and Fernando Amorsolo.

After a day of art immersion, OYO One Liberty Hotel, which is just a few minutes away from UP Diliman, boasts 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, and an in-house restaurant.

Meanwhile, OYO 112 Majesty Suites, located near Araneta Center, provides accommodation near Cubao’s lively art and entertainment scene.

There’s Sining Kamalig, Art in Island Museum, Cubao Expo, Gateway Gallery, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Kia Theater, and more. The hotel offers 24hour front desk service, a concierge, and luggage storage for guests.

Finally, travelers embarking on a Philippine history tour—visiting Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine, Intramuros, Manila Post Office and other government buildings around the vicinity, National Museum complex, and the Metropolitan Theater— can cap the day with a refreshing stay at OYO 121 Nakpil, which is one of the most highly rated hotels by guests.

degustation, specially prepared by Executive Chef Daniel Patterson, paired with red and white wines. It is part of the hotel chain’s #EatDrinkHilton seasonal produce dining campaign, turning the spotlight on an “ingredient of the month.”

General Manager Laurent Boisdron proudly announced their use of sustainably sourced seasonal ingredients, such as mint leaves, coriander, grains, and tomatoes. Their choice items are chili for July, chocolate for August, and lemongrass for September, among others, and they make sure that their menu pairings change every week.

Additional information are available at (02) 683-3990 or conradmanila@ conradhotels.com With all these interesting attractions offered by the hotels, it’s small wonder why I find myself all over the metropolis any day of the week.

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

A part of Conrad Manila’s The Perfect Pair is this Chilled Salad of Raw Papaya and Tandoori Chicken in Rice Paper Wrap.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019

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

NEW SERIES GIVES VIEWERS THE CHILLS ON

‘AFTERNOON PRIME’

CHILLING ROMANCE. Rayver Cruz with his ‘Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko’ co-stars Megan Young, Kris Bernal, and Kim Domingo.

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HREE women entangled in a web of vengeful passion...all in pursuit of their one and only love.

That’s the basic premise of the chilling tale of Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko, which airs beginning tomorrow, July 22.

Headlined by Megan Young, Rayver Cruz, Kim Domingo, and Kris Bernal, the thrilling suspense-drama showcases a haunting love story like no other.

The series follows the story of Yvie (Megan) and Matteo (Rayver).

They are childhood sweethearts who fell in love and married each other.

Together with their adopted son, they happily moved into their new family home, along with Yvie’s best friend and cousin, Katya (Kim). But their bliss is quickly replaced by fear. Naomi (Kris), Matteo’s ex-girlfriend, will stop at nothing to disrupt their perfect lives—dead or alive.

Also starring in this unique series are Boots Anson

Roa, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Francine Prieto, Beverly Salviejo, Denise Barbacena, Analyn Barro, Joaquin Manansala, and Euwenn Mikael Aleta.

The show’s creative team is composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan, Creative Head Dode Cruz, Creative Consultant Des Severino; headwriter Denoy Punio; writers Joy Borgy Danao, John Kenneth De Leon, and Brylle Tabora; and brainstormer Roda Sulit Marino.

This original series is produced by the GMA Entertainment Group headed by the group’s SVP Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Program Manager Anthony R. Pastorpide, and Executive Producer Jojo Aleta.

The series, which airs Mondays to Saturdays, after Eat Bulaga, is under the helm of Director Jorron Lee Monroy.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visitwww. gmapinoytv.com.

ABS-CBN NEWS, ALL SET FOR MULTIPLATFORM SONA COVERAGE PRESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) tomorrow, July 22, and Filipinos all over the world can watch, listen, or read about it, together with all the stories surrounding the speech through ABSCBN News’ comprehensive, multiplatform coverage on ABS-CBN, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, DZMM TeleRadyo, ANC, and and news.abs-cbn.com.

Leading the way in delivering up-tothe-minute news, analyses, features, and reports on key issues about #SONA2019 on TV, radio, and digital are seasoned news anchors and multi-awarded journalists Karen Davila, Julius Babao, Tony Velasquez, Karmina Constantino, Christian Esguerra, Ricky Rosales, Vic Lima, Gerry Baja, and Anthony Taberna.

Davila helms ABS-CBN’s special coverage, which begins after It’s Showtime and will have live reports from Batasang Pambansa Complex and different points in the country from ABS-CBN News’ team of reporters and correspondents.

On ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, cable viewers can get regular SONA updates from all news programs in the morning, and from noon to afternoon with Cruz and Yang, including live reports and stories about the president’s SONA, the speakership race, and the opening of both houses of Congress on the same day.

The special coverage begins at 3:00 p.m. with Velasquez and Constantino, who will be joined by guests Prof. Randy David and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) undersecretary Jonathan Malaya to discuss the president’s legislative agenda and the issues raised during the SONA. Esguerra, meanwhile, will anchor the broadcast from the House of Representatives and will provide live updates throughout the special coverage.

On the other hand, the special coverage on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo starts at 12:00 nn on Monday with Babao and Velasquez on “Headline Pilipinas” followed by the tandem of Rosales and Lima at 1 pm. Baja and Taberna will take over in the afternoon as the President begins and ends his speech. Radyo Patrol reporters Robert Mano, Zandro Ochona, and Joyce Balancio will deliver updates from Batasan.

Meanwhile, netizens can go to ABSCBN News’ SONA 2019 site (news.abscbn.com/sona2019) for the latest news, special stories, and livestream of the President’s speech. As early as 10 am on SONA Day as Congress opens, breaking news and updates will be posted on the site. It will also house stories on the status of President Duterte’s previous SONA promises, “SONA-serye” pieces on key reform issues told from the eyes of the people, and a special explainer about the SONA on NXT. For breaking news and live updates, Filipinos can follow the official Twitter pages of ABS-CBN News, ANC, and DZMM, and view the actual SONA on the news platforms’ Facebook pages.

Watch online via iWant or skyondemand.com.ph.

RECORD-BREAKING PRIMETIME EMMY NODS FOR HBO COUCH POTATO IVY ROSSINI HBO received a record-breaking 137 Primetime Emmy® nominations for the upcoming 71st Primetime Emmy Awards®.

HBO’s previous record was set in 2015 with 126 Primetime Emmy® nominations.

Game Of Thrones received 32 nominations, the most of any program, while Chernobyl received 19 nominations, Barry received 17 nominations and Veep, True Detective and Last Week Tonight With John Oliver each received 9 nominations.

HBO’s Emmy® nominations this year include: 32 nominations for Game Of Thrones, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Kit Harington), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Emilia Clarke), 4 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Gwendoline Christie, Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams), 3 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Alfie Allen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Din-

klage), Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Carice van Houten), 3 for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, David Nutter, Miguel Sapochnik) and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (David Benioff & D.B. Weiss); 19 nominations for Chernobyl, including Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Jared Harris), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Emily Watson), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Stellan Skarsgård), Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Movie (Johan Renck), and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special (Craig Mazin); 17 nominations for Barry, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Bill Hader), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Sarah Goldberg), 3 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Anthony Carrigan, Stephen Root, Henry Winkler), 2 for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Alec Berg, Bill Hader) and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Alec Berg and Bill Hader); Nine nominations for Veep, includ-

ing Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Tony Hale), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Anna Chlumsky), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (Peter MacNicol) and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (David Mandel); Nine nominations for True Detective, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Mahershala Ali); Nine nominations for Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, including Outstanding Variety Talk Series, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series (Paul Pennolino), Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series and Outstanding Interactive Program; Eight nominations for Sharp Objects, including Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Amy Adams) and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Patricia Clarkson): Eight nominations for Deadwood: The Movie, including Outstanding Television Movie; five nominations for Succession, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Adam McKay)

and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Jesse Armstrong); and five nominations for Leaving Neverland, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/ Nonfiction Program (Dan Reed).

Other HBO nominees include Ballers, Brexit, The Case Against Adnan Syed, Flight Of The Conchords: Live In London, Game Of Thrones: The Last Watch, Insecure, The Inventor: Out For Blood In Silicon Valley, Jane Fonda In Five Acts, The Many Lives Of Nick Buoniconti, My Dinner With Hervé, The Sentence, Song Of Parkland And When You Wish Upon A Pickle: A Sesame Street Special.

In addition, the Cinemax series Warrior received a nomination for Outstanding Main Title Design.

HBO Go subscribers can also stream the entire series of the Emmy®nominated The Handmaid’s Tale, which received 11 nominations, including Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, on HBO GO. The Primetime Emmy® Awards will be announced on Sept. 22. *** My column for Tuesday next week will be a post-EDDYS analysis. Please watch out for it.

D4

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets

WARNING:

SOME ESSENTIAL OILS ARE TOXIC TO PETS (Last of two parts)

• Thuja • Wintergreen • Wormwood • Yarrow

C

ATS can also benefit from some essential oils.

Proper use of essentials oils for pets: 1. Always combine pure essential oil with a base oil.

Price said Dog Oiler recommends the use of coconut oil as the best carrier oil or base oil.

“Not only does the use of a carrier oil like coconut reduces the likelihood of skin irritation, but it’s also helps to nourish your pet’s skin — plus research has shown it has helpful antifungal properties, “ Price said.

“To reduce the chances of sensitivity and organ toxicity, we generally use an oil for no more than two weeks and then provide a rest period. Under certain circumstances—like in the treatment of cancer—we will use oils for longer periods, but this is something best left to those trained in the use of oils,” Palmquist said.

A word of caution however. These essential oils are not for ingestion or internal use. Also, most oils should be diluted in a base oil like almond oil or coconut oil before applying on the skin.

Anne Price provided a list from Palmquist and stressed these oils can be used on a short-term basis only.

1. Spearmint Oil This is similar to peppermint oil in terms of scent and uses.

This oil can be used for cats for different concerns, such as nausea and diarrhea.

For overweight cats, some vets use this to balance the metabolism.

Some vets also use this for gastrointestinal problems in cats.

2. Frankincense Oil Frankincense has been helpful in some cases of cancer. Palmquist said it helped reduce tumors and external ulcers.

Frankincense can boost blood supply to the brain.

But it can make high blood pressure worse so be careful when using it.

Do ask your vet before using this.

Refrain from using on cats with a history of hypertension.

3. Cardamom Oil Cardamom aids in digestion for pets too. “ It can help ease heartburn while also encouraging a healthy appetite level. It also has natural antimicrobial properties and can be helpful for cough, “ Price said.

4. Helichrysum Oil Helichrysum is helpful due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

“For pets, it’s excellent for decreasing bleeding due to accidents and for general skin rejuvenation as well.

Helichrysum oil is also used to support the nervous system and boost heart health,“ Price said.

5. Fennel Oil Fennel’s smell is sweet, similar to licorice.

“In cats, it may be able to help balance the pituitary, thyroid and pineal glands. If your cat has a buildup of fluid and/or toxins in its tissues, topical application of diluted fennel may help break up that unhealthy buildup and get things back to normal, “ Price said.

Essential oils that are toxic/NOT recommended for use with dogs: • Clove • Garlic • Juniper • Rosemary • Tea Tree • Thyme • Wintergreen Essential oils that are toxic/NOT recommended for use with cats: • Cassia • Cinnamon • Clove • Eucalyptus • Lemon • Lavender • Peppermint • Spruce • Tea Tree • Thyme

30 Essential Oils You Should Never Use on Any Animal: • Anise • Birch • Bitter Almond • Boldo • Calamus • Camphor • Cassia • Chenopodium • Clove • Garlic • Goosefoot • Horseradish • Hyssop (Hyssopus sp. with the exception of Decumbens) • Juniper (Juniperus sp. with the exception of Juniper Berry) • Mugwort • Mustard • Oregano • Pennyroyal • Red or White Thyme • Rue • Santolina • Sassafras • Savory • Tansy • Tea Tree • Terebinth

2. Always keep essential oils out of the reach of pets and children.

“If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned by essential oils, immediately contact your veterinarian.

Bring the suspected essential oil offender with you to the vet in a sealed container, “ Price said.

“If you believe your pet swallowed the oil, inducing vomiting or giving activated charcoal are not recommended as this may make the situation even worse, “ Price said.

Signs and symptoms of essential oil poisoning in pets: • Difficulty in breathing • Drooling • Lethargy or weakness • Muscle tremors • Pawing at the mouth or face • Redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue or skin • Trouble walking or an uncoordinated gait • Vomiting 3. Choose only 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and certified USDA organic essential oils for pets, Price said.

4. Consult your vet.

“There are many important cautionary tips to know before using essential oils for pets, and it’s also important you include your vet on essential oils for pets choices, especially if your pet is very young, old or has an ongoing health concern,” Price stressed.

TIPS ON FINDING A MISSING PET THERE have been more posts on Facebook on missing dogs and cats, and dogs found with collars on the streets.

Here are some tips from animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.) on what to do when your pet gets lost: 1. Look at your CCTV monitor. You might find a clue as to what happened to your dog. If you know which direction to go, you might be able to catch up with your dog. If your dog was stolen, and you can no longer keep up with the culprit, you can go directly to the police to report the incident. They can help you find your dog.

2. Go around the neighborhood immediately and ask your neighbors, the guards and the tricycle drivers if they have seen your dog by showing a photo of your dog from your phone’s camera.

3.

Look for CCTV cameras in the neighborhood and ask your neighbors to check if your dog was captured on camera, if someone has taken the dog or assisted the dog, and the direction where the dog went at the time indicated in the camera. This will give you an idea on how far your dog may have gone and where to look further.

4. Go to the barangay if they have a pound. Find out if your dog was captured. And report your dog or dog to be missing. Leave your contact number.

They may get information on your pet’s whereabouts later.

5. Go to the city or municipal pound.

Your dog may have been transferred by the barangay pound there.

6. Make a missing dog or cat poster.

Indicate the following: -photo of the dog or cat -a reward -name of contact person - contact number of the contact person 7.Make sure the reward in peso will be noticed by persons who may pass by the missing pet poster.

The reward should be close to the value of the dog if the dog has a breed.

Unfortunately, some people do sell dogs and cats with breed to backyard breeders.

8.Never put the name of the dog or cat in the poster. If your dog or cat is avoiding humans to protect himself or herself, the pet will be confused if a stranger will call him or her by his/her name.

9. Post as many posters you can on electricalpoles, trees (use tape only and not a stapler) and sari-sari stores.

10. Never lose hope. Go to all areas where your dog or cat was reported to have been seen or spotted.

When Richie, a rescued dog left an adopter’s house, we went to the spots where he was reported to have been seen but with caution. Be careful who you will trust.

Make sure you are accompanied by two or three members of the family who are strong and alert to avoid any untoward incident.

MY FURRY BESTIE THIS corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features.

We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals.

For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject.

GABEE is a rescued female asong PInoy (aspin) who brought many wonderful surprises to her rescuer-furmon Ma. Malaya “Bet” Enano in the past two months since her rescue.

“Hi, meet Gabee. I rescued her last May 8.

Her laboratory tests on May 14 showed she is negative of any illness except for heartworm. The pregnancy test showed she is also not pregnant, “ recalls Bet. Bet says, “We gave her meds, healthy food, and vitamins which were very expensive—and lots of TLC (tender loving care) of course—just to make her healthy.”

Gabee underwent treatment for heartworm.

Last June 15 however, Bet says they were “surprised when Gabee gave birth to a healthy female puppy!”

“What happened to the pregnancy test worth P1k plus? Well, kung napalpak sa heartworm test before, it doesn't matter anymore as long as she is healthy and the baby is healthy too,“ Bet says.

Last July 11, there was another good news. Bet shares Gabee was declared free of heartworm after two months of taking meds.

Gabee was given the 5-in-1 vaccination and will soon join Bet’s other furbabies.

Bet has eight (8) dogs, six of whom were adopted, and one (Gabee) was rescued and gave her a puppy.

Bet also has 43 cats in their Pampanga home, the oldest is 16 years old. Most of the cats were rescued.

PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS Stake out a reported site. If the place is dark or you feel unsafe, follow your instinct. Be careful and keep to a safe distance until you spot the dog or cat.

11. Ask permission to post in bulletin boards of clinics and pet shops, and post in different pages of animal welfare groups and dog or cat lovers groups on Facebook and other social media platforms.

To avoid losing your pet: 1. Always accompany your dog when going out of the house. Put a collar or harness and keep him or her on a leash.

2. Always keep the gate or main door closed. Make sure there is no opening or “hole” in the fence that is big enough for a dog or a cat to get through.

3. Put your dog in a collapsible cage or carrier when you are opening the gate to bring your car out.

4. Keep your dog indoor when you have to open the gate to bring the car out or you plan to have a get-together in the garage.

5. Never allow your dog to go out of the house to poop and urinate. You should accompany your dog. Again, put on a harness and leash on your dog.

6. For small dogs, keep a litter box inside the house for a dog to urinate and poop in.

In photos are pets who have been reported as missing. If you have seen any of the pets, please contact the owner immediately.

KOFI carries the last name of her furparent. She is thus called KOFI XIANGHUA TAN. That is how well loved she is by her furparent Rackel Tan and the rest of the family.

“She’s Kofi Xianghua Tan. She may be seen as a pup, but me, my family and the rest of our friends see and treat her as a young child. A princess, “ Rackel says.

“She enjoys the attention of my mother and Kofi often scolds mama whenever she won’t bring her to the mall or even in the bathroom, “ Rackel adds.

“She’s the love of our lives, “ Rackel says.

Editor's note: These stories were compiled by admin Miks Lim of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), a SEC-registered animal welfare group that helps animals in need, and encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from fosters, shelters and pounds, and spaying and neutering of pets to control animal population in the country, among others.