23 minute read
Help and support each other. In some of the
Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (center) challenges Nastic´s defense during a friendly football match between FC Barcelona and Nastic at the Johan Cruyff stadium in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona. AFP
Messi plays 45 minutes in Barca friendly victory
MADRID—Lionel Messi started and played 45 minutes in Barcelona’s first pre-season friendly on Saturday as Ronald Koeman showed no hesitation in reintegrating the Argentinian.
Barca beat third tier side Gimnastic Tarragona 3-1, with Ousmane Dembele opening the scoring on his first appearance since November.
Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho, who was also returning after his loan spell at Bayern Munich, then each scored penalties, either side of Javier Bonilla pulling one back for the visitors.
But Messi’s return at the Johan Cruyff Stadium was perhaps the biggest plus for Koeman, who was taking charge of his first game since being appointed coach last month.
Messi also led the team out wearing the armband after Barcelona had confirmed earlier on Saturday that he will continue as captain this season.
Both club and player appear keen to put on a united front, at least for now, ahead of their return to La Liga later this month.
After condemning the board last week and admitting he had been forced to stay, Messi arrived early on Monday for his return to pre-season training and worked on the squad’s days off in a bid to catch up.
Koeman, meanwhile, said last month he only wanted players who wanted to be at Barcelona but he was full of praise for Messi on Friday, calling him “the best”, and backed that up in his first team selection.
Messi played 45 minutes as part of Koeman’s plan to field two different lineups in each half.
Yet his starting front three of Messi, Griezmann and Dembele looked suspiciously like a first-choice attack, with Dembele making his first appearance since he tore his hamstring nine months ago.
Koeman also handed starts to youngsters Carles Alena and Pedri in midfield while Jordi Alba, Clement Lenglet, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto formed a familiar back four, ahead of Neto, who is standing in for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.
New signing Francisco Trincao, Coutinho, Frenkie de Jong and 19-yearold American international Konrad de la Fuente were among those to come on for the second half.
There was no place in the squad for either Luis Suarez or Arturo Vidal, who have both been told they can leave. AFP
Esports group appeals to POC
THE National Electronic Sports Federation of the Philippines has asked the Philippine Olympic Committee to reconsider its decision to accept as member any group claiming legitimacy as the national sports association for esports until after the International Olympic Committee recognizes an international federation for the sport.
NESFP President Ramon Suzara sent POC President Rep. Abraham Tolentino a meticulously detailed letter stressing that the IOC has yet to name an IF for esports and that the NESFP—and not the PESO—has a lock as the NSA for the sport for having organized and managed the competition and selected and trained gold medal-winning athletes in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, where esports was played as a medal sport for the first time in the Games.
“On behalf of the NESFP, I urgently seek a reconsideration of your decision to accredit the Philippine eSports OrgaTHE Zamboanga City MLV Valientes will finally experience playing for a prestigious professional homegrown league in the Philippines.
Owned by Rolando “Junnie” Navarro Jr., the Zamboanga City MLV Valientes are so excited to play in the National Basketball League after turning professional last Wednesday, with the recognition given by the Games and Amusements Board, under its chairman Abraham Mitra.
“The Valientes will always be there for Zamboangueños, win or lose. We want Zamboangueños to play, we know Zamboangueños are good players, we already proved that in National PRISAA when Zamboanga won two titles, and champions in NBA 3x3 in the country,” said Navarro.
Also supporting the team is the accounting firm MLV in Australia, owned by Michael Venezuala, the co-owner of the Valientes MLV.
“It has been a dream of every Zamnization as an associate member NSA for electronic sports instead of NESFP,” Suzara said in the letter dated September 2.
The POC, in a virtual General Assembly last August 29, accepted the PESO as member –upon the recommendation of Membership Committee head Bones Floro—on the contention that the PESO is affiliated with the International Esports Federation (IESF), which claims IOC recognition.
Suzara said the IESF is neither recognized by the IOC nor is it on the list of the Global Association of International Sports Federations. boangueño basketball player to play professionally,” said Navarro, who thanks supporters MLV Accounting of Australia, Cory Navarro, Kings Manpower, Big Fundamental Basketball Academy, Ultra Pi Water-Calixto Street, Kamiseta Mindanao and Vice Cosmetics Zamboanga.
“The Valientes are the original team of Zamboanga, the only team from Mindanao and the first pro team in Zamboanga. The fans are very excited to see our team finally play in the pro league,” he added.
Navarro announced the appointment proud Zamboangueño, while the players are led by former University of the East’s Gino Jumaoas from Boalan, Das “Tausug Hero” Esa from Barangay San Jose, AA Fabian and Jon Rebollos from Sta. Maria.
The Valientes also want to thank their Mayor Beng Climaco for the allout support to the team.
The winning legacy of the late Lando
“This clearly does not comply with the captioned requirement under POC Membership Rules,” he said.
The NESFP, on the other hand, enjoys the sanction of the Global Esports Federation and its continental confederation, the Asian Esports Federation.
The AESF, Suzara stressed, is also the Olympic Council of Asia’s partner, having received the authority to manage esports as a demonstration sport in the 2018 Indonesia Asian Games.
Suzara requested the POC to revisit the hierarchy of recognition when an IOC-affiliated IF is non-existent.
“The contention is now between one NSA recognized by an IF candidate [PESO], and one NSA recognized by the AF [Asian federation], by the OCA, and by another IF candidate [NESFP],” Suzara said. Once again, in a scenario where two IFs are in contention, the general succession or hierarchy would place the AF to prevail in deciding upon the NF. In this case, NESFP clearly carNavarro, Junnie’s father, is now expected to continue and follow the tradition of an all-Zamboanga team that won in the big leagues, such as the Nike Summer League (where Zamboanga beat UAAP teams UP, UST and NU in 2007), the LYON—After seven Tour de France victories in eight years, the Ineos reign is being challenged by a powerful Jumbo team that holds the overall lead and most of the aces with seven of 21 stages remaining.
The relentless form of Jumbo’s powerhouse leader Primoz Roglic means 2019 champion Egan Bernal must produce something special in the high mountains ahead.
Yet given the difficulty of the rest of this 2020 route Ineos and Bernal are far from finished, Roglic said on Saturday.
Dave Brailsford, who has masterminded the triumphs of the team formerly known as Sky, told AFP this week he remained confident his plan for an eighth victory on the iconic Champs-Elysees next Sunday is on track. Execution
ries all the credentials.”
Suzara also took notice in the letter the absence of any action or correspondence by the POC to numerous letters and attempts by his group to discuss why the NESFP should be a member of the organization.
methods to communicate with the POC, the NESFP has been unable to receive any action,” Suzara said. “The initial letters and/or emails were transmitted weeks before the pandemic struck, and therefore, would have merited any form of reply from the POC Membership Committee or the POC Secretariat.”
“There is no factual and legal basis for the accreditation of PESO as a POC member. But with the documents the NESFP have presented—and given its experience and outstanding performance in the conduct of the 2019 SEA Games—the NESFP is unquestionably the one eligible for accreditation by the POC,” Suzara said.
Valientes MLV is 1st all-pro team in Zamboanga City
of new head coach Joseph Romarate, a
The Zamboanga City MLV Valientes with muse Empress Schuck
National Basketball Conference, the Liga Pilipinas and the PBA D-League, among others.
The NBL is the second active professional league in the country after
“Despite several attempts and of Iranian wrestler stuns IOC
LAUSANNE—-The International Olympic Committee said it was “shocked” by Saturday’s execution of a young Iranian wrestler over the murder of a public sector worker during anti-government protests in 2018.
Navid Afkari was executed at a prison in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz, something the IOC said was “very sad news”.
“The IOC is shocked by this announcement today,” it added.
IOC president Thomas Bach had made “direct personal appeals to the Supreme Leader and to the President of Iran this week and asked for mercy for Navid Afkari, while respecting the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran”.
“It is deeply upsetting that the pleas of athletes from around the world and all the behind-thescenes work of the IOC, together with the NOC of Iran, United World Wrestling and the National Iranian Wrestling Federation, did not achieve our goal.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Navid Afkari.”
Afkari, 27, had been found guilty of “voluntary homicide” for stabbing to death Hossein Torkman, a water department worker, on August 2, 2018, according to the Iranian judiciary.
Shiraz and several other urban centres across the Islamic republic had been the scene that day of anti-government protests and demonstrations over economic and social hardship.
Reports published abroad say basis of confessions aired on television after being extracted under torture, prompting online campaigns of support for his release. AFP
Brailsford’s Tour de France reign on edge
Afkari was condemned on the the Philippine Basketball Association.
Brailsford’s approach saw Bernal seize victory on stage 19 last year.
“So far so good,” Brailsford said before Bernal faltered on Thursday, slipping further off the pace.
“It’s kind of what we expected really, it’s going to be a race of attrition.”
Ineos are without the authority of four-time champion Chris Froome or the charismatic 2018 champion Geraint Thomas.
Richard Carapaz, the man catapulted into the line-up to shepherd Bernal up the hills, fell heavily on the first stage, while Bernal has been nursing a bad back.
“Its very peculiar to see Ineos in this situation. It’s the first time in eight years we have seen them like that,” Michael Rasmussen, the Tour’s King of the Mountains in 2005 and 2006, told AFP in Lyon on Saturday.
“Bernal is highly mature and it’s difficult not to like him. But he’s got his work cut out,” said Rasmussen, now a cycling pundit for Danish media.
“For me it’s Jumbo’s to lose.”
Roglic took the yellow jersey in the Pyrenees and was also stronger than Bernal on Puy Mary in the Massif Central on Friday.
There are four mountain stages left, two with summit finishes.
While Sunday’s ride up Grand Colombier and Wednesday’s slog up Meribel look similar, the second climb is slightly longer, a little steeper and finishes at a much higher altitude, which could help Colombian Bernal.
“The Alpine stage on Wednesday will suit him, but what can stop Roglic?” asked Rasmussen. AFP
Piolo’s secret revealed
Paolo Pascual is the latest brand ambassador of beauty and wellness brand, Beautederm.
Ace Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual has been introduced by Beautéderm Corporation as its newest celebrity ambassador in time for the lifestyle and beauty brand’s celebration of its 11th year as one of major key players in the beauty and wellness industry in the country.
In a statement sent to Manila Standard Entertainment, Beautéderm said that Piolo joining the brand as ambassador is one of the big surprises the company has lined-up for its loyal customers, resellers, and distributors this year.
“Piolo has always been in my bucket list ever since I started the company in
ABS-CBN takes another huge step in its digital shift as it moves from live auditions to discovering new talents online with Bida Star, Star Hunt’s newest virtual talent competition set to discover the first Ultimate Bida Star.
Out of thousands of aspiring talents, 50 were selected to enter the competition and go head-to-head for a chance to take home the P25,000 prize and to star in their own short feature alongside a Kapamilya artist. through a KUMU acting challenge and a mentor’s challenge which will test their skills and determination. To help them with the challenges, the star dreamers will undergo acting workshops supervised by esteemed mentors who will guide them to unleash their “Bida Star” quality.
Fans can vote for their bets by sending KUMU virtual gifts or by logging in to ktx.abs-cbn.com.
At the end of the week, the star dreamer who will get the lowest number of KUMU virtual gifts and lowest score from the mentors will be elimi
Beautéderm President and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan is honored to have the award-winning actor on-board the thriving company that she built 11 years ago. 2009. With hard work, careful planning, and prayers my dream to have him as one of my ambassadors is finally a reality as I have always admired his body of work as one of the most accomplished and respected artists in the industry,” Beautéderm President and CE O R hea Anicoche-Tan, who is honored by People Asia magazine in the prestigious roster of its annual “Women of Style and Substance” issue this September, said of having the award-winning actor on-board the thriving company that she built 11 years ago.
P iolo, who lives an active and healthy lifestyle, is endorsing Beau Ch arcoal Soap from the brand’s Spruce & Dash men’s line – a bestseller and a favorite product of thousands of consumers. Beau, an FDA notified and a certified Superbrands bath soap, detoxifies and exfoliates as it provides a clean, fresh, and delicious scent especially for busy men who is always on the go like Piolo.
“ My sister has been a longtime user of Beautéderm products, I have read a lot about the brand, and I’ve been hearing positive feedback about it from my colleagues in the business. Beau is a daily essential of mine as it truly delivers its promises – I feel relaxed, energized, and rejuvenated every time I take a shower after a long day,” Piolo shared in a statement.
A nicoche-Tan is also very grateful for the unwavering support of loyal Beautéderm users even during the midst of the pandemic.
“ We will continue to be faithful to our commitment to serve not only our users but our resellers and distributors as well in developing more products that boast of the highest quality. We have partnered with Piolo because we have so many similarities – chief among them is our unrelenting passion for excellence. We, at Beautéderm, are humbled to have him as part of our family,” Anicoche-Tan underscored in her message.
Piolo, who is also a businessman himself, is inspired by the business model of Beautéderm. He is glad to know that the brand is helping so many people and their families because of the business opportunities that it provides to its resellers and distributors around the country.
“Their sales force is one of the most hard-working teams I’ve ever seen and I am honored to be part of Beautéderm,” Piolo said.
For more information on Beautéderm and Piolo, follow @beautédermcorporation on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to BeautédermTV
Kapamilya network turns to digital to find ultimate ‘Bida Star’
Every week, the star dreamers will go
on YouTube.
ABS-CBN takes another huge step in its digital shift as it moves from live auditions to discovering new talents online with ‘Bida Star.’ RSP!’s main hosts Aljo Bendijo, Dianne Querrer, and Gab Bayan.
V ie w ers h ave something better than a cup of warm coffee to get their day started on a high note with a new morning barkada that joins in their breakfast tables with timely and relevant news, interesting discussions and features, and even valuable help when needed, through Rise and Shine, Pilipinas. The new morning show is airing on the People’s Television Network (PTV) and aims to be their daily source of useful news and inspiration on how to make the most of their lives, enabling them to eventually rise from their situations and live shining lives.
T he program features news, interviews, weather forecasts, special-interest stories, and feature segments. I t also differentiates itself from the usual morning TV fare by having three distinctive highlights: public service, niche segments for OFWs and the millennial markets, and interactivity. RSP!’s main hosts are respected news personalities Aljo
Bendijo a nd Dianne Querrer and youth leader Gab Bayan.
“ It’s like radio. Fast-paced and not boring. I am excited to deliver the news in the morning because it is necessary to feed the public’s mind with the freshest news as they prepare for their daily grind,” seasoned broadcaster Bendijo welcomes the opportunity to be part of a morning show, a shift from the primetime newscasts he is so used to doing.
“People may use this program to air their grievances. After all, the program (PTV) is run using the people’s money and it is mandated to be used for the welfare of the Filipino people,” Bendijo adds.
M ore than dishing out the latest news developments in and around the country, Querrer is also ready to show a different side of her in the morning program. She, specifically looks forward to the program’s interactive segments which will allow her to engage the audience better.
“The viewers will surely see the bubbly and “less serious” side of me. People see me always in the primetime newscast delivering mostly serious news. RSP! N o w gives us opportunities for casual conversations and more interaction with our audience,” Querrer assures.
For his part, up and coming host Bayan, who is sure to give RSP! a young and dynamic vibe, focuses on keeping the millennial viewers glued to the program through special segments that are truly relevant to their lifestyle. The erstwhile noontime show heartthrob is dropping his dancing skills for now, in favor of exchanging wits with Bendijo and Querrer, who he will be working with for the very first time.
“ I am both honored and somehow pressured to be hosting this new program with two respected news personalities. However, I take it also as an opportunity to further hone my craft and to challenge myself each day to bring something new to the table every single day,” Bayan declares.
R ise and Shine, Pilipinas! airs weekdays, from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m., on PTV.
‘Gameboys’ lead stars Kokoy de Santos (right) and Elijah Canlas
The games of Gavreel and Cairo
Risi ng stars Kokoy de Santos and Elijah Canlas bid farewell to Gavreel Alarcon and Cairo Lazaro, their much-loved characters in Gameboys, setting the perfect tone for the upcoming movie version of the hit digital series.
Directed by Ivan Payawal and written by Ash Malanum, it starred the now popular tandem together with Kyle Velino as Terrence Carreon (Gav’s former male lover), Adriana So as Pearl Gatdula (the ex-girlfriend of the young man whose name means ‘angel of peace’), and Miggy Jimenez as Wesley Torres (Cai’s childhood best buddy).
“Not wanting to sound boastful, I want to believe that Elijah and myself are two of the reasons why the show now has a huge following. We gave Gavreel and Cairo the emotional truth people are looking for onscreen pairs. A big credit of course to our director Andrew and writer Ash plus our production staff definitely,” says Kokoy.
“I still find it hard to believe that thousands of people watch it. It’s just surreal. But I’m glad a story like this is being loved and celebrated. It’s about time. I think that Cairo and Gavreel’s story truly resonates with the audience. Especially because of the fact that the setting of Gameboys is the world we live in now. The way these characters were written and directed are for them to feel real. I think Gameboys is just a one of a kind show. It’s really special,” adds Elijah.
For Kokoy and Elijah, Gameboys is an unforgettable experience. They underscored the fact that the Idea First Company found a way to provide entertainment and tell stories to people even when it seemed impossible to do because of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, talking about his role as, Elijah admitted that he encountered challenges but he’s still thanking because of the reward he got for essaying an interesting character.
“The challenge is making him as human as possible. He is more aggressive while I am reserved around people I’m not close to in real life. He isn’t really the confrontational type while I am. There are a lot more differences but I guess a point of similarity would be the fact that we love junk food and sweets. The best part about playing Cairo is that I get to be courted and be in love with Gavreel,” Elijah shares.
Kokoy, on the other hand, talks about the theme of the series that made it relatable to many viewers.
“Love is love. It does not matter who you love, what is important is whoever is your choice, you know in your heart that it is all worth it. And you commit to this person and make the relationship work. Gavreel and Cairo’s love for each other is genuine and, pure. And it nice to be reminded why we fall in love in the first place. You just know it,” Kokoy’s ending sentiments.
Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE C4 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020
Life FOOD
CLASSIC OR TRENDY?
Pancakes are great on their own, but new versions make this well-loved breakfast comfort food more exciting.
HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR PANCAKE? Trending recipes featuring the all-time favorite breakfast dish
PANCAKES or hotcakes are great on their own. Cooked in a non-stick pan under low heat, drizzled with maple syrup, and topped with a slice of butter.
But the quarantine has given many homebound folks—seasoned chefs or aspiring ones—time to experiment in the kitchen, creating and recreating new dishes featuring this all-time favorite breakfast comfort food.
puto and leche flan, this creation has
Pancakes turned cereal
A win for anyone who ever agonized over the big breakfast d e c i s i o n : h o t c a k e s or cereal? This trend ly combines both, s p a w n s various ite r a t i o n s , and is just really cute—not to mention easy. Pancake cereal Using Maya Hotcake Mix, simply cook it according to the instructions, but in tiny version, as in the size of a 25-centavo or one-peso coin. Serve with maple syrup, nuts, and fruit slices.
Tiramisu soufflé hotcakes
Tiramisu soufflé hotcakes
Hotcakes, but make it haute. Highly “Instagrammable,” this fancy and fluffy hotcake version can be a little more complicated to make, but practice does make perfect. The secret, they say, is making sure to whisk the egg whites until frothy. Fold it into the batter and cook in very low heat.
Puto flan
The ultimate coming together of two beloved Pinoy treats, creative-
Moment Group restaurants now accept PayMaya tickled taste buds and sparked a craze. Simply make leche flan and use Maya Original Fluffy n’ Tasty Hotcake Mix as a convenient puto base. Combine, cook, and serve.
Puto flan
Coffee hotcakes
Coffee hotcakes
This recipe is a perfect way to kick-start the day. Making it is easy, too. Simply prepare the pancake following the instructions on the packaging, and add half a cup of brewed coffee or instant coffee.
The aforementioned pancake recipes are available at www. themayakitchen.com and on Maya’s Facebook page.
BITES
Oreo Salted Caramel and Red Velvet variants
Well-loved flavors in cookies
NEW cookie choices have arrived in the world of Oreo, and they are the crowd-favorite dessert flavors red velvet and salted caramel.
The limited edition range Oreo Seasonals brings back Oreo Red Velvet, a red velvet-colored Oreo cookie with cheesecake flavored crème center.
Meanwhile, the latest addition to the range is Oreo Salted Caramel, a delectable cookie featuring sweet, creamy caramel punctuated by a hint of saltiness from sea salt.
The two Oreo Seasonals variants are available at all leading stores and e-commerce platforms nationwide until December or until supplies last. Both flavors retail at P76.50 for a nine-pack multi-pack and P41.50 for a 14-piece slug.
Nice & Natural nut bar
Healthy, yummy nut bar
Bringing healthy and yummy in go treat. one treat, Universal Robina CorpoNice & Natural nut bar comes in ration launches Nice & Natural, a Choco Almond Crunch and Mixed healthy nut bar made with nuts, whoBerry Crunch flavors. It’s now availlegrain oats, and fruit bits, all drizable at SM Stores, Robinsons Superzled with chocolate. market, Shopwise, Mercury Drug
The delicious treat contains proStores, Rustan’s Supermarket, Ministein, and is a good source of fiber, top and 7-Eleven outlets nationwide ideal as a break time snack or on-thefor P23.50 each.
FOOD NEWS ROUNDUP
Seasonals’
DIN Tai Fung, 8 Cuts Burgers, and Ooma, among other restaurant brands The Moment Group (TMG) operates now offer cashless transactions online and in stores via PayMaya.
“We want to continue serving everyone with good food alongside a safer payment experience across all our channels,” said TMG co-founder and creative director Abba Napa.
TMG operates Manam, Din Tai Fung, Ooma, 8 Cuts Burgers, Mo’ Cookies, Shawa Wama, Phat Pho, Mecha Uma, and Bank Bar.
Customers can use their PayMaya e-wallet accounts as well as any credit, debit, or prepaid card to pay for their meals when they order at TMG’s website (www.momentfood.com) which is now powered by the PayMaya Checkout payment gateway.
Additionally, TMG now accepts cashless payments for VISA, MasterCard, and JCB cardholders, as well as PayMaya QR, using the PayMaya One all-in-one point-of-sale terminals in its Metro Manila store branches.
“Cashless is now fast becoming the default payment option when dining in or ordering food online,” said PayMaya president Shailesh Baidwan. “We’re glad to partner with The Moment Group in adopting PayMaya’s end-to-end cashless payment solutions to provide its customers and store frontliners a safer and more seamless payment transactions, whether they prefer ordering online or dining in their branches.”
The Moment Group-operated restaurant brands now accept PayMaya for online and in store transactions.
Kuya J reopens 3 stores
TO CATER to more customers nationwide, Kuya J reopens three of its outlets for dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders.
The restaurant’s stores at SM Seaside Cebu, Robinsons Galleria South, and SM BF Parañaque join the 27 more branches that have reopened since the recent ECQ was lifted.
Some of the stores now open—offering Kuya J’s tender and flavorful Crispy Pata, melt-in-your-mouth Lechon Baka, succulent Beef Kare-Kare, and rich and luscious Caldereta—include Otis, SM San Lazaro, Robinsons Manila, SM Megamall, Eastwood, Paseo de Magallanes, Waltermart North Edsa, SM Novaliches, SM Cubao, SM Sucat, SM Southmall, Festival Mall, SM East Ortigas, SM Marikina, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Baclaran, SM Fairview, Robinsons Naga, SM Legazpi, Robinsons Imus, SM Pampanga, SM Lipa, SM Sta. Rosa, Robinsons Valencia, SM San Mateo, and SM Cebu.
