Manila Standard - 2020 November 8 - Sunday

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 247 • 2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WAIT CONTINUES.

A Refuse Fascism protestor sits on starts before the start of a demonstration outside Los Angeles City Hall on Friday, as the entire United States awaits the result of the presidential election.

Elsewhere, (inset photos, clockwise) supporters of President Donald Trump gather to protest election results at the Maricopa County Elections Department office in Phoenix, Arizona; Trump supporter Jordan Dube, wearing a t-shirt reading “Gays for Tucker” (Carlson), protests outside Clark County Election Department in North Las Vegas, Nevada; and people dance as they attend what organizers call the ‘Donald Trump is Over Party,’ an early election celebration in Washington Square Park in New York. AFP

SC hears bid to halt vote count Pennsylvania told to separate late mail-in ballots; Georgia sets recount

W

ASHINGTON—A US Supreme Court justice on Friday denied a request by Pennsylvania’s Republicans to immediately halt the counting of ballots arriving after Election Day—referring the challenge to the full court to consider on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Samuel Alito ordered Pennsylvania in the meantime to continue keeping the late-arriving ballots separate, affirming a decision already made by the state’s top elections official Kathy Boockvar, who told CNN they were unlikely to affect the outcome in any case.

The last-ditch petition for an emergency injunction—filed as Democrat Joe Biden solidified his lead and was poised to defeat President Donald Trump—targeted thousands of ballots. Most are believed to favor Biden, and Republicans say they should be disqualified under Pennsylvania state law.

Biden was also ahead in Arizona and Georgia—two states that have not voted for Democrats in the 21st century—as well as Nevada, while Trump held a slim lead in North Carolina.

Georgia said it was ordering a recount due to the narrow margin and the southern state will also have runoff races in January for both its Senate seats, which will likely determine if Democrats wrest control of the

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM NOV. 7)

393,961 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,157 36,260 NEW

ACTIVE

7,485

24

350,216

252

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

upper chamber and give Biden a wider path to legislative victories.

As a first step, the Republicans wanted the high court to order Pennsylvania ballots arriving after 8:00 pm on election night to be kept apart from others and prevent them from being tallied.

The concern is that if they are mixed with other ballots, it would render any attempt to disqualify them impossible.

“Given the results of the November 3, 2020 general election, the vote in Pennsylvania may well determine the next president of the United States,” the Republicans said.

“It is unclear whether all 67 county boards of elections are segregating latearriving ballots,” the petition added.

After Biden’s campaign said he would address the nation, speculation grew that he would make a formal declaration of victory, but he appeared to be waiting for confirmation of an unassailable lead and said he would speak again Saturday.

Biden’s lead grew inexorably in Pennsyl-

late ballots.

Even if the court does issue a stay on counting, it might not make a difference.

Election analysts say the number of late ballots could be far fewer than Biden’s lead over Trump in the state.

Biden, inching closer to victory after a bitter presidential election, appealed Friday to Americans to turn the page on divisions as a seething Trump warned him not to declare victory.

As trickling returns from Pennsylvania and three other states made Trump’s path to a second term increasingly unlikely, Biden repeated that he believed he would win but said he would wait for the process to complete.

Instead, Biden delivered a late-night address with the tone of a president-elect and vowed to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic as new cases Friday hit a new high of more than 127,000 cases.

“We must put the anger—and the demonization—behind us. It’s time for us to come together as a nation and heal,” Biden said in his home city of Wilmington, Delaware accompanied by his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris.

“My responsibility as president will be to represent the whole nation,” he said, drawing a stark contrast with Trump’s nearly four years of rule by provocation.

Biden spoke as US media began reporting that White House chief-of-staff Mark

Meadows, 61, had contracted the virus— underscoring the criticism directed at the president for months over his administration’s handling of the crisis.

Meadows first tested positive on Wednesday, a day after the election, according to The New York Times.

Biden said he and Harris had already been meeting experts on how to control the “skyrocketing” cases of COVID-19, which has claimed more than 230,000 lives in the United States, more than in any other country.

“I want everyone to know that on Day One, we are going to put our plan to control this virus into action,” Biden said (see story on A3 – Editors).

“That can’t save any of the lives that have been lost, but it will save a lot of lives in the months ahead.”

Edging toward win Trump has several times prematurely named himself the winner, refusing to accept the data showing Biden headed for victory.

In his latest broadside, he warned on Twitter that “Joe Biden should not wrongfully claim the office of the President. I could make that claim also.”

Trump’s campaign has filed lawsuits around the country alleging fraud but made little headway, with no evidence produced to back up supposed ballot tampering or other significant incidents. AFP

Why US count so long? ‘The closer the races, the longer it takes’ WASHINGTON—Three days after polls closed, the United States and the world still do not have final results from the presidential election, although Democrat Joe Biden was on the brink of unseating Donald Trump.

The wait has fueled tension across the polarized nation, with Trump alleging without evidence that Democrats are engineering fraud.

But the delay was widely expected, often for reasons specific to individual states, which under the US system each conduct their own polls: Competitive states take longer California, the nation’s most populous state, was quickly called for Biden after polls closed Tuesday. But such calls are in fact projections by news outlets rather than official results, meaning that it takes longer

to get an accurate picture in narrowly divided states.

“The closer the races, the longer it takes,” Kathy Boockvar, secretary of the vital state of Pennsylvania, explained to reporters.

States also have diverse deadlines on receiving absentee ballots, especially those coming from the military or other citizens living overseas.

North Carolina has held off on counting at least 171,000 ballots—which could make the difference—as by law it accepts votes that arrive by mail through November 12 so long as they were postmarked by Election Day. Similarly, Nevada, which also has a tight race, will count ballots postmarked

by Election Day so long as they arrive by November 10.

Also causing delays are provisional ballots, which are issued to voters if there is

THE KIDS ARE ONLINE

‘OH, MANDO’ LOVE TRIANGLE

But are they all right? Weeks into the school year where students are learning from home via online platforms, many are getting a grasp on the situation while others are still having a few problems.

Rising actor and Boys Love star Kokoy De Santos experiences the highs and lows of young love while coming to terms with his sexuality in the new original romantic comedy series ‘Oh, Mando,’ which also stars Barbie Imperial and Alex Diaz.

A RESCUE DOG NAMED ‘MANGO’ LOVE indeed comes unexpectedly and from an unexpected somebody.

vania, which would hand him the keys to the White House if he secures its 20 votes in the Electoral College that determines presidential races.

By late Friday he had an advantage of almost 29,000 votes over Trump, although that was still within the narrow margin that would likely trigger a recount.

Republicans have for months been fighting a state decision to accept mail-in ballots postmarked by November 3 and arriving by Friday. Previously the deadline for acceptance was Election Day itself.

The state supreme court ruled the decision legal and it was then appealed in the federal system.

On October 19 the US Supreme Court, which had a vacant seat, let the state court’s decision stand in a 4-4 split decision along conservative-liberal lines.

But the high court indicated it could take up the case after the election, and now has nine members after the Trump-nominated conservative Amy Coney Barrett joined in late October.

Trump has explicitly said he wanted Barrett on the court for any election-related case.

Friday’s petition appeared more broadly aimed at delaying the eastern state’s vote tally from being finalized, which would effectively hand the election to Biden.

A delay could give the high court time to reopen the broader case of the legality of the

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END IN SIGHT? This graphic shows the six states still in play in the US presidential election, with unofficial results culled by US media as of Nov. 7. AFP confusion about their registration and need verification.

Deluge of mail-in ballots With concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic, states accustomed to limited numbers of absentee votes have been deluged with ballots mailed by citizens who do not want to risk voting in person.

Some 65.2 million of the record 160 million Americans who voted this year did so by mail, according to an estimate of the US Elections Project.

In Pennsylvania, the Republican-led legislature rejected an effort to let authorities count ahead of Election Day, contributing to the scenario in which its biggest city Philadelphia—a Democratic stronghold— reported returns last.

Some places have unique factors delaying vote-counting such as Chatham County in tightly fought Georgia, where an election division and a registration board separately

look at ballots.

Legal challenges The Trump campaign has seized on the delay to demand a halt to counting in states where it is behind, notably Pennsylvania whose Republican Party approached the US Supreme Court.

Republicans had been fighting for months against allowing Pennsylvania to count ballots postmarked by Election Day if they arrive by Friday.

In Wisconsin, where Biden eked out a narrow victory in results made known by early Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled that only votes received by Election Day would count.

Most states allow rival parties to observe counting but challenges on the rules have taken time, with Trump’s supporters taking particular issue with Philadelphia’s rule that watchers stay at least 15 feet (4.5 meters) away due to COVID risks. AFP

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Prices, policy for virus tests set next week T

By Willie Casas

HE price range and policy to ensure the COVID-19 tests and test kits are affordable and accessible will be out by next week, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday.

NO WAY IN.

In this drone camera footage, a barricade of quarry trucks causes monstrous traffic along the Pampanga section of the North Luzon Expressway at dawn Saturday (See story below).

PIO Pampanga

DOH advises 2k sign up for first Yolanda Commemorative Ride virtual parties for holidays

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Willie Casas THE Department of Health (DOH) has released public health guidelines to ensure that Filipinos will celebrate the Christmas holidays without risking the spread of COVID-19.

DOH circular 2020-0355 advised limited face-to-face activities even during the holidays.

The circular said the public should instead conduct celebrations virtually, do their shopping online, and attend online Masses, among others.

“We should be reminded that in-person activities are high risk for the spread of COVID-19. But if these activities could not be averted, we should choose to conduct these celebrations outdoors in wellventilated areas,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a press briefing, Friday.

Vergeire said that Filipinos should instead shorten the duration of in-person activities if they wanted to hold gatherings.

Minimum health standards such as the wearing of face masks, face shields, physical distancing, and cough etiquette, she said, should be enforced.

The DOH also discouraged Filipinos from traveling to areas with a higher quarantine classification, and vice versa.

“Activities with participants who are travelling from areas of higher quarantine classification may increase the spread of the virus to areas with lower quarantine classification,” the DOH circular read.

The health department also prohibited buffet-style food service and the sharing of household items during celebrations.

Surfaces indoors should also be disinfected at all times.

“Household items may be contaminated by respiratory droplets. Hence, avoid unnecessary touching of surfaces and sharing of household items... Packaging must also be disinfected prior to distribution,” said DOH. Proper hand hygiene before and after exchanging gifts should be observed and hand sanitizers must be readily available, it added.

SEVERAL groups and individuals led

by House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Tingog partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez have teamed up for the first Yolanda Commemorative Ride on Sunday to give back and raise funds for the survivors of Super Typhoon Rolly.

The event, which has over 2,000 registrants, the Romualdez couple said, is a way of paying forward by the Warays

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—Traffic flow along the Pampanga section of the North Luzon Expressway was paralyzed for almost an hour, creating a long queue of vehicles, after quarry truckers blocked at least eight toll gates at dawn on Saturday.

“Movement of vehicles, mostly carrying goods for Metro Manila, have been blocked by trucks that barricaded the entry and exits of NLEX toll gates Pampanga section, creating heavy traffic at least for one hour,” said Col. Andres Simbajon, acting director of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office.

Toll gates closed by truckers included

these trying times.”

“I have no doubt that with all our support, these survivors can also rebuild their communities just like we did seven years ago. We, Filipinos, are known for our resilience. Hindi tayo kayang pabagsakin ng bagyo o anumang trahedya,” he added.

Rep. Yedda Romualdez meanwhile stressed that just like the resilient Waraynons, the victims of Rolly, especially the Bicolanos, would rise and emerge stronger with the help of all Filipinos.

IN THE SPIRIT.

A 35-foot Christmas Tree was lighted Friday evening in front of San Jose Del Monte City Hall as a tribute to the millions of frontliners who worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A project of the city government of San Jose Del Monte led

by Mayor Arthur Robes, the Christmas tree lighting event was also attended by SJDM Rep. Florida Robes, members of the city council, barangay captains, and other city officials.

Manny Palmero

P1b crop insurance to kick in for 77k farmers, fishers

INSURED farmers and fisherfolk— around 77,470—whose livelihoods have been smashed by Typhoons Quinta and Rolly will be compensated by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), its president Jovy Bernabe reported to Agriculture Secretary William Dar. Bernabe said the agency had initially estimated farm losses to reach around

Quarry truckers block Pampanga exits

By Jess Malabanan

who have also been victimized by Super Typhoon Yolanda, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded on November 8, 2013.

“We organized this event not only to raise funds. We are here to show our brothers and sisters in Bicol and other areas devastated by the recent typhoon that they are not alone,” Majority Leader Romualdez said as Region VIII commemorates the 7th year of the Yolanda tragedy this Sunday.

“We are here to stand by them and give them all the support that they need in

Sta. Ines, Dau, and Mabiga, all in Mabalacat City; San Fernando Exit; San Simon Exit; Mexico; Floridablanca; and Porac where quarrying operations thrive in these areas.

The barricade was a show of protest to the management of NLEX because of what they called its insensitivity to the plight of sand and lahar haulers. Another issue raised was the unabated mulcting activities by NLEX patrol and illegal collection of exorbitant fees.

More than 2,000 truckers are plying the Pampanga area via NLEX to haul good quality sands and washed down from upstream of different waterways in the event of heavy rains.

P1.01 billion.

This represents an estimated damage to standing rice, corn and high-value crops in more than 95,126 hectares and 1,997 small fisheries projects, including boats and fishing gears, in around 30 provinces, Bernabe said.

But the estimated damage is subject to validation by PCIC’s field personnel.

Among crops, HVC sustained the

SEEING GREEN. A Bureau of Customs official counts US dollar bills placed in two packages with a total amount of $13,500 or equivalent to P661,000 on Saturday. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City. BOC Photo

greatest damage at P668.97 million; with rice at P285.04 million; and corn, P6.15 million.

Poultry and livestock damage was estimated at P37.73 million while fisheries was at P15.37 million.

By size of farms affected, HVC tops the list, with around 66,261 hectares of damaged crops; rice with 28,495 hectares; and corn with 370 hectares. Willie Casas

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, said DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III had given the agency a deadline to issue the policy.

“We should be able to issue it out by the early part of next week,” Vergeire said.

Through Executive Order 118, President Rodrigo Duterte directed the DOH, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry to determine and implement a price range for COVID-19 tests and test kits subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

Vergeire said the price range shall ensure that COVID-19 testing and test kits were “just, equitable and sensitive to all stakeholders.”

According to Vergeire, the DOH and DTI, through a joint administrative order, already have the final draft.

Vergeire said that government agencies have already determined the price range, but stakeholders should be consulted first.

Also a factor in determining the cost of COVID-19 tests and testing kits are the capacity of laboratories.

When the policy is out, laboratories and manufacturers will be given ample time to dispose of their existing stocks.

The DOH and DTI will also conduct continuous monitoring and review of the prices and market supply of test kits and other basic medical items and supplies, and implement price controls if necessary, according to the EO. On the other hand, the President also ordered the DOH to come up with measures to ensure that all accredited COVID-19 laboratories observe transparency in the pricing of tests and in order for the public to be informed about the component costs of medical services and procedures relating to COVID-19.

Medical experts considered the RTPCR test the gold standard for confirmatory testing because it detects the virus that causes COVID-19.

Both the DOH and the Department of Tourism had pushed for a price cap for COVID-19 tests.

PhilHealth-PRC row The Philippines’ testing capacity for COVID-19 cases was briefly affected when the Philippine Red Cross suspended testing for repatriated overseas Filipino workers due to the government’s debt, Vergeire said.

Vergeire, during a press briefing, said PRC’s testing contributed 20 percent to the country’s capacity.

IN BRIEF Free flu shots for 5k Makati residents THE Makati City government announced on Saturday it is set to give free flu shots to 5,000 city residents who were not vaccinated during the community vaccination drive last August.

“This vaccination drive aims to boost the immune system of Makatizens, especially senior citizens and other residents who are vulnerable to contracting flu. In a way, flu shots are also important in minimizing the complications of COVID-19,” said Mayor Abigail Binay.

Binay said those who want to avail themselves of the city’s free flu shots should register at the Proud Makatizen website (www.proudmakatizen.com).

Joel E. Zurbano

Dollars in mail: Customs snags $13.5k in 2 packs THE Bureau of Customs intercepted two packages of undeclared foreign currencies with a total amount of $13,500 or equivalent to P661,000 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

The packages were both declared as “correspondence/no value” from Jefferson, USA, and consigned to the same person from Poblacion, Muntinlupa City.

Upon 100% physical examination, the first package was found to contain 75 pieces of $100 bills, while the other package contained 150 pieces of $20 bills, 20 pieces of $50 bills, and 20 pieces of $100 bills.

Just last September, BOC NAIA similarly intercepted $8,000 concealed in the pages of a magazine. In sum, for the year 2020, the port has intercepted a total of $31,200 or P1.560 million concealed and misdeclared in different packages.Vito Barcelo

World

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‘Eta’ leaves 150 dead, missing in Guatemala GUATEMALA CITY—About 150 people have died or remain unaccounted for in Guatemala due to mudslides caused by powerful storm Eta, which devastated an indigenous village in the country’s north, President Alejandro Giammattei said Friday.

The toll is in addition to the approximately two dozen people who died elsewhere in Central America since Eta made landfall in Nicaragua on Tuesday as a hurricane.

Giammattei said an army unit had arrived in the northern village of Queja to begin rescue efforts, amid fears that most of the residents had been killed.

A preliminary report indicated that “150 homes have been buried with 100 people dead,” he said.

Giammattei added that another mudslide in the northeastern department of Huehuetenango, on the border with Mexico, had left 10 dead.

“We calculate that between the dead and the missing, unofficial figures show about 150 dead,” said Giammattei, updating the country’s death toll from the 50 fatalities he had reported on Thursday.

He called the situation in Queja “critical,” with heavy rain continuing to fall and setting off new mudslides, while roads are still blocked.

Some 2,500 people in the impoverished Mayan indigenous area had lost their belongings in the deluge of mud.

- ‘Flash-flooding’ risk Eta tore through Central America, leaving death and destruction in its wake since it first rocked Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane.

Two days later it exited Honduras as a tropical depression, although forecasters warned it could again strengthen into a tropical storm as it heads towards Cuba. AFP

IN BRIEF Archbishop, 90, briefly kidnapped in Cameroon YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon—A 90-yearold archbishop was briefly abducted in a western Cameroon region gripped by conflict between anglophone separatists and security forces, the archdiocese said on Friday.

Christian Tumi, an archbishop emeritus and retired cardinal who has frequently sought to mediate in the crisis, was kidnapped on Thursday evening on a road near Kumbo in the Northwest Region, it said.

He was released on Friday along with his driver, said Samuel Kleda, archbishop of the port city of Douala.

But around 10 other people who were also seized with them have not been freed, a local official who requested anonymity told AFP. Among those travelling with Tumi was a local leader, Sehm Mbinglo, the traditional chief of the Nso people, the official said. AFP

Trio on trial for helping Barcelona jihadist attacks BARCELONA—Three men go on trial at Spain’s top criminal court Tuesday for helping the perpetrators of twin jihadist attacks in 2017 that killed 16 in Barcelona and a nearby seaside town.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bloodshed which left another 140 people wounded on August 17 and 18 in Barcelona and Cambrils, a resort 100 kilometres (60 miles) to the south.

When the trial opens at the National Court in Madrid, the trio will enter the dock facing charges of helping the attackers, one of whom rammed a van into pedestrians on Barcelona’s Las Ramblas boulevard, killing 14 people. AFP

HELPLESS. A man reacts as he looks at damages caused by the passage of Hurricane ‘Eta’ in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, on November 4. Eta slowed to tropical storm speeds on Wednesday morning even as it pummeled Nicaragua, killing two people there and one in neighboring Honduras, while unleashing fierce winds and heavy downpours. AFP

Biden vows ‘day 1’ action on virus; 2nd wave hits EU W ASHINGTON — The United States reported record new coronavirus cases for the third day in a row, as Joe Biden vowed to act against the pandemic on “day one” if he wins the presidential election in the world’s worsthit nation.

Global infections have surged past 49 million and Europe has become the new pandemic epicenter in recent weeks, with more than 300,000 deaths -- nearly a quarter of the global total.

More than 127,000 new infections

were reported in the US on Friday (Saturday in Manila), the third straight day of record cases, as votes from the bitterly fought presidential election were still being counted.

No winner has been declared but Biden promised late Friday that he would not waste any time in addressing the pandemic if he is victorious.

“I want everyone, everyone to know on day one we’re going to put our plan to control this virus into action,” the Democrat said.

The infection figures came as President Donald Trump, who survived a bout of COVID-19 in October and has been widely criticized over his handling of the crisis, trailed his Democratic challenger in the ongoing vote count.

US cases are fast approaching 10 million, with more than 236,000 deaths, and the pandemic has hammered the world’s biggest economy, leaving millions jobless.

Trump has been a vocal opponent of lockdown measures, citing their impact on the economy, and has repeatedly clashed with his own government’s experts over coronavirus policy.

Unlike Biden, Trump held massive campaign rallies ahead of the November 3 vote, and had insisted that the US was “rounding the turn” on the virus despite the surges.

Several senior members of his administration have contracted the virus in recent weeks, with Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows the latest to test positive, US media said late Friday. AFP

HAPPY WADER.

A man wades through flood waters as he leaves the Alemania suburb, which was flooded by the overflow of the La Arenera stream, due to the heavy rains caused

by Hurricane Eta, now degraded to a tropical storm, in the city of El Progreso, department of Yoro, 260 kms north of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on November 4. AFP

Video platforms tested as election misinformation rampant WASHINGTON—Amid an intense effort by social media platforms to curb misinformation around the US election, political operatives were finding loopholes in YouTube and other video platforms.

Google-owned YouTube has come under scrutiny for leaving online one video from a far-right media group claiming Donald Trump had won Tuesday’s election, along with content from others close to the president challenging the integrity of the vote-counting process.

Days after the vote, challenger Joe Biden was closing in on victory as Trump launched unsubstantiated claims of fraud and made it clear he was not ready to concede.

Social media watchdogs say other videos containing falsehoods have circulated on TikTok and Facebook livestreams, but the biggest concerns have been raised around YouTube, the behemoth of online video.

“It seems like YouTube has done appreciably worse at policing disinforma-

tion around the election including from the president compared with Twitter or Facebook, both of which have been very aggressive in responding to the moment,” said Daniel Kreiss, a researcher with the University of North Carolina’s Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life.

The watchdog group Media Matters for America listed a series of questionable videos that YouTube left online, saying the snippets had received more than one million views this week. AFP

Is Fox magnate Rupert Murdoch dumping Trump?

NEW YORK—Fox News and the New York Post, magnate Rupert Murdoch’s main media outlets, have started distancing themselves from Donald Trump as the US election vote counting drama drags on -- a first since the president came to power and a potential turning point.

On Thursday night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporters of Trump bluntly shouted “Fox News Sucks” in reference to the news outfit considered fiercely loyal to the president for the past five years.

Fox News infuriated Trump and his people on election night by calling Arizona for Democrat Joe Biden.

Jared Kushner, Trump’s advisor and son in law, called Murdoch in vain to try to get that call retracted.

Other media held off from calling the battleground state for Biden as the tallying of ballots continued.

Since that night, Fox News has stepped very carefully around allegations of massive vote fraud coming from the Trump campaign and the man himself.

“We just haven’t seen it. It hasn’t been presented to us,” Fox News anchor Brett Baier said on the air Friday.

So people are asking if Fox News, which helped bring Trump to power in 2016, is in the process of dumping him as Biden closes in on the magic number of 270 electoral votes that would win him the White House.

DePauw University communications professor Jeffrey McCall said Fox News has always had a twin identity—on one hand, star anchors who are more editorialists than journalists and on the other a newsroom that is much more measured.

Some Fox journalists, such as Chris Wallace, who was the moderator at the first Trump-Biden debate, are very well respected professionals.

On the in-your-face editorial side stands Fox star Sean Hannity, who is very close to Trump and said on Thursday evening, “Americans have every right to be suspicious ... to distrust the legitimacy of the results.”

McCall said that the way Fox News has treated Trump since the election and its early calling of Arizona for Biden show the more serious side of the network is trying to “operate as independently as possible from the opinion section and even from the ownership.” AFP

Vatican to publish probe into disgraced US ex-cardinal

COVER UP. A man walks past a mural depicting the Covid-19 coronavirus in New Delhi on November 7. AFP

VATICAN CITY—The Vatican said Friday that next week it will publish the results of a long-awaited investigation into ex-US cardinal Theodore McCarrick following his expulsion last year for sexual abuse.

Pope Francis had promised in 2018 to make a “thorough” investigation of how McCarrick, now 90, rose through the ranks despite years of allegations about sexual misconduct.

McCarrick was finally stripped of his cardinal’s title in 2018 and his priest’s status in 2019, after being found guilty by the Vatican of the sexual abuse of a teenage boy in the 1970s, and of sexual misconduct with adult male seminarians.

The former cardinal, who played a key role in raising funds for the Holy See from wealthy US donors, became the highest-ranking Church figure to be expelled in modern times.

Francis has promised a policy of “zero tolerance” for even high-ranking church members following a global scandal over pedophile priests, which has seen victims come forward from countries including Australia, Chile and Germany as well as the United States.

In the latest development in the global scandal, the Holy See’s embassy in Poland on Friday announced sanctions against a 97-year-old cardinal.

Henryk Gulbinowicz was banned from public ministry and from using bishops’ insignia following an unspecified investigation that local media said was related to alleged abuse.

‘Path of truth’ Francis admitted the probe into McCarrick, which involves an extensive search through Vatican archives, could fuel accusations the Catholic Church has covered up abuse and protected predators for decades.

But the pontiff, who last year passed a landmark measure to oblige those who know about sex abuse in the Church to report it to their superiors, vowed to “follow the path of truth, wherever it may lead”. AFP

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Business

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

Online shopping posts accelerated growth amid pandemic

Avelina’s Kitchen co-owner Rodrigo ‘Rad’ Pelayo

By Darwin G. Amojelar ELECTRONIC commerce transaction is growing faster in the Philippines this year as consumers shift toward online shopping amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, according to industry players.

“E-commerce activity has been rapidly accelerating and surpassing projections ever since the pandemic started,” said Martin Yu, associate director of Shopee Philippine in the webinar “Challenges and opportunities: changes in e-commerce business behaviur in the post COVID-19 era” which was organized by Ninja Van Philippines in partnership with GCash and Shopee Philippines.

“At Shopee, we harness this growth through ramping up seller education initiatives to ensure that MSMEs are equipped with the tools to grow their businesses,” he said.

A leading e-commerce platform, Shopee serves 18,000 brands. To boost seller education, Shopee offers three services such as Seller Support Package, Seller Center and Shopee University where sellers can find indepth information on different ways to help businesses grow.

Frederic Levy, chief commercial officer of GCash said the company saw their transactions increase by up to 1,000 percent for their relevant services, putting them on track to hit P1 trillion in annual gross value.

For this ‘restaurateur’, giving up is not an option T

HE coronavirus pandemic has nearly decimated the hotel and restaurant industry, as people stayed at home for several months since the government imposed community lockdown and border restrictions in March this year to contain the spread of the virus.

Among the casualties are the dining corners in Quezon City such as West Ave., Timog Ave. and Tomas Morato Ave. where nearly all restaurants closed shop from March to May. Only fastfood chains with drive-thru services were allowed to operate, but just at a fraction of their normal capacity.

Amid these challenges, entrepreneur Rodrigo ‘Rad’ Pelayo kept innovating his food business—from dining to home-cooked meal delivery to food basket sales—just to keep the revenue stream flowing for his employees. At the start of the pandemic, he even organized food donation drives and delivered nearly 10,000 packs of meals to healthcare and security frontliners.

On why he chose to keep Healthy Meals PH operational and opened two branches of Avelina’s Kitchen while other stores decided to close shop,

Pelayo says: “I have a different mindset. If many restaurants were closing, we should remain open to serve the customers who would always eat, no matter what the situation is. Food is a necessity,” he says.

Pelayo says a major part of the decision is also about his employees. “At the end of the day, we run the business not only because of the owners, but because we have staff who have families.

That’s where we are coming from,” he says.

“If you are a restaurant owner, you can temporarily close it and rest for two weeks. But that is not the direction of our company. The question is, how about the staff and their families?”

Pelayo says he is fortunate to have kindhearted landowners who understand the financial situation of the company during this challenging period. Pelayo is one of the owners of Avelina’s Kitchen, formerly H Cafe and Events Place, at Scout Limbaga corner Mother Ignacia Ave. in Quezon City. His group also opened a restaurant in Marikina City, while continuing the delivery of homecooked meals under Healthy Meals PH. Pelayo manages the franchising of Avelina’s Kitchen and Healthy Meals PH which also has a commissary at Scout Limbaga. “The Scout Limbaga branch is actually our main commissary, so we cannot close the operations just because there is a pandemic. For me, today is not the new normal. This is ac-

SOME Filipino smokers have started switching to heat-not-burn tobacco products which are considered better alternatives to smoking traditional cigarettes.

Using heat instead of combustion, the process eliminates the creation of tar which is the cancer-causing by product of smoking cigarettes, said MOK marketing manager in the Philippines Cax Mayuga. MOK is a new brand of heated tobacco device which is now available in the country.

“The MOK experience is as close to smoking one can get, without actually setting fire to tobacco. All MOK devices uses ‘heat-not-burn’ technology, which significantly reduces the production and exposure to chemicals found in a conventional cigarette. Using the MOK HeatMaster system, tobacco leaves are heated and in process emits slightly visible vapor and tobacco flavor without the hassle of conventional smoking.

No more ashes, no more smelly odors

also my dear mother who came up with a lot of heritage family dishes like ‘sinigang’,” he says.

He says Avelina’s Kitchen offers heritage dishes and healthy meals, “as my way of honoring my mother, and all the other mothers in the world who love and sacrifice for the family”. He says among the heritage dishes that use natural ingredients on the menu of Avelina’s Kitchen are baked lechon kawali, pancit habhab and sinigang sa bayabas.

Dine-in customers can also try keto meals (low-carb meals) and plant-based meals which Health Meals PH is known for. Healthy Meals PH is a gastronomic delivery and catering service provider that offers the right approach to preparing complete and balanced meals.

Avelina’s Kitchen also has a panaderia that offers pandecoco, Spanish bread, cakes and pastry. Pelayo says the restaurant will soon feature more products such as frozen picks (tocino, longanisa) and bottled products (baked peanut butter, buro isda and Pesto Sauce).

Encouraged by the success of the Scout Limbaga and Marikina branches, Pelayo says they are set to open new restaurants under franchise agreements in Fort Bonifacio, Tagaytay City, Antipolo City, Baguio City and Pampanga.

“Upon tasting our heritage menu, you will remember your mother or your lola.

That’s why we welcome you home at Avelina’s Kitchen,” he says.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

App reinvents NCR repair services

Filipino smokers begin to switch to electronic devices

By Othel V. Campos

tually the normal. So we have to adapt fast and take actions quickly,” he says.

“By God’s grace, so far the business is doing well. That is why we launched Marikina [branch]. I’m not saying we were earning a lot. If we break even or we see a customer come in, we consider it an achievement already. The situation is not expected to change in the next year or two. At least, we have started to adapt. If we had closed it, we would have not learned how to adapt to the pandemic,” he says.

Pelayo says it is important to remind himself of why he started the food business in the first place. “Why is more important than how in the business. For me, this is my face, my brand. I have built the brand for almost four years, so failure is not an option. To close down the business is a ‘no’ for me. I know what I want. Why did I start the business? That is more important. Knowing this, the challenges and obstacles become an opportunity to learn,” he says.

He advises other entrepreneurs to pick up their dreams and rebuild their business. “There are always ups and downs in the business. It is not a straight line.

“The more you get down, the more you learn. Then be ready for the ‘up’,” he says.

Pelayo renamed H Café as Avelina’s Kitchen, after her mother who cooks delicious food. “My mother taught me how to be an entrepreneur. She taught me how to manage a retail store. It was

and most of all, no more cancer-causing chemicals,” he said.

“We understand the needs and wants of millions of cigarette smokers who are looking for better and more satisfying cigarettes. MOK gives smokers, a much better choice of cigarettes with the elegant union of technology and tobacco that promises a satisfying experience that make it easier for people to transition to a better and more responsible alternative,” he said.

The chief complaint is how harmful cigarettes are for smokers and the people around them, he sid. They also complain of the rancid smell that clings to their clothing, skin, hair and breath.

Smoke-free smoking using MOK resolves all of these concerns, he said.

The technology inside MOK called the MOK HeatMaster System uses a unique heating pin that heats up the tobacco stick. Once heated, the device releases a full-flavored, nicotine-filled vapor instead of the harmful smoke of cigarettes.

Without ash, there’s no mess to clean

up, and without smoke, there’s no second hand smoke exposure or residual smell to those around the user.

The MOK HeatMaster system provides a very satisfying fix with less chemical and less smell, according to Mayuga. As there is no combustion involved, MOK produces a faint scent during use, leaving a smooth flavorful satisfaction of tobacco.

With MOK, smokers can do away with the combustion component of the whole process rather than burning tobacco leaves. The devices heat specially designed tobacco sticks called “COO” at just the right temperature to release full tobacco flavored-vapor.

The devices are designed to mimic the behavior of smoking traditional cigarettes. This means, there are no vape clouds or artificially flavored juices.

Instead, it allows the ultimate smokeless smoking experience by being specially designed to be used with the COO sticks.

MOK is available in selected GrabMart hubs.

AN AMERIout with $30,000 in CAN entrepreneur capital to create a tapped into his own prototype and then credit card to put teamed up with coout a mobile app in founder Chris Te2017 to help Metro odoro to bring conManila homes and sumers a convenient, businesses find safe and digital sertechnicians to revice to get their applipair appliances and ances repaired. equipment.

“So I launched After three years, Teko in Makati. It Teko has won was just me and one the trust of many developer, and with Teko co-founder and CEO homes starting in pretty much I have, Farah Barre Makati where the the capital I got from idea was hatched my US credit card, before spreading across Metro Manila. and you know that capital is not that Teko is a technology startup that con- easily accessible in the Philippines. I nects owners of major home appliances was lucky to have that capital, and I dewith affordable and fully vetted techni- cided to put it to work and risk it. And cians for on-site services such as repair, I soon as I got the capital, I built the maintenance, installation and cleaning. prototype and got some traction. In the “At that time, I had moved from the course of this, I sought some help and US and kind of recovering from a failed that’s where I came across Chris. We startup, and I was not really moved for met online and he immediately saw the any other ideas, but I guess my instinct opportunity and the problem that I’m for entrepreneurship kicked in when I trying to solve and the opportunity that was looking help for my broken refrig- I was after,” he said. erator,” said Teko co-founder and chief Barre also found that despite having a executive Farah Barre who noticed that large and young population, simple apthere is an opportunity to create an on- pliance repairs in the country were hard line platform that lets homeowners and to come by. businesses conveniently request for apTeko started with the convenience pliance repairs. of the homeowners in mind, but He said that like anywhere else in the when the demand evolved, so did world, there seems to be a dearth of de- its business model. The startup now cent repair and trouble-shooting works serves businesses and works with for appliances and electronics products both technicians and manufacturers in the Philippines. to provide consumers with a wider Using his credit card, Barre started range of services. Othel V. Campos

Youth & Culture B1

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020

Bernadette Lunas, Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

What Gen Zs are up to in quarantine THE older folks think they’re always on their phones, liking Instagram posts and dancing on TikTok. Although many are, Gen Zs (those born between 1997 and 2012) are also busy learning and discovering new things and pursuing their passions.

These six young individuals have been making the most out of the ongoing quarantine, coping with the situation through self-discovery, passion projects, and skill-building endeavors.

Taty and Nicola Lopez in the kitchen.

Ari Moreno shows off her baked creations.

The budding chefs

SUCCEEDING OR STRUGGLING? As they navigate blended learning, students share how they're doing and how they're coping with the current situation.

The kids are online But are they all right?

By Mikaela Kristina Acido Muega

One of the most popular hobbies among the youth today is cooking.

Eleven-year-old Nicola Lopez shares, “I’ve been cooking with my sister for a while, and it’s been such a good bonding experience.”

Ari Moreno, 18, also finds comfort in the kitchen. She says, “Over this quarantine period I have been learning how to bake and cook. I’m experimenting with different recipes to prepare myself for when I go abroad for college.”

“I’ve been wishing for a nice hand mixer to make my kitchen prep easier and more effective. I’ve also been doing spin classes and volleyball drills to keep myself active,” adds Moreno.

Moreno’s hand mixer wish and other kitchen tools are available at Gorenje, KitchenAid, and Cuisinart. Durable cookware sets from Tefal and Russel Hobbs as well as storage and cooking solutions from Pyrex can help young chefs in the kitchen.

The fitness enthusiasts

Aside from the kitchen, these energetic youngsters love staying active in their home gyms.

Fourteen-year-old Alana Tantoco shares, “I miss seeing my friends but I’ve kept myself busy by baking and working out. I’ve been looking for new gym mats for my exercises and I really want new clothes.”

Yoga mats from Manduka offer highdensity cushion, joint protection, and unmatched support, which can be sanitized with Yoga Mat Wash after use. Comfortable and quality made activewear pieces, meanwhile, are available at Under ArAlana Tantoco likes to stay active. mour and Champion.

W

EEKS into the school year where students are learning from home via online platforms, many are getting a grasp on the situation while others are still having a few problems.

We checked in with students from Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS), Mayfield Montessori Academy (MMA), and Holy Family School of Quezon City (HFSQC) to know how they’re doing and how they’re coping with blended learning.

The digital creatives

Managing it well

“It’s about to fall off my hands, but still I’m managing it well,” said a hopeful Ernest Sy, Grade 9 student from QCSHS. Also from QCSHS, Adelfhe Albalate and Eliza Karel Gruta said the experience was bearable and that they were doing well. Miguel Espiritu, meanwhile, added that so long as he has his laptop, desktop computer, and even his mobile phone, he’s fine.

HFSQC student Jhorelle Abiog finds online learning easier as she has more time to study even if tasks are piling up.

While she admitted to feeling a bit more stressed with the new set-up, Mariel Llyutz from QCSHS is optimistic, claiming, “I’ll improve and get used to it.”

Some students feel less pressured learning from home, while others prefer to listen to lectures in an actual classroom.

Atasha Manaligod, Albalate, Gruta, Terol, and Abiog all said that connectivity was a major issue in online learning. Sy, for his part, said his problems with online schooling were electricity consumption, Internet latency, gadget specs, and the most common of all— procrastination.

“One of the challenges of online learning is submitting outputs online due to connection issues,” added Llyutz.

Rojan Dicion, also from QCSHS, cited the lack of physical and personal communication with people as a problem as he learns better when interacting Quite challenging The blended learning set-up poses a with others. number of challenges to students. QCDigital vs. traditional SHS student Arwind Matthew Parilla, classroom for instance, said shifting into an online Jannelou Trias compared studying at environment was quite challenging.

Eden Joy Terol from MMA said the home to learning while in prison, while overall process was stressful as she has studying in school to learning indepento learn much on her own. Students are dently outside said prison.

Gruta feels more exhausted and bored overcoming a lot of things in blended learning, “but the good thing about it due to lack of face-to-face interactions, is we are also learning to become more and Abiog said she could easily focus in independent when it comes to our stud- an actual classroom.

Llyutz, on the other hand, welcomes ies,” she said.

the much more relaxed learning environment at home and that classes tend to end earlier.

While unstable Internet connection poses a challenge to understanding lectures, QCSHS student Atasha Manaligod understands the lessons more during online classes.

But it’s a different story for schoolmate Fiona Renee Trinidad who prefers face-to-face classes because according to her, her attention span is short.

Parilla, Trias, Albate, Trinidad, Terol, Canda, and Sehanna de Vera likewise favor learning in an actual classroom.

Addressing online learning issues

When Internet connection becomes a problem, Terol and Abiog always reach out to their teachers to explain issues they encounter, while Manaligod just goes with the flow and do all things beforehand to prevent cramming. Llyutz checks her Internet connection first.

To manage their time, Canda prepares her homework as soon as she can, Gruta looks for solutions and alternatives and asks for help when needed, Albalate finds the perfect spot to study, and Trias’ parents have her follow the “five-hour phone use rule.”

Lessons learned

Unstable Internet connection poses a great challenge to understanding lessons taught online.

Angia Laurel recording her songs.

Growing up in a social environment where almost everything is accessible by phone has trained them to express themselves confidently via online platforms.

Seventeen-year-old singer and songwriter Angia Laurel shares, “I’ve kept myself pretty busy ever since the start of the lockdown/quarantine. I redesigned my room, I also explored the art of doing creative makeup and hair color.”

“I am also a singer/songwriter so I used most of my time composing, arranging, and producing my own songs, which are now on my YouTube channel, Spotify, and Sound Cloud.”

Examples of high-quality equipment for the aspiring music artist include Audiotechnica ATH-M50x Studio Monitoring Headphone, and Lexon Oslo Energy with Qi Technology that lets users play music while charging smartphones.

As they navigate their online classes, Gruta has learned to be more compassionate, patient, and helpful toward others.

Albalate has become more focused, Abiog values time more than ever, and Canda appreciates simple times and how much they actually mean to her.

Terol said people have to treasure the time they spend with everyone. “We have to do our best in any given situation and leave it all up to God,” she said.

Manaligod seconded.

Trinidad is thankful because she has the resources she needs to continue her education.

Online learning during the pandemic has allowed us to take a peek at other students’ side of the story to see the bigger picture and find meaning in all that’s happening.

Santi and Enzo Tanjutco (second and third from left) raise funds for NKTI.

The entrepreneurs

To help frontliners and moms, 16-year-old twins Santi and Enzo Tanjutco worked together to raise funds and create a website.

“Since we had nothing going on, Enzo and I were able to raise nearly 1 million pesos in funds for NKTI (National Kidney and Transplant Institute) from the New Zealand Embassy to help them in their fight against the virus,” shares Santi.

“We also started a website to help our mom and other moms with online shopping! The website is called lulus.best,” adds Enzo.

To help entrepreneurs working from home, Cygnett offers high quality lighting which features a 2.4A/12W fast charging technology, while laptop and phone stands are available at Moft. For the best sound accessories, Philips, Sony, and Bang & Olufsen have a wide range of headphones.

HEY, YOUTH! SHARE your unpublished essays with the readers of Manila Standard. Chosen essays will be published in the Young Life corner that comes out every Sunday.

This space is open for young writers, aged 13-29 years old.

Send your essay (maximum of 800 words) with photo/s, if available, to manilastandardlife@gmail.com with the subject: “Young Life - (title of your essay)” along with a brief description of yourself.

B2

Home/Design

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Non-negotiable living at the hill I N A post-pandemic world, there are nonnegotiables that should be taken into account when looking for a home.

Will you be able to get access to essentials, like food, toiletries, and medicines, even if you get stuck at home for several months?

How easy will it be for you to go to the clinic or hospital if you need to?

How safe is it to go out for a quick run to the supermarket, the hardware store, or even a 24-hour convenience store?

Which is why opting for a home at McKinley Hill in Taguig City, is shaping up to be a good idea.

Standing tall At 23 storeys, St. Mark Residences stands tall among the picturesque residential developments inside the 50-hectare Megaworldtownship of McKinley Hill.

Each unit comes with updated finishes and fixtures, including airconditioning units, water heaters, a designer kitchen cabinet, keycard elevator access and lockset, smart light switches, and a smart hub.

With a direct connection to the Venice Grand Canal Mall, one is

almost a hundred steps away from grocery stores, restaurants, clinics, pharmacies, banks, to name a few.

St. Mark Residences is located in a township, which is also home to 35 other residential developments, 18 office buildings, four embassies, and six educational institutions.

McKinley Hill also features the world-class Emperador Stadium, international universities and colleges like Enderun Colleges, Korean International School, and the Chinese International School.

A peek into Venice There’s a dining strip in McKinley Hill, along Upper McKinley Road,

that’s ideal for a quiet walk with soothing colors in the backdrop, coffee shops, and pockets of greens.

Facing the iconic St. Mark Bell Tower, residents can also wake up to views of the township, including the mall and a picturesque stretch of the Upper McKinley Road.

Perks of a low-density community There’s ample space at St. Mark Residences as floors will only be limited to as much as 12 to 14 units.

Soon-to-be residents at St. Mark Residences also have their own drop off area and lobby, while also enjoying the closest access to the Venice Grand Canal.

All units come with balconies.

The residential tower offers 235 units ranging from studio (up to 41 square meters), one bedroom (up to 66 square meters), two-bedroom (up to 102 square meters), three-bedroom (up to 120 square meters), and bi-level penthouse (up to 162 square meters).

Among the amenities future residents can look forward to include landscape gardens, a Clubhouse Pavilion, swimming pool, children’s playground, fitness station, minitheatre, function halls, library, gym with sauna, massage area, badminton courts, and a tennis court.

AboitizLand draws bead on ‘next-wave’ cities AFTER several months into the country’s general community quarantine (GCQ), average monthly sales of Aboitiz real estate arm AboitizLand, Inc. recently exceeded pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the impact of innovative selling techniques and the shifting preferences of property seekers.

AboitizLand’s reservation sales for the months following the community quarantine have averaged above 80% of original targets despite lockdown restrictions, and is well on its way to exceed its 2019 performance.

Sustained demand “We are seeing sustained demand for our residential developments despite the limitations brought about by the pandemic,” David Rafael, AboitizLand CEO, told Manila Standard.

“We are attributing this to a shift in our customers’ preferences towards houses and lots in next-wave cities, as bigger living areas, open spaces and amenities,” he explained.

The community quarantine has created shifts in residential real estate preferences: homes in suburban locations have become more attractive to property seekers, according to industry watchers. Property listing Lamudi reports that 83% of respondents on its site have been considering properties away from traditional commercial and business districts.

Away from the hustle and bustle AboitizLand’s residential developments, located in emerging growth centers in Central Luzon, Batangas and in Cebu, are far enough from the congestion and noise of the metropolis but close enough to be able to drive to the familiar sights and sounds of the city.

Digitalization efforts paying off AboitizLand is one of the first developers to respond to changing market needs by taking their operations online and offering end-to-end,

digital-based homebuying. From property viewing to unit reservation, everything can now be accomplished through its digital platforms.

After two decades of developing Cebu’s premier developments, AboitizLand began its national expansion in South Luzon in 2017 with Seafront

Residences, a 43-hectare premier seaside community in San Juan, Batangas. After launching several communities in Central Luzon under its mid-market flagship brand, Ajoya, it continued its growth in the South with a fully-integrated community, The Villages at Lipa in Batangas.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IN QC

Vista Residences, the condominium arm of developer Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., is building Pine Crest, a project that offers the luxury of living in a serene and secure community while still having access to the comforts of the metro.“Today, more and more people are looking for living spaces where they can enjoy suburban quietude without having to sacrifice their work in the city,” said Vista Residences chief operating officer Elizabeth M. Kalaw. “Most think that you can’t have both, but Pine Crest by Vista Residences has proven otherwise.”Located along the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Balete Drivein Quezon City, Pine Crest is composed of three residential buildings. Towers 1 and 2 consist of 5-storeys, while Tower 3 is a 15-story structure.

Each of the towers is named after famous Swiss cities Geneva, Zurich and Lucerne.

IT LEARNING HUB SET UP IN SUBIC. Students and out-of-school residents of Sito Nagyantok, Barangay Cawag in Subic Bay, recently got a big boost amid the pandemic when Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RPE) and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) inaugurated an IT Eswela Hub, to teach basic literacy skills in the community. The project, backed by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), currently hosts computers, as well as a stable internet connection, which would facilitate the research efforts of its young users. “We envision the IT Eskwela Hub to be a platform for volunteers to also teach other studentsbasic computer skills,” explained RP Energy CSR manager Jason Gavina (Shown here with Cawag SK chairman Cherilyn Jane Inoc and treasurer Reynan John Villanueva).

OMF likewise donated computers for the SBMA-Philippine Red Cross COVID-19 testing laboratory.RP Energy is the developer of a 2x300MW coal-fired powered plant in the Subic Bay freeport zone.

Future-proof developments GREEN buildings emerged as one of the key topics in a recent online roundtable, New Behaviors, New Demands: What Matters to Homebuyers Now, hosted by online property portal Lamudi.

The forum brought together property experts to discuss the drastic changes in the preferences of property buyers today, highlighting how the pandemic introduced a new

normal lifestyle.

SM Development Corporation’s (SMDC) president Jose Mari Banzon, shared that the company follows the book on green buildings to reduce their carbon footprint.

SMDC is keen on building futureproof buildings. In the rise of remote work arrangement, Banzon said that they’re including co-working areas inside residential communities.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020

B3

Nickie Wang, Editor; E-mail: nickie.standard@ gmail.com

BL star Kokoy de Santos R

ising actor and Boys Love star Kokoy De Santos experiences the highs and lows of young love while coming to terms with his sexuality in the new original romantic comedy series in Oh, Mando, which also stars Barbie Imperial and Alex Diaz.

gets stuck in love triangle

in ‘Oh, Mando’

The series is a coming-out and coming-of-age tale about Mando (Kokoy), a hopeless romantic and charming college boy who has long suppressed his attraction to boys.

Despite his confusion over his sexuality, Mando is charmed by the beautiful and liberated Krisha (Barbie) when they meet in a school play. They eventually enter into a relationship, while Mando continues to hide his secret from his girlfriend.

As Mando starts developing real feelings for Krisha, he experiences love at first sight when he meets a handsome, out and proud gay basketball jock named Barry (Alex).

This begins Mando’s path to self-discovery, as he becomes torn between doing the right thing for his current relationship with Krisha and following his heart’s desire by choosing Barry.

Oh, Mando, which started streaming on Thursday (Nov. 5) on iWant TFC, is helmed by Eduardo Roy Jr., the same director of award-winning movies Pamilya Ordinaryo, Lola Igna, Bahay Bata, Quick Change, and Fuccbois.

Max Schneider, known professionally as MAX, collaborates with BTS member Suga on ‘Blueberry Eyes,’ which music video has netted 22 million views since its release in September.

This generation’s pop god MULTIPLATINUM recording artist Max Scheider has been labeled a “Young Pop God” by GQ, named a “top popstar to watch” by Billboard, and was nominated for “Best New Pop Artist” at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Since the breakout success of his full-length album Hell’s Kitchen Angel, Max has garnered more than 1.2 billion streams and has toured the world multiple times over. He yielded an inescapable smash with “Lights Down Low,” which generated over half a billion streams globally and is certified triple platinum in the US, platinum in Canada, and gold in Holland and Australia. It soared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached No. 7 at Top 40 radio, No. 1 on Shazam, and No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Radio Airplay chart. As the track took off, Max delivered seismic renditions of it on The Late Late Show with James Corden, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, Good Morning America, and TRL. “What people loved about ‘Lights Down Low’ was the story – I’d never been more honest,” said Max. “I only scratched the surface on Hell’s Kitchen Angel though. I’m taking even more risks on my next album, Colour Vision.

I want to be as authentic as possible whether it is about losing people in my life or just who I am as a person.”

He followed “Lights Down Low” with his hit single “Love Me Less” ft. Quinn XCII. The song is certified gold in the US, reached No. 17 at Top 40 radio and has accumulated over 170 million streams worldwide.

He performed it on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, TODAY, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan and at the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. Max’s new music continues to dive deeper into spreading a message of being true to who you are, wearing what you want to wear, loving who you want to love and feeling accepted.

With his sophomore album Colour Vision released on Sept. 18 and a world tour in the works, this year is shaping up to be a huge one for this “Young Pop God.”

The cast of coming-out and coming-of-age series ‘Oh, Mando’ led by Kokoy de Santos (left) with Barbie Imperial and Alex Diaz.

The Prince of Speed James Christopher Barcial elevates road racing to greater heights

By Paolo Manuel C. Fule

M

otorsport is one of the world’s most dangerous racing games. It takes a lot of guts, discipline, courage, and hard work to attain success in this field. And James Christopher D. Barcial bears all this in mind.

James Christopher Barcial, 26, is a motocross racer and an entrepreneur from Balagtas, Bulacan.

Fear and quitting is not in the vocabulary of this young road racing circuit rider from Balagtas, Bulacan. He makes sure that in every competition, he always gives his best while praying for guidance from the heavens.

Born on Aug. 3, 1994, the 5-foot-6 motorsport athlete started in this extreme activity at the tender age of 6. His father, Jaime Barcial, taught him the ways of motocross.

The young rider has already won several titles and competitions in this sport. Some of the achievements tucked under his belt include 2008 Underbone King champion, 115 Super Stock Under bone champion, 2009 Underbone King 115 open category, 2011 160cc Open Runner Up, 2012 Under bone King, 2012 160cc Scooter champion, 2012 IRGP Automatic champion, 2013 IRGP Advance 180cc champion, 2013 180cc Scooter 1st runner-up, and 2014 IRGP Champion in the 160 and 180cc categories. He had a podium finish in the Inside Racing Grand Prix or IRGP motocross competition held in Carmona, Cavite in November 2017.

At 26, the promise of a great career is already on his way. With nerves of steel and unmatched talent, he

always takes the risk to overcome any challenges that confront him.

“This is a dangerous sport, but it really needs practice.

Your mind and body need to be in right. It makes you aware and ready of any eventualities that may arise during the race,” James said who lists Valentino Rossi as his his road racing idol.

“He is the best for me because he is the rider who, even though he had several world champion titles, he is still remains humble,” he added.

Talking about motocross, a physically demanding sport held in all-weather conditions, James explained that his family was his biggest influence.

“I chose this sport because my family is in the racing industry. I feel in love with this sport, which I consider as a career,” said James who also currently wears another hat as an entrepreneur.

This young achiever believes that the fast-paced world of motocross riding can be one of the most dangerous sports in the world, yet despite this hard, cold fact, he remains resilient as it also helps him to be brave on the race track of life.

Reneé Dominique, Bloome join forces on new single ‘The Rose’ INTERNATIONAL singer and songwriter Reneé Dominique and producer trio Bloome have linked up on new single “The Rose,” an infectious slice of electropop that combines tropical feelgood chords with the singer’s beautiful voice.

Reneé, a multi-platinum awarded singer-songwriter and producer Radboud Miedema, delivers a bittersweet internal dialogue with breezy, exciting sounds. The track in a funny way describes the story of a guy trying to treat his woman right but in fact, always messes up.

“The song shows a grown, feisty, and interesting side of me while roses itself stand for a girl’s delicate beauty. They come

in a variety of colors—like how women come in all kinds, shapes, and sizes,” the 21-year-old artist said of the single.

Reneé is known for her creative music and beautifully designed videos on YouTube.

In December 2009 she started uploading videos of cover songs of various classic hits (The Beatles, Carpenters) as well as selfwritten songs on her channel.

One of her most successful covers “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane counts over 11 million views on YouTube and was chosen by Samsung for one of their global campaigns. She has 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 210 million streams over all platforms.

On her last single “Could I Love You Any More,” she collaborated with multiawarded singer-songwriter Jason Mraz.

Bloome, on the other hand, is a new artist project by multi-platinum awardwinning songwriter and producer Radboud Miedema and the two Roseville band members Twan Ray and Jarin Lourens. With hit singles written and produced for artists such as Lost Frequencies, Alle Farben, Sam Feldt, Lucas & Steve, Austin Mahone, Lucas Estrada, Janieck, and Laidback Luke, the three friends teamed up to combine their signature styles into a harmonious blend of timeless pop-infused tropical-electronica chill sound.

Singersongwriter Reneé Dominique and producer trio Bloome came together to release ‘The Rose,’ an infectious slice of electro-pop and feel-good chords.

Pets A rescued dog named MANGO B4

L

OVE indeed comes unexpectedly and from an unexpected somebody.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

dogs like him, to make me feel I am doing the right thing.

When he was diagnosed with cancer of the sebaceous gland last year, we fought together to beat the disease.

But when I saw him losing weight fast and having difficulty standing up, I told him, "I'll be okay, Mango. You don't have to protect me anymore. " When he was getting weaker, I stayed with him as often as I could.

I would lie beside him and read him affirmations, and tell him over and over the story of how we planned their rescue and the day we rescued him. He liked this story so much as he would always turn his head and look at me more intently when I narrated how we got a hold order from city hall so that their lives would be spared, how we worked to get funds to pay for the adoption fees, and how we looked for and talked to so many people to transport them and to have them adopted to give them good homes.

Then I would kiss him and whisper, "Go to the Light, baby. I love you and I will miss you so much, but I don't want you to be in pain anymore. You can be my angel and protector even when you're in Heaven. Go, baby. See you in the clouds and in my dreams."

One late afternoon, he struggled to get up, made it somehow, and looked at me. I came closer, hugged and kissed him, then I told him over and over again, "I love you, baby. Thank you for coming into my life. Please go to the Light. It's okay to leave. I’ll be happy knowing you are free of suffering, Mango. " For one last time, he looked at me. Then he closed his eyes. There was no last gasp of breath. He just closed his eyes.

For a few minutes, I just sat there beside him. Then I acted as if he was just sleeping. I went around the place, occasionally looking back at him and kept myself busy by clearing the table and picking up stuff.

I knew he was gone when he closed his eyes but I waited. For about 40 minutes.

Then we heard the cries of the other dogs. Other rescued dogs with us-- his siblings --- howled. They were saying goodbye to their Kuya Mango.

Today, when I am beset with challenges related to Save ALL, I'll say to Mango,"If you can hear me, please ask for help there in heaven for Save ALL and your rescue siblings, Mango. Nanay needs help."

Sounds crazy? We talk to dead relatives, telling them we hope they are okay, asking them for help for our woes, right? Why not do the same with our dead pets?

To me, the connection is never lost. I talk to a dead relative or a dead pet when I remember them because of a tree, a dish, a sound, a song.

And when I feel down and helpless amidst the challenges and concerns, I talk to them, both the human and animal loved ones who have crossed.

Then I would feel I am not alone. I would feel and remember the warmth of their love in my heart.

The sadness has ebbed. I feel gratitude more than sadness these days. I am grateful they loved me, allowed me to love them, and our love for each other keeps us connected to this day.

I will forever be grateful to a rescued dog named Mango who showed me and showered me with pure love. Run free and be happy in heaven, baby. Someday, I’ll be there to tell you your rescue story once again.

This is how sweet Mango was. He always found time to make me feel his love even when he was busy having fun in the garden.

Our last photo together in his favorite kubo in a small farm in Rizal. He loved lying there just watching the view of Metro Manila from the kubo.

He was sweeter during the last week of his life. He would always come closer and would rub his face on my chest. It was as if he wanted me to feel his love more because he knew he would be leaving soon. I believe he wanted me to remember I am loved so that I can hold on to that memory in times of grief and sadness when he is gone. He was that "protective" to the end.

PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS

In my case, I learned what pure love is from a dog named Mango.

Mango is a rescued dog of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.) who crossed the rainbow bridge on Nov. 30, 2019 after a three-month battle with cancer.

He was one of the 20 dogs on death row called the Payatas pound of Quezon City who our original group Efforts to Save 20 Dog on Death Row saved in December, 2013.

For one long week, we worked to get them out and ended up saving more.

Aside from the 20 dogs on death row, we also got two mama dogs who gave birth to six pups each and two kittens. In all, we rescued 34 animals from euthanasia or from being put to sleep.

That was almost seven years ago. Our first rescue.

For seven years, Mango was an integral part of my life. He taught me many lessons on love and giving, on love and receiving.

He is an asong pinoy or aspin who is considered as having no breed at all. But this aspin and many other rescued aspins showed me they have so much class in the way they conduct themselves.

They know how to respect and love people as they exert all efforts to understand humans and obey our commands, they are fiercely loyal as they would always protect their humans, and they are considerate towards their kind, helping the pups adjust to the world of “adults” and even leaving some food in the bowl for the skinny or seemingly weaker dogs.

Strangers would label Mango as aggressive because of his growls and fierce-looking eyes. But with us and for us, he only has smiles, wagging tails and so much love in his eyes.

We believe he grew up on the streets alone. Thus it always took a long time for him to warm up to new humans. For how could he trust humans if he had to scavenge for food hurriedly because humans might throw stones or items at him to shoo him away from garbage bins? How could he trust humans knowing there are humans who catch dogs? How could he trust humans who hurt dogs while catching them? How could he trust humans who never showed love or kindness for him in his hours of hunger and thirst?

When he was with us, we simply told him again and again that he was already safe and that we love him. We hugged him and kissed him as often as we could. We gave him good food, a bath, denta stix and chew toys. We made him feel and know he was a member of a family, one he never had growing up on the streets.

In return, he would always protect us. No one could come near me unless I told him it's okay.

He also made me feel loved always just by looking at me. You can see so much love in his eyes and in his smile. It is enough to recharge me, to help me keep going amidst the challenges of rescuing

Mango enjoying his run in the garden. I now always see him like this, running in God's Heaven when I think about him. Somehow, that takes away the sadness.

Mango's eyes were always full for love for us his rescuers.

Animals in disaster: An appeal to our lawmakers CLAWS PROTECTION

BY GREG SALIDO QUIMPO AND HEIDI MARQUEZ

THE tragic events that had impacted various part of the country, from the Taal volcano eruption early this year and the recent super typhoon have clearly unraveled a more disastrous consequence that has not been given much attention: the animals being left behind.

While we are aware that the House of Representatives has recently approved HB 5989 or the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), it missed the inclusion of animals in the bill’s provisions. There was no consultation with animal welfare groups who could have shared important ideas for the benefit of would-bedistressed animals.

It is very clear from recent incidents that the affected families who are reliant on their livestock and are hugely concerned over the plight of their pets could not possibly save all their animals without being helped by the government.

The uproar from both pet and farm animal owners as well as from the animal welfare groups like Animal Kingdom Foundation regarding the safety of animals in time of emergencies is highly understandable. While human lives are far greater in terms of priority,

the animals however, are also part of the lives of the people and in fact, pets are family members and hence, deserve the same if not equal protection in times of calamities and disasters.

Quite reasonably, we feel that there should have been a far more effective response from the government in ensuring that animals are included in any disaster and evacuation plans.

Animals whom humans are dependent for food and nutrition, for farm works, for security as watch/guard dogs (including K9s), for research and science to discover medical solutions for human diseases and much more.

We are very much dependent on the animals to ensure balance in the world we live in and yet we readily neglect them especially during disasters.

Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), as an NGO, strongly believes and recognizes that the improved disaster resilience programs should not only cover protection of human life and property but also the protection of animals.

Animals suffer and feel pain as sentient beings. Similar to humans, they are capable of feelings, including pain, distress, suffering and pleasure.

Animals provide food and livelihood for the communities. The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare provides that “about a billion of the world’s poorest people depend on animals for food, income, social status or cultural

identification. The Taal volcano eruption early this year impacted the livelihood of the affected communities. During natural disasters, people affected not only fear for their lives and safety, but also worry about their lost income and livelihood. Animals are the main source of income of the residents on the volcano island.

In fact, residents make their living by offering horse rides to tourists who are visiting the Taal volcano’s craters. Death of a great number of horses is a major blow on their livelihood. Likewise, death of pigs, cows and other livestock greatly affects the communities who are dependent on them for food and livelihood.

With the recent super typhoon Rolly, we can only await how much devastation it caused on animal lives impacting the economy and livelihood of the local communities.

Pet animals provide emotional support, companionship and security. They help us reduce stress and anxiety and alleviate any feeling of loneliness and depression. It bears to point out that ensuring a safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities, the government should also involve animals and their welfare to be fully integrated into the disaster resilience and management plans, program, projects and activities as they are hugely a part of our daily lives.

A pro-active response from the government is greatly expected. We must save the animals, too!

A famished puppy rescued by AKF during the Taal volcano eruption early this year.