Manila Standard - 2021 January 31 - Sunday

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 327 • 2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

AFTER THE FIRE. An early morning fire that hit the second alarm razed houses along 18th Avenue in Cubao, Quezon City on Jan. 30, 2021. Residents returned to their property to look for things that are still of use.

Ryan Eduard Benaid for PonD News Asia

China to US: Do not interfere ‘Outsiders’ must leave South China Sea row for Asean to resolve

C

HINA has warned the United States and other countries that they should not meddle in the South China Sea disputes, stressing the territorial row should only be resolved between Beijing and other claimants like Manila.

“China hopes countries outside the region will duly respect the efforts of China and other regional countries to properly handle maritime disputes and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian.

Zhao made the statement after Thursday’s phone conversation between Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and President Joe Biden’s newly appointed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who rejected China’s massive sea claim and vowed to defend Manila against aggression in the disputed waters.

The Philippines and the United States have an existing Mutual Defense Treaty that binds the US to defend its Asian ally from external aggression.

Blinken has reaffirmed America’s commitment to defend the Philippines against any armed attack in the South China Sea after China passed a law authorizing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels in the hotly contested waterways.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the country’s Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States should be reaffirmed to maintain a balance in South China Sea. Lacson, who heads the Senate’s committee on national defense and security, said Blinken spoke with Locsin.

“The US-PH Mutual Defense Treaty is one yet untapped weapon in our arsenal. I certainly hope we do not draw that weapon. Meantime, we might as well keep it there,” Lacson said on his Twitter account. .The Philippines

APOCALYPTIC FILMS SHOT DURING PANDEMIC HIT SUNDANCE A VIRUS horror and a lastday-on-Earth comedy—both entirely devised, shot and edited during the pandemic —brought an apocalyptic flavor to the Sundance film festival, which has moved online due to COVID. Speaking after “virtual” world premieres at the influential US indie event Friday, the films’ creators described how they funneled their boredom and anxiety into creativity by quickly finding ways to safely film during

long lockdowns.

“I had a slightly hysterical episode about one week into the lockdown... I needed to calm down and part of the calming down was to try and write,” recalled “In The Earth” director Ben Wheatley.

The first new production to film in the UK after its initial March lockdown, the horror is set in a remote English forest where scientists are conducting mysterious experiments while a virus sweeps through the cities. AFP

STORIES ON PAGE 2

AWARD PUSHED ‘PORK PRICES TO GO FOR REVILLA SR.

won its case against China at an international tribunal in The Hague, which invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims to almost the entire South China Sea. The landmark decision also ruled that China violated Filipino fishermen’s traditional fishing rights in Scarborough Shoal, but did not make a stand on who should have sovereignty over the area.

The arbitral ruling largely recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights in other areas within its exclusive economic zone that China claims.

However, China rejects the ruling and insists that it owns most of the global waterway.

China, which considers the sea disputes a purely Asian issue, is opposed to any foreign intervention, particularly the US. While the US is not a party to the disputes in the South China Sea, it has declared that it is in its national interest to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight across the contested waterways where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

The passage of the China’s new law allowing its coast guards to fire on foreign vessels in its claimed territories in the South China Sea is expected to stoke tensions in the region.

The law authorizes the Chinese coast guard to undertake “all necessary measures, including the use of weapons when national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction are being illegally infringed upon by foreign organizations or individuals at sea.”

This prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs to file a diplomatic protest against China, with the Locsin describing the law as a “verbal threat of war to any country.”

“While enacting law is a sovereign prerogative, this one—given the area involved or for that matter the open South China Sea—is a verbal threat of war to any country that defies the law; which, if unchallenged, is submission to it,” Locsin added.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

DOWN TO P300/KILO’

(AS OF 4 PM JAN. 30)

523,516 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,109 36,943 NEW

ACTIVE

10,669

71

475,904

146

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

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• Palace: Give Magalong a 2nd chance • Active cases highest in 3 months

By Vito Barcelo, Willie Casas and Dave Leprozo MALACAÑANG is hopeful Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong will reconsider his irrevocable resignation as contact tracing czar after drawing heavy flak for attending a party where violations of pandemic protocol were observed.

“We are sad that Mayor Magalong tendered his resignation. Of course we respect his principles but I heard that Sec. Galvez will still talk to Mayor Magalong,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Saturday.

On Friday, Magalong, a former police general, cited his lapses in failing to correct violations at the party, held for the birthday of event organizer Tim Yap. Some of the guests were photographed without masks and failing to observe physical distancing. His wife was among 33 people who paid fines for violating ordinances on COVID-19 protocol.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque said Magalong’s resignation was rejected and that “he continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the leadership of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19.”

Travel restrictions Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration said it would lift the travel restrictions on the 36 countries with reported cases of the new Covid-19 variants starting Feb 1, following a directive from the Inter-Agency Task Force Against Emerging and infectious Diseases (IATF).

However, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente clarified that other travel restrictions remained in place.

“We are still limiting the entry of foreign nationals to the country, following the IATF,” said Morente. “Generally speaking, tourists are still not allowed to enter the country,” he added.

Current restrictions only allow the entry of accredited foreign diplomats and personnel of accredited international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations, foreign dignitaries, and those for medical and emergency cases, including their medical escorts.

Foreign spouse and minor children of Filipinos, children with special needs regardless of age of Filipinos, foreign parent of minor Filipinos, and

foreign parent of Filipino children with special needs regardless of age will also be allowed entry.

Permanent residents under Section 13 of the Philippine Immigration Act, RA 7919, and EO 324, as well as those with Native Born visas may enter. Also allowed are those married to Filipinos with Temporary Resident Visas and MCL-07-021 Permanent Resident Visas relative to Section 13 of CA 613.

Investors with an EO 226 visa, Special Investors Resident Visa under EO 226, 47(a)2 visa issued by the Department of Justice, and Section 9(d) Treaty Traders visa will also be allowed, together with those with economic zone visas under Aurora Pacific Economic Zone, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and Clark Development Corporation.

Additionally, holders of Section 9(g) visas who left the country starting December 17, 2020 may return upon presentation of a valid ACr ICard and Special Return Certificate.

Except for those qualified as balikbayans under Republic Act No. 6768, all exempted foreign nationals are required to have a valid and existing visa at the time of entry, with a pre-booked accommodation facility for at least 7 nights in an accredited quarantine facility, subject to COVID-19 testing protocols as set by the Department of Health, and subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers.

COVID updates The Philippines logged on Saturday 2,109 new cases of the novel coronavirus diseas, bringing the total to 523,516, as six laboratories failed to submit their data on time, the Department of Health reported.

The DOH reported 36,943 active cases, which is 7.1 percent of the total number of cases and the highest recorded in three months. Of the active cases, 85.2 percent are mild; 9.7 percent are asymptomatic; 2.6 percent are critical; 2.1 percent are severe; and 0.44 percent are moderate. The DOH also reported that there were 146 persons who recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 475,904, which is 90.9 percent of the total.

The DOH also reported 71 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 10,669, which is 2.04 percent of the total.

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Lawmakers want National Artist award for Revilla Sr.

By Maricel V. Cruz

COASTAL TREE PLANTING. The Rael Kitz Corporation, which owns Centrum Fuel, spearheads a tree planting campaign on a stretch of the Tondaligan Beach in Barangay Bonuan Gueset in Dagupan City on Jan. 30, 2021.

The firm’s president, Rael Ferrer, was joined by other stakeholders that included Calasiao police chief Col. Ferdinand de Asis. Dagupan City PIO

Lower pork prices in Feb.—DA T HE Department of Agriculture said it expects the market prices of pork to go down to P300 per kilo or even less with the arrival of imported hog meat from countries declared as free of the dreaded African swine fever.

“We’d like to see the softening of prices in the coming weeks. The imported meat will ranhe from P280 to P300 per kilo and these will come from ASF-free countries—US, Canada, Netherlands, Denmark and Spain,” said DA spokesman Asec. Noel Reyes.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar, for his part, said the department has al-

ready put in place logistics and policy measures to bring down the prices of pork and other farm products in Luzon.

In a radio interview, Dar admitted thag recent problems in the supply and production side have pushed up the prices of commodities, especially of pork and vegetables.

On the logistics side, he said the DA

has coordinated with farmer cooperatives in Luzon for the use of their delivery trucks to transport vegetables from the farm to the market to cut down on transportation costs.

The DA is also teaming up with partners and stakeholders in the shipping sector to offer reduced, if not free, shipment cost for the transport of hogs from the Visayas and Mindanao.

This would involve the Philippine Ports Authority, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), and private shipping lines, Dar said.

Luzon is running low on pork supply due to issues brought about by the ASF that bore heavily on hog raisers.

Dar said the department is now as-

Rody expands AMLA predicate crimes scope PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law that strengthens the country’s anti-money laundering act (AMLA).

Republic Act No. 11521, inked by Duterte amends the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 in a bid to prevent the country from being included on the “gray list” or countries with weak policies against dirty money.

The newly signed law, a copy of which was released Friday night, expands the scope of predicate offenses by including the commission of tax crimes and violations of the Trade Management Act on the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

RA No. 11521 includes in the list of covered persons real estate developers and brokers who engage in the buying and selling of real estate properties, along with Philippine offshore gaming operators and their service providers.

The law also strengthens the functions of the Anti-Money Laundering Council by giving it the authority to require, receive, and analyze covered or suspicious transaction reports from covered persons.

The AMLC, under the law, is also allowed to investigate, issue a subpoena, and conduct search and seizure.

In 2000, the Philippines was gray-listed by the Paris-based watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) - International Cooperation Review Group due to its failure to address dirty money issues.

Its previous inclusion in the gray list paved the way for the enactment of AMLA in 2001.

sisting the sector for repopulation and hog restocking efforts.

On the policy side, which is of longterm importance, the DA is working on a possible price ceiling and lowering of tariff to drive down pork prices.

Earlier, the IATF, upon the recommendation of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Task Group on Food Security, backed the designation of a nautical highway from Luzon and Mindanao and the Maharlika Highway in Luzon as special hog lanes, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Roque said the move would ensure the unhampered passage of hog shipments from Visayas and Mindanao, while preventing the spread of ASF.

FOR GOOD LUCK.

A man arranges “angpao” (hongbao) ahead of the Chinese New Year. The traditional red envelopes are stuffed with cash and given as gifts on special occasions.

Vivian Marasigan for Pond News Asia

Anti-corruption head Jimenez dies at 68 MALACAÑANG condoled Saturday with the family of Presidential Ani-Crime Commission (PACC) Dante Jimenez who died Friday due to aortic aneurysm. He was 68.

“The Palace expresses its condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues...(and) may the perpetual light shine upon him, and may the soul of Mr. Jimenez rest in eternal peace,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque hailed Jimenez for advocating a “just and peaceful society for Filipinos by fighting criminality and corruption.”

“He (Jimenez) believed and shared President Rodrigo Duterte’s centerpiece program, which is, the campaign against illegal drugs, crime, and corruption, and had served the Duterte

Administration as Chair of PACC and Co-Chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs. He would be dearly missed,” he said.

Jimenez’s passing was announced by his family on Saturday and, in a statement, said “We ask for your prayers for the eternal repose of a man who devoted his life in the crusade against crime and corruption and for good governance.

We will miss him so dearly. May he rest in peace,” the family’s statement read.

Jimenez was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as PACC chair in January 2018. He also co-chaired the Inter-Agency Committee on AntiIllegal Drugs, a body tasked to ensure the full implementation of policies, laws, and issuances on the national government’s antinarcotics campaign.

P10K pandemic aid per family sought

HIGH-GRADE. Members of the Makati Police station drug enforcement unit inspect the seized ziplock bags of suspected Kush or high grade marijuana from a club-goer during a police operation at a bar in Makati City early Saturday dawn. Norman Cruz

FORMER Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has appealed to government officials to find a consensus on the COVID-19 vaccination plan if they are to convince the people to get vaccinated.

“Today, we are here to fight something, not someone: COVID-19. But we’re also here to build a consensus by showing our people that despite all the apprehension, there is a system that can be placed in the pipeline,” Cayetano said.

“If we count them, more than half don’t want to be vaccinated. Why? Because we’re setting a bad example,” Cayetano said, citing his interaction with barangay health workers who have expressed reluctance to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Cayetano urged the government officials to demonstrate willingness to listen to expert perspectives and acquire enough knowledge regarding the vaccines through

non-confrontational hearings.

“I speak to myself as much as I speak to you. Find a consensus rather than find someone to fight,” he said.

Cayetano made the appeal to fellow lawmakers and members of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) during Taguig City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Dry Run held at the Lakeshore Mega Complex late This week.

Present during the dry run were Philippine COVID-19 Vaccination Czar and Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr.; Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vince Dizon; Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III; National Center for Disease Prevention and Control Program Manager Dr. Jose Gerard B. Belimac; Metro Manila Development Authority General Manager Jojo Garcia; and DILG Undersecretary for Operations Epimaco V. Densing III. Maricel V. Cruz

A PANEL in the House of Representatives has adopted a resolution filed by 24 lawmakers led by House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and Tingog party list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez endorsing the late Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. for the National Artist Award for Film.

The House committee on basic education and culture led by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo cited the importance of House Resolution 176, noting that Revilla had great contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry.

The Romualdez couple and 22 other lawmakers filed HR 1176 to express the sense of the 300-strong House of Representatives to include Revilla, father of Sen. Ramon Revilla, Jr., in the roster of awardees.

They cited that the popular action star’s immense contributions to the Philippine culture and arts, particularly to the country’s entertainment industry “should not go unrecognized.”

“Ramon Revilla Sr. is a renowned entertainment icon, actor, producer,nwriter and director, and a public servant.

Through the years, he has contributed immensely in the development of Philippine art,” the lawmakers said in the resolution.

“His movies depicted not only the Filipino way of life, but also our unique culture and strong ideas,” they said.

Issued in 1972, Proclamation 1001 created the National Artist Award, which is jointly administered by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and conferred by the President of the Philippines The Order of the National Artists is the highest honor conferred to Filipino artists who have made distinct contributions to the fields of literature, music, dance, theater, visual arts, film, broadcast arts, fashion design and architecture and the arts.

The authors of resolution are mostly members and allies of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats led by Majority Leader Martin Romualdez as President and Sen. Bong Revilla as chairman.

They noted that Revilla Sr. received several notable awards, which include FAMAS Best Actor award in 1973, Outstanding Producer Award in 1976, Most Outstanding Actor in 1979, and Box Office King.

They also cited that the former senator also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Catholic Mass Media in 2011 and on July 1 this year, he was conferred with the Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Award for Performing Arts.

Early passage of anti-child porn bill pushed A NEOPHYTE lawmaker on Saturday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent the passage of stronger anti-child pornography laws to better protect minors from sexual exploitation amid fast-evolving technological advancements.

“As long as we delay the passage of these bills seeking to amend our antichild porn laws, we will have more child victims that are exposed to sexual abuse and exploitation. The President’s urgent certification would help focus our efforts,” said Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles, vice chair of the House committee on justice.

Nograles is the author of House Bill 7633, or the “Anti-Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Act of 2020,” which seeks to amend Section 9 of Republic Act 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009).

Section 9 of the law allows internet service providers to install software that could block access to and transmittal of child pornography and notify authorities within seven days of detection of any internet address that may contain child pornography.

The same provision, however, also states that “nothing in this section may be construed to require an ISP to engage in the monitoring of any user, subscriber or customer or the content of any communication of any such person.”

Nograles filed the bill after the Department of Justice released a report revealing that cases of online child sex abuse had increased exponentially during the enhanced community quarantine in 2020. Maricel V. Cruz

World

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Saudi firms sue ex-spymaster for alleged $3-b fraud SAUDI state-owned companies have sued the country’s former intelligence czar in a Canadian court, alleging he stole billions of dollars, according to documents obtained Friday by AFP. The 10 subsidiaries of Tahakom Investment Co – which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund – said in the civil suit filed in Ontario Superior Court that Saad Aljabri committed a “massive fraud” totaling at least $3.47 billion.

Aljabri, exiled in Canada, was a top aide to Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who was deposed as heir to the throne

by Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a 2017 palace coup.

A campaign advocating for Aljabri said in a statement he and his family will “fight the recycled corruption allegations vigorously and are confident they will succeed in dismissing them.”

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef remains in detention in Riyadh.

The Ontario court has ordered a freeze of Aljabri’s assets worldwide.

The lawsuit describes estates in Saudi Arabia, luxury condominiums in Boston and several properties in Canada as ill-gotten gains.

It accuses Aljabri of having funneled money from companies funded by Saudi Arabia for counterterrorism activities – including buying security equipment, flying agents around the world and paying informants – to himself, his family and friends.

“Although the investigation is ongoing, it is clear that from at least 2008 to 2017, Aljabri masterminded and oversaw a conspiracy incorporating at least 21 conspirators across at least 13 jurisdictions to misappropriate” the funds, according to the lawsuit.

His supporters say the lawsuit is an attempt to distract from “the brutality” of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS. Aljabri last August filed a lawsuit in the United States alleging that MBS had sent a “hit squad” to Canada in 2018 to try to kill and dismember him in the same way that Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in Istanbul in October that year.

But the plot was allegedly detected and disrupted by Canadian police before they could act.

The murder of Khashoggi sparked an international outcry and tarnished the reputation of the oil-rich kingdom and the crown prince. AFP

COVID CASUALTY.

Cleaning personnel in personal protective equipment get on a public transport bus where a man with symptoms of COVID-19 died in Zapopan, state of Jalisco, Mexico. Jalisco extended until February 12 the emergency due to COVID-19. AFP

AstraZeneca hit by COVID-19 jab delays, disagreements

O

NLY A few weeks ago, Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca was being applauded for the speed with which it developed its COVID-19 vaccine.

Experts heralded the launch of the jab as a turning point in the pandemic, not least because it can be transported and stored more easily than its Pfizer/BioNTech counterpart.

The Anglo-Swedish firm also won plaudits for promising to provide the vaccine on a non-profit basis to lower- and

middle-income countries.

Now the vaccine has become a headache, with questions about its effectiveness, and potential litigation because of delays in delivery to the European Union.

On Friday, the European Commission published the contract it signed with the drugs group, showing AstraZeneca’s commitment to produce 300 million doses of the vaccine.

A day earlier, an inspection of a Belgian plant producing the vaccine was carried out at the request of the European Commission to examine production problems at the site.

Italy raised the prospect of legal action – which would also target Pfizer – to “get back the promised doses.”

Germany’s Robert Koch Institute also questioned the effectiveness of the jab

among the over-65s, citing gaps in test data.

All of these tensions came as the EU mulled approval of the AstraZeneca jab which was granted on Friday. It was the third Covid vaccine authorised by the European Medicines Agency.

The Financial Times said on Friday the “souring” relationship with the EU “could hurt the pharma group.”

“Neither side comes out of this particularly well,” CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson told AFP, adding that the disputes showed why “the prospect of vaccine nationalism is so worrying”.

He cautioned that “if the EU follows through on its threat to impose an export restriction,” there could be a knock-on effect of “countermeasures” from other nations like the UK if supplies slow. AFP

EU backtracks on restricting vaccines to Northern Ireland THE EU backtracked Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland after London voiced “grave concerns” over the proposed move.

A furious row over shortages of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has risked stoking conflict with the UK just weeks after London and Brussels sealed a Brexit trade agreement.

The EU had warned it would invoke Article 16 – overriding part of a deal with London allowing the free-flow of goods over the Irish border – but backed down after criticism from the UK and Ireland.

“The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected,” the EU Commissioner said in a statement late Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his “grave concerns about the potential impact” the European bloc’s decision might have.

The European scheme to monitor and bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants has also been criticised by the World Health Organization.

The WHO said the move was part of a “very worrying trend” that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines.

Although the EU has rowed back from the Article 16 threat, a Commission statement said if there were vaccines circumventing the European system, “the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal.”

The EU earlier justified the “safeguard measure” as an attempt to keep member states’ vaccine rollouts on track.

And Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides insisted: “We are not protecting ourselves against any specific country. And we’re not in competition or in a race against any country.”

The Brexit deal’s Northern Ireland protocol allows goods to flow between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, without the need for customs checks at the border. AFP

SIGHT FOR SORE EYES. This picture shows a general view of the Japanese capital city Tokyo, with Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain at 3,776 meters on the top left on Jan. 30, 2021. AFP

Japan woman hid mom’s frozen corpse for 10 years: reports A JAPANESE woman who said she hid her mother’s corpse in a freezer in her apartment for a decade told police she feared eviction if the death was discovered, media reported Saturday.

Police told AFP that Yumi Yoshino, 48, was held “on suspicion of abandoning and hiding a female body” found Wednesday inside the freezer in a To-

kyo apartment.

Yoshino said she hid the body 10 years ago because she “didn’t want to move out” of the home she shared with her mother, after finding her dead, local media reported, citing unnamed police sources.

The mother, thought to be aged around 60 at the time of her death, was named on the lease of the apartment in

a municipal housing complex, Kyodo News said.

Yoshino had been forced to leave the apartment in mid-January after missing rent payments, the reports said, and a cleaner discovered the body in a freezer hidden in a closet.

An autopsy could not determine the time and cause of woman’s death, the reports said. AFP

Vanuatu detains Chinese fishing boats, Russian yacht THE Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has detained two Chinese fishing boats and a Russian yacht due to concerns the vessels were operating illegally in its waters, police said.

It is believed to be the first time authorities in Vanuatu have detained Chinese fishing vessels.

The Chinese boats, Dong Gang Xing 13 and 16, were apprehended by a police patrol boat on January 19 near Hiu island in Vanuatu’s northern waters, according to police.

The boats are currently moored in Port Vila, as 14 Chinese nationals undergo Covid-19 quarantine before being questioned on suspicion of illegal fishing.

While accompanying the Chinese vessels back to the capital, the patrol boat also spotted a Russian yacht near Luganville, police said.

Three Russian nationals on board were detained and will also face questioning over their presence near Vanuatu’s second-largest city.

The arrests come as China’s fishing activities in the Pacific are in the spotlight after Palau detained another ship last month.

While Palau has a tense relationship with China due to its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, Vanuatu is an ally of Beijing and receives substantial aid from the Asian superpower.

A report from London-based research centre the Overseas Development Institute last year found China had the largest distant-water fishing fleet in the world, estimated at almost 17,000 vessels.

It named China as “the most significant actor” in illegal fishing worldwide, citing poor governance of the fleet and a failure to follow sustainable practices.

Beijing denies the accusations, with a foreign ministry spokeswoman saying in December: “As a responsible fishing country, China adheres to the path of green and sustainable development.”

Vanuatu closed its air and maritime borders last March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, amid fears its limited health care system would be unable to cope with an outbreak of the virus.

It has so far managed to keep coronavirus out of the community, recording only one case in quarantine in November. AFP

Five dead in helicopter accident in Cuba: official

RESTRICTIONS EASED. A bartender prepares some drinks at the outdoor

seating area of The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood, California. California has lifted the statewide “stay at home” ban, paving the way for the return of activities such as outdoor dining with a reopening permit, in line with new strict regulations aimed at preventing the spread of COID-19. AFP

FIVE people died in Cuba on Friday when their helicopter crashed on its way from the province of Holguin to Guantanamo in the east of the island, the armed forces ministry announced.

The helicopter “crashed against a hill” and “the five people on board died,” the ministry said in a statement released by state media.

The ministry has set up a commission to investigate what caused the accident, according to the statement. It gave no other details, including the identities

of the victims.

The last serious air accident in Cuba occurred in May 2018, when a plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Havana airport, killing 112 people, with only one passenger surviving.

An investigation found errors in the calculations of the aircraft’s weight and center of gravity.

Eight Cuban military personnel died in April 2017 in the crash of a Russian-made aircraft in the mountainous western region of Artemisa.

AFP

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Business

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

Inventor reintroduces ‘Probaton’ for frontliners inventor. He says he became one by accident. “When my company started dealing with the government, I developed innovative products for schools such as armchairs, whose desktops can be switched from left to right. I did not know it was an invention. My friends in government told me I can secure patent for that. So I joined and registered,” Pagayon says.

Aside from Probaton, Pagayon is also the inventor of Portasol—a multi-purpose solar thermal post-harvest speed dry tray, which saves space and ensures the high quality of products while drying grains or fish.

Another popular invention of Pagayon is the Ambidex convertible school chair, which can be adjusted for left or righthanded use. He also invented Reverse Applied Retro Reflective Elements on Alphanumerics for vehicle license plates.

Recently, he developed new products such as solar-powered lighting systems with multipurpose chargers, solar-powered street lamps, rescue boats with solar-powered lighting systems and electric firecrackers.

His latest project is Green-Grow gardening and reforestation tool kit—a tool box for “plantitos” and “plantitas” engaged in urban gardening.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

F

RANCISCO ‘Popoy’ Pagayon is reintroducing “Probaton”—a patented truncheon made of rubber-to equip security frontliners after President Rodrigo Duterte asked the police to use batons as the “first line of defense”.

“This is in response to the call of the president. Probaton, which is protected by patent, is ideal for our security frontliners, peace officers and village watchmen,” says Pagayon, who is the president and chief executive of Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative.

FISPC maintains a showroom along EDSA in Quezon City in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology’s oneStore that showcases Filipino products and inventions.

President Duterte said in December that he wanted the police to use baton, made of hard rubber instead of wood, as first line of defense. “When a person resists arrest and becomes violent, the first impulse of the police [officer] without a baton is to hold his gun. He might not draw it, but he holds his gun ready for action. If you have a baton, you hit just the hand or the body and that’s painful. Maybe you can subdue the person resisting arrest or the criminal,” the president was quoted as saying.

Security frontliners are using rattan at the moment, but the president said he would look for the budget to arm them with rubber batons.

Pagayon, an entrepreneur who likes to develop new tools, says he is willing to provide affordable but high-quality “Probaton” which he developed in 1978. After improving the design over the years and getting the patent in 1994, Pagayon reintroduced the truncheon as “Probaton” which has armed thousands of policemen and village watchmen across the country.

Probaton, short for police reconnaissance operation baton, is one of the several inventions that Pagayon is credited for. He says he registered Probaton after being informed that its design could be considered an invention.

“Probaton is my best friend. That’s what has fed my family and built my business

Inventor Francisco ‘Popoy’ Pagayon

over the years,” Pagayon says.

“Probaton has been in use by our law enforcers and village watchmen for many years now. It passed the rigid inspection and review by the Philippine National Police Research and Development as well as the test and evaluation by the Philippine Army Materials Division. It is designed as the first line of defense for our peace officers, given its perfect length, weight, shape, quality of material, handle and grip,” says Pagayon.

“It is meant as a defensive tool, but you can also swing it to shove attackers. It comes with a manual, personal training and demonstration on how to use it properly,” he says.

Pagayon says Probaton is ideal for frontliners who manage large crowd and implement social distancing. “Frontliners can use it to measure distance between persons and can guide them to observe social distancing. This would also calm the crowd who might panic at the sight of Armalite carried by law enforcers in full battle gear,” he says.

“There were incidents in the past that

arguments between frontliners and suspicious individuals resulted in violence and even deaths. With Probaton, this could be avoided. Law enforcers could also use it to defend themselves and knock down an attacker without causing serious injuries to the body,” he says.

“It is time to reintroduce Probaton because of the president’s call for a better alternative to firearms as first line of defense. It looks better than rattan. In fact, it is a high-quality defense equipment. In dealing with unruly suspects, you can use this took to knock down the attacker, but this would not break their bones because it is made of rubber,” he says.

Probaton is the best-selling item among the products of Oral Educational Distributor Media Affairs Inc., the company established by Pagayon in 1980. The company sells school equipment and general merchandise goods, which were improved and developed through Pagayon’s “imagineering.”

Pagayon, 75, did not finish high school and did not plan to become an

Mid-sized businesses show ‘reserved’ optimism

By Othel V. Campos MID-SIZED businesses are displaying reserved optimism on economic recovery, according to the latest Grant Thornton’s International Business Report covering the second half of 2020.

In the Philippines, economic optimism among mid-market businesses decreased over the past six months, with the research finding that 49 percent of businesses have slightly optimistic economic outlook over the next 12 months.

“The latest IBR data demonstrates to us that mid-market business leaders globally are being very realistic about the challenges that the first half of 2021 will bring, but they are facing this uncertainty with sensible pragmatism and resilience,” said P&A Grant Thornton CEO Marivic Españo.

The report gathered responses from nearly 5,000 business leaders in 29 economies including the G20.

Other key indicators showed soft declines with 43 percent of businesses expecting revenues to increase over the next 12 months, from 45 percent in the first half of 2020 along with profitability at 47 percent from 50 percent. On the other hand, emP&A Grant ployment increased by 51 percent, up 6 percentThornton age points from the first half of 2020.

CEO Marivic The report noted that economic uncertainty reEspaño mains at elevated levels, with 53 percent of businesses in the Philippines citing this as the number one constraint on their ability to grow their business.

As optimism decreased, 56 percent of surveyed cited shortage of orders as a constraint while 50 percent of businesses were concerned about availability of skilled staff and labor costs as another constraint on their ability to grow.

The study found out that the top investment area is research and development, with 51 percent of businesses expecting to increase investments in the coming year; followed by staff skills at 50 percent; and technology at 47 percent as businesses continue to retool for the new way of operating businesses.

With second and third waves of COVID-19 hitting many markets, the study noted the need to invest in product portfolio improvements. Digital business models and having people with the skills to operate in a virtual world for the foreseeable future were seen to drive investment decisions.

Jeff to open 30 laundry hubs in PH SPANISH startup Jeff has started to make its mark in the Philippines, with its first footprint through a convenient home laundry and drycleaning app and delivery service that helped keep Filipinos safe at home instead of heading for a laundromat.

By using the app, customers can choose the exact location, time and day of pick up; a driver proceeds to get the items and delivers them cleaned and folded or ironed in just 48 hours.

Since the pandemic last year, Jeff in the Philippines performed better than what was expected. The percentage of online orders was around 65 to 70 of the total, with franchisees strengthening their numbers and metrics since pre-COVID. Worldwide during the pandemic in 2020, Jeff opened 185 Mr. Jeff laundry hubs, showing the company’s and the franchisees’ commitment to the business.

As of 2020, Jeff has sold 80 Mr Jeff laun-

dry franchises in the Philippines, with its laundry hubs operating in Metro Manila and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The young and dynamic Jeff Spanish cofounders Eloi Gómez, Adrián Lorenzo and Rubén Muñoz are planning to open 30 franchises in 2021, not only in Metro Manila, but also in other cities like Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Angeles City in Pampanga.

On top of this, they are looking for Filipinos with an entrepreneurial mindset who can partner with them in their successful Jeff laundry venture, along with future launches.

Specifications for a laundry hub include a store space of 40 to 60 square meters, with about four sets of washer/ dryers, with a laundry specialist and dedicated driver upon opening that has a possibility for employee expansion later on. Other equipment needed are a computer using Jeff technology to keep track of orders and special laundry equipment to suit services for ironing, dry cleaning and home item cleaning.

An adviser will get in touch with prospective franchisees who do not require prior business experience. What is always necessary is that they have a good attitude and commitment to working for the business. “We are searching for people who want to be involved in this industry, working in the store or supervising operations.

Jeff is open to individual entrepreneurs as well as to big investors who are interested to manage 10 or more franchises,” says Jeff chief executive and co-founder Eloi Gómez. The initial capital is $25,000 to $50,000.

Youth & Culture B1

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021

Bernadette Lunas, Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Millennial millionaire promotes the power of positivity

By Ayunan G. Gunting

O

UR friendship blossomed by meeting our minds in a popular coffee shop in BGC. He is a visionary. Imagine, six months after college graduation in 2007, Michael Chan, then a 23-year-old property consultant, made his first million.

Thirteen years later, Chan, now an affluent real estate broker and entrepreneur, is advocating the power of positive thoughts and how it can produce the life of our dreams.

Throughout the pandemic, he has been inspiring people to see possibilities rather than limitations.

“I want to encourage Filipinos to believe that it’s achievable to become a millionaire so that they could help the country,” he says.

In his self-published book, The Adventure Millionaire: Journey to My First Million, Chan talks about how he affixed his mind on prosperity which resulted in new thought patterns that produced miracles. Asked how his book differs from other books with similar topic, Chan explains that he focused on enjoying the process instead of being obsessed with results, adding that expectations can block the flow of prosperity.

“The first step in making your first million: Be specific with your goals and develop self-discipline,” he advises.

The initial print run was meant for giveaways. Chan quotes the Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” in explaining his reason.

“Instead of giving dole-outs, it is better to teach people how to develop the abundance mindset and see how it manifests in their lives. Education is a form of wealth.”

stead. He joined one of the country’s top real estate developers and was named Rookie of Month after selling four condominium units and earning a million-peso worth of commissions in four weeks.

Chan then wrote his goals for the next few years.

Every morning, he conditioned his mind to become a millionaire, and reinforced that mindset by listening to audio books on prosperity.

“Everything starts from a detailed picture which you program into your mind. Then you create methods on how to bring the goal into reality,” he says. Eager to rise to the top, he mentally recited his daily mantra “I’m a millionaire” a hundred times a day.

“Your mind creates these waves of energy that would attract abundance,” he posits.

Prosperity isn’t just an attitude, he clarifies.

Chan worked till midnight and on weekends, waiting patiently at the showroom to close a deal and distributed nearly a thousand fliers every day in public places. He balanced his work life with sports to keep him fit.

“The harder you work, the luckier you will get,” he says. After two years of hard work, Chan was ranked No. 8 out of the developer’s 100 real estate agents.

‘‘

Everything starts from a detailed picture which you program into your mind. Then you create methods on how to bring the goal into reality.”

Reaping what he sowed

In 2010, Chan started his own company, REM Business Consultancy, which provides services such as documentation for real estate, transfer of titles, paying of taxes, and selling of properties. He is also a consultant for a financial services company and paper trading.

Paving a path filled with optimism Before the pandemic, Chan fulfilled his dreams of An industrial engineering graduate from the Uni- traveling to 30 countries in two years and owning a versity of Santo Tomas, Chan (whose real name is condominium, a nice car, and several other properties.

Michael Roseño) pursued his passion for sales inDuring the lockdown, Chan worked thrice as hard.

SEEING the accomplishments of friends posted and paraded on social media during the lockdown may leave a person feeling incompetent or shameful, or despair especially when personal goals are not met or no new skill was learned or project finished.

Dr. Janae Dudgeon, a prominent family care physician at Methodist Fremont Health Family Care in Nebraska, USA, offers the following reminders—listed by the Benilde Well-Being Center—to help homebound folks cope with social media comparison while in quarantine.

Everyone responds to stress differently

Individuals handle stress differently; there is no right way to respond to the uncertainty. Some may keep themselves busy with tasks, while others may cling to their old routines in the face of new challenges.

Understanding how you achieve mental clarity and well-being is important.

What you see is not always real

He maintained his habit of waking up at 5:00 a.m. and conditioning his mind to attract luck. He and his brother put up a small factory that produced alcohol, traded stocks, and sold properties and commercial lands. They even earned a commission from selling an artwork by a National Artist. Top developers invited him to conduct webinars on how to motivate their sales team.

Despite the uncertain times, Chan started a new business, Block Camp Site, a glamorous camping site in Cavinti, Laguna. The concept of five prefabricated structures, with areas for grilling and bonfire, was developed by his business partner Philip Tinio, winner of The Final Pitch, the country’s first business reality TV show. According to Chan, the Block Camp Site is always fully booked.

Chan believes that his blessings must be shared.

When he visited Kythe Foundation for children with cancer and chronic illnesses, the James Mackay Foundation for the visually impaired, and the New Bilibid Prison, he realized that gratitude is a prosperity practice.

“There are people who don’t have the same luck as others. We often take things for granted or feel that what we have isn’t enough. Be grateful for what you possess—health, daily sustenance, and freedom— and you will feel more of it in your life,” says Chan.

The unconditional sharing of his time and resources to others has led to more abundance. The gains need not always be financial, he says. Wealth could be translated as happiness from giving, building relationships, and discovering new opportunities.

“Abundance in whatever form grows by sharing,” concludes Chan.

Social media posts and photos about other people's accomplishments during the quarantine may result in unhealthy comparison.

Some post aspects of who they want to be. So if you are sitting there, scrolling through a Facebook friend’s timeline, subconsciously thinking “I wish I had that life,” it could be most likely that your friend hopes for the same.

You cannot be everything

Entrepreneur and motivational speaker Michael Chan promotes the power of positivity, discipline, and hard work.

4 steps to prevent ‘petsa de peligro’

Coping with social media comparison

There is a fine line between doing and Social media users tend to share things that portray them in the best light. overdoing. Social media has pressured peoThe current situation, a family care physician posits, does not require us to become productive or accomplish various goals and projects.

Staying healthy should be the priority

Michael Chan's 'The Adventure Millionaire: My Journey To My First Million' explores the topic of maintaining positive thoughts to be successful.

ple to maximize the quarantine. However, too many projects at once can backfire and leave a person feeling stressed, irritable, or defeated. If you must create distraction or are feeling creative, limit your projects to one at a time. Focus on staying healthy and remaining calm instead.

Routine is important

Habits, no matter how simple they may seem, provide a sense of comfort and normalcy. Determine what you need to feel good. Turn it into a routine if you have the means.

Reframe your mindset

When it comes to productivity, it is not about unfinished tasks, it is about what you get to accomplish. Gratitude is a powerful tool that opens our minds and shifts our focus. It can make us happier and more content. This may lessen our desire to compare or compete.

HEY, YOUTH!

SHARE your unpublished essays with the readers of Manila Send your essay (maximum of 800 words) with photo/s, Standard. Chosen essays will be published in the Young Life if available, to manilastandardlife@gmail.com with the subcorner that comes out every Sunday. ject: “Young Life - (title of your essay)” along with a brief This space is open for young writers, aged 13-29 years old. description of yourself.

A STUDY by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas revealed majority of Filipinos live from paycheck to paycheck—running out of money days before the next payday. Hence the term “petsa de peligro” (which translates to day of danger) is commonly used to describe that critical period.

Financial experts assert it is possible to be at a much more financially stable position regardless of the date on the calen-dar if we: Learn to budget.

One of the biggest mistakes employees make is not knowing where their salary goes.

When budgeting, Axa Philippines suggests listing down all monthly expenses such as utilities, food, transportation, and others, and make sure the total amount of these items are well within the salary for a month.

Live below your means. AfAf ter being aware of where each peso goes, cut back on spending—remove items on the budget that you can do without and redirect the amount to savings. “The key to cutting back is to challenge yourself to spend at least P500 or P1,000 less every week on groceries or negotiable expenses,” says the insurer.

Make savings automatic. Try to follow the formula of “income – savings = expenses.” That means setting aside money for savings first before spending. Setting up an automatic

transfer from payroll account to savings account makes this possible and easier to do.

Have a financial goal.

Whether it’s building an education fund or set setting aside money for a dream travel destina destination, it’s important to find purpose in cut cutting back on expenses to serve as motivation.

To help reach that goal, Axa offers Goal Getter, an investment and life in insurance plan with an initial investment of P10,000 and can be topped up with P5,000 every month to reach the minimum required investment of P50,000.

Low on funds before payday—again? Financial experts strongly emphasize the importance of budgeting and living below our means.

B2

Home/Design

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021

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

Investment leitmotif at Symphony Towers

N

OTHING beats the sound of a great investment. One with a recurring theme of simplicity and stability that comes with owning the right condominium property, purchased at the right price, at the right time.

Time is of the essence in real estate investing. One of the major considerations in property investment is whether to buy pre-selling or ready for occupancy condo units.

Pre-selling and ready-for-occupancy condominium projects in Manila and

Quezon City, are the specialty of Vista Residences, the condominium arm of homebuilder Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. This 2021, a good buy would be the Symphony Towers, Vista Residences’ two-tower mixed-use complex located along Sgt. Esguerra Avenue corner Timog Avenue in Quezon City. It that features a central courtyard, lavish landscapes, and a unique interplay of commercial establishments and exclusive residences.

New groove Bringing a new groove to the beat of city life, The Symphony Towers lets one enjoy the right balance of comfort and convenience as it sits in the middle of Quezon City, in convenient distance from media giants, within close proximity to various commercial and institutional establishments and just beats away from

EDSA and main transport hubs such as the MRT Station.

With its 360-degree commanding view of the metro, the project offers quality, accessibility, value, and ease of cosmopolitan living.

Fitting crescendo Each tower has two floors dedicated to offices while the remaining floors are allotted for residences. It lays out a variety of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom condo units that cater to the different needs and lifestyles of owners.

At Symphony Towers, large balconies create a link between the outdoor and indoor spaces, and can serve as an extra lounging spot with the best view of the city.

And as a fitting crescendo, indoor and outdoor amenities such as swimming pool, fitness center, function room, lounge, and a roof deck, are on tap.

LOGISTICS HUB BREAKS GROUND IN CAVITE. AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. (ALLHC)

NO REGRETS INVESTMENT

Bossing’s take on why real estate is a ‘sure ball’

gage, you build an equity–an asset that is part of your net worth. By growing your equity, you can leverage it to buy more properties, as well as to increase your cash flow and wealth even more.

Properties appreciate in value Real estate’s value increases over time, especially when you invest and take care of it properly. For instance, a 1,000sqm property in a Quezon City subdivision was worth 150,000 pesos during the 1970’s. Now it is easily worth 150 million Pesos.

Improving the property’s state can grow its worth Since properties are made of tangible materials, you can change their entire look when needed. Whether you are designing to repair flaws or improve its cosmetics, changing its design will make it more valuable than its previous state.

Properties is a perfect retirement plan

More hotel closures in 2021 —Santos Frank Knight

By Othel V. Campos

recently broke ground for its ready-built facilities within Cavite Technopark in Naic, Cavite, under its industrial leasing brand “ALogis.” The latest expansion of ALogisNaic will add a 16,000 sqm gross leasable area to the already existing 13,000 sqm area of the first phase. Currently, the existing leasable area launched in 2017 is occupied by manufacturing and assembly firms.

This has allowed ALLHC to support various industries including tobacco, toys, bags, and laser printing. “Our PEZA-registered multi-use facilities are suitable for theoperations of light to medium enterprises such as manufacturers, logistics providers, distribution centers, and commissaries”, said Patrick C. Avila, ALLHC head of industrial parks and real estate logistics and Laguna Technopark, Inc. (LTI) president.

EVERY story of a persevering Filipino, especially an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is inspiring. As modern-day heroes, they chose to go abroad, far from home, seize opportunities, reach their dreams and aspirations, and provide for their families through their hard-earned money.

But the pandemic has seen their savings spent on more immediate needs, especially since the current situation put the country’s economy into recession.

That is why financial experts say that OFWs should consider putting their extra income into long-term investments, like real estate properties.

Vic Sotto believesproperty investmentsare safe and a good source of passive income, especially for OFWs considering retirement.

“Investing in property is one investment that OFWs won’t regret, as long as they carefully plan ahead to make it successful. When you have done it right, you will reap the fruits of your labor,” Sotto said.

If you are an OFW, Bossing shows why investing in properties can be the long-term investment plan for you.

Properties have a predictable cash flow One of the benefits of real estate investments is its ability to provide greater cash flow. Over time, the more you have paid off mortgage payments and operating expenses, the more your net income from the investment increases.

Properties can increase your assets As you pay down your property mort-

JTI IS TOP GLOBAL EMPLOYER ANEW. Japan Tobacco International (JTI) was recently recognized as a top global employer for the seventh consecutive year, by the Top Employer Institute. The latter, which certifies 1,691 organizations in 120 countries/ regions, is the global authority on recognizing excellence in people practices. The certification acknowledges JTI’s good working conditions, as well as the progress it has made in improving wellbeing, diversity and inclusion. JTI Philippines general manager John Freda (Shown in photo) said the award validates JTI’s promotion of employee welfare and universal gender rights.“Our company is committed to support the wellbeing of our employees, whether they are farmers, scientists, office or factory workers,” Freda, who previously held senior management positions in European and Asia Pacific markets, explained. “Especially during this pandemic, we are seeing to it that everyone including their families are taken care of.” JTI is an international tobacco and vaping company with operations in more than 130 countries.

The value and the cash flow of properties increases over time. So, the longer you invest in real estate, the more you can earn in the long run. It makes itself the perfect retirement plan for anyone who wants to continue earning even after retirement.

Condotel?

For OFWs, another option is to turn it into a condotel, which could generate easy passive income. And since the Philippines is an attractive tourist destination attracting visitors every year, it adds to the advantage for Filipino investors.

Investing in condotels near tourist spots will grow your chances of success when the economy starts to pick up.

Roadmap to success Sotto also believes in preventing yourself from making common investment mistakes like choosing the wrong location or asset. Looking for reliable real estate developers will help you lay down your property investment roadmap to success.

For instance, CitiGlobal Realty and Development Inc., a top real estate developeris helpful as it offers affordable and income-generating properties in the country, provides high demand and affordable properties for investors.

The company is currently putting the Philippines’s best tourism locations on the map through their real estate properties like Tagaytay Fontaine Villas, Tagaytay Clifton Resort Suites in Tagaytay, and Diamond Beach Resorts in Palawan, and other upcoming projects.

REAL estate and property services firm Santos Frank Knight (SFK) anticipates more hotel closures as professional engagements with clients yielded a pronounced increasing trend of intentions to sell hotel properties.

“You know how hard they were hit during the pandemic. I believe that some will be for sale,” said SFK director for investments and capital markets Kash Salvador.

Company president Rick Santos disclosed they’ve had a lot of talks with hotel owners and “we’ve had discussions through webinars with the various chambers of commerce and the Department of Tourism (DOT) that the sector is in dire need of capital.”

He added that many hotels have repurposed their facilities into longer-stay residential function that also serves as work-from-home facilities for a number fo companies.

The incoming office supply of about 1.2 million square meters in 2021 is also expected to add to vacancy pressure not only for the office sector but for repurposed tourism accommodations including hotels.

According to SFK senior director for occupier services Morgan McGilvray office vacancy went up to 10 percent in 220 from 4 percent in 2021.

“That’s a little more than doubled. I wouldn’t be surprised if supply exceeds demand by 13 to 15 percent as 2021 pipeline supply comes in with spill-over from 2020.

I could say that 20 percent could still be healthy for the Philippines and this will give BPOs a lot of good choices,” he said.

Outlook for office market better The outlook for the office market is generally better than 2020, although it is unlikely to see an immediate return to the prepandemic level. While COVID-19 forced occupiers to adopt remote work setups, the office sector may see a gradual return by tenants to the physical workplace this year.

In 2021, SFK expects tenants — especially BPO companies—to resume scouting new locations for expansion and office rightsizing requirements. With vacancy high and asking lease rates having grown by only 1.7 percent in 2020, the availability of a greater amount of fitted space and prime office space, which were once difficult to secure, is seen as an opportunity for companies aiming for better locations.

Meanwhile, the residential market is expected to display a slow but steady rebound with the sector leaning in favor of buyers. The property services firm sees more opportunities for residential buyers with better deals in terms of price and payment terms.

Industrial, logistics will be stable Across the real estate sector, industrial & logistics were the most stable asset class last year and 2021 will likely see a repeat of that, SFK noted, driven by deeper e-commerce penetration, demand for COVID-19 vaccines, and new infrastructure. Cold storage facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers will be in demand this year, while data centers present a long-term opportunity for both the sector and the country.

The firm observed that the physical shop’s loss and the downward pressure on the retail market has been industrial & logistics’ gain. E-commerce continues to contribute to the expansion of the industrial & logistics sector. Online retail in the Philippines is expected to grow by 26 percent in 2021.

SFK expects the capital market for the industrial and logistics segment to become more sophisticated as venture capitalists and investment firms place the sector high on their list.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021

B3

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

DIEGO GUTIERREZ

debuts as recording artist with ‘On A Dream’ C

OMING from a musical family, it’s no longer a surprise that Diego Gutierrez, one of the latest members of the Gutierrez clan to enter show business, is launching a recording career.

Diego Gutierrez is officially launching a recording career via the release of his debut single ‘On A Dream.’

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment on Thursday, the 24-yearold singer-songwriter and TV personality shared that he is releasing “On a Dream,” his debut original single via Hitmakers Entertainment.

Penned by the showbiz newbie himself in collaboration with Wilde Quimpson, Erick Walls (Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson), and Mark J. Feist, the upcoming recording star first shared a clip of the acoustic guitar-driven pop song on Instagram early this month to incredible fan reaction.

Produced and arranged by Feist (Beyonce, Celine Dion, Little Mix, Mary J Blige), the single has an infectious melody and a message of love about his dream girl. “On A Dream” is a brilliant balance of Tagalog and English with an instant relatable message.

“A few musicians have already been doing that, writing songs in Filipino and in English. Most of them are hip-hop or rap artists. But there are only a few who tried to use both languages in my genre of music. We’re doing this because we wanted to reach more audience, and we wanted the song to be more relatable,” Diego, who’s

been playing the guitar since a child, said.

The single will be released on digital platforms on Feb. 5 accompanied by a music video that will be released on YouTube the same day.

Directed by Melvin Dave, the video gives a glimpse into Diego’s mind and his tender dreams of his ultimate dream girl, while serenading the viewer with an intimate vocal performance singing “I’ve been on a dream, I’ve been on a dream Pag gising sa umaga, Ikaw ang hinahanap ko yeah, No matter what time you call me, Imma be there when you’re lonely, Imma be there baby you know me.”

For Gutierrez, one of the greatest joys in life comes from deliberately tapping into his heart when writing his music: “When we first started writing ‘On A Dream,’ it was the beginning of the pandemic so we were all actually forced to live in a standstill. During those times, both of our relationships with our significant others were getting affected, and the only way we knew how to express our feelings at that time was to write this song. I guess the feeling we wanted to communicate through the track was the appreciation of the dream-like novelty of finding a person that makes you feel like no other.”

Diego is the son of Lotlot De Leon and Ramon Christopher and the grandson of Pilita Corrales, Nora Aunor, Christopher De Leon, and Eddie Gutierrez. Janine Gutierrez is his elder sister.

Diego currently appears in ASAP Natin ‘To and is managed by Leo Dominguez of LVD Management.

“One day, I want to sing in front of a crowd and hear them sing along with me.

Of course, I’d be singing the songs I wrote,” Diego said alluding to his greatest dream as a music artist.

Sunday’s explosive all-out musical-comedy party ALL-OUT Sundays, GMA Networks’ musicalcomedy variety show is having an explosive anniversary special today gathering its stars and performers to provide one-of-a-kind entertainment.

Kick-starting the special celebration is Alden Richards leading the grand opening number together with Rayver Cruz, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Aicelle Santos, Miguel Tanfelix, Migo Adecer, Kyline Alcantara, Ruru Madrid, Mavy Legaspi, Jeremiah Tiangco, Thea Astley, Kim de Leon, Shayne Sava, with Rodjun Cruz, Jeniffer Maravilla, Jennie Gabriel, and Rochelle Pangilinan.

“It’s going to be super explosive, wonderfully explosive. The entire cast will be there. It’s been almost a year since we really went live in our studio so this is something big for us,” Senior Program Manager Ruth Mariñas told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview on Thursday.

“As soon as the lockdown was imposed, we didn’t stop, we tried to still provide the kind of entertainment the viewers deserve no matter how

difficult our situation was. We adapted to the kind of situation we were in, even the artists had to learn new things to help produce the show. The fact that it’s been so long, of course by still following the allowable headcount, you can just imagine the excitement and the energy of the cast thinking that they’re finally able to go live in the studio,” Mariñas added.

Joining the celebration are the cast of current and upcoming GMA Network programs—Barbie Forteza of Anak Ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday; Jeric Gonzales and Klea Pineda of Magkaagaw; Kristoffer Martin, Liezel Lopez, Dave Bornea, and Pauline Mendoza of Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat; and Centerstage judge Pops Fernandez.

Watch out for an all-out ‘Kantahan and Biritan’ in the newest segment “All-Star Assembly” featuring premier singers Mark, Aicelle, Jeremiah, Thea, Garrett Bolden, with Bugoy Drilon and Lani Misalucha.

Christian Bautista takes the spotlight in an allout concert performance together with Markki Stroem and Nino Alejandro.

Bringing the ‘kilig’ feels are your favorite

leading men dubbed as the “OG’s” - Rayver, Ruru, Miguel, Migo, and Jeric.

Setting the dance floor on fire are the country’s hottest dance icons—Rochelle, Miguel, Kyline, DJ Loonyo, Mannex Manhattan, Rodjun and Rayver.

Finally, don’t miss the premiere of AllOut Sundays’ latest musical-comedy segment entitled “Eternal Flame”—a heart-warming and hilarious love story set in the 80’s and as retold by a 72-year-old Billy to his young caretaker Mika, “Eternal Flame” features a talented cast namely Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, Kim de Leon, Lexi Gonzales, Althea Ablan, Denise Barbacena, Donita Nose, Philip Lazaro, and Glaiza de Castro.

“When we launch AOS, comedy was really part of the show, and it’s already part of our DNA. This sets us apart. This segment makes us different,” Mariñas underscored.

All-Out Sundays airs at 12:00 nn on GMA7. Viewers abroad can also watch the program via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

UNDISPUTED. This Sunday, be part of the biggest all-out party on Philippine television as the brightest Kapuso stars join forces to mark the first anniversary of GMA Network’s musical-comedy-variety program ‘All-Out Sundays.’

Solo artist KVN is serenading his fans with another laid back yet vibrant track.

ABS-CBN’s new label launches KVN’s latest track FRESH from the success of the viral hit “Magandang Dilag,” emerging solo artist KVN is ready to introduce his own sound through his new single “Pwede Na Ba,” produced under the new label of ABS-CBN Music called Old School Records (O.S. Records).

KVN’s debut solo single is a tender ballad with a twist of pop vintage. It encapsulates the feeling of a cautious person who desperately wants to make it known how much a certain special someone means to him.

The laid back yet vibrant track is a follow-up to his earlier collaboration with songwriter-producer KIKX, “Kung Iniwan Mo Na,” and will be part of his forthcoming EP under Old School Records.

“We’ve actually written a lot of songs already that will be released in the future, and I’m excited for you guys to hear the way I write,” KVN admitted.

The young artist started his singing career when he crossed paths with KIKX after losing his job as a cruise ship singer due to the pandemic. Aside from being featured in “Magandang Dilag” and his solo music releases, he also sang the 2020 Miss Universe Philippines track “Kalawakan.”

KVN’s “Pwede Na Ba” is the maiden offering of the newly-launched Old School Records, which aims to produce nostalgic music of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s era with a modern twist in collaboration with today’s hit producers and up-and-coming artists.

“Old School Records is my new venture with ABS-CBN Music,” KIKX previously revealed.

“It’s scary but that’s how we grow so I’ll try to broaden my business as a musician through this.”

Pets AKF: Passion and Perseverance in the Time of Pandemic B4

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021

L

OOKING CLAWS PROTECTION back at 2020,

BY GREG SALIDO QUIMPO amidst all AND HEIDI MARQUEZ the tragedies and calamities that plaque the country, the whole world for that matter, AKF was already deep into animal protection and rescue work as soon as the Taal volcano erupted in January. While we were wrapping up our mission in Taal in March, the lockdown was imposed and, initially, we were left wondering what is going to happen to our campaigns, the animals in our shelter, and to a bigger extent, to AKF as a donation-reliant organization.

Our 2020 was full of uncertainty, and worse, natural calamities came in succession adding more worries to our woes. The shelter incurred structural damages and was flooded.

But, we realized, our passion to advocate animal welfare and save as many hapless animals that we can carry us through the hardest of times.

We take great pride in our advocacy and we are confident that as long as the community of advocates carry the cause with us and support us, AKF will fight on.

Even when the pandemic paralyzed most of AKF’s community events and awareness campaigns, we kept on with our collaborations with other private groups and the government to get on with the limited but meaningful activities like spaying and neutering plus providing relief aids to hapless animals affected by the lockdown. Most importantly, AKF did not stop its operation against the dog traders (DMT).

In 2020. Our campaign on the dog meat trade resulted in two cases being resolved paving for the conviction of two dog traders in Cabanatuan City for a penalty of one (1 year) imprisonment, while another accused in General Tinio was sentenced, also.

We rescued seven live dogs from five DMT operations and filed

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

cases against six dog traders. The areas of operation were in Nueva Ecija, Tondo and Zambales At the end of 2020, AKF had nearly 200 rescued dogs in its shelter.

DISASTER RELIEF & ANIMAL RESCUE OPERATION

AKF spearheaded the relief and rescue operations in coordination with the Provincial Government of Batangas during the Taal Volcano eruption.

The Incident Command System for Taal was established with the Provincial Veterinary Office of Batangas through the planning and organization of our Disaster Relief and Rescue team headed by Atty Heidi Caguioa and Dr. Rey Napoles, both seated as members of the said ICS team.

From January to March, until the start of the lockdown, AKF continued its activities in Taal consisting of relief distribution, feeding, rescue, rehabilitation of rescued dogs and cats, cattle and pigs. AKF partnered with Vets In Practice in the care of its injured rescues which were housed in the Lipa Pet Shelter Project at the Outlets. Most of the animals were thereafter reconciled with owners and those with no known owners were brought to AKF rescue center in Capas, Tarlac.

Assistance to backyard swine growers whose livestock and pens were buried in volcanic ash was also carried out. AKF led the providing of feeds, medicines, and rebuilding of pens.

Together with a volunteer from an FB group and the PVO, AKF created a website for rescued animals to account, identify and assist ownRescued dogs found loving homes during the lcokdown. Adopters fetched their adopted rescues from the AKF shelter in Capas, Tarlac.

dubbed “We Feed As One”. AKF distributed animal food to at least six small shelters in April and went around to various areas in Metro Manila, Quezon City, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac to conduct regular stray feeding to more ore or less 3,500 animals consisting of dogs and cats.

FIND LOVE ONLINE - Online Virtual Adoption Drive

A pup was rescued by AKF after the eruption of Taal volcano in Batangas.

AKF executive director Heidi Marquez and volunteers saved dogs who were left behind by owners who had to flee their homes.

AKF volunteers helped clean a dog facility in San Mateo, Rizal after the place was flooded due to supertyphoon Ulysses.

PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS THERE are vegetables and fruits that are safe for dogs.

While dogs need a lot of meat from puppyhood to adulthood, vegetables and fruits contain nutrients that can supplement a dog’s diet of dry or canned food, and boiled meat.

In their senior years, however, it is best to lessen the meat to prevent problems in the kidneys and liver.

“Predominantly it is established that dogs are non vegetarian creatures. So, the need of meat in their diet is essential. But to balance out nutritional deficiencies left by meat you have to add up some vegetables and fruits safe for dogs in their diet,” said kanimall.com in “What Vegetables and Fruits are Good for Dogs.”

Kanimall.co added this fun fact:

Bramble, a Blue Merle collie, is the longest living dog known to mankind. He was a vegetarian, fed only vegetables during the 27 years he lived on this planet.

Mixed diet for dogs

Aside from the additional nutrients from vegetables, it is also not advisable to maintain a diet of pure commercial dog food as dog food is processed and contains preservatives, additives, and artificial flavoring and ingredients.

“Instead of going to the store and solely buying commercial dog food, try incorporating some of these everyday healthy vegetables into your dog's diet,” said Cholee Clay in “Vegetables That Are Good for Dogs” in pethelpful.com.

Clay stressed commercial dog food “is not all bad. However, it is a good idea to vary your dog's diet to provide them with nutrients for a healthier lifestyle.”

The ideal dog diet should consist not more that 25 per cent vegetable matter.

“You should talk to your veterinarian to see what that means for your dog. A dog's

ers in locating their animals, through its Project Taal Animal Response.

The website included most cooperating shelters and temporary shelters which housed Taal rescues.

A total of 24 dogs, two of them gave birth to three puppies each at the rescue center, and three kittens were transported to AKF in Capas, a day before the lockdown.

The relief undertaking covered the towns and villages of Lemery, Balete, San Nicolas, Nasugbu and Talisay.

The staggering number of hapless and abandoned pets; cats and dogs and livestock were serviced after AKF deployed its team consisting of individual volunteers, veterinary volunteers from the PVMA, the AFP VetCorps, Vets Love Nature, PAHA among others. The AKF team of volunteers’ timely and systematic response greatly impacted the areas that needed help including temporary shelters at that time.

We continued our Training/Seminar with the PNP in Bicutan, Taguig, our partnership with PVMA for a conference on Sustainable Egg Production – Cage Free System for an Improved Farm Welfare, held a forum inside Clark, Angeles City introducing cage-free to the poultry raisers.

While the pandemic was swiftly wreaking havoc, AKF had also noted that the number of strays and wandering animals has gone up and their conditions became grimmer. Because of this, we launched a response

The lockdown also made AKF launch its online Virtual Adoption Drive where it featured through FB live its adorable and adoptable rescues. This activity went viral and AKF was able to rehome 20 dogs in total.

And then the ravaging typhoons came, almost all of Luzon island was greatly affected; houses blown away, towns and cities were flooded and livelihood of people, especially livestock and farm owners, nearly got all washed out.

AKF responded to these emergencies by launching its relief drive. AKF was able to provide over a thousand relief supplies for animals and humans in Guinobatan Sorsogon, in Ilagan City and San Mateo Rizal, in the Dumagat Community in Norzagaray and Dona Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan .

What shocked the country was the plight of the San Mateo Pound in Rizal shown in a video with over 60 dogs perched on top of the flooded and damaged facility caused by Typhoon Ulyses. Coming to its aid, AKF fielded volunteers and assisted the pound by spearheading a donation appeal and cleanup of the pound. Continuing veterinary care is being provided to the dogs that survived the ordeal. Help and sustainability of the no kill pound is also being discussed with the LGU. In October 2020, AKF received information that relocated residents of Taliptip Islands of Bulakan, Bulacan, due to the impending construction of a neo-city airport in the area, left behind about 40 dogs in the island. AKF visited the manmade island and was able to confirm the information.

The dogs are now under the care of AKF in its rescue center in Capas, Tarlac.

Even with the most difficult time, AKF carried all of these activities and more because that is all we know, we need to protect and save the animals. If we do not do it, it is a guarantee that they will greatly suffer and worse, perish, mostly in a painful manner. So thank you, fellow advocates for your unending support. Please do not hesitate to help AKF, we could not have done it all without you. Thank you and may 2021 bring us all the security we need and may we all stay safe.

Healthy ‘upo’ for a healthy doggo

An "upo" vine of Father Emmanuel Alparce in Bicol. This vegetable is easy to plant and will have fruits in three to four months.

(Photo by Father Noli Alparce)

diet will vary depending on many factors of their lifestyle. Breed, size, and activity level are just a few of the factors that will affect how much vegetable matter your dog should consume,” Clay said.

Vegetables also offer a low-calorie addition to a dog’s diet, she said. Green leafy vegetables are very nutritious but other vegetables have a variety of health benefits for dogs.

‘Upo’ or calabash gourd

The lowly "upo" is a very healthy vegetable for dogs.

“Upo,” a member of the bottle gourd family, is a good source of fiber, said kanimall. com. It is also known as calabash gourd.

“Gourd family vegetables are recommended for dogs….Bottle gourd is also known as calabash. I regularly feed bottle gourd to my dogs. I do feed them boiled and mixed with other vegetables. Bottle gourd is good source of fiber. When

The healthy "upo" is one of the inexpensive sources of calcium, phosporous and fiber and can be planted using bamboo for the vine to crawl, or can be bought for only P15 to P50 per piece depending on the location. (Photo by Father Noli Alparce)

cooked they are very easy to digest for dogs. Bottle gourd is loaded with potassium. It is also abundant in vitamin C. I have been feeding this to my dogs for more than 2 decades now. Its a great addition to any meal,” said kanimall.com.

Health benefits of ‘upo’

“Upo,” the fruit, is rich in flavonoids, sapnins, sterois, tannins and carbohydrates. The fruit is also rich in minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorous, and Vitamin B, said mediko.ph.

In “Calabash contains active ingredients potential for cancer treatment,” the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development said the fruit and leaves of calabash contain “flavonoids such as quercetin and anthraquinone, the important phytochemicals for antiangiogenic activities, a process that inhibits the growth and development of new blood vessels in the body.”

“Antiangiogenesis controls the spread of tumour cells in the body by disabling the transport of nutrients toward the cancerous cells. Normally, tumour starts from a single cell and divides to make more cancer cells. The growth of malignant cells will depend on the availability of specific nutrients being transported by blood vessels,” it added.

It noted that based on findings of a study using “upo,” the “researchers claimed that calabash extracts has the ability to prevent blood vessel growth and development and could be used to help prevent the spread of cancer cells in the human body.

Researchers also believe that calabash tree could be a natural resource that can be used in the development of cheaper and locally available anti-cancer treatments.”

Other benefits

Michoud Pharmacy, in “Health Ben-

efits of Calabash and Luffa,” listed the other benefits oof “upo.”

1. Helps relieve constipation. Calabash is rich in soluble and non-soluble fiber and is made of water. Fiber and water is a great combination to fight constipation and other stomach problems, said Michoud Pharmacy.

2. Helps in diet and weight loss. While on a weight loss diet, it is best to consume more vegetables. “Upo” is one of the low calories vegetables around. It is also not expensive. It has several vitamins and minerals.

3. Good for the heart. It contains potassium and sodium which have been proven to help promote hearth health.

4. Good for the liver. There are several studies that showed calabash has anti-inflammation properties.

5. Good for diabetic patient. Being low in calories, calabash can help provide a diabetic patient with a healthy diet.

6.

Antidote for food poisoning.

“Though further studies about this claim should be conducted but traditionally, calabash has been used by people as antidote for food poisoning. However, one important thing note is, you may use calabash as first aid solution but meeting a doctor is highly recommended when it comes to food poisoning,” Michoud Pharmacy said.

Warning about calabash

Too much calabash can lead to stomach ulcer.

“Those who have stomach problem should avoid consuming calabash because cucurbitacins could cause ulcers in the stomach.The safest way to get all the health benefits of calabash is by making sure it is properly cooked,” Michoud Pharmacy stressed.

Preparing “upo” for dogs 1. Remove the skin and the seeds of the “upo.”

2. Then grate the flesh.

3. Boil the “upo” with other vegetables that are safe for dogs, and with meat.

4. Let it cool when cooked.

5. Then give to your dog.

6. You can add some dog food too.