Manila Standard - 2021 February 21 - Sunday

COLD COVER.

A thick mist rolls into Baguio City on Saturday as dripping cold temperatures notch up 9.5 degrees Celsius and 10.8 degrees in La Trinidad, Benguet due to the northeastern monsoon or ‘amihan’ according to PAGASA Baguio and Agro Meteorological Services of Benguet State University.

Dave Leprozo

VOL. XXXV • NO. 11 • 2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Mayors shift gears to MGCQ

But Metro Manila leaders vote unanimously against reopening cinemas

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE National Capital Region is shifting gears for its switch to modified general community quarantine from its existing general community quarantine status to open more economic activities.

This, as Metro Manila mayors strongly opposed and have voted unanimously against the reopening of cinemas.

Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority made the statement Saturday in reaction to an article, which stated that the planned reopening of cinemas would still push through.

“Whether we are under GCQ or MGCQ status, let us not lose sight of the safety and health protocols against COVID-19 such as wearing of face mask and face shield; frequent hand washing; observance of physical distancing; and use of alcohol to sanitize,” said Abalos Jr. According to Abalos, majority of the 17 mayors in Metro Manila were in favor

of lessening the restriction in NCR next month to open up the economy and help the people hardly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

But the MMDA chief urged the mayors to remind their constituents to continue to follow health and safety protocols, saying local executives played a big role in this issue.

“If you open the economy, we also need to factor in safeguards. It is a big challenge for the government to keep the economy going while keeping the people safe and healthy,” he said.

“We cannot allow the government’s gains in controlling the spread of the virus be put to waste. We must balance the economy and health for everyone’s safe-

ty,” he added.

Meanwhile, at least 33 barangays in Pasay City were placed under tight watch beginning last Friday following the surge of COVID-19 cases there.

“The city government will implement a control and containment strategy following a rise in the number of cases unseen during the past several months,” the Pasay City public information office stated in its advisory.

On Feb. 19, the local government recorded about 269 cases of COVID-19, which figures it said were way above the daily average of between 30 and 50 cases per day.

This prompted Mayor Imelda Rubiano to impose a 14-day localized lockdown in at least 33 barangays and one business establishment. She wants barangays with three or more cases locked down to contain the virus.

Rubiano directed the police commander and barangay officials to ensure residents followed the guidelines set by the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-

EID) as well as ordinances passed by the Pasay City council.

She also tapped members of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Tricycle-Pedicab Franchising and Regulatory Office, Traffic and Parking Management Office, and public market officials to enforce IATF protocols.

The Business Permits and Licensing Office inspection teams will also check on establishments to see if they also comply with the health and safety guidelines.

“COVID-19 continues to infect many of our people. Please follow the health protocols as directed by the city government as well as the national government thru the IATF,” said Rubiano.

The city chief executive also reminded business establishments to ensure that their customers have face masks and to see to it that one of their personnel or security guards are checking physical distancing while queuing.

Abalos said the 17 mayors, which composed the Metro Manila Council, filed a motion for reconsideration with regard to the government’s position on the matter.

“The Metro Manila mayors are united that now is not the right time to reopen the cinemas. However, we will support and respect the final decision of President Duterte on the matter,” said Abalos.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM FEB. 20)

559,288 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,240 29,814 NEW

ACTIVE

12,068

239

513,120

504

DEATHS

NEW

RECOVERIES

NEW

Surigao del Sur evacuates 12,700 as ‘Auring’ nears

WALKING ON STILTS. Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard North Eastern Mindanao District assist local disaster officials in evacuating 153 families in Barangay Washington and Barangay Canlanipa in Surigao City as a precautionary measure amid Tropical Storm Auring on Saturday. PCG Photo

SURIGAO del Sur has evacuated thousands of residents ahead of the expected landfall of Tropical Storm Auring over the eastern coast of Caraga today while maintaining its strength as it moved towards the region.

Surigao del Sur Gov. Ayec Pimentel said the provincial government had conducted preemptive evacuation of more than 12,700 residents in 12 towns.

In its 5 a.m. Saturday bulletin, the state weather bureau said the center of the country’s first tropical cyclone this year was last estimated 475 kilometers east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as of 4 a.m., almost stationary, while packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is hoisted over parts of the Visayas and Mindanao as the combined effects of

the surge of the northeast monsoon and Auring will bring strong to gale-force winds.

In the Visayas, TCWS No. 1 is raised over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Siquijor in the Visayas.

In Mindanao, TCWS No. 1 is also raised over the Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Sur. From Saturday noon to Sunday noon, PAGASA forecast heavy to intense rains over Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, the Dinagat Islands, and Eastern Samar.

Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains will prevail over Misamis Oriental,

OSAKA TRIUMPHS AT AUSSIE OPEN

ESSENTIAL SERVICE: CUSTOMER SERVICE

PANDATODA RIDERS’ SUCCESS STORIES

Brady in straight sets to win the Australian Open and underline her growing hold on women’s tennis on Saturday.

WHEN the community quarantine was enforced in March 2020, many asked why BPO and customer experience (CX) companies were still operating.

THE food delivery service is among the sectors that grew amid the pandemic. Its huge impact to the restaurant industry won’t be possible without its fleet of riders.

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Camiguin, and the rest of Caraga, while light to moderate with at times heavy rains will prevail over Central Visayas, Davao Oriental, Davao del Oro, Davao del Norte, and the rest of Northern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas.

Auring is forecast to make landfall over the eastern coast of Caraga Region on Sunday morning or afternoon, and then cross Visayas and Mimaropa later that day until Monday, PAGASA said.

The province remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, where winds of 30 to 60 kph, which may cause light damage to high risk structures, may be expected within 36 hours.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council advised the public Saturday to take the necessary precautions since the effects of Auring might be stronger than what was forecast.

MAKING JASMINE FEEL LIKE A QUEEN What makes Jasmine Curtis feel like a queen? When she’s totally in control!

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WHO, firms ready to pay virus test jab volunteers

SIGN OF THE TIMES. A large billboard is displayed at the Tagaytay Circle saying the city in Cavite is protected against COVID-19 once residents will be vaccinated against the disease on Saturday. Officials said the sign is meant to inform tourists that Tagaytay is strictly enforcing health protocols to prevent the spread of disease. JR Josue

Alert Level 1 up for Mayon, Kanlaon too AUTHORITIES are closely monitoring two other volcanoes, aside from Taal, found to have “abnormal conditions,” based on bulletins issued by state seismology bureau Phivolcs Saturday, amid the continuing close watch of the Taal Volcano as it remains under Alert Level 1.

Phivolcs bulletins issued Saturday showed that both the Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island and Mayon Volcano in Albay province had also been placed under Alert Level 1, signifying “abnormal condition.”

According to the advisory on Kanlaon, the volcano has entered a “period of unrest,” with Phivolcs reminding the public and officials to prevent entry in the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the threat of “sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.”

Meanwhile, “no magmatic eruption is imminent around Mayon Volcano” according to Phivolcs, but it urged authorities and the public to avoid the permanent danger zone due to the threat of rockfalls and landslides, among others.

It noted that “Mayon Volcano’s monitoring network recorded one rockfall event during the past 24-hour observation period.”

In a public press briefing Saturday, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Spokesperson Mark Timbal urged local authorities to monitor “abnormal conditions” around Mayon and Kanlaon.

“Yesterday, at NDRRMC’s full council meeting, there was a discussion that it’s not just Taal Volcano showing activity, but also Mayon Volcano and Kanlaon Volcan Taal’s eruption in January last year displaced some 350,000 people and brought ash fall around Batangas and surrounding areas, including Metro Manila.

US warns China on use of force in disputed sea T

HE United States on Friday (Saturday in Manila) warned China against the use of force in disputed waters as it reaffirmed its view that Beijing’s assertive campaign in the South China Sea was illegal.

The State Department voiced “concern” about new legislation enacted

by China that authorizes its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships that Beijing considers to be unlawfully entering its waters.

The text “strongly implies this law can be used to intimidate the PRC’s maritime neighbors,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

“We remind the PRC and all whose forces operate in the South China Sea that responsible maritime forces act with professionalism and restraint in the exercise of their authorities,” Price told reporters.

“We are further concerned that China may invoke this new law to assert its unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea.” Meanwhile, encounters or incidents that may arise involving Filipino ves-

sels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone would show the value of Manila’s 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington DC, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said.

The statement followed Price’s statement that Washington is concerned with the enacted Chinese coast guard law, saying it “may escalate ongoing territorial and maritime disputes”.

“Well, we’re not reading it. We’ll just go about our Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters—fishing boats, Coast Guard, Navy boats—as we please until we run up against… whatever. Then we’ll know if Mutual Defense Treaty amounts to a hill o’beans, a cup of ‘em or jackshit,” Locsin said in a tweet. AFP

PROTEST.

Members of the Manila Police District try to prevent activists from burning an effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte during a demonstration at the footbridge of Mendiola on Saturday.

Various youth advocacy groups and communities condemned the administration’s prioritizing of defense and ‘bogus’ infrastructure spending amid the pandemic and economic recession.

Norman Cruz

Gas prices to go up by P1.20, diesel by P1.10

New sedition rap wants to hike rates amid bills to add pensions vs. teacher junked ByGSIS Maricel V. Cruz for lack of cause A PROSECUTOR in Zambales has dismissed a new complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation against a teacher who allegedly tweeted about raising a P50-million reward for the life of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a resolution dated February 16, acting Zambales provincial prosecutor Leonardo Santos “dismissed for lack of probable cause” the inciting-to-sedition charge the NBI re-filed against Ronnel Mas due to the bureau’s failure to present additional evidence that he tweeted the controversial post.

The NBI also failed to provide a recording of Mas’ supposed confession to the media and did not comply with rules on electronic evidence in investigating and gathering data, according to the resolution.

The dismissal comes eight months since an Olongapo court threw out the inciting to sedition charge against Mas on the ground that he was illegally arrested, and that his subsequent media confession did not cure the invalidity of his arrest.

NBI operatives arrested Mas without a warrant in Zambales on May 11 last year after a co-teacher identified him as the owner of the Twitter account which posted the now deleted tweet offering a reward to anyone who could kill Duterte.

THE Government Service Insurance System is studying proposals to increase the premium rates of members amid moves in Congress to pass measures granting additional benefits for government workers, which could strain the insurance firm’s finances.

This was revealed at a public hearing conducted by the House committee on public accounts chaired by Probinsyano Ako Partylist Rep. Jose Singson Jr., where GSIS chief legal officer Lucio Yu Jr. briefed legisla-

A DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology official said Saturday the World Health Organization and vaccine firms would cover medical expenses in case some volunteers to their respective clinical trials would experience side effects from COVID-19 jabs.

In a public press briefing, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra said the WHO would cover treatment of those who participate in solidarity trials and experience adverse reactions, while vaccine developers would shoulder the costs for those who participate in independent clinical trials and show side effects.

“For independent clinical trials, vaccine developers will shoulder costs.

WHO will shoulder the costs for participants in solidarity trials, as they have bought global insurance for volunteers and those on the trial list,” Guevarra said.

The DOST on Friday said Janssen Pharmaceuticals started its clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine in the country. In the same briefing, the DOST said the World Health Organization was considering selecting 3 COVID-19 vaccines for its solidarity trials, which have been in discussions since last year.

Preparations for the vaccine trials of Clover and Sinovac are ongoing.

Adverse effects Should patients experience adverse effects, vaccine firms will be filing reports to the Food and Drug Administration, who in turn will analyze the information to know the cause of the side effects.

“When a patient experiences adverse effects, they will submit protocols. They will report this to the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines. And when it happens here, the hospitalization in case someone experiences adverse effects...will be shouldered by the company conducting clinical trials,” Guevarra said.

The Philippines is aiming to inoculate 70 million of its population, hoping to buy 148 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from various drug makers. No single vial has arrived in the Philippines yet despite earlier pronouncements of COVID-19 response officials that the jabs may arrive this month.

tors on the GSIS’s current financial state “in connection with the proposed increase in member premium contribution.”

During the meeting, Singson noted that GSIS officials were unable to respond satisfactorily to queries from committee members as to the financial status of the firm.

Neither did Yu nor his colleagues presented a clear picture of the condition of investments made by GSIS to guarantee sound financial position.

Singson said handling social pension funds for government workers is vital

in guaranteeing additional benefits for members.

“There should be a breakdown of your income from investments. How much is coming from financial instruments; how much is the principal amount for investments and other important information,” Singson said, as he lamented that GSIS officials were unprepared to brief them on the public sector insurer’s financial status.

Yu admitted that there are indeed plans to increase premium rates from members but stressed that “this has always been our last resort.”

PUMP prices of petroleum products are set to go up again in the coming week, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said Saturday.

In its fuel price forecast for the trading week February 23 to March 1, Unioil said the price per liter of diesel may increase by P1.00 to P1.10. Gasoline prices, meanwhile, may hike by P1.10 to P1.20 per liter.

Oil companies announce price adjustments every Monday to be effective on the next day.

This week, fuel firms hiked prices effective Tuesday, Feb. 16. They hiked gasoline prices at an average of P0.75 per liter and diesel by P1.25 per liter.

Data from the Department of Energy showed gasoline prices range from P38.85 and P50.70 per liter while diesel prices range from P31.30 to P38.80 per liter.

Year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P4.00 per liter for gasoline and P3.90 per liter for diesel.

Cubao diocese offers QC COVID jab sites

PARTNERSHIP. Philippine International Trading Corp. President Dave Almarinez and Hungary Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Titanilla Toth (left) discuss strengthening of trade ties that will further enhance economic development. Roy Tomandao

THE Quezon City government has partnered with the Diocese of Cubao for its coronavirus vaccination program, with the latter offering their parishes to be utilized as COVID-19 inoculation sites.

Mayor Joy Belmonte made the announcement over the weekend and said: “We are very thankful to the Diocese of Cubao led by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco for opening their churches in support of the city’s vaccination plan. It will be a great help to the city once the vaccines arrive.”

Both the Diocese of Cubao and Novaliches led by Bishop Most Rev. Fr. Roberto Gaa has offered their big parishes as vaccination sites, in addition to the 24 sites identified by the city.

According to the Diocese of Cubao

Vicar General Fr. Steve Zabala, the Diocese has initially chosen three parishes that have met the conditions set by the QC Health Department.

“Based on our meeting with the QC Health, the parishes should have a good Wi-Fi connection and good ventilation to be qualified as inoculation sites,” Zabala said.

The prelate of Cubao has initially chosen Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, Santa Maria Dela Strada Parish and Cathedral of Cubao as inoculation sites.

The vaccination will be held at the parish hall and garden and not inside the church itself.

The church will also help the city in promoting its vaccination plan.

Maricel Cruz

World Floods cripple Indonesia’s capital, 1,300 evacuated JAKARTA—Whole neighborhoods of Indonesia’s capital Jakarta and dozens of major roads were flooded on Saturday after torrential rains pounded the Southeast Asian city overnight.

More than 1,300 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, with parts of the capital under four to nine feet (1.2 to 2.7 meters) of water.

Images showed rescuers on rafts battling to evacuate the elderly and children from submerged houses in hard-hit southern and eastern areas of the city, and dozens of cars were seen submerged on waterlogged streets.

National rescue agency spokesman Yusuf Latif said the floods were triggered by extreme downpours.

“The rainfall intensity is very high due to extreme weather in Jakarta and it’s been raining since yesterday night,” Latif told AFP. “Our top priority is children as well as infants and the elderly.”

No casualties have been reported so far, he added.

Jakarta, a megalopolis that is home to around 30 million people, is frequently hit by floods in the rainy season.

The city saw some of its deadliest flooding in years in January last year after downpours that also triggered landslides.

At least 67 people in Jakarta and nearby cities were killed in that disaster, with the floodwaters reaching the second floor of some buildings after rivers burst their banks. AFP

China shares dramatic video of India clash

BEIJING—Dramatic footage released by Chinese state media purportedly shows deadly clashes between troops at the Indian border last year—a rare insight into violence at the tense, remote frontier.

China’s defence ministry on Friday named four soldiers killed in the brawl, in the first confirmation of deaths by Beijing from an incident that also claimed the lives of at least 20 Indian soldiers.

Footage later released by state broadcaster CCTV appeared to show Indian troops wading through a river towards Chinese soldiers in the barren and icecovered Karakoram Mountains, carrying sticks and shields reading “Police”.

A bilateral accord prevents the use of guns by either side, and brutal clashes between the two sides on the ill-defined border often involve sticks, rocks and fist-fights.

“They have now moved another new tent here,” one soldier says in the video, which claims the Indian side broke the consensus and crossed the line to “provoke” Chinese soldiers.

Later footage shows a large melee of troops from both sides and clashes in the dark, before Chinese soldiers are seen treating a man on the floor whose head is covered in blood.

The high-altitude border battle in the Galwan valley in June was one of the deadliest clashes between the two sides in recent decades.

Beijing acknowledged that the clash had resulted in casualties but did not confirm if any Chinese soldiers died until this week.

The CCTV voiceover said the Chinese soldiers were “heroically sacrificed”.

Battalion commander Chen Hongjun and three other soldiers have been given posthumous awards, the defence ministry said. State media reported that the youngest soldier to die was 19.

India and China fought a border war in 1962 and have long accused each other of seeking to cross their frontier—which has never been properly agreed—in India’s Ladakh region, just opposite Tibet. AFP

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BABY SAVED.

This handout picture taken and released on February 20 by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency shows rescue personnel evacuating an infant from a flooded area in Jakarta. AFP

Woman, 20, dies as US urges Myanmar junta to yield power Y large street demonstrations in major citANGON— ies and isolated villages alike.

Demonstrators Authorities have responded with ingathered across creasing force, deploying troops against Yangon Saturday to mourn peaceful rallies, and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. the death of an anti-coup A doctor in Naypyidaw on Friday conprotester, as Washington firmed the death of Mya Thwate Khaing, urged the leaders of a 20-year-old who was shot in the head Myanmar’s new military during a protest in Myanmar’s capital last week. regime to refrain from She has since become a symbol of reviolence and relinquish sistance for protesters, who have hoisted power. her photos high in demonstrations and even unfurled a massive banner of artMuch of the country has been in up- work from a bridge showing the moment roar since troops deposed civilian leader she was shot.

Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with “Please all join this protest movement

to be more successful. That’s all I want to say,” her sister Poh Poh told reporters after her death.

On Saturday, thousands gathered at the main junctions of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city -- though the crowds appeared smaller than in recent days.

They held spontaneous vigils for Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing on the streets, lighting candles and laying roses by a banner with her picture.

“We can’t accept the police crackdowns because these are undisciplined, beyond our laws,” said protester Win Zaw, 46.

“I feel that the bullet that hit Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing’s head has also hit our heads.” AFP

CHAMPION.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup trophy after defeating Jennifer Brady of the US in their women’s singles final match on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 20. AFP

‘Pfizer/BioNTech first dose 85% effective after 2-4 weeks’ JERUSALEM—The first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination is 85 percent effective against coronavirus infection between two and four weeks after inoculation, according to a study published in the Lancet medical journal.

The survey was carried out on healthcare workers at the largest hospital in Israel, which on December 19 launched a mass vaccination campaign regarded as the world’s fastest.

Meanwhile, Moscow announced Saturday it had registered its third vaccine

against the coronavirus and promised to introduce the jab to the Russian population by March.

Russia was the first country to register a vaccine against Covid-19 in August ahead of clinical trials, and the Sputnik V jab has been authorized in more than two dozen countries around the world.

“Today we note that a third vaccine, CoviVac, has been registered,” Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a government meeting broadcast on state television.

“And already in mid-March, the first 120,000 doses will be distributed within the civilian circulation,” he told the cabinet.

Israeli studies have found the vaccine developed by US pharma giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech to be 95 percent effective one week after a second jab, while the Lancet report focused on more than 9,000 medical staff at Sheba hospital near Tel Aviv.

Some 7,000 of them received the first dose and the rest were not inoculated.

AFP

Minister quits over vaccine line-jumping

MASKED PROTESTER. A pro-democracy protester wearing a mask takes part in an anti-government rally in Bangkok on February 20. AFP

BUENOS AIRES—Argentina’s health minister resigned late Friday after it emerged that friends of his had been able to skip the line for a Covid-19 vaccination.

Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garci stepped down after President Alberto Fernandez called on him to quit in the wake of the scandal.

“Responding to your express request, I present my resignation from the position of minister of health,” Gonzalez Garcia, a 75-year-old doctor, wrote in a letter addressed to the president.

He will be replaced by one of his deputy ministers, 48-year-old Carla Vizzotti, who was responsible for securing the Russian Sputnik V vaccine for Argentina, the first country in America to approve and use it.

The scandal broke after a 71-year-old journalist, Horacio Verbitsky, announced on the radio that, owing to his longstanding friendship with the minister, he had been able to get vaccinated in his office ahead of the general population.

So far only health workers have been vaccinated in Argentina and vaccinations for people aged over 70 only began on Wednesday in the province of Buenos Aires.

Local media reported that other people close to the government were also vaccinated at the health ministry.

Fernandez, who is in his 60s and was vaccinated in front of cameras to encourage Argentinians to sign up, ordered his chief of staff to ask for the minister’s resignation, officials said. AFP

Osaka dismisses Brady to claim Australian Open MELBOURNE—Japan’s Naomi Osaka dismissed Jennifer Brady in straight sets to win the Australian Open and underline her growing hold on women’s tennis on Saturday.

Osaka edged a tight first set but controlled the second to win 6-4, 6-3 in 77 minutes in front of 7,381 fans at Rod Laver Arena.

Third seed Osaka preserves her 100 percent record in Grand Slam finals after winning the 2018 and 2020 US Opens and the 2019 title in Melbourne.

The reigning US Open champion, who beat her idol Serena Williams in the Melbourne semi-finals, has now won two of the last three Grand Slams as her status and reputation soars.

“We played in the semis of the US Open a couple of months ago and I told everyone that you’re going to be a problem,” Osaka told Brady at the trophy presentation.

“And I was right. It’s really incredible to me to see your growth over the past few months, it’s really cool for me to see.”

Osaka, 23, is only the third player after Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win their first four major finals, and will now rise to second in the world rankings.

She saved two match points in the fourth round against Garbine Muguruza and swept past Williams in straight sets in the semis.

On Saturday, Osaka wore down fellow big-hitter Brady, and then lifted her racquet above her head in celebration of her win as the crowd roared.

After sealing back-to-back Slam titles twice, Osaka has won half the majors she’s contested since beating Williams to win her first in 2018.

“Thank you for coming and watching, it feels really incredible for me,” she told the crowd, which was capped at halfcapacity over coronavirus concerns. AFP

Moscow appeal court upholds Navalny sentence MOSCOW—A Moscow appeal court on Saturday upheld a prison sentence imposed on chief Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after he returned to Russia from Germany last month.

Judge Dmitry Balashov rejected Navalny’s appeal of the February 2 ruling, which turned a 2014 suspended sentence on embezzlement charges into real jail time.

The judge decided to count six weeks Navalny was under house arrest as part of the time served, so he will now be imprisoned for just over two-and-a-half years in a penal colony.

Navalny, a 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner who has emerged as President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent opponent, was arrested in January when he returned to Russia after months in Germany recovering from a nerve agent poisoning, he blames on the Kremlin.

He was detained for violating parole conditions of the 2014 suspended sentence and it was then turned into a custodial sentence.

Navalny and his supporters say the rulings and several other cases against him are a pretext to silence his corruption exposes and quash his political ambitions. AFP

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Innovation hub launched to help start-ups, MSMEs

Citi Philippines country head Aftab Ahmed

Foodpanda riders

PandaToda riders share stories of success amid crisis

T

HE food delivery service is among the sectors that grew amid the pandemic.

Its huge impact to the restaurant industry won’t be possible without its fleet of riders.

The men and women of foodpanda serve as the hands and feet of the consumers who simply want their food and grocery to be safely delivered straight to their homes and workplaces.

As an on-demand food and grocery delivery service, foodpanda rolled out the PandaToda program to help idle tricycle drivers get back on the road with new livelihood and purpose.

Among them is Antonio Sarmiento, a tricycle driver of 13 years. He now wears a smile, much different from his tone in March 2020. Upon learning that they had to stay off the roads and stay inside their homes, he was left clueless on what to do next. He had no idea how else to make a living and had no choice but hope for the best.

A few months later, Sarmiento was informed by his local Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association that foodpanda is presenting drivers like him with a new job

opportunity as a rider. Excited, he quickly enlisted under the program along with 18 of his friends.

Making the transition from transporting passengers to food orders was no small task. The biggest adjustment was operating on a much larger area, as opposed to the limited routes granted to tricycle drivers. Nonetheless, Sarmiento was quick to adjust, and is now happy and settled as a foodpanda rider.

Unlike the veteran Sarmiento, Jun Sanchez was just starting his career as a tricycle driver when the ECQ was imposed.

Sanchez lived in Butuan most of his life, but he decided to try his luck in Manila and took the first job available to him as a tricycle driver. But just when he was making his strides, he was told that they had to stop operations.

Sanchez spent the following months sustaining his family using the small savings he was able to set aside. Just before it was depleted, he received an invite to join the PandaTODA program.

“I was nervous at first,” he said. “But it gives me excitement and pleasant feeling to see my satisfies customers.”

Aside from giving him new ways to earn money, the PandaToda program also afforded Sanchez the work flexibility that he has never experienced in his life.

“With PandaToday, I found a schedule that allows me to get home early to my

Bria lists top reasons for housing investment

THE lockdowns enforced early on in the pandemic nearly upended Philippine businesses and industries, with some sectors taking more serious hits than the others.

Rising at more than 50 prime locations across the country, Bria Homes features sprawling green spaces as part of a wholesome, family-friendly environment.

Official reports disclosed that when quarantine restrictions eased up in key cities and provinces, the country’s real estate industry emerged as “one of the best performing asset classes.”

Property research experts credited this to industry resilience and consumers’ basic need for shelter. With the 6-million-unit shortfall in housing, there is a huge demand to be filled, a void that positively beckons to leading real estate companies like Bria Homes.

The uptick in residential sales is reportedly caused by low-interest rates and the

freeze on price hikes, factors that are conducive to investment. The same experts believe the property sector has become a promising market for investors—buyers and sellers alike—with enough liquidity to cash in on this upbeat trend.

Other factors placed Bria Homes out front as a good place to invest. Having a responsive property management is one.

When the COVID-19 outbreak was declared, Bria quickly initiated hygiene and sanitation measures and other preventive moves against infection and transmission.

Bria was also among the first to adapt to the digital domain. All Bria communities are internet-connection ready to accommodate residents’ new normal work and learning modes. To keep homeowners safe, Bria has made available digital options—like e-wallets—for contactless and cashless transactions.

family,” he said.

Meanwhile, John Bolanos felt a mix of excitement and anxiety when he was told about the PandaToda program.

He was ecstatic about the new opportunity, but also nervous about the prospect of starting in a new job, under a new system, after working as a tricycle driver for eight years.

Bolanos recalled his main concern during his very first delivery. He was extremely cautious to keep the food from spilling, he said.

Nothing was spilled that day, and it was a successful delivery that ended with an exchange of smiles with a happy customer.

While he was anxious about entering the PandaToda program, Bolanos quickly learned that foodpanda set up an efficient system that helps newbies like him ease into the program.

“It was an easy adjustment to use the foodpanda app. The riders also helped one another. It seemed like I found a new family,” he said.

While life has been anything but easy for anyone, foodpanda continues to deliver solutions to help people in any way possible. Under the PandaToday program, tricycle drivers get more than a new livelihood. They also enjoy the perks and rewards that go with being part of the foodpanda family.

By Othel V. Campos AFTER a decade of successful mentoring of student-microentrepreneurs, Bayan Academy for Social Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Development Inc. and Citi Microenterprise Development Center launched the Creativity and Innovation Hub to assist both startups and micro, small and medium enterprises to make them more resilient in the face of challenges.

Citi Philippines country head Aftab Ahmed expressed satisfaction over the long-standing partnership with Bayan Academy, the Department of Trade and Industry, community partners and business leaders for the new initiative.

“We truly value this partnership. For the past 10 years, CMDC has developed numerous programs that has contributed in the growing the businesses of more than 6,700 MSMEs. This in turn has also positively impacted the communities in which these businesses operate,” Ahmed said.

Funded by Citi Foundation, CMDC was established to promote entrepreneurship among low-income microfinance clients, giving them the opportunity to receive quality training and customized coaching and business advisory from a pool of subject matter experts that include Citi employees.

Through CMDC, Citi and Bayan Academy seek to address the skills gap and empower entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their micro businesses, help them evolve in the new environment and penetrate global space.

“The CMDC creativity and innovation hub could not have come at a better time.

Indeed the COVID-19 pandemic pushed us to adapt and think of what we is need-

Bayan Academy chairman and president Eduardo Morato Jr.

ed to create growth and enable progress for our businesses and community,” Ahmed said.

In 2021, the CMDC Hub will focus on supporting startups and MSMEs. Startups play a significant role in economic growth to job creation, wealth creation and communities where they operate, breakthrough technologies that create value and economic dynamism by spreading innovation and injecting competition, said Ahmed.

“The pandemic has impacted all businesses from micro enterprises to large corporations. Income stream of MSMEs have been impacted due to the pandemic.

As these businesses step up their business activity, they will need assistance to help them pursue growth opportunities and sustained business growth during the pandemic,” Ahmed said.

“What is most exciting is that we are transforming the CMDC into a dynamic hub where businesses experts, entrepreneurs, and budding entrepreneurs can interact and network. We are happy that through the CMDC Hub, we’re able to help startups and MSMEs overcome some of the financial challenges that they’re facing. Our goal is to help them improve their business proposition and strengthen their business resiliency. This will be particularly important in the coming months as we start moving towards normalization,” he said.

The hub aims to systematically rebuild 500 MSMEs and will function as an incubator among 400 startups across the country.

Bayan Academy chairman and president Eduardo Morato Jr. said social and market innovation has helped enterprises and entrepreneurs survive the pandemic.

BPI-Philam powers through uncertainty BANCASSURANCE leader BPI-Philam capped off 2020 as the World Finance Best Life Insurance Company in the Philippines for the fourth consecutive year.

The international business and finance publication recognized BPI-Philam’s agility and innovation, which helped it exemplify calm out of chaos amid a climate of uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Uncertainty continues to prevail amid the pandemic, but we’re optimistic that we will recover sooner rather than later. It is important for us at BPI-Philam to represent stability for customers at this time and to guide them throughout. This award from World Finance is a recognition of the concerted effort of all our employees, the management, and customers to push our own limits in the hope of a better future after this crisis,” said BPI-Philam chief executive Surendra Menon.

The World Finance Global Insurance Awards distinguishes organizations that are most able to adapt to the environment and help forge the future of the industry.

It acknowledges the role of insurance in alleviating people’s fears and helping the world recover. BPI-Philam’s innovations in product development, onboarding, and customer service, among others, earned it the much-coveted distinction from World Finance.

Observing a greater awareness of the value of insurance among Filipinos from the beginning of the pandemic, BPI-

Philam accelerated its digital transformation further in its race against risk to close the protection gap in the Philippines. In 2020, it launched MedLife Protect Plus, an investment-linked life and health insurance that provides policyholders access to medical care and protection.

The year also saw the introduction of Bessie, the new virtual assistant on Facebook Messenger and Viber to help customers with basic life insurance policy inquiries and concerns—anytime, anywhere. The timely launch of both offerings is a testament to how BPI-Philam is attuned to the needs of customers.

In addition, the bancassurance leader strengthened its iPoS (interactive pointof-sale) platform to facilitate online applications, as well as ePlan, the online portal where customers can personally manage their policies. Developed even prior to COVID-19, the iPoS and ePlan both address consumers’ evolving preference for convenient and on-demand service delivery, allowing BPI-Philam to continue securing lives even under lockdown.

World Finance recognizes that the insurance industry is uniquely equipped to cope with a disaster. BPI-Philam might be in the business of preparing for the worst, but it strongly advocates wellness and helping people bring their dreams to life.

It offers a Wellness Series, a suite of protection solutions powered by Philam Vitality that reward customers as they pursue their healthy lifestyle journey.

Philam Vitality is a science-backed health and wellness program that extends perks and benefits like premium discounts, additional insurance coverage and add-ons, incentives, and lifestyle rewards from partner establishments. Customers subscribed to insurance policies integrated with Philam Vitality earn corresponding points for the healthy choices they make such as eating right, going to the gym, or going for a health screening. BPI-Philam noted that despite the limited movement allowed during the community quarantine, overall engagement of customers in the program decreased by only around four percent, suggesting that people are still staying active even while stuck at home.

“We’re still a long way away in our race against risk but seeing that Filipinos have increasingly become protective of their long-term future serves as a great push for BPI-Philam. We’ve always worked on helping people help themselves through accessible and affordable solutions that address life’s uncertainties. Heading into 2021, we’ll continue to power through the challenges to maintain the high quality of service that our customers have come to expect,” Menon said.

BPI-Philam is the bancassurance arm of AIA Philam Life in the Philippines. With over 11 years of leadership in the industry, BPI-Philam is dedicated to help Filipinos protect what matters, prepare for the unexpected, and plan the best future.

PH food companies joining Gulfood 2021 this month FILIPINO food companies are participating in Gulfood 2021, the largest food and beverage exhibitions in the Middle East this month, according to Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

The Food Philippines pavilion at the Dubai World Trade Center will be manned by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Dubai team.

To build on the momentum created by the Philippine delegation, CITEM and PTIC Dubai will facilitate an extensive business-to-business event between exhibitors and prospective buyers on March 14 to 16, shortly after Gulfood.

Headed to Dubai on Feb. 21 to 25 are 13 food export companies including Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc.;

Century Pacific Food Inc.; Doxo Trading; Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperative JNRM Corp.; MagicMelt Foods Corp.; Market Reach International Resources; Mega Global Corp.; Philippine Grocers Food Exports Inc.; Profood International Corp.; Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corp./ Mama Sita’s; SL Agritech Corp.; and Super Q. All companies offer hearty, diverse, and halal-certified selections and are exportready to deliver consistent product quality to represent the best of Philippine food manufacturing and processing.

To be featured in the FoodPhilippines pavilion are well-loved Pinoy products such as coconut water by Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures, canned tuna by

Century Pacific Food; canned sardines

by Mega Global Corp.; various branded goods by Philippine Grocers Food Exports Inc.; and special Filipino bread by MagicMelt Food Corp.

As one of the world’s leading exporters and producers of several tropical fruits such as pineapples, coconuts and mangoes, the Philippines has also become fertile ground for the production of premium fruit products, as evidenced by Doxo Trading, Market Reach International Resources and Profood International Corp.

The companies will be bringing in distinctly Pinoy pineapple juice and global favorite dried mangoes.

The Philippine delegation’s institutional participation comprises physical and digital components, where featured

products in the FoodPhilippines pavilion will come with QR codes which buyers can scan to be led to the exhibitors’ inboxes Rice, a Filipino dining staple, will also come in various iterations through the Philippines’ leading manufacturer of premium rice, SL Agritech Corp., as well as through delectable rice cake snacks by JNRM Corp. and FPSDC’s selections of black, pink, brown, and red rice.

Mama Sita’s under Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corp. will showcase its mixes and sauces accompanied by heirloom Filipino recipes. Super Q, which transformed the Philippine noodle industry, will present quality wheat-based noodles such as bihon, pancit canton and palabok.

CITEM leads a 13-strong delegation of food export companies for Gulfood 2021, one of the world’s biggest fairs for food and hospitality

Youth & Culture B1

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021

By Mirei Magallona

W

HEN the community quarantine was enforced in March 2020, many asked why BPO and customer experience (CX) companies were still operating. What do they do that was considered a necessity even during a pandemic situation? How did these companies adjust to adapt new ways of working?

Sure, many Filipinos are employed by the industry, but the work is blanketed by a lot of misconceptions, and its contribution is not easily understood as an “essential service.”

In the Philippines, BPO, CX, and digital solutions companies provide services for both local and offshore customers. As a customer experience and digital solutions company ourselves, our expertise allows us to provide seamless and convenient support whether via phone, email, social media, or web chat that are crucial touchpoints for businesses as most transactions and customers moved online during the pandemic.

In simpler terms, our main services became vital because we ensure that our customers’ needs and problems are addressed through their chosen channels of communication, whether via phone, text, email, or chat. We are here to give our customers systematic and empathic solutions whenever the need arises. That’s the malasakit in the Filipino’s brand of service.

As face-to-face interaction was minimized at all costs, even companies within the BPO, CX, and digital solutions sector like Telus International Philippines adhered to the strict measures brought by the pandemic, and despite the setbacks, we quickly adjusted to a new working model that kept our team members safe, employed, and able to continue helping customers around the world.

People and companies benefit from services by digital customer experience companies. Consider each time one must contact their Internet or phone service provider, conduct mobile and online banking, make online retail purchases, check their medical and personal insurances, book airline and hotel arrangements, and other services they are subscribed to that require troubleshooting, customer support, and other digital backend support or development—we ensure these services and solutions remain seamless despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.

By adapting to the changing circumstances to continue operating and exploring human-centric innovations to drive efficiency and value, collectively, the BPO and digital customer experience industry was able to ensure job security for millions of Filipinos. The flexibility we displayed enabled

Bernadette Lunas, Editor

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

The ‘essential service’ of customer service BEHIND THE SCENES. Each

time a person contacts their Internet or phone service provider, makes online purchases, books a hotel or other services that require troubleshooting and other digital backend support, a customer experience employee is there to assist.

us to stay productive while most businesses had to pivot to stay afloat during these difficult times.

In a way, BPO and digital solutions professionals became an essential part in the wheels that keep turning for the country’s economy during the pandemic. Guided by the recommendations of the government, we ensure the safety and security of our team members throughout this time, whether they are working from home or back onsite.

We believe that by focusing on our team members’ needs and interests, we are able to conduct our business successfully, and we can “give where we live,” enhancing the lives of our team members and their communities, no matter what the situation is.

Youth fellowship program for democracy now accepts application YouthLed is looking for 30 young Filipino leaders who will undergo real-world training and mentorship.

YOUNG Filipinos, aged 18-30, who desire to make a positive impact in their communities are invited to apply to the Youth Leadership for Democracy’s (YouthLed) 2021 Leadership and Democracy's (LEAD) Fellowship.

The program aims to empower youth for civic participation and democratic governance. Thirty youth leaders are targeted to participate in a series of leadership and skills development activities, real-world application training, and network-building engagements spread out from May 2021 to March 2023.

“We are looking for youth leaders from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are active members of a private, public, civil society organization, educational institution, or community organization. We need champions of civic engagement, democratic participation, and activities for the benefit of the community. The program is completely free,” says Ching Jorge, chief of party, Youth Leadership for Democracy, The Asia Foundation.

She adds, “We offer equal opportunities regardless of one’s background, geographical origin, gender, belief system, and social status. We encourage differently-abled persons, members of indigenous communities, and those identifying as LGBTQI+ to apply.”

Training programs are in partnership with prestigious institutions including

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Asian Institute of Management’s Future Bridging Leadership Program, Ateneo School of Government’s Executive Education Courses, and Ayala Foundation Inc.’s Servant Leadership Program.

Selected YouthLed young leaders will also undergo mentorship activities with Makati Business Club and Philippine Business for Social Progress.

Participants will also have opportunities to access grants and funding for their respective organizations or will receive guidance in establishing their own agencies as youth leaders. They will be backed by a network of mentors and will be recognized as a member of the YouthLed network of young leaders in the Philippines.

The fellowship program is organized

by The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), along with several organizations, institutions, and experts.

To join, fill out and submit the LEAD Fellowship application form, together with updated curriculum vitae, project proposal, budget proposal of proposed project, and two endorsement letters from an employer, teacher, school official or verifiable mentor.

Submission of application is until Feb. 28. The selected participants will be announced at the end of April on www.youthled.org.ph

In the middle of a crisis like this, we saw our team members extend this caring culture to help those in need, like creating learning modules for students and out-of-school youths and setting up donation drives for healthcare workers and recent typhoon victims. They are also still able to support and champion issues they strongly believe in like gender inclusiveness and mental health awareness.

Finally, in a time of great uncertainty, the positive economic impact to our team members and other workers maintaining their jobs during this crisis all the more stresses the value of the various customer experience companies that operate in the country.

Beyond all this, we take pride in the results of the efforts of BPO, CX, and digital solutions professionals as they strive to deliver their best work to ensure services that are needed by many are delivered when people need it the most.

The author is the country vice president for Telus International Philippines.

Gratitude wall

CAN’T remember what you are thankful for?

Walls bedecked with hundreds of post-its expressing gratitude are currently mounted in Ayala Malls to encourage everyone to shift perspectives on everyday difficulties.

The Gratitude Wall gives mall-goers freedom to say what they have to say that would enliven their spirits and uplift others who see it. The wall of thank you’s is part of the malls’ in-mall activities this February.

To further help build the habit of gratitude, Ayala Malls also hosts weekly initiatives such as Mindful Mondays (remembering those who made an impact and helped others), Thank You Tuesdays (tagging a friend whose presence has been a blessing), Thoughtful Thursdays (surprising mall-goers with a treat for two to a meal or drink or a surprise from a retail store).

Hundreds of post-its saying thanks on a gratitude wall at Abreeza.

PRIDE CORNER

Free webinar on LGBTQIA+ safe spaces BUDDING scholar Gregorio “Gio” R. CaA history graduate from the Polytechliguia III, who specializes on the history of nic University of the Philippines Manila, gender and sexuality, is conducting a free he is currently pursuing his Master’s Deand public online lecture about creating a gree in Philippine Studies at the Asian safer Philippines for the LGBTQIA+ comCenter of the University of the Philipmunity on March 5. pines Diliman, where he specializes in Entitled “SENSE on LGBTQIA,” Caliguia Philippine gay historiography. will explain the implications of not having a His thesis argues that our understanding of gender-sensitive language. He will also share identities that are historically defined and sothe vital tools, connections, and current chalcially disabled can be reframed by the study lenges for better communication for all genof the history of the word “bakla.”

Gregorio R. Caliguia III ders, to include the LGBTQIA+.

The webinar is hosted by De La SalleSOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, College of Saint Benilde’s Center for Inclusive and gender expression) will likewise be disEducation. cussed in depth.

“SENSE on LGBTQIA+” will be conducted via Zoom, at Caliguia, who is a senior research specialist of auction 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. house Casa de Memoria, will talk about archival rediscovFilipino Sign Language interpreters will be available dureries on Philippine gay history, extended to the broader ing the talk. Interested participants may register through challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community. senseonlgbtqia.eventbrite.com.

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.

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Home/Design

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021

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

MAKE MINE CAMELLA. Staying home has been a habit for everybody over

the past year. As families remain cloistered in their houses, creativity has become prized for making family occasions as memorable as possible. Camella, the flagship brand of Vista Land & Lifecapes, Inc., believes that finding comfort at home is the best gift anyone can have in 2021. With its newest line of SmartHomes, Camella prepares its residents for a safer future with the power of technology. Shown here are the interior look and architectural gravitas of Camella’s series. For more information, visit www.camella.com.ph.

Bullish demand for real estate in 2021—Lamudi

T

‘But a lot of work’ up ahead as home buyers eye digital shopping

HE Philippine property sector is ostensibly on the road to recovery as economic factors and investor attitude improve, anchored on the new normal in property shopping, even as government steps up efforts to ramp up its vaccination strategy Digital real estate platform Lamudi based its projection on the average of 2019 and 2020 data, and predicts various opportunities for developers and investors, as consumer appetite for residential and commercial real estate slowly goes back to normal.

But the Lamudi study cautioned that “there’s a lot of work to do, especially in

making property seekers confident and comfortable engaging in transactions that largely involve digital platforms.”

Landed property, good as gold In terms of residential property types, land is expected to experience the greatest growth in demand. Foreclosed properties will post the highest uptick, while condominiums are projected to

have the highest growth.

Makati is forecasted to see the highest growth in pageviews for commercial properties, while Muntinlupa is seen to project the biggest growth in demand, marking a shift south of Manila.

Big role for ‘Build, Build, Build’ Infrastructure projects connecting the provinces to the metro will play a big role in unlocking land values. The

demand for commercial real estate in provincial cities with technoparks can serve as a guide to investors considering property investment away from the densely-populated capital region.

Cities with central business districts will be continue to be popular, signaling a gradual recovery for the residential real estate market as well.

Proximity to the workplace will still

be the primary consideration for property seekers.

Apartments experienced the greatest growth in the number of listings from the first quarter to the last quarter of 2020. This is in response to the growing number of property seekers looking for affordable housing solutions near the workplace, or investment opportunities.

GREEN OFFICE EDIFICE IN ARCA SOUTH.

Megawide bounces back

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. recently secured contracts with Suntrust Home Developers, Inc. (Suntrust) – the Philippine unit of Hong Kong listed Suncity Group Holdings Limited (Suncity) – for its Westside City Resorts World project.

This newest landmark in Metro Manila’s growing roster of world-class gaming, hotel and retail destinations will be located at Entertainment City along Manila Bay. “Large-scale investments such as Suncity are critical for our national economic recovery from the crisis caused by COVID-19,” said Edgar Saavedra, Megawide chairman and CEO (Shown here).

The award, totaling P6.3 billion, include initial works such as pile cap, excavation, and lateral support direct contract, worth P2.3 billion, and basement substructure, superstructure, and architectural builders works and finishes, amounting to P4 billion.

Megawide also bagged a supplemental agreement amounting to P20 billion, for management of nominated subcontractors for interior design, allied services, additional architectural, structural and civil works.

“As a fully-integrated construction company, with an advanced precast materials facility and ancilliary services, we would like to take advantage of the requirements under this new operating environment of pandemic recovery,” Saavedra explained.

Sustainable developer Arthaland recently topped off the Savya financial center north tower in ARCA South. The two tower office development was launched in 2019 and its first building, the north tower, was built in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate, one of the largest real estate developers in Japan. Savya will feature top-class amenities, a fullyintegrated retail area, zero contact building features, and generous green and open spaces. “The success of this development will certainly become the foundation for our long-term partnership with Arthaland, said Masato Aikawa, managing director of Mitsubishi Estate Asia. “Building on the success of Arthaland century pacific tower in Bonifacio Global City and the Cebu exchange in Cebu City, Savya is poised to become the preferred address in what will be the most highly connected business district in the country,” promised Jaime C. González, vice chairman and president of Arthaland.

YEAR OF THE OX, DAY OF HEARTS REVELRY. Ayala Land Estates recently hosted an exciting, double whammy weekend to celebrate Chinese new year and Valentine’s day. Ayala Land communities are known for integrating comfortable living with other recreational amenities such as nearby dining spots, leisure activity areas, and shopping. Last weekend, revelers partook of al fresco dining along Rada and Leviste streets in Makati. Foodies came in droves to Nostro Mercato at the Ayala Vermosa sports hub parking area. Music lovers were serenaded at Riverside Sessions at Circuit Makati, with performances from buskers At the Nuvali farmers market, lovers availed of strawberry and flower bundles, while the Main Mall and Circuit Lane bedazzled with spirited dragon and lion dances to usher in good fortune for 2021.

Allegra just got bigger DMCI Homes is expanding its Allegra Garden Place project along Pasig Boulevard, Pasig City, in anticipation of the upcoming completion of the Bonifacio Global City-Ortigas Center link road project.

The property arm of DMCI Holdings, Inc. recently launched the two-tower project’s second building, Soraya. Units at the Soraya building range from 30 square meters (sq. m) to 83 sq. m., including a studio configuration.

“We are gearing towards recovery from the pandemic by

taking advantage of the potential opportunities presented by these big ticket infrastructure projects,” said DMCI Homes vice president for project development Dennis Yap. The 1.2-hectare project was launched in September 2019 following the success of DMCI Homes’ first development in the area, Prisma Residences. Allegra Garden Place is now pre-selling at P4.31 million onwards, and will be ready for turnover starting with the Amina building in July 2024 and in July 2025 for Soraya.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021

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

What makes

Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith has been tapped to lead the ‘Treat Yourself Like A Queen’ campaign of Jeunesse Anion, a brand of napkins that supports the advocacies of modern Filipinas.

By Nickie Wang

W

HEN she’s totally in control!

“Control has a lot to do with that.

When I’m able to control the things around me that should be controlled like let’s say my waking hours, my schedule for the day, accomplishing the needs for what my deliverables if I have any, taking care of my family, these are the things that make me feel like a queen,” Jasmine Curtis Smith told Manila Standard Entertainment during a virtual interview where she was introduced as the face of “Treat Yourself Like A Queen” campaign of Jeunesse Anion, a brand of napkins designed specifically for modern-day Filipinas.

‘When you’re queen you don’t just take care of yourself, you also take care of your kingdom, your kingdom makes you a queen. If you can make yourself happy by doing things well, you can serve people confidently as an empowered person, and I think that’s what makes you a queen,” she carried on.

Indeed, in today’s society, queendom is no longer limited to royalty. What it means to be a queen has been redefined by assigning queenly qualities to today’s modern women. One such attribute is the ability to juggle so many tasks with royal grace and composure.

“Jasmine Curtis-Smith was the first

JASMINE feel like a queen is able to position herself as one of the industry’s most talented and respected young actresses with such movies as Baka Bukas and Siargao in her impressive filmography. On primetime television, she recently concluded her top-rating primetime drama series Descendants Of The Sun on GMA-7 while conquering digital platforms with two of her films, Midnight On A Perfect World streaming on Upstream. ph and Alter Me streaming on Netflix.

In between television and movie shoots, yoga, and circuit training, Jasmine also indulges in self-care rituals that enrich her personal life.

She meditates and enjoys all cravings in moderation, because she believes in the importance of finding the right balance, whether in her career or in her personal life. For her, this is how she treats herself like a queen: ensuring that every aspect of her very busy life is cared for and nurtured. For Jasmine, Jeunesse Anion reflects her own values: innovative, comfortable, and edgy.

Jasmine on the other hand is equally elated, “I am so grateful, and honored to be a part of the Jeunesse Anion family. I recommend this product to every woman for that added boost of confidence while maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Every woman can treat herself like a queen with Jeunesse Anion,” Jasmine ended.

name that came to our mind when we thought about the qualities that would best represent our brand.

She is young, beautiful, has an active lifestyle, accomplished, and confident with who she is,” said Jeunesse Anion assistant brand manager Elaine Duque.

“We know she could relate well to the ladies whom we all consider as queens in their own right and their own way. We are very happy and pleased to present Jasmine as the latest member of our family,” Duque added.

With a consistent string of criticallyacclaimed films to her credit, Jasmine

Justin Bieber to headline ‘Kids’ Choice Awards 2021’ GRAMMY Award-winning global superstar Justin Bieber has been tapped as the headline performer for this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2021.

A celebration of fan-favorite stars across the worlds of film, television, music, sports, and more, Bieber will hit the “KCA” main stage for epic, show-stopping performances of his chart-topping hits “Intentions,” joined by Quavo, and his latest single “Anyone.”

Hosted by actor, comedian and Saturday Night Live legend Kenan Thompson, Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2021 will air live on March 13, at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT), as Nickelodeon’s Orange Blimp takes fans on a virtual ride around the world and beyond. The show will also be simulcast live across Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons, and the Nick Jr. channel.

“The Kids’ Choice Awards was my first awards show and returning to share my new music is a fullcircle moment,” said Justin Bieber.

“Although the show may look different this year, the KCA’s are always a ton of fun and there will definitely be no shortage of slime!”

With over a dozen Kids’ Choice Awards wins, Bieber leads the pack with five nominations this year: three in the category of “Favorite Music Collaboration” for his songs “Holy” featuring Chance

the Rapper, “Lonely” with benny blanco, and “Stuck with U” with Ariana Grande; one for “Favorite Song” for “Yummy;” and one for “Favorite Male Artist.”

After closing out 2020 with three smash singles — “Holy,” with Chance The Rapper, “Lonely” with benny blanco, and “Monster” with Shawn Mendes — Justin Bieber rang in the new year with a brand new single “Anyone,” and his return to the live stage in a blow-out NYE livestreamed concert.

Justin continues to reign as one of the biggest artists in the world: the #1 artist on YouTube with 60+ million subscribers, the #2 artist on Spotify global with over 65 million monthly listeners, over 200 million in combined U.S. radio audience per week, three tracks in the Billboard Top 40, and three Grammy nominations and an American Music Award for his 2020 album Changes.

Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber headlines this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards, a celebration of fan-favorite stars across the worlds of film, television, music, and sports,

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Taped at the Araneta Coliseum in December, fans will have the chance to witness the highly-anticipated film concert of Sarah Geronimo entitled ‘Tala,’ inspired by her massive hit of the same name that became one of the biggest songs of the decade.

SARAH G

gives fans exclusive look at ‘Tala’ concert POP Queen Sarah Geronimo is back in the limelight as she treats fans to a one-night-only event for Tala: The Film Concert, premiering on KTX.PH, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV on March 27.

Named after her smash hit, the two-hour film offers a live concert experience where fans will get to see the star perform 18 songs including her fresh interpretations of “Kilometro,” “Ikot-ikot” and “Isa Pang Araw.” A surprise guest also joins Sarah on stage for two special numbers.

Viewers can now purchase regular tickets for P1,500 and VVIP tickets for P3,000. VVIP ticket holders will be treated to a special interaction segment with Sarah via Zoom. iWantTFC users in the Philippines can also purchase regular tickets priced at P1,500 via web on iwanttfc.com and the Android app. Fans outside the Philippines, meanwhile, can get regular tickets for $29.99 on iWantTFC and TFC IPTV. Produced by Viva Entertainment, Tala: The Film Concert was taped last December at the Araneta Coliseum.

It is directed by Paul Basinillo, with Louie Ocampo as the musical director and Georcelle Dapat-Sy as the creative director.

Watch Sarah G’s return to the concert stage in Tala: The Film Concert, at 8:00 p.m. (Manila time).

Fall in love with BL series ‘Ben X Jim’ anew

The second installment of Regal Entertainment’s Boys Love series ‘Ben X Jim,’ starring screen actors Jerome Ponce (left) and TJ Marquez, is now available for worldwide streaming on Upstream.

IF YOU’VE still got that hangover from Cupid’s holiday and are in the mood for some Boys’ Love entertainment, you’re in for a romantic treat because the sequel of Filipino BL series Ben X Jim, the first installment of which premiered on YouTube, has landed on digital platform UPSTREAM. In partnership with GMovies, the platform presents not only movies but now also TV shows, with Season 2 of Regal Entertainment’s Ben X Jim first on the list.

Written and directed by Easy Ferrer, Ben X Jim follows the story of two people who go from strangers to lovers then back to strangers with memories. The show stars Teejay Marquez as Ben and

Jerome Ponce as Jim. Sarah Edwards, Ron Angeles, and Kat Galang reprise their roles from the first season and are joined by new cast members Vance Larena, Royce Cabrera, Ejay Jallorina, Miko Gallardo, Darwin Yu, Anika Dela Cruz, and Jomari Angeles.

Tickets to Ben X Jim are available via GMovies in just a few clicks and binge-watch that post-Valentine’s Day hangover away. Curl up with your loved one or swoon alongside your pals over Ben and Jim’s story of love.

For more information, visit the GMovies’ FAQs page. Book your tickets here: https://bit.ly/BOOK-BenxJim2.

The series’ trailer is available here: http://bit.ly/BenxJimS2

B4

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Superfood pumpkin for a cat W

Seb, rescued cat, will eat anything. He has a tendency to get fat so exercise and pumpkin in his diet are good for him.

ORRIED about hairballs? There is a natural way to help your cat release that hairball.

Pumpkin (kalabasa) is full of fiber that her feeling just as full but with fewer calories,” can help your cat move ingested fur, says gallant.com said. gallant.com in “Your Cat Should be Eating More Pumpkin.”

Adding pumpkin in a cat’s diet Not only is pumpkin delicious, it is also Here’s how to include pumpkin in a cat’s diet: a superfood.

1. If you have no easy access to pumpkins, you can buy canned pumpkin.

Great for cats 2. But of course, we suggest you choose Pumpkin has a lot of health benefits for cats, fresh pumpkin which is available in grocery says gallant.com stores and public markets. Peel the pumpkin 1. It is loaded with fiber which itself which and throw the skin, remove the seeds, then cut is very good for the cat's digestive system. Fib- the pumpkin into pieces in the size your cat er can also prevent constipation, and even stop can eat or GRATE THE PUMPKIN and BOIL diarrhea.

BEFORE GIVING IT TO YOUR CAT. “Dietary fiber absorbs stomach acid and ex3. You can add ground chicken breast if you like. cess water and can actually help move any ingested fur through your cat's digestive tract,” Warning gallant.com added.

Gallant.com reminds owners to : 2. Pumpkin is also rich in Vitamin E, Vi1. Check the can of pumpkin if it is pure tamin A, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene, aside pumpkin or if it is PIE FILLING which is from other nutritious compounds. bad for your cat because it contains sugar and “Because it's such a healthy food, it's a great spices. way to supplement an overweight cat's diet; re“Organic is a nice-to-have but what's most placing just 20% of her regular food can leave important is that you don't accidentally buy

pumpkin pie filling as it can contain extra sugar and some spices (nutmeg!) that can actually be harmful to your cat's health. “ Gallant.com warns.

It adds: “You could, of course, always get a whole pumpkin, empty the seeds, cut it into chunks, then roast or steam it.”

2. Never add salt, sugar or cinnamon and other seasoning. “ When you begin incorporating pumpkin (or any new food) into your cat's diet, do so slowly. Just 2-3 tablespoons is probably enough at first - you don't want to shock your cat's system and give her an upset tummy. Over time, you can mix pumpkin into her regular cat food on a daily basis, freeze it into pumpkin-cubes to give as treats, or just offer it up as you feel like it. Your cat will let you know if she's not a fan!” says gallant.com 3. Never give uncooked or raw pumpkin to cats.

There are lots of squash (pumpkin is a squash) in the market.

“Turns out squash of any variety (pumpkin is a squash) is pretty good for cats. They've got tons of vitamins and a lot of fiber, not to mention fatty acids that are great for urinary and digestive health. Just make sure you cook squash first...animals can't break down raw squash like we can, “ gallant.com says. DC

Kittens can be given solid food at 8 weeks of age. Give small amounts only. Mash the boiled pumpkin.

Seeing dogs and cats as valuable companion animals loneliness and give humans a sense of purpose. Those things, you cannot underestimate.

CLAWS PROTECTION

BY GREG SALIDO QUIMPO AND HEIDI MARQUEZ

ANIMAL Kingdom Foundation (AKF) has been rescuing slaughter-bound dogs since the early 2000 and now with less frequent dog meat trade activities going on, our program is now composed of aiding special needs animals like strays, abandoned and neglected pets or worse, the ones who are cruelly inflicted with injuries by humans.

If humans suffer from physical and psychological inflictions, so do our pets and strays. We may be too busy with our struggles but as an animal welfare group, AKF is far too well aware of the pains and miseries of these animals.

They too suffer immensely as neglected and maltreated sentient beings and although there are fur-parents who greatly value their companion animals, there are still a lot of us who undervalue their overall importance in our lives.

Heck, they are even clubbed cruelly and eaten by a minority of us.

Dogs were once part of man’s utility team but as their population grew and breed expanded, their working roles are reduced and, with it, their value. How we ended up with thousands upon thousands of strays is a sad story to tell; we, as a nation, simply chose to ignore them and, in the process, neglect their wellbeing by not being tough on animal welfare violators, by not prioritizing the implementation of regulations meant to protect these animals.

The simple truth is that the implementation of animal welfare laws - a notable feat from our lawmakers considering we are among the very first country to have a law favoring the welfare of animals – is wanting. It appears that the authorities and pertinent agencies are lacking in safeguarding the welfare of cats and dogs in the country. If they are not, there would not be pounds wherein these animals are dismally kept to be killed, there would not be a cottage industry of rescuers who cannot feed or provide better living conditions to these animals, there would not be puppy mills, and there would not be house-

Stress Reduction and Health Benefits

Playing with a dog, exercising, walking or running can help human beings reduce stress levels and increase their health and well-being. Scientific studies attest to this and pet-owners, without a doubt, agree 100 per cent.

Service Animals

Rescued dog Visda is so happy to be with her new Ate.

The Bie family of Bamban, Tarlac adopted rescued dogs VIDA (middle), MIGUEL and RAM.

Dogs raised as service or therapy animals can open up the world for disabled individuals. Service animals can make it possible for physically disadvantaged individuals to work, travel and live independently. Search-and-rescue dogs can track human scent in even the most challenging environments.

Security

Dogs provide a sense of security for human companions. Ask someone who lives alone or a wife left alone with her kids.

Dogs employed by government agencies and police organizations help in locating contraband in places like airports and large public places to ensure public security. Think about that for a second.

They provide security to the public.

Real heroes.

Teaching Responsibility

AKF rescues a dog from dog meat traders. He was about to be slaughter, his meat to be sold per kilo.

holds with neglected number of pets. If other developed nations have controlled the number of pets per family, if they have negligible number of wandering animals on the streets, and if they reduced the incident of animal bites to almost zero and be officially identified as rabies-free countries, then we, as a nation, must admit that we have a ton to prove as a dog and cat-loving country.

We already have the regulations, we just need to be tough in implementing them and make the violators accountable.

AKF needs help to continue saving slaughter-bound dogs.

Across the board.

AKF has experienced first-hand the distressing conditions of our native dogs who were slaughter-bound, that seeing them recover and get adopted by loving individuals and families is always an emotional moment for us.

There are just too many dogs and cats out there that need to be welcomed home with sincere and genuine care, seeing slaughter-bound dogs embraced by loving humans into their homes is the bright-spot in the grim reality of

dogs being undervalued by our society.

To those who love their companion animals, AKF takes its hat off to you and to those who are not clear on the importance of having to care for pets; here are some of the reasons why some of us hold them valuable:

Companionship

Pets provide comfort to people who need unconditional interaction with another living being and more importantly, dogs can decrease levels of

Kids can be taught valuable traits and life skills through positive interaction with the family pet and by taking responsibility for feeding, walking, training and grooming. Children can learn the value of treating all living things with respect and dignity when they have the opportunity to care for and love a family dog.

And so AKF salutes those who chose to adopt and not shop, those who prefer to visit shelters and embrace in their lives a rescued animal.

Please know that with every rescued animal you welcome home you provide space in our shelter for another hapless animal to be given TLC and become an unconditional-love-giving-pet again.