Manila Standard - 2021 March 14 - Sunday

VOL. XXXV • NO. 32 • 2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

RESTIVE BEAUTY. A snapshot of Taal Volcano, taken during an aerial recconaissance led by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Saturday morning. Phivolcs said 55 volcanic earthquakes were

recorded in the past 24 hours. Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 (increased unrest), which means sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ash fall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island, which has been declared a permanent danger zone. Alex Masiglat

‘Cases may surge to 7k daily’

• PH logs highest number of infections in 7 months • New P3 variant confirmed

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

ippine Genome Center.

The DOH also confirmed 59 new cases with the B.1.1.7 variant first reported in the United Kingdom as well as 32 new cases of the B.1.351 first reported in South Africa.

Of the additional UK variant cases, 30 are locals, 18 are returning overseas Filipinos, while 11 are currently being verified, raising the total to 177.

The DOH said 16 of the local cases are from the Cordillera region, 10 from Metro Manila, two from Central Luzon, and two from Calabarzon.

Meanwhile, 19 of the patients infected with the South Africa variant are local cases from Metro Manila, one from Cagayan Valley, one from Northern Mindanao, and a returning overseas Filipino.

This brought the number of South Africa variant cases in the country to 90.

Meanwhile, the DOH confirmed the P.3 variant that is unique to the Philippines, but said it should not be called

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HE OCTA Research group warned daily new cases of COVID-19 may hit 7,000 by the end of March after the country logged Saturday 5,000 infections – the highest in almost seven months.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Dr. Guido David said Saturday’s record already breached OCTA’s earlier projection of 5,000 daily new cases this month.

“It can really hit 7,000. And that’s being conservative,” he said.

“I don’t want to give a too high a number because I might be accused of fear mongering,” David added.

Saturday’s fresh infections brought the total number of active cases to 56,679.

At least 72 new fatalities were reported, bringing the death toll to 12,766 or 2.07 percent of the overall case count.

David said the estimated reproduc-

tion number may have already increased to nearly 2. An R value above 1 can lead to exponential growth.

“This means that this is worse than our projections,” David said, adding the surge may be connected to COVID-19 variants.

“The previous virus that was spreading earlier was not as transmissible, not as strong, not as cutting,” he added.

The country has detected its first case of the more transmissible P.1 variant from Brazil, the DOH said Saturday.

The Health department said a returning overseas Filipino from Western Visayas was found positive for the variant after a sequencing done by the Phil-

INDIA will carry out a deeper review of post-vaccination side effects from the AstraZeneca shot next week although no cases of blood clots have been reported so far, an official told AFP Saturday.

New Delhi decided to conduct the review after several countries suspended rollout over blood clot fears even as the World Health Organization said there was no reason to stop using AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 jab.

Denmark, Norway and Iceland paused use of the drug maker’s shot as a precaution after isolated reports of recipients developing blood clots.

Italy and Austria have banned the use of jabs from separate batches of AstraZeneca, and Thailand and Bulgaria said this week they would delay rollout.

“We are looking at all the adverse events, particularly serious adverse events like deaths and hospitalization.

We will come back if we find anything of concern,” N.K. Arora, a member of India’s national task force on COVID-19, told AFP. India has given at least 28 million shots in its vast vaccination program, most of them AstraZeneca’s which are produced at the Serum Institute of India.

New Delhi has also gifted and allowed exports of millions of these jabs to around 70 countries over the last few weeks as a part of its vaccine diplomacy.

Arora said there was “no immediate issue of concern as number of adverse events (in India) is very, very low. We are relooking at (adverse events that were

Philippine variant.

“We want to do away with calling this as Philippine variant. It’s not an acceptable practice and we try to veer away from that because it causes discrimination,” said Anna Ong-Lim, an expert-member of the DOH technical working group.

She said the mutations N501Y and E484K -- two mutations of concern that were detected in Central Visayas last month -- have been assigned as the P.3 variant.

Japanese health authorities earlier reported detecting the P.3 variant from a traveler from the Philippines.

Ong-Lim said that the Philippine Genome Center has reported 85 cases with E484K and N501Y mutations to the global reporting system Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak Lineages (PANGOLIN).

The DOH said the P.3 variant belongs to the B.1.1.28 lineage, to which the P.1 variant also belongs.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM MARCH 13)

616,611 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

5,000 56,679 NEW

ACTIVE

12,766

72

547,166

281

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

Senate to pass resolution on India reviews AstraZeneca side effects over blood clot fears state of calamity over ASF crisis

BRILLANTES: METRO’S 2021 DEBUTANTE

reported) to see if there was any issue of blood clotting.”

“As of yesterday there were 59 or 60 deaths, and they were all coincidental,” the doctor said, adding hospitalization cases were being re-examined.

“In fact there is a real effort from our side that once complete investigation is done, to put its results in public domain, on the ministry of health website,” Arora added.

India has been using AstraZeneca and indigenous vaccine giant Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin in its rapidly expanding vaccination drive at home.

At least two million people were vaccinated on Friday alone, and this ramp up comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are rising across different Indian states

THE BEST DIET FOR SENIOR DOGS As your dog ages, his eating habits and dietary needs will change, too.

For her 18th birthday, teen star Andrea Brillantes lands on the digital cover of Metro, rocking 18 fashion looks.

ENTERTAINMENT / B3 twitter.com/ MlaStandard

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JLO, RODRIGUEZ SPLIT—REPORTS Singer Jennifer Lopez and former New York Yankees baseball star Alex Rodriguez have called off their engagement, US media reported.

WORLD / A3

PETS / B4 facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

after weeks of decline.

The WHO, which said its vaccines advisory committee was examining the safety data coming in, stressed that no causal link has been established between the AstraZeneca vaccine and clotting.

“Yes, we should continue using the AstraZeneca vaccine,” WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, stressing that any concerns over safety must be investigated.

The Britain-based AstraZeneca insisted its jab was safe, adding there is “no evidence” of higher blood clot risks.

AstraZeneca on Saturday announced a fresh shortfall in planned vaccine shipments to the European Union, citing production problems and export restrictions.

AFP

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SENATOR Francis Pangilinan has reassured worried Filipino hog-raisers the Senate will pass tomorrow, March 15, the resolution urging President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a state of calamity due to what he described as COVID of pigs.

Pangilinan made the statement Saturday after senators agreed Wednesday with his resolution urging the Department of Agriculture to recommend to the President the declaration of a state of calamity due to ASF or African Swine Fever.

On Thursday, the former food security baron, in an online consultation, met with agriculture stakeholders in Isabela who told him that over 80 percent of the pigs culled in Cagayan Valley were from the province.

He told them the Senate was scheduled to pass his proposed Senate Resolution 676, which cites the possible use of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund and Quick Response Fund to supplement the DA’s efforts to contain and manage ASF. According to Cagayan Valley Regional Director Narciso Edillo, only four of the 37 towns in Isabela remained ASF-free with other towns already infected.

Edillo said the region still owed hog-raisers P169 million for the culled pigs, adding the Department of Budget and Management had thus far not released the fund.

Dominador Lamug, municipal agriculturist of San Agustin in Isabela and representative of the San Agustin Dairy Farm, reported that hog-raisers were struggling to start over.

Pangilinan proposed that hog-raisers be the priority in hiring for cash-for-work programs related to ASF.

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Palawan plebiscite result out Tuesday

By Vito Barcelo

TAKE A DIP. Tourists enjoy the cool waters of Pantihan (Balayungan) Falls in Maragondon, Cavite on March 13, 2021. The province has been placed under the more relaxed Modified General Community Quarantine, which means leisure and tourism activities are allowed. JR Josue

Calbayog PNP intel chief sacked

By Maricel V. Cruz

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HE intelligence chief of the Calbayog City Police in Samar was relieved from his post for requesting the local court for a list of lawyers representing individuals identified with the communist movement.

In a weekend statement, Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said based on an initial investigation, the letter that went viral on social media signed by Lt. Fernando Calabria was part of his efforts to “come up with a comprehensive report on the communist insurgency situation in his area of responsibility.”

“The pressure of crafting a detailed report apparently took a toll on him and eventually prompted him to commit a serious breach of policy. In view of these

initial findings and in consultation with our Chief PNP, Gen. Debold Sinas, I have already directed the relief of Lt. Calabria as the Chief of the Intelligence Unit of the Calbayog City Police Station,” he said.

Meanwhile, lawmakers slammed the Calbayog City police’s “request” for a list of lawyers representing “communist terrorist groups.”

“Hands off lawyers and matters of the court,” said House vice committee chairperson and Rizal Rep. Juan Fidel Nograles as he

cried foul over a letter that surfaced on Friday from the Calbayog City Police Station to Calbayog City’s Office of the Clerk of Court asking for a list of lawyers for alleged communists.

“Last I checked lawyering is not a crime, regardless of who you represent.

Lawyers must not be targeted for upholding constitutionally and universally guaranteed rights,” Nograles, an Ateneo de Manila-trained lawyer, said.

Eleazar also clarified that there had been no official order from the PNP’s ranking officials on such practice and that the police force would not tolerate “such unprofessional method of information-gathering.”

“We are currently checking if there were similar actions in other areas. At the same time, we are investigating to determine up to what level of police hierarchy is involved in this incident,” he said.

Eleazar also apologized on behalf of the PNP for the act, which he described

as reckless.

“Our apology comes with an assurance to the judiciary and the members of the legal community that it is not and will never be the policy of the Philippine National Police to run after or even inflict harm on lawyers and members of the judiciary while performing their sworn duty,” he said.

For his part, Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate also denounced such move of the PNP through the Calbayog City Police.

“This is a clear and present danger to the legal profession. This is an apparent hitlist for targetting lawyers being prepared by the national PNP down to its lower levels,” Zarate said.

The police force and judiciary, being essential parts of the country’s justice system, are enjoying a harmonious relationship with the common goal to protect democracy and maintain peace and order, Eleazar added.

Makati places several areas under lockdown

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Makati City government placed some areas in Barangay Pio del Pilar in the first district under a three-day lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

The areas placed under localized enhanced community quarantine include Mayor Street (from Cuangco Street to Jerry Street), Jerry Street (whole street), Cuangco Street (from Mayor Street to M. Reyes Street) and M. Reyes Street (from Cuangco Street to Arguelles Stree), all in Zone 1.

In Zone 2, the affected areas were Arguelles Street (from Evangelista Street to A. Apolinario Street), Apolinario Street (from Arguelles Street to Calhoun Street), Calhoun Street (from A. Apolinario Street to Evangelista Street), and Evangelista Street (from Calhoun Street to Arguelles Street).

Mayor Abigail Binay signed and issued Executive Order 6 declaring the those areas as critical zones and placed them localized lockdown beginning 12:01 a.m. of March 13 until 11:59 p.m. of March 16 “This is an LGU-led zoning containment strategy, which is the best approach in containing COVID-19 as it surgically targets areas where cases, either positive or suspected, are concentrated. Through this, we can monitor the number of cases more accurately and adopt a calibrated response that can adapt to the emerging conditions,” Binay said.

As of March 12, the Makati Health Department recorded 25 confirmed cases and 42 close contact individuals in these two zones.

Under the Executive Order, residents are not allowed to go outside their homes.

Binay said personnel of the Makati City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit would conduct house-to-house swab tests to identify, isolate, and treat those infected with the disease.

If all members of the household test negative for COVID-19, the lockdown over the house shall be lifted. However, if a member of the household tests positive, the lockdown shall be extended to 14 days, with the person who tested positive being brought to a quarantine facility.

She said the city will provide food assistance to individuals under the restriction.

MALASAKIT FOR STUDENTS. Ferdinand Martin ‘Marty’ Romualdez Jr. (2nd from right), representing his father, Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and Tingog party-list second nominee Jude Acidre (right), representing Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, turn over four units of high-tech desktop computers to Tolosa National High School principal Jenia Mendoza-Diston (2nd from left) and GPTA president Lani Cinco. The donation aims to help teachers and students of Leyte’s Tolosa National High School with their online classes. Ver Noveno

Nograles to DoST: Explore new uses of bamboo A FIRST-TERM member of the House of Representatives is set to start talks with the Department of Science and Technology to explore new uses of bamboo in livelihood projects.

Bamboos are now used in making handicraft, in constructing light structures and even food.

However, Rizal Rep. Juan Fidel Nograles said that more uses could still be found with adequate government support to make the propagation of the

tree widespread to contain soil erosion and other ill effects of uncontrolled logging as well as mining activities.

With an end-goal of sustainable development, Nograles said he hoped to create value chains so that Rizal could be a bamboo-processing hub rather than just a possible source of raw materials.

“With the help of the national government, we can be provided with technology and technical know-how,

as well as strategic partnerships with the private sector, to make bamboo a viable pillar in our pandemic recovery efforts.”

Nograles earlier launched Save Our Forests Now in December in the wake of Typhoon Ulysses, which laid waste to various towns in Rizal in November.

Hundred of students have been joining bamboo planting activities in various logged over parts of the province as well as watersheds. Maricel V. Cruz

THE Commission on Elections said no major glitches have been reported during yesterday’s plebiscite on that would divide Palawan into three provinces, namely Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur. The result of the plebiscite will be announced on March 16 (Tuesday) “We have to take into account the weather also and other circumstances,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.

Jimenez said majority of the polling places opened on time “with the exception of Kalayaan where it was delayed because of the late arrival of election supplies and paraphernalia.”

The Comelec official said that only one “untoward incident” was reported. “(This consists) of a report of certain barangay officials refusing to give health declaration forms to some voters. The matter was immediately responded to and voters were allowed to exercise their right to suffrage,” he said.

Commissioner Antonio Kho Jr., commissioner-in-charge of the Palawan plebiscite, earlier said they cannot release the results on the same day since they conducted a manual system of voting.

“This is not automated, wherein after the polls, precincts will immediately transmit the results to the municipal canvassing until it reached the national canvassing,” Kho said.

“So it will take time. There is travel time. We could get the final results by the 16th, although it may give or take a day or two so that we could determine if it is a ‘Yes’ or is it a ‘No,’” he added.

A total of 490,639 registered voters in Palawan were expected to cast their votes in 2,959 clustered precincts.

MMDA to run after peddlers of COVID-19 disinformation WITH COVID-19 figures rising in Metro Manila, unscrupulous individuals are spreading misleading and false information on social media about travel restrictions in the region, officials said Saturday.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority appealed to the public to stop spreading fake news about the land, sea and air travel restrictions in the national capital region, whose population swells to 15 million during daytime.

The agency cited an infographic circulating on social media stating that “land, domestic air and sea travel to and from Metro Manila will be suspended from March 15 until April 14.”

MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. urged the public to be more responsible in sharing posts on social media, especially on Facebook where millions of people are users.

Abalos said spreading lies on travel restriction would only cause panic among the people and would not help the efforts being done by government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders in going against the deadly coronavirus disease.

“Don’t entertain and spread unverified information on social media. Let’s all work together and be united in what we still face against COVID-19,” the MMDA chief said.

Authorities warned that individuals found openly spreading fake news and disinformation on COVID-19 would face charges for violating Presidential Decree 90 “Declaring Unlawful Rumor-Mongering and Spreading False Information”, in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012”. Joel E. Zurbano

QCGH reaches full COVID capacity

THE government-run Quezon City General Hospital on Saturday reported it had reached its COVID-19 capacity as from March 9 but said it would still admit walk-in non-COVID patients with a set of protocols.

QCGH Director Dr. Josephine Sabando said that since March 9, the occupancy rate of their COVID ward beds had recorded a 106 percent bed occupancy; 137.5 percent on March 10; 125 percent on March 11 and 112 percent on March 12.

But Sabando stressed that QCGH would still admit walk-in non-COVID patients with a set of protocols to be followed for the safety of the patient and the healthcare workers as well.

Sabando also noted that the admission rate of COVID patients in late December

and early part of January was only 10 percent.

Next week, the Outpatient Department will revert back to Teleconsult and will ask patients who need face-to-face consultation to report at the OPD on their designated schedule.

QCGH has also started fielding more doctors and nurses in the Triage area and Covid ward, enough to treat the increasing number of Covid-19 patients.

They also revised the duties of the healthcare workers in such a way that they will be quarantined after a COVIDrelated assignment. They will be subjected to an RT-PCR test, especially those showing any Covid-19 symptoms.

“We are thankful that as of the moment none of our healthcare workers are infected with coronavirus,” Sabando said.

WARM WELCOME. Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Manuel

Gaerlan (4th from right) welcomes Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter James MacArthur (4th from left) during a recent visit at Clark Freeport Zone. Joining them are (from left to right) Vice President for Security Services Group Sheldon Jacaban, Vice President for Engineering Services Group Ralph Lachica Mamauag, Trade Commissioner Dodjie Fabian, Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group Rynah Ventura, Vice President for Administration and Finance Mariza Mandocdoc, and Assistant Vice President for Business Development Thelma Ocampo.

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Sputnik V jabs in eastern EU: Propaganda tool or godsend?

GENTLE GIANT. Mahouts ride their elephants dressed to commemorate National Elephant Day at the Elephant Royal Kraal Village in Ayutthaya on March 13, 2021. AFP

UN: Withdraw foreign troops, mercenaries from Libya UNITED Nations—The United Nations Security Council called on Friday for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya “without further delay” in a unanimously approved declaration.

It also welcomed the Libyan parliament’s approval of a new unified government on Wednesday, which is set to lead the oilrich country to December elections after a decade of conflict following the removal of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

“The Security Council calls on all parties to implement the ceasefire agreement in full and urges Member States to respect and support the full implementation of the agreement,” the statement approved by all 15 council members said.

According to the global body, around 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries remained in Libya at the end of 2020, and no withdrawals have been observed since.

“The Security Council calls for full compliance with the UN arms embargo by all Member States, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions,” the text said.

The arms embargo imposed since the NATO-led mission to overthrow Kadhafi has been violated regularly for years, according to UN experts responsible for its implementation.

Their annual report is expected in the coming days.

The experts have previously denounced the presence in Libya of Russian mercenaries, Turkish troops and armed groups made up of Syrians, Chadians and Sudanese.

“The Security Council recognizes the need to plan for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups, security sector reform and to establish an inclusive, civilian-led security architecture for Libya as a whole,” the statement added. AFP

US judge removes Xiaomi from Trump-era blacklist W ASHINGTON— A US judge on Friday ordered Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi temporarily removed from a government blacklist barring American investment in the company.

Six days before Donald Trump left office last year, his administration cemented its trade war legacy against Beijing with a series of announcements targeting Chinese firms including Xiaomi, state oil giant CNOOC, and social media darling TikTok. Xiaomi was one of nine firms classified by the Pentagon as “Communist

Chinese military companies.”

But US District Judge Rudolph Contreras in Washington ruled Friday the Departments of Defense and Treasury “have not made the case that the national security interests at stake here are compelling.”

He issued a preliminary injunction removing Xiaomi from the blacklist and suspending the ban on US investors buying the company’s securities.

In an appeal filed in January against its blacklisting, Xiaomi—which overtook Apple last year to become the world’s third-largest smartphone manufacturer—said Washington’s moves were “incorrect” and had “deprived the company of legal due process.”

Contreras’s decision came the same

day US regulators listed Huawei and ZTE among Chinese telecom gear firms deemed a threat to national security, signaling that a hoped-for softening of relations is not on the cards.

Huawei chief and founder Ren Zhengfei last month called for a reset with the United States under President Joe Biden, after the firm was battered by sanctions imposed by Trump’s administration.5 The telecoms giant has been at the center of the Sino-American rivalry in recent years, against a backdrop of a trade and technology war between the superpowers.

Washington claims Huawei has close ties to China’s military and that Beijing could use its equipment for espionage —accusations the company denies.

AFP

DEFIANT. The mother of Chit Min Thu, a protester who died during a demonstration against the military coup on March 11, makes the three-finger salute during her son’s funeral in Yangon on March 13, 2021. AFP

PRAGUE—Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine has sown division among former Eastern Bloc countries, analysts say, with some seeing it as a godsend and others as a Kremlin propaganda tool.

Countries in the region have been particularly hard hit by the virus and find themselves torn between a readily available jab from their old ally and European Union resistance to Russian influence.

Analysts say such discord benefits Russia and its efforts to sow disorder in the region since the Soviet Union crumbled three decades ago.

“It is very clear that Sputnik V has become a tool of soft power for Russia,” Michal Baranowski from the German Marshall Fund of the United States told AFP. “The political goal of (Russia’s) strategy is to divide the West,” said Baranowski, who heads the Fund’s Warsaw office.

Slovakia found itself facing a government crisis only days after receiving its first batch of Sputnik V on March 1.

Prime Minister Igor Matovic hailed the jab, saying “COVID-19 does not know anything about geopolitics,” while foreign minister Ivan Korcok called the vaccine “a hybrid war tool.”

The vaccine has 91.6 percent efficacy against COVID-19, according to a recent study published by The Lancet, and it is already being used in several countries around the world.

It is yet to be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for use in the EU but some ex-communist member states are planning to roll out the jab regardless.

EU members like Slovakia started to look east after Europe got off to a slower-than-expected start procuring Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca/Oxford and Moderna vaccines.

Experts agree rapid vaccination is the only way out of the coronavirus crisis, which is hitting Central and Eastern Europe particularly hard. AFP

Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez split: reports MIAMI—Singer Jennifer Lopez and former New York Yankees baseball star Alex Rodriguez have called off their engagement, US media reported on Friday.

Lopez, 51, and Rodriguez, 45, had been a couple for nearly four years and had just last year bought a $40 million home in Miami.

The pair have not confirmed the break up reported by the New York Post’s Page Six and TMZ. Lopez was in the Dominican Republic filming a movie and posted Thursday on social media saying “Find a good reason to laugh today.”

Rodriguez, for his part, posted a picture of himself aboard a boat in Florida.

While the news caught many fans by surprise, the split had apparently been in the works for a while.

“This has been a long time coming,” a source told People magazine.

“They are tied in their business worlds so it’s not a cut and dry break up. It’s taken a while for them to even think about untangling it all.” AFP

Malaysians’ virus escape: pot plants

PLANTITO. This picture taken on March 7, 2021 shows Leiister Soon checking his mobile phone as he sits amid his plant collection in his home in Kuala Lumpur. AFP

Kuala Lumpur —Learning to tell your elephant ears from your flamingo flowers has become the latest virus lockdown escape in Malaysia, where houseplants are very much in season.

Collectors are searching out specimens with intricate patterns in a dazzling array of reds, yellows and greens, and sharing their best on social media.

“It’s like looking at a painting,” collector Leiister Soon told AFP, admiring the broad-leaf caladium—elephant ear plants—at his Kuala Lumpur home.

“Taking care of plants meant that I can divert my attention—(it is) better than watching the number of COVID cases going up.”

The plants are known as “keladi” in the local Malay language, but the trend has grown to encompass other species, such as anthuriums—known

as flamingo flower, or laceleaf -- and alocasias, whose varieties include the silver dragon.

Once relatively cheap, prices surged last year when lockdowns confined Malaysians to their homes, and many collectors started posting images of their favourite plants on social media.

While some still cost as little as 20 ringgit ($4.80), the rarest can now fetch up to 6,000 ringgit each.

Soon says he spent more than 20,000 ringgit on plants in the past year alone.

“During the lockdown, people were at home thinking about how to beautify their homes,” nursery owner Daud Kasim told AFP in Sungai Besar, 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of Kuala Lumpur.

“They could look at these plants—and their stress would go away.” AFP

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez

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Business

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

Former actress innovates shopping and entertainment

HE was not a breakout star, but Hiyasmin Neri-Soyao is now making an impact on the entertainment and e-commerce sectors by leading a pioneer company that put back to work dozens of professionals displaced by the closure of a major TV network and those affected by the pandemic.

Yas used her experience in entertainment, shop hosting, digital marketing and

video production to put up Shoppertainment Live Inc.—the country’s first fullproduction livestreaming agency in 2019 which eventually changed the e-commerce scene in 2020 when the pandemic led to mobility restrictions and forced people to shop online. She also serves as the company’s managing director, overseeing a team of 30 professionals.

As part of Star Magic Batch 15 (2007), Yas did not achieve the stardom of her contemporaries Megan Young and Bella Padilla, but the route she took as professional shop host for ACJ O Shopping and as content producer for lifestyle TV shows prepared her to become a trailblazer in the Philippine livestream shopping.

“I had a lot of failures as part of media.

I failed as an actor. I was not a breakout star, but I found ways to still pursue what I really wanted—be it on-camera, be it off-cam, be it on creating a business. If your purpose is really to make an impact, help people and change the industry, then it is not really what you do, but what you see entirely, and what can you do to make

those things happen. I think it is more of the purpose, rather than the task that is more important,” Yas says via a Zoom interview.

The newly-married, 30-year-old executive is now on a mission to make livestream shopping an ever bigger industry in the Philippines and other parts of Asia. “It is safe, it is fast. Our reach is very big. In a one-hour livestream, we have an average of 5,000 to 8,000 views,” she says, referring to livestream shows of Shoppertainment which handles more than 70 local and multinational brands.

Yas teamed up with Steve Sy, founder and chief executive of Great Deals E-Commerce Corp. , and other business leaders to launch Shoppertainment in 2019. “Our purpose is to make media and commerce flawlessly integrate together. I saw that because I was exposed to O-Shopping for five years,” she says.

She describes Shoppertainment as a tech-enabled livestream shopping network for e-commerce and social media that helps brands generate results real time.

“We create entertaining live shopping streams for brands that will help people to shop smart so they just add-to-cart. We deliver the full marketing experience from awareness, engagement to sales for every livestream session with our ‘influensale’ mindset,” she says.

“Shoppertainment Live is basically creating a Homeshopping 2.0 experience for brands and their consumers,” says Yas. Yas and her team started with the Lazada Live and Shopee Live in 2019, using a makeshift studio. “Come 2020, with the pandemic outbreak, it was actually a way for us to accelerate and make it a more efficient process. It was such an exciting experience, but at the same time hard and challenging not only for us in productions but also for our talents. So we really had

to work with them well,” she says.

Yas, a daughter of two doctors, says the pandemic led to the accelerated growth of Shoppertainment which held 1,000 livestream shows in 2020.

“The pandemic actually accelerated the livestream consumption behavior and accelerated the growth of our industry. Currently, we are expanding capacity, studio space and manpower. Definitely in the Philippines, it accelerated the behavior for livestream consumptions. Right now, we are still waiting for the official data with our platforms Lazada and Shopee,” says Yas. “We are looking to make it a big network in Asia. We want to do it in different countries as well and make it bigger. By the end of the year, we are targeting 9,000 livestream sessions. We have achieved 1,000 livestreams last year,” says Yas, who studied at University of the Philippines, Enderun Colleges and Ateneo de Manila University.

Yas says they are lining up 51 livestreams for the Lazada Birthday Sale happening on March 26 and 27. To support the increasing number of livestreams for client brands, Shoppertainment is hiring more people, she says.

“We have been putting a lot of efforts in building the team especially because we have been growing,” she says. “Definitely, we focus our efforts on HR, support team and operations to really meet the increasing demand.”

“Right now, we are 30 and growing. We are targeting a hundred by the end of the year. We started with just three, including me, an admin staff and a producer. I was the writer and host and handled nearly everything,” she says.

Shoppertainment put up its own livestream studios and started hiring more people in 2020. “Despite the lockdown and working remotely, we managed to cre-

ate online productions which kept our momentum going. The need for live streams during the quarantine increased, and we knew that we were already equipped with the right production skills needed by the brands who were pivoting to digital,” says Yas. “We are proud to claim that we lead in helping the belowthe-line advertising and activations sector bounce back from the pandemic. We empower brands and companies to shift from their traditional ‘promodizing’ method usually done inside malls to doing it via live streaming. We see this as an ongoing trend, even if things get back to normal,” she says.

Former broadcast head of ABSCBN’s Oshopping, Lawrence Lee joined the Shoppertainment team to lead productions and broadcast operations while Therese Vitug, formerly from Viva entertainment, joined to focus on enhancing processes and client management.

Seasoned project manager Ritchel Aurin and technical director Donald Ramos, who are both from the events and activations industry, brought their live production fundamentals to the team. New breed JB Operario leads the research and development for livestream productions. Art director Joseph Penada specializes on product design, while broadcast television editors Marc Ponce and Elvis Macalino make core operations stronger.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

Lady CEO expects information-powered recovery

By Othel V. Campos GLOBAL information and insights company TransUnion is encouraging businesses to anticipate and participate in an information-powered economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19.

Before the pandemic, the percentage of the Filipino population that was creditvisible had been on the rise. When COVID-19 hit, financial institutions shifted from a growth mindset to a more cautious and reactive mode, focused on managing their existing portfolios and ensuring that they didn’t become riskier as a result of the prevailing economic conditions and general uncertainty.

“Prior to the pandemic, financial inclusion in the Philippines had been increasing at pace. A greater volume of institutions sharing financial information had enabled more consumers to access a greater range of financial services and products. TransUnion’s priority when the pandemic hit was to ensure that services to our members and consumers remained business as usual even under lockdown, not only to honor our obligations but to really support them through the crisis,” said TransUnion Philippines president and chief executive Pia Arellano.

“The whole situation was unprecedented, and it impacted our members and potential members differently. Now that the Philippines and the global economy is looking to the future, it’s important that everyone focuses on growth and joining together to help recovery efforts,” she said.

Arellano said TransUnion believed that the key to recovery lies in regaining the growth mindset, backed by the power of information, as the country moves to recuperate from the economic impact of COVID-19.

Arellano said the increasing trend of the banked population and the extension of loans to entrepreneurs or consumers were derailed by the pandemic. “There are still tens of millions of Filipinos who are not credit-visible.

They have limited access to credit products and other services,” she said.

Arellano said credit reporting agencies play a crucial role in enabling financial institutions with solutions to help identify trends and customer pain points, as well as understand credit history and predict likely future scenarios on the financial state of consumers and businesses.

“This helps lenders confidently make decisions, even in uncertain times, while predicting risk more accurately,” she said.

TransUnion Philippines president and chief executive Pia Arellano

TransUnion, through its partnerships with various financial institutions like banks in rural areas, champions greater financial inclusion by bringing lenders into the wider credit information ecosystem.

This allows consumers with previously limited data in the system to be on the radar of both big and smaller banks looking to increase the provision of products and

services. In the same way, lenders contributing data are also empowered to be more competitive in the industry because of the insights and technology solutions that they gain access to.

TransUnion noted that the prolonged lockdowns and subsequent rise in unemployment have affected people’s income and household finances and their capacity to meet credit obligations. While regulatory measures were put in place to manage the potentially negative impact on creditworthiness and, ultimately, individuals’ or businesses’ access to financial services, the situation called for innovative solutions that better respond to the prevailing challenges.

It also observed that as people have had to depend more on online transactions under pandemic restrictions, the demand for financial services that are obtained via digital platforms shot up.

“Financial institutions have had to commence or accelerate their digital transformation efforts to keep up with both the sudden market demand and the competition from fintech [financial technology] and other new players, all while dealing with the rise in attempted fraud cases during the pandemic, especially in the early days,” Arellano said.

ALI closes streets to give way to al fresco dining STREET dining is back in Makati and Bonifacio Global City, and it is breathing new life into restaurants in the business districts.

The Makati Street Meet revived al fresco dining on Rada and Leviste Streets in Legaspi and Salcedo Village, respectively, closing both streets to traffic on Valentine’s Day and on Feb.28 – all within the bounds of the health and safety protocols of the city.

Across town, a short drive west of Ayala Avenue, Circuit Makati hosted the Riverside Sessions—dining by the riverside, musical performances by a violinist and a saxophonist, and on-the-spot sessions with a caricaturist.

In BGC, under the My Street High Street program, portions of 5th Avenue go car-free every Saturday and Sunday so BGCitizens can freely play and dine outdoors from beloved Bonifacio High Street restaurants. Fresh vegetables and produce from displaced farmers of the Benguet Collective are also made available on weekends. This initiative not only aims to support social enterprises that were severely hit by the pandemic, but also offer affordable goods to the BGC community.

The good news, according to Chrissy

Roa, head of marketing and communications, is that these events will henceforth be happening on a regular basis, in response to the clamor of both restaurant owners and customers. She said the Makati events are the initiative of Ayala Land, Make It Makati and Makati Central Estate Association Inc. The next runs of Makati Street Meet will happen on March 14, April 4, April 18, May 2, May 16, June 13, and June 27.

Riverside Sessions at Circuit Makati will happen on March 14, April 18, May 16 and June 27.

Al fresco, or outdoor, dining has emerged as one of the biggest global trends in the pandemic-hit restaurant business with parking lots, streets, gardens and other open spaces being used to cater to patrons in safe and open-air environments. This development came as the economy started a slow but steady rebound with the easing of quarantine restrictions.

Ayala Land has been implementing road closures in Makati and Bonifacio Global City to promote safe outdoor community events. Its other estates like Nuvali, Vermosa and Vertis North also feature big open spaces and pockets of green for this purpose.

City Global South is a world-class township from the country’s leading developer.

Golden Haven Las Piñas seen as prime property investment

DUBBED as the up-and-coming new business district, Vista City Global South is a world-class township from the country’s leading developer. Amid the bustle lies a serene and picturesque park—Golden Haven Las Pinas.

The Vista City Global South, also known as the gateway to Metro Manila, will soon be one of the most progressive areas in the southern part of Metro Manila. More infrastructure and transportation facilities such as the extension of LRT 1 to Cavite are set to be developed in the next few years.

Golden Haven thrives in the beautiful contrast between the city and its peaceful memorial park development. Since 1984, the 15-hectare project has been the beacon of sophisticated death care not only in the country, but also within the Southeast Asian region.

Golden Haven Las Pinas has been acclaimed for its upscale ambiance, elegant architecture and unprecedented usage of open spaces—an iconic trademark of the Golden Haven brand, consistent nationwide. Golden Haven Las Pinas is inspired by the world’s prominent cultures, a befitting final place of rest for the affluent and well-traveled soul.

The inventory of products and services has been continuously growing along the project’s expanse. Golden Haven Las Pinas is touted as the most complete active death care service provider. A full-scale chapel with digital capabilities is at the beck and call of clients, to accommodate family members the world over.

A fully-functional crematorium that is considered the best of its kind in the country can also be found here, along with the best columbarium facilities.

Shoppertainment Live Inc. co-founder and managing director Hiyasmin NeriSoyao

Comm&Sense bags 15 Quill awards for clients

Jaeger Tanco, founder and president of Comm&Sense

COMM&SENSE’S big bet on datadriven communications –or simply “Intelligent PR”—appears to be a step in the right direction as the agency recently received confirmation that its clients would receive a record haul of 15 Philippine Quill Awards by the International Association of Business Communicators-Philippines.

Leading the recognition is the collaboration between Comm&Sense and health maintenance organization PhilCare which produced the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index, a study on the state of well-being of Filipinos as they faced the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rolled out in the summer of 2020, the PhilCare CQ Wellness Index looked into the actual state of well-being of Filipinos while in quarantine. The study also examined how various sectors of society across the country responded to the effects of the lockdowns and the pandemic as a whole.

The PhilCare CQ Wellness Index received two top division award nominations: One for Excellence in Communications Research and the other for COVID Communications, a special division in this year’s Quills dedicated to business communication efforts in response to the pandemic.

Apart from these, Comm&Sense and its affiliates received awards for its collaborations with clients in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, financial services, and healthcare services.

A full-service digital PR agency established in 2005, Comm&Sense has since then believed and practiced #IntelligentPR, which is rooted in data, whether from clients or from research. Data and actionable insights are crucial in each communication plan the agency makes for campaigns to have impact on their respective target audiences.

The data-driven content is then followed by creative execution and smart amplification. Together, the three elements are what clients need to build credibility with their respective customers.

Youth & Culture B1

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2021

Bernadette Lunas, Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

The threads of modern Filipino identity

E

YE-CATCHING creations inspired by the evolution and identity of the modern Filipino will take center stage in a virtual show.

Running for three weeks, starting March 20, is the virtual edition of the annual culminating event of the graduating class of Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, dubbed Sinulid Virtual Gallery.

In addition to diverse perspectives and interpretations on the evolution and identity of the modern Filipino, it will also display ensembles influenced by rich Philippine heritage and tradition, and current social and environmental issues.

Included in the exhibit are Pamela Madlangbayan’s combination of the traditional Filipino clothing and balik-

bayan box-inspired graphic embellishments, Eunhye Cho’s installation influenced by the Philippines and Korea, Shanica Sy’s incorporation of unique wood carvings and Mindanao patterns, and Raya Abastillas’ reintroduction of the Filipino sabong (cockfight) culture.

Notions and discussions on femininity and sexuality take shape through the works of Angela Denise Santos and Sean Carlo Betco, while Angelica Achacoso sheds light on the glorification of resilience.

Also on display are Shayne Casi’s encapsulation of the biblical stories and intricate details and symbolisms

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

'PUTA' by Sean Carlo Betco aims to cover the topics on femininity and sexuality.

of Philippine folklore, Kc Roshelle Dayao and Adrienne Carmela Cruel’s individual exposition of local mythical creatures, and Gianina Dwaigne Lilagan’s translation on the idea of death, life, and reincarnation.

Adding to the collection are Erika Mae Ng’s discussion on issues and the innate beauty of Philippine agriculture, Miri Hwang’s adaptation of futuristic post-nuclear style, and Coleen Aytona’s reimagination of resin discs as theoretical clouds of icy comets.

Completing the group exhibit are playful sea elements-inspired children’s wear by Katrina Rivera and an ensemble of nostalgic origami love letters by Tricia Butler.

Sinulid Virtual Gallery will be on view at sinulid-epilogue-20-21-gatewaygallery.aranetacity.com.

Art piece promoting Philippine culture by Shanica Sy

'Likha' by Gianna Lilagan

Lance Gokongwei looks back on Cebu Pacific’s beginnings 'Minokawa' by Kc Roshelle Dayao

'In Glorified Resiliency' by Angelica Achacoso

'Marahuyo' by Shayne Casi

'Life in the Philippine Sea' by Katrina Rivera

Jungkook takes a video and snaps the perfect frame to produce a 33-megapixel photo.

BTS finds the right moment HAVE you ever had a great group photo but one or two of the people in it does not agree that everyone looks their best? It would be easier to just take a bunch of pictures, right? Or better yet, enjoy the moment, capture it in high resolution video, and take a photo from the frame where everyone looks great.

Like what BTS does.

In their latest campaign video ad for Samsung Galaxy S21 Series 5G, the group is seen watching a high-definition clip of their performance. Jungkook shows an 8K clip to RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, and V, and effortlessly takes snaps from it.

Another one shows the group having fun and capturing the perfect moments—where everyone looks great—straight from video.

The 8K Video Snap feature of Samsung’s new smartphone allows users to scrub the timeline of their video, find the right moment, and snap the frame to produce a 33-megapixel photo.

The Galaxy S21 Series 5G starts at P44,990 (Galaxy S21 with 128GB storage), while the one with 256GB storage is priced at P47,990. The Galaxy S21+ 5G is available at P54,990, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra at P66,990. They’re now available at Samsung Experience Stores and samsung.com.

IT WAS sometime in the late 1980s, recalls Cebu Pacific president and chief executive Lance Y. Gokongwei, when his late father, John Gokongwei Jr. aka “Big John” first toyed with the idea of starting his own airline.

“He was in the United States at that time and read about a low-cost carrier called Southwest. That’s how all this started,” relates Lance. “He came up to my office one day and said, ‘I started this airline—can you think of anyone who could help?’ For me, that meant he wanted me to help, so that’s what I did.”

Big John’s only son says his late father’s lack of experience in the airline industry did not deter him from going against established players and enabling “everyJuan” to fly.

Lessons learned

The older Gokongwei’s secret to having such confidence was seeking advice from others because he believed that “no matter what challenges arise, make sure to find the solution, even if it doesn’t come from yourself.”

He also was, Lance says, a firm believer that learning never ends. “You can never stop learning from others. Even when you’re the boss or the manager, you will benefit from the ideas of your colleagues.”

This year, Cebu Pacific marks 25 fruitful years since it first took to the skies in 1996, fulfilling the vision of Big John to make air travel accessible to more Filipinos.

“Till today, I think Dad was most successful with businesses that ca-

BTS captures the perfect photo straight from video.

(Screenshots from Samsung/YouTube)

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.

John Gokongwei, Jr. (right) touring former First Lady Ming Ramos at the launch of Cebu Pacific's inaugural flight in 1996.

Lance Gokongwei, president and chief executive of Cebu Pacific, leans on lessons he learned from his late father as he leads the airline in navigating through turbulent skies. (Photo from JG Summit)

tered to every man, the common man, because that’s who he was,” Lance said in 2019.

With steady leadership and guided by the lessons he picked up from his father, the airline’s chief has piloted the company through turbulent skies—not the least of which is the ongoing pandemic that has upended the global airline and tourism sector.

“All the lessons my dad taught us, he taught not through words, but by example. And all the lessons he taught, guide me until now,” he shares.

Committed to serve

Amid the challenges the airline is facing today, Lance expresses gratitude to the passengers and customers who have trusted Cebu Pacific with their life’s important moments. “The unwavering support you have given us through the years propels us to pursue new opportunities, to usher #MoreSmilesAhead with everyJuan,” he says.

As the airline celebrates its 25th year, it stays committed to serving the public with utmost safety, convenience, and fun in every flight. “Our strong team—from the flight crew to the operations team, to those working from home or offices across the network— remains true to their service in making sure you arrive to your destination as safe and comfortable as possible,” enthuses Lance.

“We have witnessed a lot of changes in 25 years—changes that enabled us to grow and reaffirm why we fly. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment remains: to make the skies accessible for everyJuan of you in the years to come.”

B2

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2021

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

Home/Design

Next generation city

D

.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc. recently ventured into the residential sector with its newest project, MidPark Towers.

The four-tower residential project offers units ranging from 40 square meters to 120 square just across Ayala Malls Manila Bay, near commercial and office buildings, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

A low-density development, each tower at MidPark only has 13 to 19 units per floor. There are three towers with units up for pre-selling; Mercer Tower, Howell Tower, and the Malden Tower.

With construction in full-swing, MidPark Towers is currently at ground level, on-track for completion in 2025.

Cathay Land offers affordable units at Berkeley Suites

CONVERGE IS “PRO-FRIENDS”. Converge ICT Solutions Inc. and

real estate developer Pro-Friends recently signed a memorandum of agreement that will allow the fixed broadband service provider to connect various residential projects of the property developer in Cavite. “Our agreement with Pro-Friends will allow us to initially provide for the more than 20,000 households in Lancaster New City access to high speed, but still affordable, internet connection,” said Jesus Romero, chief operating officer of Converge. Pro-Friends’ developments in Cavite host more than 50,000 households. Converge aims to connect around 15 million households by 2025, around 55% of the projected number of Filipino households by that time. The company has set aside more than PHP30 billion to expand its broadband network nationwide. At the MOA signing were (from left to right) Converge consumer-national sales head Michael Maquiran; ProFriends strategic business unit deputy head Shannon King; estate and asset management group head Terence R. Crisostomo; Converge head of consumer and SME business Ariel Concejero; and Metroworks ICT site Acquisition management head Domingo Villafuerte Jr.

By Rochelle Campos VETERAN real estate developer Cathay Land is expecting to raise as much as P1.2 billion in sales from its latest mixed-use condominium project located at South Forbes Golf City.

Cathy Land’s new project, Berkeley Suites will showcase 356 units comprised mainly of studio and 1-bedroom suites, while some 40 commercial units in the lower and upper ground levels are open for businesses that will add convenience for all its residents.

Berkeley Suites caters to students, young professionals and starting families as it offers 18 sqm. studio units and 27 sqm. one-bedroom units.

Breaking from tradition Breaking from tradition with its new, signature U-shaped architectural design, residents can expect an abundance of fresh air coming from the nearby mountainous region of Tagaytay flowing through the entire development. Together with the concept of live, work and play integrated to the backbone of the project, Berkeley Suites comes loaded with multiple amenities such as two-level Commercial Center, TV Room, Function Room, Study Lounge, Pocket Gardens and the Aquatrium with lap and kiddie pool.

“The world is changing and given how more and more individuals and families are looking to move to the suburbs, we feel our Berkeley Suites offers our clients the perfect balance between necessity and luxury,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. The 8-storey mid-rise condominium is located beside the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Laguna Boulevard Interchange and within arm’s length of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) Sta. Rosa Exit.

Anchored on “Build, Build, Build” “Given the current administration’s multiple “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure projects in the area such as the CaviteLagunaExpressway (CALAX) and the future Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas

Expressway (CTBEX), we are proud that our developments are located beside multiple access points to these projects,” said Ng. The recently opened SKYWAY stage 3 also opens the condominium and township’s potential to locales in the North who wish to venture southwards to get a slice of the famous idyllic southern lifestyle. The upcoming 50.3 km Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEX) will further unlock the development’s potential to the further southern region of Batangas.

With the advent of work-fromhome (WFH) or study-from-home (SFH) setups, Berkeley Suites is more than ready to accommodate residents with its fiber to the home internet infrastructure and pillarless unit designs.

Suburban living, the new trend Ng noted that as suburban living quickly becoming the new trend, aspiring residents need not worry about access to multiple key establishments

and institutions for their everyday needs. In addition, Berkeley Suites’ location within a master planned township of that embraces that concept of a “15 minute” city will ensure nothing short of the utmost convenience for all its residents.

One key landmark just a few steps away is the well-known South Forbes Golf Club. An 18hole signature golf course located at the heart of South Forbes Golf City. This course has been known to be a training ground for golfers who want to improve their game.

All residents who purchase a unit at Berkeley Suites are entitled to a free membership to the golf club.

For day-to-day necessities and just a place to relax and hang out, the Westborough Town Center which houses Marketplace, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Anytime Fitness, Westborough Park Square, Solenad Nuvali, S&R Sta. Rosa, Shopwise Sta. Rosa and Vista Mall, is just an armstretch from Berkeley Suites.

OFW BAGS LESSANDRA DREAM HOME. Weysoncris

C. Ringor, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Cagayan province, recently won a house and lot from Willie Revillame’s Wowowin TV program, and Lessandra. Eduardo T. Aguilar, Lessandra division head, turned over the certificate and house key to Ringor during the show. He also received a ₱1 Million prize. Lessandra chairman Manny Villar welcomed the lucky winner to Lessandra communities via a video call. Revillame revealed that the house and lot was a gift from Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar. As part of his 60th birthday celebration, the TV host threw in the ₱1 Million as a special prize. The 37-year-old chose Lessandra Cagayan, located in Brgy.

Carig Norte, Tuguegarao City. as the community for his new home.

Lessandra is one of Vista Land’s residential brands that cater to the affordable market segment.

SARDINES FOR LIFE. The Atimonan Coastal Food Production Association (ACFPA), with the help Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (A1E), is not letting the bad news of increasing Covid-19 cases, affect its fledgling Spanish sardines business. The group recently set its sights on coming up with new, tastier and safer products from the seaside community. With the help of (A1E), a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation which is building 1,200-megawatt (MW), highly efficient, low emission (HELE) coal plant in the area, local merchants underwent a fish processing training program (Shown in photo). The activity, focused on helping the ACFPA upgrade their products, was led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region IV-A and the Office of Municipal Agriculture (OMA). Participants learned various methods of fish processing to produce other products including bagoong, milkfish in oil, gourmet tuyo and tinapa, deboned bangus and fish patty. “We want to provide livelihood intervention and capability building to sustain the food supply chain in the agri-fishery sector,” explained Marilou B. Mosqueda, BFAR aquaculturist.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2021

B3

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

DEBUTANTE ANDREA F

on the cover of Metro

OR her 18th birthday, teen star Andrea Brillantes is celebrating the way she deserves: on the digital cover of top fashion title, Metro.

This month, the star, social media maven, and beauty muse is gracing the cover of Metro in celebration of the day she becomes a woman. In our conversation with Andrea, we talked about how much she’s grown in the last five years, the success of Kadenang Ginto and her upcoming series Huwag Kang Mangamba this month, her newly-finished dream house for her family, and her being social media savvy, among others.

The concept, “Grand Debut,” was done in collaboration with Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi. The debutante of the year, Andrea, was transformed by Metro with 18 looks. Since she couldn’t throw a traditional 18th birthday party considering the current circumstances, Metro organized this stylish debutthemed shoot for her instead.

She wore creations by some of the country’s top fashion designers, like Michael Leyva, Mak Tumang, Francis Libiran, Mark Bumgarner, Vania Romoff, Patty Ang, Joe San Antonio, Debbie Co, Patricia Santos, Steph Tan, and Erika dela Cruz, as well as pieces from the H&M x Simone Rocha collection.

Andrea also got to work with some of the best talents in the fashion industry. The shoot was creative directed and styled by Eldzs Mejia, while she was photographed by Doc Marlon Pecjo, and had her hair and makeup done by RJ dela Cruz and Anthea Bueno. The shoot itself was styled by Gideon Hermosa, and Nice Print Photo captured precious behind-the-scenes moments in photos and videos. And of course, only the most regal venue for a young queen like herself: The shoot took place in Palacio de Memoria in Parañaque.

Teen star Andrea Brillantes is hailed by Metro as the ‘Debutante of the Year.’

‘Stories of Hope’ highlights inspiring and hopeful stories of people living extraordinary lives.

‘Stories of Hope’ on GMA Power Block

EACH one of us has a story of hope to tell.

Beginning tomorrow, March 15, GMA News and Public Affairs launches Stories of Hope—the newest program that highlights inspiring and hopeful stories of people living extraordinary lives; riveting tales of struggles and triumphs; and how the Filipino spirit ultimately finds ways to overcome seemingly insurmountable adversities.

Stories of Hope features compelling stories that aim to highlight the Filipino resilience, grit, determination, and hard work that could ultimately spark a sense of inspiration in the hearts and minds of viewers.

For its initial offering, Stories of Hope presents the story of soldiers who have lost limbs during battles. In April 2019, Corporal Ariel “Prince” Reyes lost his left arm during a fierce battle in Lupon, Davao Oriental. His grenade launcher exploded after getting hit by a sniper of the armed rebel. He also lost both of his eardrums.

For Corporal Reyes, the hardest part was telling his wife and then 3-year-old daughter about the tragedy. The road to recovery was also tough but was made easy with the love and support of his family.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Jovan Rey Patagani was on a rescue mission during a typhoon in Davao Oriental in 2013 when an improvised explosive device or land mine suddenly detonated. The blast disintegrated both of his legs.

Corporal Reyes and Sergeant Patagani aim to inspire others with their story of love for family and country. In due time, they plan to reactivate for duty to serve once again. Their message is to never give up, never quit, and never lose hope.

Every week, Stories of Hope empowers the subjects to tell their stories in their own words, offering an unfiltered and intimate look into their personal experiences.

Stories of Hope airs every Monday night after Saksi beginning March 15 on GMA Network’s Power Block.

Binibini the second time around

By Eton Concepcion

smoking. Faith also supports women empowerment and equality.

“As a woman, I celebrate the truth about women empowerment. It is a celebration of equality. That in every situation, there should always be these well-deserved opportunities given, not just for men, but also for women and members of LGBT community. The world has changed. Now, more than ever, it is time to embrace our own sense of identity. Let us help elevate discourse for the LGBT+ community, its allies, and the society they belong in.

I ask everyone to help shape public perception and reinforce social changes. Get involved—let your voice be heard,” Faith said in an Instagram post.

Faith, who trains under the Kagandahang Flores (KF) beauty camp of Rodgil Flores, will don a dove warrior—symbol of peace—national costume, designed by Jorick Lopez Limpag inspired by the Ulo ng Apo myth from where Olongapo’s name originated.

The next batch of beauty queens in the new normal setting at Binibining Pilipinas 2020/2021 will be crowned on April 17.

HAVE faith and believe in yourself.

That is the confidence that allows Binibining Pilipinas 2020 candidate Alexandra Faith Garcia to keep looking for challenges and something that she believes is greater than any obstacle.

The 26-year-old model and triathlete, who hails from Olongapo City, is competing for the second time in Bb. Pilipinas pageant after joining in 2016. A dead ringer for Fil-Am singer Nicole Scherzinger, Faith was a student-athlete being a member of her high school swimming team which helped her through school.

She finished a degree in Tourism at Columban College in Olongapo City in 2014, the year that she took interest in the sport of triathlon.

She takes her strength in her being a model and athlete, which involves a lot of preparation, motivation, and determination.

“I think being a triathlete, which is highly a physical sport for men, I show that women can do also what men can do,” Faith asserted.

Faith’s advocacy on healthy living, especially, among the KEEPING THE FAITH. Model and triathlete youth, stemmed from her father Alexandra Faith Garcia, 26, from Olongapo City, is who was paralyzed half of the hoping for second time’s the charm as she joins body brought partly by excessive Binibining Pilipinas again this year.

BTS, Taylor Swift among performers at 2021 GRAMMY Awards

WATCH music’s biggest night with epic live performances from BTS, Taylor Swift, Cardi B, and Harry Styles, amongst others.

Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards will air LIVE tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. with repeat broadcast at 8:00 p.m. on FOX Life (Cignal CH 124 SD, CH 232 HD / Skycable CH 48 SD, CH 172 HD).

Other performers set for GRAMMYs include Bad Bunny, Black Pumas, Brandi Carlile, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Mickey Guyton, Haim, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Lil Baby, Dua Lipa, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Megan Thee Stallion, Maren Morris, Post Malone, and Roddy Ricch.

Artists will be coming together, while still safely apart, to play music for each other as a community and celebrate the music that unites us all.

Beyoncé is this year’s biggest nominee, with six nominations, including two for the Record of the Year category. Taylor Swift received six nominations, including nominations for Song and Album of the Year. Rapper Roddy Ricch also earned six nominations across various categories for his hit songs “The Box” and “Rockstar.”

To view a list of current nominations per artist, visit the GRAMMY Awards performer and presenter page: https://www.grammy.com/grammys/2021grammy-performers-host

The performance of global music act BTS, nominated in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category (‘Dynamite’), is one of the most anticipated prods in this year’s Grammys.

Pets Preventing Rabies Through Animal Welfare B4

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2021

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

CLAWS PROTECTION

BY GREG SALIDO QUIMPO AND HEIDI MARQUEZ

A

S DECREED by a presidential order, March is officially the month of Rabies Awareness Month (RAM) in the Philippines.

This commemoration provides the avenue for a nationwide information campaign around rabies prevention/control accompanied by a free dog and cat vaccination spearheaded by the government.

Consistently, AKF has been partnering with other private organizations and pertinent government units in staging these activities in various communities in the country.

In 2019, the National Rabies Prevention and Control Committee (NRPCC) was handed lesson plans on rabies prevention AKF partners with local government units (LGUs) to have as many dogs and cats vaccideveloped by the Department of Educanated against rabies. tion in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), an inInteragency Implementation of the NRternational organization based in the US. PCP: Signed in May 1991 by the SecAs part of its awareness campaign, retaries of Agriculture (DA), Health AKF has launched many creative ap(DOH), Local Government (DILG) and proaches to share life-saving rabies Education, Culture and Sports, now, AKF has investigated prevention knowledge while advocating Department of Education. cases in the past responsible pet ownership.

5. Joint DA, DOH, DepEd, DILG AdRabies is transmitted after a bite or scratch wherein children ministrative Order No. 01 Series of 2008: by an infected animal, like dogs and cats. It Implementing Rules and Regulations Imbecame victims of is also transferred when infectious mateplementing Republic Act 9482 An Act dog meat eating and rial, usually saliva, comes into direct contact Providing for the Control and Elimination died from rabies. One with a victim’s fresh skin lesions. of Human and Animal Rabies, PrescribRabies is 100 per cent fatal though ing Penalties for Violation Thereof. case was so fatal that 100 per cent preventable. In the Philip6. Administrative Order No. 2014death occurred within pines, the DOH records show that rabies 0012 entitled New Guidelines on the hours because, as the is (1) one of the most acutely fatal infecManagement of Rabies Exposures: To tions and (2) responsible for the death of provide new policy guidelines and prodoctor explained to 200-300 Filipinos annually. cedure to ensure an effective and effius then, the little girl The following laws and regulations are cient management for eventual reduchad decaying tooth set to further bolster the government’s camtion if not elimination of human rabies. paign of eradicating rabies in the country: 7. Administrative Order No. 2018-0013 and the virus attacked 1. Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 (Republic entitled Revised Guidelines on the Manageher brain through her Act 9482) : An Act Providing for the ment of Rabies Exposures: Ensure availadamaged cavities.

Control and Elimination of Human and bility of anti-rabies vaccines to allow the use Animal Rabies. of Non-WHO Prequalified Rabies Vaccine 2. Batas Pambansa Bilang 97: An Act 3. Executive Order No. 84: Declaring but registered and approved by FDA only Providing for the Compulsory Immuni- March as the Rabies Awareness Month, when there is shortage of vaccines. zation of Livestock, Poultry and other Rationalizing the Control Measures for 8. Joint Department Administrative Animals against Dangerous Communi- the Prevention and Eradication of Rabies. Order No. 01 entitled Guidelines for cable Diseases.

4. Memorandum of Agreement on Declaring Areas as Rabies-Free Zones:

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Spaying and neutering dogs and cats help control animal population, which leads to lesser chances of rabies spreading to communities. AKF partners with veterinarians and LGUs to continue spay-neuter programs.

A responsible pet owner is crucial to the campaign against rabies as pets must be be given the anti-rabies shot to protect both humans and animals.

To provide the guidelines for declaring zones/areas as Rabies-Free by which the DA, DOH and other concerned institutions and agencies that will administer programs and activities on the control, prevention and elimination of Rabies

Advocacy Campaign

AKF’s campaign against the dog meat trade, primarily to end cruelty against the victimized dogs, is also a significant contributor to rabies prevention.

AKF has investigated cases in the past wherein children became victims of dog meat eating and died from rabies. One case was so fatal that death occurred within hours because, as the doctor explained to us then, the little girl had decaying tooth and the virus attacked her

brain through her damaged cavities.

AKF’s spaying, neutering and antirabies vaccination program is a yearround activity including its education campaign on responsible pet ownership.

These vital activities are geared towards the protection of animals while, undoubtedly, impacting the fight against rabies.

Pet owners must have their dog/s registered, vaccinated, spayed and neutered while the government must implement the abovementioned regulations strictly to ensure that the goal of eradicating human rabies in the Philippines will be achieved.

Check your local billboards for events celebrating Rabies Awareness Month and report unusual practice of animal cruelty and suspected dog meat trading activities.

Best diet for senior dogs

ty protein sources to help maintain body weight and muscle mass without overworking the kidneys, says Kam.

IS YOUR dog eating 1. Dogs are considPET TALES less? Is she gaining ered older when they

BY DESIREE CARLOS weight? Is he slowhave reached half of ing down and can not their life expectancy. walk as fast as before?

2. Small dogs live to 15-20 years.

This is part of aging. As your dog 3. Large dogs are considered older at ages, his eating habits and dietary about 6 years old.

4. Small dogs are considered older at needs will change too.

Katherine Kam, in “Senior Dog 8 to 9 years old.

Food: Meeting Aging Canines’ Nutritional Needs” in pets.webmd.com, disSpecial nutritional needs cusses what older dogs need in their diet of senior dogs to keep them healthy.

Here are some tips from the vets on dietary requirements of senior dogs, said Kam: The senior dog 1. They need low calorie diet to preHere is a guide from veterinarian vent obesity.

Fred Metzger, according to Kam: 2. High-fiber diet is advised to im1. Large dogs age faster than small dogs. prove gastrointestinal health.

2. Overweight dogs age faster than 3. Their energy requirement is lower, lean dogs. thus, they need less calories.

Here is another guide, this time from “ With a slower metabolic rate, older veterinarian Mark Nunez, says Kam: dogs are more likely to become over-

Supplements for senior dogs

Nacho, 12, is on the heavy side. We encourage him to walk more.

Summer, turning 16 years old on April 28, loves pumpkin and brocs. We boil lean ground pork, mix in boiled, mashed pumpkin, then forms them into a big "cake" with the brocs on top. She loves this very healthy treat.

Age-appropriate dog food are given to our dogs who are of different age groups. We also give home-cooked meals to lessen the preservatives that get in their body.

weight or obese,” says Kam. Many dog food companies now offer senior dog food formulations, which Nunez recommends as an age-appropriate diet for older pets because they’re lower in calories.

4. It is always best for owners to feed food suitable to the stage of life of the dog.

5. If you have more dogs, choose food labeled as “multi-stage” However, “You make some compromises when you do the ‘multi-stage’ diets,” Nunez says. “So they’re my second choice. But some people just can’t separate the foods. The puppy will get into the senior diet, and the senior dog will get into the puppy food.”

6. For snacks, give healthy, low-fat, low-sodium treats.

“Vegetables are great,” Metzger says.

“Most dogs like carrots and apple slices.”

“But avoid grapes and raisins because they’re harmful to dogs,” says Kam. 7. Older dogs need more water.

“The body’s ability to maintain water balance is decreased as they get older,” Metzger says.

“It’s important to make sure that senior dogs have plenty of water,” says Kam.

Health concerns that affect a senior dog’s diet

Dogs with medical concerns need a diet plan prepared with the help of a vet or a vet nutritionist.

“Older pets with specific conditions, like diabetes, kidney failure, or liver disease may require special veterinary diets to assist in the treatment of their conditions,” Metzger says.

1. Dogs with a heart problem will need a lower-calorie senior dog foods to help manage the weight and diet with no salt to keep the kidneys healthy.

2. Diabetic dogs need a lower-fat, higher-fiber food, Nunez says.

“The goal of a diabetic diet is to delay absorption of a food," Nunez says.

“That's important for dogs with diabetes. When foods are absorbed slowly, blood sugar tends to rise more slowly,” Kam says.

3. Dogs with constipation need a higher-fiber diet.

4. Many senior diets have higher-quali-

A number of older dogs experience pain due to arthritis and joint problems.

For this, they need glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate supplements but the supplements should be ones formulated by vets for pets, not for humans.

But Nunez stresses that pets will benefit more from slimming down to address joint problems and arthritis.

“People think glucosamine is the best thing, but the very best thing is weight management,” Nunez says.

What to when a senior dog does not eat

Older dogs have reduced appetite.

The causes vary. They are: 1. gastrointestinal problems that bring on nausea, or 2. cancer.

The first thing to do is to bring your dog to the vet.

“When a dog won’t eat,” Metzger says, “make sure your veterinarian rules out any underlying health problems, such as dental disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer.”

You can also add warm water, chicken broth, or a small amount of canned food in the dry food to make it more appealing to older dogs.

Natural food like boiled meat and vegetables are appealing to them too.

“That extra smell and that extra TLC can get the dog to eat,” Nunez says.

I personally give boiled lean meat like lean ground beef or pork, or chicken breast to the dogs mixed with boiled vegetables such as sayote (chayote), upo (bottle gourd), pumpkin, malunggay (moringa) leaves), among others. Please research for more healthy vegetables in the internet. We grate the vegetable so that it is easier to chew and digest.