Manila Standard - 2021 June 27 - Sunday

Ex-President Aquino laid to rest n By JOYCE PANGCO PAÑARES

FORMER President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was laid to rest Saturday afternoon, two days after he died due to renal disease secondary to diabetes.

Yellow flowers were dropped by an Air Force chopper, raining down on the funeral carriage carrying his urn.

Full military honors were given, including a 21-gun salute, as Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana and Philippine National

Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar welcomed the arrival of Aquino’s remains at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

Aquino’s youngest sister, Kris, put his urn inside the tomb beside those of their parents, democracy icons former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, after which the song “The Impossible Dream” was played live.

“Eulogies have been written, spoken and shared, but the best eulogy tribute we can pay to our President

Noy is to bring back, recover, preserve, safeguard and never again to compromise our dignity as a people and the decency of our leaders as servants not bosses,” said Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas in his homily during the necrological service ahead of the inurnment.

Vice President Leni Robredo said history will judge Aquino kindly. “The past five years has been painful for us because we saw, first hand, how wrongful accusations and disinformation were spewed to diminish his

legacy. A lot of people were made to believe them but facts and numbers don’t lie,” she said in a Facebook post.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Saturday filed a resolution expressing the Upper Chamber’s profound sympathy and sincere condolences, describing Aquino as a “true-blue Atenean who had lived his life with honesty, integrity, and simplicity so that others may simply live.”

The 61-year-old Aquino, the country’s 15th president, died in his sleep Thursday morning.

Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said Aquino “left nothing for himself” and “gave everything” for the nation and the public that he served as chief executive from 2010 to 2016.

Ballsy Cruz thanked all the people who loved her brother, whom she said continued what their parents could not finish.

“To the man we were so blessed to have as our brother, we will forever be proud of you,” she said. “Now the middle child is gone. We will never be complete again.” —With THERIZ SILVANO

www.manilastandard.net Vol. 35 35 n No.132 No.132

JUNE 27, 2021

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COVID-19 PH AT

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6,871

53,447

24,244

8,720

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New

Death

Recoveries

HE highly-contagious Delta variant is causing a surge in new COVID-19 cases even in countries with high vaccination rates – and experts warn that immunization campaigns are in a race against time to contain it.

AstraZeneca, Pfizer highly effective

While several studies have shown that vaccines are slightly less effective against the Delta variant, they are still highly effective – but only after the second dose.

Dela Paz said the vaccines of Pfizer and

1,391,911

18 .00 IN METRO MANILA

Race against time to contain ‘Delta’

According to Dr. Eva dela Paz, a member of the technical working group directed by President Rodrigo Duterte to study the COVID variants, the Delta strain is not only more transmissible, but it is also able to evade immune responses.

“The Delta variant [first identified in India] is estimated to be 60 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant [first identified in the UK]. The Delta variant’s combined mutation causes it to bind more easily to host cells as well as evade our immune system’s response,” said Dela Paz, the executive director of the UP National Institutes of Health.

While 17 cases of the Delta variant have been detected in the Philippines to date, Dela Paz said there is no community transmission yet as all infected patients were incoming international travelers.

In this composite photo, actress Kris Aquino puts the urn containing the ashes of her brother, former President Benigno Aquino III, inside the tomb at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City Saturday afternoon. The 61-year-old Aquino, who served as the country’s 15th president, was laid to rest next to his parents, democracy icons former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino.

DANNY PATA

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AstraZeneca remain highly effective at 88 percent and 60 percent, respectively, against the variant, described by the World Health Organization as the fastest and fittest coronavirus strain yet.

“We are waiting for Sinovac and Sputnik to release data of the efficacy of their vaccines against the Deltra variant,” she said, adding that regardless of brand, vaccinated people have a lower chance of getting hospitalized compared to those who have yet to be inoculated.

‘The world is failing’

Delta is so contagious that experts said more than 80 percent of a population would need to be jabbed in order to contain it – a challenging target even for nations with significant vaccination programs.

Vaccine doses flowing through the Covax scheme to poorer countries have all but dried up, the WHO said Friday.

“The world is failing,” with lack of access to jabs causing a two-track pandemic, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, pleading: “Just give us the vaccines.”

Snap lockdowns

In Australia, largest city Sydney entered a two-week lockdown on Saturday to contain a sudden COVID surge.

“We do need to brace ourselves for a potentially large number of cases in the following days,” said Gladys Berejiklian, the Premier of New South Wales state. “When you have a contagious variant, like the Delta virus, a threeday lockdown doesn’t work – if we’re going to do this we need to do it properly.”

Bangladesh has announced it will impose a tough new lockdown starting Monday, after a “dangerous and alarming” surge in Delta variant cases.

“No one can step out of their homes except in emergency cases,” a government statement read, adding that police and border guards would be deployed to enforce the lockdown and the army may be involved if needed.

Over a dozen inoculated doctors dead

In Indonesia, the country’s medical association confirmed Friday that 401 doctors were among the fatalities since the pandemic began – 14 of whom were fully vaccinated.

The rise of severe cases in inoculated medical workers has raised questions about the China-produced Sinovac jab, which Indonesia is heavily relying on to vaccinate more than 180 million people by early next year. – With AFP

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CHR bucks proposal to arm civilians THE Commission on Human Rights on Saturday opposed the proposal of President Rodrigo Duterte to arm qualified civilian volunteers to help the police in fighting crime.

“The Philippine National Police is more than enough,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

De Guia, a lawyer by profession, said under the 1987 Constitution, the government shall maintain only one police force that is national in scope and civilian in character.

“Arming civilians without proper training, qualification, and clear lines of accountabilities may lead to lawlessness and proliferation of arms, which may further negatively impact the human rights situation in the country,” she said.

“We trust that the PNP, with Police General Guillermo Eleazar at the helm, will do its best in ensuring peace and order in our communities, without compromising respect for human rights,” she added.

The PNP on Friday launched the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers composed of civilian partner organizations.

In his speech during the event, President Duterte said qualified civilian groups should be armed to help the police, adding that the essence of making an arrest is to “overcome the resistance” of the criminal.

“The duty of the arresting officer be he a military, police, or an [ordinary person] making a civilian arrest is to overcome his resistance.

So that if he chooses to fight you with a gun-for-gun or maybe a blunt instrument, you have every right also to defend yourself for self-preservation – in law it’s called self-defense. You have to bring him under your control and drag him dead or alive to the station,” the President said.

“If you have this coalition, you have a list of people who are there who can arm themselves. I will order the police if you are qualified, get a gun, and help us enforce the laws,” he added.

CATCH OF THE DAY. A group of fishermen shakes their net to lower their catch at the fishport in Noveleta, Cavite on June 26, 2021. JR JOSUE

Manila Bay reclamation halted

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he rejected proposals of private companies to conduct massive land reclamation activities in Manila Bay because of corruption issues.

Duterte said the processing of thousands of applications for reclamation projects in Manila Bay was stopped.

“You know, for the planned reclamation in Manila Bay, thousands have applied.

But because of the corruption that I heard early last year, there’s no more processing of papers. I had it stopped,” he said.

Duterte did not specify the companies embroiled in corrupt activities, but hinted they earned “lots of money” in the reclamation proposals.

“I told you, do not give money to the people in government. If I know that you have given even a single centavo, I will throw your application to the wastebasket. And I have done that and I am doing it every day so they will shape up,” he added.

In February last year, Duterte said he may only consider government-related reclamation projects at Manila Bay, adding the private sector can wait for his successor to pitch their proposed proj-

ects.

Nearly 10,000 hectares of Manila Bay from Navotas City to Cavite were supposed to be included in 25 reclamation projects.

Duterte earlier said the proposed Manila Bay reclamation projects will “choke the entire Manila.”

“Not in my time. If you allow one, you have to allow all. If I allow that, I will choke manila. The entire City of Manila will be put in peril,” the President said last year.

“Manila is an old city. It will decay if you add so many things in front of Manila Bay,” he added.

RAINBOW PROTEST. LGBT members gather during the annual Pride Parade in Quezon City on June 26, 2021. AFP

Gasoline prices up by P1.10/li next week THE country’s oil firms are expected to raise gasoline prices by as much as P1.10 per liter.

Unioil Petroleum Philippines on Saturday said diesel will also increase by P0.70 to P0.80 next week.

Last week, oil companies hiked gasoline prices by P0.75 per liter and diesel and kerosene by P0.70 per liter to reflect the movement of prices

in the world oil market.

World oil prices trended in the past weeks higher due to confidence of strong demand outlook and accelerating vaccinations allowing for more mobility, according to the Department of Energy.

DOE cited the report of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) monthly oil market report

that global oil demand is set to rise by 3.1 million barrels per day and return to pre-pandemic levels by the fourth quarter next year.

Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies are scheduled to meet online July 1 to assess market conditions and review plans to bring more output online, which could impact the movement of oil prices.

‘Include P10k annual ayuda in 5-year economic plan’ n By MARICEL V CRUZ

Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano has expressed optimism the proposed annual distribution of P10,000 cash assistance to every Filipino family would be included in the country’s five-year economic plan.

“We have to be there for our people. Many of them are upholding the bayanihan spirit in their own ways by providing food for the frontliners and to the community pantries and tutoring students who are finding the new system of the Education Department difficult. I have no doubt that the P10,000 cash assistance should be included in the five-year plan,” he said.

“The minimum number of years for the distribution should be three to five years because of the following reasons: one, to help the people recover from the pandemic; two, so no one has to go hungry;

and three, for the money to circulate in the community,” he added.

Cayetano said the distribution of the P10,000 cash assistance would be similar to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the government.

“This is not a new idea because we already allocate P100 billion every year for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. That is P100 billion, so you only have to add P100 to 250 billion a year and everyone will receive cash assistance,” he said.

In developing the five-year economic plan, Cayetano said a “neutral” and non-partisan leader should convene the team, citing a former Supreme Court Chief Justice, an economist, or National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua as examples.

Gov’t urged to revise policy banning return of overseas Filipino workers n By MARICEL V. CRUZ and VITO BARCELO THE Commission on Human Rights voiced concern over the government’s policy to ban the return of overseas Filipino workers.

“While we understand that the ban on the return of OFWs was meant to prevent the possible spread of the new COVID-19 strain in the Philippines, the government should reconsider its imposition and allow Filipinos to come home to their families, even if it meant imposing stricter quarantine procedures upon their arrival in the country,” CHR Focal Commissioner on Migrant Rights Gwendolyn Pimen-

tel-Gana.

Gana said that under Article 8.2 of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, to which the Philippines is a state party, “migrant workers and members of their families shall have the right at any time to enter and remain in their state of origin.”

Similarly, she said Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that “everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.”

Furthermore, under Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), “no one shall be arbitrari-

ly deprived of the right to enter his own country.”

“While Article 4 provides that upon the official proclamation of a public emergency which threatens the life and existence of a nation, countries such as the Philippines may take measures derogating from their obligations under the ICCPR to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation, such measures must not be inconsistent with their other obligations under international law,” Gana said.

She stressed “restrictions must be neither discriminatory nor arbitrary in application, and must at all times be respectful of human dignity, human rights, and fun-

damental freedoms.”

She also said the CHR is one with Filipono migrant and overseas workers who are stranded far away from home and their families.

“We recognize the plight of our migrant workers, who may grapple with the loss of their income, may experience fear and suffering as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and may suffer from the emotional distress of not seeing their families.”

HOME AT LAST. The government brought home hundreds of distressed overseas Filipinos from Saudi Arabia on June 25, 2021. The 301 repatriates, including six infants, departed the Gulf state on board a Philippine Airlines chartered flight. Upon their arrival, they received P10,000 cash assistance each from the government. They underwent mandatory medical tests prior to proceeding to their respective quarantine facilities.

Rolando G. Estabillo

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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Ex-cop sentenced to over 22 years for Floyd murder

AL FRESCO DINING.

Visitors have a drink on a terrasse of a cafe in Amsterdam as Netherlands ease COVID-19 restrictions. AFP

Hong Kong police chief calls for ‘fake news’ law

H

ONG KONG’S new police chief called for a fake news law on Saturday and blamed the media for plunging trust in his officers in the politically polarised finance hub.

His call comes as in the city since Hong “There is no legal definition of vice authorities carry out a Kong was rocked by huge sweeping crackdown on fake news at the moment, but and sometimes violent dissent and just days after protests in if there is any legislation that pro-democracy outspoken newspaper 2019, during which alleApple Daily was forced to could help us bring these people gations of police brutality fold following the freezing emerged. to justice, as law enforcers, we Police chief Raymond of its accounts under a tough new national secuSiu said much of the absolutely welcome it.” rity law. blame lay with the media.

Surveys show the police “I understand that there have been the least popular disciplinary serare residents who are still hostile toward us. In this regard, I told my colleagues that many of these torn relationships and hostility against the police are due to fake news,” Siu said at his first media briefing since taking office.

“There is no legal definition of fake news at the moment, but if there is any legislation that could help us bring these people to justice, as law enforcers, we absolutely welcome it,” he added.

Hong Kong’s demonstrations subsided last year due to mass arrests, the coronavirus pan-

Demands for answers in Florida building collapse aftermath

demic and Beijing’s imposition of the security law, which critics argue has been used to curb dissent.

Three former police officers were on Friday promoted to key positions in government, with former security minister John Lee becoming the city’s new number two official and an ex-police chief stepping into Lee’s security bureau role.

Last Thursday 500 police officers raided the newsroom of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily as authorities froze the company’s assets under the security law.

Five executives of the paper were arrested and two were charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.

Apple Daily’s lead editorial writer was also arrested on Wednesday and the paper was forced to fold, saying it feared for the safety of staff.

Siu however said police were targeting national security offenders and not the news media. AFP

Tesla to ‘recall’ over 285,000 cars in China

HOPE FOR THE MISSING. Candles and a religious statue

are placed on the beach near where search and rescue operations continue at the site of the partially collapsed 12-story Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Florida. Over one hundred people have been reported as missing as search-and-rescue efforts continue with crews from across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. AFP

RESCUERS are still searching for survivors in rubble of the collapsed Florida apartment tower, but pressure is building – from families of missing residents to the state’s governor – for answers on how such a disaster could have occurred.

A wing of the oceanfront complex suddenly pancaked on itself around 1:30 am (05:30 GMT) Thursday, with 55 apartments collapsing in a cloud of dust, leaving 159 people still missing.

Completed in 1981, Champlain Towers South was due to be recertified this year in line with Miami-Dade county safety regulations – which require a review every 40 years – and roof work was ongoing as part of that process.

But county officials stressed there was no indication of a causal link between the refurbishment work and the collapse, which so far has a confirmed death toll of four.

In addition to the loved ones of the dead and missing, and those who are suddenly homeless, “there’s a lot of other people throughout this community and really throughout Florida who want to know, well, how could a building just collapse like that?” Governor Ron DeSantis said.

He called for a “timely” explanation, adding that families “have a right to know.”

Mike Salberg, who is waiting for information on five missing family members, including his parents, echoed the sentiments.

“I want answers,” the New Yorker told AFP. “The families are sidelined.”

Attention has turned, how-

ever, to a study led by Florida International University’s Shimon Wdowinski, based on space-based radar data, which found signs of land subsidence at the site between 1993 and 1999.

“I don’t know if the collapse was predictable. But we did detect that the building moved in the 1990s,” the environment professor said on CNN. “It’s very subtle. It’s two millimeters per year but it’s still detected by the satellites,” he explained, describing what was happening as a “slow process” of settling, rather than sinking.

“In this case, it’s a very localized signal of that building,” he said.

“And it means that it’s not necessarily the building moved into the ground. It can be that the building moved within itself – if there were some kind of structural damage within the building.”

FIU cautioned in a post on its website that “land subsidence in and of itself likely would not cause a building’s collapse.”

The university also noted that the subsidence observed in Surfside was significantly slower than other parts of the planet Wdowinski has studied – Mexico City, for example, is subsiding at a rate of 15 inches per year, 2,000 times higher.

Another of the university’s experts, Atorod Azizinamini, chair of its civil and environmental engineering department, cautioned in an online video that it was too soon to speculate on a cause. AFP

test at the Shanghai Auto ELECTRIC car giant Show in April.

Tesla will “recall” over “The recall plan was filed The cruise control func285,000 cars from the with the State Administration tion, which “matches the Chinese market after speed of your car to that of an investigation found of Market Regulation, and it the surrounding traffic” is a issues with its assisted key part of Tesla’s Autopilot driving software that was decided to recall the folassisted driving function, could cause road col- lowing vehicles from today.” according to the manufaclisions, a government —SAMR turer’s website. regulator announced late Friday.

Tesla’s road in China in China due to several deadly Tesla would contact appeared to be paved with affected users to upgrade their collisions involving Tesla vehi- gold after founder Elon Musk vehicle’s software remotely for cles in recent months. was granted rare permission to “Due to issues with the cruise build a wholly owned factory free, a State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) control system... the driver can in Shanghai that has allowed it notice said, adding that it easily activate the cruise control to accelerate to the head of the affects some imported and function by mistake,” the Chi- pack in China’s huge electric car domestically manufactured nese government agency said in market.

Model 3 and Model Y vehi- the notice.

The company is hugely pop“A sudden increase in ve- ular in China, where it sells one cles.

“The recall plan was filed hicle speed will occur, which out of every four of its cars. with the State Administration could... in extreme cases, The firm announced last of Market Regulation, and it cause a collision, posing safety month it would be setting up a was decided to recall the fol- hazards.” data centre in China, following The carmaker has also been user backlash over fears that lowing vehicles from today,” targeted by numerous social their data could be passed over SAMR said.

The order is the latest blow to media complaints from Chi- to the US. the American self-driving car nese users regarding quality Tesla shares fell almost 8 per pioneer, which has come under and service issues, culminating cent upon the news during US growing regulatory scrutiny in a high-profile customer pro- trading hours Friday. AFP

FORMER policeman Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison on Friday for the murder of African American George Floyd, the killing that sparked America’s biggest demonstrations for racial justice in decades.

The white, 45-year-old Chauvin gave his “condolences” to the Floyd family in a Minneapolis court, without apologizing, before Judge Peter Cahill handed down a lesser sentence than the 30 years the prosecution had sought.

“This (jail term) is based on your abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty shown to George Floyd,” Cahill told Chauvin, who listened impassively.

The decision was read out at the end of a tense hearing in which the court watched a recorded message

by Floyd’s seven-year-old daughter and heard from Chauvin’s mother.

The Floyd family’s lawyer called the sentencing a “historic” step towards racial reconciliation in the United States. “(It) brings the Floyd family and our nation one step closer to healing by delivering closure and accountability,” Ben Crump tweeted.

President Joe Biden said: “I don’t know all the circumstances that were considered but it seems to me, under the guidelines, that seems to be appropriate.”

After the sentence was announced, chanting marchers with megaphones and motorcycle escorts took over some of the city’s busiest blocks during rush hour.

No serious incidents were reported as they wound their way through stopped traffic. AFP

Myanmar torches over half-billion dollar drugs stash MYANMAR authorities torched over half a billion dollars worth of narcotics across the country Saturday, sending opium, heroin and methamphetamine up in smoke as experts warn smugglers have adapted to COVID-19 travel restrictions and are back in business.

Sacks of green-brown cannabis were stacked high at a compound in the commercial capital Yangon, alongside bin-liner-sized bags of redpink pills, marking one of Myanmar’s offerings for the annual World Drug Day burning.

Slabs of heroin, bags of ketamine and tramadol and ice were also laid out on the pyre.

Stashes were also burned at ceremonies held in Mandalay and Taunggyi in Shan State, Myanmar’s anti-drugs police department said.

A total of just under $668 million dollars of narcotics, including 224 million meth tablets, were torched in the three cities.

As a woman barked a command over a loudspeaker in Yangon, four men in military uniform pressed buttons on tables in front of them, and the stash went up, flames licking the early morning sky.

Firefighters stood ready and well back from the noxious smoke.

Despite COVID-19 travel restrictions, there has been an “overall sustained expansion of the methamphetamine market in East and Southeast Asia” the UN said earlier this month.

Myanmar’s troubled Shan State remains the main source of the drug, it added, which is often smuggled on to wealthier overseas markets such as Australia and Japan in its more potent crystallized form. AFP

RITUAL FOR THE MOUNTAIN GOD. Tengger tribe people make their way to the summit of the active Mount Bromo volcano to make offerings

in Probolinggo, East Java province on June 26, 2021, during the Yadnya Kasada festival to seek blessings from the main deity by presenting offerings of rice, fruit, livestock and other items. AFP

PDA debunks fake news on anesthesia and vaccine PHILIPPINE Dental Association president Dr. Jose Angelo Militante issued an advisory assuring the public that it is safe to undergo dental procedures after their COVID 19 vaccine jab.

This assurance was made to address misinformation circulating on social media associating death due to administration of local anesthesia during dental procedure on COVIE-19 vaccinated individuals.

PDA president Dr. Jose Angelo G. Militante

Militante said.

He said health care has evolved through the years and the availability of COVID vaccine is a welcome development particularly in the dental profession. Baseless claims in the absence of scientific evidence are extremely detrimental to the national efforts in moving forward towards the immunization programs of the country, he said.

“The misinformation is unfounded since to date, there are no scientific publications correlating adverse reaction of vaccines and anesthesia, either through general or local administration. Dentists take thorough medical and dental histories to provide optimal care, needless to say, Philippine dentistry has adapted to the necessary changes to prevent the spread of SARS CoV2, Dr.

JUNE 27, 2021

n Editor: RODERICK DELA CRUZ

email: roderick_delacruz@yahoo.com

Jewelrytech firm thrives amid pandemic

Jewelry designer Germee Ronirose Abesamis

A

JEWELRY technology company led by a millennial thrives amid the pandemic as couples rediscover romance, get on with their lives and begin the search for the perfect wedding ring.

“Engagements and weddings are happening faster. There are people I spoke to last year who were not even engaged and now they’re married. The pandemic is good time to start something new,” says Germee Ronirose Abesamis, the founder of Dearest—a company that started as a maker of fine, customized engagement and wedding rings and other fine jewelry.

“Couples are ordering engagement rings, wedding rings and gifts for each other.

Women of style are ordering rings, earrings, necklaces and other pieces, which suit their fancy. It’s one of those things they reward themselves with, a 1:1 bespoke experience with Dearest, especially since they can’t travel,” she says.

The millennial entrepreneur and designer says that Dearest has evolved into a jewelrytech company, as it’s the only jewelry brand that explores how deep technology can be used to serve clients better. As a company that creates high-quality bespoke jewelry, their number 1 priority is crafting the jewelry that their clients really want. Technology now helps achieve that.

Abesamis says the process promotes mindful consumption, by helping clients know what they want. It promotes sustainability by having 0-waste production.

Her innovative business model allows the company to create only according to demand and clients are happy, evident in zero returns.

“If we can help our clients express themselves, then we would have done our job.

We are creating an AI curation tool that will help men find the perfect engagement ring for their partners. It’s infused with our team’s collective knowledge of diamonds and gems, jewelry and style. In the future,

“Things are not back to normal yet, but we’re moving on.”

we want to create a similar tool for women and men buying jewelry for themselves so they can create their dream piece,” says Abesamis.

Impact of pandemic

Just like most businesses, Dearest was not spared from the economic downturn that the crisis brought about. “Things were slower for a time, especially last year. Our supply chains were blocked, and the artisans stopped working for three months,” she says. “Things are not back to normal yet, but we’re moving on. In terms of customer engagement, it was slower at the beginning of the pandemic when it was full of uncertainty.”

Staying hopeful

Abesamis says people want to get on with their lives. “They want to propose, they want to get married. Women of style with less to do at home start thinking about things of value. Relationships, a simpler lifestyle. It might sound contrarian, but for some, jewelry is still one of the things considered to be of value. For example, we had a client who wanted a ring that encapsulates her aspirations and also incorporates symbols of her three kids,” she says.

She also realized that because of the pandemic, people think about what they value in life.

Mobile business

Abesamis, who was based in the UK preCovid, is now in the Philippines to be with her family. When things get better and the pandemic is under control, she plans to travel to the US and later to the UK to pursue operations there.

With a remote team, she takes her business with her as she travels the world. “It’s mobile!” she says. She designs anywhere, while master artisans in the Philippines and Italy execute the actual products. E-commerce is also a major tool in her trade, tapping into the amazing world of the Internet where she can showcase her brands to people all over the world.

“We are conducting what we’ve been doing all along, online sales. It’s the customers who have changed. They are comfortable buying a ring worth thousands of dollars, even without meeting. Of course, they have to trust the brand enough,” she says.

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As the only national organization of dental professional with over a century of history, the PDA said it strongly supports the COVID-19 vaccination program of the Department of Health and is one with the healing of the nation.

“The public is strongly advised to discern information and refrain from circulating stories without sound scientific evidences, Dr. Militante said.

Mortality rate declines despite health crisis n By JAMES PAUL R. GOMEZ LOSING a loved one is inevitable, but such demise during the pandemic is unforgettable.

This is what Joseph Ramos, 23, realized after the death of his 75-year-old grandmother on April 29, 2020. Ramos was in Canada when he learned that she contracted pneumonia as complication from COVID-19.

“Having a sick family member is a problem already, what more if they contracted COVID-19 and died because of it? In the very short time before she died, I did not even get the chance to talk and hug her,” Ramos said in a virtual interview.

“My grandma fought the virus for two to three weeks. For four months, she haD been enduring the pain from her lung disease and other ailments,” he said.

Unlike Ramos, Richard Pen, 49, witnessed the passing of his 70-year-old stepfather in July 2020.

“Even before, he already had prostate cancer. One day, he started coughing, losing appetite and later on, caught the flu.

He was rushed to the hospital at nighttime. Upon arriving, he was intubated, and by dawn, he had already expired,” Pen said in an interview.

Data show that as of June 22, nearly 3.9 million people around the world, including 23,809 in the Philippines died from COVID-related complications.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said, however, that the total number of deaths in the country declined in 2020 compared to the pre-COVID year of 2019.

The PSA’s preliminary death statistics showed that the Philippines recorded 613,267 deaths in 2020, lower by 7,147 compared to 620,414 reported deaths in 2019.

Of last year’s figure, the Department of Health recorded 9,244 or 1.5 percent deaths due to COVID-19 infections.

The PSA said that the months of July, August, September and December registered more deaths in 2020 than the previous year, while other months still posted fewer deaths. The month of July had the biggest increase at 9.9 percent, followed by August with 13 percent, September with 3.6 percent and December with 3.4 percent.

In terms of COVID-19, these months also tallied the highest reported deaths with 756 deaths in July, 1,536 in August, 1,945 deaths in September, and 867 deaths in December, according to DOH records last year.

The DOH recorded the highest number of single-day fatalities on Sept. 14 with 258 recorded deaths.

As the country was placed under enhanced community quarantine last year, March recorded the highest late registration of deaths with 6,765 while April had 6,263.

The March 2020 figure represented six times larger than the 2019 figure of 1,067 late registrations. On the other hand, the April 2020 figure was five times larger than the April 2019 tally of 1,249 late registrations.

The PSA said in terms of late registered deaths, “about 24.8 percent were March deaths while 23 percent were April deaths, majority of which were registered in June.”

Despite the late registrations, both months had not exceeded their corresponding monthly averages in the last five years.

The data of PSA also showed that there was an increase yearon-year in the number of total registered deaths in the National Capital Region.

Read more online

Mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home FOR a lot of Filipinos, buying their first home is mostly uncharted territory.

The process involves an overwhelming number of details that can prove to be challenging to be completely mindful of, and missing even just one can lead to costly mistakes.

Leading property solutions company Ohmyhome shares the five usual missteps that prospective homebuyers can make and offers tips on how to avoid them.

These include choosing the wrong location, not knowing the best property type for one’s needs, not understanding financial options, underestimating home buying costs and working with the wrong agent.

Wrong location

Property experts say that real estate is a high-investment purchase based primarily on location. “We have heard too many stories about people moving into their dream homes only to find out months later that flooding occurs after a heavy downpour or internet and cellular coverage is

extremely weak,” says Julian Sison, marketing manager of Ohmyhome.

Thus, prospective homebuyers should get to know all they can about the location of their future home: is it near an earthquake fault line? Are transport hubs accessible? They should also check out upcoming developments such as new infrastructure projects and new business and job opportunities.

Sison says homebuyers would do well to plan ahead. If they have children, they should ask: are there schools nearby? How about banks, hospitals, supermarkets, and other retail establishments?

Considering these factors, Ohmyhome presents different options to its clients and even suggests specific locations that correspond to their preferences.

Property type

According to Ohmyhome, there are two types of property buyers: end-users and investors. “End-users will buy a home with their lifestyle in

mind,” Sison says. “Would they want to live in the heart of the city or in the more quiet suburbs? Do they envision living in the tranquil countryside or relocating to their home province? What type of amenities do they need? A pool? A gym? A park or expansive green spaces? Access to food outlets? Do they want to live in a condominium or in a house and lot?”

Sison says investors purchase property without the intent to live in it.

They plan to either resell the property at an appreciated value in the future, or rent it out and maintain an income stream from it. Still, investors will need to know what type of property attracts potential buyers and renters. “They can read up on the rental yields in different cities or areas or check the landscape for good business opportunities that would lure individuals to relocate,” Sison says.

Read more online

Property platform Ohmyhome shares five usual mistakes Filipinos make on their first property purchase.

JUNE 27, 2021 email: manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Jayson Valdez has started practicing as he gears for the Olympic competition where 30 marksmen are vying in his event, with the Top Eight advancing in the medal round.

JAYSON Valdez once dreamt of being an Olympian. Literally.

The country’s shooting qualifier to the Tokyo Games vividly remembered how he had a vision three years ago about making it to the Olympics and more so, winning the first ever gold medal for the Philippines.

Valdez, 25, said he could clearly visualize his dream of competing in an Olympic game and holding in his hands the gold that has eluded the country for the past 97 years or since Filipinos began competing in the quadrennial meet in 1924.

“Meron akong panaginip. It’s an Olympic Games, hindi ko lang alam kung anong Olympic Games yun. Pero malinaw yung mukha ko dun sa panaginip and malinaw na gold medal yung hawak ko,” he shared in his appearance in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum online edition recently.

“Nag-start daw ‘yung competition and then natapos. Nag-finals and then medal na kaagad. ‘Yun ‘yung mga napanaginipan ko nung araw na ‘yun.

Hindi ko lang maalala kung paano natulog nu’ng araw na ‘yun para maulit ko lang ‘yung ganu’ng panaginip,” added the son of former bemedalled national team shooter Julius Valdez. “Siguro isa ‘yun sa pangitain. We’ll see. Hindi natin alam kung ano ‘yung mga next na mangyayari.”

That was in 2018. Fast forward to 2021 and Valdez gets to relive the first step of that dream after earning a berth in the Tokyo Games upon qualifying in the men’s 10-meter air rifle.

All along, the Filipino shooter thought his Olympic bid was over after failing to make past the qualifiers in 2019.

But a ray of hope came by after Valdez was notified by the ISSF (International Shooting Sports Federation) if he’s ready to compete before handing him the Olympic berth via the continental quota. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino later made it official that Valdez just became the 12th Filipino to qualify in the Tokyo Games.

Now the work begins for Valdez, who became the first Filipino marksman to make the Olympics since Paul Bryan Rosario made the cut in the men’s skeet event as a wild card entry during the 2012 Summer Games in London.

He just had himself vaccinated for COVID-19 and spent the past two days just trying to chill and relax before he gets back to the range and prepare for the biggest challenge of his career as a sportsman.

Valdez is confident of his chances, especially working with two of the country’s most accomplished shooters in his father Julius, who won three golds and a silver in the 1987 Jakarta Southeast Asian Games, and veteran Nathaniel ‘Tac’ Padilla, a five-time gold medal winner in the SEA Games.

“Since from the start siya talaga ‘yung nag-support sa akin. Binigyan niya ako ng gamit, binilhan niya ako ng baril, binibigyan nya ako ng support.

And every competition ko abroad, lagi niya akong binibigyan ng lahat ng kailangan ko,” Valdez said of Padilla, who he affectionately referred to as ‘Dad,’ during the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

His ‘Papa Julius’ meanwhile, was the one who really encouraged him to take shooting as a sport and lived his father’s dream to become an Olympian.

“Being an Olympian ay pangarap niyang gising at pangarap niyang tulog, something like that. Hindi niya kasi naituloy,” he said of the elder Valdez in the weekly Forum powered by Smart and Upstream Media as the official webcast partner.

Valdez has started practicing as he gears for the Olympic competition where 30 marksmen are vying in his event, with the Top Eight advancing in the medal round.

His immediate goal?

Beat his personal best of 630 or more which he oftently does in practice.

“Ma-beat ko lang ‘yung personal best ko, I’m sure papasok ako sa Top Eight. We’ll see,” added Valdez, who noted that some of his possible opponents in the Olympics own personal best of either 631 or 632.

JAYSON VALDEZ: Ma-beat ko lang ‘yung personal best ko, I’m sure papasok ako sa Top Eight. We’ll see.

n Editor:

RIERA U. MALLARI; Assistant Editor: RANDY M. CALUAG

n By PETER ATENCIO

RISTINA Knott has gratefulness in her heart after becoming the 15th Filipino qualifier to the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

KRISTINA KNOTT: I’m honored and grateful to finally call myself an Olympian.

Her experiences for the last four months, being able to travel abroad and compete in Europe for the first time, are things that she will cherish for a long time.

“It was a good experience, traveling abroad since the pandemic. It was a bit weird (surreal), but I’m glad I got to travel again,” said the Knott to the Manila Standard during a break in her preparations while in pursuit of an Olympic qualification slot.

Back in May, Knott, who is coached by Rohsaan Griffin, was gaining a significant increase in her position in the current Olympic rankings. Her rankings points moved up after Knott joined two world-class meets in Italy last May. Rising from being in the mid-80s in the past months, Knott has moved to 63rd place while in Italy. She then moved a notch up to 62, then to 39th place.

Now grounded in Sweden, undergoing a five-day quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19, Knott felt glad that she got this far, even if she was not able to see action in the Karlstad Grand Prix athletics meet anymore because of her situation.

Knott is currently resting in her room as she gets ready to leave Sweden within the week.

“You have to deserve it. It’s not an automatic thing. She was right there, in the middle of it. Her rankings were within striking distance of qualification,” said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico.

Knott was among four tracksters in the women’s 200-meter dash, who made it to the quadrennial meet via the universality places ruling. The other three who were given universality placings were Singapore’s Veronica Shanti Pereira, South Sudan’s Lucia Moris and Guðbjörg Jóna Bjarnadóttir of Iceland.

Under the universality rule, member countries in athletics may enter one male athlete and one female athlete, regardless of time, if they have no athletes meeting the entry standard.

At first, Knott’s goal was to hit the Olympic Qualification Standard of 22.8 seconds in order punch an outright ticket to the Tokyo Games. Or she could do it by earning enough points and make it to the quadrennial meet by way of World Rankings quota.

Both were no longer possible with Knott already getting an Olympic slot and after organizers pulled her out of her competitions in Sweden in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter events.

And with the Olympics just a month to go, Knott said she now has a different set of challenges.

“Among my challenges is staying healthy, especially in this COVID time,” said Knott.

There were two races that allowed Knott to come close to qualification.

First was when she raced against Rio Olympics veteran Marie-Josée Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast on May 19 at the International Meeting of the City of Castiglione della Pescaia in Italy.

This event counted as one of her best stints this year.

While Ta Lou, who is at no. 5 in the Olympics, dominated in the

200 meters in 22.88 seconds, with a +4.9 meters/ second breeze blowing, Knott settled for the silver behind her in 23.9 seconds.

This became Knott’s second best time for the season.

In the second week of May, Knott braved the cold weather and clocked 23.74 seconds at the International Meeting City of Savona-Memorial Giulio Ottolia in Savona, Italy.

British favorite Dina Asher Smith, who finished fifth in the 2016 Rio Olympics, broke the meet record in 23.06 seconds for the gold. Asher Smith has already made the cut back in the 2019 World Championships in Doha with a record-shattering 21.88 seconds performance.

“It’s always a great opportunity to run against world-class athletes,” said Knott.

Knott’s participation in Tokyo was confirmed eight days before the June 29 cutoff period. She still has time to get back on shape for the biggest race of her career.

“Now that she’s on the table, she just has to show that she deserves to be there (Olympics),” said Griffin.

Griffin, who is in isolation himself in his hotel room, said Knott has been fully vaccinated before they left Texas, having taken two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

He said Knott will go into a training camp in Austin, Texas once she is able to return to the US, to get back in shape.

Knott joined in the Olympics weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz (-55 kg) and Elreen Ando (-64kg), flyweight boxer Carlo Paalam, middleweight Eumir Marcial, flyweight Irish Magno, featherweight Nesthy Petecio; gymnast Caloy Yulo; pole vaulter EJ Obiena, jin Kurt Barbosa, rower Cris Nievarez, skateboarder Margie Didal, shooter Jayson Valdez, golfer Juvic Pagunsan and Fil-Japanese judoka Kiyomi Watanabe.

“I’m honored and grateful to finally call myself an Olympian,” said Knott.

A space for Pride

JUNE 27, 2021

Google Philippines’ Pride Conversations: Championing LGBTQ+ MSMEs, live streamed on Facebook and YouTube, featured queer business owners thriving amid the pandemic.

n By ELLICIA FRENTZEN C. DEL MUNDO

W

HAT is it like to be a queer business owner in the Philippines?

Mark Bautista is one of the featured artists in Spotify’s Bahaghari playlist.

The answer to this question was the highlight of the recent “Pride Conversations” Google Philippines hosted virtually in celebration of Pride Month and International MSMEs Day this June. The event featured six LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who are pushing forward during the pandemic.

Inspiring Stories A place of beauty and love

The Pride Hub features LGBTQIA+ artists, podcasters, and themed playlists.

AUDIO streaming platform Spotify recently launched its latest Pride initiative, Claim Your Space.

The initiative included the launch of Pride Hub, an all year long hub that features and promotes LGBTQIA+ artists, podcasters, and themed playlists from around the world.

“We’ve actually been celebrating Pride in the community over the last few years. This year, ‘Claim Your Space’ is our commitment to celebrating diversity and voices from all walks of life, with the desire to create a permanent space for queer representation both on and off the Spotify platform,” says Kossy Ng, head of music for Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, listeners can search for “Pride” on Spotify to discover tunes from artists like Paul Pablo and buzz from podcasters like AC Soriano and more.

Bahaghari is Philippines’ dedicated Pride playlist on the Hub, featuring top tracks from international and local LGBTQIA+ artists and allies, including “Bangin”, “R.Y.F.”, “Fix Me”, and “This Love Isn’t Crazy”.

Local pride-inspired podcasts like “Gabi ng Bading”, “Huwag ‘tong Makakalabas”, and “Becky Nights” are also available.

“It takes incredible courage and determination to be your authentic self, and I’m thankful for the various communities and platforms, like Spotify, that are safe and inclusive, giving an opportunity for us to thrive as well as empower us to inspire others,” says Mark Bautista, whose track “I Need You” is featured in the Bahaghari playlist.

Bautista continues, “With the hopes of creating a more vibrant and empathetic society, I hope my work and voice continues to shape the culture for the LGTBQ+ community in the Philippines.”

A proud trans woman and beauty queen, Rui Mariano established Fairygodbarbie House of Beauty not only to provide transformational beauty services but to also help her fellow trans women.

“Gusto ko rin matulungan ang mga trans sisters natin. Kasi once pumasok sila sa house of beauty ko, hindi lang siya [a place for] pagpapaganda, naging home na rin siya para sa amin,” she said.

Mariano shared that the name Fairygodbarbie was inspired by her trans woman aunt who raised her and dressed Rui Mariano, owner her up when she was a of Fairygodbarbie child – like a fairy godmother. Barbie, on the other hand, was what her aunt used to describe her.

The beauty shop offers nails, eyelashes, spa, and facial services, among others.

Nirvana in paradise

Opening a business was not part of Abby Biyo’s plan with her girlfriend. But after vacationing in Siargao, they decided to open Nirvana Hostel and Restaurant, the first Kapampangan restaurant and hostel on the island.

However, after only 15 days of opening their business in March 2020, they had to close temporarily. Despite being hard-hit by the pandemic, Biyo did not falter in her resolve.

“This pandemic would not stop me from achieving yung mga gusto ko talagang Abby Biyo (middle) with guests mangyari for Nirvana at Nirvana Hostel and Restaurant. kasi it’s not just for me, it’s for my family, and yung mga employees na gusto naming matulungan by hiring them,” she asserted, adding that their business aims to help people by creating more job opportunities.

Have a haircut and milk tea

PR and marketing practitioner Jeof Solas’ experience in the business industry has enabled him to establish brands and quickly adapt to the changes as they come.

During the lockdown last year, he trans-

formed one of his brands, Cooltura Hub in Bulacan, into a barbershop that also offers beverages from BreaTea. The lockdown limited Solas’ Cooltura Hub founder reach in the area, Jeof Solas but it also allowed him to get to know his neighborhood more and even provide employment opportunities in the community. “It gave me the opportunity to actually reach out to a lot of people within my area and in my neighborhood. You reach out and you try to give opportunities [by providing] employment, ” he shared.

The K-pop quartet also had fun designing their own limited edition Globe At Home x BLACKPINK modems.

Lisa displayed her fondness for cats and UFOs with the stickers while Rosé opted for gemstones to represent “wild beauty”. Remembering the warmth of the Philippines on her 2018 visit, Jisoo placed a sticker of a palm tree on her modem to commemorate her trip. Jennie opted for a clean and simple design.

The girls then watched and reacted to daebak dance covers of their popular hits like “Pretty Savage” and “Love Sick Girls”, delighted with how passionate their fans from the

Built by support

For the love of cooking

The Food Episode started as a lockdown weekend hobby for Sed Aguil until he decided to pursue it for a living.

The advertising practitioner admitted it was challenging to open a business in the middle of a pandemic. He struggled doing everything on his own, from doing product shoots, managing his social media accounts, and Sed Aguil, owner cooking in the of The Food Episode kitchen.

“It was really challenging for me because I have no assistant and I have to do everything on my own. But whenever I receive positive comments from my customers, it makes things feel worth it,” he said.

Quick to adapt

Amrei Dizon considers her 17-year-old creative agency, Vitalstrats Creative Solutions, fortunate for being able to steer toward survival amid the challenges brought by the pandemic.

First, they struggled with the work-fromhome setup. Then they faced liquidity problems.

But she said the situation favored Vitalstrats Creative Solutions them as the demand for digital founder Amrei Dizon

What happened at BLACKPINK exclusive fan event last week UNBOXING balikbayan boxes, bedazzling Wi-Fi modems, and reconnecting with Blinks – those were the highlights of the recent BLACKPINK fan meet hosted by Globe Kmmunity.

During the virtual event on June 18, dubbed “Show You Like That: An Exclusive Show for the Ultimate Globe Fans”, Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa learned about the Philippines as they unboxed a balikbayan box, as per request of their Filipino fans.

The girls tinkered with ukulele, abaniko, banig, and a miniature version of the Philippine jeepney. Jennie even tried her hand at playing jackstones.

services increased over time. It also helped that their team culture promotes creativity, teamwork, and adaptability, enabling them to get through and recover.

“We were fortunate that one of our core services is digital content production. Because of the increasing demand for digital services, we balanced our resources,” she shared.

Nariese Giangan (middle), cofounder of FFTG Café

Nariese Giangan and her girlfriend started selling baked goods online in April 2020.

After receiving overwhelming feedback from customers, they decided to use what remained of their savings to open a physical store in Quezon City.

FFTG Café (Food For The Gays) not only fulfills Giangan’s vision to serve coffee and pastries, but has also become a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

Giangan believes trust is important in the success of any business. “Trust your products [and] trust your customers. Lagi nating isipin na grabe yung ang suporta na matatanggap natin especially from the LGBT community.”

As part of Google’s commitment to promote economic recovery and help digitize LGBTQowned businesses, the event also discussed the use of Google My Business, a tool designed to help small businesses grow digitally.

The tool allows a business to establish its presence on Google Maps and Search, while the Primer application provides short marketing lessons for free.

Philippines are, admiring their style, expression, and moves.

While watching the tribute video from their fans, the girls reminisced special moments with Blinks. “I thought I was really getting used to the contact-free life, but seeing these clips from our concert and our fans really hit me how long it’s been since I last saw our fans, and how much I miss them,” mused Jennie.

The limited edition modem is available at new.globe.com.ph/prepaid-wifi/blackpink for only P2,499.

It comes with exclusive BLACKPINK photo cards and stickers so custom- BLACKPINK members unbox a balikbayan box during ers can design their own modem. the exclusive fan meet hosted by Globe Kmmunity.

JUNE 27, 2021

Four local movies to screen in South Korean fest

JC Santos and Janine Gutierrez in a scene from the pandemic-themed romance, ‘Dito at Doon.’

n By MARIA KATRINA SEGUI

THE 25TH Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea has unveiled its lineup of movies that included four Filipino films.

Filipino movies Mang Jose, Tenement 66, Days of the New, and Dito at Doon will be having its world premiere at this year’s BIFAN, joining the roster of 258 international films from 47 countries.

Mang Jose is based on the 2005 Parokya Ni Edgar track of the same title starring Janno Gibs and directed

by Raynier Brizuela. The film revolves around the superhero, Mang Jose,

who only saves people when they rent for his service.

Dito at Doon tells the “quaran-fling” of two lovers, Len and Caloy, played

by Janine Gutierrez and JC Santos.

The story explores the challenges of keeping relationships afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film is directed by JP Habac under TBA Studios.

Tenement 66 is one of the highly-anticipated local films this year. The crime thriller under iWant TFC is directed by the celebrated Babae at Baril filmmaker Rae Red starring young actress Francine Diaz with Francis Magundayao. It tells the crime-filled life of a troubled teen charged with

petty theft.

Days of the New’ is a short film set in a dystopian society where mysterious phenomena and the digital world collide. The film is directed by Keith Deligero who is known for his collection of short film pieces.

The movie screenings will run from July 8 to July 18 and can be enjoyed online through BIFAN’s website.

The festival aims to promote and expand the “fantastic” genre of movies like thriller, horror, mystery, and fantasy, particularly in Asian cinema. BIFAN is also one of the most prestigious film festivals in Asia, held annually in July in Bucheon, South Korea.

n By AMIRA DANICA PASION

INGER Maris Racal is serving some good visuals giving local culture a modern vibe in the official video for her newest track, “Ate Sandali.”

Released on June 23, the single was originally composed by the artist, while the music video had Rico Blanco as one of the producers.

According to the 23-year-old actress, the song was primarily addressed to people who have fallen in love with the same person who does not show enough affection like the way they did before.

Maris admittedly stated in her Twitter account that she once experienced that kind of scenario but she has learned from her mistakes and said “wrote this one for my marupok self… but I don’t know her anymore.”

Other than the meaning of the song, the singer has presented Filipino culture in her music video in an aesthetic way.

SERVING SOME VISUALS. Singer and actress Maris Racal dons a modern Filipiniana in ‘Ate Sandali’ music video. The song debuted at the top of iTunes charts hours after it was released.

Ensembles, such as modern Filipiana with patterns used in the traditional tribe garments, were shown in the artists’ outfits during the music video.

Maris also creatively used fans or commonly known as pamaypay as her background which is proudly made in the Philippines.

In addition, the singer also included some words that are used as a native language in the country such as “adarit” which means woman chaser.

With this, the audience applauded these Filipino portrayals in her music video as this could promote the beauty of the country’s culture.

Other than serving local visuals, Maris also included members from the LGBTQIA+ community as the choreographer, and two dancers who accompanied her during the music video were confirmed to be part of the said community.

Choreographer Joe Abuda stated in her Twitter account that their involvement in the music video was an achievement.

“Truly a triumph for TRANS and QUEER Visibility in the media,” Abuda said.

“Ate Sandali” is currently available on different streaming sites such as iTunes and Spotify.

‘School of 2021’ finalizes cast, release date

Netflix drops extended teaser for ‘Kingdom’ side-sequel n By MHERYLL L. ALFORTE

Jun Ji-hyun in ‘Kingdom’ side sequel.

STREAMING giant Netflix has recently released an extended trailer teaser for Kingdom: Ashin of the North where the viewers get a glimpse of the origins of the resurrection plant, which caused the downfall of the South Korean kingdom.

The special standalone episode unveils the backstory of a younger Ashin and how the character is related to the mysteries surrounding the resurrection plant, which is believed to be where the infectious disease originated from. The trailer hints Ashin’s terminally ill mother

as the primary reason for her plans to find the resurrection plant that supposedly brings the dead back to life.

At the end of the second season, the main series teased Ashin, a mysterious woman played by Jun Ji-hyun (My Sassy Girl, Love from the Star, and Legend of the Blue Sea), whose character introduction had its viewers all excited.

Last Feb. 25, Kingdom writer Kim Eun Hee and director Kim Seong Hun shared exciting details about the series’ spin-off in a panel discussion on Netflix’s See What’s Next Korea virtual event.

“I thought that it would be more apt to tackle that in the special episode, a spin-off, rather than incorporating that into the regular seasons, just to make it more interesting,” Kim said during the event.

Director Kim also said that Kingdom: Ashin of the North serves as a building block of the foundation of the Kingdom universe.

Kingdom is the first original South Korean series by Netflix which premiered on Jan. 25, 2019.

The special episode is set to be released simultaneously in 190 countries on July 23.

Meet NCAA Season 96 anchorman Anton Roxas INTERNATIONAL sportscaster and one of the country’s premier sports commentators Anton Roxas joins Rise Up Stronger: NCAA Season 96 as its sports anchor.

Every day, seven times a week, Anton gives viewers a blow-by-blow account of every game as well as its highlights. During the first week of Season 96, Anton joined sports fans in watching and analyzing the Taekwondo Poomsae Competition in various divisions.

“I haven’t been here long, but I already see the effort and hard work that is being put out by the production in order to create something fresh and different which in turn, gives the fans a newfound sense of excitement because they know that GMA is serious about telling the story of the Filipino athlete in a way that’s never been done before,” Anton said.

With his 11-year experience as sports commentator, Anton has been

greatly molded him to become covering various sporting events the person that he is now. including both collegiate and As someone who has been professional basketball and volcovering sports for quite some leyball, as well as professional time, Anton sees the imporand world title matches in boxtance of pushing through with ing and mixed martial arts. the NCAA this year—even Anton had the privilege to amid the challenging times. cover the 2019 NBA All-Star “It shows that the NCAA did Weekend in Charlotte and repnot want to just give up and resented the Philippines as one wait for the pandemic to be of the interviewers. He was also over before restarting sports the program host at the 2018 competition.

Instead, the FIBA World Cup Russia Sports league, with the help of its new Program and covered the 2019 International sportscaster and one of the country’s media partner, GMA, adapted Southeast Asian Games, as well to the situation and found a as One Championship and Uni- premier sports commentators Anton Roxas joins ‘Rise way to make Season 96 hapversal Reality Combat Champi- Up Stronger: NCAA Season 96’ as its sports anchor. pen,” he said. onship (URCC). for me, I have found fulfillment in seeCatch Anton in Rise Up Stronger: The NCAA sports anchor has long ing the dreams I once had come true been a fan of sports, with basketball for the athletes that I cover. And that NCAA Season 96 on GTV weekdays as his favorite. goes for any sport, not just basket- on its new time slot at 3 p.m. with replays weeknights at 10:50 p.m. View“I’ve always been passionate about ball,” he said. sports. It was my dream growing up Back in high school, Anton was a ers can still get their weekend dose to become a professional basketball varsity basketball player for De La of NCAA during Saturdays at 4:30 player. Although that did not happen Salle-Zobel—an experience that has p.m., and Sundays at 5:05 p.m.

Kim Yo Han leads the eighth installment of the ‘School’ series.

FRESH faces are set to add zest to School series as KBS unveils an entirely new cast as well as the release date of the upcoming new season.

School 2021, the eighth installment for the School series, will follow the lives of students who are about to graduate high school and face their uncertain futures.

The cast includes Kim Yo Han (A Love o Beautiful and Zombie Detective) who will portray Gong Ki Joon, an injured taekwondo athlete; Kim Young Dae (The Penthouse 2, True Beauty) who plays Jung Young Joo, a transfer student with a hidden past; Cho Yi Hyun (The Hospital Playlist, The Guest) will play Jin Ji Won, a sharp and ambitious student; and Hwang Bo Reum Byeol (The World of My 17) who will portray Kang Seo Young, an intelligent student who aims to get accepted into one of the top universities in the country.

The drama was originally entitled School of 2020 and was supposed to be released in the second half of the previous year.

However, according to a report

by Soompi, KBS changed the title to School 2021.

Following this change, the supposed plot and characters for School 2020, which were based on the novel Oh, My Men! by Lee Hyun, were scrapped. The new installment now has a new set of characters as well as a different plot.

—MHERYLL L. ALFORTE

By DESIREE CARLOS

Yes, meowmy, cats can have allergies JUST like humans, your cat may be allergic to something in her environment or food.

“As your cat tries to SYMPTOMS INCLUDE process and get rid of Sneezing, coughing, these irritating substancand wheezing es, they may show a vaItchy, running eyes riety of symptoms,” says Ear infections Fetch in webMD.com in Vomit ing or diarrhea “Cat Allergies: SympSnoring toms, Causes, TreatSwollen, sensitive paws ments, Diagnosis.”

Excessive licking (grooming) Fetch said there are Red or dry skin four common allergies in Scratching cats.

THEY ARE: 1 ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES. This kind of allergy is caused by environmental matters/materials such as pollen, grass, fungi, mold, and dust. Your cat may also be sensitive to cigarette smoke, perfume, and some cleaning products.

2 FLEA ALLERGIES. Some cats develop an allergic reaction to a flea bite. It can be very irritating for the cat. “The saliva from a flea bite can affect a cat’s entire body, not just where the cat was bitten. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right flea prevention product to help protect your cat,” Fetch says.

RAFFLE, kitten rescued by Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.), loves to stay in the bathroom of her adopter. Since she loves it here, then she gets to be bathe too to prevent itchiness and other skin problems.

JUNE 27, 2021 n Editor: DESIREE CARLOS

email: daycarlos28@yahoo.com

DIAMOND, rescued from the pound by Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.) in 2014, is now 15-16 years old. To keep her in shape physically and to stimulate her mind, she is given a car ride and brought to the park to walk and play.

SILVER, an 18-year old Save ALL rescue who was also rescued from pound, loves to walk but the activity is limited to around 10-15 minutes daily. She walks only during cooler time of the day. A senior dog’s body gets warm easily, thus make sure you have water with you all the time, and walk her only during cool hours of the day.

3 FOOD ALLERGIES. Some cats may be allergic to some food. This can cause skin itchiness, vomiting, or diarrhea. Your veterinarian can help you find out which food causes irritation in your cat. After determining which food caused the allergy, you can then come up with an appropriate diet for your cat with the help of your vet 4 ATOPIC DERMATITIS. When a cat experiences allergies, their body can develop a skin condition called at opic dermatitis. Due to this condition, your cat may develop skin sores, scabbing, hair loss, and redness.

“Environmental and flea allergies are usually treated by your veterinarian using the same meds, often including skin creams or a prescribed medication,” Fetch says.

What to do

Please bring your cat to the vet for assessment if you see any of the symptoms.

“Given that there are so many different kinds of cat allergies, your vet can help diagnose the cause of your cat’s issues and determine the appropriate treatment,” Fetch says.

Treatment depends on your cat’s situation. The vet will review her medical history and will recommend several tests.

“Cat allergy testing is done with either a blood test or skin test. For a blood test, the vet will take a sample of the cat’s blood and send it to a lab for evaluation. For a skin test, small injections are given to the cat just under the skin. If your cat is allergic to a particular substance, a hive will often appear on their body, “ says Fetch.

“Neither test is necessarily better than the other. At times veterinarians will complete both tests to gain a better understanding of your cat’s allergies. After the vet determines what’s causing the allergic reaction, they can then prescribe the right solution,” Fetch adds.

Treatment

The first thing to do is to prevent items or things that may cause allergy to enter your cat’s environment.

Fetch suggests you: 1 Use flea and tick control recommended by the vet.

2 Use dust-free cat litter.

3 To relieve itching, bathe your cat.

4 Make sure you home is free of dirt and dust.

5 Make sure to wash your cat’s bedding regularly.

6 Give your cat a healthy diet.

7 Do not smoke around your pets.

In some cases, your vet may prescribe some meds and some dietary supplements.

Medicine for cat allergies

Your vet will prescribe the following: for the 1 Medicine

“Always talk to itchiness. your vet before giv- 2 Lotion, ointments, s.ear e drop drops or ey ing a new medication to your cat,” 3 Antihistamines Fetch stresses. ention 4 Flea prev And yes, Fetch products says cats with asthma are more likely to develop cat allergies.

“If your cat has both asthma and allergies, your veterinarian will likely prescribe a medication that can help open your cat’s airway temporarily. Long-term treatments may include medications like corticosteroids,” Fetch says.

O CHIEN, also a Save ALL Inc. rescue, loves to roll on the floor and to hide in plant pots. Thus, she is given an anti-tick and flea preventive every two months.

Consult your vet for preventives you can use for your cat to keep her free of ticks.

LDER dogs sleep a lot. They prefer to just lie around the house. But this is not healthy for your pet. Someday you will notice your senior doggo is losing weight and muscle mass.

Though you are afraid of injuring your dog, it is important that exercise is included in your senior dog’s daily routine, said Nicole Cosgrove in “11 Tips for Exercising your Senior Dog – Safe and Effective!” in petkleen.com.

Cosgrove said there are several things a furparent can do to motivate a pet to get him back in shape. Here are her tips for a safe and effective exercise routine for your senior doggo.

1 Check with your veterinarian

Before you start an exercise program, bring your dog to the vet for a check-up. The vet can tell you if it is safe to start an exercise program, and how much exercise your dog can do, specially during the first few days or weeks.

2 Start slow

Always start slow when exercising an old dog who has started to lose weight and muscle mass. Such a dog can be injured easily and will be discouraged from continuing when it heals. Be patient and let the muscles build back up slowly. “Any activity is better than no activity, and you can increase the duration and difficulty later,” Cosgrove said.

3 Warm-up

Stretching is very important. It is also called a warmup. “Old dogs need extra time to stretch and get their muscles ready for a long walk or run. Let your dog take a few laps around the yard chasing a ball or a stick before you get started to help get the muscles moving and the blood flowing. A short warm-up will help reduce the risk of injury,” Cosgrove suggested.

4 Keep it low impact

Avoid high-impact exercises like jumping for old dogs as these might cause injury. “The best low impact exercises you can choose from are walking and swimming. Dog parks are another good choice, and they will provide your dog with the added stimulation of meeting new friends,” Cosgrove said.

5 Proper surface

A dog who has spent a lot of time lying around will likely have tender paws. Because of this, it will be painful for the dog to walk on concrete or pavement, especially in the hot parts of the day. If your dog is struggling to walk, it will be best to move to a grassy or cooler area.

6 Daily walk

A short, daily walk is good for a dog. A short, daily swim is also good. “The walks don’t need to be far. A ten or 15-minute walk will be more than adequate. You can extend it a few minutes every few weeks if you start to see some progress,” Cosgrove said.

7 Watch for pain and discomfort

Be vigilant and always observe your dog for signs of discomfort. “Hot pavement might not be the only reason your dog is complaining, so you will need to keep watch and stop if problems arise. Stopping can help prevent injury from occurring, and it will also help the dog trust that you have its well-being in mind,” Cosgrove said.

8 Be Consistent

Hold your sessions at the same time each day to help your dog get into a routine. “Routines are extremely important, especially if your dog is reluctant to participate.

You will need to show that it can be fun so your dog will remember the good time it had at this time yesterday and will want to participate. It’s extremely effective, but missing even a single day, especially at the beginning, can set you back to square one,” Cosgrove said.

9 Don’t Forget Mental Exercise

Not all exercises have to be physical. Your dog also needs mental stimulation. Hide treats around your home to trigger your pet’s hunting instincts. Purchase commercial puzzles with different difficulty ratings. A dog who is mentally stimulated is less likely to get depressed and is more likely to enjoy participating in different games and activities.

10 Cool Down

Cooling down is also important for dogs. “This is where you can praise your dog and give it some pets, a massage, and a belly rub. Some treats are probably also in order no matter how your pet did. This cooldown period is what will bring the dog back to the training session tomorrow, so don’t leave it out,”Cosgrove said.

11 Flexible Routine

Be flexible with your old dog though. There may be good and bad days for a senior dog. Please do not push them even if he is making progress and hasn’t had a bad day in a while. “Make sure your routine is flexible enough that you can have a change of plans at any time,” Cosgrove said.

Many pet owners are afraid to exercise a senior dog but it is important for your dog to live longer and happier.

“Even mild exercise will make it easier for your dog to get up from a resting position or walk up and downstairs. It will also help your dog regain its appetite, so it can begin to put on weight again. As long as you get your dog checked by a vet before you begin and you start slowly, your dog will begin to regain muscle and have fun in the process. It will also give you some extra time to bond with your pet,” Cosgrove said. (DC)