Manila Standard - 2021 July 4 - Sunday

TAAL LOGS RECORD-HIGH SO2 LEVEL

Local fishermen are allowed to check on their fish cases on July 3, 2021 but only during ‘window hours’ as Taal Volcano continues to belch sulfure dioxide after a phreatomagmatic eruption Thursday. (Below) Members of the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Air Force and Philippine National Police evacuate residents of Brgy.

Buso-buso in Laurel town after Phivolcs warned a stronger eruption may likely happen. PCG

‘Eruption imminent’ n By MARICEL CRUZ

Taal Volcano emitted a record-high amount of sulfur oxide (SO2) Saturday, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to warn another eruption may be imminent.

More than 3,000 individuals have fled their homes due to the rumblings of Taal, which has been placed under Alert Level 3 after a phreatomagmatic eruption Thursday.

Phivolcs yesterday said the restive volcano logged 14,699 tonnes of SO2, the highest recorded level.

“Elevated SO2 emission may be succeeded by eruptive activity at the main crater,” Phivolcs said in its advisory Saturday evening.

Brace for more evacuees

Forced evacuation has been implemented in at least five barangays in the towns of Agoncillo (Banyaga and Bilibinwang) and Laurel (Gulod, Buso-buso and Lakeshore Bugaan).

Phivolcs said “entry into high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur.”

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council deputy spokesman Mark Timbal said some 791 families or about 3,011 individuals have been evacuated from four towns in Batangas of which 1,554 were in 11 evacuation centers while 1,457 individuals chose to stay with their relatives.

“We expect more residents to evacuate over the coming days,” said provincial disaster official Joselito Castro.

www.manilastandard.net

Police help desks

2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES

Vol. 35 35 n No.139 No.139

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered the setting up of police assistance desks in evacuation centers where displaced residents relocated.

Eleazar said COVID-19 protocol officers will coordinate with the health offices of local government units to ensure health safety protocols are observed.

The Department of Agriculture also announced the activation of animal and livestock rescue centers where farmers can bring their cattle and other farm animals for safekeeping.

Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the country that is hit periodically by eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” – a zone of intense seismic activity. AFP

JULY 4, 2021

18 .00

IN MET R MANILAO

Pacquiao accuses 4 agencies of corruption

B

n By JOYCE PAÑARES, JOEL ZURBANO and MARICEL CRUZ

OXED into a corner with no less than President Rodrigo Duterte taunting him to unmask the corrupt activities he claimed have tripled under the present administration, Senator Manny Pacquiao pulled no punches in naming at least four government agencies where he claimed anomalous transactions continue – the departments of Social Welfare, Health, Energy and Environment.

In a Zoom press conference Saturday, Pacquiao presented to the media piles of documents which he claimed would prove the corrupt practices in government, adding he will file a resolution to seek a Blue Ribbon Committee investigation on the matter.

“It is not my intention to make the President angry,” he said.

“But just like the President, I was also trusted by 15 million Filipinos, and like him, I have obligations to our nation. Please don’t get mad, Mr. President, because I am also trying to help you get rid of corruption,

which is the root of poverty in our country. Corruption is the cancer of our society.”

Where is P10.4 billion ayuda?

Pacquiao questioned the P50 billion contract entered into by the Department of Social Welfare and Development with e-wallet app Starpay, which he said only had a paid-up capital of P62,000.

He said P14 billion was released to Starpay for the disbursement of social amelioration funds of some 1.8 million beneficiaries.

“You have to download the Starpay app to get the funds.

Only 500,000 people downloaded the app, yet they are claiming to have released funds to 1.8 million beneficiaries.

What happened to the 1.3 million who did not receive the funds? Where did the P10.4 billion funds go?”

CONTINUED ON 2A

COVID-19 PH AT Senator Manny Pacquiao presents piles of documents to the media – allegedly showing proof of corruption in at least four agencies – the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Energy and Department of Environment and Natural Resources – in a Zoom press conference Saturday before leaving for the United States to prepare for his boxing match with Errol Spence Jr.

A

GLANCE

1,430,419 5,908

53,665

25,063

7,698

1,351,691

90

New

I

N

S

I

D

E

News ...............................................................

World News .........................................

Business ...................................................

Sports ...........................................................

A2 A3 A4 B1

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

Asia’s oldest paper marks 200th year FEATURES | 4B

Philtwitter.com/ MlaStandard

manilastandard.net

Indonesia virus cases skyrocket, curbs imposed

COVID situation still fragile: DOH

WORLD | 3A mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Death

Recoveries

NEWS | 2A

Active

New New

(AS OF 4 PM, JULY 03)

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

JULY 4, 2021

PH virus situation ‘fragile’ THE country is “not yet out of the woods” despite being classified as a low-risk area for COVID-19, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said as he appealed to Filipinos not to be complacent amid the “fragile” situation due to the pandemic.

“If you look at the overall risk classification, the Philippines is considered as a low-risk area. However, we should also consider that there are areas with spikes or surges,” Duque said.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau director Dr. Alethea De Guzman said the nationwide negative two-week growth rate of -9 percent and lower average daily attack rate of 5.42 prompted the low-risk classification.

Remain vigilant

NEWSBRIEFS

Daulah Islamiyah member killed GOVERNMENT troops killed a member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group during an encounter in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, the military said yesterday.

Western Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan said soldiers encountered some 30 members of a local terrorist group led by SalaSalahuddin Hassan in Barangay Salman on Friday.

The gun battle, Vinluan said, lasted for half an hour and resulted in the death of a Dawlah Islamiyah – Hassan Group member.

Joint Task Force Central head Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy identified the casualty as Muslimin Kulas Tagal, based on the postal and voter’s ID recovered in his possession.

Last month, two suspected members of the Daulah Islamiyah group were also killed in an operation in Polomok, South Cotabato.

In December, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated the Dawlah Islamiya as a terrorit organization, along with the Islamic State East Asia, the Maute Group, and other Daesh-affiliated groups in the country.

Integrated cloud solutions to help businesses recover

RESILIENCE THROUGH ART. A tenement resident cleans up a mural depicting unity and hope amid the COVID-19 pandemic on a basketball court at Bagong Lipunan Condominium in Western Bicutan, Taguig City on Saturday.

Norman Cruz

Pacquiao...

Asked how high the alleged anomaly goes, Pacquiao demurred, but said it will be “exciting” to untangle the web of corruption involving DSWD and Starpay during the Blue Ribbon hearing.

Nearly expired medicines, questionable power contract

The senator also accused the Department of Health of buying nearly expired medicines at regular prices.

“The price should be much lower because these are nearly expired medicines,” he said. “I am going through several documents that detail the corruption in DOH, and I will make these public at the right time.”

Pacquiao also questioned the decision of the Department of Energy – led by Sec. Alfonso Cusi with whom he is at loggerheads with at the PDP-Laban party – to authorize the private firm Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines to become a

5,908 new cases

The Philippines logged on Saturday 5,908 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 1,430,419, as five laboratories were not able to submit their data on time.

The DOH also reported 90 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 25,063.

Some 7,698 persons have recently recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 1,351,691.

Stiffer punishment

Meanwhile, Duque said there should be stiffer punishment for those illegally selling COVID-19 vaccines as they compromise the government’s inoculation program.

“They should be punished to teach them a lesson they will not forget. Let’s not disrespect the program that will give protection to every Filipino,” he said.

The National Bureau of Investigation on Thursday arrested three of four suspects in the illegal sale of COVID-19 jabs in Quezon City. The suspects face charges for violation of the Food and Drug Administration Act. WILLIE CASAS

Customs destroy P2b counterfeit goods n By VITO BARCELO

THE Bureau of Customs destroyed seized smuggled counterfeit products worth P2 billion in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

BOC Port of Manila deputy collector for operations Liza Sebastian said the condemned products were seized during various anti-smuggling operations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Among the destroyed items counterfeit

INTEGRATING logistics and supply chain are key to remaining competitive in a post-pandemic business environment, logistics provider Locad said as it unveiled its cloud solution that brings warehousing, packing, and shipping into one user-friendly platform.

“Business owners and company heads are beginning to realize that there is a growing need to integrate their entire logistics and supply chain,” Locad CEO and co-founder Constantin Robertz said.

“Today’s customers widely expect their orders to be delivered safely and punctually, as a standard level of service, especially as the lockdowns and work-from-home situations have made them reliant on the digital marketplace as well as on-demand online deliveries,” he added.

A recent study showed that 91 percent of Filipino internet users have turned to online shopping because of the lockdowns while e-commerce grew by 55 percent since the pandemic started.

Locad entered the market last year as an innovative third-party logistics challenger in Southeast Asia with its cloud logistics network that can or orchestrate the supply chain, from warehouse to delivery, for brands that come from a wide range of industries.

It has established offices in Australia, India, Singapore, and Manila where its clients cover both large companies and MSMEs such as Landmark (retail) and Payless (footwear), Kumu (social), Ter Terranova (fashion), Vans (footwear) and ABCD Or Organics (oils).

From page 1

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the country must remain vigilant as some regions continue to post an increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

While the number of infections was slightly slowing down in Metro Manila, Vergeire warned cases outside can affect the region because its borders are “very porous.”

She said the department is closely monitoring the situation in Visayas and in Regions 11, 12, Caraga, and BARMM in Mindanao.

The DOH is also observing some parts of Luzon, particularly Lucena City in Calabarzon, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and the Cordillera Administrative

Region where there is a high health care utilization rate.

shoes, bags and cosmetics bearing popular brands such as Nike, Vans, adidas, Victoria’s Secret, Lacoste, Gucci, Bulgari, Jo Malone, Clinique, and Dior, among others.

The event was attended by Auction and Cargo Disposal Division chief Enrico Turingan III, Intellectual Property Rights Division chief Dominic Garcia, members of the Enforcement and Security Service and representatives from the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights as well

DOTr to spend P100m more for ‘Tsuper Iskolar’

WORKING CLASS. Workers arrange steel pipes at a construction shop in San Miguel, Manila. The number of unemployed Filipinos declined in May as quarantine restrictions eased during the period, which allowed more individuals to rejoin the workforce, the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor Force Survey showed. DANNY PATA

n By DARWIN G AMOJELAR THE Department of Transportation said it has allotted an additional P100 million this year to fund its Tsuper Iskolar Program in a bid to support public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators.

An initiative between the DOTr and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in cooperation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Office of the Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), the Tsuper Iskolar program is in line with the Stakeholders’ Support Mechanism Component of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The Tsuper Iskolar aims to provide participating PUV drivers, conductors, and their family members with free skills training, skills assessment, and entrepreneurship training. Participants in the program are given a daily stipend of P350 for the duration of their training under TESDA. The additional P100 million will accommodate 4,000 beneficiaries for the Tsuper Iskolar Program.

Some 17,284 PUV drivers and operators have since graduated from the TESDA training, while 2,778 are currently enrolled. There are still 804 slots available for the program beneficiaries.

“We are very happy that many drivers, operators, and their relatives have graduated under the Tsuper Iskolar Program,” Tugade said.

power stock market operator when it only had a paid-up capital of P7,000.

“From a paid-up capital of only P7,000, IEMOP became an instant billion-peso company in just one year,” Pacquiao said.

He said some of the documents he has collated – none of which he showed to the media – also pointed to corrupt activities in the Department of Environment and Natural Resource, but the senator did not elaborate.

Rehashed accusations

as representatives from the various brand owners.

POM district collector Michael Vargas said the bureau is committed to strengthen its campaign versus counterfeit and smuggled products.

He also warned the public to be wary of using fake products as they may have adverse side effects, especially lotions, perfumes and even electronic products that are substandard.

Cusi, for his part, said the IEMOP issue was already old hat.

“If Sen. Pacquiao did his assignment, he will learn that all the issues that he raised are rehashed and have been subjected to a full Congressional inquiry by the Lower House.

The DOE has fully and comprehensively discussed and explained properly the propriety and legitimacy of IEMOP. The DOE welcomes the accusations of Sen. Pacquiao and is ready to answer these in any forum,” Cusi said.

The DSWD said it is also willing to cooperate should the Blue Ribbon probe proceed.

“DSWD is willing to face any investigating body and present the necessary evidence/ documents to clarify those raised by the good Senator. In fact, the agency has attended several congressional hearings relative to the SAP implementation,” said DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III denied the government is buying nearly expired medicines since the practice is not allowed under the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration and in accordance with the Procurement Law. “We will have this allegation investigated as soon as Sen. Manny Pacquiao sends us evidence and documents regarding the purported anomalous transactions and get concerned officials and employees to account for their violations if proven true,” Duque said.

Political slugfest

As the rift between Paquiao and the Duterte administration seems to widen, the senator – an eight-division world boxing champion – said he is ready to face any attempt to remove him as president of the ruling party PDP-Laban.

“I am not an acting president. I am the legitimate president of PDP because it was a succession. Any change in leadership must be triggered only if there is a violation. We must all follow the constitution and by-laws of the party,” he said.

Pacquiao said while PDP-Laban counts among its members some 5,000 elected officials, it has 100,000 other members across the country.

And since he does not acknowledge and therefore will not attend the July 17 meeting being organized by Cusi, Pacquiao said he will call for a national assembly of the PDP-Laban in September.

“I liken our situation to the story of King Solomon. The fake mother wanted to divide

the child into two, but the real mother will not allow such a thing to happen. That is what Cusi wants to achieve – divide the party because they do not have real malasakit for the party,” he said.

“I am doing all I can to unite the members and strengthen the party. In unity, there is our victory. We fail if we are divided; we will succeed if we are united.”

“But if they want to use the party as just a stepping stone – not in my time. That is my warning to you,” Pacquiao added.

‘Do not lose hope, Mr. President’

Pacquiao, however, reiterated that he remains an ally and a supporter of Duterte, especially in the latter’s campaign against corruption.

“Do not lose hope, Mr. President. I am here to help you. I know you also abhor corruption,” he said.

“Do not be discouraged, Mr. President. I am with you in this fight against corruption,” the senator added.

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

MEMBER Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Publisher Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Elmer T. Alitagtag Art Director

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

WORLDBRIEFS JULY 4, 2021

19 missing, homes swept away in Japan landslide A HUGE landslide swept away homes and left 19 people missing at a popular resort town in central Japan on Saturday after days of heavy rain, local officials said.

Television footage showed a torrent of mud obliterating some buildings and burying others in Atami, southwest of Tokyo, with people running away as it crashed over a hillside road.

“I heard a horrible sound and saw a mudslide flowing downwards as rescue workers were urging people to

evacuate. So I ran to higher ground,” a leader of a temple near the disaster told public broadcaster NHK. “When I returned, houses and cars that were in front of the temple were gone.”

Rescue mission

A Shizuoka prefecture disaster management official told AFP that “the safety of 19 people is unknown” after the landslide.

The local government has requested military assistance for a rescue

mission, he added.

More than 2,800 homes in the region were without power, according to the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).

A video posted on TikTok from the scene showed a huge slurry of mud and debris sliding slowly down a steep road and nearly engulfing a white car, which drove away before a faster and more devastating torrent arrived.

Much of Japan is currently in its annual rainy season, which lasts sev-

eral weeks and often causes floods and landslides, prompting local authorities to issue evacuation orders.

Experts say climate change is intensifying the phenomenon because a warmer atmosphere holds more water, resulting in more intense rainfall.

More than 200 people died as devastating floods inundated western Japan in 2018, and last year dozens more were killed as the coronavirus pandemic complicated relief efforts. AFP

This aerial picture shows streets partly deserted in Jakarta on July 3, 2021, as Indonesia imposed a partial lockdown in the capital due to the COVID-19 coronavirus Delta variant. AFP

NDONESIA imposed a partial lockdown Saturday in the capital Jakarta, across the main island of Java and on Bali as the Southeast Asian nation grapples with an unprecedented wave of coronavirus infections.

Mosques, restaurants and shopping malls were shuttered in virus hotspots around the Muslim-majority country, which recorded more than 25,000 new cases and 539 deaths on Friday, both new daily records.

Indonesia’s daily The crisis has pushed caseload has more than Indonesia’s creaky quadrupled in less than a month. But the counhealthcare system to try’s official tally to date, the brink of collapse which stands at 2.2 cases and 59,534 with makeshift tents million deaths, is widely believed set up outside jammed to be a severe undercount medical facilities. due to low testing.

The crisis has pushed Indonesia’s creaky healthcare system to the brink of collapse with makeshift tents set up outside jammed medical facilities.

Hospital corridors are overflowing with the sick lying on gurneys, and infected patients have been turned away from hospitals unable to cope with the influx.

The Delta variant of the virus, first identified in India and now present in at least 85 countries, has been driving the recent wave and accounted for more than 80

Death toll in Florida building collapse climbs to 22 TWO more victims were found in the rubble of a partially collapsed apartment building in Florida on Friday, bringing the death toll from last week’s tragedy to 22, with 126 people still unaccounted for, officials said.

The rise in number of victims came as Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said she had signed an order authorizing the demolition of the part of the building that still stands, citing safety issues.

“Our top priority remains search and rescue. I want to be very clear about that,” she said.

“We’re still evaluating all possible impacts and determining the best timeline to actually begin the demolition.”

Emergency personnel had been forced to pause their search and rescue efforts for much of Thursday due to concerns about the safety of the pile of debris in Surfside near Miami Beach, but were able to resume work late in the day.

On Thursday night, rescuers recovered the bodies of two victims, including the seven-yearold daughter of a Miami firefighter, Levine Cava said.

The mayor said that while each night had been difficult for rescuers since part of the Champlain Towers South complex collapsed in the early hours of June 24, it had been “uniquely different and more difficult” when the young victim was found.

The number of people unaccounted for had dropped to 126, suggesting some people had been located away from the scene. A total of 188 people have now been accounted for. AFP

percent of new cases in some areas, the health ministry has said.

‘Nobody is safe’

The strain is the most contagious of any COVID-19 variant so far identified. “(The surge) is primarily because of the Delta variant,” health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said Friday.

“It is in every country – nobody is safe.”

Experts previously warned that millions travelling nationwide at the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in May would trigger an explosion of cases.

The new measures announced

by Indonesian President Joko Widodo this week are set to last until July 20 in hope of bringing daily infections below 10,000.

All non-essential employees are now being ordered to work from home, while classes will only be held online.

The curbs will also apply to holiday island Bali, hit by a recent jump in cases that has delayed plans to reopen to international tourists. AFP

An air tanker drops retardant along a ridge during the Salt fire in Lakehead, California. AFP

sea and islands.”

“Netflix’s violations have hurt feelings and caused outrage among the entire Vietnamese people,” it added.

Content violates Vietnam’s sovereignty The statement also said this was the third time over the past 12 months that Netflix had been found to “distribute movies and TV shows containing content which violates Vietnam’s sovereignty.”

It singled out Chinese romcom “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and the political drama “Madam Secretary.”

Netflix confirmed that Pine Gap – which it describes as an international political thriller set around the Australian and American joint defense intelligence facility at Pine Gap in Australia’s

TIKTOK was running again in Pakistan Saturday after a provincial court lifted suspension of the popular social media service but oror dered it to address complaints that it hosted objectionable content.

The Pakistan Telecoms Authority (PTA) blocked access Thursday for a third time afaf ter a ruling by a Sindh court hearing a private citizen’s petition against the Chinese-owned app.

Freedom of speech advocates have long criticised creeping government censorship and control of Pakistan’s internet and media.

TikTok’s suspension was slammed by the video sharing platform’s huge fan base in PaPa kistan, many of whom use it to market and sell goods online.

But its critics in the deeply conservative Muslim nation say it promotes vulgarity and LBGQT content.

TikTok has been shut down twice before in Pakistan because of alleged “indecent” vidvid eos – most recently in March, after which the platform pledged better moderation.

It said Wednesday it had removed more than six million videos from its Pakistan serser vice in the past three months alone – around 15 percent featuring “adult nudity and sexual activities.”

A PTA official told AFP the court had Friday revoked its earlier order banning the app, and users confirmed it was running again.

Still, even senior Pakistan officials appeared confused by the to- and fro-ing.

“I am baffled after reading... verdict on suspension of TikTok,” Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted. AFP

400,000 people facing famine in war-torn Tigray: UN

Netflix removes Australian spy show in Vietnam over SCS map

NETFLIX has pulled an Australian spy show from its services in Vietnam over scenes containing a map of the South China Sea showing Beijing’s claims in the flashpoint waterway.

The map – shown briefly in two episodes of “Pine Gap” – had prompted a complaint from the Southeast Asian country’s broadcasting authority.

China has long used its socalled nine-dash line to justify its claims over most of the resource-rich South China Sea, often to the displeasure of Vietnam, which also claims parts of the waterway.

Vietnam’s Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information said on its website that the images shown during the six-episode drama had “violated the country’s sovereignty over

TikTok back in Pakistan after court revokes ban

Northern Territory – had been removed in Vietnam.

“Following a written legal demand from the Vietnamese regulator, we have removed the licensed series, Pine Gap, from Netflix in Vietnam, to comply with local law. It remains available on our service in the rest of the world.”

China claims the majority of the South China Sea, often invoking its nine-dash line as a supposed historical justification to the waters, a key global shipping route.

In October 2019, Vietnamese authorities pulled the animated film “Abominable,” a joint production by DreamWorks and China’s Pearl Studio, from cinemas over a scene featuring a similar map showing the ninedash line. AFP

Over 400,000 people have “crossed the threshold into famine” in Ethiopia’s war-torn Tigray region, a senior UN official, appealing milfor urgent humanitarian action to help the mil lions affected by the brutal eight-month long conflict.

Fighting between the Ethiopian governgovern ment and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was reignited last month when the rebels launched a major counter-offensive that saw them retake their regional capital of Mekele.

This week Ethiopian forces destroyed two key bridges allowing desperately-needed aid into the region, prompting charges Addis Ababa was seeking to choke off humanitarhumanitar ian assistance.

Friday saw the UN Security Council hold its first public meeting on a conflict that has left thousands of dead and plunged hunhun dreds of thousands into hunger.

Ramesh Rajasingham, Acting Under-SecUnder-Sec retary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told that meeting that the situation had “worsened dramatically” as the conflict had reignited in recent weeks.

“More than 400,000 people are estimated to have crossed the threshold into famine and another 1.8 million people are on the brink of famine,” he said. “Some are sugsug gesting that the numbers are even higher.

33,000 children are severely malnourished.”

“The lives of many of these people (in Tigray) depend on our ability to reach them with food, medicine, nutrition supplies and other humanitarian assistance,” he added. “We need to reach them now.

Not next week. Now.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into Tigray last November to detain and disarm leaders of the regional ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

He said the move was in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps, and declared victory within weeks after federal forces took the regional capital Mekele.

But after the rebels – having rebranded themselves the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) – retook Mekele and asserted control over most of the region, the government announced a unilateral ceasefire that the TDF has dismissed as “a joke.” AFP

Developer builds beach residence surrounded by parks

ARTIST’S ILLUSTRATION. The Central Park includes serene and functional zones surrounded by a bike lane.

COSTA Del Hamilo Inc., one of the country’s premium beach resort developers, is redefining property development for the better.

The developer launched an exclusive residential project and the first horizontal development in Hamilo Coast—Sola at Pico De Loro Cove.

Sola is considered as the first premiere, sustainable, lot development in Pico De Loro Cove with access to

1.5 kilometers of white sand beach and is about 90 minutes by car from SM Mall of Asia.

It is a master-planned seaside residential project within the exclusive Pico De Loro community. It is right at the heart of an enclave with 40-percent open space, a cluster of parks exclusive to Sola homeowners, a mere five-minute stroll to a stretch of white sand beach,

“South Coast City gives

a 10-minute walk to Pico Country Club and a 12-minute trek to Pico Beach Club.

All that is possible with Sola bringing together an exceptional combination of resort living, premium estate conveniences, an upscale beach club lifestyle and an array of sea and land-based amenities. It reflects an affluent, yet inclusive community ideal for everyday living set

within a healthy, secure and well-integrated natural environment.

Its modern, tropical architecture concept befits its coastal setting as the design for the residences centers on the use of materials such as wood and stone, each equipped with modern home amenities.

Read more online

JULY 4, 2021

us a blank slate to create

something Cebu has not seen before, a best of both worlds scenario, a contemporary

development with the latest

n Editor: RODERICK DELA CRUZ

email: roderick_delacruz@yahoo.com

urban innovations, while at the same time capitalizing

on seaside views and having Cebu’s beaches just a short

W CITYCENTER, located at 7th Avenue corner 30th Street and Lane Q in Bonifacio Global City, is conferred with LEED Gold certification for its green features and sustainable facilities.

drive away.”

n By OTHEL V. CAMPOS

YALA Land Inc. is embarking on another mega project, its third in Cebu, as demand for mixed developments continues to shape the local property sector.

Together with partners SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Cebu Holdings, Inc., Ayala Land will develop the P90-billion South Coast City project, with an initial spending of P30 billion in the next five years. Roughly 20 percent of the amount is for land and development and 80 percent for various buildings and leasing assets.

“At its completion, it will have almost 2 million square meters of build-out area with 30 percent residential and 70 percent commercial. South Coast City gives us a blank slate to create something Cebu has not seen before, a best of both worlds scenario, a contemporary development with the latest urban innovations, while at the same time capitalizing on seaside views and having Cebu’s beaches just a short drive away. This is the lifestyle one can have at South Coast City,” said ALI senior vice president and head of Ayala Land Estates Group Meean Dy. Ayala Land has been cultivating the country’s leading and most desirable addresses and emerging growth centers. It is recognized for solid track record in building sustainable estates that it continues to nurture and enhance over the years. In Cebu, Ayala Land has over 30 years of local experience.

Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park have supported Cebu City’s growth, and both are landmarks and economic engines in the city. Ayala Land has also launched estates in Cebu’s highly-urbanized cities.

The first joint project of Ayala Land and SM Prime, the ambitious South Coast City is a 26-hectare waterside development poised to be the new home of prime entertainment and commercial concepts in Cebu. The developers aim to contribute to Cebu’s economic recovery efforts by further enhancing the region’s offerings and generating significant employment and investments.

“South Coast City gives us the freedom to design and execute based on the most contemporary urban philosophies and innovations in Cebu in particular. Flanked by mountains on one side

MEEAN DY

and sea on the other, finding sizable land in urban locations is not an easy task. So we will make sure we make the most of this opportunity to redefine lifestyles. We now live in a world where pedestrians, commuters and bikers are keen, where sustainability is a lifestyle, and not the buzzword and where quality of life, and healthy living, are all a must,” Dy said.

Located within the South Road Properties, the mixed-use estate will feature a commercial center, a 1.1-hectare park, the first arena in Cebu, a convention center and other recreational facilities which will cater to different age groups and varied interests. It is designed to be the new home of prime commercial and entertainment concepts in Cebu.

ALI’s 30th mixed-used estate stands only 50 meters away from SM Seaside City Cebu Mall; 2 kilometers from the Cebu South Bus Terminal; 4 kilometers from the Cebu City Seaport; and just 11 kilometers from Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Ayala Land Visayas head Iris Josef-Medriano said South Cast City would be the “epicenter of fun” in the region.

“Within South Coast City will be Cebu’s largest indoor entertainment venue to date - the 16,000 seater arena and a convention center. This will be the venue for many of the region’s most entertaining events and will host various live conferences and meetings. As the country continues to adapt to the new normal, the arena will serve as a future go to destination for safe recreation, the promises the liveliest experiences for Filipinos and even foreign travellers,” she said.

The arena is also equipped with a pedestrian bridge that connects to SM Seaside Mall and to the centrally-located park that will be a venue for various outdoor activities.

At the heart of South Coast City is a 1.1-hectare park that is the focal point of the Estates Park System, which makes all areas of the estate accessible on foot. The tree-covered oasis provides not only a scenic ambience, but also encourages walking from any part of estate to various destination.

Read more online

South Coast City in Cebu

Young scientist proposes safety nets for digital workers n By MARY BEATRICE UMLAS & JAMES PAUL GOMEZ PROVIDING social safety nets for digital workers will help eradicate troll farms, according to an outstanding young scientist awardee.

Jason Vincent Cabañes, an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the De La Salle University, said that while there are many talented digital workers in the country, some of them prefer trolling.

“What we have is a country with a lot of talent when it comes to digital work, and what we re-

“Their talents will just be put to waste when they work as trolls. We can contribute so much when it comes to digital industries, not about trolling but more about other things for our society.”

– Jason Vincent Cabañes ally need is social safety nets for these workers, so that they don’t get tempted in doing

trolling work,” Cabañes said in an event organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology.

Cabañes said it is important to know the root cause of disinformation on the digital media.

“We need to understand how disinformation is produced, also what is happening behind the scenes to produce this kind of disinformation about health and vaccines. Why are they doing it?,” he said.

The OYS awardee, who had interviewed trolls, affirmed that

their goal is to earn money, hence they disseminate disinformation and misinformation.

“That is why we need to know the different ways and strategies of disinformation producers, so we know what policies we can develop to address the problem,” Cabañes said.

“If they cannot publish false reports, consumers will not have a problem in interpreting the information,” he said.

Cabañes is one of the 10 recipients of 2021 NAST PHL’s OYS Awards.

Read more online

Iconic BGC tower W CityCenter secures LEED gold certification ANYONE who frequents Bonifacio Global City knows about the building with a protruding boomerang-shaped facade.

The iconic structure, W CityCenter, is now the latest in the country to achieve LEED Gold certification from Green Business Certification Inc., the world’s leading sustainability and health certification body, as proof of its long-term sustainability as a healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green building.

Built by the W Group Inc., a leading developer of world-class boutique projects in BGC, the W CityCenter on 7th Avenue corner 30th Street is a 29-story building completed in 2016, designed by New York-based architectural firm CAZA. W CityCenter houses leading local and multinational companies including Globe Telecom, Willis Towers Watson, Cardinal Health and one of the largest multinational technology companies in the world. It is also the second building in the W Group’s portfolio to get a LEED certification after Citi Plaza.

The certification underscores the company’s commitment to creating globally attuned, grade-A projects that champion environmental awareness and public health and safety.

GBCI conducted the review process, which confirms the certification of qualified buildings.

The review scrutinizes the design, construction, maintenance and operation of green buildings, ensuring that standards are met—or exceeded—in the following areas: sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

“LEED is a transformative tool that ensures a building is designed, constructed, and operated to achieve high performance, improve human health and protect the environment,” said Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, managing director in Southeast Asia and the Middle East of GBCI. Read more online

JULY 4, 2021 email: manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Barbosa’s never-say-die attitude may come in handy in Tokyo

n By LYKA JAZMIN DELA CRUZ WHEN taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa steps into the dojang of the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, he could use a dose of the nevern Editor: RIERA U. MALLARI; Assistant Editor: RANDY M. CALUAG say-die attitude he flashed when he qualified for the quadrennial meet.

“Naisip ko ‘yung buong Pilipinas, kaya dapat manalo ako sa game na ito, kasi para sa bayan to,” said Barbosa during his 2021 Asian QualificaQualifica tion Tournament chamcham pionship duel in Amman, Jordan with hometown bet Zaid Al-Hawani.

The extra motivation -- that he was doing this for flag and country -was desperately needed at that particular moment in time as Al-Halawani looked primed up to sese LREEN Ando, who is set to emerge from the shadow of Hidilyn Diaz, wasn’t dreaming of cure the win as he pulled away by stretching his being in the Tokyo Olympics. lead to 15, 41-26 lead ako pumasok sa Tokyo dahil nag no. 12 ako,” that set in motion her weightlifting Sure the Olympics is part of her wish list. with only 1:22 to go. journey. added Ando.

But her initial aim was to be in the 2024 n By PETER Barbosa slowly came KURT BARBOSA The PSC is now forming a Because of this, the Philippine Sports ATENCIO Paris Olympics. back and cut the lead support team, which will take care Commission is now set to provide more “Pinagdarasal ko nga na mag-qualify ako down to four, 48-44, with 21 seconds left. of Ando’s needs. And they will be working assistance to Ando in her preparations for sa Olympics. Pero hindi ko in-expect ito.

The hometown jin got more breathing room behind her three coaches, Gary Hortelano, the Tokyo Games.

Napaaga po. Ang goal ko po ay ang 2024 after a Barbosa foul put him back up by five, Christopher Bueno and Ramon Solis.

“Very promising ang nangyari (for Olympics,” said the 22-year-old Ando.

49-44, with 12 seconds remaining, but three ELREEN While in the Tashkent meet, Ando grabbed weightlifting). Sabi ni Elreen, napaaga ang The Carreta, Cebu City native never had straight two-point hits pushed the Filipino ANDO, for flag two silver medals and one bronze medal in preparation niya for Olympics. And this is thoughts that she will be joining Diaz in ahead with only two seconds remaining. The and country. the 64-kg division. jump-starting the program of weightlifting,” Tokyo.

Jordanian failed to answer as time expired.

Coming out of Diaz, by virtue of her stint in the Tashsaid PSC national training director Marc Ando made qualification to the quadrenThe result was a come-from-behind 50-49 Hidilyn Diaz’s triumph that catapulted Barbosa to the Tokyo kent competition, has formally made to the Velasco. nial meet when she claimed three medals shadow, Elreen Olympics.

Games in the 55-kg class.

The PSC official has already met the chalin the Asian Weightlifting Ando proved “Basta, noong nasa waiting area lang ako Velasco said the biggest challenge the PSC lenge of providing weightlifting equipment Championships last April that she can before semis, naka-focused talaga ako, wala had during the pandemic was logistics and to the lifters at their home provinces, where in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. shine on her ako iniisip na iba kung hindi paano siya talunthey have been train- how they brought equipment to Cebu. This “Sa ranking, bigla na lang own. in. Wala sa isip ko ‘yung talo,” added Barbosa, ing for the Tashkent helped Ando and her fellow weightlifters stay who found his timing in the closing seconds of in shape. meet during the his two-minute encounter in the third round of Ando is currently ranked no. 33 in the pandemic. the men’s -58kg class semifinals.

IWF Olympic rankings, while Diaz is at 22nd Ando made it to Barbosa normally fights in the 54kg category place. the Tokyo meet after and he had to plan out his fight because Al-HalThe top eight weightlifters in the world participation and awani was bigger and heavier than him. rankings have booked a direct qualification podium finishes gave “May mga game-plan talaga kami na gumato Tokyo. But there is consideration of one her a chance to snare a na sa first round. Pero, na-checkmate kami, representative from each country per weight continental allocation kaya nag-switch agad kami ng game-plan para category. slot. kontrahin ang ginagawa ng kalaban,” added “With the result they had in the AWF, She is now the second Barbosa, who became the first Filipino male jin napaganda ang performance niya. And this lifter in the Olympic to snare an Olympic berth in 13 years. was done while they trained in a safe envidelegation next to Diaz.

With his qualification, Barbosa followed in the Ando was discovered by ronment,” said Velasco of Ando’s continuous footsteps of Tshomlee Go, who made it in the training in Cebu. coach Garry Toleno when same weight class in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The PSC is now assembling a support she was still a junior high Before Barbosa played for the national taeteam which includes a therapist, a masseuse, school student at the Unikwondo team, he first represented National a conditioning coach and a psychologist that versity of Cebu, which grantUniversity during the UAAP Season 81, where will help Ando with her current needs. ed her a collegiate scholarship he became the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

Luck has been on his side as he was scouted to be a member of the grassroots program of the Philippine Taekwondo Association, when he participated in the 2019 Philippine National Games representing his hometown, Abra.

In the same year, Barbosa competed in the World Taekwondo Championships. However, he failed to advance to the next round as his er awards under the Waseda University n By JOHN CHRISTOPHER AQUINO opponent, Ramnarong Sawekwiharee eliminatAFTER 10 years of representing the Phil- team in the All-Japan University Champied him. onship, where she also won gold. ippines in international competitions, KiyBut Barbosa bounced back and won the The coronavirus pandemic caused the omi Watanabe is finally headed to the biggold in the below 54-kg category of the 2019 Tokyo Olympics to be rescheduled this gest stage in all of sports -- the Summer Southeast Asian Games, which the Philippines year, which was seen as a blessing in Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. hosted.

Her Filipino roots stem back to her disguise for Watanabe as she suffered a Barbosa’s journey to the Tokyo Olympics dislocated elbow during the Dusseldorf mother, Irene Sarausad, who is a Toledo was not easy as he faced several restrictions City native. Watanabe was born in Cebu Grand Slam held in Germany in early due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but City, where she spent most of her child- 2020. that did not stop him from practicing hard for Now aged 24 and fully recovered, hood before relocating to Japan, where the 2021 Asian Qualification Tournament, where she honed her judo skills as she entered she qualified for the upcoming 2020 he achieved his biggest victory yet.

Tokyo Summer Olympics as she met the sport as a fifth-grader.

In a statement released by MVP Sports FounShe chose to represent the Philip- the qualifications when she made it to dation’s president Al Panlilio, he congratulated pines over Japan as she claims that the 41st rank with 1,506 points via the Barbosa and said that this win is a reminder that the Philippine team provided her sup- continental quota of 10 judokas from as long as there is a time, there is still a hope of port. She feels happier representing the Asia according to the International winning.

Judo Federation’s Olympian rankcountry.

“Kurt Barbosa gave the Filipino people a Watanabe first held the Philippine flag ings. With this qualification, she is set timely reminder that as long as there’s still time back in 2011, during the Southeast Asian to compete as the first-ever Filipina left on the clock, we need to keep fighting.

Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she Olympian for judo and the third judo Even if Kurt was down big in the third round, competed in the -70 KG weight class bet from the Philippines after Kodo his belief in himself never wavered and now he and bagged a bronze medal for the Phil- Nakano, who competed in 2016 in the is an Olympian.”

Rio De Janeiro Olympics and Tomoippines. The Fil-Japanese was only 14 MVP Sports Foundation also assured of hiko Hoshina, who participated in the years old at the time. its continued support for Barbosa and to the She then proceeded to carve her path 2012 London games. whole Philippine Taekwondo Association According to Dave Carter, Philippine in the world of judo when she won the team. gold at the 2013 Southeast Asian Games Judo Federation president, Watanabe In his instagram post, Barbosa shared his is capable of being the first Filipino, in the -63 kg event, where she beat Vietexcitement when he qualified for the Tokyo nam’s Bùi Thị Hòa. In the same year, she who can bring home the gold given her Olympics. also brought home a bronze medal in the achievements and medals she had won “I’m coming to the Tokyo Olympics. Our jourin her career.

Now ranked 39th in the Asian Youth Games held in China. ney as an athlete has never been as easy as The following year also saw success for world, she is currently training in Japan’s others think. We’ve experienced a lot especially the young warrior as she gave the Philip- Waseda University under Yazaki Yuta, a now that we are in the midst of a pandemic pines its first gold medal in the Asian Ju- judo gold medalist in the -90 kg weight and being far from our family is one of the nior Judo Championships in Hong Kong, class in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, struggles we faced,” said Barbosa. “It gives South Korea. where she outperformed Uzbek Tursunus time to focus on our goals, to reach this Carter pointed to Watanabe’s silver pashasha Nurmetova and Indian Renu point in our lives where we have to repremedal feat in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta Kundu. sent our dear country Philippines in difwhere she came close to winning the Three years later, she set widened ferent competitions and to achieve the her horizons further as she competed gold, but eventually settled for a runvictory we’ve all wanted.” in the Grand Slam Paris, held yearly at ner-up finish.

In the same post, he thanked “Kagaya lang din noong lumaban siya the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy the people, who supported him in Paris. Watanabe won the Philippines ng Asian Games. It happened. She dethroughout his journey. He also its first-ever medal in the International feated Korea and the others na nandoon asked his countrymen to continJudo Federation event as she beat Brit- sa bracket niya. Kaya anything is possiue to support him and all the Filiish Lucy Renshall in the -63 kg event. ble talaga,” said Carter in the Philippine pino athletes, who will compete Sportswriters Association Forum online She also beat top seeds who competed in the Tokyo Olympics. in the Rio Olympics in the same tour- edition “We are expressing our “Lahat possible. Hindi natin nililimitahnament. gratitude for the non-stop In the same year, she bagged a silver an ‘yung kakayanan ng ating manlalaro. support and assistance that medal in the 2017 European Women’s Malakas itong player natin na ito, pati you all gave us. We hope ‘yung puso niya.

Talagang fighter ito,” Open Tournament in Austria. Later on, that you never stop beshe was ranked 23rd in the judo world Carter added. lieving in us and continue PJF cites that the aspiring gold medrankings at the time. supporting our journey Watanabe continued her judo suc- alist will have to win 3 matches for her until the end. Victory of cess the following year as she earned a to proceed to the quarterfinals and 5 one is victory of all. It is silver medal in the 2018 Jakarta Asian or 6 matches all in all to qualify for the such an honor to repGames, losing to Japan’s Nami Nabeku- gold-medal round. Watanabe’s first resent our beloved ra. Despite the setback, she still earned match is scheduled on July 27 in the country, we will women’s -63 kg elimination rounds.

The the Philippines’ first ever medal since the continue bringing sport was introduced in the Asiad during event will be held at the Nippon Budokan pride on our flag. indoor arena located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, KIYOMI WATANABE the 80s.

Thank you to all Japan as the judo events will officially besettles for the silver In between these international victories, of you mga Pinoy, she also competed nationally in Japan gin on the 24th starting with the women’s during the 2018 sa dasal at suporta niyo. Mabuhay tayong mga where she garnered most valuable play- -48 kg elimination rounds.

Jakarta Asian Games.

Pilipino,” he said.

ELREEN ANDO An answered prayer, 3 years in advance E

Anything is possible for judoka Watanabe

‘A special moment’

The BTS Meal brings joy to ARMY

JULY 4, 2021

n By IRAH MARIE TAN

Scenes in Makoto Shinkai’s 2007 Japanese anime film ‘5 Centimeters per Second’ on which the first novel was based – (Top) Young Takaki and Akari walking under the blossoming Sakura trees; (below) adult Takaki and Akari passing each other.

“TO MOST people, it may just be a mere chicken nuggets meal. But to a fan, being able to share this experience of having BTS’ go-to McDonald’s order with my fellow ARMY is a special moment.” This was how entrepreneur and BTS fan Jing Carigma described the BTS Meal experience.

Fast food giant McDonald’s has collaborated with worldwide phenomenon BTS to serve, for a limited time only, the group’s favorite meal to everyone, fans or otherwise. On June 18, the meal tour arrived in the Philippines to the delight of Filipino ARMYs like Carigma.

A symbol of positivity and unity

BOOK REVIEW

n By RORY J. BOLIVAR & ROBESPIERRE L. BOLIVAR

M

I think the whole BTS Meal collaboration was forged to make a difference in the lives of us fans during these trying times.

Jae Castor, a talent acquisition manager, said that BTS songs helped her heal through her darkest years, while blogger Ava Te Zabat was inspired to stay positive during the Ava Te Zabat’s pandemic while listening to phone case made the boys’ Love Yourself album. with the BTS Meal Fans like HR specialist purple packaging.

Wency Ang also appreciate how through the music and their favorite McDonald’s meal, BTS helps people feel that they are not alone.

The ARMY noted how the BTS Meal is presented with chicken nuggets, and not burger like the other celebrity meals from McDonald’s, so that Muslim fans can enjoy them too.

Being able to share this meal in the way that the boys enjoy it with millions of ARMYs around the world reminds the fans that their idols think of them and that they are on this journey together.

AKOTO Shinkai is arguably the preeminent anime creator of the last decade, with massive international box office hits like “Kimi no Na wa” (Your Name) Special sauces and “Tenki no Ko” (Weathering with You) under his belt. Through his Troy Quinan prefers the two stunning visuals and distinctive brand of storytelling, he has captured our imag- dipping sauces that come in the limited edition chicken inations and rekindled our childlike sense of wonder.

‘5 Centimeters per Second one more side’ (left) and ‘5 Centimeters per Second’

“The novel reminds us that language, despite its inherent limitations, can bridge the distance between people.”

In 2016, Variety magazine called him “the next Miyazaki”, comparing him to the legendary animator – and co-founder of Studio Ghibli – behind the classics “Howl’s Moving Castle”, “My Neighbor Totoro” and the Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away”.

“5 Centimeters per Second” is both an award-winning film and best-selling novel (English language version published in 2021, Yen Press). It is one of Shinkai-san’s earliest works and the Japanese novelization of the movie is, in fact, the first novel he has written.

Since it does not delve into the magical realism for which his later works are known, there are no jaw-dropping twists nor characters with paranormal abilities.

It is a pure and straightforward, if melancholic, tale about the unbreakable ties that bind us. This narrative purity, devoid of any artifice or fantastical plot points which have become literary fashion in recent years, is where it draws its considerable emotional power.

Through its companion novel “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” (2019, VERTICAL), he offers readers a rare experience. While either book already delivers a satisfying read, both books taken together present a unique nuance: a story of memorable childhood romances told in two distinct voices.

Both books are divided into three similarly-titled parts, corresponding to significant periods in a person’s life. “On Cherry Blossoms” represents the wide-eyed wonder of childhood, symbolized by the blossoming of Sakura trees.

“Cosmonaut” signifies the spirit of adventure in our awkward and tentative adolescent years. And the eponymous third part, “5 Centimeters per Second”, uses the rate at which a Sakura petal falls to the ground as a metaphor for how our adult life settles into a more predictable but comforting pattern.

Makoto Shinkai’s experiment on storytelling technique succeeds in drawing us in and heightening our emotional investment in the characters’ journeys. While he could have chosen to tell Akari, Kanae, and Takaki’s

The special sauces that come with the meal add excitement to it, to fans and non-fans alike.

Thomasian Troy Quinan said he was not a fan of the original BBQ sauce of the chicken nuggets meal, but the two sauces in the BTS Meal – sweet chili and cajun – sealed the deal for him.

Freelance actress Maxine Ignacio, meanwhile, has her own combination using the sauces.

She enjoys the chicken nuggets dipped in two-thirds cajun sauce and one-thirds sweet chili.

“The sweet chili and cajun sauces go very well with the nuggets. [The meal] is worth buying because [the sauces] are available for a limited time only,” enthused Carigma.

nuggets meal.

whole story in one book, with chapters alternating between the two points of view, separating them into two novels affords us a deeper appreciation of each character’s thoughts and internal struggles.

Written as if they were meant to be storyboards, the books offer an illuminating look into filmmaking and of how an award-winning storyteller like Makoto Shinkai creates the exquisite and stunning visuals for which he is celebrated.

In “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” especially, Shinkai-san proves himself a master of discovering the magic in everyday life. A considerable part of the story is told through introspection rather than dialogue, and the novel beautifully mimics the way we process our thoughts, emotions, and memories. The narrative structure seamlessly shifts in style from streams of consciousness to almost telegraphic one-sentence musings.

Akari, Kanae, and Takaki are sympathetic and relatable. Their individual stories are a testament to Shinkai-san’s ability to tug at our heartstrings while provoking us to think deeply about life.

At its core, “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” is about the things we regret leaving unsaid. The novel reminds us that language, despite its inherent limitations, can bridge the distance between people.

In our social media-infused world, we find ourselves in a rush to post new photos or the latest memes and jokes. Despite our extensive online networks, the flood of information that inundate us make it difficult to truly connect with people. The ease at which we can exchange messages these days has ironically engendered by-products such as haste and emotional detachment. The ubiquitous “like” button has oftentimes replaced words as a staple of our interaction.

Stories like “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” remind us that our words, if used properly and to full effect, have the power to enlighten, gladden, and comfort. The right words spoken at the right time could spell the difference in someone’s life.

In this era when our ability to meet up in person is hampered, social media has become the go-to venue for much-needed human contact. This technology is a boon to our lockdown-weary lives. So instead of just scrolling through newsfeeds and exchanging perfunctory messages, perhaps we can maximize every opportunity that social media offers and have more meaningful, if virtual, conversations until we are able to enjoy each other’s company again.

A huge part of the BTS Meal experience for many true-blue fans is preserving and upcycling the packaging. Some have turned the brown paper bags and purple cartons into works of art, phone cases, bags, key chains, toy robots, or just preserved them for display.

Rose Ann Rescobillo, mother of three young BTS fans, shared, “It gives them excitement and happiness looking at the packaging of the meal. Napapakanta pa nga sila ng Dynamite.”

ARMY took to social media to share their BTS Meal packaging washed, dried, and displayed on the wall.

“I am amazed and touched that McDonald’s crew knows that the meal packaging is important to ARMY and they treat it with utmost care before handing it to us,” said Carigma.

The BTS Meal consists of 10 pieces of Chicken McNuggets with sweet chili and cajun dipping sauces, a medium serving of fries, and a medium Coca-Cola.

..................................................................................................................................................................

(Top) Takaki and Kanae; (below) adult Akari Shinohara

Follow the authors on Instagram @robroryreads and visit robroryreads.wixsite.com/bookreviews for more book reviews.

hair, don’t care n By THEA ANDREA C. MAGUERIANO ACCESS to personal care services has been limited because of the pandemic, making people turn to do-it-yourself treatments such as hair coloring.

Facebook group Colored Hair Community Philippines (CHCPH), started in 2019, is a community that educates and guides those who want to safely color their hair.

“I searched for a hair coloring group in the PH but I found none. My colored h a i r

The Colored Hair Community Philippines Facebook group educates those who want to safely color their hair.

friends joked about making one, and the rest is history,” relates Lenian Gaspar, CHCPH founder.

The pandemic has driven the growth of its members from 3,000 in June 2020 to close to 25,000 today.

The group’s welcome note reads, “The goal is to have a place for all tips, tricks, discussions, and product reviews especially for stuff available in the PH market.”

While hair disasters are inevitable considering that bleach is a chemical, Gaspar reassures that “it will grow back.” “[T]ake it easy.

Billie Eilish didn’t go platinum in her bathroom sink in two hours, it literally took days and a professional colorist,” reminds group admin Imee Malabonga.

“Research first before doing anything! Remember, bleaching is a chemical process so you have to be very careful,” adds Xio Quiñones, another admin at CHCPH. Gaspar shares, “We’re tired of seeing people get botched bleach and coloring jobs because they were misinformed,” which is why the group also prepared 11 learning guidelines in order to further educate its members.

Sisiws, as the members are called, also raise concerns about how the society misunderstands people with colored hair.

“We can still be professional with colored hair, we can still do great things even if our hair is not kept naturally black,” Gaspar points out.

“Times are changing and the world

Fun in the package

is not the same as it was 70 years ago. Acceptance for individuality is already happening, we just need a little more push. Everyone should get along and look the way they want to.”

Malabonga adds, “There will always be naysayers, traditionalists, and people who just say stuff because they think they’re funny and/or have nothing better to say, but you go home to yourself. What’s important is how you feel, how these wild/different looks make you feel.”

Hair coloring is also seen as a low-commitment form of expression, as admin Jem Gallardo shares, “For me, it’s temporary and reversible, unlike tattoos and piercings. You can quit it anytime you want.”

Rose Ann Rescobillo’s brood of ARMY with their BTS Meal.

MAVY

LEXI

JOAQUIN

ALTHEA

JULY 4, 2021

FLEXERS. Celebrate your youth via GMA Network’s newest weekend program headlined by Mavy Legaspi, Lexi Gonzales, Joaquin Domagoso, and Althea Ablan.

Flexing the new kids on the entertainment block GMA Network is redefining what it means to be young via its newest Gen Z comedy-gag-variety show, FLEX, premiering tonight on GTV at 8:20. The show is headlined

by Mavy Legaspi, Lexi Gonzales, Joaquin Domagoso, and Althea Ablan - dubbed as the FLEX Leaders.

Mavy shares what FLEX is all about and what they ought to offer viewers, “We have to bring our uniqueness, that’s what I’m really excited about and what I’m about to bring to the table. FLEX is all about showing your true colors, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your talent is.

Whatever you have, i-FLEX

mo ‘yan. That’s basically the whole concept of the show.”

Lexi, on the other hand, expresses her utmost gratitude for being part of the show, “I’m beyond grateful because good things happened even though nagkaroon ng pandemic and one of the biggest blessings I received is FLEX. This is my first time being a host and doing new things in a show. I’m really excited, grateful, and just happy.”

Joaquin, in turn, reveals the camaraderie that has blossomed among the cast, “Everybody does well together, nage-enjoy kaming lahat.

Wala pong clashing of personalities. Parang family na kami.”

In the spirit of the show’s title, Althea reveals who she wishes to ‘FLEX’ or showcase, “Ang ife-FLEX ko ‘yung parents ko kasi they’re very supportive of me and lagi silang nandiyan kapag kailangan ko sila. I’m very thankful na may parents ako na kagaya nila.”

FLEX features the country’s rising Gen Z stars ‘flexing’ their skills in musical performances, gags and sketches, talent competitions, and games.

Through music, dance, and laughter, FLEX showcases the collective exuberance of young people who are guiltfree to be themselves, embodying their contemporary

lifestyle and positive attitude thus encouraging viewers – from all age groups – to bring out their youthful and authentic selves.

Together with the FLEX Leaders, the show also features eight other Gen Z artists each week. Kapuso stars Will Ashley, Elijah Alejo, Ysabel Ortega, Allen Ansay, Jamir Zabarte, Dani Porter, Dave Duque, and Kim De Leon will join the FLEX Leaders in the pilot month.

Viewers abroad can also catch the show beginning July 5 on GMA Life TV. For the program guide, visit www. gmanetwork.com/international.

Born to be a

star Jayda

The rising superstar also proved to be incomparable among her contemporaries as she showed off her amazing skills as an instrumentalist.

T

JAYDA celebrated her 18th birthday with a concert that showcased her versatility as a performer. (Inset) Jayda with mom Jessa Zaragoza.

embraces OPM roots in first solo concert EEN star Jayda is sprucing herself as the next big thing to watch when she went all out with fierce and heartfelt performances in her solo gig, Jayda In Concert.

“It’s always been my dream to headline a show. I hope you guys can feel me, even from the comfort of your own homes,” Jayda said speaking to her virtual audience.

The online concert — livestreamed worldwide via KTX. ph, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV — showcased her impressive discography so far as she performed many of her original compositions like “Coffee,” “Happy For You,” “Paano Kung Naging Tayo,” “M.U.,” as well as tracks from her recently released debut album, title track “Bahagi” and “Tunay.”

The rising superstar also proved to be incomparable among her contemporaries as she showed off her amazing skills as an instrumentalist, singing multiple times during the concert while playing the piano, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar.

In the concert, Jayda paid tribute to her loving parents through a performance of “Points of View” and “Bakit Pa?” with her special guest and mom Jessa Zaragoza, and a solo presentation of her single with Darren

JAYDA was joined by her guest KD Estrada (right photo), who sang a duet of her composition “Perfectly Imperfect” with her.

Espanto “Sana Tayo Na,” which was composed by her dad, Dingdong Avanzado.

Apart from her own songs, Jayda also performed covers of pop hits like Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way” and “I’ll Never Love Again,” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License.”

Jayda In Concert was produced by ABS-CBN Events and Phenomenal Entertainment, and co-presented by Smart Prepaid and Pepsi. The show was directed by Frank Mamaril, with musical direction by Iean Iñigo and choreography by D’Grind.

Ariana Grande gives away $2m worth of mental health therapy n By MARIA KATRINA SEGUI AMERICAN pop star Ariana Grande continues to expand her mental health campaign by providing $2 million worth of free therapy in partnership with the digital counseling service, BetterHelp.

The newly-wed singer hopes to break the stigma in seeking professional help and to make mental health services accessible to all by giving away a month of free therapy through the US-based platform.

“While acknowledging that therapy should not be for a privileged few but something everyone has access to, and acknowledging that this doesn’t fix that issue in the long run, I really wanted to do this anyway in hopes of inspiring you to dip a toe in, to feel okay asking for help, and to hopefully rid your minds of any sort of self-judgment in doing so!” Ariana wrote on Instagram.

The free therapy program will conclude with a month-long free trial and individuals have the option to renew their membership and continue the sessions for $65 charged every four weeks. BetterHelp provides a variety of options on how to communicate with licensed therapists as well. Apart from scheduled weekly live sessions, those who availed of the Ariana Grande promo can also send audio, video, and text messages to the counselors at any time.

The 28-year-old pop icon is a long-time advocate for mental health, having experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) herself after a 2017 bombing at her Manchester concert that killed 22 people. She is also outspoken on how therapy has “saved her life so many times” and is now encouraging her fans to do the same through the free program.

What’s next for BGYO? n By AREEYA TATIANA HO FIVE months since its debut -- releasing its hit first single “The Light,”which debuted no. 2 at the Billboard Next Big Sound chart and holding a digital concert -- boy group BGYO continues to make waves on the P-Pop scene.

Two years before its debut, ABSCBN launched the Star Hunt Academy Program, headed by Lauren Dyogi, to produce a boy group in an effort to introduce Filipino talent to the rest of the world.

In January 2021, BGYO debuted with “The Light,” an uplifting and empowering song. The track was a nod to the group’s name, BGYO, meaning “Becoming the change, Going further, You and I, Originally Filipino.”

Following its debut, the group was featured in the Spring 2021 issue of L’Officiel. In March, they were the “spotlight artist” of MYX for the month of April. In April, BGYO released its second single “He’s Into Her,” the soundtrack for a romantic comedy series of the same title.

Just three months since its debut, BGYO’s success brought them international attention when they ranked second at the Billboard Next Big Sound chart in May. According to Billboard, the chart represents “the fastest accelerating artists during the past week, across all major social music sites, statistically predicted to achieve future success.”

Last June 21, Star Hunt announced the joint concert of BGYO and their

P-Pop pride BGYO celebrates its fifth month as an official group.

female-group counterpart BINI during “BINI: The Launch.” According to Dyogi, the concert will happen in the last quarter of 2021. He also hinted that BGYO will be releasing a full album.

The five-member group, composed of Gelo, JL, Mikki, Akira, and Nate, trained under ABS-CBN Star Hunt Academy, and they were formerly known as the Star Hunt Academy Boys or SHA Boys.

ARIANA GRANDE is helping others afford vital mental health care

n Editor: JOYCE PANGCO PAÑARES

‘Gone to hell’

KOSOVO

Adriatic Sea

The battle to save Europe’s oldest lake

D

DADDY’S TURN:

Paternity leave around the world

AREA OF THE ENLARGED MAP

ALBANIA

THE right to paternity leave is becoming more widespread, but there are still vast disparities in what dads are entitled to around the world.

As France doubles the length of time fathers can take off work to 28 days, here is a snapshot of the situation.

21st century phenomenon

Paternity leave is generally much shorter than maternity leave, but is better paid, UNICEF said in a report last month.

Paternity leave was born back in the 1970s, but was limited to a handful of countries. It gradually took shape over the first two decades of the new millennium.

By 2018, some 35 out of 41 members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union had some kind of paternity leave arrangements.

Paternity leave is recognized in 23 of the EU’s 27 countries, but there are great disparities and there is often a grey area between paternity and parental leave.

Spain is the most generous member state, with fathers entitled to 16 weeks leave since the beginning of 2021.

But nearly half of EU countries give dads less than the 10-day minimum fixed by the bloc’s legislation, with which member states have until August 2022 to enforce.

The legislation will impose paternity leave in three countries that do not have it at the moment: Germany, Slovakia and Croatia, and enforce the minimum 10 days in Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Romania and the Czech Republic.

Sweden, which is advanced in terms of gender equality, is a special case.

GREECE

But the UN body has said the Ohrid region will be put on the “in danger” list during a high-level meeting later in July because of concerns over uncontrolled urbanisation and pollution.

Unless North Macedonia can perform diplomatic miracles, the lake will be cited along with such marvels as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Ohrid city mayor Konstantin Georgieski is at the center of a tangle of local and national government bodies tasked with addressing the problems.

His mission is complicated by the international dimension – part of the lake is in Albania, and their officials are also taking part in discussions with UNESCO. But Georgieski is not panicking.

“It is not going to mean the end of the world,” he says of UNESCO’s decision, pointing out that the heritage status does not bring any funding.

“After 30 years of negligence, it’s normal that they (UNESCO) are losing patience.”

‘Cancer of the lake’

UNESCO first added the Macedonian side of the lake to its world heritage list in 1979, expanding the entry to include the Albanian side only in 2019.

During the time of Yugoslavia, Ohrid was a sleepy settlement known mostly for its hospitals and as a training post for sports teams.

After Macedonia’s secession and Yugoslavia’s chaotic disintegration in the 1990s, however, tourist developments began expanding along the lakeshore.

Esplanades, five-storey hotels, restaurants and bars

File photo shows a father holding his newborn son against his chest at the maternity ward of the Diaconesses hospital in Paris, France. AFP

Wide gap in EU

North Macedonia

IMITAR Pendoski marches to the end of a rickety walkway, skips around sunbathing youngsters and sweeps back a tarpaulin protecting his empty lakeside restaurant, recently closed by officials under pressure from UNESCO.

North Macedonia’s government is scrambling to enforce environmental protection rules and shut down places like Pendoski’s self-built restaurant, to save Lake Ohrid from being placed on the UN culture agency’s list of endangered world heritage sites.

“This way, everybody loses – Only a few dozen places around the employees, the local econand of course the tourists the world have won the status omy, because they have no place to for both their nature and their go on the beach,” Pendoski culture, a source of prestige for tells AFP, a point hotly contested by environmentalists.

Lake Ohrid – and a major bonus Thanks to its unique animal in marketing the area to tourists. and plant life, prehistoric ruins and Byzantine churches, Lake Ohrid and its surroundings have enjoyed four decades as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Only a few dozen places around the world have won the status for both their nature and their culture, a source of prestige for Lake Ohrid – and a major bonus in marketing the area to tourists.

Lake Ohrid

Aegean Sea

Mediterranean Sea

MANILA STANDARD Infographics

JULY 4, 2021

Local residents sunbath on the shore of the Lake Ohrid located in the old town of Ohrid, southwestern of the Republic of North Macedonia. UNESCO has said the site, which straddles the border between North Macedonia and Albania, will be put on the “in danger” list because of concerns with uncontrolled urbanisation and pollution. AFP

have sprung up – and with them came apartment blocks amounting to a satellite of the old town.

Entrepreneurs exploited legal loopholes to build on protected land, often without even connecting to the sewerage system.

UNESCO estimates one third of buildings in the wider Ohrid region pump waste directly into the lake.

“Everything has gone to hell,” says Nikola Paskali, an archaeologist who has spent two decades diving on the lake.

Sometimes he searches for Bronze Age relics but sometimes he hunts out junk – TVs, toilets and even a full-size bathtub are among the items he has pulled from the deep.

“Litter is the cancer of the lake,” he says, accusing the government of doing little to protect biodiversity in a lake that formed more than 1.3 million years ago and is home to dozens of unique species.

UNESCO has highlighted problems from illegal buildings, logging and fish farms, to river diversions and haphazard road construction.

Much of this is underpinned by the region’s desire to become a centre for tourism.

“If we started now, it would take years and years to repair the damage we have done,” says Katarina Vasileska from grassroots environmental group SOS Ohrid. AFP

In this photograph taken on July 1, 2021 a production manager checks the printing quality of the 200th year anniversary edition of the Mumbai Samachar newspaper, Asia’s oldest newspaper still in print, as it comes out from the printing press in Navi Mumbai. AFP

The terms paternity and maternity leave are banned from the vocabulary in favor of the term parental leave.

Swedish parents have 480 days leave, of which three months are reserved for the fathers.

Most EU member states pay the father between 70 and 100 percent of their income, while others pay a per diem as is the case in Austria or weekly payments in Ireland.

Elsewhere in the world

Canada introduced leave for the second parent in 2019: all, including same-sex parents and adoptive parents have the right to five weeks’ off work.

In India, only government officials have the right to 15 days of paternity leave.

In the United States paternity leave is offered by several states including New York, California and Nevada, but not at a federal level.

Not taken up

In some countries most fathers decide not to take advantage of their rights to paternity leave, often due to cultural and professional hurdles.

In Japan, which offers 30 weeks paid leave, only 1.6 percent of fathers leapt at the opportunity when it was first introduced in 2007.

The number had multiplied by five in 2019 and Tokyo hopes to increase the take up to 30 percent by 2025.

With a paternity leave of 53 weeks, South Korea is the most generous country in the world, but many men don’t take it.

Paternity leave only accounts for one parental leave out of six.

In Denmark and Sweden, however, where the provisions go back to the 1980s and 1990s, three fathers out of four today use some kind of paternity leave. AFP

Asia’s oldest paper – surviving wars, bankruptcy, pandemics – still going strong

IT HAS survived two world wars, the fight against colonialism, and global financial slumps, and on Thursday, Mumbai Samachar, Asia’s oldest newspaper still in print, entered its 200th year confident of beating the pandemic-driven decline that has hit many rivals.

Printed in a British-era building in Mumbai’s financial district, the Gujarati-language daily was founded on July 1, 1822. It originally served as a weekly for businessmen living in the key port city.

Mumbai Samachar – which means “Mumbai News” in Hindi – published ship departure times, property listings, government appointments, the price of opium in China and news from other British outposts.

“The newspaper was started for traders and still today, traders are our first readers,” Nilesh Dave, the paper’s editor for the last nine years, told AFP. “We call it the ‘trader’s newspaper.’”

It also attracted the attention of luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawa-

harlal Nehru, whose letters to the editor are treasured in the archives.

Over the years, it evolved into a daily broadsheet covering politics, business and general news for Gujarati readers across twelve Indian states.

It claims a daily circulation of over 150,000 – and the paper’s fiercely loyal readership has helped it survive an industry-wide decline.

Many have stuck with the paper since childhood, Dave said.

“There is a saying in Gujarati: ‘If it is published in Mumbai Samachar then it is true,’” Dave said. “This is the confidence of our readers.”

A series of “mother tongue initiatives” including Gujarati book fairs, theatrical performances and essay competitions have helped engage new readers and boosted circulation, he added.

While in recent years Indian newspaper circulation has declined slower than other countries where digital news has undermined sales, the industry has been clobbered by COVID-19, with newspapers laying off staff in droves

and some closing. But Mumbai Samachar has refused to lower prices or order redundancies.

It actually hiked its cover price during the pandemic, from seven rupees to ten rupees, making it one of the most expensive dailies in the country and double the cost of its closest competitor.

As for layoffs, the newspaper does not even have a compulsory retirement age for its 200 staff.

“One of our employees is 87 years old and still writing... He joined Mumbai Samachar at the age of 18,” said Dave.

The newspaper has been owned by the Cama family since 1933, when it took over the then-bankrupt publication.

Today, Dave says the newspaper is profitable, but declined to share revenue details.

He said has no doubts about the paper’s future, pandemic or not.

“Definitely we will survive. My newspaper is going to complete another 500 years.” AFP