Manila Standard - 2022 January 2 - Sunday

Virus cases surge to 3,617 But DOH cautious in hiking restrictions despite experts’ warnings

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n By JOEL E. ZURBANO

HE Philippines greeted the first day of 2022 with 3,617 new COVID-19 cases, as health experts warned that another surge could be likely due to increased mobility and relaxed health protocols.

Even then, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday it is being cautious in upgrading COVID-19 quarantine restrictions nationwide despite the threat of the more contagious coronavirus Omicron variant.

The Philippines will tighten coronavirus restrictions in Metro Manila over fears of an “exponential growth” in cases due to the Omicron variant, the

has qualities of “very highly transmissible variant,” some doctors said.

“The rapidity in the increases in cases is very characteristic of a very highly transmissible variant of concern, and if you look at the trend in terms of increases from other countries our situation is just starting,” Dr. Rontgene Solante said in a Teleradyo interview Saturday.

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government said late Friday.

Meanwhile, mayors in the National Capital Region are set to meet today to discuss plans and possible measures to be enforced in connection with the new Alert Level 3 imposed by the InterAgency Task Force following the new spike of COVID-19 cases.

The virus mutation causing the recent swelling of domestic COVID-19 infections

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January 2, 2022

PNP vows deep probe into acts of ‘party girl’

PAL EXITS US BANKRUPTCY VIA COURT OK NEWS / 2A

FIRST BABY. Catherine Llantos smiles behind her mask as she cradles her baby girl, Alexa, who was the first child born in 2022 at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila on Saturday morning. Norman Cruz

NEWS / 2A

DOH: Fewer hurt after ‘22 2,847,486 New Year fete A

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3,617

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51,545

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THE Department of Health (DOH) reported a safer New Year celebration for Filipinos, as there were only 85 fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) as of 6 a.m. Saturday, 11 percent lower than the 2021 tally of 96.

The tally is likewise 75 percent lower than the average 336 FWRIs in the last five years.

“But the number of cases may increase in the coming days due to late reports and consultations,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said CONTINUED ON 3A

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THE public should expect a thorough investigation into the Filipina who allegedly broke travel quarantine protocols and consequently infected many others with the coronavirus over the New Year holiday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Saturday.

“We will include all possible pieces of evidence as part of our supporting documents to the fiscal. No stones will be left unturned in filing this case because, of course, this concerns public health as a danger to ourselves and to the people around us.,” PNP spokesperson Col. Roderick Alba said.

Alba said this when asked if

EXPLOSIONS. A grand fireworks display illuminates the sky over Eastwood Mall Open Park in Quezon City on Friday. The annual New Year’s Eve tradition returned with a socially-distanced celebration that made use of dining pods for safe distancing. Norman Cruz

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authorities will look into the social media posts by Gwyneth Anne Chua, who allegedly breached health restrictions, and her companions at a party in Poblacion, Makati.

The Makati restaurant visited by Chua called for a probe into the incident on Friday.

In a statement, the management of "Kampai" confirmed that Chua, whom they did not name, visited their bar on December 23, 2021 and stayed from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. the following day.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) had first identified Chua, who had travel history from the United States CONTINUED ON 3A

Oil cost seen to go up P2 the standard the standard the standard the standard by Tuesday

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IN MET R MANILAO

HEAD HEAD. Punong Barangay Rodolfo Pico and volunteers distribute Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia’s Christmas bags in Barangay Mansilingan. Meanwhile, 65 children from Brgy. San Isidro Labrador in DasDas mariñas, Cavite received Christmas gifts from the Dasmarinas City Police via ‘Pamasko Mo, Sagot Ko’ led by the Women and Children’s NEW YEARProtection REVELRY. Desk.

Bacolod PIO/JR A thick crowd, seemingly Josue unmindful of the rising cases of COVID-19 in Metro Manila, gathers along 5th Avenue at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on Friday night to welcome the New Year by watching the fireworks display and seeing drones with lights forming ‘2022’ (inset).

Danny Pata

SHELVE ALL CARAVANS —UNITEAM

2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES

Yearender: House vows more fruitful work in ‘22 NEWS | 2A

‘Odette’ toll hits 407; SC told to halt exams NEWS | 2A

MOTORISTS should brace for a big-time increase of up to P2.40 per liter of diesel and P1.90 a liter of gasoline this week, projections

by Unioil Petroleum Philippines showed.

In its fuel price forecast for the January 4 to 10 trading week, Unioil said the price per liter of diesel may increase by at least P2.30, while gasoline may go up by a minimum of P1.80 .

Local oil companies usually announce price adjustments every CONTINUED ON 3A

COVID clouds New Year parties across the world WORLD | 3A

‘Odette’ toll hits 407; SC asked to halt exams

JANUARY 2, 2022

n By REY E. REQUEJO AND JOEL E. ZURBANO

FEARLESS CROWD. People visit a park in Quezon City on New Year’s Day despite the looming threat of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, which has seen new COVID-19 cases double since Dec. 27. AFP

THE death toll from Typhoon Odette has reached 407, as of Saturday morning, based on the latest bulletin from the government's disaster response agency, while 82 were reported missing.

In its first situational report on Odette for 2022, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) added two more fatalities.

The NDRRMC said 4,462,997 people were affected by Odette, which ravaged many areas in the Visayas and Mindanao ahead of the 2021 holidays.

Meanwhile, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu City chapter has asked the Supreme Court to postpone the online bar examinations in areas affected by the super typhoon.

The mandatory lawyers’ organization in Cebu City made the call as the 2020-2021 bar examinations have been set by the SC on Jan. 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 2020 in at least 29 testing centers nationwide.

Philippine Airlines exits US bankruptcy after court okay

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HILIPPINE Airlines has said it has emerged from bankruptcy after a US court approved its plan to slash up to $2 billion in debt and obtain additional capital.

The national carrier of the Philippines had filed for bankruptcy in the United States in September, seeking relief from creditors as it tried to survive the devastation unleashed on the airline industry by the coronavirus pandemic.

Its court-approved reorganization plan includes a $2 billion debt reduction and additional liquidity of $505 million from its main shareholder, PAL said in a statement Friday.

It also has the option to obtain up to $150 million in additional financing from new investors.

“PAL has streamlined operations with a reorganized fleet and is now better capitalized for future growth,” the airline added.

Air travel in the Philippines collapsed by more than 75 percent in 2020 due to travel restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus, according to government data.

From 60 million domestic and international passengers in 2019, traffic plunged to just over 13 million in 2020.

PAL said in September it had canceled more

POWWOW. Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte discuss how to ask their supporters to postpone the scheduled Unity caravans in Metro Manila amid concerns over new COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. Ver Noveno

than 80,000 flights, wiping out $2 billion in revenue, and letting go of more than 2,000 employees.

As borders reopen and travel restrictions ease, the airline said it will resume regular flights, including to cities in mainland China and Australia.

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing allows a business debtor to reorganize its debts while staying in operation.

In September last year, the flag carrier filed a voluntary petition for a prearranged restructuring under the US Chapter 11 process.

Under its arrangements with creditors, the flag carrier will secure some $505 million for its recovery plan upon its exit from the process — the first tranche will be a $250-million facility debt to be pared down in the next five years, and the second tranche worth $255 million will be converted into equity. AFP

Lacson: Bring back sensible discussion between Filipinos DO YOU want to have better conversations with your family or friends this year without political divisions ruining your day?

Consider electing a no-nonsense leader for the upcoming 2022 national elections in the personality of Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

Under his presidency, Filipinos would be able to talk about other things than their daily problems or that of their nation’s. Lacson expressed this possibility in his recent interview with broadcast journalists Tony Velasquez and Danny Buenafe over DZMM Teleradyo this week.

If the stars align and the Filipino electorate decide to make a better choice for their next president, Lacson said he would work hard to bring back that sense of pride and dignity for them so they could feel much better about themselves, their leaders, and their own country.

“Our dignity as Filipinos, Philippines as a nation, was lost. We couldn’t seem to look each other straight in the eye, we couldn’t hold our heads up high, everywhere we go.

Even us, whenever we would meet with each other, all that we talk about are the problems of our nation,” Lacson observed.

Shelve caravans for now, UniTeam asks supporters THE BBM-Sara UniTeam on Saturday asked its supporters to postpone the scheduled Unity caravans in Metro Manila amid concerns about a potential resurgence of new Covid19 cases due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

The Palace on Friday announced that the IATF has decided to place Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 from Jan. 3 to 15 after an exponential spike in new Covid19 cases.

In response, presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and his

running-mate Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte advised their supporters who are set to hold a unity caravan in Caloocan City on Jan. 2 to push back their event to a later date so as not to compromise the safety of the participants.

“The safety of everyone is of paramount importance to us. That is why we are advising all our supporters to exercise self-restraint in their political mobilization plans in compliance with the IATF decision. We are also appealing to our supporters to suspend mass

gatherings and obey the guidelines under the Alert level 3,” the UniTeam said, in a statement.

The BBM-Sara UniTeam also appealed to the public to be vigilant as the threat of the Omicron variant looms.

“We are urging our fellowmen not to let their guards down and instead be vigilant.

Now is not the time to be complacent. Let’s follow the IATF’s guidelines to ensure that we all remain safe,” the UniTeam added.

Rey E. Requejo

Solon: Migrant Workers Dept. must work for OFWs OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) are finally getting the recognition and treatment they deserve with President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing on Thursday of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Act which he initiated and advocated in Congress, a legislator said Saturday.

“When I first filed Senate Bill No. 1435 on May 4, 2017, I wanted to see the creation of a single department that would address the many issues and concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families face on a regular basis,” Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano said.

While that bill did not make it to law, Cay-

etano filed again in 2019 and finally led the House of Representatives in passing House Bill 5832 on March 11, 2020 when he was Speaker.

The bill, of which Cayetano was the principal author, aimed to create a Department of Overseas Filipino Workers and Foreign Employment — a single agency that would focus solely on the concerns of OFWs. When the Senate approved its version, Senate Bill 2234, on December 14, 2021, the House promptly adopted it the following day to bypass the need for a bicameral conference committee meeting and to allow the measure

to be transmitted to Malacañang for the President’s signature.

Cayetano thanked the President for the enactment of the DMW, saying it ushers in a new era for overseas Filipinos who have sacrificed much to be able to provide for the families and to keep the country’s economy going through the decades.

“We have always called our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) our modern day heroes but government has not been able to give full attention to them because their welfare is handled by different departments and agencies,” he said. Maricel V. Cruz

LOST IN MIST. Long queues amid thick fog formed as

local tourists try to enter the People’s Park in Tagaytay City, Cavite to celebrate the New Year. JR Josue

House caps busy 2021 with P5-t budget, vows ‘more fruitful’ 2022 to fight COVID n By MARICEL V. CRUZ YEARENDER THE House of Representatives has vowed to remain steadfast and committed in 2022 by passing legislation that would help the country navigate through and emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lower chamber led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez expects 2022 to be a more fruitful year for Congress as the country tread on the path to recovery, as it capped 2021 with vital pieces of legislation to counter the damage wrought to the economy by lockdowns and massive government spending.

The most important of these laws is the P5.024-trillion General Appropriations Act of 2022 that President Duterte signed into law on Wednesday.

"Our spending plan is clear on its mission: Save precious lives, protect the health of everyone, generate jobs and livelihood opportunities, and pump prime the economy to full recovery," Romualdez said in a statement following the President's signing of the money measure.

Romualdez said 2022 will be another challenging year for Congress to tackle the

economic measures that are still pending as it prepares to transition to the 19th Congress that will convene in July.

Velasco, for his part, described 2022 as “a crucial year for our country.”

“Let us build on our accomplishments and let us face 2022 with defiant hope. Magkaisa po tayo sa pag-asa, sa pagbangon, at sa pagbubunyi,” Velasco said in a statement.

He said the spending plan provided Congress the “single greatest opportunity” to shape the country’s priorities for next year as COVID-19.

Velasco also reiterated his mesaage to colleagues in the bigger chamber for their hard work and dedication in ensuring the passage of vital pieces of legislation that would help the country navigate through and emerge stronger from the pandemic.

“All of us played important roles in this monumental responsibility,” Velasco stressed. “And because of the commitment and dedication of every person here today, we are bringing this dark and difficult chapter in our history to a hopeful close.”

He added: “In this time of crisis, I am truly humbled to stand by your side and fight for the Filipino people. Every day is an opportunity to champion our constituents.”

As of December 17, 2021, when Congress

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adjourned for the Holiday Recess, the House has approved 133 Republic Acts and expects more measures will be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte before the year ends.

The chamber also approved 930 measures on third reading, and adopted 266 resolutions.

“This is our harvest of legislation for 2021 so far. Maraming salamat, mga kasama, sa patuloy na pagpupunyagi at suporta,” Velasco told his colleagues in his adjoirnment speech.

Velasco said the House leadership was also proud to have “instituted reforms, revised plans, and implemented programs to ensure the health and safety of everyone as we keep the legislative mill running.”

“If there is one thing that the pandemic has shown us, it is that we are stronger than we knew,” Velasco said.

“We are more capable than we realized.

We have seen that there is more that unites us than divides us. We have seen that our legislative work is vital to our pandemic response.”

The Speaker also called for prayers as the country is faced with another challenge, as Typhoon Odette barrels towards the Visayas and Mindanao.

“Let us all pray for everyone's safety, as we

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

assure our respective constituencies that we will be ready to assist when needed,” Velasco said.

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee issued a document containing a list of ten ‘low-hanging fruits’ that the Duterte administration and Congress can pursue during the final six months of the government’s term in office.

In a document titled “Finishing strong, starting anew in 2022,” Salceda listed a set of priority legislative and executive reforms that he described as “ripe for picking.”

“These reforms are both crucial and relatively easy and achievable.

That’s why we should do them first thing in the new year,” Salceda said in subsequent comments.

The reforms Salceda listed are: 1. The completion of the FDI liberalization agenda and the passage of the Public Service Act amendments; 2. Enactment of Packages 3 and 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program; 3. Financial inclusion reforms such as the Fair and Inclusive Credit Act and the Consumer Financial Protection Act, as well as allowing

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

OFWs to invest in Philippine equities while in abroad; 4. Agricultural reforms in Salceda’s 5Fs framework (farms, fisheries, forestry, feeds, and fertilizers); 5. Portable Philhealth through a single-patient, single-record system and a free national telemedicine hotline; 6. The passage of the Department of Disaster Resilience Act and the amendments to the National DRR Law requested by President Duterte; 7. Anti-smuggling efforts by both Congress and the Bureau of Customs, particularly against fruit and vegetable smuggling, ecozone smuggling, and illicit trade and tobacco and fuel; 8. The issuance of the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan which will enable the full implementation of the CREATE Law; 9. Reforms to lower the costs of medicine, by expediting customs processing of VATfree medicines, bulk procurement of medical supplies in public hospitals, and guidelines for medical bill transparency; and 10. Job creation in infrastructure through ‘frontloading’ the infrastructure program and exempting public works from the election ban on government spending and hiring.

Rolando G. Estabillo Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Emil P. Jurado

Publisher Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

INBRIEFS JANUARY 2, 2022

NEW YEAR’S MASS. Pope Francis celebrates the New Year’s day mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on January 1. AFP

COVID clouds New Year parties across the world

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EW YORK – The world ushered in 2022 on Saturday with scaled-back celebrations due to new restrictions aimed at slowing soaring Covid cases -- although hope remained for a better new year.

New York revived its New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square in limited form, Paris nixed its fireworks show

over rising Omicron cases and London’s pyrotechnic display was broadcast on TV to discourage crowds.

The past 12 months saw a new US president and a fresh Adele album, the first spectator-free Olympics, and dreams of democracy from Afghanistan to Sudan and Hong Kong crushed by authoritarian regimes.

But the pandemic -- now entering its third year -- still dominated.

More than 5.4 million people have died since the coronavirus was first reported in central China in December 2019.

Countless more have been sickened or subjected to lockdowns and virus tests.

The year 2021 started with hope as life-saving vaccines reached around 60 percent of the world’s population, although many of the poor still had limited access while others refused to receive a shot.

As the year drew to a close, the emergence of the Omicron variant pushed the number of daily new Covid-19 cases past one million for the first time, according to an AFP tally.

France on Friday became the latest country to announce Omicron was now its dominant coronavirus strain.

In Britain, the United States and even Australia -- long a refuge from the pandemic -- the variant’s prominence is driving record numbers of new cases.

To party, or not?

New York brought back to life its annual New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square after skipping the event last year over rising infections.

But the scaled-down event welcomed fewer revelers than in previous years, with about 15,000 people -- all required to show proof of vaccination -- allowed in.

One couple had traveled all the may from Memphis in the southern state of Tennessee to attend the festivities.

“This is a dream of ours. This is one of our bucket lists to see the ball drop on New Year’s, and we got vaccinated because of this,” Chroni Stokes told AFP. “We weren’t going to get vaccinated at first, but we read the CDC and the guidelines and so we got vaccinated just to come to this.”

Elsewhere, from Seoul to San Francisco, celebrations were again canceled or curtailed in the face of the infection surge.

In Madrid’s Puerta del Sol about 7,000 people -- half the usual capacity -- rang in the new year by eating grapes, one for each time the clock chimed up to 12.

Dubai went ahead with its celebrations undeterred, with 36 firework displays at 29 locations. AFP

Stampede at shrine kills 12 in India SRINAGAR, India—Twelve people were crushed to death in a stampede at an Indian religious shrine in the early hours of Saturday as tens of thousands of pilgrims massed to offer prayers, officials said.

The disaster unfolded in darkness at around 3:00 am (2130 GMT) on the packed route to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Indian-administered Kashmir, visited by millions every year as one of Hinduism’s most revered sites.

“People fell over each other... It was difficult to figure out whose leg or arms were tangled with whose,” survivor Ravinder told AFP by phone.

“I helped pick up eight bodies by the time ambulances arrived after about half an hour. I feel lucky to be alive but am still shaking with memory of what I saw,” he said.

Video footage showed terrified pilgrims clinging onto metal rafters to escape the rush and the blue lights of small minivan ambulances flashing in the darkness as they tried to rush to hospitals through huge crowds. AFP

Colorado wildfire torches 500 homes SUPERIOR, Colorado – A fast-spreading wildfire that tore through several Colorado towns -laying waste to entire neighborhoods “in the blink of an eye,” according to the governor -- had largely burned itself out Friday, with heavy snow expected to douse any remaining embers.

At least 500 homes were thought to have been destroyed as the blaze took hold of the town of Superior, just outside the state’s biggest city Denver, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee but there were no deaths reported so far.

Shocking aerial footage showed whole streets as little more than piles of smoking ash, destruction that appeared almost total but somehow left one or two homes incongruously untouched.

“This was a disaster in fast motion... over the course of half a day.

Many families having minutes to get whatever they could -- their pets, their kids -- into the car and leave,” state Governor Jared Polis said.

“Just as in the blink of an eye.” AFP

In South Africa, modest requiem for titan Tutu

CAPE TOWN – South Africa bade farewell on Saturday to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the last great hero of the struggle against apartheid, in a funeral stripped of pomp but freighted with tears and showered with drizzles of rain.

Tutu died last Sunday at the age of 90, triggering grief among South Africans and tributes from world leaders for a life spent fighting injustice.

Famous for his modesty, Tutu gave instructions for a simple, nofrills ceremony, with a cheap coffin, donations for charity instead of floral tributes, followed by an eco-friendly cremation.

Family, friends, clergy and politicians gathered at Cape Town’s St. George’s Cathedral where, for years, Tutu used the pulpit to rail against a brutal white minority regime. That is

where he will be buried.

“We thank you for loving our father... because we shared him with the world, you share part of the love you held for with us, so we are thankful,” said Tutu’s daughter Mpho.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will deliver the eulogy, accorded Tutu a special category funeral, usually designated for presidents and very important people. AFP

Taiwan urges China to curb ‘military adventurism’ TAIPEI – Taiwan’s president on Saturday urged China to curb its “military adventurism”, with tensions between the two sides at their highest level in years.

Beijing has ramped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, as she rejects the stance that the island is Chinese territory.

Chinese warplanes have made a historically high number of incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone in recent months.

The authorities in Beijing “should stop the spread of military adventurism within their ranks”, Tsai said in her New Year speech.

“The use of military means is absolutely not an option for resolving the

FromtheFRONTPAGE

Metro Manila has been placed under Alert Level 3 from January 3 to 15.

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments will be allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

Face-to-face classes in basic and higher education, contact sports, funfairs/perya, and casinos are among the activities and establishments that would be prohibited under Alert Level 3.

Work at government offices is limited to 60% of their onsite capacity.

Metro Manila was supposed to remain under the more relaxed Alert Level 2 from January 1 to 15, 2022, like most of the country.

Duque said that metrics was the “reason primarily why we are estimating NCR of Alert Level 3.”

The country has also detected three local cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, two from NCR and one from the Bicol Region. To date, the number of Omicron variant cases in the country has reached 14.

With the detection of local cases, the DOH warned of “exponential growth” in the number of COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks.

Independent research group OCTA on Saturday said COVID-19 cases in the country could total more or less 4,000 on January 1, as it noted a rise in the reproduction number of the coronavirus in NCR — 3.19 as of December 28.

Daily infections surged to a two-month high on Friday as the Christmas season and looser restrictions allowed family reunions and church services in the Catholic-majority nation.

VIRUS...“But with the vaccination

rate here, which is relatively higher, and the number of people confined here in August and September, there should be a natural immunity at work already,” he added.

Leachon said that in Twitter exchanges with other doctors, he said he doesn’t believe the current surge is driven by the Delta variant of the virus because the government had already successfully flattened the curve of the positivity rate, from under 5 percent to 0.9 percent.

“That’s why people were confident to go out this holiday season. While we knew there would be an uptick, the projection wasn’t that high. So the dagger here is the omicron (variant),” he explained.

The Philippine General Hospital has been admitting an average of 6 to 8 patients with COVID-19 of varying severity since Christmas Day, its spokesperson said on Saturday.

This was despite the Philippines having fully vaccinated more than 49 million Filipinos by the end of 2021, falling short of its target of giving two doses of the COVID-19 jab to 54 million people by the end of that year.

At a press briefing on Saturday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the government is “guided by metrics” in imposing quarantine alert levels in various areas of the country.

“So we will not recommend [Alert Level 3] to other regions until the figures will show that, like NCR (National Capital Region), kung mabilis ang pagtaas ng mga kaso,” Duque said.

differences between our two sides.”

Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory, and has vowed to seize it one day, by force if necessary.

President Xi Jinping in his New Year address declared that “the complete reunification of our motherland is an aspiration shared by people” in both China and Taiwan. AFP

PNP... and was supposedly placed

under quarantine at the Berjaya Hotel in Makati on December 22. Kampai did not name her in their statement.

The Berjaya Makati Hotel on Saturday apologized for the incident, saying it was a "very serious breach" amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, hotel management confirmed reports that the Filipino traveler from the US did not undergo hotel quarantine and even attended a party in Makati.

The OFW then tested positive for COVID-19, and so did the other party attendees.

"Although she and her friends are reportedly only mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic, this was a very serious breach given the pandemic's disastrous impact on lives and livelihood," it said.

Alba said police were eyeing pressing charges against Chua for breaking the law on reporting communicable diseases.

The PNP would file a violation of Republic Act 11332 or Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act on Chua, he added.

Metro Manila will be placed under Alert Level 3 from January 3 to 15, following an increase in COVID-19 cases and the likelihood of the local transmission of the highly infectious omicron variant.

The Kampai restaurant said Chua was allowed to come in since the group she was with had a reservation. She

SIKH DEVOTION. Sikh devotees gather to pay their respects on the occasion of New Year’s Day at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on January 1. AFP

also showed proof of vaccination against COVID-19, filled out a health declaration form, and had her temperature taken.

However, the restaurant said it had no idea that the woman came fromabroad and was supposed to be in strict isolation.

“It is unfortunate that this transpired in our premises, and has resulted in compromising the health and safety of our customers and our staff.

A number of our patrons and staff contracted the virus and are now in quarantine because of the situation,” Kampai said.

DOH:... during a press briefing at the East

Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

In other developments around New Year’s Day: • Three people were killed and four others were wounded in a shooting incident in Makati City, Super Radyo dzBB reported.

According to the Makati City Police, two of the victims – Raymond Libaton, 52; and Petreño del Rosario, 50 -- died on the spot. The third fatality was Libaton’s son Francis Lloyd, 21, who was hit by a stray bullet and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

• Three people died in a predawn fire on Saturday, New Year’s Day, in Caloocan City. The fire started at around 4 a.m. at a residential area at the Malonzo Compound on 4th Avenue, Barangay 49, according to a Dobol B TV report.

The two fatalities were live-in partners both aged 19 years old, and the third death was their five-month old baby boy.

• Two young men were killed while two more were wounded as 2 motorcycles collided in Barangay Garita, San Enrique, Iloilo on New Year’s Eve. San Enrique police said the 20-year-old driver of one of the motorcycles died along with his 17-yearold passenger in the head-on crash at around 11:30 p.m.. Their names were still withheld as of presstime.

Both motorcycles were running without headlights, police investigators said.

The DOH data showed 36 percent of the injuries are in the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Region 6 (Western Visayas) at 15 percent, and Region 1 (Ilocos Region) at 13 percent.

Jun David

OIL...Monday and implement

them the next day.

Effective December 28, 2021, oil firms rolled back prices by P0.20 to P0.30 per liter for gasoline and P0.65 per liter for diesel.

Year-to-date adjustments for 2021 stood at a total net increase of P17.65 per liter for gasoline and P14.30 per liter for diesel, bringing pump prices for gas from P45 to P62 for gas and from P35 to P49 for diesel.

JANUARY 2, 2022

Members of the Madlambayan family, (from left) Agnes, Edward, Joey, Noemi, Terence, Leah, Albert, Maita, mom Pacita, Luis Pio and Judith run Haus Talk, a residential property developer that plans an initial public offering in 2022.

Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd. executive chairman Nina Aguas

Insurance executive excited with merger of Unionbank, Citi PH

How a family built Haus Talk into a major property player

F

AMILY-RUN small and medium enterprises are usually tricky to manage because of the many challenges which may include tension among the owners, whether related to the business itself or personal, lack of a proper succession plan and the ever-changing needs of the market.

Of the many family-owned SMEs, there are those that stand out as beacons of success and resiliency—enterprises such as Haus Talk, a homegrown real-estate company run by the Madlambayan family of Pampanga province. Established in the 1980s, Haus Talk was the product of the family’s pivot from a completely different industry—sugar.

“Even at that time, our parents had that foresight—they were future-oriented and had the willingness and ability to adapt and plan ahead for market shocks and tumbles. These traits were necessary to protect and ensure the viability of our assets,” says Haus Talk director and president Maria Rachel Madlambayan.

Despite the blow to their sugar business, Maria Rachel and siblings—Terence Madlambayan, chair and vice president for business development; Luis Pio Madlambayan, director and construction council head (Bataan Project);

Maria Leah Madlambayan, director and vice president of sales and marketing; Joselito Madlambayan, director and assistant vice president of Construction; Noemi Madlambayan, corporate secretary; Maria Agnes Siapno, chief finance officer; Gloria Judith Madlambayan, vice president of treasury; Rufino Albert Madlambayan, assistant vice president of construction; and Edward Madlambayan, vice president of construction—maintained a steadfast entrepreneurial spirit. Their ventures were led by their mother Pacita, Haus Talk chair emeritus, after their father Jose passed away in 1985.

Beginnings of Haus Talk Rolling up their sleeves and leveraging their property in Pampanga, the family raised livestock, tried farming and even opened a pawnshop, before finally deciding to venture into real estate by dividing their one-hectare property and selling lots to other families in the province. This marked the beginning of Haus Talk and the Madlambayans’ expansion outside Pampanga.

Haus Talk’s first stop was Cavite, where the Madlambayans established a 3.6-ha development that catered to underserved mid- to low-income families who wanted to live in an affordable gated community. The company’s formal establishment in 1994 spurred more residential developments, which included Eastview Homes 1 and 2 in Antipolo; Southview Homes 1 and 2 and South Hills in San Pedro, Laguna; and Eastview

create communities that would be a source of pride, especially for the first-time home buyer.

“And in every development, we also want to present to our buyers’ properties that we ourselves would be proud of,” says Maria Leah, director and vice president for sales and marketing. “As a family-run business, we know how important it is for a family to have a place to call their own, and we want to be the ones to help our fellow Filipinos build and achieve their dreams.”

The Madlambayans’ strong sense of family has also been the secret sauce to Haus Talk’s success.

Since the early 1990s, Terence, the eldest, has led his siblings in navigating the ins and outs of their ventures, and each family member takes ownership of their roles across all functions, from operations to sales, marketing, business development, finance, purchasing and construction.

It is a synergy guided, still, by their late father’s business philosophy: Aim high, but keep your feet close to the ground.

“It’s a great privilege to be able to help steer this company, a legacy from our family, and make it an instrument, so that every Filipino is able to achieve the ultimate dream - to own a piece of land on which they can build a home of their own,” says Terence.

“We will continue to be a conduit for that great Filipino dream as we begin to look at new land development investments and opportunities in the coming years,” he says.

Survey shows changing Christmas traditions amid pandemic

Analyn Anero of Golden Haven Luzon Division and Iris Guazon, Golden Haven Las Piñas cluster head, attend the Q Asia’s Quality Excellence Awards and receive the plaque and certificate of recognition on the company’s behalf.

Golden Haven bags 2 national awards for 2021

GOLDEN Haven Memorial Parks Inc. received national awards from the Q Asia’s Quality Excellence Awards and Philippine Top Choice Awards for excellence and outstanding achievers in 2021.

Golden Haven is recognized as one of the premier memorial parks that develop beautiful final resting places in the country. Established in 1984, its flagship project in Las Piñas offers memorial lots that vary in functions, sizes and price points.

The company commits to provide a place for recollecting memories of departed loved ones amid lush greenery and beautifully-themed landscapes. True to its vision, Golden Haven gears up for expansion to have a themed memorial park in every hometown.

By the end of 2021, Golden Haven had more than 30 memorial parks and 34 developments across the country. The company is growing at an average of three to four new projects per fiscal year.

Columbaries are also available in selected memorial parks—an example is the 20,000-vault columbarium beneath the Sanctuario de San Ezekiel Moreno, a chapel constructed by the company along C5

Homes Marikina, Tradition Square Maceda, Eastview Town Homes Marikina, Tradition Square and Winn Residences in Metro Manila.

Ongoing developments In the works are more horizontal developments in Barangay San Roque (Eastview Homes 3 and Eastview Residences Premiere) and Barangay Baguyo (Celestis 1 and 2) in Antipolo; and Sta. Rosa (Southview Homes) and San Pedro (Southview Homes Calendola) in Laguna. This year, the Eastview Condominiums is set to be launched in Antipolo, as well as 50 Jocson Residences, a high-end development in Quezon City.

Also in the pipeline are more economic and mid-market housing projects in Antipolo and San Pedro Laguna, as well as Mariveles, Bataan and Calasiao, Pangasinan.

These projects feature Haus Talk’s competitive strengths: they are one of the leading residential developers in Antipolo and San Pedro Laguna; all their locations are strategic; they have a diversified portfolio and have socially responsible, affordable developments; and their integrated operations are led by an experienced management team.

Today, Haus Talk stands out because of a simple business formula that the Madlambayans have followed throughout the years: Build houses for the working class that is worth every peso of their investment; design houses that exceed the buyer’s expectations; develop idle lands into some of the country’s finest locations; and, finally,

INSULAR Life Assurance Co. Ltd. executive chairman Nina Aguas, the first female regional audit director in Citibank and the first woman country manager in Citibank Philippines, shares her excitement after Union Bank of the Philippines announced that it signed an agreement with Citigroup Inc. to acquire Citi’s consumer banking business in the Philippines. Together with the Aboitiz and SSS, Insular Life Assurance is a key shareholder in UnionBank.

Citi started in the Philippines in July 1902 when the International Banking Corp., forerunner of Citibank, established a branch in Manila. Today, Citi Philippines is the largest foreign bank in the country in terms of customers, assets and revenues.

Citi Philippines is an acknowledged leader in consumer banking owing to its enviable track record for innovation and customer service. It offers a full range of world-class banking products and services, including credit cards and Citigold Wealth Management.

“Citi Philippines was the first consumer banking business established by technology pioneer and visionary John Reed in Asia.

It is one of Citi’s crown jewels in Asia, so bequeathing this business to UnionBank says a lot about how much confidence and trust Citi’s management has for the new owner,” said Aguas, one of Forbes Asia’s 25 most influential persons in 2020.

In a text message to fellow former Citibankers, Aguas assures them that UnionBank will continue to build on the successes of Citi. The legacy, the culture of professionalism, innovation and impact to the community lives on. Quite a number of former Citibankers hold board and senior executive positions in UnionBank.

Prior to being InLife’s executive chairman, Aguas was Citigroup Inc.’s managing director for corporate center compliance in New York; country business manager of global consumer group in the Philippines; head of sales and distribution of global consumer group in the Philippines; and regional audit director of Asia Pacific. Aguas is an awardee of Citibank’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni for Leadership & Ingenuity.

Road, Pulang Lupa, Las Piñas. HVN also has memorial chapel services in Las Piñas and Pampanga.

The Q Asia’s Quality Excellence Awards recognizes companies, products and services that demonstrate quality excellence.

The award-giving body recognized Golden Haven for meeting the standards of product quality excellence. The high praise from customers and the general public is a testament of the company’s unflinching commitment to quality for its products and services.

Golden Haven was awarded as the Best Landscape Design Memorial Park in the country from the year 2020 to 2021. The company is the first developer to introduce themed memorial parks designed with elegant architecture and verdant greenery.

Analyn Anero of Golden Haven Luzon Division and Iris Guazon, Golden Haven Las Piñas Cluster head, attended the awarding ceremony at Casa Ibarra Hotel in June 2021.

The honors for Golden Haven didn’t stop there. Philippine Top Choice Awards for Excellence & Outstanding Achievers also conferred Golden Haven with the “Top Choice Premier Memorial Parks-National” award.

DUBBED as the ‘first pandemic Christmas’, the gloomy situation in 2020 translated into fewer activities that people planned to engage in—an indication of the languid Christmas amid the pandemic.

In 2021, Filipinos planned to take part in more holiday activities.

This was among the highlights of a nationwide survey conducted on Dec. 3 to 8 by Synergy Market Research through partner UK’s YouGov—an international research and data analytics company.

“Based on the said study, on the average, there were around five activities being done by Filipinos prepandemic. This went down to less than four in 2020 but is now back up to 4.6 in 2021,” said Germaine Reyes, president and chief executive of Synergy Market Research.

Synergy shares other significant findings from the research which had 3,538 respondents nationwide.

Respondents are male/female, aged 18 years old and above from NCR, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. “Said survey is representative of the online population in the Philippines which is nearly 80 percent this 2021,” Reyes said.

While the 2021 participation in Christmas traditions and activities went up from the previous year, Filipinos seem to be cautious, still, on anything that are social in nature. Joining reunions, attending Christmas parties or visiting relatives, at 42 percent, 34 percent and 41 percent in 2021, respectively,

are much better than 34 percent, 27 percent, 33 percent, in 2020.

However, these are still much lower vs. pre-pandemic’s 51 percent, 46 percent and 46 percent incidence, respectively.

Even something religious or shopping in malls/bazaars are still lower in incidence vs. pre-pandemic: attending simbang gabi/Christmas mass: 41 percent in 2021 vs. 46 percent pre-pandemic and shopping in malls/bazaars: 38 percent in 2021 vs. 44 percent pre-pandemic.

Those activities that ‘normalized’ (or at par with pre-pandemic levels) are the ones they plan to do more with immediate family such as preparing Christmas meals (67 percent), or traveling within or out of the country (alone or with core family members) at 20 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

Preparing gifts for giving is also at par now vs. pre-pandemic at 54 percent.

But those who plan to go out of their way to do charitable acts is much higher at 13 percent vs. pre-pandemic’s 11 percent possibly to spread kindness in the midst of the pandemic and to help families affected by typhoon Odette.

Doing family photo shoots is also much higher now at 34 percent vs. prepandemic at 30 percent In terms of spending, there is a pronounced number of Gen Zs who plan to spend more this time compared to last year’s celebration with 34 percent planning to spend more/spend much more which is significantly higher than total PH’s 29 percent.

Based on the Synergy-YouGov studies conducted on Gen Zs’

mental health this year, there is more pronounced mental health incidence among the Gen Z’s vs. other cohorts (around 9 in 10 are experiencing mild to severe levels of depression).

One thing is evident though: Gen Zs are willing to spend, not just for themselves but more for others, too (food for family, relatives and guests; gifts and donation).

Others that Gen Z’s plan to spend much more on which is higher vs. what’s seen in total PH are on the following: clothes/outfit (31 percent vs. 24 percent total PH); home décor (25 percent vs.

19 percent total PH); gadgets, devices (20 percent vs. 15 percent total PH); appliances (19 percent vs. 15 percent total PH). Thus, companies can help this generation make good choices that they will feel good and alleviate their mental well-being.

The older cohorts, on the other hand, appear to be more cautious with 53 percent of Gen X and 52 percent of Baby Boomers planning to spend much less/spend less this year compared to total PH’s 44 percent. “Possibly, since they may still tend to be the household head and given the financial shock that this pandemic brought about, they could be playing it safe as there are still uncertainties in the future,” Reyes said.

As the economy re-opens, with more getting vaccinated, with lesser restrictions, lesser active cases and the vigilance against local transmission of Omicron variant, these are hoped to make 2022 look much brighter for many, if not all.

å JANUARY 2, 2022

The Black Superman shoes made especially for Cripa superstar import Billy Ray Bates (photo courtesy of Bob Guerrero Blogspot)

S

OME of today’s middle-aged fathers or who were born in the 60-70s were fortunate to have owned at least a pair of this shoe brand which was then the most popular in the local market and worn by some of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) greats.

Long before Nike Lebron and UA Curry in the National Basketball Association (NBA), there were the Black Superman shoes.

Made by Grosby, the Black Superman variant was probably the first and richest marketing endorsement contract between a basketball player and a shoe brand in the history of Philippine sport.

Grosby made the shoes specifically for ex-NBA player-turnedPBA import Billy Ray Bates, then nicknamed Black Superman who conquered Asia’s only existing professional cage league for his high-flying acts.

Then there was the Grosby Mythical Five made for basketball legends Robert Jaworski, Francis Arnaiz, Mon Fernandez, Bogs Adornado, and Atoy Co. Grosby and Adidas were the top shoe brands at that time because both are manufactured locally by the Philippine licensee, Rubberworld. Nike joined the market fray a little later.

And let’s not forget Grosby’s RB23 for Ricardo Brown.

Quick Brown Fox Brown, nicknamed The Quick Brown Fox, was a Filipino-American player who played for Great Taste and San Miguel from 1983 to 1990. He won nine PBA titles and became MVP in 1985.

He was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009 and named one of the league’s 25 Greatest Players.

Now living in the United States, Brown is still proud of his PBA exploits.

In his recent Christmas post on his Facebook page, he posted a photo of his Grosby Limited Editions shoes that aroused memories of the brand among Filipino netizens, especially those

Whatever happened to this iconic shoe brand worn by PBA greats?

Ricardo Brown’s Grosby Limited Edition shoes (Photo courtesy of Ricardo Brown FB)

who have followed the pro league in the 80s.

“Wow, that’s a classic retro wishing you have a Merry Christmas idol RB23. Once I am back home got to have one of that shoes,” said Allan Cruz Santiago.

Christian Michael said the post brought back memories of his brother who had the Billy Ray Bates version One Ark Matig said, “I miss that brand of shoe, Grosby.” And Patrick Carvajal also recalled his brother wearing the shoe brand during his varsity years in Cebu while playing alongside former PBA Presto player Peter Jao. Grosby left the country in the 1990s and returned in late 2008 and made a re-release of the Black Superman

shoes which were a hit until 2017.

Just when the brad was slowly making a smooth comeback, it was unknown why it suddenly faded again.

Its last official post on its Facebook page, Grosby Philippines, was on June 14, 2019, selling Bruiser Sneakers variant for the Father’s Day celebration.

To make matters worse, the Covid 19 pandemic began in January 2020 that caused a lot of businesses to fold up, including the shoe industry.

In the mid-1990s, Kaypee became the next hottest local brand endorsed by the next generation of PBA superstars like four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio.

Brown holds his Hall of Fame trophy during the awarding ceremony he personally attended in 2012.

DeRozan’s buzzer-beater lifts Bulls; LeBron hits 43 in win

DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bullas ranks his 28-foot game-winning shot as the top among his best buzzer-beaters. AFP

CHICAGO’S DeMar DeRozan sank a three-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Bulls over Indiana 108-106 on Friday, stretching their NBA winning streak to six games, while LeBron James scored 43 points to spark a Los Angeles Lakers romp.

DeRozan added six assists, three rebounds, and three steals while scoring 13 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter as the Bulls improved to 23-10, matching Brooklyn for the Eastern Conference lead.

“I looked up at the clock, I said, ‘I’ve got to make something happen,’” DeRozan said.

“I just tried to get enough space to get it up. As soon as it left my hand it felt good.”

DeRozan rated the 28-foot game-winning shot among his best buzzer-beaters.

“I rank it up there,” DeRozan said. “It was one of those games where it felt like nothing was going our way. It felt like we was getting beat up.

“But we grinded it out and won it on a big shot. It was a hell of a win to pull out.”

The Bulls, missing coach Billy Donovan due to Covid-19, have thrived despite adversity.

Lebron shines In the NBA’s final game of 2021 and the first game

for James since turning 37 on Thursday, the four-time NBA champion delivered a season-high point total on 16of-26 shooting, going 5-of-10 from 3-point range to lead the Lakers over visiting Portland 139-106.

James enjoyed his 67th career game with 40 or more points, with 27 points and 10 rebounds at halftime.

He contributed 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocked shots without a turnover in 29 minutes for the Lakers, seventh in the Western Conference at 18-19.

Lakers guard Russell Westbrook delivered his NBA-best ninth triple-double of the season, and fourth in a row, with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists.

At Ontario, Canada fans were not allowed and the Toronto Raptors got 31 points and nine assists from Fred VanVleet in his return from the virus to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-108.

O.G. Anunoby added 26 points and Pascal Siakam added 25 and a career-high 19 rebounds plus seven assists for the Raptors.

A video tribute to Spaniard Serge Ibaka, a former Raptor star, played to silence in the empty arena. AFP

PBA names 12 ‘faces’ in new Asia-wide cagefest THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) named 12 players who will serve as league ambassadors to the coming East Asia Super League (EASL).

The 12 represent each PBA member team and act as faces of the league to the soon-to-be-launched meet that has a home-and-away format.

Paul Lee of Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, Jeron Teng of Alaska, TNT’s Roger Pogoy, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, and June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel are among those chosen as ambassadors carrying the name of their respective ballclubs.

Completing the list are Matthew Wright of Phoenix, Chris Newsome of Meralco, Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson, Kevin Ferrer of NorthPort, Baser Amer of Blackwater, and NLEX’s Kevin Alas.

Jared Dillinger of Ginebra was a special addition to the list of ambassadors as his viral videos documenting the life inside the first-ever PBA bubble in Clark, Pampanga last year was promoted by EASL. “There is something about international competitions. Bragging rights are on the line going up against Asia’s best clubs,” said Dillinger.

The extra cherry on top is representing your country.

It brings out your competitive nature and the pride of proving you’re better. EASL will bring people together.

Fans from different countries will be under one roof and I’m excited for the PBA and EASL joining forces.”

Of the PBA ambassadors, Fajardo, Pogoy, and Alas already experienced the kind of competition in the EASL, which features top ballclubs from the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association), PBA, Japan B League, KBL (Korean Basketball League), and the P. League+.

Pogoy and Fajardo were in the Terrific 12 tournament during the 2019 edition of the EASL along with their respective teams, TNT and San Miguel, although the 6-foot-10 Fajardo didn’t play owing to an injury.

Alas on the other hand, suited up for NLEX during the EASL Super Eight Tournament in 2017.

Menswear from Lemaire

Life Editor: Nickie WaNg

JANUARY 2, 2022

nickie.standard@gmail.com

2022 fashion trends for a world in transition T

HE year 2022 is all about our hope to transition back as close as possible to normalcy, as we faced the world anew with workleisure ensembles that do not compromise comfort, versatility, and function.

The next year’s fashion necessities were announced by WGSN, a giant trend forecaster comprised of a team of over 250 experts and data scientists that curate an immense online library of insights and inspirations in fashion, retail, and the whole lifestyle industry.

“2022 fashion would be best described as a time for joyful expression,” fashion designer and industry expert Ionica Abraham Lim started, who wished to impart these observations to the public.

“We are now going back to a more tailored look but with a softer approach in materials. We focus on items that we are familiar with but mixed

Classic white jeans by Loulou Studio

with something that we are looking forward to,” said the educator from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, which utilizes WGSN as a learning tool and experience for its students.

Amid the new hybrid set-up, 2021 trends such as above-the-keyboard dressing and loungewear are now transformed into more defined looks that adapt from work to leisure. Elevated basics that showcase relaxed volumes, handcraft textures, playful digital and organic art prints, layered and oversized details likewise represent optimism and excitement for this new chapter.

Womenswear is leaning on items that are both staycation-and-outdoor-friendly with classic lines and soft textures. The new work set-up calls for business casual in relaxed shapes and more polished looks while the highly anticipated social gatherings make a comeback for playful and textured outfits.

“Familiar silhouettes with innovative design details such as ruching and digital prints made from ethically sourced materials will help raise the classic cuts,” Lim added.

“People are more ready and willing to experiment with new trends that embody their emo-

Desert rider look from Tod’s

Refined resort look from Boglioli

tions while still looking for practical products that will offer cross functionality,” Lim explained.

“The 2020 trends will help shape our lives as we go into the new normal.”

For multi-purpose accessories, she suggested sunhats and scarves that can double as additional protective wear, as well as statement shoulder bags made from different woven materials that also offer modular elements. Heart motif jewelry likewise balances the negative events.

With a promising year ahead, the trends do not only look at elevated basics and joyful aesthetics but also anticipate diverse and high chroma core colors that will usher in optimistic expressions. For men, clean and crisp lines in natural linens offer an effortless do that go beyond resort wear. Outdoor style in neutral tones plus functional and modular design are also popular head-turners. For the younger market, the interesting clash of prints and punk is sure to exhibit one’s unique personality.

“We are certainly living in an extraordinary time where change happens so quickly more than before but in fashion, these events only lead to more creativity and innovation,” Lim concluded.

Bright bomber jacket from Solid Homme

Business casual from 6397`

The flexi dress by Adam Lippes

Womenswear from St. John

Images from WGSN

How Filipinos improve their luck

during the New Year

By Patricia Taculao FOR most of us, the New Year ushers in a new age of opportunities. But just to make sure, many Filipinos also engage in several superstitions to invite good luck to their households and their lives.

Some of these superstitions date back several years and come from foreign lands. For instance, the tradition of putting round fruits in the center of the dining New Year’s Eve originated from China. Both the Chinese and Filipinos believe that the round symbolizes fortune and prosperity. The number of fruits also varies from family to family, with some putting 12, 13, or 14. Some fruits used as a centerpiece for the dining table are oranges, apples, and kiwi. However, many people avoid fruits with thorns like pineapples, durians, and jackfruits because thorns signify problems and obstacles.

The same inclination towards round objects also translates to the Filipinos’ fashion sense.

Before the clock strikes 12, many change their costumes into one adorned with polka dots. Like the fruits, the polka dots on one’s dress symbolize luck.

Filipinos also use coins to usher in fortune and prosperity during the New Year. Although the origin of this practice is still unclear, peoples fill their pockets with coins to jingle at midnight.

Others also scatter coins in every nook and cranny, in drawers, tables, and anywhere they believe would bring them good luck.

Chinese influence on Filipinos’ New Year’s Eve traditions doesn’t end with round shapes. Another common practice during the start of a new year is setting off fireworks. But the main point of lighting these colorful and loud sparklers is the noise they cause. People believe that loud noises drive away bad spirits, elements, and bad luck.

But pyrotechnics aren’t the only source of noise during the New Year. As a safety precaution, many Filipinos, especially children, use horns called “torotot” or bangs pots and pans to create a lively noise to welcome in the New Year.

However, the Chinese aren’t solely responsible for many New Year’s traditions. The most important part of the annual celebration is the Media Noche or the dinner to welcome the new year. This custom is most likely inherited from the Spaniards, who colonized the Philippines for

The noise from fireworks is believed to ward off bad energy.

Round fruits are a common sight on dining tables during New Year’s Eve.

Filipinos welcome the new year through a lavish dinner known as Media Noche.

more than 300 years.

During Media Noche, families, relatives, and friends gather for a lavish meal that signifies their hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

Although the Media Noche is of Spanish influence, the Chinese contributed another custom to some Filipino superstitions during the New Year.

One of the most common dishes served during the annual celebration is pancit. Many believe that eating pancit promotes good health, long life, and invites good luck.

There are several other superstitions that Filipinos adhere to during New Year’s Eve. Other examples include jumping high at the stroke of midnight because many folks believe that it will help them grow taller and opening all doors and windows to usher in prosperity and positivity.

Superstitions vary from one Filipino household to another, but each one serves a purpose that gives families a chance to celebrate New Year according to their terms. Regardless of what customs they follow, cheers to a great year ahead.

JANUARY 2, 2022

Cornerstone’s head-turner Abed Green makes acting debut Up-andcoming actor Abed Green is a member of Cornerstone’s Gen C. He’s a model, a basketball player, and a social media personality.

Christmas and New Year came early for Cornerstone’s upand-coming artist Abed Green as h e was cast to star in GMA’s longest-running drama anthology, Magpakailanman on its Christmas special episode that aired on Dec. 25.

In the Christmas episode, Abed played the role of Jessy Hernandez, a

Filipino-Australian, who longs to see his biological father. The search for his real father opens up conflicts and makes him realize more the importance of the family who adopted him.

In an interview, Abed shares his excitement upon knowing that he was chosen to be part of the special episode, “Sobrang solid. I think all my acting workshops have finally paid off that’s why I’m so happy to get the role.”

“I felt nervous and at the same time challenged because the show entrust-

ed me with the lead role,” the model and cager said.

Abed was part of Cornerstone’s new roster of multi-talented artists, the Gen C. He undergone training and workshops facilitated by topcaliber directors in the country such as Joyce Bernal, Irene Villamor, and Dan Villegas.

Right after launching, he joined the cast of VivaMax’ Pornstar 2 : Ang Pangalawang Putok and on WeTV’s The Kangks Show with Angelica Pangani-

ban, directed by Antoinette Jadaone.

In this episode, he worked with veteran actors Rita Avila and William Lorenzo. His onscreen partner for this episode is one of GMA’s rising actresses, Liezel Lopez.

When asked what is his greatest asset as an actor, Abed answers “My eagerness to learn from my co-actors and production. Ready ako matuto.”

Abed started his career when he was discovered as a model for a clothing line last year.

Pageant amid the pandemic Miss Universe Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez

A year of coronas and quarantine

A

By Eton Concepcion

S WE greet the New Year for the second time under the shadow of the coronavirus, we look back at the past year’s pageant events, mostly disrupted by COVID restrictions.

Of the Big Four pageants, only the Miss Universe pageant was able to proceed with its annual competition, with the 2020 and 2021 editions held in the same year, in May 2021 and December 2021, respectively.

UniIsrael proceeded with the Miss Uni verse 2021 hosting even as it barred its borders to foreigners expected to flock in Bethlehem during Christmas to rein infections from the Omicron strain of the coronavirus.

The Miss International Beauty Pageant canceled its 60th pageant edition to be held in Japan for the second year and was moved to fall of 2022.

Miss Earth 2021, in its 21st year, was held in a virtual format for the second concon secutive year taking into consideration the health and safety concerns of its contescontes tants and the global impact of the panpan demic.

Miss World returned after a year’s absence but abruptly called off its 70th edition, a few hours into the grand finale on Dec. 16 in Puerto Rico due to the rise in COVID-19 cases with 23 out of the 97 contestants tested positive. The pagpag eant has been rescheduled for March 2022.

It was another fruitful year for the country in the global pageant competition.

Bea-trice Luigi Gomez, a 26-year-

To revel in family time, HBO treats its viewers with ‘The Gilded Age’ (premiering on Jan. 25) along with ‘We Baby Bears’ and other titles such as ‘The Croods: A New Age,’ ‘Scooby-Doo! Return to Zombie Island,’ and ‘The Righteous Gemstones.’

Greet the New Year with feel-good movies and shows HEAD into 2022 with new movie and series premieres on HBO GO, HBO, Cartoon Network, and Warner TV this January.

Don’t miss the drama in new HBO Original Series The Gilded Age from the creators of Downton Abbey, superhero stories in DC’s Naomi, and awesome action in Mortal Kombat.

Revel in family time as you enjoy the adorable new series We Baby Bears, prehistoric antics in The Croods: A New Age, the iconic Yogi Bear in new cartoon Jellystone, and the unmistakeable Scooby-Doo!

Return to Zombie Island.

Welcome the return of The Righteous Gemstones with more laughs and antics in its second season, and witness the ongoing family challenges alongside fresh new threats in Superman & Lois Season 2.

For more info and premiere dates, subscribe to HBO GO online at http://www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as ₱99.70/month. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe, and Skycable.

Binibining Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold

old Navy Reserve Sargent, took the Philippines back in the Top 5 in the 70th Miss Universe pageant won by India’s Harnaaz Sandhu, to continue the semifinal streak for the 12th consecutive year, which is a record in the new millennium.

Tracy Maureen Perez, a 28-year-old industrial engineer, secured a spot in the Top 30 of the postponed Miss World 2021 by finishing in the Top 4 of the Head-toHead challenge. She was also named one of the Top 6 finalists of the Beauty with a Purpose fast track challenge.

Perez has returned to the country and will wait for the Miss World Organization’s final announcement of a new date for the pageant’s coronation night.

Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold was supposed to represent the Philippines in the canceled Miss International pageant.

Miss Earth Philippines 2021 Naelah Alshorbaji finished in the Top 8 of the virtual, Manila-based Miss Earth 2021 pageant won by Miss Belize Destiny Wagner, the firstever international crown for the small Caribbean country.

Tourism officer Cinderella Faye Obeñita, 25, was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2021 in Egypt on Oct. 29, besting 70-plus delegates, the Philippines’ second Miss Intercontinental title after Karen Gallman in 2018.

Maureen Montagne, a 28-yearold Fil-American model, was named Miss Globe 2021 in Tirana, Albania on Nov. 6 edging out 49 other candidates and becoming the second Filipina to wear the Miss Globe (based in Albania) crown after Ann Lorraine Colis in 2015. Maricar Balagtas who won Miss Globe in 2001 was from the Turkey-based Miss Globe contest.

Alexandra Faith Garcia, a 27-year-old tourism graduate, bested 30 other candidates in Miss Aura International 2021, the first time of the Philippines to join the pageant, on its 16th year, in Antalya, Turkey on Oct. 3.

Singer and actress Emmanuelle Vera, Vera, 27, was named 3rd runner up in the 30th Reina Hispanoamericana pageant, won by Andrea Bazarte of Mexico, held on Oct. 30 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Model Tatyana Alexi Austria,, 18, nearly scored

Twin crowns for Binibining Pilipinas Queens Maureen Montagne (Miss Globe 2021) and Cinderella Obeñita (Miss Intercontinental 2021)

Mr. Gay World 2021 Joel Rey Carcasona

a back-to-back win for the Philippines after finishing as first runnerup at the Miss Eco Teen International 2021, held in Egypt on Dec. 20, won by Vu Huyèn Diệu of Vietnam succeeding Roberta Tamandong.

In male pageants, the Philippines’ Joel Rey Carcasona, as first runner up, officially took over from Mr. Gay World 2021 Louw Breyt e n - bach of South Africa on Dec. 29. Breytenbach resigned two months after he won in the virtual finals on Oct. 31 in South Africa due to disagreement with the Mr. Gay World OrganizaMiss World tion.

Philippines Carcasona, Tracy Maureen a 28-year-old Perez licensed nurse, thus achieved a rare three-peat, after a backto-back win of John Jeffrey Carlos and Leonard Kodie Macayan, in the 11th and 12th edition of Mr. Gay World, respectively.

John Raspado was the first Filipino winner in Miss Aura 2017.

International 2021 Alexandra Faith Garcia

JANUARY 2, 2022 Hotdog is bad for your dog due to ingredients that cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Hotdog is definitely

bad for dogs L

OVING owners want to give the best to their pets always. But not all food they think are the best happen to be the healthiest food for their pet.

One human food that can cause health problems for a dog is the good ‘ole, delicious hotdog.

“Hot dogs have always been a bit of a mystery …And while manufacturers are trying to make this barbeque staple more wholesome … many brands still contain ingredients that aren’t great for your dog.

Or you for that matter,” said Marie Gagne in “5 Reasons Hot Dogs Aren’t Cool For Your Dog” in dogsnaturallymagazine.com Here are the reasons hotdog is bad for your dog and even for you, Gagne said: 1. Nitrates And Nitrites Nitrate and nitrite are natural compounds which were approved as preservative by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA, specifically for fish and meat products. These compounds, which help extend the life of the products, are found in the form of sodium nitrite or nitrate in cured meats like bacon, jerky, ham, luncheon meat, smoked fish, and hot dogs.

They are also used as a preservative in some commercial dog food.

But these compounds are not only found in processed food.

“Nitrate actually plays an important role in plant growth. It’s a major component of chlorophyll and helps give plants the energy to grow,” Gagne said.

This is why some fruits and vegetables have nitrate in them. Some with higher levels of nitrate are: • Celery • Spinach • Radish • Citrus fruit • Cabbages • Beets • Carrots Nitrates are part of a normal diet but too much can cause problems.

Toxicity And Cancer

Nitrates, which is more stable than nitrites, are less likely to cause harm. But nitrates convert to nitrites when they come into contact with bacteria in your dog’s saliva.

Nitrites can be dangerous, said Gagne.

“When your dog eats nitrites, one of two things can happen.

1. They become nitric oxide, which helps your dog. It can reduce inflammation, helps the vascular system function, and can prevent cancer.

2. They become nitrosamine, which harms your dog…” said Gagne.

“When nitrites are swallowed, they can react with the acidic environment in your dog’s gut. This creates nitrous acid. If the nitrous acid reacts with amines (proteins have many), it creates nitrosamines,” Gagne explained.

Nitrosamines are also produced when processed products with nitrites are heated at high temperatures.

Sadly, nitrosamines are believed to be carcinogenic, Gagne said. “In fact, they’re one of the main carcinogens in tobacco and tobacco smoke,” Gagne added.

Gagne warned nitrosamines can cause: Reproductive toxicity Developmental toxicity Organ system toxicity Nitrites in vegetables pose a lower risk because they are usually cooked at lower temperatures and lack high levels of protein, Gagne said.

The link between cured meats and cancer could also be traced to nitrosamines, she added.

“There are many studies that tested the effects of nitrosamines on animals.

Some even looked at their effects on dogs. Exposure methods used included oral, stomach tubes and injections,” Gagne said.

Researchers recorded tumors in dogs exposed to the nitrosamines in the · Liver · Lungs · Upper respiratory system · Nasal cavity · Blood vessels Nitrosamine can also increase risks of gastric cancer in dogs, the study showed.

Gagne quoted Kate Allen who spoke at the World Cancer Research Fund: “It’s not so much nitrates/nitrites per se [that are carcinogenic], but the way they are cooked and their local environment that is an important factor … For example, nitrites in processed meats are in close proximity to proteins (specifically amino acids). When

cooked at high temperatures this allows them to more easily form nitrosamines, the cancer-causing compound.”

Methemoglobin

A protein called hemoglobin is in your dog’s red blood cells. “Oxygen cells bind to the hemoglobin and get carried from his lungs to the rest of his body. Hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide from your organs back to the lungs,” Gagne said.

“Sometimes the iron in your dog’s blood oxidizes. When this happens … hemoglobin becomes methemoglobin and oxygen can no longer bind to it,” she said.

When there is too much methemogloin in your dog, the dog may develop methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder wherein your dog’s cells do not get enough oxygen. This happens when your dog eats or breathes in oxidizers like sodium nitrate or nitrite.

“If dogs have 7.9 to 19.8 mg/kg of sodium nitrite a day, it can lead to methemoglobin production. 40 mg/kg in a day is a lethal dose in dogs, “ Gagne said.

“Safe nitrate doses are much higher, as it’s much more stable,” she said.

While the nitrates and nitrites are not major concerns YET when given occasionally to dogs THROUGH HOTDOGS, it is always better to do what is safer. Accumulated nitrites can harm your dog. It is thus strongly suggested that you look for a more healthy treat.

2. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Most hotdogs have MSG. MSG tricks your dog’s brain to think the food is more tasty because it is an excitotoxin that increases dopamine production.

But MSG damages the brain and makes your dog think he is not full and needs more food.

MSG may even trigger learning disabilities and diseases like Parkinson’s.

Worse, it is also linked to the following problems: · liver inflammation · obesity · diabetes · neuroendocrine disturbances · behavioral issues · fetal brain damage · toxicity to the liver, thymus, brain and kidneys.

MSG is present in some dog food, thus, owners are advised to always look at the ingredients in the dog food (and cat food) that one buys.

Pups like rescues Amber and Amethyst will easily develop damaged kidneys if given hotdogs due to its high salt content. Boiled beef, pork, chicken, or good veggies are healthy alternatives.

Macky, a Belgian Malinois, is a 25-28 pound dog rescued by Save ALL Inc. The National Academy of Science said a 33- pound dog does not need more than 200 mg of salt per day. But some hot dogs can contain up to 700 mg of salt. By the way, Macky is up for adoption. Just message Save ALL in Facebook.

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION: MSG is NOT always listed as monosodium glutamate. It is also listed as: · Any type of protein isolate (for example, soy protein isolate) · Any type of textured protein (such as textured vegetable protein) · Autolyzed yeast · Hydrolyzed yeast · Yeast extracts or yeast nutrient or yeast food · Soy extracts · Soy concentrate · Sodium caseinate or calcium caseinate · Monopotassium glutamate · Glutamate, glutamic acid, or free glutamate So watch out for these in the ingredients at the back of the packaging of the dog food and cat food.

3. Artificial Sweeteners Artificial sweeteners are food for viruses, bad bacteria, and yeast in your dog’s gut.

Common sweeteners are: · Sucrose · Fructose · Maldextrin · Sorbitol · Maltrin Watch out for xylitol which is very toxic to dogs. “When your dog eats xylitol, it stimulates the rapid release of insulin.

This decreases blood sugar. If your dog goes into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) … it can be life-threatening,” Gagne said.

4. Salt

Sodium nitrate and nitrite are common in hot dogs and these are salts.

Dogs need salt in their diet to regulate blood fluids and maintain the health of the liver, kidney and heart, Gagne said.

But your dog, like humans, needs only a small amount. “Too much can lead to bloating, thirst, and a rise in blood pressure. It can also lead to diarrhea, tremors, dehydration, vomiting, sodium-ion poisoning, and death,” Gagne said.

The National Academy of Science said a 33- pound dog does not need more than 200 mg of salt per day. But some hot dogs can contain up to 700 mg of salt. “So it’s important to take a look at the packaging before you share a hot dog with your pup,” Gagne stressed.

5. Choking Hazard Hot dogs are full of ingredients that your dog does not need in his diet, a number of which can lead to serious illnesses. Aside from this, hotdogs can also be a choking hazard.

“Most dogs like to scarf down their food and treats. You may have noticed your dog sometimes takes a treat and barely chews it,” Gagne said. “Hot dogs are the perfect size to lodge in your dog’s throat. And a full hot dog can be very hard to remove from your dog’s throat, even with the Heimlich Maneuver,” she added.

It is best to avoid hot dogs. “All the additives in hot dogs mean they aren’t a good treat for dogs,”Gagne said. You can always barbeque beef, pork or chicken without any seasoning. D. C.

Luya or ginger keeps your pet warm during the cold season GINGER root is a herb with numerous health benefits for pets as well as humans.

We have been giving ginger water to our shih tzus, Pinoy cats, and rescues, for years now, specially during the cold months.

Rescued dogs and cats of Save Animals of Love and Light – Save ALL Inc. are given salabat or ginger tea. We boil ginger in water, and give the ginger water to the dogs and cats in small amounts. We do not buy powdered ginger because most have sugar and it is stronger or concentrated, thus it can “burn” a pet’s tongue.

Here is the amount we give and how: 1. For small dogs like shih tzus or pups: one teaspoon during cold nights 2. For cats : 1 ml every cold night 3. For medium dogs : one tablespoon per cold night.

4. For big or large dogs : 2 tablespoons per cold night.

Why do I say per cold night? There are

nights that the weather is warm. We check the predicted temperature that night. If it is 25 degrees below, it will likely go lower (which means colder) by early morning. So it is best to give the ginger water before they go to sleep. You can use syringe, or put in a small of amount of their dinner to make sure they will get the ginger water.

We never give ginger powder.

By the way, ginger is different from turmeric. I will discuss turmeric another time.

Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-cancer

“Do you know this spice has potent antimicrobial, i.e., antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral (1, 2) properties? That is not all, according to a publication on ‘Amaz-

ing and Might Ginger’ posted in Herbal Medicine: Bimolecular aspects. 2nd Edition, it is a powerful “antioxidant, antiinflammatory agent, antinausea, and anticancer agent,” the editorial team of Pet Care Advisors (online) said in “Can Cats Eat Ginger – Safety + Benefits.”

Nutritionally, ginger mainly contains water, carbohydrates, some dietary fiber, sugars, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in smaller quantities.

What is unique about ginger is the fact it has 14 beneficial bioactive compounds, including phenols gingerol, paradol, shogaol, gingerdione, zingerone, zerumbone, terpenoids, flavonoids, among others.

Can cats also have ginger?

Yes! It is safe and healthy for cats. But make sure the ginger powder you buy has no flavoring or sugar or added ingredients which may be harmful to cats

and dogs. “…avoid any other product flavored with it, including gingerbread as well as ginger ale, beer, biscuits, and so on, if they have other harmful ingredients,” the Pet Care Advisors said.

It is best to boil ginger in water instead.

While ginger is safe, it is still best to give only a small amount based on your vet’s advice. “Factors such as size, weight, age, and general health status will affect how much you give them,” The Pet Care Advisors said.

Do not give ginger on an empty stomach as it might cause gastrointestinal irritation. You can mix it with food to help minimize the possibility of such a symptom.

“Finally, being pungent and spicy with a zesty, peppery taste, your feline may refuse to eat it or drink water with ginger. If this happens, try to hide it in its food or soft treats,” the Pet Care Advisor said.

Benefits of ginger for cats

We do not have specific studies on the use of ginger on cats yet. But VCA Animal Hospital noted that “ginger has been used for many years in pets in the treatment of vomiting and cardiovascular disorders.

Dogs and cats are the species most often treated. Its use may be expanded to the treatment of bloat (GDV) in dogs.”

The Pet Care Advisor said ginger can:

Cats can not stand very cold weather. It is best to give them ginger water or ginger boiled in water to warm them up.

Cats can easily get the ginger if you put the ginger water in their food.

1. help manage some motion sickness symptoms like vomiting and nausea in cats; 2. help treat bloats; 3. improve digestion; 4. and reduce stomachache and arthritic pain; 5. reduce cancer risks;and 6. calm your kitty.

Ginger is warming food in Chinese medicine. It drives out the cold in the body.

It is safe cats and dogs in small amounts and pets who are not taking medication for hypertension or diabetes and have not undergone surgery.

Precaution

However, ask your vet if your dog or cat can be given ginger. “Before giving you an approval to use it, he is in the best position to assess the cause of the underlying symptoms you are trying to manage,” the Pet Care Advisor said.

Ginger has a slight blood-thinning effect and slightly lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, thus, it cannot be given to pets who have just undergone surgery. Also, it can not be given to pets who are being given medicine for blood pressure or diabetes, including insulin.

Pets with gallstones or ulcers should not be given ginger too.

“If your feline pal is under any medication, pregnant or nursing, discuss the matter with your vet first before letting them have this spice,” the Pet Care Advisor said.

Finally, in case of any diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or any other symptoms, discontinue its use and talk to your vet.