Manila Standard - 2022 February 20 - Sunday

‘Ukraine invasion in days’ Biden says Putin all set for it, 40% of Russian troops in attack position Vol. 36

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February 20, 2022 8 PAGES

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IN MET R MANILAO

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NITED States President Joe Biden warned a Russian invasion of Ukraine will happen in the coming days as a US defense official said more than 40 percent Moscow’s forces on the Ukraine border are now in position for attack.

Biden said he is “convinced” that Vladimir Putin has decided to invade Ukraine within the week, an event that would trigger Western sanctions set to turn Russia into what a US official called a “pariah.”

“As of this moment I’m convinced he’s made the decision,” Biden said in televised remarks at the White House.

Biden said the attack could come in the next “week” or “days” and that targets would include the capital Kyiv, “a city of 2.8 million innocent people.”

The United States, which estimates that Russia has placed more than 150,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders, has observed significant movements since Wednesday, the US Defense official said, insisting on anonymity.

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DOH: Cases may drop to 83 daily mid-March ATTACK POSITION. This Maxar satellite image taken and released on Feb-

ruary 18, 2022 shows tanks, armored personnel carriers (APC), infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and support equipment which remain parked in maneuver/convoy position in Novoozernoye, Crimea. US President Joe Biden said he believes Russian leader Vladimir Putin has decided to invade Ukraine and that the attack could begin ‘in the coming days.’ AFP

Red-tagged doctor arrested for kidnap, illegal detention

THE country’s daily COVID-19 cases could drop to as low as 83 by mid-March for as long as Filipinos continue to observe health protocols and a fresh surge in infections is avoided.

Department of Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire made the statement as the country logged 1,923 new cases on

Saturday, the sixth day that daily cases fell below 3,000.

The DOH said 198 new fatalities and 5,158 recoveries were recorded.

The positivity rate has significantly dropped to 7.9 percent, bringing it closer to the 5 percent benchmark set by the World Health Organization, while active cases

stood at 62,533.

“Our daily cases nationally may be as low as 83 cases only by March 15 if our vaccination rate continues to rise and if our mobility and compliance to minimum public health standards can be retained at the current level,” Vergeire said.

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Transport strike looms, new oil price hike up n By ALENA MAE FLORES A GROUP of jeepney drivers and operators warned it will stage a transport strike if the government fails to act on its petition for a

P2 fare hike as oil firms are seen to increase pump prices anew by nearly P1 per liter on Tuesday, marking the eight straight week of increases.

“We can no longer wait for the fare

hike promised by [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] chairman [Martin] Delgra. So maybe it is better for a one-time, big-time strike,” Liga CONTINUED ON 2A

n By MARICEL CRUZ DOCTOR Maria Natividad Castro, who was arrested Friday on charges of kidnapping and illegal detention, has been brought to Agusan del Sur after she was arrested.

The Philippine National Police said Castro, 53, who is being held without bail, will be tried on charges of kidnapping for which a lower court had ordered her arrest in 2020.

COVID-19 PH AT

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3,650,748 1,923

62,533

55,607

198

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5,158

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Active

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Recoveries

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CASTRO “After proper documentation and booking procedure upon her arrest in San Juan City on Friday morning, she was immediately flown to Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur where she is presently detained,” PNP-PIO chief Police Brigadier General Roderick Augustus Alba said in a statement.

“As a Person Under Police Custody (PUPC), and upon her request, she was provided with a hygiene kit, clothes and toiletries, while the local office of the Commission on Human Rights [has] been CONTINUED ON 2A

MANILA’S LAST LUNG. The 2.2-hectare Arroceros Urban Forest is now open to the public, complete with walkways, an exhibit area, fish ponds, footbridges, newly-installed benches, and a view deck at the Pasig riverside with a coffee shop. Danny Pata

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‘Scenes of war’ amid search for Brazil floods survivors WORLD | 3A

Pangasinan candidates rally behind UniTeam NEWS | 2A

Bro. Mike: No block vote for El Shaddai NEWS | 2A

FEBRUARY 20, 2022

Opposing Pangasinan bets unite behind BBM-Sara

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n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

OLITICAL leaders in Pangasinan led by reelectionist Gov. Amado Espino III as well as congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ramon Guico III on Saturday endorsed the tandem of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, firming up further the so-called Solid North’s overwhelming support of the UniTeam candidates.

Key leaders from the vote-rich province have temporarily set aside local politics and party affiliations to rally behind the tandem.

Espino, a stalwart of the administration party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), led provincial officials, including

Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil of the National Unity Party (NUP), in welcoming Duterte-Carpio at the provincial capitol.

Duterte came from a campaign in the neighboring province of La Union where she and Marcos got the support and endorsement of officials

led by Gov. Emmanuel Ortega III of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

“Ilocos region is really for BBM-Sara,” Espino said.

His opponent, Guico, a stalwart of the Nacionalista Party (NP), also assured a landslide victory for the UniTeam bets in vote-rich Pangasinan, which has almost two million registered voters.

“Regardless of political colors, I think Pangasinan is united for BBM-Sara,” Guico said in a separate interview in Alaminos City before Duterte-Carpio inaugurated the Sara for VP Alaminos Headquarters.

“Pangasinan has almost two million voters so a lot of our allies have command votes in their respective municipalities and cities. So I’m sure we can deliver a lot for Team UniTeam, for BBM and Sara,” Guico added.

Duterte group pledges support to Mayor Isko n

By REY E. REQUEJO

MANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s presidential bid got a major boost Saturday after officers and members of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC), a big volunteer group that helped Duterte win the presidency in 2016, formally endorsed the candidacy of the Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer.

This after former Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones, president of MRRD, and other officers of the group signed a manifesto of support and handed it over to Domagoso.

Castriciones said the MRRD-NECC endorsed Domagoso because he is the most qualified among the presidential candidates.

“We support you because we see in you the loyalty to serve the people.

We also have many candidates who really want to serve, but of course, what we want is the candidate who has real love for the poor,” the former Duterte Cabinet member told Domagoso.

Leni: Don’t rush modernization of NCR’s public transport system THE road to better public transportation in Metro Manila might be paved with good intentions but railroading it in the middle of the pandemic could only leave the commuters at a worse state than it was before, Vice President Leni Robredo said.

Robredo said forcing the consolidation of PUV operators, the use of common terminals, and the mandatory upgrading of fleets of jeepneys should be put on hold.

“We are for the modernization of our public transport. But we do not want to burden further our commuters and drivers. We should not insist on policies that are not yet apt given our context that we are in the middle of a pandemic. It is best to shelve these policies first,” the independent presidential aspirant said.

Robredo said commuters are burdened by the use of integrated terminals because of health risks and higher fare.

‘No block vote for El Shaddai’

IN A HUDDLE. Lakas-CMD vice presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio chats with Pangasinan Governor

Amado Espino lll during a courtesy call at the provincial capitol. They were joined by Senator Ronald De La Rosa, Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil and UniTeam senatorial candidate Harry Roque. Ver Noveno

EL SHADDAI members are free to choose their own candidates for the May 9 elections, Bro. Mike Velarde said yesterday.

“The choice is yours, not mine. I heed my personal choice,” Velarde said during El Shaddai’s worship service in Parañaque City.

Velarde, who earlier endorsed the tandem of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, said other candidates will be joining the Catholic charismatic group’s

Magalong: Lacson took care of orphans of fallen cops BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong shared many anecdotes about his former boss, Partido Reporma presidential candidate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, and how he always looked after the welfare of policemen, especially the orphans left behind by fallen cops.

In a dialogue with members of Rotary Club International District 3790 Cluster 1C, the mayor admitted he had “a very difficult life working under [Lacson]” when Magalong was still the commander of the elite Special Action Force while Lacson was the Philippine National Police chief from

1999 to 2001.

On his very first day as SAF commander, Magalong said he had one policeman die in an encounter.

Lacson called him and sternly reprimanded him, the Baguio mayor recalled.

“I was so sad after being scolded.

After a couple of hours, the PNP comptroller, General Acop— (former Antipolo) Congressman Romy Acop— said, ‘Benjie, tell me how many children in the family did that policeman who died had? They will all receive scholarships until they graduate from college,’” Magalong said.

FromtheFRONTPAGE UKRAINE’...“Forty to fifty percent are in an attack position. They have uncoiled in tactical assembly in the last 48 hours,” the official told reporters.

Tactical assembly points are areas next to the border where military units are set up in advance of an attack.

The official said Moscow had massed 125 battalion tactical groups close to the Ukraine border, compared to 60 in normal times and up from 80 at the beginning of February.

Ukraine’s army on Saturday reported the first death of a soldier in weeks as the Moscow-backed leaders of Ukraine’s two breakaway regions announced a general mobilization, with fears mounting of war in the ex-Soviet country.

The joint military command for east Ukraine said a soldier received a fatal shrapnel wound in the conflict zone running across two separatist regions near the Russian border.

Ukraine’s emergency service said two of its staff were wounded during a wave of attacks on Friday.

The announcements from the separatist groups came after observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe reported a significant rise in attacks on the frontline in parts of eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian rebels.

“I urge my fellow citizens who are in the reserves to come to military conscription offices. Today I signed a decree on general mobilization,” Denis Pushilin, the leader of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, said in a video

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GOVERNANCE PLATFORM. Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson and his running mate, Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III, address Rotary members in Baguio City, outlining their platform of governance should they win in the May 9 elections.

“Do you know what he gave to the family of the fallen policeman? He gave them a house and lot. That’s how Senator Lacson is,” he added.

Lacson later explained that while he was stern and often curt with Magalong when he was his subordinate, it was only because he knew the outstanding character of the future Baguio mayor, which allowed him to focus on his other concerns as PNP chief.

“He stayed true to his training at the PMA [Philippine Military Academy] and through his long public service, he has shown his bravery.

statement.

The leader of the Lugansk separatist region, Leonid Pasechnik, meanwhile published a decree saying the measure in his region was signed to prepare for “repelling aggression.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to travel to Germany Saturday to meet Western leaders, with talks between him and US Vice President Kamala Harris expected.

Putin, for his part, will oversee major military drills along Ukraine’s borders on Saturday, further escalating tensions in the area, but the Kremlin continues to say it has no plans to attack.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, attending the Munich Security Conference, warned the size of the assembled Russian force far exceeded that needed for military drills, and that Russia had the capacity to invade without warning.

Russia will only get a bolstered NATO on its borders if its aim in a possible invasion of Ukraine was to push the alliance away from its frontier, the defense bloc’s chief Jens Stoltenberg warned Saturday.

“If the Kremlin’s aim is to have less NATO on its borders, it will only get more NATO,” vowed Stoltenberg, speaking at the Munich Security Conference.

The alliance “will take all necessary measures to protect and defend all our allies,” he vowed.

France and Germany have urged Russia to use its influence on rebels in Ukraine’s disputed east to “encourage restraint and contribute to de-escalation.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday there was “still a chance to avoid unnecessary bloodshed” even as Downing Street said Russia continued to

strengthen its forces massed on Ukraine’s borders.

“There is still a chance to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, but it will require an overwhelming display of Western solidarity beyond anything we have seen in recent history,” Johnson said in a statement.

“Allies need to speak with one voice to stress to President Putin the high price he will pay for any further Russian invasion of Ukraine. Diplomacy can still prevail.”

But on the ground, a spike in clashes has fed a growing sense of dread.

Officials told local media that 25,000 people had left Lugansk and more than 6,000 had left Donetsk for Russia. There were reports of long car queues at checkpoints in Donetsk. AFP

DOH:...She, however, warned that based on the same DOH study, infections could rise to as many as 7,748 cases daily

by March 15 if compliance to public health standards would be reduced.

“Once mobility increases or if there is complacency, the number of cases can rise again because we know that the virus is still here,” she said, The government has vaccinated at least 3.5 million individuals against COVID-19 at the end of the third wave of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” program that ran from February 10 to 18.

Vergeire said the number of vaccinated individuals during the mass vaccination drive fell short of the government’s target of five million.

“Even though we did not achieve our five million target, we are still glad we have achieved 3.5 million, which boosted the vaccination rate in the entire country,” she added.

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

gatherings in the coming weeks.

“Don’t be surprised if we have guest candidates every Saturday. We will welcome everyone who would like to join our activities,” Velarde said.

“When I present them to you, examine their hearts,” he added El Shaddair’s spiritual adviser Bishop Teodoro Bacani earlier clarified the Catholic charismatic group has not endorsed any presidential and vice presidential candidates for the May 9 polls.

RED-TAGGED...duly informed of her present status,” Alba added.

He, however, clarified that her arrest had nothing to do with accusations of being a leader of a Maoist rebel group that has waged a decades-long insurgency against the government.

“The arrest of Maria Natividad Castro is the result of a regular police operation pursuant to the Warrant of Arrest issued on January 30, 2022 by Hon. Fernando R. Fudalan, Acting Presiding Judge, 10th Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court, Branch 7, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur,” Alba said.

But her former employer, human rights monitor Karapatan, said Castro was facing “trumped up” charges after she investigated alleged human rights violations in the volatile Mindanao region while also setting up community health centers there.

“Karapatan denounces the arrest of human rights and health worker Dr. Naty Castro as yet another form of attack against human rights defenders,” the group said, referring to Castro by her nickname.

Critics say allegations of communism – known locally as “red-tagging” – have been used to discredit and detain activists, journalists, lawyers and dissidents.

CHR on Saturday expressed concern over the manner of Castro’s arrest.

“Dra. Naty had been red tagged for her work as a human rights and development worker. Before the pandemic hit the country in 2020, Castro initiated several health programs in Mindanao. She also brought members of the Lumad community before the United Nations in Geneva to seek help against harassment in their areas. She also once served as secretary general of rights group Karapatan in Caraga region,” the CHR said.

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

TRNSPORT...ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas national president Orlando Marquez said in a radio interview.

“Never mind if we die fighting, as long as we do not die because of hunger,” he added.

Delgra earlier confirmed the LTFRB received a petition to increase the minimum jeepney fare to P10 but said the Department of Transportation is more inclined to assist in meeting the financial needs of the public transport sector through service contract programs and “Pantawid Pasada” cash aid than a fare hike.

On Saturday, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said based on its price forecast for the Feb. 22 to 28 trading week, the price of gasoline will increase by P0.80 to P0.90 per liter. Diesel will likely increase

by P0.60 to P0.70 per liter.

On February 15, oil companies implemented a price increase for the seventh consecutive week that resulted in year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P7.95/liter for gasoline, P10.20/liter for diesel and P9.10/liter for kerosene.

According to the Department of Energy, crude oil prices extended higher on tighter supply outlook despite easing of geopolitical tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border and a potential return of Iranian barrels to the oil market.

Last week, the DOE warned the high oil price trend may continue in the next two months and will only start to taper off by May or June due to the continuing tightness in oil supply.

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

FEBRUARY 20, 2022

‘Scenes of war’ amid search for victims of Brazil floods

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DESPERATE search was underway Friday [Saturday, Manila time] for people buried by a deluge of mud that swept through the Brazilian city of Petropolis, leaving what President Jair Bolsonaro described as “scenes of war.”

A total of 136 bodies have been retrieved to date, according to civil defense officials, in the normally scenic tourist town some 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro.

But after three days, hopes of finding more survivors were fading fast. Petropolis mayor Rubens Bomtempo told a press conference late Friday that “it is difficult after so much time” to find anyone alive.

On Tuesday, the streets of the city were turned into torrential rivers of mud that swept away homes, cars and trees following the heaviest rains to hit the region since 1932, Rio governor Claudio Castro said.

“We saw enormous destruction, like scenes of war,” Bolsonaro told reporters after his helicopter flyover Friday.

He had headed straight for Petropolis on his return to Brazil after an official visit to Russia and Hungary.

Officials said late Friday that 218 people were still missing, some of whom are likely to be among the 57 bodies that are still unidentified, according to authorities.

On Friday morning, the alarm bells rang once again in areas at high risk of landslides in the city of 300,000 people.

“There is a risk of landslides... be careful, move to a safe place,” came the message over loudhailers amid renewed heavy rain in the early morning, which later subsided.

“Everyone is very frightened and jumps at the slightest noise,” said Atenor Alves de Alcantara, a 67-year-old retiree whose home was in the path of the water.

“It is good that the President is visiting us, but it won’t change anything,” he added.

More than 500 firefighters with helicopters, excavation machinery and sniffer dogs continued the search, even as hope dwindled of finding anyone alive. AFP

PEACE ANGELS. A woman takes a phone call next to symbolic paper angels representing the victims killed during the anti-government Maidan protests of 2014, in the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, some 50 kms from the front line with Russia-backed separatists. Ukraine marks the eighth anniversary of the bloody end to the revolution that ousted Russian-backed president Viktor Yanukovych in which nearly 100 people were killed in Kyiv, most of them between February 18 and February 20, 2014. AFP

Under then-president Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” program, tens of thousands of non-Mexican asylum seekers – mostly from Central America – were sent back over the border pending the outcome of their applications.

Since taking office in January 2021, Biden has pledged a more humane immigration policy and sought to dismantle the program, officially called the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). AFP

Pitt sues Jolie over sale of French vineyard where they got married BRAD Pitt is suing Angelina Jolie for selling her share of the French vineyard where they got married.

Superstars Pitt and Jolie, who were once Hollywood’s highest profile couple, bought a controlling stake of Chateau Miraval in southern France in 2008, and tied the knot there six years later.

But they filed to dissolve their marriage in 2016 and have remained locked in court battles since, including over custody rights for their six children.

According to a lawsuit filed by Pitt in California on Thursday, the couple had

RESCUERS picked up the search for 12 missing people at the break of dawn Saturday after an Italian-flagged ferry caught fire on the Ionian Sea the previous day.

Overnight, patrol ships combed the area off Corfu island hoping to locate survivors, the Greek coastguard told AFP. Rescuers brought 278 passengers to Corfu after the blaze on the Euroferry Olympia broke out en route from Greece to Italy.

Officials have said the cause of the fire remains unknown.

According to the coastguard, all of the still-missing people are truck drivers, nine from Bulgaria and three from Greece.

Truckers who were rescued from the vessel told Greece’s public broadcaster on Saturday that some drivers prefered to sleep in their vehicles because the ship cabins were overcrowded.

Grimaldi Lines, the owner of the vessel, said late last night the fire “is currently under control” but the Greek Coast Guard Saturday morning didn’t confirm.

According to the company, the ferry was officially carrying 239 passengers and 51 crew, as well as 153 trucks and trailers and 32 passenger vehicles. AFP

Storm Eunice batters Europe, leaves 9 dead

US Supreme Court to consider repealing Trump’s border policy THE US Supreme Court agreed on Friday to consider whether President Joe Biden can end a controversial Trump-era border policy that denies asylum-seekers entry to the United States while their case is reviewed.

The Democratic president’s administration in December asked the conservative-leaning high court to review decisions made by appeals courts that left in place the migration program implemented in 2019 by the previous government.

Rescue efforts for 12 missing in ferry fire

“agreed they would never sell their respective interests in Miraval without the other’s consent.”

But last October, Jolie sold her stake to a “Luxembourg-based spirits manufacturer controlled by Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler,” the legal document obtained by AFP says.

Pitt’s filing alleges that Jolie broke the terms of their original agreement by not offering him first refusal for her share, and that she is seeking to “recover unearned windfall profits for herself while inflicting gratuitous harm on Pitt.” AFP

BEFORE THE SPLIT. In this file photo taken on June 13, 2014, US actress and special UN envoy Angelina Jolie and her husband, actor Brad Pitt, attend the fourth day of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, in London. Pitt is suing Jolie for selling her share of the French vineyard where they got married. AFP

STORM Eunice killed at least nine people in Europe on Friday, pummelling Britain with record-breaking winds and forcing millions to take shelter as it disrupted flights, trains and ferries across Western Europe.

London was eerily empty after the British capital was placed under its first ever “red” weather warning, meaning there was “danger to life.”

By nightfall, police there said a woman in her 30s had died after a tree fell on a car she was a passenger in.

Meanwhile, a man in his 50s was also killed in northwest England after debris struck the windscreen of a vehicle he was travelling in, according to Merseyside Police.

Beyond Britain, falling trees killed three people in the Netherlands and a man in his 60s in southeast Ireland, while a Canadian man aged 79 died in Belgium, according to officials in each country.

A motorist was killed when their car crashed into a tree that had fallen across a road near Adorp in the Netherlands’ northern province of Groningen.

And in Germany, a motorist died after his car was hit by a tree near the town of Altenberge. AFP

FEBRUARY 20, 2022 Ignite Impact Fund founder Maoi Arroyo

Serial entrepreneur

promotes gender equality

P

ushing to fund more women and achieving gender equality will actually lead to more economic gains for businesses, companies and even countries, according to Ignite Impact Fund founder Maoi Arroyo.

Speaking in the online event “Striking Stereotypes: the Rise of Women Leadership” presented by the American Chamber of Commerce, the serial entrepreneur and impact investor pointed out the need to achieve gender equality in the workplace not just in the Philippines, but all around the world.ph “The open secret is that the Philippines is not actually gender-equal. Gender equality is more than pay and inclusion, and it is still really bad in rural areas,” said Arroyo, an awardee of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Philippines in 2011.

“We really need more people to invest in women and in the investment philosophy of

women, because you’re going to make money,” said Arroyo, who studied at the University of the Philippines and Cambridge University.

She is an adjust professor at the Asian Institute of Management.

Arroyo, who describes herself as a startup junkie, led various companies such as Ignite Impact Fund, Onovo Inc., Gregorio et Filiae-Cosimo Leathersmiths, Alchemedia Philippines, Christo Ecclesiasiae Development Inc. and Hybridigm Consulting Inc. She came from a family of entrepreneurs, with her grandparents the founders of Gregg Shoes--the leading brand of school shoes for many decades.

“Gender equality actually translates to money. You would actually have a GDP increase if gender equality was achieved—you’d have a two percent increase in the UK, a nine percent increase in Japan, a 27 percent increase in India and a $5.3-trillion dollar increase all around the globe. It’s about time we have more of a say,” she said.

Citing that the world is currently seeing a major transfer of wealth to women and millennials, Arroyo further pushes for more impact investing from corporations and high-net worth individu-

als to help people and the planet.

“Women also need to be given bigger influence in the field of investing, as data from Bloomberg has found that only 14 percent of the 25,000 fund managers around the world are women, managing less than 1 percent of the world’s assets,” she said.

This is why Arroyo and her partners founded Ignite, which seeks to combine profit with a purpose by making investors money while also contributing positively to the world. Ignite invests in impactful startups with the help of over 30 years of mentoring and managing local enterprises, eventually aiming to lift Filipinos up from extreme poverty.

Companies that Ignite has already invested in include Quicksilver Satcom Ventures, which provides satellite-based internet connectivity to underserved and unserved areas in the Philippines; Plentina, a credit app that gives the unbanked access to credit they can use in stores and merchants; and BioPrime, a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner that accelerates plant growth yield and increases farmers’ income. Ignite is also in the process of investing and developing more startups around the Philippines.

The rise of digital conglomerate

By Othel V. Campos

F(Dev) managing director Xavier Marzan

Filinvest vows to support development of PH unicorns VENTURE fund provider F(Dev), a unit of the Filinvest Group, is looking to supports more start-up companies after it successfully launched four start-up ventures focused on delivering solutions to unique problems in underserved markets.

Launched during the pandemic, F(DEV) has an ambitious goal of building more unicorns from the Philippines in the next five to seven years, adding significant enterprise value to its business network.

“F(DEV) is a venture building outfit that invests in and incubates new startup ventures. But more than simply ‘starting-up’ these new ventures, we want to rapidly bring them to a level of operational scale that is required to make a real impact. So we also view ourselves as a ‘scale-up factory’,” said F(Dev) managing director Xavier Marzan, who himself has been involved in the start-up or scale-up of two fintech unicorns in Southeast Asia.

With F(Dev), the Filinvest Group, with stakes in diverse industries, including banking, real estate, retail and F&B, hospitality, energy and even agriculture, has found the right path to navigating the emerging confluence of business trends and digital disruptions.

While venture building has been popular in the US and Europe over the last decade, the model is getting attention only recently in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Marzan, F(Dev) is not an accelerator that accepts applications from the outside nor a VC fund per se, “bit we identify and invest in potentially viable large-scale start-up ideas and turn them into companies.”

He noticed that the country has been attracting more foreign venture capital (VC) funding with a number of Filipino start-ups receiving large investments from venture capitalists.

While the number of players and value of the startup ecosystem have grown, the Philippines still lags behind other start-up ecosystems in APAC, he said.

Marzan said in the past decades, large Philippine conglomerates and corporations had been the source of capital and innovation in many industries but recent challenges prodded them to explore ways to outrun disruption in their industries.

Issues such as demographic shifts, technological advancement, increased global competition and changes in customer behaviors are pushing companies to keep pace otherwise risk becoming irrelevant in the long run. All of these trends are also being accelerated by more nimble global tech start-up. Othel V. Campos

MOVING forward on its digitalization journey, the Gokongwei Group teamed up with Infosys and Microsoft Corp. on using artificial intelligence to scale up the company’s monitoring and operations control for increased productivity.

With the Gokongwei Group’s drive to innovate, the company is a step closer to its goal of becoming the first truly digital conglomerate in the Philippines.

“The Gokongwei Group and their industry-defining transformation have elevated them into an enterprise of tomorrow, which is crucial as the digital and traditional economy continue to be on a growth trajectory,” said Microsoft vice president of sales, marketing and operations for Asia Pacific Sandy Gupta.

“Together, Gokongwei Group and Microsoft are empowering every person and every organization in the Philippines, through innovation and digital transformation to build an inclusive, economic society. Our customers can trust that we will never compete against them. We’re not a search company; we’re not a retailer. We are an enterprise technology company,” said Gupta.

The Gokongwei Group is one of the largest and more diversified Filipino conglomerates with operations across Southeast Asia. With subsidiaries JG Summit Holdings, Robinsons Retail Holdings and Summit Media, the organization remains a crucial contributor to the Philippine economy with diversified businesses that include airlines, consumer and consumer-packaged goods, financial services, manufacturing, petrochemicals, real estate, retail and media.

The group recognized the incredible value and impact cloud computing would have on their businesses—improving agility, increasing the efficiency of business processes, building trust, reliability and empowering them to innovate for the future.

“The Gokongwei Group has been a part of the Philippines’ history since our founding in 1957. We’ve served our community for many years, and we endeavor to continue doing so well into the future,” said JG Summit Holdings Inc. chief information officer Carlo Santos.

The group’s transformation journey started in 2018, with a holistic data center modernization project that saw

Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas CBD

JG Summit migrating its main datacenter in the Philippines to the cloud. In 2019, it announced a strategic partnership with Infosys and Microsoft as part of their digital transformation journey.

“Our vison and purpose have steadfastly remained – an unrelenting commitment to provide our customers with better choices, creating shared success with our stakeholders. We knew that achieving that requires an entrepreneurial mindset, and our ambition needed to be on a foundation of integrity. Which is why when it came to digitalizing the organization, across all companies, we knew it needed to be Microsoft, the industry’s most trusted and comprehensive cloud offering,” Santos said.

When the pandemic hit, the Gokongwei Group was ahead of the curve.

Through easy and secure collaboration powered by Microsoft 365, their hybrid workforce was able to ensure business continuity where needed, stay focused on their customer needs, and provided improved service while staying safe.

According to a research by The Economist, 72 percent of business decision makers across private and public sectors reported an acceleration of their industry’s pace of transformation during the pandemic.

Digital transformation, once an imperative to gain a competition edge, became a key to business resilience and transformation. By migrating to Azure, The Gokongwei Group was able

to pivot to become a digital company, future proofing their business groups.

Microsoft Azure is the foundation of Microsoft’s intelligent cloud and intelligent edge strategy, providing startups to enterprises the cloud services, developer tools, scale and security needed – no matter where they are at in their cloud journey. More than 95 percent of the Fortune 500 choose Azure.

To accomplish their vision, the Gokongwei Group sought technology partners ePLDT, Infosys and Microsoft to help them achieve their greater digital transformation ambition. They completed their migration at the end of 2021. ePLDT, the ICT arm of PLDT Enterprise provided the colocation services at its VITRO Data Center, which enables the Gokongwei Group to host their critical IT infrastructure in a worldclass data center facility.

“We are thrilled to be a strategic partner in the Gokongwei Group’s drive of constantly innovating its operations to answer the growing and changing demands of the market. On behalf of PLDT Enterprise, we thank the Gokongwei Group for trusting us to be part of their end-to-end digital transformation journey through our VITRO Data Center colocation services. We express our utmost commitment to continuously invest in world-class infrastructure and industry-leading expertise to serve their evolving needs,” said PLDT first vice president and Smart Enterprise head Jojo Gendrano.

BRIA Condo Mactan boasts of proximity to the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

New Infrastructure support Cebu’s residential developments THE year 2021 was a severely challenging time for Cebu as surges in coronavirus infections beset the province, dealing a blow to its vibrant tourism industry. Then at year’s end, a catastrophic typhoon would further rack Cebu’s economy and test the Cebuanos’ indomitable spirit.

Just as the new year unfailingly inspires hope and optimism, Cebu’s business leaders expect to pick up the pieces and fast-track economic recovery. Rey Calooy, chairman of the Filipino-Cebuano Business Club Inc. which represents the micro, small, and medium enterprises, said “the upcoming election fever will make businesses vibrant in 2022.”

Furthermore, the industrialization of Cebu is fast catching up with that of Metro Manila and environs, due in no small part to large-scale infrastructure projects. Post-completion, the Metro Cebu Expressway, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit and Cebu-Mactan Bridge are primed to drastically reduce travel time between Metro Cebu and other key towns and cities in the province.

In the wake of such developments, Cebuanos have reason to display incredible resilience, a trait that pushes Bria Homes to pursue its projects in the region—and to train its sights on Cebu.

Among the first to ride on this positive trend, Bria Homes rolled out Bria Condo Mactan and Bria Homes Danao, two properties in its portfolio that have optimum potential for fast value appreciation.

Bria Condo Mactan, a mid-rise condominium in Sudtunggan, LapuLapu City, is located within Mactan Island, which boasts of proximity to the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport and is host to world-class hotels, resorts and restaurants.

Cosco Capital commits to boost ESG initiatives COSCO Capital, Inc., together with publicly-listed subsidiaries Puregold Price Club Inc. and The Keepers Holdings Inc., are committed to strengthening its ESG framework to bolster the group’s environmental sustainability initiatives, institutionalize social responsibility programs and adhere to highest standards of good governance.

The Lucio Co-led companies teamed up with the Institute of Corporate Directors. In a special joint meeting of the boards of directors of Cosco and its listed companies, ICD fellow Alexander Patricio discussed the importance of environmental, social and governance initiatives and how these programs can become integral part of its corporate culture which in the long run can make the group even more sustainable, viable and relevant.

The group reported initial ESG initiatives which are already in place. Puregold showed strength in gender equality and inclusivity, with women comprising 60 percent of its workforce and 61 percent of

managers and executives. It demonstrated robust support for grassroots communities where it operates.

Puregold employees are up to 98-percent local hires, while it has over 660,000 sari-sari store members under the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program all over the country.

All Puregold stores have converted to 100 percent-LED main lighting in 2021 to greatly reduce energy consumption.

Meanwhile, S&R is steadily shifting to solar power with 50 percent off all its stores now being powered by solar panels. An increase in cross-dock operations in 25 percent of business operations delivered distribution efficiencies and reduction of CO2 emission by 36 percent.

The grocery chain operator has also stepped-up its campaign to reduce single-use packaging, with plastic bag usage down from 66 percent to only 51 percent in 2021. The chain’s 135 wastewater treatment facilities are compliant with the Clean Water Act and the Group has initiated a rainwater

catchment and gray water venture to reduce overall potable water demand.

The Cosco Capital Group vowed to commit more resources to ESG initiatives. It is creating an ESG unit within the group to track, monitor and report all ESG plans and programs implementation. The group will also continue to closely collaborate with ICD to concretize and put in place a longterm and cohesive ESG blueprint.

Lucio L. Co

I

T USED to be called obstacle course racing before assuming the brand-perfect name Obstacle Sports.

Obstacle sports is the world’s fastest-growing sport where competitors race to complete a course laden with a variety of obstacles to test one’s overall physical fitness including endurance, strength, and speed. It’s growing fast and almost everybody can play and participate.

Could it be the next Olympic sports?

Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) president Al Agra said the sport’s stakeholders are working hard to get the nod of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the sport’s stakeholders are “looking at the 2028 Olympics.”

“Our international federation is working towards that goal. We hope to be part of the 2028 Olympics,” said Agra, a lawyer by profession, who himself actively practices the sport to keep himself fit.

It’s a long road and Agra said their focus right now is making the sport more popular in the Philippines and Asia, through the Obstacle Sports Federation for Asia, and instilling the values of a true warrior.

“While we can’t all be Olympians, we can aspire to be an “Olympist” who values Olympics by building better humans.”

The sport is growing in popularity year after year, with a reported 4.5 million participants in 2015 alone, according to USA Today.

OCR BOX Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the POSF has found an ingenious way to promote the sport by way of the OCR Box, a 12-in-one obstacle facility.

Agra said they have introduced the sport as part of the quality physical education programs of some 15 universities and schools.

“We now have 20 obstacle facilities nationwide and will soon have four more Obstaclesin-a-Box as part of our partnership with the PLDT-SMART Foundation.”

As part of his role to promote the sport across Asia, the POSF, through the Obstacle Sports Federation Asia Pacific (OSF AP), POSF will donate OCR Boxes to Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Even during the pandemic, Agra said they have not slowed down. “With or without the pandemic, the POSF will continue to thrive and create opportunities from adversities – Advertunities.”

One of the obstacles that can be found in the OCR box is the Monkey Bars where a participant needs to conquer a series of parallel bars by applying a firm grip of the bars and swinging forward.

Agra said the OCR Boxes are also intended for vulnerable and marginalized kids in the Philippines. “Through obstacle sports, the youth are trained to be more resilient, to be productive of their time and to channel their energy and passion for sports, especially during this Coronavirus pandemic.”

BUSY YEAR The Filipino Obstacle Sport athletes had a grand showcase during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games by sweeping all the six gold medals.

Despite not being included in the Vietnam SEA Games and the Asian Games slate for this year, the POSF has a busy calendar locally and internationally.

These include three inaugural events for ninja and OCR short athletes.

Lined up are the qualifying event for the Ultimate Ninja Athletic Association World Championship on March 4 to 6 at the Obstacle Sports Factory, and the Obstacle Course Race 400M and the OCR 800 on May 14 to 15 at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, which will also serve as qualifier to the World Championships in Moscow, Russia late this year.

The event in Vermosa has participants try

FEBRUARY 20, 2022

PH Obstacle Sports growing, looking at 2028 Olympics

The OCR Box that offers 12 obstacles to participants

Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) president Al Agra actively practices his sport (Foxcy Smile Photography)

POSF President Al Agra (right, sitting) and Vice President Thumby Remigio (left, sitting) together with some of the national athletes, reveal the busy calendar of events for 2022

Chooks-to-Go 3x3 to host two FIBA World Tour Masters IT’S been two years since the world’s first-ever FIBA 3x3 Super Quest, then the first Challenger tournament was held in the country.

Now, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 brings the World Tour Masters back to the Philippines.

On Friday evening, FIBA 3x3 has announced that the Philippines will have two tours in the top-level tournament – the Chooks-toGo FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters and the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 Cebu Masters.

This is the first time the country will host the Manila Masters since 2015. It takes place from May 2829, 2022. Meanwhile, the first-ever Cebu Masters is scheduled from October 1-2, 2022.

For Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas, now is the time to bring back the World Tour Masters to the Philippines.

“Since 2019, the goals of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 is to expose the Filipino basketball player to world-class competition while bringing quality 3x3 basketball to the fans,” said Mascariñas.

“Two years before the 2024 Paris Olympics, we need to garner FIBA 3x3 points to qualify for the tournament or the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

“By hosting the top-level tournaments, we get maximum points

Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas (left) with FIBA 3×3 managing director Alex Sanchez

while also giving our players more experience and mileage in international 3x3,” he continued.

Utsunomiya will open the season on May 14-15. Besides Manila and Cebu, France, Prague, Lausanne, Debrecen, Montreal, Chengdu, Jeddah, Hong Kong, and Macau will also have Masters tournaments.

The season closes on December 9-10 in Abu Dhabi.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3

players will be taking part in the FIBA 3x3 circuit.

“I think we should be very grateful to Chooks-to-Go for insisting and continuing its effort to help 3×3 in the Philippines,” said FIBA 3×3 managing director Alex Sanchez. “We always thought and believed that the Philippines is a great opportunity and market for 3×3.

“Therefore, we can only be grateful for this continuous effort in these difficult times.”

to conquer 12/ 24 obstacles spread along the track oval.

Winners will qualify for the World Championships in Moscow, Russia tentatively set this August, OSF AP Asian Championships in Bahrain this November, and OSF AP Southeast Asian Championships in Malaysia this October.

The POSF will also hold the Altitude OCR competition in Mount Pulag, the country’s second-highest peak, on March 25-27. The winners will represent the Philippines in the World Championships in Mt. Everest in Nepal in November and the World Finals in Mount Toubkal in Morroco in August.

The highlight of this year’s POSF calendar is the attempt for Guinness World Records.

In another first for World Obstacle, the international federation, two world records will be at stake when the Philippine Open holds an OCR 100M event on April 10 at Arcovia, Pasig.

Participants will have to run a 100-meter course and hurdle 12 obstacles. Leading the Philippine’s charge are Kevin Pascua and Rochelle Suarez, gold medalists in the men and women Ninja 100 events in the 2019 Philippine SEA Games.

Local and foreign athletes will try to break the World Obstacle records of 29.92 (male) and 49.70 seconds (female) by Pascua and Suarez, respectively.

Grateful Miado looks forward to biggest break at ONE X GOLDEN opportunities don’t come every day.

Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado understands that and he’s just filled with gratitude as he gets the biggest break of his career as part of the special ONE X card this 26 March at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“I’m really surprised to be added to this card because this is not just another big event, this is the 10th year anniversary card for ONE Championship. This means so much for me as an athlete because I will be part of a historic card like this alongside some of the big names here at ONE,” he said.

Miado is indeed honored to share the stage with the likes of ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix winner Stamp Fairtex, ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, and mixed martial arts legend Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.

However, Miado’s break also came with a cost as he will figure in a rare all-Filipino fight against Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang in a hard-hitting strawweight clash.

The news certainly left “The Jaguar” with mixed feelings as he said: “It’s surprising to me because I will fight another Filipino.

We are both fighting and hoisting our country’s flag.”

Tough as this challenge may be, Miado knows that he has no other recourse but to keep his focus and give it his all as he aims to extend his win streak to three.

“This won’t be the first time that I will fight a fellow Filipino, so I’ll just have to take the fight as like my other fights. I have so much respect for Adiwang, especially as he’s a fellow Filipino, but I believe we will give it our all and not take this personally,” he stated.

Indeed, the Blaze FC Strawweight Champion has faced Filipinos at ONE Championship before, tasting a split decision defeat to Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan at ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY in April 2017.

Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado

Saab Magalona Life Editor: Nickie Wang

FEBRUARY 20, 2022

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Achieve Kathryn Bernardo and Saab Magalona’s physique with tips from their personal trainers C

By Patricia Taculao

ELEBRITIES are often highly regarded by the public for several reasons. Among them are their skills on and off-screen, their eye-catching fashion sense, their chosen lifestyle, and, sometimes, the way they stay fit despite their hectic schedules.

While most of the stars’ physiques are the results of regular exercise and a healthy diet, their personal trainers also provide motivation and guidance, helping them achieve their fitness goals.

One of them is Kathryn G. Garcia, a function trainer, fitness nutritionist, and celebrity trainer who has worked with some of the brightest stars in the showbiz industry, such as Kathryn Bernardo, Anne Curtis, Megan Young, Jessy Manzano, and more.

In her eight years as a trainer and

Celebrity trainer Kathryn G. Garcia

Leandro Cabrera, aka Coach Andre

nutritionist, Garcia always emphasizes that “health is everything because it is your golden ticket to function properly and work efficiently.”

“The goal should be addressing the bigger picture, and that is focusing on a healthy and sustainable lifestyle,” she added.

Garcia, who is also a parent, is fondly called “Mama Kat” by her clients. She also takes this role seriously since she believes that, as a parent, it’s her job to

lead by example.

When advising her clients, Garcia always reiterates the importance of nutrition. She encourages them to start eliminating all processed food groups from their diet. Her rule of thumb is that anything that causes bloating can give additional pounds.

Request She also believes that an ideal fitness regimen is a combination of 80 percent nutrition and a sustainable workout to ensure a healthy and

Kat Garcia (right) with blogger Arisse de Santos (left) and actress Kathryn Bernardo (center)

functional body. However, the type of exercise should depend on a person’s level of expertise.

“We all begin somewhere and progress from there. One has to get strong first before engaging in any intermediate or advanced workout routine. Remember, training is supposed to build you, not harm you,” she said.

Garcia also has a fitness app called “We’re On,” where individuals can learn the basic foundations of starting a proper fitness regimen.

Aside from taking things slowly but surely, Leandro Cabrera, also known as Coach Andre, suggests finding physical activities that are entertaining like swimming, running, or weightlifting.

Cabrera has been a strength coach for 10 years and trained celebrities such as Saab Magalona, Julia Montes, Nikki Gil, and Yeng Constantino.

A key piece of advice that he offers is to start exercising immediately.

“Don’t wait until you’re free before you start your exercise. Chances are

you won’t be able to start because you’ll always be busy with something.

Make time and set a schedule!” he said.

Once a fitness regimen is adopted, the next thing to do, according to the strength coach, is to be accountable.

Those who are exercising can monitor their progress themselves, or ask a friend to help. However, getting a trainer will get the best results since they help their clients get the best results without wasting their time and efforts.

“We take care of our health so that we can better take care of our family.

This pandemic emphasizes the need to be around our family members. The healthier and stronger you are will give you one less problem to think of during these times,” Cabrera said.

These tips worked well for the celebrities that Garcia and Cabrera handled, and they don’t have to remain limited to the stars. With the proper motivation and discipline, anyone can achieve a fit and active body like their favorite celebrities.

12 tips for a fresh start IF YOU wish for a new beginning, you must focus on certain aspects of your life.

Dan Matthews, a Certified Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) with an extensive background in community-based rehabilitation, advised to not compare yourself with others. Instead, he suggested taking a hard look at one’s own life to identify and focus on the facets that they hope to change.

Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde understands and recognizes that starting over does not happen immediately.

From the professional observations of Matthews, the team has compiled 12 brief yet powerful tips to restart at square one:

1. Always learn something new

Marvin Agustin (left) and Jolina Magdangal

The crazy delicious reunion ‘90s kids have been waiting for THE beloved love team of Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal is making a comeback to make your hearts full and your stomach fuller in the latest installment of Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Zi Char or Char Lang.

As a special Valentine’s day treat from STB, Marvin reunited with Jolina in its third episode of Zi Char or Char Lang, where they recreate the garden city’s uncontended Zi Char dish, Chilli Crab.

Decades may have passed, but the chemistry between the iconic duo from the 90s is so evident that they easily bring all the right ingredients to make this reunion exciting for fans and foodies alike.

With equal parts informative and fun, Zi Char or Char Lang is STB’s way of introducing more Filipinos to the crazy delicious world of Zi Char. In this series, Marvin invites your favorite celebrities where they attempt to recreate the unique flavor combinations of Zi Char dishes.

Zi Char dishes, like Chilli Crab and Cereal Prawn, have put Singapore on the culinary map, and with Filipinos sharing the same love for crazy delicious pairings, it is no surprise that many may feel the itch to travel to Singapore.

However, with borders still closed, STB is bringing Singapore closer to Filipinos by letting them reimagine Singapore through efforts like Zi Char or Char Lang.

“Zi Char dishes may sound like a new concept to many Filipinos, but for Singaporeans, Zi Char has always been the go-to cuisine and due to its great value, huge portions, and comforting flavors reminiscent of grandma’s home cooking,” said Ruby Liu, STB’s area director to the Philippines.

“The good thing about Zi Char, though, is that it has humble beginnings that one can try making their own at the comforts of their home. While we wait for the borders to open, it’s the perfect way to reimagine Singapore and make it even more personal,” Liu added.

Cook along with Marvin and Jolina and watch their video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1155547021929575

Try to expand your horizons. Be competitive in diverse career fields. Pursue further education. Enroll in online classes. Participate in workshops.

2. Take steps to face your fears

Fear and apprehensions of the possible outcomes affect our decision-making.

These may result to missed opportunities.

Do not be afraid to take risks within reason.

Being with nature refreshes a part of your brain

3. Maintain a meaningful social circle

can rely on yourself. You don’t have to give Identify the circles and relationships that up anything in your life to regain control positively affect you. Initiate conversations. over it. Be the captain of your own ship.

Meet interesting people. Make new friends.

Nurture both new and existing networks.

7. Pay attention to your dreams Dreams can unravel sensible hopes and 4. Find ways to cope with anxiety fears. But consider that these are products Choose a healthy activity that helps re- of life forces that we cannot truly comprelieve your anxiety. Do it in moderation. It hend. Thus, it is best not to base your life may be reading, writing, exercising, or even decisions on these. watching Netflix. Engage in new hobbies.

5. Become part of a movement

8. Unplug to tap into creativity

Step out of your comfort zone. Focus on your next attainable goal.

10. Practice daily mindfulness

Incorporate practices such as meditation, yoga, journaling, or breathing exercises into your daily routine.

Take deep breaths at your desk amid a stressful work day. It lowers blood pressure and helps regain your mental focus and clarity.

Technology creates mental fatigue. It 11. Assess your budget Allot time and energy in a cause you feel leaves little energy for creative processes.

You need to know what your financial passionate about. Participating in a group Engage in interesting offline activities. limits are. Plan and set up a budget. that contributes to the common good can Spend more time in nature. It allows a cermake a big impact on your life. tain part of your brain to be refreshed.

12. Manifest goodness Target a new version of yourself. Cre6. Take ownership 9. Challenge comfort zones ate a vision board. Revisit this to remind Free yourself with passivity. Believe you Discover what you are capable of. yourself of your goals.

Learn how to properly budget finances

Incorporate yoga, journaling, and more into daily routines to increase mindfulness

Sign up for online classes to learn something new

FEBRUARY 20, 2022

As Metro’s latest cover girl, Francine talks about her career and her thoughts on turning 18

Francine Diaz makes Metro cover debut FRANCINE Diaz continues her 18th birthday celebration with a classic-romantic fashion editorial. The Star Magic artist makes her grand debut in a Metro digital c o v e r, modeling dreamy and sparkly creations by fashion designer Michael Leyva.

Francine, whose break-

Olivia Rodrigo takes viewers on an intimate road trip MULTIPLE Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo has announced on social media that her new upcoming original film, OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film), will debut exclusively on Disney+ on March 25.

For the first time, Olivia takes audiences on a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her triple-platinum Geffen Records debut album Sour, to Los Angeles.

Along the way, Olivia recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life.

Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews, and never-beforeseen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow her along on a cinematic jour ney exploring the story of Sour.

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u features 11 songs from Sour performed with brand new arrangements in unique locations, including Mojave Airplane Boneyard, Roy’s Motel & Café, Arcosanti, and the Red Rock Canyon State Park. It also includes special guest performances and appearances by Jacob Collier, Blu DeTiger, and Towa Bird.

The film explores how Sour came to be through Olivia’s personal stories and behindthe-scenes footage featuring intimate moments showcasing Olivia’s artistry in and out of the studio.

“This is a unique film experience where for the first-time fans will understand how her album came to be and why it was such a personal jour ney for Olivia,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television.

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u is a Disney+ original film from Disney Branded Television, directed by Stacey Lee and produced by Interscope Films and Supper Club.

American singersongwriter Olivia Rodrigo

out role was via the 2018 TV series Kadenang Ginto, is now making another breakthrough as a rising leading lady, this time without her “Gold Squad” comembers. She’s the star of the upcoming iWantTFC limited series Bola Bola, which features a coming-of-age story that delves on body positivity. In this new show, Francine is paired with three up-and-coming actors: Vance Larena, BGYO’s Akira Morishita, and KD Estrada.

In her exclusive interview on Metro.

Style, the cover girl talks more about this upcoming project, as well as her struggles to get to where she is now, her thoughts on turning 18, despite being an old soul.

Francine’s three-cover special with Metro was revealed one by one through a livestream on “Metro Chats” via Kumu’s FYE Channel, and it was the first time this top fashion and lifestyle brand unveiled a cover in this manner.

Francine dropped by the show, where the young star saw her covers for the first time, and she’s so happy with the shoot’s outcome because it was something she has never done before.

The cover was photographed by Seven Barretto, under the creative direction of Chookie Cruz and supervision of Metro.Style People section editor Grace Libero-Cruz. The glam team was composed of makeup artist Denise Go-Ochoa, hairstylist Brent Sales,

and fashion stylists Drew L a c i a and John E r i c k Reyes.

The production design was by Dindo Pangalangan and Che Katigbak of Rooster Production Design. The video outputs were

by Pat Buenaobra.

The cover story was by Metro staff writer Renee Nuevo. The shoot was also made possible with coordination

by Metro editor-in-chief Geolette Esguerra and managing Editor Ceia Ylagan.

MIKAEL DAEZ

puts spotlight on extraordinary human achievements in new show

G

MA Network presents its newest comedy infotainment program The Best Ka! featuring Guinness World Records ‘Best of the Best.’

Beginning today, this program will tickle everyone’s curiosity as it features intriguing anecdotes and out-of-this-world wonders of people every Sunday afternoon.

All set to bring his trademark wit, charm, and confidence as host of the program is no less than multitalented actor Mikael Daez.

Mikael expressed his gratitude to GMA for entrusting him this TV project, “Every project in GMA is a blessing kasi pinagkakatiwala ng GMA sa akin kung sino yung mga kasama ko, at yung buong crew and director. ‘Sa inyo ito, make this your own, and make us proud.’ ‘Yun ang nasa isip ko, make the most out of this, give it your best and enjoy.”

This new milestone in his career is a welcome breather for the actor since he will be showcasing a side of him that the viewers have never seen before.

“Sa trailer pa lang you can see me dancing.

People know that I don’t dance that well. But I guess people don’t know that I do dance…Pero first time na lalabas yung side na ito doon sa isang hosting show.

They’ve seen snippets of it as

a character, sa Ismol Family, sa Bubble Gang. Pero dito sa The Best Ka! I’m coming in as me, as Mikael, ibang side ang makikilala ng mga Kapuso natin.”

As Mikael dabbles on his very first full-length show as main host, he shared two key points on how to deal with pressure, “May pressure naman lagi pero ang mas importante ay maibigay mo lahat at mag-enjoy ka, yung dalawang bagay na ‘yon. Ibigay mo lahat, prepare well. If you have a script, read your script, if you have objectives, understand the objectives pero at the same time, i-enjoy mo ‘pag nandun ka na. If you have those two things, the rest will play out.”

Aside from uncovering world-record holders, the program will also feature local individuals and their remarkable traits or achievements.

And for its pilot episode, Mikael will be joined by Miss World 2013 Megan Young as special guest co-host.

Directed by Tata Betita, The Best Ka! premieres this afternoon at 3:50 p.m. only on GMA The Kapuso actor will be Network. showing a new side of him

Mikael Daez is the host of GMA’s newest comedy infotainment program

as he hosts ‘The Best Ka!’

Nicole Asencio finds ‘The One’ NICOLE Laurel Asencio’s original composition “The One” is a simple expression between two people who have shed their uncertainties and given themselves entirely to their one true love.

The latest song of the multi-talented artist was co-written with upcoming band Basically Saturday Night as a result of a collaboration process in creating music together for the first time.

“It goes without saying this collaboration is the first of many down the line! This collaboration has brought about an almost familial aspect to it, and there’s no telling how many more songs

can be churned out in the future,” the band said.

“The One” brings the old soul flavor into present times. A combination of Basically Saturday Night’s signature rhythm, silken guitar licks, and their lead singer Migie Garcia’s deep smoky vocals, mixed with Nicole’s sultry yet powerful and unique tone and prowess in blending rock and jazz genres as well as beautiful embellishments from her formidable horn section.

“I will forever remain grateful for opportunities to collaborate with great artists and continue to learn. Working with Basically Saturday Night, their manager, Rem, this production, my horn section, and Warner Music has been such an enjoyable experience, we’re like musical family now, and I doubt it will be our last project together. For the rest of 2022, a collection of more original compositions are set to be released. I am also excited to continue ventures in film and concerts,” Nicole said in turn.

The single also brings the old soul flavor into present times. A combination of Nicole Laurel Asencio (lower center) with Basically Saturday Night Basically Saturday Night’s

signature rhythm, silken guitar licks, and their Multi-talented artist lead singer Migie Nicole Laurel Asencio Garcia’s deep smoky vocals, mixed with Nicole’s sultry yet powerful and unique tone and prowess in blending rock and jazz genres as well as beautiful embellishments from her formidable horn section.

The original composition is a simple expression between two people who have shed their uncertainties and given themselves entirely to their one true love. The message of the song intends for people to continue seeking, cherishing, and living for their own interpretation of “The One.” “The One” was released on all digital platforms on February 11, under Warner Music Philippines.

The music video directed by award-winning director Gorio Vicuna will be released by the end of the month.

FEBRUARY 20, 2022

Dogs adore their human parents so much. Adopted pooch Ella looks at her furmom Eileen with so much love and adoration.

A furparent will tell you such love from a dog warms the heart. It is the reward of loving and taking care of a dog. You care for the dog, the dog loves you unconditionally.

You will never feel alone with a doggo or catto by your side.

One act of kindness that is needed now more than ever because of the food crisis during a pandemic is to feed stray dogs and cats. If you can buy a kilo of cat food or dog food for P100 to P150, you can give a little to a cat or dog you will see on the street.

A kilo may feed about 10 dogs or cats.

If you want to feed strays but can not do so, you can send dog food and cat food for the stray feeding program of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.). The group sends dry food for dogs and cats to humans who regularly feed strays or to individual rescuers. Please message them.

In photo is a kitten who was fed by rescuer Rowena David in Makati. (Photo by Miss David for the Save ALL stray feeding program.)

I

T WAS 1970. My grandmother Nanay Belen and I were about to board a tricycle when we heard a driver anxiously telling people in the waiting shed that he just hit a dog.

“Biglang tumawid,” he said, visibly shaken.

(The dog suddenly crossed the road.)

“Naku, dapat iniwasan mo!” another driver said. (You should have avoided the dog.)

“Mamalasin ka niyan!” said an older man. “ Kayang iwasan ang mga aso at pusa na tumatawid. Mano ba na maghintay ka. Kesa malasin ka.”

(You will reap bad luck. You should have avoided any dog or cat crossing the street. It is better to stop and wait for the animal to pass, than experience a misfortune later.)

I grew up hearing tales like this in Mandaluyong where my grandparents’ house was located.

Jeepney and tricycle drivers avoided dogs and cats while on the road, housewives do not throw hot water on cats and instead give “tira-tira” or leftover food to animals that pass by their house.

I grew up learning about how karma works related to how a human treats a dog or a cat: 1. you reap what you sow; 2. you get rewarded when you do good; and 3. you get a consequence when you do bad.

Thus, the community of my childhood took care of every dog and cat. Whether an animal is owned or not did not matter to my family and our neighbors. All dogs and cats mattered to the members of our community.

I always saw housewives putting food (on a newspaper or plastic) outside their homes. Everyone was feeding owned dogs and cats and strays then.

At an early age, I witnessed acts of compassion and kindness everywhere in our neighborhood.

Without telling me, I was taught to be compassionate and kind to dogs and cats through their subjective leadership. The adults in our community showed us that kindness towards a dog or cat is part of our daily routine. It is normal and natural to be kind. Being kind to animals is something we just do because it is an integral part of who we are.

But will hurting dogs and cats really bring about misfortune?

This is how karma works: when you do good,

Chien, a stray kitten rescued by Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.), is such a sweet, loving catto who makes any human feel good with her "lambing."

the energy of good comes back a thousand times more. Why? Because you attract the same energy: kindness, compassion, and love.

What you are, so shall you get, receive, ATTRACT. Pansinin ninyo. (Notice this.) If you are a jolly, funny person, you have jolly and funny persons around you, right? When you always complain and see bad things in others, you attract people who also complain a lot and always pick on others. What you are, you attract.

If you think positive, good things, good persons and good experiences manifest in your life.

If you think negative, negative things, negative people, and negative experiences seem to come into your life all the time.

So if you deliberately hurt a dog or a cat, you will attract the same kind of energy. Someone will deliberately hurt you or the persons you care about.

You will attract the same negative energy but not in the same, exact way. Someone will hurt you but not by hitting you while crossing the street, or throwing boiling water at you while looking for a mate or food on the roof, or tying you to a post 24/7 and with a tight, heavy chain at that.

If you did not step on the brake of your vehicle, or did not avoid the dog or cat, and you did hit the animal, what negative incident happened to you after? Did someone shout at you and insult you, causing your self-esteem to “die”? Did you lose clients, causing the “death” of your business?

Did you lose your job, leading to the “demise” of your career? Definitely, something in you, your life or amongst your loved ones will get “hit” or

will “die.”

If you hurt a cat deliberately, did someone hurt you after the incident, as painful as a physical injury?

If you have put your dog on a heavy, tight chain for days, months, years, have you felt like you have been trapped all your life, chained to something negative that you can not fathom?

But if you have been good to your dog or cat, treating him or her like a family member, do you not feel so loved by the your dog or cat that you feel good all the time?

Just this January, I donated funds to a shelter with more than 100 dogs for a sack of rice.

Yes, our animal welfare group Save ALL Inc. also needs funds for our rescues. But I can not ignore the appeal for help for food for 100 dogs. So I sent a small amount that can buy a sack of rice (50 kilos) which is good for four (4) days of food in the said shelter.

A few hours later, I received a message that my friend has found a house helper (kasambahay) who can assist us in preparing food for our rescues, to lessen our daily tasks! I was repaid by the Universe in another way! The Universe sent help to us, this time in the form of a house helper we badly needed!

This help from the Universe is 1,000 times more helpful to us because we have been peeling, cutting, grating and boiling vegetables every day for three weeks as the woman doing this went on a one-month vacation leave. Ang sakit na ng katawan namin, puro sugat na ang mag kamay namin kaka

balat at gayat ng mga gulay. (Our bodies were tired,our hands were already filled with wounds or cuts due to peeling and grating vegetables.)

A house helper who can now do the vegetable preparation and cooking for us, and more, lessened our rescue-related workload. This now allows us to work more on other stuff like fundraisers that will bring in funds for our own rescues.

Galing, ano? (Great, right?) That is how karma works.

Kaya ingat po tayo sa mga sasabihin o mga gagawin natin. (Thus, we should be careful what we say and what we do.)

If your words and actions will bring bad or misfortune to others, expect that negative energy to go back to you. But if you will do good for others, specially for poor, voiceless beings like dogs and cats, expect the best you deserve to manifest in your life again and again.

Have a blessings-filled Sunday! Namaste.

About the author: Desiree Carlos was a writer of Frontline magazine, and a correspondent of the Daily Express and Veritas. She was also a reporter and later sub-editor of Ang Pahayagang Malaya, news editor of Manila Standard, and assistant managing director of DZRH. She was a lecturer at the College of Mass Communications in the University of the Philippines in Diliman, and head of the journalism department of Kalayaan College. She is now an animal welfare advocate, founder and president of Save ALL-Save Animals of Love and Light, a SECregistered non-government organization.

Being a Midwife to Your Pet

By Mariana Burgos LAST Tuesday afternoon, our dog Coco began to make a nest for her upcoming delivery. We saw her digging on the ground under the “silong” (basement). We called her out because it is not a good spot for her to give birth. I decided to clean the same spot where she gave birth for the first time. It was in our dirty kitchen. I made it cozier this time. But when I led her to it, she went inside the house instead and positioned herself in a corner in the study area.

She was not supposed to get pregnant. We contained her inside the house whenever she was in heat.

Unfortunately, my mom-in-law was not that mindful to keep the doors always closed during Coco’s quarantine period. And so the unfortunate thing happened. She got pregnant…again.

Midday the next day (Wednesday), she began to labor. The first time she gave birth, we were not able to assist her because we were all still sleeping then.

This time, because her labor started early in the day, we were able to monitor her every now and then. We thought she would be delivering sometime in the late afternoon but dinner came and she was still in labor.

We know she really wanted our help this time because she kept calling us to go with her to her spot. She wanted to have someone by her side all the time as she labored. Her water broke only when it was nearly midnight. Thus, my midwife skills were called for by then.

I had my daughter Yumi as my assistant. I told her to prepare the things needed for the delivery like clean cloth, cotton, flashlight (because the spot Coco picked was not that well lit), thread and scissors (to tie up the umbilical cord when it is cut). I also told her that I would need assistance when cleaning the puppies up as they get out and when we tie up their umbilical cords.

It was almost one in the morning when she was able to let out her first pup. And there was a problem. She was not able to push out well that the pup was still too close to her. It was dangerous to let her bite off the umbilical cord because she might cause the belly of her pup to pop wide open. I had to gently pull it out, enough to be able to tie up the cord and cut it off safely for the pup. It was a boy! And as soon as he was cleaned, he went off hurriedly looking for his mom’s milk. He is all white.

It did not take long before the second one came out.

Yet again, the cord was too short to be safely cut off. I had to pull it out again. The same thing happened with

Items you will need when assisting a dog who is giving birth: clean cloth, cotton, flashlight, thread and scissors

Mama Coco finds time to rest while breastfeeding her pups.

Tired mom Coco with her newborn.

the third and the fifth. But with the fourth one, it was weird because he came out with the cord already cut.

I know I saw it clearly how he came out and how Coco tore off the placenta. I wonder how that happened.

There were five pups in total. Four of them are male and only one is female, the third one. When that baby girl came out, I was a little nervous because Coco was not able to tear the sack right away. I had to help tear it up so the pup could be cleaned of the mucus and help it breathe. And she was not as lively as the first two.

She barely moved that I thought she might not be able to breathe and make it alive. I was relieved when I was able to clean her up and tie her cord and put her on her mom’s breast. She began to move about and started to look for a nipple to suck.

The whole commotion ended around five in the morning. Coco was able to have a few minutes rest before she tried to stand up and look for water to drink. She also finished her dinner that she left the night her labor started to intensify. Right now, they are all peacefully resting, cuddling up together. That’s when I was able to take some pictures.

Since I was a kid, I have always assisted my pets who are giving birth to their offsprings. I have always been their “midwife”. And each and every time I get to help one mom in labor, it is always a thrill to see how a new life comes out of the mother. It gives me such a rush in assisting during the process of giving birth.

There were times that I had unfortunate moments when the baby did not make it alive. Those were really heartbreaking moments because I see how the mother

is also so heartbroken of her loss.

Some would think and say that they are only animals, they don’t have the kind of feelings that humans have.

Yes, they are not like us but they are alive just like us. They have parents and children just like us. They feel pain and joy just like us but in their own way. One thing is clear and very true----they do feel love, happiness, as well as sadness. They are living beings. May more humans be more kind and compassionate towards them.

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist.

She is a solo parent for 14 years now because she is wife to a desaparacido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.