Manila Standard - 2022 February 28 - Monday

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Nine presidential aspirants attend a Comelec-accredited debate hosted by CNN Philippines on Sunday. From left: ex-presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, labor leader Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso, former defense chief Norberto Gonzales, Sen. Ping Lacson, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor Jr., Sen. Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo.

9 PREXY ASPIRANTS AIR PLATFORMS, STAND ON ISSUES IN CNN FORUM

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Vito Barcelo, Maricel Cruz and Rey E. Requejo NINE of the ten candidates for President in the May 9 elections exchanged wits, platforms, and promises to Filipino voters in an event televised live on Sunday that was more forum than debate.

As groups of their supporters rallied outside the University of Santo Tomas campus in Manila, the presidential bets

tried to outdo one another in answering questions on corruption, the economy, COVID-19, same-sex marriages, divorce, religious groups, the West Philippine Sea, and the ongoing UkraineRussia conflict.

As expected, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Vice President Leni Robredo looked and sounded the most polished among the contenders, being the bets with the most years of Next page

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 18 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NCR sets shift to Alert Level 1 Also 38 other areas on March 1-15

By Willie Casas and Othel V. Campos

T

HE government task force on COVID-19 on Sunday approved easing pandemic restrictions in the National Capital Region (NCR) to Alert Level 1 effective March 1 to 15.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) also placed the following under Alert Level 1: • Abra, Apayao, Baguio City and Kalinga in the Cordillera Administrative Region; • Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur,

La Union and Pangasinan in Region I; • Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, and Quirino in Region II; • Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, and Tarlac in Region 3; • Cavite and Laguna in Region 4-A;

• Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, and Romblon in Region 4-B; and • Naga City and Catanduanes in Region 5.

In the Visayas, also under Alert Level 1 are: • Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, and Guimaras in Region 6; • Siquijor in Region 7; and • Biliran in Region 8.

In Mindanao, the areas under Alert Level 1 are: • Zamboanga City in Region 9; Next page

Transport strike pushed, drivers eye P5 fare hike

3,551,687

1,999

(As of 4 PM, February 27)

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was warmly received by over a million supporters in the country’s most vote-rich province of Pangasinan over the weekend as he

skipped a Comelec-accredited debate hosted by CNN Philippines Sunday, only 71 days to election on May 9.

Of the three million population of Pangasinan, more than half of them have supported and participated in Next page

“The politicians agreed that the Ukrainian delegation would meet the Russian one without preconditions at the Ukraine-Belarus border, near the Pripyat River,” Zelensky’s office said.

Next page

Russian armored personnel carrier (APC) burning next to an unidentified soldier’s body during a fight with the Ukrainian armed forces in Kharkiv. (Inset below) People wait for a train to Poland at the railway station of the western Ukrainian city of Lviv as a defiant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed his pro-Western country would never give in to the Kremlin in what a top British official said could be a protracted war. AFP

3,661,049 181 Pinoys leave Ukraine capital, 51

By Rey E. Requejo

PROTRACTED WAR. This photograph taken on February 27, 2022 shows a

Next page

56,401

Pangasinan comes out full force to welcome BBM, UniTeam bets

UKRAINE said Sunday it would hold talks with Russia at its border with Belarus – near the Chernobyl exclusion zone – after a call between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko.

JEEPNEY drivers called on the government Sunday to approve a P5 fare increase as fuel prices continue to rise or face transport strikes across the country.

In an interview on radio dzBB, the president of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Ricardo Rebaño said the group was happy to provide a public service, but said he hoped the government would not simply watch them suffer as a result of high fuel prices.

The Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), meanwhile, said it would hold a strike if the government does not raise jeepney fares.

LTOP president Orlando Marquez said they would hold off on the strike until a scheduled meeting with government officials on March 1.

52,961

President aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr is welcomed by thousands of supporters during a motorcade in Pangasinan as part of his visit to the so-called Solid North areas.

ZELENSKY OKAYS TALKS IN UKRAINE-BELARUS BORDER

By Rio N. Araja

1,038

ONE WITH THE SOLID NORTH.

22 await repatriation from Poland

By Rey E. Requejo and Othel V. Campos TWENTY-TWO Filipinos affected

by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with cruise missiles, tanks and bullets are waiting to be repatriated, an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs said Sunday, although some, married to Ukrainians, refuse to leave the country.

Of the total, four are in the western city of Lviv in Ukraine, Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said in a tweet.

She said 13 were in Warsaw, Poland, while five were in Moldova, adding six other Filipinos had returned to the country.

The DFA official confirmed that the 13 in Poland, who crossed the Polish border from Ukraine and were met Next page

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pope: Let guns ‘fall silent’ in Ukraine P

OPE Francis on Sunday called for an end to fighting in Ukraine on the fourth day of a Russian invasion of the country.

“Let the weapons fall silent,” he said.

“God is with those who seek peace, not those resorting to violence.”

The Argentine pontiff also called for the “urgent” opening of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to escape the onslaught.

“I am thinking of the elderly, of all those at the moment seeking refuge, of mothers f leeing with their children,” he said.

“They are brothers and sisters

for whom it is urgent to open up humanitarian cor ridors and who must be welcomed.”

The UN refugee agency UNHCR says more than 368,000 people have f led Ukraine since Russia invaded on Thursday.

Many of those escaping to neighboring countries have crossed over into Poland, where the authorities have counted some 156,000 crossing since that date.

Others have also headed to Moldavia,

Zelensky...

From A1

NCR...

From A1

Zelensky has said he will not hold talks with Russia on the territory of Belarus, where some Russian troops were stationed before invading on Ukraine’s northern border.

But Kyiv said Lukashenko assured Zelensky that “all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on Belarus territory will remain on the ground during the travel, negotiations and return of the Ukrainian delegation.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that a Russian delegation was currently in the Belarusian city of Gomel.

Moscow has wanted to hold the talks in Kremlin-aligned Belarus.

Zelensky, refusing to travel to Minsk, said Kyiv had proposed “Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku” as options to Russia.

Ukraine fought off an incursion by Russian troops into its second city Kharkiv on Sunday, the fourth day of the invasion, but Putin raised international alarm by putting nuclear forces on alert.

Street fighting raged in Ukraine’s second-biggest city on Sunday after Russian forces pierced through Ukrainian lines.

Machine gun fire and explosions could be heard in Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine and an AFP journalist saw the wreckage of a Russian armored vehicle smoldering and several others abandoned.

Ukraine has reported 198 civilian deaths, including three children, since the invasion began.

Ukrainian forces had secured full control of Kharkiv on Sunday following street fighting with Russian troops in the country’s second-biggest city, the local governor said.

“Kharkiv is fully under our control,” the head of the regional administration, Oleg Sinegubov, said on Telegram, adding that the army was expelling Russian forces during a “clean-up” operation.

Putin has defied crippling Western sanctions on Russia’s economy and international pariah status for his country to press ahead with the air, ground and sea assault.

Apart from the attack on Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, Moscow also claimed it was “entirely” besieging the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson and the city of Berdyansk in the southeast.

Ukrainian officials also said that a gas pipeline in eastern Kharkiv and an oil depot near the capital Kyiv were targeted overnight.

The claims could not be independently verified.

On Sunday, Ukraine’s general staff said the 44-year-old leader was urging any foreigners to come to Ukraine “and fight side by side with the Ukrainians against Russian war criminals.”

“There is no greater contribution which you can make for the sake of peace,” the general staff said in a Facebook post, adding that the foreign fighters would form part of an “International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine.” AFP

• Cagayan de Oro City and Camiguin in Region 10; and • Davao City in Region 11.

The movement of persons regardless of age (with restrictions on crowded and closed spaces and close contact settings) and full capacity in private establishments and government agencies are allowed, subject to minimum health protocols. under Alert Level 1.

Under Alert Level 2 are: • Cordillera Administrative Region: Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain Province; Region 2: Nueva Vizcaya; • Region 3: Nueva Ecija and Zambales; Region 4-A: Batangas, Lucena City, Quezon, and Rizal; Region 4-B: Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan; and • Region 5: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon; (Visayas) Region 6: Antique, Iloilo City, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental; Region 7: Bohol, Cebu Province, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Negros Oriental; and • Region 9: Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte, Tacloban City, and Western Samar.

In Mindanao, these areas will be under Alert Level 1: • Region 9: City of Isabela, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay; • Region 10: Bukidnon, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental,

Pangasinan...

From A1 the caravan and grand rally of Marcos and some of the UniTeam’s senatorial candidates.

Consolidated data from the Philippine National Police showed that more than two million Pangasinense went out of their residences to see and greet Marcos during his two-day visit as he fulfilled his promise to return to the province to meet them again.

Seventy-seven-year-old Cezar Acosta of Barangay Dumapot, Santa Maria, Pangasinan, patiently waited for Marcos to arrive in their area to show his artwork.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer noticed Acosta and

9Fromprexy...

A1 experience in government in the event staged by CNN Philippines -- a day after their running mates had their turn in the vice-presidential debate.

Senator Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso stuck to their guns on certain issues, while labor leader Leody De Guzman and doctorlawyer Jose Montemayor provided the most fireworks – with the former bluntly telling the latter was a clone of Marcos for his supposed pro-capitalist, anti-worker stances.

Former Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella, ex-Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, and Muslim leader Faisal Mangondato had their moments in the three-hour event at the UST auditorium, but their answers were not expected to shake up the presidential race currently led by Marcos in various surveys with just over two months before Election Day. The candidates unveiled their economic agenda, some giving hints on those who would constitute their respective economic teams during their six-year term ending in 2028.

Although Lacson did not name members of his would-be economic team if elected as the country’s 17th President,

immediately stopped to sign his artwork.

A farmer leader, 47-year-old Jemuel Bagitan, said he woke up early to join the caravan. Together with his members, riding their motorcycles, they joined the caravan which they call “the road to success.”

Elsewhere, three days earlier, Marcos, giving a glimpse of what kind of leadership he would have if elected in the coming May 9 elections, put premium on progress and interest of the people over politics, when he pushed for the construction of the long–planned bridge that would link Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.

As a result, the proposal elicited the most applause from his Ilonggo supporters when he took the stage during the UniTeam’s rally at the Tamasak Arena, Barotac Nuevo.

Transport...

From A1

Hungary, Slovakia and Romania.

Meanwhile, the United States said Sunday it is sending nearly $54 million in new humanitarian aid to Ukraine as it grapples with the Russian invasion.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US is focused on Ukraine’s “urgent humanitarian needs as an important part of our response to Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked and unjustified attack.”

This new assistance to be channeled through NGOs includes “provision of food, safe drinking water, shelter, emergency health care, winterization and protection,” Blinken said in a statement.

Blinken said the new assistance will also help aid groups maintain contact between family members who have been separated by the war, “hopefully leading to reunification in some cases.”

Blinken commended neighboring countries for taking in fleeing Ukrainians “and we are engaging diplomatically to support their efforts to keep their borders open and assist those seeking international protection.”

The United States has now provided Ukraine with nearly $405 million in aid since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014 and seized the Crimean Peninsula, the statement said. AFP

and Misamis Oriental; • Region 11: Davao De Oro, Davao Del Sur, Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental; • Region 12: General Santos City, North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat; Region 13 : Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Butuan City, and Dinagat Islands; and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City, and Lanao Del Sur. The Philippines logged 1,038 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, bringing the country’s total case count to 3,661,049.

The positivity rate was also at 5 percent, the lowest so far this year, and the lowest since Dec. 27 last year.

There were 47 new deaths reported.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,999 new recoveries, pushing the total number of Filipinos who recovered from the disease to 3,551,687.

There were 52,961 active cases, of which 556 were asymptomatic; 47,910 were mild; 1,417 were severe; 298 were in critical condition.

Some 26 percent of the country’s intensive care unit beds are used, while 13 percent of the mechanical ventilators are also in use.

In Metro Manila, 24 percent of the ICU beds are utilized, while 15 percent of the ventilators are in use.

The government anticipates the return of at least 500,000 more jobs as the NCR and adjacent provinces shift to Alert Level 1.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said

the government continues to be optimistic that a total of 800,000 workers will be employed over time all over the country as economic recovery progresses, possibly in the first half of 2022.

Based on government estimates, the country’s state of labor is nearing prepandemic levels of about the average 5 percent unemployment rate with more labor-intensive industries and tourismrelated industries reopening.

With fewer restrictions on business and mobility, the country’s business community will be allowed to further increase capacities, remove physical barriers and work from home will be optional.

The target employment is on top of the efforts to recover jobs through the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) 2021-2022 program, which Lopez said created 5.2 million jobs.

The country’s unemployment rate was down to the current 6.6 percent from 17.7 percent in March 2020, he noted.

Also on Sunday, the president of a doctors’ organization said they are not sure whether the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines is already entering an endemic stage.

“We do not know because we still have to see,” Philippine College of Physicians President Dr. Maricar Limpin told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo.

“In other countries, we see that the moment they relax virus restrictions, the number of cases still shoots up... We’ve also seen that many in other countries still die from COVID-19,” Limpin said.

In an endemic phase, there should be fewer deaths despite continued COVID-19 infections, Limpin said.

he did say he would appoint an expert in the field -- and that there would be “no trade-off” between the economy and health.

“COVID-19 is here to stay whether it is pandemic or endemic. So, we need policy direction, and we must be ready to face the next pandemic,” Lacson said., adding the government must extend loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises hit hard by COVID-19.

Robredo stressed that to fight corruption in the country, there was a need to strictly implement anti-corruption measures in government, and to not merely rely on public officials to be good.

“But there has to be a system which will force him (official) to be good,” she said, declaring that her anti-corruption practices started as soon as she was proclaimed as Camarines Sur congresswoman in 2013, which ensured that her office was never offered bribes.

The Vice President also said that if she succeeds President Rodrigo Duterte, she will prioritize probes into the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Speaking on virtual home turf – at the UST grounds in Sampaloc – Domagoso declared that if he is elected president along with his running mate Doc Wil-

lie Ong, the first two years of his mandate will be focused on his platform of protecting the life and livelihood of the Filipino people.

The Manila mayor said he plans to undertake construction of 17 new and modern medical facilities exclusively catering as infectious and cancer hospitals.

Pacquiao said the government should focus on revenue income, as the country’s non-tax income only comprised 6 percent of the country’s total income because of corruption.

But the boxing legend-turned-senator was visibly uncomfortable answering a question on same-sex marriages and civil unions – inside one of the country’s oldest Catholic universities, no less -- as the evangelical Christian stressed it was not God’s design or mandate for persons of the same gender to be wedded.

Gonzales said he would encourage sources of capital for businesses to flourish and employment to increase.

The ex-Defense secretary said even small shops, such as those in markets or sari-sari stores, must be provided with additional capital to help in their livelihood.

Businessman Mangondato acknowledged the importance of presidential debates, noting it will serve as an avenue to lay out the proposed plans of the candidates in solving the problems of the country.

LTOP wants the minimum jeepney fare raised by P3, from P9 to P12.

Unioil Petroleum Philippines said on Saturday that another round of fuel price hikes was scheduled this week, which would be the ninth consecutive week of increases since the start of the year.

The company said the price per liter of diesel may increase by P0.80 to P0.90, while gasoline prices may go up by P0.90 to P1.00 per liter.

Rebaño said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will conduct a hearing on March 8 on their appeal for a P5 fare increase.

The group has also petitioned for an additional P1.50 for every kilometer exceeding the first four.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, meanwhile, called for the lifting of all public transport restrictions and the resumption of all public transport routes in anticipation of rising fuel prices.

“The protections accorded by additional public transport restrictions are marginal at best, and more public transport supply is a better guard against overcrowding when workplaces are beginning to normalize,” he said.

“The country could save as much as P1.4 billion in fuel every day by simply reverting to pre-pandemic public transport supply,” he added.

Salceda said the situation in the global markets would take a while to stabilize.

“Meanwhile, we are starting to have plans to go back to school and go to work. Oil prices will hurt the middle class more if they are forced to take private vehicles due to lack of alternatives,” he said.

The current public transport supply would not be able to service a resumption of face-to-face classes, he said.

Salceda also called for immediate implementation of the “pantawid pasada” subsidy for PUV drivers.

Meanwhile, Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera is backing the call for a special session to approve bills that would suspend the imposition of excise taxes on fuel amid skyrocketing pump prices.

“If it is really necessary and President Rodrigo Duterte calls for it, we are more than willing to take part in the special session with the end goal of providing much-needed relief to our people amid an unstoppable rise in crude prices,” she said.

Ordinary consumers have to bear the costs of nonstop oil price hikes having an adverse domino effect on the prices of goods and services, she said.

“The higher costs will be passed on to ordinary consumers who have no choice but to deal with rising prices of food, electricity, water and other goods and services,” she said.

A session would allow Congress to pass legislation suspending the fuel excise taxes under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN Law, she said.

The suspension of such taxes would immediately bring down local pump prices by P6 per liter for diesel, P10 per liter for gasoline, P5 per liter for kerosene, and P33 per 11-kilogram cylinder for liquefied petroleum gas, she noted.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte said the Department of Energy should drop its “lackadaisical” approach to setting up a national strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) to ensure a sufficient inventory of oil products in the long term.

“Rather than taking their own sweet time about their SPR plan to help stabilize the domestic supply and prices of petroleum products, energy officials should start working triple time on the long-planned establishment of a national fuel reserve, more so now when the full-blown Russia-Ukraine conflict has raised fears that the global cost of oil could go up to as high as $120 per barrel in the days or weeks ahead,” he said.

“We are on high alert 24/7 to ensure that Filipinos are safe in this conflict,” Locsin said.

“Our Embassies in Poland and Hungary have been working hard these past days to account for each Filipino in Ukraine, and to repatriate them as soon as possible. Our people only need to ask, and we will get them home safe,” Locsin said.

The DFA reported that more than 40 Filipinos have evacuated from Kyiv to Lviv and were then awaiting repatriation.

“There were more than 40 who were in Lviv, but only 13 were evacuated.

What is happening to us now, many Filipinos are reaching out but they really don’t want to go home first,” Arriola said.

According to Arriola, some Filipinos prefer to stay because of their

good working conditions, some still hope that the situation would get better, while others have married Ukrainians.

Arriola said that these 13 Filipinos need to undergo COVID-19 testing before they go home to the Philippines.

“We are grateful to Poland because they gave us a humanitarian corridor.

Because Poland, their visa system is different. Though Filipinos do not have visas, they are allowed to enter,” the DFA official said.

Earlier, Arriola, Philippine Ambassador to Poland Leah Basinag-Ruiz had received in Lviv 37 Filipinos who traveled the whole day from Kyiv. The Filipinos were accommodated in a hotel in Lviv, as Ruiz said the Philippine Embassy will assist them in leaving Ukraine and entering Poland so they could board their flights on the way home to the Philippines.

181 Pinoys...

From A1 there by Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., were preparing to return to the Philippines.

Arriola said 181 Filipinos had fled to Lviv from the capital city Kyiv, where most of the fighting was taking place.

Locsin flew to the Ukrainian border to personally ensure the safety of Filipinos and oversee the government’s efforts to relocate or repatriate them to the Philippines amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Locsin attended the European Union Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in Paris. He arrived in Poland on Saturday to help and welcome the first group of Filipino evacuees.

News 29% of drug users have HIV—Defensor AT LEAST 29 out of every 100 Filipinos who inject illegal drugs and who have themselves voluntarily tested for the human immunodeficiency virus are diagnosed HIV-positive, Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor said.

The HIV prevalence rate is 29 percent among Filipinos who inject drugs, including liquid shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, Defensor said, citing a study by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in the Philippines.

“There’s no question that the risk of HIV infection is extremely high if an individual uses a needle or syringe that somebody with HIV has used, because the injection device may have residual blood, which can transfer HIV,” he said.

“In America, injection device sharing among drug users is now the second biggest spreader of HIV, next to receptive anal sex.

And we don’t want this to happen here in the Philippines,” Defensor added.

Liquid shabu injection is fast becoming popular among Filipino drug users because

“it produces a faster and greater high” compared to inhalation or sniffing/snorting, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“We would urge Filipinos who inject drugs to have themselves voluntarily tested for HIV, especially if they’ve shared an injection device. This way, if they are diagnosed HIV-positive, they can undergo early treatment, and also help prevent transferring their condition to their loved ones, or to their sexual partners,” Defensor said.

“If we do not counteract the spread of HIV among Filipinos who inject drugs, the problem could be a huge future driver of the ongoing HIV epidemic in the country,” he added.

Defensor assured drug users that “they face absolutely no legal repercussions whatsoever” if they seek HIV testing.

“The confidentiality of the personal details of every Filipino submitting to an HIV test is guaranteed by law, and any disclosure is punishable by law,” he said.

Surface or face arrest, DILG tells witnesses

T

HE Department of the Interior and Local Government on Sunday urged witnesses of the reported abduction and disappearance of 31 cockfight enthusiasts to cooperate with authorities or face charges.

“We encourage those who know anything and those involved in the case to come out. Volunteer now because sooner, you will be charged. That’s dangerous as this is 31 counts of kidnapping,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a radio interview.

“If you know anything, especially those who were involved in this abduction, the security guards, the workers inside the cockpit arenas, step forward to spare yourselves from being dragged into this case. You may face a lifetime imprisonment because of this,” Año added.

He said witnesses should collaborate with the Philippine National Police and

the National Bureau of Investigation.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa said the PNP has already filed a case for obstruction of justice against the management personnel of cockfight arenas over the disappearance of the sabungeros.

The Senate said it will also urge President Rodrigo Duterte to order the suspension of the licenses of firms operating online cockfighting or e-sabong until the case of the 31 missing sabungeros is resolved.

Police investigators are looking into the possibility that a group of financiers involved in game-fixing may have been behind the missing cockfighters.

This developed following the testimony of Geralyn Magbanua during last week’s Senate hearing.

Magbanua is the wife of Manny Magbanua, one of the 31 missing sabungeros.

A member of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), requesting anonymity, said they are zeroing on the possibility that a big syndicate involved in gamefixing may have been behind the sudden disappearance of the sabungeros.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

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Hotel Sogo goes on aggressive expansion amid the pandemic HOTEL Sogo has come a long way with the opening of 3 more branches this year. This brings the hotel’s entire network to 45 branches and more in the pipeline.

The hotel continues to live by its mission, since its first branch in 1993, of providing accessible and affordable accommodation of excellent standards.

“Despite the recent challenging years, Hotel Sogo opened new branches namely, Timog 2, Fairview, and EDSA-Taft, all within 2021”, shared by Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager, “Our better and bigger newly- constructed Hotel Sogo Malate has re-opened as well which is just one of the many exciting developments happening here at Hotel Sogo.”

Milestones during the pandemic The hotel has proven its dedication to service and cleanliness throughout the years.

At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, its own Research & Development (R&D) team acted quickly and developed ways to keep the hotel safer for its guests through its own 11 So Safe Innovations.

These innovations introduced by Hotel Sogo, alongside the minimum health standards mandated by the government, raised the hotel industry’s standard of cleanliness and sanitation.

Among the well-known safety innovations set by Hotel Sogo include the use of UVC LED lights for disinfection of rooms, bathroom fixtures, utensils, room keycards, and cash. Air ventilation has also been doubled in hotel lobbies and hallways for filtered and sanitized air.

Anti-microbial coatings are also applied in common touchpoints, furniture, and hotel fixtures. Regular tests on high touchpoint surfaces are also done to secure the efficacy of each safety innovation.

Aside from putting the safety and cleanliness of the hotel as top priority, Hotel Sogo became the refuge of frontliners during the 2020 lockdown. Hotel Sogo provided over P80 million worth of free accommodations to frontline medical workers of 11 hospitals from various key cities in the country in collaborative efforts with the local government offices and hospitals.

As part of its response program through its Corporate Social Responsibility Sogo Cares, Hotel Sogo donated thousands of linens, towels, and sacks of rice, canned goods, bottled water, noodles, coffee, and other necessities to the affected areas of the recent Typhoon Odette. In a showcase of genuine “Bayanihan”, these items were immediately distributed to Cebu, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Surigao, Siargao Island, Limasawa Island, and Palawan with the cooperation of DSWD, Philippine Air Force and other local government units.

Sogo Cares has been helping the community since 2016.

Initially, it started in 1998 as a group of concerned individuals sought help from Hotel Sogo to donate linens, pillowcases, and bath towels to the indigent-affected individuals after a strong tropical depression hit the country.

Since then, Hotel Sogo’s CSR program has continuously extended its humanitarian services to the community – aptly named “Sogo Cares” with the slogan “We Bridge Gaps to Build Better Communities”.

On to the future Hotel Sogo has achieved yet another milestone growth with this recent expansion in the Metro. As the largest hotel chain in the Philippines, Hotel Sogo is making its presence felt in more areas to address the lodging needs of guests on safety and price.

Hotel Sogo is now moving its expansion direction towards South Luzon where tourism development is on a roll. The hotel’s aggressive growth also translates to more employment opportunities for Filipinos. As Ms. Geminiano proudly adds, “We are excited to see more of our branches in areas outside Metro Manila. Expansion efforts have been beefed up for all our plans to materialize as scheduled this 2022 and the years ahead.

Meanwhile, our patrons and guests will be happier with our 3 new branches which offer new modern room designs, a wider menu of dishes and the usual Hotel Sogo high standard of cleanliness and services that we all love.”

For more of Hotel Sogo’s events and promotions, visit www.hotelsogo.com or like/follow their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page @hotelsogo

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Rody’s choice to impact race for presidency’

IN BRIEF Villar hails opening of Pasay gamefowl expo SENATOR Cynthia Villar has congratulated the 8th International Game Fowl Festival’s organizers who have kept the spirit of the gamefowl industry alive despite the coronavirus pandemic.

“This opening of the gamefowl industry doors this year hopes to bring together leading gamefowl breeders, pigeon raisers, exotic animal hobbyists, veterinary and nutrition suppliers, game fowl suppliers, pigeon suppliers, pigeon fanciers, incubators, feed manufacturers, and related products and services catering to game fowl, pigeon raising, and exotic animals,” Villar in a message read by her daughter Deputy Speaker Camille Villar said.

“You have also included a reptile expo which will showcase reptiles and other exotic animals,” Villar, the chairperson of the Senate agriculture committee said.

Villar was guest speaker of the threeday event that started February 25 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The senator acknowledged that the gamefowl sector was hit hard by the pandemic because of the limited movements and restrictions brought by the community quarantines. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Chiz wants Sorsogon to be top abaca producer SORSOGON Gov. Chiz Escudero, who is staging a comeback in the Senate, wants to make is the province one of the top producers of abaca in the region with the inauguration of the new building and facility of the Philippine Fiber Industry and Development Authority or PhilFIDA in the town of Juban.

He said the state-of-the-art PhilFIDA is expected to help strengthen the study of abaca and reclaim Sorsogon’s position as a top contributor to abaca production.

Aside from the new office building, the new PhilFIDA complex in Barangay Cogon features the new Sorsogon Tissue Culture Laboratory and the four-hectare abaca nursery farm.

PhilFIDA is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“The provincial nursery, more or less four hectares if I am not mistaken, is just in the beginning of its development. We will develop this provincial nursery to maximize its potential. In the end, we want to make it a model and demo farm, particularly for the Provincial Agriculturist Office and also for the seedlings of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office,” Escudero said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Ilocanos receive financial aid from Ang Probinsyano

SUNDAY MASS. Catholic devotees attend Sunday Mass at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on February 27.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has released its recommended guidelines for the celebration of Ash Wednesday and Holy Week for this year. For the first time in two years since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Catholic faithful will be allowed to receive ash crosses on their foreheads to mark the start of Lent. Norman Cruz

Infanta mayor wounded in ambush shooting—PNP

I

NFANTA, Quezon Mayor Filipina Grace America was wounded after an unidentified suspect fired at her while she was inside a car, according to Governor Danilo Suarez.

Suarez, in an interview, said “there was an attempt on the life of the mayor of Infanta, Mayor Grace America,” adding that America sustained four gunshot wounds.

Calabarzon police reported that America came from church on Sunday morning and was about to ride the vehicle around 11 a.m. when the shooting happened.

America was brought to a hospital in Infanta and is set to be flown to a medical facility in Manila.

Suarez said that America is now waiting in a hospital in Infanta to be airlifted to a medical facility in Manila.

The governor said the shooting might be politically-motivated.

A total of 1,470 persons have been arrested for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) meanwhile said.

Those nabbed include 1,430 civilians, 19 security guards, 12 police officers, and nine military personnel.

A total of 1,346 police operations yielded 1,128 firearms, 6,302 pieces of ammunition, and 526 deadly weapons.

Citing its latest data, the PNP said the top five regions in terms of the number of arrested violators are the National Capital Region with 468, followed by

TWO hundred fifty indigent residents of Ilocos Norte received financial assistance from the Ang Probinsyano Party-List last week.

In coordination with the local government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, the beneficiaries were handed the P2,000cash aid in a ceremony at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium.

According to Lilian Rin, provincial social welfare officer, the recipients were from Laoag City and the towns of Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Dumalneg, Pasuquin, Piddig and Sarrat.

The provincial government expressed gratitude for the blessing given to their constituents.

Beneficiaries Jean Laurice Juan, a grade 12 student; Sanny Boy Gapuz, currently unemployed; and Aida Castillo, a senior citizen, also thanked the Ang Probinsyano Party-List for addressing their concerns.

Ang Probinsyano Party-List Rep. Alfred Delos Santos vowed to continue coordinating with local government agencies to ease the plight of those in need, especially those who have been greatly affected by the pandemic.

Central Visayas with 152, Central Luzon with 105, Calabarzon with 145, and Western Visayas with 87.

According to Comelec Resolution No. 10728, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited outside of the residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.

Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.

Violators face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years, and shall not be subject to probation.

They also face disqualification to hold public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification to secure a gun license.

BEATING THE HEAT.

Kids beat the heat by swimming in a large makeshift swimming pool along Mel Lopez Avenue in Tondo Manila on Sunday. The weather has yet to show any sign to declare the start of summer in the Philippines this year.

Danny Pata

Ping Lacson assures tandem with Tito Sotto will not break up

By Macon Ramos-Araneta AS the 2022 national elections approach, no other political pairing will ever break the bond between Partido Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson and running mate Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III amid the traditional practice of some voters to select different sets of candidates.

Lacson said when he and Sotto decided to seek the top two highest elective positions, they vowed to campaign for each other from the start until the election day itself no matter what happens

in the electoral landscape.

“Tito Sotto and I did not enter this battle together only to break up in the end.

If the Lacson-Sotto tandem receives the fortune (to lead our nation), the two of us will ensure victory for every Filipino,” Lacson said.

During the CNN debate Saturday, Sotto was asked whether he entertains the possibility of working with the current frontrunner in the presidential race, in case they are the ones chosen by the electorate.

“I have not given it a thought. In my sphere, we are working on the presidency of Senator Lacson. I don’t think about it

at all),” the vice-presidential aspirant said.

Sotto dismissed a projected tandem with presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Sotto maintained he is focused on working with Lacson.

He also maintained that if he and Lacson will be elected, they will use their more than 80 years in public service to address the humongous problems facing the country.

They are prepared to take advantage of their combined experience in public service as soon as they are given the mandate to properly implement the laws they enacted to solve the different problems

besetting our nation.

Earlier, Lacson—who is running for President under Partido Reporma—similarly dismissed speculation of a tandem with Marcos’ running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio—stressing he will stick it out with Sotto as his running mate all the way.

Lacson added his team-up with Sotto “remains committed to uplift the lives of Filipinos by fixing the ills of government (Aayusin ang Gobyerno, Aayusin Ang Buhay ng Bawat Pilipino) and by going after thieves, especially those in government (Uubusin ang Magnanakaw).”

A FUTURE endorsement by President Rodrigo Duterte would likely have an impact on the choices of some voters come election day, the pollster behind the PAHAYAG Election Survey Series, said.

“I would think that there would be voters who would place a lot of value in President Duterte’s endorsement and switch votes,” said Dr. David B. Yap, Jr., chief data Scientist of PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. and head of the firm’s polling and analytics operations.

Yap pointed to the presidential survey numbers of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, the trusted Duterte aide and former Special Assistant to the President whom Duterte had previously endorsed to succeed him, as a reference point to estimate the percentage of voters who might change their votes if Duterte decides to endorse a presidential candidate in the weeks leading up to the May 2022 election.

PUBLiCUS Asia tested Go’s presidential preference numbers on four of its 2021 PAHAYAG surveys. Go received 4.9 percent of the vote for President on the March 2021 PAHAYAG Q1 survey, 3.3 percent on the July 2021 PAHAYAG Q2 survey, 4.1 percent on the November 2021 PAHAYAG Final List Survey, and 3.9 percent on the December 2021 PAHAYAG Q4 survey.

Go filed his certificate of candidacy for president in October 2021, but subsequently withdrew from the race.

Yap also noted that the impact of any presidential endorsement on voter preference would be amplified or reduced depending on the candidate’s perceived brand affinity with Duterte in the minds of voters.

“Going back to the point about brand affinity, or how people view a particular candidate vis-à-vis President Duterte, the effect of his endorsement would be influenced by how close or how similar people view that candidate when comparing that candidate to President Duterte,” Yap said.

Robredo visits Guimaras, eyes bridge project ILOILO CITY—Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday visited Guimaras and wooed the support of the residents for the May 9 elections, in what she said is among many attempts on her part to return to the province.

Robredo is said to be the first among the presidential candidates to visit and ask for the votes of the residents of this island province.

In her message during the Leni-Kiko People’s Rally held at the capitol groundcovered gymnasium in the municipality of Jordan, she said Guimaras is a special place for her, and it was one of the areas that she visited after winning as vice-president in 2016.

She also expressed her commitment to pursue the bridge that will connect the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros, which have been “sleeping” for six years.

“Sisiguraduhin natin na matutuloy na sya dahil magiging life-changing sya lalong-lalo na for Guimaras (We will make sure that it will be realized because it will be life-changing, especially for Guimaras),” she said.

She said voters should always ask their candidates to ensure that indeed they will make good on their campaign promises.

Robredo said voters still have 72 days left to change or convince their friends that the government she offers is a government with a heart.

During the 2016 visit, Robredo said she met with the Dasal Sibunag Vegetable’s Farmer Organization in the municipality of Sibunag, which was a recipient of a motorized patrol boat and shredder for vegetable farmers from her office.

Doc Willie bats for infectious diseases hospital in PH

By Rey E. Requejo

PLEA FOR A STRONG PLASTICS TREATY: EcoWaste Coalition’s activists gather ahead of the United Nations Environment Assembly to press governments to start negotiating for a legally binding global agreement addressing plastic pollution throughout the entire lifecycle of plastic and prioritizing public health. Manny Palmero

Aksyong Demokratiko vice presidential candidate Doc Willie Ong said that having an infectious disease hospital could have helped save the lives of many Filipinos, particularly at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ong made the statement during the CNN-sponsored vice-presidential debates held at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila on Saturday where he and six other vicepresidential candidates present were asked what concrete steps will they take for the next pandemic and how do they plan to implement it.

In response, Ong said that aside from an infectious disease hospital, building a Cancer Center of the Philippines (CCP), modern hospitals for every region and improved access to healthcare

services will help prevent deaths and will give the country a fighting chance in winning the war against COVID-19.

“I know that our compatriots are having a hard time with the lockdown, they don’t know what to do. It’s simple, we need to build an infectious disease hospital. We will put the COVID patients there. Other patients of ours cannot die at PGH (Philippine General Hospital),” Ong said, in direct response to an earlier statement by Senate President Vicente Sotto III. “I just hope we build an infectious disease hospital so as not to put COVID patients in PGH because the doctors are complaining that the cancer patients are being displaced, the ones to be operated on, so many of us died in 2021. So, if we can make a separate at least the hospitals will no longer be overburdened

because they are contagious, COVID is contagious to non-COVID so we can’t do check-ups, they fill up right away. I think it will help if we build another hospital so that we don’t run out of hospital beds,” Ong explained.

Aside from these, Ong said the national government should buy the newly discovered COVID-19 medicines that can reduce hospitalization and deaths by 88 percent, just like what Manila is doing under Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s leadership.

“COVID needs good medicine. There is already medicine for COVID, Paxlovid the name will come to Manila (and) ordered by Mayor Isko Moreno, on February 27, it is very good. In America, it is being given. I don’t know why we don’t buy. So we will do Remdesivir, Paxlovid and others,” he said.

Opinion The people’s voice on the West Philippine Sea

UNDER the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a serious geopolitical crisis has exploded in Europe with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Here in Southeast Asia, our region has been confronted with the escalating aggression of China in its relentless creeping invasion into the territories of the littoral states around the South China Sea.

The next president must be the exemplar of statesmanship with unwavering respect for the rule of law and its enforcement.

CHINESE incursions into our territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ since the start of the Duterte administration have been most rampant with well over 200 diplomatic protests and loud volleys of strong indignation from every sector of Philippine society and the international community. Harassment of our fishermen and the reckless destruction of our marine resources from the region’s big bully will continue until we are able to develop our capacity to deter and challenge these intrusions.

Defending our country’s security interests and sovereign territory is a nonnegotiable responsibility of government and an embedded duty of every citizen.

This is not just a romantic notion often dramatized in war themes of the cinema.

It is a deep emotion of belonging and loyal commitment that when founded on universal values of goodness and the rule of law will be the driving spirit that propels a nation to greatness.

This is not a mere passionate claim akin to a patriot but is a fact based on data. The October 2021 Social Weather Stations survey commissioned by the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) showed that eight out of ten of Filipinos, eighty two percent (82%) in fact, expect that ‘the next Philippine government should assert its right on the islands in the West Philippine Sea as stipulated in the 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.” This is a clear objection to the appeasement approach of Duterte that has, in my opinion, is a betrayal of the prime mandate of the President to defend the interests of the country.

The President’s kowtowing to China has

been rationalized by lofty promises like loans support for the big-ticket projects of the Build Build Build programs, which didn’t really materialize at the scale projected. Chinese loan deals and projects were criticized for unfavorable provisions and warnings of caution to avoid the traps suffered by other countries. When the virus from Wuhan plunged the country to the longest and most stringent lockdowns and economic ruin, China shoved their Sinovac vaccine which at first was appreciated but later avoided by Filipinos for its inferior efficacy compared to Western manufactured vaccines. Billions were spent for this and will surely be a point of reckoning when the time comes.

No wonder China is the least trusted country by Filipinos as revealed by the same SWS survey where the United States is most trusted at 75%, then Australia at 62%, United Kingdom at 52%, Japan at 53%, the European Union at 42%, India at 22%. Majority of Filipinos (55%) have “Little Trust” in China.

What the next president should do about China’s exploitative and invasive offensive against the Philippines and the region for that matter is also at the top-of-mind Filipinos, especially voters. Respondents were asked what the next president should do about the West Philippine Sea issue.

They said they want a president who will: “Strengthen the military capability of the Philippines” (80%), “Conduct joint military patrols and military exercises with allied countries” (65%), and “Fully implement the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement or VFA and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA” (58%).

Also important is the “Finalization of the ASEAN Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (45%) and to “Bring the issue to the United Nations General Assembly (40%).

Even the “building of infrastructures on the vacant islands in the West Philippine Sea to assert our rights to these islands” is deemed important by 79% of the respondents.

So now that we have so many presidential aspirants fervently campaigning for our votes, we must seize this opportunity to wield our power to elect a leader who will be the anti-thesis of the defeatism and appeasement that has cost our country immeasurable loss of marine resources, assault against our fishermen, and has even constrained our rightful access to our sovereign territories.

The next president must be the exemplar of statesmanship with unwavering respect for the rule of law and its enforcement.

The next president must have the stature and initiative to strengthen partnerships with the growing alliance of like-minded freedom and peace-loving states as a formidable force to uphold the rule of law and sustained regional stability.

The recent pronouncements of the presidential candidates are showing responsiveness to the clamor of the Filipino to stand up against China’s expansionist ambitions. All except one who has already chosen to mouth the deceptive narrative of Beijing.

Lessons on climate grief from the people of the sea ice

By Kelly Macnamara MARILYN Baikie’s remote Inuit community has more wisdom than they could ever want about ecological grief.

These “people of the sea ice” have endured years of dramatic warming that is ravaging their beloved landscape at the edge of the Arctic, forcing them to reimagine a way of life that goes back centuries.

“It affects how you live your life, it affects the things you do with your children, it really is affecting people’s mental health,” said Baikie, a community health worker in Rigolet, a coastal village of 300 people in Canada’s Labrador region.

Before this region became one of the fastest-warming places on the planet, people could travel across frozen waters until spring, to fish or go deep into the countryside that is a profound part of their identity.

Now they often worry the ice won’t hold.

So when in winter the thermometer goes to up to zero—or higher—Baikie knows people will need extra support.

She and colleagues organise activities to ease stress and fill the “empty time” for people stranded by the warmth, like craft workshops and knowledge sharing between elders and young people.

Other local projects include mapping safe routes over the ice and taking an active part in climate monitoring.

Still, people feel isolated, Baikie told AFP in a recent video call.

“When you talk about it, it really tugs at your heart.”

Solastalgia But it was talking about it that made the Inuit elders—including Baikie’s mother—among the first to sound the alarm about the wrenching grief wrought by climate change.

Opening up to researchers more than a decade ago, they described the land like a family member.

“People would say it’s just as much a part of your life as breathing,” said Ashlee Cunsolo, who was studying climate impacts on water quality before pivoting to wellbeing as a result of the strong testimonies.

A decade later, these experiences and coping strategies are part of a growing understanding of the mental health toll of environmental destruction.

“It’s not just something anymore that people say: ‘that’s in the future, or that’ll be in 20 years, or that’s only in the north’,” she said.

“It’s really everywhere.”

Cunsolo is one of the authors of a major UN report on climate impacts due to be released on Monday.

It is expected to underscore the severe global health implications -- physical and mental -- of warming and the need to adapt to the challenges ahead.

But unlike the spread of disease by growing numbers of ticks or mosquitoes, Cunsolo said the effects on people’s minds are myriad and overlapping.

In Labrador, “it’s slow, it’s cumulative.

It’s about identity”, she said.

Cunsolo calls this ecological grief, one of a range of new terms for environmental emotions that

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EDITORIAL

Lookers on

T

ENSION had been mounting for a while, but when the Russians finally pushed into Ukrainian territory, the world was shocked at the audacity nonetheless.

For Filipinos, our main concern was the more than 300 OFWs in Ukraine and the grim specter of higher prices of oil and other goods, especially since we are still grappling with the lingering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But we cannot afford to see this conflict from just an outsider’s eyes.

Empathy and basic humanity allow us to imagine what it must be like for ordinary Ukrainians—children, parents, workers—who must now deal with upheaval, not to mention the constant threat of death. Everyday occurrences the rest of us take for granted are now mere memories for this troubled people.

As always, the actions of the decision makers affect the lives of millions. There is almost universal

condemnation of Putin’s expansionist aggression, and other countries are making their displeasure felt in different ways—economic sanctions, for instance, or a pariah status for Putin on the international stage. The question is whether Putin would respond to this kind of action, or would instead be emboldened to take his ambition further, pleased with the attention he is getting.

We cannot afford to see this conflict from just an outsider’s eyes.

The conflict in Ukraine is most instructive of human nature, showcasing one man’s expansionist, autocratic tendencies and the insatiable need to acquire yet more, whatever the cost to other people and societies.

It also shows how interests between and among Russia and other players in the West temper the latter’s swift and adequate response to the conflict.

Furthermore, it highlights the qualities in a leader who would preside over the country during critical times.

The David of the situation, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy, has recently chosen to stay in his country despite risks to his safety and despite being offered safe transit by the United States, telling Washington he “needed ammunition, not a ride.” Zelenskyy, a former actor and satirist, is trying his best to stand up to Russia and to rally the international community behind him. For their part, and whatever they feel about their president, Ukrainians will look to Zelenskyy for guidance and direction—his most difficult role to play, it turns out.

It is unclear whether talks would materialize, much less succeed, to put an end to the conflict. In the meantime, as we observe what happens in that part of the world, may we always be reminded that it is the decision of the leaders that would doom or save their country and dictate the fate of their people.

It is thus crucial that we choose the leaders who would be knowledgeable, prudent, patriotic, and who would always have our best interests ahead of their own.

Rejected by her own people

THE movement to unseat Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is fast gaining momentum and has even struck a lethal blow against the incumbent mayor as majority of the city hall employees have expressly rejected her.

If it would have been made into a movie, the particular scene would be similar to that of the Cry of Pugad Lawin when Katipuneros tore their cedulas as a symbol of their rejection of the Spanish rule and enjoined people in a revolt to end the colonial rule.

This time, it would be Quezon City Hall employees coming out in the open, calling on the residents of the country’s premier city to end the decades-long rule of the Belmontes.

In a secret balloting conducted among the City Government’s 400 employees, it was revealed that only 30 percent or 120 still favor the incumbent mayor while 70 percent or 280, are rooting for Anakalusugan Rep. Michael “Mike” Defensor. What is ironic is that most of these employees were hired during the incumbency of her father, Sonny Belmonte and during her time.

Actually, Edwin Rodriguez, president of Malayang Quezon City, the local political party pushing for Defensor’s candidacy, bared that many City Hall employees have been meeting

Research includes support for environmental defenders, in a country with one of the world’s highest rates of murders of these campaigners. also includes solastalgia —“the homesickness that you have when you’re still at home”.

Overall impacts range from strong feeling—sadness, fear, anger—to anxiety, distress and depression, while people caught in an extreme event might suffer post-traumatic stress disorder.

Canada alone has seen a catalogue of disasters in recent years, including floods, wildfires and what used to be a once-in-a-thousand-year heatwave.

“How do we support more and more people who are coping with this type of trauma? They’re not isolated events anymore,” said Cunsolo.

Climate anxiety There is growing concern about climate anxiety in children and young people worldwide.

One survey of 10,000 16 to 25-year-

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

with them, and pledging support for Mike’s mayoralty run. One of them is Mon Matabang, head of one of the departments in Quezon City Hall.

According to Rodriguez, many of Quezon City Hall employees have been complaining for being placed under preventive suspension for the simple reason they are identified with former Mayor Herbert Bautista.

Bautista is supporting Defensor’s candidacy.

“Mr. Matabang is coordinating with our office on how to assist these employees,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez adds it is not only those who are identified with Bautista who have shifted support from Belmonte to Defensor as many of them are from Belmonte’s camp.

“There is a massive outpouring of support for Congressman Mike coming even from her own camp,” said Rodriguez.

“Who would have furnished us with documents baring large-scale overpricing of ayuda groceries if not for employees identified with her?”

Rodriguez said. “Not only the Quezon City residents are tired of her but even the Quezon City employees who had served her administration for the past three years.”

“Maiba naman,” seems to be the battlecry of the Quezon City Hall employees.

Actually, Belmonte should have seen it coming. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, videos on her house-to-house campaign to personally deliver ayuda to QC residents were leaked on social media. Among those were videos showing a “director” giving her the cue to start acting in front of the camera as she hands a bag of groceries to a house owner.

Another video showed her picking a well-gated house as recipient of a grocery bag, skipping shanties along the way. And a lot more video revealing the negative side of her response to the pandemic.

And who would have leaked these videos other than members of her closed-in staff?

Now, Joy Belmonte is just reaping what she has sown. People are now openly protesting her brand of governance and this has further revealed her kind of leadership. One which willingly sells her principle just to gain support. She has been said to be supporting Leni Robredo in one instance and then shifting to Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. in the next moment. This even as Marcos has personally endorsed the candidacy of Defensor as his mayoralty bet in Quezon City.

Such is the kind of politics Belmonte employs. Fortunately, Defensor and Malayang Quezon City are on the verge of liberating this city from her suffocating hold.

olds in 10 countries, published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health in December, found almost 60 percent were very worried about climate change.

In the Philippines that rose to 84 percent.

Manila-based researcher and psychologist John Jamir Benzon Aruta, who was not involved in the survey, said concerns are highest among young people with access to the internet and social media.

“They worry about how much stronger the typhoons will become, whether it’s a safe place for them and their future children,” said Aruta.

His research includes support for environmental defenders, in a country with one of the world’s highest rates of murders of these campaigners.

Climate anxiety can be seen as a “normal response to the actual threat”, he said, calling for therapies and responses that counteract feelings of helplessness.

People around the world are faced with a barrage of negative news and a popular culture saturated with dystopian visions of the future.

What they need, experts say, is hope.

Earth emotions “There is a need to maintain a sense of meaningfulness in life and that’s really the core of my interpretation and emphasis of hope,” said Finnish researcher Panu Pihkala, an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Pihkala, who stopped presiding over weddings and funerals in 2010, says his religious background has helped him contemplate these “deep existential issues” and host ecological grief workshops in Finland.

Even the creator of the term solastalgia, Glenn Albrecht, is looking to shift the focus away from the grief-laden term he created in 2003 as a response to the environmental destruction of coal mining in Australia.

His ever-expanding lexicon of “earth emotions” and concepts includes the hope that humanity will soon commence the “symbiocene” -- living in harmony with the planet rather than destroying it.

“We needed to reinvent the way we talk about our present and our future,” he said in a recent online lecture.

In Labrador, Baikie said recognition of the emotional impact of climate change had not just given people an outlet for their feelings, but enabled research they hope will help others around the world.

She wants people and governments to shake off the idea that climate catastrophe is “inevitable”.

“Every little bit counts and (if people) really devote money and attention to it, I think we could start seeing some changes,” she said.

“The time has come to stop talking about it and to actually do something.” AFP

This is her kind of politics.

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Trump praises Putin, revives election lies at Florida forum ORLANDO—Donald Trump emerged from political exile Saturday to blast President Joe Biden and NATO over the Ukraine crisis and reprise his false claims of a stolen 2020 election in a speech to grassroots Republicans.

Speaking at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, the former president spent 86 minutes reprising many of his favorite applause lines, assailing the “radical left” and its “witch hunt” against him.

As massive explosions lit up the sky over Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, Trump blamed Russia’s invasion of its neighbor on Biden’s “weakness” and lavished praise on President Vladimir Putin’s intellect.

“As everyone understands, this horrific disaster would never have happened if our election was not rigged,” he said, to rapt applause.

NATO, he said, was “looking the opposite of smart” for hitting Russia with

HOLY MEN. Sadhus or Hindu holy men take part in a religious procession ahead of the Maha Shivaratri, an annual festival dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu on February 27.

AFP

sanctions rather than resolving to “blow (Russia) to pieces -- at least psychologically.”

“The problem is not that Putin is smart, which of course he’s smart,” he went on. “But the real problem is that our leaders are so dumb.”

After a year largely out of the public eye, Trump’s ecstatic reception left little doubt that the Republican Party remains in thrall to the twice-impeached, single-term president.

There were chants of “four more years” from the sea of supporters in red “Make America Great Again” hats, who clapped on cue as Trump railed against “woke tyranny” and “cancel culture.”

The crowd reserved their largest cheers for the 75-year-old headliner’s dismissal of Democrats’ claims to be the party of democracy as “bullshit” -and for his claim that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg “used to come to the White House and kiss my ass.” AFP

NoKor restarting weapons tests blitz

S

EOUL—North Korea fired a ballistic missile Sunday, Seoul said, resuming a weapons-testing blitz following a month of relative calm during the Beijing Winter Olympics, and while the world focuses on Ukraine.

range of around 300 kilometres and an altitude of around 620 kilometres and details are under close analysis by South Korean and US intelligence,” it added.

Japan also confirmed the launch.

South Korea’s presidential Blue House expressed “deep concern and grave regret”, and criticised the timing “when the world is making efforts to resolve the Ukraine war”.

“With the US interest shifted to Europe over the Ukraine crisis and the UN Security Council unable to function, Pyongyang is seizing the opportunity,” Shin Beomchul, a researcher at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, told AFP. North Korea sees this as a perfect mo-

ment to “continue its development of necessary weapons and to strengthen its nuclear arsenal”, with a view to being recognised as a nuclear power, he added.

The recent pause in testing during the Beijing Winter Olympics was seen as a mark of deference to key diplomatic ally The Sunday launch is Pyongyang’s moratorium on firing long-range and and economic benefactor China. eighth so far this year, including test- nuclear weapons.

The latest launch also comes as South firing its most powerful missile since Analysts had widely predicted Korea gears up to elect its next president high-profile negotiations between lead- Pyongyang would seek to capitalise on OTTAWA—Canadian authorities exon March 9. er Kim Jong Un and then US president US distraction over Russia’s invasion pressed “concerns” on Saturday over Japan’s Defence Minister Nobuo KiDonald Trump collapsed in 2017. Di- of Ukraine on Thursday with new tests. the local broadcasting of state-funded shi said the “recent and rapid developplomacy has languished ever since.

South Korea’s military said Sunday it Russian channel RT, which critics ment of North Korea’s missile related Despite biting international sanc- had detected a ballistic missile fired tohave long labeled a mouthpiece for technology cannot be overlooked from tions, Pyongyang has doubled down on wards the Sea of Japan at 07:52 local time the Kremlin. the view of security of our country and military development and last month (2252 GMT Saturday) from Pyongyang.

Regularly accused in the West of this region.” AFP contributing to disinformation, RT is threatened to abandon a self-imposed “The latest ballistic missile has a CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK in the crosshairs of several European countries, with the heat on the chanManila Republic of the Philippines equipment and items found therein.

Republic of the Philippines Standard nel amped up since Russia’s invasion NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION National Capital Judicial Region 5. Plaintiff offered to help defendants talk to the lessor in order that TODAY thisof week.

Regional Trial Court they may of haveUkraine a new Contract Lease (therefore termination the REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Lease Contract between plaintiff and the lessor), the condition Branch 78 “I share the concerns ofonmany CaBranch 84, Quezon City that they pay the balance of the purchase price in full and issue the were lost),” he told AFP. KUALA LUMPUR—Eighteen people day after their boat vanishing earQuezonCity nadians about the presence of Russia necessary post-dated checks.

GILBERT ANGCHONG, MARITES MACARAEG SINGH, He said two of the rescued suffered missing at sea near the Malaysian holi- lier that afternoon had triggered a Plaintiff, Today in our broadcasting system,” 6. Accordingly, defendant Muhammad paid the amount of Three Petitioner, Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php300,000.00) as earnest money. injuries were otherwise safe, with all day island of Langkawi were rescued, search.

Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo -VersusS.P. PROC. CASE NO. R-QZN-2!-04941-SP -versusCIVILbut CASE NO. R-QZN-19-14463-CV Thereafter, defendants started their operations under the name FOR: JUDICIAL DECLARATION OF FOR: Sum of Money and Damages Zero Point.

Rodriguez tweeted. over to authorities. officials said Sunday, after their boat Senior coast guard official Moham- handed PRESUMPTIVE DEATH. 7. From March 2019 10 April 2019, Muhammad, “We’re looking at defendant all options,” he KASHMIR SINGH, KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD Small boats can sometimes find capsized due to bad weather. ad Zawawi Abdullah said a combined through defendant Parungao, was able to pay the total amount Respondent. and ERWIN PARUNGAO, amid growing calls in Canada of Three added, Million four Hundred Sixty One Thousand Pesos effort by authorities and local fisherthemselves in danger on Malaysia’s The coast guard said the 18 were x-----------------------------------------------x Defendants.

(Php3,461,000.00) favor of plaintiff, broken down as follows: to ban inthe channel.

ORDER x------------------------------------------------x western coast because of strong waves picked up by fishermen late Satur- men saw the victims safely rescued The Court received the records of case on November 9, 2021 after the same SUMMONS DateWhile of Payment Amount RT is currently on the list was re-raffled among the different Special Family Courts of this jurisdiction 25 March 2019 Php 500,000,00 after their boat capsized TO: due to and bad weather.

KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD ofMarch non-Canadian programming REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES pursuant to ADM. MATTER NO. 21-073 dated July 19. 2021 issued by the Office 28 2019 Php 1,778,000.00 serTHRU: THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES departstrong waves.

Malaysia’s meteorological 19 March 2019 138,000.00 of the Honorable Executive Judge, RTC, Quezon City.

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT vices authorized forPhp distribution, its 16th Floor, Commercial and Industry Plaza Bldg., 1030 Campus 2 April 2021 Php 745.000.00 NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Instant case is for the PETITION FOR JUDIC IAL DECLARATION OF cor. Park Avenues, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig of “A fishing vessel came and ment warned over the weekend broadcasting license is “a privilege PRESUMPTIVE DEATH OF KASHMIR SINGH filed by petitioner MARITES OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT City, Philippines 8. Nonetheless, while defendants continued their operations, they that can be withdrawn,” the Canadian No. +63 2heavy 8567449 and continuous rain in the counMACARAEG SINGH [Marites] on June 16, 2021 seeking the declaration of rescued them. They Tel. found & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF have not issued and replaced plaintiff’s post-dated checks as E-mail: mofaicgovae@gmail.com KASHMIR SINGH presumptively dead; and order the reversion of petitioner’s rental payment.

MANDALUYONG CITY Radio-Television and Telecommunithem in the area (where they try’s northern states.

AFP name into her maiden name- MARITES BELON MACARAEG “ GREETINGS: 9. After April 201 9, defendants failed to pay the remaining balance cations Commission (CRTC) warned BANK OF COMMERCE, x by invoking Article 41 of the Family Code and declare Kashmir Singh of One Million ‘Three Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand Pesos Mortgagee, presumptively dead so that she can move on and find her happiness, and in French-language outlet Le Devoir YOU ARE HEREBY required within SIXTY (60) DAYS from (Php 1,339,000.00). Further, they failed and continued to fail to probably, to marry again if given the chance. After all she is now fifty years old the last issue of publication to file with this Court and serve on substituteon the required Friday.post-dated checks.

-versusFRE-MC22-1353 and will soon be needing the company of another”. the plaintiff your answer to the Complaint, copy of which is here EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE 10. Despite plaintiff’s requests for payment, Petitioner alleges in her petition, among others, that she is a Filipino citizen, attached, together with the annexes thereto. You are reminded of A banrepeated on broadcasting candefendants be imOF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE did not pay the balance of purchase price as well as issue the of legal age, and residing at No. 2S-H Dona Yayang Street, Barangay Libis, the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines posed in case of failure to “present the necessary checks.

Instead, defendants had been asking for UNDER ACT 3135 AS AMENDED BY dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a Motion to Quezon City; while respondent KASHMIR SINGH (Kashmir) is an Indian National extensions of time to pay their debts to plaintiff, and on numerous 4118 Dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the of legal age, and last resided at his last known address at D5 Apartments, Manuel news with accuracy and impartiality,” occasions, promised to settle its unpaid obligations.

Answer. If you fail to answer within the time aforesaid, the plaintiff Quezon Street, Antipolo City. the noCRTC MA. CYRELLE JED S. REGLOS will take judgment against you by default and may be granted the 11. However, paymentsaid. ever came. And because defendants That Marites was introduced to Kashmir when she met the latter in Barangay Represented by her Attorney-In-Fact, relief applied for in the Petition. repeatedly reneged on its promises to pay,ofplaintiff sent to Canada joins a slew countries Libis sometime in 1996 where Kashmir was doing a money lending business.

CELSO L. REGLOS, defendant Parungao a letter dated 27 May 2019, demanding the After more than two (2) years of relationship, Marites got pregnant and the two WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 14 Day of restrict RT in recent weeks.

Debtor/s/Mortgagor/s. immediatelooking payment ofto their overdue account. got married on September 11, 1999 at St Ignatius Chapel in Camp Aguinaldo, February 2022 at Quezon City, Metro Manila. x----------------------------------------------------x Friday, main cable Quezon City. Less than three (3) months after they got married their daughter A copy of the On letter dated 27 May Finland’s 2019 duly received by defendants NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE (Sgd.) ANNA MERCEDES A. BARCELO is attached hereto as Annex “B”. it was blocking RT Sofia Kiran Singh (Kiran) was born. company said Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended Officer-in-Charge The family lived together with no apparent problem for six (6) years. They

by Act 4118 filed by BANK OF COMMERCE, Mortgagee, MA. 12. Consequently, in another letter dated 24with June 2019, plaintiff broadcasts in solidarity Ukraine. rented an apartment in St. Joseph, Cainta and tended their Iives together with reiterated its demand for defendants to fully settle its obligation CYRELLE JED S. REGLOS, represented by her Attorney-In-Fact, Republic of the Philippines petitioner working as real estate broker while Kashmir continued to ran and with the plaintiff andBritish to issue the necessary post-dated checks.

The government announced CELSO L. REGLOS, Debtor/s/Mortgagor/s with postal address NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION manage his money lending business and he appeared to be very responsible at (1) Acqua Private Residences, Iguazu Tower, Unit IGZ 2701, 12.1. During this time, plaintiff’s check dated Wednesday it had post-dated asked media regu-2 REGIONAL TRIAL COURT and a good provider for the needs of his family treating them with utmost love 27 Floor, Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City (2) B10 L23 Saint Mary June 2019 in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos and affection. lator was Ofcom reviewsupposed RT’srentUK BRANCH 84 St., Addas II-A Molino, Bacoor, Cavite, to satisfy the mortgaged (Php300,000.00) applied totodefendants’ for In 2005, Kashmir travelled back to Jalandhar, India and showed no signs QUEZON CITY the monthbroadcasting of June 2019 duelicense. to defendants’ failure to substitute indebtedness which as of December 15, 2021 amounts to plaintiff’s issued checks. of unusual situation. Marites and Kiran accompanied him to the airport they FIVE MILLION SIX HUNDRED SIXTY NINE THOUSAND ONE GILBERT ANGCHONG, At the beginning of February, Gerdid not think that it was the last day that they will see him. When Kashmir HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS & 39/100 (Php 5,669,150.39) ONLY A copy of the letter dated 24 June 2019 duly received by Plaintiff, arrived in India, he always call the petitioner and Kiran especially in the Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty and other many banned which prompted defendants is attached hereto as RT, Annex “C”. first four months of his arrival there; he also sends them financial support. charges, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of Mandaluyong City or his duly -versusCIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-19-14463-CV Russia close thecontinued Moscow of 12.2. Again, whiletodefendants theirbureau operations, The months turned to years but Kashmir never returned to the Philippines authorized deputy will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION to the HIGHEST For: Sum of Money and Damages defendants failed to heed plaintiff’s demand for payment. or to his family until this very day. Even the telephone number that he uses BIDDER FOR CASH OR MANAGERS CHECK and in Philippine German media outlet Deutsche-Welle. in calling the petitioner and Kiran in the early months of his arrival in India Currency on March 10, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. or soon thereafter in 13. Then, on 2 July 2019, plaintiff’s post-dated check dated 2 KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD & In recent days, multiple major sowas no longer functional when they tried to contact him back. That he too front of the main entrance of the Hall of Justice Building, Maysilo ERWIN P ARUNGAO, their way across a flooded rugbyJuly 2019 in the amount, of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos RAIN BOMBED. Youths paddleboard also stopped sending money to his wife and daughter. That after several (Php300,000.00) was again applied to defendants’ payment cial media services, such as rent YouTube Circle, Mandaluyong City, the following Condominium unit with all Defendants. months of being left alone, Marites already felt the burden of maintaining of July 2019 as defendants continue to refuse field adjacent to Norman Creek at Coorparoo, Australia’s Queensland state for the month the improvements existing thereon to wit: x --------------------------------------------------x and Facebook, also said they would their rented apartment. Hence, she and her daughter transferred to their old to replace plaintiff’s post-dated checks with the lessor. As a ORDER on February 27. Flooding on Australia’s east coast claimed another life consequence. it would now appear that plaintiff continues to inpay house in Barangay Libis and resided until today. block certain Russian channels, CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. for the rent of defendants while the latter continue to operate and Submitted for resolution of the Court is the “Ex-Parte Motion for overnight, bringing the death toll from the extreme weather to six as a ‘rain In the entire duration of their marriage, Kashmir has introduced petitioner to -008-2020004524RT, from running ads and generate cluding income therefrom. (to Serve Summons)” filed by plaintiff Gilbert Angchong only one relative by the name of BABU SINGH. During their boyfriend-girlfriend Registry of Deeds – City of Mandaluyong bomb’ continued to moveLeave south Sunday. said a 34-year-old man had through counsel on 29Police November 2021. content on their platrelationship, they frequently visited Babu in his residence in Antipolo City where 14. On monetizing 8 July 2019, defendant Muhammad requested for died after his car became submerged in floodwaters around 2:30am on a meeting with plaintiff. During said meeting however, only Kashmir also used to live.

FLOOR LEVEL : 27 FLOOR In the said Motion, plaintiff substantially states the following: forms.

AFP defendant Parungao and defendant Muhammad’s brother Sunday. AFP

Ottawa flags ‘concerns’ over RT channel

18 missing at sea off Malaysian island Langkawi rescued

th

th

TH

That in one occasion, Kashmir confided to Marites his problem about the stiff competition in money lending business. He mentioned that there are times that Indians who are in his kind of business quarrel about money and “territories”.

Sometime after Kashmir left for India, a group of Indian males and females were seen roaming near the house of Marites’ parents in Libis and asked about the whereabouts of Kashmir also the looks of Kiran if she too appears like an Indian.

Also when they at the house of Marites’ elder sister for several weeks before Kashmir went back to India she noticed unusual actuations from Kashmir. He was always looking outside by the window and was always suspicious of people who are passing by the house. He also started parking his motorcycle in a place where it is not readily seen.

Petitioner hoped for 15 long years that Kashmir will return. In these long years she kept on going back to Antipolo and other places that she and her husband frequented to such an Indian Restos, the Sikh Temple, and been asking friends of Kashmir if he already went back to the country. She also tried to check the travel records of Kashmir in the Bureau of Immigration but she always get negative answers. Until she became tired in looking for her husband and decided to focus her attention to her daughter. She thought that she can only look and wait so much and that she is also entitled to be happy. She selflessly gave up fifteen years of her life waiting raising and nurturing her daughter alone and ensured that she grows up well She is now before this court seeking the mantle of Article 41 of the Family Code, for her to marry again if given the chance.

Finding the instant Petition and its annexes to be sufficient in form and substance, set the petition for hearing on MARCH 9, 2022, WEDNESDAY AT EXACTLY 8:30 IN THE MORNING before this Court sitting at Room 203 Second Floor Hall of Justice Annex Building, QC Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City where all persons offices entities are required to attend and show cause why the instant petition should be denied by the Court.

Accordingly, petitioner and counsel are required to have copy of this Order published in a newspaper of national circulation for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper chosen in a raffle by the Office of the Honorable Executive Judge.

Petitioner’s counsel is required to furnish the Office of the Honorable Solicitor General, the City Prosecutor of Quezon City and the City Prosecutor of Antipolo City within five (5) days from receipt of a copy of this Order a copy of the instant petition complete with annexes and to show compliance thereof soonest time possible.

Let also a copy of this Order, the petition and annexes be sent to KASHMIR SINGH at his address “care of MR SUBA SINGH & GIAN KAUR SINGH, Sidhu, Siohupor, Jalandhar, India” via Philippine Postal Service at the expense of the petitioner.

Further let copy of this Order, the petition and its annexes be posted by the Deputy Sheriff of this Court at the Bulletin Board of this court situated at the Ground Floor of this Building; Bulletin Boards of Quezon City and the City of Antipolo.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 16th day of November, 2021 (Sgd.) ATTY. FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR. Presiding Judge (MStandard-Feb. 28 & Mar. 7, 2022)

UNIT NO. UNIT TYPE UNIT AREA

: IGZ2701 : 1BR : 42.12

OF “ACQUA PRIVATE RESIDENCES” CONDOMINIUM PROJECT In the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE 2011001018 which embraces and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY with an area of ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED THIRTYFIVE (1,635) Square Meter more or less xxxxx.

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.”

“In the event the public auction should not take place on said date, it shall be held on March 17, 2022 9:00 A.M. or soon thereafter without further notice,” Prospective bidders or buyer are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the said real property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Mandaluyong City, Philippines, February 9, 2022.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF BY:

Copy furnished:

(Sgd.) RAMON D. PATERNO Sheriff IV

BANK OF COMMERCE Atty. Giovanni V. Gallego GALLEGO & VILLAMOR LAW OFFICES Suite 15, 2nd Floor, Facilities Centre Bldg., 548 Shaw Blvd., Highway Hills Mandaluyong 1552 MA. CYRELLE JED S. REGLOS, Represented by her Attorney-In-Fact, CELSO L. REGLOS (1) Acqua Private Residences, Iguazu Tower, Unit IGZ2701, 27th Floor, Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City (2) B10 L23 Saint Mary St., Addas II-A Molino, Bacoor, Cavite WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this Notice of Sheriffs Sale on or before the date of Auction Sale under penalty of the law.

(MStandard - Feb. 14, 21 & 28, 2022)

1. That there was a failure of service of summons to defendant Muhammad on several occasions. As per Sheriffs Return dated 09 October 2019, the summons was not served as said defendant was then in Dubai and his return is uncertain. Plaintiffs then went to defendant Muhammad’s business address several times, but the summons was returned unserved as per Supplemental Sheriff’s Report dated 05 November 2019.

attended. They undertook to pay by next week the balance of the purchase price together with the amount of Php600,000.00 as a reimbursement for the rental payment for the months of June and July 2019. Hoping that the matter would finally be settled, plaintiff accommodated defendants’ request for the last time.

Russia praises India’s ‘balanced’ stance after UNSC vote Still, defendants failed to pay.

15. On 2 August 2019, plaintiff’s post-dated check dated 2

August 2019 in the amountNed of Three Hundred Pesos 2. On 20 November 2019 “independent and 09 December 2019, Atty. Jason State Department spokesman Price toldThousand reporters.

NEW DELHI—Russia has praised India’s (Php300,000.00) was again applied for defendants’ supposed rent Evangelista filed a Formal Entry of Appearance with Motion continue to refuse to havepayment askedbecause everydefendants countryrefuse thatand has a relationship and balanced” position for after Delhiof abstained fromand a UN Extension Time to File Answer a Motion to“We Dismiss, issue the post-dated checks. respectively, representing only defendant Erwin Parungao.

Security Council vote that deplored Moscow’s “aggres- and certainly those countries that have leverage to use 16. As a result of defendants’ continuous refusal and unwillingness defendants’ leverage in a constructive way.” sion” against Ukraine. 3. On 28 January 2021, plaintiffs allegedly receivedthat to replace the post-dated checks, plaintiff was constrained to preMotion and Manifestation (with Formal Entry of Appearance) as terminate his contract with the lessor and withdraw from the lessor Since Indian Prime Narendra India, along with China UAE, did not Counterclaim) vote well asand their the Answer (with Compulsory under the thehis assault, remaining postdated checks as heMinister could not anymore carry impression that both defendants were properly represented. out the payment. with both Ukrainian President Volodyon the resolution Friday, a move in line with the fine Modi has spoken 17. Still, of good faith, plaintiff informed defendant that the 4.to That defendant Muhammad even admitted myr his personal Zelensky andoutRussia’s Vladimir Putin, expressing balance Delhi has sought strike between partnerships Contract of Lease executed between him and the lessor in relation circumstances in the said Answer. to the for Oblivion’s operations has been pre-terminated as a concern over thelease violence. with Moscow and Western allies. result of defendant’s refusal to substitute and/or replace plaintiff’s 5. On 28 October 2021, Atty. Amazona manifested his withdrawal Critics been forthright condemning India’s The Russian embassyinin India welcomed India’s stand post-dated checks which servedin as rental payment. representing defendant Khalid Mushtaq Muhammad as he was have not given any Special Power of Attorney (SPA). balancing act. on Saturday.

A copy of the Notice dated 14 August 2019 is attached hereto as Annex “ D”.

6. That independent it appears this Court has balanced yet to acquire jurisdiction over careful, “India’s avoid angering Putin at all costs re“Highly appreciate India’s and person of defendant Muhammad.

18. Defendant Muhammad promised to give check payments for sponse despite Russia’s blatant aggression Ukraine position at the voting inthe the UNSC,” it said on Twitter. the balance and for the rental payment but not a vs single centavo 7. Plaintiff and thus prays for leave strategic of court to effect service of that was given to the plaintiff. highlights it remains unprepared to step up to major “In the spirit of the summons special privileged to defendant Muhammad out of the Philippines.

To date, plaintiff has not received any paymentpartner,” (after April 2019) or be a dependable forpartnership, Russia is committed to maintain close dia- power responsibilities from defendants.

Based on the record and pleading filed by plaintiff thru counsel, eignaddress relations expert Richard Haass tweeted. logue with India on the defendant situation aroundis Ukraine.”

Muhamman no longer residing in his stated 19. Thereafter, the lessor accepted plaintiff’s request to prein the Philippines, and he has already returned to his Country terminate his and agreed to return the post-dated “Disappointing asLease wellContract as short-sighted given rise of Despite being the world’s largest democracy and a of Origin in Dubai, UAE. Thus, it would appear that in order for checks provided that all the equipment and other movables are Court to obtain over the said person, summons China.” member of the “Quad”this grouping withjurisdiction Australia, Japan removed from the leased premises by 31 August 2019. by publication is not sufficient but also extra-territorial service is The diplomatic comes as India on and the United States, India has explicitly conimperative thruneither the Embassy of UAE. 20. Plaintiff frenzy informed defendants of the lessor’sembarks acceptance of the pre- termination of his Lease Contract and requested them to air evacuation exercise oflikewise its students demned Moscow’s actions, nor called anforegoing, invasion WHEREFORE, in thethem light of the the Courtan RESOLVES move all their equipmentfor and thousands movables. Plaintiff advised as follows: to directly communicate with the lessor ifon they to stranded in them Ukraine after the Russian assault thewant capiso far. continue their operations on the premises concerned. tal KyivbeandHowever, other defendants cities. suddenly stopped communicating with the New Delhi and Moscow were the close throughout thelet summons 1. GRANTS Summons

by Publication; effected upon the defendant KHALID MUSHT AQ MUHAMMAD plaintiff.the first batch of some 200 Indian stuOnandSaturday, Cold War, a relationship that endures day,of and by publication, togetherto withthis the copy the complaint its annexes, once in a newspaper of general circulation dents that arrived 21. Then, on on 31 201 9, plaintiffexpressed discovered thatrelief defendants aAugust special flight and Russia continues to be India’s biggest arms supplier. continue to operate on the leased premises.

ORDERS Plaintiff and thewith Counsel to furnish UABtouchdown in Mumbai. joytheafter The United States has2.been in discussions India 22. As a result, the lessor continued to apply plaintiff’s post-dated Embassy in Manila, copy of the said Summons by Publication, “I was inchecks Chernovitsky which is property in thewas west of over its position on Ukraine, Saturday it urged as rental paymentcity because the leased not yet Complaint and and itson Annexes and this Order; cleared. On 2 September 2019, plaintiff’s post-dated check dated Ukraine so it was considered safest but a town near us Delhi to use its influence with Russia to “protect the 2 September 2019 in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand 3. ORDERS Defendant KHALID MUSHTAQ MUHAMMAD is Pesos was again applied for defendants’ ordered to file his Answer within sixty (60) calendar days got bombed and(Php300,000.00) we were scared if we were the next rules-based internationalhereby order”. supposed rent payment because defendants refuse and continue after notice of such summons by Publication from receipt of the to be bombed,” Rutuja Kamble, a medical student told “India and Russia have a relationship, including in to refuse to issue the post-dated checks. said Embassy.

23. Under the circumstances, it has become obvious to plaintiff AFP. AFP the defense and security 4.sector, that we don’t have,” US ORDERS Plaintiff thru counsel to submit proof of compliance herewith within FIFTEEN (15) days from the last issue of publication and Submission to the DAB Embassy.

5. Set the continuation of hearing is set on 06 April 2022 at 9:00 in the morning thru video conference hearing, as previously scheduled.

that defendants have no intention and/or is not about to make any payment.

24 . For defendants’ unjust failure and/or refusal to pay its monetary obligations to plaintiff, despite repeated demands upon it to do so, defendants must be ordered to pay plaintiff the amount of TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED SIXTY NINE THOUSAND

Business

A7

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market braces for volatile trading Ukraine war complicates Fed’s inflation fighting effort WASHINGTON, United States— The uncertainty created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the global economy is piling more complexity onto the US central bank’s already tough fight to contain rising prices.

Soaring energy and food costs have pushed inflation in the world’s largest economy to the highest pace in four decades, and the Federal Reserve is poised to raise the benchmark borrowing rate in March to put out the fire.

But while the Russia-Ukraine conflict is driving oil prices even higher, it also threatens to undercut the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It just makes a time that was always going to be challenging all the more so,” Erica Goshen, a former senior Fed official, told AFP. Fed policymakers will be “watching the data very carefully.

It throws a few more considerations into the pot,” said Goshen, senior economics advisor at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Crude prices briefly topped $100 a barrel on Thursday after Russia launched its invasion, the first time it passed that benchmark since 2014.

And wheat prices also could spike, as Ukraine is one of the top global exporters of the grain.

The Fed slashed the benchmark lending rate to zero at the start of the pandemic, and flooded the financial system with cash in an effort to stave off a severe recession.

Together with massive federal spending programs, that effort was largely successful: the economy bounced back quickly, with growth of seven percent in 2021.

But high demand, supply chain snarls and labor shortages have combined to push the Fed’s preferred inflation index to 6.1 percent in the year ended in January, far above the two percent target.

To contain the wave of price increases for energy, housing, cars and food, Fed officials for weeks have been preparing financial markets for coming rate hikes, hoping to engineer the elusive “soft landing” and avoid tipping the economy into recession. AFP

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

RADING at the stock market will remain volatile this week amid the tension in Eastern Europe.

Analysts said there would be risk-off sentiment this week because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Investors are concerned about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on oil prices and inflation. Oil prices in the world market surged $100 per barrel last week.

Local pump prices are expected to go up for the ninth consecutive week, with gasoline increasing by P0.80 per litter, and diesel and kerosene by P0.65 and liter P0.45, respectively.

Online brokerage firm Utrade.com.

ph said how the conflict develops and how oil prices react will largely dictate the market’s movement this week.

BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said the market may continue to consolidate within 7,000 to 7,350 points over the near term period. If the Philippine Stock Exchange Index drops below 7,000 points, Ravelas said it could lead to further losses toward the 6,500 to 6,800 level.

The PSEi last week sank 2.8percent to 7,212.23, while the broader All Shares Index declined 2.1 percent to 3,842.85.

Except for the mining and oil index, which rose 3.4 percent week-on-week, all other counters ended in the red, led buy industrial which dropped by 4.1 percent; holding firms, which fell 2.9 percent; and property, financials and services which dropped 2.9 percent, 2.5 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.

Foreign investors were net buyers for the week by P1.62 billion, while the average daily value reached P10 billion from the previous week’s average of P9.1 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were Nickel Asia Corp., which jumped 12.5 percent to P7.75; PXP Energy Corp., which rose11.4 percent to P6.55; and Philex Mining Corp., which climbed 6.3 percent to P6.06.

Weekly top price losers were newly listed firms Figaro Coffee Group Inc., which declined 18.5 percent to P0.66; and Haus Talk Inc., which dropped 11.8 percent to P0.97. Manila Water Co Inc. fell 6.9 percent to P20.85.

Meanwhile, global stocks mostly rose Friday while oil prices declined from 2014 peaks despite unease that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would drive commodity prices up.

In Europe, the three main indices all Manila

Standard

TODAY

closed more than three percent higher, recovering most if not all of the previous day’s losses, as Western nations held off from imposing sanctions that would cripple critical sales of Russian oil and gas.

And Wall Street also scored further gains after ending Thursday in positive territory after the US announced its sanctions package.

Asian equities also mostly bounced back.

“It’s a remarkable turnaround when you consider that the invasion is still taking place and sanctions are being drawn up,” said market analyst Craig Erlam at trading platform OANDA. “With oil trading back below $100 a barrel and gas prices falling after yesterday’s surge, it would appear traders are anticipating minimal disruption to Russian exports either directly as a result of the invasion or from sanctions imposed,” he added. With AFP

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

The DITO 5G FIXED WIRELESS ACCESS STARTER KIT mechanics are as follows:

SOARING PRICES. Artists perform during a demonstration against soaring cost of living and jobs insecurity in central Athens on February 26, 2022. Thousands of Greeks joined union protests in several cities against a steep rise in the cost of living as the government vowed to boost emergency support for households. In Athens, police said some 10,000 demonstrators led by Communist-affiliated union PAME gathered outside parliament to protest spiking inflation and a new labour law increasing working hour flexibility. AFP

1)

DITO 5G Home WiFi is available from February 28 to May 31, 2022.

2)

The DITO 5G Home WiFi costs ₱12,990 (one-time purchase), which includes the following: - One (1) 5G FWA CPE with 5G FWA SIM card - 1GB for DITO App download, valid for 7 days - 50GB Open Access Data valid for 30 days and supports data rollover - One (1) 3-month subscription to HBO Go

3)

Prerequisites for purchasing the DITO 5G Home WiFi: - Customer must use the 5G FWA CPE included in the kit in a location confirmed to have 5G coverage - Customer is not allowed to use the 5G FWA CPE in a location that has not been confirmed to have 5G coverage as DITO cannot guarantee the performance of the device in such locations

4)

How to avail of the DITO 5G Home WiFi: - If potential customer lives in an area covered by DITO Telecommunity’s 5G signal (according to promotional materials), they may approach the following DITO Experience Stores: 1.

2.

3.

4.

- Once store specialist assesses that customer’s address/location is covered

by DITO Telecommunity’s 5G network, customer will be allowed to purchase an DITO 5G Home WiFi. 5)

Promo shall only be offered in following Cities/ Municipalities listed in Annex A.

6)

Warranty. The 5G FWA CPE in the DITO 5G Home WiFi is covered by a product warranty on all parts, valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Arabs fear for wheat supplies after Russia raid CAIRO, Egypt—Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could mean less bread on the table in Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere in the Arab world where millions already struggle to survive.

The region is heavily dependent on wheat supplies from the two countries which are now at war, and any shortages of the staple food have potential to bring unrest.

If those supplies are disrupted, “the Ukraine crisis could trigger renewed protests and instability” in several Middle East and North Africa countries, the Washington-based Middle East Institute said.

The generals now ruling in Khartoum after an October coup have not forgotten: In 2019 one of their own, Field Marshall Omar alBashir, Sudan’s longtime autocrat, was toppled by his military under pressure from mass demonstrations triggered by a tripling of the bread price.

Sudan is already facing regular anti-coup protests but seems to have taken the initiative to avoid demonstrations over bread.

Re-imagining Hope I remember back when I was in high school, my teacher in my values class asked what the meaning of hope was for us. I defined hope as “Humans Overcoming Problems Eagerly.”

Although I am proud of my response, as a high school student back then, I never really knew the gravity of what I had said.

How could I? I am just the typical high school student whose problems revolve around having good grades, the latest social trends, and having a love life. However, as a kid, I already took those problems like it was the end of the world.

As I grew up, I realized that my problems also grew up with me. When I was still studying in college, my main concern was will I ever graduate; when I graduated from college, my main problem was will I ever find a job; when I was working, my main problem was will it be enough to sustain my needs; when I was able to receive a competitive salary, my main problem was will I ever find a loving wife; and now that I am married, my main concern now is will I ever have a family of my own.

To add, the COVID-19 pandemic also served as an eye-opener for me and woke me up to a realization that you cannot live each day like tomorrow will always come. This gave me a tantamount of fear which somehow crippled me into hopelessness.

Nevertheless, when news about the creation of vaccines started to come in,

this became my initial source of light from the dark place that I have been.

And when I was able to receive my full dose of the COVID-19 vaccines, I could say that my hopes for a brighter future were already starting to come back.

The presentation of Mr. John Reiley D. Baluyot on Re-imagining Hope made me appreciate further the importance of striving for hope every day.

Mr. Baluyot’s exercises made me realize that I should be thankful that I experienced a time when I was hopeless but could also overcome it and can now continue to be hopeful.

Learning about Charles Snyder’s Hope Theory, I realized that hope has three components: Desired Goals; Agency (will power); and Pathways (way power). Moreover, I realized that it is shaped like a triangle, wherein the Agency (will power) and Pathways (way power) are at the bottom of the Desired goals.

This made me realize that although we hope or desire something to happen, it will not materialize if your will and way power will not support it. Moreover, your will and way of power will be pointless if you have no desired goals to begin with.

When Mr. Baluyot discussed his personal experience in practicing the Hope Theory, it hit me that not everyone desires and craves materialistic things but being accepted as who you are as a person is worth more than being rich and powerful.

When Russia’s invasion began on Thursday, the second-highest figure in Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council was in Moscow to discuss trade ties.

Bread is already a luxury for millions in Yemen, where a seven-year war has pushed the country to the brink of famine.

“Most people can barely afford the basic foods,” and the war in Ukraine will only “make things worse,” Walid Salah, 35, a civil servant in the rebel-held capital Sanaa, told AFP. Russia is the world’s top wheat exporter and Ukraine the fourth, according to estimates by the US Department of Agriculture.

Moscow’s invasion pushed the wheat price far above its previous record high in European trading to 344 euros ($384) a ton on Thursday.

David Beasley, the World Food Program’s executive director, said the Ukraine-Russia area provides half the agency’s grains. The war, he said, “is going to have a dramatic impact.”

WFP says 12.4 million people in conflictravaged Syria are also struggling with food insecurity. AFP

Greenhills – San Juan, Metro Manila Robinsons Galleria – Quezon City, Metro Manila SM Manila – Manila, Metro Manila SM North EDSA – Quezon City, Metro Manila

- This warranty is granted only to original purchaser of the DITO 5G Home WiFi - Warranty may be availed of at any of the following DITO Experience Stores: • • • •

Greenhills – San Juan, Metro Manila Robinsons Galleria – Quezon City, Metro Manila SM Manila – Manila, Metro Manila SM North EDSA – Quezon City, Metro Manila

- To avail of product warranty, customer must show proof of purchase that the product was purchased from a DITO Store or an authorized DITO 5G Home WiFi Dealer.

- Warranty does not apply if the DITO 5G Home WiFi has been altered, repaired or otherwise tampered with by unauthorized persons and/or is used or subjected to the unintended usage of a product of its nature.

7)

By availing of the DITO 5G Home WiFi, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the DITO 5G Home WiFi mechanics, its terms, and conditions. Subscriber also agrees not to use the DITO 5G Home WiFi for illicit or illegal means.

8)

For any concerns and/or inquiries regarding the DITO 5G Home WiFi, information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision of DITO Telecommunity. All decisions made

by DITO Telecommunity pertaining to the promo will be deemed final and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI.

“ANNEX A” #

REGION

PROVINCE

City/Municipality

1

NCR

NCR

Manila

2

NCR

NRC

Quezon City

3

NCR

NCR

Caloocan City (MS-FEB. 28, 2022)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CHARLESTON BAMBALAN

Green Light

Moreover, the presentation also made me realize the importance of doing something intentionally. Lately, due to being overwhelmed with the various and loaded tasks, I cannot help but do things just for the sake of doing it—or mere compliance, if I may say. Hence, I will commit to doing my best to make my actions and words more intentional rather than just for convenience.

Furthermore, I would like to add that I highly appreciated when Mr. Baluyot pointed out the importance of preparing for the changes in my external environment. It should be done under future tense because it will be just “troubleshooting” if it has just been done in the present.

To cap it all off, I enjoyed Mr. Baluyot’s presentation on re-imagining hope, as it indeed gave me a new perspective on what hope means. From now on, I’ll do my best to provide hope to the people, one at a time, around me; and so I will define hope as Helping Others Passionately, Everyday.

The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, DLSU. He can be reached at charleston_bambalan@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

The DITO 5G DITO FWA PROMO mechanics are as follows: 1.

Promo period is from February 28 to May 31, 2022. The promo must be activated within the promo period. Promos activated after the promo period shall not take effect.

2.

The promo name, pricing and inclusions are indicated below: PROMO NAME PRICE INTRODUCTORY PROMOS – DOUBLE DATA DITO 590 FWA ₱590 DITO 990 FWA ₱990 DITO 1490 FWA ₱1490 DITO 1990 FWA ₱1990

DATA ALLOCATION 100GB 200GB 340GB 500GB

All promos are data-only • All promos are valid for 30 days • All data promos support data rollover 3.

Prerequisites: a. Must have a valid and working DITO prepaid FWA SIM card installed in a DITO-compatible FWA CPE. The list of DITO Stores selling FWA CPEs will be detailed in targeted communications. b. Promos are available via DITO App only -- requires installed and working DITO App in mobile device. c. Must have an existing DITO load value that is at enough to cover the cost of the desired promo.

4.

How to avail of the promos: a. Log-in on the DITO App using the DITO FWA number b. On App Home Page, select “Buy Promo”. c. Subscriber must select desired promo and click on the confirmation button to proceed with the purchase of the offer. d. Subscriber will receive confirmation via APP and SMS.

5.

Promo shall only be offered in following Cities/ Municipalities listed in Annex A.

6.

Promo resubscription is allowed even if the current subscription is active.

The remaining data from the previous subscription will be carried over to the latest subscription.

7.

Once availed, the promo is non-refundable / non-replaceable / nonexchangeable. Promo is only valid for the DITO FWA CPE that contains the DITO FWA SIM.

8.

Promo cannot be converted to cash, credit, or other goods and services.

9.

By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the promo mechanics, its terms, and conditions.

Subscriber also agrees not to use the promo for illicit or illegal means.

10. For any concerns and/or inquiries regarding the promo, information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision of DITO Telecommunity. All decisions made

by DITO Telecommunity pertaining to the promo will be deemed final and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI. “ANNEX A” #

REGION

PROVINCE

1

NCR

NCR

City/Municipality Manila

2

NCR

NRC

Quezon City

3

NCR

NCR

Caloocan City (MS-FEB. 28, 2022)

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

A8

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

IN BRIEF

DOE, Germany’s MAN sign natural gas accord THE Department of Energy announced over the weekend the signing of a memorandum of understanding with MAN Energy Solutions SE of Germany in line with the agency’s efforts to help facilitate the development of the country’s downstream natural gas industry.

The agreement provides for the conduct of a feasibility study on the development of small- to medium-scale liquefied natural gas importation and re-gasification of power projects in Visayas and Mindanao.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi signed the MOU on behalf of the DOE, while MAN ES executive board member and chief sales officer Wayne Jones inked for the German energy company at a virtual signing ceremony.

“We have always been very vocal about our desire to fully develop the downstream natural gas industry of the Philippines. Studies such as the one that MAN Energy would be conducting contribute to this goal, given that the ability of our natural gas industry to reach maturity depends on the development of the necessary infrastructure such as LNG receiving terminals, gas transmission and distribution pipeline networks, and other ancillary facilities,” said Cusi.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Business Razon-led company building $1.1-b pumped-storage plant

By Alena Mae S. Flores

A

HUNAN Power Inc., the joint venture of tycoon Enrique Razon’s Prime Metro Power Holdings Corp. and JBD Water Power Inc., is developing a 1,400-megawatt pumpedstorage hydropower plant in Laguna province at a cost of $1.1 billion.

“This project will contribute an addition of 1,400 MW, which will help realize the goal of CES [Clean Energy Scenario] for the hydropower energy sector,” Ahunan Power said in docu-

ments submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for public scoping.

The company is developing the project on a 299.40-hectare site in Pakil, Laguna.

It plans to start the permitting and feasibility studies under the development stage in the third quarter and begin construction by the first quarter of 2023, with commercial operations expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Ahunan Power was incorporated on Sept. 17, 2020 to engage in the development, construction, operation, maintenance, repair and management of hydropower plants, other powergenerating plants, related facilities and other allied businesses, including investing, bidding and negotiating for such projects (whether as shareholder, partner or otherwise) and to trade

electricity in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.

The project intends to generate gross capacity of 1,400 MW to provide primary and tertiary reserve ancillary services and conventional pumped-storage operation.

The two separate project stages involves stage one at 700 MW for primary and tertiary reserve ancillary services in the Luzon grid and stage 2 at 500 MW for mid-merit services.

The company said the need for power would continue to increase in the coming years. Peak demand is projected to increase to 54,700 megawatts by 2040 from 15,200 MW in 2020 at 6.6 percent annual increment.

Under CES, the government is aiming to have 35-percent renewable energy share in the power generation mix by 2030, then 50 percent by 2040.

MPT Mobility investing P1b to expand services MPT Mobility, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., said it is spending nearly a billion pesos this year to expand its mobility services and digital solutions .

Rodrigo Franco, president and chief executive of MPTC, said the company programmed “less than a billion pesos” capital expenditure (capex) this year to support the expansion of MPT Mobility.

“Most of the investments will going to digital applications and solutions because that’s how we are positioning MPT Mobility. Its gonna be technology driven and will be relying on digital solutions,” Franco said.

“With the growing demand for mobility solutions amid an accelerated digital transformation in the Philippines, we found it necessary to strengthen our pursuit for innovation,” he added.

MPT Mobility launched DriveHub, a travel companion app, offering a variety of mobility solutions that create better user travel experience. Darwin G. Amojelar

Sitel Group marks Education Day ‘22 SITEL Group, one of the largest global providers of customer experience (CX) products and solutions, marked International Day of Education 2022 by reinforcing its commitment to making upskilling and development a top priority in line with its Employee Promise of Learn, Lead & Grow program.

The global BPO provides learning programs in diverse formats suited to meet the needs of a wide variety of learners. These programs are available to Sitel Philippines associates and upcoming customer experience professionals, students, out-of-school youth and the community.

The International Day of Education is a United Nations-sponsored occasion that promotes education as a fundamental human right and highlights its role in building a sustainable future. Sitel Group believes in this mission and the importance of continuous learning.

Because of this, the company crafts programs that teach not only essential BPO skills like communication and customer service but also digital skills building and new technologies.

PCCI BOARD. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez (sixth from left) inducts the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry board of directors and officers for 2022-2023, led by its president George Barcelon (seventh from left) at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City. PCCI is the country’s largest business organization. With them are (second row, from left) Dr. William Co, chairman of PCCI; Dr. Alberto Fenix Jr., past president/advisor; Apolinar Aure, director for SME committee; Jeffrey Ng, director for urban housing development committee; Michael Tan, director for transport and logistics committee; Dr. Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr., honorary chair and treasurer and CSR director; (front row, from left) Bernardo Benedicto III, assistant treasurer; Ivan John Uy, corporate secretary; Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco, honorary chair/past president/advisor; Engineer Enunina Mangio, vice president/director for regional affairs; Benedicta du-Baladad, director for taxation and legislation committee; Sallie Lacson, AVP and director for South Luzon; Teresita Ngan Tian, AVP and director for NCR; Gregoria Simbulan, AVP and director for North Luzon; Samie Lim, director for tourism and franchise committee; and Ruben Pascual, secretary general.

EO institutionalizing national ID to improve financial inclusion

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said over the weekend financial inclusion will gain traction following the signing of Executive Order No. 162 by President Rodrigo Duterte institutionalizing the acceptance of the Philippine Identification System number as sufficient proof of identity and age in government and private transactions.

Diokno said the EO would encourage Filipinos, especially the marginalized and those from low-income households with no government-issued IDs, to open bank accounts, paving the way for their inclusion into the formal financial sys-

tem and reducing their vulnerability to onerous lending and other practices.

“EO No. 162 is supportive of the Duterte administration’s thrust to eliminate red tape in government transactions,” Diokno said.

EO No. 162 specifies that no additional proof of identity or age would be required upon presentation of the PhilID, PhilSys number or PSN derivative, as authenticated.

The same may be presented in lieu of a birth certificate for transactions that require individuals to establish their age, including applications for marriage licenses and Land Transportation Office student permits and conductor’s licenses; enrollment for kindergarten,

first grade and Philippine Educational Placement Test passers; and Professional Regulation Commission and Bar licensure examinations.

The BSP issued Memorandum No. M-2021-057 on Oc. 21, 2021, reminding BSP-supervised financial institutions to accept the PhilID in both physical and mobile formats as sufficient proof of identity.

It also directed its supervised financial institutions to include the PhilID in their list of valid IDs displayed on their counters and/or at the public entrance of their establishment, if applicable (such as counters, windows, and entrances); and official websites, social media handles and other consumer information channels.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, February 24, 2022 -151.98 PTS. 7,212.23

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

2,816,416,567 132,348 9,938,179,671.79 43 168 34

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.2710

Japan

Yen

0.008698

0.4460

UK

Pound

1.354600

69.4517

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128126

6.5691

Switzerland

Franc

1.089206

55.8447

Canada

Dollar

0.785484

40.2726

Singapore

Dollar

0.742776

38.0829

Australia

Dollar

0.723300

37.0843

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652801

136.0118

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266546

13.6661

Brunei

Dollar

0.740028

37.9420

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030979

1.5883

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.9604

Euro

Euro

1.131300

58.0029

Korea

Won

0.000839

0.0430

China

Yuan

0.158373

8.1199

India

Rupee

0.013399

0.6870

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239006

12.2541

New Zealand

Dollar

0.677200

34.7207

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035863

1.8387 Source: BSP

SPNEC swap deal to benefit shareholders

By Jenniffer B. Austria SOLAR Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. said over the weekend the terms of the proposed asset-for-share swap agreement will result in less dilution and greater value per share for investors.

SPNEC disclosed plans to acquire Solar Philippines’ assets through an asset-for-share swap. Solar Philippines, SPNEC’s parent, will subscribe to 24.373 billion shares in SPNEC at P2.50 apiece, while Solar Philippines will transfer the assets held by 20 affiliates to SPNEC. “While we could have issued shares in exchange for the Solar Philippine assets relative to SPNEC’s existing shares at a ratio of 5-to-1, we have opted for a ratio of only 3-to-1, resulting in less dilution and greater value per share,” said Solar Philippines founder Leandro Leviste.

“We have done so to share more upside with our public shareholders, who we consider to be our partners in building this company for the long term,” Leviste said.

The Philippine Stock Exchange suspended trading of SPNEC shares Monday, pending the submission of additional information on the planned asset-for-share swap agreement with Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. and its affiliates in various entities.

The PSE said in a notice it would require SPNEC to submit a full and comprehensive disclosure on the transaction, business impact and material implications of the transaction on the company and its financial condition.

“In view of the foregoing and subject to the company’s compliance, the exchange will implement a trading suspension on SPNEC shares effective at 9 a.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022,” the PSE said.

Leviste said the asset-for-share swap agreement was in line with SPNEC’s goal to develop 10 gigawatts of solar projects, representing a 20-fold increase in its targeted capacity in exchange for the issuance of only three times its outstanding shares.

Upgraded NAIA taxiways expected to boost flight and passenger safety

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation said over the weekend it expects flight movement and air passenger safety at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to significantly improve with the completion of the repair and upgrade of its taxiways.

The DOTr, along with the Manila International Airport Authority, completed the repair and upgrade of four taxiways, including Taxiway Charlie, as of January 2022. Taxiway Charlie is the main taxiway going to all the terminals of the airport.

It said that with the upgrading of the airside facility, aircraft movement from the runway to the tarmac would be faster and would allow the airport to accommodate more arrivals and departures per day.

CYCLING FESTIVAL. Metro Pacific Investments Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp., teams up with Neo Zigma Cycling Corp. and Interval Gear Events Management for the 1st Philippine Cycling Festival, benefiting MPIF’s Puhunang Pangkabuhayan program for alternative livelihood. Leading the virtual signing of the agreement are (from left, top row) IGEM managing director Christian David Alacar, MPIF president Melody del Rosario and Neo Zigma marketing head Josephine Santos.

Aircraft traffic on-ground affected the on-time performance of airlines in the previous years, as aircraft had to line up for take-offs and landings. Faster aircraft movement and improved ground efficiency were achieved with the immediate repair and upgrade works of the taxiways.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the completion of the project would ultimately make air travel more comfortable and convenient for passengers and airline stakeholders.

“With this, we can improve the take-off and landing. More importantly, we can increase the slots from 34 to 40, and we aim to reach 44 and 46,” he said.

MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said the agency worked hard to successfully complete the repair and upgrade of the runway, which was in a dismal state when they took over.

Romero’s One Power explores new locations to expand solar power capacity by 300 MW in two years ONE Power Corp., a company owned by the family of Rep. Mikee Romero,plans to expand its solar portfolio by another 300 megawatts until 2023.

“We are, of course, looking at seeking new SC [service contract] specifically in Luzon, targeting a capacity of 200 MW. We’re looking into a land somewhere in Batangas right now,” One Power Corp. representative Jomar Castillo said in a

recent forum.

“We have been offered a number of projects in pre-development stage in the Visayas area with a capacity of 100 MW. If we trigger that acquisition, hopefully we can increase our capacity by another 100 MW by 2023,” he said.

Castillo said they were expecting to launch more solar projects in the future using new technologies to make the solar business more com-

petitive and compete in the (competitive selection process of distribution utilities.

One Power also plans to expand the 28.59-MW Digos solar plant in Davao del Sur to 40 MW by the end of the year.

“We are expanding its capacity from 29 MW to 40 MW, hopefully by end of the year,” Castillo said.

“Hopefully, we can complete it in six to eight months We’re now in the

process of looking for PV panels and selecting our EPC contractor,” Castillo said.

One Power subsidiary Fort Pilar Energy Inc. announced in September 2021 that it acquired Alterpower Digos Solar Inc. which owns the Digos solar plant, a facility that has been operating since March 2016, for P1.5 billion.

It acquired the facility from the joint venture of Hanwha Global As-

set Corp. and Alterpower Specialist Inc. Fort Pilar earlier said it would allocate P500 million to finance the Digos expansion.

“Our investment in a solar power plant in Mindanao reflects our firm belief that the growth of the Philippines lies in the development of our rural areas,” Fort Pilar chairperson Sheila Romero said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Gilas 5 to go into rebuilding mode after FIBA tourney

By Peter Atencio THE Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team will be in a rebuilding mode when the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier tournament this week at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum is over.

A combination of a younger batch of cagers and professional players will form the next pool, said Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.

These new batch of players will make up the next Gilas team that is being prepared for future competitions.

“We are looking for more young players when we gear up for the World Cup. And we’re also creating a pipeline beyond the World Cup,” said Panlilio.

Panlilio said he has learned about Caelum Harris, a Filipino-American high school prospect, who could be part of Gilas in the future.

The 17-year-old Harris will come over to the Philippines and have a tryout.

The coaching staff will try to find out if he can be part of the pool.

The 6’7” Harris plays as a small forward at Stewarts Creek High School in Tennessee.

“And so we have identified Harris. He’s only 17 and he might be too early for him to be part of the program next year,” addd Panlilio.

Harris’ family originated from Marigondon, Cebu.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

B1

Fernando Martinez (left) connects with a punch on IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. Martinez took the title by unanimous decision. AFP

Ancajas loses super flyweight IBF world crown to Argentinian

L

OS ANGELES—Unbeaten Argentinian Fernando Martinez ended Filipino Jerwin Ancajas’ long International Boxing Federation super flyweight reign with a 12-round unanimous decision victory in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Martinez pressed the action in a lively bout at The Cosmopolitan, consistently outworking the champion to earn the upset victory, with two judges scoring it 118-110 and a third seeing it 117-111 for the 30-year-old challenger.

Martinez improved to 14-0 with eight wins inside the distance.

Ancajas, who was making his 10th defense of the title he won in 2016, fell to 33-2-2 with 22 knockouts.

Ancajas, also 30, said after the fight he would take advantage of his contractual right to a rematch.

Meanwhile, his plans to take on Japanese WBO champion Kazuto Ioka in

a unification bout later this year were blown.

After an 11th round dominated by the aggressive Martinez, Ancajas appeared to need a knockout in the 12th to retain his title.

But he couldn’t hurt Martinez, who continued to land solid punches to the head and body in the final round.

On the same card, super lightweight fighter Gary Antuanne Russell improved to 15-0 with 15 knockouts with a 10th-round technical knockout of former world champion Viktor Postol.

Russell, a 2016 Olympian who is the brother of former WBC featherweight

champion Gary Russell Jr, stunned Postol with 29 seconds left in the bout and referee Mike Ortega quickly waved off the fight.

Postol, who held the WBC light welterweight title for nine months in 2015-16, had spoken before the bout of the difficulty of focusing on the task at hand amid the Russian invasion of his homeland.

Russell paid tribute to Postol, who fell to 31-4, for carrying on at such an emotional time.

“I do take my hat off to him,” the American said. “He’s got his family at home, there’s bombings going on. His country is at war.”

Petecio, Paalam lead boxing honorees at PSA rites SIX world-class boxers, including the three who won medals in the Tokyo Olympics led by silver medalists Nesthy Petacio and Carlo Paalam, will be feted in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night on March 14 at the Diamond Hotel.

Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Marcial, and the revitalized Nonito Donaire Jr., lead the compact, nine-man list to be given with Major Awards by the country’s sportswriting fraternity during the special event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Cignal TV. The quartet will be joined by other Filipinos who are champions in their respective fields, including pole vaulter EJ Obiena, netter Alex Eala, and the pair of boxing title holders Johnriel Casimero and Jerwin Ancajas.

Paalam and Petecio bagged a silver each, while Marcial claimed a bronze during the Tokyo Games to cap the most successful campaign ever by the Philippine boxing team in the quadrennial showpiece.

Donaire, meanwhile, showed he’s not yet done on top of the ring after seizing the WBC bantamweight title belt by dethroning Nordine Oubaali in a fourth-

Hidilyn Diaz banners the entire 2021 honorees as the recipient of the prestigious Athlete of the Year award to be handed out by the oldest media organization in the country during the gala night also backed by MILO, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), 1Pacman, Rain or Shine, ICTSI, Nesthy Chooks To Go, Smart, Philracom, and the MVP Petecio Sports Foundation.

After two years, the Awards Night will finally be held face-to-face again, although attendance is still going to be on a limited 50 percent capacity in compliance with the government’s safe and healthy protocols, according to PSA president Rey C. Lachica, sports editor of Tempo.

Other awardees named earlier include champion golfer Yuka Saso and world titlist Carlos Yulo of gymnastics (President’s Award), POC president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino (Executive of the Year), and the legendary pair of Robert Jaworski round stoppage in Carson, California in May of 2021 Sr. and Ramon Fernandez (Lifetime Achievement to become the oldest champion in the 118-pound divi- Award). sion at 40 years old. Later in the year, he retained his Still to be announced are the National Sports Assocrown behind a similar fourth-round KO of compatriot ciation of the Year, Manok Ng Bayan award, citations, Reymart Gaballo. and a special Excellence in Leadership Award.

Vintage Sunang tops long jump at close of MILO-Patafa meet EVERGREEN Marestella Torres-Sunang was in vintage form on Sunday to rule the women’s long jump with a leap of 6.11 meters at the conclusion of the Milo-Patafa Performance and Time Trials at the Imus Sports Complex in Imus, Cavite.

A four-time Southeast Asian Games long jump queen, Sunang bucked the strong early morning headwinds that swept through the track in nailing the victory on her second jump, avenging her loss to Katherine Khay Santos in the Ayala Philippines Athletics Championships in Baguio last December.

Santos, who won her earlier duel with Sunang on the countback with a jump of 6.06 meters, had difficulty with her check marks before take-off and settled for second in the meet backed by Lily’s Peanut Butter.

Abcede Agamos was third (5.49) at the end of the three-day competition organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission as part of the national track and field tryouts for the 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games in May. “Masaya ako sa talon ko. Naging

maganda pa rin ang fitness and conditioning ko,” noted Sunang, who turned 41 last Feb. 20, of her improvement of five centimeters over her last performance in the Pines City.

“Because of her age, we revised our tapering and recovery program for Marestella and reduced her stride from 20 to 18 so we won’t fade during her takeoff. This has all been trial and error, but seems to be working,” noted national long jump coach Joebert Delicano.

Delicano was optimistic that with still two months to go before the Vietnam SEA Games “we can pull her (Torres) so she can be jumping between 6.20 to 6.30 that would boost her chances of a podium finish.”

“I had problems with my check marks so I wasn’t able to take off properly.

Lessons learned because you can’t win always. I need to practice more on my full approach and jumps,” rued Santos of her sub-par showing. “But we still have some competitions left and we aim to perform better.”

Both jumpers were confident that they would be able to meet the qualifying bronze medal standard of 6.16 meters in the last 2019 SEA Games in

Marestella Torres-Sunang

succeeding meets.

Former Palarong Pambansa standout and UP varsity team member Clint Neri leaped 7.21 meters to top the men’s long jump.

Both SEA Games bronze medal-

ists in the men’s 4x400-meter men’s and women’s relays three years ago, Frederick Ramirez and Jessel Lumapas swept the men’s and women’s 400-meter runs in times of 47.42 and 57.31 seconds, respectively.

Gin Kings edge Dyip for 5th win THE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings had four good players who stood out in the fourth quarter as they took control of the boards and turned back Terra Firma Dyip, 112107, in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Justine Brownlee set a personal milestone as he topscored for 29 points, including two final free throws that settled the count for the Gin Kings.

Brownlee’s last two charities moved him into no. 8 overall in the all-time scoring list among imports as they handed the Gin Kings their second straight win, after they outrebounded the Dyip, 51-43.

Christian Standardhinger delivered 26 points, with his jumper off Scottie Thompson’s rebound in the last 31 seconds putting the Gin Kings ahead, 110-107.

Thompson was all over the place with his triple-double of 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, impressing coach Tim Cone.

Thompson managed to pull down three crucial rebounds and force turnovers in the last 1:35, helping Brownlee and Standhardinger score their baskets.

A block by Thompson on Aldrech Ramos in the final 11 seconds kept Terrafirma from recovering in the remaining time.

“Amazing. We’re trying to find ourselves. And I think in this game, we were able to come back and it will go a long way,” said Cone after the Gin Kings posted their fifth win in nine outings.

Cone went on to praise the game of Thompson, who made his fifth career triple double, his first in three seasons.

Peter Atencio

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Sports

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

PVL Open: Short but exciting DESPITE its compressed timetable, the Premier Volleyball League is guaranteeing an exciting, action-packed staging of the Open Conference which unwraps March 16 at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

From the original three-month schedule to mark the league’s second pro season, the upcoming tournament will now be a four-week skirmish with all nine teams coming into the event all geared up for a grueling battle of power, cohesion and style.

With the compact schedule, the format of the tournament will have a pool play setup—a first for the league—to make way for the training of the national team gearing up for various international competitions, including the SEA Games in Vietnam in May. “We have to shorten the tournament and we made it to two pools to accommodate the national team which will train in Brazil as part of its buildup for the SEAG,” said PVL president Ricky Palou, also the man at the helm of the organizing Sports Vision, during an interview with Noli Eala on Power & Play.

“But this will be very interesting as most teams strengthened their respective rosters during the off-season,” he added. “Looking at the player movement, it will be a very competitive, exciting conference.”

Chery Tiggo, which foiled Creamline to crown itself the country’s first pro volley champion in a bubble setup last year, sets out for its title defense on a team built around sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Santiago-Manabat with former UST stalwart EJ Laure boosting the squad’s frontline threat.

Creamline has also kept its star-studded roster intact with Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado and Jema Galanza eager to reclaim their crown, and the likes of Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, Philippine Army, PLDT Home Fibr, BaliPure and Cignal HD all shoring up their respective rosters for a crack at the crown.

But focus will be on F2 Logistics, now ready to bring its winning tradition to the country’s first-ever pro league after withdrawing at the last minute the first time out due to injuries and a disrupted training period caused by the pandemic.

The Cargo Movers, bannered by Major Baron, Kianny Dy and Aby Maraño, have underscored their readiness by ruling the PNVF Champions League late last year via sweep.

F2 Logistics is joining Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho, Army and Cignal in Pool A while Creamline heads Pool B that includes Petro Gazz, PLDT and BaliPure.

Groupings were drawn in serpent-type format based on the final ranking of the previous Open Conference in Ilocos Norte last August.

The top four in Pool A will join the Pool B squads in the knockout quarterfinals with the Nos. 1 and 2 teams gaining twice-to-beat incentives.

Palou said they had to push back the Open Conference staging to another month to give the teams longer time to train given the Covid situation in the NCR Plus and at the same time ensure all squads will reach competitive level coming off a long break.

He added the tournament will still be held in a semi-bubble system with no spectators allowed in line with the government’s health and safety measures.

Barreto sweeps 2 PSI events

URCC RETURNS. Main event fighters Igor Subora of Ukraine and Gester Maglaque of the Philippines are shown during the presentation of the Universal Reality Combat Championship Global event with founder/president/organizer Alvin Aguilar at the BAMF Gym in Sucat, Parañaque. Billed as ‘Unbreakable’, the mixed martial arts event returns after more than two years of inactivity due to the pandemic. It will also feature a first-of-a kind 3x3 women MMA fighters featuring Team Catalan against Team Baldugan Pros as the undercard of the event scheduled on March 19 in SBMA, Olongapo City.

Nadal downs Norrie, claims Acapulco title

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CAPULCO—Rafael Nadal continued his perfect start to 2022, beating Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 to lift the Acapulco ATP title in his first tournament since winning the Australian Open.

Nadal needed one hour and 54 minutes to beat Britain’s 12th-ranked Norrie for the fourth time in as many career meetings.

“Cameron is a very solid player, he’s a tricky player, he makes you feel that you cannot play c o m f o r t able

Rafael Nadal AFP

against him at all,” Nadal said. “I had been going through some very difficult moments in the match.”

But the world number five wasn’t too unsettled to claim a 91st career victory, and his fourth in Acapulco after wins in 2005, 2013 and 2020.

As he did in 2020, Nadal won this week without dropping a set.

Nadal is undefeated since losing to Lloyd Harris in the third round at Washington on August 5, 2021. He ended his 2021 season after that because of a left foot injury.

He returned to win the Melbourne Summer Set Australian Open warm-up, then won the Australian Open for a second time to break

out of a tie with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic for most men’s Grand Slam singles titles.

His victory over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final was a classic, the Spaniard rallying from two sets down to triumph.

He beat the Russian again in the semi-finals on Friday, just a day after Medvedev was assured of rising to number one in the world thanks to Djokovic’s early exit at Dubai.

“I’m very pleased,” Nadal said of his week’s work. “It was a very important title for me, so I can’t be happier.”

He started strongly against Norrie, putting 89 percent of his first serves in play in the first set and winning 79 percent of those points.

Nadal pounced on his first break point in the fifth game of the first set, firing a forehand winner.

The Spaniard looked as if he could run away with the match when he broke Norrie in the opening game of the second set.

But Norrie—who was riding an eightmatch winning streak that included a run to the title in Delray Beach last week -- hit back to level at 1-1, though he needed four break points to do it. AFP

League plans 45-day season for every event

By Peter Atencio HOLDING events which can be finished within a 45-day period is being worked out by organizers of the 84th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

League officials said this is their goal, now that they will implement a bubbletype of setup from within the campuses of all eight member universities.

League president Emmanuel Calanog of Season 84 host De La Salle University said the schools will be bracing for a quadruple header three times a week, for a period of one-and-a half months, starting “We will be playing as with previous season, three times a week, and all teams will be in a bubble,”said Calanog, with men’s basketball being the first event on tap.

Calanog said they won’t be able to keep their athletes too long inside a bubble setup, since it might affect them physically and emotionally.

All games will be be livestreamed by TV5 and aired on Cignal TV as well.

Competitions in men’s basketball, women’s volleyball and cheerdance are expected to get under way next month, now that many studentathletes have successfully gone into

Productive showing for BEST swimmers JORDAN Ken Lobos got his revenge against noted rivals as he led the Philippine BEST (Behrouz Elite Swimming Team) in another productive performance on the penultimate day of the 2022 Philippine Swimming Incorporated National Open on Saturday at the newly renamed Olympic standard Teofilo Ildefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

The 19-year-old Lobos, a product of Calayan Educational Foundation Incorporated in Lucena City, rebounded from his loss in the 50-meter events on Friday as he beat his rivals in the men’s 100-m breaststroke with a time of one minute and six seconds.

Lobos beat Samuel Alcos of Ateneo Blue Knights (1:06.07) and third placer Rafael Isip of Ayala Harpoons (1:07.02).

Swimming protégé and junior national record holder Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh and Jules Mirandilla, both delivered gold medals on opening day, finishing second this time as BEST made a promising run in the ranking

MIGUEL Barreto closed out the 2022 Philippine Swimming Inc. National Open with a bang, topping both of his events on Sunday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Complex in Malate, Manila.

The Ayala Harpoons Swim Club standout opened his account for the day with the 800m freestyle pole in 8:52.01, but surprised himself with a personal best of 53.03 in the 100m freestyle.

Barreto said, “Thankfully nag-best time ako. Out of my five events, ‘yun lang ‘yung pinakamagandang swim ko.

“Kaya ‘yun, sobrang happy ko sa 100 free. Tsaka ‘di ko rin siya event, so main event ko talaga is 400 free talaga. So yun medyo nagulat rin ako and syempre happy ako,” he continued.

Pierre Chan and Jordan Lobos also dished out stellar performances. QC Buccaneers’ Chan outpaced everyone in the 50m backstroke in 26.91, while BEST Main’s Lobos touched first at the 200m breaststroke in 2:21.77.

On her part, 16-year-old Jass Mojdeh, also of BEST Main, took control of the last 50 meters to edge out veteran Chloe Daos in the final race of the meet—the women’s 200m butterfly— in 2:19.90. Mervien Mirandilla earlier took the men’s 200m butterfly for BEST Main in 2:11.18.

All-Star Swim Club annexed two races with Hannah Sanchez and Xiandi Chua taking the women’s 800m freestyle in 9:58.65 and the women’s 100m freestyle in 59.26 seconds, respectively.

Thanya Dela Cruz of the Harpoons swept her races of the meet with the women’s 200m breaststroke in 2:45.42, while QC Buccaneers’ Mishka Sy also took all the women’s backstroke races with a 31.89-second finish in the 50m.

system in the tournament serving as part of the PSI selection process in forming a competitive National Team to compete in the various international meets, including the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam on May 12 to 27.

Dubbed the ‘Water Beast’, Mojdeh, the Grade 10 student at the Brent International in Laguna and product of the late Olympian Susan Papa’s grassroots program, finished second in the women’s 50m butterfly (29.65) and 400m Individual Medley (5:16.29).

On opening day on Friday, Mojdeh took the gold medal in the women’s 100-m butterfly (1:03.09) against a veteran field, which included former UAAP champion and National team mainstay Kisten Chloe Datos (1:04.10).

She finished second in women’s 200m Individual Medley (2:28.48) behind another Nationals Xiandi Chua of La Salle (2:23.31).

For his part, Mirandilla, who ruled the men’s 100m butterfly on the opening day, wound up second this time in the men’s 50m butterfly (25.70).

Another veteran international campaigner in Marcus Johannes De Kam finally secured a podium finish with a third-place performance in the men’s 200m freestyle (1:59.81), while John Neil Paderes followed up his secondplace feat in the men’s 100-m backstroke on the first day of the three-day meet with a third-place showing in the 200-m backstroke (2:13.81).

After two days of competition, the BEST squad has garnered three gold, five silver, and three bronze medals, with Mojdeh leading the women’s individual ranking with 71 points—11 points ahead of Thany De La Cruz (60 points) and Xiandi Chua (60 points).

In the men’s division, Joshua Del Rio occupies the No. 1 position with 86 points followed by Miguel Barreto (60) and De Kam (59).

“We are hoping to close out our campaign on a high note. It’s really boosting our swimmer’s morale, looking back the lost time and chances due to lockdown,” said Joan Mojdeh, Jasmine’s mother and BEST team manager.

Ken Lobos

bubble training in their respective campuses.

No competitions were held for the last two years after the league decided to close down its campuses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And because no uncontrolled incidents of COVID-19 infections have been reported, the league was inspired to restart the season in the last week of March.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

B3

Pattinson suits up for macabre new ‘Batman’ ROBERT Pattinson had never been interested in playing a superhero —until Ben Affleck quit his role as Batman, leaving the famous cape unexpectedly up for grabs.

Having spent the past decade mainly working on critically acclaimed arthouse movies, former Twilight actor Pattinson requested a meeting with the filmmakers entrusted by Warner Bros. to revitalize the beloved franchise.

“He sought me out... and somewhere in that meeting, he brought up Batman,” producer Dylan Clark told AFP. Although Pattinson, now 35, appeared to feel “a little bit suspiciously” about fronting a “giant big studio movie” again, he was “genuinely interested in the character of Batman and Bruce Wayne,” said Clark.

“And he has that jawline, so that was very helpful,” added Clark.

The result is The Batman, out in US

British actor Robert Pattinson

“wanted to play a part that was physical,” recalled Clark.

“What he didn’t know was that Matt’s script was going to take that character on an emotionalphysical ride and that he was going to really have to put himself through the wringer.”

This Batman, Clark added, “is a dark hero and he can sometimes come across as an antihero. Vengeance definitely fuels his drive.”

The film finds Batman on the heels of the Riddler (Paul Dano) —a serial killer in the sinister style of the real-life Zodiac Killer, or the recent Netflix true-crime series Mindhunter.

The Riddler claims to be impelled by a sense of justice against Gotham’s corrupt elite, and his crimes—broadcast on social media—attract a cult-like following among the city’s disaffected and disenfranchised. AFP

Jerry Lopez Sineneng

By Patricia Taculao

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NOWN for directing well-loved television series such as Maalala Mo Kaya, La Luna Sangre, and Love Thy Woman, to name a few, Jerry Lopez Sineneng returns to the small screen with another riveting story, leaving audiences wanting more.

Now a member of the ever-growing Kapuso family, Sineneng, who signed with GMA in November of last year, directed a first for the network with his suspense series Director Jerry Lopez Widows’ Web. Although Sineneng Sineneng signed with GMA-7 Network last had to work with a November 2021 new team for a large project, he shared during an online media conference for the series that he couldn’t ask for anything more from the members of the Kapuso network.

“Mahirap man kasi malaki yung project pero naramdaman ko na agad ‘yong suporta at pag-welcome sa akin na para talaga akong bahagi ng pamilyang ito,” he happily said.

Heads of the network, on the other hand, are confident in Sineneng’s abilities and credentials to spearhead a momentous project such as Widows’ Web. The series also marks the seasoned director’s first time working with GMA stars Vaness del Moral, Ashley Ortega, and Pauline Ortega. He is very much impressed with the actresses’ professionalism as they’re easy to work with, courteous, and considerate of the rules the director has set.

“We had an agreement before we started, like coming to the set on time and being ready, wala silang bine-break. Ang gagaan nila katrabaho,” the director said.

Apart from meeting new faces, Sineneng also encountered old friends during the production of the upcoming series as one of the main characters is played by veteran

theaters on March 4, starring Pattinson and directed by Clark’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes collaborator Matt Reeves.

It finds Bruce Wayne in only his second year as Batman, when his nocturnal detective work has not yet earned him the trust of Gotham’s police or public.

Pattinson’s vigilante is still figuring out his tactics and his motivations for stalking the dystopian city’s criminals, and his famous villainbusting gadgets are still rough prototypes.

Even compared to Christopher Nolan’s gritty trilogy starring Christian Bale, The Batman is notable for its macabre, noirish tone.

Batman himself cuts a forlorn, almost depressive figure, partially inspired by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, whose music also features prominently in the soundtrack.

Pattinson, fresh from a supporting role in Nolan’s mega-budget sci-fi film Tenet,

debuts as Kapuso director with

‘Widows’ Web’ Christian Vasquez

Vaness del Moral

Pauline Mendoza

actress Carmina Villaroel. Both Jerry and Carmina worked with each other several times on earlier projects.

Carmina shared that she feels honored to work alongside the renowned director for his first series in GMA-7. She even messaged Jerry via Facebook to personally welcome him to the Kapuso network.

And even though it’s been years since they last worked together, the actress remains excited to work with the director again.

“Ngayon na nakita na namin ‘yong some of the scenes we did, mas lalo akong na-excite,” Carmina said.

Per her last request after Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat, Carmina continues to play an antagonizing role. However, her character in Widows’ Web isn’t your run-of-the-mill kontrabida. She plays Barbara Sagrado, the older sister of Alexander Sagrado III (Ryan

Tale of a haunted red house TRUST film master Brillante Mendoza to bring the shivers and the spook in his latest movie for Vivamax written by Troy Espiritu, billed as Bahay Na Pula, with its worldwide online screening beginning last February 25, the date of the historic EDSA Revolution.

In this Mendoza helmed motion picture, newlyweds Jane (Julia Barretto) and Raffy (Xian Lim) take a trip to AFFY travel to the bucolic town of Pola to supervise the impending sale of their ancestral house, which the Municipal Council recently declared a “historic site.”

Against Raffy’s will, Jane taps her ex-boyfriend and the current Mayor’s assistant Roger (Marco Gumabao), to guide her through the bureaucratic red-tape. As the couple’s stay longer in the ancestral house, its many secrets unravel slowly with Manang Ising (Erlinda Villabos) as the witness to the big reveals.

The most interesting component of this newest movie from the Palme D’or winning filmmaker is the story weaved by its screenplay writer Espiritu. The presentation of everyday events and the haunting of the past pulsate with a ferocity that makes the viewer squirm and in shock Julia Barretto as he discerns the how-did-that-happen-scenes in the in ‘Bahay Na Pula’ movie.

Present-day realities that we can enumerate in this EspirituMendoza movie are the prevalent red-tape bureaucracy, the seduction of money and how it corrupts the most moral of men, chasing of old flames and the disastrous conflagration that follows and how romance jumps out of the window, and runs through the street when push comes to shove.

The more fantastical elements of the movie are an incubus, a poltergeist, and some historical atrocities that become karmic debts.

Making this screenplay come alive are the emotionally committed and playingfor-truth-performances of its protagonists Baretto, Gumabao, and Lim. The trio, without a doubt, screams that they are ready for edgier roles.

In the movie, Julia displays some skin and succumbs to lip-locking scenes with her movie husband and ex while showcasing her dramatic range. A hot-heated Lim that curses, falls into a jealous rage, splendid rage, splendid! Gumabao blends with the locals to a T. The longing for someone that he used to love who suddenly comes back is palpable and intoxicating.

Villabos as Manang Ising is “the wolf in sheep’s clothing” saying becoming alive. Her screen presence is superb – cunning and sinister. She dominates the movie with minimal dialogue and yet, conveys the evil that lurks in the story. Truly Manang Ising is the devil’s advocate.

Adding more horrific treats to the movie is the musical scoring of Diwa de Leon who gives the movie scarier Oriental feels. The color palette of the movie supplies another blood-curdling layer to it.

Bahay Na Pula reminds us that we must be afraid of darkness. To romanticize and conquer it, are the actions of the foolish. It is where evil hides and the source of its strength. Always, what is cloaked in its veil springs back to vengeance. And when the wicked triumphs, and trumps good, be afraid. Be very afraid.

EA Guzman

Carmina Villaroel

Adrian Alandy

Eigenmann). She’s elegant, meticulous, and will do everything she can for her family.

Widows’ Web revolves around the lives of four women, played by Carmina, Pauline, Ashley, and Vaness, as they try to unearth the truth behind a gruesome accident that changed the course of their lives forever, the murder of Alexander.

Each of the four women is involved in Alex’s life in one way or another. But with his death, their true intentions are questioned as some of their deepest, darkest secrets came to light with a high-profile case investigation.

Joining the cast of GMA’s first “suspense-serye” are actors Adrian Alandy, Arthur Solinap, Dave Bornea, EA Guzman, and more.

Widows’Web’premieres tonight at 8:50n on GMA’s Telebabad.

Director Jerry Lopez Sineneng (in white) behind the scenes with the cast and crew of ‘Widows’ Web’

Films on women empowerment, gender equality this Women’s Month TO celebrate and commemorate March as Women’s Month, five films that touch on the issues, concerns, challenges, struggles, and realities of women will be screened for free each Wednesday.

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has meticulously selected several fulllength films to explore and highlight the individuality and the solidarity that create nuances and resonances in the different narratives of women.

A scene from the drama movie ‘Roma’ (2018) by Alfonso Cuarón

Roma (2018) by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, set in the 1970s Mexico City, introduced Cleo, an indigenous Mixteco live-in housekeeper who worked for a middle-class household with four children. As the patriarch ran away, she found herself trying to support what’s left of the family, all while preparing for her own unexpected motherhood. The drama will be on view on March 2.

‘Rocks’ (2019) is a coming-of-age piece by British filmmaker Sarah Gavron

Rocks (2019), a coming-of-age piece

by British filmmaker Sarah Gavron, followed the lively yet heartbreaking journey of a Black British teenager girl who struggled to take care of herself and her younger brother as they were abandoned by their depression-prone mother. Set in Hackney, London, it showcased the power of friendship, youth and dreams amid the battles for survival. It will go live on March 9.

on art and activism. Under the direction of Brazilian screenwriter Rita Toledo, the documentary focused on female artists Lena Chen (USA), Florencia Duran (Uruguay), Bia Ferreira (Brazil), and Ana Luisa Santos (Brazil) as they transformed their experiences into meaningful representations of feminism today. It is scheduled on March 23.

‘Body of Truth’ (2020) by Evelyn Schels

Body of Truth (2020), directed by German screenwriter Evelyn Schels, studied the influence of violence, oppression and war in art. It profiled contemporary Iranian visual artist Shirin Nesha, Serbian conceptual performance artist Marina Abramović, Israeli sculptor, video and installation artist Sigalit Landau and German photographer Katharina Sieverding as they explored their histories for art. It is slated on March 16.

A scene from ‘A Thousand Women’ (2018) by Rita Toledo

A Thousand Women (2018) reflected

A scene from the motion picture ‘The Flowering of the Crone - Leonora Carrington, Another Reality’ (2015) by Ally Acker

The Flowering of the Crone: Leonora Carrington, Another Reality (2015), directed

by American filmmaker, poet, author, and historian Ally Acker, is considered as the sole film on British-born artist Carrington.

The motion picture covered her full oeuvre with rare personal footage from the 1940s through the 21st Century. It contained a fanciful depiction of her famous 1939 short story The Debutante. It will be showcased on March 30.

Film screenings will be conducted via Zoom every 12:00 noon on the scheduled dates. All shows are free and open to the public.

Interested participants may register through https://forms. gle/3AUP8tbMVPFoaPfQ8. For more information, email mcad@benilde.edu. ph.

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Life

Nickie Wang, Editor lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

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AGUIG’S Bonifacio Global City will soon host a master-planned community that features Japanese innovations meant to elevate the standards of comfort, and functionality for its residents.

Set to rise in Federal Land’s masterplanned community at Grand Central Park in BGC is The Seasons Residences, a mixed-use development featuring upscale residences, curated amenities, and the country’s first Mitsukoshi, a four-storey mall named after Japan’s oldest department store.

Upholding Japanese artistry and excellence are the partners that brought the development to life. The joint venture tapped renowned Japanese firms to pave the way for the authentic design found in all towers: Nikken Sekkei Group for the overall conceptual design; Nomura Co., Ltd for the interior design of the mall; Torafu Architects for the façade concept; and Asao Tokolo for the façade pattern.

The Seasons Residences features impeccable Japanese innovations meant to elevate the standards of comfort, convenience, and functionality for its residents. Innovative Japanese technology is optimized to ensure safety and security at The Seasons Residences. All four towers are equipped with Viscoelastic Coupling Dampers, a breakthrough in earthquake vibration control technology that can withstand earthquakes and high winds, common to the Philippines and Japan.

Own a piece of Japan The Seasons Residences marries Filipino hospitality with Japanese efficiency, allowing its future residents to experience an elevated lifestyle at the heart of Bonifacio Global City.

at the heart of BGC Each unit is equipped with a unique Japanese storage system, like kitchen f loor storage, shoe cabinet, and bedroom closets. The kitchens are fitted with a space-saving

The amenity floor is influenced by the seasons of Japan, with the arrangement of the elements inspired by spring (Haru), summer (Natsu), autumn (Aki), and winter (Fuyu).

kitchen sink with draining and cutting boards to maximize counter space, a rangehood with Japanese oil filter technology, as well as airwashing tiles that minimize exces-

The first MITSUKOSHI department store in the country will be located at the podium of The Seasons Residences.

sive humidity and foul odors in the air. As leakage protection, the units are equipped with a sunken slab or a below-f loor drainage system for easier pipe maintenance. The devel-

The Guest House is inspired by traditional Japanese architecture and will be made available for lease to relatives and friends of residents.

opment also has eco-friendly solutions like water-efficient Japanesebranded shower toilets in all units and motion sensor lighting in common areas.

Meanwhile, the amenity floor is inspired by the seasons of Japan, with the arrangement of the elements patterned after spring (Haru), summer (Natsu), autumn (Aki), and winter (Fuyu).

A modern gym and landscaped gardens evoke the fresh beginnings of spring, while the swimming pool and karaoke room call to mind the fun of summer. Autumn inspires creativity, so a music room, reading lounge, a business center is provided to accommodate that.

Lastly, The Seasons Residences offers a spa and wellness room reminiscent of Japanese winters.

Sky’s no longer the limit WE GREW up being famillowship, in honor iar with our parents and our of the famous pilot guardians’ popular words of who, curiously, was encouragement “sky’s the a Zontian. limit,” which actually means This $10,000 Felthat nothing is impossible, lowship is being given that we can do and achieve anannually to as many ything that our heart desires. as 35 women all over The past generation used the world who purthe sky as the farthest limit sue a Ph.D/doctoral degree in aerospace when measuring great distances. But scientists now engineering and insist that, at this day and age, measure of great distances space sciences. The no longer stop at the sky, which is basically the troposphere beneficiary must be and stratosphere above the earth. We can now use the moon, registered in a full- Rita Dy is currently the Chairperson of which is way beyond the earth’s exosphere, as the benchmark time program and has District 17, PR and Communications of great distances from the earth, simply because people have completed at least one Committee of Zonta International already heroically stamped their footprints on such satellite. year of that program I’m pleasantly surprised to learn that as many as a quar- or has received a Master’s Degree in an aerospace-related field ter of the workforce in the aeronautat the time the application is submitted. ics industry is composed of women.

From the program’s inception, ZonYOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE ta‘s Amelia Earhart Fellowship has In fact, in an effort to carry out its mission to provide women access to already benefitted 1245 women from OFFICE: A place where you can relax all resources, as co-equals of men, 75 countries, amounting to more than after your strenuous home life!

Zonta International put up, in 1938, $11 million in scholarships. Recipients the now-popular Amelia Earhart Felhave gone on to become astronauts, aerospace engineers, astronomers, professors, geologists, business owners, heads of companies, and one even became the Secretary of the US Air Force.

I learned from my good friend, Rita Dy, past president of Zonta Club of Makati Ayala, that the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs celebrated last month its 50th anniversary and, to commemorate Amelia Earhart Month, they invited as guest speaker Engr. Naoko Yamazaki, an Amelia Earhart Fellow who is the second Japanese female astronaut to have traveled to space onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2010.

Engr. Yamazaki tackled the topic, “Diversity in Space Exploration,” by discussing the benefits of the fellowship program that opened opportunities for her as an exchange student at the University of Maryland. She shared with the local Zontians how she was inspired to pursue Engineering and Robotics courses.

Networking with other fellows, meeting her role models, and visiting the Smithsonian Museum motivated her to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.

Zonta International believes that the Amelia Earhart Fellowship will certainly advance the status of women in the male-dominated aeronautics industry. Engr. Yamazaki has proven that women with great ambitions will soar to great heights, as long as they work hard and stay focused and undeterred, despite many challenges.

Now that the sky no longer poses a limit…we can go way beyond it, all the way to the moon, with our aspirations…even our physical presence! No wonder I now hear my friend, Rita Dy, singing her favorite song, “Fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars…”

Engr. Naoko Yamazaki, an Amelia Earhart Fellow, is the second Japanese female astronaut to have traveled to space onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

DreamPlay characters welcome guests as it reopens its doors

Rediscovering fun at DreamPlay AS METRO Manila eases its quarantine restrictions, DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired family entertainment center at City of Dreams Manila, reopens its doors at a limited capacity to welcome back families in a fun and safe environment.

One of the safest play spaces for children with a fully vaccinated staff at a Safety Seal-certified venue, the interactive play and creativity center once again shares the incredible stories of DreamWorks through an engaging, immersive, and technologically rich experience for families and children.

Currently open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., DreamPlay can entertain about 100 guests, both children, and adults, or at 20 percent total capacity of the venue at a given time.

Following IATF guidelines, children must be accompanied by fully vaccinated adults, who are required to present proof of full vaccination. To maintain a safe environment, signing of health declaration forms before entry and wearing of face masks at all times are being implemented. Tickets with access to all the play space’s attractions are available at P1,500, while nonparticipating tickets can be purchased for P250. Entry will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Advocating the concept of “learning through play,” DreamPlay allows kids

to explore the world of DreamWorks animation, and provides them with creatively interactive and hands-on experience of its stories that are brought to life through the latest digital technologies and its various attractions spread across its 5,000 square-meter space.

Providing one-of-a-kind educational entertainment, families can explore DreamPlay’s 11 attractions that provide exciting activities that range from challenge courses, storytelling, cooking, and more.

Guests can also interact with beloved characters Shrek, Princess Fiona, Alex the Lion, Kung Fu Panda, King Julien, Puss in Boots, Poppy, and Branch from DreamWorks Animation’s worldfamous franchises Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon, and Trolls.

Appealing to both kids and kids-atheart, Chez Gingy, the dining cafe inside DreamPlay offers classic American, Italian, Asian dishes, and other family favorites such as pizza, pasta, noodles, and well-loved ice creams and desserts.

To complete the playfully educational adventure, families can visit the DreamPlay Shop, the one-stop-shop for all DreamWorks toys, goodies, and accessories.

DreamPlay is located at The Shops at the Boulevard, upper ground floor of City of Dreams Manila. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.