Manila Standard - 2022 March 27 - Sunday

Taal erupts, Alert Level 3 up Residents in 5 barangays told to evacuate, brace for further eruptions

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n By MARICEL CRUZ

HOUSANDS of people were ordered to evacuate from their homes Saturday after the Taal Volcano erupted, sending ash and steam hundreds of meters into the sky.

The volcano, which sits in a lake south of Manila, exploded with a “short-lived” burst at 7:22 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said, raising Taal’s status to Alert Level 3 after the phreatomagmatic eruption. CONTINUED ON 3A

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RESTIVE VOLCANO. The Taal Volcano main crater generated a short-lived phreatomagmatic burst on Saturday, which was followed by a nearly-continuous phreatomagmatic activity that generated plumes 1.500 meters high, accompanied by volcanic earthquake and infrasound signals, according to Phivolcs. Inset photo shows residents from Brgy. Bilibinwang being evacuated as Phivolcs raised the alert over Taal Volcano to Level 3. Norman Cruz

Prices of diesel, kerosene seen increasing by as much as P8/L DIESEL and kerosene prices are expected to climb by as much as P8.30 per liter next week, the 12th weekly upward adjustment in 13 weeks.

Unioil’s forecast showed diesel prices may increase by P8 to P8.30 per liter.

Industry sources said kerosene prices will also hike by as much as P8.15 per liter.

Gasoline will have the lowest increase at P2.90 to P3.10 per liter, Unioil said.

The oil price hike came after a hefty rollback last Tuesday aimed at offsetting 11 weeks of consecutive increases.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier decided to retain the excise tax on fuel products but released several subsidy packages for indigent families and public transportation and agricultural workers.

The Finance department said suspending fuel excise taxes would lead to a massive revenue loss of P105.9 billion, or about a half-percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) this year

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The government instead allocated P5 billion to assist public transport drivers with a P6,500 subsidy, and a separate P1-billion budget for fuel discounts to benefit the agricultural sector bearing the brunt of increased oil prices.

Also, around 115,000 drivers of public utility vehicles have already received their one-time P6,500 fuel subsidy.

The Department of Budget and Management also released P7 billion for the third tranche of the Service Contracting Program (SCP) covering PUV drivers and operators, including jeepneys and UV Express units, to start the expanded free-ride rollout.

Under the SCP, operators and drivers who participate in the government’s free ridership program will receive a one-time payout of P4,000, and weekly payments based on kilometers traveled per week with or without passengers.

Poor households will also get an additional P500 monthly subsidy for three CONTINUED ON 3A

Binay seeks fresh mandate in Makati City n By JOEL E. ZURBANO MAYOR Abigail Binay urged residents to vote straight for her team Makatizens United in the May 9 elections, which she said will help ensure high-impact programs aimed to build a sustainable future for the City of Makati.

She made the appeal during the

proclamation rally of Makatizens United Party (MUP) held at the Makati City Hall Quadrangle Friday night.

Binay is running for her third and final term as local chief executive of the country’s financial center.

Her father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), and other city officials

seeking another term, joined the mayor in the grand rally.

Speaking before supporters from the city’s 33 barangays, Mayor Binay expressed her gratitude for their unwavering support since she was first elected mayor six years ago.

The city chief executive said that with their help, she was able CONTINUED ON 3A

Marcos: Agricultural innovations, lower power rates key to recovery n By REY E. REQUEJO PRESIDENTIAL frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday submitted himself to a flurry of questions posed by a panel of experts and media personalities on various issues affecting the country and the Filipino people who will vote on May 9, 2022 the next leaders of the country as it continues to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

During “The Deep Probe: The SMNI Presidential Candidates Interview,” Marcos laid down various programs CONTINUED ON 3A

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FESTIVE MOOD. Former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is seeking a senatorial seat, joins his daughter, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay who is running for her third and final term as local chief executive of the country’s financial center. Diana Noche

Biden meets 2 Ukrainian ministers in Warsaw US President Joe Biden on Saturday met with Ukraine’s foreign and defense ministers at the Marriott Hotel in central Warsaw in his first talks with top Kyiv officials since Russia’s invasion began.

During the meeting, Biden was seated

at a long white table alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin facing Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, a White House pool report said.

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Shanghai won’t lock down despite sharp virus spike WORLD | 3A

Ping: Money politics a vicious cycle in PH NEWS | 2A

This as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Doha Forum that Russia’s “bragging” about its nuclear weapons is fueling a dangerous arms race.

Zelensky also called on Qatar, which CONTINUED ON 3A

Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins dead at 50 NEWS | 3A

MARCH 27, 2022

Marcos: NUP experience to aid pandemic recovery

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ORMER senator-turned presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday cited the experience of the National Unity Party (NUP) as a big help for the country’s recovery from the pandemic.

During a private meeting at Pasay City, Marcos thanked NUP for endorsing his candidacy and that of his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

“The NUP has been constant and if they choose to go down this road, together with UniTeam, together with myself and Sara, then it must be a good thing to do. Your endorsement and support is particularly important,” Marcos said.

“If we start working together, it’s a very influential decision on the party’s part because the people will

see very clearly that these are the people that do not jump back and forth,” he added.

Marcos underscored the role of legislators in any administration.

“Any administration, any president, any leader, any Cabinet is going to need the help of the legislators. We will need the understanding of the legislators on what they are trying to do and why these things we are trying to do are, in fact, to the advantage of the ordinary Filipino,” he said.

“All of you are very experienced, you all know your parochial interest, you also have a very good idea on national interest. I think you will agree with me that you will have to go to basics and fix the bones and the tendons of the economy so that the private sector can build upon it,” he said.

Marcos, who is standard-bearer of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, said he sees robust and efficient partnership with the private and public sectors that will further be boosted by the business experiences of the NUP members.

He added that their familiarity at the grassroots level is also a key factor in assuring a better life for the people.

Marcos also said the earlier endorsement of the PDP-Laban and other influential parties showed that political forces are now embracing the UniTeam’s call for solidarity.

Lacson: ‘Money politics’ a vicious cycle of revenge n By JOEL E. ZURBANO PRESIDENTIAL candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson on Saturday deplored that elections in the country have been traditionally marked by a “vicious cycle of revenge between the candidates and the voters.”

"As long as money politics dominates our elections, it will be a vicious cycle of revenge between candidates and voters,” Lacson said, adding that the voters “have a field day during the campaign period and the candidates exact vengeance for three or six years of victory.”

He said the future of the Philippines and of people – not money politics – should determine the outcome of the upcoming May 9 national and local elections.

Lacson emphasized the need to vote for the most qualified leader.

He said feedback from the recent debates and other forums indicated that he was the “most knowledgeable” in governance.

"How is it that I am perceived to be the most knowledgeable in management of government, way above the rest, and yet that does not factor in the surveys?

Nonetheless, I will continue to champion my track record, qualities, platforms, and standard of what the Philippines needs," Lacson said.

On his resignation from the Partido Reporma, the senator asserted that he rejected money politics and stuck to his principles and integrity.

Lacson eventually revealed that an officer of Reporma allegedly tried to extract P800 million from him in exchange for the party’s endorsement of his candidacy.

RED FOR THE SON, TOO. The provincial capitol compound in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Friday night turned red as tens of thousands of supporters turned up for the proclamation rally of the Team Marcos, led by congressional bet Sandro Marcos.

Leni wants e-sabong suspended immediately PRESIDENTIAL candidate Leni Robredo said e-sabong or online cockfighting operations should be suspended as soon as possible amid reports of a number of its patrons going bankrupt and living dangerously.

Robredo cited reports of sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) getting kidnapped or committing suicide, children getting hooked into gambling, family conflicts, and OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) wasting away their savings, among others problems, due to unpaid debt or e

“I believe this (e-sabong) should be stopped as soon as possible. We should likewise investigate if we will continue this.

Are there enough safeguards to prevent what is happening right now,” she said during a One News and Go Negosyo forum.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said cockfight operations is a source of revenue for the government.

“E-sabong gives the government P644 million a month. In one year, it gives the government billions,” Duterte said.

“Now, the cockfighting enthusiasts who disappeared actually sabotaged the cock-

fights. They will either maim the gamefowls or soak them, then the next day enter it into a fight, it will shiver, chickens also get flu.

That’s the reason behind their disappearance,” he said.

The President said temporarily closing down the businesses of operators without any violations would be unfair.

“Let the police solve the problem [disappearance],” he said.

Robredo, however, argued that huge government revenues would not be worth it to compensate for broken lives and not families.

Sara woos Pasig votes, thanks Vico n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

CDO GOES LENI-KIKO. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, along with his entire One MisOr One Cagayan de Oro party, endorses the vice-presidential bid of Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and his running mate, Vice President and presidential bet Leni Robredo.

VICE presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Saturday wooed the votes of Pasiguenos and thanked Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Rep. Roman Romulo for welcoming her team.

Duterte-Carpio interacted with officers of the city’s Parents-Teachers Associations (PTA) and Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA).

She chatted with stallholders and vendors at the public market and ate favorite halo-halo at one of the stalls in the market’s food court.

Duterte-Carpio expressed gratitude to Sotto, whose uncle, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, is also running for vice president.

She was accompanied in Pasig by UniTeam senatorial bet Win Gatchalian.

In the afternoon of Saturday, Duterte

was scheduled to hold a mini-rally and meeting with barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officers at barangay gymnasium in Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.

Duterte-Carpio and her standard-bearer, former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr, are scoring high voter preference ratings in Metro Manila as well as the rest of the country.

In Pulse Asia’s February survey, Marcos had 66 percent in the National Capital Region (NCR), 58 percent in Balance of Luzon, 53 percent in Visayas, and 68 percent in Mindanao.

Duterte-Carpio scored 48 percent in NCR, 41 percent in Balance of Luzon, 51 percent in Visayas, and a remarkable 82 percent in Mindanao, the Dutertes’ bailiwick.

Overall, Marcos was preferred by 60 percent, while Duterte-Carpio was picked by 53 percent.

Isko: Safety of people more important than political rally PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Saturday said the safety of the people, specifically residents of Batangas, is more important than his political campaign.

Domagoso, who has been on a twoday sortie of the Batangas province, cut short his speech here to give the people enough time to prepare for any exigency as the Taal Volcano continued to act up.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert on the restive volcanoto Level 3.

“First of all, thank God the people are in good condition although Taal’s eruptions are getting stronger.

Although they are giving me a very warm welcome, I decided to give them enough time to prepare for any emergency, along with their loved ones,” the mayor told reporters after his speech.

San Nicolas Mayor Lester de Sagun and Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto welcomed Domagoso upon his arrival in the province.

Domagoso also persuaded the other speakers, including his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, and the party’s senatorial bets, notably Carl Balita, Aksyon senate bets Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc, Jopet Sison, and guest candidate John Castriciones of PDP-Laban, as well as De Sagun to also cut short their speeches.

He added that while San Nicolas is about 10 kilometers away from Taal, “just the same I am always trying to be ahead of whatever worst case scenario. After all, there’s still enough time to gather votes. The more important thing is the safety of the people.”

He also said the city government of Manila “is willing to help in any way if the volcano eruptions would get worse.

Team Isko was scheduled to have another motorcade in San Nicolas, Bauan and Sto. Tomas towns to cap a two-day sortie aimed at winning the votes of an estimated 1.7 million voters in the province.

On Friday a grand rally in Lipa City ended a hectic day of campaigning for the team.

Forum traces governance ills to corruption PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao said part of the solution to corruption is educating the voters not to vote for corrupt officials.

In a roundtable discussion organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Pacquiao and three other presidential candidates presented proposals on how to enforce transparency in government.

Pacquiao traced the problem to alleged toothless law enforcement and lack of respect for the law, as well.

He called on the people to be more cautious in casting their votes.

“We have nobody to blame but ourselves. If we vote for the thieves who will abuse us, whom do we blame?

Solet us think deeply because the future of our children is at stake in this election,” Paquiao said.

Former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said trust should be restored in government.

“If we reduce the bureaucratic system, the incidence of corruption will go down. We saw that during our watch. Restore trust in our officials.

But we are doing the reverse now,” Gonzales said.

Labor leader Leody De Guzman batted for political reforms such as passing an enabling law against political dynasties, and regulating chances of moneyed candidates in winning in the elections.

As long as the corrupt are able to get into the government, we cannot do away with theft, he added.

Cayetano: Look into Bayanihan 2 unused funds n By MARICEL V. CRUZ TAGUIG City Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday reiterated his call for Congress to use its oversight powers in addressing the issue of unused funds earmarked for assistance to small businesses under the Bayanihan 2 aid package.

Cayetano, who is running for senator in the May 9 elections, made the call after acting Budget Secretary Tina Canda said the department will leave it to lawmakers to open an inquiry into unused Bayanihan 2 funds.

“Congress has to step up and look into

this issue of unused funds. Things can’t be this way all the time,” Cayetano said.

He adverted to House Resolution 1731 filed on April 28, 2021 urging the House of Representatives to exercise its oversight powers to look into the utilization of funds under the Bayanihan 1 and 2 spending bills.

The resolution said Congress oversight will help the national government craft future stimulus programs.

"We’ve been saying that we need strong oversight for something as big and ambitious as Bayanihan 2, because it has so many moving parts,” Cayetano said.

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A report released by the Commission on Audit (COA) dated March 2, 2022 had flagged P4.99 billion in unused funds intended for the COVID-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises or CARES program of the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), a state-run company under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

State auditors had found that SB Corp. used only P4.09 billion or 45.04 percent of the total budget of P9.08 billion allocated for loans to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises under the Bayanihan 2 spending bill, which expired on June 30, 2021.

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

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

STRESSING A POINT. Presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso gestures during a grand proclamation rally in Lipa City, Batangas Friday evening. Norman Cruz Rolando G. Estabillo Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Publisher Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

MARCH 27, 2022

PEAK BLOOM.

People walk along the Tidal Basin as they visit the cherry blossoms in the early morning in Washington, DC. AFP

Russia signals less ambitious goals in month-long invasion

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USSIA has signaled it may dial back its war aims to focus on eastern Ukraine after failing to break the nation’s resistance in a month of fighting and attacks on civilians, including up to 300 feared killed in the bombing of a theatre.

The possible shift came ahead of a planned meeting by US President Joe Biden with Ukrainian refugees in Poland and talks with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda

in Warsaw before he gives a speech on the “brutal war,” the White House said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered the February invasion to destroy Ukraine’s military and topple pro-Western President Volodymyr Zelensky, bringing the country under Russia’s sway.

But Sergei Rudskoi, a senior general, suggested a considerably reduced “main goal” of controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies.

His surprise statement came as a Western official reported that a seventh Russian general, Lieutenant General Yakov Rezanstev, had died in Ukraine and that a colonel had been “deliberately” killed by his own demoralized men.

Complicating Moscow’s challenges, invasion troops were facing a counteroffensive in Kherson, the only major Ukrainian city under Russian control.

Visiting Rzeszow, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Ukraine, Biden praised Ukraine’s “incredible” resistance, comparing the conflict to a bigger version

of communist China’s 1989 crushing of protests in Tiananmen Square.

Biden told soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division that the struggle in eastern Europe represents a historic “inflection point.”

“Are democracies going to prevail... or are autocracies going to prevail? And that’s really what’s at stake,” Biden said.

The US leader was briefed on the humanitarian situation, with more than 3.7 million refugees fleeing Ukraine, most of them into Poland.

Earlier, he ended a trip to Brussels for meetings with Western allies by announcing new measures to help the European Union shed dependence on imported Russian energy.

The plan is part of a sea change in the West, which for years has shrunk from direct confrontation with the Kremlin, but now seeks to make Putin a pariah.

Russia’s far-bigger military continued to combat determined Ukrainian defenders who are using Western-supplied

weapons – from near the capital Kyiv to Kharkiv, the Donbas region and the devastated southern port city of Mariupol.

Authorities said they fear some 300 civilians in Mariupol may have died in a Russian air strike on a theatre being used as a bomb shelter last week.

The theatre was targeted despite the word “children” being written large in Russian on the ground outside, so as to be visible to pilots.

Russian forces hammering Mariupol’s out-gunned resistance consider the city a lynchpin in their attempt to create a land corridor between the Crimea region, which Moscow seized in 2014, and the Donbas.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced a bold plan with Turkey and Greece to evacuate “all those who wish to leave Mariupol,” adding he would discuss it with Putin soon.

One Mariupol resident who already left the city, 33-year-old Oksana Vynokurova, described leaving behind a hellscape. AFP

Sri Lanka fuel prices soar as economy reels ONE of Sri Lanka’s biggest fuel suppliers hiked the price of gasoline by nearly 20 percent on Saturday, the second increase in as many weeks, as the country struggles to import oil without dollars.

Lanka IOC, a fuel retailer which accounts for a third of the market, said it raised the petrol price to 303 rupees (just over $1) a liter, up from 254 rupees. Two weeks ago, the company increased the price of gasoline by 25 percent.

The company said the 30 percent depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar and other major currencies this month fuelled the increase.

There was no immediate price revision from the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation but its

representatives, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP it was almost certain to follow Lanka IOC. Sri Lanka is in the grip of its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.

The island’s foreign reserves have hit rock bottom, with commercial banks unable to secure dollars to finance imports of food, fuel and medicines.

At least four people have died while waiting in long queues to buy fuel in the past week.

Sri Lanka was in a deep economic crisis when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, reducing foreign worker remittances and crippling the lucrative tourism sector – a key source of dollars for the economy.

AFP

FromtheFRONTPAGE

restrictions will be focused on Taal Volcano and the five mentioned barangays. But all the rest of the towns outside the Taal lake, people can still visit,” Solidum added.

The initial eruption was followed by “nearly continuous phreatomagmatic activity” that sent plumes stretching 1,500 meters into the air.

A phreatomagmatic eruption happens when molten rock comes into contact with underground or surface water, said Princess Cosalan, a scientist at the agency, likening it to pouring “water on a hot pan.”

Cosalan told AFP that ash and steam emissions had quietened in the hours after the initial burst, but said the institute’s on-site sensors continued to detect volcanic earthquakes and another eruption was “possible.”

Residents of the five villages have already been ordered to leave their homes, regional civil defense spokesman Kelvin John Reyes said.

More than 12,000 people live in the settlements, according to the latest available official data.

Police have been deployed to stop people entering high-risk areas.

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

Access to the volcano island, which was once home to a community of thousands, has been prohibited since January 2020.

That was when an eruption shot ash 15 kilometers high and spewed red-hot lava, crushing scores of homes, killing livestock and sending tens of thousands into shelters.

Last July, the seismological agency raised the alert level to three after Taal

TAAL... It warned further eruptions were possible, which it said could trigger dangerous, fast-moving volcanic flows of gas, ash and debris, as well as a tsunami.

Phivolcs advised the residents of barangays Bilibinwang, Banyaga, Agoncillo, Boso-boso, Gulod and Bugaan East in Laurel, Batangas to evacuate due to possible hazards as the entire Taal Volcano island is declared a permanent danger zone.

All activities on Taal Lake are currently not allowed, the agency further warned.

“Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify,” said Phivolcs.

“Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft,” it added.

Phivolcs OIC Renator Solidum, however, said Tagaytay City and surrounding tourist hubs like Nasugbu in Batangas province remain safe for tourists.

“It is safe. The approach here is managing the risk. Under Alert Level 3, we don’t expect the activity to be strong. So there is no threat beyond the mentioned barangays,” Solidum said.

Tagaytay was one of the areas most affected when the volcano erupted in January 2020.

“What is important is that all

Shanghai won’t lock down despite sharp COVID spike SHANGHAI on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, but a member of the city’s pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy.

Millions of Chinese in affected areas have been subjected to city-wide lockdowns by an Omicron-led outbreak that has sent daily case counts creeping ever-higher, though they remain insignificant compared to other countries.

Shanghai, however, has aimed to ease disruption with a more targeted approach marked by rolling 48-hour lockdowns of individual neighbourhoods and large-scale testing while largely keeping the metropolis of 25 million people running.

At a daily Shanghai press conference Saturday, officials alluded to the importance of avoiding a full lockdown of the huge port city.

“If Shanghai, this city of ours, came to a complete halt, there would be many international cargo ships floating in the East China Sea,” said Wu Fan, a medical expert with the city’s pandemic task force. AFP

INBRIEFS

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dies DRUMMER Taylor Hawkins of the multi-Grammy award-winning rock group the Foo Fighters has died, his bandmates said in a statement Friday.

He was 50.

“The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” the band said in a statement on Twitter.

“His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever,” they added.

The statement did not say the cause of Hawkins’ death, news of which emerged the same day the band was due to play at the Festival Estereo Picnic in Bogota, Colombia. AFP

TRAGIC LOSS. In this file photo

taken on December 7, 2019, drummer Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters performs at the Intersect music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hawkins has died, his bandmates said in a statement Friday. He was 50. AFP

Australia concerned for journalist on trial

MISSILE ATTACK. Smoke rises from a Saudi Aramco oil facility in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on March 26, 2022 following a reported Yemeni rebels attack. AFP burst to life again.

It belched sulphur dioxide for several days, creating a thick haze over the capital and surrounding provinces.

The alert level was lowered back to two before Saturday’s eruption. With AFP

BINAY... improve governance, enhance and expand programs and services initiated by her father, and give faithful and wholehearted service to Makatizens, just as she had promised.

She also acknowledged the full support of the majority councilors in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, which has ensured the timely implementation of policies, programs and projects of the city government, including pandemicresponse initiatives.

Binay asked residents to vote straight for MUP, which she said will give her administration the impetus to move full steam ahead with more innovative and high-impact programs aimed to build a sustainable future for all stakeholders.

Among the major achievements cited by Mayor Binay were pioneering PPP-led initiatives like Makatizen Card, Makati Subway, and Makati Life Medical Center. The all-purpose government ID facilitated the contactless distribution of cash aid to residents during lockdowns, while the subway and the state-of-the-art hospital will promote inclusive growth and a better quality of life.

The city’s transition to the new normal is also being boosted by the recent completion of community complexes in seven barangays for recreational activities, and the ongoing distribution

of new shoes, uniforms, bags and other school gear to public school students who are getting ready for face-to-face classes.

BIDEN...organizes the annual meeting of international political and business leaders, to increase production of natural gas to counter Russian efforts to use energy as a weapon.

“They are bragging that they can destroy with nuclear weapons not only a certain country but the entire planet,” Zelensky said in a live video message to the forum on the 31st day of the Russian military assault against his country.

Kuleba and Reznikov made the rare trip out of Ukraine in a possible sign of growing confidence in the fightback against Russian forces.

Biden last met Kuleba in Washington on February 22 – two days before Russia began its assault.

Since then, Kuleba has also met with Blinken in Poland next to the border with Ukraine on March 5.

Biden is on the second and final day of a visit to Poland after he met with EU and NATO leaders in Brussels earlier in the week.

On Friday, he met with US soldiers stationed in Poland near the Ukrainian border and with aid workers helping refugees fleeing the conflict.

He praised Ukrainians for showing “backbone” against the Russian invasion and compared their resistance to the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests in China in 1989.

CANBERRA voiced concern for Australian journalist Cheng Lei’s well-being Saturday, as it confirmed she would face trial in China next week after almost two years in detention.

Cheng, previously an anchor on state broadcaster CGTN, disappeared in August 2020 and was formally arrested for “illegally supplying state secrets overseas” in February last year.

“The Australian government has regularly raised serious concerns about Ms. Cheng’s welfare and conditions of detention,” foreign minister Marise Payne said in a statement, also confirming staff had met with Cheng on Monday.

“We expect basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment to be met, in accordance with international norms.” AFP

MARCOS:...and measure he intends to implement if elected president in the 2022 national elections, particularly on how to uplift the plight of Filipinos who are not only reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but who are also gravely affected by the series of oil price hikes arising from the ongoing war in Europe between Russia its neighboring country Ukraine.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer said that one of the problems that a Marcos administration will focus on the reinvigoration of the Philippine agriculture, even as he admitted that the sector has been neglected somehow by the government.

“I think we have really neglected the (Philippine) agriculture,” Marcos said, when asked about how to reverse the trend in agriculture that Filipino farmers are getting older but there is a decline in the number of young farmers joining the sector.

“Regarding the age of farmers getting older. The children are being discouraged by their parents not to follow them to become farmers. Their parents who are farmers are saying that don’t come in here yet, life here is difficult. Go to Manila study there well so that you don’t have to go through similar hardships we are having now. That’s the state of our agriculture today,” he added.

PRICES... months at most to help them cope with the impact of rising fuel prices.

The P500 subsidy would go to 13 million beneficiaries, which would come up to P6.5 billion.

This company has 50-50 gender ratio in senior leadership

MARCH 27, 2022

UnionBank executive vice president and head of transaction banking and platform development Ramon Duarte

By Othel V. Campos NESTLÉ Philippines, in celebration of International Women’s Day, joins the global call to #BreakTheBias, as it highlights its significant progress in enhancing gender balance in the workforce and empowering women across the entire value chain.

With people as the driving force of its mission to be a force for good, Nestlé intensifies its commitment to employees through enablement practices and systems that deliberately make individual empowerment a corporate priority of Nestlé.

UnionBank helps MSMEs in their digital journey AS the country’s leader in digital financing, the Union Bank of the Philippines continues to educate and arm clients especially the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with tools that will help them pivot and participate in the growing world of digital transactions.

UnionBank launched a program that supports MSMES into streamlining operations and financing across their supply chain ecosystems.

“Traditional and manual financing processes applied that have once been effective pre-pandemic now pose challenges to businesses as they restart their operations in the new normal. With the right financing technology, delays and errors they previously encountered can now be overcome and overall operational efficiency can be achieved,” said UnionBank executive vice president and head of transaction banking and platform development Ramon Duarte.

With the commitment of innovating the country’s business ecosystem, UnionBank developed its own integrated supply chain financing platform, allowing businesses to confidently operate no matter the economic landscape.

“Our blockchain-enabled supply chain financing platform supports businesses and their supply chain ecosystems through three crucial points, community-based approach, transparent transactions, and automated financing,” Duarte said.

Through the platform, local businesses enjoy easy cash flow management, real-time processing of payments and loans and clear visibility of receivables and payables in real time. Financing was also made easier for MSMEs through community-based approach which removes stringent documentation requirement.

As part of its local “tech up” approach, UnionBank has been innovating supply chain financing for businesses even before the pandemic demanded that operations migrate to digital.

Back in February and March 2020 when COVID-19 cases were on the rise, UnionBank piloted the Dealer Financing and Payable Discounting programs to reduce credit exposure to vulnerable industries and MSMEs. In January 2021, the bank started to commercialize the credit programs to help MSMEs get access to funds and capital as the economy started to pick up.

All these enhancements further improved the collection and disbursement flow of supply chain communities within the platform, Duarte said.

The bank highlighted that digital invoice presentment, payment, loan processing, collections and reporting have now been minimized to two minutes, compared to manual processing which can take weeks.

UnionBank recently launched a new credit program for Payable Discounting to support MSMEs in increasing approvals of credit applications. Additionally, UnionBank launched an Application Programming Interface, a set of tools, protocols and definitions for combining application services and software, to allow system integration with the Supply Chain Finance platform to further optimize invoice processing.

UnionBank enhanced the digital experience of clients through the platform with new features such as deductions processing, automated tax compliance, self-service and real-time reports.

The bank also improved the platform through the inclusion of custom fields, file attachments, auto-debit arrangements, credit notes and debit notes acceptance and SMS and email notifications for ease of processing.

There is also a renewable line application for MSMEs without full credit assessment even amid COVID-19.

Suppliers can also experience shorter collection cycles or Days Sales Outstanding while buyers can have longer payment cycles or Days Payable Outstanding. Othel V. Campos

Yenmarc Food Cart Inc. founders Vivienne and Jeffrey Nicdao

House wife turns passion for food into big franchise

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IVIENNE Nicdao, a house wife, started a milk tea kiosk at the school attended by her children in 2017.

The business clicked and was branded Urbanitea. With the help of her husband Jeffrey who is a salesman, she developed the franchise and offered it to other mothers and entrepreneurs at the height of the ‘milk tea’ craze. At one time, they had as many as 250 stores under the Urbanitea franchise until the pandemic disrupted everything.

Not to be disheartened, she developed more food concepts and introduced Samgyup On the Go, Yummie Pizza, Macho Litson Manok, Kuya Bao, Herbee’s Chicken Wings and Meat Corner Meatshop amid the pandemic.

She also established Yenmarc Food Cart Inc., named after the couple’s children Yen-yen and Marc, as their franchising business based on Scout Albano, South Triangle, Quezon City.

Vivienne, 43, is hopeful that with the reopening of the economy this year, the business would return to growth path.

“I started our first store in the school of my children who are now 19 and 21. When we opened it for franchising, we initially had eight franchisees, but it continued to grow until we had 250 stores nationwide,” she says.

“When the pandemic hit, we introduced Samgyup On The Go in July 2021. It is something unique because instead of offering unlimited Korean food, we made it a la carte,” says Vivienne.

Samgyup On The Go now has more than 100 franchised stores nationwide.

“Cooking is my passion. I also thought about more food concepts based on what we saw abroad,” says Vivienne, who visited Taiwan and Korea to look for partners and suppliers.

Vivienne is in charge of the operations of Yenmarc, while Jeffrey focuses on sales and marketing.

Jeffrey, 42, says interested franchisees can put up a cart-based store for as low as P68,000, with Yenmarc supplying all the materials and providing brand and marketing support.

“We have a commissary in New Manila, and we have logistic partners that can ship the products nationwide,” he says.

Having gained the experience in developing a brand, the couple now also tests the waters for the food supplement business. With the help of a Singaporean supplier, they developed stem cell therapy capsules under the brand V My Beauty.

It started with the couple’s quest for the treatment of Vivienne’s father who was suffering from prostate cancer. Unfortunately, her father died before their research was completed and the first capsule was developed.

V My Beauty Marketing Inc., which

was established also in Quezon City in 2021, would formally launch the FDA-approved product in the country in the coming months as an answer to the needs of Filipinos looking for alternative medicine.

Jeffrey says the soft gels were made of deer placenta extract that can help repair or regenerate damaged cells in the body. “It is a food supplement that can help improve our health.

Stem cell therapy has been practiced for many years and as early as the 18th Century,” he says.

He says V My Beauty is the first Filipino company to produce deer placenta extract in capsules out of a Singapore laboratory.

The couple expresses hope that the stem cell therapy soft gels will be the next big thing in the local market.

“Our mission is to educate Filipinos on the importance of health and wellness while giving them profitable business opportunities,” the couple says.

Several health regulators, however, warn about the excessive medical benefits claimed by stem cell therapy, saying that such supplements should not interrupt proper medical treatment.

The couple hired a team of executives to manage V My Beauty. It is led by Anthony Aguilar as president, Allan Javier as vice president for network, Alexander Ilagan as vice president for marketing, Arjay Llamoso as vice president for training and Junard Murillo as assistant vice president for the network.

GoTo announces expansion in PH GOTO announced its Southeast Asian expansion, with a channel-first approach focused on Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

“At GoTo, we understand the unique challenges faced by SMEs and are dedicated to focusing our resources to address these pain points. We want to bring this set of knowledge to better serve Southeast Asia together with our ecosystem of partners, and bestin-class collaboration and support products,” said GoTo Asia Pacific vice president and general manager Lindsay Brown.

Previously known as LogMeIn Inc., GoTo rebranded itself to demonstrate its commitment to making IT easier and more accessible. With the rebrand, GoTo is launching its new flagship IT management and support product, GoTo Resolve, and a new flagship unified communications product, GoTo Connect. GoTo’s solutions include cen-

tralizing communications and collaboration for a more efficient flexible-first life.

Brown said the firm’s expansion in Southeast Asia will benefit users from product expertise and local support provided by skilled partners.

GoTo rivals similar platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToWebinar, WebexMeet and Meet in offering the same video and IT expertise that has seen advancement when the pandemic struck.

Together with established international presence in North America, South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, GoTo demonstrates its commitment to supporting small-and medium enterprises globally and across the region and revealed plans to extend the same level of service to Philippine MSMEs. It is estimated that there were over 70 million SMEs in Southeast Asia as of 2020, accounting for 99 percent of

GoTo Asia Pacific vice president and general manager Lindsay Brown

all businesses in the region, employing over 140 million people and forming the backbone of Southeast Asian economies. Othel V. Campos

Nestlé Philippines joins the celebration of International Women’s Day “Pursuing and safeguarding gender equality and inclusivity, and the development and empowerment of women, are of great importance to Nestlé Philippines because it raises the quality of our organization. We are proud of the progress we are making in unlocking the capabilities and talents of women towards enhanced growth and productivity,” said Nestlé Philippines human resources director Mitzie Antonio.

It has been six years since Nestlé launched its global program Gender Acceleration Plan that aims to increase by 30 percent the number of women leaders in the top 200 senior executive positions. Under the program, the company is implementing policies and measures that prevent gender bias and create opportunities for a diverse workplace.

“At Nestlé Philippines, we continue to invest in efforts that empower our women employees and leaders in the workplace. Key initiatives have been employed to ensure we create an enabling environment for them to thrive in,” Antonio said.

She said gender balance and the mindset of inclusivity are both embedded in the company’s policies and programs.

The firm celebrated a milestone when it achieved 50-50 gender ratio in its senior leadership and critical positions in 2021, from over 5,000 employees. This has been part of the company’s program of enforcing gender balance in developing and appointing successors to key posts in the organization for the long term.

Nestlé Philippines conducts an annual equal pay exercise, a proactive measure ensuring that internal pay equity is maintained and is within the pay gap industry threshold.

The company also ensures that employees are trained annually on unconscious bias and sexual harassment prevention. Coaching and mentoring are two of the flagship programs that the company has strengthened over the years to support women leaders as they pursue their career development plans.

A soft-skills training initiative for women on the production lines or shopfloor has been completed in partnership with the Employer’s Confederation of the Philippines and the International Labor Organization.

With its continued commitment to create a gender-inclusive workplace, Nestlé PH recently won recognition in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index 2022 for the fourth consecutive year, advancing gender equality in the workplace.

It also emerged as a winner in the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards 2021 as One of the Top Workplaces in Asia and first-runner-up in the Gender Inclusive Workplace Category 2021 of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles.

In 2022, Nestlé Philippines continues to advance the role of women in the workplace with its sustained commitment to achieve gender balance in key positions and functions, enhanced company policies and increased organizational awareness via mandatory training to foster diversity and inclusion.

Bria breaks ground for Calamba condo project

Bria is set to open new condominium project in Calamba, solidifying the developer’s expansion in South Luzon.

THE charms of condominium living will soon be experienced in Calamba, a lively city in Laguna, following the groundbreaking rites of Bria Condo Calamba on March 26, 2022.

Bria Homes division head Eduardo Aguilar led the milestone event with a short inspirational speech that affirmed the values driving the developer to provide Filipinos with quality housing nationwide.

“This project is the first vertical development of Bria Homes to rise in Laguna, and it certainly will not be the last in the region,” says Aguilar.

Aguilar concurs with reports from the ground that demand for properties in the provinces has been steadily rising, with residential communities in Laguna as some of the most favored by home seekers and investors.

“I am thus extremely optimistic about the prospect of young professionals wanting to move out of the metropolis and into the healthier and more relaxing environs of Southern Luzon,” he says.

Aguilar says Laguna, being home to industrial estates, commercial and corporate establishments, presents various career and business opportunities to hardworking Filipinos, including upwardly mobile millennials and families of over-

seas Filipino workers. The province also touts tourist-friendly heritage sites, top learning institutions, an abundance of hot spring resorts and other leisure hotspots.

All these, Aguilar says, augur well for Bria’s latest vertical village, which is part of a 22-hectare residential development in Barangay Bañadero.

The eco-friendly enclave features lush greeneries and exudes a tranquil suburban vibe, yet Bria Condo Calamba is close to where the action is. Calamba Coliseum and Convention Center are only 10 minutes away.

Schools such as Rizal College of Laguna, Laguna College of Business and Arts, Don Bosco College and Canossa College San Pablo are a short drive or commute away—and so are hospitals like Calamba Medical Center, Calamba Doctor’s Hospital and Global Care Medical Center.

For regular shopping and supply runs, establishments like SM Calamba, Waltermart, Puregold and City Mall are nearby.

Expert’s nutrition tips for runners

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MARCH 27, 2022

UNNING is a very popular sport, thanks to its simplicity and many health and fitness benefits. It’s versatile and inexpensive, requires very little equipment, and it is an excellent way to strengthen your cardiovascular health.

With the competitive nature of the sport, runners continuously challenge themselves and each other to improve. In addition to training, proper fuel for the body is vital for peak sports performance.

Noted medical and nutrition specialist Dr. Korakod Panich provided the five best nutrients for optimal running performance.

Nutrition is important for runners because it plays a vital role in overall health and can also support performance. A balanced diet for healthy runners should include these five key nutrients: 1. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates – which can be found in food such as fruits, dairy products, and starches such as rice, bread, and pasta – are the most important source of energy for the body.

For runners, a small meal, taken an hour before running, consisting of carbohydrates and a bit of protein can provide the energy needed to run effectively. A smoothie made with milk and fruit, or some yogurt topped with berries, provides the nutrients needed and is easily digested before a workout.

Consuming the right amount of carbohydrates before exercising can help you maximize your workout.

2. Protein

Protein—found in meat, milk, eggs, and soy—helps repair and rebuild tissues and muscles that could be affected during physical activities. With the proper amount of protein and adequate sleep, muscles repair, rebuild, and become stronger.

Soy is a good protein source as it is one of the few complete plant-based proteins containing all of the nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. Runners should consume a combination of carbs and protein 30 to 45 minutes after exercising.

Carb to protein ratio should be 2-3:1, with 20 grams of high-quality protein after a workout and between 40 and 60 grams of carbohydrate. A sandwich on whole-grain bread with a piece of fruit or a high-protein recovery shake would fill the bill.

3. Fat Fat serves as an essential energy source. It is often used as fuel, particularly during moderate-intensity exercise that lasts for an extended period, such as a moderate jog lasting at least 30 minutes or so. The body will utilize more fat than carbohydrate for fuel in an attempt to conserve carbohydrate that is stored in the liver and muscles.

Choose beneficial fats – such as those found in olive oil, avocado, and nuts –

Nutrition plays an important part in optimum running performance. (From Pexels) and avoid saturated fats ¬¬that can raise the risk of heart disease. This means staying away from fatty red meats, and ultra-processed foods, such as fast food or bakery items.

4. Vitamins and minerals There are different kinds of vitamins and minerals that help maintain the balance in body system functions; fruits and vegetables are the best sources to obtain them.

During exercise, the body excretes waste in the form of sweat, which also removes important minerals from the body. If you opt to exercise for more than one hour, energy and mineral drinks are highly recommended to replace lost fluids and minerals.

5. Water The human body is made up of 70 percent water, which is why staying hydrated is crucial. Water helps de-

liver nutrients to the cells and plays a significant role in eliminating waste. Runners need to maintain body water balance before, during, and after workouts because water provides nourishment that the body needs for almost every single function. It also helps limit changes in body temperature.

Make sure not to lose more than two percent of your body weight in fluids during exercise, as it can reduce your strength and affect performance. If you exercise regularly, check your weight before and after a workout to keep track of water loss and be sure to replace those losses. For every pound of weight lost during exercise, replace with 2-3 cups of fluid (or 1 liter of fluid for every kilogram lost during exercise).

Nutrition and Running Style Aside from understanding the importance of nutrients, it is also

essential for new runners to learn the proper way to run. Running not just makes our bodies stronger; it also helps burn calories and fat, depending on the goal.

If you have little time and would like to burn calories and fat, you can do interval training, which alternates short work intervals (8090 percent of maximum heart rate for 30-60 seconds) with rest periods (50 percent of maximum heart rate for 1-2 minutes). This helps improve circulation and enable the heart to pump blood and make it healthier while strengthening the muscles.

If your main aim is to burn fat, and you have some time, you can run slowly to raise your heart rate to 40-60 percent of your maximum, for at least 45-60 minutes.

Korakod Panich is a member of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board.

Filipino women kicking up storm in esports EVERY year, the world celebrates International Women’s Month by commemorating females’ social, political, and economic achievements. This year’s theme: “We make change work for women,” resonates with the call for gender balance in leadership and preparing women to reach their ambitions.

Many notable Filipino women have pushed the boundaries in their chosen careers from different industries such as economics, politics, education, and entertainment. For one, Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz became the first-ever athlete representing the Philippines to win a gold medal in the Olympics.

However, in esports, women continue to face prejudice and struggle to make it to the forefront. Going by the numbers, the industry is widely dominated by male users. Wide-scale competitions are mostly organized for male gamers, and only a few are part of the professional scene.

As one of the leading international game developers and publishers, Moonton Games goes one step further for female gamers, to produce equal opportunities to have professional careers in esports and make an environment where they are able to thrive. In partnership with ONE Esports, Moonton Games kickstarted the MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) to invite top female teams to compete in the Southeast Asia region to create opportunities and promote inclusivity amongst the community.

This International Women’s Month, MOONTON Games honors Filipino

women and celebrates their achievements. Meet the Filipino women in mobile esports and know how they are paving the way in the male-dominated industry: Mara Aquino, MPL-PH Host Mara began her reporting career as a courtside host. Last year, she was one of the masters of ceremonies (MCs) on the 3x3 basketball event in the Tokyo Olympics Summer Games. She took a giant career leap and started her hosting at Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League - Philippines (MPL-PH) Season 7, her first foray into esports.

As a female host, Mara shared that it gives more flair and feel to the broadcast. “I love that I can give a different perspective to the show. Now, it’s not just men that people get to see in the esports scene, and women can also be role models, and that is empowering.”

Mara revealed that she has been receiving messages from girls asking for tips in hosting and getting rid of their stage freight. “It’s nice that I can give these girls an idea. Everything starts from a peg—and to be that inspiring woman that opens their eyes—that’s empowering to me.”

Seeing a bright future for women in esports, Mara shared that the industry is relatively young and growing, and so are the people taking interest in it as a future career. “I can see women not just as hosts and casters, but also as players.

They can be their own girl boss.”

Chantelle Hernandez, MPL-PH Caster Chantelle is currently the one and only

female caster in MPL-PH. She joined Moonton Games as a freelance female commentator on-screen in Season 8 of the MPL-PH. Before, Chantelle would feel inferior because of not seeing enough females in the industry. As a woman in esports, she shared that the inferior perception of women was the challenge she experienced in the past.

“If you are a woman, people think you are weak. They will not give you the same opportunities they give to men— and that’s hurtful.”

“Every time I felt that I was not given the same, equal respect and opportunity just because I am a woman, I would stand taller. For me, you can never ever let a strong woman down— I should know because I learned and witnessed this through my mother.”

Chantelle broke all the biases as she joined Moonton Games in 2021. “To all the women out there, believe in yourselves. Never lose faith and hold on to your dreams. You are stronger than you think. You are you, and no one can take that away. Stand tall and break those walls. It is normal to make mistakes along the journey, nourish it, learn, and grow from it.”

“Grateful to Moonton Games for opening opportunities to Filipino women. With this we could achieve the equality and diversity that we have been longing for in the field of esports,” she added.

Pam Maloles, MPL PH Logistics Manager When it comes to production, it is Pa-

Chantelle Hernandez, Mara Aquino, and Pam Maloles are making a difference in the male-dominated esports industry. mela Maloles who calls the shots along with fellow manager Aislinn Soriaga. She joined MOONTON Games to lead the MPL-PH logistics and do all the leg work needed to ensure Filipino fans witness seamless matches that are broadcasted online.

Prior to joining the company, Pam was organizing large-scale corporate events and concerts. According to her, the path for women in esports might not be easy, but it is important to take the first step.

“Break the barriers of stereotypes and think that you can do it. Women can be streamers like Chantelle or a host like Mara. On the professional side, women can handle planning and events like me. We can do great because we handle pressure so well.

Our impeccable attention to details is also innate.”

“I’m grateful to Moonton Games

for making the environment equal for women. In and out of the game, they recognize our hard work,” she added.

In relation to women empowerment, Moonton Games recently launched the “Tear It Off” campaign to defy stereotypes experienced

by Filipino gamers whether they are women or part of the LGBTQ+ community. The company also celebrated International Women’s Day by allowing female employees to take a half-day off as a breather.

“Women representation is important to us, so we make sure to provide opportunities for Filipinos regardless of their gender. We do this by making sure that we create an environment free of prejudice toward women and always recognize their valuable contribution to mobile esports,” said Jason Li, Esports Marketing Head, MPL Philippines.

Abarrientos debuts with aplomb as FEU tramples UST Titans upbeat; Angels expect war RJ Abarrientos delivered a spectacular debut as Far Eastern University clobbered the University of Santo Tomas, 76-51, to open the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After a blazing 22-9 first quarter, the Tamaraws followed it up with another huge frame, outscoring the Tigers 25-9 in the second to build a 29-point advantage at the half, 47-18.

UST tried to put up some runs in the second half but the Tamaraws always had answers to keep the lead for good.

Despite his team’s impressive season debut, FEU head coach Olsen Racela was not to be contented just like that, acknowledging that there are still a lot of things to be done.

“We have more things to prepare kaya pagdating namin sa dorm trabaho ulit kaming coaches pati players,” said Racela.

The 5-foot-11 Abarrientos spear-

headed FEU’s first-half onslaught with 14 of his 18 points, going 4-of-6 from deep. He also tallied five rebounds and two assists in just 20 minutes of game time.

Bryan Sajonia added 12 points and eight rebounds while Emman Ojuola got eight points, six rebounds, and three assists.

Joshua Fontanilla had a rousing debut himself for UST, collecting 19 points on 50 percent shooting from downtown and overall.

Nic Cabañero chimed in 12 points, while highly-touted rookie Jordi Gomez de Liaño only played 9:45, going 1-of-6 from the field, all from behind the arc, for just three points.

The Tamaraws will collide with defending champion Ateneo de Manila University on Tuesday at 1 pm, while the Tigers cap the night against the University of the Philippines at 7 pm.

The Scores: FEU 76 - Abarrientos 18, Sajonia

12, Ojuola 8, Gravera 6, Coquia 6, Li 5, Bienes 4, Anonuevo 4, Sleat 3, Alforque 2, Dulatre 2, Sandagon 2, Celzo 2, Torres 2, Tempra 0.

UST 51 - Fontanilla 19, Cabanero 12, Concepcion 7, Gomez de Liano 3, Santos 3, Manalang 3, Ando 2, Manaytay 2, Garing 0, Pangilinan 0, Herrera 0, Canoy 0, Sumudio 0.

The Tamaraws and the Tigers scramble for possession in the two teams’ battle in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

HOLDERS of twice-to-beat incentives, Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz will have an extra day to further toughen up and make sure their respective strategies would work against PLDT and F2 Logistics, respectively, when their side of the Final Four in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference is played Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V. Arena in San Juan.

Surprise Group A top-notcher Cignal HD and fancied Group B No. 1 Creamline get the first crack at the first two semifinal berths as they take on BaliPure and Chery Tiggo, respectively, tomorrow (Monday) in what promises to be a wild chase following a gripping battle of power, poise and ploys for seedings in the past eight days.

“Playing with great teams in the elims only pushed us forward,” said Choco Mucho coach Oliver Almadro, whose Flying Titans foiled the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in four sets to clinch the other quarters bonus in Group A play, which included Cignal, Chery Tiggo, and Army.

The HD Spikers went on to complete

a stirring sweep of the elims, upending their more favored rivals while the Flying Titans put their act together in time to defang the Cargo Movers as Deanna Wong and Des Cheng stepped up in the clutch to anchor their big victory.

Despite their edge over the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Almadro remains wary of their rivals in their 3 p.m. match, putting premium on cohesion.

“PLDT is a big team and they have been playing well. So we have to focus on details which we need to improve, like our teamwork,” said Almadro, who boasts of elims top scorer Kat Tolentino, Aduke Ogunsanya, Cheng, Ponggay Gaston, and the league’s leading setter Wong.

But while Choco Mucho has the edge over PLDT with its incentive and manpower, a dogfight looms in the Petro Gazz-F2 Logistics duel at 6 p.m.

Sure, the Angels need only to win once to progress but the Cargo Movers have so much pride and experience, not to mention talent, to just roll over and die.

Life Editor: Nickie Wang

MARCH 27, 2022

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Six fashion prodigies to look out for

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INULID, the highly successful annual culminating showcase of the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) students of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, has once again unveiled promising designers to shake up the fashion scene.

Nica Rosecill Alvarez

From style innovators who delve into unchartered creative processes to budding artists who weave experiences and emotions into modish ensembles, stylist Andre Chang, with FDM Chairperson Olivia Lopez, and mentors Diana Katigbak, Nela San Jose, Jinggay Serag, Nicole Luna, and Ionica Abra-

Fritz Maui Vilrick Cruz

Surface Design Award - Adapt She exemplified new perspectives on established procedures and created a distinctive, technical, and visual exploration of the textile process. In Adapt, she proposed a sustainable and long-term answer to one of the most common challenges of parents: children quickly growing out of their clothes. Designed out of microfiber, cotton, stretch linen, and soft twill, each piece features intricate hand pleating and gathering techniques that allow the garment to adjust its length and size to fit children through the years.

Ziv Rei Alexi Damian

Fashion Innovation Award Masqued He challenged the possibilities of texture and form to evoke the essence of metamorphosis and dauntless beauty in his capstone series Masqued. The visionary played around the exquisite combination of genuine and veg tan tooling leather, aluminum metal, and lustrous fabrics such as taffeta and Lycra Lamé. He likewise explored manipulation techniques such as molding, sculpting, and leather and metal fabrication – to make all hard surfaces seem fluid.

Clio De Leon

Design Concept Award Sigaw na Pabulong He embodied one’s desire for independence in i. The artist utilized the elegant union of Mikado silk, Duchess satin, Gazar, Japanese Cotton, and gems to give shape to the emotions derived from being suspended in a state of stagnation, the loss of ability to follow the subconscious, and the cry for freedom from external influences.

Xandro Miguel Antonio Guyjoco

Brand Concept Award - Facets She had a knack to conceptualize creative designs and thus, establish a strong brand narrative. Motivated by an interesting fusion of inspirations and perspectives, her Facets collection is a tale of exciting adventures and life detours told through intricate quilting, beadwork, applique, and hand-painting.

Digital Portfolio Award - Buffoonery He demonstrated a fresh outlook in curating a fashion designer’s creative point of view and processes. A study on the passion and purpose of the Self, Buffoonery features old denim upcycled with patchworks, paintings, and stuffing to depict the maker’s love for the art.

through sustainable initiatives

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions with Ayala Malls

Ayala Malls is able to significantly reduce and offset its emissions through multiple initiatives, including those that involve the participation of customers.

Falling under Ayala Malls’ ongoing recycling and recovery program, the mall invites mallgoers to take part in its goal to reduce wastes sent to landfills by responsibly disposing plastics, paper, and reusable clothes in designated bins.

Additionally, patrons can take advantage of the newly installed sustainable transport system in Ayala Malls The 30th, Ayala Malls Circuit, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Featuring 30-seater mini-buses that are fully electric, mallgoers can travel from one end to another while promoting conservation of energy and protection

of the environment. The project currently operates with AC Industrials’ Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI), Global Electric Transportation (GET Philippines), and GREENSTRuM. More stations are set to launch at Ayala Malls located in and outside Metro Manila.

Among many other causes, the lifestyle mall also stands for the rejuvenation and regeneration of local forests through Change for the Environment donation drives, active forest planting, and various volunteer activities. Ayala Malls also supports Ayala Land’s Carbon Forest Voluntours, a program that sends volunteers to take care of the forest over a specified period.

Moving forward, Ayala Malls aims to initiate more nature conservation and preservation programs, and increased investments in low emissions and green technologies, to ultimately achieve netzero greenhouse gas emissions in the shortest possible time.

Shut the lights with Ayala Malls during Earth Hour weekend

Ayala Malls invited patrons to participate in WWF’s Earth Hour lightsoff event. The globally celebrated tradition shows support for the planet by raising awareness about biodiversity loss and climate change.

As a key player in the humanitarian event, Ayala Malls turned off its lights between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. on March 26. This event saw over 750 engaged merchants and total avoidance of at least 6,788kWh and 4,808 CO2e across all malls.

Ayala Malls invites mallgoers to participate in their sustainable initiatives

Maria Louise Rongavilla

Emerging Creative Talent The Great Escape She explored innovative concepts to make way for thought-provoking, fashionforward and directional ensembles. The Great Escape took inspiration from the 1930 piece Liebesleid (Love’s Sorrow) by notable violinist and composer Fritz Kreisler.

The overwhelming transition of sentiments and explorations in one’s journey of breaking free is evident in the series’ interesting blend of color and texture made of printed Japanese cotton, twill, tweed, friendship bracelets, beads, and yarns.

Inspiring Filipina content creators

Supporting the planet CEMENTING its commitment towards sustainability, Ayala Malls mobilizes multiple ways to uplift society starting with its internal business practices and extending to collaborations with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

Carbon neutrality has long been the goal of Ayala Malls. For many years, its policies and practices have promoted energy efficiency. Likewise, the WWF continues its annual Earth Hour celebration by hosting its lights-off program and a new virtual run. Alongside Ayala Malls as one of its key players, the organization aims to raise awareness about biodiversity loss and climate change.

han Lim were the discerning jury who recognized these rookie designers as future scene stealers.

Here are the six trailblazers with an overwhelming wealth of skill and craftsmanship with their debut collections that promise a bright future for fashion:

share how they break the bias online and beyond

Clean and dry plastic drop off site at MarQuee Mall This initiative is not the first time Ayala Malls is taking a stand to support the environment. In 2018, the malls also partnered with WWF to promote the #AyokoNgPlastik movement, which aimed to bring awareness against single-use plastics and products with excessive plastic packaging.

This 2022, Ayala Malls is offering its facilities to WWF once again not only to promote the light-off program but also to host the organization’s first-ever Earth Hour virtual run in the Philippines.

Sign up with Ayala Malls and get P95off on “Shape Our Future” Virtual Run Dare to make a mark by joining this year’s Earth Hour activity of Ayala Malls in partnership with WWF. The country’s first-ever Earth Hour virtual run entitled “Shape Our Future” will be held from March 26 to April 22 at Ayala Malls nationwide. It’s open to all professionals, aspiring runners, and even

pets worldwide. Runners can choose their challenge: 10K, 20K, 40K, or 60K (cumulative distance). Registration is ongoing until April 9.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Ayala Malls has prepared a lineup of activities in support of the “Shape our Future” event and International Women’s month. This March, Ayala Malls urge women to be active through participating in activities for the body and encourages everyone to stay fit and healthy.

Join Ayala Malls and become a catalyst for positive environmental impact by joining the Earth Hour “Shape Our Future” virtual run. Register today at https://bit.ly/AyalaMallsReg_WWFRun or scan the QR code.

For more information on mall events, initiatives, and safety measures, visit Ayala Malls at www.ayalamalls.com, or through social media at www.facebook. com/AyalaMalls360/ and follow @iloveayalamalls on Instagram.

Mallgoers enjoying a fitness class at Ayala Malls Centrio

AS A concluding celebration for Women’s Month, YouTube will be holding a virtual gathering of inspiring Filipina content creators to celebrate their stories of breaking the bias online and beyond.

The free public event will be streamed live on March 30, 8:00 p.m.via Google’s YouTube and Facebook pages, hosted by artist and television ‘Breaking the bias online and beyond’ host Nikki Gilfeatures Filipina content creators who will Albert. tackle women’s struggles with genderExplaining the based biases wisdom behind the event’s local theme #AskHerFirst, Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario shares: “We believe that in order for us #BreakTheBias, one of the steps we have to take is to #AskHerFirst. Through this, we emphasize the value of asking women first–as a sign of respect and acknowledgment and to stop assumptions and preconceived notions. The simple habit of asking, rather than assuming, can lead more women to realizing their full potential and succeeding in what they choose to do.”

Staying true to its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, YouTube gathers a range of Filipina content creators from across walks of life who will tackle the different struggles women experience because of gender-based biases. They will also share how the recognition of women’s abilities and capabilities can help them succeed and make a difference in the community.

Joining the discussion are Maranao-Muslim digital creator and filmmaker Egypa Balindong, beauty vlogger and body positivity champion Helen On Fleek, entrepreneur, mentor, and PWD advocate Jozelle Tech, and work-from-home businesswoman and momfluencer Rookie Mommy PH. Catch Breaking the bias online and beyond and join the conversation by using the hashtags #AskHerFirst #BreakTheBias.

n Entertainment Editor: Nickie Wang

T

By Patricia Taculao

HE new series Bola Bola stars three talented actors as leading men who star alongside Francine Diaz, who plays Thea, a 220-pound high school student whose greatest love is food. These include BGYO’s Akira Morishita, The Squad Plus’ KD Estrada, and Ashton Salvador.

email: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

MARCH 27, 2022

KD Estrada, Akira Morishita

on being leading men in ‘Bola Bola’

KD has experience as an actor by appearring in supporting roles

Aside from tackling self-love, Bola Bola also serves as KD’s first project as a leading man and Akira’s return to acting.

KD plays the role of Julian, Thea’s best friend who has always been her number one support system and who secretly still has the biggest crush on her.

Before Bola Bola, KD appeared as a supporting actor in the romantic comedy television series Unloving U. He said, during an online media conference for Bola Bola, that the role between the two is quite similar, but the latter has more depth storywise.

Since it’s his first time as a leading man, many expected he turned to his girlfriend, Alexa Ilacad, for tips as she’s been in the industry since she was young and is known as a versatile and formidable actress.

Yet that wasn’t the case.

“Nothing against Alexa, but she didn’t give me any tips. But she told me to give it my 100 percent since it’s my first acting na lead ako,” he said.

He added that aside from giving it his all, he also strived to impress Alexa, who established herself as an actress. Luckily for KD, his significant other noticed something from the series’ trailer that describes his skills as an actor.

“She did say, based on the trailer, she saw that my eyes are very expressive. At least I got a good comment from her,” KD said.

Also joining KD as a leading man in the new series is Akira. Akira plays the role of Lucas, Thea’s lifelong crush and puppy love. The series also marks Akira’s return to acting as he spends most of

his time performing with his group.

Yet for Akira acting on-screen and in performances are two different skills he needs to master, even though he’s already appeared in several indie projects before. But in his performance for Bola Bola, he shares that not much of his skills have changed, but he did mature as an actor.

“Nabigay ko naman ‘yong best ko. Siguro mas nag-mature ‘yong way of thinking ko, sa pag-intindi ko sa character sa series. Very happy din ako na tinutulungan ako nila KD, Francine kapag may eksena kasi binibigyan nila ako ng tips,” the multi-talented artist said.

The first episode for Bola Bola aired on March 26, and viewers are already raving about the cast’s performances. Akira shared that it was fun working with Francine because of her creativity and acting prowess.

He said some scenes in the series where Francine adlibbed while asking him to join along. Eventually, he learned a thing two from the tips and experience he got acting beside her.

Bola Bola is available on the iWantTFC website and app for Android and iOS. New episodes Akira returns to acting after spending a lot of time drop every weekend. performing as a member of Pinoy boy group BGYO

Cambodian superstar VannDa solidifies stature as ASEAN breakthrough artist FOLLOWING the successful release of $kull the Album in 2020, which has racked up over 300 million streams across all digital streaming platforms, Baramey Production recording artist VannDa has established himself at the top of the Cambodian music world.

His release of the transcendent and much-lauded “Time to Rise (feat. Master Kong Nay)” in 2021 is currently at a Cambodian recordbreaking 86 million views, the chart-topping hit having exploded throughout Southeast Asia with its blend of soul-piercing lyricism and Khmer instrumentation mixed with Hip Hop & Drill sounds.

VannDa has firmly established himself as Cambodia’s first champion, and today announces his intention to capitalize on this with the two-part release of his follow-up album $kull 2, which will be released in two parts, with part one arriving on May 20, and part two to follow at the end of the year.

The album’s lead single “Bok Kalo,” with an ambitious music video directed by Baramey standout Juvie Lin was released last Friday, March 18.

The $kull 2 campaign will be paired with a series of ambitious, never before seen live concert plans that would have been unthinkable in Cambodia until the rise of the Sihanoukville-born superstar.

Following the release of $kull the Album in June 2020, VannDa was not able to capitalize off of his astronomic success with live concerts due to the pandemic halting all social life. However, VannDa will in 2022 be the first Cambodian artist to go on a solo tour and sell tickets across the nation.

VannDa’s live tour begins with the $kull the Album Concert on April 9. This marks the only time VannDa will perform his classic album which fans have

clung deeply to since 2020 as it comforted them from their homes as the world embraced the challenge of the pandemic.

Following this, VannDa will be headlining Hanuman Beverages Khmer New Year Concerts from April 14 to 16 in Siem Reap, the largest Cambodia celebration of the year. With $kull 2: Part One slated for release on May 13t, the domestic $kull Tour is set to begin on June 25 and extend through to the beginning of August with five tour stops in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampong Cham, and his home town, Sihanoukville.

It will be Cambodia’s first indoor venue music tour through the rainy season, continuing VannDa’s pattern of trend-setting and modernizing the music industry in the country through his popularity.

Cambodian recording artist VannDa

Kathryn goes on an exciting journey to get what she wants in her role as Gab in ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’

Kathryn as the rebellious Jackie in ‘Crazy Beautiful You’

In ‘Must Be Love,’ Kathryn takes on the role of boyish teenager Patchot

Kathryn Bernardo in ‘Three Words to Forever’

Kathryn’s movie roles that embody Pinay power

THE Women’s Month celebration continues on Cinema One as the cable channel showcases the many facets of women and their unique gifts through Kathryn Bernardoled movies.

Here are five girl roles with goals proving that Pinays know how to strive for what they want and are proud of their true selves: A daughter who fights for her family in ‘Three Words to Forever’ Kathryn is joined by no less than the Megastar Sharon Cuneta in Three Words to Forever, a family movie that narrates the journey of Tin (Kathryn) as she explores the idea of marriage and fights for her family, while her mother

Cristy (Sharon) re-examines her 25-year wifehood with husband Rick (Richard Gomez).

A loving and forgiving sister in ‘Way Back Home’ Jessica, played by Julia Montes, and Joanna/Anna (Kathryn) are long-lost sisters in Way Back Home, who struggle with a childhood incident that changed their lives and now face the challenge of finding their way back home—through forgiveness and love.

A woman who knows what she wants in ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ Kathryn is Gab in Can’t Help Falling In Love who got married to Dos (Daniel Padilla) by accident.

She then seeks annulment to be able to marry her boyfriend and takes on an exciting journey with Dos to achieve what she really wants.

A boyish adolescent-turnedblooming teen in ‘Must Be Love’ As a boyish teenage girl named Patchot (Kathryn) who was raised by his dad and brothers, she struggles to be seen as a young lady with feelings, too, especially with Ivan (Daniel) who only sees her as his best friend. Recognizing her desire to be loved in return, Patchot transformed into a beautiful girl who is ready to win his best friend over.

A free-spirited lass who has a good heart in ‘Crazy Beautiful You’ Jackie (Kathryn) is a rebellious young lady who is forced to participate in a medical mission in Tarlac in hopes that she would become a better person. She meets a jolly lad named Kiko (Daniel) who will make sure she gets all her tasks done. In the middle of this journey, Jackie unexpectedly discovers something bizarre and truly beautiful.

Fantasy and suspense unravel in original series ‘Twisted Strings’ THE world of fantasy and suspense unravel in HBO’s new Asia Original thrillercomedy series Twisted Strings premiering with two episodes on Sunday, March 27, 9:00 p.m. on HBO, HBO Go, and CATCHPLAY+.

Executive produced by acclaimed filmmaker Hou Hsiao-Hsien (The Assassin), the seven-episode Taiwan satire anthology follows with a new installment every Sunday, and the final two episodes air back-to-back on April 24.

Twisted Strings follows a series of bizarre deaths in

the fictional Taiping City over seven separate stories across parallel time and space. While each story can be viewed independently, it intersects with others in unobvious ways. A funeral, a missing body, a dangerous game, a kidnapping; real and unreal, these incidents are woven in Wu Yuenu’s memories, converging in the mysterious Sailing Castle, where the boundary between fiction and reality is blurred. At the end of the seventh episode, all the clues will come together to reveal the whole story.

The name of the series is inspired by a popular Taiwanese nursery rhyme, which contains lyrics that tell the story of a monkey’s life over seven days. Each episode is loosely based on a line from the song.

Award-winning actress, director and screenplay writer Sylvia Chang (Love Education, 20 30 40) plays Wu Yuenu, the constant linking together the series. Chang said, “This series is full of surprises and humanity, viewers will definitely love it.”

Apart from Chang, most

key actors such as Lee Kang-sheng, Nikki Hsieh, and Hsueh Shih-ling play more than one role across the different episodes.

Conceptualized and written over three years by Golden Horse-nominated director Huang Xi, Twisted Strings aims to see the humor of life and death.

Presented by HBO Asia and Catchplay, Twisted Strings is produced by Catchplay’s Screenworks Asia, in partnership with Taiwan’s Bossdom and Singapore’s Mediacorp.

A scene from ‘Twisted Strings’

MARCH 27, 2022

By Mariana Burgos

A

FEW weeks ago, I watched a video of cat whisperer Jackson Galaxy on Youtube where he discussed cloning of pets (Attack of the Clones!, Jackson Galaxy, 4 March, 2022). Although cloning animals has been going on for more than a quarter of a century now, the topic is still controversial for most people.

Cloning for survival

The idea of cloning animals came about due to humans’ need to ensure the survival of its race. Certain species are getting endangered or on the brink of extinction. To solve a possible shortage of food derived from animals, humans thought of cloning them to ensure the continuous supply of food. The survival of the human race---its own preservation-- is the extreme reason to begin with.

Cloning is part of genetic engineering studies. A "clone" means an organism that is almost an exact copy of another. "Cloning" is the process of creating the said copy.

In nature, this process can be seen occurring in particular species, species that reproduce asexually. Asexual reproduction is the process of reproduction that does not require two parents wherein the offspring comes from the body of only one organism. In plants, there are many species that have this trait when it comes to reproducing themselves. With animals, some examples that reproduce asexually include planarians, many annelid worms, including polychaetes and some oligochaetes, turbellarians and sea stars. These creatures "clone" themselves naturally. "Artificial" cloning is manmade--- unnatural if you will.

Snuppy (middle) is the first clone of a dog that survived. In the photo is his genetic father (left) and surrogate mother (right). (From https://www.inverse.com/article/38620-snuppy-dog-clone-afghan-hound-seoul-dolly)

Will You Clone Your Pet

Like Barabara Streisand?

is something that is not hard to understand if it is a good thing. I certainly would not have a hard time deciding if I am thinking of having my most loved pet cloned or not with this ratio, even if I had the means just like Barbara Streisand. Yes, the process is horrifyingly costly.

ViaGen (Pets and Equine) charges $50,000 paid in two equal installments in cloning a dog and $35,000 paid in the same manner in cloning a cat. This excludes expenses for the cell preservation, delivery (birthing), and post-delivery check-ups of the cloned pet.

Help animals in need instead

Twinning, before cloning

How did cloning animals begin? My reference to the history of this is the History of Cloning Animals. (2016, May 2), retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/ history-of-cloning-animals.html.

Studies and experiments related to the concept of cloning began as early as the 1800s. The first experiment by man in imitating the natural process of cloning was done in 1885. It was not yet called cloning at the time. They called it "Twinning." Twinning refers to the process of splitting an embryo in the very early stages of development into two or more identical cells.

The term “twinning’ is used since this is the process that occurs naturally to create identical twins. Although the development of twins or even more than a pair of identical organisms is a natural thing, creating these identical organisms with scientific intervention through the process of twinning is not.

Sea urchins were the first organism scientists used in this twinning process. From sea urchins, seventeen years later, scientists leveled up their experiments with more advanced organisms.

However, twinning in more advanced organisms did not successfully develop into adults.

The first fully developed animal clone

Eventually, science moved from twinning to an even more unnatural and intrusive method----the nuclear transfer. This process involves injecting the nucleus of a cell to be cloned into an egg cell which has had its nucleus removed. To illustrate this in a simpler way, imagine a chicken egg, then see yourself taking out the yolk and leaving the egg white.

Take another yolk from another egg and put that one to the first egg you have de-yolked.

Then, put that "new" man-made egg into another hen to care for it until it cracks. If it does crack. This is how nuclear transfer is done. The first successful attempt was with tadpole embryos in 1952. A fully developed animal clone

Barbara Streisand shared a photo of clones of her beloved dog, Samantha, in her Instagram account as posted in the article “This Photo of Barbara Streisand’s Cloned Dogs is Too Much” on June 6, 2016 in kveller.com. Streisand said “The twins Scarlet and Violet honoring their mom (with their cousin Fanny in the center!)

Barbara Streisand and Sammie or Samantha, her beloved dog. This photo is from her Instagaram account as posted in the article “On the Death of Her Beloved Pup Samantha: 'It Was Like Losing a Child'” in people.com on Nov. 21, 2017. was created for the first time and it was a frog.

Soon after, scientists started cloning mammals. From rabbits, to sheep, to cows, they used this process of nuclear transfer. In 1984, the first lamb cloned was done by in vitro fertilization and born to a surrogate mother.

In 1987, the first cow was cloned using the same method. With these first attempts before Dolly the sheep in 1996 (the very first successful somatic cell-cloned mammal), scientists were still using cells from early embryos. But with Dolly, they used the nucleus of an udder cell from an adult sheep and it was transferred to a denucleated egg cell.

Since then, to this point in time, thousands of animals have been cloned already with the method that was used with Dolly.

Snuppy: the clone dog

In 2005, the first dog was successfully cloned.

Snuppy, an Afgan Hound, was created using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). He was raised as a laboratory animal in an animal facility at Seol National University and died while undergoing anti-cancer treatment at ten (10) years of age. Snuppy had a life-span that was very similar to that of his somatic cell donor. He did not exhibit any notable health problems until the development of cancer, which was also diagnosed in his cell donor at a similar age

(Birth of Clones of the World's First Cloned Dog, 10 November, 2017). In the case of Snuppy, if only he could talk, he would probably tell his creators that he never asked for another life only to endure cancer all over again.

Barbara Streisand and her cloned dog

Barbara Streisand, the famous American singer-actress, cloned her pet dog twice.

Samantha, her beloved Coton de Tulear dog, died in November, 2017. She had cells taken from Samantha's mouth and stomach before she died which then were used to make the clones, Scarlet and Violet (Barbara Streisand Shares Photos of Her Dogs Posing alongside Grave of Pup They were Cloned From, Helen Murphy, 6 June, 2019).

It is true that through cloning, we have achieved certain breakthroughs like preserving certain endangered species, providing a potential process to restore an extinct species, and introducing specific outcomes with certain breeds. But the cons of cloning seem to be more than the pros.

To start with, before scientists would be able to successfully grow one (1) clone-alive, implant into and have it delivered (by C-section) through a surrogate mother, many egg cells, embryos, and surrogate mothers will have been

Preventive Health Care for Dogs

By Rowena David

Signs that your dog is sick

DOGS are loyal and loving pets, so it is no wonder their human parents adore them. They are such devoted companions, eager to please, and have an unending supply of unconditional love for those they deeply care about. Without a doubt, dogs have the power to lift our mood whenever we are feeling a bit down. They are an essential part of our lives, so much so that when we lose them to a fatal illness or tragic accident, it is sometimes difficult to move on. While we cannot stop certain accidents from happening, we can practice preventive care so that our dogs can live long lives.

What does it mean to give our dogs preventive care?

It simply means keeping our dogs physically healthy.

Preventive care helps in the early detection and prevention of diseases and other health problems before they become critical.

Dogs can not verbally communicate to us if they are in pain or not feeling very well, but fur parents can usually tell through their dog’s body language.

If a normally energetic dog has suddenly become lethargic and refuses to eat, chances are something is ailing him. Other signs every fur parent should watch out for are vomiting, hair loss, eye discharge, coughing, sneezing, and diarrhea. These signs could be symptoms of a serious illness and it is always a good decision to take your dog to the vet whenever these symptoms are present.

Dog Vaccination

Canine distemper and parvovirus are highly contagious canine viruses and the outcome is often fatal for the dog. The best way to guard your dog against these

sacrificed with the trial-and-error of the SCNT method. In the case of Snuppy, almost 2000 eggs were used to make the cloned embryos.

They were able to develop 1095 embryos. And they used 123 dogs as surrogate mothers (Meet Snuppy, the World's First Cloned Dog, Joe Palca, 3 August, 2005).

More cons than pros

Animal cloning is far from being a perfect science in this case. To make one good clone, you sacrifice thousands of other animals. This is simple math and this is not a good ratio, if you would ask me.

"From a reproduction standpoint, every other method is better than cloning. Animal cloning is the least reliable method of reproduction right now. Numerous defects occur during the cloning process that are potentially fatal to the offspring. Even if you were to front the $20,000 to clone your favorite cow, there is a 25% that the animal will suffer from ‘hydrops' which causes edema. About 6% of cows are oversized, which may threaten the life of the mother. It took hundreds of attempts to produce the first successful animal clone." (Animal Cloning Pros and Cons, Natalie Regoli, 28 November, 2018) In every related literature that I have read on the pros and cons of animal cloning, the same ratio appears---more cons than pros. This

viruses is by vaccinating them.

Puppies can have their first 5-in-1 vaccination when they are 6–8 weeks old. The 5-in-1 vaccine protects your dog from Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parainfluenza.

Another important vaccine that your dog should have is the anti-rabies vaccine. Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus, which is transmitted through a bite or saliva from an infected animal. It has a high fatality rate once a dog gets infected and starts exhibiting symptoms. The best way to guard your dogs against the rabies virus is by vaccinating them.

Puppies can get their anti-rabies shot when they have reached the age of four months.

Spaying or Neutering your dog

Aside from preventing unplanned pregnancies, having your dog fixed has other health benefits. Spayed or neutered dogs have lower chances of getting breast cancer, pyometra (in female dogs), and testicular cancer (in male dogs). Transmissible venereal tumors (TVTs) are cancerous tumors, and they are highly contagious. The best way to protect your dogs against TVT is by spaying or neutering them.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm is a serious disease that causes severe organ damage and death in dogs and cats. The worms are transmitted via a mosquito bite. They are called "heartworms" because they settle in an infected dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Once a dog becomes the host, the parasitic worms are then free to mature and develop into adults inside the dog’s body. Monthly chewable pills, topical solutions, and an injectable medicine administered every 6 or 12 months are some of the preventive measures available.

Wesley, rescued by the author, was given her anti-rabies shot at the clinic.

The dog in the photo is suffering from tvt cancer (venereal disease).

Spaying a dog will help prevent tvt cancer in your pet.

Pritil, rescued dog of Sheryll Cortezano, survived distemper.

Having your dog vaccinated will protect her or him from fatal diseases like distemper, parvo and leptospirosis, among others. Photo credit: Sheryll Cortezano

Kennel Cough Prevention

Kennel Cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects dogs. Dogs can get Kennel Cough in places where there are a lot of dogs, such as pet daycare services, dog parks, and dog shows.

If a dog becomes ill with Kennel Cough, isolate the dog immediately and disinfect the kennel for one to two weeks.

In my own opinion, I would rather choose to ease my grief after losing a beloved pet by helping thousands of animals in shelters, in pounds and in the streets, rather than wasting this huge amount of money in sacrificing thousands of other animals to raise from the dead one look-alike.... if I had the means.

I tried to conduct a survey of pet owners about their opinion on pet cloning. The question I posted was, "If money was not an issue, would you clone your pet or not? And, why?"

Out of a possible 500 respondents, only 20 persons actually responded. Why many did not respond, I have no idea. Or maybe, they simply did not know a thing about cloning, and that is why they chose to refrain from answering.

Most of those who did answer said “No,” they will not clone their pet. Their reason: it would not be the same thing even if they looked exactly alike".

One answered "Yes" conditionally. He said, "Personally (I) will go for cloning out of curiosity, but never to recover the bond I had with my deceased pet. Iba kasi yung may history at iba rin yung clone. Yung clone parang dinadaya yung sarili. But that's just for me."

Honestly, from the first time I heard about cloning, and that was some 42 years ago, I was very skeptical. Through the years, I did not bother to know more about it because I did not like the idea of tampering with and manipulating nature and God's creation, for man's personal convenience.

After having done some research on it, I must say, I see the point of scientists when it comes to saving endangered species and studying how to eradicate certain diseases through this process. But with all the consequences that come with it, it simply has too many negative sides for me to even consider it.

Like I said earlier, it is simple Math. A ratio of 9:24, with the 9 being the pros and the rest being the cons, is not a good one. I would rather cherish the memories my beloved pet left me and move on (and help other animals instead) than cheat my grief with a look-alike.

For kennel cough prevention, a vaccine against bordetella bacterium, the agent that causes kennel cough, is available. Dog parents can consult their veterinarian.

Diabetes Mellitus Prevention

Although dogs of various shapes and sizes can get diabetes, older dogs are more susceptible to this disease. Dogs with diabetes experience weight loss, are often thirsty, have little appetite, and are prone to infections. Diabetes is manageable, not entirely curable, and dogs diagnosed with the disease can live a normal and happy life.

The best treatment for diabetes is prevention. Although Diabetes in dogs cannot be completely prevented, there are steps that dog parents can take now to maintain their dog’s health in the future. Dog parents can help their dogs avoid diabetes by feeding them a healthy diet, taking them to regular vet checkups, and making sure they get enough exercise.

Cancer Prevention

Researchers for the study "Mortality in North American dogs from 1984 to 2004: an investigation into age-, size-, and breed-related causes of death," examined 20 years of records from the Veterinary Medical Database, one of the world's largest veterinary medical data repositories. They found that the number one cause of death among older dogs is cancer. The incidence of cancer peaked in the group of 10-year-old dogs, then declined as the dogs got older. dogingpost.com says that dog parents can reduce the risk of their dog getting cancer by choosing a chemically-free environment for their dog, making sure their dog’s teeth and mouth are healthy, reducing the use of tick and flea products, and spaying their dog after 18 months of age.

Practicing preventive health care for your dog is part of responsible pet ownership. Dogs are family and we have to safeguard their health and happiness for the rest of their short lives.

About the author: Rowena David is faculty member at College of Computer Science in the University of Makati, is a freelance writer (Tagalog short novels), admin of Philippine Pet Lovers Society Facebook page, an animal rescuer and animal welfare advocate.