Manila Standard - 2022 May 29 - Sunday

Vol. 36

n

No. 102

May 29, 2022

2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES

18 .00

IN MET R MANILAO

WONDERFUL TRICOLOR. The Philippine Navy leads a flagraising ceremony at the Monument of Dr. Jose Rizal in Luneta Park to celebrate Philippine Flag Day on Saturday, while inset shows Intramuros Security personnel wearing the traditional Spanish-era ‘rayadillo’ uniform as he salutes the flag in an event that leads to the celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12. Danny Pata

WHO alert up on monkeypox Notes ‘unusual’ spread of virus, warns situation could turn serious

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ENEVA—The World Health Organization cautioned Friday (Saturday in Manila) that some 200 monkeypox cases found in recent weeks outside of countries where the virus usually circulates could be just the beginning.

“We don’t know if we are just seeing the peak of the iceberg,” Sylvie Briand, WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention chief, acknowledged in a briefing to countries on the “unusual” spread of the virus.

This developed as Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Saturday said there is no vaccine against monkeypox yet that has been approved or authorized by the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, Duque said the Department

of Health (DOH) is now discussing with the WHO where the country can procure monkeypox antivirals in case of an outbreak in the country.

Hospitals in the Philippines are preparing for a possible outbreak of monkeypox in the country.

Rene Jose de Grano, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI), said on Saturday that although no case has so far been reported in the Philippines, their members and relevant CONTINUED ON 3A

Sara reaches out to VP office, DepEd for smooth transition VICE President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio has formally reached out to the office of Vice President Leni Robredo and the Department of Education ahead of her expected takeover of both agencies starting July 1, her spokesman said Saturday.

In a statement, Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco, Duterte-Carpio’s spokesperson, said the Vice President-elect “has communicated formally with the Office of the Vice President… with the view to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and comprehensive transition.”

Barry Gutierrez, spokesperson of Robredo, assured preparations are ongoing for the turnover.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is

COVID response up to new gov’t—DOH THE Department of Health (DOH) is keeping its guard up against COVID-19 by endorsing its pandemic responses to its different concerned bureaus to "institutionalize” the works of the National Vaccination Operations Center and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, an official said Saturday.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje added the DOH has also introduced the mandate of the Response, Vaccination, and Integration clusters so the gains of their pandemic responses would be sustained.

Cabotaje, who also chairs the NVOC, said the IATF, the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, and the vaccination cluster will endorse all the programs to the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This was after the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday it is working to declare an end to the COVID-19 outbreak as a public health emergency of CONTINUED ON 3A

NECESSARY PAIN. An elderly

woman gets her Moderna COVID-19 booster shot from a nurse volunteer of the Philippine Red Cross at a mall in Marikina City on Friday. The second booster shot is currently only for the immunocompromised, elderly, and medical front-liners.

Joey O. Razon

willing to give his successor, president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, pieces of advice especially concerning the war on illegal drugs, Malacañang said.

Duterte is ready to help the incoming administration in case Marcos asks for his guidance, acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in an interview with One Balita Pilipinas.

“The President is now ready to retire. On the other hand, he also said he is there to help if the next President needs his advice,” Andanar said.

Marcos on Thursday said he was open to tapping Duterte as his drug czar if the

Biz community lauds BBM picks to steer economy

CONTINUED ON 3A

Diesel price to go up, gasoline declining PUMP prices of diesel fuel are expected to go up next week, while gasoline prices are slated to go down, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said in its weekly forecast report.

In its fuel price forecast for the May 31 to June 6, 2022 trading week, Unioil said

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the price per liter of diesel may increase

by P1.00 to P1.20.

Gasoline prices, meanwhile, may be slashed between P1.50 and P1.60 per liter.

Oil companies usually announce price CONTINUED ON 3A

IMELDA FAN. This photo taken on May 17 shows Gloria Guarda (right), a life-long supporter of the Marcos family, reacting to an image of former First Lady Imelda Marcos during an interview with Agence France Presse in Baseco, a hardscrabble port-side neighbourhood in Manila. Guarda is a member of the Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos-24K loyalist group. AFP

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Salceda presses two-track proposal to privatize NAIA NEWS | 2A

Depp vs. Heard case goes to jury WORLD | 3A

INCOMING President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has received praises from the business community for appointing his economic managers who have no political colors and who are considered as the “A-team” in the sector.

Marcos recently announced the nomination of Arsenio Balisacan as National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), while outgoing Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno was nominated as Finance Secretary.

Diokno will be replaced by Felipe Medalla as BSP Governor, while Alfredo Pascual has also accepted his nomination as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary.

CONTINUED ON 3A

Sri Lanka aid contingent on fixing debt, says IMF WORLD | 3A

MAY 29, 2022

Salceda presses two-track proposal to privatize NAIA

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n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

LBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda on Saturday reiterated his twotrack proposal to privatize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), saying it would raise new revenues for the government while at the same time decongest Metro Manila.

Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and considered by his peers as the “resident economist” of the House of Representatives, said privatizing the NAIA would also answer questions on how the incoming Marcos administration would offset the fiscal impacts of COVID-19.

“We should consider privatizing the NAIA. And let me clarify: I don’t mean just an outright sale, if the incoming President is uncomfortable with disposing

government properties. We can adopt the New Clark City approach of master-planning in the area, profiting from the sale of development rights, rental income, appreciating value due to new business activity, and other non-sale means,” Salceda said.

“It’s around 625 hectares, double the size of Bonifacio Global City. So, there’s plenty of potential for value creation there,” he added.

“We can master-plan it so that there is space for

worker in-city housing, parks, public transport, and public spaces,” he pointed out.

“A study done on the matter five years ago estimated multiplier effects of redevelopment to be as much as 5.4 trillion pesos in economic value. The land, of course, costs around 400 billion pesos,” he said.

He was referring to a proposal by the San Miguel Corp. for the closure and redevelopment of the airport.

According to him, decommissioning the airport for redevelopment will allow the government to open new “North-South” and “East-West” connections in the NCR. “You can now basically connect BGC and Manila Bay via an east-west BRT or rail route. It would also allow you to connect Taft Avenue with C5 directly, and we can again establish a BRT route to connect that area to the LRT1.

Look at NCR’s map. The shape of NCR is like a bottleneck, and NAIA is like a clog in the bottleneck,” Salceda explained.

PHAPI urges BBM to fix fiscal mess at PhilHealth THE Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) on Saturday urged the incoming Marcos administration to fix the reimbursement system at staterun Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth).

PHAPI president Dr. Jose De Grano said private hospitals have been relying primarily on PhilHealth’s reimbursement mechanism, but some hospitals’ claims were delayed or have yet to be released.

Private hospitals mulled cutting ties with PhilHealth over unpaid 2020 COVID claims.

“Doon sa naging karanasan namin noongnakaraang taon, ilang taon sa PhilHealth, ’yun ang palagay kong kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin n susunod na administrasyon na sana ay hindi magkaroon tayo ng problema sa ating claims sa PhilHealth,” De Grano said in a televised briefing.

“Kung maayos po natin ang organisasyon ng PhilHealth nang sa ganoon ay makaayon dito sa mga hinihiling ng ating mga pribadong ospital, siguro government hospitals, palagay ko maganda ’yun na maisakatuparan at sa gayon po ang ating healthcare system ay magiging maganda para sa susunod na anim na taon.”

In late December last year, some hospitals threatened to cut ties wit the PhilHealth, citing millions of pesos in unpaid claims tha accumulated over the past few years.

PhilHealth president and CEO Dante Gierran has admitted that the agency owed hospitals more than P25 billion, and it planned to settle the debts by June.

But De Grano said PhilHealth has already communicated to them and the government-owned insurance firm was still paying dues. For this reason, described their relationship with PhilHealth as “fair”.

BUSINESS IS SLACK. A

man and his pussy cat both look drowsy as they wait for buyers of Dividendazo, a print-out of tips on horse racing, race results, and vital information about the horses. Danny Pata

Cayetano bats for loan program for MSMEs TAGUIG City Rep. and Senator-elect Alan Peter Cayetano has called on organized labor to join the clamor for a loan program for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in order to “reactivate the hope” of the Philippine economy.

Cayetano issued the call after the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) released a public statement earlier this week pushing for a P100-billion subsidy loan program for MSMEs to uplift the economy.

Cayetano has been a known advocate of the loan program for MSMEs in Congress

specifically the start of the pandemic.

The FFW said while the wage hike recently granted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) in different parts of the country “relieves some concerns” of Filipino workers, it is insufficient to boost the economy and induce inclusive recovery.

Since the approval of Bayanihan 2 under his Speakership, Cayetano has been calling for a low-interest loan program for MSMEs payable in 10 years with a grace period of one year, highlighting the 60 percent contribution of MSMEs to job

generation in the country.

“Allowing people to go out freely again is the first step to reopening the economy,” Cayetano said.

He also noted that the loan should be easily accessible to all MSMEs for the program to really stir up the economy across the country.

Cayetano reiterated his proposal for government agencies to create mobile apps through which Filipinos can easily apply for state assistance without the need for “padrinos” or connections.

Maricel V. Cruz

More evac centers for Leyte, Marinduque

HAZARDS OF THE DRUG TRADE. Anguish and anxiety are written at the faces

of three suspected drug traffickers arrested by operatives of the Southern Police District Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) who also reportedly seized 19 sachets methamphitamine hydrochloride, popularly known as shabu worth P190,400. The suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Baclaran, Pasay City.

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has finalized separate agreements with the local governments of Marinduque and Leyte that will pave the way for the construction of more evacuation centers in the two provinces.

DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario and Marinduque Gov. Presbitero Velasco Jr. signed on Friday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of evacuation facilities slated to soon rise in Mogpog and Torrijos towns in Marinduque.

The facilities are part of the DHSUD’s commitment to establish sustainable and safe Filipino communities nationwide, as well as boost the country’s overall disaster preparedness, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters and other calamities, Del Rosario said.

“This agreement is part of the (province’s) Physical Framework Plan (finalized)

way back last year. Through the joint efforts of the Department, and the Marinduque LGU, establishing evacuation centers in Mogpog and Torrijos will definitely play a huge role in boosting the province’s disaster preparedness,” Del Rosario said.

“We are thankful for the province of Marinduque for giving us this opportunity of providing assistance,” the housing czar added.

For his part, Velasco thanked the government for its support through DHSUD, saying the evacuation centers will be pivotal in saving people’s lives in times of calamities.

“We, of course, know that Bicol is the gateway of storms and typhoons but sometimes they visit also the province of Marinduque.

In the past, we bared witness the province being directly hit by super typhoons Rolly and Quinta and likewise Ulysses, which have brought much damage to our province,” Velasco stressed. Maricel V. Cruz

SCTEX toll rates up P0.78/km beginning June 1st TRAVELING along expressways may be fast and hassle-free at most times, but premium comes with a price.

Motorists using the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) will be paying higher toll rates starting June 1, 2022.

The SCTEX announced that the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved their petition for an adjustment of P0.78 per kilometer beginning on Wednesday.

In a statement, the SCTEX said the toll increase—following regulatory procedure and review – confirmed the periodic rate adjustments due in 2017.

Public utility buses, however, will be provided toll subsidies and excluded from the new rates in the next three months, according to SCTEX. Following is the SCTEX’s new toll matrix: Mabalacat City to Tarlac (Class 1 vehicles)—additional P31.00 Mabalacat City to Tarlac (Class 2 vehicles)— additional P61.00 Mabalacat City to Tarlac (Class 2 vehicles)—additional P92.00 Travel between Mabalacat City and Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan (near Subic Freeport) —Class 1: additional P49.00 —Class 2: additional P98.00 —Class 3: additional P147.00 On the other hand, the TRB-approved new toll rates for the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex) took effect last May 22.

Following is the new toll matrix for the Cavitex: P33 for Class 1 vehicles (from P25) P67 for Class 2 vehicles (from P50) P100 for Class 3 vehicles (from P75) In a Laging Handa briefing on Saturday, TRB spokesman Julius Corpuz said the new fees were supposed to take effect on May 12, but the implementation was deferred as the TRB and the Department of Transportation allowed public utility vehicles to avail of the toll reprieve program.

This program would allow them discounts and rebates.

Corpuz said the toll hike was a granted petition from investors and toll concessionaires in 2016. He said that the transport authorities did not immediately grant the raise as they had to study the proposal and its effects first.

BI: Arrivals still low despite ease of travel rules THE country’s average daily arrivals has remained consistent at 15,000 despite relaxation of travel restrictions in recent months, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Saturday.

In a Teleradyo interview, Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the recent figures of arrivals were still far from the pre-pandemic average of 45,000 daily.

“Ang totoo niyan malayo pa rin ito sa usual arrivals natin pre-pandemic. Noong 2019, ito ’yung panahon na pinakamataas na bilang ng dumadating sa bansa ang average natin is 45,000 arrivals per day,” Sandoval said.

“Noong summer nakita natin na ’yun ang pinakamataas ... Sa obserbasyon natin nitong nakaraang linggo at nag-plateau na to 15,000 arrivals.”

The country’s COVID-19 task force this week approved the of lifting pre-departure novel coronavirus tests for all inbound travelers who were fully vaccinated or had at least one booster shot.

Only unvaccinated, partially vaccinated travelers, and those without boosters will be required to present negative RT-PCR or laboratory-based antigen test results, according to Malacañang.

Sandoval remained optimistic the number of inbound travelers would further increase under revised travel rules.

“We remain hopeful kahit ganito lang ’yung figures, hindi pa po niya nararating ang pre-pandemic numbers dahil nakita natin na umangat naman ’yung bilang ng mga turista na dumadating sa bansa mula noong dahan-dahan tayong nagluwag sa travel restrictions mula noong Pebrero,” she said.

The country reopened its borders in April to all fully vaccinated foreign travelers in a bid to revive the economy

Taguig announces winners of COVID vax e-raffle n By JOEL E. ZURBANO THE Taguig City government has announced the winners of its online raffle for those who participated in the National Vaccination Days held in December last year.

A total of 30 vaccinated Taguigeños claimed their P1,000 worth of Sodexo Gift Certificates at the City Health Office (CHO) last Thursday.

The gift certificates may be used for shopping and purchasing products in partner stores. The e-raffle was spearheaded by the CHO led by Dr. Norena Osano together with National Immunization Program Co-

ordinator Dr. Jennifer Lou De Guzman.

The local government invited residents and transient workers in Taguig to join the National Vaccination Days last December 15, 16, and 17 in all vaccination sites in the city whether it’s their 1st, 2nd, or booster shot to get a chance to win the prize.

The raffle was initiated by Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano to convince his constituents to get vaccinated and protect them against the deadly disease.

Taguig City vows to remain aggressive in its vaccination efforts to encourage more citizens to get protected against COVID-19 despite its low COVID-19 cases

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at the moment.

As of May 26, the city government already vaccinated 895,272 individuals or 101% of the total population.

Of this number, 850,520 individuals or 96 percent of the city’s total population have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

A total of 2,000,501 jabs have been administered across Taguig’s vaccination hubs.

Meanwhile, with the recent outbreak of Monkeypox disease in non-endemic countries, Mayor Cayetano encouraged Taguig residents to take extra precautions.

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

HARNESSING SOLAR ENERGY. A truck

drives through a maze of solar panels at a farm owned and operated by Valenzuela Solar Energy Inc. in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila.. AFP

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

MAY 29, 2022

A BLACK DAY. The

front page of the local newspaper is seen in the media area outside the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 26.

Grief at the massacre of 19 children at the elementary school in Texas spilled into confrontation on May 25, as angry questions mounted over gun control -- and whether this latest tragedy could have been prevented. AFP

Samoa inks China pact amid South Pacific push A PIA, Samoa—Samoa signed a bilateral agreement with China on Saturday, promising “greater collaboration” as Beijing’s foreign minister continues a tour of the South Pacific that has sparked concern among Western allies.

The deal’s details are unclear, coming midway through a Chinese delegation’s

eight-nation trip -- but an earlier leaked draft agreement sent to several Pacific countries outlined plans to expand security and economic engagement.

The mission has prompted Western leaders to urge regional counterparts to spurn any Chinese attempt to extend its security reach across the region.

A press release from the Samoan government confirmed that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa had met and discussed “climate change, the pandemic and peace and security”.

Local media were invited to witness the signing of a deal, but no questions were taken.

The deal also contained an agreement to help build a police fingerprinting lab in addition to an already announced police academy in the country, which follows earlier commitments of “capac-

ity building” for law enforcement in the Solomon Islands.

The release said that China would continue to provide infrastructural development support to various Samoan sectors and there would be a new framework for future projects “to be determined and mutually agreed”.

“Samoa and the People’s Republic of China will continue to pursue greater collaboration that will deliver on joint interests and commitments,” the release said.

The Chinese delegation has already visited the Solomon Islands and Kiribati this week.

It arrived in Samoa on Friday night before flying on Saturday afternoon into Fiji, where Wang will visit Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and attend a group meeting of foreign ministers from Pacific countries.

Other stops are expected in Tonga,

Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and East Timor.

In a duel for influence, Australia’s new Foreign Minister Penny Wong was in Fiji on Friday, seeking to woo island states after the Solomon Islands took Canberra by surprise last month by signing a wide-ranging security pact with China.

“We have expressed our concerns publicly about the security agreement,” Wong told reporters in the capital of Suva.

“As do other Pacific islands, we think there are consequences. We think that it’s important that the security of the region be determined by the region.

And historically, that has been the case.

And we think that is a good thing.”

At the first stop in Honiara on Thursday, Wang lashed out at “smears and attacks” against the security pact already signed with the Solomon Islands. AFP

Blockbuster Depp vs. Heard defamation case goes to jury FAIRFAX—A jury began deliberations on Friday in the blockbuster defamation case between Johnny Depp and his exwife Amber Heard after a six-week trial featuring blistering mutual accusations of domestic abuse.

The seven-person jury met for about two hours after lawyers delivered closing arguments in the case heard in Fairfax, Virginia, near the US capital.

The jury, which is considering both Depp’s defamation claim against Heard and her counterclaim against him, will resume deliberations on Tuesday after the holiday weekend.

Elaine Bredehoft, an attorney for Heard, said the defamation suit filed against the “Aquaman” star by Depp and

a campaign of “global humiliation” has made her life “pure hell.”

“It has destroyed her life. This has consumed her. She’s getting death threats,” Bredehoft told the jury.

Benjamin Chew, one of Depp’s lawyers, countered that while the 58-yearold “Pirates of the Caribbean” star may not be a “saint” and has struggled with drugs and alcohol, “he is not a violent abuser.”

“He did not and does not deserve to have his life, his legacy destroyed by a vicious lie,” Chew said. “Miss Heard’s attempt to paint herself as a heroic survivor, an innocent survivor, and Mr Depp as a terrifying abuser, are utterly false. AFP

FromtheFRONTPAGE

74 confirmed cases, health authorities said Friday, adding that all the occurrences are in men, mainly aged below 40.

No need to panic “We are still at the very, very beginning of this event,” Briand told member state representatives attending the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

“We know that we will have more cases in the coming days,” she said, but stressed there was no need to “panic”.

“This is not a disease the general public should be worried about. It is not Covid or other diseases that spread fast.”

Monkeypox is related to smallpox, which killed millions around the world every year before it was eradicated in 1980.

But monkeypox is much less severe, with a fatality ratio of three to six percent. Most people recover within three to four weeks.

The initial symptoms include a high fever, swollen lymph nodes and chickenpox-like rash.

While many of the cases have been linked to men having sex with men, experts stress there is no evidence it was a sexually transmitted disease. Rather, it seems to be transmitted by close contact with an infected person who has blisters on their skin.

There is not much in the way of treatment, but some antivirals developed against smallpox exist, including one that was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency against smallpox, Briand pointed out.

WHO...government agencies are now on high alert.

“What we are monitoring are such symptoms as fever, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes, which are typical of monkeypox,” de Grano said in a Laging Handa briefing.

“The local government units (LGUs) and DOH are boosting efforts to prepare for monkeypox so that they can contain it immediately if it enters the country.”

If there is a reported case, the patient would be immediately isolated in a separate ward and given supportive care, de Grano said.

“Because we don’t have a vaccine for this disease yet, what we will do is isolate and provide supportive treatment,” he added.

Since Britain first reported a confirmed monkeypox case on May 7, nearly 200 cases have been reported to the UN health agency in countries far from the states where the virus is endemic.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has put the number of such cases at 219.

Endemic in several west and central African nations, monkeypox cases have suddenly been detected in more than 20 other countries around the world, including the United States, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and nearly a dozen EU countries.

The Spanish health ministry said Friday that 98 cases had been confirmed there so far, while Britain currently counts 90 verified infections.

Portugal has meanwhile registered

SARA...outgoing president wants to.”

Meanwhile, the San Pedro Square in Davao City is being readied for Sara Duterte-Carpio’s inauguration as vice president-elect on June 19.

Robredo will return to the country next

TRIAL ENDS. Actor Johnny Depp gestures to spectators in court after closing arguments at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia, on May 27.

Depp is suing ex-wife Amber Heard for libel after she wrote an op-ed piece in The Washington Post in 2018 referring to herself as a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” AFP week from New York where she attended the graduation of her youngest daughter, Jillian.

Frasco said Duterte-Carpio has also formally communicated with the Office of the Secretary of the DepEd, after Marcos Jr. tapped his running mate to be his Education secretary.

Outgoing Education chief Leonor Briones welcomed Duterte’s appointment and committed to work for an orderly transition of the DepEd leadership.

“As the transition process is still ongoing entailing detailed discussions on all aspects of the workings of the OVP and the DepEd, information on the completion of this process will be released once available,” Frasco said.

Duterte earlier said as DepEd secretary, she would work on “producing skilled learners with the mindset to realize their full potential as individuals.”

Briones is hoping for continuity with the President’s daughter, she said on the sidelines of the of the four-day Education World Forum 2022 in London.

COVID...international concern, even as

it admitted doing so “doesn’t necessarily mean the pandemic itself will be over.”

“We will leave it up to them. But the IATF, as the overall head of the NTF and even our vaccine cluster, is prepared to hand over the documents and to brief. We just await what will be the directions of the next administration,” Cabotaje said during a televised public briefing.

“Of course, we will also defer to whoever is the new Secretary. We also know that the IATF is lodged with the Department of Health (DOH) and then the measures and the vaccination are largely with the

department,” she said.

“It is up to the next administration to decide on the direction, whether they would have an inter-agency or continue the NTF structure or create a new structure,” she said.

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Technical Lead for COVID-19, had said: “What we are trying to work toward this year is to end the emergency; to take the death and devastation of COVID-19 out of all countries, not just some countries.”

“Many countries have announced that their emergency is over, but that the pandemic is not. I think that’s an important distinction,” she said at the sidelines of the World Health Assembly, the decisionmaking body of WHO.

DIESEL...adjustments every Monday, to be implemented the following day.

On May 24, fuel firms hiked gasoline prices by P3.95 per liter but cut the price of diesel by P2.30 per liter.

Data from the Department of Energy as of May 17 to 20 showed the price per liter of gasoline ranging from P70.75 to P81.55 per liter in Quezon City, while diesel prices range between P72.90 and P79.49 per liter in Manila.

Year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P25.55 per liter for gasoline and P29.10 per liter for diesel.

Last week, Chevron Philippines Inc. (Caltex), Flying V, Petron Corp., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Seaoil Philippines Inc. increased prices per liter of gasoline by P3.95 but slashed diesel by P2.30, and kerosene by P2.45.

Cleanfuel, Petro Gazz, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., PTT Philippines Corp., Total Philippines Corp., and Unioil

Ukraine doing ‘everything’ to defend Donbas KRAMATORSK—Ukraine said it is doing “everything” to defend the eastern Donbas region, where Russia confirmed Saturday it had captured a strategic town in its intensifying offensive.

Russia is waging all-out war for the Donetsk and Lugansk regions that make up Donbas -- Ukraine’s industrial heartland where President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of carrying out a “genocide”.

Zelensky said late Friday the Russians had “concentrated maximum artillery, maximum reserves in Donbas”.

“There are missile strikes and aircraft attacks—everything,” he said.

“We are protecting our land in the way that our current defense resources allow,” he added.

“We are doing everything to increase them.”

Moscow’s army said Saturday it had seized control of Lyman town, on the road to the two key cities of Severodonetsk and Kramatorsk still under Kyiv’s control, confirming an announcement a day earlier by pro-Moscow separatists.

Russian forces are also closing in on Severodonetsk and Lysychansk in Lugansk province, with conflicting reports about the extent of their advance.

Regional governor Sergiy Gaiday insisted Ukrainian forces would be able to resist for at least another two or three days—but said troops may have to withdraw from some areas to avoid being surrounded. AFP

IMF: Sri Lanka aid contingent on fixing debt

WASHINGTON—The IMF said Thursday it is committed to helping crisis-battered Sri Lanka, but any aid program will be contingent on ensuring the nation’s unsustainable debt can be managed.

The cash-strapped South Asian nation of 22 million people is facing its worst crisis since independence: it has suffered months of dire shortages of food and medicines, as well as intensifying anti-government protests.

Sri Lanka has defaulted on its $51-billion foreign debt and on Tuesday appointed international consultants to help restructure its international sovereign bonds and bilateral loans.

The government also effectively ended subsidies on fuel by raising prices to a record high on Tuesday.

An IMF team held two weeks of discussions with authorities in Colombo and expressed commitment to continue to work on a package of “concrete measures” to end the crisis. AFP

26 people missing after ferry sinks in Indonesia JAKARTA—Twenty-six people were missing Saturday after a ferry ran out of fuel and sank in bad weather off the coast of Indonesia, officials said.

The country’s search and rescue agency said the vessel was carrying 43 people when it capsized on Thursday in the Makassar Strait, the sea separating the islands of Sulawesi and Borneo.

News of the accident only reached officials on Saturday, the local head of search and rescue Djuanidi, who like many Indonesians goes by only one name, told AFP. “Seventeen people have been rescued alive by two tugboats that were passing by.

We have deployed a rescue team to search for the missing others,” he said.

A group of 40 rescuers were at sea searching for survivors, Djuanidi added.

Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of around 17,000 islands where safety standards are often lax. AFP Petroleum Philippines Inc. made the same changes, excluding kerosene, which they do not carry. Alena Mae Flores

BIZ...“Very reassuring, most of them have been in the public service before.

Ok naman ang mga track record nila and they have done well,” said George Barcelon, president of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in a television interview.

The Philippine Exporters Confederation also praised the appointment of BBM’s economic team, which it said was not a political accommodation and is confident will serve the public truthfully.

“We are very happy with the choices.

Our initial fear was that they would be political appointees. I know of no one pursuing a position among them, they were invited to a talk, and some of them were requested to serve,” according to Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation.

For its part, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is confident small businesses will be protected under the leadership of Pascual, the incoming Trade secretary. “(Pascual) knows what he’s going to do, of course with the DTI a lot of uplifting in the SMEs, I think the Filipinos are one of the best business people, you give them a space, automatic may sari-sari store, automatic they would know how to sell,” Donald Lim, president of MAP, noted.

“So, imagine that if we give them that platform to really become businesspeople, to really become entrepreneurs, we would really have a very strong economy,” he added.

MAY 29, 2022

Finance expert wants to transform PH banking

A

Singapore-based financial technology startup, led by banking veteran Manish Bhai, wants to transform banking in the Philippines and serve the unbanked population though digital solutions such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

UNO Digital Bank founder and chief executive Manish Bhai

“The use of AI and machine learning will allow us to apply evolved processes and systems that enable smooth, yet secured customer onboarding, transaction authorizations, alternate data-based credit scoring, product and interface personalization with advanced security, risk and privacy management patterns,” says Manish Bhai, founder and chief executive of UNO Digital Bank.

Bhai is a co-founder of Singapore-headquartered financial technology company UNOAsia Pte. Ltd., one of the incorporators of UNO Digital Bank. The digital bank offers one mobile app and one card that enables customers to save, borrow, transact, invest and protect their finances with speed and ease.

Bhai, who has 27 years of industry expertise in financial services, banking and technology with C-level engagement across the Asia banking ecosystem, describes UNO Digital Bank as a full-spectrum credit-led digital bank licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

“We will provide one simple user interface to enable our customers save, borrow, transact, invest, among others, providing a way to manage finances with speed and ease. Our customers will be able to access and enjoy the products and services we offer using only a smart phone and internet access. They can avail of all the services we have wherever they are, whenever they want,” says Bhai, who worked at Citigroup for two decades before embarking on his entrepreneurial pursuit.

Uno Digital Bank is expected to be launched in the second quarter. Previously known as UNObank, it adopted a new name and visual identity and refreshed its color palette to signify the aspects of financial needs, which are to manage, grow, leverage and secure money.

“We are a credit-led digital bank that is pioneering an elevated approach to banking: one that makes meeting life’s financial needs simple and accessible for the customer, while also fueling growth and innovation in the industry. These are the attributes that we have mirrored in the new brand,” says Bhai.

Target market Bhai says the bank’s key market is the

unbanked and the underserved population. “Some of the reasons that people remain unbanked are lack of documentary requirements, the associated costs in opening and maintaining an account and limited awareness and knowledge of financial products and services. We took all these into consideration in creating our products. Account opening will be easy and convenient and education will be a major pillar in our marketing programs,” he says.

“We will also target consumers who are tired of the traditional way of doing things. The ones who are looking for a bank that is technology-driven while at the same time will be welcoming, inclusive and grow with them as they transition through different stages in their lives,” says Bhai.

He says UNO Digital Bank will be launched towards the end of the second quarter this year, and things are progressing in that direction.

“We are grateful for the support from many in the industry. We have signed up partnerships with local and international companies to bring the best possible product to our consumers upon launch,” he says.

UNO Digital Bank teamed up with Mastercard to launch Mastercard Debit Card—a transaction cum savings account. “Then, we will roll out more products over the course of the rest of the year,” says Bhai.

“As a credit-led bank, loan products are a high priority with a launch planned in third quarter. We are also creating partnerships to build a robust ecosystem, and these too will be announced in due course,” he says.

UNO team UNO obtained a digital bank license under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Digital Banking License framework in June 2021. “Since then, we built a team to create the UNO Digital Bank, which we rebranded from UNObank earlier this year,” says Bhai.

UNO Digita Bank rapidly built its senior management team in a record time to build relationships with the banking and financial services as well as the business community at large in the Philippines.

“Our management team is composed of people with more than 300 years of combined experience in the banking and fintech industry.

They are subject matter experts and seasoned industry practitioners with knowledge of both local and regional markets. The experience was most needed to quickly put in place robust policies and process covering every aspect of security and controls,” says Bhai.

Composable banking Bhai says the strategy behind UNO Digital Bank is called composable banking, “where we identify best-in-class solutions and compose a whole banking solution based on smaller chunks of proprietary solutions or new technology solutions. We created a champion challenger strategy to ascertain what solution works best and in consideration that we should be able to replace it.”

“Composable banking ensures that we build small chunks of solutions, which we can pick and replace as the newer technologies, newer champions come into the market. Development time for these solutions is shorter allowing us to bring to market products faster,” he says.

Bhai says they make sure that safety and security are of paramount importance in their thought process. “It is not an afterthought. When our technology team discusses any feature, any IT development, any business processes, we look at it from a security angle first and foremost,” he says. Roderick T. dela Cruz

Bottler, SBCorp sign deal to help MSMEs Tetrix executive team

Tetrix Network launches ‘Pitaka’ crypto wallet TETRIX Network, the Filipino-made interconnected ecosystem that bridges the gap between blockchains, announced the launch of its new and improved Pitaka—a crypto wallet that allows users to store, manage and exchange various cryptocurrencies and digital assets in one simple browser extension.

“Pitaka is a fully decentralized crypto wallet that runs on Tetrix, the first omnichain protocol that directly communicates across all blockchains,” said Felix Asuncion, chief revenue officer of Tetrix.

“Our main motivation in building Pitaka is to create a product that each and every Filipino will be proud of.

As we say, ‘Made by Filipinos, for the world’,” said Asuncion.

Pitaka allows users to hold various cryptocurrencies, enabling them to make transactions to any blockchain address. It also provides users with an entry point into the emerging world of decentralized finance or DeFi, and supports Google Chrome and Chromium-based browser Brave.

Users can create multiple accounts and select which account to use for sending payments, storing funds and interacting with decentralized applications or dapps, banking on its goal to be the gateway to the world of Web 3 or the decentralized internet.

Pitaka can store non-fungible tokens or NFTs and digital collectibles and supports more than 18,000 cryptocurrencies built on top of 25 blockchains.

These include established altcoins, such as Ether, Binance Coin and Polygon, as well as popular meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. This non-custodial wallet grants users full control of their funds by giving them access to their wallet’s private key, a 12-word mnemonic (seed) phrase that when lost cannot be recovered. It prevents any malicious behavior against any users because all actions are verified by the blockchain.

Users of Pitaka will also be able to connect their Trezor and Ledger hardware wallets, maintaining self-custody and full control over their assets.

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. general trade director Chris Pesigan

By Othel V. Campos COCA-COLA Beverages Philippines Inc., the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country, signed a partnership agreement with Small Business Corp. for the RISE UP Tindahan Project as part of the campaign to help uplift micro, small and medium enterprises.

The initiative gives CCBPI’s partner retail stores, dealers, distributors and other MSMEs access to resources that can contribute to their recovery from the effects of the pandemic, said CCBPI general trade director Chris Pesigan.

“We share the vision and commitment of Small Business Corp. to uplift our retail partners as we make these sustainable financing initiatives more accessible to many. We are proud that, given CCBPI’s extensive footprint and expansive trade network, we’re in the best position to help in reaching more MSMEs across the country and contribute to truly inclusive economic growth,” he said.

The RISE UP Tindahan Project upholds CCBPI’s “People First” commitment of looking after its people and the communities it serves, as project beneficiaries can enjoy greater accessibility to sustainable financial loan programs that can encourage job creation, livelihood initiatives and business growth.

The partnership with SBCorp, the financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, manifests the collective, urgent goal of helping the MSME sector recover, stabilize and progress. It allows the RISE UP Tindahan Project to reach more Filipino households across the country.

As an industry leader in manufacturing, CCBPI sets the benchmark in the FCMG sector in terms of distribution and trade network.

SBCorp executive vice president Santiago Lim said the agency sees the collaboration with CCBPI as an opportunity to extend the services of the agency to thousands of partner enterprises of the company from distributors to retailers nationwide.

“Reaching out to the far ends can be a daunting task, but since we have Coca-Cola now as our partner, with your seasoned experience on the ground, we are confident that this project will be successful,” Lim said.

SBCorp is a government financial institution mandated to provide financing initiatives for MSMEs across all regions of the Philippines. As guided by its 2025 vision, SBCorp operates to be the leader in sustained financing alternatives for Philippine MSMEs, putting them at the forefront of inclusive economic growth.

Its mission, to which RISE UP Tindahan is anchored on, is to fight for the neglected business segments of the country to get them access to the capital they need to grow.

The loans sourced through the RISE UP Tindahan Project are meant to help businesses adjust to the realities of doing business in the new normal. Additional funds can help MSMEs cope with rising consumer demand as the economy slowly opens back up again.

SBCorp’s initiative of going into online application process has been a success, with around 40,000 applicants over the past two years. CCBPI is targeting the program’s amplified reach by leveraging its vast trade network, and now SBCorp is bridging gaps to meet the needs of micro-entrepreneurs.

“The process in RISE UP Tindahan is simple, which is key to reaching more MSMEs. We need to overcome the challenge of inaccessibility, and part of this is making sure that procedures aren’t overly complicated—that MSMEs don’t feel intimidated or overwhelmed,” Pesigan said.

Developer offers downpayment deals BRIA Homes, a leading property developer, is introducing exclusive downpayment deals in selected ready-for-occupancy units all over the Philippines.

Bria Homes division head Eduardo Aguilar said this effort is aligned with the company’s vision. “Bria Homes has always set its heart on bringing modern and quality homes within the reach of ordinary Filipinos. With viable housing options in multiple locations in the country, and our exclusive downpayment deals, buying a home is now even more achievable for families, OFWs and new investors,” he said.

Home seekers can visit Bria home sites with ready-for-occupancy units, make their choices, move into their new homes and start enjoying life in safe and secure gated communities with complete recreational amenities.

For selected properties, rowhouse units

(Elena and Elyana rowhouse) are available for purchase at 5-percent downpayment payable in six months. Meanwhile, townhouse and single attached units (Bettina, Alecza and Thalia house-and-lot units) are available for purchase at 5-percent down payment payable in eight months with a 5-percent discount on total contract price upon loan release.

The exclusive downpayment deal makes it light and easy for interested property buyers to own a home for as low as P4,167 a month.

Bungalow style Thalia (45 square meters in floor area and 81 sq. m. in lot area) has a single firewall, dining and living areas, lanai, three bedrooms and a service area.

Alecza (36 sq. m. in floor area and 81 sq. m. in lot area) is another single firewall home, with dining and living areas, two bedrooms and a service area.

Real estate developer Bria Homes introduces exclusive downpayment deals in selected ready-for-occupancy units.

The two-story townhouse Bettina (44 sq. m. in floor area and 36 sq. m. in lot area) has two bedrooms, dining and living areas, service area and a carport.

Balut vendor rises to become cold chain expert SUCCESSFUL companies know that people are their most important asset. People can make a difference in how a company serves its clients and achieves its business goals.

This is the reason why North Star Meat Merchants managed to transform itself from a struggling small enterprise to become the cold chain backbone of the Philippines.

An Iloilo meat shop that started over two decades ago as a thesis project of business school student Anthony Mark Ng, North Star is now the major supplier of fresh meat products to the largest retailers in the country including the SM Group.

Its growth was driven not just by its ability to bring fresh, high-quality meat to a fast-growing market, but also the hard work of its people—many Renato Gomeri

of whom started out as butchers and rose through the ranks within the company.

Thanks to North Star’s commitment to its people’s professional growth, the company now has a cadre of highly-motivated and committed managers working together to achieve business goals. It has three cold chains serving over 1,250 stores nationwide, with operations supported by 2,200 butchers.

Butchers have played an important role in the success of North Star as their on-ground perspective gives them a deeper level of familiarity with the company’s overall operations. North Star recognizes the essence of butchers especially when it comes to making decisions such that the management continues to create a working environment that will enable each of them to grow. Key managers who started as butchers shared how their personal journey within North Star proved to be life-changing.

One of the most inspiring journeys is that of Renato Gomeri, head of cold chain operations, who started out as a balut vendor, then worked as a dishwasher, waiter and merchandiser. North Star has always invested in the training of its people and encourages them to learn—regardless of what their beginnings are. Renato first heard about the company from his brother-in-law, who worked as a security guard at the school that Anthony attended.

“When I saw the company start, I saw its potential as a pioneer in the agribusiness industry. With a great amount of hard work, this company could grow,” he thought to himself while working at the company’s Banawe office.

C

n By RANDY CALUAG

REDIT goes to the man, or a woman, who had to endure all the pain, who erred, who took the fall in defeat, or who raised his/her fist in victory in the arena.

The relative success of Team Philippines in the recent 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, though, was not just a full display of the Filipino athletes’ skills and fighting spirit, but it was also brought about by collaborative efforts by a whole team composed of coaches, officials, and the “support” groups.

The support team, men and women of the Philippine Sports Commission’s MSAS and massage units, also deserves a pat on the back, if not a full accolade, for a job well done.

They were the special kind, part of a motley crew that maintained sanity in the physical conditions of the more than 600 Filipino athletes in the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games, making sure that the athletes’ bodies are well prepared for even the toughest competitions on the field.

The medical team members, who rotate attendance in competitions, have it all—from simple non-drowsy tablets against cold to hydration salt or mentholated oil.

One of those who benefitted from their services was kickboxing gold medalist Jean Claude Saclag, who was spent and dehydrated after his final match. He felt like vomiting, so weak and sleepy.

It turned out he needed oral dehydration salt that the medical crew handed to him. Presto, was back to his senses to celebrate his gold medal win.

“Malaki pong tulong talaga sila sa medical tsaka sa massage. Prior to the competitions din po, may injuries ako, na treat din po ako sa Baguio and before sa laban sa Vietnam, na-massage din ako. Sobrang thankful po talaga ako sa kanila,” said Saclag, who successful defended the men’s 63.5 lowkick title he also won in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila.

A medic team member, sometimes have to hop from one sport to another, at times, with a distance of 100 kilometers from each other.

The massage therapy team members are spread out to different billeting areas of Filipino athletes who were treated during their rest days in between competition dates.

Some had only five hours of sleep.

They literally had their hands full with more than 600 Filipino athletes that competed in the biennial meet.

AMAZING TOUCH Some sports associations, the Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Federation in particular, also brought their own specialists, to make sure the

MAY 29, 2022

Gold medalists Philip Delarmino (muaythai) and Gina Iniong Araos (kickboxing) are treated with sports message therapy by the PSC Medical Team.

Team PH’s unsung heroes in Vietnam The Philippine Medical Team in the recent 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. athletes are in tip-top shape to unleash their best performance.

To complement the PSC’s medical and massage units, the PATAFA brought along Drolly Carvajal, a pioneer in “blading therapy” in the Philippines to help in the pain management of the athletics team.

Not so much was expected from the 33-year-old Fil-American Eric Cray before he plowed in the men’s 400m hurdles. Hampered by injuries the past

Athletics gold medalist Eric Cray with Drolly Claravall.

two years and bothered by tightness in his hamstring, it could be said that he was not in his peak form.

Cray ignored it all and took the gold, extending his reign and winning his seventh SEA Games gold.

“I had a slight injury, my hamstring in my sciatic nerve. It flared up,” said Cray, who credited his handlers in managing the pain. “Our trainers, with amazing hands, worked on me, got me loose again, and I was able to push a little bit.”

South Korea’s Elyon now open for Pinoy gamers Elyon is developed by Bluehole INC of South Korea, ELYON from PlayPark gives players a worldknown for their games like PUBG and TERA. class PC MMORPG experience with its vast From the initial South Korean launch, Elyon has garopen world which is powered by immersive 3D nered great acclaim and feedback from players, allowing graphics. the game to open Japanese and Global servers.

Travel through the world and experience Now, PlayPark will publish ELYON in Southeast powerful classes with unlimited skill combinations, aggressive gameplay, and skill-sharpening Asia, specifically in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, combat mechanics and Vietnam. The game that push the supports two languages: envelope of what English and Thai. an MMORPG Elyon allows players to should be. explore the beautiful but Gamers have dangerous land of Harth a chance to win via land and air. an Asus ROG Discover the power beStrix G15 gaming hind dimension portals laptop, a Razer and prove your strength Black Widow V3 in special dungeons that gaming keyboard, are ready for you and a Razer Kraken V3 your friends to challenge. gaming headset, The skill system or a Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse Set in the land of Harth, Elyon is about the Vulpin and allows you to create your own style of fight, and by pre-registering. Ontari, two dominating factions fighting for control customize your skills In-game item over the territories. and combat strategies rewards will also be according to your eneunlocked via milemy’s situation and attack patterns. Unlock the way and stone achievements depending on the number of cross through the portal to the Heaven Realm filled with pre-registrants. All unlocked milestone rewards precious resources that are yours for the taking. will be sent to players during the official launch of To get the latest news and updates for Elyon, check Elyon.

Elyon Pre-Registration Click > https://elyon. out the official website and join the official Facebook and Discord communities. playpark.com/pre-register/en-sea/

That was Drolly Claravall he was pertaining to.

In a social media post translated into Filipino, he thanked her for the wonderful treatment done before his competition.

“Maraming salamat po, kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi ako 100 percent focus sa laro dahil sa mga sakit na mga iniinda ko. Napaka lakign tulong po ng treatment nio sa akin sa outcome ng laro ko,” Cray said.

Young player to build dream house from ML earnings

Shot put gold medalist William Morrison also credited Claravall for his winning performance. “Thank you, without you, I would not have been in pain and not able to throw far. You seriously helped me out,” said Morrison in a caption along with a picture of him holding his gold medal.

Claravall uses a special form of treatment called blading system which is a form of therapy that uses the “HandHeld Massage Tool.”

She has her own rehabilitation clinic based in Ilagan, Isabela called Amazing Touch, which caters to athletes and those who have chronic pain problems, and designed her own utility tool.

The utility tool is used to facilitate the treatment of acute and chronic body pains of athletes, fitness and sports enthusiasts, and even individuals with body pain and mobility issues, and dysfunctions in muscles in the quickest possible time without electricity or battery assistance.

It has an ergonomic shape that purposely imitates the hands, thumbs, and fingers of the massage therapist to provide an accurate massage technique to their client.

“They (athletes) have a lot of body pains issues, and when the blade glides in the specific area of the body it eases and relieves the pains. The blade has the capacity to detect muscle adhesions that causes body pains due to over workout or repetitive wrong movement,’ said Claravall, who also happens to be the regional director of the Philippine Athletics Federation (PATAFA).

She is also a member of the National Masters Athletics of the Philippines (NMSAP) since 2016 and participated in National and several international invitational competitions in Singapore, Sabah Malaysia, and China.

“I am very honored to be part of the success of the Philippine athletics team. I will always be available and my services para atletang Pilipino, “she continued.

Claravall provided his amazing treatment to everyone in the athletics team that made a medal haul of 5 golds, 7 silver and 14 bronzes.

The athletics team’s performance contributed heavily to the Team Philippines’ fourth place overall finish behind frontrunner Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, with a medal haul of 52 golds, 70 silvers, and 104 bronzes.

It was the best finish by the Philippines, outside its turf, in 27 years. That excludes, of course, the 2005 and 2019 editions where it won overall championships.

Of the 37 of 40 sports it took part in, the Philippines won in 22 sports, mostly in gymnastics and athletics and combat sports of kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, judo, Muaythai, taekwondo, and wushu.

Lady cue artist Rubilen Amit, who won two of billiards’ four gold medals, likewise expressed her appreciation to the PSC’s MSAS and massage teams.

These what we call “support” groups will always be an important ingredient in the success stories of the Filipino athletes, today and in the years to come.

BUYING a home is a dream goal for most millennials, but to afford to purchase one is another story.

Seventeen-year-old player, Edward “Edward” Jay Dapadap from Blacklist International, has just achieved the impossible at a young age.

With his winnings from MPL Philippines and the M3 World Championship, the player is building his own home in Bataan.

His soon-to-rise house will have two floors.

According to Edward, “Nothing beats the happiness of seeing your dreams slowly coming true through your hard work. This is the fruit of playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at the age of 17.”

Edward is one of the youngest MPL-Philippines players from Blacklist International, an esports organization that was the first back-to-back MPL PH league champions, and the M3 World Championship title.

MPL-Philippines is a franchise league that provides teams, players, and talents greater financial stability through its revenue-sharing model that provides a minimum salary and weekly subsidiaries.

Cebu, Manila absorb losses in Chooks FIBA 3x3 UST deals Ateneo first setback

THE Philippines' top two 3x3 teams were not able to bag victories to open the 2022 Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters on Saturday at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Paranaque City.

Cebu Chooks' valiant fight fell short against Ub, 17-21 (8:53), while Ulaanbaatar dealt Manila Chooks a 22-11 rout to open their respective pools.

Mac Tallo strapped Cebu on his back with 11 points in a dazzling showing that wowed the crowd, including one that saw him send the defense on the floor following a dribbling showcase that ultimately gave them an early lead.

The Philippines' top-ranked 3x3 player went on to lift his side to a 14-12 advantage following a deuce from the right wing with 3:59 remaining.

Unfortunately, Tallo and Co. couldn't sustain the momentum.

The world's no. 1 team went on to flex its experience, with Dejan Majstorovic leading the way.

The bemedaled halfcourt veteran responded with a two-pointer of his own, then scored a bucket inside to give Ub the 15-14 edge, 3:20 to play.

Marko Brankovic stretched their lead to three as he calmly sank two free throws, making Cebu pay for garnering its seventh foul.

Tallo and Mike Harry Nzeusseu still tried to put up a fight, but there was no stopping Ub anymore. Majstorovic put his crew on the hill with a two-pointer before delivering the final blow through a lay-up with 1:08 left.

A member of the disbanded Novi Sad crew, Majstorovic powered Ub with 12 points in the win that gave them the early lead in Pool A (1-0).

Meanwhile, Manila simply could not get going right from the start, and things turned from bad to worse as the club from Mongolia zoomed ahead with Steve Sir on the steering wheel en route to gaining early leadership of Pool B (1-0).

Highly touted as the best shooter in all of FIBA 3x3, the Canadian marksman led his new team with 11 points as he went 5-of-8 beyond the arc.

Mac Tallo(right) shows flashes of brilliance but not enough to topple the world’s no. 1 squad

in UAAP beach volley

TITLEHOLDERS University of Santo Tomas dealt Ateneo its first loss in the UAAP Season 84 men’s beach volleyball tournament as Efraem Dimaculangan and Rancel Varga downed Abai Llenos and Amil Pacinio, 21-14, 21-19, on Saturday at the Sands SM By The Bay. Trailing 13-17, the Blue Eagles were able.to move to within 16-17 and 19-20 before Dimaculangan hammered the match-clinching kill for the Tiger Spikers: UST, which also carved out a 21-19, 21-16 victory over University of the Philippines’ Daniel Nicolas and Louis Gamban in the morning session, moved up to 2-1 alongside National University in third place.

NU posted its second straight win after a shock season-opening defeat to De La Salle as James Buytago and

Pol Salvador overcame University of the Philippines’ Daniel Nicolas and Louis Gamban, 19-21, 21-19, 15-9.

The Blue Eagles failed to follow up their 21-16, 21-18 win over the Green Spikers in the morning session to drop to 3-1.

De La Salle was able to redeem from its loss to Ateneo after Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao outlasted Far Eastern University’s Jelord Talisayan and Vincent Nadera, 25-23, 19-21, 15-11, in a thrilling one-hour, three-minute contest to gain a piece of the lead at 3-1.

Talisayan and Nadera earlier entered the win column following a 21-10, 21-19 romp of Adamson University’s Ned Pacquing and Francis Casas.

The Tamaraws and the Fighting Maroons sport 1-2 and 1-3 records, respectively, while the Falcons remained winless in three matches.

Life Editor: Nickie Wang

MAY 29, 2022

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Sansó’s surrealist fabric designs transform into fashionable ensembles

T

HE artistic legacy of Juvenal Sansó as an esteemed fabric designer is currently being exhibited at the FDM X SANSÓ show at the Fundacion Sansó in their San Juan City Gallery, which collaborated with the educators, industry experts, and students of the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Though globally revered as a renowned painter, the artist was also a fabric designer, whose prints have donned the contemporary couture pieces of fashion giants including House of Balenciaga and Elsa Schiaparelli.

As a result, fashion students have transformed the signature surrealist artworks into eye-catching pieces of wearable art.

Among the standout students were Karl Lanz Andrei Valera, Christian Aaron De Chavez, and Joshua Mario Daryll Chiong, with their stunning designs.

Valera immortalized the abstract art experimentations in the silhouettes of a satin mermaid gown and a vibrant hat.

Meanwhile, De Chavez embodied the femininity and power that radiate in Sansó’s paintings in a classic LBD and high-neck top combo with intricate beading and pleating.

Chiong, on the other hand, married the sophis-

‘Ardente’ by Christian Aaron de Chavez

‘Full Spectrum’ by Karl Lanz Andrei Valera

‘Sanso - A Dream’ by Joshua Mario Daryll Chiong. Photo Credit to Fundacion Sanso

tication of the 1950s Balenciaga and the Filipiniana terno in a green duchess dress complete with a fascinator, ostrich feather plumages, crystals, and rhinestones.

Fundacion Sansó is a non-profit organization estab-

lished to preserve and promote the lauded artist.

FDM X SANSÓ is on view from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until Saturday, June 18 at the Fundacion Sansó 32 V. Cruz St., Brgy.

Sta. Lucia, San Juan City.

Discover more about the collaboration through Fundacion Sansó’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. For more information about Benilde FDM, check their Facebook page or visit www.benilde.edu.ph.

Ateneo Press’ new titles on Philippine heritage

Travel the world through coffee NO SHELF CONTROL

BY JENNY ORTUOSTE

FOR students of history and cultural heritage, the Ateneo de Manila University Press, run by its director Maria Karina Bolasco, is a treasure trove of worthy works on subjects that span the gamut of Philippine studies.

A couple of their latest offerings provide

valuable and thought-provoking information and discussion on two interesting topics: Christianity, particularly Catholicism, in the Philippines, and Manila’s architectural heritage from the beginning of Spanish colonial times until 1960.

* * *

Travel the world with the right cup of coffee from Nespresso World Explorations WHENEVER you visit a new country, one of the things to always try is their local coffee. Coffee can define one’s cultural identity as each country has a unique way of producing, processing, and serving coffee. Fortunately for us, we no longer have to travel far to try out various coffee cultures as Nespresso’s World Explorations is bringing it straight to our homes.

Following the warm welcome towards the limited-edition Miami Espresso blend earlier this year, Nespresso continues to further its World Explorations range by adding three new permanent espresso variants that would help expand our horizon in traveling through coffee.

Paris Espresso

When you hear the word Paris, one of the first things that come to mind is their cafés. The city of lights prides itself on its rich café culture, with locals regularly philosophizing over a cup of coffee. This blend will surely transport you to the Parisian café terrace with its lightly roasted Arabica with a touch of high-quality darkroasted Robusta, delivering a balanced coffee with light bitterness, cereal biscuity notes, pleasant acidity, and a hint of citrus.

Enjoy it like a local by having it in black or as a café au lait with a French pastry.

Between Celebration and Critique: Snapshots from 500 Years of Philippine Christianity by José Mario C. Francisco, SJ, is a collection of essays written over the past 30 years on diverse topics organized into three sections that address the nature of religion in the Philippine context, the role of Catholicism in society, and the place of Catholic Philippines in global Christianity.

The collection was put together in time for the celebration last year of 500 years of Christianity in the country, part of the larger 2021 Quincentennial Commemoration by the Philippine government of the Victory at Mactan and the Philippine leg of the first circumnavigation of the globe, among other related events.

The Philippines is the third largest Catholic country in the world after Brazil and Mexico, and Francisco helps us understand how this came about.

In his essays, he shows, with honesty, how the past shapes the present, for instance in the way the rise of the religion in this country is tied to Spanish

colonization.

In his preface, Francisco says he intends this book to be a “sourcebook of snapshots from Philippine Christianity” that “add nuance and textures” to the text and themes discussed, and provide a “picture of Philippine Christianity that emerges through a multidirectional and multifaceted encounter between Spanish Catholic practice and local ways on life, mainly mediated through language.”

His epilogue is an analysis and criticism of Dutertismo and Rodrigo Duterte’s attacks on “Catholic belief and leadership while cultivating support from other Christian groups.” In order to face the challenge and renew “Christianity’s evangelizing mission,” he suggests a return to the Christ story to engage those at the margins.

This collection is a significant contribution to Asian and global theology and cultural studies, written in an engaging yet erudite voice that also bares a heart that beats with a profound love for Christ and countrymen.

Endangered Splendor, by Fernando N. Zialcita and Erik Akpedonu with Victor S. Venida, provides a wealth of information about Manila’s architectural heritage from 1571 to 1960.

The book, a magnificent hardbound

tome lavishly filled with photographs and illustrations, is Volume One of three, the others focusing on locations in the south and north of Manila. This one focuses on the center, specifically the areas of Intramuros, Binondo, San Nicolas, and Tondo.

It is a collection of essays based on extensive fieldwork and archival research by the authors and a team of young researchers from many different Philippine universities and coming from a wide variety of disciplines. The result of their effort is a meticulous, highly detailed mapping of architecturally and culturally significant buildings in Manila that show the evolution of architectural styles, from Spanish colonial to Art Deco to Bauhaus.

Even non-architects will gain much enjoyment from this book, as the essays are written with consideration for a layman’s understanding, and any reader will learn a lot from this book. Not only do the authors identify buildings of note, they also contextualize the infrastructure with extensive historical background and narrative. They also provide information on issues challenging cultural heritage conservation in the country.

Among the threats contributing to Manila’s disappearing heritage, writes Akpedonu, are threats of “total loss by demolition (for diverse motives) and through fires (usually followed by redevelopment of the site),” partial loss, translocation, dilapida-

‘Between Celebration and Critique: Snapshots from 500 Years of Philippine Christianity’ contains a collection of essays written over the past 30 years

* * * The Rio De Janeiro Espresso is deeply rooted in the city’s heritage of growing and drinking coffee

Rio De Janeiro Espresso

Reflecting the city’s deeply rooted heritage of growing and drinking coffee, Nespresso’s coffee experts give their creative spin on the Brazilian cafezinho. As the world’s largest coffee producer, you can expect that the lively and colorful city has a wide variety of coffee tastes, which the blend’s complexity perfectly reflects. Herbal, spicy, pleasantly bitter, and velvety with a hint of walnut and sandalwood, this blend will surely give you a glimpse into the Brazilian way of life. Drink it like a local by doubling Rio De Janeiro Espresso with hot water to taste the typical smooth Carioca coffee.

The Paris Espresso blend gives coffee lovers a taste of the Parisian life

The Istanbul Espresso is full of wild aromatics and a balance of bitter roasted and fruity note

Istanbul Espresso

The eclectic and harmonious hustle and bustle in the world’s earliest coffeehouses found in this cosmopolitan city of the bygone Ottoman Empire inspired Nespresso coffee experts to create this blend.

The thick and velvety espresso that is full of wild aromatics and a balance of bitter roasted and fruity notes, with a touch of acidity and almond finish, will take you back in time to the original coffeehouses.

Savor it like a local by pairing it with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish Delight.

Travel the world through Nespresso World Explorations and discover the unique and typical coffee consumption at the touch of a button. Paris and Rio de Janeiro Espressos are available in local boutiques, pop-up stores, and online at www. nespresso.ph, while the Istanbul Espresso will be available by the end of May 2022.

In the Philippines, Nespresso boutiques are located in Power Plant Mall, The Podium Mall, and Robinsons Magnolia, while pop-up stores are located in Greenbelt 5, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, Shangri-La Mall, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Aura. Order online at www.nespresso.ph.

‘Endangered Splendor’ revolves around Manila’s architectural heritage from 1571 to 1960

tion, and invisibility (when structures are concealed behind “high walls and sealed fences,” as in the case of fine mansions.

“In whatever manner it comes,” he adds, “Manila seems destined to continue losing its heritage. Without authentic, tangible, and intangible witnesses to its history and past artistic and cultural achievements, the city will continue to lose its identity, its unique character, its ‘sense of place.’”

This book is a wake-up call for society to take better care of its architectural heritage, or lose it entirely. It is a must-have for art lovers, history buffs, and culture mavens, as well as anyone interested in Philippine studies.

Both books are published by Ateneo de Manila University Press (unipress.ateneo.edu).

Between Celebration and Critique: Snapshots from 500 Years of Philippine Christianity

by José Mario C. Francisco, SJ 2021 / 494 pages, pb / P575.00 Endangered Splendor: Manila’s Architectural Heritage 1571-1960 (Volume 1: The Center)

By Fernando Zialcita and Erik Akpendonu with Victor S. Venida 2021 / 401 pages, hb / P1,800.00 For comments and feedback, you may reach the author on Facebook and Twitter: @DrJennyO

MAY 29, 2022

I

N CELEBRATION of Star Magic’s 30th anniversary, some of our favorite Star Magic artists join forces to bring the heat in the new travel reality show Hot Summer In Baler, which is part of ABS-CBN’s Made For YouTube shows.

Comprising the Hot Summer In Baler crew are some of the hottest beauties and hunks Heaven Peralejo, Maureen Wroblewitz, Zach Guerrero, Michelle Vito, Eian Rances, Elmo Magalona, Kira Balinger, Brent Manalo, Esnyrr Ranollo, Zach Guerrero, Jane Oineza, Vivoree Esclito, Alora Sasam, Pepe Herrera, Karina Bautista, Maris Racal, and Andrea Brillantes. To know more about this show, we’ve rounded up the reasons why viewers should watch it.

1. Star Magic special showcases the beauty of Baler Go on a free virtual tour and explore the stunning places you should visit in the province. In this show, artists have visited iconic tourist spots in Baler like the Dicasalarin Cove, Caunayan Falls, and a whole lot more.

Aside from featuring the different delicacies and mouth-watering food that viewers should indulge in, the show also gives all the details you need to know before visiting the said tourist spots.

2. The show promotes body positivity Like a lot of people, these Star Magic artists also had difficulties in loving their bodies. But through the show and the shoot that happened in Baler, they openly talked about their own insecurities and gained the confidence to flaunt and be proud of their bodies.

Four reasons why ‘HOT SUMMER IN BALER’ is this season’s must-watch Matt Lozano sings through a broken heart in latest single ‘Kwarto’ SINGER Matt Lozano showcases his rich vocals via his brand-new self-penned single under GMA Music, “Kwarto,” a song that conveys the story of a person left by someone they truly loved.

Written in 2020 while alone in his room, Matt hopes that fans and listeners could relate to the song.

“Nilagay ko ang sarili kong paa sa sapatos ng iba at nagsulat ako ng kanta tungkol sa taong iniwan. My fans and other listeners will be able to connect with this kasi halos karamihan naman ng mga tao ay dumadaan sa pagsubok pagdating sa relasyon and makaka-relate sila dito para bumangon muli sa darkness na kanilang nararanasan.”

Matt also shared that he wrote this song while battling COVID-19 in 2020.

He also confessed that he was having depression at the time he tried to put his thoughts into words.

“Kwarto” is arranged by Zac Yokingco, and produced by Paulo Agudelo under GMA Music.

Listen to Matt Lozano’s latest single “Kwarto,” now available on digital streaming platforms worldwide. Catch him soon as Big Bert on the much-awaited live-action adaptation of the hit Japanese anime series Voltes V: Legacy.

The cast of ‘Hot Summer in Baler’

Get to know the new stars of Star Magic

Star Magic special showcases the beauty of Baler

3. Get to know the new stars of Star Magic As the ABS-CBN talent agency celebrates its 30th anniversary, its family also grows bigger. Learn more about former PBB Kumunity housemates Zach and Eian, The

The show promotes body positivity

See the Star Magic artists bond and enjoy

Broken Marriage star Brent, and TikTok star Esnyrr.

4. See the Star Magic artists bond and enjoy It is not every day that we get to see the Star Magic artists bond since we usually see them portraying characters

or performing in shows or movies. In this reality show, we get to see the old and new Star Magic stars get acquainted with each other through different fun activities and games.

Currently, viewers can already access its four episodes on ABS-

Arthur Miguel shares post-breakup remedy ‘Kupido’ PROMISING artist Arthur Miguel shares his thoughts on personal relationships in his latest single “Kupido,” which brings together his pop sensibilities and his newly-found talent for songwriting that is as honest as it is relatable to his listeners.

“Kupido” integrates Arthur Miguel’s pop perspective and goes about the genre through fresh lenses. From previous hits like “Tadhana,” “Dito, Sa Ilalim Ng Buwan,”

Arthur Miguel’s new single ‘Kupido’ talks about a failed relationship because one side chose to give up

and the heavily played hit “Crazier,” “Kupido” is a snapshot of his potential as a new songwriter. “’Kupido’ is a song about moving on,” explains Arthur Miguel. “It talks about a relationship that failed because one side chose to give up. The song speaks up to the challenges, the pain, the sadness, and the hope of a broken person.”

On the inspiration behind “Kupido,” Arthur Miguel says, “Last month, I started reading poetry books, and most of those books are about moving on and healing from breakups. That’s how I came up with “Kupido”. The story behind the song is actually a person who’s in the process of moving on. So, sa song kinukwento niya yung challenges, yung pain, and confusions na nararamdaman niya. And this person, ginagamit niya si Kupido as hope na baka kung pwede panain ulit sila nito para maibalik yung dating sila at yung pagibig na nawala.” But Arthur shares that before he signed with Warner Music Philippines, the song was not yet finished.

“This song was made accidentally,” he also reveals. “I’m on vacation in Baguio when Sir Kelley introduced me to Kuya Shad (the producer). So, we talked about him and sabi ni Sir Kelley I should visit Kuya Shad’s studio since nasa Baguio naman ako. I visited Kuya Shad and we talked about music hanggang sa napunta sa original songs. Sabi ko kay Kuya Shad na I have a song kaso hindi siya tapos; it’s for Valentine’s Day sana like its verse up to chorus lang. Then sabi niya buuin daw namin. I said yes and I think natapos namin yung song in just 2 days. I improvised it because

the goal of the song is really for Feb. 14.”

Arthur Miguel’s new song is an exciting offering from someone who just started finding his feet in the industry. The track continues the young artist’s confessional songwriting, pairing his vocals with a feel-good beat even with its heartbreaking lyrics. It’s his own take on the familiar pop sound that attracts audiences from varying age groups.

Talking about how he started in music, he shares, “Music is really my thing ever since pa talaga and then one time, nag-try ako mag-cover ng songs and I enjoyed it. And then kinontinue ko lang siya hanggang sa nag-boom nung pandemic. After nyan naisip ko naman mag-try mag-songwriting.

Na-inspire ako sa mga songs na napapakinggan ko and sa stories na gustong ipakita ng artist. I started to observe and learn from other artists in terms of songwriting.

Luckily na-adopt ko siya and I tried to share my own songs to the public and sobrang tuwa ko na tinangkilik pa din ng mga listeners ko even if it’s not a trendy song pa non.”

Establishing his pleasant and engaging style, Bulacan-based Arthur Miguel was originally known as a cover artist. He uploaded his cover videos on YouTube and instantly achieved success during the pandemic. He eventually got inspired to write his own music, and has then found his own pop identity that’s taking from his increasing knowledge and strength as evidenced in his self-written tracks.

“Kupido” is out now on various digital music platforms.

CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel worldwide. Binge-watch this travel reality show and watch out for the fifth, sixth, and seventh episodes on June 2 (Thursday), June 9 (Thursday), and June 16 (Thursday), respectively.

Matt Lozano’s ‘Kwarto’ tells the story of a person left by someone they truly loved

Newest adventure in the WIZARDING WORLD premieres on HBO GO WARNER Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the newest adventure in the Wizarding World created by J.K. Rowling, is set to premiere Wednesday, June 1 first on HBO GO. In addition, the exciting documentary Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History, which sees Stephen Fry exploring the inspirations behind some of the Wizarding World’s magical creatures, will also debut on the same day on HBO GO. In Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches, and one brave

Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers.

The film features an ensemble cast, including Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything), two-time Oscar nominee Jude Law (Cold Mountain, The Talented Mr. Ripley), Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, William Nadylam, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Victoria Yeates, Poppy Corby-Tuech, Fiona Glascott, Katherine Waterston, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Richard Coyle, Oliver Masucci, Valerie Pachner, and Mads Mikkelsen.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore was directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves, based upon a screenplay by Rowling.

A scene from ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’

MAY 29, 2022

All pets go to heaven

By Mariana Burgos

H

AVE you had a pet you loved so much but it died eventually and there is nothing you can do about saving him or her? Then you feel the extreme sadness after that it seems so hard to get over it. Your grief would seem so great that you would think that the only way you would be able to get over it and move on is that you would want to think you will get to see him or her again in the afterlife.

Well, great news! You certainly will see him or her again in the afterlife!

So dry up those tears and just wait patiently for your turn to go. You will see them again someday.

Is this really true, you might ask? It is not just me who is saying this, but there are many who do. And these people who I am referring to are cred-

ible because they all have died before.

They all have set foot in the afterlife for some time, but were all also given the chance to come back to this life again.

They all have had what we call 'neardeath experiences' or NDE for short.

An NDE is an experience of an individual wherein he or she had been declared dead for some time but after a

Photo from clip from the Youtube video of John Davis' NDE testimony.

few minutes or so (sometimes, even after a day!), medical personnel were able to revive him or her. And sometimes, the person revives himself or herself without the aid of anybody.

A person can not be easily declared dead right away, even if his heart had truly stopped beating and the body had completely no pulse. Medical people would have to observe the body for a certain period of time--- at most, 4-5 minutes, and that they were able to exhaust all resuscitation efforts first before they could declare the person really dead. This 4-5 minute guide has something to do with 'the dead donor rule' (When is 'Dead' Really Dead?

What Happens After a Flatline?, Amanda van Beinum and Sonny Dhanani, 29 January 2021). The guidelines recommend a five-minute observation after the heart has stopped because "the longer the blood flow to the organs is restricted, the less likely they are to be

Photo from clip from the Youtube video of John Davis' NDE testimony.

Photo from clip from the Youtube video of John Davis' NDE testimony.

suitable for donation".

There have been a lot of cases of people being dead for more than five (5) minutes. But then, all of a sudden, they came back to life. There have been cases that after a day of being declared dead, the person suddenly woke up in the morgue in a body bag. This phenomenon is what they call the 'Lazarus Phenomenon' (The Lazarus Phenomenon: When the Dead Come Back to Life, Honor Whiteman, 26 May 2017).

Now, almost all of these NDE cases have somewhat similar stories told about what they saw, heard, felt, knew, and sometimes, even smelled and tasted. Many of them had the privilege of meeting and being with their deceased pets from the past. Some say, they could even completely understand their pets at that moment through telepathy. Not like how it was when they were still alive in this life.

And that gave them so much joy to finally be able to understand their pets completely. To many of these NDE cases, this experience of being able to be with their pets who died in the past, gave them such comfort, strength, courage, understanding, and peace in facing death after so.

One famous case of NDE with pet experience is that of John Davis. He was only in his 20s when he had the experience. He had it when he was being operated on for the first time in his life because of a bone fracture he acquired in a bike accident. Not knowing he was allergic to the type of anesthesia they gave him, he went into cardiac arrest once it was administered to him in preparation for his operation. He was out for a full six (6) minutes of his life.

And while he was “dead,” he was hav-

ing the time of his life touring heaven and being able to play with his pets who had died a long time ago in this life. He said that our pets who have died do, indeed, go to heaven and they await our turn to come home too. They also know if they saw you there, if that was just a private visit or a permanent stay already. And, what is more, he said, we get to understand them completely by then through telepathy. How cool is that? (John Davis---A Tour of Heaven, Grief 2 Growth, 2021. Retrieved from John Davis- A Tour of Heaven) I know there are still a lot of skeptics out there who can not take it in for them to believe in the afterlife.

They still doubt that there is a God, and they would prefer to believe they would only go to a state of nothingness once they die. This is such a sad state of mind, if you would ask me.

Believing in God and the afterlife does not mean you are wasting your energy on something that could be nothing after all. Actually, it's the opposite of that view. I believe I am very much loved and that I have somewhere really nice to go to after I die. And what is even better, I believe I would get to be with my loved ones again who had gone before me. They include my pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

I'd rather die with this state of mind than with what non-believers say. How about you?

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

Black cats bring positive energy and good karma, say proud owners

By Desiree Carlos CAT lovers were aghast by a teaser or a preview of a television show wherein characters said in numerous scenes “malas ang pusang itim” (Black cats are bad luck).

Repetition, as we all know, programs a person to think and even believe that what is being said and being heard by him or her is true. This is what we call programming. This is why we are advised by experts to repeat through positive words and actions what we want children to do and be like when they grow up.

Save ALL – Save Animals of Love and Light Inc. wrote a public letter to the tv show and the tv station, and asked that they stop airing the teaser to prevent those who do not like cats or even hate cats from hurting black cats, or even those who are undergoing difficulties in their lives now to suddenly throw away or hurt a black cat in their area to shoo away what they may believe as bad luck. At the very least, we asked that they say outright in the thread starter that this is only superstition or a false belief, instead of waiting to say this at the end of the show when the full episode is aired about four days days later. We had hoped to stop the unconscious programming of the audience to prevent cats, specially black cats, from being harmed.

But the teaser was aired for at least four days, and on Saturday last week, the full episode was aired. It was only at the end that a guest was interviewed who said that the belief that “malas ang mga pusa” is not true. By this time, we do not know if those who saw the teaser/preview also watched the whole episode until the end when the guest said this belief is not true.

Lorna Boñol, in a comment in the Save ALL post stressed that “I don’t think it’s okay that GMA would use these ‘superstitions’ as clickbait since it promotes violence against black cats.”

She posted a photo of her black cat and said: “This was Luke, he was poisoned by one of our neighbors 2 years ago (I still dont know who did it) kasi malas daw ang itim na pusa.”

She posted a photo of her cat Lucky who she found at the side of the street while buying food. She said she heard a cat crying and when she looked around, she saw a kitten who was so afraid and confused.

It took some time before the fearful kitten approached Joanna who had extended her hand to the kitten. Joanna looked around to see if she had siblings but there were no other kittens around.

“Baka siya lang tinapon kasi color black siya dahil marami na ako nalalaman na tinatapon yung mga black cats. Lucky was very sweet pinainom ko siya and super dami niya ininom na tubig. Please, let us stop thinking na malas sila,” Joanna said.

“i have mine too! ‍⬛ criss is the name superr kulit! pag bad mood ako dama nya lalapitan nya ako at iuuntog ulo nya sa katawan ko its like saying hey! ok lng un! sobrang cutee i love her soo much! ”

Pearl-Lira G. Sillacay

Cat owners and their black cats

From the following posts https://www. facebook.com/saveanimalsofloveandlightPH/posts/3275673042708712, https://www. facebook.com/saveanimalsofloveandlightPH/posts/3278005185808831, https://www. facebook.com/saveanimalsofloveandlightPH/posts/3277233009219382, cat owners stressed 1. Please refrain from saying black cats are bad luck or “malas” in mass media and social media so as not to influence anyone --- specially unconsciously—against helpless and voiceless beings like cats.

2. Black cats, like other cats of any color, ring healing by making the owners feel good, and making them feel they are not alone.

3. Cats heal. (Editor’s note: Purss of cats heal, studies have shown.)

Cat owners, in the same threads, posted photos of their black cats and showed how proud they are of their four-legged babies and companions.

Here are the beautiful BLACK cats that brought and bring wonderful energy, amazing experiences and positive vibrations into the homes and even businesses of cat lovers as posted in the Save ALL community page. The owners are quoted verbatim below.

“I have a black cat named Denise and whenever I'm about to venture into the ‘battlefield’ I always hug her and gives her kisses and when it's time for me to give my ‘performance’ I always do well because I believe that my cute adorable grumpy black cat is my lucky charm. She's my lucky paniki.”

“Idk why bad luck when sila pa nga nakakapag bigay ng good luck In my experience, good things happen everytime na hinahug ko yung adopted black cat ko.

Everytime na we don't feel so well or may problems sila lagi yung nagpapagaan sa loob beside us and next thing we know good news yung dumadating (ex. nung may bagyo halos walang nangyari samin and parents, nung walang pera for rent/ kuryente kusa may nagbigay the next day and naka discount pa) Those were just the examples na luck/ blessings ever since na adopt ko sya and the rest of his siblings so pls... Cats give good karma no matter what if you take care of them well ”

Justine James

“This is Toby, my first cat and he's the reason why I am happy rn. Stop this nonsense and spread love regardless of the color your pet has.”

Kiara Dagatan

“Hindi malas ang black Cats very swerte sila.

And this one saved my life.

They deserve to be loved and they can love their humans so much back as well as other cat/pets. I love my black Cat ‍⬛”

Lyka Relloso

“Actually po swerte po si samsam para sa amin dahil isa siya sa dahilan kung bakit kami masaya napaka sweet po kasi gusto niya may kasama siya palagi.”

This is my Cola. Umiiyak sa gitna ng kalsada walang pumapansin.

Nagbibigay ng saya at swerte sa buhay ko kasama ng iba ko pang adopted cats.

Gee Jumamil

Akemi Mikaido Kujo

Shanice Del Rosario

Joanna Marie Rilloraza Carig appealed to others to “Please, let us stop thinking malas sila.”

Jha Parale

“we have one, his name’s oreo. an elder relative of ours said that black cats guard your home and they usually stay near your front door. i didn’t believed at first until we owned one. ps: he’s the sweetest!!! ”

Teresita Reyes

“May mga pusang itim po ako .at pag dinadala ko noon sa shop ko malaki benta ko at kapag may sakit ako pag natulog siya sa dibdib ko gumagaling ako at nakakawala ng stress.”

Milky Way Garcia

“Our family believes black cats are magical. We have one PusPin. We named him Pirate kasi bulag isa nyang mata. Katabi pa matulog ng baby ko yan.”

Martha Magdaline Catanes

“i have a black cat named shadow. and he gives us happiness and joy. those who believe in superstitions have no faith in God and dont believe in God. see how sweet and friendly black cats are.”

(More from cat owners and their black cats next week)

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