Manila Standard - 2022 June 12 - Sunday

(Story on A4) PH FILES NEW PROTEST VS. CHINA, THIS TIME OVER MOVES IN AYUNGIN SHOAL CLOSE TIES.

President-elect Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. shares a light moment with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian during the Award for Promoting PhilippinesChina Understanding event.

THE Philippines has filed another diplomatic protest against China— the second this week, over its activities in the West Philippine Sea, this time in the Ayungin Shoal.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Chinese Coast Guard vessels have shadowed Philippine boats on a rotation and re-provision mission.

Among others, the DFA said the Chinese vessels illegally fished in the area and installed buoys and fishnets “that blocked the shoal’s entrance.”

“The 2016 Arbitral Award affirmed that Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. China has no right to fish, monitor, or interfere with [the Philippines’] legitimate activities therein,” read the DFA

report dated June 10.

The department reiterated its calls on Beijing to comply with its obligations under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the arbitral award.

The diplomatic protest came a day after DFA said it lodged a note verbale against the return of 100 Chinese fishing vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef.

With less than three weeks before the Marcos administration assumes office on June 30, its incoming National Security Adviser, Clarita Carlos, said the government will lodge diplomatic protests against China if it sends ships into CONTINUED ON 2A

NCR posts COVID uptick Cases rising in 14 Metro areas, QC under yellow status for surge

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AJORITY of the cities in Metro Manila have posted an uptick in COVID-19 cases, the Department of Health said on Saturday, adding the positive growth may be due to the presence of Omicron subvariants and the waning immunity of the population since many have not yet received their booster shots.

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Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said out of the 16 cities and one municipality in the National Capital Region, “there are 14 with positive growth rate.”

The increase, however, “is not sustained,” she said.

“We are seeing the positivity rate has increased to 1.6%,” she said.

Vergeire said Quezon City, NCR’s largest city, is under yellow status, indicating that there is a possibility of a surge in the next 14 days.

The Health official, however, said the public should not panic as the government is monitoring the situation so that hospitals will not be overwhelmed.

She added the the increase in cases was not significant because admissions in hospitals as well as severe and critical cases are not increasing.

Meanwhile, Vergeire said the DOH has already identified all CONTINUED ON 2A

124th Independence Day: Honoring freedom fighters n By JOEL ZURBANO SIMULTANEOUs flagraising and wreath-laying will be conducted in some

national historical sites as the country marks its 124th Independence Day today, June 12.

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PRACTICE. Staff from the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Saturday try the new 10-feet Philippine Flag that will be used in the simultaneous flag-raising ceremony for the 124th Independence Day today (Sunday) to be led by House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

Danny Pata

Cebu police side with gov, defy DILG on mask issue

THE police leadership in Cebu has taken the side of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and supported her order to ease the outdoor mask rule in the province despite stiff opposition from the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Health.

This resulted in a virtual stalemate between the local government unit and the national government over Garcia’s Executive Order No. 16 that made the use of face masks in outdoor and well-ventilated spaces option.

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Experts: Monkeypox hard to detect US health experts said the cases of monkeypox that are being detected at the moment do not necessarily display the usual symptoms, making the disease more difficult to diagnose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stressed that identifying cases was crucial to curbing

the spread of the disease.

“We have seen presentations of monkeypox that are mild and sometimes only in limited areas of the body, which differs from the classic presentation seen in endemic countries in Western Central Africa,” said

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#PINOYFREEDOM. SM Supermalls across the country celebrate Independence Day in a truly Pinoy way—with sumptuous food, the company of loved ones, and great deals on all things local.

JUNE 12, 2022

Eastern Visayas workers get P50 minimum wage raise n By VITO BARCELO

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INIMUM-wage workers in the Eastern Visayas region will soon receive an increase in their daily pay, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced.

In a statement, the DOLE said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in the Eastern Visayas had issued a wage order approving the P50-raise for minimum wage earners in the region.

The wage hike will be given in two tranches of P25 upon effectivity of the order, and another P25 on January 2, 2023, according to DOLE. After the full implementation of the wage ad-

Incoming DAR chief vows to iron out land reform issues

A GATHERING OF BROTHERS.

Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association chair and House Majority Leader Rep. Martin Romualdez addresses the fraternity’s fellowship and thanksgiving on Friday night at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. Romualdez takes the occasion to congratulate Upsilonians who emerged victorious in the May 9, 2022 elections. Ver Noveno

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ INCOMING Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III on Saturday said he will immediately iron out issues involving the Collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CCLOA) to farmer-beneficiaries of the government’s agrarian reform program.

In a radio interview with party-list Rep. Rowena Niña Taduran, Estrella, himself a nominee of the ABONO party-list group in the House of Representatives, said that the subdivision of lands could be facilitated through the help of local government officials who must mediate among the farmer-beneficiaries.

Estrella noted that although some beneficiaries have received their award certificates, they still could not occupy the land due to some ambiguities in the arrangement.

Estrella said local officials could come in handy to resolve the problems.

He also said some farmer-beneficiaries have failed to pay the amortization for the land awarded to them while the payment schedule usually not updated.

He noted that although the government was subsidizing part of the payment, still some farmers still failed to pay. Worse, they even have mortgaged the property to other persons.

Estrella batted for condonation of the farmer-beneficiaries arrears, the cost of updating the amortization matrix might even be greater that the value of the arrears.

“In that case, let us just issue the titles to the beneficiaries,” he added.

FromtheFRONTPAGE NCR... the close contacts of the Omicron subvariant cases, with all of them asymptomatic even as some are still recovering.

She said the three close contacts of the newly identified BA.5 cases did not have symptoms and tested negative for COVID-19.

The country has a total of 5 subvariant BA.5 cases and 29 locallydetected BA.2.12.1 infections.

On Wednesday, Health Secretary Franciso Duque III said the COVID-19 situation in the country already “seems contained” but it is still “capable of springing surprises.”

“So far, given our measures, our interventions, it seems contained,” Duque said.

However, he said it is still not the time to be complacent.

“We are realistic to accept the fact that this virus is notorious for mutations. It is capable of springing surprises at every turn. And so, we have to be realistic, we have to temper our expectations. What is more important is the realization that the virus is here to stay,” Duque added.

Meanwhile, the OCTA Research group advised the incoming administration to keep its pandemic response centralized, like the current system implemented by the Duterte administration.

“The One Health Command

THE Office of the Ombudsman has suspended the chief of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and four other officials of the agency in connection with a graft case filed by a telecommunications company.

ARTA deputy director general for operations Undersecretary Ernesto Perez takes over as head the agency until June 30.

ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica was slapped a six-month prevention suspension pending completion of the inquiry into the graft

charge lodged against him and four other ARTA officials.

Perez’s appointment as ARTA officer in charge (OIC) was signed

by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on June 10, to ensure the “continuous and effective delivery of public service.”

“My appointment as OIC of ARTA appears to be providential as I was also appointed as OIC when the agency was found. I thank the President and the officials and staff of ARTA for their continued trust and

support,” Perez said.

He added that ARTA would continue its reform to deliver better government services to the public.

“ARTA is undeterred and will continue to perform its functions against bureaucratic red tape. Please be assured that the day-to-day operations of ARTA will continue to run smoothly under my watch and that services will not be hampered as we perform this sacred duty to further improve the efficiency of government services,” Perez said.

system is a good measure to be kept, one where there is a centralized response. Although the pandemic is slowing down, the virus is still there,” OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said.

have the IATF Guidelines approved by the President,” he added.

The PNP is under the administrative control and supervision of the National Police Commission, which is an attached agency of the DILG. Under Garcia’s EO 16, face masks are only required in indoor and airconditioned spaces and for those with symptoms of COVID-19 when leaving the house.

“I am only normalizing what people are doing these days, they are taking off their masks [outside]… Please, let us not bring the [use] of the mask to ridiculous levels,” the governor said.

be mistaken for other diagnoses,” Walensky said.

The United States has now recorded 45 cases, she added, twice as many as last week. No deaths have been reported.

As of June 9, around 1,300 cases had been identified worldwide, she said.

Transmission requires close and prolonged contact between two people.

The United States is counting in particular on the vaccination of contact cases to stem the epidemic.

The country has 100 million doses of the vaccine ACAM2000, but is in the process of getting doses of another more modern vaccine, Jynneos, she said. AFP

CEBU... “The Philippine National Police is mandated to enforce the law.

Hence, Cebu Provincial Police Office will support whatever is legal and supported by existing laws. EO 16 of Cebu signed

by Hon. Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia remains the law as far as Cebu province is concerned and we recognize that unless it is later on invalidated by proper authority,” said Police Col. Engelbert Soriano in a statement posted on the CPPO’s Facebook page.

“In all other situations, a mask is still required. It actually encourages people to wear it in closed and crowded places and when with symptoms. In the latter case, the PNP will come in for appropriate enforcement,” he added.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday said police may arrest individuals in the province who violate health protocols “if necessary.”

“Current [Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases] protocols allow only for specific instances when masks can be taken off, such as when eating or during certain well-ventilated sports and activities.

This Department does not recognize the Executive Order issued by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia because we

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n By MARICEL V. CRUZ ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda has asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to intervene on behalf of complaining service contractor workers in the transport sector.

Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, cited allegations that the service contractors were violating labor laws such as short-changing their workers on wages and benefits, as well as laying them off for speaking out their grievances.

“I have asked Secretary Bello to intervene on behalf of the workers.

It appears quite clear to me that there is ground for investigation for possible labor law violations,” Salceda said.

In a letter to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Salceda stated; “The workers complain that they have not received proper compensation on time, and are not getting proper incentives for their services.”

“They also allege that some of them have been retrenched, possibly in retaliation for complaining,” Salceda also wrote.

Salceda attached to the complaint a manifesto from the workers of ES Consortium and Mega Manila Consortium, stating that they have not been paid for 10 months, and that incentives have not been granted to drivers and conductors. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PH now has 23 ‘night-rated’ airports—CAAP

Perez appointed new ARTA officer-in-charge

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

justments, workers in the non-agriculture sector and in retail and service establishments employing 11 or more workers will receive a daily wage of P375, while their counterparts in the agriculture sector, cottage and handicraft, and retail and service establishments employing 10 workers or less will get a daily wage of P345.

Around 82,712 workers in private establishments and 57,081 domestic workers are expected to bene-

fit from the minimum wage increases. The previous wage orders for workers in private establishments and household helpers took effect on Aug. 18, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020, respectively,” the DOLE said.

Meanwhile, the RTWPB XIII issued a wage order granting P500 and P1000 wage increases bringing the new monthly wage rate for domestic helpers in Caraga to P4,000.

“Around 32,867 domestic helpers in the region are also expected to benefit from the minimum wage increase. The previous wage order for such employees took effect on Oct. 4, 2019,” the DOLE said.

According to the DOLE, the latest wage orders as reviewed and affirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission, would take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the region.” (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Salceda seeks DOLE help for distressed service contract workers

EXPERTS:... Rochelle Walensky, head of the CDC. “This has prompted concern that some cases may go unrecognized or undiagnosed,” she added, urging increased vigilance among members of the medical profession and the public in general.

Current cases do not always present flu-like symptoms, such as fever, body aches and swollen glands that typically precede the appearance of the rash characteristic of the disease.

Additionally, while these rashes typically appear all over the body, many current cases are limited to certain areas.

“It’s important to be aware that monkeypox cases may present similar to some sexually transmitted infections,” such as herpes, “and could

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

PH... Philippine territorial waters.

“We will continue to file diplomatic protests. Never mind that we are filing 10,000 of them because if you don’t, that means we acquiesce to the situation on the ground,” said Carlos.

She said Manila would pursue multilateral and bilateral talks with China and other powers, saying the alternative to talk was “something unacceptable to all of us.”

Beijing, which claims almost all of the South China Sea, rejected the 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that recognized Manila’s claim to its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said there are now 23 “night-rated” commercial airports in the country, compared to only 14 when President Duterte took over six years ago.

The airports with upgraded facilities to accommodate night flights included the Bicol International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport, Zamboanga Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Butuan Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Laguindingan Airport, Tacloban Airport, and General Santos Airport.

Earlier on, domestic flights from Manila were being crammed in the daytime due of the inability of many provincial airports to receive night flights, contributing to the congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport which has only two runways handling both international and domestic flights.

Most provincial airports at the time were also constrained to direct carry out Manila-bound flights during the day.

Meanwhile, the CAAP announced that the Surigao and Siargao airports in Surigao del Norte which were severely battered by typhoons last year, have been rehabilitated ready to resume normal operations.

Last month, President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he would not allow “a single millimeter” of the country’s coastal rights to be trampled upon.

“We have a very important ruling in our favor and we will use it to continue to assert our territorial rights. It is not a claim. It is already our territorial right,” he said.

124TH... National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) senior researcher Francis Kristoffer Pasion said the sites where the flag-raising and wreath-laying will be held include the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan; the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City; and the Mactan Shrine in Cebu.

President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the commemoration of Independence Day at Rizal Park.

In a video message released earlier this week, Duterte said Independence Day is “a testament to how our forefathers fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today.”

Duterte urged Filipinos to "take to heart all the humbling learnings from the past, especially the countless hardships that we had to endure as a people."

"May it inspire us to take after the courage of our heroes as well as encourage us to use our ability, skills and knowledge for the benefit of our community," the outgoing President said.

Rolando G. Estabillo Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

JUNE 12, 2022

MASS TESTING. Health workers walk

holding swab samples taken from people next to the entrance of a residential area under COVID-19 lockdown in the Xuhui district of Shanghai. AFP

US hits China’s ‘destabilizing’ military activity near Taiwan U S Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday blasted China’s “provocative, destabilizing” military activity near Taiwan, as well as Beijing’s growing aggression across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing are soaring over democratic, self-ruled Taiwan, which China views as its territory and has vowed to seize one day, by force if necessary.

Beijing has conducted dozens of

incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone this year, and on Friday, Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned Austin that China was prepared to go to war if the island declares independence.

In an address to the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Austin took aim at Beijing’s “growing coercion” towards Taiwan, a day after holding his first face-to-face talks with Wei. “We’ve witnessed a steady increase in provocative and destabilising military activity near Taiwan,” he told the forum, which is attended by defence ministers from Asia and around the world.

“That includes (Chinese military) aircraft flying near Taiwan in record numbers in recent months, and nearly on a daily basis,” he said.

“We categorically oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side,” he added.

But he also stressed the importance of “fully open lines of communication with China’s defense leaders” in avoiding miscalculations.

“These are deeply, deeply important conversations.”

On Friday, Wei had warned Austin that “if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost,” according to Chinese officials.

He also vowed that Beijing would “smash to smithereens any ‘Taiwan independence’ plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland,” according to the Chinese defense ministry.

The war of words was just the latest between the superpowers.

They have clashed over everything from China’s claims in the disputed South China Sea to trade and human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Tensions over Taiwan have escalated in particular due to increasing Chinese military aircraft incursions into the island’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ).

President Joe Biden, during a visit to Japan last month, appeared to break decades of US policy when, in response to a question, he said Washington would defend Taiwan militarily if it is attacked by China.

The White House has since insisted its policy of “strategic ambiguity” over whether or not it would intervene has not changed. AFP

Australia agrees to payout, ends France submarine spat AUSTRALIA unveiled a substantial compensation deal with French submarine maker Naval Group Saturday, ending a contract dispute that soured relations between Canberra and Paris for almost a year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the French firm had agreed to a “fair and an equitable settlement” of 555 million euros ($584 million) for Australia ending a decade-old multi-billion-dollar submarine contract.

The agreement drew a line under a spat that caused leader-level recriminations and threatened to torpedo talks on an EU-Australia trade agreement.

“It permits us to turn a page in our bilateral relations with Australia and look to the future,” said French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

Albanese said he would travel to France soon to “reset” a relationship beset by “pretty obvious” tensions.

AFP

Nokor appoints veteran diplomat as first female foreign minister NORTH Korea has appointed veteran diplomat Choe Son-hui as its first female foreign minister, state media reported Saturday, as Pyongyang pushes ahead with a blitz of sanctions-busting weapons tests and ignores US calls for talks.

Choe, who formerly served as the North’s vice foreign minister, was tapped to lead the foreign ministry at a ruling party meeting overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, the state media KCNA reported.

She replaces Ri Son Gwon, a hardline former military official who previously led talks with the South. AFP

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BUSINESS

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2022

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YOUNG Filipino serial entrepreneur is exploring the world of NFTs or nonfungible tokens to provide Filipinos with accurate information on the investment potential of cryptocurrency and digital artworks made unique by the blockchain technology.

Miggy Azurin, 29, is a content creator and chief executive of The Mega Maxi—a web3 media company that delivers the latest news and events about cryptocurrencies, NFTs, play-to-earn gaming and Metaverse. The company recently closed an investment that will help fund its mission to bring the next one billion users to web3—the next generation of Internet revolving around the blockchain technology.

“The Mega Maxi is a web3 media company that delivers the latest news and insights about crypto, NFTs and P2E gaming. We aim to provide high-quality content to inspire and educate users. We want to guide them in their journey into the Metaverse. We recently closed an angel investment round that will go straight to funding our mission to bring the next one billion users to Web3,” Azurin says via email interview.

Serial entrepreneur Azurin looks up to his father, Jojy Azurin, who was also very active in the startup scene in Manila.

“I take after him. He gave me the exposure and insights I needed to get started in tech. It’s all I have been immersed in ever since I graduated,” he says.

He jumped into entrepreneurship right after graduating from Ateneo de Manila University with a major in Management and a minor in International Business. He started several startup companies in different industries, but none of them panned out.

“I jumped into entrepreneurship right after graduating from college. I attempted to start several startup companies in different industries, but none of them took off,” he says, Azurin admits he used to be a “serial failure” as it took him six attempts before he finally got entrepreneurship right. He dabbled in tech, food and recruitment before he found his love for marketing, and now, he is involved in many communities in the NFT space.

Young serial entrepreneur guides Filipinos into Metaverse

The Mega Maxi CEO Miggy Azurin He ventured into freelancing as a marketing consultant and offered free services for a month for interested clients to attract clients. He had a great start as a dozen people availed of his services.

“Before I threw in the towel and joined my peers in corporate, I ventured into freelancing and found my love in marketing. I started my career by doing marketing work for free, and then I transitioned into paying clients shortly after,” he says.

In April 2017, he decided to form his own marketing consulting company called Huskee Digital. “I remained relentless and persistent. I used my previous business failures as learning opportunities to guide me in delivering marketing services to my clients,” he says.

In 2021, he joined 4Gives as chief marketing officer. 4Gives is a fintech startup in the ‘buy now, pay later’ space. “We’re launching two products later this year to help both

regular consumers and businesses manage credit better,” he says.

Rise of cryptocurrencies His interest in crypto, web3 and NFTs sparked in early 2021 when he discovered NBA Top Shot—the official NFT project of the National Basketball Players Association.

“I saw the marketing potential of NFTs and how brands can utilize the technology to reach more fans, build engagement and connect with different people on a virtual level,” he says.

“Eventually, I moved into playto-earn games like Axie Infinity. I am also the ambassador for another blockchain mobile RPG called ‘Guild of Guardians’. To date, I am involved in many other smaller communities in the NFT space,” he says.

“In my deep dive into NFTs, I realized that there is so much information needed to digest, and I had a hard time figuring that out on my own. And with the drive to educate

and share all the knowledge and experience I gathered, I feel that I am now well-placed to provide an avenue for people to consume highquality information– and that is through The Mega Maxi,” he says.

Azurin says the last 24 months saw a surge of interest and money flowing into the NFT space, with the two biggest factors being the adaptation of cryptocurrencies in the Philippines and the rise of P2E games like Axie Infinity.

“It has been well-documented how Filipinos actively buy, sell, trade and own cryptocurrencies and NFTs,” he said.

Digital ownership Azurin envisions The Mega Maxi to be the premier hub for the highest quality content for anything and everything about NFTs and P2E games. “I want to empower readers with the information they need to venture into crypto confidently,” he says, Azurin describes web3 as a community and celebrating creatorship.

“If brands would like to make the splash and venture into the space, I think they must first look to developing a solid online community and curating exceptional online experiences for their members,” he says.

“Big tech businesses like Apple, Facebook and Google have defined our experiences for the longest time. We had to play by their rules.

But in web3, I think that most companies building in the Metaverse will be ‘community-first’. The community will have more influence over experiences, and the products brands will be building,” he says.

Azurin looks forward to having more freedom over data and digital assets. He says one of the core tenants of web3 is decentralization, giving organizations less power and allowing users to participate more actively. “The best web3 brands will be ones that give users true ownership over assets—whether that be art, collectibles, gaming items or experiences,” he says.

Web3 expansion “Blockchain technology allows for two things—immutability and transparency. Projects will not be able to drastically change the terms of a smart contract after it

is deployed, thus protecting users from any bad actors. And since the blockchain requires networks of computers to validate transactions, there will always be full transparency with what goes on in every project. This makes it difficult for leaders of projects to hide any sketchy or illegal activities,” he says, Azurin says NFTs in entertainment, sports and music will bring in a new wave of users into the space.

NFTs have allowed new ways to communicate, organize events and socialize with other people. People buy jpegs for the financial rewards that come with speculating assets and the communities these jpegs form, he says.

At the same time, NFTs are a way for people to signal their interests, hobbies and passions. It becomes another form of social currency, thus allowing people to build communities and socialize with one another, he says.

“I believe that most people will own an NFT in some capacity one day. Brands will be looking at the technology to grow their communities, create new online and offline experiences and allow their customers to engage with their brands in a different way,” he says.

Career opportunities He says the Metaverse provides more career opportunities for Filipino youth in web development and community management.

“The art of creating and managing smart contracts will be in demand as more businesses tap the technology. People who are both social media savvy and command a deep knowledge of community building will also see countless opportunities as businesses invest in growing their online communities,” he says.

“For young graduates, I would start by attending the many networking events organized throughout the country. Plenty of passionate and intelligent people work in the tech sector here. There’s so much to learn about the space and it becomes financially and professionally rewarding to follow your curiosity,” he says.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

Metro Pacific CFO recognized as 2022 sustainability leader

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chief finance, risk and sustainability officer June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. chief finance, risk and sustainability officer June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla was recognized as the 2022 Sustainability Leader of Campaign’s Women Leading Change Awards Asia-Pacific.

Named among the outstanding women who lead, inspire and motivate greatness in their respective fields, Cabal-Revilla rose above nominees from Asia-Pacific countries and was heralded as the only winner from the Philippines.

As the first chief sustainability officer of the country’s leading infrastructure investment company, she has transformed the business beyond being purely profitdriven, futureproofing its operations and its advocacies for generations to come.

With her holistic forward-looking perspective and her thriving passion for purpose, she has cemented herself as a catalyst for change towards advancing sustainable development goals and driving strategic growth.

“Sustainability and the passion for inspiring positive change have always been the backbone of the work that we do, allowing us to do good while doing well,” said Cabal-Revilla. “I gratefully

share this recognition with my MPIC Family, the entire MPIC Group and the wider MVP Group. This is a testament that our collective efforts are bearing fruit as we live out our commitment to creating better lives for our countrymen.”

Embracing sustainability Cabal-Revilla wears three vital hats as CFO, CRO and CSO, giving her a distinct advantage of being at the center of all business matters and driving change within the company. She fully integrates finance and sustainability by operationalizing and quantifying impacts that people can understand.

Her view on sustainability as a holistic and end-to-end approach ensured that the business imperatives cover Economic plus Environment, Social and Governance, deeply embedding sustainability in MPIC’s businesses and value creation strategies.

With this reinforced strategy, the company ranked first among multi-sector holdings companies in the Philippines. It was recognized as an “ESG industry top rated” company by Sustainalytics after receiving an ESG risk rating score of 12.8 as of May 2021. This score places MPIC in the “low risk” category of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors.

MPIC also achieved the highest-level A rating in the Global Listed Infrastructure Organization/Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ESG Index for Infrastructure, being one of the 19 out of 160 to accomplish this feat.

In the same month, the company was recognized at the 11th Asian Excellence

Awards. Revilla was named Asia’s Best CFO (Investor Relations), while the company won Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines), Best Environmental Responsibility and Asia’s Best CSR. “Bolstering our sustainability agenda to benefit our people and our planet is instilled in Chaye’s core as a leader, a mother, and a Filipina,” said MPIC chairman, president and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan. “Our group’s sustainability efforts reached the heights they did because of her progressive vision and tireless commitment to making our world a better place.”

Leading the way MPIC’s sustainability playbook serves as the company’s blueprint, with focus areas and pillars mapped to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The group’s sustainability agenda is furthered by the Board Governance and Sustainability Committee as well as the creation of the MPIC Group Sustainability Council, which aims to harmonize and bring together the Group’s sustainability initiatives aimed to create a collective positive impact for all stakeholders.

Early this year, with Cabal-Revilla as the Office of the Chairman’s sustainability lead, the council was expanded to involve the whole MVP Group of Companies. In May 2022, the company also released its board-approved business development and investments policy with investments blacklist and due diligence focus areas. This showcased how MPIC integrates sustainability not just in its operations but also in investments decisions.

Developers to hold national convention BRIA Homes, one of the country’s leading housing developers, is joining the National Real Estate Association’s 26th National Convention—a virtual event organized jointly with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on June 16 and 17, 2022.

NREA secretary-general and overall convention chairperson Ma. Ysolde Flores Prado said the online convention is part of a series of on-ground and online activities that the NREA mapped out for members and other industry stakeholders.

Bearing the theme “Real Estate: Roaring Into 2022 and Beyond”, the convention will hold virtual consultations on real estate concerns and seek solutions to housing issues.

Stakeholders will present forecasts and outlook

on the real estate industry and a proposed roadmap on addressing the housing backlog.

Participants will gain a deeper perspective on the real estate market—how it works, how it affects prices, the demand and supply of residential and commercial developments, the impact of government laws in the real estate industry and a general picture of what the future holds for the national housing industry.

It expects the attendance of a multitude of real estate practitioners who will receive continuing professional development credits that are necessary for the renewal of their licenses or accreditation in the case of brokers, consultants, appraisers and sales persons.

Bria Homes is set to participate in the National Real Estate Association’s 26th National Convention.

‘Better career opportunities’ is the number one reason healthcare workers want to work overseas.

Filipino healthcare workers seek better opportunities abroad

MANY Filipino healthcare workers dream of working abroad, and the main reason they aspire for placement overseas is that they want to enjoy better opportunities offered by employers in other countries.

This is based on a survey conducted by TrueProfile.io—a platform that provides Filipino healthcare professionals around the world with the tools they need to secure a lucrative career abroad. In the survey, 71 percent of Filipino healthcare worker respondents cited “better career opportunities and prospects” as the number one reason they are considering working abroad.

Meanwhile, 50 percent wanted to earn a higher salary; 29 percent were looking for more opportunities for medical specialization; 24 percent were looking for professional development; 20 percent were to support their family in the Philippines; 17 percent wanted to travel and see the world; 15 percent were looking for personal growth; and 11 percent wanted better quality of life.

The results of the survey are not at all surprising. In the United Kingdom, its National Healthcare System, considered one of the best globally, provides excellent professional development and career opportunities.

They work in well-equipped hospitals with modern facilities which expose them to the latest medical equipment and technologies.

Hardworking healthcare workers are assured of promotion in rank, depending on their performance.

This is on top of excellent marketrate salaries, which are well above their expected rate in their home country.

JUNE 12, 2022

5A

Worth the wait for Holtmann as he saves day for PH Azkals Gerrit Holtmann (No. 10) of VFL Bochum in German Bundesliga saves day for Philippine Azkals (Photo from AFC) The Philippines Azkals improve their chances of making it to the AFC tournament proper.

n By PETER ATENCIO

T

HERE is a lot of excitement about Fil-German football star Gerrit Holtmann, who made the decision to join the Philippine Azkals national men’s football team six years ago.

The 27-year-old Holtmann was encouraged by his mother, Rosemarie Barba, and the idea to join the Azkals came when he was about to play in the German professional league Bundesliga, and through the club team, Eintracht Braunschweig.

But that decision to suit up with Azkals was set aside because of his lack of exposure in the Bundesliga and the travel restrictions that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Sunday, Holtmann made sure it was worth the wait as he delivered the winning goal

in his debut with the Azkals.

He struck in the second minute of added time to push the Philippine national men’s football team to a 1-0 triumph over host Mongolia Saturday in the third round of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup qualification in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Holtmann, who has made 29 goals in the six teams and the 174 appearances he had in the Bundesliga, did not disappoint.

The 6’1 winger’s late heroics improved the Azkals’ chances of gaining qualification in the

tournament proper next year.

“I’m extremely honored to play for the Philippines. I made the decision to play six years ago.

The problem is, I was not yet a regular starter in my team in Bundesliga,” said Holtmann in a Zoom huddle with Filipino scribes, and through his agent and interpreter David Webb.

Holtmann arrived late in Ulaanbaatar and was not around when the Azkals played Yemen to a scoreless draw.

He had to get married first and say goodbye to his wife and his mother before he went on to pack up to leave for Mongolia.

Now that he has the experience and Holtmann is now with his sixth ball club, VFL Bochum, he was able to have a long talk with his mom and finally made up his mind to suit up for the Azkals.

Last March, Holtmann went through the process of doing the necessary paper works needed to compete for the Philippines.

And it was finally done after the Bundesliga’s 2021-2022 season finally ended last May. “Now that he is a regular player in the Bundesliga, he had a lot of talk with his mom about playing football with the Philippines.

And his mom is very excited about this,” said Webb.

SAVING THE DAY Against Mongolia, the 27-year-old Bundesliga star found an opening in the 92nd minute and went for it, giving the Philippines the rousing win.

Coach Thomas Dooley’s squad was staring at a huge setback as a loss could quash their hopes of making it to the big show next year.

Holtmann did not disappoint though as he struck in the 90+3 minute to keep the Philippines’ hopes alive of making it to the Asian Cup. The Azkals earlier got their first opportunity to break the deadlock when Patrick Reichect was awarded a penalty kick. But it Mongolian goalkeeper saved the ball to preserve the stalemate.

Then Holtmann pulled through to put the Azkals at the top spot in Group B with 4 points even as Palestine and Yemen were still battling it out as of this writing.

The loss, Mongolia’s second in the qualifying phase, caused the team’s elimination. The Philippines take on Mongolia again on Tuesday before taking on Palestine.

All set for PWCCA election for tops posts on June 19 CCE, CHED unite to promote college esports n By GRAHAM C. LIM

CHED tertiary sports development and management unit project head Ana Dulce Yango and CCE president Stanley Lao vow to promote collegiate esports.

THE collegiate Esports scene just got an extra lift in its noble mission to further promote the sport’s relevance, acceptance, and excellence – socially and academically.

Ahead of its Season 1 opener on June 20, the Collegiate Center for Esports (CCE) recently struck a partnership with the Commission on Higher Education for the first-ever CHED Friendship Games including Esports.

In a time when Esports is slowly gaining ground as an internationally-recognized event, CHED’s decision to finally take a look at the booming discipline is certainly a shot in the arm for CCE as one of the sport’s movers.

“It’s our utmost honor and pleasure to be a partner of CHED in championing the students’ role in our society through the booming Esports discipline this time around,” said CCE commissioner Waiyip Chong.

“We’re hoping for it to be just the beginning of many more partnerships for the benefit of our student-athletes. With CHED, we’ll work hand-in-hand by putting a premium on the advancement of not just Esports but the entire collegiate sports scene,” added CCE president Stanley Lao. CHED, for its part, is relishing the new venture with an established collegiate Esports league like CCE with hopes of maintaining or even strengthening the tie-up in the future.

“After the Friendship Games, I guess the partnership will go on all the way to the National Tertiary Games,” shared CHED sports project head and coach Ana Dulce Yango.

With a theme of “Balik Galaw, Balik Laro, at Palakasan”, CHED Friendship Games opened on Friday

in Marikina City featuring different sports among an array of public and private tertiary schools.

It will serve as a pilot test for the National Tertiary Games that will have 21 sports, a higher education counterpart of the long-time Palarong Pambansa participated by primary and secondary schools all over the country.

Esports, particularly Mobile Legends; Bang Bang, was part of the Friendship Games and hopefully the National Tertiary Games that will serve a step in the right direction for the further promotion and advancement of Esports.

CCE, also led by head organizer Ssein Meneses and project manager Kirs Montales, will oversee the Esports event of the CHED Friendship Games with Galaxy Racer as its official Esports partner.

CHED’s venture into Esports is just the latest development in its meteoric rise after making its debut as an official medal event in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held here in Manila and this year in Hanoi, Vietnam – paving the way for its possible inclusion in the official collegiate sports calendar and pipeline down the road.

Academic-wise, it’s also on the right track with more schools beginning to introduce Esports as an official program led by CCE Varsity Cup champion Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), which ushered in the country’s first Bachelor of Science in Esports degree.

With CCE, and now CHED, on the board, truly the sky’s the only limit for Esports.

The CHED Friendship Games is only the tip of the iceberg for collegiate Esports as CCE, with Galaxy Racer also as its official Esports partner, rolls out its Season 1 on June 20.

THE Philippine Wushu Colleges & Clubs Association will hold its election for the position of Chairperson and President on Sunday, June 19.

This was announced by Chief Executive Officer Abe Lim. The site of the election has yet to be determined.

PWCCA Secretary General Sean Elijah Siy has been tasked to look for the venue of the election process.

Candidates coming from different institutions, such as those schools, clubs, and corporate establishments will be recommended by the PWCCA Executive Committee.

The election process, to be observed by the invited schools and club members and representatives from the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines Board of Trustees and the Philippine Inter-School Sports Association Board of Directors, calls for the selection of a president through a simple majority of the votes.

According to Lim, prominent Filipino-Chinese businessmen and patrons have been invited to witness the election exercises. They include FESSAP President Edwin C. Fabro and FESSAP Board Chairman Alvin Tai Lian.

The position of PWCCA Chairperson will be introduced.

A nomination for the position is up for the challenge.

The PWCCA was established in late 2018 under the auspices of the FESSAP, with Lim as the PWCCA’s first President. Then in 2020, businessman Benson Ong was voted the second president, with his induction being held at the Manila City office, performed by the Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

The current PWCCA Officers is composed of Benson Ong as President, Abe Lim as the Chief Executive Officer, Gladys Carrascoso Sia (Vice President), Sean Elijah Wico Siy (Secretary-General), and Abigail B. Faniega (Treasurer).

PSCCA Member Board Directors are Jomar Balangui, Loren Chloe Balaoing, Czarina Joy C. Hagos, Sherwin John Bromajon, Earl Von Erick G. Pasno, and Edmundo ‘Eddie’ Africa Ang. There is the additional recommendation of new PWCCA Directors to boost the activities and interests of the wushu in participation in the national and international competitions.

FESSAP Board of Trustees has been tasked to do the

election process of the PWCCA. Further, China’s Fujian Jinjiang Municipal Sports Bureau head, Chen Maohe, who is the CPC Secretary of Fujian Jinjiang Municipal Sports Bureau and head of Jinjiang Wushu Association, and Xu Zizhu, the Director of Fujian Jinjiang Municipal Sports Bureau, will partner with the PWCCA on Wushu development and invitational competitions in Jinjiang City, according to Lim. Chen Maohe of Jinjiang Wushu Association wishes the PWCCA a successful election on June 19 and looks forward to boosting the exchange programs with the PWCCA in the field of Wushu development with Jinjiang City to value its cultural progress together.

Fujian Jinjiang Municipal Sports Bureau is hosting the 18th Gymnasiade organized by the International School Sport Federation in Jinjiang City from November 26 to December 3, 2022.

Jinjiang City is known as the hometown of Wushu in China, said Chen Maohe.

PWCCA with FESSAP officials

UAAP women’s volley: Ateneo outlasts Adamson, to face UST in KO match DEFENDING champion Ateneo de Manila University marched to the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball stepladder as the fourth seed after outlasting Adamson University, 2520, 28-26, 25-22, in the first stage of the playoffs, Saturday at the SM Mall

The Lady Blue Eagles face the thirdranked UST Tigresses on Tuesday in a knockout match of the stepladder semifinals.

of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The first phase of the stepladder semifinals will be on Tuesday with a knockout between the Blue Eagles and the third-ranked University of Santo Tomas at 6:30 pm.

Down 21-22, a 4-0 finishing kick, courtesy of two points apiece from AC Miner and Faith Nisperos, in the third set sent the Blue Eagles to the Final Four.

“When we won against UP and nanalo ang Adamson sa La Salle, sabi namin we just have to win it clean para convincing,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro. “Pinagusapan namin nag-agree ‘yung mga bata and ito we will live another day.”

Back-to-back hits by Erika Raagas gave the Blue Eagles the first salvo and the early momentum, 25-20.

The Lady Falcons clawed back from four points down with a 6-1 blast to take the lead in the second frame, 26-25, but a Nisperos backrow kill, Vanie Gandler drop ball, and Miner’s dump put Ateneo a set away from the sweep, 28-26.

Nisperos top scored anew for the Blue Eagles with 22 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces to go with 10 excellent receptions.

Miner followed up her big game last Tuesday with a 16-point-outing on 12 kills, two rejections, and two aces, while Gandler chipped in 12 points of her own.

Jaja Maraguinot, who earned the player of the game honors, distributed the ball well and displayed three double-figure scorers and her 21 excellent sets.

Life Editor: Nickie Wang

JUNE 12, 2022

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Pride Month commemorated through virtual arts, comics, queer media spotlights, and awareness campaigns

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AY Writes: A Pride Week Special, an online event for Pride Month, features a series of digital artworks, comics, queer media spotlights, and informational discussions by young student-artists to serve as a campaign to spread awareness and invite the general public to be more open-minded about LGBTQIA+ representation, the diverse gender identities, and expressions.

The initiative is hosted by Media Max, the professional student organization of the Multimedia Arts Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

The occasion features a Pride History 101 crash course with partner organization School of Design and Arts-School Student Government (SDA-SSG). This program consists of art cards that trace the history of Pride, including the challenges that the community faced then and continues to battle now.

Gay Writes likewise opened a Pride Online Freedom Wall which serves as a safe space and a respectful and inclusive environment where students can express themselves and share their insights and experiences.

The newest Boys Love (BL) comics Sing Your Heart Out! was launched by DrawInk, the official comic book illustration and enthusiast organization of Benilde. This follows the heartwarming and charming love story of golden boy Luke Cypher and his partner Montero “Momo” Montgomery.

A digital Pride Art Gallery likewise installed a collection of original artworks that represent, narrate, and tackle the diverse stories of Pride and the LGBTQIA+.

The illustrations were contributed by the student-artists, both members and allies of the community, who wish to utilize their talent and skills in celebrating and empowering the beauty of individuality.

SDA-SSG likewise published a preview

Artist Amai Matcha celebrates love with this colorful digital art

Janina Cortez’s art shows love and acceptance among peers

A meaningful artwork by Nicole Landrito

Artist Gwyneth Fornan shows her interpretation of pride through anime portraits

Kiana De Persia shows that love knows no age nor gender

A cute artwork by Kyle Chan

of the most renowned queer medias around the world, which present the diverse stories of the LGBTQIA+. The series kicks off with Heaven Official’s Blessing (2020), a BL donghua (Chinese animation) based on the novel of the

same name by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. Also included in the line-up are Billie & Emma (2018), a Filipino sapphic film

by Samantha Lee and Pose (2018 to 2021), a 1980s dance musical by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Steven

Canals, among others.

The crash course, artworks, comics, and freedom wall are all available on view on the official Facebook pages of the host organizations: Media Max Benilde, SDA-SSG, and DrawInk.

Four ways to liven up your summer fun at home THE summer heat is rising but you shouldn’t let it dampen the mood at home. There are several ways to make your family’s stay at home this summer worthwhile and it doesn’t have to be expensive at all.

So if you’re looking for creative ways to bond with the family at home, you just need a nifty internet connection like SKY Fiber to explore new activities.

Here are some ideas that you and the whole family can enjoy without breaking the bank: 1. Get the family moving with mini dance parties and fun group exercises.

With the high temperature, you may not want to move around as much. To get you and the rest of your family off the beds and couches, do enjoyable exercises together. Aside from simple workout videos, try out dance-along videos where you can break out those dance skills and blast your favorite songs.

SKY Fiber’s Super Speed Plans have a variety of affordable options with reliable speeds so you won’t need to worry about buffering videos when you’re in the groove.

2. Cool down by whipping up some summer treats After working up a sweat from moving around or the heat, in general, try out those bookmarked recipes you found online. It’s the perfect time to make those tropical shakes, refrigerated cakes, or sweet icy treats.

Worried that the WiFi signal might not reach the kitchen while you watch the cooking tutorials? SKY Fiber offers plans

Cool down by whipping up some summer treats

The Galing Pinas! Fair at Resorts World Manila highlights Filipino artistry and craftsmanship

Get the family moving with mini dance parties and fun group exercises GO, Viu, Vivamax, and YouTube. that come with WiFi Mesh devices to evenly 4. Unleash your creative juices by distribute the signals and provide seamless learning new hobbies and skills connection in any room, even the kitchen.

As some may be on vacation or summer 3. Schedule a themed movie marathon break, they can make use of the time to Make your family movie nights more be productive. Try hobbies you’ve always exciting by having a theme in mind. Fairytales? Adventures? 90s flicks? Anything goes. wanted to learn or practice skills that you haven’t mastered. With several resources You can even go all out with costumes and online, you can get a substantial amount snacks that go with the movies’ vibe.

To easily prepare your lineup of movies, of lessons and courses.

If costs are a concern because you might content streaming apps are the way to go.

SKY Fiber offers internet subscription plans need materials, to begin with, you can find ways to minimize your monthly expenses. with SKY Evo, a digibox that allows you to Purchase according to your needs and seamlessly access various apps like HBO budget. For internet subscription plans, SKY Fiber focuses on providing just the right amount of speed for the right price so that customers won’t overpay for their internet. You’ll power your home with a seamless and reliable internet connection that’s “swak” to your needs and budget.

Customers interested in getting SKY Fiber plans with 50Mbps speed and up are encouraged to apply via the website online application (subscribe.mysky.com.ph) or through the 24/7 virtual assistant KYLA (available on the website, Messenger, and Viber) for a conveSchedule a themed movie marathon nient transaction and opportunity to enjoy

100% Pinoy: Independence Day at Resorts World Manila FREEDOM rings at the country’s pioneer integrated resort, Resorts World Manila (RWM), for the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The Newport Mall at the Newport Garden Wing brings Galing Pinas! fair highlighting all things Filipino for the whole month of June.

The Plaza 2F Newport Mall has set up shop for the Likha: Pinas Muna Tayo Fair (until today) to celebrate world-class Filipino craftsmanship. The fair features proudly Filipino-made products from accessories, religious artifacts, leather crafts, local delicacies, and more. Shop local and support Filipino artisans.

Take a leisurely stroll around Newport Mall and discover a new world of art with the Obra: Newport Mall-seum exhibit of two ground-breaking local artists. John Paul Duray is taking his unique ‘Boop-Boop’ sculptures to the exhibit area by Newport Garden Wing Main Entrance. Over by the Garden Wing Cafe, the ‘Back Then’ exhibit of renowned artist, Otep Bañez is on full

display. Gander at these fine exhibits until June 30 at the GF Newport Garden Wing.

Make visits to RWM more memorable with a sumptuous feast of uniquely Filipino dishes at Casa Buenas. RWM’s signature Filipino-Spanish restaurant is serving up a Cochinillo de Buenas set that is fit for any occasion. The special set menu is highlighted by a Cebu Lechon-style Roasted Suckling Pig. Guests can order the show-stopping item ala-carte for P9,500 or as a set for P10,000 that includes Paella Mixtas, Sticky Rice Suman with Sweet Chorizo, Mixed Vegetables with Adlai, and Flavoured Soy Sauce. Casa Buenas is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. It is located at the GF of the Newport Grand Wing. For reservations, guests may contact +63 917 878 8321 or +63 (2) 7908-8988, or email casa. buenas@rwmanila.com.

To know more about Galing Pinas and other events, visit www.rwmanila.com or follow @rwmanila and @newportmall on Facebook and Twitter, and @resortsworldmanila on Instagram.

Celebrating Philippine history and culture at City of Firsts AS WE mark the 124th year of our independence, apart from looking back at the hard work of our heroes to emancipate our people and our nation, it is also a time to celebrate our rich and diverse culture.

The Philippines is bustling and thriving with a variety of traditions and cultures that are waiting to be explored.

From visual art to performances and even food, our country is bursting with riches to offer. To help us better appreciate the beauty of Philippine culture, Araneta City is marking this year’s Independence Day with offers and events under the theme Kasarinlan; Likha at Talento.

Here are some things that you can do at the City of Firsts in time for Independence Day:

Be free to show off your Pinoy Pride

Show the world how proud you are of our history, culture, and heritage. Strike a pose in front of the giant #ProudPinoy installation in Gateway Mall and show off your selfies or groufies on social media.

A Freedom Wall is also found at the Ali Mall MacArthur Lobby Entrance that will help you share to the world why you love the Philippines, complete the phrase “Ano ang iyong hangad sa bansang Pilipinas?” until June 17 to show the world how much you care for our country.

Foundation, Inc. at the Gateway Mall Activity Area (as part of the Tela Pilipinas Exhibit Ribbon Cutting ceremony), and the Musikang Pinoy performances by the Banda Kawayan Pilipinas at the Farmers Plaza Activity Area.

Be free to celebrate Philippine culture

For art aficionados, a live mural painting took place at Ali Mall on June 9. The activity, which was held in partnership with Gateway Gallery, had the theme “Kamalayan sa Kalayaan” and a time-lapse video will be produced out of the mural painting workshop.

You can bring home some proudly Pinoy products at the Sinag Art Fair at the Ali Mall MacArthur lobby entrance. The fair runs until June 17. You can find paintings and other forms of visual art created by Filipino artists, children’s books, merchandise that reflect Filipino artistry, and other gift items.

And for geography and map geeks, the Gateway Gallery is set to open The Maps to Freedom exhibit.

Check out the exhibit for free until July 12.

From Luzon, Visayas, and down to Mindanao, we can find a variety of music, dances, and even textiles that bring color to the very fabric of our identity as Filipinos. Araneta City is celebrating all of these through various events.

First is the Tela Pilipinas Exhibit that is happening from until June 17 at the Gateway Mall Activity Area. The event is organized by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and will showcase Philippine tropical fabrics and other textile products of the country.

Also happening today is the Sayaw Pinoy performances by the Quezon City Performing Arts Development

Be free to embrace art

The ‘Kasarinlan Mall Concert’ features talents from the local band Nobita and the group Banda Kawayan Pilipinas

Be free to receive freebies

When you dine out at Food Express, Food Plaza, Food Gallery, and Dampa until June 19, you can Try the New Lemon-Dou drink for free! Get a free can of Lemon-Dou (Signature Lemon, Honey Lemon or Devil Lemon) for every P260 single or accumulated receipt and raise a glass to our Independence.

n Entertainment Editor: Nickie Wang

email: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

JUNE 12, 2022

Rolling Stone lists BINI in Spotify Radar’s Rising Global Artists

BINI adds a touch of vibrancy and modern pop to the Philippines’ music scene

Canadian punk princess Avril Lavigne continues to be a well-loved music icon

PINOY pop girl group BINI makes history anew as world-renowned music and pop culture magazine Rolling Stone named it one of the rising international artists under the Spotify Radar 2022 program.

Dubbed by their followers as the Nation’s Girl Group, they are included in the list of emerging artists who bring “a little something for everyone, whether you need hope or healing” through its latest song “Pit A Pat.” Rolling Stone described the eight-member group, composed of

Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena, as having “a loud, vibrant, sugarcoated vibe that is only second to their commanding, ear-grabbing style.”

It also hailed BINI’s latest track, “Pit A Pat,” as “a summer anthem brimming with attitude and optimism that sees the group confidently singing about empowerment, respect, and ambition.”

Tara Aquino of Rolling Stone wrote, “They’re here, and they won’t let you forget it.”

The Script will perform their greatest hits during their one-night concert

The song was written by Korean singer-songwriter Sophia Pae with music composition and arrangement by Rohan and Ddank.

BINI members also took part in the songwriting of its Filipino verses.

Meanwhile, the BINI girls celebrated their first anniversary in the industry with a special event for their fans called “Bloom1ng: The 1st BINIversary” at the SM Megamall Ice Skating Rink. The fan event happened on June 11.

BINI also continues to add vibrancy to the music scene as it

Alanis Morissette is known for her relatable songs

dropped the official music video for the song “Na Na Na” last Wednesday (June 8). It was also confirmed that their previous hits, “Golden Arrow” and “Kapit Lang,” will be part of the Lunar Codex time capsules to be sent to the Moon in 2023 with the aim to be discovered by future generations.

The P-pop group is among the Kapamilya artists who are slowly breaking into the international scene as ABS-CBN continues to champion Filipino talents on the world stage.

Slipknot has yet to announce their concert dates for their Southeast Asia tour

Foreign acts enliven Manila concert circuit this 2022

By Patricia Taculao

T

HE Manila concert scene is back in action as 2022 marks a busy year for organizers, producers, and concertgoers alike.

As the country slowly inches back into normalcy, the international music industry is taking this opportunity to reconnect with their Filipino fans after two years of isolation and quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global music acts Justin Bieber, LANY, Calum Scott, Westlife, and Boys Like Girls have all confirmed their Manila concert. LANY will have a three-day residency at the MoA Arena, while Westlife has announced a second show after the first concert sold out.

Apart from the acts mentioned, here are some international stars visiting the Philippines as a part of their world tour: Avril Lavigne Punk’s not dead, and Avril Lavigne is here to prove it. After pushing back her concert in the Philippines several times

Justin Bieber returns to delight his fans in Philippines with his ‘Justice World Tour’

because of conflicts in her personal and Asian tour schedules, Avril is ready to perform before her Filipino fans this November 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fans of the Canadian punk princess can rock out to her hit songs and admire just how youthful she still looks despite nearing 40-years-old.

Concert tickets purchased before the date change will still be honored on the scheduled date.

The Script With hits like “Breakeven” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved,” Irish rock band The Script easily made it to any music lover’s playlist. This 2022, they’re bringing their music to the stage with their Greatest Hits Tour on September 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Although it’s just for one night, the band’s eager fans are still excited to sing their hearts out to the music they easily related to at some point in their lives.

Red Velvet If there’s one thing Filipino stans are wishing for, it’s seeing their favorite idols perform live. Luckily, ReVeluvs are in for a treat this year as the South Korean girl group Red Velvet is ready to take the stage.

Other than giving fans the chance to see them in person, the girls are also performing with a purpose as they’re a part of the Be You:

LANY will hold a three-day concert at the MoA Arena

K-Pop girl group Red Velvet will perform alongside Pinoy artists

‘Always Proud’ ‘The Book of Queer’ revisits some of history’s queer heroes or ‘queeroes’ ‘Generation Drag’ is a first-ofits-kind drag ball for teens and tweens who enjoy doing drag

IN HONOR of the legacy, triumphs, and challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community, discovery+ has announced the addition of the “Always Proud” content hub to the streaming service.

The year-round, regularly updated hub celebrates what it means to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering meaningful stories that showcase the joy and creativity of self-expression through authentic and relatable moments.

Titles featured in the collection include: Generation Drag The show follows five teen and tween drag performers from across the USA as they prepare for the ‘Dragutante’ a firstof-its-kind drag ball event for teens and tweens. This heartwarming celebration

Drag superstar Trixie Mattel (rightmost) starts a new journey with her new series ‘TrixieMotel’ of the LGBTQIA+ community gives us an intimate look into the lives of these fabulous teens, tweens, and their families.

Book of Queer A five-episode docu-series highlighting some of history’s most fabulous “queeroes”, whose stories and contributions have been erased, marginalized, or straight washed throughout the years. The series, narrated by Margaret Cho, Dominique Jackson, Leslie Jordan, Ross Matthews, and Alex Newell, will pull back the curtain and take a deep dive telling the LGBTQIA+ story of the past, through interviews with revered queer historians and experts who are as colorful as the rainbow flag.

Westlife returns with a second show after their first sold out concert

Andrea Brillantes in absolute gaming action

Colorful titles on discovery+ this Pride Month

Adele happily performs in front of friends and family at the London Palladium

The World Will Adjust event on July 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena alongside P-pop artists BGYO, BINI, and Lady Pipay.

Alanis Morissette Fans of the seven-time Grammy award winner can finally see their favorite artist perform live, especially after her Philippine concert was rescheduled twice due to conflicts with other concerts.

Alanis is known for her confessional songwriting and emotive voice while combining elements of glossy pop and angst-ridden alternative rock.

Her concert will finally happen on November 18 and 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Slipknot Although a date has yet to be confirmed, the American heavy metal band Slipknot is coming to the Philippines as a part of their Southeast Asian tour. The band was initially scheduled to perform in January 2021, but heath protocols and other reasons prompted cancellations and postponements.

Hopefully, their concert will push through this year so fans can rock out with them as they take the stage by storm.

While these concerts from international artists are already highly anticipated in the Philippines, 2022 is far from over, and there may still be some surprises for concertgoers. Fans should keep their fingers crossed that it’s the artist they’re thinking of.

Trixie Motel Drag queen superstar Trixie Mattel, who has taken the world by storm with her outrageous sense of humor and vivacious, retro-kitschy style, is venturing into uncharted waters in this new discovery+ series.

An Audience with Adele One of the biggest artists of all time, Adele performs at the London Palladium in front of an audience of family, friends, fans, and celebrities in an unforgettable night of music.

The exciting things don’t stop there.

The seven-day free trial for new discovery+ subscribers is extended until June 30. Don’t miss out on nearly 30,000 episodes of exclusives, Originals, plus so much more.

HAVE you ever experienced a game where your mobile screen tears or lags? All gamers know this frustration. Smooth gameplay is crucial to helping gamers reach their absolute gaming potential.

Now, Infinix offers the ultimate phone for the job with impressive features that promise only the smoothest gameplay so you can level up your mobile gaming to the next level - the Infinix NOTE 12.

However, it takes an actual gamer to know and share the best specs for a gaming phone.

Cue in Andrea Brillantes, the newest Infinix ambassador.

Andrea has slowly been making a name for herself in the local gaming industry as a streamer and mobile game aficionado.

When asked about how she views her success in the mobile gaming scene, Andrea shared, “I know that I’m still a novice at streaming but it’s fun being part of the gaming community and I want to do my best doing it.”

This time, she is partnering with Infinix to showcase the outstanding smooth gameplay that the Infinix NOTE 12 has to offer.

“Ang laking improvement talaga nakita ko when I started using NOTE 12.

Walang lag, only smooth gameplay.

I still have a lot to learn and improve on as a gamer but I’m sure that NOTE 12 will allow me to unleash my full potential,” she added.

The Infinix NOTE 12’s features all add up for a quick and responsive gaming experience with its Helio G96 Ultra Gaming Processor, you’ll be witnessing the action at the best speeds and each command will be instantly in sync and sans input delays.

The Infinix NOTE 12 Super Light AMOLED Screen also makes sure

that each game is in brilliant high definition.

Its screen promises optimized color contrast, calibration, and resolution.

While Andrea l is just getting started in the gaming industry, she’s already a well-known actress, influencer, and all-around performer.

As she juggles all these roles, the Infinix NOTE 12 is a powerful phone that she can count on.

Aside from its high-performance processor, the Infinix NOTE 12 can also expand its memory from 8GB to 13GB by integrating RAM and ROM. This provides extra speed when it comes to multitasking on your phone.

To keep up with her Tiktok and Instagram influencer lifestyle, the Infinix NOTE 12 also has amazing camera features.

Its rear camera has an impressive 50MP main camera while she’s always selfie-ready with the Infinix NOTE 12 16MP front camera.

The rear camera also provides different lenses, including an ultra-wide angle lens and a depth lens for more artistic photography goals.

There are also different settings such as Professional Night Scene Photography mode and Professional Portrait Mode to help you take your photos to the next level.

So, there you have it. For gaming, photography, and everything in between, the Infinix NOTE 12 delivers awesome functionalities that go beyond the smartphone basics.

Grab your Infinix NOTE 12 at your nearest Infinix Stores Nationwide and Shopee this June 13. You can also visit infinixmobility.com and Infinix’ Facebook Page, to learn more about the Infinix NOTE 12.

Andrea Brillantes partners with Infinix to emphasize the smooth gameplay of Infinix NOTE 12

JUNE 12, 2022

Animal welfare

education for kids can prevent animal and human abuse

By Mariana Burgos

T

HE teaching of the concept of animal welfare or the dynamic integration of it in various curricula and methodologies in the academe is what we call ‘humane education’.

In our society today, violence and anarchy are escalating their dominance by the day, in our culture. This is why it is ever more important to integrate ‘humane education’ into our current education system.

Humane education has the potential to contribute significantly to the development of a compassionate and caring

society in which we, each other, our fellow creatures, and the environment are treated with respect.

It aims to address the underlying causes of human cruelty and animal mistreatment. Animals are now widely recognized as sentient beings capable of experiencing “feelings,” according to scientific data.

‘Humane education” which includes teaching children to respect other sentient beings like animals become citizens who have larger sympathies, who are more humanitarian, and law-abiding. In the photo is Samara Jassi G. Pusing who, with her parents, adopted Raffles, a rescued kitten of Save Animals of Love and Light.

They can both appreciate life's simple pleasures and suffer emotionally (as well as physically) as a result of harsh or inhumane treatment, deprivation, and incarceration. This new understanding of animal consciousness has enormous ramifications for how we treat animals, the policies and regulations we enact, and how we educate our children.

Humane education is the foundation of a just and ethical society. It guides students toward a great life path based on strong moral ideals.

With this type of education, younger children are introduced to elementary animal issues and the examination of animal sentience and needs in a well-structured humane education program. Then, over

Developing an animal-friendly mindset in children is the first step towards a greater humanity that encompasses people of all races ad beliefs. These children will grow up addressing international problems as neighbours and not as enemies. In the photo is Xander and doggo Pepper while playing in the garden.

Kids who are taught to be kind and compassionate toward animals grow up more just, kind, and attentive in their interpersonal relationships. time, learners begin to investigate a wide range of ethical issues (animal, human, and environmental) utilizing resources and lesson plans meant to encourage creativity and critical thinking, as well as to assist each individual in accessing their own internal "moral compass."

Moreover, it has the ability to promote the development of empathy and compassion. Empathy is thought to be the missing link in today's culture, and the root of harsh, neglectful, and abusive behaviour.

The link between animal mistreatment and human abuse has been proven by psychologists, sociologists, and criminologists. The first strike – a person's first act of violence – is frequently directed at an animal, according to studies conducted over the previous 40 years, and should be viewed as a warning sign for other family members.

(The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), First Strike Campaign, 2003 Report of Animal Cruelty Cases) Animal maltreatment is frequently the first step down the slippery slope of desensitization, a route that leads to a lack of empathy and violence.

Animals are frequently the first victims, and what might be perceived as a red flag or warning marker is easily downplayed by parents and teachers as “oh well, boys will be boys” or “it's only a bug, what's the big deal?”

Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to become abusers as adults.

“Habituation” sets in swiftly once children have grown desensitized. Abuse has become a typical part of a child's existence and is seen as normal because of their habit of neglect and harshness. Desensitization, moreover, works against the important development of empathy in early life. Dehumanization results from a lack of empathy because it slows down children's emotional development, preventing them from reaching their full potential as emotionally mature individuals.

Teachers may assist their children to carry home a sense of empathy – not just for animals, but also for their friends and family – and a sense of duty to their community by associating bullying and other antisocial actions with animal maltreatment.

To end the cycle of abuse, humane educa-

Feeding mistakes

1. Too Much Food Overfeeding is the most common mistake, said Dr. Joe Bartges, professor of medicine and nutrition, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, U.S.A. “Obesity is the most common nutritional disease seen in cats,” he added. While a fat cat may look cute, obesity is associated with diabetes, arthritis , and urinary tract disease.

In short, being fat is not good for your cat.

It is not that owners give more food than what they need intentionally, but cats are sedentary beings, said Linda P. Case, MS, author of The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health. “They're little couch potatoes now, their nutrition needs are much lower, so it's easy to overfeed them,” said Case.

What is the recommended amount to feed your cat? Vet recommendations range from 24 to 35 calories a day per pound (2.2 kilos per pound) to keep cats at a normal, healthy weight, Case said.

It is always best to ask your vet, said Susan G. Wynn, a veterinary nutritionist in Georgia and author of Manual of Natural Veterinary

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.

Once a day, rescues of Save ALL are given wet food to keep them hydrated.

We also change their water three times a day.

that cat owners must avoid

WE TEND to eat too much sugar and salt which leads to health problems. Or, we eat too little, then we eat too much, making our gut “confused,” and thus weakening it in the long run. With us humans making mistakes about how we feed ourselves, it is not surprising that we also make mistakes when feeding our pets, particularly our cats.

“So what errors are we making and why? Our cats can’t tell us, not with words.

Sometimes we don’t know where we’ve gone wrong until our cat is sick.

Not to worry. WebMD went to the experts in cat health -- veterinarians and animal nutritionists -- and asked them to outline the most common cat feeding mistakes so that you can avoid them and help your feline friend stay fit, feisty, and well-nourished, “ said Wendy C. Fries in her article “Mistakes People Make Feeding Cats” in pets.webmd. The article was reviewed by veterinarian Amy Flowers.

Here are cat feeding mistakes you can remove from your routine or avoid:

tion is required to establish an enlightened society with empathy and respect for life.

The goal is to foster a caring culture. And working to avoid criminality and antisocial conduct, which can have a significant societal cost in terms of reduced "quality of life" and financial costs paid through criminal damage, law enforcement system upkeep, court costs, prison costs, and juvenile work, is also a wise investment.

Traditional education entails the transfer of knowledge in order to pass exams and, in certain cases, get employment. This is notably missing in terms of human development. In many “developing” countries just like our own, education is still taught by rote, with no emphasis on developing insights, intelligence, or morals.

Children who are taught to treat animals with justice, kindness, and mercy become more just, kind, and attentive in their interpersonal relationships. Character education along these lines in teenagers will produce citizens with larger sympathies, who are more humanitarian, law-abiding, and valuable in every way. Humane education is the teaching of concepts of justice, kindness, and humanity toward all life in national schools and institutions. The formation of an animal-friendly mindset is only the beginning of a greater humanity that encompasses people of all races and climates. A generation of people who have been taught these ideas will address international problems as neighbours rather than enemies.

As animal rights and welfare activists, we firmly support an educational approach to the establishment of peaceful societies, addressing the fundamental causes of the problem to achieve longterm change. Because it lowers violence and improves moral character, humane education should be a mandatory aspect of our students’ education. It will also, definitely, help our society become more stable, loving, and peaceful.

Medicine. “That way they will recognize abnormal and work toward normal,” Wyn said.

2. Feeding Only Dry Food Most owners have brought a cat or two to the vet who was/were later diagnosed to be suffering from urinary tract infection.

Cats are usually given dry food ONLY, said Lisa A. Pierson, a California-based veterinarian focused on feline medicine and nutrition, and creator of CatInfo.org.

“We know that a cat’s sensitivity to thirst is blunted compared to a dog,” Case said.

“They don't voluntarily drink water like a dog would.”

A cat who drinks too little water will eventually develop concentrated urine, and then urinary tract problems. “When cats present with urinary tract problems, the recommendation is to get them on a water-rich diet,” Pierson said.

You can shift to canned food for a waterrich diet but this is so expensive. Or, you can add canned or wet food in the cats’ dry food like what we do for rescues of Save Animals of Love and Light-Save ALL Inc. Pierson stressed canned food keeps cats hydrated.

“Think of canned food as hosing down your cat's bladder several times a day.”

3. Offering Too Little Water Water is clearly very important for cats.

Fries said ASPCA experts have stressed “Essential to life, water accounts for 60% to 70% of an adult cat’s body weight.” They added: ”A serious water deficiency can have critical repercussions for pets, causing serious illness or death.”

Wet food helps a lot in keeping cats hydrated but cats should always have several sources of fresh water available around the house. “Pay attention to where the cat likes to be so that there's water there,” Case said.

“And be aware that some cats prefer running water; others can detect the taste of chlorine in tap water so you might want to buy bottled water for them.”

To make water more inviting for cats, here are tips from The Veterinarians’ Guide to Natural Remedies for Cats: ”Locate a couple leaves of fresh catnip.

Fill a bowl with water and crush the leaves under the water Sit back and watch susceptible kitties ‘go wild’” 4. Adding Garlic for Tapeworms Some owners may have seen wiggly white stuff in their cat’s posterior. Those are a kind of tapeworm that reside in the cat’s small intestine. Some believe garlic added to the cat’s food will kill the worms.

“This is one of the biggest misconceptions around,” Bartges said. “There is no proof that garlic prevents any parasitic infestation, including intestinal worms or fleas.” Too much garlic is also bad for cats as it can destroy a cat’s red blood cells.

“The most common parasite found inside adult cats, tapeworms, are usually caused by kitty swallowing a flea. Although tapeworms aren’t life-threatening, they can lead to weight loss, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and other issues if left untreated,” Bartges added.

If you see tapeworm segments in your cat’s poop or near the anus, please consult a vet who will most likely prescribe a deworming medication. “Don’t treat kitty’s worms yourself -- not all treatments work on all worms and you could end up doing more harm than good with the wrong medication,” Fries said.

5. Going Vegetarian or Vegan Cats can not be shifted to a vegan diet, Fries said. “Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat mainly meat and animal organs to thrive. The amino acid taurine, for example, is found only in animal tissue. Lack of taurine can lead a cat to experience heart problems, blindness, and even death,” Fries stressed.

“The nutrients cats need that come from meat, can be provided in the food synthetically,” Case said. “But you have to be very careful, and aware of the cat's nutritional idiosyncrasies.”

6. Creating Nutrient Deficiencies A number of owners are now interested in homemade food for their pets. But a full homemade diet may not contain all the nutrients your pet needs.

“A mistake that I often see well-meaning people make is the feeding of unbalanced homemade diets,” Pierson said.

Fries explained: “That’s because when making cat food from scratch, some people fail to balance the meat with the correct amount of calcium, forgetting ‘that a cat would be eating both the meat and bones of their prey, which provides a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.’”

Warnings

Fries stressed that 1. A cat diet too heavy in tuna, liver, or liver oil (ex: cod liver oil), can lead to vitamin A toxicosis. This can cause bone and joint pain, and brittle bones.

2. A diet too rich in raw fish can destroy vitamin B1, which can lead to muscle weakness, seizures, or brain damage.

When weaning kittens from their mother's milk or powdered milk (for kittens with no mama), we introduce solid food slowly. Pound (to almost a pulp) the dry food specifically made for kittens, put a little water, and add canned or wet food for kittens. This will eventually make your kitten accustomed to "moisturized" food. They will also want to look for water more if they are used to "wet" food. In the photo are kittens who were abandoned along a major street and rescued

by Save ALL- Save Animals of Love and Light .

The mama cat was nowhere in sight. The kittens were given powdered milk specifically made for kittens, then slowly switched to solid food consisting of dry and canned food.

June, child of rescued cat mama of Save ALL, actually loves wet food. We have discovered cats prefer wet food to dry food. However, we give dry food for two reasons: 1) kibble, being hard, help clean the cat's teeth when the kibble brush against the teeth; 2) a pure canned or wet food diet is very expensive. Our animal welfare group can not afford it.

Always talk to your veterinarian who can guide you “away from food fads and steer you toward a balanced, healthy eating plan for your cat,” Fries stressed.