Manila Standard - 2022 September 25 - Sunday

n By VINCE LOPEZ

VOWING not to surrender even a square inch of territory, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asserted the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, saying there is no “territorial conflict” with China.

Instead, Mr. Marcos said what exists is a “territorial challenge” with Beijing claiming what is part of the Philippines.

“The position that the Philippines takes is that we have no territorial conflict with China. What we have [is] China claiming territory that belongs to the Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said in an interview with former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who hosted the meeting with the Asia Society in New York Saturday morning (Philippine time).

Mr. Marcos told members of Asia Society that incursions in the West Philippine Sea has become “an issue right at the gut of our people.”

n By VINCE LOPEZ

Mr. Marcos is set to arrive in the coun try at around 6:30 a.m. today (Sunday).

President bares new drug war by zeroing in on big fish, rehab

"For the enforcement, look I not in terested the is not the person want to go after," Mr. Marcos told members of Asia Society in New York Saturday morn ing (Manila time).

"I want you to go after people, who if

The President but he will

“That kind of response is of course very gratifying. So that is the way I see the trip here to New York. Of course the central purpose was to speak before the United Nations General Assembly and I called for unity on a global scale and the response I think was very good.”

“We have made progress and all in all I’m very happy we came. I am very happy with the results of the visit,” he added.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte got an “ex cellent” net satisfaction rating of +81 in the Social Weather Stations survey conducted from June 26 to 29 – his final week in Malacañang.

According to SWS, 88 percent of adult Filipinos were satisfied, 5 percent were undecided, and 7 percent dissatisfied with Duterte’s six-year term.

This resulted in a net satisfaction rating of +81 (percentage of satisfied minus per centage of dissatisfied).

“This is 16 points above the very good +65 in April 2022 and a new record-high that surpassed the previous record of +79 in November 2020,” the pollster said.

Duterte was excellent in urban and rural areas nationwide, all age groups, all educa tional groups, and among men and women.

Duterte’s rating rose from very good to excellent in Metro Manila by 22 points from +63 to a new record-high +85, surpassing the previous record of +76 in November 2020. a

A FORMER anti-insurgency task force of ficial has accused a judge of “lawyering” for communists after she dismissed a proscrip tion case against the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.

In a Facebook post Friday afternoon, Lorraine Badoy criticized Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 19 Judge Marlo Mag doza-Malagar for ruling that rebellion and political crimes are not acts of terrorism.

Badoy called Magdoza-Malagar’s deci

sion a “judgment straight from the bowels of communist hell.”

She then posted a hypothetical scenario: “So if I kill this judge and I do so out of my political belief that all allies of the CPP NPA NDF must be killed because there is no difference in my mind between a member of the CPP NPA NDF and their friends, then please be lenient with me.”

On Saturday, however, Badoy denied

‘Karding’ intensifies, now a typhoon

Yulo bags gold in floor exercise in Japan championships

FILIPINO gymnast Carlos

According to his longtime

Yulo Championship

to November 6 in Liverpool, England. He is hoping to duplicate or eclipse his record in last year’s World Cham pionship where he got a gold mint in the vault finals and a silver plum in the parallel bars.

‘No

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said recalibrate the anti-narcotics campaign

Digong still gets ‘excellent’ rating up to final week

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ended his six-day working visit to the United States on a high note, describing the trip as a “success” as he bannered the coun try’s economic rebound trajectory on the back of sound macroeconomic funda mentals and enabling policies to potential investors and members of the Filipino community alike.

“I consider the trip a success and over all I am satisfied with the work that we have done. What we set out to do, we were able to do so. And all the people we wanted to talk to were very much ready to talk to us,” the President said in an interview with mem bers of the media delegation in New York prior to his departure for Manila.

THE areas of Cama rines Norte and the Pollillo Islands were placed under Signal No. 3 as Tropical Cyclone Karding rapidly intensified into a typhoon, state weather bureau PAGASA said yesterday evening.

In its 8 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Ty phoon Karding was 490 kms east of Baler, Aurora.

It had sustained maximum winds of 120 km/h near the center, and gustiness of up to 150 km/h.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Operations Center has been on “red alert” since Friday night.

DIALOG. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. takes questions from former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who hosted the meeting with the Asia Society in New York Saturday morning (Manila time). Inset photo shows Mr. Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Speaker Martin Romualdez, and other members of the Philippine delegation eating Filipino food like bulalo, pansit, lumpia, pork barbeque, and other dishes at two food trucks outside the Carlyle Hotel. Ryan Ponce Pacpaco

Study says expanding Asian coastal cities are sinking fast

“Many of these fast-subsiding coastal cities are rapidly expanding megacities, where... high demands for groundwater extraction and loading from densely constructed building structures, contribute to local land subsidence,” the study says.

INBRIEF

Rapid urbanization has seen these cities draw heavily on groundwater to service their burgeoning populations, according to research by Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU), published in the journal Nature Sustainability last week.

“This puts cities experiencing rapid local land subsidence at greater risk of coastal hazards than already present due to climate-driven sea-level rise,” the study says.

Vietnam’s most-populous urban center and main

POGOs find unlikely ally in Salceda

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda appeals to critics of the Philippine Offshore Gam ing Operators (POGO) to give it chance, saying the country stands to lose 70,000 jobs opportunities for Filipino workers. Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, made the appeal amid mounting calls to get rid of the controversial POGOs.

Salceda said in a statement that a "blanket ban on a specific sector, when there are laws that already exist to pre vent abuses in any kind of business, will be seen as arbitrary."

“That will hurt our reputation with investors not just in the gaming sector. We will be known as a country that burns down houses just to kill the rat inside,” he added.

According to Salceda, it would be in the best interest of the government, which is in dire need of revenues to boost the pandemic-hit economy, to “keep POGO operations within PO GO-specific zones that are ring-fenced from the rest of the country.”

“New licenses will be in these zones, and existing licenses will be allowed only to complete their leases. Any offshore gaming that operates outside such zones will be considered illegal,” he proposed.

Salceda maintained that banning POGOs that pay billions of pesos in tax revenues is not the solution to alleged un abated crimes, since the country is replete with laws to deal with such infractions.

He stressed that the POGOs can be kept within controlled and heavily regu lated spaces. “We have a potential global advantage in that we recognize them [POGOs] as taxable entities, unlike other countries that consider them a gray area.”

He also cited the economic cost or impact of a total POGO ban, in light of the substantial amount it contributes to government coffers, and the commensu rate job that it generates for the Filipinos.

A sudden downturn in office occu pancy at this point will kill jobs and at least P18.9 billion in rental income from offices, and P28.6 billion in housing rent.

business hub, Ho Chi Minh City, was sinking an average of 16.2 millimeters (0.6 inches) annually, topping the study’s survey of satellite data from 48 large coastal cities around the world.

The southern Bangladeshi port of Chittagong was second on the list, with the western Indian city Ahmedabad, Indonesian capital Jakarta and Myan mar’s commercial hub Yangon also sinking more than 20 millimeters in peak years.

Sinking cities are not of themselves a result of climate change, but researchers said their work would give a better insight into how the phenomenon would “compound the effects of climate-driven mean sea-level rise”.

More than one billion people will live in coastal cities at risk of rising sea levels by 2050, according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC says that global sea levels could rise by up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) by the end of the century even if greenhouse gas emissions are sharply reduced. AFP

Fuel prices slash anew next week—experts

OIL industry experts predict pump prices of petroleum products will de cline for the fourth straight week.

For instance, Unioil Petroleum Philippines, In its fuel price forecast for September 27 to October 3 trading week, said the price per liter of diesel may be slashed by P1.20 to P1.30.

The prices of gasoline are also expected to may go down by P1.50 to P1.60 per liter.

A source also told GMA News Online that the pump price of diesel may

decrease by P1.00 to P1.30 per liter while gasoline prices may be reduced by P1.40 to P1.70 per liter.

Fuel companies are wont to announc ing price adjustments every Monday, for implementation the day after.

Last September 20, oil companies cut down the price per liter of diesel and kerosene by P4.15 and P4.45, respectively, while no movement has been effected on the price of gasoline.

The latest price adjustments brought the year-to-date adjustments to stand

at a net increase of P30.65 per liter for diesel, P25.45 per liter for kerosene, while gasoline remains at a net increase of P16.50 per liter.

Data from the Department of Energy as of September 15 showed the price per liter of gasoline range from P63.10 to P73.10 per liter in Quezon City, Metro Manila’s largest city; diesel prices range from P75.80 to P80.10 in Makati City, the country’s top financial hub; while in Philippine capital Manila, kerosene pric es range from P80.41 to P89.00 per liter.

DOTr, eye faster travel on

n By JOEL E. ZURBANO

The busway project designates the innermost lane of EDSA as exclusive lane for buses travelling along the 23.8km national highway. It complement the operations of Metro Railway Transit line 3.

MMDA III recently met with DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor to discuss ways to improve the operations and infrastructure of the EDSA Busway to better serve the commuters.

Since it started operation, the project has effectively reduced travel time from the previous three hours from Monu mento to Paranaque, to just 50 minutes to one hour.

During his inspection in Monumen to, Dimayuga said he intends to send additional traffic enforcers in the area, es pecially during rush hour. He added that portalets and tents will also be installed for the convenience of passengers.

THREE organizations of agrarian reform beneficiaries in Capiz have received P1.3-million worth of farm im plements and will also be given training in modern farming technology in a bid to help boost their agricultural produc tion, thus improving their quality of life.

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

provincial program officer Anthony Arostique presided at the turnover of the machineries and other materials to the Matagnop Royale Multi-Purpose Coop erative, the Traciano Farmers Multi-Pur pose Cooperative, and the Lonoy Agrari an Reform Cooperative in ceremony held In Roxas, Capiz.

Arostique said the awards will help boost the economic

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday warned over seas Filipino workers (OFWs) to be cautious in sending balikbayan boxes, saying criminals have devised a new modus operandi to defraud them.

Based on reports received by the BoC, there are consolidators or international freight forwarders abroad charging processing fees at a low rate and promising to deliver the balikbayan boxes to the consignees in the Philippines.

“But in fact, their partner-consol idators or local freight forwarders in the Philippines received no money to process and release from the BoC the balikbayan boxes,” the Port of NAIA stated in its official Facebook page.

Port officials said in accordance with the directive of President Ferdi nand Marcos, Jr., the bureau contin ues to communicate with the Door-toDoor Consolidators Association of the Philippines or DDCAP to ensure that the families of the OFWs receive their balikbayan boxes that have been affected by this modus.

The Port of NAIA recently con ducted coordination meetings with Customs Facility and Warehouse operators to prepare for the influx of balikbayan boxes, inbound parcels and packages this coming holiday season.

“As the Yuletide season approaches, the bureau, together with the local couriers intends to ensure no delays in the sending of parcels by the public,” said District Collector Carmelita Talusan.

Talusan and other Customs person nel also met with officials of DHL Express Philippines and discussed arrangements for the expeditious release of high volumes of small parcels.

DHL Country Manager Nigel Lock ett assured they are reviewing their roster to add more personnel and will continuously coordinate with the bureau for the prompt and immediate processing and release of gift imports from abroad. Joel E. Zurbano scammers balikbayan boxes

Ex-LTO, LTFRB exec Bert Suansing dies, 70

Suansing was also a senior consul tant of the Toll Regulatory Board, and secretary general of the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership.

DOTr extended their utmost condo lences to Suansing’s family.

DAR gives away P1.3m worth of farm tools to Capiz farmers

productivity of the cooperatives, improve their agricultural operations and enhance their market stability.

“We are here to assist the organi zations in terms of maintaining their books of accounts, accomplishing their target compliments to food and farm production and the productivity of their awarded farm inputs,” Arostique said in a statement.

Arostique noted that the project was implemented under the Climate-Resil ient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) project of the DAR.

The Matagnop cooperative received a total project cost of P287,750, the Traciano cooperative got P372,000, and the Lonoy cooperative, P668,749 worth of implements. Maricel V. Cruz

STUDY says expanding Asian coastal cities are sinking fast Sprawling coastal cities in South and Southeast Asia are sinking faster than elsewhere in the world, leaving tens of millions of people more vulnerable to rising sea levels, a new study says.

ENGINEER Alberto “Bert” Suansing, former Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman (LTFRB) passed away at 70 on Friday, the Department of Trans portation (DOTr) announced

Suansing was a dedicated public ser vant and an exceptional leader. As an advocate of road safety, he was instru mental in pushing the welfare of road transport stakeholders,” the DOTr said in a post on Facebook on Saturday.

“We salute you Usec. Suansing! Rest in Peace, Sir,” the DOTr post added. His son, Alan, said cremation will be held at the Nacional Chapels on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

SLEEP OF YOUTH AND INNOCENCE. A young boy and his younger sister take an afternoon nap while sitting atop a wooden cart in front of a community library in the seedy Baseco Compound in Tondo Manila. Manny Marcelo

CLIMATE ADVOCACY THE FASHION SHOW WAY. Student climate advocates dressed up in esthetic style raise closed fists in support of the Fridays for Future movement in quest of “climate justice” at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Jam Sta. Rosa/AFP

EDUCATIONAL CASH AID. Students queue up yesterday, the last day of distribution of the government’s educational cash assistance, at the main office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Gastambide Street, Sampaloc, Manila. The financial aid consisted of P1,000 for elementary students, P2,000 for junior high school, P3,000 for senior high school, and P4,000 for vocational/college students. Danny Pata, Norman Cruz

AS BEIJING CALLS TAIPEI ‘BIGGEST RISK’

Blinken urges calm over Taiwan

U S Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for calm over Taiwan as he met his Chinese counterpart, as soaring tensions showed signs of easing a notch.

Blinken met for 90 minutes with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, in talks a US official described as “extremely candid” and focused largely on Taiwan.

Blinken “stressed that preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is critical to regional and global security and prosperity,” a State Depart ment statement said.

He “discussed the need to maintain open lines of communication and re

sponsibly manage the US-PRC relation ship, especially during times of tension,” it added, using the acronym for the People’s Republic of China.

A State Department official described the exchange on Taiwan as “direct and honest.”

The official said Blinken also renewed US warnings not to support Russia’s inva sion of Ukraine, amid guarded US hopes that Beijing is taking a distance from Moscow, nominally its ally.

Wang met in New York with Ukraine’s foreign minister for the first time since the war and, in a Security Council session Thursday, emphasized the need for a ceasefire rather than support for Russia.

Blinken, who went ahead with the talks despite the death of his father the previous day, met Wang for the first time since a sit-down in July in Bali, where both sides appeared optimistic for more stability.

NASA’s Tuesday Moon launch threatened by a brewing storm

NASA’s historic uncrewed mission to the Moon is facing fresh difficulties.

After technical problems derailed two launch attempts several weeks ago, a new liftoff of the Artemis 1 mission scheduled for Tuesday is now threatened by a storm gathering in the Caribbean.

The storm, which has not yet been assigned a name, is currently located south of the Dominican Republic.

But it is expected to grow into a hurricane in the coming days and could move north to Florida, home to the Kennedy Space Center, from which the rocket is set to launch.

“Our plan A is to stay to course and to get the launch off on September 27,” Mike Bolger, NASA’s exploration ground systems manager, told report

ers on Friday. “But we realized we also need to be really paying attention and thinking about a plan B.”

That would entail wheeling the giant Space Launch System rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as VAB.

“If we were to go down to Plan B we need a couple days to pivot from our current tanking test or launch configu ration to execute rollback and get back into the protection of the VAB,” Bolger said, adding that a decision should be made by early afternoon on Saturday.

On the launch pad the orange and white SLS rocket can withstand wind gusts of up to 137 kilometers per hour. But if it has to be sheltered, the current launch window, which runs until Octo ber 4, will be missed. AFP

One month later, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, infuriating Beijing, which staged exercises seen as a trial run for an invasion of the self-gov erning democracy, which it claims as its territory.

And in an interview aired Sunday, President Joe Biden said he was ready to intervene militarily if China uses force in Taiwan, once again deviating from decades of US ambiguity.

In the meeting with Blinken, Wang ac cused the US of “sending very wrong and dangerous signals” encouraging Taiwan independence, the Chinese foreign minis try said in a readout.

Wang told Blinken that China wished for “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan and warned that “the more rampant ‘Taiwan independence’ activities are, the less likely a peaceful solution would be,” according to the foreign ministry. The US official said Blinken insisted to

Wang that “there has been no change” to the US policy of only recognizing Beijing and voiced opposition to “unilateral changes to the status quo” by either side.

In a sign that tensions have eased, Wang also met in New York with US climate envoy John Kerry, despite China’s announcement after Pelosi’s visit that it was curbing cooperation on the issue, a key priority for Biden.

But in a speech before his talks with Blinken, Wang called Taiwan “the biggest risk in China-US relations” and accused the United States of stoking pro-indepen dence forces.

“Taiwan independence is like a highly disruptive great rhinoceros charging toward us. It must be stopped resolutely,” he said at the Asia Society think tank.

“Just as the US will not allow Hawaii to be stripped away, China has the right to uphold the unification of the country,” he said. AFP

Bangladesh denounces ‘tragedy’ of rich nations on climate change

A COUNTRY of fertile, densely populated deltas, low-lying Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable nations in the world to climate change.

But the urgency of the situation is not being matched by actions of countries responsible for emissions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said.

“They don’t act. They can talk but they don’t act,” she told AFP on a visit to New York for the United Nations General As sembly.

“The rich countries, the developed countries, this is their responsibility. They should come forward. But we are not getting that much response from them. That is the tragedy,” she said.

“I know the rich countries, they want to become more rich and rich. They don’t bother for others.”

Bangladesh has produced a miniscule amount of the greenhouse gas emissions that have already contributed to the warm ing of the planet by an average of nearly 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The Paris accord called for $100 billion a year by 2020 from wealthy nations to help developing nations cope with climate change. That year, $83.3 billion was com mitted, including through private sources, according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development figures.

One key issue facing the next UN climate summit, to take place in Egypt in Novem ber, is whether wealthy nations also need to pay for losses and damages from climate change – not just to pay for adaptation and mitigation. AFP

INBRIEF

At least 35 dead in Iran protests—state media toll

AT LEAST 35 have been killed in more than a week of protests that erupted in Iran after the death of a young woman in police custody, state media reported.

“The number of people who died in recent riots in the country has risen to 35 people,” the Borna news agency, which is affiliated to the sports ministry, said late Friday, citing state television.

The official toll had previously stood at 17 dead, including five security personnel.

Demonstrators have taken to the streets of major cities across Iran, including Tehran, for eight straight nights since the death of Mahsa Amini.

The 22-year-old Kurdish woman was pronounced dead three days after her arrest in the Iranian capital for wearing the hijab headscarf in an “improper” way. AFP

Three Chinese dead after Cambodia boat sinking

THE death toll from a capsized boat off Cambodia’s coast rose to three Chinese nationals on Saturday, with a further nine rescued in Vietnamese waters and eight still missing, Cambodian authori ties said.

The boat with 41 Chinese people on board got into difficulties off Siha noukville on Thursday.

Kheang Phearom, the spokesman for Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk provincial administration, told AFP rescue teams recovered two more bodies on Saturday, bringing the death toll to three.

Eight people remain missing, he said. Cambodian authorities had rescued 21 people on Friday.

Meanwhile, a Vietnamese border guard on duty at the An Thoi station in Kien Giang province told AFP that a fishing vessel had rescued nine Chinese nationals in Vietnamese waters near Phu Quoc island on Friday. AFP

‘NO... “Our fishermen are not al lowed to continue with their livelihoods to fish in areas where they have fished for the past 30, 40 generations.

This diplomatic, this territorial challenge that we have – I would like to point out that this is the first national election in the Philippines where foreign policy was an issue with the people,” he added.

Aside from the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

And while Mr. Marcos promised to continue working with all claimantcountries to solve the issues “through diplomacy and dialogue,” he said the Philippines will stand firm on its position in the West Philippine Sea.

“I will not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power,” he said.

He underscored the importance of the country’s bilateral ties with the United States to keep peace and order in the disputed waters.

“We know that we can count on the United States to uphold the international law-based order, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the sustainable use and development of maritime resources. But equally important, we look to the United States to promote peace, security, and prosperity,” the President said.

MR.... In an earlier dialog with members of the Asia Society, the President laid out his ultimate economic goal – that of ensuring that no Filipino goes hungry again.

“I have been asked what is the absolute end result that we are hoping to achieve and it’s very simple for me: not one more hungry Filipino.

It’s a very simple aim. It’s a very simple goal. But I dare say, it is not necessarily a simple problem to solve, and it requires a great deal of effort and thinking on the part of the public sector,” he said.

Mr. Marcos said his administration has laid out measures that will help reinvigorate the economy.

“We don’t want to just catch up. We want to go beyond that. We have no interest in going back to pre-pandemic levels. What we are interested in is to flourish further and to position the Philippines in such a way that we can take full advantage of the new economies and the new industries that have come to light,” he said.

The President said the Philippines is a “viable and smart” investment destination, given its macroeconomic fundamentals, enabling policies, and human capital.

“They recognize the Philippines, our country, for its business-friendly policies, a very competent workforce, and a network of economic zones,” he said, adding that “investor-friendly” laws that seek to “leverage game-changing reforms” have been put in place.

DIGONG... Luzon Visayas anao

His urban net satisfaction also leaped from very good (+64) in April 2022 to excellent (+84) in June, while his rural net satisfaction improved from very good (+65) to excellent (+77).

The net satisfaction rating yielded +83 among adults in Filipino families who have not experienced hunger; +70 among those who experienced hunger in general; +74 among those who experienced moderate hunger; and +56 among those who experi enced severe hunger.

The survey was done using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 respondents nation wide.

PRESIDENT... “examine and learn lessons from the experience of the past administration.”

“As I come into office, you see, you cannot stop the drug war. The problem continues to exist,” he said.

“Close to 4 and a half million actual addicts in the Philippines and the corrosive effect on that on society, on criminality, on the drug syndicates, even the politicization of the whole drug syndicates and their networks is something that we have to deal with,” Mr. Marcos added.

Mr. Marcos earlier directed Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to come up with policies that would ensure the anti-narcotics campaign is com pliant with the law.

Azurin ordered an audit of the drug situa tion in the country, focusing on areas where prominent drug personalities were killed.

He also sought a partnership between the PNP and other government agencies to ensure that the drug supply chain in the country would be "reduced, if not cut totally."

Despite his intention to refocus the war on drugs, the President has maintained his stance not to rejoin the International Criminal Court.

The government earlier asked the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC to deny the request of its prosecutor to resume the body’s investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed under the Duterte administration in the implementa tion of its anti-illegal drug war.

BADOY... making a hypothetical statement on killing Judge Magdoza-Mal agar, calling it “fake news.”

Her earlier post was also no longer available on her timeline on Facebook.

However, she again claimed the judge was a “friend and defender of the CPP NPA NDF.”

She added that she wants to build an organization which will “start bombing the offices of these corrupt judges who are friend of terrorists — even if they kneel before us and beg for their lives…”

In a separate post Saturday evening, Badoy posed three questions which she said Magdoza-Malagar must answer.

“Questions we need to ask Judge Marlo Malagar: 1. Is it true your husband, Atty Leo Malagar, who is currently the 2nd Vice Chancellor of UP Cebu, was a cadre of the CPP NPA NDF in the Youth Sector?

2. Is he still active with the CPP NPA NDF? 3. How true is it that the ones who helped you craft your malodorous decision regarding the terrorist organization CPP NPA NDF were Edre Olalia, Sol Taule and Rachel Pastores?”

Badoy did not offer proof to substanti ate her post, but said the questions were based on information given to her by an “asset.”

‘KARDING... The NDRRMC also activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) management team on Saturday.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government, meanwhile, sent out advisories to affected local governments for preemptive evacuations of communi ties in high-risk areas.

Quick Response Funds worth P517.03 million are on standby at the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Also prepositioned are 542,950 family food packs worth P323.84 million and another P674.39 million worth of other food items.

Signal No. 3 was raised over the follow ing areas:

• Northern portion of Camarines Norte (Vinzons); and

• the eastern portion of Polillo Islands (Kalongkooan Is., Kalotkot Is., Patnanun gan Is., and Jomalig Is.).

Under Signal No. 2 are:

• The southern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Guillermo, Jones, San Agustin, Echague, San Mariano),

• Quirino,

• The central and southeastern portions of Nueva Vizcaya (Alfonso Castaneda, Dupax del Sur, Aritao, Santa Fe, Bambang, Dupax del Norte, Kasibu, Quezon, Bayom bong, Diadi),

• Aurora,

• Nueva Ecija,

• The eastern portion of Tarlac (Concep cion, La Paz, Victoria, Pura, Ramos, Anao, San Manuel, Moncada, Paniqui, Gerona, City of Tarlac),

• Bulacan,

• The eastern portion of Pampanga (Apalit, San Simon, San Luis, Candaba, Santa Ana, Arayat, Magalang),

• Metro Manila

TOWARD A NEW ECONOMY. Pope Francis reacts during the Economy of Francesco (EoF) event on Septem ber 24, 2022 at the Santa Maria degli Angeli lyric theater in Assisi, central Italy. AFP

CARCASSES. Tasmania state wildlife services personnel check the carcass es of pilot whales, numbering nearly 200, after they were found beached the previous day on Macquarie Heads on the west coast of Tasmania on September 23, 2022. AFP

Workplace equality leads to a stronger organization

PROCTER and Gamble Philippines has been fostering a culture of equality and inclusion for its employees through policies, practices and programs that aim to enable them to grow in their careers while having the space and support to be their unique selves.

While there is still a lot of work to be done in unleashing the potential of women in the workplace, it is certainly possible, and many companies like P&G continue to progress towards that aspiration.

Data from Grant Thornton International’s 2022 Women in Business report show that 48 percent of senior management roles in the Philippines are held by women.

Globally, the Philippines has the third highest number of women leaders in mid-size firms. One of the women helping P&G step up the campaign to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace is Atty. Mimi Lopez-Malvar.

Lopez-Malvar, director of government relations and country legal head, has been with P&G for over 13 years. “When I came into this role and quickly met others in the same field, there was a perception that this industry was dominated by men who were either cold strategists or well-placed political animals. I was neither.

But over the years, I am happy to have progressed in my career with my own brand of diplomacy and the right mix of patience and perseverance to see things through,” she said.

Among her duties, she represents the company advocating issues critical to consumer goods and the manufacturing industry. She also helps the company broaden its socio-economic footprint in the country through programs and initiatives that help the environment, strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises, promote children’s health and hygiene, and empower women and girls.

Working at P&G also allows her to have flexible work arrangements to be able to balance work and her personal needs. “As a working

mother, I benefited greatly from P&G’s generous policies such as extended parental leaves and flexible working hours, so I never had to miss family milestones,” she said.

The trusted consumer goods company has managed to bring its gender ratio in the workplace to an impressive 50-50 balance at the management levels—an impressive feat for any company, more so in an organization as huge as P&G.

“P&G is truly a gender inclusive workplace, and I don’t think I would’ve advanced in my career and at the same time been able to raise four children while juggling work if not for the programs and policies that we have in place,” she said.

This is not a new thing for P&G.

Employee with Parkinson’s Disease helps Filipinos achieve financial goals

JOSE Alvarez has been helping Filipinos achieve their financial goals in his capacity as a client engagement associate at Smar Trade, one of the pioneer financial education companies in the country.

Automation helps companies reduce human mistakes

A STUDY by market research firm IDC found that 40 percent of the top 2,000 enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region plan to double the use of intelligent au tomation in knowledge retention, dis semination and information synthesis by 2026 to overcome human errors and fill the skills vacuum in the data lifecy cle.

This is because artificial intelligence and automation can effectively com bat human error by taking up the heavy lifting involved in parsing, analyzing, drilling down and dissecting impossi bly large volumes of data. It can also perform high-level arithmetic, logical and statistical functions at a scale that would otherwise be impossible by hu man-led, self-service analytics alone.

Ramprakash Ramamoorthy, direc tor of research at ManageEngine, the enterprise IT management division of Zoho Corp., says automation has evolved over the years.

“Intelligent automation is how auto mation has naturally evolved over the years. We are moving from process au tomation to decision automation. Tradi tional process automation involved us writing a certain set of rules to run the automation. By using technologies like AI and ML [machine learning], we can learn patterns from the past and auto mate decisions and create these rules as we go,” he says.

Ramamoorthy, who joined Mana geEngine in 2011, says stronger deci sion automation techniques can opti mize processes and maximize revenue for companies. They can help employ ees become more productive and en sure customer satisfaction by scanning through a lot of patterns from past data.

Redundant tasks, like assigning a help desk ticket to a particular agent after a human reads through it, can be automated now, thereby leading to a reduced MTTR (mean time to repair) and better efficiency in the process, he says.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

“I feel like it is my own way of giving back for the blessings I have received,” says Al varez who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012.

“My doctors have given me a new lease on life when they managed my Parkinson’s disease, but SmarTrade has given me a new opportunity to continuously experience my freedom doing the things I love to do,” he says.

Before developing Parkinson’s, a progres sive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves, Alvarez worked as a customer ser vice associate for a luxury vehicle brand abroad. Since then, the single father of two found it difficult to be employed because of his medical condition.

“It was a struggle to find work and I am grateful to have been accepted as a full-time employee at SmarTrade. I enjoy the work environment. My bosses and my colleagues are very friendly and positive. It made my life easier and I was provided with all the tools for me to work properly and effectively,” says Alvarez.

Alvarez helps SmarTrade participants and oth er ATFX clients by providing them with needed information regarding online trading and how to attend and register for the free learning sessions. He also collates reports and inquiries used by SmarTrade to further improve its services.

“Even with my condition, I can complete tasks smoothly because everything is online, which reduces the amount of movement re quired. It’s a challenge for me to answer in a timely manner, especially in social media chats where the client needs a quick answer. But I am thankful that clients have the pa tience to wait for a reply. My reflexes are oc casionally slow, but I complete all tasks that are assigned to me,” says Alvarez.

Cristel Tasha Rubio, a SmarTrade webinar attendee and a newbie trader, is among the clients Alvarez has helped.

“I inquired through their email asking if the seminars they provide are 100-percent free and what forex trading seminar topics they of fer. We exchanged emails, and he also provid ed me with a general summary of their topics and what a beginner like me would need. Jose was extremely helpful in explaining everything to me, beginning with the registration process and ending with the most basic of questions. I learned a lot from their online session and was able to understand trading opportunities as well as risks,” Rubio says.

Promdipreneur rises against big players

SIZE does not matter all the time. Some times, it takes guts, perseverance, hard work and a vision to compete against the Goliaths of the corporate Philippines.

Dennis Uy, chairman and president of Udenna Corp., the promdi-entrepreneur from Mindanao, has proven just that. He began small, put in the work and eventually built a commercial empire in markets dominated by top petroleum companies and major tele communications providers.

Uy developed and introduced different and better products and services to the market and embraced the opportunities presented to him, secure in his roots, but at the same time, conscious of the difficulties involved in creating enterprises that would have to com pete with the big players.

The Davaoeño’s business acumen can be traced back to his humble beginnings. His ancestors, who moved from Fujian, China to Tagum, Davao in the 1930s, taught him about entrepreneurship. Uy’s grandparents established businesses ranging from gold mining and trading, to vehicle dealing and food retailing, among others, with the help of his father and his father’s siblings.

After helping his family’s business since the 1990s, Uy decided to start his own firm in 2002, establishing Udenna Corp. with his wife Cherylyn. He then recognized an oppor tunity in the oil retailing industry, which was

then dominated by three big petroleum com panies, by offering customers and clients in Davao a different option.

“I took a leap, went all-out and all-in,” Uy said in one of his previous talks.

Uy founded Oilink Mindanao in 2002, which eventually became Davao Oil Termi nal Services Corp. with the goal of coming in fourth place after the top three players. He was confident that his foray into oil retailing would succeed as he anticipated that the economy would shift in favor of energy within five to ten years.

Uy finally reaped the benefits of his efforts when he secured a big client which was won over by the team’s above-and-beyond ser vice. Having overcome numerous obstacles along the way, including raising funds to the point that he was using his land titles as se curity for bank loans, and a failed joint ven ture, this was the pivotal break that turned things around.

PHOENIX TAKES OFF

The big opportunity came when Cebu Pacific, owned by the Gokongwei family, became DOSTCO’s first client when Uy pro vided the airline with lower rates and flexible conditions as part of an exclusive five-year contract. This made it possible for DOTSCO to go against the multinational corporations monopolizing the aircraft fuel market and be come the exclusive logistics partner of Cebu Pacific in locations in Mindanao.

Dennis Uy, chairman and president of Udenna Corp.

Many have come before LopezMalvar, for whom she is thankful. Those women mentored her and showed everyone that there shouldn’t be a need to choose between being a wife, a mother and having a corporate career. Atty. Mimi is keeping that torch alive for the next generation of P&G employees.

“I’ve seen personal and professional growth happen when (in the words of one of my bosses), we become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Over the course of my life and career, some of the best decisions I’ve made were those that forced me to push the envelope further. This often presents an opportunity for me to stretch and discover strengths I didn’t know I had in me,” she said.

TransUnion names new regional president for APAC

Lim Moore joined TransUnion in April 2020 as Hong Kong chief executive and has helped to elevate and improve the business while navigating the challenges of the pan demic and wider evolving market dynamics.

TransUnion’s APAC business is well po sitioned for growth as its markets continue to evolve. In Hong Kong, the number of money lenders has grown significantly, and the wider Greater Bay Area presents new opportunities and possibilities. In the Philip pines market, TransUnion has made signifi cant strides in increasing financial inclusion across its rural lending ecosystem.

Lim Moore has significant experience in financial services, emerging technology and data having held senior regional roles at Visa and Citibank earlier in her career. She is a true global citizen having worked across multiple markets, including New York, Sin gapore and Greater China.

A passionate advocate of women’s lead ership and empowerment as well as a num ber of charitable initiatives, she is a men tor for The Women’s Foundation and also serves on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity and the Splash Foundation in Hong Kong.

“Claire has led our Hong Kong business through a significant period of change. The wider APAC market is also growing, and we recognize the opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area initiative and increased fi nancial inclusion in the Philippines. Under Claire’s leadership, our Hong Kong team al ready helps and supports key elements of our wider APAC business and this appointment strengthens that work,” said Todd Skinner, president of TransUnion International.

Pia Arellano, president and chief execu tive of TransUnion Philippines, will continue in her role and will join the APAC leadership team reporting to Marie Claire Lim Moore. Lim Moore’s current role as CEO of TransUnion Hong Kong will remain unchanged.

“Our Hong Kong and Philippines busi nesses already collaborate very closely, and this new role and evolved structure will allow the region to access even greater re sources and expertise for the benefit of our clients and consumers. I look forward to seeing our APAC business continue to grow and thrive as we build new and innovative solutions that best serve the evolving needs of the market. We have a wealth of talent in our business that is ideally positioned to make the next step in our journey a suc cess,” said Lim Moore.

Procter and Gamble Philippines country legal head Atty. Mimi Lopez-Malvar and her family

As a full-time employee at SmarTrade, Jose Alvarez does his part in helping Filipinos reach their financial goals despite his medical condition.

Ramprakash Ramamoorthy, director of research at ManageEngine

GLOBAL information and insights compa ny TransUnion appointed Marie Claire Lim Moore as regional president for Asia Pacific.

Lim Moore

ILLA Liana Galvez was with her father, sportswriter Waylon, when the latter went to the World Trade Center in Pasay City to cover the fencing finals of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines.

She was watching from the spectators stand with great interest when the women’s individual sabre finals came up.

The scene featured Jylyln Nicanor, who after getting instructions from her coach Amatov Can las, and turned back Indonesian champion Diah Permatasari, 10-6, in the final half of their tense duel to win the Philippines’ first fencing gold medal in the SEA Games since 2011.

How Nicanor fought left an impression on young Willa, who went home with her father, with awe and with inspiration in her heart.

Learning how Nicanor trained hard for eight years as a member of the national team, and with only a bronze medal to show in three SEA Games appearances was something Willa learned to appreciate later on.

“Nagka-interest po ako nung napanood ko si Jylyn,” said Willa three years later, as she looked back, days after she joined the 2022 Minime Sin gapore Fencing Festival from September 2 to 5.

It was her first international event, and she finished 11th out of 29 fencers in the under 12 girls division.

‘PANDEMIC’ TRAINING

The 11-year old Willa is now starting to go plac es, three years after picking up a fencing sword and began “dueling” at their living room at age 8 during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, back in May 2020.

For five months, she received online instruc tions from coaches belonging to former national coach Amatov Canlas’ Canlas Fencing school.

The sixth grader from the University of the East has since done well with her first basic weapon, the foil sword.

“Ang galing niya. Naging idol ko po siya. Siya po iyung una kong idol nung nakakita ako ng nagpe-fencing,” said Willa as she recalled her fas cination in every move on the mat that afternoon.

By December of 2020, Willa had her first taste of competition, and took a silver medal in the Canlas Fencing Exhibitions, in the under-10 mixed events.

After that, she impressed her father later when Willa snared a bronze medal in the CF invitation als.

Meanwhile, Nicanor continues to represent the country in local and international meets.

During the 2022 SEA Games, the women’s sabre team composed of Nicanor, Queen Denise Dalmacio, Allaine Nicole Cortey, and Kemberly

n By DOC MICO MESINA

(Last of two parts)

Who is Marlou Aquino? They say that lightning does not strike twice, but it did for Ginebra in the PBA draft.

In 1994, they had the rights to the 1st overall pick, and had their sights set on the 6’9” beanpole from Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

He was hailed by pundits as a sure fire franchise cornerstone and potential superstar, and teams salivated at the opportunity to draft him.

And why not? He served as the fulcrum of some National teams as well as the go to guy of the PBL teams that he played for.

However, due to some academic concerns in Adamson University, he was deemed ineligible for the draft. With that, the Gin Kings settled for a burly and offensive-minded power forward from De La Salle University,

Noli Locsin.

HOBBIES & COLLECTIONS

Big world to conquer for young fencer Willa Galvez

Camahalan captured the bronze medal after falling to Vietnam, 45-29, in the semifinals.

Willa only managed to watch the finals, but it was enough to spark her curiosity.

And her appetite to learn how to use a sword was further sharpened as she continued staying at home for months during the height of the quarantine lockdowns in 2020.

Willa eventually met Jylyn and finally got to talk to her during the national team’s ongoing training camp, when she and father visited Ormoc City last February during the 2022 Mayor Richard Gomez Cup.

With Nicanor somewhere in the venue compet ing, Willa claimed a gold medal in the under-12 girls team event, a silver in the under-12 girls singles, and a bronze in the under-10 mixed.

“Pinahanap siya ni Daddy. At duon ko sinabi sa kanya na inspiration ko siya, na makapunta ako someday sa SEA Games at sa Olympics,” added Willa.

It did not stop there, as Willa continued to claim podium finishes in the four other meets in the months that followed.

Her parents, Waylon and Liezle became more impressed when she took a gold and silver in the

Wilmer Ong and Benny Cheng, just to name some of the cast.

Despite his sterling performance in his 1st two seasons, it was not enough to bring Ginebra into title contention. But as the saying goes, “one step back ward, two steps forward”.

It so happened that for the 1996 PBA Draft, Ginebra again had the number 1 overall pick and finally, Aquino was deemed eligible to be drafted. When the pick was eventually made, not only did he have the labels “franchise player” and “rookie phenomenon” add to it the tag of “savior”.

TEAM COMPOSITION

The components for a championship team was slowly taking shape. They had Vince Hizon (whom they acquired from Purefoods), a shooter as well as a deft slasher into the basket, 1995 draft snub Bal David (whom they picked up as a free agent), old reliables like Pido Jarencio, Jayvee Gayoso and Macky De Joya, as well as defensive stalwarts

To add, the only remnant from the 1991 championship is their playing coach himself, Robert Jaworski Sr. For 1996, they might not have a conference championship, but you can see definite signs of improvement.

They ended the year locking horns with the Alaska Milkmen in the Gover nor’s Cup Finals, and even though Alas ka had a date with destiny that time to seal their Grand Slam campaign, it is evident to everyone that there might be something special coming up from the Ginebra camp in the very near future.

1997 Commissioner’s Cup.

Since the start of the year, the team has been christened the “Gordon’s Gin Boars” with the hopes of infusing loftier goals for the team. In addition, there is a feeling of a nearing finality for the Jaworski era, since he was being eyed as a senatoriable by the Nationalist

People’s Coalition to the run in the 1998 national elections.

With that, many felt that this may be his last year at the helm of the Ginebra franchise. This has to be THE YEAR. To start, they fine tuned their roster, unloading EJ Feihl, acquiring Chris “Jumbo” Bolado, and starting Aquino full time at the center position.

This worked wonders for the team, speeding up their tempo as well as their rate of getting wins. They were bounced off by Purefoods in the all-Filipino finals but there is a growing feeling that this coming conference will be their championship, no, our championship.

They racked of the best elimination round record in the Commissioner’s cup, but struggled a bit in the semifinal round. With high stakes at the table, Gordon’s Gin gambled to replace its current import, the high-flying Tyrone Hopkins, with a savvy NBA veteran, Chris King from Wake Forest University.

All systems go for PlayPark’s Dream of a New World

PLAYPARK Inc., together with Asiasoft and Archosaur Games, is proud to announce the official launch of the newest mobile MMORPG Dream of a New World to gamers on Sept. 27 in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Together with the launch of the game, pre-registered gamers will be able to receive their rewards and embark on an unfor gettable journey into the Continent of Mulland.

Dream of a New World conducted an Alpha Test last July 21-24 and a Closed Beta Test last August 31 - September 5 in order to fine-tune all aspects of the game for the maximum enjoyment of players in Southeast Asia.

And to celebrate the launch of the game, the PlayPark Dream of a New World Team has a lot of in-game and community events lined up!

There will be a Level Race from Sept. 27 to Sept. 30. Players with the highest level at the end of the Race will receive a limit ed edition Dreamers jacket.

If you didn’t get the highest level, don’t lose hope; the player with the highest Combat Power in the game will also receive prizes and of course, bragging rights!

In game photography has been a hobby of gamers ever since the ability to take screenshots has been a feature in games. So flex those composition skills and submit your best photos to win prizes!

For the Fashion Icon event, players need to get any of the available Fashion Sets in the Store, and take the best photo they can get! Submissions will be on the official Dream of a New World Facebook Page so keep an eye out for the complete rules

and mechanics there!

Players will also get the chance to interact with Dream of a New World GMs and win prizes! Every Thursday from Septem ber 27 at around 5PM (GMT +8), one of the game’s GMs will shout his or her location via World Chat.

The first player to find the GM will win big rewards!

For players looking for a real challenge, the PvP Master event is for you! For one month from Sept. 27 to Oct. 27, participating in the Gladiator Stage will earn you points for your ranking.

The top-ranked player at the end of the event will receive bonus rewards on top of the ranking rewards!

under-10 mixed singles and team events in the 2022 Duelympics at the Alabang Town Center in May.

Later at the CF Interclub, she settled for a silver, before bagging two bronzes at the 2022 Southeast Asian and Pacific competitions in Ormoc last July.

Next came the One Canlas FC event last month, where she claimed bronze in the under-12 girls and team event.

During Willa’s first outing in Singapore, Willa went 3-2 in pool matches, to gain entry into the Round of 32’s , and after beating CF teammate Aliyah Sofia Diaz 10-7.

Nationals swamp Sealions, near finals

Games Tuesday 2:30 p.m. – VNS vs Sta. Elena 5:30 p.m. – Cignal vs Navy

NATIONAL U-Sta. Elena’s superb blend of hitting and blocking proved too much for PGJC-Navy to over come as the Nationals hammered out a 25-21, 25-17, 26-24 victory over the Sealions to close in on the finals of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila yesterday.

The young but tall and talented Nationals outdueled the Sealions in a tense first-set skirmish, dominated the second then bounced back from early three-point deficits in the third before withstanding the Sealions’ own stretch-run rally to complete the straight-set victory after rally ing from two sets down to stun the Cignal HD Spikers at the start of the round robin semis last Thursday.

Wresting the solo lead at 2-0, Sta. Elena assured itself of at least a tie for the second finals berth but following the Nationals’ contrasting

Blazers seek to regain top spot

victories over the HD Spikers and the Sealions, the VNS-One Alicia Griffins will need to outdo themselves to stop them from sweeping the Final Four phase on Tuesday.

The loss dropped Navy to 1-1 with Cignal and VNS-One Alicia trying to match that card and stay in the finals hunt at presstime. The loser, howev er, will bow out of the finals race.

“Credit to the boys, they real ly wanted to win. But it’s all hard work,” said Sta. Elena coach Dante Alinsunurin.

The Sealions matched the Nation als’ 40 attack points but the latter put their main weapon on display again, coming through with 12 kill blocks, nine more than their seasoned rivals.

Five of those they produced in their emphatic second set romp.

But the Sealions started strong in the third, staying 3-up at 9-6 before the Nationals charged back, seized control on an 11-5 run for a 17-14 lead and pulled away at 20-16 on a Navy hitting error.

Having already surpassed their one-win output last season, coach Louie Gonzalez knows that the Bombers still has something to show to contend for the Final Four.

“We are unconscious about it. For us, ang gusto lang is to get better as the season progresses na alam ko kulang pa kami sa kondisyon, hindi pa buo ang rotation namin. Alam ko may madi-dig deep sa mga players ko,” said Gonzalez.

Manila Standard’s special issue on the Gordon’s Gin Boars PBA title conquest in 1997

Be ready to dream and play

COLLEGE of Saint Benilde seeks to regain its winning ways against Jose Rizal University Sun day in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Blazers seek to regain the top spot in the 12 noon duel with the Bombers. San Beda and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta collide to cap in an interesting doubleheader at 3 p.m.

Sporting a 3-1 record along with co-leader Lyceum of the Philippines University, Benilde is just a game ahead of joint fifth placers JRU, San Beda, Perpetual and idle San Sebastian, which all have 2-2 slates. The Blazers are wary of the Bombers, who have

won two in a row after back-to-back defeats. Benilde eyes to rebound from last Friday’s 75-81 loss to defending champion Letran. Banking on Ry dela Rosa’s clutch triple, JRU nipped Arellano, 70-67, last Wednesday.

Willa Galvez in action

Galvez with her teammates

Galvez getting instruction from her coach

London-based fashion brand unveils 2022 Autumn Winter collection

tecture. Absorbing the dynamic energy of the surroundings, mood-boosting colors, light, and movement create an uplifting and empowering atmosphere, revealed internationally through livestream – unify ing a global audience.

The overarching precedence of style over fashion remains. Timeless yet innova tive, COS’ tailoring is refined; single- and double-breasted blazers are functional yet elegant, and trousers fluid. Positivity is expressed through bursts of color in vary ing green, purple, pink, and orange tones, while retro influences are reinvented, cre ating the icons of the future. From 1970sstyle leather boots and soft knit vests to 1990s minimal tailoring and grunge-style multi-layering, mixed proportions form a laidback silhouette.

Continuing to champion individual expression, Desserto cactus leather bags in acid brights, knitted hoods, and bucket hats add flair to everyday looks. Material consideration continues throughout, with over 92 percent of the collection made from more sustainably sourced materials; paired with neutral suiting, natural, un dyed cashmere is introduced. Classic coats

are presented in oversized utility-inspired styles or crafted in leather, herringbone, and tweed, transforming everyday pieces.  For the first time, occasionwear pieces are introduced, focused on uncompromis ing quality and impeccable attention to detail. Developed in the COS in-house atelier, a coordinating skirt set uses

100 percent recycled sequins, while a coin-shaped collage evening dress adds structure – looks are completed with coats in soft, luxurious cashmere.  A selection of items from the show col lection are available at COS stores and cos. com and limited numbers will continue to drop throughout the season.

The essential steps towards your dream career

Master the art of chilling with Freedom Moses

WITH life’s busy schedule, it’s always important to take a moment and just take it easy. Stroll around the city, soak in the warm sun and cool breeze at the beach, or if you’re a home buddy – enjoy a cold beer while lounging in your backyard. Take your feel-good experience up a notch by chilling in style with fun and trendy slides that do not harm the envi ronment and are approved by PETA (Peo ple for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This September, footwear brand Freedom Moses is officially launching its first retail stores in the country, introducing a whole new way of chilling in the Metro. So far, the brand has already established a great reputation in 27 countries across the globe: US, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Sin gapore, and South Korea to name a few, and has caught the attention of various sports, entertainment and lifestyle personalities like Olympian and Best-Selling author Shawn Johnson East, avid tennis player and influencer

Neka Prila, soccer player turned popstar Joaquin Fab rega, triathlete and beauty queen Carolina Dementiev, model Patty Castillo, and TV host Estefi Varela

Aiming to promote a positive and inclusive lifestyle without harming Mama Earth, Free dom Moses offers slides that are cool, colorful, genderless, ageless, timeless, and most importantly – fun!

What’s more, the Israel-based brand takes its mission of protecting the environment seriously. All of our super comfy slides are made from PCU, an eco-friendly ver sion of plastic that’s injected with air for maximum comfort and minimum environmental impact. Because of all that, our slides can easily be recycled.

Be it for errands, city strolls, beach walks, and whatnot, you can rely on Freedom Moses as your footwear of choice for all your indoor and outdoor day-to-day activities. Each pair

struts a traditional summertime classic look with a two-band silhouette and a comfortable footbed with a non-slip sole. To guarantee comfort, the ECO PCU plastic is injected with air that allows a lighter walking experience compared to other brands. The slides are also waterproof, hand washable, and lightly scented with milk and honey, making them easy-to-use and 100 percent chill.

Look effortlessly cool when you find the design that suits your personality best. Freedom Moses slides come in a variety of colors within its basic and fancy collections. Styles with prints are made using 3DB print ing technology that enables perfect print ing on all surfaces, making sure all slides flaunt only the best prints one can imagine.

By Lorena “Lhoree” Valerio

THE path to a dream career that makes one excitedly jump out of bed whenever you think about it in the morning has three essential steps: why you want the said career, you need to achieve it, and how you can move forward with your plan.

The whys vary per individual. Some may have personal purpose and mo tivations, while others hope to honor the wishes of those important to their lives. These reasons all have their unique back stories.

However, to pursue your coveted job, all aspirants must be equipped with the whats – the talents and traits required to clinch the posi tion. Thus, it is important for all to possess soft and hard skills that will eventually make them desirable in the field.

These slides any

There are also solid-colored op tions to choose from for those who prefer a more timeless look. Establish ing the brand also on an Inter national scale, the brand has partnered with some of the top and well-known brands like–Shopbop, J.Crew, Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropolo gie, Neiman Marcus, and more. Freedom Moses comes in adult and kid’s sizes. Go matchy-matchy for a great value at P2,195 to P2,495 for adult sizes, and P1,895 to P1,995 for kids’ sizes.

There’s nothing better than chilling in style while also helping protect the environ ment. From the beach to the streets, the Freedom Moses slides are perfect to chill in all day long. Check out the collection at its first store located in Trino ma Mall – Level 2, at selected Shoe Salon branches, and The Playground Store located in Shangri-La, Magnolia, and Trinoma Mall; also coming soon in

Soft skills, abilities that cannot be quantified such as people skills, emotional intelligence, passion and care, professionalism, communication, adaptability, creativ ity, resiliency, and teamwork are all key players in brand building and custom er loyalty for business to prosper.

For instance, in the hospitality indus try, due to increased competitiveness in the recruitment process, employers expect these traits from employees to successfully face the “better normal”.

Outside of work, these soft skills like wise prove useful as you go through the ups and downs of life.

On the other hand, hard or technical skills, those which can be learned and are essential to accomplish work tasks that entail expertise, are sought-after, especially in post-pandemic industries.

In the world of travel and tourism, these skills include customer experi ence management, facility manage ment, business simulation, marketing, digital fluency, front office operations, food and beverage service, and aircraft cabin service, among many others.

The key to advancing employabil ity and promotability is the balanced combination of both traits. Hard skills hire you, but the lack of soft skills fires you.

And thus on the Hows, to proceed with the plan to achieve the dream post, constant practice and continu ous training is essential, while main taining a good work ethic that others

should emulate.

While resumes may reflect exper tise, only on-hand experience will test one’s attitude and character in day-to-day situations that require a positive outlook. As the saying goes, “It is your attitude which will deter mine your altitude.”

About the author Lorena “Lhoree” Valerio, MBA is an American Hotel and Lodging Educa tional Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hos

pitality Educator (CHE) and American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP)-Trainer.

With experience in marketing and operations management in the hos pitality and tourism industry and the academe, she is currently the Chair person of the Tourism Management Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM).

NEW York City’s iconic skyline sets the backdrop for COS’ debut at New York Fashion Week – a celebration of creativity, positivity, and imagination. Presented at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in Manhat tan, above the city’s bustling streets, the

Autumn Winter 2022 collection delivers the perfect wardrobe foundations for the season and beyond.  Drawing inspiration from New York, the runway, sheathed in reflective material, mirrors the distinctive surrounding archi

Drawing inspiration from New York, the city that never sleeps, COS’ tailoring is refined, innovative.

COS fashion show with New York City as backdrop

(From left) Freedom Moses Marketing and Execom Team: Luigi Wilwayco, Asst. brand Manager; Carmela Vizcocho, Brans Assistant; Vida Co, Managing Director; Vanessa Chua-Sy, Managing Director; and Joy Cortez-Dauz, Marketing Manager

Benilde Tourism Management Program chairperson Lorena Valerio

A Belle Mariano makes history at Seoul International Drama Awards

BB. PILIPINAS Foundation, Inc. (BPCI) held a traditional sendoff for three of its reigning queens, Monday, with two of them aiming for a back-to-back title and one eying a first-ever win for the Philippines.

Among the three, it’s Gabrielle Basiano who looked 100 percent ready and with her stunning beauty, poise, and elegance could retain the Miss Intercontinental title currently held by Cinderella Obeñita. This is Basiano’s second time competing abroad after her 1st runnerup finish in Miss Friendship International 2019 held in Chengdu, China.

Chelsea Fernandez, the Tacloban classic beauty, looked like she’s saving the best for Miss Globe 2022 activities and finals. The former Miss Philippines-Earth Water 2019 is also up for a back-to-back title to succeed titleholder Maureen Montagne

Roberta Tamondong, another “pasavouge” Binibini queen is facing a tougher competition than the Miss Eco Teen International she competed in and won in 2020 in Hurghada, Egypt. No Filipina has tasted victory in Miss Grand International since 2013, and Tamondong could stop the drought and bring home the elusive crown.

Follow Gabrielle, Chelsea, and Roberta’s journeys as they try to keep the country’s winning streak at Miss Intercontinental 2022 in Egypt (October 15), Miss Globe 2022 in Tirana, Albania (October 16), and Miss Grand International 2022 in Indonesia (October 25).

• • •

Binibini queens shine in PNP Siglakas 2022 sportsfest

BB. PILIPINAS-INTERNATIONAL 2022 Nicole Borromeo, Bb.

By Marron Joshua F. Mendoza

CTRESS Belle Mariano made history as the first Filipina to win the award for Outstanding Asian Star at the 2022 Seoul International Drama Awards held at the KBS Hall in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday, September 22, for her work in the TV series He’s Into Her

Gabriel brought class and glamor when they paraded as muses during the opening of the SIGLAKASAN 2022 Sportfest of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday. The three Binibinis were eagerly anticipated and were undoubtedly the top attraction at the annual PNP sports competition.

Nicole, a student in Interior Design at the University of San Carlos and the Philippines’ representative in Miss International 2023 pageant, acted as the muse of the Police Community Affairs & Development Group or PCADG .

Chelsea, a graduate of Mass Communication and the country’s bet in Miss Globe 2022 pageant was the muse of the PNP Intelligence Group.

Stacey, an actress and student in Communication Arts at De La Salle University, played muse to the team of the PNP Maritime Group.

Siglakasan promotes camaraderie and physical development among men and women in the police organization.

She won an award alongside other Asian actors such as Kang Daniel of South Korea, Wallace Chung of China, Yusei Yagi of Japan, Alice Ko of Taiwan, and Krit Amnuaydechkorn of Thailand.

Belle thanked the cast and crew of He’s Into Her and her management in her acceptance speech.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the Father Almighty. The glory is all Yours. I’d also like to thank the brilliant minds behind the scenes of He’s Into Her. Our director, Chad Vidanes. Our writers, Vanessa Valdez, and her team. The author of the book where the series was based, Maxinejiji, thank you for giving me this life-changing opportunity. To my bosses and management, Star Magic, and Rise Artists Studio, thank you. Thank you, as well, to the cast and production crew of He’s Into Her Maraming maraming Salamat,” she said.

She also thanked her He’s Into Her co-star and on-screen partner Donny Pangilinan and shared her award with him, saying, “It has been an amazing journey with you. Here’s to more, and I share this honor with you.”

Belle also took the opportunity to thank her fans for their support.

“Of course, the supporters as well, I wouldn’t be here without you guys. Taos po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo. Maraming maraming salamat,” she said. Belle ended her speech by thanking her mother and giving a short message to her fellow Filipinos.

“To the woman who molded me into the woman I am today, my mother, thank you so much. I love you. Mahal ko kayong lahat at mabuhay tayong lahat,” she said.

Donny took to Instagram to express his happiness for Belle in winning the award by sharing a photo of her at the ceremony, saying in an Instagram story, “This is your day. So proud of you @ belle_mariano more to come!”

Belle attended the ceremony wearing a pink gown designed by Francis Libiran and accompanied by Ruel S. Bayani the Head for International Production and Co-Production of ABS-CBN, Mico del Rosario, the AdProm Head of ABSCBN Films and Head of Rise Artists Studio, Yanie Camante, road manager for Star Magic, and celebrity hairstylist RJ Dela Cruz

According to Star Magic, she edged out 175 male and female actors, including Donny and other Kapamilya stars such as Charlie Dizon, Dimples Romana, Jake Cuenca, Maris Racal, Kaila Estrada, and Zanjoe Marudo

Belle joins Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Dingdong Dantes in the list of Filipino artists who received the same prize in the Seoul International Drama Awards. Alden and Dingdong received the award in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The actress began her career on television when she starred in the ABSCBN comedy show Goin’ Bulilit at the age of nine. Since then, she has starred in many films and TV series such as Maalala Mo Kaya, Four Sisters Before the Wedding, and Love is Color Blind.

From Working Title, producer of unforgettable and iconic blockbuster rom-coms like Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Love Actually, and Four Weddings and a Funeral, Ticket to Paradise is set to bring back those “feels” that had left the audience eager to re-experience the collective excitement of watching a love story in a cinema.

“The world had completely changed when the pandemic hit. I thought about what I wanted to write and work on next, and I landed on writing something that would make people happy—something joyous and optimistic.

Romantic comedies bring a large audience together to collectively laugh with each

other, and after a few tough years, that seemed like a beautiful thing to bring to the big screen,” shared director Ol Parker.

It was rich comedic material for Clooney and Roberts to mine, and luckily, they both saw its potential.

“Julia and I weren’t actively looking for a project to do together, but, of course, it was easy to say yes to a chance to work on another project with her,” Clooney says. “Ol Parker sent the script to both of us at the same time and said that he had written the parts for Julia and me.

So, right after I read it, I called Julia and told her, ‘I’ll do it if you do it,’ and she said, ‘Well, I’ll do it if you

heading to Australia.”

Roberts and Clooney’s history and friendship goes way back, and that friendship comes across in their work. “George and I have always had a good chemistry as friends,” Roberts says. “We approach our work in similar ways as well. I think we also get a lot of joy out of making each other laugh. So, each day was like a search for me to find how I could make George laugh. We both take an immense amount of care in creating an environment where people feel creative and happy at work. It brings out the best in everyone.”

Although Ticket to Paradise is principally a comedy, it touches on deeper, universal themes of love, regret, and the complex emotions of parenting children as they take their first real steps into adulthood. Unlike most romantic comedies, which are primarily about people in their 20s or early 30s, the film explores love, in all its permutations, and about the sweet surprise of second chances.

Ticket to Paradise opens on October 5 in local cinemas nationwide from Universal Pictures International.

KIDS can now travel and learn safely without leaving their home via Mang Lalakbay, the country’s first educational travel show for children that bring kids to scenic places across the country to learn and have fun at the same time.

Premiering today on A2Z Channel 11 and streamed live on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and iWantTFC, Mang Lalakbay has everything a child could ever want while traveling under a “better normal” with their parents and families.

If toddlers discover words and numbers in Batibot , science in Sine’skwela, and mathematics in MathDali , children will learn valuable lessons in Mang Lalakbay through animation, songs, crafts, tips and more while accompanied by two adorable puppets.

Every Sunday, the playful Kuya ‘Bay will lead the kids in exploring natural and manmade attractions, including lush forests, rugged terrains, and bustling cities.

Prolific film, theater and commercial actor and singer Vic Robinson, the main host of Mang Lalakbay, will speak with stewards and protectors of the environment and its creatures on these exciting journeys.

He will also take the kids aboard vehicles that are uniquely Pinoy.

He will sail the seas aboard the balangay, a boat inspired by those built by our ancestors for interisland trading, explore the city in a dyipni (jeepney), enjoy the countryside in a traysikel (tricycle), or even fly to faraway places aboard his magical eroplano (airplane).

Mang Lalakbay will guide the kids in appreciating and preserving the environment while learning from their own fun encounters, interactions, and curiosities in the show’s 11 episodes.

Produced by the creative production agency The Jumpcat Experiment, the pioneering half-hour “travel and explore” show will not only bring the kids to picturesque locations but will also encourage them to care for, preserve and protect the environment and its creatures.

“The show aims to inspire everyone to hop on board our travels and lessons,” Mang Lalakbay’s executive producer and co-director Joan Lopez-Flores said.

The pilot and second episodes will focus on animals and the importance of sanctuaries and zoos, while in its third episode on the Animal Kingdom Foundation in Concepcion, Tarlac will tackle the need to adopt and care for rescued animals as pets instead of buying.

ACADEMY Award winners George Clooney and Julia Roberts reunite on the big screen in the romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise as divorced couple David and Georgia who find themselves on a shared mission to stop their lovestruck daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) into marrying Gede (Maxime Bouttier) so soon and from making the same mistake they once made.

Belle Mariano bags the Outstanding Asian Star at the 2022 Seoul International Drama Awards

The Kapamilya actress wearing a pink creation by Francis Libiran

The actress is the first Filipina to win the award at the Seoul International Drama Awards

Belle (right) joins other Asian actors in receiving prestigious awards

Belle also thanks Donny Pangilinan in her acceptance speech

Julia Roberts

Eight new adventures await in Hong Kong’s ‘beautiful backyard’ TRAVEL

KNOWN for its towering skyscrapers and bustling city life, it’s no wonder that Hong Kong comes top of mind for travelers looking to shop and get a taste of Michelin-quality meals. While the world city hosts a plethora of activities for casual travelers to enjoy, it’s definitely still a top destination if you’re on the lookout for some extra adventure.

Experience Hong Kong like never before through its rich outdoors and various ac tivities fit for those looking to stretch their legs and get in on the action.

1. Experience stand-up paddling across majestic river views

Three Fathoms Cove, right by the seafront villages Yung Shue O and Sham Chung, is the perfect location for a scenic getaway from the city. With views of rolling hills and cerulean waters under your feet, stand-up paddling is the perfect activity to try out while propelling through Hong Kong’s rich biodiversity. Depending on how much you want to challenge yourself, paddlers can go as far as Tang Chau — an uninhabited island around 2.6 km to the west of Sham Chung, to catch panoramic views of Tolo Harbour.

Surrounded by mangroves and fish farms that boast a vast variety of species, paddling through Yung Shue O will treat you to Hong Kong’s diverse sea life, and maybe even a rare butterfly sighting as the village is also recognized as a butterfly hotspot.

2. Challenge yourself by taking on the 60km Super Bike Track

For those who don’t mind breaking a sweat, Hong Kong offers various cycling routes for beginners and experienced cyclists alike. Cycle through Hong Kong’s wetlands, parks, and mountains on the new 60km “Super Bike Track” that con nects Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan in the New Territories.

Don’t forget to stop by and take a breath of sea air around Cheung Chau, a beloved island among tourists and locals. Feast your eyes on the promenade’s quaint vil lages, Instagrammable cafes, and contem porary establishments.

3. Catch the waves and wakesurf along a sprawling peninsula

If you’re more a fan of riding the waves than touching the clouds, wakesurfing is definitely a fun option to try out while in Hong Kong. A popular activity among locals, wakesurfing is the perfect activity to bask in the Hong Kong warmth.  Filipino model and Hong Kong Superfan Jeanine Tsoi shares how she prefers to spend her weekends outside of the city, and would often go wakesurfing in Sai Kung from summer to mid-fall with friends. Jeanine shared that she’d also like to hike

more mountains and try wakesurfing in other areas besides Sai Kung while she’s in Hong Kong for her Master’s degree.

A former fishing village, Sai Kung Town offers visitors a variety of water sports that range from diving to kayaking, making it a top destination come summertime. Surf along the coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula and enjoy the various beaches it has to of fer with the wind in your hair and refresh ing waters at your feet.

4. Kayak through 55 million years of history and fascinating volcanic rock formations

Often referred to as a unique “Geopark in the City’’ due to it being only an hour away from the bustling center, the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is nothing short of fascinating geoattractions. These include vol canic hexagonal rock columns, sedimentary rock formations formed over 55 million years ago, as well as mangroves and coral com munities, all spread out across the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region that make up the geopark.

The geopark is unique not only in its various natural attractions but also in how they allow visitors to experience Hong Kong’s natural beauty. Instead of the usual walking tours, a popular and more exhilarating way to explore the park is by kayaking. Marvel at rock formations and sea caves from up close, and even through uninhabited islands via kayak.

5. Explore Hakka culture in a former salt-producing village from the ‘90

A former salt-producing village that was abandoned in the 1990s, Yim Tin Tsai’s saltpans were developed by Hakka settlers that came to the small town of Sai Kung. In 2015, the historic saltpans were restored for demonstration purposes and earned a UNESCO Asia-Pacific for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Years later, visitors can catch glimpses of Hakka customs, heritage, and folklore from Hakka settlers that migrated over 300 years ago.

6. Stroll through the idyllic and IGworthy Peng Chau island

A relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the small island of Peng Chau offers visitors a variety of vibrant arts spaces, aesthetically pleasing cafes, and quaint little shops full of unique knick-

knacks and souvenirs.

A former commercial hub during the Qing dynasty, Peng Chau housed various factories and small businesses on the island and is perfect for those that love visiting places ingrained with history. The island is also full of Instagramworthy locations, such as old factories, beaches, and temples that showcase its one-of-a-kind personality.

7. Visit enchanting villages and islands from the longest pier in Hong Kong

Once a closed border town, Sha Tau Kok has gradually reopened with its pier restarting operations in June 2022. Built in the 1960s, the pier is the longest in the city and can take visitors to Lai Chi Wo, Kat

Quirino Province: A basket of happiness

But while the merry-making has died town, Quirino’s natural wonders bundled as a “Basket of Happiness Circuit” are beckoning travelers who want to discover something more than the usual go-to places. Below are the “goodies” inside the tell-tale basket which will surely bring happy moments and fond memories.

Ganano Falls (Diffun). Perhaps the most Instagrammable waterfalls in the province, it boasts of a voluminous 100-foot drop and passes through the three minor cascades of Sabangaran, Nantugao, and Sinipit, which have wide and deep cool basins. Situated at Diffun Eco Park, the trek commences at Baguio Village where visitors pass through Bagnes Nature Park for a taste of authentic Kankanaey tribal specialties such as tinumbo (rice cooked in bamboo) and kiniing (smoked meat) after the tour.

Provincial Capitol Complex (Cabarrogu is). A sprawling 110-hectare, which is among the cleanest and greenest in the archipelago with plenty of spaces for environmentfriendly development. For a glimpse of local history, walk into the Provincial Museum and Library, or fill your basket with souvenirs and native snacks at the adjacent One Town, One Product (OTOP) Center. Better yet, swing by the main dome-shaped Capitol Building where sunlight pierces through the bust relief monument of former President Elpidio Quirino. At the enclave’s upper portion is the spring water-fed Quirino Watersports Com plex, north Luzon’s only full course world-

class and tournament-grade wake park, and comes with cozy accommodations and a pavilion overlooking an infinity pool.

Nature lovers can bask in the greeneries of the Orchidarium, Tree for Legacy Park, Bamboo Eco-Park, plant nurseries, and the tree-lined lake for a boating nirvana.

Aglipay Caves (Aglipay). Spelunking is a must-do at the 101-hectare Aglipay Caves and Campsite, which has hollow and fragile draws, amazing drapers, and stunning stalactites attesting to the rich biodiversity of the watershed and forrestal land. Eight chambers have been mapped, and are ideal even for neophytes because of their moderate difficulty. For a complete adventure, cavers can sleep under the stars at the campsite which has a gazebo, toilets, and cooking area.

Quirino Experiment Station (Aglipay). A farm of the Department of Agriculture, QES produces and sells great-tasting or ganic food items, most notably its dragon fruit homemade ice cream and dairy prod ucts. This is punctuated by an iconic huge cow monument on the provincial road.

Governor’s Rapids (Maddela). The province’s poster image because of its amazing rockscape and whitewater for an adrenaline-pumping two-hour canoe cruise at a river that has been named several times as among the region’s cleanest inland bod ies of water. Its natural features are majestic jagged limestone formations and a 30-foot rock platform for diving. Inside one of the

O, and Ap Chau among other islands. The pier is located on the east-most point of Hong Kong, close enough for a glimpse of Shenzhen across the border.

Lai Chi Wo is the oldest, largest, and best-preserved rural settlement near the New Territories’ northeast coast. You can immerse yourself in the greens of its man grove forest and large fung shui woods surrounding its 300-year-old Hakka village.  Another island you can visit is Kat O, a former fishing village that houses the Kat O Tin Hau temple built during the Qing dynasty to honor Tin Hau, the “Goddess of the Sea” and protector of sailors and fishermen, or Ap Chau, best known for its spectacular, Instagram-friendly, ochrecolored rock formations --including one

shaped like a duck’s head.

8. Go on an exhilarating hike over, under, and across Hong Kong’s vast natural beauty

A go-to destination for hikers, Hong Kong’s many trails not only cater to hikers of varying skill levels but also to nature lovers looking for a way to fully immerse themselves into the natural beauty of Hong Kong.

Beginners can try out the Lau Shui Heung Reservoir hike, taking them to the Instagram famous “sky mirror”. Mean while, intermediate hikers can try out the Tai Tam Reservoir hike that takes hik ers from Quarry Bay in the north of Hong Kong island to the beautiful beaches in southern Repulse Bay through the Tai Tam group of reservoirs.

Experienced hikers can also chal lenge themselves with the Wilson Trail — stretching from Stanley Gap, on Hong Kong Island all the way to Nam Chung in the New Territories. Indonesian avid hiker and Hong Kong Superfan Ida Serena Pur wati recommends  High Junk Peak as one of her favorite trails. Hikers may choose between the easy or leisure trails, both offering amazing views along the way, and chill by the beautiful Clear Water Bay Beach after the hike as a reward.

As Hong Kong is gearing up to welcome international guests back into the city, it is now ready to show off more of its diverse and natural wonders. Add these to your itinerary for your next visit and make last ing memories you’ll cherish for years to come while crossing off some items from your bucket list.

Hong Kong has something for everyone be it shopping, dining, or the arts. Check out more of the new adventures you can explore in Hong Kong at https://www. discoverhongkong.com/.

crevices is a chest-deep natural pool which serves as a pit stop in the river tour.

An alternative or supplementary recre ation is whitewater tubing which is as ex citing as the boat ride along the Cagayan River tributary. Kayaking was recently as an aquasport for those who wish to navigate the waterway manually.

Siitan River Park (Nagtipunan). Located on the far end of Quirino, tourists can cruise along the river aboard a dugout ca noe and marvel at the geological wonders along the way. A picturesque rock forma tion is the “Bimmapor” which got its name from “bapor” because of its resemblance to a ship’s steel hull. The River Park is a superb venue for live band performances, special events, motor camping, and other

off-the-grid adventures.

Its twin attraction is Landingan View point, the highest point in the town which has a commanding view of the river, Sierra Madre mountain ranges, and neighboring Aurora province.

Outside the basket, you can find still enjoy happy moments in the other excit ing spots such as the Diamond Cave in Nagtipunan which is filled with glittering stones, and the fossilized flower makers of Saguday, which are unique home and office furnishings. For an adventure over load, you go chasing the seven waterfalls around Maddela town. And while touring, find time to sample the dishes, snack items, native wines, and concoctions for a taste of Quirino’s brand of happiness.

QUIRINO Province, the frontier of the Cagayan Valley Region, recently celebrat ed its belated golden founding anniver sary through its annual Panagdadapun Festival as a way of formally announcing the reopening of its tourism industry. Literally meaning “gathering” in the Ilocano language, the weeklong celebra tion gathered the municipal festivals of the province’s six towns with a display of their rich cultures through music, song, dance, art, cuisine, and everything in between.

Landingan View in Nagtipunan

Stand up paddling at Sham Chung

Governor’s Rapids in Maddela

Kayaking along impressive sea caves. Photo credit_ Jessica.lkw

Filipino model Jeanine Tsoi wakesurfing in Sai Kung

Indonesian avid hiker Ida Serena Purwatig at High Junk Peak