Manila Standard - 2023 January 22 - Sunday

‘WEF crucial to PH growth’

PBBM cites trade, investment pledges during 5-day trip to Switzerland

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

Mr. Marcos’ bucket list at DA: End ‘old, hard’ problems first

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday he will appoint a permanent secretary of agriculture who is an expert in the field, but only after he does away with the “old, hard things” hounding the department.

“All the hard things – we are doing that now. Once we have ticked off our bucket list and accomplished everything, then I will leave. Then I will give it to somebody else,” said Mr. Marcos, who concurrently serves as secretary of the Department of Agriculture, in a media interview in

Davos

Mr. Marcos said he is not considering any retired military or police general for the DA portfolio, unless there is one who is also heavily involved in agriculture.

“We need an agriculture expert. Agriculture is a very complicated subject. You cannot appoint just about anyone simply because they are good managers. They have to understand the science. They have to understand the CONTINUED ON 3A

Premier polo event gathers largest set of int’l pro players

THE much-anticipated Chairman’s Cup at the Manila Polo Club inside Forbes Park in Makati City returns today (Sunday) after a three-year hiatus amid the pandemic.

“The Chairman’s Cup is a family event that celebrates horsemanship and the unique heritage of the craft. It aims to increase awareness of horsemanship discipline and develop our next generation of riders,” MPC Polo Committee chairman Enrique Anthony Filamor said in an interview.

The event was launched in 2017 and ran for three years straight before it was cancelled in 2020 due to the lockdowns.

As restrictions have eased under the new normal, this year’s Chairman’s Cup showcases the largest set of internationally-based professional players, Filamor said.

“Professionals significantly increase the quality of the game, and therefore the learning opportunities for all our

‘FOCUS ON COMMON THREAD OF KINSHIP’

I EXTEND my warmest greetings to all as we usher in the Chinese New Year.

With hope and excitement, we welcome a new dawn that symbolizes our boundless wishes

for prosperity for ourselves and our society. Indeed, it is through celebrations such as this that we are able to recognize the ties that bind us together as a family, community, and a

‘Maharlika fund must suit needs of country’

THE government will ensure that the planned first-ever sovereign wealth fund will suit the needs of the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in an interview in Davos, Switzerland before arriving in Manila yesterday afternoon.

He said the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) is currently under review by Congress to make sure that its establishment would reap significant benefits for the country.

“We have to design it very specifically to the Philippine condition. And that’s what the legislators are trying to do now – to make sure it will be suitable for us and it will be a good thing for us. So that’s the process that we’re undergoing now,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President made

before returning to Manila yesterday afternoon.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2023 in Switzerland yielded beneficial trade and investment opportunities, as well as key partnerships supportive of the country’s development agenda.

Mr. Marcos, who arrived in Manila Saturday afternoon after a five-day trip to Davos, described his meetings during the WEF 2023 as “crucial” given that the forum is a “truly global

multi-stakeholder platform.”

“The trip has yielded beneficial outcomes relative to new trade and investment opportunities, and key partnerships forged to CONTINUED ON 3A

REPORT TO THE NATION. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlines the benefits of his five-day trip to Switzerland to participate in the World Economic Forum 2023 where he touted the country’s economic growth and led the soft launch of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund. Alfred Frias

CHINATOWN. Manila’s Chinatown bursts in a profusion of colorful balloons and lanterns in celebration of the Lunar New Year 2023, considered as the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese moon calendar. Danny Pata

PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR.

Speaker: House will go full blast when session resumes

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

THE House of Representatives will hit the road running when session resumes on Monday, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Saturday.

Romualdez said the House leadership has always been committed to pass pro-people measures, including the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) which has undergone several revisions “to make it responsive to the needs of a growing economy.”

The Speaker also cited other measures undergoing close scrutiny and revision including those designed to ramp up the digitalization of business and the bureaucracy as enunciated by President Marcos during the recently-concluded World Economic

Two ex-police in e-sabong case turn selves in

n By JOEL E. ZURBANO

TWO former policemen tagged as suspects in the abduction of a master agent of online cockfighting in Laguna have surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Rigel Brosas and Daryl Paghangaan gave themselves up to the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group last Thursday after a series of negotiations, according to IMEG chief Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon.

“Our Team (in Calabarzon) have convinced these two former PNP personnel to surrender and stop putting the image of the PNP in a bad light,” De Leon said in a statement.

He said Brosas, 19, turned himself in while Paghangaan surrendered five hours later at the Liliw municipal police station in Laguna.

Government prosecutors earlier found probable cause to file kidnapping and robbery charges against Brosas and Paghangaan, along with their colleague Roy Navarette, for the alleged abduction of Ricardo Lasco of San Pablo City who remained missing since August 30, 2021.

Navarette is still at large and now the object of a police manhunt. The three were accused of taking cash and other valuables from Lasco’s home.

Lasco’s kin have identified the suspects.

Forum to fuel the country’s growth momentum.

“The House leadership reiterates its unwavering commitment to support the Agenda for Prosperity of President Marcos. And we have backed that commitment with tangible results,” Romualdez, referring to the House's action to pass pieces of legislation that are expected to benefit the people.

Early this week, Romualdez expressed support for Marcos' pronouncement on the importance of digitalization as a key driver for the long-term

development and economic transformation of the Philippines to the post-pandemic global economy.

“Establishment of the framework for digital transformation will undoubtedly help to enhance the prospect of the Philippines as an investment hub that President Marcos has successfully built up in Davos,” Romualdez said.

The Speaker was part of the Chief Executive’s official delegation to the WEF.

Among the top priorities of the House is the passage of the E-Government and E-Governance Act, “which would help accelerate our digital transformation to fuel growth momentum, Romualdez said.

Before Congress adjourned for the Christmas break on December 17, Romualdez announced that the House had fulfilled its commitment to pass the MIF bill, the P5.268-trillion national budget for 2023, and 20 other priority bills of the Marcos administration.

PBBM weighs his options on POGO’s stay in the country

In

‘Some 600k new voters have registered’

SOME 600,000 new voters have registered since the registration period begun last December, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) revealed.

According to the poll body, a total of 597,655 new voters have so far registered, with 264,994 of them in the 15 to 17 age bracket, and 268,425 aged 18 to 30.

The Comelec has received 1,029,212 applications since registration started last on Dec. 12.

To boost the listing process, the

TURTLE HATCHLINGS.

Environment and natural resources officials led by Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. joined by local villagers release a batch of sea turtle hatchlings on a beach in Catanauan, Quezon.

Biologists say only about one in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood as most die of dehydration if they don’t make it to the sea fast enough, or not eaten by natural predators like birds, crabs, and other animals. Roy Tomandao

Comelec rolled out the Register Anywhere Project in selected malls, universities and government agencies five days later.

Aside from registration of new voters, the poll body also accepted applications for transfer registration from another city/municipality, 232,264; transfer within the same city/municipality, 58,215; transfer with reactivation, 10,300; transfer with reactivation and correction of entries, 3,576; and transfer with correction of entries, 11,684, among others.

The registration period ends on Jan. 31.

Meanwhile,

In a statement, BJMP chief Allan Iral said there are 66,244 persons deprived of liberty (PDL)

Of the total, 27,741

Bill offers incentives package for employers hiring seniors

“AGE is just a number.”

Congressmen underscored this adage in a bill seeking to broaden job opportunities for retired senior citizens. House Bill 2384 filed by legislators Paolo Duterte of Davao City, Eric Yap of Benguet and Edvic Yap and Jeffrey Soriano of ACT-CIS party-list, also offers enhanced tax incentives for private entities employing senior citizens, or those aged 60 years old and above.

“Age has been a constant barrier to opening employment opportunities for many of our physically and mentally able senior citizens who want to continue working to help augment the meager pension and retirement savings they have,” Duterte said.

Cops nab 3, seize P9.8-m shabu in P’que, Iloilo raids

POLICE have arrested three suspects, one of them tagged as a high-value target, and seized P9.8 million worth of shabu in separate buy-bust operations in Paranaque City and Iloilo.

A composite anti-narcotics team from the Philippine National PoliceSpecial Operation Group, the Southern Police District, and Paranaque and Pasay police stations arrested Fahima Matula, alias Tita, 34, and Jhonix Casanova, 23, in an entrapment at 349 Quirino Avenue corner 4 De Julio Street in Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City around 9 p.m. Friday.

The lawmen, according to SPD chief Brig. Gen. Kirby Kraft, seized 530 grams of shabu worth of P3, 604,000.

In Iloilo, the PNP announced the arrest of a “high value target” and the seizure of P6.8 million worth of shabu in a late night police operation at Shangrila Beach Resort in Barangay Barosbos, Carles town.

Arrested was 20-year old Matthew James Bacos, alias Toto Mat. He was collared after selling one big plastic bag with shabu worth P600,000 to a police officer disguised as a buyer.

Also seized from the suspect were eight big tied plastic bags and 20 small sachets containing shabu, and drug paraphernalia.

“The estimated weight of illegal drugs is more or less one kilogram with street value of P6.8 million, said Police Regional Office 6 director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco.

Bacos is now facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin commended his men for their successful operations. Joel E. Zurbano

“To help remedy this situation, private companies should be encouraged to provide them with jobs. The private sector can benefit from the skills that senior citizens have acquired from their long years of hard work. Also, our senior citizens can continue to contribute to our post-pandemic economic growth,” he added.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Duterte said people aged 60 years old and above made up 8.5 percent of the population (9.22 million individuals) as of 2020. This is higher than the 7.5 percent (7.53 million senior citizens) recorded in 2015. Maricel V. Cruz

the President

“It’s not a huge part of our economy. And if it’s adjudged that there is a social cost, it might not be worth it. The cost might not be worth what they’re paying in taxes anymore,” the Chief Executive said.

Marcos clarified however that those involved in crimes were usually from illegal POGO operations, which authorities have addressed.

“The problem are the illegal ones, not the legal ones. The legal ones pay their bills, pay their taxes and you know those— ‘yung mga video na nakikita natin nagpapatayan na —‘yun mga illegal ‘yun. Kaya ang dami na natin pinaalis na illegal. Nagsara kami ng mga illegal POGO at dineport (deport) lahat nung mga kanilang tao.”

Beijing earlier ordered a crackdown on gambling which is disallowed in China.

“If China wants us to do that, we’ll see what the arrangement could be ‘di ba?” the President said.

Some POGOs have been accused of evading taxes and driving up property rates while not providing job opportunities.

About 34 POGOs are licensed to operate and around 130 support services are registered, according to the Philippine gaming regulator.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has said he wanted online gaming operators banned. He said revenues from POGOs peaked in 2020 at P7.2 billion, but fell sharply in 2021 to P3.9 billion.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian early on said even licensed POGOs are not paying correct taxes.

CHR lauds CTA ruling on Ressa, Rappler tax case

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has welcomed a decision of the Court of Tax Appeal’s (CTA) to clear journalist and Nobel prize awardee Maria Ressa of four tax evasion charges.

“The CHR commends CTA for upholding the rule of law and hopes that relevant observations on the human rights situation in the country be similarly addressed with urgency and probity,” the CHR said in a statement.

The Commission has been consistent in reminding the government of its duty, as a party to the ICCPR and signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to defend Filipinos’ freedoms of expression and opinion, especially for members of the opposition, activists, and journalists whose voices are crucial to Filipino democracy and dignity.

“CHR continues to the look forward to realization of the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to advance and uphold the human rights cause in the country, not only for civil and political rights, but as well as for the economic, social, and cultural rights of all, which are all interrelated and interdependent and necessary for a dignified life,” the CHR said.

The case against Ressa, an executive of the Rappler online media, was filed by Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2018 under the Duterte administration, accusing Ressa and Rappler of failing to declare about P160 million of profit from the issuance of Philippine Depository (PDRs) in 2015 to North Base Media and Omidyar Network. Maricel V. Cruz

the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) conducted registration for at least 300 inmates of the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory on Saturday.

who are eligible voters out of the total 126,680 in 478 jail facilities nationwide.

are newly registered.

PRESIDENT Marcos has said his administration is considering whether or not into allow Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) amid reports of the sector’s involvement in criminal activities in the country.

a briefing with Palace reporters shortly before boarding his plane to go back to the Philippines,

said it may not be worth allowing POGOs to stay in Philippines if their operations come at a social cost.

COLORFUL PERFORMANCE. Contingents to Dinagyang’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan are all dressed up in their colorful costumes during their performance held at the Capitol main street of Iloilo City on January 21, 2023. Norman Cruz

TO ATTRACT GOOD LUCK. Dragon dancers entertain people visiting Chinatown in Ongpin, Manila on Saturday, January 21, 2023 ahead of today’s Lunar New Year. Danny Pata

POWER TO THE PEOPLE.

A demonstrator protects herself from tear gas next to a wall reading ‘All the power to the people!’ during a

the government

Lima on January 20, 2023. Thousands of protesters began marching through Peru’s capital on the eve to demand the president’s resignation and fresh elections, following weeks of violent unrest that have left 44 people dead. AFP

Google cuts 12,000 jobs as tech woes bite again

GOOGLE’S parent company Alphabet announced it will cut about 12,000 jobs globally, citing a changing economic reality as it became the latest US tech giant to enact large-scale restructuring.

The layoffs come a day after Microsoft said it would reduce staff numbers by 10,000 in the coming months, following similar cuts by Facebook owner Meta, Amazon and Twitter as the tech sector girds for economic downturn.

The cuts follow a major hiring

spree during the height of the coronavirus pandemic when companies scrambled to meet demand as people went online for work, school, and entertainment.

“Over the past two years we’ve seen periods of dramatic growth,” Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in an email to employees.

“To match and fuel that growth, we hired for a different economic reality than the one we face today.”

A review is taking place to make sure that people and their roles are in line with the company’s priorities, Pichai said, adding that the workforce would be reduced by around 12,000 positions.

Alphabet employed nearly 187,000 workers worldwide at the end of September 2022. The cuts represent a little over 6 percent of its total

Hipkins vows to win Oct. elections as next New Zealand Prime Minister

NEW Zealand’s incoming prime minister Chris Hipkins vowed Saturday to “get things done” and win a looming October general election after being chosen as his party’s only candidate to replace Jacinda Ardern.

The 44-year-old red-headed politician emerged as the sole nominee to lead the ruling Labor Party in a meeting of fellow members of parliament, and now faces what is seen as the mere formality of a confirmation by his colleagues on Sunday.

As leader of the party, he will take over as the country’s 41st prime minister following Ardern’s shock resignation on Thursday. Ardern said she would step down by February 7 but could do so earlier given that her suc-

cessor was chosen in barely 48 hours.

“I like to think I am pretty decisive and I can get things done,” said Hipkins, who became a household name for leading the nation’s Covid-19 crackdown for nearly two years.

With his party lagging in the opinion polls under criticism over rising prices, poverty and crime rates, reporters gathered outside parliament in Wellington asked if he can win general elections to be held on October 14.

“Yes,” he replied.

Ardern, a global figurehead for progressive politics, stunned New Zealand by announcing her abrupt exit from office, less than three years after securing a second term in a landslide election win. AFP

‘WEF... support our development program, a better appreciation for Filipino workers and professionals, and the promise of increased level of cooperation with various countries around the world,” the President said.

He said leaders and experts in government, business, civic organizations, and the academe in attendance received the good news that the Philippines is leading economic recovery and performance in the region.

“The Philippines is not only driving economic growth. We are also helping mend the fissures that have fragmented the world of late and doing our part to avert an economic crisis. We shared our insight and experience in being a resilient hardworking people –uniting in adversity and looking out for each other in crisis,” the President said.

Mr. Marcos also met with WEF founder and chairman emeritus Klaus Schwab and partnerships and collaboration to help the Philippines sustain equitable and inclusive growth.

Key executives of companies such as DP World, Glencore and Morgan Stanley also met with President Marcos, with at many of them committing new investments in the Philippines.

The sectors with new investment prospects include mining and processing, digital solutions, logistics, telecommunications, and renewable fuel, among others, the President said.

For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez said the Philippine delegation to the WEF led by President Marcos has successfully showcased the country as a premier investment hub to attendees of the prestigious international conference.

“I think the delegation that came to Davos actually impressed the Davos attendees. It’s obvious that the Philippines is back. We are open for business, we are here listening and we are inviting everyone to see why the Philippines would be the best destination to invest,” he said.

‘MAHARLIKA...a soft launch of the MIF during the Philippines’ Country Strategy Dialogue at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

The proposal to create the MIF for the Philippines gained support from WEF participants, as Mr. Marcos noted that the fund would be used to diversify the country’s financial portfolio.

“I took the opportunity as well to consult with our friends and partners in Davos on the sovereign wealth fund as a means for us to diversify our income sources, and to generate various welfare effects to the Filipino people, while recognizing that this is a

workforce.

The cuts will be “across departments, functions, levels of responsibility and regions,” Pichai added.

“The fact that these changes will impact the lives of Googlers weighs heavily on me, and I take full responsibility for the decisions that led us here.”

Pichai said that the cuts would “sharpen our focus” on priorities including artificial intelligence.

“Being constrained in some areas allows us to bet big on others,” he said.

Google’s world-dominating search engine has found itself under pressure with the emergence of ChatGPT, a Microsoft-backed chatbot that can generate elaborate, human-like content in just seconds.

Microsoft has said the technology

will be used to strengthen Bing, the longtime rival to Google search.

Google has turned to founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who have left their daily roles at the tech titan, for help responding to the threat posed by the chatbot, according to a New York Times report.

Brin and Page met with Google executives several times last month to brainstorm, the Times reported.

Google declined to comment directly on the Times report.

“We have long been focused on developing and deploying AI to improve people’s lives,” said Google spokesperson Lily Lin.

“We continue to test our AI technology internally to make sure it’s helpful and safe, and we look forward to sharing more experiences externally soon.” AFP

Air India fined over passenger’s mid-air urination scandal

AIR India has been fined $37,000 for its handling of an incident in which a drunk senior US bank executive was accused of urinating on a female passenger, Indian media reported.

The man allegedly relieved himself on the 72-year-old woman seated in business class on a November 26 flight from New York to New Delhi, an incident dubbed “peegate” by the media.

The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation also fined Air India’s director of in-flight services 300,000 rupees in addition to the carrier’s penalty of three million rupees ($37,000), reports on Friday and Saturday said.

The flight’s pilot also had his license suspended for three months for “failing to discharge his duties” to ensure safety and discipline.

Search for Tibet avalanche survivors ends; death toll: 28

SEARCH

The snowslide occurred Tuesday evening at the exit of a mountain tunnel in southeastern Tibet, trapping a number of people in their vehicles.

China’s Ministry of Emergency Management sent a disaster response team to the region the following day. The death toll from the incident had risen to 28, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported Friday.

“The search and rescue operation came to an end at 5:30 pm Friday,” Xinhua said, citing rescue authorities.

The avalanche at the Duoxiongla Tunnel was “triggered by powerful winds and rising temperatures on Tuesday,” experts from the local emergency rescue headquarters told Xinhua. AFP

‘Aquaman’ warns Sundance of perils of deep-sea mining

He is best known as hunky, sea-dwelling superhero “Aquaman,” but actor Jason Momoa brought a stark and sober warning about the perils of deep-sea mining to the Sundance film festival on Friday.

The Hawaiian-born A-lister narrates “Deep Rising,” a new documentary about the frenzied efforts by resource-hungry corporations to scrape valuable metals from vast swathes of the Pacific floor.

Supporters of deep-sea mining claim that pellets of nickel and cobalt– used in electric car batteries – can be conveniently scooped off the seabed, helping reduce our fossil fuel reliance.

But conservation groups and scientists fear this could devastate poorly understood marine systems that play a crucial role in regulating the climate, and some nations have called for bans.

“There’s moments where I cried and got emotional” narrating the film, Momoa told AFP, before its world premiere at the festival in Utah.

“It’s very important, using your power for good. It’s all the things I’m passionate about,” added the actor, who took marine biology courses as a student, and is a UN Environment Program advocate for the oceans. AFP

collaborative work with experts and our lawmakers so that its final form is what we intend it to be,” he said.

“And that discussion about the sovereign wealth fund, the Maharlika Fund, was an interactive one wherein not only did we present our ideas on what the fund should look like but we asked them what do you think would be most advantageous for the Philippines so as to allow the potential investments that you are thinking about bringing into the Philippines and how the fund would be best designed to service that investment,” the President added.

He said there was even a suggestion from a business leader to raise money for the proposed wealth fund through an initial public offering (IPO), a process that allows a private corporation to sell its shares of stock to the public for the first time.

MR. MARCOS‘... solution. They also have to understand the system,” the President said.

“Unless, they’re involved in agriculture. Maybe if someone retired and got heavily involved in agriculture and is knowledgeable, then why not?”

In August last year, the President said he has three “dreams” for the country’s agriculture sector –sustainable livelihood for farmers, food security, and affordable food for all.

In November, he said it would take some time before he finally gives up the DA portfolio as the list of candidates to replace him “keeps changing.”

He had said the problems in the agriculture sector are “deeply embedded” and “so difficult that it will take a President to change and turn it around.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos said he does not believe there were people in government who moved for the ouster of former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos.

Shortly after she resigned, Carlos revealed there were people who worked for her removal since getting the key government post.

“Well, she felt that there were people who were moving against her in government. As for me, I didn’t feel that – I kept telling her that I don’t really think so,” Mr. Marcos said.

“And I guess she just found it too much that she did not enjoy her time in government. You know, if we think about it, it’s not really surprising because that’s not her natural habitat. Her natural habitat is the academe. And so now, she will be in a think tank which is perfect for her,” the President said.

PREMIER... players, as well, especially our young guns,” he said.

“Our young guns continue to get better with each chukker and each game. It is very exciting to see how well they competed locally and internationally since the Cup’s inception in 2017,” he added.

Among the professional polo players coming in are Santiago Laborde, Gregorio Gelosi, Martin Espain, and Nicolas Espain from Argentina.

There will also be a costume parade today, held in partnership with Manila Standard.

“The costume parade features our next generation riders aged 12 and below. We are very optimistic. Before you know it, our young ones will soon be our country’s representatives in international polo and equestrian competitions,” Filamor added.

FOCUS.. nation.

As we observe the occasion, let us . delve into the cultural and historical richness that has made our nation the colorful and vibrant society that it is today. Let us also focus on the common ‘ thread that reaffirms the bonds of our kinship and friendship that have allowed us to withstand all challenges and overcome ordeals that have come our way.

Truly, I am glad to begin this fresh chapter with you all – especially with our Filipino-Chinese communities in the country – in securing the good fortune, joy, and harmony that will be our guiding light in writing our shared history anew. May this auspicious day not only remind us of the blessings that we have at hand, but also inspire us to exercise deeper compassion to those who have less in life.

As Filipinos, let us work hand-inhand and be renewed with a sense of solidarity from which our hopes for a better tomorrow will spring forth.

Once again, a happy and bountiful Chinese New Year to all.

protest against

of President Dina Boluarte in

and rescue operations after a devastating avalanche that engulfed travelers on a Tibetan highway have ended, Chinese state media reported, with the death toll now at 28.

FromtheFRONTPAGE

SKYSCRAPERS. This aerial picture shows a view of the Al-Hamra Tower (right), the headquarters of the National Bank of Kuwait, and Al-Rayah Tower (2nd left) amid heavy fog in Kuwait City, early on January 21, 2023. AFP

AFP

A shoemaker’s dream

THIRD-GENERATION

shoemakers Karen and Dante Oberes are among the footwear entrepreneurs in Carcar—a city in Cebu province known for its high-quality footwear.

Their story is a continuing narrative of shared optimism among the community of shoe entrepreneurs in Carcar. Shoemaking in Carcar is a bustling industry, a thriving heritage handed down from generation to generation.

It is Karen’s family who is into the shoe business. She recalled how the travails of a small family business shaped her dreams and aspirations as a child, despite the challenges she met as she journeyed her way to be the brand owner that she is now.

“Born into a family of shoemakers, I haven’t the faintest doubt that I may, someday, be the owner of a similar enterprise. My lolo and lola were both shoemakers. Since a child, I’ve been helping out. I love to watch how the shoes come to being. The piecing of the parts has a mesmerizing effect on me,” she said, adding how it amazed her too see a pile of cloth or rolled PVC turn into a beautiful piece of handcrafted shoes.

Back then, money was scarce with only the shoe factory putting food on the table and providing for the basic needs of her family.

She, her mom and a sibling were abandoned by her father whom she had not seen since she was on her first grade.

It was all through Lolo and Lola’s help that the family managed to survived while her mom also helps out at the factory. Karen still remembers how hard those times were, having only salted rice or salted corn during most days.

Karen recalls how her grandparents used to toil as first generation shoemakers of her clan in Carcar. They were not the first shoemakers in the city. Many other families,

Fujita replaces Murakami as new Isuzu PH president

progress of the country while displaying more responsibility to the society and the environment through our Road to Progress vision,” he said.

At the meet and greet last Wednesday, January 18, 2023, IPC also recognized Murakami for his diligence and outstanding performance as IPC president during his term.

Fujita intends to continue the gains, expand and improve the dealer network, as well as sustain IPC’s strong relationship with customers by providing significant contributions to their business.

He also vowed to lead the company’s journey towards a more sustainable and greener path by further cultivating the Road to Progress vision that Murakami introduced during his term.

“As the leading truck brand in the industry, we will continue innovating new products that will assist in the

Fujita has extensive experience in sales and operations having worked for Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) since 1991. Hie has previously served as the corporate planning manager in Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) in California, USA from 2005 to 2010.

He was also the general manager for sales department in Isuzu Motors International Operations Thailand (IMIT) in Bangkok, Thailand from 2014 to 2017. And before he moved to Isuzu Philippines, Fujita also became the Chairman and CEO in Isuzu Motors de Mexico from 2020 to 2021.

With his broad involvement in international sales and operations, Fujita accepted the challenge of maintaining IPC’s long reign as the number one truck brand in the Philippines.

older than theirs, have had their fair share of the city’s shoe industry. Luck has not been kind to Karen, who had to stop her college schooling. Her earnings from reselling the shoes made from her aunt’s factory was not enough to pay for school. Her aunt took over the family business her Lolo built but failed to sustain.

Facebook was relatively new then and the idea of selling through social platforms still novel, not even known at the time, but Karen had the foresight to utilize the platform to earn a living.

At first, order came in trickles, one, two at most three in week or so, from Bicol, Davao, Manila and other parts of the country.

“That is how I managed to earn my keep. Despite that, I barely had enough saved to pay for tuition. I decided to look for a day job at a piggery. I worked for three years there and in 2013, my husband said he wanted me to finish college. So he went to Qatar and paid for my schooling while I continue selling online,” said Karen who graduated in 2018.

Both had been burning the midnight oil, was Dan worked over time as a contractual worker in Qatar and Karen, a student by day and a reseller at night.

“From 2012 to 2019, I was selling through Facebook. I get orders by posting the products online. After several months of posting and selling only so many pairs, I got orders by volume. This further fueled the desire to have my own shoe business and that desire grows every time I sold a piece,” she added.

That was in 2012, a relatively long stretch before digitalization in trade boomed in the Philippines. Karen who was just 22 years old then, was able to use the technology for trade. And since online selling is virtually borderless, queries from distant countries came in. Middle Eastern countries are the most active markets, during that time.

But when her aunt’s business folded, she and her husband decided to make a go for the business. Starting from where her aunt ended, the couple gathered the workers who lost their jobs to start anew.

With the money saved from working overseas, the couple started a small shoe factory, like that of Karen’s grandparents. They only have thirteen pairs of hands to manage orders which had been slow at first but the prestige of Carcar shoes being well-built was what buttressed the business. Othel V. Campos

Filipino chocolatier creates one of the world’s best chocolate bars

IT WAS in 2013, while finishing her university degree in Chicago, that Kelly Go got a taste of an American craft chocolate made from Philippine-origin cacao.

From this point onwards, her career aspirations became clearer. Seeing herself as successful chocolatier, Go has never been more adamant to learn more of the chocolate stuff that after graduation, she pushed for a diploma in culinary arts at the Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

The training fortified her confectionary knowledge and skills, and her travels brought her to Germany where she honed her learnings in industrial chocolate production.

“We saw the potential of elevating the fine chocolate market in the Philippines and an opportunity to pursue our shared dream to move back home and contribute,” Go said.

She pursued her dreams of becoming a chocolatier, and in 2017 co-founded Auro Chocolate as a tree-to-bar chocolate brand and as a social enterprise espousing community development programs to support farmers.

By using directly-sourced beans, Auro promotes sustainability by working directly with local farmers, cultivating fine cacao beans, improving ingredients, and expanding the retail portfolio with unique and bold tropical flavors. Using tropical fruits like mango is novel idea to expanding a true chocolate lover’s experience.

From a team of 20 staff, Auro workforce has grown to over 100 employees working towards the export of its products to the European Union (EU) and other countries since 2018.

“We involve ourselves in every step of the process by consistently working with our partner farmers to enable them to produce fine quality cacao beans that meet international quality standards,” Kelly said.

Auro has been a beneficiary of the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), a preferential trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union that allows Philippine exports to enter the EU market at 0 tariff.

Go advised new and even old companies to utilize the trade programs that will help them grow and become a globallyaccepted enterprise.

“Do not feel intimidated when trying to apply for GSP+. DTI is there to assist you throughout the application and help make your brand marketable. It’s also a great opportunity for

your products to be introduced and grow in the EU market,” she said.

However, the brand faced some challenges as Go noted that during trade fairs people tend to doubt the quality of Auro Chocolate since Philippine chocolate are still unheard of.

Winning the trust of consumers meant that Auro should learn more of the mandatory procedural requirements to help the brand go global.

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) assisted Auro in completing the mandatory regulatory requirements for exporting to the EU. The Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) proffered to support the company in organizing country booths in key international trade fairs such as Salon du Chocolat in France.

The initiatives worked wonders for generating interest in Auro’s fine cacao beans. And despite the pandemic, Auro Chocolate managed to increase sales by almost 200 percent by directly exporting to more than 15 countries with over 40 European chocolate makers using the company’s fine cacao beans to make Philippine-origin chocolate.

Go is euphoric to learn that chocolatiers in EU countries are using Auro chocolate, a testament that Philippine cacao can compete head-on with global chocolate brands.

She is also proud that her products are given the same level of recognition as they stood side-by-side with other internationally known brands, allowing her company to gain the trust of EU partners.

“Thanks to the GSP+, we have become part of the international cacao beans market. This means there is a growing demand for our partner farming community’s beans, thus generating more income for them, while providing a stable market for their cacao,” she said.

Auro Chocolates is ready to raise the bar under Go’s leadership, hinting of future plans.

Go revealed that the brand is set to launch more community initiatives that are interwoven with the company’s current cacao program of our sourcing new and exciting origins of chocolates. Shifting to more environmentally friendly practices and materials across the supply chain is also on the table.

Celebrity entrepreneur hooks up with Lalamove for safe same-day delivery

CELEBRITY icon and entrepreneur Kim Chiu recently launched House of Little Bunny—an online shop selling fashionable and dainty tote and crossbody bags.

For fast and seamless delivery of products, Chiu has tapped 24/7 same day, on-demand delivery platform Lalamove as her logistics partner, sending on-time deliveries to customers across Luzon and her hometown in Cebu and marking her beginning as the platform’s newest ambassador.

Chiu’s courier of choice is an expert in Affordelivery. Lalamove offers

entrepreneurs like Chiu budget-friendly and professional delivery services. She uses Lalamove’s affordable services in Cebu and for her other deliveries nationwide.

Lalamove offers a range of delivery services from motorcycle deliveries to sedan deliveries that start at P102 and P120 for MPV, while the first 40 kilometers start at P310 for small trucks and P1,460 for big trucks that can accommodate bulk orders.

With Lalamove, Chiu can deliver her arm candies in bulk, and products get

to customers as fast as possible with its same-day delivery service within the province, and across Luzon.

“With Lalamove, our customers stay satisfied because of quick, efficient, and reliable service. Their purchases are safely transported from the House of Little Bunny into their homes,” she said.

Lalamove’s same-day truck delivery services has unrivaled island-wide coverage in Cebu – from its northernmost part Daanbantayan all the way down to Santander.

Chiu’s bags are handcrafted and made

of high-quality materials. Lalamove ensures that customers receive their items in pristine condition. With Lalamove’s fleet of vehicles, entrepreneurs like Chiu also enjoy hassle-free booking even during the rush hour and peak season.

“Here at Lalamove, we ensure each delivery is done efficiently and safely, at an affordable price. We prioritize our customers and partners’ experience, addressing peak season demands to empower SMEs and businesses in Cebu and nationwide,” said Lalamove Cebu City manager Nelson Judaya.

Daren Kate’s first branch in Merkado, Carcar.

Customized bridal shoes by Daren Kate.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) celebrates the entry of Tetsuya Fujita into the company. Fujita is replacing Noboru Murakami as the new president of IPC.

From left - Outgoing IPC president Noburo Murakami, incoming president Tetsuya Fujita.

Prosperity in Red

IT’S finally 2023, a time for fresh starts and new resolutions! Among the plethora of resolutions that people make is the commitment to improve one’s style. After all, having a refreshed wardrobe can give one a renewed sense of confidence. Start the year off in style by exploring SSI Life’s offerings for Chinese New Year.

Attract a year of good fortune and prosperity this Chinese New Year with a classic red ensemble. Add an instant touch of elegance to your outfit with this timeless hue in wardrobe staple items such as the Banana Republic charm silk one-shoulder top, Jessica viscose blend A-line knitted dress, or Old Navy tie-belt midi shirt dress for the ladies; and Looney Tunes x BOSS

shirt, Armani Exchange stretch cotton poplin short sleeved shirt, or the Polo Ralph Lauren classic fit oxford shirt for the gentlemen.

For a relaxed fit, try pairing Marks & Spencer’s pure cotton Bugs Bunny longsleeve tee with Burberry larkan joggers. Little ones can also get in on the prosperous fun with a GAP organic cotton mix-and-match skater dress combined with Kids leggings or a CNY Toddler long sleeve tee paired with an organic cotton mix and match printed leggings.

Achieve a flourishing look with timeless red bag must-haves Coach bandit shoulder bag in bold red, kate spade new york sam icon mini hobo bag deep rubine, or Marc Jacobs J Marc mini shoulder bag in true red. Match it with stun-

ning bright red pumps such as the Dune London Marnie, Nine West Arnice, or Payless Comfort Plus Malik Slingback. To complete the look, top it off with a classic red lip with Bobbi Brown’s Struck by Luxe Lunar New Year Luxe Lip Color, MAC’s Lunar New Year matte lipsticks, or Beauty Bar’s Anastasia Beverly Hills matte lipstick in ruby.

Chinese New Year ensembles for a great value

Until January 25, score select items for up to 65 percent off with Clarks, Pazzion, Nine West, and Dune London. Other deals such as Steve Madden, offer 20 percent off on watches and sneakers, and an additional 10 percent off is given when you buy two or more

sale items.

Meanwhile, Armani Exchange and Kurt Geiger offer 15 percent off on all regular items and an additional 10 percent off on selected sale items. Be quick or you’ll miss it! Buy two regular items and get 15 percent off on Lacoste items until today.

Shangri-La Plaza, The Bistro Group welcome Chinese New Year with Prosperity Toss

By Patricia Taculao

TODAY, the Filipino-Chinese community is gearing up to usher in the Lunar New Year under the Water Rabbit sign. In Chinese culture and astrology, the Rabbit is one of the luckiest among the twelve zodiac animals, which symbolizes longevity, peace, and prosperity.

Moreover, the Chinese practice of feng shui encourages people to engage in practices or utilize specific charms to protect their luck and fate throughout the year.

As the year of the Water Rabbit nears, Shangri-La Plaza partnered with The Bistro Group to welcome a new year under the Lunar calendar. The Bistro Group prides itself in its collection of international hospitality casual dining brands and homegrown concepts.

On January 18, executives from ShangriLa Plaza and The Bistro Group gathered at Modern Shanghai, The Bistro Group’s latest restaurant at the Shang, for the traditional Prosperity Toss.

The Prosperity Toss, also known as “yee sang,” is a raw fish salad with mixed shredded vegetables and sauces. It’s a Lunar New Year tradition, where family and friends usually gather around the

dish and toss the salad together.

It encourages participants to toss the salad higher each time while wishing each other good fortune for the new year. It’s believed that blessings are woven into the salad with each toss before being enjoyed by all.

Leading the Prosperity Toss was Shang Properties Executive Director Wolfgang Krueger, Executive Vice President Gigo Jugo, Chief Operating Officer Karlo Estavillo, and Executive Vice President for Retail and Commercial Joy Polloso. Bistro Group President Jean Paul Manuud and Chef Manny Ballon of Modern Shanghai also joined the festivities.

Yet Shangri-La Plaza hopes to share the Lunar New Year festivities with its mallgoers through a series of curated experiences that cater to various preferences. For instance, those with a passion and stomach for Chinese

cuisine can flock to Modern Shanghai to sample their dishes.

Shangri-La Plaza’s streetscape transforms into a Chinese street market to offer guests unique treats.

Meanwhile, art enthusiasts can marvel at the unique posters created by Ateneo Celadon students on display at the Shangri-La Plaza’s Grand Atrium until today, January 22. By then, mallgoers can also join an hourlong denim painting workshop.

There’s also something for film lovers at Shangri-La Plaza. The Spring Film Festival returns this 2023 until January 24 with entries highlighting the beauty of ancient and modern China through several themes, including self-discovery, love, and longing.

Shangri-La Plaza also offers special musical performances today afternoon at 4:30. These shows will feature classical Chinese music using traditional instruments at the Grand Atrium Mall guests can even expect to watch exciting dragon and lion dances, a highlight in every Lunar New Year celebration. These traditional dances during festive occasions aim to chase evil spirits away and welcome prosperous times.

For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www. facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Google Doodle welcomes the Year of the Rabbit

THE Lunar New Year is upon us. On this day, we bid farewell to the year of the brave tiger and welcome the year of the patient rabbit.      The beginning of the Lunar New Year is also called Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival – a time to honor family, deities, and ancestors. In celebration of the New Year, Google announced a new Year of the Rabbit Doodle.

The Doodle features a running rabbit made from traditional paper cutting surrounded by plum blossoms (symbolizing endurance and hope), and a bonsai tree (symbolizing harmony and patience).

Google is spelled out using lanterns, signifying a wish for a better future, and ang pao, the red envelope symbolizing a wish for happiness and blessings.      2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit. The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese Zodiac and is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity.

Those born in the year of the Water Rabbit are said to be easy-going and agreeable. Chinese Astrology predicts that with the Rabbit’s qualities, the year 2023 will bring peace and success, something that may have been lacking in the year of the Tiger.

New Year reads on growing up, ‘sudden fiction,’ and a past Philippines

Accompanied by “uniformed men,” the lady was “beautiful. She sparkled in the sunlight. Gold was on her arms, jewels on her fingers. Diamonds, green stones, a ruby.” Diamonds also glitter on this mysterious creature’s shoes, but the shine extends to her skin, which is unflattering: her ankles are “silvery, like fish scales.”

It is Imelda Marcos, and the toddler spends an hour or so with her, Marcos Sr., and their guests, in an encounter that reflects the reality of how they perceived themselves (as larger-than-life parents of the country) and other people (as the recipients of their benevolent largesse).

A RECENT release that’s been getting buzz online recently is an anthology of coming-of-age stories that convey the wonder, angst, and exhilaration of childhood and its memories.

Growing Up Filipino 3 (296 pgs, pb, 2022), collected and edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, are “new stories from young adults.”

Among the writers are well-known names such as Oscar Peñaranda, Danton Remoto, Ian Rosales Casocot, and Nikki Alfar

The stories showcase a wide variety of children’s and young adults’ experiences coping with the nuances of cultures around the world while also coming to terms with what it means to be Filipino.

In Tall Woman From Leyte, novelist Gina Apostol tells of a kindergarten-aged child who unwittingly stumbles into the presence of a lady who was “very, very tall, with two feet of hair. Really.”

In The Fancy Dancer John Jack G. Wigley recounts how as a boy growing up in Angeles City “a few meters away from the Clark Air Force Base,” he led a conga line of U.S. servicemen and Filipina sex workers dancing through the streets. The memory is raw and honest, and Wigley shares it with us unflinchingly.

Brainard’s own The Dead Boy is a peek into the life of the elite of Ubec City, the author’s alternate Cebu. Bill Lowry is murdered, perhaps shot by a PC who spied on Bill and his girlfriend Bebop necking. The incident compels the narrator, a teenage girl, to navigate her understanding of the meaning of love, death, and the tenacity of life.

The collection is an interesting one, with many gems of good writing that scintillate. I look forward to some of the stories being taught in literature classes in SHS and college.

of 97 flash fiction pieces by 16 writers and edited by Rhona Lopa-Macasaet In her Preface, Macasaet explains that the stories were written by authors from diverse backgrounds bound by their love of literature and writing. They were mentored by University of the Philippines professor emeritus Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, who taught them creative writing.

The themes of these “sudden” stories are as varied as their authors, ranging from childhood to sex to travel. Rubber Slippers, writes Pantoja Hidalgo in her Introduction, is about a college girl on her “immersion day” who realizes “what poverty means for the children in the community they serve.”

Youth does not mean children are immune from violence; “Bahay-Bahayan” and “Teks” deal with fights between parents and how the child protagonists perceive this disturbance and its effect on their lives.

Hidalgo calls this a “rich collection” full of variety and quality, testaments to the imagination and creativity of the authors, among them Dr. Lourdes Montinola, chair emeritus of Far Eastern University; entrepreneur and poet Quintin Jose Pastrana and writer/editor Myrza Sison

* * *  In Easy Listening, veteran journalist Nestor Cuartero presents a collection of essays that he modestly calls “an old man’s rumblings” [sic] and “notes and notations” on an eclectic range of subjects.

In his writing, Cuartero comes across as unpretentious and imbued with a wry sense of humor. His  self-image is simple and easygoing: seated with “a cup of steaming hot Baraco coffee in the morning, while listening to soft, cool music wafting from an old, old transistor radio.” This reminds me so much of my own father, who sat nights at the table, book in one hand, as the strains of Vivaldi or Brahms stirred the air over DZFE radio.

Many of the pieces are anecdotes of the author’s youth, of a Philippines long past, when courtship took place discreetly on the porch, in full view of everyone; when fruits such as rimas and mabolo, that most urban youngsters have never heard of, were plentiful; when peeing on bougainvillea guaranteed lush blossoms.

The pieces in this book are indeed “easy listening” but never lightweight., Cuartero manages to find the joy and lightness in the mundane and commonplace, and shares with us the wisdom of being tranquil and appreciative of the little things amid the rush and roar of daily life.

All these books were published by the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House and are available at the UST Bookshop at the campus in España, Manila, and online at their Shopee storefront.

Dr. Ortuoste is a board member of PEN Philippines, a member of the Manila Critics Circle, and a judge of the National Book Awards. You may reach the author on Facebook and Twitter: @DrJennyO

Banana

Fans of handmade cosmetics brand Lush are in for a treat as they offer select items at 50 percent off from January 17 to March 31.

Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for a complete list of discounts and sales, and follow @ssilifeph on Instagram and Facebook for more information.

BOSS LNY T-Shirt (P12,500)

Burberry Larkan Joggers (P68,500)

The cover of Nestor Cuartero’s book, a collection of essays written by the veteran journo

‘To Fix or Not to Fix?’

That is the Question

By Mariana Burgos

THOUSANDS of pups are born each day. The majority of them are the progeny of stray dogs who have not been ‘fixed’ (neutered or spayed). This indicates that these puppies may worsen the already dire condition of a rising number of stray and abandoned dogs.

There is growing debate over gonadectomy (the medical term used for the procedure done on male or female living species, which hinders gonadal production of sex steroids) on dogs.

The 'pros' are saying it is necessary to make it a mandate if we are to solve the problem of an increasing number of homeless animals. Not to mention that it is also beneficial to the dog's overall health, according to certain studies.

The 'cons,' on the other hand, argue that irresponsible pet ownership, as well as unregulated dog breeding businesses and local cultural practices, are to blame for the problem of homeless and abandoned dogs. They say the animals should not be the ones to take the toll. Education of the public is the key. In contrast to the health benefits the pros are saying, the cons have also backed up their claims with equally credible research demonstrating that sterilization poses a threat to the canine's general well-being.

Castration of male livestock and even humans has been practiced and studied extensively since ancient times, but only recently has neutering and/or spaying become a routine part of canine husbandry. In the past, the pros have “almost” successfully made

their standpoint equate to “responsible pet ownership” on the basis of resolving pet overpopulation. But this was put to a halt just a few years back.

The start of a new paradigm Karin Brulliard tells us of the recent debate over spaying and neutering that erupted in 2013, in her article, “The Growing Debate Over Spaying and Neutering Dogs”. This happened when a study from the University of California at Davis (https://journals. plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/ journal.pone.0055937) found that desexed golden retrievers had higher rates of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears, and certain cancers — particularly those neutered before the age of one year. The paper sparked "quite a bit of controversy" among critics, who accused Benjamin Hart, one of the study's authors and a professor emeritus at Davis's vet school, of causing animal overpopulation.

According to Brulliard, the findings are stronger for certain breeds and large dogs, and the age of neutering also plays a role. However, the findings are causing some pet owners and veterinarians to reconsider the long-held belief that “fixing” (in general) is an essential

part of responsible pet ownership. Spaying and neutering are now much less common in Europe as a result.

Dogs benefit clearly from spaying and neutering. The debate over testicular and ovarian cancers is over, and there is evidence that spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer and uterine infections. According to Brulliard, fixed dogs live longer on average.

However, researchers believe that the reproductive hormones controlled by the removed sex organs play critical systemic roles. Brulliard adds that these hormones influence muscle mass, tendon and ligament strength, and tell bones when to stop growing. Meaning, if they are removed before the animal hits maturity, it will surely affect its growth and its natural defense against various illnesses.

Brulliard tells us that Hart and his colleagues later discovered higher rates of joint disorders, but not cancers, among neutered Labrador retrievers and German shepherds.

Their most recent study, which has yet to be published, looked at 35 different breeds and mutts and found no links between desexing and cancers or joint disorders in small dogs. However, nearly all large dogs who were sterilized early had significantly higher rates of joint disorders, according to Hart.

In his study, Hart also said that the physiology of dogs varies greatly. As a result, it is not surprising that the dogs differ in other ways as well. "It is difficult. That's why people should consult with their veterinarian," says Hart.

Brulliard also cited a statement by the American Veterinary Medical Association that stated decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. It

should not be solely based on the age of the dog nor on the cause to stop the increase in animal homelessness.

It appears that the cons are not (completely) opposed to gonadectomy on animals because they, too, want to end animal homelessness. They only intend to make it a “humane choice,” not an enforced policy, because the latter would essentially discard the very

MY DAUGHTER and I moved to my inlaws'

when the pandemic started and the lockdown commenced in March 2020.

At the time, we believed it to be the safest choice we could make, and we were right.

Though the farm is quite far from the town center and my daughter’s school, it is the safest available place for us against this pandemic. Here, there is genuinely fresh air because of the abundance of trees and other vegetation. It is far from crowded places and there is enough space on which we can walk

Reptiles and Amphibians as Pets

around outside if we get a little bored inside the house. We can bathe under the sun whenever there is good sunlight. And, the place is favorable for my daughter who is an aspiring veterinarian because there are various animal species to observe and study.

Within the first seven ( 7) months in the farm, our pets increased in number. We had only one dog before transferring to the farm. Eventually, we adopted three (3) more dogs, and rescued two (2) kittens, a monitor lizard (bayawak in Tagalog), a sun skink (bubuli in Tagalog), three (3) eels (one of them is an albino eel), a snapping turtle, and a r ‘tiktik’ (the fabled type of bird that Filipino folklore says is used by an ‘aswang’ (Filipino version of a vampire) to lure its victims into its grasp.

We had quite a number of reptiles and amphibians. We set most of them free eventually. The ‘tiktik’ and the snapping turtle, though, did

This is called a forest dragon. (david-clode-cqlI1Xpki8Eunsplash. Photo from Unsplash Royalty-free images.)

not make it through their recovery. They expired a few weeks after their rescue. Their injuries were too severe. But, at least, during their last moments, they saw and felt they were cared for. We did not just let them suffer out in the fields, alone and cold.

We are aware of the law about snapping turtles. We know it is already endangered and that it is unlawful to keep one as a pet. Here, at the farm, it is normal that you would see a snapping turtle every now and then. How can you not with the huge pond here? But that snapping turtle that we rescued did not come from our pond. It came from another area of the barangay. They got it from an area where there was construction going on. And that’s also why the poor turtle had some damage to its shell.

According to Wikipedia, herptiles is a term used to refer to both reptiles and amphibians collectively. They are one of the pet industries' fastestgrowing subsectors both domestically and internationally.

Due to the fact that many people today lead increasingly hectic lifestyles and routines that frequently preclude them from being able to properly care for many more common domestic

pets, reptiles and amphibians have also experienced a significant rise in popularity in recent decades. As a result, most reptiles and amphibians can be maintained much more easily than dogs, cats, or many other animals. It is necessary to maintain these advancements moving ahead to concentrate on all of these good improvements within the reptile and amphibian keeping hobby. This hobby is commonly known as herpetoculture, according to Wikipedia.

The ability to provide for the needs of each species in captivity is at the center of the moral discussion surrounding whether or not reptiles and amphibians can be kept as pets. Little is known concerning pet owners' capacity to comprehend the conduct of their reptile and/or amphibian companions and to provide for their welfare.

According to Melanie Denomme and Glenn Tattersall in the article "Lizards, snakes and turtles: Dispelling the myths about reptiles as pets," keeping reptiles as pets does provide some danger to the animals. It is simple to find inaccurate and contradictory information online, despite the fact that there is no evidence to suggest that reptiles have particularly poor welfare when com-

pared to other pets. Thoughtful owners may end up keeping reptiles in poor surroundings, which can later result in a number of health problems that could have been avoided.

According to Denomme and Tattersall, interpreting the body language of reptiles and amphibians can be challenging because of their ectothermic (cold-blooded) nature, which makes it challenging to determine whether these species are in pain. Even worse, compared to mammals, reptiles frequently have a longer tolerance for serious health issues. In the end, this implies that reptiles can be kept carelessly for weeks, months, or even years.

The good news is that certain reptile welfare organizations on social media are working hard to compile and disseminate the most recent guidelines for caring for reptiles. The finest husbandry techniques and procedures for assessing the welfare of reptiles are always being improved by herpetologists, scientists who study reptiles and amphibians.

By properly caring for them as pets and dispelling myths about them, we might be able to raise awareness on reptiles' cognitive abilities and better comprehend their unique appeal. And, more crucially, putting an end to harsh practices and achieving conservation goals for one of the poorest and least-researched animal groups. Mariana Burgos

property in San Miguel, Bulacan,

animal welfare and rights that we are all trying to uphold collectively.

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She is a solo parent for 16 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.

A cone is put around a dog’s neck while it is recovering from the procedure. (depositphotos_60289055. Photo from Depositphotos royalty-free images)

This is known as the red-eared slider turtle. (jose-ruales-IoR7WpZPNwMunsplash. Photo from Unsplash Royalty-free images.)

A green python is coiled up on a tree branch. (david-clode-vb-3qEe3rg8unspalsh. from Unsplash Royalty-free images.)

A white-lipped tree frog is seen in the wild in Cairns Australia. (david-clodeUBN5a4IA3bk-unsplash. Photo from Unsplash Royalty-free images.)

A sedated Golden Retriever is being examined by the vet. (depositphotos_391286068. Photo from Depositphotos royalty-free images)

A veterinarian doing surgery on a dog. (depositphotos_143087915. Photo from Depositphotos royalty-free images)

Warner Chappell Music Philippines signs global publishing deal with ABS-CBN Music

WARNER Chappell Music Philippines announced that it has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with ABS-CBN Music, under ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (AFPI), which has one of the largest music catalogs in the Philippines.

The deal grants Warner Chappell Music global publishing administration rights to the entire song catalog of ABSCBN Music that will open new markets and opportunities for local composers.

ABS-CBN Music head Roxy Liquigan said, “This partnership with Warner Chappell Music is a great opportunity for Filipino music and our brilliant songwriters to reach greater heights as ABS-CBN strives to champion Filipino artistry on the global stage.”

Warner Chappell Music managing director for ASEAN Jacqueline Chong added, “ABS-CBN Music has been our key partner in the Philippines for many years. I am very excited about this new deal and can’t wait to evolve our partnership to a new level. ABSCBN Music has a strong brand in the

■ By PATRICIA TACULAO

IT’S no secret that Japanese culture has since left its mark on the Philippines. Aside from their technology, values, fashion, and music, another significant aspect of their culture that wowed Filipinos is their entertainment.

Japanese movies and series have captured the hearts and minds of nearly every viewer in the country. Some shows inspired Filipino counterparts, like the upcoming Voltes V: Legacy on GMA 7. To further this shared interest and passion for entertainment, the Japanese Film Festival in the Philippines resumes on-site screenings after two years of hibernating online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opening the much-awaited festival is the 2021 animated film Belle by Hosoda Mamoru. The film, highly recommended by Japan Foundation Manila Director Ben Suzuki and Deputy Director Yojiro Tanaka, tells the story of a high school girl Suzu (Nakamura Kaho). She lost the ability to sing when her mother died in an accident when she was young. One day, a friend invited her to join the virtual world, U, which has over 50 million members. There, Suzu created an alter-ego called Belle and became internationally famous.

Tanaka considers it a timely piece because people confined themselves in the metaverse during the previous years. Meanwhile, Suzuki finds it relatable to viewers of every age. While the youth will marvel at the vibrancy and flow of the story, mature audiences can comprehend its deeper meanings and lessons.

Like other Japanese animated films that captured the hearts and minds of their viewers, Belle also has a compelling musical score.

JFF will also have other films that range from animated films to dramas to thrillers to feel-good movies. Included films in the festival are Intolerance, Blue, And So The Baton Is Passed, ANIME SUPREMACY!, BLUE THERMAL, IN THE WAKE, Lesson In Murder, INU-OH, and Every Day A Good Day

“The Japanese Film Festival continues to offer new and contemporary takes on the development of Japanese cinema with a global perspective,” Suzuki said.

Commemorating its return to onsite screenings, the JFF will feature ten award-winning and must-see fulllength films for 20 days. The Japanese Film Festival will kick off its on-site screenings from today, January 22 to February 3 at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

JFF will have simultaneous

region and we look forward to enhancing that through our global support and expertise.”

ABS-CBN Music has been at the cutting edge of the Filipino music scene and is among the most influential music companies in the country that promotes original Filipino compositions to the rest of the world. It has more than 300 songwriters on its roster as well as thousands of songs in its catalog.

The ABS-CBN Music catalog includes the biggest Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hits—a genre of Philippine pop songs that have been popular in the country since the late ‘70s—by beloved Filipino composers, such as Freddie Aguilar, George Canseco, Mike Hanopol, and Rey Valera, including timeless Filipino classics, such as “Anak,” “Jeproks (Laki Sa Layaw),” “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” and “Kastilyong Buhangin” to name a few, as well as iconic hits like “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko” by Joey De Leon and Marvic Sotto and “May Bukas Pa” by Charo Unite and Ernesto dela Peña It also includes recent hits by today’s

Hosoda Mamoru’s

animated film opens

from January 28 to 29.

Lastly, there’s also the UP Cine Adarna in Quezon City from February 17 to 22.

It is one of the largest and most popular film festivals in the Philippines, attracting over 25,000 audiences annually. Audiences can easily access the films as the tickets are at P100 per screening.

Yet there’s more to the on-site screenings that await eager audiences of the Japanese Film Festival.

“Aside from the upcoming on-site cinema showing, we are now having the online Japanese Film Festival Plus, [featuring] the independent cinema of Japan,” said Director Suzuki. Visit its official Facebook page (fb.com/japanesefilmfestPH) for more information and the complete screening schedule.

‘Voltes V: Legacy’ stars brighten Dinagyang Festival

THE

Iloilo’s annual festival is back and GMA Network’s regional arm, GMA Regional TV, treated Kapusong Ilonggos to a special “Saturdate” with Voltes V: Legacy cast Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano, and Raphael Landicho. They performed at Robinsons Iloilo for a Kapuso Mall Show at 4:00 p.m.

Last week, the Voltes V: Legacy cast celebrated with Kapusong Cebuano during the return of the Sinulog Festival. Miguel, Ysabel, Radson, Matt, and Raphael bannered the back-to-back Kapuso Mall Shows on January 14 and further brightened the Sinulog Grand Parade as they boarded the Kapuso Float the following day.

“This year,

back, and what better way to make this return special than by bringing the stars of the highly-anticipated live-action adaptation of Voltes V: Legacy led by our Sparkle GMA artists. As our Kapusong Ilonggos remain steadfast in their faith and devotion to Señor Santo Niño, we at GMA Network are one with each and every Kapuso in celebrating this very special event,” Amoroso added.

he

In terms of acting in TV

belt. He’s

has a handful of experience under

for his roles in the hit K-Drama series True Beauty (2020) and the popular Netflix fantasy-romance Alchemy Of Souls (Season 1, 2022).

According to the international celebrity, also known by his English name Sam, being cast in this mini-series also paved the way for him for yet another break in his acting career. Won-Shik is now the latest addition to the growing Universal Records Philippines’ managed artists,

“It’s a good experience for me. It’s my first time working with Filipino actors. When I first read the script, I felt like it was like a Korean drama because you know, there are so many similarities. I even asked the writer if he is inspired by some K-Dramas while making this. It was good,” said the Korean actor.

“During our filming, they’re so kind to me, especially our director. I watched the music video, ‘Paubaya’ (Moira Dela Torre). Yeah, the color she uses and the storylines, it was really good! I really believe in Direk Niq that’s why I’m excited to join this series,”

GMA Regional TV brings the Dinagyang Festival closer to Kapuso viewers via Hala Bira! The GMA Regional TV Special Coverage airs today on GMA Regional TV’s Iloilo channels from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn. Netizens can likewise watch the livestream from 8:00 a.m. onwards via GMA Regional TV’s Facebook page and Twitter account (@GMARegionalTV) as well as its official website www. gmaregionaltv.com.

stars of the highly-anticipated live-action adaptation of Voltes V: Legacy “volted in” and amped up the return of in-person celebrations of the Dinagyang Festival this weekend.

“For the past two years, GMA Regional TV celebrated Dinagyang Festival by airing the ‘Dinagyang Digital’ in partnership with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) and the Iloilo City Government,” said First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy, and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor B. Amoroso

we are very excited to have the in-person celebrations

best composers, such as “Dahil Sa’Yo” by Iñigo Pascual and Gabriel Tagadtad, “Hawak Kamay” by Yeng Constantino, “Malaya” by Moira dela Torre, “Mr. Right” by Christian

Martinez, “Nanghihinayang” by Larry Hermoso, “Patuloy Ang Pangarap” by Jonathan Manalo, and winning songs of the Himig Handog music competitions, such as “Hanggang” by

Ronnie and Gigi Cordero, “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana” by Soc Villanueva, and “Mabagal” by Dan Martel Tañedo

UNIVERSAL Records just produced its first-ever online mini-series set to launch in February. Entitled Pag-ibig Na Kaya, the web series is led by Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz

Written by JP Lopez and directed by Niq Ablao, the much anticipated will have Korean actor, Kim Won-Shik, billed to be the second male lead.

drama,

already

his

notable

made possible by Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go Won-Shik can understand and even speak the Filipino language, since he was able to study in the country for six-and-ahalf years. He became easily invested in his role in Pag-ibig Na Kaya after reading the script and quickly felt that its overall treatment is truly inspired by K-Dramas.

Korean Actor Kim Won-Shik stars in Universal Records PH’s first mini-series

Real-life sweethearts Julie Anne San Jose (left) and Rayver Cruz

Kim Won-Shik will be the second male lead in ‘Pag-ibig Na Kaya’

The cast of ‘Voltes V: Legacy’ at the Dinagyang Festival

Actor-singer Iñigo Pascual

Yeng Constantino, an icon of OPM OPM singer Moira dela Torre

‘Blue’ explores the lives of boxers through a heart-tugging drama

A scene from ‘Anime Supremacy!’

Hosoda Mamoru’s ‘Belle’ captures the essence of the modern world where people find solace through their online personas

HOBBIES & COLLECTIONS

PH fans want Dragons to play again in PBA

THE Bay Area Dragons may have lost the Commissioner’s Cup to Barangay Ginebra in a guesting stint in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, but they definitely left a giant imprint in the hearts of Filipino basketball fans.

It was a classic, hard-fought series that brought the best out of Barangay Ginebra, the league’s most popular squad, as it took the title with a Game 7 blowout with the help of its “Sixth Man”—the loyal multitude of fans that trooped to the mammoth Philippine Arena.

The record crowd that came was something the Dragons were not used to and they crumbled. But they definitely pushed the Kings to the limit, earning the raves of Filipino basketball fans.

“The Bay Area Dragons gave their all in the final battle versus the Barangay Ginebra. Despite falling short, these beasts introduced themselves on the floor and showed what it takes to create a series and team

worth watching out for,” said “Thank you also Bay Area Dragons, we Filipinos enjoyed watching what you’ve shown in the PBA FINALS. Much love. Come back soon,” said Markyzel Licot Penido.

Another fan, Joyce Dela Cruz,” also thanked the Dragons for making the conference tournament exciting. “Good luck on your next journey, you are always welcome here in the PH.”

You made the competition in the PBA into its higher form.

“Thank you for the beautiful game Bay Area Dragons,” said Marc Solicar.

Marc Enrile’s comment posed a challenge to the league. “You (Dragons) are a big boost to other teams in PBA and your team presence will give other players motivation to step up their game and work as a team not individually. PBA wake up! We need this kind of team and their competitiveness that gives an excitement to the game.”

EASL IN JAPAN

Ginebra fan Rodien Perillo Feranco vowed to root for the Dragons in their next journey in the East Asia Super League. “Please come back! I am a fan of Ginebra but will root for you in the EASL.”

And there were a few who actually rooted for the Dragons and vowed to continue their support up to their next campaign.

“Heads up guys, I’m so proud of my team Bay Area Dragons. Even though the atmosphere is not on our side and we didn’t get the win, still we fought all the way and never gave up. See you in the EASL,” said Miel Masibay.

It’s not difficult to admire a hardworking, talented team like the Bay Area Dragons with the guys like former NBA player Miles Powell, Andrew Nicholson, Hayden Blankley, Kobe Lam, Glenn Yang, Zhu Songwei, and Chinese gentle giant Shu Chuanxing.

Some of their players have said something about the referees’ officiating in their Game 3 loss against the Kings, but they immediately apologized they were easily forgiven.

And what followed were hard-fought games that ended in a Game 7 blowout by Barangay Ginebra.

“To play in that kind of series is history,” said one Mark Getty. “PH supports and wishes u great games ahead in (your) EASL (campaign).”

The East Asia Super League (EASL) will stage the EASL Champions Week in Japan from March 1-5.

The league’s eight teams will come from different professional teams in the Asian region and they will battle for the inaugural title called Champions Week. The champion will get $250,000 in cash prize, followed by the runner-up which will bring home $100,000, and third place $50,000.

Representing the PBA are reigning Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer and runner-up TNT.

Converge, Northport parade new faces in PBA Guvs’ opener

CONVERGE and NorthPort, two teams with similar fates of being swept in two games in the quarters of the recent Commissioner’s Cup, clash in the opening mainer of the PBA Season 47 Governors’ Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig today (Sunday).

The FiberXers and the Batang Pier mix it up at 6:45 p.m. in a face-off between two teams both with some changes in their lineup.

Both also opted to bring in new faces as imports, with NorthPort tapping Marcus Weathers and Converge enlisting Ethan Rusbatch.

Then adding a big excitement is the coaching duel between two collegiate champion tacticians now hoping to carve a niche in the pros.

In his second conference with Converge, Aldin Ayo sets out for battle against debuting NorthPort coach Boni Tan -who’s in a new phase of coaching life after making a mark in the NCAA as a three-time champ with Letran.

Ayo has his own sterling collegiate career with a championship with the Letran Knights in 2015 then with the La Salle Archers in the UAAP in 2016.

The young Converge mentor didn’t do badly in his first conference in the PBA, steering the FiberXers to fourth-place seeding in the quarters. But then they ran into the San Miguel Beermen and were booted out after back-to-back losses.

Converge is hoping to do better with a lineup that now includes new trade recruits Jerrick Balanza and Barkley Ebona.

They also have high hopes on Rusbatch, a 6-foot-5 wing guy already seen by Filipino fans strutting his stuff with the New Zealand national team.

The well-built 30-year-old was the Most Improved Player awardee in the New Zealand National Basketball League in 2019.

In his PBA debut, Rusbatch will be matched up with Weathers, who is fresh from his final year of college ball in the US with the SMU Mustangs. Prior to his SMU stint, Weathers suited up with the Miami RedHawks then with Duquesne U. He’s an All-AAC Second Team member with the Mustangs last year.

Being a team manager with NorthPort before his shift to head coaching position, Tan is well familiar with the Batang Pier.

A new guy debuting in a Batang Pier jersey is Joshua Munzon. (SB/pba.ph)

-

This was revealed by Jose C. Ang Jr., General Merchandise Division Head & Managing Director for Digital of 7-ELEVEN. “ There was a clamor for this (42km Seniors Run Category).

Ang, who is also the president of the National Masters Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP) said former national athletes can actually outperform regular runners.”

“Sa totoo lang, mas malalakas pa sila sa ibang full-time runners. Some of them are ultra-marathoners who use to run more than 50kms and some are former Olympians and national athletes na ipinapakita ang healthy living at gustong ipakita ang unexplainable

worth at value ng running and or others want to rekindle their glory days while wearing the country’s uniform,” sabi ni Ang.

There is also the one-kilometer run that can be enjoyed by young kids accompanied by their parents.

“We want this to be the race for everyone.”

The 11th edition of the road race is expected to draw 40,000 runners nationwide as it pegged participants at 25, 000 in Manila to be held at the Filinvest in Muntinlupa, 7,000 in Cebu and 7,000 in Davao.

Cebuanos get to run in a new venue at the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway. Except for the 1K run for kids, all winners will receive cash prizes while the top male and female finishers in the 21K, 32K and 42K will also get a chance to compete in international running events—all-expense-paid.

Registrations end on Jan. 22.

THE Run 7-Eleven 2023 will intro

duce a new category that will cater to runners aged 60 years old and up, featuring former Olympians and national athletes, when the biggest three-venue road race gets underway on Feb. 4-5 simultaneously in Alabang, Cebu and Davao.

The Bay Area Dragons will next compete in the EASL Champions Week armed with a great experience from their PBA stint. (Photo from Bay Area Dragons FB)