Manila Standard - 2023 February 5 - Sunday

4 China boats harass PH ship BRP Andres Bonifacio monitored, tailed off Panganiban Reef in WPS

By JOYCE PANGCOPAÑARES

NEDA vets 206 flagship plans, final list in Q1

n By VINCE LOPEZ

longer list of about 3,000 more programs that span up until 2028.

Edillon said this number could still be trimmed down depending on a project’s viability and cost-effectiveness.

Gatchalian, who commissioned the survey, to push for a thorough and rigorous review of the implementation ofthe Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE), which is mandated by the K to 12 law.

GOOD AS

CASH. Customers use onions to pay for selected

Onion good as cash for a day in QC store

ONIONS, quite literally, were as good as cash if only for a day at the Japan Home Centre in Panay, Quezon City yesterday.

People flocked to the store’s one day only “Pay with Sibuyas” campaign where a piece of onion is equivalent to one item worth P88 or less.

The store accepted any size or color of

onion, but purchase was limited to three items per customer.

Farmgate prices of onions have since gone down to about P180 per kilo from a high

CONTINUED ON 3A CONTINUED ON 3A CONTINUED

“We will come up with the list. It will be uploaded on the NEDA website by the end of this first quarter,” she said in a press forum Saturday.

The socioeconomic planning official said

on

PNP insists autopsy

Kian ‘honest’

THE Philippine National Police on Saturday defended its autopsy report on drug war victim Kian Delos Santos, insisting it was conducted with strict adherence to standard operating procedures.

The PNP Forensic Group issued the statement after forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun earlier said the police and the Public Attorney’s Office did not properly examine the remains of the 17-year-old boy.

ON 3A CONTINUED ON 3A CONTINUED ON

ART ATTACK. A man looks intently at an innovative blockhain-integrated 75-foot tall wall art entitled ‘Existential Voyage’ by doodle artist Lei Melendres in Bacood, Manila. Norman Cruz

INBRIEF

Gatchalian expected to breeze throughappointments panel

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

UNLIKE his immediate predecessor who failed to gain the nod of the Commission on Appointments (CA), newly appointed Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expected to breeze through the powerful constitutional panel.

Dasmariñas City Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. asserted that President Marcos made a great choice in appointing Gatchalian to the DSWD post on account of Gatchalian’s “sterling record” both as a mayor and a lawmaker.”

Barzaga succeeded Erwin Tulfo who was bypassed multiple times by the CA over a question on his citizenship.

Salceda urges PBBM to name

PEZA chief soon

ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda on Saturday called on President Marcos to appoint a permanent director-general for the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, made the call following the recent confirmation of Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, thus vacating the seat if the PEZA board chairman.

“Many congratulations to Secretary Fred Pascual. Now I hope a permanent PEZA head is next,” Salceda said.

Salceda expressed confidence Pascual would recommend to the President the next PEZA director-general “without further delay.”

“The world is beginning to go back to pre-pandemic normalcy, as Secretary Pascual would know. So, some unique windows of opportunity to take advantage of COVID-19 worries of multinational firms are also closing. We need a PEZA DG who can shoot decisively in the hunt for big whales and big elephants of investors,” Salceda noted.

“Only security of tenure can give that certainty. I’ve recommended a few names, but I think Secretary Pascual can make that case to the President best,” he added.

“With PEZA now having a permanent Board chair, we need a permanent PEZA Director General, not an OIC. The PEZA DG can make longer-term commitments and make a stronger case for special incentives for special circumstances to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board. That’s crucial for attracting big whales,” Salceda said. Salceda said he hopes the country could begin preparing more long-term incentive packages for “big electronics companies such as TSMC, big defense manufacturers, and firms engaged in critically deficient areas, such as shipbuilding.”

“The services sector is straightforward, almost ministerial. But manufacturing, especially capital-intensive manufacturing, requires more tailor-fit incentives and various other forms of support.

During PGMA’s time, we provided special electricity cost and access incentives to Texas Instruments through EO no. 666, s. 2007. That is a non-fiscal incentive that is perfectly allowed under CREATE,” the solon said. Maricel V. Cruz

“Being a three-time mayor of Valenzuela City, his personal touch in attending to the needs of his constituents will be invaluable as he takes the helm of the DSWD,” Barzaga told reporters. Barzaga narrated that Gatchalian, who is a graduate of the George Washington University, has been his colleague in the House of Representatives where he was elected thrice.

“So I know his competence and capacity as a public servant and more importantly, I know that he has a heart for the poor.” Barzaga, chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said he believes Gatchalian will succeed as social welfare secretary, “not only because of his credentials but because of his genuine desire to serve the poor and uplift their lives.”

Barzaga also noted that Gatchalian perfectly fits the role because he personally knows and has seen the problems of his poor constituents who were in need of medical assistance, livelihood, and other basic services.

“As a mayor, one of his programs was the Barangay-Based Feeding Program (BBFP), Valenzuela City’s free supply of nutritious ready-to-cook food for malnourished children,” Barzaga recalled. Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto also lauded Gatchalian’s appointment.

CCP BACK IN ACTION. After a two-year absence due to the COVID pandemic, the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City returns on Feb. 4 with its Pasinaya, an annual multi-arts festival showcasing music, dance, film, and theater. Apart from just being spectators, visitors may join CCP’s workshops on various performing arts.

Danny Pata

PCSO eyes 10% DST to hike funds for UHC

THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) urged Congress to reduce its documentary stamp tax (DST) by one-half, or from the current 20 percent to 10 percent to be able to contribute more funds to the Universal Health Care (UHC).

Testifying at a Senate hearing by the Committee on Health chaired by Senator Joseph Victor Estrada, PCSO chairman Junie Cua said cutting down the agency’s DST to 10 percent will enable the government-run charity firm to raise its contributions to the UHC by 170 percent,

ANTIHUNGER INITIATIVE.

Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro leads the distribution of tomato and eggplant seedlings to vegetable farmers of barangays Tabiguian and Buang. Norman Cruz

or to P3.4 billion from the projected P1.25 billion in the 20-percent setup.

“You will note that the ability of PCSO to contribute to the UHC program is the fact that we need to pay 20 percent of our receipts by way of documentary stamp tax and this runs into tens of billions. Our advocacy right now is, if we can be allowed by Congress, to reduce our DST obligation, our contribution to UHC will increase,” Cua explained.

He added that the PCSO could contribute P3.3 billion if the DST rate was only 10 percent, and P4.4 billion if

CAAP improves Mindanao airports

n By JOEL E. ZURBANO

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) pushes the improvement and expansion of airports in Mindanao.

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said major airport development projects have either been undertaken or are currently being implemented in the South, notably the Butuan and Davao airports. Apolonio said the expansion of the passenger terminal in Butuan that started on December 6, 2021was completed last on December 16, 2022 at a total

cost of P17.6 million.

“With the booming economy in Butuan, the passenger terminal building now has an additional 324 square meters at its ground floor and 108 square meters for its mezzanine floor. This major upgrade is seen to provide travelers with convenience and comfort on the way to one of the country’s highly urbanized cities,” he said.

Apolonio also said part of improvement at the Davao International Airport, included the installation of brand new escalators at the passenger terminal building’s domestic arrival and check-in lobby areas to better accommodate the air travelers.

five percent.

Ejercito vowed that the Senate would look into the proposed DST reduction, saying that more than “P2 billion will be added to the UHC from PCSO alone.”

In effect, P2 billion can fund 769,230 hemodialysis sessions for indigent diabetic patients, considering that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) coverage rate per session is P2,600.

The same amount was estimated to help 125,000 indigent patients with severe dengue, with PhilHealth covering P16,000 per case.

US embassy’s college

prep program now open for PH studes

THE U.S. Embassy in Manila invites senior high school (grade 11) students to join the 2023 U.S. Embassy College Prep Program, a personalized mentorship and support initiative for young Filipinos interested in applying to colleges and universities in the United States.

In a press statement, the embassy said the program offers extensive advising and resources for prospective participants, including an in-person summer application boot camp, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) training, and guidance on selecting college programs and scholarships.

Filipino senior high school students with excellent grades, active participation in extra-curricular activities, leadership potential, and a family income of less than P1.25 million per year are eligible to apply to this 18-month virtual program, the statement said. Nash B. Maulana

PH COVID positivity rate dropped to 1.8%

The Philippines’ COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped to 1.8 percent on Friday, according to the independent monitoring group OCTA Research. OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David cited a report by the Department of Health (DOH) saying there were 156 new COVID cases on Friday, 14 deaths, 179 recoveries, and 9,626 active cases nationwide.

The NCR had the most number of new cases at 53. David said 100 to 150 new COVID cases nationwide were expected on Saturday. January’s nationwide COVID positivity rate was placed at 5.7 percent. As of Friday, the country’s COVID count was at 4,073,706, while the active infections increased to 9,626.

184 Caloocan micro-biz owners get P10k DTI aid

CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan has announced that 184 “micro-business” owners in the city have each received P10,000 financial assistance from the Department of Trade’s (DTI) Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay–Pangkabuhayan para sa Pagbangon sa Ginhawa (NSB-PPG).

The beneficiaries were selected and screened by the City Economic Investment Promotion Office (CEIPO) among fire victims and those adversely affected by the COVID pandemic. According to CEIPO officer-in-charge Alma Bucalen, the beneficiaries were mostly owners of small stalls, sari-sari stores, food carts, barbershops, computer shops and salons. Jun David

DENR-BARMM accord on climate, disaster forged

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its counterpart agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have forged an agreement to boost Mindanao’s climate and disaster resilience and sustainable development goals.

DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga and BARMM’s-Minister of Environment and Natural Resources (MENRE) Akmad Brahim signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support their respective programs and projects based on the objectives and strategies defined in the Mindanao Climate Resilience Framework Plan and the output of the DENR-led Multi-stakeholder Forum.

Loyzaga stressed that the diversity in Mindanao requires a systemic, consultative and contextualized approach to environmental conservation and protection.

“The DENR is committed to ensuring that consultation with communities and different sectors are at the basis of the fundamentals and ground works that need to be done in order to become responsive to these various needs,” Loyzaga said. Under the MOU, the DENR will provide technical assistance to MENRE-BARMM for the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources under its territorial jurisdiction.

DOG DAY AFTERNOON.

A man who obviously has a great compulsion for dogs drives a pedicab loaded with his four-legged friends in the vicinity of Welcome Rotonda at the Manila-Quezon City boundary. A scientific research indicate that people own canines for purposes of relief from stress, companionship, and security.

Danny Pata

US says second Chinese ‘spy balloon’ over Latin America

ACHINESE spy balloon has been spotted over Latin America, the Pentagon said Friday (Saturday, Manila time), a day after a similar craft was seen in US skies, prompting the scrapping of a rare trip to Beijing by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Pentagon said the first balloon was now heading eastwards over the central United States, adding it was not being shot down for safety reasons.

Later Friday, Pentagon spokesman

Western allies pledge precision rockets, missile systems to Kyiv

WESTERN allies pledged precision rockets and missile systems to Ukraine on Friday, after President Volodymyr Zelensky called for sophisticated weapons to help retain control of the embattled eastern city of Bakhmut.

The European Union agreed to introduce price caps on Russian petroleum products to try to further limit Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war chest by targeting his key exports.

The announcements came shortly after Zelensky told a summit with EU leaders in Kyiv: “No one will surrender Bakhmut. We will fight as long as we can.

“If weapon (deliveries) are accelerated –namely long-range weapons – we will not only not withdraw from Bakhmut, we will begin to de-occupy Donbas,” he said of the eastern region of Ukraine.

The United States on Friday announced a new $2.2-billion package of arms and munitions, which the Pentagon said included a new rocket-propelled precision bomb that could nearly double Kyiv’s strike range against Russian forces.

The ground-launched small-diameter bombs (GLSDB), which can fly up to 150 kilometers (93 miles), could threaten key Russian supply lines, arms depots and air bases far behind the front lines. AFP

Kishida hits aide’s homophobic talk

JAPANESE Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday called homophobic comments made by one of his secretaries “outrageous,” indicating he could consider dismissing the aide.

Pat Ryder said: “We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America.”

“We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon,” he added, without specifying its exact location.

Moments before Blinken’s decision to cancel his trip – aimed at easing tensions between the two countries – China issued a rare statement of regret over the first balloon and blamed winds for pushing what it called a civilian airship into US airspace.

But President Joe Biden’s administration described it as a maneuverable “surveillance balloon.”

With the rival Republican Party already on the offensive, Blinken postponed a twoday visit that was to have started Sunday.

In a telephone call with senior Chinese official Wang Yi, Blinken saidhe “made clear that the presence of this surveillance balloon in US airspace is a clear violation of US sovereignty and international law, that it’s an irresponsible act.”

ASEAN ministers urge Myanmar to implement agreed peace plan

SOUTHEAST Asian ministers at the end of two-day talks in Indonesia on Saturday urged Myanmar’s junta to implement a five-point peace plan agreed two years ago to create a path towards ending the country’s political crisis.

Indonesia – Southeast Asia’s biggest economy – is the chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2023 and will host the bloc’s annual leaders’ meetings later this year.

But the ministerial meeting in Jakarta has been overshadowed by thesituation in Myanmar, which has been in turmoil since the army seized power in February 2021.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Jakarta proposed an implementation plan to ASEAN members for the “five-point consensus” agreed with the junta in April 2021 that called for an end to violence and dialogue between the military and rebels.

FromtheFRONTPAGE

4 CHINA... intercept course towards the Philippine Navy warship,” Balilo said.

This is the second maritime incident involving Chinese ships in Philippine waters since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s state visit to Beijing last month where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to establish a joint direct communication mechanism to ease tensions in the South China Sea.

The first incident involved a Chinese Coast Guard vessel that allegedly shooed away a Filipino fishing boat in Ayungin Shoal.

In December, the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing after members of the Chinese Coast Guard approached personnel of Naval Station Emilio Liwanag (NSEL) who went to the waters off Pag-asa Island to retrieve what turned out to be rocket wreckage from China

The Chinese vessel “blocked their preplotted course twice” before “forcefully” retrieving the object by cutting the towing line attached to the NSEL rubber boat.

In a 2016 arbitral ruling, the Haguebased Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Beijing’s nine-dash line, a demarcation that covers almost 80 percent of the South China Sea, is illegal. China, however, continues to disregard the verdict.

Since 2022, the DFA has sent a total of 199 notes verbale and diplomatic protests to China, four of which were lodged this year and almost a third

“Broad support was received from all member states to this plan,” she told reporters at the end of talks, without providing details of when and how they hoped the agreement would be implemented.

“This plan is very important for ASEAN, in particular the chair, as a guidance to address the situation in Myanmar in a united manner. It shows a strong unity of ASEAN members to implement the 5PC.”

The junta remains an ASEAN member but the bloc barred it from top-level summits over its failure to implement the plan that aims to achieve peace between the military and Myanmar’s anti-coup movement.

Myanmar’s foreign minister Than Swe –appointed this week – was not present at the ASEAN talks Friday, the bloc having declined to invite a junta member and only requesting a “non-political representative” – an offer rejected by Naypyidaw. AFP

under the Marcos administration.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed optimism on the agreement of the Philippines and the United States to designate four new sites in the country for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“We look forward to work continuously with our allies to strengthen further our capability to save lives in times of natural disasters and defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the AFP said.

Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Saturday also allayed fears over the new EDCA sites, saying these facilities would not only boost the country’s security but also spur the economy.

“I must stress that EDCA and its implementation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, or the PH-US alliance are directed to modernize our capabilities and collaboration to react to emergencies and protect our maritime and environmental interests.

Thus, these EDCA sites should not be a cause for concern for anyone since it could also spur economic investments, joint protection, and preservation of our maritime and natural resources,” he said.

NEDA... these government projects will be funded through various schemes such as public-private partnership (PPP), grants, and government allocation.

In implementing PPP projects, Edillon said the administration will focus on solicited PPPs, or those well-crafted and vetted projects, which could help the government achieve its targets of economic growth, increased employment and poverty reduction.

Blinken said, however, that he told Wang “the United States is committed to diplomatic engagement with China and that I plan to visit Beijing when conditions allow.”

“The first step is getting the surveillance asset out of our airspace.

That’s what we’re focused on,” Blinken told reporters.

According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Wang said the two discussed the incident “in a calm and professional manner.”

“China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law,” Xinhua quoted Wang as telling Blinken.

“We do not accept any groundless speculation and hype,” he said, calling both sides to “avoid misjudgments and manage divergence.”

On Saturday, the Chinese foreign ministry released a statement addressing Blinken’s announcement that his trip would not go ahead.

“Some politicians and media in the

United States used the (balloon) incident as a pretext to attack and smear China,” it said.

The statement further added in regard to Blinken’s trip, which had been widely publicised in the United States: “As a matter of fact, neither China nor the United States has announced any visit.

“It is the United States’ own decision to release the relevant information and we respect that.”

Blinken would have been the first top US diplomat to visit China since October 2018, signaling a thaw following intense friction under former president Donald Trump.

Last month, Blinken said he would use the trip to help establish “guardrails” to prevent the relationship from escalating into all-out conflict.

Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, were quick to pounce on the balloon incident, casting Biden – who has largely preserved, and at times expanded, Trump’s hawkish policies on China – as weak. AFP

Masayoshi Arai told reporters Friday evening that he “doesn’t even want to look at” married same-sex couples, according to public broadcaster NHK. Arai said he “wouldn’t like it if they lived next door” and that people would “abandon the country if we allow samesex marriage.”

Kishida told reporters Saturday that Japan is “aiming for an inclusive society... that recognises diversity.”

“The secretary’s comments are completely incompatible with such policy and are outrageous,” he said, adding that he would need to “take tough measures” against the aide.

The remarks came after the prime minister told parliament this week that samesex marriage would “affect the society,” therefore lawmakers need to be “extremely careful in considering the matter.” AFP

6th Memphis police fired over Tyre’s

THE Memphis Police Department on Friday said it had fired a sixth officer involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old African American whose fatal beating shocked the nation.

Preston Hemphill, who had been in the southern US city’s police force since 2018, “violated multiple departmental policies,” including on “personal conduct,” “truthfulness” and regulations on Taser gun use, the department said in a statement.

Five other officers had already been fired and charged with murder over Nichols’s death.

Hemphill, a white man, had been suspended since the beginning of the department’s investigation, but that was not made public until Monday.

Nichols was arrested by members of a special police unit called Scorpion on January 7 for what police said was a traffic violation.

Footage of his vicious beating, recorded on body cameras and security cameras, triggered national outrage when it was made public last week. AFP

The NEDA Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recently approved seven “high-impact” projects, which include the construction of a 300-bed capacity cancer center in Manila, increasing the funding for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) rehabilitation project, the utilization of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan balance for the new Communications, Navigation, Surveillance-Air Traffic Management (CNSATM) system, and the construction of new Dumaguete Airport Development Project.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Leonel Cray De Velez, in the same forum, said the P7.6-billion funding for the Metro Rail Transit-3 would support the maintenance and “additional rehabilitation” needed to sustain the train system.

PUPILS... chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

“If we are to pursue this policy, we must respond to the challenges related to it,” he added.

The survey asked 1,200 respondents what language should be used as the primary mode of instruction for Grades 1 to 3 students.

Only 38 percent picked the dialect in their region, while Filipino was the most preferred (88 percent), followed by English (71 percent).

The K to 12 law mandates that the education, instruction, teaching materials, and assessment from kindergarten up to Grade 3 shall be in the regional or native language of the learners.

The Department of Education is tasked to formulate a mother language transition program from Grades 4 to 6 so that Filipino

and English shall be gradually introduced as languages of instruction.

At the secondary level, the two languages will become the primary languages of instruction.

Only 72,872 out of the targeted 305,099 educators underwent training, according to a public hearing last year on the implementation of the MTB-MLE. The figure already includes supervisors, school heads, and teachers.

PNP... the prosecution’s evidence during the trial of the criminal case significantly led to the conviction of the personnel involved, the court sentencing the accused to 40 years imprisonment without parole and the indemnification of the heirs of Delos Santos,” the PNP Forensic Group said in a statement.

The group said its expert witness’ findings helped put behind bars the three Caloocan cops who killed Delos Santos in 2017.

The forensic group also said it has conducted “honest, serious and sincere forensic examination free from any personal or political agenda” since its establishment in 1945.

Fortun, however, said on Thursday that the PNP report almost had no information in it.

She said only surface cuts were made on Delos Santos’ body, and that there was no examination of the boy’s internal organs.

She also revealed that she found a bullet on the victim’s neck area that was not reported in previous autopsies.

Fortun said the bullet could be matched to the gun that was used to kill Delos Santos.

For his part, former PNP chief Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said cases related to the deadly drug war of the

Duterte administration should be filed in Philippine courts and not before the International Criminal Court.

“If Fortun’s findings are true, file the case. We have the NBI to investigate. File the case before our courts and not before the ICC. They do not have jurisdiction over us,” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview.

ONION... However, DA Assistant Secretary and deputy spokesperson Rex Estoperez said only 5,000 metric tons of onions were applied for importation.

“Only 3,500 metric tons reached our first border control,” Estoperez said.

Onion Farmers Philippines’ James Ramos, however, said the importation is hurting farmers whom he claimed were not consulted before the DA approved the importation.

“We were not consulted. Suddenly, the importation program was approved,” Ramos said.

Estoperez belied this immediately.

“We consulted some farmers before the onion importation plan was approved.”

At the Japan Home Center in Quezon City, customers exchanged their onions mostly for practical household items, such as kitchen utensils and chargers.

Mitzi Gamboa, the store’s marketing head, said the onions collected would be turned over to a community pantry.

“Our goal is not to earn from this campaign. This is our way of helping people especially now that prices of goods have increased significantly,” she said.

FESTIVE LANTERNS. A child stands next to decorated lanterns at a shopping mall in Beijing on February 4, 2023. AFP

case

WRONG LANDING. Sri Lanka Army parachute troopers land in the sea by mistake during Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on February 4, 2023. AFP

Cebu-based micro-enterprise continues to innovate, diversify

MULTI-AWARDED micro-enterprise

Sandria’s Delicious Concept is rebooting systems to start anew projects stalled by the health crisis, building more connections and networks to reach out to markets beyond her hometown in Cebu to other parts of the country and eventually to markets overseas.

“Were doing good, even better now that the pandemic is over. There were challenges along the way. Everybody was bitten, a lot still hurting. But we pushed through and we even expanded in the past 3 years,” said Sandra Cadusale, owner of Sandria’s Delicious Concept, a budding micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) rooted in Minglanilla, Cebu. Her business was more of a homebased enterprise years before she was able to afford her own production facility. Manufacturing “barquiron” was a hobby business that started with small orders from friends and officemates not too long before the pandemic disrupted small and big enterprises.

The disruption, though, offered new opportunities for Sandria’s as the business realized the need to pivot to survive the crisis which was what the enterprise did.

During the pandemic, families were scrimping on food due to weak finances and snacks including native delicacies have taken the backseat.

Cadusale temporarily halted the production of native delicacies following a string of cancelled purchase orders (POs). Clients from as far as

Albay and Masbate have cancelled their POs, but Cadusale did not see this as an occasion to lose faith. She donated the unserved orders to front liners, those manning the check point stations, to hospitals and medical volunteers.

“The least I can do for these people is support them. It just happened that some orders were not delivered. So instead of selling them online, I donated the undelivered goods to volunteers in the hospitals, to people stationed at the check-points and to the LGU. I truly hoped my products cheered them up. I hope many people have derived joy from eating my products,” she said, counting her blessings.

Sandria’s officially started producing barquiron in commercial quantity in 2018, right after Cadusale joined the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program, a coaching and mentoring program introduced by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) linking MSMES to big corporations for tips and information that will help small enterprises compete in the market.

Her signature barquiron has won recognitions several times over from local award giving groups and thrice for the Seal of Excellence Award.

While her native delicacy segment was at a stand still, Cadusale started a commissary project supplying packed meals to volunteer vaccinators on an P8 million contract with the local government, but only P5 million was consummated since the people’s interest to get booster shots have also waned as the pandemic eased.

Sandria’s have supplied packed meals to 2 Aboitiz power plants in Cebu during the course of pandemic until 2021. It has also catered to and continues to supply on-demand packed meals to several local government agencies during seminar and trainings.

From revenues earned, Cadusale was able to fend for her family and her workers needs. The bigger portion

of the revenues went to financing a small manufacturing plant for snacks and a new production building for her growing commissary business.

Delivery of packed meals forms part of Cadusale’s commissary business.

Before the pandemic broke, she has a consignment contract with Ministop stores in Cebu. The contract fizzled out as the lockdowns forced people to stay at home, and without consumer base, even convenience stores stopped operating for a while. Sandria’s was supplying the store’s demand for Shanghai rolls, sliced pork, sandwiches and salads.

In late 2022, Ministop sought to renew severed ties with Sandria’s after the former pitched new food ideas to add the stores’ meal line-up. Nothing has been finalized yet, but Cadusale is hopeful things will out with the convenience store chain.

From the new factory, Sandria’s is now producing other homegrown delicacies like the local peanut cookies called Caycay, Piaya which is a local version of flat bread with muscovado filling, Rosquillos and sugar drizzled Otap on top the best sellers barquiron

Pharma firm releases new Access to Medicines report

BIOPHARMACEUTICAL leader Takeda recently released its Access to Medicines Progress Report 2022, highlighting the company’s efforts in broadening access to life-changing medicines and vaccines, with a special focus on low to middle-income countries.

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the disproportionate effects of diseases, especially for LMICS, with patients experiencing even more challenges in getting access to the medicines they need. Not to mention its impact on healthcare infrastructures, limiting the ability to invest in broadening access to innovative medicines.

Takeda’s latest Access to Medicines Report details the company’s Access to Medicines approach, which is: Patient first, providing access based on the patient’s individual circumstances and unique needs; Holistic, utilizing an end-to-end approach from education to screening, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare; and Collaborative, placing importance in building and supporting healthcare systems through partnerships. The report also provides updates on the progress of their current Access to Medicines Programs globally, including programs in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, the cost of medical treatment for serious illnesses can be financially prohibitive for patients and their

LEADING e-commerce enabler for brands in the Philippines, etaily, was the recipient of the 3-star certification from the Lazada Partners Program in 2022.

The recognition, considered the highest standard for the platform’s partners, demonstrates etaily’s excellence in-store management, operations, and fulfillment. etaily CEO Alexander Friedhoff proudly announced the new accomplishment as another feat that defines the eCommerce enabler.

”Earning the Lazada Partners 3-Star Certification is a major accomplishment for etaily and alludes to the hard work and dedication of the team. We are proud to be recognized as the leading eCommerce enabler in the Philippines and look forward to further supporting our brand partners in their eCommerce journeys. We are excited to see what the future holds for etaily as we continue to evolve and innovate in the eCommerce spaces,” he said. etaily provides a comprehensive solution that enables and empowers eCommerce growth by offering end-to-end services such as technology, operations, brand, and data capabilities.

Since 2020, etaily has continuously evolved as an enabler and is now the go-to partner of big brands across the country and Southeast Asia.

families. To help address this gap, Takeda utilized several approaches – tiered pricing, which allows for price adjustments relative to a country’s income levels and other factors, and Patient Access Programs (“PAP”), which help patients with limited means to obtain Takeda’s innovative treatments.

This approach was utilized to help reimagine lymphoma care in the Philippines, where many patients are unable to get the treatment they need due to a lack of early and proper diagnosis.

Patients in the Philippines living with Hodgkin lymphoma, one of the most prevalent 14 cancers in the country, make an average of between five and 10 visits to different healthcare professionals before being diagnosed, delaying critical treatment.

For CD30 lymphoma testing, which is required to detect rarer forms of the condition,

THE Land Bank of the Philippines through its foundation conducted trainings on financial literacy and natural farming in Lake Cebu in line with the bank’s commitment to advance financial inclusion while extending support to the agriculture sector.

In partnership with the Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) and the local government of Lake Sebu, the trainings were designed to enhance the technical capacity and livelihood skills of farmers, fishers, small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs), and employees of the local government unit (LGU) in the area.

“Apart from offering accessible credit, LANDBANK also provides innovative capacity- building interventions to our partners. We are promoting financial inclusion to advance economic opportunities and help spur sustainable development in local communities,” said LandBank president Cecila Cayosa Borromeo.

Among the farmer organizations who participated in the one-day training workshop include the Lake Sebu Vegetable Association (LAS VEGAS), Lake Sebu Indigenous Women and Farmers Asso-

there are no routine testing procedures available. In addition, outpatient diagnostic procedures are usually paid for out of pocket, posing an additional financial barrier.

Utilizing its holistic approach, Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (“Takeda Philippines”) has been working closely with NGOs such as the Philippine Cancer Society and Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines to provide support and financial assistance for patients in need of CD30 testing. The company has also provided financial support to patients through the patient assistance program, allowing patients access to complete courses of prescribed medication.

“In the Philippines, we’ve channeled our efforts to providing holistic solutions to transform lymphoma care in partnership with the country’s healthcare system. We hope to bring the same patient-first, holistic and collaborative approach to broaden access to medicines for other rare diseases as well, so that we can help the country realize its goal of providing universal healthcare to Filipinos,” said Takeda Philippines country manager Loreann Villanueva. Since 2017, over 300 Filipino patients have been able to access and complete their course of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma through Takeda’s PAP, which have worked with 113 hospitals, 197 physicians, and enrolled 346 patients.

and barquillos. There is a standing agreement with North Pacific International to distribute Sandria’s delicacies to Luzon. Sandria’s has never had an opportunity to market her products in Manila, which is a dream destination for small manufacturers based in the provinces.

While many businesses trimmed down their workforce due to hard times, Sandria’s did the opposite. The micro-enterprise doubled the number of workers from 5 to 13, as Cadusale adopted more bakers who lost their jobs during the pandemic.

She has taken in displaced workers from big time competitors, whose she has supported even while the snacks segment of her business has not yet restarted production. So when the snacks segment resumed operations, Sandria’s has 13 busy pair of hands ready to restart manufacturing. Today, the Sandria’s employs 34 workers for the snacks and commissary businesses.

Another opportunity for the commissary segment lost to pandemic was a contract to serve in-flight meals of Cebu Pacific. Talks has recently resumed and Sandria’s is in a frenzy to serve the airline’s food needs.

Indeed, things are looking up for Sandria’s as stalled affairs and new opportunities are happening fast and almost simultaneously during the turn of the year. The micro-enterprise is also signing a long-term supply contract with the famous Otap and Rosquillos maker Titay’s Liloan Rosquillos and Delicacies, Inc. Sandria’s will be supplying Titay’s with its signature classic barquiron.

“I’m glad that even the giants in this business have recognized my product. In fact, barquiron is our flagship product. Back in the early years of our production, it was a great surprise to us to have won several awards despite our crude packaging. with the help of OTOP (One Town, One Product), we have immensely improved our packaging not only

barquiron but for other products as well,” Sandria’s barquiron comes in 8 flavors of which 3 are newly-developed variants, but will be available soon in the market.

Several of Sandria’s snacks comes in various variants or flavors like the piaya and otap.

“It is heart warming that people are happy with our products. And with that we keep on improving and innovating to deserve their trust. I am thankful for my staff for believing that we can surpass the challenges and expand in a truly sustainable manner. We keep on adding new product lines and our network has also expanded which is a great boost to us,” Cadusale said. From producing snacks and serving packed meals, Sandria’s also tried producing frozen meat products. Nomad, a product aggregator with stores inside the Mactan International Airport, is one of Sandria’s loyal clients for its homemade tocino and chorizo products. Sandria’s I snow producing chorizo ins hundreds of kilos and delivers to clients all over Cebu but not yet to supermarkets.

Sandria’s is planning to register the homemade chorizo by securing a certificate of product registration (CPR) from the DTI so the product may find its way to select supermarkets and groceries. Chorizo de Cebu will be sold under the Sandria’s brand.

Othel V. Campos

ciation (LASIWFA), and the MNLF Luhib Lake Sebu Coconut Farmers Organization (MLLSCFO).

Since July 2022, LandBank Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI) has conducted 32 training sessions that benefitted a total of 6,000 farmers, fishers, and farm laborers from all the barangays of Lake Sebu. They form part of the total 300,300 training participants that LCDFI has supported nationwide from July 2020 until December 2022, located in 196 unbanked municipalities in 53 provinces. The LCDFI is a non-stock, non-profit corporate foundation of LANDBANK, and serves as its training arm to strengthen cooperatives and assist farmers and fishers in their development.

THE World Packaging Organization (WPO) called on stakeholders and players in the packaging and manufacturing industries to educate people better about sustainable food consumption to minimize the environmental footprint of packed food and help nature generate resources faster.

“We are serious about saving food through better packaging, about reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainable packaging. But the core at the WPO is the drive to educate more people about the effectiveness and correctness of packaging,” said WPO president Pierre Pienaar at the formal opening of ProPak Philippines Wednesday.

WPO is a non-profit, non-governmental, international federation of national packaging institutes and associations, regional packaging federations and corporations and trade associations to encourage the development of packaging technology, science, access and engineering; contribute to the development of international trade; and stimulate education and training in packaging.

Pienaar noted that the global packaging industry needs technical expertise or “we will have a void in our industry in the next 5 to 10 years”.

Propak is a 3-day trade event that started Wednesday, February 1, 2023 and culminated Friday, February 3, 2023

at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. It is platform for market trends, investments and industry networking through product exchange and a variety of conferences, seminars and technical workshops offering sustainable solutions for the country’s enterprises. Packaging education helps ensure that the world’s resources are used as effectively and economically as possible.

About 250 leading local and international exhibitors from 25 countries and regions gathered at ProPak Philippines to showcase the latest technologies in manufacturing, packaging and processing.

“I encourage each one of you to do your part about educating your people in your region. Propak Philippines is an outstanding learning platform because the industry needs to make significant contributions to improving knowledge and expertise,” said Pienaar.

ProPak Philippines held free workshops conducted by the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and a paid training course. The trade event hosted conference sessions from different partner associations such as the Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association, WPO, Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, Philippine Association of Food Technologists Inc., and Production and Operations Management Association of the Philippines etc.

IT’S going to be a water festival like no other, featuring swimming competitions in various bodies of water in the Zamboanga Peninsula in Mindanao.

Imagine kids joining a clean-up drive after a fun swim in the open sea; contingents from the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy, and the Maritime Police vying for pride in swim fest; and the best open water swimmers like Pinoy Aquaman himself, Ingemar Macarine, taking on all comers for supremacy.

These are just some of the activities that will mark the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Swim Circuit kicking off in the picturesque seaport city of Zamboanga on Feb. 12, according to one of the organizers, Japy Silapan.

“It’s going to be a festive atmosphere along the coastal road as we watch open water swimmers vie for honors,” said Silapan, president of Zamboanga Open Water Swim Club.

Taking the lead is the Department of Tourism Region 9 which aims to promote eco-sports tourism in the region.

“Our aim is to raise the profile of the Zamboanga Peninsula once as a top foreign and local destination for tourism and sports once again in launching the Zamboanga Open Swim Circuit with the involvement of various local government units,” noted DOT Region 9 Director Dara Cataluña.

The four-leg open water swimming series, featuring the region’s top scenic attractions, was launched on Saturday at the Balesin Restaurant of the Makati City Club at the Alphaland condominium in Makati.

Also gracing the affair were DOT Region 9 senior tourism officer Charles Anthony Rotoni, Zamboanga City tourism chief Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez, Zamboanga Open Water Swim Club president Japy Silapan and Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lani Velasco.

ECO SPORT TOURISM

“This project is in line with the thrust of Tourism Secretary Maria Garcia Frasco’s vision that no province or area should be left behind in local tourism.

My own governor, Mike Uy of Zamboanga del Sur, is also keen on promoting tourism in our province,” Cataluña revealed.

“Our aim is making the Zamboanga Peninsula a major eco sport tourism hub in the region and open water swimming is just the star of many sports-related activities we intend to launch, which will include golf as well as diving,” Rotoni said.

“We want to come up with a tourism package that will also educate our participating swimmers in habitat conservation and management while also highlighting community-based tourism activities in Region 9,” Rotoni added.

On the other hand, Hernandez said

HOBBIES & COLLECTIONS

Open Water swimfest to showcase Zambo’s

charm

that the Zamboanga City government led by Mayor John Dalipe was just as enthusiastic in supporting the series, noting that it was the hometown of the weightlifter and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidylin Diaz.

“With this activity, we will be able to lure potential tourists both overseas and domestic and open their eyes to the attractions of our fair city. Zamboanga City is a coastal area and this event will help our communities discover strong open-course swimmers,” she said.

Hernandez added that the “Onces

Islas” group of islands will be the venue of the opening leg of the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Circuit which is also supported by the Tourism Board of the Philippines, the Zamboanga Sibugay provincial government, the Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur municipal government and the city government of Dapitan,

Zamboanga del Norte.

After Zamboanga City, the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Swim Circuit will have its second leg on March 19 around Butuan Island in Zamboanga Sibugay, the next will be on April 16 in the scenic and heart-shaped Lake Magarang in Zamboanga del Sur before winding up on May 14 at the world-class Dakak resort in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte.

“This project appeals to our vision as a club to open up tourism in the region, especially sustainable development. We will also want our club to be a prime mover in developing the coastal communities,” said Silapan, whose club will organize and oversee the technical aspects of the circuit. For every leg of the activity, there will be two or three distances - ranging from 1.5 km to 5KM - that participants can register for.

For those who want to join the Open

Organizers of the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Water Swim Circuit, led by Department of Tourism Region 9 director Dara Cataluña (fifth from left) pose for posterity. Also in the picture are Zamboanga City tourism chief Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez (third from left)

Water Swim Circuit, the registration/ admission fee is PhP1,200 per person. This includes a swim safety kit, swim cap, swim buoy, towel, finisher shirt and

Are E-Painters easy pickings for Kings?

FRESH from a championship celebration, are the Barangay Ginebra Kings ready for a quick turnaround?

The question could only be about Barangay Ginebra’s readiness for this particular match.

The Gin Kings return to play as they take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Season 47 Governors Cup that swings back to the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

It’s surely tough for the Elasto Painters to pull one against the Gin Kings. Just consider ROS’ 0-3 conference start.

Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings are expected to be right there in the mix, slugging it out with the best of them, being a tested champion team as they are.

But returning to action less than three weeks after their latest title run, do the Kings have the fire in their belly for this quick turnaround? Do they have the desire this early to start cranking up in the chase of another crown?

The Rain or Shine side is hoping to

D’ Navigators aim for solo Spikers lead

ILOILO puts its unbeaten run on the line as it tangles with a resurgent VNS side even as National U and Air Force clash in a duel of struggling teams in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila today (Sunday).

The D’Navigators swept their way to an early share of the lead with victories over the NU Archipelago Builders and the Air Force Airmen but brace for a tougher challenge against the Griffins in their 3 p.m. encounter. VNS bounced back from its shutout loss to Cotabato with a straight-set romp over Vanguard last Wednesday.

Joining Iloilo on top are AMC-Cotabato and fancied Cignal.

To extend its run, Iloilo hopes to draw big games again from setter JM Apolinario and hitters Jerome Cordez, Jade Disquitado, Neil de Pedro, Naz Gwaza and Rash Nursiddik.

VNS, meanwhile, will rely on veterans Pemmy Bagalay and Ron Medalla as the Griffins seek to force a tie for third with Imus.

NU, on the other hand, and Air Force try to check their skid at each other’s expense as they collide in the 5:30 p.m.

But the Volley Builders, who ruled the last Spikers’ Turf with an entirely different squad, will be hard-pressed to snap their faulty start as starting playmaker Joseph Bello and outside spiker Bryan Jaleco won’t be around as they step up their buildup for the NU squad vying in the coming UAAP wars. Games are telecast

pound the best opportunity to pull the rug from under Ginebra.

Ginebra and Rain or Shine face off at 6:45 p.m. with the Kings starting chase of a follow-up to their Commissioner’s Cup diadem won in a 114-99 blowout of the Bay Area Dragons in the decider of a best-of-seven series last Jan. 15 before a record crowd of nearly 55,000 at the Philippine Arena.

Under Cone, Brownlee, and Co. have won the Commissioner’s Cup crown twice and the Governors Cup plum four times.

But they haven’t pieced together both championships in one single season.

And that’s the goal that should fuel the team’s campaign in this Governors Cup. But it won’t be easy, with all the other teams likely to be after Ginebra.

Then there’s the extra load of working out with Gilas for Cone, Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar.

The battle cry for these guys should be “ to stay hungry.” (SB/pba.ph)

Mondilla chases elusive TCC Invt’l crown

MOTIVATED by crushing setbacks, Clyde Mondilla never runs out of patience and hope in pursuit of a championship missing in his trophy collection, gearing up for another possible shot at The Country Club Invitational crown beginning Tuesday (Feb. 7) at the TCC course in Laguna.

“As much as possible, I practice daily – fairways in the morning then range in the afternoon,” said Mondilla, who had squandered two clear cracks at the title in the last two editions of the Philippine Golf Tour’s flagship tournament. He co-led with young Korean Tom Kim in the third round in 2019 but wavered with a 76 in the final round and ended up third behind the now PGA Tour star and Keanu Jahns. The 2010 national amateur champion also lost by one to Guido van Der Valk in 2020 before the event took a forced two-year break due to the pandemic.

But heading to the record P6 million championship, Mondilla admits he remains far from reaching top form, saying: “Even if I practice every day, I still have so much to improve on.”

With 12 titles under his belt, however, including the Philippine Open in 2019, also at TCC, Mondilla looms as one of the marked players from among the elite cast spearheaded by five former winners, including one of the event’s two three-time

champion Juvic Pagunsan (2006, 2008 and 2012).

Others going for a second championship are 2013 winner Frankie Miñoza, multi-titled Tony Lascuna (2004) and Micah Shin, who became the first non-Filipino winner of the event put up by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon in 2003 to honor his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo, when he nipped 2017 titlist Miguel Tabuena by one in 2018.

Van der Valk, on the other hand, isn’t only chasing a second TCC diadem but is also out to sustain an impressive 2022 campaign that saw him snare two titles at Splendido Taal and at Pradera Verde to emerge the top player after the seven-leg season. Others in the hunt for top honors in the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized event are last year’s leg winners Zanieboy Gialon and Michael Bibat, Reymon Jaraula, Jhonnel Ababa, Lloyd Go, Ira Alido, Joenard Rates, Sean Ramos, Ruperto Zaragosa III, Rico Depilo, Orlan Sumcad, Jerson Balasabas, Gerald Rosales, Jay Bayron, Dino Villanueva, Anthony Fernando, Fidel Concepcion, Albin Engino, Enrico Gallardo, Richard Sinfuego, Art Arbole, Mars Pucay, Paul Echavez and Dan Cruz.

Meanwhile, the pro-am tournament will be held Monday (Feb. 6), featuring a select number of pros and amateur guests and sponsors of the sponsoring ICTSI, with the practice round set in the afternoon.

medal, loot bag, and meals and snacks. A special award will be given to participants who complete all four legs of the competition.

Flying Titans soar past Chargers in PVL opener

CHOCO Mucho used balanced scoring to overpower an Akari side still working on its chemistry, carving out a 25-15, 25-20, 25-20 victory in the opener of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

The triple-tower combo of Kat Tolentino, Bea de Leon and Maddie Madayag produced 11 points each while Isa Molde fired away 10 hits for the Flying Titans, who responded quite well to new coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system. But it was Madayag who took the player of the game honors in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

“We’re focusing on our new system. We’re taking it one game at a time but we’re clicking. All teams are actually eyeing to make it to the Top 4 but we’re targeting the final three spots,” said Madayag.

The Flying Titans likewise flaunted its defense upfront, coming away with five blocks while pouncing on the Chargers’ erratic game, scoring 22 points off their rivals’ miscues while yielding 11 of their own.

“Sobrang saya sa naging panalo namin. This is my first win in the PVL, so ramdam na ramdam ko talaga ang pagka-panalo naming,” said Alinsunurin, many-time mentor of the national men’s team.

“Mas ginanahan ako kasi alam ko na maraming fans ang team. Nakikita ko yung ginagawa ng team, mas lalong nabu-boost kung anuman yung namin mangyari sa loob ng court,” he added.

Akari, which showed up with new faces in Dindin Manabat, Eli Soyud, Camille Victoria and Bang Pineda after finishing second-to-last in a nine-team field in its maiden league appearance in the Reinforced Conference last year, drew 17 points from Manabat while Janine Marciano came through with 12 points.

But the rest of the Chargers struggled both in offense and defense although Akari seized control in brief stretches of the last two sets before losing steam and succumbing to the Flying Titans’ strong finishing kick to the delight of the huge weekend crowd bracing for the Creamline-Petro Gazz duel later in the day.

Manabat, a seasoned campaigner who last played with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, tried to anchor Akari’s charge in the opening frame to no avail as the Flying Titans unloaded 13 attack points, seven more than their rivals, to fashion out the easy win.

Christian Stanhardinger (right) and the Ginebra Kings are back to work and they cannot take the Rain or Shine Painters lightly.

and PSI president Lani Velasco fourth from left).

Lawyer Ingemar Macarine, an award-winning open-water swimmer, is expected to compete in the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Swim Circuit. (Photo from Grace Quiton-Domingo FB)

Empowering Little People through fashion

TO COMMEMORATE the 6th Founding Anniversary and General Assembly of Big Dreams for Little People Philippines, Inc. (BDLPP), professional designers, educators, and promising student-artists have conceptualized and created stylish ensembles of Filipino little people (LP).

BDLPP is a non-profit organization that spreads awareness and advocates for equal rights and protection of the LPs.

The industry experts and homegrown talents from the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) lined the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center with specially-curated chic looks for a fashion exhibit.

The bespoke garments, which were all later donated to BDLPP after the event, championed the importance of establishing a standard Filipino Sizing System. This will benefit individuals of short stature. as well as open opportunities for their future product development.

They likewise exemplified the unique ergonomic design for LPs and the incorporation of a wide range of trends and styles tailor-made for their sizes.

Fashion designer-educator Roxoanne Bagano-Dizon , a bespoke couturier for weddings, debuts, and formal events, presented an elegant bridal gown. Fellow fashion designereducator Ionica Abrahan Lim , who specializes in creating quintessential dressing gowns for brides and their entourage, together with Maxine Dela Cruz , a budding student-artist of Benilde FDM, personally styled a number of

casual everyday looks that will boost the confidence of LPs.

Professional garment pattern maker Cecilia

Lansang committed several dresses from her very own shop.

Benilde FDM student and Emerging fashion designer Ulysses Caragayan likewise showcased voguish daily wear for LPs. Caragayan’s professional portfolio includes ensembles worn by top Filipino personalities such as fashion icon and artist Heart Evangelista , award-winning actress Bea Alonzo , Miss Uni -

verse 2015 Pia Wurtzbach , and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray . His designs were featured in leading glossies such as Mega Preview, and Metro.

For more information about BDLPP, visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ BDLP.Phil2017.

Learn more about Benilde FDM through https://www.benilde.edu.ph/undergraduatefashion-design-and-merchandising/.

Lazada

Albert Andrada (left) in Paris Fashion Week Couture with Pia Wurtzbach

Albert Andrada

Paris Fashion Week 2023 show moved to July

FILIPINO designer Albert Andrada’s debut solo show in Paris Fashion Haute Couture 2023, originally set on January 25 and 26, at The Westin Paris – Vendôme, has been rescheduled to July 2023 in time for Parish Fashion Week Haute Couture on July 3 to 6.

The decision to postpone the show was made to ensure that all key elements of the show will reflect the production team’s vision to present the designer’s signature touch and artistic talent.

According to a statement sent to Manila Standard Lifestyle, “Mounting the show during the Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture in July will give the team ample time to present a show that Filipinos can be truly proud of.”  Andrada established a stellar career when he became a favorite designer of the Arab Royal members. He was appointed designer of the ruling family in Fujairah of the United Arab Emirates. One of his prominent clients and muse also include Pia Wurtzbach who wore an iconic blue Andrada creation when she was crowned Miss Universe 2015.

Paris Fashion Week, also known as Semaine de la mode de Paris, is held semi-annually in the French capital as a regular designer presentation featuring designs for spring/summer and autumn/winter. Dates are determined by the French Fashion Federation.

Paris Fashion Week is part of the global “Big 4” fashion events in London, United Kingdom; Milan, Italy; and New York, United States.

WHAT’S the best way to play with Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, to make statement looks in 2023? To bring out your main character energy, how do you pull off an ensemble inspired by a Korean or Old Hollywood Glam leading lady?

These questions get answered by today’s top tastemakers on Style by Lazada, a new video series that premiered on January 30 on Lazada’s Facebook and YouTube, featuring Belle Rodolfo and Marbbie Tagabucba

Beyond being an eCommerce pioneer, Lazada is kicking off the new year with a series that serves as your go-to spot for style and makeup tips and tricks, straight from the experts.

“As one of the leading online lifestyle destinations, we are championing self-expression through fashion and beauty this 2023. At Lazada, we recognize that today’s generation is passionate about personal style and individuality, and “Style by Lazada” was born with them in mind. We are committed to providing a wide range of trendy and affordable products that elevate one’s everyday looks and encourage creativity found exclusively on LazLook and LazBeauty,” says Janet Basa-Siasoco, head of Business Analytics.

Belle shares a little secret of what’s coming for our beauty and fashion enthusiasts, “Shoppers should watch out for exciting new trends, how to achieve them, and products they can

use, which by the way, you can get using exclusive discounts and perks if you sign up as a LazBeauty Club member.”

Meanwhile, Marbbie can’t keep her excitement about the many themed episodes of Style by Lazada, including assembling a fun, cool-kid look, ‘90s nostalgia, and date-ready ‘fits. “For

something that presents functional value

Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking to do something fun, we have a zodiac-themed date night look, so watch out for that! And you can get all these pieces on LazLook, and to make it even better, you can shop for your items so conveniently with Lazada’s fast and free shipping!”

Marbbie describes her style as “very functional.” She prefers work wear and accessorizing with something that presents functional value. Her top fashion tip: “Just elevate your staples, go for statement pieces, and treasure them for life, I think that’s cool.”

Presenting the opportunity where you can play with style and slay is LazLook. As Lazada’s fashion destination you can trust, LazLook offers a wide assortment of trendy and affordable pieces that caters to everyone.

In terms of beauty go-to’s, Belle tends to side with a vibrant and feminine makeup style. Right now, her favorite beauty trend is incorporating Viva Magenta, which she says looks “really good on morenas like me.” She even bought a magenta cream blush on LazBeauty.

Like Belle, you can head on to LazBeauty for your makeup needs as Lazada’s beauty destination for trendy and quality products. To get exclusive beauty perks and deals, including having up to 80 percent off on over 80,000 brands, as well as Fast and Free Shipping, make sure to sign up as a LazBeauty club member now.

Benilde FDM students and FDM educators with Big Dreams for Little People PH members (Photo from Ayala Malls Manila Bay)

Benilde FDM students (from left) Ulysses Caragayan and Stef Villapando, fashion designer and Benilde FDM educator Ionica Abrahan Lim, Benilde FDM student Maxine Dela Cruz, fashion designer and Benilde FDM educator Roxoanne Bagano-Dizon with Mary Anne Cargamento (second from right)

Mary Anne Cargamento wearing the bridal gown by fashion designer and Benilde Fashion Design and Merchandising educator Roxoanne Bagano-Dizon

Fashion Designer and Benilde Fashion Design and Merchandising student Ulysses Caragayan (second from left) strikes a pose with his models Ardinia Albarida, Lithania Morales, and Rica Albarida

GARRETT BOLDEN reflects on experience in GUAM for ‘MISS SAIGON’

PERFORMING in any rendition of a criticallyacclaimed stage musical is a unique opportunity for any singer’s career. While performers like Lea Salonga proved time and time again that she belongs on the roster of Broadway musicals and similar productions, other newly-established artists gained a footing and are showing their talents in musicals.

Last year, the Kapuso Soul Balladeer Garrett Bolden embarked on a new and unique chapter of his career as he joined a production of Miss Saigon in Guam, USA, early on September 22 as an American GI named John Thomas.

For Garrett, the experience is one for the books.

“It’s something new na ginawa ko . It’s a production in which I’ve learned a lot of new wisdom when it comes to singing and performing. And it’s something that I would love to do someday again,” Garrett said during an online media conference.

Despite having his talent recognized and celebrating a career milestone, Garrett also admitted it was a challenging experience for him, which he enjoyed every minute.

“Not only was I able to unlock a new skill, but I also enjoyed working with other

theater actors.” the Kapuso Soul Balladeer shared.

He added that singing “Bui Doi” was the best part of his experience because of how he pulled it off. When Garrett first announced he was joining the cast of Miss Saigon, people who knew about the musical reminded him of the relevance of “Bui Doi.” It wasn’t until his last show for Miss Saigoin in Guam that he felt the message and power of the song.

“It took me a while because all the pressure was on me. But when I just listened—it’s possible pala to listen to yourself while singing, to listen to the story, and it’s magical,” Garrett said.

Now that he’s back in the Philippines, Garrett has new music to share with his adoring audience.

The new album is a compilation of his songs since he began with GMA Music and graduated from The Clash . Garrett also said that he wrote part of the songs in

Post-apocalyptic drama

‘TheLast of Us’ renewed for second season

HBO drama The Last of Us has been renewed for a second season. The series is co-created by Craig Mazin (Emmy Award-winning creator of HBO’s Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (creator and writer of the award-winning The Last of Us franchise and Naughty Dog Co-President).

The Last of Us was also a hit on social media, with the series trending #1 worldwide on Twitter during its series debut. To date, season one teasers and trailers have amassed more than 100 million views globally.

“Craig and Neil, alongside EP Carolyn Strauss, and the rest of our phenomenal cast and crew, have defined a genre with their masterful debut season of The Last of Us,” said Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films. “After pulling off this unforgettable first season, I can’t wait to watch this team outshine themselves again with season 2.”

“I’m humbled, honored, and frankly overwhelmed that so many people have tuned in and connected with our retelling of Joel and Ellie’s journey. The collaboration with Craig Mazin, our incredible cast & crew, and HBO exceeded my already high expectations,” said Neil Druckmann, Executive Producer. “Now we have the absolute pleasure of being able to do it again with season two! On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog & PlayStation, thank you!”

“I’m so grateful to Neil Druckmann and HBO for our partnership, and I’m even more grateful to the millions of people who have joined us on this journey,” said Craig Mazin, Executive

Producer. “The audience has given us the chance to continue, and as a fan of the characters and world Neil and Naughty Dog created, I couldn’t be more ready to dive back in.”

The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.

Season one stars Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Anna Torv as Tess, Nico Parker as Sarah, Murray Bartlett as Frank, Nick Offerman as Bill, Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen, Storm Reid as Riley, Merle Dandridge as Marlene, Jeffrey Pierce as Perry, Lamar Johnson as Henry, Keivonn Woodard as Sam, Graham Greene as Marlon, and Elaine Miles as Florence. Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker also star. New episodes of the series debut every Monday on HBO and HBO Go, leading up to the finale on March 13. Fans can also tune in to The Last of Us podcast, the series’ official companion podcast where host Troy Baker, who plays Joel in the video game, sits down with series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for a scene-byscene deep dive of each episode. The Last of Us, based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name developed by Naughty Dog for the PlayStation platforms, is written and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.

the album. The latest one, “Ikaw Pala,” is a revival of the Kris Lawrence hit from the 2000s.

“I picked this song because the message is nice and gives me this warm feeling. Some of the songs I have in this album are sad, and some are uplifting. And this time, it’s a feel-good song. It talks about finding out you are choosing the right person,” Garrett said.

He also believes that “Ikaw Pala” completes his new album because it’s a story of how relationships work and how choosing the right person helps others feel whole.

Besides releasing his new album and other future pieces, Garrett envisions 2023 as a year to learn new skills relevant to his career. But he doesn’t limit himself to singing. The Kapuso Soul Balladeer divulged his interest

in trying his hand at hosting and acting. When he does, he hopes to go in prepared.

It’ll be impressive to see what

Best romcoms, favorite ‘hugot’ and ‘sawi’ movies stream this love month

THIS Valentine season, iWantTFC streams a lineup of different stories of courtship, romance, and heartbreak featuring “Lahat May Love,” “The Best RomComs,” “Pinagtagpo Pero ‘Di Tinadhana,” and “Iconic Hugot Lines” from movies that viewers may watch for free.

Viewers who are either madly in love or are experiencing extreme heartbreak can choose from iWantTFC’s “Lahat May Love” se-

lection featuring fan-favorite love teams JoshLia, JaDine, LizQuen, and KathNiel. Binge-watch their movies such as I Love You, Hater Never Not Love You, Everyday I Love You, and Must Be… Love Indulge in a movie marathon with your significant other by streaming feel-good and ‘kilig’-inducing movies from the “Best RomComs” selection with movies such as That Thing Called Tadhana Bride For Rent, She’s Dating The Gangster, and You’re My Boss iWantTFC also puts together heart-wrenching love stories that will make viewers feel senti this love month in the “Pinagtagpo Pero ‘Di Tinadhana” selection beginning February 15. Experience love, regret, pain, and everything in between in Hello, Love, Goodbye, Exes Baggage, Between Maybes, and A Moment in Time, among others. In the “Iconic Hugot

Garrett

help him further his career in the music and entertainment industries.

unlock new skills

Lines” selection, also available on iWantTFC beginning February 15, viewers can relive some of the most iconic deep-cutting lines of all-time in romance films. Choose from One More Chance, Paano Na Kaya, Barcelona: A Love Untold, The Hows of Us, and many more.

iWantTFC also satisfi es the hearts of boys’ love (BL) fans with the Thai romantic-action BL series Never Let Me Go that streams every Tuesday (English-subbed) at 9:30 p.m. (Manila time) and every Friday (Filipino-dubbed) at 8:30 p.m. (Manila time).

Meanwhile, The Iron Heart and Dirty Linen also stream live allowing viewers to get in on the action and revenge plotting in time. FPJ’s Batang Quiapo will also be streamed live weeknights beginning February 13. Other programs streamed live on iWantTFC are It’s Showtime, TV Patrol, and ASAP Natin ‘To. These programs, as well as the primetime teleseryes, are also available on-demand on the platform.

■ By PATRICIA TACULAO

can achieve as he continues to

to

Joining ‘Miss Saigon’ allowed Garrett to work with stage performers and new people

Garrett Bolden singing 'Bui Doi' in 'Miss Saigon'

‘The Last of Us’ lead stars Bella Ramsey (left) and Pedro Pascal

Kathryn Bernardo (left) and Alden Richards in ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’

Thai romantic-action BL series ‘Never Let Me Go’

James Reid (left) and Nadine Lustre in ‘Never

Trending destinations in the Philippines TRAVEL

Local destinations that should be on your travel radar this year

THIS 2023, there’s definitely no slowing down Filipinos’ revived wanderlust. Whether it’s a welldeserved retreat to your favorite city, exploring a hidden gem you’re visiting for the first time, or rediscovering one of the Philippines’ many beautiful islands — travel is definitely a treat that everyone is looking forward to this year.

As more countries reopen their borders and airlines add more flights to international hotspots, the latest data from Airbnb reveals that domestic destinations remain top of mind for Filipinos.

If you’re wondering where to travel next, read on for the top trending destinations in the Philippines, paired with the most extraordinary Airbnb Stays hosted by locals ready to provide you with their best tips (and well-kept secrets) to make the most of your destination.

Immerse in history and natural wonders in the country’s oldest city

No.1 on the list is Cebu City, which has undeniably captured the attention of tourists from all over the world. The city has much to offer any type of traveler — from colorful festivals to unique delicacies and vibrant urban landscapes to naturebased adventures.

For large families and barkadas planning to visit the south’s Queen city, check out these spacious homes

with outdoor pools and amenities such as this mansion aptly titled ‘The Helix’ for its impressive spiral staircase and this modern 7-bedroom luxury villa with an infinity pool, both providing spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Soak up Cebuano culture and offerings in Lapu-Lapu City    Lapu-Lapu City is steeped both in rich cultural heritage, and its pristine white-sand beaches. For an unforgettable trip to the city, why not book Airbnb Stays that are currently trending? Check out this luxurious two-story Ouano Beach House nestled along the coast of Mactan Island with exclusive access to the beach. Another option is this rustic modern villa perfectly located near beaches and nearby islands, which also features an indoor waterfall pool and billiards table.

Live out your island dreams in El Nido, Palawan

Over the years, El Nido has been gradually gathering word of mouth as one of the best beach destinations

in the world — thanks to its breathtakingly clear waters teeming with marine life. To fully enjoy this beach lover’s paradise, this newly-built tropical-themed villa offers direct access to Las Cabañas Beach & Maremegmeg Beach and lies a stone’s throw away from the island’s nightlife and restaurants. Another option is this dreamy and romantic designer villa perfect for couples, located just a few minutes from Nacpan Beach and with a private pool to boot.

Go on a digital detox and recharge in Coron, Palawan

Another popular island destination south of Luzon is Coron – home to many of the Philippines’ most unique wreck diving spots. Often considered the quieter and more laidback sibling of El Nido, Coron is definitely worth adding to your bucket list. The island offers multiple stays with amazing views — such as this lovely beachfront room which comes with stunning sunsets and island tours for a hasslefree trip. You can also rent a private bed and breakfast in this island home tucked away in a quiet cove, where

you can catch the sunrise and enjoy breakfast by the veranda.

Drive up north and cool off in Baguio’s chilly weather

If you want to take a break from the tropical heat in the metro, drive up north and stay for a week or more in the country’s Summer Capital. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Baguio — from its abundant flora and parks brimming with exciting activities, to local neighborhoods where you can soak up Cordilleran art and enjoy delicious delicacies. For those who can’t bear to leave their furry ones at home, this pet-friendly Muji-style home just a few minutes away from Burnham Park makes for the perfect stay. Those seeking some fresh mountain air can check out this chic, industrial-themed home with large glass walls showing off the lush pine trees aplenty and morning mountain fog.

All stays referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific stay or experience listings on the Airbnb platform.

Hong Kong’s ‘luckiest spots’ to visit in the Year of the Rabbit

NOW that Asia’s World City is ready to welcome international visitors again, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year in true Hong Kong style. After all, nowhere blends time-honored CNY traditions with modern energy quite like this buzzing metropolis. In honor of the Year of the Rabbit, here are five of Hong Kong’s most fortuitous experiences to fill your year with good luck, health, and prosperity.

Take Instagrammable photos with the ‘Lucky Rabbit’

As the traditional color of CNY, red is believed to boost one’s fortune! Don a new lucky red T-shirt, a red cheongsam dress, or a Tang suit, then head to Hong Kong’s festive displays to take epic shots for the Year of Rabbit.

Brought to you by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, a series of dazzling CNY checkpoints have transformed the harbourfront. For starters, a giant Lucky Rabbit is making its debut on the roof of the Central Pier. Visitors will also discover more hoppin’ displays –each with mesmerizing themes, lights, music, and interactive elements – at Admiralty’s Tamar Park, the Wan Chai

Temporary Promenade and Tsim Sha Tsui’s Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Hop On Auspicious Harbour Tours

On the first day of CNY, it’s customary to usher in luck and prosperity by spending time outdoors. Visitors can embrace the tradition with a scenic Victoria Harbour cruise aboard a historic Star Ferry. Along the way, try to catch the Lucky Rabbit hiding on the ferry! Accrue more good fortune by exploring the CNY-themed harbourfront checkpoints in different ways, like a sightseeing tour on the antique Duk Ling junk boat or a pedal-boating adventure at the Wan Chai Water Sports and Recreation Precinct.

Experience unique Hong Kong

CNY traditions

The Year of the Rabbit marks the return of many authentic Hong Kong CNY customs for visitors to enjoy. Among the must-try experiences, head to the Chinese New Year flower markets for festive shopping and take in good fortune as blooms signify wealth in Chinese culture.

Besides, stock up on luck at the CNY

Race Day in Sha Tin, where epic horse races, lion dance performances, and holiday décor await. The energized activity can definitely bring you a lucky start to the year with full power.

The Hong Kong Well-Wishing Fes-

tival in Lam Tsuen is another age-old CNY tradition. Simply jot down wishes on a notecard, tie it to a mandarin, and toss it into a legendary tree. If the fruit catches a branch, the wishes may come true.

Indulge in classic dishes with modern twists

A time for connection, Chinese New Year brings families together over delicious meals symbolizing longevity, fortune, and wealth. Year after year, Hong Kong restaurants reinvigorate traditional CNY dishes with fresh ideas.

This year, Green Common has reinvented poon choi (or “prosperity stew” made with meat, seafood, and veggies) using only plant-based meat alongside vegetarian ingredients. Meanwhile, Häagen-Dazs has transformed traditional nin gou (a sticky rice cake representing prosperity)

into a CNY ice cream cake, which also comes with another option of Chinese candy box (named chuen hup in Cantonese meaning togetherness and perfection).

Give creative gifts of good fortune

Throughout CNY, Hong Kong people bring gifts to family gatherings to spread goodwill and fortune with loved ones. Putting a spin on tradition, Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel bakery has crafted mochi buns in the shape of mandarins – a symbol of good fortune – alongside gift box brimming with sweet delicacies, which features a centerpiece decoration of a cute rabbit performing lion dance. On the other hand, The Cakery is whipping up adorable rabbitthemed fondant cookies that are perfect for CNY.

Live out your island dreams in El Nido, Palawan Go on a digital detox and recharge in Coron, Palawan

Victoria Harbour

Wan Chai Water Sports and Recreation Precinct Lam Tsuen Rural Committee Office