Manila Standard - 2023 March 12 - Sunday

Int’l experts to aid in cleanup

EXPERTS and coast guards from other countries will meet with officials of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday (March 13) to discuss how to assist the country in addressing the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, said to be the biggest in recent years and threatening to affect 20,000 hectares of coral reefs and 9,900 hectares of mangroves.

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio

Abu said a team from Japan arrived Friday, while Manila has already sent a formal request for help to the

United States as it struggles to contain and clean up the oil spill almost two weeks after M/T Princess Empress, which was carrying 800,000 liters of

President forms high-level Special Task Force Degamo

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of a highlevel special task force to be led by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. and Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla to ensure a holistic government response following the assasination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

This as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Saturday said the government can cancel the passport of Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. and work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for his extradition if it is proven that he is one of the masterminds in the attack against Degamo that also left eight other people dead.

“If he is one of the masterminds and the evidence against him is quite strong, the government has a remedy for that. His passport can be canceled if there is a warrant of arrest, and we can coordinate with the FBI so that apprehending and bringing Congressman Teves back to the Philippines can be peaceful,” Zubiri said in an interview with dwIZ.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez previously urged Teves, who was supposed to return to the country

Friday from a trip to the US, to come back home.

On Thursday, suspects in the killing of Degamo tagged “Cong Teves” as the mastermind behind the assassination.

Rep. Teves is also facing three murder charges for his alleged involvement in the killing of Negros Oriental Board Member Miguel Dungog and two others in 2019.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the Special Task Force Degamo headed by Abalos and Remulla will have Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino and National Bureau of Investigation Dir. Menardo de Lemos as task force commanders.

Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., in a press briefing from Dumaguete after visiting Degamo’s wake, said a separate Joint Task Force Negros composed of police and military will focus on two goals: “to get all 10 suspects in the assassination, and to dismantle all tentacles of violence” in both Negros Oriental and Occidental.

“There is always time for reckoning. And this day is that time,” Galvez said.

industrial fuel oil, sank off the coast of Naujan on Feb. 28.

The vessel is believed to be about 400 metres below the waves, but the Philippines does not have the capability to reach the wreckage and remove the oil, Abu said.

The number of families affected by the oil spill has also almost doubled at 19,000 from an initial estimate of 10,000, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Saturday.

“The new tally of Governor Humerlito Dolor is 19,000 affected families on the provincial level,” Gatchalian said as the DSWD started giving food packs to affected families.

Affected fishermen will also be given aid through a cash-for-work program

for the cleanup of the oil spill. They will be paid minimum wage for 15 days, with payout every five days, but the program may be extended even beyond 15 days, Gatchalian said.

Dozens of people have fallen ill in Oriental Mindoro after oil washed up on their shores, the provincial government said earlier this week.

The Department of Health said vulnerable groups – those who live within 100 meters (of the shore), the elderly and those with respiratory problems – have to be relocated to safer areas. Those within 100 meters should also use industrial masks.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund

Villafuerte asked the Environment department to come up with a risk

management strategy to contain the environmental, economic and health impacts of the oil spill – which he said was “believed to be the biggest in recent years” – in five or six provinces.

Traces of oil have already been found in Taytay, Palawan, some 295 kilometers away from Naujan.

Depending on its trajectory, the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) said in an earlier forecast that the smudge leaked by the sunken tanker might affect about 20,000 hectares of coral reefs; 9,900 hectares of mangroves; and 6,000 hectares of seagrass in Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Antique and Palawan.

ON THE READY.

A Philippine Coast Guard personnel keeps a copy of the PCG's ready response to radio challenges from Chinese Coast Guard vessels during a recent maritime domain awareness flight in the West Philippine Sea. Twitter page of Jacque Manabat/ ABS-CBN

AMID radio challenges from Chinese coast guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard already has a ready response asserting the country’s territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.

“Calling China Coast Guard. You are transiting inside PH Territorial Sea of Pag-asa Island. Identify yourself & state your intention to prevent misunderstanding. Over.”

This was the ready response that PCG personnel brought with them during a

maritime domain awareness flight over the West Philippine Sea on Thursday.

The PCG aircraft received at least seven radio challenges from Chinese Coast Guard vessels at Pag-asa Island and Ayungin Shoal, telling them they have entered “China air space” and that they should “leave immediately... to avoid any misunderstanding.”

PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela earlier said exposing China’s “gray zone operations” will allow international bodies to criticize Beijing’s incursions in

the Indo-Pacific.

Gray zone operations are intended to assert territorial claims through nonmilitary means such as the deployment of Coast Guard vessels, maritime militias, and the fortification of islands and elevations.

For his part, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Manila’s actions in the WPS should not be seen against the backdrop of a strategic competition between two major powers – China and the US – in the region.

n B y MARICEL V. CRUZ

Manny Marcelo

As oil spill hits 4 provinces, affects 19,000 families, causes nausea

Gov’t earmarks P100-m cash aid to unpaid OFWs in Saudi

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

SOME 8,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia stand to receive P10,000 each in financial aid from the Philippine government to tie them over in lieu of their unpaid salaries by Saudi companies who have declared bankruptcy about 10 years ago.

transfer of P50 million to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) which will facilitate the fund’s distribution to the distressed OFWs. Another P50 million will be sourced from the DMW’s fund for the same purpose.

Palace: Gov’t acted to assist comfort women

MALACA Ñ ANG has denied allegations by a United Nations (UN) panel that the government failed to seek compensation for the so-called Filipino comfort women during Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the Philippine government acknowledged the findings published by the Committee on the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), stressing that it recognizes the suffering of Filipina victims of "atrocious violations" during the war.

The PCO asserted that "some reparations have been made and the Supreme Court has adjudicated on the matter".

The PCO added however that the government will study the views of the UN women’s rights committee and submit a written response within six months, as provided for under the Optional Protocol to the CEDAW.

"The government of the Philippines remains fully committed to women's rights pursuant to its international human rights obligations and national laws and jurisprudence," the PCO said.

The CEDAW issued on March 8, the International Women’s Day, its decision on the complaint filed by 24 members of the Malaya Lolas, a non-profit organization that supports sexual slavery survivors, or known as comfort women.

“The Committee (CEDAW) requested that the Philippines provide the victims full reparation, including material compensation and an official apology for the continuing discrimination,” the UN said.

“Early next week, bago mag-Wednesday na download na dapat ‘yung funds,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said. “Bahagi ng development yung pagtanggap at pagkalinga sa mga migrant workers natin lalo na yung mga pamilya ninyong nandito na naiwan,” Gatchalian said.

DMW Secretary Susan Ople said the OWWA will coordinate with the OFWs in the list with a view to facilitating the fund’s distribution process.

The OFWs be asked to log on to a website to accomplish a form that would validate their eligibility to receive the cash aid, according to information from the DMW.

After accomplishing the online form, a control number will be given to each beneficiary, which they need to present in

INBRIEF

'Rescued Chinese fugitives from law‘

THIS may be a case of from the kettle into the fire as the Chinese Embassy in Manila disclosed that the Chinese crewmen of a distressed vessel who were rescued off Eastern Samar last January 27 were fugitives from justice.

a claiming center to receive the cash aid.

Under the plan, there would be 17 claim centers nationwide, but the DMW did not disclose their exact location, saying final details would be released upon completion of the necessary online forms. The earthquake-hit families were provided with family food packs, non-food items and financial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

In his message during the relief distribution on March 9, Gatchalian assured the continuous provision of relief assistance to the displaced families inside and outside evacuation centers. The Secretary likewise assured the families and the local government of the Department’s support until such time that their lives have been restored to normalcy.

Unioil: Fuel prices to rise anew Tuesday

n By ALENA MAE S. FLORES

to P1 per liter effective 6 a.m.

Tuesday to reflect the movement of oil in the world oil market.

Unioil said in its weekly advisory diesel may have a rollback of P0.10 per liter or no price movement at all.

The latest mixed oil price forecast is lower than the four-day trading forecast of P1.20 per liter for gasoline and P0.35 per

liter for diesel.

“Diesel possible increase of P0.25 to P0.35 and gasoline possible increase of P1.10 to P1.20,” an oil industry source said on Friday.

The latest oil price computation was due to reports on Friday of US recession fears overshadowing China’s oil demand.

Pump prices are computed based on an entire week’s Mean of Platts Singapore average and forex average compared to the previous week.

Department of Energy director for

Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said the oil price movements “are caused by the following as top oil executives at an energy conference in Houston discussed supply tightness and hopes for rising Chinese demand, but contradicted by weaker demand data.”

“Later in the week, more aggressive US interest rate rises would strain economic growth and therefore dent oil consumption. A volatile movement for oil prices,” Romero said.

House passes bill for evacuation centers in every town and city

THE leadership of the House of Representatives has expressed confidence that the Senate will prioritize the passage of a bill that seeks to establish evacuation centers in every city and municipality in the country to serve as immediate and temporary accommodation for people who have been displaced by disasters, calamities, or other emergency events such as typhoons, floods, and storm surges.

The lower chamber led by Speaker Martin Romualdez approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) 7354 with an overwhelming 307 votes. Aside from Romualdez, other principal authors of the measure were Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre.

The bill’s authors said the enactment of

Tugade says LTO is pursuing digitalization program

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) vigorously pursues its digitalization program to boost its public service efficiency, specifically the vehicle owners.

“Kami po sa LTO ngayon, isa po sa mga proyekto na isinusulong po namin ay ang digitalization sa aming ahensya. Isa po sa mga ginagawa namin para mapagtibay ang digitalization ay talagang pinapadali namin iyong pag-transact ng mga publiko sa ahensya po namin,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary and LTO chief Jose Arturo Tugade said Saturday in a news briefing in Quezon City.

The LTO, which is tasked to register motor vehicles, issues driver’s/con-

ductor’s licenses and permits, enforces transportation laws, rules and regulations and adjudicate apprehension cases, has recently allowed private motor vehicle owners to renew their registration online.

“Bukod po doon, marami pa tayong mga problema na nakikita sa ating ahensya at iyong mga problema na iyon ay ina-analyze po natin, ini-evaluate natin and we are trying to see how we can digitalize or computerize the process,” Tugade explained.

“Kasama na rin po doon sa mga stakeholders na ating gustong mapadali iyong kanilang transaksyon – hindi lang po iyong mga nag-a-apply ng mga lisensya, hindi lang iyong

mga nagrirehistro ng kanilang mga sasakyan pati na rin po iyong ating mga stakeholders na dealers, manufacturers, assemblers, importers, rebuilders – iyong mga proseso kung paano po sila nagta-transact sa ating ahensya, tinitingnan din natin yan kung saan kami makakatulong at paano po namin mapapagaan iyong kanilang transaction,” the LTO chief pointed out. Under the new online process, vehicle owners will only need two requirements when renewing their registration– an inspection receipt from a private motor vehicle inspection center and a Compulsory Third Party Liability (CPTL) car insurance.

the measure would be of great help to people who have been displaced by disasters, calamities, or other emergency events.

Aside from those mentioned above, the evacuation centers may also be used by victims of fire, and the outbreak of illnesses and diseases that present imminent danger to life and property, according to Section 2 of the bill. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMC) and local executives of provinces, cities, and municipalities are tasked to identify areas to be given the highest priority in the establishment of new evacuation centers.

“It shall be the policy of the State to uphold the constitutional right of the people for the protection of their life and property and the promotion of the general welfare.

Maricel V. Cruz

In a letter sent to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) dated March 7 and shared with CNN Philippines on Saturday, the Chinese embassy warned that the crew of KAI DA 899 have been “engaged in crime and wanted by China’s police authority.”

The embassy also requested assistance from Philippines authorities in deporting the Chinese seafarers.

“In order to bring the above mentioned suspects to justice in China, may I humbly request your good office to implement legal procedure against them and transfer the jurisdiction to Bureau of Immigration (BI) at your earliest convenience, so that we can deport the suspects out of the Philippines,” the embassy’s letter read. No further details about their cases were provided as of publishing.

The seven crew members were rescued by the PCG in the vicinity of Suluan Island in Guiuan town on Jan. 27. Their vessel — which had a damaged hull — was then towed to Tacloban Port.

The PCG earlier raised doubts about the crewmen’s statements regarding their identities and vessel as they failed to present the necessary supporting documents.

Palace denies yarn on Bersamin resignation

MALACAÑANG on Saturday described as “not true” reports about the purported resignation of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Presidential Communications Office

Assistant Secretary Wheng Hidalgo told Palace quoted Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil as saying the reporters were not true.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. appointed in late September last year the former Supreme Court chief justice as his executive secretary, replacing long-time aide Vic Rodriguez. Rodriguez supposedly to be given another key position, but none of that ever happened.

Trixie Cruz Angeles succeeded Rodriguez, but she too, stepped down citing health reasons. Commission on Audit chairman Jose Calida took over after Angeles, but he also eventually resigned.

BOC seizes P79.9-m smuggled shabu

GOVERNMENT agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have seized a smuggled shipment of shabu worth more than P79.9 million at a Customs bonded warehouse in Pasay City.

The operation conducted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of NAIA, X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP), and the bureau’s Intelligence and Enforcement services last Friday at Peoples Air Cargo (Paircargo) warehouse also resulted in the arrest of the shipment’s consignee identified as Anie Rose Sarvano of Eastern Samar.

The shipment arrived on March 7 and was declared as “Terry Towels” shipped by AIMEX General Trading from Punjab, Pakistan. Customs personnel led by SA1 Jackielyn Manapat placed the shipment under x-ray examination the next day. “During the conduct of regular X-ray screening at Paircargo, it was marked X and tagged ‘for verification’ by the XIP Inspector due to irregular and suspicious X-ray image,” the XIP stated in its report.

On March 10, Customs examiner Jones Rose conducted physical examination witnessed by Inspector Manapat, and representatives from NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Joel E. Zurbano

NATIVE ONIONS.

A farmer bags newly harvested onions in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija where the widely in demand spice sells for as low as P30 per kilo as opposed to P600-P700 last month. Manny Palmero

STRAWBERRY FIELDS ARE NOT FOREVER. The supply of fresh strawberries in

Baguio

City appears headed to a decline as real estate development encroaches on strawberry fields in La Trinidad Valley. Local agriculturist Nida Organo said 37 hectares of the 52-hectare strawberry farms in the area belong to the government-run Benguet State University. Danny Pata

PCG ON THE RESCUE. Elements of the Philippine Coast Guard rescue five Japanese seamen whose vessel MV Catriona precariously listed off Barangay Navotas in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro while enroute to Davao Region in Mindanao from Japan.

WORLD

Hong Kong hands jail terms to Tiananmen vigil organizers

AHONG KONG court sentenced three former organizers of the city’s annual Tiananmen

square vigil to four and a half months in jail on Saturday for refusing to hand over records to national security police.

The candlelight vigil to mourn victims of China’s bloody crackdown on peaceful protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989 was banned by Hong Kong authorities in 2020, weeks before China imposed a sweeping national security law to silence political dissent in the city.

Three leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance, which had organised the vigil for three decades, were found guilty last week for failing to hand over a wide range of documents including meeting minutes and financial records.

Authorities had demanded the documents be handed over on the grounds that the group was a suspected “foreign agent.”

Magistrate Peter Law said national security was of cardinal importance and that the sentence needed to be “punitive and sufficiently deterrent.”

Chow Hang-tung, who was jailed alongside two other senior Alliancemembers Tang Ngok-kwan and Tsui Hon-kwong, vowed to “fight falsehood with truth” in a defiant courtroom speech.

“Sentence us for our insubordination if you must, but when the exercise of power is based on lies, to be insubordinate is the only way to be human,” she said.

“We know as a matter of fact that we are no foreign agent, and nothing has emerged during this year-long ordeal that proves otherwise.”

Under the security law – imposed following months of huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests -- police can demand a broad range of organisational, financial and operational details from any person or group deemed to be a “foreign agent” in Hong Kong.

Prosecutors never named which foreign entity the Alliance was supposedly working for, and evidence during the trial was heavily redacted or withheld – even from the judge.

Tang and Tsui were both granted bail pending appeal on Saturday, while Chow remains in custody awaiting trial in a separate national security case.

Two other Hong Kong Alliance members had previously pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to three months in jail in 2021 and 2022.

Hong Kong used to be the only place on Chinese soil where large-scale remembrance of the Tiananmen crackdown was tolerated, unlike in the mainland where the topic is heavily censored. AFP

Japan mourns 2011 disaster after nuclear support grows

JAPANESE offered tearful prayers Saturday on the anniversary of the deadly tsunami that triggered the Fukushima disaster, but public support for nuclear power is growing as memories of the 2011 meltdown fade.

The 9.0-magnitude quake – the fourth strongest in Earth’s recorded history – devastated northeastern Japan 12 years ago. The undersea quake unleashed a tsunami that left around 18,500 people dead or missing and overwhelmed cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, leading to the worst nuclear catastrophe since Chernobyl.

All of Japan’s nuclear reactors were taken offline after the disaster and the majority remain out of action today.

But the global energy crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine has caused electricity bills to soar in Japan, inspiring a government push to reboot reactors as polls show that public views on nuclear power are softening. AFP

On Saturday, TV footage showed people who lost loved ones to the tsunami laying flowers, offering tearful prayers and bowing in front of graves.

“Hi guys, it’s been 12 years,” public broadcaster NHK showed Fumiko Sugawara, 73, telling the grave of her family members, including her husband.

“We’re surviving, so please watch over us,” said the resident of Kesennuma, a city flattened when huge waves rushed ashore.AFP

Li Qiang appointed Chinese premier as Xi asserts influence

LI QIANG, one of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s most trusted allies, was confirmed as premier on Saturday, as Xi cements his influence on the country’s top leadership.

Li, the former Shanghai party chief who oversaw the city’s gruelling two-month lockdown last spring, was named the successor of outgoing premier Li Keqiang at a meeting of the country’s rubber-stamp parliament.

BILLOWING SMOKE. Thick smoke rises during an eruption from Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano, as seen from Tunggularum village in Sleman on March 11, 2023. AFP

Children take the floor at UN to ask for digital access, safety

MARIANA has made the long journey from the rural mountains of southern Colombia to the United Nations in Geneva to denounce digital inequity and online dangers facing children like her.

“If technology and the internet are part of everyday life for people around the world, why... is this right still not accessible for all children?” the 12-year-old demanded.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, she highlighted statistics showing fewer than a third of households in rural Colombia have internet access at home.

Flanked by children from Ethiopia and Malaysia, as well as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, Mariana was taking part in a UN discussion on child rights in the digital environment.

The child participants’ full names were not given.

UN SPEAKER. Twelve-year-old Dutch representative Nesta de Bie (left) reacts after delivering a speech during a panel on Children’s Rights and the Digital Environment to mark the annual Day of the Child at the 52nd UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 10, 2023. Children from around the world took the floor at the UN Human Rights Council to demand universal internet access, and protection for minors in digital environments. AFP

Marking a first at the UN rights council, a majority of the panelists at Friday’s session were minors.

Children also replaced some ambassadors to voice the stance of their countries from the floor, demanding universal

internet access and protection for minors in digital environments.

Turk stressed the importance of hearing from children directly about their insights into the digital world.

“When I was a child, I could barely have imagined the world you live in today,” the 57-year-old Austrian said, pointing to the “instantaneous connection with others, the knowledge and learning you have at your fingertips.”

“We have seen first-hand the promise of technology, but we know that the rapid rate of progress is not without risk.”

Like Mariana, Turk condemned the digital divide which he said meant “a staggering 2.2 billion children and young people under 25 around the globe still do not have access to the internet at home.”

“They are left behind,” he warned, stressing that “it may be time to reinforce universal access to the internet as a human right, and not just as a privilege.”

Turk and the child panelists also voiced alarm at the dangers and pressures that children who can access the internet encounter online. AFP

Rescuers airlift residents from flooded remote Australia town

RESCUERS flew residents out of a remote Australian town by helicopter on Saturday as record-high floods rose rapidly and authorities issued a “final alert” to evacuate.

Police said helicopters and other aircraft had already flown out 53 vulnerable people over the past few days from the small community of Burketown in northeastern Australia.

Murky water lapped at the sides of buildings in the town, which lies 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) northwest of the Queensland capital Brisbane and is usually home to about 200 people.

The swollen Albert River had transformed wide areas of land around the town into lakes, with only the tops of trees visible, aerial images provided by emergency services showed. Police said about half of the town’s houses

had been flooded.

Only about 100 people remained in the Queensland town by Saturday morning and helicopters were ferrying more people to safety, state police said.

“At the moment the water movements are unpredictable and are rising at a rapid pace,” the local Burke Shire Council said in a “final alert” to residents.

“We strongly encourage residents to evacuate,” it said, telling them to pack a bag and warning there would be no evacuation flights after Saturday.

Evacuated resident Shannon Moren told public broadcaster ABC she was worried about the impact of the flooding on livestock.

“I checked on my parents’ cattle property the other day and you can see cattle up to

their necks in the water, literally swimming for their lives,” she said.

Police also urged all remaining residents to get out. The elderly and young children were a priority for evacuation, Queensland police said in a statement, adding that sewerage systems had been “compromised” and power would also be cut off.

“It is not safe for people to remain,” police said.

Following heavy rains, which have since eased, the Albert River has topped a March 2011 record of 6.78 metres (22 feet), Queensland’s bureau of meteorology said. The river rose to more than seven metres on Friday, and was not expected to peak until Sunday, the forecaster said.

Australia has been lashed by heavy rain in the past two years, driven by back-to-back La Nina climate cycles over the Pacific.

But the country’s bureau of meteorology has predicted drier and warmer weather in the months ahead as La Nina nears its end.

An east coast flooding disaster in March last year – caused by storms in Queensland and New South Wales – claimed more than 20 lives.

Flash floods swept through parts of eastern Australia later in the year, forcing evacuations in Sydney in July and tearing homes from their foundations in some country towns in November.

Australian researchers have repeatedly warned that climate change is amplifying the risk of natural disasters. AFP

The 63-year-old received nearly every vote from the more than 2,900 delegates at the National People’s Congress, a day after Xi was unanimously selected by deputies for a norm-breaking third term as president.

Xi’s motion nominating Li Qiang as premier was read out to the chamber on Saturday morning. AFP

‘Pineapple express’ storm wallops sodden California

DOZENS of evacuation orders were in place Friday as a powerful atmospheric river, known as a “Pineapple express,” surged into an already-sodden California, sparking warnings of widespread flash flooding.

Up to nine inches (23 centimeters) of rain were expected in some parts of the state, with several feet of heavy, wet snow falling over mountains where a huge snowpack has built up over months of near-record storms.

Forecasters said the Pineapple Express – so called because it is bringing warm, subtropical moisture from Hawaii – could cause some of that monster snowpack to melt, overwhelming river systems.

“Rainfall totals of 4-9 inches, atop areas with saturated soil and deep snowpack will cause widespread and severe flooding impacts,” the National Weather Service (NWS) warned. AFP

World’s first 3D printed rocket set for inaugural flight

THE world’s first 3D printed rocket is scheduled to blast off from Florida on Saturday on the maiden flight of an innovative spacecraft billed as being less costly to produce and fly.

Liftoff of the rocket, Terran 1, had been scheduled for Wednesday at Cape Canaveral but was postponed at the last minute because of propellant temperature issues.

The new launch window for the rocket built by California aerospace startup Relativity Space to put satellites into orbit is from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (1800 GMT to 2100 GMT) on Saturday.

Terran 1 is set to reach low Earth orbit eight minutes after blastoff on a voyage intended to gather data and demonstrate that it can withstand the rigors of liftoff and space flight.

If the rocket manages to attain low Earth orbit, it will be the first privately-funded vehicle using methane fuel to do so on its first try, according to Relativity. AFP

A toast to health

Global report tracks PH women’s increasing role in the workplace

GRANT Thornton’s 2023 Women in Business (WIB) report shows that while post-pandemic changes in work practices have contributed to the increase in the number of women holding senior management roles in mid-market firms, there’s still a lot to be done to address gender disparity in the workplace.

The report, which tallied results of a survey of more than 100 mid-market companies in the Philippines across various industries that specialize in different lines of business, shows that nearly half or 49 percent of senior management roles are held by women, higher than 39 percent recorded in the 2022 WIB report.

MULTI-AWARDED wine maker Lea Resa PereyPanganiban has an intoxicating proposal to people with diabetes to help them manage the disease and enjoy a productive and healthy life.

Panganiban said that after nearly seven years of producing David’s Faith Insulin Wine, she still could not believe how her very simple concoction has helped thousands of people in their fight against diabetes.

“I started the business with a selfish motive - to help my family and relatives cope with diabetes. It continues to be a problem that spanned generations. This disease is genetic and the only way we can avoid complications is to observe a really strict diet,” she shared.

Panganiban came from a long line of diabetics. Her grandparents and aunts passed due to complications from the disease.

While she did not actively seek out a cure, she chanced upon a window to create awareness when she joined an organic farming seminar organized by the University of the Philippines, Los Baños City (UPLB) in 2016, where entrepreneurs and professionals from various fields were introduced to a new plant - the insulin plant.

At the time, she had quit her 8 to 5 job as a purchasing manager for 13 years at a big property firm in Makati City to care for her sick brother who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease while tending a family owned fruit stall in Mahogany Market in Tagaytay. She said the yield from the fruit stall was even bigger from what she earned in Manila, and she did not have to dress up for meetings.

She said the insulin plant is not endemic to the Philippines, thus, it does not have a local name.

“The plant has its origins in India and Australia. The plant bears different colors of flowers. The authentic insulin plant with the most beneficial faculties is the one bearing yellow flowers,” she said.

“The culminating activity was for all of us to come up with uses for the plant. Many have tried to incorporate the plant in food preparations such an added ingredient to pancit, since a few of the participants are food technologists. I, for one, tried infusing the plant into fruit juices, by pulverizing the plant and mixing the powdered insulin to the beverage. Results were good, but I was told that the short shelf life does not bode well for business if produced in commercial quantity,” Panganiban recalled, adding that

the first challenge was only to have the participants propagate the plant.

She seriously took on the challenge. Her exposure from her undergraduate course as a biologist boosted her confidence to carry on the experiment.

The fruit wine with insulin was the breakthrough she was searching for.

With only P5,000 left from her severance pay, Panganiban set out to create proof of her abstractions. Her efforts were not without assistance. She sought the help of an aunt who is a chemist and a niece who is a food technician to arrive at the proper proportions of ingredients for wine making.

Using guyabano as base for her first insulin wine, Panganiban has successfully brewed the wine using natural fermentation process that took about 45 days. She refused to use other fermenting agents as she is building a brand that is 100 percent organic.

After testing her first proof by UPLB, the university endorsed her product to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for product improvement and to link the brand to different marketing platforms as well as for financing support.

“Through innovation, even wines can transcend their purpose. With the right ingredients, alcoholic beverages can also have therapeutic properties which is why our insulin wine comes in 4 variants - Guyabano, Dragon Fruit, Bignay and Coffee. Drinking David’s Faith Insulin Wine does not leave a bad taste in your mouth, unlike other alcoholic beverages. It is guiltfree which makes is all the more pleasant to indulge in,” Panganiban said.

Guyabano variant effectively lowers blood sugar. It is also a powerful source of antioxidants, helps boost the immune system, a good antidepressant and rejuvenates damaged skin, among other properties.

The Dragon Fruit variant, on the other hand, lowers blood sugar and blood cholesterol, helps with proper digestion as it also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and stimulates weight loss and metabolism while Bignay is a good source of iron with anti-aging properties and helps stimulate sexual male function and aids in weight loss. Coffee, which is a superfood, contains loads of antioxidants and boosts alertness.

In the pipeline right now are 2 more variants that are still in the product development phase. Product research usually takes at least 6 months and it may take a year to finalize researches for the mulberry and strawberry

SunLife rolls-out new campaign for financial security

IN LINE with its mission to help every Filipino achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc., one of the major insurers in the country, has recently rolled out its latest project “Bright Beginnings”, a campaign that reinforces the value of a financial plan that can help clients gain control over their finances to secure a brighter future.

“Financial planning is an ongoing process to achieve our short and long-term goals. As we progress through life’s stages, our

goals can shift. A person in their 20s will have a very different perspective of a brighter life than someone in their 60s,” said Sun Life Grepa president Richard S. Lim.

“No matter what stage you are in your life right now, reaching your goals is always possible when you start a financial plan. Like any solid relationship, Sun Life Grepa can be your partner who can guide you and celebrate with you throughout this journey,” he added.

Through its wide range of financial solutions, Sun Life

Grepa can help clients meet their financial needs for every important stage in their lives, furthermore, the insurance firm has over 1,000 financial advisors nationwide to guide clients on a vast suite of financial products.

“We can never really predict what the future holds for us.

But we believe that the best time to start is always today, and Sun Life Grepa is always here to provide clients with the right tools and support so they can look forward to a better, brighter future,” Lim added.

All David’s faith products are Food and Drug Authority (FDA)certified, complete with product registration and nutrition facts labels. These are the basic requirement for a product to Panganiban assured that all the raw materials used in the production process as well as the packaging materials are sourced sustainably in keeping with the organic labeling of the David’s Faith brand. Panganiban made sure that the sourcing of raw materials is sustainable and within reach. Her family propagates insulin plant in a 1,000 square meter lot in Mendez, Cavite where the wine making facility is also located. From another 1-hectare farm in Tagaytay City, fruit trees like Guyabano and Bignay are intercropped with insulin plant. The business sources certified organic dragon fruit from the Remulla’s of Cavite who owns a certified organic farm and barako coffee from Cafe Amadeo in Amadeo, Cavite.

Since, Panganiban is the only insulin wine manufacturer in the Philippine, David’s Faith Insulin Wine is protected under a 20-year patent by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) since 2016.

From selling 2 boxes a month in 2016, David’s Faith produces up to 100 boxes of wine daily. Manned by family members, the facility is home-based, housed in about 40 sqm of space which is an adjunct to the main residence. Armed with a new blueprint to expand operations, the enterprise is looking at modernizing the facility by introducing mechanized equipment for wine production.

The enterprise is working out a P1.4 million financial assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It has previously tapped funds from the DTI through the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso (P3) program before the pandemic struck.

Adding to the current wine line-up, David’s Faith has recently introduced the David’s Faith Insulin Tea which is a combination of therapeutic herbs - Moringa, Turmeric, Ginger, Tarragon and Insulin plant. The combined properties of the herbs helps detoxify the body and lowers blood sugar. The brand also plans to introduce insulin coffee by endMarch 2023 or towards the 2nd quarter, pending FDA approval.

Othel V. Campos

Pandemic-related shifts in organizations’ work models were seen to have been beneficial for women leaders. More than half of mid-market firms surveyed said that their organizations have been utilizing a hybrid work model post-COVID, with 52 percent agreeing that their current work framework will help ensure visibility for more women staff.

“During the pandemic, we have seen the versatility of women in a phenomenon that experts called the ‘double shift’, where female staff juggled office work alongside their essential roles at home. It is interesting to see that more businesses are making significant changes to their organizational policies as they recover and adapt to the demands of the post-pandemic normal,” said P&A Grant Thornton chairperson & CEO Marivic Españo.

“But as we can see from the results of our Women in Business Report, progress in narrowing the gender disparity has been, for the longest time, just an offshoot effect of solutions to other workplace issues. The time is ripe to adopt strategies focused and dedicated solely to bridging the gender gap still present today,” she added.

To more effectively address the gender gap, Grant Thornton is making stronger global calls for mid-market businesses to push for gender parity and that intentional action from busibusi nesses is needed to accelerate progress.

Digital financing app sees more exposure in MSMEs

UNACASH Supply Chain Financing expects a rapid increase in use of supply chain finance (SCF) among Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), forecasting that this set of solutions will cover about 15 percent of the cost of the entire volume of goods and services produced by the sector by 2024.

“Supply chain financing is steadily growing its presence in the country as short-term loans have proven to be effective to support small and medium scale businesses, and we are dedicated to cover operational expenses while making it as accessible as possible to business owners. UnaCash SCF is committed in enhancing the reach of its services and allocating proper channels to make disbursement more efficient for future partners,” said UnaCash head of product Joana Saplan-Mateo.

UnaCash, an app with a bespoke array of financing solutions for the underbanked, recognizes the potential of the MSME sector in the Philippines. The app provides a revolving credit line and bridge financing facility in addressing the gap between suppliers and the market’s demands.

As an emerging national solution in the supply chain finance market, UnaCash has 29 percent presence in retail, 12.95 percent in construction, and 8.93 percent in import-export trading industry. This secured collective growth in terms of successfully supporting the business continuity of MSMEs.

UnaCash also sees great potential in introducing supply chain financing in growing industries such as health and medical, manufacturing, IT solutions, e-commerce, and agriculture.

Based on product research, the variants for commercial production.

P&A Grant Thornton chairperson & CEO Marivic Españo

David’s Faith lady boss Lea Resa Panganiban at the recently concluded Torch Awards.

Chasing Blooms in Asia

Why are Cherry Blossoms significant?

AS WINTER

gives way to blooms a around March to April,

spring, most travelers look forward to witnessing the ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossoms. Lucky for us, we don’t need to travel far as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, countries best known for these pink blooms in spring, are just a few hours away from the Philippines by plane. Typically in full bloom around March to April, the flowers draw crowds from all over the world. However, aside from their beauty, what else do these pink flowers have, and why is it worth dedicating an adventure?

Appreciate the one-of-a-kind beauty of the cherry blossoms with a view of Mt. Fuji in Japan

Travelers can get a glimpse of the breathtaking cherry blossoms and equally stunning sights within and outside Seoul

participants get to run through five kilometers along the lush rows of cherry trees. Travelers visiting Gyeongju for the cherry blossoms also get to experience the history and culture of South Korea, with five districts designated by UNESCO, including Seokguram and Bulguksa Temple, as World Heritage Sites. Seeing its first bloom on March 22 in Jeonju, admirers can expect to witness the pink season until April 5! Enough time to see the blossoming cherry trees in South Korea.

Taiwan

While there are multiple varieties of cherry trees, it is best known as the tree that produces the cherry fruit or the cherry blossom. For over a century, Japan cultivated wild cherry trees for food and aesthetics because of their breathtaking beauty. It paved the way to becoming the country’s national flower and a symbol of harmony among Asian countries. Today, people from across Asia celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival, in one way or another, depending on how their cultures were exposed to the iconic blossom.

Japan When people think of Cherry Blossoms, Japan is the first thing that comes to mind. More popularly known as Sakura, the cherry blossoms signify the beginning of spring and symbolize the time for renewal. Due to the blossoms’ lifespan of roughly two weeks, the fast turnover rate is seen as the cycle of life and death.

In Japan, the tradition of viewing and appreciating cherry blossoms is called Hanami, which means flower viewing. It has become a vital part of Japanese culture that Hanami has become the climax of celebrating the spring season. People far and wide

Stylish airport ensembles to cop from famous Korean celebrities

ALWAYS the trendsetters, some of our favorite K-Celebs kicked off their fashion week trips in style. From comfy fits to cool and playful pairings, everyone looked front-row ready to slay and make the airport their fashion runway.

girl

TWICE

Dahyun, of girl group looked chic in a Michael Kors midnight blue blazer dress, Vanessa flex slingback pumps paired with a Hamilton small leather belted satchel as she struts her way to the airport entrance to attend the Michael Kors FW23 show in New York.

Jun Ji-hyun

Actress Jun Ji-hyun spotted in full-clad Burberry to attend the brand’s AW23 collection in London by new

Creative Director Daniel Lee

culture but

Japanese later evolved to symbolize purity and beauty. The pink petals are also

countries. Today, people from across true

flock where the flowers bloom to eat, drink, sing songs, and bond with loved ones while celebrating and embodying the essence of Hanami.

To appreciate the one-of-a-kind beauty of the cherry blossoms, popular attractions to take note of are a tour of Mt. Fuji with its picturesque 8 Ponds of Oshino Hakkai and an experience around Gunma where one will witness the majestic Fukiwareno-taki Waterfalls. The country expects to see its first cherry blossoms by March 29 in Tokyo and the latest bloom by May 2 in Sapporo. Three months to catch Japan in its signature sakura hue! South Korea

In South Korea, the cherry blossom was seen as a marker of

often used in pop culture, particularly in Korean dramas where it represents true love.

Unsurprisingly, cherry blossoms have found their way into one of South Korea’s bestknown industries - skincare and beauty. Korean brand innisfree has an entire line of Jeju Cherry Blossom-infused products.

South Korea does not fall behind in terms of celebrations when it comes to the cherry blossom season. In the capital city of Seoul, one of the best areas to view the beautiful blooms is Yeouido Park, where the cherry blossoms are seen against a backdrop of the calming Han River. Nearby is Yeouido Dock, where Klook offers the Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise, a scenic experience great for a relaxed bonding experience with friends and family around Seoul.

Outside of Seoul, cherry blossoms fans can also take a day trip to Gyeongju, a city in a coastal province just two hours away from Seoul via KTX. Gyeongju is also well known for holding an annual “cherry blossom marathon,” where

THE pandemic was undoubtedly a challenging time for everyone. However, some people like Maria Isabelle C. Valentin, a St. John The Baptist Catholic School student, chose to see the positive side of the pandemic. She found a hobby that allowed her to explore beyond her comfort zone.

“It was at the start of the pandemic when we had to quarantine, it was quite scary at first, but it was an open opportunity for people like me to improve and learn new things,” she said. “I started drawing again, as it had been months since I’d drawn something. It was because I’ve found new inspiration to draw again, thanks to the internet with endless possibilities of inspiration.”

Just like South Korea, Taiwan has a shared history with Japan. Recognizing the beauty of the cherry blossoms, Taiwan started to plant these trees in various locales, with the Beitou District even becoming a tourist favorite. Interesting fact: while Taiwan isn’t as well associated with cherry blossoms as Japan, Taiwan turns pink much earlier than the latter. The cherry blossoms bloom in January and last for a good four months, giving locals and tourists until April to appreciate the season. A popular attraction in Taiwan during the cherry blossom season is a Glamping Experience in Hsinchu. Located in a campsite surrounded by mountains, tourists can experience nature away from the typical cityscape.

turns pink much earlier than the latter. The cherry blossoms bloom in January and last for a good mountains, tourists can experience nature away from the typical cityscape.

Having the earliest blooming sakura in Southeast Asia, the blossoms have already unveiled themselves during the later part of January in Taipei and Nantou. Blooming across the entire country, the season will last until April 2023.

With a deeper understanding of what these elegant flowers mean to each country, don’t miss out on experiencing it firsthand. From sightseeing, indulging in different cultures, interacting with the locals, and joining in on the festivities, there is still much to do! Filipinos, specifically, can enjoy visa-free trips to Taiwan until July 31, 2023, making visiting cherry blossoms so much easier to plan. Explore what you can do Under the Pink Sky in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan with Klook this spring and score different deals and promos from February 15th until March 31st! For more information and to book your spring adventures, download the Klook app via the App Store or Google Play or visit the website.

ARTIST’S CORNER

According to Valentin, everything progressed from there, and she began noticing improvements in her work. She continued to practice her craft and saw more developments, further encouraging the young artist to pursue this passion.

“I want to become an artist in the future. From a young age, drawing had become such an important part of my life, as well as a gift given to me, which is why I want to pursue my dreams of becoming an artist,” she shared.

Valentin added that she’s still improving her skill to unlock her potential fully. But, for now, she has her imagination and lets it run wild for her next artwork.

Hanni’s look during her first fashion show

a Gathered panel tropical cotton bucket hat and a Lola vintage check bag.

Gianna Jun, as she’s also known internationally, wore a Gathered panel tropical gabardine oversized car coat over a Crystal EKD cotton shirt with long pleated wool wide-leg pants. She paired it with a Vintage check technical cotton bucket hat and a Lola vintage check boucle shoulder bag.

BTS’ leader, RM, sported the same look as Jihyun. He opted for comfy clothes

BTS leader RM donning a comfy yet stylish ensemble

K-pop singer soloist Jeon Somi was an eye-catcher in her platinum blonde locks. She wore a Prada hoodie, jeans, and loafers paired with the soft padded nappa leather mini bag as she stepped out to enter the airport, headed to Milan to see Prada’s latest fashion show.

pillow wore Ferragamo and styled it with a black tote bag and hybrid boots from the same brand fans

was in trench of Kpop’s popular , attended her first

Bottega Veneta’s Packable nylon coat, cargo pants, pillow sneakers, and a large Andiamo bag in preparation for the long flight to attend the brand’s show in Milan. NCT’s Jeno wore a beige coat from Ferragamo and styled it with a black tote bag and hybrid boots from the same brand as he waved to his fans before leaving to witness Ferragamo’s AW23 fashion event in Milan.

True Beauty actress Moon Gayoung looks every bit of a sophisticated rocker chic in Saint Laurent’s leather jacket, boots, and Loulou puffer shoulder bag, before leaving Incheon to witness the brand’s FW23 show held in Paris.

NCT’s Taeyong is no stranger to playing with colors. He paired his Loewe puzzle bag in Olympic blue with a zip-up puffer hoodie in dark khaki green – embodying the brand’s unique styling, somewhat of a teaser of what to expect from the Loewe show he’ll attend in Paris.

NIMFA is a mountain spirit sitting on Clear Quartz, a stone with powerful restorative and healing properties. She keeps the mountain alive and well, making sure that no one can harm the creatures that await the visitors.

As she does so, she watches the butterflies flutter their colorful wings and the birds chirp in a calming melody.

Retro tweed jacket with embroidery,

Meanwhile, Hanni girl group, NewJeans fashion show in Milan wearing a Gucci Retro tweed jacket with embroidery, Horsebit 1995 shoulder bag, paired with Fuori!!! Cotton socks and GG embossed low-top sneakers.

Dahyun is a sight to behold with her chic fashion sense

Jeno wearing a curated look as he waves goodbye to fans before flying to Milan

Taiwan’s Beitou District is becoming a tourist favorite, allowing locals and tourists to admire the cherry blossoms planted in the locale

Catantan sisters taking over PH fencing scene

n By PETER ATENCIO

THE name Catantan is fast becoming a household name in Philippine fencing history.

National team member Janna Catantan and her younger sister Sophia made their presence felt in the recent 85th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Fencing Championships and it looks like they’re bound to scale greater heights in one of the oldest sports in the world.

The 19-year-old Janna emerged undefeated when she snatched the gold medal in women’s individual foil, and after turning back fellow national team member Maricar Matienzo of the University of the East, 15-9, in the finals.

Janna, a second-year Occupational Therapy student at the University of Santo Tomas, swept all her seven matches in claiming her first-ever gold medal since she began competing in high school.

“It was very satisfying, I’m very happy to finally win a gold medal in the UAAP - a dream come true,” said Janna, who is set to follow the footsteps of her eldest sister Samantha, who is a five-time MVP in UAAP high school.

Samantha is currently a student-athlete for Penn State University and sees action in the US NCAA Division 1. Their younger sister, 13-year-old Sophia Shekinah and a Grade 7 student edged Aubrey Paulene Fernandez, 15-7, in an all-University of the East girls’ foil finals.

Catantan and Matienzo, along with Samantha Catantan and Justine Gale Tinio are set to compete in Cambodia meet.

A 15-4 triumph over Matienzo set Janna for a four-game sweep of the Pool 1 action before she won over UST’s Christine Escleto, 15-3, in the quarterfinals and Nami Noro of the University of the Philippines, 15-9, in the semifinals.

This made Janna a prime candidate to claim the Rookie of the Year award, which her eldest sister Samantha claimed in 2014.

PH to send 1,160 delegates to Cambodia SEA Games

THE Philippines will send 1160 athletes, coaches, and officials to the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

The Philippine delegation’s chef de mission Chito Loyzaga said the number makes up the list of entries by names that will be submitted by the Philippine Olympic Committee by the deadline of submission to the Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee on March 11.

“The deadline was initially for entries by names was initially on March 5, and then it has been extended to March 11. Now, it’s complete after I told the NSAs to submit by March 9,” explained Loyzaga during the weekly TOPS Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila.

Loyzaga said while a lot of NSAs have submitted their lineups, there are still those that are still in the process of completing their entries.

For one, Breakdancing champion Fil-American Logan Ellana Edra and local partner Filipino partner Ilyvm “Dudut” Gabriel have been named the lone pair that was entered in dancesport. This was after organizers of the Cam-

UST Lady Tigers back in winning form

THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas returned to its winning ways via a 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 straight sets beating of the University of the Philippines, Saturday in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Eya Laure led the Golden Tigresses anew with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to go with six digs, while Imee Hernandez had 11 points on 9-of-18 spikes and fired two service aces.

Milena Alessandrini, returning after not being fielded in UST’s three-setter defeat to Adamson University last Wednesday due to a right ankle sprain, made her presence felt right away with 10 points and five excellent receptions.

Bernadett Pepito was constant on the defensive side as usual with 15 excellent receptions and 11 digs.

“Magandang balik doon sa last na talo namin na medyo talagang hindi namin nakita na ganon yung lalaruin namin nung last time. Ito kahit papaano nagkaroon ng additional motivation ulit para sa [players],” said head coach Kungfu Reyes.

The Fighting Maroons played catchup in the second set with Alyssa Bertolano’s off-the-block spike pulling them within one, 2324, but Pierre Abellana answered with a kill to send UST to a 2-0 advantage.

bodia SEA Games removed the Latin and the standard events of dancesport from their calendar of events.

Seven names will make up an initial list of entries in swimming, with a total of 17 slots still to be filled up, and a final

decision will be made once an ongoing leadership in the Philippine Swimming Inc. is resolved this month.

There are 57 names that have been forwarded by the Athletics federation, which will come up with an official list after the Philippine Athletics Championship is done in Ilagan, Isabela. Loyzaga bared that billiards, taekwondo, and Karatedo are yet to submit their final lists. He added that erroneous information placed in the technical handbook that has been available to the member nations is still undergoing changes and corrections.

“Adjustments are still going on,” said Loyzaga. Actions in the Games are slated from May 5 to 16. But there will be events that will commence on earlier dates.

Men’s and women’s football at the Morodok Techo national stadium in Phnom Penh begins on April 29, while sailing, a four-day event, will be at Sihanoukville starting on May 1.

Indoor volleyball at Morodok Techo is set to start on May 3, along with obstacle sports at the Chory Changvar Car Park.

POC president Abraham Tolentino said this as the POC continuously works to complete their list of participants for

Manila Chooks! sets sights on Stop 2

WHILE an undermanned Manila Chooks! squad fell short against world No. 23 Warsaw Lotto 3x3 of Poland 7-22 on Saturday (March 11) in the quarterfinals of the FIBA 3X3 Pro League Netherlands 2023 Winter Edition Stop 1, the team is not one to cry over spilled milk.

There are no excuses and Manila Chooks! can take solace in the fact that it raised its points in a bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics next year.

The Philippines’ current 1,024,039 FIBA points are expected to increase 24 to 48 hours after the games ended. Manila Chooks! will also gain more points in the FIBA level 8 tourney since it is made up of an all-Filipino quartet.

It was a commendable seventh-place finish for the wards of head trainer Chico Lanete in the tough 12team field, according to Chooks-to-Go President Ronald Mascariñas.

“That was a gallant stand from our team (against Warsaw Lotto 3x3),” Mascariñas said. “Defeating a team like Amstelveen of the Netherlands on their home turf was not an easy feat.”

“But they pulled it off to make it as far as the quarterfinals in their first tournament for 2023,” added the effervescent godfather of Philippine 3x3. Moving forward, Manila Chooks!

the biennial meet

Their list may not be complete, but a roster that’s being done by a joint POC-Philippine Sports Commission Technical Working Group will be forwarded to organizers in Cambodia next week.

“The deadline has been extended. It’s too soon. Fortunately, we have all the names,” said Tolentino.

Swimming has two qualified entries in Fil-American Jarrod Hatch and Xiandi Chua are the top candidates to make the final cut, while a third, Jasmine Alkhaldi, is another after finishing with good qualifying time during the recent tryouts in Capas, Tarlac.

Cambodia has listed 608 events in 49 sports, which is bigger than the 530 events in 56 sports in the 2019 edition that the Philippines hosted.

The participation of the Philippines and many member countries have been limited in many events.

The Philippine Sports Commission has allocated P250 million for the SEA Games preparation and participation.

Assisting Loyzaga as deputy chiefs of mission are Leonora Escollante of canoe-kayak and Paolo Tancontian of sambo. Pete Atencio

UP then came out of the huddle inspired and launched a 4-1 start in the third before the Tigresses unleashed a huge run, with Laure dominating, to erect a 17-10 lead en route to the sweep.

UST rose to 3-2 at fourth while the Fighting Maroons sank to seventh at 1-4.

Steph Bustrillo and Jewel Encarnacion both netted 10 points in the losing cause that also saw Nina Ytang and Alyssa Bertolano score seven points apiece.

CPS barges into final of PNVF Under-18 tourney

CALIFORNIA Precision Sports (CPS) advanced to the final with a three-setter but Gracel Christian College Foundation (GCC) had to go through the wringer to also shoot for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF)

Under-18 Championships crown in Saturday’s girls’ semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

CPS flexed just enough muscle in a 25-15, 25-20, 25-20 victory over De La Salle Lipa in the tournament revived by the PNVF headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, while GCC went the extra mile before disposing of Maryhill College, 18-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-17.

CPS and the Taguig City-based GCC march into the final unbeaten in six matches from pool play to the semifinals of the tournament aided by the Video Challenge equipment Genius Sports.

CPS needed one hour and 21 minutes and a lot of firepower from team captain and outside hitter Casiey Monique Dongallo to reach Sunday’s final of the competition supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine

Sports Commission, PLDT, Rebisco, and Akari.

“It’s a great accomplishment for us to be in the final,” said the 17-year-old and 12th-grader Dongallo, who was a class act with her match-high 25 points with 22 kills, two aces, and a block. Middle blocker Jenalyn Umayam also delivered as expected for the Antipolo City-based CPS with 14 kills, one block, and an ace for 16 points, while Joyce Soliven made four service points, two blocks, and three kills for nine points.

Catantan sisters Janna and Sofia with their mother Aileen (center).

play in lieu of injured big man Brandon Ramirez (knee).

that our new reinforcements joined the team just recently and with Brandon getting injured, this was still a very good showing for the team,” Mascariñas said.

can’t wait to see how they will play proudly for the country once again in the second stop of the tournament.”

The Lady Tigers are back in the groove in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.

Barbie Forteza, David Licauco spread more ‘kilig’ in much-awaited reunion

BARBIE Forteza and David Licauco team up anew in another exciting adventure via GMA’s award-winning weekly anthology Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko

The trending love team of Barbie and David is all set to bring kilig and impart life lessons to Kapuso viewers as Lady and Luke in the four-week special titled “Lady and Luke” beginning today.

Also starring in the series are Zonia Mejia as Sabrina, Vince Maristela as Atom, Gilleth Sandico as Delilah, Hannah Precillas as Mau, and Bodjie Pascua as Lolo Lucas.

Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko: Lady and Luke follows the story of Lady (Barbie) and her sister Sabrina (Zonia) who are complete opposites. Lady is the responsible one who tends to be controlling with her younger sibling who is a happy-go-lucky girl. Sabrina resents the way her sister meddles with her life and compares Lady to a puppeteer.

The uptight personality of Lady extends to her work life as a property manager. One day, she gets into an argument with Delilah (Gilleth), a loud fortune teller with witchcraft skills who tries to escape from paying her rent.

Amid their squabble, a handsome contractor named Luke (David) runs into them. He was instantly captivated by Lady, but it was Delilah who got attracted to him. She then makes a love potion to deceive Luke. Meanwhile, Lady and Luke are constantly butting heads as they work together on a project.

One night, Sabrina crosses paths with Delilah and Mau (Hannah), a housekeeper who also hates Lady for some reason. That same night, an anonymous pair of hands wraps Lady’s missing bracelet around a voodoo doll.

The next day, Lady wakes up and panics as she starts moving against her will just like a puppet. She moves the same way with the voodoo doll and this curse happens to Lady at the most random place and time. Who is behind the curse of Lady? How can she save herself from witchcraft? Is there still a chance between Lady and Luke if they both fall under black magic?

Don’t miss the reunion of Team FiLay via Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko: Lady and Luke—under the helm of esteemed director Rico Gutierrez—every Sunday at 6:00 p.m. on GMA-7.

SINGER-SONGWRITER

doubles down on his FAVE SOUND AND STYLE

ROB Deniel is taking his betting on his preferred style of music with the release of his brand new single titled “Ang Pag-ibig.”

Upon first listen to this tuneful, shimmering, mid-tempo track, it’s easy to surmise what Rob Deniel’s music direction is these days. And that would be retro-pop.

Starting with “Ulap” with its solid 40 million streams, to its follow-up “Gabi” (7 million listens) to recent singles “Sinta” and “Kundiman” with its 2 and 4 million streams respectively, Rob Deniel likes his songs relaxed and having that throwback feel to it. And he does it again on “Ang Pag-ibig.”

Released on March 3, “Ang Pag-ibig” is the ninth solo single that the 19-year-old Rob has put out.

“It’s all about catchy melodies for me and songs from the past have that in abundance,” said Rob. “Maybe that’s why I gravitate towards it.”

The teen singer-songwriter has been making music since he learned to play the guitar, and ever since, has been honing his craft and refining his sound this past few years. And while his ear leans on the classics, he has always used modern-day methods in his music. Remember that he used to record songs on his mobile phone that eventually led to “Ulap” some three years ago that in turn led him to be signed

KNOWLEDGE Channel’s “School Anywhere” continues to make waves this year with its exciting lineup of new shows and fresh episodes on early childhood care and education, beginning reading and math, science, environment, agriculture, and Araling Panlipunan available on-air, online, and offline.

New and expecting parents can learn about the first 1000 days of a child in I Love You 1000, starring Marlo Mortel and Majoy Apostol, in partnership with the National Nutrition Council. Cultivating kids’ interest in learning agriculture for grades 3 to 4, with new episodes of AgriKids, a series done with the Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture.

Students, teachers, and parents are in for a treat with engaging jam-packed shows starting with new episodes of Ready, Set, Read, a series for learning oracy and beginning reading for grade 1 students, hosted by Seth Dungca. Kapamilya host and Math enthusiast Robi Domingo continues to bring new episodes of MathDali for grade school stu-

dents to bring the fun in learning numbers and solving math problems.

The new Wikaharian series, co-developed with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, hosted by Teacher Michelle Agas will push students to enhance their reading skills in Filipino.

Discover the beauty and history of the provinces of the Philippines with fresh episodes of WOW, hosted by Knowledge Channel’s director of operations, Edric Calma. Actors Maymay Entrata and Elijah Canlas will take us through intermediate science concepts on the environment and environmental protection in the new episodes of Puno ng Buhay. Both shows are made in partnership with Forest Foundation Philippines.

Expect new weekly episodes from Knowledge Channel’s digital shows Art Smart’ hosted by Teacher Precious, and Knowledge On The Go’ hosted by Coach Lyqa Maravilla

by the Vicor label, which incidentally is the original home of the same classics that Rob professes to love.

It’s that same sensibility that he brings to “Ang Pag-Ibig” wherein he brings classic pop sensibilities with modern production techniques. Composed and written by Rob, the song was recorded with the help of Awit-awarded producer and recording engineer Jean Paul Verona at the Viva Recording Studios. With Verona, sound mastering by Leon Zervos

The vibe is unmistakably retro, but at the same time, it sounds so 2023.

“I’ve always loved the music of the past, but I also wanted to bring something new to the table,” says Rob Deniel. “’With Ang Pagibig,’ I aim to capture the spirit of classic pop while also giving it a fresh twist.”

Sure enough, with recognizable hooks, and a soulful performance that comes out of his falsettos, Rob has struck a chord with young fans and longtime listeners alike.

Proof of it is the more than 90 million plus streams on Spotify and YouTube that Rob Deniel has earned over the course of nine singles. And to think that he can still be classified in the rising star category means that Rob Deniel has a whole lot more to offer. It would be good to keep an eye and ear out for this ace.

The official music video for “Ang Pagibig” premiered on March 5 on Rob Deniel’s official YouTube channel. The music video features Karina Bautista as Rob’s onscreen muse and is directed by Chris Kazin The song is available on all music streaming platforms and is released by Vicor.

Launching this year are three newly acquired shows, starting with the tagalized version of Heroes of Zero, a show that talks about the issues of bullying and its effect on students created by the Power of Zero.

The We Learn As One: My TV School of the ABC+ Project: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines of Research Triangle Institute International and the United States Agency for International Development and Kwentong Kalikasan, a video project for environmental protection and conservation in partnership with the Association of Young Environmental Journalists.

All these and more on Knowledge Channel’s 17-hr curriculum-aligned programming available on cable, direct-to-home satellite and DTT, and online through iWantTFC. Video lessons are also available on-demand through Knowledge Channel’s official Facebook and YouTube pages. Its School Anywhere Block is also on Kapamilya Channel every Sunday, 7:00 a.m., and A2Z from Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m.

Rob Deniel’s current musical direction leads to retro-pop

Robi Domingo brings the fun of learning numbers and solving math problems with ‘MathDali’

From left: Gilleth Sandico, Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Hannah Precillas, Zonia Mejia, and Vince Maristela

The trending love team of Barbie Forteza (left) and David Licauco

The trending pair reunite for ‘Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko: Lady and Luke’

Barbie plays Lady, a responsible elder sister while David brings life to Luke, a handsome contractor

By Rowena David

COPING with the death of a beloved pet can be an emotionally challenging time, and it's important to understand the grieving process and take steps to care for ourselves during this difficult time.

Here are 10 tips for coping with pet loss: Allow yourself to grieve. It’s important that you allow yourself to mourn at your own phase. The loss of a pet is a significant event, and it's important to give yourself permission to grieve. Everyone processes grief differently, so don't feel like you have to follow any specific timeline or set of expectations. Take the time you need to process your emotions and come to terms with your loss.

Take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is crucial during this time. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Seek support. Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, or support groups to help you cope with your loss. Seeking support from family and friends after the loss of a pet can be a crucial step in the healing process. While grief is a unique experience, it is also universal, and sharing your emotions with others can help you move forward in a positive way.

Know that healing takes time. Grieving the loss of a pet is a lengthy process. It is important to be patient with yourself and recognize that healing will take time. With time, you'll be able to look back on your pet's memories with fondness and joy.

Don't rush into getting another pet.

Permit yourself time to grieve and process your feelings. The death of a pet can be a traumatic experience, and it is natural to experience sadness, guilt, anger, and a variety of other emotions. Getting a new pet right away can be a way to avoid these feelings, but it's important to give yourself the time and space to work through them. This will help ensure that you are emotionally

PETS

How To Cope with Pet Loss and Find Closure

Pawsbook

WE HAVE been encountering posts on dogs, cats, and other animals on Facebook that are eye-openers, or inspiring, or enlightening, or educational, or can make one feel good during a stressful day, or make one encouraged to help the poor souls among us. Sunday Pets would like to share these notable posts of netizens through this space called Pawsbook.

From Lewis Howes : 10 THINGS YOUR DOG WOULD TELL YOU...

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful: remember that before you get me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial to my well being.

4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.

5. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you.

6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.

7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.

9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out too long, or my heart is getting too old and weak.

10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: “I cannot bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death.

I found this and thought I would share to remind us all to treasure the pets in our life! (Credit From Mina Biancucci on LinkedIn)

From Love Animal:

prepared to care for a new pet and provide it with the love and attention it deserves.

Don't blame yourself. It's common for pet owners to feel guilty or responsible for their pet's death, even if they couldn't have prevented it. Remember that accidents and illness can happen to any pet and that what truly matters is your love and care for your pet throughout their life.

Consider seeking professional help. The loss of a beloved pet can be a traumatic and emotional experience. Many people find themselves overwhelmed with grief and struggling to cope with the loss. While friends and family can provide some support, there are times when seeking professional help is necessary to properly navigate the grieving process. Additionally, a professional can help you identify any underlying mental health concerns that may be aggravating your grief. The death of a pet can trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, and it's important to address these concerns as part of the grieving process.

Remember that everyone grieves differently. Every person experiences grief differently, and every pet owner experiences pet loss differently. Allow no one to tell you how you should or should not feel, or how long you should grieve. You know yourself and your relationship with your pet better than anyone else, and it's important to respect your own grieving process.

Memorialize your pet. Memorializing your pet can help you to process your grief and express your emotions. It can provide an opportunity to reflect on the happy memories you shared with your pet and acknowledge the impact they had on your life. This can be therapeutic and help you to find closure in the grieving process.

Honor your pet's memory. Finally, remember that your pet's memory will live on in your heart forever, and there are numerous ways to honor that memory. Consider making a donation in their honor to a pet charity, volunteering at a local animal shelter, or making a special keepsake in their honor. Whatever you decide, make it a fitting tribute to the love and joy your pet brought into your life.

Losing a pet can be a very difficult and emotional experience, but it is possible to heal and move on with time and support. You can honor your beloved pet's memory while also caring for your own emotional well-being by allowing yourself to grieve, seek support, and practice self-care.

About the author: About the author: Rowena David is a faculty member at the University of Makati and an animal welfare advocate.

"When I adopted my dog she was already pregnant. I knew what trouble I was getting into but I wanted her to give birth without fear, feel good and be a happy mom since life brought her this way.

She gave birth to 3 wonderful puppies that due to space we kept all 3 !!!One we were told is a blue german shepherd.I never cared because he was born different nor did we tell him apart from the others.On walks people are more afraid of him than the others but I know people always judge big dogs by looks.

Let's start seeing them as characters and personalities and not breeds and sizes!

They're family not cars! Our kids are all beautiful inside and out."

From Akash Patel:

“My dad has bees. Today I went to his house and he showed me all of the honey he had gotten from the hives. He took the lid off of a 5 gallon bucket full of honey and on top of the honey there were 3 little bees, struggling. They were covered in sticky honey and drowning. I asked him if we could help them and he said he was sure they wouldn't survive. Casualties of honey collection I suppose.

I asked him again if we could at least get them out and kill them quickly, after all he was the one who taught me to put a suffering animal (or bug) out of its misery. He finally conceded and scooped the bees out of the bucket. He put them in an empty Chobani yogurt container and put the plastic container outside.

Because he had disrupted the hive with the earlier honey collection, there were bees flying all over outside.

We put the 3 little bees in the container on a bench and left them to their fate. My dad called me out a little while later to show me what was happening. These three little bees were surrounded by all of their sisters (all of the bees are females) and they were cleaning the sticky nearly dead bees, helping them to get all of the honey off of their bodies. We came back a short time later and there was only one little bee left in the container. She was still being tended to by her sisters.

When it was time for me to leave we checked one last time and all three of the bees had been cleaned off enough to fly away and the container was empty.

Those three little bees lived because they were surrounded by family and friends who would not give up on them, family and friends who refused to let them drown in their own stickiness and resolved to help until the last little bee could be set free.

Bee Sisters. Bee Peers. Bee Teammates. ️

We could all learn a thing or two from these bees.

Bee kind always.

I did not write this, but love it.

-WendyCompiled by DC

Their paw prints will forever be

imprinted in our hearts. (Photo by Charlene Lacanares-Arevalo.)

Panda was a campus cat who died due to a stomach tumor. (Photo by the author.)

Sasha was a rescued dog who got hit by a motorbike. (Photo by the author.)