Manila Standard - 2023 March 15 - Wednesday

Third

SEE PAGE A3

Sunken tanker no sail permit

Senators say owners can’t collect insurance to pay for oil spill damages

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

THE tanker MT Princess Empress that caused a massive oil spill when it sank in Oriental Mindoro with 800,000 liters of industrial fuel on Feb. 28 sailed nine times despite having no updated authority to operate, senators said Tuesday.

In a hearing on the oil spill, Senators Cynthia Villar and Risa Hontiveros cited a report submitted by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) that said the MT Princess Empress, a new ship, was not included in the certificate of public convenience issued to its owner, RDC Reield Marine Services (RDC).

Villar said the lack of the amended CPC would mean the company would not be able to claim insurance on the ship that sank, which has been insured for $1 billion, and will be unable to compensate those who were affected by the oil spill.

“The government cannot rely that it can get money for damages from the company which owns the sunken ship,” she said.

“The MARINA and the Coast Guard will explain that they cannot claim from the insurance because they have no permit to operate. So we should not wait for that anymore.

DOJ files murder raps vs. Bantag, 10 others for Percy Lapid’s killing

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and former

deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta on two counts of murder, in connection with the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, and the inmate Jun Villamor.

Biggest Balikatan war games set next month

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Philippines and the United States will hold the biggest war games between them next month with 17,600 troops participating, including live-fire exercises at sea in a first for the annual military exercises, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday.

The announcement for “Balikatan 2023” comes a day after the start of the three-week “Salaknib” exercises between the Philippine and American armies with 3,000 troops participating.

“This is officially the largest Balikatan exercise,” said Col. Michael Logico, spokesperson of Balikatan 2023, which will be held from April 11 to 28 in Palawan, An-

A panel of prosecutors said they found probable cause to charge Bantag and Zuleta, and also to indict selfconfessed gunman Joel Escorial, Israel Dimaculangan, Edmon Dimaculangan,

and a certain Orlando for murder as principals by direct participation.

The DOJ panel also approved the indictment of inmates Denver Mayores,

PBBM wants 11 more cold storage facilities

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday the government will put up nearly a dozen cold storage facilities in various fish ports in the country to address the high spoilage of Filipino fishermen’s catch. He said the plan is to build 11 more cold storage facilities on top of those already being constructed at ports in the cities of General Santos and Cagayan de Oro, adding that he expects these facilities to be operational by the end of this year.

“We decided that one of the areas that was identified was the spoilage of the fish there from the handling from the fishing boats up to the

INTERVENTION.

House approves Con-con bill on final reading

By Maricel V. Cruz

VOTING 301 against 7, the House of Representatives approved on Tuesday House Bill 7352, which implements the Resolution of Both Houses 6 that calls for convening a constitutional convention or “Con-con” that would propose amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution.

Among the salient features of the bill is the seven-month term of office of the convention, from December 1, 2023 up to June 30, 2024.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who chairs the committee on constitutional amendments, led 301 of the 314 House members in authoring and voting for the bill.

Romualdez said the Charter reform initiative aims to rewrite the “restrictive” economic provisions of the Constitution to enable the country to attract more foreign investments.

Teves refuses to come home, fears for safety

By Vince Lopez, Maricel V. Cruz, Rey E. Requejo, Charles Dantes and Macon Ramos-Araneta

NEGROS Oriental 3rd District, Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., who has been charged with three 2019 murders, said he would not fly home for fear of his life. This as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the formation of a special panel of prosecutors to look into the killings in the province.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said Teves called him from an undetermined location Monday night, saying he would not return to the Philippines because he feared for the safety of his person and his family.

Teves, who was in the United States, was also linked to the March 4 assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

“I assured him that the Speaker,

VETERAN journalist and former Manila Standard columnist Luis Teodoro has passed away, the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication -- where he was dean for six years -- said Tuesday. He was 81.

UP CMC Professor Danilo Arao confirmed this in a tweet, saying Teodoro passed away at midnight Monday due to a heart attack.

CONTAINMENT. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reports two tugboats have deployed their oil spill boom and skimmer arpund the suspected area of the sunken tanker MT Princess Empress at six nautical miles northeast off the shoreline of Balingawan Point and Buloc Bay in Oriental Mindoro.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reads through a report during a sectoral meeting with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Office and Department of Public Works and Highways at the Palace on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Mr. Marcos said he wants the government to build cold storage facilities in various fish ports in the country to help Filipino fishermen.

OVERWHELMING YES VOTE. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez presides over Tuesday’s session during which House Bill (HB) No. 7352 was approved with a 301-7 vote. The bill will implement the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 that calls for a constitutional convention that would propose amendments to the economic provisions of the Charter. Ver Noveno

Luis Teodoro

DOTr chief wants PUV fare discounts

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista recommended temporary “fare discounts” for public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, buses, and UV Express in place of free rides in the EDSA Bus Carousel.

“Pre-pandemic fare matrix will be applied and the provisional fare increases implemented will be covered

accordingly by the government,” Bautista said in a memorandum to Land Transportation Franchising and Regu -

latory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.

Once implemented, the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys will revert to P9 from the current P12, while modern jeepneys will be from P14 now to P11 pre-pandemic rate.

The DOTr said the discounted fares will be implemented in several parts of the country.

sure, saying the shipowner was given them false hope.

“What we are taking into consideration here are the routes across the country that have the most number of passengers,” DOTr undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said. However, he said the discounted fares will be temporary and will stop once the P2 billion fund for the service contracting program of the LTFRB this year has been consumed.

Alvin Labra, Aldrin Galicia, Alfie Peñaredonda, and Christopher Bacoto as principals by indispensable cooperation.

The National Bureau of Investigation previously said there was a clear line of communication from Bantag and Zulueta to Mayores, then Mayores to Labra, and Labra who coordinated with Galicia.

as the political and administrative leader of the House of Representatives, will exert all efforts to ensure the personal safety of all members,” Romualdez said.

He renewed his appeal to Teves to return to the country soon.

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House committee on public order and safety, said Teves is innocent until proven guilty.

He said a panel hearing that was to be held Tuesday was called off in deference to the ongoing investigation.

Also on Tuesday, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said the President ordered the formation of a special panel of prosecutors to look into the killings in Negros Oriental.

“We are now constituting a panel of prosecutors to handle the Negros Oriental cases and that’s the instruction of the President to make sure that a panel that skilled— at this level of skill is already there to evaluate the cases so that no stones will be left unturned,” he said.

Remulla had said that officials noticed a “pattern of impunity” in Negros Oriental after visiting the wake Degamo.

Remulla said Marcos wants the situation in Negros “stabilized and resolved.”

“So far we have arrived at more persons of interest in the crimes committed. We also discussed crimes that will be charged,” Remulla said.

They will have a problem with that…

Don’t depend on something that will not come, Villar added.

Hontiveros said without an amended CPC that included the tanker, the MT Princess Empress should not have been allowed to sail on Feb. 28 from SL Harbor Terminal in Limay, Bataan.

Senator Raffy Tulo said Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials who checked the ship should be jailed for dereliction of duty.

But the PCG, in a Facebook post, denied that the oil tanker had no permit to operate and shared a copy of the CPC of the MT Princess Empress that was issued by MARINA.

It was unclear which claim was correct, but Fritzee Tee, vice president of RDC Reield Marine Services, said the MT Princess Empress, which first sailed in December 2022 even without an amended CPC, was able to sail nine times before the sinking.

Tee told the Senate panel that the company was coordinating with its insurance firm on the claims.

But Villar insisted it cannot claim from its insurance company as it has no CTC authorizing the MT Princess Empress to sail.

The senator also noted that the ship owner is just a small company, thus incapable of paying compensation and damages and might even go bankrupt.

Dolor said they were informed last Monday by the shipping company’s lawyer that they will build a claim center within the week where people can get their individual claims for damages.

Dolor said the plan was for the people of Mindoro to file collectively as one for damages.

Hontiveros and Senators Bong Revilla and Francis Escudero, meanwhile, proposed the filing of criminal and civil charges against those involved in the “illegal” voyage of the MT Princess Empress.

Also upon the request of Senator Loren Legarda, Villar said she would write to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to clariy who has the mandate to lead efforts to contain and clean up the oil spill and provide assistance to those badly affected by it.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga said it will take 15 to 20 days to totally siphon the oil spilled into the waters of Oriental Mindoro. Fishing can resume five days after the clean up, she said.

Senator Francis Tolentino questioned the seaworthiness of the M/T Princess Empress.

Earlier, Tolentino urged the Senate environment panel to demand an indepth assessment over the vast damage brought by oil spill incident.

race against time and authorities should not wait for the compensation and assistance coming from the shipowner The owners of the sunken tanker apologized to the public for the oil spill that affected the livelihoods of those living in the area and the adverse effects it would have on the environment.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the ongoing impact on the environment and people’s lives and clean up the spill,” the company said in its statement.

The RDC Reield Marine Services said it is already in contact with its insurance firm about possibly providing compensation for affected residents.

“We are working closely with our insurers, and those affected by the spill will be duly advised on how to submit their claims for processing,” it added.

Also on Tuesday, Protect Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) called for the urgent exhaustion of available means to secure livelihood reparation and ensure immediate receipt of funds for the communities affected by the oil spill, specifically by holding polluting companies at fault accountable and penalizing them.

The Department of Health (DOH) said 122 people have gotten sick due to the effects of the oil spill.

Galicia then orchestrated and executed the killing of Lapid through his gang members and his gang members’ contacts outside the NBP, leading to the participation of Escorial and his accomplices.

For the murder of Villamor, Bantag, Zulueta, Labra, and Galicia were indicted as principals by inducement.

Inmates Mario Alvarez, Joseph Georfo, Christian Ramac, Ricky Salgado, Ronnie Dela Cruz, Joel Reyes were also indicted as principals by direct participation.

Galicia relayed the instructions to Sputnik gang member Georfo, who then passed the order to Sputnik gang member Alvarez.

Alvarez then allegedly instructed gang members Salado, Ramac, Dela Cruz, and Reyes to kill Villamor by suffocating him with a plastic bag.

Lapid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on Oct. 3, 2022 while Villamor died at the New Bilibid Prison. An autopsy by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun showed the remains of Villamor to have a “history of asphyxia by plastic bag suffocation.”

Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento approved the indictment of Bantag and Zulueta.

“We will be filing the necessary pleadings after going through the resolution of the panel,” defense counsel Rocky Balisong said.

The panel started the investigation on Nov. 23, 2022.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that of the 122 cases reported, most of them had headaches and respiratory-related symptoms like cough and colds.

Mabasa was shot by armed men near his home in Las Piñas City on Oct. 3, 2022.

He added that they are looking to file nine murder charges, 15 frustrated murder charges, and three attempted murder charges.

The Supreme Court has granted Remulla’s request to transfer the cases filed and will be filed, in connection with the killing of Degamo and eight others.

SC spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka said Remulla’s letter was tackled during the regular en banc session of the magistrates on Tuesday.

In his letter, Remulla cited several reasons in seeking the transfer of the cases including possible intimidation and harassment of the respondents, private complainants, and their witnesses considering that three of the victims are government officials.

Remulla also said the case has gained significant media attention in Negros Oriental, thus, creating a hostile environment for the respondents.

There were also logistical difficulties of conducting the trial in the province, as the respondents are currently detained at the National Bureau of InvestigationCustodial Center in Manila.

Also on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) filed firearms violation charges against Teves after raids on his residences in the province last week.

“So that the government should act to give assistance to those affected by the oil spill,” Villar said.

He said the government should use existing funds provided by the Oil Pollution Compensation Act since there is a specific provision that calls for the allotment of 10 centavos per liter for every tanker as a compensation fund.

Vergeire said most of these cases have already recovered.

Oriental Mindoro Gov. Hurmelito Dolor was dismayed by Villar’s disclo -

Tolentino said MARINA should lay down the guidelines for the use of the compensation fund.

The senator stressed that it’s now a

Only one was admitted in a hospital due to an aggravated asthma, but was also discharged the next day, she said.

With Charles Dantes

tique, and parts of Northern Luzon.

About two-thirds or 12,000 of the participating Balikatan troops will come from the United States, while the rest are Philippine soldiers, with 111 Australian personnel joining in smaller events and Japanese forces as observers.

This developed as Australia unveiled plans Tuesday to buy up to five US nuclear-powered submarines, then build a new model with US and British technology under an ambitious plan to bulk up Western muscle across the Asia-Pacific in the face of a rising China (see full story in World, page A7 – Editors).

Australia is seeking an expanded role in the defense and security in the Indo-Pacific region as Canberra plans to purchase several nuclear-powered submarines from the US to boost its defense capability, its diplomat in the Philippines said on Monday.

In a Twitter post, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu said Australia is now “investing in capabilities to meet the challenges of our strategic circumstances.”

She stressed that it is to ensure that the Indo-Pacific “remains stable, secure and prosperous” amid China’s aggressive activities in the South China Sea.

“We are grateful for the Philippines’ support as Australia seeks to become a more capable defense partner in the region,” she added.

Australian forces will be taking

part in smaller Balikatan events such as special operations and land-based exercises, said Logico, the director of the Joint and Combined Training Center of the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said the Philippine government should give attention and ponder on China’s warning that the United States is dragging our country into war with the extension of four EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites.

“We should take time to review and reflect on the coverage of our Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States, “ said Pimentel.

“Under the MDT, did we hand over to the US the direction of our foreign policy?” he asked.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros noted that as a sovereign country, the Philippines gets to determine “what is best for our national interest -- not China, not the US, not any other foreign country.”

In fact, she said the serious harm and endangerment that has been inflicted so far has been by China in the West Philippine Sea, which is documented and undisputed.

“Perhaps China should look in the mirror before casting a stone,” said Hontiveros amid Chinese criticism of the EDCA deal.

Sen. JV Ejercito said it is China, and not the US, which has been “dragging us to war.”

“I think they (Chinese) are the ones who are very aggressive and hostile. I am really pissed off seeing what they

have been doing to our Navy, and right now recently, our Coast Guard, they’re very hostile,” Ejercito said.

As for the live-fire exercises at sea – with the backdrop of rising tensions with China in the South China Sea –the AFP spokesman said: “In the past, we are exercising inside the CERAB (Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac), inside Fort Magsaysay. While we are still doing that, we are now going to be exercising outside the traditional areas.”

“Part of it is we are going to be doing live fire exercises in the water. Practically, we’re exercising in key locations where we are able to utilize all our service components,” Logico said.

Previously, Balikatan forces were just exercising the Air Force and the Army without the participation of the Navy because they were mainly on land, “so we are doing it in the water so we can exercise all our service components,” he added.

The AFP will be using its newly-acquired frigates, FA-50 jets, and artillery in the Balikatan, Logico said

In a press conference on Tuesday, Daniel Kritenbrink, US State Department Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said the AUKUS partnership is part of Washington’s commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Kritenbrink said it is not about developing a capability to be used in one specific area, and that the agreement is not “aimed at any one particular country or challenge that exists out there.”

“He was a mentor and a friend. More than that, his stewardship helped produce highly ethical, dedicated journalists,” he said.

Besides producing opinion pieces for the Standard in the early 2000s, Teodoro also wrote political commentary for the business daily BusinessWorld before his passing.

“Maraming salamat sa iyong paglingkod sa bayan. Mahal ka namin (Thank you for your service to the country. We love you). We join our friends and colleagues in communication and media in mourning the passing of Professor Luis V. Teodoro, our Dean from 1994 to 2000,” the UP college said.

“As educator, editor, and journalist, Dean Teodoro was pivotal in fostering academic excellence in our discipline, upholding integrity in the practice of media, and defending our freedoms of the press, speech, and assembly,” it added.

The UP CMC will hold a wake service for Teodoro at Plaridel Hall.

UP President Angelo A. Jimenez hailed “Deal Luis” as a “passionate advocate for press freedom.”

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former UP College of Mass Communication Dean Luis Teodoro, who was an esteemed human rights activist, newspaper columnist, professor of journalism, and the author of short stories like ‘Paper Stars’ and ‘The Trial of Professor Riesgo,’” Jimenez said in a statement.

Escorial then faced the media on Oct. 18 to admit his role in the killing and tagged Villamor as the middleman who contacted the killers. On the same day, Villamor died of “unknown causes” at the NBP Hospital. ports, up to the markets, there was a very high rate of spoilage,” the President noted in an interview after meeting with officials of various departments and attached agencies.

Mr. Marcos presided over a sectoral meeting attended by officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

The President called for the meeting to discuss the Philippine Fisheries Program, specifically on how to address the declining fishery production and reduce post-harvest losses.

“The solution we formulated is to create cold storage facilities there at the fish ports so that we can preserve the fish and so that it will not just be thrown out due to spoilage,” Mr. Marcos added, noting that the move would also improve the supply of fish in the country.

“We need more foreign capital to create additional job and income opportunities for our people. Increased investments will sustain our economic growth,” he said.

He said relaxing the Charter’s economic provisions would enhance the country’s investment and economic space.

Rodriguez said several business groups and Fitch Solutions, a unit of leading credit ratings and financial market analysis provider Fitch Ratings, have welcomed the House economic constitutional reform effort.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte appealed to senators to give Charter change a chance, after Senator JV Ejercito said there are only four to five senators who are supportive of the move.

Ejercito echoed an earlier statement of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri that Charter change advocates do not have the numbers in the Upper Chamber.

Villafuerte is president of the 45-strong National Unity Party (NUP), the second biggest political bloc in the House whose members all voted for RHB 6 on third and final reading. As one of the principal authors of the bill, Villafuerte said the Senate

may start deliberating—and then vote soon enough—on its version of the House-backed proposal to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution.

This, Villafuerte said, is in the hope that the Commission on Elections would still have time to hold the balloting for delegates to the proposed Con-con simultaneously with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections due on October 30.

In case the Charter Change proposal via the Con-con route indeed cannot muster enough votes in the Senate, “we in the House would respect such a decision by a majority of our senators and let this latest initiative on consti-

tutional reform kick the bucket,” Villafuerte said.

Under HB 7352, Charter amendments to be endorsed by the proposed constitutional convention shall be submitted to the people for ratification in a plebiscite to be held not earlier than 60 days nor later than 90 days after the Con-con submits its report to the President and Congress.

The envisioned convention shall be composed of elected delegates, one from each legislative district, to be voted on Oct. 30, 2023.

The Con-con shall also have sectoral representatives, comprising 20 percent of the total number of delegates, to be appointed jointly by the Senate President and the House Speaker.

CENTRAL LUZON & CAR

Women Leaders of the 19th Congress from Central Luzon and CAR

By Peter Paul Duran

IN THE Philippines, we have seen remarkable women leaders who have made significant contributions to the country’s development. The women representatives of the 19th Congress, who hail from Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region, are a testament to this. They have shown exemplary leadership and dedication in serving their constituents, and championing various advocacies, such as women’s rights, children’s welfare, environmental protection, and indigenous peoples’ rights.

As part of the ongoing Women’s Month celebration, we shine a spotlight on the women representatives of the 19th Congress. In this article, we will focus on the lady legislators from Region 3 and the CAR. These exceptional women have made significant contributions to society and have championed various causes in Congress.

Central Luzon is one of the largest regions in the Philippines, known for its rich history and culture, as well as its thriving industries. The region is composed of seven provinces, namely Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. Meanwhile, the Cordillera Administrative Region is composed of six provinces, namely Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

According to the latest data from the World Bank, the Philippines ranks 16th in the world in terms of women’s representation in national parliaments, with women comprising 28.7% of the lower house and 23.3% of the upper house. While this is an improvement from previous years, there is still much work to be done in promoting gender equality in political representation.

Putting names into these numbers means showcasing the women representatives that have shown exemplary leadership and dedication in serving their constituents.

Geraldine B. Roman, from the First District of Bataan, is the first transgender woman to be elected in the Philippine Congress. Before her stint in politics, she worked as an editor and journalist

for various publications. In Congress, she authored bills that promote gender equality and protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Lorna C. Silverio from the Third District of Bulacan, is an advocate for women’s rights, children’s welfare, and environmental protection. She authored bills that aim to provide better healthcare services and promote sustainable livelihoods for her constituents.

Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica of Bulacan’s Fourth District is a seasoned congresswoman who champions the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk. She authored laws that aim to uplift the lives of her constituents by providing them access to education, healthcare, and other basic services.

Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara from the Third District of Nueva Ecija, is a lawyer and an advocate for justice and transparency in governance. She authored bills that aim to improve the country’s justice system, promote transparency in government transactions, and provide support for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Former President of the Philippines and former Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga’s Second District Gloria has authored bills that aim to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services, promote renewable energy, and strengthen the country’s disaster response system. A true champion of the law-making arena, she

has steered the country through executive and legislative excellence.

Meanwhile, Anna York P. Bondoc, of the Fourth District of Pampanga is a lawyer who advocates for the welfare of women and children. She authored bills that aim to provide better healthcare services and promote inclusive education for children with special needs.

Florida “Rida” P. Robes from the Lone District of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan is a businesswoman and an advocate for agriculture and rural development. She authored bills that aim to provide support for farmers and fisherfolk, promote sustainable livelihoods, and protect the environment.

Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang from the Lone District of Apayao, is the lone congresswoman representing the Cordillera Administrative Region. She authored bills that aim to provide better healthcare services, promote sustainable tourism, and protect indigenous peoples’ rights.

Women’s Month is an opportune time to celebrate the achievements of women in politics, recognize their contributions to society, and advocate for greater gender equality in political representation. The women representatives of the 19th Congress, along with other women leaders, serve as an inspiration to many, especially to women who aspire to become leaders in their respective fields.

Lady legislators lead the charge for Central Luzon and CAR

By Patricia taculao

REGION III, also known as Central Luzon, plays a significant role in the Philippines. It holds the distinction of being the largest rice producer and is one of the leading growth regions in the country, thus allowing Filipinos to benefit from its strengths. The region is 66 kilometers from Manila, making it the gateway to Northern Luzon. It has seven provinces: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Central Luzon also has a vibrant history, including an established rapport with seasoned lady legislators who led their constituents to greater heights by providing them with their wants and needs through proper representation in Congress. These lady lawmakers remain an inspiration and beacon to the Filipinos.

In the meantime, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) boasts of its rich, ancient culture and thriving communities. It also has several agricultural and mineral products that benefit Filipinos’ everyday lives. CAR has six provinces, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

The vibrant heritage interweaves with modern elements, creating a hub for continuous growth through tourism and other activities.

HON. GERALDINE B. ROMAN (Bataan, First District)

“As the first transgender woman elected to Philippine Congress, I will use my voice and platform to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and fight for the rights of women, children, and other marginalized and underserved sectors, and work tirelessly to ensure that they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. I will continue to address the challenges faced by these communities, and push for legislative measures that will expand access to healthcare, promote equal rights and opportunities, and improve education and job opportunities to create a more inclusive and equitable society.”

As the first transwoman person elected to the Philippine House of Representatives, Roman defied several odds and achieved milestones in Congress. She comes from a political family and boasts a progressive view from experience. She’s a courageous champion of equality for all, especially against gender bias.

She’s a prime mover of the sexual orientation, gender identity expression, and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) bill and the chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality. Roman seeks the SOGIESC Bill to “protect Filipinos, whether straight or of the LGBTQ+ experience, from discrimination.” Roman also filed the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 2022 to resolve unlawful employment practices or discrimination.

Roman also highlights Bataan’s tourism industry to encourage local and foreign tourists to visit and sample their hospitality while putting the province on the global map.

HON. LORNA C. SILVERIO (Bulacan, Third District)

“As a woman legislator, I have remained steadfast in using my voice and platforms by supporting laws that will recognize, protect, fulfill, and promote the rights of women through education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities meant to uplift their social and economic conditions.”

The province of Bulacan has several opportunities and challenges for growth.

Nestled between the bustling city and the mountains, it’s brimming with potential.

Leading the region to achieve significant milestones is Silverio, who has represented the province’s third district since 2016. Silverio deeply considers the safety and welfare of her constituents, making her active and ever-present when distributing aid and support during natural calamities.

In the House of Representatives, Silverio also advocates various projects in Bulacan, including establishing local government units and infrastructure for sectors like education, health, and more. She also pushed for lowering the optional retirement age of government workers from 60 to 56. She remains present in her district to encourage and

guide the people to carry out their responsibilities.

HON. LINABELLE RUTH R. VILLARICA (Bulacan, Fourth District)

“For women to say without flinching, ‘politics fits me,’ then we have to live it to be it. Decision-making is where we are and must be to ensure that women are neither hidden nor an afterthought in this nation’s development. I adhere to my Alma Mater’s banner call: ‘Kung hindi tayo, sino? Kung hindi ngayon, kelan?’”

Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica of Bulacan’s Fourth District, a women-advocate from the ranks of civil society for two decades prior to becoming Meycauayan’s first-ever Congressional Representative in 15th Congress, rose to become Bulacan’s first ever House Deputy Speaker in the 17th Congress.

Her developed civic skills honed to attach much importance to serving the public interest as a personal life goal drove her legislative workload to expand from Chair of the House Committee on Women & Gender Equality in the 16th Congress, to Chair of the much-coveted House Committee on Foreign Affairs in the 17th Congress, which she would later yield upon her election as House Deputy Speaker. Presently, she is an elected Member of the House Contingent in the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal in the 19th Congress. Landmark legislation in these roles include passage of the Anti-Mail Order Spouse Act, and the extension of the validity of the Philippine passport to 10 years, among others.

Beyond legislation, her political activity included serving as President of the Central Luzon Bloc twice. Significantly, as reflective of her roots, she was also twiceelected President of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc., (AWLFI) where she sustained projects benefitting children and women with cancer, widows of fallen soldiers, drug reformists, as well as survivors of natural calamities in the 17th and the 19th Congresses.

HON. ROSANNA “RIA” V. VERGARA (Nueva Ecija, Third District)

“Prior to being elected into public office, my husband and I set up “Tahanan ni Maria” in Cabanatuan City which served as shelter for battered women and children. We built and donated this home to the City Government of Cabanatuan in 2014 which is now managed by the city’s DSWD.

As a Congresswoman, I actively supported and co- authored bills to protect women’s rights which have become Laws, specifically RA 11648, AN ACT PROVIDING FOR STRONGER PROTECTION AGAINST RAPE AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE and RA 11596 or AN ACT PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF CHILD MARRIAGE.

During my first term as a congresswoman, I implemented a medical program where district funds are downloaded directly to national hospitals. In the past, patients needing assistance would write letters requesting for medical help to the district representative and only after the office approved the request, would funds be downloaded. This streamlined and fast tracked the process making it more efficient and timely. These funds helped patients seek treatment forbreast cancer, heart surgery, metal implants, diabetes, to name a few, at national hospitals in Metro Manila and Cabanatuan city. Healthcare is very expensive in the Philippines so this was and continues to be one of my priority areas of concern. Women, especially those who are pregnant and those suffering from cancer and other serious ailments/disabilities, are the major beneficiaries of this heartcare program.

On a personal level, I believe that engaging and communicating with young women is crucial in inspiring them to dream of becoming leaders someday in their chosen fields - whether in NGOs, business or even government service/politics. There is a book entitled “Attack of the 50 Ft. Women: From Man-made Mess to a Better Future – the Truth about Global Inequality and how to Unleash Female Potential” that I encourage all women to read. One does not have to be in public service to help others. All women can have an impact and make a difference wherever they are - such is the power of women.

Personally, when my actions are guided by faith and high moral principles, they become part of a noble endeavor

that uplifts the lives of the people I serve. My genuine concern and compassion for my constituents has made me a better leader and a better woman”

Change and progress. These are the two primary drivers of the lady lawmaker in public service. The main thrusts of her legislative agenda are food security, farmer’s well- being and providing Filipinos with opportunities to learn new skills to help them have a better future. Vergara is also passionate about safeguarding the most relevant industry in Nueva Ecija: agriculture. She’s pushing to establish a bill to establish an Onion Research Institute to address the problems of the onion industry.

Vergara’s other efforts in Congress include strengthening traditional and complementary medicine systems, fortifying mental health services in state universities and colleges, and providing for hazard pay to disaster responders. She remains an ally to the underrepresented communities as she continues to fight for their rights to a safer and more productive future.

HON. GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (Pampanga, Second District)

“As the country’s chief executive then and as a lawmaker now, I remain committed to advancing the empowerment of our women. We, the women of the Philippines, must work harder to break the remaining myths that relegate our women to being second-class individuals. Let us show everyone that recognizing the full rights of women will result in a dynamic and equitably progressive Philippines.”

Almost every Filipino knows who Arroyo is from her previous office as the 14th president of the Philippines from 2001 until 2010. She has always exhibited her passion for public service as she took on different responsibilities within the Philippine government. In 2002, she supported the Framework Plan for Women, which promotes women’s economic empowerment, protects their rights, and strengthens gender-responsive governance.

In the 19th Congress, Arroyo sits as Deputy Speaker, again highlighting her political prowess. Besides holding significant responsibilities, she also authored several bills, like establishing a hospital for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), exploring nuclear energy, and creating different government agencies for specific functions, especially for underestimated industries.

The lady politician has overcome numerous challenges throughout her time, only to emerge unfazed and ready to continue what she started.

HON. ANNA YORK P. BONDOC (Pampanga, Fourth District)

“Women are like water—they are essential and they give life. We, women, have several roles in life: women, moms, wives, daughters, workers, professionals…and we tackle all of these with grace and beauty. I became a Congresswoman to lead with the same values as I fulfill my roles in my life.”

Bondoc, a proud Capampangan, loves gardening and plants vegetables which her family consumes in her house in the rural town of San Luis, Pampanga. Besides being a politician, she is a medical doctor, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, and an internist from the University of the Philippines. She is a Psychologist and she authored in Congress the law for the Psychology Board Exam. She has been doing Libreng Konsulta online via Facebook live and Youtube channel live stream since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. For this, she was named by TV station ABC 5 as “Covid Hero”. Her FB page Dr Anna York Bondoc garnered 3.5 million views for the viral video #BanRapid. She is also very popular in Tiktok. The lady solon uses her knowledge and platforms to give Filipinos inside and outside her district a brighter future by promoting the country’s quality of health for women, children, and everyone. Her proposed bills include establishing the Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute, constructing satellite specialty hospitals in Central Luzon to provide specialized medical care, and instituting a policy on bloodborne viral hepatitis and screening. The Congresswoman also values education hence why she offers scholarships to her constituents.

Dra Anna. is also a floral stylist and a businesswoman. She is the wife of 6-termer incumbent Mayor Jayson S. Sagum of San Luis, Pampanga, himself a medical doctor and a farmer. Most importantly, she is mom to 10-year old Benjamin Jayson S. Sagum. HON. FLORIDA “RIDA” P. ROBES (San Jose Del Monte City, Lone District)

“As a woman legislator, I also give special attention and care to the women of San Jose Del Monte, empowering them in the process. My project Tindahan Ni Maria provides women with additional capital that will eventually give them sustainable livelihoods as entrepreneurs.

Students are our future leaders, our hope. As a leader, it is also my duty to make sure that their mental health is taken care of. So we always have counselors that will be there to talk to them, to help them, and to give them counsel through my One Like For Life project.

Physical health is also of prime importance, so we have our Bonggang Kalusugan delivering medicines door to door.

To augment the health program, our Kusina Ni Ate Rida never stops its feeding program providing nutritious food for the health of everyone.

One way of having a healthy citizenry is by making the surroundings and environment clean. We encourage people, to practice cleanliness in our program Kalat No Way. The high inflation is no joke so we are always there to help households in securing their needs. Through our Piso Mula Sa Puso, they can buy their groceries for only Php1.00. Our beloved city of San Jose Del Monte is dubbed as the rising city. As the city rises to new heights, we, the people, with special emphasis on women, also rise.” Many words describe the congresswoman, who’s passionate about many things but prioritizes public service. People know her as a vibrant leader, an efficient communicator, a keen organizer, and a dedicated worker. With her at the helm, San Jose Del Monte is always bustling with various projects to improve the quality of life.

Other than her numerous ongoing projects in her district, she also authored several bills in the 19th Congress, like establishing an elderly care and nursing complex in San Jose Del Monte and declaring the city as a human resource capital.

Although a public figure, Robes also presents herself as a sisterly figure to give a sense of approachability as she offers them the best through her political platform.

HON. ELEANOR C. BULUT-BEGTANG (Apayao, Lone District)

“I am greatly blessed to have been given the privilege to represent our people again in Congress. I will use this platform to continue advancing the empowerment of women from all walks of life by working with my fellow legislators in crafting measures that would advance the rights and welfare of women and children. I will continue to use my voice not only as an elected official but also as a mother, sister, or friend to instill among women and girls their important role in nationbuilding, and in the process, I hope to inspire future women leaders believing that women can work for change and change work for women.”

Fondly called Leah by her family, the congresswoman is the first woman representative of Apayao, a position she held for three consecutive terms from 2010 to 2019 before becoming Provincial Governor from 2019 to 2022. She rose above all challenges because of her strong character and determination to get the job done.

Bulut-Begtang champions welfare and protection. She also rallies to establish a one-stop-shop assistance for women and children who are victims of violence in Apayao. As the daughter of educators, the lady solon strongly believes that education is vital in uplifting her constituents’ lives. She created programs such as Apayao Student Assistance Program to assist the youth in their educational journey.

Some of her contributions to the 19th Congress include establishing evacuation centers in every city and municipality, creating the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and institutionalizing the transition of the national government to e-governance in the digital age.

OPINION

NCDA: Where are you, what are you doing?

Among them are to use digital tools to make processes more streamlined. She also says the NCDA needs an updated database so that the PWD or their family does not need to return to the PDAO/LGU to submit the paperwork that they have already provided.

The NCDA should have all these required documents on file, and the easiest way to manage the volume is to store scans or digital copies of the papers.

The Ides of March indeed

TODAY is the ides of March, the times the full moon fell on the 15th, although this month it was at 7:40 pm on March 7.

IN JANUARY I wrote a couple of columns about autism, persons with disability (PWDs), and the need for government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to be more sensitive toward the plight of PWDs and their families.

I called on the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) in particular, because they were named in connection with a concern related to the Bacoor, Cavite Persons With Disability Assistance Office (PDAO).

Here’s a recap: I wrote about the experience of “Beng” (“PWD ID snafu shows system inadequacies,” Jan. 18), a writer who had a bad experience at the Bacoor PDAO when she went to renew the ID of her son. She was told that in line with a new regulation of the NCDA, she needed to show a “certificate of disability,” a document that was not required before.

Of course she was not informed of this supposed new requirement beforehand (was anyone?), and thus suffered the inconvenience of being made to return. She went to great expense and waited months for a developmental pediatrician to issue the certificate.

is open to the public, everyone is encouraged to donate a book, which will serve as an admission ticket to each segment

In short, the change in requirements that Bacoor PDAO claimed were imposed by the NCDA made the process more expensive, inconvenient, and burdensome for PWDs and their loved ones who are renewing their IDs.

I followed up that column with a similar one (“It’s National Autism Consciousness Week,” Jan. 25) after a reader wrote to tell me of her similar experience. I received other feedback that showed me these cases are not isolated.

Beng has emailed the NCDA several times.

They replied twice (the signatory is a lawyer who is a division head).

The first time, the lawyer replied (about two weeks after Beng emailed her) that contrary to what the Bacoor PDAO alleged, the NCDA does not require the submission of a certificate of disability.

The lawyer ended by writing, “Should you have other recommendations, we are very much willing to listen and, if necessary, effect the necessary policy changes.”

This heartened Beng, who wrote her again, but this time, she has not received a reply, save for a message instructing her to send her email to another email address.

Beng was also on a long, “useless,” phone call with an NCDA staffer, who basically told her that it was all the fault of the person at the LGU. “Sa LGU po kasi ‘yan, sila po kasi ang nag-hire [ng taong kumausap sa inyo], kasi po depende sa barangay ‘yan.”

This passing of the buck and refusal to take accountability, or at least offer some solution, confused and irked Beng even more, who asks, is the NCDA then this “powerless” in the face of errors and mistakes in policy implementation on the part of the LGU?

And what is the Bacoor LGU doing about this? Nothing, as far as we know.

The NCDA staffer offered to give Beng the number of the person who is the head of Bacoor PDAO. It’s been a while and Beng is still waiting for the number.

Beng has many recommendations on how the NCDA can improve their policies and thus require LGUs to improve their processes.

By Peter Murphy

The process of capturing, storing, retrieving, and sharing information is known as knowledge management.

It is easy enough for the NCDA, or any other government entity, to find a KM expert to help them set up or improve their KM system. (The Development Academy of the Philippines, I am sure, will be more than willing to extend their assistance.)

The NCDA really needs to improve the digitization of its processes, and I can’t say this often enough.

As I mentioned in their previous column, their website looks like something out of the internet Stone Age.

Their constituents are PWDs, who need access to information. Why make it hard for them?

To be fair, we also need to know if NCDA is operating under constraints.

Do they need more budget?

They were given some P80 million for general support and operations this year.

This doesn’t seem adequate, considering that upgrading hardware, installing new software, and other necessaries for digitization will break the bank.

Do they need more qualified personnel to help with the volume of work, considering they have to take care of PWDs nationwide?

Management should take this into account and hire. Do they lack plantilla items?

The Civil Service Commission and the Department of Budget and Management should take action on this concern that affects many natgovs.

NCDA’s leadership must take the reins in hand and be more proactive in fulfilling their mandate to their constituency, who are among the most vulnerable in our society.

* * *

In other news, the Manila Critics Circle, with the National Book Development Board, has completed deliberations on the milestone 40th cycle of the National Book Awards, which covers 2021 releases.

The annual tilt recognizes outstanding books published for the first time by a Philippine publisher.

The finalists will be announced soon. The awarding ceremony is set on May 13 at the Metropolitan Theater.

The MCC and NBDB are catching up on the NBA post-pandemic, and will soon open nominations for the 41st NBA for books published in 2022. The awarding ceremony for that will take place at the end of this year.

* * *

The Cultural Center of the Philippine is staging the Performatura Festival 2023 from March 31-April 2, with live and on-site activities happening from 10:30 AM at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).

With the theme “Performatura Goes Pop,” the three-day event presents performances, poetry readings, multi-arts workshops, literary talks, spoken word sessions, poetry contest, film screening, book launches, a book and art fair, sneaker shoe auction, and interviews with renowned writers.

Among the many interesting planned activities is a turnover ceremony of the printed copies of the book “In Certain Seasons: Mothers Write in the Time of COVID” with the PEN Philippines and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines’ Bureau of the Copyright and Related Rights, in line with National Women’s Month. (I coedited the volume with writer and editor Che Sarigumba.)

While Performatura is open to the public, everyone is encouraged to donate a book, which will serve as an admission ticket to each segment. The collected books will go to the CCP’s partner libraries.

* * * ( Dr. Ortuoste is a board member of PEN Philippines, member of the Manila Critics Circle, and judge of the National Book Awards. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO)

Many, including literature students in the Philippines, used to say beware the Ides of March, an expression derived from the historical fact that Julius Caesar was murdered by a group of Roman senators on the 15th of March, 44 BC.

Exactly a month earlier Caesar had visited a soothsayer named Spurinna. who had predicted his life would be in danger for the next 30 days.

History confirms that because Roman society was superstitious, the real-life dictator Caesar employed seer Spurinna, who repeatedly warned him about impending treachery for a month leading up to the ides of March.

The 60 dagger-wielding senators, led by his friends Brutus and Cassius, stabbed Caesar 23 times and claimed to be acting over fears Caesar’s unprecedented concentration of power during his dictatorship was undermining the Roman Republic, and presented the deed as an act of tyrannicide.

The Ides of March—initially an ancient Roman marker used to reference

These days the Ides of March passes by each year practically unnoticed

dates in relation to lunar phases – took on a new meaning. In the tragedy Julius Caesar written by William Shakespeare, and supposedly also in real life, Caesar was warned by a soothsayer to ‘beware the Ides of March.’

According to Greek historian Plutarch, a seer really did warn Caesar he would be at the very least injured by the Ides of March.

On the day of his death, he saw the oracle and joked that he had made it to the Ides of March, to which the fortuneteller responded the day had not yet ended.

Between 1533 and 1541 the English playwright and cleric Nicholas

Udall was a Latin teacher and later headmaster at Eton College.

In 1533 he published a textbook as a teaching aid for his scholars -- Floures for Latine Spekynge Selected and Gathered oute of Terence.

As the title suggests Udall took example texts from the works of Terence and translated them into English. One such text is:

According to literary critics, it seems very likely Udall coined the expression ‘beware the Ides of March’ since it doesn’t appear in Terence’s original text and it pre-dates the celebrated use by Shakespeare by the best part of a century.

Udall is well-known as an creative coiner of words and phrases. He invented terms like ‘acknowledge,’ ‘wedding-day,’ ‘tomboy’ and ‘Christian name,’ among hundreds of others.

Shakespeare was taught Latin at school and, although it’s quite possible that he came up with the line independently of Udall, it seems more likely that he just copied it. Either way, Udall was first and Shakespeare a distant second.

These days the Ides of March passes by each year practically unnoticed.

MMDA should stay, but show compassion

IN OUR previous column on the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), we took issue with the call of Manila Rep. Joel Chua that the metro-wide agency be abolished.

Why so? Because, he said, it has disrupted the lives of Manila residents through heavy-handed demolition of homes, clearing of roads and sidewalks, and traffic management and enforcement, apart from wasteful spending of billions in public funds with nothing to show for it.

We argued the MMDA should not be abolished and replaced by the Manila Mayors Council as the lawmaker proposed since the mayors as a body cannot do both the policymaking and implementation of metro-wide programs as the MMDA is under the Office of the President.

What we’re saying is the MMDA be retained but instead should refocus its efforts towards responsive but compassionate management of urban challenges.

What the MMDA is doing right now is following to the letter the executive order issued by Rodrigo Duterte in 2019 to clear Metro Manila roads and sidewalks of all obstructions.

That presidential order was apparently based solely on the study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that monumental Metro Manila traffic congestion exacts a heavy toll on the whole economy to the tune of several billions of pesos daily in wasted fuel and lost productivity.

But the all-out war on road and sidewalk obstructions unleashed by the Duterte order essentially follows the all-out war on illegal drugs he told the police to undertake shortly after taking office, with bloody results.

Duterte’s draconian decree gave the MMDA and local government units carte-blanche authority to form teams accompanied by police to regularly swoop down on streets with heavy vehicular and human traffic and proceed to clear them with basically the same fervor that the police, on the president’s authoritarian bidding, moved to launch a violent war on drugs starting in

2016 that led to more than 6,000 officially acknowledged deaths.

The clearing operations in Metro Manila have not only targeted illegally parked vehicles on roads and sidewalks, but also disrupted the informal economy that sustains many poor households.

These operations also target vendors of food and various merchandise, from clothes to houseware and tools, which are loaded onto trucks headed to unknown destinations.

into poverty.

What the MMDA should do is to re-orient its mandate towards helping the sectors that need help the most.

This requires full respect for the economic and social rights of metro residents, particularly those in the informal economy, even as government must continue to ensure law and order in city streets.

Should the heavy-handed road and sidewalk clearing operations by the MMDA and some LGUs be challenged in court?

Yes, as these deprive mainly the poor of the opportunity to earn enough to keep body and soul together on a daily basis.

The poor vendors play a cat-and-mouse game with City Hall almost on a daily basis as the raiding teams suddenly appear and start grabbing whatever they could lay their hands on, as we narrated in an earlier piece.

This almost-daily occurrence in Metro Manila cities, which are usually uploaded by vloggers and available for viewing on YouTube, is what has made Congressman Chua fuming mad, as his constituents may have sent many complaints to his office and asking for deliverance from MMDA’s highhandedness.

What’s clear is that the MMDA’s clearing operations and traffic management in various cities tend to be too oppressive and target basically the poor and the already disadvantaged sectors in society.

By taking away parked vehicles and imposing hefty fines on their owners, and even confiscating wooden carts used for ambulant peddling on city streets by those trying to make an honest living amid the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, the MMDA is practically making the poor sink deeper

Makeshift wifi spot reconnects shattered Ukraine city

STARVED of news and contact with the outside world during six months of occupation by Russian forces, residents of recently liberated Izyum are grateful for a makeshift wifi spot in the shattered Ukrainian city.

Outside an apartment block dozens of people queue before a sign that reads “15 minutes of wifi”, where an aid worker takes each phone and enters the password.

Izyum, a predominantly Russian-speaking city of about 50,000 people before the war, had been fully occupied since April until it was recaptured earlier this month during Kyiv’s lightning counter-offensive.

Soon after the liberation, investigation teams found what they said were 447 bodies buried during the occupation.

Residents told AFP Thursday that with electricity and mobile infrastructure networks badly damaged during the fighting, and still not restored, lack of information

has kept them in the dark about what was happening.

But thanks to a power generator provided by the army, they can now reconnect to the internet—at least for a brief window each day.

“From 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, some three to four thousand per day can connect,” Seraphim, a soldier, told AFP.

“If too many people get connected at the same time the internet goes down, hence the 15-minute limit,” explained resident Olga German.

“After zero minutes a day, 15 is quite a lot. Now we can check the news online, and compare sources, and keep in touch with our families,” the 34-year-old English teacher said.

The eight-story block is one of the few buildings in the devastated town to have escaped relatively unscathed, although many windows are broken, with the sound of sawing and hammers emanating from many floors.

A TV screen on a stand beside the queue showed a Ukrainian channel broadcasting news about the war, while people huddled on the ground charging their telephones from extension cables connected to the generator

A TV screen on a stand beside the queue showed a Ukrainian channel broadcasting news about the war, while people huddled on the ground charging their telephones from extension cables connected to the generator.

Residents ate borshch beetroot soup cooked on a nearby campfire, as children chopped firewood.

Around the corner a half-torn poster hung from a billboard: “Russia for ever,” it said.

Information vacuum

German said the six-month period of occupation felt like “purgatory.”

“We were living in an information vacuum, we couldn’t get in touch with our relatives, and we could feel that the information we got from the Russians was not objective.

“So we lived only on gossip, and the stories got twisted.”

Nadezda Oleksandrivna, a 64-year-old dog-trainer waiting her turn in the queue, said being deprived of news and contact with friends felt “like having a bag on my head.”

The national government has vowed to extend full support to micro and small enterprises that make up more than 90 percent of the national economy.

But why are LGUs intent on keeping the poor from earning an honest living through micro-entrepreneurship or selling goods on the streets and sidewalks?

The economic damage inflicted by Duterte’s iron-fisted order to clear city streets of micro-businesses, small shopkeepers and ambulant peddlers since 2019 has in all likelihood already contributed to increased poverty incidence in this country.

The Marcos administration should review the scorched-earth policy that has proven to be cruel and heartless towards the poor and the powerless and instead help them surmount their economic difficulties.

What is needed is compassion toward those already hard up and unable to stand on their own two feet amid rising prices of basic commodities.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

It could have a serious impact on mental health, she added.

Oleksandrivna said she stayed in Izyum during the occupation because she did not want to abandon her two dogs.

Before the war she was an avid internetuser, keeping up with relatives, bloggers, politics and international news.

Now, she said she gets around the 15-minute wifi limit by returning to the back of the line when her time is up.

For a group of teenagers scrolling their phones in the corner, the wifi spot is an opportunity to catch up with friends on Viber and Telegram.

“Everyone started messaging me, including friends I have in Germany and the Czech Republic, they were really worried about me,” said 16-year-old resident Anton.

“When I first got connection back I didn’t know what to do, I noticed that my TikTok really changed.

“Now it’s only about the war,” he said. AFP

IN BRIEF

DAR readies 406 e-titles for Sarangani farmers

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has generated 406 electronic land title (e-titles) in a 601.82-hectare agricultural land to improve the security of tenure of 394 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), who have been long working on the land located in Alabel, Sarangani.

The achievement was in line with the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Secretary Conrado Estrella III to strengthen the property rights of farmer-beneficiaries nationwide.

The e-titles covered seven municipalities of Sarangani, including Alabel with 13 e-titles; Glan, 37; Kiamba, 14; Maasim, 7; Maitum, 222; Malapatan, 63, and Malungon, 50. Rio N. Araja

LRT-1 suspends operation from April 6 to 9

THE Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) on Tuesday announced a temporary suspension of LRT-1 operations from April 6 (Holy Thursday) to April 9, 2023 (Easter Sunday) to give way to its annual maintenance activities and necessary upgrades of the system.

The LRT-1 will follow normal operating hours from April 3 to 5, 2023 (Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday), having first trips to leave Baclaran and Roosevelt at 4:30am, and the last trips will be at 10:00pm from Baclaran, and 10:15pm from Roosevelt.

“The temporary suspension of LRT-1 operations this Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday will allow us to do necessary activities that include annual preventive maintenance works and upgrades to better serve our dear passengers,” LRMC chief operating officer Rolando Paulino III said. Darwin G. Amojelar

38 Caloocan City workers get regular appointments

THE Caloocan City government of Caloocan has conferred regular appointments to 38 employees, among them honor graduates, board examinees and civil service test passers.

Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan congratulated the 38 employees and cited their dedication and eagerness to boost their efficiency in the performance of duties..

“Binabati ko po ang bawat-isa sa inyo, sobra niyo po akong pinahanga sa inyong dedikasyon at pagpupursigi na paunlarin ang inyong mga sarili at inyong kakayahan upang buong husay na mapaglingkuran ang ating mga kababayan,” the mayor said. Jun David

Sandigan sends ex-Maguindanao gov, 2 others to jail for P98.2-m graft case

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Sandiganbayan has convicted former Maguindanao governor Datu Sajid Ampatuan of graft and malversation through falsification of public documents in connection with the P98.2 million worth purchase of palay, corn, seeds and fertilizers in 2009.

Ampatuan is currently vice mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town.

The court also sentenced Ampatuan, along with former provincial budget officer Datu Ali Abpi Al Haj and former provincial agriculturist Mosibicak Guiabel to a prison term ranging from eight to 12 years and perpetual disqualification to

hold public office.

Ampatuan and Al Haj were convicted of malversation through falsification of public documents and were sentenced to life imprisonment. They were also ordered to return the P98.2 million to the Bureau of Treasury. The prosecution accused Am-

patuan and his co-accused of evading public bidding when they opted for negotiated purchase of palay, corn, seeds, and fertilizers from Tamoni Enterprises on June 3, 2009 in violation of the law.

The anti-graft court also established that Tamoni was awarded the contract even if the firm “was not technically, legally, and financially capable.”

“Although Tamoni Enterprises possesses the necessary permits, its financial capacity to supply the fertilizers, palay, and corn seeds remains doubtful,” the court said in a 57-page decision penned by Associate Justices Bernelito Fernandez.

“Furthermore, during the ocular inspection conducted by the Special Audit Team, the declared business address of

Tamoni Enterprise was also the residence of its owner, and there were no stocks of fertilizers, palay, or corn seeds thereat,” the ruling stated.

“Taken together, there is clearly evident bad faith and manifest partiality to favor the supplier,” the court noted.

Guiabel and Al Haj were convicted of an additional graft charge, while Guiabel was found guilty of another charge of malversation through falsification for misappropriating of P49.9 million on Sept. 26, 2008.

Former provincial accountant John Estelito Dollosa Jr. and provincial treasurer Osmena Bandila remained at large, and their cases were ordered archived pending their arrest.

DEMOLITION. Some 300 families are bound to lose their homes as demolition crews of the Department of Public Works and Highways tear down structures that stand in the way of construction of the C5 Road extension in Sitio Gitna, Barangay 166 in Kaybiga, Caloocan City. Photo shows a member of the demolition crew cradling a sleeping baby in his arms, apparently a child of one of the affected families. Andrew Rabulan

Palace bares new appointments to peace and order councils

By Vince Lopez

CAAP

opens probe on Cessna plane crash in Isabela

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has started investigating the case of Cessna 206 plane that crashed in Isabela province with six people on board.

The probe came after the search and retrieval operations team were completed, with the remains of the pilot and five passengers brought them to Cauayan City Tuesday morning.

“Six bodies of the ill-fated Cessna 206 with registry RPC1174 that crashed in Isabela were finally retrieved by authorities on board Philippine Air Force (PAF) Huey helicopter that arrived Cauayan Airport at 8:38 a.m. today from Divilacan, Isabela,” CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said.

Apolonio said the wreckage was found shortly before noon of March 9 by the composite teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and with some Dumagat natives who spotted the aircraft at Barangay Ditarum, Divilacan, Isabela.

MALACA ÑANG on Tuesday announced the appointment of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as chairpersons of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s regional peace and order council (RPOC) in Region X1 and Cordillera Administration Region (CAR, respectively.

Other appointed peace and order council chairpersons were former Philippine National Police chief now

Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. for Region III, Ahod Ebrahim for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Eduardo Gadiano for MIMAROPA, Jose Edwin Hamor for Region V, Dulce Ann Hofer for Region IX, Eugenio Jose Lacson for Region VI, Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David for Region I, Carlos Padilla for Region II and Alexander Pimentel for Region XIII. Also appointed as council vice chairmen were Benedict M. Arevalo

for Region VI and VII, Adonis Bajao for Region V, Mafelino Bazar for CAR, Jerry Bearis for Region VII, Roberto S. Capulong for Region IV-A and MIMAROPA, John Chua for Region I, Lawrence for Region X, Rudolph Dimas for Region V, and Andrew Costelo for I and III.

The Presidential Communications Office also released the appointments as vice chairmen of Jonnel Estomo for the National Capital Region (NCR), Leo Francisco, for Region VI, John Guyguyon for the BARMM, Sidney

Delay seen in delivery of bivalent vax

By Willie Casas

THERE will be a “slight delay” in the delivery of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines to the country, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.

The DOH earlier said the first batch of the omicron-targeted jabs might arrive by the end of March.

“’Yung bivalent vaccine medyo nagkakaroon lang tayo ng kaunting delay,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a press briefing.

Vergeire cited the expiration of the country’s state of calamity on December 31, which provides immunity from liability as required by manufacturers and donors.

“So, ngayon ito lang po ang hinihingan natin ng guidance coming from the Office of the President if we

can enter into this agreement with this immunity from liability and indemnification clauses na nakapasok diyan,” said Vergeire.

The DOH has secured more than one million doses of Pfizer’s bivalent vaccines from COVAX facility, the United Nations-backed international vaccine-sharing scheme.

Bivalent vaccines are modified jabs that target the omicron variant and the original form of the virus.

The DOH earlier said it would administer the first batch of adapted jabs to healthcare workers and senior citizens.

They should be given four months after the last shot.

In the briefing, Vergeire said those eligible must already have their first boosters.

Hernia for MIMAROPA, Pablo Labra II for Region XIII, Carmilo Ligayo for Region VIII, Jimilil Macaraeg for Region XII, Wilbur Mamawag for Region X and XIII, Rommel Francisco Marbil for Region VIII, Alexei Musñgi for the NCR, Antonio Nafarrete for Region IX, Jose Melencio Nartatez for Region IV-A, Jose Eriel Niembra for Region XI, Audrey Pasia for Region II and CAR, Cesar Pasiwen for Region III, Alex Rilleer for Region XII, Percival Rumbaoa for Region II, and Benjamin Silo Jr for Region XI.

Binay lauds Makati studes for topping DepEd’s Math exams

MAKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay on Tuesday hailed students of the city’s public schools from Grades 3 to 10 for their achievements in the regional Test of Functional Academic Skills (TOFAS) initiated by the Education department.

The students got the highest passing rates in Mathematics across all levels, making the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Makati first among 16 SDOs in Metro Manila.

“Congratulations to our Proud Makatizen students for this latest achievement! Once again, you have proven that the city is on track in promoting academic excellence through substantial investments in programs aimed to continually raise the quality of our public education system,” Binay said.

The mayor also said the city government has earmarked over P1 billion for Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education) and Students’ Competency Enrichment Program under SDO Makati from the Special Education Fund this year.

The city also allocated over P140.7 million from the General Fund to programs implemented by the city Education Department, including the city’s college scholarship program, high school scholarship program, incentives for outstanding students and school year completers, and Special Education Program (SPED).

Mayor Binay thanked the SDO Makati officials and public school teachers for having been “dedicated, innovative and hardworking partners of the city government in educating the nation’s future leaders and optimizing their potential for greatness in their chosen field.” Joel E, Zurbano

PAO conducts autopsy of child linked to Dengvaxia

By Rio N. Araja

CEBU—The Public Attorney’s Office

(PAO) on Tuesday conducted an autopsy on the remains of a 12-year-old boy whose death was linked to the Dengvaxia vaccine here.

PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said the boy is the 167th victim who could have died due to the vaccine at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She identified the supposed victim as Steven Talaugon Ole of Alegria, Cordova.

The boy›s mother, Jovelyn, yesterday told the PAO lawyers that his son, a grade 4 pupil, received the vaccine shot on Aug. 11, 2017, and died three years later on July 25, 2020.

The boy’s body was exhumed yesterday morning for an autopsy at the St. Peter Chapels in Apalan, Tuburan town.

Dr. Erwin Erfe, PAO forensics chief, told the Manila Standard that “despite the body’s decomposition state, we hope to extract some information.”

“We will also base our observations on the medical history of the boy before he died,” he told the Manila Standard.

The parents—Wilfredo and Jovelyn— sought PAO’s assistance back in October 2020 but the pandemic restricted PAO to conduct an autopsy.

“He died due to symptoms of the vaccine,” Erfe said.

In November 2017, Sanofi Pasteur Inc., the vaccine manufacturer, issued an official statement on its website, admitting that the vaccine could lead to adverse effects to individuals with no previous infection of dengue.

“Dengvaxia provides persistent protective benefits against dengue fever in those who had prior infection. For those not previously infected by dengue virus, however, more cases of severe disease could occur following vaccination upon a subsequent dengue infection,” the statement read.

Under the administration of ex-health secretary Janette Garin, the Department of Health procured P3.5 billion worth of Dengvaxia vaccine for the mass vaccination of school children in public schools.

House approves measure on national gov’t rightsizing

By Maricel V. Cruz

VOTING 292-3, the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on its third and final reading the measure to “rightsize” or streamline the government bureaucracy to save funds.

The lower chamber passed House Bill 7240 which focuses on streamlining the operations of different agencies in the Executive branch.

The bill covers agencies under the executive department, except for the teachers and those in medical-related posts in government agencies under the executive department, including hospitals and medical facilities; military and uniformed personnel, and positions in the government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions which are already under the jurisdiction of the Governance Commission for GOCCs.

The bill states that rightsizing, however, is optional for the legislature, judiciary, constitutional commissions, Office of the Ombudsman, and other local government units.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his first State of the Nation Address delivered on July 25, urged Congress to support his administration’s priority legislative measures, including the rightsizing bill. Under the Department of Budget and Management’s rightsizing plan, the Marcos administration will determine which among the 187 government agencies with about two million personnel may be streamlined through merging,

IN BRIEF

Davao workers receive cash aid from Duterte

restructuring, or abolition.

The DBM earlier said the proposal will help the government save a significant amount of the budget that may be used to fund priority projects in various sectors such as health and agriculture.

Under the bill, a Committee on Rightsizing the Executive Branch (CREB) would be created to oversee the implementation of the program.

The CREB would be mandated to develop policies, frameworks, indicators, strategies, and mechanisms to be adopted in the implementation of the National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP).

It is mandated to develop and prepare the overall change management program, including communication plans, appropriate Organizational Development Program, and other mechanisms to effectively manage the transition and ensure smooth implementation of the NGRP.

Senate bill aims to hike private sector wages

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri filed Senate Bill No. 2002, or the Across-the-Board Wage Increase Act of 2023, which seeks to raise wages in the private sector across all regions by P150.

“A decent life costs a decent wage,” Zubiri said, adding that “if workers are putting in hours and hours of labor, day after day, and yet are still unable to afford their rent, bills, and basic necessities, then there is a problem.”

At the Senate, Zubiri said lawmakers are addressing the collective bargaining of the employees’ union for increased benefits, in accordance with the rising costs of commodities.

“And now, with this bill, I hope to answer similar calls from workers across the country, with an across-the-board wage hike.”

The proposed wage hike will apply to the entire private sector, agricultural and nonagricultural, regardless of capitalization and number of employees.

At present, the National Capital Region has the highest daily nominal wage rate, at P570 (nonagriculture), while the lowest is at P316 (nonagriculture), for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Though the prescription of minimum wages in the private sector falls under the ambit of the Regional Wages and Productivity Boards, they are constrained to issuing only one wage order per year, unless they declare supervening conditions.

At the start of the year, the Philippines saw its highest inflation rate in fourteen years, hitting 8.7 percent. February welcomed a marginal decrease to 8.6 percent.

Panel lifts contempt charge vs. traders

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House Agriculture and Food Committee has lifted the contempt order on officials of the Argo International Forwarders Inc. cold storage facility after company officials committed to submit the pertinent documents requested by lawmakers.

In a statement released by the House of Representatives Media Bureau, the House said that the contempt order on Argo President and General Manager Efren Zoleta Jr., Argo Operations Manager John Patrick Sevilla, and their legal counsel Jan Ryan Cruz was lifted after Cruz assured lawmakers that they had no intention of disregarding the congressional probe nor delaying the process.

Marcoleta also said in the statement that the

URBAN ART. An Ilonggo artist finishes a mural of the Paraw Regatta Festival on a concrete wall. Artists are encouraged to showcase their works in various areas of the city, which in turn attracts tourists.

ARNOLD ALMACEN/ Iloilo City Mayor’s Office

data to be submitted by Argo officials would help Congress hunt economic predators.

The committee, chaired by Rep. Mark Enverga of Quezon, had voted to cite the three Argo officials for contempt and ordered them detained for 10 days for their refusal to turn over their list of clients who stored red onions in their facility during the spike in red onion prices during the last quarter of 2022.

The two individuals were earlier cited for contempt, after voluntarily turning themselves in at the House of Representatives Monday. Also earlier, the two were supposed to face detention for 10 days.

The voluntarily presented themselves to Sergeant-at-Arms Napoleon Taas around 1:30 p.m. Monday in response to the contempt order, which was decided during the last committee hearing on reported price manipulation of onion.

OVER 10,000 marginalized workers have received cash aid from the first congressional district office of Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment.

Duterte’s office said the workers were identified beneficiaries of the Labor department’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) since 2022. Duterte’s office recorded 11,019 beneficiaries received their TUPAD payout since October 2022, including the 580 beneficiaries – vendors, tailors, school maintenance, hair stylists/ barbers, and cobbler, among others –who received the assistance recently.

Duterte hopes “the TUPAD program can help the beneficiaries’ families during the challenging times, encouraging them to continually support the government’s efforts to provide programs for disadvantaged and displaced workers.” The First District Office and DOLE profiled the beneficiaries. Maricel V. Cruz

Tulfo files Senate bill for emergency services

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has filed Senate Bill No. 1882 which seeks to prevent power outages, communication failures, and other concerns affecting public safety and national security.

Tulfo said his proposed bill also seeks immediate response on critical infrastructure that supports key services such as power generation and distribution, water supply, transportation, communications, healthcare, and financial services.

“Critical infrastructure is vulnerable to various threats, including natural disasters, accidents, cyberattacks, and intentional acts of violence,” Tulfo said.

Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, further said his bill seeks a guarantee of the stability, resilience, and security of critical infrastructure to prevent and respond to potential disruptions.

Under his proposed measure, all providers of critical infrastructure services are required to respond within two hours from the time of emergency service requests related to their respective services.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Solons assure rights bill to protect advocates

LEGISLATORS on Tuesday said the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act (HRDPA) will protect human rights advocates, and not terrorists.

Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr of Manila, chair of the House human rights committee, and Edcel Lagman of Albay also assured the public and the country’s security forces that the proposed measure could not be used by members of terrorist groups to evade capture and prosecution.

“The distinction between a human rights defender and a terrorist is clear, and these are apparent in the definitions of the former and the latter in House Bill No. (HB) 77 and Republic Act No. (RA) 11479, respectively,” explained Abante.

According to Abante, Section 4 of HB 77 or the HRDPA defines a human rights defender as “any person who, individually or in association with others, acts or seeks to act to protect, promote or strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms and welfare of the people at the local, national, regional, and international levels.” Maricel V. Cruz

RENEWED PARTNERSHIP. Germany’s Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) recently visited the Philippine Press Institute (PPI). The PPI signed another three-year partnership with HSF and welcomed its new Resident Representative to the Philippines Henning Hillmer. In photos from left to right are (standing) Caroline Lee, HSF Program Coordinator; Alex Rey Pal, PPI Trustee for Visayas; Dexter See, PPI Trustee for Luzon; (seated) Rolando Estabillo, PPI Chairman-President; Henning Hillmer, HSF Resident Representative; and Ariel Sebellino, PPI Executive Director.

China lifts sweeping pandemic visa curbs on foreign travelers

CHINA will once again start issuing a range of visas to foreigners as of Wednesday, the country’s foreign ministry said, in a major easing of travel restrictions in place since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move marks the latest step towards reopening China to the outside world, as Beijing breaks with the strict zero-COVID strategy that defined its pandemic response until a few months ago. In addition to new visas being reviewed and approved, those issued before March 28, 2020 that remain valid will once again allow entry to China, said a notice posted Tuesday on a social media account affiliated with the foreign ministry’s consular affairs bureau.

Similar notices appeared on the websites of several overseas Chinese missions, including its embassies in the United States and France.

The updated policy will also allow

for the resumption of visa-free travel for those arriving on cruise ships to Shanghai as well as for certain tourist groups from Hong Kong, Macau and countries within the ASEAN regional grouping, the notice said.

The move would “further facilitate the exchange of Chinese and foreign personnel,” it added. China received 65.7 million international visitors in 2019, according to data from the UN World Tourism Organization, before sealing itself off from the rest of the world during the pandemic.

While most countries started fully reopening their economies and welcoming international travellers earlier, China only began emerging from its strict COVID-19 containment strategy in late 2022, after rare demonstrations against President Xi Jinping’s signature policy broke out across the country. AFP

Australia to buy US nuclear submarines

AUSTRALIA has unveiled plans to buy up to five US nuclearpowered submarines, then build a new model with US and British technology under an ambitious plan to bulk up Western muscle across the Asia-Pacific in the face of a rising China.

The announcement came Monday at an event at a San Diego, California,

naval base where President Joe Biden hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

With a US Virginia-class nuclear submarine moored behind the trio’s podium, Biden said the United States had “safeguarded stability in the Indo-Pacific for decades” and that the submarine alliance would bolster “the prospect of peace for decades to come.”

As Biden stressed, Australia, which joined a newly formed alliance known as AUKUS with Washington and London 18 months ago, will not be getting nuclear weapons.

However, acquiring stealthy submarines powered by nuclear reactors puts Australia in an elite club and at the forefront of US-led efforts to push back against Chinese military expansion.

Albanese said the deal represents the biggest single investment in Australia’s defense capability “in all of our history.”

The submarines are expected to be equipped with cruise missiles that can strike foes from long distances, offering a potent deterrent to would-be attackers.

Albanese predicted that the wider economic impact at home would be akin to the introduction of the automobile industry in the country after World War II.

The Australian government estimates the multi-decade project will cost almost $40 billion in the first 10 years, and create an estimated 20,000 jobs.

Albanese underlined that Australia was now only the second country, after Britain, to be granted access to US naval nuclear secrets. “We are bound, above all, by a world ... where peace and stability and security ensure greater prosperity,” he said.

Three conventionally armed, nuclearpowered Virginia class vessels will be sold “over the course of the 2030s,” with the “possibility of going up to five if that is needed,” Biden’s national security ad-

visor, Jake Sullivan, said. Britain and Australia will then embark on building a new model, also nuclearpowered and carrying conventional weapons, dubbed the SSN-AUKUS. This will be a British design, with US technology, and “significant investments in all three industrial bases,” Sullivan said. While Australia has ruled out deploying atomic weapons, its submarine plan marks a significant new stage in the confrontation with China, which has built a sophisticated naval fleet and turned artificial islands into offshore bases in the Pacific. AFP

Natural steam cuisine: Cooking in Japan’s hot springs

USING geothermal resources to generate electricity is a divisive prospect in Japan, but there is little disagreement about another use for it: natural steam for cooking.

The geothermal sources that make Japan a haven for hot springs or onsen are also used to produce a range of delicacies.

There’s the “onsen tamago” – eggs cooked in geothermally heated water at around 65 degrees (149 degrees Fahrenheit) to produce a relatively firm yolk with a creamy soft white.

In Beppu, a small coastal town in Japan’s southwestern Kyushu, an abundance of natural hot springs has given rise to a local speciality: “jigoku mushi” or “hell steaming.”

Customers can buy meat, fish and vegetables on site at an onsen, and cook them in containers connected directly to the steam emanating from a nearby natural hot spring.

STEAMING HOT. In this picture, food dishes are cooked by steam coming from a natural hot spring at Hyotan Onsen in the city of Beppu, Oita prefecture. Using geothermal resources to generate electricity is a divisive prospect in Japan, but there is little disagreement about another use for the energy: natural steam for cooking. AFP

North Korea fires 2 ballistic missiles

NORTH Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles Tuesday, Seoul said, Pyongyang’s second launch in three days and the first since South Korea and the United States began their largest joint military drills in five years.

Washington and Seoul have ramped up defence cooperation in the face of growing military and nuclear threats from the North, which has conducted a series of increasingly provocative banned weapons tests in recent months.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military had “detected two short-range ballistic missiles” fired between 7:41 a.m. (2241 GMT) and 7:51 a.m., which flew some 620 kilometers.

“Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional launches,” it added.

Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said the missiles had not landed in his country’s waters, though Tokyo suspected North Korea might take “further provocative action.”

The launch comes just days after Pyongyang fired two “strategic cruise missiles” from a submarine in apparent protest over the US-South Korea exercises.

Known as Freedom Shield, the drills started Monday and will run for 10 days.

In a rare move, Seoul’s military this month revealed the two allies’ special forces were staging military exercises dubbed “Teak Knife”—which involve simulating precision strikes on key facilities in North Korea—ahead of Freedom Shield. AFP

And then there are small round cakes called “onsen manju,” a popular snack sold at the approximately 2,900 hot spring locations across Japan. Stuffed with red bean paste, they are cooked with the steam that rises from onsen water.

IN BRIEF

US court: Uber drivers are contractors

A CALIFORNIA appeals court on Monday upheld a state law letting Uber, Lyft and other app-based, on-demand companies treat drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.

The ruling came as a victory for ride-share firms and food-delivery app platforms that backed a measure called Proposition 22 ahead of its passage in the state in 2020.

“We’re pleased that the court respected the will of the people, and that Prop 22 will remain in place, preserving independence for drivers,” Uber chief legal officer Tony West told AFP.

The California voter-approved referendum that lets many gig workers be treated as independent contractors was ruled unconstitutional in August of 2021, setting up more legal fights over the controversial measure.

The labor legislation heavily backed by Uber, Lyft and other app-based, on-demand services effectively overturned a California law requiring them to reclassify their drivers and provide employee benefits.

A state judge later ruled the law violated California’s state Constitution because the power to make laws about worker compensation belonged to legislators.

The appeals court, however, ruled that Prop 22 “does not intrude on the Legislature’s workers’ compensation authority.”

The proposition has remained in effect as the litigation played out. AFP

Early start for Tokyo’s cherry blossoms

JAPAN announced the official start of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season on Tuesday, 10 days earlier than usual and tied with a record early start seen only twice before.

In past years the country’s meteorologists have linked the increasingly early blooms to climate change, and temperatures in Tokyo have been unseasonably mild in recent days.

Tokyo’s official cherry bloom records go back 70 years and the delicate white-pink flowers have only appeared this early in 2021 and 2020, according to the weather agency.

Japan’s sakura or cherry blossom season is feverishly anticipated by locals and visitors alike, and the announcement of the Tokyo season start was alerted by major news agencies and covered live on television.

The blooms are traditionally celebrated with hanami, or viewing parties, with picnics—and sometimes boozy festivities—organized beneath the trees.

But the public had been asked not to throw the parties during the pandemic, and the tourists that usually flood into the country for the season were kept out with strict border closures.

Borders reopened last October, and Tokyo parks have announced blossom revellers will be allowed to gather freely for the first time since 2019.

The season is announced underway based on the progress of blossoms on a signal tree at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, where an official from the Japan Meteorological Agency stood before media and onlookers to make the announcement. AFP

“This method of cooking was already being mentioned in local historical documents as far back as 200 years ago,” Hitoshi Tanaka, president of Hyotan Onsen – which offers “jigoku mushi” to its customers –told AFP.

With steam at temperatures of 100110 degrees Celsius (212-230 Fahrenheit), cooking generally takes no more than five to 10 minutes, “so the food retains its original color,” Tanaka explains.

The sulfur present in the steam imparts an “umami” to the meal, a flavour enhancer considered key to Japanese cuisine, and it contains iron, a trace element important for health, he added. AFP

of Birth.

WHEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on April 19, 2023 at 1:30 in the afternoon before this Court located at Room 703, 7 Floor, Hall of Justice, Diliman, Quezon City, at which place and on which date and time, any person who has objections to the petition may appear and file his opposition thereto.

Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the Philippines.

Likewise, at the expense

LIGHTNING STRIKE. This photograph taken on March 14, 2023 shows lightning over Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip during heavy rains. AFP

BUSINESS

Stocks sink on US financial contagion fears

STOCKS sank Tuesday on fears of contagion in the financial sector after the collapse of two regional US lenders.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, fell 151 points, or 2.31 percent, to close at 6,393.33, its lowest in four months, as all six subsectors declined.

The index representing all shares also retreated 64 points, or 1.83 percent, to settle at 3,454.48 on a value turnover of P6.78 billion.

Losers overwhelmed gainers, 143 to

Trade deficit hit $5.7b in January on lower exports

By Julito G. Rada

THE country’s trade deficit widened by 26.6 percent in January to $5.7 billion from $4.5 billion a year earlier as merchandise exports fell sharply amid higher global inflation.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed on Tuesday that exports shrank 13.5 percent in January to $5.23 billion from $6.04 billion in the same month in 2022, while imports rose 3.89 percent to $10.97 billion from $10.559 billion.

“Higher imports could also be due to some pickup in the prices of global commodities during the month after China reopened its economy from COVID restrictions since December 2023 that led to some upward correction in some global commodity prices since China is the world’s biggest importer of oil and other major global commodities,” said Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort. Ricafort said aside from softer exports data because of elevated inflation, higher interest rates also weighed on demand, while the risk of recession in the United States contributed to the larger trade shortfall.

“For the coming months, the recent easing of global oil and other commodity prices amid risk of US economic slowdown would somewhat be a challenge for exports, but could still help ease the country’s imports of oil and other major global commodities,” Ricafort said.

The PSA said of the top 10 major commodity groups in terms of FOB value of exports, six commodity groups recorded annual decreases in January 2023 led by coconut oil; cathodes and sections of cathodes, of refined copper; metal components; electronic products; chemicals, and other manufactured goods.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said it earmarked P55 billion in 2023 capital expenditures, up 19.5 percent from P46 billion last year, on continued improvement in real estate and rental revenues.

Megaworld said in a recent analysts briefing it planned to launch P60 billion worth of projects and three township developments this year.

It also targets P130 billion in reservation sales this year, up 9.2 percent from P119 billion it booked in 2022.

Megaworld said that aside from renewed demand for residential units, it also expected the office sector to sustain

49, while 47 issues were unchanged. The ten most active stocks ended in the red, with Manila Electric Co. and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. incurring the biggest losses.

The peso also traded lower at 55.08 against the US dollar Tuesday, following Monday’s finish at 54.93.

Local bank executives tried to calm equity investors. The Bankers Association of the Philippines said recent de-

velopments in the US financial system have no substantial nor material impact on Philippine banks.

Most Asian markets were down Tuesday. The swift closure of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday, followed by Signature Bank days later, forced US authorities to immediately pledge support for other lenders and depositors.

The move by the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. provided some reassurance to investors, but shares in several US banks were hammered on fears of a run by customers.

That came despite US President Joe Biden giving assurances that the na-

tion’s banking system was sound, while European leaders similarly tried to soothe investors. The collapse of SVB, which specialized in venture-capital financing mainly in the tech sector, was largely the result of the Fed’s sharp interest rate hikes aimed at quelling inflation, which hit securities hard.

Now several commentators and leading banks say the Fed might need to pause its tightening campaign to provide some stability to financial markets— with some even suggesting it could cut borrowing costs.

“SVB’s demise will pressure central banks into slowing interest rate

BAP assures depositors of local banks’ stability

THE 44-member strong Bankers Association of the Philippines assured depositors on Tuesday that the domestic banking system remains strong and stable and will not be impacted by any untoward developments overseas.

“The Bankers Association of the Philippines assures the Filipino public that recent developments in the US financial system have no substantial or material impact on Philippine banks,” the BAP said in a statement.

Last week’s collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and New York-based Signature Bank marked the biggest banking failures since the 2008 global financial crisis.

America’s top finance officials unveiled a series of measures over the weekend aimed at restoring confidence

in the banking sector and settling turbulent markets.

The Treasury, the Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. set out plans to ensure SVB’s customers would be able to access all their deposits in the bank.

Signature Bank would also be “made whole”, they said in a joint statement on Sunday.

Bankers in the Philippines said local banks have diversified deposit bases that include all sectors of the Philippine economy, allowing them to continuously provide the liquidity needs of their clients.

“Additionally, banks in the Philip

pines continue to have capital and li

quidity ratios that exceed the require

ments set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” the BAP said.

“The prudential measures implemented by the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] provide the necessary support that allows the Philippine banking system to withstand economic shocks,” it said.

The BAP said it continues to work with the BSP and other stakeholders to pursue reforms that will lead to an even stronger financial system that sufficiently provides the financial needs of the banking public.

The BAP is the lead organization of universal and commercial banks in the country with 44 member banks including 20 local banks and 24 foreign bank branches. Julito G. Rada

hikes,” said Arun Sai, of Pictet Asset Management.

“Central banks will now have to consider the impact of any further interest rate hikes on the stability of the financial system.”

That sent the dollar tumbling Monday, though it clawed back some of those losses in Asian trade.

Yields on government bonds around the world have tumbled in light of the crisis, and analysts warn the risk of recession has grown.

“Global bond markets are suggesting a global economic slowdown, which is not great for Asia,” said John Vail of Nikko Asset Management. With AFP

IN BRIEF

Nickel Asia’s income increases 15% to P7.93b

NICKEL Asia Corp. said Tuesday its attributable net income rose 15 percent in 2022 to P7.93 billion from P7.81 billion in 2021 on favorable metal prices and foreign exchange rate. NAC said in a stock exchange filing that combined nickel ore production from its five operating mines declined 11 percent in 2022 to 15.94 million wet metric tons from 17.94 million WMT a year earlier.

It said that despite the lower sales volume, revenues climbed 2 percent year-onyear to P28.03 billion, boosted by higher nickel ore prices and favorable exchange rates. The weighted average nickel ore sales price in 2022 increased to $29.17 per WMT against $29.13 per WMT in 2021. The mining firm said it also realized P54.90 per US dollar from these nickel ore sales, an 11-percent increase from P49.48 last year.

“Despite the inclement weather that affected our nickel mining business, 2022 remained a good year for NAC with prices for the metal buoyed by high demand. Our renewable energy business also made strides as it was able to increase its generational capacity and forge a partnership with an international player, Shell Investments B.V.,” said NAC president and chief executive Martin Antonio Zamora. Jenniffer B. Austria Nike lauds BOC officials on campaign vs. fake goods

EXECUTIVES in the Asia-Pacific region of footwear brand Nike commended the intensified campaign against fake goods of the Bureau of Customs led by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

Representatives from the Nike Asia Pacific paid a courtesy visit to Bureau of Customs-Intelligence Group deputy commissioner Juvymax Uy on March 9 to show their appreciation of the agency’s recent successful seizures of counterfeit footwear through the implementation of letters of authority against violators of intellectual property rights.

Nike Philippines committed to increasing its trade in the Philippines through its physical stores and e-commerce platforms.

“These counterfeit products do not have the required documentations, and they endanger the safety of those who use them,” Rubio said in a statement.

“As the BOC remains vigilant against these IPR-infringing goods, we also encourage the public against purchasing or supporting these goods,” he said. Julito G. Rada

Panguil Bay Bridge

set to open in 2024

its growth momentum amid stable occupancy and continued rent escalations.

Megaworld’s office segment has 207,200 square meters of gross leasable area in the pipeline that will be completed between 2023 and 2026. This year, the company expects to have additional 8,600 sq. m. with the opening of No. 1 Upper East in Bacolod City.

The property firm also expects mall rent to exceed pre-pandemic revenues on the back of higher occupancy and full rent collection.

It has a mall pipeline of 159,500 sq. m. that will be completed from 2023 to 2026. It is set to complete this year 5,400 sq. m. of retail space at D’ Olive in Antipolo and 3,000 sq. m. at Davao Whiskey Park in Davao City.

Hong Kong bookings reached 230 percent from December 2022 to January 2023 and continues with a double-digit growth in February and March.

THE Department of Public Works and Highways said the P7.4-billion Panguil Bay Bridge Project, the longest waterspanning bridge in Northern Mindanao, is set to open by the first half of 2024.

DPWH senior undersecretary Emil Sadain said the project was 63-percent complete as the agency started constructing the bridge top slab on both ends in Tangub, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Sadain said that bored piling works on the seabed for the 32 pylon, a structure that provides support for the 3.17-kilometer bridge across Panguil Bay, were completed and a lot of machinery for bridge construction were in full gear working forward to the main bridge pylons 1 and 2.

“By working round-the-clock and further improve the formulated measures to catch up the delays brought by previous suspension of activities due to COVID-19 pandemic from March 16 to July 2020, we will be able to finish the project toward the goal of having first traffic cross the bridge by first half of 2024,” Sadain said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Average electricity spot market prices ease as gas plants reopen

By Alena Mae S. Flores

The Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines said Tuesday average electricity prices at the spot market for Luzon and Visayas went down by P1.69 per kilowatt-hour in the early part of March amid cooler temperature and availability of natural gas plants.

“The natural gas facilities are back in normal operations, and we can see that we had an increase in terms of supply on average by 426 MW [megawatts],” IEMOP corporate communications manager Jocell Co said.

IEMOP is the operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market which also launched the Mindanao market on Jan. 26 this year.

“Demand it still at the level 9,826 MW, a little lower by 82 MW for the first few days of the March billing period, and you have an increase somehow of our average margin by 536 MW. So far the average billing period that we are seeing for March is P5.78 per kWh,” Co said.

Average electricity prices at the WESM rose to P7.47 per kWh in February because of tight supply. The supply margins improved to 3,403 MW as of March 12 from 2,867 MW in February. A tight supply margin results in elevated spot market prices.

“In the past days, the temperature is cooler, so somehow this helps to still maintain sufficiency in terms of available supply to

meet our demand requirement,” Co said.

Meanwhile, the average prices at the Mindanao WESM increased to P6.31 per kWh in the first 12 days of March from P5.20 per kWh in February.

Supply in Mindanao declined by 260 MW to 3,006 MW in March while demand slightly rose to 1,721 MW from 1,700 MW in February. The average supply margin was also lower at 1,082 MW from 1,343 MW in February.

The majority of Mindanao customers’ requirements in the February supply month were served by coal plants at 62.54 percent, followed by hydro plants at 30.39 percent, and geothermal plants at 4.44 percent, with 13.90 percent of total consumption bought through the WESM.

Megaworld raising 2023 capex to P55b to launch 3 townships and other projects

USAID-UNILAB TIEUP. The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development, launches a five-year, P622-million ($10.6 million) partnership with Unilab Foundation to train Filipino workers to meet the evolving requirements of the high-tech manufacturing sector. Joining the inauguration of Amherst Laboratories Training Facility in Biñan, Laguna, one of the facilities that will provide skills support and training for Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance beneficiaries are US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson (third from right), Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual (second from right) Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. (right) and Unilab Inc. chairman of the board Clinton Andrew Campos Hess (fourth from right).

TOURISM RECOVERY. Michelle Ho, general manager of Klook Philippines and Thailand, shares the results of the Klook Travel Pulse—a study which analyzes consumer travel trends based on data gathered from app and website usage. The study reveals that 87 percent of Klook users in the Philippines are eager to travel, with 17 percent of them having made a booking for a holiday trip. Filipinos are also inclined towards international travel to neighboring countries like Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong. Month-on-month growth for Klook in relation to

Klook is Asia’s leading travel and experiences platform.

PSC bridges SBP with gov’t for World Cup, FIBA hosting

THE Philippine Sports Commission hosted an inter-agency coordination meeting for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 on Tuesday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

PSC chairman Richard Bachmann started by thanking everyone, particularly the sports leaders, local sports executives, government officials, representatives and stakeholders for responding to the call for a comprehensive plan and unified movement in making the best World Cup hosting possible.

Suarez faces toughest test yet in unbeaten Aussie foe

By Randy Caluag

FORMER Olympian Charly Suarez has vowed to go all out against fellow undefeated Paul Fleming of Australia in their International Boxing Organization super featherweight title bout on Wednesday in Sydney, Australia.

“Pambihira lang itong ganitong pagkakataon. Ito na talaga chance ko,” said Suarez, who at 34 cannot afford to be delayed any longer in his quest for a world boxing title. “Ang totoo kong kalaban is sarili ko. Kahit saang larangan, malaking part ‘yung maturity. Iba ka nang mag-isip kaysa dati.”

“Basta ako lalaban ako at dapat makuha ko ito. Ito na ‘yung level ng mindset ko ngayon. ‘Di ko na pakakawalan, wala ng excuse,” added Suarez, a former Filipino Olympian, who spent most of his boxing career as a national athlete.

After beating all his first 14 opponents, eight of them via stoppage, Suarez is facing his toughest test in his two-year professional boxing career—a taller foe, who has 29 wins with 18 knockouts and without a defeat.

PH-bound USA adjusting to FIBA play

TEAM USA will be adjusting to the international style of basketball play as they get ready for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Philippines.

Managing director Grant Hill said this more than month before the official draw of lots is held in the country on April 29.

Hill said they are taking their time to select their final roster from a pool composed of 52 players.

“The international game is very, very different than our game here in the States. And there’s greater physicality than the officiating will allow you to play. We tend to be at times with one-on-one plays with the incredible players we have in our games the NBA. In the international game, it’s really precise execution. So, there’s a requirement on the defensive end on discipline on bigs,” said Hill.

He added that they need to have big players with versatility on their roster, which will soon be trimmed to a Final 12.

USA finished the qualifiers with a 9-3 win-loss record. Former Chicago Bulls’ mentor Jim Boylen has been the coach for Team USA in its 15-month qualifying process.

The World Cup tips off August 25 in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines and concludes on September 10. Team USA joins Canada as the qualified teams from the Americas, with the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Brazil.

Team USA will soon have a training camp in Las Vegas, before heading for road games abroad in Abu Dhabi and Spain. Peter Atencio

Suarez’s manager and coach Delfin Boholst said they have done everything in their training camp to make Charly stronger than ever.

“Makikita natin si Charly may edad na pero, ‘yung body niya sariwa. Sa laba n makikita niyo talaga ‘yung ginawa namin na preparation ni Charly,” he s aid.

Without the backing of a moneyed manager and promoter, Suarez’s camp turned to friends and supporters for their needs. Some of those who answered their plea for support were former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas and businessmanphilanthropist Edward Aguilar.

Sinas and Aguilar, who are close friends and partners in several business ventures, provided financial support for

training and other needs of Suarez.

Suarez is coming off a big conquest of the International Boxing Federation Asia junior lightweight title with a technical knockout win over Defry Palulu of Indonesia at the Grand Ho Tram Hotel in Vietnam last Dec. 10.

Two months earlier, the many-time Southeast Asian Games champion deci-

sioned compatriot Carlo Magali to successfully defend the World Boxing Association Asia Super Featherweight title. As an amateur, Suarez won three Southeast Asian Games golds—two in the lightweight division (2011 Jakarta, 2019 Manila) and one in the featherweight category (2009 Laos)—plus a bronze in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.

Thirty-seven national government agencies, local government units, private organizations and stakeholders were present during the 3-hour discussion organized by the PSC, resting on its mandate to get full assistance from other government entities to perform its functions as stated in Section 24 of Republic Act 6847.

“Since basketball is the no. 1 sport in the Philippines, this hosting is vital not only in showcasing the best quality of the game to our kababayans and the world, but also in using sports as a universal opportunity to bond, connect and make impossibilities happen,” said Bachmann.

The Philippine government will be one of the hosts for the global event which is expected to further strengthen sports tourism in the country as observed from previous hostings of the World Cup.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panliliio also extended his gratitude to the PSC for making the inter-agency meeting possible.

“Thank you, Chairman Dickie [Bachmann] for organizing this event. Thank you for coming. This is not for SBP alone, this is for the Philippines,” said Panlilio.

The FIBA World Cup hosting will be another check in history for the country since this will be the first time in 45 years of the prestigious tournament since its last hosting in 1978.

Thirty-two teams will compete in a total of 92 games across five venues in three different countries.

The group phase of the competition will be simultaneously played on August 25-30, 2023 in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines where the games will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM MOA Arena.

PH Athletics Championships a preview of SEAG

By Peter Atencio

THE presence of Fil-heritage athletes and those from neighboring countries in the Southeast Asian region will make competitions interesting in the coming 2023 ICTSIPhilippine Athletics Championships slated March 21 to 26 in Ilagan, Isabela.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary general Edward Kho said this as participants from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia will be bringing top-caliber entries, with some of them even competing in the coming 2023 Southeast Asian Games.

“Maganda ang mga labanan na aabangan natin dito. It would be, in a way, a preview of what’s in store in the SEA Games,” said Kho during Tuesday’s

weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila.

“It would be, in a way, a preview of what’s in store in the SEA Games,” added Kho.

Seven of 10 Fil-Heritage athletes, who made the cut to the national squad for the biennial meet will be around.

Among them is Robyn Brown, who won a bronze medal to Quách Thị Lan of Vietnam in the women’s 400-meter hurdles.

Lan, who will defend her SEA Games title, will be part of a 16-man team that Vietnam will send to Isabela.

On the other hand, Malaysia will send 30 athletes, while Thailand and Indonesia will have 16 apiece.

Another Fil-American bet is Lauren Hoffman, who is currently ranked no. 45 in the world in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. Hoffman has a personal best time of 55.47 seconds, set in an NCAA Division 1 meet last year.

Her time is already better than that of Lan, whose gold-medal time in the SEA Games is 56.33 seconds.

Pole vaulter Natalie Uy will be there with Alyanna Nicolas, along with the Richardson twins Kayla and Kyla, sprinter Eric Cray, men’s shotput bet William Morrison III and John Cabang in the men’s 110-meter hurdles.

Another pole vaulter in Elijah Cole will be there, too, as he seeks to improve on his personal best of 5.41 meters, which he did in April last year.

Pros brace for stiff challenge as ICTSI Negros unwraps

BACOLOD—Premium will be on accuracy and the knack to face to terrors lurking on the tricky Marapara greens as the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic presented by MORE Power unwraps today (Wednesday) here.

Guido van der Valk, who swept the last two legs of last year’s seven-leg edition of the Philippine Golf Tour then dominated the circuit’s flagship tournament—The Country Club Invitational—last month, sets out as the marked player among the crack cast all primed up for four days of battle of skills and wits at the quaint par-72 layout.

“It’s all about combination of good drives because it’s (Marapara) pretty tight and you have to hit good irons because the greens are small,” said Van der Valk. “I’m really looking forward to these two weeks and play on a couple of my favorite courses.”

Iloilo will host the next stop next week to cap the two-leg Visayan swing of the circuit put up by ICTSI and organized by

Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “Dapat dito diretso kang mag drive, at ‘yung putting, kasi medyo mahirap ang greens dito,” said Clyde Mondilla, who with Van der Valk, will be as much tested as the rest of the starting field in the 72hole championship which stakes a total prize of P2.25 million.

While winning the first tournament of the new season would surely boost one’s confidence, not to mention gain the socalled momentum, the men of the tour are coming into this week’s kickoff leg upbeat and at the same time grateful for what promises to be a busy year for them.

“I’m super excited kasi after the Razon Memorial Cup, we have one month to prepare for this start,” said Mondilla, who will test debuting pro Gab Manotoc and Nilo Salahog’s mettle at 8 a.m. on No. 1. “I practiced and trained every day, so I can say that I like my chances.”

“Yeah, I’m really glad to be here and, of course excited to start the season and hope

to have a very good campaign,” said Van der Valk, who drew young guns Kristoffer Arevalo and Korean PGT Q-School topnotcher Hyun Ho Rho at 7:40 a.m. on No. 1. He, however, has opted to downplay his chances, stressing: “I don’t think I’m best prepared to be honest, but it my best. It will be a tough couple of weeks but hopefully I can find some of the form I had a couple of weeks ago (at The Country Club).”

For his part, multi-titled Tony Lascuña said it will all depend on each player’s condition since all have been looking forward for the Tour resumption.

“Hindi mo kasi masasabi na i-score ka dito, depende sa kondisyon ng player, said Lascuña, who will start at 7:50 a.m. against Ruperto Zaragosa and Eless Bisera. “But super happy ang mga touring pros at mag-start na uli ang tour. Lahat naman kami lagging handa, so lahat may chance.”

Executives from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas pose with FBWC 2023 mascot “Jip” during the Inter-agency Coordination meeting held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Edward Kho

Charly Suarez (second from left) is shown with friends and supporters, including businessman-philanthropist Edward Aguilar and former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas before before leaving for Australia.

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine Under-20 Women’s National Team finished their stint in the Asian Football Confederation Under-20

Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers campaign with a 2-all draw against Hong Kong last Sunday at the KM16 National Stadium in Vientiane, Laos.

Goals from Robyn Dizon and Isabela Pasion allowed the Filipinas U20 to finish in second place in Group A, with four points on one win, one draw, and one loss.

Dizon scored in the 11th minute, while Pasion added another one in the 54th minute.

After Dizon’s first goal, Hong Kong drew level in the 24th minute off Lee Alexis following three unsuccessful attempts.

Leung Hong Kiu Anke added a second goal in the first minute of added time in the first half with a shot from outside the box to go up 2-1.

Alcaraz, Swiatek march on at Indian Wells; Murray falls

INDIAN WELLS—Carlos Alcaraz fended off tenacious Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 on Monday to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells as he and women’s top seed Iga Swiatek passed tough tests in the California desert.

Alcaraz, 19, had a testing time breaking through against his determined Dutch foe, who had won their only prior hard court meeting.

He didn’t face a break point in the first set, nor could he convert either of his two.

A strong start in the tiebreaker proved the difference, Alcaraz locking up the set with a forehand winner on his second set point.

He rolled from there, breaking Griekspoor in the second game on the way to a 3-0 lead in the second set.

“It has been a really tough match,” Alcaraz said of his 100th ATP Tour match win. “Tallon is playing great, I had to be really focused. Of course playing with a lot of wind like today is also tough.

“I had chances at the beginning of the

first set, I didn’t take it.

“The second set, I took my chances that I had in the beginning and thanks to that I was able to play more relaxed.”

Alcaraz will face Britain’s Jack Draper for a place in the quarter-finals after Draper overcame former world number one Andy Murray 7-6 (8/6), 6-2.

Women’s world number one Swiatek, seeking to become the first woman since Martina Navratilova in 1990 and ‘91 to win back-to-back titles in the combined WTA and ATP Masters 1000 event, elevated her game when she had to for a 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) victory over Canadian Bianca Andreescu.

Andreescu, whose 2019 Indian Wells title proved the springboard to a breakout season that included a US Open crown,

pushed Swiatek through punishing baseline rallies, trading six breaks of serve with the reigning French and US Open champion in the second set only to be overpowered in the tiebreaker.

“Bianca can change the rhythm pretty well on this surface, it can get tough,” Swiatek said, but added she was “glad that I had a chance to play under pressure a little bit more and see how I’m going to cope with that.”

Swiatek next faces another former US Open champion in Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who earned an impressive 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 victory over big-hitting Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Raducanu, who has battled nagging wrist trouble and tonsillitis in recent weeks, notched her best win by ranking since she captured the US Open two years ago.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan punched her ticket to the fourth round with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over former champion Paula

Malixi, Avaricio, Uy slug it out in ICTSI golf

BACOLOD—While top amateur Rianne Malixi looms as the marked player this week, the rest of the compact but talent-laden Ladies Philippine Golf Tour field go all out to foil her bid and fuel their respective title drive in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic presented by MORE Power beginning today (Wednesday) at the Marapara course here.

For one, Chanelle Avaricio is hoping to turn her eagerness into a winning attack as she tries to match or surpass her three-leg victory last year with renewed enthusiasm and a battle plan needed in this kind of campaign.

“I’m super excited to have another opportunity to play the whole year.

It’s my first time here at Marapara and it’s very tight, but hopefully, I’ll do well this week,” said Avaricio, who scored an ace and rallied to finish 16th in the Anvaya Cove International last month.

“I played okay at Anvaya, especially on the last day. But I didn’t do well in the Thai LPGA, so hopefully, I’ll play better,” she added, referring to her missed cut stint in Thailand last week.

But she hopes to build some confidence with a strong finish in the 54hole LPGT championship, saying: “I

need to build on my confidence, mental game and course management.”

“I don’t know my chances, to be honest, I haven’t been playing well but I’ll try to st ay positive the whole week,” said Avaricio.

So will the rest of the cast, including Malixi, who is coming off a tied 13th place finish in last Sunday’s Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific Championship in Singapore.

However, the 16-year-old shotmaker is still expected to flaunt her superb shotmaking skills the way she did in her three LPGT stints last year, which she swept.

“There might be a fatigue factor heading to this event but it’s more of the conditioning and I was trained for tournaments like this so I think I’m handling it pretty well for this event,” said Malixi. “Another (LPGT) victory would mean a lot but I wont be thinking about that win, it’s more of shot-byshot and my game plan for this course.”

“I’m not sure how my game would go (for this course). I haven’t seen it, I haven’t walked it yet, so let’s see what’s up later,” added the rising star.

Malixi and Avaricio set out for an early duel in he 9 a.m. flight with Daniella Uy.

Fellow amateur Mafy Singson is also due for a big finish after a string of so-so performances here and abroad, while Chihiro Ikeda, Harmie Constantino, Marvi Monsalve and Gretchen Villacencio are also raring to launch their respective campaigns in the Pilipinas Golf ments, Inc.-organized Cyna Rodriguez, meanwhile, marks her return to the circuit she had dominated in its first three seasons, after a two-year hiatus, while former amateur standout Mia Piccio re-launches her campaign right on a course where she honed her talent and skills.

“I guess I’m as prepared as I can be, given my current situation,” said Piccio, a non-touring pro, whose last tournament was the ICTSI Manila Golf in 2019.

Uy, a former Junior World champion, is also in the fold, along with Sunshine Baraquiel, Pamela Mariano, Rev Alcantara and young Laurea Duque.

Other top pairings pit Constantino, Singson and Pamela Mariano at 9:20 a.m., Piccio, Rodriguez and Sarah Ababa at 8:50 a.m., and Ikeda, Monsalve and Baraquiel at 9:10 a.m., all on the first hole.

Badosa of Spain.

Rybakina, ranked 10th in the world after a runner-up finish to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open in January, had lost her last three matches against Badosa -- her doubles partner this week.

Fourth-seeded Tunisian Ons Jabeur, playing her first tournament since missing Doha and Dubai in the wake of knee surgery, was beaten 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 by Czech Marketa Vondrousova—the same woman who upset Jabeur in the second round of the Australian Open.

In another rematch of an Australian Open second-round clash, fifth-seeded Caroline Garcia beat Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1. Fritz eases through

In other men’s action, defending champion Taylor Fritz cruised past Argentina’s Sebastian Baez 6-1, 6-2.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, 37, beat 19-year-old seventh seed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5. AFP

Philippine women’s Under-20 coach Nahuel Arrarte said the talent pool through this kind of a development program will help the country sustain its progress in international women’s football.

Arrarte believes that the competition “highlighted the importance of making sure that we continue to grow development programs in the Philippines to increase the talent pool.”

The team was only formed a few weeks ago and underwent a camp for a week in Manila before flying to Laos a week before the first match.

Unseeded for the tournament, the Filipinas’ U20 team also ended up in a tough group that included powerhouse China.

The Filipinas U20 bowed to China, 0-6, before recording the country’s first win at this level in 11 years when they stunned host Laos, 1-0.

“It was a great experience for the players to see what’s required to compete at this level,” added Arrarte.

PH draws with HK to conclude U20 stint Kings, Royce gain semis in Pilipinas Super League

GUARD Nikko Panganiban provided the scoring punch as No. 1 San Juan showed the door on No. 8 Manila with a 95-84 victory last Monday night in their quarterfinals duel in the Manila Bankers Life-Pilipinas Super League Pro Division Second Conference Dumper Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Panganiban totaled 24 points, to go with four rebounds for the twiceto-beat Kings, while Rence Nocum added 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.

AC Soberano and Egie Boy Mojica also had 11 and 10, respectively for San Juan, which advanced to the semifinals opposite the winner of the Last 8 showdown pitting the No. 4 Pampanga G Lanterns and fifthranked Sta. Rosa Laguna.

The G Lanterns, armed with a winonce incentive, clashed with the Lions at press time last night.

In the other game, third seed Pampanga Royce Hotel whipped No. 6 Batang Kankaloo-Caloocan 91-77 to also advance to the semis of the tilt presented by Dumper partylist, Winzir, and Skin Care Depot, co-presented by SCD Cosmetics, and supported by NET 25, Adcon, Wcube Solutions Inc., MDC, Unisol, Don Benitos, and Finn Cotton, with PBA and Gilas Pilipinas great Marc Pingris serving as Commissioner. Jolo Mendoza shot 4-of-8 from deep and finished with 23 points, two rebounds, and two assists for Pampanga Royce, while reigning NCAA MVP Will Gozum had 17 points and two rebounds.

Rhinwil Yambing also added 11 and four for Pampanga Royce, which will face either No. 2 and defending champion Davao Occidental-Cocolife or seventh-ranked Boracay.

The Tigers battled the Islanders also last night.

The scores

First game

PAMPANGA ROYCE 91 – Mendoza 23, Gozum 17, Yambing 11, Bahio 7, Liwag 7, Huang 7, Villapando 6, Palencia 4, Cullar 3, Verano 3, J. Flores 2, Navarro 0, Baetiong 0, Sangco 0. BATANG KANKALOO-CALOOCAN 77 – Cervantes 20, Espinas 14, Sanga 9, Orquina 9, Tayongtong 9, Gonzales 7, Laude 5, Caranguian 2, Valin 2, Galicia 0, Santos 0, Manalang 0, Ariar 0, Cinco 0.

Quarters: 19-22, 42-41, 66-61, 91-77.

OKBet-MPBL o ers opportunities, helps spur economic growth

THE OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is not just about the battle for regional supremacy.

More importantly, the partnership between OKBet and MPBL was forged in their desire to help spur economic development by providing opportunities to players and livelihood to all local government units taking part in the regional tournament.

And by providing free basketball clinics, OKBet-MPBL can take pride in inspiring the youth to dream big in the hope that they become big stars someday.

During the opening of the league last Saturday at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, former senator and MPBL founder

Manny Pacquiao expressed his gratitude to OKBet, the league’s title sponsor, for its continuous support in providing sustainable opportunities to aspiring Filipino sportsmen and developing the local competitive scene.

“Malaki narin ang pinagbago ng MPBL simula ng unang season natin, pero hindi nagbabago ang layunin nitong makapagbigay ng saya sa bawat Pinoy na mahilig sa basketball at opportunities sa ating players, coaches, and staff, lalong-lalo na sa ating mga homegrown talents,” said the boxing legend.

Along with the renewal of OKBet and MPBL’s sponsorship deal came new opportunities for the Filipino sports community, as the gaming firm promised to continue

its “Play It Forward” campaign.

This initiative, which was launched late last year, aims to promote sports development at the grassroots level through partnerships with different institutions, communities, and local government units.

In an interview, OKBet brand manager Alex Barcela said that the company will keep enlisting the help of MPBL players and coaching staff to host more basketball camps for aspiring talents. The continuous sponsorship also helps the league provide career opportunities to over 600 players, team staff, and officiating personnel across different regions in the country, serving as a sustainable source of income for hundreds of Filipino families.

Manny Pacquiao

Iga Swiatek of Poland acknowledges the crowd after defeating Bianca Andreescu of Canada during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. AFP

Chanelle Avaricio

E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

From left: Nathalie Hart, Joseph Marco, and Ryza Cenon

SEXY actress Nathalie Hart has been jet-setting between Australia and the Philippines thus she’s a bit selective in choosing the projects that she would accommodate.

Case in point, her new film, Kunwari… Mahal Kita by Roderick Lindayag, was a perfect project to complement her busy lifestyle

heart Nathalie’s desires

being a celebrity and an entrepreneur.

Sexy actress Nathalie Hart’s experiences make her selective in choosing her projects

Kunwari… Mahal Kita follows Greg (Joseph Marco) who is married to Cindy (Nathalie) – the epitome of a successful woman. She seems to have everything in her life except for one thing – an, equally successful husband.

“I really like the project because there’s nothing sexualize about this film, if there’s something sexy about it, it’s part of the role I play. It’s something different from me because we’re talking about marriage and I’m a professional in the story,” Nathalie told Manila Standard Entertainment in a Zoom interview.

“I can perfectly relate to the role, but the audiences really need to see it in the cinemas

What‘Kunwari… Mahal Kita’ follows the story of Greg (Joseph Marco) who is married to Cindy (Nathalie)

for them to understand where I’m coming from.

She’s a bit bad or selfish in the story. She’s all about her career and money,” she added.

In the story Cindy decides to call it quits with Greg, demanding an annulment. Greg tries to prevent it from happening but to no avail, Cindy doesn’t want to hear any apology anymore. To clear his mind, Greg rides all the way to his cousin Gab’s resort in La Union. This is where he meets Hydes (Ryza Cenon), a perky man-hating staff with which he had an unfortunate meet-cute with, until their relationship deepens. It all felt real until Cindy shows up at the resort, asking Greg to give their marriage another chance.

“I didn’t feel like working. It feels like we’re just hanging out. I guess when you’re comfortable with your co-actors, working is

just a breeze. It was my first time working on a film that didn’t feel stressful. This is the kind of project that makes my heart really feel at ease, this is the kind of project that I really desire,” Nathalie stated.

Nathalie has a reputation for being vocal about the roles she plays especially when they are completely different from her reallife personality. But she’s learned to ignore the people who bash her online whenever her comments don’t sit well with them.

“I will no longer share so much about my character because I’m not really good at answering trolls online, most especially when they don’t agree with my comments,” she said alluding to her previous statement regarding her LGBTQ character that made her a subject of bashers on social media.

“I just ignore them. Sometimes I feel stupid whenever I say something wrong about my

Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon

US Ambassador pays courtesy call on GMA Network chairman

US AMBASSADOR to the Philippines

MaryKay Carlson paid a courtesy call on GMA Network Inc. Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon on March 9, at the network’s headquarters in Quezon City.

With Ambassador Carlson were Press

Attaché Kanishka Gangopadhyay and Press & Media Specialist Camille

Conde

Meanwhile, Atty. Gozon was joined by GMA Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe Yalong, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth Rasonable, First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy, and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor Amoroso and Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz. Award-winning broadcast journalist Pia Arcangel hosted the event. Atty. Gozon welcomed the ambassador and emphasized the strong connection between the Philippines and the United States, “The relationship between the Philippines and the Filipinos and the American government and the Americans have been nothing short of rosy and harmonious.”

He also assured the diplomat of GMA’s cooperation with the U.S. Embassy. “Madam Ambassador, I hope your stint here in the Philippines will be characterized by nothing but success and on our part, we will be ready to help you in disseminating the information to the Filipinos.”

In response, Ambassador Carlson said, “From the bottom of my heart [and] from our team here, thank you.”

She also recounted the long and strong partnership between the United States and the network.

“We already have quite a lot of collaboration with GMA, a number of the reporters here have gone to [the] United States on international visitor leadership programs specifically focused

on journalistic practices and maintaining a free press and upholding standards in reporting so we have quite a longstanding record of great collaboration with GMA, but absolutely we look forward to even more.”

GMA Network is the first media organization to be visited by the US diplomat. Its multimedia news organization, GMA Integrated News, brings top-notch and comprehensive reportage across its TV, radio, and online platforms.

Ambassador Carlson commended GMA’s mission and commitment to truth-telling and accurate information.

“Those are really important attributes of a democracy and we in the United States and I think everywhere around the world are struggling now with so much disinformation so it was a real honor to meet the team here and to see their commitment to free, open, press and honest reporting.”

Apart from the longstanding connection with GMA, the diplomat also shared some of the enduring projects between the Philippines and the United States. This includes the U.S. Peace Corps in the Philippines, the longestrunning program of its kind in the world; Fulbright, an international scholarship program celebrating its 75 years in the Philippines; and the American Chamber of Commerce, the oldest American chamber overseas, among others.

Ambassador Carlson was nominated by President Joe Biden in February 2022 as Ambassador to the Philippines and was confirmed by the US Senate in May of the same year. She previously served as the Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to this, she held the same position in New Delhi, India, and served as Principal Deputy Executive Secretary for the Secretary of State in Washington, D.C.

characters. But I’m really used to it. I just don’t care and I don’t have the energy to answer back,” Nathalie further stated.

According to the sexy actress, Kunwari… Mahal Kita wanted to answer the questions: In the game of make-believe, which is easier: Pretending to be in love or hiding that you’re in love? Which is more painful: Falling out of love or finding out that the love was fake all along?

“The theme is quite intriguing so I do hope that we get the support of the curious public,” she ended. Also starring in the movie are Yayo Aguila, Josh Colet, Thou Reyes, and Eslove Briones Kunwari… Mahal Kita opens in cinemas today from Viva Films.

How Jolina Magdangal balances parenting and a thriving career

By Patricia Taculao

REGARDLESS of what others might say, parenting is a full-time job. 90s

sweetheart Jolina Magdangal-Escueta knows the struggles of meeting her family’s needs and wants, especially during crucial moments. Although Jolina enjoys a thriving career as a host of Magandang Buhay, she still tries to maintain an active parenting style with her husband, Mark Escueta Nasimulan kasi namin ‘yung mga anak namin na kahit na nasa bahay, gusto namin ma-feel nila na talagang bonding kami. At pag bibigyan namin sila ng time, as in quality time. Kaya kahit wala ‘yung isa sa amin, dapat napapanindigan pa din namin ‘yon,” she said.

It’s been a year since Jolina went without a helper, so even though she had projects and work-from-home tasks, she still finds the time and energy to spend time with her family without sacrificing anything. She even shared that their children are homeschooled, with her and Mark as their teachers.

Being busy and multi-tasking can be challenging because she hopes to satisfy everyone’s needs. But it also translates to how she manages her household because it’s the foundation of her life and her family’s.

Fortunately, she has a supportive husband who shares the work with her and two well-behaved kids who make the process easier and support her status as a modern parent furthering her career while creating strong bonds with her family.

“Dapat ama lang ‘yung choice mo kung magpapa-stress ka ba or

magpapaka-busy ka ba. Nasa sa’yo rin ‘yun kung paano mo iisa-isahin ang lahat ng hindi ka pagod na pagod,” the actress-host said.

As the brand ambassador for GrabMart, Jolina saw firsthand how the feature from Grab benefits her as a hands-on mother and wife. With just a few clicks on a smartphone, Jolina, and other users, likewise, can access a trove of shops that cater to various wants and needs of a household.

Before the pandemic, Jolina admitted to making lists of things to buy, which she loved doing as an organized person. But planning things can be monotonous. And being the mother she is, Jolina enjoys exciting her children whenever she can.

“Everyday may mga nangyayaring bago, and sila din, dahil mga bata sila, mabilis silang mag-sawa. Dapat nagaadjust din ako,” Jolina shared.

She shared that GrabMart helped her achieve this compromise between her and

Lovi Poe wears new hat

ACTRESS Lovi Poe has become one of the executive producers of the remake of the 2003 cult film The Room. which will feature American Actor Bob Odenkirk , best known for his role as Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul taking on the lead role of Johnny, which was originated by the filmʼs writer and director, Tommy Wiseau The buzz around the remake of The Room had already emerged on social media recently. Its production comes from Acting for a Cause, an organization that has raised funds for various charitable causes which was founded and directed by Brando Crawford It was Crawford who approached

Lovi to take part in some of the projects that his company is doing.

“I saw great synergy with his company, so I helped produce The Room , says the actress.

Meanwhile, Lovi is busy with Batang Quiapo , currently the number one show on Philippine television today. Lovi is amazed by the public reaction to the toprating series.

“Almost everywhere I go, people call me ʻMokang,ʼ which is my character’s name in the show, and they would ask me where Tanggol is, referring to Coco Martin ʼs character,” confesses Lovi.

As a modern parent, Jolina often tries to give in to her family's requests

her kids. For instance, when she would go to the store, she would buy the things she listed but not new things her kids wanted. Instead of worrying about it, she turned to the feature to supply her with the items she wanted without waiting long.

Using GrabMart also allows her to spend more time with her children, shower them with affection, and focus on other things, like her career.

Whenever she sees her children happy and grateful for her efforts in meeting their requests, Jolina feels fulfilled.

In this day and age, technology has become an advantage to everyday living. For modern parents like Jolina, apps like GrabMart are a must-have in acquiring products to keep her family happy without the extra hassle on her end.

Nickie Wang, Editor; Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant

Nathalie (left) headlines the new film with Joseph Marco

Actress, host, and singer Jolina Magdangal

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (left) with GMA Network Inc.

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Armor that showcases all 14 different iterations of Iron Man’s suit, including the Mark XLIV or Hulk Buster.

The museum also has a Batcave room, with the Batmobile from the classic Batman 1989 film, which was used in the actual movie, on display.

The Asylum features some of the villains faced by Bruce Wayne. I particularly like the Joker collection, featuring the different actors and their interpretations of the arch-enemy of the Dark Knight.

Satisfy your inner geek at

Otakus will have a fun day with the anime section, featuring life-sized statues from One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, One Punch Man, among

others. The Omniverse Museum showcases around 5,000 pop culture collectibles from the personal collection of businessman Ryan Sison, who is a selfconfessed avid pop culture collector. He started collecting back in college; he was 19 years old then. It began with reading and collecting comics before he moved to collecting toys and figurines.

“I like to read Filipino comics such as Funny Comics. Then, I moved to Marvel and DC. I don’t have first appearances. I did have Xmen but it was thrown away by my mom because she thought it was trash. Sakit sa puso,” shared Sison.

He admitted that he collected pop culture memorabilia as a hobby because he is a huge fan of movies.

THERE was a time when I would do Lord of the Rings marathons every weekend; to the point that I memorized to heart the actors’ lines in the J.R.R. Tolkien masterpiece. When the release of the first installment was announced in 2001, I remember reading all three books a few weeks before they hit the cinema. I would re-read the books before each film installment was released.

Imagine how my geeky heart went wild when I saw the LOTR figurines and other memorabilia at the Omniverse Museum, the latest museum project of the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corporation.

Displayed are the scaled-sized landmarks of Middle Earth – Rivendell which is the house of Elrond, the Shire, Isengard, Helm’s Deep, the Argonath or the Pillars of the Kings, Minas Tirith, and the fortresses of Gondor, among others – all set against Mount Doom as background.

On the opposite side is the Barad-dur, also known as the Dark Tower, the colossal tower where the Eye of Sauron is lodged; positioned the same way it was described

OMNIVERSE MUSEUM

Bane, the Balrog that slain Gandalf in the Mines of Moria in the latter part of the Fellowship of the Ring, mounted on the wall, there are lots of things that would delight any LOTR fan.

There’s Sauron’s hand wearing the One Ring, a replica of Narsil which the longsword originally wielded by King Elendil during the War of the Last Alliance and was used by his son Isildur to cut the One Ring from Sauron’s hand, Anduril or the reforged sword from the pieces of Narsil, and Glamdring, the sword of Gandalf the Grey.

I tell you Omniverse is a happy place for all the geeks out there. There are sections meant for Game of Thrones and Harry Potter

It has chambers dedicated to Star Wars, with amazing collectibles from the film franchise, including the limited edition Millennium Falcon signed by Harrison Ford, the actor who played Han Solo in

Embracing local art and design

global collection of hotels where captivating stories are lived and shared.

“South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol –MGallery is an exceptional resort that adds another outstanding destination to our expanding presence in Southeast Asia, joining our flourishing collection of memorable hotels and resorts full of character and charm. Panglao is an island paradise that promises the perfect blend of soft, sandy beaches, sparkling seas, and rich cultural heritage, encouraging more globallyminded travelers to experience its pleasures, and connecting them to the delights of the local neighborhoods,” said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems.

From left: Chris Cho, Vice President Development, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, South Korea and the Maldives, Accor; Andrew Langdon, Senior Vice President, Development, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and India, Accor; Hope Uy, Managing Director of Panglao Shores; Anna Uy-Deaño, Financial Controller of Panglao Shores; Garth Simmons, CEO, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and India, and Bill Barnett, Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks Company

ACCOR, the region’s largest international hotel operator, has continued its rapid expansion in the Philippines with the signing of South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol - MGallery, a locallyinspired five-star resort on the idyllic island of Panglao that will introduce this emerging destination’s unique heritage and community values to visitors from all around the world.

South Palms Resort joins a strong pipeline of 16 committed projects across the country, and will become the first resort-style property for MGallery in the Philippines.

Scheduled to open its doors in 2024, the 188-key South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol –MGallery will be nestled within 6.4-hectare of expansive grounds, surrounded by palm trees and overlooking the powder-soft sands of Panglao’s South coast. When guests are not exploring the island or neighboring Bohol, they will be able to dine at a choice of four restaurants, cool off in the swimming pool, grab refreshments at the pool bar, work out in a well-equipped fitness center, or enjoy soothing therapies at the spa. A ballroom and meeting rooms will also present compelling opportunities for original, out-of-town corporate events and dream weddings. Everything for guests to create their own stories, stories that stay.

South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol - MGallery is being

Managing Director

with support from Bill Barnett

Asian

C9

is a family-run business

a deep emotional connection to Bohol and Panglao. The resort will weave the timeless tales of family and folklore into every aspect of the guest experience. Using a pioneering ‘adaptive reuse’ design approach, the project will embrace the history of the destination by reusing materials from village dwellings in every room. These materials include wooden walls and objects that tell the story of local artisans. This inspiring concept is perfectly aligned with the values of MGallery, Accor’s one-of-a-kind

“The opening of Bohol-Panglao International Airport in 2018 has allowed this exotic island to usher in an exciting new era of travel and tourism, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of this trend. We look forward to working with our partners at AGC to bring this exciting, locally inspired project to life,” Bailly added.

South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol –

MGallery will be surrounded by extensive leisure and MICE facilities courtesy of Panglao Shores, AGC’s brand-new lifestyle destination that will feature a retail mall, residential and hotels, night market, live performance areas, restaurants, bars, and gardens. Developed from the ground up with sustainability as its guiding light and in consultation with local artisans, vendors, farmers, and fishing communities, the future-forward development is designed to benefit the island for many generations to come.

“AGC is a family company that was born in Bohol and cares deeply about this destination. By coming together with Accor, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, we are proud to enhance the quality of hospitality on the island by blending world-class facilities and international standards with the genuine local charm and authentic cultural heritage of Bohol, which is based on shared community values. In combination with Panglao Shores, our destination-defining lifestyle development, we hope to build a bright future for the people of Panglao,” commented Hope Uy, Managing Director of Panglao Shores.

South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol –MGallery is located less than 10 minutes’ drive from Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which offers direct flights to and from Manila and other cities in the Philippines, with the potential for international flights in the future.

Accor is the leading international hotel operator in the Philippines with ten hotels, resorts and branded residences currently operating and a committed pipeline of 16 hotels scheduled to open within the next five years. South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol – MGallery is the second MGallery branded property in the Philippines, joining the Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery.

the 1977 Star Wars film (later renamed Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope). Marvel and DC fans would love this museum, with its outstanding collections of superheroes.

A first in the world, Omniverse is the first and only officially licensed Hall of

“They remind me of those iconic films that I love to watch. I’m the type of person who would watch a movie over and over again. Star Wars, I watched it a thousand times. I watch Star Wars when I’m sad, when I’m happy, or during Christmas.”

While he started with toys, he moved to statues, then from scale to lifesize, and it grew out of proportion. “I don’t have the exact number. It keeps growing,” he said.

One of the challenges he faces is the space to display the collection. It is every collector’s dream to have enough space to display everything properly. “I would wrap and store our warehouse in pristine condition. I can’t really throw the boxes or their value will be affected. What I do – I would buy a certain item, and display it in whatever space I have. When I buy a new one, I would display it and then store the old one.”

Good thing, he now has the Omniverse Museum to display his collection and share his passion for pop culture.

The museum combines entertainment and education. Omniverse bridges fiction and reality with learning tools based on the inspiration that brought about blockbuster movies.

The Omniverse Museum is located at Japan Town, 4/F Glorietta Mall, Makati City. It is open from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. For advance bookings and inquiries, email omniversemuseum@amusements. global or call +639150091034/ +63917842 1131.

Shangri-La Plaza celebrates summer with curated shopping, dining, and creative activities to fill the entire month of March

An ode to summer

LEADING lifestyle destination Shangri-La Plaza creates an Ode to Summer as it curates shopping, dining, and creative activities to fill the entire month of March and provide a taste of what’s ahead for the sunniest season of the year.

Soak up summertime creative inspirations and catch the many accomplishments of women in creative pursuits as Shang marks National Women’s Month. The Artologist Gallery presented the first solo exhibition of sculptor Karen Castrillo-Villaseñor, Glamorosa, at the Grand Atrium until March 8. It’s on view at the East Atrium until March 19. The collection is composed of copper artworks depicting the beauty and strength of women. Panels of the Art Weave by HABI The Philippine Textile Council showcased (from March 10 to 12) the works of female visual artists and weavers from the Cordillera at the Grand Atrium.

Back with its living art and showcase of the famed Japanese flower arrangement, Ikebana Manila invites everyone to view these stylized works at the Grand Atrium from March 21 to 26.

Author Francis Kong is launching an open dated planner with National Bookstore. Pick up a copy on March 29, 6:00 p.m. at the East Atrium for his sage life advice timely for the season and beyond.

Rustan’s is also showcasing its must-have fashion fits and accessories for women and kids from March 13 to 19 with the Summer Town Fair at the Grand Atrium. Kids don’t have to worry as they can put in their own shopping with Toys R US Kids of Summer bazaar from March 28 to April 2. Head to the Grand Atrium where a showcase of every toy imaginable, from baby toys to action figures and dolls to epic skateboards and bikes to sports gears and art materials, will be.

Author Francis Kong’s open dated planner contains his sage life advice timely for the season and beyond jeweler Manila Diamond Studio and everyone’s favorite world-building toy brand LEGO. Savor more eats and treats as more restaurants join Shang’s extensive list of gastro finds. The Manila Baker, beloved for its indulgent Basque burnt cheesecake; Illo’s Buffet, known for its delish party trays; and Teppanya, popular for its fiery Japanese modern cuisine; open their latest shops at the Shang. Adding to that are more Bistro Group brands including seafood spot Fish & Co, Korean BBQ resto Bulgogi Brothers, and American food go-to TGI Fridays. Shang’s Food Forum will also be hosting a series of food bazaars all weekends of March.

Monkey d’Luffy from ‘One Piece’

The reliable droids of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise

Ryan Sison is a businessman who is also an avid pop culture collector

Hall of Armour with 14 different Iron Man suit iterations in the book or seen in the movie. Aside from the life-sized Durin’s

South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol – MGallery embraces sustainability and consults local artisans, vendors, farmers, and fishing communities for its development

developed by Alturas Group of Companies (AGC)

,

of

hospitality consultancy

Hotelworks. AGC

with