Manila Standard - 2023 June 20 - Tuesday

PBBM: AFP FACES MORE SECURITY CHALLENGES

GREENPEACE, QC TO START ‘TINGI’ FOR SARI-SARIS

DoTr approves LRT fare hike

Higher fees start Aug. 2, end-to-end tickets to cost up to P35

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Joel E. Zurbano and Rio N. Araja

THE government has approved a fare increase at the Light Rail Transit’s Lines 1 and 2 starting Aug. 2, raising the minimum boarding fee by 21 percent to P13.29 from the current P11, and P1.21 for every kilometer traveled, up from P1.

For the LRT-1 line, the end-to-end adjusted fares would rise by P5, from P30 to P35, for a single-journey ticket (SJT) on LRT-1 and by P6, from P29 to P35, for stored value card (SVC) holders.

LRT-2 riders will see end-to-end fares go up from P30 to P35 for SJTs and P28 to P33 for SVCs, the DoTr explained in a presentation.

Transport Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino said Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista approved the fare hike after a Cabinet meeting on June 6.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOTr’s) rail regulatory unit previously approved the petitions to increase the train boarding fee by P2.29 and the cost per kilometer traveled by 21 centavos.

Aquino said the fare adjustment allows the Light Railway Transit Authority (LRTA) to enhance the services, amenities, and technical capacities of

‘Fake news has no place in society’: Marcos backs FOI

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said fake news has no place in society as he affirmed his administration’s commitment to the Freedom of Information (FOI) program.

BUSY DAY FOR PBBM. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. receives a token after speaking at the formal opening of the 14th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday. He later huddles with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (inset, backs to the camera) after the oathtaking ceremony of 40 newlypromoted generals at Malacañan Palace. PCO Photos

DSWD: Food stamp pilot-testing could start July, cover 3,000 families

food credit can be used to purchase a select list of food commodities from DSWD-accredited local retailers. It intends to target the bottom one million households who belong to

P3m reward up for info leading to Bantag, Zulueta arrest—DOJ

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice has offered a P3 million cash reward to anyone who can provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of former Bureau of Corrections chief

Gerald Bantag and former deputy officer Ricardo Zulueta.

DOJ spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano revealed that the DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation are offering P2 million

FE.1 Omicron subvariant detected in PH; NCR positivity going down

THE Department of Health has detected the country’s first case of FE.1 subvariant of the COVID-19 Omicron strain. The lone case of the XBB sublineage was recorded through genome sequenc-

ing on 2,340 samples conducted from May 29 to June 12.

“Currently available evidence for the variant does not suggest any differences

QUITO, Ecuador—An elderly Ecuadoran woman who woke up inside a coffin at her own wake -- sparking a viral video, of course -- has now died for real, authorities said Sunday.

A video posted on social media last week shows Bella Montoya, 76, in her open coffin breathing heavily while two men assist her. Her son, Gilbert Barbera, said she had been banging on the inside of the casket, desperate to get out as her relatives mourned her. She had been erroneously declared dead on June 9.

By Rio N. Araja, Charles Dantes and Joel E. Zurbano

MORE than 600 people who were moved to evacuation centers as a result of the unrest in Mayon Volcano have

PhilHealth tries front-loading Konsulta

funds

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will pilot-test the frontloading of funds instead of the usual reimbursement scheme to the first seven primary care networks that will be established across the country. PhilHealth on Monday formalized its partnership with five local government units and two private sector groups to form a Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN).

Under the existing setup, PhilHealth’s Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) primary care benefit package covers patient consultations, any of 13 laboratory and diagnostic tests as ordered by the doctor, and 21 common medications that can be prescribed according to their medical needs.

Konsulta providers are then paid, on the average, P500 to P750 per patient per year on a reimbursement basis after services have been rendered.

Over 600 getting sick at Mayon evacuation centers

sought medical attention for respiratory and other problems, disaster officials said Monday.

As of June 19, 10,146 families or 38,961 people from 26 barangays have been affected by Mayon’s volcanic ac-

tivity. About 5,466 families or 18,892 people are in 28 evacuation centers, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

DEPARTURE HONORS FOR BIAZON. Members of the Philippine Marines carry the casket bearing the remains of former Sen. Rodolfo G. Biazon out of the Senate building after the necrological service held in his honor on Monday (see story on A4). Senate PRIB

‘More challenges ahead for AFP’

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday that more challenges are ahead for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), given the ever-changing dynamics of global security.

“This is a new era for the AFP, one that now looks outward while also building the gains that we have made internally,” the President said during the oath-taking of newly promoted generals and flag officers at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace.

“With the ever-changing dynamics of geopolitics and the global security environment, more challenges will undoubtedly lie ahead.”

“But cognizant of these circum-

the food-poor criteria as defined by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and who earn P8,000 or less per month.

Gatchalian said the pilot implementation will run for six months and will be gradually expanded to reach the targeted one million families.

“By the early part of next year, we will do 300,000, and then another 300,000 until we reach the 1-million mark,” the DSWD chief said.

He said the DSWD and the PSA will continuously vet the list of beneficiaries.

A clear exit mechanism has been set for the beneficiaries, who can only stay for as long as four years in the program.

The DSWD earlier said it will require beneficiaries to be actively looking for work or undergoing skills training through TESDA for future employment.

Setting this condition for the targeted 1 million beneficiaries of the food stamp program would help beneficiaries “graduate” from being poor, the DSWD said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier tasked the DSWD to include single parents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers among the beneficiaries of the program to address the problem of malnourished and stunted children born in the country.

Based on figures from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, stunting rates for ages 0 to 23 months old is 21.6 percent or one in five children while for children under five years old, the stunting rate is 28.7 percent.

For a malnutrition rate for children in daycare facilities, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa earlier said it is pegged at 20 percent.

stances, the AFP must always emerge effective, formidable, and responsible as you have always done in order that our country’s integrity and interests are defended and are preserved,” he added. Addressing the newly promoted officers, he said their ascent to high positions was a testament to their capabilities and proof of their mettle “in the most perilous yet unparalleled profession.”

President Marcos reminded them that with the challenge of nation-building

and national security, their hard work must not cease.

“Our nation and the citizenry shall exact and expect from you a heavier responsibility and a more demanding kind of public service--that of exemplary leadership and a clear vision for our armed forces,” Mr. Marcos said.

He said these military men would be tasked to efficiently manage the organization and its assets and maintain its effectiveness and resilience.

They will also lead and mobilize the nation’s new generation of guardians and future leaders and instill in them the virtues of discipline, valor, and patriotic public service.

“A high level of security intelligence and analysis will be expected to fully

make its venture profitable,” said Poe.

The senator said as for LRT-2, the government puts billions in subsidies through the budget every year.

apprise the commander-in-chief and strategically guide our planning and all of our decision-making,” Marcos said.

President Marcos then vowed that he would stand behind and support the government troops in their endeavors.

“I will ensure that the strength of the organization and the wellbeing of its personnel are attended to,” Marcos said.

Earlier in Tokyo, the top security advisers of the Philippines, United States, and Japan discussed plans to further improve “trilateral cooperation”.

The first meeting between National Security Advisor (NSA) Akiba Takeo of Japan, NSA Jake Sullivan of the United States, and NSA Eduardo Año of the Philippines took place in Tokyo on June 16.

Mild rollback on pump prices amid China fears

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE country’s oil firms rolled back pump prices by as much as P0.35 per liter for gasoline effective 6 am Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The oil firms also cut the price of kerosene by P0.30 per liter and diesel by P0.10 per liter as traders remain wary about the growth of the Chinese economy.

“Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will decrease the prices of gasoline by P0.35 per liter and diesel by P0.10 per liter effective 6 am of June 20, 2023,” the company said in a statement.

for any individual who can give credible information that will lead to the arrest of Bantag.

Another P1 million is being offered to anyone who can give information that will lead to the arrest of Zulueta.

Bantag and Zulueta are the alleged masterminds of the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and alleged middleman Jun Villamor.

Clavano said individuals who may wish to share information may reach out through phone numbers 0945 831 058 and 0928 416 9585.

“It is crucial that these individuals are brought to justice and held accountable for their alleged actions. Your cooperation can make a significant difference in ensuring the swift apprehension of Bantag and Zulueta and providing closure to the families of the victims,” Clavano said.

“We assure the public that all information provided will be treated with the strictest confidentiality in accordance with the law,” he added.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stressed that they are now offering a reward because Bantag has not surrendered.

“We want the law enforcement people and everybody else to be more aggressive in helping the department get hold of the suspects in the killing of Percy Lapid,” Remulla explained.

“We want to widen our intelligence. And sometimes it takes a little more persuasive power of a reward to make people rise from their slumber,” he said.

According to Remulla, the cash reward will be taken from a fund at the Department of Justice.

the LRT-1 and LRT-2 in line with the government’s aim to improve the public transport infrastructure.

“We are aiming to make our rail services more accessible, convenient, and efficient for commuters,” Aquino said.

“We at the Department of Transportation believe that this fare adjustment will contribute to maintaining affordable mass transportation services for the two commuter-train lines,” she added.

With the fare adjustment, Aquino said the state-owned LRTA is eyeing to allocate about P110 million, which accounts for 97 percent of the projected P114 million additional rail revenues, for maintenance, operating expenses, and the much-needed repair and upkeep of crucial rail systems and facilities.

This will improve the turnaround time of equipment and ensure timely preventive maintenance activities for optimal performance, the rail official said.

Senator Grace Poe, however, said an improvement in train services and facilities should come first before any fare increase.

“Any fare hike is a pain in the pocket especially to our students and workers who live on a shoestring budget and rely on the cheaper mass transportation. As a privately-operated company, we expect the operators of LRT-1 to continuously invest in a better train system to

“In the coming budget deliberation, we want to see how these subsidies are spent and ensure they benefit the passengers. If the service is good, there will be more passengers. It is only right that they feel the safe, comfortable, and modern train system on every trip,” she said.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro also hit the fare hike, citing the continued impact of high prices and low wages on the commuting public.

“Commuters are still reeling from the high prices of goods and services due to inflation, and they do not even feel that inflation is slowing down with their low wages. The proposed fare hike for LRT 1 and 2 will only add to their burden,” she said.

Castro said public transportation is a basic service that must be accessible and affordable for all Filipinos, especially those who rely on it daily for their livelihood.

“We should prioritize the welfare of the people, especially in these difficult times. The government should provide adequate subsidies to ensure that the fare remains affordable for the commuting public,” she added.

The party-list lawmaker called on the DoTr to reconsider the fare increase and look for alternative solutions to improve the quality of public transportation without burdening the people.

freedom of information... We will strive to maintain a government that is not only effective and efficient but also transparent and accountable to our people,” Mr. Marcos said.

“Like everyone here, we too recognize as a matter of principle that fake news should have no place in modern society,” he said during the 14th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), a network overseeing the implementation of access to public information laws and policies worldwide.

“I reiterate our call not only to the executive branch but to all branches of government, to genuinely uphold and give effect to the people’s freedom of information in the course of our dayto-day operations, with good faith and with openness,” he added.

Mr. Marcos said his administration would undertake a media and information literacy campaign, which shall be digital, multimedia, and youth-oriented.

“The ICIC can be assured that the Philippines will continue to promote

“We value its potency to empower our people to make informed decisions to participate fully in the democratic process, and hold their representatives accountable without fear or apprehension,” he added.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said it agreed with the President’s sentiments on disinformation even as it cautioned against labeling critical reports as fake news.

“We hope, however, that such a campaign will not —as it has previously — lead to the labeling of critical reports and of dissent as ‘fake news.’ We hope as well that the government’s drive against misinformation and disinformation will include openness on government transactions and records and greater access for journalists to officials and agency heads,” the NUJP

“We call on the government to prioritize the needs of the people, especially the poor and marginalized sectors. We cannot allow public transportation to become a luxury that only a few can afford,” she said.

In other developments:

* Seafarers will enjoy free Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) rides on June 25 in celebration of the Day of the Filipino Seafarer. The LRT-2 will provide free rides from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For the MRT-3, the free rides start from 5:30 a.m. until the rail line closes for the day.

LRT-2 runs from Recto in Manila to Antipolo City in Rizal, while the MRT-3 runs along the stretch of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City.

* The DOTr said portions of Commonwealth Avenue in Fairview, Quezon City will be closed from night to early morning beginning July 25 until Dec. 6 to make way for the construction of the Regalado Station of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7). In an advisory Monday, the department said the affected portion -- from Regalado Avenue to Fairlane Street – would be temporarily closed to install the station’s steel structure. The road closure of the westbound lane will begin on July 25 until Nov. 26 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The eastbound lane will begin road closures on Aug. 8 until Dec. 6 during the same hours.

said in a statement.

“We also hope that this drive will cover the malicious and baseless labeling by government officials and their surrogates of some of our colleagues as terrorists and enemies of the state, an old form of disinformation against dissent that has been revived in recent years,” the group added.

The President said the FOI program “has leveraged available technology and digital platforms to be of greater service to our people.”

“The FOI Program has greatly advanced the campaign against misinformation and disinformation in the country. A problem that we in the Philippines also suffer from as I guess all of us do around the world,” he said.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said that hosting the ICIC this year was a testament that “the Philippines recognizes access to information as a fundamental right that must be upheld.”

The rollback is lower than the previously forecasted values last week of as much as P0.65 per liter starting Tuesday, as markets expressed concern over more rate hikes from the US Federal Reserve.

Industry sources estimated a price rollback on the prices of petroleum products of P0.30 to P0.65 per liter for gasoline and P0.30 to P0.55 per liter for diesel.

Sources said kerosene was also likely to go down by P0.40 to P0.65 per liter.

The movement is based on the Mean of Platts Singapore movement, the benchmark of oil importers and foreign exchange average week-on-week.

“Markets weighed optimism of China’s robust demand data over more US interest rate hikes that temper their energy demand,” Department of Energy director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said.

On Monday, Reuters reported that world oil prices declined by one percent amid questions over China’s economy, which outweighed the production cuts to be implemented by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies starting in July.

PhilHealth...

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But with the PCPN under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, funds will now be frontloaded.

The seven Konsulta PCPNs cover around 2 million individuals from Bataan, Guimaras, Quezon, South Cotabato, and Baguio City.

At least 300,000 more Filipinos who are under the care of the LiFE group as well as QualiMed would also benefit from the new financing scheme.

The first PCPNs are projected to be paid a total of P1.2 billion which may be used to improve infrastructure, equipment, and staff compensation even before the first patient starts using services.

“Primary care and essential public health services, integrated with a broader health care network of hospitals and other facilities, is a key element needed for universal health care to happen. Every Filipino should feel the UHC,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.

Ecuador...

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in disease severity and/or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant. Limited information is available for the variant and researchers are currently characterizing FE.1 in terms of transmissibility, immune evasion, and ability to cause more severe disease,” the DOH said in its latest COVID-19 biosurveillance report.

The Health Department said the subvariant was initially flagged “for its in-

creasing global prevalence.” FE.1 has been detected in 35 countries or jurisdictions across six continents. It was classified as a variant under monitoring by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC).

A VUM refers to a variant with “genetic changes that are suspected to affect virus characteristics and early signals of growth advantage relative to other circulating variants.”

Meanwhile, data from the independent monitoring group OCTA Research showed that the positivity rate in the

each evacuation center to separate those with illnesses and help them recover.

Mayon Volcano is under alert level 3 due to its “intensified unrest” or magmatic unrest.

The top 10 leading causes for the consultations led by the Department of Health were coughs and colds (96 cases), fever (88), acute respiratory infection (75), headache (60 ), hypertension (33 ), dizziness (16), skin disease (15), abdominal pain (14), colds (13) and acute gastroenteritis (12).

NDRRMC spokesperson Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the DOH is considering setting up isolation rooms in

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said no volcanic earthquakes were reported in nearby areas but it had 265 rockfall events, very slow lava flow, and five pyroclastic density current events in the last 24 hours.

The NDRRMC said the government has provided some P71.5 million to the families affected by the unrest in May-

National Capital Region further eased to 7.3% over the weekend from 11.6% from the previous week.

Positivity rates likewise dropped in Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Isabela, La Union, Laguna, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Quezon, Rizal, Tarlac, and Zambales over the same period.

It, however, increased in Palawan and Pangasinan.

Across Luzon, the positivity rate was recently seen the highest in Isabela at 29.2%, and lowest in the NCR.

on Volcano so far.

In its update Monday, the NDRRMC said the amount includes cash and other forms of assistance such as water, food, assorted tents, hygiene kits, and other items.

The Office of Civil Defense in the Bicol Region assured the public that Albay is still safe for tourists.

This was after the region’s Tourism department drew flak for posting a list of safe viewing sites for those who want to see the lava flow from the rumbling of Mayon.

Some social media users criticized the agency for promoting the so-called “disaster tourism” while thousands are being

After the ordeal at the wake, Montoya was kept in the hospital in the town of Babahoyo. She died of a stroke on Friday, the regional health department said.

“This time my mother really did die,” Barbera was quoted as saying by the newspaper El Universo. “My life will not be the same.”

The Health Ministry has ordered a probe into how she was declared dead in error the first time.

Local news reports said Montoya suffered from a condition called catalepsy, in which a person loses sensation and consciousness and the body becomes rigid. AFP

affected by the volcano’s eruption.

“Through dialogues with the different agencies including the Department of Tourism, the current status of Mayon does not need for any ban on tourism or suspension of tourism activities outside the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone,” Gremil Naz of OCD Bicol Region told ANC’s “Headstart.”

“Tourists are encouraged to view what is happening in Legazpi or other parts of Albay, but we recommend to utilize the viewing decks because we have viewing points situated on the different municipalities and cities in Albay.

Study more, serve people, PBBM dares youth

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday dared the Filipino youth to enrich their knowledge and continue serving the communities, saying he sees in them the fine attributes of future leaders of the country.

In a video message marking Filipino Youth Day posted on his Facebook page, the President said he firmly believes that the youth is the hope of the nation, similar to what Filipino ancestors had foreseen.

“Just like our ancestors, I certainly believe that our youth is the hope and future of our nation.” Marcos said.

“I challenge the youth to do good in your education, serve communities, and continue to help those in need.” he added.

The Chief Executive also expressed confidence that today’s youth will be the country’s next leaders given their idealism and strength.

“I encourage you to improve your knowledge and talents because in the future, we are hoping that you will join us in establishing a more prosperous Philippines.” Marcos said.

He also vowed that his administration would support measures that will enrich the welfare of the youth to help them attain their goals.

“Know that we will support ways of enhancing your welfare and those that will help you fulfill your dreams.” the President said.

IN BRIEF

4 tarantulas seized on shipment to Seoul

CUSTOMS agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have intercepted a shipment of four tarantulas bound for South Korea.

Personnel of the Customs X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) under lawyer Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang scanned the parcel at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City and detected suspicious images which turned out to be spiders.

“Through the intensified screening of XIP operatives, the parcel was tagged as suspiciously containing illegal goods based on the generated images,” the BI agents said.

The package was subsequently examined in coordination with agents from the Enforcement and Security Service - Environmental Protection and Compliance Division and Department of Environment and Natural Resources detailed in NAIA.

“As per examiners findings, it contains four heads of tarantulas in violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” the BI said in a report..

Joel E. Zurbano

BOC cited for capture of P1.5-b fake footwear

THE Nike Asia Pacific has cited the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for the agency’s efforts in apprehending more than P1.5 billion worth of counterfeit footwear bearing the famous brand.

The citation was presented to Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio, Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso, and Intellectual Property Rights Division Chief Paul Oliver Pacunayen.

Commissioner Rubio expressed his pride in this latest achievement.

“We will continue to strengthen our efforts in combating counterfeiting and ensuring the enforcement of intellectual property rights,” he said.

Joel E. Zurbano

Subic Freeport welcomes e-vehicle charging depots

THE Subic Bay Freeport has signified its readiness to meet a new era in tourism following the installation of two electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) here.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority

(SBMA) chairman and administrator Jonathan Tan graced the official launching of the EVCS at the Uni-Oil Subic gasoline station.

“We are gearing up to attract more tourists while maintaining an environmentally healthy environment as part of my administration’s thrusts.

Not only that we are now expecting tourists thru the conventional fuelpowered vehicles, we are now ready for tourists on electric vehicles and e-cars,” Tan said. Butch Gunio

MIF MEETS STIFF OPPOSITION.

Protesters stage a demonstration in Manila to call for mass withdrawal of deposits from the government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines which is being eyed as one of the major contributors of the controversial P8.3-trillion Maharlika Investment Fund, also referred to by legislators as a sovereign wealth fund, but dismissed by critics as a “scam.” Norman Cruz

Czech Embassy recalls Rizal-Blumentritt ties on hero’s 162nd b-day

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Czech Embassy in Manila celebrated on Monday the 162th birthday of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who was a friend of Czech-born Ferdinand Blumentritt.

The embassy likened Rizal’s friendship with Blumentritt to the current diplomatic relationship between Prague and Manila.

Blumentritt, who studied extensively in the Philippines, became one of Rizal’s closest confidants.

He also translated a chapter of Rizal’s first book, Noli Me Tangere, into German and wrote the preface to Rizal’s second book, El Filibusterismo.

“Today, we honor the legacy of Rizal and celebrate his friendship with Blumentritt—a special bond that we treasure and nurture to this day,” the

embassy said.

The embassy has a tradition of commemorating Rizal’s birth anniversary.

In 2021, it partnered with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Parks and Development Committee (NPDC), the Philippines Navy (PN), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in holding a wreath-laying ceremony at Noli Me Tangere Garden in Rizal Park, where a bust of the national

PNP: Probers watch suspects in June 14 ambush on cops

By Charles Dantes

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday that suspects in the ambush of policemen while on patrol in Maguindanao were already under surveillance.

PNP public information chief Brig.

Gen. Redrico Maranan did not provide further details on the so-called persons of interest, but emphasized that the investigators were closely monitoring the suspects’ movements.

“May magandang development sapagkat base sa kanilang pag-iimbestiga ay mayroon na silang mga persons of interest na tinututukan at sa ngayong doon nakatuon ang ating ongoing police operations,” Maranan said.

Maranan also added that the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region was placed under full alert status after the ambuscade.

On the same day, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr, flew to Maguindanao

BI warns vs. use of fake OFW papers

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed concern over the proliferation of fake Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) certificates being presented by prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Immigration agents arrested an American fugitive in a joint operation with international law enforcement agencies in Manila.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said BI officers have encountered several instances of fake CFO guidance and counseling program (GCP) certificates that were presented by some

plane passengers during immigration inspection.

The GCP is a required pre-departure seminar conducted by the CFO to apprise Filipinos on intermarriages and binational relationships, as well as cultural and social realities overseas.

The dubious certificates purport to show that the holders have attended the GCP, and therefore, cleared to go overseas.

BI officers at the NAIA Terminal 1 recently intercepted a 29 years old female passenger bound for Pudong in China after presenting a fake CFO-GCP certificate with her purported Chinese husband. “Verification with the CFO revealed that the certificate presented was fake,” Tansingco said.

to check on the ongoing security measures in the area.

Last June 14, four PNP patrolmen were waylaid by unknown gunmen in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, killing two of the lawmen and injuring four others.

Slain were Patrolmen Saipoden Shiek Macacuna and Bryan Polayagan. Injured were identified Patrolmen Arjie Pabinguit and Abdulgafor Alib, SSgt. Benjie de los Reyes, and MSgt. Rey Vincent Gertos.

hero lords over the place.

The embassy also unveiled its plans to launch a commemorative plaque remembering the friendship of Blumentritt and Rizal. Rizal’s bond with Blumentritt was also documented in a book recently launched by the Czech embassy about Czech’s ties with the Philippines: Kaibigan - Přátelé: Czech-Philippine Cultural and Diplomatic Dialogue.

MARINA suspends ferry after it catches fire off Panglao town

THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has suspended a passenger ferry servicing the Central Visayas region after it caught fire off Panglao town in Bohol on Sunday with no casualty reported. The agency explained however, that the suspension covered only the MV Esperanza Star, not the entire fleet of its operator, the Kho Shipping Lines.

The punitive action meant that the vessel’s seaworthiness was doubtful and it cannot be allowed to sail again..

The Esperanza Star caught fire around 4 a.m. off Duljo Point in Panglao, just a few kilometers and 30 minutes away from its destination, the Tagbilaran City port. . According to the Philippine Coast Guard, (PCG), the fire started at the engine room.

The PCG has launched an inquiry into the accident, with PCG Central Visayas chief Mark Larsen Mariano saying the probe panel will be composed of PCG naval engineers, architects, and arson investigators.

Mariano said findings of the probe team would be submitted to the Transportation secretary immediately, but gave no specific deadline.

Meanwhile, MARINA Central Visayas public information officer Rochyl Villamora said the agency was still awaiting the Marine Protest document that provides details on the accident.

The MARINA will also interview the crew and will look into the safety practices in the vessel as part of the investigation, Villamora said.

The Esperanza Star was towed by tugboats to the Cebu Port from Tagbilaran City. The vessel is currently at a private shipyard port of Tayud in Liloan, Cebu.

SEOULBOUND SPIDERS

.

A Customs agent shows seized tarantulas being illegally shipped to Seoul, South Korea while concealed in a package declared as “Snacks - Sweet Salted Fish” at the Central Mail Exchange Center. Customs photo

NO TO WASTE SUMMIT. Senator Cynthia Villar (right) admires novelty items made from recycled plastic wastes on exhibit at a mall in Quezon City in connection with the Solid Waste Management Summit dubbed ‘No to Waste: Advancing Circular Economy to beat Plastic Pollution.’ Addressing the opening of the conference, Villar shared her insights on the importance of solid waste management to environmental preservation. Manny Palmero

BIR warns public against online tax ID card scheme

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) urged the public on Monday to be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals who offer their services on how to get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and TIN cards through online selling platforms.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued the statement following the recent discovery of several “enterprising” individuals offering “BIR TIN ID ASSISTANCE” through Facebook, Shopee, Lazada, and other online selling platforms.

“These offers of TIN ID Assistance posted in online channels/selling platforms are not authorized by the BIR and are, therefore, considered illegal. Please do not be deceived or misled by such offers,” Lumagui said in a statement.

The BIR, through its Client Support Service, has conducted a dialogue with representatives of Shopee and Lazada on May 31, 2023, to call their attention on such illegal activities, and to request them to immediately remove all advertisements/postings offering TIN ID assistance.

Several entrapment operations and arrests of sellers of TIN ID Assistance services were also made by the BIR regional and district offices since 2019 in Laoac, Pangasinan; Cebu City; Bukidnon; Gumaca, Quezon; Pila, Cabuyao and Sta. Rosa, Laguna; and Cordillera Administrative Region.

The offenders were apprehended, and legal proceedings were initiated to ensure that appropriate penalties were imposed on them. Said arrests and filing of criminal cases highlight the seriousness of the BIR in addressing the proliferation of unauthorized TIN issuance and selling of TIN Cards.

Petition seeks SC reversal on writ of amparo

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has been asked to reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals denying the plea of the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) for the issuance of a writ of amparo against the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

In a petition filed on Monday, the CPA through some of its officers and members also reiterated their call for the issuance of a temporary restraining order enjoining NTFELCAC and other respondents from linking the CPA and its affiliate organizations with communist-terrorist group New People’s Army in their social media posts and other forms of publication.

The petitioner also pleaded the SC to compel the respondents to take down all existing social media posts and forms of publicity which tag the group and its officers and members as communist-terrorists.

A writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty, and security has been violated or under threat through various acts of the respondents.

The petitioner claimed that these acts include the relentless red-tagging and vilification by “state forces” and unknown entities in public places and social media posts, such as Facebook and community meetings; the issuance of Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) Resolution paving the way for the conduct of house visitations of individuals identified as associated or members of communist front organizations (CFO); and visitations, stalking, surveillance, and harassment allegedly perpetrated by officers of the respondents NTF-ELCAC, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Philippine Army (PA), Department of Interior and Local Government-Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR).

Consortium: P267b offer will hasten airport rehab

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) on Monday said its P267 billion unsolicited offer is the “fastest route” to rehabilitate and modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the country’s main international gateway.

MIAC, whose members include six of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, namely Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corporation, Alliance Global - Infracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corporation and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corporation said its unsolicited proposal (USP) already completed its technical, economic, financial, valuefor-money, and ESG studies.

It added that the concession could be awarded this year by the Philippine government and the Masterplan can be implemented immediately and improvements being realized shortly thereafter.

“The MIAC USP represents the fastest route to the rehabilitation and modernization that NAIA urgently needs,” said Cosette Canilao, president and chief executive of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.

The Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Author-

IN BRIEF

ity also submitted a joint proposal for the P141-billion NAIA solicited PPP project for approval by NEDA board, giving the private concessionaire 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment.

“The unsolicited procurement mode of the BOT Law is a powerful tool of the government to fast track infrastructure development provided the proposal is properly prepared, backed by credible and qualified proponents, and adheres to the rules, policies and guidelines of the government.,” Canilao said.

“MIAC’s unsolicited proposal unequivocally meets all those criteria. We have done the homework: it is a turnkey proposal ready for government evaluation, and has the financing to get boots and shovels on the ground,” she added.

Senate honors Biazon’s body of work as legislator

INCUMBENT and former senators, as well as Senate employees, on Monday joined a necrological service for former senator and military chief Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon. Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, in his eulogy, remembered Biazon as a fearless, hard-working legislator and military man who always fought for what is right.

“Adversities did not hinder him

‘Kuha sa Tingi’ program targets stores in QC

GREENPEACE Philippines and incubator lab Impact Hub revealed plans to provide sari-sari stores with refilling stations of daily essentials in retail (or “tingi”) quantities to help curb the worsening plastic pollution.

Greenpeace Philippines and incubator lab Impact Hub said the program, called “Kuha sa Tingi” (KST) will target an initial 30 sari-sari stores, to be dubbed Tindahan ni Ate Joy, will have refill stations to offer daily essentials in tingi quantities beginning July 1.

Quoted by GMA News, Eunille Santos of Greenpeace Philippines, said four products will be available for refill: dishwashing liquid, fabric conduction, liquid detergent, and multipurpose cleaner and customers only need to bring their reus-

able containers.

The KST aims to provide people with alternatives to products in sachets in the form of affordable and simple reuse and refill systems.

Santos also said Greenpeace Philippines and Impact Hub have tapped “several local manufacturers who provided us good quality products at a price that’s low enough for refilling to compete against sachets.”

According to Greenpeace Philippines, over 164 million sachets are used in the Philippines every day. The plastic problem is so bad that microplastics are now confirmed to be floating in Metro Manila air. Last year, microplastics were also found in human blood for the first time.

from climbing both political and military—as a leader, so to speak,” Sotto said.

He also honored Biazon’s push for low-cost housing and benefits for soldiers while making sure that all sectors of society will benefit from it.

“He is a truly dynamic and multifaceted individual, a family man and excellent soldier, an extraordinary legislator, freedom fighter and de -

fender of democracy who relished his life to the fullest and above all his accomplishments, he will be most remembered as a good father, a loving husband, and a dear friend,” Sotto recalled. Like Sotto, former Senator Jose Lina Jr. remembered Biazon as an excellent and outstanding Filipino warrior and a statesman, as well as a devoted public servant.

ACT backs

bill setting June-March school year

THE Alliance of Concerned Teachers Philippines and ACT NCR Union have thrown their support ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro in filing a bill to mandate the return of the June-March school calendar amid teachers, parents and students’ outcry after enduring the grueling heat in the first in-classroom classes during the dry season this school year 2022-2023.

Under the bill, the school year would start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last of August with particular provision on opening school year 20242025 in June to ensure urgent return to the pre-pandemic calendar upon its passage.

The bill also stipulated mandates for an “early” close of school year 20232024 on the fourth week of May 2024 and the grant of service credits as well as the guarantee of teachers’ remuneration for service rendered during their vacation.

Rio N. Araja

Solon cites importance of early dengue checkup

ANAKALUSUGAN party-list Rep.

Ray Reyes on Monday underscored the significance of promoting early consultation to help curb the rising cases of dengue.

“It is important to have a proper health-seeking behavior to visit the nearest health facility once you notice symptoms of dengue,” he said.

He cited data from the Department of Health showing the country was logging 51,323 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to May 20, or 30 percent higher than the number of cases reported in the same period in 2022.

He is the vice chairman of the committee on health. He said many diseases, such as dengue, could be easily managed if they are discovered at an early stage.

“This is why we remain focused on providing healthcare access to every Filipino without incurring additional costs,” he stressed. Rio N. Araja

Gomez asks panel to file charges against Oñate

LEYTE Rep. Richard Gomez is urging the House Committee on Natural Resources to recommend the filing of criminal and administrative charges with the Office of the Ombudsman against Palompon Mayor Ramon Oñate and his wife Lourdes for supposed gross violation of the land and environmental laws.

He told the House committee leadership to “come up with a report and a conclusion” that the Oñate couple, along with complicit employees of the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources “be charged” for violating the Forestry Act and environmental management laws for massive pollution of water, soil and air resources.

“I recommend that with these offenses, the committee would come up with a report and a conclusion that we will file this to the Ombudsman,” he cited.

He authored House Resolution No. 778 prompting an inquiry into the blatant violations of land use and environmental management laws in the municipalities of Palompon and Albuera in Leyte’s District 4.

Rio N. Araja

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

monitoring of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products in

shops located along Maceda and Dapitan Streets in Manila. Norman Cruz

PRIDE MONTH. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte,(center), QC Dist. 6 Councilor Maria Eleonor Juan, and Mela Habijan of Pride PH announce the activities for the “Pride Month” celebration in Quezon City on June 24. The event is expected to draw thousands of LGBTQIA+ members and allies. Manny Palmero

NAIA MASTER PLAN. Executives of the Manila International Consortium (MIAC) unveil the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) master plan. The plan is a multiphased rehabilitation and development program that will be funded by MIAC’s P267 billion unsolicited proposal. Teddy Pelaez

FRANKFURT, Germany—When

Maike Biert was choosing a new heating system for her house in western Germany, she balked at the huge cost of installing a heat pump, instead opting for a gas boiler.

But there may not be such easy options in the future as the government prepares to pass radical climate legislation, which has been championed by environmentalists but which has sparked concerns that homeowners will be forced to shell out huge sums.

The new rules mean heating systems will need to be powered by at least 65 percent renewable energy, effectively banning new oil and gas boilers, as Germany seeks to slash emissions and become climate neutral by 2045.

After soaring in recent years, demand for heat pumps has plunged this year, as consumers waited to hear the details of the law, including potentially higher subsidies

The plan was watered down after it provoked a furious row in the ruling coalition, and was finally introduced in parliament Thursday.

But the saga was politically damaging, many details remain unclear, and homeowners are anxious.

“In principle, I am in favor of saving energy,” Biert, a 46-year-old who lives in Koenigswinter, in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, told AFP.

“The problem is simply that you cannot and should not overburden people with this.”

When she was picking new heating last year, the married mother of two looked at the possibility of installing a heat pump—touted as more climatefriendly—which would have involved substantial renovations to her house.

She also looked at “hybrid solutions”, involving perhaps a mix of a heat pump and gas.

But she estimates the cost of such options would have been between 40,000 and 100,000 euros ($43,000 and $108,000).

“It would have meant a loan for us, and we did not want that,” added Biert, who ultimately chose a traditional gas boiler.

‘Still unclear’

The new rules were championed by the Green party, a member of the government, but fiercely opposed by their business-friendly coalition partners the FDP, sparking the worst crisis within the government since it took office in 2021.

Critics said the high cost of installing new systems would particularly impact middle- and low-income

By Shaun Tandon, Peter Catterall and Matthew Walsh

THE United States and China looked to set up a safety net for their intensifying rivalry during a visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but the trip achieved only general promises and no breakthroughs on hoped-for military talks and flashpoint issues.

Both President Xi Jinping, who met Blinken on Monday at the end of his 11 hours of talks in Beijing, and President Joe Biden saluted the long-awaited trip as a sign of progress following months of soaring tensions.

“It was clear coming in that the relationship was at a point of instability, and both sides recognised the need to work to stabilise it,” Blinken told reporters in Beijing.

US officials have repeatedly spoken of expanding communication to establish “guardrails” in the relationship to prevent misunderstandings from descending into conflict.

households, with the tabloid press labeling it “the heating hammer”.

Advocates stress there is much support, such as subsidies for heat pumps, and urgent action is needed as the buildings sector was responsible for about 15 percent of Germany’s carbon dioxide emissions last year.

As fears mounted that the deal—and the coalition itself—could fall apart, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stepped in on Tuesday and oversaw emergency talks that resulted in a compromise.

The agreement, which still needs to go through parliament, stipulates that the new regulations will only apply for existing buildings if a municipal heating plan is in place for the area.

The rules were meant to come into force from 2024, but the compromise effectively means the new earliest start date for most is 2028.

The Greens are now pushing ahead to try to get it passed by parliament’s summer recess, but there is much uncertainty.

Verena Oerenbas, political adviser from the Residential Property Association, welcomed the compromise but said the level of government help for homeowners making the transition to renewable energy was still unclear.

“There are still no concrete proposals yet, so we don’t know how this funding will look,” she said. ‘Bad joke’

The weeks-long row has been damaging for the government, while providing a boost for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which criticised the law.

The Greens have come out of the saga particularly badly, with their popularity plummeting among voters opposed to the law and also among environmentalists angered by the compromise deal.

In comments to Funke media group, Luisa Neubauer, head of the German chapter of Fridays for Future, criticized the watered-down deal as “a bad joke” that amounted to “gutting” the law.

The Greens’ attempts to promote climate-friendly systems were not helped when reports emerged the party was struggling to fit a heat pump in its own Berlin headquarters.

A heat pump, which uses technology similar to an air conditioner or fridge, works by extracting warmth from the ground, outside air or a water source to generate heat.

After soaring in recent years, demand for heat pumps has plunged this year, as consumers waited to hear the details of the law, including potentially higher subsidies.

“The public debate in recent weeks has caused a great deal of uncertainty among consumers,” Bjoern Schreinermacher, of Germany’s Heat Pump Association, told AFP.

Conversely, there has been a “very, very strong demand for oil and gas heating,” as people rushed to install new systems ahead of an expected ban, he added. AFP

But Blinken acknowledged that the United States did not achieve one of its wishes most crucial to avoiding miscalculations—a resumption of dialogue between the two militaries.

And the two powers remained far apart on Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy that Beijing has not ruled out seizing by force.

Blinken insisted the United States wanted to preserve the status quo and “responsible management of the Taiwan question” as he raised concerns about “provocative” moves by Beijing.

China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, told Blinken that on Taiwan there was “no room to compromise or concede” by Beijing, which has carried out military drills twice since August including after a defiant visit to Taipei by Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the House of Representatives.

Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, said Beijing was increasingly on guard as Taiwan approaches elections next year and that Blinken’s remarks sounded like “boilerplate placeholders.”

“The two sides have basically agreed to

A breakthrough for the planet

THE new High Seas Treaty, set to be adopted by the United Nations today, Philippine time, contains landmark tools for the conservation and management of international waters.

It stipulates that environmental impact assessments must be completed before any new exploitation of marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdictions.

It also features provisions to allow for the equitable sharing of knowledge, technologies and benefits from marine genetic resources.

Experts are agreed that almost two-thirds of the planet’s surface is ocean and the seas make up 95 percent of the Earth’s total habitat by volume.

But, only 1 percent of the high seas has, up until now, been under any protection protocol and just 39 percent of the ocean falls under the national jurisdiction of individual countries.

After years of negotiations, Member States of the United Nations have agreed on the High Seas Treaty to protect oceans of the world that lie outside national borders, which cover round 69 percent of the world’s oceans, ensuring the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Interesting to note that the first international agreement to protect the world’s oceans aims to create “international parks” in the high seas.

TWO WEEKS weeks, I wrote in my Facebook timeline, that the first half of 2023 has been the toughest five months of my life. I had to go through a thyroid biopsy and although the result was good, it was quite a scare and emphasized the precariousness of my situation. While the prostate cancer is under control, I continued (and continue) to deal with the persistent pain from a UTI that has not disappeared since the beginning of the year. And, until recently, my diabetes was uncontrolled and I went through a glucose toxicity episode. Add to that depression and fear that accompanied all these physical hardships.

I didn’t realize it but by early April, a perfect storm was converging as my cancer reopened many old wounds and vulnerabilities.

The Aspergers, ADHD, bipolar, and narcissistic traits that I have had to deal with since I was a child became more pronounced.

I thought I was doing a good job dealing with my cancer, even calling it a gift (which it is but in a more complicated way).

But pride and arrogance, in short hubris, was taking over me, and I acted more and more entitled -- hurting people I love especially my wife, sons, friends, and people I work with.

When hubris takes over, one makes many misjudgments.

For sure my psychosocial traits are not my fault but how I respond to them is my decision.

And when I hurt people because of that, I cannot blame my Aspergers, ADHD, being bipolar, and narcissism for that. Its called sinfulness. Being on the spectrum has not always been bad.

I have lived a very productive and exciting life—on the edge and no dull moment. I may have had a positive impact on people and society but I am cognizant also of the harm I can cause.

On the face, you are doing good and in control but you are actually wrecking

explore the possibility of stabilising the bilateral relationship. There is no certainty they will achieve that goal,” she said.

Glaser noted that while the United States speaks of managing the growing rivalry, Xi again spoke of avoiding competition between major powers.

“I think accepting competition is necessary in order to stabilize the relationship. So I see this gap between the two sides that has yet to be narrowed, and I don’t know if it will be,” she said.

Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Center, said the United States shared blame for the failure to restart dialogue in the military realm, an area where a crisis is most likely to erupt.

The Biden administration – which the rival Republican Party is eager to portray as weak on Beijing – has refused Chinese requests to lift sanctions on its new defence minister, General Li Shangfu, which were imposed under a US law that targets arms purchases from Russia. The administration says that sanctions should not prevent Li from meeting his counterpart

The new High Seas Treaty features provisions to allow for the equitable sharing of knowledge, technologies and benefits from marine genetic resources

The United Nations High Seas Treaty is a legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Experts have said ocean ecosystems create half the oxygen humans breathe and limit global warming by absorbing much of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities.

Once adopted today, the UN treaty will go into force 120 days after 60 countries have

havoc.

If you are like me, with the traits I have, seek help.

It matters a lot for your well being and that of your loved ones.

I know many young (and not so young) people, and lots of activists and development workers not to mention artists and entrepreneurs, with diagnosed or not diagnosed traits or worse disorders.

Reach out now! There is help out there.

I am making this public mental health disclosures in the hope some of my readers would find comfort in knowing that a person like me deals with these issues and would seek help for themselves or their loved ones.

In March this year, the president of the final Session of the Intergovernmental Conference on an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea aptly said “the ship has reached the shore.”

Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, lauded the conclusion of the negotiations.

“As an archipelagic state situated in the center of marine biodiversity, the Philippines places high importance in the BBNJ Agreement, which sets a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction; the sharing of benefits of marine genetic resources; and enhanced international cooperation,” he said.

The High Seas Treaty, as the BBNJ (Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) is alternatively referred to, is a legally binding instrument under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It provides a strong overall policy framework for the oceans, which to date have suffered from a siloed approach to ocean management and significant underfunding. Lagdameo said: “This is a milestone in the global efforts to address the unprecedented pressures facing the world’s oceans. “The early ratification, entry into force, and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement should be a priority.”

amazing woman their mother is.

The truth is Titay and I, having married young in 1985 (we were both 25 years old at that time), always had a power struggle.

From our first encounter as classmates in the moral philosophy class of Dr. Manny Dy in Ateneo de Manila where we argued on whether armed struggle was an ethical response against the Marcos dictatorship to her concerns more recently about my impulsivity and excessiveness, cloaked at it is by idealism and the goal to make a difference.

When hubris takes over, one makes many misjudgments

Indeed, after I made my initial post in Facebook, many of my friends have reached out to thank me for these disclosures.

There are others that might use this knowledge about me maliciously but the good these disclosures do for others outweigh that risk.

I also said in my post how important it is to pray, when you experience the kind of perfect storm I went through, because a legion of demons can possess you if you do not.

I thank God I have a wife, partner, and best friend who guided me in this crisis while navigating other family crisis and her own work responsibilities.

Titay has forgiven me many times and has once again done that.

And not only that, she affirmed she loved unconditionally this very flawed man who is her husband for 38 years and closest friend for 42 years.

My sons witnessed what I went through and they can only exclaim—what an

Lloyd Austin.

“The State Department will say there is no legal problem for him to meet Secretary Austin.

Sure, there’s no problem for the Americans, but there is for the Chinese,” Yun said.

“It takes two to dance. At least to me, it’s not an unreasonable request,” she said of removing sanctions.

Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, said Blinken’s visit was in line with expectations and that the two sides both stressed the positive.

He said the atmosphere appeared on track for Xi to pay a visit to the United States in November, when Biden will welcome leaders to San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

The talk of greater communication and narrow cooperation “of course are positive, though difficult to be concretely implemented,” Shi said.

huffs and puffs over climate law ManilaStandard ONLINE Chin Wong Associate Editor Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle News Editor

‘Heating hammer’: Germany MEMBER Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers PPI can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Finally, after four decades of marriage and having raised three sons (on this we never had a power struggle), I can say that we are in good place in our relationship as exemplified on this trip we just made in Europe.

Only God made this possible. With our Lord’s help, I hope it stays this way now.

The perfect storm I experienced in April was a big shock; confronted me with my finitude and sickness, surprised me on how imprudent, mean, and unkind I could be even if I could justify my reactions thinking I was used and manipulated, and took away my self-confidence on my judgments and handling of relationships.

I am particularly afraid that I have lost my political instincts and the skill of mentoring which is so important to me.

Slowly I am regaining some of that confidence.

After traveling two weeks in Europe with Titay, partly for work and vacation –but in essence it has become a bonding trip and pilgrimage—it is clear to me that God is doing something to me, changing and converting me.

If anything, in these past few weeks, I have seen the extravagance of God’s mercy. The best of my life is yet to come.

Website: tonylavina.com. Facebook: tonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

The Bali good vibes abruptly ended within months when the United States said it detected and later shot down a Chinese spy balloon over US soil, leading Blinken to put off an earlier plan to visit.

Xi in a speech soon afterward took a rare direct aim at the United States, which he accused of pursuing “containment, encirclement and suppression” of China.

China has been particularly incensed by Biden’s ban on semiconductor exports. Blinken said in Beijing that the United States was not trying to “economically contain” China but rather did not want US technology to go against its own interests.

Yun, the Washington-based analyst, noted that the United States has kept issuing sanctions on Chinese companies and that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Pelosi’s Republican successor, has voiced hope of paying his own visit to Taiwan.

Xi and Biden, who know each other well from their times as vice presidents, met for the first time as leaders in November in Bali, where both sides similarly said they wanted to keep tensions in check.

“I don’t expect this temporary restarting of engagement to survive that kind of trauma,” she said.

“After Blinken’s visit, the relationship is still extremely vulnerable.” AFP

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

EAGLE EYES Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023 B1 OPINION

US and China eye stability but base hollow for next crisis

Xi says US, China ‘made progress’ in Blinken visit

BEIJING—President Xi Jinping said the United States and China had “made progress” on a number of issues Monday, during talks with top US diplomat Antony Blinken.

“The Chinese side has made our position clear, and the two sides have agreed to follow through the common understandings President (Joe) Biden and I had reached in Bali,” Xi told the US secretary of state, adding the “two sides have also made progress and reached agreement on some specific issues”.

The visit capped two days of highlevel talks by the US secretary of state with Chinese officials.

Blinken’s was the highest-level visit by a US official to China in nearly five years marked by severely strained ties between the world’s two largest economies. US officials have said they hope the visit will bring more stability, if not breakthroughs, between Washington and Beijing.

Xi, China’s most powerful leader in decades, met Blinken around 4:30 pm (0830 GMT) on Monday, Chinese state media said.

The meeting came after Blinken held more than 10 hours of talks over two days with other top officials.

At the ornate Diaoyutai State Guesthouse earlier Monday, Blinken and China’s foreign policy supremo Wang

Yi offered polite smiles before talks with their aides, who unlike their bosses wore masks in line with lingering Covid-19 protocols.

Away from the cameras, Wang told Blinken that his trip “comes at a critical juncture in China-US relations”, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

“It is necessary to make a choice between dialogue and confrontation, cooperation or conflict,” he said.

“We must reverse the downward spiral of China-US relations, push for a return to a healthy and stable track, and work together to find a correct way for China and the United States to get along,” Wang added.

He also issued a warning on Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing.

In the past year, China has launched live-fire military drills twice near the island in anger over meetings between top US lawmakers and Taiwanese leaders.

“On this issue, China has no room to compromise or concede,” Wang told Blinken, according to CCTV.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller called the discussion with Wang “candid and productive”.

Blinken “underscored the importance of responsibly managing the competition between the United States and the PRC through open channels of communication to ensure competition does not veer into conflict”, Miller said, referring to the People’s Republic of China. AFP

Chinese PM in Germany as West mistrust mounts

BERLIN—China’s Premier Li Qiang will meet German leaders during a trip to Berlin on Monday, at a time when Beijing’s policies on Russia, trade and human rights are receiving an increasingly hostile reception in the West.

Li—who is making his first trip abroad since being appointed premier in March—will begin his two-nation tour with so-called “government consultations” involving talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet, before heading on to France for a financing summit hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.

China cited the “importance” placed on ties with Germany and outlined its “hopes to deepen and expand its relations” with the EU heavyweight.

But Germany’s first national security strategy, published days ago, could set the tone at the talks.

The blueprint stridently accused China of acting against German interests,

putting international security “under increasing pressure” and disregarding human rights.

At the same time, it underlined the necessity of getting Beijing’s cooperation on global issues like fighting climate change.

Berlin is expecting “a good and productive exchange with a partner”, said government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner.

But “how the partner should be classified is something that you have heard during the presentation of the national security strategy”, he added.

Scholz himself had said the message sent by the document is that “China’s integration into world trade and world economic relations should not be impaired.

“But at the same time the security issues that arise for us must be taken into account.”

Beijing has bristled at being described as a “partner, competitor and systemic

rival” in the text.

“Viewing others as competitors, rivals or even adversaries and turning normal cooperation into security or political issues will only push our world towards a vortex of division and confrontation,” said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

Push to diversify

Export giant Germany, by virtue of its economic might, has always enjoyed special ties with China.

Under former chancellor Angela Merkel, Berlin took a pragmatic approach of talking up economic opportunities while keeping less flattering opinions on rights and freedom behind closed doors.

That made China a key market for Germany’s exporters while also allowing Berlin to take in prominent human rights activists like Liu Xia, apparently without suffering any retaliatory consequences. AFP

Indonesia’s Widodo hosts Japanese Emperor Naruhito

BOGOR, Indonesia—Japanese Emperor Naruhito met Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday during his first state trip since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019.

Naruhito and Empress Masako’s June 17-23 visit to Southeast Asia’s biggest economy came after Widodo invited the emperor during a trip to Tokyo last year.

The royal couple arrived at a presidential palace south of the capital Jakarta, flanked by dozens of well-wishers shouting “Welcome to Indonesia!” and a marching band that played the Japanese national anthem.

“The visit of the emperor and empress to Indonesia has further strengthened the friendship between our people,” Widodo told reporters before a formal lunch meeting.

“Such a solid foundation is necessary for the development of a strategic

partnership between our two countries, especially in the economic field.”

Widodo and first lady Iriana, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, walked with the royal couple around the palace gardens and held a tree-planting welcome ceremony.

“We would like to... reflect on the history of Indonesia as well as the history of those who have dedicated themselves to promoting the friendship between our two countries,” Naruhito said.

“We wish from the bottom of our hearts that the communication among a younger generation of people from our respective counties will further our friendship.”

Tokyo and Jakarta have moved to boost ties in recent years, with Japanese officials citing the importance of Indonesia’s emerging economy and its strategic location close to global shipping lanes.AFP

Ukraine says one more village recaptured from Russia on southern war front

KYIV—Ukrainian forces have recaptured the village of Pyatykhatky from Russian troops on the southern front, Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said on Monday.

Malyar said on social media that “eight settlements have been liberated” in total this month since the start of a counteroffensive, with 113 square kilometres of territory recaptured.

After accumulating Western-supplied weapons and building up assault units, the Ukrainian military is battling to recapture territory seized by Russia, which invaded in February 2022.

The border guard service released images of several Ukrainian servicemen holding the country’s blue-andyellow flag from Pyatykhatky.

The village is in the Zaporizhzhia region, which Russia claimed to have annexed along with three other Ukrainian regions last year, despite not fully controlling any of them.

Malyar also said Ukrainian troops were coming up against fierce resistance in the east of the country, particularly around Bakhmut, a town recently captured by Russia after months of fighting.

UK to punish Boris Johnson for ‘lies’

LONDON—British MPs vote Monday on a damning report that found ex-prime minister Boris Johnson deliberately lied to parliament about lockdown-breaking parties, in what the government hopes will be the final chapter in the damaging “Partygate” scandal. The parliamentary vote is being held on Johnson’s 59th birthday as the wounded former leader ponders his next move, with allies predicting a future return to the electoral fray.

It also comes at a time of mounting political problems for Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government as stubbornly high inflation and constantly rising interest rates inflict economic

pain on voters. The populist architect of Brexit, Johnson led the Conservative party to a landslide victory at the last general election in December 2019.

But he was forced to quit as prime minister last July due to Partygate and a string of other scandals.

Johnson has rejected the report by parliament’s Privileges Committee, claiming he has been the victim of a stitch-up by political opponents and a “kangaroo court”.

The committee in a scathing 106page report on Thursday found him guilty of “repeated contempts (of parliament) and... seeking to undermine the parliamentary process.” AFP

“The Russians have transferred additional units there and increased the amount of shelling,” Malyar said.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based military observatory group said in an analytical note on Monday that Kyiv’s forces had likely clawed back some territory from Russian forces over the weekend.

“Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive actions on at least four sectors of the front on June 18 and made limited territorial gains,” it said.

Meanwhile, strikes from Ukraine

SUDAN EVACUEES.

A girl cries as her group of evacuees from Sudan wait upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on June 18. Among the 165 evacuees are ‘dozens of Syrians and Sudanese’ nationals, the Iraqi foreign ministry said. AFP

hit two Russian border regions early on Monday, wounding seven people, including a child, local governors said. Strikes on the Belgorod region hit several residential buildings in the Valuisk district, Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram.

“The Valuisk municipal district is under attack from from Ukrainian forces. According to preliminary information, seven people were wounded, among them a child,” he wrote in a post that included a photo of a teddy bear next to a broken window. AFP

CHINA’S GUEST. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (4th from left) attends a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping (center) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 19. Xi hosted Blinken for talks in Beijing, capping two days of high-level talks by the US secretary of state with Chinese officials. AFP

EMPEROR AND PRESIDENT. Japan’s Emperor Naruhito (3rd left) and Empress Masako (2nd left) visit the Bogor Botanical with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (3rd right) and First Lady Iriana (2nd right) in Bogor, Indonesia on June 19. AFP

Asian, European stocks drop as China stimulus hopes fade

STOCKS fell Monday with traders left disappointed by a lack of policy announcements from China aimed at kickstarting the ailing economy.

Equities enjoyed a strong run-up last week, partly on the back of hopes that Beijing would unveil a raft of economic stimulus to go with two interest rate cuts. Expectations have been high that officials would provide help for the struggling property sector and introduce measures to kickstart consumer activity.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 58 points, or 0.89 percent, to close at 6,450.34, as five of the six subsectors retreated. The broader all-shares index went down by 25.87 points, or 0.75 percent, to settle at 3,441.24 on a value turnover of P4.223 billion.

Losers outmatched gainers, 112 to 60, while 50 shares were unchanged.

Only two of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green. PLDT rose 2.06 percent to P1,286, while Emperador Inc. gained 0.46 percent to P21.65.

Chinese state media reported that Premier Li Qiang held a State Council meeting Friday, there were few details, dealing a blow to sentiment and leading to an unwinding of some of last week’s rally.

“Government policy expectations were overdone,” said Steven Leung, at UOB Kay Hian.

Still, with the world’s number two economy struggling and key industries in trouble, leaders have plenty of work to do, analysts said.

“With all roads leading through China at the start of the week, investors’ stimulus excitement could give way to the reality that there are no quick fixes to the property market or youth unemployment,” said Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management.

“Indeed, these areas of the economy could require a lengthy structural overhaul to repair. China needs to drive growth in sectors like technology, education, finance and entertainment, all of which have suffered under the securityfocused leadership of Xi Jinping.”

Afer Wall Street closed Friday in the red, Asian traders struggled.

London and Paris fell, while Frankfurt also drew back after striking a record high on Friday.

On a positive note, hopes for a thaw in China-US relations were boosted with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken set to meet Xi after holding talks with top envoy Wang Yi in Beijing.

That came after Blinken on Sunday held “candid” discussions for seven and a half hours with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and agreed to keep up communication as they look to avoid conflict.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the discussions went beyond the usual talking points, including on Taiwan.

The visit marks the highest-level trip by a top US diplomat in nearly five years.

Traders are also keeping tabs on comments from Fed officials after last week’s decision to hold rates.

Several decision-makers lined up Friday to offer their views on the next move as they try to bring inflation down.

Fed board member Christopher Waller said the economy remained robust and that he was against changing the bank’s tightening policy because of trouble in the banking system.

Manila Standard TODAY

Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin said he was happy to keep hiking if data did not show the labor market remained resilient and inflation sticky.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

Please be informed that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of HARBOR STAR SHIPPING SERVICES, INC. (“HSSSI”) will be held and conducted virtually via the Zoom online meeting platform on Wednesday, 12 July 2023, 09:30 A.M. for the following purposes:

1. Call to Order

2. Certification of Notice and Quorum

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 13 July 2022

4. Management Report

5. Approval of Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of HSSSI and its subsidiaries as of 31 December 2022

6. Ratification of all acts, resolutions and proceedings of the Board of Directors and of Management, done in ordinary course of business since the 13 July 2022 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting up to 12 July 2023

7. Election of Directors

8. Appointment of External Auditor

9. Other Matters

10. Adjournment

The record date for stockholders entitled to notice of, participate and vote at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting is set on 08 June 2023 (“Stockholders of Record”).

Considering the current circumstances, Stockholders of Record may only attend/participate via proxy, remote communication or vote in absentia, subject to validation procedures. Only validated stockholders will be provided access to the Zoom meeting platform and can cast their votes in absentia on or before 04 July 2023 via the Corporation’s secure online voting facility.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Mumbai, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, Bangkok and Wellington were all down, though Sydney rose.

Oil prices fell on the lack of policy direction from China.

GREEN LIGHT

MARIE CHRISTINE BAUTISTA

LEADERSHIP has long been associated with individuals in power, authority or influence positions. However, the true essence of leadership lies not in one’s title or status but in their ability to inspire, influence and empower others.

You are an effective leader if you can create new leaders. People under your authority do not just follow all your orders. They should have the characteristics of being observant, skeptical, transparent, influential and responsible. Do not teach them just to accept the current practices. Train them to add value to their work. It is also a must to enhance their listening skills. You can benefit from the experiences of others and might inherit their wisdom and knowledge.

Dr. Sunny Jeong (2020) stated that everyone could be a leader. Everyone, if they will, is capable of being a leader. Leadership is not about showcasing intimidation. It shouldn’t also be associated with status in life. To be an effective leader, one must first think as if they are in the position of their team members.

Having the perspective of your team members in mind will allow you to understand not only their challenges and struggles but also their vision and goals as individuals. This is very important: leaders must know the strengths and weaknesses of their team members. Leaders must utilize the team members’ assets and organize their team’s system most efficiently and respectfully. Leaders should always lead with their followers in mind.

And Chicago Fed Chief Austan Goolsbee considered last week’s decision to skip a hike a “reconnaissance mission, pausing now to scope it out before charging up the hill another time”.

Investors will be closely watching Fed chief Jerome Powell’s twice-yearly testimony to Congress this week, hoping for clues about the policy board’s thinking.

On currency markets, the yen continued to struggle after the Bank of Japan on Friday stood pat on its ultra-loose monetary policy.

The unit was wallowing at a 15-year low against the euro, the BoJ decision coming a day after the European Central Bank hiked rates again and warned of more to come. With AFP

MEGAWIDE CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION No. 20 N. Domingo Street, Barangay Valencia, Quezon City Tel. No. (02) 8655-1111

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

To the Stockholders of MEGAWIDE CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION (the “Company”):

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of the Company will be

Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting via the Zoom online meeting platform and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to asm-2023@harborstar.com. ph or fill up the registration form at www.harborstar.com.ph/ asm2023registrationform on or before 28 June 2023.

The Corporation is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to asm-2023@harborstar.com.ph on or before 28 June 2023.

Stockholders may send their queries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to asm-2023@ harborstar.com.ph on or before 06 July 2023.

Manila Standard TODAY

The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance, voting and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, SEC Form 17-Q and other information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed at www.harborstar.com.ph/investors/pse_disclosures.

Very truly yours,

(SGD.)

CHARLENE O. ANG Corporate Secretary

(MS-JUNE 20 & 21, 2023)

PHILIPPINE SEVEN CORPORATION

7th Floor, The Columbia Tower Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City Tel. Nos. 8724-44-41 to 53 Fax No. 8705-52-09

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:

3.

Second, the leader should know how to communicate. With equal confidence and self-esteem, the leader must relay their vision to the team members appropriately and respectfully. The leader must communicate with them frequently so that an exchange of information will continue and create an environment where the leader is approachable and reliable. Communicating properly is also essential for building trust and compassion with everyone on the team.

in Authorized Capital Stock of Preferred Shares, and the consequent Amendment of its Articles of Incorporation; (d) Approval of offer, sale, and listing of additional Preferred Shares; and (e) Election of Directors. A copy of the Minutes of the Special Stockholders’ Meeting held last 20 December 2022 is available in the Company’s website and attached to the Information Statement as Exhibit “5”.;

4. Chairman’s Address and President’s Report

2022 Annual Report and in the Information Statement accompanying this Notice and Agenda

• The Chairman and President of the Company will give a welcome address and provide operational highlights of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the annual stockholders’ meeting of PHILIPPINE SEVEN CORPORATION (the “Corporation’’), will be conducted virtually and livestreamed through the link which can be accessed at the Corporation’s website at https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/2023-asm/ on Thursday, 20 July 2023 at 2:00 P.M. for the purpose of taking up the following:

1. Certification of Notice of Meeting & Quorum and Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 28 July 2022

3. a. Chairman’s Message b. President’s Report

4. Approval of 2022 Audited Financial Statements contained in the Corporation’s 2022 Annual Report and in the Information Statement accompanying this Notice and Agenda

5. Ratification of Actions Taken by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Board Committees and Management since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

6. Election of the Board of Directors including the Independent Directors for 2023

7. Appointment of External Auditor

Third, the leader should be humble. There is a saying that “there is no ‘I’ in a team. Each of the team members is important and serves a role. The leader should always be humble for ease of engagement, creating a culture of acceptance, and a good employee experience.

8. Other Matters

9. Adjournment

5. Election of Directors

5. Ratification of Actions Taken by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Board Committees and Management since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

6. Election of the Board of Directors including the Independent Directors for 2023

7. Appointment of External Auditor

8. Other Matters

9. Adjournment

For purposes of the meeting, only stockholders of record as of May 29, 2023 are entitled to vote in the said meeting.

The Annual Stockholders’ Meeting will be streamed live and stockholders may attend and participate via remote communication by registering on or before 5:00 PM on July 14, 2023 using the registration form found in the https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/2023-asm/. Stockholders may send in questions or remarks to asm-psc@7-eleven.com.ph.

The leader should also be reserved rather than acting in a rushed manner. A good leader should be able to listen to all sides first and have a rational judgment at all times. They should be able to take criticism positively rather than take it as an attack on or insult to their leadership. A good amount of reservation and doubt is good as long as there is also a continuous search for an answer or solution. They should also hear their team members’ opinions rather than acting solely on their own.

To cast your votes as a stockholder, you may vote through remote communication or in absentia, or through a proxy. Voting by remote communication or in absentia shall be done by completing the online voting form or submitting a scanned copy of the downloadable voting form found in https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/2023-asm/. The requirements and procedure for registration and voting are set forth in Annex “D” of the Information Statement and shall be published in the Company’s website at www.7-eleven.com.ph.

Fourth, a leader should inspire the team. They must show acts of encouragement and not be afraid to lead change. Changes are always present when developing a team. The leader must be brave and always be there to help them through any struggles the team might face.

• The stockholders will approve the election of the regular and independent directors to hold office until the next Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified. The nominees were evaluated on the basis of all qualifications required by the Company’s By-Laws, New Manual on Corporate Governance, and that no provision on disqualification would apply to them. The profile and qualifications of the nominees are in the Company’s Information Statement and Annual Report (“SEC Form 17-A”) which are available in its website.

6. Approval of the 2022 Audited Financial Statements

• The 2022 Audited Financial Statements of the Company will be submitted for the approval of the stockholders.

7. Appointment of the External Auditor

• The stockholders will approve the appointment of Punongbayan & Araullo as the Company’s external auditor.

8. Approval of the Acquisition by the Company of PH1 World Developers Inc.

• The stockholders are to approve the acquisition by the Company of 100% of the outstanding capital stock in PH1 World Developers Inc. from its affiliate, Citicore Holdings Investments Inc.

9. Ratification of All Acts of the Board of Directors and Management

For purposes of the meeting, only stockholders of record as of May 29, 2023 are entitled to vote in the said meeting.

The Annual Stockholders’ Meeting will be streamed live and stockholders may attend and participate via remote communication by registering on or before 5:00 PM on July 14, 2023 using the registration form found in the https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/2023-asm/. Stockholders may send in questions or remarks to asm-psc@7-eleven.com.ph.

To cast your votes as a stockholder, you may vote through remote communication or in absentia, or through a proxy. Voting by remote communication or in absentia shall be done by completing the online voting form or submitting a scanned copy of the downloadable voting form found in https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/2023-asm/. The requirements and procedure for registration and voting are set forth in Annex “D” of the Information Statement and shall be published in the Company’s website at www.7-eleven.com.ph.

Lastly, the leader should always create accountability on their end. Responsibility is always expected of every leader. A culture of accountability must always start with the leader. Accountability creates an environment that allows the team members to be efficient and have responsibility on their minds.

Pursuant to SEC Notice dated March 13, 2023 a copy of the Notice and Agenda of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS), Proxy Form, Management Report/Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A) for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Sustainability Report, and 1st Quarterly Report with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three (3) months ended March 31, 2023 (SEC Form 17-Q) will be posted on the Company’s website at www.7-eleven.com.ph on or before June 29, 2023. The Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS), Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A) and 1st Quarterly Report (SEC Form 17-Q) are available at PSE Edge.

• For ratification of the stockholders are all the acts of the Board of Directors and Management in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. A list of such acts is too voluminous to be included in the Information Statement. These acts pertain to government permits and clearances, execution of contracts, availment of services from banks, and other acts necessary for various construction project

10. Other Matters

• The floor will be open for questions from the stockholders.

The Corporation will provide, without charge, a printed copy of SEC Form 17-A and SEC Form 17-Q, upon the written request of a stockholder addressed to the Corporate Secretary.

Leadership is not confined to a specific group but is a quality within each individual. Empowering individuals to recognize their leadership potential and encouraging them to embrace their unique abilities can lead to a more inclusive and vibrant society where everyone can positively impact and inspire change.

All stockholders of record at the close of business on 22 June 2023 are entitled to notice of and vote

Pursuant to SEC Notice dated March 13, 2023 a copy of the Notice and Agenda of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS), Proxy Form, Management Report/Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A) for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Sustainability Report, and 1st Quarterly Report with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three (3) months ended March 31, 2023 (SEC Form 17-Q) will be posted on the Company’s website at www.7-eleven.com.ph on or before June 29, 2023. The Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS), Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A) and 1st Quarterly Report (SEC Form 17-Q) are available at PSE Edge.

The Corporation will provide, without charge, a printed copy of SEC Form 17-A and SEC Form 17-Q, upon the written request of a stockholder addressed to the Corporate Secretary.

The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, DLSU. She can be reached at marie_ bautista@dlsu.edu.ph.

We are not soliciting your proxy. However, you may attend by submitting a duly-accomplished proxy form which must be submitted to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 7th Floor, The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on or before July 11, 2023. Soft copies of the proxies can be emailed in advance to asm-psc@7-eleven.com.ph. The proxies shall be validated on July 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM at 14th Floor, BDO Towers Valero, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.

We are not soliciting your proxy. However, you may attend by submitting a duly-accomplished proxy form which must be submitted to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 7th Floor, The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on or before July 11, 2023. Soft copies of the proxies can be emailed in advance to asm-psc@7-eleven.com.ph. The proxies shall be validated on July 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM at 14th Floor, BDO Towers Valero, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

(signed) ATTY. EVELYN SADSAD ENRIQUEZ Corporate Secretary

EVELYN SADSAD ENRIQUEZ Corporate Secretary

Everyone can be a leader

Bangko Sentral likely to keep rates unchanged —Moody’s unit

By Julito G. Rada

THE decelerating inflation will likely compel the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to keep the policy interest rates unchanged in its meeting this week, Moody’s Analytics said Monday.

Moody’s Analytics which operates independently of Moody’s Investors Service said the central banks in the Philippines and Indonesia were expected to keep interest rates on hold due to lower inflation in the past months.

“Central banks in Indonesia and the Philippines will keep their respective policy rates on hold in June. Lower food and fuel prices have cooled headline inflation in those economies, giving the central banks space to hold monetary policy settings steady,” it said.

The report particularly mentioned the cooling down of inflation in the Philippines which, after peaking at 8.7 percent in January 2023, eased to 8.6 percent in February, 7.6 percent in March, 6.6 percent in April and 6.1 percent in May.

“Inflation began cooling more recently in the Philippines. After peaking at 8.7 percent year-on-year in January, inflation there eased to 6.1 percent in May,” Moody’s Analytics said.

The interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee earlier revised the average inflation rate assumption for 2023 to 5 to 6 percent from a previous estimate of 5 to 7 percent partly due to the consistent slowdown in consumer prices over the past four months.

Inflation is seen returning to the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent by 2024 until 2028 as the Marcos administration, through the Interagency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook,

provides proactive measures to address the main drivers of inflation.

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said in a previous report the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas might not be inclined to tweak its policy stance this week on continued robust economy coupled with the slowdown in inflation rate.

The economy grew by 6.4 percent in the first quarter, following a 46-year high of 7.6 percent last year driven mainly by robust domestic demand amid the continued return to greater normalcy.

“With economic conditions relatively calm over in the archipelago, we think the BSP remains sanguine and unperturbed; we therefore expect it to hold its policy rate at 6.25 percent,” HSBC said.

HSBC said the BSP might resume its tightening cycle if pressures on the peso stoked concerns over inflation, or if core inflation became stickier than expected.

Core inflation―or the change in prices of goods and services except for those from the food and energy sectors―continued to decelerate on a sequential basis.

HSBC said adding confidence to the central bank’s decision was the welltimed cut to the reserve requirement ratio by June 30. The RRR cut will coincide with the expiry of the pandemicera relief measure on reserves, making the RRR cut liquidity-neutral to a certain extent.

PH slips 4 places to 52nd spot in competitiveness list

PSE INDEX CLOSING

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines dropped four places in the 2023 World Competitiveness Yearbook to rank 52nd among 64 economies this year.

WCY said the country fell from 48th spot in 2022 amid global inflation, public health crises, geopolitical concerns and other uncertainties.

The yearbook ranks economies using 255 ranked criteria spread across the four competitiveness factors of economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.

The Philippines’ ranking fell in three of the four main dimensions of competitiveness. Its business efficiency factor slid to 40th in 2023 from 39th in 2022, while its infrastructure factor, which continues to be a perennial challenge for the Philippines, also dropped to 58th from 57th.

The country’s government efficiency factor suffered the biggest decline of four places to 52nd in 2023 from 48th in 2022. All the sub-factors under government efficiency suffered declines— public finance, from 51st in 2022 to 55th in 2023; tax policy, from 13th to 14th; institutional framework, from 53rd to 56th; business legislation, from 52nd to 57th; and societal framework,

PH, India sign MOU on fintech cooperation

THE Philippines signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding with India to enhance cooperation in the field of financial technology.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Ambassador of India to the Philippines

Shambhu Santha Kumaran signed the MOU at the Department of Finance office in Manila.

The MOU directs the constitution of a joint working group on fintech with the government of the Republic of India’s Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.

The creation of a joint working group is expected to facilitate inter-governmental discussions on the exchange of best practices to improve policies and regulatory connection, promote cooperation in the development of fintech solutions for business or financial sectors and develop international standards by encouraging the creation of an international version of Application Programming Interfaces.

“On the one hand, India is a rising economic powerhouse, with a forte in digital technology. On the other, the Philippines hosts a young and tech-savvy talent pool that can provide the intellectual capital needed to succeed in the digital economy. Clearly, the possibilities between our two economies are boundless,” Diokno said. Julito G. Rada

Wilcon Depot sees ‘muted’ sales growth

WILCON Depot Inc., a leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, said Monday it expects a “muted” sales growth this year coming from a high base last year as consumers discretional spending shifts to travel.

Wilcon investor relations head Jean Algier said the group’s aggressive store opening this year would also affect the company’s earnings as pre-operating expenses are frontloaded.

“We don’t want to promise that it will be another blockbuster year. Coming from high base in 2022, we are not expecting another spectacular growth. It will be a more muted growth for the topline,” Algier said.

Wilcon is looking beyond short-term fluctuations and continues to focus on expanding its store network, enhancing its product offerings and adapting its formats and merchandising to different markets, Algier said.

Wilcon plans to open 10 stores in 2023 to end the year with 93. The new stores, mostly the big depots, are located in Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Iligan City, Batangas, Bukidnon, Dasmarinas, Koronadal and two in Bacolod. Jenniffer B. Austria

from 50th to 53rd.

Its economic performance factor improved by 13 places to 40th from 53rd in 2022. The sub-factors under this domain saw improvements in domestic economy, from 48th to 30th; employment, from 19th to 9th; and, prices, from 58th to 39th.

WCY said among the challenges the Philippines faces this year are sustaining economic recovery and growth momentum amid the global downside risks, strengthening social protection and health care systems for inclusive development, addressing learning gaps to improve local education system, investing in sustainable infrastructure to reduce climate change vulnerability and reinforcing efficient public management strategies to support fiscal responsibility.

The findings on 162 of the indicators were based on hard data gathered from national sources, while the rest are perception-based indicators derived from an executive opinion survey of mid and upper-level managers in each country covered.

This year’s results reflected the impact of different crises such as global inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, said World Competitiveness Centre director Arturo Bris.

BRIEF

NGCP invests P6.47b in substation projects

TRANSMISSION operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said Monday it invested P6.47 billion in substation improvements.

NGCP said it continued to upgrade its substation facilities nationwide to ensure the power grid’s optimal performance.

The company said these improvements were filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission and were implemented from 2016 onwards, but had not yet received provisional approval from the regulator.

NGCP said it proceeded with the implementation of these projects given the operational need and set aside for later, the issue on recovery approvals from the ERC.

“Our priority has and will always be doing what is best for the public. Financial considerations can take a back seat and be threshed out later,” the company said.

“We hope to correct the impression that the consumers are somehow shortchanged with how rates are computed. Our commitment has never wavered: we serve the public, and we work within the legal and regulatory framework of our concession and franchise,” NGCP said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Nexif starts construction of 74-MW solar project

NEXIF Ratch Energy Investments Pte. Ltd. announced Monday the financial closing and commencement of construction of its 74-megawatt ground-mount solar photovoltaic project in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

The company said this marked a significant step forward in its commitment to investing in sustainable energy in the Philippines.

Debt financing for the project is provided by Security Bank Corp. as lender with SB Capital Investment Corp. as the lead arranger to fund 70 percent of the project cost on a limited recourse basis. It did not disclose the project cost and other financial details.

“We are excited to achieve the first financial close and commencement of construction of a project under the Nexif Ratch Energy joint venture. With this project now moving to construction, it builds on our under construction/ operating portfolio, which already comprises a hydropower project in Vietnam, one stage of which is operating and the other stage that is under construction,” Nexif Ratch Energy director Sakarin Tangkavachiranon said.

“We are expecting that this financial close will soon be followed by others this year, with development and financing of projects in Vietnam and Philippines gathering pace,” Tangkavachiranon said. Alena Mae S.

NEW PANGLAO HOTEL. Cebu-based developer AppleOne Group Inc. sign a memorandum of agreement with Marriott International on June 17 in Singapore to build JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa in Panglao, Bohol. Signing the agreement are (from left) Marriott International continent head for global design and vice president for interior design Karen Kim, Mariott International vice president for hotel development in Asia Pacific Steve Baek, AppleOne president and chief executive Ray Manigsaca and AppleOne co-founder and chairman Venus Manigsaca.

Suns land Beal in deal sending Paul to Wizards

WASHINGTON—Three-time NBA

All-Star guard Bradley Beal will join the Phoenix Suns in a trade that will send 38-year-old guard Chris Paul to Washington, according to multiple reports on Sunday.

ESPN and The Athletic said the deal would also include guard Landry Shamet, a handful of NBA Draft picks and multiple draft pick swaps, with final pick details yet to be settled.

Beal, who turns 30 on June 28, would join Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to revive the Suns’ hopes of winning their first NBA title.

Beal has played his entire 11-year NBA career with the Wizards, averaging 22.1 points, 2.3 assists, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals a game.

World’s best coming to town in Volleyball Nations League

By Peter Atencio

THE world’s best spikers are coming and will make their presence felt when the Volleyball National League comes back to town with the men’s division’s Manila leg at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Powerhouse Italy will field in its world FIVB champion team, to be spearheaded by the likes of Giulio Pinalli, Francesco Recine and Allesandro Michieleto, and other spikers who helped the squad make it to fourth place in the VNL last year.

VNL local organizing committee chairman Ramon “Tats” Suzara announced this following a VNL presentation on Monday at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos will hold the ceremonial serve during the opening ceremonies

before the first game when action begins on July 4, with Brazil facing Italy at 3 p.m., and Japan meeting China at 7 p.m.

“The top four teams in the world are here, with world champion Brazil coming back. Poland, the silver medallist of the 2014 world championship, is also returning. And there’s also Slovenia, the fourth place in the world last year,” said Suzara

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano also joined the launch with Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann.

The country’s hosting this year comes after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation successfully staged a men’s and women’s leg at the Araneta Coliseum in 2022.

Brazil, one of the most popular teams, will be fielding a t all squad led by 6’3” Bruno Rezende, Ricardo Lucarelli and Flavio Gualberto, who led the team to a quarterfinal finish last year.

Italy and Brazil are among the eight of the world’s top 25 men’s squads coming to Manila.

World no. 1 Poland will be around to keep world no. 3 Brazil company, along with no. 6 Italy, no. 8 Japan, no. 9 Slovenia, the Netherlands, Canada and China.

Constantino-Uy duel looms in Forest Hills golf

TO ease up the pressure to deliver in the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic, Harmie Constantino has opted to tone down expectations of another plausible title run in the absence of four other winners of this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

The P1 million championship unwraps today (Tuesday, June 20) with the pint-sized but talented Constantino, who scored back-to-back victories at Luisita and Villamor, looming large with fellow leg winners Chanelle Avaricio, Pauline del Rosario and amateurs Rianne Malixi and Mafy Singson campaigning elsewhere.

Avaricio, who topped the kickoff leg in Bacolod, and del Rosario, who dominated the Caliraya Springs stage, are both set to vie in the Epson Tour; Malixi, who ran away with the Iloilo Challenge title, is on a break following a stint in the Women’s Amateur in England; while Singson, who ruled the last LPGT stop at Valley, is competing in the Cactus Tour in the US.

Still, Constantino didn’t take any chances, putting in hours of work during the break to sharpen her iron play, which she said stymied her drive for a record

third straight victory at Valley.

“I’ve been working on my irons after the Valley event because that’s what was lacking in my game then,” said Constantino, who edged Daniella Uy in sudden death to snare the Luisita crown then foiled Chihiro Ikeda in the Villamor Philippine Masters.

Daniella Uy

But she struggled at Valley big-time, failing to recover from back-to-back 76s and ending up tied at fifth with Korean amateur Min Yeong Kim. She expects another tough grind at Forest Hills’ Nicklaus course but hopes to figure in the title race just the same.

“It’s going to be a hard week since Nicklaus is tight and hilly, so I really don’t have expectations,” said Constantino. “But as always, I hope for good rounds to come.”

A good fight is also expected to come from a slew of rivals, headed by Uy, who will be doubly motivated this week following a series of late-hole meltdowns that continued to keep her from posting her second career win after making it to the top for the first time at Riviera in 2021.

Like Constantino, Ikeda isn’t giving much thought on her chances, saying: “I have no expectations. I might just get disappointed if I think about it.”

But she does expect to contend, along with Mikha Fortuna, Sarah Ababa, Florence Bisera, Martina Miñoza, Pamela Mariano and Gretchen Villacencio and Koreans Juyoung Yang and Kim.

Focus will also be on top amateur Lois Kaye Go, who tied for third with Ababa at Valley and who has the talent and materials needed to put one over the pros in the 54-hole championship put up by ICTSI.

The Wizards, 35-47 in each of the past two seasons, have made the playoffs five times since Beal arrived with the third overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft but never gone beyond the second round. They haven’t won a playoff series since 2017.

Paul, still chasing his first NBA title, joins a club that collected its only league crown in 1978.

The 12-time NBA All-Star guard is a five-time season assists leader, most recently in 2021-22, and six-time NBA steals leader but has found only futility in a title quest during stops at New Orleans, the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston, Oklahoma City and for the past three seasons in Phoenix.

Over 18 NBA campaigns, Paul has averaged 17.9 points, 9.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals a game.

The Suns had missed the NBA playoffs for 10 seasons in a row until Paul’s arrival but reached the 2021 NBA Finals, losing to Milwaukee, and the second round each of the past two seasons, falling first to Dallas and this year to eventual NBA champion Denver. AFP

IMs Quizon, Arca grab share of ASEAN lead

INTERNATIONAL Master Daniel Quizon and Christian Gian Karlo Arca hurdled their first-round assignments to seize an early share of the lead in their respective divisions in the ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.

The top-seeded Quizon walloped Vietnamese Nguyen Hyunh Minh to jump to a five-player tie for first in the premier Open Under-20 division, while Arca, 14, turned back Thai Wakin Krisnawongsakul to zoom to a 10-man logjam at the helm in the Open U18.

IM Michael Concio, Jr., the country’s best bet next to Quizon, was slowed down by an upset draw by unheralded Kota Nagataki and was half a point off the pace.

For Arca, he hopes to prove that he’s the next big top junior player among the Filipinos more likely to succeed Quizon and Concio by topping the field which has chessers three to four years older than him.

The country, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the Philippine Olympic Committee, has sent the best of the best from its series of qualification tournaments back home.

Jaraula eyes 2nd win as Forest Hills Classic fires off

ANTIPOLO—The ICTSI Forest Hills Classic kicks off today (Tuesday, June 20) in a start likely to stir up play among a cluster of aces eager to score a second win and a pack of hungry bidders keen on breaking through halfway through the Philippine Golf Tour season.

But no player comes into the P2 million event at one of Forest Hills’ two championship courses with as much confidence as Reymon Jaraula, who snapped a long spell with an emphatic victory at Valley a couple of weeks back, beating Lloyd Go and Clyde

Mondilla by five.

Though he hasn’t played the Nicklaus side, Jaraula said he remains optimistic of his chances at the par-71, 7105-yard layout, which requires a combination of shots from the mound to the green and sound decision-making.

“I have never played Nicklaus but I did (play) at Palmer where I posted a couple of Top 10 finishes while the missing the cut once. But coming off a big win, my confidence is high going to Forest Hills,” said Jaraula in Filipino.

But the way he routed the stellar Valley field speaks well not just of his confidence and form but his competitive fire with the Del Monte ace, who toiled for four years before scoring a followup to her maiden win at Pueblo de Oro in 2019, also putting accent on putting.

“If my putting clicks, I’ll have a big

chance,” he added.

But precision off the tee and accuracy on iron play, plus the ability to pull off recovery shots, are also paramount to one’s title bid at the demanding course with Bacolod leg winner Ira Alido, Iloilo stop victor Rupert Zaragosa, Caliraya Springs titlist Tony Lascuña and reigning Philippine Masters champion Jhonnel Ababa all primed and fired up to get going and become the first player to win twice this year.

But a merry mix of veteran campaigners and young turks have also fortified their respective games during the break through daily training and practice rounds, setting the stage for a wild chase for the top P360,000 in the next four days.

Mondilla, who last won at Pradera Verde in the last PGT Asia event in 2020, is hard-

pressed to end a long title drought although his joint runner-up finish with Go at Valley could hint at the coming of a successful campaign this week.

Go, for his part, sets off hoping to ride on that big finish as he seeks to finally score a breakthough win, while multi-titled Angelo Que and Guido van der Valk try to recall their fierce form and spark another title run in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Former leg winners Zanieboy Gialon and Jay Bayron are also expected to contend along with Keanu Jahns, Gerald Rosales, Mars Pucay,

Bradley Beal, shown here signing autographs for fans after the game against the Houston Rockets at Capital One Arena, is headed from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns. AFP

Fidel Concepcion, Sean Ramos and Enrico Gallardo while Korean Hyun Ho Rho heads the Qualifying School graduates eyeing to crash into the elite circle of PGT winners.

Present during the VNL press conference are (from left) George Reynoso, Diamond Hotel, Room Division Manager; Richard Bachmann, PSC chairman; Ramon Suzara, PNVF president; Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; Hubert Guevara, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary; and Arnel Gonzales, GM SVP & Business Unit Head, SM MOA Arena. Danny Pata

Harmie Constantino

Reymon Jaraula is optimistic of his chances at the par-71, 7105-yard layout, which requires a combination of shots from the mound to the green and sound decision-making.

Clark wins 1st major at US Open with late mom ‘watching over me’

LOS ANGELES—

“I know my mom is proud of me,”

Clark said after shrugging off two late bogeys to card an even-par 70 and beat four-time major champion Rory McIlroy by one stroke.

The 32nd-ranked American’s triumph at Los Angeles Country Club resonated even more since his mother once lived in LA, and his parents were actually married at Riviera Country Club just up the road.

Clark’s victory comes just weeks after he broke through for a first US PGA Tour title at Quail Hollow, finally realizing a dream that his mother had nurtured before her death from cancer.

“She was so positive and such a motivator,” he said of his mother, who died of cancer in 2013. “She called me winner when I was little, so she would just say, ‘I love you, Winner.’”

Clark turned pro in 2017 and became a PGA Tour member two years later.

He said his victory on Sunday, when many may have expected McIlroy or one of the other major winners lurking off his lead to pounce, only reinforced the belief he already had in his abilities.

“I feel like I belong on this stage, and even two, three years ago when people didn’t know who I was, I felt

like I could still play and compete against the best players in the world,”

Clark said.

“I felt like I’ve shown that this year. I’ve come up close, and obviously everyone sees the person that hoists the trophy, but I’ve been trending in the right direction for a long time now.

“I feel like I’m one of the best players

in the world.”

Clark said his rise has speeded up as he worked on the mental aspect of his game —tested as never before as he held the lead on the final day of a major.

“This is where the game is so mental because your mind starts to race,” Clark said.

“You turn and it’s like, man, I should

Inaugural Dapitan 5150 offers P.5M to winner

TO make an immediate impact on its first-ever triathlon hosting and at the same time make the race memorable, Dapitan City is putting up a P500,000 purse for the overall winner of the 5150 Triathlon Dapitan slated Sept. 10.

The Shrine City of the Philippines is exerting all its efforts and pooling its resources to guarantee a successful staging of its initial foray in hosting bigtime endurance racing with Mayor Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos and the entire Dapitan City community thrilled over welcoming the leading triathletes and rising stars of the ever-growing sport.

“The overall winner of the main race will get P500,000,” said Jalosjos during an online press conference yesterday.

Putting the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km run race in Dapitan City isn’t only a breakthrough but also historic with Jalosjos expecting the event to draw the veteran and upcoming triathletes here and abroad.

The 5150 Dapitan’s success will also play a key role on the city’s plans to host the IRONMAN 70.3 in the future.

“The ultimate goal is the IRONMAN 70.3. We’ll just get our feet wet with the 5150 Dapitan and hope in the near future, we’ll get that chance,” stressed Jalosjos.

be at 12 or 13 and I should have a two-, three-shot lead. Then I’m almost eagling, birdie 14, I’ve got a three-shot lead. All I’ve got to do is coast in and then you make a couple bogeys.

“You have to keep your mind so present. The minute you get ahead or behind, you feel like you make mistakes, especially at this level.” AFP

Tiafoe turns focus to Wimby after Stuttgart success

STUTTGART—Frances Tiafoe is serious about his Wimbledon chances after winning his first grass-court title on Sunday at Stuttgart.

The American, who saved a match point against German Jan-Lennard Struff in a 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (10/8) win will move into the world top 10 for the first time on Monday, joining eighthranked compatriot Taylor Fritz among the elite.

The last time the United States boasted two men in the top 10 at the same time was in July 2011 courtesy of Mardy Fish and Andy Roddick.

“To win the title in a match like that and be in the Top 10 - that’s a lot of emotions for a like me,” he said.

Tiafoe snuck over a volley to take victory on match point and will carry that confidence onto the grass at Queen’s Club from Monday as well at Wimbledon next month.

“I have big hopes for Queen’s,” he said. “But my eyes are set on Wimbledon.

“I want to make an impression at that tournament,” the player, who reached the Wimbledon fourth round a year ago added.

“I want to be in a strong position there.”

Third career title

The 25-year-old Tiafoe saved the championship point at 6/7 in the thirdset tie-break on his way to securing his

second title of 2023 after Houston in April and third of his career.

He made a successful lunge on his third match point after two hours, 12 minutes on court.

“I had to give it all on the match point,” he said. “I hit an overhead but he got to it. I had to dive and got super-lucky. I was really happy to win.

“(But for a moment) I didn’t know if the ball had gone over the net.”

Tiafoe will have little time for celebration with a flight to London to catch.

Struff, 33 and ranked 24th, kept a sellout crowd at the Weissenhof club enthralled as he delivered 28 aces but still missed out on the first title of his career.

He was a semi-finalist in 2019.

The last German to reach a Stuttgart final was Philipp Kohlschreiber, who lost in 2016 to Dominic Thiem.

“It was an incredible match,” said Tiafoe, who was playing his seventh career final.

“I didn’t break him for two hours, ‘Struffie’ was serving well today.”

He added: “It was just supertough. On that match point, I don’t know how I got the ball over the net, but I’ll take it.

“It’s good to walk away with the title.” AFP

Red Bull boss hails Verstappen after team’s 100th win

MONTREAL—Team chief Christian

Horner hailed Max Verstappen and all the Red Bull staff on Sunday after the double world champion delivered their 100th victory in winning the Canada Grand Prix.

It was the 25-year-old Dutchman’s sixth win this year and the 41st of his career, pulling him alongside threetime champion Ayrton Senna in Formula One’s record books.

“To get a century of victories for the whole team is an incredible achievement,” said Horner.

“And not just by those who are here, but for the men and women in the team who have put in all the long hours.

“One hundred races is a lot, but 100 wins is 27 per cent of all the races we’ve entered that we’ve won and that’s an incredible, truly incredible statistic.

“And Max has been just sensational here again this weekend. He really is driving out of his skin.” He added he was not thinking about completing an unbeaten season.

“We are taking it one race at a time and my mind is not drifting off to far into the future,” he said.

“But can we? Who knows? There are so many variables. So, we take it one at a time… Collectively, this group are doing a great job.”

The seemingly unflappable Verstappen was, he said, very satisfied with another successful weekend.

“Of course, I am very happy right now,” he said. “But it was not a very straightforward race because the tyres were not getting into their window, it was cold and we were sliding around a lot.

“But we made it work and to win again and win the 100th Grand Prix for the team. It’s incredible, amazing. I mean I never expected to be on these numbers for myself so we keep enjoying working hard and today has been a great day.”

Verstappen led from lights to flag as he came home 9.570 seconds ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso with seven-time champion

Lewis Hamilton finishing third for Mercedes. His victory left him behind only four-time champions Alain Prost

(51) and Sebatian Vettel (53), seventime champions Michael Schumacher and Hamilton (91 and 103, respectively). AFP

Additional prizes of P50,000 and P30,000 will also be awarded to the Olympic and Sprint winners, respectively, of Lipi ng Rizal (best team award), P10,000 each to the recipient of Fuertos Juntos (relay) and P50,000 to the Liga ng Rizal awardee (team with most members).

The top three Bagong Bayani winners, or Filipino elites, will also get P40,000, P30,000 and P10,000, respectively.

Spicing up the 5150 Dapitan is the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, featuring 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run, with the Noli Run, a 3km fun run will usher in the main event on Sept. 9.

“We told ourselves, we want to also promote sports tourism and encourage people to travel over the Philippines and Dapitan is one of those places,” said Galura.

Gracing the press launch were reigning Subic IRONMAN 70.3 champion John Alcala, race director Ani de Leon-Brown, and national triathlon star Kim Mangrobang, who was in Mexico.

Galura added that they are expecting around 500 participants but may open it up for more people to get to see history in Dapitan.

“We will obviously increase it. We want many people to experience Dapitan,” she said.

PSA Forum to tackle D-League, Sports Expo

PROTAGONISTS of the PBA DLeague Aspirants’ Cup Finals headline the two-part session of Tuesday’s regular Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Members of defending champion EcoOil La Salle and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda will be on hand to talk about their coming best-of-three title series that kicks off Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Coach Gian Nazario and Michael and Ben Philips are on hand to represent the Green Archers, while Jacob Cortez and coaching staff members will be coming in behalf of the Red Lions.

The three-day Philippine Sports Expo and Conference make up the first part of the public sports program that starts at 10 a.m.

Sports Expo president Michael Herrera and directors Christian Ensomo and Patrick Buenaobra are going to discuss the June 30 to July 2 event at the Okada Manila.

The Forum is presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

PSA president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of the Philippine Star, enjoins members to join the discussion livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2, which also shares it on its official Facebook page.

Lyndham Clark’s fi rst major triumph at the US Open seemed “surreal,” but amid the swirling emotions the very real memory of his late mother, Lise, was very real indeed.

Tiafoe withstood 28 aces from Struff who was bidding to become the first home champion since Michael Stich in 1991.

Wyndham Clark of the United States celebrates with his caddie John Ellis after his winning putt on the 18th green during the nal round of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Frances Tiafoe

Red Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the 2023 Canada Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. AFP

Impressive Gio Emprese

Experienced actor reflects on his journey in the entertainment industry as one of the respected names in the BL genre

GIO Emprese generously shares his wealth of talent and experience with aspiring young actors. With a career spanning over a decade and numerous notable performances, Emprese has become a respected figure in the entertainment industry, especially in the recent resurgence of Boys Love (BL) genre.

As the casting director of the BL series, My Story, which concluded last Saturday, he mentioned, “Acting skills can be developed, so we look for young actors who are professional and kind.”

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment underscored the belief that acting skills can be honed and improved over time with training and experience.

By seeking out young actors who possess a professional attitude, the production team aims to work with individuals who take their craft seriously and approach their roles with dedication. This professionalism likely includes traits such as punctuality, preparedness, and a strong work ethic, which contribute to a smooth production process.

“I’m sharing this with young actors and talents because that’s how I developed my career in this business. It implies that not only should actors have talent and professionalism, but they should also bring a positive and pleasant demeanor to the set. A good attitude fosters a collaborative and harmonious working environment, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved in the production,” he added.

In the LGBTQ+-themed romantic series, Emprese takes on the character of Gelai, a school dean, Before this, he previously portrayed the same character in MyDay, and viewers can anticipate seeing him once more in the upcoming third installment of the series titled Our Story “You can see how Gelai’s character develops in each installment and I hope the viewers will learn a thing or two from the role I portray,” he said.

In honing his skills, Emprese actively participates in workshops, acting seminars, and programs, where he imparts his knowledge, techniques, and wisdom to aspiring actors. His dedication to teaching goes beyond mere instruction; he fosters a supportive and nurturing environment, encouraging students to explore their artistic potential and embrace their individuality.

Known for his versatility and depth, Emprese emphasizes the importance of honing one’s craft and continuously pushing artistic boundaries. He values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, reminding the people

KYLINE ALCANTARA defends Mavy Legaspi amidst criticism as ‘Eat Bulaga’ host

IN A recent interview, GMA star Kyline Alcantara defended her rumored boyfriend Mavy Legaspi from bashers due to his inclusion as one of the new hosts of the revamped popular noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!

Critics have compared the new hosts, including Paolo Contis, Betong Sumayao, Buboy Villar, Alexa Miro, and Mavy’s twin, Cassy Legaspi, to the show’s original hosts led by the iconic trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ.

“I believe they’re just doing their job, and they know they cannot replace the original hosts,” said Kyline. “Work is work. They are all just there to work. They have so much respect for TVJ and the gang.

show business,” Gio said to illustrate how he relentlessly pursued his career despite not having any connections in the industry. He recalled the instances when he stood in line multiple times for the Star Magic workshops, only to find out that all the slots were already filled. “I was emotionally exhausted, but the silver lining was that I made friends with many people in the queue. In fact, one of them was Kapuso actress Mikee Quintos.”

Gio’s journey in the entertainment industry began with his first onscreen appearance in the gay indie film Philippino Story in 2013, which starred Mark Gil This was followed by his involvement in the historical TV series Katipunan. These early projects provided him with valuable experience and exposure to the world of acting.

Emprese’s path took a significant turn

when he attended a workshop organized Ogie Diaz, where he had the opportunity to meet prominent BL . The two developed a strong friendship, and Emprese became a regular cast member in Xion’s BL productions, including those under Regal Films. This collaboration enabled the actor to showcase his talent and establish a presence within the BL genre.

Emprese speaks highly of Lim, describing him as nice and understanding, while also emphasizing their professionalism during work.

“I appreciate him allowing me and the other actors to ad-lib our lines when necessary, I personally find it challenging to memorize an entire script. This flexibility and understanding from the director have contributed to our successful working relationship,” he stated.

While Emprese expresses his desire to explore drama scenes and test his acting skills, he is also content with being typecast in light, feel-good BL

Angeli Khang ignites the screen in salacious film

ANGELI Khang reaffirms her status as one of the most sought-after stars of Vivamax. In the upcoming film Tayuan directed by Topel Lee

Angeli delivers a mesmerizing performance that leaves audiences spellbound. As the chemistry between her character, Ella, and Chester Grecia’s character, Rico, reaches its peak, the screen sizzles with an abundance of steamy scenes.

Bodies rubbing against each other.

Hearts colliding at full speed. But does a relationship between a playgirl and a married man stand a chance?

Ella, an events project manager, usually takes a private transportation service. However, when she can’t book a ride one time, she is forced to take a bus. Rico, who happens to be the bus conductor, instantly becomes aroused when her body gets pressed into his due to the thick crowd.

This initial encounter also deeply affects Ella, and from that night on, she starts pursuing Rico. Even after discovering that Rico is already

married with a daughter, Ella doesn’t care at all. Besides, she doesn’t want a commitment, just casual hookups. She has done it with different guys, and now it’s Rico she desires. She’ll do anything to make him want her just as much.

Rico has a history of being a womanizer, but since impregnating his then-girlfriend and now wife, he vowed to stay away from temptation. However, Ella’s persistence is wearing him down, and he finds it harder and harder to avoid her. Eventually, he gives in, and Ella satisfies him more than Bing ever could. What Rico and Ella didn’t expect is that their animalistic attraction can turn into pure adoration. If they don’t stop, they may end up getting hurt. But who is willing to let go?

Tayuan also stars Stephanie Raz Bing (the wife), Rash Flores as Nigel (Rico’s friend and kumpare), Francine Garcia as Mags (Ella’s friend and confidante), and PJ Rosario as Harold (Ella’s first love). Tayuan premieres on Vivamax on June 23.

series. He acknowledges the difficulty of securing acting projects, given the intense competition in the industry.

“Straight actors are increasingly taking on gay roles, but I have no issue with that since acting is not about gender preference. I believe that as long as an actor is skilled and capable of delivering a compelling performance, they can convincingly portray any character, even if it is a role as unusual as that of a snail,” Empress emphasized.

Empresse expresses gratitude for his involvement in the BL trend, recognizing the importance of representation for the young gay generation. He feels fortunate to be part of a movement that demonstrates that love knows no boundaries.

“These BL series are a reflection on my own youth,” he concluded noting the lack of such inclusive entertainment during that time.

Now, Emprese aims to inspire others to embrace their true selves and strive for personal excellence.

“The show has been a huge part of Filipinos’ lives for the longest time. Not only do they help but entertain. And now, through the new hosts, it is assured to continue. So, I’m really happy with this fact because I’m a fan of Eat Bulaga.!”

One reason why Kyline is defending Mavy is that she knows he has no bad intentions whatsoever.

“For one, I know that one main reason why he accepted the job is that he wants to improve his hosting skills. Definitely, I’m so proud of him. Both of us have high regard for EBs original hosts. In my case, I even experienced being a guest co-host on the show before.”

Interestingly, what advice can she give Mavy amidst all the bashing he currently receives?

“Well, as long as you know your intention and purpose for being on the program, just keep going! As long as you’re not stepping on another person’s toes and you have respect and perfectly know that you’re not going to replace someone, go. You can never replace the originals. They’re already icons.”

She and Mavy have a new show on GMA, the Wattpad series LUV IS: Love at First Read. Asked about the real score between them, Kyline stated: “I can say that what we share right now is a special friendship, a super-duper friendship. We’re taking things slowly. We don’t want to rush things and succumb to peer pressure just because we’re a love team. We want to take things one step at a time!”

* * *

After seven years since his last soap opera in 2016, Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?, which aired on TV5, Cesar Montano is back with a drama series. Also airing on the Kapatid Network, the veteran acting stalwart shares the screen with Cristine Reyes and Marco Gumabao in the television remake of the film Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan

The original movie was headlined by Star for all Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto, Christopher de Leon, and the late Eddie Garcia. Cesar will take on the role of the latter. Other actors who are part of the cast include Mickey Ferriols, Lito Pimentel, and Felix Roco

Incidentally, the director of the 1983 Viva movie was the late National Artist for Films and Broadcast Arts, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, who collaborated with Cesar in some of his most significant films like Muro-Ami, Bagong Buwan, and Jose Rizal Excitement fills the air as the soap offers a fresh screen combination. Jerome Pobocan directs.

‘LUV IS: Love at First Read’ lead star Kyline Alcantara supports her co-star Mavy Legaspi as on of the newest hosts of ‘Eat Bulaga’

Actor Gio Emprese shares that through time, acting skills can be honed and improved with training and experience

Viva artist Angeli Khang remains to be Vivamax’s hottest star as she plays the role of Ella in her newest film ‘Tayuan’

Angeli and Chester Grecia’s undeniable chemistry will leave the audience wanting to

C4 TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023

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

READY to provide an extraordinary experience to its guests Nustar Convention Center, the Visayas and Mindanao’s largest convention center, officially opened its doors on June 10.

With its remarkable infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, the NUSTAR Convention Center is poised to become the region’s most iconic and sought-after venue for a wide range of events. Its Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities create the perfect setting for the most remarkable of occasions.

“The inception of this luxurious and high-end event symbolizes the pinnacle of Nustar’s commitment to exceptional service,” said Nustar Chief OIperating Officer Alan Teo during the convention center’s gala night attended by Cebu’s top personalities in lifestyle and business.

The largest outside Metro Manila, capable of catering up to 2,000 guests, it is composed of three banquet halls, a lobby, a pre-function foyer and hallway, an open area lounge, and a bridal lounge.

The convention center has an expansive interior spanning an impressive total area of 2,449 square meters, creating ample space for various events. The ceiling height of six meters enhances the grandeur and versatility of the venue, accommodating elaborate installations and dynamic event setups, from corporate to social functions.

The panoramic sea view in the foyer makes for a breathtaking backdrop, adding a touch of elegance to any event.

Nustar Convention Center offers a range of dedicated spaces for different needs. As an example, the bridal lounge, complete with a dressing room, provides a luxurious holding room for the bride and her party before the reception. Connected to the lounge is a powder room equipped with restroom amenities, ensuring the utmost comfort and convenience for guests.

The venue also features an open area lounge, perfect for casual gatherings, networking sessions, and after-parties for guests. These thoughtfully designed spaces offer flexibility and cater to the diverse preferences of attendees.

The convention center’s pre-function hallway, measuring 60.7 meters by 8.6 meters, provides a welcoming entrance and smooth transition into the main event area.

Complementing the hallway, the prefunction foyer spans 436 square meters, offering ample space for registration, cocktail receptions, and networking op-

LIFE

Cebu’s newest star opens VisMin’s biggest convention center

For inquiries and reservations, dial (032) 888-8282 or email the hotel reservations.fili@nustar.com.ph. More information can also be found on www.nustar. ph/hotels/fili

portunities. Furthermore, the spacious lobby, measuring 179 square meters, enhances the overall experience for guests as they arrive at the venue.

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts is now accepting bookings for business conferences, social gatherings, exhibitions, and other events at the Nustar Convention

Center. With its state-of-the-art facilities, unparalleled service, and dedication to creating exceptional experiences, the region’s largest banquet hall sets a new standard for event venues in the region.

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) is the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation (RL). It is well on its way to

Beyond food tripping Exploring

Taipei’s street food

and more

stairs, full of stalls that offered anything and everything, and again, all sorts of street food. We tried beef noodles, sausage, braised pork with rice, and ate right there on the sidewalk. Tea houses are also popular in the area, and depending on the location, they can offer a beautiful panoramic view of the bay below.

The third stop brought us to the majestic Shifen Waterfalls, 20 meters high, and 40 meters wide, that end in a natural pool below, surrounded by trees. Actually, it was only one of the many waterfalls in this place, but Shifen offers the best sight.

By Lito Cinco

WHEN it comes to being a tourist in Taipei, there’s no denying that one of the major highlights is indulging in the delightful experience of street food tripping. The vibrant and bustling streets of Taipei offer a culinary adventure like no other, enticing visitors with a wide array of mouthwatering delicacies and flavors.

In the various commercial districts of Taipei, including the bustling Ximending area where my wife Marissa, son JM, friends Jun and Kat, and daughter Cassie and I stayed at Hotel 6, you’ll discover an abundance of day and night markets. These vibrant markets are a treasure trove of shopping opportunities, with a wide array of apparel, souvenirs, and, of course, an enticing selection of local street food.

On top are Taiwan sausage, beef noodles at A Zong, and milk tea, try Xing Fu Tang for the latter, there is always a long line of people, stinky tofu looks popular too but not for me, then, there are the taro balls, fish balls, squid, scallops, oysters, chicken wings, even a peanut ice cream roll made before your eyes.

For hot pot dishes, one of the best is Mala, right across from our hotel, there are several branches of this restaurant, but my wife and I passed up on that, pricey for

one, we had lunch instead of fried rice with shrimp in a small authentic Chinese restaurant nearby, and enjoyed it.

Shopping was not what we expected, apparel items were more expensive than in Manila, same with simple souvenir items. However, we did not pass up on buying Taiwan’s pineapple cake and boba milk tea, plus dried fruits and noodles at Donki, a Japanese discount store.

Going beyond all these food trips and never-ending shopping walks, we took a package tour that brought us to three places outside Taipei’s commercial districts. The first stop was the Yehliu Geopark on the north coast of the island.

Nearby was the Shifen old street, popular for its giant message lanterns that people release into the skies. The launching pad is an old railroad, still in use, with stalls selling lanterns for NT200.

becoming the Philippines’ biggest and best hotel group with the widest variety of formats and brands and the most diverse geographic reach. Nustar Resort and Casino, as its flagship development also houses Fili, a 5-star hotel that boasts genuine Filipino hospitality.

A view of the Yeiliu Rock Formations

According to local folks, a nighttime visit is more spectacular with hundreds of lit lanterns floating skyward.

We finished the day with a visit to the Shilin night market but had the same experience; prices were on the high side.

Restaurant chain extends reach to Pampanga, introduces six new restaurants at SM City Clark

HOT off the heels of multiple openings at Estancia Mall, The Bistro Group now brings excitement to SM City Clark with the launch of not one, but six new Bistro restaurants.

The area, once submerged, is now dry land, with a lot of eroded rock formations that have interesting looks, mushrooms, honeycombs, and whatever interpretation local people have of it.

The next stop was Jiufen, a famous old street with many narrow side streets and

The following day, we dropped by Taipei 101 for the mandatory picture taking of this iconic building, but the cost of going all the way up was a bit deterring, close to P2000 per head.

Instead, we spent our money on a gondola ride that brought us to the Taipei Zoo, impressive by its size and the animals housed there in near-natural settings, we missed out on seeing the red panda though, in fact, we could not even visit all the areas unless you are willing to walk far, we were not, and it was nearing closing time. In between tours, we stayed in the hotel room to avoid the hot sun, venturing out only in the afternoon till night, simply walking around the area.

After four nights and five days, we were back in Manila, the end of a wonderful vacation.

The expansion showcases a diverse range of cuisines under one roof, offering burgers, ribs, pasta, dim sum, all-day breakfast, sushi, and more. Guests can enjoy these culinary delights both inside the restaurants and in the spacious alfresco area. The Bistro Group’s success lies in their tried-and-tested formula of providing great food in accessible locations, a casual and enjoyable ambiance, and their signature Bistro-style service delivered by their dedicated staff. The company aims to replicate this winning formula at its new stores in SM City Clark.

According to Bistro’s COOs, Guia Abuel and RC Tiongson people visit their restaurants not only for the delicious food but also to relax, bond with friends and family, and have a memorable experience. Ensuring guests have a fantastic time every time they visit is

of utmost importance to them.

The fi rst set of openings on June 1 included Modern Shang and Italianni’s, followed by Denny’s on June 8. TGI Fridays, Texas Roadhouse, and Watami will be launched in July, providing even more dining options for guests. The restaurants allow cross-ordering, allowing everyone to satisfy their cravings for various cuisines. All the stores are conveniently located at the Ground Level, Clark Tech Hub 9 and 10. Italianni’s, one of the featured restaurants, offers a memorable customer experience from the warm “Buon Giorno!” greeting to the complimentary bread basket, delectable starters, mouthwatering mains, and delightful desserts.

The menu showcases both classic favorites such as Spinach Artichoke Formaggio, Spaghetti Meatballs, Quattro Staggioni, and Chicken Italianni’s, as well as new creations like Grilled Pear Salad, Braised Beef Osso Bucco Platter, Halibut Al Cartoccio, and Blueberry Mango Cheesecake. Guests are sure to create lasting memories at Italianni’s.

The Nustar Convention Center has a massive space that can cater to various events and gatherings

Popular Cebuano personality Slater Young (left) with his wife, Kryz Uy

Gala Night performer Lani Misalucha

Nustar CEO Alan Teo

TGIFridays is one of the six new Bistro Group restaurants are now open at SM City Clark

is a common activity in Shifen

A typical street food stall in Taiwan