Manila Standard - 2023 June 25 - Sunday

ARMED REVOLT THREATENS PUTIN’S RULE WITH CIVIL WAR

PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin warned Saturday that treason against his rule threatens Russia with civil war, as Moscow’s military launched an operation to tackle a revolt by the Wagner mercenary group.

The rapidly escalating events mark the most serious challenge yet to the Kremlin chief’s long rule, and Russia’s most serious security crisis since the strongman came to power in late 1999.

Wag - ner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, once a close Putin ally, said his troops had taken control of the military command centre and bases in the southern city of Rostovon-Don, the nerve

centre of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, and vowed to topple Moscow’s top military leaders.

Further north, on Wagner’s possible route towards Moscow, the governor of Russia’s Voronezh region said the armed forces had launched a “counter-terrorist operation” to suppress the revolt. A fuel depot in Voronezh city was on fire, he said.

The FSB security service accused Prigozhin of attempting to launch a “civil conflict” and urged Wagner fighters to detain him.

Responding to the challenge in a televised address, Putin accused Prigozhin – whose private army provided shock troops for Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine – of a “stab in the back” that posed a threat to Russia’s very survival.

“Any internal turmoil is a deadly threat to our statehood and to us as a nation. This is a blow to Russia and to our people,” Putin said.

“This battle, when the fate of our people is being decided, requires the unification of all forces.”

“Extravagant ambitions and personal interests

WORLD CLOSELY FOLLOWS WAGNER MUTINY IN RUSSIA

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WORLD/

FORMER ALLIES. (Left) This video grab taken from a handout footage posted on June 24, 2023 on the Telegram account of the press service of Concord shows the chief of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, speaking inside the headquarters of the southern military district in the city of Rostov-on-Don. (Right) This screen grab taken from a footage released by the Russian presidential press office on June 24, 2023 shows Russian President Vladimir Putin making a statement in Moscow.

TELEGRAM / @concordgroup_ official / AFP

led to treason,” Putin said, referring to Prigozhin, who built his powerbase as a catering contractor to the Kremlin and now runs a private military force.

“All those who consciously stood on the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed rebellion, stood on the path of blackmail and terrorist methods, will suffer inevitable punishment, before the law and before our people,” Putin vowed.

The Russian president’s speech came shortly after Prigozhin posted a message of his own, apparently filmed in Rostov-on-Don, accusing the Russian military leadership of betrayal and failure in the ongoing battle against Ukrainian forces.

“A huge amount of territory is lost. Soldiers have been killed, three, four times more than what it says in documents shown to the top,” he said, accusing commanders of hiding the true scale of Russian losses in Ukraine from the Kremlin.

AFP

9 WOUNDED AS TROOPERS, ARMED GROUP CLASH IN SULU

NINE were wounded when a gunfight ensued between government troops and members of a suspected private armed group allegedly maintained by a former vice mayor in Maimbung, Sulu on Saturday morning.

The Area Police CommandWestern Mindanao (APC-WM) said the firefight broke out around 7 a.m. in Barangay Bualo Lipid, wounding eight government troopers and a civilian.

The APC-WM did not identify the wounded troopers, except that four of them belong to the Provincial Mobile Force Company, two from the Special Action Force, and one from the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion.

Reports said the troops were about to serve search and arrest warrants against former Maimbung Vice Mayor Pando Mudjasan, who is also a Moro National Liberation Front leader, when the firefight began.

The Mudjasan group opened fire at the approaching authorities, prompting the latter to return fire.

A stray bullet injured a civilian, whose identity was not immediately known.

RICHEST PINOYS URGED TO INVEST IN MAHARLIKA

THE Marcos administration is open to striking joint ventures with the country’s richest Filipinos once the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) becomes operational, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said in a press briefing on Saturday.

“We’re hopeful. We can also do some joint ventures with our conglomerates, co-investments on infrastructure projects,” De Leon said. She assured the public that the soonto-be-formed Maharlika Investment

Corp. (MIC) would properly evaluate each investment.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday the Palace would scrutinize the revisions in the MIF bill but promised to sign the measure as soon as he gets it.

De Leon said the MIC board of directors would craft investment and risk management strategies where the public could see the possible returns of the projects.

“It will go through a very rigorous screening process – what will be

the returns and risks. There are also risk mitigating measures that would be identified to ensure that we can monitor and at the same time adjust all those risks,” she said.

“It will still pass through a procurement process. So, with that alone, we can see that it will be assessed thoroughly and that the investment we will venture into complies with the investment strategy that would be approved by the board,” she added.

CARLOS

YULO TO FOCUS ON TRAINING

IN BRIEF

470K GUN PERMITS NOT NOT YET RENEWED—PNP

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) encourages gun owners to practice responsible gun ownership and firearms safety discipline.

During the opening ceremony of the 17th Tactical, Survival and Arms Expo, PNP directorial staff head Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta also called on the gun owners to register their firearms to ward off problems. Peralta bared that around 470,000 firearms were still unregistered ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in October this year.

“We have at least 470,000 unrenewed firearms, we are targeting these (firearms) to process the before the countdown for the BSK Elections on October 28, this year,” said Peralta.

“Ang objective namin ay lahat ng unrenewed firearms na ito ay maregister para mabawasan ang possibility na it can be used for crime especially crimes involving political candidates,” he added.

Charles Dantes

SOLON EYES COMPLETE DATABASE ON SENIORS

Air Force soldier comes in handy with his fire hose to drench participants of the three-day Regada Festival in Cavite City, comprising of games, street dancing, photo exhibit, trade fair, concert, and water splash in celebration of the Feast of St. John, the Baptist. Joseph Muego

‘RIGHT TO CARE’ CARD, EVENTS HIGHLIGHT PRIDE MONTH FEST

TO mark Pride Month, the Quezon City local government launched its “The Right to Care Card” program, which will allow LGBTQ+ couples to make medical decisions for each other just like those under a civil marriage contract.

Meanwhile, organizers marked Metro Manila Pride Month with the “Tayo ang Kulayaan Pride March and Festival” at the Circuit Event Grounds in Makati City.

The street fair started at 10 a.m. Saturday while the afternoon program began at 2:30 p.m. to kick off the march at 4 p.m.

Prior to the Pride March, Metro Manila Pride also hosted the “Pride Picnic x Pride Speaks” through a hybrid session last June 18, with online discussion spaces last June 21.

In Baguio City, Northern Luzon Pride’s lineup of activities culminated in “Panagbeki” at Smoke

and Barrel at the Summer Pines Residences along Aspiras-Palispis Highway.

A night of dancing, lipsync smackdown, a drag show, and DJ sets marked the event.

Quezon City’s Pride Festival attracted over 50,000 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual community and their supporters.

The Right to Care Card, the program’s Twitter account explained, is a Special Power of Attorney card “that authorizes queer partners to make medical decisions for the one they love, as though you held the power of a civil marriage contract.”

“In the eyes of the law, queer couples are not recognized as next-of-kin during medical emergencies. This makes them powerless in making important medical decisions for their partners,” it added.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday said the program was studied by their lawyers.

“We studied it. We have a battery of lawyers go through this if we can do it. And the lawyers said that it can be done through a special power of attorney, it’s like a special contract,” she said, adding that the project is the first of its kind in the Philippines.

The Right to Care Card also allows LGBTQ+ couples to include their partners as a beneficiary in their insurance contracts, which Belmonte said was previously not allowed.

Quezon City’s Pride Festival, which is organized by Pride PH, is an all-day event featuring the Pride Expo, Pride March, and Pride Night.

“More than a celebration, the Pride Festival is a call to end the discrimination, hate, and prejudice among members of the LGBTQIA+. We are holding this activity not because this sector is seeking special treatment. Rather, what they long for is simply a halt to the undeserved ill-treatment and denial of opportunities they continue to suffer from,” Mayor Belmonte said.

MALATE FIL-AM STUDENT, 18, IS CROWNED MISS MANILA 2023

By Nickie Wang

GABRIELLE Lantzer, a stunning 18-year-old beauty, won Miss Manila 2023 in a glitzy coronation that unfolded within the opulent walls of the historic Manila Metropolitan Theater on Friday evening, June 23.

Representing the local district of Malate, the Fil-Am student and model edged out 19 other candidates from the country’s capital city and was crowned by none other than Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” LacunaPangan.

An incoming biochemistry student, Lantzer graduated from Southville International School and Colleges and will soon study at the Dela Salle University.

Lantzer took home a cash prize of a staggering P1 million and a crown made by Arca Bespoke Jewelry with diamonds and sapphires, and one large pearl.

“I’m an incoming freshman student, so I’m going to use the money to pay for my entrance fee and tuition. School comes first,” the bubbly teen beauty queen told the

press when asked how she intends to use the cash prize. During the final Q and A segment, Lantzer stole the show when presented with the pivotal question, “What slogan would you propose for the Araw ng Maynila celebration?”

With unwavering poise and eloquence, Lantzer said, “A day of change…Manila has gone through so many changes throughout its time. I think that’s the best slogan that represents the changes it has gone through to be the great city that it is today.”

HERBOSA BACKS HIGHER TAXES ON SODAS, JUNK FOODS

HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, citing health and economic reasons, says he backs proposals to increase excise taxes on sodas and other sweetened beverages and junk foods.

In an interview with radio network dzBB, Herbosa said the imposition of higher taxes on such products would lead to lower consumption of unhealthy foods.

“Yung epekto ‘neto sa health, nagkakaroon ng diabetes, kidney disease, among others. On the health perspective, maganda magkaroon ng tinatawag na excise taxes on those particular products na hindi beneficial sa ating health,” said Herbosa.

He also emphasized that the revenue from the additional excise taxes could bankroll vital government programs and projects.

“If you will ask me, I’m all for it because it would mean more revenues for the government to finance what we call social services,” Herbosa said.

“We discussed in the Cabinet meeting that we have projects on hunger and malnutrition, and it looks like that is where the Department of Finance will source out the funds,” he added. Herbosa cited the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco as an example, saying this yielded positive results.

Completing her court are pageant veterans Angela Okol (Miss Manila Tourism) and Anne De Mesa (Miss Manila Charity) while Karen Nicole Piccio and Francine Tajanlangit round up the Top 5 as first and second runner-ups, respectively.

Miss Manila relaunches after five years as a project of current Mayor Lacuna-Pangan. In partnership with the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Manila.

The coronation night was hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and actor Rayver Cruz.

A LAWMAKER from the Bicol region on Saturday appealed to local chief executives to help the national government establish an accurate database for the estimated 12.3-million elderly Filipinos nationwide.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte in a statement cited the need to catalogue the country’s senior citizens as some four million elderly Filipinos who are considered as indigent are eligible to receive higher monthly subsidies under a new law on improved social protection for this sector.

“I am appealing to our local executives to help the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and NCSC (National Commission of Senior Citizens) establish the national database for an estimated 12.3 million seniors, given the urgency of identifying and getting an accurate number of elderly Filipinos, particularly those who are eligible to receive the higher monthly subsidy of P1,000 under RA (Republic Act) 11916,” Villafuerte said.  Maricel V. Cruz

MMDA EYES DRILLS FOR MAJOR QUAKES

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) gears up for the conduct of a shake drill next month as part of the government’s preparation for the so-called “Big One,” a phrase used to describe a major earthquake.

Should the ‘Big One’ occur, which experts believe could happen anytime, there would be massive destructions in Metro Manila with 35,000 deaths in the first hour alone; over 100,000 injured, and results in an economic loss reaching 2.5 trillion pesos, the MMDA said.

The drill aims to inform the people about survival methods and the “do’s and dont’s” before, during, and after the tremor.

This was one of the topics that were discussed by officials of the MMDA and concerned government agencies, and local executives, during the 2nd Quarter Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting at the agency’s central office in Pasig City last Thursday. Joel Zurbano

CARNIVAL CRUISE

ROLLOUT. The United Philippine Lines and STI partnership launches in Pasay City its “state-of-theart” manpower processing and engagement hub of global carnival cruise line, the first ever of such facility in the country, graced by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano (extreme left). Also present are (from left) Higher Education Commissioner Prospero de Vera III, UPL president Denny Escobar, STI chairman Eusebio Tanco, Carnival Cruise Line vice president Richard Brearley, and Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista. Norman Cruz

WET REVELRY. It didn’t rain on their parade, but an

WORLD CLOSELY FOLLOWING RUSSIA’S WAGNER MUTINY

IN BRIEF

CANADA TO PROBE TITAN SUB TRAGEDY

CANADIAN authorities said they would launch an investigation into the loss this week of the Titan submersible along with five people onboard during a dive to the Titanic wreck.

The Canadian-flagged Polar Prince cargo vessel towed the Titan out to sea last weekend but lost contact with it about an hour and 45 minutes after the submersible launched into the ocean depths.

The Canadian Transportation Safety Board said “as the investigation authority of the flag state of the support vessel” it would “conduct a safety investigation regarding the circumstances of this operation.”

The US Coast Guard said Thursday that all five people aboard the submersible had died after the vessel suffered a “catastrophic implosion.” AFP

An art school student gives final touches to a painting depicting the five people aboard the Titan submersible. AFP

AUSTRALIA SANCTIONS 3 OVER MH17 CRASH

AUSTRALIA on Saturday announced financial sanctions and travel bans on two Russians and a Ukrainian involved in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014.

Canberra officials said the sanctions target Russian national Sergey Dubinsky and Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko, who were found guilty in absentia of murder and other charges by a Dutch court last year, after 298 passengers and crew died in the MH17 disaster.

Sergey Muchkaev, a colonel with the Russian Armed Forces, is also included in the sanctions by Australia. He commanded the antiaircraft brigade that supplied the weapons system which downed flight MH17, Canberra said. AFP

COUNTRIES around the world were on Saturday closely watching events unfolding in Russia, where a mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group posed the most serious challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s long rule.

Below are what governments and analysts are saying about the extraordinary situation taking place in nuclear-armed Russia.

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Wagner mutiny showed Russia was weak. “Russia’s weakness is obvious. Full-scale weakness. And the longer Russia keeps its troops and mercenaries on our land, the more chaos, pain, and problems it will have for itself later,” he said in statement on social media.

The United States

US President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation in Russia and Washington and “will

be consulting with allies and partners on these developments,” National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodge said.

Europe

European Union chief Charles Michel tweeted that the bloc was “closely monitoring the situation in Russia as it unfolds. In touch with European leaders and @G7 partners.”

“This is clearly an internal Russian issue,” he tweeted, adding that “our support for Ukraine” remains “unwavering.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged “all parties to be responsible and to protect civilians.”

“We’re in touch with our allies as the situation evolves. I’ll be speaking to some of them later today and the most important thing is for all parties to behave responsibly,” he told the BBC.

In Berlin, “the government is closely following the events in Russia”, a spokesman told AFP. The foreign ministry advised avoiding central Moscow and government and military buildings in the capital.

In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron “is following the situation very closely,” the Elysee said. “We remain focussed on supporting Ukraine.”

In Rome, Italian “Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely following the events taking place in Russia, which show how the aggression against Ukraine is causing instability also within Russia,” her office

said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that for the moment there was no concern for Italians living in Russia, but said they were “advised to be cautious.”

In Sweden, Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom tweeted: “The government is closely following the situation in Russia. The situation is serious.”

In Norway, Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said Oslo was “closely following the dramatic situation in Russia and are in close contact with the embassy in Moscow.”

Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder tweeted: “The situation in Russia is serious. I continue to follow developments... to see what impact it has on the conflict.”

Analysts

The UK Ministry of Defense said in an intelligence update that “this represents the most significant challenge to the Russian state in recent times.”

“Over the coming hours, the loyalty of Russia’s security forces, and especially the Russian National Guard, will be key to how the crisis plays out,” it said in a tweet.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War said the armed rebellion was “unlikely to succeed” but that “an armed Wagner attack against the Russian military leadership in Rostov-on-Don would have significant impacts on Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.” AFP

AROUND 40 MISSING IN ITALY MIGRANT BOAT SHIPWRECK—UN

MORE than 40 people are missing after a migrant boat capsized off the Italian island of Lampedusa, the UN said.

The shipwreck took place on Thursday and at least one newborn baby is among those missing, said UNHCR representative to Italy Chiara Cardoletti.

The vessel left from Sfax in Tunisia and was carrying 46 migrants from Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, Flavio Di Giacomo, a spokesman for the UN migration agency IOM, said Friday.

The boat capsized in strong winds and high waves, he said. “Some survivors were taken to Lampedusa and others were brought back to Tunisia.”

“Among those missing were seven women and a minor. The survivors are all adult men”, he added. “We have noticed more arrivals of

migrants from sub-Saharan Africa than Tunisians” via the Tunisian route since November, he said.

He explained this was due to people from sub-Saharan Africa fleeing discrimination in Tunisia.

“It is unacceptable to continue counting the dead at the gates of Europe”, Cardoletti wrote on Twitter, referring to deadly shipwrecks of migrant boats which have already occurred in Italy, Greece and Spain.

“A coordinated and shared rescue mechanism at sea between states is now also a matter of conscience.”

Di Giacomo also stressed the fragility of the badly welded boats, which sank at the first damage.

“We are therefore not aware of certain shipwrecks,” he said, calling for

“patrols of European ships to monitor the Tunisian route as well as the Libyan route, otherwise we will witness a disaster this summer.”

Located about 145 kilometers (90 miles) from the Tunisian coast, the southern Italian island of Lampedusa is one of the main entry points for migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

Last year, more than 46,000 people arrived there, out of a total of 105,000 in Italy, according to the UNHCR.

Migrant boat shipwrecks have increased in recent months, while the number of migrants entering the EU via the central Mediterranean “more than doubled” in 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to the European border agency Frontex in mid-June.

MISS GAVIOTA: FIRST LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLER

WEARING a glittery purple leotard, Miss Gaviota steps into a ring to roaring applause from the crowd, ready to go to battle with several masked, muscular men.

Wendy Martinez, the woman behind the Miss Gaviota persona, is proud to call herself Mexico’s first transgender “lucha libre” wrestling star.

Undeterred by cries from the crowd of “puto” – a homophobic slur often heard in the stands of wrestling arenas – the 46-year-old leaps into attack.

“It’s part and parcel of the sport,” Martinez says of the insult AFP

Last week a crammed trawler from Libya sank off the Greek coast. The death toll stands at 82, with 104 survivors pulled from the water, but witness accounts suggest many hundreds more went down with the ship, with their remains still missing at sea.

The tragedy occurred a few days after EU ministers reached agreement on a long-stalled revision of the bloc’s rules to share the hosting of asylum seekers and migrants more equitably.

In September 2020, the European Commission presented a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, a package of reforms which it hopes to see adopted by spring 2024 which notably concerns compulsory help between EU members in the care of asylum seekers and a strengthening of the external borders. AFP

File photo shows the wrecked cockpit of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 presented to the press at the Gilze Rijen airbase on October 13, 2015. AFP

during the main event at the San Ramon Coliseum in Puebla, Mexico on June 18, 2023. AFP

Mexican wrestler Wendy (left), known as Miss Gaviota, fights

TEST OF WILLS. Members of Wagner group sit atop of a tank in a street in the city of Rostov-on-Don on June 24, 2023. The group’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said his fighters control key military sites in the southern city. AFP

HONESTY COFFEE SHOP CONTINUES TO GIVE

IVANA, Batanes—The love story between Nanay Elena Canstaño-Gabilo and the people of Sabtang Island in the province of Batanes dates back nearly three decades ago.

Countless anecdotes and narratives have been written about the humble store that was once a worn wooden table serving water to weary travelers from Sabtang. They have become urban tales which visiting tourists told their friends after visiting the island.

It may seem a farce to many, but to those who have witnessed, drank and ate from the Honesty Coffee Shop, it is very much true and alive.

“I pity those voyagers,” Nanay Elena said, as she prepares to retell her story. “They travel very early in the morning to work in the town and I just thought, maybe some of them are thirsty from the early travel. So I asked the mayor if he could put a faucet for the travelers, but my request was denied because the area, he said, was not a household.”

Living near the port, one could hear the hustle and bustle of boats docking and the rustling of people as they arrive, she says.

Every dawn she woke up to the sound of engines and the voices people who traveled from the nearby island to work, while some people set out early to buy supplies, and others came to trade their goods.

The daily routine in the port made her worry some people might not have their first meal of the day yet, and lacking support from the local officials, she herself decided to place bottles of water on an old wooden table just across the small port to provide relief to the thirsty.

The travelers, then, were not aware who the Good Samaritan was, but they were very appreciative of the gesture, Nanay Elena recounted.

Two weeks passed, and as she placed the bottles of water on the table, she felt a nagging feeling that water might not be enough as she worried that some of the passengers might feel cold from the sea breeze after traveling early in the morning.

Many travelers found comfort in the hot beverage she offered the following day with a thermos of hot water, a jar of instant coffee and several cups laid out in the not so empty table, anymore.

She still remembered that the hot water jug was a precious gift from a pen pal in the US.

While the coffee was not free, Nanay Elena did not place a tag on the beverage and left it to travelers to pay whatever amount they saw fit.

“And that is how my coffee shop started. I wasn’t aware it was already a coffee shop in itself already, since it was just a table, several cups and a jar of coffee served during the wee hours of the morning. The people themselves baptized my tiny shop Honesty Coffee Shop but many of the locals call it the Honesty Store,” she said.

“I realized, I’m not losing if I was able to buy another jar of coffee. It’s likely that there may be people who did not pay, but I never thought of it that way. And since nobody is looking after our small store, I continue to believe in the honesty and sincerity of the people buying from our little store,” she said. She may not have profited much, but what is surprising, she said, was that she was able to buy another jar of coffee from the proceeds and added biscuits to the menu. And the cycle continued every single day until a big typhoon hit the island in 2000. The typhoon destroyed their small “kubo”, along with it, the makeshift cafe. It took her family almost a year to completely rebuild what was lost. Although they tried to salvage the “kubo”, they have built a nice new house in a residential part of the town not too far away from the port, with the small Honest Coffee Shop fronting the residence.

Honesty Coffee Shop owners Elena and Jose Gabilo

As a young teacher, fresh from passing the licensure examination, Nanay Elena spent her first year of teaching at the Itbayat Elementary School in Itbayat, Batanes from 1956 to 1957 and was assigned to teach at the Chavayan Barrio School in Sabtang from 1957 to 1964. She even became a regional finalist for the Outstanding Elementary School Teacher in Region 2 back in 1989.

After living a very frenzied life as a public school teacher, Nanay Elena was not accustomed to being idle and caring for the daily boat passengers was an antidote to her almost prosaic routine.

Tatay Jose, her husband of 64 years, was a local politician and farmer. He served as barangay chairman for a long time and supported her desire to help people from Sabtang.

CONSUMER FINANCE FIRM SUPPORTS DEI IN THE WORKPLACE

HOME Credit Philippines renews this commitment to support the LGBTQ+ community with the establishment of Pride Club, an employee resource group that will lead and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the workplace .

“At Home Credit Philippines, DEI and workplace inclusion is important for us. We have always championed these causes as integral for how we take care of our people and build safe spaces where our employees can be themselves and thrive,” said Home Credit Philippines chief people officer Alpha Omega Aquino.

Many companies in the Philippines have adopted DEI as a key tool to harmonize the workplace creating a culture of respect and appreciation amongst the workforce. In this Pride Month of June, Home Credit celebrates employees of diverse genders.

Home Credit Philippines has earned recognitions such as the Asia CEO Awards- Circle of Excellence Diversity Company of the Year, United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs) Awards 2022 for Transparency and Reporting, and 2023 Gold Stevie for Diversity and Inclusion.

DEI is also a focus of the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs, where in a workforce of 14,000 employees, 52 percent are female and 5 women executive are also sitting as company board members.

Home Credit has been proactively collaborating with advocacy partners to strengthen its DEI policies and programs. In 2022, the company joined the Philippine Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) and the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC) to further cement its commitment to workplace inclusion.

efforts of micro-entrepreneurs who have expanded the cafe’s menu from just coffee and biscuits to breads and cookies from neighborhood bakeries and native snacks like camote and banana chips from other islands.

As a thriving social enterprise, second-party retailers were encouraged to display and sell their products in the store free of charge.

After nearly 30 years, the coffee shop which has fended on its own, unmanned except for the daily replenishment of goods, continues to operate, without servers or lookouts.

Before the cafe and the fame that went with it, Nanay Elena had just retired from public service as a Grade 5 and 6 Mathematics teacher at Ivana Elementary School where she spent 36 years of her teaching career.

BUSINESS PLATFORM TO UPLIFT BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS IN UPCOMING GROWTH SUMMIT

TWENTY outstanding business owners will be honored during “Growth Con PH”, an annual growth summit organized by The Business Manual, the Philippines’ pioneering online subscription-based business platform.

Chosen for their commitment innovative approaches and positive influence within their respective business spheres are Brian Poe

Llamanzares of Artifract, Nina Ellaine Dizon of Colourette, Jon Carlo Lim of DragonFi, Isabel Lim De Vicente of Easy Franchise, King Alandy Dy of Expedock, ER Rollan of Growsari, Alejandro Manalac of Havitas, Aaron Roska Espina of ImmuniGlobal, JohnMichael Hilton of Visum Ventures/ Koomi, Jaime Gonzalez of PickUp Coffee, Ron Baetiong of Podcast Network Asia,

Dennis Velasco of Prosperna, May

Antonette Leuterio of Rent.Ph, Rachel Renucci-Tan of Renucci Rice, Bam Mejia of Sarisuki, Jean Magboo-Yuzon of Suds Sustainable Pods, Carlo Ople of Unbox, Dean Bernales of Uniquecorn Strategies, Pia Ugarte Garcia-Morera of Viajecito, and Vincent del Rosario of Vivamax.

The event which will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, aims to showcase the remarkable contributions of small to medium enterprises in shaping the Philippine business landscape.

It intends to bring together aspiring and established entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and business professionals for a captivating evening of learning, networking, and celebration. “Growth Con PH is an exceptional

The couple’s five children are also very supportive of their parents’ advocacy. Three of their children have followed Nanay Elena’s footsteps and became teachers as well. While the couple celebrates the joys of parenthood, they are forever scarred with the loss of two young daughters, though the couple remember them with great fondness. The cafe owners attributed the enduring success of the coffee shop not solely on customer’s honest patronage but also to the tireless

A wooden box with slot for bills and coins serves as the only payment platform. Buyers are encouraged to write in a notepad, sitting right next to the box, what and how many products they bought and the value of the goods purchased. This has encouraged many visitors to also donate their change to the Honesty Coffee Shop.

From food, the coffee shop diversified to selling non-food items with the addition of a souvenir shop, owned by one of Nana Elena’s daughters. The Honesty Souvenir Shop takes on the same retail format as the Honesty Coffee Shop—no frills and unmanned. It also allows other entrepreneurs to sell their products in the souvenir shop.

Othel V. Campos

STARTUPS GET SUPPORT FROM GOV’T, PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS

QBO Innovation Hub, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the International Trade Center (ITC) joined efforts to successfully complete the second cohort of the ARISE Plus Young Entrepreneurs (YE) Boost Accelerator program.

On its second year of implementation, the YE accelerator program awarded 12 winners who were drafted from 88 startup participants. The new set of winners are equipped with the necessary skills, resources, and networks to scale their ventures and compete globally.

Backed by major partners such as the DTI, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), PLDT and Microsoft, the event marked the end of a 14-week program aimed at accelerating the growth and development of a cohort Philippine youth-led businesses, providing them with the support needed to expand internationally.

Trade undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Rafaelita M. Aldaba said the program provides valuable opportunity to network and underscore the unwavering commitment of both the public and private sectors to foster youth-led entrepreneurship.

While, IdeaSpace Foundation and QBO Innovation Hub president Butch Meily underscored the significance of mentorship in the continued growth of startups.

The ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator, a flagship initiative under the ARISE Plus Philippines project funded by the European Union (EU), provides comprehensive support to early-stage startups.

QBO Innovation Hub president Butch Meily

SPARKING CONVERSATIONS FOR SAFE SPACES

By Patricia Taculao

AFTER landing in the top two of the first-ever Drag Race Philippines, Marina Summers, 26, has solidified her position in the Philippine drag community, inspiring the queer community and aspiring young drag queens.

Unlike before, when drag was frowned upon by Filipino society, the art form has become a topic of discussion between peers, groups, and especially within families. Although the community has been more accepting of younger generations coming out to express their sexuality and individuality, there’s still a long way to go before the journey for the queer community.

“Now that we are tapping more demographics in terms of people who watch drag, not only in the night

club scene but also mga brunches, mga dinners, may mga families coming with their children together. Na-e-excite ako sa fact na nagsisimula ‘yung pag- spark ng conversations about being queer, SOGIEs, drag sa basic unit of society, which is family,” the drag queen said. Marina added that a family’s support for queer kids is evident when they can express their creativity without any holds barred, which is a feeling she hopes every queer child across the globe can experience. Her platform as a content creator and drag queen provides ample representation of the queer community in mainstream media, giving younger members hope that they can also achieve their wildest dreams. It also encourages younger generations to explore the opportunities in the drag scene, to which

KNOWLEDGE CHANNEL, ABOITIZPOWER LEAD SUPPORT FOR MORE MOBILE LIBRARIES

Representatives from Baliuag South Central School receive their Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries from members of AboitizPower led by (from left) Eduard Ybarbia, Michael Corpus, and Arlene Lavina

THE Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) partnered with Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.’s (Aboitiz Foundation) business-to-business clientele in providing Knowledge Channel (KC) Portable Media Libraries to partner schools.

These schools received a KC Portable Media Library—consisting of an external hard drive containing beyond 1,500 Department of Education-aligned, curriculum-based video lessons and digital materials— and a 43” smart TV with a built-in Knowledge Channel app.

Along with the tools, the teachers received in-person and virtual technical training to equip them with the skill set to maximize the learning resources they received.

AboitizPower customercorporations who contributed to the project were NEO, JTekt Philippines Corporation, Cargill Bulacan, Cargill Pulilan, Pascual Laboratories, Inc., Philippine Resins Industries, Inc., Mabuhay Interflour Mills, Inc., and Embarcadero Land Ventures, Inc.

Meanwhile, partner schools include Gat Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, Santiago National High School, Baliuag Central School, Rufino A. Cruz Memorial Elementary School, Gat Francisco Balagtas High School, Josephine Khonghun SPED Center, Mariveles National High School Batangas II, and Barangay 17 Child Development Center Day.

Marina advises, “Never be afraid to dream big.”

“A lot of us, lalo na dito sa Pilipinas , we speak so much about humility, we speak so much about respecting the elders. While that is very important, it’s also important for you to dream big, to do things na hindi pa nagagawa before. It’s okay to break boundaries, and don’t be afraid to spark change,” she told Manila Standard Young Life

Before Marina became the drag queen she is today, she had humble beginnings in Nueva Vizcaya. Although her family accepted her sexuality when she

was young, she harbored some guilt because of how society treated the people around her. When she discovered drag, she saw an avenue where she could express herself freely and embrace her personality. Eventually, her confidence and self-acceptance paved the way for Marina to welcome her loved ones to her reality, allowing her to unleash her creativity.

Doing drag allowed Marina to spark the change she wanted to see in society. However, it’s not a path so effortlessly taken. As flawless as Marina might look during her shows, it took her three years to master her makeup and establish her brand, which people know and love. She admitted to still exploring the boundaries of her creativity through makeup, and her look is ever-evolving. In the meantime, she

encourages young drag queens to take their time in discovering their drag aesthetic.

Parang pagluluto lang ‘yan eh. Kung gagawa ka ng sarili mong recipe, hahanapin mo ‘yung tamang ingredients that would make up to this dish. If you get to apply something from deep down your core, maybe dancing, maybe fashion, maybe music kunin mo ‘yung aspeto na ‘yun, palaguin mo, and hanapin mo ‘yung sarili mo,” she said.

Open conversations about sexuality, drag, and other gender-related topics among families and tightknit groups have generated relevant change in how society perceives the LGBTQIA+ community. Above all else, education is the weapon against ignorance and the key to creating safer spaces for queer members in the present and upcoming generations.

ARTIST’S CORNER

WITH the rise of streaming platforms, people have since found an avenue to express themselves with the power of music and share with others to create a community where everyone can relate to the complexity of emotions or the simple things in life.

Now in her mid-20s, izzybelle, turned to Spotify to release her music, but not to jumpstart a career in the industry.

“I don’t see myself as someone who is pursuing a music career at all. It’s more of pursuing the dreams of the little girl in me who wasn’t able to do it as a kid and can only afford to do it now. So if there’s any inspiration, it’s my inner child,” she said.

She draws inspiration from her and others’ experiences. Sometimes it’s about what gives her existential crisis or mundane things. But as for developing her creativity, izzybelle studies other songs and songwriters, consuming as much art and music as possible.

“You can’t make outputs without inputs,” she said.

The singer-songwriter has two songs on Spotify, “Heirloom” and “Blinking Stars.”

“‘Heirloom’ is about passing on the gift of believing in someone else. I’ve always had difficulty believing in my own abilities and strength growing up. If not for the people I love who surround me, I wouldn’t be here, or I wouldn’t be strong and secure now. This song was made for a friend who was going through the same thing I was years ago, and I just wish that she’ll find her strength like I did, and once she does, she’s able to pass on that strength to others, too,” she said.

Meanwhile, her recent single, “Blinking Stars,” is about someone who tried to manipulate her into getting back together.

“The song is about that and how I didn’t know how to handle the situation. What I did after that is not mentioned in the song, but shoutout to those who have gone through the same thing. It’s not easy to be caught in that kind of situation,” she shared.

“I’m very proud that at this moment, our partners are at our side to help our youth… To have these digital learning modalities go into our schools is a very rare opportunity,” Baliuag South Central School Principal III Rosalie S. Santos said in the vernacular. “Because of the Knowledge Channel, visuals and thereby, learning [is] also made more appealing to the kids.”

“Thanks to AboitizPower, this project was able to reach us. The words ‘thank you’ are inadequate for our overflowing gratitude for your support in helping improve education,” she added.

By establishing these initiatives, KCFI continues to be at the forefront of helping improve education by developing educational video resource libraries and enhancing partnerships and programs for teachers and other child development stakeholders. These also help educators to save time from scanning books, editing videos, and creating presentations.

“Accessibility to learning is a common challenge across public schools in the country. We thank our partners from various industries and KCFI for helping us leverage multimedia resources and innovative tools to help improve the quality and accessibility of education,” said AboitizPower First Vice PresidentHead of Retail James Byron Yu AboitizPower and its partners continue to support public schools across the Philippines by helping improve the quality of education and the welfare of students through greater access to media and technology.

The Knowledge Channel accepts donations through BPI Acct. No. 0201-0409-14. Find out more about the organization through its website, www.knowledgechannel.org.

As a drag queen who’s still exploring the boundaries of her creativity, Marina encourages the youth to take their time in finding their personalities

Proper representation in various platforms has been a key for Marina to spark relevant conversations about gender

GILAS WOMEN FLAUNTS ‘UNBREAKABLE TEAMWORK’, ALL SET FOR ASIA CUP ACTION

THE Gilas Pilipinas Women squad is looking good as it gets ready for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Sydney, Australia. “Unbreakable teamwork. Hearts full of gratitude. We salute the incredible Filipino community who came out in full force to support Gilas Women. Maraming salamat po! Thank you Australian-Filipino Community Services and Sir Charles for coordinating our Melbourne exhibition week,” said the team’s official post on its social media page. Playing as a cohesive unit, Gilas posted a lopsided win over Keilor Thunder, 93-72, and beat Casey Cavaliers, 93-48, in a pair of exhibition games against two National Basketball League 1 semi-pro clubs as part of its buildup.

CARLOS YULO HONORED TO COMPETE AGAINST JAPAN’S ACE GYMNAST

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippines’ pride

Carlos Yulo admitted that he is always honored to compete against 19-yearold Japanese junior standout Shinnosuke Oka.

Oka has been training with the 23-year-old Yulo at the Tokushukai Sports Center in Kamakura, Japan for the past months for the 2023 Asian Artistic Gymnastics in Singapore, which was concluded over the weekend.

The young Oka first burst into the scene back In 2019, when he won two gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal at the 2019 Junior

World Artistic Gymnastics Championships held in Győr, Hungary.

In Singapore over the weekend, Yulo settled for a bronze medal behind Oka in horizontal bars.

But the Filipino redeemed himself against the talented Oka with a gold medal in the parallel bars, with the Japanese settling for the silver medal.

“Sa Japan po, siya talaga ang nasa top. Kaya sobrang saya ko po talaga kahit pumangalawa ako sa kanya,” said Yulo.

Yulo said whenever he competes with Oka around, the Japanese gymnast always gets favorable scores during evaluations, and he gets to land somewhere in fifth and sixth places.

“Hindi po siya nagkakamali pag sa evaluation. Kaya sobrang saya ko po na konti lang ang diperensiya ng score namin sa Asian Championship,” added Yulo.

Yulo is now preparing for his next competition

TOP AGENT GETS KUDOS FOR SETTING SOTTO’S NBA SUMMER LEAGUE STINT

while taking a break in Manila. But, he does not see himself competing in the Hangzhou Asian Games this September.

Yulo said he will just focus his energies on preparing for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.

The world meet has almost the same schedule as the Asiad, and Yulo believes that this bears more importance in his bid to earn spots in next year’s Paris Olympics.

“Iyun po ang mangyayari. Dapat sasali ako sa Asian Games sa China. Pero hindi na po,” said Yulo after members of the national team and officials of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines paid a courtesy call to officials of the Philippine Sports Commission on Friday.

Gymnastics officials are pushing through plans to send a competitive roster to Asiad without Yulo, and have other members of Team Philippines join him for training in Japan.

YULO TO FOCUS ON JAPAN TRAINING

GYMNASTICS Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion Norton said Carlos Yulo will concentrate on training in Japan, after winning three golds, a share of a team silver medal, and a bronze in the recent 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

Carlos’ most recent achievements were his haul of three golds, a silver, and a bronze in the 2023 Asian Artistic Gymnastics in Singapore over the weekend. Yulo’s efforts in the Asian meet earned him qualification slots in the World meet, along with Aleah Finnegan and Kyla Kvamme. With the three claiming seats for the world championships, Finnegan and Kvamme will resume training

VERMOSA’S

in the United States for their next competitions.

“I hope he will qualify for the Olympics, and that is what we are really fighting for. Aleah and Kyla will continue training in the US with their coaches,” said Norton.

As for Emma Lauren Malabuyo, the newest member of the national team who recently moved over from Team USA, she will be tapped for the Asian Games with Phnom Penh Southeast Asian Games gold winners Juancho Miguel Besana and John Ivan Cruz.

While these athletes are going to Belgium, we also have two athletes for the Asian Games,” said Norton,

GREEN RUN FOR FUN, FITNESS, ENVIRONMENT

THE Green Run at Vermosa 2023 is set to take off on Sunday, June 25 – almost a year to the date of the first Green Run in July 2022. Last year’s Green Run invited everyone to lace up and enjoy the outdoors for physical and mental health after being cooped up at home due to the pandemic.

This year’s Green Run invites everyone to be “leaner and greener” as both serious and fun runners build on their fitness gains. Like last year, the Run continues to support the Haribon Foundation and focuses on how everyone can do their share to save the environment.

There are different levels in the Green Run that will appeal to runners

of different fitness levels: a 3K run for beginners, 5K for intermediate runners, 10K for serious runners, and a halfmarathon 21K level for elite runners and athletes in training. This year, a fun and cute 1K Dog Run has been added to the event, giving pets and their owners a great way to bond and get fit together.

Celebrity runners are also expected to participate.

What makes the Vermosa Green Run special is that participants and guests get to enjoy Vermosa’s greenery, open skies and clean atmosphere while pursuing their passion.

“The abundance of wide-open spaces, lush greenery, flat and rolling terrain, and well-constructed walkways

who discussed their plans with PSC chairman Richard Bachmann and commissioner Bong Coo at the PSC offices at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Phnom Penh Southeast Asian Games gold winners Juancho Miguel Besana and John Ivan Cruz, who will train in Japan with Yulo and coach Munehiro Kugimiya, will lead the national men’s squad to the Asiad. On the women’s side, Malabuyo will be with Ancilla Lucia Mari Manzano, Kursten Rogue Lopez, and Lucia Gabriel Guttierez to get ready for the Asiad with Naomi Soco as their coach.

“I was hoping to send Ivan to Japan. I was talking to chairman Bachmann about this,” said Norton.

Yulo is among the most bemedaled athletes in the SEA Games and is set to get at least P250,000 from the Philippine Olympic Committee incentives, which were drawn from the support of the Manuel V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation (MVPSF) to the POC Trust Fund initiated by its president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

The funds were turned over to the POC following the celebration of the Olympic Day on Friday morning at the University of the Philippines (UP) Track and Field Oval. Peter Atencio

“IT’S good that Kai has gotten a top-notch agent in Tony Ronzone, who was featured in Time Magazine sometime back. He brought Dirk Nowitzki and Manu Ginobeli to the NBA. Hope he can get his connections to hire Kai. Tony Ronzone used to run a basketball camp in Orange County called Next Level Camps. I received a souvenir Basketball from that camp,” said former PBA team manager Charlie Favis in vouching for Ronzone. Favis was a former commissioner of the defunct Philippine Basketball League and, as team manager of the Shell team in the PBA for many years, FAvis had extensive experience dealing with agents of PBA imports. He now runs Spalding Basketball Camps, offering basketball training to the youth in Metro Manila.

FIBA WORLD CUP: WHO CAN MATCH UP WITH JOKIC?

SHOULD he decide to play for Serbia, Nikola Jokic will be in a unique position heading into the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, as he could emulate the achievement of Marc Gasol, who won the Larry O’Brien Trophy with the Toronto Raptors and the Naismith Trophy with Spain in the same year.

Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 4-1 series win against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals where he was also named the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. With averages of 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, the Serbian big man was undeniable as the Heat could not find a way to stop him.

Four-time All-Defensive Second Team member Bam Adebayo was the only effective defender against Jokic as he dominated when substitute big man Cody Zeller was on the floor. The question now is, “Who can step up to face the twotime NBA MVP in the FIBA World Cup?”

Carlos Yulo performs on the floor.

Kai Sotto

The Gilas Pilipinas Women with the Keilor Thunder.

YOUNG DUO RELEASES INSPIRATIONAL TRACK TO UPLIFT LOCAL LISTENERS

By Nickie Wang

“HANGGANG Dulo” is the first Filipino track released by Soul Gospel R&B duo allen&elle. It’s a gospel song that represents optimism and authenticity according to the up-and-coming musical act.

Formed in 2019, allen&elle consists of Stacy Abarca and Mich Basas, who began writing songs during their college years. Their debut single, “Rest,” gained recognition on Spotify’s EQUAL Global and EQUAL Philippines playlists, and they also made it onto Spotify Radar Philippines.

Nominated for the Best New Recording Duo/Group category at the 2022 Awit Awards for their song “Call You,” the duo has been making strides in the music industry.

“Before becoming artists, we’re already friends. We’re

batchmates in college, we took up the same course,” the duo who took up Music Production, a pioneering program in the realm of contemporary music and audio education at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

As professional artists, the duo went on saying that Allen writes the lyrics and Elle does the music production.

“Hanggang Dulo,” their first Filipino song, aims to establish a stronger connection with their local audience. With its captivating production and heartfelt lyrics, the duo’s self-

composed and produced track encourages listeners to embrace genuine love.”

“We have been writing songs in English, but now we want to be more connected with our local audience, which is why we came up with a Tagalog song,” Elle stated.

“The song reminds them that despite our mistakes and shortcomings, we are continually loved and chosen by the Lord and our loved ones,” Allen said in turn.

The duo hopes that “Hanggang Dulo” serves as a reminder that there is always someone who loves and chooses us.

“That’s basically the message of the song. The foundation of the song tackles how, despite being imperfect, we still have God who

is always there to welcome us. In reality, we have our friends and family who always choose us,” said the duo, who recently signed up with Tarsier Records.

In 2021, allen&elle released the single “Promise,” which garnered over 100,000 streams and marked their first collaboration with Tarsier Records. Since then, they have released several uplifting singles, including “Home” and “Reign.”

Their goal is to spread hope and positivity through music while radiating God’s light. They draw inspiration from various artists such as Tasha Cobbs, Kirk Franklin, H.E.R., Sam Kim, BTS, and Snoh Aalegra.

“Hanggang Dulo” is available on various streaming platforms.

FIVE MOVIES ,SHOWS GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOUR ADRENALINE PUMPING

ACTION-packed movies and series are the perfect solution for those seeking entertainment and an adrenaline rush. With thrilling sequences, intense combat, and breathtaking stunts, they provide an escape from the mundane and transport viewers into a world of excitement.

Whether it’s car chases, shootouts, or hand-to-hand combat, these adrenaline-fueled adventures captivate and energize, offering a thrilling experience that keeps boredom at bay. Check out these five titles, which can be streamed on Netflix:

ALJUR ABRENICA’S ‘REVELATION’

THE script holds immense significance in the world of filmmaking, serving as the foundation upon which a film is built. Recognizing its important role, actor Aljur Abrenica prioritizes the script evaluation process before committing to any movie project.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the actor proudly expressed how beautiful the story of the film The Revelation is, directed by Ray An Dulay and written by his wife, Joyzell Dulay . It started showing in cinemas on June 21.

“It’s a psychological thriller, so the twists in the story are different. This is the first one that I agreed to, apart from my co-cast members. Our working environment on set was very collaborative, which made the work lighter despite the intense scenes,” Aljur said in the vernacular.

Aside from loving his role in “The Revelation,” Aljur said he enjoyed shooting the film because he was working with his younger brother, Vin Abrenica ,

once again. They previously worked together in the film Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli (2016), directed by Gil Portes “But you know what I liked most about this film? The opportunity to work with Vin. I really enjoyed this project because he was with me,” Aljur said. “Back in 2016, it wasn’t like this. But now, it’s the opposite. We’re the protagonist-antagonist pair. It’s my first time having a major role like this. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with [Vin] because we haven’t been together for a long time, personally as siblings. There are many revelations when we’re together. This is true,” Aljur added.

Aside from Aljur and Vin, The Revelation also stars Ana Jalandoni, Jelai Andres, Lloyd Samartino, Adriana Agcaoili, Mosang, Sergio and China Roces

Black Knight

A Korean drama set in a dystopian 2071 follows a delivery driver named “5-8” in a post-apocalyptic world. Kim Woo-bin delivers a mysterious and action-packed performance.

Extraction

A gritty, realistic action film featuring Tyler Rake, a mercenary on a mission to rescue a crime lord’s son. Directed by Sam Hargraves, it combines intense combat scenes with top-notch cinematography.

stars as a retired assassin protecting her endangered child in an action-espionage thriller. The film showcases intense action sequences and a mother’s unwavering determination.

FUBAR

An action-comedy series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monica Barbaro as a fatherdaughter CIA duo. It blends humor, gunfights, and hilarious antics.

Extraction 2

The highly anticipated sequel to Extraction, featuring Tyler Rake as he returns to his life as a blackops mercenary. Directed by Sam Hargrave, it promises even more action and excitement, including a potential helicopter fight.

Enjoy uninterrupted streaming with Smart Signature Plans+ with Netflix on Us for an immersive and action-packed entertainment experience.

The Mother Jennifer Lopez

Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth in a scene from ‘Extraction 2’

Awit Award-nominee duo Stacy Abarca and Mich Basas, collectively known as allen&elle

‘Black Knight’ stars Korean actor Kim Woo-bin

Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez is ‘The Mother’ who is in a mission of saving her endangered child

The Soul Gospel artists shares their first single ‘Hanggang Dulo’ tackles optimism and authenticity

Garcia,

Aljur boasts the beautifullywritten story of his character in his latest film

Directed by Ray An Dulay, ‘The Revelation’ stars hunk actor Aljur Abrenica

ROLLING IN THE GRASS

By Mariana Burgos

AT FIRST look, the strange behavior of our pets make little sense. But, more often than not, there is a purpose for them. If your dog is eating pebbles, it might be because he is deficient in certain nutrients... or because he is bored. Burying bones and other things may harken back to natural "caching" behavior, in which something to munch on is saved for later.

And then, there is this time you see them rolling in the grass like crazy.

You may have observed that dogs have a preference for grass when they go outside. Yes, seeing a dog rolling on grass is fairly frequent. Whether it is in the backyard, the local park, or, well, anywhere... A dog seemed to appreciate grass wherever it grows.

Why do dogs roll in the grass?

While it may appear strange to us humans, dogs have reasons for this behavior, and there is some history behind it as well.

Hanie Elfenbein, veterinarian, writes in her article "Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass?" that dogs originated from hunters, and rolling in the grass may be a relic of their activity. Dogs may roll in grass to mask their own odor with whatever they are rolling in.

According to her, this type of behavior may have assisted wolves during hunting since it allowed them to get closer to their prey without being recognized by the prey's great sense of smell.

Another reason your dog may be rolling in grass is that they want to mark their smell, similar to how they rub themselves on their bed, toy, and even on you. It is as if they are claiming the area or letting other dogs know they have been there.

While the scent of shampoo and a newly bathed dog may be pleasing to our senses, these aromas may be too strong for your dog or simply the incorrect odor for them. Your dog may be thinking that rolling around on grass might help them regain their natural aroma they enjoy.

With that said, we may deduce that rolling in the grass is also a way for the dog to communicate with other pack members (including you!) by notifying them that he is around, that something smells odd and needs to be changed, or that they should avoid this area since it is his.

Elfenbein adds that your dog may be rolling in the grass due to an itching sensation caused by

skin irritation or allergies, If this is the case, you should treat it first to ease your pets' suffering. If your dog is rolling around in the grass due to an allergy, it is likely to be followed by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, and skin irritation, hair loss, itching ears, hives, and sneezing.

You may also notice that they rub themselves on surfaces such as rugs, carpets, among others. If this is the case, you should consult with a veterinarian to evaluate whether your dog has an allergy and what treatment would be best for him.

It is also possible, Elfenbein adds, that your dog just enjoys the sensation of rolling on the grass. Take note of your dog's body language while they roll. If they appear comfortable and joyful or playful, it is a good indication that they are just enjoying the sensation of soft grass and the companionship of those around them.

What if they, specifically, want to roll on grass that has poop or dead animals in it?

If this is the case, Elfenbein believes that the habit should be halted since it is unhealthy. She claims that diverting your dog to do anything else is the most effective and kindest method to stop a bad habit. Using Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT), reward your dog with a treat or praise for a behavior you want them to perform.

Teaching them orders like sit, stay, and down

THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU

By El Medium

SINCE yesterday I've been sitting with my old and ailing dog "Ni" (short for Lani). She's single, like me, and

WE HAVE been encountering posts on dogs, cats, and other animals on Facebook that are eye-openers, or inspiring, or enlightening, or educational, or can make one feel good during a stressful day, or make one encouraged to help the poor souls among us.

Sunday Pets would like to share these notable posts of netizens and groups through this space called Pawsbook.

From Ğasparek István Zoltán in Dog Lover (Facebook group)

Found this boy tied up outside a supermarket. Stayed for hours until I realized they just abandoned him. I searched for days trying to find out if anyone forgot him, lost or anything but to no avail. Today I just passed the chip in my name. We are officially a family!!! When I told him he smiled and I took a picture to share!!!! Animals do have feelings . You will never feel this much pain and insecurity again! "

can also be beneficial. If you are having difficulty teaching your dog on your own, you can seek the assistance of an animal behaviorist or trainer to help you properly redirect your dog's behavior.

The sense of smell of a dog is extraordinary.

They have the superpower of smell, as we have mentioned in our past article entitled, “Pets and their Superpowers”.

According to conventional knowledge, dogs spend their lives via their noses, continuously assessing their surroundings and taking in the world through an olfactory experience. This is why they are so good in scent-based activities like arson investigation, search and rescue, COVID detection, and others.

Grass-rolling may have many objectives based on a variety of conditions, but in general, it is, most often than not, about fragrance. It is always vital to remember that there are numerous aromas in the world that our human noses are blind to, but that are screaming to be engaged with by dogs.

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

From Animal Lovers Society "True."

has been my only housemate since 2021. "Ni" is a shy dog, very reserved. I adopted a kitten 2 years ago but she didn't like it. "Ni", it seems, is also a loner.

She's been ill since the last eclipse and yesterday I felt her energy is already leaving her physical body. So I sat with her listening to singing bowls while green incense is burning. We sat together until almost midnight. I chanted for "Ni" and caressed her head and body and saying the most organic prayer I know "thank you Ni, I love you". That made us both feel better. She slept soundly.

I even dug a hole last night in case she passes, but she lived thru it. She's restless in the morning though. After lunch today I touched her again and shooed away the flies and ants. Her energy is down to it's barest but she started blinking and wagging her tail when I touched her. Again I kept saying "thank you Ni, I love you". Then my favorite vision of "Ni" sunbathing in the mornings started fading from my mind too.

I played the 528 hz video posted here, then she stiffened, neck stretched out, her body started vibrating rapidly. The remaining, residual energy of "Ni" detached

from the body. My housemate is completely gone now.

After burying my housemate -dog "Ni" I said "thank you Ni, I love you" several times, this time to myself.

It felt like a soothing balm. Two of my favorite long sleeved shirt were buried with her. Tokens.

The magic of "thank you, I love you" is hard to explain, but it lifts what is low, it

From Dogs First

“WALKING YOUR DOG FIRST THING IN THE MORNING IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO

Getting natural light into your eyes within an hour of waking up for 5-10 minutes without sunglasses is really important.

Natural light sets our 24hr circadian rhythm. It sets a timer for a cortisol pulse which happens once every 24hrs; gearing up your temperature rhythm, alertness, mood and focus. So you really want this pulse as early in the day as possible. The later this happens, the later you will still be wide awake.

Natural sunlight triggers cells in the eyes to send a signal to the hypothalamus in the brain, which then releases a wake-up signal for your whole body and brain. This then sets a timer for melatonin release 16 hours later - Melatonin is the hormone that makes you sleepy, so the later in the day you expose your eyes to light, the later that timer begins.

Important for those struggling to sleep.

Also, the arrival of natural sunlight into the eyes releases dopamine - which modulates our motivation, drive and pursuit, but dopamine is also a precursor to adrenaline - one reason we feel more energetic on a sunny day!

All this considered, it's a great idea to get out and walk your dog first thing in the morning, even better for your dog if it's going to be a hot day too, all that lovely natural light helping you feel energised and focused.... ready to deal with the inevitable fox poo roll and any other delights your dog may present you with.

Happy friday everyone!

(Adapted from Prof Huberman video on Youtube!)”

From Bob Clark in Dog Lover (Facebook group)

A beautiful black Aspin (Filipino dog or asong Pinoy) enjoys rolling on grass.

(Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images)

This Border Collie loves rolling on grass too.

(Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images)

This Border Collie loves rolling on grass too. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images)