Manila Standard - 2023 July 16 - Sunday

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GOV’T TO LAUNCH FOOD STAMP PROGRAM TUESDAY

THE SIX-MONTH PILOT RUN OF THE PROGRAM WILL START WITH INITIAL 50 POOR TONDO FAMILIES AS BENEFICIARIES

THE government will roll out its food stamp program Tuesday, with 50 poor families from Tondo, Manila as initial beneficiaries, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said Saturday.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the pilot implementation of “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” would have a “gradual phasing.”

“We will inform you with the details on Monday. Palaki nang palaki yan until we hit the pilot mark na 3,500 families nationwide,” Gatchalian said in a news forum in Quezon City.

“After six months of its initial run, we will look at the results. If we get

positive results, then we scale up, where it will be initially 300,000 families, and then another 300,000 the year after, until we reach our goal of one million families identified as food-poor,” Gatchalian said.

The Walang Gutom 2027 program, under the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will provide assistance to eligible families through electronic benefit cards similar to tap cards, loaded with food credits instead of cash.

Gatchalian said the use of e-cards would eliminate the chances of buyouts, similar to those in ATM cards.

“The goal of this program is to empower our countrymen—foodpoor fellow citizens—to choose the right needs of their family,” he said.

The DSWD also worked with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide reskilling opportunities, enabling participants to gain appropriate skills and certifications and increasing their chances of finding employment.

Gatchalian said the pilot program received $3-million in funding from the Asian Development Bank and other stakeholders. The ADB and the World Food Program will jointly oversee the funds and procurement processes for the

PH BET RUNNER-UP IN MISS SUPRANATIONAL

By Nickie Wang

MISS Ecuador, Andrea Aguilera, 22, was crowned Miss Supranational 2023 on Friday night (early Saturday morning in Manila) at Strzelecki Park Amphitheater in Małopolska, Poland.

However, it was Miss Philippines Pauline Amelinckx who captured the hearts of online fans, with many fervently believing she deserved the crown. Fans took to Twitter to express overwhelming support for the Filipino beauty queen, causing her name to trend for several hours after the conclusion of the coro-

nation night.

Miss Supranational 2023 showcased a stunning lineup of international beauty and talent, featuring 65 contestants from different countries. As the competition neared its climax, the Top 5 finalists, includ ing Aguilera, Sancler Frantz of Brazil, Emma Rose Collingridge of the United Kingdom, Pauline Amelinckx of the Philippines and Ngan Dang Thanh of Vietnam eagerly awaited the final verdict.

Aguilera’s response during the high ly anticipated question-and-answer segment resonated with the judges, ultimately leading to her victory.

pilot run.

Gatchalian said they would dis close the complete details on Mon day. “We will kick off on Tuesday,” he said.

The program aims to eradicate hunger and poverty by providing an allowance to at least one million “food poor” families or those earn ing less than P8,000 a month to purchase a select list of food items from accredited local retailers.

disMonearnin-

“The food stamp program has conditions for the beneficiaries, in cluding attending nutrition classes and having one employed family member who can later take skills upgrade training under the Department of Labor and Employment or Technical Education and Skills Development Authority,” Gatchalian said.

FILIPINOS LIST PRESSING ISSUES A WEEK BEFORE PRESIDENT’S

SONA

By Maricel V. Cruz

FILIPINOS expect President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address the country’s pressing issues such as high inflation, poverty, unemployment, corruption and the economy in general, according to the results of a second-quarter survey which were released a week before the Chief Executives’ second State of the Nation Address on July 24.

This is based on the PAHAYAG 2023-Q2 survey results which say that Filipinos want the president to “primary focus on these pressing issues.”

About 17 percent of Filipinos consider the Philippine economy as the most important macro issue for President Marcos to address.

“This finding highlights the significance placed on economic stability and growth by a substantial portion of the population,” says the survey.

Corruption was also a major concern, with 14 percent of respondents identifying it as a critical issue.

The poll says 13 percent of participants expressed worries over high prices and inflation, while poverty and unemployment received 12 percent and 10 percent of the respondents’ attention, respectively.

‘BANGA’ DANCE. Members of the Kalinga Cultural Dance Troupe perform the ‘Banga dance’ while balancing pots to the beat of the gongs at the 36th Cordillera Month celebrations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had to cancel his attendance at the last minute due to tropical depression ‘Dodong’ which prevented his party from flying to Luna, Apayao. Dave Loperozo

MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2023. Miss Philippines Pauline Amelinckx (left) and Miss Ecuador Andrea Aguilera await the announcement of the new Miss Supranational 2023 on Friday night at Strzelecki Park Amphitheater in Małopolska, Poland. Aguilera, 22, won the title, with Amelinckx as her runner-up.

NAIA POSTS 78% PASSENGER INCREASE

JANUARY-JUNE ’23—MIAA

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has recorded 78 percent increase in passenger volume in the first half of the year.

Records from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) showed a total of 22,221,933 international and domestic individuals have traveled from January to June 2023, up by 78 percent from the same period in 2022 and only 8 percent lower than the pre-pandemic level in 2019.

Flight movements, on the other hand, registered at 135,883, up by 42 percent for the same period in 2022 and equivalent to 100 percent of the flights handled at NAIA in the first half of 2019.

“We are pleased to experience these surges in statistics—a strong indication that passengers have regained the confidence to travel again. The double-digit surge in our flight

IN BRIEF

AMERICAN CONVICTED FOR SEX EXPLOITS VS PH GIRLS

A CHICAGO man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for soliciting sexually explicit photos and videos from young girls in the Philippines.

movements and passenger volume is enough ground for optimism that the aviation industry is steadily heading towards full recovery,” said MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co.

The 11,357,156 passengers who flew to and from Manila from April to June indicate a 5 percent growth over the 10,864,777 passenger volume in the first quarter.

The airport management also saw an uptick of 2 percent in flight movement, with 68,689 flights handled in the second quarter of this year, up from 67,194 flights handled from January to March of this year. There was also a boost in international passengers in June at 1,752,098, accounting for 82 percent of June 2019’s figures, compared

to January’s international foot traffic, equivalent to 74 percent of January 2019’s data.

Meanwhile, domestic operations in the first half of 2023 have demonstrated consistent strength, outperforming the flight movement and passenger volume of the same period in 2019.

“Comforted with the consistent growth in numbers, with airlines introducing new routes, and with new airline players coming in, we will pursue without let-up our improvement projects, especially those that would highly impact the passenger experience inside and outside of the terminals,” Co said.

The MIAA recently completed its Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization, or STAR program, aimed at optimizing the capacity of the four NAIA terminals.

The program entailed the reassignment of some international airlines from NAIA Terminal 1 to NAIA Terminal 3 and the moving all Philippine Airlines international flights from Terminal 2 to

Terminal 1.

The move paved the way for confining international flight operations to only Terminals 1 and 3, while Terminal 2 became a purely domestic terminal, together with Terminal 4, which caters to turboprop operations.

It also benefitted partner agencies like the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Quarantine, as their Terminal 2 personnel are now re-deployed to Terminals 1 and 3, thereby ensuring full manning of their counters in the two terminals.

With Terminal 2 now servicing all domestic flights of PAL, AirAsia Philippines, and Royal Air Philippines, it can now accommodate up to 10 million passengers per annum from its design capacity of 7.5 million passengers per year. The removal of immigration counters and other infrastructure mandated for international flight operations provided the needed space for unhampered passenger movement inside the terminal.

DFA SAYS BODY OF OFW FOUND FLOATING

AUTHORITIES are investigating the case of a “decomposing body” of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was reportedly found floating near a pier in Hong Kong, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday.

A household helper who introduced herself as a relative of the deceased, asked the investigators to keep the incident “a little private,” DFA Assistant Secretary Paul Raymond Cortez said.

“Requested po ng pamilya to keep it a little private, kung kaya’t hindi po nare-release yung pangalan ng namatay at yung employer po,” he said.

“Nakausap po natin yung employer and sabi po, they’ll do everything para maiuwi nang mabilis yung katawan po ng ating kababayan, pati na rin po yung sweldo, gratuity or end of service benefits,” Cortez said.

Reports had it that Joggers first saw the rotting corpse on July 13, the DFA official said.

“Mga alas-sais po ng umaga, may nakita pong katawan na lumulutanglutang sa may pier,” he said.

“They tried to fish out yung katawan kasi parang na entangle po dahil sa mga barko-barko. Noong nakita

NEAR HK PIER

yung katawan medyo na decomposed na po,” he said.

“In-open na rin po for post mortem examination para matukoy kung ano po ang nagyari sa kababayan po natin,” Cortez added.

He said Philippine government has full confidence an impartial investigation would be conducted..

“Alam nyo naman po sa diplomasya, we put our trust na lahat ng gagawin ng host country will be up to our expectation bilang isang migrant community, building relations with other the host government,” Cortez said in a

MAKATI FC WINS 4 TROPHIES IN DENMARK CUP

MAKATI FC will go home with four trophies following a dominant campaign in Cup No. 1 in Frederikshavn, Denmark last week.

Makati FC ruled the Boys 11 division after overpowering Denmark’s Hobro IK, 3-0, in the Final, avenging its 1-2 defeat in the group stage. The Boys 13 squad, meanwhile, also became champions after nipping Guatemala’s Escuela La Academia FC in a thriller, 6-5.

Not to be outdone were Makati FC’s

Girls 12/13 and Girls 14 squads. The Girls 12/13 team completed a six-match sweep of its division with a 5-1 romp of Norway’s Nord SK, while the Girls 14 squad went undefeated in six matches capped by a 3-0 conquest of the United States’ San Francisco Seals.

The Boys 11 championship was Makati FC first since 2015, while the Boys 13 ended a five-year title wait.

Their four trophies after the four-day

tournament are “a true testament to all the hard-work and perseverance of the players, coaches and the ever supportive parents and extended Makati FC family,” said the club’s chief executive officer SeLu Lozano.

Up next for Makati FC is the Gothia World Youth Cup, where the 47th edition of the world’s largest and most international youth football tournament is set on July 17-22 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

radio interview.

“Syempre kailangan po natin ang lahat ng kasagutan para maibsan man lang ng konti ang nararamdaman ng pamilya at nang maiuwi ang labi ng ating kababayan,” he added.

The victim’s remains will be shipped back to Manila as soon as the investigations were completed and a death certificate has been issued by the authorities.

Last May, another OFW in Hong Kong reportedly fell to her death while a cleaning a window of the building where she was working.

Karl Quilter, 58, pleaded guilty last year to sexual exploitation of children, the US Attorney’s Office for the North District of Illinois said.

Quilter was sentenced to 30 years in a federal prison by US District Judge Virginia Kendall, the US Attorney’s Office said in a statement on Friday.

Quilter enticed at least nine girls in the Philippines to produce sexually explicit photos and videos and send them to him via Facebook, Viber, and Skype between 2017 and 2020, it said.

Quilter “preyed on the victims’ financial difficulties, using money transfers to the victims’ families to entice the girls to record the sexually explicit images,” the US Attorney’s Office said. AFP

‘HABAGAT TO SPAWN MORE MORE RAINS IN NEXT 3 DAYS’

THE country will experience significant amount of rains within the next three days due to the southwest monsoon or “habagat” induced by tropical storm “Dodong,” according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days,” PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. bulletin.

Meanwhile, the water level at Angat Dam rose 0.46 meters to 178.48 meters as of 6 a.m. Saturday from 178.02 meters Friday, but still below the 210 normal water level.

Occasional to frequent rains stirred by the storm-enhanced habagat will continue to drench much of the Philippines, PAGASA said.

The weather bureau said monsoon rains will affect Ilocos Region, Mimaropa, Zambales, and Bataan, with heavy rainfall likely to hit La Union and Pangasinan from Saturday night until Sunday.

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible,” PAGASA warned.

PHIVOLCS WARNS OF LAHAR AMID CONTINUOUS RAINS

VILLAGERS around the still restive Mayon Volcano in Albay were advised to prepare for possible evacuation due to the threat of mudflow or lahar expected to be induced by the continuous monsoon rains enhanced further by tropical storm Dodong.

“Buong paligid ng bulkan maghanda,” Teresito Bacolcol, chief of the seismology office of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in a radio interview.

In 2006, Mayon mudflows killed around 1,300 people amid the onslaught of Typhoon Reming, he recalled.

Some 20,000 residents within Mayon’s danger zone have reportedly fled their homes since the alert status was raised to Level 3, indicating that explosive activity is possible within weeks or even days.

As of Saturday, the alert level has not changed.

Mudflow or lahar, which contains hardened volcanic materials such as superhot lava and ash, could reach waterways and river channels when heavy rains continue, Bacolcol warned.

BRINGING HOME THE BACON. Makati FC displays all the four titles the team won in the Cup No. 1 in Frederikshavn, Denmark

STREET FLOODS. Several thoroughfares in Metro Manila go underwater due to significant amount of monsoon rains enhanced by tropical storm Dodong, stalling traffic for hours and causing untold miseries to commuters. Norman Cruz

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IN BRIEF

MARCOS ASKS ARMED FORCES TO DISMANTLE REBEL GROUPS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday asked the military troops to bring all rebels back into the fold of the law by end of 2023.

Mr. Marcos made the remarks during his visit to Camp Juan Ponce of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemakers) Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Sumuroy, Northern Samar.

The president said his administration would be in full support to tend to rebels who would surrender.

FILIPINO EXPORTERS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) inducts the board of directors and officers for 2022-2023 of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. at the International Trade Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. With the president are (seated, from left) Philexport chairman George Barcelon, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Special Assistant of the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Senator Loren Legarda and Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. Standing are (from left) trustees for the electronics sector Ferdinand Ferrer, non-metals sector Allan Suarez, textiles sector Robert Young, corporate secretary Apolinar Aure, trustee for the automotives sector Francis Chua, vice chairman William Co, trustee for the associate sector Eununina Mangio, fresh and processed food sector William Tiu-Lim, gifts and holiday decors sector Mila Lacson, treasurer Bernardo Benedicto, executive vice president Senen Perlada, trustee for the chemicals sector Oscar Barrera and vice president Ma. Flordeliza Leong.

CANADIAN BUSINESSMEN KEEN ON INVESTING IN PH

By Julito G. Rada

CANADIAN bankers, business leaders and key stakeholders expressed interest to invest in the Philippines during the first Philippine Economic Briefing in Toronto, Canada.

UBS Securities Canada managing director Alain Auclair cited the Philippines as one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific Region despite global headwinds.

“The country’s solid macroeconomic fundamentals reinforced the structural reforms, enabling it to withstand the headwinds and mount on strong recovery,” Auclair said.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada

Maria Andrelita Austria said the outstanding economic relation be -

tween the two countries is one of the reasons why Canadian banks should invest in the country. She said Canada is one of the Philippines’ major trading partners, with exports consistently increasing since the pandemic.

Private sector representatives elaborated on business opportunities during the panel discussion on the Philippine economic development agenda and investment climate.

Sun Life Philippines chief ex -

FISH KILL IN TAAL LAKE AFFECTS 30 TONS OF ‘BANGUS’

AUTHORITIES confirmed over the weekend another incident of fish kill in Taal Lake in Batangas province, resulting in losses of about P33.6 million worth of milkfish.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regional director for Calabarzon

Sammy Malvas told ABS-CBN News that 30 tons of milkfish died in fish cages in Talisay, Batangas.

A fish kill occurs as a result of decreased oxygen levels in the lake and increased production of toxins.

Malvas denied that the fishkill had something to do with the renewed activity of Taal Volcano. He said the sudden change in climate from hot temperature early last week to rainy days likely caused the latest episode of the fishkill.

The rain also resulted in muddy waters of Taal Lake. Locals refer to this phenomenon as “duong” or the change in water quality.

Malvas said that based on BFAR’s water sampling, the level of dissolved oxygen dropped to a range of 0.92 to 3.72 parts per million last week, below the healthy level of 5 PPM.

COUNTERFEIT GOODS. The Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic confiscates two 40-foot container shipments containing counterfeit goods such as Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Under Armour, Lacoste, GAP, Nike, Zara, Reebok and other items in violation of Intellectual Property Rights regulations. The operation demonstrates ongoing efforts to combat the infringement of intellectual property and protect the rights of legitimate businesses.

ecutive and country head Benedicto Sison cited three key factors on why it is good to invest in the Philippines, including the promising opportunities for growth, a resilient economy and a regulatory environment conducive to doing business.

“That is why you hear economists like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank describe the Philippine economy as robust because it is supported by strong and sustainable consumer spending. And this consumer confidence is further boosted by the young population of the Philippines and even further boosted by its sound financial system,” he said.

Manulife Philippines president and chief executive Rahul Hora said the Philippines has favorable demographics and a high literacy rate.

“We have a literacy rate of 99.0 percent and the familiarity of the population to the English language offers an extremely important edge over any other country for businesses in Canada,” he said.

The Economic Team composed of Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. presented the country’s economic outlook, investment opportunities and priority expenditures during the event.

Balisacan assured Canadian investors that the Philippine government is committed to sustaining transformative economic growth in the country.

“So, that is the plan. This is how we are going to move forward but this is all founded, it is all based, on the continuing good work that you put in every day,” said Mr. Marcos.

The 803rd IB has been instrumental in weakening the number of rebels in the region with over 6,200 of its sympathizers and personalities, and the dismantling of two guerilla fronts in Northern Samar.

“We have seen…..the increase in the firearms that have been neutralized and also the personalities that have been neutralized. Let us continue that trend,” the Chief Executive said.

TOYOTA LAUNCHES BIGGER WIGO IN THE LOCAL MARKET

TOYOTA Motor Philippines launched Friday the All-New Wigo, the Philippines most preferred car packed with new features and bold redesign on improved technology and driving performance.

The launch at Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City reinforced Wigo’s position as the Filipinos’ reliable, practical and easy to use mobility partner in starting any life journey.

“This is a very exciting launch for us at Toyota Motor Philippines because we know that the Wigo is one of the favorite Toyota models of Filipinos. The Wigo has given many new car buyers their memorable first car experience. In fact, we have given thrill and joy to more than 149,000 Wigo owners since the model was introduced in the country in 2014,” said TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto.

TMP showcased its lineup of the All-New Wigo featuring an improved driving platform and appearance. The well-loved Toyota vehicle is getting a combination of a sportier look and easy driving—ideal for those looking for a quality daily driver that gives a good impression.

Its exterior is now more aggressive and gives off a sporty design. It now comes with a 3760-mm by 1655-mm by 1515-mm dimension—bigger and wider than the previous generation. This also allows for increased interior and cargo space to make every drive efficient and comfortable. Othel V. Campos

PROPERTY FIRM TO EXPAND REAL ESTATE IN MINDANAO

A BROWN Company Inc., a property firm with projects in Mindanao, said it is further expanding its real estate portfolio with the launch of environment-friendly and low-density communities.

ABCI president Robertino Pizarro said in a statement the company lined up sustainable and resilient developments to meet the rising demand for healthier living spaces.

“Record-breaking real estate sales affirm the shift of the company’s thrust to both vertical and horizontal healthy living conditions as the current market demand. The market mindset has changed and our buyers are choosing to spend more for a healthier environment,” Pizarro said.

Among the company’s major projects in 2023 are the 280-hectare Mountain Pines Agro-Tourism and Retirement Estates, an agro-tourism retirement residential development in Bukidnon province.

SM CITY BAGUIO SET TO FILTER RAINWATER

By Butch Gunio

BAGUIO CITY—SM City Baguio launched a facility that will convert rainwater into potable water and help contribute to the city’s water conservation and recycling efforts.

“The mall’s rainwater filtration facility will supply the mall with enough potable water that can be redistributed to mall tenants for various uses including washing, cleaning and safe for drinking, to help reduce sourcing from the communities’ water table, leaving more water supply for the Baguio community to use,” SM Supermalls senior vice president Bien Mateo said.

SM has been recycling water for decades since the 1990s, but the new water-saving innovation is part of SM Prime’s sustainability program towards responsible consumption and carbon

footprint reduction, said Mateo.

“We invest in water conservation technology to eliminate water wastage and adopt stricter measures to reduce consumption. More innovations are being done to recycle more water and filter more rainwater across the properties and estates of SM Prime,” he said.

The real estate developer recycled a total of 3.58 million cubic meters of water across its properties in the Philippines last year. SM Prime installed water catchment basins in 25 malls as of June 2023 to help prevent flooding and soil erosion during sudden high volumes of rainfall.

The rainwater catchment system installed in SM City Baguio can draw and store 51 million liters of rainwater a year, based on 2022 PAGASA rainfall volume for Baguio City.

This is equivalent to 20 Olympic-size swimming pools, 13.4 million gallons of drinking water, 373,510 full baths and 672,318 10-minute showers. Rainwater is collected in the tank and treated for reuse within the mall. To make rainwater safe for use, the harvested water goes through a six-step treatment processes including multimedia filtration, water softener, activated carbon, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis and ozonization.

The treated rainwater from the tank will be re-distributed as supply for the mall tenants for various uses including washing, cleaning and safe for drinking.

Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of Cordillera Administrative Region acknowledged the efforts of the mall in providing a long-term solution amidst the growing concern on water security.

ANCHORED. As typhoon Dodong crosses Luzon, yacht owners at the Subic Yacht Club in Subic Bay Freeport make sure the vessels are well anchored for safety. Joseph Muego

NATIONS SEEK SWIFT FOSSIL FUEL EXIT TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE

PARIS, France—The world needs an “urgent” exit from fossil fuels as part of efforts to slash planet-heating emissions and rein in global warming, a coalition of countries including EU economies and climatevulnerable nations said Friday.

In a statement released at the close of climate talks in Brussels, the High Ambition Coalition said the year-end COP28 talks must pave the way for “an urgent and just transition to renewables, a more climate resilient world, and climate justice for all”.

ACTORS JOIN PICKET LINES AS HOLLYWOOD GRINDS TO A HALT

LOS ANGELES, United States—Actors took to picket lines outside studio headquarters from California to New York on Friday as movie and television production ground to a halt in the most serious Hollywood strike in decades.

Hundreds of strikers marched with placards at the Netflix building on Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Boulevard, as well as at Disney, Paramount, Warner and Amazon premises, with passing drivers honking their horns in support.

In New York, Jason Sudeikis and Susan Sarandon were among A-listers who showed up for demonstrations, triggered by the refusal of studio bosses to meet actors’ demands for better pay and job security.

“The studios are tone-deaf and greedy, and they need to wake up -- because we are the ones that made them rich,” actress Frances Fisher, who starred in “Titanic,” told AFP while marching outside Paramount Pictures.

Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) members joined writers who have been on strike for weeks, triggering the first industrywide walkout for 63 years and effectively shutting down Hollywood. AFP

“We must accelerate the global energy transition away from fossil fuels,” said the statement, signed by representatives of countries including Germany, France and the Marshall Islands, as well as the European Commission.

It called for greenhouse gas emissions to peak by 2025 at the latest and be cut by 43 percent by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, in line with recent updates from UN climate experts.

“This requires systemic transformations across all sectors, driven by an urgent phase out from fossil fuels, starting with a rapid decline of fossil fuel production and use within this decade,” the countries said.

The statement follows a ministerial summit in Belgium where the incoming COP28 president outlined priorities for the crunch Dubai meeting.

With global temperatures hitting record highs last week and countries buffeted by floods, storms and crop-withering heatwaves, the world remains far off track to meet its climate goals.

That has prompted some countries to call for a decision at COP28 to entirely phase out planetwarming fossil fuels from the global energy mix.

Fossil focus

Emirati oil boss Sultan Al Jaber, who will head up the COP28 talks, has said he expects fossil fuels to continue to play a role, albeit reduced and with the use of often controversial technologies to “abate”, or neutralise, the emissions.

Jaber said on Thursday that a phase down of fossil fuels is both “inevitable” and “essential”, but has been reluctant to spell out a time frame.

But “I don’t have a magic (wand)” as to when that will happen, he told AFP in Brussels. AFP

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IN BRIEF ACROPOLIS CLOSES AT HOTTEST HOURS

ATHENS, Greece—The Athens Acropolis, Greece’s top tourist attraction, closed during the hottest hours on Friday and may well close again Saturday as the country wilts under a heatwave. Access to the UNESCO-listed archaeological site dating to antiquity is being suspended between midday and 5:00 pm (0900 GMT and 1400 GMT) before reopening “to protect workers and visitors”, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni told public broadcaster ERT.

“It’s highly likely that we will take the same measure tomorrow (Saturday),” she said.

Temperatures reached 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) in Athens on Friday, and parts of the country could see highs as much as 44 C on Saturday, according to the national weather service EMY.

Other popular tourist sites surrounding the Sacred Rock on which the Acropolis stands, such as the Ancient Agora, have remained open. AFP

SINGAPORE MINISTER ARRESTED IN GRAFT PROBE

SINGAPORE—Singapore’s transport minister has been arrested in connection with a rare top-level corruption probe that has also ensnared a billionaire hotel tycoon, the country’s anti-graft body has said.

Transport Minister S. Iswaran was “arrested on 11 July 2023” and “subsequently released on bail”, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in an emailed statement late Friday, confirming the arrest for the first time.

Hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng, one of Singapore’s richest people, was also arrested on the same day and released on bail in connection with the probe, the bureau said.

The bureau has not disclosed details of the investigation that has gripped the city-state, a global financial hub reputed to be among the least corrupt countries in the world.

Cabinet ministers are paid salaries comparable to the top earners in the private sector to deter corruption.

The investigation of the transport chief by the powerful anti-graft bureau widened after it was disclosed that Ong was included in the probe. Ong is the managing director of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), which owns a string of high-end hotels and resorts in locations around Asia and the Pacific. AFP

IRAQIS BEAT HOT SUMMER BY SWIMMING IN TIGRIS

BAGHDAD, Iraq—With scorching temperatures and power cuts, Wissam Abed cools off from Baghdad’s brutal summer by swimming in the Tigris river, but as Iraqi rivers dry up, so does the age-old pastime.

Near a bridge linking the east of the city to the west, Abed stood in the middle of the river, but the water only came up to his waist.

“I live here in Adhamiya, like my grandfather did before me. Year after year, the water situation gets worse,” said the 37-year-old, referring to his neighbourhood nestled along the Tigris in northern Baghdad.

Abed waded through the water to the middle of the ancient river, as temperatures reached near 50 degrees celsius (122 Farenheit) and wind whipped through the city like a hair dryer one July afternoon. AFP

CAFFEINE-HEAVY DRINK RAISES CONCERNS FOR KIDS

WASHINGTON, United States—With its extremely high levels of caffeine, a hip new soft drink is raising fears in the United States that it might be dangerous for children, who have been snapping up the beverage since it was launched by famous YouTube personalities.

Prime was created in 2022 by American Logan Paul and Briton KSI, two influential YouTubers whose wacky -- and sometimes controversial -- videos are devoured by child-heavy audiences.

A first drink, Prime Hydration, did not contain caffeine. But this year, a second line was launched: Prime Energy.

A single can contains 200 milligrams of caffeine -- far more than the 30 milligrams in a can of Coca-Cola, for example, or the 80 milligrams in a can of Red Bull.

A launch video showed the two

internet stars playing video games and table tennis, very slowly and without enthusiasm at first, then frantically after drinking the beverage.

Since then, many TikTok videos have featured children proudly brandishing the famous bottles, set to a musical background proclaiming “We got Prime, boys!”

However, medical experts warn about the risks of younger children consuming caffeine.

Children under the age of twelve should not consume the chemical at all, according to the American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

And between the ages of 12 and 18, a limit of 100 milligrams per day is recommended -- or half a can of Prime Energy.

In addition to restlessness, anxiety

and headaches, too much caffeine can cause a child to vomit or to suffer from high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems, according to the AACAP. Some children may be more sensitive than others.

“This product has one true target market: children under the age of 18, and that is why I am sounding the alarm,” said top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer last week.

Prime Energy comes in flavors that might attract younger kids, such as orange-mango and raspberry-melon.

But the drink contains “eye-popping levels of caffeine for a child’s body,” the Senate majority leader said.

The refreshment is fashionable because “it is born from the reels of social media and the enigmatic world of influencers,” the senator said in a statement. AFP

BASTILLE DAY. Fireworks explode next to the Eiffel Tower and the Seine river as part of the annual Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, on July 14, 2023. AFP

ACTORS PROTEST. LOS ANGELES, United States—SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher (center) with national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland (right) and actress Frances Fisher (bottom), joins Writers Guild members at a picket line outside Netflix in Los Angeles on July 14, 2023. Tens of thousands of Hollywood actors went on strike at midnight July 13, 2023, effectively bringing the giant movie and television business to a halt as they join writers in the first industry-wide walkout for 63 years. AFP

COMCLARK Network and Technology Corp., the parent firm of Converge ICT Solutions Inc, together with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC), provided broadband access to CDC-BloomberryOB Family Care Center in Brgy. San Vicente, a nursery school of the Aeta community in Bamban, Tarlac. ComClark board chairman Jose de Jesus distributed learning tablets o er 20 students, in support of CDC’s Project Pagsasarili which aims to provide access to education to its nearby Indigenous Peoples (IPs) communities near Clark City.

“Our battle cry at Converge is to leave no one behind. Our efforts ensure that our students will have the opportunity to develop their digital skills, at the same time, give them the necessary tools to enrich their online learning experiences,” said de Jesus who was also former CDC Chairman and project founder.

COUPLE’S BUSINESS CAPTURES UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

THE wife-andhusband tandem of Connie and Rexelle Videña is a picture of unending gratefulness and fulfillment. Together, they capture fond and unforgettable memories for clients here and overseas.

Their photography business— Freshminds Photography—has served thousands of events and occasions that are close to Filipinos’ hearts. Based in Silang, Cavite, their venture is one of the prides of the local business community.

Starting the business was tough for Connie, who was a mother and wife before she tried her hand at photography—a craft that was unfamiliar to her despite her Graphic Arts degree from Rogationist College. She had another small business, before she decided to switch to photography.

“I studied a lot. Having artistic inclination is never enough. In this profession, you have to be abreast of the trends. It took years before we became a buzzword in the events scene in Cavite. I could safely say that we have reached a certain level of popularity the moment our business turned 15, thanks to all the satisfied clients who put out a good word for us,” she said.

About 60 percent of their gigs are referrals from previous clients, the rest are occasional walk-ins and some are phone inquiries. At least 80 percent of the events are weddings, and the rest are birthdays, family events and corporate shoots.

Connie established Freshminds long before she and her second husband of almost 15 years became partners and co-owners. Divergent perspectives in life made her part ways with her first husband, with whom she had three children. The breakup, she recalled, was a dark time. Riddled by challenges but driven by desire to provide for her family, she cut off her long hair, a ceremonial act that she said made her feel closer to her goal.

“By ridding myself of petty distractions, I was encouraged to focus on growing my business and taking care of my kids. I used to brush my hair once a day, kept my clothes choices to a bare minimum. I used to call my daily casual wear as my uniform, since I don’t have many outfits to choose from. I kept using the same set of clothes weekly. But what is saddest, by far, was not how I mistreated myself but my kids growing up with a stressed mom,” Connie said. Personal reset

By the time she met Rexelle, Freshminds already had a following. From doing school events to weddings, birthdays and family pictorials, the photography studio moved on to corporate shoots and big-scale wedding events.

She felt that her husband’s presence in the business provided her with the balance she needed. Contrary to being a school drop-out, Rexelle, a widower, is quite adept in fixing electronics. While learning the ropes of the trade, he studied the art and emerged quite the handy guy at pictorials. He also dabbles in editing and post production.

Their passion for the craft and business provided opportunities for travel abroad. They have worked on several projects overseas, including weddings in Australia, Dubai, Indonesia and the latest was in the

US. It has also become a habit for the company to engage in photography fairs and expos in the region, a bit expensive for promotion, but gives the necessary exposure to sustain international interest in the company. Decisions for the business are also conjugal. There may be some shouting matches, at times, but everything is good when concerns are threshed out. One of the best decisions they have agreed on was an investment in an indoor theme studio, a first in Cavite, which started in the middle of the pandemic.

The studio, inspired by the Korean photography craze, became a big hit during the pandemic when the lockdowns prevented people from celebrating occasions and milestones. Memorable moments were captured on camera on an easy budget, compared to expensive location photo shoots.

The studio works on themes such as rustic, garden, living room, corporate, among others, where personal, family and corporate milestones are immortalized.

“We did a lot of photo shoots from virtual graduation theme, to families and individuals celebrating their birthdays. The pandemic was a big eye-opener for us. It made us realize that the basics was what pulled us through the crisis and not the lavish onsite events that were the thing before the pandemic,” Connie said. Freelancers are also allowed to use the studios for a token fee, especially during pandemic when the public gigs and events were still taboo. They are given access to all three studios from the smallest in the first floor to the biggest, trendiest and most modern theme studio in the third and topmost floor.

Camaraderie is of more weight than the tools of the trade. Working as a team, especially when a company

sells services, should be the rule of the game, Connie realized when she started expanding her crew. Working as a family Majority of Freshminds’ crew of 20 employees started as amateurs but exposure made them the best in the field and all are well-cared for. Connie made it a habit to serve free lunch to everybody. The lunch gets better when one of the crew is celebrating a birthday.

The generosity does not end there. Connie makes sure that the employees who have managed to stay with the company for eight years are gifted with a loyalty present—a life insurance. Those who are with the company since it started, especially the veteran photographers and videographers, are given their own gadget package that is exclusive for their own use, and the ownership is passed on them.

“It was not easy to do that. Our investment per photographer is nearly half a million for the equipment. But at some point in time, you have to trust them. We wouldn’t be here if there are trust issues. I believe what we did is a good call. It is good investment,” she said.

Pushing to her mid-forties, Connie said she observed some minor health concerns and sometimes a deep feeling of fatigue that might have stemmed from working nonstop since she established the business 19 years ago.

“I am at a point in my life when I consider preparing for early retirement, maybe at the age of 55. My husband and I, we have plans to allow our trusted staff to run the business on a profit-sharing scheme. When they reached 20 years of service, they would be given company shares proportional to their contribution to the company.

In fact, we are grooming one of our children to take the reins from us,” she said.

Othel V. Campos Full story at www.manilastandard.net

INSURANCE PROVIDERS TEAM UP TO DEMOCRATIZE ACCESS TO LIFE AND NON-LIFE PLANS

INSURANCE firm Generali Philippines partners with Insurtech Gigacover to provide a wide-range of insurance products that are tailor-fit to the needs of Filipino consumers on Gigacover’s platform.

“Gigacover and Generali share the same vision and strategy of leveraging technology and making insurance more accessible to many people and varied industries. In an ever-changing world, the means to get insured also evolves. We will rely on our core strengths – Generali as a trusted, global insurance provider and Gigacover as a transformative platform –to provide Filipinos a more seamless and innovative approach to insurance,” said Gigacover CEO and Co-founder Amerson Lin.

Gigacover’s Freelancer Health Insurance is a comprehensive and tailored insurance solution designed specifically for the needs of freelancers and self-employed

individuals. It offers a range of benefits and coverage options to safeguard freelancers’ health and well-being.

With over 1,600 accredited hospitals and clinics, and more than 30,000 partner doctors nationwide, coverage options include confinement, doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, emergency care benefits, special procedures, new modalities of treatment, annual physical exams, and dental coverage. All of this is available for a low, annual, one-time payment of P11,188.

“We at Generali believe in developing comprehensive insurance products at affordable costs. Our partnership with Gigacover allows us to further democratize access to insurance products, driving insurance interest and acceptance, as a whole, in the Philippines,” said Generali vice president Grace Gelle.

ComClark through Converge installed as very small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite in the school not only to support online learning but also for the different online transactions of the beneficiaries.

“From the words of our co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy, internet access is no longer a privilege but a right of everyone. We believe that with fast and reliable connectivity, we could break down barriers that hinder those in rural communities to also succeed and improve their lives,” said Converge government affairs head Chito T. Salud.

Meanwhile, CDC assistant vice president for external affairs department Rommel Narciso said that CDC, under its Pagsasarili program, has more initiatives in the pipeline to empower IP communities with the help of its partner organizations such as Converge.

Last year, Converge also extended 100 units of learning tablets and a minimum of 100 Mbps of free fiber connectivity at Pagsasarili Centers in Marcos Village and Sitio Calapi in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

NUTRIASIA president and COO Angie Flaminiano was named as one of this year’s recipients of the Mansmith Market Masters Awards (MMMA) for her outstanding mentorship of young Filipino marketers.

The MMMA acknowledged her substantial contributions in instilling the value of excellence as a daily practice with focused and innovative thinking. Her guidance has led to remarkable achievements among her mentees.

“Many individuals have surpassed their own expectations because someone else believed in them,” she said in her acceptance speech at the 14th Mansmith Market Masters Conference held at SMX Manila.

She shared how NutriAsia persevered through years of challenging crises without compromising its principles and values, making the Award particularly meaningful.

Since assuming leadership of NutriAsia in 2012, she has been unwavering in promoting the company’s MERIT - Malasakit, Excellence, Respect, Ingenuity with Integrity - values while fostering a culture of teamwork.

NutriAsia is the leading producer of condiment products in the Philippines. Its renowned brands include as Datu Puti, Mang Tomas, UFC Catsup, and Silver Swan.

‘AKSYON AT MALASAKIT’

HOW CALOOCAN MAYOR ALONG MALAPITAN TURNS COMPASSION INTO ACTION

By Jan Darnel Domalanta

INCUMBENT Caloocan

City Mayor Dale Gonzalo

“Along” Malapitan is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of being a leader, especially with a 16year track record in public service. After succeeding his father, Oscar “Oca” Malapitan, who has served Caloocan City for three straight terms, Malapitan looks to uphold his family name by setting the bar higher for approachability.

The Malapitans have always had a close connection with their community as their household bustled with people in all their diversity, looking to forward their concerns to the former Mayor. Witnessing the happiness of the people and the joy his father felt as he was helping them inspired Malapitan to get into politics just so that he could continue to help more people.

“Feeling ko kapag nakaka- solve ako ng problema, at ‘yung feeling na nakakatulong ka at may nagagawa kang maganda, ‘yun ‘yung nag -push pa sa akin lalo para umabot ako sa posisyon na ‘to ,” the Caloocan Mayor told Manila Standard LGU.

A productive first year

Despite being only his first year in office, Malapitan has made significant progress in the city’s development.

Through the city’s mega job fairs, thousands of Caloocan citizens found new job opportunities. Moreover, under the new City Ordinance No. 0984, all registered senior citizens in Caloocan will receive a P500 cash gift on their birth month, on top of receiving a birthday package.

Malapitan also has plans to improve various infrastructures in the city, like establishing their new government center and improving the Caloocan North City Hall.

His constituents’ safety has always been one of Malapitan’s top priorities as mayor. Recently, the city has improved its rescue system by establishing its Alert and Monitoring Center, effectively giving the city of Caloocan its own 911 hotline. The Caloocan Mayor has also provided many health centers across the city to ensure proper and accessible health care to all his constituents wherever they may be.

Ang target ko talaga [ay] ‘yung mga tao ‘di na kailangan pumunta ng hospital. Kahit health center lang, kaya ng gawin. Dapat kumpleto na sil a,” Malapitan said.

Problem-solving as a strong suit

Yet, Malapitan’s time as mayor has not all been smooth sailing. Back when he was still a city councilor, Malapitan authored an ordinance that provided free tuition for his constituents. However, now that he is the city’s executive, the sharp increase in enrollees exposed a lack of educational facilities.

CALOOCAN GRADUATES RECEIVE CASH INCENTIVES

CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan granted P10,000 cash incentive each to 35 elementary and high school students who graduated with highest honors.

The Mayor said that this program, which started this year, aims to reward students with exemplary performance and to encourage other students to do the same. He likewise mentioned that this can also contribute to lessen the students’ expenses for the upcoming school year.

“

Ngayong taon sinimulan na nating parangalan ng cash incentive ang mga mag-aaral na nakapagtapos nang may pinakamataas na marka. Isa ito sa paraan upang kilalanin ang kanilang galing, sipag, at dedikasyon sa eskwela,” he said.

Layunin din nito na hikayatin ang iba pang estudyante na mas pagbutihin pa ang kanilang pagaaral. Ang insentibong ito ay malaking bagay din para sa ating mga mag-aaral bilang karagdagang panggastos o pambaon sa susunod na school year,” he added.

According to the Local Youth Development O ce, O cer-inCharge Carissa Policarpio, they already coordinated with the Schools Division O ce (SDO) with regard to the list of students to be rewarded during graduation ceremony.

Nakipag-ugnayan napo ang ating pamahalaang lungsod sa Schools Division O ce (SDO) para sa listahan ng mga students with highest honors mula sa iba’tibang pampublikong paaralan sa Caloocan, nagpapasalamat po tayo sa ating punong lungsod sa patuloy na pagsuporta at paggawa ng mga programa para sa kabataan,” she said.

Toward the end of the his term, Malapitan hopes to forge a Caloocan that his constituents would be proud of

Fortunately, he prides himself on being a problem-solver, saying being resourceful and creative in finding funds for projects solved most of his issues. In response to the educational infrastructure shortage, Malapitan plans to establish a fifth campus in the newly-formed Third District for the University of Caloocan City, providing more facilities for incoming students.

As for his leadership approach, Malapitan describes it as hands-on, saying he wants to be at the forefront when it comes to handling the problems of his constituents.

Being the leader of the Aksyon at Malasakit team, action and compassion serve as the driving force for his leadership style. He puts himself in the shoes of the people he helps to understand the situation better. One example is by holding the weekly People’s Day program every Thursday and Friday, where Caloocan residents can forward their concerns and receive a wide array of services.

Fostering pride for the city

Throughout all his efforts, Malapitan

aims to forge a Caloocan that its residents will be proud of. He knows the stigma toward Caloocan, with others referring to it as the “poor” or “rowdy” communities within Metro Manila.

“ Gusto ko manirahan sila dito ng hindi na nila kailangan lumabas pa. ‘Yung trabaho nandito na, makakapag-aral na sila dito, kung may kailangan sila, dito na lang mismo sa amin sa Caloocan,” he said.

With Malapitan at the helm of the Caloocan City government, he sets an example of how public leaders can turn their compassion into action—all while working toward the future he envisions for Caloocan and its people. With reports from Patricia Taculao

To further encourage the students and their drive to have a bright future, the city Mayor inspired them to always perform their best. He also expressed optimism that more incentives would be given out in the years to come.

Hangad ko na sa susunod mas marami pa tayong mabigyan ng insentibo, dahil patunay lamang ito na ang ating mga kabataan ay nagsisikap abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap at naghahangad ng isang maganda at maliwanag na kinabukasan,” he said.

MANILA GOV’T BEGINS MANDATORY DRUG TESTING FOR ITS EMPLOYEES

Photos

“Ito po ay in compliance sa memorandum na ipinadala ng Civil Service Commission sa atin pong Lungsod at ito naman ay ipadadala natin sa Dangerous Drugs Board sa DILG para mapatunayan natin sa kanila na ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Maynila ay mayroong drug-free workplace,” Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said during the regular ag raising ceremony at Kartilya ng Katipunan.

“Drug testing among public o cials and employees are made to promote safety and drug-free environment,” City Health O cer Dr. Arnold Pangan said in the memorandum.

A recent Caloocan graduate with high honors receiving the cash incentive

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna participating in the mandatory drug test

ON THE ROAD

THE ‘ART’

OF OWNING A CAR

NEW HONDA CITY, BRIO: ELEVATED DRIVE FOR UNPARALLED VALUE

HONDA Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) officially launched the New City and the New Brio last week at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall. A launch program marked the opening of a four-day event (which runs until today) that introduces the refreshed version of two of the best-selling Honda models in the country.

THE NEW CITY

With its elevated safety and advanced features, exterior that is both elegant and sporty, spacious and premium interior, powerful and fuel-efficient driving performance, and the inclusion of the Honda SENSING as standard in all variants, the New City will “Elevate Your Drive” through its refreshed look, additional color options, and a new variant to cater to a wider audience.

Elegant and sporty exterior

Exterior-wise, the New City gets even more sporty and stylish with its newly crafted RS design Front Grille with RS Emblem (RS) and new Front and Rear Bumper with carbon-wrapped lower molding (RS) that gives the vehicle a sleeker, wider look, commanding strong presence on the road. For safer and improved driver visibility, the LED Daytime Running Lights and Fog Lights (LED for RS and Halogen for V) are available across all variants, while LED Headlights are on the RS, and the others have Halogen Projector Headlights.

On the side, the New City still highlights its sharp horizontal character lines that give the vehicle its sporty attitude while exuding elegance. The model maintains its Power Adjustable Door Mirrors across all variants, and Power Folding Door Mirrors with Integrated Side Turn Signal Lights (RS and V). The new Side Sill Garnish, exclusive in the RS, gives the sedan a wider stance and sportier look. The model

also boasts of newly designed sporty 16-inch Alloy wheels (Black Cut for RS and Silver Cut for V), while S and E variants get the 15-inch wheels (Silver Paint Alloy for S and Steel with Cover for E).

At the back, the refreshed City presents a newly designed rear bumper with a sporty carbonwrapped diffuser. It also maintained its LED tail lights and LED High-Mount Stop Lamp, including the High Gloss Black-colored Trunk Spoiler (RS) – all for an enhanced sporty style.

Top-notch spacious and comfortable interior

On the inside, the New City emphasizes a plush, premium, functional, and spacious cabin for allaround comfort for both driver and passengers. The 5th generation City also continues to have better visibility, thanks to its update in the windshield shape that minimizes blind spots.

For better comfort and appearance, the RS now gets full leather seats with new design and Sport Pedals. Its interior accents also sport new designs with Dark Red Front Panel Garnish & High Gloss Black Interior Accents for the RS, and High Gloss Black Front Panel Garnish & Silver Interior Accents for the V.

The New City is now equipped with a new 4.2 Full Color TFT Meter with Red Ambient Light Instrument Cluster (RS), and 4.2 Full Color TFT Meter with White & Green Ambient Light for the rest of the variants. For added driving convenience, 8” Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio (RS, V, and S) now comes with improved LCD display and better reverse camera resolution, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now made wireless for RS, V, and S.

Class-leading powerful driving performance

Powering the New City is the tried-and-tested

1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to deliver high fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and fun-to-drive performance. It remains to be the most powerful engine in its segment with a maximum output of 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque.

THE NEW BRIO

Now on its second generation, this best-selling model gets more enhancements to cater to the diverse needs of first-time or alternative car buyers who want style, comfort, and performance, without compromising on exceptional value and long-term reliability.

Exterior

Exterior-wise and up front, the New Honda Brio is now made even more stylish, thanks to its newly designed Piano Black RS Design Front Grille that features a new design pattern with bigger grille opening. This is complemented with Headlights (RS), newly updated Fog Lights and newly designed Fog Light Garnish (RS), and Daytime Running Lights (RS and V variants) – now all LED for both form and function.

On the side, Crystal Black Door Mirrors with Power Folding and Adjustable feature and RS Design Side Sill Lower Garnish (RS) are available for drivers to comfortably adjust their mirrors according to their preferred angle. At the back, the New Brio features a Tailgate Spoiler and RS Design Rear Bumper Lower Garnish and Tail Lights in the RS variants.

Interior

On the inside, Honda’s A-segment hatchback player now features Black Fabric Seats with Red Accents for both RS variants, for a sportier and premium feel.

Powertrain

The New Brio maintained its  1.2 Liter 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine  that produces a maximum power of  90 ps at 6,000 rpm and 119N-m of torque at 4,800 rpm, mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). For those who prefer driving a Manual Transmission, a 5-Speed Manual Transmission option will be available in the 1.2 S MT Variant.

AN AUTOMOBILE you purchase will be among your most expensive assets. Because of this, we all treat them with respect and we treat them like family. The only restriction is that you are unable to bring them into your bed with you when you sleep.

Even if you don’t use your car when you go out, it becomes an integral part of your daily life the moment it is brought to you. Even if you won’t be driving it when you leave home, you still need to have a location to store it and make sure it is secure.

But even though the car you recently purchased is in your hands, are you certain that it is already yours? You should use caution, especially if you want to finance the purchase, either internally or through a bank. You can easily get your brandnew car right away after making the required down payment and giving them the required advance check payments after overcoming the arduous submission of all the essential paperwork and requirements needed by the bank or the in-house finance.

Do you believe you already own that car? Even if your name is put on the official receipt and the automobile’s certificate of registration, the car won’t be entirely yours until you have made 3 or 5 years’ worth of on-time monthly payments. It’s because the OR and CR clearly display the ENCUMBERED writing. In other words, it is covered by the financing plan and is fully owned by the financing company or the bank that provided financing for your car.

You are at the whim of the bank or internal finance since they have the authority to seize or reclaim your car if and when you are unable to make the required monthly payment on time or at all.

Even if you were able to easily pay off the entire financing plan after three to five years, you would still need to ask the bank or financing house for a certification that you have finished paying for the vehicle. You would also require the original OR and CR that the car dealership where you purchased the vehicle had entrusted to them.

WITH a new body application on offer, the HD78 GT Motorcycle Carrier is set to serve a sector that has been experiencing consistent rise in sales since 2020. For those in the business or planning to get into it, you can capitalize on the following features that won’t let you down in overall hauling performance:

• Extra Long Wheelbase (ELWB) variant with deck length that can reach 19.5 ft and a payload capacity of 3.9 tons can accommodate up to 24 motorcycles.

• 2.9L Turbocharger Intercooler

Diesel Engine delivers 160 PS of power and 40 kg-m of torque;

• Rigid, high-strength ladder frame chassis can take on heavy cargo as well as punishing road conditions;

• Cross-member reinforcement resists twisting and bending;

• Anti-Collision Door Beams and

sturdy rust-proof steel cab and frame dissipate the impact on the sides and front, in the case of a crash;

• Built-in PTO channels power from the engine to make auxiliary equipment work, allowing for the operation of a hydraulic lift;

• Spacious, driver-friendly amenities, including an air-conditioned cabin;

• Besides the basic warranty (varies by body build/manufacturer), it comes with the Hyundai  3-year or 200,000-km (whichever comes first)  cab and chassis  warranty.

For a truck of its category, all these features spell best value and adaptability to different body applications, boosting your chances to improve your bottom-line.

Developed to meet global standards, the Hyundai HD78 GT is available in deck lengths of up to 15 feet for the medium wheel base (MWB), up to 18 ft for the long wheel base (LWB), and up to 19.5 ft for the extra-long wheel base (ELWB).

Which means it can be customized to suit other “recession-proof” industries—from refrigerated vans for pharmaceuticals and perishables to garbage dump trucks for local government units, from aluminum or wing vans for beer and alcohol distributors to dropsides for construction and home repair services.

You can obtain your original OR and CR within a week or a month after finishing your last monthly payment if the bank or the in-house finance won’t give you any trouble asking for them. You should be aware that certain banks may cause you problems for several months if they discover that you have an unpaid balance on one of their credit cards or other financing options.

Even though you already have the original OR and CR and can see your whole name inscribed on the automobile, it is not yet yours.

To have the ENCUMBRANCE revoked, you must first visit the Register of Deeds where it was registered by the bank or internal finance. The processing of the aforementioned release takes a few days.

After that, you proceed directly to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), where it is registered, to have the ENCUMBERED letterings removed and to generate a new CR. You must spend the entire day waiting for this procedure at the stifling LTO office.

You may only be certain that the car is actually yours after obtaining your clean OR and CR in your name.

Congratulations!

ALL NEW WIGO FEATURES BOLD REDESIGN, IMPROVED TECH AND DRIVING PERFORMANCE

TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) has unveiled the latest major update of its best-selling hatchback, the All-New Toyota Wigo.  Known to be a preferred first car, the All-New Wigo features a bold redesign paired with improved technology and driving performance, reinforcing its position as the Filipinos’ reliable, practical, and easy to use mobility partner in starting any life journey.  A launch program held at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City last Friday marked the start of a three-day festivity which runs until TODAY. The well-loved Toyota vehicle is getting a combination of a sportier look and easier driving—ideal for those looking for a quality daily driver that gives a good impression.

“This is a very exciting launch for us

at Toyota Motor Philippines because we know that the Wigo is one of the favorite Toyota models of Filipinos. The Wigo has given many new car buyers their memorable first car experience.  In fact, we have given thrill and joy to more than 149,000 Wigo owners since the model was introduced in the country in 2014,” said TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto.

The All-New Wigo’s exterior is now more aggressive and gives off a sporty design - made even bigger and wider than its previous generation. This also allows for increased interior and cargo space to make every drive efficient and comfortable.

The latest iteration of Wigo G and E variants come in new CVT with a notable upgrade in driving experience to give drivers convenient and fuel-

efficient drives. Aside from the CVT variants, the All-New Wigo still has the manual transmission option with the Wigo J.  The All-New Wigo remains to be easy and fun to drive thanks to its functions like electronic power steering type, smart keyless entry, and push start ignition system for the G variant. In addition, the G and E variants come with an 8-inch display audio, ready for Apple Carplay and Android Auto.  Complementing the Wigo’s new identity is its availability six different colors: Red Mica Metallic (for G variant only); Orange Metallic (for G variant only); Yellow SE (for G and E variants); White (for J variant only); Silver Metallic; and Gray Metallic. The All-New Wigo’s retail sales  starts on July 17, 2023  nationwide.

‘TRUCK OF ALL TRADES’ HYUNDAI HD78 GT MOTORCYCLE CARRIER ADDS ANOTHER DIMENSION OF VERSATILITY

TOP AGE-GROUP SWIMMERS TO DISPLAY WARES IN PALARO

By Peter Atencio

WITH the Palarong Pambansa just around the corner, expect the best of swimmers to come out from age group level and represent their regions.

Eight of 15 swimmers who have made the cut to the national team which compete in the 35th Southeast Asia Age Group Championship in August will do just that when the 2023 Palarong Pambansa fires off on August 1 at the Marikina Sports Complex.

One of them is tenth grader

Patricia Mae Santor, who emerged as among the most bemedaled swimmers at the close of the national tryouts organized by the

BIGGER HORSERACING PRIZES IN THE WORKS?

THE Metro Manila Turf Club (MMTC) is looking for ways to provide more benefits for its stakeholders and partners, and possibly higher winning prizes for the betting public following the presidential approval to lower the Documentary Stamp Taxes (DST) imposed on the horseracing industry.

The MMTCI said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has already signed the petition to lower the DST from 20 percent to just 10 percent last May 9 and they are now working with the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) to re-calibrate the machine that automatically deducts the old rate from the gross sales.

The delay in the process has resulted in minor confusion and what MMTCI claimed as unfounded accusations by some quarters on social media.

“During that period, no adjustment in the collection of the BIR from 20 percent to 10 percent was made since the machine that the GAB has control over wasn’t adjusted. It is the GAB that can adjust the machine and con gure the DST to 10 percent and

not the MMTCI. The machine has been automatically con gured to deduct 20 percent from the dividends. I hope this is clear to all of us,” said MMTCI chairman Atty. Narciso Morales.

MMTCI Corporate Auditor June Ferrer said they are now working to consolidate the nances and will check with the Bureau of Internal Revenue on how to refund the overpayment.

The 20 percent tax levied on horseracing was part of the Train Law that was imposed by the previous administration, but it was re-considered by the Malacañang because it is putting a heavy toll on the industry that provides a livelihood for 20,000 people.

Morales said that they are willing to repay whatever funds that will be recovered for the jockeys, trainers, and other stakeholders.

“We want to clarify that whatever share na nararapat ibigay sa gobyerno ay nabibigay natin lahat yan. And pag naayos na yang 10 percent deduction na lang ang automatic na madeduct sa machine, that means mas lalaki

World Aquatic-backed Philippine Swimming Inc.

Another is La Salle Greenhills standout Jalil Taguinod, who is in his nal year as a secondary student athlete.

The 15-year-old Santor showed why she is the Rookie of the Year in the recent University Athletic Association of the Philippines meet after qualifying for three spots in

the national youth team.

Santor is coming out of a three-year hiatus after she had to stop competing because of the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she made it after topping the 200-meter butterfly in 2:25.18, which was way better than the qualification time of 2:27.16.

In the 400-meter breaststroke, Santor clocked 2:50.11, hitting the standard of 2:52.20.

Santor, coached by Ramil Ilustre of Ilustre East Aquatic, then earned qualification in the 400-m IM in 5:26.24, after the getting past the cutoff of 5:26.64.

“I did not really expect to qualify because I did not really go all out. But, still, with my hard work, I pulled it off,” said Santor.

The 17-year-old Taguinod hopes to do well in his final year in high school, and he hopes to make a difference as well.

Taguinod came up with a fast time of 29.88 seconds in 16-18 year old, 50-meter breaststroke action, to beat the QTS of 28.89 seconds.

Jamesray Michael Ajido and World Junior Championship campaigner Amina Bungubung also secured their spots, with San Beda’s Prince Dave Calma, Green Archers tanker Lance Cruz, and they will also compete in the Palaro.

The 14-year-old Ajido and Bungubung broke through the qualifying time standards in their respective categories.

DONAIRE NOT YET DONE, EYES WBC BANTAMWEIGHT BOXING CROWN

FILIPINO boxing legend Nonito Donaire, Jr. takes on Alexandro Santiago on July 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in a bid to become a two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight champion. The 40-year-old Donaire faces Santiago in a bout that is part of a ght card between Errol Spence and Terence Crawford for the undisputed welterweight championship.

The Donaire-Santiago a air was initially part of the card highlighted by a clash between Frank Martin and Artem Harutyunyan scheduled this Sunday (Philippine Time) at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

However, the postponement of the bout between Jesus Ramos and Sergio Garcia led to the adjustment in the schedule of the Donaire–Sanchez bout.

Ramos su ered an injury and had to withdraw from the bout against Garcia.

Garcia will now take on a replacement fighter who will be revealed soon.

The new match remains part of the Spence-Crawford ght card but will not be shown on pay-per-view.

Donaire, one of the Philippines’ modern-day boxing legends, seeks to reclaim the now-vacant WBC bantamweight title.

On May 29, 2021, Donaire, then 38 years old, stunned the world when he knocked out Nordine Oubaali to win the belt and become the oldest living champion in the 118-pound division. However, “The Filipino Flash” relinquished the belt the following year to Naoya Inoue in their rematch.

Inoue has since moved to the super bantamweight division, vacating all his bantamweight title belts in the process. Donaire looks to reassert his claim as the oldest bantamweight champ. However, standing in his way is Santiago.

Santiago came just close to stripping the IBF junior bantamweight title away from another Filipino boxer, Jerwin Ancajas, in 2018.

Ancajas escaped with a controversial split draw.

ang premyo para sa stakeholders at sa mananaya.”

“The MMTCI, along with its o cials and stakeholders, has put its best foot forward in making sure that the Philippine horseracing industry stays afloat and healthy throughout the pandemic and the welfare and livelihood of its employees remain intact” Morales added.

The MMTCI officials, which also included Corporate Secretary Ferdie Sacmar, were accompanied in the conference by Deng De Leon, president of the Philippine Jockey Association,

Ruben Tupaz, President of the Philippine Horse Trainers Association, and MMTCI Employees Union president Racquel Mamucob, who all expressed their full support to the e orts of MMTCI.

“Kami po (hinete) ay buo ang suporta sa pamunuan ng MMTCI at naniniwala po kami na kung anumang di pagkakasunduan in the future ay napag uusapan naman po, “said De Leon. MMTCI, which holds races in Malvar, Batangas, is the only remaining horseracing club after its franchise was renewed by Congress in 2021 to operate for another 25 years.

P1 MILLION POT STAKED IN PREDATOR LEAGUE 2024

THE Philippines’ most prestigious tournament circuit is back.

The Predator League is returning, with the battleground extending to even further lands.

A combined prize pool of P1 million and the highly coveted Predator Shield is at stake. To lift this prestigious trophy, teams will need to be masters of either of two disciplines: Dota 2 or Valorant.

The Predator League provides an avenue for young esports talents to grow their potential in the gaming industry. Since its inception in 2018, more than 15,000 teams from the Asia Paci c region have participated in the Asia Pacific Predator League.

This year’s trials are divided into three stages: the Qualifiers, the Group Stage, and the Grand Finals.

The Quali ers will be held both

online and onsite to provide aspiring esports players with opportunities to jumpstart their professional careers. Four o ine quali ers will be held across the Philippines – in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR.

In addition, four online quali ers will be held open to anyone from the Philippines. Each victor will earn P5,000 as well as a spot on the Group Stage. These pocket tournaments will be held from July to September for Dota 2 and September to October for Valorant.

Once the challengers have been decided, they will be divided into two groups for the Group Stage. Teams will face each other in a bestof-one round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Grand Finals. The matches in the Group Stages will be live-streamed for fans to cheer

on their team.

The top four teams will be duking it out in a LAN nal in November, to show their grit and skill in front of a roaring live audience. A champion will be crowned for Dota 2 and Valorant and will be going home with not just the Predator Shield, but P250,000 as well. The runnersup will be awarded P100,000, and the 3rd and 4th placers will earn P55,000.

The Champions for Dota 2 and Valorant will also represent the Philippines in the Grand Final event in early 2024. Details for the Grand Finals will be announced soon.

For more information and updates about Predator League, visit www.facebookcom/ PredatorGamingPhilippines or the official website www.predatorleague.com.

BOWLING KICKS OFF PRE-AIMAG WOMEN’S TILT

A BOWLING competition at the Starmall Bowling Lanes in Mandaluyong kicked o the Women’s Indoor and Para Games Festival.

As part of the campaign for Women in Sports, this is a pet project of Commissioner Olivia “Bong” G. Coo and the Philippine Sports Commission with the theme of “Dash to the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.”

The event started with the opening remarks led by Coo, a World Bowling Hall of Fame awardee, expressing her aim to expand women’s participation and camaraderie in every competition.

Present at the event were coach Joseph Slowinski and Artegal Barrientos, who is part of the team that brought home a gold in the Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships tournament.

“Bayani ang Babaeng Manlalaro,” this is how Commissioner Bong Coo cheered for the participants before opening the oor of bowling to 64 strong women who gathered for competition today.

The weeklong all-women event will also have fencing, chess and para chess, netball, and athletics that will run until July 21.

Nonito Donaire Jr.

MMTCI chairman, Atty. Narciso Morales, with other MMTCI officials and horseracing stakeholders.

Patricia Mae Santor (center) with teammates. Action in the recent age-group meet.

The Predator League is back with a combined prize pool of P1 million and the highly coveted Predator Shield at stake. This year’s tournament will be Dota 2 and Valorant. The winners will also represent the Philippines in the Asia Paci c Predator League.

Young

DIVING INTO THE ROLLER SKATING CULTURE

By Rendell Ron Pacho

is preparing for a busy year of collaborations, both in the Philippines and internationally. He recently collaborated with Steffi Lucero and the Skatebomb Girls, a local roller skating club, on a documentary titled Rhythm & Roll

ACTOR and music producer James Reid

CHILL AT ‘HARBOUR CARNIVAL’

The project, which is a collaboration between Johnnie Walker and VICE Asia, tells more about the roller skating culture that has been trending recently.

Pepe Diokno directed and VICE Asia produced the documentary, which is now accessible on YouTube. It includes interviews with Reid, the Skatebomb Girls, and other roller skating enthusiasts who utilize the sport to express their creativity, connect with their community, and defy gender standards.

The documentary delves into roller skating’s rising popularity in the Philippines. The video follows the Skatebomb Girls, a group of roller skaters devoted to promoting the sport and breaking down gender stereotypes.

“What really got me into roller skating was the community that’s around it. It’s really fun. It’s so carefree and very expressive,” Reid told Manila Standard Life in an

interview.

“There’s no real goal other than to just have fun and express yourselves. And I think that’s what I really got from Steffi and the Skatebomb Girls. It’s just a good time. And I don’t think you need to sell that to anybody.”

In addition to the documentary, Reid has hinted at potential collaborations with musicians from South Korea, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries. He stated that he is enthusiastic to explore foreign partnerships and promote his music to a larger audience.

“I’ve never done collaborations like this before, definitely the biggest I’ve had. It’s very exciting,” Reid said but refused to provide more details about the collab.

Reid’s latest single “so fire” will drop its music video with the actor performing while wearing roller skates, together with Lucero and her girl group Skatebomb Girls.

FILIPINO celebrity and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach graced the Harbour Chill Carnival with her husband, Jeremy Jauncey , adding sparkle to the star-studded affair.

The carnival has received high praise from Pia, who described it as a vibrant and spectacular event filled with live music, performing arts showcases, breakdance demonstrations, and delectable street eats. She highly recommends the carnival to all visitors in Hong Kong, calling it the highlight of the summer.

Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Harbour Chill Carnival offers free street performances, X-game shows, and Music Shows along the Wan Chai harbourfront for five consecutive weekends. With the stunning view of Victoria Harbour as a backdrop, attendees are in for a fantastic stay in Hong Kong.

The carnival began with a bang, featuring free entertainment and an even more dazzling edition of the “A Symphony of Lights” show. This event marks a significant step forward for the city, showcasing its recovery and inviting residents and visitors to enjoy a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

According to Dane Cheng, the HKTB Executive Director, the event is a unique landand-sea carnival that combines popular culture, music, and street performances.

The event aims to enhance visitors’ experience in Hong Kong by highlighting its diverse and lively side while providing a breathtaking view of the Harbour and a refreshing sea breeze.

EQUIPPING YOUNG ONES TO BECOME ENVIRONMENT CHAMPIONS

IN today’s rapidly changing world, it is important to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in the younger generation. Being conscious of the environment plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for the planet.

By nurturing these values in children at an early age, they can be an inspired generation of eco-conscious individuals who will make a positive impact on the world around them.

But how exactly can children be taught to care for the environment? Here are some ways to help in this endeavor:

Lead by example

Parents should showcase environmentally responsible actions in their own lives, becoming role models for their children. By practicing recycling, conserving energy, and reducing waste, they instill ecoconsciousness in their kids.

Connect with nature

Encourage children to spend time outdoors and explore nature’s wonders.

By fostering awe and appreciation, kids develop a deep-rooted connection and are motivated to protect the environment.

Educate through storytelling

Utilize storytelling to impart knowledge and inspire environmental consciousness. Engage children with books, movies, and interactive experiences that highlight caring for the environment and the impact of human actions.

Emphasize interconnectedness

Teach children that every action has a ripple effect on the environment and living beings. By explaining ecosystems’ delicate balance and the significance of biodiversity preservation, children appreciate all life forms’ vital role in a healthy environment.

Collaborate with schools and communities Engage with schools and community organizations promoting environmental education. Encourage participation in workshops, environmental clubs, and initiatives raising awareness and encouraging sustainability. Empower children as change-makers and environmental stewards.

Philusa Corporation, a homegrown brand, advocates sustainability and greener alternatives for its iconic brands like Babyflo. They prioritize biodegradable, recyclable, and sustainable options, urging effective environmental actions.

With the launch of its eco-friendly cotton buds, Babyflo reaffirms its commitment to providing excellent daily hygiene while caring for the environment.

Pia Wurtzbach (right), with her husband, Jeremy Jauncey attends the Harbour Chill Carnival

The documentary ‘Rhythm & Roll’ features James Reid, Steffi Lucero, and Skatebomb Girls

James Reid pioneers the fusion of roller skating and music by training the spotlight on the thriving subculture

‘Rhythm and Roll’ delves into the story of roller skating culture

Vivamax’s ‘High (School) on Sex’ tackles the story of high schoolers who explore the treacherous road of love and passion

A SONG INSPIRED BY LDR

GOES SEXY

By Nickie Wang

HIGH (School) on Sex explores the themes of, well, sex, sexuality, and sexual awakening while incorporating humor into its narrative. Directed by GB Sampedro, the Vivamax series is now airing its second season on the popular platform.

Featuring an entirely new cast, the coming-of-age comedy series promises to provide new drama, and new gossip, but the same amount of naughtiness.

In High (School) on Sex, audiences meet high schoolers who spend most of their time exploring everything there is to know about

love and passion, figuring out one’s identity, and giving into fantasies and deepest sexual desires.

Paco (Clifford Pusing) is the hopeless romantic crooner who makes girls swoon over him with his good looks and mysterious attitude. He is also a famous online personality. Joanna (Angelica

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST KENANIAH INTRODUCES

KENANIAH has finally released his self-titled debut album, which features 10 all-original tracks written and produced by the teen singer.

The album includes the Gold Record awardee hit “Bahala Na” and its stripped version, his previous singles “Better Now,” “Hindi Ikaw,” “Stay,” “Sana Walang Magbago,” and “Selena” — the very first track he composed. The album also features new

songs such as “What If We Meet Again” and “Study First” — the first track in the album but ironically the last track that he wrote.

“These songs come from an idea of love but all started with his infatuation experience back in high school, which makes it more personal,” says the 18-year-old O/C Records artist from Lipa, Batangas. Kenaniah’s debut album is streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Hart), is a conservative and demurelooking girl, but has a hidden kink and a desire to explore more about her sexuality.

Jel Rey reveals that his song, ‘hele pono’, is a confession of longingness to his special someone

NEWBIE singer-songwriter

Jel Rey confesses his longing for a special someone in his debut single “hele pono.”

Aiko Garcia) is

Gee (Apple Dy) is the one who used to be head over heels for Paco, but after many years of being ignored, she now chooses to focus her energy on other things and other people. Allaine ( gender-fluid and is all about expressing her freedom and carefreeness of jumping from one partner to another.

another. Erica (Audrey ), the president

Avila of Paco’s fan group, is completely obsessed

HIGH SCHOOL PERSONALITY IN DEBUT ALBUM

with the young man and is willing to do everything for him. Lastly, Kate (Cess Garcia) is a member of Paco’s fan group who has a huge crush on Allaine. Also joining the cast are Van Allen Ong, Jamilla Obispo, Francine Garcia, Jason Evans, Rolando Inocencio, Gene Padilla, Giselle Sanchez, Matt Francisco,

Armani Hector, Aila Cruz, and Armina Alegre High (School) on Sex 2 streams exclusively on Vivamax. Fresh episode drops every Sunday.

“‘hele pono’ stands for hinehele sa telepono.’ I started writing this song when my long-distance girlfriend and I were having a video call, remembering our times together before I went to sleep. Suddenly, I said, ‘Alam mo yung labi mo para na siyang lugar na ‘di ko pa napupuntahan,’ and she told me it was a great lyric idea,” he explains.

Jel Rey uploads his song covers and songwriting process on TikTok which has already amassed over 400,000 likes. Some of his musical influences include Queen, Rex Orange County, Eraserheads, Joji, Rico Blanco, IV of Spades, Juan Karlos, Gloc9, Loonie, and Flow G He revealed that his overflowing ideas and emotions helped him in composing “hele pono” while Star Pop label head Rox Santos led its production.

“This song is my absolute favorite, and I’m proud that I wrote it. It’s also the song I wrote the fastest. I wrote the words and melodies in just one sitting. I was probably really inspired during that time,” shared the new Kapamilya artist.

With his love for music, Jel Rey previously joined numerous singing competitions and began writing his own songs during his college years.

“I love music because I enjoy seeing the reactions of people when I perform. When I make them happy, sad, or even dance. It’s fulfilling as a performer,” he ends.

FIRST LOOK AT CHERRY MAGIC’S OFFICIAL TRAILER STARRING TAYNEW

By Angelica Villanueva

I T WAS perhaps one of the best days for TayNew fans, as GMMTV finally released the long-awaited trailer for Thai actors Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom’s comeback.

Minutes later after the announcement, #CherryMagicTH became a hot topic on Twitter and landed on the trending list on Wednesday night.

The pair, otherwise known as TayNew, banners Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!

Tay and New will be portraying the roles of Karan and Achi, respectively, in the Thai adaptation of the Japanese manga

series of the same title.

Achi is a 30-year-old virgin who works as a corporate employee. He develops a special power to read people’s minds every time he touches them. On the other hand, Karan is Achi’s colleague who secretly has a crush on him.

Their story unfolds as Achi realizes Karan’s feelings for him after accidentally bumping into each other, and the rest is up to you to find out.

Cherry Magic will also feature Thai artists Junior Panachai, Mark Jiruntanin, Jan Ployshompoo, and Sing Harit

Thailand actors New Thitipoom (left) and Tay

Tawan return as a BL couple in the remake of ‘Cherry Magic.’

Young singer Kenaniah drops self-titled debut album which includes his hit single, ‘Bahala Na’

ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE BUFFETS, AND PROUD OF IT

By Angelica Villanueva

JAPANESE restaurant Teppanya has launched premium items for its Unlimited Madness buffet, headlined by the melt-in-yourmouth Miyazaki Wagyu A5 chuck strip and chuck-eye, Alaskan wild snow crab, and Hokkaido large scallops.

At P4,988+ per person, it is undoubtedly one of the most expensive – if not the most expensive – buffets in the metro outside of hotel offerings, and Teppanya is proud of it.

“Ours is one of the most expensive buffets. This is truly a deal-breaker – it is the highest at 5-star hotel quality but in a way also the lowest priced buffet that already has unlimited A5 wagyu and unlimited snow crabs,” said Teppanya CEO Mark Pineda.

“Our buffet is really a celebration. We let our menu speak for itself,” he added.

Pineda said they source the A5 wagyu and Hokkaido scallops from Japan, and are in the process of striking a similar direct sourcing agreement for snow crabs with a supplier from North America.

“Filipinos love food, especially Japanese cuisine, so what better way to enjoy their favorite dishes than bringing a unique dining experience to them. This is what Teppanya is all about,” said Yñigo Rivera, Teppanya’s Marketing Manager.

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, Teppanya is committed to bringing authenticity and attention to detail.

As for me, dining for the first time at Teppanya felt like it wasn’t just about enjoying every meal we were served, but also about the fiery dining experience that we had.

Teppanya boasts of chefs who are skilled in the art of teppanyaki, a style of cooking that involves grilling ingredients on an iron griddle which ensures that each dish is cooked to perfection, with flavors that burst in your mouth.

“Integrating these premium dishes into our Unlimited Madness is our way of extending Japan’s best flavors and more, which we hope our patrons will enjoy even more,” Rivera added.

If there’s one meal on the menu that became my personal favorite, it would be the Emperor Aburi Set which features Wagyu with Black Truffle, Unagi, and Foie Gras, which literally melted in my mouth that I almost cried after tasting it. These premium items will be available at Tep-

panya branches at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, SM North Towers in Quezon City, and Evia Lifestyle Mall in Las Pinas City.

(For reservations and inquiries, visit Teppanya’s respective Facebook pages and Instagram.)

CELEBRITY CHEF JEREME LEUNG BACK FOR CONRAD MANILA'S LEGENDARY CHEF SERIES

renowned celebrity chef Jereme Leung returns to the Philippines for Conrad Manila's Legendary Chef Series –Flavors of the Orient from July 18 to 23.

The exclusive engagement promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to savor the exceptional culinary creations of Chef Leung, a culinary visionary who is known for conceptualizing Conrad Manila’s China Blue and Conrad Maldives’ Ufaa restaurants.

“Master Chef Jereme Leung’s limited engagement at Conrad Manila brings a lot of excitement as he once again delights guests with his magical culinary touch on extraordinary dishes most fitting during this period of our Legendary Chefs Series. We are certain that his exclusive new gastro -

nomic repertoire will further heighten the culinary reputation of the already wellloved China Blue,” said Conrad Manila Chef Leung's set menu promises to showcase a symphony of flavors, featuring his expertise in combining Cantonese culinary traditions and gastronomic innovation – a feat he has mastered from age 13 when he began his culinary career in Hong Kong. The culinary spread begins with an enticing appetizer featuring marinated lobster accentuated with coriander lime jelly dressing and crispy bean curd sheet, accompanied by deep-fried kataifi seafood, and otak otak with lemongrass. The journey continues with a rich and flavorful double boiled merry fruit peach gum, with sea cucumber black chicken dumpling, and dry moon clam Matsutake

General Manager Fabio

show traditions and gastronomic innovation – a entic mushroom soup.

His main dishes will delight patrons with the succulent flavors of steamed

sea garoupa embellished with sun-dried ginger, red chili black bean paste and superior chicken stock as well as the exquisite tenderness of slow-cooked beef short rib, coated in luscious green pepper barbecue sauce – all accompanied by black sesame fried rice with dry scallop seafood and spring onion egg white pearl.

To complete the extraordinary epicurean feast, a delicate serving of the harmonious blend of hawthorn ice cream, Chinese sweet vinegar caramel, and the delightful touch of traditional onion pancake leaves the palate with a lingering note of sweetness.

(Seize this special opportunity to indulge in Chef Jereme Leung's culinary masterpiece at Conrad Manila at P6,588 nett per person. To secure a seat at this extraordinary event, contact Conrad Manila's dining reservations today at +632 8833 9999 (landline), +63 917 650 3591 (mobile) or email MNLMB.FB@conradhotels.com. Conrad

Manila's Legendary Chefs Series will continue to captivate discerning diners as Chef Valerio Pierantonelli from Basilico, Conrad Singapore Orchard’s highly sought-after Italian restaurant, brings the soulful flavors of Italy to Manila from August 7 to 15.)

Emperor Aburi Set - Unagi, Foie Gras, and Wagyu with Black Truffle

Hokkaido large scallops

Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu A5

Chuck-Eye Steak

Hamachi sashimi

Berto.

Chef Jereme Leung

Marinated lobster with coriander lime jelly dressing and crispy bean curd sheet

Alaskan Snow Crab

Wagyu beef with three kinds of mushrooms

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAT IS IN HEAT

Compiled By Desiree Carlos

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

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

From Dog Bless You in Dog Lover group in Facebook

“After saying good bye to my beautiful companion Bella 12yr old and his brother Bobby 14 yr old

I was so brokenhearted I swore I would never have another dog...

Years later I read a story on facebook about two brothers, they have been thrown under a tree while only a few days old, during cold December..

They were so cute and beautiful, my heart just dropped as they looked like my old pets..

So we have been together now for nearly a year, they are the best thing that ever happened to me...

Life is back in our house and love is back in my heart...

Please meet my boys Joy and Den ��

By Mariana Burgos

YOUR cat is behaving oddly. She has been quite loving to you recently, unlike before when you were virtually invisible to her except around feeding time. She is particularly talkative lately, meowing often about anything. If you notice these signals in your cat, it may imply only one thing: she is in heat!

There are several symptoms that a cat is in heat that every owner of an unspayed cat should be aware of. If a female cat has not been spayed, she will naturally go through a heat cycle. This heat cycle is known as estrous, and it signifies that a cat is ready to reproduce. There are a few crucial signs that a cat is in heat. Knowing the common signals that a cat is in heat allows you to distinguish between what behavior is normal and what behavior is unexpected and unrelated to the heat cycle at all.

In their article "Estrous Cycles in Cats" on the VCA Animal Hospitals website, veterinarians Malcolm Weir, Ryan Llera, and Cheryl Yuill explained when a cat is in heat and how to recognize the indications.

Cats experience their first reproductive (estrous) cycle when they reach adolescence, they said. Puberty, or sexual maturity, begins in cats at around six months of age on average, however, this might vary significantly depending on the time of year.

How often is their heat cycle?

Weir, Llera, and Yuill said that during the mating season, cats go through a number of cycles. The mating season differs depending on geography and environmental factors like temperature and daylight hours.

Cats are said to cycle in the Northern Hemisphere from January to late October.

Cats who live in more tropical areas or primarily inside, on the other hand, may cycle all year because of the increasing amount of daylight hours.

How long does each cycle last?

Each heat often lasts many days, with the average being seven days. However this can range from one to twenty-one days. If an unspayed

female cat is not mated during estrous, she will go out of heat for a short amount of time, typically seven days. But this can range from two to nineteen days.

According to Weir, Llera, and Yuill, the full estrous cycle of a cat can last anywhere from one to six weeks, with the typical cycle duration being around three weeks.

What are the symptoms?

The most noticeable indicators of estrous in cats are behavioral, they said. Cats in heat may try to rub up against you all the time, making it appear as if she is always underfoot. They become overly loving, even demanding, and are always looking for attention. They roll about on the floor more regularly. When stroked along the back or spine, they raise their back quarters into the air and walk with their back legs.

She may meow at any time of day or night, and her vocalizations may sound more like yowls or groans. This is known as "calling," and your cat is making her presence known to possible suitors by doing so.

And, sure, female cats may spray as well! When she is in heat, her urine contains higher quantities of pheromones, which male cats can detect. Ergo, spraying is another means of displaying her openness or availability.

From my experience, an indoor cat that is generally content to lay around indoors suddenly becomes hyper-focused on getting outside. She may look out the window intently, rush to the door as soon as you try to open it, and generally seek ways to leave. Her ultimate goal is to find a mate.

We all know that cats are excellent in grooming themselves, but, with a cat in heat, you may notice an increased emphasis on grooming the genital region, which may seem wet and bloated.

You could also notice that your cat regularly assumes the mating position, also known as the standing estrous stance, as though a male partner is about to come. I saw that with our cats. She will force her front elbows on the floor, stoop with her rear legs, thrust her buttocks into the air, and hold her tail to the side to show her genitals. She may also "make biscuits" with her back feet (which appears to be marching or treading). It is considered that mobility of the rear foot may aid in ovulation.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Is In Heat?

Spaying a cat is the most effective strategy to avoid or eradicate these undesirable habits. This will, of course, ensure that the cat never goes into heat again and prevents the undesirable behavior

that come with it. Some vets will prefer to wait until the current heat cycle has ended before spaying a cat, while others will spay a cat while it is in heat.

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.

CAN CATS EAT SWEET POTATOES?

Second of two parts

By Niko Gabriel Salgado

1. Take a large pot and fill it with water, ensuring that no salt, herbs, or seasoning is added.

2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into pieces that are approximately two inches in size.

3. Bring the water to a boil and carefully add the sweet potato chunks.

4. Reduce the heat to medium-high and allow the vegetable to cook for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

5. Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and let them cool before serving.

It is important to note that fresh produce may contain insecticides or other potentially harmful pest control substances. By boiling the sweet potatoes, any chemical residues can be eliminated, making it the safest method of preparation.

How much sweet potato can you give your cat?

“Sweet potato, and other veggies or starchy food, should not form a major part of your cat’s food, and should only be fed on an occasional basis,” Woodnutt said.

Given their high fiber and sugar content, sweet potatoes should be given in moderation, making up only about 5 to 10 per cent (%) of a cat's daily food intake. To prevent issues like overeating, obesity, and diabetes, it is important to factor in the calorie content. It is advisable to offer other healthy treats alongside sweet potatoes to ensure a balanced diet.

“Sweet potatoes are known for their high level of carbohydrates, which can cause obesity in our cats, so potato treats should not be given often,” Woodnutt stressed.

Can sweet potato help settle my cat’s stomach?

If your cat is experiencing symptoms like vomiting, bloating, or diarrhea, it is

crucial to contact your veterinarian as a first step to rule out any underlying serious conditions. The vet may suggest a bland diet to allow the stomach and intestines to recover until the situation normalizes.

Sweet potatoes can be a beneficial addition to a bland meal for several reasons. Not only do they enhance the flavor, but their fiber content helps regulate intestinal issues such as constipation or diarrhea. Moreover, sweet potatoes can help soothe upset stomachs. Additionally, sweet potatoes contribute to the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, promoting intestinal health.

Do cats like the taste of sweet potatoes?

“Cats are carnivores, so their favorite tastes and smells are usually meaty or fishy,” Woodnutt said.

However, many cats are curious creatures and love to try out new tastes and textures, and may well enjoy sampling a small amount

Credits to: Wendy Mc Arthur’”

From Doggos and Puppers group in Facebook

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of potato, even if they do not get much nutritional benefit from it, Woodnutt added.

What other food help a cat with fiber?

Aside from pumpkin, other high-fiber food you can give to cats are peas, broccoli, carrots, apples, lettuce, and spinach. Owners can also look for a high-fiber cat food formula.

Meat is still best for cats

As obligate carnivores, cats require meals rich in animal meat to meet their nutritional needs. However, unseasoned and cooked sweet potatoes can be occasionally included in their meals and treats to add variety. Raw sweet potatoes are difficult for cats to digest and can result in stomach discomfort, pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, the starchy nature of sweet potatoes may help alleviate constipation in cats.

About the Author: Niko Gabriel Salgado is a graduate of Consular and Diplomatic Affairs and worked at the House of Representatives. He is an entrepreneur and a volunteer of Save Animals of Love and Light- Save ALL.

A cat in heat doing the mating position.

(Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

(Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

A cat rubs itself against the legs of a person.

(Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)