Manila Standard - 2023 July 23 - Sunday

PBBM: EMERGENCY STATE FOR COVID-19 IN PH LIFTED

DOH SAYS ORDER ‘POSITIVE STEP FORWARD,’ TRANSITION TO LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF CORONAVIRUS STARTS

By Charles Dantes, Gabriellea Parino and Joel Zurbano

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially lifted the State of Public Health Emergency across the country for the COVID-19 pandemic, more than three years after former President Rodrigo Duterte declared the emergency.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Mr. Marcos issued Proclamation No.297 on July 21, lifting the public health emergency

throughout the Philippines.

“All prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that are effective only during the State of Public Health Emer-

gency shall be deemed withdrawn, revoked, or canceled and shall no longer be in effect,” the proclamation said.

In a statement, the Department of Health deemed the lifting of the state of emergency as a positive step forward.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa “wholeheartedly” agreed that conditions no longer necessitate the continuation of the public health emergency status.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) will convene for a final meet-

ELLIS CO’S JOURNEY OF DREAMS AND GLAMOR YOUNG LIFE | C1

ing to formally conclude the public health emergency, following which a comprehensive Final Report will be prepared for our fellow kababayans,” the DOH said in a statement released on their social media pages.

The proclamation states that it is time to transition to the long-term management of the COVID-19 virus.

Meanwhile, the emergency use authorization (EUA) issued by the Food and Drug Administration for COVID-19 vaccines will remain valid until next year or July 21, 2024.

NO CLASSES, GOV’T WORK MONDAY OVER STORM, PUV STRIKE

By Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz and Julito Rada

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday ordered the suspension of all classes in public schools and work in government offices in Metro Manila on Monday, July 24, the date of his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Based on Memorandum Circular No. 25 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the suspension is due to the expected inclement weather brought by Tropical Storm “Egay” and a scheduled 72-hour transport strike in the region.

The memo said the suspension of work for private companies and schools

TONY BENNETT, CLASSIC CROONER, DIES AT 96

NEW YORK—Tony Bennett, the last in a generation of classic American crooners whose ceaselessly cheery spirit bridged generations to make him a hitmaker across seven decades, died Friday in New York. He was 96.

Raised in an era when big bands defined US pop music, Bennett achieved an improbable second act when he started winning over young audiences in the 1990s -- not by reinventing himself but by demonstrating his sheer joy in belting out the standards.

At age 88, Bennett in 2014 became

the oldest person ever to reach number one on the US album chart through a collection of duets with Lady Gaga, who became his friend and touring companion as younger stars rushed to work with the singing great.

Bennett, who revealed in 2016 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, died in his hometown, his publicist Sylvia Weiner announced, without revealing a cause.

He was “still singing the other day at his piano,” said a message on his official Twitter account. AFP

is left to their discretion. Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster response, and other vital services are excluded and should continue with operations and services.

The weather bureau said Egay may intensify into a super typhoon by Tuesday or Wednesday (see related

LAST OF HIS KIND. Singer Tony Bennett holds his Grammy Award on February 25, 1998, in New York in this file photo. The last in a generation of classic American crooners whose ceaselessly cheery spirit bridged generations to make him a hitmaker across seven decades died on July 21, 2023, in New York, US media reported. He was 96. AFP

‘EGAY’ MAY HIT SUPER TYPHOON LEVEL TUESDAY

story — Editors). “It’s all systems go on Monday,” House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said, even as the chamber’s sergeant-at-arms, retired Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas, said he sees a smooth and orderly conduct of the SONA on Monday despite the threat of Egay.

TROPICAL Storm “Egay” intensified slightly as it moved westward over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said Saturday. PAGASA, in its 5 p.m. bulletin, said Egay was last spotted 685 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, packing sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and wind gusts of up to 90 kph. The storm is currently moving westward at 15 kph, PAGASA said.

“It may reach its peak at super typhoon category on Tuesday or Wednesday while over the Philippine Sea east of Extreme Northern Luzon,” the agency said.

“However, the forecast confidence cone indicates that a landfall scenario over the northern portion of Northern Luzon is not ruled out at this time,” the advisory added.

No tropical cyclone wind signal has been hoisted in the country so far, PAGASA said.

It added that wind signals are expected to be “hoisted in some areas in Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas”as the storm brings occasional rains over most parts of Visayas, and MIMAROPA in the coming days, PAGASA said.

Egay is also expected to enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and bring rain showers over a large part of the country, the weather bureau said Saturday.

Visitors get lost in a room of make-believe giant flowers at Art In Island mixed media art museum in Cubao, Quezon City. Guests must take off their footwear after purchasing tickets, a requirement because they will step on the paintings, which must be kept clean. Joan Bondoc

IN BRIEF

INVENTORY OF ASSETS A MUST FOR CARBON REDUCTION—LOYZAGA

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga recently unveiled a roadmap to prepare the country against natural disasters resulting from climate change and to reduce its carbon footprint.

The first step is to conduct an inventory of the country’s natural resources because “we can only manage (them) better if we measure what we have,” Secretary Loyzaga said at the multi-stakeholder forum, ‘Towards a Greener Footprint’ in Iloilo City .

Secretary Loyzaga said local governments must work together since these risks know no political boundaries. She stressed the need for an urban development plan that local governments must follow so their political neighbors can jointly benefit from their investments in well-being and quality of life.

DTI, STAKEHOLDERS LAUNCH FIRST GOVERNMENT E-COMMERCE PLATFORM

STREET LIFE: MANILA’S HOMELESS FIND SHELTER IN PUSHCARTS

By Mikhail Flores Agence France-Presse

LIKE thousands of homeless people in the Philippine capital Manila, Maricel Abawag and her son used to sleep on flattened cardboard boxes laid out on footpaths. Then they got a pushcart.

Pushcarts, known as karitons, are a common sight in the city of more than 13 million people.

Often made from scraps of wood, the human-powered carts are used as shelter, storage and a source of income, such as collecting trash to sell to recyclers.

Abawag, 44, received her pushcart in November 2020 from a Catholic brother.

About a year earlier Abawag had “lost everything” when her partner was jailed for beating her. He died of a heart

HALLS OF MAJESTY.

The House of Representatives inside the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City is all primped and ready for the second State of the Nation

Address to be delivered tomorrow by President Ferdinand Marcos

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE resident economist of the House of Representatives is optimistic that the proposed National Land Use Act will soon be enacted into law despite “entrenched interests” that oppose it.

Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay, one of the main proponents of the bill, said President Marcos “has proven that he can “get the historically difficult done,” in

attack in custody. She began sleeping on the streets while still breastfeeding her baby.

“If I were to look for a house we would need to pay rent,” Abawag told AFP.

“Then we would need to pay for electricity, water, rice and milk -- I don’t have enough money.”

Nearly 50 percent of Filipino families consider themselves poor, according to the latest survey by research organisation Social Weather Stations.

Many live in overcrowded slums or

on the streets.

‘I’m not afraid’

Ed Billones, who donated the pushcart to Abawag, said people without homes were often viewed as “lazy and addicts”.

In reality, many have come from the provinces in search of work that did not materialise or were forced from their homes by domestic abuse or the loss of the family breadwinner.

Scavenger Boyet Torres, 59, said he fled a violent father decades ago.

He has lost count of the number of pushcarts that have been confiscated by local officials during street-clearing operations.

“If I don’t have one, I’m unable to earn,” said Torres, who collects plastic bottles and cardboard.

“I’ll only earn 30 pesos (54 cents) a day (using sacks) and that’s just enough for food. If I have a kariton, I can earn up to 150 pesos.”

Every night, Abawag and her now four-year-old son sleep inside their pushcart parked under a tree on the

footpath of a busy street.

The cart is 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) long and 31 centimeters (about one foot) wide and contains all their worldly goods like a torch, radio, soap, pillows, blankets and toys.

When it rains, Abawag pulls a clear plastic sheet over the top to keep them dry.

Meters away, people eat at restaurants that Abawag will likely never be able to afford.

After losing a precious bag of clothes to a thief, Abawag now locks the pushcart and secures it to the tree before she sets out on foot every day to sell rags.

“If I sell enough rags, I buy food. If I don’t have any sales then I wait for people to give us food,” she said.

Abawag said she was embarrased when she began living on the streets. But her religious faith helped her adjust.

“I’m not afraid to live on the street because I pray to God to not abandon us,” she said.

THE National Development Company (NDC), in partnership with food business incubator Mercato Centrale Group, unveiled the beta launch of the Philippine E-commerce  Platform (PEP) at the recent National MSME Summit 2023 held at The Manila Hotel.

PEP is the first government omnichannel that was created to promote Filipino businesses and help them expand online. The platform prioritizes Filipino products and onboards businesses officially registered with the  Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other government agencies, adding another layer of consumer protection. It also gives buyers access to a wider range of locally-made products by tapping public sector initiatives such as Go Lokal.

The DTI-supported platform is owned by the NDC and connects thru DICT’s e-Gov super-app,  the platform for all Philippine government services. Mercato Centrale Group donated the technology to NDC. “We laud the NDC and the Mercato Centrale Group for launching the PEP. Othel V. Campos

HOUSE PANEL SETS MALNUTRITION, CHILD STUNTING SUMMIT

THE committee on poverty alleviation of the House of Representatives will convene a summit on malnutrition and child stunting shortly after Congress starts its second regular session this week..

“We want to address these interconnected problems, along with hunger and poverty, and recommend solutions. We intend to give them top priority,” 1-Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, the panel’s chairperson, disclosed on Saturday.

He said proper nutrition has a big and long-lasting impact on child growth and health, and even on budget allocation and national development.

“If we have a large number of malnourished children, that would require a bigger budgetary appropriation for healthcare and health facilities, depriving other social services like education and infrastructure of much-needed funding,” he said.

Malnutrition and child stunting also hinder national development and competitiveness, especially in the digital age, he stressed. Maricel Cruz

INTERESTS’ VERSUS LAND USE ACT DO NOT FAZE PROPONENTS

BILL 8162 WOULD BE A GAME CHANGER’

expressing hope on the eventual enactment of the bill that the lower chamber

House of Representatives had passed on Third and Final Reading on May 22, 2023.

Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means, explained that the bill aims for the “optimal economic use” of land because “land is the most scarce of all economic resources.

“A national land use plan will enable us to protect ecology, use our farms in the most

efficient way possible, and reserve adequate space for our growing needs for energy, housing, irrigation and infrastructure,” Salceda explained.

On May 22, 2023, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the proposed Land Use Act embodied in House Bill 8162 by a 262-3-0 vote. Salceda and other principal authors of the bill seek to institute a national land use policy that has been years in the making.

Priority legislation

The bill is among the LegislativeExecutive Development Council (LEDAC) measures of President Marcos and is still identified as among the priority legislation for the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress which will open on Monday, July 24 in time for Mr. Marcos’ Second SONA.

“This is a long-awaited measure and the President knows its importance. Through this proposed National Land Use Act (NLUA), the

government will have the tool to properly identify land use and allocation patterns in all parts of the country,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez earlier of HB 8162’s passage.

“Through the guidance of the Chief Executive, the House members also made it so that the measure would pave the way for the Philippines to achieve food security,” Romualdez said.  President Marcos is the concurrent Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary.

‘HOUSE

‘ENTRENCHED

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. A motorist whizzes past a group of homeless people resting next to their pushcart outside an abandoned building in Quezon City, suburban Manila. Pushcarts, known as karitons, are a common sight in the city of more than 13 million people. Often made from scraps of wood, the human-powered carts are used as shelter, storage and a source of income, such as collecting trash to sell to recyclers. ( Photo by Ted Aljibe / AFP)

Jr. Joan Bondoc

IN BRIEF

SEC WARNS VS. TWO INVESTMENT FIRMS

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised the public against dealing with two investment firms, Lushapple.ph and Way Home Store Philippines Inc. (WHSPH), due to their unauthorized solicitation of investments.

In separate advisories posted on its website, the SEC said these firms are selling investment contracts to the public without the required license from the commission.

Based on information and reports received by SEC, Lushapple.ph is enticing the public through social media platforms to invest in the said entity with promised earnings of up to 40 percent interest.

The said entity claims it would help investors grow their money by investing in several businesses specifically in selling electronic devices, gold, Luxury items, appliances, and others. Jenniffer B. Austria

P23B IN CONTRABAND SEIZED IN ‘23 1ST HALF

G. Romualdez receives a memento and a copy of the resolution of the City Council of Mabalacat on Friday, giving due recognition to his exemplary achievements in public service that brought honor to the city, being the son of a native, the former Ms. Juliette Gomez. Romualdez was the guest of honor and keynote speaker for the 11th Anniversary of the Cityhood of Mabalacat and the groundbreaking for its New Government Center. With him are Mabalacat Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo (right) and Vice Mayor Gerald Guttrie

SPEAKER: ADB PROJECTION HAS PH ON GROWTH COURSE

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Saturday said the Asian Development Bank’s projection of sustained robust growth of the Philippine economy this year and in 2024 affirms that we are on the proper course to attain middle-income status by 2025.

In its ADB Outlook July Update, the bank said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) will likely grow by 6.0 percent this year, the highest among major Southeast Asian countries. For 2024, the ADB sees the Philippine economy growing by 6.2 percent.

The ADB expects Indonesia to grow by 4.8 percent this year, Malaysia by 4.7 percent, Singapore by 1.5

percent, Thailand by 3.5 percent, and Vietnam by 5.8 percent.

“This steadfast pace of recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 crisis across the region is a clear indicator that the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has charted the right course and we are steadily sailing towards a brighter future for all Filipinos,” Romualdez said.

PRESIDENT LAUDS ZAMPELAN FORCES FOR KEEPING PEACE

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday commended the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division (1ID) and the Joint Task Force (JTF) - Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao (ZamPeLan) for their relentless efforts to maintain peace and order in Mindanao.

During his visit to Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, Marcos congratulated the 1ID and the JTF ZamPeLan for their good work, saying they must be “very proud” of their dedication to fighting for peace.

“Because of your good performance,

‘Entrenched...

From A2

Salceda said he sees many benefits of the bill once enacted.

On the conversion of agricultural lands for housing and other uses, Salceda said the basis of conversion should be “optimal economic use.”

“We have a housing deficiency of at least four million units. So, I will not participate in the prejudice against land conversion towards housing. Same goes for land conversion for renewable energy.”

A national land use plan, Salceda added, “will enable us to protect the ecology, use our farms in the most efficient way possible, and reserve adequate space for our growing needs for energy, housing, irrigation, and infrastructure.”

Local governments’ failure?

Salceda, and other proponents of the bill, want a specific National Land Use Act, saying  the current land use implementation have been decentralized but the local governments have failed to issue guidelines as to how land

we always expect that you willalways perform well. But you have never failed the country,” he said.

“You have never failed to answer the call of duty with honor, with pride, and with the passion and the love for the Republic of the Philippines.”

The President told the troops that they are now tasked to transform themselves from warfighters to peacemakers as the country pursues the peace process.

He emphasized the importance of unity and bringing lasting peace to the country.

Charles Dantes

should be utilized.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas, chair the House special committee on land use, earlier said the measure would be a “game-changer” as it would attract more businesses and foreign investments.

“This bill being passed into law will be a sure-fire game-changer in terms of foreign investment for the Philippines,” Matugas said.  “One of the objectives is for our friends from all parts of the world — who carry with them the right resources and good intentions for our country — to immediately see an organized, prepared and detailoriented Philippines ripe and ready for their investments,” he added.

‘Land misuse bill’, critics charge The Makabayan Bloc opposed the bill, with one if its members, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas feared that it would only be a tool  to convert lands for farming and peoples’ residence to commercial spaces. Brosas termed the bill as a “land misuse bill.”   The measure she said “will enable widespread conversion of lands for subdivision and commercial housing, when these lands could be used for food production.”

He noted that the ADB projection is well within the range of our economic managers’ 6 0 to 7.0 percent growth assumptions for 2023 and 6.5 to 8.0 percent for 2024 to 2028, taking into account both domestic and external risks.

The Speaker also cited the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year at 6 percent, with this year’s gross domestic product expansion projected to come in between 5.5 percent and 6 percent.

“With President Marcos’ steady hand at the helm and everyone pulling together, I am confident that we can reach our goal and overcome any rough waters that we may encounter on our journey,” Romualdez said.

The country’s sustained economic growth can also be attributed to

President Marcos’ clarion call for unity as it harnesses our nation’s collective strength and effort to rebuild our economy, according to Romualdez.

“It is a testament to the resilience of our people, the ingenuity of our businesses, and the strong partnerships forged between the government and private sector,” he pointed out.

Romualdez said the House of Representatives remains committed to the task of enacting laws to sustain our economic momentum, foster an enabling business environment, and ensure that all the benefits of growth reach all segments of society.

“Likewise, in the exercise of our power of the purse, we will prioritize allocations to strengthen social safety nets and invest in crucial sectors that will fuel inclusive growth and development,” Romualdez said.

VICTOR

A silver-plated 60-meter statue named ‘The Victor’ is installed at the Bridgetowne Robinsons Land Corp. in Pasig. The statue is designed by FilipinoAmerican artist Jefre ManuelFigueras, whose goal is to have ‘The Victor’ as the tallest lighting projection art installation in the world.

Manny Palmero

THE Customs Bureau’s intensified campaign against smuggling resulted in the seizure of more than P23 billion worth of contraband and other illegally imported goods in the first half of the year.

At least 603 seizures were made from January to June 2023 and most of these shipments were smuggled counterfeit products, agricultural products, tobacco products, illegal drugs, and general merchandise.

Some of the notable seizures were P86 million worth of misdeclared sugar from Hong Kong in Port of Subic on March 15; P1.4 billion worth of imported cigarettes in a Sulu warehouse on March 2; and P3.8 million worth of shabu at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport - DHL Express Warehouse on May 8.

Early this month, the Port of Subic also intercepted P240 million worth of counterfeit products smuggled from Bangladesh.

Those seizures were among the achievements made by the Bureau of Customs under the leadership of Commissioner Bien Rubio for the first six months, demonstrating its commitment to its 5-Point Priority Program for the calendar year 2023 pursuant to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Joel E. Zurbano

PH ROLLER SKIERS WIN IN THAILAND TOURNEY

FILIPINO roller skiers bagged two silver medals and four bronze medals in this year’s Thailand National Rollerski Championship in Chiang Mai City.

The teenage athletes from San Guillermo, Morong, Rizal went head tohead with skiers all around the globe for the rollerski championship, calling the experience a very teachable moment.

“We were all surprised by our performance. The competition was a big help because we became aware of things we needed to improve and we developed a standard performance which will be the basis for more developments in future competitions,” The team’s head coach Carl Nicole Nery said in an interview.

Fifteen-year-old Paul Mckhenzie Medina Orca bagged two silver medals and a bronze medal in the 12,000-meter mass start, 3,000m meter team relay, and the 12,000-meter interval start respectively.

His teammate Menard James Francisco received two bronze medals for the 800-meter sprint classic and 3,000-meter mixed team relay, while twelve-year-old Dimitri Santiago also scored a bronze medal in the latter competition.

Gabriellea Pariño

She also warned that the bill could result in more evictions of informal settlers without providing them alternative options.

Under HB 8162, the National Land Use Commission (NLUC) is created under the Office of the President (OP). It shall exercise the powers and responsibilities of the current National Land Use Committee, which is hereby abolished.

Among the powers and functions of the Commission is to advise the President of the Philippines on all matters concerning land use and physical planning; Integrate and harmonize all laws, guidelines, and policies relevant to land use and physical planning to come up with a rational, cohesive, and comprehensive national land use framework. It would also prepare, periodically review and if necessary, update the national framework for physical planning to provide the general framework for the spatial development directions for the entire country and subnational levels The NLUC serves as the heart of the legislation and acts as the highest policymaking body on land use and resolves land use

policy conflicts between or among agencies, branches, or levels of the government.

The NLUC commissioner will have the rank of Cabinet Secretary, while the two deputy NLUC commissioners will be given the titles of undersecretary.

The National Land Use Office (NLUO), which shall serve as the technical secretariat to the NLUC, shall also be created under the OP.

“All lands of the public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum, and other mineral oils, all forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora and fauna, and other natural resources are owned by the State. With the exception of agricultural lands, all other natural resources shall not be alienated,” the bill said.

“Pursuant to the constitutional provision or mandate, it is the policy of the State to provide for a rational, holistic, and just allocation, utilization, management, and development of the country’s land to ensure their optimum use to promote sustainable socio-economic development and ecological protection,” it added. Through HB 8162, the State institutionalizes

land use and physical planning as mechanisms for identifying, determining, and evaluating appropriate land use and allocation patterns that promote and ensure, among others, the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources; disaster risk-reduction and climate change resiliency; and protection of prime agricultural lands for food security in basic commodities with an emphasis on self sufficiency in rice and corn.

Iron-clad protection for PH natural resources

They likewise seek the perpetual protection of permanent forests and watershed and ecosystem services for the attainment of food, water, and energy sufficiency; and the protection, preservation, and development of the country’s historical, cultural, archaeological, and built heritage resources for the deeper understanding of our history and culture as a people.

The bill also provides mandatory consultations from the regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels, as well as harmonizes existing rules and regulations governing the allocation, utilization, development, and management of land resources.

MABALACAT’S SON. Speaker Ferdinand Martin

P. Aquino. Roy Pelovello

THE STATUE.

IN BRIEF

TALES OF HORROR AS THOUSANDS FLEE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN NORTHEAST INDIA

FATHER-OF-FIVE S. Mamang Vaiphei hid in the jungle for three nights after a mob attacked his village in Manipur, the remote Indian state where ethnic violence has reportedly killed at least 54 people.

Around 23,000 people have fled the unrest which erupted last week in the hilly northeast state bordering Myanmar.

“The Meitei people first burnt down 26 or 27 houses,” Mamang, now sleeping out in the open in an army camp with around 900 others bringing similar horror stories, told AFP.

“Then they came again and finished all 92 houses (in the village), ransacked the church, the school and whatever was left,” the 54-yearold said, surrounded by exhausted and traumatized men, women and children.

The far-flung states of northeast India sandwiched between Bangladesh, China and Myanmar have long been a tinder box of tensions between different ethnic groups as well as a hotbed of separatism. AFP

TRAILERS, A GROWING TREND IN CALIFORNIA’S HOUSING CRISIS

By Paula Ramon

LAYA Del Rey, United States

- Tamara Hernandez moved into a recreational vehicle when her rent shot up. Beau Beard did it because he lost everything after going to prison.

Stories like theirs abound in California where RVs and trailers, once a symbol of carefree living by the ocean, increasingly reflect a less glamorous slice of life in the Golden State: a housing crisis and the growing number of people without a roof over their head.

A third of all the homeless people in America live in wealthy California, which if it were a country would

boast the world’s fifth-largest economy.

In Los Angeles County alone more than 75,000 people are homeless, Los Angeles Housing Services Authority statistics say.

And while figures are difficult to pin down, those same statistics show that more and more of them are living in recreational vehicles, trailers, vans or cars that have formed makeshift camps in Los Angeles and nearby towns. “That’s all I can afford,” Beard said as he points to his recreational vehicle, parked on a narrow street near the busy, touristy beach in the town of Venice.

Beard moved to California seeking a fresh start after he got out of prison nearly eight years ago. But things did not work out as he had hoped.

The average rent in Los Angeles was $2,950 a month in June.

And the problem of surging housing costs is not confined to California. In 2021, more than

seven million Americans in the United States spent more than 50 percent of their income on housing -- an increase of 25 percent since 2007, according to a study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

On top of that, says Bear, “there’s no jobs.” At his age -- 57 -- people are reluctant to hire, he said.

When his girlfriend got pregnant in 2020 Beard bought the RV to house his family. But city officials took the baby away shortly after its birth on grounds that an infant cannot live in such meager lodgings.

“It’s been the worst experience of my life,” he says.

Not only did the vehicle cost him his daughter, it has also left him in a grey area when it comes to any chance of subsidized housing, he continues.

“They say that we’re not homeless. But we are homeless,” he explains.

“So as far as giving out housing and stuff like that, we’re last on the list.” AFP

PUTIN SAYS WESTERN WEAPONS, SUPPORT NOT HELPING UKRAINE

MOSCOW,  Russia—Russian

President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Kyiv’s counteroffensive, launched to push Russian troops back in the south and east of Ukraine, was failing despite military and financial support from Western countries.

“In any case, there are no results yet” of the counteroffensive, Putin said in televised remarks from a meeting of the Kremlin’s Security Council. Kyiv last month launched a long-anticipated counteroffensive after stockpiling Western weapons.

“Neither the colossal resources that have been pumped into the Kyiv regime nor the supplies of Western weapons, tanks, artillery, armored vehicles and missiles are helping,” Putin said.

Moscow’s forces still occupy swathes of southern and eastern Ukraine and large parts of the front appears to be frozen.

Earlier this week a senior presidential aide in Kyiv told

VENEZUELAN MIGRANTS AMONG 8 KILLED BY SUV IN TEXAS

By Moisés Avila

BROWNSVILLE, United States—Police in a Texas border city announced manslaughter charges Monday against a local resident who allegedly plowed his SUV into a crowd at a bus stop killing eight men, including several Venezuelan migrants.

Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda said George Alvarez, 34, ran a red light and lost control of his car Sunday in the southern US city, leaving 10 others injured, some of them in critical condition. Sauceda said authorities were still awaiting a toxicology report on Alvarez, who had a history of run-ins with the law, and had not ruled out any motive for the incident.

“George Alvarez is a Brownsville local with an extensive rap sheet,” Sauceda said, displaying a long list of previous charges including assault, burglary and

driving while intoxicated. The tragedy added to mounting tensions and worries along the southern Texas frontier over a feared surge of migrants across the border as the United States lifts its tough Covid-19 emergency immigration controls on Thursday.

After the crash the motorist attempted to flee but was held down by people on the scene until police arrived, according to Sauceda.

In addition to the eight counts of manslaughter, Alvarez was charged with 10 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon -- his vehicle.

Victor Maldonado, the executive director of the Ozanam Center, a homeless shelter across the street from the crash, said there was a crowd of about 25 people waiting at a bus stop at the time. Maldonado said the group included

Venezuelans who had just eaten breakfast at the facility.

He described a grisly scene, with body parts strewn along the street. Witnesses were “really shocked,” Maldonado told AFP.“It was pretty intense.”

Possible migration surge

Many thousands of migrants were in Brownsville and waiting across the border in northern Mexico in hopes of making their way into the United States.

In the 24-hour homeless center, “we’ve been housing individuals coming from Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, China, Ukraine -– and multiple Venezuelans,” Maldonado said.

The accident also came one day after a man killed eight shoppers with an assault rifle at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, near Dallas in the northern part of the state. The suspected attacker was shot dead by a police officer. AFP

allies, has provided Kyiv with arms and welcomed refugees.

It has however shown no interest in sending troops to Ukraine.

Putin singled out Poland and accused its leaders of trying to “directly intervene in the conflict” to occupy Ukrainian land.

Poland has reinforced its defenses at the border with Russiaallied Belarus, where fighters from mercenary force Wagner moved after an aborted mutiny in Russia.

Belarusian territory -- which borders Ukraine as well as EU and NATO members Poland and Lithuania -- served as a launching pad for Russia’s Ukraine offensive.

Putin warned that Moscow would use “all the means at our disposal” to protect Belarus in case of an attack.

“Unleashing aggression against Belarus will mean aggression against the Russian Federation,” Putin said. Russia has begun transferring tactical nuclear warheads into Belarus. AFP

UK PM SUNAK APOLOGIZES FOR ‘HORRIFIC’ ABUSE OF LGBT IN MILITARY

UK PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday made a formal apology for the “horrific” historic treatment of LGBT people who served in the military when homosexuality was banned.

“The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state, decades behind the law of this land,” Sunak told the House of Commons.

“In that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country,” he added.

The prime minister said he hoped those affected would now“feel proud parts of the veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe”.

The apology was prompted by the findings of a governmentcommissioned independent review into LGBT veterans who served between 1967 and 2000. AFP

UK MILLIONAIRE SAYS RICH PEOPLE LIKE HIM SHOULD BE TAXED MORE

A RICH Briton is among a group of millionaires in Davos pushing for governments to tax those like him more in order to bridge a wealth gap he warns is fragmenting the world.

In an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Phil White said he was alarmed at how the rich got even richer while average people suffered during the Covid pandemic and as food and energy prices have skyrocketed.

“I am very happy to pay more taxes, I want my government to tax me and tax people like me,” White said.

White is among more than 200 “patriotic millionaires” from 13 countries sending the same message to the world’s political and global elite in the Swiss Alpine village of Davos for their annual meeting.

“We should be reducing levels of wealth,” said White.

“And government should be imposing wealth taxes to reduce inequalities.” AFP

DEADLY VIGIL. A Ukrainian artilleryman sits next to 152 mm shells at a position on the front line near Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Genya Savilov / AFP) AFP the operation would be “long and difficult” and called on allies to send more armored vehicles and weapons. Poland, one of Ukraine’s staunchest

PICTURESQUE STROLL. A woman walks past belongings that surround recreational vehicles that house residents living beside the Ballona Wetlands, a nature and wildlife area, along Jefferson Boulevard in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)

SOFTWARE FIRM POWERS LOCAL BUSINESSES

CLOUD database software company

Couchbase helps Philippine businesses keep pace with the fast evolving technology especially in areas with intermittent network or in internet dead zones.

“At Couchbase, we are targeting opportunities in various sectors in the Philippines, especially in online gaming and business process outsourcing. Impressive growth in online gaming and BPO, as well as other sectors like banking and financial services, remote support, IT development and retail, combined with increased adoption of cloud, big data and Internet of Things make the Philippines a lucrative market,” said Couchbase regional vice president for Asia Pacific and Japan Stuart Fisher.

With a big slice of the pie, developers need to react quickly. They need to thrive in

the open-source community, where Couchbase solutions are well suited and positioned to support digitalization strategies and enable growth.

Couchbase is a proud supporter of DEVCON, the Philippines’ largest community of experts working to promote the collaborative growth and global competence of Filipino developers.

“We are pleased to contribute to the organizing of hackathons and conferences involving academia and IT practitioners as part of our commitment to developing the industry in the Philippines,” Fisher said. Couchbase also has

the expertise in vertical sectors such as media and entertainment, gaming, healthcare, travel, retail, energy, finance, manufacturing, logistics and technology.

“Our solution is valuable for companies with a large database of information that requires low down time and 24/7 availability. Clients who use our services are empowered to address their catalog and inventory in real time and update content throughout the infrastructure at low latency levels,” Fischer said.

“Our target clients tend to have several offices with remote working employees who contribute data to the company. We aim to support their work with our IoT management systems, where organizations and their stakeholders can rely on a responsive and secure application to capture and sync data across devices,” he said.

“Ultimately, the companies we seek to serve are searching for greater flexibility in integrating data from multiple sources and scalability to accommodate growing business needs,” he said.

Challenges

The Philippines faces unique challenges including low digital adoption rates among smaller businesses, a lack of awareness around initiatives facilitating digitization and digitalization as well as gaps in access and skills.

“On the flip side, the government is taking stringent steps to address these challenges, crafting several roadmaps to guide policymaking, such as the e-Commerce Philippine 2022 Roadmap, among others. To fully realize its potential, these efforts should be backed by digital skills training and education, as well as promote public-private partnerships that create opportunities for modernization,” Fisher said.

Businesses should also take stock of the lessons of recent years, and that there is no magic bullet to digital transformation without a well-thought-out process tailored to business objectives, he said.

Failed projects and delays are the blight of businesses trying to innovate. Not being held back by these shortcomings rests on leaving behind legacy technology and problems accessing or managing the relevant data.

These issues often boil down to approach and strategy, which can be overcome with better budgeting for digital transformation as well as pursuing more realistic projects, he said.

According to National ICT House-

LAST MILE DELIVERY PLATFORM UPGRADES LOGISTICS FLEET TO EV

ONE of the country’s leading e-Commerce enabler, Payo will soon join the ranks of pioneering companies using electric vehicles (EV) for cargo deliveries as it takes part in corporate sustainability efforts to build a circular economy.

In 2022, Payo started employing various sustainable measures and initiatives to promote environmentally-friendly logistics solutions - from the integration of bike deliveries to switching to biodegradable delivery pouches. Now among the first companies to make the sustainable switch, Payo is procuring electric vehicles that will be part and soon replace the fuel-powered delivery fleet of its sister company Agila Logistics and Delivery Express (Agila).

“At Payo and Agila, we are taking an active part in the revolution of being greener. Shifting to electric vehicles will make our deliveries cleaner because it will help reduce carbon emissions. While it may cost more to introduce and maintain more sustainable policies and requirements, we look at this as an investment in our future as a company and as a community,” said Payo managing director June Cloma.

hold Survey conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute, cellular signal reaches 92 percent of surveyed communities, with 3G technology is still prevalent in rural areas. Despite near-universal access to electricity, some communities have low access to telecommunication towers, fiber optic cable and free Wi-Fi.

This is where Couchbase can deploy its expertise in providing services that promote remote work in internet dead zones.

Couchbase is well placed to support the Philippines government in this endeavor, with a server that handles client-to-cluster, node-tonode and cluster-to-cluster communications through high availability and protection against significant infrastructure failure.

Scalable solutions

In the Philippines, Couchbased introduced types of edge solutions that are available for micro, small and medium energizes as well for both public and private organizations. The first is Micro Edge, which is deployed in hardware machines, such as mobile phones or embedded systems. These devices have limited processing power and storage capacity and are designed to handle simple tasks such as data collection, pre-processing and basic analytics.

Mini Edge, on the other hand, is deployed at the building or campus level. These devices have more capabilities than Micro Edge devices, allowing them to perform more complex actions, such as data processing, advanced analytics and ML.

Medium Edge, which is set up at the city or regional level, can handle the same operations as Mini Edge devices while having more power and capacity to deliver complex use cases like augmented reality and virtual reality, whereas Heavy Edge are devices have the most processing power and storage capacity of all edge computing solutions and are designed to handle most tasks. They are also able to administer advanced applications such as artificial intelligence and deep learning functions.

The Multi-Access Edge, a type of edge computing architecture where components are deployed at multiple levels of the network, work in unison for seamless and efficient service experiences, with each tier providing different functions and resources.

Othel V. Campos

SINGLE MOM’S INTUITIVE INSIGHT SAVES DAUGHTERS’ FUTURE

CATHY Santos, a courageous single mother, and small business owner, took decisive action to protect her daughters’ future amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Her story is a testament to the power of love and thoughtful financial planning in the face of adversity.

During a visit to her BDO branch, she was able to talk to a BDO Life financial advisor (FA) seeking life insurance policies for her 2 daughters. She wanted to provide her children a financial head start they can use for personal pursuits as they got older.

The BDO Life FA noticed Santos’ commitment and sense of responsibility and offered her, instead, to get a life insurance policy for herself as the sole breadwinner of a single-income household.

After much thought, Santos found it logical to listen to her FA’s advice and took out a life insurance policy for herself. Despite the financial strain that the added premium would cause, safeguarding her daughters’ financial well-being was her top priority.

While her parents dissuaded her from taking additional financial burden, she maintained her policy which, for her, was a sound decision that gives her peace of mind knowing that whatever happens, her daughters would be protected.

Santos were among the unlucky victims who succumbed to COVID-19 in 2021. The life insurance policy she labored to pay for took care of her final expenses with enough remaining funds to cover for her daughters’ needs over the next few years.

Nothing can bring Cathy back to her daughters. Yet her life insurance policy, serving as her Plan B for life, enabled her to continue providing for her daughters—a symbol of her love transcending life itself.

Cathy’s inspiring Plan B journey with BDO Life keeps is a reminder that love for family need not be limited to this lifetime. With proper financial planning and the right insurance plan, one can ensure that their loved ones will continue to be taken care of, even if they’re no longer in the picture.

While there is still a lot of work to be done, Payo is doing its part and hopes to build a more sustainable logistics landscape by replacing its last mile delivery vehicles for the long term. It has initially deployed 3 electric vehicle tricycles for the pilot run and aims replace least 50 percent of Agila’s fleet to electric vehicles by the end of 2024, and to 90 percent in the medium term.

“Our vision for sustainability is not for our company alone, but for the rest of the community. We believe that being sustainable goes beyond having a zero-plastic office and separating your trash. It’s also about innovation and finding different and better ways

CEMENT FIRM

CELEBRATES

TIEUPS WITH HOMEBUILDERS

IN the last 2 years, Holcim Philippines, Inc. has stepped up partnerships with shelter organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Base Bahay Foundation, and Build Change to advance innovations to make resilient building more accessible in the Philippines as it expanded its portfolio of low-carbon blended cements to help mitigate impacts of climate change.

“Our expertise on building materials makes us uniquely positioned to make a positive impact in this area. We can make available locally, innovative solutions to build safer and more durable homes and structures. Along with our focus on decarbonization and circularity, we also promote resilient construction in the Philippines in line with our commitment to support progress by building greener, smarter, and for all,” said Holcim Philippines president and CEO Horia Adrian.

In 2021, the company backed The Habitat for Humanity Challenge to find cost-effective retrofitting solutions so houses can withstand a 6.5 Richter scale earthquake and a typhoon with 200-kph winds. Holcim Philippines also supports the Base Bahay Foundation in advocating its cement-bamboo frame technology for building affordable and resilient homes. The company is also set to have another run of its Sustainable Construction course with the University of the Philippines Institute of Civil Engineering to influence aspiring building professionals to embed resilience and sustainability in their projects.

Couchbase regional vice president for Asia Pacific and Japan Stuart Fisher

By Patricia Taculao

FOR years, Filipinos have struggled with going to government buildings across the metro to process their requests or legal documents, which consumes their time, energy, and resources. But since society transitioned into the digital age, government agencies extended their services to be available online, allowing more Filipinos to access their benefits.

Among the cities in the country, Quezon City is a pioneer in streamlining all its services to function online and o ine.

With Mayor Joy Belmonte at the helm since 2019, Quezon City underwent signi cant changes in its functions and services to become more e cient and convenient for QCitizens.

“Our role, or rather our responsibility, is to take a leadership role in good governance, innovation, and digital transformation because whether we like it or not, cities, citizens, and the international community look at what we’re doing,” said Michael Victor Alimurung, City Administrator of Quezon City, during the Innovation Summit 2023 hosted by KPMG at Fairmont Hotel last July 20, Thursday.

He shared that under Belmonte’s leadership, the Quezon City government embraced digital transformation to meet the demands of the modern world through the mayor’s 14-point agenda.

Pivotal points of the agenda include delivering responsive, e cient, and coste ective social services, empowering citizens of every gender and social class, making Quezon City the preferred destination for business, being a model of good governance, and listening to the demands of QCitizens.

“Since we started, Quezon City has adopted various innovative technological approaches to improve the way we deliver government services to QCitizens. Technology and innovation have become an integral part of how we operate. At the same time, we understand that technology and innovation are only a tool to create a positive change in the lives of QCitizens,” Alimuring said.

One of the notable services from the Quezon City government is the QC eServices, a web-based and cloud-based unified platform accessible through the city’s website (www.qceservices. quezoncity.gov.ph).

It gathers all of the city’s online services and programs into a single portal that’s free and easily accessible to the public through their desktop or mobile browsers using a single account. So whether they’re accessing the

TRANSFORMING QC INTO A SMART CITY

TASK FORCE DAVAO LAUNCHES NEW SECURITY INFOMERCIAL

THE Task Force Davao (TFD), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the City Information O ce, on Wednesday launched its new Culture of Security infomercial at the Davao City National High School (DCNHS).

The infomercial is part of the TFD’s e ort to shift the focus of its Culture of Security campaign towards grade school and high school students to heighten young people’s awareness of the security and safety situation in the city and encourage them to take a more empowered role in maintaining peace and order.

platform from the comforts of their homes or through kiosks at city hall or across the city, they can access the QC eServices easily.

The QC eServices platform currently has 2,372,724 validated accounts as of July 19, 2023. They can access over 21 online services from the technology, including legal applications, government nancial assistance, health services, and more.

Alimurung also stressed that the digital innovation from the Quezon City government uses the industry’s leading web application rewalls (WAF), encrypts data, and operates on a separate server to ensure the safety and security of all its users.

Other digitized processes from Quezon City include community WiFi, a helpline 122 and ticketing system, an automated document delivery system (ADDS), an asset management system, and tricycle registration and inspection systems, to name a few.

Belmonte and the Quezon City government welcome technology and innovation as tools with open arms because they believe “if it can be made to work here, it can be made to work anywhere in the Philippines.”

QC SIGNS PACT WITH DTI, 142 BARANGAYS TO STREAMLINE BUSINESS PROCESSES

THE Quezon City government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have agreed to integrate the latter’s Business Name Registration System (BNRS) into QC’s Online Business Permit Application System (OBPAS) to allow a seamless verication process and further boost ease of doing business.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the said integration, which will help streamline business processes, detect fraudulent submission of requirements and e ectively monitor compliance of QCbased businesses.

“Since one of the requirements for

processing the business permits of sole proprietors is the certi cate of business name registration (CBNR) from DTI, we need to ensure compliance. Instead of manually verifying the authenticity of CBNRs, the integration will allow digital processing of data and documents, thereby speeding up the process,” Belmonte said.

Based on DTI’s data, business name applications processed online grew from 35 percent to 75 percent based on payment collections received since the development and launch of the BNRS Next Gen in 2019, while Quezon City is home to more than 65,000 businesses, with almost half DTI-registered.

“So we deem it imperative to track

growth, regularly monitor compliance, and gather necessary data for policies and programs,” Belmonte pointed out.

With the integration of DTI’s BNRS into QC’s digital platform, Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) head Margarita Santos said concerns, such as the submission of fake BNRS, will be addressed.

“This will also pave the way for faster evaluation of permit applications through an automated, system-to-system veri cation,” she said. Meanwhile, the Mayor also agreed with Quezon City’s 142 barangays to integrate the barangay clearance and business permit fees into the OBPAS.

“Apart from the BNRS, we are ensuring that businesses pay their dues.

Attending Wednesday’s launch were Mayor Sebastian Duterte, TFD Commander Colonel Darren Comia, Public Safety and Security O ce (PSSO) Head Angel Sumagaysay, Davao City Police O ce (DCPO) Deputy City Director for Administration PLtCol Jed Clamor, Special O ce for Children’s Concern (SOCC) O cerin-Charge Consorcia Ronquillo, DepEd Schools Division Superintended Reynante Solitario, DCNHS educators, student representatives and their parents. Comia said the infomercial aims to instill a deep awareness of safety in future generations.

Duterte, in his speech, said embedding a culture of security among young people is crucial in producing a proactive citizenry in the future.

“It is not easy where Davao City is situated—where in a region, we are in an area here in our country where there is an imminent threat outside our borders,” Duterte said in his native tongue.

Though Davao City has shown its resiliency repeatedly, Duterte added, the challenge of maintaining the peace requires the participation of all facets of the community.

Threats from outside the region, the mayor added, render the necessary propagation of the campaign.

Solitario, expressing DepEd’s full support of the initiative, urged all grade and high schools to play the new four-minute infomercial during school ceremonies, programs, sports events, and other activities. Teachers are also encouraged to show the infomercial to their students.

We are working hand-in-hand with our barangays through the Suyod Buwis program to ensure that businesses operating in each barangay are compliant with both city and barangay regulations,” Belmonte said. Belmonte said barangays, following their inspections, can inform the city government about businesses that operate without payment of tax dues to the city, fees due to the barangays, and business permits.

“Through integrating the barangay business permit fees and clearances application, the City will now be able to automatically collect such fees, which are expected to signi cantly increase barangay revenues,” she said.

CIAC EXTENDS RELIEF AID TO DISPLACED FAMILIES IN ALBAY

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE—A team composed of personnel from the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC-CCO) distributed relief packages to 400 heads of families in two evacuation centers in the province of Albay on July 14 as assistance to families displaced by the Mayon volcano’s unrest.

The 13-person relief aid team traveled around 520 kilometers from Clark to the Anislag and Daraga evacuation sites in Barangay Mi-isi in Daraga, Albay, where hundreds of individuals are temporarily sheltered to distribute relief packs containing milled rice, assorted groceries, and blankets to

400 evacuees pre-registered by the Daraga Municipal Social Welfare Development Office.

“This is our corporation’s modest contribution to help alleviate the lives of those a ected by the Mayon volcano, and we hope the relief e orts will somehow toughen their spirits in facing the challenges ahead,” said Nancy Paglinawan, CIAC o cer-in-charge.

Samar during the relief e orts. Daraga is among those localities severely affected by the volcano’s increasing activity after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology declared Alert Level 3.

A six-kilometer permanent danger zone is maintained around Mayon Volcano as lava ows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards may occur because of the relatively high level of unrest.

The three-day relief aid mission was led by the CIAC’s Public A airs Division as part of the agency’s corporate social responsibility mandate.

o cer Pranz

Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, represented by his executive assistant Linus Joseph Revidad, welcomed the CIAC team and was later assisted by local social welfare development workers led by Maylene Siwa and municipal

City Administrator Michael Alimurung shares Quezon City’s various technological undertakings during the Innovation Summit 2023

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte implements a 14-point agenda when it comes to the city’s innovations

TFD Commander Colonel Darren Comia during the infomercial’s launch

information

CIAC-CCO executives during the Mayon Relief Aid at Daraga Municipal Hall

ON THE ROAD

MAINTAINING YOUR MUCH-LOVED CAR

EMIRA: LOTUS’ MOST POWERFUL FOUR-CYLINDER MACHINE EVER

CAPTIVATING driving enthusiasts worldwide since its debut two years ago, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Lotus Emira V6 has secured its rightful place as the most accomplished Lotus sports car ever made.

With striking design, astonishing performance and benchmark ride and handling, its supercharged 3.5-litre powerplant matched to a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions delivers a driving experience that could only be from Lotus.

Now, the appeal of this midengined two-seater is further enhanced by the addition of a fourcylinder engine which features state-of-the-art technologies to deliver incredible performance and remarkable efficiency. Supplied by technical partner Mercedes-AMG, the all-aluminium, turbocharged 2.0-litre unit is based on the world’s most powerful four-cylinder in series production.

It’s also fitting that, as the final mainstream combustion engine

Lotus two-seater, the Emira is the most powerful four-cylinder from Lotus in a rich bloodline of iconic models including the Elise, Esprit, Europa, Elan and Elite. And, at 180bhp/litre, it also has the highest specific power output in the Emira range.

Like the renowned 400bhp supercharged V6, the four-cylinder car delivers all the performance and responsiveness that drivers expect –0-62mph (0-100km/h) in just 4.4 seconds and a 180mph (290km/h) maximum speed – while bringing its own unique character to the Emira range. That character is enhanced by the inherent day-to-day usability and comfort of the smooth and rapid shifting dual-clutch transmission. It also offers the added

JETOUR reaches 720k units sold

JETOUR Auto has sold over 720,000 units globally since its founding in 2018. This milestone comes just 55 months after the first JETOUR vehicle was sold, making it one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in the world.

JETOUR already showed promise when its combined domestic and international sales reached 500,000 vehicles in its first four years. Because of its ongoing expansion efforts to global markets, JETOUR aims to achieve the same sales output in 2023 alone. It has sold 200,000 vehicles from January to May this year and is well on track to sell 500,000 units by the end of the year.

With global demand for the brand and its models and production capacity increasing, JETOUR Auto targets a total sales result of 1,000,000 units sold in 2025; and 1,270,000 vehicles in 2027.

JETOUR ‘s success is attributed to its innovative products and strategic positioning. The company’s various

models are developed under the “Travel+” product development strategy, which focuses on providing consumers with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable travel experience.  Now available in over 40 countries and regions worldwide, JETOUR offers its customers stylish, modern, and reliable mobility that fits their needs and budgets. PH to ‘use’ same ‘formula to success’

Aside from the variety of its model lineup, JETOUR Auto Philippines also offers its products with competitive pricing. Its local market positioning makes JETOUR an attractive choice for value-oriented consumers who put a premium on quality, design, and technology in their car purchases.

JETOUR vehicles have become popular among car buyers since their public introduction at the Manila International Auto Show in April 2023. With an increasing number of reservations booked since April,

advantages of lower fuel consumption and a target CO2 emissions figure of 208g/km (WLTP combined).

Powerful, responsive, efficient Designed solely for highperformance applications, the 1,991cc engine features a cylinder block produced using the advanced chill-casting process: compared to conventional sand-casting methods used in high volume applications, this results in a uniform, fine-grained structure which delivers the high strength and durability needed to withstand the high loads generated. Following motorsport practise, the block is also of closed-deck design for maximum stiffness, and instead of conventional cast iron liners, the

cylinder bores use a patented low-friction coating to save weight. For the optimal balance of high strength and low weight, both the steel crankshaft and aluminium pistons are forged. The turbocharger is a ‘twinscroll’ design, meaning the turbine housing is split into two separate ducts, matched to corresponding ducts in the exhaust manifold. This minimises exhaust gas pulsation interference, helping to improve the efficient exchange of gases in the cylinders. It also ensures that boost pressure builds up more rapidly, and to further enhance responsiveness, the shaft joining the compressor and turbine wheel runs in ultra-lowfriction roller bearings. To manage boost pressure most effectively, the wastegate is electronically controlled.

This combination of advanced technologies, together with intake and exhaust systems developed by Lotus and optimised with a unique in-house calibration, ensure this remarkable engine can deliver an astonishing balance of power, torque and efficiency throughout its full operating range. Generating 430Nm from 3,000-5,500rpm and 360bhp (365PS) at 6,600rpm before reaching a maximum speed of 7,200rpm, it ensures an authentic Lotus sports car driving experience while also being refined in day-today use.

WHEN you entrust a casa with the care of your vehicle, you must be ready to pay all associated costs whenever you visit for routine maintenance. This is the typical line of many automobile owners who bring their vehicles to the specific dealership of the car manufacturer, both during and after the warranty term.

It has long been customary—not just the law—that the new car you purchased must be maintained by the dealership to which you bought it for the remainder of its warranty; otherwise, the warranty, as stated in the warranty book, will be nullified.

Many people disagree with the 3- or 5-year warranty on new cars because it offers no assurance to the car owner that he can return the vehicle within the time allotted for financing the vehicle if and when it turns out to be a “lemon car” (a vehicle that has been found to have a factory defect after a battery of tests by the dealer and even the manufacturer’s expert mechanics). In the lengthy history of the local auto industry, the “lemon law” has never been challenged in court or had a complaint brought against a dealer or a manufacturer.

What exactly is the value of that warranty now that you’ve decided to have the dealer or the casa maintain your car? Will you no longer take good care of your car if it is ruled that your warranty is void because you disregarded one of the terms in the warranty book?

The next significant thing that is happening these days, aside from the left and right openings of numerous eateries and food stores, is the proliferation of numerous car maintenance facilities in the metro and even in the regions.

When you visit Banaue Street in Quezon City, the seemingly unending array of aftermarket goods and supplies will astound you to no end. Anything you need for your car can be requested, and it will be provided.Simply ask for assistance if a particular store does not have the tiny item you require, and they will quickly direct you to the store next door or to their coworkers in the car lane if necessary.

When changing a tire that you purchased from a well-known tire retailer nearby, you can avoid paying for labor and the required alignment. In contrast to the casa, they frequently won’t do an alignment if only one or two worn-out tires are changed. That necessitates the purchase of four completely new tires, even if some of them are still in good condition and function properly.

I’m not completely opposed to you bringing your brand-new car to the casa. A benefit of using their services is that they work with mechanics and specialists who are focused on the cars sold by their specific dealership. In other words, their staff is competent and capable of quickly identifying any issues with your car.

JETOUR has become a certified success story among new marques that recently debuted in the Philippines.  Despite starting sales only in April 2023, JAPI aims to have more than a thousand units on the road by the end of the year.

Supporting this target are JETOUR Auto Philippines’ authorized dealerships located in Alabang, Bacolod, Batangas, Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Cubao, Davao, Eton Centris, Fairview, General Santos, Iloilo, Isabela, Las Piñas, Pampanga, Pasay,

and Quezon Avenue. JAPI is targeting nearly 20 dealerships and service centers to become operational by the end of 2023.

JETOUR Auto Philippines’ product lineup includes the JETOUR X70 and X70 Plus seven-seater crossovers, the JETOUR Dashing compact crossover, and the JETOUR Ice Cream Electric Vehicle. Along with an industry-leading six-year, or 1,000,000-kilometer general warranty, JETOUR vehicles also have a separate 10-year or 1,000,000-kilometer engine warranty.-

ABMAP BACKS PUV MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

THE government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, which seeks to replace outdated and unsafe jeepneys with more contemporary, safer, and environmentally friendly PUVs, has the full support of the Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP). Ten reasons are listed below on why ABMAP backs this initiative:

1. ABMAP emphasizes that not all modern PUVs are Completely Built-Up (CBU) units from China. In fact, over 80% of the modern PUVs in the Philippines are locally made using brand new truck chassis and are assembled in the country. This helps generate jobs for automotive bodybuilders as well as upstream and downstream industries.

2. The locally manufactured and assembled PUVs are completely brand new, which means they have a longer service life than the old jeepneys. These new PUVs are equipped with air conditioning, allowing passengers to travel in comfort even during hot and humid weather. The standing passengers are also allowed, which

creates an opportunity for extra income.

3. The seating is comfortable, as the seat width allocation per passenger is wider, and the distances between seat rows are longer. This means that passengers can travel in comfort even during long journeys.

4. The new PUVs are built to international standards and comply with Bureau of Philippine Standards Philippine National Standards (BPS PNS) standards. This means that the PUVs are safer and more reliable than the old jeepneys. They are equipped with a service door on the curb side, which improves passenger safety.

5.The new PUVs are environmentally friendly as they are powered by either Euro 4 Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) or electric motor. This reduces emissions, making them better for the environment and the health of passengers.

6. The government provides an increased subsidy for PUV modernization. This reduces the financial burden on operators who are struggling to make the transition.

7. The 5-6-7 financing scheme makes the driver the owner of the PUV after seven years of payment. This means that drivers have a stake in the PUVs, which encourages them to take better care of the vehicles.

8. If operated by a transport corporation, drivers are assured of a fixed daily income complete with social benefits like Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth. This ensures that drivers are protected and have access to social welfare benefits.

9.60% of PUV franchises have already consolidated, which indicates a growing acceptance of the PUV modernization program.

10. The price of the PUVs ranges from P2.1 million to P2.2 million, which is the standard price for a brand new PUV. While some claim they can make it at P1.6 million or lower, they have yet to prove that, and mass produce them as well. In interviews with working modern PUV franchise operators, they indicate that they do make money and can afford amortization.

The high cost of having your automobiles repaired by the casa, however, is something that many find objectionable. For instance, the cost of an original product in Banaue is typically far less than that in the casa. Additionally, you will be responsible for the cost of the labor to install it in your automobile.

Additionally, if you are not that attentive to the estimated documents that are offered to you, there may occasionally be a number of unneeded items incorporated without your knowledge. And this needs to end.

The PUV Modernization Program is supported by the Automotive Body Manufacturer’s Association of the Philippines (ABMAP) because it boosts the economy, creates jobs, enhances passenger safety and comfort, and lowers emissions. The program makes sure that drivers can afford to buy PUVs and have access to social welfare benefits. The program also helps create jobs for bodybuilders and other businesses because more than 80% of contemporary PUVs in the Philippines are locally produced.

SPORTS

ZAMBOANGA’S JAPY SILAPAN BRACES FOR ALCATRAZ SWIM

DRAGON NEST 2 EVOLUTION: LET THE HUNT BEGIN!

LEVEL Infinite’s Dragon Nest 2: Evolution is now closer than ever, following a whopping 5 million preregistrations.

Eager players can now preload the game via Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and One Store. Dragon Nest 2: Evolution has gone live on Friday, bringing a refreshing MMORPG experience to players from all regions.

Pre-download is available at Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/applestore/id1567545632

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.proximabeta.dn2.global

ZAMBOANGA Peninsula (ZamPen) Open Water Swim President Silapan is set to take on a thrilling challenge as he participates in the Alcatraz Open Water Swim.

The event, known for its di culty and excitement, will see participants swimming from Alcatraz Island to the shores of San Francisco.

Silapan, known for his adventurous spirit and love for water activities, is eager to take part in this unique event. The Alcatraz Open Water Swim is considered one of the most iconic open water swims in the world, attracting swimmers from di erent parts of the globe.

The swim covers approximately

1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) in the cold and choppy waters of San Francisco Bay. It requires endurance, strength, and mental fortitude to conquer challenging conditions and complete the swim successfully.

Silapan, who has been training rigorously for this event, expressed his excitement and determination to complete the swim. He believes that participating in such events not only promotes a healthy and active lifestyle but also showcases

the beauty and potential of the Zamboanga Peninsula to the world.

“I’m doing this for the community of open water swimmers in the Philippines and promote our Open Water activities to the international community,” said Silapan, who took his ight to the U.S. on Thursday.

He aims to inspire his constituents to embrace physical activities and explore new challenges. By participating in the Alcatraz Open Water Swim, he hopes to encourage the people of ZamPen to engage in sports and outdoor activities for their overall well-being.

“It’s going to be di cult because of the uniqueness of the waters surrounding the island,” Silapan added. His participation in the

Japy Silapan

Alcatraz Open Water Swim is expected to attract attention and bring recognition to the region. It highlights the region’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and showcasing its potential as a tourist destination.

With the event fast approaching, Silapan continues to prepare himself physically and mentally for the swim. He looks forward to representing the Zamboanga Peninsula and completing this exhilarating challenge. His story will also be featured in the Pinoy Strong 100 under the same marketing proponent of International Open Water Swim One of a Kind Asia

After a successful series in the Zamboangan Peninsula in cooperation with local governments and the Department of Tourism, Silapan is also set to launch Vizmin’s International Open Water Swim in Boracay this September 2023.

OLSIM SIBLINGS GIVE BACK TO HOMETOWN, BUILD GYM TO FIND MMA TALENTS

IN the heart of Bokod, Benguet, a small town nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Cordillera mountain range, a new source of inspiration and empowerment has emerged.

Jenelyn “The Graceful Warrior” Olsim has returned to her roots to give back to her community in a profound and meaningful way.

With her older brother, Jerry, by her side, they have established the Olsim-Dasdas Martial Arts Gym, creating a platform to cultivate the next generation of talents from her

beloved hometown.

“I’ve always carried our hometown with me in every step of my journey. Establishing this gym alongside my brother is more than just a dream come true—it’s a heartfelt commitment to giving back to the community that raised us,” she said. She had her first share of the spotlight through Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series in October 2018, prevailing over Claudia Diaz by way of a unanimous decision.

Although she fell short in her second outing nearly a year later, Olsim still made it to ONE Championship’s main roster in March 2021, guring in a bout where she left a lasting impression by forcing Maira Mazar to tap with a guillotine choke in the third round.

Inside the Circle, “The Graceful Igorot” went on to pick up victories over the likes of Bi Nguyen and Julie Mezabarba. Olsim’s accomplishments on the global stage brought immense pride to Bokod. Every win she secured was celebrated not just by her family, but

by the entire municipality.

Despite her growing fame, she remained deeply connected to her old stomping grounds and never forgot the support and encouragement she received from her fellow Bokodians.

“I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support that they have shown me throughout my journey. Now, I am more inspired than ever to give back to the community that shaped me,” she states.

She and Jerry inaugurated their training facility last July 15. The occasion was attended by prominent figures in the combat sports industry, including former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and several members of Lions Nation MMA.

During the opening ceremony, the siblings announced that the OlsimDasdas Martial Arts Gym would now become an official affiliate of Lions Nation MMA.

In addition, Olsim will represent the newly-formed stable under the ONE Championship banner from now on.

EX-PH BOOTER ENDURES LONG FLIGHT TO BACK FILIPINAS IN WORLD CUP

FOR the love of the beautiful game and spending on her own, former national player Miriam Merlin endured a taxing 23-hour plane journey just to show her support for the Filipinas making their debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup here.

“I am here because sobrang history, eh. Something na hindi dapat i-miss ng mga sports fans,” Merlin, who once played under the national women’s squad handled by the late revered coach Orlando Plagata, said in a chance interview at a hotel here Thursday.

To save funds, Merlin, who was tapped as the youngest national women’s team recruit at 17 during the 1993 Philippine National Games in Baguio City, revealed that she took a ight on budget carrier Air Asia, with stopovers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Sydney, Australia, before arriving here.

“I arrived here at 4 o’clock in the afternoon last Wednesday kasi gusto ko makita maglaro ang Filipinas,”added the former PH player,

who is the coach of the muti-titled La Salle-Lipa high school girls squad for the last 25 years and a Grade 9 PE teacher at the institution. She showed a copy of her old Philippine Football Federation ID card that she keeps as a treasured memento as proof that she one carried the country’s colors in international play, adding that among her contemporaries was former national women’s coaches Leticia “Buda”

Bautista and Lelet Dimzon.

“Lahat kami nag-laro kay sir Plagy. Marami kaming natutunan sa kanya,” said Merlin endearingly of the low-key mentor, who also won several women’s football championships for PUP and FEU. Although she was unable to savor success in the regular 11-aside football, she cherished the bronze medal that the national women’s futsal squad coached by Manny Batungbacal won in the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games in the Thai capital of Bangkok. That medal remains as the only one that the country has garnered in international futsal play.

Merlin, who was in the process of completing the nal grades of her students back home, added that she was able to get permission from her school supervisor to witness the Filipinas in action in the blue-ribbon competition featuring the best world women’s football players.

She was accompanied by her former La Salle-Lipa player, Kathleen de Torres, who now works in this city as a nurse, to the rst Group A match between host New Zealand and Norway at the iconic Eden Park on Thursday.

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As part of the celebrations, Japanese musical groio Tsukuyomi has released the theme song of Dragon Nest 2: Evolution, If I Knew It Was A Dream, to commemorate the big day, blending both the English and Japanese languages for a unique listening experience. https://youtu.be/IJ5kXXQYdw0

“This song expresses the anticipation and trepidation of journeying to an undiscovered world, as well as the immense joy upon making the rst steps. It’s a song full of passion and sadness, representing the fact that although reality can be tough, we still forge forward with dreams and hope, just like players in Dragon Nest 2: Evolution,” shared YurryCanon of Tsukuyomi.

DRAGON NEST 2: EVOLUTION

KEY FEATURES

As an IP with a glorious legacy, Dragon Nest 2: Evolution has been designed and optimized speci cally for mobile players, and is accessible to both veteran fans and casual beginners.

PIck from four unique classes and team up against powerful bosses, utilizing interesting skills for synergistic action! No fear of being left behind, with a player-driven economy allowing all to play how you want and when you want.

REIGN OF SERPENTRA

The o cial launch of the MMORPG also means the beginning of The Grand Dragon Hunt, starting with the villainous Sea Dragon, Serpentra. Players may have gotten an earlier tease of how the mode functioned in the lead up to launch, but the full event is on a much larger scale. Players can undertake daily quests and achievement hunts to prepare themselves, teaming up with likeminded allies, and compete against all other players in a full server competition for honor and glory of their represented countries.

As each dragon falls, higher-ranking players and teams can look forward to glorious rewards and incentives for their hard work and e ort.

BUILDING A NEW LEGACY

https://youtu.be/U-sR7QQa_A8

As an IP with a glorious history, Dragon Nest 2: Evolution has been designed and optimized specifically for mobile players, and is accessible to both veteran fans and casual beginners.

Jenelyn and Jerry Olsim (from right to left) cut the ceremonial ribbon for the opening of their MMA gym in Bokod, Benguet.

Teammates and friends from the martial arts community pour their support to the Olsim-Dasdas Gym.

Former

player (left) and her present

teacher at La Salle-Lipa.

Japy Silapan with stakeholders and co-organizers in the recent leg of the Zamboanga Open Water Swim at Dakak Beach Resorts in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Sur.

ELLIS CO’S JOURNEY OF DREAMS AND GLAMOR

By Nickie Wang

S

Fast-rising fashion designer Ellis Co stood at the starting point, ready to embark on a journey that would mark a turning point in his life and career.

Ellis took his first step onto the runway, and with each stride, his heart swelled with pride. Behind him, his models donned his exquisite creations, and his creative team followed, their eyes reflecting the same passion and determination that fueled his dreams. The catwalk was not just a pathway; it was a stage for his artistic vision to come alive, and the entire beach was his canvas.

The runway covered the entire beach stretch of the five-star hotel, embraced by the breathtaking beauty of Misibis Bay. The crashing waves provided a rhythmic soundtrack, harmonizing with the beats of the music, creating an ethereal ambiance that seemed to transport everyone present into a different world— one that was both captivating and mesmerizing.

In an interview with Manila Standard Life, Ellis poured his heart out, acknowledging that this moment was not just his triumph, but a testament to the dedication and hard work of his entire team. Their collective effort had brought his vision to life, and he was humbled by the results they had achieved together.

Albay held a dear place in Ellis’ heart, and as he looked out at the audience, he knew this runway was more than just a venue; it was a symbolic return to his roots. The memories of his childhood, the people who had inspired him, and the landscapes that had shaped his perspective were all woven into the fabric of his designs.

As the show concluded, Ellis felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment and purpose. He knew that this was just the beginning of a remarkable journey ahead. His dreams extended far beyond the shores of Misibis Bay; he aspired to capture the hearts of the Asian markets, starting with Japan, where his creativity and artistry could make a global impact.

Phases/Faces, the first Resort/ Cruise collection of Ellis’ high-fashion streetwear brand .ARCHIVES, had become more than just a collection of clothes. It was a testament to selfreflection and the profound influence people had on shaping one’s art and identity. Through gender-neutral designs, Ellis celebrated inclusivity and the beauty of individuality.

Ellis revealed, “This collection is my most personal and most intimate one yet because the show will be held in Bicol, which is my home province. I always fly back every time I’m on break in the summer or the holidays. I use the time to reflect and think about my designs.”

Ellis added that .ARCHIVES

Creative Director Reika Mayani was instrumental in producing and conceptualizing Phases/Faces, which is an ode to all the people they have met in their lives.

Ellis and Reika share a strong and creative working relationship. Ellis, who is also a DJ and a producer, worked with Reika during his foray into music. He also collaborated with her for .ARCHIVES’ debut collection, Memoirs of the Future, inspired by Japanese architecture and brutalism.

“It’s a 22-piece collection because it’s lucky for us to use angel numbers,” Ellis revealed. “As the name suggests, the collection will represent the phases that Reika and I underwent and the faces that have impacted our lives.”

Exhibiting Ellis’ sharp eye for urban

ARCHIVES

streetwear, Phases/Faces is a testament to the design aesthetic of .ARCHIVES. As Ellis puts it, the collection encapsulates his taste for pieces that can withstand the test of time. .ARCHIVES captures the zeitgeist of the moment, “archiving” Ellis’ designs like a collection of historical records—remnants of him as a designer for years to come.

For Phases/Faces, he sourced technical fabrics and denim from Japan to create functional pieces such as parkas, jackets, and cargo pants. He also incorporated abaca (Manila hemp), a native product in Bicol, into his accessories.

More than paying homage to the people who have influenced him, Ellis wants. ARCHIVES and his collection resonate strongly with the younger crowd and designers. He believes Gen Z designers don’t have to necessarily create clothes suited to the Philippines’ climate conditions. They should stick to their gut and design what feels right for them.

“Don’t be afraid to challenge the norm,” he said. “Do what you love. If you want to design winter clothing but the climate conditions say otherwise, go for it. In that way, you create products that are intimate rather than just cashing in on sales.”

is a testament of the dedication and hard work of his entire team guards kids online: It detects and blocks harmful content, identifies cyberbullying, and monitors data for potential risks. Children can learn critical thinking with AI’s help, evaluating information credibility and sources. AI’s prevalence in entertainment can empower kids to assess deepfake technology’s impact on their young minds.

5. KEEPING PARENTS WELL-INFORMED ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S LOCATION. AI-powered GPS and geolocation technologies can help parents keep abreast of their children’s whereabouts. Are they in school, with friends, in the mall? Or are they in a place where they would normally not go? Wearable devices like watches or smartphone apps use AI algorithms to provide realtime location updates and geofencing capabilities. They can also alert parents if their child goes beyond predetermined safe zones.

6. MAKING HOMES MORE SECURE. Surveillance and security systems are now so advanced that you can monitor your home 24/7 from your phone. AIpowered cameras and systems use algorithms to analyze video feeds to detect unusual behavior, identify potential dangers — like if someone left the door open — and send an alert.

agebased content filtering, screen time monitoring, and device control. Family Link tracks kids under 13, TikTok’s Digital Wellbeing manages TikTok usage, and Circle Home Plus controls internet access and content filters on home devices.

3. TEACHING KIDS EMPATHY THROUGH SITUATIONS IRL. PLDT Home and Google’s Be Internet Awesome series teaches kids empathy through Sam and Robo-berto’s fun adventures. Valuable lessons on digital responsibility, like thinking before clicking and avoiding bullying, are portrayed in the videos.

4. MAKING IT EASIER TO RAISE CRITICAL

7. MONITORING THE FAMILY’S HEALTH. Tech has made it possible for wearable devices and smartphones to track vital signs and provide health monitoring. They can detect irregularities in their sleep patterns, heart rate, and activity levels among many others. When these irregularities are detected in your children, the device will alert you to potential health issues.

8. ASSESSING CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT. Apps and online tools use AI algorithms to analyze videos or recordings of a child’s behavior and provide insights into their cognitive, motor, and social development. Parents can also use AI-powered scheduling apps to manage their kids’ school routines and homework to simplify the family’s daily schedule.

PLDT Home is committed to keeping children safe online and at the same time giving them access to information that helps in their education, well-being, and growth.

Ellis Co celebrates how his artistic vision comes to life during his recent runway event

The 22-piece collection is inspired by Ellis and Reika’s journey towards success

Featuring the beauty of Misibis Bay, Ellis’ first runway highlights the Phases/Faces of Resort/Cruise collection

Ellis wants .ARCHIVES and his collection to resonate strongly with the younger crowd and designers

Ellis’ gender-neutral design emphasizes inclusivity that delectably captures the Asian market

Ellis’ Phases/Faces, the first Resort/Cruise collection of his highfashion streetwear brand .ARCHIVES, celebrates inclusivity and the beauty of individuality

The 22-year-old designer shares that his victory

YEN DURANO

VIVAMAX’S NEWEST STAR MESMERIZES AUDIENCES WITH HER CAPTIVATING ALLURE

By Nickie Wang

IN the vibrant world of show business, new talents are always on the rise, capturing the attention of audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Yen Durano, with her remarkable beauty, talent, and undeniable allure, is one such rising star. This young actress is currently making waves in the entertainment scene, and it seems she is destined for great things in the realm of acting.

With her tall and alluring figure, Yen effortlessly stands out from the crowd. But it’s not just her physical appearance that commands attention; her talent and acting prowess are equally impressive.

Handpicked by director Roman Perez, Jr., Yen was entrusted with the lead role in Vivamax’s latest film, Litsoneras streaming on the platform on July 28. This opportunity served as the perfect platform for her to showcase her acting abilities and gain recognition in the industry.

“I really wanted to sing and perform but fate brought acting to my doorstep. I am incredibly thrilled and honored that a director like Direk Roman saw potential in me. I won’t let this opportunity pass me by,” Yen shared with Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview.

In Litsoneras, Yen is a fearless and determined 18-year-old, Elia Torres. As part of the Torres fam

ily, who runs a lechon business in their town, Yen’s character is thrust into a whirlwind of emotions when she uncovers a scandalous secret that threatens to unravel their lives.

Caught in the midst of her mother Minerva’s (Jamilla Obispo) illicit affair with Jonas (Victor Relosa), a man much younger than her, Elia wastes no time confronting the situation headon. Uncovering the ongoing nature of the affair leaves Elia’s father, Eloy (Joko Diaz), shattered, and the family business on the verge of collapse.

In an unexpected twist, Elia devises a daring and calculated scheme to break Minerva and Jonas’ relationship, igniting a thrilling and intense journey of secrets, betrayal, and revenge.

Yen’s journey to stardom has been marked by captivating performances and exciting projects with Vivamax. One of her notable projects with the streaming giant is Lovely Ladies Dormitory a sexy six-part series that further solidified her presence as an actress with remarkable potential. Embracing challenging roles and confidently delving into the complexities of her characters, Yen has continuously impressed both critics and audiences alike.

Her captivating charm and ability to

portray engaging characters with authenticity have led to collaborations with renowned figures in the industry. Yen also graced the screen in Jose Javier Reyes’ Tag-init, a daring and sensual drama that showcased her versatility as an actress.

Yen’s other projects include Baby Boy, Baby Girl, and 100 Tula Para Kay Stella 2 With each project, Yen’s star power shines even brighter, leaving the public excited for what the future

NEW BOY GROUP TAKES P-POP SCENE BY STORM

THE P-Pop community is abuzz with excitement as AQ Prime Music’s latest sensation, BILIB, has taken the industry by storm with its unmatched talent and captivating performances. The group’s recent appearance at the P-Pop Convention left spectators in awe as BILIB mesmerized the audience with the

WHY IVANA ALAWI FEELS SO BLESSED

ACTRESS and social media personality

Ivana Alawi solidified her commitment to ABS-CBN by signing an exclusive network contract on July 19. This move comes as exciting news for her legion of fans and reaffirms her dedication to the Kapamilya network, where she has found a nurturing platform to showcase her talents.

“I feel so happy and I feel so blessed.

I am here where I’m supposed to be,” she shared, speaking about her strong sense of belonging within the ABS-CBN family.

During the contract signing, Ivana took a moment to express her heartfelt appreciation for three key elements in her journey. Firstly, she conveyed her deepest gratitude to the executives and decision-makers at ABS-CBN, fondly referring to them as “bosses.” Their

unwavering trust, continuous support, and the love they have shown her have played a pivotal role in her growth as an artist.

“I have three things that I’m very, very thankful for. First and foremost, to our bosses here at ABS-CBN, thank you very much for your trust, support, and love for me. Of course, to my manager, Kuya Perry, Star Magic, and Sir Lauren, thank you very much,” she added.

ABS-CBN COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes expressed her gratitude to the Kapamilya actress for staying with ABS-CBN.

“Thank you very much, Ivana, for continuously placing your trust and value in ABS-CBN, in all of us, and in our Kapamilya. I assure you that we will continue to take care of you, and we will build an even stronger

relationship, as I promised you. Thank you for your sincerity, for your love, and for choosing to stay with us in bringing joy, inspiration, hope, and service to all Filipinos around the world,” Vidanes said.

Present at the contract signing were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN head of TV Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, Star Magic’s Alan Real, and talent manager Perry Lansigan Meanwhile, Ivana revealed that she is currently occupied with workshops and gym sessions as part of her preparations for the upcoming projects lined up for her this year.

“We have teleseryes and there are also movies. So, there are many

exciting projects ahead,” she shared enthusiastically.

Looking ahead to the coming years, Ivana expressed her hope of collaborating with acclaimed actors such as Coco Martin, Joshua Garcia, and the iconic KathNiel tandem.

Ivana’s journey with ABS-CBN began three years ago when she signed her first exclusive contract after appearing in Mea Culpa: Sino Ang May Sala and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano Her career soared when she took on her first lead role as Cherry Red in the revenge drama series A Family Affair alongside Gerald Anderson, Jake Ejercito, Jameson Blake, and Sam Milby last year. Not stopping there, she also starred alongside the renowned Vice Ganda in the blockbuster movie Partners In Crime

members’ powerful vocals, impeccable dance moves, and magnetic stage presence.

Their show-stopping performance of “Kabanata” showcased the group’s versatility and undeniable potential to become the next big thing in the P-Pop world

BILIB fans are also in for a treat as the popular group graces larger-thanlife billboards in Guadalupe Edsa south-bound Mandaluyong. The eyecatching imagery on these massive tarps is expected to generate excitement and anticipation among the fans. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. BILIB is set to participate in the highly-anticipated Ppop Fiesta, an event that promises to be a celebration of top-tier performances and musical talent. The festivities kick off today, July 23, at Robinsons General Trias in Cavite.

Following their performance in Cavite, BILIB will enchant the crowd once again on July 30, this time at Robinsons Starmill in Pampanga. Fans from all over the region are expected to gather for an unforgettable experience, eagerly awaiting the group’s mesmerizing showmanship.

Finally, on August 13, BILIB will bring their electrifying energy to Robinsons Lipa in Batangas, capping off their trio of spectacular performances.

Youtube vlogger and actress Ivana Alawi remains a Kapamilya

Vivamax’s latest film, ‘Litsoneras’, features young actress Yen Durano

Yen plays the role of the fearless and determined 18-year-old Elia Torres in Vivamax’s latest offering

The rising actress is currently making waves in the entertainment scene

holds for this promising actress.

I am incredibly thrilled and honored that a director like Direk Roman saw potential in me. I won’t let this opportunity pass me by.

—Yen Durano

BOLD, BRAVE FLAVORS OF THE ORIENT

By Joyce Babe Pañares

CHEF Jereme Leung, considered as one of the most influential movers in the modern Chinese culinary scene, is marking his 40th anniversary in the kitchen this year.

Leung, who began working as a dishwasher when he was 13 years old in 1983, has come a long way – making a name for himself in Hong Kong, Singapore and China and expanding to other countries, including the Philippines, with his innovative take on traditional Chinese dishes.

He's back in the country for a six-day exclusive engagement at Conrad Manila’s China Blue, headlining the Flavors of the Orient leg of the hotel’s Legendary Chef Series.

Four decades since he rolled up his sleeves to work in the kitchen, this master chef says he is “still excited” to look for unique ingredients, pair flavor profiles, and serve dishes that have been likened to culinary works of art.

China Blue at Conrad Manila, in particular, is a source not just of excitement but of personal satisfaction too, Leung told Manila Standard Cravings during a preview of his multi-course set menu with select members of the press.

“Seven years down the road since

we opened China Blue, this place is packed, lunch and dinner. And 95 percent of our customers are local people,” he said.

“That to me is what is really satisfying because then we have conceived a concept that works with the local people. In every market, that is the most important because

the worst thing is for you to create a for-touristonly where everybody else thinks you're good but literally the local people don't support you because they don't like it,” Leung added.

Leung’s dishes are playful and bold and unafraid to be different without the aftertaste

of overthinking.

dishes are all rooted in traditional Chinese cuisine, but even then, it was black sesame fried rice with dried scallop, shrimp, spring onion and egg white.

APPETIZER DUO. Marinated lobster with coriander lime jelly dressing paired with crispy bean curd sheet, and deep-fried kataifi seafood with otak-otak

Black sesame fried rice with dried scallop, shrimp, spring onion and egg white

Slow-cooked beef with green pepper and barbecue sauce

Hawthorn ice cream with Chinese sweet vinegar caramel and traditional onion pancake on the side

cori sea

He paired his marinated lobster and coriander lime jelly dressing with crispy bean curd sheet, while his deep-fried kataifi seafood (cuttlefish) skewered in lemongrass was given an Asian twist with otak-otak or He brought merry fruit from China and double-boiled it with peach gum, sea cucumber, black chicken dumpling, dried moon clam and matsutake mushroom for a deep-flavored clear soup.

fish custard. dump barbe

For his main course, Leung prepared steamed dry-aged sea garoupa with sun-dried ginger, red chili, black bean paste and superior chicken stock as well as slow-cooked beef with green pepper and barbecue sauce.

Serving fried rice last was perhaps the most stark reminder that these elevated

DRINK PINK!

His dessert was at once intriguing and familiar – Hawthorn ice cream (the same flavor as the Haw flakes of one’s childhood) with Chinese sweet vinegar caramel and traditional onion pancake on the side.

The menu was a testament to how Chinese cuisine has evolved throughout the years, Leung said.

Chinese cuisine, he once said in an interview, is “strong enough to stand on its own. By adjusting the cuisine, the status of the cuisine was elevated.”

“We are now using ingredients and preparations that were not seen at all if you look back at Chinese cuisine 20 years ago. White truffles are now used widely. We now age our meat, we age our poultry, and in one course [the steamed garoupa] we aged fish, too,” he said.

“It is becoming more complex, more refined, at par with international standards,” Leung added.

(Indulge in Chef Jereme Leung's culinary masterpiece at Conrad Manila at P6,588 nett per person for a five-course meal until July 23, 2023. Conrad Manila's Legendary Chefs Series will continue with Chef Valerio Pierantonelli from Basilico, Conrad Singapore Orchard’s highly sought-after Italian restaurant, bringing the soulful flavors of Italy to Manila from August 2 to 15.)

NEWPORT WORLD RESORTS ROLLS OUT THE PRETTIEST TROPICAL FRUIT REFRESHERS, COCKTAIL CREATIONS

THERE’S a pink drink for everyone at Newport World Resorts. Cool down with a Dragon fruit milkshake exclusively available at the Newport Garden Wing’s restaurant, Happy 8. Order the special drink of the month and enjoy the creamy, tropical goodness in a glass. Take a trip down memory lane at Silogue on the ground floor with childhood favorite Ice Crumble. This Filipinostyle shaved ice treat with powdered milk and choco sprinkles is a throwback to the classic street-side dessert popular in the 90s.

Complete a visit to the Newport Mall with fun new drinks to try. Dragon fruit lends its pink hue to the Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Starbucks Refresher while Macao Imperial Tea offers its Cranberry Tea.

Spend the afternoon with the squad and try the Legally Pink High Tea set at Hilton Manila’s Madison Lounge and Bar. Delight in a special selection of pastries and mini sandwiches that pairs perfectly with either Pink Beefeater Gin & Tonic or Pink Moscato. Each high tea set is good for two and is available daily from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of the month.

At sunset, cotton candy clouds paint the sky as Marriott Hotel Manila offers its GreatRoom Signatures’ cocktail of choice for July – Meet Flora. This pretty in pink drink is expertly crafted using Beefeater Pink Gin, fresh lime and lemon juice, grenadine, lavender bitters, and egg whites. The Lounge at Sheraton Manila Hotel is also serving up a whole line of Pink Cocktails that include the Hibiscus Bloom made with Beefeater Pink Gin, hibiscus tea, and grenadine; the Hooty Hoo with Jose Cuervo Tequila, red bell pepper, and strawberry syrup; and the Pink Beach

Double-boiled merry fruit with peach gum, sea cucumber, black chicken dumpling, dried moon clam and matsutake mushroom soup

Dragon fruit milkshake

with Arbor Mist Pink Moscato, Beefeater Pink Gin, and homemade strawberry and cherry syrup.

(For more information on Newport World Resorts’ latest offers, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook and Instagram, and @nwresorts on Twitter.)

Chef Jereme Leung

Steamed sea garoupa with sun-dried ginger, red chili, black bean paste and superior chicken stock

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.

DO DOGS CRY?

By Mariana Burgos

WHEN we, humans, are overcome with emotion, we shed tears. We may feel sad or happy or even fearful, as long as the emotion is a bit intense for us to not be able to hold back the waterworks display. However, these emotion-driven tears may not be fully exclusive to human experience.

Have you ever gazed at your dog's eyes as she is being punished, when she is weak or sick, or as she watch you leave for work for the day? You know that dogs can definitely feel sad. And they certainly express it.

A recent (Japanese) study even reveals that when dogs are reunited with their owners after being separated, they might shed happy tears, as noted in the journal Current Biology(https:// www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S09609822(22)01132-0).

Do dogs, on the other hand, cry?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) article "Do Dogs Cry? New Study Shows Dog Tears Facilitate Canine-Human Bond" by Carly Silver, dogs develop tight emotional relationships with their owners, having great social intelligence and displaying human-like emotions. Silver said when pets rejoin with owners from whom they have been separated for a length of time, they exhibit "affiliative behavior," which is defined as activities that another organism finds fulfilling or as agreeable conduct that aids in the formation of a social bond between two parties. Other studies have revealed that the dogs experience the release of oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone," during these moments. And it is during these moments that we see the dogs’ eyes well up.

Proving the theory

To put the theory to the test, the researchers isolated the puppies from their owners for many

hours before reuniting them. Five to seven minutes after their reunion, the scientists gave the dogs a Schirmer tear test to see how watery their eyes had gotten. They then compared the results to tear production when the dogs were similarly removed from and subsequently reunited with someone they knew but who was not their owner. When the animals were reunited with their owners, their eyes welled up with tears—significantly more so than when they were reunited with their human acquaintance.

To investigate if oxytocin may be causing an increase in tear production, scientists applied an oxytocin solution to the dogs' eyes. As predicted, oxytocin treatment greatly increased tear volume, but a control solution containing another peptide derived from the identical amino acids did not.

However, Silver pointed out that no mention was made of the dogs' breeds and how this may have influenced the study. Shih Tzus, for example, have more prominent eyes, which may distort the results. While both male and female animals release oxytocin in stressful conditions, females secrete more than males, which may have lopsided the results.

Do dogs cry from emotions?

Dogs experience sadness for many of the same reasons that humans do, such as pain, loneliness, loss, and bereavement. While most doggie melancholy is fleeting, others can be profound and long-lasting. For example, there have been verifiable reports of mourning dogs that have waited faithfully beside gravesites or their traditional meeting areas day in and day out, hoping for their departed person to return, such as the story of "Hachikko" (of Japan). There are several ways for pets to communicate "I love you" to their owners.

Your dog's compassion for you might also be a cause of unhappiness. When their person (human) is unhappy, a dog will frequently display melancholy as well, even if they do not understand why.

Dogs are more emotionally sophisticated than we give them credit for, especially when it comes to interpreting their owners' emotions. So, while dogs cannot communicate or think about melancholy in the same complicated way that people can, they undoubtedly comprehend and feel far more than we may know.

Dogs can cry like humans, but not in the same way that we do. Dogs have their own unique ways of expressing melancholy and happiness.

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.

Posted by Mannai “People Take Poles And Run After Me, Beat Me With Stones, I Feel Pain, We Are Scared, Then We Think What Wrong We Did?

We Walk Around Humans In The Hope Of Eating Hungry & Thirsty, We Don't want Your Money, Isn't Love Enough For A Bread? We Also Have Blood, Bones And Heart, #So_Much_Pain_That_We_Cant_Even_Tell, If You Feed Or Can't Feed But Please Don't Hurt And Don't Kill Us... #Let_Them_Live”

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Posted by Kavishka Amarasinghe

“My dear human, I see you crying, because it's time for me to leave.

Please don't cry.

I want to explain some things to you. You're sad that I'm gone, but I'm glad to have met you.

How many dogs like me d-i-e every day without having met someone special like you?.

I know you are saddened by my departure, but I had to leave now.

I want to ask you not to blame yourself.

I heard you sobbing that you should have done something more for me. Don't say that, you've done a lot for me!

Without you, I would have known nothing of the beauty I carry with me today.

You must know that we animals live intensely in the present. Our lives begin when we know love, the same love you gave me, my wingless angel.

Please don't cry anymore. I leave happy.

I remember the name you gave me, the warmth of your house which at that time became mine. I hear the sound of his voice talking to me, even if I don't always understand what he is saying to me. I carry in my heart every caress you gave me. Wash your face and start smiling. There are many like me waiting for someone like you.

Please give them what you gave me, they need it like I needed you.”

CAN DOGS EAT PECHAY? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

First of two parts

By Niko Gabriel Salgado

PECHAY or petsay, most commonly known as Chinese cabbage in English or “bokchoy,” are dark green leafy vegetables with broad white stems. Its use was popularized during 15th century China by herbalists for medicinal purposes. At present, it is widely used in Asian cuisine. This vegetable belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, along with broccoli, cabbage, and kale. It contains essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.

It has a slight sweet taste and a crunchy texture.

If humans can eat pechay, is it also safe for dogs to eat?

Short answer is yes! However, it's crucial to consider a few factors before giving pechay to your dog.

Just like everything else, you must practice moderation while feeding this vegetable to your dog, says Nadine Oraby in “Can Dogs Eat Bok Choy? Is It safe?” in the Fluffy Planet site.

While pechay can be a nutritious vegetable for humans, it is important to exercise caution when introducing new food to your dog's diet. While some vegetables can be beneficial for dogs, not all of them are safe or suitable for their consumption. Let us take a closer look at pechay and its potential impact on dogs.

Benefits of Pechay

If pechay is introduced into a dog's diet properly and in moderation, it can provide numerous beneficial effects on their health. Instead of their regular treats, pechay can be given occasionally to dogs. According to Oraby, here are the benefits of pechay:

1. Rich in vitamin C:

In strengthening your dog’s immune system and making them more resistant to diseases, Oraby said Vitamin C is particularly helpful. Pechay is a great source of Vitamin C. For instance, 100 grams of pechay provides 79 per cent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C for humans. Vitamin C plays a significant role in strengthening a dog’s immune system and enhancing disease resistance. However, dogs typically obtain enough vitamin C from their regular food, so it is important to be cautious about overfeeding.

2. Abundant in fiber: Pechay is a good source of fiber, with approximately 1 gram per 100 grams. This can be helpful for dogs experiencing constipation or irregular bowel movements.

Due to fiber, your dog will pass stools easily, but practice moderation as too much can lead to runny stools and diarrhea, Oraby noted.

3. Contains antioxidants:

Pechay contains antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can contribute to improved eyesight.

4. High in vitamin A

Just 100 grams of pechay contains 89 per cent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A for humans. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining and developing dogs' eyesight, particularly for puppies and aging dogs.

“But be careful as it’s easiest to overdose your dog on Vitamin A due to its high percentage,” Oraby stressed.

5. Essential minerals:

Magnesium, vitamin K, and phosphorus found in pechay are vital for your dog’s health.

For the healthy development of your dog’s bones and skeleton, Oraby said these minerals are necessary for healthy development.

A man, who looks sad, appears to be trying to get some sympathy from his dog by holding his face close to his. His dog seems to feel his sadness, too. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

Pechay or Pechay Tagalog. (Photo by Maria Celestina/Dreamstime.com.

A pug has tears rolling down from his eyes. (Photo n from iStock royalty-free images.)

A Labrador puppy has such a sad expression on his face and looks as though he is about to cry.

(Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)