Manila Standard - 2023 August 6 - Sunday

RICE PRODUCTION ZONES PROPOSED

ZUBIRI SHARES IDEA WITH PBBM TO BOOST OUTPUT, CUT IMPORTS

SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri has proposed the idea of “rice production zones” (RPZs) to boost the country’s rice output to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is concurrent Agriculture chief.

In a statement on Saturday, Zubiri said RPZs would also help lessen the country’s dependence on imported rice, as he discussed his proposal with Mr. Marcos during a dinner hosted by the President for senators last Wednesday.

The Chief Executive found the senator’s idea “very interesting,” Zubiri added.

The immediate goal is to replenish the country’s rice stocks that were lost when two storms hit Regions 1, 2 and

ROMUALDEZ MARKS ‘IMPRESSIVE’ FIRST YEAR AS SPEAKER

By Maricel V. Cruz

FOLLOWING his first year on the job, Speaker Martin G. Romualdez’s tenure has been characterized by excellence that has no peer up to this time, fellow officials and surveys have noted.

The swift passage of the national budget bill last year, as well as the House of Representatives’ approval of bills that are critical to the recovery of an economy that is just emerging from a disas trous pandemic, marked Romualdez’s first year in office.

Filipinos cannot help but notice his achieve ments as the House leader as reflected in his ap proval rating of 70 percent and 72 percent trust rating.

In the recent “Boses ng Bayan” performance survey, Romualdez, serving as Leyte’s first district representative, registered an impressive perfor mance rating of 95.3 percent, ranking him as the top performer in Region 8.

The survey stated Romualdez facilitated the smooth functioning of Congress’ bigger chamber, which is composed of members from different par ties and persuasions.

Competence marked his stint as presiding officer as he ensured the orderly conduct of debates, and exercised judicious judgment on points of order, his colleagues have said.

Moreover, he has cultivated constructive relationships with the President, the Senate, and various government departments, ensuring that the House’s interests are diligently advocated, they added.

“Romualdez’s contribution to the legislative process is noteworthy; his attention to detail and commitment to the role have expedited the signing and dispatching of all acts and resolutions passed by the House to the Senate. His administrative abilities have been effectively employed in managing

the physical and financial aspects of the House,” the survey stated.

“Beyond these formal duties, Romualdez has demonstrated leadership as a ruling coalition member, effectively aligning the legislative agenda with the coalition’s priorities and skillfully navigating diverse political interests and factions within the House, fulfilling his role as a consensus builder,” it added.

Romualdez is also credited for his “political acumen and leadership qualities,” thus earning him the trust and support of most House members.

3 over the last fortnight, the Senate leader said. These regions – Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon – “roughly accounts for 40% of rice input and 80% of corn production, that’s why we need to look at other areas in the country to fill this deficit,” Zubiri said.

Meanwhile, private importers are reducing their volumes owing to the increase in rice prices in the international market, but the government is prodding them to continue bringing in stocks owing to low domestic supply.

In an ABS-CBN interview, importer Orly Manuntag said the price of rice from Thailand and Vietnam rose by $100 (about P5,500) per

of the 19th Congress last July 24 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. Ver Noveno

metric ton in July alone. This translates to an increase of about P300 per 50-kilo sack of rice.

The Philippines has 4.8 million hectares of riceland producing 12.6 million tons of rice a year, official statistics show, with an average yield of 4.2 tons per hectare in 2022.

Under Rice Production Zones (RPZs), provinces can be grouped into one, and Mr. Marcos, as concurrent chief of the Department of Agriculture, can assign an Undersecretary or Assistant Secretary to handle a specific RPZ and ensure their crops reach maximum efficiency of production. Macon Ramos-Araneta and Jimbo Gulle

“His consistent efforts to engage with the public, elucidating the legislature’s work and symbolizing the nation’s democratic ideals, have further enhanced his esteem. In summation, Romualdez’s tenure illuminates the critical importance of the House Speaker’s formal and less explicit responsibilities in the efficient functioning of the legislative body,” they said.

“His adept handling of these responsibilities has significantly fostered legislative goals and the harmonious co-existence of the House’s diverse members,” lawmakers added.

1 DEAD, 95 SAVED FROM BOAT MISHAP OFF ROMBLON COAST

ONE person died while 95 passengers were saved from a motorbanca that broke open and sank off the coast of Calatrava town in Romblon on Saturday.

It was the latest maritime disaster to hit the country following the capsizing of a passenger ferry in Laguna Lake last month, leading to the deaths of 27 people.

In a television report, Corcuera Mayor Elmer Fruelda said the motorboat was headed to Simara Island from Calatrava when it was hit by big waves, breaking the rear of the banca.

Most of the boat’s passengers had attended a summer youth

camp at the church in Odiongan town.

The Philippine Coast Guard and provincial disaster officials managed to get to the sinking boat in time. They have yet to release the identity of the fatality as of press time.

Fruelda said authorities were looking at the possibility that the boat was overloaded, as it was rated to carry from 60 to 80 passengers only.

The Coast Guard said it was within its passenger capacity, but carried extra cargo like motorcycles, which caused it to take in water faster after it ruptured. Vince Lopez

PALARO CLOSING RITES. Student artists perform a dance number during the closing ceremony of the 63rd edition of Palarong Pambansa at the Marikina Sports Center on Saturday. Manny Palmero

PBBM ADMIN COMMITTED TO PEACE IN MINDANAO

By Charles Dantes

A PALACE official on Saturday stressed that the Marcos administration remains committed to a “peaceful and safe” Mindanao region.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision to rebuild a progressive Mindanao is yielding positive results after the government’s peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The completion of the third phase signifies the strong partnership of the government and the MILF to pursue a singular mission of transforming the Bangsamoro….. reflective of the President’s vision to build a Bangsamoro that is self-governing, progressive, and effective,” Lagdameo said, during a decommissioning activity in Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao del Norte.

SC REVOKES ALL EMERGENCY STATE ISSUANCES FOR COVID

THE Supreme Court (SC) announced on Saturday that it has revoked all directives and issuances during the state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In view of the Palace directive, all prior issuances effective during the state of public health emergency are now deemed withdrawn, revoked or canceled, and shall no longer be in effect,” said Circular No. 271-2023 issued Friday by Court Administrator Raul Villanueva.

On July 21, President Ferdinand R. Marcos issued Proclamation No. 297, effectively lifting the country’s emergency status due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the two-page Circular, the court said “utmost priority shall be given to in-court or face-to-face hearings, while raffle of cases in multi-sala stations shall be made in person.

However, videoconferencing hearings, if warranted, in court, from home, or in other locations, shall be subject to earlier circulars.

Court judges may also require visitors in their courts or halls of justice to undergo antigen tests on qualified medical grounds.

Wearing masks inside the Supreme Court and in the halls of justice is likewise optional. However, judges, upon their discretion, may require the wearing of masks inside their courts.

Despite the more relaxed health guidelines, the Supreme Court reminded all judges and clerks of court to keep their vigilance and monitor the condition of their staff.

Rey E. Requejo

DIESEL PRICE HIKE MAY HIT 4 PESOS PER LITER SAYS ENERGY’S ABAD

THE price increase for diesel fuel may go higher than projections and hit an additional P4 per liter by Tuesday, as Russia and Saudi Arabia continue to cut down on oil production, Energy Director Rino Abad said.

The Department of Energy had already confirmed Friday the projections that diesel will likely go up by P3.40 to P3.60 per liter, kerosene by P2.45 to P2.65 per liter, and gasoline by P0.15 to P0.35 per liter, based on the benchmark Mean of Platts Singapore trading and foreign exchange movement for the first four days of the week.

But Abad said China also delivered on its commitment to reduce oil production this month, as kerosene prices are also seen rising by P2.70 to P3 per liter, while gasoline will go up by P0.20 to P0.50 per liter.

This means diesel prices will have increased by around P10/ liter for the past five weeks, while gasoline prices have already risen by P5/liter for the same period.

However, Leo Bellas, president of Jetti Petroleum, doesn’t see oil prices rising as drastically as last year when diesel reached an all-

RECTO: DEPED CHILD-FEEDING BUDGET NOW P11.7B

THE budget for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) “School-Based Feeding Program” will double from the current year’s P5.68 billion to P11.71 billion under next year’s P5.76 trillion national budget.

House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto said the “increase is unprecedented.”

If the proposed P4.1 billion for the DSWD’s “Supplementary Feeding Program” is added, the total budget for the government’s child feeding program will reach P15.8 billion next year, or a P5

billion jump from this year, he said.

“Never has the budget for child feeding been supersized to this big.

On this, the government has put its money where its mouth is,” Recto said.

By Recto’s computation, using 2023 costing, the P15.8. billion will allow the two agencies to serve about 857 million meals to children with nutritional deficiencies.

This year, the DepEd will provide

1,678,704 students one meal a day for 120 days while the Department of Welfare and Socia Development (DWSD) will have

1,754,637 beneficiaries who will also receive one meal a day for 120 days.

He said the costing for 2024 might still be adjusted to inflation, “but it will not change the fact that the two agencies will have in their hands a big catering operation next year”.

Recto explained that under the present “division of labor,” DepEd will cater to Kindergarten and Grades One to Six learners from indigent families who are wasted and stunted and because of this are in danger of dropping out.

time high of P83.70 per liter in June.

“It will go higher, but we don’t see it going past or reaching the levels it did last year,” Bellas told ABS-CBN News.

“China actually delivered on their commitment to reduce their production of oil this July, bringing it down to 860,000 barrels,” Abad told Teleradyo Serbisyo on Saturday.

“But at the same time, because (China’s) commitment (is to produce under) 1 million (barrels), coincidentally Russia made the same pronouncement, when before it did not make the same commitment in July. But all of a sudden, this month or next month they can cut an additional 5,000 barrels per day,” he added.

In an advisory, fuel firm Unioil said diesel will increase its products by P3.70 to P3.90 per liter, while gasoline will go up by P0.20 to P0.40 per liter.

This comes just a week after a major pump price hike of P3.50 for diesel, P2.10 for gasoline, and P3.25 for kerosene.

It’s also the fifth straight week of increases for diesel and kerosene and the fourth in a row for gasoline.

“The national government also maintains its dedicated support and commitment to the other aspects of the Normalization Program such as socioeconomic development, security, transitional justice and reconciliation, and confidencebuilding measures including amnesty,” he added.

The decommissioning process is part of the government’s Normalization Program which signals the official transitioning of former combatants into mainstream society as productive and peaceful citizens.

Lagdameo shared that 5,499 decommission combatants have been provided with cash assistance; and, around 35,000 birth certificates have been processed.

Moreover, 3,000 decommissioned combatants completed their skills training with TESDA, while 3,658 and their next-to-kin have finished their basic education through the Alternative Learning System.

MARCOS TAPS ACOSTA AS NPO CHIEF

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed veteran journalist and book author Renato Acosta as the new head of the National PrintingOffice (NPO), an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). Acosta’s designation as the new director of the government’s official printing arm was announced Saturday by the Office of Press Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil. He will replace Carlos Bathan.

Acosta is a fellow of the East-West Center in Washington DC (EWCW) and an alumnus of the US State Department’s premier professional exchange program International Visitor Leadership Program.

As a Philippine-based journalist, Acosta contributed stories and analyses on domestic and regional issues for renowned international think tanks, such as the Washington DC-based Center for Strategic and International Studies and Oxford Analytica in the United Kingdom.

He had also written and edited stories for the online portal of the US Pacific Command’s Asia Pacific Defense Forum (now Indo-Pacific Forum) and United States Naval Research Institute News.

DIVISORIA GOODS. Buyers choose from good shoes and bags sold at cheap prices at Divisoria Market in Manila on Saturday.

Lino Santos

Alena Mae Flores

HIGH-WIRE ACT. Linemen from a telecommunication company replace old wiring along Ongpin Street in Manila on Saturday after seven electrical posts collapsed in Plaza Ruiz in Binondo, Manila last August 3, leaving the area without electricity and phone service and at least three vehicles damaged. Danny Pata

QUEZON’S TOMB. As part of the celebration of the Buwan Ng Wikang Pambansa (National Language Month), visitors are allowed a glimpse at the tomb of the late President Manuel L. Quezon -- the Father of the Filipino Language -- at Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Saturday. Manny Palmero

TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK STARTS IN EDSA DUE TO REPAIRS

By Joel E. Zurbano

MOTORISTS have started experiencing traffic gridlock along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue due to the ongoing road repairs along the stretch of EDSA Bus Carousel Lane from Balintawak in Quezon City to Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier urged motorists to use the Mabuhay Lanes to avoid heavy traffic. The Mabuhay Lanes are the alternate routes designated for private vehicles to avoid congested main roads in the National Capital Region.

HOUSE TO BEGIN MARATHON HEARINGS ON 2024 BUDGET

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House Committee on Appropriations will begin on August 10 the deliberations on Malacañan’s proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024.

The House committee will immediately buckle down to work as the House of Representatives has formally received the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 from the executive department.

Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, the panel’s chairperson, vowed to meticulously and closely scrutinize the 2024 National Expenditures Program (NEP).

He also vowed to work on the swift passage of the national spending plan as the House led by Speaker Martin G. Romualdez targets to approve the money measure before Congress goes on a break in October.

“The appropriations panel is ready to diligently review every aspect of the budget proposal. The committee members understand the weight of their responsibility and are fully

devoted to the task at hand,” Co said.

He pledged a transparent and effective budgetary process to the best interests of the nation and the Filipino people.

“Being entrusted with the oversight of the nation’s budget is a privilege and a solemn duty. We recognize the significance of this responsibility bestowed upon us by the people,” Co said.

“It is our duty to earnestly review and thoroughly understand every budget proposal to ensure that it addresses the pressing needs of our people,” he added.

According to Co, the Romualdezled House aims to provide muchneeded financial support to the Marcos administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and align with the objectives of the Philippine

MORE THAN 3 MILLION AFFECTED BY TYPHOONS, DISASTER AGENCY SAYS

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 806,812 families or 3,031,909 individuals were affected by the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Typhoons Egay and Falcon

The NDRRMC said the affected persons were from Regions 1, 2, 3, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, BARMM, CAR, and NCR.

The agency said of those affected, 13,779 families or 51,593 persons were served inside 648 evacuation centers, while 57,985 families or 233,609 persons were served outside evacuation centers, GMA News reported.

The report further said 17,349 persons from Regions 1, 2, 3, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA,

and Region 6 were preventively evacuated, according to the NDRRMC.

The reported casualties remained at 29, two of whom were confirmed. The reported injuries also remained at 165, 152 of whom were confirmed. Eleven people were reported missing.

A total of 396 road sections and 33 bridges were affected, and the power supply of 266 cities and municipalities were affected, with power restored in 156 localities.

A total of six cities or municipalities from Region 1, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Region 5 had their water supply affected; and 10 cities or municipalities experienced interruptions in their communication lines.

Development Plan 2023-2028.

The House appropriations committee will kickoff the budget discussions on Aug  10 with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) to touch on the breakdowns of the trillion budget proposal. It is expected to begin its plenary debates by September 18.

Co said the House commits to transmit the 2024 General Appropriations Bill to Senate by the end of September. “As a united committee, we vow to leave no stone unturned in this rigorous process,” Co said.

“We recognize the magnitude of our task, and we are resolute in our commitment to maintain the highest levels of transparency and accountability throughout the budgetary review,” Co stressed.

The 2024 NEP is pegged at P5.768 trillion or 9.5 percent higher than the current government budget.

Of the proposed P5.768 trillion, P893.3 billion or 15.5 percent will go to general public services, and P699.2 billion or 12.1 percent will go to the

debt burden.  Meanwhile, P287.2 billion, or 4.9 percent of the budget will go to defense.

Some P2.183 trillion or 37 percent will go to social services, and P1.709 trillion or 29.6 percent will go to economic services.

Based on the 2024 NEP, the education sector still gets the biggest budget allotment among the various branches of government at P924.7 billion.

This was followed by transportation, P214.3 billion; public works, P822.2 billion; social welfare, P209.9 billion; health - P306.1 billion; agriculture - P181.4 billion; interior and local government,  P259.5 billion; judiciary, P57.8 billion; defense, P232.2 billion; and labor and employment, P40.5 billion.

“Priority programs of the administration that will be covered include the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) Program, School-based Feeding Program, Provision of Textbooks and Other Instructional Materials, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), among others,” Mr. Marcos said in his budget message.

TAGLE URGES PINOY YOUTH TO BE ‘INFLUENCERS’ FOR JESUS

CARDINAL Luis Antonio Tagle urged young people to be “influencers” of Jesus in the digital world, according to a report of Church-run Radyo Veritas reported over the weekend.

Tagle issued the call at a Mass celebrated by Daet Bishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, also the chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Youth, for the Filipino delegation to the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal on Friday.

According to Tagle, the digital world is a vast and extraordinary world that is an opportunity for

Since Friday, the MMDA is conducting clearing operations on Mabuhay Lanes and other major roads in Quezon City where they towed illegally parked vehicles and dismantled structures blocking the streets.

Traffic enforcers also issued citation tickets to public utility vehicles loading and unloading in non-designated areas.

Heavy traffic was observed on the northbound lane from North Avenue going to the Quezon Avenue flyover in Quezon City on Saturday morning.

Affected motorists were also advised to take the following alternate routes:

Alternate Route via Skyway from North to South

On-Ramp - NLEX Balintawak• Quezon Avenue• Plaza Dilao• Nagtahan

Off-Ramp - Quezon Avenue• Nagtahan• Zobel Buendia • NAIA 1,2, and 3• Doña Soledad• Dr. Santos• Alabang Zapote• SLEX Elevated ext. - to point of destination.

MMDA ENFORCERS TO START USING BODY CAMERAS

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it is ready to start using body cameras for traffic enforcers to deal with erring motorists after local executives in the National Capital Region (NCR) approved the guidelines presented by the agency.

Members of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) made the approval following a recent meeting with MMDA officials at the agency’s central office in Pasig City. The MMC, composed of the 17 mayors in NCR, is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.

The MMDA led by its chairman Don Artes presented the guidelines on the proper use of body-worn cameras for traffic enforcers and procedures when flagging down motorists beginning next month.

The recordings from the body cameras will be linked to the MMDA Command Center. it can be used as evidence in case there is a complaint or there is an illegal transaction between the caught motorist and the traffic enforcer.

Artes said the agency will continue to collaborate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units in the use of body worn cameras.

Manila Standard TODAY

The MMDA chief said the bodyworn cameras with video and audio recording feature, will protect both the traffic enforcers and the motorists being apprehended.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

young people to spread God’s Word by influencing truth, justice and being a guardian of nature and fellow creatures.

“We are all inhabitants, residents of the digital world, that is a world that is heavily populated and all of us inhabit that world,” said Tagle, the Vatican’s Pro-Prefect for the Section of Evangelization of Dicastery for Evangelization.

“Young people of the Philippines spread the influence of Jesus, the influence of truth, justice, caring for the earth, caring for fellow human beings, spread this influence in the world of social media,” he added.

This is to inform the public that EVANGELINA MATEO QUIAZON aka “Geline” whose picture appears above is no longer connected with Birhen ng Parish Development Cooperative (BLPDC) since March 1, 2021. Any transaction made by her on the Cooperative’s behalf will not be honored by the said Cooperative. Please report any such unauthorized activity to The Manager, BLPDC at Tel. no. 8273-4880 or 09323055539

DOLOMITE CLEANUP. Members of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conduct a clean-up drive of Dolomite Beach at Roxas Boulevard on Saturday, removing debris and trash brought by strong waves because of the recent typhoon. Manny Palmero

COMPANION. An elderly woman pushes a cart with her pet dog to look for plastic bottles to sell along Bonifacio Drive in Port Area, Manila. Lino Santos

COCO PRODUCT. A copra farmer separates the flesh from the skin of a mature coconut before cooking and reheating it to prepare the product which will then be sold for P22 per kilo. Andrew Rabulan

IN BRIEF

KHAN SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS IN JAIL

ISLAMABAD—Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was found guilty of graft Saturday and sentenced to three years in jail, state TV said, in a case involving gifts he received while premier.

“Judge Humayun Dilawar announced that involvement in corrupt practices has been proven,” Pakistan TV said.

Khan was not present for the hearing at the Islamabad High Court, and the judge ordered his arrest.

Khan is facing over 150 cases brought against him since being ousted in April last year— charges he says are politically motivated.

Khan’s legal team said they would be filing an immediate appeal.

“It’s important to mention there was no chance given to present witnesses, neither was time allotted to round up arguments,” a member of the team said. AFP

US, UK SCOUTS LEAVE S. KOREAN JAMBOREE

CHINA: NATURAL DISASTERS CAUSE 147 TO DIE, DISAPPEAR LAST MONTH

BEIJING—China said Friday that natural disasters had caused 147 deaths or disappearances in July, after the heaviest rains since records began hit the country’s capital at the end of the month.

China has been hit hard by extreme weather in recent months, from record-breaking heatwaves to deadly rain.

Torrential rain brought on in the aftermath of Storm Doksuri, which hit mainland China as a typhoon last Friday before veering northwards,

CASE INDICTMENT ‘RIDICULOUS,’ SAYS TRUMP IN SOUTH

WASHINGTON—Former president Donald Trump appeared before ardent supporters in the deeply conservative southern state of Alabama on Friday, dismissing the latest federal indictment against him a day earlier as an “illegal and unconstitutional travesty.”

Trump, who is facing sweeping conspiracy charges over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, called the indictment “ridiculous.”

“It’s an act of desperation by a failed disgraced crooked Joe Biden and his radical left thugs to preserve their grip on power,” Trump told the crowd.

A day after his visit to largely hostile Washington, Trump received a warm reception at the Republican summer dinner in Montgomery, Alabama’s state capital.

The 77-year-old billionaire won Alabama by landslides in 2016 and 2020, and all six Republicans the state sends to the House of Representatives in Washington endorsed his re-election bid ahead of the evening engagement.

He is also backed by Alabama’s senior senator, lieutenant governor and agriculture commissioner, although the junior senator and the governor have yet to endorse any candidate in the Republican primary. AFP

is the most severe recorded in 140 years, when records began.

China’s Ministry of Emergency Management said that 142 of the deaths or disappearances recorded in July were caused by flooding or geological disasters.

The remaining five deaths or disappearances were due to other natural disasters such as drought.

Overall, floods and other geological disasters affected individuals to varying degrees over 7 million times.

More than 2,300 houses collapsed, and direct economic losses amounted to 15.8 billion yuan (US$2.2 billion), the release said.

The previously announced death toll from the floods in Beijing and surrounding provinces was at least 20, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

In that region, the rain has overwhelmed suburbs

and rural areas, leaving a trail of muddy debris in its wake.

Dramatic aerial photographs taken by AFP of Hebei province’s Zhuozhou city showed shopping streets turned into rivers of brown water, while others showed farmland in the surrounding areas completely submerged and floodwater stretching for miles.

AFP saw rescuers using boats to ferry instant noodles, bread and drinking water to residents who could not or did not want to leave properties engulfed by water.

Storm Doksuri, a former super typhoon, swept northwards over China after hitting southern Fujian province last week, following its battering of the Philippines.

Heavy rains began pounding the typically dry capital and surrounding areas last Saturday. AFP

SEOUL—American and British scouts pulled out of the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea Saturday citing scorching temperatures, as organisers weighed whether to cut short an event also reportedly plagued by dire campsite conditions.

About 43,000 people have joined the jamboree in North Jeolla province, but an extreme heatwave has seen hundreds of scouts fall ill, forcing Seoul to deploy military doctors and vow an all-out effort to salvage the event.

But despite the government’s promises of air-conditioned buses and freezer trucks, the US contingent said Saturday they would withdraw, following a British decision to exit Friday, citing concerns over the extreme weather.

The American scouts will go to Camp Humphreys, a US Army garrison in Pyeongtaek, according to US officials.

The World Organization of the Scout Movement has called on South Korea to shorten the event -- scheduled to run until August 12 in the coastal town of Buan -- pointing to issues caused by one of the country’s hottest summers in years. AFP

A NEW York gathering called by a popular online influencer drew an unexpectedly large crowd on Friday and degenerated into violence that left people injured, prompting a massive police turnout, authorities said.

It all started with a posting on Instagram from 21-year-old Kai Cenat, calling on fans to meet him in lower Manhattan for a live-streamed event where he would hand out gifts including PlayStation 5 game consoles.

Thousands of young people -- at least 2,000 according to US media -- gathered very quickly on Union Square and surrounding streets in the hopes of seeing Cenat, who has millions of followers on Twitch, YouTube, Instagram and other social media.

As the streets heaved, young men started throwing objects from a nearby construction site, targeting people in the crowd and the police, who were rapidly deployed in large numbers.

Television footage and news photographs showed rioters surrounding and blocking vehicles, with young men kicking and smashing some of the cars. AFP

UKRAINE DRONE HITS LARGE RUSSIAN OIL TANKER

KYIV—Ukraine carried out a drone strike on a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait, a source in the security service told AFP Saturday, a day after one of Moscow’s ships was hit in the Black Sea.

This is the latest of the increasingly frequent attacks in the Black Sea since Moscow exited a deal last month that had allowed Ukrainian grain exports there.

“Overnight the (Ukrainian Security Service) SBU blew up the ‘SIG’, a large oil tanker of the Russian Federation that was transporting fuel for Russian troops,” the security source said.

It added that the “successful special operation”, which involved a naval drone and explosives, was carried out jointly with the Navy on Ukrainian territorial waters. The source described the targeted

vessel as “one of the most powerful oil tankers of the Russian Federation.”

“It was well-loaded with fuel, so the ‘fireworks’ could be seen from afar,” the source added.

Russian authorities said the SIG tanker was hit around 11:20 pm (2020 GMT) Friday south of the Kerch Strait.

The oil and chemical tanker is under US sanctions for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria supporting President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency said there were no casualties in the attack, citing the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of Novorossiysk.

The SIG suffered a hole at the waterline in the area of the engine room, “presumably as a result of an attack by a marine drone”, the agency said on Telegram. “The ship is afloat.”

An oil boom had been placed around the vessel and preparations were under way to patch the damage, it said.

The Marine Traffic vessel-tracking website showed the SIG stationary and attended by tugs just south of the strait.

The oil and chemical tanker is under US sanctions for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria supporting President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency said there were no casualties in the attack, citing the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of Novorossiysk.

Traffic on the bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula to Russia’s mainland was halted for around three hours and resumed early Saturday, according to the Russian highways information centre’s Telegram channel. AFP

BURIAL. Officials use a crane to shift an elephant during burial preparations for three elephants -- one mother and two calves -- that were electrocuted when they wandered into Kamalpara village of Rani area on the outskirts of Guwahati, India on

RECORD RAINS. A man wades on a flooded road following heavy rains in Zhuozhou, in northern China’s Hebei province on August 2. Deadly rains that pummelled China’s capital in recent days were the heaviest since records began 140 years ago, Beijing’s weather service said, as a massive cleanup operation began. AFP

JAILBIRD?

A demonstrator stands outside the E. Barrett Prettyman US Courthouse in Washington, DC, on August 3 ahead of the arraignment of former US President Donald Trump. AFP

CALL CENTER COUPLE RIDES ON BURGER CRAZE

ALONG the busy stretch of Nakpil Street in Malate, Manila is a craft burger joint often visited by students, office workers and families looking for a unique burger experience.

Ogie and Clarice Abanilla launched Cuervorito Craft Burgers as a full-pledged business venture in 2015, months after the couple started a side hustle selling chicken meals to office mates in a BPO center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Working graveyard shifts and selling meals in their office took a toll on their well-being and office performance. Getting late for work became habitual as their time was eaten up by meal preparations— squeezing in morning market chores to buy fresh ingredients, then grabbing a few hours of nap before rushing to cook the meals.

“We actually slept in the parking for a few minutes before we

SECURITY BANK OFFERS INNOVATIVE LOANS TO MSMES

SECURITY Bank is giving solid footing to micro and small entrepreneurs to jumpstart their businesses efficiently, seamlessly, and hassle-free through the Business Mortgage Loan (BML).

Micro-enerpreneur Luiza Navarez owner of FlowerzByl, is one of the many small business owners that Security Bank has assisted through BML program. FlowerzbyL, a curated gift shop studio that markets bespoke gift boxes for product launches, corporate giveaways, or special events, leveraged BML to for its business growth.

She finds it intimidating to approach a private bank with a humble curer account saving account (CASA), of which funds are being used as rolling capital for the business, until a Security Bank account officer briefed a run thorough of the latest financing tool for small businesses.

Doing the same repertoire every day was not only taxing, but dangerous as we’re driving alongside trucks at dawn and I tended to doze off at the wheel if not for my wife who kept me on my toes. We just couldn’t give up since we have a family to feed. We’re having a hard time making both ends meet,” Ogie said.

At first, the couple started bringing in five fried chicken meals for sharing. In less than a week, people were ordering left and right, so they doubled to 10 and then 20. They started to diversify by bringing in burgers which were the craze back then.

There were no provisions for pantry food back at the time, and the closest thing to a food store is a 7-11 near the building where the BPO is located.

Both recalled how their supervisor, an Indian national, got addicted to their spicy cajun chicken burger, while most of their office mates egged them on to continue selling food in the office.

their

Ogie and Clarice’s homemade burgers were hitting sales of over a hundred patties a night. That left them weary to the bones, just doing the prep alone. Both realized that if they kept working at such a pace every single night for a month, they might no longer be alive to see another graveyard shift—a funny yet morbid realization that convinced them to quit their jobs and start a snack business right in front of their house in Nakpil.

Cuervorito is a Mexicanthemed restaurant and a term of endearment for their only child Cuervo. Cuervo is a special child with special needs, encouraging the couple to work double time to provide for their child’s well-being.

The snack restaurant opens daily except for Saturdays, which is a rest day for the crew. Ogie and Clarice are hands-on proprietors who lead a lean and mean crew who usually double as grillers, delivery crew and help in the kitchen.

During the pandemic, the burger restaurant was forced to temporarily close until demand from loyal customers spurred the snack joint to accept orders through a cloud kitchen. Ogie and Clarice were forced to close their smaller branches over the shifting lockdown policy. They have not reopened the branches yet, as overhead costs and labor issues remain a concern for the couple. When the restaurant is short on crew, Ogie’s mother and brother help out.

One good thing about Cuervorito is

that the restaurant has been delivering food for free in and around the Nakpil area and nearby parts of Malate from the first day it opened.

Ogie, who developed a keen taste for good food from his days as an OFW with expertise in telecommunications and IT, crafted most of the burger recipes. Cuervorito’s very first burger—a quarter-pounder which cost only P50 when they first opened the restaurant-was a monstrous hit.

Cuervorito’s quarter-pounder is the truest quarter-pounder burger there is, complete with all the ingredients and garnishing of a hotel gourmet burger, but bigger in taste as the restaurant uses aioli dressing, not catsup or plain mayo.

To this day, the burger restaurant is serving eight different kinds of craft burgers—chicken fillet burger, barbecue, quarter pounder, belly button, bacon cheese burger, chili cheese burger, teriyaki burger and double patty burger. Customers have an option for fried or grilled burgers.

The restaurant uses freshly made patties every day and a bun specifically made for Cuervorito by a supplier who bakes artisanal breads and pastries.

“We chanced upon this supplier at the weekend market in Makati. At first, we’re using special sesame buns, but later on, we asked our supplier to craft oatmeal buns

which we think is more suitable for our burgers,” Clarice said, adding that the buns are a bit sweet to contrast the saltiness of the patties.

Despite its lean crew, Cuervorito’s menu is extensive. From craft burgers, the restaurant also offers rice meals and side dishes like skin-on potato wedges carved straight from fresh potatoes. The couple also sells proprietary sauces and spices to customers who have developed a yearning for their homemade preparations.

“We noticed that the sauces and spices are always missing from the tables. To keep customer from bringing them home, we decided to commercialize our sauces, but of course, they are for free when you dine in,” Clarice said, noting that the restaurant is also slowly taking the path to product innovation.

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

PRIVATE SECTOR, GOV’T TEAM UP TO PROMOTE URBAN FARMING FOR FOOD SECURITY

THE MAGGI Sarap Sustansya Advocacy, a partnership between the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) and Nestlé Philippines promotes urban agriculture as an easy and practical way to help Filipino communities achieve food self-sufficiency, while improving their access to and consumption of more plant-based food.

The 3-year partnership, created through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed earlier this year, will enable DA-BPI and MAGGI to jointly conduct skills-building activities on the various ways of growing vegetables at home, or in under-utilized areas of communities, schools and other urban spaces, expanding access to nutritious, delicious and balanced meals using their own homegrown produce.

“Everyone has a role to play in food security, and the key to ensure that Filipinos will always have FAITH - or Food Always in The Home - is to work together. Through this partnership, we can teach more Filipinos to

grow their own food by providing proper mentoring and assistance, as well as other forms of support from the government and private partners like MAGGI,” said BPI director Glenn Panganiban.

Expert agriculturists from the BPI will train participants on science-based methods of vegetable crop production in limited spaces while the MAGGI Culinary Team, with guidance from the Pinggang Pinoy food plate model, will share recipes on preparing for meals that are delicious, nutritious and budget-friendly.

“Nestlé Philippines believes in a collaborative approach to building communities, and we are proud to stand alongside the Department of Agriculture in inspiring a farm-to-fork movement among Filipino families and communities. We believe that food security is key to the health of all, and that there’s no better way to build a strong nation than by ensuring that healthy food is accessible to everyone,” ,” said said Nestle Philippines corporate affairs head Joey Uy.

“It was at Security Bank that I felt I would be more taken care of. On top of being hands on, there are readily available loan officers whom I can call anytime, whenever I have concerns and questions about the process and the documents. I was apprised of what was happening every step of the way. I feel like I was treated like a VIP. All thanks to Security Bank—their promise of championing MSMEs is truly more than lip service; they really do deliver, they really champion MSMEs,” she said.

Security Bank recently established its Business Banking Segment (BBS) to specifically serve micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). BBS offers relevant products and services for MSMEs—BML is one of two key loan products and it allows clients to loan up to 80 percent of the appraised value of the collateral. Clients can loan up to P30 million and pay up to 20 years in monthly installments.

CONGLOMERATE OPENS SARDINES MUSEUM TO HELP EDUCATE YOUTH

MEGA Prime Foods, Incorporated (MPFI) inaugurated Mega Sardines Museum’s “Senses of the Sea”, the Philippines’ first state-of-the-art visual experience tour featuring the unique “Catching-to-Canning’’ process.

MPFI chief executive officer Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan stressed the company’s role as a government partner in educating students of all ages by showcasing the company’s best practices and innovations in the canned sardines production, which is considered the best in the country.

“Through this catching-tocanning experience tour, we will be able to effectively set forth our advocacy in becoming a government partner in educating the youth on the real-world experiences and knowledge about the food manufacturing industry. We believe that The Mega Sardines Museum offers experiential learning to students. Lessons of which can become a core memory that simply cannot be found in textbooks and theories,” she said.

The Mega Sardines Museum is expected to stimulate growth in the economy of Batangas and Calabarzon Region as it aims to be become one of the newest tourist attractions in the province and the region, that will spur jobs generation and the development of local enterprises.

During the grand opening of the facility, MPFI signed a partnership agreement with the Department of Tourism Region IV-A (DOT-4A) to include the museum in the DOT Region 4A promotions of tourism in CALABARZON region. The museum will be included in the DOT-4A’s list of must-visit locations in the region and in the recommended itinerary in educational tours for elementary, high school, and college students.

Clarice and Ogie Abanilla

ON THE ROAD

TOYOTA MOTOR PH KICKS OFF 35TH YEAR CELEBRATION WITH LAUNCH OF ALL-NEW YARIS CROSS

TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) has kicked off its 35th  anniversary month by thanking its customers who have made TMP the constant market leader in the country.

For its 35th year celebration, TMP is leveling up the joy of driving with customer experiences centered around its electrification push for carbon neutrality. In line with the theme “Creating Happiness in Mobility”, TMP prepared special activities and promotions centered towards enabling customers to experience the thrill and joy of moving together.

Expanding Electrified Mobility for All TMP started things off strongly by bringing in a new Toyota nameplate that will further expand its wide range of electrified vehicles. Positioned as its “Most Affordable Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) yet”, TMP promises to change the electrified game anew with the arrival of the All-New Toyota Yaris Cross HEV.

As the latest addition to the automotive leader’s widest range of electrified vehicle offerings, the All-New Yaris Cross is expected to intensify Toyota’s drive for carbon neutral mobility with its attractive price point, making it Toyota’s most affordable electrified vehicle yet.

During the model’s simultaneous nationwide

SHELL Advance and Ducati Philippines have joined forces to support the Access Plus Racing Team in the ongoing Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK). Led by Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto, who is poised for a hat trick, alongside Lawrence Macalinao, the team is building upon the seamless

Available colors are as follows:

S HEV CVT

V CVT

Platinum White Pearl Mica/ Attitude Black Mica

Scarlet SE/Attitude Black Mica

Dark Turquoise SE/Attitude

Black Mica

Scarlet SE/Attitude Black Mica

Dark Turquoise SE

Greenish Gun Metal*

Platinum White Pearl Mica

G CVT Attitude Black Mica

Greenish Gun Metal*

Scarlet SE

launch on August 4 held in an unveiling event in Taguig City and in Toyota’s 72 dealerships nationwide, TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto

blend of technologies that resulted in their top spot sweeps in the Pro and Expert categories during the third round of the PSBK 2023 series.

Shell Advance and Ducati have a long history of collaboration, with over 150 race wins combined in premier global motorcycle championships MotoGP and World Superbike. This partnership brings together decades of experience and innovation and has led to the development of high-performance oil formulations. Shell Advance fully synthetic range is the only oil being used and recommended by Ducati for its ultimate performance and protection. With its patented Pureplus Technology, the product’s proven and tested technical claims ensure that Ducati motorbikes on the track are protected against extreme temperature up to 175-degree Celsius, additional horsepower at 355.9km/h and more fuel-efficient for longer at 17,000 RPM.

Both Shell Advance and Ducati

JUST ADD WATER

YOU must have lived somewhere else all your life if you’re wondering why the majority of the metro’s neighborhoods flood whenever it rains. Floods have been an issue for mankind since the beginning of time, but no “genius” has yet to come up with a solution.

Yes, from childhood to adulthood, we have all witnessed many road improvements all over. Through the years, countless millions of pesos have been spent on them.

And as we go about our everyday activities, the majority of these road projects may have had some impact on us. All of us undoubtedly contribute to these road improvements because we faithfully pay our taxes.

Ironically, we are the ones who suffer whenever these road constructions go awry or when floods suddenly appear out of nowhere during a downpour. You know, rainwater always seeks out ways to drain towards any low lying areas, just like in a roof that is leaking.

said Toyota hopes to bring the All-New Yaris Cross expands the easy and practical HEV choices that Toyota offers to its customers, while providing a best-value package that combines a stunning, modern design with advanced vehicle features, and life-enhancing technologies perfect for today’s drivers who pursue their various passions.

The All-New Yaris Cross is available in three variants – the 1.5 S HEV CVT, priced at P1,598,000; the 1.5 V CVT, which starts at P1,296,000; and the 1.5 G CVT, priced at P1,199,000.

35th  Anniversary Blowout

TMP has unveiled the All-New Yaris Cross whilst exhibiting its powerhouse lineup of electrified sedans, MPVs, and SUVs, at its “Go Electrified with Toyota” fair, making these electrified cars available for public test drive, customer inquiries, and reservations.

With a total of 35 units of electrified cars from Toyota and Lexus all in one place, this event kicked off at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig last Friday (August 4) and will run until the end of today (August 6)!

The celebration wouldn’t be complete without something for Toyota customers. For the whole month of August, all of Toyota’s 72 dealerships nationwide will be offering special anniversary deals on Filipino favorites such as the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Vios, Toyota Innova, and more. Those who will avail of these select models this month will get to enjoy benefits such as discounts, and free value chain offers.

FOR PSBK SUPREMACY

prioritize excellence and ultimate performance. Shell Advance oils are specifically formulated to enhance engine performance and reliability, meeting the highest industry standards. Ducati on the other hand always ensures the bikes that go out of their factory deliver exceptional agility, power, and durability, staying at the forefront of cutting-edge motorcycle technology.

As the championship event progresses through its 12-round series, all eyes are on Access Plus Racing as they aim for another victory. The combination of skill, precision engineering, and high-performance formulation with Shell-powered and Ducati-driven bikes places Access Plus Racing in a promising position to make PSBK history.

“I’m so excited to be racing for Access Plus this season especially with the support of Shell and Ducati. These are two of the most successful brands in motorsport, and their partnership is a dream come true for any racer. Our team is eager and optimistic as we strive to improve our overall stats throughout this season,” said TJ Alberto.

Shell Advance looks forward to powering the next generation of racing enthusiasts and the partnership with Ducati Access Plus Racing Team is a solid step towards this vision.

GEELY TO LAUNCH NEWEST SUBCOMPACT CROSSOVER FIT FOR THE EVERYDAY FILIPINO

LEADING automobile maker Geely Philippines is gearing up to unveil to the local market its latest 5-seater subcompact crossover SUV that aims to give the Filipino motorist a unique driving experience. Set to hit the roads this month, the GX3 Pro is proof of Geely Philippine’s commitment to provide motorists and car enthusiasts with top-of-the-line vehicles that blend performance, style, and affordability.

Safety, style, value for money

The GX3 Pro’s contoured silhouette and spacious windows enhance its aesthetics and provide unobstructed vistas from the city to the great outdoors. Inside the cabin, elegance melds with practicality as the SUV’s two-tier dashboard and user-friendly control panel design ensure that every drive becomes a delightful experience.

The car comes in a 5-speed manual transmission (S variant) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) (Comfort variant). At its heart is a robust engine that delivers 102 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque.

Notably, this engine is the same proven powerhouse used in the Geely Emgrand, ensuring reliable performance whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila on weekdays or embarking on off-road trips on out of town weekends.

The GX3 Pro ensures a safe and secure driving experience with its array of driver assistance features. The Comfort variant comes equipped with cruise control, reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, back-up sensor, and traction and stability control. Meanwhile, the S variant is fitted with a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines and back-up sensor. Both variants are designed to keep drivers and passengers protected with two airbags. The Comfort variant also boasts a sunroof that adds a touch of luxury and allows sunlight to elevate the mood during those memorable drives.

The GX3 Pro offers the discerning Filipino motorist the attractive option of owning an SUV loaded with cutting edge features starting from P778K introductory

variant.

For instance, a section of the road in Mandaluyong must periodically be dug up due to the area’s frequent flooding whenever it rains, no matter how little. There were some who claimed that for more than a few decades, the national and local governments had alternately dug the holes. Every time it rains, make it a point to visit that location to observe the events in person. It always turns into a lake there, and it takes some time for the water to stop.

Yes, trillions have been lost, but the deluge, which affected the entire country as well as the metropolis, could not be stopped. And more trillions are also being lost because of the terrible traffic that this catastrophes caused. The claimed flood mitigation measures that were completed in the past, which were sponsored with trillions of dollars, were simply ignored, and no one even cared to look into whether they had contributed to the solution or had been a waste of money.

What needs to be done? Numerous government and even commercial groups have repeatedly conducted thorough studies on the flooding in the metro area. The implementation of these studies’ recommendations, however, is another matter.

Every time there are floods that cover the entire metro area, a number of “geniuses” always have their own unique answers to the issue. But when the sun shines and the heat sets in, these alleged “solutions” just wilted and were put on hold.

INCHCAPE OFFICIALLY ENTERS PH MARKET THROUGH JOINT VENTURE WITH CATS GROUP

INCHCAPE Plc (“Inchcape”), the leading global automotive distributor, officially enters the Philippines through the formalization of a joint venture with CATS Group of Companies (“CATS”), the leading distributor of luxury vehicles in the country. The deal includes the acquisition by Inchcape of a controlling 60% stake, with the remaining 40% with the CATS’ founding Ang family.

Known as Inchcape Philippines, the joint venture combines Inchcape and CATS’ commercial resources, advanced digital capabilities, global insights, and local market knowledge with the goal to power better mobility in the Philippines.

The expansion into the Philippines further builds on Inchcape’s well-established presence in the Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) region of over 10 markets. This joint venture is indicative of Inchcape’s “Accelerate Strategy” that aims to expand the Group’s global footprint as well as its presence in Asia and other growth markets. It also strengthens Inchcape’s geographic reach and partnerships with key global OEM brands: Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, Jaguar, Land Rover, as well as Mazda and Harley-Davidson.

Alex Hammett, Managing Director of South Asia & Pacific will assume responsibility for the business in the Philippines with the local leadership team, including Frankie Ang, Chief Operating Officer, Inchcape Philippines.

Inchcape Philippines will bring global market knowledge and processes, leadership in digital and data, and EV expertise to the fast growing and dynamic Philippine market where automotive sales are forecasted to grow to 500,000 in 2026 with the luxury vehicle market expected to grow at an even faster rate.

Alex Hammett, Managing Director, South Asia & Pacific, Inchcape APAC, commented:

“We are very excited to officially announce our entry into the Philippine market. This deal is a highlight of our ambition to be the undisputed distribution partner for mobility companies. With a shared ambition for innovation to drive better operational performance and to deliver an exceptional customer experience, we look forward to powering better mobility for the Philippine automotive market.”

SUPERSTAR CASTER ELLA CRUZ THRILLS FARLIGHT 84

By Reyno David III

ELLA Cruz, one of the most popular game casters in the gaming community, called the play and live stream at Farlight 84, the thrilling multiplayer battle royale game.

“It was absolutely thrilling to hear and watch Ella casting the games,” said a fan.

PH WOMEN BOOTERS PAY TRIBUTE TO COACH STAJCIC, FILIPINO FANS

By Peter Atencio

SINCE arriving back from New Zealand, the Philippine national women’s football team has never stopped paying tribute to the Filipino fans who supported them all the way in the team’s fruitful campaign in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

After all the sacri ces, the historic rst win in the world’s grandest football stage, and the cheers and tears of victory, the Filipinas gave it back to the fans.

“To our 12th men and women, your support and cheers meant EVERYTHING to us,” read the post on the team’s o cial Facebook page.

“We love you 33,4697 (fans who watched and cheered for the Filipinas), along with the thousands more who watched in watch parties across the PH (Philippines) THANK YOU !!,”

On Thursday, the team had a meet-and-greet with fans at the Adidas Store in Glorietta 3 Mall in Makati. The next day, the Filipinas were treated as heroes with a parade and motorcade at BGC Taguig and again met their fans at Market Market.

So long, Coach

After the euphoria brought about by their historic 1-0 win against New Zealand, the Filipinas are moving on without coach Allen Stajcic, who will take a di erent

path in his coaching career.

“We are really fortunate to have him. We wish him luck in everything, and everything he does,” said Filipinas’ goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.

“We are regrouping within ourselves, and moving on as a team,” added McDaniel.

Stajcic left the Filipinas this week after he was named the head coach of A-League soccer club Perth Glory

His time with Team Philippines ended following the conclusion of their campaign Sunday with a 0-6 loss to Norway in the group stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

Stajcic replaced Kenny Lowe, who has been handling the Glory on an interim basis since last year.

The squad waits for their new coach to come aboard, and after Stajcic headed the Philippines women’s national team for 20 months.

During his time, the Filipinas won

their rst major international trophy in the ASEAN Football Federation women’s tourney last year and then scored their rst World Cup goal this year in a win over New Zealand. Team’s Success

His successes included the time when he coached Australia’s Matildas between 2014 and 2019, during which the team made the quarter nals of both the 2015 World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“Before he left, Allen has always made it feel like he is part of us. But we still have our team. And now, we’re excited to who our new coach is going to be,” said one of the team’s senior players Quinley Quezada.

Among the memorable moments Stajcic had with the Filipinas was a semi nal trip to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, along with their rst-ever competitive bronze medal at the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi. There was also the ASEAN Football Federation title conquest in Manila and most recently, the Filipinas’ moving to their highest FIFA ranking thus far.

Preparations are ongoing for the Farlight 84 in making its grand appearance at PGDX this August 18-20, 2023. This is a highly anticipated event and a mustattend for all gaming enthusiasts.

Farlight 84 is a futuristic FPS game that offers players an immersive gaming experience set in distant planets, engaging in intense battles, and building lasting friendships in an ever-expanding gaming galaxy.

Ella’s involvement with Farlight 84 showcases the game’s immense popularity and appeal. With her engaging streams and infectious enthusiasm, she is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. It’s truly awe-inspiring to witness the convergence of gaming and entertainment through this remarkable collaboration.

Follow Farlight 84 on their social media pages and don’t miss an update and join PGDX for the highly anticipated Farlight 84 Showcase—an extraordinary event that will unite gamers in a celebration of immersive gaming experiences.

Website: https://farlight84. farlightgames.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/Farlight84PH

Instagram: https://www.instagram. com/farlight84_o cial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ Farlight_84YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/@Farlight84

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ directory/game/Farlight%2084

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ farlight_84o cial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ company/farlight-games/

Ella is a multi-talented and charismatic personality,widelyknownforhercontributions totheentertainmentindustry.Herpassionand dedication to her craft led her to become a sought-afteractress,starringinnumerousfilms and television shows.

Check out her page and follow her schedule to catch her streaming Farlight 84! Page: https://www.facebook.com/ watch/o cialellacruz/

Streaming: https://www.facebook. com/watch/live/?ref=watch_ permalink&v=826766128758737

TIKTOK, SMART CELEBRATE ‘SPIDEY‘ VICTORY AT GREATEST GAMER PH

THE Greatest Gamer Philippines, the reality contest of TikTok presented by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) in collaboration with Smart Omega and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), has reached its finale, with 16-year-old Ezequiel “Spidey” Cauilan emerging as the ultimate champion.

After three weeks of fierce competition and a display of exceptional gaming skills, Spidey secured a place in the Smart Omega team’s MLBB roster and cemented his status as ‘The Greatest Gamer’ in the country.

The culmination of The Greatest Gamer Philippines witnessed intense battles, strategic gameplay, and heart-stopping moments. Throughout the competition, Spidey displayed unwavering determination, skill, and passion, standing out among the talented pool of nalists. Their performance showcased the qualities necessary to excel

in professional Esports, inspiring gamers across the country.

“Sobrang salamat sa mga sumosoporta sa akin, lalo na sa pamilya ko dahil di sila sumusuko sa akin. Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa TikTok at Smart sa pagkakataong ito na maipakita ang husay ng mga Pinoy sa Esports. Sana maging inspirasyon ako sa mga kababayan nating gustong marating ang kanilang mga pangarap. Maraming salamat po,” said Spidey.

[“Thank you so much to those who support me, especially my family because they never give up on me. I am very grateful to TikTok and Smart for this opportunity to showcase the talent of Filipinos in Esports.

I hope I can be an inspiration to our countrymen who want to achieve their dreams.

Thank you very much,” said Spidey.]

As the winner of The Greatest Gamer Philippines, Spidey received P250,000

cash prize, a one-year contract with Smart’s professional esports team Smart Omega, and the opportunity to join Smart Omega’s esteemed MLBB roster, offering him further opportunities for growth and success in his gaming career.

Inspiring Esports Athletes

“The Greatest Gamer Philippines has been a remarkable showcase of talent, passion, and the power of the Filipino gaming community. We extend our warmest congratulations to Spidey for his well-deserved victory and commend all the participants for their exceptional performances. The competition has not only highlighted the incredible potential and dedication of Filipino gamers but also reinforced our commitment to supporting the growth of the gaming community in the Philippines,” said Vanessa Brown, Director, Business Development, APAC, TikTok.

FANS TAKE OVER. The Filipinas clap back at the Filipino fans who supported their camapaign in the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. Photos from PFF

Presenting the cash prize during The Greatest Gamer Philippines finale are, from left: Mafe Sanchez, TikTok Operational Specialist - Sports & Gaming; Emmanuel John Castro, TikTok Sports & Gaming Vertical Manager; Winner Ezequiel “Spidey” Cauilan; Robi de Guzman, TikTok SEA Marketing Manager; Rhodelyn Mae Jacinto, TikTok Content Programming; Bea delos Reyes, TikTok SEA Social

METRO MANILA’S FRONTLINERS

DISASTER EMERGENCIES IN

By Patricia Taculao

DUE to the Philippines’ location in the Pacific Typhoon Belt, an average of 20 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) annually. In the past two weeks, parts of the country experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds from Typhoons Egay and Falcon.

Metro Manila was not exempted from these weather conditions as oods lled the streets and threatened residents’ safety. Fortunately, they weren’t left to fend for themselves as responders in o ce addressed their concerns.

Yet although the national government makes numerous e orts to safeguard Filipinos during natural disasters, they don’t always act rst.

According to the 1991 Local Government Code, local government units (LGUs) must be at the frontline of emergency measures in disaster aftermaths to secure their constituents’ general welfare and supervise preparations and responses to natural calamities and human induced-disasters.

Their role as rst responders prompts them to proactively perform disaster-related activities, from preemptive evacuation to restoring people’s livelihoods.

In the past weeks, various Metro Manila LGUs leveraged their online platforms to keep their constituents updated about the weather advisory, with some also monitoring ooding in numerous areas of their jurisdiction a ected by the extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, some LGUs tapped into their resources to o er further assistance to the Filipinos a ected by the typhoons’ impact.

For instance, the city government of Manila, through the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management O ce (DRRMO), o ered free transportation to help commuters travel through a speci ed route and keep them safe from the ood in those areas.

Another initiative from the Manila government is cleaning mounds of trash across the streets of Manila to prevent its build-up that could worsen ooding within the city.

Since ooding also a ects tra c ow, delaying vehicles from one point to another, some LGUs in Metro Manila opted to speak with other institutions to create better solutions.

Last Monday, July 31, Caloocan

City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan met with representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to discuss possible resolutions to the ongoing ooding issues in Quirino Highway.

Even though Malapitan recognizes DPWH’s responsibility in maintaining national highways, he stepped in due to the inconvenience and possible danger it poses to residents in nearby areas. In the meantime, he instructed the Caloocan City Engineering Department to conduct dredging and similar activities to help alleviate the ooding in said area.

The Navotas city government took a similar route of keeping their

PADDAY NA LIMA RETURNS TO THE METRO, CELEBRATES 17TH

YEAR

CELEBRATE the beauty, culture, vast resources, and in nite opportunities at the 17th Padday na Lima as it returns to the metro.

The 17th Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair celebrates Region 2’s festive, rich, vibrant, sophisticated, and quality-certi ed o erings in this all-in-one bonanza. With its unceasing e orts in innovation and development, the platform now has an emerging position as the country’s major supplier of minimally processed goods for institutional use.

“Padday Na Lima,” an Ybanag term that means “made by hands” or “handcrafted,” is the banner of the agency for the marketing and promotion of Region 2 products.

Guests can expect a bigger trade and industry community to catch their scrutiny, as they will engage retail and institutional buyers in business-to-business (B2B) matching!

Other features of the event include Breathtaking Batanes, Endless Fun Cagayan, Majestic Isabela, Naturally Vibrant Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino: Your Basket of Happiness, which will ll guests’ shopping carts with the provinces’ respective products at the Product Showcases-all brought to the metro.

These goods are also available online at www.paddaynalima.com/ and powered by DeliverE and Mayani.

structures functional to keep the streets from ooding. The city has operational pumping stations to keep the city’s drainage system clean, helping oodwaters subside faster.

Just across the river, the

Malabon LGU, speci cally the City Engineering O ce, cleaned their Milagrosa Pumping Station to ensure its seamless operations. In the meantime, Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval met with

the MMDA to discuss the possibility of having a Drainage and Ticketing System across NCR, giving importance to establishing a Rain Catchment System in preparation for El Niño, among other concerns.

Each city has its own way of addressing the ooding issues that a ect everyday Filipinos through projects and programs that cater to the city’s conditions. Whether through free transport services, clean-up drives, provision of hot meals and other necessities to the underserved communities, and more, they make sure their constituents feel their initiatives and bene t from their disaster risk reduction and management e orts.

Thanks to the proactive Metro Manila LGUs, headed by their respective mayors, their constituents know that during natural disasters and emergencies, they have someone they can count on to champion their well-being and promptly address concerns about their safety and security.

Moreover, the Department of Tourism Region 2 will highlight the islands and valley of fun for their rich culture and well-known tourist destinations, o ering tourism packages through tour operators.

This year, Padday na Lima will also hold its rst Media Experience Tour, inviting big and metropolitan dailies to generate buzz and network with the country’s top institutional buyers and local MSMEs.

Moreover, guests can enjoy the pasarela of colors in the Padday na Lima Collection fashion show and the avors of Cagayan Valley through food and wine tasting, the Wheel of Prizes, and the Padday na Lima Bingo Challenge. They can also engage in other skill-developing activities, such as basic weaving, bag painting, handcrafted paper beading demonstration, and a series of training.

Experience the avors and colors of Cagayan Valley at the 17th Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair at the Carousel Court, Upper Ground Floor, West Wing, Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, from August 7 to 13, 2023.

NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL AWARDS MUNTINLUPA GREEN BANNER SEAL OF COMPLIANCE

THE City of Muntinlupa has been awarded its third Green Banner Seal of Compliance by the NNC-NCR (National Nutrition Council) in

recognition of its e orts to combat malnutrition, especially among children.

In addition, the city garnered nine special awards and two outstanding and nalist nominations on nutrition focal points or program implementers in various nutrition programs and policies. Recognized as well as Riane Grace H. Gatmaitan, a Grade 7 student of the Tunasan National High School, as the Grand Winner in the Onthe-Spot Poster Making Contest conducted by the NNC-NCR in this year’s Nutrition Month Celebration.

“Congratulations Muntinlupa!” Mayor Ru y Biazon said. “This is a positive validation of our e orts to eliminate malnutrition in the city. There is still much to be done, but for now, we wish to recognize all the hard work of our local nutrition and health workers to make this recognition possible,” he added.

The Green Banner Seal of Compliance (GBSC) is given by the NNC to local government units (LGUs) with programs and policies that have shown a signi cant impact on the local nutrition situation of the community. An LGU may be given the Seal by posting an overall accomplishment of at least 85 percent on speci c nutrition parameters.

As such, Muntinlupa earned the GBSC as well as the special awards of Best LGU in nine major categories:

1) Compliance and Dissemination of National Laws and Issuances on Nutrition;

2) Implementation of Infant and Young Child Feeding Program;

3) Implementation of Nutrition Promotion for Behavior Change;

4)

Implementation of Micronutrient Supplementation Program;

5) Implementation of Mandatory Food Forti cation Program;

6) Implementation of Nutrition in Emergencies Program; 7)

Implementation of Overweight and Obesity

Management and Prevention Program; Implementation of Nutrition Sensitive Programs; and 9) Documentation of Nutrition Programs.

Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval pushes for a Drainage and Ticketing System across NCR

Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan (leftmost, seated) discussing possible resolutions to the ongoing flooding issues in Quirino Highway

The o cial poster of the 17th Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon (foreground) considers the award a positive validation of the city’s efforts to eliminate malnutrition

The Green Banner Seal of Compliance (GBSC) goes to LGUs with programs

Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco visiting a flooded area to oversee possible solutions and expedite the process

AT HOME WITH NCT

Step into different themed rooms featuring K-Pop idols

By Nickie Wang

NCT Home has finally arrived in the Philippines. Next In Line Entertainment (NILE) Inc. brings the muchawaited debut of the beloved K-Pop boy band NCT in an immersive exhibit at SM Megamall.

The first of its kind outside South Korea, NCTzens will find themselves immersed in a familiar atmosphere as they enter the exhibit with various themed rooms that beautifully recreate the homes of their favorite K-pop group members.

The charming looks and remarkable talents of these idols have captured the hearts of countless fans, making the NCT Home experience a dream come true.

Filozens are in for an extraordinary treat as they step into the mesmerizing world of the NCT exhibit. Showcasing an array of captivating installations, including massive LED displays and interactive posters, this exhibit offers passionate NCTzens a chance to delve deeper into the lives of their beloved idols.

When visiting the exhibit, NCTzens can look forward to five remarkable experiences. Firstly, the exhibit features interactive LED posters of all active NCT members, allowing fans to interact with the screen and witness the boys wink, blink, and smile right before their eyes.

As fans make their way to the entrance, they will be greeted by droolworthy LED photos of their favorite members, leaving stans craving for more. This showcases additional photos and even outfits worn by the boys, making the experience all the more immersive.

For those seeking to share some laughs and feel a closer connection to the group, the exhibit offers delightful

clips of the boys enjoying their time together, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

The excitement doesn’t end there, as NCTzens will have the privilege of watching unreleased videos featuring interviews with the boys, bringing them even closer to their idols’ thoughts and personalities.

Lastly, the exhibit offers a special booth from Photoism, where fans can capture unforgettable moments and create cherished memories within the home of their idols.

Formed by SM Entertainment, the concept of the name of the K-pop group NCT (Neo Culture Technology) came from the unique idea that the band is meant to have a limitless number of group members. Here are more fun facts:

The group has different subunits based in various cities worldwide, allowing the members to add their own uniqueness and culture that appeals to the audience.

NCT U, also known as Neo Culture Technology United, is the first-ever subunit added to the band of six members.

To sign up and purchase tickets, visit the official ‘NCT Home in the Philippines’ website: http://www. ncthomeph.com. Each ticket purchased includes a One-Hour Exhibit Admission, Random Exclusive Event, Photocard, Event Souvenir Card, NCT Home

Poster Flyer, Printed NCT Home Ticket, Cloth Wristband, Official Merchandise Access, and In-Exhibit Exclusives.

MICHAEL Kors has announced that Dahyun, a member of the global group TWICE, has been named its newest global brand ambassador. Known around the world for her on-stage talent and impeccable style, Dahyun is the epitome of the confidence, glamour, and jet-set energy that characterizes the brand.

Dahyun, whose full name is Kim Da-hyun , has established a close relationship with the brand over the past few seasons, attending both the Spring/Summer and Fall/ Winter 2023 Michael Kors Collection runway shows during New York Fashion Week.

Now, the singer joins MICHAEL Michael Kors in the brand’s Fall/ Holiday 2023 campaign, with Spring/Summer to follow. Additional social media collaborations and appearances are planned for throughout the year.

A member of the global group TWICE since 2015, the South Korea native’s musical talent and chic, on-the-go style have made her an international sensation with a devoted following.

“I’m excited to embrace the world of music and performance with Dahyun. She’s energetic, animated and has truly captured a global audience. From her incredible talent to her individual style, she’s the perfect representation of our brand,” said designer Michael Kors

Designer Michael Kors describes Dahyun as the perfect representation of their brand

FILIPINO CULINARY ASPIRANTS IMMERSE IN ITALIAN INSTITUTIONS, RESTAURANTS

TWENTY-six young Filipino culinary students recently concluded their extensive practicum training at the prestigious Italian Food Style Education (IFSE) Culinary Institute in the city of Turin in Northeastern Italy. They are presently deployed in top-tier restaurants around the Italian cities.

The privilege was facilitated by the partnership between IFSE, recognized with the title Eccelenza Italiana by the General Secretariat of the Italian Republic, and the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) of the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde.

The four-week fully-immersive study program has exposed participants to a series of comprehensive lectures and hands-on cooking culinary and pastry classes under the mentorship of seasoned instructors, including IFSE General Director Raffaele Trovato, Culinary Director Riccardo Marello, Chef Ugo Mura, and Pastry Chef Gabriele Trovato

The aspiring chefs will showcase their skills in a professional setting under the tutelage of culinary

experts for eight weeks.

Upon completion of all the training in Italy, they will be back in Manila in August in time for their much-awaited commencement exercises in Benilde.

The group is comprised of Jerome Atabug, Nica Mary Joy Awayan, William Michealo Besa, Jhon Kenny Camarao, Renz Jan Itto Carreon, Jude Jonathan Co, Zephaniah Nathaniel Datinguinoo, Philip Joseph David, Aldrich Louie Daya, and Joseph John Elomina.

Also included are Bianca Elise Esteban, Juan Miguel Angelo Ilagan, John James Lee, Kaye Anne Lim, Brian Albert Macale, Andrea Natividad, Evana Ellaine Oabel, Margaux Nicole Oblea, Gabriel Louis Pasao, and John Jeron Kelly Pastrana.

Completing the roster are Krystianna Piczon, Francesca Kate Ramirez, Ma. Sofia Ysabel Tai, Faye Jillian Tan, Erlinda Yang, and Elaine Yu Read full story on manilastandard.net

The exhibit also features interactive LED posters of all active NCT members

NCTzens can enjoy drool-worthy LED photos and have photos with their favorite NCT member near the entrance

Get closer with NCT members as every NCTzen can watch unreleased videos of interviews taken with the boys

NCTzens can take photos at the photo walls or the special booth from Photoism to immortalize a memorable day

the eight-week training in Italy, they have to showcase their skills in a professional setting under the tutelage of culinary experts

Luxury fashion brand Michael Kors names TWICE’s Dahyun as its new global ambassador

AND ON-STAGE ON-SCREEN

KHALIL RAMOS MAKES MOVIE COMEBACK IN ‘AS IF IT’S TRUE’, THEATRICAL DEBUT IN ‘TICK, TICK…BOOM!’

By Angelica Villanueva

IT HAS been a busy year for Sparkle artist Khalil Ramos as he returns to the silver screen in a new romantic-comedy film and makes his theatrical debut this August.

In the upcoming Cinemalaya festival, Khalil will be starring as James in the film As If It’s True, alongside fellow Kapuso, Ashley Ortega, who will play the character of Gemma.

To add another milestone to his career, the 27-year-old actor is set to hit the theater stage as he takes on the lead role of an aspiring musical composer, Jon, in the musical Tick, Tick…Boom!

In As If It’s True, Khalil will be captivating the audience with his acting prowess. Known for his versatility and ability to immerse himself in various characters, the 27-year-old actor shared during the press conference that somehow, he could relate to James.

“Yes, in a way, I could relate to my character, who is a musician. I know how it feels to be a struggling artist. I could relate to him [in the aspect of] adjusting and compromising his passion for financial stability, especially during the pandemic,” explained Khalil.

first time we have collaborated on a drama. The experience was fantastic because she’s very collaborative and enthusiastic, and the material we worked on resonated with both of us,” said Khalil.

“As If It’s True” is an official entry to this year’s Cinemalaya Festival and promises to captivate the audience with its relatable storyline.

Khalil also expressed his excitement as he embarked on a new journey of performing on the theater stage with Tick, Tick…Boom!

In an interview last year, Khalil revealed that he always finds solace in singing and loves performing on stage. Now that he has been allowed to star in a musical, Khalil shared that he is

“enjoying every single bit of it.”

HOMEGROWN STARS CONTINUE AS KAPAMILYA

AFTER the successful premiere of their respective afternoon series Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin and Pira-Pirasong Paraiso, homegrown stars Jane Oineza, KD Estrada, and Alexa Ilacad renewed their exclusive contract with ABS-CBN during the “Keep Shining Kapamilya” network contract signing event.

Basking in the spotlight, Jane, KD, and Alexa emotionally conveyed appreciation and loyalty to the network while expressing their readiness to take the next level in their showbiz careers and deliver quality content for their fans all over the world.

“I know I am in good hands with ABS-CBN, basta sa part ko lang ibibigay ko ang lahat lahat,” said Jane.

Former Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 celebrity housemates KD and Alexa, also known as KDLex, are also reaping the reward of their hard work as they continue their showbiz careers with ABS-CBN.

He also mentioned that when it comes to handling a relationship, he and his character have their differences.

Sharing the spotlight with Khalil is Ashley, who recently finished her Heart

“I am enjoying it very much, as I mentioned earlier, as an actor, I don’t come across a process like this every day because this is the first-ever theater and stage production that I am a part of,” he stated. “It’s such a different experience for me to be given the time to immerse myself in a character for that long. I’m enjoying every single on Ice drama series. The film marks their first project together.

moment of it,” added Khalil. Presented by 9 Works Theatrical, Tick, Tick…Boom! runs until August 13 and on all weekends of the month.

SAM CONCEPCION REIGNITES ‘MAGICAL PARTNERSHIP’ WITH RECORD LABEL

SINGER and actor Sam Concepcion has officially rejoined Universal Records Philippines, marking an exciting reunion. The contract signing ceremony was attended by key figures from both parties.

The contract signing ceremony took place in the presence of UR Managing Director, Kathleen Dy-Go, Operations Manager Peter Chan, as well as STAGES Executive Vice President Stella P. Sison, and Manager Bernice

Aspillaga

Sam’s return to Universal Records Philippines has ignited a wave of excitement among his fans, industry insiders, and music enthusiasts alike. Throughout his career, the artist has consistently captivated audiences with his exceptional talent and undeniable charisma.

During his previous tenure with Universal

Records, Sam delivered the chart-topping hit “Mahal Na Mahal,” which has since garnered over 21 million streams on Spotify, accompanied by an official music video that amassed nearly 50 million views.

Recently, Sam made a triumphant comeback to Universal Records with two brand-new mixes of his song “Kapit,” which elevated the track to new heights with its infectious groove. Additionally, he treated fans to an impressive performance video for the same song.

As the collaboration rekindles, fans can eagerly anticipate fresh and innovative projects that showcase Sam’s artistic growth and versatility. His forthcoming releases are expected to reflect his unwavering commitment to creating music that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences of all ages.

KD emphasized the importance of being a Kapamilya and expressed his loyalty not just to the network but to his beloved fans as well.

“Becoming a Kapamilya is a responsibility to showcase that we can provide quality content and services and that we’re there for everybody. To our solid supporters and ‘sweethearts,’ if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this position right now,” shared KD.

From acting, singing, to theater, and now taking part in the afternoon series Pira-Pirasong Paraiso, KD and Alexa continue to capture the hearts of their fans and make waves in the industry by showcasing their versatility as actors.

With delight, Alexa expressed her contentment with all the opportunities given to her by the network since she started her showbiz career.

“I’ve learned a lot of lessons, especially since I love what I do. There are no small roles with ABS-CBN because they give us quality shows and quality roles, and I would like to do my part as

actor

The 27-year-old artist shares his excitement on his theatrical debut

Khalil Ramos (left) marks his first project with Ashley Ortega (right) in the upcoming Cinemalaya film, ‘As If It’s True’

KD Estrada

Jane Oineza Alexa Ilacad

BREWING SUCCESS

UCC, ALLEGRO UNVEIL NEW SHOWROOM FOR TOTAL COFFEE SOLUTION

By Joyce Babe Pañares

UESHIMA Coffee Co., Ltd. (UCC)

Holdings Japan, a global integrated coffee business, has recently unveiled a state-of-theart showroom and headquarters for Allegro Beverage Corporation in Mandaluyong City.

"UCC, which is number one in Japan and has presence in nine countries, and Allegro Beverage, one of the Philippines' largest importers and distributors of coffee machines, complement each other," said UCC Holdings Executive Officer Kosuke Fujishima.

"We both offer total coffee solutions, and with UCC's acquisition of Allegro, we are bringing Allegro to a global level. Not many can make that claim that they are supported by a global brand," Fujishima added.

The new showroom features premier coffee machine brands distributed nationwide, such as Nuova Simonelli and Victoria Arduino from Italy, Crem from Sweden, FRANKE Coffee Systems from Switzerland, and Mahlkönig from Germany, among others.

The facility houses a service center for coffee machine maintenance to ensure that Allegro's corporate clientele, which includes leading hotels, franchise chains, culinary institutions, restaurants, and cafes, will now have access to an expanded range of coffee solutions and innovations.

Allegro Beverage products also include sauces, syrups, teas, oat milk, and top-of-the-line coffee roasted by UCC.

Hubert Young, President and Chief Executive Officer of UCC Philippines, likened the partnership to achieving "the Porsche of coffee solutions" as they operate across the entire coffee value chain -- from farm to cup.

Young said they will soon be offering coffee machines for households as an offshoot of the pandemic trend of brewing at home.

"The pandemic actually opened a new market for us," he said.

For Yasmin Vasquez, chief executive officer of Allegro Beverage, the synergy with UCC as well as the launching of the new showroom allows both firms to "brew new opportunities."

"We will eventually roll out our home-use equipment to meet goal of being holistic coffee solutions provider in Philippines," she said.

In the pipeline as well, she said, is the start of dealerships in Albay in October and another in Palawan within the year.

Currently, Allegro Beverage has branches in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga, as well as dealerships in Bohol, Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, Quezon Province, and Iloilo.

"Filipinos are going for premium coffee. Most don't mind paying more. The choices are becoming very dynamic from flavored coffee to specialty ones to single origin coffee," Vasquez said.

"With our new showroom and with UCC backing us up, we are confident that we will be able to welcome all our clients who would like to test our machines and products for better ideation for their own beverage usinesses. This synergy sets us apart among all our competitors," she added.

SKIPPY TURNS 90, TAPS CHEF TATUNG FOR LIMITED-RUN DISHES

By Angelica Villanueva

CELEBRATING nine decades of nutty goodness, Skippy, the beloved peanut butter brand, has

nowned Filipino chef Tatung Sarthou to craft dishes for its 90th anniversary.

sandwich

For Chef Tatung, it was a dream come true as he recalled how, as a kid, he as excited about to have sandwiches filled with Skippy as baon.

Growing up, Skippy Peanut Butter remained a regular item in his own pantry.

Collaborating with Skippy, he said, aligned perfectly with his mission to highlight the essence of culinary traditions and innovation in his restaurant, Azadore.

“I just had fun with Skippy.

I wanted to create a dish that’s not very traditional but

entirely flavorful and exciting. Something one would not think of when craving for peanut butter,” Chef Tatung said.

For his limited-run menu, he came up with Spicy Peanut Chicken Pizza, Chicken Satay Burger with Hoisin Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake.

Spicy Peanut Chicken is a flatbreadinspired pizza topped with savory chicken tikka strips, vegetables, and mushrooms over a nutty Indian butter chicken sauce.

Chicken Satay Burger with Hoisin Peanut Butter consists of a flavorful and juicy chicken satay with coleslaw and Skippy Peanut Butter sandwiched in a soft and buttery brioche bun.

For the dessert, Chef Tatung created Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, a delightful blend of chocolate and creamy

peanut butter frosting between layers of moist and nutty chocolate cake.

"What I really love about Skippy is that its consistency is just right, especially if you're cooking. Cooks would really like to have as much control as possible," he added.

During the launchof the dishes, the winner of Skippy's nationwide contest, Jenny Anne Casintahan, was also invited to have a cook off with Chef Tatung.

Jenny Ann’s Grilled Pork Kare-Kare was chosen as the grand prize winner of Skippy’s contest.

“I love Skippy because it’s very versatile. It can be used for cooking dishes, baking and perfect for spreads in sandwiches which my kids love because it is smooth and creamy,” she said. Chef Tatung’s Skippy dishes will be

Oatside Barista blend milk has a subtle hint of malt for that velvety cup of coffee.

Chef Tatung Sarthou comes up with dishes for Skippy's 90th anniversary

Crem premium coffee machine from Sweden, one of the brands featured in Allegro Beverage's new showroom.

(From left) Koike Shunta, Chief Corporate Planning Officer, UCC Asia Pacific; Naoya Fujimoto, General Manager, UCC Philippines; Yasmin Vasquez, Chief Executive Officer, Allegro Beverage Corporation; Kosuke Fujishima, Executive Officer, UCC Holdings and Chief Operating Officer, UCC Asia Pacific; and Hubert Young, President and Chief Executive Officer, UCC Philippines

From grinding beans to making IG-worthy concoctions, these baristas show how to do it like a pro.

PETS

PROPER DOG COAT AND SKIN CARE

By Mariana Burgos

IF THE eyes are the portal to the soul, the skin and hair are both the window to an animal's inner health and well-being. Shiny hair, defined as a hair coat with a healthy and shiny shine, is a sign of the animal's general health. A drab coat that lacks sheen, on the other hand, indicates that the animal is not as healthy as she should be.

In their article "Coat and Skin Appearance in the Healthy Dog," veterinarians Ryan Llera, Tammy Hunter and Cheryl Yuill said that a healthy coat should be lustrous and smooth, not brittle or coarse, and a healthy skin should be supple and transparent, not greasy, flaky, or bumpy. Although health and nutrition have an impact on the sheen and texture of your dog's coat from the inside, regular grooming and skin care on the outside can help maintain your dog's coat clean and free of tangles, regardless of the type of hair coat he has.

Types of hair coats of dogs

Llera, Hunter, and Yuill said selective breeding has resulted in the evolution of dogs with a variety of coat traits. There are breeds whose hair grows continually, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. These dogs require regular visits to the grooming parlor for a shampoo and trim.

Long, thick hair coats with an outer coat of guard hairs and an undercoat of fine hair that serves as an insulating layer are characteristic of Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and many Retrievers. These breeds frequently go through two large seasonal shedding episodes each year, generally in late spring and late fall, during which most of the undercoat falls off in clumps. Many short-haired breeds lack a distinct undercoat and frequently lose hair at low levels all year.

Proper nutrition

Nutrition is extremely important to your dog's health. If your dog is fed low-quality food on a regular basis, he will be deficient in vital nutrients that maintain healthy skin and fur. A lack of

sufficient lipids, as well as a lack of vital vitamins and minerals (such as zinc, which is essential for excellent skin), can result in brittle hair and a dry protective barrier in your dog. The skin care point here is to provide your dog healthy food and skin-conditioning vitamins.

Allergies, adverse food reaction, and other skin illnesses

Allergies, whether food-related or environmental, as well as food responses and intolerances (such as dairy or grain), can cause itching, redness, and painful skin in general. Your dog will not get relief unless he is examined by a veterinarian to establish the problem. To determine the cause, a diet based on trial elimination is frequently used. A mild, medicated shampoo to alleviate the itch may be used in skin care for a dog with allergies.

Llera, Hunter, and Yuill said that chronic or long-term stress will have an impact on the look of your dog's coat, particularly its gloss and texture. When stressed, many dogs sweat excessively. Hormone imbalances or other metabolic issues (hypothyroidism), digestive disturbances such as chronic diarrhea, internal (intestinal worms) and external (fleas, ticks, mange mites) parasites, and cancer are some of the more frequent diseases that can affect your dog's hair. If the dog is unable to groom himself due to arthritis or weight, he may develop skin issues such as dandruff or matting.

How does regular grooming help?

Regular grooming benefits all dogs by removing loose hair and dead skin cells, keeping the coat free of dirt, debris, and external parasites, and distributing natural skin oils throughout the hair shafts. Dogs with long, silky, or curly coats should be brushed on a daily basis. Short-haired dogs may require less regular brushing. Llera, Hunter, and Yuill said that every few days, you should check your dog's coat to make sure there are no tangles or clumps behind the armpits, in the groin, or behind the ears. Look for burrs or twigs that may have been stuck in the coat and caused discomfort during a romp through the grass or in the woods.

Most dogs require bathing on a regular basis, generally when their coat becomes soiled or they develop a "dog odor." Non-shedding breeds with no health problems often require a wash every six to eight weeks as part of their routine upkeep, according to Llera, Hunter, and Yuill. Bathing

dogs with thick undercoats in the spring and fall, when they shed, is beneficial. Dogs should only be showered with shampoo designed specifically for them since their skin is thicker and has a higher pH (acidity) than human skin, said Llera, Hunter, and Yuill.

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.

IS CORN SAFE FOR DOGS? (WEIGHING THE PROS AND CONS)

By Niko Gabriel Salgado

IMAGINE your dog snuggling up to you, hoping to have a taste of the corn dish you are enjoying. This situation often leaves pet parents wondering whether it is safe for dogs to eat corn and if corn can be harmful to them.

If your dog has already consumed corn, and you are concerned about their well-being, or if you are contemplating on adding corn to your dog's diet, here’s everything you need to know.

Is corn good for dogs?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) in “Can Dogs Eat Corn?,” aside from being a filler in dog food, it also has nutritional benefits.

“Certain sources of carbs (like corn) also provide essential nutrients, such as pro-

tein, fat, fiber, and vitamins,” AKC noted.

From a nutritional perspective, corn offers several health advantages. As a whole grain, it serves as a high-quality complex carbohydrate, providing dogs with valuable energy. It is rich in essential nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and folate. Dogs can safely consume corn in its raw or cooked form, and its fiber content promotes a healthy gut and aids in digestion

So dogs can eat corn, but not corn on the cob?

Dogs should avoid corn on the cob as they cannot digest the cob, making it potentially hazardous. On the other hand, corn itself, whether sourced from the cob, a can, or included in dog food, can be a nutritious addition to a dog's diet.

According to AKC, here are a few indications that your dog might have

ingested cob: dehydration, lethargy, reduced activity, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.

Can dogs consume popcorn?

Dogs can consume popcorn safely, but it should be in moderation and small portions.

“Plain, air-popped popcorn, which is light and natural can be a good treat every now and then” said AKC.

“It is crucial to offer popcorn without any added butter, oils, or salts, as these toppings may lead to gastrointestinal issues or more severe problems like pancreatitis or obesity in dogs” AKC added.

Additionally, make sure the popcorn is free of unpopped kernels before giving it to your pet.

Is corn bad in dog food?

There has been a growing trend

toward grain-free dog food diet. Some manufacturers opt for inexpensive grains to reduce costs, raising concerns among pet parents about the use of corn as a "filler" in their dog's food.

“Some manufacturers claim that grain-free diets are beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, leaving pet owners wondering about the potential impact of corn on their dog's overall health and nutrition.” AKC noted.

However, corn is seldom the cause of dog health issues, and you do not need to avoid it in dog food specifically.

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

Corn removed from the cob is safe. (Photo from Shutterstock | Zanna.)