Manila Standard - 2023 August 23 - Wednesday

Resupply mission a success

PH vessels reach Ayungin, China envoy cites ‘special arrangement’

Medialdea: No commitment from Rody to move PH ship

A FORMER top official in the previous administration said President Rodrigo Duterte did not make any commitment to the Chinese to remove the BRP Sierra Madre garrison from Ayungin Shoal.

Salvador Medialdea, Duterte’s former executive secretary, told ABS-CBN News on Tuesday that Duterte never made such a promise, even as

By Vince Lopez and Rey E. Requejo

‘A great loss’: DMW chief Ople passes away, 61

By Vito Barcelo, Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo

SUSAN “Toots” Ople, the first secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), died Tuesday, the agency she headed announced. She was 61.

In a statement, the DMW said Ople passed away around 1 p.m. surrounded by her family and loved ones.

DMW spokesperson Toby Nebrija said more details would be released soon.

Susan was the youngest of the seven children of former Senator Blas F. Ople and Susana Vasquez. Her father served as Labor secretary and minister during the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Ople was appointed as Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

By

he sought warmer ties with Beijing and Chinese President Xi Jinping during his administration.

“The former president would never do that. He never did it, because he knows that is a symbol of our sovereignty,” Medialdea said in a phone interview, clarifying that Duterte did not make such commitments “even as a joke.”

ARESUPPLY mission reached the BRP Sierra Madre Tuesday, bringing food and other supplies to the Marines stationed in Ayungin Shoal, despite attempts by Chinese vessels to block the boats carrying provisions.

Two Philippine Coast Guard boats escorted two supply vessels to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in

OPPOSITE SHIP’S VIEW. This photo by the China Coast Guard distributed to Chinese news outlets and posted on Twitter/X on Tuesday shows the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Malabrigo en route to the Ayungin Shoal on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre. In a statement, the CCG said it ‘tracked and monitored’ two Philippine supply vessels and two coast guard ships which ‘entered waters near the Ren’ai Reef of China’s Nansha Islands without the permission of the Chinese government.’

Manila hosts 3-day ASEAN-China meeting on SCS Code of Conduct

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

MEMBERS of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China have resumed discussions on the longplanned Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea on Tuesday. Manila is hosting the three-day dialog that gathers diplomats from the region, including those from five out of six claimant counties in the SCS, namely China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vi-

etnam, and Indonesia.

Taiwan is also a claimant but is not a member state of ASEAN.

As this developed, Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian welcomed the appointment of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. as special envoy to China.

Locsin’s appointment came on the heels of heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing after a China Coast Guard ship fired a water cannon against Philippine

US 5 in town for World Cup; 2k cops to secure tilt

THE United States men’s national team, led by several young National Basketball Association stars, arrived in Manila on Tuesday morning for their campaign in the FIBA Basketball

World Cup 2023, which the country is hosting starting Friday.

The Americans are looking to bounce back from a disappointing seventhplace campaign in the 2019 edition.

By Rey E. Requejo

THE country’s Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, on Tuesday warned that many Philippine “institutions are severely compromised” by hackers.

He said hackers can now get into various systems to spread false information as well as control people.

Romualdez said US experts are coming to Manila to assess the country’s cybersecurity risks amid reports that cyberspace is being used to sow division.

The powerhouse squad is in Group C along with Jordan, Greece, and New Zealand, and will open their campaign on August 26 against the Tall Blacks at

DA admits no plan to bring down rice to P20/kilo, just ‘aspiration’

Maricel V. Cruz

BRINGING rice prices down to P20 per kilo, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during the elections last

May, “may not be part of the agency’s plan” but said that “price reduction is the (administration’s) aspiration,” the Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

DA Undersecretary Leocadio

hearing upon questioning from Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman.

Sebastian attended the hearing at the House of Representatives to defend the DA’s proposed P181-billion budget for 2024.

He said the US would send some of its experts to “first assess the situation” and “give us a complete picture of exactly how far this is becoming.”

“What’s more important is that we are going to be given or we will have to decide on the solutions that are going to be offered to us,” Romualdez in an interview with ANC.

“That is really very important for us to do -- to try to minimize any kind of penetration coming from other sources,” he added.

According to Romualdez, he was warned by the intelligence community not only in Washington but also in Manila that plans are in place to conduct “some operations” against

‘Hackers have compromised PH institutions’

Sebastian admitted this to legislators during the agency’s budget

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian

• China welcomes Locsin appointment

• Risa: Recall Huang first, then negotiate

• Imee: Document all talks with Beijing

Aussies invite PH to new troop drills

By Vince Lopez, Macon Ramos-Araneta

and

Maricel V. Cruz

THE chief of joint operations at the Australian Defense Forces (ADF) has invited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre, a biennial exercise predominantly involving Australia and the United States.

Lt. Gen. Greg Bilton, chief of joint operations at the ADF, extended the invitation during his visit to the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Tuesday, where he met with Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP deputy chief of staff.

Former newsman Gutierrez named

PIA deputy chief

MALACAÑANG has announced the appointment of veteran newsman and career government communicator Adolfo Ares P. Gutierrez as Deputy Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency, an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Gutierrez to the government’s primary developmental communications arm in an order dated August 3, the Office of Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil announced on Tuesday, Aug. 22. He will replace Nicole Jocelle Managbanag.

“I am thankful to the President and to Secretary Garafil for giving me the opportunity to continue serving the country on a national scale,” Gutierrez said in a statement. Prior to his appointment, he was the head of the Public Affairs and Information Services Office of Quezon City which he shepherded into a local government department in 2019. Charles Dantes

Bilton and Gaerlan discussed the possibility of the AFP joining the biennial exercise to achieve common training goals with other like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It is normal for observer nations to participate in the next iteration of the

exercise after having been an observer. Lt. Gen. Bilton asked what we’d like to do and achieve and the exercise design will be shaped to include these,” Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said.

In the 2023 iteration, Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany attended as participants, with the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand as observers.

The two generals also discussed the ongoing PH-AUS Exercise “Alon” in

Palawan under the Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2023. Meanwhile, the AFP Northern Luzon Command in partnership with the US Pacific Fleet, local government agencies, and non-government organizations began exercises to strengthen international cooperation in disaster response.

This year, the Pacific Partnership exercise lasts from Aug. 22 to 31 in San Fernando City, La Union, with a series of humanitarian civic action activities aimed at bolstering the country’s capability to mitigate the effects of various disasters.

Special election to fill Teves seat in House pushed

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday night adopted House Resolution (HR) 1212, which asks the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold a special election to fill the seat formerly held by expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District

Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. In the same measure, the House certified “the existence of a vacancy” in the province’s third congressional district. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan authored the resolution.

The authors said the vacancy in Negros Oriental’s third district was created due to the expulsion of Teves “for disorderly behavior and violation of Section 141 (a) and (b), Rule XX of the Code of Conduct of the House of Representatives, by the requisite vote of two-thirds of all its members as provided for in the Constitution.”

Gov’t allots P2b in ‘24 budget for cancer patients

By Charles Dantes and Julito Rada

THE government is allotting over P2 billion to aid cancer patients in the country under the proposed 2024 national budget, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Tuesday.

Pangandaman said the prevention, treatment, and control of non-communicable diseases such as cancer is one of the key priorities of the administration.

She said some 18,695 cancer patients will benefit from P1.024 billion in funds under the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, which will cover the procurement of 61 different cancer commodities such as Trastuzumab 600 mg/5mL, Docetaxel 40 mg/mL, and Paclitaxel 6 mg/mL.

Some P1 billion will also be appropriated to the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) -- an increase of almost half a billion pesos from this year’s allocation -- to subsidize the continuous medical aid for 6,666 cancer patients registered across 31 cancer access sites nationwide.

The CAF will partially finance outpatient and inpatient cancer control services. These include therapeutic procedures and other cancer medicines needed for the treatment and management of cancer and its carerelated components, among others.

The CAF aims to fill the financial gap in cancer diagnostics and laboratories, which PhilHealth does not cover.

Manila...

From A1

Coast Guard vessels en route to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission.

Huang likewise renewed his call for Manila and Beijing to peacefully settle maritime disputes.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, however, said Beijing should recall Huang for peaceful talks to prosper, citing the ambassador’s previous statement that was perceived to be a threat against overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan.

the Spratly Islands, where a handful of troops are stationed on the crumbling navy ship.

They arrived just over two weeks after China Coast Guard ships blocked and fired water cannon at a resupply mission to the tiny garrison that prevented one of the boats from delivering its cargo.

“The routine follow-on Rotation and Resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre was successfully conducted today,” the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement.

The task force accused China Coast Guard and “Chinese Maritime Militia” vessels of attempting to “block, harass, and interfere” with the mission.

“Routine missions to Philippine outposts on various features in the West Philippine Sea will continue on a regular basis,” it added.

The task force said Philippine Navy vessels were also on standby during the resupply mission.

“These missions are part of the Philippine government’s legitimate exercise of its administrative functions over the WPS, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws,” the NTF-WPS said.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the country has the right to repair and develop the BRP Sierra Madre if needed, reacting to Chinese claims that Filipino supply ships were carrying construction supplies to upgrade or repair the navy ship.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But the Chinese Coast Guard issued a statement, saying that it had warned, monitored, and restricted Philippine vessels “when they trespassed waters near Ren’ai Reef of China’s Nansha Islands on Tuesday. Given the Philippine vessels did not carry large building materials for fortification, a temporary special arrangement was made for the Philippine side to transport necessary living materials including food to its ‘grounded’ warship.”

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, speaking at an event in Manila, repeated the CCG item almost to the word, then told journalists that as far as the delivery of supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, China has no issue with it “for humanitarian reasons.”

the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office is sending a total of 2,225 policemen to secure the country’s hosting of the World Cup from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez formed the Site Task Group (STG) Metro Manila, which will be responsible for security operations and public-related safety services.

“These men will ensure the safety and protection of international and famous basketball athletes,” he said.

Also, the renowned Naismith Trophy of the FIBA World Cup is now in Ilocos Norte as part of a nationwide tour, before becoming the sought-after prize among 32 teams competing in the highly anticipated edition of the tournament. Joel

Zurbano

She was also the founder and president of the Blas Ople Policy Center, which helps distressed overseas Filipino workers in various parts of the world.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mourned the passing of Ople, saying it

was “a great loss for all of us.”

“It’s very, very sad news. I have lost a friend, the Philippines has lost a friend.

Secretary Toots was a special person. With the deep compassion really for the people she had to care for, namely the migrant workers,” President Marcos told reporters Tuesday.

“Secretary Toots was really good. She was very much following the tra-

Hataman stressed that “the self-sufficiency plan should include the price.”

“It is not enough for the rice to be available, it should be affordable, especially since the President is the DA chief and this is his campaign promise,” Hataman said in Filipino.

But Sebastian could not give a direct answer to Hataman, saying: “Iyong P20 per kilo [of rice], medyo mahirap (The P20 per kilo price is rather hard to achieve).”

Hataman then pressed DA officials if bringing down rice prices to P20 per kilo was part of the department’s plan.

Sebastian responded “[Price] reduction, that is included, but not the P20, Mr. Chair.”

He added the P20 per kilo rice promise was “our goal post when it comes to reducing the cost.”

“As the President has also said, that is our aspiration Mr. Chair,” Sebastian noted, adding that “we

dition of Ka Blas Ople, of excellence, [and] of compassion. It is a great loss for all of us... It is a great loss to the Philippines for the service we know she could have still rendered,” he added.

The Presidential Communications Office expressed its condolences to the family of Ople.

“Secretary Ople was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly fought for

want to ensure good income for our farmers, that is our main objective.”

Sebastian said rice prices might stabilize at P45 to 46 per kilo due to high production costs and high prices of rice imports and added that rice prices are higher in Metro Manila while low in areas where the harvest season has started.

“Mr. Chair, to be honest, we never discussed those things you are asking, Mr. Chair, with the President,” he told Hataman.

Earlier in the hearing, Agriculture Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla said the rice buffer stock for the months of August and September was thin, so the need to import rice by September 15.

“We are in the lean months, and we are still in the harvest,” Sombilla said.

“The peak harvest time is mid-October to November, so we are hoping to get imports this month, up to September 15, to stabilize local prices,” Sombilla said.

Meanwhile, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has proposed the establishment of a subsidy program designed to encourage Filipino farmers to

“He should be replaced. He cannot be an effective diplomat in the Philippines if he continues to aggravate tensions rather than assuage them,” Hontiveros said.

For her part, Senator Imee Marcos underscored the need to continue talking to China to resolve maritime disputes but said everything should be documented properly this time around

“We should document every attempt by our diplomats, Coast Guard, and military personnel to communicate with China to the extent permissible,” she said.

“We should make records of these attempts accessible to neutral third parties so that they may verify our efforts and China’s responses thereto. In this way, the world can ascertain both countries’ sincerity in engaging in genuine dialogue,” she said.

Locsin, in a previous post on Twitter/X, said the Philippines has no plans of going to war with China.

the rights of overseas Filipino workers. We continue to pray for her family and loved ones,” the agency said in Filipino. Ople had said she was battling breast cancer. In July, she took a two-week wellness leave after losing her two elder brothers, both from lung cancer in the same month.

Legislators led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday mourned Ople’s passing.

‘Hackers...

From

several personalities, including himself.

He said the plans were hatched following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s successful visit to the US and the announcement of new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines that would deter various threats in the Indo-Pacific.

The Filipino diplomat cited the demonstration—an apparently staged one—that happened in Manila to call out Vietnam’s supposed militarization in the South China Sea, which coincided with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo’s visit to Hanoi.

The demonstration happened at about the same time Manalo would be meeting his counterpart in Vietnam, which Romualdez said proved that “precisely, they were able to hack our system, they were able to get enough information in advance that this was going to happen.”

“That’s precisely trying to make it look like there’s a discord between our allies and friends,” he said

TEAM USA ARRIVES. Players and coaches of Team USA for the FIBA Basketball World Cup hosted by the Philippines arrive Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Pictured are head coach Steve Kerr, assistant coaches Eric Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue, shooting coach Chip Engelland, team manager Grant Hill, and players Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. MIAA/FIBA Photos

WELCOMING FIBA. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez exchanges pleasantries with FIBA President Hamane Niang during the FIBA Central Board Welcome Dinner at the Bureau of Treasury Building in Intramuros, Manila on Monday evening. Looking on are businessman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan and PLDT Chief Executive Officer Alfredo Panlilio (center).

Comelec warns against early BSKE campaign

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec)

warns barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates from engaging in premature campaigning before the official campaign period set October 19-28 under pain of disqualification or imprisonment.

At the same time, the Comelec said the honoraria for poll workers in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) has been increased up to P10,000.

Comelec chairman George Garcia issued the warning saying appropriate charges will be filed charges against the candidates who would launch an early campaign following their filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).

Garcia reminded the candidates that the filing of COCs for the 2023 BSKE will be from August 28 to September 2, while the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.

Garcia said August 28 is the start of the election period, as well as the start of the gun ban, public works ban and social services prohibition “unless explicitly exempted by the Comelec.

“Once you file your COC, you are already considered as a candidate. Therefore, we will apply the full force of the law, Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). You cannot go around, campaign, distribute things since you are already a candidate,” Garcia said.

Aspirants must be at least 18 years of age for barangay positions and at least 18 but strictly not more than 24 years old by the day of the election for SK posts.

The Comelec chief also urged voters to report any BSKE candidates who begin campaigning prior to the start of the official campaign period on 19 October.

Garcia said the Comelec’s efforts to combat premature campaigning also involve the possibility of a “warrantless arrest” for individuals caught participating in vote-buying or vote-selling.

DepEd gears up for transition of 14 Embo schools

By Joel E. Zurbano

SIX days before the opening of classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing the transition process for the 14 public schools in Embo barangays now under Taguig City jurisdiction.

School officials and teachers of the affected schools are gearing up for the inventory of all properties involved, and preparing all the documents and contracts related to the schools’ operations.

The DepEd is also coordinating with the Philippine National Police to ensure the hassle-free implementation of instructions issued by Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte concerning the so-called EMBO schools.

On Tuesday, school officials thanked Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano for turning over school uniforms and supplies and other materials needed by the students, and for taking necessary measures to ensure that the school premises are safe and ready for the students and teachers when classes reopen on Aug. 29.

The affected 14 schools are Makati Science High School, Comembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Benigno S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Fort Bonifacio High School, Pitogo Elementary School, Pitogo High School, Cembo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, and South Cembo Elementary School.

DBM nixes bill to abolish Procurement Service

BUDGET Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has rejected anew calls for the abolition of the Procurement Service under her agency,citing its importance in the acquisition process of government agencies.

Pangandaman said the unit has a critical role in government purchases of common supplies under the proposed amendments to the procurement law.

Relatively small agencies can directly buy their supplies from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) unit, without undergoing the tedious procurement processes, she said.

“Usually the smaller agencies buy common-use items. So if they are avail-

able from the PS-DBM, our central procurement agency, they can buy it directly there,”Pangandaman told reporters.

The PS-DBM has been linked to the P2.4 billion purchase of allegedly overpriced laptops for teachers last year.

In 2021, it was also linked to the anomalous transactions with with Pharmally Pharmaceuticals.

Some lawmakers, including the Makabayan bloc, have criticized the PSDBM and filed House Bill 3270 seeking to abolish it..

The PS-DBM was created on October 18, 1978 “to establish an integrated procurement system for the national

IN BRIEF

government to take advantage of economies-of-scale in procurement,” according to Senate Bill 2388 filed by Sen. Imee Marcos.

The agency was tasked to buy items used in the daily operations of the bureaucracy - such as pens, papers and toiletries for public buildings- as the government can procure these items at a lower price when bought in bulk.

The PS-DBM also has a trading function as it resells the items it procured to other government agencies. The PSDBM charges a four-percent service fee for procurements it carries out on behalf of other agencies.

Batangas raid yields P16.5m fake cigarets

JOINT operatives of the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard have raided a warehouse in Bgy. Cuta, Batangas City and discovered counterfeit cigarettes worth P16.5 million.

The seized cigarette carried the brands Two Moon, Carnival, New Orleans, Journey, B&P, and President.

The customs said the cigarettes were confiscated due to lack of required tax stamps and graphic health warnings that are mandatory for legally produced and tax-paid tobacco products.

The owner of the warehouse will face charges under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, specifically for offenses such as unlawful importation of infringing products, as well as misdeclaration, misclassification, and undervaluation.

Customs Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval said charges against violators include imprisonment for up to 40 years and fines amounting to P50 million.

Vito Barcelo

PNP conducts job fair in Caloocan barangay

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to demonstrate its commitment to community engagement through the successful execution of the Revitalized-Pulis Sa Barangay (R-PSB) Mega Job-Fair held at the San Lorenzo Covered Court, Phase 4, Brgy 176, Caloocan City.

The event took place on Aug. 19, and was attended by PNP director for police community relations Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo.

SMC forges deal with TESDA on skills training

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) has signed

an agreement with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) involving a skills training program that will enable more Filipinos to participate in the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) projects as well as its various strategic initiatives across the country.

“This is a great opportunity for many of our countrymen. The airport project and all our other projects, will not just generate jobs; more significantly, they will pro-

Villar cites women empowerment to earn

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Cynthia Villar says women take the lead in her 3,000 communitybased livelihood projects nationwide which help augment family income.

These projects included waterlily handicraft-weaving enterprise, handmade paper factory, coconet-weaving enterprise, charcoal-making factory, organic fertilizer production, waste plastic recycling factories producing school chairs, bamboo processing, and agricultural programs in farm tourism facilities and farm schools.

Villar said she stands with the Young Women’s ChristianAssociation of the Philippines (YWCA) in their advocacy for women empowerment, particularly

for those in the marginalized sectors.

“The insight is clear: when we uplift women, we elevate families, strengthen societies, and nurture future leaders essential to nation-building,” Villar asserted.

Speaking during YMCA’s 75th anniversary, the senator said women empowerment today means more than just protecting them from violence and other forms of abuse.

It significantly includes providing them with opportunities to earn.

“Women are also vital contributors to economic growth. Empowered women augment their family’s income, put food on the table, and play significant roles in raising and educating their children,” she said.

vide knowledge, skills, and technology transfer in construction, engineering, the operation of equipment and technologies, ground handling, aircraft maintenance, and many other fields,” SMC president Ramon Ang said.

“This gives our people a chance to learn valuable and highly-specialized skills right here in our country, while earning a decent living, and helping our country’s growth and development. Later on, they can bring these skills with them for better opportunities abroad, or to continue working for us to operate and maintain our facilities,” Ang added.

Currently, Ang said the company was working with over a hundred foreign experts in various fields at the airport project, currently in the first phase of construction--land redevelopment, or the process of turning what was once land converted into fishponds, back into land form again.

Filipinos working at the site are already learning from these foreign experts, and may then be tapped to teach and pass on skills and knowledge to the next batches of workers to be trained by TESDA, and hired by SMC, Ang noted.

The job fair gained enthusiastic participation from both the public and private sectors, reflecting the PNP’s dedication to fostering collaborations that benefit the local community.

This initiative is a proactive response to the employment challenges faced by the densely populated Brgy 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, home to around 360,000 residents.

A total of 14 recruiting companies participated in the job fair, offering opportunities to a remarkable 2,500 applicants from the community.

Vince Lopez

2 island towns of Sulu now Abu Sayyaf-free

THE Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTFELAC) of the island municipalities of Siasi and Pandami in Sulu were declared Abu Sayaf Group (ASG)free on August 19.

Both local government units (LGUs) issued their respective resolutions that declared their municipalities as ASG-free.

The event was celebrated as a milestone as the two towns, making them ready for further development.

Pandami Mayor Nurhan Berto expresssed gratitude for the Army soldiers in his community.

“Sulu is different now, not like before. Our soldiers know that and we thank them for their continued service especially in peace and order. That’s why we are so grateful,” Berto said. Vince Lopez

TESDA’S 29TH ANNIVERSARY. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu (left) is joined by Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr., and SM Super Malls president Steven Tan in the ceremonial switch-on of a wide television screen signaling the start of TESDA’s anniversary and National Tech-Voc Day celebrations at the SM Mega Mall. Joseph Muego

PRE-SCHOOL OPENING GIVE-AWAYS. Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano leads the distribution of school supplies to the students of the Pitogo High School yesterday, coinciding with the launch of the Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors InNeed Scholarship Program. Joseph Muego

SNEAK PREVIEW. Senators Francis Tolentino and Robinhood Padilla are afforded a sneak preview of how prisoner Michael Cataroja escaped from a maximum compound compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City last July 7. Cataroja shows how he Squeezed himself at the underbelly of a garbage truck for his incredible getaway. Norman Cruz

NEDA to review economic impact of P2 fare hike

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will review the economic impacts of the P2 fare adjustment being requested by various transportation groups, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

“We just want to ensure our PUJ [public utility jeepney]drivers and operators nationwide that their pleas for fare adjustment do not fall on deaf ears,” LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said. “We are well aware and continue to hear their plight amid the continuing oil price hikes and their difficulty in earning enough for their families.”

However, upon review and validation, this will still undergo further review, particularly by other economic agencies in government such as NEDA.

“Every fare increase has an economic impact and that is what has to be studied carefully by other government agencies such as the NEDA in order to come up with a fare increase that is justifiable and will not create a huge economic burden,” Guadiz added.

Two weeks ago, several transport groups such as the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, Pagkakaisa ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide, Stop & Go Transport Coalition Incorporated, and The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) submitted a letter request to the LTFRB addressed to Guadiz, requesting for a P2 fare increase for all PUJs nationwide.

The groups cited the continuous spate of oil price hikes every week as the reason for their request for fare adjustment.

The LTFRB meanwhile directed transport groups to file a formal petition--instead of just a letter--on their request for a fare increase for public utility jeeps.

Guadiz III, during yesterday’s hearing, stressed that the agency is open to the appeal of the transport groups for a fare hike amid the successive increase of fuel products in the past two months.

Classroom shortage still a problem, DepEd admits

THE Department of Education admitted Tuesday it will not be able to solve the classroom shortage problem even at the end of Vice President Sara DuterteCarpio’s term.

Education officials earlier said the classroom shortage in public schools could be as high as 90,000.

This year, the DepEd targets to complete the construction of 6,379 new classrooms.

For next year, however, based on its proposed budget, DepEd has set a lower target of 1,628 completed new classrooms and 3,943 new classrooms that should be undergoing construction.

Meanwhile, some 16.8 million

students nationwide have been enrolled so far a week before classes begin on August 29, the DepEd said.

Enrollees this year are expected to increase to around 28.8 million, DepEd spokesperson Undersecretary Michael Poa earlier said. This means some 12 million students have yet to enroll.

In the previous academic year, some 28.4 million students enrolled in public and private schools across

Ex-MIAA chief vows to ‘fight’ to clear name

FORMER Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Cesar Chiong said he will “fight all the way” to clear his name and push for much-needed reforms.

Chiong became the subject of an anonymous complaint after implementing a plan to reassign 285 personnel.

The Ombudsman initially suspended Chiong and his co-accused, officer-incharge for finance and administration Irene Montalbo. Both were summarily dismissed from service by the Ombudsman.

Majority or 201 of the reassignments came from the airport police department, pursuant to the security requirements in the passenger airport terminals at NAIA, and were recommended by the Airport Police Department chief and assistant general manager for security and emergency services, Chiong said Chiong said in a statement his predecessors had reassigned even larger numbers of personnel without facing any legal repercussions. Chiong, in his petition with the Court of Appeals, cited how former general manager Jose Angel Honrado reassigned 646 employees, while Eddie Monreal reassigned 397 personnel in comparable periods.

the country. The enrolment period for public schools will run until August 26.

As this developed, As of Aug. 21, a total of 16,816,221 students in both public and private schools have already enrolled.

Calabarzon recorded the most number of enrollees at 2,858,606, fol -

Nearly 800 airport personnel rallied behind Chiong and Montalbo by signing a manifesto, saying that “only now have they experienced transparent and honest management in the agency.” Chiong made significant changes to enhance the airport experience for the public. He removed X-ray machines obstructing terminal entrances and eliminated security guards flagging vehicles before accessing the ramp. He said these unnecessary measures incurred extensive costs amounting to hundreds of millions of pesos annually, while exacerbating Chiong and Montalbo also collected outstanding receivables totaling billions of pesos, paving the way for the financial stability of the MIAA. The authority is now debt-free and its cash balance at P5 billion in July 2022 surged to about P15

Don’t punish ‘most inmates,’ Robin tells BuCor

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SEN. Robin C. Padilla on Tuesday appealed to Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officials not to punish the majority of inmates at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) over offenses committed by a few prisoners.

“Respect the rights of the New Bilibid Prison inmates and don’t punish the majority who want to change for the better, just because of a few who engage in crime such as escaping and engaging in the drug trade,” Padilla said.

Padilla also chided the recently recaptured Michael Catarroja for putting his fellow inmates in hot water, saying they stand to lose some of their privileges because of his escape.

“Michael, I know you apologized to the BuCor. But many inmates will suffer because of what you did. They will lose some privileges because of the acts of a few. You should have thought this over),” he said.

He called on the BuCor not to punish the other inmates, speaking as a “representative” not only of the Filipinos who elected him as a senator but also as someone who had stayed in prison.

“We should not put on trial all the inmates. We must focus on the few who bring in drugs and those who escape,” he said.

Padilla said investigators should focus on the details of Catarroja’s escape so they can make sure this does not happen again.

Salceda: House panel OKs MUP proposal

By Maricel V. Cruz

ALBAY Rep. Joey

Sarte Salceda,

chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means on Tuesday said that his committee “accepts the proposals of Secretary Teodoro on the substitute bill to the Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) pension reform.”

Salceda added that “since the Committee already terminated proceedings, we will introduce this as amendments to the floor instead.”

Salceda gave the statement during

Tuesday’s committee meeting. “As Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, I would like to assure the Secretary that his requests are acceptable. We will adopt the Teodoro proposal of indexation for all retired and retireables and a transitioned contribution scheme.”

“My job is to get a bill that will work fiscally, but is also acceptable to all stakeholders. So, of course, if Secretary Teodoro has major concerns, part of my job is to accommodate. Not without DOF concerns, of course, but that’s for them to settle in the Cabinet.”

TOYOTA DONATION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. walks with company executives during the ceremonial turnover of 35 vehicle units donated by Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. at the Toyota Special Economic Zone in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.  Alfred Frias

MILITARY DRILLS. Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defence Force participate in the air, land, and sea drills during the PhilippinesAustralia Exercise Alon 2023. This marks the first major training series as part of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. PMC photo

frustrations.

PH guest of honor at 2025 Frankfurt Bookfair

IN A first for the Philippines, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) has helped attain Guest of Honor (GOH) status for the country at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse (FBM or Frankfurt Book Fair), at 75 the world’s oldest and biggest venue for printed and digital content.

The historic agreement was inked on Aug. 18 at the NBDB’s Philippine Book Festival (PBF)-Davao with the following as signatories: from NBDB, Chairman Dante Francis Ang II and Executive Director Charisse AquinoTugade; and from FBM, President/CEO Juergen Boos, Vice-President for Business Development Claudia Kaiser, and Guest of Honor Program Head Simone Bühler.

The Philippines is only the second Southeast Asian country to be invited to be a GOH at the FBM, after Indonesia 10 years ago.

The FBM is held annually in Frankfurt, and is a venue for publishers from all over the world to meet with creative industry and technology partners to network, build relationships, and discover new content that can be shared through translation and adaptation into films, games, and other media.

As a major enabler of sharing and collaboration, the FBM is thus a prestigious and important event that will allow the Philippines to boost recognition of Filipino literary and visual creative talents worldwide.

Over the past few years, the NBDB, with the cooperation and support of local publishers, has been gradually increasing its presence at the FBM. Strong support also came from Senator Loren Legarda, who has long pushed for the Philippines to be a GOH at FBM.

In a speech read in her behalf at PBF-Davao by Adarna House publisher Ani Rosa Almario, Legarda explained:

“The road to being the Guest of Honor was years in the making. Through the years, together with the NBDB, we worked to push for this dream.

“Our Guest of Honor year in 2025 will serve as a culmination of all our efforts… It’s high time that the international community read and appreciate our stories told in our own voices, recognize that Filipino stories are worth reading, and that they are complex and informed by the colonial and postcolonial imagination.”

Why is this development so historic? What’s so important about being Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair?

As GOH, a spotlight will be placed on the literature and culture of a particular country. According to Boos, the GOH program “also aims to enhance the dialogue and network of the guest country within the international publishing world. Even though the Philippines is the world’s thirteenth largest nation with more than 110 million citizens, I believe for many of us in Europe, Philippine literature is currently still rather unknown territory.”

As GOH, the Philippines will bring its unique and diverse storytelling and cultural scene to a vast audience.

It is the biggest opportunity of all for Filipino writers, illustrators, and publishers and the country’s narratives to be noticed by publishers, game developers, filmmakers, and other creatives globally.

Naturally, incredibly intense preparation is necessary in order for our country to pull it off.

Ang says the NBDB is up to the challenge: “I believe we would not have been offered the Guest of Honor [position] if we were not poised to overcome greater heights. I’ve seen how my team has prepared long enough and is ready to mount a historic event.”

Under its executive director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, the agency has proven, over the past several years, that it has developed its chops in event management, publicity, networking, and business development.

Last June, the NBDB held its highly

By Alex Brillantes,

Jr.

and Karl Emmanuel Ruiz

LIKE most of the nation, we listened

intently to the State of the Nation address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr delivered last month. He ended his less than two-hour speech by declaring “the state of the nation is sound and is improving.”

The President is right. Indeed, it is improving. He addressed various sectors where we are improving. Agriculture, education, tourism, digitalization of the bureaucracy, and more. He provided figures these are indeed improving.

For instance, the President mentioned, “In 2022, the digital economy contributed P2 trillion, equivalent to 9.4 percent of our GDP.”

Regarding tourism, he said, “From January to June this year[2023], we have received 3 million international visitors. This number is already 62 percent of our 4.8-million target for the entire year.”

Enhancing defense ties

right time.”

successful first leg of the PBF in Manila, immediately followed by their staging of the Bicol Book Festival, and before all of that, the 40th National Book Awards with the Manila Critics Circle in May.

Tugade praised the gains made by the Philippine publishing industry and said we are ready for FBM 2025: “Fast-growing, the Philippines’ book publishing industry recorded steady growth in revenue in the past five years…

“We understand the scale and magnitude of this undertaking, and we are excited for this new chapter of Philippine literature and culture.”

The Philippines will be represented with a stand (Hall 5.1 B66) at this year’s FBM.

In 2025, the country’s presence at the fair will be expanded and the heightened visibility is expected to benefit Philippine publishers and writers even more.

The FBM’s Guest of Honor program also seeks to increase the number of translated works from the GOH country into German. This is a good opportunity for German speakers and writers to contribute to the Philippines’ book production.

The most visible translator of Filipino works into German is Swiss native Annette Hug, who also attended PBF-Davao and networked with Filipino writers and publishers.

Spain was last year’s GOH, while Slovenia is this year’s and Italy is next year’s. The Philippines has about two years to prepare for the event, so local publishers need to step up their game.

Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP) President Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores said that from now until 2025, publishers need to work together and focus all their efforts toward ensuring a successful GOH presentation at Frankfurt.

I suggested that an industry summit be held -- a meeting or series of meetings at which all relevant sectors of the literary community and publishing industry convene to draw up and discuss marching orders for FBM 2025.

Pasion-Flores said a summit is doable and that BDAP is very much game for this, as is NBDB Director Anthony John Balisi. Publishing industry veteran Karina Bolasco said summits were held fairly regularly prepandemic, so it should not be too difficult to arrange one before the end of the year.

I’ll be discussing other highlights of PBF-Davao in another, lengthier, article.

For now, let me mention that the Festival was opened by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, who said: “By promoting our homegrown authors, illustrators, and publishers, we not only give voices to stories that have been waiting to be told for so long, we also celebrate them.”

Many thanks to FBM, and warmest congratulations to NBDB, Sen. Loren Legarda, and all those involved in bringing to reality the Philippines becoming Guest of Honor at the world’s biggest and most important book and content fair.

Now is the time for creating plans and strategies, engaging stakeholders, and developing synergies to ensure the Philippines puts its best books forward in 2025.

To my fellow Filipino writers, we have less than two years to spin even more fascinating tales that will catch the fancy and stir the imaginations of the world’s readers.

* * FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO / Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com

In education, he stated “more and more of our higher education institutions have reached world-class status. This year [2023], 52 Philippine HEIs have been included in the World Universities Rankings, compared to just 15 last year.

“Last year [2022], out of the 4.1 million enrolled college students, almost 50 percent were beneficiaries of the country’s free higher education under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program.”

For digitalization and scientific development, Marcos, Jr. said “the Philippines has launched two additional satellites into space.

Together with the first satellite, they will track weather, predict storms, evaluate soil and water supply, analyze population shifts, and be used for traffic management, geo-hazard mapping, and risk assessment, including security and defense.”

We suggest in this article that while we are indeed fine in these aspects, we could do much better if one looks at where the State

THE Department of National Defense, recognizing the opportunity to diversify cooperation with South Korea, plans to further enhance its ties with one of the biggest suppliers of military equipment in the Armed Forces Modernization Program.

This followed the courtesy and introductory call of newly appointed South Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Lee Sang-hwa, to DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Aug.

17.

South Korea has supplied the 12 FA50PH light jet fighters to the Philippine Air Force along with the two brandnew missile frigates for the Philippine Navy and has won the contract and now building two more corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels for the PN.

Teodoro noted the “enduring friendship and cooperation between” Manila and Seoul across various fields and concerns and conveyed his deep appreciation for South Korea’s assistance to the Philippines in addressing issues like internal security, natural calamities, and capacity-building, This coincided with a statement from Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri that government procurement reforms “should lead to the expedited purchase of defense equipment the country needs to

protect its territory, especially from the illegal incursions of China in the West Philippine Sea.”

Zubiri called for the removal of bottlenecks in the government procurement of goods and services and directing it to economic managers who appeared before senators the other day to defend the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024.

We agree with the Senate chief the acquisition process can still be “stringent but speedy so that recipients will get the right equipment at the right price at the

Conglomerate takes big leap forward

IF THERE’S one thing this business conglomerate has done for Filipinos, it’s to make daily routines more convenient and hassle-free.

From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed after a long day, we constantly reach for our smartphones for communication, switch on power to use gadgets and appliances, access clean water and commute or drive on paved roads.

We’re talking about Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which reported net income of ₱9.9 billion for the first half of 2023, up 33 percent from ₱7.5 billion a year earlier. It attributed improved financial and operating results to the strong performance of its power generation business and higher water tariff for the water concession.

MPIC believes, however, that the intrinsic value of its core investments in infrastructure in the country has not been fully reflected in its share price for some time.

Hence, it has proposed voluntary delisting to allow its minority shareholders to realize a significant premium over the historical share prices of the firm.

Yesterday, (August 22), First Metro Securities as the Tender Offer Agent for the privatization of MPI hosted a webinar to explain the tender process logistics to minority shareholders looking to sell their shares into the bid consortium’s delisting tender offer.

Tender offer for MPI shares officially began on August 9 after shareholder vote for the process launch was easily passed at the Special Shareholders Meeting (MPIC SSM) on August 8.

The tender offer period will end on September 7.

The delisting resolution at the MPIC SSM easily passed by a wide margin of over 77 percent voting in favor and less than 1 percent voting against, highlighting the positive reaction of minorities to the increase in bidders’ tender offer price P5.20 announced on July 3, which represented a significant increase from their initial tender price of P4.63 in April.

An insider indicated that many brokers were confident the SSM vote would be passed given strong favorable reactions from their

clients after the revised bid, and did not bother submitting a proxy, but rather, would just wait for the tender to open.

The offer price of P5.20 was above the valuation range set by an independent third party, which valued MPI’s share price at Php3.37 to P5.10 per share.

Furthermore, the offer price represented a

Lamenting the state of the country’s Navy and Coast Guard, Zubiri stressed the “need to procure the best and not necessarily the cheapest equipment because in military spending, the cheapest is not the best if it will soon fall apart.”

“There are several allies who would like to give us slightly used, not necessarily brand new, but good equipment so our law must be able to respond to this reality otherwise the acquisition will not push through for lack of legal basis,” he added.

To complement the amendments to the government procurement law, Zubiri also pushed for the passage of Senate Bill 315 or the “Philippine Defense Industry Development Act,” a measure to promote the local production of defense equipment and materiel.

It revitalizes the Self Reliant Defense Posture Program implemented in the 1970s to support the growing military hardware requirements of the AFP.

The measure seeks to strengthen the SRDP Program by incentivizing incountry enterprises to help grow the local defense industry.

“By encouraging the growth of local enterprises supplying defense equipment and hardware to our AFP, we become less reliant on other countries to fill out our defense requirements. It will also generate employment for many Filipinos in the long run,” Zubiri said.

an attractive cash pay-out from the tender offer are now concerned about a scuttled deal if major shareholders such as GFIs GSIS and SSS (who together hold approximately 6 percent of MPI’s total common shares) do not accept the bidders’ offer.

In addition, GSIS and SSS as government financial institutions will not be subject to the same tax consequences that other public minorities who remain in an unlisted MPI will face.

of the Nation is within a broader global context, especially within our being part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This is an opportunity to take a hard look at ourselves from a global comparative perspective. Unfortunately, while we are okay, we could do much better.

And therein lies the challenge for our lawmakers and policymakers.

For instance, he talked about tourism. Five million tourists came to the Philippines in 2023. But how many tourists visited our neighbors during the same period?

In 2022, Statista cited Thailand which

significant premium of 39 percent to MPI’s historical 3-year volume weighted average trading price of P3.75 per share.

The tender offer includes a delisting condition whereby 95 percent of outstanding common shares need to be achieved by the consortium in the tender offer, or a lower threshold as permitted by the Philippines Stock Exchange, in order for the transaction to be completed.

The delisting will ensure that the privatization plan would be achieved and avoid an undesired outcome similar to the recent Holcim (HLCM.PSE) situation, which led to an involuntary trading suspension by falling below the PSE’s minimum public float requirement of 10 percent. This would result in shareholders wishing to sell their shares of an unlisted company to be subject to unfavorable capital gains and documentary stamp taxes.

Public minorities eager to sell and receive

had 11.15 million tourists.

Even during the pandemic in 2020, they had 6.7 million tourist arrivals and as many as 39.8 million tourists in 2019.

In June, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said the first six months of 2023 had over 5.5 million foreign visitors.

In 2022, from Statista, Singapore had 6.31 million tourists. Also, regarding international airports, Vietnam has 9, while Indonesia has 34. The Philippines only has 8. Then he talked about connectivity and digitalization. He said we improved and “because of system upgrades, our internet speed has improved. As of June this year [2023], our fixed broadband speed ranks 47th among 180 countries. This ranking is 11 places higher than it was in 2022. Our mobile internet speed is now [2023] rated at 83 out of 142 countries, which is eight places higher than it was last year [2022].”

How do we compare to our neighbors?

This means a large number of minority shareholders wanting to accept the tender offer price may lose their chance for a large pay-out if the bidders are unable to complete the transaction and subsequently withdraw if the voluntary delisting is not achieved. Should this scenario happen, MPI shareholders would need to remain in a listed company and run the risk of the share price falling to levels traded prior to the initial bid in April. The existing bidders would be barred from holding another tender for a long time according to the rules, and whether there would be any desire left to do so would be another issue.

With strong support from public shareholders to see a successful transaction and monetize their investment at a high price, the best course is for the GFIs to accept the bidders’ tender offer and pave the way for minorities to sell out.

It would be unfortunate, MPI said, if all the minorities lose out on the chance to realize an attractive return opportunity for their investment.

Bidders have expressed their commitment to further support Philippine infrastructure and thus, the nature of the business of MPIC will continue.

In fact, there is still a massive need for infrastructure investments in the country and this will provide opportunities for shareholders to participate directly in infrastructure development.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

According to the Speedtest Global Index 2023, the Philippines has a fixed broadband speed of 92.84 Mbps and ranks 47th among 180 countries.

Compared to others, Singapore wields the 1st place in fixed broadband internet among the 180 countries with 247.29 Mbps.

Vietnam is in 44th place with its 93.44 Mbps. Malaysia has the 39th spot at 95.69 Mbps. Thailand is in the top 6 at 206.60 Mbps.

Additional data from the same index in 2023 on mobile internet speed indicate that while the Philippines has its 83rd place at 26.98 Mbps, Malaysia’s 48.10 Mbps earned 46th place.

Singapore is in 25th place at 77.95 Mbps. Thailand has 40.15 Mbps, giving it 60th place.

Vietnam has 47.31 Mbps and secured its 50th place. Brunei is in 5th place at 129.04 Mbps.

We definitely need to catch up with our neighbors.

(The full article online)

We have less than two years to spin even more fascinating tales that will catch the fancy and stir the imaginations of the world’s readers

Teodoro noted the ‘enduring friendship and cooperation between’ Manila and Seoul across various fields and concerns

There is still a massive need for infrastructure investments in the country and this will provide opportunities for shareholders to participate directly in infrastructure development

We must aim not just to survive but to thrive and excel; and we must act with a sense of urgency

Stocks, peso fall on rising US Treasury yields

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL stocks and the peso started the trading week in the red amid rising US Treasury yields and growing concerns over China’s economy.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 70.57 points, or 1.12 percent, to close at 6,219.70, while the broader all-shares index slipped 28.52 points to settle at 3,354.89.

“Although most Asian markets were in positive territory, sentiment in our market remained weak as rising US treasury yields and underwhelming China interest rate cut have prompted investors to reassess their risk exposure to equities,” China Bank Capital man-

PSEi August 22, 2023

TOP GAINERS

aging director Juan Paolo Colet said.

Colet said while the market is ripe for technical rebound, many investors remain cautious ahead of the United States Federal Reserve’s annual economic policy symposium slated later this week.

The peso also weakened Tuesday to close at 56.38 against the US dollar from 56.18 Friday,

Meanwhile, Asian equities mostly rose after a recent streak of losses, though investors’ mood remained dimmed by

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

Indonesia, Boeing sign deal for sale of F-15 fighter jets

JAKARTA—Indonesia and US aircraft manufacturer Boeing have agreed on a deal for the sale of two dozen F-15EX fighter jets as Southeast Asia’s biggest economy moves to modernize its fleet, Jakarta’s defence minister said Tuesday.

Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) committing to the sale on Monday between Indonesian air force and Boeing officials at the company’s St Louis facility.

“MoU signing commitment to purchase 24 F-15EX Fighter Aircraft Units,” Subianto wrote on Instagram under an image of him witnessing the deal’s signing.

Boeing said in a statement Monday the deal would “put Indonesia at the top of air dominance capabilities”.

The F-15EX is the most advanced version of the fighter jet and the F-15 is only used by more than half a dozen countries globally.

Jakarta currently owns US-made F-16 jets and ageing Russian Sukhoi jets. Last year it agreed to buy 42 French-made Rafale fighter jets in an $8.1 billion deal. The latest F-15 sale—of which neither side has disclosed the value —is still subject to US government approval.

It comes after Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin visited Jakarta in November for negotiations over the deal. AFP

concerns over China’s economy and the outlook for US interest rates.

Markets globally have struggled this month on the prospect that the US Federal Reserve will hike borrowing costs once more before the end of the year as it looks to bring inflation to heel.

A string of data out of Washington in recent weeks has indicated the world’s top economy remains resilient and the jobs sector tight, even after more than a year of tightening.

However, there are fears that a further turning of the screw could be fatal.

A planned speech this week by Fed chief Jerome Powell at a gathering of central bankers and business leaders will be closely watched for some guidance on officials’ thinking and future policy.

The remarks come as debate swirls among policymakers and investors over whether more work is needed, though some observers say the market has largely priced in another hike.

“Each incremental hike that they have from here just raises the risk that we have a much sharper slowdown in 2024 and perhaps even a recession,”

Lori Heinel, at State Street Global Advisors, told Bloomberg Television.

However, she added that “as long as inflation remains contained, we think that they will take a pause here”.

On Wall Street, the Nasdaq surged more than one percent thanks to strong buying in big-name tech titans including Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook parent Meta. With AFP

Japan to release water from stricken Fukishima facility

TOKYO—Japan will release water from the stricken Fukushima power plant into the Pacific Ocean from Thursday, 12 years after one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters.

Japan insists that the gradual discharge of the more than 500 Olympic swimming pools’ worth of water from the site in northeast Japan, announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday, is safe.

The Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power station was knocked out by a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people in March 2011, sending three of its reactors into meltdown.

Operator TEPCO has since collected 1.34 million tonnes of water used to cool what remains of the still highly radioactive reactors, mixed with groundwater and rain that has seeped in.

TEPCO says the water will be diluted and filtered before release to remove all radioactive substances except tritium, levels of which are far below dangerous levels.

“Tritium has been released (by nuclear power plants) for decades with no evidential detrimental environmental or health effects,” Tony Hooker, a nuclear expert from the University of Adelaide, told AFP. ‘Immense’

This water will be released into the ocean off Japan’s northeast coast at a maximum rate of 500,000 liters (132,000 US gallons) per day.

The UN atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in July the release would have a “negligible radiological impact on people and the environment”.

AI likely to augment rather than destroy jobs—UN study

Countries should therefore design policies to support an “orderly, fair and consultative” shift, the report authors said, stressing that “outcomes of the technological transition are not predetermined.” AFP

On Tuesday, the IAEA said its staff would be on site for the start of the discharge and beyond and will publish “real-time and near real-time monitoring data”.

Japan’s fisheries agency will take samples of bottom-dwelling flatfish at two designated sampling spots near the outlet of the water pipe. AFP

GENEVA, Switzerland—Artificial Intelligence is more likely to augment jobs than to destroy them, a UN study indicated on Monday, at a time of growing anxiety over the potential impact of the technology.

The launch in November of the generative AI platform ChatGPT, which is capable of handling complex tasks on command, was seen as a tech landmark foreshadowing a potentially dramatic transformation of the workplace.

But a fresh study from the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO) examining the potential effect of that and other platforms on job quantity and quality suggests that most jobs and industries are only partially exposed to automation.

Most are “more likely to be complemented rather than substituted by the latest wave of Generative AI, such as ChatGPT”, the ILO said.

“Therefore, the greatest impact of this technology is likely to not be job destruction but rather the potential changes to the quality of jobs, notably work intensity and autonomy.”

The study meanwhile highlighted that the effects of technology would vary greatly between professions and regions, while it warned women were more likely than men to see their jobs affected.

It found that clerical work was the category of jobs with the greatest technological exposure, with nearly a quarter of tasks considered highly exposed and more than half of tasks having medium-level exposure.

In other occupational groups, including managers and technicians, only a small share of tasks was found to be highly exposed, while around a quarter had medium exposure levels, the ILO said.

The analysis meanwhile indicated that higher-income countries would experience the greatest effects from automation due to the important share of clerical and para-professional jobs in the job distribution there.

It found that a full 5.5 percent of total employment in high-income countries was potentially exposed to the automating effects of generative AI, whereas only 0.4 percent of employment in low-income countries was.

At the same time, the study found that the share of employment potentially affected by automation was more than twice as high for women as for men, due to women’s over-representation in clerical work, especially in high- and middle-income countries.

While Monday’s report showed significant differences in the potential impact on AI-generated job losses between wealthy and poorer countries, it found that the potential for augmentation was nearly equal across countries.

This suggests that “with the right policies in place, this new wave of technological transformation could offer important benefits for developing countries”, the ILO said.

It cautioned though that while augmentation could indicate positive developments, like automating routine tasks to free up time for more engaging work, “it can also be implemented in a way that limits workers’ agency or accelerates work intensity”.

This photograph taken in Toulouse, southwestern France, on July 18, 2023 shows a screen displaying the logo of Bard AI, a conversational artificial intelligence software application developed by Google, and ChatGPT. AFP

SOUTH AFRICA VISIT. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (center) arrives at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 22, 2023, during Chinese President Xi Jinping (unseen) state visit to South Africa. AFP

BUSINESS

BSP keeps 3% credit card interest ceiling

By Julito G. Rada

THE Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday it retained the existing ceilings on credit card charges so that consumers would continue to have access to affordable financing.

This means the maximum interest rate or finance charge on unpaid outstanding credit card balance of a cardholder remains at 3 percent a month or 36 percent annually.

It said the monthly add-on rates that credit card issuers could charge on installment loans would be maintained at a maximum 1 percent. Meanwhile, the maximum processing

IN BRIEF

AirAsia PH warns travelers vs. social media scams

AIRASIA Philippines on Tuesday asked air travelers to take extra precaution when transacting with individuals on social media who allegedly represent the brand.

The airline said it received multiple reports of Facebook groups and individuals using the brand for unofficial dealings, offering cheap flights, tour packages and other tourism-related products. Some Facebook groups using AirAsia’s name are also involved in promoting suspicious online transactions, such as job offerings, leading to phishing and other forms of online scams, it said.

“As the pioneer in low-cost air travel and an integrated digital travel and leisure platform, we want to educate and safeguard our guests from scams and other forms of online fraud, especially since most transactions are at their fingertips,” said AirAsia communications and public affairs country head Steve Dailisan.

“We would like to remind our guests that personal information may be collected through airasia.com or airasia Superapp only. The moment a group or an individual allegedly representing our brand solicits your personal information or asks for money, drop the transaction immediately and report them to proper authorities,” said Dailisan. Joel E. Zurbano

DoubleDragon set to open serviced apartment in ‘24

DOUBLEDRAGON Corp. said Tuesday it will open five-star luxury serviced apartment

ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park in 2024.

DoubleDragon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange subsidiary DoubleDragon Properties Corp. held a topping off ceremony on the 300-room serviced apartment as the building structure and topmost floor of the project were completed.

ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park, which sits on a 5,567-square-meter lot at the five-hectare

DoubleDragon Meridian Park, is expected to be operational and begin generating recurring revenues by 2024.

The Ascott Limited, a subsidiary of Singapore based property company Capital Land, will operate and manage Ascott-DD Meridian Park.

“The premium luxury development ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park will complete and further enhance the mix of the whole complex as it is positioned to be the mini-central business district in the Bay Area of Pasay City,” DoubleDragon said. Jenniffer B. Austria

DITO CME raises P2.2b to fund telecom business

DITO CME Holdings Inc. said Tuesday it raised P2.2 billion from the sale of shares to fund the expansion of its telecom unit.

The company said in a disclosure the stock exchange it sold 610 million shares to Xterra Ventures Ptd. Ltd. and 1.59 billion shares to Summit Telco Corp. Pte. Ltd. at P1 apiece. DITO CME identified the two buyers as unrelated third-party subscribers.

DITO CME president Eric Alberto said the objective was to “raise as much as investment to be able to fund critical project of ours.”

“As you know, the telco vertical is a very capital-intensive industry, and if we are to be true to our ambition to be a major enabler of digital services in the country, our first order of the day is for us to be able to raise the adequate funding,” he said.

DITO allocated P27 billion for 2023 capital expenditures.

The company spent over P150 billion for the initial rollout of its infrastructure and other operating expenses as part of its commitment to invest P257 billion over a five-year period to achieve 55 megabits per second of internet speed, covering 84 percent of the population. Darwin G. Amojelar

fee on the availment of credit card cash advances stays at P200 per transaction.

The ceilings on credit card transactions are subject to review following a sixmonth period.

“The BSP’s decision to maintain the current ceilings on credit card transactions strikes a balance between providing consumers with access to credit card financing at steady rates and ensuring long-

term viability of banks/credit card issuers so that they can continue to provide quality service to their clients,” BSP Governor

Eli Remolona said in a statement.

Credit card receivables climbed 29 percent year-on-year as of end-May 2023, faster than the 17.1 percent increased a year ago. This was driven by firm demand for credit cards as evidenced by a 34.6-percent year-on-year growth in credit card billings, compared to the 28.5-percent growth in the previous year.

Data showed that amid the expansion in credit card receivables, banks/ credit card issuers maintained the quality of their credit card portfolio. Nonperforming credit card receivables as of end-May 2023 declined to P23.4 billion from P29.3 billion a year earlier. The ratio of non-performing credit card receivables to credit card receiv-

SB FINANCE’S AWARD.

SB Finance, the consumer finance arm of Security Bank, takes home the award for Best Digital Consumer Lending in the Philippines at The Asian Banker Philippine Awards on Aug. 16, 2023 at Fairmont Makati. Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) The Asian Banker research director Christian Kapfer, SB Finance head of marketing and corporate communications Anna Disini, head of sales and distribution for consumer finance Mikal Rallonza, head of sales and distribution for auto finance Lovely Galang, president and chief executive Abbie Dans-Casanova, business head of corporate employee loan Jas Gaa and The Asian Banker international resource director Wilson Chia.

Jollibee expects to exceed 2023 targets on strong sales

JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. likely exceed its growth targets for 2023 amid sustained strong performance of major brands in the domestic and overseas markets, a top executive said Tuesday.

Jollibee chief finance officer Richard Shin said in a media briefing the group’s first-half financial results were already above the group’s guidance in terms of system-wide sales, samestore sales and operating income.

“For the rest of the year, we believe that we will not only deliver on our guidance but likely exceed it,” Shin said System-wide sales in the first six months rose 23 percent, beating the guidance of 15 percent to 20 percent for 2023, while first-half same store sales grew 15.1 percent, exceeding the target of 7 percent to 10 percent.

Operating income in the first six months grew 50.7 percent, compared to 20 percent to 25 percent growth target for the year.

Shin said the group was also on track to meeting its target store opening of 550 to 600 stores in 2023.

He said the Philippine market delivered robust results despite macroeconomic headwinds, while Europe, Vietnam and United States also showed steady positive results.

“The optimism is really coming from seeing month after month of performance from our domestic business and seeing some of our laggards from last year, like Smashburger, turning around,” Shin said.

He said while the China business also reported strong first-half results, current headwinds in China could af-

ACEN Renewables, German firm get approval for joint venture

ACEN Renewables International Pte Ltd. and German firm ib vogt (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. on Tuesday declared effective the shareholder’s agreement for their joint venture company, IBV ACEN Renewables Asia Pte. Ltd. after securing regulatory approvals.

ACEN Corp. said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange ib vogt’s and ACEN subsidiary ACRI signed an agreement to set up a platform to fund large-scale solar power plants in Asia.

“The joint venture will focus on shovel-ready projects in Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries in the Asia Pacific region, with a minimum target operational capacity of 1,000 megawatts,”

ACEN said.

ACEN earlier said it would invest

$200 million in addition to debt funding to develop solar projects in Asia in partnership with ib vogt.

The majority of projects will stem from ib vogt Asia development pipeline of more than 5,000 MW. They are also open to acquiring late-stage projects from local and regional developers.

ACEN International president and chief operating officer Patrice Clausse earlier said ACEN has a strong history of partnering with best-in-class energy developers to build renewable energy projects across the Asia Pacific region.

“ib vogt has a proven track record of developing solar projects across Eu-

rope, Asia, and North Africa, and we are very excited to partner with ib vogt as we set up a platform to continue building out our presence across the region together,” said Clausse.

The Germany company has been developing more than 2,500 MW of solar power plants globally with a project pipeline of more than 40,000 MW.

ACEN is the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group. The company has about 4,400 MW of attributable capacity in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India. The company aspires to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, with a goal of reaching 20,000 MW of renewables capacity by 2030. Alena Mae S. Flores

ables also fell to 3.9 percent as of endMay 2023 from 6.3 percent NPL ratio last year.

The BSP said earlier it would continue to pursue strategies to promote digitalization in the financial industry. Through the prudent use of innovation, banks/credit card issuers will be able to improve delivery of their services as well as enhance customer experience at lower operating cost, it said.

It said ongoing efforts to instill the importance of the responsible use of credit cards as part of financial literacy programs would help consumers make sound personal financial decisions.

“All these efforts are geared towards ensuring a resilient, dynamic and inclusive financial system,” the BSP said.

Ayala sells 92.4% stake in German auto parts marker

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. said

Tuesday wholly-owned subsidiary AC Industrial Technology Holdings Inc. sold its entire stake in German automotive parts maker MT Technologies GmbH for an undisclosed amount.

AC Industrial, and in turn Ayala, will book a loss of about 26 million euros (P1.59 billion) from the transaction.

Ayala said in a disclosure to the stock exchange AC Industrial completed the sale of its 92.45-percent stake in MT to Germany-based Callista Asset Management 18 GmbH, an affiliate of Callista Private Equity.

The conglomerate said the deal is part of the group’s overall plan to generate $1 billion from sale of non-core assets and stake in joint venture partnerships.

fect other industries.

Shin said Jollibee remains keen on China given its huge market and potential for growth.

The Jollibee group was operating 6,617 stores, including 3,287 in the Philippines and 3,330 overseas as of end-June 2023.

Jollibee earlier announced plans to bring in Singaporen food and beverage brands Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters to the Philippines via a P250-million joint venture.

Tiong Bahru Bakery is famous for baked goods and coffee with 16 branches in Singapore, while Common Man Coffee Roasters operates an all-day dining cafe with five stores across Singapore and Malaysia.

Jenniffer B. Austria

“AC will sharpen its focus on the continued expansion of its core businesses in real estate, banking, telecommunications and power, and scaling up its emerging businesses in healthcare and logistics,” the conglomerate said.

Ayala’s electronics manufacturing unit IMI Inc. earlier said it would sell its 80-percent stake in United Kingdom-based electronics manufacturer for £2.2 million (P156 million).

The deal will result in IMI booking $84-million (P4.7 billion) loss.

The conglomerate previously reduced its stake in Manila Water Co Inc. and divested from toll road concession and coal-fired power plant.

Ayala chief finance officer Alberto Larrazabal earlier said the company was on track to achieving its target of $1 billion from the sale of non-core assets this year.

Ayala saw its core net income rise 55 percent in the first half of 2023 to P20.5 billion, lifted by solid contributions from banking, property and power generation businesses.

Nestle signs 15-year deal to power CdO factory with renewable energy

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Nestlé

Philippines Inc. said Tuesday it signed a 15-year agreement with Cagayan Electric Power and Light Corp. and Mindanao Energy Systems for the supply of renewable electricity to its Cagayan de Oro factory.

Nestle Philippines reached a milestone in its roadmap towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions with the full transition of its Cagayan de Oro factory to RE, thus achieving 100-percent RE use in all its factories.

This meant that popular Nestlé brands like NESCAFÉ and Bear Brand would now be made at its factory in Cagayan de Oro, with an annual capacity of 160,000 tons using RE from MINERGY’s 9-megawatt Cabulig hydro plant. Other Nestle Philippines factories in Luzon, including two in Batangas (Tanauan and Lipa) and two in Laguna (Canlubang and Cabuyao), are now also supplied by renewable electricity.

Cepalco is a privately-owned distribution utility whose franchise area covers Cagayan de Oro and the municipalities of Tagoloan, Villanueva and Jasaan in Misamis Oriental. MINERGY was established by Cepalco as an independent power producer.

“One focus area of our net zero commitments is to transform our operations to reduce our carbon footprint. With that, a priority task for us has been to fully convert our electricity power source to renewable electricity. Today,

we are happy to complete that task with our Cagayan de Oro factory to renewable electricity,” said Nestle Philippines chairman and chief executive Kais Marzouki.

He said the company’s full transition to full renewable electricity, starting with its Luzon facilities in 2016, was once considered too ambitious.

“But it has been completed two years early, because of the dedication and perseverance of our Nestlé Philippines team, with the indispensable support and participation of our partners, especially the Department of Energy, the Cagayan de Oro City government, and those of you in the private sector. This milestone is equally yours, because you have made it possible,” Marzouki said.

Cepalco and MINERGY assured Nestle Philippines of reliable power supply from its Cabulig mini-hydro power plant in Misamis Oriental.

Cepalco is looking at putting up another mini-hydro power plant at the lower portion of the Cabulig minihydro which will have a capacity of another 9 MW to 10 MW to address Nestle Philippines’ future electricity demand.

Marzouki said Nestle Philippines is determined to fulfill its net zero commitments in striving to make a difference for the environment as the Kasambuhay for Good of Filipinos.

The company looks forward to continuing the work of tackling climate change with other like-minded stakeholders, he said.

MERALCO’S ASSISTANCE. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc (center) expresses gratitude to Manila Electric Company after the company deployed a 44-man contingent, including 32 engineers and line crew, who conducted clearing operations, power restoration and relief operations following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Egay (international name: Doksuri). Manotoc says Ilocos Norte is very thankful for all the help and assistance the Meralco contingent extended to the province.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona

CIGNAL hooks up with PTV4 to air PH five World Cup tiffs

CIGNAL TV is partnering with government station PTV4 to air the games of Gilas Pilipinas in the coming 20 23 FIBA World Cup.

The decision was made in an effort to give the basketball-crazy Filipinos the chance to watch the national team in action against some of the finest teams in the world.

“Meron kaming niluluto ng kaunti for Gilas Pilipnas games to be actually seen on PTV4. We were graciously allowed by our partners from FIBA to air it para mas marami ang makakapanood,” announced First Vice President Head of Channels and Content-Head of Sports of Cignal TV Sienna Olaso in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“We extended our offer to PTV 4 to actually carry it either live or delayed.

We just want to make sure that every Filipino will have a chance to watch it.”

Gilas focuses attention on Dominican Republic

FOR Gilas Pilipinas and head coach Chot Reyes, their third and last preparatory friendly against Mexico at the Philsports Arena last Monday came and went almost as an afterthought.

Book ‘When We Were Champions’ launched

THE mother of all books on Philippine basketball is out.

“It’s a book that begged to be written,” said Noel Albano, the author of the book, “When We Were Champions,” during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Albano, a sportswriter and former newspaper managing editor, presented his book before mediamen Tuesday, and vowed to take readers back in time, in the country’s most glorious years in the sport.

“In this book you will read about the tales by our elders. The great Philippine teams of the ‘50s and ‘60s and further back to 1911. It covers a period of six decades (until 1973),” said Albano.

He said the men behind the book exerted the “best possible effort and got the best possible assistance,” and that it was written “as objectively and as honestly as possible.”

“Now that it’s been printed, I leave it all to destiny,” said Albano.

“It’s a labor of love – 10 years in the making. It’s about time we write a book about the history of Philippine basketball,” said Ray Roquero, another sportswriter and former mayor of Valderrama in Antique.

“Reading this book is like watching Netflix,” added Roquero, who helped publish the book with great assistance from Anak Kalusugan Partylist Rep. Ray Florence Reyes.

Albano said the next plan is to knock on the doors of the country’s leading bookstores and the Department of Education on the possibility of distributing the book in schools, colleges and universities nationwide.

Albano told the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) that the book will take readers back to nine or 10 Far Eastern Games and as many Asian Games, the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the 1954 World Championships, among others.

“It’s about what made us great and what made us lose our way, when Filipinos were nearly unbeatable and

Moments after Gilas Pilipinas gave world No. 30 Mexico a big scare, 84-77, despite the absence of NBA star Jordan Clarkson in the lineup, Reyes and his coaching staff emerged from their baseline dugout only to slip into a room adjacent to the glass entrance door—the one that serves as media quarters during PBA games.

With Reyes were Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio and assistants Jong Uichico and Josh Reyes, all four solemn-faced but not because of the outcome.

Also with them, having driven straight from the airport after a 24-hour flight, layovers included, from Granada, Spain, was Tim Cone, Gilas Pilipinas’ main man in charge of plotting the defense in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Cone, who missed Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-

up games against Ivory Coast and Montenegro, was in Granada, a city of 232,208 in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, for a top-secret mission: file a dossier on the Dominican Republic, the national team’s opening opponent at 8 p.m. on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Cone was there when the Dominican Republic, powered by Minnesota Timberwolves forward KarlAnthony Towns, beat Canada 94-88 in a tune-up game, and when Spain narrowly escaped with victory, 86-77, over the world No. 23.

A sole occupant in the room was mildly surprised when the Gilas Pilipinas coaches walked in, scurrying to leave, with his stuff on a table, after Reyes remarked with a smile, “Me nagsusulat pala rito e. Pano tayo mag-uusap?”

Later, after the Gilas Pilipinas coaches had stepped out from their meeting, Reyes was asked if the friendlies had left any impression on him.

“Wala na, puro Dominican Republic na,” he said, stressing further that the

“the next three days [of practice] will be all purely Dominican.”

Reyes said the three tuneup games for Gilas Pilipinas had achieved the goal to “integrate Scottie [Thompson], Jordan [Clarkson] and Kai [Sotto] to the team. Ngayon puro Dominican na.”

And Cone had all the files that could be gathered on the FIBA World Americas qualifier.

Team viewing of video footage Cone brought back from his scouting mission, Reyes said, will highlight Tuesday’s training at 4 p.m before the national team, still officially at 16 players, proceeds to the Philsports Arena playing court for their 6-8 p.m. practice.

Clarkson, of the Utah Jazz, requested a breather after playing the entire first half and the first four minutes of the third quarter in the Philippines’ 85-62 victory over FIBA Africa qualifier Ivory Coast last Friday. He then stayed in the game for 29:39 minutes during a bruising 10287 defeat to world No. 18 Montenegro of FIBA Europe two days after.

But Gilas matches and all games of the World Cup including those being held in Okinawa, Japan and Jakarta, Indonesia will be shown via free-to-air channels TV5 and One Sports, cable channels One Sports+ and PBA Rush, and satellite pay-per-view. Streaming options, meanwhile, include Pilipinas Live, Cignal Play, and Smart Livestream.

The Philippine team opens its campaign against Karl-Anthony Towns and Dominican Republic on opening day this weeken d (Aug. 25) at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Angola and Bruno Fernando come next for Gilas on Sunday (Aug. 27) and world no. 10 Italy on Tuesday (Aug 29) caps its campaign in Group A.

If fortunate enough, Gilas can advance in the second round of the group phase or be relegated in the classification phase.

“Minimum of five (games) all the way to eight games. So, sana we can enter the next phase so we can have more games,” said Olaso in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Joining Olaso in the session were Head Business Development-Cignal TV Miguel Vea, Content Manager-Cignal TV Paulo Fernandez, MD FIBA Media Andrew Ryan, and COO FIBA Media Stephanie Mignot.

In the 2019 World Cup in China, around three billion people were tuned in for the quadrennial showcase, including 55 million people in China during one of the Chinese national team’s games.

Spoelstra: USA players will be like rock stars in PH

By Peter Atencio

A BIG Filipino crowd that loves the NBA and adores its players will be waiting for Team USA come out and play.

Team USA’s Fil-American assistant coach Erik Spoelstra knows this, saying he feels the love of Filipino fans as he gets ready to watch Team USA in action in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

“The crowds are going to be rockin’. They’ve been waiting for this opportunity for all the teams to be there and show their enthusiasm for the game, this beautiful game that we are blessed to be a part of. But It’s going to be nuts. I can’t wait for our team to see it,” said Spoelstra in a statement, before members of

the Steve Kerr-coached Team USA arrived Tuesday on board a flight from Abu Dhabi at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Team officials believe that interest in the sport by Filipino fans will mostly inspire their players to come out with their best game throughout the competition.

The US squad is loaded with players from the NBA, many of them having a following the Philippines.

“This has been happening for the past 30 years. It’s truly a global game, now. The world has caught up and that’s what makes this more competitive than it’s ever been. It’s a beautiful thing that the game has expanded to every region on this planet,” added Spoelstra, the Fil-Am coach of the Miami Heat since in April of 2008.

Spoelstra, whose mother, Elisa Celino is a native of San Pablo, Laguna, said Team USA will be treated like royalty by the fans once they go out and get seen in Manila.

“They’ll be like rock stars there,” said Spoelstra of the Team USA members, who have won all five of their tuneup matches in Las Vegas, Spain and Abu Dhabi.

During those games, Anthony Edwards stood out, and made 34 points in their final friendly in a 99-91 US win over Germany.

The United States are strong favorites in Group D, with Greece, New Zealand and Jordan looking forward to score an upset.

With Steve Kerr at the helm, Team USA will be seeking their sixth World Cup crown.

Air Jordan XXXVIII takes court mobility to another level

THE Air Jordan XXXVIII introduces the X-Plate, a new plate technology drawn from the insights of Michael Jordan’s impeccable footwork. The X-Plate, which is a nod to the straps on the Air Jordan VIII, is combined with a radial herringbone traction pattern and a full-length Zoom Strobel unit.

The upper is made with a unique backless embroidery and doubles as a canvas for highlighting Michael Jordan’s performance in the 1993 championship series.

The Air Jordan XXXVIII is the most sustainably made Air Jordan signature shoe in Jordan Brand history, made of at least 20 percent recycled material by weight.

The Air Jordan signature series isn’t just the most storied footwear line in basketball history, it’s also the basketball line at the cutting edge of innovation for the next generation of players. The Air Jordan XXXVIII is the next step in that history, introducing a new plate technology drawn from the insights of Michael Jordan’s impeccable footwork. Court mobility and creating separation were the focus, harkening back to Jordan’s fadeaway jumper.

Built

Plate, which is a nod to the straps on the Air Jordan VIII, keeps the foot over the footbed during sharp movements. A radial herringbone traction pattern works with a full-length Zoom Strobel unit and full-length Cushlon 3.0 foam for just the right amount of responsive cushioning. The outrigger helps secure the foot for lateral movements. The X-Plate continues a long line of Jordanexclusive development in its plate technology, from the Flight Plate to the Eclipse Plate to the IsoPlate.

The backless embroidery over the forefoot area in the upper helps secure the foot. The upper doubles as a canvas for highlighting Michael Jordan’s performance in the 1993 championship series, when he averaged almost 41 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists on 50 percent field goal percentage. The embroidered upper features specific areas calling out those stats. For example, 41 crosshatches on the collar represent Jordan’s 41-points-per-game average for the series. Three diamonds on the medial side symbolize the Chicago franchise’s third consecutive championship.

to serve intricate footwork, the shoe is designed low to the ground so players can have more court feel during pivots, cuts and defensive slides. The new X-

Jordan Clarkson, who sat out the tuneup game against Mexico, is shown with coaches Chot Reyes and Tim Cone.

Erik Spoelstra (USA Basketball)

The Air Jordan XXXVIII is the most sustainably made Air Jordan signature shoe in Jordan Brand history.

USA’s gold medallist Sha’Carri Richardson (center), Jamaica’s silver medallist Shericka Jackson (right) and bronze medallist

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (left) celebrate after the women’s 100m nal during the World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest. AFP

Richardson outsmarts Jamaicans for stunning women’s 100m gold

Short-handed Bulldogs gun for share of lead vs. Golden Spikers

Games Wednesday 10 a.m. – Perpetual Help vs FEU (women’s) 12 noon – UE vs Mapua (women’s) 2 p.m. – San Beda vs Ateneo (men’s) 4 p.m. – UST vs NU (men’s)

NATIONAL University takes on a familiar foe but in an unfamiliar spot, facing UST without its head coach and two key players as action in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge resumes Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Bulldogs repulsed the Golden Spikers in the finals of this tournament and the UAAP last year with a full roster but they will set out for their 4 p.m. clash sans mentor Dante Alinsunurin and top hitter Nico Almendras and ace playmaker Owa Retamar.

“May mga bagay pa kami na kailangan ayusin, lalo na sa service. Ang importante ay masubukan ko yung team namin kahit wala sila Owa (Retamar) at Nico (Almendras),” said Alinsunurin, who is in VIetnam for the VTV Cup campaign of PVL team Choco Mucho. Retamar and Almendras, on the other hand, have opted to take a break.

“Pinaghahandaan namin yung possibility na mawala sila in the next few years. Kailangan ready kami sa bawat laro at bawat liga na sinasalihan naming,” said Alinsunurin.

But NU remains upbeat of its chances to score a follow-up to its 25-22, 2522, 25-19 victory over Far Eastern U last Wednesday in a bid to match the idle Perpetual Help side’s strong 2-0 start in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

In contrast, UST is reeling from a 26-28, 25-18, 28-26, 25-21 defeat at the hands of De La Salle U last Friday.

Ateneo and San Beda U, meanwhile, clash in the other men’s match at 2 p.m. with the Blue Eagles likewise eyeing a second straight win in the tournament supported by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, Asics and Mikasa.

The Loyola-based squad turned back Emilio Aguinaldo College, 2325, 25-22, 25-19, 25-16, last Sunday, while the Red Spikers bowed to the Altas, 14-25, 17-25, 22-25 loss.

Bacoor, Batangas win, hold 1-2 spot

BACOOR and Batangas trounced their opponents on Monday and kept their lofty spots in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season elimination round at the Batangas City Coliseum. The Bacoor Strikers subdued the Oriental Mindoro Disiplinados, 9576, while the Batangas City Embassy Chill Athletics routed the Negros Muscovados, 83-63, as they held the 1-2 spots in the South division of the 29-team tournament.

Bacoor raised its record to 21-4 while Batangas climbed to 19-5 and overtook General Santos City (19-6).

Levi Hernandez and Jeckster Apinan shone for the Athletics, who led by as far as 49-23 against the Muscovados, who tumbled to 10-15.

BUDAPEST—American Sha’Carri Richardson crushed Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s hopes of a sixth women’s world 100m title when she stormed to victory in Budapest on Monday.

Richardson sprinted to a championship record of 10.65sec despite being in lane nine to seal a US 100m double after Noah Lyles’ victory in the men’s event on Sunday.

Shericka Jackson and veteran Jamaican teammate Fraser-Pryce took silver and bronze in 10.72sec and 10.77sec respectively on the third day of action in the Hungarian capital.

It was a remarkable run for the 23-yearold Richardson, who was barred from the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after testing positive for marijuana.

She then saw her hopes of challenging for a medal at last year’s world championships in Eugene go up in smoke when she failed to qualify in the US trials.

“I’m here. I’m the champion. I told you all. I’m not back, I’m better!” said Richardson, whose penchant for regular hair colour changes and brightly painted nails has earned inevitable comparisons to the late Florence Griffith-Joyner.

Fraser-Pryce, the reigning champion, said she was “really grateful” for a bronze

medal after a difficult season that was hampered by a knee injury.

“Last year I ran and won in a championship record and it took another championship record to win tonight,” the 36-yearold told the BBC.

“So it just speaks to the level of consistency for female sprinting and being able to make sure that when you show up you have to give 100 percent,” she said. ‘Three in a row’

In a good night on the track for the USA Grant Holloway became the second athlete after compatriot Greg Foster to claim three consecutive world 110m hurdles titles.

Holloway, 25, shot out to a season’s best of 12.96sec to win gold ahead of Jamaica’s Olympic champion Hansle Parchment, who finished in 13.07sec.

“Three in a row!” said Holloway. “The main thing was really just to come through here and defend my title.

“I felt no pressure at all, I just wanted to run cleanly and stay calm at the finish line.”

The two field event medals on offer went to Sweden and, in a historic

first, Burkina Faso.

Olympic champion Daniel Stahl left it late to win a second world discus title that had the crowd gripped.

The Swede, who previously triumphed in Doha in 2019, had control of the leaderboard only for defending champion Kristjan Ceh of Slovenia to grab the lead with his sixth and final throw.

All eyes turned to Stahl for the final throw of the competition and the Swede did not disappoint, throwing a championship record of 71.46m.

“This was my best performance ever,” said Stahl. I had so much focus, I would say 1,000 percent on the last throw after I saw Kristjan.”

Ceh took silver with 70.02m while Lithuania’s 19-year-old Mykolas Alekna claimed bronze with 68.85m.

First global titl

In the triple jump, Hugues Fabrice Zango gave the west African nation of Burkina Faso its first global athletics title when he won with a mark of 17.64m.

Cubans Lazaro Martinez and Cristian Napoles won silver and bronze.

“The competition was easy for me,” said Zango, who won world silver last year and also claimed his country’s first ever Olympic medal with a bronze in Tokyo in 2021. AFP

Hernandez posted 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals to earn best player honors over Apinan, who tallied 13 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists.

Homegrown Oliver Neal

Arim, John Rey Villanueva and John Ambulodto also delivered for Batangas, champion of the inaugural Anta Rajah Cup in 2018, with 9 points each. Negros got 16 points and 9 rebounds from Jason Melano and 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals from Leo James Ingles.

Jammer Jamito powered Bacoor with 19 points and 5 rebounds, followed by veterans Chito Jaime, with 11 points plus 4 rebounds, and Mark Yee, with 8 points plus 15 rebounds that enabled the Strikers to rule the boards, 52-35.

Mindoro, which tumbled to 4-21, got 14 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds from Paolo Hubalde, 15 points and 4 rebounds from Tey Teodoro and 10 points plus 5 rebounds from Khen Osicos.

Imus edged Sarangani, 90-87, to notch its 12th win in 24 starts.

Sarangani had a chance to extend the game, but Rheggz Gabat missed a buzzer-beater triple and the Marlins dropped to 10-15.

Nino Canaleta tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists to earn best player honors for Imus.

Spanish football boss apologizes for kissing World Cup star

MADRID—Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, apologized on Monday for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women’s Wo rld Cup.

Rubiales, 45, planted the kiss on Hermoso after she collected her medal following the final in Sydney, provoking outrage in Spain.

“Certainly I made a mistake and I have to acknowledge that,” Rubiales said in a video posted on social media by Spanish television.

“It was done without any ill intention in a moment of the highest exuberance. Here we saw it as natural and normal but outside it has caused a commotion.

“I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this... and when representing the federation take more care,” he said, adding that he thought the furore was “idiotic”.

Earlier Spain’s sports minister on Monday had demanded that Rubiales apologise.

“I think it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her,” acting minister Miquel Iceta told Spanish public radio.

“The first thing he has to do is to give explanations and make apologies, it is the logical and reasonable thing to do,” Iceta said.

The minister added that while the 1-0 victory over

England on Sunday in Sydney was “a moment of intense emotions”, public officials “have to be extremely ca reful because we are giving a message to society and the message is equal rights, it is respect”.

‘Spontaneous’

Injured Kingad withdraws from bout vs. Hu

DANNY “The King” Kingad has made the unfortunate decision of withdrawing from his fight against “Wolf Warrior” Hu Yong at ONE Fight Night 15: Tawanchai vs. Superbon on October 7 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The no. 3-ranked flyweight contender suffered an ankle injury during training which forced him to beg off from his scheduled return bout.

“I was looking forward to the opportunity to compete and showcase my skills

in the ring. However, my current physical condition leaves me unable to perform at my best and poses a risk to my health and well-being,” he said.

Kingad was looking to string a pair of wins after his unanimous decision victory against Eko Roni Saputra at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II last February. Another victory might propel him anew in the conversation for the next challengers to ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.

But ‘The King’ is now shifting his attention to making a full recovery as he continues his chase for the crown.

With this development, Saputra is taking his place in this bout against Hu Yong.

Nevertheless, ONE Fight Night 15 will still see two of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world collide when ONE Muay Thai Featherweight World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai goes on against former kickboxing king Superbon Singha Mawynn.

Rubiales on Monday stressed that he had a “magnificent relationship” with Hermoso.

On Sunday, the player posted a video on Instagram showing the celebrations in the changing room in which she responded to teasing from team-mates by saying: “I didn’t like it, eh!” while laughing.

Later on Sunday the federation released their own quotes from Hermoso.

“It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings,” Hermoso was quoted as saying.

“The president and I have a great relationship. His behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.

“A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important.”

Spain’s preparations for the World Cup were thrown into disarray last September when 15 players sent an email to the Spanish federation saying they did not want to be considered for selection.

Their protest was aimed chiefly at coach Jorge Vilda and his methods, including complaints that he was too strict.

Rubiales supported Vilda and only three of the 15 were recalled for the World Cup. AFP

Levi Hernandez of Batangas

Luis Rubiales kisses star player Jenni Hermoso

Danny Kingad

A classic spy flick with a modern twist

HEART of Stone is a fresh, adrenaline-fueled spy thriller that adheres to the time-honored conventions of its genre while infusing contemporary and relatable elements. It features a generous dose of high-speed vehicle pursuits, breathtaking aerial stunts, and high-octane shootouts, all set against a backdrop reminiscent of a glamorous casino ambiance.

The film’s techno-espionage premise offers a wealth of captivating moments, elevated by an exceptional ensemble cast led by the talented Gal Gadot. Guiding the project is Tom Harper (known for his work on MisFits and Peaky Blinders), who takes the helm in the director’s chair, supported by a compelling screenplay crafted by comic book legend Greg Rucka and screenwriter Allison Schroeder.

The movie follows Rachel Stone (Gadot), codenamed “9 of Hearts,” a prominent figure within The Charter, an organization dedicated to maintaining global peace. This tech-savvy and no-nonsense group deals with varying levels of turmoil across the globe.

The Charter’s hand aims to quell any unrest, from terrorist attacks to full-on civil wars. To ensure their success, they utilize “The Heart”, an algorithmic super AI that has access to all data in the world and makes real-time calculations to execute decisions. This wraps up a rather simple premise that sends our main cast on a journey that includes a fair number of twists, turns, and revelations.

parts of Europe and Africa, accomplishing the most death-defying stunts and showcasing jawdropping action sequences.

Heart of Stone barely lets up for the entirety of its runtime, featuring everything from intense car chases to skydiving with reckless abandon and spectacularly gritty hand-to-hand combat scenes. While there’s a bit of breathing room in the beginning, owing to some exposition, you’ll be off to the races pretty quickly.

and Alia Bhatt ( ) tear through Landline privileges only for Smart subscribers.

Rachel Stone, Agent Parker (Jamie Dornan), and Alia Bhatt (Keya Dhawan) tear through

A cinematic journey

of love, hope, and unconventional romance

IT’S not every day that you get to watch a movie that stirs your emotions because you can relate to the story, and it’s also not an everyday occurrence to watch a romantic comedy where the leads are not the typical boy-next-door and pretty ‘it’ girl, and yet it still captures your full attention.

Monday First Screening is a movie that reaches into the depths of your heart, evoking profound emotions. It instills a sense of hope that even in life’s twilight, the possibility of discovering a person who loves and embraces us for our true selves remains alive. This narrative unfolds in the film featuring the remarkable talents of Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar

NET25 Films presents its inaugural cinematic masterpiece, a heartwarming and captivating tale that transcends generations and brings families closer. Designed to resonate with every member of the family, Monday First Screening unspools in cinemas nationwide on August 30.

At the core of this cinematic gem lies a narrative that speaks to the universal human experience: the quest for love, the value of companionship, and the power of second chances. In a world where cinematic offerings often cater to specific demographics, Monday First Screening stands

out as a movie that bridges generations, fostering meaningful conversations and shared moments among family members.

Unlike anything seen before in Filipino cinema, Monday First Screening is a celebration of life’s most cherished aspects. Through laughter, tears, and the enchantment of unexpected connections, the film offers a poignant reminder that the journey of life is best experienced when shared with loved ones.

NET25 Films boldly ventures into unexplored territory by highlighting the stories of senior citizens seeking love and fulfillment. This unique perspective has captured the hearts of audiences across the nation, as evidenced by the flood of online comments and reviews praising the film’s authenticity and relatability.

Enjoy the action and excitement that Heart of Stone brings exclusively on Netflix. Subscribe to Smart’s Signature Plans to enjoy watching on Netflix uninterrupted with generous data allocation, as well as enjoy Unli-All Net Calls & Texts, Unli Landline Calls, and rewards and privileges only for Smart subscribers.

Helmed by Benedic Mique, ‘Monday First Screening’ is produced by NET25 Films

MUSIC megastar Rihanna has given birth to a baby boy, her second child with rapper A$AP Rocky

The singer and beauty entrepreneur became a mother for the second time at the start of the month, entertainment outlet TMZ said.

“Sources with direct knowledge tell us the baby arrived August 3rd in Los Angeles,” TMZ said. “We don’t yet know the kiddo’s name, but we do know it starts with ‘R’ and it’s a boy.”

The “Lift me up” singer welcomed her first child, a son, in May last year. And she wordlessly announced her second pregnancy at this year’s

Davao and Alajar deliver performances that are both heartfelt and inspiring. Director Benedict Mique’s skillful storytelling brings to life characters that mirror the rich tapestry of human emotions, providing a canvas upon which family members can reflect, discuss, and connect.

and that providing

Monday First Screening is not just a movie; it’s an experience that invites families to come together, share laughter, shed tears, and leave the cinema with hearts warmed and spirits uplifted. As NET25’s first foray into the world of cinema, the film encapsulates the network’s dedication to fostering strong family bonds through meaningful entertainment.

Three reasons why

‘Third World Romance’ is a must-see film

THIRD World Romance starring real-life couple Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon veers away from the usual rom-com formula featuring rich and poor antagonists. Instead, it navigates through the lens of ordinary people who struggle between love and survival.

Here are three reasons why Britney (Charlie) and Alvin’s (Carlo) love story is worth watching at the cinemas in the words of Third World Romance director Dwein Ruedas Baltazar

1. A refreshing workplace kilig and romance. The film takes an unconventional approach by showcasing relatable characters – a street vendor (raketero) and a working-class woman (raketera) – and their love story that blossoms at the supermarket where they are employed.

At times, I grow tired of watching protagonists who are always confined to boardrooms, presenting this and that. So, my constant trigger points are jobs that I can personally relate to,” shared the director, who opted for a grocery cashier and a bagger to be at the heart of the romantic narrative presented in the film.

2. A fun take on everyday money struggles. Third World Romance zeroes in on the plight of the working class but does not romanticize their situation. Instead, the film makes it fun yet realistic.

“I’ve always wanted to create a narrative set in a mall with a saleslady as the lead because while growing up, I had cousins who worked as salesladies and they looked so beautiful, like fairies to me. Their makeup was just lipstick, and their blush-on was the eyeshadow,” Baltazar recounted.

Rihanna welcomes second child with A$AP Rocky

Super Bowl in Arizona, proudly displaying her baby bump to a global audience of hundreds of millions.

Since releasing “Anti” in early 2016, Robyn Rihanna Fenty has taken a break from recording but has by no means taken it easy: she’s become a billionaire, parlaying her music achievements into successful makeup, lingerie, and high-fashion brands.

Since her last album Rihanna has performed occasional features and more recently recorded music for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. AFP

The film also addresses the common financial struggles of the general public. “This is an opportunity to focus on the masses. How can we tell the love story of the masses if we avoid the challenges they face? So what are the adversaries of the masses? It’s money, poverty, and we won’t tiptoe around those issues,” she added.

3. A modern family setup. The film puts a modern family in the spotlight but makes it typical, with Iyah Mina playing the role of a transwoman who is also the biological dad of Alvin.

“You’ll find my characters already living in such a normal environment because as a storyteller, that’s what I want to convey –this is normal. It’s no longer a big deal,” ended Baltazar.

‘Heart of Stone’ lead star Gal Gadot

‘Monday First Screening’ stars veteran actors and directors Ricky Davao (left) and Gina Alajar

Singer-songwriter Rihanna

Real-life couple Charlie Dizon (left) and Carlo Aquino banner the film ‘Third World Romance’

AUGUST 23,

I-WITNESS documentarists Howie Severino and Atom Araullo share a selection of what they’ve seen in many years of coverage in a series of photo exhibits in SM malls. The first leg opened on August 21 at SM Santa Rosa in Laguna. The exhibits are being produced in partnership between I-Witness and SM Malls.

In one episode, the documentarist became the story, as Severino was among the country’s first COVID-19 survivors. His documentary, Ako si Patient 2828, was one of the most-watched Philippine documentaries on YouTube in recent memory and won Best Documentary in the Gawad Tanglaw Awards in 2020.

Just before he got sick, Severino was an evacuee from the Taal Volcano eruption of 2020. He lives on the shores of Taal Lake.

LIFE

Seasoned scribes unveil photo exhibits showcasing years of compelling coverage

That experience too is featured in the exhibit. Unmasked remembers a world just before the pandemic shut it down and celebrates a return to interactions where faces are visible once again. Araullo shares photographs taken during his travels and documentary-making in the Philippines and abroad. Some of these include his trip to Bangladesh for his first documentary for I-Witness, “Silang Kinalimutan.” The documentary shows the story of Rohingya refugees who fled to neighboring Bangladesh after the Myanmar government denied them citizenship. It won a Gold Medal in the 2018 U.S. International Film & Video Festival for Documentary: Social Issues category.

“This exhibit is a chance for us to share our work in the real world, away

from screens, and interact with real people and not just names online,” says Severino.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the power of still images in telling a story. By bringing our photographs to a larger audience through this exhibit, we can keep the discussion going, and perhaps inspire other storytellers out there,” shares Araullo.

Apart from doing documentaries for I-Witness, Araullo co-anchors GTV’s flagship newscast State of the Nation with Maki Pulido. He is also regularly seen as a guest anchor for GMA’s 24 Oras. He headlines the bi-monthly The Atom Araullo Specials. Philippine Seas, his first documentary as a returning Kapuso, took home a Gold Medal at the 2018 U.S. International Film & Video Festival and won at the AIBs in London. This was followed by numerous

Step into the world of dreamscape

CONRAD Manila presents captivating new collections by the awardwinning visual artist Maria Victoria “Marivic” Rufino at the 25th edition of its Of Art and Wine (OAAW) exhibit in the hotel’s Gallery C. The much-awaited opening of this exhibit, titled Scintilla: Dreamscapes, unveils 23 paintings and five delicately crafted functional art pieces, including lamps and dividers. Rufino is a Filipino artist, writer, concert producer, and businesswoman. She graduated with honors from Marymount Manhattan College, New York, majoring in Theater Arts and English Literature.

Born in the Philippines, she attended high school at Marymount International School in Barcelona, Spain, and in Rome, Italy, where she gradu - ated as valedictorian. She studied painting in both Western and Chinese traditions (Ling Nan) under various masters in Manila and New York. She has held 18 solo exhibitions in Paris, France; San Francisco, California; Madrid, Spain; and Manila.

means spark, represents the creative energy after a long hiatus. This marks Rufino’s 19th solo exhibition, showcasing artworks that bring her dreams and memories to life through watercolor and mixed media.

The main theme of her Dreamscapes is nature, featuring imaginary vistas of the sky, sea, sun, mountains, and color fields. Together, the 28 artworks on display reflect her spirit and desire for a peaceful world. Fabio Berto, Conrad Manila’s General Manager, shares, “This new art exhibit, which highlights nature, not only provides our guests with a new and elevated creative experience but also reminds them of our promise and commitment to filling the world with the light and warmth of hospitality while taking utmost consideration of the environment through sustainable practices.”

accolades for his various work as a news anchor and journalist, including the Bronze medal at the 2022 New York Festivals TV & Film Award for his I-Witness documentary “Koronang Tinik (Crown of Thorns).”

Araullo is the first recipient of the Outstanding Media Personality Award at the 2023 Lasallian Scholarum Awards of De La Salle University. He also took home the First Prize in the Essay Writing competition at the 70th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for his “Letter from Tawi-Tawi.” In addition to his documentary work,

Figaro!

WHILE I do like watching operas, the main language the singers use gets in the way of my full immersion in the story. Yes, the music transcends boundaries, but it also wouldn’t hurt if I understood the lyrics.

I was ecstatic when CCP artistic director Dennis Marasigan shared a few months ago that the next installment of the CCP Out of the Box Series will be back-to-back abridged versions of opera in Filipino. As he said, “In olden times, the composers wanted their operas to be in the language of their audiences. So, we decided to translate the two operas into Filipino. We want opera to be more accessible to Filipino audiences.”

It was a welcome proposition for me. I’m sure I would have a deeper appreciation for Gioachino

Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, the featured operas in CCP’s newest program featuring unconventional programming for adventurous artists and audiences. After its successful premiere with Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series returns with Figaro! Figaro!! on August 25, 7:30 p.m., and August 26, 3:00 p.m., at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).

Severino is editor-at-large for GMA News Online and hosts the podcast The Howie Severino Podcast. In 2014, he mounted his first photo exhibit, Stare: Through the Lens of Howie Severino, also at SM malls. Unmasked will run until May 26, 2024. It will be at SM City Santa Rosa until August 30. The public can also catch the exhibit at SM City San Pablo, SM City Calamba, SM City Tanza, SM City Molino, SM City Trece Martires, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM City Lucena, SM City Daet, SM City Naga, SM City Legazpi, and SM City Sorsogon.

The official opening of Of Art and Wine: Scintilla: Dreamscapes Elizabeth Sy President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC); Peggy , Executive Vice President of SMHCC; Fabio Berto; and Cid , a renowned Filipino artist

Featured artist Rufino says, “My life-long journey in art has been challenging due to multiple responsibilities, but it has been very fulfilling. The exhibitions and productions I have done over the years were for the benefit of foundations and missionaries helping abused children and women.

Child protection and environmental care are my personal advocacies, and I am delighted to further strengthen that with this exhibit at Conrad Manila.”

experi the was spearheaded by Conven Angeles and Reyes and art critic. mission help pro advoca fur Scin tilla: Dreamscapes

Of Art and Wine: Scinis on view at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C until October 21. For inquiries, call Conrad Manila at +632 8833 9999 or email conradmanila@ conradhotels.com.

The exhibition showcases Rufino's artworks that bring her dreams and memories to life through watercolor and mixed media

What’s out-of-the-box about the abridged opera production?

Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the back-to-back opera production follows the adventures of Figaro, the main character of the two operas, which is based on The Figaro Trilogy by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais The trilogy – Le Barbier de Séville (The Barber of Seville), Le Mariage de Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), and La Mère coupable (The Guilty Mother) – revolves around the adventures of a resourceful servant named Figaro, as well as the fascinating recurring characters.

Beaumarchais’s second play, Le Mariage de Figaro, was the inspiration of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Although it was composed 30 years later, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville has always been regarded as a prequel to Mozart’s opera.

Rossini’s four-act opera follows Figaro, a barber, as he assists Count Almaviva to pry away the beautiful Rosina from her lecherous guardian Dr Bartolo and make sure true love wins.

In Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, the journey continues with Figaro being betrothed to Suzanne, the Countess Rosina’s maid, and how Count Almaviva attempts to prevent the couple’s marriage. Amid various attempts, suspicions, and intrigues, will the couple finally find their happy ending?

The abridged stories come alive in CCP Out of The Box Series: Figaro! Figaro!! with perfor-

Floyd Tena

mances by Filipino talents Bianca Camille Aguila, Roxy Aldiosa, Diego Aranda, Angeli Benipayo, Ruzzel Clemeno, Nerissa de Juan, Roby Malubay, Nomher Nival, Noel Rayos, Jonathan Tadioan, and Floyd Tena Farley Asuncion takes charge of the music direction, with Ohm David for set design, Raqs Regalado for costume, TJ Ramos for sound, and Marasigan for lighting.

The CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series has been conceptualized to present performances that audiences normally wouldn’t see in conventional programming. Paired with the ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, the premier arts and culture institution of the country strives to continue fostering artistic excellence and cultural representation across multiple venues.

Tickets can be purchased for P1500 via TicketWorld. For the latest updates, follow the CCP official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok, and visit the CCP website (www. culturalcenter.gov.ph) for other inquiries.

and Wine: Scintilla: Dreamscapes’ is on viewing

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

‘Of Art

Bianca Camille Aguila

Jonathan Tadigan

Noel Rayos

Social Issues category. us perfor ) other

Award-winning journalist Atom Araullo shares photographs taken during his travels and documentarymaking in the Philippines and abroad

'Unmasked' is an exhibit of photos from the field by Howie Severino and Atom Araullo

Seasoned journalist Howie Soverino says that the exhibit serves as their chance to share their work with the real world