Manila Standard - 2023 November 19 - Sunday

3 DEAD IN GENSAN, TOLL IN MINDANAO QUAKE UP TO 7

20 .00

IN MET R MANILAO

GONE SIDEWAYS. Part of a house collapses on a pickup truck in Glan, Sarangani in the aftermath of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on Friday night.

NDRRMC Photo VOL. XXXVII • NO. 277 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES NOVEMBER 19, 2023

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PBBM CITES FISHERMEN’S PLIGHT TO CHINA LEADER MARCOS, XI CRAFTING WAYS TO EASE TENSIONS IN WPS

By Charles Dantes

P

RESIDENT Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday (Manila time) discussed fishing rights and other mechanisms to ease tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea. The two leaders had a pull-aside meeting at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, Califor California.

President Marcos said he raised his concerns about the ongoing tensions in the area, especially the plight of Filipino fishermen, during his discussion with Xi. “The problems remain and it is something that we will need to continue to communicate to find ways to avoid such incidents. And of course, as ever, whenever this issue comes up, I always bring up the plight of our fishermen,” Mr. Marcos said during a media interview.

The President was referring to the Oct. 22 incident in the WPS where a Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a Philippine supply boat, which was on a regular rotation and resupply mission to the detachment manning the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Mr. Marcos said that he and Xi exchanged ideas

on specific agreements on how to ease the tensions in the South China Sea. “That’s essentially the message that we spoke of to each other, that we were in agreement that the problems that we have in South China Sea, with China, should not be the defining element of our relationship,” President Marcos said.

“And hopefully to find ways to avoid that and have ways to move forward from this situation. Essentially, we tried to come up with mechanisms to lower the tensions in (the) South China Sea,” he added.

To further push for peace and stability in the re-

gion, President Marcos shared that he requested another meeting with Xi to voice some concerns about the incidents that transpired between Chinese and Philippine vessels.

“We have to continue to communicate. We have to continue to be candid with one another and to be sincere in our desire to keep the peace.

And I think that sincerity exists for both all parties involved. I do not think anybody wants to go to war,” Mr. Marcos said.

Before their meeting, China and the Philippines had been involved in various maritime jousts inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

China’s aggressive behavior and maneuvers, such as pointing lasers, water cannon attacks, blocking of resupply ships in Ayungin shoal, and the more recent boat-ramming incident, were condemned by the Philippines and the international community.

FIRM HANDSHAKES.

President Marcos (right) swaps firm handshakes with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peru President Dina Boluarte (inset left, with Speaker Martin Romualdez witnessing at right) in separate meetings on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco, which ended Friday (Saturday in Manila). Ver Noveno and MPC photo

THE death toll from a strong earthquake off the southern Philippines rose to seven on Saturday, while rescuers also searched for two people feared buried beneath a landslide.

The 6.7-magnitude quake that struck the Mindanao region midafternoon on Friday caused part of a shopping mall ceiling to collapse, triggered power cuts and sent people fleeing into the streets.

Falling debris from the mall in General Santos City crushed a woman to death, city police captain Ari Noel Cardos told Agence France-Presse.

Police earlier reported the death of a couple pinned under a collapsing concrete wall in General Santos.

Another person was killed by a falling steel structure in the municipality of Glan, in Sarangani province, police officer Paul Mesalido told AFP. Firemen dug with shovels as they searched on Saturday for two mem members of a family feared buried beneath a landslide at a remote mountain vil village about four hours’ drive from Glan, rescuer Daniel Nocos told AFP. In San Francisco, President Marcos Jr. said he was willing to go home ear earlier if there are measures that only he can execute following the earthquake in Mindanao, but later said there was no need for him to cut his six-day of official visit to the United States short.

The President on Friday evening ordered all relevant government agencies to take action to secure the well-being of the public following the magnitude 6.8 earthquake.

Meanwhile, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who is with the President in the United States, has designated House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Erwin Tulfo to assess the damage and identify resources re required for relief and recovery.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has also been placed on high alert following the earth earthquake.

Department of Agricul Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has also mobilized a quick response team to pro provide relief to farmers and fisherfolk impacted by the tremor.

The Civil Aviation Au Authority of the Philippines reported some minor damages at the General Santos International Air Airport.

General Santos City sus suspended all classes in pub public and private schools from Nov. 18 to 21 “to en ensure the safety and welfare of the people” after the quake. Mayor Lorelie Pac Pacquiao also suspended work in government offices on Nov. 20. AFP with Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz, Othel Campos, and Joel Zurbano

PRESIDENT, TIKTOK INK ‘EDUTAINMENT’ LAKRINI 2ND RUNNER-UP IN MS. GLOBE PAGEANT PACT FOR PINOY SMALL BUSINESSES By Angelica Villanueva PRESIDENT Marcos has teamed up with social media giant TikTok to launch “edutainment” initiatives for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The President met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in San Francisco, California on Friday (Saturday in Manila) and shared his desire to utilize TikTok’s huge popularity among Filipinos to train local sellers, particularly those in rural areas, in effectively marketing their products online.

Chew expressed his company’s commitment to Mr. Marcos, highlighting their plans to roll out two “edutainment” projects that will foster greater inclusivity for smaller sellers across the country.

The Philippines has approximately 50 million TikTok users. Chew has pledged to uphold the importance of a safe and secure platform, assuring Mr. Marcos

that they have strict community guidelines in place to combat online abuse and misinformation.

President Marcos acknowledged the challenges of differentiating between strong opinions and fake news, particularly in the political arena, but commended TikTok’s proactive approach to content moderation.

TikTok, a video hosting service by Chinese firm ByteDance, was introduced to the Philippines in May 2017. In April of last year, TikTok launched its e-commerce section, TikTok Shop.

With 325 million monthly users, TikTok sees Southeast Asia as its biggest emerging market. However, TikTok Shop’s gross merchandise value in Southeast Asia was only US$4.4 billion last year. Charles Dantes

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A NIGHT before the Miss Universe coronation night, Anna Valencia Lakrini, the Philippines’ bet to the Miss Globe 2023 pageant, once again showcased the country’s rich beauty heritage as she bagged the 2nd runner-up title on Saturday in Tirana, Albania.

Wearing a stunning silver ensemble with a slit and intricate beadwork designed by Filipino fashion designer Louis Pangilinan, Lakrini strutted the Miss Globe stage as she proudly wore her crown as the crowd cheered for her.

Malaysia’s Manvin Khera claimed the Miss Globe 2023 crown while Katia Agbodo Rodriguez of Spain earned the first runner-up title.

During the pageant’s Q&A portion, Lakrini was asked about her favorite life motto and the reason behind it. instagram.com/ manilastandard

Anna Valencia Lakrini

With a heartfelt response, the 25-year-old Filipina-German beauty queen shared the importance of savoring each moment of her life.

“Well, my favorite life quote would be to always enjoy the moment, ‘cause you never know when it’s too late. I am very happy that my family is here, actually, because I haven’t seen them in two years,” said Lakrini.

She emphasized living in the present moment, stating: “You know, it’s always important to live in the moment. Live ‘cause you never know when it’s too late; and I think COVID really showed us to really enjoy each and every single second with family members, loved ones, or just friends.”

Wearing a one-piece swimsuit, the Bataan native earned the first runnerup spot during the Miss Globe’s Miss Bikini competition.

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4PS PAYOUT SET TO RESUME THIS NOV. 30: DSWD

MARCOS: MAHARLIKA FUND RULES NOT BEING RELAXED

By Charles Dantes

P

RESIDENT Marcos on Saturday (Manila time) defended the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) from its detractors.

Recently, critics had called out the alleged relaxation of Maharlika’s IRR for political accommodations, citing the changes in its requirements.

“I don’t know where we relaxed anything. Quite the contrar y, hinigpitan natin (we tightened it).

What happened between the last – the IRR – the first draft – no, the first and last drafts of the IRR, the differences were only the powers

of the board,” Mr. Marcos said in a media interview.

At the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco, California, which ended Friday (Saturday in Manila), President Marcos reiterated his initial statement of insulating politics from handling Maharlika Investment Corporation.

“More or less there are several— there are couple of other things but

basically it was the powers of the board that we changed. Because it was... I do say over and over again, I do not want political forces to interfere with financial decisions of the investment fund,” he added.

Th e Pre s i d e nt c l a r i f i e d h i s position on the governance of the MIF, emphasizing the board’s autonomy in decision-making while acknowledging the government’s oversight role as a major shareholder.

“But as much as possible, on the day-to-day workings of the fund, we leave it to the board. We leave it to the managers,” the President said.

“I’m a little surprise that the characterization of the changes that we made—which were not that

By Maricel V. Cruz

many by the way. There were maybe six or seven major changes in terms of, again, powers and authorities of the — essentially the board,” he added.

Addressing concerns about his power to approve or reject board nominees, Marcos clarified that the government’s controlling stake in the MIF necessitates a degree of influence over its governance.

“We hold the controlling interest; we are the government. It’s like thinking of a corporation, ‘yung pinakamalaking kapital (the largest capital) – the one with the largest capital interest is the one that has the most votes. So, that’s what happens,” Mr. Marcos remarked.

BENEFICIARIES of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who were in “limbo”for nine months have reason to smile and have a very happy Christmas this year, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said the payout of cash grants to some 761,140 4Ps beneficiaries will resume on November 30.

“The department will resume the payout for the withheld health grants-- from January to September 2023-- starting on November 30; and it will be non-compliance based while the education grants for the same period shall be based on the compliance of the beneficiaries and will be processed starting February 2024,” Lopez said.

Lopez added that aside from the cash grants, the eligible beneficiaries will also receive their rice subsidy.

The DSWD has withheld the cash grants of the subject 4Ps members following the revalidation undertaken by the 4Ps National Projec t Management O ffice (NPMO) to determine household beneficiaries who are no longer poor or non-poor.

Based on the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Lopez said the 4Ps NPMO was able to complete the reassessment of the 1,158,249 households previously identified as non-poor using the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) tool.

Based on the assessment, some 4,242 households were found to be in Level 1 or Survival Level; 756,898 households in Level 2 or Subsistence Level; and 339,660 households in Level 3 or Self-Sufficient.

DUTERTE WANTS HALFWAY HOUSES FOR ABUSE VICTIMS

AMBUSH INTERVIEW. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez answers questions from members of the Philippine media during an ambush interview at the Ritz Hotel in San Francisco, California, USA. Ver Noveno

By Maricel V. Cruz

MAKATI CITY GOVERNMENT RELEASES EMPLOYEES’ CHRISTMAS CASH BONUSES

By Joel E. Zurbano

CHRISTMAS IN MANILA. Local government officials--including Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo--and guests led the ceremonial lighting of the 45-foot Christmas tree adorned with traditional parols in Manila City on Friday. Norman Cruz

MAKATI City Hall employees received their Christmas bonuses, amounting to P569.47 million after Mayor Abigail Binay ordered the early release of the yearend benefits.

The lowest-ranking regular and casual employees received P42,800 in yearend bonuses, excluding the productivity enhancement incentive (PEI) and clothing allowance this December.

“We want our employees to avoid the Christmas rush and be able to shop for Christmas presents and prepare for the traditional Noche Buena this early,” Binay said, adding that “we expect the additional cash benefits they will receive in December to help them and their loved ones greet the New Year filled with hope and cheer.”

The bonuses consist of two months’ basic salary, P5,000 cash gift, and P12,000 incentive allowance.

HB SEEKS TO STOP ILLEGAL OBJECTS FROM GOING TO JAIL FACILITIES

By Maricel V. Cruz SURIGAO del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said Congress needs to enact a measure that calls to end the proliferation of prohibited objects inside penal, custodial, and detention facilities.

Barbers, chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said: “The bill is necessary for our government agencies to impose the appropriate penalties for persons and syndicates who continue to commit illegal activities inside correc-

tional, detention, and custodial facilities, especially convicted drug lords and hardened criminals who use these facilities as their own protected kingdom for criminal activities even while incarcerated.”

Barbers, one of the principal authors of House Bill (HB) 9153, seeks to implement the Contraband Detection and Control System (CDCS) where penalties will be provided for possessing, introducing, aiding, or abetting the entry of contraband.

The legislator made the push for the bill’s passage after the House in plenary

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session approved the bill’s second reading late this week.

The bill defines “contraband” as any object that is prohibited by law to be obtained or possessed inside correctional, custodial, and detention facilities.

These include illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, alcohol or intoxicating beverages, cigarettes, tobacco products, vapes, all forms of currency and monetary instruments, electronic communication devices, and luxury itemssuchasappliances,gamblingorgaming equipment, and jewelry.

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Binay said that all regular and casual employees will receive the traditional Pamaskong Handog gift bag containing assorted canned goods, pasta and fruit salad ingredients, and t-shirts.

Makati City Hall employees enjoy numerous benefits, including GSIS Group Personal Accident Insurance, a P1-million accidental death benefit since 2018, and free access to medical and laboratory services under the Yellow Card program.

The city partnered with KonsultaMD of the Globe Group to provide free 24/7 online consultations to all city government workers, including e-prescriptions, laboratory requests, online medical certificates, and mental health support. Employees can present their e-prescriptions to Planet Drugstore to avail themselves of free medicines.

CRIME UPDATE.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez and Philippine National Police spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo, discussed the Mindanao earthquake and the latest crime statistics showing a decline in crime incidence nationwide in a news forum in Quezon City. Robert Gines

Rolando G. Estabillo

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

REP. Paolo Duterte filed a bill that aims to establish facilities that will provide temporary protection, support, and treatment to abused women and children across the country.

House Bill (HB) 8985 proposes to set up these facilities called “halfway houses,” Duterte said.

Duterte, the principal author of the bill, also said that despite the enactment 19 years ago of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, gender-based violence continues to remain prevalent.

Citing data from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Duterte said 7,424 cases of violations of RA 9262 were reported in 2022, and another 8,430 cases in the previous year.

“On top of these cases are the many incidents of domestic violence, trafficking, sexual assault, and harassment that remain unrepor ted by abused women and children due to fear and shame,” Duterte said.

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NEWS

NOVEMBER 19, 2023 |

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NAPOLES FILES PLEA TO DISMISS PDAF PLUNDER CASES

APPLE CHIEF AND FIRST WIVES. (Froam left) Rachael Marape, spouse of the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea; Tim Cook, Apple CEO; Jill Biden, US First Lady; and Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines pose for a photo during a spousal program of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week at Apple Park in San Francisco, California, USA. AFP

STRIKE TO PUSH THROUGH; LGUS CAN ISSUE CLASS SUSPENSIONS—DEPED

T

HE Department of Education (DepEd) said it will not issue class suspensions for the nationwide transport strike that will start on Nov. 20, but emphasized that local government units (LGUs) have the discretion to do so.

The DepEd said LGUs can decide to suspend classes“depending on the situation in their areas.”

Transport groups said a three-day strike starting Monday next week will push through, despite an appeal from authorities.

Piston (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide) said 100,000 members and their local federations will participate in the transport strike, which aims to express their concerns over a government plan to upgrade the public transportation sector, Mody Floranda, Piston president, said.

Piston earlier said it would stage a nationwide strike from Nov. 20 to 23 to protest the government’s modernization program for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Floranda, quoted by reports, said that the groups “would not be against the proposed consolidation if the government promises operators would still own their franchise under the modernization program.”

Operators and drivers have said replacing traditional jeepneys will be expensive and that the program favors corporations and large cooperatives over smaller operations.

Authorities have cautioned that strikers may have their franchises revoked. This, Piston said, violates their right to strike and seek redress from the government.

Piston, which claims a membership of 120,000, had refused to join a similar protest in October organized by Manibela, another transport alliance, but said they would go on strike next week after the government rejected their request to remove the Dec. 31 deadline to form themselves into or join transport cooperatives so they could keep operating.

“This is a massacre on our livelihood through the seizure of our franchise to give way to the monopoly of large corporations in transportation,” the group said in a statement issued in Filipino.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulator y Board (LTFRB)

chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III and his board members met Wednesday to discuss how the impending transport strike would affect the riding public.

He said he would coordinate with other government agencies and local government units on ways to provide free rides to the public should the strike push through.

The Dec. 31 franchise deadline is the first component of the government’s modernization plan that would eventually phase out traditional jeepneys.

LTFRB spokesperson Celine Pialago said 120,023 units, including public utility buses, have yet to be modernized, “As of today (Wednesday), there are a total of 129,568 consolidated units for PUJs, UV Express, Mini Bus, and PUBs representing 65.03 percent of overall authorized units,” she said.

BOLUARTE EXTENDS INVITE TO PBBM TO VISIT PERU

By Charles Dantes PERUVIAN President Dina Boluarte extended a formal invitation to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to an official state visit to Peru during their bilateral meeting in San Francisco, California.

The invitation coincides with the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Peru and the Philippines, marking a milestone in the two countries’ shared history, Boluarte said “And I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you officially for [an] official State Visit to Peru, to celebrate 50 years of our bilateral ties, and next year it is going to be 50 years.

So, we’d be honored if you can pay a state visit to us to commemorate,” Boluarte told President Marcos.

Boluarte also expressed her desire to explore opportunities for increased trade and investment,

particularly in the agricultural sector. She highlighted Peru’s potential to supply the Philippines with high-quality agricultural products such as grapes, avocados, and blueberries.

Boluarte also highlighted potential investment opportunities for the Philippines in Peru’s manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and agribusiness sectors.

For his part, President Marcos graciously accepted the invitation and thanked Boluarte for taking the time to meet with him amidst her busy schedule.

“Especially, we are looking forward to coming to Lima, to Peru for the APEC but, of course, thank you again for your very kind invitation to come--- to be with you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our relations--- of our formal relations between Peru and the Philippines,” President Marcos said.

JANET Lim Napoles filed an appeal to dismiss the plunder case against her over the alleged misuse of P172 million in Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) of former senator and now chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile.

Reports said Napoles, on Nov. 3, filed a 158-page demurrer to evidence--which is essentially a motion to dismiss due to insufficiency of prosecution evidence— before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, citing a defective criminal charge and the lack of evidence.

The anti-graft court, in its minutes of the proceedings dated Nov. 6, noted Napoles’ filing of a demurrer “without leave of court,” which the court said it will resolve “simultaneously or jointly with the main decision after the presentation of evidence for accused Jessica Lucila Reyes.”

Napoles, Reyes, and Enrile are accused of conspiring to amass P172.83 million worth of kickbacks between 2004 and 2010 from Enrile’s PDAF funneled through ghost NGOs created by Napoles.

While Enrile was allowed to move to dismiss the plunder charge through a demurrer to evidence, his former chief of staff Reyes was not, reports said.

Earlier reports said in two separate rulings, cases against Napoles, known as the “pork barrel queen,” related to the misuse of PDAF in agricultural projects in the Caraga region have been dismissed.

DSWD HELPS 272 PINOYS REPATRIATED FROM ISRAEL

By Maricel V. Cruz

FACES OF POVERTY. Two young children occupy a wooden cart along

with discarded boxes in Manila. Pope Francis has declared Nov. 19 as ‘World Day of the Poor’ which aims to draw the world’s attention to those living on the margins of society. Diana B. Noche

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has continued to assist Filipinos who have been repatriated to the country amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group.

The DSWD said it has assisted some 272 overseas Filipino workers and other overseas Filipinos since the start of repatriation on Oct. 18 until Nov. 14 when the 14th batch of repatriates arrived in the country.

“The Department has released some P5.4 million worth of assistance to these repatriates which include cash and food aid,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said.

These repatriates came from Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Palestine.

Lopez, who also serves as the department’s spokesperson, said each repatriate was given P10,000 cash aid and another P10,000 food assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or AICS.

SUGARCANE FARMERS RECEIVE GRANT FROM JAPANESE GOV’T

By Othel V. Campos

GIANT SHOE. A group of students play inside a giant shoe displayed in front of Marikina City Hall as part of the city’s Christmas shoe bazaar and ‘banchetto.’ The bazaar will run from Nov. 13 to Jan. 15. Manny Palmero

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) received 800 million yen worth of farm equipment for Filipino small sugarcane farmers under the Farm Mechanization Program for Small Sugarcane Landholders program.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa handed over the grant to Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Sec Kiko” Tiu Laurel, SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, and representatives of beneficiaries from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in a turn-over ceremony held Saturday (Nov. 18) at the SRA headquarter in Bacolod City.

“I’m especially pleased to be here today to welcome our good friends from the Government of Japan and

thank them for the 80 units of tractors, 48 units of sugarcane planters, 48 units of flail mowers, and 5 units of power harrow—all extended under the Japan Non-Project Aid Program,” said Laurel during the turnover rites.

He noted that the DA played a significant role in the evaluation, approval, and monitoring of the progress of the project, explaining how mechanization reduces hard labor, relieves labor shortages, and improves the productivity and timeliness of agricultural operations.

Laurel also commended the SRA for steering the sugarcane industry toward increasing its production through small sugarcane farmers.

The new Agriculture chief said he will continue to engage with stakeholders, including the huge D A b u r e a u c r a c y, i n o r d e r t o

accomplish President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s marching orders to bring down the prices of food items like rice, sugar, meat, chicken, fish, and vegetables by increasing food production.

Laurel noted that his experience moving up the corporate ladder allowed him to witness for himself the problems of the agriculture sector and the need for national and local authorities to work together to address the problems of Filipino farmers.

“I have been on a journey of administrative responsibility. I went to see first-hand conditions throughout the agriculture sector, to see how effectively national and local authorities are taking care of the Filipino farmers’ pressing problems and how they work together to support national food security,” he said.

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IN BRIEF OPENAI SACKS CHATGPT STAR CEO SAM ALTMAN

PEACE TO THE FALLEN. A woman seen through a hole in a Ukrainian flag mourns at a makeshift memorial for fallen soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv, on Nov. 15 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP

FUEL ENTERS GAZA; 26 REPORTED KILLED IN STRIKE ON KHAN YUNIS

G

AZA—A first consignment of fuel has entered Gaza after US pressure on Israel, allowing communications to resume in the territory, where a hospital director on Saturday said 26 people had been killed in a strike in Khan Yunis.

A two-day blackout caused by fuel shortages ended after a first delivery arrived from Egypt late Friday, but UN officials continued to plead for a ceasefire, warning no part of Gaza is safe.

On Saturday, the director of the Nasser hospital

in Khan Yunis said it had received the bodies of 26 people, as well as 23 people with serious injuries, after an air strike on a residential building in the southern region’s Hamad city.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

It has been pressing operations in Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa in the north of the territory, searching for the Hamas operations center it says lies beneath.

Israel has vowed to “crush” Hamas in response to the group’s October 7 attack, which killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw around 240 people taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

The army’s air and ground campaign has since killed 12,000 people, including 5,000 children, according to Hamas, which has ruled

Gaza since 2007.

Israel has imposed a siege on the territory, allowing just a trickle of aid in from Egypt but barring shipments of fuel over concerns Hamas could divert supplies for military purposes.

However, on Friday, Israel’s war cabinet unanimously agreed to allow two fuel tankers a day “to run the wastewater treatment facilities... which are facing collapse due to the lack of electricity”, national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said.

“We took that decision to prevent the spread of epidemics,” he said.

A senior US official said Washington had exerted huge pressure on Israel for weeks to allow fuel in.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said 70 percent of residents have no access to clean water in south Gaza, where raw sewage has begun to flow on the streets. AFP

ADVERTISERS DROP X AFTER MUSK BACKS ANTI-SEMITIC POST SAN FRANCISCO—An exodus of big-name advertisers appeared under way at X, formerly Twitter, on Friday in the wake of Elon Musk endorsing an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory.

Nonprofit group Media Matters added Apple, Disney, Comcast, Lionsgate Entertainment, and Paramount Global to its list of companies pausing advertising on X. “Lionsgate has suspended advertising on X because of Elon Musk’s recent antisemitic tweets,”a spokesperson for the motion picture production and distribution company told AFP. IBM on Thursday said it stopped advertising on X due to a report its ads were shown next to pro-Nazi posts at X. Apple and Disney did not reply to requests for comment.

“Major blue-chip companies are announcing they will suspend all advertising,” the group said on a web page featuring a running list.

- White House rebuke The White House on Friday condemned Musk, the world’s richest person, for “abhorrent promotion” of anti-Semitism.

The White House was reacting to a post by Musk in which the controversial Tesla and SpaceX tycoon replied to an anti-Semitic post on X with the words: “You have said the actual truth.” AFP

WASHINGTON— OpenAI, the company that launched ChatGPT a year ago, said Friday it had dismissed CEO Sam Altman in a shock firing of a central figure in the AI revolution.

Altman became a tech world sensation with the release nearly a year ago of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot with unprecedented capabilities, churning out human-level content like poems or artwork in just seconds.

His dismissal caught the tech world by surprise, with rumors rife on social media as to the cause of the sudden sacking.

A statement about the firing

by OpenAI referred to its stated m i s s i o n o f m a k i n g s u re A I benefits everyone, and said that new leadership is needed for the company to move forward.

Fellow OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman was pushed from the company’s board in the shakeup and put out late in the day that he quit. AFP

JUDGE LETS TRUMP STAY ON COLORADO BALLOT WASHINGTON—A Colorado state judge on Friday ruled that Donald Trump can remain on the state’s presidential primary ballot, finding that while he incited political violence during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, he did not violate his oath of office by doing so.

Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace’s ruling follows similar court decisions in several other states that have left Trump on the ballot.

The ruling marks a victory for the former Republican president as he staves off well-funded legal challenges seeking to bar his return to the White House in elections next year.

Trump has yet to be removed from a single ballot as the political season unfolds.

The judge’s ruling laid blame on Trump for inciting supporters who stormed the US Capitol in 2021 to thwart the certification of election winner Joe Biden but said it was unclear if an amendment to the constitution would bar him from office.

The lawsuit was filed in Colorado

by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW), a Washington-based watchdog group, and sought to bar Trump from running for the White House again. AFP

TUNNEL RESCUE EFFORTS HALTED ON CAVE-IN FEARS

DUST AND BLOOD. An injured Palestinian woman covered in dust and blood

hugs an injured girl child at the hospital following the Israeli bombardment of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Nov. 15 amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. AFP

INDIAN rescuers said Saturday they had paused efforts to reach 40 men trapped in a collapsed road tunnel after a cracking sound created a “panic situation” over the possibility of a further cave-in.

Excavators have been removing debris from the under-construction road tunnel in the nor thern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand since Sunday after a portion of the tunnel the workers were building collapsed.

The weeklong rescue efforts have been slowed by the continued falling of debris as well as repeated breakdowns of the crucial heavy drilling machines.

The government’s highways and infrastructure company, NHIDCL, said a sudden cracking sound late Friday had “created a panic situation in the tunnel”, sparking fears the roof could cave in. AFP

DEEPFAKE SCAMMERS ON ‘FB’ TARGET NEWS ANCHORS WASHINGTON—In a Facebook video viewed by thousands, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer appears to hawk a diabetes drug. In another, “CBS Mornings” host Gayle King seems to endorse weight loss products.

But the clips are doctored—the latest in a rash of deepfakes that hijack images of trusted news personalities in spurious ads, undermining confidence in the news media.

Similar social media posts in recent months have targeted Fox News personality Jesse Watters, CBC host Ian Hanomansing and BBC stars Matthew Amroliwala and Sally Bundock.

In some cases, the journalists have used their own accounts to push back.

“I’ve never heard of this product or used it! Please don’t be fooled by these AI videos,”King said on Instagram in October.

After seeing clips of himself supposedly

promoting cannabis products, CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta also posted a warning: “These scams have nothing to do with me... my primary concern is for your health, and I do worry you could be harmed if you take these products.”

The manipulated videos push everything from unproven treatments to investment schemes -- many promising “guaranteed income”or access to coveted shares. Some also use altered footage of billionaire Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX. Some include links to investment schemes, unapproved products or unrelated e-commerce websites that disappear after several days.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has banned deepfakes since early 2020, with some exceptions for

parody and satire. Other platforms have similar policies.

But such clips—many of which AFP has fact-checked—are still spreading online.

Voice cloning “I have seen a rise in these types of videos where a person’s voice is cloned from as little as two minutes of their voice, and then any other video of them is modified so that the mouth is consistent with the new audio,” Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California-Berkeley specializing in digital forensics, previously told AFP. Some deepfakes are easy to detect due to their poor quality. However, experts warn the technology is improving -- and TV personalities are easy targets because there is ample footage available to train AI programs. AFP

WALK TO THE BEACH. A Rohingya refugee walks to the beach after the local

community decided to temporarily allow them to land for water and food in Ulee Madon, Aceh province, Indonesia, on Nov. 16. About 250 Rohingya refugees reached western Indonesia on a overcrowded wooden boat, bringing the total number of refugees reported by local officials to have arrived this week to nearly 600. AFP

OTHEL V. CAMPOS, Issue Editor email: extrastory2000@gmail.com

JOB PORTAL USES AI TECHNOLOGY TO AVERT JOBS MISMATCH

BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 19, 2023 |

B1

WELLNESS PRODUCT INNOVATOR INVESTS IN TRAINING FILIPINO YOUTH

JOBSTREET by SEEK redefines the way talent and employers connect following the transformation of its employment platform in the Philippines. The new platform now uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to offer better job matches, new experiences and deeper insights for both Filipino talent and employers.

“Over the last 20 years, Jobstreet has been helping millions of people in the Philippines improve their working lives, guided by our vision of ‘a job for every Filipino’. In recent years, we’re seeing an increasing disconnect between the availability of jobs and talent due to the rise in skills mismatch and the everevolving job market. We are excited to be delivering even better job and talent matching with the transformation of our platform that is powered by SEEK’s innovative AI technology,” said Jobstreet

by SEEK (Philippines) managing director Dannah Majarocon.

The platform also provides personalized recommendations by processing data from various sources, including the talent’s resumes, the job ad descriptions, and the employer’s past behaviors.

To make the talent-hunting process more efficient for employers, they can choose to include AI-recommended screening questions for their job posts, as part of the job application process. This way, the most suitable talent can be easily identified based on their responses to the questions.

The AI-powered platform also introduces a new feature – the predictive approachability signal, which is designed to assist in matching talent with potential employers more effectively.

MONDELEZ BACKS INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY IN SCHOOLS With its mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Mondelez Philippines continues to show its support for the community through #ProudToBeMe, Proud To Be Blue — a talk that aimed to empower LGBTQIA+ students to reach their full potential and become persons-for-and-withothers.

Held at Leong Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, the snacking company participated in the school’s annual pride event with a focus on fostering safer spaces for LGBTQIA+ students, all through a fun and interactive session.

Mondelez Philippines is celebrated for its 60 years as one of the leading snacking companies in the country.

While the company is mostly known for its brands like Tang, Cheez Whiz, Oreo, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk, Mondelez Philippines is also lauded for its efforts to constantly empower both its consumers and employees through its DEI initiatives.

Diversity is a strength Mondelez Philippines chooses to believe that it is stronger through its diverse, inclusive, and connected community.

Celebrating 60 years in the Philippines, it acts by doing what is right and treating everyone with integrity and fairness, and creating a culture that fosters a true sense of belonging.

“Mondelez Philippines will always be on the side of championing equality, no matter who you are. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are measures of how we stay true to our purpose to empower people to snack right; with the right snack, for the right moment, and made the right way,” said Mondelez Philippines’ People Lead April Valencia.

Panelists Mibo Borres, Apil Valencia, Isabella De Los Santos, Monch Cruz, Mela Habijan and Janlee Dungca.

O

RYSPA Spa Solutions Inc. founder and chief executive Sherill Quintana has always advocated entrepreneurship for the youth.

As a pioneer in the utilization of agriculture waste products like rice bran, Quintana continues to influence women and the youth to become entrepreneurs. She said starting out early in life would help young people learn values of hard work, elevate their level of confidence and develop a keen understanding of enterprises and how it affects the community around them.

“I always tell my children, even if their career paths will not lead to entrepreneurship, to always know and be aware of how money comes in and how much goes out. It doesn’t matter if you are a doctor or a teacher or a journalist, you can always find a reason to start a business. It could be a side hustle or a passion project,” she said.

Noting the country’s young population, with a median age of 24 to 25 years, Quintana believes that the young citizenry is a force to reckon with and, collectively, is massive enough to help rebuild the economy faster from the pandemic--if only many of them would be enterprising enough to engage in small businesses.

Educating her children early on the merits of engaging into entrepreneurship is one of her responsibilities as an informed entrepreneur.

She mentioned that one of her children, her second child studying Applied Physics at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), has developed a digital app that has won the best business concept at the university. Go Biz kid is a fintech training platform for young entrepreneurs.

The app is vetting its functionality and relevance in the marketplace.

Her children take turns on running the family’s event’s place located in a newly-erected company building. The same building will also house Oryspa’s expanding wellness brand. Quintana’s 16-year-old daughter is usually present to look after the joint sibling enterprise. Having an entrepreneur for a mother must have rubbed off the keen sense of entrepreneurial spirit on the Quintana brood despite their young age.

Second core business After 20 years of providing premium spa and wellness products, Oryspa is scaling up to create an integrated wellness brand. Oryspa Skin is envisioned to be the company’s second core business. The brand, set to offer wellness and beauty services, will be launched before the year comes to a close.

“We are opening a wellness service business that we can integrate with our spa product retailing segment. While we are offering typical spa services using our products, Oryspa Skin is more of a spa training center for entrepreneurs who are reviving or venturing into the beauty and wellness business,” Quintana said.

She noted how expensive it is to pay for the training of massage therapists and wellness experts, who most of the time run off, bringing with them the skills the business owner paid for.

The spa training concept offering is a competitive package of training for therapists, an exclusive supply of Orsypa products and key business insights for spa investors.

“Many spa businesses have folded in the pandemic. I think it is high time we reboot, revive the spa business not only to provide wellness services for those who crave for it, but also to give spa owners a chance to rebuild and even franchise their own brands through Oryspa Skin,” Quintana said.

Oryspa has teamed up with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to train unemployed people and help them gain employment in the health and beauty industry.

“We have a lot of manpower available, but lacking specific skills set. If you have people you can train, you don’t have to worry about the supply of your manpower. We can train them, have them certified,” Quintana said.

Potential of franchising As a professional and multi-awarded entrepreneur, Quintana wears many hats. Apart from being the CEO of her own company, she is also the chairman of the country’s biggest franchising group, Philippine Franchise Association (PFA). She dabbles as a professional and power speaker on franchising events, sharing her knowledge on branding and entrepreneurship. She also actively mentors start-ups and companies that are looking to expand their businesses.

Starting out 20 years ago, Oryspa Retail has found an ally with the PFA, which the company joined a year after it officially launched the Oryspa brand at SM City in Calamba, Laguna.

“We were very happy that we have successfully pulled an out-of-themetro launch. During those days, the thinking was always to launch a brand in a metropolitan setting, which we defied and, thankfully, survived. Going into franchising has helped the brand expand exponentially. Not only are we known as a good brand locally, we have also branched out overseas,” Quintana said.

Oryspa has presence in the US, Singapore, the Middle East, Russia, Poland and other European countries. It has recently opened another store in Las Angeles, California.

Quintana noted that the pandemic has brought out the worst and the best of an enterprise, and of an entrepreneur. Oryspa experienced what the rest of businesses did. There were branches and franchises that had shut down and adapt to changing times.

“We shifted to franchise distributions, which is a smaller business model compared to a full franchise. Why? Because many entrepreneurs during the pandemic had difficulty catching up with payables. Operation expenses is one of the biggest problems of an entrepreneur during the pandemic. They wanted to maximize their meager capital but the economy was down. So, we offered these packages for them. We call them franchise distributors since they operate on a smaller territory where they can sell,” Quintana said.

She said the company has always been after the empowerment

of micro-enterprises, noting Oryspa’s humble beginnings from being a household enterprise.

The company introduced a scaled-down model of distributorship especially one that works well in the provinces. The concept allows a distributorentrepreneur to purchase a package of Oryspa products for retailing to the community.

“This package already gives more than what the distributor paid for. A retail package guarantees an

Oryspa Spa Solutions Inc. founder and chief executive Sherill Quintana

income of m o re t h a n a four th of the capital spent for the package. We are glad that this model has become popular especially with microentrepreneurs in the provinces, who have only so much to spare for a small business.

We truly believe that this business model is helping many small entrepreneurs get back on their feet during and after the pandemic,” Quintana said.

Or yspa R etail has gained the following of almost a hundred microentrepreneurs nationwide.

The business model also provides store franchise owners flexibility to serve the demand of distributors by creating their own network of retailers.

Othel V. Campos

HOME IMPROVEMENT MAGNATE RECEIVES HONORARY AWARD FROM ALMA MATER WILCON Depot founder and chairman emeritus William T. Belo received the prestigious and exemplary academic conferment of Doctor of Commerce, Honoris Causa from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on September 28, 2023.

Belo earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering from UST in 1973, before establishing a 60-square-meter hardware store along Quezon Avenue in 1977 as his passion pushed him to start and establish his own business.

He began as a simple entrepreneur and owner who aspired to help Filipino homeowners and builders in building, improving, and refining their homes for a sustainable and comfortable life.

Wilcon Depot, as it is now became the most in-demand one-stop shop for home improvement and construction needs. Belo has been recognized as an influential figure in the business landscape of the Philippines, particularly in the field of commerce and retail, making his company, the most trusted home improvement and construction supplies retailer.

His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only made a significant impact on the business sector but have also contributed to the growth and development of the Philippines.

Belo emphasized the importance of education as a driving force for positive change in society. He encouraged the students and young minds present to pursue their dreams relentlessly, to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and to always prioritize values and integrity in their professional journey. He also shared 3 realizations spanning his decades in the business - the importance of value-driven vision and dreams and what you want to become; the value of hard work in building meaningful relationships; and the sense of fulfillment in service in giving back.

The honorary degree of Doctor of Commerce Honoris Causa is a testament to Belo’s outstanding contributions to the business community, his dedication to corporate social responsibility, and his remarkable philanthropic endeavors.

This recognition reflects his exemplary leadership, ethics, and commitment to excellence, which align with the values and mission of his alma mater.

This remarkable achievement is not only for Belo but also for the whole Wilcon Depot team, which is dedicated to the principles of excellence, integrity, and service.

The occasion will be recognized as an iconic event and a source of inspiration for future generations of students and corporate executives.

Wilcon Depot founder William T. Belo at the conferment rites for his Honoris Causa degree.

B2 | NOVEMBER 19, 2023

ON THE ROAD

MILO RIVERA, Issue Editor email: medarlo.e.rivera@gmail.com

REDEFINING THE ‘ONE-STOP’ AUTOMOTIVE HUB Back On Track Andy Sevilla

BYD REINFORCES PROMINENT EV LINEUP WITH ATTO 3 LAUNCH

A

FEW months after BYD Philippines teased its plan to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) roster with the Atto 3, the all-new electric marvel has officially made its debut in the Philippines.

At a launch event held at the Glorietta Activity Center last November 17, the Atto 3 comes into the Philippine market possessing a footprint of 4,455mm in length, 1,875mm in width, and 1,615mm in height, with a 2,720mm wheelbase and 150mm ground clearance.

The interior is adorned with a lavish array of white leather, accented by black trim and subtle red highlights. Central to the dashboard is a commanding 12.8-inch infotainment system, capable of rotating for added versatility. This system, seamlessly integrated with Apple CarPlay and w i re l e s s An d ro i d Auto connectivity, harmonizes with a six-speaker setup for an immersive audio experience. The driver is treated to a fiveinch fully digital instrument cluster, completing the futuristic ensemble.

The Atto 3 is propelled by a front-

mounted permanent m a g n e t s y n c h ro n o u s m o t o r, u n l e a s h i n g a formidable 201hp and 310Nm of torque. This powerful motor comes paired with two battery options: a 49.92kWh or a 60.48kWh variant. The fo r mer boasts a

0-100k ph acceleration in 7.9 seconds, coupled with an impressive maximum range of 410km on a single charge. On the flip side, the latter achieves a brisker 0-100kph time of 7.3 seconds, with an extended estimated range

stretching to 480km.

As for its pricing, the Atto 3 starts at P1.598 million (Dynamic model) whilst the top-of-the-line Atto 3 Premium shall go for P1,798,000.

BLADE Auto Center has solidified its status as a household name in the car accessories realm, boasting 19 years of fostering a “loyal following, setting new standards, and revolutionizing the car accessories industry in the Philippines.”

Robert S. Tan, the Founder and CEO of Blade Auto Center, steered the brand through years of hardship and struggle, yielding fruit in the form of its 50th store in the country. The recently inaugurated Blade Mindanao Avenue, the largest in the company’s portfolio, expands its offerings to include car servicing, transforming it into a onestop shop for car enthusiasts. From air fresheners, car care products, dash cams, security systems, car stereos, speakers, cutting-edge electronics to change-oil maintenance essentials, the new store encompasses it all, complete with trusted mechanics.

“This Blade Mindanao Avenue is a beacon of the brand’s commitment to excellence. It’s a testament to the loyalty of its customers, the dedication of its staff, and the enduring love for all things automotive,” remarked Robert during the elaborate three-day opening festivities.

The name “Blade” holds significance, embodying the brand’s resilient journey akin to the struggles of the Filipino national hero Andres Bonifacio.

Drawing parallels to Bonifacio’s bolo or ‘itak,’ symbolizing survival, the choice of “Blade” reflects the brand’s enduring efforts and a consumer-friendly, easily memorable single name.

In tandem with its physical presence, Blade Auto Center embraced the digital era, venturing into e-commerce to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Customers can now conveniently b rows e a n d o rd e r a u to m o t i ve accessories through Blade’s official website, blade.ph, and popular

Robert S. Tan

online marketplaces like Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, Zalora, and Grab Mart, enhancing accessibility, especially during the pandemic.

Stepping into Blade Auto Center Mindanao Avenue unveils an expansive world of automotive products and services, encompassing the latest car accessories, maintenance essentials, bicycles and accessories, motorcycle accessories, and even pet products from PetshopPH. With a philosophy centered on cost efficiency and passing savings to customers, Blade has not only garnered a loyal following but also set new standards and revolutionized the car accessories industry in the Philippines.

The 50th store, Blade Auto Center Mindanao Avenue, stands as a beacon of the brand’s commitment to excellence, symbolizing customer loyalty, staff dedication, and an enduring passion for all things automotive. As Blade Auto Center charts its course into the future, the journey promises exciting opportunities, innovations, and, crucially, the continued trust and support of its valued customers.

LOTUS EMIRA GT4 ACHIEVES SPECTACULAR 1-2 FINISH IN MACAU GRAND PRIX DEBUT IN A remarkable international race debut at the Macau Grand Prix in China, the Lotus Emira GT4 claimed a stunning ‘1-2 finish.’ TORO Racing drivers Luo Kailuo and Adam Christodoulou secured first and second positions, establishing a commanding 12-second lead over the thirdplace finisher.

Both Emira GT4 race cars paid homage to Lotus’ 75 years of successful motorsport heritage, featuring the iconic black and gold livery. Dominating the front row of the grid, they led from the start, maintaining control until the race’s premature end due to an on-track incident.

The race organizers determined final positions based on the order before the stoppage, resulting in Luo Kailuo and Adam Christodoulou claiming first and second in the GT4 class, with lap times of 2:31.392 and 2:31.724, respectively.

The Lotus Emira GT4, homologated for global GT4 classes, offers versatility with eligibility for nonhomologated and specialist race series worldwide.

Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 with Motec engine management and a Harrop TVS 1900 supercharger, it boasts a Hewland six-speed sequential transmission, paddleshift actuation, and a limited-slip differential. For the Macau Grand Prix, power output (455 bhp) and torque (500Nm) were slightly reduced to ensure fair competition.

Ringo Chong, Team Director at TORO Racing, highlighted the Emira GT4’s strengths, emphasizing its low center of gravity, flexible steering for sharp corners, and tailored

tuning for city and mountain tracks.

Feng Qingfeng, CEO of Lotus Group, witnessed the outstanding 1-2 finish trackside and remarked, “A racetrack is the only place better suited for a Lotus than the road.

Lotus has been competing on the racetrack for 75 years, and championships have been a long-standing tradition for Lotus.”

Established in 1954, the Macau Grand Prix, renowned for its challenging circuit, provided a fitting stage for the Lotus Emira GT4’s triumphant debut. As one of the oldest street races globally, it tested high-performance cars and drivers with intricate twists, sharp bends, and demanding terrain.

PEUGEOT PHILIPPINES SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER WITH EXCLUSIVE PROMOS AS THE festive season draws near, PEUGEOT Philippines is excited to spread holiday joy by offering customers attractive deals, valueadded payments, and special monthly installments across its full lineup, providing more reasons to choose a PEUGEOT for the holidays.

For a limited time, customers can indulge in the unmatched allure of driving a PEUGEOT, with retail prices starting at just PhP 1,418,000. The special holiday promotion includes exclusive down payment options of just 20% or a monthly installment as low as PHP 15,417.

Timmy Naval-de Leon, Marketing Director at Astara Philippines, shared, “PEUGEOT Philippines and Security Bank have collaborated to make this holiday season extra special, offering exclusive deals that make owning a PEUGEOT more accessible for all this Christmas.”

Included in this holiday offer are the

PEUGEOT 5008 SUV (Allure and Active), PEUGEOT 3008 SUV (Allure and Active), PEUGEOT 2008 Allure SUV, and the PEUGEOT Traveller Premium 8-Seater and 7-Seater Vans.

The PEUGEOT 5008 SUV, a premium mid-size seven-seater SUV, boasts an immersive driving experience with the new-generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit. It features Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety and enjoyment.

The PEUGEOT 3008 SUV, a compact 5-seater SUV, combines style and distinction with a strong road presence, available in two variants: Allure and Active.

T h e P E U G E O T 2 0 0 8 S U V, a subcompact 5-seater, offers versatile driving with a modern interpretation, leaving a lasting impression on the road.

Directly imported from France, the PEUGEOT Traveller Premium sets new standards with comfort, elegance, and style in its segment, featuring a spacious cabin, enhanced driving experience, and a range of safety features.

This exclusive holiday offer is available from November 1 to December 31, 2023, in conjunction with the PEUGEOT Easy Own Financing Program. Customers can explore this offer at all PEUGEOT showrooms and satellite dealerships nationwide. For more details, visit PEUGEOT.ph.

NITTO TIRES AND INDEX BATTERY BACK 2023 KING OF RIOT EVENT AS GOLD SPONSORS YHI Philippines, Inc., the authorized distributor of Nitto Tires and Index Batter y in the Philippines, has announced their support for the 2023 King of RIOT (Rizal International Offroad Track). The multi-stage off-road competition is set to unfold from November 16 to 19, 2023, at its new venue, The Hamptons Caliraya in Cavinti, Laguna.

YHI Philippines, Inc. reinforces its commitment to the off-road community by supporting the third edition of the King of RIOT, anticipating a larger turnout with over 200 offroad rigs. RIOT Chairman Jun Siquian highlighted how the competition has significantly raised the standard of offroad vehicles in the country since its inception in 2021.

“Since the King of RIOT’s inaugural race two years ago, more and more people are embracing the 4x4 offroad lifestyle,” remarked Siquian. He emphasized the exponential growth in participation over the first two seasons and the anticipated surge in the upcoming 2023 series, underscoring the success of King of RIOT in enhancing the quality of 4x4 experiences in the country.

Participants in the King of RIOT are categorized into divisions such as King of RIOT (prototype rigs), Riot Warrior (modified rigs), Production (subdivided into big and small), Jeep Class, and the new UTV Class.

YHI Philippines General Manager Jason Delloso expressed the company’s recognition of the positive impact King of RIOT has had on the local 4x4 community. “YHI Philippines is delighted to continue our support for the series by offering sponsorships through some of our top-notch brands,” said Delloso. “As a company passionate about the local 4x4 community, we are honored to share the passion for off-roading with fellow enthusiasts through this winning offer to King of RIOT competitors.”

YHI Philippines has been a steadfast supporter of the King of RIOT offroad competition since its inaugural season in 2021. Serving as the official local distributor of Nitto Tire, Mickey Thompson Wheels and Tires, General Tire, Enkei Wheels, Elf Oils, Index Battery, and Neuton Power, YHI Philippines continues to contribute to the growth and success of the off-road community in the Philippines.

SPORTS

RANDY M. CALUAG, Issue Editor

OPINIO NOVEMBER 19, 2023 |

B3

Oasis Gaming members triumphantly lift the Predator Shield

TICKETS SALES BEGIN FOR MERALCO-RYUKU TUSSLE IN MACAU

ASIA PACIFIC PREDATOR LEAGUE 2024:

MIPH, OASIS GAMING TO BANNER PHILIPPINES

M

ADE in Philippines (MIPH) and Oasis Gaming emerged victorious in Dota 2 and VALORANT, respectively, in the Predator League 2024 Philippine Finals held recently at the SM North EDSA Cyberzone in Quezon City.

The victories gave the two teams a Predator Shield and the honor of representing the Philippines at next year’s upcoming Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals.

For the Dota 2 grand finals, Made in Philippines faced Smurfers, which beat Wong “ChuaN” Hock Chuan and Ryan “Raging Potato” Qui-led Neon Esports with a 2-1 reverse sweep. Meanwhile, MIPH had a masterful 2-0 sweep of InterActive Philippines.

In the final, Made in Philippines also swept Smurfers, 2-0 to clinch the title and the Php250,000 cash pot. The runner-up received Php100,000. Neon Esports and InterActive Philippines each received Php55,000.

In the VALORANT championship, Oasis Gaming overcame a 1-0 deficit to get past NAOS Esports, 2-1, in the semifinals. Meanwhile, ZOL Esports overpowered Valhalla in a three-game slugfest to face Oasis in the final. The Oasis team breezed past ZOL Esports, 2-0, to win the championship.

Oasis Gaming received Php250,000 in cash, while ZOL was awarded Php100,000. NAOS Esports and Valhalla each received Php55,000.

For the Asia Pacific Predator

Made in Philippines is one of the representatives for the upcoming Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals

League 2024 Grand Finals set Jan. 13-14 at the Mall of Asia, Made in Philippines is expected to face intense competition from other powerhouse Dota 2 teams in the region, including Blacklist International, Execration, and defending Asia Pacific Predator League champions Polaris Esports.

Meanwhile, Oasis Gaming and ZOL Esports will also face the Filipino-led Team Secret, one of the most revered teams in the VCT Pacific League.

The stage is all set for the Philippine representatives of the upcoming Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals, where 26 teams from across the Asia Pacific region will battle it out for the honor and prestige of being named the next APAC Predator League champions.

Twenty-six teams across the Asia Pacific region will battle for the highly coveted Predator Shield.

VALORANT To lift this prestigious award, teams must demonstrate mastery of the highly acclaimed game title VALORANT.

The Asia Pacific Predator League has been the home ground of up-andcoming esports talents.

Every season, thousands of teams across the region sign up for a chance to live out the dream of winning it all in the

grandest of stages.

Since 2018, Predator has continuously provided this stage and continues to nurture and promote the esports industry.

“Predator League is our commitment to further building the gaming community in APAC. We are excited to bring the Asia Pacific Predator League to Manila, which has one of the biggest esports fanbases,” said Manuel Wong, Managing Director at Acer Philippines.

A prize pool of $100,000 is also at stake for the VALORANT grand finals. The winning team will take home $65,000.

The second-place winner will get $20,000, while third and fourthplace winners will receive $7,500.

For more information and updates about Predator League, v i s i t w w w. f a c e b o o k c o m / PredatorGamingPhilippines or the official website www. predator-league.com.

The Acer PH Team (L-R) Paul Toledo, Visual Merchandising Associate; Rochelle Garcia, Marketing Specialist; April Santillan, Senior Graphic Artist; Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager; Mia Anillo, Senior Marketing Lead; and Jafeth Pancho, Marketing Assistant.

MACAU SAR—Meralco w o n’ t w a i t t h a t l o n g t o get another shot against Ryukyu Golden Kings.

Tickets are now available for ‘Melco Style Presents: Clash of the Champions,’ the East Asia Super League game between the Bolts and Golden Kings in Macau on December 13.

The game will be played at Studio City Event Center in the spectacular Studio City integrated resort.

Fa n s h a v e t h e c h a n c e to watch an exciting oncourt clash between two of Asia’s leading pro basketball teams and experience worldclass dining, nightlife, and enter tainment options at Studio City.

Meralco Bolts will need all the support they can get from Filipino fans as they face Japanese champions R yuk yu G olden K ings. I n the two sides’ first meeting in the EASL this season on Wednesday night, the Golden Kings were convincing winners, on a 89-61 scoreline.

The Bolts will be hopeful of a stronger showing in Macau where they should be able to call on star import Suleiman Braimoh. The Nigerian American’s travel documents were not ready in time for the trip to Okinawa this week. He has made a splash in the PBA this season, scoring 74 points and getting 30 rebounds in his first two games.

“Melco Style Presents: Clash of the Champions” is being staged under a sponsorship deal between East Asia Super League and Melco Resorts & Entertainment.

The event is fully supported by the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government to provide more diversified spor ts and leisure experiences for tourists visiting Macao.

Tickets for “Melco Style Presents: Clash of the Champions” are on sale from noon today at: https://www. studiocity-macau.com/en/ offer/melco-style-presentsclash-of-the-champions.

Melco Style members enjoy an exclusive 20% discount.

EMIRA GT4 WINS IN MACAU GP THE Lotus Emira GT4 completed a stunning ‘clean sweep’ victory in its international race debut at the Macau Grand Prix in China.

TORO Racing drivers Luo Kailuo and Adam Christodoulou took first and second positions, holding a commanding 12-second lead over the third-place finisher.

Both Emira GT4 race cars paid tribute to Lotus’ 75 years of successful motorsport heritage and showcased the brand’s classic black and gold livery.

Locking out the front row of the grid, they led from the start and were in complete control when the race was stopped early following an on-track incident.

Race organizers determined the final positions based on the order before the stoppage, resulting in Luo Kailuo and Adam Christodoulou taking first and second in the GT4 class. Their best lap times were 2:31.392 and 2:31.724 respectively.

The Lotus Emira GT4 has been homologated for competition in global GT4 classes and, thanks to a comprehensive options list, is also eligible for other non-homologated and specialist race series around the world. It is powered by a Lotus-tuned

3.5-litre V6 with Motec engine management and a Harrop TVS 1900 supercharger.

Ringo Chong, Team Director at TORO Racing, commented: ”The Emira GT4’s three greatest strengths in the race were: first, the center of gravity is very low, like flying on the ground; second, the car’s steering is flexible, which gives the car a good advantage in the sharp corners of the Macau Grand Prix circuit; and third, we have added tuning for the city track and the mountain track to meet the demands of more intense driving.”

Feng Qingfeng, CEO of Lotus Group, was trackside to see the stunning 1-2 finish. He commented: “A racetrack is the only place better suited for a Lotus than the road. Lotus has been competing on the racetrack for 75 years, and championships have been a long-standing tradition for Lotus.”

Established in 1954, the Macau Grand Prix is renowned for its challenging circuit. As one of the oldest street races in the world, it combines intricate twists, sharp bends, and demanding terrain, pushing high-performance cars and the best drivers to their limits.

TORO Racing drivers Luo Kailuo and Adam Christodoulou complete ‘clean sweep’ 1-2 victory

OPINION B4 | NOVEMBER 19, 2023

LGU

PATRICIA TACULAO, Issue Editor lgu.manilastandard@gmail.com

CARMONA: WHERE INCLUSIVITY AND PROGRESS TAKE CENTER STAGE N

By Patricia Taculao

office puts her in a position where she can listen closely to what her constituents need and encourage them to participate in making the city a better place for all.

Loyola takes pride in seeing Carmona residents happy and satisfied because it’s a testament to her quality of public service.

One prime example of how her leadership style motivated Carmona’s LGBTQIA+ constituents to participate in community HIV testing, made possible through her constant efforts to include specific groups from the local government unit and give them a voice so she could find the policy that best caters to them.

Meanwhile, the city mayor also has a special place in her heart for persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially children with special needs. She implemented her advocacy for an award-winning comprehensive program titled “Your Embrace, My Hope.” It is a Comprehensive Framework on Education and Rehabilitation that covers detection and diagnosis to intervention, SPED tutorials, skills programs, and entrepreneurial opportunities for PWDs. Seeing as how Carmona’s PWD community lives fulfilling lives with a bright future, thanks to her program, Loyola hopes that other LGUs across the Philippines can find the passion to include the PWDs and other underserved or overlooked communities as they embrace modernization.

Loyola’s efforts in fostering inclusivity did not go unnoticed, as she earned numerous accolades for

OWADAYS, many governments strive to achieve inclusivity within their communities, as having an inclusive society means everyone will receive fair and equal treatment. In Carmona, Cavite, Mayor Dahlia Loyola sets an example of how fostering inclusivity can lead to waves of progress.

Carmona became a city in July 2023 after over 30,000 residents voted for its cityhood in an election. But Loyola has been serving the city far longer than that.

Although a physician by profession, Loyola served as Carmona’s mayor from 2004 to 2007, 2010 to 2019, and 2022 until now. Being in

her years in public service. Some of these include the 2011 Most Business-Friendly LGU Municipal Category, the “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” (a regional award given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government), the Hall of Fame Award for Excellence in External Quality from the Department of Health, 4th Place for the Performance and Delivery of Civil Registration Services, and the Liberal Project Award for programs and services to empower PWDs of Carmona, Cavite.

She was also cited as one of Cavite’s Outstanding Women Leaders during the province’s Women’s Month festivities in 2018.

She graciously took the award, drawing inspiration from every woman’s inherent ability to accept, adjust, and perform multi-task duties to prove that women can excel in public leadership.

Other awards under her leadership include the Presidential Award for the Most Child-Friendly Municipality in the Philippines, the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for three consecutive years for perfecting all the parameters set by the DILG, and a Regional Hall of Fame and National Awardee of Manila Bayani Award in 2016, among others.

As Carmona’s executive head, Loyola leads the city with grace and compassion, like a naturalborn leader. With her at the helm, there’s much to expect from Carmona as it continues to be a beacon of inclusivity in Cavite, steadily marching towards a progressive tomorrow.

Loyola provides her constituents with a chance to be heard so they can participate in implementing policies that benefit them

CARMONA TOPS 2022 SEAL OF CHILD-FRIENDLY LOCAL GOVERNANCE AUDIT IN a recent Facebook post, Carmona Mayor Dahlia Loyola announced that Ca r m o n a to p p e d t h e 2022 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit of the Depar tment of t h e I nte r i o r a n d Lo c a l Governance (DILG) and the Co u n c i l fo r t h e We l f a re o f Children (CWC).

“Tayo po ay hinirang na top 1 sa buong rehiyon ng CALABARZON para sa ating natanggap na mahigit na 100 percent rating sa nasabing audit (We were nominated as top 1 in the entire region of CALABARZON for the fact that we received more than 100 percent rating in the said audit),” Loyola said in her post.

She added that this recognition proves how the local government continues to respond to a child-sensitive and childfriendly community by s u p p o r t i n g t h e we l l being, education, and overall development of the youth sector.

The Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) is a per formance audit system that assesses the local government units’ delivery of necessary social welfare services for the child and youth.

I t evaluates LGUs using five indicators: survival, development, p ro te c t i o n , p a r t i c i p at i o n , a n d governance. Patricia Taculao

RITM, CARMONA LGU PROVIDE FREE DERMA SERVICES. The City Government of Carmona, through the Pagamutang Bayan ng Carmona (PBC), conducted a FREE DERMA CLINIC offered by the Group of Dermatologists from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine or RITM. About 66 patients from the City of Carmona were given free derma check-ups and medicine for their skin conditions.

From left: Vice Mayor Cesar L. Ines Jr., Congressman Roy M. Loyola, Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola, Chairman of SM Prime Holdings and Chairman and CEO of SMDC Henry Sy Jr., SMDC President Jose Mari Banzon, and SMDC Executive Vice President Grace Sta. Ana stand united on stage during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Carmona City Hall, signifying a collaborative effort to bolster regional development

CARMONA LGU PARTNERS WITH SM PRIME, SMDC FOR NEW CITY HALL DEVELOPMENT THE recent groundbreaking ceremonies for the new city hall of Carmona in Cavite marked a milestone for the local government and its constituents and the district’s overall growth plans.

During the event, Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola and Cavite 5th district Rep. Roy Loyola affirmed that the new city hall marks the beginning of an extensive infrastructure development project that would transform the city into a vital economic hub in southern Metro Manila.

The occasion similarly marked the intensified partnership between the LGU and property development firms SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and SM Development Corporation (SMDC).

Both companies are involved in building the new city hall and the township that will rise around it called Carmona International City (CIC).

Mayor Loyola shared her optimism about the collaboration’s impact on the city’s future: “This partnership signifies unity and vibrancy within our community. It showcases the harmonious synergy between the LGU, SMDC, and SM Prime in fostering inclusive growth.”

Jose Mari Banzon, President of SMDC, said this collaboration marks the beginning of a journey toward accelerated growth and development in the region.

SM Prime and SMDC’s recognition of Carmona as a promising area emphasizes its development potential.

Situated strategically between the country’s capital and the industrial and residential centers of the South, Carmona possesses key attributes conducive to growth. Its proximity to major infrastructure, a youthful and well-educated population, and business-friendly policies position it favorably to attract both local and international investments.

The CIC aims to address the needs of a growing population while prioritizing health, safety, and convenience. It seeks to enhance the overall quality of life for the community, emphasizing a holistic approach to urban planning.

As a core component of this transformative partnership, SMDC will actively participate in designing and constructing the city hall’s facade.

Situated at the heart of CIC, the new city hall will be a three-story

building with a roof deck, envisioned with rising symmetrical ver tical structures in concrete earth tones that convey grounding, stability, and dependability, with an abundance of glass windows and doors that also lend modernity.

SMDC ’s involvement includes overseeing overall aesthetics and functionality, ensuring a structure fitting for a first-class metropolis.

As Carmona City anticipates a promising future, these milestone events lay the foundation for further SM Prime and SMDC expansions that will raise living standards, create more growth opportunities for residents, and contribute to Carmona Cit y ’s emergence as a model of sustainable urban development in the region.

“This project is a dream-turnedreality for Carmona, and it would not be possible without the remarkable generosity of SM Prime and SMDC. It has always been our dream to provide our citizens with the best facilities, and this partnership is definitely the attainment of that ambition,” said Congressman Roy M. Loyola.

NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer email: lifeandshow.manilastandard.gmail.com

YoungLIFE

STUDENTS’ THESIS EXPLORES MEDIA FRAMING, RED-TAGGING

Lugtu says the Philippines is teeming with misinformation

The thesis also aims to discuss how media organizations cover reports about red-tagging

W

ITH the aim to combat disinformation, young Filipino artists explored for their thesis the concepts of media framing and red-tagging into a digital documentary series and educational zine entitled Framing Red.

PUMA continues its ongoing celebration of the classic Palermo sneaker.

For the latest chapter of the first-ever Palermo campaign, Dua Lipa and PUMA set the table for a special dinner party in a historic Italian villa. The Palermo is the guest of honor, pictured in a backdrop of fresco artworks and fresh produce.

Photographed by Francesco Nazardo, mixing playful and candid visuals, the images showcase the Palermo as a white tablecloth aperitivo, arriving in a range of new and vibrant colorways.

Dua Lipa dons the timeless low-top, featuring a signature tag on the upper, a T-toe construction, and the classic gum outsole. The global star styles the sneaker with oversized sportswear, jeans, and team-colored tricots, channeling a modern terrace aesthetic.

“Shooting in an incredible Italian villa was the ideal backdrop for a campaign celebrating a timeless classic like the Palermo. The new colorways are so versatile and striking, and can be styled in so many ways. I know my fans will serve us a multitude of looks and I look forward to seeing how everyone incorporates them into their own personal style” says Dua Lipa.

The Palermo was originally part of a series of PUMA sneakers that toasted to some of Europe’s most famous capitals, including London, Oslo, and many more.

The PUMA Palermo is available in two colorways: Deep green and yellow as well as mint green and pink, which can be purchased exclusively from PUMA.com and PUMA Shangri-La Plaza, with much more to come in 2024.

C1

EXPLORE THE MAGICAL UNDERWATER WORLD WITH ‘UNIVER-SEA-TY’ The thesis tackles the role of journalism in handling sensitive news specifically ‘fake news’ and red-tagging

Dimas shares that the research wants to inform the public about the dangers of red-tagging and misinformation

Yap of Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Completing the roster are CNN Philippines Senior News Correspondent Anjo Alimario, and Vera Files Researchers Blanch Ancla and Enrico Berdos.

BYLINE: The Journalistic Elements in Red-tagging Coverage, on Through An informative website “The goal of this output was to the other hand, ‘Univer-Sea-Ty’, to educate viewers on news inform Filipinos on these dangers,” contains topics people will be portrayal, the novel creation was Dimas explained. “How prone all of on the essential able to experience a different type made by Miguel Dacillo, Willem us are to that kind of disinformation, elements of the of diving Dimas, and Coleen Lugtu, and what steps we must take in the fourth estate, homegrown talents from the field of journalism to combat these a g e n d a Multimedia Arts (MMA) Program scenarios,” he furthered. setting, and of the De La Salle-College of Saint Framing Red is made up of three news writing.

Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of New videos called Inside the Newsroom, The creators Media Arts (SNMA). plus an explanatory journal entitled h i g h l i g h t e d Dacillo shared that their project BYLINE: The Journalistic Elements that the intends to tackle how media in Red-tagging Coverage. journalists’ organizations delivered news Inside the Newsroom provides wealth of reports which accuse individuals of glimpses of the story coverage, expertise and being left-leaning or communists. production process, and the knowledge served as the cornerstone “It is a delicate subject. We current state of the Philippine of their idea. want to start the conversation on press. It also features interviews Framing Red was named Best how they use this topic for their with professionals from various Thesis for the Second Term of the audiences by conducting thorough broadsheets, online platforms, and Academic Year 2022 to 2023. research and analysis,” he added. radio outlets.

For more information, visit https:// Lugtu, on the other hand, Among these personalities are f ra m i n g r e d. 0 0 0 w e b h o s t a p p. c o m / underscored that misinformation Center for Media Freedom and and https://www.facebook.com/ has been rampant over the past Responsibility Deputy Director Luis framingred. few years in the Philippines. She Teodoro and Probe Productions stressed that among its many Managing Director Jen Aquino. forms is red-baiting, dubbed as The video includes talks with the leading cause of unnecessary news and desk editors Lourdes violence and effective violation of Escaros of 558 RMN News, Paterno human rights.

Esmaquel II of Rappler, and DJ

LIVING THE SWEET LIFE

NOVEMBER 19, 2023 |

KLOOK, Asia’s leading travel and experiences platform, and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) have recently announced a worldwide partnership that will see the latter’s diving products globally integrated into the lifestyle and travel app’s platform.

Today, PADI has more than 7,200 diving products that span from certification courses, snorkeling, fun dives and more across the world.

Every year, about one million people go through the lengthy, detailed and technical process of planning a dive trip and get certified - from selecting the perfect dive site, haggling for dive packages and coordinating travel and no-fly times.

The integration of diving products on Klook’s platform through API will help shorten a booking journey that could have taken days to just under five minutes.

Consumers will be able to easily compare prices, check availability, read reviews, book and receive immediate confirmation - in a seamless way on one platform.

PADI is the world’s largest purposedriven diving organization and Klook is currently the only OTA in Asia Pacific collaborating with the organization.

Considering data from Klook’s 2023 Travel Pulse, 89 percent of travelers have a strong desire to spend more on water activities, the company is making diving more discoverable and accessible for divers of

all certifications and newcomers alike, to explore the beauty of the underwater world, swim alongside majestic sea creatures and marvel at vibrant coral reefs.

Consumers can now book diving experiences to some of the best dive sites in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, China and Singapore on the Klook platform.

PADI and Klook are on a mission to inspire newcomers to dive and give them the ‘fins’ to explore the magical underwater world under a pilot program called UniverSea-Ty. The launch of the program will see 33 lucky winners walk away with a once in a lifetime opportunity to earn an Open Water Diver certification with PADI in their dive location of choice.

There are two ways to enter the contest via Instagram and Facebook. Interested participants just need to comment on Klook’s post and share why they want to learn how to dive and tag three friends they want to share this news with.

Winners will be notified in December via the respective social media channels and receive an E-gift card to book their complimentary Open Water Dive Certification that they can redeem within the year.

English-Albanian pop artist Dua Lipa is the face of PUMA’s newest campaign

C2 | NOVEMBER 19, 2023

SHOWBIZ

NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer email: lifeandshow.manilastandard @gmail.com

,

For Tanduay, Julia is the perfect woman to represent courage, empowerment, and resiliency

The 26-year-old star shares that Gerald Anderson and her family approve of her sexy pictorial

Actress Julia Baretto shines beautifully in Tanduay’s 2024 calendar

Julia dazzles in a pink, twopiece swimsuit

LOVING JULIA BARRETTO EACH AND EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

By Nickie Wang

A

CTRESS Julia Barretto opened up about her experience as Tanduay’s Calendar Girl for 2024. She revealed that her boyfriend, Gerald Anderson,, and her family approved of her sexy pictorial, thus it wasn’t a hard decision for her to do it.

Julia Barreto is Tanduay’s 2024 Calendar Girl

Reflecting on her role as the calendar girl, Julia emphasized the empowering nature of the experience, stating that she feels secure in herself and her support system.

“From the very beginning, as always, and anything that I do, laging involved my family and my loved ones and, of course, also my partner,” Barretto said. “This is something they knew before I accepted it and even the shoot.”

“I’m blessed to have such a strong support system; it’s a significant factor. It’s a confidence booster,” she added gratefully.

The 26-year-old star expressed her satisfaction with Tanduay’s collaborative approach to the calendar’s shoots and layout.

“The process was collaborative, and they valued our opinions and thoughts on the layouts. There was a lot of backand-forth and collaboration. I’m grateful that they included me in the process and valued my input.”

Meanwhile, Tanduay chose Julia as the 2024 Calendar Girl for her strength, confidence, and hardworking personality. In a statement, the brand highlighted her resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving happiness and success in her career.

The world-renowned rum brand praised the actress’s fire and her willingness to show her true self, stating, “In representing Tanduay, she shows the world that the brand champions courage and empowerment.”

Unveiled at Elements in ETON Centris, the 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl was presented to the media. Tanduay’s creative team collaborated with Julia’s style team, and renowned photographer BJ Pascual was enlisted for the shoot.

Julia’s launch as the newest poster girl for Tanduay ushers in the celebration of the brand’s 170th anniversary in 2024.

She will play a significant role in Tanduay’s celebration, which promises a lineup of activities showcasing the brand’s evolution and its impact on Filipinos, as well as its growing recognition among rum enthusiasts worldwide.

COMING-OF-AGE THRILLER SERIES SURPASSES 1B VIEWS ON TIKTOK

From left: Zaijian Jaranilla, director Onat Diaz, Xyriel Manabat, Andrea Brillantes, and Kyle Echarri

ABS-CBN’s hit mystery-thriller primetime series Senior High continues to keep viewers on an emotional high each night after it surpassed one billion views on TikTok as more bombshell revelations unfold in the series’ new chapter.

Senior High, which stars Andrea Brillantes and is also consistently the most-watched series on iWantTFC, recently dropped a two-minute trailer for its new season that features a whirlwind of emotions surrounding the pregnancy of Luna when she met her demise.

The intriguing trailer also reveals two main suspects as the possible biological father of Luna’s baby - her former lover Gino (Juan Karlos) and the

convicted rapist in professor Castrodes (Floyd Tena). Viewers can also look forward to even more shocking twists as Grae Fernandez joins the series as the mysterious Yosef and enters Sky’s (Andrea) life.

Meanwhile, love affairs will intensify as Poch (Miggy Jimenez) and Tim’s (Zaijian Jaranilla) friendship grows deeper, while Harry (Baron Geisler) uncovers the infidelity of his wife Sasha (Desiree Del Valle) with his trusted colleague Darius (Ryan Eigenmann).

Watch out for more shocking revelations in Senior High that airs weeknights at 9:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and TFC.

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’ movies

REVISIT ‘THE HUNGER GAMES’ BEFORE WATCHING ‘THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES’ A DECADE after its debut, The Hunger Games franchise remains a dystopian genre pinnacle. With a compelling narrative, intricate worldbuilding, and a spectacle of power and violence, the trilogy grossed over $2.9 billion worldwide, influencing a wave of dystopian films in the 2010s.

As fans eagerly await The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, a prequel set 64 years before the original, exploring President Snow’s early life, all The Hunger Games movies are exclusively available for streaming on Lionsgate Play.

Revisit the world of Panem and immerse yourself in tales of survival, courage, and hope.

The Hunger Games (2012) Jennifer Lawrence brought Katniss Everdeen to life, a resourceful sixteen-year-old from District 12 in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem.

Katniss, accustomed to providing for her family, bravely volunteers for the 74th Hunger Games, a televised event where tributes must fight to the death. Teaming up with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), they unintentionally challenge the Capitol’s authority.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) ‘Catching Fire’ continues Katniss and Peeta’s journey with a Victory Tour, but Katniss senses it fuels a rebellion. The Capitol holds the 75th Hunger Games (Quarter Quell), where past victors, including Katniss and Peeta, are forced back into the arena.

As the duo realizes the rebellion’s depth, they become pivotal in a movement that could reshape Panem.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (2014) Rescued from the Quarter Quell, Katniss becomes the face of rebellion in District 13. Her home destroyed, she lives under President Alma Coin’s leadership. Katniss, now the Mockingjay, fights to save Peeta, kidnapped by the Capitol. In Mockingjay Part 1, she grapples with loss and the heavy responsibility of her role in the rebellion.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2015) In the final film, Katniss joins forces with Peeta, Gale, and Finnick to overthrow President Snow. Battling in the Capitol’s streets, they face deadly traps, confront enemies, and confront moral dilemmas shaping Panem’s future. Katniss realizes that true liberation requires eliminating all threats and putting an end to the bloodshed.

CRAVINGS CRAV CRA INGS

JOYCE PANGCO PAÑARES, Issue Editor email: joyce.panares@gmail.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2023 |

C3

BINULO BRINGS KAPAMPANGAN CUISINE

TO TAGAYTAY

By Angelica Villanueva

K

APAMPANGAN cuisine is known for its rich, complex flavors, with the province earning the moniker culinary capital of the Philippines.

It came as no surprise then that when Binulo Restaurant opened inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga in 2011, it gained a loyal following of local and foreign tourists alike owing to the authentic dishes that it served.

"Binulo," which means "to wrap" in Kapampangan, aptly reflects the restaurant's dedication to preserving and showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Pampanga.

Among the customers who were captivated by Binulo's dishes were Cavite Rep. Aniela Tolentino and her partner, Augustus Roa. Roa initially asked the lawmaker to try the food he fell in love with at first taste, and there was no turning back since.

“Every foodie knows that KaCavite Rep. pampangan Aniela food is one Tolentino and of the best her partner, Augustus Roa, in the Pinoy fell in love with the dishes of Binulo Restaurant in Pampanga that they decided to bring the brand to Tagaytay

culinary category. Actually, there are a lot of Filipinos who do not know that several Pinoy favorite dishes originated from Pampanga,” said the 28-year-old Tolentino.

The young couple convinced the owner of Binulo to allow them to franchise the brand to bring the Kapampangan dishes they have come to love to Tagaytay.

Tolentino said from the cooking process to the items in the menu, the Tagaytay branch consciously ensured people in the south would enjoy the same experience as that of the loyal customers of Binulo in Pampanga.

“Even our kitchen staff -- the owner’s head chef in Pampanga is also here in Tagaytay until we establish the restaurant for maybe half a year. All of our kitchen staff right now came all the way from Pampanga so that the menu, the process of cooking, and the service are really replicated,” Tolentino said.

Stepping inside Binulo in Tagaytay, guests are afforded stunning views of paintings carefully curated by Tolentino herself.

Among the must-try dishes in the menu is the Binulo Sisig, a sizzling plate of chopped pork ears, cheeks, and liver, seasoned with a blend of onions, garlic, and chili peppers.

The dish is a true embodiment of Kapam Kapampangan ingenuity -- transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

There is also the classic Kare-Kare, a rich and savory oxtail stew with a thick peanut sauce, vegetables, and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). op For those seeking a lighter option, the Pako Salad is a refreshing per choice and also Tolentino's personal favorite.

“Salad is like the common veggies we know being put together, but for our Pako Salad, when you see its dressing, it’s pink. It has a very, very secret recipe why the dressing is color pink,” she said.

Another dish that customers should not miss is the Binukadkad na Hito with tangy buro and fresh veggies on the side.

No Kapampangan culinary

Clockwise from top: Binukadkad na hito with buro on the side, classic kare-kare, sisig, and pako salad

experience is complete without savoring the Tibuk-tibuk, the region's version of the maja blanca which is topped with grated coconut.

With its commitment to quality ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and warm hospitality, Binulo is slowly establishing itself as a culinary gem in the heart of Tagaytay.

“There are people who would drive to Pampanga just to try the dishes of Binulo.

And so we decided to bring Pampanga to Tagaytay because they wanted to try it.

When people see the sign at the highway, they already know that it’s the Binulo from Pampanga,” Tolentino said.

ODIVA PORK DEBUTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL PRODUCTION OF 'PINPU' BLACK PIG MARKING a new chapter in the culinary landscape of the Philippines, Odiva Pork officially made its debut in the country, promising an experience that marries gastronomic delight with ethical and sustainable practices.

Hailing from Taiwan, Odiva Pork's essence is grounded in the "Pinpu Black Pig" – a breed cherished for its tender and flavorful meat.

But it is not merely the breed that sets Odiva apart, it is the company’s dedication to marrying tradition

with innovation in every facet of production.

For over a decade, the company has immersed itself in a rigorous process of selective breeding.

Their mission? To perpetuate the lineage of the Taiwanese black pig, a heritage revered by indigenous communities in Taiwan.

But Odiva did not stop at tradition. Collaborating with research institutes and experts, the company created a superior genetic library, ensuring the continued purity and distinctiveness

Pork tomahawk

The Pinpu Black Pig is a breed cherished for its tender and flavorful meat

Odiva black pig pork platter

of this exceptional Pinpu breed.

Odiva's stance on animal welfare is likewise uncompromising: The pigs undergo an extended aging period of at least 270 days, ensuring quality and ethical treatment.

The brand’s use of cutting-edge technology to monitor temperature, ventilation, and lighting ensures the optimal well-being of the animals.

Odiva Pork's Chun-Fa-Cheng Pig Farm, set against the backdrop of the majestic Dawu Mountains, also prioritizes eco-friendly practices, with the pigs nourished with clean fodder and water.

Modern consumers demand transparency, and Odiva delivers.

Each pig is equipped with a microchip, providing real-time data on its health and well-being.

Additionally, QR codes on product packaging allow consumers to trace the journey of their pork, from farm to table, fostering a deeper connection and trust in the brand.

(For more information, visit: https://odiva.com.tw/odiva_en/)

PETS

C4 | NOVEMBER 19, 2023

DESIREE CARLOS, Editor email: daycarlos28@yahoo.com

THE ST. BERNARD DOGS IN BAGUIO:

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OR VICTIMS OF EXPLOITATION?

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

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

By Mariana Burgos

I

N THE picturesque city of Baguio, the St. Bernard dogs, once celebrated for their heroic deeds in the Western Alps, find themselves at the center of a heated controversy. Tourists flock to the scenic spots like Mines View, Wright Park, The Mansion, and Lion's Head for a chance to pose with these majestic animals, willing to part with P20 for a memorable snapshot. However, recent revelations about the working conditions and health of these dogs have ignited a fierce debate, pitting animal lovers against those defending the tourist-driven practice.

Concerns Raised:

The spark of controversy ignited with the viral circulation of a post

by Ms. Lizel Dorotan Borlagdan‎ in the "Guardians of the Fur" Facebook group on April 1, 2018. Expressing distress, she recounted the troubling sight of a St. Bernard coerced into standing for pictures, visibly fatigued and ailing. The post gained widespread attention after various animal welfare advocate organizations, including Save Animals of Love and Light-Save ALL, reposted it.

As concerns were voiced by compassionate individuals, they faced backlash from those accusing them of breed ignorance. Despite the initial resistance, the legitimacy of these concerns gained traction when Tippi Perey, a member of the Save ALL group, conducted research. She probed whether the sedentary lifestyle imposed on these dogs in Baguio posed a risk to their health. Save ALL group admin Cynthia Barcial Santos echoed these concerns, leading to the involvement of a local vet in the discourse.

Expert Opinion:

Save ALL shared the vet’s concern over the health of the dogs which

she said will adversely affect their health. This post elicited more than 17,0000 reactions.

The vet, who preferred to remain anonymous, painted a bleak picture of the St. Bernard dogs' working conditions. According to the vet, these dogs are overworked, subjected to long hours of posing for pictures, especially during peak tourist seasons. The vet raised crucial questions about the dogs' access to water, particularly on hot days in Baguio, emphasizing the risk of dehydration.

Furthermore, the vet stressed that forcing St. Bernard dogs into a sedentary role goes against their nature. St. Bernards, originally bred as working dogs for tasks like digging and pulling sleds, require substantial exercise to maintain optimum health. Prolonged periods of inactivity could lead to severe health issues such as diabetes, kidney stones, and high cholesterol.

Beyond physical health concerns, the vet highlighted the dogs' vulnerability to diseases. Constant interaction with humans during pictorials exposes them to potential

This is a screenshot of the post about the issue of the St. Bernard dogs in Baguio from the Facebook page of Save ALL.

This is one of the photos posted by Ms. Lizel Dorotan Borlagdan‎ in her original post.” (Photo is a screenshot taken from Ms. Desiree Carlos’ re-post of Ms. Borlagdan’s post in Facebook.)

fungal, airborne, or viral infections.

The vet passionately advocated for a complete ban on such exploitative practices, expressing disappointment that Baguio, a city that has made strides in animal welfare, allows this to persist.

Government Intervention:

In response to the growing outcry, the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) conducted an investigation on November 7, 2023. The team, led by veterinarians Dr. Wilson Malingan and Dr. Hyden Luma-ang, visited popular spots like Wright Park, The Mansion, Mines View, and Lion's Head.

The team reported finding dogs on display, provided with basic amenities like shade, chair, food, and water.

However, none of the dog owners

could present vaccination records or the required business/special permits.

The lack of proper documentation raises questions about the legitimacy of their operations.

City Veterinary and Agriculture Officer Silardo Bested emphasized the need for responsible pet ownership, reminding dog owners of their obligations. He highlighted the necessity of obtaining special permits for using dogs as a source of livelihood through pictorials, signaling potential legal ramifications for those operating without proper documentation.

The controversial case of St. Bernard dogs used as tourist attractions in Baguio has unveiled a complex web of ethical, health, and legal concerns. While tourists seek joy in capturing memorable moments with these iconic dogs, the dark underbelly of exploitation and potential harm to the animals cannot be ignored. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether the city will prioritize the welfare of these beloved creatures or continue to let commercial interests overshadow their well-being.

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She has been a solo parent for 16 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocatThe St. Bernard dog breed is used in tourism business in ing not only human Baguio. The Baguio city vet says a permit is required to use said dogs for pictorials. (Photo from the Baguio City Public rights but the rights of animals as well.

Information Office’s Facebook page.)

ADM PLAYS KEY ROLE IN RISE OF LOCAL PET ECONOMY The global pet industry is poised to increase from $320 billion today to almost $500 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by Bloomberg Intelligence (BI).

The report says the growth can be attributed to an expanding pet population worldwide, and the importance now given to companion animals.

The Philippines is an emerging market for the rising pet economy. Over the past five years, more Filipinos added pets to their homes--especially during the pandemic – which led to a significant increase in sales of pet food.

ADM's pet nutrition business joined the recent 28th Philippine Animal Hospital Association (PAHA) Conference at Marriott Hotel Manila where more than 1,000 veterinarians and animal experts learned about the latest developments in veterinary medicine and pet nutrition.

Clare Torralba, director of Pet Nutrition APeC at ADM, stressed that “ADM understands the emerging pet economy and we are here to support the industry, mainly through our product innovations and highquality pet food.”

ADM will also engage in activities that will guide its growing customer base within the region. “We are committed to helping consumers learn how to care for their pets in achieving lifelong health and wellness as well as companionship. We will also continue supporting our farmers and utilizing their produce to manufacture

our premium pet food. In terms of science and proper nutrition,ADM will continue to provide and incorporate the company's latest findings and technology through our products," Torralba said.

ADM is the manufacturing company behind Ganador Premium Dog Food, Minino Yum Cat Food and Equilbrio range of products. These are premium pet food formulated to meet the needs of cats and dogs according to their life stage, size and specific conditions. ADM's Ganador Premium Dog Food and Minino Yum Cat Food have experienced a triple-digit market growth in the Philippines over the last year.

ADM creates competitive solutions by connecting consumer trends with forward-thinking science to unlock growth. With a focus on research, product development, food safety and targeted solutions, ADM's commitment to pet nutrition continues to grow along with the rapidly evolving pet products market.

ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life.

“We’re a premier global human and animal nutrition company, blazing new trails in health and wellbeing as our scientists develop products to support healthier living. We’re a cutting-edge innovator leading the way to a new future of plant-based consumer and industrial solutions to replace petroleum-based products. We’re an unmatched agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security

by connecting local needs with global capabilities.

And we’re a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize our industry and safeguard our planet,” Toralba said. Aileen Guerrero

Photos from the article “A Tale of Resilience The Homeless Musician and His Cat “ in http://yourinforeview.com/ went viral in different Facebook groups.

In the article, we learned about the homeless musician and his cat Luna who caught our attention when we saw the photos : “Meet James, a talented musician who, through a series of unfortunate events, found himself without a home. James had a deep passion for music, and his guitar was not only his means of artistic expression but also his source of solace. Even when life dealt him a tough hand, James continued to play his guitar on the bustling streets, pouring his emotions into every note…

Amidst the cacophony of the city, James's music attracted the attention of an unlikely admirer—Luna, a stray cat who seemed to understand the emotions behind each melody. Luna would sit beside James, listening intently, her presence providing him with a sense of comfort and connection…

The streets became their home, and James and Luna became inseparable companions. Luna's gentle purrs and affectionate nuzzles provided James with the emotional support he needed to navigate the challenges of homelessness. While the world passed by in a hurry, their bond offered a respite from the harsh realities of life on the streets…”

“James's music became a lifeline, not only for him but for those who stopped to listen.

Passersby were moved by the raw emotion in his songs, and some would leave small tokens of appreciation. These acts of kindness, though modest, provided James and Luna with a glimmer of hope….

As word spread about James and Luna, the community rallied to support them. Local shelters and animal welfare organizations offered Luna medical care and supplies, while others contributed to a fund that eventually helped James secure temporary housing. The kindness of strangers began to transform their lives….

Conclusion

The story of the homeless musician and his cat, Luna, reminds us of the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. James's music, an expression of his innermost feelings, not only sustained him but also touched the hearts of those who heard it.

Luna, the loyal feline companion, exemplifies the power of connection and the solace that the presence of animals can bring in difficult times…”

Michelle Ramer Benoit posted this poster in Facebook on October 12. We do hope more humans will adopt black dogs.