Manila Standard - 2023 December 15 - Friday

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9 CHINA SHIPS SEEN INSIDE AYUNGIN SHOAL; PH ‘NOT MILITARIZING’ WPS

By Vince Lopez

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 303 • 5 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 •

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday confirmed the presence of Chinese ships on Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. AFP Western Command commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said five Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMV) were inside Ayungin, while four others were outside the shoal.

Carlos said CMMVs started entering the shoal—where the BRP Sierra Madre

is grounded—this year.

“Every time we see them inside the shoal, we deploy our rubber boats to drive them away non-confrontationally.

We make them leave,” Carlos told ABSCBN News in an interview.

“The term always is nonconfrontationally driving them away because it’s a calibrated response and we do not want to escalate the situation there anymore,” he added.

Carlos and AFP chief General Romeo Next page

2024 budget clean—Angara

P450b in unprogrammed funds ‘nothing new’, doesn’t violate Constitution

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE decision of Congress to include an additional P450 billion to the unprogrammed funds in the 2024 budget does not violate the Constitution, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said.

"The unprogrammed fund is nothing new.

It has been there for I think, the last two decades. So, I think what changed this year is it has been growing over time,” said Angara, who chairs the Senate finance committee.

“I think this is also a sign of a growing economy and it's part of the Philippine growth story that in case our collections, which has been growing and if based on 2023 where they were above target, then there's a good chance that some of these projects will

Over 1k commuters stranded as PISTON talks to regulator

Next page

By Joel E. Zurbano and Rio N. Araja

Speaker seeks LGU support for Charter change

TRANSPORT STRIKE DAY 1. Long lines of commuters are seen at Philcoa along

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez wants to tap local government units in pursuing changes to the 1987 Constitution, saying it has the support of President Marcos.

This is the fourth time this week that Romualdez spoke publicly about the House's Charter change plans for next year. Speaking at the Awarding of the Seal of Good Local Government on Thursday, Romualdez said congressmen want to work on pursuing charter change through both the people's initiative and constituent assembly modes.

He said calling for a constitutional convention can be "very, very expensive and very tedious."

"I say this because we would like to undertake Next page

Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday following the transport strike initiated

by PISTON, as the group and the No To PUV Phaseout Coalition trooped to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Central Office (inset) to demand that the government immediately scrap the mandatory franchise consolidation component for public utility vehicles. Manny Palmero

OVER a thousand commuters were stranded on the streets Thursday during the first day of a transport strike led by the group PISTON, but the government swiftly provided assistance, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, meanwhile, maintained the government’s Dec. 31 consolidation deadline under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which PISTON and other groups are opposing, is non-negotiable.

Members of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Next page

New date set for US trial of Quiboloy; still no extradition request A UNITED States judge set a new date for the trial of Kingdom of Jesus Christ church founder Apollo Quiboloy and several others for charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, coercion, and sex trafficking of children;

marriage fraud; fraud and misuse of visas; bulk cash smuggling; and money laundering, among others.

US district judge Terry Hatter Jr. moved the start of the trial from March 19, 2024 to Nov. 5, 2024 to give pros-

ecutors and defendants more time to prepare for the case.

“The case is so unusual and so complex, due to the nature of the prosecution and the number of defendants, that it is unreasonable to expect preparation

for pretrial proceedings or for the trial itself within the time limits established by the Speedy Trial Act,” the US District Court for the Central District of California said.

Next page

COVID beds in hospitals nearly full; DOH urges mask mandate

SUPPORT FOR LGUS. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez joins Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr., Negros

Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, DILG officials, and the recipients of the 2023 DILG Seal of Good Local Governance Awards during the awards rites at the Fiesta Pavilion of Manila Hotel on Thursday. Roy Pelovello

BEDS of three hospitals allocated for COVID-19 cases are almost fully occupied amid a rise in coronavirus cases, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.

Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag said the beds were almost full at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the National Kidney Transplant Institute, and the Medical City.

“Their COVID-19 case for their allocated beds are almost full in the said hospitals. In total, the other regions are still not experiencing this kind of situation,” Tayag said in an interview on GTV’s Balitanghali.

He said it is up to other hospitals and

local government units to issue their advisories regarding the use of face masks.

This came after the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) began implementing the mandatory use of face masks inside the hospital.

According to the DOH, the Philippines has recorded a total of 4,128,107 COVID-19 cases, of which 3,943 remain active. A total of 66,779 people have died from the disease.

“Even if there’s still no mask mandate and the PGH is reminding everyone to wear masks, based on our risk assessment of various hospitals or the local Next page

DOJ drops Ressa foreign ownership case THE Department of Justice dropped a foreign ownership case against Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, Rappler reported on Wednesday.

However, Ressa still faces the threat of imprisonment on other charges.

"Again, facts win. Truth wins. Justice wins. We will continue to hold the line," Ressa said in a statement published by her media outlet.

Ressa's lawyers Amal Clooney and Caoilfhionn Gallagher said the DOJ dropped a charge alleging Ressa illegally put Rappler under foreign control through the 2015 sale of foreign depositary receipts to US investment

firm Omidyar Network.

Omidyar Network later transferred its Rappler investment to the site's local managers.

The DOJ has yet to comment on Rappler's report.

Under the Philippine constitution, only Filipino citizens or entities controlled by citizens can invest in the media.

Ressa has argued that the Omidyar investment did not transfer ownership of the news outfit, nor did Omidyar exercise control.

The offense carried a maximum penalty of 21 years in jail under the Next page

DEPORTING POGOS. Under heavy police guard, about 180 Chinese nationals are herded inside buses on Thursday to prepare them for deportation. They were deemed undesirable aliens for having been caught working at Smart Web Technology POGO Hub without the proper immigration documents. (See full story on A2) Norman Cruz and Danny Pata

NEWS

A2

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH gains slot in climate loss board In a video message released on Thursday, President Marcos expressed his satisfaction with the development.

"I am very gratified to hear the news that the Philippines has secured a membership on Loss and Damage Fund Board for the year 2024 and the year 2026, serving as an alternate for 2025,” the President said in a video message.

Mr. Marcos emphasized the signifi-

cance of this achievement, stating that it grants the Philippines a voice in the global management of funds dedicated to mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Representing the Asia Pacific Group (APG) in the Loss and Damage Fund Board, the Philippines will share terms with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and

Pakistan.

Per the arrangement, the Philippines will function as a full member in 2024 and 2026, and as an alternate member in 2025.

This board membership provides the Philippines with a platform to influence country-driven climate solutions anchored in equity and the common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities of nations.

Being part of the Loss and Damage Fund Board underscores the country's commitment to multilateralism, strengthened international cooperation, and global solidarity.

The board will determine the decision on the host country for the Loss and Damage Fund Board.

Environment Secretary Antonia

2024...

The senator said the unprogrammed fund or the standby appropriation can only be spent by the executive branch if revenues are above target.

"In case your revenues are better than what you've expected or targeted, then you can fund those appropriations," Angara said.

"Imagine if you discover at the end of the year or by Nov. 2024 that your targets or your tax collections are above target and you decide that you want to propose to Congress to authorize me to spend an additional amount. That will take time.

That's why the stand-by or the unprogrammed fund is there," he added.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III earlier said the additional unprogrammed funds and increases in other appropriations made the final version of the budget “unconstitutional.”

Pimentel said the bicameral committee increased the original proposed unprogrammed funds by P281 billion on top of allocating the additional P450 billion also in unprogrammed funds.

“Is that compliant with the Constitution? Our Constitution states that Congress may approve the appropriations proposed by the President for the operations of the government, but it cannot increase the appropriations. Congress can

maintain the appropriations or reduce the appropriations, but it cannot increase the appropriations,” the senator said.

Data from Pimentel's office showed the final version of the 2024 General Appropriations Bill at P6.498 trillion is composed of P4.019 trillion in programmed funds, P731 billion in unprogrammed funds, and P1.748 trillion in automatic appropriations.

“What happened now is that Congress gave the executive branch the authority to spend an amount even greater than what is asked by the executive branch. It's as simple as that – unconstitutional,” he said.

Pimentel, a lawyer, said this can be questioned before the Supreme Court.

Philippine Navy ships are sent to the resupply mission, China would also change its deployment plan and justify deploying its People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels.

"The reason why the [China Coast Guard] has been deploying its CCG vessels is because we are using civilian indigenous boats, only escorted by the PCG. To emphasize, PCG vessels are white ships. For them to counter-respond to this, they are deploying CMMVs [Chinese maritime militia vessels] and CCGVs [Chinese Coast Guard vessels]," Tarriela told ANC. "If we are going to change the tone and deploy a warship instead of white ships, we can expect that the Chinese will also be escalating their projection of power and give them a better excuse to say that we are going to deploy our PLAN vessels as well," he said.

Tarriela acknowledged that resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal are military operations, but noted that the Philippines did not want to militarize the dispute.

In delivering fresh provisions to troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippines relies on military-chartered boats, with Philippine Coast Guard ships acting as escorts.

Also, advisers on National Security of the Philippines, United States, and Japan have jointly called on China to stop "further provocative behavior" as they expressed concerns over Beijing's recent "dangerous and unlawful" moves in the WPS, the White House said Thursday.

"They expressed concerns about the People's Republic of China's (PRC) recent dangerous and unlawful conduct near Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Reef, and called on the PRC to abide by

the legally binding July 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling and desist from further provocative behavior," the White House said, referring to the US' Jake Sullivan, Japan's Akiba Takeo, and the Philippines' Eduardo Año.

Sullivan, the White House said, reaffirmed the ironclad alliance commitments of the US to both Japan and the Philippines.

The Philippines and the United States have agreed to intensify their bilateral and multilateral coordination with other countries amid China's growing aggression, which Washington described as "coercive and unlawful."

“They agreed to bolster bilateral and multilateral coordination with other likeminded partners to enhance interoperability and accelerate the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” a readout from Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder said.

the Congress and LGUs will be working together for the betterment of the Filipino people by introducing a new Constitution, a ‘New Constitution for a New Philippines,’" Romualdez added.

The Leyte lawmaker said the House is merely supporting the Chief Executive's own desire for Charter amendments, adding that even the Duterte administration backed Charter change.

"But I cannot do this without you, and you the awardees will be the stalwarts in propagating this because it is our common dream to bring a better life to all Filipinos. And this is in consonance, with actually our President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ dream as well to look at the Constitution and see what portions can be amended or revised. And even the previous administration had espoused a federal form of government," he said.

Maricel V. Cruz

Some...

perience, especially for my 91-year-old mother, has left us deeply unsettled,” he said yesterday.

Guadiz said he is now fully cooperating with authorities to investigate the matter.

As of 2 p.m. Thursday, 46 MMDA service vehicles were dispatched to different areas in the National Capital Region and served about 1,117 people.

Those assisted were mostly passengers of the jeepney routes Cubao-Divisoria, Pasig-Quiapo, and Makati via A. Francisco.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes said the Inter-Agency Task Force Monitoring team continued to focus on the situation of the roads in Metro Manila through CCTVs. He added the agency’s Communications and Command Center received upto-date reports from the field.

As early as 5 a.m., MMDA General Manager Usec. Procopio Lipana and MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Victor Nuñez began monitoring the condition of the streets at the command center set up in Makati City.

By Charles Dantes

T

HE Philippines has successfully secured a position on the inaugural Loss and Damage Fund Board during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai, President Marcos announced yesterday.

From A1

be funded even though it's just in an unprogrammed or standby appropriations," he said.

Angara, who led the Senate delegation to the bicameral conference on the 2024 General Appropriations Act as chairperson of the Senate committee on finance, said that the unprogrammed fund is even smaller than what was approved last year for the 2023 budget.

"Last year, it was P800-plus billion," he said.

9 China...

From A1

Brawner, Jr. personally joined Sunday’s mission to Ayungin Shoal. They were on board the supply boat Unaizah Mae 1.

The officials witnessed how Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels shadowed, blocked with water cannons, and conducted dangerous maneuvers against the Philippine resupply team.

Carlos said they monitored some 40 Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal during the mission.

This developed as the Philippine Coast Guard said tensions in the West Philippine Sea may escalate if Manila sends military ships to counter Beijing's aggression in the waterway.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, said if

Speaker...

From A1

these twin methods of addressing constitutional amendments, if not revisions therein. And I’m telling you this right at the end of this year because the House of Representatives would like to take the cudgels and take this on in 2024," Romualdez told local executives at the event in Manila.

“I mention this to you because we cannot do this and we cannot be successful again without the help of our friends, our brothers and sisters in the LGU. So we would like to elicit your support,” he said.

"In fact, we shall be communicating with you shortly and I have actually given a quick briefer to our Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.”

“I look forward to 2024 when both

New...

From A1

"Failure to grant the continuance would likely make a continuation of the proceeding impossible or result in a miscarriage of justice," the court added.

Both the US prosecutors and defendants Felina Salinas, Gaia Cabactulan, Marissa Duenas, Amanda Estopare and Bettina Padilla Roces requested for a continuance.

The court ordered the defendants to appear in Courtroom 9B of the Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles, California, on Nov. 5, 2024. Quiboloy and his associates, Teresita Dandan and Helen Panilag, both officials of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, remained on the wanted list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Quiboloy's camp has dismissed the charges as "grandstanding by the US government."

DOJ...

From A1

country's Securities Regulation Code, Clooney and Gallagher said.

Ressa and Rappler earlier faced five government charges of tax evasion stemming from the 2015 issue of Philippine depositary receipts. They

The indictment alleged that Quiboloy and the two other defendants recruited female assistants or “pastorals” aged 12 to 25 years old.

It said they were required to prepare Quiboloy’s meals, give him massages and have sex with him during what they called "night duty."

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday called on the Department of Justice to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order against Quiboloy as she vowed to look into his alleged money laundering activities.

Hontiveros said the DOJ can do this motu proprio to prevent Quiboloy, the spiritual advisor of former President Rodrigo Duterte, from leaving the country.

"Our children’s lives are at stake," said Hontiveros, who filed on Monday a proposed Senate resolution to investigate Quiboloy, who declared himself as the "anointed son of God." With Rey Requejo and Maricel Cruz were acquitted of all five charges.

Ressa's lawyers said she still faced the prospect of a maximum 15-year jail sentence if convicted in a separate case stemming from the Omidyar investment.

Ressa and a former colleague are also appealing a cyber libel conviction that carries a nearly seven-year jail sentence.

From A1

Tsuper at Opereytor said they will push through with the last day of its strike today despite meeting with LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, discussing new concessions on the PUVMP. The strike has forced Muntinlupa City to suspend classes on all levels until Friday and major universities to shift their college classes online.

Despite PISTON saying it was a nationwide strike, it was unclear at presstime how widely public transport was paralyzed outside Metro Manila.

In a related development, armed men on Wednesday barged into the house of LTFRB chairman Guadiz, who believed that the intrusion, “involving three cars and over 10 armed assailants, appears to be more than a routine robbery – it seems personal, and the motive remains unclear.”

“Our family is still reeling from a recent incident where armed individuals entered our home. This traumatic ex-

Yulo-Loyzaga also revealed that President Marcos has been recognized for his contributions to climate and human mobility by an international migration organization.

This prestigious accolade was conferred alongside the President of Sudan for their commendable efforts in effectively managing human mobility and migration on a global scale.

“During the COP (Conference of Parties 28 in Dubai), we were called to the global climate mobility pavilion. This is a pavilion together with the international office for migration recognizes achievements in terms of migration and how we are handling human mobility as a whole,” Loyzaga said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

government units, they can advise on the wearing of face masks,” Tayag said.

“For us in the Department of Health, the wearing of face masks is recommended for senior citizens, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised, especially those who have yet to complete their COVID-19 vaccination,” he added.

According to Tayag, the DOH recorded 1,910 new COVID-19 cases from Dec. 2 to 11.

“This equals 260 new cases every day compared to the previous week, which is a hundred cases per day. So it’s increasing,” he said.

However, Tayag said the DOH currently does not have any plans to make the wearing of face masks mandatory amid the holiday season.

But he advised the public to refrain from visiting areas that are too crowded or to wear a face mask and get tested for COVID-19 if they would do so.

Tayag also denied that the rise in cases is related to mycoplasm pneumoniae or the “walking pneumonia.”

The DOH previously said that all four cases of walking pneumonia in the country have recovered.

“This may be related to the lockdown because the movement of many was restricted during the lockdown, so they could not build up enough immune boosting so this is happening,” he said.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta

Rappler, meanwhile, is challenging a Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission order to close for allegedly violating a ban on foreign ownership in media.

Despite the remaining hurdles, Ressa in September was characteristically defiant and optimistic after hurdling her last tax evasion case, telling reporters

the latest acquittal "strengthens our resolve to continue with the justice system."

"It shows that the court system works and we hope to see the remaining charges dismissed," she said.

Throughout the cases against her, Ressa, who is also a US citizen, has remained based in the Philippines.

AFP

COVID...

From A1

COA: DepEd yet to remit P4.47b in funds to GSIS THE Department of Education has yet to remit P4.47 billion worth of GSIS premium contributions and loan amortizations deducted from the salaries of teaching and non-teaching personnel as of end-2022, the Commission on Audit said in its annual report. “[This is] exposing concerned personnel to penalties/interest that could result in undue limitations in enjoying privileges and benefits conferred under the GSIS law,” the GSIS said in COA's 2022 annual audit report.

DepEd Region 6 accounted for almost half of the amount with P2.19billion in unremitted premium contributions and loan amortizations, followed by Region 9 with P580.8 million.

Of DepEd's 12 regional offices, only those in Regions 2, 7, 8, and 10 did not accumulate any unremitted GSIS dues.

“It is vital for agencies to withhold and remit all monthly premium contributions within the prescribed period for members to enjoy and access all privileges and benefits that are due to them,” COA said.

“Thus, the failure by the DepEd Offices to remit the premium contributions deprived their employees of the opportunity to avail of loan privileges, earn yearly dividends, and such other benefits offered to all GSIS members thereby causing undue injury to them,” COA added.

For its part, DepEd said it has been working with GSIS to resolve the issues “spanning several years.”

“We have been holding regular/ monthly meetings with GSIS to address all the issues/concerns of our teachers,” DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa told GMA News Online.

“In fact, a memorandum of agreement between the GSIS and DEpEd has been recently signed. In the said MOA, the GSIS has committed to providing account officers that will exclusively cater to DepEd personnel concerns,” he said. With Rio Araja

180 Chinese held in anti-trafficking raid deported THE Philippines deported 180 Chinese nationals on Thursday after they were detained in a raid on a suspected sextrafficking and online scam operation in the capital Manila, officials said.

Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino nationals were among the nearly 600 people found inside a compound during the operation in October.

Sex toys, a massage parlor, karaoke rooms, and a restaurant were found in the building operated by a business that authorities said was licensed as an internet gaming company.

Several women were "rescued" during the raid, police said.

The Chinese nationals deported did not have work permits and had been "engaging in online scams," Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Undersecretary Gilberto Cruz told AFP. Cruz said more foreigners detained in the raid would be deported in the coming weeks.

International concern has been growing over internet scams in the Asia-Pacific region, often staffed by trafficking victims tricked or coerced into promoting bogus crypto investments. Vito Barcelo With AFP

PDP-Laban moves to unify factions FORMER ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) is taking steps to unify its factions, Senator Robin Padilla said.

Padilla, together with Senator Christopher Go, represent one faction from the side of former President Rodrigo Duterte, while the other side is led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and former senator Manny Pacquiao.

“I court him [Pimentel] every single day. Every day, I tell him: ‘Boss, let us just unite in the PDP,'” Padilla said.

The split in the ruling party started when the Duterte camp held its own national assembly, claimed party leadership, and refused to endorse the presidential bid of Pacquiao in 2022.

He said the ongoing talks with Pimentel have the blessing of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Even before, we were given the freedom to speak with Senator Koko,” he said.

Go said the talks are still “in the consultation stage” and cannot yet be considered “formal.”

Pimentel's father, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., established PDP-Laban with the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1982 as an opposition coalition.

NEWS

A3 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cayetano favors Congress’ plan to move over to BGC

By Joel E. Zurbano TAGUIG City Mayor Laarni Cayetano backs the proposal to transfer the House of Representatives to the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), citing the city’s readiness to accommodate Congress.

Cayetano said the targeted area is a “strategic choice that attracts businesses, tourists, educational institutions, international organizations, and government offices.”

She believes that the move would be significant not only for her constituents, but also for visitors, congressional employees, and the general public.

Local officials also assured the public that the city government under the leadership of Cayetano, who also as a legislative representative of Taguig-Pateros district, is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient relocation process should the plan pushes through.

Three congressmen filed House Resolution 1390 creating an ad hoc committee to study the establishment of a new building for the House of Representatives, and proposed that the chamber should move to the BGC for better communication and coordination of legislative work.

Solon welcomes bicam okay of seafarers’ bill

SEAL OF GOOD GOVERNANCE.

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete, and other local government officials received the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance award, plus a facsimile check for P2.3 million from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the national awarding ceremony held at The Manila Hotel. Inset shows Navotas City Mayor Mayor John Rey Tiangco, along with Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez and City Administrator Christia Padolina, also receiving similar award and cash incentive during the same event.

Andrew Rabulan

UN eyes anti-torture body in PH A

UNITED Nations mission to the Philippines has called on the national government to create a torture prevention panel tasked to handle torture and maltreatment of prisoners or criminal suspects by law enforcers.

The delegation issued the call at the conclusion of its 11-day visit to the country to look into the local authorities’ treatment of detainees.

“The State Party should fast-track the adoption of the bills currently in the House of Representatives and the Senate, which will create the national monitoring body officially called National Preventive Mechanism, and we

welcome the invitation to provide technical assistance in this regard,” said Victor Zaharia, head of the delegation.

“The magnitude of issues observed by the delegation reaffirms the urgency of establishing an independent torture prevention mechanism with unrestricted access to all places of deprivation of liberty.

This national mechanism, with adequate resources, will be a key partner in pre-

venting torture and ill-treatment in the Philippines,” Zaharia added.

During its stay in the Philippines from 3 to 14 December, the delegation visited over 40 places of detention facilities across the country, including police stations, jails, prisons, and drug rehabilitation centers.

They also visited reformation and education facilities for minors, immigration detention centers, as well as military and drug enforcement agency holding facilities.

The mission conducted confidential interviews with staff members and people held in those

LTO chief directs rigid inspection of passenger buses

By Maricel V. Cruz A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Thursday hailed the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report of House Bill 7325 or the Magna Carta of Seafarers.

OFW Rep. Marissa Magsino, one of the principal authors of measure, expressed confidence that the President will soon enact the measure into law.

“My driving force in pushing for its approval has always been the desire to promote the welfare of Filipino seafarers through a legislation embodying their rights, duties, conditions of employment, and entitlements, including the duties and responsibilities of shipowners and manning agencies, and concerned government agencies,” Magsino said.

“This measure has been discussed then put off, brought back to life then shelved again for the past decades.

But finally, Congress has passed the Magna Carta of Filipino seafarers, giving them the recognition and protection they rightly deserve,” she added.

By Rio N. Araja

THANKSGIVING MASS. Former Senator Leila De Lima and her supporters raise their fists while singing “Bayan Ko” during a

thanksgiving Mass for her release from detention, held at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in De la Salle University on Taft Ave., Manila.

De Lima announced she has accepted De la Salle’s invitation for her to teach in the prestigious school starting next semester. Danny Pata

TUCP hails Senate nod on ILO ruling curbing violence in workplace THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Thursday welcomed the Senate’s ratification of the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 that addresses violence and harassment in the workplace.

“The harsh reality faced by workers,

institutions, and examined the treatment of individuals in different stages of the criminal or rehabilitation system.

“We witnessed first-hand the State party’s initiatives to tackle issues such as overcrowding in detention facilities, but major challenges lie ahead. It is vital that safeguards in police custody are effectively guaranteed at all times, and that people deprived of their liberty are treated in accordance with the law and international standards,” Zaharia said.

During the visit, the delegation met with government officials, members of the House of Representatives, the judiciary, UN representatives, and civil society.

especially women and Filipino migrant workers, compelled me to file House Resolution 32, calling for the immediate ratification of ILO C190,” Deputy Speaker Democrito Mendoza said.

The House under Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez adopted Mendoza’s

resolution in January 2023. In October, President Marcos ratified ILO C190.

“The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Sen. Imee Marcos also gave its nod (on the measure). And now, the Senate, in plenary session, has officially concurred with the ratification of C190,”

Mendoza of the TUCP party-list group said.

According to him, “violence and harassment have no place in a modern and modernizing Philippines that is the newest priority investment hub through progressive, worker-centered, and race-tothe-top labor relations.” Maricel V. Cruz

LAND Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza II has ordered all regional directors and district office heads to intensify the inspection of passenger utility buses in their terminals amid the influx of passengers for the Christmas season.

Mendoza said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista wanted to ensure the safety of commuters, travellers, and all road users in anticipation of a surge in the volume of vehicles for the Yuletide season.

The inspection was necessary to prevent fatal road accidents similar to the Antique mishap where several passengers died when their bus plunged into a ravine.

“I am expecting a regular conduct of inspection on all passenger buses leaving their respective bus terminals. We have to do this because what is at stake is the life and limb of the passengers who just want to reach their destination safely,” the LTO chief emphasized.

He also directed the regional directors and heads of offices to ensure the mental and physical condition of the drivers to avoid road mishaps caused by drivers falling asleep, especially during a long trip.

Group bats for motorcycle taxis operating beyond Metro Manila

By Rio N. Araja and Darwin G. Amojelar

MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS CONVENTION. Five Filipina micro-entrepreneurs garnered awards for excellence in their pursuit of modest businesses during a convention organized by the RAFI Microfinance Inc. with the theme “Sulong Negosyante: Charging Forward to Unlock the Potentials of Women Entrepreneurs.” Norman Cruz

Five Pinays capture micro-entrepreneur awards FIVE Filipina micro-entrepreneurs were recently conferred awards for excellence in the pursuit of their respective trades amid daunting challenges notably those that arose from the pandemic.

The awarding ceremony, held last Dec. 6, highlighted this year’s Entrepre-

neurs Summit spearheaded by the RAFI Microfinance Inc. The event had for its theme “Sulong Negosyante”Charging Forward to Unlock the Potentials of Women Entrepreneurs.”

The Power Pinays: Mauswagon Entrepreneur Awards (MEA) were given to five outstanding female micro entre-

preneurs who have successfully nurtured, expanded, and sustained their businesses despite the challenges, the organizers said.

The awards were categorized into three; Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation, and Responsible Consumption and Production.

A TRANSPORT advocacy alliance on Thursday welcomed the recommendation of a government technical working group (TWG) to allow the operation of the ride hailing app motorcycle taxis beyond the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Department of Transportation’s TWG on motorcycle taxis has submitted its proposal to the House Transportation Committee to extend the pilot study in major cities outside Metro Manila.

Primo Morillo, convenor of the advocacy group Passenger Forum, said “the problem of insufficient public transport options is not exclusive to Metro Manila commuters.”

“We have heard several positive feedbacks from commuters in Cebu

and Cagayan De Oro when they allowed MC taxis in their respective cities. Thus, we support the TWG’s recommendation to expand the study to other urban centers,” he added The TWG report submitted to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation backed the proposed motor taxi study’s initial expansion in Pampanga, Batangas, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao City.

Included in the five secondary expansion areas were Zamboanga, Legazpi City, General Santos City, Baguio City and Pangasinan.

The TWG maintained that while the motor taxis would benefit the commuters, the government must still ensure that the development and expansion of a limited mass transport system is the top priority, according to Morillo.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Bidding for 2025 poll system fails

Speaker assures AFP of funding aid via House

By Vito Barcelo

By Maricel V. Cruz

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday declared a failure of bidding for the lease of 110,000 automated counting machines worth P18.827 billion, after the lone bidder, Miru Systems Company Limited, failed to comply fully with the legal requirements for eligibility to bid.

In a message to reporters, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the Korean-based Miru Systems, which offered to supply the country’s automated election system (AES) for

the 2025 national and local elections, failed to meet the requirements under Republic Act 9184, resulting in a failure of bidding.

Three firms -- Miru, Pivot Interna-

tional, and Smartmatic -- bought bid documents, but Pivot did not submit a bid offer, while Smartmatic’s bid was rejected because of Comelec’s decision to disqualify it from participating in any bidding process for the 2025 elections.

Laudiangco, who is also vice chair of the poll body’s Special Bids and Awards Committee’s (SBAC), said Miru was the only bidder during the submission, receipt, and opening of bids for the lease of the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) for the midterm polls.

The FASTrAC project includes the

bidding for automated counting machines, ballots, canvassing, and other materials that would be used for voting.

The contract for the electronic voting scheme is separate from the transmission and internet voting system, Laudiangco said.

The Comelec said it will immediately announce the second bidding this week.

Earlier, former Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. claimed there were discrepancies in the votes in the 2022 polls, in which Smartmatic supplied the automatic voting system.

CONGRESS ADJOURNS.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (center) joins House leaders and members in a picture at the plenary hall on Wednesday night as Congress adjourns for the Christmas break.

Ver Noveno

2 more suspects Padilla bill eyes changes to constitutional terms in Marawi bomb attack captured

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Vince Lopez THE Philippine National Police on Thursday said it arrested two alleged members of Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group who were linked to the deadly bomb attack at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City.

PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the suspects, identified as “Maausor” and “Monatanda/ Titing” were arrested by a team of police and military personnel in Barangay Cabasaran, Lumbayanague in Lanao del Sur last Dec. 9.

“According to the information that we received, after the incident it’s in this area where alias Engineer (Kadapi Mimbesa) fled and hid,” Fajardo said.

The colonel also said investigators are still looking into the possible involvement of the two men in the Dec. 3 bomb attack of a Catholic Mass at the MSU’s Dimaporo Gymnasium that killed four people and wounded dozens more.

Both suspects have warrants of arrest for murder, according to the PNP spokesperson.

On Dec. 6, another person linked to the MSU bombing, identified as Jaafar Gamo Sultan alias “Kulot,” was arrested by Task Force Marawi in Barangay Dulay Proper, Marawi City.

The PNP said authorities believe the persons of interest earlier named in the bombing, Kadapi Mimbesa or “Engineer” and Arsani Membesa or “Lapitos,” planned the bombing at Sultan’s house.

SENATOR Robin Padilla has filed a resolution proposing changes to the constitutional terms of elected officials including the President, Vice President, and lawmakers, citing the need to ensure a balance between leadership stability and democratic continuity.

In filing Resolution of Both Houses of Congress No. 5, Padilla proposed

amendments to Section 4 and 7 of Article VI (Legislative Department); Sec. 4 of Art. VII (Executive Department); and Sec. 8 of Art. X (Local Government) of the Constitution.

He proposed the following amendments: * Sec. 2 of Art. VI: The Senate shall have 54 members. Of these, 24 are elected at large and 30 elected by qualified voters from each legislative region. * Sec. 4 of Art. VI: Senators elected

at large shall have terms of eight years, but shall not serve for more than two consecutive terms; senators elected by region shall have terms of four years, but shall not serve for more than three consecutive terms. * Sec. 7 of Art VI: Members of the House of Representatives shall be elected for a term of four years, and shall not serve more than three consecutive terms.

METRO MAYORS’ SPOUSES. First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos stands with the members of the Metro Manila Mayors Spouses

Foundation Inc. after presiding over their oath-taking Thursday. Present are Rep. Edgardo Rubiano for Pasay City, Ricky Reyes, foundation adviser, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora as chairman of the Metro Manila Mayors Council, Foundation President Mrs. Keri Zamora, Mrs. Trina Biazon of Muntinlupa (Vice President), Mrs. Tiffany Gatchalian of Valenzuela (Treasurer), Mrs. Aubrey Malapitan of Caloocan (Secretary), Mrs. Barbie Tiangco of Navotas (PRO), Mrs. Aileen Olivarez of Paranaque (Auditor), Mrs. Alelee Aguilar Andanar (Las Piñas), Mr. Ray Alimurung (Quezon City), and former Malabon-Navotas congressman Ricky Sandoval.

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday night assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of vigorous support from the House of Representatives in protecting the nation in compliance with a directive from President Marcos.

Romualdez made the assurance during the HOR-AFP Fellowship at the Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner invited the Speaker to the fellowship and the golf competition that preceded it.

Aside from Romualdez, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. addressed the fellowship participants.

In his remarks, the leader of the 310-strong House also expressed his deepest gratitude to the members of the AFP for their service to the country.

“On behalf of the members of the House, we would like you all to know, the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly you, the generals and the leaders of the AFP, that we stand beside you and we shall be in strong support of you every day of your lives because our President, our commander in chief, has set the policy that you are the priority, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for all the services and sacrifices you have given to the country. This is the least we can do,” Romualdez said.

Despite El Nino, no red, yellow alerts seen—DOE

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy (DOE) expects to raise no red or yellow alerts next year despite the El Nino weather phenomenon leading to a significantly reduced capacity of the country’s hydropower plants, officials said Thursday.

DOE data showed that the projected available hydro capacity nationwide is at 725.5 megawatts (MW) next year, a nearly 80 percent decline from the total dependable capacity of 3,472 MW. Luzon will bear the brunt of the “hydro deration” or reduced output to 585 MW from 2,416 MW while Mindanao’s hydro capacity will go down to 115.5 MW from 1,031 MW. DOE director for the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Irma Exconde said the agency has been monitoring the hydropower plants to prepare for the Nino weather phenomenon.

Nograles hails Marcos order to finish water projects, fight drought R EP. Fidel Nograles of Rizal on Thursday hailed President Marcos’ recent order to concerned government agencies to complete waterrelated projects by April 2024 amid an impending drought due to the El Niño phenomenon.

“The President’s order signifies the government’s commitment to protect

our people from the harsh effects of the coming drought. I hope that our agencies tasked with overseeing these projects will not only comply, but seek to exceed expectations,” Nograles, a deputy majority leader, said.

The country could face potentially the worst drought it has experienced in decades after only 10 typhoons – from

Comply with pass-through fees order to keep prices low, senator tells LGUs SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday urged local government units to help lower transportation and logistics costs that are ultimately adding to food inflation, amid surging food demand related to Christmas and New Year festivities.

Gatchalian said LGUs must ensure strict compliance with Executive Order 41, signed by the President in September this year.

It prohibits the collection of pass-through fees from motor vehicles transporting goods or merchandise along national roads and other roads not constructed and funded by LGUs.

However, LGUS are only urged to suspend collection when transporting goods or merchandise along local public roads. The EO aims to ensure the efficient movement of goods across the regions and revitalization of local industries.

“Whether passing through national or local public roads, LGUs should suspend the collection of fees considering that pass-through fees significantly add to transportation and logistics costs, which are usually added to the prices of goods and commodities,” said Gatchalian. Macon Ramos-Araneta

an annual average of 20 – entered the Philippines so far this year, the government announced recently.

With the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the Philippines is also likely to experience “moderate to severe drought conditions” from February to May 2024, with 77 percent of the country’s provinces expected to be in drought by

the end of May, the Department of Science and Technology said.

Nograles underscored the need to act swiftly to mitigate the effects of the expected drought.

“Time is of the essence, and every moment of inaction will lead to more families being affected by the drought,” the lawmaker said. Maricel V. Cruz

MMFF AUDITORIUM.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Don Artes, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) stars Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Derek Ramsay, and MMFF Secretary Rochelle Ona lead the inauguration of the new MMFF Auditorium at MMDA Head Office in Pasig City on Thursday.

Manny Palmero

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OPINION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com HONOR BLANCO CABIE, Editor

EDITORIAL

EVERYMAN

Peace talks should have no preconditions

Merrier Christmas with MRT-7, new airport

By Melandrew Velasco

It has three components: the metro rail transit system, highway, and intermodal transportation terminal.

The metro rail transit system stretches 22.6 km. with 14 stations from North Avenue Station to San Jose del Monte.

The other stations are in Quezon Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Manggahan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Ave. Quirino, Sacred Heart, and Tala.

It also includes the rolling stocks with 108 cars now completed, and a depot.

The highway component is a 6-lane, 22km highway that will connect the Intermodal Transportation Terminal in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan to Bocaue/Balagtas Interchange North Luzon Expressway. It will traverse the municipalities of San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Pandi, Bocaue, and Balagtas.

The Intermodal Transport Terminal will be adjacent to the Depot.

Anytime, it will be able to accommodate 60 buses and will be fitted with complete facilities like passenger waiting areas and lounge, ticket booths, among others.

The MRT-7 project is a public-private partnership under the Build-Gradual Transfer-Operate and Maintain scheme.

The Department of Transportation said as of October, the MRT-7 project is 63.28 percent complete and is expected to be fully operational by 2025.

Last April, officials from the DOTr, Quezon City government, and San Miguel Corporation led groundbreaking for the pre-construction works of the elevated turnback guideway of MRT-7 at West Avenue, Quezon City.

The turnback guideway will allow MRT-7 trains to change directions upon reaching the North Triangle Common Station in North Avenue.

The common station which is still under construction will be used by LRT Line 1, MRT Line 3 and MRT-7.

RSA said the construction of MRT-7’s turnback guideway at West Avenue presented an opportunity to help advance Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s push for more and better active transport infrastructure in the city.

“Once completed, the new configuration of the road will feature wider pedestrian walkways, and bike lanes that will benefit more people,” he added.

The MRT-7 project had an estimated project cost of P77 billion during the approval of the project. On June 22, 2022, DOTr submitted the project for approval of its proposed variation, with a new project cost amounting to Php 125.04 billion.

The Concession Agreement became effective on Feb. 19, 2016 and construction of the project began in August that year. It has a 25-year concession period.

Like other infrastructure projects, the MRT-7 project and the New Manila International Airport are real game-changer projects and investments in the Filipino future.

As we celebrate Christmas 2023, we can always look forward to a better and merrier Christmas.

IN THE run up to the yearend, I am hopeful like other Filipinos our country will move up to become an upper middle-income country earlier than the 2025 forecast.

Economists have painted a rosy growth prospect for the country and, according to the World Bank, the Philippines has been one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia and Pacific region.

Infrastructure plays an important role in a country’s economic development; to further spur development, there is a need to invest more in this.

Big-ticket infra projects were undertaken by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s predecessor under the Build, Build, Build Program.

Some infrastructure projects were completed under the BBB Program, like the final section of the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Plaridel ByPass Road Phase II, North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 and C3-R10 Section, Skyway Stage 3, and Alabang-Sucat Skyway Extension, among others.

—“—

The common station which is still under construction will be used by LRT Line 1, MRT Line 3 and MRT-7

There are still ongoing projects – under the Build Better More Program of President Marcos.

Among these are transport infrastructures: the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and the Metro Rail Transit 7, both being undertaken by San Miguel Corporation subsidiaries.

These will enhance connectivity and mobility, complementing each other.

When the project was conceptualized, it projected carrying 300,000 during the first year of operation and “shall reach the maximum 850,000 passengers per day on the 12th year.”

Last month, a team – from MRT-7 and partners Hyundai Rotem, Korail and Rhodium 688 – conducted test runs of its trains at MRT-7’s line along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

SMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang (RSA) led the test runs and witnessed the use of technology to provide better travel experience.

“The hard work of everyone involved is turning our collective dream of fast, efficient transport into reality. The prospect of traveling from Quezon City to Bulacan in just 35 minutes is not only a time-saver, but also a life-changer, offering more opportunities for personal and family time,” RSA said.

The MRT 7 project involves the implementation of an integrated transportation system.

Undertaken by the proponent are the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the project.

(The author is president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-profit group advocating tree planting and watershed protection. He is also a book writer and publisher of biographical and coffee table books.)

T

the Marcos administration’s bold policy initiative.

But while the misgivings may be wellfounded and even understandable from one point of view—after all, we have a democratic system in place where contrary ideas may be freely articulated— the administration’s back-to-back peace initiatives face serious obstacles.

HE Marcos administration took two giant steps toward restoring peace in the country through its proclamation of amnesty for various rebel groups and its agreement with the National Democratic Front to restart peace negotiations and reach a political settlement of the 55year old Maoist insurgency.

Does this mean the previous agreements entered into by the two sides since 1987, particularly on the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) are now considered null and void?

The NDF could well claim this constitutes a precondition for the restart of peace talks.

On the other hand, the NDF is not blameless as well for setting not one, not two but several demands, in fact, for the peace talks to take place.

It wants the release of all its ‘peace consultants,’ the repeal of its ‘terrorist designation’ by the government, the dismantling of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the release of some 800 political prisoners charged with rebellion and common crimes such as murder.

“These are critical and practical measures, without which it is doubtful peace negotiations can even proceed,” according to the Communist Party of the Philippines spokesman.

As things now stand, do you think the agreed-upon peace talks will start soon?

Or proceed at all?

—“—

The NDF is not blameless as well for setting not one, not two but several demands, in fact, for the peace talks to take place

But while the twin peace initiatives have been met with wide approval from Congress, Cabinet offices, the business sector, civil society and even foreign governments, no less than Vice President Sara Duterte called the proposed peace talks with the NDF “a pact with the devil.”

Some segments of the security sector are said to also take a dim view of the offer of amnesty particularly for current and former members of the New People’s Army or NPA even as AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner expressed full support for

On one hand, the government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), has declared the agreement on the peace talks is not a resumption nor a continuation of previous ones, but a “new beginning.”

Citizen Barok

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

IN A significant stride towards addressing the country’s needs, the successful ratification of the P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 marks a pivotal moment.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, in a statement, attributes the budget to the diligent collaboration between the Senate and the House, highlighting their agreement to reconcile their differing versions.

Romualdez emphasizes the 2024 budget is geared towards combating inflation, assisting the impoverished, and strengthening essential social services.

The majority of the budget allocations, per Romualdez, are in line with the “legacy” and priorities of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “At the heart of the 2024 budget is the goal to improve food, jobs, health, education, and housing for the Filipino people,” states Romualdez.

He notes the removal of Confidential and Intelligence Funds, recognized as potential sources of corruption, demonstrates a commitment to scrutiny and good governance.

President Marcos envisions three Legacy Projects: Legacy Food Security, Legacy Specialty Hospitals, and Legacy Housing for the underprivileged.

The 2024 budget is also earmarked to support farmers with provisions like free seeds, fertilizers, and other tools. Investment in irrigation infrastructure is expected to contribute to increased food production.

Romualdez announces the commencement of the construction of specialty hospitals, with an allocation of P1 billion each for renowned institutions, including PGH,

Romualdez’s ambitious budget

National Kidney Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, National Cancer Center, Bicol Regional Medical Center, and specialty hospitals in Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna.

The budget ensures continued provision of free medical treatment, quality hospital services, and medication for our fellow citizens in need.

term gains, particularly in food security, healthcare, and housing for the less fortunate.

The removal of funds prone to corruption signifies a commitment to transparency and ethical governance.

The right implementation of this budget promises Filipinos a tangible improvement in their daily lives.

From increased food security to better healthcare facilities, the budget aims to address crucial aspects of the citizens’ well-being.

It aligns with the nation’s aspirations for progress and prosperity.

To ensure the successful implementation of this ambitious budget, it is crucial to prioritize transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of funds.

Regular and thorough audits should be conducted to prevent corruption and mismanagement.

Moreover, public awareness campaigns can be initiated to inform Filipinos about the specific benefits and programs included in the budget.

This transparency will foster public trust and engagement, creating a sense of ownership and accountability among citizens.

Lastly, collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organizations will play a pivotal role in ensuring the intended objectives of the budget are met.

By fostering a collaborative approach, the government can leverage diverse expertise and resources to maximize the positive impact of the budget on Filipino lives.

—“—

Public awareness campaigns can be initiated to inform Filipinos about the specific benefits and programs included in the budget

Romualdez’s objectives and aspirations for the budget align with the broader vision of uplifting the lives of Filipinos across various sectors.

The approved budget brings forth numerous benefits for the Filipino people, encompassing improved healthcare, agricultural support, and infrastructure development.

Investments in irrigation and specialty hospitals are expected to enhance food production and healthcare accessibility.

With a focus on legacy projects, President Marcos, Jr.’s vision emphasizes long-

Century of Canada’s Indigenous pain, suffering – still more work to do —“—

OTTAWA, Canada – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has championed reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples, but chiefs say that for all the movement on rights and billions of dollars in compensation the progress comes at a snail’s pace.

“We have a long way to go for true reconciliation with this state of Canada,” Ojibwe chief Gordon Bluesky told AFP on the sidelines of a gathering of chiefs from across Canada last week to elect a national leader.

Ottawa moved in 2021 to align Canadian laws with the United Nations’ declaration on Indigenous rights -- after a decade and a half of opposing the framework for First Nations’ survival and well-being.

Billions of dollars have also been awarded to descendants of Canada’s first peoples to compensate for historical wrongs and for reforms of colonial institutions and systems that hampered Indigenous peoples’ self-determination.

But many Indigenous peoples, who represent five percent of Canada’s 38.7 million population, still live in communities marked

by poverty, unemployment, poor housing and discrimination.

And many -- like Bluesky -- do not yet see themselves reflected in the Canadian context.

“Look around,” he said. “What is there that reflects me as an Indigenous person? There’s not even a statue in our capital that reflects one of the First Nations gathered here.”

“It’s like we don’t even exist and that’s unfortunate.”

Many are still processing generational grief and trauma inflicted on them by the state.

Since May 2021, the discoveries of hundreds children’s remains on the grounds of former boarding schools set up more than a century ago to forcibly assimilate Indigenous peoples shocked the nation. It led to an outpouring of grief and sympathy.

Thousands died at the schools, and many were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, according to an investigative commission that concluded the Canadian government engaged in “cultural genocide.”

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An inquiry identified at least 1,200 Indigenous women who were murdered or went missing since 1980

Two and a half years after the first 1,000 unmarked graves were discovered in Western Canada, searches at other residential schools across the country using ground-penetrating radar have been launched.

“It’s hard to even think about reconciliation when you’re busy trying to find your lost kids,” Nishnawbe Aski Nation grand chief Alvin Fiddler said.

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

Awakened to Indigenous plight “We have not yet reached reconciliation,” said researcher Marie-Pierre Bousquet.

“We must first get Indigenous people to a much better stage of healing as they struggle with the consequences of past harms,” the director of Indigenous studies at the University of Montreal.

Although the student deaths from malnutrition, disease or neglect were long known to some, the grisly burial find in 2021 awakened Canadians to the plight of Indigenous peoples.

“People said to themselves, ‘They were right... these residential schools were really terrible. Thousands of children died and didn’t come home,’” Bousquet explained.

Several Indigenous leaders lament a slow pace of change in their relationship with the Crown. But they also acknowledge a greater openness and sensitivity among Canadians.

“People are becoming more aware about what’s really going on in this country, about the colonial history and the violence that’s

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

been inflicted on our people for many, many generations,” said Fiddler, who wears a red dress brooch on his lapel to raise awareness about violence against Indigenous women.

An inquiry identified at least 1,200 Indigenous women who were murdered or went missing since 1980.

But it was the discoveries of the unmarked graves of children, some as young as three years old, that “opened the way for reconciliation,” believes Sioux chief Tony Alexis.

“The country is trying. The government is rolling out initiatives and programs,” he said.

A public holiday was recently created to commemorate the victims of Indigenous residential schools, Pope Francis apologized for abuses at the church-run schools, and Trudeau appointed Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, Mary Simon.

“But we’re still only at the beginning.

There’s still more work to do,” said Alexis.

The pain and suffering was intergenerational and reconciliation, he said, will take time. “I think it’s going to take another 20 to 50 years to get to where we need to be.” AFP

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Chin Wong Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

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Seoul scrambles jets after Chinese, Russian warplanes approach zone

LEGAL NOTICE

is hereby given for the SEOUL – South Korea’s military said tactical measures in preparation Notice for continsettlement of the Estate of Ludovico Garcia Mejia (“Decedent”) who died Thursday it scrambled fighter jets as two gencies”. on February 3, 2022, without any will or Chinese and four Russian military planes An air defense identification testament zoneandiswithout a any debts. The Decedent left two (2) bank account entered its air defense zone, an area wider broader area than a country’s airspace in Island, Abanao of Bank of Philippine branch, Baguio City and and a Tax than the country’s airspace. which it tries to control aircraft for security Declaration Agricultural Land in Barrio Anonang,in San Fabian, Pangasinan.

The Chinese and Russian planes entered reasons, but the concept is not defined any The mentioned bank account and real property is subject to an Extra-Judicial and exited the Korea Air Defense Identifi- international treaty.

Settlement of the Estate executed by cation Zone (KADIZ) in the East Sea, also China and Russia are North Korea’s tra-and acknowledged the exclusive heirs

by Atty. John Domingo A. Ponce, Jr., known as the Sea of Japan, from 11:53 am to ditional allies, and Washington warned Notary Publiclast for and in the City of Makati on September 13, 2023, with 12:10 pm, Seoul’s month that military ties between Pyongyang Doc No. 73, Page No. 16, Book No. I, Seriesdangerof 2023.

Joint Chiefs of and Moscow were “growing and LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given for the Staff said. ous”.

Notice is hereby given for the settlement of the Estate of Ludovico settlement of Ludovico The United States has called on Beijing But of the Estate “there Garcia Mejia (“Decedent”) who died Garcia Mejia (“Decedent”) who died on February 3, 2022, without any will or NOTICE OF DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL on February 3, 2022, without any will or was no invasion -- the North’s biggest economic benefactor testament and without any debts. The testament and without any debts. The SETTLEMENT with LOT ASSIGNMENT Decedent left two (2) bank account of airspace”, -to restrain Pyongyang.

Decedent left two (2) bankitaccount (Loyola Memorial Park Marikina Lot covered of Bank of Philippine Island, Abanao of Bank of Philippine Island, Abanao branch, Baguio City and and a Tax added, Advisor Jake Sul-No. 77under Security Certificate of Ownershipbranch, Baguioand City and the and a Tax US National Declaration Agricultural Land in Barrio Declaration Agricultural Land in Barrio 17162) ON THE South Korean livan said last week thatINTESTATE WashingtonESTATE and al- OF SPS. Anonang, San Fabian, Pangasinan.

Anonang, San Fabian, Pangasinan.

RUPERTO and MAGDALENA CAPISTRANO The mentioned bank account and real The mentionedidentified bank account and real military lies Seoul and Tokyo would “stand up” for property is subject to an Extra-Judicial property is subject to an Extra-Judicial Settlement of the Estate executed by hereby given to athe public that the the planes “bestabilityNotice acrossisthe Taiwan Strait, sensitive Settlement of the Estate executed by the exclusive heirs and acknowledged the exclusive heirs and acknowledged EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE wI LOT

by Atty. John Domingo A. Ponce, Jr., fore entered waterway separating Taiwan from China.

by Atty. they John Domingo A. Ponce, Jr., ASSIGNMENT has been executed by and among the Notary Public for and in the City of Notary Public for and in the City of PRESSURE CONTINUES. A Palestinian woman reacts following Israeli bombardment in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip KADIZ, and deThe three reiterated their com-Capistrano, heirs ofallies SPS.also Ruperto and Magdalena Makati on September 13, 2023, with Makati on September 13, 2023, with Doc No. 73, Page No. 16, Book No. I, namely; CYNTHIA CAPISTRANO ANONUEVO on Thursday amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israeli leaders said they intend to Doc No. 73, Page No.force 16, Book No. mitment I, ployed air to freedom of navigation in the disSeries of 2023.

Series of 2023. and MARILOU CAPISTRANO ACHACOSO as press per ahead with the Gaza Strip war against Hamas, despite coming under increasing international pressure, including from key fighter jets to take puted South China Sea. AFP Document No. 53, Page No. 12, Book No.1, Series of (MS-DEC. 8/15/22, 2023)

(MS-DEC. 8/15/22, 2023)

(MS-DEC. 8/15/22, 2023)

EED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL NOTICE OF DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL T with LOT ASSIGNMENT SETTLEMENT with LOT ASSIGNMENT al Park Marikina covered (LoyolaLot Memorial Park Marikina Lot covered ate of OwnershipNo. 77- of Ownership- No. 77under Certificate NTESTATE ESTATE OF SPS. 17162) ON THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF SPS. MAGDALENA CAPISTRANO RUPERTO and MAGDALENA CAPISTRANO

given toNotice the public that given the is hereby to the public that the ETTLEMENT OF ESTATE wI LOT EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE wI LOT been executed by and among the executed by and among the ASSIGNMENT has been erto and heirs Magdalena Capistrano, of SPS. Ruperto and Magdalena Capistrano, A CAPISTRANO ANONUEVOCAPISTRANO ANONUEVO namely; CYNTHIA PISTRANO ACHACOSO as per and MARILOU CAPISTRANO ACHACOSO as per Page No. 12, Book No.1, Series of No. 12, Book No.1, Series of Document No. 53, Page Ma. R. Palaganas, Notary Public for 2023 of Atty. Jose Ma. R. Palaganas, Notary Public for ranaque. and in the City of Paranaque.

(MS-DEC. 1, 8 & 15, 2023)

NOTICE

(MS-DEC. 1, 8 & 15, 2023)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region BRANCH 107, QUEZON CITY Email Address:rtc1qzn107@judiciary.gov.ph Tel. No. (02) 8529-9986 NOTICE

RICO CARLO B. HERRERO, ven that PAVI GREEN Notice isCOMMERCIAL hereby given that PAVI GREEN COMMERCIAL Petitioner, pplying for ROOFTOP, registration with Board for registration with the Board INC.the is applying as Renewable Energy DeveIoper -versusNO. R-QZN-23-06484-CV of Investments (BOI) asCASE Renewable Energy DeveIoper For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage sources (5.370 MWp / 4.200Resources MWAC of Solar Energy (5.370 MWp / 4.200 MWAC (Art. 36) round Mount Solar Project) in Brgy.

- Siana Gold TSF4 Ground Mount Solar Project) in Brgy. igao del Norte to avail of the incentives Cawilan, Tubod, Surigao del Norte to avail of the incentives MIANNE CIPRIANO-HERRERO, otherwise known as A. the Renewable Respondent. under R. 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable x-------------------------------------------------x Energy Act of 2008.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

TO:on the above-mentioned lid objection/s Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned her objection in writing, under oath,objection in writing, under oath, MIANNE CIPRIANO-HERRERO project may file his/her NO. 745 EL SALVADOR STREET, BRGY.from SAN JOSE, BAGGAO, three (3) days from the date ofthree this (3) days with the BOI within the date of this CAGAYAN. publication.

GREETINGS:

GD.) RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE Pursuant to the Order of this Court dated November 6, 2023.

(SGD.) RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE and November 23, 2023 granting petitioner’s Director Director Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication, the undersigned ource--Based Industries Service Resource--Based Industries Servicehereby

age

issues8, 2023) this Summons by Publication in accordance with Section (MS-Dec.

17, Rule 14 of the Rules of Court, as amended, and Section 6 of A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC.

NOW, THEREFORE, respondent MIANNE CIPRIANO HERRERO with address at NO. 745 EL SALVADOR STREET, BRGY. SAN JOSE, BAGGAO, CAGAYAN is hereby summoned and required to file with the Regional Trial Court Branch 107 Quezon City sitting at Room 601, 6th floor, Hall of Justice Annex, Quezon City Hall Compound, Quezon City 0860, her verified ANSWER to the above-captioned Petition for Declaration GAO, of Nullity of Marriage filed by petitioner RICO CARLO B. en that AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP. Notice is praying hereby given thatmarriage AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP. HERRERO that his with respondent MIANNE h & 6th Floor, Westar Shaw with officeBuilding, address 611 at 5th Floor, Westar Building, 611due Shaw CIPRIANOHERRERO be& 6th declared NULL and VOID to Pasig City isBlvd., applying for registration with Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig CityArticle is applying for registration with psychological incapacity under 36 of the Family Code of s (BOI) as athe New Developer of Economic 023. of Investments (BOI) as a New Developer of Economic the Board Philippines.

Respondent MIANNE CIPRIANO-HERRERO ENMEADOWS PHASE ve of Housing Project (GREENMEADOWS RESIDENCES PHASE mustRESIDENCES file her verified ANSWER within thirty (30) days from the 6reby house and lot units Tierof Ithis (Preferred last publication in units a newspaper general 4), with aunder capacity 416Summons house and lot under Tier Iof(Preferred ction he 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan circulation in the Philippines, serving atInvestment the same Priority time a Plan copy List - Mass Housing) of the 2022 Strategic 6 of CREATE Act), with of project site located atRICOAct), thereof upon petitioner CARLO B. HERRERO or his (SIPP) R.A.the 11534 (CREATE with project site located at Batangas. Brgy. legal Aguila, counsel, Atty.

Angelita S. Calalang-Dy of CALALANG DY San Jose, Batangas. th Floor, Espana LAW OFFICE with address at Unit 1417, 14 ANO alid on the above-mentioned Tower, Espana Boulevard, Metro 1008.

Any person with valid Manila, objection/s onManila the above-mentioned EET,objection/s objection inproject writing,may under with the fileoath, his/her objection writing, under oath,within with the oned In case thepublication. respondent fails to fileinher verified Answer the ys from the date of this BOI within three (3) days from the of this 107 reglementary period, this Court shalldate direct the publication.

Public Prosecutor nex, to investigate whether collusion exists between the parties. If ified the Court is convinced that there is no collusion, the petitioner SGD.) ANN E. RAGANIT tion MARYshall (SGD.) ANN RAGANIT be allowed to present hisMARY evidence in E. support of the petition.

Director O B. Acting Acting Director However, if the Public Prosecutor finds that collusion exists, the ucture and Services Industries Service NNE Services Service Court shall set Infrastructure the report forand hearing and Industries if convinced that the e to parties are in collusion, the Court shall dismiss the petition. de of (MS-Dec. 8, 2023) Respondent is reminded to observe restraint in filing a motion to ERO dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in m the the verified Answer, in conformity with IBP-OCA Memorandum on neral Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002. copy r his WITNESS THE HONORABLE JOSE L. BAUTISTA, JR., G DY Presiding Judge of this Court, this 28th day of November 2023 in pana Quezon City, Philippines.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

0 house and lot Tierof I (Preferred 3),units withEmail aunder capacity 530 house and lot units under Tier I (Preferred Address:rtc1qzn107@judiciary.gov.ph he 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan List - Mass Housing) of the 2022 Investment Priority Plan Tel. No. (02)Strategic 8529-9986 on to CREATE Act), with project site located at Act), with project site located at (SIPP) of R.A. 11534 (CREATE es in Tanuan idalgo, City, Batangas.

RICO CARLO B. HERRERO, Brgy. Bagumbayan & Hidalgo, Tanuan City, Batangas. m on Petitioner, alid objection/s Any on the above-mentioned person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned objection inproject writing,may under with the -versusCASE inNO. R-QZN-23-06484-CV JR., fileoath, his/her objection writing, under oath, with the ys from the date of this publication.

23 in BOI withinCIPRIANO-HERRERO, three (3) days from the date of this publication.

MIANNE Respondent.

OHIO x------------------------------------------------------x SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT (SGD.)ORDER MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Acting A Director Motion for Leave of Court toActing ServeDirector Summons by Publication ucture and Services Industries Service was filed by the petitioner, through counsel, on October Infrastructure and Services Industries Service 27, 2023. In its Motion, the petitioner prays that summons be served through publication to the respondent pursuant to Section 17, Rule 14 of the 2019 Rules of Civil Procedure (A.M. No. 19-10-20SC) and Sec. 6 of A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC.

(MS-Dec. 8, 2023)

With the foregoing manifestations, this Court finds petitioner’s Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by publication meritorious and fully compliant with Section 17 of Rule 14 of the Rules of Court.

-CV NOTICE WHEREFORE. Premises considered petitioner’s Motion is NOTICE hereby GRANTED. The Branch Clerk of Court is directed to

issue summons as prayed withAXEIA a directive for the respondent to en that AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP. Notice is hereby given that DEVELOPMENT CORP. fileWestar his answer within from the last issue of publication. h & 6th Floor, Building, 611 Shaw with office address at (30) 5th &days 6th Floor, Westar Building, 611 Shaw Pasig City isBlvd., applying forKapitolyo, registration with Brgy.

Pasig is applying for publication registration with Let service of summons beCity effected through in a ents (BOI) as an Expanding Developer the Board of Investments (BOI) inastheanPhilippines Expandingonce Developer newspaper of general circulation a week ation Project (WOODLANDS AT TRECE of Housing Projectpursuant (WOODLANDS for Economic two (2) consecutive weeks to Section AT 17, TRECE Rule 14 27, a capacity , with of 797 house and2), lotas units MARTIRES PHASE with a capacityand of 797 house lot units of the Rules of Court, amended, Section 6 and of A.M. No. rved List - Mass Housing) of Ithe 2022 under Tier (Preferred List - Mass of theIn2022 Strategic 02-11-10-SC, at theStrategic expense of Housing) the petitioner. addition, the n 17, (SIPP) ofInvestment R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act), petitioner isPriority DIRECTED SEND copy11534 of this(CREATE ORDER and Plan to (SIPP) ofaR.A. Act),t 0-20at Brgy. Hugo Perez, Trece Martires City, e Summons, together with the verified Petition and its Annexes, with project site located at Brgy. Hugo Perez, Trece Martires City, to the respondent’s last known address through registered mail, Cavite.

ner’s

also at the expense of the petitioner.

n is

days from the last issue of publication 1.) the original copy of the Affidavit of Publication, to which a copy of the newspaper

alid on the above-mentioned person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned ationobjection/s Any inproject writing,publication under with the After shall have been completed petitioner is fobjection the may fileoath, his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the ys from the BOI date of this publication.

DIRECTED to SUBMIT thisthe Court later than fifteen 15 within three (3) daystofrom datenot of this publication.

d to MARYclipping SGD.) ANN E.shall RAGANIT be attached showing a copy of this Order and (SGD.) MARYthat ANN E. RAGANIT nt to Acting theDirector Summons by Publication was Actingpublished Director accordingly, AND tion.

2) the affidavit showing andIndustries Summons, together ucture and Services Industries Servicethat this Infrastructure andOrder Services Service

with the verified Petition and its Annexes, had been sent to the respondent pursuant to Section 22 Rule 14 of the Rules of Court, as amended. Failure of the petitioner to submit compliance as directed shall cause the dismissal of the instant petition.

(MS-Dec. 8, 2023)

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Philippines, November 6, 2023.

(Sgd.) JOSE L. BAUTISTA, JR. Presiding Judge Cc: r is n 15 Atty.that Angelita S. Calalang-Dy eby NoticeDyCUMBERLAND is Office hereby given that CUMBERLAND py of givenCalalang Law RPORTION, with office address at 2nd aper DEVELOPMENT CORPORTION, with office address at 2nd Unit 1417 14/F España Tower uyao, Barangay Pulo,Cabuyao, Laguna and Floor, Centromall Cabuyao, Pulo,Cabuyao, Laguna España Blvd., Manila 1008 Barangay on with the Board of Investments (BOI) (MStandard – Dec. 8 & 15, 2023) AND

NOTICE

Israel bombs Gaza as rift with its top ally US grows (MS-DEC. 1, 8 & 15, 2023)

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that PAVI GREEN COMMERCIAL ROOFTOP, INC. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Renewable Energy DeveIoper of Solar Energy Resources (5.370 MWp / 4.200 MWAC - Siana Gold TSF4 Ground Mount Solar Project) in Brgy.

Cawilan, Tubod, Surigao del Norte to avail of the incentives under R. A. 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

I

In the West Bank, which has also SRAEL bombed Gaza on Thursday as a top White House advisor was due to arrive in Jerusalem with a rift of Jenin.

US President Joe Biden, whose (SGD.) RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE growing over US calls Director for its government has provided Israel with Resource--Based Industries Service billions of dollars of military aid, on ally to exercise restraint.

Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned seen a surge in violence since Oct 7, the project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, Authority said two people with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of Palestinian this were killed in Israeli strikes in the city publication.

(MS-Dec. 8, 2023)

Wednesday gave his sharpest rebuke of The war, now in its third month, be- the war yet, saying Israel’s “indiscrimigan after the Oct 7 attacks on Israel by nate bombing” of Gaza was weakening Palestinian militant group Hamas that international support.

But Israeli Prime Minister BenjaIsraeli officials say killed 1,200 people, min Netanyahu doubled down on his mostly civilians. NOTICE offensive, vowing “we are going until ItNotice has isleft besieged in ruins and CORP. hereby given that Gaza AXEIA DEVELOPMENT with office address at 5th18,600 & 6th Floor, Westar Building, 611 Shaw the end, until victory, nothing less than killed more than people, mostly Blvd., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City is applying for registration with that”. women and children, according to ofthe the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Developer Economic Housing Projecthealth (GREENMEADOWS RESIDENCES PHASEAnd Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Hamas-run ministry.

4), with a capacity of 416 house and lot units under Tier I (Preferred the war against Hamas would continue The ministry said air strikes List - Mass Housing) of the 2022Israeli Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) of R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act), with project site19 located“with at or without international support.” early Thursday had killed at least Brgy. Aguila, San Jose, Batangas.

On Thursday, Biden’s National Secupeople across the Gaza Strip.

NOTICE

is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI)

f Economicas Housing Project (MOSAIC ether New Developer of Economic Housing Project (MOSAIC 1o the and Phase 2) with a capacity 632 Phase 2) with a capacity of 632 Townhomes Phase of 1 and nder (Preferred Activities - MassTier 1 (Preferred Activities - Mass ourt, Tier 1 House & Lot units, under Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) e as Housing) of the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP)

TE Act), withofproject site locted t Brgy. Act), St with project site locted t Brgy. St R. A. 11534 (CREATE , Laguna.

rity Advisor Jake Sullivan was due to arrive in Jerusalem for talks with Netanyahu and his war cabinet.

Sullivan told a Wall Street Journal event ahead of his trip he would discuss a timetable to end the war and urge Israeli leaders “to move to a different phase from the kind of high-intensity operations that we see today”.

Sullivan will have “extremely serious conversations” in Israel, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday.

Netanyahu has said there is also “disagreement” with Washington over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday “any arrangement in Gaza or in the Palestinian cause without Hamas or the resistance factions is a delusion.”

He said Hamas was ready for talks

Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

NOTICE

(Sgd.) ATTY. ETHELENE G. VELASCO-GOTOHIO n the Branch Clerk of Court V cutor en DEVELOPMENT CORP. is hereby given that AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP. s. that If AXEIA Notice Republic of the Philippines h & 6th Floor, Westar Shaw with officeBuilding, address 611 at 5th & 6th Floor, Westar Building, 611 Shaw oner REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Pasig applying forKapitolyo, registration withCity tion. City isBlvd., Brgy.

Pasig is applying for registration with nts (BOI) as an Expanding Developer of National Capital Judicial Region Developer of , the the Board of Investments (BOI) as an Expanding PARK PLACE PHASE BRANCH 107, QUEZON CITY tject the(TANAUAN Economic Housing Project (TANAUAN PARK PLACE PHASE

in a week e 14 No. the and t xes, mail,

ally 2023 of Atty. Jose Ma. R. Palaganas, Notary Public for the United States. AFP and in the City of Paranaque.

that could lead to a “political path that secures the right of the Palestinian people to their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital”.

A poll published on Wednesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research showed Haniyeh had the support of 78 percent of people in the Palestinian territories, compared with 58 percent before the war.

International pressure is mounting on Israel to better protect civilians, with the UN General Assembly this week overwhelmingly backing a non-binding resolution for a ceasefire.

While Washington voted against, the resolution was supported by allies Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who, in a rare joint statement, said they were “alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza”. AFP

Newly confident Putin faces press and Russian people

(SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Acting Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-Dec. 8, 2023)

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP. with office address at 5th & 6th Floor, Westar Building, 611 Shaw Blvd., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an Expanding Developer of Economic Housing Project (TANAUAN PARK PLACE PHASE 3), with a capacity of 530 house and lot units under Tier I (Preferred List - Mass Housing) of the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) of R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act), with project site located at Brgy. Bagumbayan & Hidalgo, Tanuan City, Batangas.

Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

POLICIES UNCLEAR. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reacts during a (SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT news conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Wednesday, after saying he Acting Director and Services Industries Service would tackle Infrastructure a major funding scandal within his party ‘like a ball of fire,’ with reports (MS-Dec. 8, 2023) saying he will sack four ministers. AFP

MOSCOW – Vladimir Putin on Thursday was scheduled to hold his first yearend press conference since sending troops into Ukraine, with the Russian president feeling the tide turning in his favor nearly two years into the conflict.

Putin will answer questions from reporters and viewers during the hours-long marathon, a week after he announced he is running in next year’s presidential election, which would keep him in the Kremlin until at least 2030.

The Russian leader will “sum up the results of the year”, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

But the echoes of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine will reverbrate in the grand in hall in central Moscow where hundreds of journalists passed four police checkpoints to hear Putin speak.

Russia said it had downed nine Ukrainian drones heading for Moscow just hours before Putin’s event was set to kick off.

Ukraine said it had shot down 41 of the 42 Iranian-designed drones launched

by Russian forces at the southern city of Odesa, in a barrage that wounded 11 people.

Putin’s choreographed call-in show was canceled last year as Moscow reeled from the shock of early failures of its military operation, where Ukraine managed to repel the Kremlin’s assault in Kyiv and then regain territory in the east and south.

Ukraine’s strong resistance and support from its allies had surprised observers around the world and in Moscow, where many had expected to conquer Kyiv in a few days. AFP

Japan’s diminishing ‘ball of fire’ Kishida stumbles from scandals NOTICE TOKYO – From photos of his son partying Combined with rising prices hitting votto ties to a shady religious sect to the laters’ Notice is hereby given that AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP. wallets in the world’s number-three withparty office address at 5th & 6th Floor, Japan’s Westar Building, 611 Shaw est funding brouhaha, Prime economy, Kishida’s indecisiveness has Blvd., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City is applying for registration with Minister Kishida stumbled translated into tumbling poll ratings for the the Board ofFumio Investments (BOI) ashas an Expanding Developer of Economic Projectin(WOODLANDS from scandalHousing to scandal his two yearsATinTRECE LDP, which has run Japan almost uninterMARTIRES PHASE 2), with a capacity of 797 house and lot units office. rupted for decades. under Tier I (Preferred List - Mass Housing) of the 2022 Strategic Investment Plan (SIPP) ofleadership, R.A. 11534 (CREATE InsteadPriority of showing the Act),“I think Kishida is generally seen as a dewith project site located at Brgy. Hugo Perez, Trece Martires City, man installed by the Liberal Democratic cent guy personally, but not someone who Cavite.

Party in 2021 as a safe pair of hands has communicates clearly or acts decisively,” Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned dithered, theunder need towithJames Brady of the Teneo risk consultancy project may in file part his/herbecause objection in of writing, oath, the BOI (3) days from thefactions date of this publication. keepwithin the three party’s many happy, told AFP. analysts say.

But Kishida’s “need to keep the vari(SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Acting Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

ous (LDP) factions happy meant that he couldn’t act as decisively as the public would have wished in response,” Brady said.

The keen baseball fan failed three times to get into Tokyo University, studying instead at a private college before following his father and grandfather into politics in 1993.

As premier, he has sided decisively with Ukraine after Russia’s invasion nearly two years ago, welcoming President Volody-

myr Zelensky to a G7 summit in Hiroshima and visiting Kyiv.

Kishida has promised to hike military spending in a move welcomed by the United States as it seeks to counter China.

Long-frosty relations with South Korea have also improved on Kishida’s watch.

Domestically things started well enough, with the prime minister carrying a notebook to events to scribble down ideas from the public during the LDP leadership campaign. AFP

Number of journalists killed on job in 2023 declines despite Gaza—RSF (MS-Dec. 8, 2023)

PARIS – The number of journalists Israel and Islamist group Hamas, only NOTICE killed in the line of duty fell this year, 17 of those deaths fell under RSF’s Notice reporter is hereby given that in CUMBERLAND despite deaths in Gaza the definition.

DEVELOPMENT CORPORTION, withadvocacy office address at 2nd past two months, media “It takes nothing away from the Floor, Centromall Cabuyao, Barangay Pulo,Cabuyao, Laguna group Reporters Without Borders said tragedy in Gaza but we are observis applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as New Developer of Economic Housing Project (MOSAIC Thursday. ing a regular decline, and are very Townhomes Phase 1 and Phase 2) with a capacity of 632 In the first months of 2023, 45 - far House & Lot units,11 under Tier 1 (Preferred Activities Massfrom the 140 journalists killed in Housing) of the 2022killed Strategiccarrying Investmentout Priority Plan (SIPP) journalists were their 2012 and again in 2013” because of of R. A. 11534 (CREATE Act), with project site locted t Brgy. St work, from 61 last year, accord- the wars in Syria and Iraq, RSF secMonica,down San Pablo City, Laguna. ing to the annual report by RSF. retary general Christophe Deloire told Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned It was the smallest number since 33 AFP. project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date to of this died in 2002, largely due a publication. major The decline is due to efforts by drop in Latin America. inter-governmental organizations and While some(SGD.) 63 MARY journalists have NGOs to combat impunity, as well ANN E. RAGANIT Acting Director been killed Infrastructure in the Middle East since as to greater “prudence” by reporters and Services Industries Service the October 7 start of fighting between themselves, he said. AFP (MS-Dec. 8, 2023)

SUBURBAN LIFESTYLE. A couple kisses while seated in a train station in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Thursday. In modern Western culture, kissing on the lips is commonly an expression of affection or a warm greeting. AFP

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

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WESM prices seen going down in December amid low demand

By Alena Mae S. Flores

EMPOWERING SCHOOLS. Manila Electric Co.’s social development arm One Meralco Foundation (OMF), in partnership with

Lenovo Philippines Inc., pledge to donate more laptops for the foundation’s school electrification programs in far-flung areas in the country. Leading the turnover ceremony are (from left) Lenovo Philippines president and general manager Michael Ngan, Lenovo Greater Asia Pacific executive director and regional general manager Matt Codrington, Meralco chairman and chief executive and OMF chairman Manuel Pangilinan and OMF president and Meralco vice president and chief social responsibility officer Jeffrey Tarayao.

THE average system-wide prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) will likely stay at P3.90 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the December billing month, an official said Thursday.

Data from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), the operator of the spot market, showed that the average systemwide electricity prices declined by P0.22 per kWh as of Nov. 26 to Dec. 10 to P3.90 per kWh from P4.12 per kWh in November.

“The price is going down. This December, P3.90 will be the price towards the end of this year,” IEMOP trading operations head Isidro Cacho said.

“January will still be a cool month so we expect the prices to be the same as December, but for February and so on, we will have to see [because] towards

February, the trend of demand tends to pick up,” Cacho said.

He said the available supply went up, but demand declined, with stiff competition likely a factor in the movement.

System-wide demand was at 13,032 MW as of Dec. 10, against available supply of 14,912 MW, equivalent to a supply margin of 4,334 MW. IEMOP said the Luzon region saw an average price decrease of P0.11 per kWh; Visayas, P0.52 per kWh; and Mindanao, P0.50 per kWh. It said the market experienced a reduction in electricity demand coupled with improvements in supply levels translating into lower electricity prices for December.

“Lower clearing prices during this period can be attributed to the combination of lower offer prices from generator participants, potentially influenced by the decline in global fuel prices,” IEMOP said.

Stocks climb above 6,400 on rate cut hints T

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE local stock market rebounded Thursday, with the benchmark index surging above the 6,400 level after the US Federal Reserve indicated the possibility of three interest rate cuts in 2024.

The 30-company Philippine Stock ExThe Federal Open Market Committee change index jumped 154 points, or 2.47 kept interest rates unchanged at a range percent, to close at 6,410.48, while the of 5.25 percent to 5.5 percent amid easing broader all-shares index advanced by 55.82 US inflation. points, or 1.67 percent, to settle at 3,394.96.

“The PSEi broke past the 6,400 as in-

vestors bet ahead of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas policy-setting meeting today that the country will follow the Fed,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

The BSP also maintained its overnight borrowing rate at 6.5 percent.

Meanwhile, Asian markets rallied Thursday and the dollar extended losses after the US Federal Reserve indicated it will begin cutting interest rates next year.

The surge across the region tracked a record-breaking day on Wall Street, where traders cheered a much-sought-after dov-

ish pivot from the central bank as inflation comes down.

After more than a year of hiking, decision-makers at their last meeting of the year acknowledged that they were winning their battle against rising prices and discussed when to change tack to a looser monetary policy.

The Fed held ratesManila at a 22-year high, as expected, and saidStandard the decision lets policymakers determine “the extentTODAY of any additional policy firming that may be appropriate”.

The addition of “any”, which was absent in November’s decision, was “an acknowl-

edgement that we believe that we are likely at or near the peak rate for this cycle,” Fed chief Jerome Powell told reporters.

Officials also released their “dot plot” of future rates, which saw 75 basis points of cuts in 2024—more than indicated in September.

Traders are betting on 140 basis points of cuts over the next year, Bloomberg News said.

Powell said that while the forecasts were not set in stone, policymakers had spoken about when to begin slackening the reins. With AFP

BankCom sees strong market potential for OFW remittances

By Julito G. Rada BANK of Commerce (BankCom), a subsidiary of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC),expects a larger market potential for its “SIKAPPINOY Asenso” all-in-one remittance, saving, and investments platform for Filipinos in Japan.

BankCom cited in a statement Thursday the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showing an increase in overall remittances from overseas Filipinos, including from Japan.

Remittances as of end-September improved

2.8 percent to $27.24 billion from $26.49 billion in the same period last year.

Japan ranked fourth among the largest source countries during the period, behind only the United States, Singapor, and Saudi Arabia.

BankCom president and chief executive Michelangelo Aguilar said the bank’s strong partnerships with established remittance service providers is key to the program’s success.

“We recognize the vital role that our SIKAPPINOY partners play in establishing our presence in key OFW communities such as in

Japan. We will collaborate with them to meet the evolving needs of our OFW customers and their beneficiaries, and expand their access to banking services,” Aguilar said.

BankCom launched “Asenso” in Japan in August this year, in partnership with Speed Money Transfer Japan K.K. and has since catered to thousands of customers in just three months.

The program provides clients a way to send cash remittances to loved ones for pick-up at BankCom branches, or at any of its 16,000 agent partners nationwide.

Experts, all-Filipino team ably managing Malampaya gas field Out in the Open Ray S. Eñano

THE Malampaya gas field off northwest Palawan is an engineering feat, even before it started producing energy for the Philippines.

Today’s generation may not even realize it but the massive production platform of Malampaya was built to float, and towed from Subic to offshore Palawan.

A team of over 1,400 Filipino workers took about two years to build the production platform at the Keppel Shipyard in Subic, Zambales. Fabrication was completed with an impressive safety record of 11.8 million safe man hours.

Located 43 meters deep on a prepared seabed, the Malampaya platform had to be configured to support 4,900 tons of facilities with enough stability to withstand extreme storm conditions and seismic events. Its platforms are designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes that the Philippines often experiences.

—“—

Operating an offshore gas field is as complex as building the infrastructure Operating an offshore gas field is as complex as building the infrastructure. Industry experts had to be tapped to ensure the longterm success of Malampaya’s multi-year exploration and development programs. Prime Energy Resources Development BV (Prime Energy) of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. early this year created an advisory council composed of technical experts and key industry leaders to oversee the field’s operations and extend its lifespan.

“Backed by technical experts and specialist contractors from around the globe, Prime Energy is well-equipped to plan and execute viable projects to extract more gas from reservoirs in the Service Contract 38 area covering the Malampaya project and tie these to the existing operating assets,” Prime Energy said in an earlier statement.

Prime Energy is a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., Razon’s infrastructure arm that focuses on building assets to support urgent sustainability priorities, such as energy, access to clean water, waste management and other viable critical infrastructure.

The energy unit is a natural gas exploration and development company that owns a 45-percent operating interest in Service Contract 38, or the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project.

Malampaya is the only indigenous gas source in the country.

Prime Energy this early is ably managing the operations of Malampaya. It topped its target output for the months of April, May and June this year following efficient maintenance activities

and kept the integrity of equipment in the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project.

Prime Energy has seamlessly worked with its Malampaya partners—UC38 LLC andManila state-owned Philippine National Oil Standard Co.—in sustaining its corporate social responsibility and focusing TODAY on safety, and integrity.

It retained an all-Filipino team that has been running Malampaya for more than 20 years and added more Filipino experts to run the operation.

Allowed to operate Malampaya until 2039, Prime Energy has received the green light to run its engine at full throttle and harness this dependability to carve a self-sufficient energy future for the Filipino.

Since it began operations in 2001, the Malampaya project has produced cleaner-burning natural gas that supplies four power plants in Luzon, the country’s largest island, with a combined capacity of 3,200 megawatts.

Malampaya provides benefits to the country in several ways, including reducing oil imports, ensuring a more stable supply of cleaner energy from an indigenous resource and meeting up to 20 percent of the country’s energy requirements.

Prime Energy has also committed to continue producing economy-enhancing indigenous gas to keep the present stable and develop new gas wells near the Malampaya field to bring a secure energy future.

Malampaya’s operating record, meanwhile, is immaculate. For 22 years, Malampaya has been successfully implementing its Goal Zero campaign―no accidents and leaks across all Malampaya operations. Prime Energy is striving to hold this safety record aloft.

Prime Energy is not limiting itself to the professional operation of Malampaya.

It is performing tasks consistent with its corporate social responsibility goals of connecting to the community. Its most recent voluntary effort to help in the Mindoro oil spill cleanup was barely mentioned in the news.

It played a key role in hastening the cleanup work of the Philippine Coast Guard, which found its job easier with oil spill cleanup materials supplied by the company, and extended food to volunteers and villagers reeling from the environmental accident.

Prime Energy, it seems, is a complete package poised to run along with our economic growth story and sustainable development goals.

(MS-DEC. 15 & 18, 2023)

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given to the public that the ATRAM UNITIZED CORPORATE DEBT VEHICLE, INC. which is being managed by ATR Asset Management, Inc., is now a member of the Philippine Investment Funds Association, Inc. (PIFA) which was approved by PIFA’s Board of Trustees last November 28, 2023. The Application of Membership signed by the sponsoring fund member companies are open to inspection by interested parties upon request.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Ronald Benjamin C. Roa President

B4

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

BSP keeps interest rate steady at 6.5% T

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday kept the benchmark interest rate steady at 6.5 percent amid easing inflation and strong domestic demand.

ACEN signs P11-b loan deal with ADB, BPI

By Alena Mae S. Flores ACEN Corp., the Ayala Group’s listed energy platform, said Thursday it signed an P11-billion sustainability-linked loan facility with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).

ACEN said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the loan, which includes a partial credit guarantee by ADB, underscores the company’s integrated sustainability approach and commitment to renewable energy development.

It will finance ACEN’s solar projects, propelling ACEN further as a leader in the energy transition.

“This financing is not just a loan; it is a clear testament of our unwavering commitment to our sustainability ambitions as we set the stage for accelerated growth in the renewables sector.

ACEN currently has about 4,500 MW of attributable capacity, and this loan is an instrumental step towards our ambitious target of reaching 20 GW by 2030,” ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia said.

ACEN has been a driving force in the development of new renewable energy projects in its core market, the Philippines, and across the region, utilizing various capital-raising initiatives to strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

The company said the loan aligns with its aspiration to become the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia and will contribute to the development of solar projects .

“ACEN’s maiden sustainabilitylinked loan exemplifies our strategic financing approach, one that places environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives at the forefront. This loan aligns with our priorities and enables us to consistently invest in sustainable energy infrastructure towards our net zero transition goal,” ACEN chief finance officer Cora Dizon said.

ACEN treasurer Cecile Cruzabra said the partnership among ACEN ADB, and BPI represents more than just a financial collaboration but also a shared commitment to RE development and a joint mission to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

CONVENTION SPONSOR. Property developer Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) reaffirms its commitment to empowering real estate brokers and advancing the real estate landscape of Mindanao at the recent 45th Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines National Convention in Zamboanga City. FLI served as the executive sponsor of the convention held at Palacio del Sur in Zamboanga City last month.

sponding to tighter monetary policy conditions alongside evolving domestic and external economic conditions.

Global forecasting and analytics company Oxford Economics said the BSP decided to maintain the policy rate at 6.5 percent, given the sustained disinflationary trend over the past two months.

“Although supply-side issues remain, the BSP chose to stay put for the time being and assess the inflationary trend more carefully,” it said.

Oxford Economics said it expects the BSP to hold interest rate adjustments until the second quarter of 2024 when it would likely start cutting rates.

“We expect inflation to hover within the bank’s 2 percent to 4 percent target by then. Subdued growth momentum should then take the center stage,” it said.

It said inflation, a renewed cause for concern at the BSP, has been on a downward trend for the past two months, settling at 4.1 percent in November.

SMIC ‘cautiously optimistic’ for 2024 amid West PH Sea tension

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) is “cautiously optimistic” for 2024 amid rising tension in West Philippine Sea, a top executive said Wednesday night.

SMIC vice chairman Teresita Tan SyCoson said in an interview with reporters the group watches external factors such as the Philippine-China tension, climate change and global uncertainties which could affect overall businesses.

“Left our own, the Philippine economy is okay, but there is geopolitical and

there is climate change. So many things are not predictable,” Sy-Coson said.

Given these concerns, she said the group expects 2024 to be just a continuation of 2023.

“It is our group’s assessment. We are going to be okay, but we are going to be watchful,” Sy-Coson added.

Tensions around the West Philippine Sea grew on China’s provocative actions which resulted in collision of vessels.

These incidents prompted the Philippine government to step up its ties with the US-Japan-Australia coalition.

Sy-Coson, however, warned about

being “too antagonistic” against China which is a major trading partner of the Philippines.

“China is very close to us, so we cannot be too antagonistic even though we know what is happening. We should do that through more peaceful negotiations,” she said.

“As a business, we don’t know what will happen there. We just hope there are no skirmishes in the areas because what ever happens there will affect all of us,” she said, SMIC, one of the largest conglomerates in the country, has in-

vestments in real estate, banking and retail businesses. It also operates seven malls in China.

SMIC’s consolidated net income reached P55.9 billion in the first three quarters, up 30 percent from P42.9 billion in the same period last year on strong contribution from core businesses.

Nine-month consolidated revenues increased 15 percent to P440.4 billion from P382 billion.

“This year was okay. It’s not the best, it’s not worse. I think maybe next year will be the same,” Sy-Coson said.

Investment pledges at economic zones increase by 14% to over P160b—PEZA

By Othel V. Campos

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS. Hundreds of students from Rajah Soliman Science and Technology High School show the thumbs-up sign with Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion and entrepreneurship mentors at the pilot of the in-school Youthpreneurship event in San Nicolas, Manila on Dec. 13, 2023. The event is part of Go Negosyo’s partnership with the Department of Education to promote entrepreneurship among the Filipino youth.

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority said investment approvals at economic zones reached P160.43 billion as of Dec. 15, up by 14.03 percent from last year’s P140.7 billion.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said he was expecting a few more projects to be approved before the end of 2023.

“This data is just partial. We may approve several more as the year closes,” he said.

PEZA reported a 13.92-percent increase in the number of projects to 221 from 194. Of the total, 202 are locator projects, while 19 are economic zone development projects.

Projected export receipts are expected

LBC Express taps Converge to provide fiber Internet

By Darwin G. Amojelar COURIER services provider LBC Express Inc. tapped Converge ICT Solutions Inc. for its fiber broadband connectivity nationwide.

“Converge has been a longtime partner of LBC and has helped us expand our network with reliable, full-fiber connectivity.

I am happy to have witnessed the growth and aggressive expansion of Converge across the Philippines while maintaining their excellent customer support,” said LBC senior vice president and chief infor-

MWC cites need to develop new water sources aside from Angat MANILA Water Company Inc. (MWC) underscored the need to develop new water sources to protect more than 15 million people in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

“While Metro Manilans get a reprieve because of Angat Dam breaching the targeted year-end level of 212 meters, we cannot remain complacent as the impact of a scorching El Nino still looms for next year,” MWC said in a statement.

“We cannot thus put all our eggs in one basket which tells us that the de-

It said the policy-making Monetary Board decided to keep the overnight borrowing rate unchanged at 6.50 percent and the overnight deposit and lending facilities at 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent, respectively.

“The balance of risks to the inflation outlook still leans significantly toward the upside. Key upside risks are associated with potential pressures emanating from higher transport charges, increased electricity rates and higher oil prices. Meanwhile, the impact of a relatively weak global recovery as well as government measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño weather conditions could reduce the central forecast,” the BSP said in a statement.

It said the country’s medium-term growth prospects remained firm, with strong demand expected in the fourth quarter due to sustained consumer spending and improved labor market conditions.

The BSP said it would continue to monitor how firms and households are re-

velopment of new water sources is a pressing need to reduce our over-dependence on Angat Dam for the water supply for a megacity of 15 million people,” it said.

The company said that in early November, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its two concessionaires announced the repair and rehabilitation of Angat Dam, in particular the hydroelectric components of its intake facility which transports water to the La Mesa treatment facilities and the Balara treatment plants.

mation officer Alexander Francis Deato.

“I am looking forward to their further development so that we can both continue to provide quality service to the many Filipinos both in the urban and remote areas of the Philippines,” he said.

Converge powers nearly 40 percent of the over 1500 LBC branches across the country.

The revitalized relationship will address LBC’s growing need for fast, secured, reliable connectivity to help support its network demands as it bolsters its operations in transport, logistics, and remittance services during its expansion.

LBC said that as Converge expands its pure fiber footprint and rapidly builds up its network infrastructure, it plans to capitalize on this development to reach previously inaccessible regions.

“Converge and LBC’s alliance has endured for years because we share the same goal of serving all Filipinos all over the world, particularly our unserved and underserved ‘kababayans’. We are honored to be the connectivity of choice of a transport and logistics institution like LBC,” said Converge senior executive vice president and chief operations officer Jesus Romero.

GREEN STORE.

Golden Arches Development Corp., the master franchise holder of McDonald’s in the Philippines, opens its seventh Green & Good flagship store at Ayala Cresendo in Tarlac.

The McDonald’s Ayala Cresendo store features grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftop and lampposts, variable refrigerant flow air-conditioning system, full LED lighting and other energyefficient solutions that help in the reduction of emissions.

to hit $3.71 billion, or 87.03 percent higher than $1.98 billion in 2022, while employment expanded by 12.99 percent or an additional 38,360 full time employees (FTEs).

Data showed that while PEZA approved twice the number of projects in the first two weeks of December to 24 from 13 projects a year ago, the value fell 740 percent to P19.55 billion from P83.645 billion in the same period last year.

Projected exports may reach $286.9 million in the first two weeks of December 2023, an increase of 408 percent from $56.46 million in 2022, it said.

Employment inside the economic zones also improved by 602 percent with an additional 4,515 FTEs in the first two weeks of December, up from 643 last year.

SEC asks company behind 1UP Time to stop operations THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Thursday it issued a cease-and-desist order against Superbreakthrough Enterprises Corp., which has been doing business under the name 1UP Time, for allegedly soliciting investments from the public.

It ordered Superbreakthrough to immediately stop engaging in “the unlawful solicitation, offer, and/or sale of securities in the form of investment contracts without the necessary license from the SEC.” It also prohibited the company from transacting any business involving funds in its depository banks and from transferring, disposing or conveying any related assets to ensure the preservation of the assets of its investors. The company was also ordered to cease its internet presence relating to its investment scheme.

The order covers Superbreakthrough Enterprises president Juluis Allan Nolasco, its directors, officers and agents.

The SEC said it found the company to have been offering investment packages consisting of health, wellness, skincare and personal care products through social media platforms. Jenniffer B. Austria

C1

SPORTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

HD Spikers, Nationals duel for title Games Friday (Filoil EcoOil Centre) 3:30 p.m. – Letran vs Maruichi Hyogo 5:30 p.m. – Cignal vs National U

IN A one-game showdown for the championship, emphasis will be on precision, reliability and early control as Cignal and National U dispute the Spikers’ Turf Invitational crown Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The winner-take-all finale is set at 5:30 p.m. with the HD Spikers aiming for a 10-game sweep in the inaugural tournament of the league organized by Sports Vision.

But the Nationals are also all primed for battle, seeking not only a payback at their semis tormentors but also redemption after falling short in the Open Conference, also ruled by the HD Spikers.

JP Buagaoan, Jau Umandal and Ysay Marasigan will spearhead Cignal’s drive for a second consecutive title this year while Joshua Retamar, Nico Almendras and Leo Ordiales will anchor NU’s bid with injured top hitter Michaelo Buddin still uncertain.

Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor said that despite defeating the Nationals in the semis, the HD Spikers cannot afford complacency. He added: “Though we beat them in the semis, we will prepare more this time. We won’t be complacent and we will study them, analyze all their tendencies and formulate our strategy.”

Meanwhile, NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin, who is also in the finals of the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference with Choco Mucho, underscored the need for his wards to stay focused.

He expressed the team’s desire to reclaim the Open Conference crown they secured in 2022, saying: “We just really need to focus again on what we’re doing. Of course, we want to win, to get the championship again but we need to work for it and prepare well.”

Saints and Lattes-Letran and guest team Maruichi Hyogo , meanwhile, collide for the bronze in their side of the duel at 3:30 p.m.

Games in the tournament, backed

by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, ASICS and Mikasa, can be streamed live on SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live and telecast on OneSports and OneSportsPlus.

Antetokounmpo scores 64 points in Bucks’ victory LOS ANGELES—Giannis Antetokounmpo erupted for a careerhigh 64 points as the Milwaukee Bucks avenged last week’s in-season tournament exit to the Indiana Pacers with an ill-tempered 140-126 victory on Wednesday.

Former NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo was in scintillating form, shooting 20-of-28 from the field with 14 rebounds, three assists and four steals as the clash between the two highest-scoring teams in the NBA lived up to its billing.

Milwaukee were dumped out of the in-season tournament semi-finals in Las Vegas last week by the Pacers and were clearly determined to avoid a repeat of that loss before their home crowd at the Fiserv Forum.

The simmering tension between the teams boiled over in the fourth quarter when Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith wrapped an arm around Antetokounmpo’s neck as he drove for the basket.

Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis flew in to defend his team-mate before being dragged away in an ugly melee that involved officials and coaching staff from both benches.

The acrimony flared again after the final buzzer, with Antetokounmpo and other Milwaukee players racing off the court to confront members of the Pacers team.

Antetokounmpo, whose 64 points marked a franchise record, later reemerged back onto the court to remonstrate with Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said the post-game fracas was triggered over a misunderstanding about the gameball, snaffled by the Pacers after their Congolese rookie Oscar Tshiebwe scored his first NBA point off the bench. AFP

Among Ernest John Obiena’s auctioned items were his Puma Spike shoes and uniforms from the Cambodia SEA Games, uniforms worn during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and the Puma speed suit utilized in the 2023 World Championship in Budapest, Hungary. (Obiena FB)

Obiena’s fundraising project aims to aid PH pole vaulters

By Randy Caluag

I

N THE midst of his Paris Olympics’ preparations, Filipino top pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena still exemplifies dedication beyond the athletic field.

In a successful fundraising campaign for grassroots’ pole vault development, Obiena auctioned personal items from his recent triumphs on the world stage, extending gratitude to generous donors for supporting the Philippine Pole Vaulting community.

“Our auction and donations have come to an end.

A big thanks to our generous donors who have shown their support on this project and took on the challenge to help the Philippine Pole Vaulting youth community,” said the world no. 2 pole vault athlete on his social media post.

The auction, featuring items he used in the Southeast Asian Games and the World Championships, successfully concluded, with Obiena extending congratulations to the fortunate winners.

Obiena, however, did not reveal the amount raised.

“Congratulations to those who have won! Your support as I “katapult” this dream means a lot.

Thank you to all those who have participated in this project,” added Obiena, who is now in La Nucia, Spain for his training camp for next year’s Paris Olympics.

Among the auctioned items were his Puma Spike shoes and uniforms from the Cambodia SEA Games, uniforms worn during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and the Puma speed suit utilized in the 2023 World Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

Obiena, a former skinny kid from Tondo, transformed into a global pole vault sensation, places premium on cultivating the potential of young athletes to evolve into elite competitors.

Acknowledged with the Sports Idol award by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and affiliated national sports associations, Obiena humbly expressed his gratitude for the honor.

“I give thanks with humility to the PSC-POC Media Group, to our sports off icials, and to all the people involved in giving me the honor of being Sports Idol. More than the honor, I take pride in your recognition of my efforts to inspire young Filipino athletes to become future sports heroes. I know that with PSC, the POC, and the other stakeholders to support our athletes, from grassroots to elite, we can bring Philippine sports to heights we have never reached before.”

In addition to his sports development initiatives, Obiena actively engages in social welfare programs. Teaming up with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Mandaluyong and his sponsors, he conducted a medical mission for children in Katutubo Village, Porac, Pampanga, last year.

PH modern pentathletes stamp class in world stage

By Peter Atencio THE Philippine national moder n pentathlon team, which is starting to prove its worth in the Southeast Asian region and at the world stage, will continue preparing for future inter national meets in the next two years.

Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association president Richard Gomez said this after 16-year-old Joseph Godbout led the list of Filipino athletes, who excelled at the world stage.

Godbout, who was recently feted in the 3rd Siklab Youth Sports Awards, ruled the UIPM 2023 Biathle/Triathle World Championships in Nusa Dua,

Bali, Indonesia last Nov. 5.

On August 2, Godbout earned a silver medal in the UIPM 2023 Laser Run World Championships, Bath, Great Britain.

“We’re happy the we produced an individual world champion, and a team champion in Southeast Asia,” said Gomez.

The fortunes of the national team shone bright early this year when a contingent led by Samuel German and Juliana Shane Sevilla bagged seven gold medals in the UIPM 2023 Southeast Asia Championships, which was held last May in Pattaya, Chon Buri, Thailand.

German and Sevilla won two gold medals in their respective catego-

Richard Gomez

ries in the Laser Run before they teamed up for another gold for the Philippines.

Godbout made his presence felt when he completed the medal haul for the country as he ruled the Triathle Final Men. “We will just continue preparing them for the next SEA championships. Marami kaming athletes na puwedeng mag-champion,” added Gomez.

During SEA meets last May, German and Sevilla ruled the men’s and women’s Laser Run of the Southeast Asian Nations Category, before they came up with two more gold medals in the same event in the Asian Nation Category.

Newsome to rescue as Meralco gets even with Ryukyu Kings

Chris Newsome was the man of the hour for Meralco.

MERALCO refused to die and went to Chris Newsome at crunch time who delivered big time in a 97-88 overtime win over Ryukyu Golden Kings Wednesday in the EASL Home and Away Season at the Studio City in Macau.

The Bolts appeared headed for another loss when they trailed, 80-76, with 15 seconds left in regulation.

But Newsome converted on an improbable three coming off a timeout and was fouled by Shota Onodera in the process. The Meralco guard hit the bonus free throw to tie the game at 80 with 10 seconds left.

Vic Law failed to score a potential game-winning jump shot with a second left that paved the way for the extra period.

Newsome then scored seven more points in overtime as he connived with Cliff Hodge, Zach Lofton, and Prince Ibeh to outscore the Golden Kings, 17-8, and score the team’s

breakthrough win for a 1-2 record in Group B. Lofton finished with 35 points, Newsome with 27, and Ibeh with 15 and 12 rebounds for Meralco, which avenged its 89-61 loss to Ryukyu during their first meeting in Okinawa, Japan.

Law finished with 27 points and nine rebounds for the Golden Kings, who was without import Allen Durham and Filipino Karl Tamayo.

Ryukyu fell to an even 2-2 record.

The scores Meralco (97) – Lofton 35, Newsome 27, Ibeh 15, Hodge 6, Almazan 5, Maliksi 5, Dario 2, Banchero 2, Quinto 0, Rios 0, Bates 0, Torres 0, Ryukyu (88) – Law 27, Imamura 19, Kishimoto 15, Cooley 10, Onodera 9, Tashiro 4, Maki 2, Watanabe 2, Uematsu 0, Arakawa 0, Matsuwaki 0.

Quarterscores: 17-21; 38-37; 57-57; 80-all (reg); 97-88

C2

SPORTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

Turkish women’s volley team attacked

Reigning Masters champion John Rahm last week joined LIV in a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars in a huge coup for the upstart tour. AFP

LIV’s Norman: More apples will fall after Rahm’s move L ONDON—LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman says that Jon Rahm’s move to the Saudi-backed circuit will “create a domino effect” of more high-profile players making the lucrative jump.

Reigning Masters champion Rahm last week joined LIV in a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars in a huge coup for the upstart tour.

LIV had already recruited major winners Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith, but Rahm was arguably the biggest name yet to leave the PGA Tour.

Speaking from Saudi Arabia to the BBC’s World Business Report, the Australian Norman -- the public face of LIV -- said there would be “more apples falling from the tree”.

“To have Jon on board is critically important to our next steps into the future and what we want to do,” Norman said.

He added: “It will create a domino ef-

Go San Beda Fight! on for more than 20 games now or so, if The Designated Kit Man’s reckoning is correct.

In the second tier The Designated Kit Man of Asian club comErel Cabatbat petitions, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC and Stallion Laguna FC are in no better posiTRUE to form, the San Beda Red Lions got back at the MIT Cardinals, 71-65 in tions too. Combined, the two clubs have game 2 of the title series of the NCAA earned five points in the tournament in Season 99 Men’s Basketball champion- 11 games. The Gentle Giants are curship to forge a winner-take-all match this rently third in Group F with four points coming Sunday, December 17, 2pm at or a win, a draw and three losses in their five games. the Big Dome.

Stallion, on the other hand, has only The boys of Mendiola played the Cardinals’ Game 1 playbook to the hilt, tak- a point in six games to bring the rear in ing and giving out the same physicality Group G. Both teams are already eliminattheir Muralla-based rivals employed the ed from advancing in the knockout phase.

Judging from the way the Philippine whole of Game 2. And at the same time, they managed to keep their focus on sides have fared in the competitions, is what was at stake and why their season it safe to assume that we are really behind compared to clubs playing in difshould extend to a Game 3.

Calling all Bedans out there, if you ferent leagues in Asia? Not to offend the have nothing to do this Sunday, wear sensibilities of our local clubs and their red and go to the Araneta Coliseum and fans, but results would tend to show that rally behind our team, our school and of it is the case. Just the same, we can’t becourse, our Red Lions! The Designated little the fighting spirit and passion of Kit Man will forgive you if you miss Kaya, Cebu and Laguna in representing tuning in to our radio program, Larong the country in the biggest stages of club Pilipino, aired live over DZME 1530. competitions in the continent.

Speaking of the local domestic league, This exemption includes my classmates from Philosophy and Letters batch ‘92 reports say that several teams are raring and former professors Cadz Malbarosa to join the Philippine Football League and Honor Cabie. Kidding aside, here’s (PFL) next year. Several clubs were menhoping that my beloved Red Lions will tioned, to include a former champion and win championship number 23 this 2023. three or four more, that have signified interests in joining the PFL in 2024.

Go San Beda fight!

The Designated Kit Man also heard that Speaking of fighting back, our teams in the ongoing AFC Champions League a new team, supported by a local govern(AFCCL) and AFC Cup have suffered ment unit, is on its way to registering with the PFL to be able to compete too. one heavy defeat after another.

If these rumored reports come into Newly-minted Copa Paulino Ancatara 2023 champs, Kaya FC Iloilo, remained fruition, then we can expect a better and winless in the AFCCL. The Iloilo based- bigger PFL tournament next year. Let’s ballclub suffered a 1-3 beating at the pray for this to happen because a healthy, hands of Incheon of South Korea at home more competitive and bigger local dothe other day to remain at the bottom mestic league will definitely impact the of Group G of the biggest club football preparations of our national team, the competitions in the region. Simone Rota Philippine Azkals, not only in the World scored the lone bright spot of the game and Asian Cup qualifiers but in future for the Pinoy side after falling 2-0 even tournaments as well.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! before the end of the first half.

After playing their last game in the For comments or questions, you can group fixtures, Kaya remained scoreless in the tournament, losing all of their reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_ six matches in the competitions. Kaya’s cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his aclosing streak in AFCCL has been going count at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

fect, there will be more apples falling from the tree, there’s no question about it because LIV continues to grow and develop.”

Spain’s Rahm had previously ruled out going to LIV, which held its inaugural season in 2022 and triggered a civil war in golf.

He is reportedly set to earn between $300 million and $600 million.

“Since Jon signed, less than a week ago now, I know my phone is blowing up,” Norman added.

“I know we probably have eight to 12 players who are very, very keen to sit down and talk to us about coming on board.”

Saudi Arabia’s foray into sport has triggered accusations that it is “sportswashing” its human rights record.

Norman, a two-time major winner, said that Saudi Arabia “really cares” about golf.

“If you see the way they’re embracing the game of golf, they’re investing in the game of golf in their country for their people into the future,” he said.

Rahm’s move came as the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of LIV attempt to finalise the details of their bombshell merger announced in June.

A deadline of December 31 has been set to agree a framework for the new PGA-LIV joint venture. AFP

ISTANBUL—A Turkish women’s volleyball was attacked by spectators during a game in Adana leaving one player requiring stitches to her knee, the club’s president said on Wednesday.

Mesut Karabulut, president of the club from Malatya, a city severely affected by the February 6 earthquake, announced he had filed a criminal complaint against opponents Imamoglu Belediye and their supporters.

“They said unspeakable words to our players and our coaches,” said Karabulut, accusing “an abnormal crowd, mainly men” of throwing both glass and plastic bottles at his team.

One player needed five stitches for a cut to her knee.

“At the end of the match, the stands weren’t emptied and our athletes weren’t allowed to go to the locker room,” he said.

“Glass cups and bottles were thrown onto the court and some tried to get onto the court to beat our athletes.”

Several players posted photos on social media of bruises on their legs and arms.

Turkey’s women’s volleyball team won this year’s European Championship, but their triumph also led to them coming under attack from religious extremist and ultra-conservative groups.

The incident occurred the day after Turkish football was suspended following an attack on a referee by several men, including the president of top-flight Ankaragucu, at the end of a match.

Referee Halil Umut Meler was released from hospital in Ankara on Wednesday, after undergoing observations and receiving a phone call from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The leagues will resume play on December 19, with the Turkish football federation on Thursday set to announce sanctions against Ankaragucu, whose president Faruk Koca, a member of Erdogan’s ruling AKP party, has since resigned. AFP

Warriors’ Green suspended ‘indefinitely’ over Nurkic clash LOS ANGELES—Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been “suspended indefinitely” following his clash with Phoenix player Jusuf Nurkic that saw him ejected for the third time this season, the NBA said Wednesday.

The NBA said in a statement that Green had been handed an open-ended ban given his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts,” adding that he would be “required to meet certain league and team conditions” before he is allowed to return to play.

An indefinite suspension is an almost unheard of sanction by the NBA, which more commonly issues bans for a fixed number of games.

Examples of recent hefty suspensions issued to players include the 25-game ban handed to Memphis’s Ja Morant in June after he was seen flashing a gun in an online video, and the 30-game ban given to Charlotte’s Miles Bridges over domestic violence allegations.

Green was tossed from the Warriors’ 119-116 road defeat against Phoenix on Tuesday after hitting Suns player Jusuf Nurkic in the head to earn a flagrant foul.

The four-time NBA champion later apologized to Nurkic, saying he had accidentally struck the Bosnian after swinging his arm to try and win a foul call, believing he had been illegally held back.

“I thought he was pulling my hip, and I was swinging a way to sell the call, and made contact with him,” Green said.

“As you know, I’m not one to apologize for things I meant to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him.”

‘That brother needs help’ Nurkic however was scathing of the incident, saying Green “needs help.”

“What’s going on with him? I don’t know,” Nurkic said Tuesday. “Personally, I feel like that brother needs help.”

The flashpoint came just weeks after Green was issued a five-game suspension for his second ejection of the season, when he grabbed Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert in a headlock during the Warriors’ defeat to the Timberwolves on November 14.

Green’s second suspension of the season is the latest in a long

Draymond Green

line of brushes with NBA disciplinary chiefs over the years.

The 33-year-old, who was also ejected in the Warriors’ defeat to Cleveland earlier in November, was also suspended during the playoffs in April after stamping on Sacramento Kings player Domantas Sabonis.

In October 2022, Green escaped a suspension by the Warriors after punching teammate Jordan Poole during a pre-season practice.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr later described the incident as the “biggest crisis that we’ve ever had,” but the team decided to levy a fine against Green rather than an in-house suspension. AFP

Olivarez eyes back-to-back net crown in Dagitab Open ERIC Jed Olivarez faces a formidable challenge in pursuit of back-to-back men’s singles crown, top-billing the Dagitab Festival National Open, which unwraps Friday at the City of Naga courts in Cebu.

Coming off a dominant performance in last week’s Rep. Edwin Olivarez Cup final, the top seeded 25-year-old Olivarez is riding high on confidence but anticipates a tougher competition in the Group A, P180,000 tournament sponsored by Mayor Val Chiong with the winner to pocket P60,000 plus trophy.

Johnny Arcilla, eager to showcase his wares after overcoming an injuryinduced hiatus, enters the fray as the

second seed with the seasoned campaigner positioned in the lower half of the 64-player draw.

But out to spoil the potential Olivarez-Arcilla title clash in the top-ranking tournament, which also stakes UTP (Unified Tennis Philippines) and UTR (Universal Tennis) points, are Vicente Anasta, Josshua Kinaadman, Eric Tangub, Jude Ceniza, Noel Salupado and Aslan Carbonilla.

Having recently claimed the doubles title with Nilo Ledama, Olivarez also guns for another two-fold victory in the tournament presented by Dunlop, which also features the likes of Jan Seno, Noel Damian, Francisco Santos, Brice Baisa,

John Accion, Chat Conta, Marc Suson and John Alejandre.

The men’s doubles category stakes a total prize fund of P150,000 with the winners to receive P50,000 and ranking points.

Also on tap in the week-long event held as part of the country’s longest talent-search initiated by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro are the juniors (boys and girls) singles and doubles, and the Legends categories, including the men’s singles 35s and 45s, men’s doubles 40s and 50s, and classified categories.

For details, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464.

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SHOWBIZ

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

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

Blockbuster filmmaker delights in directing KDLex in debut short film ‘Toss Coin’ KD Estrada (left) and Alexa Ilacad star in the short film, ‘Toss Coin’.

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

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ATHY Garcia-Sampana found directing KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad in her debut short film, Toss Coin, a surprisingly smooth experience.

The film director praised the love team, known to their fans as KDLex, as professionals who effectively embodied their characters.

“The real challenge in making a short film is telling the story within a few minutes,” emphasizing the difficulty of condensing a narrative into a brief timeframe.

Following her direction of the highest-grossing domestic film in Philippine history, Hello, Love, Goodbye, shot in Hong Kong, Cathy once again showcased the beauty of the city in Toss Coin Coin. She emphasized the authenticity and human connection within the film through the scenic backdrop of Hong Kong and the compelling chemistry of the lead actors.

The story revolves around the unexpected encounter between Kiko

Pageant Concept Eton Concepcion

Annual event honors outstanding achievements in fashion and service

THE 3rd Annual Lustre Awards 2023 was successfully held at the Grand Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Manila Galeria, in Ortigas on Saturday. The Awards night and ball celebrates the artistry of local and international fashion designers, and serves to give recognition to individuals and business organizations that have made significant contributions to the community.

The 3rd Lustre Awards, under the leadership of Don Cristobal, Executive Director and Producer, was held for the to providing care, love, and attention to children with HIV. benefit of the Red Ribbon Duyan Project, a program dedicated Beauty queens were in the roster of awardees recognized for advocacy and service excellence, which include Miss Supranational 2023 1st Runner-up Pauline Amelinckx Don (Most Empowered Woman and Inspiring Beauty Queen of Cristobal, the Year); Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 Beatrice Luigi Gomez executive (Most Remarkable and Inspiring Beauty Queen of the Year); director and Miss Aura International 2021 Alexandra Faith Garcia producer (Most Empowered Woman and Exceptional Beauty Queen of of Lustre Awards with the Year); and Noble Queen of the Universe 2019 Patricia Javier (Most Noble and Inspiring Woman of the Year).

Miss Aura Javier’s husband, Dr. Robert Walcher, won Philanthropist International 2021 of the Year, and her son, Mister Teen International 2023 Alexandra Robert Walcher IV, was awarded a Special Citation for Faith Garcia Fashion.

For Fashion and Arts Excellence Category, Leo Almodal was recognized Most Remarkable and Inspiring Fashion Designer of the Year, while Raymund Seranillo won Most Remarkable and Inspiring Fashion Director of the Year. The author of this column received a Special Media Citation (for Manila Standard), also in Fashion and Arts Excellence Category.

HK celebrities get a taste of Pinoy’s phenomenal snacks SEVERAL years ago, Piolo Pascual enticed the whole nation to try a new snack when he was seen in a TV commercial temptingly biting a pita wrap snack, which became a phenomenal food product.

A few days ago, the same product that Pascual loves to snack on is now here in TST, Hong Kong and local celebrities are loving it.

Game changer and food business innovator Gem L. Zeñarosa, the man behind the phenomenal pita wraps brand – Turks – proudly brought his food products to one of Asia’s top destinations, Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong (HK).

Tsim Tsa Tsui, dubbed as one of the busiest and best places where you can experience the full spectrum of Hong Kong, Turks found a new home here.

Some of the respected HK celebrities who took delight in trying Turks products were Jase & King from @C AllStar, artist Pinky Lo, Ka Kit from King Maker V, Malaysian singer Juztin Lan, Malaysian KOL Queenie, and the renowned baker Jimmy Osaka.

Zeñarosa knew that TST, HK would be the best place for its first branch in HK since TST is the cultural district of HK. He added that there is a lot of great food and great restaurants, fast food, and even street foods in HK. “We are confident that a “specialty food concept” like Turks with excellent quality would capture the market of HK.” “Our menu has been our pride making it No.1 in the Philippines amongst all the brands with the same

(KD) and Pia (Alexa), unfolding a captivating love story amidst the vibrant streets of Hong Kong.

Engaging in a delightful game of hide and seek, Kiko and Pia embark on a journey that evolves into a sweet and touching romance, exploring themes of destiny, belief, and the courage to embrace opportunities.

KD and Alexa expressed their excitement about working on their first international microfilm with Director Cathy, considering it a proud moment in their careers.

“I feel proud to work with Direk Cathy. It’s a big honor to be chosen for this. Like I said, we want to impress them and make working together fun,” Alexa said.

Acknowledging Cathy’s mastery of romantic comedies, KD added, “We know that Direk Cathy is a master of RomCom. I was very shocked and nervous, but Alexa and I talked about how we’re going to bring our A game and want to make the story shown to everyone.”

Toss Coin is part of the “Hong Kong In The Lens By Asian Directors” project, produced by CJ ENM Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The project also features two other microfilms: Hong Kong, Within Me from Korea, directed by Kang Yun Sung, and Zi Mui from Thailand, directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya.

All three microfilms are available on tvN Asia and Viu and will be aired on A2z and Kapamilya Channel.

KDLex (center) with co-star River Joseph, director Cathy Garcia, and ABS-CBN, HKTB, and CJ ENM executives

Philippines hailed Cheerleading World Cup champion THE International Cheer Union (ICU) declared the Southies Cheer Club as the first Filipino pep squad to score Gold in the history of the prestigious ICU World Cup in Seoul, South Korea.

Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the ICU is comprised of 119 national federations with 10 million athletes across several continents. Its annual world championships consistently gather participants from over 70 nations to vie for the Hip Hop, Pom, and Cheerleading Divisions.

This year, the Southies Cheer Club emerged as the Top Winner of the CoEd Elite Cheerleading Category. Beast All Star Cheer and Gumi University, both from South Korea, landed Second and Third Places, respectively.

The Philippine delegation, which was only founded last summer, initially competed in the Open CoEd Elite Division of the National Cheerleading Championship. Despite a Silver finish, they were tapped by Cheer Pilipinas, the governing body of cheerleading in the Philippines, to represent the country in the ICU World Cup Seoul 2023.

The group held auditions wherein they meticulously handpicked former cheerleaders from the University Athletic

HK celebrities Jase & King from @C AllStar, artist Pinky Lo, Ka Kit from King Maker V, Malaysian singer Juztin Lan, Malaysian KOL Queenie, and the renowned baker Jimmy Osaka grace the opening of T.Co

concept. We want to carry the same menu as we expand. Because we believe it would capture the palate of customers in HK just how Filipinos enjoying our product.”

Turks, the Philippines’s unrivaled and top-selling pita wrap as it begins its Southeast Asian stride did a minor rebranding to imprint a more sophisticated brand recall. “Turks, going abroad, might carry a connotation that it is a Mediterranean food, which is not.

Hence, we thought of creating a nonbarrier brand, T.Co. -- carrying the T logo of Turks. It is somewhat, on the higher end of Turks.”

After the opening of this first branch, Turks will open five more stores in different strategic locations in Hong Kong in 2024.

Next year, another branch of T.CO will open in Kowloon, HK, which is a strong indication of Zeñarosa’s commitment to becoming a global Filipino brand.

Zeñarosa continuously innovates his businesses and just last year he opened Turks first Drive Thru branch in White Plains in Quezon City. For more information visit http:// www.turks.ph

The Southies Cheer Club earned crowd participation during their MA-BU-HAY chant

Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a source of topcaliber cheerleaders.

Assistant Coach Shawn Argel Delos Santos explained they had to compress their routine from the familiar 2 minutes and 30 seconds to the ICU guideline of 2 minutes and 15 seconds.

“We had to brainstorm to ensure that all the included skills would be enough to secure high points,” he added. “It was also a tough journey since most of us are already working. The only time we had for training was every weekend from June until the end of September.”

Delos Santos, a De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Consular and Diplomatic Affairs (CDA) alumnus, served as the captain of the Benilde Blazers Pep Squad during his academic years. He likewise recalled the challenges the crew encountered along the way. There was a lack of government funding and an absence of assistance. Each member had to shell out approximately P100,000 each.

The squad comprised of fellow Benildeans Gerard Fueconcillo and Dina Mae Villamor, both from the School of Management and Information Technology (SMIT). Villamor was a former Blazers Pep Squad captain.

Completing the roster are Harly Dave Baldo, Julius Diaz, Mcleinad Divina, Arvin Jay Forto, Wilfredo Gacelos, Gerriel Getutua, Andy Gerusalem, Jalven Labradores, Gerson Labrillaso, Ronniel Madrideo, Rod Vincent Manalo, Laurence Ojales, John Joseph Regua, Marvin Rivera, Jeanelyn Briones, Christine Danica Cabaloza, Jenny Ann Calleja, Trexei Delos Santos, Shayenn Eira Dinglasan, and Dana Vivar.

Pola Raphaelle Cabidog, Hannah Alyssa Cortez, Matthew Orejas, and Rodney Santos were the reserves.

Joining Delos Santos in the coaching staff were Marnelli Calleja-Regua as the Head together with Seth Christopher Santos, Arczael Enriquez, and Kevin Chiel Copada.

The ICU World Cup Seoul 2023 likewise named UP Streetdance Club as the champion of the Hip Hop Category after gaining an advantage over the home country’s Myongji University and Team Korea.

For the complete list of winners, visit https://cheerunion.org/.

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LIFE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

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

Celebrity makeup artist Mary Letim Ponce

Makeup artist Mary Letim Ponce unveils jaw-dropping transformation CELEBRITY makeup artist Mary Letim Ponce, known for beautifying showbiz personalities such as Julia Montes, Herlene Nicole Budol, Wilbert Tolentino, and Regine Tolentino, shared her personal transformation journey during the unveiling of her KaVougera products.

At the launch event, Mary opened up about her weight loss journey and revealed how she

attained a svelte figure, flawless skin, and a radiant glass-skinned face – all through the use of her own skincare kit.

The launch of her KaVougera products was attended by Wilbert Tolentino and Regine Tolentino, among others. Some of KaVougera’s products include Kojic soap, tinted sunscreen, body lotion, lip tint, and perfumes. Wilbert, a

popular influencer, is proud of what Mary has become. Mary is with Team Wilbert, having joined the team when “Magandang Dilag” went to South Africa to compete in an international pageant.

Mary is also the proud owner of ML Salon, with three branches in Metro Manila.

Dimples Romana dabbles in intentional and inclusive fashion style

How she found fun in designing and curating a holiday clothing collection Primera Klasse excels in customizing cars for comfort and eye-catching style

Elevate your daily drive: Luxury and comfort redefined IN THIS day and age, your automobile should both serve your day-to-day routine and reflect your taste and status.

After all, the state-of-the-art batmobile has on board the suave billionaire Bruce Wayne.

Primera Klasse is offering to create luxury features for your car, embracing such a modern-day necessity for successful, inspiring people going about their busy, colorful lives.

More celebrities from show business, politics, and high society are enjoying what Primera Klasse provides in automobile customization, which is a showcase that excels in comfort and displays eye-catching style.

“We create our products and designs by prioritizing functionality and comfort,” says John Lopez whose proven track record in auto interior designing is synonymous with luxury cars traversing the noisy highways of mega Manila and other key cities of the Philippine archipelago.

Lopez has established himself in the field of vehicle customization by utilizing the latest technology and armed with technical expertise. He and his team have serviced a clientele of famous, call them iconic, Filipino celebrities in various fields of endeavors.

It’s a cool note that exactly a decade back, popular and stylish actress Gretchen Barretto commissioned his company to customize a full-sized bus that she could use in her work and personal activities, including going to tapings. From there, inquiries and referrals led to a long list of customers virtually plucked from the who’s who of Philippine society.

Primera Klasse is carving its benchmark, which according to Lopez, is ensuring clients that they project “their lifestyle with a statement” right upon arriving wherever they’re scheduled to be, fiercely glowing on board their customized whip.

Primera Klasse’s signature first-class seat design and geometry primarily pulls in the icons deserving of a hightech, functional interior while on the road, followed by aesthetics that make the path ahead appear like a virtual catwalk.

Talking about addressing the challenges of heavy metropolitan traffic in style, Lopez points out, “Traffic in Philippine urban communities may be bad, so I think our product builds are significant in going through it daily with some cool solution. For one, you can enjoy and work at the same time while inside our custom vans.”

Asked about some ballpark figures for one to avail of car detailing done by Primera Klasse, the go-to-guy of celebrities eyeing comfort, innovation, and style muses that it’s around 1.8 million upwards, noting that “it really depends on the layout and seating configuration.”

Yes, luxury and comfort have a cost, which those who’ve worked hard to achieve their lofty status in life would rather describe as priceless.

Primera Klasse will open a branch in Bloc 10 Filinvest Alabang in Muntinlupa.

A

T 39 and with a career overflowing with accolades, multihyphenate Dimples Romana finally dives into the world of fashion design.

Her sparkling and frilly creation for the holiday collection, a collaboration with local brand Get Spotted, proves she’s a multi-talented force to be reckoned with.

Actress and entrepreneur Dimples Romana ventures into fashion design, elegantly dipping her toes into a new creative journey

“Get Spotted is owned by a fellow mom named MG, based in Bacolod. She’s been doing a lot of other collaborations with celebrities,” Dimples introduced.

When the business owner reached out to Dimples online, the actress-host-entrepreneur did her due diligence before giving her trust.

Upon discovery that the business owner has a good track record and industry presence, Dimples trusted her gut and gave the partnership a go. Their virtual interactions also have a role in Dimples’ decision.

“Very rare,” Dimples described the deal. She described how motherhood and the desire to provide value to each other as business entities bonded her and her business partner. “There is still humanity, there is still hope,” Dimples declared, sharing that all agreements pertaining to the partnership are just verbal.

“As you know, over time, I have been careful about who I deal business with. Over time, I learned a lot,” Dimples opened up.

“I’m just making sure that everything I put out will be very intentional. I want to make sure I enjoy what I’m doing and the ones I’m working with have values and advocacies aligned with mine.”

Dimples as a designer “Some of the dresses here, I already designed long before the holidays.

We wanted it to be buffet-friendly. This is for the kind of woman who wants to dress up but can eat without worrying about bulging body areas,” Dimples happily reported. While she

embraces her own imperfections and is for body positivity, Dimples still keeps in mind other women whose confidence levels may be boosted by flattering designs for their body types.

“I love movement,” Dimples described as the basis for her designs.

“Even with my character Daniela Mondragon [Kadenang Ginto, 20182020], I wanted to wear something that is moving. For me, you see a woman’s beauty by how her clothes move along with the way she moves.”

Dimples further explained with eyes lighting up from radiating passion, “There’s a different effect or charm when you see a woman’s dress flowing with the wind, creating different kinds of silhouettes.

[The effect] Really makes someone pretty.”

“Very intentional for me,” Dimples described how she came up with the designs. “The whole collection would cater to different body types. Our sizes are from 1 to 4X. Our plus sizes are also available online via getspottedshop.com.”

Dimples announced, “These things are readily available not just for lean women but also for those who have voluptuous bodies.”

The weight issue is something Dimples finds relatable as she also experiences a yo-yo pattern in weight management.

With age comes confidence, it seems. Dimples laughingly quipped, “I feel pretty no matter what my size is, to be honest. I have become very forgiving of my body. [After all] I have three children.”

Further describing what she has in store for interested buyers, Dimples shared that she took other women into consideration while designing.

“This collection is for the woman who wants to eat. Most of the designs are loose on the belly area, and show a little bit of skin but not too much, still your prerogative. We have sequined ones which you can pair with blazers.” Read full story on manilastandard.net Dimples Romana supported by friends Rica Peralejo and Bea Saw

Indulge in holiday luxury at SM Beauty Soiree SHOPPING for the holidays shouldn’t be a chore and it certainly doesn’t have to break the bank. The recent SM Beauty Holiday Soiree, held at the Mall of Asia Atrium proved that luxury gifts are about more than just hefty price tags, it’s also about celebrating refined tastes and an appreciation for life’s finer things.

The SM Beauty Soiree offered a curated selection of premium beauty brands, from Jo Malone and Estee Lauder to Clinique, Carolina Herrera, and Armani.

Whether seeking a luxurious face cream, a coveted perfume, or a gift set for a loved one, the Soiree

provided a haven for indulging in exquisite beauty products. Every purchase was a guaranteed way to make the recipient feel recognized and cherished.

Adding to the festive atmosphere were free gift wrapping, product engraving, live music, ballet performances, and appearances by renowned drag queens.

The event also saw Lancome, Kerastase, and Jo Malone unveiling their respective holiday gift sets and Gingerbread Holiday Collection, much to the delight of eager shoppers.

The SM Beauty Holiday Soiree at SM Mall of Asia will last until Frida but the opportunity to embrace holiday luxury continues afterwards. Until January 6, shoppers can still enjoy a festive shopping experience at SM Megamall.

For a wider selection of gift sets and beauty products throughout the year, visit any SM Beauty store nationwide. SM Beauty Holiday Soiree is available until today.

To learn more information and updates, follow SM Beauty on Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy Clinique Products and offers this holidays

The company aims to make a statement, ensuring clients showcase their lifestyle upon arrival in a customized whip

SM BEAUTY TEAM. From left to right: Margarita Contreras (Marketing Manager), Aaron Parcon (Marketing Supervisor), Anne Maligalig (Category Manager), Frank Patricio (Group Senior Category Manager)

LIFE

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

YEAR-END SPECIAL ISSUE

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

Indulge in the breathtaking beauty of Palawan

Siargao has become an ideal place for people who want to do work while spending time for leisure Get ready to immerse yourself in Iloilo’s exciting water activities

Traveling local

The resurgence of domestic tourism in the post-pandemic era

By Nickie Wang

T

HE Philippines’ tourism landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, shaped by both global trends and a newfound appreciation for the archipelago’s rich natural beauty and vibrant culture.

This resurgence is particularly evident in the thriving domestic travel market, which has witnessed a surge in activity since the easing of pandemic restrictions.

Even before international borders fully reopened, Filipinos were rediscovering the

wonders closer to home. This trend was fueled by a concerted effort by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote local destinations and highlight the diversity of experiences available within the country.

From pristine beaches and majestic mountains to charming towns and bustling cities, the Philippines offered something for everyone, fostering a sense of national pride and encouraging exploration.

With a growing desire for outdoor experiences and adrenaline rushes, destinations like Palawan, Boracay, Banaue, and Siargao have become hotspots for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Hikers and trekkers scaled Mount Apo and Mount Pinatubo, divers explored vibrant coral reefs, and surfers rode the waves in search of the perfect break. This focus on outdoor activities also aligned with a growing awareness of environmental responsibility, with many travelers opting for eco-friendly practices and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.

The rise of remote work and flexible schedules has led to a trend of “micro-adventures” – short getaways perfect for maximizing long weekends and holidays.

Tagaytay, Batangas, and Zambales became popular destinations for quick escapes, offering relaxation and rejuvenation without venturing too far from the city. Digital platforms and travel apps have played a crucial role in planning these trips, with social media influencers and online communities providing inspiration and recommendations.

Food tourism has also seen a surge, with travelers eager to experience the Philippines’ diverse culinary scene. From bustling local markets bursting with fresh produce to traditional dishes like adobo and sinigang, every region offers a unique gastronomic adventure. This interest in food naturally extends to supporting local communities, with travelers participating in farm-to-table experiences, homestays, and cultural exchanges,

fostering a deeper sense of connection with the land and its people.

While the pandemic initially instilled a sense of caution, health and safety remain paramount for travelers. Clean accommodations, strict hygiene protocols, and adherence to health guidelines have become essential factors in choosing destinations.

This focus on safety, coupled with the rise of remote work, has led to the emergence of the “workation” trend. Destinations like Siargao and Baguio offer stunning landscapes and a relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for blending work and leisure.

On the government front, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s seemingly simple decision to move public holidays that fall on a weekend to a Monday has yielded a surprisingly big reward: a surge in domestic tourism. The DOT, led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, is celebrating the move’s success, attributing it to a renewed interest and excitement among Filipinos to explore their own country.

LIFE

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

YEAR-END SPECIAL ISSUE

Travelers put so much effort, time, and dedication into creating content about the hidden gems and vibrant festivals of the Philippines

Digital archipelago

How social media became every Filipino’s favorite digital travel guide

By Nickie Wang

ORGET turquoise postcards and sun-kissed brochures because the Philippines can crank up your wanderlust meter with its electric, dynamic digital heartbeat. The country is not just beautiful islands; it’s also home to millions of online storytellers itching to spill their secrets onto your smartphone.

F

Travel through YT vlogs and shorts Over 60 million Filipinos on YouTube can unlock a treasure trove of travel adventures. Passionate travelers capture their journeys in captivating vlogs, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and thrilling experiences of countless destinations in the Philippines.

YouTube videos act as vibrant postcards, inviting viewers to step into their shoes and embark on their own travel journeys. And with the recent launch of FYP (For Your Page) YouTube Shorts, similar to the engaging short-form Imagine scrolling through TikTok, and suddenly, a videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and hidden waterfall cascades into a turquoise pool, or a sun- Facebook, the platform offers an even more dynamic drenched beach stretches to the horizon. These micro- and immersive way to explore. adventures, captured by smartphone-wielding locals, paint a vivid picture of island hopping in Palawan or conquering the Banaue Rice Terraces. Just a few swipes and the users find themselves dreaming of their next Philippine escapade.

And with 42.8 million Filipinos on TikTok, just waiting to be captivated by creative content, the possibilities are endless.

Social media is changing how Filipinos travel.

Instead of relying on guidebooks, Filipinos are using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook to discover hidden gems, experience vibrant festivals, and connect with the heart of the Philippines.

Each click, swipe, and interaction becomes a virtual journey, transporting you to the soul of the Filipino travel experience.

Social media like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook have become platforms for Filipinos to post engaging travel content about the Philippines

IG-worthy Instagram’s thriving community of 19 million Filipino users exposes the very essence of the Philippines. Talented travel influencers create captivating content featuring lively festivals, ancient customs, and hidden gems to inspire wanderlust. Each photo in a curated post embeds a unique story, and every IG reel extends an invitation, guiding users beyond the typical tourist trail and straight into the heart of the Filipino experience.

Explore geotags and hashtags, crafted by travel influencers to discover not just picturesque scenes, but truly Instagram-worthy destinations.

FB is here to stay Over 90 million Filipinos are scrolling through Facebook, and their journeys are changing. Information flows like vacation photos, with recommendations shared in vibrant travel groups. Real-time updates keep loved ones close, while content creators take flight, building audiences with captivating vlogs and guides.

These digital destinations offer new income horizons as well: Page partnerships, sponsored content, and event promotions fuel the creator economy.

Travel influencers curate photos that embed a unique story Content creators document their travels in engaging video blogs, highlighting the stunning landscapes and exciting adventures of numerous destinations in the Philippines

LIFE Cultivating joy with an attitude of gratitude

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

YEAR-END SPECIAL ISSUE

Increase your well-being through the art of gratitude journaling

S

ince I was a little girl, I have found solace and joy in the practice of gratitude journaling. Reflecting on the positive aspects of my young life with a Hello Kitty notebook and a bunch of cute stickers helped me navigate challenges and celebrate wins.

Through the years, the habit has been a constant part of my life. These days, it is part of my life’s mission to invite others to embark on a journey of being thankful as we explore the transformative power of gratitude journaling and discover ways to improve this practice by adding some fun.

Developing an attitude of gratitude is not merely a feel-good sentiment; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing emotional resilience and reducing stress. By directing our focus toward the positive elements in our lives, we not only cultivate gratitude but also reap the numerous benefits associated with journaling. Scientifically backed, the act of putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, allows us to process experiences, including potentially traumatic events, promoting emotional well-being and even influencing physical health positively.

One accessible gratitude exercise is inspired by “Three Good Things” concept of Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the world’s most respected psychologists and tagged as the Father of Positive Psychology. This exercise is not just a routine but a journey towards a more positive mindset. The beauty lies in its simplicity as anyone can incorporate it into a daily routine, ideally before bedtime. By acknowledging and recording three positive events from the day, along with the reasons behind them, we dismantle the negativity bias that often clouds our perception.

Making gratitude journaling fun! To infuse a sense of enjoyment into your gratitude journaling practice, consider these creative approaches: Gratitude collage: Transform your gratitude entries into a visual feast by creating a collage. Collect images, quotes, or doodles that represent the positive moments, turning your journal into a personalized masterpiece.

Colorful expressions: Use vibrant pens, markers, or even colored pencils to add a splash of color to your entries.

Associating positive experiences with lively colors can enhance the overall impact and make the process more enjoyable.

Gratitude jar: Create a physical or digital “gratitude jar” where you deposit notes or images of your daily positives. Over time, you’ll have a tangible representation of the abundance of good things in your life. (Suggestion: Recycle empty peanut butter or mayonnaise glass jars!)

Incorporating gratitude journaling into your daily routine can be a delightful habit that can transform your outlook on life. By understanding the “why” behind each positive moment, you not only foster gratitude but also gain valuable insights into your preferences and sources of joy.

Scientifically proven to enhance well-being, the “Three Good Things” exercise is a simple yet profound practice that can become second nature over time. You will find yourself spotting good things within the day that can be journal entries. As American author and coach Tony Robbins said, “Where focus goes, energy flows.” Focus on the things you’re grateful for and witness them come into your life even more. Andrea Claire L. Adajar, MAPP

Shake off trauma, lose the weight emotional eating, leading to weight gain and difficulty in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Somatic exercises offer a unique path to healing by addressing trauma at its roots. This creates a foundation for both emotional and physical wellbeing.

Somatic exercises provide a gentle method for releasing pent-up emotions, enabling individuals to work through and manage their trauma in a supportive setting

By Kate Adajar POOR diet and lack of proper sleep are not the only culprits of bodily issues. The cause may lie in one’s past, in unhealed emotional wounds.

The link between physical and mental health has become increasingly evident. Somatic exercises or forms of movement that deal with the body, designed to engage the mind-body connection, have emerged as a powerful tool not only for physical fitness but also for addressing trauma. Based on studies, there is a profound relationship between somatic exercises, trauma healing, and the potential for weight loss.

Impact of trauma on weight Trauma, whether physical or emotional, can leave a lasting effect on both the mind and body.

Individuals who have experienced trauma or response to a negative event may find themselves trapped in cycles of stress, anxiety, and

Mindfulnes Somatic exercises, including practices like yoga, Feldenkrais Method, and Tai Chi, emphasize mindful movement—a deliberate, present-focused engagement with the body.

This form of mindfulness provides a safe space for individuals to reconnect with their bodies, fostering a sense of control and empowerment. For those who have experienced trauma, this can be a crucial step in reclaiming a positive relationship with their bodies, often disrupted by the aftermath of trauma.

As individuals engage in mindful movement through somatic exercises, they may find relief from the physical tension associated with trauma. This release of tension can lead to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a heightened sense of overall well-being. In turn, the cultivation of a more balanced mental state can pave the way for healthier lifestyle choices, contributing to weight loss over time.

Emotional release As studies show, trauma is often stored in the body, manifesting as muscle tension, restricted movement, and a disrupted nervous system.

Somatic exercises offer a gentle approach to releasing these stored emotions, allowing individuals to navigate and process their trauma

in a supportive environment.

Practices like Feldenkrais Method, with its focus on slow, intentional movements, provide a platform for emotional release, creating space for healing. Putting on happy and upbeat music while intentionally moving the different parts of the body can help shake off the stored trauma.

By addressing the emotional aspects of trauma, somatic exercises contribute to a reduction in emotional eating—a common coping mechanism for those who have experienced trauma. As individuals learn healthier ways to cope with stress and emotions, the cycle of emotional eating can be broken, facilitating weight loss through a more balanced relationship with food.

Sustainable weight loss The mind-body connection established through somatic exercises sets the stage for sustainable weight loss.

As individuals heal from trauma and develop a greater awareness of their bodies, they are more likely to adopt healthier habits, both in terms of exercise and nutrition.

The reduction of stress, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced body awareness contribute to an environment conducive to long-term weight management.

Somatic exercises represent a powerful method for addressing trauma while simultaneously fostering weight loss. The mindful movement, emotional release, and holistic healing provided by these practices create a foundation for individuals to embark on a transformative journey toward overall well-being. As the integration of mind and body becomes central to the conversation around health, somatic exercises stand out as a sign of hope, offering a path to betterment from within and paving the way for sustained weight loss and emotional healing.

Instead of dwelling on the negative, taking a moment each day to reflect on three positive events and the reasons they happened can shift our perspective towards a more hopeful outlook

Milky skin is in

Merging the magic of skincare and makeup

By Kate Adajar

THE beauty scene, with an overwhelming number of Korean skincare trends, welcomes a new phenomenon – the milky skin trend. Distinct from the widely popular glass skin concept, milky skin places a strong emphasis on achieving a luminous complexion by prioritizing hydration. As we navigate this new trend, let’s explore what sets milky skin apart with a simple step-by-step routine we learned from beauty enthusiasts.

Defining Milky Skin While glass skin also revolves around achieving a clear, radiant complexion, milky skin takes a slightly different approach. Milky skin is characterized by a soft but shiny glow that imparts a translucent quality to the skin. Unlike the intense, reflective shine associated with glass skin, milky skin focuses on a more subtle luminosity. The milky trend focuses on a softer, more natural glow.

Steps: 1. Gentle cleansing. Kickstart your milky skin journey with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. This ensures a clean canvas without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, setting the stage for optimal hydration.

2. Hydration Boost with toners. The key to milky skin lies in layering hydration. Choose a hydrating toner infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or rose water.

3. Essence. Incorporate an essence into your routine, selecting one rich in skin-loving ingredients like rice extract, niacinamide, or snail mucin.

Essences provide an additional layer of hydration and contribute to the overall glow of milky skin.

4. Serum for brightening. To address pigmentation and achieve an even skin tone, include a brightening serum in your regimen. Vitamin C serums work wonders in enhancing the skin’s natural radiance and fighting dullness.

5. Sheet masks. Treat your skin to occasional face masks or sleeping masks. These provide an extra boost of nourishment, infusing the skin with moisture and contributing to the overall luminous effect.

6. Moisturize. Seal the deal with a light, hydrating moisturizer. Opt for a product that locks in moisture without clogging pores, ensuring your skin stays supple throughout the day.

7. Sunscreen (a must!). Protect your face with a good quality sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Sunscreen not only shields the skin from harmful UV rays but also prevents premature aging, preserving the luminosity of your milky complexion.

8. Sheer foundation, BB cream, or tinted Sunscreen: Complete your milky skin routine with a sheer foundation, BB cream, or tinted sunscreen to top the layering off.

These lightweight options provide a hint of coverage while allowing the natural luminosity of your skin to shine through.

The milky skin trend places hydration at its core and maximizes the potential of combining skincare and makeup products. By veering away from numerous layers and the filtered Although glass skin focuses effect of heavy makeup coverage, the on attaining a clear, radiant complexion, milky skin takes trend emphasizes natural beauty and a slightly different approach celebrates authenticity.

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How the ‘Yellow Basket’ is transforming Philippine e-commerce

By Nickie Wang TIKTOK has transcended its entertainment roots to become a thriving e-commerce powerhouse, particularly in the Philippines. A vibrant ecosystem fueled by trends and challenges, it’s now the stage for a relatively new phenomenon: the Yellow Basket.

TikTok has evolved beyond its origins as an entertainment hub (being home to viral dances and lip-syncs), emerging as a potent force for online

shopping. At the heart of this thriving ecosystem lies a captivating trend that has become a buzzword, whether in virtual spaces or the real world: the Yellow Basket Forget the traditional shopping carts, the Yellow Basket (the icon for Tiktok Shop which was first launched in the United States in 2022) has exploded into a vibrant marketplace, overflowing with irresistible discoveries. From skincare secrets that whisper promises to your skin, to fashion finds that beg to be twirled, to

tech gadgets humming with innovation, the Yellow Basket is a treasure trove of affordability that awakens the inner bargain hunter in you.

Content creators and live sellers, with their adept skills in product integration, seamlessly embed items into their videos through inventive skits and compelling narratives.

Live sellers, in particular, have turned the Yellow Basket into a focal point for engagement. Through interactive challenges and ingenious product

demonstrations, they skillfully rope in viewers to click and add, transforming casual browsers into willing buyers.

This explosive trend finds fertile ground in the Philippines, where 42 million users call TikTok their default socmed app. This immense user base translates into unprecedented reach and influence, positioning TikTok as a treasure trove for businesses and a playground for creative minds.

Turn to E2

Beauty Prime lets you #FindYourPrime with ingredient-led skincare BEAUTY Prime is all about bespoke beauty with seven ingredient-led skin concentrates, each addressing a specific concern. Every person is unique, so they deserve tailored formulas and customized packaging.

Beauty Prime is perhaps one of the world’s most responsive skincare brands. It’s more than a brand, actually, but a mindset that helps you determine what your skin needs because your face is not an experiment.

Beauty Prime believes beauty is not one-size-fits-all, so your routine should be personalized.

Beauty Prime is about putting yourself first, so the brand focuses on specific aspects of skincare concerns with a collection of ingredient-led creams, allowing the user to target the main active ingredients they want in their skincare. This is especially good for those with sensitive skin. This philosophy also makes it easier for users to understand what they’re applying on their skin.

Each jar of Beauty Prime is tailored to people’s unique skin types and needs. Every product is clinically tested to deliver superior effectiveness and real results.

The Beauty Prime Retinol Skincare Concentrate helps renew skin while delivering anti-aging benefits.

With continued use, this concentrate improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.

The Beauty Prime Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Concentrate is for skin replenishing. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for that plump and hydrated look because it provides hydration to the skin.

The Beauty Prime COQ10 Skincare Concentrate is for skin regeneration. As a skincare ingredient, COQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) helps reverse sun damage, promote collagen production, and reduce visible signs of aging.

The Beauty Prime Vitamin C Skincare Concentrate is for skin brightening and is meant for use during the day.

The Beauty Prime Vitamin E Skincare Concentrate is for skin repair. Vitamin E has powerful antioxidant properties and helps repair the skin barrier.

The Beauty Prime Snail Mucin Skincare Concentrate is for skin recovery. Snail mucin, a mix of proteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, and zinc, helps moisturize the skin and fight premature skin aging caused by sun damage and environmental stressors.

The Beauty Prime Collagen Skincare Concentrate is a skin booster. Collagen, as a skincare ingredient, provides hydration and boosts elasticity to make skin juicy and plump.

Beauty Prime Skincare Concentrates aren’t meant to replace your current skincare regimen but to enhance it. You could add Retinol twice a week at night and Vitamin C in the daytime. Vitamin E would work well under makeup while using COQ10 will help you wake up with moisturized and glowing skin. Hyaluronic Acid is for dry skin girlies while those who want dewy, juicy, and plump skin will benefit from using Snail Mucin and Collagen.

Start your Beauty Prime journey to healthier and more beautiful skin.

Makati Life Medical Center, RiteMed to transform healthcare with pioneering partnership “EVERYONE deserves the same type of healthcare.”

This rightfully summarizes the mission and vision of Makati Life Medical Center, with the men and women behind the hospital continuously pursuing initiatives that will buttress its commitment to the people. For them, the best way to achieve this is to combine top-notch hospital care with access to affordable high-quality medicines.

With this in mind, Makati Life Medical Center formally signed a partnership with RiteMed to provide quality and affordable medicines to the public through its drug store arm, Rx Direct Inc. Ms. Cherry Sta. Ana, President of Rx Direct, emphasized that “our thrust and commitment is to make sure that everyone has access to quality medicine. We want to break the stigma that hospital pharmacies are only for hospital patients; our products are for everyone who needs them, including those in the community.”

Atty. Jose Maria A. Ochave, President of RiteMed Philippines, Inc. (RiteMed), highlighted the fact that the use of the latest and appropriate technology is crucial if the Universal Healthcare Program is to succeed. He expressed his delight at finding in Makati Life and Rx Direct a commitment to every Filipino’s right to quality healthcare and in using technology to achieve this purpose.

Makati Life, a flagship publicprivate partnership (PPP) with Makati City, under the leadership of Mayor Abigail Binay, stands as a beacon for high-quality, technology-driven healthcare, extending its services not only to “Makatizens” but also to neighboring communities.

With free access to yellow card holders for outpatient services, consultations, diagnostics, and

From left are: Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana, president and chief executive officer, Makati Life Medical Center; Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, president, RiteMed Philippines, Inc.; Cherry Sta. Ana, president, Rx Direct Inc.; and Vincent Patrick Guerrero, general manager, RiteMed Philippines, Inc.

pharmacy services 24/7, Makati Life is making quality healthcare more accessible to all.

Ms. Jo Aguilar, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Makati Life, identified a crucial gap in healthcare: “The missing link in providing complete healthcare benefits is affordable quality medicines. We want to bridge that gap by providing affordable yet high-quality medicine to patients through RiteMed.” Technology-Driven Healthcare At the forefront of digitalization, Makati Life’s services, equipment, and pharmacy assistance are of the highest standard, all while being freely accessible to yellow card holders. Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana, President & CEO of Makati Life, noted the importance of integrating technology and AI in healthcare, stating: “We have all of these things, but we have affordable pricing, and the way we treat people is of the highest quality.”

Aside from Makatizens, Makati Life is also welcoming residents of

other local government units (LGUs) for affordable consultations and other healthcare needs.

“Generic doesn’t mean low-quality; this is what we can assure. Before the LGU agrees to these partnerships, it has to be affordable, it has to be effective,” Dr. Dennis Sta Ana added.

Makati Life goes beyond traditional healthcare models with a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its community. The introduction of a 24/7 call center ensures that individuals can access medical guidance and support anytime, reinforcing its commitment to responsive and accessible care.

Patients can conveniently schedule appointments, with the medical center embracing a patient-centric approach that values their time and prioritizes personalized care.

With a steadfast dedication to accessibility, Makati Life’s 24/7 outpatient department and teleconsultation services empower patients to seek medical attention

conveniently. The integration of AI technology, exemplified by the cuttingedge BeneVision Central Monitoring System, ensures that all facilities operate seamlessly, enhancing the overall patient experience.

Holistic Approach to Caring for All In line with its commitment to inclusivity, Ms. Cherry Sta. Ana said: “Makati Life’s facilities are designed to be friendly to individuals with special needs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their unique requirements, can access high-quality healthcare and medicine.”

“Our focus is on patient outcomes rather than mere satisfaction,” Dr. Dennis Sta. Ana said, adding that the hospital is doing its best to provide everything that the patients need.

The medical center boasts a robust team of 460 doctors and specialists equipped with best-in-class facilities and supported by state-of-the-art equipment, including the country’s first AI-powered PET scan.

Beyond patient care, Makati Life is

also committed to the welfare of its healthcare professionals. The center recognizes the invaluable contributions of nurses and doctors, ensuring their well-being and professional growth. This holistic approach not only guarantees the highest standards of medical care but also fosters a culture of compassion and excellence within the healthcare team.

Benchmark For Other LGUs Backing this commitment is RiteMed, the leading unibranded line of medicines in the Philippines. Together, Makati Life Medical Center and RiteMed are reshaping the landscape of healthcare — making quality and affordable medicine a reality for all.

Atty. Ochave was impressed with the mission and vision of their new partner, stressing that “Makati Life is paving the way toward a meaningful partnership between the LGUs and the private sector in achieving the objectives of the Universal Healthcare Program. “With the government providing various healthcare financing models, the ball is now in the court of the private sector. They need to show that they are truly committed to providing efficient, quality and equitable healthcare to every Filipino, he said.”

This PPP between Makati Life and the Makati City government serves as a pioneering model for other LGUs to collaborate with private healthcare providers and pharmacies in offering unparalleled assistance to Filipinos.

MakatiLife and Ritemed are looking forward to the next steps in their partnership, with both parties raring to prove that worldclass hospital care really goes hand in hand with the provision of affordable medicines of the highest standard.

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Paskong TernoCon 2023 at SM Aura A grand celebration of Pinoy culture and couture this Christmas IT WAS a festive, star-studded evening in celebration of Filipino heritage and fashion at the very first Paskong TernoCon 2023 at SM Aura. A joint project of SM Supermalls, Bench/ Lifestyle + Clothing, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the inaugural Paskong TernoCon marked a milestone in Philippine fashion with visionary designers Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo taking centerstage in TernoCon’s first fashion show in a mall.

Set against the backdrop of SM Aura’s exquisite Filipiniana-themed Christmas centerpiece, the runway showcased the impeccable technique and artistry of Samson and Mobo, as well as the range and versatility of the Philippine terno. Samson’s collection showcased masterful minimalism and tailored, architectural forms, while Mobo’s was a celebration of draping, unabated maximalism, color, and folk aesthetics.

But more than a fashion spectacle, Paskong TernoCon served as a platform for inclusivity, making the best of Philippine design more accessible to a wider audience.

“The event epitomizes SM Supermalls’ commitment to championing Filipino culture and artistry, and provides a platform to bring this closer to more people through our malls”, said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan. “The exquisite designs by Lesley Mobo and Joey Samson beautifully represent our rich cultural traditions and Filipino creativity, and SM is honored to have been part of this trailblazing project”.

Paskong TernoCon’s glittering front rows comprised some of the biggest names from Philippine fashion, film, culture, business, and society – who all came out to support and celebrate Pinoy culture and fashion.

Gracing the occasion were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Investments Corporation Chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson, Bench founder Ben Chan, CCP Vice Chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan. Likewise, the runway featured actors Janine Gutierrez and David Licauco, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida, model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol, and Michelle Dee in her first public appearance after the Miss Universe pageant.

Paskong TernoCon 2023 is a celebration of the Filipino spirit, artistry, and creativity that define the country’s vibrant culture.

The event was also made possible by collaborators of the two featured designers.

For Joey Samson: Lakat for the footwear and Unang Panahon for the jewelry. For Lesley Mobo: Ash & Muff and Harold & Harry for the earrings, and Adante Leyesa for the bags.

To know more about the exciting events at SM Supermalls, visit www. smsupermalls.com or follow @ SMSupermalls on social media.

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee walks the runway for avant-garde fashion designer Lesley Mobo

Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines Constance See

From left are: Acclaimed fashion designer Lesley Mobo, Bench founder Ben Chan, Cultural Center of the Philippines Vice Chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo, First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos, SM Investments Vice Chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and celebrated fashion designer Joey Samson

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee (center) and Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida (left) grace the runway for renowned fashion designer Lesley Mobo

From left are: Models and influencers Nicole Hernandez-de los Angeles, Mikaela Lagdameo, Vanna Garcia, Georgia Schulze-Del Rosario, Patty Laurel-Filart, and Kelly MisaFernandez

From left, front are: Acclaimed fashion designer Lesley Mobo, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and celebrated fashion designer Joey Samson, accompanied by models Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee (left, back) and actress Janine Gutierrez (right, back)

From left are: Shaan Chainani and his wife, Neelam GopwaniChainani of Vision Express, along with Jica Sy-Bell, Assistant Vice President of SM Prime, and her husband Michael Bell

Actress Janine Gutierrez (left, front) and model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol (right), with actor David Licauco (left, back), elegantly showcase the creations of renowned fashion designer Joey Samson Minimalism maestro Joey Samson, TernoCon Artistic Director Gino Gonzales, and avantgarde designer Lesley Mobo

Actress Janine Gutierrez models a timeless and elegant gown crafted by the maestro of minimalism, Joey Samson.

Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida models for renowned fashion designer Lesley Mobo.

Suyen Corporation’s Bryan and Kai Lim

Prominent designer and fashion educator Mark Higgins

Actor David Licauco wears Joey Samson’s modern interpretation of the Barong Filipino.

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Breaking gender barriers through fashion

By Patricia Taculao CLOTHES are more than just fabrics we wear to protect us from the elements. To many, these are a medium of expression that allows people to express their individuality by following fashion trends or starting their own.

Fashion trends helped people embrace their personalities through textures, patterns, colors, and more. And with the rise of radical ideas, wherein people are breaking free from constricting social norms, fashion evolves with them. One prime example is the rise of genderless fashion.

Brands and clothing manufacturers indeed produced many clothes and other accessories with gender constructs in mind. However, genderless fashion takes the usual shapes, textures, and colors and favors a fluid design to fit various body types to promote inclusivity.

Yet 2023 isn’t the only year when genderless fashion became popular. It was already prevalent throughout history, though gender wasn’t the category people emphasized. For instance, history claims that the heel shoe was invented for men to wear to imply their upperclass status. It signified extravagance that only men who didn’t have to work for their survival could afford.

The genderless fashion we know today focuses more on the male and female construct–and it’s here to break those barriers.

One of the many reasons genderless fashion has been popular among the public is because of its comfort. Historically, women’s clothing was often uncomfortable or inconvenient. For instance, corsets hindered their breathing, and modern pants or dresses have shallow pockets or none at all. It’s not surprising that women search for pieces in the men’s section, like the boyfriend jeans that are baggy, comfortable, and with deep pockets for more convenience.

Athleisure brands embraced genderless fashion, giving consumers the leisure they sought in these products.

In the meantime, this fashion movement allowed the public to play with available pieces on the market to emphasize or take away attention from themselves.

Those who prefer to hide their body shape or just want the comfort of loose clothing lean toward oversized products. It’s also a staple in streetwear, a famous fashion movement, wherein people don jeans, tees, hoodies, or other garments that are one or two sizes larger. The boxy or draped effect brings a casual and edgy vibe that draws attention to the clothes themselves.

However, those who prefer the opposite of loose and relaxed can still find structured options. Matching tops and bottoms with neutral colors or muted patterns can bring a sense of elegance to the wearer. It’s also versatile enough that people can throw on different accessories to create an ensemble to fit almost any occasion.

When playing with genderless fashion pieces, people can explore designs, patterns, and colors to express themselves or find a structure that matches their body type, skin color, or other preferences. Some details can create interest in certain areas.

Genderless fashion brings new opportunities for the public to enjoy clothing and accessories while staying comfortable and expressing themselves. It gives people more freedom to embrace their individuality and empowers brands in the fashion industry to become more inclusive when producing pieces.

Fashion trends have enabled individuals to express their personalities through textures, patterns, colors, and other elements

With the ease of e-commerce platforms and enhanced shipping choices, shoppers are progressively shifting towards online channels in shopping

Adapting to the new normal of shopping

By Angelica Villanueva

C

ONSUMER behavior has been constantly evolving over the years, influenced by various factors such as technological advancements and changing societal norms. In 2023, we witnessed further shifts in consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of online shopping.

The rise of e-commerce has already transformed the way people shop. With the convenience of e-commerce platforms and improved shipping options, consumers are increasingly turning to online channels for their purchasing needs.

This shift has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further emphasized the importance of contactless transactions.

Currently, we have seen a significant shift in consumer behavior, driven by various factors, from economic uncertainty to evolving technology and a growing focus on sustainability.

The first thing that consumers look for in their purchases is the price. With inflation and economic concerns on the rise, consumers are becoming more price-conscious. They are actively seeking discounts, opting for cheaper alternatives, and delaying purchases.

This trend is evident across all categories, from groceries and clothing to electronics and travel.

Secondly, consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices and are actively seeking out brands that align with their values.

This means that businesses will need to adapt by offering eco-friendly products and transparent supply chains.

Businesses that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility are likely to attract a growing customer base.

On the other hand, immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming the shopping experience for consumers. AR

HOW...

Content creators and live sellers skillfully integrate products into their videos through creative skits and engaging storytelling

From D4

The Yellow Basket is also a viral marketing goldmine for businesses, offering direct access to a massive audience. For content creators, it’s a platform for showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit, turning their creativity into cold, hard cash.

TikTok’s Yellow Basket (or TitkTok Shop to be specific) has streamlined payments, too, with e-wallet integration and Cash on Delivery options. Real-time tracking and collaborations with reliable logistics partners ensure efficient and transparent deliveries.

The impact of the Yellow Basket goes beyond metrics. It is democratizing e-commerce, breaking down barriers for both established brands and emerging entrepreneurs. It is personalizing the shopping experience, fostering connections between creators and viewers. Most significantly, it is reshaping the way Filipinos engage in online shopping, injecting a sense of fun and interactivity into the digital marketplace.

enables virtual clothes try-on, while VR enables virtual store visits and realistic product experiences.

Another significant change we have witnessed is an increased reliance on mobile devices for shopping. As smartphones become more advanced and user-friendly, consumers are embracing mobile commerce as a convenient way to browse and purchase products on the go.

Additionally, consumers are seeking a seamless blend of online and offline experiences. This includes omnichannel shopping, where consumers can research products online and purchase them in physical stores, or vice versa. It also includes the rise of click-and-collect services, where consumers can order online and pick up their purchases in-store.

Lastly, social media will continue to be a powerful influencer in consumer behavior. It has become a popular space for discovering new products or trends. Brands that effectively leverage social media marketing strategies will have an advantage in capturing consumer attention.

The influence of social media on consumer behavior cannot be ignored. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become powerful marketing tools where influencers play a significant role in shaping purchasing decisions.

Brands that can effectively engage with influencers and create authentic connections with their target audience will have an advantage in capturing consumer attention.

Consumer behavior has been characterized by an increased reliance on online shopping, and businesses have adapted their strategies accordingly to effectively connect with the evolving preferences of consumers.

TikTok has transformed from its initial purpose of providing amusement through viral dances and lipsyncs, and has become a powerful platform for e-commerce

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Silent sophistication: The art of quiet luxury Quiet luxury is a returning fashion trend that highlights the importance of investing in high-quality, timeless, minimalist items to enhance one’s wardrobe

Fortunately, gender-forward fashion allows more options that explore feminine silhouettes–like the cinched-waist blazer.

By Patricia Taculao

W

HEN people think of luxury, they often think of brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Hermes, all of which have signature branding on their pieces that have always been eye-catching.

Over the years, consumers embraced the fashion trend of wearing brand-centric clothing and accessories to show off their luxurious lifestyle.

But recently, a new trend emerged, one that puts the brands behind the spotlight but still maintains their quality and authenticity–quiet luxury.

Simply put, quiet luxury is a

resurging fashion movement that emphasizes the relevance of investing in high-quality, timeless, minimalist pieces to complement one’s wardrobe. It’s the opposite of the blinged-out fashion trend that uses bold, ostentatious pieces to showcase a luxury brand’s design prowess.

Moreover, quiet luxury

embraces sophistication without screaming wealth. Untrained eyes may not always notice the expert craftsmanship in these pieces. Some usual signs are neutral colors, smart tailoring, and clean-cut lines that complement the wearer’s silhouette.

There’s also an element of sustainability in quiet luxury because it encourages consumers to buy less and buy better. It’s apt for the 2023 fashion scene because the public has become conscious of their buying habits while combining the timeless elegance of minimalist fashion.

Nowadays, many top brands offer quiet luxury pieces at a price that can elevate any wardrobe

and let consumers embrace their sophisticated side without donning brand names or logos that could be off-putting. But for those who have to build their quiet luxury collection, here are some staples to complete any ensemble: A well-tailored blazer Despite the Philippines’ warm weather, blazers are standard fashion components, especially among professionals. But recent fashion trends showed that blazers can go beyond a corporate setting and be a statement piece for everyday looks.

Blazers are timeless fashion pieces but are often prevalent in menswear.

Form-fitting or comfortable bottoms Creating the ideal look has several elements to consider.

Among them is what one wears for their bottom half. In the quiet luxury movement, denim jeans are still a timeless piece. But instead of the skinny, form-fitting denim jeans, it makes way for the soft, sleek, wideleg jeans.

It makes for an apt wardrobe piece for everyday looks that combines a refinement in fashion sense. People often pair it with a comfortable, plain shirt or a minimalist top that they can layer on to build up their ensemble and showcase their personality.

Another piece that embraces quiet luxury and is practical on almost every occasion is a cleanlined skirt. The floor-length maxi skirt hugs the silhouette and brings a sense of elegance to even a simple button-up or a trendy shirt.

Meanwhile, nonchalant trousers bring the comfort of wide-leg denim and the chicness of the clean-lined skirt. It can be worn during brunch, business meetings, or even when strolling around in public–it just makes any look effortless.

Quiet luxury has since taken off in the fashion industry. Although trends often come and go, learning to invest in timeless, elegant pieces promotes sustainability and allows consumers to look their best for any occasion.

Millennial vs. Gen Z fashion: Who wore it better?

By Patricia Taculao FASHION trends are ever-evolving, with new fads constantly emerging as generations continue to embrace their unique style that embodies their personalities. Recently, the public has debated who has a superior look: millennials or Gen Zs. Both generations grew up during the turn of the new century, when technology, digitization, and radical ideas became prevalent. Seeing the years between the two eras, one would assume they have contrasting preferences in all aspects, especially fashion. However, millennial and Gen Z styles have more similarities than differences.

For instance, denim appreciation resurfaced in the modern fashion scenes, with the pieces going beyond the regular jeans. People from both generations prefer wearing denim as accessories, jackets, vests, or shirts–endless possibilities. The difference here is the fit. Millennials prefer tight and cropped denim pieces, like low-rise jeans and belly tops, to show off their silhouette. In the meantime, Gen Z opts for oversized clothing, like baggy, high-rise pants that boast comfort with sacrificing style, especially with the continuing popularity of streetwear.

Color is another relevant element in fashion, with people constantly switching their palette preferences. Although millennials appreciate a pop of color in their ensemble, they lean toward soft pastels and neutrals. Yet this didn’t stop them from wearing graphic tops, colorful patterns, and eye-catching accessories. Ultimately, the colors and designs must match to create a cohesive look.

In the meantime, Gen Zs, born and raised in the digital era, with social media a significant factor in their lives, prefer making bright and bold statements with their fashion. They prefer donning neons, clashing patterns, and over-the-top structures that allow them to stand out.

Millennials opt for fitted and cropped denim items, such as low-rise jeans and crop tops, to accentuate their figure

Gen Z chooses to wear oversized clothing, such as loose-fitting, highwaisted pants, prioritizing comfort without compromising style, particularly given the ongoing popularity of streetwear

Another similar yet contrasting fashion preference between the two generations is their love for cardigans. These outerwear pieces are comfortable and stylish and can tie together any look for nearly any occasion. The millennials and Gen Zs disagree on the length, with the former opting for longer cardigans paired with skinny jeans and a graphic tee and the latter preferring cropped cardigans with buttons.

Lastly, every generation knows the relevance of accessorizing to create a well-defined look for any occasion. Here, two style preferences from the two generations clash–minimalism and maximalism. Millennials prefer minimalist styles that add a touch of elegance and personality to their ensemble, meaning they just add a piece or two here and there. Meanwhile, Gen Zs love blocky pieces or adding more accessories throughout their outfit to maximize their space and boost their overall aesthetic.

Yet when it comes to choosing accessories, millennials and Gen Zs can agree on choosing ethical products that promote local industries or underserved communities. It’s all about making a statement while leaving a positive impact on the community.

So which generation wore it better, the millennials or the Gen Zs? The jury’s still out, but as far as the discussion goes, it seems they’re at a standstill as fashion is a form of self-expression, with every person having their own unique style. Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that both generations and their fashion trends made a significant mark on their eras and may yet continue resurfacing in the fashion scene.

LIFE

E4

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

YEAR-END SPECIAL ISSUE

Skinimalism: Skincare simplified

By Angelica Villanueva The new trend suggests that achieving a naturally beautiful look works best when using the right amount of effective products

The emphasis is on high-quality ingredients that deliver visible results without overwhelming KOREAN skincare is celebrated for its the skin with unnecessary products. Summing innovative, multi-step routines, and advanced it up, here are the three minimalist skincare routines: formulations.

Of late, a fresh trend is sweeping through Step 1. Double Cleanse: the K-beauty world—minimalist skincare.

This classic Korean step remains a cornerstone Embracing quality over quantity, this streamlined approach centers on a handful of essential steps of minimalism. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, followed for achieving healthy, radiant skin.

The minimalist Korean skincare routine has by a gentle water-based cleanser to remove gained recent popularity due to its simplicity and impurities. effectiveness. This approach focuses on using a Step 2. Treat and Hydrate: minimal number of products, typically around Instead of layering multiple serums and three to five, for achieving healthy and radiant essences, opt for a multi-functional product like a skin.

The minimalist routine draws inspiration hydrating toner or ampoule. Look for ingredients from this while streamlining the steps and like hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, or snail products involved. By focusing on essential mucin for deep hydration and soothing benefits. steps, it allows individuals to simplify their Step 3. Protect and Moisturize: skincare regimen without compromising results.

Never skip sunscreen, even on cloudy days!

This trending routine typically includes Choose a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 30 cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and sun protection as core steps. Each step is carefully or higher moisturizer to shield your skin from chosen to target specific skin concerns and harmful UV rays and keep it hydrated. One key benefit of adopting a minimalist Korean skincare provide optimal nourishment. routine is saving time and money.

With fewer products to choose from and apply, individuals can simplify their daily skincare ritual without sacrificing efficacy. Moreover, this approach encourages mindful consumption by promoting the use of multi-functional products that serve multiple purposes.

It’s important to note that while this routine is called “minimalist,” it doesn’t mean neglecting your skin’s needs. It simply means being selective about the products you use and focusing on what your skin truly needs.

As with any skincare routine, it is still essential to consider your unique skin type and concerns when adopting a minimalist Korean skincare regimen. Consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional can help you tailor the routine to suit your specific needs for optimal results.

Glow effortlessly with a simple skincare routine

Maximize Holiday Joy: Enjoy Every Moment Traveling the PH with Smart Prepaid Tourist eSIM

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HE Philippines, with its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, is a haven for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

According to the Department of Tourism, the Philippines welcomed more than 4M foreign tourists in 2023.

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Jetsetters know that buying a local sim when visiting other countries is the ideal way to stay connected and access the benefits of the Internet. How else can they share their adventures and new experiences in the Philippines with their families or audiences?

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Forget the days of swapping SIM cards or struggling with confusing roaming charges.

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With this eSIM, tourists are not just connecting to any network as they will also be connecting to the Philippines’ best mobile network. Enjoy the fastest speed and reliable coverage that won’t disappoint, even in some of the most remote areas. It means crystalclear calls, uninterrupted video chats, and blazing-fast data speeds for effortless browsing and social media sharing.

Smart Prepaid Philippine Tourist eSIM understands connectivity needs during short stays, bringing quality services different from those of long-term residents. That’s why it comes with preloaded 5GB data, 30 minutes of local calls (or 10 minutes of calls per day), and 100 local texts, valid for 3 days for only Php 99 allowing users to stay in touch with their newfound friends and family back home.

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All of these options are available at Smart airport booths, accepting both cash and credit card payments, as well as the Smart online store.

Smart isn’t just a mobile network provider; it’s a company that believes in empowering its users to experience the best of what technology has to offer. With the Smart Prepaid Philippine Tourist eSIM, they’re not just buying a SIM card. They will also join a community

Smart Prepaid Philippine Tourist eSIM understands connectivity needs during short stays, bringing quality services different from those of long-term residents

of connected individuals ready to explore and embrace new possibilities.

This Christmas, make the Smart Prepaid Philippine Tourist eSIM a travel companion and unlock a truly connected Philippine adventure. Explore the country’s well-known spots or hidden gems without worrying about connectivity or running out of data.

Experience the convenience, reliability, and freedom that only the best mobile network can offer. Visit Smart’s website today and get ready to connect with the world beyond expectations.