Manila Standard - 2024 January 28 - Sunday

File photoon datedA4) July 27, 2016 shows President Duterte during a National Security Council meeting attended by four former presidents (Story including (from left) Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos and Benigno Aquino III. Presidential Spokesman Harry

9 ISLAMIST MILITANTS KILLED IN LANAO DEL SUR CLASH—MILITARY

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Roque says Malacanang is inclined to ask the four ex-presidents to attend a meeting on issues besetting the West Philippine Sea. NSC file

BIG-TIME HIKE: GAS PRICES TO JUMP P2.50/L NEXT WEEK

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IN MET R MANILAO

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 348• 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES JANUARY 28, 2024

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By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL firms announced Saturday a much higher forecasted increase in pump prices—by as much as P2.50 per liter for gasoline—effective Tuesday due to the movement of prices in the world market.

“Expect fuel prices to go up next week (Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, 2024). Diesel will increase by P1.00 to P1.20 per liter. Gasoline will increase by P2.30 to P2.50 per liter,” Unioil Petroleum Philippines said in an advisory.

Industry sources earlier said domestic pump prices will increase by P1.95 to P2.10 per liter for gasoline, P0.65 to P0.85 per liter for diesel and P0.20 to P0.30 per liter for kerosene based on the four-day trading data.

World oil prices received a boost on Friday on positive US economic growth and the China economic stimulus.

PH ROLLS OUT GOVERNANCE BRAND BAGONG PILIPINAS: BETTER GOVT SERVICES, BIG-TICKET PROJECTS

By Charles Dantes

M

ORE than 200,000 people were expected to join today’s inaugural rally of “Bagong Pilipinas” governance brand led by President Marcos at the Quirino Grandstand, the Presidential Communications Office said on Saturday.

PCO Undersecretary Gerald Baria said “big and long-term” projects will be rolled out by February, adding that “Bagong Pilipinas” is more than just a branding but a commitment to improve the lot of Filipinos.

“We will pursue big projects because these really benefit the people…This is like a declaration of commitment from the Philippine bureaucracy to elevate government services to reach our goal of Bagong Pilipinas,” Baria said.

A coalition of businessmen, civic leaders and employers have likewise committed to support the initiative aimed at shoring up the economy.

Led by Jose Lina, the Buklod Bayani Coalition (BBC) entered into a memorandum of agreement with Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to help the government in the delivery of services to the public.

“In the aspect of Ease of Doing Business and in patient delivery of government services, the Buklod Bayani coalition shall mobilize a nationwide network to assist ARTA in ensuring that doing business in the Philippines becomes easier and that government delivery of services is efficient,” Lina said.

PCO Director Cris Villonco said over 200,000 people are expected to participate in the inaugural rally.

“The President said we need to make this big, we need to make this loud, we need to spread this as fast as possible because we deserve this. We need this and we need everybody’s help,” she said.

“Everybody is on board with this, so, whether it be the government, whether it be the private citizen, the public, everyone has to know what this is all about and why we are doing it because again, this is not about breakthrough projects.

We are talking about empowering Filipinos at its very core,” Villonco added.

BRIGHTER, BOLDER DINAGYANG.

The Dinagyang Ilomination streetdance competition kicks off at SM City Iloilo, featuring seven tribes performing in their best illuminated props and costumes.

Norman Cruz

RICE AID, SERBISYO FAIR LAUNCHED IN ZAMBALES HOUSE LEADER LAMENTS ‘WORDS

LIKE DAGGERS’ OF SOME SENATORS

By Maricel V. Cruz

AYUDA CARAVAN. Speaker Martin Romualdez leads the

launch of the Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) program on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2024, at the multipurpose gym of Iba, Zambales.

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THE government’s cash aid and rice distribution (CARD) program was launched in Zambales yesterday, coinciding with the opening of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in the province.

The CARD Program is a project of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, the House of Representatives, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in response to the challenge of President Marcos for lawmakers to provide rice assistance to Filipinos.

“We hope that this program provides temporary relief to our citizens who find it difficult to cope with the cost of daily living. Rest assured that while we roll out programs like this, the Marcos administration is doing everything it can to provide more jobs and livelihood to the people,” Romualdez said.

For Zambales, a total of 3,000 residents in the congressional district of Rep. Doris Maniquiz received P2,000 worth of assistance – P500 worth of rice and P1,500 in cash to buy other food essentials.

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By Maricel V. Cruz IN A fiery display of parliamentary solidarity, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe on Saturday denounced the actions of certain senators, whom he did not name, for allegedly undermining the institution’s integrity and the collaborative efforts of Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“At a time when our nation beckons for unity and cooperative governance, it is immensely troubling to witness a select group of senators engaging in baseless attacks against the Speaker and our esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives,” said Dalipe.

“The Speaker, in a gesture of goodwill and with an unwavering commitment to our democratic principles, extended an olive branch to our counterparts in

the Senate, signaling a readiness to collaboratively amend our Constitution through a Constituent Assembly. Yet, this earnest endeavor to fortify the pillars of our republic was met not with reciprocation but with betrayal, as certain senators opted to wield their words like daggers, aiming at the very heart of legislative camaraderie,” he added.

Dalipe underscored the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual respect.

“Respect begets respect. By undermining the House, the Senate not only sows discord within the halls of Congress but also risks alienating the representatives of more than 300 legislative districts, potentially losing their respect and cooperation, essential for any legislative body to function effectively,” he said.

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A2 JANUARY 28, 2024

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IN BRIEF

9 ISLAMIST MILITANTS KILLED IN CLASH IN LANAO DEL SUR N

By Charles Dantes

INE Islamist militants including three suspects in a Catholic mass bombing in the southern Philippines have been killed in a clash with troops, the military said Saturday.

Army soldiers shot it out with about 15 Dawlah Islamiyah suspects hiding out at a mountain farm close to the remote southern municipality of Piagapo, Lanao Del Sur, on Thursday, the commander of the military unit said.

The firefight left nine of the gunmen dead and four soldiers

wounded, including two who were taken to hospital with “serious” wounds, army brigade commander Brigadier- General Yegor Rey Barroquillo told AFP. He said three of the six suspects in the bombing of a Catholic mass at a school in the southern city of Marawi last month were among those killed

in Thursday’s fighting.

“Of the nine, three had direct participation in the MSU bombing,” Barroquillo said, referring to the December 4 blast at Mindanao State University in Marawi that left four people dead and dozens wounded.

Barroquillo said three other bombing suspects were still on the run including the alleged mastermind, a former student at the university who went by the alias of “Engineer”.

Army Scout Rangers, trained in jungle combat, crept up to a cluster of mountain farmhouses where the suspects had sought refuge to evade the post-bombing manhunt.

“Six (gunmen) were able to escape

TIKTOK REMOVES MORE THAN 3.8M VIDEOS IN PH POPULAR social media platform TikTok said it has removed more than 3.8 million videos in the Philippines from July to September 2023 due to community guidelines violations.

In a statement, TikTok said that 98 percent of the videos were proactively removed, 87% were removed before any views, and 95% were removed within 24 hours. “ We use a combination of technology and moderation to identify and review potentially problematic content, with penalties including removing videos and banning accounts for Community Guidelines violations,” TikTok said.

TikTok said it uses “a proactive approach” in crafting its Community Guidelines, which is available in English and Filipino, that adapt to the evolving digital landscape while dealing with emerging safety concerns.

and in our assessment the Engineer was among them,” Barroquillo said, adding the farmers had left the area earlier this month after the gunmen arrived.

Militant attacks on buses, Catholic churches and public markets have been a feature of decades-long unrest in the south.

Manila signed a peace pact with the nation’s largest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in 2014, ending their deadly armed rebellion.

But smaller bands of Muslim fighters opposed to the peace deal remain, including militants professing allegiance to the Islamic State group.

With AFP

APPROVE FREELANCER BILL —VILLAFUERTE CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Saturday called on the Senate to pass the Freelance Protection bill that has been passed by the House of Representatives.

Villafuerte said there is an urgent need to pass the bill because “more and more 40-something and younger individuals are getting part-time jobs to make both ends meet.

The House-passed bill guarantees full protection to these unconventional workers against unfair labor practices amid the fastgrowing global freelance economy, Villafuerte said.

“The steady climb in the number of millennials and Gen Z-ers who have taken on part-time jobs as extra income sources gives more reason for the Senate to pass a counterpart measure to a Houseapproved bill that guarantees full protection for these freelancers who are highly vulnerable to labor malpractices in the absence of job contracts from their employers,” Villafuerte, who is a co-author of House Bill 6718 titled “Freelance Workers’ Protection Act.” “With the rapid growth of the global freelance economy and the consequent surge in demand for the so-called ‘gig workers’ not only in the Philippines but elsewhere in the world as well, it is imperative for us lawmakers to accord full job protection to Filipino freelancers,” Villafuerte said. Maricel V. Cruz

FOR GOOD LUCK. A passerby walks past ‘kiat kiat’ (mini mandarin orange) trees along Ongpin Street in Chinatown on Saturday. In Chinese culture, the fruit symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Danny Pata

SALCEDA BACKS NEDA CHIEF ON CHARTER CHANGE COMPLETION

By Maricel V. Cruz

POVERTY RATE. Densely populated areas are common near the Pasig River. The country’s self-rated poverty rate is at 45 percent, almost similar to the 46 percent in October 2023, according to a survey conducted by OCTA Research. Manny Palmero

ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said he agrees with Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan’s statement that the faster the legislature can complete the process of Charter Change, the better it will be for the economy.

“I agree. Investor certainty is a function of legislative speed. The shorter the debates take, the more certain investors become. But in the House framework – there is no investor uncertainty. If anything, there is cause for investor optimism,” Salceda said.

Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House resident economist, made the statement in response to a press briefing in Malacanang by the economic planning chief, where the latter said that he hopes Congress “can agree very soon

MAGSINO FILES BILL ON PWD ALLOWANCE

because we don’t also want those uncertainties because one of the factors that inhibit investments whether it’s domestic or foreign is a state of uncertainty. So, we hope that our leaders will come to a common position quickly so that we can move on.

In addition, Salceda said the House’s principles on charter change will reassure investors even more.

According to Salceda, “there will be no investor uncertainty under the House’s proposals.”

“One, we commit to expanding, never restricting, the scope of the economy that is open to foreign investment. So, there is zero chance of an existing area of investment being suddenly closed off. “ Two, we commit to making investing in the Philippines easier, not harder. So, we will impose no new regulatory restrictions on areas that are already open.”

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has filed a bill providing disability allowance for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Rep. Marissa Magsino, in House Bill 9828, sought to establish the Disability Support Fund to be administered by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) to support the undertaking of the Disability Support Allowance Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The bill, known as “ the Disability Support Fund Act” aims to provide a disability support allowance of P 2,000.00 per month per eligible beneficiary, based on the criteria to be formulated by DSWD. The allowance will be indexed to inflation to preserve its positive impact on the standards of living and participation of people with disabilities. Maricel V. Cruz

DOLE: NO WORK, NO PAY ON CHINESE NEW YEAR T H E D e p a r t m e nt o f L a b o r a n d Employment (DOLE) on Saturday said the “no work, no pay” policy will be implemented during the Chinese New Year holidays on Feb. 9 and 10, which have been both declared as special non-working days.

In Labor Advisory 01, series of 2024, the DOLE also advised employers to pay their employees the correct remuneration on those days.

“O n a s p e c i a l ( n o n - wo r k i n g )

d a y, ‘n o w o r k , n o p a y ’ w i l l b e implemented unless the company has a policy or collective bargaining agreement that gives salary for that day,” it said in a statement posted on social media.

The department explained that an employee who works on a special (nonworking) day will be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her daily wage for the first eight hours of his work (basic wage x 130 percent).

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An employee who works overtime will receive an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly income on that day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 130 percent x 130 percent x number of hours worked).

For work done during the special day that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 50 percent of the basic wage on the first eight hours of work (basic wage x 150 percent).

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

FACE-OFF. Two fighting cocks face off in the starting ceremonies of the World Slasher Cup set to happen from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Beauty pageant titlists also graced the event, as well as prominent cockfighting afficionados.

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A4 JANUARY 28, 2024

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IN BRIEF BI RECORDS 24% REVENUE INCREASE DUE TO VISA EXTENSIONS

DINAGYANG WARRIOR. Lucy Lynette Ponce Uygongco, wearing a Dinagyang warrior costume with her three dogs, paddles along the Iloilo River, on the eve of the Dinagyang festival in Iloilo City on Jan. 27. Uygongco, a native of Bacolod City, became the first woman to cross Iloilo to Guimaras via stand up paddle board in 2022. Norman Cruz

EDUCATORS SAY PLAN TO HIRE 30K PERSONNEL ‘NOT ENOUGH’ T HE People’s Education Commission (PEdCom) said that the 30,000 additional personnel that the Department of Education (DepEd) plans to hire “will not be enough to make teachers’ jobs easier.”

PEdCOm, an educators’ group, said the country’s education system has been suffering from “worsening neglect” that leaves teachers overworked and forced to teach in cramped classrooms. “ The absence of sufficient support personnel has resulted in massive workloads for teachers.

Despite their dedication, the sheer

numbers make it challenging for educators to provide quality education,” Dr. David Michael San Juan, PEdCom lead convenor, said in a statement.

DepEd has said it is going to add 20,000 teaching personnel and 10,000 education support personnel.

It has also announced that

teachers will no longer need to do administrative work, a policy move meant to help them focus on teaching.

But PEdCom said the number of new hires “falls short of the sector’s actual requirements, leaving teachers overworked and undersupported.”

Earlier, the DepEd released an order that calls for the immediate removal of administrative tasks from public school teachers in line with its MATATAG agenda.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte signed the twopage department order underscoring DepEd’s commitment to “enhancing

the delivery of quality basic education while promoting teacher quality and teacher welfare.”

It was addressed to all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, bureau and ser vice direc tors, regional directors, schools division superintendents, public and private elementary and secondary school heads and teachers, and other concerned stakeholders.

DepEd said the order is guided by agency directions to remove the nonteaching tasks of teachers as a way of supporting them to teach better.

ABALOS URGES POLICE TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO PROTECT YOUNG WOMEN

By Joel E. Zurbano INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify efforts to protect young women amid rising cases of sexual abuse in the country.

Abalos urged the PNP to increase protection efforts and implement the “Kuwarto ni Nene” program in communities with high rates of sexual abuse against young girls.

“Kuwarto ni Nene” is a project of the PNP designed to protect young girls and ensure their safety from sexual predators.

The PNP is also exploring the possibility of issuing a policy urging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to inform their barangays of their departure.

The objective is for women

officers from the barangay, police, and social welfare officials to conduct regular visitations to OFWs’ houses and check on the situation and condition of their children.

The 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that 17.5% of Filipino women aged 15 to 49 have experienced forms of physical, sexual, and emotional violence from their intimate partners. \Abalos commended the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for its efforts on women and gender equality in the country, stating that the Philippines continues to be the leading Asian country in closing the gender gap according to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index Report by the World Economic Forum.

‘PALIT BASURA’ PROJECT. Mandaluyong residents exchange their plastic trash for groceries in the city’s “Palit Basura Para Sa Pagkain Sa Mesa” project held along Acacia Lane in Mandaluyong City on Saturday, Jan. 27. The collected trash is converted into eco boards that can be used for chairs, tables, and bricks, among others. Manny Palmero

DILG INITIATES PROBE ON LICENSE PLATE THEFT WITHIN LTO

By Joel E. Zurbano

FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has acquired two wrecker cranes for disaster and road emergency response. MMDA Acting chairman Don Artes and MMDA general manager Usec.

Procopio Lipana led the blessing ceremony of the cranes.

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has initiated an investigation into the theft of license plates at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. believes a syndicate was involved and is selling each pair of stolen vehicle plates between P5,000 to P10,000 to buyers.

Three LTO personnel were recently caught red-handed while trying to illegally bring out five pairs of stolen license plates from the agency’s platemaking plant.

The suspects were arrested during an

operation conducted by the combined operatives of the LTO and DILG-Special Projects Group. Two of the suspects were embossers at the facility while the other was a warehouse staff.

Charges of five counts of qualified theft under Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code and the illegal production of LTO plate numbers under Section 31 of Republic Act 4136 are being readied against the suspects.

Abalos said the investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the syndicate’s operations and identify the cohorts, including the mastermind.

He is confident they have a strong case against the suspects based on the evidence gathered.

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) recorded an almost 24 percent increase in its revenues from tourist visa extensions in 2023.

According to BI tourist visa section chief Raymond Remigio, the bureau recorded a total revenue of P1,426,076,164 last year, compared to P1,153,748,535.50, marking an increase of 23.6%.

He attributed the increase to the revived interest in international travel after the pandemic.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco, meanwhile, said the data reflects their efforts to make compliance with regulations easier for tourists by opening new offices and setting up their online services for the convenience of the transacting public.

“We are one with the Department of Tourism in their campaign to reinvigorate international travel and tourism in the country,” he said in a statement. “Faster and easier immigration service is our contribution to the national government’s efforts.”

Visa-free nationals are given an initial stay of 30 days, which they could extend in any BI office nationwide or via the BI’s online platform at e-services.immigration.

MMDA ACQUIRES TWO CRANES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has acquired two wrecker cranes to assist in responding to accidents and other emergencies on the road.

O n Fr i d a y, M M DA a c t i n g chairman Don Artes and MMDA general manager Usec. Procopio Lipana led the blessing ceremony of the wrecker cranes, which they said would enhance the agency’s response capability, especially during road mishaps and emergency response.

The wrecker crane is specifically designed for heavy-duty towing and can carry up to 50 tons.

“The wrecker crane will be utilized in case of a roadside accident or breakdown involving heavy vehicles.

It’s essential to remove vehicles from the accident site as soon as possible to allow normal traffic and prevent obstruction in the road,” said Artes.

Recently, lawmakers urged the government to allocate funds for the acquisition of medical ambulances and tow trucks to address vehicular accidents that also cause road congestion.

Apar t from saving lives, emergency trucks and medical teams can decrease the duration when traffic is stopped, and a road is blocked by an accident.

Last year, approximately 50,000 vehicles were involved in accidents in the National Capital Region alone, resulting in 32,800 property damages, 168 fatalities, and 11,525 injuries.

The MMDA Traffic Engineering Center revealed that four-wheelers were the most commonly involved vehicles in accidents, comprising about 45,000 of the total.

Joel E. Zurbano

BALANGA CITY LGU FOCUSES ON AGRI DEVELOPMENT FOR 2024 THE local government of Balanga Cit y is aiming to boost its agriculture program for 2024 with various initiatives.

The City Agriculture Office said 25 city barangay councilors who also lead their respective barangay committees on agriculture, have already outlined programs for agriculture and fishery during a recent meeting.

The City Agriculture Office also said Mayor Francis Garcia and Vice Mayor Vianca Venzon-Gozon will continue prioritizing agriculture programs including strengthening local cooperatives.

One such program is the “Kaanib Program,” where idle lands in 25 barangays in the city are converted into vegetable gardens.

The leadership tandem of Garcia and Venzon-Gozon has been encouraging community vegetable farming.

Garcia and Venzon-Gozon said they want to recognize the contribution of local farmers to community development and inspire residents to go into farming.

Butch Gunio

WORLD

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JANUARY 28, 2024 |

A5

JURY ORDERS TRUMP TO PAY $83M FOR SEX ASSAULT CASE

Ex-US President Donald Trump

INCENSE VILLAGE. A tourist takes a selfie picture in front of incense sticks arranged in the form of a Vietnamese flag in a courtyard in the village of Quang Phu Cau on the outskirts of Hanoi. Families living and working in the ‘incense village’ of Quang Phu Cau now also make sticks in yellow, blue and green, catering to visitors eager to snap shots for Instagram. AFP

TAIWAN DETECTS 33 CHINESE MILITARY AIRCRAFT AROUND ISLAND

M

ORE than 30 Chinese military aircraft were detected around Taiwan in a 24-hour window, Taipei’s defense ministry said Saturday, marking the largest show of force around the island since it held crucial elections.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and has never renounced the use of force to try to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Ahead of Taiwan’s January 13 poll, Beijing warned voters that presidential candidate Lai Ching-te – the current vice president whom China has called a “dangerous separatist” – would bring “war and decline” if chosen to lead.

Lai still won the election, securing an unprecedented third term for the Democratic Progressive Party, which has long rejected China’s territorial claim on Taiwan.

In the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am Saturday (2200 GMT Friday), the Ministry of National Defense detected 33 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval ships operating around Taiwan, it said in a statement.

Thirteen of the aircraft “crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait,” it said.

Taiwan’s armed forces have “monitored the situation and employed (air patrol) aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.”

Two Chinese balloons were also detected crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait, which separates China from the island.

The show of force also came after a visit by two

US lawmakers to Taipei to meet president-elect Lai and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim -- criticised by Beijing as an “independence duo.”

Lai has in the past been outspoken about the issue – a red line for China – calling h i m s e l f a “p r a g m a t i c w o r k e r o f Ta i w a n independence.”

But he has moderated his stance and vowed to follow President Tsai Ing-wen’s path of maintaining the status quo while bolstering the island’s defense capabilities.

Two days after his election, Pacific nation Nauru announced it was switching its diplomatic relations from Taipei to Beijing – reducing Taiwan’s already short list of allies to twelve.

One of them, Tuvalu, is now being closely watched, as its pro-Taiwan prime minister just lost his parliamentary seat, according to election results released Saturday. AFP

US STRIKES HUTHI TARGET IN YEMEN AFTER ATTACK ON BRITISH OIL TANKER US FORCES struck an anti-ship missile in Huthi-held Yemen that they said was ready to fire early Saturday, hours after the Iranbacked rebels caused a fire on a British tanker in the Gulf of Aden with a similar munition.

US and British forces have launched joint strikes aimed at reducing the Huthis’ ability to target vessels transiting the key Red Sea trade route – attacks the rebels say are in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is at war with Hamas.

Washington has also carried out a series of unilateral air raids, but the Huthis have vowed to continue their attacks.

The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had carried out another strike early Saturday morning on a

Huthi “anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea and which was prepared to launch.”

“Forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in selfdefense,” it added in a statement on social media platform X. The previous evening, the British oil tanker the Marlin Luanda was hit by missiles fired

by Yemeni naval forces, said the Huthis’ military spokesman, Yahya Saree.

“The strike was direct, and resulted (in) the burning of the vessel,” he added.

CENTCOM later confirmed the hit, saying: “The ship issued a distress call and reported damage. USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships have responded and are rendering assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time.” AFP

SILENCED. A woman with her mouse taped takes part in a ‘Save Our Girls Demonstration’

outside the Tate Modern museum, in central London on Jan. 26, 2024, to bring attention to the plight of the kidnapped Israeli women in Gaza who have been held by Hamas for over 110 days. Thousands of civilians, both Palestinians and Israelis, have died since Oct. 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip entered southern Israel in an unprecedented attack, triggering a war declared by Israel on Hamas with retaliatory bombings on Gaza. AFP

A JURY in New York ordered former US president and 2024 candidate Donald Trump on Friday to pay $83.3 million to compensate the writer E. Jean Carroll, whom he was found to have sexually assaulted and defamed.

T h e c i v i l o r d e r, w h i c h prompted an audible gasp in the federal court, far exceeds the more than $10 million in damages for defamation that Carroll had sought.

Trump lashed out almost immediately, calling the verdict “ridiculous” in a statement and promising to appeal.

The jury reached its decision after slightly less than three hours of deliberations.

Trump had been in court earlier, storming out at one point but subsequently returning for closing arguments. He was not in court when the level of compensatory and punitive damages were read out by a court clerk.

“This is a great victory for every woman who stands up when she’s been knocked down, and a huge defeat for every bully who has tried to keep a woman down,” Carroll said in a statement. AFP

UN COURT SAYS ISRAEL MUST PREVENT GENOCIDE AS GAZA WAR RAGES THE UN’s top court said Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its war with Hamas and allow aid into Gaza, but stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting.

The International Court of Justice said Israel must facilitate “urgently needed” humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, which has been under relentless bombardment and siege since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the case as “outrageous” while Gaza’s Hamas rulers hailed the ICJ ruling, saying it “contributes to isolating Israel and exposing its crimes in Gaza.”

Soon after, the Islamist movement released a video showing three Israeli women held hostage in Gaza, two of whom said they were Israeli soldiers.

Also following the ruling, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it had sacked several employees accused

by Israel of involvement in the October 7 attack.

The UN court based in The Hague – while refraining from ordering an immediate halt to the almost four-month-old Gaza war – said Israel must do everything to “prevent the commission of all acts within the scope” of the Genocide Convention. AFP

EX-PAKISTAN PM KHAN, PARTY ERASED FROM POLL CAMPAIGN PAKISTANI cricketing legend turned world leader Imran Khan is wildly popular in his constituency and ancestral homeland of Mianwali, but the political posters that line the streets do not bare his face and flags do not fly his colors.

A relentless crackdown widely attributed to Pakistan’s powerful military has seen him and his Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) party almost erased from the election campaign ahead of the vote.

“Our party workers are facing harassment, and I personally have received death threats,” says 61-year-old Jamal Ahsan Khan, who is standing for PTI in Mianwali in place of his leader.

“Throughout my life, I have never witnessed an election as intense and threatening as this one.”

Khan, currently in jail facing dozens of legal challenges, is barred from contesting elections on Feb. 8 because

of a graft conviction – cases he claims are politically motivated.

Across the country, PTI has been obstructed from holding rallies and the heavily censored media is restricted in its coverage of the opposition, pushing the party’s campaign almost entirely online.

Dozens of candidates nationwide have also had their nomination papers rejected by the electoral commission.

Like many other party candidates, loyalist Ahsan Khan has been in near hiding in the build-up to the election, unable to hold meetings or distribute leaflets.

“It feels disheartening that as a candidate of Pakistan’s leading political party, I am unable to conduct my campaign in a meaningful way,” he told AFP. With two weeks until the vote, there is none of the fervor and excitement that

usually marks an election in the country of more than 240 million people.

It was from Mianwali, a largely rural district in the central province of Punjab, that Khan built his political career and was elected three times as MP. PTI’s national victory in 2018, driven by its promises to put an end to corruption and the family dynasties which have ruled the country for generations, propelled him to prime minister.

In Mianwali, where he notably built a hospital and a university, the 71-year-old “is not just a political figure, he is a hero.”

Rana Amjad Iqbal, editor-in-chief of local newspaper Nawa-e-Sharar, or the Daily Spark, tells AFP. “However, the primary and most significant reason for his enduring political relevance lies in his antiestablishment stance,” underlines the journalist. AFP

A supporter of jailed farmer prime minister Imran Khan wearing facemask displaying his picture stands along a street in Rawalpindi ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming general election. AFP

A6 | JANUARY 28, 2024

BUSINESS

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

FILIPINO STARTUP REDEFINES HEALTHY SNACKING

P

ICKY eaters may find vegetable chips unappealing to their discerning taste buds, but a group of young entrepreneurs made eating healthy taste amazingly good, proving healthy can be anything but boring.

Brother and sister Frank and Anne Gaw and their childhood friends Jay Tan, Andrew Tan and Beng Ng have been serving freshly cooked kangkong chips since 2018.

They’ve grown from a group of passionate friends to a team of dedicated professionals, all united by a shared mission—to redefine healthy snacking and prove that flavor and well-being can go hand in hand.

“Eating healthy does not mean we have to compromise the taste of the product. And we’re not claiming we were the first to came up with the concept. It has been served and earned by many people across the globe, but I guess, we were the first to come up with flavored, ultra crispy kangkong chips,” Anne said.

Served in crown-shaped paper cups, kangkong chips remain crisp after delivery, unlike fries that can go soggy anytime, especially if it is ordered through a delivery app.

Another fun fact about the chips is that only premium coconut oil is used to fry the chips.

Chips are served plain or dusted with flavors like cheese, barbeque, sour cream, spicy, sweet corn and salted egg which is a premium and original flavor.

KangKong King has hogged public interest for a while when it started, as the first brand to commercially retail crispy kangkong.

This was noticed by a big US retail food chain, Seafood Island, but recognizing the need to solidify their operations and ensure they could deliver consistent quality at scale, they politely declined. This marks their foresight and commitment to building a sustainable, long-term brand.

Now, the group is mightily proud of what they have achieved so far, from frying atop the Gaw’s rooftop deck to renting a three-floor building in Manila were they found a home for all aspects of operations— raw materials sourcing, cooking, packing, dispatch, R&D and social media engagements.

Eureka moment It was actually Frank, Annes’ elder brother who came up with the idea to sell crispy kangkong in kiosk format, using the dusting technique of Potato Corner, a super mega brand, to flavor the chips.

Anne said it was just a passing thought while the family, together with a friend, dined in a Chinese restaurant in Cebu and ordered crispy kangkong as appetizer.

Frank nursed the idea and took it back to their home where he immediately started R&D at their rooftop with the help of some family helpers.

“It was four months of trial and error, and all the while our family was our taste testers. There were times when the entire house reeked of the frying oil with a confluence of aroma coming from the different flavors we were testing. My mom one time told us, how the house smells good enough to eat,” Anne said, noting that their parents were very supportive of their efforts to

DIGITAL BANK EXPANDS CLIENTELE BASE TO MORE THAN 2 MILLION IN 14 MONTHS THE Tyme Group’s Philippine unit GoTyme Bank, a joint venture with the Gokongwei Group, has reached over 2.3 million customers in just 14 months, onboarding an average of 250,000 customers per month over the past three months.

“GoTyme is on the right track to build one of largest retail banks in the country and fulfill its mission of unlocking the financial potential of all Filipinos,” said GoTyme Philippines CEO Nate Clarke.

GoTyme Bank democratizes a “preferred banking” experience by o f fe r i n g fe a t u re s, p r i c i n g, and customer service that was previously reserved for the top 5 percent.

Meanwhile, GoTyme Bank’s parent bank, the Tyme Group is revolutionizing the digital banking landscape with its unique “phygital” model.

This innovative approach seamlessly blends digital convenience with personalized human touch points, unlocking impressive growth and profitability in underserved emerging markets like South Africa and the Philippines.

The bank realized annual revenue of $160 million in 2023, making it to the top 5 percent of global digital banks, while its flagship South African operation TymeBank becomes the world’s fastest profitable standalone digital bank.

“We are proud of our growth in emerging markets, as we bring critical financial access to individuals and businesses. These markets are significantly underserved compared to more established markets, representing enormous growth opportunities forTyme Group,”said Tyme Group co-founder and executive chairman Coenraad Jonker.

KangKong King co-owners (from left) Jay Tan with wife Sheryl Tan, Anne Gaw, Frank Gaw, Andrew Tan Lee and Ben Ng during a food fair.

create their own business.

It is a good thing that Frank had some experience with quite a few startups when he decided to go full blast with KangKong King, but like the other co-owners, he does not have experience in food and beverage retail particularly quick-served food.

“So everything we did was from scratch. A typical day when we were just beginning the R&D was a morning trip to Quiapo to buy lots of water spinach. Sellers were asking how come we buy so many kangkong. Nevertheless, we just soldiered on everyday—buying raw materials, testing the product until we found the perfect balance on the thickness of the batter and the right proportion of flavoring,” Anne shared.

Sustainable practices The shift to pandemic almost crippled the business as lockdown measures were implemented, prompting the owners to temporarily shutter their branches at Robinsons’ Place Manila, SM Fair view and Robinson’s Galleria.

But the need to support their own staff had the co-owners decide to step-up their game by creating R&D for packed chips, which were warmly

accepted by consumers, especially that the brand has found a cult following.

For lack of suitable packaging, the young entrepreneurs used brown bag packaging at first with stickers for branding and later on transitioned to green packaging.

Now a better format of sustainable packs, version 4, are imported from China.

Anne said the company wanted to offer a whollyFilipino snack from contents to packaging, but local sources of packing caused a big dent on operations expenses. This is why they turned to China for their packaging needs.

“But as long as a product is using 70 percent of raw materials from local sources, it is still considered a local product,” she said.

As businesses start to recover, KangKong King also began to rebuild and reopen kiosks at Robinson’s Place Manila, Robinson’s Galleria and SM Fairview and launched new branches at Alabang Town Center and One Ayala Terminal.

It delivered its first shipment to Island Pacific Supermarket, a chain of Filipino grocery stores in the US, in the second week of 2024. Locally, packed chips are available at Berde Eats, Kultura, Mylenes, Makati Supermarket Alabang, Unimart and the Marketplace.

Co-owners are in talks with a consolidator to bring KangKong King to other destinations in the US and other countries.

“And as my father always tell us, it’s difficult to come across a winning concept for business, but if you did, nurture it and it will nurture you back,” Anne said. Othel V. Campos

PH BIGGEST MANUFACTURER OF CONDIMENTS BAGS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD NUTRIASIA, Inc., a household name in the Philippines, bagged the Asia Pacific Environmental & Social Impact Award at the 2023 Asia Pacific Procurement Awards held in Singapore. This prestigious recognition honors the company’s innovative and impactful initiatives in sustainable procurement.

“As a company that nourishes Filipino families, we deeply believe in our responsibility towards environmental and social well-being. This award underscores our commitment to challenging industry norms and

From left: Ayman Bagawi, supply chain & procurement vice president at The Royal Commission for AlUla; Gerald Barrion, NutriAsia procurement manager; NutriAsia corporate procurement group head Genevieve Santiago; and, Asia Pacific Procurement Awards 2023 host Michelle Martin.

integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business, said company corporate procurement head Genevieve Santiago.

NutriAsia’s award-winning approach focuses on several key areas - directto-farm sourcing, empowering local communities and minimizing waste.

NutriAsia’s commitment extends beyond procurement. They collaborate with the Department of Science & Technology (DOST ) to help farmers

improve techniques and reduce waste through pickling innovations. These efforts create long-term value for farmers and communities.

By forging partnerships, adopting sustainable practices, and empowering local communities, NutriAsia exemplifies responsible business. Their award is a testament to their dedication to providing Filipinos with high-quality products while ensuring a better and more sustainable future for all.

TOP CYBER SECURITY FIRM EXPANDS TO MANILA

Department of Justice undersecretary Geronimo Uy (left) talking to NCC Group Global CEO Mike Maddison (right).

GLOBAL cyber security expert NCC Group has officially opened its doors in Manila, aiming to cultivate the next generation of cyber security leaders in the region.

This expansion marks NCC Group’s second office in Southeast Asia and aligns with their strategy of scaling global capabilities, enhancing competitiveness, and delivering cutting-edge security services to clients.

“Our new office in Manila gives people a great opportunity to be part of something new from the beginning, but with the added benefit of being part of an established,

global company. I hope that Filipinos will recognize this opportunity to be part of a burgeoning industry and see NCC Group as the place where they can start or develop their cybersecurity career,” said NCC Group country director for the Philippines Saira Acuna.

NCC Group is already engaged with the top universities in the city, helping them shape their curricula and sponsoring core programs to create job-ready cybersecurity talent and cyber leaders that will support the industry in the future.

RANDY M. CALUAG, Issue Editor

BAHAY STAYS WITH ATENEO

SPORTS

JARED Bahay has decided to attend Ateneo De Manila University for college.

After thorough reflection and careful discernment, the reigning CESAFI High School MVP from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu has chosen to play for the Blue Eagles.

A pivotal factor in Jared’s decision was the opportunity to continue his Jesuit education and formation. As a homegrown student of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu, Jared graduated from both grade school and high school, winning championships for SHS-ADC at each level.

“I have decided to continue my studies at Ateneo de Manila and play for the Ateneo men’s basketball team. I believe that sustaining my Jesuit education will help unlock and sharpen my potential to the fullest, both on and off the court. Growing up and experiencing Cura Personalis at SHS-ADC, I am confident that their vision and holistic approach will contribute to my growth and maturity as a student, athlete, and person. I look forward to joining Coach Tab, the team, and the rest of the Ateneo community soon. ‘Dugay nako nagdamgo nga makabot ko sa UAAP, ug pirting lipaya nako nga makaduwa ko para sa blue and white,” said Bahay.

Bahay expressed excitement about wearing the Blue Eagle uniform and playing a crucial role in Ateneo’s journey back to the top of the UAAP mountain.

After the news of Bahay’s change of heart early this January, Ateneo Head Coach Ta b B a l d w i n a n d Team Manager Epok Quimpo flew to Cebu to meet with Bahay.

“We’re really happy that Jared opted to co m e to Ate n e o.

We’re very excited, knowing that he will be a significant part of our program moving forward,” said Ateneo H e a d C o a c h Ta b Baldwin.

Bahay joins former SHS-ADC Magis Eagles Raffy Celis and Michael Asoro in Ateneo, along with former Batang Gilas teammates Kyle Gamber, Lebron Nieto, Kobe Demisana, and Mason Amos. Bahay is eligible for 5 playing ye a r s s t a r t i n g i n Season 87.

Jared Bahay (right) with coach Tab Baldwin

OPINIO JANUARY 28, 2024 |

A7

Embark on an exciting adventure with the all-new Yin, Fanny, and Martis Attack on Titan skins

MOBILE LEGENDS: BANG BANG, ‘ATTACK ON TITAN’ JOIN FORCES

G

ET ready for an epic showdown as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang introduces a thrilling collaboration with Attack on Titan.

Join the battle with heroes Yin as Eren Jaeger, Fanny as Mikasa Ackerman, and Martis as Levi Ackerman as they face off against colossal Titans, bringing the worlds of MOBA and anime together.

The new collaboration will enable players to experience both the omnidirectional mobility gear

utilized by the Scouts and the Titan form as well.

Attack on Titan fans will also be able to immerse themselves with select original voice lines in-game from the blockbuster anime!

To claim the new skins and more, participate in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang x Attack on Titan Draw event, which issues a guaranteed prize (skin, emote, and other misc. items).

Pre-register for the exclusive Attack on Titan rewards until Jan. 30.

With over 140 million volumes sold globally, Attack on Titan is a popular Japanese manga series developed by the illustrious and award-winning mangaka Hajime Isayama.

Set in a world where humanity is

bound by walls and forced to live in small cities that protect them from massive man-eating Titans, the manga revolves around the story of Eren Yeager and his friends seeking freedom.

Combining teamwork and strategy, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a 5v5 game that sets friendships to the greatest test and, at the same time, enables players around the world to find similar comrades-in-arms in their goal to become the greatest squad.

Online MOBA is widely available worldwide, with over 1 billion installations to date. The collaboration trailer can be viewed here: MLBB × Attack On Titan Collab Skins | Yin & Fanny & Martis | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

ON THE ROAD

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

‘THE LEGEND JUST GOT EVEN BETTER’

A

SUZUKI PHILIPPINES UNVEILS NEW JIMNY 5-DOOR

FTER much anticipation, Suzuki Philippines officially revealed the much-awaited New Jimny 5-Door at a grand launch event held at The Cove, Okada Manila. The event attracted car enthusiasts and Suzuki fans eager to witness the evolution of this iconic vehicle.

During his opening remarks, Suzuki Philippines President Koichiro Hirao expressed his excitement about the new Jimny 5-Door, describing it as an adventurous evolution that embodies Suzuki’s commitment to excellence. He acknowledged the Jimny’s status as a symbol of adventure and innovation for Filipinos, and emphasized that its popularity reflects not only its past glory but also the promise of exciting journeys ahead.

Mr. Norihide Takei, the Director and General Manager for the Automobile Division of Suzuki Philippines, highlighted the Jimny’s lightweight and compact design, which enables it to conquer diverse terrains with ease.

The theme of practicality and functionality continues inside the New Jimny 5-Door. The sleek black interior design focuses on balancing aesthetics and functionality, minimizing distractions and

Executive Ceremonial Toast

allowing the driver to concentrate on navigating the vehicle. Horizontal lines on the instrument panel and vertical lines in the meter cluster and center console panels assist the driver in gauging the vehicle’s angle, especially in challenging terrains.

Enhancements to the rear seat include thicker cushions for better seating

posture and improved comfort for two adult passengers. The rear seat lamp provides enhanced lighting, and the rear seat power window switches are conveniently located in both the rear doors and the front console box for easy control from both rows.

With the extended wheelbase of the 5-door model, the luggage area has been expanded. Although the luggage box from the 3-door model has been removed, the lowered floor height and increased depth of the luggage area now offer a spacious 211L of luggage capacity (with the rear seatback raised). The luggage area features an illuminating lamp at the entranceway for user-friendly access, and the removal of the toolbox simplifies loading and unloading of

luggage. Similar to the 3-door model, the 5-door variant is equipped with an accessory socket in the luggage area.

The Jimny 5-Door is powered by a robust 1.5L engine, specifically tuned for off-road adventures. With a wheelbase 340mm longer than the 3-door model, it maintains crucial off-roading features such as ALLGRIP PRO, a sturdy ladder frame, exceptional approach, breakover, and departure angles, 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil spring, and parttime 4WD with low-range transfer gear.

Color Options and Pricing: The New Jimny 5-Door offers monotone color options for the GL and GLX variants, including Jungle Green, Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, and Granite Gray Metallic.

The GLX Two-Tone variant is available in Sizzling Red Metallic - Bluish Black Pearl and Chiffon Ivory Metallic – Bluish Black Pearl.

WITH OVER 3 MILLION VEHICLES SOLD IN 2023, BYD OFFICIALLY TOP GLOBAL BRAND IN NEW ENERGY VEHICLE SALES

SHENZHEN-BASED automaker BYD has once again secured its position as the global leader in New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales, exceeding its sales target of 3 million vehicles in 2023.This achievement marks the second consecutive year that BYD has dominated the worldwide electric vehicle market.

In addition to its NEV success, BYD also made its mark in the overall automotive

sales landscape by securing a place in the Top 10 for the year 2023. Furthermore, BYD continued to outperform other car brands and manufacturers in terms of domestic vehicle sales in China.

The year 2023 witnessed a remarkable surge for BYD, with the company selling a total of 3,024,417 vehicles, signifying a substantial 61.9% increase compared to the

previous year. Out of this impressive figure, approximately 1.6 million vehicles were Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), while 1.4 million were Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) manufactured by BYD. BYD’s supremacy extended to the fourth quarter of 2023, where the company led global sales in Battery Electric Vehicles.

BYD Atto 3

During this period, BYD sold an impressive 526,409 all-electric vehicles, outpacing other BEV manufacturers and solidifying its position as the undisputed champion of BEV sales.

IT’S ONLY GETTING BETTER FROM HERE THE automotive industry is poised for continued growth in 2024, bucking the trend of economic slowdown experienced by other countries.

This optimistic outlook was shared

by Emilio “Jun” Neri Jr., the lead economist at BPI, during the Butch Gamboa Memorial SPMJ Forum. The forum, which focused on the Auto Industry Outlook for 2024, took place at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange Conference Room.

Neri’s confident prediction aligns with the positive report presented by Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, the president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and a high-ranking official at Toyota. According to Gutierrez, a total of 429,000 motor vehicles were sold in 2023, representing a remarkable 21.9 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Emilio Neri Jr., known for his expertise in economics and the banking sector, brings a wealth of experience to his analysis. As a former Monetary Board Member and consultant at the ADB, he has a deep understanding of monetary and fiscal policies. Neri’s leadership has also led his team to consistently rank at the top of surveys conducted by Bloomberg, Asiamoney, and The Asset.

With Neri’s positive outlook and Gutierrez’s encouraging sales figures, the automotive industry in the Philippines can look forward to a prosperous 2024. As the country continues to fare well economically, the momentum in the automotive sector is expected to remain strong, b r i n g i n g f u r t h e r g ro w t h a n d opportunities for both manufacturers and consumers alike.

OPINION

LGU

A8 | JANUARY 28, 2024

A

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

MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE BEGINS WORK ON NEW INFRA PROJECTS

MARAWI CITY MARKS BARMM ANNIVERSARY

WEEKLONG celebration to mark the fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) kicked off in Marawi City on Jan. 22.

The event, which the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) organized with the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), started with a parade from Marawi City Hall to the Marawi Convention Center, where a commemorative program occurred.

Paisalin Tago, MOTC Minister, stated that the BARMM government is bringing the weeklong celebration to the region’s provinces to foster patriotism and pride among the Bangsamoro people in localities, reminding them of the sacrifices that led to the creation of BARMM. “We are celebrating so that the Bangsamoro people can feel that there is an autonomous government that is now governing our area, and we must be proud of that,” he said.

The opening program’s highlights included motivational speeches from BARMM officials, including City Mayor Majul Gandamra, Deputy Chief Minister Ali Solaiman, and a few Members of Parliament (MP) from the province of Lanao del Sur. During the program, Tago, also the deputy speaker of the BARMM Parliament, handed over P1.5 million to the Integrated Provincial Health Office to buy medical supplies and materials and fund medical assistance programs.

Qualified beneficiaries also received wheelchairs, reading glasses, and medical supplies.

A parade signaling the start of the weeklong celebration commemorating BARMM’s fifth anniversary

A scholar of the Bangsamoro Assistance for Science Education-Merit Program received her free tablet from the Ministry of Science and Technology during the 5th Bangsamoro Foundation Day anniversary program in Marawi City Photo: ZRD/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur

Moreover, MHSD turned over a one-story human development center worth P7 million, intended to serve as a training center for youth,

cooperatives, and farmers/fisheries associations in Masiu municipality.

The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Provincial Office

distributed STARBOOKs and laboratory apparatus to 13 schools and tablets for 19 scholars under the Bangsamoro Assistance for Science Education (BASE)-Merit Program.

Various ministries of the BARMM government also opened booths at the Marawi Convention Center, providing free services to walk-in clients until Jan. 26, 2024.

To recall, the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law through the election held on Jan. 21, 2019, paved the way for creating the BARMM. The BARMM government proclaimed January 21 as Bangsamoro Foundation Day in honor of this historic occasion, and a weeklong celebration followed.

This year, the celebration carries the theme “A Journey Towards Mutual Understanding, Peaceful Coexistence, and a Shared Future in the Bangsamoro.” PIA

BARMM FACILITATES SAFE REPATRIATION OF 381 RETURNING FILIPINOS FROM SABAH DEMONSTRATING its heightened commitment to enhancing social protection for all Bangsamoro people, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), with its provincial office in Tawi-Tawi, facilitated the return of 381 Tawi-Tawians from Sabah.

The first batch of Returning Filipinos from Sabah (ReFS) arrived at Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, on Jan. 16, while the second batch arrived on Jan. 18, boarding the M/V Trisha Kristen from Zamboanga City. The boat carried 159 and 222 ReFS, respectively.

Upon arrival, the ReFS received assistance and accommodations at the Bongai Port Terminal, courtesy of the Bangsamoro Port Management Authority (BPMA), to cater their meals before undergoing assessment and profiling by MSSD Officers.

Leeshabel Adil, the Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Social Welfare Office in Bongao, stated, “They will also receive food packs upon returning to their

The Tawi-Tawi Ministry of Social Services and Development waiting for the returning Filipinos from Sabah

families, such as rice, canned goods, Following clearance from MSSD, and others.” the ReFS are permitted to reunite with

their families. However, those from other municipalities will be temporarily housed at the isolation center of the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi until their scheduled travel to their respective cities.

The ReFS also underwent psychosocial first aid to assess their mental health status as they might have encountered traumatic experiences or extreme stress. Counseling was also provided by MSSD officers under the supervision of Adil as ReFS are considered persons in complicated situations.

For ReFS whose families are yet found, the MSSD Bongao Unit Office will retain custody, initiating contact tracing efforts to facilitate their reunion with their families.

The MSSD remains dedicated to ensuring the safe return of the ReFS as well as their proper and active integration into society, upholding the BARMM Government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all Bangsamoro.

BARMM MILG, COTABATO INAUGURATE NEW BARANGAY HALL

Representatives from the BARMM MILG and Cotabato LGU during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new barangay hall in Biniruan

A significant step towards a more stable community was accomplished in Cotabato City, where the new Barangay Hall in Barangay Biniruan, Poblacion 9, was officially handed over to the local community.

Under the leadership of Mayor Para sa Lahat Bruce Matabalao and with the help of the BARMM Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), this dream became a reality. This project symbolizes the realization of better services for Cotabateño.

The BARMM MILG officials and local government emphasized the

importance of working together for community development and how they accomplished this project, despite many challenges.

The end of the ceremony served as the beginning of a new chapter for Barangay Biniruan. A chapter where transparency, efficiency, and the spirit of heroism will guide in daily work.

The construction of the new Barangay Hall is not only a success of the current administration but a success of every Cotabateño who hopes and dreams of a better future.

ANOTHER new infra-project of Governor Abdulraof A. Macacua commenced during the sod-turning ceremony of the concreting of Barangay Tapayan Sitio Mareges to Barangay Macabiso (Sitio 2 Payong Road) and Construction of a Potable Water System in Barangays Solon, Tapayan, and Tuka in the municipality of Sultan Mastura, on Jan. 22.

I n h i s m e s s a g e, Prov i n c i a l Administrator Tomanda D. Antok stated that these local roads are key components of the road networks in the province as it supports the local movement of people and goods within, to and from communities, production areas, and markets.

According to him, road infrastructures are important public assets as they open up more areas and stimulate economic and social development.

The projects, implemented by the Provincial Engineering Office, are funded under 20 percent of the province’s National Tax Allotment (NTA) and are set to be completed within 90 days.

Also in attendance were Sultan Mastura Mayor Zulficar Ali H. Panda, and other town officials, and the employees from the Provincial Engineering Office, led by Engineer Kasan Guinta.

The new infrastructure projects, like the road networks, open up more areas and stimulate economic and social development

LAMITAN JOINS FORCES WITH PHIVOLCS ON Jan. 23, 2024, a team from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) main office, led by Director Teresito C. Bacolcol, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Oric Furigay. The visit discussed the site reconnaissance for GPS installation at the soon-to-be -constructed Emergency Operation Center of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

Through the Measurement of Velocities of Earthquake (MOVE) Faults project, DOST-PHIVOLCS aims to measure the velocities and describe the mechanical behavior of the active faults in the Philippines. GPS data is relevant as it provides a precision of a few millimeters in measuring ground positions. The data enables us to measure the movement of active faults, determine the ground displacement caused by an earthquake event, and understand other geophysical processes. Additionally, gathering GPS data aids for disaster management by mitigating the effects caused by earthquakes on infrastructure and communities.

Utilization of this technology empowers authorities to make informed decisions and respond effectively to emergencies.

Furigay has also offered to use a designated space at the OPCEN to support DOST-PHIVOLCS research efforts, preventing natural disasterinduced calamities.

The meeting with PHIVOLCS and Lamitan explores possibilities for GPS installation at the soon-to-be-constructed CDRRMO

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

YoungLIFE

DISCOVER YOUR CONTENT’S PERFECT MATCH

B1

COS teams up with Nativa for a limitededition capsule collection

By Nickie Wang

KNIT WITH CARE

I

N TODAY’S digital landscape, diversifying across social media platforms has become critical for content creators. But with options like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, the question remains: which platform is best suited for your content?

JANUARY 28, 2024 |

LUXURIOUS WOOL MEETS SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Building a successful content creator career requires more than just good content

Understanding the distinct appeal and unique features of each platform is key to effectively reaching and engaging your target audience. Mastering these features can unlock growth, engagement, and brand expansion.

The long-form haven On YouTube, long-form thrives. Consistency is king.

Eye-catching thumbnails and titles entice viewers.

Unlock success with a regular schedule, focused niche, and consistent uploads. Algorithm love and dedicated fans await. It also helps that you choose what you want to talk about first and stay in that lane while you build a dedicated community.

Achieve success by following a consistent Mastering bite-sized schedule, targeting a specific niche, virality and regularly uploading content TikTok’s beat demands short-form brilliance. Ride trends, groove with music, and literally/figuratively dance with viewers.

Snappy content, direct engagement, and trendjacking rule. Think fastpaced train you’re always chasing—unpredictable, wild, but beautiful.

Stay tuned, tap relatable themes (the “I do that” moments!), and watch shares skyrocket.

Treat this platform as a train you constantly have to catch up to.

Something new can emerge at any given point. It’s unpredictable, eccentric, and at times, hectic but that’s also the beauty of it.

All about the looks Instagram is the canvas for visual storytellers. Craft aesthetically pleasing content that resonates within the visual-centric community. Stories, Reels, and IGTV offer versatile brushes to paint your narrative. To maximize Instagram’s potential, wield the power of hashtags, and maintain a consistent posting schedule. Focus on growing a following! Brands love to feature their products and sponsorship packages on Instagram.

After finding the right platform, you can start funneling your audiences across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. Each platform is a stepping stone Content creators try to embrace trends, that can elevate your brand move to the rhythm of the music, and engage presence across the digital with viewers through dance stage, so you can make use of one space to uplift the other. And before you know it, you’ve already grown an audience for all of them.

From YouTube’s long-form haven to TikTok’s snappy virality, unlock your content’s full potential on the platform that’s right for you. Smart prepaid fuels your digital journey every step of the way. Depending on your promo of choice, you can enjoy features like large shareable data, unlimited TikTok access, big data allocation for YouTube, IG, FB, and Twitter, and open data to access all sites.

COS, known for its minimalist and sustainable fashion, has partnered with Nativa, a leading provider of luxury Merino wool, to create a limited-edition capsule collection. This collaboration champions regenerative farming practices that aim to improve the environment and empower communities.

The COS x Nativa collection aligns with COS’ ongoing commitment to transparency and traceability in its supply chain. Nativa’s regenerative farming approach takes individual farm needs into account to enhance soil and water quality, increase CO2 capture, and improve animal welfare. This also empowers farmers and their communities.

“Nativa is pioneering a new way of producing the world’s finest Merino wool,” says Nicolas Sapelli, Nativa sourcing director. “By supporting our farming partners through regenerative practices and ensuring traceability through blockchain technology, we give consumers confidence in the quality and environmental standards of our Nativa wool.”

The COS x Nativa capsule features eight garments crafted from Nativa traceable wool, used in softly tailored set-dressing pieces and elevated essentials. COS continues its commitment to sustainability by utilizing other sustainable materials throughout its knitwear collections, including wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard and Responsible Mohair Standard, as well as recycled and repurposed wool. The collection embodies enduring design, exceptional quality, and meticulous craftsmanship.

The COS x Nativa eightpiece regenerative wool capsule is available now in COS stores and online globally.

The collection features eight garments that embody enduring design, exceptional quality, and meticulous craftsmanship

Corso Como 88 boasts spacious and luxurious shelving of European brands of bags

From left: Laureen Uy, Imelda Sciandra, Sofia Andres, and Kiana Valenciano grace the opening of the luxury bag store

HAVEN FOR PREMIER EUROPEAN FASHION OPENS IN MAKATI WHAT better way to elevate your style than by stepping into a one-stop haven for all things Italian and luxurious?

Corso Como 88, a multi-brand boutique renowned for its exquisite collection of Italian and European labels, recently unveiled its largest store in the country, located on the third floor of One Ayala, Makati.

Founded by Imelda MenguitoSciandra and Valter Sciandra, Corso Como 88 has become the exclusive distributor for several coveted European brands. These include Jiano Bags, where

vibrant designs burst with personality, Biagini 1968, renowned for its classic yet contemporary totes, Buti Italia, synonymous with sleek leather elegance, Iacucci, the embodiment of timeless Italian luxury bags, Acqua dell’Elba, where fresh aquatic fragrances awaken the senses, and BOIS 1920, where artisan perfumes exude exquisite elegance.

This exclusive partnership, announced at the grand opening, further cements Corso Como 88’s position as a premier destination for European fashion.

Step into a contemporary oasis

designed by the maestro Cecil Ravelas, where sleek wooden shelves whisper luxury and a vibrant bar adorned with iconic bag silhouettes ignites fashion fervor.

Witness a captivating fashion show as models effortlessly glide through the space, showcasing the latest collections destined for timeless chic.

“Corso Como 88 is about celebrating your unique style,” says CEO Imelda Menguito-Sciandra.

“We offer high-quality European fashion at accessible prices, making the joy of self-expression attainable for everyone.”

For exclusive offers, follow @ shopcorsocomo88 on Instagram or visit https://corsocomo88.com/

SHOWBIZ

B2 | JANUARY 28, 2024

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

TODAY’S HITMAKERS

IN ONE BIG CONCERT AT BIG DOME Very Wang

Nickie Wang

S

OME artists possess the remarkable ability to capture our emotions and become the soundtracks to our lives. Their songs resonate with us, speaking the words we find difficult to express.

Now, imagine bringing together a group of such influential artists on one stage for an extraordinary night of music and love. The ILYSM (I Love You So Much) concert, happening on Feb. 13 at the Big Dome in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City, promises to be a memorable event that celebrates the power of music and emotions.

“Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a heartbroken soul, or simply looking for a night of good music and good company, ILYSM has something for everyone,” Arthur Nery told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview during the concert media conference.

This heartthrob from Cagayan De Oro is headlining the onenight concert. His songs like “Take All the Love,” “Pag-samo,” “Higa,” and “Isa Lang” have become anthems for young love, and his smooth vocals are sure to melt hearts in the Big Dome.

Joining him is Awit Award winner Janine Teñoso, whose powerful voice has given music enthusiasts soul-stirring ballads like “Di Na Muli,” “Tingin,” and “Pelikula.” Her ability to convey emotion through song will leave you both captivated and inspired.

Fast-rising idol Rob Deniel brings his retro-inspired romanticism to the stage. With hits like “Rom Com,” “Miss Miss,” and “Ulap,” he redefines the classic Pinoy harana for a modern audience.

Dreamy alternative pop artist Adie rounds out the lineup with his signature soothing vocals. Songs like “Mahika,” “Paraluman,” and “Tahanan” offer a gentle embrace and a moment of introspection amidst the romantic whirlwind.

Cebuana songstress Mrld, also known as Meriel de Jesus, brings her infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics to the concert. Her breakout hit “An Art Gallery Could Never be as Unique as You” and other popular tracks like “Ligaya” and “Ikaw Pa Rin” are sure to get the crowd singing along.

‘Barbie’ star Margot Robbie fails to make it to the list of nominees for Oscars Best Actress

FANS OUTRAGED BY ‘BARBIE’ SNUBS A new generation of OPM icons gathers for a one-night-only concert at the Araneta Coliseum

Last but not least, last year’s surprise newcomer Rhodessa takes the stage with her viral hit “Kisame.” Her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence promise to leave a lasting impression.

Adding a dash of international flair is the multi-lingual and multiethnic band Alamat, whose unique sound and hit songs like “Maharani” and “Kasmala” will add a touch of cultural diversity to the concert.

Ticket prices to ILYSM are SVIP with Meet and Greet and Soundcheck P4200; VIP with Soundcheck P3400; Patron P2600; Lower Box P1400; Upper Box P800; and General Admission P400.

For tickets go to ticketnet.com.ph or call the Viva Live hotlines (0955) 017-1799 or 02) 8687-5853 Local 841.

PH BET NAMED 3RD RUNNER-UP IN MISS GLOBAL 2023

King of the World Philippines 2024 candidates show off their physique at the Preliminary Competition

THE Philippines started search King of the the year on a good note World Philippines with Louise Katrina 2024 show their wares “Pearl” Hung placing 3rd in the Preliminary runner-up in Miss Global Competition, to select Eton Concepcion 2023, held recently in the Top 25 semifinalists, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. including the People’s Ashley Melendez of Puerto Rico won the title while Choice Award, happening tonight at Winford Manila the rest of her runners-up were Haylani Pearl Kuruppu Resort and Casino, in Sta. Cruz, Manila. of Samoa (1st), Chonnikarn Supittayaporn of Thailand The candidates had traveled up North, visiting the (2nd), and Đoàn Thu Thủy of Vietnam (4th).

Santorini of the North-Vitalis Villas, owned by LMP Hung, a 30-year-old native of Palawan, was known in President-Emeritus Chavit Singson; and SULVEC Beach, her hometown as the “Millennial Entrepreneur” after in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, the historic Calle Crisologo in achieving success in her own business at a very young Vigan City, and Bangui Bay Windmill in Ilocos Norte, for age. Orphaned at the age of three, she became an the formal wear location shoot and video presentation. outstanding Youth Spokesperson in her province and The grand finale is happening on Jan. 28 at for the Department of Education, giving inspirational Winford Resort & Casino Manila. The following are talks in various engagements to motivate and inspire the candidates: Ernest Agustin Lucila (Albay), Lance the youth.

Gabriel Pineda (Angono, Rizal), Howell Adrian Liao “I believe that growth is infinite and we are all (Bacoor, Cavite), Dave Hall (Bataan), Ezekiel Joel Mora infinite beings with amazing intelligence. If you try to (Botolan, Zambales, Axell Chico (Bulacan), Russel Arca be normal, you cannot get that wisdom in your life that (Cabanatua, City), Vens Jeffersoon Jimenez (Cabuyao, you need to unleash your fullest potential,” Hung said Laguna), Jonathan Kyle Pascua (Cagayan De Oro City), when asked to interpret a quote from American poet Ron Aerol Balagso (Calamba, Laguna), Elmo Elarmo Maya Angelou, “If you’re always trying to be normal, (Calauag City), Elvandrick Pede (Dumaguete City), you will never know how amazing you can be.”

McLlyod Lean Clamor (Eastern Samar), Bryan Pascual King of the World Philippines 2024 heats up Valencia (Fil Com Saudi Arabia), Fron Alcano (Halang, The thirty-nine dashing candidates of the inaugural Calamba), Christian Joshua Villones (Laguna Province),

Pageant Concept

Errol Nacion (Las Piñas City), and Renz Carl Niebla (Legaspi, Albay).

Also joining the roster are Jayffer Enerlan Tan (Leyte Province), John Raizen Cultivo (Los Baños, Laguna), Breine Mark Palentinos (Lucban, Quezon), Kristoffer Kelly Mendoza (Manila City), Isaac Jonathan Barlao (Sta. Rosa, Laguna), Calvin Rejie (Montalban, Rizal), Llanz Navera (Muntinlupa City), Jomaris Cañete (Northern Cebu), Jericho Lim Clemente (Nueva Ecija), Paul Jigz Venturero (Oriental Mindoro), Mohamed Aman (Pampanga Province), Mark Joseph Cruz (Parañaque City), Jestoni Matic (Pasig City), Lester Buna (Quezon City), Daphn Derxl M. Daradal Samar Province), Angel Dumpit (San Jose, Nueva Ecija), Aparis Algen Ceniza (Southern Leyte), Rizmel Cabigao, (Sta. Rosa, Laguna), Raphael D e l o s Santos (Sta. Mesa, Manila), J o h n Mancia (Valenzuela City), and John Henry Villanueva ( ZMiss a m Global bales 2023 Province).

3rd runner-up Louise Katrina “Pearl” Hung

THE announcement of Oscar nominations always generates a bit of buzz, with fans weighing in on which movies and which actors deserved recognition and didn’t get it.

But few snubs have provoked as much online outrage as those delivered to summer blockbuster Barbie, a deft satire on the difficulties women face in being recognized for their talents, whose female director and female lead did not make the shortlist. Especially as the male actor playing Ken did.

“Nominating Ken but not Barbie is literally the plot of the movie,” novelist Brad Meltzer wrote on social media.

Greta Gerwig’s fizzing audiencepleaser, which took over $1 billion at the box office with its effortless melding of social commentary and bubblegum pop culture, had been seen as a lock for many of the biggest categories when the Oscars nominations were announced on Tuesday.

Both Gerwig as director and star Margot Robbie had already garnered a suite of nominations in earlier awards and were expected to feature in the line-up for Hollywood’s top prizes.

But while the film notched an impressive eight nods, including the coveted Best Picture, Gerwig and Robbie were left off the lists for director and leading actress.

Ryan Gosling, who earned a supporting actor nomination for his efforts as Ken, was among the first to speak out.

“No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit, and genius,” he said. “To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.”

Fellow Ken actor Simu Liu lauded the way the two women had fought to make Barbie the movie it was. “ To g e t h e r they started a movement, touched the world, and reinvigorated the cinema.

They deserve everything.

They are everything,” he wrote on social media.

As the outrage spread on Wednesday, one-time US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton weighed in. Clinton lost the 2016 election to Donald Trump because of the mathematics of the electoral college system, despite having a significant majority of the popular vote.

“Greta & Margot, While it can sting to win the box office but not take home the gold, your millions of fans love you. You’re both so much more than Kenough. #HillaryBarbie,” she wrote on X. AFP

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

CRAVINGS CRAV CRA INGS

JANUARY 28, 2023 |

B3

Charcoal grilled octopus with black ink breadcrumbs and homemade aioli

A FOUR-HANDS CULINARY AFFAIR

By Joyce Babe Pañares

C

OLLABORATIVE dinners present an opportunity for chefs to learn from each other, bringing in their signature dishes or techniques and broadening their culinary horizon in the process.

But it takes more than skill and innovation for a four-hands dinner to be truly memorable. It requires humility and moving out of one's comfort zone – both for the host chef and the guest chef.

Samira by Chele Gonzalez, the flagship restaurant of Anya Resort Tagaytay, opened the year with an impressive seven-course menu created by Chef Gonzalez in collaboration with Chef Josh Boutwood.

“Chele and I, we have known each other for many years, and having the opportunity for a collaboration, I jumped at it. Because Samira has an open fire, my logical thought was to bring Ember's mentality here,”

Boutwood told Manila Standard Cravings in an interview during the one-night only four-hands dinner.

Ember, of course, is Boutwood's playful and unconventional restaurant in Makati that elevates the use of fire in cooking.

“We are very similar in a sense that Chele has strong roots to Spanish cuisine, and myself I mostly focus on a multicultural cuisine, but the amalgamation between the two is very similar – respecting the ingredients and the delicateness of the fire and using the correct cooking process,” he said.

“Collabation is an opportunity to share ideas, ethos and mentality,

Tasmanian trout tartare with dill, fried capers, apple, and crème fraiche split with dill oil

but it is also a humbling experience, especially if I am coming to a location outside of my restaurant and work with an amazing team,” Boutwood added.

For Gonzalez, Ember's concept “matched very well” with Samira's own thought process.

“Our food is not complicated. It is just good food created in a contemporary manner,” Gonzalez said in a separate interview.

“Samira has a fresh and modern approach. Usually, the starters are the creative part but for the main course, I like to be more straightforward and bring out the best of the ingredients that people can enjoy,” he added.

The two chefs worked together on two items in the seven-course menu: the Standish oyster with caviar and Yuzu gel and the Iberico pork chuleta with burnt red cabbage and wild mustard.

Gonzales described the oyster dish as “fresh and bright,” – pairing

well with the salt air margarita with passion fruit foam.

Both chefs likewise touted the Iberico dish as the showstopper of the night, and one that would be added in Samira's regular menu.

“The Iberico is a wonderful pork, paired with the fresh mustard we made with local mustasa, the beef jus and the burnt cabbage. It is a dish that represents both Chele's mentality and my mentality in terms of the balancing of ingredients – sour, sweet, umami – no more than three of those flavor profiles in a dish,” Boutwood said.

Aside from the oysters, the appetizer trio included a carabao mango tart filled with smoked tuna and pickled ginger, as well as a foie gras mousse with cream cheese and pineapple confit waffle.

For the main dishes, there was the adlai porridge with mushroom and Comte cheese, the charcoal grilled octopus with black ink breadcrumbs and homemade aioli, the delicately

Iberico pork chuleta with burnt red cabbage and wild mustard

cooked sea bass paired with burnt cauliflower, and (my favorite dish) the Tasmanian trout tartare with dill, fried capers, apple, and crème fraiche split with dill oil.

For dessert, guests were treated to a cheese ice cream with grilled strawberries and lime meringue chips as well as a dark chocolate cremeux with caramelized white chocolate sauce.

And while guests were all pleasantly surprised with the formidable lineup of dishes prepared by the two chefs, one particular diner was equally unprepared for the sevencourse culinary journey.

“They sent me the menu just over the weekend,” said Santi Elizalde, president and CEO of Roxaco Land and Anya Resort Tagaytay. “This is also a surprise to me!”

“One-night only four-hands dinners like this collaboration between Chef Chele and Chef Josh will be part of our Culinary Collections at Anya,” Elizalde added.

Standish oyster with caviar and Yuzu gel

SWAGAT INDIAN RESTO GETS GRAND UPGRADE

Kluffi and masala chai

SWAGAT, known for its authentic home-style Indian Cuisine, marked its 20th year milestone with the opening of its new and bigger restaurant in Makati City.

Located at the RCI Building along Rada St. in Legazpi Village, Swagat prides itself as authentically Indian with a modern flair, with its merry mix of traditional cuisine, eclectic flavors, and beautiful interiors.

Diners can tickle their taste buds with individual appetizers, kebabs, or the more diverse platters such as the vegetarian starter and the chaat platter – a teaser of street food favorites from New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.

Lovers of grilled food can feast on non-vegetarian tandoor platter, an assortment of the chef's handpicked clay ovencooked specialties such as murgh (chicken), mutton and seafood.

For rice meals, there is the biryani made up fragrant basmati and layered with meat or vegetables marinated in spices, saffron-infused milk, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to perfection in the good old dum style.

The biryani goes best with raita or creamy yogurt combined with assorted fresh vegetables and spices.

Meanwhile, bread eaters will surely enjoy the tandoorbaked naan, roti, and paratha, which they can dip into or pair with their chosen entrée.

A new section of the resto is the bar which concocts the usual Indian beverages, refreshing mocktails, signature cocktails, and the sought-after spirits, which lend Swagat the coziness of a watering hole.

Cap a hearty meal with the Komal ki Kulfi, a cherished popsicle-shaped home-made ice cream, named after the woman behind the resto who meticulously crafted the dessert – Komal Khanchandani.

“With our new store, we want Filipinos to continue experiencing a new level of cultural and healthy gastronomic adventure into the heart of Incredible India. At Swagat, we are honored to have you,” she said.

More than two decades after her foray into the food business, Komal still brims with confidence and pride with

Swagat's Indian specialties

The interior of Swagat's new location in Makati

her new masterpiece that she boldly poses the same dare to diners since day 1: “Don’t pay if you are not satisfied with the food.”

(Visit Swagat on Facebook and Instagram or log on to www. swagatph.com for more information.)

B4 | JANAUARY 28, 2024

PETS

DESIREE CARLOS, Editor email: daycarlos28@yahoo.com

PROPER CARE FOR PUPPIES Six adorable American Bully puppies on a flower bed. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

By Mariana Burgos

R

ESPONSIBLE pet ownership is founded on proper pet care. When you adopt a pet, you must understand that you are making a lifetime commitment to a furry family member who is dependent on you for his or her health and well-being.

Puppies are without a doubt among the cutest creatures on earth. Parenting a very young dog, on the other hand, is not easy. A growing puppy requires far more than a feeding dish and a doghouse to flourish. Establishing excellent and healthy behaviors during those initial few sleep-deprived weeks will create the groundwork for many dog-years of enjoyment for you and your puppy.

The first eight weeks of a new puppy's existence are jam-packed with so many new things that they will develop and change at a quicker rate than at any other period in their lives.

When is the ideal time to separate a puppy from his or her mother?

Because pups are born unable to see, hear, or control their body temperature, they rely on their mother for all of their needs, including a warm area to cuddle into. During the first week, they will dedicate all of their efforts to resting and feeding in order to acquire weight, grow with strength and basic instincts. So, if you acquired a puppy that young, you need to know that what was said above is what you will be doing in place of its biological mother. This is also the reason why we do not encourage anybody to acquire pets at a very young age, an age that he or she has not been weaned yet from the mother. But, of course, you would have no choice if you rescued one.

VetrinarianTeresa Manucy of PetMD says in her article "Weaning Puppies: How and When to Do It" that weaning is the progressive change of a puppy's diet from their mother's milk to solid food as well as his or her dependency on other needs like toilet rituals. It is a natural procedure that permits puppies to become self-feeders and self-relievers of themselves while also reducing the physical demands on the mother as the puppies develop.

The weaning process, according to Manucy, should naturally begin at 3-4 weeks of age, when the puppies' teeth begin to come out. Nursing teething pups' pain may induce the mother to withdraw before her puppies are totally satiated. Hungry pups will instinctively seek for another food source. And, based on personal observation, it is also during this period that the puppies start to do some pooping and peeing on their own. This is the best time for a human to assist in the weaning process but not to abruptly separate the puppies from their mother. Again, it should be a gradual process that should, at least, be sought out up to 8 weeks before

A vet examines a border collie puppy. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.) completely separating the puppy from the mother.

What to do when you finally bring your puppy home with you?

Christina Mckeeby, in her article "How to Take Care of a Puppy: A New Owner's Guide," says that while puppies are a lot of work, your dedication to building a solid routine can provide you with a devoted companion for years. When planning to bring a puppy home, make sure you have a competent support team in place that includes both a skilled veterinarian and a dependable pet sitter, because life frequently deviates from our best made plans.

According to Mckeeby, when introducing your new puppy to its new home, keep it on a leash and enable it to explore its new surroundings under your supervision.

You want it to be at ease, yet a free-roaming puppy will frequently have accidents if left alone for an extended period of time. While most new dog owners believe a dog crate is isolating and freezing, crate training is really the simplest approach to develop healthy sleep and toilet habits. It also keeps them out of mischief while you're asleep, keeping both them and your stuff secure.

Do not let the dog tug and lead you. Owners aim to establish authority so that the puppy understands to obey their commands. Teaching your dog to obey orders will keep him/her safe.

Socializing Mckeeby believes that teaching a puppy to socialize at the age of 12 weeks will make life simpler. When anticipating company, put your puppy on a leash to greet them at the entrance, don't let them leap, and provide positive reinforcement by enabling your visitor to provide a reward for a nice welcome. She says, puppies, like toddlers, enjoy and respond strongly to regular positive reinforcement.

Toilet training Mckeeby states that the basic rule of thumb is to take a puppy out as many hours as their age plus one hour, thus, a 2-month-old puppy should go out every three hours.

She also claims that a puppy reared with its mother and father will be simpler to teach than one kept in a

Four days-old puppies are huddled together sleeping on the lap of a woman.

(Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

kennel at a store. Pups in stores utilize their kennel to relieve themselves, but pups reared with their parents are conditioned from birth to accompany their parents outside to relieve themselves.

If going outside is not as feasible as we may think, using a toilet training mat is advisable.

Puppy proofing your home Just like human toddlers, puppies will also explore and will love to try to experiment with anything they get their mouths and paws on. Prevention is always the key to safety.

- Cover electrical cables.

- Tie up window cords and curtains.

- Place dangerous cleaning supplies/chemicals in higher or closed cabinets.

- Purchase a tall, heavy-duty garbage can with a difficult-to-knock-over cover.

- Purchase a crate for crate training or a baby gate to confine the puppy to a small space with easily cleaned flooring.

- Don't offer your puppy old shoes or toy animals. Invest in appropriate toys for them so your pooch learns the difference between his rubber ball, your daughter's favorite plush animal, and your brand-new sandals.

- Don't let pups get away with anything just because they're tiny. If you don't want a 60-pound snoring dog on your bed, don't let it lie there as a puppy. Create routines early on since changing poor habits is significantly more difficult.

Establish a proper mealtime schedule Your puppy's body is developing rapidly, so choose a diet designed specifically for pups rather than older dogs.

Small and medium-sized breeds can transition to adult dog food between the ages of 9 and 12. Large breed dogs should eat puppy kibble until they reach the age of two. Make sure your dog has access to clean, plentiful water at all times.

Mckeeby tells us to feed your puppy numerous times each day: - 6-12 weeks - 4 meals each day - 3-6 months - 3 meals per day

- 6-12 months - 2 meals each day Be careful NOT to feed your puppy the following: No matter how cute those “puppy-dog-eyes” are, Mckeeby warns us to remember not to feed your puppy the following foods below because it may cause your pup its life: - Chocolate - Grapes and raisins - Chicken bones - Raw fish and raw meat - Sugar - High-fat foods, such as macadamia nuts and avocados - Dairy - High-fat meats, such as bacon - Onions and garlic - Caffeine and alcohol A list of other things you would definitely need in raising your puppy.

The following are the just the basics: - Metal food and water bowls - A sturdy leash and nylon collar - Identification tags for the collar - A crate pillow or snuggle nest - Small puppy treats - Good quality dog food designed for puppies (know your dog’s weight before shopping) - A bristle comb - Non-toxic dog shampoo (bath time is not necessarily every day. It is only done, when necessary, like if he/ she soiled himself/herself.)

With the above puppy care guidelines, you and your beloved pooch are well on your way to a lifetime of pleasure together!

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist.

She has been a solo parent for 16 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.

SAVE ALL ASKS BUCOR: CREATE TRANSFORMATIVE PROGRAMS RATHER THAN BAN STRAYS FROM PRISONS THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) recently announced a nationwide prohibition on stray dogs and cats within prison facilities, citing public safety concerns regarding the potential spread of rabies. The move, aimed at preventing disease transmission and safeguarding K9 units from ticks and fleas, has sparked a contentious debate.

BuCor defended its decision on Facebook, emphasizing the need to eradicate animal rabies within communities. The order directs personnel to collaborate with local veterinary offices for the impoundment of stray animals, particularly at the New Bilibid Prison.

However, this decision faces opposition from advocacy groups like CARA Philippines and Save Animals of Love and Light-Save ALL Inc. who urge authorities to reconsider. Following CARA’s initiative, Save ALL emphasizes the profound positive impact of pet companionship on inmates' mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

They cite successful programs in the US, highlighting how caring for animals contributes to a structured lifestyle and enhances inmates' overall health.

Save ALL’s official statement: Save ALL kindly urges all relevant officials within the Department of Justice and prison administration to reconsider the decision to remove cats and dogs from prisons.

The act of caring for felines and canines, or any pet, for that matter, profoundly benefits the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of inmates. Research underscores the positive impact of nurturing a cat or dog, highlighting its potential to improve overall health as seen in the results with the Prison Pet Partnership in Gig Harbor, Washington, and the Florida Department of Corrections in Florida, USA. In both institutions, it is seen that engaging in pet care fosters a sense of purpose, positively

The Transformative Prison Pet Programs In recent years, a unique approach to inmate rehabilitation has emerged across various correctional facilities in the United States—a program that brings together two seemingly distant worlds: prison and pets. The integration of pets into prison life has sparked a remarkable transformation, not only for the incarcerated individuals but also for the lives of at-risk dogs.

This article delves into the profound influence of prison pet programs, drawing insights from notable initiatives like Pawsitive Change in California, the TAILS program in Florida, and the impactful endeavors of organizations like the Prison Pet Partnership in Washington. Through these initiatives, inmates and at-risk dogs find a common ground where mutual rehabilitation and learning flourish.

A stray kitten is fed during a Save All feeding program.

(Photo taken from Save ALL file photos.)

An inmate take his dog (assigned to him) on a walk and is training him basic commands. (Photo from Getty royalty-free images.)

affecting mental and emotional health. The responsibility of tending to a pet provides inmates with a reason to actively engage in daily routines, promoting movement and a structured lifestyle.

Moreover, cats, specifically, serve a dual purpose by naturally addressing issues related to pest control, such as the elimination of mice and cockroaches.

Notably, concerns about rabies and parasitic diseases such as tic and worm infestations, need not result in drastic measures. Advocating for the inclusion of pets in prison environments, Save All strongly suggests administering anti-rabies and deworming vaccinations to ensure

both human and animal safety.

In cases where stray cats are a concern, it is pertinent to highlight that new felines will not enter the premises if a cat population already exists within the facility.

Post the administration of anti-rabies and deworming vaccinations, it is recommended that prison authorities collaborate with municipal or regional veterinarians to undertake the spaying or neutering of these cats and dogs.

This measure will effectively manage and control the population, ensuring a sustainable and humane approach to the situation and will encourage and nurture a more beneficial coexistence of both humans and animals in prisons.

The Positive Impact on Inmate Rehabilitation: Pawsitive Change Program In the article, "Pets in prison: the rescue dogs teaching Californian inmates trust and responsibility" by Hilda Burke, in California's Pawsitive Change program, pioneered by Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts, and a team of dedicated individuals, inmates embark on a transformative journey by pairing up with rescue dogs from "high-kill" shelters. The program's fundamental goal is to teach inmates valuable life lessons through dog training, fostering empathy, responsibility, and trust among participants.

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 17 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.

To be continued