Manila Standard - 2017 November 05 - Sunday by Manila Standard

ISLAND MAKER: CHINA UNVEILS MASSIVE SHIP VOL. XXXI • NO. 264 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

TRUMP EXTENDS PH VISIT, JOINS SUMMIT P RESIDENT Donald Trump said Friday (Saturday in Manila) he would add a day to the end of his five-nation tour of Asia, saying he would now stay for “the most important day” of a regional summit. The president had been scheduled to return to the US on Nov. 13, a day before the start of the East Asia Summit, the traditional venue for discussing major regional policy issues such as North Korean aggression and China’s activities in the South China Sea. Shortly after Trump’s departure from the White House on Friday, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that plans had changed—Trump was extending his trip by one day to attend the summit. Malacañang welcomed the announcement that Trump would

extend his stay in the Philippines to attend the East Asia Summit . “The President [Duterte] looks forward to engaging President Trump in the productive dialogue at the Asean-US Commemorative Summit and the EAS,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told state radio dzRB. The US President decided to extend his trip to the country for another day in order to attend the EAS this November. The EAS is an annual meeting of national leaders from the East Asian region and adjoining coun-

tries. The 12th EAS will convene in Angeles City in Pampanga on Nov.13 and 14. Foreign policy experts had warned that Trump’s decision to forgo the gathering -- which former President Barack Obama regularly attended—could deepen anxieties among Asian partners over the US commitment to the region, especially in light of the escalating North Korean threat and Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. “We’re staying the extra day because the following day is actually the most important day,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Hawaii. Former Obama administration officials criticized Trump’s earlier decision not to attend, saying it would open the door for China to seize a leading role in the region.

“What we said prior to President Obama’s final trip to Asia is even truer today: If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” said Ned Price, the chief National Security Council spokesman during the Obama administration. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump said he had originally planned to spend a day in Hawaii at the end of the trip, but canceled to stay longer in the Philippines. “I’m going to spend the extra day at the second conference, which is a very important conference,” he said. Trump kicked off his trip with a stop in Hawaii to meet with leaders at US Pacific Command, who briefed him on the security situation in the region. After the briefing, the president took a boat tour of Pearl Harbor Turn to A2

BIJING—China has unveiled a massive ship described as a “magic island maker” that is Asia’s largest dredging vessel, state media reported Saturday. The ship, capable of building artificial islands of the sort the country has constructed in the contested South China Sea, was launched Friday at a port in eastern Jiangsu province, according to the stateowned China Daily. The boat named Tian Kun Hao is capable of digging 6,000 cubic meters an hour, the equivalent of three standard swimming pools, the newspaper said. It is a larger version of the one China used to dredge sand, mud and coral for transforming reefs and islets in the South China Sea into artificial islands capable of hosting military installations. When testing of the ship is completed next June, it will be the most powerful such vessel in Asia, the paper noted, nicknaming it the “magic island maker.” Beijing’s aggressive campaign of archipelago building in the South China Sea has been a point of contention with neighboring countries that lay claim to parts of its waters. China claims nearly all of the sea, through which $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes and which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits. Turn to A2

ANTI-EJK ADVOCATES LINE UP EVENTS THE Catholic Church, churchbased organizations and lay groups are lining up activities for their anti-extrajudicial killings advocacy, even as they vowed to make louder their call for the “nation’s healing.” At a forum in Quezon City on Saturday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and various sectoral and church groups announced their plan of holding a 33-day period of religious activities meant to amplify their call to stop EJKs in the country, kicked off by a Mass at Edsa Shrine today. Organizations represented at the forum included the CBCP, multi-sectoral organizations Tindig Pilipinas, Layko, Kaya Natin Youth, and Youth Resist. CBCP president and LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas will lead the Mass at Edsa. CBCP encouraged Catholics and non-Catholics alike “from all walks of life” to join the Mass dubbed Turn to A2

TOKYO'S NEW RESIDENT: AI CHARACTER ASEAN EMBLEM. A Filipino worker prepares the emblem of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to be mounted atop the center

of the arch to welcome delegates at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City. The emblem represents a stable, peaceful, united and dynamic Asean. Ey Acasio

ALL SET FOR ASEAN GAB; GOVT SEES NO TERROR THREAT

BACK TO NORMAL? Heavy traffic flow appears to have returned to normal Saturday at the Pasay City portion of the nearly 24-kilometer Epifanio de los Santos circumferential highway, only two days after All Souls' Day, when Manila residents who went to their provinces for the holidays have started flocking back to the metropolis. Ey Acasio twitter.com/ MlaStandard

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THERE are no new terror threats in the country despite the Australian government cautioning its citizens against traveling to the Philippines, Malacañang said Saturday. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Australia’s travel warning issued to its citizens Friday was “not a response to any specific threat.” “The Philippine government has no information about any increased terror threat in the country and we assure our foreign friends that local authorities have been enforcing tight security measures, especially in populated areas, while we urge everyone to continue being aware of one’s surroundings,” Roque said in a statement. The Palace spokesman said Malacañang understood the concern of the Australian government “cautioning its citizens on the Philippines safety or security risks.” “We reiterate that generally it is safe to work, study, do business, and travel in the Philippines,” Roque said.

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On Friday, Australia warned its citizens against traveling to the Philippines due to a “high threat” of a terrorist attack, including in the country’s capital. Canberra alerted its citizens to exercise heightened caution and to be alert regarding possible threats in the Philippines. “There is a high threat of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila,” the Australian government said. “Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country,” it added. As part of security measures, security and intelligence authorities are monitoring possible remaining Maute supporters who are capable of carrying out possible attacks amid preparations for the 31st Asean Summit this month. But Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla also clarified that not all families bearing the name Maute were involved in the plot behind the five-month Marawi City siege which began on May 23. Turn to A2

TOKYO—An AI character was made an official resident of a busy central Tokyo district on Saturday, with the virtual newcomer resembling a chatty seven-year-old boy. The boy named “Shibuya Mirai” does not exist physically, but he can have text conversations with humans on the widely used LINE messaging app. Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, an area popular with fashion-conscious young people, has given the character his own special residence certificate. This makes him Japan’s first, and maybe the world’s first, artificial intelligence to be granted a place on a real-life local registry. Mirai, whose name means “future” in Japanese, is supposed to be a first grader at an elementary school. He can reply to messages and make light-hearted alterations to selfies he is sent. Shibuya said the project aimed to make the district’s local government more familiar to residents and allow officials to hear their opinions. “His hobbies are taking pictures and observing people. And he loves talking with people... Please talk to him about anything,” the ward said in a statement with Microsoft, the joint developer of the AI character. AFP

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NOKOR BLAMED FOR HACKING ATTACK ON DOST A GOVERNMENT cybersecurity official said on Saturday that his office is investigating hackers allegedly from North Korea who tried to launch cyber attacks against the Department of Science and Technology. DICT Assistant Secretary Allan Cabanlong said that the DICT’s cybersecurity bureau will launch the probe starting Monday after news site Quartz cited a study that “some North Korean users were conducting research, or possibly even network reconnaissance, on a number of foreign laboratories and research centers” including India’s Space Research Organization and the Philippines’ DOST. But he added that the alleged breach has yet to be confirmed as the DOST’s Advanced Science and Techonology Institute (DOST-ASTI) have not issued a report on a system breach. “Walang report, ibig sabihin hindi nila na-detect... If ever man meron silang report, hindi dumating sa’min,” he said. The reported North Korean hacks are part of the reclusive regime’s efforts to attack its enemies, as it continued to resist international pressure against continuing nuclear missile tests which Asean defense ministers condemned. Cabanlong said they are on the lookout for possible distributed denial-ofservice (DDoS) attacks that shut down certain websites as a form of a “diversionary tactic.” “Kung sa physical war, ‘yan (DDoS) ‘yung tear gas o smoke grenade. Magshut off ‘yung website for a specific period (but) at the back end, meron na akong pinapapasok na malware (sa website) to control the system,” he said.

ISLAND...

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Its sweeping claims overlap with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan. China has previously said that it had completed its reclamation projects in an area of the sea known as the Spratlys. But a US think tank, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, said in August that Beijing has continued the work in a northern part of the waters around the Paracel islands. AFP

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and visited the USS Arizona memorial, built on top of the battleship sunk in the Japanese attack in December 1941. Trump laid a wreath before the marble war memorializing the 1,177 officers and crewman who died aboard the ship and stood for a moment of silence. Trump’s stop at Pearl Harbor is the first since Obama’s visit to the site in December 2016, when he was accompanied by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump’s official visit is the first longest visit to Asia by an American President. He is set to look for support from Asian countries to pressure North Korea to stop its launching of nuclear ballistic missiles in the

ALL... From A1 He also cautioned the public against mislabeling all people with “Maute” surnames as suspects. However, he stressed the need for security forces and the public to keep their guard up, saying “collective action” could be a defense to security threats. Australia issued the advisory a week before world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe converge in Manila for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit. Thousands of police and soldiers are expected to be deployed around Manila next week to tighten security in key areas where state leaders are expected to stay, and where meetings will be held. At the same time, Malacañang said the Philippines was “good to go” in hosting the heads of government and state coming in for

ROQUE URGES BLOGGER NOT TO HIT NEWSHEN By John Paolo Bencito

IE-HARD supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte should spare legitimate journalists from attacks, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque appealed Friday night.

Roque made the announcement after a blogger highly supportive of the President called on his newlyappointed presidential spokesperson to make good of his threats to “throw hollow blocks” against a Malacanang reporter. “To my DDS friends: Please leave Pia Ranada alone. Let us please not throw anything at legitimate journalists. Let’s give them, particularly the critical ones, hot pandesal in-

stead,” Roque said in his Facebook page. RJ Nieto, the blogger behind the pro-Duterte Facebook page Thinking Pinoy, asked Roque in a radio interview Friday to throw a “hollow block” against Pia Ranada, a reporter of online news portal Rappler—who covers the Palace. “Pero sir kahit isang hollow block magbalibag naman kayo sir para ano lang pakagat lang ganoon,” Nie-

to, who serves as one of the program hosts for radio dwIZ’s Karambola, told Roque. Roque responded that there should be a target. “Kasi ako po, si Pia na lang po. Si Pia Ranada sir,” Nieto responded. Ranada, in her Twitter account, branded Nieto’s uncalled for remarks as “an act of cowardice that has no place in the profession of journalism.” She likewise said she had already filed a complaint at the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas against Nieto and DWIZ. “It is irrelevant if Nieto or Roque were speaking figuratively or not. A threat is a threat. It is beyond my comprehension why a radio station supposedly recognized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas would allow a threat to be made against a fellow journalist by

one of their hosts,” Ranada said. Responding to Ranada’s complaint, Nieto said: “@PiaRanada, you really are one f— idiot. And YES, I meant that LITERALLY.” Prior to this incident, Nieto and Ranada already had ‘tensions’ along with other pro-Duterte bloggers amid accusations of her alleged “bias(ed)” reportage against the President—a claim which she and her media outfit have repeatedly denied. Ranada covered then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte since the start of the campaign trail in 2015. In a recent interview while in Japan, Roque vowed to engage Duterte’s critics in such a way that those who would throw stones at the President would get adobe bricks or hollow blocks from him. Radio dwIZ has yet to release a statement regarding the issue.

P6-B AIRLINE FEE ENSURES FREE TUITION IN SUCS By John Paolo Bencito, Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano MALACAÑANG on Saturday said that the P6-billion settlement of flag carrier Philippine Airlines on its navigational fees will help fund the education of students in local and state universities and colleges (LUCs and SUCs). In a radio interview, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Malacañang is elated because PAL has finally settled its debt and did not choose to take the long process. “The process of collecting the P6billion debt could have lasted for a longer time, but they chose to pay up because the nation would benefit from it immediately,” Roque told radio dzMM. “The P6 billion would go to the free tuition in all state universities and colleges,” he added. On Friday, Philippine Airlines set-

tled its P6-b unpaid air navigational charges to the government ahead of the December 2017 deadline. PAL vice president for legal affairs Clara de Castro brought the company’s checks to the office of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in Pasay to settle the airline’s financial obligations to the government. The check amounting to P5,677,887,615 was turned over to CAAP chief accountant Raul Eusebio. A check worth P258,594,230.33, net of taxes, meanwhile, was turned over to Manila International Airport Authority assistant general manager for finance and administration Arlene Britanico. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier threatened to close the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 if PAL did not settle its unpaid navigational fees to the government. PAL operates domestic and international flights at Naia Terminal 2. The country’s flag carrier is also

Korea Peninsula and in Japan. White House Press Secretary James Brady said in previous press briefings that Trump’s participation in the Asean events would advance US leadership in promoting an IndoPacific trade and security architecture based on freedom, openness, and adherence to rule of law. “The President’s travel is going to underscore his commitment to longstanding U.S. alliances and partnerships, and reaffirm US leadership in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Brady said. “The trip is a continuation of the President’s extensive diplomatic engagement with countries from the Indo-Pacific region,” he added. The last time a US president was in Asia for so long was in late 1991 and early 1992, when President George H.W. Bush became ill at a Japanese state dinner.

the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Meetings from Nov. 10 to 14. In an interview over state radio dzRB, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the hosting of the regional meet, in time for Asean’s 50th Anniversary “would be the perfect time for Asean and other partnering countries to resolve current issues.” The Philippines, as the host and chair of the 31st Asean Summit and Related Meetings, is set to welcome all foreign leaders and delegates to ensure that they would experience Filipino hospitality at its finest. “And since we are about to approach the culminating event of the 31st Asean, we will need to ensure the security of the Asean leaders plus the partnering countries,” Andanar said. “We should show our best foot forward (because) this is the time that we can show the whole world that we are a very good country, a very nice country, disciplined people, and we are very warm, alam na naman ng lahat ‘yan. And we are very orderly,” he added.

finalizing a P20-billon passenger terminal beside its current hub at the Naia Centennial Terminal 2, which could handle 12 million to 15 million passengers a year. It would have aerobridges capable of serving 12 to 17 wide-bodied and single aisle jets. PAL expects to start construction of the new terminal by December 2020 and operate it by July 2021. As this developed, PAL’s labor union appealed to the airline management to also pay and reinstate the 600 dismissed workers after the national flag carrier paid its P6-billion debt to the government. The Philippine Airlines Employees Association demanded that PAL implement the settlement agreement forged in 2013 to end the long-running dispute and reinstate some 600 outsourced workers. PALEA president Gerry Rivera also called on President Duterte to ask Lucio Tan and PAL to likewise fulfill

Trump is facing several controversies barely one year after he became president of the US. This includes an intensifying federal investigation into Russian meddling in last year’s election, New York’s recovery from an attack that killed eight people and debate over a tax-cut plan that if approved by Congress would be his first major legislative victory. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Nov. 12 to participate in the special gala celebration for the 50th anniversary of Asean. In a press briefing in Washington, Brady said “President Duterte, he’s spoken with, they’ve had exchanges of letters. I think there’s a warm rapport there, and he’s very much looking forward to his first in-person meeting with President Duterte,” Brady said. Bloomberg, John Paolo Bencito, and Sara Susanne Fabunan

This year, the Gala Dinner for the Asean leaders will be held the night before the 31st Asean Summit. Earlier, Ambassador Marciano Paynor, director-general of the Asean 2017 National Organizing Council, said the Clark International Airport would be utilized for the arrivals and departures of the leaders, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive that no commercial traffic shall be affected at the Manila International Airport. Meanwhile, Interior Department Officer-In-Charge Catalino Cuy said from Nov. 12 to 15 all trucks and closed vans would be prohibited from passing through the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) from Clark to Balintawak to give way to a smooth flow of traffic for Asean delegates during the 31st Asean Summit. Aside from SCTEX and NLEX, all heavy duty vehicles are also barred from traversing along Edsa from Balintawak to Magallanes during the same period, Cuy said.

Motorists should expect intermittent traffic stops in the following designated Asean lanes in the Makati area from Nov. 11 to 15, including Arnaiz Avenue, Makati Avenue, Parkway Drive and along Edsa in the Makati area. During the same period, rerouting will also be implemented along Sen. Jose W. Diokno Boulevard, Jalandoni, V. Sotto, Bukaneg, and A. Dela Rama in Pasay City, while occasional traffic disruptions will be experienced along Edsa, Pasay Road, and Makati Avenue in Makati City. The same is also expected along Edsa in Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City. On the other hand, Cuy advises the public the whole CCP Complex is closed-off for the same dates as it has been designated as an Asean Delegates Zone. “We urge the public to veer away from the said areas and take alternate routes to avoid being inconvenienced by the heavy traffic while the Asean Summit is ongoing,” he said. John Paolo Bencito

their obligation to some 600 retrenched PAL workers who have yet to be reinstated as regular workers according to the terms of a settlement agreement forged in 2013 to resolve the outsourcing dispute. He said that Duterte is aware of this as it was brought to his attention in a dialogue with labor groups at Malacañang last February this year. The labor workers are also calling on the Department of Labor and Employment to release the findings of its inspection of PAL, its sister company PAL Express and the 27 agencies contracted in their operations. A similar inspection of telecom company PLDT led to an order to regularize nearly 9,000 agency workers. “We are confident that similar to PLDT, PAL and PAL Express will also be found guilty of illegal labor-only contracting and thus be ordered to regularize its thousands of agency workers and reinstate the PALEA 600,” Rivera said.

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“Lord Heal Our Land Sunday,” which will be held at 3 p.m. and will be followed by a procession to the People Power Monument and a candle-lighting ceremony at the same venue. The 33-day period follows an earlier 40-day “mourning period” Meanwhile, David said calling for justice was just as important and essential as understanding the truth. that culminated on Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day, with a symbolic tolling of bells for the victims of alleged extrajudicial killings. Participants at the forum said the event was not political as it was not aligned to any partisan group, neither to the opposition. “In keeping with the solemnity of the Mass, there will be no political speeches,” Tindig Pilipinas’ Karina Constantino David told a press conference. Instead, the two-hour program that will follow the Mass will be composed of cultural performances, she said. Former Education secretary Armin Luistro, for his part, said the point of the activity is to call for “healing” and unity, because actions against the killings, which are widely linked to the government’s war on drugs, are immediately branded according to political “color.” “This is definitely why we wanted a call to healing, because if you notice the past year, there is no space where people can express what they feel... and anyone who in fact attempts to do that is ‘colored,’ 'diba,’ ‘dilawan,’ ‘destabilizer,’” he said. On the other hand, David said they were “not destabilizers,” and their advocacy calling for the nation’s healing stemmed from “concern” and not “anger.” She said dialogue between and among people was not the same as destabilization, because, “kapag hindi na nag-uusap ang mga tao, diktadurya na po ang tawag doon.” The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has constantly branded its critics as “destabilizers” and he earlier announced he would declare a revolutionary government should “destabilization” attempts against his rule continue. The President claimed the alleged offshore bank funds of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, also a vocal opposition figure, were being used for a destabilization plot against the government. Shamah Bulangis, a youth leader, said she wondered why the Duterte administration seemed “insecure” about a possible destabilization, when Congress was already dominated by the President’s allies, with lawmakers at the House of Representatives even calling themselves the “supermajority.” “We’re outside of the government. It’s very insecure to say that we are trying to destabilize them. But if calling for healing and caring for everyone’s life is opposition work then maybe yes, this is opposition work,” she said, also warning of the “populist tactic” of dividing people into certain political blocks or colors. “What we’re trying to do is invite people who are very frustrated with what is happening with the killings, who want to start the healing happen. Whether you’re pro-Duterte or anti-Duterte, as long as you’re anti-killings, you are very much welcome to join us,” she added.

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YOLANDA-HIT AREAS STILL NEED HELP—IBON By John Paolo Bencito

HILE rehabilitation efforts are very much needed in war-torn Marawi City, the Duterte administration should not consider reconstruction work in Yolanda-stricken areas to be over, research group Ibon Foundation said Saturday.

After declaring Marawi free of terrorists, the Philippine government has organized Task Force Bangon Marawi and declared that rehabilitation in the war-torn city will be better than in “Yolanda” areas—but four years since the super-typhoon hit southern Philippines, government response “remained slow-paced and its policies even

counter-productive in the calamity-damaged Visayas communities,” the group said. “While claiming to apply Yolanda response lessons in Marawi, the Duterte administration still has to carry out rehabilitation efforts in Eastern Visayas especially in the livelihood, housing and resettlement clusters,” IBON executive editor and research head Rosario Bella Guzman said. Nearly four years after Typhoon Yolanda, only 16,846 housing units or only 30 percent have been completed out of 56,140 permanent houses targeted to be built in Yolanda-stricken areas in Eastern Visayas. Moreover, out of the completed units only 12,763 have been given to Yolanda-stricken families. Still in progress are 11,957 units or 21.29 percent, according to data from the Region VIII National Economic and Development Authority. “Major obstacles identified by the government were surmountable, if only government prioritized resettling the victims and rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,” Guzman said. “Instead,

infrastructure was prioritized to immediately restore business activities.” Out of the 86 resettlement sites, only five water supply projects have been completed and only 59 out of the 86 resettlement sites have electricity. IBON likewise criticized the move by the Duterte administration to realign P5 billion in unused Typhoon Yolanda funds for Marawi rehabilitation, as the diversion of funds from unfinished reconstruction efforts in the Eastern Visayas indicates government neglect of rehabilitation work there. “It gives the impression that the job has been done while in fact thousands of survivors are still without livelihoods and languish in substandard shelters and living conditions,” Guzman said. Considered to be one of the strongest typhoons in world history, Yolanda ravaged the country affecting 12,122 barangays, 591 municipalities, and 57 cities in 44 provinces across nine Philippine regions—including the poorest—in November 2013.

‘MASSACRE SITE’ TO BE TURNED INTO LANDFILL AMPATUAN, Maguindanao— Barangay Salman, the village where the infamous Maguindanao Massacre took place on Nov. 23, eight years ago, will be opened for the development of the first sanitary landfill of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, officials said. ARMM Environment Secretary Kahal Kedtag said the decision has been reached after thorough study and series of planning sessions with various stakeholders on the development of the first ARMM sanitary landfill. Fifty-eight people, including reporters and media workers, were killed here on Nov. 23, 2009 in what has since been considered the worse electionsrelated violence in Philippine history. Some members of the political Ampatuan family stand trial in detention to charges of multiple murders in connection with the incident. But officials said the project poses no contradiction to efforts of developing the massacre site, about a kilometer away, into a shrine for 58 souls lost in 2009. “Environmental protection and memorials are energies not repulsive of each other, as they are like physical and spiritual energies that go together,” one official said. According to a popular definition, sanitary landfills “are sites where waste is isolated from the environment until it is safe. Waste is considered safe when it has completely degraded biologically, chemically and physically.” Kedtag said the Ombudsman representative in ARMM has been keen on progress of establishing the first ARMM sanitary landfill.

LIGHT DISPLAY. The City of Makati gears up for Asean 2017 and the holiday season with a grand light display that pays

tribute to the cultural heritage of the Philippines. Each display depicts the beautiful woven fabrics from Inabel and Burdado of Luzon, Banig Tikogo of Visayas and T’Boli, Ukol and Yakan of Mindanao. Witnessing the launch of the display are (from left), Ishmael G. Cruz, Board of Governors of MaCEA; Patricia Zobel de Ayala; Jaime Zobel de Ayala; Vice Mayor Lagdameo; Jhie Greenwood, Trade Marketing manager of Firefly Lighting; Meean Dy, group head, Strategic Landbank Management; Bobby Dy, president and CEO of ALI. Lino Santos

BILL RESTORING CIDG’S POWER FILED By Maricel V. Cruz THE leadership of the House of Representatives has expressed optimism that the Senate will support a measure restoring the authority of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Group to issue subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum. This came after the Lower House is expected to pass a measure authored by Surigao Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas that seeks to amend Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as “The Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.” Once enacted, Matugas said the capacity of the PNP-CIDG shall be strengthened in terms of gathering documents and securing witnesses in the conduct of its investigations. The CIDG was created pursuant to Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as “An Act establishing the National Police, under a reorganized

Department of the Local and Interior Government, and for other purposes,” primarily to undertake the monitoring, investigation and prosecution of all crimes involving economic sabotage and other crimes of such magnitude and extent and to investigate all major cases involving violation of the Revised Penal Code and to conduct operations against organized crime groups, Matugas said. “A perusal of the provisions of RA 6975 shows, it did not provide the PNP or the CIDG with the power to administer oath and to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum. On the other hand, RA 6975 gave the NAPOLCOM the power to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in matters pertaining to the discharge of its own powers and duties pertaining to cases against its personnel,” he said. Matugas said noted present statutes allowed some agencies with the power to issue administrative subpoena and subpoena duces

tecum such as the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Napolcom, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Cybercrime Operation Center of the Cybercrime Investigation Coordination Center. “It is surprising that the PNP-CIDG, the main enforcement agency of the country, does not possess such power to issue administrative subpoena which plays a significant role in any fact finding or investigation,” Matugas said. Rep. Romeo Acop of Antipolo City, chairperson of the committee on public order and safety and one of the bill’s authors, said the deletion of the authority of the Chief and Deputy Chief of the now CIDG to administer oaths and to issue subpoena or subpoenas duces tecum in investigations it conducted affected the unit’s efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of its mandated duties.

HOUSE BACKS BILL BOOSTING PH ARSENAL THE House of Representatives has backed a proposal seeking to establish a Special Defense Economic Zone inside the government arsenal industrial estate in Camp General Antonio Luna in Limay, Bataan. House Bill 6525, that was approved on second reading, aims to enhance investment opportunities inside the economic zone, while strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. The bill’s principal author, Bataan Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia lll, said he envisions for the Philippines a globally competitive, centralized governmentsanctioned arms industry. Garcia said the local arms industry must be able to produce conventional weapons and equipment for domestic use, as well as for export, with emphasis on arms research and development. “This will lay credence and support for Tiwala sa Gawang Pilipino,” said Garcia, adding he wants the country to become “a diverse and multi-

investment hub.” Under the bill, the SpeDEZ shall cover the 370 hectares of government arsenal industrial estate inside Camp General Antonio Luna in Limay, Bataan and all other areas which may be declared as part of SpeDEZ in compliance with the Act, including the Government Arsenal as created by Republic Act No. 1884. The SpeDEZ shall be accessible for inclusive business prospects and progress in firearm module and technical competency of the government arsenal that are vital to support the objectives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other lawenforcement agencies. If passed into law, the measure would grant fiscal incentives, including the grant of an investor’s visa to any foreigner who invests US$200,000 either in cash and/or equipment in a registered enterprise. Maricel V. Cruz

LANTERNS. Workers from Manila City Hall mount LED lanterns atop light posts at the center island of Roxas Boulevard stretch. Ey Acasio

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MMDA COLLECTS P64.4M IN FINES By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority collected more than P64.4 million in traffic violation fines in the first six months of the year, owing the success to the intensified operation against erring motorists. Based on its 2017 First Semester Accomplishment Report, the MMDA Traffic Discipline Office recorded a total income of P64.425 million from traffic fines, up by P13.265 million (25.92 percent), compared to the P51.160 million it collected during the same period last year. The agency attributed the increase of its income from the good performance of men and women personnel of TDO, the MMDA’s unit tasked with traffic management and enforcement in Metro Manila. Of the 3,329 TDO personnel, 2,275 are assigned in traffic management and enforcement while 393 in traffic engineering. From January to June 2017, the MMDA-TDO personnel arrested a total of 192, 492 violators, which is 66,000 more than the 126,426 apprehension it recorded on the same period in 2016. Most of those apprehended and issued with Unified Ordinance Violation Receipts were drivers of colorum and out of line public utility vehicles, and both public and private motorists who violated the speed limit, illegal parking policy, disregarding the no loading and unloading zone, beating the red light, swerving, blocking intersections, disregarding traffic signs, making illegal turns, illegal overtaking, entering the yellow lane, defying the closed-door policy and bus segregation scheme, motorcycle lane, among others.

‘PAY WORKERS DISPLACED BY ARMM DISSOLUTION’ By Nash B. Maulana COTABATO CITY—A Mindanao party-list wants government employees assured of separation benefits package once the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is dissolved next year for a new autonomy setup under the Bangsamoro Basic Law. At least, 5,000 regular employees could be displaced at the level of regional offices alone, once BBL is passed by Congress, and is ratified in a plebiscite to repeal the ARMM charter (Republic Act 9054). A Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will then take the place of ARMM, until a Bangsamoro Government is fully organized and inaugurated in 2019. Over the weekend, Anak Mindanao Party-List Rep. Makmod Mending Jr. said without a specific provision as to employees’ separation benefits, any new law would be vague as to which office should make supplemental fund requests to the national government for separation pays within the reorganizational term of the BTA. The BBL provides that the “BTA shall ensure the accomplishment of [four] priorities during the transition period”: (a) enactment of priority legislations particularly four Codes; (b) organization of Bangsamoro Government bureaucracies; (c) transfer of government powers and properties from ARMM Regional Government to Bangsamoro; and (d) other matters that may be necessary for the transition.” Mending said affected ARMM employees may also opt to reapply to the new Autonomous Bangsamoro Government, “subject to qualification standards set by BTA and CSC [Civil Service Commission] Rules and Regulations.” The ARMM has regional agencies parallel to the Departments of Trade and Industry; Science and Technology; Interior and Local Government; Health, Social Welfare and Development; Labor and Employment; Tourism; Environment and Natural Resources; Education; Agriculture and Fishery; Public Works and Highways; Agrarian Reform, and Transportation, as well as the Technical Skills Development Authority, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Opinion

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

HOW WE KNOW A SPACE ROCK IS FROM OUTSIDE THE SOLAR SYSTEM By Pecier Decierdo LAST month, astronomers around the world were scrambling to catch a glimpse of something no one has ever seen before—a visitor from outside our Solar System. And the scientists were racing against time to study it because the interstellar visitor is moving at record-breaking speeds, is soon on its way out, and is never coming back. The half-kilometer size object (it is about as big as the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City) was given the provisional name A/2017 U1. How did astronomers know that it is not a member of the Sun’s family? As with many things about the motion of celestial bodies, the answer is gravity. A/2017 U1 was first discovered by Robert Wyrk on Oct. 19. Wyrk, who is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hawaii, saw the object as a faint dot in the photos taken by the university’s Pan-STARRS telescope. The telescope is one of many “whole sky” telescopes that scan the sky for nearEarth objects or NEOs. The motion of objects within the Solar System is dictated by gravity, with the most dominant gravitational force coming from the Sun. The Sun’s gravity is what makes the planets, asteroids, and comets mover in their orbits. The gravity of the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn come next. Gravity makes objects move in very precise and predictable ways. Think of a ball you toss into the air. The force of gravity makes the ball move in a way that you can predict. The same goes for the motion of objects within the Solar System. If we know where an object, say an asteroid, is at a given time, and if we know how fast it is moving and in which direction, then we can use the rules of gravity to trace where it came from and where it is headed. When astronomers find a new object within the Solar System, they track its position night after night. This tells them how the object is moving within the Solar System. This is often enough information to tell scientists where the object came from and where it is going next. In fact, it is often enough information to reveal the orbit of the object. An object’s orbit is the path it takes within the Solar System, often around the Sun. Near-Earth objects are asteroids or comets whose orbits take them close to the Earth. When Robert Wyrk analyzed the position and motion of A/2017 U1, what he tried to do was figure out if it was an asteroid or a comet. Asteroids are mostly made of rock, which is why they don’t have a tail when they come near the Sun. Comets, on the other hand, have lots of ice. The ice melts when they are near the Sun, releasing the gas, dust, and other material that we see as a comet’s tail. Asteroids usually come from the inner parts of the Solar System. Comets, on the other hand, usually come from further out. Upon analyzing the orbit of A/2017 U1, however, Robert Wyrk saw that

WELCOMING TRUMP

NITED States President Donald Trump is coming to the Philippines, after all, and in fact staying an extra day.

Trump’s interaction with Duterte should not be pure spectacle. There are real issues that the two leaders need to talk about. We would be, for instance, caught in the crossfire should any real weapons war begin between the US and North Korea. How can they make sure the exchange of words does not escalate into a war between hotheads? What, too, will hapHe confirmed this as he left Friday for his Asia tour—Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines, where he will pen to Filipino migrants who only dreamed of leading a more comfortable life in the US? How can we nip terror plans in the attend a regional summit of East Asian leaders—when the US bud? What are the implications of Trump’s announcement Embassy in Manila had first said he would miss it. that he would withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate The US president leaves his country at a time when his own change? Should other countries of the world make their objecWhite House is in turmoil and his campaign is being investitions to the campaign on illegal drugs known? Does Mr. Trump gated for its links to Russia. have anything to say about territory we believe is ours As if our local politics weren’t colorful enough, Trump’s visit but is denied by China? is likely to be fodder for talk here. The controversial businessAnd what of Mr. Duterte’s man-turned-president, after all, has uttered many controversial preference for the friendship of statements in the past, including those on the environment, China and Russia? Didn’t the on immigrants, and on women. President call Trump’s preTrump has also traded barbs—or bluffs—with the equally decessor nasty names—will irrepressible Kim Jong Un of North Korea. Together the two of he do the same with this them can begin a nuclear war—or an era where talk is loose current leader despite their and threats are cheap. being much alike? Meanwhile, Filipinos should see Trump’s visit for more than There are too many quesits entertainment value, however difficult that may be. He is, tions, and we hope they will after all, still the leader of an influential nation and a subbe answered satisfactorily stantial trading and political partner. We have to take note of by either or both leaders, the conversations he will share with our own leader Rodrigo beyond the usual sound Duterte. We recognize these two appear to have many things bytes of Twitter-catchy in common—rambling speech, a show of appreciation for phrases. women, and controversial if not un-presidential demeanor.

Turn to A5

ARROGANCE OR RESPECT? THE FILIPINOS’ LOVE OF PROFESSIONAL TITLES

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA—History teacher Leloy Claudio recently tackled Filipinos’ obsessions with titles in his videocast “Basagan ng Trip” for Rappler, saying that the insistence on being called “attorney” or “architect” is “arrogant.”

Claudio, who has a Ph.D, said that he looks askance at the use of titles even in academe, for instance, calling a Ph.D holder “doctor” or any university teacher “professor” regardless of whether they actually hold that rank. He prefers to address everyone as “mister” or “miss.” These two titles, he says, “are good enough.” Why? Because “it equalizes things” and puts everyone on the same level. “But they’re still respectful to each other,” he says. “Mr. and Ms. are not disrespectful.” The penchant for insisting on “trade”

and professional titles, he says, “says something about the culture we live in,” where social division and social inequality are manifested in speech. Claudio says plain “mister” and “miss” are more democratic. “We are all Filipinos.” The trip he’s breaking is kayabangan. “Huwag nating i-parade sa buong mundo kung ano ang na-achieve natin.” Some commenters on the post agreed with his view, while others opined that using titles was a sign of humility on the part of the speaker and

their respect for the other person. This is an interesting topic because we all know people whom we call by their professional titles. Some are low-key about their accomplishments while others are so proud that their attainments are carved into their desk lapidas or printed on calling cards. Claudio says such insistence is a sign of arrogance. “Brandishing,” as Claudio calls it, one’s stature elevates one at the expense of another. But is that all it is? Being called “doctor” or “architect” also establishes identity. As Claudio

observed, we call physicians “doctor” so we know who to call if someone has fainted. Titles in this case signify areas of expertise, which would be helpful information in certain contexts, conferring credibility and eliciting trust and confidence. Others use titles because they are unabashedly proud of what they have achieved. In the provinces, it is popular for families to hang signs outside their homes showing how many degree holders they have. It is outright showing off, but it can be argued that the practice Turn to A5

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ARROGANCE...

From A4

is also inspirational and aspirational. And parents do have bragging rights. Titles also help establish markers for human connection and communication. Upon meeting someone for the first time, we wish to know the basics about them so that we can “place” them in our minds. This knowledge helps us negotiate social relations. Knowing someone’s title enables us to behave accordingly toward them. Telling others your title also helps them decide how to behave toward you. This is not always a democratic thing, not always a good thing, but it is a cultural phenomenon in our country. Claudio decries this insistence upon rank. I agree with him, but until mindsets change, Filipinos find it easier to deal with others if they know where they stand socially in relation to the other, and using titles is considered part of polite social behavior. Insistence on titles is also a sign of insecurity. Being called “attorney” reassures the person that they have reached a certain degree of success through their efforts. It helps mitigates feelings of anxiety and inadequacy and boosts self-confidence. One principle of using titles is reciprocity, but it isn’t always observed. Several attorneys I know delight in being addressed as such but do not bestow the same respect on Ph.Ds, claiming the title of “doctor” belongs in the academe only. The retort to that is they should be called “attorney” only in a courtroom. Here in the US, social relations are as democratic as Claudio envisions for the Philippines. In general, bosses are called by their first name, not “sir” nor “ma’am.” There is no harping on positions. It doesn’t matter greatly whether one is managing director or a regular employee—the important thing is that you’re both working for the same company. (This does not apply to the academe, which is a world of its own.) The social divide (not the same as economic inequality) here isn’t as wide as it is in the Philippines. I don’t miss calling managers “ma’am-sir,” which smacks to me of a slave tugging the forelock. I don’t miss the bowing and scraping and calling the arrogant lawyers “attorney.” The customs and practices associated with professional titles will be hard to eradicate, but Claudio’s breaking of this particular trip is timely and relevant. It’s time to address social inequalities and find ways to level the playing field, and foster practices that bring us together rather than keep us apart. Facebook and Twitter: @ jennyortuoste

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CATCHING THE BIRD

From A4

it could neither be an asteroid nor a comet. Instead, it must have come from outside the Solar System. He quickly alerted his fellow astronomers to follow up on his observations. Soon it was confirmed that A/2017 U1 is indeed from beyond the realm of comets. It was an interstellar visitor. The decisive clue that gave away the alien origins of A/2017 U1 is its speed. When it entered the Solar System, it was flying at about 25 kilometers per second. At that speed, it can go from Manila to Davao in just one minute. An object in our Solar System can only gain such speeds if it got a gravitational push from either Jupiter or Saturn. That couldn’t have happened for A/2017 U1, however, since its path is not in line with the plane of the Solar System. Astronomers have long suspected that such objects visit our Solar System from time to time. The discovery of A/2017 U1 confirms this hypothesis. A/2017 U1 also confirms another hypothesis. According to astronomers, young star systems are chaotic places where a lot of gravitational billiards takes place. The young Solar System probably had a similarly chaotic start. This early chaos, astronomers have long thought, resulted in debris being flung out into interstellar space. A/2017 U1 is proof that such debris exist and are flying from star system to star system right now. The completely alien origin story of A/2017 U1 has astronomers eager to learn everything they can about it. With new, more powerful telescopes in the horizon, scientists are expecting to find more of these deep space visitors in the future.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017

By Brendan Smialowski STERLING, VIRGINIA, US—People flashing the middle finger at the motorcade of the US president is not uncommon. What made this particular cyclist unique was her tenacity—once the motorcade passed her, she managed to catch back up and share her feelings again. As members of the White House traveling pool, AFP photographers are always with the president. Given that we’re with one of the most powerful leaders in the world, much of our coverage is what we call protective. For example, when we take off on Air Force One, we transmit a photo of the president, just in case there is an accident and it ends up being the last one of him. When we are in the motorcade we keep our eyes open. You never know what you might see. You never know what might happen. When the motorcade is moving in regular traffic, there is more potential for trouble. I always take photos in such motorcades, just in case. Some end up being interesting or newsworthy, but most of them I don’t move. President Trump is the third president that I have covered. Gestures—be they middle fingers or thumbs-up— have been common for all of them. But people tend to be especially passionate—be it for or against—this particular president. The motorcade that we were traveling in was what we call an off-the-record motorcade, leaving the Trump National Golf Course in Virginia. It’s the most low-key, stopping at red lights and generally obeying normal traffic rules. They use lights and sirens only as needed, doing their best to keep it quiet and incognito. For regular people on the street, it can seem like you just have a bunch of really obnoxious drivers in front of

A woman on a bike gestures with her middle finger as a motorcade with US President Donald Trump departs Trump National Golf Course Oct. 28, 2017 in Sterling, Virginia. AFP

you—a wall of vehicles blocking an open road and not letting you pass. I remember one time during President George W. Bush’s time, there was one woman who kept wanting to pass and couldn’t. When the highway split, she was finally able to do so. She was furious, yelling and giving us the middle finger. But I feel it wasn’t politics, she was just frustrated at being delayed. But the woman cyclist in Virginia seemed to know exactly who was inside those vehicles. The picture that I sent is when the motorcade passed her the first time. It then blocked her way, as is normal for all traffic that it passes. So she went up on the sidewalk, caught up with us, hopped

back on the road when it was stopped at a red light and then pedaled to the front, sharing her gesture with most vehicles a second time. I continued to take pictures, because at this point I wasn’t sure if security would view her as a risk and act. What’s interesting about this administration so far is how open it has been with photographers. President Trump has a famously adversarial relationship with the press. But the access that we have had so far with him has been much better than with President Obama, who often spoke about the importance of transparency. Th e O b a m a a d m i n i s t rat i o n closed access to official photo

ops—mostly the few seconds that you have to photograph at the start of a president’s meeting with someone—very quickly in his first term. Many meetings that have been traditionally open to the press were now closed to us. You could sit at the White House all day and never see him. That administration was very controlling—it wanted one view on Obama, a view provided by their official photographer. With Trump, it’s been the reverse. Despite the president’s repeated tongue lashing of the media, his administration has opened up a lot of meetings and events to the photographers, which has allowed us to do a better job. AFP

FIGHTING THE ISLAMIC STATE By Lisa Beyer THE Islamic State stunned the world when its jihadist fighters swept through Iraq and Syria in 2014, conquering large chunks of territory. The proto-state it established in the two countries has collapsed now, with the fall of the group’s major strongholds. But completely defeating Islamic State and like-minded extremists is a larger challenge. The group has repeatedly shown that it can inspire terrorist attacks around the world without orchestrating them from a central headquarters. And jihadist groups have demonstrated a capacity to metastasize and to be reborn after past routs in Afghanistan and Iraq. The situation In November, advances by Syrian government forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, and Iraqi forces, supported by a US-led coalition, pushed the remaining Islamic State fighters into an ever smaller area along the Iraq-Syria border. The previous month, US-backed Syrian rebel fighters declared victory over Islamic State in its self-declared capital of Raqqa in Syria. The group had lost control over Mosul, its most important stronghold in Iraq, three months before that. The USled operation against Islamic State, officially engaging more than 60 nations, combines airstrikes with support for the Iraqi military forces and Syrian rebels fighting the group on the ground. Under President Donald Trump, the US has delegated more authority to its field commanders, increased airstrikes and adopted rules to

prevent Islamic State fighters from escaping battles. In a separate campaign, Russia began bombing Islamic State in 2015 in Syria, backing government forces. Even as Islamic State has lost terrain, it’s become a wider threat, launching or inspiring terrorist attacks in Europe, the US and around the Muslim world. The background The group that eventually morphed into Islamic State was established in Iraq in 2004. It was originally an affiliate of al-Qaeda, the jihadist movement whose leaders the US had driven from Afghanistan after they orchestrated the Sept. 11 attacks. The new group attracted Sunni Muslims rebelling against the occupation that followed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. When American forces toppled Saddam Hussein, the country’s Sunni minority lost the dominant role it had held in his dictatorial regime. Like al-Qaeda, which eventually disowned it, Islamic State aims to create a purified Islamic society, but its methods differ. It openly targets Muslim civilians, especially Shiites, whom it considers heretics, as well as fellow Sunnis who oppose it. Weakened in 2007 by a surge of US troops combined with an organized Sunni backlash, the group revived with the 2011 departure of coalition forces. It honed its combat skills in the Syrian civil war that began the same year. In 2014, Islamic State began conquering Iraqi and Syrian cities and declared a caliphate, a state that claims dominion over all Muslims. Using the internet to recruit,

it attracted tens of thousands of Muslims from all over the world as fighters in its cause. In the areas under its control, Islamic State has practiced systematic violence—including abduction, sexual enslavement, torture and murder. A United Nations panel concluded it was guilty of genocide against the Yazidi minority. The argument Trump’s changes to the battle plan against Islamic State have produced a blunter use of force in Iraq and Syria, for better and worse. Freeing commanders of the need for high-level approval for even tactical movements has enabled them to take better advantage of changing battlefield conditions, military officials have said. But ending the requirement—imposed by Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama—means actions are less scrutinized for their potential to harm civilians. Refusing to let jihadists retreat, US officials say, ensures foreign fighters won’t return to their home countries to commit acts of terrorism. Yet it may also endanger civilians. Under Obama, coalition officials cited the need to protect civilians—for instance when they were mixed in with retreating jihadists—when on occasion they allowed Islamic State fighters to slip away. Since Trump took office, reports of civilian deaths from coalition airstrikes in Iraq and Syria have risen significantly, beyond the increase in the strikes themselves. Trump’s approach may be achieving results faster, but critics say it is generating ill will among Muslims and breeding the next crop of jihadists. Bloomberg

MARKETS VOTE ‘YES!’ ON CANADA’S TRUDEAU By Matthew A. Winkler “LET ’S talk about Justin,” began a caustic Canadian campaign commercial supporting the Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper during the runup to the 2015 election. That would be Justin Trudeau, whose Liberals were running last in a three-way race behind a confident New Democratic Party, and who’d been battered by a Conservative Party offensive that portrayed the modestly experienced 43-year-old as a callow lightweight who was “just not ready” for national power. Two years later, we’ve learned that actually, he was. First, Trudeau surprised his country of 36 million that October by leading a Liberal Party surge that gained 148 seats in parliament, the most in any national election. Then he became the second-youngest prime minister in Canadian history on Nov. 4, and Canada has led the developed world ever since in combined economic and population growth, currency gains, stock and bond performance, and robust corporate earnings. Trudeau ran for office on a platform of tolerance for budget deficits, a campaign plank that his opponents unsuccessfully sought to exploit. Businesses, then and now, are unfazed. Investors also appear heartened by his embrace of free trade, the Paris climate agreement, immigrants and globalization as Canada outperforms the US under its “America First” President Donald Trump.

“We needed to once again say, ‘Look, we’re in a confident place, so let’s invest in our future,’” Trudeau told the Canadian television journalist Dawna Friesen after the election. Noting that his opponents were committed to balanced budgets, he declared, “I told a few people” that “we’ll look back at this as the turning point of the election campaign and it turned out to be.” It’s always better to be lucky than smart, and Trudeau’s willingness to upend political dogma coincided with rising gross domestic product and strong economic forecasts. Economists predict that Canada will be No. 1 among the Group of Eight countries this year and remains poised to be in second place in 2018 and 2019. Trudeau’s first 12 months as prime minister marked the end of five years of middling growth. Trudeau initially welcomed refugees and immigrants, and his first year as prime minister saw the population grow 1.2 percent compared to 0.7 percent for the US. “The good news is that all provinces benefited from net international immigration which was up 0.9 percent nationally” and comprised “a record 75 percent of the overall population growth rate,” said the National Bank of Canada, which considers the trend “a positive for the economy’s potential and tax base.” Trudeau’s Canada is beating global peers with superior returns, and speculation in financial instruments shows that the stellar results of the past two years aren’t likely to end soon. The

Canadian dollar has gained 8 percent since 2016, second only to the Norwegian krone among the Group of 10 countries, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. During the last 24 months of the Harper government, the Canadian dollar was the fourth worst-performing currency in the G-10. Tr u d e a u ’s a d v o c a c y o f m o r e government stimulus shows no signs of aggravating the credit markets. Deficit spending notwithstanding, traders are betting that inflation will decline to a 10-year average of 1.55 percent annually, from 2.7 percent in 2011. That’s based on the difference in yield between inflation-linked bonds and traditional debt securities. Yields on benchmark 10-year bonds, or the cost of government borrowing, show the gap between Canada and the US widening in favor of the northern neighbor. Trudeau’s government borrows money today at an interest rate that is 40 basis points cheaper than the US. That’s startling in modern times. Since 1988, Canada has paid an average of 35 basis points more than the US, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Companies are flourishing under Trudeau. In the market for the riskiest, highest-yielding corporate debt, the average borrowing cost is the most advantageous in a decade and has diminished to less than 4 percent above comparable sovereign debt from 8.7 percent in early 2016 and 14.8 percent in 2009. In the stock market, measured

in US dollars, the 250 companies in the S&P/Toronto Stock Exchange Composite Index gained 40 percent since 2016 while the benchmarks for the US and the world returned (income plus appreciation) 31 percent and 29 percent. The outlook is even brighter than the present for corporate Canada, where earnings are growing faster and investors are buying Canadian shares at a 5 percent discount to their US counterparts. That’s a turnabout from the year in which Trudeau took office; during 2015 Canadian shares lost 22 percent as the US market appreciated 15 percent and the world gained 5 percent. Canadian equities were changing hands at a premium of 13 percent to their global peers on a price-to-earnings basis, which means earnings were declining more than the stock market. Enthusiasm about the prospects of Canadian companies is reflected in revenue forecasts by Wall Street analysts, which have risen 17 percent since Trudeau took office. Comparable forecasts for US and global companies have risen 8 percent. This enthusiasm is grounded in the surfeit of earnings surprises since the last few months of 2015. That’s when the S&P/Toronto Stock Exchange Composite began a streak of 7 consecutive quarters during which companies reported results that exceeded forecasts, the best period for shareholders since 2007. All of which is to say that Canada and the world were ready for Justin Trudeau. Bloomberg

World

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SCARRED BY TRUMP, CHALLENGERS EYE 2020

ASHINGTON—One year on from Donald Trump’s shock election, United States Democrats are still struggling to heal the wounds of Hillary Clinton’s calamitous defeat and identify a champion to challenge a deeply unpopular president in 2020. For Democrats, it has been some sobering first 10 months under Donald Trump. Republicans control the White House and Congress. With Trump’s upset wins in once-liberal bastions Wisconsin and Michigan, the heartland is trending more conservative. But with Trump’s approval ratings in quicksand, frustration has also grown among divided Republicans. If presidential tumult persists

and the investigation into possible collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia gets legs, Democrats may not be the only ones eyeing a White House run. As the Democratic Party of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton struggles to return to relevance, some lawmakers see the political glass half full. The party is “more united and more energized today than it was a year ago,” Democratic Senator Chris

Coons told AFP, referring to the Hillary Clinton-Bernie Sanders divide which consumed Democrats. Nearly 1,100 days before the next presidential election, a Democratic shadow campaign is in full swing, with several hopefuls already visiting earlyvoting Iowa and New Hampshire. “There’s really no heir apparent, no figure who dominates the field,” said political science professor Chris Galdieri of Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. For Democrats seeking their political savior, another hurdle lies in the way: reclaiming lost congressional seats in next year’s mid-term elections. “What happens in 2018 is important for what happens in 2020,”

Senator Chris Van Hollen said. The potential presidential candidates stretch into the dozens. With Clinton acknowledging she is “done” being a candidate, here are the top likely contenders: Senator Bernie Sanders, the 2016 also-ran against Clinton, is still a player. He attends political rallies, debates Republicans on television, and maintains a vast grassroots army. In an October New Hampshire poll of 2020 Democratic primaries, voters put Sanders first. Popular former vice president Joe Biden, a crucial party bridge to white working-class voters, came second, and if there is a veteran Democrat waiting in the wings, it could be him. AFP

HASTY HARVEST. An Indonesian farmer harvests her chilies during the eruption of Mount Sinabung volcano in Karo, in North Sumatra on Saturday. Sinabung roared back to life in 2010 for the first time in 400 years. After another period of inactivity, it erupted once more in 2013, and has remained highly active since. AFP

NETFLIX DUMPS SPACEY, POLICE CLOSE IN TOO NEW YORK—Netflix late Friday dropped actor Kevin Spacey, whose career is in free-fall over spiraling sexual assault accusations as police gather evidence for a possible arrest warrant against Harvey Weinstein for alleged rape. The two-time Oscar winner Spacey, for years considered one of the most gifted actors of his generation, and whose collaboration with Netflix put the streaming giant on the map, has in just days gone from esteemed actor to entertainment pariah. Manila Reportedly being investigated by Standard TODAY

British police for assaulting a man in London in 2008, he has been publicly accused of attempting to rape a 15-year-old boy in New York and of making advances on a 14-year-old. Already dropped by his publicist and agent, Netflix became the latest entity to cut ties with Spacey, saying it would be involved in no further production of its hit series “House of Cards” that includes the 58-yearold. Production of the last and final season, which had been due to air in 2018, has already been suspended. The streaming service also said it

SECURITY PLANT COMPLEX (SPC) DISPOSAL COMMITTEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through its Disposal Committee, invites bidders to participate in the public auction for the sale, on an “as is, where is” basis, of the following: Item Qty Item Description No

Location

Floor Price

Auto Printing Machine (Unomatic)

BSP-QC

PhP596,000.00

Goldstamping Machine (Heidelberg) Barcode Number Printing Machine (Atlantic Zeiser)

PhP17,955,000.00

BSP-QC

PhP447,000.00

Special Double Semi-Automatic Book Pressing Machine (Zechine)

BSP-QC

PhP790,000.00

PhP288,000.00

Pressing Machine (La Fornigrafica) Double Book Pressing Machine (Zechine) Automatic Folding Machine (ShoEi 2) Perforating Laser Machine (Atlantic Zeiser) Sheet-Fed/Double Deck Offset Printing Press Machine (Komori)

BSP-QC

PhP418,000.00

BSP-QC

PhP1,206,000.00

BSP-QC

PhP10,520,000.00

BSP-QC

PhP112,244,000.00

The schedule of activities is as follows: 1. Issuance of Bid Documents Room 403, Starting date: 8 November 2017 4th Floor, Building A, BSP-SPC, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 2. Inspection of Items for Auction Date/Time: 8-10 November 2017 at 9:00 am and 1:00 p.m. 3. Opening of Bids 3/F Staff Dining Room Date/Time: 16 November 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

The BSP reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to declare the bidding a failure, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any given time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the bidders. Furthermore, the BSP reserves the right to waive any minor defect or formality and to accept the proposal most advantageous to the Bank. (SGD) ARIEL C, CHUIDIAN Chairperson 25 October 2017 ( M S - N O V. 3 , 4 & 5 , 2 017 )

was abandoning the release of an upcoming film “Gore” that had also starred the actor, whose glittering career is now collapsing around him. “Netflix will not be involved with any further production of ‘House of Cards’ that includes Kevin Spacey,” a spokesperson said. The channel said it would work with the show’s production company, MRC, “to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show.” Eight current or former employees on the award-winning “House of Cards” told CNN that Spacey turned the set

IN BRIEF RUSSIA RESPONDS TO CANADIAN SANCTIONS MOSCOW—Russia has reacted to Canada’s imposing sanctions on 30 Russian officials linked to human rights violations by announcing “mirror-image” measures. Canada on Friday banned and froze assets of 30 Russians linked to the case of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in prison after exposing a $230-million tax fraud. “We have to respond with mirrorimage (sanctions),” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement late Friday. “If our Canadian partners like playing sanctions games, we will be forced to respond,” Moscow said. The ministry announced it had decided to “bar entry to Russia to a whole number of Canadian figures,” adding that this affected “dozens.” It did not give any names but specified that those targeted are “Russophobic Canadian citizens who have consistently worked to destroy bilateral relations.” AFP

US LAWMAKERS EYE SANCTIONS ON MYANMAR MILITARY WASHINGTON—American lawmakers proposed sanctions Friday against Myanmar’s military, in some of the strongest efforts yet by Washington to pressure the Southeast Asian nation to end abusive treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority. House Republicans and Democrats introduced legislation that would curtail assistance or cooperation with Myanmar’s military and require the White House to identify senior military officials who would have US visa bans imposed or reimposed against them. A bipartisan group in the Senate, including Senate Armed Services Committee chairman John McCain, introduced their bill Thursday. It calls for renewal of import and trade restrictions on Myanmar, including re-imposing a ban on jade and rubies from the country also known as Burma. “Our legislation would hold accountable the senior military officials responsible for the slaughter and displacement of innocent men, women and children in Burma, and make clear that the United States will not stand for these atrocities,” McCain said in a statement. AFP

VENEZUELA CALLS CREDITOR MEETING AMID DEFAULT FEARS

CARACAS, Venezuela—Venezuela on Friday called foreign creditors to a November 13 meeting in Caracas into a “toxic” environment through aiming to restructure its estimated a pattern of sexual harassment of $150 billion debt, as credit-rating younger, male crew members. agencies dealt the crisis-stricken country another blow with double In London, police said that they downgrades. had opened an investigation into an Standard & Poor’s cut the nation’s allegation of sexual assault. Officers long-term foreign currency rating to do not publicly identify the subject “CC” from “CCC-” over growing conof an inquiry unless they are charged, cerns of the risk of a debt default in but British media said it was Spacey. the oil-producing country, while felSince the allegations first surfaced low agency Fitch cut the long-term Sunday, Spacey has made no debt rating to “C” from “CC.” comment other than declaring he The increasingly dire warnings was “beyond horrified” by the first followed President Nicolas Maduro’s YELLOW BLACK calls to “investors across the whole allegation dating back 31 years, which CYAN MAGENTA world and to holders of Venezuelan he claimed not to remember. AFP debt” to attend a Caracas meeting November 13 “to start a process to refinance and renegotiate the external debt.” AFP

SPAIN’S MOST WANTED, CATALAN LEADER, FLEES BARCELONA—Catalonia’s deposed leader Carles Puigdemont, who has fled to Belgium and is facing a European Union arrest warrant, has been a convinced secessionist since his youth, long before the issue moved to the center of Catalan politics. Spanish prosecutors want to charge Puigdemont, with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds over his role in the region’s tumultuous independence drive. The 54-year-old has ignored a summons to appear in Madrid. The former journalist had called for a plebiscite since he became president of Catalonia in January 2016, after an election in which separatists won a majority in the regional parliament for the first time. His staging of a Catalan independence referendum on October 1, despite a court ban, has triggered Spain’s worst political crisis in decades. Spanish police tried and failed to stop it, in some cases firing rubber bullets. An independence declaration by the Catalan parliament followed one week ago. Spain’s government responded by dismissing Puigdemont’s government, imposing direct rule and calling fresh elections in Catalonia on December 21. “I was elected. What is the purpose of (new) elections?” Puigdemont said, accusing Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of “illegally” dissolving the Catalan parliament. A virtual unknown when became president of the northeastern Spanish region of 7.5 million people, Puigdemont, who combs his hair in a shaggy Beatlesstyle mop, has become the main enemy of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s conservative government. AFP

ATTENTIVE. A police officer and

her police dog stand to attention at the Metropolitan Police Service Passing Out Parade to mark the graduation of 182 new recruits from the Metropolitan Police Academy, at Hendon, northwest London on Friday. AFP

Sports

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 reuelvidal@yahoo.com

Jomary Torres listens intently as her coach Rene Catalan gives instructions from outside the ONE Championship cage. ONE Championship

TORRES SURVIVES FILIPINO MASSACRE Aung La N Sang (right) raises both hands in triumph after being declared winner over Alain Ngalani during their open weight bout. ONE Championship

COUNTRYMEN INSPIRE N SANG TO VICTORY

By Reuel Vidal

ANGON, Myanmar —“In city life, if you’re weak then you’ll be among the fallen.” Every man and woman, who jammed every available space at the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium here, sang those words in Burmese drowning out Aung La N Sang’s entrance song (A Mae Lite A Ka by Lay Phyu) for his fight against Alain Ngalani at ONE: Hero’s dream last Friday evening. The anthem for all Burmese seeking to succeed in life in the rapidly urbanizing Myanmar landscape resonates as well with N Sang, the ONE Middleweight World Champion, who submitted heavyweight Alain Ngalani by guillotine in the first round of their open weight bout. “This is amazing. Thank you Myanmar, I love you,” said N Sang trying to be heard over the deafening cheer and applause of the audience. “I do this because I love you guys. If Alain and I can be friends afterwards, then every tribe, every brother and sister in Myanmar can be friends. I love you guys.” N Sang executed his game plan to perfection. Looking to avoid the heavier

Aung La N Sang (left) tightens his hold on Alain Ngalani to submit the latter by guillotine during their ONE Championship match in Myanmar. ONE Championship

Ngalani’s powerful strikes N Sang wrestled Ngalani to the ground but failed to mount him. The many-time Muay Thai world champion took the bait and relied on his strength to mount N Sang instead. But Ngalani, stymied by N Sang’s effective defensive posture, could not find enough room to land effective ground and pound. Late in the round N Sang found his opening, wrapped his right arm around Ngalani’s neck and

submitted him with a guillotine choke hold. In the co-main event of the evening, Burmese MMA heroes Phoe Thaw and Saw Ba Oo fought in a bruising, back-and-forth match that could have gone either way. One fighter seemed to be winning one minute only to find the other fighter gaining the upper hand just a minute later. Thaw won the bout by the slimmest of margins as he prevailed by split decision. In another match, Myanmar’s homegrown fly-

weight fighter Ye Thway Ne prevailed over countryman Saw Thar Nge. The two warriors rushed forward as soon as the bell rang and traded knockout punches at the center of the cage. Ye Thway Ne clipped his opponent with a wild left hook to end the bout in the very first round. Myanmar athletes and former lethwei stars Saw Darwait and Sit Mhan fought in another match. Darwait relied on his grappling skills to prevail. He grabbed his opponent from behind, latched on a rear naked choke to win by tap out just 41 seconds into the match. “Supermom” Miao Jie of China lived up to her moniker by submitting debuting Australian Amira Hafizovic in the first round of their strawweight showdown.

Aung La N Sang approaches the cage inside Thuwunna Indoor Stadium for his bout against Alain Ngalani. ONE Championship

YANGON, Myanmar—Good thing Jomary Torres won over Nita Dea by unanimous decision at ONE: Hero’s Dream held at Thuwunna Indoor Stadium here last Friday evening. Because three other Filipino MMA fighters—Eugene Toquero, Jeremy Miado and Burn Soriano—all lost their matches. In their three-round atomweight contest Torres doggedly stuck to her game plan, lunging forward to take down her opponent. From a half mount Torres struck at Dea through ground and pound. Though unable to inflict significant damage her aggressiveness and numerous takedowns were enough to give Torres the unanimous decision victory. Three other Filipino fighters were not so lucky. Muay Thai specialist Toquero could not withstand the persistent takedown attempts of China’s “The Southern Eagle” Ma Hao Bin. With seconds to go in the first round Ma caught Toquero in an arm bar forcing the Filipino to tap out. Meanwhile, Miado and Soriano both gassed out in their fights. Pongsiri Mitsatit of Thailand traded long distance strikes against Miado. The Marikina resident Miado tried to negate his opponent’s striking by taking the fight to the ground. This proved costly as Miado tired and lost by verbal tap out in the second round. Soriano’s loss was the most bitter. “Rock Man” Chen Lei of China took early control of the match through his powerful strikes. Soriano countered by grabbing Chen and flinging him to the ground. The two grappled on the ground. Soriano eventually locked in an arm bar and was on the verge of forcing a submission when Chen was saved by the bell. In the second the two traded strikes at the center of the cage early in the round. Later in the round Chen pushed the tired Soriano into the mat, mounted him and stopped the Filipino with ground and pound. Reuel Vidal

EAGLES RFC SOAR OVER CLARK JETS IN 2017 GLOBE 7S RUGBY FINALS

Jovan Reyes Masalunga of Clark Jets (left) tackles Masayuki Sekiguchi of the Eagles.

THESE Eagles fly high. The Eagles Rugby Football Club (RFC) finished the 2017 Globe 7s League undefeated, beating Subic Sharks 45-0 and Makati Chiefs 24-19 in the Premiership preliminary finals before taking out the Clark Jets 43-0 in the Premiership Cup final for the second year in a row. The Eagles proved to be a class above the rest, conceding only 70 points throughout entire competition. On finals day, the Eagles outplayed the Subic Sharks and Clark Jets and never allowed either team to get into the game. In the Premiership semifinal however, the Eagles were shaken by the Makati Chiefs and were nearly upset, after being down on the scoreboard 19-17 in the final play of the game.

But with a last roll of the dice, the Eagles were able to regain composure and steal the match by scoring a converted try underneath the posts by Francis Tagalia in the dying seconds of the match. The rest of Eagles RFC cleaned up the remainder of the competition. The Loros took out the Challenger title, while the Ibons shut out Albay Vulcans 35-0 to win the Championship division. But it was the Lady Eagles that stole the show beating Santos Knight Frank Lady Mavericks and Makati Lady Chiefs in the Women’s Premiership respectively. The semifinal was won by the Lady Eagles in extra time with a golden point try over the Lady Mavericks. The Lady Eagles then had to overcome tournament favorites, the Makati Lady Chiefs.

Another very close encounter, a conversion kick from Lady Volcano, Katrina Marie Perez Andrews separated the two teams. Andrews converted the try scored by her fellow Philippine Volcano Helena Roxanne Indigne, giving Lady Eagles the win and the Women’s Premiership Cup title. “A fantastic finale to a domestic competition. Some close games and some upsets, that’s the nature of the sport. It’s brilliant to see more homegrown players excelling in the sport and competing with our national team players” said Jovan Masalunga of Philippine Rugby. With the domestic sevens season drawing to an end, local teams are now preparing for the annual 2017 Cebu 10s on November 11 to be held at Cebu International School.

Sports

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor / Reuel Vidal, Issue Editor / Randy Caluag, Issue Editor

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

ONE LAST TIME WITH BEAUTIFUL BOHOL By Randy Caluag

the vast, blue waters that serve as beautiful backdrop for the race. “I’m looking forward to going out there and racing hard at the beautiful location.” Reed admitted that his chances have dimmed a bit with him getting slower as he ages. Add to the fact that “I haven’t raced (short distances) in two, three years.” I’m not really sure, I might get a little slower as I’ve gotten older.” Bellevue Resort’s general manager Rommel Gonzales said he personally wants to retain the 5150 with Bohol, especially now that the organizing Sunrise event has introduced the Sunrise Sprint, a short distance race series and a sub-category of The Bellevue 5i50 featuring a 750m swim, a 20k bike and a 5k run also for the second time in Bohol. Hundreds of local tourists and enthusiasts have signed up for the event in preparation for the full triathlon in the future. “We have added Sunrise sprints for 15 years old and above triathletes. It’s for the young ones and those who have not done triathlon for a long time want to gain back their confidence,” said Princes Galura, general manager of Sunrise Events Inc. It’s the second time that the Sunrise sprint is being implemented here. Celebrities Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca, along with top Cebuanos Jorry Ycong, Paul Jumami, Emmanuel Commendator, and Benedicto Edward Macalalad are seing action. The Bellevue 5i50 also caps SEI’s triathlon calendar for the year that included the Alaska IronKids series, Xterra Danao, Ironman 70.3 Subic and Regent 5150 Subic.

LL the top foreign pros competing in the 2017 Bellevue 5150 elite triathlon have nothing but praises for the province of Bohol. Beautiful, welcoming, exotic, friendly, scenic and breathtaking. These were the top-of-mind adjectives that they came out with when asked to describe Bohol in one word. At the center of its splendor is the pristine Panglao Island which boasts not only of its natural wonders and sceneries but also its artistic, cultural and historical treasures. For fourth straight year, Bellevue Resort in Panglao Island is hosting the international swim-bike-run event that attracted some of the elite triathletes in the world. One of those smitten with Panglao’s splendor is Australian DimityLee Duke who is making her third visit for the 2017 edition of the Bellevue Resort 5150, as she sees action in the elite 1.5k swim, 40k bike an and 10k run championship event that fires off today here. Duke, who placed second behind Amelia Watkinson of New Zealand in last year’s edition, wants to make sure she finally takes the plum against other crack competitors on a course that has the entire field wrapped in excitement for its breathtaking landscape. “I’m looking forward to racing in such an iconic location showcasing what the Philippines has to offer,” said Duke of the world-class resort. Panglao Island has also become a haven for weekend travelers and city folk looking for rest and relaxation. “It’s a boutique location with a beautiful beach and a wonderful local community, making it a highlight in my racing calendar,” added Duke, who is fresh from winning the Regent 5150 in Subic recently. Watkinson won’t be around to defend her title so expect Duke to duke it out in a three-way battle in the women’s division with compatriot Kerry Morris, who left his engineering career six month ago to go full time into triathlon, and American Laurel Wassner. Morris said Bohol’s green sceneries have captivated her. It’s unfortunate that she’s seeing it for the last time. And today (Sunday), she has to do is focus herself on the competition. “Engineering is like very long

Tim Reed of Australia poses big challenge to Sam Betten’s title-retention bid

hours, very hard work. It’s too hard to juggle them both so it thought I’d go 100 percent triathlon for now and go back to engineering late.” Wassner, a professional photographer, blogger and a cancer survivor, is also expected to provide stiff competition as she is coming off with back-to-back victories in the recent Ironman Taiwan and the Israman Iron Distance Triathlon. Defending men’s champion, Sam Betten, also from Australia, is also just as excited to come back and retain his crown. “Bohol is a dream destination and I have enjoyed coming to the event the last two years and am very excited to be back for the third time,” he said. “I really believe Bohol is a perfect destination for triathletes and holiday travelers alike. It is a great feeling

The foreign pros competing in the Bellevue 5150 Triathlon

The aerial shot of the scenic Bellevue beach in Panglao

to have the opportunity to return to this stunning location every year.” This is the 4th consecutive year that the Bohol plays host to the 5150 race that attracted nearly 500 triathletes, 87 of them competing in the elite category. Bellevue is title sponsor for second straight year. Betten faces tough opposition from compatriot Teem Reed, who is participating for the first time. Reed prides himself with illustrious profile and familiarity of the Philippines. He dominated the Cebu Ironman Triathlon for the last three years. He is coming off successive runner-up finishes in the tough IRONMAN Rcie and Coeur d Alene. But what makes Betten more confident is that he’s more suitable to short races than long-distance events like half and full ironman. Still, what excite him is the lush greeneries and

The event is presented by the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines and backed by venue hosts Province of Bohol and The Bellevue Resort, bike and run course partner Municipality of Panglao, bike course partner Municipality of Dauis, official courier and logistics partner 2GO Express, official hydration partners Powerade and Wilkins Pure, official swim cap Tyr, official hotel Bellevue Resort, official registration partner Active Network. Other sponsors are David’s Salon, Gu, Intercare and Pioneer, while The Philippine Star, Trilife, Asiatri.com and Finisherpix are media partners, Alcoplus, Bohol Bee Farm, Cetaphil, Daylong, Devant, Regent Sanicare, Ssangyong, Storck and Timex are the marketing partners. Subic plays host to the 5150 next year.

CAPADOCIA, OTICO, TOP PPS PINTAFLORES OPEN NETFEST BRYAN Otico and Marian Capadocia came away with a pair of stunning victories over their respective fancied rivals to share top honors in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Pintaflores Open Tennis Championship at the Sacata Tennis Club in Negros Occidental recently. But while the third ranked Capadocia pulled off an imposing 6-3, 6-1 romp over the second seeded Khim Iglupas to claim the women’s crown, the 18-year-old Otico rallied from a set down and a 3-5 deficit in the second set to repel No. 2 PJ Tierro, 6-7(1), 7-5, 6-3, for the men’s diadem in the event which served as part of the host city’s Pintaflores Festival celebrations and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and Slazenger. “It inspires us to see a new set of Open winners here. While Capadocia has the talent and skills to slug it out with the best, Otico proved he’s up to the task, never giving up even against a veteran rival,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. The unranked Otico earlier eased out No. 3 Fritz Verdad, 6-1, 6-2, in the quarterfinals then scored a 1-6, 6-2 (ret.) win over top seed Jeson Patrombon but lost steam against Tierro in the tiebreaker of the first set after trading serves with the veteran Davis Cupper in the first 12 games. Tierro appeared headed to sweeping his younger rival when he stormed to 4-2, 5-3 leads in the second frame but the latter fought back and took five of the next six games, including four straight to force a decider. Sustaining his form, Otico held serve then broke Tierro in the second game and held serve again to go 3-1. He hung tough the rest of the way by holding serve to frustrate Tierro and snatch the coveted crown worth P30,000 purse. Capadocia trailed Iglupas, 2-3, in the first set but rallied strong and swept the last four games. She broke the Iligan City ace twice in the second then went on to complete the surprise rout and pocket P20,000. Capadocia earlier teamed up with Patrombon to outlast Vicente Anasta and Shaira Rivera, 7-6(4), 4-6, 10-6, and clinch the mixed doubles title in the event hosted by Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr. and the local government units of San Carlos City and sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines headed by OIC Criston Carmona and backed by Vice Mayor Rene Gustilo, Julio Ledesma IV and Vice Gov. Bong Lacson.

PNG RESET TO APRIL NEXT YEAR PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez recently announced during a press conference that the Philippine National Games set in Cebu City this December will be rescheduled for next year. Ramirez confirmed the change after the last coordination meeting with the local government unit last week. “We are tentatively scheduling it on April 15 to 21, 2018. It will still be held in Cebu.” The moving of the event was permitted “to make the necessary administration to ensure an efficiently run PNG,” said Ramirez.

The PSC chairman also said they are putting into consideration the concern of the Department of Education that classes in Cebu will be hampered because the schools will be used for billeting by visiting participants from different provinces. “We understand that and we don’t want to be of burden.” PSC Commissioner Arnold Agustin, who was also in attendance, also announced that the Philippine Para National Games will likewise be moved in April next year. Meanwhile the Visayas leg of the Batang Pinoy, a

multi-event competition for 15-years-old and below, will go on as scheduled in Dumaguete this November. The Batang Pinoy Luzon, headed by Alona Quintos, was successfully hosted by Vigan City in Ilocos Sur with provinces like Taguig City, Baguio and Laguna getting the bulk of the gold medals. There is no venue yet for the Mindanao leg as well as the national championship expected to be slated next year. Meanwhile, PSC Executive Director Atty. Sannah Frivaldo talked about the efforts being done by the PSC like the con-

struction of new mess halls for the national team, both in Manila and Pasig. There are also plans to help refurbish sports venues in nearby provinces like Clark in Pampanga and Bulacan to get them ready for the hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Frivaldo is confident that construction will start “definitely for this year.” With these developments, Ramirez expressed his hope that the coming improvement in sports facilities and equipment will be reciprocated with “better performance from our athletes in the 2019 SEA Games.”

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez (4th from left) makes the announcement with PSC officials, Alona Quintos, Rachel Dumuk, commissioner Arnold Agustin and executive director Sannah Frivaldo.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net

BGC DEVELOPS OFFICE SPACE FOR MILLENNIALS

From left: Storm head of sales and growth Cindy Burdette, founder and chief executive Peter Cauton and chief operating officer Kellda Centeno.

HR COMPANY REPRESENTS PH IN WORLD CUP OF STARTUPS

Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. assistant manager for business development Christine Novera

By Othel V. Campos

ROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. has expanded its shared office network, when it teamed up with Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. to launch Clock-In at the High Street, the first coworking space at Bonifacio High Street.

Coworking or shared office involves a shared working environment that provides entrepreneurs, startups and millennial freelancers an opportunity to grow their business without spending too much on office rent in a commercial business district. Tenants get a premium business address, small offices or even desks and meeting rooms for a fraction of the usual rent. Located at the 3nd level of C2 Building at Bonifacio High Street Central, the 1,400-squaremeter Clock-In at the High Street is positioned as the “Start-Up Hub” in Bonifacio Global City. “We’re the first to set-up co-working space along Bonifacio High Street. We’ve toured a lot of start-ups in this location. When it comes to BGC, there are a lot of co-working areas, but this [Clock-In] is a space where start-up companies are very much welcome. We’re giving this space especially to SMEs and startups that cannot afford yet to have their own private space,” said FBDC assistant manager for business development Christine Novera. FBDC is the master planner and a member of BGC. It operates buildings, headquarters and retail establishments in the area such as the 1-kilometer Bonifacio High Street. “We are diversifying our portfolio and answering the call of the underserved market which are more of the SMEs and the startups who cannot really get into the game of getting one whole floor from our usual leasing operations,” Novera said. FBDC is also the developer of Square One, another co-working space that caters to an upperscale market such as the likes of Zalora and other multinational firms. It has merged Ayala’s Clock-In and its own brand to create a new niche of coworking space specifically for small businesses. In combining both brands, FBDC noted that the wider the network is, the more efficient and more impactful the solutions are. “And that is also one of the reasons why we partnered with Ayala because the Clock-In brand is actually expanding into a wider network

Bonifacio High Street, the home of Clock-In at the High Street

Clock-In at the High Street office suite

as well as Square One, and BGC wants to tap into that network so that we can offer more impactful solutions,” Novera said. Clock-In High Street is the biggest so far with about 1,400 square meters of combined work stations, small offices, meeting rooms, individual desks and adaptable open spaces for ambulant and longterm clients. It can accommodate as many as 300 individuals at any given time. The first Clock-In site opened in March 2017 at the penthouse of the Makati Stock Exchange and it was followed by a second site at Bonifacio Technology Center. “Partnering with FBDC gives so much more value to our members or future tenants, to give them the benefit of passport access to BGC and Makati and to all our other Clock-In locations in the future. We started our first co-work space in Bonifacio and the main market there would be the start-ups and then we’re thinking BGC and High Street is where everything happens and we want to be in there so that’s the main reason why we wanted to be here in High Street,” said Ayala Land head of project development Patricia Gail Samaniego. “We really wanted to embrace the passionate minds of the creative types as you can see around this area,” said Samaniego. Ayala Land is looking forward to developing a homegrown co-working brand, bringing the country’s SMEs into the fold of more popular brands. “We want to be the industry leader and that will be the long-term vision of the brand. Though we know it will not happen over time, when we were deciding this business model, we looked up to established co-working brands and we looked at what the local start-ups would be. We feel even the start-ups, the free lancers, the small companies deserve an equally primed space as much as the bigger corporations

deserve a prime address,” Samaniego said. In 2018, the brand is rolling out another three Clock-In sites in the Makati CBD, Ortigas CBD and Vertis North in Quezon City. “We’re more playful because we basically adapt to what is the character of this place. For example High Street is more playful, fun.We adopt that vibe. When it comes to Makati Stock Exchange, it’s more corporate.The co-working spaces should jive with the character of the place. That’s how we design the places,” Samaniego said. Clock-In is an all-Filipino venture in coworking space. The Ayala-owned brand is open to partnership with other brands in the co-working space, the same principle it applied to having FBDC on board for the High Street site. The partnership with ALI for Clock-In High Street is an attempt to widen FBDC’s network of co-working spaces as demand for the service is expected to grow dramatically over the next few years. “One of the things that set us apart from the other co-working space is that we know we have very nice event venues. It’s one of the things that we learned in operating the first clock in site in BGC at the Bonifacio Tech. There were a lot of takers when if comes to event venues.They wanted a space of their own for their company workshops, events, product launches. They wanted a more playful space. There are a lot of events here in BGC but there’s nothing like the first Clock-In at Bonifacio Tech,” Samaniego said. Clients who rent offices at Clock-in in High Street enjoy extra perks like free meeting room and hot desk every month. They also get a Clock-in passport, a members-only perk that entitles them to 10 free hot desk passes per month to the Bonifacio Technology Center and Makati Stock Exchange branches. Clients are also treated to exclusive sessions of “LifeHacks by Clock-In,” a TED Talks-like learning session where industry experts share powerful and inspiring ideas on business, tech, creativity and related topics. As more co-working brands populate Metro Manila, both Ayala Land and FBDC recognize the need to innovate as the competition shifts to high-gear and clients become more demanding.

BENEFITS technology company Storm Technologies will represent the Philippines in the Startup World Cup 2018 after winning in a regional competition at Slingshot Asean: Startup and Innovation Summit. The event was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry. Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition that convenes top venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and world-class tech CEOs. Organized by Fenox Venture Capital, the global competition will be held in May 2018 in San Francisco, California. Storm will go up against more than 20 other startups worldwide for a chance to win an investment worth $1 million. “We are proud to represent the Philippines in the international arena. Our country’s competitive startup ecosystem exhibits strong potential, attracting foreign investors,” says Cindy Burdette, Storm head of sales and growth. “This victory also allows us to showcase our mission to the world—to nurture happier and more productive employees via innovative benefits solutions.” Storm competed with 10 other local startups from industries such as financial technology and healthcare. In their pitch, the firm highlighted how technology can be used to create more innovative solutions in the workplace, particularly toward employee benefits delivery and utilization. Storm helps organizations provide competitive benefits and incentives strategies through its patented platforms. Storm Flex allows employees to convert traditional benefits into points, which they can use to buy items in the firm’s exclusive and curated online marketplace. This allows employees to trade in underutilized company benefits for something more relevant, depending on what they want or need. On the other hand, Storm Kudos lets companies reward and recognize their employees with points, which they can also use in Storm’s marketplace. “This recognition represents the hard work of all Stormers. As a Christ-centered firm, we lift up this blessing to God. We are extremely excited to compete and represent the country in Silicon Valley next year,” says Burdette. The HR tech firm now serves over 100,000 employees from top companies across diverse industries, including business process outsourcing, insurance, consumer goods and manufacturing. In 2014, Storm received its first round of funding when Xurpas Inc., the largest publicly-listed consumer technology company in Southeast Asia, invested $4.5 million in the firm.

JUICE BRAND PROMOTES FILIPINO FLAVORS LOCALLY, the first quirky Filipino juice line, promotes Filipino flavors. The brand has recently launched two more variants of the Locally Merci Buco coconut water line: Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee— flavors that appeal to the sweet tooth of Filipino coconut lovers. Buco Pandan is an all-time favorite Filipino chilled salad that inspired the making of Locally’s Merci Buco Pandan drink, coco juice that is laced with the essence and aroma of pandan leaves. Buco Lychee, on the other hand, is traditional buko salad made more luscious with lychee and coconut jelly or nata de coco. As Locally Merci Buco’s other new concoction, Buco Lychee is simply coconut water made

Locally’s Merci Buco coco water is available in original, buco pandan and lychee flavors.

sweeter and more refreshing by the pure and organic coconut water sourced and organically grown at exotic goodness of lychee. Locally Merci Buco is made from farms in Bicol and Quezon, assuring

consumers not only of 100 percent freshness from the best-tasting natural coco water but also of its numerous health benefits. It has low calorie content (40 calories per serving), with no sugar added (for plain coco water) and has no fat and cholesterol. It is gluten-free as it is not made from concentrates and is non-GMO. Both variants have the natural properties of coconut water such as antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Locally Merci Buco is also the first local coconut water that has been certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

1 and EcoCert2. This means that the flavored drinks are healthy and safe to drink. Available in 330 ML and 1 liter eco-friendly, recyclable tetra packs, Locally’s Merci Buco is sold at Rustan’s and select PureGold and Robinsons supermarkets—and exported to the US and the Middle East. Locally is the first quirky Filipino juice line that uses home-grown fruits. The brand mirrors the unique and fun characteristics of Filipinos with its catchy word puns, namely: Mangosteenie Miney Mo, Tamarind My Bell, Dalandan It Again, Guyabano-body but You, Calamansi’z the Day, Pomelong & Lasting Love and Save the Best for Sineguelast.

Business

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 business@manilastandard.net

Pico de Loro Cove is Hamilo Coast’s maiden development.

HAMILO COAST GETS GLOBAL CERTIFICATION SM’s premier beach resort development in Nasugbu, Batangas has once again received the Bronze Benchmark Status from EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry. This status recognizes Hamilo Coast’s environmental impact through its commitment in achieving sustainable operations based on global standards. Hamilo Coast received its first certification of a Bronze Benchmark status from EarthCheck in 2015. Its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove’s design and architecture of key structures show attention to energy efficiency, use of renewable energy and proper waste management. “Sustainability has always been at the forefront of Hamilo Coast’s vision of providing premier beach resort living in the country and what better way to realize this vision than being recognized with such milestone that further intensify our unfailing commitment to flourishing a sustainable beach resort community,” said Shirley Ong, executive vice president for Hamilo Coast. Together with WWF Philippines, coastal and terrestrial resources are also managed to protect and nurture biodiversity. Ongoing projects include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring. Marine sanctuaries have also been created such as that located in Santelmo Cove where giant clams are being cultivated. Such initiatives are also intended to benefit neighboring communities. It is of paramount consideration to Hamilo Coast to enhance not only the areas where they live, but their sources of livelihood as well. And with the assistance of the SM Foundation, community members are involved, motivated, and educated to be prime movers themselves of these sustainability efforts. EarthCheck chief executive Steward Moore said that Hamilo Coast has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability. “I would like to congratulate the whole team on their achievement. Hamilo Coast is an advocate of sustainable tourism who dares to make a difference,” Moore said.

TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK SPURS DEMAND FOR DORMITORY

EXXON ALLOTS BILLIONS TO TURN ALGAE INTO FUEL

NE of the world’s biggest oil companies is pumping more than $1 billion a year into alternative forms of energy from algae engineered to bloom into biofuels and cells that turn emissions into electricity.

The funds from Exxon Mobil Corp. are for more than a hundred of research projects on environmentally-friendly technologies in five to 10 key areas, according to vice president of research and development Vijay Swarup. While any commercial breakthrough is at least a decade away, Exxon’s support for clean energy suggests the world’s most valuable publicly-traded oil company is looking toward the possibility of a future where fossil fuels are less dominant. “These areas are massively challenging, and if we can solve those, they will have huge impacts on our business,” said Swarup in a phone interview. “We bring more than money. We bring the science, the commitment to research.” While Exxon has discussed some of its work before and runs advertisements about its work in algae, the remarks from Swarup are the first indication of the breadth of the oil company’s interests in alternative energies. Exxon joins a growing list of oil majors hedging against the wider adoption of renewables, which could displace some 8 million barrels of crude demand a day, according to Bloomberg New

Energy Finance. Some companies, like France’s Total SA, have made acquisitions to enter the business. Others, like Royal Dutch Shell Plc, are using experiences from running offshore rigs to develop wind farms in the North Sea. Big oil investing billions in clean energy Based in Irving, Texas, Exxon said its approach is different because it’s focusing on science, Swarup said. It has joined with about 80 universities and is collaborating with smaller companies on research. Projects it ’s work ing on include algae biofuels. Exxon is planning to harvest algae in ponds or oceans around the world and process it into a biofuel for regional distribution. Swarup expects that it will first be blended with diesel and jet fuel, but the goal is to eventually sell a 100 percent algae-derived fuel. It is also working on biodiesel made from agricultural waste. The company is working with Renewable Energy Group Inc. to use microbes to convert inedible crop residue like corn husks into biofuels. The two companies began their collaboration in 2016 and recently extended their joint research program. Exxon is also developing carbonate fuel cells. Most fuel cells generate electricity by reacting chemically with natural gas or hydrogen. These ones use carbon dioxide. Exxon and FuelCell Energy Inc. are researching how the devices can be used in carbon capture and storage and to generate electricity at the same time. It’s building a pilot plant within a few months and is working on the engineering of the facility now.

Process intensification Exxon is working with Georgia Institute of Technology to develop a more efficient way of refining crude oil into plastic. It involves using a membrane and osmosis rather than heat. Exxon is targeting carbon dioxide emission reductions by as much as half with the process. “We are still 10 plus years away” for both the algae biofuels and carbonate fuel cells to be deployed at scale, according to Swarup, who said the company’s been focusing research on algae for eight years. Swarup’s biggest priority is finding and developing projects that can be scaled to Exxon’s global reach. The company operates on six continents and had revenues of $198 billion last year, bigger than the combined economies of Qatar and Kuwait, two members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. “ The common denominator when we’re looking at from a research standpoint is that we understand our role as a corporation and that is scalable solutions,” Swarup said. “Oil and gas companies tend to consider other elements of an investment beyond just the short-term revenue potential,” said Rick Wheatley, executive vice president of new growth at Xynteo Ltd., a consultancy that advises Shell, Statoil ASA and Eni SpA on sustainability and longterm planning. “They may be more likely to see technologies as pieces that can be combined into larger products or solutions and therefore have higher tolerance for early stage and experimental ideas.” Bloomberg

UP STUDENTS WIN DATA SCIENCE COMPETITION F O L LO W I N G the completion of the Asean Data Science Explorers Philippines national finals, six university students received the top three awards for their insights and ideas on driving a sustainable future for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The six students, who represented three teams comprising two students each, were among the top 10 teams who were selected to pitch their ideas in the national finals held at SAP Philippines office in Taguig City. The competition, which was coorganized by the Asean Foundation and multinational software company SAP, aims to promote awareness and appreciation of the Asean community among young people through digital literacy. Students who registered for the program were given access to Asean data as well as SAP Analytics Cloud platform, which allowed them to better analyze the data and derive meaningful insights. The initiative encourages participants to deliver data-driven insights which highlight issues in Asean across six United Nation Sustainable Development Goals, namely (1) good health and well-being, (2) quality education, (3) gender equality, (4) clean water and sanitation, (5) decent

Students from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Malayan Colleges Laguna and Mapua University School of Information Technology receive the top three awards in the national finals of the Asean Data Science Explorers competition held at SAP Philippines office in Taguig City. With them are guest panelists/judges led by Carlos Mayorico Caliwara of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Mark Rivera of the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association, Dr. Josefe Santarita of University of the Philippines and Reynaldo Parangas of SAP Philippines.

work and economic growth, and (6) sustainable cities and communities. “This is the inaugural year in which we are conducting this competition, in partnership with SAP, and we are pleased to see high rates of registrations

and submissions of ideas from students in Philippines. Following a stringent judging process, both the Asean Foundation and SAP selected the top 10 teams from the Philippines to present at the national finals held today.

Many of the ideas proposed to us today were interesting and insightful, and I hope that these youths will continue to develop their passion and ideas to drive the ASEAN Community towards a sustainable future together,” said Elaine

Tan, the executive director of the Asean Foundation. Team “VizziePeople,” comprising students Miguelito Tolipas and Alexis Glenn Espina from University of the Philippines College of Business Administration in Diliman, bagged the national finals champions title for the Philippines. Team “VizziePeople” will represent the Philippines in the Asean Data Science Explorers Regional Face-Off in Jakarta on Nov. 23, where they will compete with the national winners from nine other Asean member states. Meanwhile, Team “Neophyte,” composed of Laurenth Krishtel Roxas and Adelyn Labine from Malayan Colleges in Laguna; and Team “D’ Papis” composed of Jay Mark Butalon and Tristan Gabriel Bal from Mapua School of Information Technology came in second and third, respectively. “Our presentation focused on the development of sustainable cities and communities. We decided to delve on this topic because we believe that there is still so much to be done to achieve it. Getting the necessary insights on how we can help make cities more sustainable is vital not just for the Philippines, but for all of Asean,” said Miguel Tolipas of Team “VizziePeople”.

Gadgets & Games

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

OTTERBOX, LIFEPROOF LAUNCH LINEUP FOR IPHONES Y

OU’VE just purchased that expensive new iPhone 8, iph8 Plus and the iPhone X.1. You aren’t going to use just any cute case from the bazaar in your neighborhood, aren’t you? This is serious stuff and you need a case that will protect your phone. OtterBox has set the standard of iPhone protection from the very beginning. OtterBox, the No. 1-selling smartphone case in the US, continues to uphold that tradition with a full lineup of cases for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X. Starting with Defender Series, OtterBox has innovated 26 different case styles for iPhone over the past decade. Case designs have evolved to be more sleek and to accommodate an ever-increasing number of features, but one thing has remained the same: trusted protection. “OtterBox is proud to be the only case company that’s protected every single iPhone,” said OtterBox CEO Jim Parke. Each iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X case design undergoes a minimum of 24 tests across more than 238 hours to earn the OtterBox Certified Drop+ Protection seal. These tests ensure lasting protection from drops, bumps, scratches and dings. There’s an OtterBox case for everyone: The fashionable Symmetry Series is sleek with a raised, beveled edge that provides extra protection for the touchscreen during facedown drops. Available in classic solids, trendy graphics, fully clear and clear graphics, it’s the perfect fashion statement. Pursuit Series guards against drop, dust, dirt and snow intrusion, perfect for an outdoor adventure or average day in the office.2 This two-piece case snaps around each device for a perfect fit. The open-face design seals directly to the display and the case includes an optional lanyard. Defender Series is the original protective case for iPhone with 10 years of design and development behind it. The rugged multi-layer case features a shell and outer slipcover to absorb and dissipate shock. Two form-fitting layers combine to create the thin, protective Com-

available now for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and coming soon for iPhone X. “LifeProof changed the iPhone protection game with its industryleading waterproof cases,” said LifeProof CEO Jim Parke. “Now, even those who don’t need a waterproof case can experience LifeProof protection with the introduction of NËXT and SLΛM. With the features available in today’s iPhones, sometimes all you need is a thin, light case that protects from drops and dirt. NËXT delivers that in style without sacrificing the quality we’re known for.” NËXT boasts six layers of protection in an ultra-sleek package to keep iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X safe from drops, dirt and snow. The two-piece outer Defender

muter Series. The outer shell and inner slipcover combine to pull shock away from the device, and port covers keep debris out. Strada Series Folio offers a luxurious 100 percent genuine leather cover and trusted protection. The folio front clasps securely closed with a magnet to guard the display from scratches and includes a card slot. The uniVERSE Case System features a slim, protective OtterBox case with a modular rail mount on the back that allows attachment of a variety of accessories. OtterBox has partnered with other industry leaders to enhance uniVERSE with accessories like a contactless card reader, additional storage, bike mounts, tripods, wallets and more. Keep the touchscreen brilliant with Alpha Glass fortified screen guards. Compatible with Symmetry Series, Pursuit Series, Commuter Series, Strada Series Folio and uniVERSE Case System, these screen guards block out scratches and complete device protection. Symmetry Series, Pursuit Series, Defender Series, Commuter Series, uniVERSE Case System, Strada Series Folio and Alpha Glass screen guards are available now for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. LifeProof, which is known for its sleek and ultraprotective iPhone cases, has expanded its lineup of cases with NËXT and SLΛM, two next-generation LifeProof cases that complement water-resistant devices,

available in four colors—Black, Beach Pebble, Seaside and Cactus Rose— and is also compatible with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. With SLΛM, deflecting damage never looked so good. Engineered to withstand drops of up to 2 meters while still maintaining a slim profile, SLΛM combines sport, style and safety for iPhone. A transparent shell reveals iPhone’s factory finish while the perimeter flashes one of four available color options—Night Flash, Lava Chaser, Aloha Sunset & Free Flow—and is also compatible with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. NËXT and SLΛM for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are available now. Suggested retail price for NËXT iPhone 8 and iPhone X cases is P3,490 and P3,990 for iPhone 8 Plus. Suggested retail price for SLAM iPhone 8 and iPhone X cases is P2,490 and P2,990 for iPhone 8 Plus LifeProof’s best-selling waterproof case line, FRĒ, will also be available for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. To learn more or to sign up for product notifications for FRĒ and visit www. lifeproof.asia OtterBox is available at OtterBox retail kiosks, Power Mac Center, iStudio, InBox and Mobile1 while LifeProof is available at Power Mac Center, Otterbox retail kiosks, iCentre, iBook, InBox and Timeline. For more information, visit otterbox.asia and www.lifeproof.asia

Symmetry

shell wraps securely around the phone and delivers maximum durability and drop defense. A raised bevel bolsters drop and touchscreen protection while the display is left uncovered for direct access to the glass. A clear outer layer prevents scuffs, scrapes and scratches and an inner lining seals the case and phone from dirt. An audiotransparent mesh covers the speakers to block dust and debris while audio flows freely. In true LifeProof fashion, NËXT protects from drops up to 2 meters, carries an IP-5X rating for blocking dirt and dust and keeps snow out. It is

LP canyons NËXT

SMART BATS FOR TECHNOPRENEURSHIP EVERY year, students of technology courses churn out innovative ideas for their research projects and theses. Unfortunately, many of these ideas remain stuck in libraries and are not acted on. Because of this, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications has been encouraging colleges and universities to include technology entrepreneurship (technopreneurship) in their curriculum. “Innovative ideas are great, but they need to be turned into reality for them to really have an impact on society. We hope that the academe would equip not just their business majors, but also their tech students with the skills needed to convert ideas into commercialproductsandservices,” said Smart public affairs senior manager Stephanie Orlino. To inspire the academe to inject technopreneurship in

Smart recently held a three-day technopreneurship training for professors of colleges and universities in Luzon.

subjects or offer it as an elective, Smart recently held a threeday technopreneurship training for professors of colleges and universities in Luzon. The training is part of the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), which aims to improve information

technology and engineering education in the Philippines. The professors were asked to form teams, each proposing an innovative solution to a perceived problem. They were then taught to validate the existence of problems before creating solutions, the impor-

tance of getting feedback from peers and potential customers, and the need to adjust their plan of action based on these feedback. The teachers also learned from the experience of an actual Philippine startup. Some professors especially appreciated the Lean Startup Methodology formulated by American Eric Ries, which encourages entrepreneurs to “fail fast” and drop ideas that are not working. “The most important thing I learned in the last three days is that you sometimes have to fail in order to succeed. In the academic setting, there is a negative point of view when it comes to failure. In fact, failing is a better way to learn things,” said Orland Delfino Tubola of Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Erlinda Casela-Abarintos, computer studies dean at Gordon College in Olongapo, Zam-

bales, said IT students really need to learn practical technopreneurship lessons so they would have options in the future, aside from being employees. “If they have background on how to develop business ideas, they can make their ideas a reality and create actual products,” she said. De La Salle University professor Roy Francis Navea said technopreneurship would enable engineering and IT students to contribute to the community. “Usually their ideas are stuck in a book or thesis and brought to the library. The students just move on to employment, while their ideas remain not very useful. When you go into technopreneurship, that idea can be incubated and brought to the community. It can also deliver possible earnings to the students and their mentors,” he said.

DS218play

SYNOLOGY INTRODUCES DISKSTATION 3 NAS SERVERS SYNOLOGY Inc. recently launched DS218play, DS218j, and DS118, three feature-rich NAS servers with media streaming, file sharing, and data backup features perfect for home and small offices. DS218play is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core 1.4 GHz processor with a hardware encryption engine and 1 GB RAM, delivering encrypted sequential reading/ writing throughput at over 110 MB/s. Powered by a hardware transcoding engine, DS218play supports real-time single channel 10-bit H.265 4K Ultra HD or single channel full HD video transcoding. This enables users to enjoy videos on the go with no device limits. DS218j features a dual-core 1.3 GHz processor with a hardware encryption engine and 512 MB RAM, delivering sequential reading throughput at over 113 MB/s and writing throughput at over 112 MB/s. DS218j allows users to experience faster data access while achieving energy efficiency with its eco-friendly design, consuming only 17.48 W during peak usage and 7.03 W under HDD hibernation. DS118 is a new 1-bay tower NAS, equipped with a 64-bit quad-core 1.4 GHz processor and 1 GB RAM. With its hardware encryption engine, DS118 offers encrypted sequential reading/writing throughput at over 110 MB/s. DS118 is an ideal storage solution that comes with data backup and QuickConnect features that allow users to access data from any location. It also supports 10-bit H.265 4K video transcoding on the fly to enrich multimedia entertainment. “These three home storage solutions are built to be the best multimedia library for users who love taking photos and videos to capture every important moment with their family and friends.” said Katarina Shao, Product Manager at Synology Inc. “With versatile add-on packages, the three NAS models are also excellent choices for small studio owners who are seeking better productivity during work hours.” DS218play, DS218j, and DS118 run on DiskStation Manager (DSM), one of the most advanced and intuitive operating systems that offers a wide range of applications including multimedia, file sharing, and productivity tools for network-attached storage devices. Synology has received numerous media accolades, topping the mid-range NAS category in TechTarget’s storage solution survey and winning PC Mag Readers’ Choice seven years in a row. For more information on DS218play, please visit https://www.synology.com / products/DS218play For more information on DS218j, please visit https://www.synology.com / products/DS218j For more information on DS118, please visit https://www.synology.com / products/DS118 Availability and Pricing DS218play, DS218j, and DS118 are all available in local distributors nationwide. DS118 is priced at P9, 899, DS218j is priced at P10,999 and DS218play is priced at P13,999.

WINDOWS 10 FALL CREATORS UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE MICROSOFT recently announced, the global availability of Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, delivering new experiences for more than 500 million Windows 10 devices. The new features include improved Windows Inking; enabling users to immerse themselves in the world of Windows Mixed Reality; as well as creative experiences that will move with you across Windows, iOS, and Android platforms. “We’re excited for everyone to experience the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, which offers a host of improved functions that boost creativity,” said Christian Lim, Microsoft Philippines Chief Marketing and Chief Operating Officer. “Our goal is to ignite a new wave of creativity and to motivate customers to think outside the box with greater capabilities.” Windows Inking: If you can think it, you can ink it Windows Inking keeps getting better, and with the Fall Creators Update, users can now set ideas in motion or get important tasks done with aplomb as the feature now allows individuals to ink directly onto Word docs, PowerPoint

slides, PDF files and OneNote with your digital pen. Smart Ink also applies artificial intelligence which helps users strike through words to make them disappear, circle text to select it, highlight with precision, and transform drawings into shapes with just one touch. Furthermore, users can enhance learning and problemsolving experience by using Windows Ink and OneNote together. Simply write a mathematical equation and OneNote for Windows 10 will solve it instantly. Windows Mixed Reality: See your digital creations in the real world Windows Mixed Reality combines physical and digital worlds, and is a next step in the evolution of human computing. Microsoft will bring a mixed reality system that will help users fully immerse in the experience not just limited to a mobile device screen size. However, the experience is not just restricted for headsets that will support Windows Mixed Realty. For starters, Paint 3D enables users to expand their creativity and create powerful visuals to bring to their presentations and reports.

With the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of 3D modelling by adding the magic of Mixed Reality Viewer. With Mixed Reality Viewer, users can now see 3D objects —either creations from Paint 3D or from the Remix3D.com community—mixed into actual surroundings through the camera built into Windows devices. Simply snap and create a compelling story that draws everyone into an interactive and immersive world. Shared experiences across Windows, iOS, and Android The Microsoft Graph is an intelligent fabric that helps connect dots between people, conversations, projects, and content within the Microsoft Cloud. Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will tap into the power of the Microsoft Graph to enable users to connect their experiences seamlessly between Windows, iOS, and Android devices. In addition, users can look forward to these new features in the Update that will help them break down creativity barriers by making it simpler to bring their

creations across platforms: OneDrive Files on Demand allows access to all files in the cloud without having to download them and use storage space on a specific device. With Cortana, you can Pick Up Where You Left Off across Windows, iOS and Android devices. Timeline[1] allows users to jump back in time with a visual timeline that displays what a user was doing previously and easily hop back into files, apps and websites as if it was real time.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Gadgets & Games

APPLE AIMS TO WORK MAGIC WITH IPHONE X

AN FRANCISCO — With its new iPhone X, Apple is setting the ambitious goal for itself of reinventing the smartphone, again.

The flagship handset marking the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone release, hit stores Friday, and with it the California tech giant is out to rev its momentum in a global smartphone market seeing slowing growth and tougher competition. Apple upped the ante by boosting the starting price of the new handset to $999 for US customers, a price which will be higher in other markets and with extra options. Apple shares have climbed with the approach of the launch date, seeing a jump this week after it said preorders for iPhone X are “off the charts.” It will be available Friday in more than 50 markets. Apple chief executive Tim Cook described the iPhone X as the future of the smartphone, packed with technology including facial recognition, cordless charging and an edge-to-edge screen made of organic light-emitting diodes used in high-end televisions. “It is a good example of the present, but it isn’t the future,” said independent technology analyst Rob Enderle. Enderle said the iPhone X “is a collection of technologies that haven’t been together before, but they haven’t broken any new ground.” Still, analysts interviewed by AFP see signs of strong demand for iPhone X, perhaps fueled by the company’s famously devoted fans who have shunned freshly released iPhone 8 models to wait for the 10th anniversary device.

Apple shine

Apple is expected to benefit from its image of being a company offering products of status and style. Gartner principal research analyst Tuong Nguyen said Apple“can reveal a thing a rival delivered three years ago and suddenly the market goes wild.” Apple has become the world’s most valuable technology company by refining existing technologies, like the smartphone, and making them easy, fun, and fashionable. “Apple is not usually the first out of the gate with something, but they are able to say they have done it better than anyone else,” Nguyen said.

PAYMAYA'S MERRY MILLIONAIRE PROMO IS BACK

Customers hold up the new iPhone X at an Apple Store in Palo Alto, California. AFP

Facial recognition and wireless charging are likely to benefit from Apple showcasing them as being part of the future of smartphones, according to Nguyen. Notoriously secretive Apple also has a history of coming up with surprises, so the iPhone X might be packing more than the market expects, according to analysts. Wait time for delivery of iPhone X orders at the Apple website quickly stretched to about six weeks, signalling customers are rallying. “I think the iPhone X is going to do very well,” said Technalysis Research president Bob O’Donnell. “What we really don’t know is if it is due to huge demand or short supply. I guess it is a little of both.”

Asking more of Siri

O’Donnell saw the iPhone X as the first major redesign in the line since Apple added a bigger screen model with the iPhone 6. Smartphone screens stretching nearly to the edges of handsets is an established feature with the latest flagship smartphones from Apple rivals. Some analysts see artificial intelligence as technology important to

the future of the smartphone, and noted that Apple’s digital assistant Siri had some catching up to do on rivals. “Siri is arguably struggling compared to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa,” O’Donnell said. Google has made a priority of weaving artificial intelligence into its freshly launched Pixel 2 smartphones, and is poised to release Pixel ear buds that tap into machine smarts to provide spoken language translation in real time. The use of machine learning is among the promising aspects of face recognition in iPhone, according to O’Donnell. “Going with biometric facial recognition is interesting, but I feel we are seeing other technology venders do more interesting and useful things,” O’Donnell said. Artificial intelligence could be part of the next truly big jump to the future of smartphones, according to Nguyen. “What Apple has done well is take stuff other people have done, put it in a device and convince people it is

iPhone X

new and exciting,”analyst Enderle said. “That is what they need to do with the iPhone X.”

PLDT HOME TREATS SUBSCRIBERS TO UNLIMITED IFLIX SUBSCRIBING to a PLDT Home broadband plan is a gift that keeps giving, and now is the best time to do so because until Dec. 31, all PLDT Home subscribers get unlimited access to thousands of TV shows and movies on iflix (worth P387), sponsored by PLDT Home. iflix recently beefed up its content line -up of the world’s most popular and award-winning TV shows and movies, like the latest seasons of Mr. Robot and The Flash, available on iflix just 24 hours after initial US broadcast. Fans will also be entertained by other library content like Marvel Studios’ superhero block buster hits like Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Thor: The Dark World and Iron Man 3; animated Disney favorites like Frozen, Big Hero 6, Wreck It Ralph and Disney-Pixar’s Monsters University. Kids will also get a chance to enjoy bonding time with their beloved small screen companions from Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, We are Bears, Uncle Grandpa, and Adventure Time.

PLDT Home subscribers are in for a treat with unlimited access to iflix. In photo are (from left) iflix Asia Marketing Director Jason Monteiro, iflix PH Country Manager Sherwin dela Cruz, iflix Group Co-founder & Chairman Patrick Grove, iflix and PLDT Home Ambassador Kris Aquino, iflix Group Co-founder and CEO Mark Britt, iflix PH Head of Content & Marketing Georgette Tengco, and PLDT FVP and Head of Home Business Marco Borlongan.

“PLDT Home is committed to empowering subscribers with services that go beyond access. Providing compelling content that can be enjoyed by all members of the family is a crucial part of that commitment,” PLDT Home Business Head Marco Borlongan said. “As we continue with our na-

tionwide ‘Fibrization’ efforts, we will also continue to give more Filipino families access to world-class content through our collaboration with leading entertainment service, iflix.” iflix can be accessed via the all-in-one entertainment box Roku PoweredTM TVolution which offers over 100 stream-

ing channels. With powerful connection from PLDT Home Fibr, iflix and all other content options can be enjoyed on high-definition lag-free and without pixilation. PLDT FVP and Head of Consumer Business for Market Development Oscar A. Reyes, Jr. added: “We’re honored to be working with a global brand and innovator like iflix. Strategic partnerships like this drive our robust and dynamic content platforms and reinforce our position as the digital services leader for Filipino homes.” Now available to over one billion consumers across 23 territories throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa, iflix has established itself as the clear market leader in video streaming. Offering consumers, a vast library of top Hollywood, Asian and Middle Eastern regional, and local TV shows and movies, including many first run exclusives and award-winning programs, each subscription allows users to access the service on up to five devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, and television sets, for viewing

wherever, whenever. For more information about special iflix offers for PLDT Home subscribers, visit http:// pldthome.com/iflix. ABOUT IFLIX iflix is the world’s leading entertainment service for emerging markets, offering users unlimited access to thousands of TV shows, movies and more. With a vast selection everyone’s favourite comedies, drama, K-drama, Turkish drama, Bollywood, Nollywood, cartoons, movies, live sports and more from Hollywood, the UK, Asia, The Middle East and Africa, iflix places the entertainment people want at their fingertips to either stream or download. For one low monthly fee, iflix subscribers can watch on their mobile phone, laptop, tablet, TV… wherever, whenever. iflix is currently available to consumers in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam, the Maldives, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Cambodia, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Nepal.

IT’S back and it’s bigger. Now on its second year, PayMaya’s muchawaited Merry Millionaire promo is once again giving away a million pesos, tax-free, to one lucky customer. This year’s Merry Millionaire promo also extends the holiday cheer to 45 other winners of P10,000 each in the weekly raffle draw. Starting Oct. 15, PayMaya users automatically earn raffle entries when they do any of the following: 1) Download the PayMaya app and activate their virtual card; 2) Purchase and activate a PayMaya physical card; 3) Use their PayMaya virtual or physical card for minimum single-receipt purchase of P1,000; 4) Have their PayMaya account upgraded through the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process; or 5) Pay a utility bill in full through the PayMaya app, minimum receipt of P300. Entries are cumulative throughout the promo period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 23. “At PayMaya, the holidays present an opportune time to give back to our customers, as well as to empower them to share their time and resources generously to their loved ones with the help of a trusted digital payment technology,” said Paolo Azzola, PayMaya Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer. “Filipinos would often choose to share to loved ones instead of getting a gift for themselves. With this, we’re giving the #NowNation the power to choose how they would like to spend their prize if they win in the Merry Millionaire promo. The promo is also our holiday gift to our customers for allowing us bridge them to the digital economy,” said Sharon Kayanan, PayMaya’s Brand and Marketing Head. Winners will be notified by a certified PayMaya representative via phone and registered mail. Customers may also stay tuned in PayMaya’s Facebook page for the weekly announcement of winners and for surprise promo boosters that will earn users double the raffle entries if they do a specific PayMaya transaction. PayMaya is a free app that gives users a prepaid virtual MasterCard or Visa for online payments. Within the app, users can pay bills, send money to peers, and buy discounted mobile load. Customers may also buy a PayMaya physical card, which allows them to pay in card-accepting physical stores here and abroad once the card is linked to one’s mobile PayMaya wallet. PayMaya users can also access their account via Facebook Messenger by starting a chat with @PayMayaOfficial using Android devices. PayMaya has the largest network of reloading touchpoints with over 15,000 top up stations nationwide, including SM Business Centers, Robinsons Department Store Business Centers, 7-Eleven with Cliqq Kiosks, Petron stations along NLEX and Ministop outlets with Touchpay Kiosks, Shopwise, Wellcome, 2Go outlets, Smart Padala centers, Palawan Pawnshop branches, UnionBank ATMs, Gaisano Malls, and online banking via BDO and UnionBank. To know more about PayMaya, visit paymaya.com. Be the first to get PayMaya news, promos, and updates by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @PayMayaOfficial. Get customer support at @PayMayaCares on Facebook.

sunday, november 5, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor

Young Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com.ph

Picks for Millennials: Portable karaoke, pollution defense mask, and more

Fashion with a purpose

By Daniel Reyes

aureen Wroblewitz lost her mother to breast cancer in 2009. This year, the first Filipina Asia’s Next Top Model walked the runway, along with other celebrities, personalities, and models, to deliver a message of hope to breast cancer sufferers and survivors. Wroblewitz was the face of ICanServe Foundation’s Fashion Can Serve 2017 show, which gathered six designers—Cary Santiago, Mia Arcenas, Vania Romoff, Rosenthal Tee, Ito Curata, and JC Buendia—who presented their Holiday 2017 collections to support programs for breast cancer awareness and early detection. The fund-raising show not only saw men and women working together, through fashion, to fight breast cancer, but also stylish creations made by Filipino designers.

Cary Santiago

As one of Santiago’s muses, Wroblewitz looked like a goddess in a knee-length see-through dress that represented the elegant pearls in the Philippines, as well as the collection’s theme that celebrated women’s fluidity and femininity. No less than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach drove the couturier’s message to home as she appeared on the catwalk in an effortlessly beautiful white ball gown.

Love to sing with the gang while hitting the road? Turn your car concert a few notches higher with wireless karaoke that you can bring to your next road trip with family and friends. Innovatronix introduces Tronix PortaSING, a Pinoy-made portable karaoke device designed for cars. It aims to make any tedious drive fun and entertaining for everyone on board with its premium sound quality, wide track selection, and easy-to-use feature. The Tronix PortaSING package comes with 7,000 built-in licensed songs, two microphones, quality cables and accessories, a 32GB flash drive, and three free song updates. It is Wi-Fi networkenabled and operates at low power input (5V, 10W, 2A), thus allowing you to plug it in a portable power bank or cigarette lighter plug. Use your smartphone as controller and display, and you’re good to go. This in-car gadget is available online at Lazada and at Tronix Imaging Centers in leading malls. ***

Ito Curata

Vibrant, regal colors were spotted in Curata’s collection--there was an emerald off-shoulder top, a soft gold gown, and royal blue gowns embellished with sequins. Curata had successfully showed to the crowd how eclectic colors exude positivity and make a person happy. His Holiday collection have also incorporated ribbons in support for ICanServe Foundation's advocacy of raising awareness.

Commuters in the city know all too well how our skin suffers from daily exposure to air pollution. Since washing your face doesn’t cut it anymore, use a creamy clay mask once or twice a week to remove the deep-seated gunk out of your skin. Human Nature’s Pollution Defense Face Mask harnesses Turn to C2

Turn to C2

Asia World Hospitality trains drivers, receptionists

Europcar Philippines drivers and reservation officers receive their CGSP certificates from Asia World Hospitality

American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, through Asia World Hospitality, led two Certified Guest Service Professional sessions for the Europcar Philippines team in a bid to widen the latter’s market reach. Europcar PH is the first from its industry to be certified on the Guest Service Professional program of AHLEI. The transport group’s CGSP workshop centered on the hospitality service-focused training program for its drivers and reservation officers, making it the first globally to invest specifically in hospitality service training for its employees. Aside from Europcar, AHLEI also conducted separate CGSP training sessions

for Treston International College and Waterfront Hotels & Casinos facilitated by June Lucero-Antonio, CGSP. Antonio, with her experience both as a practitioner and as an educator, motivated and inspired the participants to always “Go for the gold” when it comes to providing service that goes above and beyond what is expected. For more information on Asia World Hospitality’s AHLEI-certified education and training programs, visit asiaworldhospitality.com, email info@asiaworldhospitality.com, or call on (02) 556-7994 or 0917 523-2128.

Young Life

sunday, november 5, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

picks...

From C1

the power of nature’s potent pollution shield, NaturProtect Actives, to cleanse the skin. Bamboo charcoal deep-cleanses and lifts impurities off your skin, while a blend of bentonite and kaolin clay naturally tightens skin and dissolves excess oil. Using this 100-percent natural face mask claims to protect your face from air pollution, thanks to it moringa seed oil, and its vitamin E and antioxidant-rich passion fruit seed oil work together to reduce visible effects of harmful free radicals. Go to humanheartnature.com to buy this clay face mask. ***

fashion...

From C1

Mia Arcenas

The soft side of a woman was what Arcenas wanted to convey to the audience. To achieve this, she focused on feminine elements by creating a flowy satin dress with hint of fur which was worn by Solenn Huessaff. Women’s soft side can also be translated literally in her collection through the textures of her dresses like the two-toned velvet dress and chiffon skirt number.

Vania Romoff

Known for her romantic and feminine pieces, Romoff chose to put emphasis on feminine lines and silhouettes in order to showcase the strength of women. She incorporated ribbons in her white dresses to show support for the foundation’s advocacy. Lace and satin A-line dresses in hues of blue were also present in her collection to showcase the simple elegance of women’s figure.

It sure is hard to tick off all the tasks on your list when your mind and body are sluggish and won’t cooperate. This is where potent vitamin mineral supplement Berocca comes in handy. Each effervescent tablet of Berocca contains B-Vitamins, vitamin C with added calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which all work in synergy to help your body release the maximum energy from the food you eat, thus sustaining your optimal performance throughout the day. Berocca is available in leading drugstores nationwide. ***

As our days become nippy, a warm bowl of ramen becomes a good idea. Not just ramen, but authentic ramen made of spiral-shaped egg noodles served at Kitsho Japanese restaurant. Choose from Nagasaki Champon, a bowl of egg noodles with seafood and vegetables; Shouyu, egg noodles in soy broth; Tonkotsu Ramen, egg noodles in pork soup stock; or Spicy Negi Ramen, egg noodles in miso soup base with ground pork and served with onion leeks and shredded chili. Kitsho is on the ground floor of Hotel Jen Manila in Roxas Boulevard. Call (02) 795-8888 loc. 2312 for reservations and more information.

Rosenthal Tee

The young designer who’s been making waves in the fashion industry, opted to feature women's flirtatiousness and youthfulness. Tee played with Eastern Asian influences such as the use of eye-catching colors of gold, cherry pink, and Chinese red. She also incorporated nature’s vitality by showing the fluidity of the sea through her cyan dress, and the beauty of leaves and flowers through her see-through number with hints of fur.

JC Buendia

Finally, Buendia who marks his 30th year in the fashion industry this year, opted for black with hints of pink embellished with cherry blossoms and peonies as his major design elements. His collection portrayed women’s strength based on the ‘70s revolutionary fashion era where women had the freedom to express themselves with whatever they wanted to wear whether it was a pair of bell bottoms, maxi skirt, or sharp jumpsuits.

‘MAD’ Millennials spark volunteerism in Mindanao It is said that the youth is the future of the nation. Thus as the rebuilding of Marawi starts, some 300 youth leaders and college students from Iligan and other parts of Northern Mindanao came forward to leverage volunteerism to complement the extensive rehabilitation efforts in the city. Non-government group I am Making A Difference, Inc. (I am MAD), composed of millennials committed to spread the gospel of active volunteerism and selflessness, recently staged a youth forum at the Doña Juana Actub Lluch Memorial Central School in Iligan City. The forum, dubbed “MAD Talks: Nagmahal, Nasaktan, Nagvolunteer” presented resource speakers and successful volunteers who shared their insights and personal life experiences to inspire the Mindanaoan youth to continue to make a difference through their respective organizations and keep on helping others despite challenges. “It is high-time to focus on the youth in this region in light of the Marawi siege,” said I am MAD co-founder Christian Marx Rivero.

Speaking from personal experience, I am MAD volunteer Wino Dela Cruz, encouraged participants to create “a community with shared compassion, charity, and care.” Dela Cruz emphasized on turning pain into purpose and brokenness into blessing. He prodded youth leaders to “always choose to love no matter what, and experience that rare joy, renewed love of life through volunteerism.” After a series of inspirational talks, the attendees lighted candles and formed the letters M-A-D, symbolizing their commitment to give light and be the light to many especially during dark times. MAD Talks was just one of the activities in the three-day outreach program in Iligan City, dubbed “I am MAD Camp.” The first part of the program engaged select students at the host school in various sets of educational, entertaining, and teambuilding activities. The group also donated school supplies and snacks to evacuees from Marawi who are currently adopted as students at the school.

I am MAD volunteer Wino Dela Cruz urges the Mindanaoan youth to create a community with shared compassion

Showbiz

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017

Isah V. Red, Editor / Nickie Wang, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com

NEW GIRLS ON THE BLOCK By Nickie Wang

Atom Araullo went on a rigorous ten-day expedition across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao where he experienced many firsts in his career as a documentarian

UNCOVERING WONDERS OF ‘PHILIPPINE SEAS’ WITH

ATOM ARAULLO

OIN Atom Araullo today in his first documentary with GMA Public Affairs—Philippine Seas—and uncover the wonders and threats surrounding the Philippines’ marine gems. The Philippines boasts of abundant seas and oceans where unique marine species and coral reefs can be found. And while majority of Filipinos are still dependent on the ocean to survive, this treasure is currently facing various threats. “Ang totoo niyan, we take it for granted. Meron tayong napaka-yamang mga karagatan,” says Atom. “Bagamat magaganda ang mga lugar na ito, kailangan nating talakayin kung bakit siya mahalaga sa mga buhay ng mga Pilipino.” “It’s impossible to discuss how beautiful the Philippines is and how beautiful our marine resources are without talking about the challenges [that these marine resources are facing],” Atom shares during his interview for Philippine Seas. “Kailangan talaga natin buksan ang ating mata sa mga hindi magagandang bagay kung gusto natin siyang solusyunan. Hopefully in this documentary maipakita natin na mas malaki ang ganansya natin kung tayo ay magsasama-sama para pangalagaan ‘yung mga karagatan at masiguro na maenjoy pa ito ng future generation,” he adds. In making Philippine Seas, the new Kapuso documentary-maker embarks on a rigorous tenday journey across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. He goes to Moalboal, Cebu—one of the world’s most famous dive sites. Under water, Atom witnesses hundreds of thousands of sardines gather in a single ball. “I’ve never seen anything like that before,” he says of his experience. “Lalapitan mo, gagalaw. Para kayong nagsasayawan underwater.” In Bais, Negros Oriental, Atom looks into the current situation of dolphins once being caught and slaughtered before becoming the province’s

Off the coast of Sarangani, Atom experiences what life is like for tuna fishermen who wait days for a single catch

leading tourist attraction. Here, he encounters a group of “bow-riders”, dolphins that ride alongside passenger boats. Off the coast of Sarangani, Atom experiences what life is like for tuna fishermen who wait days for a single catch. Under the harsh elements, Atom and his team witness the daily struggles of those who rely on the seas for a living. The most heartbreaking moment is discovering a group of fishermen detained in Indonesia for fishing in foreign waters. Atom talks to Samuel, a fisherman who has not seen his newborn child since being detained in Indonesia. Through the Philippine Seas team, Samuel gets a chance to look at his new-born daughter for the first time. International poaching remains a huge problem in the Philippines, too. In Palawan, Atom and his team visit the site where sharks were recently confiscated from Vietnamese poachers. Yet all hope is not lost. In the same seas of Palawan, Atom comes face to face with the biggest sea turtle he has ever seen, proof that there is still

something worth saving here. And finally, the team behind Philippine Seas also gets the surprise of their lives when a rare and beautiful creature makes an appearance. Once thought to be a mermaid in the olden times, the dugong or sea cow has an almost mythical status in the world of divers and fishermen. “Ang dugong kasi critically-endangered species. Kaya para makalapit ka sa isang dugong at makunan mo ng video ay isang pambihirang pagkakaton. So we were very lucky,” he shares. In this special documentary, GMA Public Affairs will also feature the exploration and expedition on the 13-million hectare Philippine Rise. On top of the teeming corals and marine species, it is said that this undersea plateau is potentially a rich source of natural gas and other resources. Is it true that the Philippine Rise can deliver the country from poverty? Join Atom Araullo and the team behind GMA Public Affairs’ award-winning documentaries for an unforgettable look at the current state of the country’s oceans. Catch Philippines Seas today 3:30 p.m. on GMA-7.

‘X FACTOR’ COMEBACK QUEEN’S

JOURNEY CONTINUES

Pinay singer Alisah Bonaobra returns to “X Factor UK” stage as wildcard

LAST Sunday, Alisah Bonaobra’s chances of joining The X Factor UK live shows were unclear. But today, the 22-year-old is officially “in it to win it” after surviving the nerve-wracking week 1 of the official start of the competition. Alisah won UK’s heart and made it back to the live shows in top-rating talent reality show. Viewers were asked to vote for an eliminated act from the Judges’ House round whom they want to come back and compete in the live shows. On last Sunday’s episode that aired on RTL-CBS, it was a battle between the Boys and the Girls categories with the theme “Express Yourself.” The X Factor UK hopefuls performed a song of their choice related to the theme. While introducing her wildcard winner, Sharon Osbourne was very thankful to the public for bringing Alisah back. Alisah performed “This is My Now” by Jordin Sparks, which impressed the judges and the audience that’s why after her performance, the judges were on their feet and had nothing but compliments for her. “That song is absolutely perfect for you because this is your now and you deserve to be back on the show. You always should have been on the show,”

said Louis Walsh. “It’s almost like a winner’s song. You got great soul and I love the way you fight back,” he added. Nicole Scherzinger agreed with Louis and referred to Alisah as her little Disney warrior princess. “You just hiya-d and karate chopped all through that song. I look at you and I’m like that’s my little ninja Filipina sister up there. You were meant to be up there.” “Everybody says in this contest that they really want this, and they really need to be here. I know your story. I know what you’ve gone through. And you know what? With a voice like yours, you’re gonna be here ‘til the end,” said judge and mentor Sharon Osbourne. On the taped interview, Alisah called herself the “comeback queen.” She looked back at her journey where she was let go but asked to come back and fight for her spot at the Six Chair Challenge. Now she is back again as the wildcard winner.

UPCOMING girl group Rogue is making a debut. The indie quartet, who is already popular online through its covers of popular songs from the ‘60s to the present, is composed of members Kara Mendez (bass), Princess Ybanez (violin), Jeri Oro (guitar), and Gyan Murriel (drums). If their names ring a bell, it is because the group made it to the semifinals of ABS-CBN’s Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5. It was also cited at the 29th Await Awards for Best Performance by a new recording artist, and won the Best WISHclusive Performance by a group. Wish also named the group finalist for its Alternative Song of the Year award. Rogue is finally making that big leap as its members are ready to take off putting their best efforts to make a name on the local music scene. This early, their original composition “Hanep,” has already amassed more than 80 thousand hits on Spotify, not to mention the track has been included in Star Music’s OPM Fresh Compilation that also features Iñigo Pascual and Alex Gonzaga. “Apart from playing instruments, all of us can sing. And I’m proud of our collaborative effort. Everyone has her own contribution when we create a song just like our latest record,” Gyan Murriel told Manila Standard when the group launched its single “GGB” (Gulong-gulong Buhay). Murriel, who at the tender age of 10, had already joined along with her two older brothers competing in different battle of bands around the metro. She recently landed in the top 5 (out of 117 aspirants) for an international online contest, Hit Like A Girl. Asked what separates them from all other groups that try to penetrate the music scene, the youngets in the group said everyone in their band is an achiever, quite accomplished individual. Kara is the bassist and the leader of the group. Her experience from her beginnings to ABSCBN’s Pinoy Academy Season 2, to her international gigs honed her to become a versatile and mature musician. Princess is the violinist who started playing when she was just 10 years old. She was a member of the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra Junior Ensemble. Apart from playing the violin, she has also won awards for clay sculpture, poetry writing, illustrative story-telling, and expressive reading. Jery plays the guitar while her passion for singing led her to pursue it as a profession the time she entered university. She has performed in bars and is an entrepreneur by day. Saying that these young ladies rock is an understatement as they sing, play instrument, and harmonize all at the same time. They show their versatility by incorporating light rock songs with classical violin lines to add to the unique musicality of the group.

Rogue is an up-and-coming girl band composed of (from left) Gyan Murriel, Kara Mendez, Jeri Oro and Princess Ybanez

sunday, november 5, 2017

Desiree Carlos, Editor

My Darling

By Joan Fremista- Reyes

is name was Darling. I did not like him at first.

I was pregnant with my second child when he was given to my son Craig as a gift for his fourth birthday by my mother-in-law. Darling was a toy poodle but he was bigger for his breed. I told my mother-in-law then that I did not want a dog at a time I was pregnant. But she said, “What apo (grandchild) wants, apo gets.” So I was forced to take Darling in. We were living in a two-storey apartment then, and I always got irritated every time he would bark and run up and down the stairs. I would always scold him. But I think he knew I did not like him so the more I distanced myself from him, the more he would sit or stay beside me. Nagugulat na lang ako na nasa tabi ko na sya. After a year, we transferred to a condominium unit. Darling loved the new place as he looked forward to our morning and afternoon walks. At that time, there were only a few residents who had dogs. Darling was famous for being “suplado” (snob) because nobody can touch him without asking me first. He also always growled when he saw dogs that he did not like. He had a move that my husband called the “commando crawl.” Every time he would see a dog approaching, he would lower his body to the ground and wait. When the dog was near us, Darling would bark and intimidate the other dog. But when he liked a dog, he would wag his tail and smell the dog.

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

With his family, a smiling Darling posed with the author Joan, husband Arne, and sons Craig and Bryce.

Because he was not neutered, he would always run out of the house once someone would open the door when he smelled a female dog in heat. I will never forget a meeting of the homeowners on house rules and policies. A neighbor who just moved in complained that a white dog with white curly hair frightened her daughter while they were walking around the premises. She asked me if I knew the dog. Of course I knew who the dog was. Darling was the only dog with white curly hair in our place. This is why my husband Arne gave him the nickname “Kuot.” But I just shrugged my shoulders and smiled. I had a lot of memorable moments with Darling. When it was time to take a bath and he would see me with a towel in hand, he would crawl under the sofa or the dining table. When he heard me calling him, he would act as if he did not hear me and would turn away. His favorite food was boiled chicken with rice. He loved it when I prepared his food with my hands. Kahit n a

Darling, the handsome and charming poodle.

anong dami ng chicken sa bowl nya, basta hindi ko hinimay, ayaw nyang kainin. I guess that was his way of telling me that he appreciated me. When Darling turned 8 years old, I noticed something different about him. He did not want to run anymore and he panted after our walks. We had him confined on Oct. 24, 2012 because he had a bad cough. A series of tests showed that Darling had a heart enlargement and water in his lungs. The vet prescribed meds and changed his dog food. She also told us not to stress him out because Darling can have a heart attack. We were devastated but we did not let him feel that we were upset. I still walked him but not as often as before. I would carry him and walk home when there was a dog who could excite him during those walks. It was a terrible time for us but we treasured every moment we spent with him then. There were also some things he did before he left us. Every night after dinner, he would sit beside the door of our room, seemingly waiting for my husband to invite him in. Once inside the room, he would wait for my husband to switch on the aircon. Then he would lie down and sleep. That was his way of bonding with my husband. Every time he collapsed due to severe heart palpitations, he would always get up again and would look at me as if saying he’s fine. We were in and out of the clinic between 2012 and 2013. On the night of April 10, Wednesday, he collapsed twice and he could barely move. He was breathing hard. With my eldest son Craig, we rushed Darling to the clinic where he was confined. When I visited him the next day, he got so excited that the vet warned me that the next heart attack could be fatal. I asked Darling to calm down and I sat beside him for two hours. I did this every time I would visit him.

We hoped to bring him home after two days but the vet said he needed further observation. When the family visited him after mass on the fourth day of his confinement, Darling looked so happy to see us even while he had difficulty breathing. When it was time to leave, my husband and the kids said their goodbyes. I hugged Darling and asked him to hang in there because I will be back the next day to bring him home. He licked my cheek and barked. I left with a heavy heart. We went home still hoping that we will see him the next day. At around 6 p.m. that same day, the phone rang. My husband answered the call and I sensed something was wrong. After the call, he turned to me and said,”Wala na si Darling. Inatake daw kanina ng mga 2 p.m. They tried to revive him pero wala na daw talaga.” When I heard that, I did not know what to feel. I just cried. It felt like I lost a son. It hurt so much. The next day. we went to the clinic to arrange for his cremation. When I saw him lifeless on the steel table, I couldn’t stop crying. But I knew I had to say goodbye. I kissed him and whispered “I love you” and thanked him for the wonderful years he shared with us. When my neighbors found out that we lost Darling, one of them said, “Aso lang yan, pwedeng palitan.” I shot back, “Hindi sya aso lang, Anak ko sya. “ Darling can not be replaced by anyone, I said. He was a good dog. He was a good son. He had his flaws like any other child. But I love him and I know he knew I loved him for those eight years he gave us. He was there through my ups and downs. Every time I had a problem, he was always there beside me. I knew he felt my pain. I was never alone because he was there, loving me unconditionally. I can still sense him whenever I’m alone. And I cry to this day when I remember him. But I find comfort in knowing that someday, I will see him in heaven. I love you, my baby…

A bike tour for rescued dogs and cats pet tales

By desiree carlos They are experienced bikers who love animals. For their next bike adventure, they aim to help 67 rescued dogs and cats of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL). Padyak Para kay Bantay at Muning is a three-day Manila-Masbate-Cebu -Bohol bike tour organized by Virgilio Bugaoisan, 47, a former journalistturned-media specialist to raise funds and urge people to donate dog food and pet supplies for rescues in two small care homes of Save ALL. On Nov. 12, Sunday, Bugaoisan and friends Renando Mallare Sy, 37, Lito Guardaquivil, 42, and Max Ternora, Ryan Christopher Macalong, Patrick Duruin and Jonathan Olfato of Team Harkor/Ifit Pro Unlimited Cyclists will start the bike tour from Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay at 12 a.m. On Nov. 13, they expect to reach Masbate. On Nov. 14, they will arrive in Cebu and bike to Bohol. “I've been doing crazy bike rides but it was all for self- fulfillment. A week from now, me and my friends are do-

(From left) Lito Guardaquivil, Virgilio Bugaoisan, Renan Sy, Max Ternora, Patrick Duruin, Jonathan Olfato, Ryan Macalong.

ing another crazy bike adventure but this time, we are doing it to help ensure the continuing operation of Save ALL, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center, “ says Bugaoisan. Since turning to cycling four years ago, this two-time super randonneur (a biker who has finished the 200 km, 300km, 400km, 600km Audax Brevet

ride in one year) has logged in a total of 47,706 kilometers of cycling mileage. Apart from his bikes, Bugaoisan is a passionate dog lover and adores his three mini-pinchers named Chacka, Coke and Sparkle. He says he decided to turn his latest bike adventure into a charity ride when he realized the dire situation of Save ALL

“which has been working so hard to help our abandoned furry best friends.” Save ALL is a non-government organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and has rescued or assisted in the rescue of 323 dogs and cats in the past four years. These animals were dying on the streets of Metro Manila, were hit by a vehicle, were abandoned in Cavite or Rizal, or were due to be euthanized (put to sleep) or were dying due to several illnesses in a pound. Most have been adopted after new owners were screened. At present, Save ALL has 67 rescued dogs and cats in its custody and needs help to continue caring for the rescues in two small care homes. Save ALL needs donations of dog food, cat food, rice, vegetables, coco nectar, dog shampoo and soap, old towels, cleaning materials like dishwashing liquid and detergent soap to wash towels and blankets of dogs, heartworm prevention, deworming tablets, anti-tick and flea spot-ons, LC Vit multivitamins, among others. Save ALL is thus grateful to Bugaoisan for organizing this bike-for-a-cause to be able to continue providing the needs of the rescued animals.

On the other hand, Sy, a transmission line/electrical engineer of SN Aboitiz Power group assigned at Maris South Canal Hydrauelectric Power Plant, says: " I am a dog lover and as a parent, I teach my child to care for our environment and for animals. Through this cause, I can support --in my own little way --our homeless friends. Dogs leave paw prints in our hearts forever." Just like Bugaoisan, Sy is a two-time Super Randonneur and former record holder of several Audax brevet rides. Sy and other Team Harkor/Ifit Pro Unlimited Cyclists-- Max Ternora, Ryan Christopher Macalong, Patrick Duruin and Jonathan Olfato-- circled Nothern luzon for only three days. Another dog lover, Guardaquivil, 42, a supervising legislative officer of the committee on rules of the House of Representatives and also a two-time super randonneur joined the bike tour because: "I consider this ride a great opportunity to bike all the way from Manila to Bohol and help Save ALL at the same time. Enjoy na, nakatulong pa ako." For donations and contact persons, details are in the poster on the event. Have a great Sunday, everyone! Namaste!