The Standard - 2015 April 20 - Monday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 64  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  MONDAY : APRIL 20, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Palace tells Erap: Let court decide

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Ferrer meets Pacman, asks support for BBL

WAR GAMES’ FOCUS: DEFENSE OF PH Next page

Depiction. This acrylic painting by Daricel Javier depicts the spirits of the 44 police commandos killed in the Mamasapano encounter on Jan. 25 being guided by the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ in their travel to heaven. The painting is on exhibit at the Galeria de las Islas at the Silahis Center in Intramuros, Manila. DANNY PATA

Elasto Painters rout TNT

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Amy creates meals for fast and curious

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China seeks to upend economic power of US

Mass in Quezon City. Archbishop of Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle leads The Word Exposed Easter Recollection Mass at the Smart Araneta Coliseum that was attended by thousands on Sunday.

Manny PalMero

By aurelia end

Biggest ‘Balikatan’ will stress territorial defense

By Florante Solmerin, Sandy araneta and Francisco Tuyay

This year’s Balikatan exercises—which will gather some 11,000 military personnel from the Philippines and the United States—will focus on territorial defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Sunday.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said the war games will not only enhance interoperability for combined operations but also boost the AFP’s joint operations capability for “territorial defense, internal security operations, humanitarian assistance and development response, and peacekeeping.”

AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang will also show new aerial photos of China’s expansion in disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea as the joint military exercises open today.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. harold Cabunoc said the new images highlight the country’s growing concern over “the aggressiveness of China.”

“We also do not want it to become a military confrontation. But what

China is doing is dangerous. it will affect everyone,” Cabunoc added.

Naval maneuvers were originally scheduled in two major points in Palawan and Zambales fronting the disputed sites in the West Philippine Sea where China is conducting reclamation activities, but these exercises were shelved for still unknown reasons.

Kakilala said the annual exercises enhance the country’s capability to defend its territory, contrary to criticism from leftist groups that the war games benefit only the United States.

Earlier, the secretary-general of the leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said the annual war games were an “affront to Philippine sovereignty.” “the Balikatan war games will not help the Philippines against the

expansionist activities of China in the region. Numerous Balikatan exercises from the 1980s onwards have failed to help modernize the Philippine military. Even the de facto basing pact, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which marks its first anniversary on April 27, will not develop our country’s defenses,” Reyes said.

Reyes added that the military exercies are meant to project US power in the region and increase American involvement in Philippine internal affairs. “it is not true that the US is out to protect us against China’s incursions and reclamation projects in the West Philippine Sea. the US has repeatedly said that it that does not take sides in the maritime dispute,” he said. he added that the US, which owes China $1.3 trillion, would not engage it in a shooting war.

“Our national leaders are only being made to believe that the US is there to support us. in truth, the US is only concerned with its own imperialist interests in Asia. We assert that our national

interest is not identical with US strategic pivot to the region,” he added.

But Kakilala dismissed Reyes’ views as “myopic.” he also questioned the agenda of Bayan, which he described as a front for the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Because of the magnitude of China’s intrusion in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines will seek more sophisticated military equipment from the US to beef up its maritime patrols, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said.

Del Rosario, however, did not say what kind of equipment the Philippines will seek.

But Reyes said the equipment being requested for maritime surveillance would be owned and operated by the United States. “the DFA is basically allowing the US to put up military facilities on Philippine territory, in the guise of helping us counter China. increased US involvement in the Philippines should also be seen in the context of the former’s involvement in the Bangsamoro peace process,” he said.

With its huge new infrastructure bank and its ambitions for a globalized renminbi currency, China is leading the upending of a 70-year-old global order built on American economic power.

Beijing’s rise was confirmed this week at the Spring meetings of the World Bank and international Monetary Fund in Washington, the two institutions by which the economic vision of the United States has been propagated across the world since their founding in 1944. the US-selected president of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, applauded China’s “bold step in the direction of multilateralism” for its new Asia infrastructure investment Bank, even as many view it as a rival to the Bank.

Kim stressed though that he expects the World Bank and the AiiB will work “very closely” together. that appeared to pull the World Bank away from its major shareholder: together with ally Japan, Washington has refused to join the AiiB even as nearly five dozen other countries have applied to Beijing to be part.

Beijing moved on the AiiB, which aims to support infrastructure development across the Asia region, as another China-backed project announced in 2014, the BRiCS bank, has stalled.

But that institution, planned with fellow emerging economic powers Brazil, Russia, india, and South Africa, was designed as well as a challenge to the World Bank and iMF, where the old powers the US, Europe and Japan dominate.

Critics fear the new development banks will challenge the World Bank in lending to poorer countries by offering them easier terms and fewer restrictions governing the social and environmental impacts of large projects, undermining standards established to protect vulnerable populations. the Chinese approach is more pragmatic though, with each institution filling a need, said Christophe Destais of CEPii, the French international economics think tank.

Countries are searching for new opportunities in public works and energy, and also for their banks, he said, the latter possibly explaining why US ally Britain rushed to join the AiiB, he said.

For its part, China is seeking “an outlet for its industrial overcapacity” while at the same time aiming “to weaken US influence,” said Destais.

But China is not abandoning the US and Europe-dominated Bretton Woods system of multilateral development banks set up in 1944, however imperfect it is, he said.

“China finds it useful. it has the means to influence it, though still not to shape it,” especially since the US dollar remains the world’s core currency.

But China’s growing power keeps Washington nervous. aFP

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Peace panel told to seek surrender of MILF fighters

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo SENATOR Francis Escudero demanded Sunday that government peace negotiators support the surrender of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters who took part in the killing of 44 police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

“I want to know what will the OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process) do...

They might again take the side of the MILF and not the Justice Department,” Escudero said on radio dzBB, after the MILF refused last week to surrender its fighters.

He said he hoped that chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles would support the recommendation of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to file charges against the MILF fighters who took part in the massacre.

Escudero said the refusal of the MILF to yield its men to the authorities added to the problems already hounding the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which is being debated in Congress.

The Mamasapano incident, in which 67 people were killed, has already stalled hearings on the BBL, which seeks to create an autonomous Bangsamoro entity to bring peace to Mindanao.

“This is an additional issue that should be answered and addressed by the MILF,” Escudero said.

Both MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said the MILF will not surrender fighers who killed the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos because they were merely defending themselves against the attack.

Iqbal added that their side lost 18 fighters to the bungled police operation to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Filipino bomb maker Basit Usman.

Discussing the BBL. Government Chief Negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer discusses the Bangsamoro Basic Law with Sarangani Rep. and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in Los Angeles.

Ferrer seeks Pacman’s support

By Sandy Araneta

JUST two weeks before his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on Sunday made a pitch for Mindanao, saying the Bangsamoro Basic Law might help achieve peace on the troubled island.

“If it [the BBL] can help, why not? I am from Mindanao and I want peace,” @OPAPP_peace” said a tweet revealed

by Government of the Philippines peace panel chief Miriam Coronel Ferrer and which she disclosed on her Twitter account on Sunday.

Ferrer heads the government peace panel dealing with the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Ferrer also posted photos of herself visiting Pacquiao at his house in the United States.

Pacquiao, Sarangani’s representative in Congress, took time out from his training to share his thoughts on Mindanao.

Ferrer said Pacquiao had expressed hope that the BBL would be studied, but he also said he was now focused on his fight with Mayweather on May 2 at the MGM Grand.

Ferrer also said Pacquiao had no objections to the BBL which, if passed, would create a Bangsamoro entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

After her visit, Ferrer wished Pacquiao luck in his fight againts Mayweather.

Meanwhile, the peace council formed by President Benigno Aquino III held another meeting Saturday to give their respective reports on the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The peace council earlier divided the BBL into four categories: constitutionality, social justice and human development, economy and patrimony. and human security.

Japanese firm to supply PH with vessels to secure coast

Children at risk. Children enjoy the polluted waters of Manila Bay to escape the heat. PNA

A JAPANESE firm has secured an P8.8-billion contract to build 10 vessels aimed at enhancing the Philippine Coast Guard’s ability to protect Philippine waters, the Transport Department said in a statement on Sunday.

The department said it awarded the project to Japan Maritime Marine United Corp. last week, and that it involved the construction of 10 multirole response vessels or MRRVs. “This project is part of the government’s program to equip our forces with the necessary assets to protect the national marine interest,” Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said.

“These 10 new vessels will help the Coast Guard in its functions of maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations and upholding maritime security within Philippines seas.”

JMU submitted a winning bid of 12,790,000,000 yen to build the vessels, which will have a standard cruising speed of 16 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles.

JMU will also supply spare parts and tools, provide crew training and marine insurance.

The project is being implemented as an official development assistance via a tied loan extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The loan facility covers P7.374 million of the total project cost of P 8.808 billion. The government will provide the counterpart fund of P1.434 billion.

The 10 vessels will be delivered from the third quarter of 2016 up to the third quarter of 2018.

The Coast Guard will use the MRRVs to enforce maritime laws, protect the marine environment and transport Coast Guard personnel. Darwin G. Amojelar

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Senate can probe what it wants, says Chiz

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

More roadwork. Motorists can expect heavier traffic in Metro starting this year up to 2017 as construction of the 15-kilometer Skyway extension project, which includes the portion of Araneta Avenue shown here, narrows vehicular flow. MANNy PAlMERO

Dry spell could spread to more places in May The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has predicted that the current dry spell could affect even more provinces next month.

“It’s possible that the areas [affected] will increase by May during the peak of summer,” Pagasa weather forecaster Samuel Duran said.

He said that the end of the dry spell currently affecting 30 provinces cannot be predicted yet and will have to undergo further evaluation.

Pagasa has officially declared a dry spell mostly in Mindanao and in some areas in Luzon and the Visayas.

The areas which are experiencing lower than usual rainfall areas are Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Batanes, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Palawan, Negros Occidental, Ne-

gros Oriental, Bohol, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Basilan, Lanao del Sur and Sulu.

Meanwhile, Malacanang said that the Department of Agriculture and other government agencies are now focused on helping farmers deal with the El Nino phenomenon.

“The Department of Agriculture and other government agencies are focused on the issue. And their focus is to help out the farmers, distribute seedlings of other alternatives crops which they

could plant. The government also deployed irrigation resources through the help of the department and other government agencies,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday on state-run dzRB. In response to mounting concerns about the possible impact of a dry spell on Filipino farmers, Greenpeace Philippines called on both the national and local governments to adopt and support policies and programs to help the country’s farmers move towards a more climate-resilient model.

In a statement, Greenpeace said they recently witnessed and documented the impact of a twomonth dry spell, coinciding with a weak El Niño, on local agriculture during a recent visit to North Cotabato.

The municipality of M’lang has been declared under a state of calamity a month after Pagasa declared the onset of the El Niño

PNoy issued least number of orders

By Sandy Araneta WITH a little over a year remaining in office, President Benigno Aquino III accounted for the least number of Executive Orders issued during his term, with only 180 recorded as of last week, the Malacanang Records Office revealed during the weekend.

One of Aquino’s orders was even declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in December 2010,

just months after the President was installed as head of the country.

The late former President Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the country for 21 years from 1965 to 1986, issued 1,093 EOs, the most any president issued.

Aquino’s Executive Order No. 1 created “The Philippine Truth Commission of 2010.”

The commission was created to investigate the alleged anomalies of former President Gloria Macapagal

Arroyo during her term as President.

The most controversial of Marcos’ orders was Proclamation No. 1081, the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines.

Marcos was toppled by a “people power” revolution in February 1986 and was replaced by President Corazon Aquino.

Aquino issued 522 EOs during her term from 1986 to 1992, the third most since the time of Marcos.

phenomenon in March.

“I’ve just returned from a visit to North Cotabato and was struck by the number of farms and families already suffering due to the dry spell. Harvests have been reduced or lost, and families are going hungry, reinforcing the urgent need to shift our country’s agriculture system to a more climate-resilient model,” Greenpeace Food and Agriculture Campaigner Wilhelmina Pelegrina said.

Records from the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council of North Cotabato estimate the damage caused by the dry spell to M’lang’s rice crops at P42 million so far.

Meanwhile, the government is set to conduct cloud-seeding operations in Mindanao in a bid to ease the impact of the dry spell which has destroyed crops across thousands of hectares of banana plantations in the area, the Agri-

Threshing. A farmer handthreshes unmilled rice after harvest at an irrigated farm at Barangay Turod in Sudipen, La Union.

CHRISTINE JUNIO

THE judiciary cannot stop the Senate from investigating any matter, including the alleged “justice for sale” racket at the Court of Appeals in which two justices were accused of accepting P25 million each for the issuance of an injunction to stop the suspension of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay over a graft case, said Senator Chiz Escudero.

Speaking in an interview over radio DZBB on Sunday, however, Escudero stressed that Justices Jose Reyes Jr. and Francisco Acosta cannot be compelled to attend the Senate investigation.

He said the principle of “separation of powers” will come into play once the two justices are invited by the Senate committee that will conduct the probe.

“It’s [up to] the judiciary if they want to participate in the investigation,” said Escudero, who believes it would be difficult to compel the justices to go to the Senate.

While conceding that allegations of corruption in the judiciary are worth looking into, Escudero emphasized the need for having enough basis and evidence before they are made.

He said they are still waiting for Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to present his evidence against Reyes and Acosta.

In a resolution filed last April 13, Trillanes said each of the two justices got P25 million from the Binay camp in exchange for issuing a writ of preliminary injunction against the Makati mayor’s preventive suspension.

The senator said that based on “reliable sources,” lawyer Pancho Villaraza facilitated the alleged bribe. He said each justice got P20 million for the TRO they issued earlier.

When the Ombudsman, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Justice did not recognize the TRO, Trillanes said the Binay camp gave them an additional P5 million each for a permanent injunction.

Escudero said people should be very careful about hurling accusations against the judiciary because respect should be accorded to the institution.

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Flying V ups pump prices by P1/liter

By Alena S. Flores

Bird watching in Las Pinas. Senator Cynthia A. Villar enjoys an afternoon of bird waching with members of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines at Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Eco-Tourism Area, included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

The 175-hectare protected mangrove forest and marine habitat in the cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque, serves as sanctuary for 84 bird species, including indigenous and migratory birds

PALACE To ESTRAdA:

‘Let the court decide’

By Sandy Araneta

Malacañang on Sunday said that it would have to be the court to decide on the plunder case against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria MacapagalArroyo.

Malacañang was reacting to the statement of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada who said he would wish for a “house arrest” granted to Arroyo.

Estrada on Saturday said Arroyo deserved to be placed under house arrest given her deteriorating health.

Arroyo has filed a petition for house arrest citing the need to speed up her recovery from .

Arroyo told the Sandiganbayan she has been given clearance by her doctors to be transferred from the hospital to her house in La Vista

Subd. in Quezon City under the circumstances of house arrest.

Arroyo, who is facing plunder charges over the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) intelligence funds amounting to P366 million, is detained at the Veterans Medical Memorial Center.

“We are one in greeting former President and now Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada during his birthday today,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. “(However) it would be better to

leave it up to the court to decide regarding this (wish). It is the duty of the prosecutors of the government or the prosecutors of the DOJ (Department of Justice) to handle this issue if a petition will be filed before the court,” Coloma said.

Arroyo, then vice president in 1998, took over after Estrada was ousted from office in 2001 by a popular revolt that had come to be known as Edsa Dos. Arroyo granted pardon to Estrada in October 2007 a month after he was convicted of plunder.

“My number one birthday wish is: May President Aquino grant house arrest to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Her physical condition is deteriorating,” he said.

Estrada, who turns 78 today, said Arroyo should be shown compassion.

“As a woman we should give her compassion. We should give her a little comfort,” Estrada said.

Estrada said his second wish is to attain peace in Mindanao.

“I wish that we will have peace and order in the country,” he said.

Estrada, during his term as president, said he wanted to transform Mindanao into the country’s food basket.

In 2000, Estrada launched an allout war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Government troops succeeded in driving out the rebels from their 46 camps, including Camp Abubakar, the main headquarters.

Estrada said his third wish on his birthday is to restore Manila to its old glory as a progressive capital city of the country. SANDY ARANETA

OIL player Flying V will raise its pump prices by P1 per liter of gasoline and P1.50 per liter of diesel effective Monday.

It said it also raised the prifce of its biodiesel by P1.50 per liter.

Other oil companies have not made their price adjustments as of press time but are expected to follow suit.

World oil prices went up recently due to a drop in the number of US oil rigs in operation, better economic data from Germany and easing expectations that Iranian oil would return to the market soon after a deal with Western powers over its nuclear program.

The Energy Department in its monitoring showed that increases in crude oil inventory in the US and the announcement of record output of crude by Saudi Arabia in March helped to limit gains in crude benchmark prices.

US inventories in the week ending April 3 reportedly surged nearly 11 million barrels to a fresh record high of 482.4 million while Saudi’s output hit a record of 10.3 million barrels a day in March.

World oil prices were also boosted by the fisting in Yemen and news that Saudi Arabia increased prices for all its May sales to Asia.

According to the department, the rise in Saudi prices signals increased demand in Asia, where Saudi and other Middle Eastern producers don’t face as much competition from U.S. shale producers.

Ampatuan loses bid vs witness

By Rey E. Requejo

Touring the city. Foreigners visit the “Walled City of Intramuros on Sunday April 19, 2015. The Tourism department said tourism activities in February generated P19.35 billion, from P18.56 billion in the same month last year.DANNY PATA

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THE Court of Appeals has junked the petition filed by Andal Ampatuan Jr. seeking to nullify the order of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court discharging a former mayor as state witness in the 57 counts of murder filed against him and 196 others in connection with the Maguindanao massacre case.

The CA’s Fifth Division through Associate Justice Myra Garcia-Fernandez ruled that Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of Quezon City RTC Branch 221 did not commit grave abuse of discretion when she excluded Su-

karno Badal from the list of accused in the Maguindanao massacre case.

“Even if Badal has not been arraigned, but he was provisionally admitted to the (Witness Protection Program) as shown by the certificate issued by the DOJ, Badal may be excluded as an accused upon motion of the public prosecutor as provided under Section 14, Rule 110 of the Rules of Court, as amended,” the CA declared.

Section 14, Rule 110 of the Rules of Court provides that “A complaint or information may be amended, in form or in substance, without leave of court, at any time before the

accused enters his plea. After the plea and during the trial, a formal amendment may only be made with leave of court and when it can be done without causing prejudice to the rights of the accused.”

“Petitioner’s argument that respondent judge relinquished her judicial function to the caprices of the prosecution has no leg to stand on,” the appellate court stressed.

The DOJ had filed a motion to defer the arraignment of Badal and allow for amendment of the information excluding him as accused in the case.

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LP: No other bet but Mar

By Macon Araneta

There is no alternative candidate to Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel roxas II, the presumptive standard bearer of the Liberal Party in the 2016 elections, despite his plunging ratings.

senate President Franklin Drilon, LP vice chairman, on sunday said in an interview on DZBB: “Mar is our (presidential) candidate in the Liberal Party.”

President Aquino, also LP chairman, had told roxas to do something and work harder to improve his ratings in surveys. roxas lagged behind Vice President Jejomar Bi-

nay who has consistently topped the surveys, followed by senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor rodrigo Duterte. roxas ran in the 2010 vice presidential race but lost to Binay.

Asked what the LP leadership will do to push up roxas’ rankings and ensure he wins the presidency, Drilon said they will intensify explaining to the people. He did not elaborate.

Drilon has maintained that “good governance” is the advocacy of their party.

He said the ruling party will continue with the reforms being implemented by the current administration for a sustainable economic growth.

He said the administration will also give more jobs to the people to boost the winnability of Aquino’s would-be successor.

He said the party will craft a strategy to strengthen roxas’ chances in the election.

Other names were floated as possible presidential timber, among them senate Majority Alan Peter Cayetano, and senators Miriam Defensor-santiago, Ferdinand Marcos “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Francis “Chiz” escudero.

But escudero said he has not yet engaged anybody on political talks- whether he would run or not run in 2016.

“On my part, since i just got married (on February 14), it is still time for me to smell the flowers and look at the view around me while i do my job at the senate,” said the senator. speaking in an interview at radio DZBB, escudero said he has not yet talked about the possibility of his joining the presidential race with senator Grace Poe as his runningmate or running as Poe’s vice president.

“No talks yet. i am not yet talking about politics... i am not in a race to run in the next year’s election,” stated escudero who got a fresh term in the senate during the May 2013 elections.

Blasts jolt Cotabato and Maguindanao

By Francisco Tuyay A series of four explosions rocked Maguindanao and Cotabato City on saturday and the members of separatist Bangsamoro islamic Freedom Fighters were the suspects, according to the military.

Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th infantry Division said that a civilian was hit by shrapnel from an improvised explosive device hurled by motorcycle riding gunmen at a passing military vehicle along sinsuat Avenue, rosario Heights 10 in North Cotabato City about 7:45 pm.

Petinglay said the explosion occurred after two gunmen on board a red Honda XrM threw an ieD at a passing mobile team of the 5th special Forces Battalion sFBN led by a certain Corporal Naganag hitting the vehicle. No one among the personnel on board led by a certain Corporal Naganag was hurt.

The soldiers got out of the vehicle and gave chase but failed to arrest the gunmen.

Barely ten minutes after, the same gunmen hurled an ieD in front of the 5th sFBN along along sinsuat Avenue, rosario Height 2 in Cotabato City, but the ieD did not explode. in Maguindanao, two men threw a grenade at the Datu Odin Police station at the vicinity of Mintex Brgys Awang at about 7:05 pm. The explosion did not inflict any injury on the policemen manning an outpost.

Petinglay said policemen tried to go after the gunmen who, riding a black Honda XrM, fled toward Cotabato City.

The latest explosions were preceded by a series of attacks by the BiFF under its new leader, esmael Abubakar who took over the deceased Ameril Umbra Kato, founder of the BiFF. The BiFF staged three consecutive days of attacks in separate areas in Maguindanao since Wednesday after the military temporarily suspended its operations against the separatist group last month.

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Bohol airport civil works to start in May, engineers say TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol—Japanese engineering firms Chiyoda and Mitsubishi are proceeding with civil works on the new Bohol Airport on Panglao Island next month. They expect to complete the project in 2017.

Find the hidden swimmers. Two boys climb a mango tree and get ready to jump into the creek near the Turod Mini Hydro Plant in Sudipen, La Union. CHRISTINE JUNIO

The new airport is designed to be ecology friendly and to be of international standard that can accommodate one million passengers a year.

Mitsubishi-Chiyoda Joint Venture, the main contractor, finalized the time frame during the first stakeholders’ coordination meeting here last week presided over by Gov. edgar Chatto.

During the meeting, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Director for Project Management Services Cielo de eulin noted the details of the preparation to ensure no hitches once the actual implementation starts. eulin represented Undersecretary Julianito Bucayan Jr., incharge of project implementation

and special concerns.

First District Rep. Rene Relampagos, representatives of Japan Airport Consultant, the Local Project Management Team, officials of Bohol Water Utilities Inc. and Bohol electric Cooperative (Boheco), and Provincial environment and Natural Resources Officer Nestor Canda also helped finalize the details of the preparation.

Canda made sure that there would be no harmful impact on the environment during the implementation and operation of the new Bohol Airport.

The contractor and its subcontractor eeI Corp. are currently processing the permits and clearances to be able to proceed with the civil works in May. Angeline Valencia (PNA)

PMA cadets perform ‘silent drills’ in Calapan, Coron

By Robert A. Evora CALAPAN CITY—The 314 cadets of Class 2018 of the Philippine Military Academy performed “silent drills” in this city and in the resort town of Coron, Palawan, as part of the PMA’s Northwestern Cruise 2015.

Mayor Arnan C. Panaligan and city officials

welcomed the cadets at the Calapan City port, who arrived on board three naval ships, PS70 (BRP Quezon), LC550 (BRP Bacolod City), PS28 (BRP Cebu), and another naval warfare vessel.

The silent drills were performed at the track and field grounds of the Oriental Mindoro National high School, in Calapan City, and

at the public plaza of Coron, hosted by Mayor Fem Reyes.

“You are the officers of the future,” Panaligan said.

“Calapan City is fortunate to have the cadets immersed in the city that is bounded by discipline and good character. The experience you will have will help mold you to be a more rounded military leader.”

Their third and last leg of inter-island “silent drill” is in Puerto Princesa, also in Palawan.

“The generally peaceful situation, its growing economy and good governance are some of the reasons why Calapan City was considered.,” said Major General Ricardo R. Visaya, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom)

chief. “We want the cadets to experience these peace and security developments in the region,” he said.

The Calapan City government also recognized ensign Paolo Dominic Mantaring Regis, of the Philippine Navy, who was born and raised in this city, was recognized for his outstanding achievement by finishing as one of the Top

4 graduates of PMA Class 2015. he was also conferred high academic honors and received a leadership award.

In Coron, Mayor Fem Reyes and municipal officials engaged the cadets in a “boodle fight,” a Philippine military eating tradition, originally practiced by PMA cadets and their military officers.

DOH-Mimaropa to boost reporting system for safety The Department of health’s Region IV-B office is making health regulations and safety standards a priority among hotels, resorts and leisure parks in the region, through the creation of a consistent health reporting network and referral system.

Speaking during the second Provincial health Summit, DOh- MIMAROPA (Oriental/ Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Regional Director eduardo C. Janairo said these safety, hygiene and fire precaution standards will be implemented for the welfare of foreign and local tourists as well as the general public.

The standards will be estab-

lished in coordination with hotel, resort and leisure establishment owners/managers, mayors, provincial/city health officers, the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on health Members, the Department of Labor and employment, Bureau of Quarantine, Department of Tourism, Philippine Port Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The move will guarantee the prevention, entry and spread of new emerging diseases such as the Middle east Respiratory Corona Virus (Mers-CoV), ebola, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Influenza a (h1N1) in their respective areas.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Hopes for the next season. Nasrudin, a farmer in Kidapawan City, lays out yam beans from

a farm as he hopes the rainshowers in the city would be a good start for the next planting season.

GEONARRI SOLMERANO

A8

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR M O N D AY, A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION [ EDI TORI A L ]

DANGEROUS LIAISONS THERE was no surprise in the declaration by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that it would not surrender its fighters who took part in the Mamasapano massacre of 44 police commandos in Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

From the day the news first broke, the rebel group has been consistent in its stance.

The rebels insisted that the fighters who took part in the massacre were merely defending themselves, and that it was the police commandos who violated the ceasefire agreement and triggered the “unfortunate mis-encounter” by trying to serve arrest warrants on terrorists in the MILF’s bailiwick.

This view was reinforced by the MILF’s own investigation that, to nobody’s surprise, cleared its members of any wrongdoing and again blamed the police for not “coordinating” with the rebels before seeking to enforce the law.

Reacting last week to a Justice Department recommendation that the MILF commanders and fighters involved be criminally charged for the deaths of the police commandos, MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar insisted the rebels committed no crime, and that they would not turn over any of them to face trial.

The refusal sets the stage for a potentially dangerous confrontation between government forces who will seek to enforce the Justice Department recommendation and the MILF, which may choose once again use the self defense card to resist a law enforcement operation.

The refusal also calls into question the wisdom of dealing with the MILF as a partner for peace and throws a wrench in the Aquino administration’s hopes to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), draft legislation that it hammered out with the MILF to create a new autonomous entity in the south led in large part by the MILF. “Vice Chairman Jaafar’s statement clearly shows no respect for the rule of law and a blatant disregard to the feeling of the people crying out for justice for the SAF killed by the MILF fighters in Mamasapano.

This will not help in regaining the people’s trust in them,” said Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who leads a Senate committee studying the BBL. This trust had already been eroded by the confirmation that MILF officials, including chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, had used pseudonyms to sign several peace agreements with the government and even used them to open bank accounts in violation of the law.

The administration’s clumsy attempts to defend the MILF in this regard only made matters worse.

The mantra that the government’s peace negotiators and the MILF have been chanting these days is that the BBL is much more than the Mamasapano incident, and that the killing of the 44 police commandos, while tragic, pales in comparison to the thousands who have already died and the thousands more that may perish in the conflict in Mindanao.

It is a facile argument that assumes that the MILF is a trustworthy partner, and that the BBL, with all its constitutional infirmities, is the only way forward. Both assumptions, we now know, are fraught with danger—and we would be foolhardy to pretend otherwise.

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INSTITUTIONALIZING INTOLERANCE PENSÉES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO QUEBEC, it seems, has gone the way of France and has legislated a ban on public prayer and the public display of religious symbols. I am profoundly disturbed.

“Enraged” would be a more apt description of my sentiments.

On the pretext of opening public space, what these maneuvers that are commonly given the heading of laicite in fact do is institutionalize intolerance. The very same guardians of civil liberties who demand that persons of all sexual orientations freely express themselves—“come out in the open” is the battle-cry! -- frenziedly drive all expressions of religion into the closet!

A pluralist society is one that has room enough for all symbols, including splattered announcements of the death of God! By contrast, a society that outlaws from public space prayer and tokens of religious allegiance is not a freer society. It is in fact a so-

ciety that imposes secularism as a public ideology and asks persons of faith to worship and to pray in secret nooks and crannies where they may offend none. But our laws have not allowed believers to stifle the rhetoric of agnostics and atheists. One is even free to purchase an obituary for God! So �why, in the name of fairness, should unbelievers be allowed to suppress expressions of belief?

Why, in the name of fairness, should unbelievers be allowed to suppress expressions of belief?

Symbols offend no one. A crucifix, to a Muslim, is at the very worst, a ridiculous object to reverence. It is, however, a reminder that not all are Muslims. Similarly, a Crescent atop a Mosque should not offend a Christian. God, he will remember, has many names

MST Management, Inc. Philip G. Romualdez Arnold C. Liong Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Jocelyn F. Domingo Ron Ryan S. Buguis

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and there is room enough for all who invoke him by other names.

To an unbeliever, religious symbols are simply meaningless—but not offensive. They become offensive only when he does not want them around. And that is not a stand for liberty, but the arrogant insistence that one’s world-view that has no room for God trump all others.

We should have learned valuable lessons by now. Fundamentalist militants have vividly shown us fervor’s ugly face. There is no justification for arrant cruelty.

But faith has such a grip on human persons and is the most exalted source of demands for the believer that when force—even if it be the law-sanctioned use of State force—is used to ram down the fortress of one’s cherished convictions and fundamental beliefs, the very assaults on religion create the breach for its return with a vicious vengeance. Intolerance fans the flames of intolerance, and there is no difference between the intolerance of believers for the faiths of others and the intolerContinued on A11

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Jojo A. Robles Editor-in-Chief Jojo A. Robles Editor-in-Chief Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors P. Palacios News Editor FrancisJoel Lagniton News Editor Francis Lagniton Editor Joyce Pangco Pañares CityCity Editor Arman Armero Senior Deskman Adelle Chua Senior Deskman Leo A. Estonilo Senior Deskman Romel J. Mendez Art Director Romel J. Mendez ArtPhotographer Director Roberto Cabrera Chief Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

A10 REPRESENTATION IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

M O N D AY, A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

THEY ARE NOT THE SAME WHO in his right mind does not CHASING want peace inHAPPY stead of war in ADELLE Mindanao?

CHUA This is true for those of us born and raised here in the capital – yes, even those of us sitting on our comfortable urban armchairs, fancying ourselves educated in what is going on with our country.

We imagine that the yearning for peace is even more ardent for those actually living in strife-torn areas down south. For them, it’s not a choice between reading about peace now or swiping/saving it for later. The ugly realities of war are something they have to contend with and plan their lives around.

This is why we support peace efforts. It is absolutely necessary for a functioning government to extend its hand to insurgents, bring them to the negotiating table and talk to them about their concerns and how these could be addressed.

In this instance, the Philippine government’s untiring, decades-long effort to talk peace with secessionist groups is laudable. It is a sign of sincerity, a genuine gesture of reaching out.

The idea of peace gives us nothing more to pine for. Imagine – it’s a society where the governors and the governed co-exist in a mutually beneficial order.

Heads of families have gainful and sustainable employment. Everyone has enough to eat.

Children are in school. People practice the religion they embrace and are tolerant of the beliefs of others, foisting nothing on no one.

In an ideal, peaceful world, there is a place for everybody and everybody feels some sort of purpose and oneness with the community. Workers are engaged. Children are motivated and study hard so that they could eventually contribute to the community.

As a result, the economy benefits from the productivity of its citizens. Peace yields development; development, in turn, breeds a fair and just society such that conflict, disruption and displacement are discouraged. *** The Bangsamoro Basic Law is now being equated with peace. No less than President Benigno

YOU know that PLUMBLINE elections are less than a year away PASTOR when re-electionists APOLLO brave the summer QUIBOLOY heat and make their delayed apparitions during barrio fiestas.

Of course, their presence is heralded by banners hanging from every tree or electric pole along the parade route.

And all your suspicions that elections are already in the air are confirmed when dinner table talk or tagay topics revolve around who’s running or not, and who’s going to win or lose.

In a land where everyone is a boxing/political/ basketball analyst, every conceivable tandem or alliance is dissected the way bookies compute the odds, by experts who claim to know their political algorithms.

About 18,000 positions are said to be up for grabs in the general elections a year from now.

That may still increase, as there are last-minute efforts to create new towns, and carve additional congressional districts.

Of the latter, about 15 new districts are in the works, and if Congress would okay the bills creating them, they would bring the number of district representatives to 251 .

Add to this the other congressional species – the party-list representative – whose number by law is indexed to 20 percent of the total House membership. At present, there are 56 of them.

So if the new congressional slots would be authorized and put in the ballot next May, then the number of congressmen who would interrupt the next president’s maiden SONA with their roars of approval will be about 310, from the current 290.

Under the Constitution, a province or a city can have one congressional representative for every 250,000 inhabitants.

Despite their growth in population, most provinces and cities have not invoked this formula in increasing their congressional delegation.

This could be due to the entrenched leaders’ fear of diluting or dispersing political power.

In many cases, however, cost seemed to be the dampener as new congressional seats often trigger the creation of more city council or provincial board seats, a move which could diminish the funds available for the perks and projects of the incumbents.

But there are few who insist on their entitle- fast movement of people, trade and ideas, the “too ment. big to govern” card which has been used in the And their reasons range from the need to create political fiefdoms in order to avoid costly electoral past to break up provinces, carve new towns, creconfrontation to the calculus that sending more ate new House seats no longer holds credence.

Technology has shrunk the world we live in. representatives on a hunt for projects will result in Places are now crisscrossed by roads and wired more bacon brought home. with Wi-Fi hotpsots.

Varied the reasons may be, it does not, however, Fifty years ago, a congressman visiting a mounchange a given : That more representatives result tain barrio might do that on horseback after travin better representation. eling for hours in a “six-by-six” on a muddy logAnother modern-day superstition is that one ging road, the telegram bearing the congressman catering to the needs of details of his sortie sent weeks in ada smaller population would lead to vance. closer coordination between the peoThis was the age of the snail mail, ple and their representative.

Technology when the fastest form of communicaAnother one is that more reps create has shrunk the tion was transmitted in Morse code, a louder voice, which comes in handy and a 40-kph crawl in gravel road in lassoing projects for the districts world we live in. was overspeeding. because of the political adage that the Places are now And so the standard solution to wheel that squeaks get the oil. bring government closer to the people crisscrossed But the fact is there are roughly 100 was more representation and by roads and then House session days a year, and if each to let a hundred local governments lasts three hours, and if that would be wired with Wi-Fi bloom. So provinces were broken up, parceled out in equal time slots, then and towns subdivided hotpsots. each congressman would be entitled So this was how local governments to his 40 seconds on the floor. and national and local legislators mulThe fact is the 1:250,000 congresstiplied like amoeba. As of latest count, man-constituent ratio was conceived we now have 81 provinces, 138 cities, before the information-technology explosion, 1,496 municipalities, and 42,082 barangays – and back to the era when canvassing what the people of course a two-chamber Congress which cost taxpayers P12.6 billion a year to maintain. felt about a certain issue was laborious.

This has spawned a political class whose job But in this age of Skype and Twitter, when both the vehicular and information highways make for contract we renew every three years in an exercise

Aquino III has said that if we do not pass the BBL in its current form, the resulting scenario would be grim. We would be counting body bags instead, he warned. According to him, the alternative to the BBL is total war, a condition even worse than the status quo.

But the BBL in its present form, even its present name, carries baggage.

Foremost, it has been deemed unconstitutional by some legal experts, violating some of the sacred principles enshrined in our Constitution. It’s establishing a territory within a territory, and giving that entity way more powers than the Constitution allows. Some terms like “asymmetrical relationship”, not defined in the proposed law, invite interpretations worlds apart. There are issues about sharing wealth, appropriations, establishment of government agencies and many others that open the document up to valid questions and criticism.

Until all these are raised, talked about and resolved, and all in the public realm, the proposed law will continue to be a source of doubt.

At the Standard Talks forum on the BBL held last week, negotiators from both the government and the MILF remarked that it was possible to talk about the law without mentioning Mamasapano – the tragedy that occured January 25 which claimed the lives of 44 Special Action Force commandos, 18 MILF members and five civilians. After all, they said, the peace talks have been going on for decades. This is certainly longer than the almost three months that Mamasapano had been in the public’s consciousness. More people than the Fallen 44 have died.

Possible, maybe, but difficult. The Mamasapano incident and its aftermath have no doubt cast a darker shadow on the BBL’s prospects, precisely because of the party with whom the government has inked the peace agreement. The MILF continues to say that the policemen failed to coordinate with them regarding the plan to arrest the terrorist. It is silent on the autopsy which said that 27 of the 44 men had been OUT OF THE killed at close range.

BOX We’re preening hard to find some good RITA LINDA faith here – and it’s V. JIMENO been tough.

Jimeno’s column Continued on A11

will resume next week.

that cost us billions of pesos.

Two years ago, we elected 12 new senators, 229 district congressmen, 80 provincial governors, 80 provincial vice governors, 766 members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 138 city mayors, 138 city vice mayors, 1,532 members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, 1,496 municipal mayors, 1,496 municipal vice mayors, 11,972 members of the Sangguniang Bayan, 42,082 barangay chairmen, and 294, 196 councilmen.

Maintaining them burns a large hole in the taxpayer’s pocket. One study concludes that reducing by just one the membership of all the local sanggunians will result in savings of about P4 billion annually.

But if we want to convert payroll into public services, then perhaps we should study the possibility of merging provinces, cities and towns. And downsizing Congress.

If mergers in business are the route to organizational efficiency and cost reduction, I don’t see why this can’t be true in governance.

If one town with a population of 90,000 can be governed well by one mayor, then why can’t four contiguous towns with a combined population of 80,000 be consolidated into one? Imagine the overhead which can be saved.

Or why can’t five present provinces which are the offspring of one be merged anew and in the process do away with five sets of provincial officials? Or the area of two congressmen be compressed into one. And the work of two chambers be done by one.

M O N D AY, A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

EvEryman

By Nelson Forte Flores NAMES define who we are.

They also describe the persons and things around us. A name is sacred. It conveys power because it is an expression of dominion and emotions. When spoken, it elicits appropriate verbal reactions and/or physical responses. Without names, we cannot imagine nor grasp abstract things like God, love, trust or respect.

Names have different natures.

In some cultures, names are sometimes so sacred that it cannot be liberally invoked.

For example, fundamentalist Jews and Christians believed that they are commanded not to lightly mention God’s name or “make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.”

Names have power, or they could be an expression of it.

Note how a forum speaker exercises subtle power when he names an individual in the audience. There is a sure reaction to the act of naming. It catches the attention of the individual named which is proof that in that fleeting moment, the power of the speaker is flowing.

If anyone at all, it is the movie personalities and politicians who recognize the power of names. A chosen screen name of an artist could significantly account for a box office hit or a flop. It could make stars and Institutionalizing... From A8 ance of unbelievers for the allegiances of the faithful!

We are a terribly conflicted generation for while we feel quite free to experiment with social and personal relations—and so the emerging variants of tentative couples, same-sex unions, surrogate motherhood and other permutations of relations now freed from their traditional moorings (such as their re-

NAMES DEFINE WHO WE ARE create a mysterious persona over them or prevent the takeoff of a movie career.

Politicians, on the other hand, work hard to transform their ordinary names into brand or household names.

This is why much of their efforts during the span of their political careers center on establishing name recalls.

The manner in which names are spoken also communicate feelings and correspondingly arouse certain emotional response. Consider this: What is the worst possible sign that a child is in trouble, let’s say with his mother other than her speaking his full name loudly?

For instance, “Jay-Em, come here” does not have a spinechilling effect on a kid as when the mother uses his full name like “Juan Miguel, here!”

Although names have power, it is the act of name giving that is the root of it. According to theologians, name giving is a power given by God to man. We are the only specie that could give names to both living and non-living things.

Thus immediately after Adam was created his first God-given task was to name all the animals on Earth.

J. Hampton Keathley III, a religious author, said “naming carried special significance.

It was a sign of authority and power. This is evident in the fact that God revealed His names to His people rather than allowing them to choose their names for Him. This is

also seen in the fact that God often changed the names of His people: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel.

Note also how this concept of authority and power is seen when Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of Daniel and his three friends.”

Keathley further explained that it is an old idea that names are fixed. For example, once you are named, you will be identified with that name no matter what you may call yourself later. The author also said that “in many cultures the power to name things is the power to control or even create it.”

This is the apparent reason why the Roman Catholic Popes and most monarchs assume a different name when coming into power – so that none, including their parents, could have dominion over them.

Real name is important in trust building.

Since we now know that names allow others, including the State, to define or identify who we are, we can be sure that this is among the rationales behind the requirement to use our real name in every legal identification document, i.e. passport or voter’s ID. However, our signatures in these documents need not be the same as our true names.

A mere “X” suffices as a signature.

We take it for granted but letting others know our name is actually an act of TRUST and

GOODWILL in our part. We give people the power to call us whenever we give out our names. This is why real names should also be used in a delicate negotiations or circumstances like the peace process. It is part of confidence building and not an act of a nitwit.

By giving our real names to other parties, we are giving them the opportunity to control or ruin us but it is also an occasion where trust could be built and a lasting relationship forged. The pros and cons of giving one’s true name work both ways. This is why I submit that one respected sociologist is so wrong when he asserts in his newspaper column that questioning Mohager Iqbal, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief peace negotiator, about his real name is the “work of a small mind.” We should officially know whom we are dealing with if we are to build trust and respect in this peace talk.

Trust is something Iqbal, or whatever his name is, refuses to give and obviously accept.

While talking about peace, Iqbal is using a war name. He is clearly not living up to his claim that the MILF wants peace. How can trust be built in this ironic situation? Since a relationship is built on trust, how can we have a relationship with someone who does not trust us? How can we deal with someone whose real name we don’t officially know? This sounds like moro-moro to me.

lation to reproduction) -- we legislate out of public life the older experiments people had that inspired so much of humankind’s greatest achievements: experiments with transcendence! We pass laws that decree that public life shall know no transcendence and recognize none. What justification is there for that? What rationality?

There are times that at public events, someone will offer a prayer. For one who does not

believe, there will be no compulsion to show reverence.

The most that will be asked is that you do not raucously make prayer impossible. At other times, a religion-basher will have the floor—whether this be at some public forum, on television, on social media, or in print. Nothing should stand in the way of his expression of his unbelief.

The believer can choose to absent himself from the forum or not read the papers for the

day. That is how a free society should go. But to ordain in legal form that none shall, in public, profess faith, worship and exhibit the symbols of belief is to decree that the public space shall be as unbelievers would have it. This is the opposite of all that tolerance should reasonably mean!

#FAILOCRACY

rannie_aquino@sanbeda. edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

A11

They... From A10 Until this point, too, President Aquino has refused to answer questions regarding his role in the operation, including the pivotal one of whether there was indeed hesitation to send military reinforcement to help the SAF because doing so might endanger the BBL. Finally, this issue of aliases. So far, what we know is that some of the top officials of the MILF go by multiple names. What these names are, and why they choose to identify themselves in so many ways, have not been sufficiently explained. Chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal simply claims that revealing his true name would endanger his security. He has used this as an incentive to passing the BBL. He also says his counterparts in the peace process have known his name all along. The Palace says it is a non-issue.

Oh, but it is. Names are fundamental. This is why we don’t readily trust anonymous reports or take at face value statements from anonymous sources.

This is why we will not dare come to an agreement with somebody using an alias. How can he or she be bound by what is on paper?

These are the things that tell us that the BBL issue will be here for a long time. As it must. It cannot be fast-tracked or shoved down our throats. The people want answers, definitions, names and other specifics.

The people want peace, and BBL may just one of the means with which to achieve peace. The BBL is not peace, and peace is not the BBL. Let’s not shy away from questions and discussions. Superficial, fleeting peace is just as dangerous—if not more. adellechua@gmail.com

CHONG ARDIVILLA

m o n day : a p ri l 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

A12

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Irawan cops ICTSI Invitational MALAYSIAN Arie Irawan fought off an early threat from American Brett Munson and a late charge by Miguel Tabuena in demanding conditions to win the $60,000 ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational crown by four strokes with a closing even par 71 at Eagle Ridge’s Aoki course in Gen. Trias, Cavite Saturday.

Irawan put in a solid 35 at the front then recovered from a bogey mishap on No. 13 with a slew of routine pars to frustrate Tabuena in another scorching, windy day and turn what had started to be a wild title chase into a runaway triumph. The young Malaysian started out in joint third with a 73, dropped to a share of fourth despite a 69 in the second round before storming to a threeshot lead with a 67 Friday.

With a four-under 280 aggregate, Irawan annexed his second championship in this year’s Asian Development Tour after hanging on to snare a onestroke victory at PGM Sime Darby

back home in January. The $10,500 purse he took also pushed him within ADT Order of Merit frontrunner Hsieh Chi-hsien of Taiwan ($27,342) with earnings of $25,738.

“I just wanted to keep the ball on the fairway because the wind blew really strong the last two days. I was really surprised by the wind and it affected everybody with the scores literally showing the effect,” said Irawan, whose victory also snapped the local aces’ stranglehold of the ADT events.

For a while, Irawan looked headed for a tough finish as Munson birdied Nos. 2 and 3 to pull within one but

the American faded just as quickly with two double bogeys and two bogeys in the next four holes. That enabled Irawan to pull away with an opening 35 as Tabuena struggled while trying to find his rhythm and fell by five with a 37.

It was cruise control for Irawan from there although Tabuena made one last charge with a birdie on No. 16 to bounce back to within three but bogeyed the final hole while trying to net a birdie. The young Filipino settled for a second straight 72 and wound up solo second at 284 worth $6,900.

“I just played cautious all throughout, went for the pin if there’s a chance and tried to be on a good spot for a nice finish,” added Irawan, who however won’t be around when Sherwood Hills Golf Club hosts the other ADT leg next Wednesday.

Given the tough conditions,

there were efforts for comebacks in flights ahead of the final group but they remained as that – attempts – as Tony Lascuna and Jun Bernis, who started the day seven shots off Irawan, ran out of holes after moving to within five shots with threeunder cards in one stretch.

Still, Lascuna, the reigning threetime Order of Merit champion of the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour and winner of the ADT Invitational last year, and Bernis snatched joint third place at 285 after identical 69s and shared the combined purse of $7,560.

Thai Poosit Supupramai matched par 71 and wound up solo fifth at 286 while Munson never recovered from that mid-frontside slide and limped with a 75, dropping to a share of sixth at 287 with Clyde Mondilla, Elmer Salvador and Americans Yoon Sejun and second round joint leader Micah Shin.

Surging HD Spikers mow down Troopers

CIGNAL kept the momentum of its three-set romp over Instituto Estetico Manila as it swamped another title contender in Army, 25-21, 27-25, 25-21, to firm up its semifinal bid in the Spikers’ Turf Season I Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The HD Spikers flaunted their blocking prowess to frustrate a number of Army attacks, finishing with 13 blocks with Reyson Fuentes coming through with seven and Edmar Bonono adding three.

It was a big comeback for Cignal, which dropped a pair of 1-3 setbacks to Air Force and PLDT Home Ultera before thumping the Volley Masters, who ruled the 2014 Shakey’s men’s tournament, last Thursday.

Fuentes went on to pile up 14 hits while Lorenzo Capate Jr. and Bonono combined for 25 hits for the surging HD Spikers. Herschel Ramos likewise turned in an impressive seven-hit output in a one-a-half set stint while Jeffrey Lansangan and Bonjomar Castel added five points apiece.

Patrick Rojas fired 15 hits while Edmar Oxciano and Greg Dolor combined for 21 points for the Troopers, who went winloss-win-loss in their first four games in the inaugural staging of the league presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

Cignal thus tied its victim at third behind the unbeaten Cagayan Valley (4-0) and PLDT (21) while Champion Infinity and Air Force tote identical 1-1 cards, ensuring a wide open battle for the last berths in the semis of the tournament backed by Mikasa.

Barbosa competes in Bangkok Chess Open Arie Irawan (center) accepts his trophy and prize from Eagle Ridge director Ramil Villanueva. The Malaysian ace romped off with a four-shot victory in the $60,000 ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational at Eagle Ridge’s Aoki course last Saturday. Looking on is Eagle Ridge manager Raymond Bunquin.

This lady means business

By Lito Cinco THIS pretty volleyball player means business, literally.

Bea Tan plays for the popular Foton Lady Tornados team competing in the Philippine Super Liga. She’s even better at beach volleyball but that is not her only business. At her young age of 21 and with a management degree from Ateneo de Manila University, where she played four years of collegiate volleyball, Bea has already put up her own business with the help of her supportive father.

She has already opened her small kiosk for the Sunnie Studio fashion eye wear in Robinson’s in her hometown in Bacolod City and will soon open a second one at the Ayala Mall, also in Bacolod. She decided to start a business in lieu of going for a Master’s degree though it’s something she

plans to pursue in the United States in the future.

“The prospects look good which is why I am already looking ahead to that second store. Initially, I had to do a feasibility study to convince my father about the business. I had to really convince him before he lent me the start up capital I needed. I felt I was at the right place and right time when I opened my first store in April last year,” said Bea. She admitted that she never had any plans of looking for a job as she wanted to run her own business. In her senior year she ran a food stall in the campus. This convinced her she could indeed manage her own enterprise.

Her biggest challenge is handling her four employees who are all young like her, though not as serious.

“They have a very different way of looking at things. It is as if they do not think of the future. While

for me, I want to see them grow with me in the business. The sense of loyalty I think is missing among young workers now,” said Bea who shuttles back and forth from Bacolod to Manila as she divides her time between the sport she loves and her business.

“Actually, after graduating, I was not planning on playing competitive volleyball anymore.

I wanted to continue with beach volleyball, but on a recreational basis. When the opportunity to play with Foton came, and having former Ateneo teammates in the team, I went back to the sport that I love. Foton management gives us players a lot of leeway. Some of us are working while in my case, I run a business. I guess this kind of support from management is the reason why all of us enjoy playing for Foton,” added Bea who has a big following in social media.

Bea Tan (17) easily handles a volleyball. Bea is all business while playing for Foton. She is just as serious outside the playing court and has already put up her own business with the help of her supportive father.

FILIPINO grandmaster Oliver Barbosa clung to a share of seventh to 11th places after eight rounds of the 2015 Bangkok Open Chess Championship at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand last Saturday.

He has six points with five others after he upset GM Eugene Torre.

Meanwhile, top seed Wang Hao moved close to becoming the champion by beating Germany’s Jan Gustafsson in 60 moves of a Benoni Opening.

This allowed Wang to take the solo lead, with seven points to his credit.

Five players are half a point behind Wang, including his biggest threat to the crown, ex-world title challenger Nigel Short.

Short ended Jozsef Horvath’s unbeaten run in the tournament with a long-term pawn sacrifice resulting eventually in a winning attack in 44 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined.

He shares 6.5 points wth five others.

Tied with Short is second seed Paco Vallejo, who ended Australian Max Illingworth’s hopes for earning a Grandmaster title in 44 moves of another Queen’s Gambit Declined. Peter Atencio

m o n day : a p ri l 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

A13

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

The lovely Katharina Lehnert of the Philippines fires a forehand volley to India’s Ankita Raina in the Fed Cup-Oceana Group 2 Tennis Championship final at Fateh Maidan Tennis Complex in Hyderabad. Lehnert beat Raina 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 but the Philippine team ultimately bowed to India, 2-1. AFP

Pinays bow to India in Fed Cup 2 Finals

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine women’s team, led by Fil-German Katharina Lehnert and Anna Clarice Patrimonio, lost to the dreaded Sania Mirzalead Team India, 2-1, Saturday in the promotional playoff round of the Group 2 Asia-Ocenia finals of the Federation Cup 2015 Tennis Championships at the SAAP Tennis Complex in Hyderabad, India.

Mirza, currently the world no. 1 women’s doubles player, teamed up with Phratran Thombare in their decisive doubles encounter with the world no. 952-ranked Lehnert

and the unranked Patrimonio.

Because of this, India will be promoted to Group 1 in the next Fed Cup competitions.

The 29-year old Mirza, who was around when India won

over New Zealand and Pakistan last year, helped her team advance to Group 1 after she and Thombare pulled off a 6-3, 6-3 triumph.

The contest was tied at 1-all when Lehnert upset Ankita Raina, world ranked 248 in the singles following a 2-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory.

Thombare drew first blood for India when she got past Patrimonio, 6-3, 6-1.

In reaching the playoffs, the Philippines first routed Singapore, 3-0.

Patrimonio first won over Angeline Devanthiran, 7-6 (5), 7-5, before Lehnert put

away Khee Yen Wee, 6-1, 6-0.

After that, Patrimonio and Lehnert joined hands for a 6-1, 6-2 win in the doubles.

In the crossover playoffs, Lehnert and Patrimonio turned back Ayu-Fani Dayamanti and Lavinian Tananta, 6-7(12), 6-4, 6-2, to earn the right to face India for a promotional slot.

Tananta kept Indonesia in the thick of the fight when she won the first singles with a 6-3, 6-1 stopping of Patrimonio.

But Lehnert evened matters up with her 6-4, 6-2 victory over Deria Nur Haliza.

Mothers join fun and games TAISHO Pharmaceuticals (Phils.) Inc. and Tempra, in cooperation with Subterranean Ideas, is honoring mothers with fun and games on Mother’s Day (May 10) at the Skydome, SM North-EDSA, Quezon City.

Titled Tempra-A Mother’s Day Event, the fun-filled day is free to all Filipino mothers and their children.

Various games and fun booths await mothers and their children, such as the Spin a win-8, pachinko, magic treats, balloon twisting, unlimited face painting (kids and adults), Tempra photo booth (photo opportunity with Dr. T), and other games such as Tempra Hold Your Breath Contest, Sign Game, Tempra Find the Fruit Game (concept of Easter Egg Hunt) and many others.

Entrance to the event is free. But participants must bring two empty boxes of Tempra (any variant and combination) and present at the entrance’s registration booth to avail of one booklet.

“Throughout the years, Tempra has been synonymous with a mother’s love for her children, especially when they are sick. It has always been the preferred medicine of choice by parents when their kids suffer from flu and fever because it is safe and effective. Our Mother’s Day event is our way of thanking Filipino mothers,” said Cleo Roda Nodado, Senior Brand Manager of Taisho-Tempra.

PBA will tap newbies to PH team

THE Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) Smash Pilipinas will beef up its grassroots program by tapping young players to determine the next generation of national badminton athletes that will compete abroad.

PBA Smash Pilipinas national team manager Eric Español said over the weekend that they saw a lot of young potential talents in the recent 2015 Prima Pasta BadPhilippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Assistant General Manager for minton Championship organized Gaming Sector Conrado C. Zabella (center) makes a ceremonial toss at the

by Alexander Lim in Makati City. opening of the PCSO In-House Sectoral Basketball Tournament between the “By means of our PhilipExecutive Office against the Administrative Sector held at the Dumlao Sports pine National Ranking System Center in Mandaulyong City on April 17. The Executive Office won against the (PNRS), we are currently in the Administrative Sector, 52-42. Joining him are Joel Pastores President of the Sweepstakes Employees Union (SEU) and Walfredo Ignacio 1st Vice-President process of selecting young players to include in the national pool,” SEU.JOSEPH MUEGO

Español said. “The recent Prima Pasta badminton tournament is a great measure to determine the talent of the players.”

The 2015 Prima Pasta Badminton winners Jewel Angelo Albo (Under-15 boys), Mikaela Joy De Guzman (U-15 girls), Kyle Justine Legaspi (U-17 boys), and Janelle Anne Andres (U-17 singles), among other champions, have the edge to join the PBA Smash Pilipinas national training pool.

“Our coaches led by Indonesian head coach Paulus Firman will take care of it. We are very confident this year that we can get new promising players for our juniors and seniors pool,” he said. “We’re thankful that

Prima Pasta badminton tournament has able to help us to make the selection process easily.”

Besides the annual Prima Pasta Championship, Español explained that the association is also scouting for young players yearly from other various competitive badminton tournaments all over the country to consider and add to its national pool.

“It is the commitment of the PBA under the leadership of our Secretary-General Congressman Albee Benitez and Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan to develop a strong Philippine badminton team,” said Español. “Our goal is to reach the Olympics.”

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

M ONDAY : AP RIL 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS A14 AAP chooses Mantolino as the Driver of the Year sports@thestandard.com.ph

THE Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) conferred young champion driver Paolo Mantolino with the highest recognition as 2014 AAP Driver of the Year during the 20th AAP Awards Night held recently at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-0

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3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

While the AAP Driver of the Year is usually handed to the overall champion of the Philippine Touring Car Championship (PTCC), the governing motorsports body further cited the many firsts the 26-year-old Mantolino achieved in the 2014 season.

Mantolino raced for the first time in the premiere Division 1 for 200hp cars and his amazing colorful journey under the umbrella of Ethanworx Racing Team was instrumental in his rise as the newest addition to the elite circle of marquee circuit racing champion.

Aside from clinching the Division 1 title and the overall PTCC plum, Mantolino was the first non-traditional champion to win the title in years and the first rookie in Division 1 to ever achieve the rare feat of capturing the overall crown.

What makes it a accomplishment was the huge milestone that carved his mark as the youngest champion in PTCC hist(ory only on his second year of racing in the PTCC where he first joined as a Division 2 driver (for 150hp cars).

The inspiration and the all-out support of his father Joey Mantolino was the biggest factor behind his successful title journey and racing career, being always by his side from time Paolo molded his racing skills as a former jetski champion in his younger years up to the present moving on to circuit racing still carrying that winning character.

Blaze Spikers target sweep

PETRON will shoot for a sweep while Foton and Shopinas continue their hunt for the elusive outright semifinal berth when the 2015 Philippine Superliga women’s volleyball tournament All-Filipino Conference resumes today at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Blaze Spikers battle the Lady Clickers at 6:30 pm following the encounter between Foton and Cignal at 4:30 pm and the collision between Philips Gold and Mane ‘N Tail in the 1:30 pm first game of this prestigious interclub tourney organized

by Sports Core and supported by Asics, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller Sports Medicine, Via Mare, LGR and Heathway Medical.

Powered by a star-studded roster, Petron blazed its way to an impressive nine consecutive victories to snatch the first outright semifinal berth on Saturday.

It is now bidding to become only the second team to complete a clean sweep of the doubleround eliminations -- a feat that will come at the heels of its successful title run in the importflavored Grand Prix last year.

On the other hand, Shopinas (5-3) and Foton (4-4) are locked in a furious battle for the second outright semis berth after winning their respective games at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan City over the weekend.

The Lady Clickers and the Tornadoes need to sweep their remaining games to join the Blaze Spikers in the next round.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

m o n day : a p ri l 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Roach: Pacquiao will push Mayweather into the ropes

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

EIGHT division world champion and the pride of the Philippines Manny Pacquiao sparred twelve rounds on Saturday and looked better than ever.

Working on a game plan to attack early and relentlessly and to push undefeated pound for pound No.1 Floyd Mayweather Jr. into the ropes, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach said “the fight will be won and lost on the ropes.”

Pushing his theory that Mayweather’s legs are shot, which was given added credence by a report from Matthew Fellows of the Daily Telegraph that Mayweather’s people were worried because he was supposedly having trouble with his hands as well as his legs.

Roach told Oliver Holt of the Daily Mail “if he goes to the ropes and tries to rest his legs, he will get beat.”

However, Roach conceded that if Mayweather “has good movement the entire night and his legs don’t give out on him.

He’ll probably win.”

Simply put it’s about outscoring Mayweather and Roach believes “if he sits on the ropes we can outscore him. If he stays in the middle of the ring and boxes all the time he could possibly outscore us.”

Pacquiao resumed his spar-

ring this week after a one week layoff ordered by Roach, to prevent Pacquiao from being over-trained. Roach said Pacquiao is in the best shape of his life, “moving faster and punching harder than ever before.”

Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN reported that Pacquiao sparred twelve rounds yesterday and later told her that Roach was “very happy” with his performance.

She added that “he had very good, explosive movement from rounds 1 to 12.”

The parade of Hollywood superstars who visit Pacquiao continued on Saturday when “Rocky,” popular Sylvester Stallone visited him at the Wild Card Gym. Mayweather Promotions CEO and Floyd’s spokesman Leonard Ellerbe was quoted in a Boxing

Scene story that he “expects to see a knockout . Floyd will seize the opportunity and finish him (Pacquiao) off.”

Ellerbe clarified that “a lot will play out from the way the fighters come out from the opening bell” predicting that Mayweather “will be able to come out and dictate the pace, based on Pacquiao’s style.”

He conceded “it’s no secret that Manny is a very aggressive and exciting fighter but he makes a lot of mistakes that Floyd will be able to exploit from the opening bell.”

Ellerbe agreed that Pacquiao is “a fighter that has great speed and is very awkward. He has a tremendous trainer and they’ll come out with a great game-plan but I know it won’t be enough after what Floyd is bringing to the table.”

Boxer Manny Pacquiao (right) works out with trainer Freddie Roach during a training session at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. The Filipino congressman and world champion boxer will fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2 in what is billed as the “Fight of the Century” between the first and only eight-division world champion Pacquiao and undefeated five-division world champion Mayweather. AFP

PLDT subdues Cagayan IT TOOk PLDT Home Ultera an extra set but the Ultra Fast Spikers still did it, beating the Cagayan Valley Lady Rising Suns, 25-20, 25-22, 26-28, 25-18, yesterday to zero in on the first semifinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Alyssa Valdez unloaded 25 hits while Gretchel Soltones backed her up with a solid 21-point output as the Ultra Fast Spikers recovered from a close third set defeat with a big surge late in the fourth to hack out the one-hour, 50-minute victory before a crowd of 3,024.

After sweeping their first three matches without dropping a set, the Ultra Fast Spikers finally absorbed one when the Lady Rising Suns scored on a block and Valdez’s smash found the net in an extended, back-and-forth battle in the third.

But after another tight duel early in the fourth, the Ultra Fast Spikers re-imposed their strength on the net with Valdez and Soltones punching in the kills from all angles to power the team to their fourth straight victory in a match aired live over GMA News TV Channel 11.

The PLDT’s power duo combined for whopping 41 attacks with the team ending up with 62, 16 more than the former champions. The Ultra Fast Spikers also produced 11 blocks as against the Lady Rising Suns’ nine with ace setter Rubie de Leon putting in a 42-excellent set performance as against Cagayan’s 26 to likewise emerge as the game’s best player.

“We knew for us to get through Cagayan’s defense, we need to have aggressive attacking the net and we did that today (yesterday),” said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb.

While Valdez and Soltones sustained their firepower, Jaja Santiago took care of the defense upfront, scoring five blocks to finish with 11 hits.

PHLPost issues Pacman stamps

By Ronnie Nathanielsz BARELY two weeks before the eagerly anticipated showdown between eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten pound for pound No.1 Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas on May 3 Manila Time Filipino fans will have chance to savor the excitement by buying copies of the special limited edition “Fight of the Century” Pacquiao postage stamps to be released by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) on Monday, April 20.

Obviously a favorite of many stamp collectors due to Pacquiao’s tremendous popularity worldwide, the “Fight of the Century” Philippine postage stamp can be a acquired for a little as P10 only.

PHLPost is set to issue 500,000 copies featuring a photo of Pacman in a fighting stance.

PHLPost advises the public to buy early in order to get the special limited edition collectors copy of the stamps. Souvenir sheets and official first day cover shall be available

at the Central Post Office, Door 203, LiwasangBonifacio, Manila and area post offices nationwide.

For inquiries, please call 527-01-08 or 52701-32.

Aside from the regular stamp, Some 30,000 copies of the souvenir sheet will also be released at P40 each.

Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz said these “Fight of the Century” postage stamps featuring the nation’s pride is “a fitting tribute to his exceptional character and ability that truly unites the nation whenever he fights.”

Before PHLPost started printing these stamps, it was first approved by the Philippine Stamp Committee composed of representatives from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Philatelic Federation (PPF), and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

PHLPost in-house artist RodineTeodoro did the layout of the Pacquiao regular stamps, the souvenir sheets and official first day cover.

This bout is on. As the fight between Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and

unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr. comes closer, a toy featuring the two fighters squaring off could become a very popular collector’s item. The toy went on sale in stores in Manila Sunday, Apr. 19. DANNY PATA

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK M O N DAY : A P RI L 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

REUEL VIDAL A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters combo guard Paul Lee (center) loses possession of the ball while being double-teamed by Talk N Text Tropang Texters defenders Ranidel de Ocampo (33) and Matt Rosser (right). The Elasto Painters posted a lopsided, 109-97, victory over the Tropang Texters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Sunday, Apr. 19, to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship of the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.

Elasto Painters rout TNT

By Jeric Lopez

THE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters sent an emphatic statement.

The Elasto Painters reigned supreme from start to finish as they hacked out an impressive 109-97 rout of the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in Game 3 to take a critical 2-1 edge in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup finals last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Wayne Chism led four Rain or Shine players in double-figures with his game-high 32 points, on a high clip of 10-of-15 shooting, and 15 rebounds for a solid double-double.

His support came from rookie Jericho Cruz, resident gunner Jeff Chan and star player Paul Lee, who came off the bench.

Lee uncorked 17 points, three rebounds and five assists as a reserve while Cruz tallied 14 markers and Chan 11. JR Quiñahan also provided a solid lift off the bench by adding nine points in another team effort for Rain or Shine.

Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao was pleased with what Chism did as well as his squad’s execution.

ROACH SAYS PACQUIAO WILL PUSH FLOYD TO THE ROPES TURN TO A15

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

‘’It’s a good win for us.

Wayne Chism probably played his best all-around game and that was a big help for us. Also, our philosophy of spreading the minutes and responsibilities gave us fresh performances from our players,’’ said Guiao. ‘’We didn’t see any defensive adjustments from them which is why we ran what worked for us last time. Our job is far from done but it’s a great win for us.’’

Game 4 in this best-of-seven titular affair is slated on Wednesday, still at the same venue.

Showing fluidity in its execution right from the get-go, Rain or Shine, through the hot hand of Chism, who had 13 points and eight boards right away at the

end of the first quarter, carved an early double-digit lead right away. They exploded 15-3 bomb to start the game after the opening five minutes.

By the second, the Painters, who had 13 assists in the opening half alone, extended their spread to 17 points, 46-29, at the 7:40 mark of the frame before settling for a 52-45 edge by halftime after the Tropang Texters ended the half with a 16-6 run to climb back into the game.

However, Rain or Shine was really determined to break the game wide open as it restored its tight grip of the contest in the third.

A 13-2 blitz by the Elasto Painters in the third instantly gave them back a handy dou-

PINAYS BOW TO INDIA IN FINALS OF FED CUP TURN TO A13

ble-digit lead, holding a 69-53 cushion at the 5:17 mark of the quarter. From there, the Painters cruised the rest of the way.

They carried an 84-65 advantage heading to the fourth and led by as much as 22 points twice in the final 12 minutes of play.

Ivan Johnson nearly mirrored what Chism did as he led Talk ‘N Text with a double-double with team-highs 30 points and 14 rebounds. Jayson Castro had 20, Larry Fonacier and Matt Rosser added 16 each.

It was the Tropang Texters’ lax defense that cost them the game as they gave up more than a hundred points to the Elasto Painters for the second straight game.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK MONDAY: APRIL 20, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

PSe comPoSite index Closing April 17, 2015

8500 8000

B1

Teleperformance 16th site.

Teleperformance, the world’s leading provider of outsourced customer experience management services, recently inaugurated its newest site at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Annex in Pasay City. Located at the eighth floor of the MOA Arena Annex, the new Teleperformance site covers more than 8,000 square meters of office space and boasts of over 2,000 employee workstations. Shown cutting the ribbon are (from left) Teleperformance vice president for facilities and administration John Christian Vingno, senior vice president for human capital resource managementJeffrey Johnson, managing director Travis Coates, executive vice president for operations Parikshat Nagpal and vice president for operations Tanya Famador.

PORT OPERATOR NOT KEEN ON BIDDING

Seaport PPP seen unviable

7500 7000 6500 6000

7,946.89 1.31

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing APRIL 17, 2015 46

P44.275

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.275LOW P44.375AVERAGE P44.337 VOLUME 499.100M

P508.00-P728.00 LPG/11-kg tank P38.40-P52.05 Unleaded Gasoline P26.90-P43.80 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P35.40-P39.15 Kerosene

THE country’s largest port operator is unlikely to participate in the auction of the first public-private partnership seaport project under the Aquino administration, saying the largest investment required in the project may not be recovered.

“We are not quite sure if we are going to bid. What we are seeing is the investment requirement is so large. Numerous private ports are already in the area. So we may not bid for that,” International Container Terminal Services Inc. chairman Enrique Razon said.

The Transportation Depart-

ment and the Philippine Ports Authority are inviting local and international companies to submit a bid to finance, design, redevelop, operate and maintain the P17-billion Davao Sasa port modernization project.

The Davao Sasa wharf is the country’s major port for bananas,

one of the Philippines’ biggest agricultural exports.

The wharf has a capacity of 700,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, but the PPA said it expected volumes to increase to 1.2 million TEUs in the next five years.

The winning bidder will modernize the existing Davao Sasa port, including the construction of a new apron and linear quay, expansion of the back-up area, container yards and warehouses, and the installation of new equipment like ship-to-shore cranes and rubber-tyred gantry.

It will also be responsible for operating and maintaining the port for 30 years.

Razon, however, expressed pes-

simism about the viability of the project. “I doubt if you can recover that type of investment in Davao. With Davao, it already has a lot of competition. And [if] we invest that money while your competitors are not, they just operate cheaply. How are you gonna recover that?” Razon said.

ICTSI, which operates the main international port in Manila, has been expanding its operations globally. Razon said his company participated in bidding for a port in Cameroon in Africa and would another one in Mombasa, Kenya.

At present, the port operator has operations in Madagascar, Nigeria and Congo in Central Africa.

DTI reviews newsprint tariff adjustment

P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG

By Othel V. Campos

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, April 17, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.4120

Japan

Yen

0.008396

0.3729

UK

Pound

1.493000

66.3071

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129011

5.7296

Switzerland

Franc

1.045588

46.4367

Canada

Dollar

0.820143

36.4242

Singapore

Dollar

0.740796

32.9002

Australia

Dollar

0.779423

34.6157

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653224

117.8350

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

Brunei

Dollar

0.738062

32.7788

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000078

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030864

1.3707

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.0915

Euro

Euro

1.076200

47.7962

Korea

Won

0.000920

0.0409

China

Yuan

0.161376

7.1670

India

Rupee

0.016057

0.7131

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.273673

12.1544

New Zealand

Dollar

0.765404

33.9931

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032144

11.8429

1.4276 Source: PDS Bridge

B3

By Darwin G Amojelar

THE Trade Department said it will consider public interest in reviewing the 9-percent safeguard tariff proposed by the Tariff Commission on imported newsprint, after media companies and other stakeholders submitted petitions questioning the proposal.

“I’m saying that [the Secretary] is evaluating the TC report but he cannot overrule the findings. Recommendations are recommendations, so they will be considered.

The Secretary cannot overturn the findings but [he can] modify the recommendation,” Trade Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal

Nickel miner eyes investors

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B5

said, referring to the Secretary Gregory Domingo’s recommendation.

Cristobal said the agency was looking at the impact of the new tariff rate on downstream industries while reviewing the final recommendation. He said while the Tariff Act stated that the Trade Secretary should review the findings and recommendation of the Tariff Commission, “he [Secretary] is bound by the findings, but not [by] recommendation.”

Local newsprint manufacturers complained in 2014 about the sudden decline of newsprint prices allegedly caused by the huge importation of newsprints.

Aboitiz seeking airport partners

The Tariff Commission ruled in February 2015 that all incoming newsprint imports should carry an additional tariff of 9 percent to P2,470 per metric ton in the next three years.

While the findings showed causality for increasing the tariff and that the recommended tariff can be changed, the exact years of imposing the safeguard measures cannot be revised.

The findings and recommendation of the Tariff Commission should take effect by 2016, after the Trade Department completed the final review.

The Department can also review which countries the safe-

B6

guard measure shall be imposed on and those that can be exempted from the higher tariff.

“There is a possibility that the rate of safeguard tariff can graduated to lower rates yearly. We have the flexibility to do that,” Cristobal said.

The proposed safeguard duty will be imposed on all newsprint imports regardless of origin, but the equivalent ad valorem rates will vary depending on the value of shipment, with lower dutiable value to generate higher ad valorem. The United Kingdom is the biggest exporter of newsprint to the Philippines among the European Union countries.

Government lowers prices of chicken

MONDAY: APRIL 20, 2015

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BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

MST BuSineSS Weekly STockS RevieW STOCKS

APRIL 13-17, 2015 Close Volume

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. Bright Kindle Resources Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

7.5 70.8 118.50 106.00 46.2 2.35 2.16 9.3 15.28 22.85 8.44 0.7 1.67 775.00 0.415 96.2 0.99 18.26 31.00 78.00 95 334 44.95 166.4 1405.00 70.30 3.02

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Bogo Medellin C. Azuc De Tarlac Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab. Federal Res. Inv. Group First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Lafarge Rep Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp.

Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

42.5 1.66 1.09 1.99 11.78 49.95 92.95 18.64 194 34.95 62 1.75 13.48 19.300 11.48 7.98 9.52 1.84 18.96 28.95 94.5 14.20 0.4500 14.18 6.2 0.580 213.40 9.5 36.05 2.85 2.54 54.05 27.5 24.75 7.600 265.40 4.18 4.12 9.79 4.75 11.58 4.05 2.44 2.6 4.85 3.05 6.5 201.4 1.66 0.167 1.30 2.17 216 4.47 0.67 1.46

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anglo Holdings B Anscor `A’ Asia Amalgamated A ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings LT Group Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Mabuhay Holdings `B’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Minerales Industrias Corp.

MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Transgrid Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries

0.470 58.50 25.55 1.35 1.3 7.10 1.60 0.28 0.28 793 8.17 15.40 3.15 4.47 0.300 1296 6.12 72.65 4.8 8.86 0.79 16.08 0.64 0.65 4.88 5.1 3.4 0.0400 1.360 0.770 2.44 69.40 2.83 931.00 1.22 0.86 263.00 101.40 0.3850 0.2350

Value

Close

FINANCIAL 2,601,608.00 5,964,359.00 1,640,081,134.00 738,903,686.00 16,091,855.00 531,160.00 1,600,630.00 11,325.00 8,676,310.00 74,925,250.00 2,552,551 421,800 71,310.00 8,092,920.00 371,850.00 3,065,640,815.00 1,087,640.00 8,834,658.00 892,950.00 147,596,991.00 3,952,248.00 25,230,154.00 99,586,445.00 656,775,272.00 5,998,275.00 6,420,709.00 363,790.00 INDUSTRIAL 25,982,300 1,117,630,635.00 2,045,000 3,394,790.00 6,699,000 7,267,990.00 6,368,000 12,695,670.00 105,100 1,242,952.00 200 9,725.00 10 930.00 3,573,700 66,267,832.00 22,858 87,752.00 2,114,500 72,098,460.00 962,700 59,202,939.00 1,356,000 2,410,830.00 2,612,700 34,258,688.00 40,045,400 488,282,900.00 25,671,200 295,133,222.00 188,942,900 1,512,538,160.00 7,042,100 68,749,699.00 608,000 1,189,070.00 1,925,600 40,729,638.00 29,597,400 843,031,655.00 1,296,790 124,199,817.00 37,600 537,728.00 1,550,000 689,850.00 54,900 781,058.00 4,177,900 25,584,444.00 566,000 329,400.00 2,843,040 607,932,966.00 10,347,400 94,958,458.00 20,600 714,655.00 418,000 1,143,570.00 936,000 3,380,010.00 11,550 618,206.00 5,379,100 144,892,880.00 5,687,200 139,262,640.00 752,600 5,885,444.00 1,318,820 347,142,980.00 1,000 4,180.00 19,618,000 80,070,420.00 12,428,000 122,890,913.00 486,700 1,898,056.00 92,400 1,067,830.00 1,777,000 7,162,850.00 2,731,000 6,788,760.00 5,990,800 18,852,060.00 17,367,300 85,884,865.00 1,000 3,050.00 22,000 142,440.00 67,690 13,677,014.00 727,000 1,200,010.00 12,500,000 2,103,750.00 52,000 68,600.00 691,481,200 18,852,100.00 13,467,420 2,938,946,606.00 903,000 4,048,220.00 3,572,000 2,419,010.00 1,451,000 2,094,460.00 HOLDING FIRMS 560,000 259,000.00 6,539,250 374,414,501.00 53,868,000 1,408,335,175.00 135,000 177,480.00 50,000 66,000.00 125,500 880,922.00 156,000 259,750.00 6,540,000 1,804,350.00 1,340,000 364,300.00 2,052,843 2,253,084,330.00 19,490,000 165,764,809.00 39,386,700 606,808,969.00 11,000 34,650.00 242,000 1,083,940.00 4,360,000 1,351,900.00 2,289,430 3,061,501,365.00 2,050,000 12,566,620.00 15,901,620 1,151,669,020.00 1,000 4,800.00 13,370,400 118,029,300.00 5,800,000 4,523,090.00 29,336,900 473,357,730.00 3,057,000 1,926,520.00 802,000 521,550.00 157,166,000 673,841,782.00 500,000 2,572,000.00 5,000 16,970.00 12,700,000 508,200.00 2,000 2,720.00 4,909,000 3,789,790.00 49,000 119,910.00 4,293,380 302,060,630.00 13,000 36,790.00 1,447,880 1,351,557,800.00 304,000 366,310.00 657,000 583,410.00 20 5,260.00 50,930 5,251,505.00 24,720,000 9,593,000.00 1,380,000 321,790.00 695,000 84,410 16,515,400 7,017,680 348,200 228,000 742,000 1,200 538,600 3,122,200 292,100 599,000 42,000 10,470 870,000 31,520,850 1,100,000 481,500 28,800 1,932,550 41,910 76,590 2,211,800 3,828,420 4,315 91,750 119,000

APRIL 6-10, 2015 Volume Value

7 71 119.80 106.00 46.6 2.33 2.17 10.16 16.5 24.4 9.80 0.72 1.79 765.00 0.440 99.6 0.98 18.30 31.00 78.00 94.90 336 45.1 176.9 1330.00 69.40 3.08

263,000 58,630 13,657,060 6,602,310 800,800 109,000 424,000 1,500 133,700 4,875,500 136,900 93,000 96,000 110 340,000 16,020,300 1,466,000 105,000 26,800 2,228,760 5,250 39,550 3,964,200 4,173,780 630 144,010 108,000

1,854,030.00 4,145,369.00 1,635,108,515.00 680,444,786.00 36,914,380.00 253,430.00 929,650.00 15,038.00 2,208,500.00 119,596,480.00 1,264,036 66,960 164,720.00 83,940.00 149,450.00 1,586,827,183.00 1,438,580.00 1,928,950.00 831,050.00 169,954,847.00 495,008.00 13,005,820.00 179,157,085.00 738,553,235.00 855,820.00 9,953,372.00 334,750.00

45 1.65 1.1 1.98 12.36 48.4 87.00 19.5 200 34.3 59.7 1.81 12.66 18.800 11.48 8.37 9.94 2.11 23.4 29.55 99 15.20 0.4700 14.30 6.3 0.600 217.00 9.26 33.55 2.65 3.61

7,615,400 39,000 3,234,000 30,742,000 254,600 57,610 820 2,668,800 9,930 1,276,200 2,333,810 360,000 881,700 46,451,400 10,669,200 114,359,000 4,590,600 2,583,000 1,572,400 14,413,700 1,462,670 31,400 430,000 99,300 5,223,300 4,030,000 2,842,570 3,869,400 7,200 142,900 202,000

342,342,425.00 64,950.00 3,443,970.00 62,441,840.00 3,133,488.00 2,885,708.00 71,361.00 52,940,045.00 2,263,818.00 42,155,230.00 144,741,457.00 648,500.00 10,740,342.00 885,342,358.00 123,590,916.00 947,704,287.00 44,843,135.00 6,403,900.00 32,927,747.00 436,071,605.00 143,808,542.00 469,240.00 197,750.00 1,431,648.00 32,960,642.00 2,419,680.00 624,195,636.00 35,972,159.00 243,550.00 407,620.00 673,710.00

26.5 26 7.830 262.00 3.88 4.12 9.79 5.15 11.66 4.05 2.55 3.15 4.86

2,799,200 6,537,000 531,900 2,008,070 2,632,000 657,000 5,922,300 500 98,500 2,327,000 3,146,000 10,673,000 6,625,900

75,089,160.00 168,508,515.00 4,162,680.00 530,317,970.00 11,287,330.00 2,680,440.00 58,049,748.00 2,575.00 1,135,248.00 6,334,132.00 8,038,760.00 35,922,650.00 32,620,393.00

6.5 203 1.7 0.171 1.38 2.23 222.2 4.54 0.7 1.49

55,100 162,810 1,311,000 15,700,000 150,000 6,315,000 7,819,190 179,000 3,961,000 10,568,000

346,262.00 33,368,782.00 2,187,020.00 2,682,180.00 195,660.00 14,067,540.00 1,766,662,882.00 807,290.00 2,769,240.00 15,334,740.00

0.470 58.10 27.10 1.39

770,000 4,587,880 38,348,800 2,362,000

356,800.00 265,922,849.00 1,045,112,635.00 3,191,210.00

7.05 1.90 0.28 0.29 800.5 8.77 15.76

193,000 474,000 9,105,000 1,279,000 1,949,020 16,582,200 17,264,400

1,367,186.00 932,930.00 12,172,790.00 2,455,670.00 1,559,883,980.00 145,222,044.00 269,419,482.00

4.55 0.330 1336 6.15 74.30

142,000 4,700,000 749,275 664,300 11,796,240

639,310.00 1,526,400.00 1,009,762,200.00 4,118,595.00 878,028,726.00

8.76 0.79 16.68 0.66

7,818,300 9,833,000 11,726,500 1,558,000

68,387,879.00 7,948,370.00 196,078,258.00 1,003,260.00

4.72 5.15

171,686,000 247,600

810,641,210.00 1,259,340.00

0.0410 1.370 0.780 2.44 67.70 2.93 970.00 1.20 0.91 263.20 102.00 0.4000 0.2340

4,400,000 7,000 22,234,000 255,000 1,241,240 15,000 2,038,450 769,000 233,000 280 9,110 34,740,000 6,950,000

176,400.00 9,590.00 17,139,220.00 623,570.00 83,882,779.00 42,980.00 1,938,065,370.00 922,890.00 214,390.00 73,702.00 920,476.00 14,157,600.00 1,648,740.00

STOCKS

APRIL 13-17, 2015 Close Volume

Zeus Holdings

0.315

8990 HLDG Anchor Land Holdings Inc. A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. `A’ Centennial City City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld Corp.

Megaworld Prop.

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

8.750 10.94 0.85 1.300 0.250 40.00 4.2 5.2 6.48 0.92 1.20 1.01 0.160 0.455 0.900 0.195 1.40 1.89 1.46 5.33 5.49 0.125 0.3500 0.5100 7.29 29.20 1.76 3.25 19.80 0.8 7.22 1.070 7.970

2GO Group ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp.

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Discovery World DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ Imperial Res. `B’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons Retail SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

6.5 61.4 1.05 0.690 13.5 11.80 0.1120 3.3 81 10.06 1.83 7.00 995 2240 6.50 1.48 106.7 8.00 30 11.96 0.015 0.229 1.2700 2.81 8.59 2.03 1.3 2.25 3.12 0.690 2 9.93 0.370 0.455 18.74 4.55 3 9.2 110.00 14.48 2912.00 0.610 1.590 39.30 84.00 9.80 0.67 1.89 6.4 0.350 1.310

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0058 2.73 8.03 11.10 0.260 6.9800 6.5000 1.07 0.9 8.00 1.9 0.375 0.231 0.243 0.0140 0.0150 4.23 19.2 3.75 0.7300 2.100 0.0130 0.0130 5.50 6.37 1.95 0.016 159.40 4.11 0.0110

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure & Resort Pref.

MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C Swift Pref

62.4 522.5 522 116 511 6.3 1.08 111 1060 1100 1050 76.35 83 85.45 3.11

2,030,000

Value

641,750.00 PROPERTY 4,898,500 43,706,643.00 4,500 45,828.00 3,134,000 2,710,320.00 220,000 286,230.00 1,110,000 275,750.00 53,281,700 2,132,512,065.00 19,197,000 82,437,790.00 1,366,100 7,054,012.00 800 5,184.00 23,916,000 22,260,390.00 375,000 450,200.00 410,000 416,430.00 111,060,000 17,743,960.00 1,520,000 688,300.00 39,000 34,340.00 1,860,000 357,870.00 36,632,000 53,561,980.00 205,947,000 399,943,280.00 1,011,000 1,444,800.00 209,121,000 1,136,833,327.00 131,590,800 721,621,510.00 21,180,000 2,719,840.00 1,280,000 436,200.00 2,442,000 1,209,840.00 2,837,800 21,575,758.00 31,044,700 901,943,805.00 1,471,000 2,592,640.00 693,000 2,207,630.00 75,847,200 1,516,309,780.00 15,676,000 12,549,510.00 14,389,900 109,152,250.00 826,000 863,130.00 35,135,900 278,855,549.00 SERVICES 671,000 4,445,845.00 163,770 10,242,022.00 352,000 385,000.00 5,085,000 3,517,140.00 128,300 1,746,680.00 98,134,200 1,158,410,394.00 115,080,000 13,057,210.00 3,364,000 11,507,470.00 6,211,180 516,923,347.00 10,400 104,592.00 21,000 36,090 890,200 6,101,354.00 2,775 2,951,475.00 259,975 579,208,650.00 800,600 5,202,306.00 1,642,000 2,490,600.00 12,270,920 1,318,995,923.00 82,400 696,800 300 9,000 28,600 340,416.00 459,200,000 6,553,900.00 25,340,000 5,807,270.00 751,000 941,970.00 230,000 615,680.00 3,322,400 28,769,698.00 93,600 216,990.00 345,000 460,150.00 6,000 12,780.00 1,000 3,120.00 162,000 110,860.00 1,759,000 3,504,040.00 49,896,800 514,121,636.00 2,080,000 751,200.00 279,000 330,150.00 52,900 981,838.00 152,000 682,800 15,500 438,710.00 17,400 158,580.00 160,930 17,707,978.00 1,808,500 23,049,296.00 1,016,560 2,960,971,750.00 10,178,000 6,183,150.00 69,461,000 114,008,500.00 11,723,700 1,231,597,220.00 9,728,040 752,681,224.00 29,991,400 297,092,598.00 11,149,000 7,370,940.00 8,000 15,020.00 7,961,300 52,389,098.00 1,200,000 410,850.00 77,000 102,400.00 MINING & OIL 3,235,000,000 18,553,900.00 219,000 589,710.00 3,001,600 24,740,043.00 600 6,590.00 780,000 202,000.00 139,500 964,596.00 40,400 277,868.00 2,387,000 2,557,790.00 2,396,000 2,170,290.00 177,900 1,406,674.00 74,737,000 148,359,530.00 87,860,000 37,446,500.00 51,330,000 12,087,320.00 6,420,000 1,566,100.00 241,600,000 3,382,500.00 2,300,000 34,300.00 6,053,000 26,144,060.00 50,450,800 1,021,029,736.00 17,851,000 66,520,030.00 2,625,000 1,896,220.00 3,122,000 6,552,550.00 111,500,000 1,379,100.00 600,000 7,900.00 98,300 548,238.00 7,297,800 48,660,080.00 5,776,000 11,716,660.00 388,500,000 5,914,800.00 3,067,250 499,710,654.00 374,000 1,554,510.00 39,100,000 413,900.00 PREFERRED 3,737,710 237,651,512.00 5,880 3,030,230.00 9,440 4,939,820 22,500 2,610,000.00 6,270 3,205,475.00 85,600 542,347.00 2,279,000 2,455,330 287,250 31,330,540.00 2,340 2,503,800.00 1,915 2,098,800.00 17,285 18,088,635.00 697,720 53,085,874.00 83 14,400.00 500,510 42,388,759.00 73,000 229,110.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 1,312,000 5,319,680.00 1,000 3,530.00 SME 14,509,300 129,642,630.00 234,900 1,541,878.00 3,330 240,536.00 7,310,700 67,892,866.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 358,770 46,702,355.00

Close

APRIL 6-10, 2015 Volume Value

0.330

8,970,000

2,830,450.00

8.740 10.90 0.90 1.310 0.245 40.75 4.28 5.24 6.49 0.94 1.21 1.01 0.156 0.470 0.880 0.195 1.57 1.93 1.47

6,594,600 40,100 11,988,000 103,000 1,690,000 52,106,000 17,295,000 1,521,900 1,300 6,960,000 90,000 165,000 41,710,000 1,990,000 1,293,000 3,020,000 14,678,000 119,307,000 1,684,000

57,372,387.00 443,046.00 11,430,130.00 134,970.00 410,450.00 2,091,192,575.00 73,605,690.00 6,575,344.00 8,437.00 6,542,570.00 109,100.00 166,290.00 6,240,950.00 912,300.00 1,147,780.00 598,440.00 22,332,890.00 230,048,710.00 2,430,960.00

5.88 0.134 0.3550 0.5100 7.86 28.75 1.79 3.24 20.65 0.82 7.6 1.050 8.100

164,817,700 75,663,800 3,640,000 853,000 927,900 7,300,600 5,423,000 195,000 50,808,800 4,137,000 33,668,100 896,000 39,210,000

955,770,769.00 8,933,353.00 1,263,500.00 432,410.00 7,263,857.00 216,590,230.00 9,795,410.00 649,700.00 1,050,360,870.00 3,920,290.00 252,945,996.00 957,160.00 320,799,096.00

6.8 61.9 1.02 0.700 14.06 11.80 0.1170 3.7 87.3 10.06 1.68 7.00 990 2200 6.50 1.56 111 7.25 24 11.98 0.015 0.238 1.2400 2.86 8.88 2.08 1.35 2.10 3.10 0.700 1.99 10.4 0.355 0.480 18.3 4.53 3.1 9 108.50 14.08 2972.00 0.600 1.670 40.95 84.25 10.28 0.68 2 6.68 0.350 1.380

1,049,800 146,080 310,000 4,346,000 292,700 91,841,900 257,400,000 587,000 3,785,430 14,900 700,000 1,193,300 2,120 448,575 836,500 576,000 4,920,760 8,100 600 46,400 41,800,000 19,920,000 773,000 222,000 12,611,400 182,000 81,000 38,000 10,000 896,000 89,000 26,696,100 1,090,000 185,000 238,500 77,000 128,000 505,800 5,110 1,954,300 558,065 7,567,000 120,267,000 6,509,400 4,480,970 25,388,200 3,294,000 38,000 9,089,500 2,950,000 56,000

7,095,173.00 8,962,503.00 448,830.00 3,002,560.00 4,099,248.00 1,053,929,008.00 30,261,830.00 2,194,110.00 326,394,190.00 149,602.00 1,176,000 8,150,029.00 2,081,910.00 982,053,680.00 5,468,298.00 887,260.00 536,826,436.00 56,390 14,250 551,318.00 586,200.00 4,726,280.00 957,990.00 616,670.00 108,778,870.00 371,770.00 109,480.00 79,430.00 46,220.00 617,950.00 172,530.00 273,652,431.00 391,300.00 88,180.00 4,260,982.00 344,460 391,360.00 4,552,992.00 166,782.00 26,865,115.00 1,642,008,730.00 4,573,040.00 880,414,420.00 268,592,210.00 378,139,656.00 255,512,225.00 2,255,000.00 75,640.00 60,013,948.00 1,014,300.00 74,380.00

0.0057 2.72 8.61 11.00 0.255 6.9000 6.9800 1.11 0.92 8.24 2.09 0.380 0.244 0.245 0.0140 0.0140 4.66 23.25 3.72 0.7300 2.070 0.0130 0.0140 5.70 6.92 2.06 0.016 166.20 4.1 0.0110

2,210,000,000 5,348,600 723,900 9,000 3,870,000 223,600 208,000 3,434,000 2,681,000 205,900 128,267,000 13,140,000 38,330,000 11,250,000 188,500,000 88,500,000 3,875,000 28,675,500 39,824,000 1,398,000 5,629,000 174,200,000 86,000,000 190,800 5,162,100 1,860,000 210,900,000 1,733,330 424,000 2,792,400,000

12,558,800.00 22,182,190.00 6,297,379.00 94,882.00 991,250.00 1,510,598.00 1,451,850.00 3,755,400.00 2,460,380.00 1,658,692.00 278,016,870.00 4,972,150.00 9,027,810.00 2,755,060.00 2,640,700.00 1,309,300.00 18,799,580.00 652,057,740.00 157,016,690.00 1,026,540.00 12,154,180.00 2,149,900.00 1,164,000.00 1,063,376.00 37,170,521.00 4,288,260.00 3,185,400.00 290,193,092.00 1,752,620.00 27,951,600.00

62.9 515 523 115.5 508 6.39 1.07 108.8 1080 1105 1046 75.95 80.55 84.75 4.05

550,410 3,480 8,000 32,000 12,110 117,100 1,101,000 41,030 350 530 82,610 580,100 25,300 213,660 130,000

34,281,060.00 1,778,550.00 4,184,000 3,702,535.00 6,141,850.00 747,836.00 1,178,070 4,470,670.00 378,000.00 584,100.00 86,408,840.00 44,043,990.00 2,080,572.00 18,122,233.00 379,310.00

4.160 4.98

2,995,000 16,000

12,245,830.00 77,530.00

8.56 5.44 72.9 9.88

5,061,400 86,000 69,970 11,313,000

43,904,640.00 421,570.00 5,143,137.00 109,258,593.00

132

324,070

42,642,999.00

MST WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS

Abra Mining Trans-Asia Oil IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Philodrill Corp. `A’ Manila Mining `A’ Megaworld Corp.

Filinvest Land,Inc. Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Megaworld Prop.

VOLUME 3,235,000,000 691,481,200 459,200,000 388,500,000 241,600,000 209,121,000 205,947,000 188,942,900 157,166,000 131,590,800

STOCKS Metrobank GT Capital PLDT Common Universal Robina Ayala Corp `A’ Ayala Land `B’ Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. SM Prime Holdings Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) Alliance Global Inc.

VALUE 3,065,640,815.00 3,061,501,365.00 2,960,971,750.00 2,938,946,606.00 2,253,084,330.00 2,132,512,065.00 1,640,081,134.00 1,516,309,780.00 1,512,538,160.00 1,408,335,175.00

Leisure & Resort Warr.

3.960 Megaworld Corp. Warrants2 3.53 Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

Ripple E-Business Intl Xurpas

9.1 6.9 72.85 9.02

First Metro ETF

128.8

MONDAY: APRIL 20, 2015

B3

BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

Nickel miner seeks investors

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SEC’s strategy lessens visitors CORPORATE regulator Securities and Exchange Commission is probably one of the government agencies most frequently visited by the public who file corporate reports, register corporate names and access company statements.

To lessen face-to-face transactions, the SEC has improved its information technology by institutionalizing measures on how investors can register company names online and view or secure corporate documents through the Internet.

It has also set up a satellite office in Cubao, Quezon City to make corporate transactions easier.

But one unintended strategy the corporate regulator has taken in discouraging people from going to the SEC main office at the corner of Edsa and Ortigas Avenue is to keep its parking lot inaccessible to visitors.

Many cars are being turned away from SEC, even during early morning because parking at the back of the office is already full.

These cars are forced to look for alternative parking that could be a few hundred meters away from the government office. Even SEC employees are having a hard time getting a parking slot.

When the parking issue was raised to the higher ups, one top official made several insensitive comments such as: “It’s not our obligation to provide them [visitors] with parking” and “We want to encourage less face-to-face transaction”. Jenniffer B. Austria

NICKEL miner Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. plans to get cornerstone investors for its planned P21.8-billion initial public offering in the first half of the year, according to one of the company’s underwriters.

“The transaction is very much going to happen. We would like to get it done in the first half of the year. But it is going to be a function of getting regulatory approval and market conditions,” Religare Capital Markets (International) chief executive Sutha Kandiah said in an interview.

Kandiah said Global Ferronickel was getting a lot of global attention because of the huge size of the follow-on offering and that a number of foreign investors were talking to the company to become cornerstone investors, or investors which will hold shares in bulk for a certain period.

Actual size of the offer shares to

be sold to cornerstone investors is still being finalized.

Net proceeds from the share sale will be used to finance the company’s capital expenditures for business expansion through explorations and acquisitions.

The company said earlier it planned to spend $50 million to acquire a 100-percent interest in Southeast Palawan, which owns a 90-percent stake in Ipilan Nickel Corp., a firm engaged in nickel mining in Brooke’s Point, Palawan.

Kandiah said there was a window for GFNI to conduct its share offering over the next six to twelve months because of supply-

demand situation as far as nickel was concerned.

He said aside from the Indonesian government’s ban on exports of unprocessed ore, there was also an increasing demand for the mineral, which was creating a supply shortage in the global market.

Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of mined nickel ore.

GFNI, the Philippines’ third largest nickel miner, is expected to benefit from the current developments.

It operates open pit deposit sites known as Caga 2 and Caga 4 within the Cagdianao mine.

Meanwhile, Platinum Group Metals Corp., a subsidiary of GFNI, said it started the first two shipments of nickel ore early this month.

GFNI said PGMC expected to complete the loading of 10 more vessels for the month of April.

It said shipside-loading operations were ongoing for six vessels, all headed for China, with an average capacity of 55,000 wet metric tons of nickel ore per vessel.

Why Lucio Co wants Alphaland Tower

ASIDE from the reduced price of less than P7 billion for the Alphaland Makati Tower from the P8-billion initial offer, billionaire Lucio Co has other reasons why he was keen on acquiring the property, one of the assets obtained by British fund Ashmore, when it parted ways with the Ongpin Group.

Sources close to the Filipino-Chinese businessman said another reason why Co wanted the office building is the property’s unique address in the Makati central business district, which is 6789 Ayala Avenue.

The address of the office building, which is in consecutive numbers, could mean positive upward momentum or upward trajectory.

Sources said Co is now in talks with real estate service companies for the lease of the building, with 48,000 gross leasable area.

Jenniffer B. Austria

EastWest still keen on UCPB

EASTWEST Banking Corp., the financial services subsidiary of the Filinvest Group, remains interested in bidding for the government’s stake in the United Coconut Planters Bank.

EastWest president and chief executive Antonio Moncupa Jr. said at the sidelines of the bank’s annual stockholders’ meeting in Alabang over the weekend he preferred bidding for UCPB, than for any other bank available in the market.

“We are still interested in UCPB. I am telling a lie if I say I am not interested anymore,” Moncupa said.

“People are waiting for UCPB. It is the one which is huge,” he said.

EastWest, the banking arm of the Gotianun family, earlier expressed its intention to bid for the government’s stake in UCPB. Other big banks that have the same target include BDO Unibank Inc. of tycoon Henry Sy, Union Bank of the Philippines of the Aboitiz Group, Philippine National Bank of tycoon Lucio Tan and Security Bank.

In March this year, President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order 179 providing for the guidelines to govern the inventory, transfer, reconveyance and disposition of coco levy funds and coco levy assets. including the shares of stock in UCPB. Moncupa said he was expecting a stiff competition among banks interested to join the bidding for the recapitalization of UCPB. A “tough fight” is expected considering that a number of banks are also “salivating” over UCPB, he said. Julito G. Rada

Philam donation. Philam Foundation Inc. donates 24 computer sets to Sandiwaan Center for Learning, a technology-based, non-formal educational center that equips out-of-school youth and other marginalized sectors a host of technopreneurial skills ranging from basic computer literacy to robotics. Shown are receiving the computers are (from left) Joey Sebastian and Fr. Ben Beltran of Sandiwaan Center for Learning from Nilo Zantua, Rene Acebuche and Max Ventura of Philam Group.

Market expected to trade sideways STOCKS are expected to trade sideways this week, on increased volatility due to negative developments in Europe and concerns over China.

BPI Asset Management said in its weekly review the release of inflation data in the US this week could influence the direction of the local market.

“Low inflation would result in positive sentiment in the [local] equities market as it could indicate a delayed normalization of Fed rates,” BPI Asset Management said.

A higher inflation rate could further spur foreign selling in the Philippines, as institutional players might secure positions in stocks with positive correlation with US interest rates, such as treasuries.

“We expect the local equities market to trade range-bound from 7,780 to 8,000. Continued net foreign outflows as seen this week will drag the index down,” BPI Asset Management said.

BDO Unibank chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said the market still had some energy to retry the 8,000 to 8,130-point level, if the 7,850 support level held.

The PSEi last week dropped 2.2 percent to close at 7,946.89 while the all-shares index jumped 2.1 percent to 4,536.86.

All major sub-indices ended in the red, led by mining and oil (-6.88 percent), property (-2.65 percent), holding firms (-2.3 percent) and services (-2.03 percent).

Foreign investors were net sellers last week by P5.57 billion, as

total foreign selling hit P30.02 billion while foreign buying amounted to P24.65 billion.

Average daily turnover, however, increased to P15.2 billion from previous week’s average of 8.9 billion.

Top gainers last week were mostly third-liners led by Makati Finance Corp. which closed higher by 26.8 percent P6.90; Imperial Resources Inc. “B” shares, which increased 25 percent to P30; and MJC Investments Corp., which rose 13.3 percent to P3.40.

Heavy losers were Mabuhay Vinyl Corp., which fell 29.6 percent to P2.54; Federal Resources Investments Corp., which dropped 18.9 percent to P18.96’ and Pryce Corp., which went down by 17.4 percent to P2.60.

Jenniffer B. Austria

B4

BUSINESS

Top sellers. Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc., the leader in innovation and growth in the life insurance industry in the country, recently recognized the top

performing sales members of the company’s various sales and marketing channels during its “3rd Annual Golden Heart Awards” ceremony held at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. Shown are Philippine Prudential president and chief executive Gregorio Mercado (third from left) together with the Daniel Mercado Memorial Awardees and their sales heads from the retail marketing channel.

Navotas plant delivers power

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MILLENNIUM Energy Inc. has completed the rehabilitation of a 100-megawatt diesel power plant in Navotas and started delivering power to the Luzon grid, an energy official said over the weekend.

“Millennium is already running, [at] 100 MW,” Energy director Mylene Capongcol said.

The power plant is a merchant plant, which means its capacity will be sold to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. It is one

of the projects identified by the Energy Department as crucial in helping ease the anticipated tight power supply during the dry months.

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla earlier said Millen-

nium pushed through with the 100-MW project, despite the challenges faced by the company.

Millennium hesitated in pursuing the plant’s rehabilitation, pending the signing of a power supply agreement with distributor Manila Electric Co. Millennium also encountered problems with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, operator of the Navotas Fishing Port complex where the diesel plant is located.

Millennium Energy owns the 310-MW Navotas I & II

12 firms want Misamis power A DOZEN companies have expressed interest to bid for the right to manage the output of the 200-megawatt Mindanao coal-fired thermal power plant in Misamis Oriental province, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. said.

PSALM said the 12 companies interested in the selection and appointment of the independent power producer administrator for the coal plant included Conal Holdings Corp., FDC Davao Del Norte Power Corp., FirstGen Northern Power Corp., GDF Suez Energy Philippines Inc., Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd., Meralco Powergen Corp., Nexif Pte Ltd., SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., SPC Power Corp., Team (Philippines) Energy Corp., Therma Southern Mindanao Inc. and Vivant Energy Corp.

PSALM said the deadline for the payment of the non-refundable participation fee and execu-

tion of a confidentiality agreement and undertaking with PSALM lapsed on April 13.

“We are delighted with the number of prospective bidders, which is more than our first IPPA bidding for the Mindanao region - that of the Mindanao I and II (Mt. Apo 1 and 2) geothermal power plants. We hope that this one will likewise be a successful undertaking,” PSALM president and chief executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said.

PSALM will conduct the prebid conference for the prospective bidders on May 6, in preparation for the bidding scheduled on Sept. 23.

The plant, located in Misamis Oriental, was constructed in 2006 under a 25-year build-operatetransfer power purchase agreement scheme, which would end in 2031.

Steag State Power Inc. of Germany currently operates the Mis-

amis Oriental plant under a BOT agreement with the government.

Other shareholders are Aboitiz Power Corp. and La Filipina Uygongco Corp.

PSALM said it was also bullish about the privatization of the bulk energy contract of Unified Leyte geothermal plant. “For the UL bulk privatization, six companies expressed their interest to participate in the bidding process. However, out of the said figure, only four prospective bidders paid for participation fee and executed confidentiality agreement and undertaking,” Ledesma said.

PSALM said it would bid out the Unified Leyte bulk energy contract on August 12.

The Unified Leyte power plants is composed of the 125-MW Upper Mahiao, 232.5-MW Malitbog, and 180- MW Mahanagdong power plants, and the 51-MW optimization plants.

Alena Mae S. Flores

gas turbine power plant at the Navotas Fish Port complex and the 620-MW Bataan combined cycle power plant in Limay, Bataan.

The department listed the Millennium Energy’s 100-MW capacity as one of the capacities that could alleviate the power shortage in the dry months, amid the onemonth maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya natural gas platform.

The repair of Malampaya facility was completed early this month, allowing three of the country’s largest power plants to

draw natural gas for its fuel requirement.

The Energy Department said the private sector had stepped up with the challenge of averting the power blackout by raising 424 MW in additional capacity.

Petilla advised the public to continue practicing energy efficiency and conservation measures amid the anticipated increase in demand in May this year.

Petilla said the department would also closely coordinate with energy stakeholders to ensure the stable supply of electricity.

Megaworld borrowing P15b to fund projects

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. plans to borrow at least P15 billion this year to partially finance this year’s P65-billion programmed capital spending.

Megaworld first vice president Jericho Go said in an interview the company would take advantage of the current low interest rates to raise funds for real estate projects, including land banking activities.

“Our debt to equity is so small. We have a lot of leg room to raise debt,” Go said.

“Our gearing rate is low compared to our competitors that are heavily leveraged. Interest rates are also very low,” he said.

The property firm said it was studying the timetable for the fund raising activity.

Go said the company expected to generate P9 billion in recurring revenues this year, up from more than P7 billion in 2014, which would also help finance this year’s capital spending.

Recurring revenues will primarily come from leasing business, including mall and office developments, as well as hotel business.

Megaworld increased its five-year programmed capital spending to P285.8 billion from an initial estimate of P230 billion, as it plans to launch new townships and expand existing mixed-use developments.

Megaworld allocated P65 billion this year to build more residential and hotel projects, office buildings as well as malls and commercial centers inside integrated urban townships.

M O N D AY : A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

B5

Work-life harmony ONE of the topics in class is worklife harmony. I do agree with my RALPH ROBLES professor that life should be in harmony rather than balanced.

There should be an integration, and one should not limit and divide himself to the different aspects of life. It is true that at times, tradeoffs are necessary but in most cases, life should be integrated into different activities.

Work as a career Work for me as of the moment is a necessity. A need to sustain a living. As we were told, money is good. What is bad is greed. Greed that most people fall for. It is a sickness that nobody admits.

Anyway, I would like to focus on the three big questions discussed in class.

1.

What am I working for?

2.

What am I resting for?

3.

What am I living for?

Work for me is a career. Aside from working to earn a living, it is a way for me to define myself. I do not work only for income, thus I cannot work on just any job that will give me money. I’d like my career to be fulfilling. It should be something that I can be proud of.

This is the reason that I’m on my third job since I started working.

My first job is not actually my choice. Then my second job is a test for me. My current job is a result of my previous choices, for which I feel fulfilled. I am working for the future. I am building myself so that when I choose to stop working, I can stop.

Maximizing leisure On leisure, I think I am on all three levels: contemplation, utility and amusement. I rest to recharge myself so that I can come back to work with more energy to take on more challenges. At the same time, it is a time for me to reflect, to find out where I am and determine my next move.

One of the activities that I do for leisure is read books. Not because I love reading, but I know I need to read. Just like the seventh habit of Stephen Covey, I know that I need to constantly sharpen my saw, which is also one of the reasons why I enrolled in an MBA class.

Working on an integrated life For the integrity, I am on the achievement and working on integrity. I would like to live a fulfilling life. I would like to be recognized, hence the need for achievements. I have this dream of being recognized as someone who contributed to humanity in one way or another. It is my motivation to do well in whatever I am doing right now. I want to be a role model to a lot of people and influence their lives to do well for the sake of everyone and everything.

Life for me is a canvas. Anything can be painted on it, but not everyone will be able to understand. I want a painting that will inspire people. A life of meaning especially during this era where everyone seems to be focused on being on top, no matter how. I want to show people that something can be achieved without stepping on each other and make them understand by setting an example.

Green LiGht

The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. College of Business, De La Salle Univeristy. This article is part of his reflections for the course Lasallian Business Leadership with CSR and Ethics. Visit his blog at http://clearbutnotblank.blogspot. com/.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of De La Salle University, its faculty, and its administrators.

Shoes online. The Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office, which was formed to mobilize specific strategies and plans to fuel sales and rejuvenate Marikina City’s shoe production signed an agreement with LBC to launch e-commerce Website MKNA.theshop.ph, which will enable manufacturers to sell their goods to a wider audience online. Shown during the signing ceremony are (from left, first row) LCC e-commerce solutions team head Ces del Mundo, LCC chief finance officer Elvie Lopez, Masido officer-in-charge Rene Santillan, Marikina vice mayor Jose Fabian I Cadiz, Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman, LCC president and chief operating officer Philips Yu, LCC vice president Achilles Reyes and LCC e-commerce solutions team senior manager Alexander Parel.

Aboitiz seeking airport partners

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. is in talks with foreign airline operators as possible joint venture partners in bidding for the P108.2-billion bundled airport projects.

AEV chief finance officer Stephen Paradies said the company wanted to have a foreign partner with expertise in airline operations.

AEV earlier teamed up with Ayala Corp. and US-based global airport operator ADC & HAS Airports Corp. in a losing bid for the P17-billion Mactan-Cebu International Airport terminal rehabilitation project.

Ayala Corp., however, said it was not keen on participating in the bundled airport project.

“It is not a priority [bundled airport projects],” AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. chief execu-

tive Eric Francia said. AC Infrastructure is a unit of Ayala Corp.

The Transportation Department has divided the five regional airports into two bundles to attract more investors in the dualstage bidding process.

The first bundle consists of the P20.26-billion Bacolod-Silay airport and the P14.62-billion Laguindingan airport while the second bundle covers the P40.57billion Davao airport, the P30.4billion Iloilo airport and the P2.34-billion New Bohol (Panglao) airport.

Aside from AEV, four other

groups have bought bid documents for the regional airport projects.

These are the Metro Pacific Investments Corp.-JG Summit tandem, San Miguel Corp., GMR-Megawide Group and Philippine Skylanders.

Meanwhile, Paradies said AEV might issue the planned P25-billion bonds in tranches.

The first tranche, which could be issued in July depending on how soon the company would be able to secure regulatory approvals, could amount to P10 billion.

Proceeds from the retail bond sale will be used primarily to finance planned acquisition projects in the infrastructure sector.

Aside from the bundled airport projects, AEV is also interested in two other infrastructure projects, including the P123-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike project and the LRT 2 operation and maintenance project.

Entry of foreign banks expected to boost external position

By Julito G. Rada THE entry of foreign banks will help the Philippines improve its external position, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said over the weekend.

“These developments will support the financial account of the BoP [balance of payments].

At the same time, it will complement the surplus in the current account, which is buttressed by structural flows arising from OFW remittances, tourism re-

ceipts and BPO services,” Guinigundo said in a text message.

“All of these point to a robust external position for the country over the medium term,” he said.

BoP summarizes the country’s economic transactions with the rest of the world, with a surplus indicating that foreign exchange inflows outstrip payments.

Persistent surpluses help build up the country’s gross international reserves, an ample supply of which stabilize the peso against the US dollar and keep

domestic inflation at bay.

Data showed the country’s BoP position in the first two months of 2015 improved to $1.121 billion from a deficit of $4.135 billion a year ago.

The bank regulator earlier approved the application of three Asian banks eyeing to expand in the country, including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. of Japan, Shinhan Bank of Korea and Cathay United Bank of Taiwan.

Guinigundo said the entry of foreign banks would increase the inflow of foreign direct invest-

ments, particularly in the financial services industry.

“We expect FDI to continue to improve as the presence of foreign banks will help facilitate the inflow of various investments from their home countries, including in manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the foreign banks could help boost financing opportunities to fund more productive activities in the local economy,” Guinigundo said.

The policy-making Monetary Board of the BSP approved the implementing rules and regu-

lations of Republic Act 10641, which allows the further entry of foreign banks into the country.

With the approval of the IRR, additional foreign banks can now apply to operate in the Philippines either as a branch or as a wholly-owned subsidiary. RA 10641 amended RA 7721, which was passed into law in May 1994.

RA 10641 allows foreign banks to control up to a combined 40 percent of the total assets of the banking system. This was 10 percentage points higher than the previous 30-percent limit.

MONDAY: APRIL 20, 2015

B6

BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

Govt lowers prices of chicken

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

THE Agriculture Department has imposed a lower suggested retail price for chicken in Metro Manila to help consumers.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala approved a temporary SRP of P110 per kilogram of whole chicken, based on the recommendation of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service and the United Broiler Raisers Association.

The agency said the lower SRP would be implemented until prices at the farm gate stabilized. The new rate was P25 lower than the previous SRP of P135 a kilo.

Alcala signed a memorandum, directing the price adjustment on April 15. “This will be imple-

mented effective Monday, April 20, 2015,” Alcala said.

Data showed that as of April 15, the prevailing price of fully dressed chicken was P120 a kilo, with prices ranging from P98 to 140.

Prices of chicken in supermarkets ranged from P96 to 112 per kilogram.

The Agriculture Department said the choice cuts of chicken would not be covered by SRP. The agency said it was continuously monitoring the prices and supply of chicken, in coordination with the Trade Department.

Based on AMAS’ regular monitoring, the farmgate price of chicken as of April 6 ranged from P47 to P54 per kilogram in Northern Luzon.

Farmgate price in Southern Luzon ranged from 48 to P59 a kilo.

According to AMAS, farmgate prices of chicken in Metro Manila hovered between P60 and P65 per kilogram while chicken inventory was still above 20 million kilograms.

Agriculture Undersecretary Jose Reaño earlier said farmgate prices of chicken would be posted in wet markets’ DTI price bulletin boards in Metro Manila so that consumers could know if the commodities were being sold at reasonable prices.

Reano said consumers could demand and question retailers who were selling chicken at high prices.

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) Regional Office No. 1

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) Regional Office No. 1

Brgy. Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Philippines 2428 (075) 632-2776/632-1435/632-3191

Office Address: Telefax No. (075) 632-2776 TIN No. 000-916-415-054

InvItatIon to BId no. 060 Rest./RehaB of suyo-tagudIn-sta. CRuz nIs (RepRIotIzatIon) (RepuBlICatIon) The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Thirty-Eight Million & 00/100 PESOS (PHP38,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab of Suyo-Tagudin-Sta. Cruz NIS (Repriotization) with Contract No R1-ISIMO-15-03-060. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab of SuyoTagudin-Sta. Cruz NIS (Repriotization) under FUND 101. The project is located in Suyo, Ilocos Sur with the following description of work: I. A.

Telephone Nos.:

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of THIRTY-EIGHT THOUSAND PESOS (Php38,000.00).

6.

Telefax No. (075) 632-2776 TIN No. 000-916-415-054

The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Seven Million One Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Seventy-Nine & 36/100 PESOS (PHP7,198,079.36) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Constn of NMC & Pasuquin Ext’n RIS with Contract No R1-INIMO-15-04-082. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Constn of NMC & Pasuquin Ext’n RIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Vintar, Ilocos Norte with the following description of work:

1.

I. Diversion Dam Embankment II. Canalization III. Canal Structures

Completion of the Works is required within Two Hundred Seventy (270) calendar days.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.

Brgy. Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Philippines 2428 (075) 632-2776/632-1435/632-3191

InvItatIon to BId no. 082 Constn of nMC & pasuquIn ext’n RIs

Diversion Works Construction of Upper Diversion Dam @ Suyo, Ilocos Sur

2.

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines is in talks with an Indonesian carrier to expand an existing codeshare agreement to mount more flights between Manila and Jakarta.

“We have an existing codeshare agreement with Garuda Indonesia and we want to expand it as we add more flights,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said.

PAL signed a codeshare agreement with Garuda Indonesia on March 2001. Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia, a country with more than 13,000 islands and a population of over 180 million.

Besides Garuda Indonesia, PAL has codeshare agreements with Malaysia Airlines covering a total of 28 weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila; Cathay Pacific on eight weekly services between Hong Kong and Cebu; Gulf Air on 7 weekly flights between Bahrain and Manila; Etihad Airways with codeshare flights on 7 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Manila and on 14 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Manila operated by Etihad.

National Irrigation Administration

National Irrigation Administration Telephone Nos.:

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Office Address:

PAL, Garuda eye expanded codeshare

Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Eighty (180) calendar days.

2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least Seventy-Five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of SEVEN THOUSAND PESOS (Php7,000.00).

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/ Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

6.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/ Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 24, 2015, 2:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 24, 2015, 2:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, May 6, 2015 at the address below.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, May 6, 2015 at the address below.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

10.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

10. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11.

Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

11. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

12.

All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

12. All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

13.

The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

13. The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

14.

Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

14. Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please refer to:

ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com

ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com (Sgd.) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman

Noted: (Sgd.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A

(TS-Apr. 20, 2015)

(Sgd.) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman

Noted: (Sgd.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A (TS-Apr. 20, 2015)

ALI gets awards for corporate governance AYALA Land Inc.’s adherence to good corporate governance and sustainability practices have earned for the company numerous awards and recognition, the most recent of which are citations from Corporate Governance Asia’s 5th Asian Excellence Awards for Best in Environmental Responsibility and Best in Investor Relations.

Corporate Governance Asia also awarded ALI president and chief executive Bernard Vincent Dy as Best CEO and ALI chief finance officer Jaime Ysmael as Best CFO for being among Asia’s best investor relations professionals.

The Asian Excellence Awards recognizes excellence in investor communications, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, environmental practices and financial performance.

“We are grateful for this recognition and congratulate Corporate Governance Asia for the successful program,” said Dy. “Corporate governance and sustainability are integral parts of the way we do business. We strive to work in a socially responsible manner and maintain the highest standards of transparency, compliance and good governance,” he said.

ALI was one of the first companies in the Philippines to publish a sustainability report in 2008, as well as among the first to integrate sustainability reporting in annual reports – underscoring a corporate sustainability platform that is fully-embedded in the company’s operations.

M O N D AY : A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Tunisia wants to save tourism

B7

TO BREAK DEPENDENCE ON MOSCOW

EU dreams of Iranian gas BRUSSELS—The EU is hoping future gas imports from Iran can break its dependence on Russia as prospects grow for a nuclear deal that would include lifting sanctions on Tehran.

of anonymity.

Europe is desperately seeking to diversify its energy suppliers and supply routes as the Ukraine crisis strains ties with Russia to breaking point.

The 28-nation bloc depended on imports for more than half its needs at a cost of some 400 billion euros ($430 billion) in 2014.

Russia alone supplies about a third of its requirements—it bought 125 billion cubic meters from Russia’s state gas operator Gazprom, with half that amount going through pipelines that cross Ukraine, which provides the country with a major source of revenue.

But transit through Ukraine

has become increasingly unpredictable because of the endless financial disputes between Gazprom and Naftogaz, the Ukrainian operator.

The war pitting Kiev government troops against pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine has only increased tensions.

Gazprom chief Alexei Miller is threatening to put an end to the supply of gas through Ukraine in 2019.

He had bet on the South Stream pipeline, which would have skirted Ukraine to supply gas to Bulgaria under the Black Sea, but Russian President Vladimir Putin scrapped the plan in December as relations with Brussels nose-dived. AFP

TUNIS—Still smarting from a jihadist attack that killed 21 foreign tourists last month, Tunisia is hoping to save the summer season with new security measures The European Union is bet- in an initial stage to deliver 10 and an ad campaign touting its ting on so-called Southern billion cubic meters of gas per safety as a destination, but indus- Corridor pipelines to supply gas year to Bulgaria and Greece. try leaders are glum. to southern Europe via Turkey “That will not be enough,” Tourism, which accounts for from fields in Azerbaijan and conceded a source in the 7.0 percent of the country’s econnearby countries, including European Commission, the exomy, was already suffering from Iran. ecutive of the 28-nation EU. the fallout of Tunisia’s 2011 revo“It’s one of our priorities, ” But with Iranian gas flowlution, when gunmen attacked the EU commissioner for Climate ing after an eventual lifting of capital’s Bardo National Museum Action and Energy Miguel the sanctions, “capacity could on March 18, killing tourists from Arias Canete said Wednesday be increased to 40 billion cuaround Europe and further afield, in the Latvian capital Riga bic meters of gas per year as well as a policeman. when referring to the gas route. and that would be substanRadhouane Ben Salah, presiDue to be operational in tial, ” a European official told dent of the Tunisian Hotel 2019, the project is expected AFP on Friday on condition Federation, said that “it’s difficult to be optimistic Republic of the Philippines Republic of the Philippines for the tourist season, Office of the President Office of the President but we will try to save National Irrigation Administration National Irrigation Administration the situation somewhat.

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) (PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) “The most worrying Regional Office No. 1 Regional Office No. 1 thing is the halt to reserOffice Address: Brgy. Bayaoas, Urdanet City, Pangasinan City, Pangasinan Philippines 2428 Telefax No. (075) 632-2776 vations for the summer,” Office Address: Brgy. Bayaoas, Urdaneta Philippines 2428 Telefax No. (075) 632-2776 Telephone Nos.: (075) 632-2776/632-1435/632-3191 TIN No. 000-916-415-054 Telephone Nos.: (075) 632-2776/632-1435/632-3191 TIN No. 000-916-415-054 said Ben Salah, fearing a InvItatIon to BId no. 084 wash-out.

InvItatIon to BId no. 083 Rest./RehaB. of sta. LucIa-candon nIs The drop in bookings Rest./RehaB. of ZanjeRa PIdeng-taRtaRaBang cIs (Phase I) has been precipitous.

The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Eleven Million Four Hundred Thousand & 00/100 PESOS (PHP11,400,000.00) being Former colonial pow- The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab. Of the sum of Twelve Million Seventy-One Thousand One Hundred Fourteen & 58/100 PESOS Sta. Lucia-Candon NIS with Contract No R1-ISIMO-15-04-084. Bids received in excess of the ABC er France is the number (PHP12,071,114.58) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. contract for the Rest./Rehab. Of Zanjera Pideng – Tartarabang CIS (Phase I) with Contract No R1one source of Tunisia’s INIMO-15-04-083. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab. Of Sta. visitors, and its National Lucia-Candon NIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur 1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab. Of Zanjera with the following description of work: Pideng – Tartarabang CIS (Phase I) under FUND 101. The project is located in Pinili, Union of Travel Agencies I. Diversion Works Ilocos Norte with the following description of work: A. Intake Gate Shed & Rehabilitation of dam says bookings are off by II. Canalization I. Modification of Diversion Dam 60 percent since the muA. Canal Lining @ Lateral “C” III. Canal Structures Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Eighty (180) calendar days. seum attack compared A. Checkgate @ Lateral “A” 2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to with a year earlier.

Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Eighty (180) calendar days. the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible Mohamed Ali Toumi, bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions 2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to Bidders. to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible president of the Tunisian bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions 3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nonFederation of Travel to Bidders. discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Agencies, has stressed 3.

Bidding will be conducted through openi competitive bidding procedures using nonReform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations that reassuring tourists or organizations with at least Seventy-Five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, of their safety is key. partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or 4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

And Tourism Minister Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding 4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM: Salma Rekik announced Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding last week a raft of meaDocuments from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM: 5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the sures aimed at preventing 5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the Bidding Documents in the amount of TWELVE THOUSAND PESOS (Php12,000.00). above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the another deadly incident.

Bidding Documents in the amount of ELEVEN THOUSAND PESOS (Php11,000.00).

6.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/ The country will pump Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and 6.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/ receipt of bids.

Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and up security at tourist receipt of bids.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 24, 2015, sites and on the routes 2:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan 7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

24, 2015, 2:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, to them, as well as at airPangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the ports and on all means of 8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, May 6, 2015 at the address below.

Bidding Documents.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives transportation.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 2:00 PM, May 6, 2015 at the address below. who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

And riding the wave of who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the international solidarity procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA 9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the after the Bardo slaughter, Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Tunisia is playing up its Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing negative slippage is required as evidence. image and attractions for Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

10.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the tourists. amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the 10.

The authorities amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of have launched a projects within the Agency.

11. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency. # T U N I S IA I L L B E T H E R E 12. All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the 12. All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office. poster campaign in implementing office. major cities across 13. The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of 13. The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment Europe with the support bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own. for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own. of a host of celebrities.

14. Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget 14. Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

A website shows photos Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project. of happy individuals— For further information, please refer to: men and women, old For further information, please refer to: ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat and young—holding up NIA-Regional Office No. 1 NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan a sign with that message Telefax No: 632-1435 Telefax No: 632-1435 in Tunisia’s signature red E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com and white colors, or alter(Sgd.) FRIDA L. NIDOY (Sgd.) FRIDA L. NIDOY natively in Dutch, French, BAC Chairman BAC Chairman German, Italian or Polish.

Noted: Noted: More campaigns are (Sgd.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA (Sgd.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA anticipated as the sumRegional Manager A Regional Manager A (TS-Apr. 20, 2015) (TS-Apr. 20, 2015) mer draws closer. AFP

M O N D AY : A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 1 5

B8

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Aussie PM downs beer in seconds, stirs debate

SYDNEY—Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was caught on video downing a beer in a few seconds at a Sydney pub, prompting comparisons to another drink-chugging former leader and sparking a debate on social media.

The video, reportedly recorded on Saturday night, showed the leader knocking back a glass of Australia’s Victoria Bitter in about six seconds as a large crowd surrounding him yelled “scull” repeatedly.

“Scull” is a slang term for drinking a glass of beer in one go.

Abbott was “proud as punch” when he grabbed a beer and “drank from headto-toe the entire schooner [glass], dribbling little bits on his shirt”, Simon Carrodus, an Australian Football Rules coach for the University of Technology, Sydney told the Australian Women’s Weekly magazine.

Carrodus said his university’s football club was holding an event at an eastern Sydney pub when they spotted the prime minister.

“I walked over to Tony and said ‘will you come over and have a beer with the best players as part of the (club’s) presentation’,” he said.

“He said ‘absolutely no problem’.” AFP

Day 2. Music fans

attend day 2 of the 2015 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival (Weekend 2) at The Empire Polo Club on April 18 in Indio, California. AFP

Political cartoonist faces 43 years in jail KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysian political

cartoonist Zunar faces a possible 43 years in prison for sedition, but the defiant artist says that looming threat won’t stop his hard-hitting caricatures lampooning the ruling establishment.

“You can chain my hands, you can chain my legs, you can chain my neck or my body.

But I will keep drawing,” said Zunar, 52, holding a cartoon

showing himself shackled yet still working with a pen clenched in his teeth.

“I will keep drawing until the last drop of my ink,” he

added during an interview at his Kuala Lumpur office.

Malaysia’s best-known political cartoonist, whose real name is Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, has become a symbol of a widening government drive to throttle its critics that has seen dozens of people hit with sedition investigations over the past year.

Zunar has been arrested previously and his works, which skewer the government’s recur-

ring corruption scandals and alleged repression, have repeatedly been seized by police in what he calls a “political vendetta”.

But the pressure escalated dramatically on April 3 with the filing of nine sedition charges—a single-day Malaysian “record”, according to his lawyers.

They could potentially land Zunar in jail for 43 years, his lawyers say, though the penalty is not expected to be that harsh. AFP

$137,000 for dress worn in ‘Gone with the Wind’

Welcoming ceremony. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani walks next to Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani during an official welcoming ceremony following the latter's arrival at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran on April 19. AFP

LOS ANGELES—The gray and black dress worn by Vivien Leigh when she played Scarlett O’Hara in the 1939 movie classic “Gone with the Wind” has been sold at auction for $137,000.

According to Heritage Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, the embroidered dress went for more than double its starting price of $60,000 on Saturday.

“Gone with the Wind” is a 1936 Civil War-era epic novel by Margaret Mitchell that was then made into the multiple Academy Awards winning movie.

O’Hara’s dress was part of an extensive collection of memorabilia from the film gathered by James Tumblin, a former makeup artist from Universal studios.

In all, about 150 items were up for auction.

The straw hat with green ribbons worn by O’Hara on the day of a picnic at the start of the film fetched $52,500, and one of her blouses went for $32,500.

Among the other items on sale were a gray suit worn by the character Rhett Butler, played

by Clark Gable, which fetched $55,000. AFP

M O N D AY : A P R I L 2 0 : 2 0 1 5

C1

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

LIFE FROM THE GET GO

Earn points via Cebu Pacific’s new loyalty program

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

P

eople love to travel, so much so that many bucket lists include one or more items about travelling to new places and flying across the globe. People love to get free stuff, too. There are only a few things that beat the thrill of obtaining something that costs nothing.

Hence, flying for free is an offer too good and too rare to pass up.

As a champion of democratizing air travel through its affordable airfares, Cebu Pacific, in its 19th year, launches a rewards program that allows members to earn points in order to book flights for free.

GetGo is a lifestyle and travel rewards program spin-off of CEB Club, which since its creation has accumulated 1.4 million members.

“We looked into the numbers and saw that group is very active. Sixty percent of that particular database actively book flights via Cebu Pacific,” says Cebu Pacific Loyalty Division director for marketing and partnerships Allan Florendo.

So in a bid to keep and expand that market, Cebu

Pacific formed a loyalty division in November 2013 to put together a rewards program for its passengers, and tapped the expertise of British incentive and loyalty management specialist Nik Laming.

After more than a year of studying the travel preferences and characteristics of Filipinos, Laming and his now 20-man team identified that the four target markets of GetGo are the family head who handles shopping and budget of the household; frequent flyers and business travelers; young affluent professionals who are digital savvy and love to travel together; and overseas Filipino workers.

GetGo is a pretty straightforward program: Fly, earn points, and use points to fly. One point is equal to five pesos spent. Members can book a domestic flight for at least 500 points, while 5,000 points and above can take you to an international destination.

Additional points are given from availing of add-on products such as reserved seats, additional baggage allowance, and in-flight meals.

Continued on C2

M ONDAY : APRIL 20 : 2015

C2

LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

glweekend @ gmail.com

IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINE COASTLINES

FROM THE GET GO From C1

T

o distinguish itself from traditional frequent flyer programs, GetGo is aggressive in enlisting all kinds of retailers and service companies so that besides flying with Cebu Pacific, members can also collect points from paying for food, groceries, gas, and utility bills using current partner credit cards (Citibank and Metrobank). Or by transferring points from bank partners, ZAP, and RingRob Concierge to your online GetGo account.

“In the coming months, some of the country’s leading retail, banking, and service brands will join our growing network of partners to offer more opportunities for millions of Filipinos to earn rewards points,” says Laming.

Members are also afforded the opportunity to set up a circle among friends and family where they can pool their points in one account to earn points faster.

If your points are not enough to redeem your flight, GetGo’s point-plus-cash payment scheme enables members to top up with cash.

“GetGo is designed to be fun, down-toearth, grateful, and generous, so we want to make it as much as possible accessible to majority of Filipinos,” enthuses Laming.

He promises that “It will not take forever for members to enjoy their rewards.”

Laming notes that GetGo points do not expire, provided that the member earns at

least one point in 12 months. “What we ask you is that you should earn at least one point a year to keep your account active.”

Redeeming is a piece of cake as well. It can be done online through www.getgo. com.ph. However only the member who earns the points can redeem and use them to book flights.

Despite it being under Cebu Pacific, the loyalty division decided to come up with a separate brand not identified with the airline so other companies can use it as well.

“We didn’t call it Cebu Pacific Rewards or anything to do with Cebu Pacific because we want this program to be part of other companies’ loyalty program,” explains Laming.

They also prefer a catchy brand, too.

“We like the fact that it’s very descriptive.

A call to action: You go out, you get things, and then you get your opportunity to go.”

Overall, Laming is optimistic that GetGo will be the country’s leading lifestyle and travel rewards program considering the number of passengers CebuPac flies.

“SM Advantage has 6 million members, but we flew 17 million passengers last year, so there’s that big opportunity.”

To be a member, go to www.getgo.com. ph, fill out an application form, pay P150 one-time membership fee, and indicate delivery address. GetGo membership packs will be soon available at convenience stores and other partner retailers.

BOUTIQUE AIRLINE OFFERS BATANES SUMMER PROMO FLY to Batanes this summer as Skyjet Airlines, Manila’s First Boutique Airline, offers an irresistible promo for 2015.

The summer promo starts at P5,178 and will be available starting March 27, 2015 to beat the 100 days of summer season.

Skyjet Airlines flies from Manila Domestic Airport (NAIA Terminal 4) to the paradise of Batanes 4 times a week.

Our aircraft, an 80-seater jet, which specialty is landing in short runways, is also used by the British Royal Family as well as many dignitaries around the world. “It is one of the safest jets in the world”. says Dino Reyes-Chua, Skyjet President, Skyjet is also innovating in the industry by introducing the concept of boutique airline and affordable rates. Unlike most domestic flights, check-in baggage allowance and travel insurance are already part of Skyjet’s ticket cost. Meals are also served on board with no extra charge.

Unlike most domestic flights, check-in baggage allowance and travel insurance are already part of Skyjet’s ticket cost. Meals are served on-board with no extra charge.

“We serve Café France gourmet sandwich and pastries and Evian water” Chua added.

For more information, cal (02) 863-1333; 0917-8631333; 0908-8631333. Or visit www.skyjet air.com. (Dennis Caparas-Abrina)

The Filipino warmth and hospitality has been proven once again during the welcome dinner for the participants and partners of twin sailing competitions: the 6th Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay 2015 and the Boracay Cup Regatta. This event was supported by the Tourism Promotions Board’s “Visit the Philippines Year 2015” campaign.

Organized by Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen’s Sailing-Subic, the guests enjoyed an al fresco dining by the beach at The Lighthouse Marina Resort.

SAGS-Subic chairmen Ricky Sandoval, Jun Avecilla, and the races’ scrutineer Jeremy Simpson welcomed the assemblage of skippers, sailboat owners, and sailing enthusiasts. Cultural performers provided entertainment as guests and organizers celebrated the start of the twin events that have earned its pre-eminence in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit.

Participants included sailors from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Subic Bay, as the starting point of the race, provided the advantages of safe facilities, while the windy conditions in Boracay made for an exceptional racing experience.

With the organizers’ commitment to promote the country’s nautical tourism and the full support of the Tourism Promotions Board, the Subic Bay to Boracay Race 2015 and the Boracay Cup Regatta helped bring in more sailing enthusiasts and foreigners to visit the Philippines and experience its many wonders.

To find out more about the lineup of exciting events in the Philippines, visit the VPY 2015 microsite (www.visitph2015.com).

M ONDAY : APRIL 20 : 2015

LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

glweekend @ gmail.com

C3

WHY BUY AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE?

BY ED BIADO

Cloud storage is great. Your data is accessible across devices, easily shared, updated and synced, and since everything is virtual, it measures and weights literally nothing and there’s no risk of you losing it at a coffee shop.

However, advances in personal data storage devices (that is, external hard drives) are also making it easy for all your digital stuff to be right by your side at all times.

The devices themselves are getting smaller while their capacities are getting bigger. The best part of it all is that they’re also getting more affordable.

You can actually get external had drives with 1TB of storage for as low as P2,999 and 2TB versions starting at P6,099 from Lazada. Meanwhile, USB flash drives are catching up as well. Gone are the days of sticks that can only hold 1GB of data. Modern thumb drives, like the SanDisk Ultra Fit, which is the size of a fingernail, can store up to 64GB of data.

For those who are in the market for one of these babies, CNET has a list of the “best external hard drives of 2015.”

Their recommendations include the Seagate Backup Plus Desktop, described as “fast and massive.” They also like the 10TB LaCie 5big Thunderbolt, believed to be a “better buy than competing devices,” despite costing $1,150.

For harsh physical conditions, the SoloPro G3 is said to be a good option so that “important data survives even the worst disasters.” (More information here: www.cnet. com/topics/storage/best-hard-drives-and-stora g e / external-storage-drives/) If you’re one of those people who don’t have a lot of digital files, programs and apps, you’re lucky for not needing extra space. But for those of us who do require more virtual real estate, the main consideration is security. Hackers are always one step ahead and we all need a way to protect ourselves (and sensitive information like trade secrets and nude selfies).

Personally, I prefer seeing my data (or at least, its case) in front of me. The cloud is a curious thing. There’s no way to tell if what you upload to it will remain private.

After all, security breaches are not an uncommon occurrence. Unlike the cloud, external hard drives are relatively safe from attacks. Your information can only be stolen and used against you if you’re connected to a vulnerable network or if your system is infected. Otherwise, all is secure unless your device suffers physical damage.

DYSON COOL MAKES SUMMER NIGHTS A BREEZE WITH AIR MULTIPLIER™ TECHNOLOGY

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ummer months and sweltering heat are just around the corner.

Dyson Cool, Dyson’s new fan range with no blades, has been engineered to keep the stuffy, sleepless nights at bay. With Dyson Air Multiplier™ technology, the fans provide quick and even cooling of the room. Dyson engineers have done away with noisy whirring blades and designed the machine to eliminate tones of up to 1,000Hz, similar to the tone produced by a mosquito’s beating wing.

“The new Dyson Cool machines are acoustically engineered to provide smooth airflow without the noise generated by high speed air. The new Dyson Cool reduces noise by 75% while maintaining the same cooling performance as its predecessor. With it Dyson have engineered a sound nights’ sleep during the hot summer nights,” said James Dyson, British inventor, Founder and Chief Engineer of Dyson.

ACOUSTICALLY ENGINEERED FOR A GOOD NIGHTS’ SLEEP

High speed air creates noise. But tuning out unwanted noise poses a significant engineering challenge. A specialist team of Dyson acoustic engineers designed a Helmholtz cavity to capture sound waves travelling through the fan. The cavity alone eliminates tones of up to 1,000Hz; similar to the tone produced by a mosquito’s beating wing.

HOW DOES AIR MULTIPLIER™ TECHNOLOGY WORK?

With Air Multiplier™ technology, Dyson

Cool™ fans create and project a smooth, high-velocity airflow. Air is drawn in by an energy-efficient, brushless motor. The airflow is then accelerated through an annular aperture, passing over an air foil-shaped ramp, which draws in and channels its direction. This creates and projects powerful, smooth, high velocity airflow.

A streamlined airflow path and decreased motor turbulence translate to significant noise reduction. Result: no need to worry about the whirring fan sound during sleep.

The new Dyson Cool™ fan is the result of a PHP2.6 billion investment in research and development. Equipped with a remote control, a sleep timer and ten precise airflow settings, the Dyson Cool™ fan allows you set the time (up to nine hours), and go to sleep as it projects air to cool you. As with all Dyson fans, the Dyson Cool™ fan is safe and easy to clean.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Pricing for the AM06, AM07 and AM08 starts at Php 19,990, Php 29,500, and Php 31,500 respectively. The Dyson Cool fans are available in black/nickel and white/silver colors.

The AM06, AM07 and AM08 are available in Century City Mall (Dyson Concept Store), Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s ShangriLa, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Cebu, Robinson’s Appliance Magnolia, True Value Rockwell, True Value 8Forbes, True Value Estancia, True Value Marquee Mall, True Value Abreeza Mall, Abenson Alabang, Abenson Ascott, and Anson’s The Link.

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LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

FOR PARTY ANIMALS ONLY

BOB ZOZOBRADO

HOME BODIES

I’m in a playful mood this morning so I decided to goof around with words to use as head for my this week’s chronicle of recent events. Since these were staged by busybodies from various establishments, attracting a lot of future homemakers, I put these two important root words together to raise the eyebrows of language-conscious readers.

1

HOME BUILDERS

Interior design enthusiasts and homemakers in the Makati and Taguig areas now have another reason to celebrate. Wilcon Depot just opened a big outlet on Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati.

Its president and chief executive officer William Belo and senior executive vice-president and chief operating officer Rosemarie Ong led the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new facility which occupies three floors of the 15-storey Wilcon IT Hub. They were joined by Wilcon’s local and international suppliers from China, Hong Kong and the US. The new outlet has ample parking space and offers tile-cutting services, among others. They even have a Children’s Play Area, so parents can focus on their shopping for home repair or décorative items without having to worry about the children they may have to tag along.

A complete list of Wilcon’s stores nationwide including the items they sell, is available at www.wilcon.com.ph

2 1

URBAN HOMES

Premiere real estate developer Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) headed by its president Frederick Go organized two interesting events to further promote its residential brands.

The launch of City Life Gallery, the company’s new showroom located at the Lower Level East Lane of Robinsons Galeria, featured model units of the projects under Robinsons Residences, RLC’s urban lifestyle brand.

The other event was a special Investors’ Night for Sonata Private Residences, one of the company’s prime developments under its Robinsons Luxuria brand. It featured feng shui master Hanz Chua who shared some tips on how to make any home a nest of love, luck and joy.

Both events had RLC executives taking care of guests and giving additional information on the attractive residential projects---senior vice-president Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, vice-president for sales and marketing May Precilla and vice-president for business development Trina Cipriano.

More information on these trendy projects may be obtained from www.robinsonsresidences.com or www.robinsonsluxuria.com 1 Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) president Frederick Go 2 (From left) RLC architect Jerome Galarpe, vice president for Sales and Marketing May Precilla, interior designer Cecil Narvaez, RLC senior vice president Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, vice president for Business Development Trina Cipriano and junior designer Lejeune Dela Cruz 3 (From left) RLC’s Kristynne Tan, Agape Miguel, marketing manager Marice Ofrin and senior marketing manager Stephen Delumen 4 Lejeune Dela Cruz in the dining area of The Radiance Manila Bay unit he designed 5 Cecil Narvaez in the living area of The Sapphire Bloc model unit she designed 6 Master Hanz Cua and Robinsons Luxuria marketing manager Marice Ofrin

1 Former senator Richard Gordon with Wilcon Depot EVP-chief financial officer Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, president and CEO William Belo, executive financial audit manager Careen Belo, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Rosemarie Ong, and brand ambassador Tessa Prieto-Valdes 2 Grohe Pacific Pte. Ltd vice-president for Singapore, Philippines, Taiwan and Cambodia Alpha Ang, Ana Tecson, Grohe Philippines sales director Joralyn Ong, and country manager Alen Alban 3 Franke Kitchen Systems group sales director for Asia Pacific Stephan Andreas Mueller, Alen Alban and Joralyn Ong 4 Angola consul Helen Ong and Elaine Rojas-Villar 5 Julian Luz and Issa Peñales

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PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK My friends and I had lunch the other day with ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman who patiently answered all the difficult questions we raised about the BBL and the MILF. His charisma, sincere demeanor, and the logic of his verbal “treatise” convinced us that the only way to peace in Mindanao is through the BBL which must be signed as soon as possible. After having been weighed down emotionally by our difficult questions, I felt it was time for the Governor and us to start looking on the bright side, looking forward to several years from now when, finally, peace in the region has set in. I asked the Governor if the region has any tourism potential, and he started to describe its breathtaking beauty, its unmatched “wow” factor that no other part of the country can offer. With that, I’m convinced the BBL is the only way to go.

4

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YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE

:-D

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrad@gmail.com

A guy is sitting at home when he hears a knock at the door. He opens the door and sees a snail on the porch. He picks up the snail and throws it as far as he can. Three years later, there’s a knock on the door. He opens it and sees the same snail. The snail says “What the hell was that all about?”

M O N D AY : A P R I L 2 0 : 2 0 1 5

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

E

ver imagined how it is immerse in the Marvel Universe to team up with Marvel’s anytime, anywhere on their mobile Avengers and other power- phone,” said Mellissa Limcaoco, ful Marvel superheroes and head of the Innovation and Product embark on a treacherous mission to Development Group of Smart.

“As a pioneer in the mobile gamsave the world?

GameX, the country’s leading por- ing industry, GameX has paved the tal for PC and mobile gamers devel- way for more Filipinos to level up oped by Smart Communications, Inc. their gaming experience through a (Smart), allows you to do that and very convenient way to buy e-Pins, more as it now offers Marvel: Aveng- games and in-app items, and we are ers Alliance, a riveting role-playing excited to deliver this same platform for the Marvel Avengers Alliance, as game on your Android device.

Downloadable on GameX for part our strategic association with free, Marvel: Avengers Alliance Disney Interactive,” she added.

Using GameX is quite easy. Simlets you take on the role of a novice S.H.I.E.L.D. agent tasked to explore a ply go to www.gamex.ph where you mysterious force that has descended can create an account by just typon Earth. The game allows you to ing your Smart, Sun or Talk ‘N Text recruit and work alongside your fa- number. You’ll then receive a code vorite Marvel Superheroes, includ- on your phone, which you can use ing The Avengers, Spider-Man, the to verify your account and finish X-Men, and the Fantastic Four, in your one-time registration.

Upon logging in, make sure to inover 60 missions and 450 epic battles dicate your phone model so that you against the most ruthless villains.

But aside from bringing you the can enjoy all the games and services game, GameX allows you to level up available for your handset. Simply your gaming experience through a click the Marvel: Avengers Alliance convenient way of purchasing En- game in the portal to instantly receive ergy and Gold, which you shall need it in your phone for quick installation.

Since the game is in the game to breeze now automatically through missions linked to your Gaand training, secure With GameX, meX account, a few weapons and recruit you can boost your clicks is all it takes other superheroes.

With GameX, you Marvel: Avengers to make in-app purcan boost your Mar- Alliance gameplay chases to level up vel: Avengers Alli- for as low as P5.00 your character and get the most exciting ance gameplay for as under a special Marvel: Avengers Allow as P5.00 under promo period, experience. a special promo pecharged to your liance For more GameX riod, charged to your prepaid load or information and upprepaid load or postpostpaid bill, for dates, simply visit paid bill, for your your convenience. the GameX official convenience. website (www.ga“GameX is thrilled mex.ph) and follow to launch Marvel: the official account Avengers Alliance game in the Philippines, allowing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ all the fans across the country to gamexphilippines).

EDITOR

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Members of the Philippine Rugby Team P Andrew Wolff, Harry Morris, Gaz Holgate, and Chris Everingham

Marvel Avengers: Alliance game is now available on Game X from Smart

IMMERSE IN THE MARVEL: AVENGERS ALLIANCE EXPERIENCE

ISAH V. RED

The new Flawless summer skin protection products

Guests have fun at the Flawless event

Victor Basa hams it up for the cameras

Photo ops with the endorsers

FLAWLESS SUMMER FOR DIVINE LEE, VICTOR BASA, AND ANDREW WOLFF

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hat do Manila’s “IT” couple, Divine Lee and Victor Basa, and Philippine National Rugby Team players, Andrew Wolff, Harry Morris, Gaz Holgate, and Chris Everingham have in common? Well, they are all fit and active. They all live the go-lifestyle and they all look absolutely stunning. But that’s not all—they get the ultimate skin protection from harmful UV rays, thanks to Flawless’ new daily skincare essential, Skin Protect Mist with SPF70.

Skin Protect Mist was recently launched at 71 Gramercy in Makati City, and the celebrity endorsers expressed their admiration for Flawless and its innovative products.

“Flawless is such a good brand to represent because it’s powered by skin professionals, and I love its newest product, Skin Protect Mist with SPF 70,” said Divine. “It’s super effective, it’s fuss-free, water-resistant and it has a nice scent that I just can’t get enough of!”

Victor quipped, “It’s great that I can get my skin protected despite my busy schedule.

What I like about Skin Protect Mist is that it’s so easy to use—just one spray of this fine mist and I get a large portion of my skin protected with its fast-absorbent formula. So it’s definitely perfect for me!”

“I am glad that I’m Alagang Flawless. Outside sports, I have a business to run, and I have events and entertainment commitments, too.

That is why I have to look presentable all the time,” shared Andrew. “With Flawless’ help, I’ve gained more confidence and I’ve become more comfortable in my own skin.”

Andrew also said that his daughter is a fan of Skin Protect Mist. “We’ve been out for a few beach getaways now and I’m glad that Adrianna gets the best sun protection with this paraben-free, totally safe for children sunscreen spray.”

Just in time for summer, Flawless Skin Protect Mist with SPF 70 (P450.00) is now available in all Flawless clinics nationwide and Flawless’ online shop, www.flawless.com.ph/shop, and select Watson stores in Metro Manila.

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SHOWBITZ

EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

JOSEPH PETER GONZALES

RURU MADRID FINALLY LANDS A LEAD ROLE After the long wait, Ruru Madrid will finally be launched as a major leading man in GMA-7’s next big offering, the soap opera titled, Let the Love Begin opposite Gabbi Garcia.

“Of course I’m very happy about it. Gabbi and I actually didn’t expect this. Our love team started in My Destiny and the two of us also top-billed the initial episode of Seasons of Love. I guess we have good on-screen chemistry.

The warm reception of the fans proved to be very encouraging. Due to that, the

Ruru Madrid is now a leading man Richard Gomez still a bankable TV actor

management saw our potential.

“I’m really grateful to GMA for this huge break they’re giving me and Gabbi. That’s why we promise to do our best to make the show a hit. We want our launching vehicle to become a success. Gabbi and I want to be worthy of GMA’s trust,” Ruru says.

The good-looking lad is confident with his latest offering.

“Well, GMA is leaving no stones unturned, so to speak, to ensure its success. For one, this is the boob tube version of the hit film of the same title years ago which starred Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin. I think that’s a good head start. The viewers have strong recall of the plot already.

ABS-CBN GLOBAL APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR ABS-CBN Global Ltd, the umbrella organization that owns all international subsidiaries of the leading and largest Philippine multimedia conglomerate ABSCBN Corporation, announced recently the appointment of Kai

“Plus we are given very good support: from our director Ms. Gina Alajar to our co-stars, the likes of Mr. Ariel Rivera, Ms. Donita Rose, Ms. Gladys Reyes, Ms. Gina Pareño and from what I heard, Ms. Ai Ai delas Alas! Yes, this will serve as her comeback project as a Kapuso and I’m proud that it’s in our show. Surrounded by this great pool of talent, I’m sure Gabbi and I will learn a lot. This early, I’m simply excited!”

With this positive development, some quarters say that compared to his fellow Protégé batch mate Jeric Gonzales who was crowned male winner, their mother studio is obviously giving him better breaks. The latter has yet to get a lead role.

V. Rodriguez as the new Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa Operations. She will be based in the company’s Europe office in London.

Rodriguez started in the Lopez Group of Companies in 1996 as the Finance Director of Studio 23 and in 2000 joined ABS-CBN Corporation as AVP for Finance during the Group’s consolidation of the businesses beyond broadcast television. She was appointed CFO of the ABS-CBN Global group in late 2004 when all the international assets and entities of ABS-CBN were organized under

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 42 43 44 48 49 50 52 55 56 58 59 60 61 62 63 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Fishtailed 6 Long-distance line 10 Aspen transport (hyph.)

14 Take the podium 15 Experts 16 Diva — Ponselle 17 Type of sausage 19 Appliance 20 Thing on a ring 21 Thesaurus man 22 Pond growth

ISAH V. RED

23 24 26 29 30 31 35 36 37 39 41

Ho Chi — Gorges formed by a river Purpose Germinated grain Flattened bottle Very unpopular Berets Dossiers Cable car Farmers’ attics Pale yellow

Louts Threw the rider Kidney stones Hogshead Back biters?

Fill the seams Impress and then some Alan or Cheryl Big buzzers Love, to Picasso — mater Weight deductions Answering machine sound Nefertiti’s god Cure salmon

DOWN 1 Egg part 2 Indy champ — Luyendyk 3 Like permed hair 4 Dog days in Dijon 5 Oil rig feature 6 Novelist Evelyn — 7 Ranch measure 8 Legal precedents (2 wds.)

9 Mach 1 exceeder 10 Honestly!

11 Beatnik’s drum 12 Like pagodas 13 Hourly fees

“Maybe I’m just lucky or it’s just my time. I’m certain that GMA has good plans for Jeric as well. As for me, I vow to do my best in order not to disappoint all those who believe in me.”

Ruru stresses that there is no rivalry between him and Jeric.

“Oh, on the contrary, we’re friends! Even if we don’t see each other that often, we’re okay. Jeric is a kind guy. In fact, I’m happy for him because it’s not only in acting where he concentrates now but singing as well. I think it’s a good career move. Actually, I’m hoping that we’ll be given a chance to work together in the coming days…”

The appealing lad has just graduated from high school and he plans to take up a course in Filmmaking.

“I’m happy and proud to be able to receive my diploma. It’s one thing I promised my parents. Even though it was a tough act to juggle my time between showbiz and education, I was able to do it. It feels great!

“With regards to my choice of a film course in College, perhaps, I was greatly inspired by all the directors I’ve worked with.

There’s Ms. Joyce Bernal, Maryo J. Delos Reyes and

one leadership. In October 2005, she was subsequently appointed concurrent Strategic Planning Head of the Global group.

“My years in ABS-CBN and my personal experiences living abroad have afforded me valuable insight to enable our contentdriven business to stay relevant and grow in the various markets that we serve in this fast-changing industry,” said Rodriguez. “ Ms. Rodriguez takes over her new position from Edgardo Garcia who has now assumed the role of ABS-CBN Global’s CFO and Strategic Planning Head.

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

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Is obstinate Con Topsy-turvy Yodeler’s perch Repeatedly Humdrum “She’s a Bad Mama —” Turns to slush No piece of cake Pile up Viking name Mental fog Colt or filly Glove sz.

Costello and Rawls Old firearms Pet toy B, in music (hyph.)

Texas tourist site Enticed (2 wds.)

Tight-knit team Cigar type Hunter’s need Dynamic prefix Year fraction To be, to Brutus Moo companion Thud

Pepe Diokno to name some.

It’s awesome to watch them do their job. Eventually, apart from being an actor, I also plan to branch out into directing so I think it’s a good start,” says Ruru. ★★★★★ Richard Gomez is proud and happy with his second Best Supporting Actor recognition for the movie The Trial. After Gawad Tanglaw, he grabbed another trophy courtesy of the PASADO Awards.

“It feels great, really!” he says. “It’s been awhile since I last received an acting trophy. I’m proud that my craft as an actor gets recognized anew. This means a lot to stars like me.”

According to the still handsome actor, the honor just came at the perfect time.

“It’s special because these days, meaty roles come like drops of rain.

I’m grateful that Star Cinema cast me in the said Chito Roño opus.”

After all these times, winning an award is still important to Goma.

“But of course! It’s a validation that we’re doing our job well as actors. It inspires us further to continue honing our craft,” he avers.

Kai Gutierrez moves up to Managing Director of ABS-CBN Global

‘PHOTO FACE-OFF’ OPENS CASTING CALLS HISTORY™ Asia and Canon are embarking on a search for the next amateur photographer in the all-new season of Photo Face-Off – the first and biggest original reality competition series on the channel. After an immensely successful first season, Photo Face-Off is set to return later this year for its second season on HISTORY™ Asia. The series recorded excellent ratings within the region, winning the number one timeslot* in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Photo Face-Off pits amateur photographers from around Asia against renowned professional photographer, Justin Mott, in a series of photography challenges. By popular demand, Mott returns to reprise his role as Photo Face-Off ’s resident professional photographer whom contestants compete against. Season 2 also sees enhanced changes to its show format with more challenging photography face-offs in store.

Viewers of Photo Face-Off will also enjoy double the entertainment in one sitting with hourlong episodes in Season 2.

Amateur photographers who aspire to battle it out in an arena of creativity and inspiration are encouraged to submit their applications via these easy steps: Log on to historyasia.com/ photofaceoff Download the application form (Microsoft Word Document), fill it up accordingly and attach three personally shot photographs that best showcase photography and visual story-telling skills.

Email or post your application form before April 30.

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

KORINA’S ‘RATED K’ STAYS ON TOP

Marian Rivera is happy she's been chosen to endorse 555 Tuna

NEW 555 KUMPLETUNA ENDORSER

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umpleTuna ang buhay ko!” exclaims Kapuso primetime queen Marian Rivera in a new TV commercial (TVC) for 555 Tuna.

Marian, who got married late last year, is obviously glowing with happiness in the new TVC. She is seen preparing a meal for two using 555 Tuna, the brand that is complete given its delicious mix of tuna and vegetables in a flavorful sauce. It is also complete in offering a wide range of lutong-bahay flavors. In short, KumpleTuna.

“Super happy ako to be chosen as the new face of 555 Tuna. Lumaki kasi ako sa Lola ko na lagi akong ipinagluluto, so ngayong may asawa na ako, sobrang namimiss ko ang lutong-bahay. Thankfully, sa 555 Tuna, nahanap ko yung lasang ‘yon – yung 555 Tuna Afritada nga, halos katulad nung afritada ni Lola!” says Marian. “Mas convenient pa especially pag nasa tapings dahil nakaeasy open can siya.”

Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Food Inc., the company behind 555 Tuna, also expresses joy in having Marian serve as the brand’s newest ambassador. “555 Tuna

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has found the perfect endorser in Marian Rivera, who is famous not only for her beauty and sass, but also for her genuine love for cooking. She is in fact taking cooking classes and likes posting photos of her dishes, and we’re definitely excited to see 555 Tuna gracing her dining table.”

In the new 555 Tuna TVC which airs on primetime TV, Marian can be seen preparing a home for two – adding a second towel for her bathroom, setting the table for a dinner for two and of course, a KumpleTuna dish for the man in her life whose arrival is signaled by the sound of a doorbell, “Dingdong!” Finally, Marian exclaims, “Ayan na siya, My KumpleTuna!”

Like Marian Rivera, Filipinos can enjoy 555 Tuna’s lutong-bahay sarap, which is available in 12 delicious variants: the best-selling blue line - Afritada, Caldereta, Adobo, and Mechado; the green line, featuring Bicol Express, Lechon Paksiw, and Sisig; and orange line, featuring Flakes in Oil, Hot & Spicy, Sweet & Spicy, Corned Tuna, and Chili Corned Tuna.

ABS-CBN’s award-winning weekly magazine show, Korina Sanchez-Roxas’ Rated K maintains its lead in national ratings as one of the highest rating and most watched shows on the Kapamilya network based on the overnight ratings of Kantar Media/ TNS among Total Philippines (urban and rural) from January to March 2015.

Rated K is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary and since its historic pilot episode in 2005, the show has remained faithful to its commitment to tell the millions of Filipinos around the world extraordinary stories of ordinary people. As one of the longest-running shows on ABS-CBN, it is regarded as credible and reliable when it comes to the latest trends in food, entertainment, leisure, science, and technology.

Rated K is one of the most trusted platforms of both local and international celebrities as they share on the program their personal stories of love, despair, fear, hope, defeat, and triumph. Millions of Filipinos tune in to Korina every week as she narrates and features tales of suspense, horror, fun, and laughter – all collated and gathered from every corner of the country by her brilliant team of writers, researchers, and producers.

Rated K’s flagship advocacy, Korina’s Handog Tsinelas Campaign has touched the lives of countless Filipino children with its main objective to give free rubber slippers to every barefoot child in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Since its inception, the campaign is able to give away over two million pairs of slippers and Korina aims to gather another million pairs to give away in 2015. The advocacy, according to Korina, does not only aim to protect the feet of poor children across the country but it also aspires to restore dignity to the lives of every barefoot child.

In line with Rated K’s on-going anniversary celebration, Korina recently launched a new segment titled “K Suwerte, Suwerte,” which makes the wildest dreams of the show’s loyal viewers a reality. The segment was able to help a junior baseball league in

Batangas City with school bags and supplies; a widow with eight children with appliances and household supplies; and a hard-working student with a full college scholarship among others.

Rated K also activated a successful road show in key cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao where they provided live entertainment and gave away fabulous prizes such as a brand new car which was won by a lady guard from Davao City and two sets of house and lot won by two poor families from Bulacan and Iloilo respectively.

In the last 10 years, Rated K has been a finalist in New York Festival World Awards (2009 and 2012); and a Hall Of Fame recipient in Catholic Mass Media Awards, Golden Dove Awards, and Anak TV Awards. Korina on the other hand, is honored as Highly Commended as Current Affairs Presenter at 2012 Asian TV Awards for her outstanding work on Rated K. Korina is also touring barangays and schools as a way to thank her fans for their unwavering support in making Rated K still the number one show in its format and on its timeslot.

Fans can gear up for more exciting, edge-of-their-seats episodes every week as Korina and Rated K present awe-inspiring stories that defy every norm. One of the stories to look forward to is Korina’s special report as she is scheduled to visit Australia to feature an inspiring story of success of a Filipina based in the land down under among many other enthralling stories.

Rated K airs every Sundays on ABSCBN right after Wansapanatym.

Korina Sanchez is celebrating 10 years of Rated K and blissful wedded years with DILG Secretary Mar Roxas

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

TV host Amy Perez shows off her kitchen savvy in a cooking demonstration for Clara Ole, the food product she is currently endorsing

AMY PEREZ CREATES MEALS FOR THE FAST AND THE CURIOUS SIMPLY RED ISAH V. RED Who has time to cook? With our hectic daily schedules, not to mention our online and offline social lives, enjoying homecooked meals have become as challenging as asking your boss for that overdue raise.

Preparing your own meals can be quite time consuming and if you aren’t really much of a cook, the risk of preparing something that will just end up as leftovers is sometimes simply not worth the effort.

Not for Amy Perez, though, even if he host/actress is running a household full-time and maintaining a busy career has become seems ordinary.

The 45-year-old mother of three Adi (17), Kyle (6), and Isaiah (2) says she loves to cook for her boys (as well as her husband, Carlo Castillo), and experimenting is just one way to keep things her dishes “new.”

“I enjoy and I love cooking for my boys,” Perez told media at the

recent Clara Ole Potluck Foodfest launch held April 10 at R Space in Makati.

Hosted by radio DJ Gelli Victor, the event was a food-filled afternoon that allowed guests to sample different dishes made with Clara Ole. More than just pasta sauces, Clara Ole also offered other delicious and healthy dishes made with their products such as dips n’ dressings, vinaigrettes, and marinades. For dessert, guests satisfied their sweet tooth with treats made with their syrups, jams, and jellies.

“As a mom, I’m very pressured everyday to come up with something unique and at the same time tasty. Especially now that they’re on vacation, andun yung pressure to come up with a very special dish everyday for lunch and dinner.

“Every Sunday I sit down in the kitchen and check with my family kung ano yung niluto ko last week so I could change it for the coming week. Siyempre nasanay tayo na kapag Friday monggo di ba? And every Saturday and Sunday either sinigang or nilaga. So what I do is I experiment a lot. When I open my pantry, I try to use whatever I see there, like those leftovers.”

Amy attributes her kitchen savvy to a couple of things—taking a basic culinary course at International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) and her not so secret cooking companion Clara Ole. “I took up a basic culinary course in ISCAHM, for about three months because I’m always pressured to come up with something,

Amy attributes her kitchen savvy to a couple of things— taking a basic culinary course at International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) and her not so secret cooking companion Clara Ole

and even before, I’m a regular user of Clara Ole. Why? Because it’s very easy, to use and they also have small packages so you can try a new dish in small servings first.

Amy then demonstrated how she cooks their favorite pasta quickly and easily with the help of Clara Ole. It took her less than 10 minutes to prepare the dish she called Castillo Fave, using olive oil, left-over sausages, shitaake mushrooms, pasta and Clara Ole Cheesy Pesto Pasta Sauce.

“The Potluck Foodfest will be a series of eight themed potluck mini parties at condo residences.

Beginning April 25, Clara Ole will be going around different condos of different personalities, who will then invite their neighbors, family, and friends to share their own signature dish using Clara Ole. Aside from recipes, they will get to share time and space-saving tips, hacks and helpful information to make fast-paced living a little bit easier, shared Sandy Cu, Sysu International Product and Business Development Director.

Beginning April 25, Clara Ole will be sponsoring the party of

eight personalities who will then invite their neighbors, family, and friends to share their own signature dish using the products. The objective of these mini-potluck parties is to be able to share some time and space-saving tips, hacks, easy recipes and helpful information to make fast-paced living a little bit easier especially to those who live in condominiums and have small cooking spaces.

Each of the eight mini-potluck parties will have a specific theme such as Manny Pacquiao-inspired game night; Summer or Nautical Theme; Children’s Theme; Birthday Party Theme; Singles’ Night; Movie Night; Entertaining a Balikbayan and YOLO Night Amy Perez will also be hosting her own mini potluck party where she will invite her family and friends to share easy recipes and convenient tips and hacks just like what she did at the event.

For more exciting news on what else Clara Ole has in store for everyone, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ MyClaraOle and follow their Instagram and Pinterest accounts @ ClaraOlePH. Continued on C7