The Standard - 2015 May 29 - Friday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 101  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  FRIDAY : MAY 29, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Peace panel charged with treason

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GDP grows 5.2%, slowest in three years

US HAS ‘IRONCLAD’ PACT TO HELP PH Next page

Reaffirmation. US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter speaks before an audience in South Korea in this file photo. The Pentagon chief reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to defend the Philippines in case it is attacked.

Sandal of the Season

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Dubs make return to NBA Finals

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Palace: No back channel to Beijing

Flag Day. Scouts join in the singing of the National Anthem during the flag-raising ceremony during Flag Day in Imus, Cavite, on Thursday. Danny Pata

US promise to defend PH ‘ironclad,’ Pentagon says WASHINGTON—US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told his Philippine counterpart on Wednesday that Washington’s pledge to defend the Pacific nation remained “ironclad” and called for an end to land reclamation in the South China Sea, officials said.

In talks in Hawaii with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, the Pentagon chief “reaffirmed” the strong ties between the two countries and discussed the territorial disputes in the contested waters of the South China Sea, where Beijing has been at loggerheads with the Philippines and other states in the region.

Citing Washington’s mutual defense treaty with Manila, Carter “stressed that the US commitment to defend the Philippines is ironclad,” the Pentagon said

in a statement.

The meeting came as Carter embarks on a tour of Asia and amid rising tensions over Beijing’s massive effort to build artificial islands in the South China Sea. In Beijing, China on Thursday accused the United States of threatening to sow “chaos” in the Asia-Pacific region by inciting countries whose territorial claims in the South China Sea clash with those of Beijing.

China is rapidly building artificial islands in the disputed waters, and Carter on Wednesday de-

manded an “immediate and lasting land reclamation by any claimant.

Beijing’s foreign ministry spokeswoman told a regular briefing: “If the major powerhouse of world economic growth is thrown into chaos, will that serve the interests of the American side?”

In Manila, the Department of Defense said China’s unilateral activities in the disputed areas “are inconsistent with international law.”

“Actions that could lead to accidents and untoward incidents due to miscalculations should be avoided,” the department quoted Gazmin as saying.

Carter and Gazmin “agreed that all parties involved in the South China Sea should seek a peaceful resolution of the disputes, immediately halt land reclamation and stop further militarization of disputed features,” the state-

ment said.

Manila has said it will keep flying over the disputed areas in the South China Sea despite Beijing’s warnings. And this month, the Philippines took part in a groundbreaking naval exercise with Japan, in a move aimed at countering a rising China.

Beijing has expanded its land reclamation work in the South China Sea at a dramatic pace in recent months, constructing man-made islands on top of reefs across a wide area to back up its territorial claims.

China insists it has a right to control nearly all of the South China Sea, including waters near the coasts of the Philippines, Vietnam and other Asian neighbors.

The Chinese military last week ordered a US Navy P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane to leave an area above the dis-

puted Spratly islands in the South China Sea. But the American aircraft ignored the demand and said it was flying in what US officials consider international airspace.

After his stop in Hawaii, Carter is due to visit Singapore, Vietnam and India in his second tour of the region since taking over at the Pentagon in February.

“Over the next 10 days, Carter will reaffirm the US rebalance to the Asia-Pacific,” Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren said.

Washington has deployed more ships and aircraft to the Asia-Pacific region in the past two years and tried to strengthen its ties to partners in the area as part of its “rebalance” to Asia, which comes as a response to China’s growing military might. aFP, with Florante S. Solmerin

MALACAÑANG on Thursday rejected the idea of using back-channel diplomacy as suggested by Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resolve the disputes on the South China Sea between the Philippines and China.

“Our position, which has been presented and explained several times

by President [Benigno] Aquino [III] during the different [forums] including in the different countries, is in the rules-based and diplomatic approach and on the principle of the Asean centrality,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters.

He made his statement after Marcos urged Malacañang to intensify its efforts at exploring all diplomatic avenues to peacefully resolve the Philippines’ territorial dispute with China in the area.

Marcos also suggested that Malacañang summon the Chinese ambassador to relay the Philippines’ desire for a diplomatic solution to the problem.

“It’s important for the Philippines and China to talk. That’s the first step,” Marcos said.

Coloma said Aquino had called on the other Asean leaders to help forge a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. “As being part of the Asean we are, together with the other nations, calling for a Declaration on a Code of Conduct and we are one with the other nations in calling for a legally binding Code of Conduct,” Colloma said.

“All options, all alternatives that have been thought of should be consistent with the policies that already have been presented.”

Marcos said backchanneling would help persuade China to stop its aggressive behavior in the disputed territories.

“Diplomacy is not exclusively a government-togovernment endeavor,” Marcos said.

“There are a lot of Filipino businessmen with businesses in China and they have friends and connections there. Let’s utilize that, ask them to talk to their friends on how we can resolve this matter peacefully.” Sandy araneta

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Treason raps filed against peace panel in city court

By Maricel V. Cruz and Sandy araneta

Preparation. Members of the Quezon City Police District inventory the equipment that would be needed in case a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit Metro Manila. Manny PalMero

BBL will cause national crisis, ex-CJ Puno warns By rey e. requejo and Macon r. araneta

FORMER Chief Justice Reynato Puno warned Thursday that the Palace-backed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has put the country in a nowin situation that could lead to a national crisis whether or not it becomes a law.

Puno, who vowed to lead a campaign to amend the Constitution, said a change in the political system could lay the foundation for creating a Bangsamoro government in Mindanao as an alternative to the political entity proposed by the BBL. “Regardless of the outcome, the BBL cannot guarantee peace in Mindanao,” said Puno, who was at the forefront of judicial activism in the Supreme Court and advocated

a review of the Constitution after his retirement in 2010.

If Congress passes the BBL as proposed by Malacanang, it will ost likely be questioned before the Supreme Court, Puno said. If it is found unconstitutional, that would put the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a quandary.

Even if the law survives constitutional challenges, the peace process behind it did not include all stakeholders in Mindanao, making the prospects for peace uncertain, Puno said.

“You could have disorder in Mindanao especially with the presence of different groups with different agendas, including radical ones,” he added.

Puno said the passage of the BBL could also inspire other regions of the country to demand similar treatment and privileges accorded the MILF, which could mean problems throughout the country.

All these could be addressed by changing the political system and reallocating and rebalancing the powers of the three branches of gov-

ernment on all levels, Puno said.

He said the BBL and Mindanao offer “a glimpse of the problems, through a keyhole” through which national problems could also be viewed.

The former chief magistrate said the problem is all about balancing power—between the national government and Muslim Mindanao, between the national and local government, among the three branches of government, and even the powers of the constitutional commissions.

“A simple law like BBL cannot address this problem,” Puno said.

“We have already tried that with the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, yet it failed,” he added.

He added that government cannot just give one group or region extra powers without taking into account the entire government structure.

This is why the Constitution must be revised, he said.

Puno suggested that delegates to a constitutional convention be elected along with other officials in the 2016 elections.

He said a review of the Constitution should have been done years ago.

“The BBL is a wake-up call for us to address the country’s problems by re-examining the whole Constitution,” he said.

In the Senate, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said any meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and the senators about the BBL should be televised to assure the public that nothing improper would take place.

Critics and even some senators have rejected a meeting with the President, after a similar meeting with congressmen led to the railroading of the BBL in the House.

But in the spirit of transparency, Marcos said is open to have the meeting conducted in full view of the public.

Earlier, Senator Sergio Osmena III said the President could offer “goodies” such as pork barrel funds to the senators in exchange for their support for the BBL. Marcos again warned the Palace against trying to prod the Senate into rushing the passage of the bill.

TWO lawmakers filed treason and inciting to sedition complaints against the government peace panel and advocates of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before a Manila court Thursday.

Included in the complaint are government peace panel chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and even former government peace panel chair and now Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leonen.

Reps. Lito Atienza of Buhay party-list and Jonathan de la Cruz of Abakada party-list filed the complaint before Senior Deputy City Prosecutor Eufrosino Sulla at the Manila City Hall.

Instead of protecting the interest of the republic, the government peace negotiators have given in to all the demands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Atienza said in a statement. While Buhay party-list stand for peace, it should be achieved in accordance with the Constitution, Atienza added.

“The acts of the respondents, in executing the Framework Agreement and in proposing the BBL, also effectively aided the MILF armed forces to successfully assert their existence as a separate and independent state. Therefore, the respondents must be held liable for the crime of treason…,” Atienza said.

De la Cruz said the BBL does not conform with the provisions of the Constitution.

“What we should be doing is strengthening the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as provided for in the Constitution, instead of approving the BBL which is fraught with unconstitutional provisions. They have given in to all the demands of the MILF, which is a rebel group.

The Framework Agreement they signed is one-sided. That is tantamount to treason,” De la Cruz said.

Atienza said the peace panel should not have committed the government, Congress and the Filipino people to dubious agreement, then hold the nation hostage.

With some encouragement from the Palace, the House is ramming through a Palace-supported draft of the BBL, which is expected to go to plenary debates next week.

Teachers’ party stages protest vs K-12 MEMBERS of the Alliance of Concert Teachers (ACT) party-list trooped to the Education Department Thursday to press for the suspension of the K-to-12 program and to demand an increase in the salary of teachers.

A leader of the group said they disapproved the way that President Benigno Aquino III and Education Secretary Armin Luistro forcibly implemented the program, even though the basic needs of the educational system were unmet.

“Since its implementation in 2012, we witnessed how K-to-12 worsened the burdens of our education system, particularly in the

unavailability of textbooks and modules for the students, insufficient numbers of classrooms and other facilities and in the huge shortage of teachers,” ACT national chairman Benjie Valbuena said.

The group also debunked claims by the Education Department that fewer schools were implementing a three-shift policy. Instead, they said there were no new classrooms being built to support the increasing number of students, particularly under the K-to-12 program, which adds two years to the basic education.

The group said access to schooling would be limited, as only 333

schools were issued senior high school permits for school year 2015-16.

Valbuena added that the low pay of many public school teachers deprived them of a decent quality of life, in a clear violation of the Magna Carta of Public School Teachers.

The group said they will join others who have filed a challenge to the K-to-12 program before the Supreme Court.

In Congress, a militant lawmaker denounced the K-to-12 program, saying only “capitalist educators” were happy with the new basic curriculum. – John Paolo Bencito and Maricel V. Cruz

rebellion charges. Rep. Lito Atienza, right, lawyer Jamy Gatdula,

center, and Jose Romero are sworn in at the Manila City Hall after filing rebellion charges against the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in relation to the Bangsamoro Basic Law. lino SantoS

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More senators back Cha-cha

By Macon Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

THE bill seeking to amend economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution will likely get more support from senators than the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law, Senator Sergio Osmeña III said after the House of Representatives passed its version of the measure on Wednesday.

But even if the House passed Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 on second reading, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. the bill will still have to pass its acid test when it goes to the plenary on Wednesday for third reading.

“The biggest hurdle is still to come, three-fourths vote [on final reading] of everybody including those who are absent,” Belmonte said of the crucial vote which, if passed, will be the first time Congress will amend the Constitution by legislation.

Belmonte is the principal author of the economic Charter Change resolution and is visibly nervous about getting the 217 of 290 votes that is needed to pass the measure and send it to the Senate for approval.

Belmonte’s RBH No. 1 seeks to include the phrase “unless provided by law” to overturn the constitutional limitations on foreign-ownership of land, public utilities, natural resources, media and advertising industries.

Under Article XII of the Constitution, foreign investors are prohibited fro owning more than 40 percent of real properties and businesses, while they are totally

Heading off shortage. Stevedores unload 420,000 sacks of rice that was imported from Thailand as part of the country’s contingency supply in case of shortage that may occur because of the dry spell being currently being experienced om various parts of the country. DANNY PATA restricted to exploit natural resources and own any company in the media industry.

But Osmeña believes the economic Chacha resolution is more acceptable to senators than the BBL. “If you are only talking about the economic provisions, it has a good chance of passing,” said Os-

mena. “We are going on a break on June 11 and I am hopeful that we would be able to pass it.”

Osmeña said he supported the removal of the constitutional prohibition on foreign ownership and the public should be more circumspect over economic protectionism because the world is

quickly “coming together.”

“We removed that already, and it has not harmed our economy. It’s helping our economy to have more investments here,” said Osmena in an interview over ANC’s Headstart late Thursday afternoon.

“I would allow them to own and there’d be a debate in Con-

Memory of FPJ becomes campaign issue

By Macon Araneta and Vito Barcelo IF Senator Grace Poe decides to run under the Liberal Party, she will be running with the “tormentors and cheaters” of her late father, Fernando Poe Jr., who was defeated in the 2004 presidential elections, according

to lawyer Jose Virgilio Bautista, a spokesperson of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay.

“We really can’t understand,” Bautista said. “If Senator Poe will run with the Liberal Party, she will run with people who tormented and cheated her late father. These are the very same people who

cheated (her father),” Bautista told reporters before the start of 21st hearing of the corruption charges against Binay.

He said most of the leaders of the LP, which he called a “shell party” in 2010, are former members of the Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats who jumped ship shortly be-

fore the elections.

Bautista described as “disgusting” the thought that Poe is seeking to get the support of the very same people who tormented her father or who probably caused his early death because they cheated him out of office, out of the highest office of the land.

In honor of the disappeared.

Relatives and friends of the disappeared join the Coalition Against Enforced Disappearance in demanding the ratification of the Convention Against Enforced Disappearances during the press conference held in Quezon City.

MANNY PALMERO

gress when we consider such changes, they’ll probably say okay can we limit it to 40 percent for media for example. My debate, my answer to that would be, excuse me, got cable TV, 99 percent of your channels are foreign…we’re watching CNN, BBC,” Osmena said.

Palace defends Cabinet men’s political ads

By Sandy Araneta MALACA˜NANG justified the government-paid political advertisements of Cabinet members with Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. saying it is part of their jobs to inform the public about different programs of government.

During yesterday’s press briefing in Malacanang, members of the Malacanang Press Corps asked why Cabinet members, who plan to step down and pursue their political plans for 2016, are still using the resources of the government.

But according to Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., every Cabinet member of an agency has their own duties to inform the public of the different programs of the government agencies.

“For example, regarding the energy situation: Since last year, the Department of Energy has informed the public regarding the preparations for the summer months.

And we are aware that the weather is really hot, that we even passed the 40 degrees heat index,” said Coloma.

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Faceoff. Senator Aquilino Pimentel (right( questions Antonio Tony Tiu of Greenergy Holding Inc. during the continuation of the Senate public hearing onthe alleged overpricing of the 11-storey Makatui City Hall Parking Building. LINO SANTOS

Binay: Blue Ribbon report ‘earthshaking’

By Macon Araneta and Vito Barcelo ONLY four out of the 17 members of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee have signed the partial draft report of its subcommittee recommending the filing of plunder against Vice President Jejomar Binay whose camp described the recommendation as “earthshaking” and probably having the “weight of a toilet paper.”

In an interview, the subcommittee chairman Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel said he was one of the signatories. He declined to name the three others.

Apart from Pimentel, the two other senators actively pursuing the Senate investigation on alleged corruptions committed by

Binay are Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV who is out of the country.

Cayetano is believed to be the other senator who signed the report which also recommended the same charge for the Vice President’s son, Makati Mayor

Junjun Binay, and others, who tors or majority of the 17-memincluded former and incumbent ber of the Senate blue ribbon Makati City Hall officials. committee, headed by Senator Also found liable were Binay’s Teofisto Guingona III before it alleged bagman, Gerry Limlin- becomes official. It will then be gan, and Eudeviges Baloloy who submitted to the plenary. allegedly got kickbacks from the “I made a partial report. Even overpricing. if it doesn’t get the support of Charges were recommended the majority, I don’t care. It’s my against officials of the building’s duty to come up with a report,” contractor Hilmarc’s Construc- stressed Pimentel. tion and the firm Mana Archi“I just submitted my partial subtecture and Design. committee report because it’s ripe The report stemmed from the to submit one but I’m not at libpanel’s investigation into the al- erty to discuss the contents. Let the leged overpricing of the Makati chairman of the blue ribbon, SenaCity Hall Building 2. tor Guingona discuss the contents “Now the good news that I re- if he wants to,” he added. ceived was there were four who Sought for comment, Binay already signed because I am one spokesman lawyer Jose Virgilio of them,” said Pimentel.

Bautista, said : “Wow, that’s The draft report, he said, earth-shaking! That is such a should be signed by nine sena- revelation!”

THE Bureau of Customs seized some P13 million worth of illegally imported sugar, candies, toys and other goods at the Port of Cagayan de oro Confiscated were 320,000 kilos of sugar two container vans of candies and a container van of each of toys and pipe fittings declared as kitchenwares, tableware, housewares, stoneware, fittings, and furniture, among others, ruby Claudia Alameda, Acting District Collector of the BoC-Port of Cagayan de oro said.

The shipments arrived at the Port of Cagayan de oro from China last May consigned to AMD royale Enterprises.

“We will not let these smugglers get away by pouring in illegal items like sugar in the country. Let these seizures be a reminder to all importers that we expect no less than full compliance with the law. That means accuracy and truthfulness in all import declarations and fulfillment of requirements such as import permits from regulatory agencies,” she said.

She said bureau will conduct an investigation to determine culpability for smuggling of the owners and customs brokers of AMD royale Enterprises.

Earlier, the BoC filed smuggling charges against the owner of New Dawn Enterprises for the illegal importation of 260,000 kilograms of sugar worth P13 million without the proper import permits and for misdeclaring the shipment. Vito Barcelo

Group asks SC to stop K-12 Rey E. Requejo

ANoTHEr group of college teacher and staff has asked the Supreme Court to stop the government from implementing its controversial K-12 education program.

In a 55-page petition, the Suspend K-12 Coalition led by Prof. rene Luis Tagle sought for the issuance of temporary restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction stopping the full implementation the K-12 program under republic Act 10533 by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Tagle also belongs to the Council of Teachers and staff of Colleges and Universities in the Philippines.

The group stressed that rA 10533 violates

the constitution since it created a senior high school that was never included and defined by framers of the charter.

Apart from rA 10533, the petitioners also questioned the validity of rA 10157 which institutionalized the kindergarten education into basic education system.

Apart from issuing Tro, they asked the high tribunal to nullify both laws.

“The K-12 Program, in making kindergarten and high school education compulsory, expands the constitutional definition of basic education, which is consistent with international law standards,” petitioners said.

According to them, only primary education is compulsory under Section 2, Article 14 of Constitution.

K-12 pies. Kabataan Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (2nd from right) and leaders of the League of Filipino Students show the study on K-12 program which they say will force almost one million studentsto drop out of school during the press conference held at the Batasan building. MANNYPALMERO

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Customs chief Alberto Lina

Toilet joke not amusing at all, says intel man

By Vito Barcelo

Preparations. Chairman Francis Tolentino of the Metro Manila Development Authority joins villagers during a forum on earthquake preparedness. MANNY PALMERO

MMDA, villagers plan for big quake

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Thursday discussed with community leaders the government’s contigency plans in the event a powerful earthquake hit Metro Manila.

“We are here to create a doable action. We’ll be certain as we exit the doors, we’ve made a concrete plan in the event an earthquake hits,” said Francis Tolentino, MMDA chairman, in a forum with leaders of 84 villages of different parts of Metro Manila.

Dubbed as “Kaalaman sa Paghahanda sa Lindol”, the forum held at the MMDA Central Office in Makati City, focused

on the precautions and necessary actions to be taken in order to survive when the Valley Fault System moves.

The participating village officials represent the barangays identified by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) as areas in the National Capital Region to be severely affected by the quake.

“We are not here to provoke fear,

nor are we here to just give awareness; We are here to unite. We can’t go against an earthquake, but if we work as one, we can do so much to save many. We can do so much, what you can do as barangay officials is to disseminate information to your people,” Tolentino told the officials.

MMDA Flood Control Information Center chief Ramon Santiago also participated in the discussion and stressed the significance of community-level preparedness.

“It’s important that help begin from the barangays,” said Santiago, who discussed the actions already taken by the agency such as risk assessment of identified areas, necessary tools for rescue

missions and rescue training.

He said in case tragedy hits, Metro Manila will be divided into four quadrants.

“The tools, kits and other necessities will be stored in each of the four quadrants, so this is where help will begin, affected areas won’t have to go through the national government, or other agencies,” Santiago said.

He also reminded that schools situated on the fault line must be vacated, and emphasized on the importance of the structures of buildings.

The government will use at least three golf courses as evacuation centers in the National Capital Region in the event of a big quake.

With John Paolo Bencito

A Customs intelligence officer said he was humiliated

by Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina after the f lag raising ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 1, in front of customs employees.

Joel Pinawin, Naia Customs Intelligence and Investigation chief, got a dressing down from Lina, where the customs chief allegedly ordered him to make sure that all the toilets at the airport were clean.

Pinawin said Lina called him outright after the flag-raising ceremony and then proceeded to announce that he was now in charge of making sure that the toilets at NAIA were clean.

Pinawin said he recorded Lina’s words. “Sinabi ko na kung ano ang mangyayari dito. Ikaw ang mag-i-inspect sa lahat ng facilities. That is part of your job. So, gusto ko makita na malinis lahat ng toilets dito sa buong NAIA, OK? Gagawin mo o hindi?”

Pinawin later complained that he felt humiliated by Lina’s actions, saying he is now the butt of their jokes because of what Lina did.

Lina admitted that the incident happened but insisted that he did not humiliate the intelligence officer.

An adviser of Lina said that the commissioner was only joking.

Napoles siblings seek reduced bail THE children of Janet Lim Napoles—Jo Christine and James Christopher—on Wednesday filed a joint motion for bail reduction before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the graft suits they are facing for alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam.

“Considering the huge amount of bail of P450,000.00 for each accused, they most respectfully plead unto the Honorable Court that the same be equitably reduced,” their four-page plea read.

They asked the anti-graft court’s Third Division to substitute the surety bond they had earlier posted with a cash bond.

The camp of Napoles said their surety company would

no longer renew their surety for no apparent reasons.

“To ensure the provisional liberty of the accused, they are left with no option but post their bail in case,” Napoles camp told the court.

Invoking Section 9 Rule 114 of the Rules of Court, their plea stated “the financial ability of the accused to give bail” and the “probability of the accused appearing at the trial” must be among the primary factors in court’s determination of the amount of bail.

The Napoles camp also raised a previous Supreme Court decision, citing “the amount should be high enough to assure the presence of the accused when required but not higher than is Rea-

sonably calculated to fulfill this purpose.”

In addition, they asserted they are not flight risk. Jo Christine and James Christopher are facing 15 counts of graft each.

The Third Division set a P30,000 bail for each count of graft.

On June 13, 2014, the Napoles children posted a P450,000 surety bond each through Alpha Insurance and Surety Co. Inc. for their temporary liberty.

“Considering the huge amount of bail of P450,000.00 for each accused, they most respectfully plead unto the Honorable Court that the same be equitably reduced,” their motion further read.

Unfazed. Despite the MRT fare hike and frequent mechanical troubles plaguing the train system, thousands of passengers ride the train daily to reach their respective destinations. MANNY PALMERO

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Sanctuaries. The Macrohon Fish and Bird Sanctuary and the Macrohon and Napantao Snorkel Sites are located in San Francisco, Southern Leyte. MEL CASPE

Foreign cruisers dock at Hundred Islands

By Johanne Margarette R. Macob ALAMINOS CITY—The world-famous Hundred Islands National Park here has been becoming a favorite stopover of foreign cruise ships.

Last week, for the seventh time, a foreign cruise ship docked here; its passengers and crew toured the Islands.

MS Caledonian Sky, a European cruise ship with around 100 passengers, docked at the HINP last May 21 as part of its 11-day world tour.

The cruise ship, part of the Noble Caledonian Sky ships launched in May 2012, tours its guests to the world’s top destinations including Iceland, the Arctic, Norway, the British Isles, North America, South /Central America and the Pacific.

It has 77 crew members, 66 of which are Filipinos.

On his Facebook account, City Mayor Arthur Celeste “extends on behalf of the Local Government Unit of Alaminos City his warm welcome to Ship Captain Håkan Gustaesson with around 100 passengers on board MS Caledonian Sky and thanked them for the inclusion of Alaminos City on their 11-day tour.”

Martin Limsiaco, Chief Officer of the cruise ship, said they would pay another visit to the HINP next year.

Other cruise ships that visited the Islands in the previous months included the MS Europa with about 250 European and Asian passengers and the six-star cruise ship Seabourn Sojourn with over 700 onboard guests and crew.

Polangui officials charged with falsifying documents

By Manilyn Ugalde

LEGAZPI CITY—A municipal assessor, a councilor and an executive of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have been jointly slapped with graft charges for allegedly falsifying documents to transfer a property to another person and sell the same 1,077-square meter commercial/residential lot in Polangui town, Albay.

Charged before the Office of the Ombudsman were municipal assessor Jun Sarte Nieves, municipal councilor Ramon Arbo and Community Environment and Natural Resource Office head, engineer Santiago Olfindo.

The complainant, physician Mary Jean Tuanqui-Averion, said accused Nieves, Arbo and Olfindo deliberately conspired in falsifying documents to obtain a new tax declaration they used in securing endorsements and other DENR clearances preparatory

to filing for a land title.

Complainant asked the Ombudsman to immediately issue preventive suspension order on the respondents to prevent them from using their positions while the case is pending.

According to documents, respondents allegedly used forged a affidavit signed in the name of Mary Jane Tuanqui-Averion when the real name is “Mary Jean.”

The respondents also used a “waiver of rights” signed in the name of “Mary Jane Tuanqui Averion” duly witnessed by Nieves and one Rodolfo Tuanqui. The latter however has issued an affidavit saying that the signature on the waiver was not his.

With the said forged documents, ownership of the 1,077-square meter lot reportedly went to a certain Felipe Portem who allegedly issued a deed of absolute sale to Arbo where a new tax declaration in his name was issued by the Polangui assessor office under Tax Declaration No, 2002-14-007575.

The lot was allegedly sold to Polangui businessman Elmer Catangui.

The complaint said the documents were duly notarized by lawyer Janero Saclag, councilor of Libon town.

Saclag had earlier issued a judicial affidavit stating it was Councilor Arbo and his wife who had gone to his office for notarial of the affidavit and waiver of rights.

Abra police nab teacher on molestation charges

By Dexter A. See BANGUED, Abra—A 42-year-old teacher who allegedly sexually molested a 14-year-old minor thrice was arrested by police and detectives at Barangay Palaoe in this town on Monday evening.

Senior Superintendent Jimmy Catanes, regional director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit—North Central Luzon, identified the teacher as Ernesto Dufale Callena, Jr., married.

Judge Corpuz Alzate of the Regional Trial Court Branch 2 issued the warrant of arrest for rape and violation of the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7610

or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

The case stemmed from the complaint of Aida (not her real name) from Barangay Lipcan in this town, and a student of the Sinalang Pilot Elementary School. Records show that the victim went to Bangued municipal police station and reported that a teacher named Callena sexually molested her on three (3) occasions—on March 27, April 23 and July 5 last year—inside the school canteen.

Callena is now detained at the Abra Provincial Jail.

On display. ARMM Agricultural and Fisheries Secretary Makmond Mending (left) visits the agricultural products exhibit inside the DAF-ARMM compound in Cotabato City in celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month. OMAR MANGORSI

A8

ADELLE chuA eDitor F R I D AY, M AY 2 9, 2 0 1 5

opinion

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Wasting the opportunity The government does not know when to strike while the iron is hot. Nearly all global financial institutions and credible analysts had predicted that the economy would expand by at least 6.5 percent in the first three months of 2014, given the low oil prices in the international market, soft inflation and steady remittances from migrant Filipino workers.

But to the disappointment of many, the economy grew at its slowest pace in three years, after government spending and exports declined in

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

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the first quarter. The gross domestic product expanded just 5.2 percent in the three-month period, the slowest since the 3.8-percent growth in the last quarter of 2011.

The lethargic expansion in the last quarter has rendered government’s 7 percent to 8 percent target this year virtually impossible to meet and may have cast serious doubt on the state’s ability to sustain solid growth figures over an extended period of time.

The government deserves blame for failing to pump prime the economy. It has control over public spending and could have financed several projects

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related to the construction of roads, school buildings and irrigation canals in order to generate jobs and fuel consumption further.

The government just spent P504 billion in the first quarter of 2015, or 13 percent below target, in stark comparison to the increased spending of the private sector “While growth in the private sector remains robust, the slower than programmed pace of public spending, particularly the decline in public construction, has slowed down the overall growth of the economy,” economic Planning

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

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer

Ma. Editha D. Angeles Advertising Manager Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan concedes. exports contributed to the tepid economic growth, improving just 1 percent in the three-month period, the slowest pace in seven quarters.

The government should have increased spending in the first three months of 2015 as programmed in the national budget, if it is serious about licking the boom-bust cycle that has characterized the economy. It should not be content in registering a 5-percent-to-6percent economic growth when many remain jobless.

Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor Senior Deskman Art Director Chief Photographer

A10 A SAGE PROPOSAL RETIRED Chief Justice ReyPENSEES nato Puno is not one to be easily excited. His demeanor FR. RANHILIO exudes that calm arising from CALLANGAN a tranquil spirit. That kind of AQUINO equanimity will be found in those of great hearts and great minds. Reynato Puno is a man of God and a scholar of the law.

He is one Methodist preacher for whom I have tremendous respect, and his stature in academe is beyond cavil. His remarks are well thought of, his statements measured, his utterances appropriately cadenced. So, when he gets alarmed, there is reason to be alarmed, and not too long ago, he did sound the alarm bells. On television, he publicly raised the specter of conflict over BBL. For while Malacañang seems intent on ramming the proposal through, some sectors, including Muslims, have made it known that they will not accept it.

We are squabbling, the retired chief magistrate who is one of the country’s luminaries in the field of constitutional theory and law says, over a what is in fact only a one corner of a vaster issue, one semi-colon in an entire essay. While the focus is on BBL and Malacanan’s scheme and strategy to get it past Congress, the real problem, he is convinced, is the issue of the distribution of power and its present concentration in the national government. His proposal is that Congress create a constitutional convention that will amend the Constitution to provide for a parliamentary and a fedIt is time to heed eral form of government. the call of sages, True, we have heard these proposals before, but there for we are sated is particular urgency in with the rumbling of making them now in the fools! face of what promises to be a national crisis over BBL. There is a novel dimension though to his proposal. No one wants a constitutional convention that the “trapos” will populate with their cronies or, worse, where they will allocate seats for themselves. So he suggests that we learn from the Australians: the law that convenes the Constitutional Convention shall provide for the membership of retired justices of the Supreme Court as well as other superior courts, former presidents, surviving members of the Constitutional Convention and the Constitutional Commission, law deans, experts and authorities as well as social and political scientists.

The rest of the membership of the Convention will be elected by the people. This way, he believes, control of the convention by politicians is preemptively interdicted.

Is this constitutionally workable? In fact, it is, because Art. XVII, Section 1 merely provides for the possibility of amending the Constitution (or revising it—re-writing it entirely) by a constitutional convention, leaving it to legislation to determine the composition of the convention. What is clear from the proposal is distrust of the Legislature to do the job of amending the Constitution—and this distrust has been justly earned in the wake of the Lower House’s shameful behavior in respect to the passage of the BBL. Having talked to some bishops of Mindanao’s dioceses, I know from them that Muslims are themselves divided over support for Bangsamoro which many perceive, and rightly so, to be an MILF— and therefore a Maguindanao—initiative. Federalizing the republic, on the other hand, will allow for the devolution of national powers to configurations more responsive to allegiance, ethnicity, culture and history. A parliamentary government for its part makes the Executive directly accountable to the Legislature and, in a very real sense, dependent on it. Accountability is not lost in the near-impossibility of impeaching a sitting president!

Thus far, Malacanan has apparently been indifferent if not averse to “cha-cha”, although it did talk about it in self-aggrandizing fashion when some sycophants raised the possibility of extending the President’s term. But this inanity aside, if the Palace’s true vision is of peace and the settlement of long-festering disputes, BBL is not it! Aside from the congenital infirmities it suffers (from its conception in the Basic Framework Agreement to its morphing into the BBL), it addresses a problem of only one sector of Philippine society. The people of the Cordilleras have recently made themselves heard—reminding the

F R I D AY, M AY 2 9, 2 0 1 5

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

STILL A TAIL PARAPHRASING Honest Enforcement and Inspection FILIPINO Abe, a dog would still have and Processing Divisions, and PENSIONER five`city engineers and building four legs no matter how often HORACE its master calls its tail a leg inspectors. because - in reality - calling Mayor Gatchalian and his TEMPLO any tail a leg wouldn’t make vice-mayor could also hope it a leg. so, but there is little hope of escape for the Consider the fire that broke out on that engineers who directly grant initial work unlucky 13th of May at the Kentex factory in permits and conduct regular inspections.

Valenzuela City. That fire killed 72 workers But who are responsible in preventing who were trapped at the second floor while and fighting fires? It is the Bureau of Fire they labored producing cheap “tsinelas” that Protection, a nationwide agency that has ordinary people like you and I wear at home, adopted as its official motto “Saving Lives at work, and at shopping malls. and Properties.”

It was the third worst fire in Philippine And shouldn’t it be implicated? history after the Quezon City fires at Ozone It is directly under the Department Disco Club on March 19, 1996 and at Manor of Interior and Local Government, the Hotel on August 18, 2001. In these two fires, department that Secretary Mar Roxas has 162 and 75 died, respectively. asked to head from his grateful buddy PNoy. Valenzuela City’s officials profess that By law, BFP is “responsible for they did their best in inspecting the safety implementing national policies related and health conditions of the factory, but no to firefighting and protection as well as matter how many times they say so, they implementation of the Philippine Fire Code.” would remain grossly negligent.

It is “in charge of the administration and They are to be blamed for allowing that management of municipal and city fire and sweatshop and similar factories to clutter up emergency services all over the country.” the once historical city of Valenzuela. Only These mandates have emboldened BFP to last May 25, the City Business Inspection and procure last January 469 fire trucks worth Audit Team reported that several of the city’s P2.577 billion for the country’s 1,490 towns factories and warehouses were breaking labor and 144 cities. Despite reported bidding laws, ignoring occupational health and safety irregularities, these fire trucks would be standards, and violating fire safety measures. distributed to chosen local government units With the city now classified as highly starting July. urbanized and first-class in terms of income, It’s given that they need fire trucks.

Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian and other city Moreover, Secretary Mar Roxas needs to officials ridiculously call Valenzuela “The make up alibis to visit, at the expense of Vibrant City” and “The City of Discipline.” government, every nook and corner of the The owners are as guilty as the careless country. Any time now, he will be officially workers who did the welding of the front declared by PNoy as his Liberal Party’s gate without moving away to a safer place the standard bearer in next year’s presidential nearby flammable containers of chemicals election. that ignited the fire.

Distributing those 469 fire trucks would Seemingly sympathetic to the owners of keep Mar busy until December 2015, hopping the factory, Valenzuela City officials have from town to city, and giving out every one not expressed their outrage over the factory’s of them away to grateful mayors. He could violations. Perhaps they realize that they were drive them like he handled tricycles before— also to be blamed like the Kentex owners. clumsily, maybe - but this would still land The court decision against seven Quezon him in the front pages.

City officials and the two owners of the Hopefully, no fire would immediately Ozone Disco Club would be a standard in break out with the same intensity as the one which everybody’s faults would be evaluated. that gutted the Kentex tsinelas factory for It took time to convict them, but 20 years 5 hours. Watching helplessly beside their later last April, the Sandiganbayan confirmed useless fire trucks, BFP firemen simply sat their conviction for their failure to detect the out that fire. structural and electrical deficiencies that PNoy could repeatedly call Mar the best resulted in that tragedy. man to continue his “Matuwid na Daan” The Sandiganbayan declared strongly that – initiatives. But is he being honest? Is he not “Amidst all the carping made on their only being grateful to him for giving way to conviction, there are factual matters him in the 2010 presidential race? perceptible in the decision which forge Perhaps the President’s anointment of together the conclusion that it is the Mar could make him a viable candidate. conspiratorial act of all the accused to the But honestly, no matter how much crime charged which led to their conviction.” passionately PNoy endorses him, Mar would Fortunately, then incumbent Mayor Mel remain “unwinnable.” A tail-ender he would Mathay, Jr. and Vice-Mayor Herbert Bautista be on May 9, 2016 as what the polls have were spared—but not the two chiefs of the consistently rated him.

Republic that they too have a legitimate claim (one constitutionally guaranteed, in fact!).

Piece-meal settlements only alleviate symptoms, not the underlying malady. For this, nothing less than a re-working of the Constitution is necessary. And this is a far better thing to be earnest about than BB—and reminding recalcitrant senators that there are criminal complaints arising out of PDAF and DAP waiting to be filed “if the vote is not right”. It is time to heed the call of sages, for we are sated with the rumbling of fools!

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

JOJO A. ROBLES

LOWDOWN Mr. Robles’ column will resume next week.

F R I d aY, M aY 2 9, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

adelle chua EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A11

eCOnOmy under inCOmpetents domeSTic economic growth fell to 5.2 percent in the first quarter of this year, from 6.9 percent in the last quarter and 5.6 percent in the first three months of 2014.

The 5.2 percent is lower than the forecasts of most analysts of 6.5 to 7 percent for January-march 2015.

The 5.2 percent is the lowest or slowest quarterly economic growth in three years -- since the 4.0 percent in the last quarter of 2011 (that year, growth rate was 4.0 percent in the fourth, 3.2 percent in third, 3.6 percent in the second, and 4.9 percent in the first quarter). in 2011, the annual growth rate for the whole year slumped by more than half, to 3.7 percent, from 8.2 percent in 2010, the last year of the much-maligned President gloria arroyo, an economist.

Why the collapse in 2011 – the first full year of the administration of President BS aquino iii, also an economist?

The administration refused to spend P147 billion of infra money. it feared the money would be stolen if spent. So rather than the P147 billion falling into dirty hands, the aquino administration refused to spend it. Because that substantial money was denied the economy, there was less economic activity, fewer job creation and higher unemployment. at 7 percent, the Philippine unemployment is the highest among the ten member countries of the asean. in terms of poverty reduction, from the 1990s to the late 2000s, the Philippines has the slowest record in poverty reduction. Poverty here is defined as a

march 2015 rate of 5.2 away from the poverty line for a year. percent of the popula Who is to blame for the slow mopercent. again, the reation living below $2, in VIRTUAL son is that the govern- tion growth then? The government, of purchasing power parREALITY ment doesn’t know how course. ity terms.

TONY President BS aquino iii won’t admit to spend hundreds of bilin 15 years, from lions of budgeted expen- that. he does not admit to any wrongLOPEZ 1994 to 2009, the Phildoing because daang matuwid knows ditures. ippines managed to government consumption growth in no wrongs and commits no mistakes. reduce poverty by just 22 percent, from i estimate that for the economy to cre52.5 percent of the population, to 41.5 the first quarter of 2015 fell to 4.8 perpercent. only laos did worse, an 18 cent, from 9.4 percent in the fourth quar- ate one million new jobs a year, it must percent reduction. The poverty reduc- ter of 2014. The 4.8 percent is, however, grow by at least 7 percent per year. This tion rates of our neighbors have been im- higher than the 1.9 percent government means every percentage-point drop in pressive – malaysia by 79 percent, Thai- consumption growth in January-march economic growth is 143,000 jobs denied jobseekers. land 72 percent, indonesia 44 percent, 2014. rather than helping the economy The government cannot complain vietnam 43 percent, and cambodia by grow faster, the economy is actually beabout lack of money to spend.

35 percent. according to the department of fi- ing hampered by government incompein the whole of 2014, the economy grew by only 6.1 percent, below the nance, “the national government raised tence. if government was a drag on the econgovernment target of 7.5 percent, and P470.5 billion in Q1 2015, growing 18 below the 7.2 percent growth achieved percent or P72.1 billion year-on-year. omy, who was responsible for the 5.2 in 2013. Why the 1.2 percentage- The Bir hauled a total of P307.1 billion, percent growth in the first quarter? answer: The filipino people – you point drop in annual real expansion of higher by 16 percent compared to the the economy? again, the government same period last year. meanwhile, the and i. of the 5.2-percent growth rate, failed to spend P160 billion of infra Boc raised P92.3 billion, higher by 7 72 percent or 3.7 percentage points was money. The 1.1 percentage-point drop percent year-on-year. BTr income leaped contributed by household consumption in growth is equivalent to a reduction to P37.9 billion, more than double the – meaning the filipino consumer. only in income of every filipino of $66 or P16.7 billion target. This figure is higher ten percent, or 0.5 percent of the 5.2 percent growth rate, was contributed by the by 81 percent compared to Q1 2014.”

P2,929. overall, while revenues increased by government. for the incompetence of government Thus, when President aquino brags in handling taxpayers’ money, it costs 18 percent, government spending inabout economic growth, he is basically every filipino nearly P3,000. instead of creased only by a measly 4 percent. instead of spending the P72 billion making an empty claim. he has nothing giving every filipino extra money, the government is bleeding us P3,000 per or 18 percent increase in revenues, the to do with economic growth.

Because like an iceberg in the middle capita because of a sharp drop in govern- government spent only P16 billion of that and kept the remaining P56 billion of an icy ocean, the Philippine economy ment spending.

This 2015, after three years of seem- (revenue increase) idle in bank vaults. is moving by itself, thanks to gravity and ingly heady growth rate per quarter, the That P56 billion, using the math of the inertia in motion.

economy is back to slow-motion quar- conditional cash Transfer Program, is terly growth, as shown by the January- enough to keep some 4 million families biznewsasia@gmail.com

EVERYmAN

Old and new

By Cesar Barrioquinto Someone from Bankers Trust company sent me the following message in hong Kong in 1994, when i had been editing Asiamoney, a British finance magazine with offices in Wan chai. norcen energy resources limited inTer-office correSPondence daTe: october 1, 1994 To: all employees from: SUBJecT: communication it has been brought to my attention that some individuals have been using foul language in the course of normal conversation. due to the complaints from some of the more easily offended, this conduct will no longer be tolerated. i do, however, realize the importance of each person being able to properly express their feelings when communicating with their colleagues. Therefore, i have compiled the following phrases so that the proper exchange of ideas and information can continue:

#failocracy

Old phrase

New phrase

no f--king way! you’ve got to be sh--ting me.

Tell someone who gives a f--k. ask me if i give a f--k. it’s not my f--king problem.

What the f--k?

i’m not certain that’s feasible. really?

Perhaps you should check with... of course i’m concerned. i wasn’t involved in that project. interesting behavior.

Why the f--k didn’t you tell me sooner?

When the f--k do you expect me to do this?

Who the f--k cares? he’s got his head up his ass. eat s--t. eat s--t and die.

i’ll try to reschedule that.

Perhaps i can work late. are you sure it’s a problem? he’s not familiar with the problem. you don’t say. excuse me?

eat s--t and die, motherf--ker.

What the f--k do they want from my life?

Kiss my ass. f--k it, i’m on salary.

Shove it up your ass.

excuse me, sir?

They weren’t happy with it?

So you’d like my help with it? i’m a bit overloaded at the moment. i don’t think you understand.

This job sucks.

Who the hell died and made you boss?

Blow me.

Blow yourself. another f--king meeting. i really don’t give a s--t. f--k you!

i love a challenge. you want me to take care of this. i see. do you see? yes, we should discuss this. i don’t think it will be a problem. how nice, how very very nice.

chong ardivilla

F ri day : M ay 2 9 , 2 0 1 5

A12

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Blatter must go, says FA chief

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

GREG Dyke, the chairman of the English Football Association, insisted that Sepp Blatter “has to go as FIFA president.”

Dyke’s demand came even as the crisis led the influential UEFA to call for Friday’s FIFA presidential election to be postponed -- an election, where Dyke has said the FA will support Blatter’s rival Prince Ali bin AlHussein of Jordan.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta told The Standard/Viva Sports that “most likely, the election will push through,” adding that the UEFA and the English FA “should abide with statutes. If they want to postpone it, they should make a motion in the Congress on Friday.”

Araneta noted that the Asian Football Confederation and the CAF came out saying elections should not be postponed.

At the same time, the PFF president noted that the “the arrests made is about manipulation and marketing rights not in FIFA, but in the confederation level.”

Sky Sports in Britain reported that the forthright comments of the powerful Dyke came after extraordinary events in Zurich and New York as FIFA “endured the darkest day in its scandalstrewn history,” with US investigators

blowing the lid on what it condemned as “rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted corruption.”

Reacting to Blatter’s statement that he welcomed the investigation by US and Swiss authorities, Dyke said: “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in FIFA. There is no way of rebuilding trust in FIFA while Sepp Blatter is still there.

“Sepp Blatter has to go. He either has to go through a resignation, or he has to be out-voted or we have to find a third way. I think the time has come where the damage this has done to FIFA is so great that it can’t be rebuilt, while Blatter is there so UEFA has got to try to force him out.”

Football’s world governing body was plunged into crisis after a wave of arrests of football officials, including two FIFA vice presidents in Zurich

Nadal, Novak eye Paris’ last 32 BlAtteR

on Wednesday on bribery, fraud and money-laundering charges following an FBI investigation.

The US Department of Justice indictment of 18 people said bribes totaling more than $150 million had been paid for television rights, sponsorship deals and World Cup votes.

Last year’s participants answer the starting gun of the fourth Manila Bay Clean-Up run.

Manila Bay Clean-Up run registration now open MANILA Broadcasting Company will mount the fifth Manila Bay Clean-Up Run on July 11.

The event is open to all interested participants and will feature races in the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K divisions for both men and women.

Medals and cash prizes will be given to the top three winners in each

race division.

Beginning May 2, interested runners may register at the designated registration desk at the lobby of Manila Broadcasting Company, Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City. Registration shall also be accepted at Planet Sports (Trinoma and Bonifacio Global City), as well

as at Athlete’s Foot (Festival Mall) from June 7 to July 5.

MBC volunteers have joined their counterparts from other establishments based along Roxas Boulevard for Land Bank’s Manila Bay Clean-Up Program since 2009 as a solid manifestation of corporate social responsibility, . The fun

run is one of many activities that have helped generate funds to institute systematic long-term solutions to environmental sanitation problems that have beset the country’s coastal resources and tributaries.

For detailed enquiries, call Runners Link at mobile numbers 0929.829.2988 or 0926.205.2787

Crucis, other imports face lone local bet on Sunday CHAMPION import Crucis goes up against five other elite runners in the Philippine Racing Commission 3rd leg Import-Local Challenge on Sunday at Metroturf racecourse in Malvar, Batangas.

Six horses are declared to run over 1,800 meters, with lone localbred male horse Messi (to carry 52 kgs), owned by Felipe Vergara, facing off against Marlon Cunanan’s Crucis (55 kgs), Rodolfo Mendoza’s Divine Zazu (54 kgs), Antonio Eleazar’s Security Model (52 kgs), Aurora Sevilla’s Star Belle (54 kgs), and Divina Dy’s Strong Champion (58 kgs), all Australian racemares.

Jockey Jesse Guce won the first two

legs, the first on board Strong Champion, the second with Captain Ball.

Guce sidelined because of a recent injury, misses the chance to sweep the series, which is up for grabs by any of these talented runners.

Philracom has allocated P500,000 from first to fourth place, with the winner to receive P300,000.

The race will be part of the 12th Jockeys Day Racing Festival, which will also feature the 9th Jockeys Association-Philracom Cup (four races), the first-ever jockeys charity footrace for the benefit of the Disabled Jockeys Fund, and a full weekend card of sponsored special races.

Volleyball seminar. The FIVB Grassroots Beach Volleyball Coaching Course is very much on. The five-day, live-in course slated slated May 27 to 31 at the Cantada Sports Center in Taguig, will be conducted by FIVB instructor Athanasios Papageorgiou from Greece who arrived Tuesday here and was met by the organizers, headed by Philippine Volleyball Federation president Edgardo Boy Cantada and deputy secretary general Gerard Cantada at the airport.

PARIS—Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal and top seeds Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams target places in the French Open third round on Thursday.

Nadal faces Nicolas Almagro boasting a 12-1 career advantage over his fellow Spaniard but wary of the danger posed by a man who beat him on clay in Barcelona only last year.

World number one Djokovic tackles Luxembourg’s 55th-ranked Gilles Muller who he defeated in their only previous meeting at the Australian Open in January this year as the Serb went on to claim a fifth title in Melboune.

Djokovic is seeking a first French Open title which would make him just the eighth man to complete the career Grand Slam.

Britain’s third seed Andy Murray, twice a semi-finalist in Paris, faces Portugal’s Joao Sousa defending a 5-0 career record.

However, all of those meetings came on hard courts. AFP

Spieth seeks Texas title DALLAS—Masters champion Jordan Spieth will get another chance to give home fans the victory they’re longing to see when he tees it up at the Byron Nelson Championship this week.

The 21-year-old from Dallas finished tied for second on Sunday at Colonial in nearby Fort Worth.

Spieth entered the final round five shots behind leader Kevin Na, but stormed into contention with four birdies in his first six holes before settling for his share of second behind Chris Kirk.

“I’d like to build on the momentum from last week,” said Spieth, who has now finished runnerup in three Texas tournaments this season -- at San Antonio, Houston and Fort Worth.

“It would be really cool to close one out and this would be a dream come true at this event,” added Spieth, who first played the Byron Nelson as a 16-year-old -- creating a sensation with three straight rounds in the 60s before closing with a 72 to finish tied for 16th. AFP

F ri day : m ay 2 9 , 2 0 1 5

A13

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Cyna waxes hot, grabs 2-shot lead CYNA Rodriguez went on an early birdie-binge to seize control and took a two-stroke lead over Sarah Ababa with a three-under 69 despite a backside meltdown in the second round of the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Classic at Riviera’s Couples Course in Silang, Cavite yesterday.

Flashing the form that netted her four victories on the ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour last year, Rodriguez came through with a pair of three-birdie sprees at the front, the first from No. 1 wiping out Ababa’s overnight two-stroke lead and the other closing out the nine negating her back-to-back bogeys from No. 4.

With a 32 start and with Ababa and the rest failing to match her scorching start, Rodriguez took her familiar place in the circuit she has dominated although she wavered a bit at the back with two bogeys against a birdie for a 37.

Still, her 69 and a 139 put her two strokes ahead of Ababa, who stunned Rodriguez and the field with a bogey-free 68 Wednesday but went birdie-less yesterday and dropped to second at 141 after a 73.

AUCTION SALE CINTHY PAWNSHOP All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on: JUNE 24, 2015 STA. MESA – 8:00 AM # 3630 Ramon Magsaysay Blvd.

Sta. Mesa, Manila at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

( T S - M AY 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

AUCTION SALE PENTHOUSE PAWNSHOP All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 4, 2015 at BETTER - 8:00 AM at # 82 Betterliving Subd.

Parañaque City at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

( T S - M AY 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

AUCTION SALE POB CASA DE EMPEÑOS All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 23, 2015 at the ff. branches: ST. FRANCIS - 10:30 AM at # 40 Kingfisher St., St. Francis, Meycauayan, Bulacan POBLACION – 11:30 AM # 721 Barrera St., Poblacion, Baliuag, Bulacan at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

( T S - M AY 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

AUCTION SALE TAMCAR PAWNSHOP CORP. All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 11, 2015 at the ff. branches: BUSTILLOS -2:00 PM at # L252228 Road 216, Earnshaw Bustillos, Manila JUNE 24, 2015 CALOOCAN – 1:00 PM # 434 J. RODRIGUEZ ST., at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

( T S - M AY 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

AUCTION SALE PEARLAS PAWNSHOP CO., INC. All unredeemed pledges during the month of J A N U A RY 2 0 1 5 w i l l b e sold to public auction on JUNE 04, 2015 at the ff. branches: MONTILLANO - 12:30 PM at 249 Montillano St., Alabang, Muntinlupa City JUNE 8, 2015 SUMULONG – 9:00 AM # 24 Sumulong Hway Sto. Niño, Marikina City CONCEPCION – 10:00 AM #19 Bayan Bayanan Ave., Concepcion, M a r i k i n a C i t y J U N E 11 , 2015 G. NUEVO – 9:00 A M Ta n H o c k B l d g . , C o r.

EDSA, Makati City JUNE 24, 2015 B. B A R R I O - 11 : 3 0 A M # 3 5 Malolos Ave., B. Barrio, Caloocan City JUNE 2 3 , 2 0 1 5 VA L E N Z U E L A – 1 2 : 0 0 P M # 11 5 Faustino St., Punturin, Va l e n z u e l a C i t y a t J U A N LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER ( T S - M AY 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

Parreras’ power, stamina in focus

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

THE trainers preparing World Boxing Organization Oriental super flyweight champion Warlito “Cowboy” Parrenas for his Interim title fight against Mexico’s David Carmona in Mexico on June 20, are concentrating on developing his power and stamina, according to British trainer Warren Evison.

In a lengthy and detailed report to The Standard/boxingmirror.com, Evison said fight fans “better be ready for a different Parrenas” on fight night.

“The training of Parrenas is being monitored closely in Tokyo,” said Evison of the Filipino, who is

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N.C. TAMBUNTING

All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 24, 2015 at NAVOTAS - 2:30 PM at # 256 Champaca St., Navotas Metro Manila at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 8, 2015 at PATEROS - 8:00 AM at # M. Almeda Cor. B. Morcilla St., Pateros, Metro Manila at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER

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RACATAM PAWNSHOP CO., INC.

All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 11, 2015 at the ff. branches: HERRAN - 8:00 AM at # 1101 P. Gil St., Paco, Manila STA. ANA – 10:00 AM # 390 AP Reyes Cor. JP Rizal St., Makati City at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER

All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 18, 2015 at the ff. branches: PRITIL - 8:00 AM at 1833 N. Zamora St., Pritil, Tondo, Manila BLUMENTRITT – 10:30 AM #1687 M. Hizon St., Blumentritt, Manila VARONA – 8:30 AM 1872 F. VARONA ST., BRGY 95, ZONE 8, TONDO, MANILA JUNE 24, 2015 ALTURA – 9:00 AM # 418 Altura St. Sta. Mesa, Manila at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

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CITRINE PAWNSHOP CO., INC All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 4, 2015 at RITZ - 12:00 PM at Stall # New Muntinlupa Public Market, Alabang Muntinlupa City JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

PANG NEGOSYO PAWNSHOP All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 08, 2015 at the ff. branches: COUNTRYSIDE - 12:30 PM at 49 Countryside Ave., Sta. Lucia, Pasig City JUNCTION – 2:30 PM # Star Valley Plaza Mall, Junction at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

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MAKATI LUXURY JEWELRY PAWNSHOP CO.,

All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 04, 2015 at the ff. branches: SUCAT 9:00 AM at #3 Dr., A. Santos Ave., Sucat, Parañaque City MUNTI – 1:30 PM #659 National Road, Poblacion St., Muntinlupa City JUNE 08, 2015 SAN JOAQUIN – 1:30 PM # 9 M. Concepcion San Joaquin, Pasig City JUNE 24, 2015 10TH AVE. – 2:00 PM # 245-B 10TH Ave., Brgy., 60 Zone 6, Caloocan City JUNE 23, 2015 MARILAO – 1 PM #5 NETWORK AVE., MERALCO VILL. LIAS MARILAO BULACAN JUNE 11, 2015 SAGRADA – 11:00AM #1978 ESTRADA ST., FORMER SAGRADA FAMILIA STA. ANA, MLA. JUNE 18, 2015 GAGALANGIN – 8:45 AM #2 JUAN LUNA ST., COR. GUIDO ST., TONDO MANILA JUNE 23, 2015 STO NIÑO – 9:30 AM #30 ST., THERESE COR, ST. PETER, P3 STO NIÑO MEYCAUAN BULACAN at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

All unredeemed pledges during the month of JANUARY 2015 will be sold to public auction on JUNE 04, 2015 at BF Homes – 10:00 AM # 43 President’s Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque City SPL - 3:00 PM at Casa Hacienda San Pedro, Laguna on JUNE 08, 2015 at the ff. branches: ROMULO 10:00 AM at 135 13TH Ave., Cor. P. Tuazon, Cubao, QC SANTOLAN – 4:00 PM 526 ADR Bldg., Dela Paz, Santolan, Pasig City on JUNE 11, 2015 JP RIZAL – 11:00 AM # 529 Olympia St., JP Rizal, Makati City ALPHALAND – 5:00 PM G11 South Gate Towers, P. Tamo Ext., Makati City MANUELA – 3:00 PM G/F Starmall, Wack2, Mandaluyong City JUNE 18, 2015 LALOMA – 11:30 AM # 67 Calavite St., Brgy., P. Bundok, QC RETIRO - 12:30 PM # 270 N.S. amoranto Street, Retiro QC. ROTONDA – 2:00 PM # 1 Sto. Tomas St., Rotonda QC at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER

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Bull” Pena on Oct. 28, 2010 and currently sports a record of 23-4 with 13 knockouts.

The United International Promotions team based in Tokyo will leave for Mexico on June 15.

Evison said Parrenas runs on the local track and field oval three times a week. His regimen includes running 800 meters five times, 400 meters four times, 200 meters three times and the 100 meters four times “to build up stamina.”

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ranked No.1 by the WBO and is training for his clash with the No. 2-ranked Carmona.

Evison said that Parrenas is sparring with Watanabe Gym’s 28-year-old Hiroki Saito, who is currently ranked No. 2 in Japan, and former Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation super flyweight champion, 30-year-old Takuya Kogawa, who won the title with a sixth-round technical decision over Danilo “Pit

The British trainer, who works closely with Filipino counterpart, former boxer Sammy Bernabe, said Parrenas is also going through vigorous training, with altitude masks and does some hard work on the punch mitts.

“We are concentrating on applying pressure on his opponent,” Evison said. “It will be the test of Parrenas career. He is at the pinnacle of his training and needs this win more than anything. To say he is motivated is an understatement.”

He said Team Parrenas realizes that Carmona “has speed and technique, which is why we are sparring Parrenas against Japanese as they are aggressive fighters and fast. Perfect for his training against Carmona.”

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Dr. Peewee Mendiola of Team Big Chill prior to his winning run

Mendiola, Moreno rule 5th leg DR. PEEWEE Mendiola of Team Big Chill finally emerged victorious when he ruled the the production and overall best time in the 5th leg of the RACE Motorsports National Slalom at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Sunday.

Dr. Mendiola’s last run netted him the victory from his fierce rivals brothers Milo and Estefano Rivera of Tough Gear Racing.

Mendiola clocked 46.52 seconds, while Milo Rivera timed 46.76.

Jevoy Moreno of Auto Fastion Racing Team placed third with a time of 48.16, while Paolo Santos placed fourth with 48.18. Pekto Pakutkut of Cabanatuan Auto Club came in fifth.

The event was held Sunday at the Philippine Arena, in cooperation with the 1st Philippine Motoring Festival, held by Trade-

show Management under Sophie delos Santos.

Moreno also grabbed the Front Wheel best time of the day to top rival Mike San Miguel of MSM Motorsports.

Santos this time also bagged the Novice Best time of 48.18.

The 2015 National Slalom Series is sponsored by Shell Helix Motor Oils, Federal Tyres, Outlast Battery, Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter,Walter Zamora of Walter Light and Sounds, medical team Aeromed, and media partners Stoplight TV and C! Magazine, Overall winners received a gallon of Shell Helix Ultra engine oil, while all entries received a free Helix umbrella.

The events are sanctioned and affiliated by the Automobile Club

of the Philippines.

The sixth leg will be held on June 7 at Robinsons Nova Market after the 2nd leg of the Slalom Invitational on May 31 at Robinsons Place Calasiao Pangasinan.

For details, contact Bing Bang Dulce at 09178119337 or email at racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com.

Some of the official results: Novice Stock: 1st Francis Mendoza 56.22; 2nd Emerson Dizon 56.98 Novice Modified A: 1st Guilfred Eugenio 51.80; 2nd Dion Ortiz 53.24; 3rd Norland Orpilla 56.18; 4th Caloy Moreno III 57.16 Novice Modified B: 1st Paolo Santos 50.28; 2nd Guilfred Eugenio 51.44; 3rd Dion Ortiz 52.22; 4th Norland Orpilla 55.56; 5th Angelo Cruz 56.70; 6th Gerard Dizon

Best Center goes to Bataan, Baguio THE multi-awarded Best Center (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center) sponsored by Milo goes up north with two offerings in Baguio and Bataan.

The Baguio clinics will be held

from June 1-16 at the Easter College with Russell Go (0919-9923350) handling inquiries for students interested in attending the clinics from Levels 1-4.

Badette Navarro (0917-373-

5362) is in charge of the Bataan clinics for students in Levels 1 and 2 set at the Tomas del Rosario College in Balanga, Bataan also on June 1-16.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Texters seek share of lead

By Jeric Lopez

NOW gaining steam with the return of its two stars, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters plan on extending their run and earning a share of first place when it plunges back to action in the continuing 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. Winners of two in a row, the Commissioner’s Cup titlists (31) aim for their third straight win when they face skidding GlobalPort Batang Pier (3-2) at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Prior to that, two struggling teams are off to chase an important win when they play each other as the Meralco Bolts (2-3) go toe-to-toe with cellar dweller Blackwater (1-4) at 4:15 p.m. to open the show.

A win will allow Talk ‘N Text to tie Barako Bull (4-1) and the Alaska Aces (4-1) at the top of the heap.

With stars Ranidel De

Ocampo and Jayson Castro back in action after missing the team’s initial games due to injuries, the Tropang Texters are starting to show why they are one of the favorites to win the tournament, having impressed in their last two wins.

Along with their reliable imports in Steffphon Pettigrew and Sam Daghles, the return of De Ocampo and Castro made Talk ‘N Text even more formidable.

Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico is thrilled to have more tools now and wants his squad to make full use of their capabilities to gain more wins.

Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:15 p.m. - Blackwater vs. Meralco 7 p.m. Talk ‘N Text vs. GlobalPort

‘’Our roster is complete.

Hopefully, we get the right rotations. It’s harder to divide the minutes but obviously easier for us to go for wins,’’ said Uichico. ‘’It’s important for us to get as many wins as we can this early in the tournament.’’

In Talk ‘N Text’s 108-89 demolition of sister team NLEX in its last outing just last Tuesday, Castro made a solid conference debut with 19 points, while De Ocampo had 12 of his own in his second game back. Pettigrew and Daghles remained steady as well, combining for 26 points for the Texters.

The same can’t be said for the erstwhile league-leading Batang Pier. GlobalPort is on a slump, having lost two in a row after starting Three Star Hotshots, led by Joe Devance, gang up on Alaska’s Sonny Thoss of Alaska in a PBA game won by the Aces, 92-86. hot at 3-0.

‘CJ also fainted early this month’

By Peter Atencio THE late Carl Jimwell ‘CJ’ Servillon had another fainting spell early this month.

His grandfather Severo said this following the death of Servillon last Sunday.

The earlier incident took place last May 4 in an early evening game of an interbarangay cagefest in their neighborhood.

Severo said they had the boy checked after the incident and doctors found nothing wrong.

That was why his parents allowed him to rejoin his team, the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers.

The family, along with the Jose Rizal University community is still in mourning over Servillon, who was named part of the Light Bombers team-A this year.

Servillon lost consciousness

during a junior game with La Salle-Zobel last Friday in the ongoing FilOil-Flying V cagefest.

He passed away last Sunday.

Servillon is survived by his father Jun, who is a tricycle driver, mother Azon and sister KatKat. He spent two years with JRU Team B before he was considered for Team A this season.

The family has not yet received a medical certificate from Cardinal Santos Medical Center, which would indicate the cause of his death.

Coach Nathaniel Gregorio was among the first who made attempts to revive 17-year-old Servillon because medics were reportedly not immediately available on site to respond to the incident.

The family also learned that the ambulance which was supposed to be used to transport the

boy to the hospital was also not immediately available.

Because of this, family members felt there was negligence on the part of the organizers.

“Naniniwala kami na may nangyaring kapabayaan,” said Severo.

For now, the family is focused on getting their son a proper burial on Sunday and will decide their next course of action afterwards.

Meanwhile, the management of the Filoil Flying V Arena promised to take steps to better address serious healthrelated incidents during its tournaments.

Organizers are planning to have a doctor on standby along with the regular emergency medical teams during games.

Individual players will also be asked to sign waivers.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

T hi s is t o inf or m the public that Wakuto Phi l i ppines Inc. located at 16H Burg undy Co rp ora te T ower, 525 Sen. G il P uyat A ve ., Makat i Cit y, Metro Manila w/ TIN 008-685-761 & S E C# 201400205, regist ered on 1 /7/14 will be cl osing it s business e ffective May 12, 2015.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Josephine Fruto Binalla was extrajudicially settled among the heirs as per Doc. No. 396, Page No. 81, Book No. 999 series of 2015 before Notary Public Atty. Virgilio R. Batalla of Makati City.

(TS-MAY 29, 2015)

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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC N OTICE Notice is hereby given that JH APPAREL CORPORATION is applying for registration with the Board of Investment (BOI) as Existing Export Producer of Garments (ladies’ dresses) at an annual capacity of 1,900,490 pieces per year on a Non-Pioneer status, with project site located currently at 38 Provincial Road, Brgy. Dela Paz, Antipolo City, Rizal.

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

(TS-MAY 29, June 5 & 12, 2015)

(Sgd.) EVARISTE M. CAGATAN Director Manufacturing Industries Service

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Emmanuel Carriaga Cabezon was extrajudicially settled among the heirs as per Doc. No. 297-2015, Book No. III series of 2015 before Consul General Alan Albert Campbell Grummitt of the Philippine Consular Office, State of Queensland, Commonwealth of Australia. ( T S - M AY 15 , 2 2 & 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

PLDT Fast Hitters need flawless tiff vs Troopers FOR PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb, forcing a do-or-die for the Shakey’s V-League crown is one thing.

Winning it altogether is another.

In fact, the veteran mentor wants his Ultra Fast Hitters to play, if possible, an error-free game against the Army Lady Troopers when the winner-take-all match is played Sunday at The Arena in San Juan.

“This a no-tomorrow game. Game 3 is a battle of nerves. There is no room for mistakes,” said Gorayeb.

“If we still have some-

thing left in our arsenal, we have to pour it all out.”

Sure, MVP Alyssa Valdez is expected to unleash a more potent game along with now offensive minded Jaja Santiago, Gretchel Soltonoes and veterans Sue Roces, Charo Soriano, Rysabelle Devanadera and ace setter Rubie de Leon.

But Gorayeb also stresses the need for his wards to toughen up on defense, both on the floor and upfront, particularly against Army’s vaunted hitters.

“We have to limit Dindin (Manabat) and

Jovelyn (Gonzaga). We can’t afford to make mistakes on Sunday,” added Gorayeb.

PLDT put up on an impressive campaign from the elims to the semis but suffered a stinging setback in the title series’ opener, 13-25, 25-23, 27-25, 25-22, foiling what could’ve been a historic title sweep in the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

But Valdez and company took the loss as motivation and struck back with a 2516, 25-22, 19-25, 25-16 victory in Game Two to send the series to a winner-take-all match.

Ringia, Novis bag net titles LOCAL ace Janus Ringia and Ma. Angelica Novis posted a victory and a runner-up finish in their respective sides as they led the winners In the Palawan Pawnshop Regional age-group tennis tournament Koronadal leg at the Koronadal Sports Complex in South Cotabato yesterday.

The third seeded Ringia stopped upsetconscious Jonrich Colina, 6-0, 6-1, in the semis then thwarted Fourth Bagaforo, 6-2, 7-5, in the finals to capture the boys’ 18-and-under crown in the four-day, Group 3 tournament sponsored

by Palawan Pawnshop and hosted by Gov. Daisy

Avance-Fuentes.

Jarell Edangga from Surallah, South Cotabato, however, foiled Ringia’s double title bid as the eighth-ranked bet, who subdued No. 5 Mark Directo, 6-2, 6-2, in the semis, hacked out a 7-5, 2-6, 8-6(ret.) win to snare the 16-U title.

Novis, from Malita, also pulled off a tough 7-6(7), 4-6, 6-4 decision over top seed April Bentillo to pocket the girls’ 12-U diadem but the latter, one of the top junior players from Sultan Kudarat, got back at her tormentor to cop the 14-U plum with a 7-5, 6-4 victory.

“With no one winning two titles plus a

couple of reversals only underscored the level playing field and this is what the Palawan Pawnshop circuit is all about —to discover more and more talents, especially in the countryside,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.

Gen. Santos City’s Sharyl delos Santos overwhelmed top seed Nicole Ann Bautista to clinch the girls’ 18-U crown while Rachelle Velez from Davao also toppled Bautista, 6-1, 6-3, to annex the 16-U crown in the event sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association headed by president and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

SEA Games’ athletes told: Make PH proud

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO athletes should not just go to the 28th Southeast Asian Games to win medals, they should make the country proud of their performance.

This was the message of Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco during the Philippine delegation’s send-off ceremonies Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

“Ang hiniling ko sa mga atleta is to perform and do the best they can. They should not just go for the gold, but they should also show their best,” said Cojuangco.

Cojuangco addressed the 466-member Team Philippines present at the ceremonies that evening.

Lions, Altas, Bombers rip foes THE San Beda-B Red Lions, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, the PH Youth Under-16 team and the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas came up with big wins Tuesday in the 21st Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament at the St. Placid gymnasium inside the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola.

Transferee Robert Bollick debuted with 25 points for the Red Lions, who outplayed the Ateneo-B Blue Eagles, 75-69, in Group B of the senior division.

MJ de la Virgen and Ervin Gorospe fired 14 points apiece for the Heavy Bombers as they blasted the Letran Knights, 64-52 in Group A of this cagefest, which is supported by Impakt Power Drink.

John Umali unloaded 15 points for the Junior Altas, who prevailed over University of the East in the junior side.

The Red Lions picked up their fourth win in five games, while the Heavy Bombers remain unbeaten after six. Both teams are in contention for the quarterfinals, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa.

Meanwhile, Juan Gomez de Liano fired 19 points, including two charities and a layup at endgame, to lift the PH Youth under-16 team past Letran in double overtime, 9995. Peter Atencio

The 20-man national men’s football team already left last Tuesday.

Athletes and coaches got an added boost even before flying to Singapore when Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo Garcia announced that there will be increase in the allowances for everyone in the delegation.

“We used to give $300 to all athletes and coaches, but now we’ll be giving you allowances of $500 each,” said Garcia.

Members of the PH team are shown during their sendoff party.

DANNY PATA

The Games begin in Singapore next week. The event promises to showcase the re-

gion’s spectacular economic growth as much as the athletes and the competition.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00 Around 7,000 athletes will flock to the tiny city-state for the June 5 to16 event, competing in 36 different sports for more than 400 gold medals.

Most of the events will be held at the new $1 billion Sports Hub, which features a 55,000-seat national stadium that opened last year.

Local officials are also using many venues that were built for the 2010 Youth Olympics. This will help keep costs down so they can run everything on a budget of S$324.5 million ($241.77 million).

Rather than build an athletes’ village, competitors will be housed in downtown hotels.

Republic of lhe Philippines

Department of Environment and Natural Resources MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Agriculture Philippine Center for Portharvest Development and Mechanization

Regional Office No. V

Regional Center Site DENR Annex Bldg., Rawis, Legaspi City Telefax No.: (052) 482-1056 Telephone No.: (482-1156 / 435-3034 E-mail Address: mgbr5@yahoo.com Website: www.mgb5.net

Science Cit y of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines w w w.philmech.gov.ph

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

Rebidding of Supply of Labor and Materials for the Fabrication, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Experimental Prototype of 1 ton/hr minimum input capacity Fluidized Bed Dryer (PHilMech Goods 15-05-05)

As is, Where is, For Confiscated Processed Iron Ore in Paracale, Camarines Norte

1.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) through its Regular Fund intends to apply the sum of PhP 2,339,564.67 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) as indicated herein to payments under the contract for the Rebidding of Supply of Labñor and Materials for the Fabrication, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Experimental Prototype of 1 ton/hr minimum input capacity Fluidized Bed Dryer. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid opening.

The Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau, Regional Office No. V (MGB RO V) , by virtue of confiscation Orders dated September 1, 2014 and March 10,2015 intends t0 sell 47,196 metric tons of iron ore containing gold for a total amount of $1,682,553.52 being the Approved Sales Value (ASV) for the payment under the contract for the sale of Confiscated Iron Ore In Paracale, Camarines Norte numbered MGB ROVS0G·2015-01 . Bids received less than the ASV shall be automatically rejected at the bid opening.

2.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization now invites Bids from eligible bidders for the following items:

1.

The MGB RO V now invites bids for 47,196 metric tons of processed iron ore with average grade of 60,03% Fe and 1.53% Au. Full payment for the goods is required by 2:00 PM of the 3rd worklng day from date of the award. Failure to pay in full shall render the award null and void and the bid security forfeited in favor of the DENR. Bidders should be at the lime of bidding, be an MPSA, FTAA contractor/ Permittee or a Mineral Processing Permit holder, or duly Accredited Mineral Trader/dealer/retailer of mineral products and by products.

2.

Bidding shall be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

3.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations/corporations with atleast sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidder may obtain further information from the MGB RO V, and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given beIow from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM.

ITEMS Rebidding of Supply of Labor and Materials for the Fabrication, Delivery, Installation and Testing of Experimental Prototype of 1 ton/hr minimum input capacity Fluidized Bed Dryer Total

ABC PhP 2,339,564.67

PhP 2,339,564.67

Delivery of the GOODS is required within Ninety (90) calendar days from receipt of the Notice to Proceed. The description of an eligible Bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criteria as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations Part A (IRR-A) of Republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act,” and is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to Republic Act 5183 (R.A. 5183) and subject to Commonwealth Act 138 (C.A. 138). Only Bids from Bidders who pass the eligibility check will be opened. The process for the eligibility check is described in the Bidding Documents. The bidder with the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall advance to the post-qualification stage in order to finally determine responsiveness of the bid to technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during the post-qualification procedure.

4.

Interested Bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Only those who have submitted Affidavit of Undertaking shall be allowed to purchase Bidding Documents and participate in the bidding project.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of PhP 5,000.00.

The method of payment will be in cash. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective Bidder or his authorized representative.

6.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization will hold a Pre-Bid Conference open to all interested parties on June 1, 2015, 10:00am at PHilMech Executive Lounge, CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

7.

Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered to the address below on or before June 15, 2015. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid security in the form and amount stated in the Bid Data Sheet or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency.

Late Bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Bid opening shall be on June 15, 2015, 10:00am at PHilMech Executive Lounge, CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

9.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

A complete set Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on May 27, 2015 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents In the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P 50,000.00).

5.

It may also be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the MGB RO V, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The MGB RO V will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 3. 2015. 2:00 PM at the Office of PENRO, Camarines Norte, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

6.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 12:00 noon on June 17, 2015. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in the form of a Manager`s Check payable to the DENR Secretary in the amount equivalent to 10% of the ASV. The bid security shall be returned to the losing bidder after the bid is announced. In case of the awardee, the deposit will serve as a partial payment.

Bid opening shaI be on June 17, 2015, at 2:00PM at the Mines and GeoScience Bureau, Regional Office No. V, Rawis, Legaspi City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidder`s authorized representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

7.

The Mines and Geoscience. Bureau, Regional Office No. V reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award , without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

8.

For further information, please refer to: Daniel S. Sambanon CBACMP Secretariat

PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT AND MECHANIZATION (Formerly BUREAU OF POSTHARVEST RESEARCH AND EXTENSION) Main Office :CLSU Cmpd., Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija Tel. No. (044) 4560287 / 4560213 FAX No. (044) 4560110 Liaison Office : 3F ATI Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. No. 9274019 / 9274029 FAX No. 9268159

(Sgd.) Ricardo P. Nacional Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau Regional Office No. V Government Center Site Rawis, Legaspi City 052 4821056/05204821156 mgbr5@yahoo.com www.region5.mgb.gov.ph

(Sgd.) RAUL R. PAZ BAC Chairman ( T S - M AY 2 5 & 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

(TS-MAY 27, 28 & 29, 2015)

F R I D AY : M AY 2 9, 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

Dubs

book 1st NBA finals seat in 40 years

The Golden State Warriors display the Western Conference Championship Trophy after winning against the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the West Finals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. AFP

OAKLAND—The Golden State Warriors are headed to the NBA finals for the first time in 40 years, eliminating the Houston Rockets on Wednesday to set up a title clash with Cleveland.

The Warriors, the best team in the regular season with 67 victories and 15 defeats, pulled away late to beat the Rockets 104-90 and seal a 4-1 series victory in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.

They will battle a Cavaliers team led by four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James, who swept the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Warriors are back in the championship series for the first time since 1975, when they swept the Washington Bullets in four games to win the title.

The Warriors host game one in Oakland on June 4.

Blatter must go, says FA chief TURN TO A12

“We’re four wins away from the goal,” reigning MVP Stephen Curry told the crowd, his words almost drowned out by the cheering of the Warriors faithful.

Curry, playing with a protective sleeve on his right arm after a frightening fall in game four in which he also hit his head on the court, led the Warriors with 26 points.

Forward Harrison Barnes played a key role, helping Golden State break open a close contest with four straight baskets to cap an 11-2 scoring run that turned a six-point lead into an 87-72 Warriors advantage with 7:07 left to play.

Barnes scored nine straight points on a jump shot, a three-pointer, a

running basket and a dunk.

“I was just trying to be aggressive,” said Barnes,” who stepped up after team-mate Klay Thompson left the game with an ear laceration that had to be stitched up.

Thompson scored 20 points before he took a knee in the ear from Rockets forward Trevor Ariza.

“Obviously they were putting a lot of attention on Steph,” Barnes said. “When (Thompson) went down, I was just trying to fill in the pieces.”

Golden State’s rookie coach Steve Kerr, who won five NBA titles as a player, said it was a different feeling to coach a team to the finals.

“It’s maybe even more rewarding because you feel responsible for a lot of people’s welfare,” he said.

As for getting there for the first time in 40 years, Kerr said, “it’s a joy.”

Harden struggles The Warriors defense harried

Mendiola is slalom champion TURN TO A13

Rockets star guard James Harden into a dismal two-for-11 shooting performance. He missed all three of his three-point attempts and finished with an NBA playoff record 13 turnovers.

Harden, runner-up to Curry in MVP voting, had scored a spectacular 45 points as the Rockets fended off elimination in game four, but was held to just 14 in this one.

Dwight Howard led Houston with 18 points and 16 rebounds, but the Rockets shot just 35.1 percent from the field.

“We were extraordinarily bad at finishing at the rim,” said Rockets coach Kevin McHale.

“We didn’t finish very well at the rim. They got too many offensive rebounds and we had too many live ball turnovers at the top of the floor,” McHale said. “Those three things really doomed us.” AFP

De Jong goal lifts Global past Hougang

By Peter Atencio GLOBAL FC prevailed over Hougang United, 2-1, in extra time Wednesday evening in the RHB Singapore Cup. This ended Hougang’s campaign in the Preliminary Round of the tournament.

Things were upbeat for the hosts when Francisco Salvador ‘Chupe’ Ela put them in front with a free kick.

But Norio Suzuki equalized for Global FC in the second half to send the game into extra time.

Global FC went on to post the win through a Jason de Jong strike in the 103rd minute.

The victory put Global FC in the quarterfinals, where they will face Geylang.

“It was an important win and I’m happy with the result,” Global FC team manager Dan Palami on ESPN’s football website.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B1

FRIDAY: MAY 29, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

GDP grows 5.2%, slowest in 3 years

By Julito G. Rada

THE Philippine economy grew 5.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2015, its slowest pace in three years, on sluggish exports and government spending, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed Thursday.

The first-quarter growth was the slowest since the 3.7-percent expansion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011. It was also slower than the 5.6-percent growth a year ago and the revised 6.6-percent expansion in the fourth quarter of 2014 and fell below the government’s target of 7 percent to 8 percent for 2015.

“The 5.2-percent GDP growth

in the first quarter of 2015 is lower than what the government and the market expected for the period. While growth in the private sector remains robust, the slower-than-programmed pace of public spending, particularly the decline in public construction, has slowed down the overall growth of the economy,” National Economic and Development Au-

thority director-general and Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“Apart from the normal firstquarter delays in government spending, the recent uptick in disbursements from the Department of Budget and Management has not yet been reflected in the national income accounts,” Balisacan said.

The Finance Department earlier reported that disbursements of the national government in the first quarter amounted to P504 billion, 4 percent higher compared to the same period last year but 13 percent below the target for the period.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the Philippines remained among the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia this year.

“Among all Asian countries that

have released their growth rates, the Philippines stands next to China [7 percent], Vietnam [6 percent], and Malaysia [5.6 percent]. This rounds out 13 straight quarters of above 5 percent growth in what is now 65 straight quarters of growth since the 1997 Asian financial crisis,” Purisima said.

Balisacan said despite the lower-than-expected growth in January to March, the economy was expected to grow at a faster rate in the next quarters. He said public spending would pick up in the rest of the year.

“Private sector economic activity remains vibrant, with private construction registering a double-digit rise of 14.2 percent for the quarter and private investments in durable equipment rising by 14.3 percent,” Balisacan said.

PSe comPoSite index Closing May 28, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,505.03 93.67

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing MAY 28, 2015 46

P44.580

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.570 LOW P44.730 AVERAGE P44.650 VOLUME 720.200M

P500.00-P650.00 LPG/11-kg tank P41.85-P47.20 Unleaded Gasoline P29.35-P32.70 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, May 28, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.7250

Japan

Yen

0.008087

0.3617

UK

Pound

1.535800

68.6887

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128876

5.7640

Switzerland

Franc

1.053075

47.0988

Canada

Dollar

0.802826

35.9064

Singapore

Dollar

0.740138

33.1027

Australia

Dollar

0.771307

34.4967

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

118.6340

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

11.9267

Brunei

Dollar

0.737409

32.9806

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029551

1.3217

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.1767

Euro

Euro

1.090700

48.7816

Korea

Won

0.000903

0.0404

China

Yuan

0.161254

7.2121

India

Rupee

0.015645

0.6997

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.275103

12.3040

New Zealand

Dollar

0.723118

32.3415

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032600

1.4580 Source: PDS Bridge

Pepsi snacks. PepsiCo Inc.,

one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, and Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc., PepsiCo’s exclusive beverage bottling partner in the Philippines, announced an agreement for PCPPI to manufacture one of PepsiCo’ s world-famous snacks brands locally in the Philippines.

Shown is PCPPI chairman Oscar Reyes (second from left) as he bares the expansion of product portfolio to include snack foods during the annual stockholders’ meeting in Muntinlupa City. With Reyes are (from left) PCPPI chief executive Yeon-Suk No, PCPPI president Furqan Ahmed Syed and independent director Rafael Alunan III.

Pepsi Cola set to produce, distribute snack food brands in PH

By Jenniffer B. Austria SOFTDRINK maker Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc. said Thursday it will manufacture and distribute snack food brands for the local market.

PCPPI president Furqan Ahmed Syed said in an interview at the sidelines of the annual stockholders’ meeting at Acacia Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City the company would start operation of its snack food business this year in line with its goal to become of a premier food and beverage company.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

PCPPI will manufacture and distribute snacks and food brands of two of its biggest shareholders-PepsiCo Inc. and Lotte Group of South Korea.

“We feel this now an opportune time for us to enter the snack food category. With the array of products that both our bigger shareholders which is PepsiCo and Lotte have broad array of products within these categories, we are excited to be able to bring those brands into the Philippines,” Syed said.

“You can see the portfolio of products that PepsiCo and Lotte

have globally and we will be picking and choosing portfolio and bringing products in appropriate and timely manner to maximise shareholder value and make sure to gain more share that category,” Syed said.

Among Pepsico’s famous snack brands include Cheetos, Lay’s Ruffles, Doritos, Tostitos and Fritos.

Lotte also has snack food line under it confectionary business.

PCPPI is currently building a P650-million manufacturing plant in Cabuyao, Laguna for its snack food venture. PCPPI

is being co managed by PepsiCo and Lotte Chilsung.

“This development presents an exciting opportunity for PCPPI to further its vision of becoming a premier food and beverage company in the Philippines,” Syed said.

“Leveraging on PepsiCo’s established line of snacks is an exciting and strategic step in our first foray into the foods business,” he said.

The agreement between PepsiCo and PCPPI marked the creation of only the second PepsiCo snacks franchise operation in the

world, with the first commencing manufacturing in Bangladesh earlier this year.

PCPPI said the creation of the joint snacks-and-beverage franchise operations in the Philippines reflected PepsiCo’s ongoing drive to ensure the integration of its food and beverage portfolio across multiple platforms, including manufacturing and goto-market execution.

PCPPI recently announced achieving a net income of P192 million in the first quarter of the year, up by 41 percent from a year ago.

FRIDAY: MAY 29, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Thursday, May 28, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 104 63 2.49 4.2 18.48 31.6 9.5 1.01 99.4 1.46 30.5 94.95 137 361.2 59 174.8 1700 127.9 3.26

2.5 66 84.6 84.5 45.8 1.97 2.03 12.02 23.55 6.3 0.225 78 0.9 18.02 76.5 95 276 45 107.6 1200 66 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

6.51 73 111.60 100.00 46.1 2.47 1.95 15.98 21 7.00 0.445 90 1.03 18.00 72.50 92 310 44.05 157 1470.00 64.00 3.16

35.6 1.6 1.04 1.41 7.92 32 14.6 62.5 10.08 29.15

1.04 10.72 8.44 9.79 5.43 9.54 1.06 8.61 18.06 67.9 13.24 3.12 0.395 168 8.65 2.3 24.4 16.2 7.62 250.2 3.87 9 3.7 9.94 3.03 2.22 1 4.72 1.65 201.6 1.67 0.122 2.01 143.4 4.28 0.670 1.39

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group C. Azuc De Tarlac Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia 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’ Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Lafarge Rep LMG Chemicals Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

42.3 1.58 1.06 2.07 10.78 86.50 19 105 24.95 56 1.63 1.68 12.7 19.480 9.95 7.47 10.24 1.88 12.16 25.55 87.85 14.40 5.91 0.560 201.00 10.14 2.25 25.3 25 6.86 271.80 4.27 9.20 3.92 11.60 3.85 2.22 2.15 4.80 1.86 185.6 1.6 0.153 2.24 189.9 4.43 0.73 1.31

0.7 59.2 31.85 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 800 11.06 84 3.35 5.14 0.66 1380 6.68 72.6 8.9 6.66 9.25 0.9 18.9 0.73 5.53 6.55 0.0670 0.84 87 3.5 934 2.2 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.45 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 1.4 1.6 600 7.390 14.18 2.6 4.25 0.144 818 5.3 46.6 4.96 3.52 4.43 0.59 12 0.580 4.22 4.5 0.036 0.450 66.7 1.5 709.5 1.13 85.2 0.200 0.173 0.310

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `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 Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Minerales Industrias Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Orion San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.470 57.00 22.65 1.26 7.00 0.270 0.29 803 7.77 13.68 3.55 4.56 0.235 1400 6.35 70.05 4 5.8 7.42 0.73 13.68 0.67 4.5 5.15 0.0360 0.970 65.30 2.81 885.00 1.26 82.500 0.3650 0.2130 0.290

10.5 26.95 1.99 2.07 40 6.15

6.01 12 0.91 1.29 29.1 4.1

8990 HLDG 7.900 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 9.40 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.75 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.260 Ayala Land `B’ 39.25 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.81

47 5 1.66 2.36 15.3 148 20.6 125 32 65.8 4.57 23.35 21.6 12.98 9.13 12.34 2.89 17 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 3.95 33.9 90 13.98 292.4 5.25 13.04 6.8 14.5 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.68 7.86 253 3.28 0.315 2.68 226.6 5.5 1.3 2.17

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 6.55 6.51 73.35 72 112.00 105.60 100.30 97.90 46.3 46 2.46 2.46 2.00 1.92 15.9 15.5 21.5 20.65 7.00 7.00 0.450 0.420 90.5 89 1.03 1 18.00 18.00 72.50 71.60 94 92 314 308 44.2 44.05 160 152.8 1405.00 1405.00 64.50 63.80 3.13 3.13 INDUSTRIAL 42.7 42.1 1.59 1.59 1.07 1.04 2.09 2.06 11.2 10.7 86.50 86.50 19.1 18.88 101 101 26 24 58 55.7 1.67 1.5 1.73 1.65 12.8 12.12 19.600 18.7 10.00 9.85 7.68 7.30 10.30 10.02 1.88 1.88 13.08 11.5 26.15 25.45 89 87 14.40 14.30 5.9 5.81 0.570 0.540 205.00 198.90 10.12 9.91 2.34 2.16 26 25.1 25 24.4 7 6.49 272.00 269.00 4.33 4.26 9.40 9.20 3.93 3.93 11.50 11.48 3.85 3.78 2.23 2.18 2.23 2.06 4.80 4.73 1.92 1.79 186 183 1.62 1.6 0.153 0.152 2.25 2.22 191 183.5 4.43 4.4 0.73 0.72 1.30 1.27 HOLDING FIRMS 0.470 0.455 57.00 55.60 23.30 22.50 1.26 1.26 7.00 6.98 0.275 0.260 0.285 0.260 80 770 7.85 7.72 13.68 13.12 3.56 3.49 4.58 4.50 0.235 0.235 1421 1365 6.40 6.34 70.60 66.15 4.19 4.19 5.8 5.1 7.45 7.32 0.73 0.71 13.7 13.4 0.67 0.63 4.62 4.45 5.1 5 0.0360 0.0360 0.990 0.950 65.90 63.50 2.75 2.75 885.00 864.00 1.25 1.22 84.000 82.700 0.3650 0.3550 0.2130 0.1950 0.290 0.290 PROPERTY 7.900 7.590 9.00 7.81 0.76 0.71 1.290 1.290 39.30 38.00 3.87 3.69

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

6.55 73 106.00 99.00 46.2 2.46 1.95 15.9 20.95 7.00 0.445 90 1 18.00 71.60 94 309.8 44.1 153.5 1405.00 64.00 3.13

0.61 0.00 -5.02 -1.00 0.22 -0.40 0.00 -0.50 -0.24 0.00 0.00 0.00 -2.91 0.00 -1.24 2.17 -0.06 0.11 -2.23 -4.42 0.00 -0.95

700 101,740 6,037,000 1,514,360 157,900 1,000 8,000 6,700 263,600 1,700 100,000 5,929,910 114,000 228,200 551,440 1,890 10,780 49,100 1,480,360 170 119,440 23,000

42.45 1.59 1.05 2.07 10.7 86.50 19 101 26 57.25 1.57 1.73 12.16 19.040 9.98 7.66 10.02 1.88 11.5 26 87.05 14.40 5.87 0.570 201.00 9.98 2.21 25.2 24.5 6.49 271.00 4.33 9.38 3.93 11.50 3.80 2.19 2.08 4.75 1.86 183.2 1.62 0.153 2.24 187 4.4 0.73 1.27

0.35 0.63 -0.94 0.00 -0.74 0.00 0.00 -3.81 4.21 2.23 -3.68 2.98 -4.25 -2.26 0.30 2.54 -2.15 0.00 -5.43 1.76 -0.91 0.00 -0.68 1.79 0.00 -1.58 -1.78 -0.40 -2.00 -5.39 -0.29 1.41 1.96 0.26 -0.86 -1.30 -1.35 -3.26 -1.04 0.00 -1.29 1.25 0.00 0.00 -1.53 -0.68 0.00 -3.05

3,047,600 7,000 732,000 1,585,000 5,800 60 882,000 90 261,800 281,970 4,492,000 51,000 388,500 8,764,000 18,385,200 24,860,600 75,600 31,000 107,500 6,387,900 298,690 15,400 73,400 44,000 829,030 2,194,700 24,000 517,700 517,700 18,808,500 402,400 11,120,000 1,698,500 1,000 13,100 319,000 1,020,000 312,000 8,683,000 47,000 8,090 558,000 890,000 755,000 3,979,370 161,000 917,000 571,000

0.465 56.95 23.30 1.26 6.98 0.270 0.285 780 7.77 13.20 3.56 4.56 0.235 1385 6.40 66.90 4.19 5.1 7.38 0.72 13.64 0.67 4.6 5.1 0.0360 0.980 64.50 2.75 872.50 1.25 84.000 0.3550 0.2130 0.290

-1.06 -0.09 2.87 0.00 -0.29 0.00 0.00 -2.86 0.00 -3.51 0.28 0.00 0.00 -1.07 0.79 -4.50 4.75 -12.07 -0.54 -1.37 -0.29 0.00 2.22 -0.97 0.00 1.03 -1.23 -2.14 -1.41 -0.64 1.82 -2.74 0.00 0.00

260,000 778,260 4,609,600 31,000 2,800 1,380,000 110,000 612,820 2,721,300 13,582,600 3,000 207,000 300,000 603,905 111,000 6,161,360 1,000 200 4,211,200 40,000 3,335,700 38,000 14,906,000 81,100 5,500,000 1,695,000 259,570 10,000 425,100 10,000 20 2,410,000 140,000 30,000

7.600 9.00 0.72 1.290 38.70 3.69

-3.80 -4.26 -4.00 2.38 -1.40 -3.15

320,100 5,900 1,557,000 6,000 14,827,300 2,865,000

5,794,759.00 -345,872,632.00 -6,969,775.00

-3,313,340.00 6,166,418.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

5.4 1.54 1.48 0.201 0.98 1.09 0.305 2.25 1.87 1.8 6.34 5.73 0.180 0.470 0.72 27 8.54 31.8 2.29 3.6 20.6 1.02 7.56 1.96 8.59

4.96 0.89 0.97 0.083 0.445 0.85 0.188 1.4 1.42 1.19 2.8 4.13 0.090 0.325 0.39 23 2.57 21.35 1.64 3.08 15.08 0.69 3.38 1 5.69

Cebu Holdings 5.17 Century Property 0.86 Cityland Dev. `A’ 1.05 Crown Equities Inc. 0.143 Cyber Bay Corp.

0.450 Empire East Land 0.850 Ever Gotesco 0.185 Global-Estate 1.21 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.87 Interport `A’ 1.38 Keppel Properties 4.30 Megaworld 5.19 MRC Allied Ind. 0.123 Phil. Estates Corp.

0.3100 Phil. Realty `A’ 0.4600 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 24.80 Primex Corp.

7.21 Robinson’s Land `B’ 28.95 Rockwell 1.66 Shang Properties Inc. 3.22 SM Prime Holdings 19.36 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.71 Starmalls 7 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 0.850 Vista Land & Lifescapes 7.130

5.2 5.18 5.2 0.86 0.84 0.85 1.05 1.05 1.05 0.143 0.137 0.141 0.430 0.430 0.430 0.860 0.860 0.860 0.188 0.180 0.185 1.23 1.18 1.22 1.90 1.85 1.85 1.35 1.35 1.35 6.40 5.40 5.40 4.75 4.52 4.58 0.120 0.115 0.120 0.3100 0.3100 0.3100 0.4600 0.4600 0.4600 24.85 24.85 24.85 7.2 7.18 7.19 28.95 28.15 28.70 1.68 1.66 1.67 3.22 3.22 3.22 19.38 18.60 18.78 0.73 0.69 0.73 7.14 7.14 7.14 0.880 0.850 0.850 7.150 6.960 7.050 SERVICES 6.4 6.5 6.35 6.5 60.7 62 60 60.9 1.08 1.15 1.07 1.15 0.660 0.680 0.670 0.670 9.01 9.45 8.87 9.29 0.0910 0.0950 0.0910 0.0950 4.18 4.36 4.2 4.3 88.15 88.15 85.6 87.75 5.80 5.80 5.70 5.80 2.90 2.96 2.96 2.96 2650 2650 2560 2630 6.20 6.20 6.17 6.20 1.25 1.29 1.25 1.29 108.5 109.5 106.4 108.2 12.36 12.36 11.54 12.14 0.225 0.228 0.223 0.224 1.2000 1.2400 1.2000 1.2400 2.35 2.32 2.3 2.3 9.50 9.43 9.38 9.39 2.68 2.84 2.68 2.68 1.36 1.3 1.3 1.3 51.95 51.95 47.00 51.90 0.660 0.670 0.660 0.670 2 2 1.95 1.99 8.15 8.2 8.09 8.13 0.360 0.360 0.355 0.360 0.430 0.480 0.430 0.470 18.24 18.38 18.06 18.1 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 3 3 3 3 125.00 126.00 123.00 125.00 19.00 18.98 17.60 18.42 2800.00 2800.00 2754.00 2780.00 0.650 0.660 0.630 0.650 1.490 1.540 1.460 1.540 37.90 38.50 37.60 38.40 75.10 79.00 73.00 74.00 9.90 10.00 9.80 9.83 0.67 0.67 0.66 0.67 5.7 5.9 5.62 5.68 MINING & OIL 0.0049 0.0051 0.0049 0.0050 2.60 2.60 2.60 2.60 7.06 7.05 7.01 7.05 11.80 11.80 11.50 11.50 8.3000 7.4700 7.4200 7.4200 7.7000 7.7000 7.7000 7.7000 0.95 0.99 0.93 0.93 0.83 0.83 0.8 0.82 7.32 7.40 7.34 7.34 1.27 1.55 1.33 1.52 0.330 0.345 0.330 0.330 0.233 0.236 0.232 0.236 0.237 0.239 0.238 0.239 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 3.87 3.95 3.8 3.86 23 23.5 22.45 22.6 3.72 3.77 3.71 3.75 0.7000 0.6800 0.6800 0.6800 2.060 2.050 2.050 2.050 0.0120 0.0130 0.0120 0.0120 0.0130 0.0130 0.0130 0.0130 4.35 4.39 4.39 4.39 6.11 6.34 6.11 6.14 1.97 2.07 1.93 1.93 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.014 152.90 156.90 150.60 152.00 10 10.4 9.74 10.06 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 PREFERRED 62.9 63 62.6 63 523 523 523 523 526 526 525 525 520 520.5 520 520 6.3 6.3 6.1 6.1 1.09 1.12 1.09 1.1 1088 1090 1085 1090 1045 1040 1040 1040 76.1 76 75.8 75.85 WARRANTS & BONDS 4.000 3.970 3.870 3.890 SME 9.3 9.7 9.18 9.38 6.1 6.9 6.3 6.9 9.71 9.86 9.42 9.69 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 124 124.5 122 122.5

0.58 -1.16 0.00 -1.40 -4.44 1.18 0.00 0.83 -1.07 -2.17 25.58 -11.75 -2.44 0.00 0.00 0.20 -0.28 -0.86 0.60 0.00 -3.00 2.82 2.00 0.00 -1.12

279,500 3,925,000 54,000 23,510,000 40,000 19,000 670,000 2,771,000 8,731,000 109,000 8,000 117,209,000 3,920,000 10,000 100,000 1,200 288,000 7,240,400 115,000 54,000 17,471,100 144,000 1,000 155,000 7,324,100

204,835.00

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1460 4.61 99.1 9 4 2090 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 2.85 2.2 5.9 1.97 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 4 110.2 14 3486 0.710 2.28 48.5 90.1 11.6 0.87 10.2

1.97 32.5 1 0.6 9.61 0.0770 2.95 46.55 5.88 2.58 1600 5.95 1.36 105 8.72 0.036 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.69 1.1 1.05 0.490 1.8 8.7 0.34 0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2726 0.380 0.32 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 6.45

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

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

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

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers

1.56 0.33 6.48 1.52 3.11 4.40 2.87 -0.45 0.00 2.07 -0.75 0.00 3.20 -0.28 -1.78 -0.44 3.33 -2.13 -1.16 0.00 -4.41 -0.10 1.52 -0.50 -0.25 0.00 9.30 -0.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 -3.05 -0.71 0.00 3.36 1.32 -1.46 -0.71 0.00 -0.35

99,300 35,970 138,000 1,759,000 35,782,300 25,820,000 920,000 580,620 35,700 2,000 67,915 43,700 44,000 816,540 83,100 1,900,000 189,000 55,000 660,600 731,000 1,000 240 115,000 90,000 4,705,200 20,000 70,000 189,800 3,000 10,000 151,080 569,200 155,840 1,994,000 13,861,000 1,433,300 2,853,960 2,914,600 1,279,000 3,158,100

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 12.7 12.8 1.2 1.73 10.98 4.2 0.48 0.455 0.475 0.023 0.026 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 8.65 9.43 6.5 6.98 0.61 0.78 5.99 1.08 0.330 0.2130 0.2160 0.014 0.014 3.660 20.2 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

2.04 0.00 -0.14 -2.54 -10.60 0.00 -2.11 -1.20 0.27 19.69 0.00 1.29 0.84 0.00 0.00 -0.26 -1.74 0.81 -2.86 -0.51 0.00 0.00 0.92 0.49 -2.03 -6.67 -0.59 0.60 0.00

29,000,000 50,000 348,500 935,681.00 2,300 9,700 900 2,046,000 1,740,000 80,000.00 400 96,902,000 -5,040,120.00 870,000 13,400.00 3,570,000 180,000 23,600,000 63,700,000 74,000 2,538,400 -43,643,260.00 493,000 80,000 237,000 403,850.00 10,200,000 500,000 8,000 1,012,500 1,513,240.00 2,841,000 144,750.00 554,900,000 -4,894,400.00 551,820 -11,893,561.00 837,400 4,100,000

70 553 525 515 8.21 12.28

33 490 500 480 5.88 6.5

1047 76.9

1011 74.2

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A

0.16 0.00 -0.19 0.00 -3.17 0.92 0.18 -0.48 -0.33

208,290 200 67,420 5,200 8,400 306,000 870 2,375 93,400

-1,249,480.00 -3,293,390.00 -12,150.00 -215,836,850.00

MST

Trading Summary FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY SERVICES MINING & OIL GRAND TOTAL

SHARES 18,381,930 125,122,709 73,340,945 214,590,708 104,776,593 800,561,404 1,338,847,875

-7,793,751.00

43,402.00 -1,194,755.00 72,525,375.00 773,115.00

-28,805,525.00

6,973,302.00

47,100.00

1,229,260.00 -56,431,090.00 63,363,908.00 -48,104,907.00 278,298.00

10,871,905.00 7,954,606.50 -71,500.00

-15,099,389.00 -2,152,362.00

-3,220,030.00 -2,940,785.00 223,896.00 35,203,364.00 4,357,130.00 923,089.00 158,920.00 8,800.00

-3,094,140.00 463,238.00 -491,200.00

49,060.00 -212,778,905.00 462,000.00 289,560.00

-8,129,968.50 29,542,565.00

-19,590.00

-63,713,690.00 2,048,783.00 -31,706,678.00

838,920.00

48,374,840.00 191,768.00 -127,580,792.50

-8,076,916.00

9,473,570.00 20,310.00 -931,653.00

-213,485,860.00 244,550.00

-316,680.00 -13,799.00 -89,457,175.00 -5,506,500.00

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

10.96 15 12.88

2.4 3.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

Xurpas

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,786,112,002.626 2,234,269,129.88 2,844,254,899.62 1,782,494,861.47 1,670,037,644.142 320,149,819.668 10,661,239,516.908

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,723.79 (down) 31.57 INDUSTRIAL 11,525.77 (down) 20.74 HOLDING FIRMS 6,707.82 (down) 96.32 PROPERTY 3,035.23 (down) 59.69 SERVICES 2,092.89 (down) 6.63 MINING & OIL 14,076.74 (down) 81.20 PSEI 7,505.03 (down) 93.67 All Shares Index 4,324.79 (down) 42.40 Gainers: 60; Losers: 105; Unchanged: 53; Total: 218

612,000.00 42,930,290.00

-6,440.00 -171,379,186.00

-30,289,016.00

54,527,687.00

-93,700.00 -960,429.00 16,441,260.00

3,893,199.00

-1,210.00 -92,100.00 5,428,989.00 5,500.00

-4,383,614.00

261,050.00 303,024.00 -29,744,450.00 -19,500.00 4,418,550.00 11,195,525.00 -28,407,705.00 -3,741,972.00 -7,260.00 -1,526,798.00

751,200.00

-6,077,184.00

-2.75

153,000

0.86 13.11 -0.21

796,500 1,700 1,238,800

27,571.00

-1.21

36,560

36,940.00

7,133,021.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Keppel Properties

5.40

25.58

Keppel Holdings `B'

5.1

-12.07

Ferronickel

1.52

19.69

Megaworld

4.58

-11.75

Makati Fin. Corp.

6.9

13.11

Benguet Corp `A'

7.4200

-10.60

NOW Corp.

0.470

9.30

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.014

-6.67

Acesite Hotel

1.15

6.48

Federal Res. Inv. Group

11.5

-5.43

Jolliville Holdings

4.19

4.75

Megawide

6.49

-5.39

Boulevard Holdings

0.0950

4.40

Banco de Oro Unibank Inc.

106.00

-5.02

Cirtek Holdings (Chips)

26

4.21

JG Summit Holdings

66.90

-4.50

Premium Leisure

1.540

3.36

Cyber Bay Corp.

0.430

-4.44

ISM Communications

1.2400

3.33

Sun Life Financial

1405.00

-4.42

FRIDAY: MAY 29, 2015

B3

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

Stocks slump on weak growth Purpose THE end of May has always meant the end of summer MAYA BALTAZAR to me. It is the month when HERRERA gentle April showers give way to occasional torrential rains. It is the month when the searing heat of the sun is gentled by afternoon rainstorms. For a long time, May was also the month before classes started. For me, the end of May always marked that time between the ease of summer and the work of the school year.

All that is changing now, of course. The school year in the Philippines is changing and so are weather patterns.

In international news in the last two weeks, flooding in Texas and a heat wave in India compete with news about the continuing aftershocks in Nepal.

Mathematicians mourn the death of John Nash and Cher is unveiled as the new face of Marc Jacobs. Apple displaced Google as the number one brand in the world in the 2015 Brand Z rankings of WPP and Millward Brown. Apple, of course, was already number one in Interbrand’s most recent (2014) rankings and in the earlier released 2015 rankings of Brand Finance.

In local news, the Philippine Statistics Authority revised its 2014 Q4 growth downward from 6.9 percent to 6.6 percent, Economic Planning Secretary Balisacan announced that the economy grew 5.2 percent in the first quarter of 2015, lower than the 5.6 percent growth from last year and the lowest growth since the 3.8 percent reported in 2011. Meanwhile, Bill Luz, co-chair of the National Competitiveness Council has been reported as predicting a 30-place (65 from 95) jump in the rankings of the Philippines in the 2016 World Banks Ease of Doing Business index. In the Apec meeting in Boracay, the Philippines affirmed the importance of involvement in global value chains as a means for developing small and medium scale enterprises.

In even more local news, my news feed this week included posts on tempests and purpose.

Purpose Purpose is not a difficult word. At its simplest, purpose is simply goal or objective. Google defines purpose as: the reason for which something is created.

Google offers many synonyms including: motive, cause, reason, intention, aim, benefit. For those who believe in a divine creator, purpose is God’s will, that for which the individual has been created. This is not to say that purpose is a function of religion. In truth, those who do not believe in a hereafter or divine guidance probably have a stronger reason to seek purpose in this life.

In some ways, purpose is not too different from mission. In business, when “Vision Mission Values” statements are developed, mission is often described as means and vision is described as goals. I always say that that is not necessarily a mistaken definition and certainly provides a handy means of crafting statements. However, I have always preferred the deeper meaning of mission, the French raison d’etre or reason for being.

Even using its simplest meaning, purpose is important. A clear understanding of the reason for doing something keeps implementation on track.

Doing business Take, for example, the question of the Ease of Doing Business index.

Certainly, it is useful to track our rankings in the index as they point to metrics that are both relevant to businesses as well as comparable with other economies.

For example, the Philippines ranks 95 of 189 economies rated in the 2015 DB index. By contrast, Malaysia ranks 18, Thailand ranks 26, Vietnam ranks 78 and the Regional average for East Asia and the Pacific is 92. The country’s highest rankings are in ‘getting electricity’ (16) and resolving insolvency (50). Our worst ratings are in starting a business (161), protecting minority investors (154), and paying taxes (127). Close fourth and fifth are enforcing contracts and dealing with construction permits, for both of which the country ranks 124th.

However, as the report rightly points out, there are many other factors that affect how easy it is to start and run a business in a country. A clear example?

Infrastructure is a critical component for businesses and the Doing Business index only covers access to electricity, a factor in which the Philippines actually rates pretty highly. Sadly, one of the reasons the growth in Q1 2015 was so low was the slow rate of public infrastructure spending.

Even more importantly, those who are in charge of Philippine competitiveness need to remember that while the factors in the index provide guideposts, the real goal is to make starting and running a business easier. Another goal, obviously, is not merely to improve our rankings but to actually improve our ratings. The index shows comparative ratings in Philippine scores from 2010 to 2014. Except for dealing with construction permits, there have been only minimal improvements in Philippine factors.

In fact, one of the open secrets about the Philippine economy is that one of the things that keeps it afloat is the grey economy and that the grey economy exists because of the regulatory burden borne by Philippine businesses. That is something well worth thinking about.

Branding In the area of determining brand value, there are three rankings often referred to and the one most referred to is the organization that instituted the first of the global rankings, Interbrand. The three top ranking organizations use different methodologies. Interbrand uses three components: the financial performance of the brand using economic profit (after-tax operating profit minus a charge for capital used), the role of the brand in driving choice, and the brand’s competitive strength. Brand Finance, which turns up the next highest results in google search according to The Economist, defines brand value by multiplying three factors: brand strength index (brand investment, brand equity and brand performance); brand royalty rate, and brand revenues. The Brand Z rankings calculate the value of the corporation that owns the brand and estimates the proportion of that value that can be attributed to the brand.

While it is interesting to peruse these methodologies in order to figure out how to top the rankings, I suspect that no one in Google or Apple stays up late trying to figure out how to top these rankings. Instead, they are busy trying to figure out how to engage the customer, how to develop the next new product or service that people will value enough to pay good money for. Because, that, after all, is the point of enterprise.

Meaning For the manager, whether in government or business, the rankings and ratings are useful guides. However, attention needs to be devoted to the real purpose of their organizations.

For individuals, the question of purpose can be trickier. But that is something for another week.

IntegratIons

Readers can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com. Or visit her site at http://integrations.tumblr.com.

STOCKS fell to the lowest level since January 22 this year and the peso erased gains after economic growth weakened to a three-year low, missing estimates.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 93.67 points, or 1.2 percent, to 7,505.03 on a value turnover of P7.8 billion. Losers beat gainers, 108 to 53, with 49 issues unchanged.

The economy grew 5.2 percent in the first quarter, below the 6.6-percent median of estimates compiled by Bloomberg. The equity gauge is declining for a sixth day, heading for its longest losing streak since Dec. 10, 2013.

The economic data is “bad news,” said Joey Cuyegkeng, an economist at ING Groep NV in Manila. “Stock investors are acting to price in weaker earnings growth and more realistic valuations. Policy statements to allow for further accommodation and enhanced fiscal spending in the coming quarters would be necessary to support the stock market.”

The Philippine stock index is valued at 18.3 times projected 12-month earnings, still the most expensive in Southeast Asia. The gauge has lost 2.7 percent in May, poised for its second straight monthly loss.

PSE eyes bank loan to finance takeover

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine Stock Exchange is raising P1.15 billion to finance the acquisition of a 100-percent interest in Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp., the operator of the country’s markets for fixedincome securities and foreign exchange.

The PSE said in a disclosure it obtained the nod of its board to negotiate a five-year loan from several banks to fund the purchase of shares of stock from shareholders of PDS. PSE president and chief executive Hans Sicat last week said the exchange was close to getting 74 percent of PDS after several shareholders expressed interest in selling their holdings to the stock exchange.

Other PDS shareholders that expressed intention to sell their shares to the PSE were the Bankers Association of the Philippines, San Miguel Corp., Golden Astra, Tata Consultancy Serves Asia, Computershare Technology Services, The Philippine America Life and General Insurance Co., Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines, Social Security System and the Investment House Association of the Philippines.

Singapore Stock Exchange, one of the biggest shareholders of PDS owning a 20 percent interest, has not yet agreed to participate in the buyout offer.

Foreign investors have sold a net $388 million of local stocks since the beginning of April, making the Philippines the only Asian market among eight tracked by Bloomberg to see capital outflows this quarter.

BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender by assets, sank 4.8 percent to P106.20. SM Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp., two of the nation’s largest business groups with investments in finance, real estate and shopping malls, decreased 1.8 percent and 2.7 percent to P869.50 and P781, respectively.

JG Summit Holdings Inc. of retail and airline tycoon John Gokongwei slumped 4.8 percent to P66.70, while Megawide Construction Corp. sank 4.4 percent to P6.56.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp., which operates a casino on a reclaimed part of Manila Bay, surged 4.1 percent to P9.38 to buck the trend.

European equities, meanwhile fell while the yen weakened to a 12-year low, fueling the longest rally in Japan’s Nikkei 225 Stock

Average since 1988. Chinese shares dropped, while the euro rose with nickel.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index slid 0.4 percent at 8:22 a.m. in London.

Japan’s currency touched 124.30 against the greenback, the weakest since December 2002. The Nikkei 225 added 0.4 percent, while the Shanghai Composite Index fell 6.5 percent as brokerages tightened lending restrictions. Standard & Poor’s 500 Index futures slipped 0.2 percent. The Australian dollar dropped 0.4 percent and nickel increased 0.6 percent.

The yen has borne the brunt of a resurgent US dollar, slipping the most among Asian currencies over the past five days, as the US Federal Reserve weighs increasing borrowing costs this year.

French and German delegates at a meeting of Group of Seven finance chiefs in Dresden pushed back against Greek claims that an agreement over bailout funds is near and called for stronger efforts to resolve the standoff.

“The Fed is going to be hiking rates soon,” said John Gorman, the Tokyo-based head of dollar interest-rate trading for Asia and the Pacific at Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan’s biggest brokerage. “You’re seeing the dollar come to the forefront because it’s the safe-haven currency.” With Bloomberg

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO BID The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through its Bids and Awards Committee-Security Plant Complex (BAC-SPC), invites bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder requirement: Requirement/Brief Supply and Delivery of 1,600 rolls Film Shrink Wrap, per Description BSP Technical Specifications and Other Requirements Approved Budget for PhP3,476,000.00, VAT inclusive the Contract Delivery Period The delivery of items shall be staggered as follows: 400 rolls – 30 calendar days from receipt of a copy of the executed Purchase Order 400 rolls – 30 calendar days after receipt of 1st delivery 400 rolls – 30 calendar days after receipt of 2nd delivery 400 rolls – 30 calendar days after receipt of 3rd delivery 1.

Bidders should have completed from Y2010 to present a contract similar to the requirement. The Eligibility Check/Screening and Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria.

2.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorship/partnerships/, or organizations with at least sixty (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grants similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens.

3.

All particulars and activities relative to Eligibility of Bidders, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-bid Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post-qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by Republic Act No. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.

a.

Activities Issuance of Bid Documents

b.

Pre-bid Conference

c.

Opening of Bids

Schedule/Location Starting 28 May 2015 (from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P. M. only) Department of General Services, Rm. 405, 4th Floor, Bldg. A, BSP, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. No. 926-2575 / Fax No. 927-8457 05 June 2015 at 9:00 A.M. Rm. 401, BAC-SPC Conference Room, 4th Floor, Bldg. A, BSP, East Avenue, Diliman, QC 19 June 2015 at 2:00 P.M. Rm. 401, BAC-SPC Conference Room, 4th Floor, Bldg. A, BSP, East Avenue, Diliman, QC

4.

The bidding documents are posted at the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the BSP Website (www.bsp.gov.ph).

Prospective bidders may download the bidding documents from any of these websites; provided that bidders shall pay a non-refundable fee PhP5,000.00 at the address above prior to, or upon submission of their bids.

5.

The pre-bid conference shall be open to interested parties. However, only those who have purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Technical/administrative representatives should attend the pre-bid conference to ensure completeness and compliance of bids. Attendance of representatives will be limited to two (2) personnel only.

6.

The BSP assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify any bidder for expenses incurred in the preparation of bid.

7.

The BSP reserves the right to reject any bid, declare a failure of bidding, not award the contract, annul the bidding process and reject all bids at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to affected bidders. Further, the BSP reserves the right to waive any minor defects or formality and to accept the proposal most advantageous to the agency.

Sgd. NANETTE A. ELLA Chairperson

(TS-MAY 29, 2015)

FRIDAY: MAY 29, 2015

B4

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

Broken vows

IT’S TYPICAL of government bureaucratic BS for officials and personnel to wait until the last possible minute before acting on something and then trying to rush the process, especially when media starts giving them unwanted or unwelcome attention. We’re talking about the scholarship grants that the BS Aquino government promised through Education Secretary Armin Luistro for the orphans and immediate relatives of the fallen Special Action Force troopers massacred in Mamasapano last January.

In a conference early in February, Luistro admitted his surprise at discovering that most of those who were killed graduated from— gasp—public schools and that these men were—louder gasp – family breadwinners! So moved was the good brother that he committed to have the names of the Fallen 44’s immediate family members in order to provide scholarship grants and educational assistance for them. He even added, for dramatic measure, “We have the responsibility to look after the widows and the orphans of the fallen PNP-SAF members.”

The school opening is just three days away but what do you know, the siblings and orphans of the SAF men especially those from the Cordilleras have yet to receive the promised educational assistance because the Commission on Higher Education is still “in the process” of collating and verifying documents. Not surprisingly, a game of ping-pong is now underway with the CHED/DepEd in the Cordillera passing on the ball to the main office and vice versa, our stoolies said.

We’re not asking for special treatment, one of the relatives said, but the least they could have done was to provide assistance to make sure that the scholarship grants and educational assistance were speedily processed and ready before the start of classes. Three months, and it looks like some people were just sitting on their fat as—s before belatedly remembering about the government’s promise to help. As a result, the poor SAF 44 relatives decided that they are better off not relying on these broken vows and empty promises and went ahead to source funds for college tuition and other school expenses. As usual, DepEd officials are promising to act on the educational grants ASAP but just in case, they have also advised the SAF 44 kin to go ahead and pay, they will just be reimbursed later. How’s that for efficiency and empathy?

Kiangan Hall no PNP Hotel Still on the subject of PNP men, has anybody seen the sorry state of the Kiangan Hall in Camp Crame? This is supposed to be the quarters for transient and rank-and-file PNP personnel to save them from spending too much in accommodation expenses. According to our stoolies, many of the facilities are in a state of disrepair with peeling paint and non-functioning showers and grimy looking toilets. And here we are thinking that Kiangan Hall has already been turned into a swanky looking subsidized “PNP Hotel” based on 3D renderings as far back as October 2012 posted in the Facebook page of a construction and design firm named Streamlined Works.

We hear the budget for renovating refurbishing Kiangan Hall is still being deliberated upon so these poor, low-paid rank-and-file PNP personnel will just have to put up with the shoddy facilities a little longer since BS Aquino’s BFF, resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima, thought it was more necessary during his term to build a new “White House” rather than attend to the needs of the men, because the official PNP Executive House was not suitable for his chiefness as it would get flooded during the rainy season. (By the way, how true is it that the PNP official residence has no resident since Acting PNP Chief Leonardo Espina does not stay there? Might as well call it the “Haunted House” then because it is haunted by the former resident is still haunted by scandals and controversies, one of our buddies suggested.)

Remember the Senate hearings about the alleged corruption in the PNP and other anomalies allegedly involving Purisima? Stoolies tell us that a senator was just “nanggigigil” at the former PNP chief when told about the sad state of Kiangan Hall to the point that even pillowcases were not available. “Walang ‘k’,” our stoolie described Kiangan.

Big win for MPIC Metro Pacific Investments Corp. has officially announced that their toll road unit Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. has won the right to design, build, operate and maintain the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, a 47-km toll road project that would connect Laguna and Cavite with Metro Manila. MPTC through its wholly-owned subsidiary MPCALA submitted the highest bid of P27.3 billion as concession fees to the Department of Public Works and Highways payable over nine years.

MPIC chairman Manny Pangilinan said he was pleased to be part of modernizing and expanding the toll road network, as CALA will provide access to motorists coming from southern Metro Manila to the west and north of Manila. CALA is a strategic investment and when completed would seamlessly connect NLEX with the south via Cavitex, commented MPTC president Ramoncito Fernandez.

We’re sure the BS Aquino government is equally pleased considering the windfall of over P2 billion as the project cost is estimated at P25 billion. Hopefully, the money will go where it is intended and will not inadvertently go to the war chest of certain bets for the upcoming 2016 elections, a cynic buddy of ours grimaced.

••• For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may email to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com. You may also visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ happyhourmanilastandard. We’d be very happy to hear from you.

Cheers!

Regional connectivity. Senior officials and cluster heads from Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area member countries visit the Philippines for the post Senior Officials Meeting which was held in Puerto Princesa Palawan on May 25 to 26, 2015. This serves as a follow up activity on 11th BIMP-EAGA Summit held at Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia on April 28, 2015. Shown are Datuk Razali of Malaysia, Raldi Koestoer of Indonesia, Tutiaty Wahab of Brunei Darussalam, Prudencio Reyes Jr. of the Philippines and BEBC chairman Roselen Mohamed.

ICTSI buys Mexican port firm for $55m

By Darwin G. Amojelar

International Container Terminal Services Inc. said Thursday it acquired a Mexico-based container terminal operator for $55.4 million to expand its presence overseas.

ICTSI, the Philippines’ largest port operator controlled by businessman Enrique Razon, said it purchased 100 percent of Terminal Maritima de Tuxpan SA de CV from Mexico’s logistics and transportation company Grupo TMM SAB and its subsidiary Inmobiliaria TMM SA de CV. TMM owned 99.99 percent of TMT, with 0.01 percent held by ITMM. TMT has a concession to construct and operate a maritime container terminal in the Port of Tuxpan, Mexico and is the owner of the real estate where the maritime container terminal will be constructed.

“The rationale for the transaction is to continue to expand the business and diversify geographically and to support, participate in and benefit from, the positive economic development in Mexico,” ICTSI said.

The Manila-based port operator said the project was expected to increase ICTSI’s consolidated throughput and revenue and positively contribute to the financial performance of the company .

ICTSI said the main condition precedent to closing the transaction were the issuance of an antitrust approval and the amendment of the concession agreement.

ICTSI in April sold its entire stake in Naha International Container Terminal Inc., which operates the container terminal in Okinawa, Japan for 105.3 million yen, net of tax.

ICTSI, which operates 24 container ports in the Philippines and abroad, posted a net income $54 million in the first quarter of the year, up 3 percent from $52.4 million a year ago.

The port operator handled consolidated volume of 1,982,773 twenty-foot equivalent units in the January to March period, or 13 percent more than the 1,757,095 TEUs it handled in the

In BrIef

EastWest, Ageas tie up EASTWEST Banking Corp., the financial services subsidiary of Filinvest Group, has signed a joint venture agreement with Ageas Insurance International N.V. of The Netherlands to establish a new life insurance company in the Philippines.

EastWest said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the new company would be named EastWest Ageas Life.

Ageas Insurance International offers businesses and individuals life, non-life, healthcare and disability insurance products and mortgage and savings products.

Ageas Insurance, formerly known as Fortis Insurance International N.V., is currently based in Utrecht, The Netherlands, with operations in Luxembourg, France and the United Kingdom.

Under the partnership, EastWest will sell life insurance products through its various sales channels. “The joint venture company is projected to start commercial operations before the end of 2015,” the bank said.

Julito G. Rada

Meralco allots P14.5b POWER distributor Manila Electric Co. plans to increase its capital expenditures this year to P14.5 billion from P12.6 billion in 2014 to strengthen its network, meet customer demand and introduce prepaid electricity retail service.

“I think for this year, we are probably looking at P13.5 [billion] and potentially up to P14.5 billion. It’s all directed at five things,” Meralco president Oscar Reyes told reporters.

Meralco already spent P3 billion in the first quarter to maintain and upgrade its distribution network.

Reyes said the higher capex this year would ensure that Meralco would meet the 4 percent to 5 percent annual growth in customer accounts.

He said the higher capital expenditures would enable Meralco to “respond to load growth.”

same period in 2014.

Capital expenditures in the first quarter reached $64.2 million, or 12 percent of the $530 million capital expenditure budget for 2015.

The capex for the year is mainly allocated for the completion of development at new container terminals in Mexico and Iraq, capacity expansion in terminal operation in Manila, and to start the development of the new terminals in Democratic Republic of Congo and Australia.

“Number three, we want to ensure that our facilities are hardened to be able to cope with new normal in terms of typhoons.

We are now seeing a potential of 285 km/h winds. Number four, ensuring that our facilities are upgraded in terms of safety and resiliency for the benefit of customers and the public,” Reyes said.

The capex also includes the budget for the prepaid retail electricity service, “which has been very exciting for customers because it enables them to have real time information on consumption and manage their own electricity spending.” Alena Mae S. Flores

Debit card usage rising GLOBAL payments company Visa expects the use of debit card in the Philippines to increase over the next five years and account for 50 percent of the country’s discretionary expenditures by 2020.

Visa Philippines country manager Stuart Tomlinson said in a news briefing more Filipinos were turning to debit card for their cashless transactions.

“Debit card usage is growing thrice faster than the market. At present it comprises only 5 percent of total card transactions but its usage will soon rise to be at par with how consumers are using credit cards,” he said.

The company said debit card usage among Filipinos was on the rise as more consumers recognized the safety and convenience Visa cards provided.

Visa considers the debit card segment, composed of young adults, as part of its strategic focus in the Philippines and one of the key growth drivers in the payments industry.

Total Visa debit card payment volume increased by 38 percent in 2014 from a year ago while growth in total transactions across Visa cards transactions in the Philippines rose 25.5 percent.

“The growth in Visa card payment volume shows that more Filipinos are embracing electronic payments and doing away with cash. Digitization of payments is an emerging trend that financial institutions and other industries are recognizing and catering to because of the convenience and safety it provides to consumers,” said Tomlinson.

Othel V. Campos

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cesAR bARRIoquInto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

In Poland, a true love affair with allotments WARSAW—Pitchfork in hand, Hanna Wielgus turns the dark, rich soil of her allotment on a major thoroughfare of the Polish capital known for its monster traffic jams.

Her little vegetable patch sitting on some of the most expensive land in Warsaw has long been eyed greedily by developers, but city authorities vow it will not be sold off.

“I don’t know how I’d make ends meet if I didn’t have this garden,” says the pensioner, a tear streaming down her cheek.

“Soon I’ll have strawberries, currants and cherries. There are apples and pears in the summer and Italian plums in the autumn,” she said. “I use them to make jam and give away anything I don’t use.”

Her plot is part of the Defenders of Peace allotments, a Utopian leftover of the Communist era where around 300 inner-city families grow lettuce and carrots and even raise chickens and goats.

Wielgus’ plot measures about 300 square meters in an area where land goes for a minimum 2,500 euros ($2,850) per square meter.

“It would be more logical to transfer the plots out of town,” property expert Jacek Bielecki told AFP. “Warsaw is the only European capital with garden allotments in its city center,” he said.

It’s “too bad” developers cannot buy it, he added, because it has “all the infrastructure you need for construction—the metro, public transport, sewage lines, water, electricity and gas.”

But Warsaw city official Marek Mikos is adamant the plots will stay exactly where they are.

“These gardens create green spaces. They play an important ecological role by lowering air temperatures during summer heat waves and absorbing pollution,” says Mikos, adding that the allotments form part of special “wind corridors” through the capital for natural ventilation.

Nor is Bartlomiej Pawlak, who raises goats “for fun... for my kids,” ready to part with his plot either. “There are buildings popping up all around us, but here in our allotment, it still feels like we’re out in the countryside,” he said. AFP

world Russia’s nuclear threats described as ‘troubling’ WA S H I N G T O N — R u s s i a’s provocative rhetoric and its dramatic expansion of flights by nuclear bombers are deeply troubling and dangerous, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

Onstage. Emmylou Harris performs at City Winery Nashville on May 27 in Nashville. AFP

Russia’s plans to deploy nuclear-capable missiles in Kaliningrad—near Poland’s border—and its threat to move nuclear forces in Crimea would “fundamentally change the balance of security in Europe,” Stoltenberg warned in speech during a visit to Washington.

In blunt language, the Nato chief delivered a scathing critique of Russia’s behavior over the past year— including Moscow’s armed intervention in Ukraine— and vowed the transatlantic alliance would redouble its commitment to “collective defense.”

“Russia’s recent use of nuclear rhetoric, exercises and operations are deeply troubling,” he told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “admission that he considered putting Russia’s nuclear forces on alert while Russia was annexing Crimea is but one example,” the former Norwegian prime minister said.

The Nato alliance also was concerned about Russia’s compliance with nuclear arms agreements and stepped up global flights by strategic bombers.

“Russia has also significantly increased the scale, number and range of pro-active flights by nuclear capable bombers across much of the globe,” Stoltenberg said.

The Russian bomber flights, he said, spanned “from Japan to Gibraltar, from Crete to California, and from the Baltic sea to the Black Sea.” Russia was failing to draw on the lessons of the Cold War, including that “when it comes to nuclear weapons, caution, predictability and transparency are vital,” he said.

“Russia’s nuclear saber-rattling is unjustified, destabilizing and dangerous,” he said.

Stoltenberg also criticized Russia for staging large snap military exercises, which he said was a violation of international agreements requiring governments to share information about planned drills in advance and to invite observers.

One short-notice exercise was used to move Russian forces to annex Crimea in February 2014 and others were employed to support separatists in eastern Ukraine and to stage a military build-up on Ukraine’s border. AFP

HK leader clashes with democrats ahead of key vote HONG KONG—Hong Kong’s leader was challenged to step down Thursday as he clashed with angry pro-democracy lawmakers over the government’s controversial electoral reform package, which goes to a vote next month.

Chief executive Leung Chunying dodged the resignation question and told legislators the city was at a “critical juncture”, urging them to support the roadmap for

leadership elections in 2017—the first ever public vote for the chief executive.

Pro-democracy lawmakers have vowed to block the package when it goes to the vote in June, calling it “fake democracy” as candidates for leader will be vetted by a loyalist committee, a stipulation laid down by Beijing.

Beijing’s decision sparked more than two months of street rallies

late last year which brought parts of the city to a standstill.

James To of the Democratic Party asked Leung whether he would step down “to take responsibility” if the package were rejected, a question which Leung did not answer directly.

“If Legco [Legislative Council] members do not endorse the proposal will people ask them to step down?” a riled Leung countered.

Two lawmakers were removed from the heated question-andanswer session for heckling, one holding a yellow umbrella, symbol of the democracy movement, and another shouting “Liar!”.

Pro-democracy legislators had also brought cardboard cut-outs of deer, printed with the Chinese character for “horse”.

They reflected the Chinese idiom, “Point at a deer, call it a horse”,

used to refer to deliberate misrepresentation.

Leung argued that the government had “majority support” from residents for the election proposal, citing unspecified opinion polls as backing the plan by 50-60 percent.

The government has asked all 70 Hong Kong legislators to meet with Beijing officials in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen on Sunday to discuss the plan. AFP

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F r i D aY : M aY 2 9, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Green oasis rises in the heart of a slum in Rio

Inaugural. Muslim girls hold flags during the inauguration of the mosque Bait-ul-Wahid in Hanau, Germany, on May 27. The mosque has been built in a former supermarket by the German Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. AFP

Nuclear talks with Iran is shifting into top gear WASHINGTON—US Secretary of State John Kerry is set to launch a final high-stakes diplomatic push to seal a ground-breaking nuclear deal with Iran, as some officials warned Wednesday the negotiations may go beyond a June 30 deadline.

Kerry will on Saturday once again huddle with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Geneva, after weeks of behind-the-scenes complex technical discussions in Vienna seeking to narrow the gaps on what would be an unprecedented deal on curtailing Iran’s nuclear program.

Iran and the six global powers leading the talks—Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States—laid down a framework to guide the final accord in eight days of marathon late-night talks in Lausanne in early April.

Kerry and his team will now return to Europe for what is expected

to be a final series of meetings with Zarif as the clock ticks down to June 30 and a possible deal putting a nuclear bomb out of Iran’s reach.

The deal will include Iran dramatically scaling back its nuclear activities and submitting those that remain to what US President Barack Obama has called the “most robust and intrusive inspections and transparency regime ever negotiated.”

In return, the United States and the five other major powers committed to lift certain sanctions that have caused the Islamic republic of 75 million people major economic pain.

A deal would draw the curtain on a crisis that has raged since

Iran’s nuclear activities were first revealed some 12 years ago.

But Iranian negotiator Abbas Araghchi, quoted by state news agency IRNA, said Wednesday the two sides were “not bound by the schedule” agreed on April 2.

“We are not at the point where we can say that negotiations will be completed quickly—they will continue until the deadline and could continue beyond that,” he said.

A State Department official, Jeff Rathke, said however the US was “focused on June 30th as the deadline, and that’s what we’re devoting our efforts to.”

“We won’t have a deal until those technical details are done, and we expect the pace of the talks to continue unabated,” he told reporters, adding “we think we can achieve that goal.”

On Monday, deputy oil minister Amirhossein Zamani-Nia was quoted as saying that 20 pages of the text had been written “but there are still disagreements and 30 percent of the

work remains to be done.”

One of the major sticking points appears to be access to military sites amid lingering concerns about the possible military dimensions of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

Tehran has always denied seeking to develop a nuclear bomb, saying its nuclear energy program is for civilian purposes only.

But French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius warned on Wednesday that France would oppose a final nuclear accord unless it allowed inspections of military sites.

An agreement “will not be accepted by France if it is not clear that verifications can be made at all Iranian facilities, including military sites,” Fabius told parliament.

On Tuesday, Yukiya Amano, the head of the UN’s atomic watchdog, said Iran had agreed to implementing the Additional Protocol of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that allows for snap inspections. AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO—The stench of rotting dog corpses used to waft through Mauro Quintanilha’s Rio slum home. Outside stood a towering mound of detritus of every size and shape.

It took a decade and lots of help from volunteers, but Quintanilha moved that stinking mountain.

Now, where all the rot once piled up is a park with birds, butterflies and even monkeys.

For his trouble, he has won a top international prize for urban renewal.

“At the start, people thought I was crazy. They made fun of me,” Quintanilha, a 55-year-old percussionist, told AFP. “I had to clear 16 tons of trash which people had piled up above Vidigal,” he said, referring to the slum that is home to some 25,000 people.

The garbage stretched as far as Avenue Niemeyer, an elegant thoroughfare just a stone’s throw from the beach.

Although locals enjoy an unrivaled view over some of Rio’s most plush districts, their favela, like most slums, lacks basic public services including waste disposal.

“I was the resident living closest to the trash tip. There was everything—mattresses, refrigerators, tires—even the corpses of dogs.

It stank and was really depressing—so I decided to act,” said Quintanilha.

The ecological park—a “green oasis” for those behind its creation—is today a little corner of Rio where one can enjoy bird watching and go jogging.

The site includes a small garden that has already produced some 700 kilos of vegetables, aromatic plants and fruit which is shared out among residents.

“To begin with, people kept on dumping their trash at nightfall.

Little by little, we educated them by giving them plants from the garden.

We transformed more than the site.

We transformed the residents,” says a delighted Quintanilha.

Armed with cuttings provided

by Rio’s Botanical Garden, he explains how he and his team were able to produce their award-winning creation, recycling everything they could along the way. AFP

‘Early treatment effective against HIV’ WASHINGTON—Early anti-retroviral treatment after the diagnosis of HIV infection significantly reduces the likelihood of getting AIDS or other serious illnesses, according to the results from a large international clinical trial published Wednesday.

The study was presented a year earlier than planned after preliminary data showed that people who received treatment from diagnosis were 53 percent less likely to die or develop a serious illness such as AIDS compared to a control group where treatment began later when the immune system is weakened.

Researchers said this data combined with previous studies showing that anti-retroviral drugs help prevent HIV transmission to healthy sexual partners indicate that such treatment is beneficial for everyone diagnosed with the virus.

“We now have clear-cut proof that it is of significantly greater health benefit to an HIV-infected person to start anti-retroviral therapy sooner rather than later,” said Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

“Moreover, early therapy conveys a double benefit, not only im-

proving the health of individuals but at the same time, by lowering their viral load, reducing the risk they will transmit HIV to others,” he said in a statement.

The study began in 2011 in 35 countries with 4,684 HIV-infected men and women over the age of 18.

An estimated 35 million people are infected with HIV worldwide, while only 13 million people get treatment, according to the latest figures.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already recommends starting anti-retroviral after HIV diagnosis. AFP

First official visit. Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov shakes hands with South Korean President Park Geun-hye before their meeting at the presidential Blue House in Seoul on May 28. Karimov is on his first official overseas visit after being reelected in March. AFP

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

B7

E-trikes share limelight at Apec As the issue of climate change gain momentum on the world stage, zero-emission electric trikes (e-trikes) shared the limelight at this year’s APEC 2015 summit hosted by the Philippines.

At the Ministerial Meeting held last week in Boracay Island, electric trikes were used to ferry ministers and delegates from the 21-economy strong APEC where climate change mitigation forms part of the growing challenge countries need to provide a solution for.

CLIMATE CHANGE FOR SECURITY This comes amid the call of US President Obama who, according to the New York Times, is pushing for urgent action to combat climate change as a “national security imperative” and that climate change “constitutes a serious threat to global security” as it acts as “an accelerant of instability around the world.”

The planet’s warming is largely caused by carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

COUNTRY EFFORT As a platform to showcase the country’s own efforts to help mitigate the effects of climate change by lowering our carbon footprint, APEC 2015 Electric Mobility Partner- EMotors, Inc.’s ZUM e-trikes were used to serve the transport needs of the ministers and del-

egates.

Guillermo Luz, co-chair of the National Competitiveness Council and private sector coordinator for the National Organizing Committee says, “ The ZUM e-trikes delivers two key messages about the country- we are concerned about the environment and climate change and support electric vehicles. We also support the emergence of more local manufacturing in the country.”

SUPPORT FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo who heads the Trade Ministerial Meeting continues to emphasize the importance of multilateral trade to boost inclusive growth. The secretary puts in the center of discussions the significance of micro, small and medium enterprises as the key to future growth that will benefit and strengthen ties among member economies.

“We support the initiatives of Secretary Domingo. We are honored to be part of the solution not only to lower carbon emissions but to provide a profitable means of livelihood for many Filipino entrepreneurs using our ZUM etrikes,”

Electric motorcycles were used to ferry Apec ministers and delegates around Boracay Island.

says Elizabeth H. Lee, EMotors president.

Companies who likewise support the two global issues of climate change mitigation and inclusive growth joined EMotors in spreading the word, with logis-

tics giant 2GO Group, Inc. and US-based HJEA International as major partners. Other companies who supported the effort include BizNewsAsia Magazine, Malayan Insurance, Motolite, SL Agritech, and Globaltronics.

Climate change and trade continues to dominate the APEC meeting narrative emphasizing the importance of reducing carbon emissions and strengthening trade that results in inclusive growth.

Nocturnal driving: Tagai lenses hit the road Let the beat out: WITH the summer almost over, many of us will be thinking about scratching off that long overdue summer getaway from your to-do list.You’ll try to move around your busy work schedule and jump at every opportunity just to make that last minute trip to that picturesque beach you’ve been planning to go to since March.

When that opportunity does come, we are usually so preoccupied with what to do and where to go when we reach our destination. No one really thinks about the potential dangers and risks we might encounter while we are travelling.

According to the World Health Organization, around 7,000 people and thousands more become injured or disabled due to road traffic accidents in the Philippines, making road safety a matter of great concern. But not to worry, we found the perfect solution to minimize the risks while you are on the road.

Paris Miki Inc., Japan’s largest optical chain store with over 800 stores located in Europe, Asia Australia and the United States, has recently launched its newest top-of-the-line eyewear for driving, TAGAI. The brand name comes from the Japanese character ? which means ‘unity’. In Japanese, TAG = fold and AI = love.

Overtaking limitations with TAGAI Eyewear (Image

via Tagai Philippines) The conceptualization of TAGAI was based on the principle of prioritizing customers and their future. The product development team behind the TAGAI ensures customers the best-of-class products and that they will be provided with excellent customer service, even after they have bought the product.

Paris Miki has just given us more reason to love them more as it recently launched TAGAI here in the Philippines.

Next generation lenses Paris Miki has made sure that we stayed safe while we are driving, regardless of the time of day or night.

With over eighty years in the field of vision enhancement, Paris Miki proudly releases the next generation technology behind its specialized driving eyewear – the Diurnal and Nocturnal Lenses– giving users the unique experience of crystal-like lenses made from Japan.

TAGAI’s specialized sunglasses for driving uses the

Diurnal Lenses, which lets drivers enjoy driving during the day time without having to worry about the glare of the sun. These Diurnal Lenses are available in two coatings – dark grey and gold mirror – which can be matched with a variety of stylish frames to suit your taste.

Crafted using the original manufacturing method with the integration of the fusion method of polarizing film and lenses, the Diurnal Lenses are thin and highly durable. Aside from that, the anti-reflective lenses diffuse the reflection and glare while you are on the road.

This can be especially useful for those who are planning to take that road trip for that last minute summer getaway.

TAGAI’s specialized driving sunglasses will ensure you a safe and stress-free driving experience during the day time.

TAGAI also offers a specialized eyewear for night driving activities, equipped with its Nocturnal Lenses. The lenses reduce glare from oncoming vehicles by creating a higher contrast through an easy diffusion of reflection by reducing the short wavelengths of light, giving drivers a clearer and brighter vision in the dark and ensuring their safety while driving at night.

If you are planning to pull off an all-nighter on the road, keep your loved ones safe with nocturnal lenses.

Video tilt launched HONDA Philippines Incorporated lets the beat go rockin’ with its latest promo on Facebook, the “Let Your Beat Out” video upload contest.

The promo involves uploading of personal video entries from participants that state their life aspirations, particularly in the areas of Street Sports, Extreme Sports and even in Music. Videos should start with the participant stating his/ her name, and the remaining portion should showcase how they do their beat.

To choose the best video, 50% of the final score will be based on the number of likes and shares while the remaining 50% will focus on content creativity and uniqueness of presentation.

Uploading of video entries will be from May 18 to May 28, 2015. Include the official hashtag, #letyourbeatout, when uploading entries.

Winners for the various categories will get the chance to share the limelight with the main product endorsers during a launch event entitled “Let Your BeAT Out!,” happening this coming May 30, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall starting at 4 p.m.Also up for grabs are VIP Access Passes and exciting Honda BeAT goodies.

The Honda “Let Your BeAT Out” launch event will showcase the unveiling of Honda’s latest scooter model, which is also powered by the revolutionary Honda’s Smart Technology. Other electrifying activities in this much-anticipated event include a Streetdance Competition, a 3x3 Streetball basketball contest, Skateboard tricks and Dunking/Ball Handling exhibition and finally a grand scooter ride by Honda’s latest product endorsers and awarding of competition winners.

To jointhe “Let Your Beat Out” promo, “Like” the official Honda Philippines Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/hondaph to be able to upload videos.

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING

HCPI president-general manager Toshio Kuwahara strikes a confident pose with the Mobilio.

ALL-BRITISH SHOW

Jaguar, Land Rover, Morgan and Mini-splendored things Have a Great British drive.

It’s all systems go for the GREAT British Auto Show happening on May 31, Sunday, from 10:00AM - 6:00PM at Capitol Commons in Pasig City. This unique gathering of classic and modern British vehicles promises stylish cars, good eats, fun prizes and more. Admission is free.

Modelled on Car Shows in the United Kingdom, the GREAT British Auto Show will feature owners of around 40 classic and modern British vehicles to highlight the industry’s rich heritage. Brand new showroom cars offer the latest technology and innovation.

Food and drink stalls and fun activities throughout the day will add to the festive atmosphere. Get a chance to meet fellow car enthusiasts and car owners to exchange car tips and ideas. Talk to auto dealers and learn more about the British cars on display.

Five iconic British brands – Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI, Morgan, MG – will show off style and substance. These are cars you want to be seen in and want to drive. Local car enthusiasts will show

MINI 1992

how they have cherished and polished up their British vehicles.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad is inviting everyone to visit the GREAT British Auto Show. “Over the past few years, the presence of British car brands in the Philippines has almost doubled, and more brands like Aston Martin and Lotus are setting up shop here. Britain now makes more cars than ever before. Come to the GREAT British Auto Show and you will find a vehicle that suits your personality, whether you are quirky, stylish, low-key, high-profile, or prefer to go off road,” he said.

Innovation, technology and heritage have driven the UK automotive industry’s success as a global centre of excellence. The UK is home to 7 Commercial vehicle manufacturers, 7 mainstream car manufacturers, 8 major premium and sports car manufacturers, 8 out of 11 Formula 1 teams, 13 Research & Development Centres and 9 bus & coach manufacturers.

The British Auto Show is organised by the British Embassy Manila, UK Trade & Investment and its partners.

RUGGED HANDSOME Ford executives and motoring mediamen whoop it up during the Ford Everest launching event.

U

By Dino Directo

tilizing Ford’s global SUV expertise, the new Everest boasts rugged capability, smart features and style – a refined and technologically-savvy SUV for city driving or tough terrains.

“The all-new Everest embodies Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA, delivering a fully capable and competitive SUV that remains to be one of our most sought-after SUVs, and we are excited to introduce the latest member to our growing lineup of One Ford products here in the Philippines,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines.

As it was designed to be one of the toughest SUVs in its segment today, the Everest has a body-on-frame make matted with a four-wheel drive system, an active transfer case with Torque on Demand. It has a ground clearance of 225 mm, water-wading capability of 800 mm, and 20-inch alloy wheels – features that will enable drivers to navigate difficult terrain.

Hill Descent Control is another feature that sets and maintains a constant speed to drive down steep descents with ease on any terrain. The Electronic Locking Rear Differential feature helps prevent rear wheels from spinning while driving off-road, increasing traction in challenging conditions.

“The all-new Everest is truly ‘built Ford Tough’, that allows our customers to take on the world. Stunning, tough and exceptionally capable, it redefines what it truly means to be a progressive SUV. Its unshakable toughness and premium comfort makes it the perfect solution for customers looking for a tough and highly capable vehicle,” said Minnie Valencia-Bustamante, vice president for marketing and sales, Ford Philippines.

The latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity solution, SYNC 2, lets drivers use natural voice commands to control the car’s entertainment system, climate controls and connected mobile devices more easily than ever before. SYNC 2 also boasts an eight-inch touchscreen with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation. The entertainment system features a first-in-class 10-speaker sound system with an integrated subwoofer, providing accurate and precise sound reproduction and deep, rich bass.

Other segment-first technologies in the all-new Everest include Curve Control, designed to help drivers maintain control when approaching turns too quickly, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, which informs drivers when there is a vehicle in their blind spot while driving or when preparing to reverse out of parking spots. The vehicle also offers other advanced features, including Roll Stability Control and an Electronic Stability Program that works with traction control. To reduce parking anxiety, Active Park Assist enables drivers to parallel park hands-free, requiring only accelerating, shifting and braking from the driver.

In addition to advanced active safety systems, a strong passenger cage built using high-strength materials like boron steel, and passive safety features, including up to seven airbags, help keep occupants safe in the event of a collision.

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BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

LIFE FASHION

SUMMER STEP-UP The Sandal of the Season There’s always that one shoe that encapsulates the season. This Kurt Geiger number combines exotics and color - a definite winner.

Kurt Geiger at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Plaza

FRIDAY : M AY 29 : 2015

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BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE

LIFE

EDITOR

BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

glweekend @ gmail.com

FASHION

BEAUTY EXPRESS BLOOMING BEAUTY

Happy Skin knows that even at the height of summer, you can still look and feel as fresh as a flower in bloom.

Happy Skin’s 2015 limited edition summer collection, Beauty in Bloom, was inspired by the natural radiance of flowers. The latest products are designed to make women blossom into their most beautiful: Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie in Bride-to-Be and Hold My Hand; Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse in Summer Crush and The Morning After; Get Cheeky with Me 2-in-1 Blush; InstaBeauty Blur Cream; and Eye Am the One Holy Grail Mascara.

According to the founders Rissa Mananquil Trillo and Jacqe Yuengtian Gutierrez, “we really took our time figuring out which colors we wanted to use for the collection, because we wanted shades that make women blossom into their most beautiful. And we did!” www.happyskincosmetics.com

ARM CANDY

BY ANA J. GLORIA

T SPLIT REPAIR

The best treatment for split ends used to be a haircut.

Well, not anymore. TRESemmé Split Repair is an innovative new range by the brand known for salon-grade and stylist-tested hair products. Now you can wear long, gorgeous hair without worrying about split ends.

Thanks to its revolutionary sealing mechanism Repair Complex, TRESemmé Split Repair binds up to 88 percent of split ends, while repairing and preventing further damage with continued use. www.tresemme.com

MORE THAN TUPPERWARE

Now that it’s summer, the sun is out, and stronger than ever. This means that you need to take extra measures to protect your skin from UV rays as too much sun exposure causes skin dehydration, sunburn, and ageing. The perfect match is a moisturizer and a lotion that contain the right UV blockers to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Suncelle Sunblock Facial Moisturizer (SPF 40) and Body Lotion (SPF 30) are made to provide the ultimate protection your skin needs. Its sun protection factor shields the skin from harmful UV sunrays, making it perfect for outdoor pursuits such as swimming and biking, as well as other activities that require you to be out under the sun.

Suncelle is distributed in the Philippines by Tupperware Brands Philippines. For information visit www.tupperwarebrands.ph

here is nothing quite like the perfect “It” handbag to grace the arm of a girl. On the level of jewelry, a statement handbag is coveted by majority of the female population. With the many “It” bags out in the market (from Hermes, Chanel, Gucci and the like), it is usually very difficult to choose just one. But what about that one bag that achieves cult status while still being useful for every busy lady out there? Yes, there is one bag that surprised everyone with the level of acceptance and adulation it received some 20 years ago and continues to receive to this day.

Longchamp is a world-renowned French luxury leather goods brand.

Their style is by and large laid back and brimming with elegance and simplicity. However, their star pupil isn’t of the leather kind but rather, the more humble yet waterproof nylon material. Reminiscent of a trapezoid’s shape, their hit bag comes in several colors and sizes and is aptly named “Le Pliage”, which means “folding” in French. So when you empty your stuff out, you can fold it up and store it in another bag. We ladies love it when we have an extra bag that can fit into another one!

Another reason why the “Le Pliage” is so popular is because it is like a bottomless pit that you can use every single day. Roomy and durable, it can fit everything from a laptop, an extra pair of shoes, a breast pump, a thermos, a shawl, a make up kit and a large wallet among other odds and ends. This depends of course on the size you buy. Surprisingly lightweight, your arm is not going to feel like breaking off at the end of the day. (Now you know what really goes on inside those heavy bags women love to carry around!) Though the shape remains standard regardless of size, it does come in a variety of artistic designs. Predictably, the ones you see on every arm of every nationality are the more basic solid colors.

Women love the “Le Pliage” as a travel bag too. It is made to last and can withstand wind, rain and even snow. In spite of these abuses which many ladies would never dream of inflicting on their leather IT bags, the “Le Pliage” survives until the end and still manages to look good.

The best part about this humble nylon bag is the price tag. Costing between P5,500 to P7,700, this is a drop in the bucket compared to

BEAUTY IS IN THE JEANS The JAG boutique in Glorietta 2 was abuzz with excitement as 34 beautiful and statuesque candidates for Bb. Pilipinas 2015 dropped by for a refreshing morning of shopping and socializing.

Looking sexy and chic in JAG jeans and white tees, the binibinis were all smiles as they browsed the shop and tried on stylish pieces from JAG Denim Technology, the brand’s latest collection.

Most of the binibinis admitted preference for the Sexy High Waist jeans that utilize cutting-edge garment technology to expertly define figures and elongate legs. Others love the High Back, which

how much other in demand iconic handbags cost. The next best part?

You can buy more than two or three with that price tag! Women love having all colors of a single item and here is the chance to indulge.

Much to the excitement of Manila’s fashionistas, housewives and career women, a stand-alone boutique in Shangri-La Plaza and Greenbelt 5 has finally made an appearance. With a fresh and elegant style that is true to the brand’s French flair, the wellloved Le Pliage is displayed alongside its leather (and more expensive) sisters who sport new interpretations and variations.

For Spring 2015, there are three variations for women to add to their collection. First is Le Pliage Heritage Mini, a downsized adaptation with dazzling shades felicitously named acid yellow, electric blue and vivid coral aside from the usual blacks and ecrus. The second version is the Le Pliage Heritage Neon. It combines smooth calfskin in neutral shades with neon bright edges. The third is Le Pliage Heritage Luxe with new patterns inspired by the Aurora Borealis.

Three irresistible versions and one distinctive style: it’s the Longchamp statement for its 2015 new collection.

Bb. Pilipinas 2015 candidates with their JAG Black purchases at the JAG boutique in Glorietta 2

gives a butt-lifting effect and adequate coverage for every move, while others also adore the Slim Illusion which has an instantly flattering shape and stretch that makes one look one size smaller.

The international brand’s JAG Denim Technology collection makes it the perfect choice for world-class beauties like the Bb. Pilipinas 2015 candidates.

For more updates on JAG, visit http://www.jagjeans.com. You can also follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jagjeans and Twitter: https://twitter.com/jagjeans76.

FRIDAY : M AY 29 : 2015

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE

LIFE

EDITOR

BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

glweekend @ gmail.com

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TINDER FOR FASHION

BY ED BIADO

Tinder became a hit among online daters and may even have converted nonbelievers of online dating because it understands that everything begins with physical attraction. The app eliminates all the cluttered details of one’s life and simply focuses on appearances, age and a self-written blurb. It also makes the selection process less daunting and overwhelming by giving each potential date their own personal screen time, and allowing them to focus on one person at a time instead of choosing from a whole page of prospects.

Can the same streamlined process apply to fashion? That’s the challenge Dapper Shopping Inc. is taking on with the introduction of their two mobile apps, Dapper and Moxy. Dubbed as Tinder for fashion, the two fashion shopping services present shoppers with prospects and finds to swipe left or right on as they would on the dating app.

Dapper, the app for men, is pegged as “the easiest way to obtain clothes” as options are categorized by occasion – office, casual, dressy, active, trendy, etc. As a user swipes

left or right, the app learns his personal style and makes more appropriate suggestions.

The app displays products from Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Patagonia, Urban Outfitters, Nike and Macy’s.

On the other hand, Moxy, the app for women, exclusively sells accessories. Its partner vendors include Rag & Bone, Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch. (More labels should be added as the apps gain popularity.)

Both apps let you apply filters to cut through the rubble and get specific items within your budget. With the addition of swiping left to discard items and right to “like” them, you can also swipe down to automatically add the item to your shopping cart. There’s also the option to swipe up to share an item with friends, either for recommendations or for getting a second opinion.

Currently, Dapper and Moxy can only be used in the Unites States due to shipping restraints. But we’re guessing that they will figure out how to ship internationally soon.

Also as of now, the app is available at the Apple App Store. The Android version is still being developed.

The Spanish fashion brand’s first store in Asia is located at the 2/F of The SM Store Makati

Sfera follows the heat wave of Summer 2015 with a refreshing variety of colors and prints found in this season’s new arrivals

THE ANNUAL BEST DRESSED BALL Commitment to a noble cause

THE SCENE AT Sfera

The Spanish fashion label unveils Spring-Summer 2015

S

panish brand Sfera recently launched its Spring/Summer 2015 Collection at The SM Store Makati.

Seen at the Sfera scene were the brand’s Digital Style Ambassadors looking all set for a Sfera summer – Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, Agoo Bengzon, Marilen Montenegro, Vern Enciso, Patricia Prieto, Tricia Gosingtian, Rica Peralejo, Cristina Garcia Long, Jessica Yang and Sky Yang.

Hosted by the stylish Bianca Valerio, Manila’s fashion-forward set was treated to an afternoon of delightful bites, cocktails by Bodegas Hidalgo de Filipinas, lively music by DJ Badkiss, and, of course, a fashion vignette of Sfera’s Spring/Summer collection.

Looking all fresh, nonchalant with makeup done by The Body Shop, models walked around the creative set giving guests a preview of the latest collection from the brand.

Sfera follows the heat wave of Summer 2015 with a refreshing variety of colors and prints found in this season’s new arrivals. Taking cue from the military- inspired styles in olive greens and burnt oranges are a delightful com-

Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma

bination of light denim fabrics and crocheted bohemian pieces, cool white and light blue tones, and mixtures of electric greens and blues in structured styles, perfect for a comfortable yet stylish summer getaway. The garments, accessories and shoes – like the criss-crossed leather gladiator sandals in tan – swimwear, and intimates seen in the collection prove to be all-encompassing of not only the classic Sfera woman, but also the charming Sfera man.

Sfera, a popular Spanish fashion brand, originated in Madrid in 2000 and is definitely a household name for its sophisticated and versatile looks. The brand has close to 100 retail outlets in various locations around Spain and Europe.

Sfera partnered with SM to open its first Asian store in September last year. The brand also caters to the fashion needs of men and kids, providing pieces embodying Spanish style.

Sfera in Asia is located at the 2/F of The SM Store Makati. You can also follow the latest from Sfera on Instagram: @sferaph #SferaPH, on Facebook: SFERA Philippines and website: www.sfera.eu.

Sfera digital style ambassador Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez with daughter Sabina

Togo, West Africa Consul General Evie Costa

American cultural anthropologist and writer Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

The hard-working committee behind the most glamorous cancer-awareness fund-raiser, the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Annual Ball, gathered recently for a meeting. The selection and organizing committee is comprised of (seated from left) Roselle Rebano, Elaine Rojas Villar, event chairperson Angola consul Helen Ong, Sandie Poblador, Mabel Abaño, (standing from left) Marian Ong, fashion designer Roy Gonzales, Philippine Cancer Society chairman Dr. Roberto Paterno, emcee par excellence Johnny Litton, Tanzania consul Betty Chua, and Gambia consul Agnes Huibonhoa. The annual Best Dressed Women charity gala is set on September 22, 2015 at the Makati Shangri-La hotel. An exhibit of portraits of the distinguished women will be mounted in August. It will be open to the public. Watch out for it!

F R I D AY : M AY 2 9 : 2 0 1 5

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

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

FASHION

DRESSING UP DAD Of course, you want to get something special for Dad. After all, Mom was ecstatic when you handed her that light medium robin egg-blue PAULYNE box from Tiffany’s last FERMIN Mother’s Day. The most important man in your life deserves no less!

With a week or so to spare before the big day, you have enough time to choose that one outstanding present (maybe two?). Here are some nifty Father’s Day gift suggestions.

How to make the weekend even more fun?

Get this JBL PULSE wireless speaker (P9,000).

He’ll surely love listening to his favorite songs while enjoying his personal light show. The lights change to the beat of the music. How absolutely fun is that? (“If you like piña coladas, getting caught in the rain…”) Chances are Mom will like one too! …I do.

THE BQP’S TOP PICKS THE EXECUTIVE

He spends long hours in the office. Checks his emails constantly. Always has his calendar full.

BALLY shoes and bag prices available upon request

PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE This rose gold chronograph watch (P18,000) with black leather strap has Dad’s name written on it.

Get a 10 percent discount until the end of June

DAPPER DAD

Neckties (P6,000), long sleeves (P6,000) and suits (from P50,000 up) from PINK. Made in Italy. Because Dad should look great in and out of the boardroom.

Prices available upon request

Get him a EURO ASIA watch winder box (P11,000 P14,000) to safe-keep his precious timepieces. Made from cherrywood. Available in black and deep cherry.

Can hold five to 10 wristwatches

He likes to relax on weekends, head to the beach or do some serious grilling over drinks in the patio. Your friends like to hang out at your house whenever your Dad has a barbecue party --- which is every Friday night.

No flip flops allowed in his wardrobe. He wears dark jeans with a coat, carries a man bag and a spiffy pair of shoes for when he’s not busy closing that million-peso business deal.

By now you know what size Daddy wears. He’ll surely appreciate these striped shoes from you

Whatever you decide to give Daddy (meaning your dad or husband) on his special day, please take the time to write him a thoughtful note. In fact, write him a letter and make your kids do the same. Gifts that come in a box are appreciated but gifts that come from the heart are forever.

All of the suggested gifts can be found at RUSTAN’S. With a pocketful of glitter,

Add a pair of Dali (P1,790 solid color) or Barca (P2,290 stripes) jute canvass espadrilles from SOLUDOS to his weekend wear. Hollywood celebrities sport them and so should Dad

Follow me on Twitter, IG and Facebook. Visit https://www.facebook.com/thebusyqueenp for more interesting reads!

F RIDAY : M AY 2 9 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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18 Karat White Gold Earrings with 126 pcs. Tapered Baguette Cut Diamonds and 152 pcs. Round Cut Diamonds in VVS-VS1/ G

18 Karat White Gold Ring with 35 pcs.

Princess Cut Diamonds, 33 pcs. Tapered Bagutte Cut Diamonds and 52 pcs.

Round Cut Diamonds in VVS / E-F

14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Ring with 66 pcs. VS-S11/GH White Diamonds

18 Karat White Gold Ring with 56 pcs.

Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds and 30 pcs. Tapered Baguette Cut Diamonds in VS-SI/ H 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with 90 pcs. VS-S11/GH White Diamonds

18 Karat White Gold Ring with 16 pcs.

Round Cut Diamonds and 36 pcs. Tapered Baguette Diamonds in VVS-VS/ G-H

14 Karat White Gold Ring with 62 pcs.

VS-S11/GH White Diamonds and 4 pcs. Blue Sapphire 14 Karat White Gold Omega Necklace with 18 Karat White Gold Pendant with 99 pcs.

Tapered Baggutte Diamonds and 98 pcs.

Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds in VVS-VS1/ G

14 Karat Rose Gold Ring with 60 pcs.

VS-S11/GH White Diamonds and 30 pcs. Ruby

14 Karat Rose Gold Ring with 90 pcs. VS-S11/GH White Diamonds 14 Karat White Gold Stud Earring with 8 pcs. Marquise Cut Diamonds and 2 pcs.

Princess Cut Diamonds VS1-2/ GH 1 pair 14 Karat White Gold Stud Earring in Prong Setting with 0.40 cts. VS1-2/ 1-J White Diamonds

1 pair 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earring in Prong Setting with 1.80 cts.

VVS2/ J White Diamonds 1 pair 14 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earring in Cup Setting with 0.40 cts. VS2-S11/ H White Diamonds

1 pair 14 Karat White Gold Stud Earring in Prong Setting with 0.29 cts. VS1-2/ 1-J White Diamonds

KRIS, QUEEN OF DIAMONDS T

here’s a reason why Kris Aquino is not only known as the “queen of all media,” but also owns the title “queen of endorsements.” People believe in her because of her high standards and meticulous attention to detail. Her bold and outspoken nature combined with her razor-sharp intellect make her a credible and effective brand ambassador – someone you would trust.

Kris admits that there are only certain things that would make her gush. One of them would be diamonds. “I love jewelry talaga,” she confesses. Her fine jewelry collection would be a testament to her discriminating taste. “I’m not ashamed to admit it… every time there’s an important occasion in my life, I remember what piece of jewelry I bought to commemorate it,” Kris adds. But this love affair she has with gems - as with any meaningful relationship - begins with trust.

Here in the Philippines, My Diamond, a proudly Filipino jewelry brand celebrated for its world

class, award winning pieces and a reputation of honest grading, has been able to establish just that with Kris Aquino. “At My Diamond, everything has a certificate. Clear na clear talaga doon na inaral siya.

Alam mo what quality you’re getting. You know what you’re paying for,” Kris declares. “You buy branded bags, shoes and dresses. Even your make-up is branded. But you know you have taste when your jewelry is also branded,” she adds.

“Whether you’re buying it for yourself or receiving it as a gift, you’ll really appreciate that. A diamond has to be a true expression of love or pinagtrabahuhan mo for it to mean anything to you, or for it to last,” says the accomplished TV host and actress about the certification that comes with every piece of jewelry from My Diamond.

Establishing itself as one of the country’s premier diamond retailers, the company has had more than 20 years design experience locally and abroad, garnering numerous accolades along the way, such as a pres-

tigious award from the Centennial Design Competition of De Beers.

It was only natural for the brand to enlist one of its most loyal clients, Kris Aquino as its latest celebrity endorser who can attest to the quality and caliber of its products.

She is after all, an icon of longevity and timelessness, just like the gems close to her heart. When asked what diamonds mean to her, Kris replies: “For women, you want something that will last forever.

People always say that things are so transitory. Puede ng matapos ang relationship. Mga anak mo lalaki at iiwan ka. Pero ang Diamond pang habangbuhay yon, it goes down from generation to generation. “ “Once you hear the name My Diamond… It’s mine! Binigay man sakin yan o pinagtrabahuhan ko, I deserve the best,” Kris says with conviction. Inspiring women everywhere to celebrate every milestone of their life with brilliant reminders of their achievements, Kris is certainly happy about her newest role as the “queen of diamonds.”

F RIDAY : M AY 2 9 : 2015

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

PEOPLE FOREVERMORE The story of Agnes and Xander seemed too shallow when it started, then suddenly a startling amount of depth became apparent when the story progressed. And that’s basically what made audience of all demographics became hooked on it. The series further solidified the leading stars’ status as one of top love teams of their generation. Numbers don’t lie; its finale just scored the highest national TV ratings recorded this year.

...ARE TALKING ABOUT

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano in Forevermore Nora Aunor in a scene from Taklub

Mark Neuman is the stellar attraction in TV5's Baker King'

TAKLUB Expectations on the indie film were sky-high. First of course, it stars the country’s lone superstar Nora Aunor and secondly it is directed by Brillante Mendoza who has been known for his unconventional way of storytelling.

The art film is currently earning rave reviews from international audience. Interestingly, Taklub is not just about a promise of what a good film can offer. It also delivers hence an Ecumenical Jury Mention at Cannes. See what good films can do and achieve?

MARK NEUMANN Before this year, he was an unknown relatively compared to his fellow Artista Academy alumnus, Vin Abrenica. Suddenly, Mark became a small screen fixture on TV5 especially when it was announced that his portraying the lead role in the local adaptation of the hit Korean series, The Baker King.

We have yet to see him act but as early as now, people are very intrigued on what this young Filipino Croatian mutt can bring to the table.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 48 50 52 54 58 62 63 64 67 68 69 70 71 72

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Ground breaker 4 Oafs 9 Inside of a stem 13 Ballpark figure 14 Commencement 15 Broadcast portion 16 Martial art (3 wds.)

18 Kind of guitar 19 Peek at the cards 20 Isolated 22 More rash

25 26 28 32 35 37 38 40 42 43 45 47

Glittery fabric Stranger Snake-haired lady GPS offering Champing at the bit Brink Language of Pakistan Livy’s mom Shy creature Like a fair lass Repair-bill item Get spliced

Noise hams hate Beyond zealous Hold up well Major meals Empty Kukla’s pal Came upon Wrong place to be?

(2 wds.)

Mirage sights Standoffish Identify, slangily Building for storing garden supplies Cry of dismay Mao — -tung

DOWN 1 Dining-room piece 2 Plains tribe 3 “En garde” weapons 4 Seaside event (2 wds.)

5 The Plastic — Band 6 Mil. branch 7 Mack and Koppel 8 Kind of pigeon 9 Tinkered with 10 Game plan 11 Ticket info 12 — cow!

15 Noted sci-fi writer

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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Green Hornet’s valet Dawdle Holland export Like a king Pave over Shot up Kind of molding Dweeb Burnishes Horse’s gait — Purviance of Chaplin films Concrete reinforcer Disentangled Chenille item Obeys a triangular sign Scams Heat meas.

Painter Salvador — Kind of race Lay dormant Shower liners Papyrus is one Tabloid topics Wordy Webster Dynamite detonator Cold-cuts vendor Dandy “Little piggie”

...ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT

Sam Milby'd career needs a makeover

The Gutierrez family in a new season of their reality TV on E!

1:43 The band tries to break the Internet when its members pretended to be butchers in a local wet market and a taho vendors on a busy street. In this age when there are more bands vying for people’s attention than ever before, something a little out of the ordinary needs to be done in order to endure. Apparently, these gimmicks don’t work all the time.

Nice try though, but music acts don’t have to do that. They make good music, not gimmicks.

SAM MILBY He is a talented television and movie star – he can act, dance and sing. He can even play multiple musical instruments, which makes him more eligible to be called a music artist.

But hey, we’ve got a bunch of young stars that can do exactly the same things. It’s hard to say that his matinee idol and leading man image has fallen behind him, but it’s definite that his career is just not quite the same even being launched as a new “Regal Baby.”

IT TAKES GUTZ TO BE A GUTIERREZ The premise of this show is to present to the audience an unscripted situation. But knowing all the reality shows we have on TV, some may not really be scripted but definitely not a real life representation of what really happens when the camera is no longer rolling. Take for example the rift between Rufa and her mother. It only gives people the idea that they are just doing it for the publicity of the series’ latest season.

F RIDAY : M AY 2 9 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C7

Haribon Foundation Chief Operating Officer Maria Belinda de la Paz ( left) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Philip Lesaca (third from left), GMA Network’s Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer (second from right) and Senior Talent Manager Vic del Rosario Jr. (extreme right)

Julie Canceller, head of Smart Infinity, with the premium postpaid’s brand ambassadors

HARIBON AMBASSADORS From C8

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MA Artist Center stars Enzo Pineda and Barbie Forteza formalized their commitment as ambassadors of Haribon Foundation in a contract signing held on May 26 at the 17th floor Executive Lounge of the GMA Network.

Enzo and Barbie’s addition to the roster of Haribon ambassadors aims to inspire more people to take action on environmental conservation and encourage others to do their share in caring for the environment in order to leave a lasting impact for future generations.

HHHHH

Jinky Vidal and Nina are the main attactin at Hard Rock Cafe this weekend

NINA AND JINKY AT HARD ROCK CAFÉ Hard Rock Café closes the summer season with special one-night-only performances from certified OPM hit-makers Nina tonight and Jinky Vidal tomorrow.

Fans and hard rockers can look forward to two unforgettable evenings of beautiful music as both Nina and Jinky dish out samplings of their greatest hits from their respective catalogues of multi-platinum studio albums.

Nina will also belt out some of today’s hottest chart-toppers and homegrown favorites while Jinky will power the house with ballads, R&B classics, and party anthems.

Performing right after Nina is Part 3 and show band Streetbeat will have a special set right after Jinky.

HHHHH

CEELO GREEN JOINS GUAM LIVE The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) announced a major change in the line-up for this summer’s Lotte Duty

Free Guam Live International Music Festival, June 5-6, 2015, at the Paseo Stadium in Hagatña, Guam.

The five-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-producer, CeeLo Green, will now co-headline Guam Live 2015. Nick Jonas will not be able to perform for Guam Live due to a conflict in schedules.

“Grammy award winning artist and ‘The Voice’ judge CeeLo Green will join the Guam Live line-up, in addition to island music sensation Common Kings, who are fresh off a tour with Justin Timberlake,” GVB General Manager Nathan Denight said.

The multi-talented star is known as a television personality, actor, entrepreneur, pop culture, and fashion icon, and professional “lady killer”.

In addition to his success as a recording artist, CeeLo Green completed four seasons as a coach on NBC’s hit show, The Voice, alongside Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton.

GVB also announced Common Kings has committed to performing for the signature event. In just two short years, Common Kings compiled an impressive resume, including sold-out tour stops in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Australia. With an extremely loyal following of fans, over seven million YouTube views were generated on the group’s independently produced hits, such as “Alcoholic”, “Wade In Your Water”, “No Other Love”, and “Fly”. Common Kings also opened for big name artists, which includes Justin Timberlake, Brian McKnight, and Fergie.

CeeLo Green and Common Kings now complete the line-up for the Lotte Duty Free Guam Live International Music Festival 2015. They join a diverse group of star studded performers that include Far East Movement, Tinashe, Hoodie Allen, Jay Park, “w-inds.”, and Homemade Kazoku. A handful of local performers will also be selected to perform as Guam Live draws closer.

Tickets are on sale now at all 76/ Circle K Locations and online at guam-live.com.

Smart Infinity brand ambassadors with Infinity executive at the recent launch of the brand’s new lifestyle plans

SMART REVAMPS PREMIUM POSTPAID PLANS

S

mart Infinity, the premium postpaid brand of Philippine mobile leader Smart Communications (Smart), today unveiled a revamped range of plans, as it continues to innovate and offer services that are tailor-fit for the more affluent segment of the market.

Smart Infinity, the premium postpaid brand of Philippine mobile leader Smart Communications (Smart), today unveiled a revamped range of plans, as it continues to innovate and offer services that are tailor-fit for the more affluent segment of the market.

Starting today, Smart Infinity offers the Roaming Plan for frequent travelers, the Consumable Plan with flexible elements and the highest volume allocation for LTE, the Tri-Net Plan for those who need unlimited calls and SMS to Smart, Sun and Talk ‘N Text subscribers, and the Multi-Plan which comes with multiple lines under a single account.

“These new plans are, by far, the most carefully designed services we’ve offered in the history of Smart Infinity. This is the result of us ‘listening’ intently and responding to what subscribers need from a premium mobile service provider -- given their lifestyle, their habits, even their aspirations,” said Julie Carceller, head of Smart Infinity.

The move is expected to sustain Smart’s strong start in the postpaid segment this year. The telco’s parent company PLDT continues to lead the postpaid market through its wireless units Smart and Sun -- with total postpaid subscribers of 2.9 million as of the first quarter of 2015, or an 18 percent rise versus the same period last year.

The same wireless units

also boosted PLDT’s cellular postpaid revenues to P5.7 billion during the first quarter of the year, or an 11 percent year-on-year growth.

BEST-IN-CLASS SERVICES With the new range of postpaid plans available, Smart Infinity subscribers will continue enjoying the superior Smart network, especially for mobile data use.

“We know that mobile data has become indispensable to Smart Infinity subscribers. We have designed these new plans with that in mind, hence they come with complimentary handsets that are among the most advanced, most powerful smartphones today,” added Carceller.

Aside from this, Smart Infinity subscribers enjoy other VIP privileges, such as: VIP Customer Service.

Smart Infinity members have a dedicated Infinity Relationship Officer*, access to a 24/7 worldwide concierge service, priority in Smart Stores, as well as the option to have their preferred mobile number and a spare SIM. VIP Network Access.

Smart Infinity subscribers can rely on the Smart network to enjoy calls and mobile data connectivity, enabling them to maximize the power and advanced features of the latest premium LTE devices that come with their plan.

VIP Rewards and Privileges.

Smart Infinity members have a whole array of year-round privileges, which can be simply accessed through the Smart Infinity Lifestyle App. The services of an Infinity Relationship Officer is exclusive to Plans 5000 and 8000 members.

F RIDAY : M AY 2 9 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

John Lloyd’s potential as a brand ambassador was launched by Biogesic through the highly successful “Ingat” campaign back in 2007.

‘INGAT’

MAKES PEOPLE FEEL BETTER ISAH V. RED When someone tells you, as you say your goodbyes, “Ingat!” the immediate feeling you get is the person wishes you well. And you feel good about it, even if temporarily.

The translation in English – Take care! – has been the catchphrase of the popular Biogesic TV commercials in the last decade or so, and it sums up the continuing care and commitment of Unilab and Biogesic to Filipinos.

Biogesic is the no.1 headache and fever medication for five decades.

This milestone marks the celebra-

John Lloyd Cruz and Biogesic have a formidable bond that has lasted for nine years, making the actor the icon of the medicine tablet that also made the catchprase ‘Ingat’ a nationwide expression

tion of the brand’s solid and deep partnership with its consumers.

To generations of Filipino families, Biogesic has been a symbol of unconditional care, beyond medication. And on its 50th year, Biogesic reassures Filipinos that the brand of care and relief it provides is here to stay, through its ‘ingat na nagpapatuloy’ (care that continues) campaign.

Since 2007 when the ‘Ingat” campaign was launched, actor John Lloyd Cruz has been the endorser of Biogesic. His amiable quality has made John Lloyd the perfect brand ambassador, delivering Biogesic’s message of ‘Ingat na Damang-Dama’ rather sincerely.

John Lloyd mirrors this care to the people around him. His popular commercials show the various roles he plays in real life--a caring son, grandson and actor. Recently, the actors’ real-life assistant (Pip), stylist (Rex) and manager (Nenette) appeared with him in a Biogesic TV campaign, showing how he also cares for the people he works with.

Of course, who can forget his earlier television commercial (TVC) with his grandmother?

The caring grandson rushes home to check on his sick lola. This made everyone think John Lloyd Espidol Cruz the ideal grandson.

The consistent brand messaging (“Ingat na Damang-Dama, maging sino ka man”) through John Lloyd paved the way for consumers to continue trusting Biogesic for their headache and fever, making it the undisputed leading brand in the country. The TVCs show care is truly felt no matter who you are.

Over the years, Biogesic and John

Lloyd have been evolving together.

Just as John Lloyd continues to develop his craft further as an actor, Biogesic is also evolving to continuously respond to the public’s need.

On its 50th year, Biogesic’s format has been changed from tablet to easy-to-swallow caplet. It is a testament to the brand’s higher level of care for its consumers.

Biogesic thanks the consumers, media partners, and other stakeholders who were instrumental in making the brand reach milestones after milestones. The brand certainly looks forward to serving Filipino patients for 50 more years and beyond. ➜ Continued on C7

Unilab’s Senior Vice President Sebastian F. Baquiran provides a brief history of Biogesic and its leadership in the industry for the last 50 years.