The Standard - 2015 June 07 - Sunday

VOL. XXIX NO. 109 3 Sections 24 Pages P18 SuNday, JuNE 7, 2015 www.manilastandardtoday.com editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B4

I.S. making chemical weapons

A3

BBL ‘payola’ probe gets going Tuesday

finally, a gold for philippines STORY ON B7

The sea games begin. Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore on Friday. (Inset) Claire Adorna gave the Philippines its first gold medal in the Games by ruling the women’s triathlon event. aFP

the press club

C1

chocovron’s sweet success

B2

S u n D AY : J u n E 7, 2 0 1 5

A2

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Looking good. Tourists shoot the breeze at Roxas Boulevard in Manila a few days after several attempts by authorities to clear the Manila Bay walk way of vagrants. dAnnY PATA

pnoy: no japan vfa issues aquino BRings hoMe P150B in jaPanese aid

By Sara Susanne d.

Fabunan PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III returned to the country with P13.5 billion investment pledges and P136.9 billion loans from his four-day state visit to Japan.

The President was welcomed at the arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday by Cabinet members, including Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Health Secretary Janette Garin and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

During the trip, President Aquino received P13.5 billion investment pledges from 11 companies which signed letters of intent to open or expand their operations in the Philippines.

The President cited clothing company Uniqlo, which currently has 22 outlets in the country, is planning to add 200 more shops.

He said the other companies are into manufacturing of electric tricycles, printers, smart glasses and medical devices such as aortic catheter, in vitro diagnostics and for hemodialysis treatment.

“In bringing their products to the Philippines, it is clear

that the brightness and talent of the Filipinos are being recognized,” Aquino said, adding that some companies have expressed plans to make the Philippines their center of operations in the Southeast Asian region.

“Because we all know that if the products being created are higher in the value chain of products, salaries are also higher and it will be faster to attain progress and dignity in the lives of the Filipinos,” Aquino said, noting that the investment pledges can generate around 30,721 jobs.

The Philippines and Japan also signed agreements in health, maritime safety and trade as well as a concessional loan amounting to P136.9 billion huge infrastructure projects.

“The various agreements that we have signed with Japan also bring additional good news, particularly in the sectors of health, maritime safety, and trade,” Aquino said.

President Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Abe also signed a Joint Declaration on Strengthened Strategic Partnership.

“The relations between our countries are truly deepending in many sectors, including security. This heightening of relations with Japan is timely because of the threats to stability in the West Philippine Sea,” Aquino said.

By Vito Barcelo and Sandy Araneta

ALTHOUGH the Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to discuss details of the proposed security agreement with Japan, President Benigno Aquino III himself said there should be no legal issues on a Visiting Forces Agreement with Japan because the Supreme Court has already ruled on its constitutionality.

DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said on Saturday details of the proposed pact have yet to be discussed, but it involves allowing Japanese military assets to use former United States bases in Pampanga and Zambales while on maritime patrol in the region.

“Details still have to be discussed and agreed on after the President proposed the idea,” Jose said when asked if the pact will be based on the VFA with the United States (ratified in 1999) or the one with Australia (ratified in 2012).

But during his recentlyconcluded state visit to Japan, Aquino himself referred to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement – an advanced version of the VFA with the US signed in 2014 – when he explained the security pact to Japanese journalists.

“Our Constitution prohibits foreign bases in our country.

But having said that, it does allow rotational presence,” Aquino said in a speech at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.

“Precisely why we have this new agreement, called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.”

Designed to build off of the

1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement, the EDCA allows US forces and contractors to operate out of “agreed locations” over which US forces will have operational control.

While the 10-year EDCA allows US forces to preposition and store defense materiel, equipment and supplies, it also makes clear that this materiel cannot include nuclear weapons. The Philippines, on the other hand, will resume control of the agreed locations after the expiration of the pact.

There was no mention of the VFA in the joint communique Aquino and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe released after their bilateral talks, but Aquino said the matter was discussed.

“It was discussed during our summit meeting with the Prime Minister that the relevant entities will start discussions, leading up to a Visiting Forces Agreement,” he said. “The Visiting Forces Agreement will have to be passed and approved by our Senate and we will be starting discussions.”

“We welcome this development. We have only two strategic partners, the US and Japan; and again, as I have stated pre-

viously, it does not behoove a good partnership or relationship if you are not able to work at the inoperability with the other,” Aquino added.

Aquino also noted that a VFA with Japan will have be finalized before a more advanced version, like the EDCA, is considered.

“We have a Visiting Forces Agreement with America and with Australia, but we don’t have the same with Japan. That has first to be worked out before we can talk about training exercises in the Philippines, especially for [Japan’s] Self-Defense Forces,” he said.

The Philippines and Japan started to heighten security cooperation in 2013 when Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida discussed increasing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. After Manila supported the proposal of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to amend Japan’s constitution to allow increased military activity, Tokyo agreed to hold talks on weapons exports and increased security cooperation.

Japan has also held similar talks with Australia, which agreed to share its expertise in a submarine development, and Malaysia, which has also agreed to begin security cooperation negotiations.

In January, the Philippines gave Japan a “wish list” of arms and other equipment and the agreement has progressed to talks on the provision of surveillance aircraft and sophisticated radar equipment.

S u n d ay : J u n E 7, 2 0 1 5

A3

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

4 PINOYS RESCUED IN SABAH

By Vito Barcelo

FOUR Filipinos were among the 129 mountain climbers who were trapped at Mount Kinabalu in Sabah after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck NortH Borneo, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.

The Filipino climbers were identified as Mary Nicole Gail Angeles, Kenneth Cueto Almonte, Anna Rose Gumantaron and Michael William Echevarria, who were rescued from the mountain

by Malaysian authorities.

A report from the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia said the rescue team helped 167 climbers, including the Filipinos, to safety after the quake stranded them atop Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest peaks.

The magnitude-6.0 quake struck last Friday, damaging several buildings in Ranau -- the epicenter, according to a report received by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The quake killed at least 11 people and left another 8 missing, an official said Saturday, Agence France Presse reported.

“From Kinabalu park management, I want to express my condolences to the families of the victims,” said Masidi Manjun, tourism minister for the Malaysian state of Sabah as he announced the toll at the mountain park’s headquarters.

Masidi said authorities could not yet confirm the identities of the dead and missing.

Malaysian media reports said they included members of a Singapore primary school group on an excursion to the peak, including a 12-year-old girl who was killed.

“It’s very sad. The Singapore children were so happy when they arrived here, but now...” Masidi said, trailing off as he shook his head.

Malaysian rescuers earlier on Saturday finished bringing down to safety 137 hikers who were stuck on the mountain for up to 18 hours after the quake damaged a key trail and they faced the threat of continuing rockfalls.

Crews and officials engaged in further search and rescue efforts were kept on edge, however, by a series of aftershocks, including one on Saturday afternoon that Malaysian officials rated at 4.5-magnitude.

The temblor sent staff and journalists scurrying out of the park’s headquarters.

Malaysian media reports said most people on the peak when the quake hit were Malaysian but that they also included hikers from Singapore, the United States, the Philippines, Britain, Thailand, Turkey, China and Japan.

A Malaysian climbing guide was among those dead, local media said. - With afP

Scene of the tragedy. Tourists take snapshots of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, where 11 people were killed after a strong earthquake hit the area. afP Photo

ROMUALDEZ : HONOR AT STAKE ON WANG ISSUE By maricel V. cruz THE honor and integrity of the House of Representatives will be at stake if congressmen refuse to investigate allegations that officials extorted money from an alleged Chinese crime lord to bribe lawmakers into passing the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law. “The reputations of our colleagues will again be in question if we won’t look into the Wang Bo case immediately,” Romualdez said, adding that disrepute will befall the entire House and all congressmen if they do not conduct a fair and

transparent investigation.

“That will be nothing less than grossly unfair to the innocent and to our institution,” Romualdez said.

Even Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. expressed concern over the allegation, especially after Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali, a leader of the ruling Liberal Party, admitted that there was some irregularity in the case of Wang Bo, who is detained at the immigration bureau at the behest of China.

“These unproven and baseless allegations have raised serious questions on the integrity of the immigration and deportation processes

and procedures in the country and have cast doubt on the integrity of the House of Representatives as an institution,” Belmonte said.

Belmonte, along with Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora and Independent Bloc leader Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, filed resolutions seeking the probe.

“It is imperative that the House of Representatives investigate these allegations in order to protect its honor and integrity as a law-making body,” Belmonte’s resolution added.

The House committee on good government and public accountabil-

ity will lead the investigation which will begin Tuesday, a week after The Standard reported the Wang case.

The panel chair, Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez stressed the need for Congress “to get into the bottom of truth” because the allegation of payola was indeed “very serious.”

Lawmakers crossed party lines in supporting the probe into the release order issued by Immigration officials for suspected Chinese crime lord Wang Bo after he allegedly paid for the P440 million bribe money for congressmen to ensure the passage of the proposed BBL.

MORE LAWMAKERS SEEK PURISIMA RESIGNATION By maricel V. cruz

Seeking a climate Solution. Ahead of the crucial Paris conference on climate change later this year, French Ambassador Gilles Garachon speaks at the “World Wide Views on Climate Change and Energy” debate forum in Manila. afP Photo

FORMER Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima should not only quit from his former position, but also resign from the police service for the good of the entire force, several congressmen urged on Saturday.

Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said it is best for Purisima to retire from the police service after his six-month preventive suspension.

“Purisima should resign already for the good of the organization,” Alejano, vice chair of the House committee on national defense and security, told The Standard in a text message.

Purisima, who resigned as the National Police chief at the height of January 25 Mamasapano massacre, will be on active duty status starting June 10.

Even if suspended then prior to his resignation, he was tasked by President Benigno Aquino III to lead the botched operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where 44 elite police commandos were killed.

Even House Speaker Feliciano

Belmonte, Jr. frowned on the comeback of Purisima in the PNP. “I don’t know [about] delicadeza of generals,” said Belmonte who had earlier demanded Purisima to resignation voluntarily in the light of plunder, graft, and direct bribery charges against the police general over his purported ill-gotten wealth and the Camp Came “White House” controversy.

Alejano expressed belief that Purisima should not be given a new assignment at all at the PNP. Alejano said he was dismayed that Purisima, who was alleged to have led the operation in Mamasapano, seemed to have been cleared of any accountability on the botched operation.

“I don’t think Purisima is worthy of taxpayers’ money,” a lawmaker who refused to be named, on the other hand, said.

House Deputy Minority Leader and 1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III said the Filipino people will always remember the gruesome Mamamsapano incident with Purisima clinging to power.

S U N D AY, J U N E 7, 2 0 1 5

A4

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

CHASING HAPPY ADELLE CHUA

THE TALENTED MR. NOCHE

[ EDI TORI A L ]

NO REASON WE have asked this over and over: Who does not want peace in Mindanao?

Peace in Mindanao would assure Filipinos there, Christians and Muslims alike, of a good life. Children would be able to contemplate a future.

Everybody would have equal opportunity and anybody who worked hard would have a chance at mobility. People would be able to develop their potential instead of always worrying about their security and their survival.

The Aquino administration, however, is ramming the Bangsamoro Basic Law down our throats as if this were the only means to achieve lasting peace. At best, the government’s efforts to make us all believe that the BBL would be for the good of Mindanao, and failure to pass it would make the region descend to chaos, is downright misleading.

The House of Representatives seems ready and willing to do its share.

The ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro faithfully transmitted the Palace draft of the bill. The Senate appears to be more resistant to interference, but given what we know about our senators, we really cannot tell.

In fact, the Palace is so intent on seeing the BBL hurdle the legislative mill that it is reported to have resorted to creative ways to raise funds to secure the lawmakers’ cooperation. An investigation into claims that a drug lord had been ordered released for a neat sum is under way—we hope the probe sheds light on what really happened instead of distracting us again.

The stakes are high, we understand, for Mr. Aquino who wants to boast about being able to engineer “peace” in Mindanao through the BBL when he delivers his last State of the Nation Address late next month.

Meanwhile, the real stakeholders—other residents of Mindanao who will be affected by the creation of the new juridical entity but whose opinion were never sought—continue to wait. Will they ever have a say on their own fate? The government has only been speaking with representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and has been defensive about doing so.

In The Standard Poll taken between May 8 and May 18 among respondents from all regions in the country, it is clear that Filipinos nationwide, and even in Mindanao, do not approve of the BBL in its current form, and for various reasons. Why Mr. Aquino chooses to ignore this resounding view is perplexing. It is not peace that people oppose but a hastily crafted bill that reflects only negotiations with a single group.

The misgivings are reasonable. The Aquino administration’s refusal to slow down and make the issue more inclusive and less objectionable is not.

TIES THAT BIND ARE WE THERE YET? BONG C. AUSTERO I WAS asked to come home to our hometown in Leyte last month as keynote speaker of the annual alumni homecoming of my high school.

My classmates and I did gather to celebrate our 20th anniversary some years back, but I have never attended the grand homecoming event of the whole school so I thought

it was a good time as any to come home and experience what many have sworn as an occasion worth coming back to annually.

I think many will agree with me that high school was when the happiest times of our lives happened. I spent mine at a school called the Abuyog Academy, which was some kind of a family tradition. My mother and her siblings, and my siblings and my cousins all went there and so did the siblings and cousins of one’s classmates. The

school didn’t have state-ofthe-art facilities but what it lacked in physical resources, it more than made up for with good old-fashioned character building. We cleaned classrooms for homeroom sessions, attended carpentry and gardening for practical arts, and made Christmas lanterns from scratch for the annual lantern parade. We did drills under the scorching heat of the sun and pulled grass around the town’s public areas as community service. There were distinct

A5

By midnight, we were all seeing each other as we were almost forty years ago; and even tried to behave as we did - gout, hypertension, beer bellies, and vertigo be damned.

advantages of attending a small town high school – we walked to school and went home for lunch, school activities such as the JS Prom and the CAT Tactical Inspection were town events, and everyone looked out for each other. The downside was that the school’s scouts and CAT cadets got commissioned to do most civic tasks – from guard duties at town fairs, to parade marshal, to carrying religious images during religious processions. And as can be expected, everyone gossiped about everyone else.

I naturally had some expectations of the grand re-

union, shaped by photos of previous years’ reunions. I came prepared for the feasting and the drinking and the dancing, which basically meant loading up on anticholesterol and maintenance medicines. What I wasn’t prepared for were the intermittent shrieks (“Is that you?” “That cannot be you!”), the non-stop hugging, and the endless retelling of decades-old capers.

Back in high school, I was the class nerd so it was my mission to make

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.

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

uncooperative and difficult teachers squirm by peppering them with questions that were almost impossible to answer; my class held the record of having made the most number of teachers cry. We were kids then. During my speech last month, I took extra pains to apologize publicly to the concerned teachers, albeit belatedly, and they got back at me by pinching me in the ears and thighs the way authority figures disciplined erring kids

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

in the seventies and eighties, and I guess all was forgiven.

It had been almost 40 years since we graduated from high school and the toll that the decades have made on our appearances, if not our memories, was difficult to hide, notwithstanding Vicky Belo and the supposed advances in aesthetic medicine. What I did learn though was that as soon as we got

Continued on A6

Continued on A6

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

THIS was the title of the blog post I wrote sometime in August 2009, upon the retirement of former Manila Standard Today art director Dario Noche. I had been working with him almost three years, he drawing the editorial cartoons for this paper’s opinion page.

I wrote in that blog entry (http:// adellechua.blogspot.com/2009/08/ talented-mr-noche.html) that I was bewildered that his retirement came and went without fanfare, given his contributions to the organization and his great talent. He wrote me, years afterwards when he stumbled into the blog post, thanking me for my kind words. I said my words were not enough.

And then there was Facebook, making keeping up with friends, acquaintances and former colleagues easier. Keep up, Mr. Noche did. I became updated about his activities with his friends at the Conspiracy bar along Visayas Avenue, and gained access to his drawings and pictures which he generously posted online.

Sometime in 2013, Mr. Noche agreed to be interviewed for a feature for MST Sunday. He described a life guided by passion and tempered with responsibility. He walked me through the many decades he spent in the publishing industry, hobnobbing with VIPs and getting his works published in many places.

He briefed me, too, on the art circle his group had organized and for which he acted as director. He invited me to visit; I said, sometime soon. He also said he was working on something big for Quezon City, even as he declined to go into detail at that time. I would later find out that he was one of several who were commissioned to render artwork for the city’s anniversary.

He talked about his children, as well. He passed up an opportunity to work in Singapore because they were still young at that time. Later on, he said he neither encouraged nor discouraged them to follow his path.“Let them look for what they want…just show them that you’re always there. Pretty soon they will find their place.”

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

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

S U N D AY, J U N E 7, 2 0 1 5

A4

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

CHASING HAPPY ADELLE CHUA

THE TALENTED MR. NOCHE

[ EDI TORI A L ]

NO REASON WE have asked this over and over: Who does not want peace in Mindanao?

Peace in Mindanao would assure Filipinos there, Christians and Muslims alike, of a good life. Children would be able to contemplate a future.

Everybody would have equal opportunity and anybody who worked hard would have a chance at mobility. People would be able to develop their potential instead of always worrying about their security and their survival.

The Aquino administration, however, is ramming the Bangsamoro Basic Law down our throats as if this were the only means to achieve lasting peace. At best, the government’s efforts to make us all believe that the BBL would be for the good of Mindanao, and failure to pass it would make the region descend to chaos, is downright misleading.

The House of Representatives seems ready and willing to do its share.

The ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro faithfully transmitted the Palace draft of the bill. The Senate appears to be more resistant to interference, but given what we know about our senators, we really cannot tell.

In fact, the Palace is so intent on seeing the BBL hurdle the legislative mill that it is reported to have resorted to creative ways to raise funds to secure the lawmakers’ cooperation. An investigation into claims that a drug lord had been ordered released for a neat sum is under way—we hope the probe sheds light on what really happened instead of distracting us again.

The stakes are high, we understand, for Mr. Aquino who wants to boast about being able to engineer “peace” in Mindanao through the BBL when he delivers his last State of the Nation Address late next month.

Meanwhile, the real stakeholders—other residents of Mindanao who will be affected by the creation of the new juridical entity but whose opinion were never sought—continue to wait. Will they ever have a say on their own fate? The government has only been speaking with representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and has been defensive about doing so.

In The Standard Poll taken between May 8 and May 18 among respondents from all regions in the country, it is clear that Filipinos nationwide, and even in Mindanao, do not approve of the BBL in its current form, and for various reasons. Why Mr. Aquino chooses to ignore this resounding view is perplexing. It is not peace that people oppose but a hastily crafted bill that reflects only negotiations with a single group.

The misgivings are reasonable. The Aquino administration’s refusal to slow down and make the issue more inclusive and less objectionable is not.

TIES THAT BIND ARE WE THERE YET? BONG C. AUSTERO I WAS asked to come home to our hometown in Leyte last month as keynote speaker of the annual alumni homecoming of my high school.

My classmates and I did gather to celebrate our 20th anniversary some years back, but I have never attended the grand homecoming event of the whole school so I thought

it was a good time as any to come home and experience what many have sworn as an occasion worth coming back to annually.

I think many will agree with me that high school was when the happiest times of our lives happened. I spent mine at a school called the Abuyog Academy, which was some kind of a family tradition. My mother and her siblings, and my siblings and my cousins all went there and so did the siblings and cousins of one’s classmates. The

school didn’t have state-ofthe-art facilities but what it lacked in physical resources, it more than made up for with good old-fashioned character building. We cleaned classrooms for homeroom sessions, attended carpentry and gardening for practical arts, and made Christmas lanterns from scratch for the annual lantern parade. We did drills under the scorching heat of the sun and pulled grass around the town’s public areas as community service. There were distinct

A5

By midnight, we were all seeing each other as we were almost forty years ago; and even tried to behave as we did - gout, hypertension, beer bellies, and vertigo be damned.

advantages of attending a small town high school – we walked to school and went home for lunch, school activities such as the JS Prom and the CAT Tactical Inspection were town events, and everyone looked out for each other. The downside was that the school’s scouts and CAT cadets got commissioned to do most civic tasks – from guard duties at town fairs, to parade marshal, to carrying religious images during religious processions. And as can be expected, everyone gossiped about everyone else.

I naturally had some expectations of the grand re-

union, shaped by photos of previous years’ reunions. I came prepared for the feasting and the drinking and the dancing, which basically meant loading up on anticholesterol and maintenance medicines. What I wasn’t prepared for were the intermittent shrieks (“Is that you?” “That cannot be you!”), the non-stop hugging, and the endless retelling of decades-old capers.

Back in high school, I was the class nerd so it was my mission to make

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.

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

uncooperative and difficult teachers squirm by peppering them with questions that were almost impossible to answer; my class held the record of having made the most number of teachers cry. We were kids then. During my speech last month, I took extra pains to apologize publicly to the concerned teachers, albeit belatedly, and they got back at me by pinching me in the ears and thighs the way authority figures disciplined erring kids

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

in the seventies and eighties, and I guess all was forgiven.

It had been almost 40 years since we graduated from high school and the toll that the decades have made on our appearances, if not our memories, was difficult to hide, notwithstanding Vicky Belo and the supposed advances in aesthetic medicine. What I did learn though was that as soon as we got

Continued on A6

Continued on A6

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

THIS was the title of the blog post I wrote sometime in August 2009, upon the retirement of former Manila Standard Today art director Dario Noche. I had been working with him almost three years, he drawing the editorial cartoons for this paper’s opinion page.

I wrote in that blog entry (http:// adellechua.blogspot.com/2009/08/ talented-mr-noche.html) that I was bewildered that his retirement came and went without fanfare, given his contributions to the organization and his great talent. He wrote me, years afterwards when he stumbled into the blog post, thanking me for my kind words. I said my words were not enough.

And then there was Facebook, making keeping up with friends, acquaintances and former colleagues easier. Keep up, Mr. Noche did. I became updated about his activities with his friends at the Conspiracy bar along Visayas Avenue, and gained access to his drawings and pictures which he generously posted online.

Sometime in 2013, Mr. Noche agreed to be interviewed for a feature for MST Sunday. He described a life guided by passion and tempered with responsibility. He walked me through the many decades he spent in the publishing industry, hobnobbing with VIPs and getting his works published in many places.

He briefed me, too, on the art circle his group had organized and for which he acted as director. He invited me to visit; I said, sometime soon. He also said he was working on something big for Quezon City, even as he declined to go into detail at that time. I would later find out that he was one of several who were commissioned to render artwork for the city’s anniversary.

He talked about his children, as well. He passed up an opportunity to work in Singapore because they were still young at that time. Later on, he said he neither encouraged nor discouraged them to follow his path.“Let them look for what they want…just show them that you’re always there. Pretty soon they will find their place.”

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

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

S U N D AY, J U N E 7, 2 0 1 5

A6

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

China’s Rising MilitaRy: now foR the haRd PaRt shaken at the same time. Top leaders worry about rising social discontent. it isn’t a good China isn’t an enemy of the U.S. But co- time for Chinese leaders to look weak on ercive diplomacy with China today is argu- defense. and China doesn’t have to be the actor ably more complicated than it was with the Soviet Union in the Cold War, at least after that sparks a dispute for tensions to escalate. in 2010, for example, China often rethe 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

One reason for this is that no consensus acted sharply to events initiated by others, exists in East asia on the territorial status such as Japan’s arrest of a Chinese fishing quo, as there did between the two Cold War boat captain and crew near the Senkaku iscamps in most regions of the world. The lands. Since then we have seen a mix of ChiPeople’s Republic of China, in the center nese assertiveness -- such as its placement of a region of great importance, has mari- and then removal last year of an oil rig in time sovereignty disputes with several of its waters disputed with Vietnam and its conneighbors, including two formal U.S. allies tinuing land reclamation projects on South (Japan and the Philippines) and one secu- China Sea reefs -- and its abrasive reactions to others’ actions, such as an upgraded Chirity partner (Taiwan).

Laboratory research on prospect theory, nese maritime presence near the Senkakus a psychological exploration of risk-based since the Japanese central government purdecision-making, demonstrates that most chased some of the islands from a private Japanese family in 2012. actors accept much bigThe Chinese leadership ger risks and are willing could use its conventional to pay larger costs to demilitary power to threaten fend what they believe is U.S. partners and to imrightfully theirs than to pose high costs on U.S. obtain new gains at othIf all actors forces if they intervened to ers’ expense. in a world in which conventional truly feel they are assist their allies. The ability to conduct such asymconflict could conceivdefending rightful metric warfare against the ably escalate to nuclear U.S. can potentially affect war, this human tendency claims against how disputes are managed is a force for stability; atthe revisionism in peacetime and who tacks across recognized might prevail politically if boundaries by either side of others, the a fight were to occur. would be risky, and deterThe U.S. has ways to rence against such attacks chicken game reduce a threat posed by is relatively credible. of international China’s ability to wage But in East asia today, asymmetric warfare. But governments draw comsecurity politics a future U.S. president peting maps about the is more likely to might be reluctant to use maritime domain. There some of the more effective are significant differlead to a deadly methods the american ences between mainland collision. military has at its disposal China and Taiwan about — such as destroying or the sovereign status of the disabling military targets government on the island, on the Chinese mainland and between China and –especially early in a conJapan over who owns the flict when such measures islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. There is also would be most effective.

For example, attacking China’s potent disagreement among China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia ballistic missiles, their launchers and their over ownership of islands, rocks and reefs command-and-control systems before the missiles strike U.S. bases and surface in the South China Sea. We should take no comfort in the appar- ships would be an efficient way to reduce ent sincerity of all the claimants. if all actors the threat. Chinese submarines, which can truly feel they are defending rightful claims fire torpedoes and cruise missiles or lay against the revisionism of others, the chick- sea mines, pose another potential threat. en game of international security politics is The U.S., all things being equal, might be tempted to attack submarine ports and namore likely to lead to a deadly collision.

These disputes are fueled by historical val command-and-control systems on Chivictimhood narratives and postcolonial nese soil.

But all things are not equal. no U.S. presinationalism. For the countries involved, defending sovereignty claims and recover- dent has ever launched robust conventional ing allegedly stolen territories are core mis- attacks against the homeland of a nation with nuclear retaliatory capability. Moreover, the sions. China is no exception.

Since the 2008 financial crisis, China conventional mobile ballistic missiles and has been more confident abroad and more submarines China has developed to counafraid at home. The country’s elite and its ter superior U.S. forces overlap dangerously citizens feel that its power position on the with the land-based missiles and submarines international stage has improved drasti- that China is developing to provide a secure cally. But the foundations of its export-led nuclear retaliatory capability. if the U.S. were to attack missile systems and investment-fueled growth model were

By Thomas J. Christensen

Ties.. From A5 faces and names together, all identification features became easily recognizable. no amount of time could erase the distinct way in which someone brayed, or squinted his eyes, or covered her mouth as she laughed.

By midnight, we were all seeing each other

as we were almost forty years ago; and even tried to behave as we did - gout, hypertension, beer bellies, and vertigo be damned. and because we had such a lot of fun and probably because we were thinking like irresponsible high school kids, we all decided to extend the reunion the following day at the town’s riverside resort.

The talented..From A5

and submarines for the purpose of protecting against conventional attack early in a conflict, Washington could unintentionally compromise portions of China’s nuclear arsenal as well. Chinese leaders could mistakenly view this as an attempt to eliminate China’s nuclear deterrent, risking escalation.

China adheres publicly to a no-first-use doctrine on nuclear weapons, a position that would seem to mean that no amount of conventional firepower leveled against it would cause it to resort to a nuclear response. But internal Chinese military writings suggest that no-first-use is more of a guideline than a rule and doesn’t necessarily apply under conditions in which a technologically superior foe attacks crucial targets with conventional weapons.

Even without this risk, the regional partners the U.S. relies on would likely oppose provocative early conventional strikes against the Chinese mainland. Those countries are in range of China’s conventional weapons and economically dependent on the transnational production system that has China as its fulcrum. if the situation sounds hopeless, it’s not. it helps mightily that China and the U.S. aren’t enemies and that both would be severely harmed by a conflict across the Pacific.

For americans, it is important to fixate less on China’s potential to catch up to the U.S. in total military power and more on analyzing which U.S. and allied strategies since the end of the Cold War have been effective in specific geographic and political contexts.

For example, the George W. Bush administration successfully mixed the credibility of the american commitment to the security of Taiwan (by selling it large tranches of weapons and warning mainland China against aggression across the Taiwan Strait) with reassurances to Beijing that the purpose of the U.S. defense relationship with the island was not to support permanent Taiwan independence from the Chinese nation. (The U.S. publicly opposed a 2008 referendum that called for seeking United nations membership for the island under the name Taiwan.)

The Obama administration has successfully signaled to the Chinese that the U.S. supports Japan’s administrative control of the Senkaku islands (for example, when the president reiterated in Tokyo in 2014 that the U.S. defense treaty with Japan covers the disputed islands). But his administration also has reportedly called for restraint from Japan as well, and even criticized Tokyo publicly for actions that seem to whitewash imperial Japan’s actions in World War ii.

Both of these examples show how a combination of U.S. power and resolve on the one hand, and diplomatic assurances on the other, can calm potentially volatile situations involving emotional sovereignty claims and a rising China. These episodes also demonstrate that U.S.-China relations are not a zero-sum game—and that it’s dangerous to act as if they are. Bloomberg

it turns out everyone else had the same idea so the whole setup looked exactly like a repeat of the previous day’s affair, less the stuffy speeches and the coordinated getups. it was just a matter of time before people started clowning around and dunking fully clothed classmates into the pools.

Of course we also had serious conversa-

in the story that was called “The doors are open for Dario noche,” (http://manilastadardtoday.com/2013/10/12/thed o ors - are - op e n - for- d ar i o noche/) he pondered how he did not seem to have the killer instinct that possessed his contemporaries as they sought to be prolific and prominent at the same time. “it was as if all doors were just opened to me,” he marveled, “and all i had to do was step inside.”

The man was quick to attribute all his success to chance, but his story said otherwise. it showed he was diligent -- as a layout artist in the 60s and 70s, he read every piece he laid out and compared the raw copy to the edited version. he was vehemently against the “pwede na yan” mentality. at the newspaper where he worked closely with the editorial team to inject new representations of the same old issues, he worked consistently and unfailingly. “Every day, whatever the weather, however you’re feeling, you had to be there,” he said. his retirement finally gave him the freedom to do what he loved to do sans the deadline. “i hope it’s not too late to start now,” he said. *** it wasn’t, but he did not have much time to continue. Mr. noche died last week -- a sudden passing when he seemed to be just as active with his online and offline friends mere days before.

Last month, on Mothers’ Day, he posted an early sketch of his on my wall: a street full of busy people with a mother, carrying a baby on one arm and a suitcase on another, making a mad dash for who knows where. i said thanks, and felt flattered that it was how he must see me, struggling with multiple demands, and i hoped, jut a wee bit succeeding. it was not just his art that made Mr. noche a remarkable man. it was his quiet, humble bearings. if you looked at him as a stranger from across a room, you would not be able to see at once how good he was in what he did and how deeply he cared for his family. he sat back and let others dominate conversations. he spoke only when he had something extremely important to say. in fact, he could seem tentative, even shy.

Who says we must all have killer instincts and advertise our worth all the time, by the way? it is enough that we do what we do best, as Mr. noche did.

We lost a good man. adellechua@gmail.com

tions about where life has taken each one of us and made plans to do more meaningful ways of giving back to the school and the community. We all swore to come back next year, and yes, in keeping with the Filipino tradition of one-upmanship, made a vow to have better t-shirts and more gimmicks than the other batches.

S U N D AY : J U N E 7, 2 0 1 5

A7

NEWS editorial@thestandard.com.ph

LP WAR CHEST GETS BOOST-SOLON

By Maricel V Cruz

“The government has some priority projects and programs that will be funded by the 2016 budget, especially those for completion. Besides, the Aquino administration has instituted some measures to ensure transparency and [the] judicious utilization of public funds,” Evardone said in a text message.

A MILITANT lawmaker on Saturday said the planned 15-percent increase in government spending for 2016 is meant to give provide more Manila funds for the Lib- Standard TODAY eral Party to ensure the victory of its candidates in next year’s elections, a TO : claimed brushed aside by an LP congressman.

SUBJECT : “The ruling party will surely use all the funds in its discretion to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential elections,” Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon.

But a Palace ally, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone dismissed as “totally baseless” the claim of Ridon.

1.

Ridon said the increased in the national expenditures will be used as “election war chest” of President Aquino III’s administration party.

“Expect the 2016 national budget to be loaded with infrastructure projects, lump sums for questionable programs, and various nefarious items all aimed at funding the 2016 election

2.

Republic of the Philippines Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

5.4.3

DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 001-2015 1 June 2015

REVISED GUIDELINES ON AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT DEPOSITORY BANKS 5.5

LEGAL BASIS

Where the Requesting Agency cannot meet all of the conditions set forth under Sections 5.2 to 5.4, it shall request for prior approval from the DOF for GOCCs/ BTr for NGAs/ BLGF for LGUs, to open and maintain an account in the (proposed) bank other than those referred under Section 5.2.

5.5.1

COVERAGE

DEFINITION OF TERMS “Authorized Government Depository Bank” refers to a bank where Government Agencies are allowed by law to deposit Government Funds and maintain depository accounts, or by way of exception, a bank allowed or designated by the DOF and the Monetary Board to hold government deposits subject to prescribed rules and regulations.

3.2

“Government Financial Institutions (“GFIs”)” refer to financial institutions or corporations in which the government directly or indirectly owns majority of the capital stock and which are either: (1) registered with or directly supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (“BSP”); or are (2) collecting or transacting funds or contributions from the public and thereafter, placing them in financial instruments or assets such as deposits, loans, bonds and equity including, but not limited to, the Government Service Insurance System and the Social Security System.

3.3

“Government Funds” include public moneys of every sort and other resources pertaining to any agency of the government.

3.4

“Government Instrumentalities with Corporate Powers (“GICPs”) / Government Corporate Entities (“GCEs”)” refer to instrumentalities or agencies of the government which are neither corporations nor agencies integrated within the departmental framework, but vested by law with special functions or jurisdiction, endowed with some if not all corporate powers, administering special funds, and enjoying operational autonomy usually through a charter including, but not limited to, the following: The Manila International Airport Authority, the Philippine Ports Authority, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the Laguna Lake Development Authority, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Cebu Port Authority, the Cagayan de Oro Port Authority, the San Fernando Port Authority, the Local Water Utilities Administration and the Asian Productivity Organization.

3.5

4.

5.

“Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (“GOCCs”)” refer to any agency organized as a stock or non-stock corporation, vested with functions relating to public needs whether governmental or proprietary in nature, and owned by the Government of the Philippines directly or through its instrumentalities either wholly or, where applicable as in the case of stock corporations, to the extent of at least a majority of its outstanding capital stock. Provided, however, That for purposes of this Circular, the term “GOCC” shall include GICP/GCE and GFI as defined herein.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES 4.1

As the Government’s steward of sound fiscal policy, the Department of Finance formulates, institutionalizes and administers policies to ensure that the government resources are managed and mobilized judiciously in a manner supportive of the development objectives of the government in promoting the welfare of the people and accelerating economic growth and stability.

4.2

The Bureau of Local Government Finance (“BLGF”), as the focal agency and authority in local finance, shall assist the Department of Finance in the formulation and implementation of policies on fund management.

4.3

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 55 (s. 2011), the government through the DOF and the Bureau of the Treasury (“BTr”) implemented the Treasury Single Account (“TSA”) system for better cash management and greater transparency in public financial management.

GENERAL GUIDELINES 5.1

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 55, all National Government Agencies shall adopt the TSA system for the collection of fees, charges and other revenues and remittance of the same to the National Treasury.

5.2

As part of the Government’s effort to strengthen its overall fiscal position, all NGAs, GOCCs, and LGUs specifically allowed by law, rules and regulations to retain income and/or for operations and/or working balances shall deposit and maintain accounts with GFIs with a universal bank license and a CAMELS rating of at least “3”.

5.3

In view of Executive Order No. 55, series 2011 removing revenue and expenditure floats, the NGA/ GOCC/ LGU may engage the payment and collection services of a bank other than as referred under Section 5.2, thru a transaction fee-based arrangement, without the need for prior approval from the DOF, in the case of GOCCs, or, from the BLGF, in the case of LGUs: provided, that in the case of NGAs the implementation of any payment and collection system should require concurrence of BTr for consistency to the TSA framework; provided, further, that the (proposed) bank will only serve as a collection bank for the account of the NGA/ GOCC/ LGU: provided, finally that, in the case of collection banks, all collections shall be transferred to any of the GFIs referred in Section 5.2 on the next banking day counted from the collection date.

5.4

Bank accounts with banks other than GFIs referred in Section 5.2 may be allowed for the NGA/ GOCC/ LGU under the following circumstances: 5.4.1

Where the GFIs referred under Section 5.2 cannot provide the necessary banking products and services;

5.4.2

Where there are no accessible (within the twenty (20) kilometer radius) GFIs, as referred under Section 5.2, or its collection facility. The Requesting Agency shall furnish the DOF/ BTr/ BLGF a copy of the vicinity map showing

Where security and safety are the reasons for opening and maintaining an account in a (proposed) bank. The Requesting Agency shall furnish the DOF/ BTr/ BLGF an Independent Report or Certification from the Philippine National Police Provincial Office confirming the existence of the security risks.

In the case of GOCCs and LGUs, a maintaining balance may be allowed for operating expenses of up to three (3) months, after having performed a cost-benefit analysis, or up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) of P500,000.00, whichever is lower. All funds deposited shall be limited to operating funds and no other deposits shall be maintained for special projects or investment purposes. Any amount in excess of the authorized cash balance in Section 5.4 shall be transferred to any of the GFIs in Section 5.2.

HEADS OF ALL NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, GOVERNMENT- OWNED OR -CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS/ GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND PROVINCIAL, CITY, MUNICIPAL AND BARANGAY TREASURERS (LOCAL TREASURERS)

3.1

2014 cooled down what would otherwise be a heating economy and said they will now use the unspent funds on roads, bridges, ports and airports this year, giving the economy a boost.

Congress allocated a total of P2.606-trillion national budget for 2015 and that is 15.1 percent higher than the P2.26trillion 2014 budget.

the location and distance between the Requesting Agency, the GFIs referred in 5.2 hereof, and the (proposed) bank; and,

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

This Circular shall cover all National Government Agencies (“NGAs”), Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (“GOCCs”)/Government Financial Institutions (“GFIs”)/Government Instrumentalities with Corporate Powers (“GICPs”)/Government Corporate Entities (“GCEs”) and Local Government Units (“LGUs”).

3.

of the 2016 budget as he announced that the government plans to use at least P160 billion of the P468 billion in unspent funds from the 2014 budget to help boost economic growth to seven to eight percent this year.

Abad dismissed criticism that the government’s below-target spending of P1.982 in

stint of the ruling party,” Ridon said.

Earlier, Budget Secretary Butch Abad said the Aquino administration will ask Congress to approve an election year budget of P3 trillion even though it failed to spend almost P500 billion in allocations for 2014.

Abad announced the proposed amount

These guidelines are being issued in line with the mandate of the Department of Finance (“DOF”) under the Administrative Code of 1987 and Executive Order No. 127, series of 1987 for the sound and efficient management of the financial resources of the Government, its subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities.

ANOTHER RED LEADER ARRESTED THE military and police arrested on Friday the husband of detained Andrea Rosal, daughter of the late New People’s Army spokesman Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, in Barangay San Andres, Noveleta, Cavite, a few days after another Red leader was nabbed also in Cavite.

The arrest of rebel commander Diony Bore, also known as Kumander Bibiet and Ka Nene, was announced by Cavite police director Senior Superintendent Jonnel Estomo.

Confiscated from him were two cellular phones and SIM cards including his picture at the supposed grave of his fatherin-law, Ka Roger.

But Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay said the name of Rosal’s husband is Billy Santiago who was arrested at around 3 p.m.

“The [Provincial Police Office] has denied Karapatan’s quick reaction team access to Santiago and has been repeatedly denying that Santiago is in their custody, when it was Senior Supt. Jonnel Estomo himself who announced it to the media,” Palabay said.

Sources said Santiago was placed under the custody of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for interrogation. Florante Solmerin

Ridon’s statement came in the light of the plan of the Aquino administration to allocate a P3 trillion national budget for next year as shown in a National Budget memorandum of the Budget department released last March.

The government said the stepped up spending is intended to spur economic growth.

5.5.2

6.

In requesting for prior approval, the Requesting Agency shall submit the following specific requirements to the DOF/ BTr/ BLGF, as applicable: a.

Letter from the Head of the Requesting Agency or its duly designated officer requesting the approval from the DOF/ BTr/ BLGF citing the terms of the deposit, purpose for opening and maintaining an account with the (proposed) bank and specific reasons and circumstances for not meeting the conditions;

b.

In the case of a GOCC, it shall submit (i) a copy of the Board Resolution authorizing the GOCC to deposit funds with the (proposed) bank, (ii) its latest audited financial statements issued not more than 18 months at the time of the submission of the request, (iii) its latest Schedule of Cash and Shortterm Investment Balances and (iv) a Summary of its Daily Collection Report for the last three months;

c.

In the case of an LGU, it shall submit (i) a Certification from the (proposed) bank that no elective or appointive local government official of the LGU concerned is a director, officer or stockholder of the bank, unless certified that it is the only bank operating in the territorial jurisdiction of the LGU, (ii) a copy of the Resolution of the local Sanggunian concerned authorizing the LGU to deposit funds with the (proposed) bank with the approval of the Local Chief Executive and (iii) a copy of the Certification from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the Seal of Good Housekeeping or any document from DILG showing that the LGU has passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping;

d.

In cases where security and safety are the reasons for opening and maintaining an account in a (proposed) bank other than the GFIs referred under Section 5.2, the Requesting Agency shall submit an Independent Report or Certification from the Philippine National Police Provincial Office confirming the existence of the security risk;

e.

The (proposed) bank’s latest CAMELS rating issued by the BSP;

f.

Vicinity map showing the location and distance between the Requesting Agency, the GFIs mentioned in 5.2 hereof, and the (proposed) bank;

g.

Notarized Waiver in favor of the BTr and the (proposed) bank to allow BTr in the case of NGAs to have oversight authority on the bank account and for the bank to provide any required reports/statements to BTr; and

h.

Other information that the DOF/ BTr/ BLGF may require in the course of its evaluation.

In cases where the GFIs mentioned in Section 5.2 hereof establishes or operates a branch within the territorial jurisdiction or in the locality where the NGA/ GOCC/ LGU or any of its branches, field offices, departments, divisions or operating units holds or conducts its office or business, or where the circumstances under Section 5.4 is no longer prevailing, the NGA/ GOCC/ LGU shall transfer all funds and cash balances to GFIs mentioned in Section 5.2 within three (3) banking days from the time the exceptional circumstance is no longer prevailing, whichever comes first: provided, that in the case of an NGA, proper reporting of cash balances on the bank accounts should be made to the BTr or its field offices before and after the closure of the account with the (proposed) bank.

SANCTIONS

Any violation of this Circular shall be a ground for the imposition of the following sanctions:

7.

6.1

For the bank, other than those referred under Section 5.2, the DOF shall recommend to BSP the cancellation of the authority to accept government deposits if one has already been granted and/or disqualification to act as a government depository for not more than one (1) year without prejudice to other sanctions as may be imposed by the BSP.

6.2

For NGAs/ GOCCs/ LGUs, the Heads of NGAs/ GOCCs/ LGUs shall be responsible for the compliance of this Circular without prejudice to criminal and/ or administrative liability in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

REPEALING CLAUSE This Circular supersedes DOF Order No. 27-05 dated 09 December 2005, DOF Order No. 32-03 dated 10 November 2003, DOF Order No. 11-99 dated 24 February 1999 and all other DOF issuances and regulations which are inconsistent herewith.

8.

EFFECTIVITY This Circular shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

CESAR V. PURISIMA Secretary of Finance (TS-JUNE 7, 2015)

C

A8

SUNDAY: JUNE 7, 2015

editorial@the standard.com.ph

‘cha-cha to end dynasties’ THE only way to end political dynasties is to change the Constitution, former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno said on Saturday as he led the launching of “Bagong Sistema, Bagong Pag-asa,” a new movement seeking to change the country’s political system by revising the 1987 Charter.

Puno is leading the movement to press the President and Congress to call for a Constitutional Convention to propose changes to the Constitution.

“We cannot eliminate political dynasties by relying on Congress to pass the necessary laws,” Puno told a crowd of almost 3,000 that attended a gathering of advocates of Constitutional change at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila and the thousands more gathered in at least 11 regions who watched him via Internet live streaming.

The elimination of political dynasties is one good reason for changing the 1987 constitution, said the voice of judicial activism in the past and now advocate of system change.

Estrada housE burglEd

By Francisco Tuyay

TWo burglars broke into the house of Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada at a posh subdivision in Quezon City at dawn Saturday, and one of them escaped with an undetermined value of jewelry items.

Senior Police officer 3 Clemente Arcilla of the Quezon City Police District Station 12 said the two robbers entered the house of Estrada at Corinthian Hills in Quezon City at about 3 a.m.

Arcilla said that one of the robbers identified as Eric Dalagan suffered bruises in different parts of his body after some of Estrada’s neighbors beat him up. Dalagan’s unidentified companion escaped.

Dalagan was rushed to the Quezon City Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

The robbers evaded security guaards manning the subdivision and took a handful of jewelry items from Estrada’s house.

Pieces of jewelry were recovered from Dalagan.

Police have yet to determine the value of jewelry items carted away by Dalagan’s companion.

Police said that the robbers went straight to the second floor and even defecated on the balcony of Estrada’s mansion.

The robbers once worked as members of Estrada’s household, police said.

“The only way to eliminate political dynasties is through the Constitution, by providing a self-executing provision that does not need any implementing law from Congress,” Puno pointed out.

Nearly 30 years after the 1987 Constitution took effect, which prohibits political dynasties “in accordance with law,” Congress has yet to pass any law to give flesh to the Constitutional provision.

Puno described political dynasties as “the modern resurrections of the discredited monarchs, kings and queens of the medieval times [who] believe that political power comes from blood line and not from the ballot box.”

“We will never attain full democracy until we elimi-

Former Chief Justice reynato Puno leads the launching of bagong sistema, bagong Pag-asa Movement at the san andres sports Complex in Manila. Movement supporters in at least 11 regions joined the launching via Internet live streaming. LINO SANTOS

nate these political dynasties, for in a true democracy political power cannot be a monopoly of a few but should be in the hands of the many,” he said.

Puno had earlier called for revision of the Constitution as the alternative to the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law now pending in Congress.

In is speech yesterday, Puno reiterated that the Mindanao problem cannot

be solved by a mere law that will establish a Bangsamoro government.

Said Puno: “Mali po yang sistemang ginagawa natin upang magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao.

Bumuo tayo ng panukalang batas, yang BBL at yung Framework Agreement.

Dito sa BBL, binibigyan natin ang Bangsamoro ng ibang structure of government, ng iba’t ibang kapangyarihan na higit pa sa

ipinagkaloob ng ARMM. Wala pong masama dito kung ito ang pangangailangan nila, kung ito ang tunay na magdudulot ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao. Ngunit ang tanong po ay maibibigay ba natin ito, magagawa ba natin ito ng hindi natin nilalabag ang ating 1987 Constitution?”

Puno said Congress cannot give the powers demanded in the BBL “without destroying the unitary character of our government, without violating our 1987 Constitution,” even as he warned of a crisis regardless of the fate of BBL. “Kaya po sinasabi natin na nasa crisis tayo, dahil ang sitwasyon natin ay isang no-win situation.

Kapag hindi pinagtibay ang BBL, may gulo sa Mindanao. Kapag pinagtibay ng walang pagbabago, ito ay labag sa Saligang Batas at ibabasura ng Korte Suprema, at gulo sa Mindanao. Kapag pinagtibay ng maraming amienda, gulo pa din dahil it will not satisfy anybody,” he pointed out.

The solution, he said, is to bring the Mindanao is-

sue before a Constitutional Convention so that the proper framework for the distribution of power can be put in a new Constitution.

“That way, the solution will be permanent,” Puno said.

Puno said the problem in Mindanao is about balance of power between the national government and Muslim Mindanao, between the national government and local government units, between the three branches of government, even the powers of the constitutional commissions.

Puno also proposed that socio-economic rights should be included in the Bill of Rights like political and civil rights so that they become “demandable” and the poor have a better chance of improving their lot in society.

But he said the ConCon must truly represent the interest of the Filipino people and not be dominated by traditional politicians, political parties, political dynasties and interest groups.

SUNDAY: JUNE 7, 2015

Roderick T. dela Cruz EDITOR business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

B1

HOW GLOBE TELECOM SURVIVED A SINKING SHIP

A product booth of software and solutions provider Amdocs at Westin Singapore puts on display the latest technologies for the telecom sector.

SINGAPORE—Seven years ago, Globe Telecom was a sinking ship, with competitors eating into its market share and Internet companies threatening to make its services obsolete. Profit began declining in 2008 after peaking a year earlier as traditional call and SMS revenues stagnated, when people stopped sending text messages and became obsessed with Facebook and Viber.

Globe Telecom president and chief executive Ernest Cu

Then came a realization that Globe needed to change its mindset, from a telecom operator into a communication services provider that understands and responds to the needs of its subscribers in the digital age.

“We chose to re-orient our focus to customer above all else,” Globe Telecom president and chief executive Ernest Cu says in a business summit organized by telecom solutions provider Amdocs at Westin Singapore.

The transformation of Globe’s focus from utility concept to service/customer idea, along with introduction of innovative ideas, arrested months of market share loss, says Cu. “Customer-centricity became our number one mantle,” says Cu. “We simplified our vision—happy customers, happy employees and happy shareholders.”

Globe also embraced the digital age and decided to work with over-the-top players and instant messaging applications, instead of competing against them.

“We were the first partners of Facebook in the Philippines.

Through them, we gained a lot of digital market share. We also partnered with Viber and WhatsApp. We have to embrace the OTT players.

They are gonna come and get you anyway. You better use them to your advantage,” says Cu. Globe modernized its network, replacing the base infrastructure with digital technology through a $700-million investment. It changed the format of its stores and tapped the interactive solutions of Amdocs, a US company that

provides software and services to telcos around the world.

In a span of seven years, Globe grew its postpaid subscriber base from 700,000 to 2.4 million, while simultaneously expanding the prepaid base. “Today, we are now the top mobile brand in the Philippines,” says Cu. Globe earned a record profit of P13.4 billion in 2014 from service revenues of P99 billion.

This continued in the first quarter of 2015, when net income surged 43 percent to P4.2 billion, as service revenues climbed 13 percent to P26.2 billion, on the back of a 31-percent gain in broadband business.

“We have built a new Globe in sync with the customers,” says Cu, adding that the company is now one of the most in demand stocks in the Philippines, with a 63-percent gain since the start of 2015. It currently has a market capitalization of $7.8 billion.

Cu says amid declining SMS revenues, Globe decided to broaden its product offering to include digital entertainment, in partnership with the likes of Disney and Marvel Studios.

“We consider Globe now to be the purveyor of Filipino digital lifestyle. We actually have a chance to shape an emerging lifestyle in the Philippines,” he says.

Cu says Globe continues to innovate, as it taps Amdocs to bring more features that will excite subscribers. He says one of the projects with Amdocs is to eliminate “bill shock” among subscribers, adding that the technology is on the way.

CONTINUED ON B3

SUNDAY: JUNE 7, 2015

B2

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

CHOCOVRON EXPANDS

SWEET SUCCESS NATIONWIDE

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

A COUPLE from Surigao del Sur who established a sweet venture in 2003 with a capital of P8,000 now employs 80 people, supplies chocolate coated polvoron nationwide and exports food products to several countries.

Joel Yala, 46, was born in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur. He is married to Marissa Lourdes, with whom he has two children named Mary Joy and Maryjayn. They are now based in San Pedro City, Laguna, where their factory is located.

Yala is the owner of Chocovron Global Corp. which supplies chocolate coated polvoron to convenience stores and leading supermarkets throughout the country.

“We started our business in our backyard with my wife with the amount of P8,000. We are the first to introduce the chocolate coated polvoron,” says Laya.

In 2003, ChocoVron started as a venture of Laya and his wife. After a free tasting spree among family members, neighbors and friends, a formulation for ChocoVron polvoron was perfected.

The couple realized their first delivery of 10 packs in the first quarter of 2003. Starting out as a bakery, it is now a corporation and one of the major players in the processing of food products from natural sources that showcase the Filipino flair for ingenuity and quality.

“We now have different variants of chocovron. We also have additional three brands which include Manila Polvoron, Rite Snack and Nutrivron,” Laya says.

Laya recalls that when he was young, his mother encouraged him to sell her products such as ice candy, donut, siopao and empanada.

“She offered me a 10-percent incentive. From that point, I developed my entrepreneur mindset and I started dreaming to have a business someday,” he says.

“I started researching on business, like how to start. I also researched about marketing strategies,” he says.

Laya says one unfortunate event almost led to the closure of the business. “ When Chocovron is about eight months, I was a victim of hold-up and I decided to stop our business because I was sleepless for almost one week due to trauma. I told my wife we need to stop the business and I will continue my job,” Laya says.

ChocoVron founders Joel Yala (right) and Marissa Lourdes Yala

“One night, however, it’s as if God talked to me from what I read from the Guide Obedience Disclipline. According to God, ‘Tingan mo ang kamote, habang tinatlbusan lalong lumalago.’ The following day, I told my wife that we will continue the business and God will take care of the rest,” he says.

Laya originally was able to study engineering, despite the lack of resources. “Due to financial constraints, I studied a vocational

course. I worked as a helper mechanic at a logging company in our province. I was also a construction worker and planned to join the military but my father objected to my plan and forced me to enroll in Quezon City Engineering School.

I graduated BSME in 1993,” says Laya.

Laya says he is proud that their products were able to penetrate the market.

“From an ordinary employee, I became a business owner.

From backyard business, our products became popular and were able to penetrate not only the local but also the export market. Our polvoron was even dubbed as the Pambansang Polvoron,” he says.

Laya says the key to having a successful business is to show concern for employees.

At present, Laya’s business employs 60 to 80 people.

“I believe in an open door policy. I always do the kumus-

tahan system to make sure that my employees are fine. I treat them as friends and I always ask them to help me make the business successful and in return, I will help them too,” says Laya.

Laya says despite his busy schedule, he makes sure that he and his family are able to attend the Sunday mass and prayer meetings in their community.

“I also make sure that I read the Bible and pray before I go to work,” he says.

Laya says they are planning to create more products.

“Food products are in demand all the time. Before, we used to occupy only 35 square meters of land but now we occupy 7,000 square meters already and we are still looking forward to a bigger one,” he says.

“We are still focusing on our current business but later we will enter marketing distribution of other products as well,” he says.

With his success, Laya encourages young entrepreneurs to always dream big and do whatever it takes to attain their dream.

“Always ask yourself, am I nearing my dream? What am I doing now to attain that dream?,” Laya says.

Laya says that above all, one must always have faith and pray for God’s guidance.

Patience, he says, is a virtue of successful entrepreneurs. One does not become successful in just a blink of an eye, he says.

“Success is not like an elevator, you have to use the stairs to achieve what you want. People in the world have a manual but only few of us know this or neglect this. The Bible should be our manual,” Laya says.

“I strongly believe that the best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today,” Laya says.

SUNDAY: JUNE 7, 2015

B3

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

CDO-FOODSPHERE BARES FORMULA IN PRODUCING WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTS A food technologist ensures the high quality of CDO products.

FOODSPHERE Inc., the company behind CDO and San Marino food brands, delivers world-class products by ensuring food safety at the highest level.

Marites Escarcha, Foodsphere vice president for plant operations, said the company has improved its manufacturing system giving more emphasis on quality assurance rather than quality control where the latter is a reactive approach dependent on routine inspection and testing.

“Quality assurance is a proactive approach focusing on the manufacturing process to ensure quality of a product even before production,” Escarcha said.

She said it requires an established and documented quality management system, training of people, and periodic assessment

or audit, to ensure effectiveness, adequacy and relevance of the system in place. The combined efforts of both government and private sector have effectively increased consumers’ awareness and demand for food safety. Hence, as aligned with local regulatory and, both its local and international customer requirements, CDO endeavoured to improved and consistently put these quality standards into practice, to meet its commitment to every consumer to provide not just affordable, but most of all, safe products.

Escarcha added that the company gives emphasis to compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices and implementation of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points.

GMP provides minimum requirements for personnel, working environment, process, equipment and facilities, among others, to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.

HACCP, on the other hand, is a systematic and scientific approach that identifies and controls possible food hazards in each step of the process to ensure food safety.

These, coupled with established and implemented quality and food safety management systems, the company obtained worldclass certification from a highly recognized third-party certification body.

SGS Philippines, a leading certification company, awarded Foodsphere with two certificates for ISO systems, the Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2008) and Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000:2005) which was further elevated to Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000), a certification scheme compliant with ISO 22000:2005 and ISO/TS 22002-1 Pre-requisite

Program on Food Safety.

“These certificates attest to the company’s world-class manufacturing standards and excellent food safety system,” said Escarcha.

Foodsphere has been included in the directory of FSSC certified companies worldwide, since 2013, where almost 9,000 certified sites in 149 countries are listed.

As of February 2015, the Philippines had only 81 certified sites, where 74 were food manufacturing companies and 7 were food packaging materials manufacturing establishments.

Of the 74 sites, only three meat processing plants were certified, which included Foodsphere.

Meanwhile, only two cheese manufacturing sites were certified, with Foodsphere as one of the two.

Foodsphere has also set in place its own internal standards that recognize best practices as early as 2003.

Marites Escarcha and Amy Cuña, vice president for manufacturing, together with the Quality Assurance Department, initiated a recognition program by giving

Star Quality Awards to acknowledge teams who consistently meet the quality standards.

The program covers all departments involved in the manufacture of the products. They are inspected and rated daily based on the established key performance indicators such as compliance to GMP, timely submission of accurate quality records, and efforts to reduce if not totally eliminate product complaints, mis-operations, process deviations, and product rejections.

The program is now on the 11th year of giving Star Quality Awards to deserving teams.

Escarcha said with the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations integration later this year, Foodsphere Inc. is in a position to keep pace with other companies in the region to ensure that global standards on quality and food safety are met, not always, but all the time.

“Foodsphere adheres to best global practices to deliver the best and high-quality food products at reasonable prices,” she said.

HOW GLOBE TELECOM SURVIVED A SINKING SHIP FROM B1

Globe earlier signed a seven-year agreement with Amdocs for the transformation and management of its business support systems and enterprise data warehouse.

Telecom executives agree that digital age is around the corner and telcos need to evolve with the changing times. “Businesses that embrace digital technology have more profit,” says Shannon Bell, director of marketing and business development at Amdocs.

Yuan Kuan Moon, Singtel consumer CEO, says customers now have higher expectation from telco operators. “Dynamic shifts in technology have drastically changed customers’ needs and behavior,” he says.

“These changes in customer needs are giving us a big headache as service provider,” Moon says. “The customer is putting a very high standard on us.”

He says to meet the expectations of customers, Singtel worked to understand their needs and preferences. “Only then can we give the customers the right offer,” he says.

A global survey by Amdocs found that senior executives of service providers believe that industry CEOs in Asia Pacific need to change their management styles in order to remain successful five years from now.

Amdocs booth draws participants

Abhay Kumar, regional vice president for Asia Pacific at Amdocs, says 78 percent of the respondents believe that change is necessary as rapid innovation by traditional and new players continue to revolutionize the way people communicate and consume information and entertainment.

“2020 Asia-Pacific CEOs will provide most value in good corporate governance, financial governance and innovation,” he says.

According to the study, Asia-Pacific CEOs in 2020 are more likely to invest in cloud services, customer experience and big data analytics.

Uri Gurevit, director of market insight and strategy at Amdocs, cites the

importance of improving customer experience to win and retain subscribers.

“In today’s world, it is not just a battle for services, but also battle for experience,” he says. “When we have a good experience with one company, we expect the same thing with other industry. The bar has been raised. No longer the content, but customer experience is the differentiator.”

A study by market research firm Gartner says customer experience will be the primary basis for competition by 2016. The survey, which had 8,450 consumers in 17 countries, found that the Philippines had the least loyal subscribers to their current service provider.

Gurevit says while 63

percent of respondents in all countries are willing to recommend their current service provider to friends and family, only 57 percent in the Philippines say the same. Many consumers in the Philippines, in fact, have two or more SIMs from different telcos.

Respondents in the Philippines would likely recommend their service providers, based on customer care and experience and competitive prices, according to the study.

About 20 percent of respondents globally consider switching to OTT such as Google, Amazon or Facebook if they offer connectivity. In the Philippines, the percentage is higher at 27 percent.

The survey also found that price remains an important consideration in emerging markets such as the Philippines and India.

Gurevit says Wi-Fi is still preferred by consumers, despite the presence of mobile data. “Despite 62 percent of respondents, having a mobile Internet plan, they mostly use Wi-Fi, particularly in public places. It could be because of network quality, partly because of habit.

This led us to conclude about the importance of Wi-Fi. On low data, they use mobile Internet. For heavy data, they use Wi-Fi. Consumers are intelligent,” he says.

About 50 percent of respondents in the Philippines have mobile Internet plan, below the global average of 62 percent. More than 51 percent of Filipino respondents use Wi-Fi in public areas for connectivity, higher than 36 percent globally.

Citing the results of another survey, Donna Rowlands, head of regional marketing at Amdocs says 84 percent of Asia-Pacific consumers look for a Wi-Fi network whenever possible, compared to 79 percent globally, to save money, prevent going over plan limits, get faster download and get better quality.

Rowlands says AsiaPacific consumers are also interested in personalized services as they look for more control over their experience.

Rotem Katzir, director

of product marketing for revenue management at Amdocs, says the key is to give the customers the feeling they are in control.

Katzir says that is why “bill shock” is an issue that must be addressed.

Katzir says Amdocs billing solutions include those that will avoid “bill shock” among subscribers, by giving them notification or containing their roaming or data services at a certain level.

“Majority of operators realize the game has changed.

Customers dictate whether they will stay with you or not,” Katzir says.

Matt Roberts, director of product marketing, big data and strategic innovation at Amdocs says another trend that telecommunication companies should embrace is Big Data analytics to accurately understand the behaviour and preference of millions of customers and deliver the right solutions.

Amdocs, which reported $3.6 billion in revenues in fiscal year 2014, has 22,000 employees around the world, including 500 in the Philippines, where it has a regional operations hub.

Amdocs recently launched Amdocs CES 9.3, the company’s latest portfolio release introducing new solutions for online commerce, interactive bills, big data marketing, care and network analytics, as well as cross-portfolio enhancements to improve system performance.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

B4

world

Turkey braces for Tense polls afTer aTTack Turkey on Saturday prepared for its tightest elections in over a decade, with tensions riding high after a bomb attack killed two and wounded dozens at a rally of the main pro-kurdish party.

Judicial sources said the explosion at a rally of the pro-kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) in southeastern city of Diyarbakir was caused by a cylinder bomb packed with hundreds of ball bearings.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AkP) wants to take a large majority in Sunday’s legislative elections and change the constitution to give Turkey’s charismatic but divisive President recep Tayyip erdogan more power.

But polls have indicated that its vote could be well down on the almost 50 percent score the AkP reaped in the last elections in 2011 and may even need to form a coalition.

The government has not yet confirmed that the Diyarbakir blast was the result of a bomb attack and initial reports had suggested it was due to a faulty electricity transformer.

But judicial sources in Diyarbakir told AFP that investigators had confirmed that the explosion was caused by a bomb.

“The experts collected hundreds of ball bearings and pieces of the metal cylinder,” said a source, who asked not to be named.

The source confirmed that no suspect had yet been arrested over the blast but fingerprint and video evidence had been found.

In a statement, Diyarbakir prosecutors confirmed that two people had been killed and over 100 wounded.

The funeral was held Saturday morning for one of those killed, ramazan yildiz, who was only 17, an AFP photographer reported. AFP

Is DEVELOPING CHEMICAL WEAPONs—AUsTRALIA The Islamic State group has shown it is prepared to use chemical weapons and is likely to have among its recruits the technical expertise to develop them, Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

In a speech late Friday, Bishop said Australia had no doubt that the Syrian regime had used toxic chemicals including sarin and chlorine over the past four years.

But she said apart from some crude and small scale endeavours, the conventional wisdom had been that the Islamic State group’s intention to acquire and weaponise chemical agents was largely aspirational.

“The use of chlorine by Daesh, and its recruitment of highly

technically trained professionals, including from the West, have revealed far more serious efforts in chemical weapons development,” she said in Perth, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “Daesh is likely to have amongst its tens of thousands of recruits the technical expertise necessary to further refine precursor materials and build chemical weapons.”

The use of chlorine in homemade bombs has been reported in several parts of Iraq and Syria,

with car and roadside bombs easy to rig with chlorine canisters.

And in March, Iraq’s autonomous kurdistan government said that analysis of soil and clothing samples showed that IS used chlorine gas in a car bomb attack in January.

In a speech to the Australia Group, which works to deny licences for the export of chemical and biological-weapon related materials, Bishop said a global effort was needed to prevent the proliferation and use of the toxic chemicals.

Speaking of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, she said: «The fact that atrocities such as this continue to occur shows that we must remain vigilant to the threat of

chemical and biological weapons. “export controls and their effective implementation are as important as ever as threats to global security, continue to evolve.”

Bishop said the rise of global terror groups such as IS was one of the gravest security threats faced by the world.

Bishop has previously warned that the numbers of Australians seeking to go overseas to fight with IS was not declining, with more than 100 fighting alongside jihadist groups in Iraq and Syria.

Australia has introduced a series of national security measures over the past few months to combat the threat, including criminalising travel to terror hotspots. AFP

iraqi pro-government militiamen evacuate people living in the area after the liberation from islamic state (is) militants of the village of sayed ghareeb, near dujail, some 70 kilometres north of baghdad AFP

More Than 390 confirMed dead in china ship sinking

rescue personnel move the remains of victims who were travelling on the capsized passenger ship dongfangzhixing or “eastern star” onto a boat in the yangtze river at Jianli in china’s hubei province. AFP

A ToTAl of 396 people have been confirmed dead after a cruise ship capsized in China, state media said, making it the country’s worst shipping disaster in nearly 70 years. only 14 people have been confirmed alive out of the 456— mostly tourists aged over 60—on board when the “eastern Star” rapidly sunk on the yangtze river in a storm on Monday.

The death toll jumped by over 200 after rescuers hoisted the battered ship out of the yangtze river on Friday and began recovering bodies trapped inside.

The official Xinhua news agency put the number of dead at 396 as of noon local time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday.

That would make it China’s worst shipping disaster since 1948, when up to 4000 on

board the SS kiangya were killed when it sunk near the city of Shanghai.

As images showed the blue and white vessel’s caved-in roof, a state-broadcaster CCTV said rescuers’ torches were visible inside the ship overnight. online images showed workers from surgical suits handling body bags in the vessel’s dark cabins, while others slept on a nearby floating platform, exhausted by their grim work.

At a nearby funeral parlour, AFP saw men also in white suits driving a convoy of about 20 mini-vans adapted to carry coffins towards the disaster site.

A total of 46 people remain missing, but a government spokesman said on Thursday that no new survivors are expected to be found.

rescuers used massive cranes to lift the ship at the site of the disaster in Hubei province’s Jianli county on Friday. reports citing witnesses said the 76.5 metre long (250 feet) and 2,200 tonne ship overturned in under a minute, and weather officials said a freak tornado hit the area at the time.

The vessel was cited for safety infractions two years ago, according to a notice by the Nanjing Maritime Bureau, but no further details have been given about the state of the ship.

Investigators will probe the ship’s structure for flaws, CCTV said, after the ruling Communist party’s all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee vowed to leave «no doubts remaining,» about the disaster. AFP

S U N D AY : j U N e 7, 2 0 1 5

B5

WORLD editorial@thestandard.com.ph

india, bangladesh to seal border Pact INDIA’S prime minister arrived in Bangladesh Saturday to seal a land pact which will finally allow tens of thousands of people living in border enclaves to choose their nationality after decades of stateless limbo.

During his two-day visit to India’s closest ally, Narendra Modi is also expected to sign a raft of trade and transport deals and meet Bangladesh’s embattled opposition leader Khaleda Zia. But his first trip to Dhaka since his election last May will be dominated by the deal to permanently fix the contours of a border which stretches some 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles) along India’s eastern flank.

While Delhi’s relations with China and Pakistan continue to be dogged by border disputes, the Land Boundary Agreement’s ratification will remove a thorn that has troubled relations between the two countries since Bangladesh’s 1971 war of secession from Pakistan.

India’s intervention on behalf of the independence fighters proved decisive in that conflict and successive Bangladeshi governments have enjoyed close ties with their giant neighbour.

But an agreement on the ownership of 162 enclaves—essentially islands of land resulting from ownership arrangements made centuries ago by local princes—had proved elusive in the decades since.

Bangladesh actually endorsed the deal in 1974 but it was only last month that India’s parliament gave its approval, teeing up Saturday’s joint ratification ceremony between Modi and his counterpart Sheikh Hasina.

Under the agreement, the countries will exchange territories: 111 enclaves will be transferred to Bangladesh and 51 to India.

People living in the enclaves will be allowed to choose to live in India or Bangladesh, with the option of being granted citizenship in the newly designated territories, and the enclaves would effectively cease to exist. AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nd from right), flanked by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (3rdR), attends a meeting gathering foreign ministers of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Moscow. AFP

putin to west: don’t be afraid of russia Russia is not a threat to the West, President Vladimir Putin insisted in an interview published on saturday, saying that he supported a ukraine peace deal following a fresh outbreak of violence in the east of the ex-soviet country.

“I would like to say—there’s no need to be afraid of Russia,” Putin told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in an interview published Saturday, ruling out a major conflict between Russia and NATo member countries.

“The world has changed so much that people in their right mind cannot imagine such a large-scale military conflict today.”

“We have other things to do, I can assure you,” the Russian president said in the interview, the transcript of which was released by the Kremlin.

“only a sick person—and even then only in his sleep—can imagine that Russia would suddenly attack NATo.” Speaking ahead of his visit to Italy next week, Putin stressed that Russia merely sought to defend itself from outside threats.

He said that NATo members have defence expenditures that are 10 times Russia’s military spending, adding that the US military budget was the biggest in the world.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine last year has jan-

gled nerves in europe, with Baltic and Nordic countries reporting an uptick in Russian military activity over the past year.

Pentagon officials said on Friday that the United States is considering a range of moves to beef up security, including bolstering missile defences or even deploying landbased missiles in europe.

Speaking about the Ukraine crisis, Putin accused Kiev authorities of being unwilling to implement a european-brokered peace deal agreed in February in Minsk and enter into dialogue with proMoscow rebel forces.

“The problem is that representatives of the current Kiev authorities do not even want to sit down to talks with them,” Putin said. “And there is nothing we can do about it,”

he added, urging the West to prod Kiev into negotiating with rebels.

“We would like these agreements to be implemented,” Putin said, stressing that Kiev should ensure autonomy for rebel-held territories and implement a law on municipal elections and a law on amnesty.

“The leaders of self-proclaimed republics have publicly said that under certain conditions—that is the implementation of these Minsk agreements—they are ready to consider the possibility of considering themselves part of Ukraine.”

“I believe this position should be considered as a serious, good preliminary condition to start serious negotiations,” he said, urging the european Union to provide “greater financial assistance’ to Kiev. AFP

PoPe Francis slams global ‘atmosPhere oF war’ PoPe Francis on Saturday attacked “the atmosphere of war” currently besetting the world as he urged Bosnians to pursue reconciliation efforts, 20 years after a conflict that ripped the country apart.

Many conflicts across the planet amount to “a kind of third world war being fought piecemeal and, in the context of global communications, we sense an atmosphere of war,” the pontiff said in a mass at Sarajevo’s olympic Stadium during a one-day visit to the Bosnian capital.

“Some wish to incite and foment this atmosphere deliberately,” he added, attacking those who want to foster division for political ends or profit from war through arms dealing.

“But war means children, women and the elderly in refugee camps, it means forced displacement, destroyed houses, streets and factories: above all countless shattered lives.

“You know this well having experienced it here.”

The pontiff had earlier referred to Sarajevo, with its synagogues, churches and mosques side by side, as a “european Jerusalem”, a crossroads of cultures, nations and religions which required “the building of new bridges while maintaining and restoring older ones.”

In a reference to the legacy of the war, which left Bosnia permanently divided along ethnic lines, he urged the country’s Muslim, Serb and Croat communities to reach out to each other.

“In so doing, even the deep wounds of the recent past will be set aside,” Francis said in a meeting with officials of the rotating presidency.

The 78-year-old then headed in his popemobile to the stadium, where he was given a rapturous reception by the 65,000-strong crowd.

Prayer for peace “I am here because I want peace across the whole world and an end to war and hate,” said Branimir Vujca, 50, a doctor from Kiseljac in central Bosnia, who had come with his wife and three children.

Katarina Dzrek, a Bosnian Croat who was also in the crowd, added: “Bosnia is in need of the message of peace the pope will send because there is still a lack

People take pictures of Pope Francis standing on the popemobile as he arrives to lead a mass at the Sarajevo’s city stadium as part of a one day visit in Bosnia. AFP

of trust between.”

Around 20,000 visitors from neighbouring Croatia, which is predominately Catholic, were amongst an estimated total of 100,000

people who had turned out for the occasion in the stadium and on the streets.

Francis told reporters on his flight from Rome that Sarajevo was “a city that has

suffered much in its history but is now on a beautiful path of peace.

“That is why I am making this trip, as a sign of peace and a prayer for peace.” AFP

B6

S U N D AY : J U N E 7, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

REUEL VIDAL EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

MMA MANIA SWEEPS ASIA

Filipino Igorot fighter Edward “TheRock” Kelly (right) unloads a powerful kick which is barely parried by fellow Filipino Jimmy “The Silencer” Yabo (left) during their ONE Championship bout at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Kelly posted a hard-earned victory by decision. RODEL MANABAT

By Ray Vidal

HERE in the Philippines just a few short years ago, Mixed Martial Arts was seen as a grisly sport for hard-core screaming fighters who were covered with tattoos.

MMA has gone a long way since then and is now quietly replacing boxing as the combat sport of choice for most Filipinos. More MMA fights rather than boxing matches are regularly held.

Many boxers, like veteran fighter and trainer Caloy Baduria, have turned to the sport because for starters MMA fights generally pay better than boxing matches.

The Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum were the venue of two recent blockbuster MMA matches.

No comparable boxing match was held in the Philippines during the same period.

MMA has become so popular that the public even turns to the sport as a means to keep fit, for self-defense and for some, to pursue the sport as a career.

Fil-foreigner Chris Hoffman works full-time at a call center but regularly spends four hours a day to pursue a promising and lucrative career as an MMA fighter.

Even former fighters cannot turn their back on the sport they’ve learned to love.

Retired MMA fighter Sal-

vador Domasian has retreated to his hometown in Antipolo to put up his own gym, Ground N Pound Gym, which focuses on MMA fighting as a means to keep fit and also to train future fighters.

Even the Elorde chain of boxing gyms features MMA fighting as a companion attraction for those training to become amateur or professional fighters or just to work out and keep fit.

The same is true all across Asia. Even more so than in the Philippines, gyms are mushrooming across Asia and fights have been held in dozens of major cities across the region.

MMA has also taken hold in North and South America through the Ultimate Fighting Championship which has challenged boxing for mainstream popularity. But the ultimate market is Asia with its population of 4.4 billion which is two-thirds of everyone in the world.

The Singapore-based ONE Championship typifies the explosive growth of the sport in Asia. In less than four years One Cham-

Filipino Eugene Toquero (top) mounts Brianata Rosadhi during their recent ONE Championship bout at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. After the mount Toquero rained down elbows and hammer fists on the hapless Rosadhi to win their bout easily in the first round. Rodel Manabat

pionship has grown to 24 events this year, including 10 in China and is even now planning a $1 billion IPO for further expansion.

Its sponsors include Sony and L’Oreal. It has even established a tie-up with Disney with One Championship promoting films such as “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and the upcoming Star Wars.

Next up for ONE Championship is ONE: Dynasty of Champions on June 20 which will be held at the Guangzhou Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China.

It will feature an epic clash of featherweights Timofey Nastyukhin and Yusuke Kawanago in the main

event. Marcos Santana and Ruel “The Wushu” Catalan of the Philippines will face off in a flyweight contest. Zorobabel Moreira returns to the ONE cage against Christian Holley.

In the ONE Championship Chinese Flyweight Tournament, Wang Shuo battles Ba Ya La Ga while Wu Ze takes on Wu Hui Qiang. The Guangzhou Flyweight Tournament Alternate Bout will see Hu Ri Ge battle Zhao Xiao Tong.

In the ONE Championship Chinese Featherweight Tournament, Ma Jia Wen faces Biekemulati Nulijiao and Huang Di Yuan meets Tian Jian She. The Guangzhou Featherweight Tournament Alternate Bout will

Filipino MMA fighter Salvador Domasian watches the scales intently ahead of his Pacific Extreme Combat MMA fight.

Domasian has since retired and manages his own Ground N Pound Gym in Antipolo City.

see the clash between Chinese fighters Wang Ya Yong and Li Yun Long.

Nastyukhin is best remembered for his electrifying knockout victory over Filipino Eduard Folayang at ONE: Warrior’s Way last December. After a series of ferocious striking exchanges, Nastyukhin landed a devastating flying knee on Folayang, which ended the bout in just one round. The knockout is considered one of the best knockouts of 2014.

Catalan of the Philippines is a Wushu practitioner with a solid stand-up game to compliment his mat skills.

Catalan made a successful ONE Championship debut in a 2013 knockout win over Khim Dima and has since then gone 1-1.

Known for his lightning quick flurries and his ability to draw opponents into intense striking battles, Catalan will look to take the fight directly to Santana who is originally from Brazil, but now resides in Singapore. Santana is a member of the Evolve Fight Team. He is a Brazilian JiuJitsu world champion, winning numerous tournaments in his native Brazil.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook. com/ONEFCMMA.

S U N D AY : J U N E 7, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

ARMAN ARMERO EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

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FINALLY, A GOLD FOR PH ADORNA SEIZES GOLD IN WOMEN’S TRIATHLON SINGAPORE—The country finally captured its first gold medal in the 28th Singapore Southeast Asian Games on Saturday through Claire Adorna, who, bucking a nagging ankle injury, was the runaway winner in the women’s triathlon at the East Coast Park here.

Banking on a superb bike second leg, Adorna stamped her class in the event with a victorious time of two hours , 13 minutes and .08 seconds in a remarkable Southeast Asian Games debut for a former swimmer who just picked up the sport two years ago.

Her only real challenge came from teammate Kim Mangrobang, who pulled away from fast-fading Lin Zhiyun of Singapore in the 10-km. run leg to take the silver in 2:14.26 while Thailand’s Sannuthai Arunsiri came in third and settled for the bronze with clocking of 2:22.08.

Hometown bet Zhiyun eventually was forced to drop out due to fatigue and did not finish the race.

“Tuwang-tuwa po ako kasi sulit ang lahat ng paghihirap at pasakit,” said Adorna, disclosing later after the event that she ran with a torn right peroneal tendon on her left ankle that had bothered her since the Incheon Asian Games last year.

“Talaga kailangan na po ng surgery pero gusto ko po talagang mag-laro dito sa SEA Games at makapagbigay ng ginto sa bayan natin,” added the athlete, who was in near tears as she crossed the finished line witnessed by her entire family.

“Medyo umalalay na lang ako kay Claire dahil sa run da-

hil alam namin na may injury siya,” said Mangrobang after completing 1-2 finish for the Filipinos in the event and nearly caught up with her teammate in the middle of the run.

So gassed was Mangrobang, who trained at the elite training camp in Rio Maior, Portugal as part of her SEAG buildup, that she had to be placed on a wheelchair after crossing the finish line.

“Claire is our Lydia de Vega in triathlon,” said proud Philippine Olympic Committee chairman and Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco in comparing Adorna to the former Filipina track and field sensation.

‘We were very lucky kasi mahina si Adorna sa run,” added Carrasco, who was on pins on needles as he witnessed his charges battle it out on the course from beginning to end.

Even amazing was the fact that Adorna, who finished seventh in last year’s Incheon Asian Games, was that fact that she was the only triathlete out the nine entries who negotiated the swimming course properly as the rest took a slightly shorter route.

Despite this development, the Filipina still topped the initial leg with a split time of 19:20 then settled the issue on the

Triathlete Claire Adorna, seen her in action during a Taipei tournament, gave the Philippines its first gold medal in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

strength of the fastest time in the 40-km. bike leg in 1:24.34. building a four-minute lead over Mangrobang, who clocked 1:28.86.

The pair will hardly have time to rest since they are scheduled to compete in the Asian Triathlon Championships in Taiwan

on June 14.

“After this, I will have my operation since we will have no major races after the Asian championships,” Adorna said.

Bidding to duplicate the goldmedal sweep of their female counterparts are Niko Huelgas and Jonard Saim, who are

scheduled to see action over the same course on Sunday starting at 8 a.m.

“Medyo mahirap pero palagay ko kaya,” said men’s head coach George Vilog, a triathlon silver medalist when the event was last held in the 2007 Thailand SEA Games.

CURRY SAYS NO CAKEWALK TO CROWN WITH IRVING OUT NBA Most Valuable Player Steph Curry and Golden State coach Steve Kerr will not allow the Warriors to relax even after NBA Finals foe Cleveland lost star guard Kyrie Irving.

The Cavaliers said Friday that versatile playmaker Irving suffered a fractured left kneecap in over-time during Golden State’s 108-100 victory Thursday over Cleveland in the opener of the best-of-seven championship series, dealing superstar LeBron James and his teammates a major setback in their quest for the title.

But, Curry warns, overconfidence is not a luxury the Warriors can afford.

“We can’t assume ... it’s going to be a cakewalk for us to get a championship,” Curry said. “It’s still going to be a challenge. It’s still going to be tough. We have to control what we control and do what we do.”

The Warriors had the NBA’s best record at 67-15 and have

a deep bench while the Cavaliers are hurting, but James still scored 44 points in the opener and both he and Iman Shumpert had last-possession shots to win for Cleveland in regulation time.

Thinking things will be easier now, Kerr said, is a sure way to make things harder.

“The minute we start thinking that way we’re in big trouble,” Kerr said. “That never enters our mind. We have to do what we did last night, only better. We have to compete like we did but we’ve got to execute better. I think that will come.

“We aren’t going to allow ourselves to go down that path, that’s for sure.”

Warriors forward Draymond Green takes optimism from Golden State’s victory despite what he saw as a subpar effort.

“We have to make sure we come out with an even better focus level than we did in

Golden State Warriors’ top gun Stephen Curry (left) and coach Steve Kerr: No time to relax even if Cavs’ Kyrie Irving is out due to injury.

game one because this is a very important game. If you can get up 2-0 in the series, that’s always huge,” Green said.

“I still don’t think, although we won, that we played well at all. I think we have a lot more to give than we did. So that’s kind of exciting.”

The Cavaliers inserted Australian Matthew Dellavedova when Irving missed two games

in the Eastern Conference fina “We obviously have some film that we can study from their last series. So I think we’ll be prepared,” Curry said.

“Whatever challenge is in front of you, be able to conquer it.

You can’t help what happens along the way.

“Our job is to go out and play and compete every night. It’s not to say that whoever steps up in

his absence, whether it’s Dellavedova, whether it’s Mike Miller, whoever is going to play those minutes, they’re going to come in and try to win the game as well.”

Irving was also a tough defender on Curry, who has made 12 consecutive 3-point shots from the left corner.

“You jinxed me already.

That’s a death wish for game two,” Curry said when he learned of his hot spot streak.

“I have no idea what’s different about that spot. I have the same confidence when I rise up no matter where I am on the floor. Most of the threes I get from that point are from a couple of passes around the arc and I’m either wide open or I’m in a good rhythm so maybe that helps.

“It’s just about having confidence no matter where you are on the floor to get shots in our rhythm and in our offense and knock them down.”

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S U N D AY : J U N E 7, 2 0 1 5

RIERA U. MALLARI EDITOR sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Phil Younghusband (left) couldn’t wait to start playing – and winning – for the Philippine Azkals again.

PH AZKALS

A MIX OF THE ‘OLD’ AND THE NEW

By Peter Atencio

PHIL Younghusband is happy to be back with the Philippine Azkals national men’s football team.

As a matter of fact, he can’t hide his excitement at the prospect of scoring goals again when the team opens its second-round World Cup qualifying campaign against Bahrain on June 11.

“Looking forward to the game.

It’s a different format this time,” said Younghusband.

The last time Younghusband saw action and helped the Azkals win

a game in a World Cup qualifier was four years ago. That was when the Azkals braved the rains, struck hard twice in the first half and fended off the Sri Lanka Brave Reds, 4-0, before a sellout crowd at the Rizal Memorial football grounds.

He scored two goals in that game, which was a first-round affair.

“We played Sri Lanka in the first stage, which was easier,” added Younghusband.

Younghusband is among the holdovers of the team, along with goalie Neil Etheridge and Rob Gier. The Azkals are also expected to count on veterans Stephan Schrock and Javier Patino, who are

returning to the fold, along with Fil-British goalie Etheridge and Mark Hartmann.

This time around, Phil believes that Bahrain will be more of a challenge, because the field in the World Cup qualifiers will be better.

There will be no easy games.

The Philippines is in Group H of the second round of Asian Football Confederation matches for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, bracketed with Uzbekistan, North Korea and Yemen. The Azkals are set to meet Yemen in Doha, Qatar on June 16, and Uzbekistan at the Philippine Arena on Sept. 8.

“Every game is difficult,” added Phil.

But expected to give the Azkals

a boost are some new players included in the roster, namely Iain Ramsay, Kevin Ingresso, Luke Woodland, Stephen Palla and FilSpanish goalie Tomas Trigo.

Ramsay, a Fil-Australian, is looking forward to his stint with the Azkals.

“I’m getting the fatigue off my legs. Hoping to do a lot better,” said the 27-year-old Ramsay after his first practice session with the Azkals late Tuesday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

“It was a good session. The level is pretty good,” added Ramsay, a left midfielder, who last played for Melbourne City in the A-League.

Ingresso shared Ramsay’s

excitement as well.

“It’s very good to be with great players in the team. I have played in the fourth division in Germany.

But the level is higher here,” said the 22-year-old Ingresso, whose parents migrated to Germany.

Coach Thomas Dooley spent some time teaching the newcomers in the team the system of play of the Azkals. And he liked what he saw.

“I’m always confident with the team. I saw them in the camp.

And with the new team we have here, I am confident we will have great results,” said Dooley. “We expect bigger competition in training and bigger competition in the game.”

S U N D AY : J U N E 0 7 : 2 0 1 5

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

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

LIFE

THE PRESS CLUB Manila’s latest

space for business

Something new and exciting is happening at the New World Makati Hotel with the unveiling of the Press Club that offers a modern and collaborative space perfect for forming innovative ideas and creating news.

Designed by Singapore-based White Jacket, the Press Club’s sleek and modern interiors reflect the hotel’s modern Oriental style. Hallways are lined with ceiling-high artwork to provide inspiration for the creative mind.

It has six spacious Press Rooms ranging from 50 to 108 square meters complete with world-class amenities and state-of-the-art equipment. From intimate meetings to large conferences, meeting organizers can choose from a variety of dynamic setups including U-shaped, round table, theaterstyle or classroom seating.

A first in the market, the Press Club presents movers and shakers with a club-level experience.

Guests arriving at the newly renovated floors are greeted by the warmth of Filipino hospitality and service. A business center and library with dedicated teams are likewise available for guests’ needs.

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Each Press Room comes with a contemporary and chic communal area akin to a private club lounge where guests can enjoy snacks and refreshments at their own pace during an event. Executive Chef Robert Davis leads the culinary brigade in preparing themed coffee breaks featuring spreads of savory and sweet treats from the hotel’s signature outlets.

With the Press Room’s focus on seamless details and tailored five-star service, guests can concentrate on the business, networking or entertainment at hand.

The Press Club allows access to the pool deck, where guests can step out and enjoy leisure breaks.

With a cup of coffee in hand, guests can enjoy relaxing moments with other participants, or embark on conversations and a healthy exchange of ideas. The natural light and fresh air contribute to the guests’ well-being, and may provide inspiration and nourish creative thinking in-between sessions.

For the latest news, events, room and dining offerings, follow New World Makati Hotel at www.facebook.com/ NewWorldMakatiHotel or at Twitter and Instagram @ newworldmakati or visit www.newworldhotels.com.

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

Nina Huang, Lizzie Zobel, and President of the SSI Group, Inc. Anton Huang

U WELLWORTH WAIT THE Lifestyle hub goes to campus

P Town Center is going to be a very happy place with the opening of the second Wellworth Department Store at the newest lifestyle hub located in Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

SIAL Specialty Retailers, Inc., a joint venture between the SSI Group and Ayala Land, Inc., provides an exciting retail destination with Wellworth whose initial branch debuted in Quezon City’s Fairview Terraces Mall.

The new branch offers real value for everyday lifestyles and is distinguished by a modern yet warm store aesthetic conducive to family shopping. A well-edited assortment of makeup and cosmetics, children’s clothes and toys, ladies, men’s, and teens’ fashion and a whole lot more are in store for every member of the family. The

Wellworth Department Store at UP Town Center

store is further distinguished by a brand of customer service that is sincere, cheerful, and helpful.

Wellworth offers a wide array of midrange international and local brands such as F&F, Forme, Le Tigre, Saville Row, among others. Private brands, exclusive to Wellworth include Erin, Comfort for Him, WAY (We Are Young), Hugs and Kisses, Princess for children, and the much touted accessories line Accents which features global styles and quality at local prices.

Wellworth Department Store is located at U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. For more information, visit our website at www.wellworth.com.ph. You may also follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WellworthPhilippines and Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube @WellworthPH

MOVE, REFUEL AND RECOVER Experience Edsa Shangri-La, Manila’s newly renovated Health Club – the country’s leader in lifestyle fitness – which aims to build a lifestyle anchored on holistic wellness under the supervision of internationally certified wellness coaches.

A first-of-its-kind, the Health Club pioneers the “Move, Refuel and Recover” concept, fusing state-of-the-art fitness programs with healthy food selections and the overall wellness expertise that Chi, The Spa is known for. The Health Club is a source of energy, pleasure and relaxation, which provides a way to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.

The Health Club brings a unique workout experience with five dedicated fitness zones designed to offer nonintimidating workout environment ideal for all users of all levels. It boasts fully-equipped modern and innovative facilities to help achieve personal fitness goals.

The Up-to-the-Moment Cardio Section consists of stateof-the-art cardiovascular machines that feature Internet connectivity, Swipe technology and smartphone-compati-

ble custom-workout settings. Get in action with the HighEnergy Functional Training Zone highlighting Synergy 360s for various functional exercises along with a Boxing and Mixed-Martial Arts Section equipped with the revolutionary BoxMaster. The Exclusive Triathlon Training Space provides world-class equipment – the Vasa Swim Ergometer, Google Map-powered Tour de France Bike and Treadmill.

A dedicated Flexibility and Stretching Zone boasts the Flex Area by Pavigym and Stott-Pilates Spring Wall.

Keep your engines running with the right balance of food and fluid intake after a workout session or a busy day in the office. The hotel provides healthy food selections through the Special Diet Concierge services; where you can also have your favorite meal prepared exactly the way you want it. A special menu card is also readily available displaying the healthiest options from the hotel’s restaurants complete with calorie count in one menu and WellOn The-Go, guilt free snacks and energy bites perfect for people who are always on-the-go.

Surrender to the world of calmness and timelessness with Chi, The Spa’s signature treatments based on Chinese and Philippine healing concepts. This luxury spa features single, double and specialty suites, outdoor bathing facilities, poolside reflexology, yoga studio, library and meditation rooms.

Guests may opt to enjoy Chi, The Spa signature treatments at the comfort and privacy of their own rooms and a good sleep program that offers pillow preferences for ultimate relaxation. Complete your relaxation and post workout recovery with the Health Club’s Hydrotherapy facilities featuring a Jacuzzi, cold plunge, sauna room and a steam room.

Guests are invited to the Health Club and Chi, The Spa’s open house event on June 26 and 27. Exclusive offers and special membership packages await clients who will enroll during the two-day event. Ultimate Gourmet and Golden Circle Members, as well as St. Francis and One Shangri-La residents, Citibank, BDO and HSBC credit card holders will receive additional benefits for their ultimate advantage. For inquiries, please call (632) 633 8888 or email healthclub.esl@shangri-la.com.

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

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THE ART AND SCIENCE OF BEAUTY From Down Under to Manila

has prompted her to Hair and makeup open ACHDB in the professionals deal Asia Pacific Region, with important initially in Hong parts of the human Kong and now in anatomy in helping the Philippines. people to look their “I believe that best, and to become many Filipinos are one necessitates more artistically inclined than having a natural and have a passion for aesthetic flair and beauty. We opened passion for beauty. in the Philippines to While these qualities help aspirants beare important, equally come highly educatcritical in pursuing ed and well trained this profession are ACHDB founder Joscelyn Langdon flanked by ACHDB Manila chairman professionals, able technical know-how, Ed Nocom and Australian Trade Commissioner Minister Counsellor to contribute to the extensive training and Anthony Weymouth elevation of the standard future of hairdressing, practical experience.

Those seriously wanting to specialize in hair beauty and makeup artistry,” Langdon shares.

This ideology echoes as one steps into the design and makeup now have an opportunity to elevate their craft to world class standards Manila campus – a virtual salon specifically through the recently opened Australian College designed to foster an ultra-modern learning environment where classes are interactive and of Hair Design and Beauty (ACHDB) Manila.

This beauty institution offers world class students get firsthand experience of actual acdegrees in beauty without the need to enroll tivities they will do in their soon-to-be workin schools abroad since it adopts global stan- place. Class sizes are purposely small; strictly dards set forth by the Australian Qualifications adhering to 16 students to 1 teacher ratio to Framework, the national policy for regulated facilitate learning more effectively.

ACHDB Manila’s learning programs are comqualifications in the Australian education and training system, as well as the Philippines’ K to prehensive but flexible to suit students’ various interests, needs and lifestyles. They can choose from 12 Basic Education Program.

The ACHDB course curriculum features Diploma or Accredited Hair Dressing Courses 75 percent hands-on practical training and 25 and Makeup Courses,opt for the “Build Your Own percent theory-based learning. This deeply im- Program” which allows time-challenged individumerses students in the science and art of hair als to obtain a diploma at their own pace.

Those eyeing an international career can take dressing and makeup, providing them with all the knowledge they need to become full-fledged the “Manila to Melbourne Program” where hair or makeup artists; work in leading salons training starts in Manila and culminate studies anywhere in the world; take up technical posi- in Melbourne with potential work opportunities tions in both local and multinational beauty thereafter. There are also short courses for those companies or set up their own beauty business. who want to specialize in specific areas of hair ACHDB is the brainchild of Joscelyn dressing and makeup – Avante Garde Creative Langdon, who has an outstanding commitment Cutting; Color and Fashion Foiling; Basic to to professionalize the beauty industry through Bridal Elite Makeup as well as Film, Theatre, TV education and science-based training. Over the and Specialized Makeup to name a few. years, Langdon has grown ACHDB into one of To know more about ACHDB Manila, visit them the largest beauty colleges in Australia with six at Unit 301 Fox Square Bldg. 53 Connecticut campuses across the continent, the biggest of St. North East, Greenhills San Juan City, Metro which is in Melbourne. Her unwavering passion Manila or visit achdbmanila.com.

The Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty Manila gives aspiring professionals in the beauty industry the opportunity to earn world class degrees without having to enroll in schools abroad

NEW BEGINNINGS START WITH GOOD WEDDINGS What makes a perfect wedding? Is it a morning, afternoon or evening wedding? Should it be held in a hotel or in what is now popularly referred to as offsite/off premise venue? Will it be an intimate or grand wedding? What color should the bride’s wedding gown be, and the color motif of the entire entourage?

In planning a wedding, all the above questions have to be properly addressed, plus many more!

The best advice is for the soon-to-wed couples to visit a bridal fair to help them narrow down their choices and make the best one, more easily and conveniently.

The best mid-year bridal fair is definitely Themes & Motifs’ forthcoming Philippine Wedding Summit, now on its 10th year, on June 20-21 at the Ground Floor of SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia Complex.

Brides, grooms, their entourage, and wedding suppliers may get FREE admission by pre-registering online and printing etickets through www.themesnmotifs.com (The Wedding Ideas & Promos Portal) or getting free tickets from the Themes & Motifs showroom in Makati Shangri-la. Free tickets are also available from participating exhibitors of the Philippine Wedding Summit 10th Anniversary.

A grand food tasting event will be presented by the revitalized team of top wedding banquet provider Hizon’s Catering with its new culinary experts and creative stylemeister concocting the delectable wedding menus coupled with the most tasteful of banquet set ups to make any wedding truly unforgettable. They will join industry stalwarts Nice Print Photo, Marriott Hotel Manila, and Goldenhills Jewelry in welcoming soon-to-weds to the Philippine Wedding Summit.

Marriott Hotel Manila will showcase its new grand ballroom, the biggest event hall of its kind in the Philippines. Soon-to-weds will be welcomed by the well trained courteous staff of Marriott at their exhibit booth where they will be treated to special amenities and exclusive offers.

Celebrity wedding photographer Nice Print Photo and ever popular wedding jeweler Goldenhills Jewelry, Themes & Motifs’ loyal major sponsors, will offer new promos and special discounts.

Master stylist Henry Pascual, official event stylist, will weave his magic to create masterpiece to be showcased at the event.

As part of Themes & Motifs’ advocacy to further professionalize the local wedding industry, free career enhancement seminars will be held for wedding suppliers. This seminar series has been a part of The Philippine Wedding Summit since it started in 2006 as Themes & Motifs’ way of giving back to the local wedding industry which supports its events and made them the biggest and most prestigious in the country.

For details on the topics and speakers, please visit www.themesnmotifs.com.

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

Dong Bei's Kuchay with Pork Dumplings

EXPLORING

Quick Snack's Indonesian Tauhu

President Tea House's Salted Egg Cream Buns

New Po Heng's Fresh Lumpia

Dong Bei's Kuchay with Pork Dumplings

Dong Bei's Fried Stuffed Pancake

President Tea House's Mango Sago

AN OLD CITY

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

WITH NEW EYES Getting to know Binondo one bite at a time

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

Images shot with Microsoft Lumia 535

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efore Kapitolyo food crawl and BF Homes Parañaque restaurant hopping became a thing there was Binondo.

The over 400-year-old Chinatown in Manila is considered the oldest in the world. Before the Spanish colonial rule (as early as the 9th century), it was already a bustling hub where Southern Chinese traded with locals. But it was not until 1594, when Spanish colonial government governorgeneral Luis Pérez Dasmariñas donated a piece of land across the Pasig River from Intramuros for the Catholic-Chinese community, that Binondo was officially established.

Fast forward to 2015, Binondo remains the buzzing center of commerce and economy in Manila. Thanks to years of Chinese migration--mostly Hokkien (Fujian province) and Cantonese (Guangdong province) peoples from the south--age-old traditions and rich culture of China became and are still important parts of the colorful heritage of Manila. Ultimately, the unique blend of Chinese, Filipino and Hispanic cultures has shaped the complex character of our country’s Chinatown.

Prominent landmarks (Basilica Menor del San Lorenzo, Roman Ongpin Monument, Arranque Market) and busy streets and alleys (Escolta Street, Ongpin Street, Carvajal) aside, Binondo is a favorite destination for foodies. Over a hundred decades-old dining establishments and food outlets together with popular fastfood joints abound the major roads, nooks and crannies of Binondo, waiting for culinary adventurous tourists to pound the pavement and explore the past and be acquainted with the present of this vibrant Chinatown district.

The leading promoter of Binondo and other historic quarters in Manila is Old Manila Walks, founded and headed by Binondo resident tour guide Ivan Man Dy. Dy, who believes that “the best way to experience Manila is on foot,” hosts a 3.5-hours of walking and tasting tour any day of the week that provides a delicious introduction to the hidden culinary gems of Manila’s Chinatown.

Dy leads hungry explorers to his favorite food outlets serving up authentic Chinese regional fares – away from the usual siomai and sweet and sour pork available at your local fastfood.

I recently joined one of Dy’s “Binondo Food Wok” and was utterly surprised at how an old city looks like an entirely new place to those who discover and partake of its delightful treats.

The Binondo Church, which was the starting point of the tour, afforded “street walkers” a look at the Chinatown’s most famous landmark. Built in 1594, the church features

subtle Baroque elements. It was bombed during the World War II in 1944 and was restored from 1946-1971. It is now a shrine dedicated to San Lorenzo Ruiz and currently houses the centuries-old Santo Cristo de Longos cross.

A few blocks away from the meeting place was our first stop, New Po-Heng Lumpia House. Located inside the courtyard on the ground floor of an apartment building along Quintin Paredes Street, the modest food outlet served the tour’s perfect appetizer: Tsinoy-style fresh lumpia made of vegetables, pork, shrimp and tofu.

This dish brought by Hokkien immigrants came with crushed peanuts with brown sugar and toasted bihon on the side. Dark sweet syrupy sauce, vinegar with chopped garlic and hot sauce were the recommended condiments.

For brunch, the group headed to Quick Snack located along the wet market alley of Carvajal (also known as the umbrella alley).

A community favorite for its classic Hokkien with Malay influence dishes, Quick Snack was founded in 1968 by then 60-year-old Amah Pilar. We were served with three of the restaurant’s specialties: Kuchay Ah (empanada with meat, vegetable, tofu and savory sauce filling), Indonesian Tauhu (fried tofu served in a bowl of hot sauce with fresh herbs and vegetables) and Sate Mi (tasty stir-fried noodles with a spicy kick prominent in Indonesian cuisine). According to Dy, Quick Snack is the only place that offers Sate Mi in Binondo.

After a sumptuous meal that left many in the group full and satisfied, we took a much-needed five-minute walk to our next destination, Dong Bei Dumplings along Yuchengco (formerly Nueva) Street.

From Southern Chinese dishes, the hole-in-wall joint prepared Northeastern Chinese specialties. Instead of steamed, their dumplings – called jiaozi in Mandarin – are boiled and made right in front of diners.

When we stopped by at Dong Bei, its staff was making big batches of Kuchay (chives) with pork dumplings, the same dish we tried and immensely enjoyed. The generous meat filling was balanced by the fresh flavor of chives and light dough. A mix of soy sauce and vinegar with chili sauce – also Dong Bei’s recipe –was the perfect dipping sauce.

Another meat treat was the Fried Stuffed Pancake whose crunchy-ness complemented the boiled jiaozi.

For dessert, we made our way to the second level of President Tea House on Salazar Street and was served with

Salted Egg Cream Buns and Mango Sago. The Mango Sago in small bowl provided a refreshing respite from hours of walking, while the Cream Buns, whose hot filling made of salted egg-based custard cream, was a delicious surprise for many who tried the dessert for the first time.

Tummies stuffed and cultural fix satisfied, we would have called it a day at the restaurant popular for its dimsum specialties, but for one last time, we grabbed our stuff and willed ourselves to indulge in “dessert part two” at Eng Bee Tin which has three branches in Binondo (Ongpin St., Ongpin cor. Raon Sts., and Quintin Paredes St.) It was a perfect ending for hopia lovers who had a grand time at the store which offers a wide range of hopia variants that go well beyond hopia-ube and hopia-monggo. Eng Bee Tin’s hopia comes in innovative flavors including pastillas, pandan, and custard. The store also sells mochi, tikoy and more perfect for pasalubong.

If you think you know everything about our history, our relationship with our Chinese friends, and Chinese food, go to Binondo – Manila’s one-stop culinary, cultural and shopping destination – and you might learn something new from this old Chinatown district. ★★★★★ TRAVELER’S TIPS FROM IVAN DY Getting there: By LRT, get off at Carriedo Station and walk towards Santa Cruz Church. By jeepney, take any that has a sign Binondo or Divisoria. By private car, park on the streets but make sure to ask first as cars can be towed.

Getting around: Chinatown’s tight streets are best explored on foot. For further exploration, take a horse-drawn kalesa, starting price is around P30 for short distance.

Best time to go: Weekdays to Sunday mornings are the best time to visit Chinatown. Most restaurants are open seven days a week but times vary with most being open by 9:00 am, some earlier. Most stores close at 6:00 pm.

What to wear: The streets of Chinatown are built for walking so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Bring umbrella and put on sunscreen.

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

HANNAH’S MR. & MS. ECO-TOURISM AMBASSADORS 2016

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he 3rd Hannah’s Mr. & Ms. Eco-Tourism 2015 search culminated recently in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, with Karan Singhdole and Lyka Antonette Johnson proclaimed winners. Both are committed to the preservation of Mother Earth through environmental projects spearheaded by Hannah’s Beach Resort & Convention Center.

First Runners-up were Jhon Mark Marcia and Hannah Merino, and second runners-up were Patrick Reyes and Julia Novel Gonowon.

According to Col. Ricardo L. Nolasco, Jr., owner of Hannah’s, they will also participate and “ad-

pud Mayor Marlon Ferdinand T. Sales, Ret. General Fidel A. Climate, Jr.; Judge Rosemarie Ramos of Bangui, Ilocos Norte; Ma. Milagros R. Gonzales, DOT provincial officer, GMA VP-Sales Riza Dy Garduque; 2014 Miss Earth International Jamie Herral; 2014 Mutya ng Pilipinas Int’l Glennifer Perido, patroness of the arts Helen Encarnacion, Peter Murphy; Nathalie Tomada and Crispina M. Belen.

Hannah’s Beach Resort & Convention Center is named after Col. Nolasco’s daughter Hannah who, together with Mark Mabasa, provided the musical entertainment during the coronation rites.

Karan Singhdole and Lyka Antonette Johnson, 2015 Hannah's Mr. & Ms. Eco-Tourism Ambasaadors

A LITTLE CRAVING GOES A LONG WAY

Yassi Pressman is the face of Greenwich Crispy Thins

H

er craving for the limelight began at an early age.

Growing up, Yassmin Isabel Pressman was one of those kids who joined pageants and fashion shows.

The talented Filipino-British beauty recalls having VHS tapes of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears and sang along with their songs and imitate their signature dance moves. “I’ve always wanted to be a performer”, she said.

And perform she did become.

After being discovered while inside a mall when she was six years old, Yassi has indeed come a long way. Viva Artist Agency seems to have it all figured out for this gem: A self-titled album under Viva Records is currently in the works, her first lead role in a movie will soon hit the theaters, a love team is also being cooked up, and of course, she is a MTV Pinoy VJ.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 79 81 82 83 84

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Tokyo’s island 7 Part of REM 12 — pants 17 Juicy pear 21 Still closed 22 Bell town of fiction 23 Winter constellation 24 Environs 25 Iron-rich range 26 Summon one’s courage (4 wds.)

29 DI, twice 30 Plain 32 Inspired poetry 33 Settle the score 34 Kassel’s river 36 Hagar the Horrible’s dog 37 Lift anchor 38 Waved down 39 Challenges 41 — kwon do 42 After-dinner candy 43 Overpasses 44 Dynamite inventor

gion 1 also conferred on the resort the “Most Outstanding Individual Initiative on Environment Management” award in 2013.

“But more than the honor and accolades, I take pride in how our humble contributions have helped transformed Pagudpud into an economically progressive municipality by way of providing employment to about 500 staff and construction workers in the past seven years now,” Col. Nolasco said.

The panel of judges included Winston M. Ginez, chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Rep. Nelson P. Collates, 3rd District of Batangas; Pagud-

vance the resort’s various Eco-tourism projects and corporate social responsibility advocacies.”

The annual search for Mr. & Ms. Eco-Tourism Ambassadors is Hannah’s Beach Resort & Convention Center’s initiative to raise the level of awareness and involvement of their guests and the community in caring for the Blue Lagoon and other points of interest in Pagudpud in particular and Ilocos Norte in general.

The resort has received many awards and recognitions, the latest of which was as 2014’s Most Outstanding Tourist Destination in the Philippines by Gawad Amerika Foundation. DENR-Re-

46 47 48 51 52 53 54 58 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 71 72 73 74 75 76

Four-footed pals Aileron locale Fetched Penn. neighbor Feel empathy Existence Derrick arms Like junk mail, usually Fail to remember (3 wds.)

Shrink back Hideouts Jetty “Columbo” star Humidity problem Flora and fauna Hearty laughs Drying ovens Civilian dress B’way notice of yore Yves’ girl Surfer slang Brownish-purple “— Daba Honey moon”

86 87 88 89 90 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 103 106 107 108 112 113 114 116 117 118 119 121 122 125 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134

Valentine decor Glutton’s delight Woolly bear, finally Pretty soon More watered down Two-way Round tent Pollute Wheel turners After-hours joint Club car Bunk in Liverpool Observances Keg stopper Swerve off-course Bout enders Monica of tennis Tedious Ice and dice Go in all directions Potatoes partner Rock’s Fleetwood — Bummer of a car Big rodeo town Carry on Move to the beat It flows past Berne It’s for the birds Like Kojak Shorten Beads on grass Orbital need (2 wds.)

Scribble Cats do it Dubbed Win by — — Way out Job-safety agcy.

Kind of cab Ladies of Spain Rue the day

DOWN 1 Purred 2 Lake near Syracuse 3 More curious 4 Fitness center

“Yassi was born to be a star. Other than her looks, her talents are exceptional- truly a performer. She is such a nice and happy person, too. On set, she’s very pleasant and respects everyone she works with. We are very happy to have her as part of the Greenwich barkada”, says Cookie Cabrera, PR Head of Greenwich. She started out as being a talent in commercials. Fourteen years and twenty-five commercials later, another dream of hers has been materialized – a full on product endorsement.

The soon-to-be 20-year old Yassi is the newest member of the Greenwich Barkada. Being Greenwich’s newest it-girl, she loves the concept of the Greenwich Ultimate Bandkada Search.

“I know what it’s like to go through the challenges of starting your music career,” Yassi shares. “But hard work, proper training and surrounding yourself with

friends who you share the same interests with make the journey more fun and exciting. Enjoying music becomes even better when there’s great food you can share with them along the way. That’s an ultimate bonding experience!”

The little girl who once craved for the limelight is now a part of it. Her launch as part of the Greenwich barkada kicks off via the Greenwich Crispy Thins, which comes in five flavors – Signature, Hawaiian, All-Meat, 7-Cheese and Pepperoni.

“Best to order the barkada size since pizza is best eaten when shared!” exclaims Yassi.

In Yassi’s words, “There’s no schedule when I eat the Greenwich Signature Crispy Thins. I just crave for it then I give in and have a bite or two. Sometimes more!” Greeenwich Crispy Thins bursts with flavour. Less crust means more flavor to be enjoyed and experienced.

Cravings will indeed be satisfied.

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56 57 59 60 61 62

Goddess of spring Harvard and Yale (abbr.)

Unfair treatment (2 wds.)

Stick Cosmetics, slangily Part of MIT Pixel Revise jointly “The Tempest” sprite Kegler’s targets Compost Breathing No-goodnik (2 wds.)

Popsicle flavor Twilled fabrics Crusted over Financial transactions Hedge Computer-chip maker Stimpy’s pal Alaskan town Hot dog Ice-cream treats Siamese greeting Twinkle Underpinning Implore Bursts of laughter Beach scavengers Walking — — Some spectacles Mardi — Flat-tasting Forsake a lover British calligrapher’s buy (2 wds.)

Prior to yr. 1 Use a Singer Previously Ellington of jazz Musical key (2 wds.)

Helen to Menelaus

64 66 68 69 70 71 73 74 75 77 78 80 81 82

— pro quo A whole lot Giant slain by Odin Eucalyptus muncher Visa and passport Mongrel Jungle swingers Track prelims Wine or harbor Striped antelope Feeds the kitty Mini-guitars Welds Bean for sprouting

83 84 85 86 87 88 90 91 92 93 95 97

Non-pro sports grp.

Gob of bubblegum Outer, in combos Hinder Masculine principle Poolside turban NBA coach Pat — Lusitania sinker (hyph.)

Least of the litter Scientist’s lair Giving it another go Joshua tree, for one

99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 109 110 111

Mystery Man’s Brenda Ivan of the courts Easy gallops Continent divider Hoarders Boxing hold Writer — Christie Flu or cold A “Brady Bunch” girl More angry Threat ender (2 wds.)

Most advanced

112 Chocolate source 113 Comes unglued 114 When doubled, “Hungry Like the Wolf” band 115 Fluffy quilt 118 Jostle 119 Salmon variety 120 Mezzanine 123 Wray of “King Kong” 124 Brief craze 126 Assoc.

S UNDAY : J UNE 7 : 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

KAPUSO LEADS IN MEGA MANILA AND URBAN LUZON IN MAY

Renz Verano joins Rak of Aegis cast

G

Manny Pacquiao's fight with Floyd Mayweather, Jr, telecast on GMA 7 is the most watched program in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila

From C8

MA Netw o r k dominated the ratings in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila in May. These are the network’s domain, according to ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Urban Luzon and Mega Manila represent 77 and 59 percent, respectively, all urban TV househwolds in the country.

During the covered period (May 24 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA led competition in Urban Luzon with a 37.6 percent total day household audience share, 6.3 points ahead of ABSCBN’s 31.3 percent and 29.4 points of TV5’s 8.2 percent.

In Mega Manila, GMA led across all day parts with 39.4 percent, besting ABS-CBN’s 27.6 percent by 11.8 points and TV5’s 8.4 percent by 31 points.

Meanwhile, GMA kept its lead in the daytime blocks in NUTAM (National Urban Television Audience Measurement).

In the morning block, GMA recorded an average household share of 34 percent, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 29.9 percent by 4.1 points and TV5’s 10.1 percent by 23.9 points. In the afternoon block, GMA posted 36.7 percent, up 3.3 points from ABS-CBN’s 33.4 percent and up 28.2 points from TV5’s 8.5 percent.

Majority of the programs in the list of top-rating shows in NUTAM, Urban Luzon and Mega Manila were Kapuso shows.

GMA’s telecast of the highly anticipated faceoff between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr., which was simulcast via the three networks, rated highest nationwide (NUTAM)

Banda Kawayn Pilipinas is featured attraction at Shangri-La Plaza

at 47.4 percent versus ABSCBN’s 31.5 percent and TV5’s 7 percent. The fight dubbed Battle for Greatness: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather was also the highest-rating Kapuso program in NUTAM and Urban Luzon.

Visitwww.facebook.com/ shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage.

Follow the Shang on Instagram:@shangrilaplazaofficial.

HHHHH INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND AT SHANGRI-LA PLAZA Shangri-La Plaza celebrates Philippine Independence with performances by Banda Kayawan Pilipinas and the Ramon A. Obusan Folkloric Group.

On June 12, 7 p.m. at the mall’s East Atrium, Banda Kawayan Pilipinas will be showcasing a variety of musical styles through a repertoire of local favorites, regional folk songs, as well as beloved classics, and popular contemporary hits.

This young, talented group play music using instruments fashioned out of bamboo and other indigenous materials.

The celebration continues on June 13, 7 p.m at the Grand Atrium with Ramon A. Obusan Folkloric Group performing a program of folk dances.

Established by National Artist for Dance, Ramon Arevalo Obusan, the dance company is considered a forerunner in Philippine folk dances performed closest to the original, and boasts over a thousand performances here and abroad.

For inquiries, call 370-2500 loc. 597 or visit www.facebook. com/shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.

HHHHH RENZ VERANO JOINS PETA’S ‘RAK OF AEGIS’ Novelty singer Renz Verano is joining the fourth run of the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) hit comedy musical, Rak of Aegis.

The singer-songwriter, who popularized the songs “Remember Me,” Lorena” and

“You and I,” to name a few, is taking the place of Robert Seña (Kiel) as the father of Aileen, essayed by Aicelle Santos and Kim Molina.

“I have a large (pair of) shoes to fill. I am nervous because I am portraying a role formerly performed by a seasoned stage actor. I only hope I can perform well,” Renz says.

Being excited to play the role, he also shares his anxiety in entering the theater arena.

He explains that the experience is entirely new for him. He has performed so many times but he has never done both acting and singing at the same time.

“During the first music rehearsals everybody was looking at me during my part. It felt like I was in a contest and I was the new contestant!” he shares.

So far, Renz is enjoying the whole experience and extremely proud to be part of the growing Rak of Aegis family.

He is joined by other new cast members like actor an singer Lorenz Martinez, alternates with Renz and Oj Mariano as Kiel, opposite Lani Ligot who plays Aileen’s mother, Mercy.

The Company’s Sweet Plantado also joins the cast as Mary Jane, while dancer Benj Manalo plays the show’s heartthrob and Aileen’s love interest, Tolits.

The ensemble is also joined by young thespians Teetin Villanueva, Via Antonio, Raflesia Bravo and Roi Calilong.

Apart from Renz and the new cast members joining Rak’s 4th run, director Maribel Legarda also promises a tighter show with a few additional surprises.

She also notes that mixing up the cast “keeps the production fresh and each show unique.”

Rak of Aegis runs from June 17 to Aug. 16, Tuesday to Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.) at the PETA Theater Center at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

For tickets, contact Ticket World (632) 8919999, ticketworld. com.ph, or visit www.petatheater. com for show buyer information.

The Ramon A, Obusan Folkloric Group performs for mall guests on Independence Day weekend at Shangri-La Plaza

Adam Watch hosts Man Finds Food on TLC

ADAM RICHMAN IS BACK IN TLC’s brand new series Adam Richman continues his culinary adventures. As host of Man Finds Food, he embarks on a new quest to uncover the most unexpected and delicious treasures in towns across the U.S. He discovers some truly surprising must-eats that only those in-the-know would be able The show premieres at 9:30 p.m. tomorrow.

From a Thai joint in Los Angeles that serves a spicy off-menu burger he can only describe as “life-changing”, to one of the best Pakistani restaurants in Milwaukee hidden in an unassuming office building, Adam samples the country’s amazing food creations. These tantalizing treasures are sometimes found in towns not known for that particular dish – or for food in general.

Occasionally nestled on locations that are nearly impossible to find, Adam and his crew will hunt down and reveal these classified creations one by one. In Chinatown, he learns about a sandwich so secret you need to be one of the first five to order it. In a neighborhood known as Kaimuki, he sees how a once-illegal Hawaiian food is specially prepared by pounding it with a pestle. And he makes some mouthwatering finds in the unexpected places, such as a bowling alley – that happens to serve full-broiled chicken, which Adam has proclaimed as his favorite.

Along the way, Adam talks to the creators of these dishes and connects with the locals to find out about their favourite food joints and what other scrumptious secrets the towns might be harboring.

Tune in as each episode builds up to reveal the most outlandish, delicious, offthe-menu creations.

S UNDAY : J UNE 7 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

LIZA AND ENRIQUE

The LizQuen love team is fast rising as the TV couple to beat on ABS-CBN

NOW MOVIE STARS, TOO ISAH V. RED Forevermore lead stars Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil are not going to be missed by their fans, it seems. The two are now busy promoting a movie they shot while the taping the finale episodes of the top-rating TV series.

The movie is called Just The Way You Are and it is the screen couple’s first major film. Theodore “Ted” Boborol, also in the crew of Forever More directed the two in the film.

Says Soberano, “He guided us and he was very keen on pointing out if they carried their characters’ nuances from the series to the film.”

“Sa set, inaalagaan din kami ni Direk Ted,” Gil adds. “Tsaka iba ‘yung character namin do’n (movie) eh. Medyo playboy si Drake do’n, medyo mayabang. Nung una, ganun siya (Xander), pero sa simula lang ‘yon. Para siyang douchebag, tipong wala akong pakialam sa mundo, bahala kayo. (Sa movie), iba ‘yung angst (nung character ko).”

Liza Soberano is Sophia who Drakes makes a bet she's fall for him in a month

The Bet, upon which the move was based, is not all about romantic love.

It will also tackle relationships among friends, family, and acceptance of oneself

Enrique Gil plays Drake in Just The Way You Are

-Theodore “Ted” Boborol, Director

For Liza, the challenge was different.

“Ako medyo nahihirapan ako kasi when I started (in) Forevermore, I had to practice my Tagalog,” she reveals. “Sa movie kasi I come from America so dapat super slang. Nawala ‘yung pagka-slang ko. Na-carry ko ‘yung nuances ni Agnes which Sophia shouldn’t have because Sophia is a very blank person, she’s just like, ‘I don’t care.’ All the time.”

The romantic-comedy follows the story of popular guy Drake (Enrique), who makes a bet with his best friends to make nerdy transferee Sophia (Liza) fall in love with him in 30 days.

So what is it that Enrique and Liza like about each other the most?

The 17-year-old actress says, “ Enrique boyfriend material. Gusto ko yung lightness niya. Very fun siya kasama sa set. Hindi siya mayabang—yun ang gusto ko.

And, yung pang-boyfriend material, he’s very family-oriented.”

Just The Way You Are is based on Kimberly Joy Villanueva’s pop fiction book The Bet. It seems nothing can stop Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil from being the next hot TV couple. The two performed ABS-CBN’s jingle for its summer station ID while starring in Forevermore, which wrapped up recently after weeks of consistently at the top of the ratings race.

And they’re on a roll, indeed with Just the Way You Are opening in cinemas next week. Tonton Gutierrez, Sunshine Cruz, Yayo Aguila, Alex Diaz, and Marco Gumabao throw in their unequivocal support for the love team playing important roles in the films.

Just The Way You Are will also screen overseas. Itwill have its international premiere on June 20 in San Francisco, California.

Boborol says, “The Bet, upon which the move was based, is not all about romantic love. It will also tackle relationships among friends, family, and acceptance of oneself.”

The movie opens in cinemas this June 17. ➜ Continued on C7