The Standard - 2015 June 21 - Sunday

RotaRy club of manila newspapeR of the yeaR 2015 VOL. XXIX NO. 121 3 Sections 24 Pages P18 SuNday : JuNE 21, 2015 www.manilastandardtoday.com editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘TUG-OF-WAR OVER WANG’

By Maricel V. Cruz

BOTH the House of Representatives and the Senate appear to be in a tug-of-war over the alleged bribery case involving Chinese businessman Wang Bo with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. saying on Saturday the House will not yield in its probe until the chamber ferrets out the truth and the upper chamber also keen on looking into Wang’s case.

“The committee will continue its investigation,” Belmonte told The Standard in a text message as a re-

sponse to the proposal of Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles that the Senate, and not the House, should

conduct the probe of the matter.

Belmonte said the allegation of payola was “very serious” and “very damaging” to the House as an institution, but “so far nothing connects any House member or the House except unsubstantiated speculations.”

The speaker made the remark after Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, filed a resolution calling for an investigation of the Wang Bo case.

Guingona also noted in his resolution they want to establish if bribe

China also wants this man: Wang Bo

money was used to gain the approval for the BBL during plenary debates in the House of Representatives.

Belmonte, together with House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II and Minority Leader and San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, authored House Resolution 2151 seeking “an inquiry in aid of legislation on the alleged bribery and corruption activities involving Chinese national Wang Bo.” Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting of the United Nationalist Alliance of Vice President Jejomar Binay, echoed

FATHER’S DAY MOMENTS. Two fathers take time out to be with their kids to celebrate Father’s Day in their own little way. Top photo shows a young father taking picture of his sons amid a panoramic view of Sumlang Lake in Camalig, Albay, while below, father and son enjoy the scenery at the CCP Complex in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City while riding a bicycle. DANNY PATA

BISHOP TO PNOY: LET SUCCESSOR TACKLE BBL

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan MALACAÑANG said on Saturday that President Benigno Aquino III has remained firm on his decision to pass the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law into law before the end of his term next year.

Presidential Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. made the statement after Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo asked Aquino to let the next leader to pass the Palacebacked-BBL. Coloma also appealed to the critics of BBL to look at the “larger picture,” saying that the

only reason why Aquino wants to pass the proposed law is his desire to end the decades-long violence and security threats in Mindanao.

“Mayroong din namang kahalagahan an maipatupad na ito dahil, sa pagtingin natin sa mas malaking larawan, deka-dekada na po ang binibilang natin na pa-

nahon na kung saan ay hindi po nagkaroon ng matibay na batayan para sa katahimikan sa Mindanao (There is a need to implement this by looking at the bigger picture, we are counting more than a decade already where we have not yet fully achieved an enduring and lasting peace in Mindanao),” Coloma said.

Next page

Belmonte’s view that the House must pursue the probe, and not pass on its homework to the Senate.

“The House is a co-equal body of the Senate and having the latter investigate the former will denigrate the independence of the House,” Tambunting said in a separate interview.

“The House should conduct its own investigation because its integrity as an institution is at stake and it is its duty to punish erring members if the allegations are found to be true,” Next page Tambunting added.

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CHINA TOLD TO RESTRAIN SELF

By Vito Barcelo and Bloomberg

The Philippines has raised the alarm anew over China’s massive reclamation activities in disputed territories in the South China Sea, calling on Beijing to “exercise self-restraint.”

“The Philippines reiterates its serious concern on China’s massive reclamation activities and planned construction of facilities in those features. These activities cause irreparable damage to the marine environment and marine biodiversity of the region,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The DFA said China’s reclamation and construction activities “grossly violate” the 2002 Asean-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and may serve to escalate the disputes and undermine efforts to promote peace, security, and stability.

“The Philippines calls on China anew to heed calls from the region and the international community to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the DOC,” the department added.

Harry Roque, director of the UP Law Center’s Institute of International Legal Studies, described as “worrisome” China’s construction of artificial islands in Johnson South Reef, its expansion of its artificial island in Fiery Cross reef, and its deployment of naval forces to ward off any opposition.

The Philippines has already lodged an arbitration case against China before the United Nations International Tribunal on the Law of the Seas, which Beijing refused to acknowledge.

“These constructions are happening in the face of China’s snub of the arbitral proceedings that precisely impugn China’s legal rights to do so,” Roque said. “Clearly, China’s conduct is not only illegal but is also contemptuous of the proceedings.”

The United States has described China’s efforts to build military facilities on reclaimed disputed islands as “troubling” and plans to raise the issue during annual talks in Washington this month.

Daniel Russel, assistant US secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, was responding to a Chinese statement saying the country would complete island-building efforts “in the upcoming days.”

Construction of military and civilian facilities on the new and expanded islands would continue, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

“The recent announcement out of Beijing that the Chinese government intends to continue and expand the construction of facilities on the reclaimed outposts that it’s been constructing in the South China Sea is troubling,” Russel said.

“Frankly, we’re concerned, and others are concerned,” he added.

Washington will levy its protest during the Sino-US talks, which are slated to start Monday and include Secretary of State John Kerry and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang.

China’s island-building program, which has reclaimed 2,000 acres of land, three-quarters of that amount since December, has upset smaller neighbors with competing territorial claims such as the Philippines.

Trooping the honor line. Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Leonardo Espina salutes the colors as he troops the line during a testimonial parade in his honor at the Philippine Military Academy where he graduated 34 years ago.

Tug-of-war From A1...

But Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano backed Nograles’ suggestion.

“I agree with [Congressman Karlo Nograles] in this: just to erase the doubt that the House will just cover up the issue or harass the witnesses,” Alejano, a former mutineer, said.

Alejano said the Senate may also

Bishop

From A1...

“Kaya mayroon po tayong sense of urgency hinggil diyan at yan lang naman ang dahilan kung bakit desedido si Pangulong Aquino na maisulong yung prosesong pangkapayapaan sa loob ng kanyang panunungkulan (That’s why there is a sense of urgency regarding that matter and that’s the reason why President Aquino is firmly decided to push for the peace process within his term),” Coloma added.

Critics had questioned the constitutionality of the BBL, which seeks to create a Bangsamoro political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Bagaforo on Friday urged Aquino to let the next President pass the BBL into law.

The prelate said he believes that there is a need for the national government to hold more consultations as the BBL has allegedly several constitutional infirmities.

“Sana ang Pangulong Aquino ay huwag magmadali at hayaan niya ang susunod na administrasyon sa pagsasabatas ng panukala (I hope President Aquino will not rush to pass the BBL but instead let the next administration to make this into law),” Bagaforo said in a Churchowned Radio Veritas interview.

Bagoforo appealed to the government to hold more consultations with government lawyers, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) legal entities, Congressmen, Senators, former chief justices, Deans of

conduct its probe into the matter to address and determine what he said as “two important issues: whether the extortion really happened or not; and whether the purpose of extortion is to buy out support for BBL or not.”

Earlier, several lawmakers said that the House panel conducting the probe, headed by Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez, should not stop in its quest for truth involving the alleged payoff.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, said his

panel will submit to the Supreme Court a copy of the panel’s report so that the high court could look into ethical questions against a lawyer who represented both Wang Bo and the man who filed a complaint against the Chinese businessman.

“We will send a copy to the Supreme Court so that the high tribunal could look into what appears to be improper conduct on the part of Bryan Bantilan, one of Wang Bo’s lawyers,” Rodriguez said.

The congressman said Bantilan seemed to have violated his oath and the code of ethics for lawyers by representing Wang and a complainant in a separate estafa case.

The good government committee has invited Bantilan, Jose Chua, the complainant against Wang in a P3-million estafa case, and Prosecutor Antonio Rivera, who conducted a preliminary investigation on Wang’s deportation case on Feb. 11, to its next hearing on July 7.

law School and Philippine Constitutional Assembly (Philconsa).

“The problem was that when they were crafting it they kept it under wraps,” the prelate said, adding that while the measure was being drafted, it was clear that there were no participation from lawmakers.

He also said that this is why this is not the right time for lawmakers to follow Aquino’s order to submit the BBL this year, because the proposed law was haunted by “doubts, complains and rejections” by several critics and individuals.

“Klarong-klaro na maraming constitutional infirmities na implikasyon sa pagbago ng Constitution. Pangalawa, parang kapag ginawa ang BBL magiging federalism na, parang cart before the horse, horse muna ayusin muna natin yung klase ng gobyerno natin (It is clear that there are several constitutional infirmities in amending and changing the constitution.

Second, once the BBL is passed, our r government will become a federal one. This is like putting the cart before the horse. We should take care of the horse first and we should fix the kind of government that we have,” Bagaforo said.

Coloma, however, rejected Bagaforo’s claims, saying that ever since the BBL was crafted, the national government has long been explaining the details and provisions of the measure and even held several consultations among involved parties and stakeholders.

The Palace official maintained that the BBL does not violate the 1987 Constitution, as it even assembled a high-profile study group to analyze the BBL.

“Lahat po ng anggulo, lahat ng aspeto na patungkol sa pagtalima sa Konstitusyon ay masusing pinagaralan at patuloy pa rin po itong pinag-aaralan,” he said.

He added that the President has formed a National Peace Council to look into the constitutionality of BBL and found that, through the leadership of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, the BBL is in line with the 1986 Constituion.

“Pareho lang po ang kanilang opinyon na sa kanilang pagsusuri tumatalima naman ang Bangsamoro Basic Law na isinubmit na po natin sa Kongreso. Ganunpaman, kinikilala po natin na ang ating mga mambabatas ay mayroong tungkulin na tiyakin din yung constitutionality ng lahat ng batas na kanilang ipinapasa, kaya iginagalang po naman natin lahat ng kanilang pagsisikap sa aspetong ito,” Coloma added.

The BBL has not been passed before Congress adjourned its session last June 11. Congress will open July 27, the same day that Aquino will deliver his final State of the Nation Address.

Coloma said that the Aquino administration is willing to coordinate with the lawmakers and come up with a consensus.

“Open naman po tayong makipagtalakayan sa kanila, pakipag-unawaan. Kasi po importante rito magkaroon tayo ng pagkakaunawaan at pagkakaroon ng consensus, ika nga, dahil ang nakataya rito ay napakahalagang aspeto ng ating pambansang kagalingan o national interest (We are open to any talks and understanding. Because it is important here for us to have an understanding and consensus since our national in-

terest is at stake),” Coloma said.

Last Friday, the Philippine Constitution Association and three Catholic leaders on Friday asked the Supreme Court to declare as unconstitutional the two agreements signed by the government with the MILF that envision the establishment of a Bangsamoro government to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Philconsa, through its president and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, also asked the high court to reject the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro or FAB dated Oct. 12, 2012, and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro or CAB dated March 27, 2014, which grant “unconscionable” financial, social, economic and political benefits to the MILF. Aside from Romualdez, the other petitioners were former Senator Francisco Tatad, Archbishops Ramon Arguelles, Fernando Capalla and Romulo de la Cruz, and former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales.

The FAB was negotiated and signed by former government peace panel chief and now Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, while the CAB was negotiated and signed by incumbent government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer with MILF peace panel head Mohagher Iqbal.

Pending the judgment on the unconstitutionality of the FAB and the CAB, the petitioners sought a temporary restraining order enjoining Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and any other official from further releasing funds for any and all activities to pursue or implement the FAB and the CAB and any all acts and issuances.

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ESPINA EYEING QUIET FUTURE WITH FAMILY

By Francisco Tuyay ADMITTINg that he has been an absentee husband and father since he got married, Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director general Leonardo Espina is looking forward to spending his retirement years in the company of his family.

“I’m going back home,” Espina said after he was given a testimonial parade given by his alma mater, the Philippine Military Academy, in Baguio City where he graduated in 1981.

After 34 years in service, Espina said he had had very little time to spend with his wife and three children and he thanked god that he will have the chance to serve them after he retires on July 19 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

“I am totally hers now,” Espina said of his wife Maria Dinna Espina. “My wife is a very composed and strong woman, taking care of everything when I’m absent. My children grew in the proper perspective. I thank her for everything.”

In an emotional speech before the Corps of Cadets of the Armed Forces of the Philippine at the PMA parade ground, Espina exhorted the future military

officers to abide by the motto of working hard.

“Everyday, we pray for a common goal. Just work and work. Ever since I graduated with that very long motto, “work hard,” was my guiding principle the moment I wake up,” Espina said.

“I’m very grateful to the AFP cadet corps for this rare privilege to stand before you as your guest of honor. I’m very glad to back home,” said Espina.

PMA Superintendent, Lt. gen. Oscar Lopez, said testimonial honors are only given to PMA graduates who achieve the highest rank in the uniformed services, like the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

But Espina was technically not a full-fledged PNP chief, but he was still given the honor of a testimonial parade because he displayed the PMA’s motto of courage, integrity and loyalty.

Espina proved this when he took responsibility for the Mamasapano clash in January when 44 police commandos were killed in a controversial mission in Maguindanao, Lopez added.

Unlike other PNP chiefs before him, Espina also rejected suggestions that he enter politics after his retirement next month.

UNION SAYS HIV CASES TO HIT 4,000

By Vito Barcelo

THE number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)positive overseas Filipino workers is expected to top the 4,000-mark this year, and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) slammed the Senate on Saturday for the delay in the passage of a new program to suppress the disease.

“While the Senate dilly-dallies, HIV is ravaging the lives of a growing number of Filipino workers here and abroad every day,” said TUCP president and former senator Ernesto Herrera, whose labor center is a member of the multi-sectoral Philippine National AIDS Council.

Herrera made the statement as the number of OFWs known to have been found HIV-positive reached 3,509, with the addition of 221 new cases from January to April this year.

“The OFWs who are getting infected have a median age of 33, and are at the prime of their lives in terms of potential economic productivity,” said Herrera, former chairman of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development.

Herrera said OFWs now comprise some 14 percent of the aggregate 24,936 cases in

the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry as of April 2015.

Some 82 percent of all HIV-positive OFWs, or 2,892 cases, were male, with the median age of 33. The 617 HIV-positive female OFWs had a median age of 34, according to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry.

HIV causes the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, which does not have any known cure. But the World Health Organization (WHO) says “huge reductions have been seen in rates of death and suffering when use is made of a potent antiretroviral regimen, particularly in early stages.”

The proposed new AIDS Prevention and Control Law, or House Bill 5178, seeks to launch highly effective new strategies to fight AIDS, which is being spread in the country primarily via unprotected sexual contact, predominantly male-to-male sex, and secondarily through needle-sharing among injecting drug users.

The bill seeks to renew the country’s outmoded, 17-year-old AIDS Prevention and Control Law, or Republic Act 8504.

The House passed the bill, authored

by Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, on third and final reading in December 2014, and promptly transmitted it to the Senate.

But the counterpart Senate Bill 186, introduced by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, is still pending action at the committee level up to now.

“We have to provide greater support to and stronger protection for HIV-positive individuals, particularly against employ-

ment and workplace discrimination,” Herrera said.

“As the disease infects more Filipinos, we also expect a greater number of HIVpositive workers to face employment discrimination, thus the need for improved safeguards,” he added.

The proposed new AIDS Prevention and Control Law sets tougher penalties for entities and individuals who discriminate against HIV-positive people as well as those who violate their rights to confidentiality.

It likewise seeks to improve the living conditions of HIV-positive people through greater access to treatment, care and support.

Herrera, meanwhile, urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to find new ways to strongly raise awareness of HIV, both among outbound and returning OFWs. Under the 1998 AIDS Prevention and Control Law, the DOLE, through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is supposed “to ensure that all OFWs shall undergo or attend a seminar on the cause, prevention and consequences of HIV/AIDS before certification for overseas employment.”

A total of 2,409 new HIV cases were discovered countrywide from January to April this year, up 32 percent from 1,825 in the same four-month period in 2014.

In the whole of 2014, a total of 6,011 cases were detected nationwide, up 25 percent compared to 4,814 in 2013.

MAGSAYSAY AWARDEE EYES SOLAR POWER FOR THE POOR 2011 MAgSAySAy Awardee Harish Hande of India arrived recently in the country to visit urban poor communities in Manila and help find solutions to their electricity problems.

Hande visited an urban poor community in Helping Center in Tondo, Manila and the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission in San Dionisio, Paranaque City.

After the site visits, Hande held round-table discussion at the Ramon Magsaysay Center on sharing frameworks, business models and best practices in sustainable technologies, specifically solar power for the poor.

The dialogue also included with Jimmy Ayala of the Solar Energy Foundation, Benjamin Abadiano of Peace and Equity Foundation, Erel Narida of One Renewable Energy Inc., Julien Vidal of Life Project for youth and Lily Duenas of the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission.

His visits will give Hande an overview of

the urban poor communities in Manila and how his social enterprise, Selco Solar, can help find solutions to common electricity problems.

Hande stated that his company has 20 years of experiences and 20 years of failures from which some can be culled to be tailor-made to the Philippine setting.

“Our colleagues in the communities are committed to build up the foundation. We represent them because it’s us who can speak English. They always ask ‘what else can I contribute?’ and it became the philosophy that built the organization,” Hande said.

For many years now, he has been changing mindsets and disproving myths as founder of SELCO Solar Pvt. Ltd. His company has actually distributed, serviced and financed over 135,000 solar systems to their customers, mostly in remote and poor communities, since its creation in 1995.

“The dialogue brought out a conflu-

ence of ideas and passion from the participants. Solar energy can be customized and replicated through products and application in the commu-

nities. A balance of philanthropy and marketing must be achieved and commitment must come from the ground up,” said RMAF president

Carmencita Abella.

This event is organized by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) through the Ramon Magsaysay Trans-

formative Leadership Institute together with SELCO Solar Pvt. Ltd., Peace and Equity Foundation and Jim Ayala of Hybrid Social Solutions Inc.

W C K F : N o m o r e d ir ty wa te r for C agayan villager s

The Wong Chu King Foundation (WCKF), consistent with its social responsibility to ameliorate the hungry and the dispossessed in the countryside, has started constructing deep wells fitted with hand pumps in Baranggay Minanga, Piat, Cagayan.A deep well with filters, can provide a family and its immediate neighbors with easily accessible hand pumped clean water. Without it, these villagers (like the ones in photo above) are exposed to health hazards.In many villages, clean water lies several meters below layers of hard rock. Villagers have no choice but to walk long distances to find water that is often dirty and disease-ridden.A well can provide more than 2,000 gallons of safe water a day to benefit as many as 100 people in the remote areas of Piat.According to Piat Mayor Carmelo “Black” Villacete, many baranggays and sitios in his town have no source of potable water, thus forcing residents to collect dirty water from stagnant water wholes and contaminated streams.“Clean, safe drinking water, which can save many lives, lies hundreds of feet below in many villages,” the mayor said.The WCKF, with the help of volunteer engineers and health experts, provide ceramic water filters to purify the water.The foundation also sets up hygiene and clean village workshops and instruct everyone, young and old, on the need of washing hands with soap and running water.When the mayor announced that the WCKF would build a water system, villagers rose to celebrate because they knew a clean water source can considerably reduce the community’s mortality rate.

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A5

OPINION DADDY ISSUES

[ EDI TORI A L ]

ALL A GAME POLLS are there for a reason, specifically getting the public’s pulse over the issues of the day. The numbers are supposed to guide future action so that for instance, when we say that this percentage of Filipinos is strongly or mildly opposed to a proposed legislative measure, their lawmakers should take notice.

The numbers also gauge how the public feels about a certain political figure. Popularity and approval ratings become barometers of whether the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker and Chief Justice continue to enjoy public support given their performance.

Polls have told us that Filipinos are big on trust. This is why, for example, many continue to trust top leaders despite their perceived blunders, lack of accomplishments, or personal failings.

These days, in the crucial weeks before politicians file their certificates of candidacy for national elections, poll results are like gems that inform their decisions. In the latest surveys of two poll firms, interesting results have been noted in the presidential race. It now appears that a senator would win against the Vice President if elections were held today.

The twin results would no doubt occasion serious deliberation and realignment among kingmakers and the powers-that-be. After all, they each have their own agenda for ensuring the victory of their bet. Some fancy themselves occupying prized positions in government; others, protection of business interest. Some want to ensure that their sins would not hound them; thus, they need friendly support.

Seeing how politicians trip over themselves reacting to the latest poll results, and even their attempt to appear unaffected when their words and actions say otherwise, reminds us how leadership in this country has been defined by numbers and winnability and prospective power.

The criteria for choosing standard bearers or filling up slots has been shaped by who is leading and who is at the tail-end, instead of their track record, personal conduct, and list of accomplishments.

We have long been falling for these schemes, which is why we have ended up with buffoons in our august halls. They were chosen by the people, yes, but they were chosen by their “parties” first.

The “parties” themselves are defined by convenience than by anything else.

We thus find ourselves in that sorry state where appearances are everything, and glossy packages are the norm—however their state underneath these wrappings.

SPOILERS DON’T HAVE TO RUIN THE EXPERIENCE THE season-ender of the fifth season of the HBO series Game of Thrones stayed true to what has now become a tradition in the ardentlyfollowed show: It was brutally tragic, utterly heartbreaking, and, as far as many were concerned, totally unexpected. (Those who have read the books, however, already had

an inkling of what was going to happen. Although the TV series has taken so many liberties with the material and has strayed away many times from the storyline, the people behind the show have been talking about yielding to pressure to return to the original work of author George RR Martin.)

But that season-ender will also be remembered for the many “relationships” that got severed, at least in social networking sites. I personally came across so many

Surely people can still see how ironic it is to aggressively accost people and call them names supposedly for being inconsiderate and disrespectful of others.

angry warnings, threats, and heated arguments over spoilers about how the season will end. Because the seasonender was shown ahead in the United States and Britain, there were people who have already seen it before everyone else did in the Philippines. There were those who, either because of excitement, or out of a desire to annoy others, started sharing spoilers – revealing the highlights of the season ender. This, of course, did not sit well with many fans who craved for the

visceral thrill of witnessing shocking, unexpected developments unfold before their very eyes without the benefit of a warning or advance information. And so the flurry of blocking and “unfriending” and scolding people for being spoilers ensued.

I empathize with those who felt that their appreciation of the season finale was severely reduced by some inconsiderate trolls who couldn’t keep their excitement and their tendency to blabbermouth in check. But

for crying out loud, if one truly did not want to come across information about what happens in the season-ender, they should have simply stayed away from social networking sites where people afflicted with the compulsion to share every single thought that crossed their mind or every bit and piece of their mundane existence, lurk. The way I see it, it is unreasonable to expect everyone in the world to conform to one’s viewing preferences. Surely

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people can still see how ironic it is to aggressively accost people and call them names supposedly for being inconsiderate and disrespectful of others.

The argument that was repeatedly brought forward was that spoilers destroy the viewing experience. Although I really believe it’s a matter of personal preference, there are actually studies that say spoilers do not necessary destroy the experience – and may in fact, heighten better ap-

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preciation of the work in question.

There are people who read the last chapter of a mystery thriller first, or people who deliberately ask for advance information about a play or movie, in order to enhance their enjoyment. When the brain has advance information of what’s going to happen, it can become more analytical and learn to focus on many other elements of the work.

Plot, after all, is not everything. It Continued on A6 is important,

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

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TODAY is Fathers’ Day and I am sure social media will be flooded with tributes to dads, honoring them, acknowledging their role in our lives and saying they deserve the best.

There will be plenty of text messages, too, to relatives and friends who are themselves fathers. Restaurants will be full.

Newspapers and magazines in the past few days were flooded with gift suggestions, for that supposedly first man in your life.

This column, though, recognizes there are fathers of all shapes and sizes, however imperfect they may be.

There are many dads out there who lead less than ideal lives.

Some fathers do not enjoy an open and loving relationship with their kids. Some go to the extent of making their children’s lives miserable.

Some fail to work in tandem with their wives to provide for the needs of the family and secure a comfortable future for their children.

Some refuse to provide, or think of ways they can be able to provide.

Deadbeat, in other words.

Some abandon their families and don’t look back.

Some are violent, physically, verbally or both, and feel entitled to doing so just because they are supposed to be the head of the family and can do whatever the hell they want.

Some fathers have long years of catching up to do with their children, for various reasons.

Some lead double lives, their families believing they are saintly and loyal when in fact they are capable of the darkest deeds imaginable.

There are many other kinds of imperfect dads. Do they deserve a Fathers’ Day? Of course they do. It’s just a greeting, and the term “Fathers’ Day” does not make any distinctions between good dads and, ugh, less good ones.

The distinction is made instead between those who try to be good ones despite their imperfection and those who simply do not care.

Fathers are gifts. Is not God likened to a father? Does not the law say that good judgment refers to a course of action any reasonable father of the family would do? Does not society still expect us to be proud of our fathers, by taking their last names?

Continued on A6 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 2 1 , 2 0 1 5

A4

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A5

OPINION DADDY ISSUES

[ EDI TORI A L ]

ALL A GAME POLLS are there for a reason, specifically getting the public’s pulse over the issues of the day. The numbers are supposed to guide future action so that for instance, when we say that this percentage of Filipinos is strongly or mildly opposed to a proposed legislative measure, their lawmakers should take notice.

The numbers also gauge how the public feels about a certain political figure. Popularity and approval ratings become barometers of whether the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker and Chief Justice continue to enjoy public support given their performance.

Polls have told us that Filipinos are big on trust. This is why, for example, many continue to trust top leaders despite their perceived blunders, lack of accomplishments, or personal failings.

These days, in the crucial weeks before politicians file their certificates of candidacy for national elections, poll results are like gems that inform their decisions. In the latest surveys of two poll firms, interesting results have been noted in the presidential race. It now appears that a senator would win against the Vice President if elections were held today.

The twin results would no doubt occasion serious deliberation and realignment among kingmakers and the powers-that-be. After all, they each have their own agenda for ensuring the victory of their bet. Some fancy themselves occupying prized positions in government; others, protection of business interest. Some want to ensure that their sins would not hound them; thus, they need friendly support.

Seeing how politicians trip over themselves reacting to the latest poll results, and even their attempt to appear unaffected when their words and actions say otherwise, reminds us how leadership in this country has been defined by numbers and winnability and prospective power.

The criteria for choosing standard bearers or filling up slots has been shaped by who is leading and who is at the tail-end, instead of their track record, personal conduct, and list of accomplishments.

We have long been falling for these schemes, which is why we have ended up with buffoons in our august halls. They were chosen by the people, yes, but they were chosen by their “parties” first.

The “parties” themselves are defined by convenience than by anything else.

We thus find ourselves in that sorry state where appearances are everything, and glossy packages are the norm—however their state underneath these wrappings.

SPOILERS DON’T HAVE TO RUIN THE EXPERIENCE THE season-ender of the fifth season of the HBO series Game of Thrones stayed true to what has now become a tradition in the ardentlyfollowed show: It was brutally tragic, utterly heartbreaking, and, as far as many were concerned, totally unexpected. (Those who have read the books, however, already had

an inkling of what was going to happen. Although the TV series has taken so many liberties with the material and has strayed away many times from the storyline, the people behind the show have been talking about yielding to pressure to return to the original work of author George RR Martin.)

But that season-ender will also be remembered for the many “relationships” that got severed, at least in social networking sites. I personally came across so many

Surely people can still see how ironic it is to aggressively accost people and call them names supposedly for being inconsiderate and disrespectful of others.

angry warnings, threats, and heated arguments over spoilers about how the season will end. Because the seasonender was shown ahead in the United States and Britain, there were people who have already seen it before everyone else did in the Philippines. There were those who, either because of excitement, or out of a desire to annoy others, started sharing spoilers – revealing the highlights of the season ender. This, of course, did not sit well with many fans who craved for the

visceral thrill of witnessing shocking, unexpected developments unfold before their very eyes without the benefit of a warning or advance information. And so the flurry of blocking and “unfriending” and scolding people for being spoilers ensued.

I empathize with those who felt that their appreciation of the season finale was severely reduced by some inconsiderate trolls who couldn’t keep their excitement and their tendency to blabbermouth in check. But

for crying out loud, if one truly did not want to come across information about what happens in the season-ender, they should have simply stayed away from social networking sites where people afflicted with the compulsion to share every single thought that crossed their mind or every bit and piece of their mundane existence, lurk. The way I see it, it is unreasonable to expect everyone in the world to conform to one’s viewing preferences. Surely

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people can still see how ironic it is to aggressively accost people and call them names supposedly for being inconsiderate and disrespectful of others.

The argument that was repeatedly brought forward was that spoilers destroy the viewing experience. Although I really believe it’s a matter of personal preference, there are actually studies that say spoilers do not necessary destroy the experience – and may in fact, heighten better ap-

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preciation of the work in question.

There are people who read the last chapter of a mystery thriller first, or people who deliberately ask for advance information about a play or movie, in order to enhance their enjoyment. When the brain has advance information of what’s going to happen, it can become more analytical and learn to focus on many other elements of the work.

Plot, after all, is not everything. It Continued on A6 is important,

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TODAY is Fathers’ Day and I am sure social media will be flooded with tributes to dads, honoring them, acknowledging their role in our lives and saying they deserve the best.

There will be plenty of text messages, too, to relatives and friends who are themselves fathers. Restaurants will be full.

Newspapers and magazines in the past few days were flooded with gift suggestions, for that supposedly first man in your life.

This column, though, recognizes there are fathers of all shapes and sizes, however imperfect they may be.

There are many dads out there who lead less than ideal lives.

Some fathers do not enjoy an open and loving relationship with their kids. Some go to the extent of making their children’s lives miserable.

Some fail to work in tandem with their wives to provide for the needs of the family and secure a comfortable future for their children.

Some refuse to provide, or think of ways they can be able to provide.

Deadbeat, in other words.

Some abandon their families and don’t look back.

Some are violent, physically, verbally or both, and feel entitled to doing so just because they are supposed to be the head of the family and can do whatever the hell they want.

Some fathers have long years of catching up to do with their children, for various reasons.

Some lead double lives, their families believing they are saintly and loyal when in fact they are capable of the darkest deeds imaginable.

There are many other kinds of imperfect dads. Do they deserve a Fathers’ Day? Of course they do. It’s just a greeting, and the term “Fathers’ Day” does not make any distinctions between good dads and, ugh, less good ones.

The distinction is made instead between those who try to be good ones despite their imperfection and those who simply do not care.

Fathers are gifts. Is not God likened to a father? Does not the law say that good judgment refers to a course of action any reasonable father of the family would do? Does not society still expect us to be proud of our fathers, by taking their last names?

Continued on A6 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 2 1 , 2 0 1 5

A6

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A YEAR ON, NO QUICK FIX TO HALT IS ‘CALIPHATE’

By Sara Hussein A YEAR after its establishment, the Islamic State group’s selfdeclared “caliphate” in Syria and Iraq remains well-funded and heavily armed, and experts say it could be around for years to come.

The would-be state headed by IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi— called Caliph Ibrahim by his followers—has suffered setbacks in the months since it was proclaimed.

A US-led coalition is carrying out strikes against the group throughout its territory and this week it lost the key Syrian border town of Tal Abyad to Kurdish forces.

But the group has continued to score shocking victories elsewhere, including the seizure of Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra, and experts say IS and its “ca-

Spoilers... From A5 but it is not the only element that people can derive appreciation from. In movies there’s the cinematography, the dialogues, the production design, etc.

As an example, I don’t think that my enjoyment of say, Jurassic Park or The English Patient, has diminished despite having watched these films for the nth time. The same can be said for books that I particularly love.

When someone inadvertently told me that Dumbledore dies in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, I got irked, but became a better reader, I think, because I started to look for clues and motives early on.

But then again, that’s just me. I will concede that it all boils down to preferences.

If people want to rely on the television series rather than read the books, fine. If people prefer to limit their enjoyment of a movie to the plot rather to other elements that are present, so be it. There’s more than enough room in this world for tolerance for all our quirks.

Sure, people should try not to deliberately spew spoilers unless it’s sought.

But as the cliché goes, when life gives you lemons, as it often does, hey, make lemonade rather than rile about it and fight with everyone else. You might just realize that not all gifts need to be hidden in layers of wrappers to be appreciated.

liphate” have the means to last for years.

“The group operates as an insurgency and might shrink in one region and expand in another, but it’ll stay with us for the foreseeable future,” said Hassan Hassan, associate fellow at the Chatham House think tank’s Middle East and North Africa programme.

“I see it existing and active for at least a decade.”

Other experts agree that while the current borders of the caliphate are likely to shift, the entity is far from on its last legs.

“The very idea of the caliphate and ‘Caliph Ibrahim’ will surely remain for many of the movement’s members and supporters around the world,” said Charles Lister, a vising fellow at the Brookings Doha Center think thank.

IS’s success is driven by

The US-led coalition fighting IS has had some successes, but experts say it is constrained by a lack of reliable ground forces and relatively poor intelligence. various factors, chief among them its significant financial resources, superior firepower, and ability to play on the legitimate grievances of local popu-

lations in Syria and Iraq.

“It remains the richest terrorist group in the world,” with weekly revenues of about $2 million (1.7 million euros), said Patrick Johnston, a political scientist at the Rand Corporation think tank.

US-led strikes on the group’s oil infrastructure and a drop in the price of crude have cut into its funds, but it has found ways to compensate.

“Key among them are extortion, taxation, and the sale of looted goods from areas they have captured,” Johnston said.

More importantly, the group’s operating costs are relatively low: it has a steady supply of recruits, particularly foreign fighters, and its vast armoury is stocked largely from the spoils of battles against armies and other rebel groups.

Fighters have access to a

range of small arms and light weapons, as well as artillery, anti-tank guns and a “seemingly unending supply of pick-up trucks and captured armoured vehicles and, in Syria, tanks,” according to Lister.

“IS has the weapons, training and means to operate as a small army,” he said.

The US-led coalition fighting IS has had some successes, but experts say it is constrained by a lack of reliable ground forces and relatively poor intelligence.

IS meanwhile has strategically focused its expansion on areas where local government and security is weak.

“Ultimately the only genuine solution to IS is to solve the underlying issues of societal division and political failure that IS has sought to exacerbate and exploit to its advantage,” Lister said. (AFP)

RISE OF THE CHEST-THUMPERS

By Pankaj Mishra HISTORY clearly didn’t end with the triumph of market capitalism and democracy. Those who seek to disprove this old dogma often point to the eruption of radical Islam and the counteroffensive by the West -- two events which have indeed overshadowed the last decade in many countries.

But history has accelerated more dramatically -- in the wrong direction -- in three nations that contain a much larger part of the world’s population.

In Xi Jinping’s China, a proposed national security law aims at securing “ideological security” and “cultural security.” A skeptic would see the move as an effort

by China’s unelected rulers to maintain their grip on power, a strategy which includes exploiting hardline nationalism. But the same urge to promote ideological and cultural conformity also motivates the elected rulers of India and Russia.

In all three countries, a crackdown on nongovernmental organizations -- usually denounced as handmaidens of the West -- and a greater intolerance of dissent have accompanied a fresh attempt at mass ideological indoctrination.

Vladimir Putin’s revisionism extends beyond an indulgent view of Josef Stalin and a defense

Daddy... From A5

Human failings are universal. Sincerity to struggle to overcome them, not quite.

••• Remember that story that circulated on Facebook

of the 1939 Nazi-Soviet pact, to establishing a Russian sphere of influence in his neighborhood by force. India’s Narendra Modi is utilizing a variety of means -from promoting yoga to launching cross-border raids to punish militants -- to deliver on his own promise of a strong, cohesive and proud Hindu superpower.

Their many supporters eagerly project an image of personal virility onto their leaders. Putin’s much-photographed bare torso now faces competition from Modi’s self-proclaimed 56-inch chest, which was invoked in the Twitter hashtag #56inRocks used by a junior minister to tout a military raid into Myanmar territory in pursuit of separatist militants.

In all three cases, the authority, prestige and mystique of the state is being refurbished through personality cults. For the state remains the oldest modern religion in the largest parts of the world -“the march of god in the world,” as Hegel called it.

Hegel’s mystical rhetoric about the superiority of the state over civil society may have sounded dangerously anti-democratic in the US and UK, where the rights of the individual and the security of property were upheld over the power of the state. But much of the world followed a very different path in the last two centuries.

From Germany to Japan, Italy to

India, a strong state was seen as the basic prerequisite to creating a sense of nationality, and indeed to making individual citizens: “We have made Italy,” Massimo d’Azeglio, a leader of Italian unification, famously remarked, “now we must make Italians.” The state was seen as more than a political or juridical entity: It was a moral organism whose membership alone could bring true freedom.

In the age of global capitalism, the charisma and authority of the state have greatly weakened.

For more than two decades, ruling classes in China, Russia and India have had no choice but to participate in a global capitalist economy. The system remains hugely important to them -- not least because it helps enrich them and their cronies and allies. But as Hegel warned, “membership of the state” should not turn into “something optional.” For wealthy, globally mobile upper classes in all three countries, citizenship and its responsibilities have become all-too-negotiable.

Now, as inequality rises and slowing economies intensify a general sense of misery and angry disillusion, those who hold the levers of state power can’t afford to be seen by citizens as part of a privileged, trans-national elite.

Selective crackdowns on NGOs and corrupt individuals won’t help them repackage the compro-

mised state as an impartial and just arbiter before disaffected citizens. The leaders of India, China and Russia now seem to be trying something dangerous: consolidating the national sovereignty diminished by border-crossing capital through cross-border militarism.

While committed to market capitalism, they realize that their highly unequal countries can no longer be held together by an ideology of individual self-interest.

The authority of the state has to be seen as superior to that of an economic system that thrives through the interplay of private interests. Thus, they promote a nationalist ideology that seeks to exploit the timeless human willingness to sacrifice oneself for the family, religious and ethnic community and the state -- with total disregard for personal profit or pleasure.

This is the same urge for self-transcendence, commonly termed “irrationality,” that Islamic State abuses. But its success seems minor compared to the steady advance of greater Russian, Chinese and Indian nationalism.

It’s now becoming clearer that while the world was preoccupied with radical Islamists, nationalist ideologies backed by the state were achieving their strongest gains in three of the world’s most powerful countries. (Bloomberg)

about a man who said he was abandoned by his children, all of whom were now successful professionals abroad?

Did that post not occasion vicious comments criticizing and shaming the children for not

looking after the person who helped give life to them? What awful creatures! Bad karma awaits them, the commenters said.

Soon, however, the daughters told their side of the story: how their father was mean to

them and their mother and how they had to fend for themselves after he had abandoned them.

Shame on him, many then said, for playing the guilt game.

In the end, fathers shape us into who we are.

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

A7

NEWS editorial@thestandard.com.ph

kid-riders’ safety bill ratified

by HOUse

By Maricel V. Cruz

ThE house of Representatives has ratified the proposed “Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015,” which ensures the safety of children aboard motorcycles.

The ratified, embodied in the reconciled version of Senate Bill 2488 and house Bill 4462, prohibits any person to drive a twowheeled motorcycle with a child as rider on public roads where there is heavy volume of vehicles, high density of fast moving vehicles or where a speed limit of more than 60/kph is imposed. house Bill 4462, which was sponsored by the committee on transportation, chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento was a consolidation of house Bills 397, 541 and 2024 authored by Reps. Susan A. Yap of Tarlac, Lani Mercado-Revilla of Cavite , and Romeo Acop of Antipolo City, respectively.

Yap, being one of the bill’s authors, expressed alarm over the rising incidents of motorcycle accidents, which are the fourth top cause of death in the Philippines, with an average of 16,208 mishaps recorded every year.

“We must recognize that there is an urgent need for us to address the growing number of motorcycle accidents. We have recognized the safety and well-being of our children to be of paramount importance such as we have filed and approved laws that promote their welfare and safety,” Yap said.

Yap said the measure is as important as the laws prohibiting child labor, child trafficking and child abuse because it seeks to promote the very life of Filipino children. “Children are at a greater risk in riding motorcycles because of their frailty and undeveloped agility,” Yap said.

The ratified measure allows a child to be transported aboard a motorcycle only if he or she can comfortably reach his or her feet on the standard foot peg of the motorcycle.

It also provides that Aside from wearing a standard protective helmet as required under Republic Act 10054, otherwise known as the Motorcycle helmet Act of 2009, a childpassenger must also be able to reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider-driver.

CONtINUING tHE FIGHt. Health Workers monitor the vital signs of the resident of ilocos sur during the tb caravan, part of the nationwide effort of the department of Health to detect and cure tb cases and eliminate the disease that has claimed the lives of 100,000 in 2012.

MANNY PALMERO

group pushes end to garbage dumping

By Joel E. Zurbano

EncouragEd by the recent encyclical letter of Pope Francis, the Ecowaste coalition on Saturday asked the government to review the present system to put an end to garbage dumping in the Philippines.

The group said authorities need to take a long and hard look at the current regulations, procedures and controls to tackle the unethical and unlawful waste dumping from overseas, saying it is clearly an affront to the national dignity and a violation of national and international laws.

The appeal came on the heels of the waste analysis and characterization study (WACS) conducted by the government on a few of the 48 unclaimed container vans of imported plastic scraps from Canada now left abandoned at the Subic Port.

The 48 container vans consigned to

Live Green Enterprise arrived with no prior importation clearance from the Environmental Management Bureau in four batches between December 2013 and January 2014.

The shipments are separate from the 50 container vans that arrived in separate dates in July and August 2013. The shipper—Chronic Inc.— based at 95 Regency Crescent Whtby, Ontario, Canada—declared the shipment in its import document as plastic scraps.

But examiners inspected the container vans and discovered the vans containing more than 891,000 kilos

of heterogenous scrap plastic materials that authorities claimed to be hazardous waste.

“As we eagerly await the detailed WACS results, we appeal to the government to initiate a participatory process that will look at the gaps, loopholes and weaknesses of the system that is allowing garbage smuggling to ensue,” said Aileen Lucero, Ecowaste Coalition coordinator.

The group said Pope Francis explained that “because the enforcement of laws is at times inadequate due to corruption, public pressure has to be exerted in order to bring about decisive political action.”

“Society, through non-governmental organizations and intermediate groups, must put pressure on governments to develop more rigorous regulations, procedures and controls… to control damage to the environment,” the group quoted the pope as saying.

The environmental coalition urged the government, particularly the Bureau of Customs and the Environmental Management Bureau, to consider the following recommendations: • Conduct a public consultation to review current laws and regulations pertaining to the trade of “waste commodities” with the goal of tightening the rules to thwart the entry, dumping and disposal of prohibited waste materials.

• Publicly make available through the BoC and EMB websites all importations categorized as “waste,” particularly “plastic waste” and “electronic waste.”

• Prohibit the unloading from vessels of waste shipments with no prior importation clearance and to direct for their immediate return to the port of origin.

• Disapprove the disposal of illegal waste imports in local landfills and other disposal facilities.

‘Grease, debris caUse flOOdinG’

By Sara Fabunan and Joel Zurbano

BOOK LAUNCHING. the commemorative book celebrating 30 years of bukas loob sa diyos,

a catholic charismatic renewal community spread throughout the Philippines, Usa, canada and Hong kong, was formally launched last June 17 at the santuario de san antonio Parish center, forbes Park, Makati with archbishop angel n. lagdameo and publisher Melandrew t. Velasco of Media touchstone Ventures, inc. joining the executive council of servant leaders of bld namely (from left): ed and Malou Malay, koi and Jojo Jalandoni, raul and Mari Garcia, nato and tess roque, and ben and ely Marquez at the launch of bukas loob sa diyos covenant community coffee table book entitled “30 years of bukas loob sa diyos: a continuing Journey of faith, Hope and love.” MEANNE VELASCO/StUdIO 921

TWO state agencies are taking steps to address flooding and traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

The Department of Public Works and highways and Metro Manila Development Authority urged food establishment owners and operators to install grease traps to collect water waste from their kitchen and prevent clogging of manholes and drainages.

Along this line, the NEDA is drawing up a comprehensive roadmap for Metro Manila.

DPW also proposed the construction of a catchment area along Espana Avenue in Manila

which is a flood-prone area.

MMDA for its part urged restaurants and food establishments to avoid clogging manholes and blocking drainage because these eventually lead to flooding.

Agency officials cited the area of Tomas Morato Street in Quezon City where they found out that a number of food and other commercial establishments have no grease traps, which they said, one of the reasons why roads in the area were inundated by floods last week.

The MMDA said some establishments dumped untreated waste water, including used oil and grease, from their kitchen into the drainage system.

“The regulation is if you own a restaurant, the establishment must have a grease trap. Nabubuo po ‘yung sebo parang ice block. The problem is there are some (building) structures coverted as restaurants without grease traps,” said MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino in a radio interview.

The MMDA also encouraged households and homeowners in subdivisions to do their part by installing grease traps in their homes to prevent floodings in the community. “houses and subdivisions needs grese traps because they cook and the used oil and grease directly flow to the main drain going to the creeks,” said Tolentino.

A8

SUNDAY: JUNE 21, 2015

editorial@the standard.com.ph

FILM FEST PROMOTES ECOLOGY

By Macon Araneta

PINTADOS FESTIVAL. Performers

stage an acrobatic dance to highlight the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival in line with Tacloban City fiesta celebration from June 20 to -30 2015. MEL CASPE

SOLON QUESTIONS P8-B PASSPORT PRINTING DEAL

By Maricel V. Cruz

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Saturday asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to explain why it signed a 10-year contract worth P8 billion with the APO Production Unit to produce the country’s e-passports.

“For the last several years, Philippine passports have been printed at the security plant complex of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas since it is the only government-owned printing facility that has the capability and the necessary security features required in producing such vital travel documents,” Akbayan party-list Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez said in a state-

ment issued to House media Saturday.

“So why did the DFA suddenly agree to transfer the production of the country’s passports to the APO Production Unit, a private firm that has no established track record for printing security documents?” Gutierrez asked.

Gutierres said a private company, the APO Production Unit

has taken on the status of a “quasi-government body” after it was placed under the Presidential Communications Operations Office. Its employees, however, continue to be members of the Social Security System (SSS) and its adoption under the PCOO was essentially for the purpose of supporting the printing of the government’s information and propaganda materials, he added.

“Given its outdated printing equipment, the APO Production Unit is not even considered a top commercial printer,” Gutierrez said, adding that this must be the reason why, after entering into the contract with DFA, it immediately decided to outsource the printing of passports

to United Graphic Expression (UGEC), another private commercial printer.

“If the DFA really intends to modernize and make more secure Philippine passports, it should have considered the world’s leading producer of e-passports and e-booklets,” he said.

In seeking a congressional probe into the matter, Gutierrez pointed out DFA’s awarding of the e-passport printing contract to the APO Production Unit, as well as the latter’s outsourcing of the printing job to UGEC were all done without the benefit of a public bidding.

“What is the reason for all the haste and the secrecy?” Gutierrez asked.

IN a bid to raise awareness on the state of environment to encourage positive action toward preserving the eco-system, elementary and high school students will be treated to a series of film festivals featuring environmentally-themed movies and documentaries.

Dubbed the Green Film Festival, the project aims to educate and make Filipinos aware of the plight of the Earth today through a visual information campaign.

The screenings, which will be for free, will start in June 2015 in 51 cinemas in SM Supermalls and 6 Waltermart stores all over the country.

The Green Film Festival is a project of SM Cares, a Division of SM Foundation and the CSR arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. in partnership with the Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). Special screenings will also be held to reach out to the 1.9M out of school youth in the country.

Films in the vernacular are preferred so that the school children will better understand the issues and the concerns facing the Philippines.

Partner GMA 7 has agreed to provide the initial materials, two station-produced documentaries entitled “Ground Zero” and “Pagbangon” in the film festival. The Climate Change Commission has also contributed a 5-min info video on the Top 15 Ways to LEDS (Low Emission Development Strategies).

“Pagbangon” tells the story of how our countrymen recovered and rose from the devastation brought about by typhoon Yolanda, as documented

by GMA &’s Jessica Soho, Jiggy Manicad and Micaela Papa.

“Ground Zero” talks about the Philippines being located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and identifies which cities and provinces are exposed to the natural hazards.

The GFF is to be held every third Tuesday of the month, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, except for the months of March and December which will have special screenings dates on the first Tuesday of the month due to the class schedules.

FUND LACK DEFANGS ORAL HEALTH SECTOR

WITH 9 in 10 Filipinos suffering from tooth decay but only 1 in 10 of them can afford to see a dentist once a year, the budget for oral health care should be restored as a line-item in the national budget, Senator Ralph Recto said in a statement on Sunday.

“The national budget will remain a toothless instrument in promoting dental health if it does not specifically åset aside funds for this purpose,” Recto said.

Recto urged the national government to reintroduce oral health care accounts in the proposed 2016 national budget – said to reach almost P3 trillion – that it will submit to Congress in six weeks.

He said oral health care will not get the attention it rightfully deserves for as long as oral health spending will remain as a hidden account in the national budget.

Citing a government survey, Recto said 1 in 7 absent from work or school at least once a month and 1 in 10 fail to go to school or work at least twice a year due to aching tooth or gums.

Nine in 10 urban schoolchildren have decayed tooth.

Yet, there’s only 1 dentist for every 70,000 Department of Education (DepEd) students and teachers, Recto lamented.

He called for the hiring of more public dentists, especially in public schools.

EXCELLENCE AWARD. Pagcor chairman and chief executive Cristino L. Naguiat Jr. (center) holds the Excellence Award for corporate responsibility category for the agency’s ‘Pinoy Bayanihan’ project in the recent 2015 International Gold Quill Award. He is flanked by (from left) Pagcor director Jose Tanjuatco and Pagcor assistant vice president Maricar Bautista.

SUNDAY: JUNE 21, 2015

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

BUSINESS

B1

MOTHER-DAUGHTER TANDEM REDEFINES MAKATI WORK STYLE

GEORGIANNA Carlos, a 25-year-old former guidance counselor and public relations account executive, has recently joined her mother’s company in managing virtual offices.

Together, they are redefining the office work style in the Philippines and helping budding entrepreneurs, start-up workers and mobile professionals to have a prime business address in Makati City or Fort Bonifacio for as low as P500 a month.

Georgianna says their company, MyOffice, runs boutique offices and virtual space that support the needs of start-up companies, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals who now embrace the mobile work style to manage their expenses.

“The more technology improves, the more mobile their work style becomes and the more we grow.

A lot of people are embracing the mobile culture, the entrepreneurial culture. They need to set up their businesses and we help them,” she says over lunch in Makati City. “No matter where they are, it is as if they are still in the office through our services.”

Georgianna is now in charge of marketing and operations of MyOffice, which was established by her mother Milette Carlos, and her aunt Tina Cuerva in September 2004. The company found a niche in the real estate sector, when it offered office support functions and customized work space to those who could not afford to acquire or rent a whole office.

“So if you work at home and you need people like receptionist to handle your calls, emails, parcels, documents, then we can do these things for you, whether you are in the beach or elsewhere,” says Milette.

“We also have small meeting rooms and some work stations be-

cause our members meet their clients or accountants once in a while.

They need a base or space,” she says.

Milette, 55, says many entrepreneurs want to register their business and set up shop in a prime location such as Makati or Bonifacio Global City, but after getting the space, they seldom use the office as they are mobile most of the time.

“They end up paying thousands of pesos just for the address,” she says.

Milette and her sister established MyOffice’s first facility at the third floor of Builders Center along Salcedo Street in Legaspi Village, Makati City in 2004. “Ten years ago, I was in the trading business, handling the paperwork of suppliers and buyers. I didn’t need an office but I had to set up one, because I didn’t want to be called ‘fly-by-night’. The problem was the delivery and importation was coming only three times a year. When there was importation, I and my secretary were very busy. But most of the time, my secretary was doing nothing and I had to pay rent and electricity just the same. I ended up closing the office because I did not want my earnings from one importation to go to rent payment,” she says.

Her sister Tina Cuervo, a hotel consultant, had a similar dilemma.

Tina would always use the phones and home equipment of Milette at her residence at San Lorenzo VilMyOffice offers a number of private offices for those who need their own office space at affordable costs.

Shown is a private office at MyOffice Makati (A DIY Work Space).

Georgianna Carlos (standing), director for marketing and operations of MyOffice, welcomes members at the reception area of MyOffice Makati.

Meeting rooms are also available, which allow MyOffice members to meet and discuss with their clients.

lage, because she had no office of her own.

When they heard about the office space services provided by large foreign companies, they decided to visit a site in Makati but found the offices too large for their needs. “If only I had a smaller space where I could call and have someone receive my stuff, I would not need a big office. So we decided to develop the reception functions or frontoffice functions, which became the services offered by MyOffice,” says Milette.

Tina initially helped in conceptualizing the business, but eventually decided to become a full-time mother. “I am the one who continCONTINUED ON B3

SUNDAY: JUNE 21, 2015

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

HOW CDO EVOLVED IN 40 YEARS: FROM HOME VENTURE TO MODERN FIRM

The modern manufacturing plant of CDO-Foodsphere Inc. in Malvar, Batangas.

CORAZON Dayro Ong, the entrepreneur behind Foodsphere Inc., which manufacturers CDO food products, recalls that 40 years ago, she and her husband Jose “Pepe” Ong started a kitchen-based “mom-and-pop” enterprise, producing siopao with a longanisa filling, longanisa and tocino products.

Today, Foodsphere is a major food company that manufactures and distributes a wide selection of food products under popular brands CDO, Bibbo, Holiday, San Marino, Highlands and Danes.

The company marks its 40 years in the business on June 25.

“As we celebrate this important milestone, I can’t help but be nostalgic and remember how my husband Pepe and I started this business. It was a modest beginning—a modest but important beginning....Four decades

CDO-Foodsphere employees.

have passed and with all humility...What started as a home business has now grown big and successful,” says Corazon during a party hosted by the company for its business partners at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on June 16.

“As I look back at the past 40 years with all of you, my heart overflows with gratitude. There’s no better way of celebrating this, than expressing our sincerest appreciation to everyone who has been an important part of this journey,” she says.

“Thank you for believing in my dream. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion,” she says.

Foodsphere, which was incorporated in 1975, marks 2015 as another milestone by paying tribute and recognition to employees, trade partners, suppli-

ers, and the millions of Filipino consumers for believing in its products and for making CDO a household name.

From a kitchen-based “momand-pop” enterprise four decades ago, CDO-Foodsphere grew to become the country’s top food company employing over 3,000 Filipinos in state-of-the-art factories that produce high-quality products under popular brands CDO, Bibbo, Holiday, San Marino, Highlands and Danes.

Corazon , a nutritionist-dietitian and her husband started the company at the their home in Valenzuela City which became the production, warehouse and distribution area.

The couples’ production area was a makeshift kitchen while their dining area served as the research and development and quality assurance offices. The

warehouse and distribution center was their garage. They produced and distributed siopao with a longanisa filling, longanisa and tocino products which were patronized by neighbors and friends.

With a P60,000 loan from a rural bank, the couple registered the company as CDO Food Products on June 25, 1975. In 1981, the company was registered as Foodsphere Inc. and CDO became the flagship brand.

In 1985, a wide array of products were developed under the CDO brand, ranging from tocino, tapa, cheesedogs, bacon, chorizo, hams and sausages.

By 1990, Foodsphere built its first modern manufacturing plant in Valenzuela City in preparation for massive production and nationwide distribution.

In its quest to become a nationally-known brand, the company aired the first CDO television commercial in 1995 to increase brand awareness and to reach more consumers.

As the demand for its products expanded, Foodsphere inaugurated its second factory in 1998, a new technoplant in Valenzuela City with a capacity of 100,000 kilos a day. It also entered the canned corned beef business and was the first company to popularize Karne Norte in 100-gram cans.

In 2004, Foodsphere established Odyssey Foundation Inc. as its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm to help the underprivileged members of society, by administering supplemental feeding and livelihood programs in impoverished communities.

Foodsphere launched Bibbo!

Cheesedog in 2005, signalling the company’s thrust to become a key player in the premium hotdog segment.

In 2009, the company inau-

gurated the new megaplant in Malvar, Batangas to support the expansion of its hotdog business and the introduction of marine products. The plant features stateof-the-art facilities to provide higher efficiency output to produce world-class quality products.

Foodsphere entered into the local canned tuna business which used to be controlled 99 percent by one industry player, by launching San Marino Corned Tuna.

The brand has increased its market share by offering consumers with a wider choice of tuna products.

In 2011, Foodsphere launched Highlands Corned Beef as its entry into the premium corned beef segment. Highlands is a brand that is made with Angus Beef.

The company was awarded ISO 22000: 2005 Food Safety Management System certification in 2011, ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certification in 2012 and FSSC 22000:2010 Food Safety System certification in 2013.

Foodsphere is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015. From a “mom and pop” business in 1975, Foodsphere has grown to become an innovative and reliable food company, which produces highquality products within the reach of Filipino consumers.

From a makeshift kitchen with two employees, Foodsphere now employs more than 3,000 Filipinos in two manufacturing plants, several provincial branch offices, warehouses, factory stores, and in the different supermarkets and groceries nationwide.

“We could not be where we are today without you. Because of you, what started as a dream became our company with a successful experience and commitment in providing high-quality and nutritious food products at reasonable prices at all times,” Corazon says.

SUNDAY: JUNE 21, 2015

B3

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

25D Office offers a limited number of private offices, ideal for start-ups or entrepreneurs looking for budget-friendly office space.

A meeting room at MyOffice Bonifacio Global City.

Work stations at MyOffice Bonifacio Global City.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER TANDEM REDEFINES... ued the business,” says Milette.

MyOffice now offers front-end services such as call answering and inquiry handling, message taking and notification, live call transfer, mail log and handling, fax to email, scan to email, calendar management, virtual concierge, personalized greeting and automated phone operator.

Physical space include private offices, work stations, meeting rooms, mailbox-lockers, and shared desks.

Georgianna, who was exposed to various marketing campaigns during her stint at a public relations firm, introduced new concepts that aim to grow the business. She created a system based on the “tingi culture” to address the need of mobile workers.

“Others were really focused on the physical space, but we differentiate by focusing on services that cater to mobile workers,” she says.

Georgianna, who graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2012, served as a guidance counselor at Multiple Intelligence International School and later as a senior account executive at public relations firm EON, where she wrote press releases and created proposals for events and campaigns.

Asked why she decided to join the family business, Georgianna says entrepreneurship runs in the blood. Her mother has other busi-

nesses while her father is into real estate development.

“It is a mix of exposure to entrepreneurship while growing up and at the same time, I saw the opportunity of how the business is becoming more relevant as the years progress,” says Georgianna.

Milette says she allowed her daughter to introduce new concepts into the business. “When she came in this year, she made some changes that suit her generation. That’s why subscription is picking up. She is putting a lot now in our business. She is now in charge of remodeling it,” she says.

Georgianna says MyOffice will continue to target its core market of mobile workers. “We expanded and set up two different branches, with focus on mobility, but somewhat different in features. We plan to add another one,” she says.

The three offices have an average size of 100 square meters. MyOffice Makati, the first facility, offers DIY (do-it-yourself) workspace.

“It is like making your own office while using our facilities at a certain time,” says Georgianna.

The second center, at the second floor of Zeta Building also along Salcedo St., is called 25D Office and serves as the budget brand of MyOffice. “Our customers really want the simple, no-frills, basic services. We thought of that, because

MyOffice Makati (A DIY Work Space) features a DIY or “self-serving” office area where they can meet and collaborate with others

as long as they have the basic, like business address, front-office services, they can get that at a very affordable price. So that is our budget brand,” she says.

Georgianna says members at 25D Office can avail of promo rates of as low as P500 in monthly subscription fees. The subscription fee is P1,000 for the basic services, but the company offers a promo rate of P500 for the budget brand.

The company has recently expanded to Fort Bonifacio where it established MyOffice BGC at the 12th floor of The Trade & Financial Tower at the corner of 7th Ave. and 32nd St. “We might open another one in Global City--a small, boutique office,” says Georgianna.

Existing customers include events coordinators, writers, journalists, bloggers, freelance contributors, travel agents, travel consultants, lawyers, accountants, trainors, traders, IT professionals, consultants and other mobile workers.

“If you think of any business wherein you don’t need a ‘brick and mortar’ office like this one, you can go to clients, you can meet elsewhere, you can work at home, then those are the types of members that we have,” says Milette.

Georgianna says even the first customers that have grown in size continue to stay with them and employ their services. “There are some who have grown with us. They have been with us since the beginning and are not moving,” she says. “Some of them were startups in 2004 and are now no longer start-ups. They are still with us. The nice thing with our members is that if they have grown in size and have sister businesses, they still use our facilities.”

Clients include both foreign and local mobile workers. “We also have clients from other countries who want to set up

an office based in the Philippines.

We have clients from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, US, Italy and other European countries,” says Milette.

Milette says for those who need a complete set of facilities and services, MyOffice also offers “pick and mix” packages which members can avail and add on other services as needed.

Currently, MyOffice has a startup promo rate starting at P500 a month., which allows members to get a prestigious CBD address for

FROM B1

business registration, number of hours use of either workstation or a meeting room, Internet, and basic virtual receptionist services such as mail handling, phone answering, and notification.

Filipinos want to be practical and only purchase what they will use. In MyOffice, we give Filipinos this option, which in turn supports their mobile work style. They can continue working anywhere they want without worrying about costs or unused office space,” says Milette.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

B A N G KO S EN T R A L

NG

P I LI PI N AS

AD HOC COMMITTEE ON FOOD AND CANTEEN SERVICES INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL/OFFER The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) invites canteen concessionaires to apply for eligibility and if found to be eligible, to submit proposal/ offer for the contract to manage and operate the BSP canteens at its Head Office and the Security Plant Complex, on the following criteria : Canteen concessionaire must have: - total resources of at least Php10 million - net worth (equity) of at least Php3 million - two (2) clients for the last 3 years one of which has at least 1,000 people served per day - one (1) year experience in Catering Services/Executive Lounge/Fine Dining Restaurant - presently managing or operating at least one (1) industrial or institutional canteen with at least 1,000 people served per day The BSP assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify participating concessionaires for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the proposals/offers.

The BSP reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals/ offers, or not to award the contract, and makes no assurance that a contract shall be entered into as a result of this invitation. Furthermore, the BSP reserves the right to waive any minor defects or formality and to accept the proposal most advantageous to the Bank.

Those interested may attend the Pre-Eligibility Conference on 23 June 2015, 2:00 p.m. at Visayas & Mindanao Rooms, Executive Business Center, floor 5-Storey Building. For confirmation of attendance and to obtain the checklist of documentary requirements, please call the Secretariat, Ad Hoc Committee on Food and Canteen Services at 7087182 or 3062650.

(SGD.) ELVIRA E. DITCHING-LORICO Chairperson (TS-JUNE 21, 2015)

B4

This picture taken on June 14, 2015 shows Rohingya migrants queuing for food in Kuala Cangkoi, Indonesia’s Aceh province. The boat people in Aceh province are among thousands of Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants who arrived in countries across Southeast Asia in May after a Thai crackdown threw the people-smuggling trade into chaos and sparked a regional crisis. AFP

JAPAN OFFERS $3.5M TO HELP ROHINGYA

JAPAN on Saturday offered a $3.5 million to help the Rohingya boat people who have fled Myanmar where they faced severe discrimination.

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan remained committed to helping national reconciliation efforts on various fronts in Asia, including between Myanmar’s government and “ethnic

minority groups”.

“With regard to non-regular immigrants, including women and children trying to cross the Indian Ocean, Japan has decided to extend $3.5 million”

through global agencies such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, he said in a public address.

The money will go to providing food and shelter as well as to fund data analysis of their maritime movements, the foreign ministry said.

The plight of the persecuted and impoverished Rohingya has

drawn international attention as thousands of them and Bangladeshi migrants cram into boats and struggle desperately to reach other Southeast Asian countries.

The Muslim Rohingya complain of systematic discrimination and mistreatment by Myanmar’s Buddhist-majority government, which refuses to even recognise them as citizens. AFP

THOUSANDS MOURN CHURCH SHOOTING VICTIMS THOUSANDS of mourners clutching red and white roses attended a vigil in the stunned city of Charleston Friday to remember nine African-American men and women shot dead by a suspected white supremacist.

Holding hands, many with tears in their eyes, people sang the protestanthem “We Shall Overcome” in response to the carnage at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, as suspected gunman Dylann Roof was charged with nine murders and ordered to be held without bond earlier Friday.

Roof, 21, reportedly said he “wanted to start a race war,” while gunning down the nine black worshippers, an act authorities are treating as a hate crime and investigating as possible “domestic terrorism.”

The Wednesday night shooting People queue to lay flowers at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South was the worst attack on a US place Carolina on June 19, 2015. Police captured the white suspect in a gun of worship in decades and comes at massacre at one of the oldest black churches in the United States, the a time of revived racial tensions in latest deadly assault to feed simmering racial tensions. AFP

many parts of the country.

But the response from the community and even victims’ families has been one of “love,” as the genteel coastal city comes to terms with the tragedy.

Tearful relatives came forward at Roof ’s bond hearing expressing their grief and forgiveness toward the alleged shooter who appeared through video link.

At the vigil held at the College of Charleston TD Arena, community leaders expressed similar messages of faith and compassion, and said the tragedy will not drive a racial divide through the city.

“We come together this evening in prayer and love,” said Mayor Joseph Riley, who shared the stage with several of Charleston’s leading religious leaders.

Charleston’s pipe and drum band played the Christian hymn “Amazing Grace,” before Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergy appealed for community unity. AFP

UKRAINE VOWS TO PAY LOAN TO RUSSIA CASH-STRAPPED Ukraine promised on Friday to make the next payment on a disputed Russian loan it had threatened to stop servicing due to Moscow’s rejection of more lenient terms.

The decision should help ease some of the tensions building between the two neighbours throughout Ukraine’s 14-month separatist revolt that Kiev accuses Moscow of staging—a charge Russia denies.

But the Western-backed Kiev leadership also warned its various lenders that it may stop making interest payments should they fail to accept painful debt restructuring terms within a matter of weeks.

“Two days ago, we paid $39 million (34 million euros) for (US-held) Eurobonds, and we will also pay $75 million to cover the so-called Russian bonds,” Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko told reporters.

Her office quickly stressed in a separate statement that a fasterthan-feared economic implosion left Kiev with no alternative but to freeze its payments “unless a negotiated solution is found in the weeks to come.”

Ukraine is scrambling for a way to plug a $15.3-billion budget hole over the coming four years.

The potential savings form part of a $40-billion global rescue that also includes IMF lending and is meant to keep the strategic former Soviet country from slipping into default. AFP

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

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WORLD editorial@thestandard.com.ph

YEMEN ENDS PEACE TALKS IN GENEVA

YEMEN peace talks ended in Geneva on Friday with no agreement, but the United Nations said it was still optimistic a ceasefire could be reached “pretty soon.”

“I won’t beat around the bush.

There was no kind of agreement reached,” said the UN’s special envoy for Yemen, Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

But he hailed “certain positive signs” in his negotiations with the warring factions, adding both sides seemed to agree on the need for a ceasefire.

“We feel that it requires simply some further consultations and that we can achieve it pretty soon,” said the envoy, who will now head to New York to brief UN chief Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council.

No date has yet been set for a fresh round of talks, but the Mauritanian diplomat said he hoped a desperately needed humanitarian pause in the fighting could be put in place before any new talks.

Yemen has been wracked by conflict between Iran-backed Shiite rebels and troops loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who fled to Saudi Arabia in February.

The rebels have overrun much of the Sunni-majority country and, along with their allies among forces loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh, have been the target of Saudi-led air strikes since March. More than 2,600 people have been killed.

‘Useful start’ “I am disappointed, we did everything to make the talks a success but there were too many obstacles, especially the demand for a withdrawal,” the leader of the rebel delegation Hamza al-Huthi told AFP. “We cannot withdraw and leave a vacuum. But I am hopeful that we will be able to talk again in the near future.”

Ban launched the high-stakes Geneva negotiations on Monday with an appeal for a two-week hu-

manitarian truce during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

But the belligerents’ positions were so far apart that they did even sit down in the same room, forcing Ould Cheikh Ahmed to shuttle between separate locations.

Yemen’s exiled foreign minister blamed the lack of progress on the rebel delegation.

“We really came here with a big hope ... but unfortunately the Huthi delegation did not allow us really to reach real progress as we expected,” Yassin told reporters.

The government delegation remained optimistic of a peaceful solution for Yemen “under the umbrella of the UN,” he added.

Ould Cheikh Ahmed however insisted that just getting the two sides to Geneva had been “a great achievement”, as he pledged to intensify his push for peace.

“The Geneva consultations are not the end in themselves, but the launch of a long and arduous path” towards finding a peaceful solution, he said.

And the United States said the Geneva talks were “a useful start to the process to what will probably be a lengthy process.”

“We continue to urge all Yemeni participants to prioritise reaching an agreement to end the fighting,” said State Department spokesman John Kirby.

‘Looming catastrophe’ As the talks wrapped up Friday, the UN launched an appeal for $1.6 billion (1.4 billion euros) to help millions of people in need in the war-ravaged country.

“I am deliberately raising the alarm about the looming humanitarian catastrophe facing Yemen,

Abdel Wahab al-Humayqani, a member of the delegation of the Yemeni government in exile, leaves a meeting during Yemen peace talks at the United Nations offices in Geneva. Yemen’s warrinfactions want to make military advances on the ground before accepting a humanitarian pause proposed by the UN. AFP

where over 21 million Yemenis, 80 percent of the countries population, are in need of some form of aid to meet their basic needs or protect their basic rights today,” the UN’s new humanitarian chief Ste-

phen O’Brian told reporters.

“These numbers are difficult to comprehend,” he said, but insisted “we must not grow numb to the suffering of each and every individual who lies behind them.” AFP

‘FLOW OF MIGRANTS FROM LIBYA TO CONTINUE’ People traffickers in Libya know they are untouchable and the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean is set to continue, the EU’s border agency has told AFP. The smugglers who pack thousands of people on unseaworthy boats for Europe “are organising these departures without risk of being arrested, so for as long as the situation in Libya remains what it is, these flows will continue,” Frontex spokeswoman Izabella Cooper said.

Cooper was speaking Thursday aboard the Belgian navy ship Godetia, which was carrying out a patrol as part of the EU’s Triton border security operation that alongside the Italian coast guard, works to rescue migrants at sea.

The Godetia, one of six ships to take part in the operation along with four planes, two helicopters and a dozen small patrol boats, has already picked up hundreds of migrants.

“Since the beginning of this year 54,000 migrants have arrived in Italy. We believe that because of the ongoing war in Syria, the difficult situation in Iraq, in Afghanistan, but also in Congo or South Sudan, these flows will continue,” Cooper said.

Touching on the risks of would-be jihadists entering Europe by boat, she said that Frontex does “not have any evidence that terrorists may be hidden among the migrants”, but “of course this remains a risk and we are taking due precautions.”

Some 170,000 migrants and asylum seekers washed up on Italy’s shores in 2014, for the most part between June and September when the weather was at its best. AFP

DEATH TOLL FROM MUMBAI LIQUOR POISONING NOW 74

An Indian family member holds a picture of a victim of toxic home-made liquor consumption, in Mumbai on June 19, 2015. Forty-one people have died in Mumbai and 12 others are fighting for their lives after drinking toxic home-made liquor, police said, in the latest incident of alcohol poisoning in India. AFP

THE death toll from India’s latest incident of mass alcohol poisoning following the consumption of toxic homemade liquor rose to 74 on Saturday, Mumbai police said.

Dhananjay Kulkarni, police deputy commissioner in the western Indian city, told AFP the number who had died from drinking the moonshine had increased from 53 late on Friday.

“Seventy-four have now died and 21 are receiving treatment in hospital,” he said, adding that the toll was expected to increase further.

Victims first started to fall ill on Wednesday morning after consuming the illegal booze and patients were still being admitted to hospital on Saturday, the commissioner said.

Five people have so far been arrested for distributing and selling the alcohol in a slum in the suburb of Malad West, in the north of the city.

Eight police officers have also been suspended for “negligence” for allowing the sale to take place on their patch, Kulkarni said.

An investigation is taking place on whether high levels of methanol were present in the moonshine, often called “country liquor” in India.

Methanol, a highly toxic form of alcohol used as antifreeze or fuel, is often added to bootleg liquor in India as a cheap and quick method of upping the alcohol content.

Unlicensed liquor is widely consumed across India where it is sometimes sold for less than a dollar for a

25cl bottle, with deaths frequently reported.

It is rare however for such incidents to occur in a major city like Mumbai, with most cases taking place in poor, rural villages.

It is the worst case of its kind to be recorded in Mumbai since 2004 when around 100 people died.

In January, more than 31 people died near Lucknow in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh after drinking a lethal batch of home-brew.

And police arrested 12 people in October 2013 after more than three dozen villagers died from toxic liquor also in Uttar Pradesh.

In 2011 nearly 170 people died in the eastern state of West Bengal after drinking moonshine. AFP

B6

S u N d aY : j u N e 2 1 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

reuel vidal EDITOR

By Reuel Vidal

ALL-Filipino Cup champion San Miguel Beermen, with their all-star lineup led by unstoppable behemoth June Mar Fajardo, and the Alaska Aces with their unforgiving full-court pressure defense, seem poised to face off in another Philippine Basketball Association championship showdown.

The pair are on top of the standings in the 2015 PBA Governors Cup and barring a major upheaval will advance to the quarterfinals enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage which virtually paves the way to their safe passage to the semifinals. And maybe on to the finals.

The Aces are being led by doeverything import Romeo Travis who plays all five positions for the Aces. In their last game Travis tallied 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to power Alaska to a 10195 come-from-behind victory over Barako Bull.

Travis is the team's acknowledged leader especially at the defensive end. Standing less than 6'5" Travis helped contain Barako’s seven-foot center Liam McMorrow. The hulking McMorrow finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds but faded late in the match.

The Aces pressured at the defensive end then ran all game long on offense which left McMorrow, as well as the rest of the Barako Bull Energy players, gasping for breath.

Also making significant contributions for Alaska are guards Jvee Casio, Chris Banchero, RJ Jazul, Ping Exciminiano and Cyrus Baguio. The Aces often play small with three guards and pair Travis with either Vic Manuel or Calvin Abueva to form a small but mobile front court to team up with three guards.

The Aces run on offense at every opportunity. They then rely on their blazing outside shooting when they have to set up their half court offense after the other teams have set up their defense.

Dondon Hontiveros, Jazul, Casio, Baguio and even Travis can rip the net to shreds with their three-point shooting. Defending Alaska's outside shooters lead the lane open allowing the Aces to power to the basket on drives and inside incursions.

But the x-factor which ultimately decides whether the Aces are champions or just contenders will probably be Abueva. Against the powerful Barako Abueva provided the spark which enabled the Aces to decimate a 22-point, 40-62 deficit at the half to post the scrambling victory.

Abueva finished with 16 points (on six of 10 shooting from the field) and grabbed seven rebounds from 24 minutes of burn, the most he has played this conference.

More than the points and rebounds Abueva provides the boundless energy and hustle which motivates the Aces to also play beyond their abilities.

The Beermen, on the other hand, are the hottest team in the

sports@thestandard.com.ph

AlAskA-sAn Miguel showdown looMs

Alaska Aces veteran guard Cyrus Baguio (3) slashes past San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo (left). The Beermen, with their all-star lineup led by the unstoppable Fajardo, and the Aces, with their unforgiving full-court pressure defense, seem poised to face off in another Philippine Basketball Association championship showdown.

able Player June Mar Fajardo who is the only local in the top ten in rebounds and blocks in this importflavored conference. Fajardo is playing like a big import, unstoppable in the low block on offense, an imposing defensive presence and immovable rock inside the shaded lane.

The Beermen prevailed over the Aces in a grueling classic of a

seven-game championship series to rule the past All-Filipino and appear determined to add another PBA title to their collection.

Will the Aces and Beermen go on to reprise their seven-game classic in the All-Filipino Cup this conference?

It certainly looks like it and I for one am looking forward to another exciting PBA playoff.

San Miguel Beer guard Marcio Lassiter (center) is stopped cold by the double-teaming defense of Alaska Aces point guard Jvee Casio (left) and Tony Dela Cruz (35). The Beermen, with their all-star lineup, and the Aces, with their unforgiving full-court pressure defense, seem poised to face off in another Philippine Basketball Association championship showdown.

league. They stumbled out of the starting gates and dropped their first two matches but then strung together eight consecutive victories to advance to the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage.

They started the tournament with losses to Kia (78-83) and Meralco (95-106 in overtime) but then went on a savage eight-game winning spree which left them unbeaten for the past six weeks.

Many time PBA import Arizona Reid has vowed to deliver another championship to San Miguel and in

the process win his first PBA crown.

Reid tallied a triple double to lead the Beermen past Blackwater, 11583, to formalize their playoff spot in the top four of the quarterfinals.

The two-time Best Import scored 39 points to go with 12 assists and 10 rebounds to power SMB to the wire-to-wire victory.

San Miguel coach Leo Austria has a virtual all-star team with Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz and Arwind Santos at his disposal.

Then there is reigning Most Valu-

Alaska Aces forward Calvin Abueva (left) protects the basketball against San Miguel Beer defender David Semerad (right). The Beermen, with their all-star lineup, and the Aces, with their unforgiving fullcourt pressure defense, seem poised to face off in another Philippine Basketball Association championship showdown.

S U n D aY : j U n e 2 1 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

arman armero EDITOR

B7

ace race drivers back at yokohama circuit THE showdown among country’s finest circuit racers gets hotter as they gear up for another round of exciting action today in the second leg of the 2015 Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championships Series at the Clark International Speedway.

Finnish expat Veli-Matti KaIkkonen of Hafele Racing figuns for another sweep to fortify his bid for the coveted Yokohama GT Driver of the Year in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), and sponsored by Yokohama, the official tires and Sparco.

Equally exciting are the PhilMiniracers Championship Series that features classic Mini-Coopers, the Classic Aspirated Cup and the Sparco Bracket Racing.

The Classic Aspirated Cup is open to drivers 40 years old and above using cars 1985 and older that are natural aspirated only with no turbo charge. Only EFI, supercharge engines are allowed.

Sparco Bracket Racing is another fast-growing event that any racing enthusiast can join for a minimal entry fee of P1500.

Kaikkonen showed his serious intentions for the crown after sweeping both the Sprint and GT Main Race to capture the GT300 plum.

However, the scenario could turn tough should Willy Torres, Jomari Yllana or defending champion Dondon Portugal show up to push their quest for the GT300 plum.

Richmond dela Rosa also seeks his second straight triumph in the GT 200 but reigning PTCC champ Paolo Mantolino is raring to bounce back now that his Ethanworx Racing Team has completed refining the set-up of his car and that of former champion Carlos Anton who is gearing up to catch up in the title race.

Also favored are Patrick de la Rosa in the GT150 class and Ivan Diaz in the GT100 division, For more info, interested parties may contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 729-72 41-42, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766, Mobile # 0922 8858410 or like us on Facebook, www. facebook.com/ Batangas Racing Circuit or check out our website www.batangasracingcircuit.org.

Warriors celebrate croWn With victory parade

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housands of Bay area basketball fans gathered on the streets of oakland for Friday’s Golden state Warriors victory parade in celebration of their first nBa title in 40 years.

The Warriors defeated Cleveland 105-97 in game six Tuesday at Cleveland to capture their first crown since 1975, with the march ending at the city’s convention center so players could thank loyal longsuffering fans for their support and show off the championship trophy.

“Thank you all for supporting us all these years,” said NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Andre Iguodala. “I appreciate all you all. We finally did it.”

Steph Curry, the Warriors top scorer who set a record for 3-pointers made in a single playoff run, won NBA regular season Most Valuable Player honors and sparked Golden State to an NBAbest 67 wins this season.

“I’m so excited to be part of this group,” Curry said. “It was an exciting journey. We had 67 wins and then to cap it off with a championship, it’s hard to do.”

“We have to celebrate this trophy now. You know we’re going to try to do it again. Thank you very much all of ‘Dub Nation.’ We did it. Let’s celebrate.”

Curry lifted his two-year-old daughter, Riley, to the podium to steal the scene as she had during some playoff news conferences, only to have her turn shy even as fans cheered her and greeted her with signs.

“I’m known as Riley’s dad now,” Curry said. “Which is OK.” AFP

CHAMPIONS ALL. the Golden state Warriors celebrate their 2015 Nba championship at the henry J. kaiser convention center with a victory parade, with (below) klay thompson and teammates holding aloft the Larry obrien trophy. the other photo shows stephen curry holding his daughter riley while talking to the fans. AFP

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RieRa U. MallaRi EDITOR sports@thestandard.com.ph

SportS

RemembeRing the 1 Ph woRld boxing chamP st

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

PANCHO Villa, whose real name was Francisco Guilledo, became the first Filipino and Asian World Boxing champion when he battered an aging, but heroic Jimmy Wilde to win the world flyweight title at the Polo Grounds in New York on June 19, 1923.

The World Boxing Council website reminded boxing fans that on that date (Manila time), Villa “defeated the brilliant, but aging Jimmy Wilde from Wales. Jimmy lost only three fights during his entire career. Pancho and Jimmy are considered two of the best flyweights in all boxing history.”

Cyber Boxing Zone reported that it was one of the first times Wilde fought on American soil. “When the fight started, Wilde understood the consequences of aggressively approaching the younger, quicker and stronger Villa and ‘The Mighty Atom’ dominated on long range. Wilde continued in the second round until a vicious right hand (after the bell rang, according to most sources who observed the bout) flattened him. The not so mighty ‘Atom’ was badly dazed and fought purely on courage. The pounding continued until an exhausted and battered Wilde fell flat on his face in the seventh round after a series of punches. Wilde was counted out and had to be carried back to his corner for the last time in his legendary career.”

The widely read boxrec. com site said Villa was the older brother of fellow boxer Little Pancho and started his boxing career at the Olympic Club in Manila, which was owned and run

by Eddie Tait of Seattle, Washington, and Frank Churchill, noting that in the early 1920s, flyweights and bantamweights were the most popular weight divisions in the Philippines and Australia.

The name of Pancho Villa was first mentioned in an American newspaper in the Tacoma News Tribune editions of Dec. 7

and 26 in 1921.

Rafael Gellide/Guilledo, according to the boxrec. com biography, claimed to be Villa’s father, saying they reunited in New York in 1923 after 18 years. Guilledo claimed his wife deserted him in the Philippines when Pancho was 11 months old.

During his time, Pancho Villa was known as being one of the cleanest fighters around, showing concern

for his opponents and always, after knocking down an opponent, turning away and walking to his corner, even before rules were introduced requiring a fighter to go to a neutral corner.

Questionable death The New York Times of July 15, 1925 reported that Villa died at a hospital in San Francisco while undergoing an operation for an infection

Pancho Villa makes the cover of the iconic Ring Magazine in January, 1923.

of the throat that developed from an infected tooth.

Dr. C.E. Hoffman said the boxer suffocated under the anesthetic. The doctor was preparing to operate when Villa’s heart stopped.

Artificial respiration failed to revive the patient.

Villa had an ulcerated tooth extracted on the day of his fight with Jimmy McLarin and died a few days later on July 14 from

“Ludwig’s angina, resulting from an infection that spread to his throat.”

However, there were those who believed that Pancho Villa was poisoned.

The speculations were fueled several years later in 1989, when his widow, who was then 84 years old, insisted that a gambling syndicate conspired to murder the champion because of big losses when Villa lost a 10-round bout to McLarin at the Oaks Ballpark in California on July 4, 1925.

Villa was a heavy favorite to beat McLarin and his defeat was a major upset.

Mrs. Guilledo claimed that her husband was injected with an overdose of anesthetic.

It was a tragic end to an exciting career.

Flyweight Fighter of the Century In 1999, the Associated Press named Villa “Flyweight Fighter of the Century,” along with Miguel Canto.

Before his death, Pancho Villa returned to the Philippines and defended his world title twice.

He knocked out Visayan flyweight champion Francisco Pilapil in Iloilo City on March 9, 1925 and then won a 15-ound unanimous decision over Clever Sencio at Wallace Field in Manila on May 2, 1925.

Villa was interred at the Manila North Cemetery, where a monument stands as tribute to the Hall of Fame boxer, who lies among the famous personalities, including former Mayor Arsenio Lacson, an avid boxing fan and legendary actor Fernando Poe Jr., as well as Philippine presidents Sergio Osmena, Ramon Magsaysay and Manuel Roxas.

It was an illustrious company even in death for the first Filipino and Asian world boxing champion, who helped carve a name for himself and the Philippines, enhanced by other great fighters such as middleweight champion Ceferino Garcia, the first Hall of Fame inductee, the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde and eightdivision world champion and another hero of our time, Manny Pacquiao.

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER life @ thestandard.com .ph

LIFE ODE TO DADDY

BY MARISHKA DAVID

Leslie David

W

hen you’re baffled about things you don’t even know, then you’re in trouble.

And sadly, this is right about the same time you miss the people you know who’d put you in your place, give you perspective, and ultimately, tell you that things are going to be just fine. And you listen to Pat Metheny’s “Last Train Home” and you realize that yeah, things are actually just fine.

I can remember doing a lot of silly stuff with him. He was funny. Hilarious. He made his friends and family laugh. His laughter would make us laugh. Laughter even the neighbors six blocks away could hear.

He made us watch movies from Disney classics to horror flicks. Cartoons that never failed to amuse us, my sister and I would end up mimicking the villains from Captain Hook to Cinderella’s stepmom. I’ve seen all Friday the 13ths, Amityville, Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby before I even graduated from grade school. When I was about nine or 10, I’d watch Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Singing in the Rain, An American in Paris, Roman Holiday and all his other favorites which eventually became mine, too, until three or four in the morning. My head lying so comfortably on his pits, without any clue what the movie was all about.

He introduced us to Atari and Collecovision when Pacman and Megamania ruled! There were times back in our old Philam home, I’d watch him from afar, smoking while staring at his bonsai plants in the outdoor pond, listening to

Van Morrison, Steely Dan and Bob Dylan.

I learned to appreciate the great music of Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and BB King because of him – artists only the dads of my generation could appreciate. At the same time, he’d be able to listen with an equal amount of enthusiasm to the Sex Pistols, Minor Threat, Metallica and Dead Kennedys.

He took me to a club, gave me my first bottle of beer and my first stick of cigarette when I was 12. Took me another decade to actually acquire the habit. He taught me everything I needed to know about PCs during the days of WordStar and Lotus 123. His Wolfenstein game was such a huge, involving family affair. And his default Cosmos book was an obvious sign of his long-standing affair with Carl Sagan. His passion for astronomy was overwhelming. Watching some supernova sometime in the ‘80s was surreal.

Dad gave me my first ever favorite record from Big Country when I was 13. He’d tag us, his kids, in events where punks and Mohawks ruled, wearing his neatly ponytailed long hair and fatigue trench coat.

While he may have allowed us to grow, permitted us to feel the childhood we so deserved, gave his consent for us to have fun living our lives, there was certainly a profound degree of respect for him. A deep, serious five-second stare, without uttering a single word, could make our tears roll down our eyes.

He made me feel what Christmas season is all about. And now that I’m an adult,

Christmas, being my favorite time of the year, never fails to make me feel like a child again.

And I love every moment of it.

He taught me how to live life the way it should be lived. Not how people say it should.

Dad gave me so much wisdom, the smartest man I’ve ever known. When I had my first boyfriend – not that he didn’t like him or anything… – I mean, they’d spend more time on the computer than my boyfriend then and I would. But I recall him saying in passing, as if avoiding to be sappy, “It would really be nice, Marish, to go through a few relationships and know different kinds of people before settling into a lifelong commitment…”

Right after college, I was in a state of dementia trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to do in my life (not that I’ve figured it out now…). But when I say to myself, “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life,” that’s definitely my dad talking.

He delivered totally absurd and odd statements and jokes only he could possibly pull off. Our family setup is odd as it is… but he made it feel like it was the most normal, the most fun and coolest family there is. And for that, I am so proud of who we all are and what we’ve all become as a family.

I can’t imagine being someone else’s daughter. He was everyone’s cool dad.

While most people spend their lives looking for people to tell them what to do, where to work, how to live, I’d say my dad was brave enough to try new things even

at the risk of failure. He’s had several, and I know that. But he had enormous enthusiasm for anything he decided to get himself into – living life with so much passion.

You see, the parting is tragic only because it was sudden. Only because it was unexpected. In the greater scheme of life, this may or may not be a horrible event. But it would be horrible and even unthinkable if he had passed, not having done the things he loved and enjoyed. But he embraced life.

Lived his life the way he wanted to.

The way I see and live life now, maybe right or wrong, is how he would’ve wanted me to see and live it. And in my heart, and in my soul, I would never see and live life in any other way.

And just for that, I will always and forever be his little girl…

ODE TO DAD PLAYLIST:

1. Last Train Home – Pat Metheny 2. Deacon Blues – Steely Dan 3. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen 4. Once in a Lifetime – Talking Heads 5. In My Eyes – Minor Threat 6. Walk on the Wild Side – Velvet Underground 7. Blowin in the Wind – Bob Dylan 8. Where the Rose is Sown – Big Country 9. Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – Temptations 10. Bitches Brew – Miles Davis

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

REMEMBERING FATHER We asked our readers: What makes your dad the best? How was he instrumental in turning you into the person you are now? What vivid memories do you have of your father? We challenged them to make it in 50 words or less. Only a few succeeded – but you have to agree, a lot of the anecdotes they shared can bring on a smile or a chuckle, or at times, a tear down your face.

Abdon Sabalza Marchadesch

MATEY ALBERTO, CULINARY EXCHANGE

ROSA FONTELERA-YONG, SIOMAI LOVE Although I was always a good student, my teachers never felt my grades were up to par with my potential. My mom wanted to push me to stick to a steady study schedule to raise my grades and it was my dad who told her not to.

“Allow her to explore her own interests and learn in her own way,” he’d tell my mom. I’m very grateful he did. I can talk up a typhoon (yes, typhoon) about things I’m interested in and passionate about, and I would say with much pride that I learned it all on my own.

My kids can thank their grandfather for that, too. It’s all about learning and retaining what you learned, not the grades you get. (And as life would have it, my husband feels the same way! No wonder my dad approved.)

My dad, Juan M. Alberto, was 50 when he died on my 14th birthday. He was prominent and popular and his friends all say that he would have been good for Juan M. Alberto the country. But I don’t want to think that way of my dad, I just wish my memories of him were more personal. He was proud of me and told his friends so, but I don’t remember his “I love you’s” – which made our last hour together more poignant. He said I deserved a car for my birthday so he would buy me one, hugged me and looked deep into my eyes with the most loving smile on his face. And in two days he was gone... When someone dear to you is taken away suddenly, you spend a lifetime wondering what might have been, because the empty space in your heart keeps longing for more memories.

Carlos and Daisy Gaton

MICHELLE MARCHADESCH-ROXAS, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

My dad loved jazz. Every weekend our home would be filled with the sounds of Coltrane, Miles Davis, Jobim, Bill Evans, etc. By the time I was in first grade I weirded out all my friends because I kept switching the school bus radio to the jazz station. It’s still the music that comforts me to this day.

Antonio O. Yatco

ZENA B. BERNARDO, THE SURGICENTER AT CENTURIA MAKATI

One time, we could not fit in the small dining table so I asked our house help to eat after we are done. My father got mad at my instructions and had me give up my space instead so the house help could eat with the family.

To this day, I remember that lesson he taught me about equality.

Romeo Pascual Bernardo

YEYEY YATCO, DIRECTOR

“When a tiger dies, it leaves its skin but when a man dies, he leaves his name.”

These words I have often heard from my father, Judge Antonio O. Yatco of the Court of Agrarian Relations in Lucena City. He was also a retired colonel from the Philippine Air Force.

My dad was not wealthy and he lived a simple life. He was never tempted to make money from his position. But what he lacked in financial wealth was made up with the love and caring from friends and family. He always told me that he never had any problems sleeping at night since he never put one over anybody and his conscience was clear as it can be.

I was deeply touched that, during his wake when he passed away in 2005, a group from the Philippine Air Force came and draped his coffin with a flag of the Philippines. All throughout his wake, two Air Force guards in formal uniform stood by to honor him. During the funeral, a marching band and a platoon accompanied him to his grave. The flag was given to the family as a 21-gun salute was given to honor him one last time. My father, my hero.

VINCENT PAUL DIEZ GATON, BUILDABILITIES, INC.

I remember when I was about nine or 10, I joined a straight play. But towards the latter part of the rehearsals, I kept skipping them since I preferred playing with my friends. My dad sat me down and told me that I’ve given my word and I should honor my commitment. Palabra de honor, he called it, saying, “Toto, that’s the most important thing a man could do, give his word and honor it.” It stuck.

Marcelo Sanchez

CIELO SANCHEZ, 88 STOREYFILMS

My pops passed away when I was 15. He taught me to wipe our dining table clean – “Saluhin mo ng palad mo ang mumo, pag nahulog yan sa sahig, iiyak ang mga anghel”. He also taught me to be independent – “Wag kang parang pari, palaging may ayudante.” He also supported my being OC – “Sige, maligo ka nang maligo, mas maraming namamatay sa sobrang linis.” To my pops in heaven, thank you for naming me “heaven.”

PAM BERMEJO

My dad grew up rich but lost everything including our hillside house (when he was) in his fifties despite all the hard work he put in. He built a new company from scratch in his sixties. Now in his seventies, he has hundreds of employees who value him and his dedication to them, their family and us, his children and grandchildren, and even his siblings.

Despite his success, he insists on renting a humble apartment and ever the gentleman, he would still offer his chair even to me, his daughter, whenever I join him at his coffee table in the office. I am proud to be his daughter. He inspires me to do my best for my children.

DR. JETTE PO, DENTIST

My dad was the best because he always made sure that his family was first and him, a far second. During the peak of his cancer, he would still try to drive the car and pick me up from school whenever his condition would allow it.

Jesus Po

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Rafael Reyes Sr.

BETH REYES MENDOZA, FCB MANILA

Regina Parale Moreno with her dad, Gelacio R. Parale

My dad Rafael Reyes, Sr., was the most humble and the kindest person I have ever known. Everyone says that I look like my dad so of course, I was his favorite among his eight children. My mom was the talkative one. He would just remain quiet and smile, while Mommy kept going on and on. When they have arguments, Mommy would become historical (not hysterical)… historical, because she would always remind my dad about the past. But daddy will just smile and keep quiet.

Daddy is now in heaven. He died young but even during the time he was sick, he never complained. It has been 17 years Dad but I still miss you very much!

And I miss your smile. I have always prayed for my dad to appear in my dreams because I want to smile back at him... “Kahit isang saglit.”

PAO-PEI ALFONSO

I remember one time when I was very young, I took my father’s coin purse and took out a few coins without telling him. I bought myself a bottle of my favorite Fanta Grapes, confident that he would not find out what I did. As soon as I got home, he sat me down beside him, looked me in the eye and asked if I took money from his pocket without asking permission.

I was contrite and said “yes,” and he just told me that I didn’t have to steal; next time all I had to do was ask. Needless to say, that was my first and last “kupit” from my parents. I think this is one of the first lessons that taught me how important integrity is.

My father was a man of few words, but when he taught me life lessons, he was gentle. Those are lessons I never forget because they were taught lovingly.

Ver Maraño with Pao-Pei

JASMINE N. ONG, GREENPEACE SEA My Dad told the best tall tales, and I believed them! Dad told me my grandfather was famous.

Chairman Mao, he said Mao Tset Ong. He also told me that he got the scar on his flank when Japanese soldiers bayonetted him for being a guerilla fighter. I later learned that he was barely three years old when the war ended. And the scar? It was a boil.

(Pigsa pala.) Alfredo A. Ong, mamboin makulit.

Alfredo Ong

MARY VELMONTE, ARTIST

My Dad was my best friend. He taught me how to enjoy life. He brought me to ballet; we’d hang out by Manila Bay while I waited for my class. He was easy to please. He just liked 3 things: listening to Sinatra, eating good food and hanging out. He could spend entire days with people and never multi-tasked. I think this is why a lot of girls had crushes on him before he met my mom, because he really paid attention. One time he brought me to school and noticed I liked a house in one of the side streets. From then on that became our regular route. Never do I think of him and think of all the other things, his stroke or all the complications.

I always look back and remember our chats by the bay. I hope there is a boardwalk with vendors selling his favorite things in heaven.

DADDY’S SPECIAL LUV

REGINA BETH PARALE MORENO

My father was a lawyer who has been into personnel management and administration for as long as I can remember. When I was new in the workforce, he saw me wearing flat shoes. He advised me against it, primarily because I’m not tall enough to look great in them. So to this day, I’ve not worn flats to work. Lipstick – that’s another thing he felt strongly about – a career woman shouldn’t be caught without it.

WENDEL MEDIARITO, MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY

More than 40 years ago, my dad and I were driving from our home near Welcome Rotonda to Fairview when my dad realized he forgot to bring his license. He stopped in Delta, asked a store for permission to use a phone, called home and asked my brother to bring his license to him. That action alone taught me that respect for the law is paramount if we are to put order in our lives. I still live with that mantra up to this day and also passed this lesson to my children.

ALEX ARELLANO, PASIG

The two lessons my dad drilled into me: be honest, and never ever hit a woman (or someone weaker than you.) To him, the lowest of the low, the most worthless scum of all was a man who hurt women.

PAOLO HERRAS, FREELANCE DIRECTOR My Lolo is my Dad. He was a photojournalist for Time Life Magazine. His photos made me dream beyond the four walls of our home, which inspired me to write my own stories. So I can also have adventures of my own.

DR. GING AMBROSIO, MARIKINA My father was an honest Bureau of Customs Examiner/Appraiser. Proof? First – we were/are not rich. Second – he was not considered for promotion to the point that he would be bypassed by his juniors because he was not a “team player,” so to speak. His legacy enables me to resist bribes (amounting to millions of pesosesoses!) today.

Cesar Mananes

ANNE MENDOZA, MARIKINA

I got my punctuality from my dad. Back in high school, he picked me up during dismissal. He honks the horn going to the gate. I better be sure I’m at the gate when he gets there or else he’ll leave me.

There are 365 days in a year, but today happens to be that special day when dads get to be in the limelight as the world celebrates Father’s Day. In typical Filipino families, fathers are literally and figuratively the ones who get into the driver’s seat – and decide which car is best suited for the family. The choice of a vehicle rests on three vital things: performance, convenience, and safety. For EJ Reyes, there is a vehicle that embodies all three traits and more: the Suzuki Ertiga.

Spacious, reliable, and affordable – these features make up Suzuki’s Life Utility Vehicle, the seven-seater, compact, multi-purpose Ertiga. Stylish and easy to maneuver, fuel efficient and competitively priced, the Ertiga is furnished with the best characteristics of a compact MPV. It is equipped with a 1.4 liter engine displacement, maximum power of 95Hp at 6,000rpm, a maximum torque of 130Nm at 4,000 rpm, and an average fuel efficiency of 16.02 km/L, making every ride smooth and cozy.

Reyes, a father of two and the president of Club Ertiga Philippines, says this multipurpose vehicle is ideal for any family’s daily use. “I enjoy using the Ertiga not only when I bring my kids to and from school, but also when my whole family goes out-

of-town. I am confident that we will get to our destination safely and comfortably.

Plus, I can save on fuel expenses because it has a fuel-efficient engine,” he shares.

The Ertiga’s spacious interiors can comfortably seat up to seven people. On top of that, it has 113 liters of space where shopping bags or travel luggage can be placed.

The Ertiga also has second row air-conditioning to keep its passengers comfortable and cool during road trips.

For heads of the family like Reyes, being a husband and dad means being both a provider and protector. For this role, Reyes chooses Ertiga as his reliable vehicle partner given the car’s safety features. It is designed with SRS dual front seat airbags, three-point ELR seatbelts, and ABS with automatic brake force distribution in GL and GLX variants to ensure safe drives.

“With the Suzuki Ertiga, I feel secure whenever I take my family on long drives, holiday getaways, or even during trips to work or school. It’s very dependable under various road conditions,” Reyes says.

Dads may have different styles when it comes to raising kids, wooing ladies, and keeping up with their personal hobbies.

Whatever their lifestyle, dads can look to Ertiga as their reliable car partner.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

TAKE YOUR DAD OUT Our dads work so hard just to provide food and other basic necessities for the family. Sometimes he would go home with take-out from your favorite restaurant, and, more often than he would like to, he would give you money just so you could go out with friends. Now that it’s his special day to feel loved and special, it’s your turn to take him out and treat him to more than just a tie or a card.

Let the man of the hour indulge in good food and enjoy fun bonding moments with the whole family. Does he prefer savory prime cuts? Or is he a man with a sweet spot for decadent desserts? Here’s a couple of restaurant suggestions to help you out:

SINIGANG SELECTIONS

For fathers who like the taste of homecooked comfort and familiarity with a twist, say, sinigang with watermelon, C2 Classic Cuisine satisfies that kind of craving. Make Dad the happiest foodie with C2’s new renditions of the quintessential soup dish: Sinigang na Bulalo sa Sampalok at Pakwan (beef shank braised in tamarind water-

MEAT FOR THE MAN

Indulge your meat-loving Dad with Cravings Restaurant’s prime cuts. Fire up Pa’s palate with beef and pork at the Roastbeef and Pork Crackling Carving Station, which are best paired with choice sauces (mushroom gravy, chimichurri, horseradish, honey balsamic mustard liver sauce, sour cream and cucumber,

GRILL THE DEAL

melon broth) and Roasted Sinigang na Bulalo sa Sampalok (roasted tamarind rubbed beef bone marrow on a bed of fried bulalo meat flakes).

C2 Classic Cuisine is located at The Ledge at Shangri-La Mall; The Lakefront Wharf in Sucat, Paranaque; and along Missouri St. in Greenhills, San Juan City.

and bourbon gravy) and hearty sides (mashed potato, rice pilaf, marble potatoes, barbecue rice, buttered vegetables).

These Father’s Day meaty dish specials are priced at P750 only and come with unlimited soup and salad.

Cravings has branches in Katipunan, Shangri-La Mall and Molito.

FRENCH FOR BRUNCH

EPIC FOOD EXPERIENCE Take Dad out for a lavish gourmet spread he will absolutely love at Epicurious. Feast on the special Dad’s Board with him – a meaty spread made up of ribeye, baby back ribs, sausage and fries that’s sure to satisfy his big appetite.

BARBECUE BASH

Unleash the carnivorous side of the whole family and head to Flavors Restaurant for a meat-filled lunch or dinner. Amid Flavor’s sumptuous spread of international and Filipino dishes are different types of meat for grilling to your dad’s content.

Today until June 27, feast on steakhouse favorites such as Caribbean jerk beef steak, barbecued baby back rib, mar-

THE ITALIAN WAY

Show your love for Papa the way passionate Italians do it – with great gusto and of course, a special array of fine Italian dishes that’s not to be missed at Lombardi’s.

Surround Pa with the kind of indulgence that he rightfully deserves, and fete him and the entire famiglia with an exquisite Italian-style course that features Crema Di Spinaci con Salmone,

TAKE A CAKE

Honor the man of the hour in different decadent ways at Wicked, which has put together specialty cake choices for Dads.

If Dad’s after a dark and luscious intoxication, spoil him with Johnnie Walker Cake. For the hard-working unsung hero, give him a boost of youthful delight with a Surprise Cake which is made of three layers of moist butter cake, filled with fluffy marshmallow icing in between and with M&M’s to boot. A fun-loving,

Latitude restaurant sure knows how to make this day special as it offers a one-day barbecue buffet fest featuring high quality grilled dishes for lunch and dinner. Served on a humungous plate, dads can feast on a myriad of barbecue offerings including marinated pork neck and beef minute steaks, sweet and spicy chicken quarters, ribs, bratwurst and hotdogs, and all-time Pinoy favorite liempo and barbecue skewers.

Grilled seafood specials such as prawns, mussels, tuna, maya-maya and tanigue will also be available. Surely, all that grilled yummy grub just screams for good wine or beer. So as a treat, dads get one round of wine or beer on top of unlimited signature iced tea that the entire family can enjoy.

Priced at P888 net per person, Latitude’s barbecue bash will begin at 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm for lunch buffet and 6 pm to 10 pm for dinner.

Latitude is located at Hotel Jen Manila, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

No need to leave the restaurant for dessert as you can also order Surprise Cake, Burger Cake and Johnnie Walker Cake for Dad and the whole gang at the restaurant.

Epicurious is located at the East Wing, Lower Ground Level of Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

inated flank steak, and slow cook chuck roll steak marinated in salt, black pepper, and assorted herbs and pair them with a choice of jambalaya rice, corn cob, baked potato, or potato wedges for sidings for P1,600++ per person.

Flavors Restaurant is located at 4th floor, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Pizza Ai Frutti Di Mare, homemade fresh Tagliattelle Amatriciana, Pollo Arrosto con Salsa al Limone e Rosemary and Bistecca in Crema Di Funghi. The set comes with two sidings, two cake slices and gelato servings.

Lombardi’s outlets are located at the East Wing of Shangri-La Mall and Robinsons Magnolia.

fast-food fanatic father will surely be surprised with Burger Cake, a giant, moist rum-infused chocolate cake patty, sandwiched in butter cake buns topped with toasted sesame seeds with marshmallow icing lettuce, catsup and cheese. For a loaded, chocolatey dessert, order Wicked’s eight-inch buttery Giant Cookie with dedication that you can personalize.

Wicked is located at the 5th level, East Wing, Shangri-La Mall.

Show your fine love for your father with fine French cuisine at Resorts World Manila’s Impressions.

Master Chef of France Cyrille Soenen prepares a brunch spread fit for a king and his entourage.

Begin at the appetizer station with choices of assorted cold cuts, cheeses, canapés, carpaccios, terrines and tartare. Sample different sandwiches, and cozy up with a steamy bowl of soup and fresh garden greens to round out the starter set. After the warm up, head to the grill station for some smoky tenderloin and rib eye steaks, lamb chops, Chilean sea bass, salmon, scallops and more. End the meal on a sweet note with chocolate mousse, lemon meringue tartlets, and mixed berry clafouti, among others.

Impressions’ Father’s Day brunch buffet is available from 11 am to 3 pm for P3,290 net (P1,645 for kids 6 to 12 years old).

Impressions is located at the 3rd floor of Resorts World Manila’s Maxims Hotel.

SUNDAY : J UNE 2 1 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Ruru Madirid

Christian Bautista

Gwen Zamora

C5

Enzo Pineda

what do yoU adMire Most aBoUt yoUr father?

M

ay it be Papa, Daddy, or Tatay, fathers have one thing in common—and that is to nurture us with unconditional love and protect their children from all kinds of danger. Today is Father’s Day, and some Kapuso stars show their gratitude by looking back and embracing their moments with their father.

Christian BaUtista He’s a provider. He will work so hard for his family to give us comfort and security. rhian raMos I admire that my dad is a hard worker and that he doesn’t sit and wait for changes, but he makes them happen himself.

Glaiza de Castro His versatility because he can do almost anything and deal with mostly anyone. He’s not afraid to speak his mind but he can also control his tongue. His generosity and the way he protects us.

Mikoy Morales Yung pagiging thoughtful niya and understanding.

Napaka-cliché niya pero yun yung nakakapagpa-feel sakin na ako yung maliit na siya. Kahit di ko matanggap minsan, or hindi ko inaamin minsan, ako yung younger version niya. Nakikita ko talaga kaya successful siya kasi ganito siya, ganun siya, na minsan nakikita ko yung traits na ‘yun sakin kaya mas nai-inspire akong, ‘Uy, baka maging successful din ako.’ Parang ganun.

Gwen zaMora He’s very humble, down-to-earth, easy-going and understanding. enzo Pineda My father is a man of intergrity. rUrU Madrid I admire his love for his family.

He uplifts us when we’re down and keeps us intact when we meet some problems

Bettina Carlos

Miguel Tanfelix

Krystal Reyes

Joyce Ching

MiGUel tanfelix I admire his dedication to his family. He serves as our foundation. He leads his family in the best possible way he knows. He takes good care of us and will always be at our side.

Bettina Carlos I admire my dad’s composure. He’s very calm and relaxed even during stressful times. I don’t remember ever hearing him snap or lash out from anger. He’s also never yelled at any of my siblings and I :)

Mikoy Morales

Galiza de Castro

Rhian Ramos

krystal reyes I admire him because aside from being my father, he could also be my best buddy. I admire how he makes me feel comfortable like we’re just best of friends. And of course how he changed for us, for the better.

Joye ChinG I admire his relationship with us.

How he can be just like a “kabarkada” and play jokes to us. You can talk to him about anything.

But then he also has this wall and boundaries where you can see him as a real father.

UNICEF PhIlIPPINEs aNd aNC For stroNgEr advoCaCy CamPaIgNs

U

From left, UNICEF Philippines Chief of Communications Zafrin Chowdhury, ANC Chief of Operating Officer Cilette Liboro-Co. and UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander.

NICEF Philippines and ABSCBN News Channel signed a memorandum of agreement to work together this year for stronger advocacy campaigns on rights, welfare and protection of the Filipino children.

Through the partnership, ANC will work with UNICEF to support a series of panel discussions on issues affecting children such as: child nutrition, maternal health, safety and protection of children; with key stakeholders from the national and local government, NGOs and civil society.

Present at the signing at ABS-CBN Centre were UNICEF Philippines Chief of Communications Zafrin Chowdhury; ANC Chief of Operating Officer Cilette Liboro-Co; and UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander.

Lotta Sylwander said, “This partnership adds a timely impetus to our public and legislative advocacy in advancing the rights and welfare of children in the Philippines, especially in the context of health and nutrition. The Philippines is among top ten countries of the world’s list in having malnourished children. It is imperative that we get the messages out to better educate communities, especially parents, on the importance of proper care and nutrition for children from conception, through infancy and childhood.

The first two years of a child is the best opportunity for us to deliver interventions in strengthening nutrition, it is the foundation for the child’s physical, mental and psychological development with long lasting implication.”

SUNDAY : J UNE 2 1 : 2015

C6

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

MOSt aMbitiOUS SMaRtPhOnE nOW avaiLabLE

L

G Electronics unveiled recently its newest flagship LG G4 smartphone in six cities worldwide: New York, London, Paris, Singapore, Istanbul and Seoul. It was a global gathering of consumers excited to be among the first to witness the successor of Mobile World Congress’ Best Smartphone LG G3.

A one month later, LG G4 has made its way to Philippines. It was introduced in a grand launch at the Theatre at Solaire.

The event attracted the like of Anton Del Rosario, Mika Lagdameo, LA Tenorio, Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, Marie Lozano, among others.. The LG G4 was highly praised by award-winning photographer Niccolo Cosme as he talked about his collaboration with LG through the CSR project entitled “See the Greatness in You”.

The LG G4’s superior visual quality was established in the photo exhibit, which displayed masterpieces by industry experts. Aside from Cosme’s portraits taken as part of the CSR project, included in the exhibit were photos of scrumptious dishes

taken by Anton Diaz of the leading food blog Our Awesome Planet, which gave viewers a preview of his “100 Great Cuisines in the Philippines” search with the LG G4.

Melo Villareal of well-known travel site Out of Town Blog contributed photos of Manila’s greatest sceneries, also taken with an LG G4. And completing the roster of LG G4 advocates is renowned motion picture director and producer Pepe Diokno, who used the using the highly-capable LG G4 to create a short film, which was presented during the launch event.

OnE-Of-a-kinD DESign What makes the design of the LG G4 so unique is the luxurious and environmentally-friendly, fullgrain leather which is hand-crafted at the rear cover. Other material options are pure Ceramic White with 3D patterns, artisan-forged Metallic Gray and lustrous Shiny Gold.

The comfortable elegance of the LG G4 is a refreshing change from the uniformly flat, full metal designs that have been become standard across the industry. The LG

G4’s design is defined by the Slim Arc, which runs along its entire body, highlighted by a display with a subtle curvature. More than just a design accent, Slim Arc offers more durability than a flat smartphone in face-down drops and gives the smartphone a more comfortable and secure feel in the hand.

ExCEPtiOnaL viSUaL ExPERiEnCE LG designed the 16-megapixel camera in the LG G4 to capture stunning images even under less than ideal lighting conditions. The camera module features an industry-first wide F1.8 aperture lens that allows 80 percent more light to reach the sensor. LG improved low-light performance even further with OIS 2.0, which doubles the performance of the OIS+ by expanding the range of image stabilization from one degree to two degrees on the X- and Y-axis and adding a third axis for the first time.

Just like DSLRs, the LG G4’s Manual Mode allows experienced photographers to exercise more artistic expression by directly con-

The LG G4 invites everyone to see and feel the great LG Electronics Philippines Managing Director Mr. Sung with its luxurious and one-of-a-kind leather casing Woo Nam (second from right) with PBA greats (L-R): Alvin Patrimonio, LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar and its superb visual experience.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 75 77

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Tree with pods 6 Wobbled, as a rocket 11 Nose stimuli 16 Overhead 21 Stagger 22 Dull yellow pigment 23 Utter foolish talk 24 Fairway warnings 25 Sports palace 26 A moon of Saturn 27 Family tree, to some 28 Jungle warnings 29 They can rock you to sleep 31 Lightweight cord 33 Mont. neighbor 35 Bigger than med.

36 NNW opposite 37 Ewing matriarch 38 Gardener, often 39 Keeps in stitches 41 Intl. trade letters 42 Ladd and Shepard

44 46 51 52 53 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 69 70 72 73 74

Glazier’s units Broke to bits Wild duck Chromosome part Lasting impression Lay low (2 wds.)

Bandleader Count — Mission starter Meyers of “Kate & Allie” High dudgeon Story going around Reinforce Sausage variety Drop — — line Meadow munchers Fall preceder Nashville’s — Pearl Comanches’ kin Coal measures Just the same Plaids

78 79 82 83 84 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 97 98 99 100 101 103 104 105 106 108 110 111 114 115 117 120 121 123 125 127 129 131 133 134 135 136 137 138 139

Frontier saloon plus Spread sand or salt Brawl Offend greatly Mr. Spock’s father Scream and shout Horne of jazz Parthenon site Fainthearted Retina cells — tai cocktail Stable fathers Cherchez la —!

Facade Work around Green prefix Annapolis frosh Coffee emanation Turn sharply The “elephant boy” Pro — (in proportion) Microwaves Cyclopean (hyph.)

Coarse Leans against Library sect.

Tack on Off in the distance Tulips and daff dils Luau dish Narrow inlet Oahu welcome Bluebottles Watch site?

Raj headquarters Like some yogurt (hyph.)

Moon position Spookily strange Canoe anagram Usual weather Undersized pups Pedro’s wherewithal Change color Put a spell on

trolling the focus, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation and white balance for every shot. Advanced photographers can also save their photos in RAW format, in addition to JPEG, for more precise editing with no loss of details.

The advanced camera in the LG G4 is complemented by Color Spectrum Sensor (CSS), the first feature of its kind to find its way into a smartphone. CSS improves color accuracy by precisely reading the RGB values of the ambient light in a scene, as well as the infrared light reflected from objects. And for selfies good enough to frame, LG included an industry-leading eight-megapixel front-facing camera for sharp, detailed portraits and group shots.

Taking a quantum leap in display technology, the LG G4 is the first smartphone to use LG Display’s new 5.5-inch IPS Quantum Display, which offers 20 percent greater color reproduction, 25 percent improvement in brightness and 50 percent greater contrast. This new display is calibrated for DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) standards for color expression, championed

Celebrities proudly display the trendsetting LG G4 leather case (L-R): Anton Del Rosario, MJ Marfori, Marie Lozano, Pia Wurtzbach, Chris Greatwich with wife Sam Greatwich, Gretchen Fullido and Simon Greatwich.

by top Hollywood studios.

With the LG G4, the higher quality display doesn’t come at the expense of battery life. The G4 is equipped with a high-capacity 3,000mAh removable battery, a rare feature in today’s high-end smartphones.

“The LG G4 has finally arrived in the Philippines, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce our newest innovation to our local consumers,” LG Mobile Philippines Vice President Jay Won said.

“The LG G4 is set to not only revolutionize the smartphone industry, but also add substantial value to consumers’ lives. It is the most ambitious phone LG has ever created, promising world-class performance and optimal greatness.”

The LG G4 is now available in the Philippines in genuine leather (black, brown and red), ceramic white and metallic gray and shiny gold. The ceramic and metallic variants retail for P31,990 while the leather variant is P32,990.

To discover more greatness in the LG G4, visit www.lg.com/ph, like LG Mobile

The actual star-studded group-fie was taken by program host and Asia's Next TopModel mentor Joey Mead-King using the 8-megapixel front camera of the great LG G4.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

140 B-vitamin source 141 Dog-tired DOWN 1 Hammer parts 2 Mystiques 3 Where Minos ruled 4 Teen woe 5 Windy City airport 6 Called from the Alps 7 Like lemon juice 8 — idea was that?

9 Shore eagle 10 Bug repellent 11 Car dealer’s extra 12 Talks monotonously 13 Movie with a posse 14 Country addr.

15 It may jackknife 16 Ski-lodge type (hyph.)

17 — and hiss 18 Paperless exams 19 Border on 20 Hairpin curves 30 Censor 32 Ambergris source 34 “Great” dogs 40 — Enterprise 42 Fable writer 43 Cave, maybe 44 Hippie greeting 45 Klein of fashion 46 Famed orca 47 Water-lily painter 48 Pond growth 49 Meet, in poker 50 Half of a Heston role 51 Domesticates 52 Slope 54 Huge blossom 55 Adam of “Chicago Hope” 56 Floats to the top 58 Good, to Garcia 59 Kid’s wheels

62 63 64 65 67 68 69 71 73 74 76 77

Geneva’s river Adobe Trevi Fountain coins PC chip maker Forest denizens Operated a ferry Soda fountain treats Wild time Condor’s abode Doctrine Holm and Woosnam Kickboxer

Jean-Claude Van — 78 Edible lichen 79 Mirage sights 80 City in New York 81 Pulsate 82 Swahili for “lion” 83 House components 85 Atlanta campus 86 Overly trusting 87 Gave alms 89 Hen’s lack 90 Gives a crew cut 93 Stop a train 94 Keg-party site

95 96 98 99 100 102 105 107 108 109 110 111 112 113

Floor Geese formation Lip-purser Lapis lazuli color Haughty types Suffix for press Slickest Like lots of shopping now Burning Teased Spurts Mind’s heat Jigsaw element Became ashen

114 115 116 117 118 119 122 124 126 128 130 132

Glue on Safari boss Footfalls Do a grammar task Stew ingredient That is (Lat.) (2 wds.)

Linear measure Frisky Discreet honk Make bales Fiesta shout Blue or green

SUNDAY : J UNE 2 1 : 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Andre Paras

The tandem of Richard Yap and Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo in Someone to Watch Over Me will have to wait till the latter gives birth

Barbie Forteza and Thea Tolentino

Barangay 24, Cagayan de Oro resident Maricel Visaya impresses John Lloyd Cruz with her dribbling skills

Jimboy Martin

Bailey May Ryan James Bacalla

Magic Crackers t endorser John Lloyd Cruz awards top scorers of the free throw challenge l Visaya and Alexander Rivera Senator Sonny Angara on the cover of People Asia magazine

‘The hAlf SiSTerS’

STill no. 1 AfTernoon drAmA

A

vid viewers and supporters of GMA Network’s The Half Sisters will have more reason to stay glued to their favorite Afternoon Prime series as the program runs until August.

Since its pilot airing, it has been dominating its timeslot with high TV ratings.

The show is celebrating its first anniversary this week with more surprises and twists in the succeeding episodes. To this day, it is unquestionably the country’s no.1 daytime show.

Based on National Urban Philippines data for May 1-31 (May 24-31 based on overnight data), The Half Sisters posted a household rating of 17.6 percent, 4.7 percent over ABS-CBN’s Flordeliza’s 12.9 percent by 4.7 points.

In Urban Luzon, which comprises 77 percent of the total urban TV households nationwide, it posted 19.6 percent household rating, 8.8 points higher than Flordeliza’s 10.8 percent.

The Afternoon Prime series likewise led in Mega Manila, which represents 59 percent of the total urban TV households in the country, with 20.5 percent household ratåing, leading Flordeliza’s 9.6 percent by 10.9 points.

Director Mark Reyes is very happy that his program continues to remain at the top. He is very grateful for the Kapuso viewers’ overwhelming support since it premiered in June last year.

“It is with much Kapuso pride that I would like to congratulate the entire cast, crew and the creative team of The Half Sisters on our first anniversary. I would like to thank the loyal viewers for consistently

from c8

keeping us on the top spot and making us one of the longest-running original Afternoon Prime Drama series of the Kapuso Network.”

Meanwhile, the devoted loyal viewers of The Half Sisters had a rare chance to meet and greet the entire cast led Barbie Forteza and Thea Tolentino with Jean Garcia, Jomari Yllana, Ryan Eigenmann and Eula Valdes amd also Andre Paras, Vaness del Moral, Mel Martinez, Pancho Magno, Juancho Triviño, and Winwyn Marquez in their Grand Fans Day yesterday at Market! Market! Taguig City.

HHHHH Someone To WATch over me on hold Dreamscape Entertainment Television announced that the production of the drama series Someone to Watch Over Me has been put on hold while ABS-CBN’s Queen of Pinoy Soap Operas Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo is on the family way, her second.

In support of her pregnancy, Judy Ann’s first team up with Richard Yap has been will resume production once she is ready go back to work.

Meanwhile, Dreamscape also announced that Richard would be doing a new drama series on ABSCBN. It will be announced sometime this month.

HHHHH PBB 737 reveAlS houSemATeS Fans of the phenomenal reality show Pinoy Big Brother met the housemates whose stories will unfold on TV last Saturday.

On June 15, the show started revealing the housemates on Kapamilya shows It’s Showtime, TV Patrol,

and Aquino and Abunda Tonight.

Introduced last Monday was Ryan James Bacalla, the Kid Sunshine of Cebu, an honor student, Sinulog dancer, and a writer in his school paper. A victim of bullying, Ryan says he has always been mocked for his sexual orientation but remains positive despite life’s challenges.

Twelve-year-old Filipino-British online heartthrob Bailey May, meanwhile, was unveiled next as the Global Gwapito of UK. He was born in Cebu but grew up in the UK, and is interested in sports, and wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol Daniel Padilla. Before being named a housemate, Bailey was already becoming popular for posting videos of him online singing hits.

Also introduced was Jimboy Martin, the Barrio Rapper of Nueva Vizcaya, who writes his own rap.

Join hosts Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, and Toni Gonzaga in another season of the most talked about reality show in the country. The “PBB” house opened again last Saturday.1 HHHHH cheerS, Sonny!

Congratulations Senator Sonny Angara! People Asia magazine recognized the Senator in its Men Who Matter’issue.

Angara was cited for his accomplishment in the education sector (passage of kindergarten law, championing the welfare of students and teachers in his proposed bills). The other media personalities cited along with the Senator are Matteo Guidicelli, Atom Araullo, Jiggy Manicad, Paul Soriano, among others.

John Lloyd Cruz made a special appearance

John LLoyd surprises LuCky free-throw winners

J

ack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers continues to bring surprising possibilities to Filipinos nationwide through Magic Moments Fun Fair. On its second leg in Barangay 24 in Cagayan de Oro City, the fair showcased games along with raffle prizes and Magic Cracker products.

The barangay residents enjoyed an array of Magic game booths such as Spill the Magic Coating, Go Fish Magic Juniors, Magic Tic-Tac Chips and Magic Wheel of Creams.

Highlight of the Magic Fun Fair was a free throw challenge for Nanay at Tatay, which started with four moms and four dads trying to outscore each other. It whittled down to two of the highest scorers, Maricel Visaya and Alexander Rivera. However, before they were declared winners, both were asked to wait for their final challenge.

Maricel and Alexander were shocked to see Magic’s celebrity ambassador John Lloyd Cruz approach them with a Magic Pang-kabuhayan package surprise for each of them worth P25,000 each.

The Magic Fun Fair is a bigger Magic Moments event that is out to give more surprises to Magic consumers with help from long-time endorser John Lloyd Cruz. The carnival-inspired event is set to visit different cities nationwide to bring fun games and loads of Magic goodies.

More Magic moments await as Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers bring delight around the country with the Magic Fun Fair.

SUNDAY : J UNE 2 1 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ Nora auNor is uriaN’s lifeTime achievemeNT awardee ISAH V. RED

T

Gladys Reyes, Best Supporting Actress for Magkakabaung

Allen Dizon, Best Actor for Magkakabaung

Nora Aunor was honored with Natantanging Gawad Urian

Martin del Rosario, Best Eula Valdez, Best Actress for Dagitab Supporting Actor for Digital

38th Gawad Urian winners

Best Picture – Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon Best Director – Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon Best Screenplay Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon

Best ActressEula Valdez, Dagitab

he country’s one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor, was honored at last Tuesday’s 38th Gawad Urian with Natatanging Gawad Urian (Lifetime Achievement Award).

Aunor was present to accept the honor given to her by motley group that calls themselves manunuri or critics.

UP Professor Grace Javier Alfonso, president of the group, read the award’s citation before calling Aunor to receive the trophy. Prior to that, there was also a video clip showing the actress’ various roles.

On stage, after receiving the trophy, Aunor held back her tears (of joy, I suppose) and read from a prepared list of people she would like to thank and share the award with.

“Thank you so much to everyone I have worked with all these years. I promise that I will do even better at my craft because of this recognition,” she said.

She also expressed her gratitude to her loyal fans who flocked in full force to the venue saying that if until now her fans still love her, she loves them even more.

Prior to her Natatanging Gawad Urian award, Nora has reaped 20 nominations in the Gawad Urian and seven Best Actress awards.

Meanwhile, the group of critics lavished on Lav Diaz’s film Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon with four major awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The five-hour film also won for writing and editing.

Best Actor – Allen Dizon, Magkakabaung

Best Cinematography Neil Daza, Bwaya Best Editing Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon

Best Supporting Actress - Gladys Reyes, Magkakabaung

Best Production Design Popo Diaz, Dementia

Best Supporting Actor – Martin del Rosario, Dagitab

Best Music Erwin Fajardo, Bwaya

Diaz was nowhere near the venue. The people who accepted the trophies for the film said he was in Palawan shooting scenes for his next movie.

Meanwhile, first time winners dominated the acting categories.

Eula Valdez and Martin del Rosario were named Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor for Dagitab, respectively. Allen Dizon and Gladys Reyes meanwhile voted Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress for Magkakabaung.

The 38th Gawad Urian was also star-studded. Some of the most talented artists in Philippine cinema like Brilliante Mendoza, Nonie Buencamino, Shamaine Buencamino, Nova Villa, Angel Aquino, Angeli Bayani, Paulo Avelino, Jolina Magdangal, Angelica Panganiban, Sandino Martin, Martin Del Rosario, Alex Medina, Jed Madela, Kyla, Darren Espanto, and Gwyneth Dorado witnessed the night’s shining moments.

Asia’s Got Talent grand champion El Gamma Penumbra also wowed the crowd with their special opening number that they dedicated to Philippine Cinema.

The Gawad Urian Awards is considered the most esteemed film awards in the Philiippines.

The nominees and the winners are chosen by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP).

The MPP members are Rolando Tolentino, Grace Javier Alfonso, Butch Francisco, Mario Hernando, Bienvenido Lumbera, Miguel Rapatan, Benilda Santos, Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Tito Genova Valiente, and Lito Zulueta. ➜ continued on c7

Best Sound – Corinne De San Jose, Violator Best Documentary – Walang Rape sa Bontok Best Short Film – Kinabukasan

by Adolf Alix Jr.