The Standard - 2015 July 12 - Sunday

VOL. XXIX NO. 142 3 Sections 24 Pages P18 SuNday : JuLy 12, 2015 www.manilastandardtoday.com editorial@thestandard.com.ph

KOREAN INFLUENCE IN PH PIZZA MARKET

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REDS WANT PEACE TALKS IN 3RD QTR

Heart-to-Heart. Communist leader Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, explains a point to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. during a dinner at a Japanese restaurant in Amsterdam, Holland on Friday where they discussed the resumption of the stalled peace talks. NatIoNaL DeMoCratIC FroNt

PNOY MEETS MAR, ABAD ON REFORMS, COALITION

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan INTERIOR Secretary Mar Roxas II admitted on Saturday that he and Budget Secretary Florencio

Abad met with President Benigno Aquino III last Thursday, a day before Aquino met with Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero to discuss the 2016 elections.

Next page

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

Informal talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-national Democratic front will likely resume in the third quarter of the year, CPP founding chairman Jose ma. Sison told The Standard in an interview from Utrecht.

DONAIRE GETS ANOTHER CHANCE AT REDEMPTION

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Sison said it is still possible to hammer out a ceasefire agreement within the term of President Benigno Aquino III, a positive take on the peace negotiations that have remained stalled since February 2011.

“It is possible to have informal talks within the third quarter of the year. That is our expectation,” he said.

“Efforts of the Norwegian special envoy Ambassador Elisabeta Slottum are ongoing to bring both parties to a consensus on the procedures for the informal talks that will set the agenda of the formal talks,” Sison added.

Next page

DECONSTRUCTING RITA NAZARENO

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s U N d ay : j U Ly 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

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news

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REDS From A1...

Unsafe candy. High school students and their kin wait in a hospital emergency room in Tandag City after they were poisoned by expired durian candy. aLVIn GUanZOn

1,350 KIDS DOWNED

BY TAINTED CANDY By alvin T. Guanzon

TANDAG CITY —Up to 1,350 elementary and high school students fell ill after eating durianflavored candy, Surigao del Sur provincial health officials said on Saturday.

Surigao del Sur Provincial Health Officer Dr. Jerry Irrizari said the students were were treated in hospitals in nine towns overnight after they complained of stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and headaches on Friday.

As of Saturday, 250 remained

PNOY From A1...

Roxas declined to reveal what was discussed in the meeting aside from being “focused on the importance of continuing the reforms of the Aquino administration.”

“With due respect and deference to the President who has yet to speak on the matter, I will not discuss the details of my meeting with the President and Sec. Butch Abad this lunchtime,” Roxas said.

Roxas however said he was confident that his work in implementing reforms over the past five years will be the decisive factor when Aquino chooses who to endorse in 2016.

in hospital but they were expected to be discharged later in the day, said Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel.

He said nine men and women who sold the sweets from a van while the children were on their lunch break have been arrested and the police are investigating whether the sweets were expired or were deliberately laced with poison.

“The suspects had a plan to sell only to school children. They went around nine towns the whole day selling candies,” he said as the group denied that they meant to poison the children.

Pimentel said police were still trying to establish why the group had travelled some 300 kilometers from their home

province to sell the sweets.

At the same time, Irrizari clarified there were no fatalities from the poisoning incident involving the candy he identified as Wendy’s Durian Candy.

Irrizari corrected the erroneous information about a fatality that was released by the administrative officer of the Surigao del Sur Health Office.

Irrizari said that most of the students downed by the candy were treated at the Adela Serra Ty Medical Center here in Tandag, the capital city of the province.

Irrizari identified the candy manufacturer of the candy as Wendy’s Delicacy whose factory is in Maa-Davao City. The owners of the factory have already

been identified.

Five hundred twenty eight (528) victims of food poisoning were confined or admitted while others treated as out-patients at Adela Serra Ty Medical Center alone, one of only three big government hospitals in Caraga Region, located here in Tandag City.

Physicians said the students suffered acute gastro-enteritis with signs of dehydration secondary to food poisoning.

“The bacteria that caused the illness was “Staphylococcus” and was probably due to the expiration of the durian candy that caused its contamination,” says Dr. Ponciano Limcangco, the hospital director.

“I am confident that what we have been working on for the past five years and the continuity of the reforms that have brought unprecedented benefits to our people remain paramount in the President’s mind. This consideration will define his choice in 2016,” Roxas said.

Roxas’ ally, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, seconded Roxas’ statement that Aquino remained firm in endorsing a candidate who can continue the reforms.

“What is paramount, and if you noticed the speeches that the President has been giving, he has always emphasized the importance of continuing the reforms. And so I think that’s paramount in his consider-

ation as to who he will choose as his endorsee for the next presidential elections in 2016,” Lacierda said in an interview with state-owned Radyo ng Bayan.

He added that it will be a waste if Aquino will endorse a candidate who is not fit to continue the “straight path” the he already started.

“It is important for [the President] to continue the straight path that he has started and the reforms he did for six years will be put into waste if we will not be able to continue all the reforms,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda, however, admitted the administration is also looking at continuing the coalition between the LP and indepen-

dent candidates, like Poe and Escudero.

“The coalition in 2013 was good, why shouldn’t we continue the coalition in 2016?” he asked.

Roxas revealed having met with Aquino after Poe and Escudero said they discussed the 2016 elections with Aquino and they were under the impression that he had not yet decided on who to endorse for the presidential election.

The meetings came amid a flurry of criticism from Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has been blaming Roxas for some shortcomings of the Aquino administration, particularly the problems with Metro Manila’s light rail system.

Sison said NDF chairman Luis Jalandoni has already sent a letter to Slottum detailing suggestions for the procedures for the informal talks.

The two communist leaders recently met with lawmakers, led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., at a Japanese restaurant in Amsterdam where they discussed the possibility of reviving the negotiations.

“It was a friendly and informal conversation. Speaker Belmonte said our conversation was a confidence-building measure. Louie (Jalandoni) told them that the House leadership can play a crucial role in promoting the peace negotiations,” Sison said.

“I told them there is still time to hammer out a truce and cooperation agreement as well as a Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms before Aquino’s term ends,” he added.

Malacañang, for its part, said the meeting in Amsterdam was a welcome development as it expressed readiness to resume peace talks with the communist rebels.

“It is good that they had a chance to talk about the peace process. As you know, our government panel is ready to talk peace with the CPP-NDF. But we first we have to put some things in order so that the talks could resume,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

In an earlier interview, Belmonte said Sison and Jalandoni did not impose “preconditions” to what he called an “initiative” to get the stalled peace talks with the rebels back on track.

He said he would report to President Aquino the “informative dinner” that he had with the communist leaders.

Belmonte is with the 35-member Philippine delegation to The Hague, where the country is arguing its case against China over disputes in the West Philippine Sea. But Lacierda lashed back at Binay on Saturday and called him a liar for his criticism of the Aquino administration.

Lacierda also accused Binay of conduct unbecoming of an official who was treated well by President Benigno Aquino III. ‘‘Where were you in the last five years? ... Where were you in Cabinet meetings? Where were you in all five years in government?” he said.

“Are you lying then or are you lying now? Which is which?” Lacierda publicly asked Binay. “(It is) very unbecoming of a public official to speak ill of the President who has treated him very well in the highest possible manner,” Lacierda said.

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

FOREIGNER WITH MERS NOW WELL, RELEASED

The new people’s plaza. Voters turned out in droves at shopping malls on Saturday to validate their entry in voters lists as the Commission on Elections announced that some voting precincts may be transferred to shopping malls next year. eY aCasIo

COMELEC TO MOVE PRECINCTS TO MALLS by sara susanne d. Fabunan

SHOPPING malls gained more significance in national life on Saturday after the Commission on Elections announced that some polling precincts will be located at shopping malls across the country in next year’s May 9 elections.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said the poll body studied the matter and decided to discard the small and sometimes inconvenient facilities of some public schools and move the polling places to a nearby shopping mall.

“We studied our old law and it is provided that the voting be held in public schools as much as possible,” Bautista told reporetrs.

“But over time, we have realized

that public schools are small and there are certain precincts that are not even near public schools that also easily become overcrowded,” he said.

So after Robinsons Land Corporation president Frederick Go agreed to host a polling places in all of their 42 malls across the country, Bautista decided to announce the change.

Although the poll body has yet to decide how many and which public schools will no longer have to serve as polling places, Bautista urged shopping mall operators to dedicate one day for service to the public and provide a secure area that can serve as a polling place.

“Right now, we want to know first which mall operators are participating,” Baustista said, adding that the Comelec will have to deploy one vote counting machine for 1,000 voters. There are 81,000 polling precincts in the country.

Bautista said that by November 7 they will come up and finalized the precinct maps and will be able to identify which public schools they

will no longer use for the elections.

“We are now studying how many precincts (will be transferred), but we have until November 7 to finalize the precinct maps. By that time, we can already say which precinct we need to move to which mall and we will make a proper announcement,” he said.

“Now we are already operationalizing it,” Bautista said. “Mr. Go is the first one who said publicly that they will support this endeavor. We have already talked to other mall operators and we hope that they will follow suit.”

Go said for his part, the restaurants and other shops will be made open to serve the public during the voting period.

“The details are not yet set, but I think there should be no problem. I think if the polling area is secured, the rest of the restaurants or shops to serve our public will be open. But of course we leave that to the Comelec to decide,” Go said.

He said Riobinson’s Land will allow the Comelec to use the the venue and electricity for one day to accommodate the voters.

“We do not mind, What is one whole day? We are doing this as public service to the country and the voting population at large,” Go added.

Bautista said this development will also eliminate some problems, like vote buying, violence and crowd congestions, during election day.

He also said that aside from security issue, where the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be deployed in all polling precincts, the transmission inside the mall will not be disrupted given that there are prepared generators once an electricity blackout occur.

“It is really a win win in so far as Comelec is cnocerned, and really though we need those forward looking businessmen like Mr. Go to be able to realize that this is good for the country and therefore eventually good for their business,” he added.

Bautista also hopes that through their efforts to enhance the voting experience and hasten the voting process, the Comelec is expecting a higher voters turnout in the 2016 elections.

THE foreigner who was found to have Middle East Respiratory SyndromeCoronavirus (MERS-CoV) was discharged from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine after he was cleared of the deadly virus, the Department of Health announced on Saturday.

But the authorities will continue to quarantine a woman who was in close contact with the foreigner even as they continue to monitor 112 other people who might also have been in close contact with him.

The DOH announced the discharge after Malacañang welcomed the statement of the World Health Organization, which commended the Philippines for successfully handling MERS-CoV cases in the country.

There were two cases of MERS-CoV in the Philippines, the first involving a Filipino nurse who worked in the Middle East and the foreigner who also arrived in the Philippines from the Middle East.

“We have always stated that our Department of Health is ready to address all these issues including MERS-CoV and it clearly showed,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a radio interview on Saturday.

“We welcome the observation of the World Health Organization in the handling of the MERS-CoV situation, and that is the commitment of this government, that is the commitment of the Department of Health—that we will address all concerns that may affect the health of the general populace.”

Although the foreigner, who was confined at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), is cleared of the disease, Lacierda said the government will continue monitoring the country’s entry points to detect people having the MERS CoV. “We’re always monitoring the situation and, like I said, the Department of Health is always on the ball in addressing all these possible health (matters) to protect our country,” he told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

The 36-year-old foreigner diagnosed with MERS CoV has already been cleared of the disease, health authorities said on Friday.

The patient, who is from Finland, will be discharged from the RITM this weekend. His close contact however, a 32-year old female, will remain at the hospital to complete her 14-day quarantine period until July 18.

The foreigner had traveled from Saudi Arabia, passing by Dubai in the Middle East, before arriving in the Philippines on June 19.

40,000 HIT BY MONSOON RAIN

by Francisco Tuyay ALMOST 40,000 people have been affected by heavy rain caused by the southwest monsoon, known in Filipino as “habagat,” which has been strengthened by the tropical cyclones “Egay” and “Falcon,” according the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The agency said five people were reported dead in Quezon City, Cebu, and Bulacan while four others remained missing after their fishing boat was destroyed by strong winds in Pangasinan.

A total of 8,204 families, or 39,337 individuals, were affected by the monsoon with 1,416 families being accommodated in 33 evacuation centers, the NDRRMC said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned residents of Zambales, Bataan, and

Pangasinan to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides due to “moderate to occasionally heavy” rain.

Pagasa said occasional rain may occur over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Cordillera and the rest of Central Luzon and Ilocos regions.

Meanwhile, the environs of the La Mesa Dam remained under red alert on Saturday because of lifethreatening flash floods that may be caused by the over flow of Metro Manila’s water reservoir.

Dam officials said the dam’s water level went down to 79.78 meters from 79.99 meters on Friday, but the situation is still considered critical because it is still too near the spilling level of 80.15 meters although they expect the water to recede by 1 cm an hour.

Thus, disaster officials said people living at or near the Tullahan River

should be alert for any announcement of pre-emptive evacuation.

The dam alert was heightened before the arrival of Typhoon Falcon (international name: Chanhom) which swiped eastern China on Saturday, paralysing transport links and devastating farmland as authorities evacuated more than a million people.

The storm, which killed five in the Philippines and injured more than 20 people in Japan on Friday, made landfall at around 4:40 pm on an island near the city of Ningbo, which is south of Shanghai, the National Meteorological Center said.

Chan-hom was however expected to skirt the coast before heading back out to sea rather than going further inland.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the storm, which forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights and bus and rail services.

RIng aRound The umbRella. Children from Isla Bonita in Rosario, Cavite ignore the light shower caused by the southwest monsoon as they at the shores of Manila Bay. dannY paTa

S U N D AY, J U LY 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

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[ EDI TORI A L ]

BAGGAGE NOTWITHSTANDING IT all boils down to prerogative.

President Aquino has named former Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri to replace Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang who retired on Friday.

Mr. Aquino had profuse compliments for Catapang, who he said exceeded his expectations in ensuring peace and security in the country. He appointed Catapang July 17 last year to lead the 125,000-strong military force.

The President also had glowing words for his new choice, who had served as military commander in election hotspots like Nueva Ecija and Abra. Iriberri would serve his post for less than a year, as he is set to retire in April 2016, less than a month before the 2016 national and local elections.

Iriberri’s graft case did not seem to be a factor in his appointment at all.

The new military chief is facing criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly delaying the implementation of at least three ammunition contracts with a total value of P97.8 million. In fact, the complainant in the case has asked the Ombudsman to immediately issue a preventive suspension against Iriberri.

These things, however, do not seem to matter to Mr. Aquino. After all, Iriberri is perceived to be the fair-haired boy of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

We hoped, but did not expect, that President Aquino would stray far from his propensity to stand by his allies despite the baggage they carry. Look at what happened to disgraced Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima, a close friend of the President. When allegations of irregularity first surfaced, the President defended him in public, saying he did not know Purisima to be ostentatious nor corrupt. He put Purisima on top of a sensitive police operation that eventually claimed the lives of 44 police commandos, despite his being suspended. And when Purisima offered to step down as head of the police, Mr. Aquino praised him, too, detailing the supposed sacrifices his friend had made for the country.

Which brings us to wonder why the President could decide immediately who would lead the military, but take his sickeningly sweet time appointing the next head of the police.

Ultimately, the decisions are his to make. We trust the President has his reasons—we can only hope that these reasons are for the greater good and not for the good of a few in his circle.

THOUGHTS ON A SUICIDE

MY COLLEGE best friend took her own life about 30 years ago in circumstances that still remain incomprehensible to this day. She was the type of person who was always bursting with energy although she did have moods. Like in most suicide cases, nobody had an inkling that she was suicidal.

She didn’t look like she was depressed or that she was ca-

pable of taking her own life.

Things were never the same again after she passed away: her family disintegrated; her parents who used to be very social individuals retreated to themselves. I guess we never really recovered from what happened.

To this day, I still think about what she could have achieved had she not taken her life.

Suicide leaves a pain that is difficult to erase because it’s one of those tragedies that one cannot achieve closure on. The questions remain unanswered and the guilt stays no matter how hard you try to convince yourself that there was nothing

It is important that any case of suicide be treated with a lot of care, particularly by media, out of respect for the family who must be allowed space to grieve and to deal with the complex issues that are inevitably linked to every case of suicide in the family – guilt, stigma, anger, and the profound sense of loss. It’s cruel to subject families to additional trauma.

you or anyone else could have done to alter the series of events that led to the tragedy.

Suicide has been in the news lately on account of the death of a young artist, who also happened to be the daughter of two very respected artists. As can be expected, the case has attracted quite a number of reactions.

While most of the reactions seemed sincere and appropriate, there were, unfortunately, quite a number of commentaries that were intrusive and tended to be judgmental. Worse, some of the reportage by some media quarters bordered on the sensational.

It is important that any case of suicide be treated with a lot of care, particularly by media, out of respect for the family who must be allowed space to grieve and to deal with the complex issues that are inevitably linked to every case of suicide in the family—guilt, stigma, anger, and the profound sense of loss. It’s cruel to subject families to additional trauma.

And then there’s the very real possibility of copycat suicides. It’s a real phenomenon that has been known to occur among people of a certain age.

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

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

When a suicide case is highly publicized and when it involves someone with a celebrity status, there is a very high possibility that the case will embolden someone else with a mitigating factor such as depression to copy the act.

I went into counseling as a personal advocacy partly because of what happened to my best friend. In the last two decades I have come across quite a number of counseling cases that were related to suicide. I have learned that, yes, pretty much like how bomb jokes

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

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can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

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are handled at airport terminals, every hint or indication that someone is suicidal must be taken seriously. In fact, it is advisable to get the person to reveal what his or her plan is—how he or she intends to do it, when, etc.—and to immediately get professional intervention to effectively deal with the situation.

Helping a family deal with the death of a loved one due to suicide requires a lot of emotional intelligence.

As can be expected, there is awkwardness as people skate around the Continued on A6

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

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

Ma. Isabel “Gina” P. Versoza Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

WE ARE what we post; we are what we share.

In this age of social media, it is possible to get to know people without even meeting them first, based on the things they share in their profile.

Unless you’re dealing with a professional conman, Facebook is an especially powerful tool. There are direct and indirect ways to reveal oneself through one’s FB profile. The more obvious ways are the basic questions of work and education, as well as preferences in books, music, films and others. Some people take the trouble to really list what they like, knowing it helps complete the picture of them that their friends, real or virtual, have of them.

Also among the clues are the status updates and photos that are shared. Of course there is always the chance that the person is a poser or a social climber who wants to be perceived as affluent, intelligent or influential. But for most of us regular people, what we post on Facebook is determined by the values we hold dear more than the image we want to project.

So if we always post pictures of our family or friends or pets, or the kind of food that comforts us, or if we marvel at the mountains we climb, or rant about our government officials or our daily commute, then our friends, if they did not know us well already, would have an idea of the things that are important to us.

••• A less direct but equally definitive way to reveal ourselves in social media is through the web sites, articles, photos and videos that we share.

Thus, if we find ourselves sharing video clips of a concert of this particular artist, or songs on a running theme, it could give our friends an idea of our emotional well-being (or relationship status!).

If we share lengthy articles about the environment, silly but hilarious puns, housekeeping tips, restaurant reviews, or links to pieces about equality or social justice, then people would have an idea of what more than catches our fancy -in fact what moves us, what we are truly passionate about.

The curious thing about social media, however, is that you can’t lay ownership on something when you post it. Once it’s out there, our posts and shares take on a life of their own -- for good and bad.

An example would be the act of social media users uploading photos of compelling stories they see on the street.

Remember that boy who was struggling to study his books aided by the 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 LY 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

A4

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A5

OPINION SHARE AWAY...

OR NOT

[ EDI TORI A L ]

BAGGAGE NOTWITHSTANDING IT all boils down to prerogative.

President Aquino has named former Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri to replace Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang who retired on Friday.

Mr. Aquino had profuse compliments for Catapang, who he said exceeded his expectations in ensuring peace and security in the country. He appointed Catapang July 17 last year to lead the 125,000-strong military force.

The President also had glowing words for his new choice, who had served as military commander in election hotspots like Nueva Ecija and Abra. Iriberri would serve his post for less than a year, as he is set to retire in April 2016, less than a month before the 2016 national and local elections.

Iriberri’s graft case did not seem to be a factor in his appointment at all.

The new military chief is facing criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly delaying the implementation of at least three ammunition contracts with a total value of P97.8 million. In fact, the complainant in the case has asked the Ombudsman to immediately issue a preventive suspension against Iriberri.

These things, however, do not seem to matter to Mr. Aquino. After all, Iriberri is perceived to be the fair-haired boy of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

We hoped, but did not expect, that President Aquino would stray far from his propensity to stand by his allies despite the baggage they carry. Look at what happened to disgraced Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima, a close friend of the President. When allegations of irregularity first surfaced, the President defended him in public, saying he did not know Purisima to be ostentatious nor corrupt. He put Purisima on top of a sensitive police operation that eventually claimed the lives of 44 police commandos, despite his being suspended. And when Purisima offered to step down as head of the police, Mr. Aquino praised him, too, detailing the supposed sacrifices his friend had made for the country.

Which brings us to wonder why the President could decide immediately who would lead the military, but take his sickeningly sweet time appointing the next head of the police.

Ultimately, the decisions are his to make. We trust the President has his reasons—we can only hope that these reasons are for the greater good and not for the good of a few in his circle.

THOUGHTS ON A SUICIDE

MY COLLEGE best friend took her own life about 30 years ago in circumstances that still remain incomprehensible to this day. She was the type of person who was always bursting with energy although she did have moods. Like in most suicide cases, nobody had an inkling that she was suicidal.

She didn’t look like she was depressed or that she was ca-

pable of taking her own life.

Things were never the same again after she passed away: her family disintegrated; her parents who used to be very social individuals retreated to themselves. I guess we never really recovered from what happened.

To this day, I still think about what she could have achieved had she not taken her life.

Suicide leaves a pain that is difficult to erase because it’s one of those tragedies that one cannot achieve closure on. The questions remain unanswered and the guilt stays no matter how hard you try to convince yourself that there was nothing

It is important that any case of suicide be treated with a lot of care, particularly by media, out of respect for the family who must be allowed space to grieve and to deal with the complex issues that are inevitably linked to every case of suicide in the family – guilt, stigma, anger, and the profound sense of loss. It’s cruel to subject families to additional trauma.

you or anyone else could have done to alter the series of events that led to the tragedy.

Suicide has been in the news lately on account of the death of a young artist, who also happened to be the daughter of two very respected artists. As can be expected, the case has attracted quite a number of reactions.

While most of the reactions seemed sincere and appropriate, there were, unfortunately, quite a number of commentaries that were intrusive and tended to be judgmental. Worse, some of the reportage by some media quarters bordered on the sensational.

It is important that any case of suicide be treated with a lot of care, particularly by media, out of respect for the family who must be allowed space to grieve and to deal with the complex issues that are inevitably linked to every case of suicide in the family—guilt, stigma, anger, and the profound sense of loss. It’s cruel to subject families to additional trauma.

And then there’s the very real possibility of copycat suicides. It’s a real phenomenon that has been known to occur among people of a certain age.

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

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

When a suicide case is highly publicized and when it involves someone with a celebrity status, there is a very high possibility that the case will embolden someone else with a mitigating factor such as depression to copy the act.

I went into counseling as a personal advocacy partly because of what happened to my best friend. In the last two decades I have come across quite a number of counseling cases that were related to suicide. I have learned that, yes, pretty much like how bomb jokes

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

are handled at airport terminals, every hint or indication that someone is suicidal must be taken seriously. In fact, it is advisable to get the person to reveal what his or her plan is—how he or she intends to do it, when, etc.—and to immediately get professional intervention to effectively deal with the situation.

Helping a family deal with the death of a loved one due to suicide requires a lot of emotional intelligence.

As can be expected, there is awkwardness as people skate around the Continued on A6

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

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

Ma. Isabel “Gina” P. Versoza Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

WE ARE what we post; we are what we share.

In this age of social media, it is possible to get to know people without even meeting them first, based on the things they share in their profile.

Unless you’re dealing with a professional conman, Facebook is an especially powerful tool. There are direct and indirect ways to reveal oneself through one’s FB profile. The more obvious ways are the basic questions of work and education, as well as preferences in books, music, films and others. Some people take the trouble to really list what they like, knowing it helps complete the picture of them that their friends, real or virtual, have of them.

Also among the clues are the status updates and photos that are shared. Of course there is always the chance that the person is a poser or a social climber who wants to be perceived as affluent, intelligent or influential. But for most of us regular people, what we post on Facebook is determined by the values we hold dear more than the image we want to project.

So if we always post pictures of our family or friends or pets, or the kind of food that comforts us, or if we marvel at the mountains we climb, or rant about our government officials or our daily commute, then our friends, if they did not know us well already, would have an idea of the things that are important to us.

••• A less direct but equally definitive way to reveal ourselves in social media is through the web sites, articles, photos and videos that we share.

Thus, if we find ourselves sharing video clips of a concert of this particular artist, or songs on a running theme, it could give our friends an idea of our emotional well-being (or relationship status!).

If we share lengthy articles about the environment, silly but hilarious puns, housekeeping tips, restaurant reviews, or links to pieces about equality or social justice, then people would have an idea of what more than catches our fancy -in fact what moves us, what we are truly passionate about.

The curious thing about social media, however, is that you can’t lay ownership on something when you post it. Once it’s out there, our posts and shares take on a life of their own -- for good and bad.

An example would be the act of social media users uploading photos of compelling stories they see on the street.

Remember that boy who was struggling to study his books aided by the 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 LY 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

A6

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WOULD YOU LEND GREECE $60B?

By Leonid Bershidsky KEEPING Greece within the euro zone and the European Union is a political question.

Yet it’s also about money, and it may be worthwhile to consider how Europe would act if it were a bank confronted with a big delinquent debtor.

This would be an easy question to answer if the choice were merely between a Greek default on all of its debt and a write-off of some portion. Something is better than nothing. Yet the situation is more complicated: Greece wants 53.5 billion euros (almost $60 billion) over the next three years.

Would a banker lend that sum to retain a chance of hanging on to some of the money already invested?

Calculating how much European countries would lose if Greece were cut off is not straightforward. They are seriously exposed to Greece in four ways: through straight bilateral loans issued as part of the first bailout in 2010, through guarantees on loans issued by the European Financial Stability Facility and the EU bailout fund, through the European Central Bank’s holdings of Greek bonds and through Target2, the ECB’s settlement system in which all euro members have outstanding claims on Greece.

It’s doubtful that the Target2 claims, a total of 100.3 billion euros, should even be part of the equation. Four non-euro countries, Bulgaria, Denmark, Poland and Romania, are part of the system, and even if it drops the currency, Greece will still do a lot of trading in euros. Besides, part of that exposure is collateralized. A banker would only worry about the rest of the debts, 211 billion euros at face value.

A Greek default on the bilateral loans would mean a straight loss to the creditor nations, but it would fall under the classic definition of sunk cost: The countries wouldn’t have to plug a hole in any balance sheet by borrowing more, they’d just never get back their 52.9 billion euros. That would

be painful, but the payments are spread over 22 years, starting in 2020, and the interest rate is just 50 basis points more than the 3-month Euribor rate, which is in negative territory right now. The loans are basically interest-free. At a 2 percent discount rate, the present value of the repayments would be about 40 billion euros.

The EFSF loans also are practically interest-free, with repayments spread over 32 years, starting in 2023. The fund would probably call in its members’ guarantees if Greece defaulted—though that wouldn’t happen until the first payments were due.

Most countries would need to issue new debt to cover the guarantees, a whopping 130.9 billion euro exposure, but in present value terms, it amounts to less than 100 billion. Besides, the guarantees are already accounted for in the European countries’ debt levels.

The only payments Europeans should worry about now are the ones due on bonds owned by the ECB. The total amount Greece owes is 27.2 billion euros, with 4.4 billion coming due in July and August 2015, and most of the rest scheduled to be repaid in 2017 and 2019. If Greece defaults, however, the ECB probably won’t even need to make any capital calls on euro countries’ central banks. RBC Capital Markets said recently that the ECB’s own loss absorption capacity was 36.3 billion euros at the end of last year, and the euro system’s is at about 500 billion now, dwarfing the Greek debt.

In total, the potential losses from a massive Greek default appear to outweigh the pain of investing another 53.5 billion euros over the next three years. Not counting the ECB and Target2 exposures, Europe would be looking at a present-value loss of 140 billion euros. If it behaved like a bank, Europe would be tempted to lend more money to help Greece get back on its feet and repay the huge debt.

The problem, however, is that Greece also wants debt restructuring, ideally a write-off, and it has plenty of backers, including the

International Monetary Fund, which considers the current burden unsustainable. It’s anybody’s guess how the forgiveness might be structured, but if half of the existing debt’s present value is snipped off, the decision for EU-as-bank becomes trickier. What if Greece is still unable to start paying off the old loans after a few years and the third bailout is just added to the mountain of debt that can never be honored? It would become a matter of trust between lender and borrower.

The banker would be tempted to offer partial debt relief, but no further loans.

Why throw good money after bad? For the bank’s shareholders—in this case, EU countries—it would also be easier to accept a sunk cost than to justify fresh spending with uncertain results. It’s difficult to say, however, how much such a solution might help Greece, given that most of the debt in question is backloaded and isn’t a burden for the Greek government today. If it were just a debtor, not a sovereign, it would be tempted simply to default on all its debts and start from scratch.

So it’s conceivable that a bank would just kick the can down the road and approve the new loan just to avoid immediate writeoffs. Given all the political implications of a Greek euro exit and European politicians’ crisis fatigue—no one has been able to go on vacation this year because of the Greek talks!—such an outcome is the likeliest, too.

As with a loss-averse bank, however, the day of reckoning will eventually come. It’s hard to believe that the government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, which has accepted the creditors’ austerity demands to secure more money, will be good at implementing a program so far removed from the one with which it came to power, and that Greeks will have much patience for its experiments. It may be possible to avoid disaster for a year or two, but the economist Paul Krugman shows that there is a better case for Grexit than the one Tsipras makes for an extension of the country’s self-torture. Bloomberg

CHINA’S ILLNESS IS CONTAGIOUS FOR ASIA

By William Pesek

WHEN the US sneezes, an old saying goes, the world catches a cold. That’s been nowhere more true than in Asia. But as China’s coughing fit grows louder, countries in the region are wondering whether their neighbor’s illness will also prove contagious.

Since Wall Street’s crash in 2008, Asia has been pivoting to China. The $16.8 trillion US economy is still 1.8 times bigger and its per capita income dwarfs China’s. But China is Asia’s biggest trading partner and, increasingly, its benefactor.

Flush with $3.7 trillion of currency reserves and its new $100 billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, China has used checkbook diplomacy to make friends across the region.

Asia’s social media accounts are now pulsating with talk of how a #ChinaMeltdown might send the region into a tailspin.

Even Australia, which is reeling from plunging iron ore prices, and Japan, whose currency is suddenly surging, are bracing for a downturn. As China’s high-flying economy confronts the basic laws of economics and finance, many countries in Asia are second-guessing the rela-

tionships they established with Beijing in better times.

In part, that’s because they have trouble discerning Beijing’s strategy for dealing with the crisis. Say what you want about Washington gridlock, but the workings of US power is exceedingly transparent relative to that of Chinese policy making. The aggressive Fed rate hikes of the mid-1990s that shook world markets, for example, were amply telegraphed in advance. And Washington’s efforts in 2008 to contain the subprime-loan crisis were maddeningly slow, but everybody was able to follow along with the debate. China’s response to the #ChinaMeltdown of 2015, by contrast, couldn’t be more opaque, unpredictable or -- if you’re a neighboring government – frustrating.

Until now, Asia hadn’t minded hitching its hopes to an authoritarian state run by an impervious cast of policy makers.

And, to be fair, the countless steps Beijing has taken over the last two weeks to support stocks paid off, as the Shanghai Composite Index rose 5.8 percent.

But Asia has no way to tell what Beijing plans to do about the current crisis and every reason

to doubt China’s ability to withstand it.

To be the stable and reliable growth engine Asia needs, China has to recalibrate its entire economy. That will require politically-sensitive reforms to empower small-and-mediumsize companies, wean China off its addiction to exports and rein in a vast shadow-banking industry creating fresh debt bubbles.

Chinese President Xi Jinping claims he’s on top of these and myriad other challenges. But how would officials from Jakarta to Seoul know? How can neighbors assess whether excessive debt and overcapacity are sending China into a deflationary spiral? The reality is they won’t know until it’s too late. All they can do is accelerate their own efforts to make domestic demand so they’re not so dependent on exporting to China.

But that’s easier said than done.

And China’s problems arrive at an inauspicious time for the region, which has anxiously been awaiting Federal Reserve rate hikes and turbulence in Europe. Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju Yeol spoke for many when he warned against underestimating the fallout from Chinese volatility. So did In-

donesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla when asked about Greece.

“For us the situation in China is more worrying,’’ Kalla told Bloomberg Television. Investor Bill Gross, meanwhile, says the smart trade now is to “take advantage of other markets that would be affected by China.”

US growth still matters plenty.

But Beijing’s GDP arguably matters much more to Asia’s health these days. Too bad the region has no real way to take China’s temperature. Bloomberg

Share... From A5 light of a fastfood chain? That was in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Joyce Torrefranca, a college student, was on her way home when she happened to pass by the boy, nine-year-old Daniel Cabrera, on a pavement. Joyce was in awe—whereas other street kids would beg or even resort to petty theft, this one has his eyes on the prize: a good education, a bright future, which he knew could only come if he studied his lessons well.

Joyce was so moved and inspired that she took a picture and shared it online.

Daniel must have thought it would take him a lifetime to attain his dream, but help came sooner than expected. Because the girl’s post was seen, shared and re-shared, Daniel was tracked down and given aid, even a college scholarship. People admired his drive to learn, even if it was only through the light of a nearby commercial establishment. He is proof of the adage: “Kung gusto, may paraan.”

Unfortunately, not all the things shared by social media users are for the common good.

For example, in this past week, tragedies happened to young actors: one, just 15, apparently committed suicide.

The other, at her tender age of 12, was involved in a sex scandal.

These events were indeed out of the ordinary, which was why some people felt compelled to share stories speculating on what might have really happened there. Alas, the sharing did little to help both families and the 12-year-old girl.

In these cases, the best help would have been doing nothing. Remember that other adage: Rumor stops on the ears of a wise man, or of a social media user.

Many other examples come to mind. These days, there are countless ways we can make our presence felt, either online or offline. The things we post and share, we either help make the world a more caring, responsive place, or a shallow, mean, trivial, unthinking one.

The choice is right here, in front of us, at the tip of our fingers. adellechua@gmail.com

Thoughts... From A5 issues. What people need to understand is that the circumstances around a suicide are most likely unclear even to the family and being made to talk about their feelings only makes it worse as the confusion becomes more and more evident.

This is why most families prefer being left alone to deal with the loss and to grieve in private, and the best thing that others can do to help is to allow them space to do so. However, it is also important to show solidarity – and this can be done simply by making one’s support palpable; one thing people need to realize is that one can share in another person’s grief by just being there, without having to say anything. And perhaps what people should remember is that most families need support after the wake, particularly during important dates such as birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays.

Losing someone you love can be very painful. Losing someone in circumstances that are difficult to understand and accept is a lot more painful. We may not understand but we can always empathize and respect what people are going through.

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

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

HOUSE REVIEWS POLL SPENDING CAP

By Maricel V. Cruz

GRAND BALL.

THE House of Representatives will work on amendments to the outdated campaign finance law by setting higher campaign spending limits for candidates in local and national elections to make it in step with the times.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. said Congress will revisit Republic Act 7166, or the Synchronized Election Law of 1991 even without the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urging Congress to do so.

“That’s common sense,” Belmonte told The Standard in a text message from the Hague in the Netherlands.

Belmonte stressed the need for Congress to look into circumstances to justify the new rates while factoring in the “inflation and current realities” as stated by Comelec Commissioner Christian Robert Lim. “I guess no politician wants to be identified with the issue of higher spending,” Belmonte said.

Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, chair of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, shared Belmonte’s concern over the 24-year old RA 7166 which provides the existing campaign spending rates.

RA 7166 prescribes a P10 campaign spending limit per voter of candidates for president and vice president.

For other candidates, the law provides that they are allowed to spend P3 per voter in the constituency, plus another P5 from the political party; while independent candidates can spend up to P5 per voter.

Castro said the Comelec could not do any adjustment to the campaign finance rates unless Congress steps in.

“Higher campaign expenses cannot be allowed without amending Republic Act 7116, otherwise, spending more than what the law allows shall be a ground for disqualification,” Castro told The Standard.

Castro agreed there is a need to amend the campaign finance law but it must be Congress that will do the amendments, and not the Comelec.

“Mere pronouncement or resolution by the Comelec will not suffice,” Castro stressed, noting that without the necessary amendments passed by Congress,

“the old rates provided under RA7116 will have to be imposed/ followed.”

Reps. Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela also stressed the need to set higher campaign limits for national and local candidates.

“We need to have the rates updated and be attuned to the present time,” Albano, a member of the House minority bloc, said.

Reps. Bolet Banal of Quezon City, Jerry Trenas of Iloilo and Gus Tambunting of Paranaque also supported the proposed review to RA 7116.

“I agree with [Comelec chairman Andres Bautista] on the need to update and improve certain provisions of the law,” Banal, a House deputy majority leader, said.

Trenas and Tambunting said the current rates and figures are “outdated” and “unreasonable already” and so have to be adjusted.

House deputy minority leader and 1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III said that any amendment to be done to the campaign finance law would be useless until the Comelec strictly implements the law.

“The law on election expenses is one of the most violated law in the country.

What the Comelec should do is to strictly implement the law,” Bello, a former justice secretary, said.

Comelec officials led by Bautista had earlier said the poll would push for higher campaign spending limits for candidates in local and national elections in line with the rising cost of services and commodities.

Lim also said “we are still using the old campaign limits and parameters without considering inflation and current realities.”

Lim said the rates “have to be relevant to the particular region, to a particular position.” “And we are looking also at a flexible rate. Meaning, for 2016, this is the rate, but it could be adjusted for 2019 considering the inflation and other factors,” Lim said.

Recto eyes disaster-proof gyms as evacuation hubs SO that classes will not be disrupted when public schools are used as evacuation centers during calamities, Senate President ProTempore Ralph G. Recto has proposed the construction of disaster-resilient gyms that can serve as refuge for people displaced by man-made or natural catastrophes.

Recto explained that disasters displace two kinds of people: those who are directly hit, and the children, who, though unscathed, have to temporarily give up their classrooms to evacuees.

“When classrooms become the default evacuation areas, it creates another class of evacuees—students, whose schooling is disrupted,” Recto said.

“In any calamity, students are the collateral damage,” he lamented.

“Even in conflict areas, schools automatically become the temporary shelter of those displaced by fighting,” Recto said, “and if the latter lasts for weeks, then students go on early or unscheduled vacation.”

Although it will be “totally impossible to firewall schools from the misfortune of the communities where they’re located,” Recto said there are schemes that will prevent schools from being “the only available hostel for the unfortunate.”

One of these is the establishment of a network of disaster-proof gyms nationwide.

“What is being envisioned is a multipurpose civic center, which can be the venue for events on ordinary days but when calamity strikes, could take in evacuees,” said Recto.

SURVIVORS. Children

who survived Typhoon Yolanda’s onslaught several years ago in Tacloban City and now living in Rosario, Cavite use fish net to catch fish along Manila Bay on Saturday July 11, 2015. DANNY PATA

Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association Board member and Leyte Rep . Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (right) shares a light moment with the most senior (1950) Upsilon brod Serafin Quiason (left) and USPAA president Jessie Andres during the ZEITGEIST Batch 2014 Grand Induction Ball at Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

VER NOVENO

Yolanda farmers press for land rights

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—At least 35 farmers from Leyte had set another journey to Manila on Saturday to seek a dialogue with agricultural officials in central office and press their demand for land rights.

“We’ll bring our issue to the Department of Agrarian Reform’s central office in the hope that our problems will get a solution,” said Dhon Daganasol, spokesperson of Katarungan-Eastern Visayas, a regional alliance of farmers and fisher folk associations advocating for land and shelter rights.

Daganasol added that their demands have remained unmet by agricultural officials in the region.

In Manila, the group will be met by another group of farmers supporting their cause.

Last February, the same group of farmer leaders trooped to Manila to air their grievances on land distribution in the region.

The farmer leaders came from the towns of Barugo, Carigara, Alangalang, Sta. Fe, San Miguel, Tacloban and Ormoc in Leyte, which were devastated by super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

Daganasol said that the farmers are protesting that despite the certificate of land ownership award or CLOA given to them as proof that they legally own their land, they remained uninstalled.

In a statement, Daganasol also alleged that, “In 20018, DAR Region 8 reported having accomplished the distribution of CLOA to about 21,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries in the municipalities of Alangalang, Barugo, Jaro and Ormoc alone when only hundreds have actually been given.”

InvItatIon to BId no. 109 Rest./RehaB of agno RIs (RepuBlIcatIon) The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Six Million One Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Eight & 56/100 PESOS (PHP6,182,848.56) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab. Of Agno RIS with Contract No R1-PIMO-15-06-109. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab. Of Agno RIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Malasiqui, Pangasinan with the following description of works: I. Canalization II. Canal Structures III. Canal Lining

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of SIX THOUSAND PESOS (Php6,000.00).

6.

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

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 14, 2015, 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, July 28, 2015 at the address below.

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

9.

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

10.

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

11.

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

12.

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

13.

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

14.

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

Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Twenty (120) calendar days.

For further information, please refer to:

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

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

(TS-JULY 12, 2015)

A8 LAWMAKERS GET TOUGH ON OFFENSES VS WOMEN THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure amending the anti-sexual harassment law by expanding the forms and definitions of criminal acts committed against women.

Representative Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica of Bulacan), chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, said the bill aims to strengthen the mechanisms to monitor compliance with policies against sexual harassment in the workplace and in educational and training institutions.

House Bill 5663 authored by Representatives Emmi A. De Jesus (Gabriela) and Rolando G. Andaya Jr. (1st district, Camarines Sur) amends Republic Act 7877 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, expanding its scope by defining sexual harassment as an act which may be committed physically, verbally, or visually with the use of information communication technology or any other means of technology within or outside the place of employment, training or education.

De Jesus said the acts cover unwanted, unwelcome or inappropriate sexual advances, demands for sexual favors by an employer, manager, supervisor, teacher, professor, coach, trainer or any person who has authority, influence or moral ascendancy over another’s work, training or education, or offensive remark about the victim’s sexual orientation.

The bill also covers those who have authority or influence in approving or granting appointments, re-employment or continued employment, compensation, terms and conditions of employment, promotions or privileges, with respect to committing acts against employees and applicants for employment or promotion, or admission to an educational scholarships, payment of stipends, allowances or other benefits, privileges or considerations, with respect to committing acts against their students and applicants for admission or scholarship.

Andaya said it is the responsibility of the employer or head of the work, educational, or training environment or institution to prevent or deter sexual harassment.

“Any person who directs or induces another to commit any act of sexual harassment or who cooperates in the commission by another, without which it would not have been committed, shall also be held liable under the proposed act,” Andaya said. Maricel V. Cruz

SUNDAY: JULY 12, 2015

editorial@the standard.com.ph

TUNE-UP.

Students at a madrasa (Islamic school) in Baseco compound, Manila on Saturday, July 11 practice singing Koran verses in preparation for their performance during Eid el Fitr, an important religious celebration for Muslims worldwide which marks the end Ramadan next week.

DANNY PATA

JOHN HAY’S THIRD-PARTY INVESTORS JUNK BCDA BID

By Rey E. Requejo

THIRD-PARTY investors at the 247-hectare Camp John Hay have junked the option laid down by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for them to renegotiate their leasehold contracts in order to avoid eviction from the former American recreational facility in Baguio City.

During the continuation of the Court of Appeals summary hearing on the petition by the Camp John Hay Development Corp. and third party investors seeking to stop BCDA from evicting them from the former American recreational facility, lawyer Howard Calleja, counsel for 59 property owners, informed the CA justices that his clients would not agree to the demand of the BCDA to abandon their leasehold contracts, and instead renegotiate them with the agency.

Calleja argued that it would be tantamount to “double compensation” on the part of BCDA if third party investors would give in to the BCDA’s demand to renegotiate their lease contracts considering that they have fully paid their obligations until the end of their 50-year leasehold agreement in 2046.

“Such negotiation is illegal and ultra vires (beyond the powers). It is our submission that being a government property, it is not subject to renegotiation but for bidding,” Calleja stressed.

According to the lawyer, the BCDA should not go beyond the ruling of the arbitral panel, which orders it to compensate CJHDEVCO in the amount of P1.4 billion and for the latter to vacate the leases premises upon receipt of payment.

Calleja noted that arbitral award binds only BCDA and CJHDEVCO and not the third party investors.

“It is our desire that BCDA respects our peaceful possession and ownership until 2046,” Calleja pleaded the CA justices.

In the same hearing, another intervenor, the CJH Golf Club with 850 investors also asked the Court

to stop the BCDA from enforcing its eviction notice against them.

Camp John Hay Golf Club’s lawyer Joel Bodegon told the appellate court that it was not a party in the arbitration proceedings, thus, the arbitration panel award is not binding on its client.

Bodegon said BCDA’s assertion to include third party investors in the implementation of the ruling of the arbitration panel is a clear violation of their right to due process.

“An actual possessor of a property enjoys a legal presumption of just title in his favor, which must be overcome by the party claiming otherwise. Thus, petitioner-in-intervention CJH Golf, as actual possessor of the Golf Course, enjoys a presumption of just title in its favor.

The burden of proving otherwise is upon the respondents, who seek to evict them from the Golf Course, which is in the actual possession of petitioner-in-intervention CJH Golf,” Bodegon added.

“In sum, petitioner-in-intervention CJH Golf may be ejected from the property ‘only after it had been given an opportunity to be heard conformably with the time-honored principle of due process,” he pointed out.

The lawyer said that CJH Golf can be dispossessed only after

BCDA files and wins in a proper suit against it.

“To insist otherwise, as what public respondents assert, would certainly go against the tenets of the constitutionally protected right that not person shall be deprived of his property without due process of law. Surely, to proceed in the manner taken by public respondents constitutes a grave abuse of authority, which can only be cured by the extraordinary writs of certiorari and prohibition,” Bodegon argued.

The CA wrapped up its fourday hearing on the petition filed

by CJHDEVCO seeking to enjoin the BCDA from enforcing even on third party investors the Writ of Execution and Notice to Vacate issued

by Regional Trial Court of Baguio City against the Camp John Hay developer.

CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center (JHTCC) is a co-petitioner in the case, while the CA has ruled to admit CJH Golf Club and the individual property owners at Camp John Hay to intervene in the petition.

Meanwhile, Associate Justice Noel Tijam, chairman of the CA’s Special Fifth Division handling the Camp John Hay ownership dispute, admitted that “it might be very difficult for the court to resolve the issue.”

GIRDERS ON SKYWAY STAGE 3 SIGNAL SUPERSTRUCTURE WORK

SS3 proponent Citra Central Expressway Corp. and its contractor install the girders or beams between piers along Osmeña Highway.

THE installation of girders between piers signals the start of construction of the superstructure for Skyway Stage 3. Installation of more girders along Osmeña Highway are scheduled in the coming days.

The activity will be undertaken from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following day when vehicular traffic is light. During the girder installation, the SS3 work area on Osmeña Highway median has to be momentarily expanded also to one lane on each direction to accommodate the girder launching equipment.

Ten girders, each weighing about 65 tons, are installed on each span of piers for the 6-lane elevated road structure. For extra precaution, CCEC advises motor-

ists to drive safely, or better yet, avoid Osmeña Highway between 11 p.m and 5 a.m. where girders are being installed.

Signages announcing the activity will be put up before the work area and additional traffic enforcers will be deployed to ensure that traffic moves and motorists are safe. SS3 foundation works are also in progress along Araneta Ave. in Quezon City.

SS3 is the 14.8-km. elevated tollway that will connect South Luzon Expressway with North Luzon Expressway from Buendia in Makati City to Balintawak in Quezon City. The project aims to decongest traffic in Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares like EDSA, C5 and Central Manila.

SUNDAY: JULY 12, 2015

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

BUSINESS

B1

KOREAN INFLUENCE SPREADS

TO PH PIZZA MARKET

By Othel V. Campos

MR. PIZZA, Korea’s top pizza chain with outlets in China and the US, opened its first store in the Philippines in May, easily satisfying the palate of Filipino diners.

Dine Asia Inc., the local company that brought the Korean brand, is ecstatic about the success of Mr. Pizza outlet at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City.

“We’re amazed by the warm acceptance of Mr. Pizza in the Philippines. This has been in the works since last year. We feel better that our store is making waves as the newest pizza craze to hit the Philippines lately,” says Dine Asia marketing manager Chunky Tiangco.

Mr. Pizza, established by MPK Group, beat global big-name players in Korea and has found similar success in China and the US, helped by women-targeted marketing and the slogan ‘Ladies First’.

The pizza chain opened its first store in Makati on May 15 and will soon inaugurate more pizza joints in Metro Manila and other urban centers.

Tiangco says Mr. Pizza offers what could be the world’s most unique pizza selection. She cites the craze that went with the launching of the brand in Greenbelt, where even top businessmen were seen dining in.

“We’re amazed by the warm acceptance of Mr. Pizza in the Philippines. This has been in the works since last year. We feel better that our store is making waves as the newest pizza craze to hit the Philippines lately,” she says.

Tiangco says the Korean influence has a big effect on Filipinos and even other cultures.

“Everything Korean is a great hit to many Filipinos especially the

younger, more adventurous generation. But we observed that pizza parlors now are not just frequented by teens and young adults. Pizza, since its introduction in the Philippines has become somewhat of a staple that families are enjoying pizza together for snacks and even as main meals like for lunch or dinner,” she says.

She says unlike other pizza brands that tend to scrimp on toppings and quality, Mr. Pizza is 100-percent hand-kneaded, 100-percent fullheartedly topped and 100-percent grill-baked.

Mr. Pizza, she says, puts emphasis on premium quality, which means no shortcuts, no compromise and no shortage of quality for each and every food fares offered by the Korean pizza chain.

She says Mr. Pizza offers the longest list of pizza selections starting from the most basic like cheese to the most grand of flavors like Potato Gold.

The store’s premium line Eggta, Seafood Island, Potato Gold, Shrimp Gold, Gesal Montand, Macho Grande and Secret Garden are “must try” pizzas, she says.

The premium lines are created with toppings such as shrimp, crabmeat, round steak, chicken breast, and buttery potato, which are not just palate-ticklers but are quite healthy choices too, she says.

There are also Gorgonzola, Spicy Meat and Crab Cream, that make up another healthy batch of thincrusted pizzas.

Mr. Pizza has brought in classic Korean varieties like the

Bulgogi Pizza, Spicy Pork Bulgogi, New York Special, El Paso Deluxe, Vegetarian, Sweety, Mr. Pizza Combo and the very classic Cheese Pizza.

“What makes our pizzas unique is not only the combination of an assortment of toppings but how and what gets into our crusts. All our crusts are hand-kneaded for that fresh feel and taste and are actually made out of potato,” says Tiangco.

She says their pizza line-up is quite on the sweet side, a taste typical of Korean cuisine.

Also in the menu are choices of other staples such as the traditional chicken wings, pasta, salads and munchies like mozzarella fingers.

Mr. Pizza will also add more to the lineup of food offerings to include traditional Korean desserts made of an assortment of fruits and shaved ice.

By end-July, the brand will open its second outlet at Robinson’s Place Manila. It will have the ambience and feel that is the Korean signature of hospitality and graciousness, she says.

Mr. Pizza is rolling out at least 15

company-owned stores until 2016 while adding more fancy fares to its menu.

Three more stores are expected to open within the year at Uptown Bonifacio Global City, the Block at SM North Edsa and another possibly in Alabang.

Founded in 1990, Mr. Pizza has been the top pizza restaurant in Korea since 2009. It is the only food brand listed in the Kosdaq or the Korean Stock Exchange.

Tiangco says that while the market for pizza is already big, it continues to expand due to growing demand.

“Pizza is a staple just like burgers and chicken. We expect to create a new dining experience with Mr. Pizza. I assume that we have the widest array of pizza, so far,” she says.

“We take pride in being able to provide Filipinos the opportunity to experience Korea’s number 1 pizza brand,” Tiangco says.

Operated by Dine Asia, Mr. Pizza in Greenbelt is the brand’s 505th global outlet.

Unlike other pizza outlets that are fast casual diners, Mr. Pizza is a full-service restaurant.

Stores in the Philippines will be mall-based, Tiangco says.

The first Philippine branch at Greenbelt 3 is currently working on a delivery service that will be launched by early 2016.

SUNDAY: JULY 12, 2015

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

CCA BRINGS PH CUISINE TO GLOBAL ATTENTION AN INSTITUTION takes pride in uplifting Filipino culinary heritage to the world.

The Center for Culinary Arts, Manila has been leading Philippine cuisine’s journey towards international recognition for the past 17 years. Taking decisive steps in bringing home-grown flavors to their rightful place among the world’s best, the center synergizes leadership, passion and innovation in keeping this gastronomic legacy alive and strategically positioned in the future.

CCA, Manila has embarked on initiatives at both national and international levels.

One such culinary event that made significant impact is the school’s successful hosting of a special seven-course dinner for the visiting Spanish chef delegation to the recent Madrid Fusion-Manila. Prepared by award-winning CCA culinary director Chef Sau del Rosario and the CCA chef faculty, the farewell dinner impressed and earned a standing ovation from the elite guests, including Spanish Michelin-starred chefs Mario Sandoval Huertas, Francisco Javier Paniego Sanchez, Francisco Roncero, Ramon Freixa and Europe’s best pasty master, Francisco Paco Torreblanca.

CCA, Manila has also brought Filipino cuisine and culinary artistry in another high-profile culinary event, the recent Melbourne Food and Wine Festival wherein the Filipino Barbie team – composed of guest chefs, CCA

CCA Manila staff

instructors and students -- put out an impressive repertoire of Filipino dishes with a twist to the foreign community in Australia.

To facilitate multi-disciplinary higher learning, master certificate seminar courses were also successfully conducted by CCA, Manila in partnership with some of the world’s renowned experts.

Among these visiting industry innovators are social entrepreneur and Blyss founder Alyssa Jade “Lyss” McDonald-Bartl, Australian top commercial food photography expert Trudy Schuringa, and Japanese sushi master Chef Andy Matsuda.

As the top culinary arts training institution, CCA, Manila also places equal importance in harnessing its chef-talents. This was done by providing a platform for up and coming kitchen apprentices to compete effectively and showcase their skills in various international exhibits and competitions.

CCA, Manila has recently placed home-grown pride and flavors in the Asian gastronomy map by teaming up with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions in the International Food Exhibition Philippines.

As official food presenter of the taste by Design Food Trail, the CCA chef faculty and students welcomed guests and foreign exhibitors with diverse regional renditions of iconic dishes such as adobo, pancit, lumpia and na-

CCA Manila lobby tive kakanin desserts.

CCA, Manila also celebrates the triumphs of Filipino talents in various international culinary tilts, the most recent of which is its successful bid at the Hofex-

Hong Kong International Culinary Classic 2015, where three of its chefs -- Chefs Kerwin Funtanilla, Michael Cheng and Miguel Antonio Soriano Lorino won in various categories, including the Gold Bauhinia Cup. “We are proud to carry on the flag and flame for Philippine cuisine. These contributions and achievements well-position CCA, Manila’s leadership in the professional culinary field,” says CCA, Manila chief executive Badjie Trinidad.

“CCA, Manila’s deeply rooted pride and passion for Philippine cuisine and ingredients spring from its mission to elevate our unique and rich culinary heritage to the world. By continuously harnessing future chefs through global-quality academic learning and competitive training, and we are bringing our wealth of culinary trea-

sures and home-grown talents to greater, world-wide acclaim,” says Chef Sau del Rosario, CCA, Manila culinary director.

With the country at the center of global interest in this year’s biggest diplomatic assembly of leaders, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit happening in November, CCA, Manila says it is more than ready to uplift the Filipino brand of culinary excellence to its most prestigious, international recognition.

“The upcoming Apec congress serves as a great opportunity where we can showcase the country’s cuisine to the entire international community. As a staunch supporter and passionate advocate of Philippine cuisine, we are motivated more than ever to showcase nothing but the best Filipino cuisine in this important occasion,” says Chef Sau.

SUNDAY: JULY 12, 2015

B3

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

A CHEMICAL engineer from Bohol province, who believes that talents come from God, used her technical knowhow to start a soap bar manufacturing business in Liloan, Cebu with a P500 capital in 1995.

BOHOL ENGINEER BUILDS

COSMETICS FIRM WITH P500 CAPITAL

Leonora Salvane registered the business as GT Cosmetics, with the acronym referring to ‘God’s Talent’. Over the years, the company has gained recognition in Cebu, encouraging Salvane to expand the brand nationwide. The company now sets its sights on the export market.

A chemical engineer graduate of the University of San Carlos in Cebu, Salvane attributes her success to God. “I prayed hard for a busiGT Cosmetics ness where I can practise my profounder and chief fession as a chemical engineer. The name of my business GT means operating officer Leonora Salvane God’s Talent,” she says.

Salvane, with the help of her family, started the business in the kitchen using a baking pan. It became a family affair as the children were the workers. Salvane and her husband joined hands in mixing InvItatIon to BId the soaps while the chilRest./RehaB. of Banaoang PIs dren handled the packaging of the products.

The National Irrigation Administration through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 now invites bids for the Rest./RehaB. of Banaoang PIs under GAA. The project is located in San In the beginning, GT Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Cosmetics produced 50 bid opening. soap bars daily which Approved Location of were sold only to a “capBudget for Description of Contract Pre-bid Opening Pre-bid & Contract Ref. No. the Contract Work Duration Conference of Bids Opening of tive” market composed (ABC) Bids of family and friends.

Notwithstanding the A. PACKAGE 1 NIA-Reg. challenges to break into I.Canalization July 30, Office Conf.

A. Canal Lining the major markets, SalR1Php July 16, 2015, 2015 at Room, @ Lateral “A” 150 c.d.

ISIMO-15-07-120 11,871,341.29 3:00 PM 10:00 Urdaneta vane was unfazed and Canal Sta.0+000 AM City, – Sta.3+325.40 persevered to build the Pangasinan brand. Gradually, GT B. PACKAGE 2 Cosmetics gained recI.Canalization ognition in Cebu and NIA-Reg. A. Canal Lining, February Office Conf.

Road Surfacing later in the rest of the July 16, 2015, 26, 2015 Room, R1Php @ Lateral Canal 150 c.d.

Visayas.

3:00 PM at 10:00 Urdaneta ISIMO-15-07-121 11,585,049.07 & Protection AM City, Works @ M.C. “I believe God’s helpPangasinan II. Canal ing hands had a maStructures jor role in our growth 1.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is which was complesimilar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section mented by hardworkII, Instructions to Bidders. ing people,” says Salvane, who serves as the 2.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations company’s chief operat(IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government ing officer.

Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or To meet the growing outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. demands from consumers, she expanded 3.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) the production facility and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM: in her home in Liloan 4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders into the company’s first from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable plant. fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of TWELVE THOUSAND PESOS In May 2012, GT (Php12,000.00) for Package 1 & 2.

Cosmetics opened an5.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/ Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and other plant in Marilao, receipt of bids. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bulacan to cater to the Luzon market. GT 6.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going products are now availNIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website able in major comof the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating mercial establishments with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence. nationwide. In preparation for future expan7.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. sion, GT established a bigger plant in Liloan 8.

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

9.

All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the GT Cosmetics’ iniimplementing office. tial foray into the forFor further information, please refer to: eign market especially ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat the European market

NIA-Regional Office No. 1 was in late 2011 when Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan it shipped over 1,000 Telefax No: (075)568-8442

E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com units of its top selling soaps to Finland.

(SGD.) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman Expressing surprise (TS-JULY 12, 2015) for Finland’s order,

she says the social media blogs made it possible to spread the word that GT products are of export quality.

Several institutions recognized the success of Salvane. The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers in cooperation with the Professional Regulation Commission recently cited her as an outstanding professional in 2015 for her exemplary professional and social civic contributions to the society and to the profession of Chemical Engineering.

She also achieved a milestone in her entrepreneurial career when she was honored as Grand Chamber Countryside Entrepreneur of the Year by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cebu City.

Salvane says she did not expect the awards. “I just did my best to

make it a successful venture,” she says.

Grateful for God’s guidance, Salvane through GT Cosmetics decided to share the company’s blessings to the marginalized in their community.

“When my business grew, my next agenda was to help the people in the community where we operate by offering them employment opportunities,” she says.

GT Cosmetics conducted livelihood seminars in soap making to the communities within the plant.

“We didn’t look into people’s educational background but on their willingness and attitude to work,” she says.

Indeed, the poor girl from Bohol has a gone a long way. For Salvane, the keys to success are passion for excellence, hard work, humility, faith, prayers and sharing.

InvItatIon to BId no. 109 Rest./RehaB of agno RIs (RePuBlIcatIon) The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Six Million One Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Eight & 56/100 PESOS (PHP6,182,848.56) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab. Of Agno RIS with Contract No R1-PIMO-15-06-109. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab. Of Agno RIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Malasiqui, Pangasinan with the following description of works: I. Canalization II. Canal Structures III. Canal Lining Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Twenty (120) calendar days.

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of SIX THOUSAND PESOS (Php6,000.00).

6.

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

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 14, 2015, 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, July 28, 2015 at the address below.

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

9.

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

10.

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

11.

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

12.

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

13.

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

14.

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

For further information, please refer to:

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

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

(TS-JULY 12, 2015)

B4

WORLD

DRONE KILLS 10 QAEDA REBELS TWO missile strikes by unmanned American drones in southeastern Yemen have killed 10 suspected members of AlQaeda, including three local chiefs, an official said Saturday.

The raids targeted a vehicle and a container loaded with weapons late Friday at the port of Mukalla, the provincial capital of Hadramawt, the local official said.

The strikes destroyed the arms container, he added.

The deaths bring to 23 the number of suspected Al-Qaeda militants killed by similar strikes in Yemen in less than three weeks, and follows the death of the second-incommand of Al-Qaeda’s global network.

The group confirmed on June 16 the killing of Nasir al-Wuhayshi, who headed Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch, by US drone strike.

Washington regards that branch, known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), as its most dangerous and has kept up a drone war despite the pullout of US troops from Yemen in March as the country’s war worsened.

The US still has drones and other aircraft at bases in Saudi Arabia and Djibouti.

AQAP was behind several plots against Western targets and claimed the January massacre at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. AFP

EUROZONE SETS VERDICT ON GREECE’S BAILOUT BID EUROZONE finance ministers on Saturday were to give their verdict on Greece’s last-chance bid for a third bailout to keep its shipwrecked economy afloat and prevent its exit from the single European currency.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (center) is congratulated by coalition members at the end of a session at the Greek Parliament in Athens. Lawmakers in Greece are to vote whether to back a last-ditch reform plan the government submitted to creditors overnight in a bid to stave off financial collapse and exit from the Eurozone. Greece’s international creditors believe its latest debt proposals are positive enough to be the basis for a new bailout worth 74 billion euros, an EU source said. AFP

DONORS PLEDGE BILLIONS FOR EBOLA RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL donors pledged $3.4 billion in new funds Friday to help Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in their final push to stamp out Ebola and get on the road to recovery.

The latest promises would bring the total amount of funds to help the three countries rebuild after the killer epidemic to $5.18 billion, said Helen Clark, head of the United Nations Development Programme.

“We consider this a very encouraging response,” Clark told reporters at the end of the pledging conference held at the United Nations.

“This puts the recovery off to a very positive start.”

The leaders of the countries had appealed for $3.2 billion to finance their national recovery plans, along with an additional $4 billion for a regional initiative.

The funds will help rebuild health care systems, reopen schools, sup-

port agriculture and get government services fully up and running.

The world’s worst outbreak of Ebola has killed more than 11,200 people in West Africa, brought fragile health care systems to their knees, rolled back economic gains and sent investors fleeing.

Liberia, the hardest-hit country, suffered a setback when a few new cases were uncovered last month just after it had been declared Ebola-free.

New infections in Sierra Leone and Guinea have fallen dramatically amid indications that the epidemic is largely under control.

Opening the conference, Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said “the world has a great stake in how we respond to the global threat (of Ebola).”

“We can and we must return to the progress of our pre-Ebola trauma.” AFP

Zimbabwe’s President and Head of the African Union Robert Mugabe (left) claps next to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during an International Ebola Recovery Conference on July 10, 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. AFP

But an EU leader and two other sources gave no more than a 5050 chance that a make-or-break European summit on Sunday would approve a deal.

Hardliners Germany and the Baltic states are exasperated with Greece’s hard-left government, blaming it for more than five months of bitter negotiations in which trust has been the biggest casualty.

Finance ministers from the 19-country eurozone will meet in Brussels at 1300 GMT Saturday to review Greece’s proposals for market-oriented reforms in exchange for its third bailout since 2010.

The package, submitted by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, was approved by parliament in Athens after midnight Friday. It was backed by 251 out of 300 deputies.

It includes plans for a pensions overhaul, tax hikes and privatisations.

The terms are similar to those previously offered by creditors which had been angrily dismissed

by Tsipras as humiliating for Greece and then rejected by voters in a snap referendum.

The package is coupled to a request for a three-year funding plan and a separate 35-billioneuro ($39.04-billion) investment package.

The leftist premier told parliament: “We have a national duty to keep our people alive... we will succeed not only in staying in Europe but in living as equal peers with dignity and pride.”

He admitted “the loan deal ...entails many proposals that are far from our pledges,” but said it was the best deal available.

It was “marginally better” than proposals put forward by the creditors last month which did not offer relief from Greece’s 320-billion-euro mountain of debt, said Tsipras.

The Greek government hoped the vote would give it an emphatic mandate to continue the talks with the creditors.

But it also revealed the depth of opposition to fresh austerity.

Three senior government figures were among 10 deputies who abstained or voted against and several others from the ruling Syriza party stayed away, prompting commentators to wager the result could force a government shake-up.

An EU source in Brussels said Athens’ latest proposals were «positive» enough to form the basis of a new support package. AFP

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

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WORLD editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘PEDOPHILE’ BISHOP FALLS ILL AS TRIAL STARTS IN VATICAN A FORMER Polish archbishop became ill and was placed in intensive care ahead of the opening of his unprecedented trial on paedophilia charges at the Vatican, officials said Saturday.

Jozef Wesolowski is accused of sexually abusing minors during his 2008-13 stint as Vatican ambassador to the Dominican Republic and of possessing child pornography in Rome in 2013-14.

His case is seen as a test of Pope Francis’s push to prosecute sexual predators in the face of accusations that the Catholic Church has not done enough to identify and punish paedophiles in its midst.

The hospitalisation of the 66-year-old reduced the first day of his trial, which was open to the public, to seven minutes before the judge recessed until a later, unspecified date.

Wesolowski “was taken ill and was taken to a ... hospital where he was placed in intensive care,” prosecutor Gian Piero Milano told the court, with Vatican officials saying that the former cleric became sick on Friday.

When the trial reconvenes, Wesolowski’s lawyers may motion for it to continue in closed session.

His trial marks the first legal proceedings against a church official since Francis overhauled the Vatican justice system in response to swelling accusations of child sexual abuse by prelates.

If Wesolowski is convicted in the trial, in which the judge, defence lawyer and prosecutors are all Italian lay people, he could face a six-year prison term—more if aggravated circumstances are found—which he could serve in Vatican detention facilities.

Wesolowski was secretly recalled from his posting in the Dominican Republic in 2012 after the Church hierarchy was advised he had been regularly paying young Dominican boys for sexual services. AFP

Thai firefighters spray water on burning buildings from a bomb blast attack by suspected separatist militants in Sungai Kolok, in Thailand’s restive southern province of Narathiwat on July 11, 2015. More than 6,300 people, the majority of them civilians, have died in over a decade of conflict pitting troops and police against rebels seeking greater autonomy for the Muslim-majority provinces bordering Malaysia. AFP

7 DEAD, DOZENS HURT IN THAI SOUTH ATTACKS THREE people were killed and a dozen injured in four separate bomb blasts in Thailand’s war-torn deep south, police said Saturday, while another four died from shooting and arson attacks.

More than 6,300 people have been killed in near-daily conflict pitting troops and police against rebels seeking greater autonomy for the three Muslim-majority provinces bordering Malaysia since 2004.

In the latest spate of attacks, three people died Friday evening when a mo-

torcycle bomb exploded outside a karaoke bar in southern Songkhla province’s Sadao district, which borders the conflict-hit region and is frequently swept up in the unrest.

“Three were killed in the blast and four injured,” Major General Puthichart Ekachant, the deputy police commander for the south-

ern region, told AFP. Southernmost Narathiwat province saw three bomb blasts Friday, including at a karaoke bar in Sugnai Kolok district that wounded eight people shortly before the motorcycle bomb went off, according to a statement by Thailand’s southern regional police.

Shortly after midnight an arson attack on shops in the same district left three more people dead, police said, while in a nearby area a 35-year-old Muslim man was shot dead by an unknown number of gunmen who fled the scene.

It was not immediately clear if the attacks were coordinated but they come during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan when the south often experiences an upswing in violence.

Thailand, a mainly Buddhist nation, annexed the southern region more than 100 years ago and stands accused of perpetrating severe rights abuses as well as stifling the distinctive local culture through clumsy, and often forced, assimilation schemes.

The majority of casualties from more the than decade of conflict have been civil-

ians with both Buddhists and Muslims falling victim to shadowy insurgents who target security forces, citizens and perceived representatives of state authority.

Security forces also stand accused of killing civilians in raids on suspected militant hideouts and rights groups have long urged an end to a «culture of impunity» among officials.

Thailand’s junta, which took over in a coup in May 2014, has vowed to reboot a stalled peace process with several rebel groups operating in the deep south but so far there has been little progress. AFP

AS FIRST ANNIVERSARY LOOMS, MH17 FAMILIES CRY FOR JUSTICE

Family members and next-of-kin of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 victims offer prayers during a memorial service ahead of the first anniversary of the tragedy, at the Bunga Raya complex at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on July 11, 2015. Families of those killed when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine last year demanded justice at an emotional memorial ceremony ahead of the first anniversary of the disaster. AFP

FAMILIES of those killed when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine last year demanded justice Saturday at an emotional memorial ceremony ahead of the first anniversary of the disaster.

The sombre memorial service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport was attended

by Prime Minister Najib Razak, and relatives of those who died used the opportunity to air their continued frustrations over the handling of the tragedy.

“We want to find out who shot down the plane. We must find out,” said Ivy Loi, whose husband Captain Eugene Choo was one of the pilots on board the flight.

Loi, who was greeted by many Malaysia Airline employees at the event, attended the service with her two sons and relatives.

“We’re just trying to cope,” she added as she wiped away tears.

The Boeing 777 passenger jet was trav-

elling between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down in eastern Ukraine on July 17, during some of the worst fighting between government forces and pro-Russian separatists who took up arms against Kiev’s pro-Western government a few months earlier.

All 298 passengers and crew on board the Malaysia Airlines jetliner—the majority of them Dutch—died.

Suspicions immediately fell on the separatists, who may have used a surface-to-air missile supplied by Russia to shoot down the plane.

But Moscow flatly denied it was involved and pointed the finger instead at Ukraine’s military.

Speaking at the memorial, Najib said the international criminal probe into the downing of the plane was ongoing and could be completed by the end of the year. AFP

B6

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

SPORTS

REUEL VIDAL EDITOR

B

sports@thestandard.com.ph

IKINI EAUTIES

TAKE TO THE SANDS

PSL ambassadress and former De La Salle University star Cha Cruz speaks to the media during the PSL beach volleyball launch. ROMAN PROSPERO

By Reuel Vidal

WITH apologies to the male players but the bikini clad ladies will undoubtedly be the main draw when the PLDT Home Ultera-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup 2015 powered

by Smart Live More starts July 18, Saturday at the Sands By the Bay in SM Mall of Asia.

TV personality Gretchen Ho and Charo Soriano, for Petron XCS as well as Alexa Micek and Fille Cainglet-Cayetano for Petron Sprint 4T will get the most cheers and it will probably be as much as for their looks as well as their volleyball skills.

“This is going to be an exciting battle,” said Soriano, a long-legged former Ateneo de Manila stalwart who looks more like a ramp model than a volleyball athlete.

Beach volleyball has long been a regular fixture of both the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Somehow it hasn’t gotten as much attention as the regular volleyball competition.

But that will soon change when PSL starts its club beach volleyball competition.

Among the teams to watch out for in the ladies division will be the Foton Hurricanes pair of Cagayan Valley and former Adamson University Lady Falcons star Pau Soriano and Bea Tan, formerly of Ateneo De Manila. The talented Soriano however is quick to downplay her team’s chances emphasizing that many other squads will be equally competitive.

“I think lahat naman po may chance to win this tournament. I’m pretty sure just like us the other players are all preparing hard. Everyone else will be in good condition and properly trained for beach volleyball,” said the former Adamson University star dubbed Queen of Falcons.

Veteran Micmic Laborte (left) of AirAsia battles Maika Ortiz (right) at the net in this PSL game.

The most beautiful, most attractive ladies in local volleyball meet the press during the launch of the PLDT Home Ultera-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup 2015 powered by Smart Live More at the Centerstage KTV at the Mall of Asia. The country’s first beach volleyball club tournament starts July 18 at the Sands By the Bay at the SM Mall of Asia and will feature TV personality Gretchen Ho of Petron XCS, PSL ambassadress Cha Cruz of Cignal HD Spikers, and Bea Tan and Pau Soriano of Foton, among others. ROMAN PROSPERO

Pau Soriano

Soriano and Tan’s skill sets combine to make them a formidable pair. Soriano’s offensive versatility and Tan’s defensive tenacity will be hard to overcome. But Soriano is quick to point out that she and teammate Tan are not among the favored to dominate.

“It depends which team will strive the hardest to get the championship title.

Pagandahan lang po ng gising yan every game. Kasi po pare-parehas naman na may skills and experience pagdating sa beach volley,” said Soriano.

The consensus title favorite is the pair of PSL ambassadress and former De La Salle University star Cha Cruz and veteran campaigner Micmic Laborte who won the bronze medal in the beach volleyball competition in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in Manila in 2005.

Like Soriano before her Cruz insisted it will be a wide open race for the championship and that no team will be favored.

“Actually, lahat naman ng teams malalakas. Lahat yan pantay-pantay. It will all boil down to who wants it more.

Whoever has the heart and the will to succeed will emerge victorious,” said Cruz who banners Cignal A.

PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara picked Cignal A as the team to beat in the coming competition.

“If Cha is known for her skills in indoor volleyball, Micmic is an expert in beach volleyball. Micmic has the skills and experience to dominate the field,” said Suzara.

Other players in the women’s division are: Wensh Tiu and April Ross Hingpit of Cignal B, Patty Orendain and Fiola Ceballos of Foton Tornadoes; Alileen Abuel and Rosan Fajardo of Philips Gold; Danica Gendrauli and Norie Jane Diaz of Gilligan’s; Len Cortel and Samantha Dawson of Sonak; Evangeline Pastor and Kin Ygay of Quantum Plus A; Tripoli Aurora and Rochet Dela Paz of Quantum Plus B; Cindy Benitez and Florence Madulid of Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) and Jusabelle Brillo and Jem Guttierez of Meralco.

Oh, and there’s men’s competition too.

Group A includes: Champion Infinity A with Angelo Espiritu and Nestor Molate; SM By The Bay Team B, Tim Young and Daniel Young; Cignal HD Spikers B, Emmanuel Luces and Jay Dela Cruz; and UPHSD Team A with Fernando Alboro and Ronel Del Mundo.

Group B includes: Champion Infinity B with Marjun Alingasa and JaysonUy; IEM, Michael Ian Conde and Karl Ian Dela Calzada; UPHSD Team B, Emmanuel Gamat and Paolo Aloña; and SM By The Bay Team A Jade Jade and Hachaliah Gilbuena.

Indoor volleyball has made great strides in gaining popularity and mainstream acceptance like basketball. Both the men’s and women’s competitions regularly draw big crowds not just in UAAP and NCAA competitions but also in the post collegiate tournaments.

PSL is betting that with the help of an exciting competitive club tournament, which banners some of the most beautiful and attractive lady athletes in the country, beach volleyball soon becomes just as popular.

MAPUA RED ROBINS BACK IN CONTENTION

By Peter Atencio MAPUA Red Robins veterans, led by Jasper Salenga, Frank Yco Warren Bonifacio and Sherwin Concepcion, are taking charge as leaders of the team.

With their leadership the Red Robins have posted back-toback victories to get over their opening day loss to the multititled San Beda Red Cubs in the ongoing 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball wars.

The 17-year-old Salenga’s consistent game has made him one of the team’s reliable players in their last three games.

“After that loss (against San Beda), gusto nilang bumawi.

Gustong-gusto nilang manalo,” said Mapua coach Randy Alcantara.

Patience is a virtue, and this is one character Alcantara hopes to develop among members of the team. Playing defense, he told the players, will help you win games, shooting will just follow.

Mapua then smashed the San Sebastian Staglets, 80-51, and the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 87-51.

“Pinakinggan ko lang sinabi ni coach na huwag akong maging gigil sa laro,” said Salenga, who dreams of becoming a member of the national team someday.

He scored 19 points with Concepcion in that game against the Staglets, and made his highest output, so far, of 30 points

against the Junior Altas. Salenga exploded with 14 points in the fourth and the Red Robins went on to take a 36-point victory.

Salenga is one of the three top performers of the team. He leads the team’s individual stats with his averages 21.67 points and 10 rebounds. Romuel Junsay and Concepcion are among the most consistent.

Junsay norms 14.67 points while Concepcion can dish out 11.33 points and 7.67 rebounds per game.

“Sabi ni coach, ilagay ko lang ang gigil ko sa defense, offense will just follow,” said Salenga.

Sharing the same slate with the La Salle Greenhills Greenies, the Red Robins are behind unbeaten

squads, the Red Cubs, the Letran Squires and the Arellano Braves.

This season, Salenga’s output is the third best. LSGH ace Ricci Rivero made 35 when the LSGH Greenhills toppled the Letran Squires, 88-49, in a game which they later forfeited.

Emilio Aguinaldo CollegeICA’s Mark Castillo hit 34 points in a losing effort against LSGH which they lost 61-72.

Overall, Salenga ranks fifth in scoring and in rebounds.

For now, Alcantara said Salenga’s improved game is doing wonders for the team.

“Consistent siya ngayon, sa rebounds, sa shooting, sa defense. Sana, hindi magbago,” said Alcantara.

Mapua Red Robins veteran Jasper Salenga (11) battles for the rebound. The 17-year-old Salenga’s consistent game has made him one of the team’s reliable players in their last three games. PETER ATENCIO

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE ENERGY SUPPLY AGREEMENT BETWEEN MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (MOELCI I) AND THERMA MARINE, INC. (TMI), WITH MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

Electricity Fees. Beginning on the expiration of the Renewal Term, the Electricity Fees shall be computed based on the following values:

9.

2015

2016

2017

2018

CF

PhP/kW/mo

305

287

268

250

FOM

PhP/kW/mo

314

314

314

314

EF

PhP/kWh

0.15245

0.15245

0.15245

0.15245

HFCR

L/kWh

0.23580

0.23580

0.23580

0.23580

LOCR

L/kWh

0.00240

0.00240

0.00240

0.00240

9.1

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

=

actual insurance cost for the two barges for the current year

INS1

=

PhP43,035,782.00 for the two barges, representing insurance cost included in the FOM

Total BC

=

9.2

Notice is hereby given that on May 6, 2015, Misamis Occidental I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOELCI I) and Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) filed a joint application for the approval of their Supplement to the Energy Supply Agreement, with motion for provisional authority and motion for confidential treatment of information.

In the said joint application, MOELCI I and TMI alleged, among others, the following: MOELCI I is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative, organized and existing under and by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, otherwise known as the National Electrification Administration Decree, with principal office address at Magcamiguing, Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

It was granted a franchise by the National Electrification Commission to operate an electric light and power distribution service in the province of Misamis Occidental, particularly in the City of Oroquieta and the Municipalities of Aloran, Lopez Jaena, Plaridel, Calamba, Baliangao, Sapang Dalaga and Concepcion (Franchise Area); TMI is a generation company duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with principal office address in Mobile 2, Lawis, Sta. Ana, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Copies of TMI’s Securities and Exchange Commission Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws, General Information Sheet and Audited Financial Statements are attached to the joint application as Annexes “A”, “B”, “C” and “D,” respectively; TMI owns and operates the 100 MW Power Barge No. 117 (PB 117) in Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte and the 100 MW Power Barge No. 118 (PB 118) in Maco, Compostela Valley, which it acquired from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) upon their privatization in accordance with Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA); and TMI is joining MOELCI I as co-applicant in this case in order to assist it in securing approval of the terms and conditions of the Energy Supply Agreement dated October 7, 2011 (ESA),as supplemented by the Supplement to the Energy Supply Agreement dated March 27, 2015 (Supplement Agreement), entered into by and between MOELCI I and TMI; NATURE OF THE APPLICATION 3.

The instant joint application seeks approval by the Commission of the ESA, as amended by the Supplement Agreement, entered into by and between MOELCI I and TMI, pursuant to Rule 20 (B) of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (ERC Rules).

Cost Component Capacity Fee (PhP/kW/month)

= =

FC VC CF

= = =

FOM IFf BC INS

= = = =

Total Billing Capacity for the two barges under the existing energy supply agreements and existing ancillary service procurement agreements

278

2013

296

2014

323

2015 Fixed O&M Fee (PhP/kW/month)

305 239

Energy Fee (PhP/kWh)

0.14864

Fuel and Lube Oil Rate

Pass thru cost based on fuel consumption rates of 0.2358 liter/kWh or actual, whichever is lower, for Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and 0.0024 liter/kWh or actual, whichever is lower, for Lube Oil (LO)

5.

6.

7.

=

INS1

= =

Inflation factor for Energy Fee

TotalBC

=

FLR EDm

= =

Total Billing Capacity for all Energy Supply Agreements entered into by Supplier which have achieved effectivity date and for the duration of such effectivity, as such terms and conditions are defined under the respective Energy Supply Agreements Fuel oil, lube oil and related fuel rate in Php/kWh The Sum of the hourly volumes of Contract Energy as found in the Contract Energy Schedule (or as revised by the Parties or by MSO/MSO RCC) for the Billing Period primarily associated with calendar month m (for example December 26-January 25 is associated with January) (and adjusted for transmission losses, if any, imputed by the transmission service provider if measured at a meter other than the Generator Metering Point), in kWh

a.

The Contract Energy Delivery days in a Billing Period are less the total number of days in the Billing Period (to adjust to first and last Billing Periods of the ESA); and

b.

The non-delivery days (or fraction thereof) in any Billing Period caused

by Allowed Downtime described under Section 8 of the ESA. 9.3

5.76

(0.79)

5.37

(0.15)

2017

5.48

5.31

(0.17)

MOTIONS FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION 20.

Contract Energy. Under the ESA, TMI shall make available, on a monthly basis, the capacity of 2MW, to be delivered in accordance with the Schedule of Contract of Energy under the ESA;

12.

Additional Energy. TMI may, at its option, make available to MOELCI I such energy in excess of the contracted energy for which MOELCI I shall be liable to pay the Additional Energy Fee consisting of variable and fixed charges pro-rated for the hours of delivery of the additional energy, subject to annual adjustments. The same formula for the Additional Energy Fee Rate under the ESA shall continue to be in effect;

13.

Load Curtailment Adjustment. For Contract Energy subject of load curtailment, MOELCI I shall pay the Load Curtailment Adjustment in lieu of the Capacity Fee component of the electricity fees. The same formula for the Load Curtailment Adjustment Rate under the ESA shall continue to be in effect;

The expiration of the Contract for the Supply of Electric Energy with PSALM on December 25, 2016, as well as the projected increase in the energy requirements of MOELCI I’s customers will result in a shortage of the energy available to it and its customers;

15.

Security Deposit. No later than thirty (30) days before the commencement of the second (2nd) Contract Year and every year thereafter, MOELCI I shall provide TMI a Renewal Security Deposit in the form of a Standby Letter of Credit in an amount equivalent to the estimated average one (1) month Invoice projected for the next twelve (12) months as agreed by TMI and MOELCI I or, in case of disagreement, in an amount equal to the highest Invoice issued by TMI to MOELCI I in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the commencement of such Contract Year;5

16.

Application Costs. The Supplement Agreement provides that MOELCI I shall bear the costs of all filing fees, costs of publication, legal fees and similar costs arising from the preparation and filing of the instant application;

17.

The extension of the Contract Term under the Supplement Agreement and the implementation thereof will redound to the benefit of MOELCI I’s consumers which may otherwise be forced to bear the cost of 2 MW purchased from the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM) or to suffer a corresponding amount of brownouts. In undertaking the extension of the ESA under the Supplement to the ESA, MOELCI I seeks to comply with its obligation of providing stable and continuous power supply, pursuant to the Department Circular No. DC 2012-03-004 dated March 19, 2012 of the Department of Energy (DOE); SUBMISSIONS In support of the instant application and in compliance with Rule 20 (B) of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, it submits the following additional documents:

Mindanao Power Crisis. The power shortage in Mindanao has remained a critical problem for MOELCI I which continues to suffer rotating brownouts in the grid. A bilateral agreement, such as the Supplement Agreement, will significantly aid MOELCI I in minimizing or even eliminating the rotating brownouts in its franchise area which has had a debilitating impact upon the local economy;

b.

Insufficiency of NPC/PSALM Supply. The reduction of the NPC/PSALM CSEE capacity from MOELCI I’s portfolio renders imperative a bilateral supply contract to answer for the equivalent capacity, lest MOELCI I be compelled to resort to the unpredictable and expectedly higher prices in the IMEM or worse, be curtailed for insufficient contracted capacity; and

c.

Continuing Demand Growth. As illustrated in its DDP, MOELCI I is expecting a growth in the total demand of its end-users so that, coupled with reduction of the NPC/PSALM capacity, there is a wide supply gap that urgently needs to be filled. Without the Supplement Agreement, MOELCI I will be incapable of satisfying the electricity requirements of its end-users who must be forced to suffer brownouts resulting from its curtailment;

22.

Under Section 13 of the ESA, each Party undertook to keep in strict confidence and not to disclose to any third party any and all Confidential Information of the other Party;

23.

Under Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, the Commission may, upon request of a party and determination of the existence of conditions which would warrant such remedy, treat certain information submitted to it as confidential. Pursuant to its undertaking, MOELCI I and TMI move that Annexes“M”, “N”, “O”, “P”, and “Q”not be disclosed and be treated as confidential documents in accordance with Rule 4 of the ERC Rules and accordingly, not be disclosed to persons other than the officers and staff of the Commission, as necessary.

These documents contain certain non-public information, data and calculations involving business operations and financial trade secrets reflecting TMI’s investment and business calculations;

24.

They submitted one (1) copy of Annexes“M”, “N”, “O”,“P” and “Q” in a sealed envelope, with the envelope and each page of the document stamped with the word “Confidential”; and

25.

They pray that the Commission: a.

Issue an Order treating Annexes “M”, “N”, “O”, “P” and “Q” and the information contained therein as confidential, directing their non-disclosure to persons other than the officers and staff of the Commission, pursuant to Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, and prescribing the guidelines for the protection thereof;

b.

Pending trial on the merits, provisionally approve the ESA, as supplemented by the Supplement Agreement, effective May 8, 2015; and

c.

After trial on the merits, approve with finality the ESA, as supplemented by the Supplement Agreement, including the rates, Security Deposit and Application Costs which shall be for the account of MOELCI I.

The Commission has set the said application for jurisdictional hearing, pre-trial conference, expository presentation and evidentiary hearing on July 29, 2015 (Wednesday) at nine o’ clock in the morning (9:00 A.M.) at MOELCI I’s Principal Office, Magcamiguing, Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by filing, at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verified petition with the Commission giving the docket number and title of the proceeding and stating: (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and (3) a statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the proceeding may file their opposition to the application or comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before the applicants conclude the presentation of their evidence. No particular form of opposition or comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon.

All such persons who may wish to have a copy of the application may request the applicants, prior to the date of the initial hearing, that they be furnished with a copy of the application. The applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making a request with copies of the application and its attachments, subject to reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs.

Likewise, any such person may examine the application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the usual office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson, ZENAIDA G. CRUZ-DUCUT, and the Honorable Commissioners, ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAPTARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 22nd day of June, 2015 at Pasig City.

ATTY. FRANCIS SATURNINO C. JUAN LBB/NJS

Executive Director III

______________________________________________ 1

18.

a.

Considering the foregoing, they request the Commission for the provisional approval of the ESA, as supplemented by the Supplement Agreement to enable MOELCI I to draw under the said agreement. This will avoid the power interruptions which have caused irreversible losses upon economic productivity within its franchise area. The Affidavit in support of the prayer for the issuance of Provisional Authority is attached to the joint application as Annex “V”;

JCPIb = Japan CPI of 99.9 as of June 2011 Billing Capacity. In the event that TMI is required to reduce its installed capacity in order to remain compliant with Section 45 of the EPIRA, TMI shall have the right to reduce the Billing Capacity of MOELCI I to the extent of the reduction required under Section 45 of the EPIRA, provided that, the reduction in the Billing Capacity of MOELCI I shall not exceed its pro rata share in the total Billing Capacity of TMI in relation with other off takers of TMI4;

They move for the issuance of a provisional approval of theESA, as supplemented by the Supplement Agreement, pending trial on the merits thereof, upon the following reasons:

21.

UCPIb = US CPI of 225.722 as of June 2011 ECPIb = EURO CPI of 113.10 as of June 2011

Replacement Energy. TMI has the option but not the obligation to source replacement or alternative supply from its own back-up facility and/or any third party to supply all or part of the Contract Energy;

Additional Term. The Supplement to the ESA provides that the ESA shall remain in force for an additional period of three (3) years from the expiration of the Original Term, commencing on May 8, 2015, and shall terminate on May 8, 2018 unless either Party sends a written notice of pre-termination to the other Party at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of each contract year. The Supplement Agreement further provides that it may be terminated effective on the Operations Effective Date defined in the Energy Supply Agreement between MOELCI I and Therma South, Inc. (TSI), covering the supply of power from the coal-fired power plant of TSI or, if Operations Effective Date of the power plant of TSI has not yet occurred by the end of the Additional Term, the ESA shall be automatically renewed on a year-to-year basis, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of the ESA. Upon expiration of the Additional Term, and any extensions thereof, the Parties may agree to further extend the term of the Agreement under the same terms and conditions of the ESA, as supplemented by the Supplement Agreement;

6.55 5.5271

Finally, the base indices in Item 3 (Inflation Factor) of Schedule III (Contract Energy Fee) of the ESA shall be deemed amended to read as follows:3

11.

Increase/ (Decrease) Php/kWh

2015

PCPIb = Philippine CPI of 126.4 as of June 2011

10.

Scenario with TMI Php/kWh

*assumes that there will be deficiency in supply and that MOELCI I will resort to power curtailment

The Fixed Charge (“FC”) shall be proportionately adjusted if:

14.

On March 17, 2015, MOELCI I and TMI executed the Supplement Agreement extending the term of the ESA for an additional period of three (3) years from the expiration of the term (Additional Term) and stipulating the rights and obligations of the Parties during the Additional Term, which shall be under the same terms and conditions of the ESA, subject to the following:

Scenario without TMI Php/kWh*

2016

actual insurance cost for the two barges for the current year PhP43,035,782.00 for the two barges, representing insurance cost included in the FOM

It is expected that the energy requirements of MOELCI I’s customers will significantly increase in the next few years as demonstrated by MOELCI I’s Distribution Development Plan (DDP), which is hereto attached as Annex “G”;

SALIENT PROVISIONS OF THE ESA AS SUPPLEMENTED BY THE SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT 8.

Where: INSy

Board of Investments (BOI) Certificate of Registration of TMI (Annex “H” of the joint application); Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to TMI (Annex “I” of the joint application); Certification by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) (Annex “J” of the joint application); Certificate of Compliance (COC) issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to TMI (Annex “K” of the joint application); Relevant Technical and Economic Characteristics of TMI’s Power Barges (Annex “L” of the joint application); Sources of Funds/Financial Plans (Annex “M” of the joint application); Purchased Power Rate (Annex “N” of the joint application); Cash Flow (Annex “O” of the joint application); Financial Model (Annex “P”); Fuel Procurement Process of TMI (Annex “Q” of the joint application); Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) between MOELCI I and NGCP (Annex “R” of the joint application); Certification from the PSALM of the insufficiency of its supply to meet MOELCI I’s requirements (Annex “S” of the joint application); and Procurement Process of MOELCI I (Annex “T” of the joint application);

In further compliance with the requirements of the Commission, they considered several scenarios and derived a Rate Impact Simulation based on the said scenarios, which is attached to the joint application as Annex “U” and may be summarized as follows:

Year

Contract Energy Fee in Php Energy Fee (before adding the applicable VAT) for the Billing Period in Php/kWh Fixed charge per month in Pesos Variable charge per month in Pesos the Capacity fee in Php/kW/month for the current Contract Year Fixed O&M fee in Php/kW/month Inflation factor for fixed O&M fee Billing Capacity in kW or 2,000kW INSy‒ INS1

IFv

Approved Rates 2012

19.

Hence, the formula for Contract Energy Fee per Month as provided in the ESA shall be:2

CEF EF

MOELCI I currently sources its electricity requirements from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), King Energy Generation, Inc. (KEGI) and the remainder from TMI. On October 7, 2011, MOELCI I entered into an ESA with TMI for the supply of 2MW for a term of three (3) years from Effective Date (Original Term). The ESA was approved by the Commission in a Decision dated 26 November 2012 in ERC Case No. 2012-045 RC, with the following applicable rates:

m.

Where:

STATEMENT OF FACTS

4.1

f. g. h. i. j.

For calendar month m = 1, 2, ..., 12

Copies of the ESA and the Supplement Agreement are attached to the joint application as Annexes “E” and “F”, respectively;

4.

e.

l.

INSy

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES

2.2

d.

The formula for FC in item 2 (Contract Energy Fee per month) of Schedule III (Contract Energy Fee) of the ESA shall be deemed amended to read as follows:1

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

2.1

c.

k.

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.(MOELCI I) AND THERMA MARINE, INC. (TMI), Applicants.

2.

b.

Where:

ERC CASE NO. 2015-092 RC

1.

a.

2 3 4 5

S u p p l e m e n t A g r e e m e n t , S e c t i o n 2 .1 ESA , Schedule III, Item 2, as amended by the Section 2 of the Supplement Agreement.

Supplement Agreement, Section 2.3.

Supplement Agreement, Clause 2.9 E S A , C l a u s e 6 .1. 2 , a s a m e n d e d b y S e c t i o n 2 . 4 o f t h e S u p p l e m e n t a l A g r e e m e n t ( T S - J U L . 12 & 19 , 2 015 )

B8

S U N D aY : J U lY 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

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

SportS British champion scott Quigg raises his championship Belt.

NoNito DoNaire Deep iN traiNiNg

Donaire

gets another chance at redemption By ronnie Nathanielsz

FIVE-DIVISION world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire said he is “very excited” over the prospect of fighting World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Scott Quigg of Britain, possibly in Dubai, in a big Top Rank card later this year.

But first, Donaire needs to hurdle the challenge posed by former European champion Anthony Settoul of France in Macau on July 18.

Donaire, who had some torrid eight-round sparring sessions with Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, “Prince”Albert Pagara and Mark Bernaldez at the ALA Gym in Cebu, told The Standard/boxingmirror.com: “I had real quality sparring with excellent sparring partners. I only have a little to go to reach peak condition for the Settoul (10-round, non-title) fig ht.”

Donaire’s father/trainer Dodong Donaire said the bout against Settoul is “a very important fight, because he is looking for a showdown with Quigg. He is preparing for that fight also.”

“While Nonito is doing good in sparring, he is still a little sluggish, but he’s getting there,” said the elder Donaire.

The former champion said he had watched a couple of rounds of Settoul’s fights and described the French boxer as very smart

and fast.

“We are working on being smart as well. The way Settoul prioritizes movement, I think that’s why his power is not so dominant as mine, because I prioritize knocking you out. That’s one thing I do. If I hit, it’s all offense, there’s no defense into it.

For him, if he pushes and moves, he puts defense into it moving away and that’s why his power is lacking a little.”

Donaire said he is being driven by the excitement of once again fighting for a world title.

“We are willing to fight anybody. Fighting for a world title, that’s what we are here for. I don’t pick and choose. I hope I get that opportunity,” he said.

Against Settoul, he plans to “get the left hook going and put the guy to sleep.We always go out there not to win by decision, but to go and take it and not depend on anyone else’s decision. But if Settoul comes in tougher than we expect, we can go as many rounds as possible,” Donaire said.

He described Quigg, who de-

fends his title against Mexico’s Kiko Martinez on the same day that he faces Settoul, as “a strong fighter.”

“He is not a world champion for nothing. We are here to fight guys that are good. Hopefully, we can make it happen,” he said.

Donaire, who engaged Albert Pagara in a series of furious exchanges in his final sparring session before tapering off in a couple of rounds with Bernaldez and then flying to Manila, indicated he is “very excited to fight for all the Filipinos in Dubai. I know it will create great entertainment and excitement for them and it can grow support for boxing in Dubai.”

In commending his sparring partners, Donaire made it clear: “You can’t buy quality, but you can buy quantity. There’s no place better than the ALA Gym because we sparred with top guys and upand-coming fighters. They are the future of Philippine boxing and to be able to spar against them and help them out as they help me out, is great.”

S U N D AY : J U LY 1 2 : 2 0 1 5

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

S U NDAY L IF E

LIFE

DECONSTRUCTING RITA NAZARENO

Rita Nazareno poses with some of the bestselling Zacarias bags (Hunter, Dark Helmet Bag, Cube) and Gabriel Lichauco x Zacarias mini-woven electric fans

BY BING PAREL PHOTOS BY SONNY ESPIRITU

R

ita Nazareno was already a successful executive for Fox TV – having been in the spotlight for her work as producer via an Emmy Jury Award in 2005 for a 30-seconder spot she did for news and entertainment show Good Day LA – when familial duty beckoned.

“I was very much enjoying my career in television – I was a Senior Producer at Fox 11 in Los Angeles and then was the Creative Services Director at a station in Houston – when my mom called to ask if I could come back to Manila and work in the family business. She had been asking me for a few years and I knew there would come a time when I would say yes. I actually was surprised when I said yes when I did,” Rita recalls.

The family business happens to be S.C. Vizcarra, a company started in 1925 by Rita’s grandmother Segundina Cornejo Vizcarra that produced elegantly hand-woven luxury handbags and accessories. At the time, it was her mother Vicky, the only daughter of Segundina, who was at the helm of the family business.

“I was proud of the company that my grandmother started and that my mother evolved. It was what afforded me to pursue my career in television and I was more than happy to come back and see if I can be of any help. So I suppose that aside from the fact that I was excited to explore a more contemporary design thrust in the traditional craft of hand-weaving, a big part of the shift was a sense of familial responsibility,” she admits, adding that after two decades of living and working in the US, she went on to pursue her Masters at London College of Fashion to prepare for her eventual role in S.C.Vizcarra.

Now the creative director of the company, Rita has since expanded the brand and

Makeup by Maria Georgia K. Guanzon and Hair by Raquel Panes from Make-Up Designory Studio Manila

developed her own line, Zacarias by S.C. Vizcarra, in honor of her grandfather who studied sculpture at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. “I was very fortunate to grow up in a very creative family that valued hard work and people – as well as the importance of welldesigned, hand-crafted objects,” Rita shares.

Not surprisingly, S.C. Vizcarra has become synonymous with elegantly handcrafted, artistic bags and home accessories made of natural materials like wicker and water hyacinths and combined with natural leather, recycled leather or microfiber that have managed to catch the interest of buyers from such countries as the United States, the UK, France, Japan, Brazil, with presence in cities like Paris, Monaco, Florence, Padova, Brescia, Sorrento, Fukuoka and Tokyo.

Asked what kind of fulfillment she gets in her work for S.C. Vizcarra that was missing when she was a TV exec, she admits that “there is a certain joy that I get from combining ideas that personally fascinate me (art, architecture, cinema) with handwoven wicker and leather, and working with incredible artisans (some of whom she grew up with as their parents worked for her grandparents and mother). Seeing this mélange come alive in a tangible object with a soul, a character (even wit sometimes) is pretty mind blowing.”

While S.C. Vizcarra bags exude a more classic look, the Zacarias line is more contemporary and even playful to a certain extent. Her designs, she discloses,

are referenced from contemporary art, archite c ture and cinema. Instead of looking at fads or trends, Rita draws inspiration from artists such as Anish Kapoor, Iza Genzken, Matthias Blitzer and architect Frank Gehry.

Zacarias Bilbao Bag

Yellow Zacarias Monolith 5

When she designs, she says, she has in mind Kazuyo Sejima and Patty Eustaquio who epitomize the kind of people whom she would love to carry a Zacarias bag.

“Visionary, fearless, [with] an innate and distinct sense of style,” she avers.

One could sense that for a woman like Rita Nazareno, there is no half measure, and that life – despite the circumstance one finds herself in (or maybe because of it) must be enjoyed. When she was diagnosed with cancer, “there was no denial stage for me. I made sure to surround myself with laughter and positivity despite the tough surgeries and treatments (double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation).” It was when she was cleared, though, that the realization hit her, and that’s when depression set in.

“My depression happened when I was supposed to be happy. Life is funny like that, but you plod on. You realize what is important to you after going through something like that,” she says, revealing that the experience spurred her to design only those that fascinated her. “I could not waste my time making something that will end up in some landfill, or something that would bore me.

“I’ve learned I’ve got to enjoy life, to value the things and people and ideas that have an emotional connection to me. Why do something that won’t fulfill you, or be around people you don’t like?”

Nuggets of wisdom, indeed, from a remarkable woman who admits that eating ice cream helped her survive chemotherapy and makes her feel better when sadness creeps in. She shares a verse (inscribed on a stone in a small town in Italy) that someone close to her recently sent, about the importance of sitting alone, communing with one’s heart and being pleased with one’s little corner of earth.

“I’m happy that I’ve found my little corners I’m pleased with – and hope people get to find theirs,” Rita ends.

SUNDAY : J ULY 12 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

STILL MADE THE CUT! CAROTID ARTERY

BY TATUM ANCHETA

“H

ow old are you?” he cut me off before I could even answer. “If you’re 30 then we don’t want to hire you here,” exclaimed one of my former clients, and no, I wasn’t applying for a job; we just finished our presentation and we were talking about how the Millennial generation is reshaping the way we sell our brands. I sat across him while he kept on and on about how younger people are more wanted in the workplace because they are more technologically evolved, and can help them figure out all the new social media platforms and emerging technology for their brand (Umm, and prior to that I had to explain to this guy what Waze and Spotify are for. I also felt the need to teach him how to pronounce meme – no, not mehmeh). All the while I wanted to emit a powerful beam of energy from my eyes and direct it at him just like how Cyclops would do it. No, I am not 30, I am 33 years old, still can be argued as a Millennial and he just slashed me off the hirable age list!

Those of the Millennial generation are usually lumped together in general regardless of age demographic, level of maturity and social privilege. In surveys or research, they are usually divided into 18-24 younger Millennials, and 25-34 older Millennials. But

is this the new age of workplace discrimination? Early thirties being considered not a good hire?

Shouldn’t hiring depend on the designation and level of maturity the job entails? I had so many burning questions in my head during that little encounter but refused to argue with this guy whose idea of a good, technology-savvy workforce is limited to newly grad Yuccies. Oh, the Yuccies. It was almost a month ago that this new Millennial stereotype was born.

And if Mashable’s writer David Infante was right in saying that their “unique intellect deserves a more professional fulfillment” by setting up their own businesses or taking other jobs than a traditional employment, then my former client’s idea of his workplace is doomed.

I have spent a good amount of time hiring and weeding out through the vast Millennial spectrum for the last six years. Of course you’d want the younger new grads on your team – fresh blood, new ideas, and more receptive to change. But these young ones often leave for different opportunities after a few months, leaving you with empty chairs and new resumes to rummage on. I would always opt for an elder Millennial demographic but there seems to be a rarity for 30-something managerial types.

So where are those from the 30-something non-hirable age group? They’re usually hired and loyal to their companies and have embedded themselves properly through the corporate food chain that it makes it hard for other companies to pirate them. Often, they are already too expensive to even pirate. Some have opened start-ups and are married to their businesses, or married to their spouse. Others have not matured enough for senior posts and are still living like their

younger counterparts, stuck in perpetual adolescence.

“So if they’re the Yuccies, what do we call us?” says a colleague. I jokingly said, “TINT!” quoting my former officemate, Bundi. It stands for ‘Titas in Training’ (coined after Cosmopolitan Magazine’s trending quiz result about ‘How Tita are you?’), meaning almost a Tita (Tita – in slang urban usage is a term often used to describe a Filipino aunt parody), but not quite yet. Then again, may be the 30-somethings are the Baby Boomers “in training” in terms of maturity, employability, and parental responsibility. We’re almost there, but not there yet. A lot of my peers would relate when I say that we are all managers and supervisors of some 20-something Yuccies and the 10-year gap defines a whole lot of difference in attitude and behavior.

TINT – we are employed and work in multinational industries; some of us have probably dabbled

in start-ups but usually ended up in stable more profitable ventures. We started from the bottom of the food chain and climbed the ladder as the years went by. “Let these Yuccies call you ma’am, sir, and use po at opo, it’s okay, you worked hard for it!” exclaimed my friend while I shrug at the idea of someone using “po” and “opo” to address me. Though some would jokingly call us “Titas of Manila,” we refuse to be labeled as such. You’d still see us trying to down a bottle or two whiskies in The Palace Pool Club but we can only do so on Fridays or when there’s no early meetings on weekdays.

“We have responsibilities you know, but that does not mean we can’t have fun!” we all laughed. We haven’t totally let go and embraced our Titaness and still have this “FOMO” (fear of missing out). But yes, we are certified aunts because our brothers and sisters gave us such cute and adorable nephews and nieces to

spoil, some even have kids of their own, and some (like me) still quiver at the idea of my own babies. No, we are not social media illiterates – some of us make our living teaching brands and companies how to utilize their social media assets. We may know how to cook gourmet food or deconstruct Chef Michael Smith’s recipes at home (some of us even put out food photos on SNS and put up blogs to share our recipes) but we won’t pass the chance of turning up for an opening of a new restaurant.

Yes, we love organic food, to the point that some of us 30-somethings have already put up our own tiny herb gardens in our balconies (What?! We love fresh food!). No, we still don’t own Longchamp totes. And yes, we failed the Tita quotient test.

So, here we are 30-something TINTs – we are part of the spectrum.

The next time someone generalizes us all, get a yellow Stabilo and highlight the Millennial divide.

PORTRAIT

Mang Lirio’s Jollijeep Gourmet Fare

Photo by Yani Gabriel

If you’re part of the Makati working class, then you’ve probably noticed this jollijeep stall along Rada street where people patiently line up during lunch hours. Those curious enough to peek would notice the stall’s neatly displayed food, and nicely packaged meals.

The stall is manned by Mang Lirio – perhaps the most famous among the jollijeeps around Legazpi area. Among his bestsellers (attested to by his frequent customers) are baked chicken; fish fillet with tartar sauce; buttered corn, carrots and peas; roast beef with gravy; caldereta; pork binagoongan; and Bicol express. Breakfast offerings include French toast (not a usual jollijeep fare) and taho. For snacks, the choices are siomai, California

maki and all kinds of sandwiches.

People flock to Mang Lirio’s stall because your P70-P80 can buy you a “gourmet” meal.

When asked about what he used to do before he started with his jollijeep food business, he replied that he would rather focus on his jollijeep more than his story. His frequent customers though claim that Mang Lirio used to work for a restaurant, which explains the presentation and the side dish pairing.

Mang Lirio shares that the success of his little business is the most remarkable thing that ever happened to him. “I owe my success from Him and my family. I offer the success of my business to God. I thought when I was younger that I could run my business by myself,

without God. Sometimes we believe too much in ourselves and in our own abilities, but we need Him. We cannot just do it alone, so I rely on God. I start and end my day with a short prayer.”

If you happen to be in the Legazpi area, try to check out Mang Lirio’s jollijeep in Rada and taste for yourself why the man and his food have become certifiable hits.

PORTRAIT is a regular feature every Sunday. It will feature inspiring stories of real people from different walks of life. We encourage you to send us stories of people with remarkable tales to tell. Please email us at life@thestandard.com.ph or send us a private message on our TW or IG account @LIFEatStandard.

SUNDAY : J ULY 12 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ANSWERING THE CALL

The volunteer medical team to Nepal with Dr. Cleofe Medina (seated leftmost).

MakatiMed, Red Cross send team to earthquake-hit Nepal

W

hen disasters hit, the whole of humanity is moved to help, and this proved true with the Philippine Red Cross and the Makati Medical Center that sent a team of two MMC physicians and three PRC disaster-specialist nurses to earthquake-hit Nepal.

Doctors Cleofe Medina and Ranvier Martinez from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Emergency Medicine, respectively, joined the medical mission to Nepal where the Canadian Red Cross’s emergency response team of 20 doctors, nurses, and technical support staff set up an emergency field hospital, staying in the earthquakestricken country for about a month.

The magnitude-7.8 quake that hit Nepal last April left more than 8,000 people dead and devastated the capital of Kathmandu. This was followed by a second 7.3-magnitude quake about three weeks later that centered east of the capital near the Tibet border, killing more than 60 people.

Dr. Medina recalls how she was at a medical mission in Atok, Benguet when she received a call from Dr. Mercedes Viduya, her department’s vice chair, about the need for volunteers in Nepal. Dr. Medina had heard about the earthquake at a mass at the Baguio Cathedral before heading to Atok.

“In my mind I was thinking, ‘Why me?’ And later on I thought, ‘Why

not’?” she said. “It was a leap of faith.”

As the sole maternity doctor, she was deployed to Dhunche, where the Canadian Red Cross had begun rebuilding the ruined district hospital. At Dhunche, they had to build their own tents – a new experience for Dr. Medina. The team had incomplete equipment the first few days, so they had to improvise, for example using surgical caps as shoe covers and sewing their own curtains for the maternity clinic to keep the sand out.

Their team performed the first ever Caesarean section – in fact the first ever surgery – in Dhunche.

“What they had was a small district hospital, so when they had complicated cases they would send the patients to Kathmandu or the other cities. After the earthquake, to get to Kathmandu you had to drive three or four hours because you couldn’t drive fast. So we had the surgery right there,” she recalls the experience, disclosing that she would volunteer again if the opportunity arose.

A third year Emergency Medicine resident, Dr. Martinez was moved by what she experienced during the medical mission. “The opportunity to witness and appreciate human resilience, the chance to extend a helping hand to people who need it, a glimpse of life’s fragility and the overwhelming gratefulness of being alive are just a few of my realizations in our deployment to

Nepal after the country was hit by a devastating earthquake,” she said.

“Our team was separated into two big teams. One was deployed in Dhunche and a few of us were in Tatopani. When the second huge earthquake hit Nepal, our team in Tatopani was just 16 kilometers away from the epicenter. It was too strong and it felt so long.

People started crying and rushed to our camp. A few seconds after the quake, the surrounding mountains and hills around us started collapsing, followed by a heavy dust storm obliterating our view. At that moment, being scared for your own life stopped becoming important – we had to be strong and composed because we knew people were relying on our strength,” she recalled.

“That experience was totally life-changing and I will be forever grateful to Makati Medical Center, the Department of Emergency Medicine, Philippine Red Cross, and to the Canadian Red Cross for that opportunity to be of service to my fellowmen,” she disclosed.

“Our partnership with the Philippine Red Cross is indeed timely, and with the hospital’s commitment to serve those in need, whether here or abroad, we have already deployed two of our doctors, followed by another batch to provide support for the relief efforts in Nepal,” noted MakatiMed President and CEO Rosalie Montenegro.

Dr. Ranvier Ramirez with a young patient.

When Makati Medical Center and its social responsibility arm MMC Foundation signed the MOA with the PRC early this year, it boosted the Philippines’ capacity to respond to medical emergencies brought about by natural disasters and other mass casualty incidents.

A significant upgrade for the country’s preparedness and handling capabilities for a disaster, these field hospitals are fullcapacity units with an operating room, anesthesia equipment, medicines and supplies with an 80-patient load capacity.

“It is the unique altruistic character of MakatiMed as an institution with its highly skilled

doctors, nurses, and allied health care professionals to provide communities and people much needed medical assistance during the early phase of a major calamity. Throughout the years, MakatiMed has always embraced these opportunities to be of service to others — to be with the people when it matters most. These many medical missions are an integral aspect of its social corporate responsibility,” said Dr. Benjamin Alimurung, Medical Director.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at 8888.999; email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.

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S U N D AY : J U LY 1 2 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

COMMITMENTS

Of blue roses, laughter and Central Park: The love story of Ryan and Bea Bea wears a white jumpsuit in lieu of a traditional wedding dress.

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

Photos courtesy of Ryan and Bea Puno

R

yan Puno and Bea Sambalido showed up on the Philippine fashion radar when they got married at Central Park in New York a few weeks ago, where the bride wore a chic white jumpsuit in lieu of a traditional wedding dress. The wedding ceremony was stylish and unorthodox by Filipino standards, to say the least, something that the couple certainly wanted just as sure as they are about their feelings for each other.

The two met during college at the Ateneo de Manila University, but they never really had a chance to get to know each other as they each had their own group of friends.

“We’ve met each other a couple of times but never really talked until the last few days of school,” shares Bea. But for Ryan, it was an instant attraction when he first saw Bea walking around the campus on their freshman year. “Funny thing is I never actually made a move until senior year. (We did have a lot of awkward run-ins before that though),” he admits. After four years of curbing his feelings, Ryan finally decided to reveal it to Bea during Blue Roast, Ateneo’s graduation party. On that evening, each student receives a blue rose to give to someone special or the person they had a crush on but never had the chance or courage to tell. And right then, Ryan knew to whom he willl give his blue rose.

But as luck would have it, “I never actually gave her my blue rose because I couldn’t find her that night,” since Bea had to leave early for work the next day.

“So when I got home that night, I was like, ‘F*ck it! I’ll just message her on Facebook and tell her already,” he recalls. And so he did.

The following day, Bea received a Facebook message from a Ryan Puno saying he was supposed to give her his blue rose and that he had a little crush on her.

“I was intrigued [but] to be honest, I already knew about his little crush, but it was quite endearing that he planned to tell me using the blue rose,” reveals Bea. A few days after that Facebook confession, they met up at a friend’s graduation party.

They did not expect much during that meeting (Bea felt intimated knowing he was considered a “conyo” and worried she’d look “jologs” around him; Ryan was feeling out the situation because they both just went through a breakup a few weeks prior), but there was an instant connection nonetheless.

“Once we sat down and started talking without friends looking at us, everything

just flowed,” says Ryan. “We ended up talking until 5 a.m.,” adds Bea. Since then, the two have been together, complementing and helping each other be a better person. Ryan, a comedian and copywriter, and Bea, a graphic designer, are now based in New York practicing their respective crafts.

“We put up our own Graphic Design studio, Jones Branding, and worked on projects with each other,” says Bea, a decision that took a lot of people by surprise. “They’d always ask what that was like, which was reassuring. But we really do have a deep appreciation for each other’s craft,” she enthuses. Ryan does his best to sketch and help Bea out with designing.

And Bea’s always there to tell Ryan if the jokes that he writes suck or not.

While making a name for themselves in NYC, Ryan and Bea, after five years and 11 months of being together, decided to tie the knot. “So funny because Ryan never mentioned marriage the whole five years we were together.

NEVER. But I still stuck it through because at the end of the day, I was genuinely happy,” shares Bea. “Funny enough, when I was content on the idea that he didn’t wanna get married, he proposed. I never saw it coming.”

The couple decided to have a civil wedding, but instead of getting married at the City Hall, they figured they’d jazz it up a bit and do it at Central Park which was more romantic and made for better photos.

“We picked our favorite place in NY – and that was the Bethesda Terrace at Central Park.

The arches were beautiful and the details on the walls were amazing,” enthuses Bea. “Also, it was our wedding so we could practically do anything we wanted. So I wore a jumpsuit. Then for our reception, we rented a loft on Airbnb and dressed it up for our close friends and family.”

COMMITMENTS is a regular Sunday feature.

It will cover stories of love, marriage and unlikely friendships and relationships. If you know a couple with a great story to tell, please email us at life@thestandard.com.ph or send us a private message on our TW or IG account @LIFEatStandard.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

We talked a bit with Ryan and Bea to discover more about their relationship. Here’s a few of what they shared with us: 1. How would you describe your relationship?

RYAN: I’d say exciting and collaborative. If anything, our core common factor is our desire to dream big. Whenever we set our minds on something, we each play to our strengths so that we can get after it together.

BEA: Fun and enlightening. Like any other couple, we’ve had our ups and downs but found that laughter (and of course, love) was always what kept us going. More than anything, we’re really like best friends. We shift according to what the situation calls for.

Ryan and Bea’s civil wedding at their favorite place in New York, the Bethesda Terrace in Central Park.

2. What do you like most about each other?

RYAN: The lambing. Haha! Bea’s very affectionate and has no problem doing the whole baby talk back and forth with me.

BEA: Ryan has a gentle soul. He’s very endearing and kind. He’s always patient with me. Whenever we have a fight, you’d never see him walk out, and that tells a lot. Also, he always makes me laugh. I love laughing.

3. What do you hate most about each other?

BEA: He moves at a much slower pace than me. I always find myself saying “LET’S GO.” RYAN: Bea’s always rushing. You gotta stop and smell the roses sometimes, am I right?

4. What are the things you like doing together?

RYAN: We like to keep things pretty simple.

We just enjoy making our own coffee, eating at good restaurants, binge-watching, and making pasyal around the city.

BEA: Everything. My sister would call us “kambal tuko” because we’d literally do a lot of things together.

The New York-based couple decides to tie the knot after five years and 11 months of being together.

5. What is the difference from being boyfriend-girlfriend to being a married couple?

RYAN: I think the main difference from our BF-GF days is that I got a ring on my finger now. That’s it.

BEA: We’ve had a lot of sleepovers for that past five years and that was already a bit of a teaser to living together in NY. So there’s really not much of a difference after getting married.

We just get to put on rings and call each other husband and wife – which is amazing!

S UNDAY : J ULY 1 2 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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A fun scene with JBK

Filipino boy band JBK has scored an online hit with their inspirational pop song “Damang-Dama,” that has so far garnered over 400,000 views on Facebook.

From left, Kim Lawrenz Ordonio, Bryan del Rosario and Joshua Bulot

JBK’s ‘Damang-Dama’ a hit OnlinE

E

merging Filipino boy band JBK has scored an online hit with their inspirational pop song “Damang-Dama,” the carrier single of their upcoming self-titled album that is scheduled for release in August.

In less than a week, “Damang-Dama” successfully attained over 400,000 views on its Facebook posting, and has so far reached over 2.5 million people on the social media platform, according to JBK’s talent manager Chris Cahilig.

“The music video of ‘Damang-Dama’ quickly drew attention on Facebook where it was first posted, reaping praises and positive reviews from netizens because of its optimistic message, beautiful melody, and danceable choreography,” says Cahilig.

Composed of three exceptionally talented singers—Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario, and Kim Lawrenz Or-

donio—JBK was one of the grand champions of the McJim Dreams Get Real: The Search for The Next OPM Star along with Fifth Dynamics and Neo Domingo. They became online sensations after posting a series of a cappella videos that the group filmed on a fire exit, thus earning them the moniker #FireExitBoys.

“Damang-Dama” is sponsored

by Camella Homes under its music Filipino boy band JBK

advocacy campaign, MusiCamella.

The master-planned community of Camella Tierra Nevada in General Trias, Cavite, provided a picturesque setting for the viral music video.

The upbeat song was penned and arranged by acclaimed composer Jonathan Ong. Its music video was directed by award-winning filmmaker Lem Lorca, while its infectious choreography was conceptualized by Mich Garong.

‘Damang-Dama’ is a song for every Filipino who aspires for a better life for himself and his family,” Del Rosario explains. “It talks about the joys of realizing one’s dreams.”

JBK is supported

by Camella Homes, McJim Classic Leather, and Bing Dio Salon. Interested parties may book JBK by sending an inquiry at chriscahilig@ gmail.com or by visiting their fan page on Facebook.

Camella Tierra Nevada provides a beautiful setting for the music video of “Damang-Dama”

Choreographer Mich Garong trained Filipino boy band JBK

The boys of JBK composed of Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario and Kim Lawrenz Ordonio.

‘True Smile’ abouT Two SpaniSh broTherS on a journey

O Brothers Sergio and Juan Manuel Aznarez Rosado with members of the Autism Society Philippines community and ASP Trustee Jan Pena

Blind and autistic Sergio Aznarez Rosado introduces the film in Spanish pre-screening beside brother Juan Manue

n June 29, the Asian premiere of the Spanish documentary True Smile (La Sonrisa Verdadera), directed by Juan Rayos, screened at SM Mall of Asia as part of the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines (WPFF) 2015 under the ‘Ibero-America’ section selection.

The documentary is about two brothers, Sergio and Juan Manuel Aznárez Rosado, who journey from Cuenca in Spain to Morocco on a tandem bicycle to meet their friend, Mati. The journey, however, was no ordinary one.

Sergio is blind – and also, autistic.

The inspiring film begins with the journey and moves on to explore Sergio’s extraordinary life, literally without eyes, and with autism.

The two brothers, Sergio and Juan Manuel, flew to the Philippines for the first time from Spain especially to attend the premiere.

The premiere was well received and attended by members of the Instituto Cervantes Manila, as

well as the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), whose community watched the film and met the brothers. After the screening a question and answer session took place. ASP Trustee Jan Peña said, “Thank you for sharing with us such an inspiring film. We hope that as many members of our community as possible will be able to watch such an important documentary about autism.”

Later in the week, on July3, the second screening of True Smile took place at SM Megamall. The brothers introduced the film and festival representatives of the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines awarded Sergio and Juan Manuel each with a “Certificate of Appreciation for Distinguished Participation”. After the certificates were presented, Sergio introduced the film in Spanish after greeting everyone good afternoon in Tagalog – which drew laughter and applause.

“We’re very happy to be here in the Philippines,” said Juan Man-

uel. “I’d like to thank everybody for giving us this welcome to the festival. I’m really impressed with how well you’ve welcomed us. It’s very important that [True Smile] is not only a movie to be enjoyed in the cinema – we can help other people with this example. For us, this trip to the Philippines has become something really touching and really special. We hope you enjoy the film.”

Members of the Instituto Cervantes Manila, and a greater number of the ASP community attended the second screening. During the question and answer session, ASP National President Mona Magna-Veluz thanked the brothers for promoting awareness of autism, and deemed the film “truly fantastic” and “inspirational”.

The brothers, who are now travelling around the Philippines starting with El Nido in Palawan, hope to visit ASP communities in various parts of the country before their return to Spain.

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

2015 BEaUTy QUEEnS aT PnP ‘SigLakaSan’ 2015 OPEning

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sportsfest opening is not complete without the presence of lovely muses.

Siglakasan 2015, the annual sports competition among the Philippine National Police men and women, had three national beauty titlists during the parade of participants that kicked off the event.

Binibining Pilipinas-International 2015 Janicel Lubina, Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism 2015 Ann Lorraine Colis, and Miss Philippines-Earth 2015 Angelia Ong were all excited to join their respective teams, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Police Relations Community Group (PRCG) and the Finance Group.

Lubina said she was very happy to have the opportunity to visit the

body and hopes to learn how to work out in the gym, especially, in preparation for Miss Earth 2015.

PNP Officer-in-Charge Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina led the opening of the 2015 PNP sportsfest, which he said aimed to promote camaraderie and goodwill among his men, and in instilling physical fitness necessary for policemen, especially, in fighting criminal elements. Siglakasan 2015 features sports like swimming, basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, karate-do, arnis, chess, table tennis, tennis, badminton, track and field and ballroom dancing with participants from the different PNP National Support Units.

police camp and to have a part in the police’s sports activity. She fits to a ‘T’ in the Siglakasan’s objective of promoting physical fitness among the men and women in uniform as the Miss International 2015 bet was a former Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines winner and also was 2nd runner up in Miss Scuba International 2012.

Colis, a 5-foot-8, ramp model with an athletic built, also expressed appreciation to having invited as muse of PNP-PRCG. She fully supports activities that promote healthy lifestyle and physical wellness, not just among the law enforcers, but the citizens as well.

In her own words, Ong, a Marketing Management student at College of St. Benilde, needs to work on her

TExT anD PhOTO: ETOn B. COnCEPCiOn

Beauty queens at Siglakasan 2015 with PDDG Leonardo A. Espina and PDIR Danilo S. Constantino

MTRCB SponSoRS SCRipTWRiTing ConTeST

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he Senior Citizen Committee of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is sponsoring a scriptwriting contest centered on empowering senior citizens.

Through this contest, the Committee aims to improve and reshape the image of Filipino senior citizens as they are portrayed in films and on television shows. The Committee hopes to show that when senior citizens are aware of their rights as individuals and as members of family and of society, they can empower themselves and others.

Scriptwriters may opt to choose young people as the main characters

of the story but their lives have to be intertwined with the elderly. In addition, the story should highlight the significance of the elderly to the family, community, and the society as a whole. Top three entries will be chosen with the top entry getting P30,000.00. Second and third place entries will get P20,000.00 and P10,000.00, respectively. The MTRCB may later help find producers of the winning full-length screenplay as film or as movie for television.

The scriptwriting contest is open to all Filipino citizens (currently residing in the country) aged 18 and above. Board Members of the MTRCB, including their immedi-

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Rodeo prop 6 First-magnitude star 11 Engine knocks 16 Work schedule 21 Happy occasion, briefly 22 Like a queen 23 Top monk 24 Column type 25 Good for something 26 January, in Jalisco 27 Deputy 28 Nutmeg or cinnamon 29 Traipse about 30 Dust collectors 32 Strode along 34 Gehrig and Piniella 36 Marshy ground 37 Brays (hyph.)

39 Rainout-proof 40 Delta deposit 41 Phoenician seaport

42 43 44 46 49 50 51 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

Buy Not pickled Forever young Vogue Riveted Morse clicks A B vitamin Golf club Some hermits Makes a faux pas Generally (3 wds.)

Swing voter (abbr.)

Show the way Dismisses Passing fancy Caviar, actually Going on tiptoe Energetic (hyph.)

Real bargain Relax, as rules Bulb exporter Kismet Rush of wind Musical finales “— — for Alibi” Old prospector (2 wds.)

76 77 80 81 82 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 106 107 108 111 112 113 117 118 119 120 121 122 124 126 128 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137

Kind of pool Sen. Hatch Not let go Do perfectly Skin softener Visible Steel- — boots Kind of caterpillar Ladies’ man Contented murmur Globule Hit the beach Dry off Dorsal — Bitterly cold Woolly animals Dive, as a whale Normandy port Insignia Kind of buggy Stringed instruments Easy mark Poured out Dollar fractions Cosmonaut’s lab Vex Many August people Leeway Uncouth (hyph.)

U2 producer Earl — Biggers Brusque Early pulpit Turmoil Hoist With regret Traffic jam (hyph.)

Unvoiced Mother- — - — PC message Marauding mob Bounce Dry runs Hoarse Aquarium scavenger Smudged

ate family members or relatives to the second degree are not allowed to join the contest.

The following are the entry submission requirements: (1) A contestant may submit only one entry each of a full-length screenplay on the theme of empowering senior citizens, not to exceed two hours; (2) The entry should be written in spoken Filipino (Taglish allowed), double-spaced, clean and legible, on 8½” x 11” bond paper, and with oneinch margin on all sides; (3) Entries must not bear neither the author’s real name nor a pen name on any page, only the title of the full-length screenplay; (4) Instead of a pen

name, the entries will be numbered; (5) Entries must be accompanied by a notarized affidavit that states that the script is original and owned by the contestant, and has never been published or produced in film or on television nor has it been previously awarded in any contest. It should not have been or should not be submitted to another contest of more or less the same period of time; and (6) Entries should be enclosed in a sealed envelope, with an accompanying affidavit bearing the title of the screenplay, the author’s real name, address, contact numbers. A three- to five-sentence biodata should also be included.

Entries may be submitted in

The three beaity queens with their respective teams

person at the MTRCB office at 18 Timog Ave., Quezon City, and must have one hard copy. Entries may also be snail-mailed or couriered, with the postmark honoring the deadline. They may also be submitted online, with the notarized affidavit scanned and sent as an image attachment, while the information on the author should be in a Word.doc file separate from that of the screenplay, with both also sent as attachments.

Online submissions may be emailed to mtrcbcontest@gmail.com.

Deadline for submission is at 5 pm, on Aug. 31. Copyright shall be retained by the writer. Awarding ceremony takes place in October.

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2015

DOWN 1 Chortle 2 Pilasters 3 Catty 4 Part of RSVP 5 Daunt 6 Lees 7 Billions of years 8 PBS “Science Guy” 9 Hoop sites 10 Burst into flower 11 Put down asphalt 12 Term paper abbr.

13 “SNL” network 14 Puck stoppers 15 Amble along 16 Whisper loudly 17 Oola’s guy 18 Consolidate 19 Kitchen tool 20 Stage set 31 Barley bristle 33 Pricing word 35 Piece of cutlery 38 Cargo area 39 Harbor suspicions 40 Noncoms 41 1917 abdicator 43 Informal speech 44 Makes public 45 Thailand, once 46 Silky rustle 47 Kemo Sabe’s pal 48 Sing falsetto 49 Daily routine 50 007 film (2 wds.)

52 Like bacon 53 Massey of vintage Hollywood 54 More than wants 56 Piggy bank contents 57 Fervor 58 Pull a rabbit out of — — 60 Unvarnished 61 Sheepfold 62 Toward sunset 65 Delon of cinema 66 Fright reaction

67 68 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 82 83

Two-way Atomic No. 5 Look after the hens Coarse sand Dark line on Mars Like a bass Skimpy pullover Reconnoitered Missouri river Domain Fixed-up building Rapper — Moe Dee Suburban greenery Diet (hyph.)

84 85 87 88 89

Wall climbers Au pair Squash Mild Overthrow attempts 91 Carpe —!

92 Wedding — 93 Viennese dessert 96 Musical symbol 97 Wishes undone 98 Approval 99 Marathoner’s gorge 101 Life-size exhibit

102 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 112 113 114 115 116 118 119

Firesides Took the helm More succinct Navy noncom Sammy Sosa’s org.

Type of badge Harebrained Thwarts a villain Bashfully Drive forward Fast-moving snake Mandate Eccentric Morning sparklers Lose a toehold

120 123 125 127 129

German import Plopped down “— Rheingold” Hurler’s stat Mexican chili pepper

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

RuFFa GutIeRRez launched as makeup bRand ambassadOR

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n July 4, MAC Cosmetics introduced Ruffa Gutierrez to the press announcing the star as the official Brand Ambassador. The launch coincided with her last birthday thrown for her by the cosmetic company at the Shakespeare Function Room of Discovery Primea.

Thirty guests, all Ruffa’s choice, had a great time getting makeovers and makeup tutorials by MAC’s senior artists. Apart from those, they were also treated to beauty pampering, Ruffatini cocktails, hours d’ oeuvres and award winning desserts from Kitchen’s Best.

It was an elegant Parisian-themed celebration in black, white and red organized for the brand by Robert Blacaflor Events Design & Party Perks. French music wafted in the background during the event.

MAC Cosmetics is also the official makeup sponsor of It Takes Gutz To Be A Gutierrez Season 3.

Ruffa has been a fan of MAC Cosmetics since it was launched in the 80’s. “I would always buy thousand pesos worth of makeup every time I would go to the US,” Ruffa says.

It’s a dream come true for Ruf-

From c8

fa who is now MAC’s brand ambassador.

Many asked by her mom Annabelle Rama and her brother’s partner Sarah were not among her guests in the party. Ruffa said, “Mom and Sarah couldn’t make it even if they were invited because they were in Cebu. Manny O.(smeña) hosted them in Movenpick, ‘di ba?!”

HHHHH FInalIsts OF sIne nanay FIlm FestIval Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation holds this year’s first SineNanay Film Festival.

According to Bemz Benedito, managing director of MYNP, the aim of the film festival is to recognize the greatest woman in our life, our nanay. “We tell the students to explore, provoke, interpret, and capture images of how they express their love for their nanays.”

The contest is open to college students (group or individuals) of La Consolacion College Manila (LCCM) and Philippine Women’s University (PWU).They must use only a camera phone.

Members of the academe and MYNP officers are in the selection committee. From 12 semi-fi-

nalists, the committee trimmed it down to five final entries.

The entries include Ma. Chrisma Alberto’s NaTay, about a grandfather who takes care of his grandchild after her mother died while giving birth, Istorya ng Pagmamahal at Sakripisyo by Ella May Arevalo, She Villate and Camille Castañas, a story of a sick mother who shows her undying love for her son up to her last breath; Ma. Ana Elaiza Lardizabal’s Lipstick, a different look at being a mother; and a mother’s love knows no boundaries that not even an iron wall can stop her from fulfilling her obligations to her children in the film Rehas by Mary Joy Bonapos and Cathrene Anne Joseph; Mama’s Girl tackles the unconditional love and devotion of a mother for her daughter.

The finalists were recently invited to attend an orientation program conducted by Gawad CCP awardee Nick Olanka and Gorio Vicuña, an expert in high-end CG animation, live action production, and visual effects for film and television.

The winners will be known in September.

Indie and theater actor Arnold Reyes is SineNanay festival director.

With daughter Lorin

Ruffa Gutierrez celebrates birthday with the announcement of her as MAC brand ambassador

With friends who had beauty makeovers

Kring Kring not going baCK to showbiz after all

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Cristina "Kring Kring" and husband Alfred Romualdez

by RObbIe panGIlInan

fter expressing her excitement over Yolanda, which was her comeback movie supposedly, actress-turned-public servant Cristina “Kring Kring” Gonzales announced she decided not to push through with the project as she wants to “focus and concentrate more in Tacloban,” where she is Councilor.

On her Facebook page, the Councilor posted, “Will be focusing and concentrating more in Tacloban, so sadly, I will not have time to push through with the movie Yolanda!

Maybe next time after the elections next year. But was looking forward to work with Direk Gorio (Vicuña) but will really have no time!!! God

bless the movie!!!”

The production team headed by Director Gorio Vicuña, who was based in Hollywood for 10 years, is saddened by the news, as initial photo shoots have already been done for the movie that promises to inspire people, change hearts, and transform lives.

In an exclusive interview, The Standard today quoted Kring Kring as saying she is just postponing her comeback movie because she really wants to push through with it when she finds the time.

“Even my husband (Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez), and daughters also got sad. My political PRs advised me to concentrate on my tasks as public servant first.

That’s my top priority now. I have received SMS, emails, and Facebook messages after my post. I want to cry,” said an emotional Cristina.

She further said that she has so many things to do especially for tourism in Tacloban, which was hardest hit by typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

“I am praying for my career as a politician by God’s grace kung gusto Niya ako maglingkod pa in the next level, so be it. I know God will tell me what to do. He has better plans for me and my family,” added Cristina, who clarified that she has no definite political plans as of the moment, referring to news that she might run for mayor of the city because it is the last term of her husband.

first MiCrosoft stores open in the philippines

I

t was twice the mid-year fun as Microsoft opened its first two authorized reseller stores in the Philippines on June 27 and July 4. The stores are located in the Cyberzone areas of SM North EDSA Annex and SM Megamall -- two of the largest shopping destinations in the country.

The grand opening events for both stores were well-received as the guests eagerly lined up outside the stores even before they officially opened their doors. To kickstart the event, ribbon-cutting and store blessing ceremonies were held, graced by executives of Microsoft including Karrie Ilagan, Country GM; Milette Rosal, marketing head

– Mobile Devices Sales; and Paul Foo, head of Channel Operations, Pan Asia; together with Microsoft store partners, Mind Alliance Ventures Inc.’s CEO Edwin Tan and VP for Operations Edward Tan. Everyone was in for a treat as exciting deals and other exclusive promos were offered. Various Lumia mobile devices and accessories, and the grand prize that included a Lumia 1520, an HP Stream 8, and an Office 365 FREE subscription bundle were also given away to lucky raffle winners.

Also present during the North EDSA opening were top model and TV personality, Fabio Ide and Fifth

Solomon of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.

The stores offered a wide variety of Microsoft Lumia smartphones, accessories, and other products such as the Office 365 Personal, HP Stream 7 and 8 tablets, and HP Pavilion X2 laptop. Both opening days generated a remarkable growth in sales for Microsoft. The newly-launched Lumia 640 XL and Lumia 540 Dual SIM were, of course, the run-away favorites.

According to Milette Rosal of Microsoft, the store openings are both beneficial to the company and its patrons. For one, it represents a broader business model, which allows the company to engage with more peo-

ple. On the other hand, these stores make a wider range of Microsoft devices within the customers’ reach.

As part of their #LiveConnected campaign, a demonstration of how Microsoft users can stay connected across various devices was also held during the stores’ grand opening. This functionality guarantees continued productivity on-the-go and on Windows and other devices.

The opening of these Microsoft stores comes as a monumental feat for the company as it is looking to sustain its sales and strengthen its presence in the country, especially with the much anticipated release of Windows 10.

Fabio Ide (left) with Karrie Ilagan, Microsoft Country GM Philippines

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ KApuSo’S ANIMATED SERIES pREMIERES ToDAy ISAH V. RED There may be a dearth in locally produced children’s shows on TV these days, but GMA Network is trying to fill in the void.

The Network’s News TV group, the same people behind the very successful socio-political and historical series Bayan Ko, Katipunan, Ilustrado, Titser, and Sa Puso Ni Dok, is coming up with a six-episode animated anthology series, Alamat that they hope would trigger a revival among Filipino viewers their slumbering interest in local legends or folklore.

Alamat is the handiwork of a pool of writers, directors, voice actors, and animators. They worked on the project for seven months to come up with the 2D and 3D animations of the almost forgotten folk tales popular among folks of the bygone years, like Alamat ng Bayabas, Juan Tamad, Langgam at Tipaklong, Mariang Sinukuan, Mahiwagang Singsing, and Ang Unang Bahaghari.

GMA News TV program manager Jaileen Jimeno sees Alamat as one avenue in bringing these tales to life for children today to appreciate them more.

“This will be the first time that our alamat will be animated. I grew up as a kid in public school with every morning spent on storytelling.

But this time it’s on television and that’s exciting,” shares Jimeno.

Among those under Jimeno’s watch is a group of Filipino animation artists, some have worked in giant animation studios worldwide.

“The animators involved in this project have been longing to do a wholly Filipino content. They’ve been using their talents for foreign-produced TV programs or movies but this time, they want to be a part of a series which they could proudly call their own,” explains Jimeno.

Apart from engaging visuals, Alamat also injects in its narrative

stories of social relevance written by executive producer Marj Mosura-Dumont (Langgam at Tipaklong), award-winning children’s book writer Augie Rivera (Ang Unang Bahaghari), writer-producers Danzen Santos-Katanyag (Juan Tamad, Ang Mahiwagang Singsing, and Mariang Sinukuan) and Ely del Rosario (Alamat ng Bayabas). For its pilot episode, Alamat is featuring del Rosario’s Alamat ng Bayabas. “‘Yung Alamat ng Bayabas, tungkol siya sa mabuting pamumuno. It’s all about good governance. Napakahalaga niya lalo sa panahon ngayon na nalalapit ang eleksyon, na maiparating sa mga manonood kung ano nga ba ang mabuting pamumuno,” shares del Rosario, who also stresses that morals can be taught in a manner that is child-friendly. “Mahalaga ‘yung aral nung kwento, at mahalaga siyang iparating sa bata. Pero ang magandang bagay sa Alamat, naging medium siya para iparating sa bata sa nais nilang paraan,” he adds.

Giving voices to the animated characters are Kapuso stars and personalities like Gabby Eigenmann, Pen Medina, Glaiza de Castro, Mike Tan, Kylie Padilla, Louise de los Reyes, Bea Binene, Jeric Gonzales, Harvey Almoneda, Betong Sumaya, Love Añover, Maey Bautista, Pekto, John Feir, Tonipet Gaba, and Roi Vinzon.

Alamat begins airing today at 5 p.m. after Wowowin and before 24 Oras Weekend on GMA. ➜ Continued on C7

Scene from Alamat ng Bayabas

Title card of Alamat ng Bayabas

Actor Pen Medina lends his voice to one of the characters in the animated series From Langam at Tipaklong

The animators involved in this project have been longing to do a wholly Filipino content. They’ve been using their talents for foreign-produced TV programs or movies but this time, they want to be a part of a series, which they could proudly call their own – Jaileen Jimeno, GMA News TV program manager

From Mariang Sinukuan