The Standard - 2015 August 28 - Friday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 197  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  FRIDAY : AUGUST 28, 2015  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

GDP up 5.6% in second quarter

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INC DEMANDS LEILA’S HEAD

PHILIPPINES’ 10 RICHEST HENRY SY

$14.4 B JOHN GOKONGWEI

$5.5 B

ANDREW TAN

$4.5 B LUCIO TAN

$4.3 B ENRIQUE RAZON, JR.

$4.1 B GEORGE TY

$4 B ABOITIZ FAMILY

By Rey E. Requejo and Jaypee Bencito

$3.6 B

MORE than 1,000 members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo gathered in front of the Justice Department Thursday to demand the resignation of Secretary Leila de Lima over her “inordinate interest” in a case filed by an ousted minister, Isaias Samson Jr., against church leaders.

Iglesia protest. Iglesia ni Cristo members gather in front of the Department of Justice building in Manila to demand the resignation of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima over an expelled Iglesia member. DANNY PATA

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III said Thursday the government is considering an odd-even scheme to drastically reduce the volume of traffic in Metro Manila by keeping half of

them off the streets.

“The most radical [proposal to solve the traffic problem] for me is to cut into half the number of vehicles traveling—with an alternate travel through an odd and even scheme every week,” Aquino said in a speech before the Rizal Technological University.

$3.5 B DAVID CONSUNJI

$3.2 B

Police said the number of protesters gathered before the department’s office on Padre Faura Street in Manila’s Ermita district swelled from a few hundred in the afternoon to more than 1,000 at around 8 p.m., most of them students from the church’s New Era University.

By the early evening, no ranking INC official could be seen on the makeshift stage that the

Aquino eyes ‘odd-even’ to ease traffic

By Sandy Araneta and Macon R. Araneta

JAIME ZOBEL DE AYALA

“Surely, traffic will ease since half of the vehicles will not be used on the roads. But, surely a lot of people will be angry since they will not be able to use their vehicles.”

Aquino said his administration was determined to solve the lingering problems of traffic jams and flooding Next page in Metro Manila.

TONY TAN CAKTIONG

$2.2 B

Next page

Activists question BoC chief’s divestment

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Ozamiz radio broadcaster killed A RADIO broadcaster was shot dead by four unidentified gunmen in northwestern Mindanao Thursday morning, police said.

Reports said Cosme Maestrado, 49, from radio dxOC in Ozamiz City was killed by four assailants at about 10:10 a.m.

Supt. Jerry Tambis, Ozamiz City Police Director, said the

ambush occurred in front of the Quality Shopping Center along Washington Street and Rizal Street, in Barangay 50.

Tambis said Maestrado was talking to the owner of the establishment when four gunmen, two of whom were riding on a motorcycle as backup. Two other gunmen walked up casually to the victim and shot him in the head and chest.

Maestrado had 10 gunshot wounds in different parts of the body.

Manila city hall.

“We will provide security in the area to ensure From A1... that no untoward incigroup had set up on the dent will happen durstreet beside a giant LED ing the vigil. We already screen, but the protesters deployed 50 policemen, were in a festive mood, and we will ask for more chanting “Huwag pa- if the crowd of INC bebe” and “Kalayaan ng members grows,” Barot Iglesia, huwag gipitin said.

[Don’t quell the freedom At about 5 p.m., the of religion].”

INC members tried to Church officials back- block vehicles leaving stage declined to com- the Justice Department ment if the rally had compound, changing been ordered by church “bias” against De Lima. leaders, but one of them Others shouted for said the protest was justice for the 44 police scheduled to last until commandos who died in Friday afternoon.

Mamasapano.

INC officials on Sources said De Lima Wednesday assailed the slipped out of the Jus“extraordinary atten- tice Department buildtion” given by De Lima ing by passing through to the case filed by oust- a door connected to the ed minister Isaias Sam- Supreme Court, where son Jr., when she has not she was escorted out by given the same attention members of the National to the case of the 44 po- Bureau of Investigation. lice commandos killed The stretch of Padre in the Mamasapano Faura in front of the massacre in January.

Justice Department was Sought for comment, closed to traffic.

De Lima said she was The Palace defended just doing her job.

De Lima’s decision to inAn INC member, who vestigate the INC case. requested anonymity, “Cabinet members told The Standard that serve for as long as they they would be holding enjoy the President’s a vigil at the Justice De- trust and confidence. partment to demand De Has the Justice secretary Lima’s resignation. The committed any action vigil protest will likely that would seriously uncontinue until Saturday, dermine such trust and the source added. confidence?” said Com“We want De Lima to munications Secretary step down immediately Herminio Coloma Jr., due to her clear bias in a text message to The against the INC leader- Standard. ship,” the source said, On Wednesday, an INC adding that the Justice evangelist Bienvenido C. secretary has shown un- Santiago questioned De due interest in the case.

Lima’s real motive af“We are apprehensive ter they learned that the that it might be used for secretary was personally political purposes,” the attending to the filing of INC member said, but cases by the Samson. declined to elaborate.

Moreover, he said that Police Supt. Albert the INC had also learned Barot said 50 policemen that the DOJ has placed were deployed in the under its custody some area to secure the safety of those dismissed by the of the INC members INC who have been regathered there. sponsible for sowing inHe said the protesters trigues and divisiveness had a permit from the in the organization.

The suspects fled, leaving Maestrado sprawled on the pavement.

He was taken to the nearby Medina Hospital but died 40 minutes later.

Investigators said Maestrado, anchor of a program called Ratsada, was likely killed because he was vocal in reporting illegal activities of some influential personalities in Ozamiz City.

The radio broadcaster had been receiving threats and survived an ambush last year.

The death of Maestrado

brought to 33 the number of journalists killed under the Aquino administration, and the 176th since the People Power uprising in 1986.

The Palace issued a statement condemning the killing.

“The local PNP (Philippine National Police) has been directed to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing of Mr. Maestrado,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

Ozamiz City is a part of Misa-

mis Occidental, a province about 903 kilometers south of Manila.

Maestrado said the previous attempt on his life might have been connected to his criticism of a Misamis congressman.

In the November 2011 attempt on his life, unidentified men onboard several motorcycles surrounded his car and fired at him on Maningcol Highway and Bacolod Street in Gango village. His assailants missed and Maestrado managed to return fire. With Sandy araneta

INC

Homes for the homeless. President Benigno Aquino III listens to the speech of one of the beneficiaries of the housing units provided to the squatters at the Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City. Malacañang PHoto Bureau

Noynoy From A1...

Based on government data, 22,400 new vehicles and 100,000 motorcycles were sold every month in 2014.

Aquino said the total number of motorcycles added last year was about 1.2 million.

The President said some solutions would take years to carry out.

“The ideal situation is to add more bridges and conduct road widening.

But, this would take several years and would take several discussions on right of way,” Aquino said.

The President appealed to the public to be patient, because the government was still looking for practical solutions to the traffic problem.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the President also noted constraints imposed by limited road space and long implementation periods for mass transit and infrastructure projects.

“He appealed for citizen support, saying we need to unite and view the situation with patience and understanding. With all of us contributing our best efforts, we will certainly share in enjoying the fruits of progress,” Coloma said.

Under the President’s instructions, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras has been consulting with various stakeholders to integrate proposals from the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Public Works and Highways Department, the Transportation and Communications De-

partment and the Philippine National Police, Coloma said.

Aquino said if he had all the power and resources he needed, he would have already solved the hellish traffic in Metro Manila.

A recent study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the country loses P2.4 million in productivity losses every day due to traffic.

To solve flooding, Aquino said the solution was to have a comprehensive, detailed and systematic flood management master plan.

He said Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson presented the master plan, which includes the main drainage project in Mandaluyong City, as part of the major flood control projects and drainage improvement works being done in the National Capital Region.

On Thursday, the President also inspected a relocation site for squatters in Pasig City.

The project, which has a budget allocation of P50 billion, aims to resettle 900 families who have illegally settled at the Manggahan Floodway, and eventually help solve the flooding in Metro Manila.

The President said the new settlement was part of the administration’s principle to Build Back Better.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said consistent enforcement of discipline on the roads could go a long way to ease traffic woes in Metro Manila.

“Without consistent enforcement of road discipline, the traffic situation will not improve even if the traffic czar of the metropolis himself acts as a traffic

enforcer,” said Marcos, chairman of the Senate public works committee.

Discipline on the roads has to be imposed because improvements to the country’s mass transport system and road infrastructure have not yet been completed.

“Construction of new roads and fixing the trains will take some time, but traffic congestion can at least be partly solved by consistently enforcing discipline on our roads,” Marcos said.

He added that it was unfortunate that the country had a light rail system that could help ease traffic, but this was plagued with serious safety and reliability issues.

“You know that the situation has turned from bad to worse when a Catholic Cardinal, who normally devotes himself to spiritual concerns, has to call the government’s attention to address the daily traffic hell,” Marcos said, referring to Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who urged the government on Wednesday put priority on “putting order in the streets.”

On Aug. 14, a payday and a Friday, hundreds missed their flights as monstrous traffic jams were reported on most major roads in Metro Manila especially along Andrews Avenue, Airport Road and Sucat Road—vital arteries leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya‘s comment that the traffic is “not fatal” infuriated thousands of commuters who endure the daily traffic ordeal, forcing the secretary to make a hasty apology.

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Trillanes-Quicho word war heats up THE word war between Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Rico Quicho, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s spokesman, continued on Thursday after Quicho chided Trillanes for supposedly backtracking on his threat to put him under surveillance by some of his 63 consultants.

According to Senate and Commission on Audit documents, Trillanes spends P1.63 million a month to pay his consultants.

“Senator Trillanes, in an apparent attempt to skirt the unlawful practice of surveillance and the wire-tapping of citizens, back-pedaled and said he is not threatening me but merely giving an example of the work of his confidential agents. Tell that to the marines, Mr. Senator,” Quicho said.

“You thought you could change the issue by your lofty threats. No way intelligence gathering can be considered as a legitimate consultancy work. The ineptness of your reply exhibits how shallow you treat consultancy work for your personal gain.

“It is time for the Senate to police its ranks and discipline members that engage in wire-tapping, surveil-

lance and other illegal means of obtaining evidence, which Senator Trillanes openly admits.”

Quicho made his statement even as Trillanes said Quicho was not aware of the job of confidential agents because “what he knows is to defend crooks like former Chief Justice [Renato] Corona and Binay.”

He said he was ready to present all his consultants even to Quicho.

Asked if he was worried because he had named his consultants, Trillanes said no.

“Not worried because they will be able to handle themselves... I’m worried about those making allegations—very malicious,” Trillanes said.

Quicho reiterated his call for the Senate ethics committee to investigate Trillanes for using public funds to pay for his personal expenses.

Quicho told Trillanes not to waste people’s money for his surveillance.

Trillanes had threatened Quicho after he asked Trillanes to be investigated by the Senate ethics committee for including his alleged house help in his list of consultants. The house help was reportedly being paid P3,500 a month.

“I can give that mission just to prove a point,” Trillanes said in a report.

Quicho also criticized Trillanes for his “overpriced” consultants, saying he was clearly wasting the taxpayers’ money. Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-araneta

New guns. An Army officer inspects one of the newly procured carbines in Camp Aguinaldo that will soon be supplied to Army troops. LiNo SaNtoS

Comelec all set to ink deal with source code reviewer

aviation tourism Week. Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. checks out the delicacies in the food stalls in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City during the celebration of Aviation Tourism Week. Ey acaSio

Quorum lack stymies BBL’s passage

By Maricel V. cruz SPEAKER Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Thursday the perennial problem of securing a quorum in the House of Representatives was delaying the passage of the Palacebacked Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Even if the House of Representatives was able to muster a quorum in the past three session days this week, Belmonte said, he was disappointed that the House had failed to resume its plenary debates and discussions on the measure.

“To be very frank, I am a little disappointed that the BBL was not given a chance to be taken up,” Belmonte told reporters.

He made his statement even as Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez backed the passage of a proposed law allowing the live broadcast of all House proceedings in state-owned PTV Channel 4 to promote further transparency.

Romualdez was referring to House Bill 4049 filed by Rep. Lito Atienza, who wants the public to witness how their representatives

are performing in the chamber.

“This is a very laudable proposal. The public must witness how members of the House are performing and responding to the call of their legislative duties,” Romualdez said.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was bracing for the expected intense debates on the grants to the Bangsamoro government, which is expected to reach billions of pesos, when the deliberations on the BBL resumes next week.

Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile hoped he would be the last to interpellate Marcos on his substitute bill that he was still studying following his release from detention.

Meanwhile, Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao appealed to lawmakers to restore the salient provisions in the original BBL while Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said he was uncertain about the fate of the draft law.

However, MILF leaders were convinced the BBL was still alive and remained hopeful.

Hataman issued his appeal as the Senate and House prepared to resume the deliberations on the draft law which, he said, was replaced by an entirely different version.

Belmonte said the quorum problem would be solved by simply reminding the House members to attend the sessions.

“I think reminding them is enough,” Belmonte said, even as he remained optimistic that the House leadership would be able to meet its deadline in passing a BBL that is “Constitution-compliant.”

“We can’t be divisive,” Belmonte said.

“The majority has five groups and the minority has two groups.

They have the capacity to stand on their own. It is a better strategy to work in harmony.”

Belmonte also said he favored the proposal of Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. for the House leadership to come up with rules and regulations to address the quorum problem, such as penalties or suspension for absentee congressmen. With Macon Ramos-araneta and PNa

THE Commission on Elections said Thursday it is set to sign a P35-million contract with a licensed foreign company to review the source code to be installed in more than 93,000 Optical Mark Reader or OMR machines for the 2016 national and local elections.

Commissioner Christian Robert Lim said the Comelec was scheduled to sign the source code certification contract today, Friday, with SLI Global Solutions to review the source code, or the instruction programmed in every machine.

“Hopefully, we can sign it on Friday at 2 p.m.,” Lim said.

“Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corporation will turn over to us the base source code, which we will turn over to Systest Labs.”

Lim made his statement even as the Comelec on Thursday decided to synchronize the schedule of registration in all its field offices from Monday to Friday, or two months before the Oct. 31 registration deadline, instead of from Sunday to Thursday.

SLI Global Solution is the

former Systems Lab Inc., also known as Systest Labs, the foreign company that reviewed the source code for the Precinct Count Optical Scan or PCOs units in the 2010 presidential elections and the 2013 senatorial voting exercise.

The deal between the Comelec and Systest Labs costs $766,000 or about P35 million, said Lim, who is also the chairman of the Comelec Steering Committee for the May 2016 elections.

Lim said Systest Labs offered the cheapest price of $80,000 compared to the other foreign companies during a limited source bidding conducted by the Technical Evaluation Committee.

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista said they also chose Systest Labs to do the review since the foreign company was already familiar with the country’s source code given its past dealings with them.

The source code is the human readable instructions that dictate what the automated election system will do. Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

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BoC chief’s divestment in 19 firms questioned

By Sandy Araneta A LEFTIST political party on Thursday scored Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina as being part of the problem at an agency which it described as being “institutionally corrupt” and a “perfect instrument for cheating and raising funds for the coming elections.”

“As the campaign fever rises by the day, we fear that the probability of holding clean and honest elections also fades by the day,” said Sonny Melencio, chairperson of the socialist Partido Lakas ng Masa, which is affiliated with the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino and Sanlakas.

“It is, however, an open secret that Customs posts are generally awarded to campaign financiers and supporters,” Melencio charged, saying Lina has yet to explain how he divested out of 19 companies under the Lina Group of Companies, which he used to personally head.

Melencio said Lina vowed he would divest himself of all business interests when he was appointed Customs chief in April because of the obvious conflict with his public office “but up to now, no public announcement by concerned agencies have been made on the status of his divestments.”

He said Lina’s companies may have been sold to lesser known associates or even to dummies so that he could buy them back after Aquino’s term ends, similar to what he did in 2005 when he resigned as Customs chief of then President Gloria Arroyo and joined the so-called Hyatt 10.

“Despite Lina’s lion share of the market, the PLM deems that he is going in for the kill—a move to monopolize the entire forwarding industry before President Noynoy Aquino steps down from office,” said Melencio.

Lina, together with his wife Sylvia, is chairman and major stockholder of 19 companies under the Lina group which includes Airfreight 2100 Inc., Air2100 Inc., Cargohaus Inc., U-Freight Philippines Inc., and U-Ocean Inc., all doing business with the Customs bureau, said Melencio.

Fifth anniversary. Manila Mayor

Joseph Estrada offers a prayer on Thursday during a Buddhist memorial rite at the Quirino Grandstand in remembrance of the eight foreign tourists who were killed during the hostage situation instigated by a disgruntled policeman on Aug. 23, 2010.

DANNY PATA

FOI bill still a priority, Belmonte says

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said on Thursday the House of Representatives will exert its best effort to pass the proposed transparency measure that has been languishing in Congress for several years.

“The FOI bill is still a priority of the House,” Belmonte said, stressing that there is still time

for pass the law—“a last window of opportunity, to make a greater difference in the lives of our people”—during the third and last session of the 16th Congress.

Earlier, Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, one of the principal authors of the FOI bill in the House, earlier expressed belief that President Aquino III’s renewed urging to Congress to pass the FOI bill would boost its passage in the

16th Congress.

“I think the President’s endorsement will make the FOI bill pass for sure. As one of the principal authors of this bill, I really hope my colleagues will see the value in the FOI bill,” Tambunting told The Standard.

If passed into law, Tambunting said the measure would strengthen the right of citizens to information held by the government as well as

give the public access to information necessary in the exercise of the people’s right to “effective and reasonable participation at all levels of decision making affecting the lives of the Filipinos.”

“Only the corrupt should be afraid of the FOI bill. This is a must for a more transparent government,” Tambunting said.

Misamis Occidental Rep. Jorge Almonte, chair of the House

committee on public information which deliberated on the FOI bill, said he is confident the bill will be passed in the 16th Congress.

“Chances [of the bill’s passage] have improved with the President’s open support to the FOI. Both President Aquino and Speaker Feliciano has given their positive response to the proposed transparency measure. I do not see any reason now why the bill will not pass,” Almonte said.

Ex-justice: GMA can get bail

By Rio N. Araja

Concurring opinion. Retired Sandiganbayan magistrate Edilberto Sandoval explains why he agrees with the Supreme Court ruling allowing Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail during a media forum at the Serye Restaurant in Quezon City. LINO SANTOS

ALTHOUGH former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo bypassed him five times during his judicial career, former Sandiganbayan presiding justice Edilberto Sandoval said on Thursday he would have voted to grant the former leader bail if he had been one of the magistrates hearing the case.

“Even if Gloria Arroyo [repeatedly] denied my appointment, I would have voted to grant her bail [if I were still a Sandiganbayan justice],” said Sandoval, who was appointed presiding justice in 2010 by incumbent President Benigno Aquino III and served until 2011.

Although he had been nominated for Sandiganbayan presiding justice five times, Sandoval was bypassed by the appointments of Minita Chico-Nazario in 2002, Teresita Leonardo-de Castro in 2004, Diosdado M. Peralta in 2008, Ma. Cristina Cortez-Estrada in 2009 and

Norberto Geraldez in 2010.

“I did not receive any appointment or promotion five times under Arroyo’s administration,” Sandoval said. “It was only under the Daang Matuwid that I had been appointed.”

Moreover, Sandoval said the Supreme Court’s decision on the case of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile could be applied to Arroyo.

“GMA’s motion for bail has a big chance,” he said. “I believe she could qualify for a bail due to humanitarian considerations, old age and voluntary surrender.”

Sandoval said other Sandiganbayan justices had already ruled to allow Arroyo’s coconspirators to post bail and that suggests that the evidence was weak, he noted.

“Why is it that her co-conspirators [in the plunder suit] were granted bail, while some were cleared,” he said. “[While] Arroyo’s justification was that she was just a signatory, a ministerial duty of hers.”

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House sets curbs on LPG trade

By Maricel V. Cruz

The house of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure establishing a regulatory framework for the safe operations of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry. the house bill 5617 sets standards of conduct and codes of practice for the LPG industry. It substituted house bill Nos. 396 and 756 authored, respectively, by reps. Susan Yap of tarlac and Arnel ty of LPGMA party-list. “the LPG industry has already marked a significant portion in the market due to its high demand.

Operating under a regulated downstream oil industry structure, it allows its market participants to engage in unfair and unsafe trade practices, hurting consumers and to a large extent, causing negative externalities to society,” Yap said. “the measure will address quality and safety concerns and uphold the right of consumers to freely choose the LPG brand they want to purchase,” Yap added.

Under the measure, ty, a house deputy minority leader, said a regulatory framework for the importation, refining, refilling, transportation, distribution and marketing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and the manufacture, requalification, exchange and swapping or improvement of LPG cylinders shall be established.

Not later than six months from the effectivity of this measure, an LPG Monitoring and enforcement task Force shall be created, composed of the secretary of DOe as chairperson, secretaries of the DILG and the DtI as members, and as determined by the chairperson, representatives from other government agencies, LPG industry participants, and from the private sector entities to assist the Department of energy (DOe) in monitoring and compliance standards inspection, and in the exercise of other powers and functions necessary to give force and effect to the proposed Act. the measure, otherwise known as the “LPG Industry regulation and Safety Act,” mandates the DOe to deputize the Department of trade and Industry (DtI) in the processing of the License to Operate for dealers and retailers, subject to the standards set in the proposed Act. Under the bill, engaging in business without license to operate, engaging in business without accreditation, refusal or obstruction of inspection, failure to post license to operate, failure to submit reportorial requirements, illegal storage, failure to comply with product standards, adulteration, under-filling, illegal refilling, hoarding, unauthorized trading of LPG cylinders are prohibited and fined with a maximum of P500,000 for an individual and P1,000,000 for a corporation.

Malasakit. Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (second right) is warmly welcomed by hundreds of senior citizen and Single Parent Associations members during his visit at Barangay Capri in Novaliches, Quezon City. Romualdez is attending to the needs and problems of senior citizens as well as the single parents of the barangay as part of his ‘Malasakit’ advocacy. Ver NoVeNo

Grace, Chiz: Whiff of fresh air “A breAth of fresh air in the polluted world of presidential politics.” this was how batangas rep. Mark Mendoza described presidential frontrunner Senator Grace Poe, who the legislator said was attracting more supporters because of her positivity, intelligence, and charm.

“You could see how the students in the University of San Carlos reacted to Senator Grace when she spoke. that was not a hakot crowd; they were there because they wanted to see her,” said Mendoza, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

According to him, Poe exuded “a genuine warmth that cannot be faked.” “this is why the students received her so warmly in Cebu. this is why many of

my fellow NPC members are drawn to her. they feel this is what our country needs; someone who can inspire our people, someone who can give our people hope,” said Mendoza.

Mendoza likewise lauded Poe “for taking the higher road, for talking about issues instead of criticizing other candidates.” the solon added that she and Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” escudero were “the perfect tandem” as escudero also focused on “programs, not personalities” when approaching important issues.

“Chiz has always been constructive.

In Senate hearings you will notice that he is never personal; he attacks problems, not people,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza added that the bicolano senator’s objective “is always to find solutions. he understands that grandstanding is unproductive and doesn’t get anything done, which is why he is always focused on finding answers, not finding fault.”

Although the two senators have yet to formally declare their plans, Mendoza said that NPC members were all expecting Poe and escudero to announce their candidacies soon.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.

And the photos in Cebu and their other trips tell us that when Senator Grace and Senator Chiz formally announce their plans to run for president and vice president, this will be welcomed by a lot of people.”

Angara bucks Palace PPtf launches book on Philippine printing history line on income tax he noted that if Malacañang outrightly LIberAL Party says “we are opposing it,” Senator Juan edgardo it would mean “minus Angara on thursday pogi points” on their assailed Malacañang’s part. “lip service” payment he noted that on a proposal to lower Malacañang has been personal income saying since March tax as he called on 2014 that they are open presidentiables and vice to reducing personal presidentiables to make income tax. a clear stand on the “they have been bill. open for over a year, “Malacañang is just but nobody is acting saying they are open on it,” stressed the to it so that nobody administration senator will be angry, and in yesterday’s “Kapihan they will not appear sa Senado.” “antagonistic,” said he cited a press Angara, chairman of release or a report that the ways and means the Palace is amenable to committee. income tax reform.

By Macon Araneta

the Philippine Printing technical Foundation Inc. launched the “history of the Philippine Printing Industry” book at the 48th anniversary and 2nd GMM celebration held on July 23, 2015 at the edsa Shangri-La hotel.

James L. Chiu, author of the history book, is a pioneer printer and stalwart of the printing industry as well as chairman emeritus of the Printing Industry board Foundation, Inc. and former PPtF treasurer. the landmark publication traces the history of the local printing industry from the Spanish era to the present. According to Mr. Chiu, “In the face of the ASeAN integration’s challenges and opportunities, it’s time to chronicle the milestones and give back to our industry the acknowledgment to its many leaders who pioneered the path towards the progress we now enjoy.” Shown with Chiu (left) are lawyer Dominador D. buhain, PPtF president (holding the book) and benito J. brizuela, PPtF president emeritus.

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Supplier has fixed defective M4 rifles, says Army

By Florante S. Solmerin THE Philippine Army on Thursday said its supplier has fixed the M4 assault rifles that were found to be defective. The rifles, acquired from the US-based Remington Outdoor Company, are ready for issuance to different units including the Marines, said Colonel Benjamin Hao, Army public affairs chief.

The rifles were bought for P1.2 billion as part of the AFP modernization program.

Most of the rifles were delivered a year ago by Remington Outdoor Company but the Army’s Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee found defects with the rifles’ sights and barrel grooves after a series of firing tests.

“Out of this total procurement, 44,186 rifles are now on-hand of which 24,300 are now ready for issuance and 19,866 still have to undergo ballistic test for record purposes,” Hao said.

He said ballistic tests conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory use the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS).

The IBIS is a computerbased system which has the capability to capture, store, compare and retrieve digital images of cartridge casings (shells) and bullets for the purpose of connecting or tracing this to the guns from which these were fired.

“The procurement of new firearms is part of Revised AFP Modernization Act under RA 10349 signed in December 2012 that aims to develop a credible strategic Armed Force and the professionalization of the AFP. With these new upgraded weapons, the Philippine Army is on the right track of transforming into a modern Army that our country deserves to have,” Hao said.

Fueling educators. Teachers (4th-6th in photo) of Caloocan National Science and Technology High School are now equipped with Caltex Fuel Your

School STEM tools to fuel learning for their students. Joining them are (from left): Ebb Hinchcliffe, Executive Director of American Chamber of Commerce; Jun Salipsip, Executive Director, American Chamber Foundation Philippines Inc.; Edwin Feist, president of the American Chamber Foundation Philippines Inc.; Dr. Luz Almeda, Department of Education, NCR Director; Raissa Bautista, Manager for Policy, Government, and Public Affairs Chevron Philippines Inc.; and Peter Morris, General Manager for Philippine Products, Chevron Philippines Inc.

Sugar smuggling foiled

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs on Thursday seized smuggled sugar from Thailand valued at P85 million, so far the biggest apprehension this year in terms of volume and value.

Customs deputy commissioner for intelligence Jessie Dellosa said that smuggling of sugar, rice and highly taxable items became rampant in the second quarter of 2015, stressing that some Customs officials were linked to the smuggling activities.

Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, who assumed the bureau’s top post in April this year, is at odds

with Dellosa after the Customs chief transferred lawyer Leonardo Peralta, chief of Investigation Group to the ‘Customs Policy Research Office’ (CPRO) at the DOF. Peralta is a close friend of Dellosa.

During the inspection at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Dellosa vowed to go after smugglers who are known allies of politicians.

The seized imported sugar arrived at the MICP in several batches and consigned to Global Classe Marketing and Comm.

Corporation with business address along FB Harrison Street, Pasay City. The customs broker who tried to facilitate the shipment’s release from the bureau is identified as Rolando Crave.

Dellosa said that Global Classe and Crave tried to avoid detection of the smuggling attempt by declaring the sugar as “general merchandize” consisting of various kitchen utensils like table spoon and fork and chopping boards, cutlery and as

Big bash for senior citizens IBA, Zambales—In its first-ever event of its kind in the province, 45,000 senior citizens are treated to a joint birthday celebrations being organized every month, a high priority project of the provincial government.

Ovido Dabay, president of the Cabangan Federation of Senior Citizens, cited the administration’s priority program to pay tribute to the elderlies, and give them the attention and care they need, and the assistance programs both from the national and provincial governments.

Dabay, a 72-year-old private teacher, said no other Zambales governors had ever looked after the well-being and welfare of the senior citizens, “but only Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.” The increasing number of older people has been assured of their rights and privileges under Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded

Senior Citizens Act, and the provincial elderly benefit programs as well, he said.

“Zambales is senior citizenfriendly,” said Teodoro Callo, San Narciso Federation of Senior Citizens president.

The joint birthday party paves the way for old people to enjoy the company of their peers.

“We all together celebrate our birthdays. The governor has gone the extra mile beyond our nationally mandated benefits. All celebrants are treated to a party, cakes and gifts, the first ever in the history of Zambales,” Callo said.

“This is the only birthday party I ever had in my entire life,” the 92-year-old Agripino Gerardo of San Felipe town said.

A gift of P10, 000 each to those who have reached 100 years old is given out, too.

According to Dabay, Zambales can boast of having a “uniformed senior citizens” building built by only one engineer in each of the 13 municipalities—Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, Palauig, Iba, Botolan, Cabangan, San Felipe, San Narciso, San Antonio, San Marcelino, Castillejos and Subic.

“The construction of the facilities was the initiative of the governor,” he stressed.

In an effort to give the elders another high priority projects and programs, the provincial government has also built a senior citizens ward at the provincial hospital, and even provided seniors who suffer from arthritis, rheumatism and paralysis with free brand-new wheelchairs.

Free eye checkups and cataract operations have also been made available for the senior citizens at no cost.

various school and office supplies.

The importer and consignee will be charged with smuggling, according to bureau officials. The sugar would also be automatically confiscated for lack of the import permit from the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

Although the shipment was declared to have been shipped on separate occasions from Hongkong, the bags containing the highly refined sugar showed they all came from Thailand.

“This is how they tried to evade detection, by first transporting the sugar to another port like Hongkong and then loading them to

another vessel bound for the Philippines,” Dellosa said.

Meanwhile, Sugar Alliance of the Philippines president Manuel Lamata called on Lina to resign from his post following the confiscation of imported sugar worth P85 million.

In an interview, Lamata said that since Lina assumed the post, smuggling of sugar, rice and other imported merchandize increased, to the detriment of local farmers and producers.

Lamata was with Dellosa during the inspection of 56 container vans of Thai sugar. Lina cannot be reached for comment.

Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. greets the 92-year-old Agripino Gerardo (on his wheelchair), a resident of San Felipe municipality, in a joint birthday party of senior citizens celebration for August celebrants recently held at the covered court of San Narciso town. Beside Gerardo is his daughter Jean.

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Breakwater protects Cagayan town from storm surge

By Brenda Jocson SANTA ANA, Cagayan— The newly completed P5billion breakwater project in Barangay Casambalangan here stopped Typhoon Ineng-brought tidal surges, saving at least 1,000 residents from flooding.

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) officials and residents in this coastal town expressed relief after the typhoon did not bring as much damage to the town as expected.

The 1,000 meter-long breakwater, completed last February, was constructed primarily to protect Port Irene in Casambalangan Bay which CEZA officials described as already structurally unsafe and highly vulnerable to catastrophe.

CEZA Public Relations chief Joyce Marie JaymeCalimag said the effect of Ineng could have been worse.

“This is especially true especially in the coastal areas of Santa Ana town located at the tip of the island on the open sea of Babuyan Channel, a typhoon-prone area with high waves and destructive tidal surges,” Calimag said.

She said that the force of the typhoon created a water mass of at least six meters water mass which exploded upon contact with the breakwater and pushed water to the air.

“It is, however, unfortunate that the prolonged exposure of the breakwater structure from the destructive effect of storm surge caused the armor rocks to move and created an opening at the top level of the structure,” she said.

Calimag said this weakened the structure, causing misalignment to some portions of the breakwater, but it stood at its best, strong and reliable.

Calimag said the breakwater is covered by a 15-year warranty. Thus, the contractor will handle the repair of the minor damage with no cost to CEZA.

Treasure hunt. Private miners in Itogon, Benguet search for precious gold. DAVID CHAN

Basilan gets P15 million for agri, fishery projects

By A. Perez Rimando

ISABELA CITY, Basilan—The Department of Agriculture has allocated over P15 million for agriculture and fishery projects, equipment and inputs to uplift the socioeconomic condition of native Yakan farmers and fisherfolk in this province.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala led the turnover of various materials to local officials headed by Gov. Jum Akbar and recipi-

ent farmers and fishermen at the Capitol grounds here.

Also present at the turnover were Agriculture Assistant Secretary and national corn

program coordinator Edilberto de Luna, Agriculture Region 9 Director Eduardo Holoyohoy, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Agriculture Secretary Sangkula Tindick, Bureau of Fisheries Director Asis Perez, and High Value Crops Development Program Director Jennifer Remoquillo.

Materials turned over to local officials included P5 million worth of fishery and seaweed production

projects, P5 million for the establishment of rubber nursery to produce quality planting materials, P3 million for coconut seedlings, salt fertilization, grafted fruit tree seedlings worth P440,000, 400,000 pieces of polyethylene bags, and assorted vegetable seeds for a Barangay Food Terminal project.

Alcala directed Remoquillo to provide local farmers with cacao and coffee seedlings for trial

planting and encouraged farmers and fisher folk to organize themselves into cooperative so they could qualify and apply for loans and credit assistance with the Land Bank of the Philippines.

He also urged the island’s local government leaders, farmers, fishermen and agri-fishery stakeholders “to craft a five-year agricultural and fishery development plan with the agency’s technical assistance.”

Reg 12 to open Halal lab in 2016

Almost new. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has completed the rebuilding of the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City. ERIC APOLONIO

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) in Region 12 is pushing for the full completion of the Philippine National Halal Laboratory complex in nearby Koronadal City by next year.

Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan, DoST-12 regional director, said the laboratory will be used to train food manufacturers and build a pool of halal certifiers in the country.

She said it will enable the country to immediately start certifying food manufacturers, especially those that want to tap the growing global halal market.

Halal is Arabic for “permissible” but is also largely referring to food that is allowed for consumption among Muslims.

Presently, the global halal market comprises 112 countries with an estimated

population of 1.8 billion.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 (RDC-12) had endorsed the halal laboratory as one of the region’s priority infrastructure and socioeconomic projects.

It was listed as among the top “Kilos Abante” programs and projects under the Competitive Industry and Services Sector of the updated Region 12 or Soccsksargen Regional Development Plan for 2014 to 2016.

The RDC’s regional project monitoring committee visited it recently and witnessed the masonry and finishing works as well as the installation of travertine stone and its steel frames.

The installation of travertine stone is part of the approved program of work under the project’s Phase VII.

A8

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR F R I D AY: A U G U S T 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ECONOMIC GROWTH STILL ANEMIC

[ EDI TORI A L ]

THE economy registered a respectable 5.6-percent growth in the second quarter of 2015, but the rate of expansion is not enough for the government to meet its ambitious 7 to 8-percent target this year.

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has finally conceded the gross domestic product growth goal for 2015 is no longer realistic, with the economy likely to expand by just 6 to 6.5 percent.

The Philippines will be lucky to post the lower growth target, given the

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current volatility in the global markets and slower exports, which dropped every month in the second quarter.

Foreign investment bank Barclays reduced its 2015 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.5 percent after the release of the second-quarter GDP figures Thursday. It warned that government spending had not grown fast enough and that exports had been soft and dragging down economic growth.

The government missed an opportunity in the early part of 2015, when it slowed down on public

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spending that contributed much to the anemic 5-percent economic growth in the first quarter. The state tried to step up spending in the second quarter of the year to play catchup, but other factors such as the contraction of the agricultural sector in the April-to-June period, falling exports and the slower-than-expected growth in China, the world’s second largest economy, will likely slow down the expansion for the full year.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., meanwhile,

suggested that while consumption in the economy remained strong, it was necessary to find other drivers of growth.

The business process outsourcing business and dollar remittances from migrant Filipino workers have been propping up the economy but agriculture was a disappointment. Tourism revenues have also not contributed much as anticipated by the government. Miserable airport facilities and the serious traffic problem, especially in the metropolis, are driving away potential tourists in the

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Philippines.

The Philippine economy may be more resilient compared with the rest of Asia. But it is still way behind the rapid strides made by Thailand and Malaysia, two Southeast Asian countries that have seriously put up infrastructure projects to meet the demands of their growing economy.

LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES Mr. Robles’ column will resume next week.

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F R I D AY, A U G U S T 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

STILL ON THE RIGHT TO BAIL PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO VERBA legis...the words of the law are the necessary starting point for all juridical argument.

And so we must closely heed the ‘verba’ of Article III of the Constitution: Section 13. All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as may be provided by law. The right to bail shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required.

“Shall be bailable by sufficient sureties”—that is what those charged with offenses punishable by ‘reclusion perpetua’ WHEN evidence of guilt is strong are excepted from. “Shall be bailable by sufficient sureties”—which, in effect, is the imposition on the

What is the basis for denying bail to the accused when it has not yet been established that evidence of guilt is strong?

State of the duty to grant bail.

By Hohfeld’s analysis, to say that A has a right to x means, among other things, that A can compel that B give, grant or concede x.

For a right to be real, he who claims it must be able to pinpoint another against whom it can be claimed. In this case, the other is clearly the State. And when the crime is punishable by ‘reclusion perpetua’ when evidence of guilt is strong, what then? Then sets in the difficulty with the modal proposition. “Shall” in law, unless qualified by provisos or conditions, is “must”. “X shall give Y” is the equivalent of “It is necessary that X give Y”. In the square of modal opposition, the contradictory of a necessary proposition is a contingent proposition: “X need not give Y”.

“The State need not grant bail.”

And that is worlds apart from the necessary-negative: “The State shall not grant bail.” Surely, when personal liberty, the com-

pany of one’s loved ones and the comfort of home, no matter how humble, are at stake, a logical excursus of this sort is far from otiose! If “need not be bailable” is taken as the opposite of “shall be bailable”, then when charged with a crime for which ‘reclusion perpetua’ is the penalty decreed and evidence of guilt is strong, it is all up to the agent of the State, the court, to grant or to withhold what is no longer available as a matter of right. Of course, if “shall not be bailable” is taken to be the opposite of “shall be bailable” (which is not what logic says is its contradictory), then on those twin conditions, the court must deny bail. I advocate the reading that the contingent properly opposes the necessary, otherwise all reference to “flightrisk” and similar considerations would be impertinent!

The other phrase that bears closer examination is “when evidence of guilt is strong”. Presently, it is required that the judge conduct a bail-hearing at which the prosecution is afforded the opportunity to present its evidence to determine whether evidence of guilt is strong or not. In practice, while this hearing is in progress, the accused is detained.

And that is what is truly troublesome: What is the basis for denying bail to the accused when it has not yet been established that evidence of guilt is strong? What we can do, if we are so minded, is to establish, by statute, a different manner of determining whether evidence of guilt is strong or not, besides a full-length bail hearing. Justice Roberto Abad’s proposal for civil cases, now in the pilot-test stage, for face-to-face hearings might be one option: The principal witness presented by the prosecution is confronted by the rebutting testimony of a defense witness on each material point. This would skirt the longwinded direct and cross examinations so beloved to courtroom acrobats, allowing the Court immediate, though tentative, evaluation of the strength or the weakness of the prosecution. All that the Constitution requires, after all, is that there be a determination that the evidence of the prosecution is strong.

The first of the principles Rawls believes by which rational individuals will want society organized is to allow each person the widest latitude of liberty possible that is compatible with a similar latitude for all others. And while the liberty of which Rawls writes is not necessarily the liberty of movement, curtailed by detention, it certainly includes that. An undue curtailment of liberty cannot be just! rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

A GOOD TIME TO REVIEW THE end of each year, semester and quarter is usually a good time for profit-oriented companies to review their financial performance. If done objectively and competently, these financial reviews confirm the companies’ successes and unmask their failures.

After reviewing emerging opportunities and threats, they then proceed to complete the rest of their targets or start working on other more attainable objectives.

In addition to these reviews, companies that have become national institutions use their anniversaries and foundation days, to trace back their roots and origins, and reexamine their reasons for being.

For my senior citizen friends and me, we like most the way the United States Social Security Administration celebrated the 75th anniversary—not of its establishment—but of the signing into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the Social Security Act. That occasion on Aug. 14, 2010 was used by President Barack Obama to call on all Americans to ensure that they “continue to preserve this program’s original purpose in the 21st century,” which, he reminded, was “to protect ordinary Americans ‘against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.’”

FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO He narrated that: “Our Nation was entrenched in the Great Depression. Unemployment neared 20 percent, and millions of Americans struggled to provide for themselves and their families.

In the midst of all this, the Social Security Act brought hope to some of our most vulnerable citizens, giving elderly Americans income security and bringing us closer to President Roosevelt’s vision of a Nation free from want or fear.”

His rallying message was clear and simple: “Together, we can give our children and our grandchildren the same protections we have cherished for decades, and in doing so, lead our Nation to a brighter day.”

President Obama—by then two years into his presidency— committed his administration to strengthen America’s “retirement system and protecting Social Security as a reliable income source for seniors, workers who develop disabilities, and dependents.”

He realized that after a lifetime of contributing to their country and its economy, “Americans have earned this support.”

He then concluded that: “My Administration is dedicated to safeguarding Social Security’s promise of retirement with dignity and security.”

We could not help but compare America’s remarkable experience with our more difficult and unfinished establishment of social security.

We have also our champion of social security—President Ramon Magsaysay—who once declared that his “concern for the common man is not merely sentimental or emotional. It is a hard fact that a nation cannot survive without the safe foundation of a prosperous and contented majority of its people.”

He then echoed this by declaring that: “We believe what is good for the common man is good for the whole country. Every policy of our administration has therefore been directed to his welfare. We have anchored our national destiny to the common man.”

His birthday—the 108th— would again be observed quietly on August 31 and would be highlighted once again with the presentation of an elite group of outstanding Asians who have been selected for their greatness of spirit and transformative leadership as this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awardees.

Continued on A11

WHERE CHINA GOES FROM HERE Bloomberg editorial FOR years, China’s leaders have wanted the world to acknowledge their economy’s leading role in the global system. This week they got their wish. Sadly, the circumstances weren’t ideal.

The crash in global stock markets began with gloom about China’s prospects and muddle over what the authorities in Beijing intend. Global markets may be calming down, but the confusion hasn’t gone away. The Chinese government and its critics all need to think a bit more clearly about what is going on.

In the past few days, China has been a whipping boy for everyone from Japan’s finance minister to US Republican presidential hopefuls. Its central bank is accused of waging a currency war with its devaluation of the yuan two weeks ago. Before that, critics chided Chinese authorities for perpetuating a stock-market bubble by intervening extensively in equities; this week’s sell-off accelerated when the government declined to prop them up.

The world doesn’t seem quite sure what it wants from China’s leaders. Critics scold Beijing

for boosting stocks, then panic when they don’t. They insist market forces be allowed to set the yuan, then howl when those forces push it down. They tell China to accept slower growth as the price of rebalancing its economy, then clamor for stimulus when the economy slows.

To be sure, there’s confusion in Beijing as well. Leaders have promised to shift the economy onto a more sustainable growth path that’s based less on exports and more on services and domestic demand. But they’ve held to an unreasonably high growth target, presented confusing data to suggest all is going well, had difficulty tackling bad debts, and continued to juice the economy with misdirected public spending.

There’s an underlying tension in that mix: The leadership is sincere about its desire for markets to allocate capital more efficiently, yet mostly in order to preserve the power and position of the Communist Party.

When those two imperatives conflict—as when the stock market’s initial slide threatened to erode faith in Beijing’s economic stewardship—the party’s needs often come first.

That dynamic undermines the progress achieved by genuine reforms, such as exposing the yuan to market pressure.

China’s long history of holding its currency down, combined with a recent plunge in exports, gave observers every reason to believe that a steeper devaluation was in store. The secrecy surrounding Chinese policy and data made the situation worse. Many analysts naturally assume the mainland’s woes must be worse than the recent run of bad figures would indicate. The devaluation suggested panic—and encouraged panic in return.

Beijing’s reluctance to surrender more fully to market discipline is understandable given the daunting list of challenges leaders face. But they’re only storing up problems for the future.

The government is paying the price now for having artificially boosted stocks earlier. The central bank is thought to be spending an estimated $40 billion a month to keep the yuan from falling further and prevent capital flight. Authorities are reportedly consideringraising an additional $161 billion Continued on A11

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A11

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

‘BOBO’ (STUPID) ECONOMICS

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

to smuggling than to honestto-goodness effort at boosting rice production. This is the THE Philippine economy is in a same Agriculture secretary who slowdown mode. It expanded BS Aquino thanked in his sixth by just 5.6 percent in the second and last SONA last July. Alcala quarter this year, down 1.1 per- and Kiko Pangilinan were supcentage points from the robust posed to have, according to BS 6.7 percent gain in April to June Aquino, “sown reforms already of 2014. The 5.6 percent, how- bearing fruit in the agriculture ever, is an improvement, from sector.” the 5.0 percent growth in the What reforms? What fruits? first quarter of this year.

The real score: Agricultural On a per semester basis, the production declined by 0.5 pereconomy expanded by just 5.3 cent in the second quarter of percent in the first half this year, 2015, a dramatic decline from down .9 percent from the 6.2 the 1.1 percent growth in the percent registered in January- first quarter of 2015, and from June 2014. a robust 3.4 percent growth In terms of Gross National in the second quarter of 2014.

Income (GNI), that is, includ- Without the negative growth of ing income from abroad, the agriculture, economic growth slowdown was more dramatic. during the second quarter this GNI grew by just 4.6 percent in year could have been higher, the first half of 2015, down 2.1 instead of the listless 5.6 perpercentage points from the 6.7 cent—all of which was contribpercent GNI growth in the first uted by Industry (2.1 percenthalf of 2014. age points) and Services, 3.5 Why did the economy slow percentage points. down?

On the expenditure side, aside Blame Agriculture Secretary from services—which is basiProceso Alcala. In at least two cally retailing, banking, truckState of the Nation Addresses ing and even call centers —con(SONAs), President BS Aquino sumer spending or household III bragged about having self- consumption contributed 4.1 sufficiency in rice. It was a percentage points or 73 percent lie. The lie was fed to him by of the 5.6 percent GDP growth.

Alcala who paid more attention Government spending contrib-

A good.. From A10 It is also the day before the 58th anniversary of the Social Security System, which President Magsaysay established when he signed into law on June 18, 1954 Republic Act 1161 or the Social Security Act of 1954.

He was able to enact this law within 6 months after taking his oath of office as president on Dec. 30, 1953. However, before he could fully implement it, the nation’s largest labor unions and employer groups had strongly opposed it.

Ironically, the United States Foreign Operations Administration Mission in the Philippines and the American Chamber of Commerce were the ones that led in opposing it, citing

the country’s lack of readiness to implement what they called a premature social security program.

In their assessment: “In the present stage of economic development, such a program would place an undue burden on both employers and workers.”

President Magsaysay had no choice but to defer its full implementation and allowed his SSA of 1954 to be amended first.

Unfortunately, he perished in a plane crash on March 17, 1957 before the amended version could be passed into law.

Vice President Carlos P. Garcia took over as president and pursued its passage, successfully signing it into law on June 21, 1957 as Republic Act 1792.

#FAILOCRACY

uted just half a percent (0.5).

Strong consumer spending could mean households received the remittances from their relatives abroad (that’s Services) or withdrew their money from the banks (that’s Services), boarded a decrepit train (that’s Services) or hailed a taxi with a fast meter (that’s Services), and went shopping in the malls (that’s Services) or ate in their restaurants (that’s Services) or watched a movie (that’s Services). During the period, households probably received an early pre-Christmas balikbayan box (that’s Services).

What the strong consumer spending amid a slowing econo my implies is that Filipinos have a virtually good for nothing government. Daang Matuwid has no meaning for them. People are being left to their own devices.

So if any economic growth is taking place at all, it is no thanks to their government.

From 2011 to 2014, the BS Aquino government refused to spend P529 billion, a figure which former Budget Secretary Ben Diokno describes as mindboggling.

You know the meaning of not spending more than half a trillion pesos? At P2 million per job, not spending P529 billion is equivalent to not creat-

ing 264,500 jobs. Also, with that kind of money unspent, the government could have modernized the decrepit MRT3 ten times over and reduce commuting time from three hours, one way, to just ten minutes! That is why the more than 400,000 train commuters of MRT3 should organize themselves and storm Malacañang, the presidential palace, because that is where the buck stops. BS Aquino has plenty of money. He knows it. And he is not spending it for the good of the people.

Did you now that among the major countries of the Asean (Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand), the Philippines has the poorest quality of overall infrastructure, the poorest quality of road infrastructure, the poorest quality of railroad infrastructure, port infrastructure, air transport infrastructure, as well as the worst quality of electricity and the worst quality of Internet service. And BS Aquino calls that Daang Matuwid!

People have only themselves to thank for if the economy is moving at all, amid the stupidity, the incompetence, the corruption and the lack of vision in this government.

We have actually what I call a

bobo economics. It is an economy that moves by the sheer gravity of consumer spending, if sometimes mindless spending.

I liken the economy to a massive iceberg in the middle an ocean whose waters are warming and rising—thanks to global warming.

The law of physics demands that the iceberg move itself— because of gravity and inertia in motion. Because the economy is pushing itself, thanks to its size—100 million consumers (the 12th largest on earth); $25 billion in annual remittances (the second largest in the world), somehow growth is taking place.

Because growth is taking place, the government starts to think it is responsible for the growth. It starts bragging. It starts to lie.

It’s no different from a rat on top of the iceberg. The rat notices that the iceberg is moving.

It starts thinking it is the one responsible for the movement and claims credit for it. The rat thinks he is great. He tells the nation he is great. He tells the world he is great.

What BS! Remember that in 2016.

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Again, there was clamor to defer once more its implementation but President Garcia was resolute in opening SSS to the public on Sept. 1, 1957.

For unknown reasons, SSS celebrates the day it first opened to the public as its anniversary and neither the date of its establishment nor those of the passage of the two social security legislations.

This unconventional celebration of its anniversary shouldn’t really matter much if only SSS recognize that its reason for being is neither to be the national lending institution nor to be the national funeral benefit fund— but to be the national pension institution without being “an undue burden on both employers and workers.”

Where.. From A10

around more modest and realizable ambitions. Beijing should strive for honesty in data—the sine qua non of market confidence. And party leaders should accept selloffs in stocks, defaults among weak companies and other ordinary events of marketbased economies as signs of economic maturity.

More forthrightness now would buy China goodwill from markets when the government really does need to intervene— as the US, Japan and the European Union have all repeatedly judged to be necessary. Chinese leaders should remember that the currency that matters most is their credibility.

in bonds to fund new infrastructure projects. Some of these may make good sense, but the fact that Beijing is directing the program raises doubts.

What’s to be done? The government should continue to pull back gradually from its commanding position in the economy—and as it does so, it should be clearer and more convincing about its commitment to reform.

Chinese leaders, and their critics just as much, should be clear that the stunning growth rates of the past are gone for good (the “New Normal”), and focus instead on stability

CHONG ARDIVILLA

of a reasonable administration fee.

7.1.1

such action is necessary in order to comply with any applicable government laws, regulations, or orders;

Except in the case of an Electronic Ticket, you shall not be entitled to be carried on a flight unless you present a valid Ticket containing the Flight Coupon for that flight and all other unused Flight Coupons and the Passenger Coupon. In addition, you shall not be entitled to be carried if the Ticket presented is mutilated or if it has been altered otherwise than by us or our Authorised Agent. In the case of an Electronic Ticket, you shall not be entitled to be carried on a flight unless you provide positive identification and a valid Electronic Ticket has been duly issued in your name.

7.1.2

the carriage of you or your Baggage may endanger or affect the safety, health, or materially affect the comfort of other passengers or crew;

7.1.3

your mental or physical state including your impairment from alcohol or drugs, presents a hazard or risk to yourself, to passengers, to crew, or to property;

7.1.4

you have refused to submit to a security check;

3.1.7(a) In case of loss or mutilation of a Ticket (or part of it) by you or non-presentation of a Ticket containing the Passenger Coupon and all unused Flight Coupons, upon your request we will replace such Ticket (or part of it) by issuing a new Ticket, provided there is evidence, readily ascertainable at the time, that a Ticket valid for the flight(s) in question was duly issued and you sign an agreement to reimburse us for any costs and losses, up to the value of the original ticket, which are necessarily and reasonably incurred by us or another carrier for misuse of the Ticket. We will not claim reimbursement from you for any such losses which result from our own negligence. The issuing carrier may charge a reasonable administration fee for this service, unless the loss or mutilation was due to the negligence of the issuing carrier, or its agent.

7.1.5

you have not paid the applicable fare, taxes, fees or charges;

7.1.6

you do not appear to have valid travel documents, may seek to enter a country through which you may be in transit, or for which you do not have valid travel documents, destroy your travel documents during flight or refuse to surrender your travel documents to the flight crew, against receipt, when so requested;

7.1.7

you present a Ticket that has been acquired unlawfully, has been purchased from an entity other than us or our Authorised Agent, or has been reported as being lost or stolen, is a counterfeit, or you cannot prove that you are the person named in the Ticket;

7.1.8

you have failed to comply with the requirements set forth in Article 3.3 above concerning coupon sequence and use, or you present a Ticket which has been issued or altered in any way, other than by us or our Authorised Agent, or the Ticket is mutilated;

3.1.5

The Ticket is and remains at all times the property of the issuing carrier.

3.1.6

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE (PASSENGER AND BAGGAGE) ARTICLE 1- WHAT PARTICULAR EXPRESSIONS MEAN IN THESE CONDITIONS

As you read these conditions, please note that: “We”, “our” “ourselves” and “us” means Thai Airways International “You”, “your” and “yourself”means any person, except members of the crew, carried or to be carried in an aircraft pursuant to a Ticket. (See also definition for “Passenger”).

“AGREED STOPPING PLACES” means those places, except the place of departure and the place of destination, set out in the Ticket or shown in our timetables as scheduled stopping places on your route.

“AIRLINE DESIGNATOR CODE” means the two-characters or three letters which identify particular air carriers.

“AUTHORISED AGENT” means a passenger sales agent who has been appointed by us to represent us in the sale of air transportation on our services.

“BAGGAGE” means your personal property accompanying you in connection with your trip.

Unless otherwise specified, it consists of both your Checked and Unchecked Baggage.

“BAGGAGE CHECK” means those portions of the Ticket which relate to the carriage of your Checked Baggage.

“BAGGAGE IDENTIFICATION TAG” means a document issued solely for identification of Checked Baggage.

“CARRIER” means an air carrier other than ourselves, whose Airline Designator Code appears on your Ticket or on a Conjunction Ticket.

“CHECKED BAGGAGE” means Baggage of which we take custody and for which we have issued a Baggage Check.

“CHECK-IN DEADLINE” means the time limit specified by the airline by which you must have completed check-in formalities and received your boarding pass.

“CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT” means those statements contained in or delivered with your Ticket or Itinerary/Receipt, identified as such and which incorporate, by reference, these Conditions of Carriage and notices.

3.1.7(b) Where such evidence is not available or you do not sign such an agreement, the carrier issuing the new Ticket may require you to pay up to the full Ticket price for a replacement Ticket, subject to refund if and when the original issuing carrier is satisfied that the lost or mutilated Ticket has not been used before the expiry of its validity. If, upon finding the original Ticket before the expiry of its validity, you surrender it to the carrier issuing the new Ticket, the foregoing refund will be processed at that time.

3.1.8

A ticket is valuable and you should take appropriate measures to safeguard it and ensure it is not lost or stolen.

3.2

PERIOD OF VALIDITY

3.2.1

Except as otherwise provided in the Ticket, these Conditions, or in applicable Tariffs (which may limit the validity of a ticket, in which case the limitation will be shown on the Ticket) a Ticket is valid for:

(a) (b)

one year from the date of issue; or subject to the first travel occurring within one year from the date of issue, one year from the date of first travel under the Ticket.

3.2.2

When you are prevented from travelling within the period of validity of the Ticket because at the time you request reservations we are unable to confirm a reservation,the validity of such Ticket will be extended, or you may be entitled to a refund in accordance with Article 10.

3.2.3

“CONJUNCTION TICKET” means a Ticket issued to you with relation to another Ticket which together constitute a single contract of carriage.

If after having commenced your journey, you are prevented from travelling within the period of validity of the Ticket by reason of illness, we may extend the period of validity of your Ticket until the date when you become fit to travel or until our first flight after such date, from the point where the journey is resumed on which space is available in the class of service for which the fare has been paid. Such illness must be attested to by a medical certificate. When the flight coupons remaining in the Ticket, or in the case of an Electronic Ticket, the electronic coupon, involve one or more Stopovers, the validity of such Ticket may be extended for not more than three months from the date shown on such certificate.

In such circumstances, we will similarly extend the period of validity of Tickets of other members of your immediate family accompanying you.

“CONVENTION” means whichever of the following instruments are applicable: - the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to International Carriage

by Air, signed at Warsaw, 12 October 1929 (hereinafter referred to as the Warsaw Convention); - the Warsaw Convention as amended at The Hague on 28 September 1955; - the Warsaw Convention as amended by Additional Protocol No. 1 of Montreal (1975): - the Warsaw Convention as amended at The Hague and by Additional Protocol No. 2 of Montreal (1975); - the Warsaw Convention as amended at The Hague and by Additional Protocol No. 4 of Montreal (1975); - the Guadalajara supplementary Convention (1961); - the Montreal Convention (1999)

3.2.4

In the event of death of a Passenger en route, the Tickets of persons accompanying the Passenger may be modified by waiving the minimum stay or extending the validity. In the event of a death in the immediate family of a Passenger who has commenced travel, the validity of the Passenger’s Tickets and those of his or her immediate family who are accompanying the Passenger may likewise be modified. Any such modification shall be made upon receipt of a valid death certificate and any such extension of validity shall not be for a period longer than forty-five (45) Days from the date of the death.

“COUPON” means both a paper Flight Coupon and an Electronic Coupon, each of which entitles the named passenger to travel on the particular flight identified on it.

3.3

COUPON SEQUENCE AND USE

3.3.1

The Ticket you have purchased is valid only for the transportation as shown on the Ticket, from the place of departure via any Agreed Stopping Places to the final destination. The fare you have paid is based upon our Tariff and is for the transportation as shown on the Ticket. It forms an essential part of our contract with you. The Ticket will not be honoured and will lose its validity if all the Coupons are not used in the sequence provided in the Ticket.

3.3.2

Should you wish to change any aspect of your transportation you must contact us in advance. The fare for your new transportation will be calculated and you will be given the option of accepting the new price or maintaining your original transportation as ticketed.

Should you be required to change any aspect of your transportation due to Force Majeure, you must contact us as soon as practicable and we will use reasonable efforts to transport you to your next Stopover or final destination, without recalculation of the fare.

“DAMAGE” includes death, wounding, or bodily injury to a Passenger, loss, partial loss, theft or other damage, arising out of or in connection with carriage or other services incidental thereto performed by us.

“DAYS” mean calendar days, including all seven days of the week; provided that, for the purpose of notification, the day upon which notice is dispatched shall not be counted; and provided further that for purposes of determining duration of validity of a Ticket, the day upon which the Ticket is issued, or the flight commenced shall not be counted.

“ELECTRONIC COUPON” means an electronic flight coupon or other value document held in our database.

“ELECTRONIC TICKET” means the Itinerary/Receipt issued by us or on our behalf, the Electronic Coupons and, if applicable, a boarding document.

3.3.3

Should you change your transportation without our agreement, we will assess the correct price for your actual travel. You will have to pay any difference between the price you have paid and the total price applicable for your revised transportation. We will refund you the difference if the new price is lower but otherwise, your unused Coupons have no value.

3.3.4

Please be aware that while some types of changes will not result in a change of fare, others, such as changing the place of departure (for example, if you do not fly the first segment) or reversing the direction you travel, can result in an increase in price. Many special fares are valid only on the dates and for the flights shown on the Ticket and may not be changed at all, or only upon payment of an additional fee.

“FLIGHT COUPON” means that portion of the Ticket that bears the notation “good for passage,” or in the case of an Electronic Ticket, the Electronic Coupon, and indicates the particular places between which you are entitled to be carried.

“FORCE MAJEURE” means unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised.

“ITINERARY/RECEIPT” means a document or documents we issue to Passengers travelling on Electronic Tickets that contains the Passenger’s name, flight information and notices.

“PASSENGER” means any person, except members of the crew, carried or to be carried in an aircraft pursuant to a Ticket. (See also definition for “you”, “your” and “yourself”).

“PASSENGER COUPON” or “PASSENGER RECEIPT” means that portion of the Ticket issued by us or on our behalf, which is so marked and which ultimately is to be retained by you.

3.3.5

Each Flight Coupon contained in your Ticket will be accepted for transportation in the class of service on the date and flight for which space has been reserved. When a Ticket is originally issued without a reservation being specified, space may be later reserved subject to our Tariff and the availability of space on the flight requested.

3.3.6

“SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS” are an international unit of account, defined by the International Monetary Fund, based upon the values of several leading currencies. The currency values of the Special Drawing Right fluctuate and are re-calculated each banking day. These values are known to most commercial bankers and are reported regularly in leading financial journals.

Please be advised that in the event you do not show up for any flight without advising us in advance, we may cancel your return or onward reservations. However, if you do advise us in advance, we will not cancel your subsequent flight reservations.

3.4

NAME AND ADDRESS OF CARRIER Our name may be abbreviated to our Airline Designator Code, or otherwise, in the Ticket.

Our address is Thai Airways International, Head Office, 89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chattuchak, Bangkok 10900. Thailand.

“STOPOVER” means a scheduled stop on your journey, at a point between the place of departure and the place of destination.

ARTICLE 4 –FARES, TAXES, FEES AND CHARGES

“TARIFF” means the published fares, charges and/or related Conditions of Carriage of an airline filed, where required, with the appropriate authorities.

4.1

FARES Fares apply only for carriage from the airport at the point of origin to the airport at the point of destination, unless otherwise expressly stated. Fares do not include ground transport service between airports and between airports and town terminals. Your fare will be calculated in accordance with our Tariff in effect on the date of payment of your ticket for travel on the specific dates and itinerary shown on it. Should you change your itinerary or dates of travel, this may impact the fare to be paid.

4.2

TAXES, FEES AND CHARGES Applicable taxes, fees and charges imposed by government or other authority, or by the operator of an airport, shall be payable by you. At the time you purchase your Ticket, you will be advised of all applicable taxes, fees and charges not included in the fare, most of which will normally be shown separately on the Ticket. The taxes, fees and charges imposed on air travel are constantly changing and can be imposed after the date of Ticket issuance. If there is an increase in a tax, fee or charge shown on the Ticket, you will be obliged to pay it. Likewise, if a new tax, fee or charge is imposed even after Ticket issuance, you will be obliged to pay it. Similarly, in the event any taxes, fees or charges which you have paid to us at the time of Ticket issuance are abolished or reduced such that they no longer apply to you, or a lesser amount is due, you will be entitled to claim a refund.

“TICKET” means either the document entitled “Passenger Ticket and Baggage Check” or the Electronic Ticket, in each case issued by us or on our behalf, and includes the Conditions of Contract, notices and Coupons.

“UNCHECKED BAGGAGE” means any of your Baggage other than Checked Baggage.

ARTICLE 2 -APPLICABILITY 2.1

2.2

2.3

GENERAL Except as provided in Articles 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5, our Conditions of Carriage apply only on those flights, or flight segments, in respect of which we have a potential legal liability to you.

CHARTER OPERATIONS If carriage is performed pursuant to a charter agreement, these Conditions of Carriage apply only to the extent they are incorporated by reference or otherwise, in the charter agreement or the Ticket.

CODE SHARES On some services we may have arrangements with other carriers known as “Code Shares”. This means that even if you have a reservation with us and hold a Ticket where our name or Airline Designator Code is indicated as the Carrier, another Carrier may operate the aircraft. If in case of a Code Share flight we are indicated as the carrier operating the flight, these Conditions of Carriage also apply to such transportation. If such arrangements apply we will advise you of the Carrier operating the aircraft at the time you make a reservation.

For Code Share services on flights operated by another carrier, we are responsible for the entirety of the Code Share journey for all obligations to Passengers established in these rules. However, each Code Share partner has rules with respect to the operation of its own flights, which may differ from our rules for flights operated by us. Those rules are incorporated herein by reference and form a part of these Conditions of Carriage.

The rules with respect to operations that may differ between us and our Code Share partners include, but are not limited to: • Check-in time limits; • Unaccompanied minors; • Carriage of animals; • Refusal to transport; • Oxygen service; • Irregular operations; • Denied boarding compensation; • Baggage acceptance, allowance and liability

2.4

4.3

5.1

RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS

5.1.1

We or our Authorised Agent will record your reservation(s). Upon request we will provide you with written confirmation of your reservation(s).

5.1.2

Certain fares have conditions which limit or exclude your right to change or cancel reservations.

5.2

TICKETING TIME LIMITS If you have not paid for the Ticket prior to the specified ticketing time limit, as advised by us or our Authorised Agent, we may cancel your reservation.

5.3

PERSONAL DATA You recognise that personal data has been given to us for the purposes of: making a reservation, purchasing a Ticket, obtaining ancillary services, developing and providing services, facilitating immigration and entry procedures, and making available such data to government agencies, in connection with your travel. For these purposes, you authorise us to retain and use such data and to transmit it to our own offices, Authorised Agents, government agencies, other Carriers or the providers of the above-mentioned services.

you have previously committed one of the acts or omissions referred to above, or misconduct, on or in connection with a previous flight and we have reason to believe that you may do so again.

7.3

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE Acceptance for carriage of unaccompanied children, incapacitated persons, pregnant women, persons with illness or other people requiring special assistance is subject to our discretion and prior arrangement with us. Passengers with disabilities who have advised us of any special requirements they may have at the time of ticketing, and been accepted by us, shall not subsequently be refused carriage on the basis of such disability or special requirements.

ARTICLE 8 -BAGGAGE 8.1

FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE You may carry some Baggage, free of charge, subject to our conditions and limitations, which are available upon request from us or our Authorised Agents and are included in our Handling Manual available in our main offices (Passenger Service Department).

8.2

EXCESS BAGGAGE You will be required to pay a charge for carriage of Baggage in excess of the free Baggage allowance. These rates are available from us upon request and are included in our Handling Manual available in our main offices (Passenger Service Department).

8.3

ITEMS UNACCEPTABLE AS BAGGAGE

8.3.1

You must not include in your Baggage:

8.3.1.1

items which are likely to endanger the aircraft or persons or property on board the aircraft, such as those specified in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, and in our regulations (further information is available from us on request);

8.3.1.2 items the carriage of which is prohibited by the applicable laws, regulations or orders of any state to be flown from or to; 8.3.1.3 items which are reasonably considered by us to be unsuitable for carriage because they are dangerous, unsafe or by reason of their weight, size, shape or character, or which are fragile or perishable having regard to, among other things, the type of aircraft being used. Information about unacceptable items is available upon request.

8.3.2

Firearms and ammunition other than for hunting and sporting purposes are prohibited from carriage as Baggage. Firearms and ammunition for hunting and sporting purposes may be accepted as Checked Baggage. Firearms must be unloaded with the safety catch on, and suitably packed. Carriage of ammunition is subject to ICAO and IATA regulations as specified in Article 8.3.1.1.

8.3.3

Weapons such as antique firearms, swords, knives and similar items may be accepted as Checked Baggage, at our discretion, but will not be permitted in the cabin of the aircraft.

8.3.4

You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

8.3.5

If, despite being prohibited, any items referred to in Articles 8.3.1, 8.3.2 and 8.3.4 are included in your Baggage, we shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to such items.

8.4

RIGHT TO REFUSE CARRIAGE

8.4.1

Subject to Articles 8.3.2 and 8.3.3, we will refuse to carry as Baggage the items described in Article 8.3, and we may refuse further carriage of any such items upon discovery.

8.4.2

We may refuse to carry as Baggage any item reasonably considered by us to be unsuitable for carriage because of its size, shape, weight, content, character, or for safety or operational reasons, or the comfort of other passengers. Information about unacceptable items is available upon request.

8.4.3

We may refuse to accept Baggage for carriage unless it is in our reasonable opinion properly and securely packed in suitable containers. Information about packing and containers unacceptable to us is available upon request.

8.5

RIGHT OF SEARCH For reasons of safety and security we may request that you permit a search and scan of your person and a search, scan or x-ray of your Baggage. If you are not available, your Baggage may be searched in your absence for the purpose of determining whether you are in possession of or whether your Baggage contains any item described in Article 8.3.1 or any firearms, ammunition or weapons, which have not been presented to us in accordance with Article 8.3.2 or 8.3.3. If you are unwilling to comply with such request we may refuse to carry you and your Baggage. In the event a search or scan causes Damage to you, or an x-ray or scan causes damage to your Baggage, we shall not be liable for such Damage unless due to our fault or negligence.

8.6

CHECKED BAGGAGE

8.6.1

Upon delivery to us of your Baggage which you wish to check we will take custody of, and issue a Baggage Identification Tag for, each piece of your Checked Baggage.

8.6.2

Checked Baggage must have your name or other personal identification affixed to it.

8.6.3

Checked Baggage will, whenever possible, be carried on the same aircraft as you, unless we decide for safety, security or operational reasons to carry it on an alternative flight. If your Checked Baggage is carried on a subsequent flight we will deliver it to you, unless applicable law requires you to be present for customs clearance.

8.7

UNCHECKED BAGGAGE

8.7.1

We may specify maximum dimensions and/or weight for Baggage which you carry on to the aircraft. If we have not done so, Baggage which you carry onto the aircraft must fit under the seat in front of you or in an enclosed storage compartment in the cabin of the aircraft. If your Baggage cannot be stored in this manner, or is of excessive weight, or is considered unsafe for any reason, it must be carried as Checked Baggage.

8.7.2

Objects not suitable for carriage in the cargo compartment (such as delicate musical instruments), and which do not meet the requirements in Article 8.7.1 above, will only be accepted for carriage in the cabin compartment if you have given us notice in advance and permission has been granted by us. You may have to pay a separate charge for this service.

8.8

COLLECTION AND DELIVERY OF CHECKED BAGGAGE

8.8.1

Subject to Article 8.6.3, you are required to collect your Checked Baggage as soon as it is made available at your destination or Stopover. Should you not collect it within a reasonable time, we may charge you a storage fee. Should your Checked Baggage not be claimed within three (3) months of the time it is made available, we may dispose of it without any liability to you.

8.8.2

Only the bearer of the Baggage Check and Baggage Identification Tag is entitled to delivery of the Checked Baggage.

8.8.3

If a person claiming Checked Baggage is unable to produce the Baggage Check and identify the Baggage by means of a Baggage Identification Tag, we will deliver the Baggage to such person only on condition that he or she establishes to our satisfaction his or her right to the Baggage.

8.9

ANIMALS If we agree to carry your animals they will be carried subject to the following conditions:

8.9.1

You must ensure that animals such as dogs and cats are properly crated and accompanied by valid health and vaccination certificates, entry permits, and other documents required by countries of entry or transit failing which, they will not be accepted for carriage. Such carriage may be subject to additional conditions specified by us, which are available on request.

For the rules and regulations of our Code Share partners, we refer you to their websites or your travel agency. You should review the rules for flights operated by another carrier under a Code Share agreement and familiarize yourself with such things as flight check-in requirements and policies regarding unaccompanied minors, carriage of animals, refusal to transport, oxygen services, irregular operations, denied boarding compensation and baggage acceptance, among others.

5.4

For flights arriving at or departing from an airport located in the United States, our Contingency Plan For Extended Tarmac Delays will apply to your flight only if we operate your flight. If a Code Share partner or any other carrier operates your flight, that operating carrier’s tarmac delay plan will apply.

5.5

RECONFIRMATION OF RESERVATIONS

5.5.1

Onward or return reservations may be subject to the requirement to reconfirm the reservations within specified time limits. We will advise you when we require reconfirmation, and how and where it should be done. If it is required and you fail to reconfirm, we may cancel your onward or return reservations. However, if you advise us you still wish to travel, and there is space on the flight, we will reinstate your reservations and transport you. If there is no space on the flight we will use reasonable efforts to transport you to your next or final destination.

8.9.2

If accepted as Baggage, the animal, together with its container and food, shall not be included in your free Baggage allowance, but shall constitute excess baggage, for which you will be obliged to pay the applicable rate.

8.9.3

Guide dogs accompanying Passengers with disabilities will be carried free of charge in addition to the normal free baggage allowance, subject to conditions specified by us, which are available on request.

5.5.2

You should check the reconfirmation requirements of any other Carriers involved in your journey with them. Where it is required, you must reconfirm with the Carrier whose code appears for the flight in question on the Ticket.

8.9.4

Where carriage is not subject to the liability rules of the Convention, we are not responsible for injury to or loss, sickness or death of an animal which we have agreed to carry unless we have been negligent.

5.6

CANCELLATION OF ONWARD RESERVATIONS Please be advised that if you do not show up for any flight without advising us in advance, we may cancel your return or onward reservations. However, if you do advise us in advance, we will not cancel your subsequent flight reservations.

8.9.5

We will have no liability in respect of any such animal not having all the necessary exit, entry, health and other documents with respect to the animal’s entry into or passage through any country, state or territory and the person carrying the animal must reimburse us for any fines, costs, losses or liabilities reasonably imposed or incurred by us as a result.

8.10

ITEMS REMOVED BY AIRPORT SECURITY PERSONNEL We will not be responsible for, or have any liability in respect of, articles removed from your Baggage by airport security personnel acting in accordance with any applicable regulations.

OVERRIDING LAW These Conditions of Carriage are applicable unless they are inconsistent with our Tariffs or applicable law in which event such Tariffs or laws shall prevail.

CONDITIONS PREVAIL OVER REGULATIONS Except as provided in these Conditions of Carriage, in the event of inconsistency between these Conditions of Carriage and any other regulations we may have, dealing with particular subjects, these Conditions of Carriage shall prevail.

ARTICLE 3 - TICKETS 3.1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

3.1.1

We will provide carriage only to the Passenger named in the Ticket, and you may be required to produce appropriate identification.

3.1.2

you fail to observe our instructions with respect to safety or security;

7.1.10

ARTICLE 5 - RESERVATIONS

If any provision of these Conditions of Carriage is invalid under any applicable law, the other provisions shall nevertheless remain valid.

2.5

CURRENCY Fares, taxes, fees and charges are payable in the currency of the country in which the Ticket is issued, unless another currency is indicated by us or our Authorised Agent at or before the time payment is made (for example, because of the non-convertibility of the local currency). We may at our discretion, accept payment in another currency.

7.1.9

ARTICLE 6 - CHECK-IN AND BOARDING 6.1

A Ticket is not transferable except as required by any locally applicable laws, In addition and upon request from you, we will issue a new ticket to somebody else to replace your ticket if your ticket has been issued as part of a package to which The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tour Regulations 1992, SI 1992/3288 as amended (the Regulations) apply, and you; 3.1.2.1 wish to transfer your booking under regulation 10 of the Regulations; 3.1.2.2 prove to us that you have satisfied the requirements of regulation 10 of the Regulations and are entitled to transfer the booking; 3.1.2.3 provide us with reasonable notice of your intention to transfer the booking before your date of departure; 3.1.2.4 provide us with the full name, address and contact number of the person to whom the new ticket is to be issued; 3.1.2.5 deliver your existing ticket to us; and 3.1.2.6 pay us a reasonable administration fee for issuing the new ticket.

3.1.3

Some Tickets are sold at discounted fares which may be partially or completely nonrefundable. You should choose the fare best suited to your needs. You may also wish to ensure that you have appropriate insurance to cover instances where you have to cancel your Ticket.

3.1.4

If you have a Ticket, as described in Article 3.1.3 above, which is completely unused, and you are prevented from travelling due to Force Majeure, provided that you promptly advise us and furnish evidence of such Force Majeure, we will provide you with a credit of the non-refundable amount of the fare, for future travel on us, subject to deduction

SEATING We will endeavour to honour advance seating requests. However, we cannot guarantee any particular seat. We reserve the right to assign or reassign seats at any time, even after boarding of the aircraft. This may be necessary for operational, safety or security reasons.

Check-in Deadlines are different at every airport and we recommend that you inform yourself about these Check-in Deadlines and honour them. Your journey will be smoother if you allow yourself ample time to comply with the Check-in Deadlines. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if you do not comply with the Check-in Deadlines indicated. We or our Authorised Agents will advise you of the Check-in Deadline for your first flight on us. For any subsequent flights in your journey, you should inform yourself of the Check-in Deadlines. Check-in Deadlines for our flights can be found in our timetable, or may be obtained from us or our Authorised Agents.

6.2

You must be present at the boarding gate not later than the time specified by us when you check in.

6.3

We may cancel the space reserved for you if you fail to arrive at the boarding gate in time.

6.4

We will not be liable to you for any loss or expense incurred due to your failure to comply with the provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE 9 - SCHEDULES, DELAYS, CANCELLATION OF FLIGHTS 9.1

SCHEDULES

9.1.1

The flight times shown in timetables may change between the date of publication and the date you actually travel. We do not guarantee them to you and they do not form part of your contract with us.

9.1.2

Before we accept your booking, we will notify you of the scheduled flight time in effect as of that time, and it will be shown on your Ticket. It is possible we may need to change the scheduled flight time subsequent to issuance of your Ticket. If you provide us with contact information, we will endeavour to notify you of any such changes. If, after you purchase your Ticket, we make a significant change to the scheduled flight time, which is not acceptable to you, and we are unable to book you on an alternate flight which is acceptable to you, you will be entitled to a refund in accordance with Article 10.2.

ARTICLE 7 - REFUSAL AND LIMITATION OF CARRIAGE 7.1

RIGHT TO REFUSE CARRIAGE In the reasonable exercise of our discretion, we may refuse to carry you or your Baggage if we have notified you in writing that we would not at any time after the date of such notice carry you on our flights. In this circumstance, you will be entitled to a refund. We may also refuse to carry you or your Baggage if one or more of the following have occurred or we reasonably believe may occur:

9.2

CANCELLATION, REROUTING, DELAYS, ETC.

9.2.1

We will take all necessary measures to avoid delay in carrying you and your Baggage.

In the exercise of these measures and in order to prevent a flight cancellation, in exceptional circumstances we may arrange for a flight to be operated on our behalf by an alternative carrier and/or aircraft.

F RI DAY : AUGUS T 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

A13

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Sharapova looks to recapture magic Tennis player Maria Sharapova speaks at Rally On The River in New York City. AFP

Elite cast, imports join PH Superliga GP AN elite cast of past champions, talented spikers and charming but top level imports will hog the spotlight when the 2015 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix unwraps on Oct. 10 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

Bannered by reigning titlist

Petron, this year’s Grand Prix promises to be bigger, more explosive, than ever as six teams have already confirmed to participate while two more conglomerates have expressed strong desire to be part of the country’s premier inter-club women’s volleyball league.

The Blaze Spikers will be challenged by Cignal, Foton, Meralco-DLSU, Philips Gold and RC Cola-Air Force, which is making a return after taking a one-year breather following the mandatory military training of its players.

NEW YORK—Ten years after becoming world number one for the first time as a bubbly 18-year-old, Maria Sharapova returns to the US Open, eager to recapture the magic of her 2006 title run.

But the world’s richest sportswoman has a stack of hurdles to overcome at Flushing Meadows—physical, emotional and psychological.

At 28, Sharapova is now the third oldest woman in the top 20 and the grind of the tour has returned to bite her at the most inconvenient time.

An upper leg injury has kept her off tour since her Wimbledon semi-final defeat to nemesis Serena Williams.

She will also be playing her first tournament since the break-up of her two-year romance with men’s tour star Grigor Dimitrov.

Apart from the daily routine of practice, Sharapova has spent the week building up to the season’s final Grand Slam showcasing her business talents.

A Manhattan photoshoot with Nike was followed rapidly by a promotion for her ‘Sugarpova’ candy brand at the city’s iconic Bloomingdale’s store.

But once the commercial side is wrapped up, there will be the serious business of

rekindling her love affair with the US Open, a relationship desperately in need of counselling.

Since her 2006 title win over Justine Henin in the final, Sharapova has failed to return to the championship match.

There have been three third round losses, two in the last-16 and a semi-final run in 2012.

She sat out the 2008 and 2013 events through injury.

“I think I will have to take it a match at a time and obviously can’t have too many expectations,” said Sharapova after her leg injury forced her out of the Toronto and Cincinnati warm-up tournaments.

“It’s not the most ideal situation, but it is what it is for this particular year.”

What is also not ideal is seeing long-time rival Serena Williams comfortably bludgeoning her way through the record books.

The American world number one is on the verge of the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988. AFP

F R I D AY : A U G U S T 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS A14 Casimero to resolve breach of contract case sports@thestandard.com.ph

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

FORMER International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero has returned to the Philippines to resolve the breach of contract case filed against him by his manager Pio Castillo Jr. in the Regional Trial Court of Cebu.

Casimero was charged with signing a contract to fight for the world title against Thai champion

Amnat Ruenroeng without the knowledge and authority of Castillo.

According to the com-

plaint, Castillo said he and Casimero entered into an agreement with SGS Sports and Promotion Services of Sammy Gello-ani as their sole and official boxing promoter. From 2008 to 2013, Casimero fought several times both domestically and internationally, but on May 3 last year, he reportedly stopped training at the Omega Gym and also left the housing accommodation given him.

Casimero also trained in Las Vegas without informing him.

Casimero lost a foulinfested fight that was a travesty, with referee Larry Doggett failing to prevent or penalize the Thai for a series of fouls which were widely condemned by the international media.

As a result, the IBF retained Casimero as the No. 1 contender, but ordered him to face Puerto Rico’s

McWilliams Arroyo in a title eliminator with the winner to face Ruenroeng, who had also beaten Arroyo in a controversial decision.

Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani, who handles Casimero in partnership with international promoter and matchmaker Samson Lewkowicz, told The Standard/boxingmirror. com that the controversial boxer is in his hometown of Ormoc and would re-

turn to Cebu next week.

He pointed out that when Casimero fought Ruenroeng, he used the Omega logo on his trunks.

Gello-ani assured that they are not running away from their obligations to Casimero’s manager and that they hope to resolve the issue soon in order that Casimero could return to Las Vegas and train there for the October eliminator against Arroyo.

Cebu hosts duathlon tourney on Sept. 12, 13 CEBU City stakes its reputation as one of the country’s top sports destinations, when the National Duathlon Championships 2015 unfold next month.

A big field is expected in this two-day run-bike-run event slated Sept. 12 and 13 in Lantaw South Road Properties, Cebu since the race is open to duathletes from all ages, who will vie for top honors in the different categories and distances.

Organizing the event are the Triathlon Association of the Philippines and the Danao Sports Commission, in cooperation with the Cebu City Government, headed by Mayor Michael Rama, with Fininvest Land, ILCorso and Lantaw as host venues.

Danao Sports Commission Chairman and TRAP board member Boying Durano Rodriguez is at the helm of the preparation in this event sponsored

by Diamond Suites and Residences Cebu, Omega Liniment Pro, Island Souvenirs, Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines and Magic 92.3 Cebu and has expressed the City’s readiness to welcome the competing duathletes.

“We have been organizing triathlon events in various parts of Cebu for a long time. We are looking forward to a successful staging of the National Duathlon Championships to further cement the Queen City of the South as another center for multi-sports events in the country,” said Rodriquez.

Action opens on Sept. 12 with the SuperTri Kids for participants aged 8-12.

The Elite, Age Groupers, Junior Elite and Mini Sprint to be disputed at the 10k/40k/5k, 5k/20k/2.5k and 2k/10k/2.5k distances, and the Inter-Club competition, will be held the next day.

Registration in still ongoing at the SPEEDO Concept Stores in Ayala Alabang Town Center, SM Mega Mall, Podium, Glorietta 4 Makati, and Bonifacio High Street; and in Cebu at Rudy Project Stores (SM Cebu and Ayala Mall), Lantaw SRP, Bikecology (Banilad Town Center), Dan’s Bike Shop and RUNNR (Ayala Mall).

Duel of Davaoenos. Jay Bayron, in photo, knocked down a brilliant approach shot for a tap-in birdie on the par-4 18th, sealing a second straight 67 yesterday and thwarting Tony Lascuña’s fiery charge of 63 that set up an exciting duel of Davaoeno aces for the ICTSI Summit Point Classic crown. Bayron warded off the challenge of Korean Park Jun Hyeok and Elmer Salvador with another five-under par card but barely stopped Lascuña’s assault of the Summit Point layout with a key birdie on the final hole, keeping a one-stroke lead heading to the final 18 holes of the P1.5 million championship sponsored by ICTSI.

NBA stars want to witness fans’ passion for the game

By Peter Atencio THE Filipino fans’ love and passion for the game of basketball is something to see and behold.

Two visiting NBA athletes, Danny Green Jr. of the San Antonio Spurs and Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets, both said they look forward to seeing how ordinary Filipinos are in love with the game.

They will get to do so when Green and Faried go to the SM Mall of Asia to visit and watch the festivities of the NBA 3x3 Philippines 2015 Championships.

“I expect the craziness. And I think that’s what I gonna get here,” said the 26-year-old Green, a shooting guard who averaged 11.7 points the past NBA season.

Green said he will have fun as he soaks in the spectacle of Filipinos playing and watching the game.

He said he will also have a chance to know what made Spurs’ assist-

Faried

Green

ant coach Chip Engelland a legend when he played for the Philippines back in the 1980s.

Green said he is curious why Engelland was known to Filipino fans as “the Machine Gun” for his superb shooting skills.

“He’s legend here for a good reason. He’s a pretty good shooter,” added Green.

Engelland started his coaching career in 1993, introducing his basketball camps Chip Shots, with the aim of helping players of all ages improve their shooting skills.

He has been with the Spurs since the 2005–06 season, including the time when the team won the titles in 2007 and 2014.

Faried, on other hand, said mem-

bers of the Nuggets are getting to know their new coach Michael Malone.

“He’s passionate. I watched what he did for Sacramento,” Faried, a 6’8” power forward, who normed 12.6 points and 8.9 rebounds.

He said he’s looking forward to sharing his experience in playing the game of 3x3 back in high school, in Newark, New Jersey.

Back then, he and his teammates made it to the finals against a club team from another country.

One of his teammates fouled out, and there were only two of them left. Taking charge, they won the crown, and went home “with BMX bikes as trophies slung on their shoulders.”

And it’s something that he wants the Filipino kids to know about.

“What I can tell them is to never give up. Never count yourself out, keep playing hard until the final point is scored,” said Faried.

F R I D AY : A U G U S T 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

A15

Jockey suspended, MJC stewards fined THE Philippine Racing Commission suspended last Aug. 5 jockey Fernando M. Raquel Jr. and imposed stiff fines on the Manila Jockey Club Board of Stewards following an untoward incident.

The Commission found that Raquel violated PR (Philippine racing rule) 76 after an “unsatisfactory performance atop horse Donttouchthewine” in Race 7 last July 23 at the MJC’s San Lazaro Leisure Park.

Raquel was suspended for 24 racing days for his “lack of interest or for not taking all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse is given full opportunity to obtain the best possible placing.”

The MJC Board of Stewards headed by its chairman Rafael de las Cagigas were fined P5,000 each for “willful violation of Philracom rules (specifically PR 5, Sec. G), grave abuse of discretion, or gross negligence committed by stewards” in connection with this incident.

“We are constantly vigilant,” said Philracom Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez, “in our mission to protect the best interest of the racing public. We will not hesitate to apply and enforce the pertinent laws, rules, and regulations when warranted.”

Philracom’s charter, Presidential Decree No. 420, provides the Commission with powers to hold hearings and conduct investigations related to race conduct and other aspects of the sport.

Katipunan team rules PTBA Cup THE PTBA Cup under the auspices of the Philippine Tournament Bridge Association was held at the Manila Elks Club on August 21 and 22 2015.

Competition was keen for this ardous bridge tourney.

The winning teams: 1) Katipunan-Phil Manalang, Nonot Carreon, Albert Quiogue and Jopet Maliwat.

2) Manikan Team- Ann de Guzman, Anthony Tacio Martin, Andrew Falcon, Eli Cabonilla, Francis Tan 3) Team Forbes-Sylvia Alejandro, Michel Giguere, Justo Manlongat, Harumi Ieda -oOoI feature an interesting deal from the Sanya tournament from the account of Ron Klinger Showdown in Sanya III. The first deal of the new session was Bord 29 (East-West vulnerable): West East ♠A106 ♠Q43 ♥A9 ♥KQ1032 ♦2 ♦A9 ♣AKQ10865 ♣943 There are 12 tricks on top in clubs or notrump.

Auken-Welland and Gawrys-Klukowski bid to six clubs, no swing. Brink-Drijver reached six notrump.

With hearts three-three, Drijver made all the tricks. At the other table: South West North East Hampson Helgemo Greeco Helness 2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass 3♣ Pass 4♣ Pass 4♦* Pass 4♥* Pass 4♠+ Pass 5♣ Pass 5NT§ Pass 7♣ Pass Pass Pass *control -bid +key-card-ask for clubs §seven-try Helness bid seven based on the source of tricks in hearts. Without a diamond lead, this contract will make if hearts are three-three or four-two.

Declarer might even survive if North has five hearts to the jack. After, say, a club lead, declarer can draw trumps, test the hearts discarding a spade from hand, cash the spade ace, and run the clubs to generate a double squeeze if South has the kingjack of spades. Even after a diamond lead, seven clubs is a heavy favorite: Hearts will run about half the time, and if an opponent has jack-fourth of hearts, a two-one club break (or a squeeze) will see the contract home. With hearts three-three, the play was not a challenge; 12 imps to Monaco.

Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yahoo.com

Arriving in style. Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. arrives at the Mayweather Boxing Club in his new $4.8 million Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita car for a media workout in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather will defend his World Boxing Council/World Boxing Association welterweight titles against Andre Berto on Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. AFP

Lasquety’s free throws lift Bombers past Chiefs JOSE Rizal University leaned on Gio Lasquety’s free throws with 1.2 seconds left as the Bombers edged the Arellano University Chiefs in a protest-marred 114-112 double overtime victory yesterday in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Knowing that they’re trailBut Arellano University had Games Today (The Arena) ing the Bombers, 112-113, the 8 a.m. • CSB vs San Beda (jrs) already signed the score sheet 10 a.m. • Lyceum vs Chiefs’ Jio Jalalon fouled Lasquprotesting the result of the San Sebastian (jrs) ety before game officials down- 12 nn. • CSB vs San Beda (srs) game, according to its board 2 p.m. • Lyceum vs graded the Tey Teodoro triple representative Peter Cayco.

San Sebastian (srs) to just a two-point basket that 4 p.m. • EAC vs Letran (srs) Teodoro’s downgraded triwould have knotted the score at 6 p.m. • EAC vs Letran (jrs) ple initially gave the Bombers 112-all. a 113-109 spread before Jalalon buried a Instead, Lasquety took the free throws, huge triple himself to cut it to 113-112 with made both to seal the Bombers their sixth 6.4 seconds to go.

And then came Jalalon’s duty foul on win against four defeats, while dragging the Teodoro.

Chiefs to the same record.

Paolo Pontejos came through with a “It was a massive win for us,” said Jose career-high 32 points, eight assists, four reRizal coach Vergel Meneses.

bounds and two steals.

Cameroonian Abdoul Poutouochi had a double-double with 21 points and 17 rebounds while Teodoro added 16 and five assists for the Bombers.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

F R I D AY : A U G U S T 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao (right) and the LA Lakers’ Filipino-American point guard Jordan Clarkson play a friendly game of chess at the former’s Forbes Park residence Wednesday night. WENDELL RUPERT ALINEA

Clarkson reiterates desire to play for Gilas Pilipinas

By Eddie G. Alinea

AWESOME. Amazing.

Those were the words said by Jordan Clarkson, the Filipino-American point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers, and his mentor Tim Fuller, in describing their feelings meeting international boxing idol Manny Pacquiao Wednesday night.

The duo paid Pacquiao a courtesy call at the latter’s Forbes Park residence in Makati City and both were starstruck seeing the eightdivision champion in person.

“It was awesome. It’s an honor meeting, shaking hands and talking with him, a respected and adored

NBA stars want to see fans’ basketball passion TURN TO A14

sports personality all over the world,” said the 23-year-old Clarkson.

“Amazing,” said Fuller. “He’s (Pacquiao) an internationally acclaimed person, not only in sports and this occasion, certainly, is a rare privilege for me.”

Clarkson told Pacquiao of his

desire to play for the Philippine team, promising to cooperate whole-heartedly with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas in its efforts to complete his papers.

The Lakers’ guard, in a way, reiterated his willingness to play for Gilas Pilipinas should he become eligible, even after his father Mike Clarkson announced that the time might not be right for his son to possibly join the PH team.

The elder Clarkson stated that since his son is entering the final year of his contract with the Lakers in this upcoming NBA season and a lot more is expected out of the sophomore guard, it might not be the best time to join the Philippine team this year.

‘’My father, Mike, has always looked out for my welfare and is only genuinely concerned for my career, my future and my wellbeinghis thoughts are that of a very loving dad,’’ said Clarkson. ‘’I just called him and we agreed we will talk about my playing for Gilas when I get back.

Nothing is cast in stone. But I want to assure my Filipino brothers and sisters that, if given the chance and everything can be worked out, I sincerely wish to play for Gilas and contribute to the total team effort for flag and country.’’

Clarkson then concluded his statement that he is thrilled to be back in the country to take part in the activities of Smart Gilas,

whichever way he can at this point. ‘’I am observing and familiarizing myself with the team while I’m here so I can see them compete close up and benefit from the learnings from this experience. I will even follow them in Taipei for the Jones Cup. Laban Pilipinas! Puso!’’

With Clarkson’s gesture, Pacquiao thanked him, saying the country really needs him to regain the glory the Philippines once enjoyed in Asian basketball.

Clarkson and Fuller were accompanied to Pacquiao’s posh residence by SBP’s Patricia Hizon, together with Ex Sander and Sean Nichols, an Australian marketing man. With Jeric Lopez

Sharapova vows to recapture magic TURN TO A13

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: AUGUST 28, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

BDO loan. Foreign lenders band together for the successful closing of BDO Unibank’s $500-million three-year syndicated term loan facility, considered as the largest syndication loan by a Philippine financial institution, to date. Shown is BDO president and chief executive Nestor Tan (seated, fifth from left) and key representatives of the lead arrangers and bookrunners Bank of America, N.A.; Deutsche Bank AG, Singapore Branch; The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited; Mizuho bank, Ltd.; Standard Chartered Bank; and United Overseas Bank Limited.

PSe comPoSite index Closing August 27, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,022.09 154.17

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 27, 2015 42

P46.680

43

CLOSE

44 45 46

HIGH P46.620 LOW P46.810 AVERAGE P46.705 VOLUME 693.100M

P475.00-P675.00 LPG/11-kg tank P39.10-P45.35 Unleaded Gasoline P25.30-P28.55 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, August 27, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.6560

Japan

Yen

0.008340

0.3891

UK

Pound

1.546500

72.1535

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129011

6.0191

Switzerland

Franc

1.047889

48.8903

Canada

Dollar

0.750300

35.0060

Singapore

Dollar

0.711491

33.1953

Australia

Dollar

0.710581

33.1529

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

123.7560 12.4396

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266624

Brunei

Dollar

0.708968

33.0776

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.028074

1.3098

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

12.7027

Euro

Euro

1.132200

52.8239

Korea

Won

0.000844

0.0394

China

Yuan

0.155994

7.2781

India

Rupee

0.015120

0.7054

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.235593

10.9918

New Zealand

Dollar

0.643211

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030874

30.0097 1.4405 Source: PDS Bridge

GDP grew 5.6% in second quarter Sy remains richest Filipino with $14.4b

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

THE economy expanded 5.6 percent in the second quarter, faster than the 5-percent growth in the first quarter, but below the government’s 2015 target of 7 percent to 8 per- By Jenniffer B. Austria cent, the Philippine Statistics Authority said RETAIL magnate Henry Sy Sr. has retained his status as the richThursday. est Filipino for the eighth straight “This is an improvement from the 5 percent growth in the previous quarter and reflects the significant improvement in government spending, especially public construction,” Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a news briefing in Makati City.

Balisacan said with the gross domestic product growth averaging 5.3 percent in the first half, even the low-end of the full-year growth target was now “quite challenging” to meet. The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee will meet soon to revise the working target, he said.

Balisacan said the realistic growth could be 6 percent to 6.5 percent for the whole year. “We are not projecting right now, [but] the realistic scenario is 6 percent to 6.5 percent. The 7 to 8 [percent target] for full year is already quite challenging,” he said.

The gross national income, which factors in remittances from other countries, grew 5 percent in the second quarter and 4.6 percent in the first half. The slowdown in workers’ deployment overseas pulled down the growth of net primary income from the rest of the world to 2.2 percent from 7.9 percent last year, data showed.

Finance Secretary Cesar Puri-

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

sima said the Philippines emerged as the third fastest growing economy among major Asian countries in the second quarter, “despite heightened concerns on the continuing lackluster performance of the global economy.”

Data showed that services and industry grew 6.2 percent and 6.1 percent, respectively in the second quarter while the agriculture sector declined 0.5 percent.

On the demand side, household consumption contributed 4.1 percent while net exports’ contribution plummeted to 3.8 percent.

Public construction bounced from a 24 percent contraction in the first quarter to a 20-percent growth in the second quarter.

Makati Business Club executive director Peter Angelo Perfecto said the second-quarter GDP growth of 5.6 percent was in the range of most economists’ projections.

“It is hoped that continued healthy public spending, especially in the context of the coming 2016 elections and stronger holiday spending and OFW remittances, will give our economy enough of a boost to offset the effects of a severe El Niño and the economic weakness of major countries to still allow us to achieve a full year growth of 6 percent to 6.5 percent,” Perfecto said.

With Othel V. Campos

year, as his net worth increased 13.3 percent this year to $14.4 billion from $12.7 billion in 2014, according to Forbes magazine’s Philippines 50 richest list.

Forbes said the 90-year-old tycoon became richer, as the values of his listed firms, SM Investments Corp. and SM Prime Holdings Inc., rose 17 percent and 20 percent, respectively over the past year.

“The companies announced record income from banking and retail businesses and two new mall partnerships in 2014.

Its growth plans involve building ‘micro cities’ around some of its existing mall properties with the objective to build 10 mixed-use townships by 2020 as part of an estimated $11 billion expansion,” Forbes said.

Tycoon John Gokongwei moved up to second place with a net worth of $5.5 billion from $4.9 billion in 2014, thanks largely to revenue growth in his petrochemical businesses and earnings from investment in power distributor Manila Electric Company.

Businessman Andrew Tan landed on the third spot, a notch

up from 2014, with a net worth of $4.5 billion, while tycoon Lucio Tan dropped to 4th place from second spot in 2014, with a total net worth of $4.3 billion.

Rounding out the top 10 list are Enrique Razon Jr. of International Container Terminal Services Inc. ($4.1 billion), George Ty of Metrobank ($4 billion), Aboitiz family of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. ($3.6 billion), Jaime August Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corp. ($3.5 billion), David Consunji of DMCI Holdings Inc. ($3.2 billion) and Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee Foods Corp. ($2.2 billion).

Newcomers to the 50 richest list are Dean Lao of D&L Industries Inc. with a net worth of $1.1 billion, Oscar Lopez of Lopez Holdings Inc. with $1 billion and Fred Elizalde of Manila Broadcasting Company with $260 million.

Edjar Sia II of DoubleDragon Properties Inc. is the youngest richest Filipino. The 38-year old businessman who built the country’s second largest chain Mang Inasal before it was sold to Jollibee Foods Corp., placed 34th with a net worth of $380 million.

Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. is the oldest richest Filipino. The 94-year businessman of the Rustans Group registered a net worth of $480 million.

FRIDAY: AUGUST 28, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, augusT 27, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 1.01 100 30.5 75 91.5 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26 47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 20.6 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 17 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 79 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 7.34 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 10.5 1.99 1.75 41.4 5.6 5.59 5.6 1.44

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.7 2.41 67.75 64.25 97.00 93.50 86.75 84.95 42.55 42 2.51 2.51 1.31 1.31 15.66 15.3 20 19.5 7.25 7.22 1.60 1.60 0.355 0.355 84.25 82.5 18.60 18.60 25.75 25.75 57.60 55.80 307.8 299.2 37.2 36.8 130.8 125.8 1497.00 1400.00 54.00 53.80 3.1 3 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp.

42.5 42.9 42.05 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.45 1.53 1.45 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.96 1.02 0.92 1.86 Alsons Cons.

1.56 1.72 1.53 7.92 Asiabest Group 9.88 10 9.25 15.32 Century Food 16.9 17.1 16.9 20.2 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 48 48 48 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 26.75 27.25 26.75 29.15 Concepcion 44.7 45 44.65 1.5 Crown Asia 2.55 2.72 2.58 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.23 1.36 1.27 10.72 Del Monte 11 11.4 10.98 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 10.900 11.240 10.96 9.04 Emperador 8.50 8.75 8.41 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.82 6.05 5.79 8.86 EEI 7.97 8.18 7.87 1.06 Euro-Med Lab 1.69 1.71 1.71 8.61 Federal Res. Inv. Group 12.98 12.8 12.1 20.2 First Gen Corp.

22.9 23.8 23.1 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 71 73 68 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 12.98 13.00 12.80 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.6 5.8 5.6 0.395 Ionics Inc 0.475 0.475 0.475 173 Jollibee Foods Corp.

182.20 191.40 182.30 8.65 Lafarge Rep 10.16 10.18 10.14 34.1 Liberty Flour 28.00 28.00 28.00 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 1.7 1.7 1.7 33 Macay Holdings 50.00 51.45 51.45 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 21.35 22.6 21.55 17.3 Maxs Group 21.9 22.6 21.9 5.88 Megawide 5.76 5.99 5.33 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 278.60 288.20 282.00 3.37 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 3.60 3.95 3.95 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4 4.14 4 8.45 Petron Corporation 7.80 7.92 7.60 10.04 Phinma Corporation 10.90 11.00 10.60 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.20 3.30 3.08 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.03 2.15 2.08 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.48 2.58 2.4 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.11 4.16 4.06 1.65 Roxas and Co. 1.78 1.82 1.7 5.9 Roxas Holdings 5.7 5.74 5.7 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 140 154 140 4.1 SPC Power Corp.

4 4.25 4.25 1.55 Splash Corporation 1.8 1.85 1.85 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.129 0.136 0.130 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

1.16 1.14 1.14 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 1.76 1.82 1.78 152 Universal Robina 183 193 183 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.2 4.24 4.22 0.640 Vitarich Corp.

0.64 0.65 0.65 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.00 1.10 1.00 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.435 0.425 0.410 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 52.8000 53.9000 53.1000 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 19.30 20.00 19.48 1.6 Anglo Holdings A 1.10 1.10 1.00 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.66 6.70 6.67 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.225 0.230 0.225 634.5 Ayala Corp `A’ 709 730 717 7.390 Cosco Capital 6.61 6.83 6.75 12.8 DMCI Holdings 10.84 11.38 10.86 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 2.85 2.91 2.91 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

4.19 4.18 4.18 837 GT Capital 1190 1243 1190 5.3 House of Inv. 6.00 60.50 6.00 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 67.85 69.90 67.85 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp.

5.9 6.2 5.91 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.59 0.61 0.55 12 LT Group 12.66 13.3 12.7 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 4.7 5 4.73 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 7.24 7.45 7.2 0.030 Pacifica `A’ 0.0430 0.0440 0.0390 0.550 Prime Orion 1.830 1.920 1.800 2.26 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.65 2.65 2.78 59.3 San Miguel Corp `A’ 51.05 52.15 50.85 1.5 Seafront `A’ 2.20 2.52 2.52 751 SM Investments Inc. 859.00 888.00 865.00 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.19 1.18 1.18 0.93 South China Res. Inc. 0.65 0.65 0.65 80 Top Frontier 70.300 71.550 70.000 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.2750 0.2800 0.2700 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.200 6.400 6.200 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.65 0.67 0.63 1.2 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.140 1.170 1.150 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 34.40 35.70 346.00 3.36 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.01 3.11 3.05 4.96 Cebu Holdings 4.72 4.9 4.7 2.8 Cebu Prop. `A’ 6.5 6.5 6.48 0.79 Century Property 0.66 0.73 0.69 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 0.225 78 17.8 58 62 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

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

SHARES 20,567,865 79,827,353 451,580,018 281,295,842 118,585,004 1,511,622,418 2,466,075,661

2.57 66.2 93.00 85.10 41 2.41 1.31 15.4 19.4 7.20 1.69 0.350 82.5 18.50 25.00 55.20 299.8 36.75 127 1497.00 54.00 2.9

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.41 67.5 97.00 85.50 42.5 2.51 1.31 15.66 19.98 7.25 1.60 0.355 83.55 18.60 25.75 57.00 300 37 127.1 1450.00 54.00 3.1

-6.23 1.96 4.30 0.47 3.66 4.15 0.00 1.69 2.99 0.69 -5.33 1.43 1.27 0.54 3.00 3.26 0.07 0.68 0.08 -3.14 0.00 6.90

69,000 10,130 10,117,870 4,298,290 164,500 1,000 1,000 21,200 362,900 7,000 5,000 60,000 3,671,530 310,900 500 135,620 32,190 127,900 564,740 155 25,880 60,000

42.55 1.53 0.94 1.58 9.9 17 48 27 44.7 2.68 1.27 10.98 11.200 8.41 5.90 8.02 1.71 12.8 23.35 68 13.00 5.76 0.475 191.30 10.16 28.00 1.7 51.45 22.6 22 5.9 283.00 3.95 4.01 7.62 10.60 3.30 2.15 2.45 4.10 1.7 5.74 143 4.25 1.85 0.133 1.14 1.80 192.5 4.22 0.65 1.00

0.12 5.52 -2.08 1.28 0.20 0.59 0.00 0.93 0.00 5.10 3.25 -0.18 2.75 -1.06 1.37 0.63 1.18 -1.39 1.97 -4.23 0.15 2.86 0.00 4.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.90 5.85 0.46 2.43 1.58 9.72 0.25 -2.31 -2.75 3.12 5.91 -1.21 -0.24 -4.49 0.70 2.14 6.25 2.78 3.10 -1.72 2.27 5.19 0.48 1.56 0.00

2,936,200 13,000 8,000 2,947,000 8,900 910,900 100 345,500 642,700 2,963,000 85,000 62,100 5,745,600 1,548,000 28,996,100 1,183,000 1,000 9,200 2,948,500 498,660 65,400 269,500 50,000 1,134,580 325,400 1,300 66,000 160 1,428,800 433,700 816,600 2,379,900 2,000 1,522,000 4,413,500 6,700 245,000 270,000 1,111,000 1,919,000 26,000 10,300 67,450 3,000 14,000 1,250,000 9,000 701,000 4,986,360 280,000 610,000 286,000

0.420 53.5000 19.80 1.09 6.70 0.230 725 6.8 10.92 2.91 4.18 1230 6.00 69.00 6.05 0.57 13 4.98 7.28 0.0410 1.800 2.78 50.85 2.52 870.00 1.18 0.65 70.050 0.2700

-3.45 1.33 2.59 -0.91 0.60 2.22 2.26 2.87 0.74 2.11 -0.24 3.36 0.00 1.69 2.54 -3.39 2.69 5.96 0.55 -4.65 -1.64 4.91 -0.39 14.55 1.28 -0.84 0.00 -0.36 -1.82

230,000 3,114,150 17,589,485.00 36,473,300 -49,547,436.00 161,000 15,100 110,000 661,950 -43,256,610.00 7,156,500 34,707,689.00 12,526,600 36,802,174.00 170,000 26,000 562,490 -295,688,975.00 43,200 81,454.00 3,011,250 35,822,952.50 2,013,500 -2,292,314.00 454,000 12,505,700 -98,951,708.00 64,748,000 -25,767,690.00 1,753,200 -738,050.00 255,900,000 40,000.00 15,150,000 -28,000.00 13,000 467,810 -8,559,311.50 9,000 655,660 -206,636,410.00 40,000 116,000 17,090 -431,669.50 2,450,000

6.300 0.67 1.160 34.80 3.07 4.9 6.5 0.72

1.61 3.08 1.75 1.16 1.99 3.81 0.00 9.09

2,252,700 88,000 51,000 28,771,900 6,777,000 31,000 11,200 4,269,000

138,087.00 152,884,396.50 -66,393,036.50 3,790,695.00

1,277,450.00

-120,719,398.50 -5,686,020.00 2,702,912.00 -9,274,658.00 -923,240.00 1,630,127.00

-4,610,225.00 342,580.00 -9,931,984.00 -2,269,320 46,080.00 -3,420.00 5,147,334.00 4,184,152.00 -27,794,891.00 -5,211,651.00 7,349,585.00 1,049,254.00 -668,160.00 58,752,039.00 -5,070.00

-11,685,340.00 -4,513,160.00 3,691,225.00 372,432,984.00 -9,510.00 6,706,842.00 -13,200.00 -42,400.00 -3,377,150.00 1,432,790.00 4,050.00 126,263,118.00 4,220.00

-3,095,593.00 123,053,775.00 3,424,390.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 4.88 0.180 0.470 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 2.75 0.090 0.290 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.09 14.88 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 95.5 2.46 15.2 1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 0.63 10.5 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 3.1 1.8 6 0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

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

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Primex Corp.

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

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp.

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

DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Jockey Melco Crown NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

7.59 SSI Group 0.63 STI Holdings 5 Travellers 0.315 Waterfront Phils.

1.14 Yehey

0.0098 17.24 0.330 12.7 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 420 9 0.016

0.0043 6.47 0.236 6.5 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 115.9 3.67 0.0100

Abra Mining Atlas Cons. `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

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

Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 120 515 8.21 12.28 111 1060

33 490 500 101.5 480 5.88 6.5 101 997

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8 1.34

1011 74.2 74.5 75 1

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

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

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp.

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

Close

0.99 0.95 0.114 0.430 13.1 0.790 0.159 1.06 1.79 1.27 4.22 0.090 0.2410 7.3 28.30 1.5 3.21 18.80 0.7 7.16 0.690 5.950

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

1.00 1.00 1.00 1.04 0.95 1.04 0.118 0.107 0.115 0.415 0.400 0.415 13.8 12.86 13.52 0.790 0.730 0.790 0.160 0.160 0.160 1.11 1.07 1.10 1.84 1.77 1.79 1.36 1.25 1.34 4.41 4.23 4.3 0.098 0.081 0.081 0.2600 0.2600 0.2600 7.41 7.37 7.41 29.10 27.80 28.90 1.54 1.52 1.54 3.27 3.20 3.27 19.86 19.04 19.48 0.73 0.7 0.72 7.16 7.16 7.16 0.700 0.660 0.700 6.150 5.850 5.950 SERVICES 9.27 9.9 9.2 9.2 59.1 61 59.4 59.5 0.510 0.560 0.500 0.500 12.88 11.22 11 11 27 27 27 27 6.59 7.00 6.65 6.99 0.0610 0.0620 0.0590 0.0610 3.93 4.1 3.9 3.9 88.85 90 88.6 89.5 9.5 9.52 9.51 9.51 4.00 4.55 4.00 4.55 920 920 920 920 2470 2510 2470 2497 6.35 6.45 6.25 6.30 1.15 1.28 1.10 1.26 94.7 95.05 93 94 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.168 0.168 0.160 0.166 1.3500 1.3500 1.3300 1.3400 7.35 7.65 7.20 7.45 2.08 2.20 2.08 2.20 1.20 1.27 1.14 1.27 2.00 2.10 1.99 2.10 35.00 35.00 35.00 35.00 2 2 2 2 5.75 5.96 5.74 5.82 0.410 0.405 0.405 0.405 18.78 18.78 18.78 18.78 4.40 4.60 4.60 4.60 98.00 100.00 98.00 100.00 18.02 18.22 17.80 18.22 2464.00 2604.00 2480.00 2552.00 0.600 0.630 0.600 0.620 1.180 1.250 1.200 1.200 30.70 32.20 31.05 31.30 68.00 70.00 69.00 69.75 4.52 4.90 4.58 4.83 6.50 7.00 6.52 7.00 0.58 0.58 0.54 0.56 3.9 4.1 3.99 4.04 0.330 0.310 0.290 0.310 2.350 2.400 2.340 2.340 MINING & OIL 0.0046 0.0049 0.0046 0.0047 4.23 4.27 4.23 4.26 0.189 0.200 0.200 0.200 6.9000 6.6800 3.5000 6.6800 0.68 0.69 0.67 0.69 0.65 0.69 0.65 0.68 5.80 6.05 5.30 5.75 1.09 1.15 1.09 1.11 0.285 0.300 0.280 0.290 0.180 0.184 0.180 0.182 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.012 2.15 2.2 2.1 2.12 6.7 7.1 6.53 6.82 3.24 3.38 3.21 3.26 1.3500 1.4000 1.3100 1.3100 0.0080 0.0090 0.0087 0.0090 3.97 4.02 3.97 4.00 4.98 5.100 5.000 5.00 1.42 1.440 1.400 1.42 121.00 126.00 122.90 124.50 2.78 3.1 2.81 2.94 0.0080 0.0080 0.0080 0.0080 PREFERRED 57 59.5 57.5 58.4 523 523 523 523 526.5 526.5 526.5 526.5 115.5 116 116 116 526 526 526 526 6 6.3 6 6.01 1.08 1.11 1.08 1.11 108 108 108 108 1040 1040 1040 1040 1075 1085 1085 1085 1018 1020 1010 1020 75.4 75.5 75.4 75.45 79 79 78.3 79 83 82 80.05 80.5 1.9 1.82 1.82 1.82 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.250 3.360 3.250 3.350 SME 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 55 56.45 56.45 56.45 10 10.52 9.99 9.99 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 113.1 116 114 115.5

1.01 9.47 0.88 -3.49 3.21 0.00 0.63 3.77 0.00 5.51 1.90 -10.00 7.88 1.51 2.12 2.67 1.87 3.62 2.86 0.00 1.45 0.00

30,000 4,000 35,380,000 1,640,000 4,920,200 238,000 100,000 2,300,000 31,194,000 1,641,000 84,318,000 2,750,000 510,000 16,200 4,619,200 14,000 18,000 42,865,400 225,000 100 211,000 23,627,300

-0.76 0.68 -1.96 -14.60 0.00 6.07 0.00 -0.76 0.73 0.11 13.75 0.00 1.09 -0.79 9.57 -0.74 0.00 -1.19 -0.74 1.36 5.77 5.83 5.00 0.00 0.00 1.22 -1.22 0.00 4.55 2.04 1.11 3.57 3.33 1.69 1.95 2.57 6.86 7.69 -3.45 3.59 -6.06 -0.43

918,500 244,180 625,000 58,500 100 20,746,900 18,580,000 198,000 1,322,480 1,000 83,000 1,210 249,975 149,000 362,000 3,396,750 8,900,000 1,260,000 112,000 729,800 50,000 21,000 78,000 400 20,000 1,185,000 20,000 12,000 9,000 240 56,200 306,200 890,000 16,364,000 2,698,000 4,861,260 7,801,000 5,605,600 12,256,000 3,869,000 230,000 156,000

2.17 0.71 5.82 -3.19 1.47 4.62 -0.86 1.83 1.75 1.11 0.00 0.00 -1.40 1.79 0.62 -2.96 12.50 0.76 0.40 0.00 2.89 5.76 0.00

1,305,000,000 43,200.00 574,000 21,700.00 20,000 41,400 2,587,000 402,000.00 780,000 63,800 10,019,000 1,873,500.00 1,220,000 2,030,000 3,000,000 156,400,000 397,000 -64,300.00 14,372,600 -3,838,879.00 795,000 12,920.00 360,000 15,260.00 7,000,000 234,000 480,000 347,070.00 727,000 640,580 -23,407,112.00 2,815,000 162,250.00 1,000,000 -8,000.00

2.46 0.00 0.00 0.43 0.00 0.17 2.78 0.00 0.00 0.93 0.20 0.07 0.00 -3.01 -4.21

167,290 600 1,200 6,000 2,650 2,600,000 1,068,000 20,450 2,660 5 1,910 123,190 17,510 25,010 4,000

3.08

314,000

0.00 2.64 -0.10

300 150 2,536,500

-5,656,966.00

2.12

60,210

5,780.00

1,900.00 40,000.00 2,058,050.00 -23,700.00 16,200.00 -32,303,360.00 11,828,380.00

61,423,000.00 -238,196,956.00

-43,366,505.00 -96,500.00 -648,276.00 16,346,831.00 -37,805,709.00

-426,296,830.00 -24,475,278.50 1,200.00 -83,585.00

1,568,347.00

-22,020.00 -331,954.00 152,417,920.00 1,183,170.00 -27,597,530.00 -10,893,388.00 -379,210.00 -1,187,509.00 -5,049,560.00 -8,564,160.00

2,149,967.00

-1,503,000.00

-510,287.50

631,340.00

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,807,046,564.72 2,778,046,620.736 4,413,126,618.7635 2,732,733,719.41 2,604,453,102.69 218,051,624.6275 14,586,118,538.1235

Low

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,543.11 (up) 28.90 INDUSTRIAL 10,863.03 (up) 277.94 HOLDING FIRMS 6,381.73 (up) 125.48 PROPERTY 2,861.86 (up) 54.84 SERVICES 1,877.40 (up) 39.50 MINING & OIL 10,582.25 (up) 184.15 PSEI 7,022.09 (up) 154.17 All Shares Index 4,006.37 (up) 74.93 Gainers: 139 Losers: 45; Unchanged: 34; Total: 218

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Seafront `A'

2.52

14.55

Asian Terminals Inc.

11

-14.60

DFNN Inc.

4.55

13.75

MRC Allied Ind.

0.081

-10.00

Oriental Pet. `A'

0.0090

12.50

AG Finance

2.41

-6.23

Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

3.95

9.72

Waterfront Phils.

0.310

-6.06

Harbor Star

1.26

9.57

I-Remit Inc.

1.60

-5.33

Cityland Dev. `A'

1.04

9.47

Pacifica `A'

0.0410

-4.65

Century Property

0.72

9.09

Roxas and Co.

1.7

-4.49

Phil. Estates Corp.

0.2600

7.88

First Holdings 'A'

68

-4.23

SSI Group

7.00

7.69

Swift Pref

1.82

-4.21

Vantage Equities

3.1

6.90

Cyber Bay Corp.

0.415

-3.49

FRIDAY: AUGUST 28, 2015

B3

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

Stocks jump; index finishes above 7,000

What’s your story?

APPROXIMATELY two months ago, on June 19, 2015, we discussed the Philippine stock market in this column. At the end of the piece, I mentioned that my favorite investment advisor, Philinvestor, suggested taking a less aggressive position in equities. Less aggressive, of course, is investment speak for reducing exposure. On that day, the market closed at 7,601.

For investors, this week opened with some anxiety.

Over the three-day weekend, stock markets around the world had tumbled. Thursday this week, the market closed with the PSEi (the key index for the local stock market) closed at 7,022--welcome news for those who saw it dip to its one-year low of 6,603 Tuesday of this week.

Theory Many questions have been posed concerning tis recent volatility in markets and they fall into three categories: What is causing this? What will happen next? What should we do now?

To the question of what to do now, one my friends rightly pointed out that if your basic investment theory is sound, a market dip is not necessarily reason to flee. This, actually, is good advice in many areas, not just in investments.

In management class and in planning meetings, I often say that at the heart of every strategy is a hypothesis: “If we as a company do this, then this will happen.” This is true, in fact, of most plans. We decide to take certain paths or directions because we believe they will take us where we wish to go. We believe this because we have a theory about things. So let’s begin with what individual investors would need to think about when they invest.

First, people generally put money in the stock market in order to earn a return. As investing in equities is generally believed to be riskier than putting money in a time deposit or in bonds, the target returns for stock market investments would generally be higher than those on corporate bonds. In turn, most corporate bonds have returns higher than rates on government debt. This week, national Treasurer Roberto Tan told reporters that the government plans to issue new debt with rates at a minimum of 3.625 percent for 10-year bonds and 4.625 percent for 25-year bonds. Now, a data set from NYU dated January 2015 shows an estimate of the equity risk premium (ERP) in the Philippines to be about 8.6 percent. The ERP is the amount by which returns on the stock market, on average, outpace returns on government bonds. This explains why target stock market returns are typically in the double digits.

Second, an investor makes money two ways from investing in the stock market--one is dividends and two is capital gains. In the Philippines, with very few exceptions (e.g. telcos), returns from dividends are generally negligible. What this means is that investors generally look to increases in stock price to drive investment returns. This means that Filipinos who invest in the stock market invest because they believe that the price will go up. The key to making money in this market is to buy low and sell high.

The price This means that the question of what to do is based solidly on the question of price.

One easy way to evaluate price is to look at the ratio of share price to earnings per share, what is commonly called the PE ratio. Theoretically, the earnings or net income of a corporation belong to the shareholders who are, after all, the owners of the corporation. If the company were to pay back all dividends to shareholders then earnings would represent the annual investment return and the PE ratio would be an estimate of the payback period of investment in the stock. Seen from this point of view, all things being equal, a low PE would signify a cheaper stock.

Note that PE is not the only indicator. Consider two companies with the same PE of 10. If one company were not growing at all, then ten years of earnings would represent 100 percent of the investment in buying the stock. However, if earnings were growing, clearly payback would be reached at an earlier time. In fact, at 20 percent growth, the investment would pay back in about 6 years. This explains why most analysts will look at an indicator called PEG, which is the ratio of the PE to annual growth.

The market The Philippine market has had its ups and downs.

Prior to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, at the end of 1996, the PSEi was at 3,171. At the end of 1997, the PSEi was at 1,869. By the end of 1999, the PSEi climbed to 2,143, only to drop to 1,495 at the end of 2000. Local political volatility plus the dot com crash combined to a steady decline to 1018 at the end of 2003. Finally, by the end of 2003, the market had risen to 1,442. Steady increases continued to the end of 2007, which saw the PSEi at 3,622. By the end of 2008, the global credit crisis pushed the PSEi down to 1,873.

The local market quickly recovered and by the end of 2010, the PSEi was at 4,201. In fact, year-end PSEi levels have risen steadily since 2008, hitting 7,231 at the

end of 2014 and hitting a historic high of 8,137 in April of this year.

Now, consider that on June 19, when PhilInvestor called for caution, the PSEi was at 7,601 and the market PE was at 21.6x at prospective 2015 earnings. Recall that the 21.6x pricing of the PSEi in June was called “priced for perfection.” Now let’s look at current rates.

Using the closing PSEi for Thursday of this week, the market is trading at 19.5 PE. Assuming that earnings will grow at 14 percent and with no change in prices, the PSEi will be trading at 17x by end of 2016.

By contrast, using Bloomberg estimates, the Shanghai composite (China) trades at 15x, the Han Seng (HK) trades at 9x, the Singapore Index trades at 13x, and KLCI (Malaysia) trades at 16x. Of course, JCI (Indonesia) trades at 23x, Sensex (India) trades at 21x and the FTSE (UK) trades at 22x.

However, we should also recall that many of these markets are now tumbling.

PhilInvestor declares that a fair price for the local market would be 15x. If that is true, then we are still in high price territory. Major multinational analysts declared in the first half of the year called the market “priced for perfection.” What we have been seeing in the last week and this week shows is that the global situation is not perfect.

What remains to be considered is this. What is your story? When you bought the particular stocks you bought, you had some theory. Maybe you believed that the price at which you bought had not taken into account penetration into a new market space. The key question is this, does that story still hold? Because if not, then the plan needs to change.

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

PHILIPPINE stocks surged Thursday after a Wall Street rally overnight, with bargain-hunters picking up issues that lost considerably in this week’s global rout.

The rest of Asian shares and Shanghai jumped after days of wild swings, but dealers cautioned that the specter of the slowing Chinese economy meant more turbulence lay ahead.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 154.17 points, or 2.2 percent, to 7,022.09 on a value turnover of P14.59 billion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 139 to 45, with 34 issues unchanged.

BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, advanced 4.3 percent to P97, while sister company SM Prime Holdings Inc., the largest property developer, climbed 3.6 percent to P19.48.

Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, surged 5.2 percent to P192.50, while

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE InvItatIon to BId no. Infra -063- 2015 The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the Special Educational Fund63 intends to apply the below listed project w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Name of Project 1. Construction of Two (2) Storey Four (4) Classroom School Building, Alas-asin E/S Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Notice is hereby given to the LESSOR/S of Safe Deposit Box (SDB) Nos. 16 & 18 maintained with the Las Piñas Branch of Security Bank Corporation and Safe Deposit Box (SDB) Nos 1,2,3,6,7,12 & 22 maintained with the Sucat San Isidro Branch of Security Bank Corporation (Formerly Premiere Development Bank), to visit the Branch for the purpose of updating your records and/or to pay any outstanding balance for the use of the safe deposit box, plus daily accrued interest/penalty.

Failure to comply with the aforementioned notice shall result in the force-opening of the safe deposit box pursuant to the SDB Agreement.”

(TS-AUG. 28, SEPT. 4,11, 2015)

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the largest telecommunications firm, rose 3.6 percent to P2,552.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll road, water and electric distribution, and hospitals jumped 6 percent to P4.98, while Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, advanced 5 percent to P191.30.

US shares, meanwhile, snapped a six-day losing streak on Wednesday after one of the most senior officials in the Federal Reserve said the turmoil that has gripped world financial markets had weakened the case for a rate rise in September.

Concerns the US could raise rates as early as next month have been heaping pressure on world markets already nervous about signs China’s economy—the world’s second-largest, accounting for some 13 percent of global output—is slowing more than thought. AFP

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) =P=5,649,963.57

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Projects. Completion of works is required on or before the maturity date stipulated on contract. Bidders should have completed, at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid.The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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 open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Office of Bataan Bids & Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the same office.

Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 04-2012 listed below.

Approved Budget for the Contract

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that 8990 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, with office address at 8990 Corporate Center, Negros St., Cebu Business Park, Cebu City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as new Developer of Economic and Lowcost Housing Project (Deca Homes Our Lady of Guadalupe) with a capacity of 323 economic and lowcost housing units on a non-pioneer status, with project site located at Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.

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

(SGD.) RAFAELITO H. TARUC Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (TS-AUGUST 28, 2015)

500,000 and below More than 500,000 up to 1 Million

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso) 500.00 1,000.00

More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

5,000.00

More than 5 Million up to 10 Million

10,000.00

More than 10 Million up to 50 Million

25,000.00

More than 50 Million up to 500 Million

50,000.00

More than 500 Million

75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on September 03, 2015 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered on or before September 16, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 and Bid Securing Declaration in standard form.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted.

In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days.

Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan.

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that 8990 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, with office address at 8990 Corporate Center, Negros St., Cebu Business Park, Cebu City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as new Developer of Economic and Low-cost Housing Project (Urban Deca Homes Tisa) with a capacity of 936 economic and lowcost housing units on a non-pioneer status, with project site located at Tisa, Labangon, Cebu City.

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

(SGD.) RAFAELITO H. TARUC Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (TS-AUGUST 28, 2015)

Activities 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Eligibility Check Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents Request for Clarification Opening of Bids

Schedule August 27 – September 02, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids August 27 – September 16, 2015 September 04, 2015 September 16, 2015

The Provincial Government of Bataan reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: Engr. Josephine R. Valenzuela Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph

(TS-AUG. 28, 2015)

(SGD) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC Chairman

FRIDAY: AUGUST 28, 2015

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

PAL sees profit topping $100m

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines said Thursday it expects full-year net income to reach more than $100 million in 2015, marking its second consecutive year of profitability.

PAL president Jaime Bautista told reporters while net income in the first seven months already reached $138 million, the airline could incur losses during the lean months.

PAL reported a net income of $20.4 million in 2014, snapping a three-year losing streak and representing a dramatic turnaround

from the huge $229.7-million loss in the period April to December 2013.

“Yes, it’s more than $100 million,” Bautista said, when asked for full-year projections given the strong performance of the company in the first seven months.

Bautista said full-year net income would take into consider-

ation the lean months from August to November.

“We’re expecting to sustain profitability, although we expect losses during the lean months.

Airlines loses money during lean months, but hopefully we will minimize our losses,” he said.

He said the higher income in the seven-month period could be attributed to the “growth in passengers, improvement in yield and cost control program and that cost control measures implemented, fuel and maintenance efficiencies of aircraft.”

Bautista said PAL would also deploy Boeing 777-300 carriers to its Manila-New York route. “In

response to growing market and competition, we will start to operate 777s [B777-300ERs] to New York…Our refleeting involves the study of airplanes that will replace Airbus 340. We’re evaluating two types of aircraft 787900 or Airbus 350-900,” he said.

He said the new long-bodied aircrafts, which the company planned to take delivery by 2017 or 2018, would be more fuel efficient and result in low-maintenance cost for PAL. Bautista, however, said longterm prospects might be affected by the ongoing air talks between the government and the United Arab Emirates.

August inflation likely at 0.2%—BSP

Philippine Airlines president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista (left) and PAL chief finance officer Marianne Raymundo brief newsmen during the annual stockholders’ meeting of the airline at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

EY ACASIO

By Julito G. Rada INFLATION in August likely decelerated to as low as 0.2 percent from 0.8 percent in July on lower power and oil prices, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said Thursday.

“August inflation could be within [the] 0.2 percent to 1 percent range, as continued downward adjustments in power rates and domestic oil prices could temper inflation in the month. Base effects could also be at play,” Tetangco said in a text message.

“For next year, however, we see inflation moving up to within target,” Tetangco said.

Bangko Sentral earlier predicted that inflation in 2015 and 2016 would settle within the 2 to 4 percent target range.

The country’s oil companies reduced pump prices for the 10th consecutive week, reflected the movement in the international oil market.

Inflation rate in July reached 0.8 percent, the first time it fell below 1 percent in nearly 20 years. This brought the average inflation in the first seven months to 1.9 percent, below the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2015.

Tetangco also the 5.6-percent gross domestic product growth in the second quarter might compel monetary authorities to keep the current stance steady.

“The higher second-quarter GDP number relative to the first quarter was supported by solid domestic aggregate demand, particularly consumption and capital formation,” Tetangco said.

“With this outturn, there may be no need for any immediate recalibration of monetary policy settings,” he said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said the 5.6- percent growth in the second quarter reflected the significant improvement in government spending, especially public construction.

The company said if additional flight entitlements were granted to the UAE carriers, it might have destructive consequences on PAL’s investments in launching new routes to the Middle East, Europe and the US east cost.

“Any additional entitlements to the UAE carriers would create a distortion in the market and could possibly lead to PAL pulling out of these routes,” PAL said in a statement.

The flag carrier asked the Philippine panel in the air talks “to resist any pressure to grant additional entitlements to UAE carriers and instead challenge them to mount direct flights to airports outside.”

IN BRIEF Businessmen less bullish BUSINESS confidence declined in the third quarter from the previous quarter on expected lower demand during the rainy season and lower crop production caused by El Niño dry spell, results of a survey by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

The business expectations survey showed that business outlook on the economy turned less optimistic in the third quarter at 41.4 percent, compared to 49.2 percent in the second quarter.

“This indicates that the number of optimists declined but continued to be greater than the number of pessimists during the quarter,” Bangko Sentral said.

Other reasons cited for the less buoyant outlook were the closed fishing season in Davao Gulf from July to September and lower consumer spending in view of increased expenditures on education.

The sentiment of businessmen in the Philippines mirrored the less buoyant business outlook in the US, but was in contrast to the more bullish views of those in the UK, Germany, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India,” Bangko Sentral said.

Julito G. Rada

Healthcare BPO eyes $9.8b THE Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines expects revenues to hit $9.8 billion by 2020, with the emergence of new health services.

The group said in a news briefing Thursday revenue in 2015 was expected to reach $1.9 billion, ahead of the original conservative target of $1.7 billion.

“We released two set of estimates to define our growth path. Conservative estimates, we see are more easily achieved but accelerated estimates we have to work on by staging more aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns,” HIMAP president Myla Rose Reyes said during the 6th HIMS Confer-

ence 2015 at the Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

The group said employees in the healthcare BPO sector would reach a high of 122,000 this year and 545,000 by 2020.

Healthcare management information is now the third biggest employer within the broader spectrum of business process outsourcing, next to contact centers and software development.

Reyes said given the industry target, Philippine market share by 2020 is expected to increase by at least 3.16 percent to 5.2 percent of the entire global healthcare business processing market.

Othel V. Campos

BPI takes over Globe BanKO BANK of the Philippine Islands, the country’s third-largest lender, has assumed full ownership of BPI Globe BanKO, the country’s first mobile phonebased savings bank.

BPI Globe BanKO is a joint venture between Ayala Corp., Globe Telecom Inc. and BPI. “Globe Telecom Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands and Ayala Corp. today inked an agreement to turn over full ownership of BPI Globe BanKO to BPI, one of the majority owners of the joint venture,” BPI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

BPI said the agreement would result in BPI Globe BanKO becoming a wholly-owned unit of BPI. “Pending completion of regulatory and business requirements [including the issuance of a fairness opinion on the share valuation], the agreement will result in the country’s first mobile phone-based savings bank becoming a wholly-owned and managed subsidiary of BPI,” it said.

BPI will increase its stake in BanKO by buying the shares of Globe and Ayala Corp. representing 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively. BPI currently owns 40 percent of BanKO. Julito G. Rada

Century borrows for hotel CENTURY Properties Group Inc. said Thursday it secured a term loan facility that will partly fund the construction of its first hotel project.

Century Properties said in a disclosure to the stock

exchange the five-year term loan facility was arranged by Standard Chartered Bank. No other details were provided.

Century Properties recently launched a hotel development called Novotel Suites Manila in partnership with AccorHotels.’

Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua is a four-star, 310unit all-suite hotel that will rise within the 2.4 hectare Acqua Private Residences in Mandaluyong City.

The project is expected to be completed by 2019.

The property firm said the venture into hotel business was in line with plans to diversify into the allied real estate segments of leisure and tourism to strengthen its portfolio. Jenniffer B. Austria

Oil imports drop 35% THE country’s total oil import import bill dropped 35 percent in the first half to $4.67 billion from $7.256 billion a year ago, pulled down by lower global oil prices.

Net import bill in the first half, referring to total imports less petroleum exports, also went down by 36 percent to $4.254 billion.

“This was attributed to lower import cost [for both crude and petroleum products] although import volume increased,” the Energy Department said in a report.

Total import of crude oil reached $2.305 billion, down by 31.6 percent from $3.369 billion in the first half of 2014 as oil price per barrel fell to $60.277 this year from $111.281 a barrel last year.

Total product import cost also went down by 39.2 percent to $2.364 billion at an average cost insurance per freight of $66.098 per barrel, from $3.887 billion at an average CIF cost of $116.443 a barrel last year.

Petroleum exports earnings also declined 32.9 percent to $415.6 million in the first half from $619.1 million a year earlier.

“Overall, the country’s first half net oil import bill amounting to $4.254 billion was down by 35.9 percent from first half 2014’s $6.637 billion due to cheaper price per barrel of crude and petroleum products [about 50 percent] vis-à-vis last year,” the Energy Department said. Alena Mae S. Flores

F R I D AY : A U G U S T 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

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ceSAR bARRIoqUInTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Student leader charged over rallies HONG KONG—Hong Kong student leader Joshua Wong slammed police Thursday for what he called a “political prosecution” after he was charged over protests which led to last year’s mass pro-democracy street rallies.

Wong, 18, who became the face of the democracy movement, is already due in court Friday for separate charges of obstructing police at an earlier demonstration.

The teenager and other activists have accused the authorities of a witch hunt against those at the forefront of the Umbrella Movement that brought parts of the city to a standstill for more than two months.

Protesters called for fully free elections of the city’s next leader, in the face of a contentious Beijing-backed political reform package in which candidates would have been vetted by a loyalist committee.

That bill was vetoed in June in an unprecedented rebuke to Beijing, leaving the city politically polarized.

Wong was charged Thursday with “unlawful assembly, and inciting others to take part in an unlawful assembly”.

The charges, which could result in a sentence of up to five years, relate to a student protest on September 26 last year during which some climbed into a square which is part of the city’s government complex.

Wong and other activists were arrested, sparking wider demonstrations which exploded two days later when police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Thousands more took to the streets in the wake of what they saw as heavy-handed policing.

“Today... is political prosecution,” said Wong before he entered a police station Thursday in the central neighborhood of Wan Chai.

“Being involved in the civic square action is the best mission I have made in the four years I’ve been involved in social student movements,” he said.

“I will not regret it... even if I have to pay the price.”

When they emerged less than two hours later, Wong’s lawyer Michael Vidler confirmed the teen had been charged. AFP

world Supportive Belgraders embrace the refugees BELGRADE, Serbia—Gordan Paunovic couldn’t sleep the night after he met a Syrian refugee family in a Belgrade park, where hundreds of migrants pause for a rest before continuing their journey towards EU.

Showcase. Indian Bollywood actress Gauhar Khan showcases a creation by designer Rinku Sobati during the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festival 2015 in Mumbai on August 27. AFP

“I wondered all night if I should have invited some of them into my home, to offer them a shower and to spend at least one night in a bed,” he recalls.

The next day he and his wife Susanne SimonPaunovic went back to the park with a lunch for the family.

“We brought a tablecloth. We didn’t want it to be yet another fast food meal from a plastic bag, but something that would remind them of lunch at home, at least for a moment,” Gordan said.

“We ate together, as a family and friends,” in the park with no name on Karadjordjeva Street, he added.

That was just the beginning of a surge of solidarity shown by Belgraders in recent weeks to some of the thousands of migrants passing through the town on their way to what they hope will be a better life in western Europe.

Having endured the horrors of war themselves and hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees during the conflicts that tore Yugoslavia apart in the 1990s, Belgraders have responded with sympathy to the influx of migrants, bringing with them all sorts of aid.

Local authorities and human rights organizations have opened an information center, providing all necessary information to refugees in Arab, Urdu and Farsi on where and how they can meet their needs, but also receive medical aid and psychological help and support.

A taxi association sends drivers free of charge to donors’ homes to pick up donations and to transport offered aid collecting centers.

“People keep coming to the park bringing clothes, food, even money. They play with the kids and that is really nice, it helps the children for a moment to forget the ordeal we are going through,” 28-year old Hiba said.

Traveling with her sister and three nieces to Germany where her two brothers live, Hiba, a lawyer by training, said she hoped to bring her husband and two sons, who have stayed in Damascus, to join her once she gets settled.

“After our ordeal in Macedonia where we spent three days on the border and where police beat people, we feel welcome in Serbia where even the police at the entrance gave toys to the children,” she told AFP, while waiting in the park for a bus to take her to the north towards EU member Hungary. AFP

Nigeria marks 500 days since Boko Haram abductions ABUJA, Nigeria—Relatives of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram prepared Thursday to mark 500 days since the abductions, with hope dwindling for their rescue despite a renewed push to end the insurgency.

The landmark comes amid a worsening security crisis in the northeast, where Islamists have stepped up deadly attacks since the inauguration of President

Muhammadu Buhari, killing more than 1,000 people in three months.

Boko Haram fighters stormed the Government Secondary School in the remote town of Chibok in Borno state on the evening of April 14 last year, seizing 276 girls who were preparing for end-of-year exams.

Fifty-seven escaped but nothing has been heard of the 219 others since May last year, when about

100 of them appeared in a Boko Haram video, dressed in Muslim attire and reciting the Koran.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has since said they have all converted to Islam and been “married off ”.

The Bring Back Our Girls social media and protest campaign has announced a youth march in the capital Abuja to mark the grim anniversary along with an evening candle-lit vigil.

Spokeswoman Aisha Yesufu said she was hopeful that the “right thing will be done” under the new regime of Buhari, who replaced Goodluck Jonathan on May 29, vowing to crush Boko Haram.

“We have a new government.

Yes, we have seen the kind of things he has done, his body language, what he has said about our girls. He has made them an issue,” she told AFP.

“He has given his word that he will do all he can to ensure the girls are rescued, not only to their parents, but for them to go back to school and continue with their lives.

“So we are hopeful that the right things (will) be done but at the same time we Nigerians should understand that the rescue of the Chibok girls is not a privilege...

It’s their right as enshrined in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.” AFP

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F r i D aY : a u G u s t 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Journalists shot dead on live TV NOTICE OF DECREASE OF CAPITAL STOCK OF INNOVE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Notice is hereby given that the stockholders and Board of Directors of Innove Communications, Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Philippines, approved the decrease in authorized capital stock of the Corporation from Three Billion Five Hundred Million Pesos (PHP3,500,000,000.00), composed of Two Billion Six Hundred Million (2,600,000,000.00) Common Shares at a par value of One Peso (PHP1.00) each and One Hundred Eighty Million (180,000,000) Preferred Shares at a par value of Five Pesos (PHP5.00) per share to Three Billion One Hundred Million Pesos (PHP3,100,000,000.00), composed of Two Billion Six Hundred Million (2,600,000,000.00) Common Shares at a par value of One Peso (PHP1.00) each and One Hundred Million (100,000,000) Preferred Shares at a par value of Five Pesos (PHP5.00) per share.

This was approved at theSpecial Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, held last 14 May 2015 and at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of the Corporation, held last 14 May 2015.

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

ROANOKE, United States—The former TV reporter who shot two journalists dead during a live broadcast in Virginia before killing himself warned he had been a “human powder keg... just waiting to go BOOM.” The gunman—Vester Lee Flanagan, 41, also known as Bryce Wi l l i ams — p o ste d chilling footage of Wednesday’s murder online.

Reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were fatally shot at close range while conducting an on-air interview for WDBJ, a CBS television affiliate in Roanoke, about 385 kilometers southwest of

Washington.

It was unclear whether the shooter even knew Parker before the attack.

Friends, family and the community at large mourned the tragedy, as the incident renewed calls for gun control.

Flanagan was said to have bought his gun legally.

The killings once again highlighted gun violence in America— prompting a quick

White House call for action—and also raised questions about how the Internet provided a brief but unfiltered window on a horrific crime.

“It breaks my heart every time you read or hear about these kinds of incidents,” President Barack Obama told an ABC affiliate in Philadelphia.

The disturbing video of the deadly on-air shooting—apparently filmed by Flanagan himself—was posted on Twitter and Facebook.

The footage was later removed.

“You send people into war zones and into dangerous situations, into riots, and you worry that they’re going to get

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

Invitation to Bid

Invitation to Bid

The National Housing Authority (NHA), through the Corporate Budget approved by the NHA Board for the year 2015 intends to apply the sum of the Approved Budget for the Contracts (ABCs) to payments for the following contracts: Ref. Projects ABC/ Source of Duration Required PCAB Work No. Funds (P) (c.d.)

License Description 2015- Land Development 11,999,738.75/ 150 Cat. “C & D” Land dev’t. & 040 of Cabid-an NG Subsidy & Small “B” for road works Resettlement Project, Roads Phase 1, Brgy. Cabidan, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon

The National Housing Authority (NHA), through the Corporate Budget approved by the NHA Board for the year 2015 intends to apply the sum of the Approved Budget for the Contracts (ABCs) to payments for the following contracts: Ref. Projects ABC/ Source of Duration Required Work No. Funds (P) (c.d.)

PCAB Description License 2015-045 Construction of 15,500,000.00/ 240 Cat. “B” & Const.

2-Storey Extension Corp. Receipts Medium “A” for of 2-Storey Office Building with Building Extension Office Roofdeck, NHA Bldg.

Region 10 Compund, Julio Pacana St. Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro 2015-046 Construction of 24,005,779.19/NG 180 Cat. “B” & Const. of 1 Unit 3-Storey Subsidy Medium “A” for 3-Storey School 15-Classroom School Building Bldg.

Building (No.1), Norzagaray Homes Resettlement Project, Brgy. Minuyan, Norzagaray, Bulacan 2015-047 Construction of 1 Unit 11,831,321.30/NG 150 Cat. “C & D” & Const. of 2-Storey 8-Classroom Subsidy Small “B” for 2-Storey School School Building, Building Bldg.

Mont Eagle Ville Subdivision, Block 22, Brgy. Kidawa, Laak, Compostela Valley Province (RE-BID) 2015-048 Construction of 1 Unit 11,831,321.30/NG 150 Cat. “C & D” & Const. of 2-Storey 8-Classroom Subsidy Small “B” for 2-Storey School School Building, Building Bldg.

Cateel Housing Proj.

– Block 12, Brgy.

Taytayan, Cateel, Davao Oriental (RE-BID)

2015- Land Development of 041 Juban Resettlement Project, Brgy. Cogon, Juban, Sorsogon 2015- Land Development 042 of Heroes Hill Subdivision at Brgy.

Veterans Village, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay (RE-BID)

11,999,567.44/ NG Subsidy

150

Cat. “C & D” & Small “B” for Roads

Land dev’t. & road works

11,829,466.08/ NG Subsidy

167

Cat. “C & D” & Small “B” for Roads

Land dev’t. & road works

2015- Land Development of 9,952,357.02/ NG 043 Calean Resettlement Subsidy Project Ph. II, Brgy.

Calean, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat (RE-BID)

136

Cat. “C & D” & Small “B” for Roads

Land dev’t. & road works

2015- Land Development of 23,065,000.00/ 044 NHA-Butuan City New NG Subsidy Villages 4A, Brgy.

Taguibo, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

329

Cat. “B” & Medium “A” for Roads

Land dev’t. & road works

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The NHA now invites bids for the above-cited projects. Completion of the Works is required within the duration herein cited. Bidders should have completed a single contract similar to the Project costing at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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.

A complete set of Bidding Documents shall be issued only to bidders/authorized official representatives or employees of the Contractor who can show proof of Notarized Authority to secure bid documents for the specific Project and Official Company ID upon submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), presentation of original PCAB License, Contract Agreement and Certificate of Completion/Acceptance for completed similar project/s and upon Cash Payment of non-refundable fee of P12,500.00 for Ref. Nos. 2015-040 to 042; P10,000.00 for Ref. No. 2015-043; and P20,000.00 for Ref. No. 2015-044 at the Office of the NHABAC1 Secretariat, 3rd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting on August 28, 2015. Deadline of submission of LOI is on September 7, 2015. The BAC1 Secretariat may be contacted at Tel/FAX No. 929-80-16.

The NHA will hold a Pre-bid Conference on September 08, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at the NHA Operations Center, 3rd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be OPEN ONLY to bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

To facilitate the opening of bids, prospective bidders are requested to register with the NHA BAC1. Bidders are reminded that applications for registrations are processed on a “First Come, First Serve” Basis. The BAC1 will only process applications for registration for bidders with complete supporting documents. The registration forms may be downloaded at the NHA website at www.nha.gov.ph.

Bids must be delivered at the NHA Operations Center, 3rd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City, not later than 9:00 a.m. on September 22, 2015. Bid opening shall follow immediately at the same venue.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and amount as stated in Bid Data Sheet (BDS). Bid opening shall follow immediately after the deadline of submission of bids at the same venue. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The NHA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder/s.

(SGD) FROILAN R. KAMPITAN Assistant General Manager/ Chairperson, Bids and Awards Committee 1 (BAC1) NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The NHA now invites bids for the above-cited projects. Completion of the Works is required within the duration herein cited. Bidders should have completed a single contract similar to the Project costing at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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.

A complete set of Bidding Documents shall be issued only to bidders/authorized official representatives or employees of the Contractor who can show proof of Notarized Authority to secure bid documents for the specific Project and Official Company ID upon submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), presentation of original PCAB License, Contract Agreement and Certificate of Completion/Acceptance for completed similar project/s and upon Cash Payment of non-refundable fee of P17,500.00 for Ref. Nos. 2015-045; P20,000.00 for Ref. Nos. 2015-046; P12,500.00 for Ref. Nos. 2015-047 to 48 at the Office of the NHABAC1 Secretariat, 3rd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting on August 28, 2015. Deadline of submission of LOI is on September 7, 2015. The BAC1 Secretariat may be contacted at Tel/FAX No. 929-80-16.

The NHA will hold a Pre-bid Conference on September 08, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at the NHA Operations Center, 3rd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be OPEN ONLY to bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

To facilitate the opening of bids, prospective bidders are requested to register with the NHA BAC1. Bidders are reminded that applications for registrations are processed on a “First Come, First Serve” Basis. The BAC1 will only process applications for registration for bidders with complete supporting documents. The registration forms may be downloaded at the NHA website at www.nha.gov.ph.

Bids must be delivered at the NHA Operations Center, 3rd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City, not later than 9:00 a.m. on September 23, 2015. Bid opening shall follow immediately at the same venue.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and amount as stated in Bid Data Sheet (BDS).Bid opening shall follow immediately after the deadline of submission of bids at the same venue. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The NHA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder/s.

(SGD) FROILAN R. KAMPITAN Assistant General Manager/ Chairperson, Bids and Awards Committee 1 (BAC1) NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

(TS-AUG. 28, 2015)

(TS-AUG. 28, 2015)

hurt,” WDBJ general manager Jeffrey Marks told CNN. “You send somebody out to do a story on tourism, and this—how can you ever expect something like this to happen?”

Parker was interviewing Vicki Gardner, head of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, at the lakeside Bridgewater Resort in the town of Moneta near Roanoke when the attack occurred.

Several shots were heard, as well as screams, as Ward’s camera fell to the floor, capturing a fuzzy and chilling glimpse of the gunman pointing his weapon at the ground.

The station then hastily cut away to a startled anchorwoman back in the studio.

Later, a video apparently posted by Flanagan under the Twitter account @ bryce_williams7, showed the shooter brandishing a weapon at Parker.

Both she and Ward apparently did not see the shooter.

Multiple shots and screams are then heard, and Parker runs away.

The shooter’s hand is clearly visible. He appears to be wearing a blue checkered shirt.

Gardner, 62, was in stable condition at a Roanoke hospital.

ABC News said it received a 23-page manifesto from a man identifying himself as Bryce Williams nearly two hours after the shooting.

A man later called the network and said he had shot two people. He said authorities were “after me” and “all over the place” before hanging up, according to ABC. In the rambling manifesto, Flanagan— an African American sacked in 2013 by WDBJ—said he was sent over the edge by the June mass shooting of black worshippers at a church in South Carolina.

Describing himself as a “human powder keg... just waiting to go BOOM!!!!,” Flanagan also complained in what he called a “Suicide Note for Friends and Family” of racial discrimination and bullying “for being a gay, black man.”

“Yes, it will sound like I am angry... I am. And I have every right to be.

But when I leave this Earth, the only emotion I want to feel is peace,” it said. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELL

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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TIPS Tell-tale signs your car tires need to be replaced

This all-terrain 4x4 is a must-have for the adventurous.

Colorado Tracker: Chevy gets tougher BORN to be strong and ready to haul or tow anything with ease, the Colorado Tracker variants are powered by a 2nd generation Duramax diesel engine producing 200horsepower and 500 Newton-meters of torque.

These translate to superior driving performance compared to other locally available pick-up trucks in its class. In addition, the Colorado Tracker’s 1-ton hauling capacity and the 3.5-ton towing capacity plus a 6,000-lb tow hitch with electrical receiver makes for a very able-bodied road companion.

The Tracker Pro is especially equipped with a standard 12,000lb integrated power winch with recovery equipment package – critical equipment for serious thrill-seekers enabling the Tracker Pro to free itself from deep mud, sand or gravel or for climbing steep, slippery slopes.

Both the Tracker and Tracker Pro editionsfeature the Chromatic Rear View Mirror with 4.3” LCD Backup Monitor equipped with Overview Sensing Monitor as standard. To further enhance the Tracker Pro, Chevrolet equipped it with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that warns the driver if one or more tires are significantly under-inflated. A Dash Camera with 32 GB memory card has also been integrated into the rearview mirror of the Tracker Pro, enabling continuous recording of forward view during the vehicle’s operation.

FAST FASTLANE DESIGNED and engineered to maximize engine output, KDM.Ph developed its hi-power Drift Xhaust with state-of-the art volume control exhaust system for both turbocharged and naturally aspirated applications. “ With our experience in drag and circuit racing, we have incorporated this new competition inspired

When the going gets tough, Chevy gets tougher Developed to be a go-anywhere vehicle, the Colorado has a gamechanging combination of power, capability and right-size configuration. Built like a rock, it can face any road challenge – from floodwaters to shallow rapids, off-road jungles to scaling steep inclines – this allterrain capable 4x4 is a must-have for any adventure.

With the Tracker and Tracker Pro, finding new roads are made even easier with a choice between 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The truck’s 8-crossmember ladder chassis configuration enables the vehicle to withstand high torture torsional stress whenever you go offroad. The Tracker’s suspension has an added 2-inch lift that affords increased ground clearance and offers best-in-class 880mm water wading capability while the built-in snorkel intake reduces risk of water intrusion into the engine. These 4x4 variants also feature aesthetic upgrades that enhance its unique and sporty stance.

The brawniest looking in the Colorado bunch, the Trackers look tougher with 17” gunmetal gray wheels with all-terrain tires and aluminum skid

plate that not only add to its very capable appeal, but more importantly, protect components from rocks and debris.

Over a century of dependability Backed by over 100 years of legendary truck-building expertise, Chevrolet Philippines assures its customers of a worry-free ownership experience. In addition to the brand’s hallmark dependability and high quality, Chevrolet also offers industry-leading warranty coverage for pick-up trucks. The bowtie brand is the onlyautomaker in the local midsize pick-up segment that offers a 5-year warranty as standard. The Chevrolet Colorado offers a special warranty that covers the vehicle for 3 years plus a 2-year extended warranty for the powertrain or 100,000 kilometers whichever comes first*.

Chevrolet also provides its new clients with free 3-year 24/7 Roadside assistance. By dialing 328-CHEV owners may avail themselves of the following services: vehicle support, personal assistance and information service.

The Colorado Tracker Edition has the versatility and extreme driving capability necessary for the Philippines’ challenging road and weather conditions. In preparation for the coming rainy season, Chevrolet offers easy ownership experience through the Truck Month promo which includes a 119k All-in low down payment scheme available for the Chevrolet Colorado 4x2 LT MT.

Engineered for performance offset muffler and piping design into a variety of street applications, which offers a greater flow and higher-PRM power gains due to the less restrictive design,” says GM Bugayong of KDM.Ph. Drift Xhaust with volume control system was developed locally for a variety of applications for Japanese, American, European and Korean high performance sports cars and compact cars. Drift Xhaust systems are made from SUS304 stainless steel muffler and tip assemblies with muffler tips measuring 96mm, 115mm and 120mm in diameter and piping diameters ranging from 55mm

to 95mm. It is easy to install and use, just turn the exhaust sound to a minimum volume when passing through a school, village, church or just want to have a meaningful conversation inside the car.

“This is achieved by eliminating unnecessary bends for the straightest exhaust path.

For turbocharged applications, the large and smooth exhaust flow allows greater exhaust velocity for better mid-range boost response and high-RPM power. Naturally aspirated vehicles also benefit from greater exhaust flow capacity as engine tuning levels increase.” explains GM Bugayong of I Love KDM.Ph.

BEFORE hitting the road, make sure that tires are inflated with the correct air pressure. See to it that the tires are not damaged or defective in any way before the car leaves the garage.

Michelin shares how to identify a few tell-tale signs that your car tires need to be replaced: Tire Puncture.If you see even just one puncture in any part of the tire, install the spare tire to avoid causing further damage to the punctured one. Bring the suspected damaged tire immediately to a professional tire specialist for an accuratetire diagnosis.Running on punctured tiresis very risky especially if you’re already on the road as this can cause the tire pressure to drop rapidly. So, make sure that your spare tire is always in good condition to ensure safe motoring.

Worn tire treads. Tire treadsare like the soles of the feet.They are the only contact that the vehicle makes with the road. The deeper the tread, the better resistance to aquaplaning. Michelin recommends changingtires before your tread depth is worn to 1.6mm. (Michelin tires have a tread wear indicator at the base of the grooves that help you check the correct depth of the tire tread.) Don’t risk the chance of careening on the highway due to lack of tire traction. Wet roads are especially dangerous.

Damaged sidewalls.The sidewall is literally the side of the tire — the part you see when you’re looking at your car from the side. Sidewalls can get damaged when the tire hits a curb during a turn, or when the tire hits a hard and sharp object. A puncture or gouge to this area can affect the air pressure inside the tire,affecting the

mileage or fuel efficiency of the car.

If your tires have even the slightest damage to the sidewalls, have them inspected right away.

Abnormal wear. Sometimes one tire wears out faster than the others.

This is most likely caused by improper wheel alignment,leading to abnormal, uneven wear on tires since pressure is not evenly distributed on the wheels. See to it that wheel and tire assembly should always be correctly balanced after mounting new tires or after every vehicle repair.

This provides a more comfortable ride and extended tire life.Other abnormal wear or damage to tires may also occur inside the tire. As much as possible, have your tire inspected by a tire specialist.

Aging. Tires age and deteriorate over time, just like everything else.

Constant tire check-up is imperative for motorists, even if no major damage like puncture holes or uneven wear is visible.Make sure the treads are still visible because the tire tread is your car’s grip on the road. It has an impact on the distance needed for braking. Hard braking is one of the main causes of excessive wear and tire deterioration. Don’t take the risk of driving on old and worn out tires.

Even if they look fine and still usable, Michelin recommends that tires be replaced ten years after their manufacture date. Don’t wait for them to give out!

Lastly, remember that there is a right type, size and function of tires for your car. Using the right tires will not only keep your trips safe and your car functioning at top capacity, it will also prolong tire life and improve mileage. One way to find the correct size and tire type for your vehicle is to look at the car manual.

Out of warranty Montero Sport, Strada: Free service check-up MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corporation has launched its Mitsubishi Rainy Day Specials promo, giving free service check-up to owners of Montero Sport and Strada with units that are already beyond the warranty period.

Included in this service promo are Montero Sports sold from September 2008 to December 2012 and Strada sold from September 2006 to December 2012.

Customers may avail of the free 15-point check-up and special service packages and discounts. Thefree 15-point checkup covers inspection of the vehicle’s interior, exterior and engine compartment.

This free check-up is conduct-

ed to ensure that the vehicle is in tip top shape and always in roadworthy condition especially during this rainy season.

A customer can also avail of a 40% discount on oil change, whether synthetic or mineral oil.

Other packages included in this special service promo are: alternator belt/ aircon belt, timing belt replacement, brakes replacement, clutch replacement, suspension package, interior and exterior lamp replacement, engine cooling system package, steering system package, wiper blade replacement, aircon filter installation and replacement of electrical components. For these packages customers will

be given 30% discount for parts and an additional 10% discount for labor.

MMPC encourages customers with out of warranty Montero Sport and Strada to take advantage of this free checkup and avail of the savings on oil change and factory certified services. The Rainy Day Specials promo is MMPC’s way of providing its valued customers world-class and more affordable services for a worry-free travel. This is also MMPC’s way of thanking its valued customers for its continued patronage of the Montero Sport and the Strada making these models among MMPC’ bestselling vehicles.

LOTUS MAKES A SPLASH

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pines. So expect bigger things to happen in the near future,” said Tee Ten. The unveiling of four of the Lotus cars, Elise S Club Racer, Elise 220 Cup, Exige S Roadster, and Evora S Sport Racer, was the high point of the night. Senator JV Ejercito, San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez, Willy Tee Ten, Autohub Group Chairwoman Benita Tee Ten, Lotus Cars Manila Board of Directors Jessie Tan and Eric Yap, and Lotus Cars Manila General Manager Miguelito Jose were on hand adding glitz and glamour to the event. Lotus Cars Manila GM Miguelito Jose also revealed some exciting details on the much-anticipated Evora 400.

“In the coming months, the new Lotus models Exige S automatic and Evora 400 will be added to the current product offer available to our customers in the Philippines,” he added.

The three main selling points for Lotus namely speed, handling and sophistication make it a superb standout among its competitors. Lotus Cars is the ultimate luxury automobile for every businessman’s need for speed while complementing his upgraded lifestyle.

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

CROWN JEWEL A renaissance church is the perfect backdrop for the modern Tucson.

OREGOING with the usual glitz and glamour of a new car launch, Hyundai Automotive Resources Inc (HARI) instead opted for a ride and drive event to highlight the features and capabilities of the all-new Hyundai Tucson. “Hyundai opened the year with news of its most important automobile to date. Today, we indulge you to a first-hand experience of this game changing Compact SUV which had a positive feedback during the Geneva Motor Show. Let us explore the Philippines together with the Tucson,” says Sang Min Park, director/head of Asia-Pacific Regional HQ’s for Hyundai Motor Company South Korea.

The sweeping tail-light clusters compliment the curves and angles of the Tucson.

EDITOR

HARI’S

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

F

RAMON L. TOMELDAN

MOTORING

Text and photos

by Dino Ray V. Directo III THE iconic British brand Lotus Cars has flung open its doors for business in the local market and launched the brand in grand fashion at the Lotus showroom in North Greenhills, San Juan. In attendance were Autohub bigwigs led by its president Willy Tee Ten. “We’re pleased to announce this newest and another milestone for Autohub Group, and it is with great pleasure that we’re given the chance to be part of this revolution to keep pace with the increasing customer demand and deliver the unique Lotus Pure Driving Experience here in the Philip-

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On that note, Hyundai’s Visayan ride and drive commenced with participants flying into Roxas City, our jump-off point with the island paradise of Boracay as our destination. With both the local and regional media practitioners divided into groups of two and spread over 25 Tucson units, the Hyundai convoy snaked their way through the towns of Sapian, Altavas, the winding roads of Balete up to the ports of Kalibo, where the tired and weary participants rode a ferry to an island destination after a day of putting the car through its paces.

Bigger and better

In the case of the 2016 Tucson, bigger is definitely better. The current iteration has grown three inches in length and 1.1 inches in width, while the interior cargo space has gone from 25.7 cubic feet in the outgoing model to 31 feet.

The exterior design looks sharp, with the Tucson now sporting the corporate hexagonal grille with repeating horizontal lines that complement the horizontal lines of other parts of the front fascia.

Hyundai engineers call it the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, with the headlights having an angular look as well, while side doors have traded the shabby look of the previous generation for a nicely sculpted concave surface that accentuates the sharp character lines at the shoulder and below the sills. Large fog light housings with LED elements now sit below the headlights, giving the front fascia a top/bottom visual balance as well as a sporty look.

The result is a more unified and unclut-

tered look, one that succeeds in communicating motion as well as surface tension, with the rear fascia continuing to use angular design elements which is fast becoming a Hyundai trademark. The wheel arches are sculpted with a distinctive kick in their rear halves, accentuating the sense of motion.

The new Nu 2.0 MPi (157 bhp) and R 2.0 CRDi (187 bhp) engines of the Tucson are technological marvels that will leave any gear head with a smile across his/ her face after getting behind the wheel of Hyundai’s new compact SUV. Although the 2.0MPi is relatively good, this writer enjoyed his experience with the CRDi units. The power delivery is better, acceleration is phenomenal and both versions have excellent suspension systems that allowed us to push the Tucson’s to its limits during long straights and fast corners. It felt like a car than an SUV really.

Second day of Hyundai’s Visayan sojourn was dedicated to CSR activities as the media, joined by HARI and DOST representatives, participated in a coral reforestation project. “We want to reaffirm that Hyundai is a brand that cares for the environment.

We initiated the coral reforestation project aligned with the national agenda to save the marine ecosystem, as well as to support eco-tourism in Boracay,” says Ma. Fe PerezAgudo, president of HARI. With the previous generation Tucson generating sales of three-million units annually, the latest generation aims to significantly boost and solidify Hyundai’s strong presence in the compact SUV segment. The “King” is definitely back in the game.

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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

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

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@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE

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ALL ABOUT

LIPS

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Millions of women all over the world celebrated National Lipstick Day July 29 by POP-UP BEAUTY last posting selfies

BY JIGS MAYUGA on social media sites wearing their favorite shade of lip color. The success of last month’s Lipstick Festival at The SM Store beauty section was proof that in the Philippines, ladies have become more and more adventurous with lipstick and are not afraid to experiment with new colors and formulas.

Having fabulous looking lips doesn’t just happen with a swipe of color from that tube of lipstick.

Prep and maintenance is key to making sure lips remain supple and soft throughout the day without sacrificing the color payoff and wear of your lipstick. Here are a few of my picks when it comes to lip care and new lipstick technology, from classic makeup artist staples to more recent, innovative formulas.

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1. DIOR ADDICT Lip Maximizer in 001 Pink SM Makati A high volume lip plumper with active collagen that leaves lips looking full and perfectly defined. Fine lines are filled thanks to “Hyaluronic Filling Spheres” with a menthol-based cooling agent that has a subtle mint and vanilla flavor. Apply before applying lip color as a base to hydrate and plump the lips. Tissue off before applying lip pencil, lipstick and gloss. Also wearable on its own with a translucent, light pink hue.

2. LUCAS' PAPAW OINTMENT www.dtcmakeup.com A professional makeup artist staple, this signature ointment comes in a handy 25g tube, perfect for your tote or travel bag. It soothes dry and cracked lips almost instantly.

Harnessing the power of freshly handpicked and fermented Carica Papaya fruit, this topical treatment soothes a variety of skin complaints, including sunburn, minor cuts and grazes, nappy rash and insect bites.

3. THE LIP SCRUB by Sara Happ in Lemonade Beauty Bar A refreshing lip scrub that softens and exfoliates and is ideal for dry, flaky lips.

Infused with citrusy lemon notes and formulated with finely grounded Sugar Crystals, Jojoba and Grape Seed Oil to nourish the lips. Massage a generous amount onto the lips using a firm, circular motion and then wipe away with tissue.

4. CLINIQUE Lip Pop in Beige Pop SM Aura A rich color lipstick + smoothing primer in one, formulated with Shea and Murumuru butters combined in a flexible polymer blend that provides superior moisture maintenance for the lips. This priming benefit also helps to give a smoothing, velvety spread of color when applied. In addition, the flexible polymers keep the wearable colors vivid and vibrant throughout the day, giving your lips full coverage with a smoother and fuller appearance.

5. MAKE UP STORE Lipstick Sealer The Podium A clear fluid that prevents your lipstick from bleeding. The fine lines around the lip contour make the lipstick feather. This product prevents color from bleeding and fading. Apply a thin line of the sealer around your lip contour after you have applied your lip pencil and lipstick to keep your lip color in place.

6. LA SPLASH Lip Couture in Goulish www.dtcmakeup.com Lip Couture’s rich waterproof shades will leave a velvety, matte finish that never transfers. With bold, high pigmented shades from neutral to solid black, and an innovative formula that glides on as liquid and dries into a solid matte finish. It’s absolutely waterproof.

Use the Lip Couture Remover to effortlessly remove the lipstick and leave your lips super moisturized and cushiony soft.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @jigsmayuga

The perfect pair

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

S

Smart Shape Jeans

Ultra Stretch Jeans

hirts and jeans will always create a minimizing effect transcend age, gender, on the back. size and season. And it’s Regular straight fit pants easy to understand why: often makes one “feel fat” they’re staples that are quite easy but an advanced version of to find anywhere. While it’s no this cut, the Smart Shape trouble to find a shirt that fits Jeans, promises to beautify right, getting a pair of jeans that and enhance one’s figure. It hugs its wearer in the right places is made with a one-of-a-kind can be a challenge. fabric that shapes the midJeans may be a classic, but, section for a slim waistline. more often than not, instead of Its pockets and zipper are enhancing our look, it awfully made with special materials reveals our flaws. It squeezes Uniqlo unveils four innovative and reinvented jeans that cater to that help flatten the belly. too tight on the rear, makes different needs.

The Miracle Air Skinny thighs look big, or creates a muffin top on the mid-section. Fit Jeans truly feels like air as it’s made of soft materials For some, a pair of jeans is a punishment that makes one and is 20 percent lighter than regular jeans. Uniqlo feel there’s something quite wrong. This is what Japanese uses a special yarn developed by Toray (a global fibers fast fashion brand, Uniqlo, wants to change. and textiles manufacturer) and Kaihara’s (a denim In a bid to “unfold a new era in denim history,” Uniqlo manufacturer) advanced technology. Miracle Air is offers four new innovative and reinvented jeans backed flexible and has two-way stretch functionality in various by advanced clothing technology to make sure each pair hues and washed finishes. flatters different types of body.

A man’s jeans, the Stretch Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans is made “We continue to innovate and develop high-quality products of high quality Kaihara denim materials that ensure a slim which are focused on our consumers’ everyday needs,” yet comfortable fit. Its button, rivet and stitches match the enthuses Uniqlo chief operating officer Katsumi Kubota. color of the jeans so it goes well with a casual or formal top.

Giving skinny jeans a better and comfortable fit is the Ultra Stretch Jeans. It uses a stretch material with over 50 Visit Uniqlo in malls nationwide to find your perfect pair of percent stretch rate and has oversized rear pockets that jeans. For more information, check out www.uniqlo.com/ph

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

MANILA INDIE BRANDS FOR YOUR STYLE-HUNTING PLEASURE

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THE GIST

BY ED BIADO

he allure of independent brands lie in the fact that there is a certain uniqueness to their products (read: NOT mass produced). They’re not the usual trendy stuff you find inside the mall, which almost guarantees that you won’t be arriving anywhere just to see another person wearing the same thing. There are perhaps hundreds of small fashion brands and startups in the metro.

So to help you sort through the mess, let us introduce five of our favorite Manila-based indie brands that are sure to add some spunk to your style.

THIS

www.facebook.com/thisexperiment A lifestyle design experiment, THIS “makes use of alternative production and design techniques to come up with unique and comfortable apparel.” Composed of a group of photographers and visual designers, the brand’s “designs have no consistent themes” as the designers simply enjoy turning ideas into actual garments.

What are their main inspirations? Think bikes, music, food, travel and crafts, as well as “anything and everything sci-fi, especially robots.”

THE BEACHSTERS

LULU SWING

THE KNEUTRAL COLLECTION

TIMOTHY SCOTCH

www.facebook.com/TheBeachsters Everyday is a reason to go to the beach, if The Beachsters’ philosophy is to be followed. The brand of T-shirts is “all about the casual, laid-back beach lifestyle.” The statement designs, “inspired by numerous beach trips here, there and everywhere, as well as by people [they] have met along the way,” all feature the quintessential beach vibe that you can wear not only on an island paradise but also on busy city streets. www.facebook.com/Go.Kneutral Behind the brand is a design duo who are also sisters “with the heart for fashion.” Accessories from The Kneutral Collection are aplenty, but our favorites are their “wire art” pieces that are fully customizable. Unfortunately, that particular line is currently on hiatus as the girls are in the process of expanding their brand. So stay tuned for something “kneu” and exciting.

www.facebook.com/luluswing This footwear brand “transforms classic pieces into fresh, unique statement pieces.” Lulu Swing shoes are said to be designed for the girl who doesn’t care about the of-the-moment trends but rather, “prefers a look that’s creative.” This is why the brand has a lot of ballerina flats and strappy options mostly in neutral shades. And they now have a bag collection, too.

www.facebook.com/timothyscotch.ph A men’s lifestyle brand that creates stylishly slim shirts, Timothy Scotch was conceived by a guy with a “passion for clothing and having the perfect fit.” The brand aims for a look that’s effortlessly stylish “without being flashy.” The shirts feature contemporary cuts “that you can wear everyday to any occasion.” And of course, it’s all about the fit – “neither very slim nor loose, just tailored clothes that fit perfectly.”

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

Getting intimate with Jennylyn Mercado

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

I

t was never Jennylyn Mercado’s goal in life to be named the country’s “sexiest woman,” and she admits the title doesn’t quite sit well with her yet. Like many, she constantly deals with body issues, but she tries her best to accept her perceived flaws and goes out of her way to address them.

“At tapings I make sure that during breaks I squeeze in even a few minutes of workout: I do sit-ups and push-ups,” Jen said when asked how she maintains her figure. For her usual problem, which is bloating, she drinks warm water or green tea.

Avon Fashions newest brand ambassador Jennyln Mercado feels more confident when her intimate apparel fits well.

But for her, the most important solution when one is overwhelmed with body issues is to “be always contented; love yourself, love your body and love the way you are.”

Jennylyn said that after she gave birth to her now six-year-old son Alex Jazz, she has since accepted the flaws that come with pregnancy. “'Eto na 'yun 'e, wala ka nang magagawa, kailangan mo na lang i-embrace yung flaws at mahalin yung sarili mo (This is it, there’s nothing one can do, all you can do is embrace your flaws and love yourself),” she declared.

And it is her positive outlook in life paired with her physical efforts (although she said she doesn’t have a special diet), that made her the fitting choice to be the newest face of Avon Fashions, the intimate apparel brand of the direct-selling company.

Introduced alongside the label’s 2015 fall/winter collection, Jennylyn, according to Avon Philippines’ officials, is the perfect package that truly embodies the qualities that define an Avon woman. “She’s a mom, a multi-awarded actress, and a triathlete. She’s very confident with herself and very talented,” said marketing director Jean Reyes.

Reyes added, “On top of those, our survey among consumers and representatives revealed that people could relate to her. [She’s] very approachable and wholesome, so it’s a good fit for us.”

Reyes clarified, however, that Jennylyn’s being the Philippines’ “sexiest woman” was not the reason for Avon’s decision to pick her as the brand’s latest ambassador. In short, they chose her before she received the coveted title. “When we heard about it, we said it was perfect timing because it came up right at the time that we were introducing her,” shared Reyes.

And for Jen, her “body issues” didn’t make her think twice in accepting this new role. “Before they chose me, Avon knew that I’m a mommy so I took comfort in the fact that they’re aware of the changes in a woman’s body.”

So it’s only natural that her favorite in Avon Intimate Apparel’s latest collection is the Lovell bra and panty as they fit her perfectly. “When you’re already a mom your upper body is not the same way as it was before, so I like it because it gives the right lift that I need,” explained Jennylyn.

Avon Fashions launched its 2015 fall/winter collection for its Classic line, Missy and Men’s Club in a circus-themed fashion show.

The right and comfortable fit is important for Jennylyn, too, when it comes to undergarments. “For me, when you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll feel beautiful, confident and sexy.”

And the perfect fit, which Avon Fashions mastered in the last 38 years, is just one of their three promises for all Filipinas.

“We strive to offer our consumers intimate apparel that withstands constant wash and wear, the perfect fit for the shape and figure of a Filipina, and the latest styles

and exclusive prints – allowing everyone to enjoy, feel sexy and be confident with the intimate apparel that they wear,” said Avon Philippines general manager Emie Aguilar-Nierves.

Jennylyn will be the face of Avon Fashions Classic line, the range for women aged 25-35, that features pieces in different shades of blue, green and red. The brand also launched fun prints for its Missy line for teens and new styles for its Men’s Club intimate apparel range for men.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Converse Chuck Taylor’s All Star Tri-Panel Hi has a durable canvas upper with suede accents in a high-top silhouette. Signature Chuck Taylor All Star rubber toe box, textured gum rubber toe bumper, medial-side air-vent portholes and Converse All Star heel patch complete the look.

Chuck Taylor All Star’s Aztec pattern pair Smart and simple. High-top sneakers are best worn with a simple outfit – think Kanye West – with sneakers not competing with the rest of the look.

Straightforward Style. Let your high-top sneakers do the talking.

Cool and comfy classic high-top sneakers can be the modern guy’s best buddy.

MEN’S HIGH-TOP SNEAKERS GO HIGH IN STYLE AT THE SM STORE

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t the SM Store, global brands like Converse, Pony, Supra, and Vans show how something as fundamental as hi-top sneakers have transformed into ultra-cool, chic and fashionable wear for men. Incorporating functionality with style, hi-tops have come a long way. From the hard court into the streets, style is evident whether in classic or revised hybrid silhouettes, with fun and coolness in the on-trend designs.

Check out some of the new designs that make hi-tops so hip today: • Show stopping Prints and Washes! Chuck Taylor’s All Star

has an Aztec pattern design, while its Washed Canvas Hi has a stonewashed upper that gives it a distressed look. Who says hi-tops aren’t hip?

• Going for Gum! Born out of practicality, gum soles were initially developed for hard court sports. Converse Chuck Taylor’s All-Star Tri-Panel Hi has a textured gum rubber toe accent that really makes it cool and gives better grip than plastic soled footwear, while ensuring no marks are left on playing surfaces.

• Getting Textural! Make a bold statement with woven styles and exotic fabrications. Leather

and canvas lead the way in Converse’s Pro Field Hi, while Converse Chuck Taylor’s All Star Tri Panel Hi has a canvas upper with suede accents.

• The Great White Way! As the epitome of minimalist style, white sneakers have been an off-duty wardrobe staple since the days of Newman, Dean, and McQueen. In today’s reboot of the iconic silhouette, white sneakers have found their way into the wardrobes of a whole new generation of cool men.

High-top sneakers are available at the Men’s Shoes Department of all SM Stores

Chuck Taylor’s All Star Washed Canvas Hi has a pigment sprayed and stonewashed upper to go along with a white washed midsole and toecap.

The distressed technique gives it an authentic, “been there and done that” appearance.

Pony’s Feed the Cat High amps up your style game with its classic skater shoes silhouette.

Armed with authenticity, these shoes are inspired by the sports heritage; blending classic and innovative design with relevant performance benefits.

Supra Vaider has a stylishly designed high top upper on a vulcanized sole that supplies excellent traction and board feel. A padded collar and tongue lining provide superior comfort.

New Era Cap launches first store in Manila

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good all sporty cap usually completes a sporty look. In this season’s runway shows, even high end fashion brands use baseball caps paired with tuxedoes for a more dressed up do. But whatever look you decide to wear, a cap never seems to be out of season. This year, Filipinos get more access to the world’s most renowned headwear brand and official provider of on-field caps to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL) as it opened their first store in Manila.

“The brand’s heritage is so rich that it is known in many parts of the world. We are bringing

Filipinos closer to this heritage while providing options for high quality headwear,” says Jonathan Lau, Authentic Caps president and COO. The flagship store carries over 500 cap styles inspired by different sports leagues and iconic characters, including the much celebrated 59FIFTY fitted cap which is considered as the premium cap of choice. A cool highlight of the store is a capblocking machine; it reshapes newly bought caps and freshens up worn ones.

The brand has archived a comprehensive collection with design licenses for Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, Looney Tunes, DC Comics, Peanuts, Wu Tang Clan, Flintstones, and Muhammad Ali, while its sports licenses include Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Football League (NFL).

New Era also carries apparel, bags, cap care products and other cap accessories. Check out the first store located at the upper ground floor of SM Megamall Building B. For more information about New Era Philippines, visit their Facebook page at New Era Cap Ph and follow them on Instagram @NewEraCapPH.

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F R I D AY : A U G U S T 2 8 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

An extraordinary fashion show International Festival of Extraordinary Textiles presented at SM AURA

T

he links between patrimony, tradition, heritage, and contemporary art was evident at the recent Festival Internationale des Textiles Extra Ordinaires (FITE) fashion presentation at the SM Aura Premier.

A unique platform that promotes textile as a representation of culture and heritage on the international stage, the presentation gathered craftsmen, textile designers, fashion designers, weavers, artists, collections, decorators, and the general public across all continents to show the human, economic, and ecological challenges inherent in extraordinary textiles.

Launched by the HS Projets Association and co-organized by

the city of Clermont-Ferrand and the Bargoin Museum in 2012, FITE travels through five continents, taking place every even year in Clermont-Ferrand in France. Every odd year, like this 2015, the event is held outside of France. Through a rich and diverse program, FITE becomes the venue for artists, stylists, and designers to discuss the craft of textiles and gain a different perspective in the world.

A joint project of the Embassy of France in the Philippines, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, HABI The Philippine Textile Council, and SM Aura Premier, the event is part of the ongoing Renaissance Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

Under the patronage of UNESCO, the

(From left): Talking global fashion. Fashion Designer Patis Tesoro, architect Augusto Villalon, French Embassy Cultural Attache George Natier, Honorary Consul of Monaco to the Philippines Fortune Ledesma, SM SVP for Marketing and Communications Millie Dizon, Metropolitan Museum of Manila President Tina Colayco and Festival International Des Textiles Extra Ordinaires (FITE) curator Christine Athenor at the FITE Fashion Show at SM Aura Premier

exhibit presents a series of textiles that juxtapose diverse heritage pieces and contemporary collections.

During the event, Dr. Kinor Jiang, Fanyu Tsang, Shu Sun, and Guoxiang Yuan from Hong Kong, Diane Sparks from the US, Carmen Rion from Mexico, and our very own Patis Tesoro showcased collections that promote textiles as a representation of culture and heritage.

Dr. Jiang is a former faculty at the Central Academy of Arts and Design and Tsinghua University who specializes in textile design and fashion art, the history and culture of traditional materials and processes, and the utilization of textile to combine aesthetics and functional properties.

Fanyu Tsang on the other hand is a Fashion and Textiles Design student in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Fanyu was a finalist at the 2015 Hong Kong Young Designers’ Contest in Contemporary DayWear Group, and the winner of Best Accessories Design Award with his menswear collection – yon. Fanyu set up his own fashion brand, “Tsang Fan Yu,” to develop menswear ready-towear and accessories goods.

HABI: The Philippine Textile Council President Monserrat David

Accessories designer Carissa Cruz Evangelista (right) with former Cebu Representative Cutie Del Mar

Diane Sparks is a Professor at the Department of Design & Merchandising at Colorado State University. Her research includes the study of ethnographic textiles, Cross-Cultural Apparel Design and Wearable Art Design. Her studio work integrates Asian surface design techniques.

Guoxiang Yuan and Shu Sun are both Research Associates at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Yuan’s research focuses on the textile surface treatment in textile and fashion design, and brand management. Sun’s research on the other hand deals on protective clothing and intelligent sportswear.

Carmen Rion for her part works closely with indigenous Mexican women, engaging them in the fashion business and in developing designs.

Patis Tesoro is known as the “Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion” because of her creative and

Dr. Kinor Jiang from Hong Kong, Patis Tesoro from the Philippines, Carmen Rion from Mexico, and Fanyu Tsang also from Hong Kong take a bow during the show’s finale

Designer Patis Tesoro, The Plaza’s Maryjo Ferraren, SM’s Millie Dizon, Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. President Armita Rufino and PTV’s Bridging Borders host Veronica Baluyot-Jimenez.

classic designs using indigenous Filipino materials such as abaca, Mindanao silk, and piña. Ms. Tesoro participated in previous editions of the FITE, most notably at the fashion show at the Hué Museum of Culture in Vietnam.

The FITE Fashion show, supported by Max Factor and the Beauty section of The SM Store, is one of many interesting cultural events that mall goers can enjoy at the SM Aura Premier.

F RIDAY : AUGUST 2 8 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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5 films in sinagmaynila 2016

Solar Entertainment Corporation, through its pioneering head Wilson Tieng and festival director Brillante Mendoza, announced the five official entries for Sinag Maynila 2016. More than 100 entries were submitted and screened but only five qualified and each will receive a grant of P2 million.

Dyamper by Mes de Guzman is about Apeng, Poknat and Tinoy.

The trio is known as “dyampers” (robbers) preying on rice delivery trucks along the winding roads of Dalton Pass. In one of their operations, they discover a batch of potentially dangerous and illegal substances being transported in the guise of legitimate merchandise. From crooks, they suddenly transform to a pack of heroes on a dangerous mission.

Expressway by Ato Bautista is a film about Ben, a long-time hand in a big criminal syndicate. He is on a last illicit operation before his retirement from the mob. He is also assigned to mentor his partner Morris, a newbie in the business out to prove his worth as a member. This “mission”, for the both of them, turns out to be a journey of introspection, self-healing and ultimate redemption.

Lila by Gino M. Santos focuses on a young lady at the brink of self-destruction due to a consuming past. She decides to live with an understanding and warm landlady for a chance at a fresh start and atonement for the past. The “house” however has other plans.

MRS by Adolf Alix, Jr. tells of Virginia, an elderly woman of 70 years, living in a house directly on top of an earthquake fault line.

When her loyal maid asks for her permission to leave for good, a portrait of human pathos and emotional depth unfolds between a mother and a daughter trying to juggle the unavoidable and sad realities of life.

TPO (Temporary Protection Order) by Joselito Altarejos narrates the story of Teresa, a battered wife, who at-

Poster congratulating the directors of films chosen as official entries to Sinag Maynila 2016

tempts to obtain relief from her unbearable circumstances by filing a Temporary Protection Order against her abusive husbad. She unwittingly falls victim again to a corrupt system of the bureaucracy that is full of neglect, indifference and ineptness.

Certain entries to the Sinag Maynila Film Festival have been invited to join international film festivals. Among them are Bambanti (Montreal World Film Festival), in Canada until Sept. 7 under Focus on World Cinema (invited

for screening), Imbisibol (Toronto International Film Festival) from Sept. 10 to 20 and also in Canada under Contemporary World Cinema Programme (in competition), and also to the Focus on Asia International Film Festival (Fukuoka, Ja-

pan) from Sept.18 to 25 (invited for screening) and SWAP (San Sebastian International Film Festival) in Span from Sept. 18 to 26, Zabalteg! (invited for screening).

The 2nd Sinag Maynila Film Festival will run in March 2016.

‘The Green Inferno’ In SepTember

Poster of the film The Green Inferno

An idealistic group of student activists travel from New York City to the Amazon to save a vanishing native tribe, but their small plane crashes in the jungle. They are then taken hostage by the very natives they want to protect and find out for themselves that NO GOOD DEED GO UNPUNISHED. In an interview, film director Eli Roth states his love for this film genre saying ”Cannibal Holocaust is an amazing film, and very much of its time period. You could never replicate what Deodato did, or what did in 1981’s Cannibal Ferox, which was another inspiration. They filmed with real indigenous tribes, and we went to a village that was completely cut off from civilization….What I am most proud of is (The Green Inferno) looks and feels authentic, I used to think Cannibal Holocaust was real, even knowing it was a movie, it just looked and felt like these people really existed. That’s what I wanted in the Green

A scene from the horror film The Green Inferno

Inferno: The village has to look and feel like a real, functioning society”.

Asked about how he dealt with the challenge of language barrier in making The Green Inferno in a very remote place in Peru, Roth says, “I learned basic words in Quechua which the older generation spoke and they all learned English, so by the end we all had our own mix of languages we used to communicate.”

Regarding the amount of time it took

to finish the film, Roth candidly remarks, “I can’t believe how long it’s taken. We shot the film in the fall of 2012, premiered it at Toronto Film Festival in 2013, where we sold it to Open Road.

However, there was a disagreement with the financier and Open Road, and the deal unraveled… Everyone kept cool, and instead of suing (we) worked together to find a way for (horror studio) Blumhouse/Tilt to release the film theatrically in a wide release, and they all did that for the sake of the fans.”

Director Eli Roth on account of the exposure to the Amazons while filming The Green Inferno, is teaming with a campaign to preserve at least 20,000 acres of the Amazon rain forest as part of the promotion for Green Inferno.

Solar Pictures is releasing The Green Inferno in the Philippines. The film stars Lorenza Izzo, Ariel Levy, Aaron Burns, Kirby Bliss Blanton and Daryl Sabara in the lead roles. Showing this September inyour favorite theaters.

F RIDAY : AUGUST 2 8 : 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PEOPLE

...ARE TALking AbOUT

Fan made photo of AlDub

...ARE nOT TALking AbOUT

ALDUb

The phenomenal love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza a.k.a. Yaya Dub shows no signs of slowing down. Amid criticism that Eat Bulaga is just using the tandem as the show’s cash cow, fans couldn’t care less. Its last Saturday’s show set an unexpected 2.15 million tweets with the hashtag #ALDUBAgainstALLODDS. The hashtag also dominated top-trending topics on Twitter Worldwide.

Sorry Vice Ganda, but you can no longer use “the trending capital of Philippines” tag.

SARAH gEROniMO

Sarah Geronimo

MARTin niEvERA

MEgAn YOUng

It seems that the former Miss World has made a good career move. It’s evident that GMA Network is giving Megan all the exposure she needs. First, the Marimar role was given to her, now she’s chosen to host another talent search. Don’t be surprised if people would call her the face of GMA 7 for being so ubiquitous.

Megan Young

Martin Nievera

HOnOR THY FATHER

John Lloyd Cruz in Honor Thy Father

The suspense crime film is among the 60 films added in the 40th Toronto International Film Festival programming. That means this latest Erik Matti film will be seen by an international audience first before local cinemagoers do. It doesn’t really matter, really, what’s important is that local films are getting noticed. So please, enough of the formula films and give us more like this.

She won the 10th International Singing Competition: The Global Sound. And her fans rejoiced for this recognition.

But doing a little research, the competition is just an online poll. So far, it has named 10 singers as winners in a span of three years. So where’s the prestige there? Sorry, it’s not worth the hype.

He almost put himself in hot water after he raised the question “What has happened to the noon time shows on Sunday?” on Twitter. Although he was able to explain what he really meant, people were already given the impression that the aging singer was just afraid to lose his job in the now teen dominated musical variety show. Of course, that was the exact same thing we thought about when we read Martin’s rant.

STARSTRUCk

Showbiz wannabe joins StarStruck new season

As if the number of reality searches we have on the telly were not enough, the Kapuso artista search is returning with a new batch of showbiz wannabes. But please, we just want to know, is StarStruck still relevant? Has it ever produced any stars in its previous edition?

Please refresh our memory.

‘Hunter X Hunter’ and ‘toriko baCk’ on GMa

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ack-to-back action-packed animé series are back in GMA Astig Authority.

At 7:35 a.m,, Hunter X Hunter returns with the characters Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio who cross paths while on their way

to pursuing the same dream of becoming a Hunter. This profession specializes in locating unusual species, hidden treasures and unlawful people. With each of their personal motives in mind, they get to know one another as they are about to

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 42 43 46 47 48 50 52 54 55

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Grooves 5 Twine 9 El —, Texas 13 Hydrox rival 14 Mid-afternoon 15 Type of rug 16 Ponderosa son 17 Do a double-take 18 Ice palace 19 — uno 21 Mauna —

22 23 25 27 31 35 36 38 39 40

Explains further Fumbler’s word Pen points Hassling continuously Set free Aspirin target Amoebas have one Martini garnish Good name for a cook?

Hyundai headquarters

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Toshiba rival Birdcage swing Go postal Name in cheesecake Less fresh Determination Freeway ramp Costa — Dramatic intro (hyph.)

Rocket trajectory Conger catchers Type of mitt Eagle’s gripper Thud Hit the ground Take in a stray Madame Bovary Heavy hydrogen discoverer Equinox mo.

Take-charge type

DOWN 1 Dappled horse 2 Pakistan’s language 3 Gridiron unit 4 Whoever 5 Amigo of Fidel 6 Ph.D. exam 7 Spy mission 8 Itemize 9 Shade provider

take the Hunter Examination. Will a brewing friendship help them stand against all the challenges that will come along their way?

Meanwhile, coming in at 8 a.m. is another hunter who lives with big dreams and undeniable physi-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

10 11 12 14 20 24 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 37 41 44 45 47 49 51 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 66

Moistureless Email option Shade trees Equatorial zones 16.5 feet Dirty look Scary yell Briefcase closers Sonnet stanza “Star Trek” lieutenant Take malicious delight Red Sea peninsula Turn inside out Dental woe German pistol Relaxed Neatly Evil eye Cut too short Dogie catchers The Red Baron, for one Barter Soy product Maintain Edit out Hoofbeat Dagwood’s neighbor boy Chariot race locale Dispute — out (withdraw)

cal strength. In this anime, Toriko is an extraordinary hunter who does not pursue bandits nor hidden jewels, but unique spices that can improve his culinary skills. His dream is to come up with the most unique dish that contains the rarest ingredi-

ents. Working alongside Toriko is a weakly chef named Komatsu, who motivates him in all his endeavors.

Will he be able to live out his dream?

Follow these hunters’ journey weekday mornings after Home Foodie on GMA.

F RIDAY : AUGUST 2 8 : 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

SpAnDAu BAllet in MAnilA on Sept. 21

Jinky Vidal goes on the Hard Rock stage tomorrow night

NiNa at Hard rock café Soul Siren pers, party Nina will have anthems, a special perand homeformance at grown faHard Rock Café vorites.

(HRC) 9:30 Other featonight. Hard tured artrockers can look ists at HRC forward to an this month intimate eve- Nina performs her hit songs are OPM ning of beauti- at Hard Rock Cafe tonight hit-maker ful music as Nina dishes out Jinky Vidal back to back with live a sampling of her great- show band Streetbeat (Aug. est hits as well as a selection 29), Part 3 (Aug. 30), and of today’s hottest chart-top- Main Cast (Aug. 31).

One of the most successful and influential British bands of the 1980s which shot to international prominence during the New Romantic Era, Spandau Ballet is coming for a one-night-only concert on Sept. 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City..

Ovation Productions in association with Dainty Group Asia is mounting the musical event in Manila as part of the Asian leg of the band’s world tour dubbed Soul Boys of the Western World Live! and in support of its documentary film of the same title.

The show brings to Manila all five original members of the iconic group -- Tony Hadley (lead singer), John Keeble (drums), Gary Kemp (guitar), Martin Kemp (bass) and Steve Norman (guitar) -- to perform live for the first time their smash-hit songs for Filipino fans.

Among the band’s greatest hits which have captivated millions worldwide are “True,” “Gold,” “Through the Barricades,” “I’ll Fly For You,” “Lifeline,” “Round And Round,” “Communication,” “Highly Strung” and “Only When You Leave,” and many others.

Formed in London in 1976, Spandau Ballet was inspired by the New Romantic movement, a youth cultural phenomenon sweeping the West End at the time, and became one of the most successful groups to emerge in the music scene during that period.

It evolved from a punk band to a power pop group before its sound and style became more electronic and transformed it into a synthesized dance pop act after it played in such clubs as Billy’s and Blitz where the New Romantic Era was spearheaded.

It launched its recording career with the release of its debut single, “To Cut A Long Story Short,” which reached No. 5 in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s -- the first of 10 UK Top 20 hits that also includ-

Spandau Ballet is made up of Steve Norman, Martin Kemp, Tony Hadley, Gary Kempand John Keeble.

ed a No. 1 single in 1983 with the song, “True,” a No. 2 single, “Gold,” and a No. 3 single, “Only When You Leave,” its last American hit.

“True” was Spandau Ballet’s biggest hit after it peaked at No. 1 in the UK singles charts on April 30, 1983 for four weeks to become the sixth biggest selling single of the year and charted highly in 20 other countries.

It is also the group’s most-remembered song in the US, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the autumn of 1983 and topping the adult contemporary chart for one week.

In 1984, the band took part in the Band Aid charity single, followed the next year by its attendance at Wembley Stadium as part of Live Aid, during which it gave an inspired performance of “True” before thousands of excited fans.

The latest tribute earned by “True” came this year when it was voted by the British public as the nation’s tenth favorite 1980s No. 1 in a poll for television.

For over three decades, the band has sold more than 25 million records worldwide, scored numerous multi-platinum albums and amassed 23 hit singles across the globe.

After splitting up in 1990, Spandau Ballet reunited in October, 2009 with a world tour starting with eight play dates across Ireland and the UK, followed by a tour in Australia with Tears for

Fears in April, 2010.

In recognition of its successful return to the music and concert scene, Virgin Media honored Spandau Ballet as the Best Comeback Band of 2009 at the Virgin Media Awards.

The group got together and hit the road again in 2014 to promote a documentary about its members and the 1980s culture more broadly, Soul Boys of the Western World, which premiered at the Royal Albert Hall.

The band also attended South

by Southwest (its first public appearance in North America since 1985) and the Cannes Film Festival to drum up support for the film.

Its current world tour is taking Spandau Ballet to major cities in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Australia before making stops in Asia for shows in Singapore, Manila and Hong Kong.. (“Soul Boys Of The Western World Live!” is presented in Manila by Ovation Productions in association with Dainty Group Asia. It is also supported by Fox Channel, National Geographic, StarWorld, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin , BusinessWorld , City of Dreams and Nobu Hotel. Tickets are priced at P6,750, P5,750, P4,750, P3,750 and P2,750 plus applicable charges.

Tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets and online at www.smtickets.com. For more info, call 02-470-2222 ).

A CulinAry journey with FrenCh CheF helene DArroze

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ext month, CNN’s Culinary Journeys features the doyenne of French cuisine, Chef Hélène Darroze.

Cooking runs in the blood of Darroze, who says she was “born in a kitchen and grew up in a pan”. She sharpened her culinary skills in the kitchen of maestro Alain Ducasse, at a time when women were few and far between in the world’s great restaurants.

Darroze now divides her time between her Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and London, and was

recently awarded the 2015 Veuve Clicquot World’s Best Female chef title. Her culinary footprint has inspired a new generation of female cooks – as well as a character in the 2007 Pixar animated film Ratatouille.

In the program, Darroze swaps the boulevards of Paris for the gothic alleyways of Edinburgh, as she embarks on a Culinary Journey to Scotland. Along her journey she joins local chef Tom Kitchin to sample a dish whose name alone stirs Scottish taste buds, but can strike fear into the

faint-hearted: haggis.

Culinary Journeys is a series of monthly halfhour shows on CNN International, which feature world-renowned chefs on a journey to explore the cuisine of one of the world’s food hotspots. In each episode, the cookery travelogue sees a chef leave the bustle of their own kitchen to discover a culinary experience in another country.

It airs on CNN International on Sept. 4, 11:30 p.m. with replays on Sept. 6, 8:30 a.m., Sept. 8, 5:30 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sept.9.

Chef Helene Darroze with Chef Alain Ducasse

Chef Helene Darroze one of few female chefs

At the kitchen with Chef Helene Darroze

F RIDAY : AUGUST 2 8 : 2015

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ AriAnA GrAnde BAnG-BAnGS MAnilA

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Ariana and her dancers

BY Nickie WANg

merican singer Ariana Grande staged a sold out concert at the Mall of Asia Arena proving why she is the next big thing on the international music scene. She paid tribute to Whitney Houston and Madonna singing their classic hits as if saying that they’re already a thing of the past and she’s the pop star to watch out for.

We can encapsulate our experience at The Honeymoon Tour concert held on Sunday in just three words – surprising, entertaining and deafening.

The 22-year-old singer is very well known for her four-octave soprano vocal range, but what is more surprising about the petite chanteuse is her ability to sustain high notes and keep her voice solid and strong amid the difficulty of each number that required her to follow an elaborate choreography ( beat that!).

The former child star started the show with the bang of Jesse J’s irresistibly catchy “Bang Bang.” In high heels and leg-revealing outfit, she spoke little (which was limited to “I can’t hear you” and “Make some noise, Manila”) and sang a lot, unleashing her powerful vocals that validated (at least to our ears) her outstanding singing ability. And it was understandable; she came here to sing in the first place.

It’s also interesting how kissing a dancer, swaying her hips and by just raising her hand could launch the audience into frenzy. Similarly, by looking at how audience responded with loud shrieks, you’ll already get entertained.

Imagine even celebrities like Kim Chiu, Liza Soberano and Kathryn Bernardo were screaming like any other rabid fans that sported Ariana’s signature cat ears and trooped to the venue.

Talk about becoming mere mortals for a night.

The show is very entertaining, to say the least. Ariana did not need any extravagant stage design – her vocals as her in-

strument and her undeniable stage presence were more than enough to punctuate her Manila tour a resounding success.

She did not disappoint the fans. The show featured all the trappings of a big-time pop spectacle, including a top-notch band, athletic dancers, DJ and a string quartet, plus cool lighting. Her biggest hits culled from her two multi-platinum records like “Yours Truly,” “My Everything,” “Be My Baby,” “Right There,” “The Way,” “Baby-I,” “Tattooed Heart,” “One Last Try,” “Love Me Harder,” “Honeymoon Avenue” and seven other songs, which she sang in quick succession, were all part of the set list.

And by the end of the concert we could no longer hear ourselves. Perhaps it was the extremely loud sound system and the collective shrieks and screams of thousands of fans that reverberated in the Arena.

“I just wanted to say thank you. I love you guys so, so much. I wanted to perform for you guys for such a long time… So I’m finally here. I’m happy to finally see you guys in person. And hopefully I’ll come back soon,” she told her fans before ending the show.

We can encapsulate our experience at The Honeymoon Tour concert held on Sunday in just three words – surprising, entertaining and deafening

Ariana during the show's encore

Ariana did not just showcase her flawless voice, she also flaunted her killer legs

Ariana opened the show with Bang Bang number

Ariana's Honeymoon Tour concert was both visual and vocal spectacle

Ariana grande belting out some familiar tunes

pHoToS By Nickie WANg

Ariana with male dancers

Soaring high - Ariana was hitting high notes while dancing onstage