The Standard - 2015 November 03 - Tuesday

VOL. XXIX NO. 264 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 TUESday : NOVEMBER 3, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Help line for victims of bullet scam up

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‘bala’ incidents rise 775% in 2015

By Joyce Pangco Pañares, Maricel V. Cruz and Sandy araneta

THE number of passengers apprehended with bullets in their luggage has shot up 775 percent this year, from only 12 incidents in 2014 to 105 cases from January to November this year, data from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group showed.

In a phone interview, Supt.

Jeanne Panisan of the PNP AvSecGroup attributed the spike not to an extortion racket at the airport but to “tighter security screening.”

This year’s figure is the highest recorded in four years, with only 20 passengers apprehended in 2012 and 21 passengers in 2013.

Panisan said the arrests this year

yielded 514 bullets, 24 magazines, 20 firearms, 139 accessories or parts of firearms, and 20 replicas.

An airport official said Monday at least 40 personnel of the Office for Transportation Security are under investigation over allegations that they planted bullets in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers in an attempt to extort

money from them.

But Manila International Airport Authority spokesman David de Castro said the OTS personnel cannot be immediately fired as they might be “demoralized.”

The OTS personnel being investigated, however, will have their airport access passes revoked as part of the protocol.

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Bullet-proofing. Migrant Filipino workers at the airport wrap plastic around their luggage to prevent corrupt officials from planting bullets inside them and then shaking them down for money. Danny Pata

Poe seeks more time to answer charges

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Aquino family reclaims Hacienda Luisita

By Christine F. Herrera PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III’s family has managed to reclaim ownership of the 6,453-hectare Hacienda Luisita, reducing the farmer-beneficiaries who were supposed to own the land under the agrarian reform program to

sakadas or plantation workers, a federation of agricultural workers said Monday.

The Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura disclosed that Aquino’s family sold the Central Azucarera de Tarlac to a businessman, Martin Lorenzo, but the company remains under the control of the

family, through the President’s first cousin, Fernando Cojuangco, who is a first cousin of the President.

UMA acting chairman John Milton Lozande said the sale was made to avoid paying back farmerbeneficiaries some P1.33 billion in proceeds from the sale of lands in

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Aquino...

From A1

Bullet meeting. President Benigno Aquino III meets with the heads of government agencies on Monday on the bullet-planting incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Public attorney puts up hotline for scam victims By rio n. araja

PUBLIC Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta on Monday warned that anyone found planting bullets inside the luggage of travelers as part of an extortion racket faces 30 years in prison.

“Any incriminatory act of planting evidence can be criminally charged with ‘incriminatory machinations’ under the Revised Penal Code and the Comprehensive Firearms Act,” Acosta

‘Bala’...

From A1

Earlier, Vice President Jejomar Binay, a presidential candidate in next year’s election, called for the immediate relief of all OTS personnel over the widening extortion scandal.

Independent candidate for President Senator Grace Poe, on the other hand, said MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado must put an end to the extortion syndicate within a week or resign.

Lawmakers on Monday dismissed accusations from administration supporters that the spate of bulletrelated arrests at the airport was the work of the political opposition and aimed at embarrassing the administration and hurting the chances of the ruling Liberal Party’s candidate for President, Manuel Roxas II. Instead of addressing the issue, the Palace and its supporters are trying to mislead the public of the Aquino administration’s failed anticorruption drive, said Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate.

“It is better for the Aquino administration to bite the bullet and fire its incompetent airport officials like MIAA Manager Jose Honrado,” Zarate said.

1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III said the reactions from Aquino supporters showed they were in “pan-

said in a statement sent to The Standard.

In particular, Section 38 of the Comprehensive Firearms Act penalizes any person who willfully and maliciously inserts, places or attaches any firearm or ammunition onto the person, house or effects of an innocent person to incriminate that individual with prision mayor in its maximum period or 10 years and a day to 12 years. If the person found guilty is a public officer or employee, the penalty is raised to reclusion perpetua, or 20 years and a day to 30 years in prison.

Acosta said any overseas Filipino workers or travelers who fall victim to the bullet-planting extortion racket at the airport can call the PAO

ic mode of the highest degree.”

Bello was referring to the accusation by Aquino supporter and coconvenor of the Black and White Movement Leah Navarro that the political opposition was behind the planting of bullets at the airport to discredit Roxas.

Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting said the Aquino supporters were making the bullet-planting controversy a political issue when it is not.

“It is an issue of competence and effective governance,” said Tambunting of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance.

Tambunting also lambasted the government for pointing fingers whenever there are issues that it cannot handle competently.

But a Palace ally, Quezon City Rep. Jorge Banal said the concern raised by the Aquino supporters should not be dismissed out of hand.

“Anything is possible. But it would be better for the authorities to swiftly implement measures that will ensure the safety and convenience of all passengers,” Banal said.

Earlier, several lawmakers led by Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles and Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz demanded the resignation of Honrado to allow a more competent manager to run the country’s airports.

Nograles reminded Honrado that the country’s international airports,

hotline at (02) 9299436.

On Monday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said it has summoned a taxi driver accused of being involved in the extortion syndicate to a hearing on Nov. 4.

A Filipino seafarer, Julius Niel Habana, aired his complaint on Twitter, saying that his fellow seaman was almost victimized by the bulletplanting racket when the driver of the cab he took with license plate UVK-190, slipped something into his bag. Instead of heading straight to the airport, Habana said, his friend dropped by his boarding house where he checked his bag and found a .38 caliber bullet.

particularly the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, is the nation’s window to the world but with the reports about an extortion racket there, the country is now the subject of worldwide ridicule.

“Travelers using our airports are now too terrorized that they even wrap their luggage with masking tape just to stop Naia people from planting bullets into their bags. This is really embarrassing. In no airport in the world can you find this kind of paranoia [among travelers]. Only in the Philippines,” Nograles said.

De la Cruz urged Honrado and all other officials involved in the operations and security of Naia and other international airports around the country to submit their courtesy resignation, especially given the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leader’s Summit in Manila.

Amid persistent reports of an extortion syndicate operating out of the airport, President Benigno Aquino III met Monday with officials from the Department of Transportation and Communications and ordered a wider investigation of the bullet-planting incidents.

“The President has been briefed and has given further instructions to refine the efforts under way. The DoTC as the lead agency will be updating the public,” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

Over the weekend, DoTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya ordered the installation of additional closed-circuit TVs at the airport, Lacierda said.

“We are casting a wide net on the data, on the process and areas for improvements. So, all of these will be tackled by the DoTC. So at some point, DoTC will, and hopefully soon, be informing the public of the situation in the Naia,” Lacierda added.

Asked if there was an order to fire Honrado as lawmakers have demanded, Lacierda said they must first identify the problem.

“Let’s correctly identify the problem so that we can come up with the correct identification of the solution.

So that’s the instruction given by the President to DoTC,” said Lacierda.

Lacierda said the President wanted the DoTC investigation to be done by next week.

Lacierda also said not all incidents in which bullets are found in luggage should be assumed to be part of an extortion operation.

He pointed to a Japanese tourist, who admitted he had come from a shooting range and brought a bullet with him.

“So there were no allegations of planting bullets,” Lacierda said. “So we have to look at all the assumptions that came out in the media.”

With Macon ramos-araneta and Vito Barcelo

Hacienda Luisita and to abort the distribution of land to farmers and farmworkers.

After the sale last year, Lorenzo named Cojuangco the president and chief operating officer of CAT. Using CAT, which is within the Hacienda Luisita estate, Cojuangco immediately acquired shares of other Aquino-Cojuangco firms such as the Luisita Realty Corp. and Luisita Industrial Park Co. through the CAT Resource and Asset Holdings Inc. This effectively made the AquinoCojuangco family the real owners of Hacienda Luisita, Lozande said.

In May, Lozande said, almost 700 workers of the CAT were retrenched and forced to sign “voluntary retirement” papers.

Those to be rehired this milling season starting November will now work as contractual workers, he said.

“Because of fake land distribution implemented in 2013, the supposed 6,212 farmer-beneficiaries who used to work for CAT and Hacienda Luisita Inc. are now back to being tenants,” Lozande said.

“It’s like killing people all over again just to revive a ‘zombie’,” Lozande said in describing the revival of CAT. Lozande said Lorenzo’s excuse in undertaking the retrenchment was to give the Cojuangcos “a lesson or two in efficiency” after he acquired the sugar mill in 2014.

But UMA said the massive retrenchment and contractualization in the mill, coupled with land grabbing and the wholesale swindle of supposed agrarian reform beneficiaries—were tantamount to the slow death of farmers and laborers in Hacienda Luisita.

“They are still raking in profits primarily through the blood and sweat of workers and peasants, who are now doubly exploited through contractualization and the… leaseback scheme.”

Lozande said the planned sale by Lorenzo of land assets under CAT and LRC is a ploy to enable the Cojuangco-Aquino family to evade payment of its standing debt to farmworkers.

The Cojuangco-Aquino-owned HLI, established in 1989 to implement the stock distribution option under the land reform program, still owes farmworkers a total of P1.33 billion.

In its April 24, 2012 landmark decision for total land distribution in Hacienda Luisita, the Supreme Court also ordered the audit of the P1.33billion farmworkers share in the sale of 580 hectares of the company’s land assets to RCBC, Centennary Holdings, and the SCTEX area traversing Hacienda Luisita.

“Disposing the CAT and LRC’s land assets will muddle the audit, as we believe that these are still part of HLI’s assets where farmers have a legitimate share. Morally and historically, the Cojuangco-Aquinos do not deserve a single centavo, they should no longer own even a single inch of land in Luisita,” Lozande said.

These assets include 505 hectares that are purportedly no longer required for cane milling and sugar refinery operations, and that Lorenzo plans to sell or develop out of the self-declared 628-hectare refinery complex, he said.

Other than that, he said the Supreme Court ordered the Department of Agrarian Reform to cover other agricultural lands originally held by another Cojuangco-Aquino firm, the Tarlac Development Corp. or Tadeco.

In February 2014, the LRC applied to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to declare a 260.4-hectare property located in Barangay Balete, Luisita for inclusion to the existing Luisita Industrial Park-Special Economic Zone, Lozande said.

The area, where scores of farmers were injured when their crops were bulldozed and their huts were burned in 2013, is purportedly a Tadeco property, he said.

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Show more concern for poor, Palace told THE Palace should not be onionskinned when it comes to compelling national issues but prove it is implementing long-term solutions to help the poor, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Monday.

“I don’t know why the Palace is bringing up the Conditional Cash Transfer program and PhilHealth as the issue. I have no issue with these,” Romualdez said in reaction to Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda’s statement that the Aquino administration had shown “malasakit” or concern to some 4.4 million CCT recipients.

He made the statement even as he pushed for the financial and performance audit of all the Aquino administration’s poverty alleviation programs to ensure that funds were indeed being spent solely for the needs of the poor.

“The Aquino administration has been consistently boasting of supposed gains or expanded coverages in anti-poverty efforts,” Romualdez said.

“But all we get to hear are numbers. Anybody can cite huge figures anytime for what he or she has supposedly done.”

Romualdez said Lacierda was evading the issue and should answer directly the issues raised, and that it would be best for them to immediately address the problems.

“The issue is tax reform. Exemption from taxation of the poor and lowered tax rates for the earning of state workers and minimum wage earners who remain poor or struggling with inflation,” Romualdez said.

“This is what I am talking about.

Malasakit for their plight. Not CCT or PhilHealth. How much can one buy on the minimum wage these days?

“If, indeed, the administration has done its best, then why has there been a lot of savings? Meanwhile, 11 million Filipinos still consider themselves poor, millions more are unemployed or underemployed.”

Romualdez reminded Lacierda that the discussion of relevant issues are an essential part of the election process and true to the spirit of democracy.

Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza, a member of the independent minority bloc led by Romualdez, said the Palace was being “too defensive” when what it should do was address the issue of lack of compassion. christine F. Herrera and Maricel V. cruz

Poe asks for extension to file counter-affidavit PRESIDENTIAL candidate Grace Poe on Monday asked the Commission on Elections for a one-month extension to file her counter-affidavit to Rizlito David’s allegations against her in which he claims she was not qualified to run for senator in 2013.

Fire. Thick smoke billows from the burning basement of the Avant Garde building on Meralco and Julia Vargas Avenues on Ortigas on Monday. Ey acasio

Citing “heavy pressure of other equally urgent professional work,” Poe said she could not submit her counter-affidavit on the Nov. 3 deadline and asked the Comelec’s law department if she could file the documents on Dec. 3.

“A draft of respondent’s [Poe’s] counteraffidavit, which raises affirmative defenses, is already being prepared,” Poe says in her two-page motion for extension.

“However, because of heavy pressure of other equally urgent professional work, undersigned counsel will need more time to gather the necessary documents and finalize Respondent’s Counter-Affidavit.”

Poe says a provision in the election law does not prohibit a defendant from requesting an extension to file an affidavit.

“Because of the need for more time to finalize Respondent’s Counter-Affidavit, Respondent, without waiving her affirmative defenses, most respectfully requests for an additional period of 39 days counted from November 3, 2015, or until 3 December 2015, for her to file her Counter-Affidavit and other supporting documents and evidence, if any,” her motion says.

On Oct. 20, Poe confirmed that she received the Subpoena on Oct. 20, 2015, filed by the Comelec’s law department ordering her to appear before the agency and submit her counter affidavit, other supporting documents and affidavit of witness/es if any on or before Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.

David had earlier filed an election offense case against Poe for allegedly violating Section 262 in relation to Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code when she ran for senator in the May 2013 elections.

David had pointed to the declarations Poe had made in her Certificate of Candidacy wherein she said she was a resident of the Philippines for six years and six months before the May 13, 2013 elections. She said she was a natural-born Filipino citizen and eligible for the office she was seeking.

The certificate is considered a sworn statement by the person filing it to announce his or her candidacy for a particular public office. sara susanne D. Fabunan

Political parties no-show at code review THE political parties have been absent in the Source Code Review being conducted by the Commission on Elections in St. Andrews Hall at the De La Salle University.

Some technical representatives of various parties were present on the first day, but the reporters noted the lack of technical representatives in the entire week last week.

“We were hoping to get the opinion of the technical representatives of the Liberal Party and UNA on whether or not they approve of the source code,” said Billie Beltran of the online opinion daily ManilaSpeak.com.

“Unfortunately, the only person present every day was the representative of Smartmatic.”

On Oct. 8 this year, The Come-

lec and Smartmatic launched the Source Code Review so the public can validate the accuracy and security of the whole system to be used in the 2016 Philippine Elections.

Among others, it enables the review of the instructions given to the Optical Mark Reader or OMR Machines and to the Canvassing Servers.

A source code reveals exactly how a system is programmed. In the case of an election system, its source code can be reviewed to validate and certify that such system is accurate, reliable, secure and has no malicious code inside it.

Comelec Chairman Andy Bautista opened the source code for review this year and months before the elections to give parties adequate

time to inspect it. The source code will be open for review at the De La Salle University grounds for seven months.

The representatives of eight accredited political parties or concerned groups or both may visit the Source Code Review center at De La Salle, which will be open five days a week from 8 am to 5 pm.

The eight accredited groups are the Liberal Party, the United Nationalist Alliance, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, Unang Sigaw, a political party in Nueva Ecija; the Bagong Bayan Party led by former Senator Richard Gordon, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, the Center for People Empowerment in Governance, and Lakas-CMD. sara susanne D. Fabunan

Preparation. Public Works employees paint a flyover on Roxas Boulevard on Monday in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this month. Danny Pata

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Anti-lumad claims scored

By John Paolo Bencito

Lady in distress. An unidentified woman pulls out her male companion after the car they were riding hit

a concrete post at the area of the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.The two were rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment. EY ACASIO

THE youth group League of Filipino Students on Monday scored the Armed Forces of the Philippines for claiming that the complaints of indigenous people were only imaginary.

“Stop the hypocrisy,” said LFS chairperson Charisse Bañez. “The AFP and the Aquino government cannot fool the people. The 700 lumad who travelled from Mindanao is already a testament of the regime’s accountability.”

“As is in the past, the AFP is again violating human rights, oppresses and kills the people who are not in favor of government’s programs,” she said.

“In the case of the lumad, their resistance to foreign mining, logging, and plantation corporations resulted in the intensifying attacks of the military to the schools, communities, and the people,” Bañez added.

Bañez said that there were also documents presented to different government agencies showing the intense militarization in Mindanao. In the photos, members of the AFP are occupying schools and communities.

“The lumads are here in Manila. We challenged Aquino to

listen to them. Their datus and leaders can describe the horrors and specificities of the attacks they experienced. Even the children can easily tell who are oppressing them,” she said.

“There are still thousands of them in evacuation centers in Mindanao, and they will also be able to narrate the same stories. Thousands of lumad will be able to identify that the AFP and Aquino are the perpetrators of the human rights violations,” said Bañez.

Meanwhile, about 700 lumads encamped in the grounds of the University of the Philippines in Diliman marched to their new camp grounds at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila early Monday for the continuation of the “Manilakbayan 2015.”

“We give our sincerest and highest salutations to the lumad and people of Mindanao who stayed in our university,” said Ben Galil Te, chairman of the LFS’ UP Diliman chapter.

“The lumad reminded us the value of our collective actions —from building schools, developing the lands for your communities, and protecting the environment to resolutely fighting against state fascism and terrorism,” he said.

OCD hit for idle aid funds

By Maricel V. Cruz and Florante S. Solmerin

LAWMAKERS again assailed the disaster managers of the Aquino administration after Office of Civil Defense chief Alexander Pama explained that the cash donations for victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda’’ are still in trust funds despite the public need for disaster assistance. “[That] only prove that there are enough resources to finance the needs of Yolanda victims. They have been suffering for almost two years. What was given for them should really be distributed already to ease their suffering,” said senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

The OCD came under fire after the Commission on Audit discovered that out of the P137 million cash donations for

Yolanda victims, only P38.7 million has been released to the victims as of the end of last year.

“That means P98.3 million remains untouched. That amount could have gone a long, long way in providing immediate needs of the victims like permanent shelter and food,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez made the appeal after Pama, who also heads the National Disaster Coordinating Council, said that

Filipinos’ hunger worsens

By Sandy Araneta INVOLUNTARY hunger worsened in the last quarter of 2015 with more than three million families claiming to have experienced hunger in the past three months, according to the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations.

The SWS conducted the survey from Sept. 2 to 5 among 1,200 adults nationwide, with sampling error margins of ±3 points for national percentages and ±6 points each for Metro Manila, “Balance Luzon,” the Visayas and Mindanao.

The survey found that 15.7 percent of respondents, or an equivalent of an estimated 3.5-million families, said they experienced “involuntary hunger” at least once in

the past three months.

The SWS said the latest hunger figure is three points up from the 12.7 percent (2.8 million families) recorded in the preceding quarter and the highest since December 2014’s 17.2 percent.

Nationwide, “moderate hunger” increased by 3.3 points from 10.8 percent, or an estimated 2.4-million families, in the June survey.

“Severe hunger” decreased by 0.3 of a point from June’s 1.9 percent, or an estimated 431,000 families, with September’s 1.6 percent figuring as the lowest “severe hunger” rate since September 2003’s 1.2 percent.

By geographic area, hunger was most pronounced in Mindanao, which has some of the poorest provinces.

his agency could not distribute the funds over the past two years because of the limitations set by NDRRMC rules established in 1998.

“I think there is no question about the accounting [of the] money because they are all intact. That’s in a trust fund, Pama said.

He said the CoA was referring to an unspent P384,950,260.65 out of P466.018 million. Of which, government auditors said only P81,068,471.48 was spent for calamity victims.

The CoA had said the unused funds were not remitted to the Bureau of Treasury in violation of Section IV.13 of CAO Circular No. 2014-002 dated April 15, 2014.

The agency further said the Trust Liabilities-Disaster Risk Management Fund account had a balance of P414 million in 2014, the additional millions probably earned through interests in the bank.

Pama dismissed the CoA findings as old news because CoA had reported in 2014 that P692.77 million in Quick Respond Funds and a total of P48.82 million in donations in 2013 were not used for relief and rehabilitation of disaster victims and the money was just kept in banks.

But Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap condemned Pama’s explanation as proof of the Aquino administration’s “criminal negligence” of disaster victims.

“The rage of typoon victims is indescribable over the Aquino government’s criminal negligence,” Hicap said. “Many have died, starved, endured living in tents, makeshift camps, went bankrupt and lost their farms and other hardships, but we are to discover that the donations supposed to help them are hoarded, the Aquino government should be held responsible for this mercilessness.”

New UN Undersecretary-General.

Newly-minted United Nations Undersecretary-General for Internal Oversight Services Heidi Mendoza, former chairman of the Commission on Audit has a quiet conversation with President Benigno S. Aquino III Malacañang on Monday.

MALACAÑANG PHOTO

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Mediaman’s killing shows govt apathy toward press, say groups

Desaparecidos.

Relatives of desaparecidos (victims of enforced disappearences) once again gather together on All Souls’ Day to honor their loved ones and reiterate their demand for justice at Liwasang Bonifacio Manila.

LINO SANTOS

By Rio N. Araja Media groups on Monday condemned the killing of radio reporter Jose Bernardo in Quezon City last Oct. 31.

The National Press Club of the Philippines, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and alab ng Mamamahayag (alam) called on the aquino administration to “end the impunity” perpetuated against media practitioners.

Mediamen said the Bernardo family was left with no option but to cremate his remains because of threats to their lives. Quezon City police said the killing of Bernardo has something to do with his work.

“We denounce the killing of Mr. Bernardo as an affront to press freedom and a blatant disregard for our constitutionally guaranteed right to practice journalism.

Regardless of motive, murder or the taking of one’s life through whatever means is a heinous crime. The suspects must be punished. This again shows the incapacity of the aquino administration to end journalist killing. and its apathy toward the plight of mediamen. also, may our colleagues remain true to the code of ethics to avoid undue risks in coverage,” said NPC president Joel Sy egco. in a statement, the NUJP said “the brazen manner in which Bernardo, the 30th journalist slain during the watch of President Benigno aquino iii, was gunned down outside a restaurant in Quezon City, underscores the impunity with which media killings and other extrajudicial murders continue to be committed because of government apathy towards human rights and its primary duty, to protect the lives of its citizens.”

Rights victims to Aquino: We can’t move on without justice

By Christine F. Herrera HUMAN rights group Karapatan and militant Anakpawis on Monday used against President Benigno Aquino III his statements against Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and said like the Aquino family, the victims of human rights violations under his administration cannot move on and forgive him without justice. “it has been reported that the aquino administration has been critical of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who is running for vice president in the 2016 elections, particularly stating that there could be no moving on without justice,” anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap said.

“There is no moving on, without justice being served the victims under all the regimes, from Martial Law of Marcos, Cory

aquino’s total war and low intensity conflict, Gloria Macapagalarroyo’s Oplan Bantay Laya and aquino’s Oplan Bayanihan,” said Hicap, in a statement.

Marcos was the only son and namesake of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who ruled the country for decades.

President aquino, whose late father and namesake Benigno aquino Jr. was Marcos Sr’s bitter political arch-rival, demanded that the Mar-

coses issue a public apology for the alleged atrocities committed against Filipinos and his family.

But Hicap also did not spare President aquino’s late mother and former President Corazon aquino, whose record could also equal, if not exceed Marcos’.

Corazon aquino’s reign, just like her son’s, was marred by 135 massacre cases, he said.

Several massacres victimizing lumad in Mindanao had been happening under the present administration, Hicap pointed out. “it is accurate that there is no moving on without justice for the victims, hence, for the victims of aquino’s Oplan Bayanihan, he should be immediately held accountable the moment he leaves his post as President,” Hicap said.

Citing Karapatan’s documented cases, Hicap said, under the present

aquino administration, 294 fell victims to extra-judicial killings; 28 were victims of enforced disappearances; 318 of frustrated killing; 3,237 of illegal arrests; 63,824 of forced evacuation; 161,552 of harassment, intimidation and threat; 29,257 of coercion of civilians as guides to military operations; 182,389 of military occupation of civilian establishments and others. anakpawis and Karapatan demanded justice for victims of “state fascism” under aquino and Marcos. during Marcos’ 14 years of dictatorial rule, Hicap said, Marcos ordered the arbitrary arrest and detention of around 120,000 people; the extra-judicial killings of 1,500 activists; and the enforced disappearance of 769 individuals. Hicap cited the records gathered by the alternative media site Bulatlat.

Oil prices go up after P1-liter cut ByAlenaMaeS.Flores THe country’s oil firms raised pump prices by as much as P0.25 per liter for gasoline and P0.10 per liter for kerosene starting Tuesday after a price reduction of P1 per liter last week.

The oil firms also raised liquefied petroleum gas prices by P2.95 per kilo and autogas by P1.65 per liter to reflect the increase in contract price of LPG in the world market.

“Petron will increase LPG prices by P2.95 per kg [VaT inclusive] effective 6 a.m. November 2. We will

likewise increase auto LPG

by P1.65 per liter. These reflect the international contract prices for LPG for the month of November,” Petron said in its advisory. according to the energy department, other LPG distributors also raised prices namely Solane; Gasul; and Petronas by P2.95 per kg and Liquigaz by P2.50 per kilo. eastern Petroleum also raised LPG prices by P2.90 per kilo. among the oil firms that announced the oil price increase for gasoline and kerosene products are Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Phoenix Petroleum,

Chevron Philippines, Seaoil Philippines, among others.

The other oil companies are expected to follow suit.

The oil companies, however did not raise diesel prices.

“Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will increase the price of gasoline only

by P0.25 per liter effective 6 a.m. of November 3 to reflect the price movement of refined petroleum products in the world market,” it said.

Last week, the oil firms cut pump prices anew by as much as P1 per liter to reflect the softening of world oil prices in the market.

Xmas rush. A Quezon City resident Jerry Baldonado, 45, makes Christmas lanterns that he sells for as much as P1`,500 apiece. JANSEN ROMERO

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Apec traffic prompts cleanup SC takes up cases vs Iglesia

By Rey E. Requejo THE Court of Appeals will hear today the habeas corpus and amparo case against leaders of the Iglesia Ni Cristo who had been accused of involvement in the alleged abduction and detention of expelled minister Lowell Menorca II and his family.

The CA’s Seventh Division composed of Associate Justices Victoria Isabel Paredes, Magdangal de Leon and Elihu Ybañez will conduct the hearing at 10 a.m. at the session hall.

Sources, however, revealed that respondents INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo and Sanggunian or Council members Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago and Rolando Esguerra are not expected to appear before the hearing.

INC lawyers are expected to ask for more time to answer the allegations in the petition filed by Menorca’s brother Anthony and sisterin-law Jungko Otsuka since their camp was not able to formally receive a copy of the order of the Supreme Court last Oct. 23.

Because of such failure to serve the summons, the respondents also were not able to comply with the order for them to submit a return of the writs within five days from notice.

The petition was originally filed with the SC, but remanded the case to the appellate court for hearing, receipt of evidence and resolution.

The camp of Menorca, on the other hand, said they would present evidence before the CA to prove the allegations despite the habeas corpus case being moot already with the supposed release of the expelled minister and his family from INC’s custody.

By Joel E. Zurbano and Sandy Araneta

An inter-Agency task force on Monday stepped up its campaign to rid edsa and other major roads of obstructions as part of the efforts to ease traffic during the Philippines’ hosting of the AsiaPacific economic cooperation summit from nov. 18-19.

Traffic will be rerouted in some parts of Metro Manila while special Apec lanes will be set up along Edsa and Roxas Boulevard for five days from Nov. 16, according to Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

The Metro Manila Development Authority, for its part, has begun impounding illegally-parked vehicles with the arrest of

99 drivers and 13 autos, according to MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos.

The traffic campaign covers the 23.8-kilometer Edsa and 21 secondary roads in the metropolis, Carlos added.

Carlos said the secondary roads will be used as Mabuhay Lanes, or alternate routes for private motorists to avoid Edsa (north and southbound directions).

The task force is composed of government personnel from MMDA, local government units, National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Land Transportation Office.

Highway Patrol Group commander Chief Supt.

Arnold Gunnacao said the no-parking zone in all Mabuhay Lanes will be enforced.

On Edsa, only Apec vehicles will be allowed on the innermost two lanes of both the northbound and southbound sides.

All other lanes, however, will remain open for nonApec vehicles.

Only Apec vehicles will be allowed on the south-

bound side of Roxas Boulevard while the entire northbound side—which will be made two-way—will remain open for non-Apec vehicles.

In the interest of security, certain roads around the CCP Complex Area and MOA Arena Area will also be closed to traffic, Lacierda said.

In addition, from Nov. 16 to 20, there will be a daytime truck ban along the South Truck Route.

Trucks will only be allowed to use the route from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Roxas Boulevard, however, will remain under a 24-hour truck ban.

The full list of road advisories, including infographics and alternate routes, is available on the Apec Philippines website, apec2015.ph.

The page also contains a reminder that security will be tight at all Naia Terminals on Nov. 17, 19, and 20, and that a no-fly zone will be enforced on these dates.

Travelers are advised to take note of these advisories and plan their trips accordingly.

“We are hoping for the public’s understanding.

These changes are necessary to ensure the security of our Apec visitors, and to decongest their routes as they travel between venues,” Lacierda said.

“Again, we wish to emphasize that the Philippines stands to reap many benefits from this hosting, which has already boosted our reputation as a prime tourism and business destination,” said Lacierda.

Alternate route. A signage of Mabuhay Lane along Kamuning Road guides truckers and car owners the way to skirt traffic as part of efforts to decongest Metro Manila in time for the Apec Summit starting Nov. 17, 2015. Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao, director of Highway Patrol Group, says that the Mabuhay Lanes are open the entire Christmas and serve as alternate route for motorists who want to avoid Edsa. JANSEN ROMERO

PHA sets 66th annual convention THE 1,800-strong Philippine Hospital Association will hold its 66th Annual National Convention and Exhibits at the Manila Hotel from Nov. 4-6, 2015, PHA executive director Mac Caliwara said on Monday. Convention chairman is Dr. Jesus Jardin.

Caliwara said that the annual event has proven to be the melting pot of ideas and has provided attendees with opportunities for networking and meaningful dialogues with their colleagues.

Hospitals in the Philippines have been doing their part in learning and introducing best practices in their operation. “They share the common objective of providing quality service to

the communities that they serve,” he said.

The role of the PHA deserves notice to serve as further encouragement for other healthcare institutions to go for quality.

The leadership of the organization that pounds on best practices and good governance as a vehicle towards quality is truly something that should be given encouragement and proper accolade.

PHA activities speak for the organization: 1. Monthly Regional Conferences 2. Various Forum 3. Legislations.

4. International Healthcare Arena (Apecethics in Manila, Apec USAID GHSA Initiative on Infection Prevention and Control in Seoul Korea,

World Hospital Congress in Chicago USA, WPRO Summit in Manila).

Most notable is the assumption of the presidency of the Asia Hospital Federation for the years 2014-2015

by PHA president Dr. Ruben Flores.

The highlight of this year’s accomplishments of the PHA is its direct involvement in the review and evaluation of the AO 2012-0012 which has been the cause of so much concerns by the hospital sector that led to its amendment.

Dr. Ruben Flores of the PHA sat as the vice chairman of the DoH Task Force formed by the OSEC for the review which eventually led to its amendments and renewal of moratorium by one year.

Chicken-and-egg situation. A caretaker at a poultry farm in Batangas collects

eggs from 2,000 hens that lay four times a day but poultry owners are bothered that production may suffer as a result of El Niño. DANNY PATA

t u e s d ay : n o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 5

A7

news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Reg 9’s science high school to rise in Zamboanga town

Official advises youth to take agri courses

By Dexter A. See

By A. Perez Rimando

BAUKO, Mountain Province— Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala last week urged young people from different parts of the Cordillera to take agriculture courses in college “so there would be people left to till the fertile soil and contribute to food security.”

Alcala, who spoke at a farmers’ forum here, said that the youth should not be tempted to take up information and communication technology-related courses as current trends show.

“Some of you should be going back to your respective places and contribute in sustaining the sufficient supply of highland vegetables for the country’s rapidly growing population,” Alcala told a group of young performers of indigenous dances during the break in the forum that was attended by over 1,500 young and old farmers from the town’s 222 barangays.

Bauko town is one of the major vegetable-producing localities in the country. Alcala said the Cordillera youth should take over their parents’ and grandparents’ livelihood to sustain the production of vegetables to be sold to different parts of the country.

Produce from the Cordillera region is often brought to the new trading center in the capital town of La Trinidad.

Alcala added that agricultural courses are not inferior to information and communication degrees. “Without the people producing the food, there will be hunger in the country.”

The secretary also emphasized the importance of expanding the vegetable farms of the people but not to the extent of compromising the good state of the environment in the locality.

Women, he added, should also continue to be major players in food production.

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur—The Department of Science and Technology has chosen this progressive town as venue of the agency’s Philippine Science High School to serve beginning next school year.

Western Mindanao or the Zamboanga Peninsula is the country’s only region without a national science high school.

The school will sit on a five-

hectare lot adjacent to the Rebokon National Agricultural School.

The property was donated by the mayor of Dumalinao town,

Ace Cerilles.

The proposed site of the school is a 25-minute ride east from the capital city of Pagadian.

Science and Technology Undersecretary Fortunato dela Peña said the Rebokon area would be an ideal venue for the science high school. “The fast-growing coastal village is populated by peace-loving and cooperative Christian farming families,” Cerilles added.

The Philippine Science High School focuses on science and

mathematics to attract deserving students who belong to the Top 10 of their class.

The scholars are entitled to free tuition, allowance, textbooks and other relevant instructional materials and are encouraged to pursue careers in science and technology.

Dela Peña said the department intends to allot P400 million for the construction of a two-story academic building, a student dormitory, a laboratory, and teachers’ salaries.

Never too old. A woman from Bontoc, Mountain Province dries and dehusks heirloom rice grains. DAVID CHAN

Police nab Ilocos Norte’s 5th most wanted LAOAG CITY—Authorities have arrested one of Ilocos Norte’s most wanted persons on Sunday.

Police nabbed Hadji Palafox alias “Chokoy/ Sukoy,” 38, a resident of Barangay Nagrebcan, Badoc, Ilocos Norte in Bani, Pangasinan.

The manhunt operation against the suspect was conducted by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Manuel Argel Jr. of Branch 65 of the Ilocos Norte Regional Trial Court under Criminal Case No.

4747-18. No bail was recommended for the case.

For years, Palafox had long been hiding from police authorities after he was figured as the No. 5 Most Wanted Person in the Provincial AntiPrivate Armed Groups and Dangerous Drugs Council.

Police said Palafox’s arrest was a result of a month-long surveillance and obtained information stating that he was hiding in Bani, Pangasinan.

“Informants leading

to his arrest will receive at least P90,000 reward from the Department of Interior and Local Government and an additional P20,000 from the PAPAGDDC,” said Police Chief Inspector Jonathan Papay, acting provincial information officer of the PNP based in Camp Valentin S. Juan, Laoag City.

Police reports tag Palafox as a gun-forhire, facing a string of murder cases since 2000 including the killing of Judge Ariston Rubio on Oct. 31, 2001. PNA

All in a day’s work. A miner from Itogon, Benguet goes about his daily mining chores.

DAVID CHAN

T U E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 5

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

THE TRUTH ABOUT ‘TANIM-BALA’

[ EDI TORI A L ]

TWO YEARS ON SUNDAY, Nov. 8, will mark the 2 anniversary of the day Typhoon “Yolanda” wrought unimaginable devastation to the central Philippines.

That tragedy brought out the best in Filipinos. Everybody pitched in to help in big or little ways. Those who could not contribute material goods gave, instead, their time—packing donations, driving survivors around Manila to find their relatives here, rebuilding with their own hands, telling remarkable stories, and advising others of the right channels through which to course their help.

Unfortunately, in the months following the disaster and after the initial rush of bayanihan ebbed, some ugly aspects of human nature began to show.

Politics was one. There were reports that access to relief and to rehabilitation funds became dependent on whether local leaders were allied with the right party.

More criminally, there was misplaced frugality. No less than the Commission on Audit found that the Office of Civil Defense has not used donations for calamity victims—and this is not only for Yolanda victims. The government has been routinely, habitually underspending funds meant to assist victims of natural and man-made disasters.

For example, out of the P466 million in donations, the OCD has managed to spend only P81 million to help disaster victims, with a staggering 83 percent of the money parked at the Development Bank of the Philippines, earning millions in interest income.

These victims don’t need to see how much money has grown in the bank.

They need to build their houses, their school buildings, resume their livelihood even as they move on from the memory of losing loved ones or hard-earned possessions.

Sure, this practice of the OCD, as the CoA noted, began in 2008, way before this current President assumed power. It would be easy for his camp then to pass on the blame on his predecessor again as is customary.

A question, though: If they paint the previous administration as so evil, how come they did nothing to reverse its ways and in fact continued, and at greater degrees of negligence?

It will be a solemn two-year mark for the families of those who perished in the typhoon. Let’s hope nobody dares greet them a “happy” one. Given the things that have been committed and neglected in the past two years, “happy” has no place in our vocabulary. nd

CIRCLING THE YELLOW WAGONS LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES THIS is what happens when you drink too much of the Yellow Kool-Aid. You see conspiracies where there are none and fall prey to the same bunker mentality that afflicts the people in Malacañang Palace, who honestly think their political enemies are perpetually plotting their downfall.

That was quite a conclusion drawn by the usual diehard supporters of President Noynoy Aquino, attributing the current brouhaha over the “tanim-bala” scandal at the world’s worst airport to the political opposition. As if the hundred-odd people arrested for allegedly carrying bullets in their luggage so far this year would allow themselves to miss their flights (and possibly lose their jobs abroad) just to do their share to make administration candidate Mar Roxas lose in the

next elections.

Before you dismiss the online rantings of Leah Navarro, Cynthia Patag, Jim Paredes and Rock Drilon, you must understand that these people fancy themselves as the true keepers of the Yellow faith. And much like the state-controlled Chinese media is used to proclaim Communist Party policy that Party officials themselves cannot state for diplomatic and other reasons, Navarro, Patag et al. are really used as back-channel spokesmen of

A9

The Alternate Communications Group has gone on a propaganda counter-offensive over ‘tanim-bala.’

the Aquino administration.

In other words, if Herminio Coloma, Edwin Lacierda and Abigail Valte state official policy, Navarro, Patag and Paredes are their social media “force multipliers,” pretending to spout independent opinions but known to everyone as co-equal mouthpieces of the Yellow administration. Their online views, such as they are, are remarkable only for their ideological purity and proAquino orthodoxy.

And when these oracles of Times Street unite, you just know they are mouthing the true sentiments of their idol,

Aquino. And Aquino, as everyone knows, is always willing to impute political motives on his usual suspects in the opposition whenever things don’t go his way.

It should really surprise no one that this Alternate Communications Group has gone on a propaganda counter-offensive in defense of the latest instance of incompetence and cupidity of their principal and his minions. And they don’t care if they look truly idiotic in their defense of

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

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

Aquino, his mother’s former aidede-camp, Jose Angel Honrado and all those bullet-planting, extorting personnel over at the airport.

And because the Alternate CommGroup has come out with guns blazing, it’s logical to conclude that Aquino and his entire administration are really hurting as a result of the tanim-bala scandal. If only they had come up with a strategy more plausible than blaming the opposition, they may actually

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

lessen the damage to their beloved leader, who is sometimes known to them as “the best President the Philippines ever had.”

Especially at this critical moment for Aquino, when he is occupying his time giving speeches on almost a daily basis proclaiming how good he’s been for the country, the embarrassing controversy threatens to trip him up as he makes his self-congratulatory victory parade.

Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager

Continued on A11

Continued on A10

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

THE truth about “tanim-bala” is that we do not know the truth about it.

All we know is that it is happening, causing serious pain and injury to individuals and families, and harming our country severely.

We must be collectively upset and angered about “tanim-bala.” It is extremely unfair, what has happened to several of our OFW brothers and sisters. What a few foreign visitors have experienced is also awful. The international media coverage has been horrendous. It is a big black eye to our country’s image even as we prepare for the biggest international conference we are hosting in more than 20 years.

“Tanim-bala” and the ongoing lumad protests being carried out by the Manilakbayan are clouds forming around the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. They will surely become storms if the government does not act on them decisively.

On “tanim-bala,” it is not helping that supporters of the Aquino administration are accusing unnamed people for carrying out what the supporters have described as a project to shame the government. This newspaper reports that Leah Navarro, known backer of President Aquino, has posted in her Facebook account: “Whoever is behind this ‘tanim-bala’ project: remember, you don’t just shame the admin, you shame all Filipinos, including yourselves.”

The same report quotes another Aquino supporter, Cynthia Patag, as posting: “Can’t you tell? Dagdag-bala is a demolition job by THE MALEVOLENT MINIONS ordered by their demonyo leaders to discredit the Aquino administration, ultimately the LP’s presidential candidate Mar Roxas.” In the same vein, Rock Drilon is also reported as saying that “Laglag-bala is a dirty op and politically motivated to embarrass the government and the ruling party/ candidates.”

Atty. Jong de Guzman, brother of a woman who was a victim to the scam, refutes these accusations. In his Facebook post, which has become viral, he answered Ms. Patag: “I take exception to this statement implying that my sister, a victim of this so-called ‘laglag bala’ scheme

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T U E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 5

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

THE TRUTH ABOUT ‘TANIM-BALA’

[ EDI TORI A L ]

TWO YEARS ON SUNDAY, Nov. 8, will mark the 2 anniversary of the day Typhoon “Yolanda” wrought unimaginable devastation to the central Philippines.

That tragedy brought out the best in Filipinos. Everybody pitched in to help in big or little ways. Those who could not contribute material goods gave, instead, their time—packing donations, driving survivors around Manila to find their relatives here, rebuilding with their own hands, telling remarkable stories, and advising others of the right channels through which to course their help.

Unfortunately, in the months following the disaster and after the initial rush of bayanihan ebbed, some ugly aspects of human nature began to show.

Politics was one. There were reports that access to relief and to rehabilitation funds became dependent on whether local leaders were allied with the right party.

More criminally, there was misplaced frugality. No less than the Commission on Audit found that the Office of Civil Defense has not used donations for calamity victims—and this is not only for Yolanda victims. The government has been routinely, habitually underspending funds meant to assist victims of natural and man-made disasters.

For example, out of the P466 million in donations, the OCD has managed to spend only P81 million to help disaster victims, with a staggering 83 percent of the money parked at the Development Bank of the Philippines, earning millions in interest income.

These victims don’t need to see how much money has grown in the bank.

They need to build their houses, their school buildings, resume their livelihood even as they move on from the memory of losing loved ones or hard-earned possessions.

Sure, this practice of the OCD, as the CoA noted, began in 2008, way before this current President assumed power. It would be easy for his camp then to pass on the blame on his predecessor again as is customary.

A question, though: If they paint the previous administration as so evil, how come they did nothing to reverse its ways and in fact continued, and at greater degrees of negligence?

It will be a solemn two-year mark for the families of those who perished in the typhoon. Let’s hope nobody dares greet them a “happy” one. Given the things that have been committed and neglected in the past two years, “happy” has no place in our vocabulary. nd

CIRCLING THE YELLOW WAGONS LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES THIS is what happens when you drink too much of the Yellow Kool-Aid. You see conspiracies where there are none and fall prey to the same bunker mentality that afflicts the people in Malacañang Palace, who honestly think their political enemies are perpetually plotting their downfall.

That was quite a conclusion drawn by the usual diehard supporters of President Noynoy Aquino, attributing the current brouhaha over the “tanim-bala” scandal at the world’s worst airport to the political opposition. As if the hundred-odd people arrested for allegedly carrying bullets in their luggage so far this year would allow themselves to miss their flights (and possibly lose their jobs abroad) just to do their share to make administration candidate Mar Roxas lose in the

next elections.

Before you dismiss the online rantings of Leah Navarro, Cynthia Patag, Jim Paredes and Rock Drilon, you must understand that these people fancy themselves as the true keepers of the Yellow faith. And much like the state-controlled Chinese media is used to proclaim Communist Party policy that Party officials themselves cannot state for diplomatic and other reasons, Navarro, Patag et al. are really used as back-channel spokesmen of

A9

The Alternate Communications Group has gone on a propaganda counter-offensive over ‘tanim-bala.’

the Aquino administration.

In other words, if Herminio Coloma, Edwin Lacierda and Abigail Valte state official policy, Navarro, Patag and Paredes are their social media “force multipliers,” pretending to spout independent opinions but known to everyone as co-equal mouthpieces of the Yellow administration. Their online views, such as they are, are remarkable only for their ideological purity and proAquino orthodoxy.

And when these oracles of Times Street unite, you just know they are mouthing the true sentiments of their idol,

Aquino. And Aquino, as everyone knows, is always willing to impute political motives on his usual suspects in the opposition whenever things don’t go his way.

It should really surprise no one that this Alternate Communications Group has gone on a propaganda counter-offensive in defense of the latest instance of incompetence and cupidity of their principal and his minions. And they don’t care if they look truly idiotic in their defense of

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

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

Aquino, his mother’s former aidede-camp, Jose Angel Honrado and all those bullet-planting, extorting personnel over at the airport.

And because the Alternate CommGroup has come out with guns blazing, it’s logical to conclude that Aquino and his entire administration are really hurting as a result of the tanim-bala scandal. If only they had come up with a strategy more plausible than blaming the opposition, they may actually

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

lessen the damage to their beloved leader, who is sometimes known to them as “the best President the Philippines ever had.”

Especially at this critical moment for Aquino, when he is occupying his time giving speeches on almost a daily basis proclaiming how good he’s been for the country, the embarrassing controversy threatens to trip him up as he makes his self-congratulatory victory parade.

Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager

Continued on A11

Continued on A10

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

THE truth about “tanim-bala” is that we do not know the truth about it.

All we know is that it is happening, causing serious pain and injury to individuals and families, and harming our country severely.

We must be collectively upset and angered about “tanim-bala.” It is extremely unfair, what has happened to several of our OFW brothers and sisters. What a few foreign visitors have experienced is also awful. The international media coverage has been horrendous. It is a big black eye to our country’s image even as we prepare for the biggest international conference we are hosting in more than 20 years.

“Tanim-bala” and the ongoing lumad protests being carried out by the Manilakbayan are clouds forming around the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. They will surely become storms if the government does not act on them decisively.

On “tanim-bala,” it is not helping that supporters of the Aquino administration are accusing unnamed people for carrying out what the supporters have described as a project to shame the government. This newspaper reports that Leah Navarro, known backer of President Aquino, has posted in her Facebook account: “Whoever is behind this ‘tanim-bala’ project: remember, you don’t just shame the admin, you shame all Filipinos, including yourselves.”

The same report quotes another Aquino supporter, Cynthia Patag, as posting: “Can’t you tell? Dagdag-bala is a demolition job by THE MALEVOLENT MINIONS ordered by their demonyo leaders to discredit the Aquino administration, ultimately the LP’s presidential candidate Mar Roxas.” In the same vein, Rock Drilon is also reported as saying that “Laglag-bala is a dirty op and politically motivated to embarrass the government and the ruling party/ candidates.”

Atty. Jong de Guzman, brother of a woman who was a victim to the scam, refutes these accusations. In his Facebook post, which has become viral, he answered Ms. Patag: “I take exception to this statement implying that my sister, a victim of this so-called ‘laglag bala’ scheme

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T U E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 5

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

POE’S EXCESS BAGGAGE TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO I MUST confess that my wife and I did not visit our dead at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.

Doing so on All Saints’ Day is not only an impossible task with traffic rerouting and gridlock leading to all cemeteries.

In fact, we have stopped observing All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day altogether. We visit our beloved dead one or two weeks after. After all, it’s not the date that matters. We pay our respects to our dead whenever we can. We always include them in our prayers.

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day have become a farce. People just keep up with tradition to bond with friends and relatives.

“Undas” has become irrelevant.

She has the heaviest baggage of them all.

*** The camp of Liberal Party/ administration candidate Mar Roxas describes the political resume of Senator Grace Poe as the leanest among the resume of all presidential candidates. I agree.

She brings nothing except the belief that she’s popular enough to be elected President.

This only shows how misguided she is. Mere popularity is not a ticket to the presidency. One must have a well-funded grassroots machinery.

Poe, for her part, says that while she may have the least experience in public service among her competitors, she does not have excess baggage,

Circling... From A9 No wonder the snarling dogs of online propaganda war have been unleashed.

Sadly, the efficacy of the online barbs of Navarro, Patag, Paredes and the rest have, judging from the angry responses they’ve been receiving, seems to have been devalued as much as the proclamations of their clueless master in Malacañang. Long

CHINA SHOULD DETHRONE ITS GDP TARGET Bloomberg editorial

either. She means that she does not have other problems to contend with.

She must believe that the disqualification cases she is facing and questions about her residency and citizenship are just a joke.

Think again, Grace. You have been caught lying about many things.

In fact, I would even say that she has the heaviest baggage among her competitors.

I cannot understand why Mrs. Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares is such in a hurry to be President. Deep in her hearts she should know she has many years to ripen as a politician.

She has had a brief stint as a movie censor, and as a senator.

These are not enough.

I am told that it must have been my friend, glib-talking Senator Chiz Escudero, who convinced Mrs. Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares to run for President since he’d always be there as Vice President to guide her ways of governance. In other words, the neophyte would just be dependent on Chiz and her political adviser.

“Malaking disgracia,” if she gets disqualified from the race. *** I had thought that Mar Roxas, being an investment banker and part of the economic team of a two administrations, would be the top choice of businessmen.

Instead, Roxas now tells businessmen to continue with the Daang Matuwid. But what path is this?

The straight-path mantra has been exposed to be hypocritical, inept and insensitive.

I had thought that Mar would have learned his lesson by now.

He not only showed his true character as a politician when at the height of the Typhoon Yolanda disaster, he wanted to take over Tacloban City and told Mayor Alfred Romualdez: “Remember you are a Romualdez and the President is an Aquino.”

Roxas also allowed himself to be treated like a doormat by the President during Oplan Exodus that led to the deaths of the 44 Special Action Force commandos. As the head of the Depart-

ment of the Interior and Local Government at that time, Roxas was supposed to be in the loop.

But he was kept out of it because Mr. Aquino made his BFF, then-suspended PNP Chief Alan Purisima, to call the shots.

Anybody with self-respect would have resigned. Roxas did not.

The people by now know what kind of person Mar is. He is perceived by many as elitist, unapproachable and a fake.

Now, it’s much worse. He wants to follow like a robot the dictates of President Aquino.

But the straight path is actually the road to perdition. *** This is not a campaign pitch for Vice President Jejomar Binay. Still, I believe that his statement during a presidential can-

gone are the days when Aquino and his flacks—both official and online—merely have to say something and the people would nod their heads in entranced agreement.

No one drinks the Yellow Kool-Aid anymore, except for the few remaining true believers like Navarro, Patag and Paredes. And if we’re to really rid this country of the debilitating, brain-rotting Yellow disease that

has been afflicting us, maybe we’ll never fall for the lies of an Aquino ever again. *** Speaking of Honrado, the airport GM nicknamed “Bodet” but also known as “Mr. Excitement” for his excitable nature, he is apparently no stranger to firearms and ammunition at the Manila airport. Honrado, according to sources at Naia, was the military officer escorting

CHINA’S leaders have been busy lately, finalizing the country’s new five-year plan. The details won’t be announced for a while, but most observers aren’t much interested in the fine points anyway. They’ll focus on the new target for growth in gross domestic product—which seems likely to be around 6.5 percent, lower than before but still higher than many economists think is realistic.

The fixation on the growth target is a mistake for observers and China’s policy makers alike. The government should do all it can to promote rapid sustainable growth—but now that China is a semi-capitalist economy, what that number turns out to be is beyond official control.

Many commentators—Western and Chinese—have long thought China should just drop the target altogether. Pressure to meet the number drives local officials to pump up wasteful investment, adding to an aggregate debt pile that’s approaching 300 percent of GDP, according to McKinsey. Outright fudging of data is another byproduct. This undermines the government’s credibility and fuels concern that the economy’s problems are worse than they look. Setting a lower and more plausible target would

help, but it wouldn’t address the main issue.

Scrapping the GDP target outright would be best, but failing that, it ought to be deemphasized. The government has already moved in this direction. In its previous fiveyear plan, it drew attention to other benchmarks, aimed at measuring the quality rather than quantity of growth. Goals for green development—cutting emissions, improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewables—were meant both to protect the environment and to encourage the shift from smokestack industries to services.

Another way to emphasize the quality of growth is to track progress on indicators such as employment and social housing. These give a better sense of how ordinary Chinese are faring. Party leaders could underline the message by relying on such measures when assessing local officials. The latter need to know their promotions depend on factors more closely connected to their performance.

Other intermediate targets could help restructure the economy and improve how capital is allocated. The government has started asking state banks to lend more to small and medium-sized enterprises, for instance, many of which

are privately owned and more efficient than the state-run behemoths that have traditionally vacuumed up the bulk of cheap loans. More capital needs to flow to firms earning high returns.

Something else worth targeting is inflation. A more explicit monetary-policy goal would strengthen China’s broader policy framework and help the People’s Bank of China fend off deflation fears. It would also help make the central bank’s decisions more transparent and predictable—increasingly important as China moves to open up its financial system.

Intermediate targets of this sort are less likely to become fetishes, or to distract policy makers and officials from the tasks at hand. Fuller discussion of means as well as ends would be valuable, too. How exactly will welfare benefits be extended to more urban migrants, for instance, or stronger land rights granted to farmers?

Which new sectors will be liberalized and when? How will the central government make the fiscal position of local governments truly sustainable?

Economic targets, correctly conceived, are framed to serve a larger purpose. Enshrining them as ends in themselves— especially in the form of a single disobedient number—is asking for trouble.

didates’ forum that the Aquino administration has effectively prevented the entry of foreign investments hit the spot.

Binay pointed out that this has been the cause of the failure to attain inclusive growth. We have not been able to narrow the gap between rich and poor.

Just look at Vietnam. It was devastated by war decades ago.

But now it has opened its doors to foreign investments, and has in fact surpassed us. Even Myanmar is also competing with the Philippines since it opened its doors to foreign investments.

If you wonder why President Aquino and now his anointed Mar Roxas do not want to have the restrictive provisions of the 1987 Constitution amended, it’s because they want to protect the many conglomerates from com-

petition from foreign investors.

These conglomerates supported him during his campaign.

Binay, on the other hand, promises to put an end to all this vindictiveness.

This is what this country needs badly—healing of old political wounds. *** Senator Miriam Santiago, on the other hand, wants to pour money into infrastructure. Better said than done. Where will she get all the money to do it? If there is no inclusive economic growth, poverty will continue to exist.

In the meantime, I still would like to see the mental and health records of Miriam. As a Filipino, I would like to have a strong and healthy President to confront all our problems as a nation for the next six years.

then Nueva Ecija Rep. Nicanor de Guzman when the latter was arrested way back in 1989 for smuggling 314 assorted firearms from the United States.

De Guzman lost his seat in the House and was thrown into the New Bilibid Prison for his crime.

Honrado, who was with the Philippine Air Force at the time while also serving as then President Cory Aquino’s aide-de-camp, was with the congressman as he

was retrieving his stash of highpowered guns at the carousel of the arrival area, I’m told.

Honrado was not arrested with De Guzman, the story goes, because he suddenly disappeared from the scene, leaving the congressman alone with his load of guns. If we’re lucky, maybe Honrado himself will be able to clear up his supposed involvement in that incident that took place so long ago.

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO METRO MANILA’S WOES

IN 1919, DEAN George Malcolm of the University of the Philippines College of Law, then located in the Ermita district of the City of Manila, urged the state university to move to more spacious surroundings, preferably north of the city. As early as then, Manila was already getting crowded.

Malcolm had good reason to be alarmed. A city that becomes too congested exhausts its own housing, employment, education, and health resources, deteriorates inevitably, breeds crime and poverty, and becomes an urban eyesore. It ends up a ghost of itself.

After Commonwealth President Manuel Quezon endorsed Malcolm’s idea later in 1938, UP prepared for its exodus to the expansive roughlands of Diliman, in the city named in Quezon’s honor.

Urban planners during the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines seemed to share Malcolm’s opinion and created a Greater Manila area which included the suburbs of the city.

For whatever that wartime plan was worth, it ended upon the defeat of Japan in 1945.

In the early years of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, the government saw the importance of developing both the suburbs and the nearby countryside with industries and major roadways to decongest the national capital. Marcos thought of reviving the concept of a Greater Manila area.

Under the Marcos regime (1966-1986), Circumferential Road No. 4 (C-4) envisioned by President Quezon, and renamed Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in 1959, was completed with the construction of the Guadalupe Bridge. Before that, only the City of Manila hosted the main bridges spanning the Pasig River. The new Guadalupe bridge decongested Manila of vehicular traffic for the next several years.

Marcos followed this project with the replacement of the old, one-lane wooden Nagtahan Bridge with the wider, concrete one in use today. Major roadways in the suburbs were streamlined—the hill in San Juan separating Ortigas Avenue from Gilmore Avenue was removed to connect both roads.

The North Diversion Road and the South Diversion Road (present-day North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway) were likewise constructed to ease passage to and from the Greater Manila area.

With the new roadways in place, provincial buses were encouraged to expand their operations. Squatters were relocated to Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna and were given free housing units and support services there. Many people working in the Greater Manila area but had no place to stay in the metropolis could easily go home to the nearby provinces everyday.

By 1974, the Greater Manila area gave way to Metropolitan Manila. The new entity be-

came official in 1975 with the establishment of Metropolitan Manila and the Metropolitan Manila Commission.

Housing problems were addressed through the Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services (BLISS) tenement housing buildings built all over the metropolis.

These developments notwithstanding, the population of Metropolitan Manila increased exponentially and overtook its available housing accommodations and employment opportunities. The traffic nightmare today is also a consequence of that population factor.

Cavite Province under Governor Juanito “Johnny” Remulla provided a solution. Using tax incentives, Remulla enticed industries to put up factories to generate employment, and encouraged real estate developers to put up inexpensive housing communities to accommodate the workers. Schools and medical facilities soon followed. In time, Cavite became an industrial destination, a far cry from the gangsterland that it was under previous administrations.

The departure of the Americans from the Subic Bay Naval Base in Zambales and from Clark Air Base in Pampanga also provided development opportunities in these areas, enough to decongest Metropolitan Manila. These former military installations have vast tracts of land suitable for industrial development, including the necessary housing facilities

and related support services.

The recent completion of access highways to these areas should have jump-started the development there, but the current pace is disappointing.

Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal Province employed the same strategy in Cavite, but only Laguna managed to become a viable industrial estate.

Cavite remains a leading industrial hub today due to its high concentration of factories, manufacturing and assembly plants, and business process outsourcing companies there.

Unlike Bulacan and Rizal, Cavite is easy accessible from Metropolitan Manila through several major roadways, including the new Cavite Expressway.

The Cavite example best embodies the solution to the problems of Metropolitan Manila —that industrial sites should be developed in the countryside and complemented with housing communities, schools and hospitals. There are many available investors for all this. Once an industrial estate is established, shopping malls, which provide leisure and employment, will follow. With integrated industrial estates in place in the countryside, there will be no pressing need for people in the provinces to live in Metropolitan Manila, and congest the metropolis in the process.

Two former legislators saw the investment potential in Cavite as early as the late 1980s.

They introduced inexpensive housing projects in the province

to complement the industrial estates that were being established there. Other land developers followed suit.

An interesting housing developer to watch is the Property Company of Friends (Profriends), which was established in 1999, and which has numerous development projects in Cavite. The company’s affordable housing communities in this province are proximate enough to industrial sites that breadwinners need not travel to far destinations for employment. Schools, hospitals and leisure centers are also located nearby.

Lately, people from Cavite are talking about Lancaster New City, the latest housing project of Profriends. It consists of more than a thousand hectares in Kawit, Imus, and General Trias. The area is home to about 15,000 families, and counting.

Profriends has other projects like Parc Regency Greens and Montecillo Villas in Pavia, Iloilo, and the Palm Lake Shore in Pampanga. These projects also prevent further congestion of the national capital region by enticing people to consider Iloilo and Pampanga as alternate destinations for their future lives.

Indeed, reputable investors in inexpensive housing projects outside Metropolitan Manila should be welcomed. Their projects provide viable solutions to the many problems of the metropolis today.

The truth... From A9

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary and senatorial candidate Rafael Alunan.

If this is an anti-administration conspiracy conceived and carried out by the political opposition, it definitely is very effective. The black ops strategists behind them are just as brilliant and as nefarious as those who spread falsehoods about the citizenship of Grace Poe and who did not care at all to attack her family, including her minor children.

Thankfully, except for a few diehards, the people have not fallen for that scam. All you have to do, as Senator Poe has done, is tell the truth to defeat falsehood On “tanim-bala,” the truth shall also set us free. Conspiracy or not, it can easily be solved through drastic measures, indepth investigation and plain common sense.

A friend suggests four scenarios that the government should look at in seeking the truth behind this scandal.

First, one can imagine reasons why OFWs and foreign visitors are putting bullets in their luggage, e.g., they belong to a cult

that uses bullets for amulets or there is a spike in the price of smuggled bullets. This scenario is so absurd, even hilarious if not for its seriousness, to be worth considering.

Second, this has actually been happening for a long time and it is only now that our aviation security has been able to detect them. This is also laughable.

Third, there is in fact a conspiracy against the administration. This is easily detected by changing the airport security personnel and setting up of additional surveillance measures. If the possibility of the bullets being planted by airport security is already excluded because of the security changes, and yet bullets continue to appear in baggage scans, then investigators should start looking at the possibility of bullets being planted even before the passenger enters the airport.

Was it planted in Makati? Perhaps in Laoag? Or maybe in San Juan?

But in that case, the passenger has to be complicit, right? So are we to believe now that those innocent OFWs, some of whom have worked for decades abroad, are

actually part of the scam?

Why don’t we start with what is in fact the most obvious scenario—that there is an airport syndicate making money out of this and that it has been going on for a long time? It’s scary to think about it but such a syndicate would require many tentacles in the airport, the police, and even the prosecution service.

I will not necessarily blame the Aquino administration for the origins of this scheme as it could have antedated the time in office of President Aquino. But like the PDAF scam, which started before 2010, the fact that it went on for years and might be going on up to now is an indictment that corruption continues to rear its ugly head today.

Since this is the most likely scenario, the solution becomes readily apparent, like what Malacañang did with Edsa traffic, i.e., replace MMDA with HPG. In this case, it should just replace airport security with whatever police or military unit out there that is capable of doing the job and install other measures that would ensure surveillance of check-in security

procedures from the entrance to the x-ray, etc.

I am happy to note that, after the initial blunder of Coloma, Malacañang has been more responsible and President Aquino has clearly taken control with strong initial steps. Secretaries Jun Abaya and Secretary Rene Almendras are now in charge and hopefully will get to the bottom of this.

For good measure, a replacement of airport management might be in order to signal accountability and so there will be no whitewash.

The practical solutions are endless and should not be difficult to put into place. Unfortunately, as Ateneo de Manila professor Ramon Sunico posted: “It takes a certain talent or an extraordinary incompetence to get your own citizens to consider their own national airport the enemy.”

Would it be too much to hope that we get over the hysteria and panic now, solve the problem, and move on to our big Apec party?

[to me it’s plain robbery-extortion], is a mere pawn to discredit this administration. Big accusation. Where’s your evidence?

You do not know what she went through during and after that incident—to be threatened with imprisonment or to lose everything she worked for just to get the green card. How dare you!

You do not know her. I do. So who’s the minion now?”

De Guzman also refuted Navarro’s claim of an anti-administration project: “All I know is that there are crimes going on at the airport and not much has been done to curb [them]. There need not be a political angle to it. You’re giving too much credit to your opponents. Stop fingerpointing.”

It did not also help that the administration, through Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. at first played down the incident, claiming that only a few people were affected and that anyway there were help desks in the airport. That statement earned him a “g*go” retort from no less than former

Facebook: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Cebu hosts Asian University Games HISTORY will be made when Cebu City plays host to the 1st Asia Pacific University Games from Dec. 4 to 8 this year.

Misha Fabian performs her routine in the Asian Junior Figure Skating Championship in Hong Kong.

Irigan netters dominate Cebuana tilt IRIGA bets stamped their class on the opposition by dominating the recent Cebuana Lhuillier Age-Group Tennis Championship Series in Legazpi City, winning six of the nine individual categories contested with Jhon Harold Trillanes and Nikka Alanis leading the charge for the local players by taking two titles each in the leg that attracted 98 entries.

Trillanes beat Bacoor, Cavite entry Rainier Angelo Selmar, 4-0, 1-4, 4-0 in the 12-under boys’ finals and followed this with a straight-set beating of Jerome Ignacio from Lucena City, 6-2, 6-4 to add the 14-under crown, while Alanis went home with the girls’ 16-under and 18-under titles. She defeated Ma. Patricia Lim, 6-1, 6-1 in the 16- under and had an easy victory, 6-0, 6-1, over Lucena City bet Lila Salvacion in the 18-- under finale.

The other Iriga City champions in the tournament supported by Dunlop Sports as official ball were Glydel Guevarra, who pocketed the 12-under girls’ title at the expense of Julie Ignacio from Lucena City, 6-0, 6-0, and Patricia Corporal, who beat Julia Ignacio from Lucena, 6-1, 6-0.

Bulacan’s Justin Prulla, one of the few who managed to break Iriga City’s domination, ruled the 18-under boys, sweeping a challenger from Iriga in Vincent Alanis, 6-1, 6-1. The other non-Iriga winners in the individual agegroup categories were Nolan Gagalac from Naga and Patrick Luis Salvacion from Lucena.

Gagalac made short work of Albay’s Jomari Gonzales, 6-4, 6-2, to win the 16-under boys’ crown, while Salvacion posted a 4-2, 4-0 victory over Ryan Tallerof Tabaco City for the 10-under unisex category title.

Fabian 3rd in Asian figure skating WITH only basic spins, jumps and moves much less complicated than her opponents, Ateneo de Manila University AB MEco freshman Mikayla Shalom “Misha” P. Fabian earned the judges’ nod and the audience’s approval to place third in the Basic Junior Ladies’ Division in the recent Asian Junior Figure Skating Championship in Hong Kong SAR. Fabian registered 54.34 points or 6.28 points higher than her personal best of 48.06 points in last year’s Asian Championship, one of the most-improved scores

in the games that saw action from figure skaters from China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Thailand, & the Philippines.

Guardian’s Sport picture of the day A photo of Fabian executing a spin taken during the Hong Kong competition was featured as Sport Picture Of the Day by the British national daily newspaper, The Guardian, the British National Daily, last Oct. 8. The Guardian and Observer’s picture editors select the best sporting image each day.

Despite a program with a

limited repertoire of advanced moves, Fabian drew attention on sheer artistry and figure-skating prowess. She got a deduction for a fall on the double flip, while doing her relatively new short and free skate programs, but she compensated in overall performance for excellence in choreography and interpretation.

The 17-year-old budding commercial model, this year’s Milo Girl for figure skating, combined talent and x factor to score big in her Program Component Score more than in her technical elements.

PSA Forum tackles volleyball, dengue run VOLLEYBALL’S resurgence in the country takes its turn in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum as officials of the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. serve as guests in Tuesday’s session at Shakey’s Malate.

Appearing in the public sports

program aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918 to talk about the latest activities of the federation are LVPI vice president Pedro Cayco, board and chairman of coaches commission Atty. Ramon Malinao, and board member Ariel Paredes.

Also part of the guests’ list

of the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., are the men behind the 2015 Tempra Run Against Dengue led by Tempra marketing manager Cleo Roda Nodado and Matt Ardina of Subterranean Ideas.

MILO... From A13

Tennis champ. WTA Finals women’s singles champion Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland poses with the trophy at the Gardens By The Bay in Singapore. AFP

200-m events and bagged silvers in the 400-m hurdles and in the 4x400 relay, while adding a bronze in the 4x100 relay, right on her first try.

“Mas matatag ang mga kalaban kaya nagpacing ako, dapat talaga may preparation.

Gusto ko kasi magkaroon talaga ng preparation, gusto ko mag karoon ng athletic scholarship sa pag aaral ko,” said Padillo.

Her friend, Oyam Karl Espinosa, 11, returned this year with three silvers from the 800-m run, 1500-m and the 4x400-m relay and was specific about what helped him and what he needs if he is to realize his dream of studying in Far Eastern University in Manila.

“Dapat mag-training na maayos at magsumikap, konti lang naman lamang ng kalaban ko.

Gusto ko talaga sa FEU mag aral.”

Even coaches shared their thoughts on what it takes to produce champions. Football coach Mario Ceniza from Cebu said his team has to make the necessary adjustments in all its games, while players need to have discipline. In the National Finals, the values in sports they have learned are strengthened

The inaugural APUG festivities are being organized by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, headed by its president David Ong as Chairman of the Organizing Committee and in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education chaired by Patricia Licuanan and the University of Cebu as the host university.

Among the members of the APUG OC as Co-Chairman is the University of Cebu’s Attorney Baldomero Estenzo.

According to Ong, concurrently the chair of the APUG Organizing Committee, prominent university athletes from six countries in the Asia and Pacific regions will see action in various sports, including badminton (men and women), table tennis, and men’s basketball.

“We’re so excited and thrilled to bring the inaugural APUG competitions to Cebu City,” said Ong. “It will be historic considering that this will mark the first time that Sugbu will be hosting an international sports event of such magnitude.”

The six countries that have so far accepted the invitation of the FESSAP to send their top university athletes to the 1st Asia Pacific University Games are Malaysia (Universiti Teknologi MARA or UiTM), Japan (Nippon Science Sports University), Korea University Sports Federation, Papua New Guinea (Pupuan Blacks V2) and the Philippines’ University of Cebu and University of San Carlos.

Men’s basketball, which is expected to draw huge crowds in the 1st APUG, will be run by the Basketball Association of the Philippines, headed by its president Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Badminton and Table Tennis will be handled by FESSAP Badminton Club and FESSAP Table Tennis Club in associates with the Table Tennis Association of the Philippine Inc., respectively.

The 1st APUG, which seeks to foster friendship and camaraderie among university athletes from the Asia and Pacific regions by way of sports competition, is supported by Joe Boxer as the official outfitter, Bestank Corporation, H2O Hydro Corporation, Megaworld Corporation, Healthy Options and Fronte Motors. because players get to duel against stronger competition.

For his part, volleyball coach Rogelio Getigan from Quezon City said: “Maganda dito dahil nabibigyan ng necessary exposure ang mga athletes and play against more experienced opponents. This is a big motivation for athletes to play in a battle of championstype of competition.”

“Just reaching the national finals is already good for the athletes’ self esteem. Their attitude changes for the better here, but in the end, it boils down to training,” said JR Flores, a tennis coach from St. Paul-Pasig.

Now if only for the fact that all these athletes and coaches always learn something from their experience competing in the National Finals of the MILO Little Olympics, then this program certainly will be able to achieve its goal of helping produce champions.

But the final test will be with the athletes themselves. Will they have the will, the perseverance, the determination to do all of these things that will enable them to become champions?

The answer lies in themselves.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Poulter gets spot in WGC SHANGHAI—Ian Poulter has been added to the field for the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai this week after a bizarre turn of events concluded a whirlwind fortnight for the Englishman.

Ryder Cup talisman Poulter dashed halfway around the world two weeks ago to play in the Hong Kong Open after being nudged out of the world’s top 50, the qualifying mark for WGC events.

It meant he hadn’t qualified for Shanghai and would not therefore meet the minimum requirement of 13 European Tour events needed to keep his Tour membership card.

Only members can qualify for Europe’s Ryder Cup team, so Poulter endured a 9,000-mile lastminute charge across 13 time zones from Florida to Hong Kong.

He finally turned up late on the eve of the event without a caddie and no time to practise, after former US PGA champion Rich Beem graciously gave up his sponsor’s invite to play in the event.

Poulter subsequently fell short of the win he needed in Hong Kong to qualify for the WGC-HSBC Champions, Asia’s richest tournament, and headed to last week’s Turkish Airlines Open resigned to missing one of his favourite events in which he has played all 10 previous editions in China. AFP

Spurs score milestone victory BOSTON—LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 24 points and Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili posted their record 541st win as a threesome as the San Antonio Spurs stopped the Boston Celtics 95-87 on Sunday.

Chris Bosh (left) of the Miami Heat posts up Montrezl Harrell of the Houston Rockets during a game at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. The Heat won, 109-89. AFP

Donaire spars with Chicago boxer

By Ronnie Nathanielsz FIVE-DIVISION world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire continues to train hard for his showdown with Mexico’s Cesar Juarez in Puerto Rico on Dec. 13, even as he waits for the World Boxing Organization to decide on whether it will be a title fight now that the WBO has stripped undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux of his title for inactivity.

Donaire’s father/trainer Dodong]

Donaire told The Standard/boxingmirror.com that Nonito sparred four rounds with Chicago featherweight Fidel Navarette and looked good.

The 24-year-old Navarette, who has a record of 8-1-2 with 4 knockouts, dropped a 10-round unanimous decision in his first setback to Ronell Green in a clash for the World Boxing Council United States National Boxing Commission title last Sept. 26.

Dodong Donaire said he ex-

pects them to know in a couple of days whether the battle with the No.1-ranked Juarez will remain a title eliminator as originally billed or will be elevated to a title fight.

The 24-year-old Juarez has a record of 17-3 with 13 knockouts.

He won the vacant WBO International super bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Sanchez Jr., dropping Sanchez in the 10th round en route to a comfortable victory last July 25.

The Spurs star trio had a quiet night on the scoresheet but that didn’t take anything away from the milestone NBA win which fittingly came against the Celtics.

“They’re three wonderful players,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. “They just care about winning games.”

The Spurs held off the Boston Celtics to give the players the most victories by a threesome in NBA history, breaking their tie with Boston’s Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.

Free-agent signee forward Aldridge delivered three straight baskets that helped nullify a late Boston comeback. He also had 14 rebounds and five assists as San Antonio improved to 2-1 on the season.

Center Duncan scored seven points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out five assists while guards Ginobili and Parker scored 13 and six points, respectively. Ginobili came off the bench to add eight assists.

The win was San Antonio’s eighth straight over the Celtics, who refused to give up after trailing by as many as 15. Boston reduced the deficit to just four on three occasions late but could get no closer. AFP

Milo Little Olympics: The making of a champion

By Lito Cinco PEOPLE are dreamers.

From small dreams to big dreams, fun dreams to serious ones, and from easy-to-get to the impossible ones, people look to the future and wish of something they want or to become.

For young student athletes, they, too, have a lot of dreams--to play for the class team in the school intramurals, become part of the school team and be a member of a champion team, make it to college and play in the UAAP or the NCAA, and from the collegiate ranks, they dream of making it to the national team and play for flag and country. With an eye on fame and fortune, budding basketball players look to the PBA, while football players imagine themselves as the next Ronaldo, while for some, the common dream is make it to the Olympic Games, where only the world’s best elite athletes compete.

But then there is a big difference in having a dream and making it come true, as the road to being a champion is paved with challenges and sacrifices.

So what makes a champion athlete?

Student athletes are more fortunate now as they are given opportunities to show their potentials down the road, from being a school champion to a regional one, then to

becoming a national champion, and athletes, whether they succeed or between victory and defeat.

Just like Celestial Charity, 11, who knows, an Olympic champion not as an individual or as a part of in the end, this being the most elu- a team, come to realize that big from Talamban Elementary School difference between dreaming and in Cebu as she could only finish 5th sive dream for a Filipino athlete.

The annual MILO Little Olympics achieving, what works and what in the 400-m dash and managed a bronze in the 200-m run on her become an important avenue very first try in this meet. for these young athletes to real“We need to practice and ize their dreams, and so when train harder and have discithe three-day National Finals of pline,” she said. the 2015 MILO Little Olympics Segatic Elementary School unwrapped last Oct. 23 to 25 6th grader Junalyn Tagalaguin, at the Laguna Sports Complex her teammate in the Visayas in Sta. Cruz and CLA Mall in team that won the overall Pagsanjan, Laguna, over three championship among the 4 thousand athletes gathered in regions represented, did betLaguna in search of glory, with ter, settling for 3 silvers in the the coaches to guide them, and 400-m and 800-m runs and the the parents to cheer them.

4x400 meter relay, to go with a Their eyes glinting with debronze in the 4x100 relay, but termination and excitement, without a gold. trained muscles aching to get “Magsusumikap ako lalo na into action on the courts, legs sa isang taon, dapat mag pracall set to show the speed they tice araw-araw,” Tagaluguin are capable of, their minds ansaid. ticipating advanced moves on Dan Daryl de la Concha, a the chessboard, imagining the chess player from Baguio City perfect winning goals in their and who idolizes Bobby Fischer, matches, this is the chance they said: “Medyo kabado dahil mas have been waiting for-- and magagaling ang mga kalaban, training for--a big step towards pero para gumaling ako next realizing their dreams.

Many are called, but a few A student athlete makes her move in badminton. time, dapat magbasa po ako ng mga libro sa chess, “ said Dela are chosen. It is the same in Concha after managing only a the field of sports as everyone wants to be the champion, but not doesn’t, what he should have done draw.

Elka Nicole de la Torre, a high everyone will be up there in the and what he did wrong, and all the podium, with that glistening gold other thousand and one things that school volleyball player from King’s in the National Finals. These young in the end will spell the difference Montessori School in Quezon City,

realizes the importance of going for the win if the chance presents itself.

“Dapat nakikinig sa coach at may communication with teammates.”

Her teammate Denice Villacastilla agreed, adding that one needs self-confidence to win. “Dapat may tiwala sa sarili.”

For a tennis player from St. Paul College-Pasig in Samantha Asistio, she realized that in any sport, one has to work with others, whether teammates or the coaches. “I was nervous and excited, but I knew I would learn something from my experience here, I need to do my best and see where it takes me.”

In basketball, Larry Atos from Berkeley School shared his thoughts on his experience in the National Finals. “Mas mahirap dito, magagaling ang kalaban but we are learning a lot.”

His teammate, Craig Absalon added: “Nade-develop ang character namin dito, mas nagiging disiplinado kami at independent.”

Jinny Marie Nieves from South Western University in Cebu said: “Dapat mas confident ka at may sense of responsibility dahil malalakas kalaban dito sa Milo.”

One athlete, who achieved her goal at the National Finals was Junelme Padillo, 11, from Tangub City Central School in Misamis as she struck gold in the 100-m and

Continued on A12

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Ginebra’s woes sadden Jaworski

F1 winner. Mercedes AMG Petronas German driver Nico Rosberg (right) celebrates his victory with teammate Lewis Hamilton on the podium after winning the Formula 1 Grand Prix race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. AFP

ROBERT Jaworkski, the Living Legend of Philippine basketball, is saddened by the fact that the team he led as playingcoach for years to become the darlings of PBA fans, is without a championship for the past seven years and has started the new season under multititled coach Tim Cone without a win in its first two games.

The latest setback was when the Barako Bull squad stunned the Gin Kings as they clawed back from a 21-point deficit to overcome Ginebra, 82-79, at the Mall of Asia Arena last Saturday. Ginebra also dropped its opening game against the Star Hotshots, the former team of Cone now coached by young Jason Webb.

“They have complete material but can’t seem to move forward,” said Jaworski, who appeared perplexed.

The charismatic former senator added: “It’s a pity because Ginebra is the pillar of the PBA and the biggest crowd drawer in the pro league.”

He feels “the relationships are not there” and advocated a review of what “the team’s philosophy, vision and ideas are.”

Jaworski also pointed out that it’s time to look into “the credibility aspect,” because to him, “loyalty goes with credibility.”

Earlier, his former teammate and PBA King of the Boards and defensive star Abe King had proposed that the older stars like Mark Caguioa, who has been the face of the Ginebra team, alongside JayJay Helterbrand for the past several years, should accept diminished roles in the team and allow the younger players a chance to step up. Ronnie Nathanielsz

Khan nears fight deal with Pacman

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

WORLD Boxing Council welterweight Silver champion Amir Khan said he’s on the verge of finalizing a showdown with former sparring partner and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

Both Pacquiao and Khan trained under Freddie Roach at his Wild Card Gym some years ago.

Khan believes a Las Vegas showdown will take place in early February or in April.

The Silver champion, who is on a visit to India to take a break

from negotiations for a Pacquiao fight, which he has left to his team to handle, was quoted by Boxing Scene as saying: “Talks are going really well. They (Manny’s team) is speaking to my team. I’ll fight anybody, who is brought in front of me. If it’s Manny Pacquiao,

it’s Manny Pacquiao. If not him, somebody else.”

Khan said he was still waiting for a response on what’s going to happen.

However, Nick Parkinson reported that Khan hopes an announcement could be made in a few weeks.

Khan recently beat Chris Algieri, while Pacquiao hasn’t fought since his May 2 loss to undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. In that bout, Pacquiao claimed he aggravated a rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder and underwent surgery from which he has reportedly recovered well and con-

Greatwich to coach Kaya FC

By Peter Atencio FIL-AMERICAN soccer player Chris Greatwich is the new head coach of Kaya Futbol Club.

Greatwich, who played three seasons with the team, first handled Kaya FC as its interim coach, where he led the team to the championship after it beat Ceres-La Salle on penalties in the final a few months back.

A statement from the team’s website said Greatwich has been elevated to head coach during the knockout stage of the of the ongoing 2015 United Football League tournament.

“It is with great honor that I take over as the head coach of Kaya FC. I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years as a player here, but it is now time for me to undertake a new challenge.

I am incredibly excited to see what we can do in the upcoming seasons,” said Greatwich.

The 32-year-old Greatwich started his career at 11 years old, when he joined Brighton and Hove Albion back in England.

He later played for the Seagulls for eight years (1995–2003) before attending university in the United States, where he played for his school

teams, the Drury Panthers and the Hartwick Hawks.

In 2007, he returned to England and had stints at Lewes and Bognor Regis Town. In 2009, he went back to America to work as a coach for Sonesoccer Training Academy and played for their men’s team, the Morris County Colonials, where he eventually became its coach.

He also represented the Philippines in international competitions as a member of the Azkals as early as 2004.

He distinguished himself with a historic goal against Vietnam in the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup.

tinues to play basketball in the Philippine pro league, the Philippine Basketball Association.

Parkinson quoted Khan, who said: “I can confirm that my team has been negotiating with Bob Arum and so far everything is going smooth.”

Khan added: “The contracts are being negotiated and if everything is agreed, Manny Pacquiao will be my next opponent. Depending on when he and his team feels he could be ready, the fight could be in February or April.

They have not gone into specifics as yet, but it’s a pay-per-view fight and it’s going to be global.”

Khan

Cataraja battles veteran Nenggo in Pinoy Pride 34 PROMISING 20-year-old Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja faces veteran Indonesian Faris Nenggo in the undercard of “Pinoy Pride 34” at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu city on Nov. 28.

Cataraja, a talented amateur, made an impressive professional debut when he scored a 6th-round knockout of another Indonesian Ardi Tefa last July 11 and is primed to do the same against Nenggo, a 26-year-old boxer with a ring record of 10-8-3, with 3 knockouts.

In his last fight, Nenggo lost by a 5thround TKO to former world title challenger Froilan “Sniper” Saludar in a clash for the vacant World Boxing Organization Intercontinental flyweight title last April 25.

Prior to the loss, Nenggo scored an impressive 4th-round TKO victory in a scheduled 10-round bout against for-

mer WBO minimum weight champion Merlito Sabillo, who suffered a nasty cut, caused by a punch forcing the fight to be stopped with Nenggo declared the winner.

Two other veteran ALA boxers, twotime world title challenger AJ “Bazooka” Banal and former OPBF flyweight champion and title challenger Rocky Fuentes will also see action on the card headlined

by Milan Melindo, who battles Mexican slugger Carlos “Divino” Fontes in a WBO International junior flyweight championship and King Arthur Villanueva, who takes on another tough Mexican in Victor “Spock” Mendez for the World Boxing Council International super flyweight championship.

Titled “Back with a Vengeance,” the fights will be telecast by ABS-CBN the following day. Ronnie Nathanielsz

T UE S DAY : N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Enforcers, Kings, Aces to play in Dubai TWO teams are hoping to secure their confidence both at the expense interestingly of another team that’s seeking to sustain its hot start in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup. That’s precisely the scenario in a pair of Dubai games featuring the Mahindra Enforcers, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Alaska this Friday and Saturday.

Of the three, it will be the Aces who are faced with the daunting task of having to play two straight games in their bid to keep their hot streak going in the tournament.

The Aces tackle the Enforcers first at 8 p.m. (12 midnight Manila time) this Friday at the Al Wasl Stadium, then return to the same venue on the same time the next day to play the Gin Kings.

Both the Enforcers and the Gin Kings have dropped their first two outings in the kickoff conference, and that should be enough motivation for them to give their all against the Aces who are riding on the momentum of back-to-back victories they pulled off against Talk ‘N Text (114-98) and Blackwater (87-79).

The Enforcers lost to the Elasto Painters (108-94) last Oct. 25, and Talk ‘N Text (101-97) last Oct. 31, and on both occasions, they had shown that they can no longer be taken for granted.

The Gin Kings are also in a bad

start, dropping their first two outings as they continued to grope for form under a new system being implemented by coach Tim Cone.

The Enforcers and the Aces left this morning via Singapore Airlines for the trip to that progressive, most populous city in United Arab Emirates, while the Gin Kings will proceed tomorrow morning aboard the same airline.

The PBA officials, headed by chief executive officer Chito Salud, deputy commissioner Rickie Santos and media bureau head Willie Marcial, along with the game and technical officials, who will conduct the games, are to leave at 5:45 p.m. today via Emirates.

Commissioner Chito Narvasa will fly to Dubai right after at-

tending to the games at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

Salud, meanwhile, expressed his deep appreciation of the Aces’ acceptance to play back-to-back games like what Rain or Shine did when the league also held two games in that business hub of the middle east.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Alaska Aces sa pagpayag nilang maglaro ng back-to-back official games.

Alam kong gagawin nila ito para sa ating mga kababayan sa UAE,” said Salud, who will head the PBA delegation.

Salud said that bringing games overseas is one way of saying thanks to the thousands of enduring OFWs, whose dollar remittances contribute dramatically to the economic growth of the country.

“It is one of our ways of saying thank you to these countrymen of ours who endure loneliness and at times, even hostile working conditions to be able to support their families back home and of course country through their remittances,” said Salud.

“Without fail, the PBA is always rewarded by the warmest reception one can receive pre, during, and post game. And Dubai ranks up there when it comes to the intensity of reception the PBA gets everytime we go there,” he added.

Fans there will also get the chance to see their ring idol in Manny Pacquiao, who will accompany the Mahindra Enforcers in what will be the team’s first official sortie overseas since joining the Asia’s first playfor-pay league last season.

San Miguel, Alaska favored

By Jeric Lopez

Pringle is PBA Player of the Week. GlobalPort guard Stanley Pringle, shown here driving to the basket against Star Hotshots

defenders, earned the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of Oct. 26 to Oct. 31, besting NLEX’s forward Sean Anthony and Alaska’s Vic Manuel for the citation.

Step back, and relax ARMAN D. ARMERO

STEP BACK

I’M tempted to say that “I’m back,” but that would elicit laughter from The Standard Sports Editor Riera Mallari (a not-soprivate joke). But really, it feels good to write a column again after several years.

Several years ago, in my previous incarnation as a sportswriter for a tabloid, my once-a-week piece was called Second Stringer.

Again, I am tempted to use the old title, but I’m not very good on dwelling on the past, so I thought that Step Back is quite appropriate and timely as a column title.

Of course, an explanation is forthcoming. I chose Step Back, because, mainly, I’m a big fan of Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, who employs this nifty move before launching his deadliest weapon—a perfectly-arched three-point shot.

I’m such a big fan that I even thought of using Steph Back as this column’s title—but that would be unfair to all the “step backers” of the world, including our own local basketball superstars (Terrence Romeo, for one).

Anyway, stepping back is not only about basketball, since almost all athletes use this move plenty of times. Boxers step back to avoid a punch, tennis players do this to get a better angle, runners step back before the starting gun is fired, etc.

And ordinary humans like us need to step back once in a while, gather our thoughts and try to look at the bigger picture before we make crucial decisions.

So step back and relax. I’m not promising that this would be great column, but I promise not to bore you to death. **** For all the criticisms thrown its way, the Philippine Sports Commission has managed to stay the course and has proved to be use-

ful, at least as far as some of its programs is concerned.

I’m referring specifically to “Laro’t Saya sa Parke” also known as the “Sports For All” program which the agency, through Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, has launched last year. The program provides a venue for individuals, “barkadas” and families to learn a new sports for free while spending their leisure time at the park.

Some of the sports events taught

by PSC instructors during the weekend-only activity include volleyball, football, chess and zumba, which is fast becoming a favorite among fitness buffs.

In Metro Manila, Laro’t Saya is held every Saturday at Quezon Memorial Circle and Sundays at the Rizal Park. Because of the success of the program in the metropolis, the PSC has expanded the program to Baguio City, Davao, Cavite and other major provinces in the country.

I sometimes drop by the QC Circle on Saturdays when I have time (the place is quite near to our home), so I can assure you that it’s

worth your while to stretch a little muscle now and then and at the same time bond with your friends and loved ones at the park. And what’s more, participants of Laro’t Saya get a chance to win raffle prizes which are given away at the end of the activity.

No, they’re not giving away cash prizes, but there’s a lot of balls (basketball, soccer and volleyballs) to be won.

Finally, congratulations to GM Richard Bitoon for ruling the Battle of Grandmasters-National Chess Championships which ended last Saturday. A quiet guy, Richard is a likeable and humble guy, who would rather let his chess skills do the talking. My hats off too to WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda for clinching the women’s title, and to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales for another well-organized chess event.

And while we’re at it, I’m leaving you this one to ponder – Why do women love chess players? Because they know all the right moves.

For reactions, e-mail me at armero_23@yahoo.com.

SAN Miguel Beer and Alaska were the top two teams last season in the Philippine Basketball Association, having faced each other twice in the finals.

And this early in the PBA’s 41st season’s Philippine Cup, the two championship contenders are showing why they are once again considered as two of the favorites to win the championship.

The defending champion Beermen and the runner-up Aces are starting the AllFilipino conference with a bang as they lead the tournament, along with fellow contender Rain or Shine and the fast-emerging NLEX. With the way they’re continuing to play, it is understandable why some are already thinking that the Beermen and the Aces will figure in a collision course for the Philippine Cup. But don’t tell that to San Miguel coach Leo Austria. The two-time champion coach said that he and his Beermen are not comfortable with the tag of title favorites since he feels that it is way too early in the tournament.

“Kami daw ang team to beat, but that’s hard to accept right now,’’ said Austria. ‘’’Yung pagtitiwala sa amin ng mga tao, we appreciate that, but it’s just the start of the tournament. We need to be better pa lalo for us to win the championship again.’’

Alaska coach Alex Compton shares the same sentiment.

Though his Aces are still unbeaten, Compton said that he is far from satisfied with the way they’re playing to open the new season, particularly with Alaska’s scrambling 87-79 victory last Friday against Blackwater.

“We had a fantastic first game, but honestly, I didn’t like our form in our last game,’’ he said.

Compton wants his Aces to continue improving their game for them to be able to keep their place at the top of the heap.

“Hopefully, we can learn from our mistakes and keep getting more wins for us to be able to get the best possible position,’’ he said.

LOTTO RESULTS 6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

P0 M+ P0 M

T U E S DAY : N O V E M B E R 3 , 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 The Kansas City Royals celebrate after defeating the New York Mets in Game Five of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Kansas City Royals beat the New York Mets with a score of 7 to 2 to win the World Series. AFP

From heartbreak to triumph NEW YORK—A year after stranding the tying run on third base and losing a World Series title showdown, the Kansas City Royals have taken motivation from the heartbreak to become champions.

The Royals snapped a 30-year drought Sunday by capturing Major League Baseball’s best-of-seven championship with a 7-2, 12-inning victory over the New York Mets, taking the series four games to one.

Kansas City became the first team since the 1989 Oakland A’s to win the World Series a year after losing it, having fallen to San Francisco in seven games in 2014.

“I felt from the beginning that this group, after what they accomplished last year and the heartbreak in their eyes after game seven, that we had

unfinished business to do,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “And, yeah, I sit there sometimes and think this is just the way it’s supposed to be.”

The Royals are also the sixth American League club to lose a seventh game of the World Series and win the title the next year, the first since the 1961 New York Yankees.

“Last year was such a hard defeat for us in game seven,” Yost said. “Everybody came to spring training as determined a group as I’ve ever seen. So from day one there was no doubt in my mind that they wouldn’t accom-

7 col x 10 cm

How do you want your news served today? www.thestandard.com.ph

plish it. There was no doubt in their mind that they wouldn’t accomplish it.

“It’s just a special group that doesn’t come around very often.”

Some predicted the Royals would not even manage a winning record this season.

“I laughed at it. I thought it was a joke,” Yost said. “I think the players took it personally. They thought what they accomplished last year was special, and for people to call it a fluke, I think deep down inside, some of them took that personally.”

It’s part of the motivation that has been building since they came up short a season ago when the Giants’ Pablo Sandoval grabbed a fly ball for the last out.

“When you get that close to winning a World Series and you fight all

through the playoffs and you’re convinced in your mind that you’re going to win, and Sandoval catches that ball, I think I was just kind of dumbfounded, like, what happened?” Yost said.

“But when you get that close and you don’t achieve it, it’s a hard feeling. It’s hard to go through. So I just think that everybody’s mindset was we don’t want to feel that again.”

‘How bad that felt’ Royals slugger Eric Hosmer said they knew the odds were long for a repeat chance but the players were confident.

“We all realized how special it is to have another chance of accomplishing this goal, because there’s plenty of teams in the past that have come close to winning the World Series and the next year you

just don’t get back,” Hosmer said.

“We think about it quite often.

It’s something we all turn to mentally. I just think everyone kind of relates back to that and relates to how much that hurt.

“We’ve been one game away from winning the world championship and it didn’t happen. We all know how bad that felt. We can always relate to that.”

The Royals also became comeback kings, winning eight playoff games after trailing, including all four of their World Series triumphs.

“The resiliency of this team and the way we can come back and the way we just count ourselves in every single game,” Hosmer said. “It makes for a fun team to watch. It’s definitely a fun team to play for.” AFP

TUESDAY: NOVEMBER 3, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

Andrew Tan unveils P65-b casino PSe comPoSite index Closing November 2, 2015

8000 7700 7400 7100 6800 6500

7,198.85 64.59

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing NOVEMBER 2, 2015 43.50 44.60 45.40 46.20

CLOSE

47.00

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BILLIONAIRE Andrew Tan is investing P65 billion to develop his second integrated resort and casino project called Westside City in Parañaque.

Megaworld Corp. and Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., both subsidiaries of Tan’s holding company Alliance Global Group Inc., said in a joint statement they would allocate P65 billion to develop the 31-hectare leisure and entertainment township in Entertainment City, with target completion set by the fourth quarter of 2020.

Aside from the gaming facilities, Westside City, formerly known as Bayshore City Resorts

World, will also be home to Megaworld’s upscale residential condominiums, a luxury mall and international hotel brands such as The Westin Hotel, Hotel Okura Manila, Genting Grand, Crockfords Tower and Kingsford Hotel.

These hotels will have a total of 1,500 rooms.

Westside City is also envisioned to become the “Broadway of Asia,” as the township will highlight facilities for the performing arts. It

will be home to the Philippines’ first Grand Opera House with a total seating capacity of 3,000.

Phase 1 of the project will cover 12 hectares, while two more phases are currently being planned.

“We are very excited to see Westside City rising to be a showcase of Manila as a truly worldclass Philippine capital,” Tan said.

Westside City will become Megaworld’s 20th integrated urban township.

It is alsoTraveller’s second casino and entertainment project, next to Resorts World Manila in Pasay City which began operations in August 2009.

The project was previously called Bayshore City Resorts World, but was renamed West-

side City, as the development is located on the west side of Metro Manila.

Westside City will be the fourth integrated resort and casino rise in Entertainment City.

The first three are Solaire Resorts & Casino of businessman Enrique Razon’s Bloomberry Resorts Corp., which opened in March 2013; City of Dreams Manila of Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corp., which opened in December 2014; and Manila Bay Resorts of Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada, which will open next year.

Travellers, a partnership between Alliance Global and Malaysian group Genting Group, broke ground for the project in October 2014.

HIGH P46.740 LOW P46.850AVERAGE P46.796 VOLUME 524.700M

P417.00-P640.00 LPG/11-kg tank P35.85-P43.35 Unleaded Gasoline

oPriceS il P today

P24.55-P28.00 Diesel P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, November 2, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.8590

Japan

Yen

0.008289

0.3884

UK

Pound

1.541800

72.2472

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129032

6.0463

Switzerland

Franc

1.012863

47.4617

Canada

Dollar

0.764701

35.8331

Singapore

Dollar

0.714235

33.4683

Australia

Dollar

0.712606

33.3920

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656395

124.4760 12.4950

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

Brunei

Dollar

0.711693

33.3492

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000073

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.028129

1.3181

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

12.7598

Euro

Euro

1.100100

51.5496

Korea

Won

0.000878

0.0411

China

Yuan

0.158290

7.4173

India

Rupee

0.015291

0.7165

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.232992

10.9178

New Zealand

Dollar

0.676498

31.7000

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030836

1.4449 Source: PDS Bridge

Benguet trading hub. Farmer Amado William (left), a representative of the Benguet Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council, expresses his gratitude to the government, as Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala (second from right) looks on, for establishing the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center. The hub will serve as an alternative market for vegetable farmers from the highlands, who can directly sell their produce at fair and rationalized prices. Once fully operational, the P656-million trading center will benefit some 8,000 fruit and vegetable farmers of Benguet and nearby provinces in the Cordilleras.

SM Prime’s profit jumped 70% in nine months to P22.9b NET profit of SM Prime Holdings Inc., the country’s leading integrated property company, surged 70 percent in the first nine months of the year to P22.9 billion, boosted by a one-time trading gain of P7.4 billion on marketable securities in the first quarter of the year.

Net income on a recurring basis increased 15 percent to P15.5 billion in the same nine-month period.

SM Prime said in a disclo-

sure to the stock exchange consolidated revenues rose nine percent to P52.2 billion on year.

Recurring income grew 15 percent in the third quarter to P4.2 billion, while revenues climbed 13 percent to P16.2 billion.

“We expect SM Prime’s growth to be sustained as we continue to increase our mall footprint by 13 percent this year,” SM Prime president Hans Sy said.

“We are excited to launch SM

Seaside Cebu later this year, a landmark project in the Visayas region. We see Metro Cebu as one of our important growth corridors following our growth track in Metro Manila,” he added.

Rental revenues from retail and commercial spaces, which accounted for 56 percent to the consolidated sales, increased 11 percent to P29.4 billion from P26.4 billion in the first nine months of 2014.

SM Prime attributed the growth

in rental revenues from new malls and the expansion of shopping spaces in existing malls in 2013 and 2014.

SM Prime’s real estate sales, which account for 32 percent of the consolidated revenues, increased four percent to P16.6 billion from P16 billion on year.

The company attributed the improvement in real estate sales to the increase in the sales take-up and higher construction accomplishment of projects launched by

SM Development Corp. in 2010 to 2013 Reservation sales grew 19 percent year-on-year to 10,297 units in the first nine months of 2015, reflecting a 22-percent increase in value worth P28.4 billion from P23.3 billion on year.

SM Development alone posted a 23-percent increase in net income P3.8 billion during the nine-month period from P3.1 billion in 2014.

Jenniffer B. Austria

TUESDAY: NOVEMBER 3, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Monday, noveMber 2, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 1.01 100 30.5 75 91.5 137 57 180 1700 124 3.26 47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 79 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 26 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 974 1.66 1.39 390 156 0.710 0.435 0.510 10.5 1.99 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48

STOCKS

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High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.83 2.8 48.45 48 103.00 101.70 85.80 84.20 40.85 40 2.00 1.84 15.6 15.4 19.82 19.66 7.63 7.63 1.82 1.82 0.560 0.550 85.8 84.5 18.74 18.10 24.00 24.00 54.50 52.85 104 100 31.75 31.2 144 142 1555.00 1555.00 57.00 56.20 3.13 3.13 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp.

42 42.2 41.3 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.84 1.88 1.8 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.9 0.92 0.84 1.86 Alsons Cons.

1.58 1.6 1.59 7.92 Asiabest Group 10.6 10.8 10.3 15.32 Century Food 17.3 18 17.3 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 24 24 22.5 29.15 Concepcion 46.5 46.75 46.5 1.5 Crown Asia 2.54 2.54 2.45 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.64 1.78 1.64 10.72 Del Monte 11 10.98 10.3 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 9.750 9.980 9.79 9.04 Emperador 8.30 8.40 8.20 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 6.64 6.65 6.51 8.86 EEI 7.53 7.78 7.40 20.2 First Gen Corp.

25.3 25.95 25 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 70.65 71.8 70.05 13.86 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 11.70 11.92 11.92 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.20 14.60 14.00 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.94 6.1 5.95 0.395 Ionics Inc 2.270 2.700 2.300 173 Jollibee Foods Corp.

207.40 205.80 206.00 LBC Express 12.9 12.5 12.4 34.1 Liberty Flour 35.55 35.50 35.50 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.5 3.88 3.37 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 23.8 23.8 23.25 17.3 Maxs Group 24.3 24.45 23.5 5.88 Megawide 7.3 7.2 6.9 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 325.00 325.00 319.40 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.2 4.28 4.2 8.45 Petron Corporation 8.10 8.20 7.95 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.70 3.70 3.65 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.04 2.04 2.00 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.46 2.55 2.45 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.11 4.18 4.10 1.65 Roxas and Co. 3.04 3.09 3.09 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 138 139 137 1.55 Splash Corporation 2.1 2.17 2.09 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.157 0.158 0.153 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

1.27 1.27 1.21 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 2.20 2.22 2.18 152 Universal Robina 200.6 205 200.8 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.73 4.73 4.73 0.640 Vitarich Corp.

0.67 0.68 0.65 10.02 Vivant Corp.

22.80 23.00 23.00 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.18 1.29 1.24 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.390 0.405 0.390 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 56.0000 57.6000 56.9500 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 18.24 18.50 18.10 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.50 6.50 6.50 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.247 0.255 0.248 634.5 Ayala Corp `A’ 780 789.5 785 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.45 7.63 7.44 12.8 DMCI Holdings 12.40 12.88 12.52 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 3.8 5 3.96 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

3.90 3.91 3.90 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.250 0.255 0.255 837 GT Capital 1314 1350 1310 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 71.40 74.00 72.80 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp.

6.78 7.05 6.85 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.81 0.83 0.79 12 LT Group 12.5 12.5 12.4 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.52 0.54 0.52 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.22 5.39 5.22 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 9.44 9.49 9.39 0.030 Pacifica `A’ 0.0300 0.0310 0.0290 0.550 Prime Orion 1.930 1.970 1.940 2.26 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.82 2.82 2.74 59.3 San Miguel Corp `A’ 48.00 49.60 48.50 751 SM Investments Inc. 875.00 875.00 865.00 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.19 1.20 1.20 0.93 South China Res. Inc. 0.78 0.74 0.74 170 Transgrid 170.00 185.00 170.00 80 Top Frontier 105.400 106.000 104.000 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3250 0.3350 0.3200 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.2350 0.2350 0.2250 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.320 0.310 0.310 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.500 6.500 6.350 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.75 1.12 0.74 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 35.850 36.100 35.650 3.36 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.46 3.5 3.4 4.96 Cebu Holdings 5.08 5.08 5.08 0.79 Century Property 0.61 0.61 0.59 1.1 City & Land Dev. 0.99 0.94 0.94 0.97 Cityland Dev. `A’ 1.03 1.04 1.01 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 0.225 78 17.8 58 62 88.35 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank 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 Phil. Savings Bank RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

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

SHARES 9,181,899 66,466,018 66,818,949 275,111,099 109,063,658 1,622,316,807 2,151,688,010

2.96 48.35 101.70 84.60 40 1.96 15.7 19.82 7.58 1.83 0.570 85.05 18.78 24.00 53.00 104 31.05 142.1 1555.00 57.00 3.13

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.83 48.4 103.00 84.60 40.85 1.87 15.6 19.78 7.63 1.82 0.560 85.25 18.28 24.00 54.45 104 31.65 142 1555.00 56.95 3.13

-4.39 0.10 1.28 0.00 2.13 -4.59 -0.64 -0.20 0.66 -0.55 -1.75 0.24 -2.66 0.00 2.74 0.00 1.93 -0.07 0.00 -0.09 0.00

40,000 30,700 2,544,090 1,197,350 61,900 497,000 3,100 15,200 600 6,000 1,660,000 2,518,100 211,500 29,500 8,600 1,300 5,500 336,510 5 13,550 1,000

19,600.00 1,137,405.00 -71,773,383 32,495,122.00 416,235.00

42.1 1.88 0.87 1.59 10.8 17.3 23.4 46.75 2.49 1.69 10.74 9.900 8.38 6.60 7.48 25.95 70.6 11.92 14.60 6.08 2.690 207.00 12.48 35.50 3.88 23.3 24.1 6.91 321.00 4.28 8.11 3.70 2.04 2.49 4.18 3.09 138 2.16 0.154 1.27 2.22 205 4.73 0.68 23.00 1.25

0.24 2.17 -3.33 0.63 1.89 0.00 -2.50 0.54 -1.97 3.05 -2.36 1.54 0.96 -0.60 -0.66 2.57 -0.07 1.88 2.82 2.36 18.50 0.49 -3.26 -0.14 10.86 -2.10 -0.82 -5.34 -1.23 1.90 0.12 0.00 0.00 1.22 1.70 1.64 0.00 2.86 -1.91 0.00 0.91 2.19 0.00 1.49 0.88 5.93

1,754,000 62,000 458,000 85,000 2,800 884,800 339,000 83,700 297,000 3,813,000 21,900 3,727,000 2,380,000 8,236,800 286,900 1,316,200 194,470 11,700 20,400 385,400 14,546,000 392,670 6,900 1,000 39,000 288,600 93,800 117,000 505,580 10,233,000 1,968,100 22,000 170,000 588,000 198,000 1,000 10,650 139,000 9,500,000 41,000 535,000 747,350 16,000 717,000 200 1,210,000

0.400 57.0500 18.50 6.50 0.248 787 7.63 12.62 4.8 3.90 0.255 1340 74.00 7.05 0.81 12.5 0.53 5.34 9.49 0.0300 1.950 2.82 49.35 875.00 1.20 0.74 185.00 104.900 0.3350 0.2350 0.310

2.56 1.88 1.43 0.00 0.40 0.90 2.42 1.77 26.32 0.00 2.00 1.98 3.64 3.98 0.00 0.00 1.92 2.30 0.53 0.00 1.04 0.00 2.81 0.00 0.84 -5.13 8.82 -0.47 3.08 0.00 -3.13

2,050,000 724,850 2,163,000 2,800 1,190,000 446,150 893,900 5,922,800 87,000 109,000 40,000 49,445 1,814,620 2,433,400 120,000 1,229,600 416,000 16,589,200 2,850,800 23,600,000 834,000 15,000 93,000 191,473,115 21,000 2,000 1,210 15,550 2,460,000 120,000 160,000

6.400 1.00 35.950 3.5 5.08 0.61 0.94 1.04

-1.54 33.33 0.28 1.16 0.00 0.00 -5.05 0.97

31,700 27,796.00 135,863,000 232,920.00 9,318,000 15,752,220.00 783,000 1,294,030.00 61,200 -50,800.00 1,463,000 -6,000.00 10,000 -9,400.00 3,000

-27,706.00 56,000.00 -38,503,343.00 360,000.00 194,680.00 82,380 13,558,668.00 -31,246.00 -23,480,865.00 16,910.00 4,961,978.00 3,795,730 127,240.00 355,620.00 -144,152.00 -12,325,804.00 -1,967,929.00 -35,013,841.00 -821,906.00 -19,472,585.00 -6,402,526.50 -10,220.00 468,942.00 218,970.00 22,088.00 46,150.00 -3,633,510.00 400,930.00 44,627,508.00 17,279,060.00 -7,572,494.00

747,640.00 -1,049,800.00

223,770.00 75,130,586.00 46,200.00 -50,400.00 -10,172,299.50 -7,650,818.00 81,446,000.00 5,948,832.00 25,175,436.00

29,295,125.00 56,682,206.50 598,894.00 11,595,100.00 174,745.00 12,000.00 -2,114,655.00

-735,850.00 18,000.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 5.94 0.180 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 4.13 0.090 0.39 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 2.6 7.67 2720 8.41 70.5 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.46 15.2 0.62 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 1.6 4.8 1600 5.95 17.02 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Realty `A’ 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 2.95 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.

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings 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 1.71 Transpacific Broadcast 5 Travellers 0.315 Waterfront Phils.

1.14 Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 120 8.21 1060

33 101.5 5.88 997

84.8

75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

First Gen G GMA Holdings Inc. PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F

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

VALUE 636,686,688.65 1,074,752,251.94 1,074,752,626.37 1,195,663,859.155 649,875,635.70 91,356,787.678 4,480,337,908.99

FINANCIAL 1,578.98 (UP) 9.51 INDUSTRIAL 11,509.72 (UP) 72.32 HOLDING FIRMS 6,683.38 (UP) 96.95 PROPERTY 3,048.61 (UP) 25.24 SERVICES 1,728.45 (UP) 1.37 MINING & OIL 11,500.71 (UP) 65.97 PSEI 7,198.85 (UP) 64.59 All Shares Index 4,152.35 (UP) 33.07 Gainers: 96; Losers: 71; Unchanged: 43; Total: 210

Close

0.125 0.485 20.85 0.900 0.180 1.12 1.74 4.69 0.091 0.4500 8.42 30.60 1.52 3.24 21.60 0.75 8.18 0.990 5.570

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.129 0.125 0.126 0.490 0.470 0.480 21.5 20.45 20.9 0.890 0.890 0.890 0.164 0.162 0.162 1.15 1.12 1.12 1.75 1.73 1.75 4.85 4.67 4.76 0.090 0.088 0.088 0.6000 0.4700 0.5500 8.48 8.4 8.45 30.65 30.10 30.30 1.52 1.5 1.5 3.22 3.03 3.22 22.00 21.45 22.00 0.78 0.74 0.76 8.18 8.18 8.18 1.010 0.970 0.990 5.730 5.530 5.720 SERVICES 8.2 8.31 8.2 8.2 65.6 66.2 65.6 66.1 0.570 0.640 0.570 0.600 11.26 11.3 11.3 11.3 27 27 25.6 25.6 6.15 6.15 5.95 5.98 0.0560 0.0580 0.0560 0.0560 3.62 3.62 3.61 3.61 89.2 90.8 88.05 90.6 9.99 9.99 9.99 9.99 2 1.67 1.65 1.67 6.04 6.05 6.00 6.03 2280 2322 2278 2304 7.40 7.60 7.42 7.56 21.50 21.50 21.50 21.50 1.25 1.22 1.21 1.21 82.5 83 81 81.5 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.183 0.183 0.180 0.182 1.4000 1.4000 1.3800 1.4000 2.19 2.19 2.08 2.18 8.85 8.95 8.86 8.95 3.90 3.88 3.70 3.72 1.99 2 1.97 1.99 3.68 3.73 3.63 3.66 0.280 0.285 0.280 0.285 0.860 0.880 0.820 0.820 18.88 18.18 18.18 18.18 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90 100.20 104.80 104.80 104.80 20.15 20.15 19.00 19.94 2200.00 2240.00 2202.00 2208.00 0.570 0.570 0.550 0.550 1.140 1.150 1.130 1.140 36.00 36.25 36.00 36.05 76.90 77.50 73.55 76.50 6.40 6.50 6.37 6.37 5.31 5.34 5.24 5.27 0.47 0.48 0.46 0.48 1.51 1.51 1.51 1.51 4.6 4.63 4.51 4.62 0.370 0.370 0.370 0.370 4.090 4.090 3.990 4.090 MINING & OIL 0.0048 0.0050 0.0048 0.0050 2.21 2.34 2.21 2.22 5.65 6.02 5.65 6.02 6 5.85 5.81 5.85 5.8600 5.86 5.86 5.8600 0.74 0.79 0.72 0.79 0.67 0.69 0.67 0.68 9.08 9.10 8.88 9.00 0.9 0.92 0.89 0.91 0.315 0.315 0.300 0.310 0.193 0.193 0.190 0.190 0.206 0.205 0.205 0.205 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.8 2.95 2.68 2.84 7.95 7.9 7.68 7.85 3.07 3.15 2.98 3.12 0.5900 0.6600 0.6000 0.6000 1.5100 1.5000 1.4600 1.5000 0.0110 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 3.88 4.00 3.88 3.88 5.40 5.410 5.340 5.35 1.50 1.580 1.470 1.51 0.0140 0.0140 0.0130 0.0140 133.90 135.10 133.90 135.00 2.41 2.41 2.33 2.35 0.0090 0.0090 0.0090 0.0090 PREFERRED 67.6 67.6 67.45 67.45 116.5 119 119 119 7.15 7.45 7.17 7.4 1074 1065 1065 1065 1090 1089 1089 1089 82 82.2 82 82 79.2 79.1 79.05 79.1 78.5 79 79 79 80.1 80 79.9 80 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.980 3.050 2.990 3.050 SME 2.8 3.16 2.78 2.78 56.7 60 56.55 56.6 16 16.42 16 16.32 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117 118.6 118 118

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

0.80 -1.03 0.24 -1.11 -10.00 0.00 0.57 1.49 -3.30 22.22 0.36 -0.98 -1.32 -0.62 1.85 1.33 0.00 0.00 2.69

670,000 9,620,000 260,600 182,000 80,000 833,000 49,014,000 25,376,000 1,270,000 3,550,000 7,700 10,308,600 114,000 154,000 6,587,200 2,737,000 100 1,909,000 10,121,700

17,500.00 -1,241,050.00 -659,900.00

0.00 0.76 5.26 0.36 -5.19 -2.76 0.00 -0.28 1.57 0.00 -16.50 -0.17 1.05 2.16 0.00 -3.20 -1.21 -8.33 -0.55 0.00 -0.46 1.13 -4.62 0.00 -0.54 1.79 -4.65 -3.71 0.00 4.59 -1.04 0.36 -3.51 0.00 0.14 -0.52 -0.47 -0.75 2.13 0.00 0.43 0.00 0.00

33,800 15,810 20,353,000 1,200 1,000 7,721,400 27,690,000 15,000 828,980 500 42,000 224,700 53,695 716,100 100 28,000 337,440 3,500,000 3,030,000 62,000 113,000 150,700 1,550,000 60,000 1,665,000 190,000 9,753,000 2,000 1,000 20 233,600 79,400 658,000 8,866,000 2,271,200 518,070 379,200 1,262,600 15,970,000 2,000 451,000 20,000 59,000

4.17 0.45 6.55 -2.50 0.00 6.76 1.49 -0.88 1.11 -1.59 -1.55 -0.49 0.00 0.00 1.43 -1.26 1.63 1.69 -0.66 -9.09 0.00 0.00 -0.93 0.67 0.00 0.82 -2.49 0.00

1,579,000,000 -9,800.00 101,000 37,400 58,456.00 4,200 100 1,106,000 -158,000.00 438,000 4,800 4,628,000 9,150.00 1,270,000 5,820,000 10,000 1,900,000 3,200,000 1,153,000 -185,460.00 3,912,900 -8,123,625.00 1,644,000 -6,060.00 41,000 200,000 -1,500.00 1,000,000 700,000 17,000 209,000 35,300.00 1,381,000 83,380.00 11,000,000 245,830 6,533,629.00 276,000 94,100.00 3,000,000

-0.22 2.15 3.50 -0.84 -0.09 0.00 -0.13 0.64 -0.12

4,610 13,590 137,300 2,350 10 26,800 700 1,000 100,580

2.35

10,000

-0.71 -0.18 2.00

13,000 2,260 2,712,500

0.85

1,820

-34,200.00 2,197,260.00 -14,712,200.00 -41,100.00 -6,363,565.00 13,211,160.00 818.00 -140,400.00 9,003,335.00

-1,582,580.00 -13,560.00 -14,120,815.00 21,568,327.00

-330,830.00

2,724,242.50 -108,600.00 627,397.00 105,790.00 -605,420.00 25,650.00 -423,570.00

1,405,998.00 -50,421,430.00 -560.00 973,070.00 6,394,665.00 16,968,545.00 226,623.00 -1,207,238.00 -6,199,250.00 807,340.00

159,850.50

10,890.00 295,560.00

5,909,604.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

A. Brown Co., Inc.

1.00

33.33

Discovery World

1.67

F&J Prince 'A'

4.8

26.32

Ever Gotesco

0.162

-16.50 -10.00

Phil. Realty `A'

0.5500

22.22

Oriental Pet. `A'

0.0100

-9.09

Ionics Inc

2.690

18.50

IP E-Game Ventures Inc.

0.011

-8.33

Mabuhay Vinyl

3.88

10.86

Megawide

6.91

-5.34

Transgrid

185.00

8.82

Berjaya Phils. Inc.

25.6

-5.19

Century Peak Metals Hldgs

0.79

6.76

South China Res. Inc.

0.74

-5.13

Atlas Cons. `A'

6.02

6.55

City & Land Dev.

0.94

-5.05

Vulcan Ind'l.

1.25

5.93

NOW Corp.

0.820

-4.65

APC Group, Inc.

0.600

5.26

Liberty Telecom

3.72

-4.62

TUESDAY: NOVEMBER 3, 2015

B3

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

Treasury bill rates slightly increase

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

Frey-Fil credit line. Land Bank of the Philippines grants a P500-million credit line to Frey-Fil Corp. under the bank’s Builder’s Program. The credit line aims to fund the company’s growth and working capital requirements. At the signing ceremony are (from left) Frey-Fil treasury manager Liza Futol, LandBank vice president Vilma Calderon, Frey-Fil VP Arturo Samia Jr, LandBank executive VP Cecilia Borromeo, Frey-Fil chairman and president Eric Cruz, LandBank senior VP Edward John Reyes, Frey-Fil chief finance officer Mike San Diego and LandBank account manager Alvin Apalaypayon.

Metrobank grants P5-b loan to Smart

By Julito G. Rada

METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co., the country’s second-largest bank, is extending a P5-billion loan to Smart Communications Inc. to partially finance the company’s capital expenditures and refinance loans.

Metrobank said in a statement Monday it signed a 10-year loan facility agreement with Smart, the country’s leading wireless services provider.

“According to Smart, the 10-year loan facility is meant to partially finance Smart’s capital expenditures for service improvements and expansion programs, as well as to refinance its existing loan obligations,” Metrobank said.

“With this partnership, Metrobank and Smart are one in the commitment to provide access to a wide range of wireless and digital

services to Filipino mobile subscribers,” the bank said.

Metrobank also sealed a P5-billion 10-year loan agreement with Smart parent Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. the loans aimed to partially finance PLDT’s capital expenditures for service improvements and expansion programs, as well as refinance its existing loan obligations.

PLDT said it formed a new company with an initial investment of $50 million this year to acquire Internet-related firms in other countries.

The country’s largest telecom company created PLDT Capital, which aims to connect the PLDT Group of companies with leading firms in Silicon Valley and around the world.

PLDT Capital’s investment budget of up to $50 million this year will support PLDT business units, which include Smart, ePLDT, Digital5 and Voyager to expand their portfolio of digital services in the Philippines, the rest of Southeast Asia and other developing economies of the world.

“PLDT Capital serves as an important pillar

to sustain our Digital Pivot,” PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

PLDT earlier raised its capital expenditures to P43 billion this year from an earlier budget of P39 billion to invest more in digital platform and expand its mobile and fixed-line networks.

Metrobank in October also announced the signing of a P7.5-billion loan agreement with Therma Visayas Inc., a joint-venture between Aboitiz Power Corp. and Vivant Corp. to fund the construction of a new thermal power plant in Toledo City in Cebu province.

Metrobank was the biggest lender among the 10 banks that were part of the deal, contributing to P7.5 billion to the P31.97-billion term loan facility. First Metro Investment Corp., Metrobank’s investment banking arm, was also the transaction’s lead arranger and sole bookrunner.

The amount pooled together with other lender-banks will be used to fund the construction of the 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Barangay Bato, Toledo City, some 49 km west of Cebu City.

RATES on Treasury Bills rose Monday on speculation the US Federal Reserve Board may increase its rates in December this year.

The government sold P11.82 billion worth of 91-day and 182day T-bills and rejected P9.34 billion worth of bids on newly issued 364-day debt instruments amid higher rates.

The Bureau of Treasury partially awarded P6.87 billion worth of 91-day re-issued Treasury bills out of the total offer of P8 billion.

It also partially awarded P4.949 billion worth of 182-day re-issued debt paper out of the total offer of P6 billion. It rejected P9.34 billion worth of bids on 364-day paper.

Interest rate on 91-day bills settled at 1.773 percent, or 28.20 basis points higher than the previous rate of 1.491 percent. Tender for the three month paper reached P9.543 billion, or slightly higher than the P8-billion offer.

Interest rate on the 182-day or six-month debt instruments increased 29.90 basis points to 1.806 percent from 1.507 in the previous auction. Tenders for the sixmonth debt papers reached P9.99 billion compared with the original offer of P6 billion.

National Treasurer Roberto Tan said bid rates rose over the uncertainty created by recent US Fed announcement that changed the view of many market analysts.

This prompted investors to become more aggressive and ask for an increase in rates, Tan told reporters after the auction.

Meanwhile, despite the uncertainties in the US rate hike, the government sought shelf registration in the US Securities and Exchange Commission for future foreign borrowings..

“Well we have already submitted a request not only for any possible opportunity within the year but also for the preparation for a an issuances even early next year if there’s an opening at that time,” Tan said.

He said the foreign borrowing could be around $750-million programmed level next year.

Stock market advances; JG Summit, Metro Pacific lead gainers THE stock market bounced bank Monday after a three-day slump last week, as investors picked up selected blue chips and bucked the regional trend.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 64.59 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,198.85 on a value turnover of P4.5 billion. Gainers beat losers, 96 to 71, with 43 issues unchanged.

JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei advanced 3.6 percent to P74, while

unit Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, rose 2.2 percent to P205.

A Brown Co. Inc., a property and power company, jumped 33 percent to P1, while Megaworld Corp., the largest lessor of office spaces, gained 1.5 percent to P4.76.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which has investments in toll roads, water and electricity distribution and hospitals, climbed 2.3 percent to P5.34.

The rest of Asian stocks fell Monday and oil prices dropped as investors weighed fresh data showing China’s slowdown could be deeper than previously thought, while the dollar extended losses against the yen and most emerging currencies.

Tokyo led Asian stocks lower after data showed China’s manufacturing activity slowed in October for the third straight month, fueling worries about its economy which is a crucial driver of global

growth.

Japanese investors weighed Friday’s Bank of Japan decision to cut its growth forecasts and push its inflation timetable back for the world’s number three economy, while holding the trigger on unleashing monetary stimulus.

Tokyo finished 2.10 percent lower, Sydney shed 1.41 percent and Wellington edged down 0.04 percent by the close. Seoul closed up 0.28 percent despite a stronger won and a drop in South Korean

exports.

Hong Kong ended 1.2 percent lower and Shanghai closed down 1.70 percent.

On Wall Street Friday, the Dow fell 0.52 percent, the S&P 500 lost 0.48 percent and the Nasdaq dropped 0.40 percent.

China’s Purchasing Managers’ Index, tracking activity in the factory and workshop sector, was unchanged from the previous month at 49.8, the state statistics office said Sunday. With AFP

B4

BDO Unibank Inc. signs a financing contract with Monde Nissin Corp. to fund the company’s $831-million acquisition of Quorn Foods, an international meat substitute business with presence in 15 countries. Shown are (from left) Ma. Concepcion Narciso, first vice president and team head of BDO Corporate Banking; Edmundo Soriano, executive vice president and group head of BDO Corporate Banking; and Jesse Teo, chief financial officer of Monde Nissin.

BDO bullish on Monde Nissin

By Julito G. Rada

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender, said it played a major role in financing the $831-million acquisition of the United Kingdom-based meat substitute business

by Philippine noodle manufacturer Monde Nissin.

BDO said it was upbeat on the growth prospects of Monde Nissin in the international market, after its acquisition of Quorn Foods.

“Monde Nissin’s acquisition of Quorn Foods will boost the company’s sales further and expand its presence globally,” BDO executive vice president Edmundo Soriano said in a statement Monday.

“Its acquisition bid, which bested some of the leading

global food giants, is a strong indication that domestic companies adhering to international best practices can very much compete in the global arena,” Soriano said.

Monde Nissin is one of the leading food consumer goods companies in the Philippines.

Quorn, on the other hand, is an international meat substitute business, with market leading position in 15 countries.

Quorn was put up for auction in September and attracted interest from global food companies, including Danone and chip giant McCain. Quorn, a meat substitute made from fungus, is produced in North Yorkshire.

Quorn Foods has around 620 employees on three UK sites and internationally: Stokesley in North Yorkshire, Billingham on Teesside and Methwold in Norfolk, as well as Frankfurt in Germany and Chicago in the US. Available information on its Web site showed that Monde Nissin was originally incorporated as Monde Denmark Nissin Biscuit Corp. in 1979.

Monde Nissin started manufacturing biscuits in 1980.

Among its first products were

Nissin Butter Coconut and Nissin Wafer.

The company ventured into the instant noodle segment with Lucky Me! in 1989. It launched instant mami, noodle with soup in pouches, in beef and chicken variants. Eventually, these became the fastest selling products.

Kantar Worldpanel, in its brand footprint report, cited Lucky Me! in 2014 as the most chosen and purchased consumer brand in the Philippines, reaching almost all Filipino households Apart from developing homegrown brands, Monde Nissin led acquisitions and forged business partnerships, leading to the diversification of its product lines and extended reach in the international market.

Insurance industry grew 30% in first nine months

By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE premium income of the Philippine insurance industry grew 30 percent in the first three quarters from a year ago, the Insurance Commission said Monday.

Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc said in a statement total premium income in January to September reached P172.4 billion, up from P132.87 billion recorded in the same period last year.

The agency said based on quarterly reports submitted by life and non-life companies, total net income climbed 65.8

percent in the nine-month period to P20.41 billion from P12.31 billion a year earlier.

The insurance industry’s total assets in the ninemonth period also jumped 10 percent to P1.09 trillion from P0.99 trillion recorded last year.

The Insurance Commission said in terms of net worth, the industry posted a 6.05-percent increase to P195.39 billion from P184.25 billion.

Dooc said 2015 could be a record year for the industry.

“This year, the insurance industry shall surpass its highest premium production of P198.1 billion total premium

recorded in 2013. The year 2015 promises to be the best year ever for the insurance industry in the Philippines,” Dooc said.

Dooc earlier projected a combined premium income of P240 billion this year.

“Taking into account the industry’s consistent performance during the first three quarters, our target is still achievable, if both the life and non-life sectors will have a strong finish during the fourth quarter but it will be a tall order,” he said.

The life sector’s total premiums as of end-September increased 33.16

percent to P145.48 billion from 109.25 billion in the previous year.

The sector’s net income grew 57.21 percent to P16.79 billion while total assets increased 11.46 percent to P921.19 billion.

Meanwhile, non-life sector’s total net premium written in January to September period increased 14 percent to P26.92 billion from P23.62 billion recorded in the same period last year.

The non-life insurance industry’s net income as of endSeptember surged 122 percent to P3.62 billion from P1.63 billion a year earlier.

Trans-Asia awaiting new wind tariff rules

By Alena Mae S. Flores TRANS-ASIA Oil and Energy Corp., a unit of the Phinma Group, is awaiting clearer rules on new rates for wind energy, before proceeding with other projects, a top executive said Monday.

Tran-Asia president Francisco Viray was referring to the proposed auction policy for the availment of new feed-in-tariff rates for wind projects.

“We will wait for the transparent IRR [implementing rules and regulations] of the auction first,” Viray said, when asked about the company’s plans following the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission of a lower feed-in tariff for the second wave of wind power projects.

ERC approved a feed-in-tariff of P7.40 per kilowatt-hour for the second wave of wind installation targets, lower than what was asked by the National Renewable Energy Board.

Feed-in-tariff refers to preferential, guaranteed and fixed rates enjoyed by renewable projects such as wind, solar and small hydro projects. These rates are higher than the rates of electricity produced from traditional sources such as coal, natural gas and diesel.

ERC earlier approved a feed-in tariff rate of P8.53 per kWh for the first 200 megawatts of wind projects under the first wave of installation targets.

T U E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 5

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

B5

Cement sales surged 18.6% in Q3 No, you don’t have a porn virus FOR a split second, I was worried.

W h i l e browsing on my MacBook Air recently, a window appeared under the website I was visiting, announcing its arrival with a loud beep.

Minimizing the main browser window revealed this disconcerting message underneath: “Your Mac OS may have (3) Porn Virus! If you don’t remove these virus, they may infect your system files and damage your hardware.” The “pop-under” window also listed my OS version as OS X, and gave my city location and my IP address. Below this, it said “Click ‘Remove Now’ to download MacKeeper and run a full system scan immediately!”

Maybe it was the bad grammar that turned me off, or my naturally suspicious nature kicking in. In any case, I did not click on the OK button and merely dismissed the window by closing it.

The virus warning came back a few more times and became annoying enough that I did some research to find out what was going on. What I found made me glad I didn’t click OK. The first clue that Mac users should steer clear of MacKeeper—a utility and security software suite--was a news item from the IDG News Service last month that said tens of thousands of people who bought the program have filed for refunds as part of a proposed classaction settlement against the application’s former developer.

The class-action suit was filed in May 2014 on behalf of Holly Yencha, who said MacKeeper falsely flagged security and performance problems to push consumers into paying $39.95 for the full version.

“MacKeeper has been dogged for years by accusations it is socalled scareware, a term for applications that use intimidating warnings to get consumers to buy the program,” IDG’s Jeremy Kirk wrote.

The lawsuit was filed against ZeoBIT, the Ukrainian company that originally developed MacKeeper. In 2013 ZeoBIT sold MacKeeper to a German company, Kromtech Alliance Corp., which has apparently retained some of the original owner’s bad habits.

Writing in iMore.com in January this year, Peter Cohen talked about some of these unsavory practices.

“MacKeeper uses scare ads that appear as ‘pop-under’ ads on web sites, telling people to clean their Macs,” Cohen wrote. “Quite frankly, I think it’s a real bottom-feeder technique and a really low-class way to do business...”

In the past, Cohen added, MacKeeper’s developers have also been criticized for hosting fake websites to promote their product and for posting phony user reviews. When they were called out on these, the company blamed overzealous marketing affiliates for using these underhanded techniques.

“But the real problems with MacKeeper that I can see is that it provides questionable value to most users, can destabilize an otherwise stable Mac, and embeds itself so thoroughly into the operating system that removing it is an uncomfortable and weird process,” Cohen added.

On the other hand, Leander Kahney, writing in Cult of the Mac in 2012, noted that while a large segment of the Mac community loathes MacKeeper, it has been “almost universally praised by professional reviewers.”

“All the reviews praise the software for being well designed and easy to use. Macworld magazine calls it ‘a gem.’ TUAW gives it a favorable review. Dave Hamilton of Backbeat Media, a Mac industry veteran, recently talked it up at Macworld Expo. None of the professional reviewers complain of slowed-down machines or deleted data,” Kahney wrote.

But reporting earlier this year, Kirk said IDG hired an Austrian company AV Comparatives to test the latest trial version of MacKeeper on a fresh, fully patched version of OS X Yosemite.

In theory, the system should have had no problems, he wrote, but MacKeeper warned that the computer’s condition was “serious” and tagged more than 500MB worth of “junk” files—including the builtin language files.

“After fixing 85 files for free, it warned more than 1,500 need cleaning—but only if the full version of the program was purchased,” Kirk wrote.

Jeremiah Fowler, Kromtech’s US-based spokesman, defended the flagging of language files, saying, “Sure, it may not be this massive amount of data, but these are things that you’ll never use. You’ll probably never activate Chinese.”

Fowler was also quoted as saying the company buys more 60 million ad impressions a month, making it one of the largest buyers of web traffic aimed at Mac users.

But it is one thing to market aggressively, and quite another to scare or trick people into buying your product.

For this reason alone, MacKeeper is not a keeper. In fact, I’d stay as far away from it as possible—even when its pop-under ad warns you your Mac has a porn virus.

Column archives and blog at: http://chinwong.com

By Othel V. Campos

Cement sales surged 18.6 percent in the third quarter from a year ago, on the back of strong construction activities by the private and public sectors.

The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines said sales in the July-September quarter reached 6.37 million metric tons, up from 5.37 million MT in the same period in 2014.

The figure brought total sales in the first three quarters to 18.28 million MT, up 13.6 percent from 16.09 million MT recorded in the same period last year.

Cemap president Ernesto Ordoñez said the strong performance could be credited to sustained infrastructure spending and the uptrend in the property

sector.

Ordoñez said despite government’s underspending in the early part of the year, the quick release of funds in the succeeding quarters enabled the government to proceed with priority projects.

Cement sales have been on an upswing since 2011, hitting a record 21.3 MMT in 2014, or an increase of 9.6 percent from 2013.

Cement manufacturers also increased capacity utilization to 85 percent in 2014, from 65 percent a year ago as demand for the product continued to rise.

The Trade Department said there was enough volume to supply the requirement of the construction sector.

“There is no volume shortage and cement plants in the country have provisions to produce higher volume, if needed,” said Trade undersecretary for consumer protection Victorio Dimagiba.

Dimagiba said the government had no prohibitions on the entry of cement imports. A big portion of the country’s cement imports was from Vietnam.

The Philippines had excess production of almost 10 million MT in 2014. Domestic production in 2014 hit 31.3 million MT, exceeding consumption of 21.3 million MT. Current price of cement ranges from a low of P215 per 40-kilogram bag to as much as P255 per bag.

New design for Bacchus.

Korean executives of Dong-A Otsuka, distributors of Bacchus energy drink, unveil the new design of Bacchus sugar-free variant in the Philippines. Bacchus is South Korea’s number one energy drink and is widely considered by Koreans as a ‘vitamin drink.’ Shown are (from left) Dong-A Otsuka assistant manager for Southeast Asia Won-Tack Song, senior manager for Southeast Asia David Byoungyong Lee and Dong-A Pharma Philippines president and chief executive Amen Say and Eugene Say.

ICTSI ends dispute with Georgia partner

By Darwin G. Amojelar A WHOLLY-OWNED indirect subsidiary of port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. signed a settlement agreement with Batumi Sea Port Ltd. to end a two-year lease agreement dispute in Georgia.

ICTSI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange unit Batumi International Container Terminal LLC executed a settlement agreement with BSP, concluding a dispute that first arose in 2013.

“The settlement agreement covers several mutually beneficial measures with focus on further growth of the port,” ICTSI said.

The arbitration proceedings at the London Court of Interna-

tional Arbitration was also officially terminated on Oct. 30, 2015.

BICT has been operating the multi-purpose container terminal and dry cargo and ferry terminal in the Black Sea Port of Batumi, Georgia under a lease agreement entered into with BSP on Sept. 20, 2007.

BSP sent a notice of alleged violation of the terms and conditions of the lease agreement

by BICT in 2013. After receiving BSP’s notice and formally disputing in writing the allegations, BICT initiated arbitration proceedings with LCIA to settle the dispute with its lessor, BSP, in accordance with the dispute resolution mechanism under the lease agreement.

“After executing a standstill

agreement, the parties settled their differences in an amicable manner which led to the execution of the settlement agreement,” ICTSI said.

The parties said pursuant to the settlement agreement, they subsequently withdrew their respective claims and counterclaims before the LCIA, which led to the termination of the arbitration proceedings.

BICT contributed 0.7 percent of ICTSI’s consolidated volume and revenues as of end-June 2015.

ICTSI posted a net income of $100.4 million in the first six months, down by 1 percent from $101.7 million in the same period last year.

ICTSI’s revenues increased 8 percent to $552.1 million from $510.3 million last year.

TUESDAY: NOVEMBER 3, 2015

B6

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

DBP funds Pagbilao gas plant

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ENERGY World Corp. of Australia signed a P6.75-billion financing package with a group of Philippine banks to fund the construction of the first phase of the 650-megawatt liquefied natural gas combined cycle power plant in Pagbilao, Quezon province.

Energy World executive director Brian Allen disclosed to the Australian Securities Exchange the company signed an omnibus loan and security agreement for the first phase of the project involving 400 megawatts.

Development Bank of the Philippines acted as lead arranger of the syndicated term loan with Land Bank of the Philippines and Asia United Bank as joint lead arranger. Standard Chartered Bank acted as financial advisor to the company.

“Funding for the facility shall be provided by DBP and Asia United Bank... This important [financing] represents a further significant milestone in EWC’s

program to bring clean and affordable power to the Philippines,” Allen said.

He said the company was also in the process of concluding another debt financing facility for the LNG hub terminal in Pagbilao.

Energy World plans complete the first 200-MW unit of the 650MW LNG facility by March 2016 and the second 200-MW unit by June of the same year.

“The power plant will source regasified LNG from the company’s Philippines LNG hub when it is completed by early 2016. In the meantime, arrangements are being made to obtain LNG from a temporary floating storage unit,”

the company said in an earlier report.

Energy World expects the project to be the first operation LNG terminal in the Philippines.

It said the LNG hub would primarily be used to facilitate the distribution of LNG and natural gas, including receipt, storage and dispatch of LNG cargoes to four main markets, namely the Energy World plant, small-scale terminal, LNG and compressed natural gas for fuels and other markets in the Asia Pacific.

“The availability of sales channels will be subject to our obtaining necessary licenses and approval, including export approval if we deiced to market the LNG outside of the Philippines,” Energy World said.

It added the location of the Energy World hub would facilitate the development of an Asian LNG spot market.

“However, we have not yet entered into any binding arrangements for the sale of LNG or gas from the Philippines hub,” Energy World said.

Sri Lanka ties. Trade Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo Jr. (second from left) and Trade Assistant Secretary Maria Roseni Alvero (right) meet with Sri Lankan Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen (second from right) on October 26, 2015 at the Industry and Investments Building in Makati City. Bathiudeen led a delegation that seeks to forge an agreement on economic and technical cooperation between the Philippines and Sri Lanka to foster collaboration in industries, such as activated carbon products, agriculture, tourism, and food processing. At left is Philippine Ambassador to Sri Lanka Vicente Vivencio Bandillo.

Alorica hiring over 3,000 PH workers ALORICA, a worldwide leading provider of customer management outsourcing solutions, expects to hire over 3,000 employees in the Philippines to support the company’s new clients.

Alorica vice president Rich Loveland said the company’s hiring would begin in October and continue through January 2016.

“The anticipated and exponential increase in manpower is a testament to clients’ trust in the competency of Filipino talents

and in Alorica’s ability to deliver globally competitive solutions and experience to enhance the overall customer experience through seamless support and continuous process improvement,” said Loveland.

The company is looking for talented and savvy people with high career path aspirations to start immediately in the Makati, Lipa and Cebu delivery centers.

As a trusted partner to the world’s greatest brands in retail, telecommunications, technology,

travel and other sectors, Alorica is driven by creating success and building extraordinary teams to support its clients.

“Alorica is a place where a solid work ethic is appreciated, and there are great opportunities for advancement as we continue to grow in the Philippines,” said Loveland.

Permanent and part-time Alorica jobs come with competitive pay and benefits, including healthcare and signing bonuses.

Othel V. Campos

Revived Met must be financially viable FOR Filipinos born after 1945, the Metropolitan Theater in Manila’s Liwasang Bonifacio has little significance. For more than three decades the ‘Met’ had been this country’s premier venue for concerts and theatrical presentations. There was no noteworthy artistic or cultural event that was not staged there. But by the early 1960s the Metropolitan Theater had lapsed—more accurately, had been allowed to lapse— into non-remembrance and decrepitude.

Little wonder, then, that the recent bidding war between the City of Manila and the NCCS (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) for the Government Service Insurance System-held title to the Liwasang Bonifacio property generated scant interest and excitement among the nation’s—especially Metro Manila’s—youth. The news that the City of Manila was the winning bidder was received with indifference by the born-after-45 crowd.

But it is not only among today’s youth that there is disinterest in, and indifference toward, the venerable institution in Liwasang Bonifacio. The truth is that disinterest and indifference toward the Met appears to be widely felt. There are two reasons for this.

The first has already been started. The glory and pre-eminence of the Met existed a long time—many decades—ago. How long, and how many decades, ago, is indicated by the Met’s architectural design and its present physical appearance. Clearly, the Metropolitan Theater has seen many better days.

The second of the two reasons is the more important because it will be determinative of whether the current resurgence of interest in the Met is likely to lead to a long-term stable future for the Grand Old Lady of Liwasang Bonifacio.

The fact is that the City of Manila’s success in regaining ownership of the Met is but the first step in the direction of re-installing the Met permanently in the life and culture of the nation’s capital. Other steps will have to be taken. These will have one common objective: ensure the Met’s financial viability.

To b—and remain—financially viable, the Met must have a stable market. The theater will not be able to survive mainly on non-theater activities. There has to be a fairly steady stream of theatrical presentations, shows and exhibitions. Many decades ago the Met had no competition. Today it has a lot of competitors: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Folk Arts Theater and, in recent years, Resorts World and Solaire. The competition has become formidable.

The Met’s location is no help. At the start of its life, the Met sat in solitary splendor at the heart of Manila’s epicenter, with the legislative buildings, City Hall, the Central Post Office, the Manila Hotel, Luneta and the Sunken Gardens all nearby, and Malacañang was just across the Pasig River.

Today the Met lies smack in the middle of City of Manila traffic, with buses and jeepneys from Quezon City, the Port Area and the southern provinces converging in Liwasang Boifacio. The Theater must have been surrounded by some greenery decades ago; today one steps out of the Met right into the street, with all the noise and fumes from the buses and jeepneys.

Unlike today’s competing venues, the Met does not have its own parking area. Whereas the other venues have expansive parking areas, the Met only has a nearby parking building for the vehicles of patrons. Anyone who drives himself or herself to an entertainment place knows what an incentive—or disincentive—the availability of parking space can be.

This time around the interest in bringing the Metropolitan Theater back to life must aim at its financial stability and institutional continuity. There have been several attempts in the last three decades to revive the Met, but each time the process did not go beyond giving the theater a facelift. Each facelift was not accompanied by a realistic financial plan. Thus, each revival attempt ended in failure.

Almost every major theatrical/musical institution in the world— including most of the great opera companies—enjoy some subsidy from the State. There’s no reason why the Metropolitan Theater should be any different. By all means let the Met enjoy a subsidy from the national government—and from the City of Manila—but most of its operating revenues should come from theater-related operations.

The subsidy should merely be for deficit-covering.

To repeat, the government of Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada must put together a realistic plan designed to keep the Met financially viable. The theater must be here to stay this time. Otherwise, like some of the pugs who fought there when it was under lease to the Besa Boxing Arena, the Metropolitan Theater will be out for the count.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

T U E S D AY : N O V E B E R 3 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

UN urges Malaysia to release Anwar KUALA LUMPUR—A UN body has determined that former Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been jailed in violation of international law and called for his immediate release, according to a copy of the opinion released Monday by his family.

Anwar, 68, was jailed in February for five years after being convicted for sodomizing a male aide.

He denies the charge, calling it a frame-up by Malaysia’s long-ruling government to cripple a resurgent opposition.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Anwar was denied a fair trial and that the charges were pursued for political reasons, according to the document released by the family.

“The Working Group considers that the adequate remedy would be to release Mr. Ibrahim immediately, and ensure that his political rights that were removed based on his arbitrary detention be reinstated,” said the opinion dated September 15.

The group said it would refer its findings to the “Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for appropriate action.”

Anwar’s lawyer Sivarasa Rasiah said he does not expect Anwar to be freed despite the pressure from the UN. “Realistically, I don’t think the Malaysian government will release him. But it must regard this statement as a strong condemnation from the UN itself for keeping Anwar in jail,” he said.

“Based on the UN findings it is illegal to have Anwar in prison.”

Anwar’s family has complained that he is being held in a filthy cell with only a thin foam mattress despite chronic back trouble, and has been denied adequate medical care for a host of ailments including erratic blood pressure and a shoulder problem.

“Anwar is in terrible pain. He is physically weak, especially his shoulders, and is on pain killers,” his wife and opposition leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, 62, told AFP, adding that the UN’s call was “reassuring.”

“He looks miserable and his prison conditions are harsh. There are cockroaches in his cell and Anwar has been bitten by this pest,” she said, speaking outside parliament.

Earlier his daughter and member of parliament, Nurul Izzah Anwar, urged the government to comply with the UN recommendation.

“Its strong stance in solidarity with my father sends a clear and unequivocal message to Prime Minister Najib Razak, and ensures that the sharp decline in human rights under his administration will not go unnoticed,” she said.

A government spokesman said they would not comment at this stage.

The UN working group is a five-member body currently made up of experts from Australia, Benin, Mexico, South Korea and Ukraine.

The case is the second disputed conviction for Anwar, a former deputy prime minister who was ousted from the ruling party in a late 1990s power struggle and jailed on sodomy and corruption charges widely viewed as politically motivated.

After his release in 2004, he helped unite Malaysia’s previously divided opposition into a formidable alliance.

The latest conviction has been criticized by the United States, which said it raised questions over the rule of law in Malaysia, as well as other nations and international human rights groups.

AFP

Australia ditches knights, dames SY DN EY— Aust r a l i a has removed knights and dames from the national honors system, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Monday, dismissing the ancient titles as “not appropriate” in the modern age.

Knights and dames were unexpectedly revived last year by then prime minister and ardent monarchist Tony Abbott—prompting accusations he was in a “time warp” and out of touch with voters.

Turnbull, an outspoken republican, had been widely expected to dump the titles ever since he replaced Abbott in a conservative Liberal Party room coup in September.

“The cabinet recently considered the Order of Australia... and agreed that knights and dames are not appropriate in our modern honors system,” Turnbull said in a statement.

The prime minister said Britain’s Queen Elizabeth had agreed to the government’s recommendation to remove knights and dames from

the Order of Australia, which recognizes achievement and service.

“This change will not affect existing knights and dames,” he added.

Speaking later to reporters in Sydney, Turnbull said the matter was “a long way from being the most important issue in Australia today”.

But he added: “This reflects modern Australia; knights and dames are titles that are really anachronistic, they’re out of date, they’re not appropriate in 2015 in Australia.”

Abbott’s reintroduction of knights and dames in 2014 was questioned, but it was his subsequent decision to knight Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip which was met with ridicule and disbelief.

Republicans, who favor cutting Australia’s ties to the British monarchy, had already accused Abbott of turning the clock back to a colonial mindset, while the Labor opposition said the titles should never have been brought back.

AFP

B7

DISPOSAL COMMITTEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through its Disposal Committee, invites bidders to participate in the public auction for the sale on an “as-is-where-is basis” of the following lots: Lot No.

Item Description

1

Various scrap materials

PhP488,760.00

2

Various outdated/obsolete cellular phones

PhP14,850.00

3

Various obsolete handheld/two-way radios

PhP2,680.00

Floor Price

The schedule of activities is as follows: 1. Inspection by Bidders of the Properties for Disposal

-

5 (Thurs.), 6 (Fri.) and 9 (Mon.) November 2015 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

2. Pre-bid Conference (after the inspection of items for disposal)

-

5, 6 and 9 November 2015 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

3. Issuance of Bid Documents (after the Pre-bid Conference) Administrative Services Department (ASD), Room 109, Ground Floor, Five-storey Building, BSP Main Complex, A. Mabini cor. P. Ocampo, Sr. Streets, Malate, Manila

-

Starting 5 November 2015 upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of Two Hundred Pesos (Php 200.00)

4. Opening of Bids ASD Conference Room, Room 109, Ground Floor,Five-storey Building, BSP Main Complex, A. Mabini cor. P. Ocampo, Sr. Streets, Malate, Manila

-

12 November 2015 (Thurs.), 10:00 a.m.

The BSP reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to declare the bidding a failure, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the bidders. Furthermore, the BSP reserves the right to waive any minor defect or formality and to accept the proposal most advantageous to the Bank.

(SGD) ESTRELLITA C. BERBANO Chairperson ( T S - N O V. 3 , 2 015 )

SOCIAL HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION a subsidiary of National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation

INVITATION TO BID FOR Procurement of the Supply and Delivery of Various IT Equipment and Software 1.

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) through its Corporate Budget for the Year 2015 intends to apply the sum of Two Million One Hundred Four Thousand Ninety Seven Pesos & 18/100 Only (P2,104,097.18) being the Annual Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for PROJECT NO. 2015-07: Procurement of the Supply and Delivery of Various IT Equipment and Software. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid opening.

2.

SHFC now invites bids for the Supply and Delivery of IT Equipment and Software located at BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, to be supplied and delivered within Thirty (30) working days from the date of the official notice to proceed.

Bidders should have completed, within the past two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

4.

Interested Bidders may obtain further information from SHFC and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on November 03, 2015 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) to the SHFC Cashier.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of SHFC, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The method of payment will be on cash basis.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 58 MAKATI CITY

6.

SHFC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 10, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at the SHFC Board Room, 5th Floor, BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before November 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

PHILIPPINE INVESTMENT ONE (SPV-AMC), INC., (as substitute of FAR EAST BANK & TRUST CO., Plaintiff, -versusHERNANDEZ LEATHERGOODS, INC. Defendant x-------------------------------------------------------------x

Bid opening shall be on November23, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at the SHFC Board Room,5th Floor, BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City. 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.

CIVIL CASE NO. 98-717

NOTICE OF SALE ON EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY WHEREAS, by virtue of the Writ of Execution dated September 12, 2014 issued by this Court presided by HON. EUGENE C. PARAS, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 58, Makati City, In Civil Case No. 98-717, wherein Philippine Investment One (SPV-AMC), Inc. (as substitute of Far East Bank & Trust Company is the Plaintiff and Hernandez Leathergoods, Inc. is the defendant, for the recovery of the amount of Php8,132,592.40 as of July 13, 2015 based on the statement account issued by plaintiff in accordance with the decision dated January 31, 2003 issued in this case, levy was made by the undersigned SHERIFF, Mr. ANTONIO O. MENDOZA on July 29, 2015 through the Registry of Deeds of Manila City, on the rights, interests, and participation of defendant HERNANDEZ LEATHERGOODS, INC. in the real property more particularly described as follows; Transfer Certificate of Title No. 195208 A parcel of land (Lot 11-A-1 of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-343610, approved as nonsubdivision project, being a portion of Lot 11-A, (LRC) Psd-2800 47 L.R.C. Record No. 7680), situated in the District of Sampaloc, City of Manila, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., points 2 to 3, by Lot 12, Block 8, Psd-24-816; on the SE. points 3 to 4, by Lor 11-F, (LRC) Psd-280047; on the SW. points 4 to 1, by Lot 11-A-2 0f the subdivision plan and the NW. points 1 to 2, by Calle Mindanao (Road Lot 6, Psd-24818). Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S. 37 deg. 37`E., 38`E ., 2964.55 m. from CBN No. 37, City of Manila; thence N. 36 deg. 37`E., 4.26 m. to point 2; thence S. 55 deg. 23`E., 11 11.25 m. to point 3; thence S. 36 deg. 37`W., 4.28 m. to point 4; thence N. 55 deg. 23`W., 11.25 m. to point of beginning; containing an area of FORTY-EIGHT (48.00) SQUARE METERS, more or less.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of said Writ of Execution and in accordance with Rule 39, Section 19, of the Rules of Court, the undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, for Cash and in Philippine Currency, on November 25, 2015 at 10:00 o`clock in the morning, infront of Makati City Hall, City of Makati, the rights, interests and participation of defendant HERNANDEZ LEATHERGOODS, INC. in the above-described real property in order to satisfy the said Writ of Execution, together with interests, cost, sheriff`s fees and the expenses of sale.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date it shall be held on December 02, 2015 at the same time and place, without further notice.

Interested parties are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title and condition of the said property and the encumbrances thereon.

City of Makati, October 05, 2015.

(SGD) ANTONIO O. MENDOZA Deputy Sheriff (TS-OCT. 27, NOV. 3, 10, 2015)

8.

SHFC assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid. SHFC reserves the right to waive any or all formal requirements, so that it shall likewise not be held liable for any defects or typographical errors in all documents received by the bidder, which shall be presumed to have been read and understood by the bidders to be mere defects in form only.

9.

SHFC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject at any time prior to the contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

Ethel S. Bugho Officer-In-Charge, BAC Secretariat Social Housing Finance Corporation 2nd Floor, BDO Plaza, 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City (T) +63 2 750 6337 (loc) 421; (02) 8172794 procurement@shfcph.com (F) +63 2 817 3168 www.shfcph.com

(Sgd.) ATTY. JOSE D. MELGAREJO Chairman, BAC (TS-NOV. 3, 2015)

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CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Thousands rally where Rabin was shot dead TEL AVIV—Would Israelis and Palestinians now be living in peace with one another if a Jewish extremist had not assassinated prime minister Yitzhak Rabin 20 years ago?

That question, and thoughts on the nature of today’s Jewish state, are on the minds of many Israelis as the anniversary of the November 4, 1995 assassination highlights the gulf between visionary hope and stark reality.

Tens of thousands of Israelis— as many as 100,000 according to some media reports—gathered late Saturday for a memorial rally in the Tel Aviv square where Rabin was shot dead and which now bears his name.

Rabin, who headed the victorious Israeli armed forces in the 1967 Six-Day War, as premier chose instead the path of peace, sharing the 1994 Nobel Prize with domestic rival Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for their roles in forging the Oslo peace accords.

Twenty years after that time of euphoria for the Israeli peace camp, the mood at Rabin Square on Saturday was sombre.

Merav, 44, a regular at the annual event, said it was the largest turnout for years, but she also felt further than ever from the spirit of the murdered politician.

“I have not had hope since November 4, 1995. Our innocence was also killed on that evening,” she said, agreeing with the many who say that the Oslo agreements died alongside Rabin.

“Rally of Despair” was the heading to a commentary on the event in the Israeli daily Maariv; “Rally to Nowhere” was the headline in the mass-circulation Yediot Aharonot.

Since the beginning of October, Israelis and Palestinians have been embroiled in a new wave of violence that has seen nine Israelis, 67 Palestinians and an Arab Israeli killed, raising fears of a new Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation.

The two sides have not talked peace for more than 18 months.

Former US president and friend of Rabin Bill Clinton urged the Tel Aviv crowd on Saturday “to complete the final chapter in the story” of Rabin’s quest for peace. AFP

Premiere. Director Steve Martino and Jeanne Schulz attend the premiere of 20th Century Fox’s “The Peanuts Movie” at The Regency Village Theater on November 1, 2015, in Westwood, California. AFP

S. Korea, Japan summit ends freeze in relations SEOUL—The leaders of South Korea and Japan broke an extended diplomatic freeze Monday with a rare summit at which they agreed to push for a swift resolution of historical disputes that have tainted ties for decades.

In particular, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said they would step up efforts to settle the thorny issue of the so-called Korean “comfort women” forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II. It was their first ever one-on-one meeting.

Park previously rebuffed all summit proposals, arguing that Tokyo had yet to properly atone for its wartime past and 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean peninsula.

While it was never likely to mend all the many broken fences between the two neighbous, the summit was seen as an important step towards a more pragmatic partnership less encumbered by decades of rancor and bitterness.

Park began the meeting by stressing the need to “heal the wounds of the past” and the presidential Blue House said their talks did not shy away from tough issues.

“The two leaders agreed to speed up consultations to try to resolve the comfort women question as quickly as possible,” the Blue House said, adding that Park had referred to the issue as the “biggest stumbling block” to friendly relations.

While Abe offered no new apology for Japan’s wartime past, he told reporters afterwards that both sides had an obligation to “not leave obstacles for future generations”.

Japan maintains that the comfort women issue was settled in a 1965 normalization agree-

ment, which saw Tokyo make a total payment of $800 million in grants or loans to its former colony.

The summit capped a series of moves in recent weeks—prompted and pushed by their mutual military ally the United States—to normalize relations.

Park met Abe as he arrived at the Blue House and the two smiled as they shook hands before the talks began.

It was a contrast to the previous meetings between the two at multilateral events which had been studies in unsmiling, stony indifference, especially on Park’s part.

Since taking office in February 2013, Park has taken a particularly strong line on the issue of compensation for Korean comfort women.

It has been a politically popular stance in South Korea where Abe remains extremely unpopular, amid suspicions that he wants to water down Tokyo’s past apologies for its wartime aggression. AFP

Record 218,000 migrants in October

In memoriam. Women light candles in Kazansky Cathedral in

St.Petersburg on November 2, 2015, in memory of the victims of a jetliner crash. Russian airline Kogalymavia’s flight 9268 crashed en route from Sharm el-Sheikh to Saint Petersburg on October 31, killing all 224 people on board, the majority of them Russian tourists. AFP

GENEVA—More than 218,000 migrants and refugees crossed the Mediterranean to Europe in October—a monthly record and nearly the same number as in the whole of 2014, the United Nations said Monday.

“Last month was a record month for arrivals,” UN refugee agency spokesman Adrian Edwards told AFP, pointing out that “arrivals in October paralleled the entire 2014.”

In October, 218,394 people made the perilous crossing—all but 8,000 of them landing in Greece—compared to 219,000 arrivals during all of last year, UN figures showed.

The soaring numbers of arrivals

last month brought to over 744,000 the number of people who have made the journey so far this year.

The October figures show that despite the increasingly harrowing conditions at sea at the onset of winter, refugees from Syria and other trouble spots continue to pile into boats heading west, fearing that Europe is about to close its borders.

Among the more than 600,000 migrants and refugees who have crossed to Greece since the beginning of the year, 94 percent come from the world’s top 10 refugeeproducing countries.

The ballooning number of cross-

ings has had dire consequences, with the numbers of deaths piling up by the day.

Some 3,440 people have died or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe so far this year, according to UNHCR numbers last week.

The figures do not take into account the latest tragedy, with at least 15 migrants and refugees, including six children, drowning off Greece on Sunday when two boats making the hazardous crossing from Turkey capsized.

Most of the Mediterranean deaths this year have happened on

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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

@LIFEatStandard

A RTS, CU LT U RE & T ECH

LIFE

'PAPEL' kahapon, ngayun at bukas

BONI DE GUZMAN: ‘ANG MUSMOS’ THE WHIMS OF CHILDHOOD

BY KRISTEL DACUMOS-LAGORZA

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hildren teeter on thin, delicate ladders, while paper airplanes pepper the sky and tiny paper boats swim beneath them. These mixed media works by 32-year-old artist Bonifacio “Boni” de Guzman are light with whimsy, but are grounded on a simple and significant message.

“Through my works, I wish to show that everyone – whether rich or poor – has the right to dream.

But in order to turn these dreams into reality, you will have to go on your own journey, walk on your own two feet, ” shares Boni in the vernacular. “Just like the steps on the ladder, each rung represents a challenge/hurdle that you will

Bonifacio 'Boni' de Guzman

encounter in life: sadness, failure, rejection. Each of these, you will need to overcome. How fast you get to the top depends on how brave you are, and much faith you have in yourself to achieve it.”

From wide canvases swathed in oil, acrylic and graphite, to sculptural pieces made from stone and steel, each of Boni’s obra maestras speak not only of his musings about life and society, but reflects his roots as a true native of Pangasinan.

“The paper airplanes and paper boats remind me of my childhood, and the street children I’ve met growing up,” shares Boni. “Like them, I used to peddle for scraps and rummage through garbage with my friends and siblings. I’d sell whatever I’d find for money to buy food, or supplies for school. When I was younger, I even sold ice buko and caimito to help out my parents.”

While not peppered with the usual comforts enjoyed by other more privileged children, Boni’s childhood did not lack in richness or love.

Other children have not been so blessed, he shares, and so he empathizes with their plight. He pays homage to the children through his artistic efforts. As seen in his works, the recurring themes and elements of paper airplanes and boats serve as

'Ginintuang pangarap ng mga batang laking lansangan'

'Lasong dilaw'

a reminder of what many children have had to sacrifice – their own childhoods. “They deserve a life alight with dreams.”

Having participated in over two dozen art exhibits since 2003, Boni’s remarkable works are touching the hearts of art collectors and enthusiasts, and he is steadily gaining recognition across the country.

Boni is a proud a member of APATIRA, a group of homegrown artists from Pangasinan. They are the same group behind BISKEGPangasinan Artist Collective.

BISKEG is the only active artist group in the province, and through its events and exhibits, Boni and the other artists aim to uphold Pangasinan art and culture.

His art reflects a mature perspective, but Boni considers

Republika ng Pilipinas

himself still a neophyte and a late bloomer in the art scene.

This year, he garnered his proudest win when he was named one of the semi-finalists of Metrobank Art &Design Excellence (MADE) Competition in Sculpture. He was also recognized as one of the 10 Jurors’ Choice Awardees for Luzon at the 2011 Philip Morris Philippine Arts Awards. Recently, Boni staged his first solo exhibit, Musmos, at Nineveh Artspace in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Balancing his calling as an artist, Boni also works at the government sanitation department of Pangasinan as an administrative aide. “I sift through garbage and create designs for the recyclable materials.” It is not a glamorous job, but there is dignity in honest work, he says.

During the day he is surrounded by trash, but once he gets home, he envelops himself in the beauty of his art. It is after working his nine-hour shift and getting his children ready for school that he pours himself into painting and sculpting. He finds peace working until the wee hours.

Through art, Boni has found freedom. “I’m happy when I’m able to explore my artistic passion, because this is the only thing that has never limited me. Lahat pwede mong gawin, at walang pwedeng humadlang sa iyo. Dito, parang lahat ay possible (You can do anything and no one can stop you. Here, it’s as if everything is possible),” he ends.

TUESDAY : NOVEM B ER 3, 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

T EC H TA L K

Sony Improves Everyday Experiences with the World’s Best Camera in a Smartphone

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id you know that the first “camera phone” hit the market in the year 2000? At the time, it was hard to imagine that phones would become the most popular cameras. Since then, mobile device users have gone from using feature phones to send grainy images to their contacts to snapping and sharing highresolution images and videos with entire social networks in real time. For some users, a smartphone’s camera function is even more important than texting or calling.

Since phone cameras have replaced digital cameras for people who take photos for fun (and who don’t want to lug around two devices), camera specs are often presented front and center during new smartphone series product launches.

Sony’s next-generation smartphones – the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and the world’s first 4K smartphone, the Xperia Z5 Premium – bring together the latest innovations in camera, design, and display. The company that produces the image camera sensors for other popular smartphones has adopted the most advanced technology for its own line.

FIVE FEATURES OF NOTE IN SONY’S NEW XPERIA Z5 SMARTPHONE:

1. Fastest Autofocus As the competition over megapixels winds down, advancements in autofocus are the

Xperia Z5 Premium

using your screen for a long period of time will drain your battery faster than keeping your phone in your pocket. This is why quick charging times are essential.

With the phone’s Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 enabled you can charge your phone for 10 minutes and get five and a half hours of usage or 45 minutes for one day’s usage.

Best for: Covering all-day events. Long days of traveling with minimal downtime.

new point of reference for smartphone camera performance. If you’ve experienced the difficulty of taking a clear photo of a moving subject, you know that you don’t always have time to frame the perfect shot. The Xperia Z5’s camera captures split-second moments in motion with the fastest autofocus found in a smartphone.

At a speed of 0.03 seconds, that’s quicker than the blink of a human eye.

Best for: Moments without double takes.

Mid-motion shots of sports and stunts.

Taking photos of things you see outside the window of a moving vehicle. Capturing something cute your child or pet does.

2. Low-Light Resolution Remember all the awful phone photos you saw of the last supermoon eclipse?

How many badly lit photos of the sunset have you taken before giving up and deciding that to really enjoy it, “you just had to be there”? Do you believe that flash photography should be banned during social gatherings because it makes everyone look terrible? All your frustrations could be over with the

ANGELINA KANAPI TOPBILLS AUDIRE, A UNIQUE ONEWOMAN ACT

H

Xperia Z5 low-light advancements that allow you to capture clearer photos at night or in darker surroundings.

Best for: Preservation of detail and minimal noise in photos of sunrises, sunsets, and urban nightscapes. Quick shots of beautifully plated food at fancy, dimly lit restaurants. More flattering flash-free group photos of nights out.

3. SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode for Video If you can’t watch your own home videos without experiencing motion sickness, the SteadyShot feature will make your shaky hand-held camera work a little more watchable. Now you don’t have to pretend that your use of the jarring and disorienting shakycam for your videos is a deliberate artistic choice.

Best for: Extreme sports. Chase scenes. Capturing action when you’re also in motion.

4. Better Battery Life The Sony Xperia Z5 promises two days of battery life with regular use. Of course,

earing is an entirely different thing from listening. This is the underlying message in Audire (a Latin word that means “listen carefully), a one-woman act starring veteran stage actress Angelina Kanapi.

The play, directed by Jeffrey Camañag, is an experimental performance that showcases the process of artistic creations that allow the surrounding sounds to interact with the artist’s inner sounds and thoughts to produce a series of mental, emotional and physical images that breathe life to movements, situations, events and characters – basically an improvisation.

Angelina Kanapi

5. 4K Ultra HD with Extra Memory Option (Xperia Z5 Premium Only) The Xperia Z5 Premium is the world’s first 4K Ultra HD smartphone that allows you to enjoy images and videos at four times the resolution of Full HD. It even upscales regular content to near 4K quality. The Xperia Z5 Premium comes with 32GB of internal memory, but if you’re worried about running out of space at an inconvenient time you can add a 200GB external microSD card for extra space so you won’t need to make quick and painful decisions about what to delete in the middle of a once-in-alifetime luxury safari in Kenya.

Best for: Taking a video of an entire concert with your phone. (Please don’t do this.) Documenting an entire long vacation or life phase on one memory card.

Shooting footage for your own mini movie.

Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact are available in all Sony Centres and Sony Mobile Stores nationwide. Xperia Z5 Premium will be available on December 3, 2015. Preorder period for the Xperia Z5 Premium (including gifts with purchase) is from November 6 to 22.

Serving as the foundation for this unique style of storytelling are the actor’s life experiences and memories, with external sounds providing an impetus for the monologue.

According to Camañag, the entire concept came from Kanapi herself who thought of “making sound as the primary element of the performance instead of just a support component. Every rehearsal was an exploration of understanding and struggling to define what the performance is really all about,” he says.

No doubt Audire will provide an entirely new experience for most theater audiences as the one-woman act is

Director Jose Jeffrey Camañag

not a typical light and sound show but an exploration on how sound can be a powerful stimulus for improvisation.

Through sensitivity and awareness, interesting verbal and non-verbal responses are stimulated, which will pave the way for an interesting chain of events.

From vibrations to cognition that leads to interpretation – interpretations that command subjective reactions, which are translated into a series of actions with interesting encrypted information.

The message is this: All things around us are reverberations of inspiration. They are confirmations of the endless possibilities of imagination to inspire invocations that bring forth thought-provoking creations.

For those who are looking for an entirely different theater genre and experience altogether, Audire should fit the bill.

Catch the last performance of this production from The Artist Playground on November 7 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Performance venue is at 1701 The Little Room Upstairs, Landsdale Tower, Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City. For tickets, call or text 0977-3062924.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ARTS AND CULTURE ROUNDUP What’s on in theaters and galleries this week

EXHIBITS HILIGAYNON: An exhibit by Ilonggo artists Art Gallery, Adamson University, Manila Ongoing until November 6

Life is given different creative interpretations by artists from Iloilo in this Adamson University-curated group show. Thirteen visual artists bridge cultural promotion development and the technical education field through their artworks, ranging from abstract, realistic, surreal to folk-inspired.

Melvin Guirhem, one of the featured artists in the exhibit, presents “Moments” and “Ang Pagbuo at Ang Pagwasak” that showcase the beauty of appreciating life and the present time. Internationally recognized Pierre Patricio on the other hand tackles how society takes nature for granted in “What Mother Nature Has Given Us.” Other Ilonggo artists who are part of the exhibit are Joan Honoridez, Rojil Nick Jadulos, Jeline Laporga, Jojo Ramirez, Edmar Colmo, Oscar Peñasales, Carlos Garcia, Pierre Patricio, Leoniel Cerbas, Arel Zambarrano and James Salarada.

This exhibit is open to the public from Monday to Friday.

For more information, call (02) 524-2011 loc. 255 or (02) 383-3735 or visit www.adamson.edu.ph

CONCERTS PPO: Javier Bonet Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila November 6

For one-night only, French horn player Javier Bonet joins Maestro Olivier Ochanine and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in a program that includes the suite from Francis Poulenc’s ballet Les Biches, Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 “Scottish” and Reinhold Glière’s Concerto for French Horn and Orchestra.

Bonet and PPO are also set to play the newly completed concerto by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Concerto in E Major, KV 494a – finished by Anders Muskens based on sketches by the composer. Before the concert, Bonet will conduct a master class at CCP on November 4.

For inquiries and subscription, call the CCP Marketing Department at (02) 832-1125 loc. 1806 or the CCP Box Office at (02) 832-3704 or Ticketworld at (02) 891-9999.

VIOLENT NOON: Kitty Kaburo The Inner Room, Artinformal, San Juan Ongoing until November 21

BEHOLD A CITY: Ryan Villamael Silverlens Galleries, Makati City Ongoing until November 21

In her first solo exhibition, young artist Kitty Kaburo uses time lapse video and mixed media pieces – digitally altered and filtered – to depict the slow, uneventful but eventual transformation of objects, places and temperaments.

Through the use of materials that refer to and interact with the environment, such as melting ice and paint on various surfaces that look like decaying and distorted artworks, Kaburo actively presents the ties that bind and destroy relationships when civilization and nature clash and concord. Each piece in the collection serves as a commentary of how today’s metropolitan life is already a dystopia of bleak surroundings due to the effects of technological, social and environmental neuroses.

Cutwork meets photography meets history in this solo show of Ateneo Art Awards 2015 winner Ryan Villamael.

Using blade as a tool and the beautiful and chaotic Manila as inspiration, he traces along the contours of built heritage pictures as a way to reclaim what was lost during World War II and what was sacrificed in a dysfunctional metropolis aspiring to be modern.

Villamael conjures his own Manila by reframing it as a historical-artistic space in his bid to neutralize and rectify our society’s inability to truly fix the damage brought by the war and overcome the hurdles arising today from the issues surrounding built heritage. The artist does not only let the viewers in to his city but also lets himself be free of the helplessness that stems from the neglect and general apathy towards history and what was once a mesmerizing built heritage of ours.

For more details on this ongoing exhibit, visit www. artinformal.com

WORKSHOPS Color Me Confident Yuchengco Museum, Makati City November 7

Coloring and doodling are no longer childhood pastimes, as today adults are rediscovering the joy of these activities as creative outlets that calm, reduce stress, improve fine motor skills and foster artistic skills.

For those who want to take these pastimes seriously or just want to learn more about coloring and doodling, author-doodler of Elemental Doodles: An Anti-Stress Coloring Book Vicky Ortega is holding a special workshop where participants can follow their art, discover the history of color (how people have used colors) and learn how to conceptualize their own color schemes.

The P1,000 workshop fee includes a copy of Vicky’s book. Participants are requested to bring their favorite coloring materials (colored pencils, pens, markers, crayons, or paints). For details and registration, contact Yuchengco Museum at (02) 889-1234 or email info@ yuchengcomuseum.org

For more information, visit www.silverlensgalleries.com

LECTURES Myths and Symbols of Anting-Anting Yuchengco Museum, Makati City November 7

As a fitting end to the special exhibition Pinoy Power Packs: Anting-Anting, Agimat, and the Stories They Tell, resource person Dennis Villegas will give a 2:00 p.m. lecture on the animist and religious mythology and symbolisms found in the anting-anting and agimat.

Villegas is a college lecturer based in Manila. He dabbles in art and photography in his spare time, and regularly blogs about Filipino folk mythology, cultural heritage, travel and pop culture.

Exhibit talk comes free with admission. Admission is P100 for adults, P50 for students and P25 for children.

Visit www.yuchengcomuseum.org for more details.

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Celebrity Mom editor-in-chief Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

Huawei Mate S influencer Amina Aranaz-Alunan with husband Rafa

@LIFEatStandard

World renowned violinist John Lesaca performing with Nicole Asensio

Huawei Mate S influencer Martine Cajucom

San Juan vice mayor Francis Zamora and wife Keri

Huawei unveils the limited edition Huawei Mate S

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nspired by the power of design and technology, Huawei recently unveiled the Huawei Mate S, its latest addition to the premium Huawei Mate line. In a recently held “Senses” event at Nobu Restaurant Manila, City of Dreams, Huawei launched the smartphone together with six Huawei Mate S icons – Martine Cajucom (co-owner and creative director of Sunnies Studios), Cheryl Tiu (editor-at-large of Lifestyle Asia), Suki Salvador (AVP for creatives and production of One Mega Group), JR Isaac (publisher of Circuit Magazine), Amina Aranaz-Alunan (designer and owner of ARANAZ and founder of SoFA Design Institute) and Tim Yap (TV host, columnist and eventologist).

“The icons embody the essence of the brand which is built on an empowering history of making dreams possible.

They have all made it in their respective fields but each of them retains that certain groundedness. Furthermore, the Huawei Mate S fits their lifestyles perfectly,” said Corinne Bacani, senior marketing manager, Huawei Philippines.

During the exclusive event, violinist John Lesaca and singer Nicole Asensio performed the Huawei

brand song, “Dream It Possible,” which first debuted during the Huawei Mate S launch in Berlin, Germany last September. “The song talks about how you’re unstoppable when your dreams come alive. It also encourages listeners to ‘take a shot, chase the sun and find the beautiful.’ This song is Huawei’s brand story which has always been steeped in bringing telecommunications to the future,” said Jojo Vega, director of the Consumer Business Group of Huawei Philippines.

“With the Huawei Mate S, we prove that no matter how future minded we are when it comes to innovations, we have always kept an anchor on the essentials: communication, interaction, connection. In real life, all these are facilitated by something more powerful than words: touch,” Vega added.

Check the availability of The Limited Edition Huawei Mate S (as there are only 1,000 units allotted for the Philippines) at Huawei Concept Stores: SM Megamall, Market! Market!, SM Fairview, SM North EDSA and SM Southmall.

For more information about the Huawei Mate S, visit consumer.huawei.com/ minisite/worldwide/mateS/.

Huawei Mate S

Huawei Philippines country manager Charles Wu and Consumer Business Group director Jojo Vega with executives

Huawei Philippines Country Manager Charles Wu, Huawei Mate S' influencer Tim Yap, Sr. Marketing Manager Corinne Bacani and Country Marketing Manager Al Dimapilis

Huawei Mate S influencers and One Mega Group's Cheryl Tiu and Suki Salvador

DON PAPA RUM REIMAGINES THE CANISTER DESIGN THROUGH AN ART COMPETITION

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orld-renowned Don Papa Rum is hosting the Don Papa Art Competition in search of a winning artwork to be used on a limited edition canister gift pack that will be distributed nationwide in the Philippines.

The packaging of Don Papa Rum has won numerous international awards over the years, including Packaging of the Year award from the American Graphic Design magazine, Double Gold at the San Francisco wine and spirits awards, four awards at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition and the Product Innovation of the Year award at the Paris Cocktails Spirits Show. Recently, the Don Papa 10-year-old was awarded in the

Graphic Design USA American Package Design Awards 2015.

The Don Papa Art Competition is open to Filipino artists based in the Philippines with a representation of an art gallery. Artists are encouraged to submit their proposals

by November 13 under four artwork categories: painting/drawing, photography, printmaking, typography and digital prints.

The design should go beyond the current artwork of the canister and reinterpret it based on their interpretation of the island of Negros, Papa Isio, and the rum itself.

The top 10 artworks will be featured at an exhibit during Art Fair Philippines 2016. The winning artist will receive a prestigious fourweek artistic residence sojourn in Paris paid

by Bleeding Heart Rum Company, which includes round trip tickets to Paris, France; accommodations for Artistic Residency; allowance during the duration of stay in Paris; and an artistic immersion to top museums in Paris, France. Also included in the prize are two cases of Don Papa Rum. For inquiries, contact Vanessa Monot, Brand Support of Bleeding Heart Rum Company via email: vanessa@bleedingheartrum.com or message via telephone number +639271295313 or Alvaro Pertierra and Hugo Bunzl, Art Liaisons of Bleeding Heart Rum Company via email a.pertierra05@yahoo.com.ph. For more information about the competition and how to join, visit Don Papa Rum on Facebook.

T UES DAY : NOV EMBER 3, 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C5

KapUso wins in reCyCling

C

reative and innovative ways of recycling was the main theme for GMA Network’s recently concluded Art Gap 2015, an annual art competition for Kapuso employees.

Art Gap 2015 is spearheaded by GMA Coporate Affairs Division in partnership with Aquabest.

In celebration of GMA’s 65th anniversary, the competition highlighted “Kapuso ng Kalikasan,” the Network’s advocacy on the environment as participants were tasked with utilizing used plastic bottles as their main material in creating functional works of art.

This year’s competition saw a group from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department winning first place for their ingenious entry, “Greenhouse. Think Green. Love Green. Live Green.”

Using plastic bottles, they created a safe environment for plants to grow, protecting them from harsh winds and rain, while allowing sunlight to pass through.

Second place went to “The Red Nook,” a multi-purpose accent chair made from large water containers and smaller water bottles by a group from Script2010, a GMA subsidiary. Meanwhile, the group from the Corporate Communications Department won third place for their timepiece titled, “Turning A New Leaf,” which was formed with leaves cut out from the plastic bottles.

The winners were awarded by GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. and EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong at the GMA General Assembly on Oct. 22. The winning groups received cash prizes and certificates.

GMA EVP and CFO Felipe S Yalong, Chairman and CEO Felipe L Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R Duavit Jr with Art Gap 2015 1st place winners from the ICT Department

GMA Art Gap 1st Place - Greenhouse

Gary ValenCiano Visits Child-Centered disaster risk reduCtion proGrammes

U

NICEF Philippines’ National Goodwill Ambassador Gary Valenciano visits UNICEF’s child-centered Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programs to learn about how children are involved in disaster risk management, as the devastation from the recent powerful Typhoon Koppu/Lando become clear.

Children have the right to be protected from the effects of disasters. The hazards that the Philippines face every year puts children’s survival, development and

protection rights at risk. Every year, around 170,000 families are displaced as a result of emergencies. Disasters exacerbate poverty, preventing children from exercising their rights; and families and communities from realizing their development potential.

“While children are the most vulnerable to disasters, they are not passive victims. UNICEF believes that involving children in risk reduction will build their own and their community resilience against shocks and stresses,” UNICEF Philippines Repre-

sentative Lotta Sylwander says.

During his visit to Barangay Dalnac, Paracale in Camarines Norte, Gary witnessed children’s active participation in disaster response, preparedness and mitigation actions. Children helped develop Participatory 3D Maps wherein the community, including children, made geographically accurate scale models of their villages that map out the risks, vulnerabilities and capacities of their communities.

Gary also witnessed how DRR concepts are integrated in

Gary V. in action – the singer has been an active supporter of UNICEF advocacies.

the school curriculum by sitting in a Grade 1 class. A first aid demonstration by children, and use of play activities as part of DRR learning were also participated in by Gary.

“It’s amazing to see how this community has tapped into the the power and potential of children for disaster preparedness and response. It’s so nice to see young people smile and demonstrate their skills with confidence, ready to face any emergency.

During my visit here, I saw that it doesn’t take one organization

or one person to address risks and build resilience, but it takes a whole community to act and come together to protect themselves and lessen the impacts of disasters,” Valenciano says.

In high-risk environments like the Philippines, UNICEF advocates for child-centred Disaster Risk Reduction. Child-centered DRR means looking at risk reduction plans and budgets with a child rights lens, and empowering children to become active participants in building the resilience of their communities.

T UES DAY : NOV EMBER 3, 2015

C6

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

CLaSS MakiSig-Cop in 2015 ManhUnt intERnationaL

M

isters the Pageant First Runner-up PO1 Don Mcgyver Cochico will be the country’s representative at the prestigious Manhunt International 2015 pageant in Malaysia as arranged

by Prime Events Production Philippines, Incorporated (PEPPS), owner and organizer of Misters the Pageant search.

Cochico, 26, is the second law enforcer from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to compete in an international male pageant after Class Mabalasik’s PO2 Mariano Flormata, Jr. (aka Neil Perez) who won Mister International 2014 in Ansan, South Korea on Feb. 14, 2015.

Cochico, a six feet, good-looking policeman from Sta. Cruz, Manila, joined the PNP Class Makisig in 2000 after graduating from the Philippine College of Criminology. He now works at PNP Polygraph Division of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) in Camp Crame.

This year’s Manhunt International will be staged after a two-year hiatus from 2012.

The last pageant was held in Bangkok, Thailand and won by the Philippines’ June Macasaet, the first Filipino to win the title.

Manhunt International was founded by Singapore’s Alex Liu in 1987 as a male-model contest and then turned into a male international pageant in 1993 in Gold Coast, Autralia and won by German Thomas Sasse.

The contestants are judged in national costume, swimwear, evening wear, and fashion wear during the preliminary round to select the finalists to be revealed during the contest’s finals. Awards are given for best in

Cochico represents Philippines in the Manhunt International 2015 pageant

‘Wakfu’ only on Toonami Gear up and go on a fantastical adventure as new episodes of Wakfu take over Toonami this month. Yugo the Eliatrope is

still unfazed with his quest to find his real family. He and his friends have traversed through dangerously tricky terrain inhabited by people with extraordinary magical powers.

In Sadida Kingdom, Yugo and his friends are just getting over the disappearance of Percedal, a brother-in-arms who fell during

CRoSSWoRD pUZZLE 46 47 50 53 54 58 62 63 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Young kangaroo 5 Lower jaws 10 Food 14 Linchpin locale 15 Just right 16 Drone’s home 17 Belly dancer’s “must” 18 Flat broke 19 Luau strummers 20 Not digital 22 Sulfur or iron

24 Yoko — 25 Novelist — Seton 26 Enjoying the mall 30 Involuntary jump 35 Gotcha!

36 Neptune’s realm 37 Kind of beaver 38 Halloween need 41 Sweet wine 43 Pizza topping 44 Unit of work 45 Produce an egg

Twig-and-mud homes Bleaches Of an epoch Narrow inlet Toughed it out Babylonian love goddess So-so grades Estimate Kansas town Long-handled tool Happy occasion, for short “Little piggies” All-purpose vehicles Find quarters Rainfall measure

DOWN 1 Diner coffee 2 Draft animals 3 Director — Kazan 4 Cheerful color 5 Extreme flag-waving 6 Poetic tribute 7 Microscopic 8 Weighed down 9 Furtively 10 Good friend 11 Walk

the great battle against Nox. As they continue on their quest, they find out that they can use the Eliacube, an Eliatrope magic artifact, to solve the mystery of the disappearance of his people as well as discover the key to finding them.

The series, based on a video game of the same name, takes the sojourners on a new quest this

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015

12 13 21 23 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 39 40 41 42 44 48 49 51 52 54 55 56 57 59 60 61 64 65

Type of mitt It once was wild Switch positions Cut some slack Ottoman official Part of BLT Geneva’s river Caravan halt Born as — kwon do Lithe Played again Room-service servers Jigger Auto-racing family Hi-tech scan Hurt someone’s feelings Pipe bend Not hers Gauguin’s island Queenly Bell town of fiction Neutral color Orderly Hockey feint Depletes Cel character Guinness or Baldwin Headstrong Berlin conjunction Club stint

National Costume, Mister Photogenic, Mister Friendship, Mister Personality, Mister Physique, Mister Popularity (internet voting) and Best Runway Model, as well as five Continental Awards.

Cochico, who was named after the lead in the popular 80’s American action-adventure TV series MacGyver, was very thankful of the title Mister Manhunt International 2015 given to him by PEPPS, which has chosen its bets in four other international contests –Mister International, Mister Global, Mister Model International and Mister Tourism International during the Misters 2015-The Pageant. He said that he needs all the support that he could get when he aims for the Manhunt International title held by fellow countryman Macasaet.

– Eton B. ConCEpCion

PO2 Mariano Flormata, Jr and PO1 Don Mcgyver Cochico

November only on Toonami.

Wakfu Season 2 airs new episodes 8: 45 a.m. on weekends with encore at 3:30 p.m. only on Toonami.

Toonami is available on SKYcable Channel 42, Destiny Cable (Digital) Channel 42, Cignal Channel 36 and Cable Link Channel 214.

T UES DAY : NOV EMBER 3, 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

The stellar cast of Because of You

Kapuso networK’s new series with Gabby ConCepCion from C8

b

ecause Of You is the final title of GMA Network’s upcoming primetime series. It features Carla Abellana, Rafael Rosell and Gabby Concepcion.

This is Gabby’s first project as Kapuso. We remember he was offered a role in a drama years ago after he returned from the US but he turned it down as he joined the rival network. I heard that the Kapamilya network was cooking up something for Gabby but they found out the actor had agreed to star in the soap.

Also in the cast are Kuh Ledesma, Iya Villania, Valerie Concepcion, Bettina Carlos, Vaness del Moral, Joyce Ching, Enzo Pineda, and Celia Rodriguez. Mark Reyes directs.

HHHHH preGnant Marian rivera poses for photoGs Marian Rivera has no qualms posing for photographers in her delicate state as a 36-week mom to be.

In the photo, she shows off her baby bump. “If there’s anything I can say about myself now is that I am a proud mother (to be).

And I am not ashamed to show my tummy.”

In a couple of weeks, Marian and Dingdong Dantes will be able to cradle baby Maria Letizia.

Congratulations, Marian and Dingdong!

HHHHH MarK reyes’s heCtiC sChedule Director Mark Reyes thought he could spend some time on vacation in December. But his plans were stalled when he was offered to direct Because of You, Kapuso network’s new primetime series with Carla Abellana, Rafael Rossell and Gabby Concepcion.

He couldn’t say ‘no’ even if he wanted to, but because he was excited to work with the cast, he accepted the offer.

HHHHH Kris bernal plays an intelleCtually ChallenGed Mother At the start of the taping for Little Nanay, it dawned on Kris Bernal how challenging it is to play an intellectually challenged individual. She said she needed to immerse herself into the character. She is very grateful to her co-stars and co-workers for helping her get into the character immediately when she is needed on the scene.

HHHHH fabio ide and Ken Chan’s intiMate sCenes It is something new for Brapanese model/actor Fabio Ide to have intimate scenes on camera with another man. In Destiny Rose in which he plays the love interest of a man who wanted to be a woman, he has love scenes with Ken Chan, the actor playing Destiny Rose.

Ide said that during takes he couldn’t help but laugh when Ken comes close to him, but eventually he relaxed because his co-star was very kind. It relaxed him until the end of the take.

HHHHH saM iMpersonates JaMes reid in your faCe Sam Concepcion sent viewers to a whirl the way James Reid does with his impersonation of the On The Wings Of Love heartthrob last weekend.

Sam did his best to copy James’ moves and voice in in the top-rating Your Face Sounds Familiar.

James also made a special appearance iwwn the program to show a ‘sample’ of his own talent and clown around with Melai Cantiveros as fictional character Charky.

Carla Abellana, Rafael Rosell and Gabby Concepcion

Marian Rivera

Direk Mark Reyes

Fabio Ide

Kris Bernal and Chlaui Maglayao

James Reid makes an appearance in Your Face Sounds Familiar

James Reid with Melai Cantiveros dressed as Charky in Your Face Sounds Familiar

MYX’s legaCY in Cable TV MYX, the no. 1 music channel in the Philippines, kicked off its 15th anniversary celebration in the much-awaited MYX Mo! 2015 concert at the Mall of Asia concert grounds on Oct. 31.

Since it fell on Halloween, Pinoy music fans had an ultimate blast with their favorite MYX VJs Nikki Gil, Chino Lui Pio, Robi Domingo, Ai dela Cruz, Tippy Dos Santos, Erica Abello, and Diego Loyzaga.

MYX Mo! 2015 guests enjoyed the fun activities and carnival games and nonstop music as the country’s finest talents and hottest DJs until two of the following morning.

Taking part in the biggest gathering of Pinoy music artists were Abra, Aicelle Santos, Aiza Seguerra, Autotelic, Banda Ni Kleggy, Barbie Almalbis, Bugoy Drilon, Callalily, Chicosci, Christian Bautista, Cueshe, Darren Espanto, Dello, Elha Nympha, Faintlight, Gracenote, Hale, Imago, Itchyworms, Jason Dy, Jay R, Jeric Medina, Jessica Reynoso and Join The Club.

Also gracing the MYX Mo! Stage were Jonalyn Viray, Jovit Baldivino, Julie Anne San Jose, Julian Trono, Kitchie Nadal, Kithara, Klarisse De Guzman, KZ Tandingan, Loonie, Lunar Lights, Lyca Gairanod, Mayonnaise, Moonstar88, Nyoy Volante, Pedicab, Philia, Pupil, Ransom Collective, Rivermaya, Ron Henley, Roxee B, Save Me Hollywood, Silent Sanctuary, Sirens, Slapshock, Smugglaz, Tanya Markova, Thyro and Yumi, Urbandub, Young JV, DJ Ace Ramos, DJ Katsy Lee, DJ Tom Taus, and more.

Part of the MYX Mo! 2015 proceeds will benefit ABS-CBN Foundation’s Programa Genio.

The MYX megabrand has also become the ultimate youth brand on TV, online via MYXph.com, and social media for fifteen years.

It remains as the most followed local media outfit on Twitter and has over 5.7 million likes on Facebook. Myx Mo 2015! is the music channel’s way of thanking and giving loyal fans a one-ofa-kind music festival experience.

Founder and MYX channel head Andre Alvarez also reveals that the biggest legacy of MYX in the cable industry since it aired 15 years ago is the music channel’s incorporation of lyrics onscreen. “I think that flashing the lyrics onscreen is the indelible mark of MYX. It is a major attraction for our viewers. If they didn’t understand the song, MYX made it easy for them by having the lyrics readily available onscreen,” Alvarez said. He also shared that MYX’s move to flash lyrics in the music videos that it played turned to be so successful that it even became a requirement for most variety shows on other mainstream channels to put lyrics onscreen. MYX is currently celebrating its 15th year and Alvarez said its viewers should expect more changes in the years to come. “There will be a lot of changes.

It is always our burden to stay relevant that’s why we change our sets, we change our imaging so that MYX always looks fresh to our viewers,” Alvarez elaborated.

MYX is a youth-oriented music channel in the Philippines that aims to showcase music from OPM artists across all genres. It belongs to the family of cable channels under Creative Programs, Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN.

T UES DAY : NOV EMBER 3, 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Lovi Poe, JC de vera Prefer steeL to goLd ISAH V. RED JC de Vera of You're My Home says Imono Steel Jewelry doesn't tarnish

Lovi Poe, star of Beautiful Strangers, love wearing Imono Steel Jewelry

When you ask Lovi Poe or JC de Vera about their jewelry preferences, they’ll immediately say “steel.”

And why not? The two are currently the first celebrity endorsers of Imono Steel Jewelry, the leading brand of stainless jewelry in the market.

The two met the press recently at a bar in Bonifacio City in Taguig to talk about their involvement.

Lovi Poe, who stars in GMA’s Beautiful Strangers with offscreen beau Rocco Nacino, said she likes Imono pieces because they don’t tarnish. “Unlike those gold-plated or silver-plated cos-

tume jewelry that after sometime you can see the tarnish and you can’t wear them any longer.”

She added that even if your perspiration is a bit acidic you don’t have to worry that it would fade.

Aside from defying tarnishing, and resistant to rusting and corrosion, Imono pieces feature elegant and variety of designs - from classic to contemporary. JC loves the wrap steel bracelets for men.

De Vera is thankful the owners of Imono steel jewelry chose him to be the endorser for the men’s pieces.

“I was surprised when my manager told me I’d be endorsing a jewelry brand,” he said.

Imono has his-and-hers or couple’s pieces.

Poe said most of the pieces are not distinguishably masculine or feminine, especially these days

when the borderline between male and female is becoming blurry.

De Vera said that being an endorser of Imono would not get in the way of his projects as an actor.

Currently, he is taping for You’re My Home in which he co-stars with Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and Jessy Mendiola.

He has also finished Salvage, which will be screened in the up-and-coming Cinema One Originals. He is also starring with Mendiola in the film.

Imono Steel a home-grown brand, which opened its first branch in SM Mall of As in 2006.

Having earned the appreciation and trust of its target market, Imono has expanded to over 28 branches in Luzon. Imono, the Japanese word for “durable,” is rightly definitive of the enduring

elegance and quality of the brand’s steel products.

The unique concept of Imono Steel Jewelry fuses the timeless features of gold and platinum with the affordability of stainless steel. Because they defy tarnishing and are resistant to rusting and corrosion, Imono products promise longevity without the need for maintenance of cleaning solutions. This, in turn, ensures the lasting satisfaction of the brand’s loyal patrons.

Imono Steel Jewelry is an everyday accessory. While trinkets made of gold and other expensive metals are often stored rather than worn because of costliness, Imono Steel Jewelry are practically priced to allow individuals to confidently flaunt their style and personality every day, everywhere. ➜ Continued on C7