The Standard - 2015 December 06 - Sunday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 297  3 Sections 24 Pages P18  SUNDAY : DECEMBER 6, 2015  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

RED TIDE PLAGUES E. VISAYAS

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KL GAINS ACCESS TO ABU SUSPECTS

By Francisco Tuyay

THE Philippines has agreed to allow Malaysian police to question two Abu Sayyaf extremists who were arrested last week over their supposed involvement in the beheading of Malaysian engineer Bernard Then, according to Malaysian media.

“In the spirit of partnership, the Philippines side is open to granting access to the Malaysian police to these two suspects once a formal request has been made and the parameters for the access are finalized,” the Malaysian daily The Star quoted the Philippine embassy as saying in a statement.

The Star said Kuala Lumpur and Manila will likely use the bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty because the two nations do not have an extradition treaty.

The report said Malaysian authorities want to question suspected Abu Sayyaf

members Kadafi Muktadil and Saddam Jailani, two suspects linked to the beheading of Then, the Sarawakian engineer who was taken by militants from a Sabah restaurant in May. Muktadil is believed to be involved in the May 14 kidnapping of Then and Thien Nuk Fun, the manager of the Ocean King Seafood Restaurant in Sandakan, Sabah, where they were abducted and held for six months.

On Nov. 8, Thien was released unharmed purportedly after the payment of ransom,

but Thien was beheaded just as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit was beginning in Manila on Nov. 18.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the military’s Joint Task Group Sulu, said Muktadil, who is also known as Khadaffy Camsa, was arrested while undergoing treatment of motorcycle crash injuries at the Integrated Provincial Hospital in Jolo Friday morning.

Muktadil has an outstanding warrant of arrest for kidnapping issued by courts in Sandakan, Sabah.

Next page

HE CAME, HE SAW... Fresh from his working visit to France and Italy, President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 in time for the blessing of a new aircraft for the use of Philippine Air Force. He is accompanied by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP chief Hernando Iriberri and PAF chief Jeffrey Delgado.

MALACANANG PHOTO

APPLEDRIVE INSPIRES HEALTHY HABIT

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DINKY UNDER FIRE OVER ROTTING RICE

By Vito Barcelo VICE President Jejomar Binay slammed Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman on Saturday for wasting almost 300 sacks of rice meant for typhoon victims which were not distributed because the rice were spoiled due to improper handling.

“Such act borders on criminal neglect. Thousands of Filipinos suffer from hunger every day, especially those affected by calamities, and yet we have a government that allowed food to rot,” Binay said.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also warned Soliman from passing blame for the incident and

said she cannot wash her hands of her responsibility for the wastage of food packs and sacks of rice discovered dumped in Dagami, Leyte.

“Soliman had admitted the rice and food packs were from the DSWD warehouses but clarified that they were intended to be distributed to those affected Next page

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S U N d ay : d E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

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Belting in the park. A young girl entertains herself by belting out a song as her parents enjoy a lazy Saturday afternoon at a park in Manila. eY aCaSiO

AQUINO ADMITS BBL PASSAGE UNLIKELY DINKY...

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by typhoon Ruby and typhoon Glenda last year and not for survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.”

Binay said it is even “more disappointing is that this was not the only time food for calamity victims had gone to waste.”

Binay cited the 2013 annual audit report of the Commission on Audit on the DSWD, saying that family food packs worth P2.8 million for 7,527 families affected by super typhoon Yolanda were lost to spoilage “due to improper handling.”

In its 2014 report, CoA also said DSWD had been left with undistributed and expired or about-to-expire relief goods worth P141 million.

Soliman on Thursday confirmed the incident which was first reported in media.

“The admission by Secretary Soliman only highlights the reality that she has failed to provide the department the efficiency and compassion required in providing immediate aid to calamity victims,” he said.

“She has opted instead to play politics, placing premium on advancing the candidacy of the LP candidate over the more urgent needs of the poor,” Binay added.

Earlier, the DSWD in Eastern Visayas admitted burying 284 sacks of rice— meant for the Food for Work program for typhoon Ruby victims—in Barangay Macaalang, Dagami, Leyte.

In its audit report, CoA found out that DSWD bought and accepted relief goods without considering the absorptive capacity and condition of the warehousing facilities and personnel, available stocks, shelf life or expiry dates and the actual needs of the victims.

This led to the overstocking and spoilage of the goods.

In the same report, CoA mentioned that of the P1.151 billion local and foreign cash donations the DSWD received from November 2013 to December 2014, 33 percent or P382.072 million had been unused and kept in DSWD bank accounts.

“This is a gross disservice to both the calamity victims who needed all the assistance they could get, and the taxpayers and donors who contributed to the government’s calamity fund,” Binay said.

“In times of disaster, government should be able to provide immediate relief to the victims. There’s no room for dilly-dallying. Their survival largely depends on government’s ability to extend the needed assistance,” he added.

Marcos reiterated that “Soliman cannot simply toss the responsibility for this mess to her underlings. She is the one ultimately responsible.”

He cited that last year the Commission on Audit tagged DWSD for the spoilage of an estimated P2.8 million worth of relief goods intended for distribution to Yolanda survivors in 2013.

“The DSWD claimed it has learned its lesson and even acquired a mechanized repacking system and yet this unconscionable wastage of relief goods continues to happen,” Marcos deplored.

“According to Soliman, the goods buried in the area are no longer fit for human consumption. Initial reports estimates that around 500 sacks of spoiled rice were disposed in a 10-feet wide, 15feet deep hole dug in Dagami.”

“Can you imagine how many typhoon victims the DSWD could have helped with such amount of relief goods? Surely, those responsible for this are unfit as public servants. Someone should be held accountable,” Marcos concluded.

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III admitted in Paris that the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law may not be enacted into law within his term, but he remains confident that the measure will inevitably be approved in the future.

Aquino reiterated his assurance the Philippines, particularly the Southern Mindanao, will finally achieve a long-lasting peace, but conceded this may only happen after he steps down from office.

“I am still confident that there is still a very strong push that can be made. Of course, we’d want it to happen sooner rather than later, but at the end of the day, I think the movement towards having the BBL in its present form or with a little modification is really just a question of time.

“It will happen,” he added. I hope during my time, but if not, I think it is inevitable that we

KL...

From A1

Jailani, on the other hand, was arrested in Kabacan, North Cotabato on Nov. 24 after they were found in possession of an automatic rifle, three pistols and 11 magazines. Jailani was arrested with two other unidentified Abu Sayyaf members, police said.

The three individuals are currently being detained by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police.

The Abu Sayyaf group is still holding two Canadian tourists

will be having that kind of law.”

The passage of the proposed BBL has been hampered due to the apparent refusal of lawmakers to pass the measure because of controversial provisions that, surveys showed, have earned the disapproval of voters.

The controversial bill is also facing stiff opposition from groups questioning the legality of some of its provision, including the taxing powers to the Bangsamoro government and the inclusion of areas that do not want to join the new entity.

Some group and its critics then vowed that they will challenge the bill before the Supreme Court if Aquino signs it into law.

But Aquino maintained that the BBL should be enacted sooner than later stressing that it is timely to pass the bill since election period is still months away.

He also does not believe that there is a deliberate delaying tactics to prevent the bill from being passed within his term.

“Is it a deliberate move? I don’t think it’s a deliberate move although some quarters are probably encouraging it,” Aquino said, claiming that the BBL would even prevent the increase of extremism in the country.

and a Norwegian businessman abducted in Mindanao in September, along with a Dutch birdwatcher kidnapped in 2012.

They are also widely believed to be holding an Italian pizza restaurant owner snatched in the region in October.

Meanwhile, an Abu Sayyaf camp in Patikul, Sulu, believed to be under the command of subleader Radullan Sahiron, was bombarded by government forces early on Thursday.

The attacks came following the reported presence of Jemaah Islamiyah militants in

Mindanao who were said to have established partnerships with the Abu Sayyaf bandits and Muslim rebel factions with links to the Islamic State.

Arrojado said the camp seized by the troops from the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion belonged to the group of one-armed Abu Sayyaf leader Sahiron.

“Troops fired six rounds of 81 mm mortars and six 105 mm shells on the ASG position at midnight [of Thursday], causing undetermined casualties on the side on the enemies,” Arrojado said, adding that the camp could accommodate 300.

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

CHA-CHA REFERENDUM PUSHED

By Maricel V. Cruz

A RESOLUTION calling for a referendum that will allow the electorate to decide on the proposed economic Charter Change through a constitutional convention has been filed at the House of Representatives.

Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog said he filed House Resolution 2384 in response to proposals from various sectors to amend or revise the 1987 Constitution “in order to cope with the growing demands of the modern times.”

He said a referendum is necessary “in order to resolve the issue on whether or not to amend or revise the Constitution, there is a need to consult the people directly by way of referendum and let their sovereign will prevail.”

Dalog, chairman of the House committee on North Luzon Growth, proposed the referendum to be held simultaneously with the national and local elections on May 9, 2016.

In the referendum, he said the people will be asked: “Do you want the 17th Congress to, within 90 days from the opening of its session, call for a constitutional convention that will be composed of elected and appointed delegates to propose amendments to, or revision of, the 1987 Constitution?”

If adopted by the House of Representatives, the resolution shall direct the Commission on

Elections to include the mentioned question on the ballot for the May 9, 2016 national elections, Dalog pointed out.

“There is likewise a clamor from the business sector to amend some of the economic provisions of our Constitution which are reasons why foreign investors are shying away from the Philippines, thereby greatly affecting our progress economically,” Dalog explained.

Dalog also cited Section 3, Art. XVIII of the l987 Constitution which provides that “the Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of all its members, call for a constitutional convention, or by a majority vote of all its members, submit to the electorate the question calling for such convention.”

The House earlier approved Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 on second reading and pending for third and final reading approval.

RBH No. 1 is eyeing to amend economic provisions on the 60-40 rule that limits foreign ownership of certain activities in the Philippines. At the Senate, Senator Ralph Recto filed his counterpart measure.

A TWINKLING CHRISTMAS TO YOU. A craftsman from San Juan City checks on the electric wiring of Christmas lanterns, locally called parol, he made and offers for sale along Ortigas Avenue. MANNY PALMERO

PALACE: AQUINO’S EUROPE TRIP ‘SUCCESSFUL’

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III arrived on Saturday from a European voyage to France, Italy and the Vatican City that the Palace described as “successful.”

Aquino attended the United Nations Climate Change Forum in Paris before proceeding to Rome for a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi before a side trip to the Vatican where he had a private audience with Pope Francis.

President Aquino also attended

the unveiling and blessing of the mosaic image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia at the Vatican Gardens President Aquino noted the good outcome of the climate change forum attended by 147 world leaders and his meetings with business leaders in France.

President Aquino also toured the 1,500-square-meter facility of Usine IO, a membership-based workshop in Paris dedicated to hardware technologies and startup assistance.

The facility serves as an innovation and hardware prototyping platform or launchpad for

hardware products like furniture, healthcare, and robotics.

During his meeting with Italian President Mattarella and Prime Minister Renzi, Aquino said the two officials support to the Mindanao peace process as well as the Philippine government’s position to solve the West Philippine Sea dispute.

The President said the Italian leaders expressed admiration to the Filipinos working in various sectors in Italy.

Aquino said that during his audience with Pope Francis, he assured the pope that the Filipino people love him so much.

After delivering his arrival speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Aquino witnessed the turnover of aircraft documents by the respective manufacturers to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and to Philippine Air Force commanding general, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado.

During the ceremony, Aquino poured champagne on the nose of the new air assets, which include two FA-50PH lead-in fighter jets, one C-295 medium lift aircraft, and six AgustaWestland AW-109E attack helicopters.

In his message, PAF chief Lt.

General Delgado said the new acquisitions are part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.

The two FA-50PH lead-in fighter jets are the first of the 12 fighter jets bought from the Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. The two aircraft arrived from South Korea last week. The 10 fighter jets are expected to be delivered by 2017.

The FA-50PH lead-in fighter jets, Delgado said, shall be employed to secure our land, airspace, and maritime territory, including the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

LABOR ALARMED BY HIV CASES

By Vito Barcelo

EXPRESS BUS SERVICE. An inspector of the Land Transportation

Franchising and Regulatory Board checks the fare matrix of the express bus service that the government will implement from Dec. 5 to Jan. 6 in a bid to help decongest traffic in Metro Manila. MANNY PALMERO

A LABOR group expressed alarm over the growing number of Filipinos infected with the deadly Human Immune Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome as it urged the government to execute a nationwide information program to fight the disease.

Associated Labor Unions national youth committee secretary general Jay Seno said that young union members from various industry sectors took a step forward by equipping themselves against the rising social menace.

The number of cases reported is increasing in recent years with a case per day in 2006 to 21 cases a day in March 2015.

“Most of those infected are

in the median age of 27 and the youngest is 14 years old with infection grew more than tenfold from 44 in 2006 to 995 in 2015 records from National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health show,” Seno said.

“It is indeed a cause of concern for many of us but we cannot afford to stand by and do nothing. We will band together to strengthen our thoughts in making the right choices by knowing what we are against. By knowing it within ourselves and sharing that information about HIV and AIDS to others now, we believe we are making a deterrent action against the increasing threat to our future,” Seno said.

The group asked the government to launch an effective infor-

mation program to stop the spread of the deadly HIV and AIDS. Young unionists from ALU’s transport, construction, banking, manufacturing textile, mining, food processing and electronics industries participated in a seminar with members from Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Pinoy Plus Advocates and ALU National Committee on Women, Department of Labor and Employment-Occupational Safety and Health Center organized by the Philippine National AIDS Council in a hotel in Quezon City.

The event provided understanding about information, prevention, treatment and the legal aspects about HIV and AIDS.

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

CALLING ON BATMAN TO EXPLAIN OUR DARK WORLD

[ EDI TORI A L ]

‘IN THE RIGHT’

By Stephen L. Carter BATMAN used to carry a gun. It’s true. Back in the 1930s, not only did he carry a gun, but he killed bad guys with it. The very first official “Batman” comic featured the Caped Crusader firing a machine gun. But the public grew uneasy. So the editors adopted a new rule: no guns for Batman. Bob Kane, the character’s co-creator, would later explain that his editors worried “that mothers would object to letting their kids see and read about such shootings.”

That tale from a simpler age comes to mind this week as, once more, we cringe at the ease with which carnage can be inflicted by a determined shooter. We’ve long passed the point when parents can shield their children from seeing and reading about horrific violence, whether or not inflicted by guns. And reports about violence—especially terrorism —frighten them. A lot.

If children are scared, what do we tell them?

Do we say, “Don’t worry, there’s no chance of a terror attack or a mass shooting in our neighborhood?” If we say it, do we believe it? Do the children believe it? Moral panics don’t lend themselves to rational analysis.

Do we say, “Despite what you might see on television, the rate of gun violence in the US is down?” I doubt that will do any good. Children are as vulnerable as anyone else to the availability heuristic—probably more so.

Do we say, “The government has matters in hand?” We can try, but we’d be lying. This is an era, after all, when the left thinks the problem is too many guns and the right thinks the problem is too many bad people, and we can’t even discuss policy without an eruption of mindless savagery in the Twitterverse. And most children, by a relatively young age, have likely heard enough political fury in their own homes to get the point that government isn’t working very well just now.

Do we say, “Let’s pray for the people who got hurt?” Well, if we happen to be praying people, we might try. But see the previous paragraph, about the mindless savagery of the Twitterverse: Apparently, people who don’t believe in the efficacy of prayer are really angry these days at people who do. (I’m betting the kids already know that, too.)

I don’t know the answer. Our children are grown now, but if they weren’t, I have no idea Continued on A6

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III made a few more stops in Europe after speaking in Paris at the 21st Conference of Parties where countries of the world are trying to hammer out a binding deal to curb greenhouse gas emissions. There, it was clear that he was speaking in his capacity as president of the Republic of the Philippines.

One of his destinations was Italy, where he used his opportunity to speak to Filipino migrants to campaign for the Liberal Party’s presidential bet, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. Mr. Aquino urged his listeners to scrutinize their options in the May 2016 elections. Without naming names, he talked about the candidate who has been accused of enriching himself for many years that his family was in power. He attacked another candidate who often criticized his administration, when her own ideas were raw and out of context.

Another presidential candidate vows to get rid of anyone who does not agree with him, and yet another wants to use social media to reach out to voters—as if merely using Facebook will feed all the hungry people in the country, the President said.

For Mr. Aquino, only Roxas is the candidate who can be taken seriously, and all the other candidates are caricatures. Only Roxas will be able to continue the reforms he has begun. The country is at the cusp of being a high-income economy. If we keep treading the straight and narrow path, he said, we should be a first-world country in a generation.

Why dare risk everything we had toiled for, he asked? Why step back when we have gained so much? Mr. Aquino unabashedly took credit for everything that has gone well in the country—the annual average economic growth, improved competitiveness ranking, increased foreign direct investments, and delivery of social programs.

“Tayo ang nasa tama (It is we who are in the right).”

We wonder whether the President got any goosebumps while he was uttering these words. We wonder whether the community he was speaking shook their heads in disbelief at the hubris of this man who, in his middle age, still cannot believe he can be inadequate, much less wrong.

Imagine mouthing off all these while neglecting the fact that he was on a trip as President of the country, not as stalwart of the Liberal Party. Perhaps he should have been reminded that he was traveling on the Filipino taxpayers’ dime and not the campaign contributions of Roxas’ supporters.

Then again, after five and a half years of the Aquino presidency, we have become used to his tirades on anybody who does not share his beliefs, who does not sport the same Yellow color, and who does not buy his self-aggrandizing pronouncements.

Most of these, however, have taken place here at home.

It is quite another level for the President to bring his inappropriate campaigning overseas, especially to the groups of Filipinos who had been pushed by lack of opportunity—a gap he had failed to narrow—to seek their fortunes abroad.

As the elections draw near and as he becomes more desperate to ensure that the next administration would not do to him what he has done to his immediate predecessor, we expect more unprecedented acts from Mr. Aquino. Indeed, he becomes less of a President a little more each day.

SETTING THEM UP

PARENTS are proud of their kids for various reasons. Some are very happy when their children get high honors in school. Some take pride in their children’s artistic or sports capabilities, by their gregariousness, politeness, good behavior—the fact that they do not bring home any trouble whatsoever.

I am proud of my own children— ages 21, 19, 15 and 13—for the above reasons, and one other thing: their independence.

We began a life of our own when

the eldest was 13, or over eight years ago. Since then, it became understood that I was in charge of running the household AND funding the household, such that I would have little energy to spare for each of their growing pains.

They would have to chip in.

Homework, for instance. Some of my friends sit down with their children every afternoon, going over their notes and ensuring that all assignments/projects are submitted on time.

Alas, I have not been blessed with the predisposition, and patience, to go over their day’s lessons, repeat what their teacher had said, and possibly answer any questions. At best, I can explain one process (so long as it’s not physics or serious math) and give

The real tricky part is knowing when to be there, and when to step back graciously.

a few exercises. English is a breeze, of course. On that one I am happy to dish out advice, solicited or not.

So, yes, the kids are left to fend for themselves, ask their older siblings,

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their classmates, or consult the Internet. What I emphasize is that the real learning lies on how one receives and processes information and then relates it to other concepts. Good grades would be welcome as well.

Household chores are a different challenge. Just this year, when we moved into a new location, we decided collegially that we did not need househelp anymore. We would each be responsible for our own personal spaces and exert extra effort to keep the common areas clean and livable. As for meals, my job was to make sure there was food inside the fridge or the cupboards and money for emergencies. The laundromat is a few minutes walk from where we live. To each his own, as well. Managing our own laundry has stressed the importance of planning, of stick-

ing to basics. It has proven more economical, too.

For me, though, the most visible manifestation of the kids’ independence is their ability to go places on their own. We don’t have a private vehicle so we are all essentially commuters. Near or far, the key points are: make an effort to know the streets, be alert to how the people around you are acting, and never appear clueless.

It is a good thing the oldest girl’s office is but a tricycle ride away. She’s been out of the country twice, on her own in the course of her work, and both times she has returned in one piece.

The second who plays bass for a band is out almost every night on gigs. He does not come back until dawn. When we used to live further north, I would always worry; now

that we live in Quezon City, it’s been easier. Often, he brings with him a friend or two. I do not mind at all, because this is how we get to know the people they spend time with when we are not with them.

The third is a tenth grader whose school is in Caloocan and who commutes to and from there every day. The travel has taken its toll on her energy and grades—but that’s a tradeoff. It was her choice to spend another year with her friends before moving to a different school for senior high. This is a roundabout but effective way to teach her

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about consequences.

Finally, the youngest boy. He spends his weekdays in his high school in Laguna and just comes home Friday afternoon for the weekend break. Sometimes, he enlists with the bus that would bring them to UP Diliman; from there he could just hail a cab and be home in a few minutes.

Sometimes, however, he wants to spend the rest of the day at my Makati office—“where the wifi is fast”—so we could come home together in the evening. He has also learned to travel on his own from the

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Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay to Makati. Thanks to GrabCar, most of the time, but he takes the train and sometimes a regular cab, too. He just updates me where he is and gives me references—plate number, taxi name, exact location— to allay my fears.

There are instances it does not all work out. Sometimes there is quibbling over chores. Sometimes there are tense moments when technology fails us and one cannot tell where a child is at any given time. I expect these things to happen, but I also expect them

to get corrected ASAP and not be allowed to happen again.

Our first instinct as parents is to protect our children and let no harm come to them. Imagine the guilt and the self blame should anything happen to them or should they make wrong decisions after we have allowed them to be on their own.

As we also go along, however, we begin to realize that protecting our children from external threats will only do them good to a certain point.

Do we want kids who would rely on us forever? Have no self-confidence

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

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

Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

at all in talking to others or asserting what they need or want?

The real tricky part is knowing when to be there, and when to step back graciously. We should, at the right time and even if we are scared to do it, allow them to go places, make mistakes, get lost and learn hard lessons on their own.

Ultimately our role is to be dispensable. We set them up so they can make sound decisions and be kind, compassionate, street smart people, even when we are no longer around to check on them. adellechua@gmail.com

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

S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

CALLING ON BATMAN TO EXPLAIN OUR DARK WORLD

[ EDI TORI A L ]

‘IN THE RIGHT’

By Stephen L. Carter BATMAN used to carry a gun. It’s true. Back in the 1930s, not only did he carry a gun, but he killed bad guys with it. The very first official “Batman” comic featured the Caped Crusader firing a machine gun. But the public grew uneasy. So the editors adopted a new rule: no guns for Batman. Bob Kane, the character’s co-creator, would later explain that his editors worried “that mothers would object to letting their kids see and read about such shootings.”

That tale from a simpler age comes to mind this week as, once more, we cringe at the ease with which carnage can be inflicted by a determined shooter. We’ve long passed the point when parents can shield their children from seeing and reading about horrific violence, whether or not inflicted by guns. And reports about violence—especially terrorism —frighten them. A lot.

If children are scared, what do we tell them?

Do we say, “Don’t worry, there’s no chance of a terror attack or a mass shooting in our neighborhood?” If we say it, do we believe it? Do the children believe it? Moral panics don’t lend themselves to rational analysis.

Do we say, “Despite what you might see on television, the rate of gun violence in the US is down?” I doubt that will do any good. Children are as vulnerable as anyone else to the availability heuristic—probably more so.

Do we say, “The government has matters in hand?” We can try, but we’d be lying. This is an era, after all, when the left thinks the problem is too many guns and the right thinks the problem is too many bad people, and we can’t even discuss policy without an eruption of mindless savagery in the Twitterverse. And most children, by a relatively young age, have likely heard enough political fury in their own homes to get the point that government isn’t working very well just now.

Do we say, “Let’s pray for the people who got hurt?” Well, if we happen to be praying people, we might try. But see the previous paragraph, about the mindless savagery of the Twitterverse: Apparently, people who don’t believe in the efficacy of prayer are really angry these days at people who do. (I’m betting the kids already know that, too.)

I don’t know the answer. Our children are grown now, but if they weren’t, I have no idea Continued on A6

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III made a few more stops in Europe after speaking in Paris at the 21st Conference of Parties where countries of the world are trying to hammer out a binding deal to curb greenhouse gas emissions. There, it was clear that he was speaking in his capacity as president of the Republic of the Philippines.

One of his destinations was Italy, where he used his opportunity to speak to Filipino migrants to campaign for the Liberal Party’s presidential bet, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. Mr. Aquino urged his listeners to scrutinize their options in the May 2016 elections. Without naming names, he talked about the candidate who has been accused of enriching himself for many years that his family was in power. He attacked another candidate who often criticized his administration, when her own ideas were raw and out of context.

Another presidential candidate vows to get rid of anyone who does not agree with him, and yet another wants to use social media to reach out to voters—as if merely using Facebook will feed all the hungry people in the country, the President said.

For Mr. Aquino, only Roxas is the candidate who can be taken seriously, and all the other candidates are caricatures. Only Roxas will be able to continue the reforms he has begun. The country is at the cusp of being a high-income economy. If we keep treading the straight and narrow path, he said, we should be a first-world country in a generation.

Why dare risk everything we had toiled for, he asked? Why step back when we have gained so much? Mr. Aquino unabashedly took credit for everything that has gone well in the country—the annual average economic growth, improved competitiveness ranking, increased foreign direct investments, and delivery of social programs.

“Tayo ang nasa tama (It is we who are in the right).”

We wonder whether the President got any goosebumps while he was uttering these words. We wonder whether the community he was speaking shook their heads in disbelief at the hubris of this man who, in his middle age, still cannot believe he can be inadequate, much less wrong.

Imagine mouthing off all these while neglecting the fact that he was on a trip as President of the country, not as stalwart of the Liberal Party. Perhaps he should have been reminded that he was traveling on the Filipino taxpayers’ dime and not the campaign contributions of Roxas’ supporters.

Then again, after five and a half years of the Aquino presidency, we have become used to his tirades on anybody who does not share his beliefs, who does not sport the same Yellow color, and who does not buy his self-aggrandizing pronouncements.

Most of these, however, have taken place here at home.

It is quite another level for the President to bring his inappropriate campaigning overseas, especially to the groups of Filipinos who had been pushed by lack of opportunity—a gap he had failed to narrow—to seek their fortunes abroad.

As the elections draw near and as he becomes more desperate to ensure that the next administration would not do to him what he has done to his immediate predecessor, we expect more unprecedented acts from Mr. Aquino. Indeed, he becomes less of a President a little more each day.

SETTING THEM UP

PARENTS are proud of their kids for various reasons. Some are very happy when their children get high honors in school. Some take pride in their children’s artistic or sports capabilities, by their gregariousness, politeness, good behavior—the fact that they do not bring home any trouble whatsoever.

I am proud of my own children— ages 21, 19, 15 and 13—for the above reasons, and one other thing: their independence.

We began a life of our own when

the eldest was 13, or over eight years ago. Since then, it became understood that I was in charge of running the household AND funding the household, such that I would have little energy to spare for each of their growing pains.

They would have to chip in.

Homework, for instance. Some of my friends sit down with their children every afternoon, going over their notes and ensuring that all assignments/projects are submitted on time.

Alas, I have not been blessed with the predisposition, and patience, to go over their day’s lessons, repeat what their teacher had said, and possibly answer any questions. At best, I can explain one process (so long as it’s not physics or serious math) and give

The real tricky part is knowing when to be there, and when to step back graciously.

a few exercises. English is a breeze, of course. On that one I am happy to dish out advice, solicited or not.

So, yes, the kids are left to fend for themselves, ask their older siblings,

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their classmates, or consult the Internet. What I emphasize is that the real learning lies on how one receives and processes information and then relates it to other concepts. Good grades would be welcome as well.

Household chores are a different challenge. Just this year, when we moved into a new location, we decided collegially that we did not need househelp anymore. We would each be responsible for our own personal spaces and exert extra effort to keep the common areas clean and livable. As for meals, my job was to make sure there was food inside the fridge or the cupboards and money for emergencies. The laundromat is a few minutes walk from where we live. To each his own, as well. Managing our own laundry has stressed the importance of planning, of stick-

ing to basics. It has proven more economical, too.

For me, though, the most visible manifestation of the kids’ independence is their ability to go places on their own. We don’t have a private vehicle so we are all essentially commuters. Near or far, the key points are: make an effort to know the streets, be alert to how the people around you are acting, and never appear clueless.

It is a good thing the oldest girl’s office is but a tricycle ride away. She’s been out of the country twice, on her own in the course of her work, and both times she has returned in one piece.

The second who plays bass for a band is out almost every night on gigs. He does not come back until dawn. When we used to live further north, I would always worry; now

that we live in Quezon City, it’s been easier. Often, he brings with him a friend or two. I do not mind at all, because this is how we get to know the people they spend time with when we are not with them.

The third is a tenth grader whose school is in Caloocan and who commutes to and from there every day. The travel has taken its toll on her energy and grades—but that’s a tradeoff. It was her choice to spend another year with her friends before moving to a different school for senior high. This is a roundabout but effective way to teach her

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about consequences.

Finally, the youngest boy. He spends his weekdays in his high school in Laguna and just comes home Friday afternoon for the weekend break. Sometimes, he enlists with the bus that would bring them to UP Diliman; from there he could just hail a cab and be home in a few minutes.

Sometimes, however, he wants to spend the rest of the day at my Makati office—“where the wifi is fast”—so we could come home together in the evening. He has also learned to travel on his own from the

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Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay to Makati. Thanks to GrabCar, most of the time, but he takes the train and sometimes a regular cab, too. He just updates me where he is and gives me references—plate number, taxi name, exact location— to allay my fears.

There are instances it does not all work out. Sometimes there is quibbling over chores. Sometimes there are tense moments when technology fails us and one cannot tell where a child is at any given time. I expect these things to happen, but I also expect them

to get corrected ASAP and not be allowed to happen again.

Our first instinct as parents is to protect our children and let no harm come to them. Imagine the guilt and the self blame should anything happen to them or should they make wrong decisions after we have allowed them to be on their own.

As we also go along, however, we begin to realize that protecting our children from external threats will only do them good to a certain point.

Do we want kids who would rely on us forever? Have no self-confidence

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

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at all in talking to others or asserting what they need or want?

The real tricky part is knowing when to be there, and when to step back graciously. We should, at the right time and even if we are scared to do it, allow them to go places, make mistakes, get lost and learn hard lessons on their own.

Ultimately our role is to be dispensable. We set them up so they can make sound decisions and be kind, compassionate, street smart people, even when we are no longer around to check on them. adellechua@gmail.com

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

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Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

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S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

TURKEY AND RUSSIA: STILL UNEASY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

By Stuart Williams ISTANBUL—At first glance, the black railings around the Transfiguration Cathedral in a quiet square in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg look like nothing extraordinary. But closer inspection reveals something else. The fence posts are not all standard metal bars but the largest are 19th century cannons, standing vertically and linked by chains.

These cannons were captured by the Russian imperial army from Ottoman Turkish forces in the Russo-Turkish War in 18281829 and later put to good use as trophies around the church and a symbol of Russian military might against Turkey. To this day, in the middle of this nordic city which spends half its year covered in a veil of snow, traces of the Ottoman calligraphic script can still be seen on the cannons.

It’s a stark reminder that the Ottoman and Russian Empires spent much of the last half millennium at war. The Russo-Turkish wars that started in the late sixteenth century and the Crimean War from 1853-1856 are etched into the modern public consciousness. Not to mention the so-called “Tatar-yoke” of medieval times when ancient Russia was ruled

by Mongol-backed Turkic Tatars. The current flaring of tensions between Russia and Turkey following the shooting down of a Russian warplane on the Syrian border is, historically, no flash in the pan but the latest dramatic confrontation between two powers who have constantly clashed for regional hegemony.

But for most of the over five years I spent as a correspondent in Moscow from 2008-2014 and in Istanbul since 2014, cooperation was the watchword in relations between Russia and Turkey. Disputes were set aside as officials rushed in and out to sign deals on trade and energy.

The warming of ties was based on a strong personal relationship between the countries’ two strongmen, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, leaders who have striking similarities. Now both in their early sixties, they are steering post-imperial societies into what supporters claim is a new dawn of stability and what critics believe is a step back to the authoritarianism of the past. They have held both the posts of premier and head of state in order to cling on to power and make displays of political virility a key part of their image. Both also faced down unprecedented protests that challenged their rule—Erdogan in 2013 and Putin in 2011-2012.

In one memorable episode in October 2009, Erdogan took part in a blokely con-

EVERYMAN

By Angel Tugado FOR those unfamiliar with the style of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, he may come across as not only “unpresidential” but a madman with expletives spicing his bluster as when he boasts of having no qualms eating human body parts with just a pinch of salt.

Could it be sheer insanity, or, to borrow a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet in trying to gain insights into the psyche of the man, is there a “method to his madness?”

Are all the tough talks, profanity, vulgarity, and bizarreness simply part of a plan to keep him in the public radar? Are all these meant to make political rivals wary of pouncing on him?

What could be the underlying reasons for all the bravado and seeming craziness?

Duterte diehards certainly do not think he was out of his mind when he cursed Pope Francis on Nov. 30. And I can believe him when Duterte said it was just a “slip of the tongue” and that he did not really intend to badmouth the Vicar of Christ.

After all, no serious presidential contender could be so horribly idiotic as to deliber-

ference call with Putin and his top buddy, ex-Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, where the three discussed football and energy pipelines. It seemed Erdogan, then premier, had become part of Putin’s macho boys club.

The relationship reached its peak in December 2014 when Putin was invited to Erdogan’s glitzy new presidential palace as one of the very first visitors. We expected the ensuing press conference to produce the

came clear that the worst had happened as the various elements of the story were confirmed one by one.

Aircraft shot down by Turkish forces. A manned war plane. Moscow confirms one of its planes. Turkey says there were 10 violations within a five-minute period. Both pilots ejected, one killed (the circumstances remain unclear) and the other rescued.

Russia, so often accused of being the ag-

Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Russia’s Vladimir Putin in happier times, July 2012. AFP

usual boilerplate official message of expanding bilateral ties while the more interesting behind-the-scenes dealing was kept secret.

Instead, we scrambled as Putin emerged and stunningly announced that Russia was ditching a project for a major new energy pipeline with several EU companies and instead would work with Turkey on a new pipeline inevitably baptized Turk Stream.

But when the unravelling came, it was sudden and definitive.

Ever since Russia began its air campaign in Syria in September, there had been fears of a mid-skies incident with a NATO member. But not even the greatest Cassandras among analysts and media seriously believed it would happen. At the end of October, there was excitement when Turkey announced it had shot down an aircraft that violated its airspace. But it turned out that the object was simply a drone (albeit Russian-made) that pictures showed was a little bigger than a hobby enthusiast’s model aircraft. The story was rapidly forgotten.

On the morning of Nov. 24, it rapidly be-

gressor, could paint itself as the victim and the Kremlin reaction was incandescent.

Almost 4.5 million Russians visited Turkey in 2014. For most of them, the Syrian war and niceties of Ankara-Moscow diplomatic relations were remote concerns.

Charter flights would bring in thousands of Russians daily to the Turkish Mediterranean resorts, not just from Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but direct from cities in the Urals and Siberia to find some respite from the Russian weather.

They never dreamed of becoming bucketand-spade weapons in a diplomatic conflict.

But this was what they became when Russia’s foreign ministry swiftly warned its citizens not to travel to Turkey, prompting Russian tour agencies to stop selling tours and at a stroke denying the Turkish tourism industry its key market.

To hammer the final nail, Moscow announced it was lifting the visa-free regime for Turks whose announcement in 2010 and taking effect the following year had been seen as a direct product of the strong relationship between Erdogan and Putin. AFP

CALLING... From A5 how my wife and I would explain the state of the world to them. We’d do our best to reassure them—we are praying people; erupt in the comments as you like—but we would also understand that our best efforts would be unlikely to fully quiet their fears. Our Connecticut home is half an hour’s drive from Newtown.

Studies of children in areas where terrorism is far more common than in the US tell us that many develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress even when they themselves do not directly witness terror attacks. Some work suggests that the children who do best are those whose families maintain their routines. Parents from parts of the world sundered by violence have told me they do exactly that.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in its fact sheet on how to talk to children about terrorism, reminds us that young people “will usually know if you’re not being honest” and also advises, in words unintentionally chilling, “don’t make unrealistic promises.” (So maybe we should stop pretending to believe that bombing in Iraq and Syria will make Islamic State disappear.) The fact sheet adds a reminder that children will learn how to deal with their fears largely by watching how we deal with ours. Yet they are surely waiting for grown-ups to do something. (And, no, calling each other nasty names for disagreeing on exactly which something we should do doesn’t count.)

The trouble is, we don’t know quite what to do. Whether facing acts of terror inspired abroad or mass murders concocted at home, we spend a lot of time flinging charges and wringing hands. The United States does not seem terribly confident just now. Our children must sense the uneasiness of the generation that’s running things—and be made uneasy by it in turn.

Which brings us back to Batman.

The Caped Crusader, says Will Brooker in “Batman Unmasked: Analyzing a Cultural Icon,” has always been more fluid than other comic book heroes. He’s undergone dramatic shifts in character to reflect the public sensibility of the moment. In World War II, he fought the Axis powers. During the Cold War, he often battled communist spies. He went from using guns to throwing baddies off buildings to refusing to kill. For a long time, the writers emphasized his superior intelligence, so that he did not so much outfight the bad guys as outthink them.

In his latest incarnation, the Batman of the graphic novels has become a dark, brooding, violent character, much like the original. That first Batman appeared when criminal gangs were rampant in many cities and the shadow of fascism loomed over Europe. People were scared. They wanted a superhero who’d protect them by any means necessary.

We’re scared today, too. If we could bring one of those many Batmen to life, I wonder which we’d choose. Bloomberg

DUTERTE CURSING POPE FRANCIS: MADNESS OR METHOD? ately risk losing support of the reported six million Filipinos who waited since the wee morning hours, suffered the humidity or rains as they lined Metro Manila streets and gathered at Luneta in January, just to get a fleeting glimpse of Christ’s living symbol on earth.

Could it be that Duterte is simply unaccustomed to the kind of hardships—presumably rare in Davao City—that people in Metro Manila experience to profess their faith? Surely, his being stuck in traffic for five hours that he needs to pee inside his vehicle is no joke. And many, especially senior citizens, can relate to that.

But with all the warnings of road closures and detour plans repeatedly publicized weeks before the Pope’s visit, Duterte had ample time to make travel adjustments. It was not like Pope Francis arrived unannounced and people were all caught by surprise.

If Duterte got so irritated by traffic grinding to a halt—though it’s really understand-

able that five hours can be so terrible if one was not prepared for it—many wonder what his reaction would be if ever he got caught in the midst of a Nazareno procession that can last four times longer or about 21 hours.

Duterte said he’s concerned about the hardships people have to endure. But Catholics know that suffering is precisely what also defines the Christian faith as devout followers of Christ have to “bear their cross.”

Can the faithful in this predominantly Catholic nation, who gladly endured lots of sacrifices while Pope Francis was in Metro Manila and Tacloban, easily forgive Duterte’s faux pas even without a sincere public apology or genuine expression of contriteness?

Many believe Duterte is lucky Filipino Catholics are generally meek and mild, just as Pope Francis is the epitome of kindness and humility.

Had Duterte offended the sensibilities of extremists in other religions, retaliation could be swift, brutal, relentless, and even more ruthless than he can ever be.

That his ire was actually directed at government’s handling of the Papal visit, and not intended to besmirch or ridicule the Pontiff, might be acceptable. But to deny that Duterte cursed the Pope or that he was taken out of context as his apologists want people to believe—despite YouTube videos on him uttering the uncensored profanity and with published articles containing a transcript of his actual words and expletive—is to add insult to injury.

Such reminds me of Don Michael Corleone in The Godfather telling Carlo Rizzi, his brother-in-law whom he ordered liquidated, that he has to answer for a wrongdoing: “Just don’t tell me you’re innocent… because it insults my intelligence… it makes me very angry.”

(Angel Tugado is a veteran journalist having written for Manila-based national newspapers since the 80s after finishing his studies at San Sebastian College. He has also served as adviser to several senators, provincial governors, and two DILG heads.)

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

HOUSE PRESSES FOR SENATE ACTION

By Maricel V. Cruz

A LAWMAKER has complained about the Senate’s inaction to a measure that will provide relief and protection for children in times of calamity, disaster and other emergency situations.

Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap was referring to House Bill 5285 or the “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act” which had already been approved by the House of Representatives, transmitted and received

by the Senate in January 2015.

“I am appealing to the Senate to consider the adoption and approval of House Bill 5285 to be signed by President Benigno Aquino, in time for the 21st Conference of Parties

NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY Region 9 Western Mindanao, Zamboanga City

REGIONAL BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE Ref : Invitation to Bid of the Contract for the Re-roofing & Repair of 50TCC Warehouse Including Provision of WS II Office and Partial Reconcreting of Damaged Roadway at NFA Compound, Brgy.

Taway, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Construction of Retaining Wall Behind Storage Room Building at NFA, Dipolog City; Total Replacement of Louver Screen Including Repainting of 50TCC Warehouse at NFA, Zamboanga City CHANGE OF SCHEDULE

for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in France starting Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, 2015,” Yap, member for the majority bloc of the House committee on women and gender equality, said.

Yap, the principal author of the measure, cited a recent United Nations report that nearly 690 million of the world’s 2.3 billion children live in areas most exposed to climate change, facing higher rates of death, poverty and diseases from global warming.

“According to the report of the United Nations Children’s Fund titled ‘Unless We Act Now’ additional 160 million children are growing up in areas suffering severe droughts, mostly in Africa,” she said.

“The number of children exposed to climate risk is alarming, and the impact of droughts on agriculture is leading to malnutrition and death among infants and young children,”

Yap added.

Yap also emphasized the children’s exposure to diseases that could become deadlier as a result of climate change and rising temperatures, such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea and malnutrition.

Under HB5285, a comprehensive emergency program for children shall be formulated and implemented including the establishment of a shelter for displaced families.

The measure also requires concerned agency immediate delivery of basic necessities and services, timely delivery of health and medical services, promotion of children’s rights, and stronger measures to ensure safety and security of affected children.

The bill regulates the use of schools as evacuation centers to help ensure a prompt resumption of educational services for children.

The bill provides rules on

children separated from their families, data gathering and reporting, system of restoring legal documents, training of first responders, and heightened surveillance against child trafficking, child labor, child prostitution and violence on children, in times of emergencies and disasters.

The measure also mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Education, Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Nutrition Council and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for implementation of the proposed law.

In the Senate, Yap said similar measures on protecting children during emergencies have also been filed: Senate Bills 2446, 2448, 2487, 2502, 2718, and 2906.

Schedule of bidding activities relative to the bidding of the abovecaptioned contracts as follows in order to ensure availability of BAC Members: DATE/DEADLINE ACTIVITY FROM TO OPENING OF ELIGIBILITY AND BID Dec. 14, 2015 Dec. 16, 2015 DOCUMENTS 10:01AM 2:01 PM This shall form an integral part of the Bid Documents.

For guidance and information of all concerned.

GAUDENCIO S. NUEGA, JR. Asst. Regional Director/ BAC-IX Chairman

The New Standard – Dec. 6, 2015

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President National Irrigation Administration (PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) Interim Eastern-Western Samar Irrigation Management Office Catbalogan City INVITATION TO BID NO. 07-2015 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Interim Eastern-Western Samar Irrigation Management Office, Catbalogan City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contracts. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

ITEM/DESCRIPTION

Approved Budget for the Contract (Php)

Duration

Cost of Bidding Documents

1. Gandara IP-Pologon-L-01-2015 Construction of Irrigation Facilities of Gandara IP-Pologon Area Gandara, Samar

7,843,179.16

180 cd

₱10,000.00

2. Gandara IP-Pologon-L-02-2015 Construction of Irrigation Facilities of Gandara IP-Pologon Area Gandara, Samar

7,963,532.90

180 cd

₱10,000.00

3. Gandara IP-Pologon-L-03-2015 Construction of Irrigation Facilities of Gandara IP-Pologon Area Gandara, Samar

8,085,794.61

180 cd

₱10,000.00

4. Gandara IP-Pologon-L-04-2015 Construction of Irrigation Facilities of Gandara IP-Pologon Area Gandara, Samar

8,439,258.14

180 cd

₱10,000.00

5. Gandara IP-Pologon-L-05-2015 Construction of Irrigation Facilities of Gandara IP-Pologon Area Gandara, Samar

7,918,142.53

180 cd

₱10,000.00

6. Gandara IP-Pologon-L-06-2015 Construction of Irrigation Facilities of Gandara IP-Pologon Area Gandara, Samar

7,564,935.34

180 cd

₱10,000.00

7. Cabikahan-Dinabongan CIP-L-01-2016 Construction of Canal Lining & Terminal Facilities Calbayog City, Samar

3,384,674.07

120 cd

₱5,000.00

8. Casandig CIP-L-01-2016 Construction of Canal Lining, Canal Structures & Terminal Facilities Paranas, Samar

8,393,777.07

180 cd

₱10,000.00

9. Sigo CIP-L-01-2016 Construction of Canal Lining, Canal Structures & Terminal Facilities Calbayog City, Samar

10,998,245.04

180 cd

₱25,000.00

10. Aroganga CIP-L-01-2016 Construction of Diversion Works Aroganga, Dolores, Eastern Samar

8,460,000.00

180 cd

₱10,000.00

The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184) otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

The prospective bidders must secure an Affidavit of Site Inspection and Certificate of Inspection before the purchase of bid documents.

Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm.

The pre-bid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the bid documents. No more sale of bid documents after pre-bidding conference in order for the bidders to submit a highly technical and educated bid.

The Schedule of BAC Activities are as follows: BAC Activities Schedule Time 1. Issuance of Bid Documents Starting Dec. 3, 2015 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

2. Pre-bid Conference December 9, 2015 10:00 a.m.

3. Receipt and Opening of Bids December 17, 2015 09:00 a.m.

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents to eligible bidders from the address above and upon payment of non-refundable amount of Php10,000.00 for Gandara IP and Casandig CIP, Php5,000.00 for Cabikahan-Dinabongan CIP and Php25,000.00 for Sigo CIP to the Cashier.

For qualified/eligible bidders, please take note that after qualified bidders has been determined, we prefer cash bond, cashier’s or manager’s check and bank guarantee with the amount equivalent to two (2%) percent of the ABC of the contract as Bid Security.

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

Noted: SGD. ALEJANDRO C. CULIBAR, D.M. Officer In-Charge

CINDERELLA’S DELIGHT. Workers prepare the giant shoes for the annual parade in Marikina City on

Saturday. MANNY PALMERO

SGD. RIZALINA B. GALLARDE BAC Chairman

(TS-DEC. 6, 2015)

DISASTER READINESS HIGH ON MANILA’S 10-PT AGENDA

By Joel E. Zurbano MANILA has made what a local official calls adequate preparations in the event a powerful earthquake hits the National Capital Region.

Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study of 2004 showed that Manila was among the cities in the NCR identified as vulnerable sites in case a nighttime 7.2 magnitude quake strikes with an estimated 6,200 fatalities and 21,000 injured.

Through the initiative of Mayor Joseph Estrada, Manila came up with a contingency plans and disaster-readiness measure to prevent or lessen the number of casualties.

“Mayor Estrada’s directive is for all of us to do our best to achieve a zero casualty situation or at least minimize the number of casualties in the event of earthquake and oth-

er calamities. We are thus exerting all efforts toward that goal,” said Johnny Yu, officer-in-charge of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The risks in Manila, Yu explained, are particularly bigger given that the city is low-lying as compared to sea level and is even sitting beside the Manila Bay, densely-populated, and is located at the center of the West Valley Fault and the Manila Trench.

“In the previous administrations, there was no disaster risk reduction management office.

There is none in the local govenment unit, even in the barangay level. The local officials then were merely relying on volunteers,” he said.

Yu said disaster preparedness is among the 10-point agenda of the city government, adding that when Estrada assumed office in 2013, he

instituted various measures, the most important of which was the setting-up and activation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Estrada provided budgetary support to the office, established a broad network of preparation and response units down to the barangay level, upgraded the necessary equipage, gave specialty trainings for crisis personnel, and increased public awareness and citizen involvement during emergency, among others,” Yu said.

Reports showed that the strongest tremor that affected Manila in recent years was the magnitude 7.8 earthquake of July 1990, which impacted heavily on major areas of Luzon such as Dagupan City, Baguio City, Cabanatuan City and Metro Manila, killing at least 1,621 people and leaving at least P10 billion worth of damage in infrastructures and properties.

CYAN MAGENTA YELL

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SUNDAY: DECEMBER 6, 2015

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘BIGGEST RED TIDE BLOOM’

By Mel Caspe

EASTERN Visayas is threatened by what the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources describes as the biggest red tide bloom that has not been seen in more than three decades.

BFAR regional director Juan Albaladejo said the prolonged dry season this year and sudden downpour caused the bloom in eight bays and coastal waters, considered as the region’s major source of shellfish.

“If you’re to an aerial view of Samar Sea up to Biliran Sea, the color of water turned to copper red with a depth of six to nine meters, stretching to a kilometer from the shoreline. This is the most widespread occurrence since 1983,” Albaladejo said.

The discoloration of seawater is

triggered by massive population growth of few species of a type of algae that produce toxins.

Since mid-October, BFAR has been raising alert over Carigara Bay in Carigara, Barugo, San Miguel, Capoocan, and Leyte towns in Leyte province; Biliran Strait in Naval, Caibiran, Cabucgayan, Culaba, Kawayan, and Almeria in Biliran province; and coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte.

Red tide alert is also up over Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan, Samar; Irong Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar; Villareal Bay

in Villareal, Samar; and Maqueda Bay in Jiabong, Catbalogan City, Motiong, Paranas, Pinabacdao, Hinabangan, San Sebastian, and Calbiga, Samar.

“The red tide occurrence has affected the livelihood of thousands of fishermen, but we have to strictly impose shellfish ban to safeguard public health,” said BFAR. Since mid-November, the toxin found in shellfish harvested from contaminated bays, has already killed a seven-year-old boy and downed 22 others in Leyte and Biliran provinces, according to the Department of Health.

The boy from the coastal San Mateo village in Carigara, Leyte succumbed on Nov. 30 after eating univalve shellfish harvested from the bay contaminated with algae.

The other six members of his family also manifested symptoms

of paralytic shellfish poisoning, but survived, according to DOH Eastern Visayas regional director Minerva Molon.

In San Mateo village alone, red tide has downed 16 people.

The nearby village of Minuhang in Barugo town has recorded four cases of poisoning with one victim still confined at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in this city.

Two victims were also downed on Nov. 28 in Naval, Biliran or a week after BFAR issued a shellfish bulletin, placing Biliran Strait as red tide-affected area.

All victims have experienced vomiting, dizziness, numbness of extremities, and paralysis.

Molon said that one mortality is very alarming considering that there have been repeated warnings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

CARING. Pagcor assistant VP for Corporate Communications and Services Maricar Bautista spearheads the distribution of Christmas gift packs to the elderly at Graces-DSWD during the 5th day of the state-run gaming firm’s Pamaskong Handog gift-giving event in Quezon City.

PH-AUSSIE TIES REACH 7OTH YEAR QANTAS is participating in the 70th anniversary celebration of Philippine-Australian diplomatic relations. The sixmonth long festivities kicked off recently with the opening of a photo exhibit, which coincided with the Australian flag carrier’s 65th anniversary in the Philippines.

For its contribution to the travel and tourism industry, Qantas is included in the photo exhibit, titled “The Philippines and Australia: The First 70 Years.”

The exhibit opened at The Manila Peninsula with Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis leading the guests. It will be brought around Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao starting next month and will run till May 2016.

Benjamin Tan, Qantas Regional general manager, shared the company’s enthusiasm for its historical roots in growing the Philippines’ international travel offerings.

“Qantas is proud of its role in connecting the Philippines and Australia, creating a gateway for business opportunities, education travel, and tourism. The aviation industry is more important than ever as worldwide tourism to the Philippines has increased 24 percent since 2014,” he said in a statement.

Qantas’ first commercial flights to the Philippines began in 1950 using DC-4 aircraft, operating twice a week.

Today, Qantas operates Manila-Sydney services four times a week, with a fifth service added starting this week, operated by an Airbus A330.

PAGCOR SPREADS LOVE TO THE ELDERLY

EXPRESSING its support to the abandoned and aging sector of the society, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. spread Christmas cheers to the senior citizens who are under the care of the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (Graces) in Quezon City during the fifth day of the state-run gaming agency Pamaskong Handog 2015.

Pagcor hosted a Christmas party for some 180 elderly housed at Graces residential facility on Dec. 4, 2015. A noche buena gift pack containing Christmas goodies like ham, cheese, pasta, cookies and other grocery items were given away to the delight of the senior citizens.

Apart from the gift packs, Pagcor also donated assorted grocery items, bedsheets and 20 wheelchairs to the institution.

The Christmas party was made more festive with the performances of The Voice Season 2 Grand

Finalist Bradley Holmes, Pagcor in-house artist Eboy Quizol and the Pagcor Voice Symphony.

Pagcor assistant vice president for Corporate Communications and Services Department Maricar Bautista who spearheaded the gift-giving event said the Pamaskong Handog Project which started in 2010 is one of Pagcor ways of giving back to the society.

He want to spread happiness and share the blessings that we received with all of you this Christmas season. We hope that with our Christmas presents and program prepared especially for this occasion, you will all have a joyful and meaningful celebration of the yuletide season this year, Bautista said in her welcome remarks.

Natividad Canlas, assistant regional director for Administration of DSWD-NCR, expressed her gratitude to Pagcor for choosing their institution as one of the

recipients of Pamaskong Handog 2015. The heart of Christmas is Jesus and during this season, we are reminded that we are here for a reason. We thank you Pagcor for your big heart, especially for reaching out to our elderly clients this Christmas. We hope to have more future collaborations with you, she said.

Lolo Pedro (not his real name) was moved to tears when Pagcor started giving away Christmas presents to them. He will be spending his second Christmas in Graces this year. “Ayoko sana i-celebrate ang Pasko dahil hindi ko naman kasama ang pamilya ko pero salamat pa rin sa inyo dahil dinalaw ninyo kami at pinasaya,” he emotionally said.

Formerly known as Golden Acres under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Graces was established on Sept. 25, 2012 as a referral center and temporary shelter for abandoned, lost, unattached and neglected elderly.

TWO FOOTBRIDGES AT NLEX KARUHATAN. Manila North Tollways Corp.

president Rodrigo E. Franco and Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian (2nd and 3rd from left) flash the “Vs” sign as they lead the opening of two footbridges at the NLEX Segment 9 with MNTC and Valenzuela City officials. The two overhead structures offer safe passage for pedestrians crossing the MacArthur Highway and M. Antonio Street in Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. “These two footbridges assure the safety of residents in our host communities. Such safety is part of our responsibility in building and maintaining world-class expressways,” said Franco. The newly constructed walkways are made of steel and are equipped with efficient lights to guide pedestrians during the night. They are enclosed for the safety of pedestrians and are multi-level to suit the elevation of NLEX Segment 10. Segment 10 is a 5.65-kilometer all-elevated roadway that begins at MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela, and will proceed to Malabon and C3 road in Caloocan extending to Road 10 in Navotas.

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 6, 2015

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

BUSINESS

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EMC FILIPINO MANAGER

BULLISH AMID BIG MERGER

RONNIE Latinazo, the long-time Filipino executive of data storage provider EMC Corp., felt excited when he heard that Dell Inc. signed a $67-billion deal to acquire EMC.

Latinazo, who has been leading EMC Philippines as country manager for 15 years now, says while the company he works for is the subject of the acquisition, the deal will create the world’s largest technology behemoth with combined annual revenues of $80 billion that will “serve end to end of the market.”

The merger of the two US computer manufacturers is expected to be felt globally, including in the Philippines, where both Dell and EMC have strong presence in the consumer and enterprise segments.

“It is potentially the biggest acquisition in the history of IT [information technology]. The deal is valued at $67 billion,” he says. The combined entity will compete with the likes of IBM, HP and Oracle in the server and storage space, including the now popular cloud infrastructure, which simply means the Internet.

Latinazo started his career in the IT sector as an IBM systems engineer handling technical accounts and rose from the ranks to become the general manager for the communication sector of IBM in Southeast Asia.

He joined EMC as the first country manager in the Philippines with only three employees 15 years ago. EMC now has close to 100 employees in the country, in various functions from sales to channels management to project delivery to post-sales support.

While EMC is the subject of Dell’s acquisition, Latinazo remains bullish on the company’s operations in the country, as more details of the world’s largest IT merger are unwrapped.

Personal computer maker Dell announced on Oct. 12 a $67-billion deal, where founder Michael Dell, MSD Partners and Silver Lake will acquire EMC, while maintaining EMC subsidiary VMware as a publiclytraded company. EMC, after the acquisition from shareholders, will go private.

The merger is expected to complement the computing, storage and server businesses of both companies in many markets, including the Philippines,

EMC Philippines country manager Ronnie Latinazo where EMC has the leading position in the network attached storage sector, which refers to large computer devices that store and share data for multiple computers and that can be accessed remotely. EMC is known for scale-out NAS, where the disk space can be expanded as needed.

Latinazo says while final details of the merger are still up in the air, he believes that EMC will be appreciated by the new management for its strong presence in the enterprise market, referring to the client base of big companies.

“It all depends on Michael Dell’s strategy when he steps in as CEO. To us, it is really exciting. In the Philippines, we are strong in the enterprise, the top 200 enterprises, that is really our market,” Latinazo says in a news briefing in Makati City during the launch of the next generation of EMC Isilon scale-out

If the merger happens, we will be the largest privately owned technology company globally, estimated to be worth $80 billion [in annual revenues]. Together, we will become a stronger player in the market.

NAS Data Lake, which includes new products, features and capabilities that allow enterprises to scale easily to edge locations as well as to public clouds.

The enterprise segment includes the top corporations, many of them publicly listed.

It also includes organizations, government agencies and institutions that have hundreds, if not thousands of employees.

“If the merger happens, we will be the largest privately owned technology company globally, estimated to be worth $80 billion [in annual revenues].

Together, we will become a stronger player in the market,” he says.

EMC is a world leader in managing data lakes, or large repository of data and counts among its clients telecom companies,

banks, major retailers, manufacturing companies, utilities, transport companies, business process outsourcing establishments and government institutions.

Latinazo, an Economics graduate from the University of the Philippines, says EMC serves more than 200 customers in the Philippines, including the major telecom providers. The DellEMC deal is expected to be completed by the late second quarter or early third quarter next year.

“Until then, everything is business as usual for Dell and EMC,” he says.

EMC chief executive Joseph Tucci will continue to run EMC until the formal completion of the agreement. Once the deal is concluded, Michael Dell will take over as the head of the combined Dell and EMC enterprise.

“With the announcements came a lot of questions from customers, partners, from EMC, from Dell. We publicly told our customers that we will continue to be committed to a high-level of service that we are known for. We will continue to invest and focus on being the leaders in products and offerings,” says Latinazo.

Latinazo says a study made by ESG Research shows that 75 percent of current Dell and EMC customers think that the deal is a positive development and will be beneficial to their operations.

“If you look at the two companies, we are highly complementary. In terms of products, there is hardly any overlap,” says Latinazo. “In terms of products, we are highly complementary.

Now we will have servers, we will have desktops, end to end of the infrastructure, storage and we are practical leaders in most of them. In terms of market, it is also complementary. Dell is known in the consumer to SMB [small and medium businesses] play. EMC has always been known in the enterprise. Together, we will be able to serve end to end of the market, from the highest enterprise to SMB,” he says.

Latinazo says the two companies have actually forged partnerships in the past. “Dell used to sell EMC products. We found that partnership very beneficial to both companies. We think this type of merger will benefit us similarly. It will be beneficial to Dell, because they will have access to enterprise, through our sales force. Now, we will have access to mid-range to SMB with the help of their channels and sales force. There is CONTINUED ON B2

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

RJ GARCIA, a businessman and migrant Filipino, started the Appledrive Project in small cities and towns across the Philippines to educate families on the advantage of proper nutrition and good hygiene.

The initiative promotes the concept of healthy eating in impoverished areas around the country with the help of volunteers and donations from organizations who share the same vision.

“In 2011, while on vacation in Baler, I decided to buy hundreds of apples to give as souvenirs to elementary students,” Garcia says.

“I was surprised to discover that most of the kids there had neither eaten nor seen an apple in real life. [The apple] was a mythical fruit that they knew from the letter A on the alphabet on the blackboard. I was so inspired and touched by the kids that I decided to organize more apple drives—and that’s how this advocacy started,” he says.

Garcia’s advocacy is now gaining a reputation for being a symbol of unwavering commitment for what he considers his calling.

Garcia witnessed how his family had to struggle with a lot of health issues when he was growing up: his father suffers from diabetes, his brother lost his life to heart disease and his sister battled breast cancer.

For these reasons, being healthy, particularly when it comes to diet, became a primary focus of his life. And this also inspired him to share the values of his chosen lifestyle. Apples, more than any other fruit, stood for the concept that drives his initiative. Remember: “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” as the saying goes.

Despite this, he also knew that apples were a rather expensive fruit. Garcia recalls that as a child, they could rarely afford to eat them. The Appledrive Project also not only aims to provide underprivileged children access

EMC...

FROM B1

clear complementary portfolio and market coverage,” he says.

On how the merger will affect the status of EMC or Dell employees in the Philippines, Latinazo says he is relying on early announcements that there would be an enterprise group, which is a stronghold of EMC. Latinazo says Dell also has a strong presence in the Philippines and he knows some of the top executives of Dell in the country. “If you look at our engagement in the market, we hardly bump into each other.

That tells me there is potential complementary coverage in the

RJ Garcia, founder of the Appledrive Project and winner of the Western Union Hero Wish contest, promotes healthy eating among children in poor communities.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR GIVES APPLES TO NOURISH POOR KIDS to the fruit, but teach them and their parents that while it may be cheaper and more convenient to buy candy, chocolate or other junk food, it is more important to eat and live healthy.

It is a simple concept that has engaged volunteers, roused the interest of corporations to lend their support and even attracted celebrities to get involved. The project continues to gain traction. To date, Garcia’s Appledrive Project has organized 113 Appledrives in various communities across the country.

For this reason, Western Union has recognized Garcia as a Western Union Hero, which he sees as an opportunity to further propel his healthy-eating aware-

ness efforts to new heights.

“The Heroes for the Better campaign is Western Union’s way of putting the spotlight on the efforts and achievement of Filipinos around the world across various advocacies, such as: education, health, livelihood, science and technology, culture, arts, or volunteerism. These are people who have given their time, money, skill and expertise to make a positive change, and we wanted to share it to the country and to the world,” says Patricia Riingen, Western Union senior vice President for Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The Hero Wish contest, which was part of the overarching

Western Union’s Heroes for Better campaign, is a social media contest that gathers votes from supporters of 25 Heroes featured in www.wuheroesforbetter.org, where the hero with the highest number of votes will receive a cash prize of $25,000.

Garcia’s Appledrive Project garnered an impressive 917,434 votes, which he credits to the support of various organizations, businesses, celebrities and networks from around the world who wanted to do what they can to campaign for the project. Garcia plans to use the cash prize to fund the Appledrive Project.

“The more people know about how much of an impact they can

make at teaching kids how to eat healthily, the more people will want to get involved, and the more kids will learn about these better lifestyle options,” Garcia says.

The goal has always been to inspire more communities, not just in the Philippines but all over the world as well. Charitable organizations in Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Malaysia, India, Albania and Pakistan have already reached out to Appledrive Project to host similar drives in their respective countries.

And thanks to the honor and recognition of winning the Hero Wish Contest of Heroes for Better campaign, the win allows them to expand their reach.

local market as well,” he says.

IT spending has been increasing in the Philippines, according to Latinazo. Research company IDC predicts that IT spending in the country will reach $7.2 billion this year, mostly on hardware.

Latinazo believes that the IT sector will continue to grow in the Philippines, given the economic expansion and the developments in the IT sector.

Companies and organizations now require data lakes to store massive amounts of data such as security videos, photos, social media tweets of customers, blogs, and digital transactions. They require IT infrastructure and solutions to store, protect, manage and analyse these data.

“We think there will be more companies investing in data lakes and analytics because it allows them to come up with better insights and strategies in the markets,” he says.

Latinazo says in response to the rapidly evolving requirements of companies, the early part of 2016 will see the launch of next generation Isilon scaleout NAS (network attached storage) to support a Data Lake 2.0 strategy, which is designed to expand and manage unstructured data in a simple and consistent way within the core data center, at edge locations and in the cloud.

Isilon scale-out NAS consists of three new products—IsilonSD Edge, Isilon OneFS and Isilon CloudPoolsTM—which

aim to enhance the data lake by allowing unstructured data to be available not only within the core data center, but also at data center edge locations such as remote offices and archived in the cloud.

He says the new Isilon solutions consolidate multiple workloads and allow users to access and analyze data from all locations. This will help transform businesses, which are becoming more global with a distributed workforce.

EMC IsilonSD Edge is a new software-defined solution that simplifies data management in remote offices, or edge locations, in a cost-efficient way. Isilon OneFS operating system is a feature-rich offering that aims to improve resiliency, simplify

management, raise efficiency and provide continuous operations for massive data lakes.

Meanwhile EMC CloudPools is a new software application for the Isilon product line that will allow Isilon to easily extend to public, private and hybrid clouds.

Latinazo says IT spending will remain priorities of companies as they begin to embrace the digital age.

“People will focus on ways and technologies that can increase and improve customers experience. A lot of investment will be there. Security also continues to be a major concern and will continue to take a lead role in terms of priorities of companies,” he says.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 6, 2015

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

WHY MANILA’S ELITE INVEST IN TAGAYTAY Tagaytay Highlands is country’s most exclusive leisure-residential mountain resort with an upscale membership base.

TAGAYTAY City has experienced a real estate boom, as investors looking for vacation homes are attracted by the upland city’s breezy climate and proximity to Metro Manila.

The largest property developer in the area—Tagaytay Highlands—has transformed Tagaytay’s best mountain ridges into a world-class residential mountain resort community.

Tagaytay Highlands, a leisure development of the SM Group, says it now has 2,980 homeowners and 6,118 active members who relish a good and relaxing weekend.

Just outside Metro Manila,

Tagaytay Highlands sprawls across Tagaytay’s scenic mountain ridges, offering upscale amenities considered at par with vacation homes abroad.

Tagaytay Highlands says while the properties are offered at a premium price, the superb facilities make these worthwhile investments.

It lists five reasons why investing in a property at the resort is a smart move.

First is the name. Tagaytay

Highlands says that as a brand, it is considered the country’s most exclusive leisure-residential mountain resort with an upscale membership base.

Tagaytay Highlands is backed by the financial strength and solid business reputation of the SM Group, one of Asia’s largest corporations. It has been in operation for 20 years now.

Second is the location and weather. Located in the heart of Tagaytay City, the property is the only one of its kind and scale, occupying a land area of 1,290 hectares and straddling three provinces—Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. At 2,000 feet above

Fugelman’s 25th year. Fugelman president Tony Aguirre (second row, third from left) leads the 25th anniversary celebration of Fugelman Services Providers Inc. at the Bellevue Hotel in Filinvest City, Alabang. Fulgeman, a pioneering company with a dedicated workforce committed to provide manpower and job services to hundreds of client-partners, has served more than 500 corporations and empowered more than 30,000 employees since 1990. Shown with Aguirre are (clockwise, from left of second row) human resources manager Joel Rival, vice president Jojo Bunglao of CBK, lawyer Senen Francisco of General Milling Corp., general manager Erwin Olegario, Fr. Mickey Martin of Malate Church, Jean Cortez and Darlene Ciado of CBK and finance manager Rose Pelino.

sea level, it offers the striking views of Taal Lake and Volcano, Mt. Makiling, the Canlubang Valley and Laguna de Bay. Tagaytay Highlands is a quick 50-kilometer drive from the Makati central business district, making it a favored weekend destination for Metro Manila’s elite.

One of Tagaytay Highlands’ best come-ons is the cool, misty weather all-year round, with an average daily temperature of 22 degrees Celsius—a great relief for those who want to escape the heat and humidity in Metro Manila.

Third is amenities. Tagaytay Highlands boasts of a legion of “firsts” in the country such as the first cable cars, the first 48-seater Swiss funicular train, the first 45-hole golfing resort in the whole of Tagaytay City, and the first to have The Peak Bar with a 360-degree view of two lakes, Taal volcano, five mountains, and four cities.

It is a self-contained leisure community that offers tight 24-hour security and exclusive membership to four Clubs— complete with basic utilities, world-class amenities, 16 F&B outlets, a variety of sports and recreational facilities, 24/7 medical and emergency support ser-

vices, and uninterrupted water and power supply.

Fourth is the environs. Tagaytay Highlands is ideal for second home. Located in one of the top tourist destinations in the country, it is situated near hospitals, academic centers, shopping establishments, industrial and technological parks, churches, banks, and gasoline stations.

Fifth is the premier homes.

Tagaytay Highlands has exclusive themed residential communities—the Highlands, Midlands and Greenlands—that were master planned by reputable design teams and maintained through excellent aftersales and property management.

Residents can choose from different types of developments such as condo units, log cabins, themed houses and lot that have varying sizes depending on each owner’s preference. All communities are gated with 24/7 security service, with homes that enjoy a view of surrounding landscapes.

Tagaytay Highlands says owning a property in the mountain resort is deemed a smart investment as Tagaytay City is now a top weekend destination for people seeking a home away from home.

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world

SeOul PROTeSTeRS ASK SOKOR PReSiDeNT TO ReSigN TenS of thousands of protesters marched in Seoul Saturday, accusing President Park Geun-Hye of sacrificing workers and farmers for large businesses and rewriting history textbooks to glorify her father’s authoritarian rule.

An estimated crowd of 30,000 people, many of them wearing masks in defiance of Park’s call for a ban on masking-wearing during protests, marched through the city centre behind a banner reading “Resign Park Geun-Hye”, chanting slogans.

Police had initially banned Saturday’s rally but organisers appealed to the Seoul Administrative Court, which overturned the order, paving the way for a second massive protest in the capital in the space of a month.

The first rally on november 14 drew around 60,000 people and saw numerous clashes between protestors and police using water cannon.

On that occasion, Baek nam-Ki, a 69-year-old farmer, fell into a coma after being knocked to the ground by a water cannon during a clash outside the Jongro District Office.

Organisers vowed to mount a peaceful demonstration this time and 300 religious figures including Buddhists, Catholics and Protestants, each carrying a flower, helped prevent protesters from crossing police lines.

While presiding over a government cabinet meeting on november 24, Park described the earlier demonstration as an attempt “to negate the rule of law and incapacitate the government”, calling for a crackdown on those who incite “illegal, violent protests”. AFP

A general view shows german deputies attending a plenary session of the german lower house of parliament bundestag before voting on a stepped-up German role in the fight against the Islamic State group . The mandate would cover six Tornado reconnaissance jets, one refuelling aircraft, a naval frigate and up to 1,200 troops following a request from France after the November 13 jihadist attacks. AFP

Risk of huge isis influx into libya, fRance waRns There is an increasing risk of Libya becoming a haven for combatants from Islamic State, even as western nations target the extremist jihadist group in Iraq and Syria, the French defence minister warned in comments published Sunday.

“We see foreign jihadists arriving in the region of Syrte (northern Libya) who, if our operations in Syria and Iraq succeed in reducing the territorial reach of Daesh (Islamic State, IS) could tomorrow be more numerous,” defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the Jeune Afrique weekly.

Le Drian ruled out military intervention in Libya but warned the West had to try to foster Libyan unity in the face of such a threat.

“It is a major risk and that’s why there absolutely must be understanding between the Libyans,” said Le Drian.

Analysts believe Libya would present a less hospitable environment for IS than Syria and Iraq.

But Tripoli is hampered in presenting a united front as rival governments vie for power—a militia alliance including Islamists that overran Tripoli in August 2014, and the internationally recognised

administration that fled to eastern Libya.

The current chaos in Libya with groups of competing militias since the overthrow and death of dictator moamer Kadhafi in 2011 has allowed IS to build influence, notably in Kadhafi’s coastal home town of Sirte, east of Tripoli.

And there are widespread fears the group could exploit tribal conflicts further into Africa.

Recognising Islamic State’s increasing Libyan reach, Le Drian said he feared that ultimately the group could form one half of a double-edged jihadist challenge in conjunction with Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to their fellow Islamic extremists in march

and which has been bringing terror to nigeria, niger, Chad and Cameroon.

“There is a major risk of a link being forged with Boko Haram,” said Le Drian, urging Libya’s rival administrations to make common cause while urging neighbours Algeria and egypt to work diplomatic channels to that effect.

But Le Drian insisted that France would not countenance military action at least while the Libyans are divided among themselves.

“That’s not on the agenda. One cannot release the Libyans from their responsibilities by suggesting there might one day be an intervention. They must find solutions themselves.” AFP

belgium lOOKiNg FOR TWO NeW ‘DANgeROuS’ SuSPeCTS

This combination pictures created from two handout images released the same day by the Belgian police shows two men being searched for by the Belgian police as part of the investigation into the November 13 Paris attacks. AFP

BeLGIum on Friday said it was searching for two new “armed and dangerous” men who used false ID papers to help wanted Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam travel to Hungary in September.

The fake identity card of one of the suspects was also used to wire money from Brussels to Paris and the cousin of attacks ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud four days after the massacre in the French capital, the Belgian prosecutor’s office said.

Both men are unidentified but carried the identities of Belgian nationals Soufiane Kayal and Samir Bouzid.

“The Federal Prosecutor’s Office and the investigating judge wish to appeal to the public again to look out for two new suspects the investigators are actively searching for,” the prosecutors said in a statement.

According to the statement, Ab-

deslam was stopped by police at the Hungary-Austria border on Sept. 9 accompanied by two men who carried false ID papers identifying themselves as Kayal and Bouzid.

The ID of Samar Bouzid was also used to rent a house in the town of Auvelias in southern Belgium that Belgian media reports say was used a hideout to plan the Paris attacks. meanwhile, Bouzid’s false identity card was used four days after the Paris attacks to transfer 750 euros ($800) to Abaaoud’s cousin Hasna Aitboulahcen from a Western union office in Brussels, the statement said.

Abaaoud and Aitboulahcen were both killed the next day in a police raid north of Paris, along with a still unidentified third person.

‘Armed and dangerous’ Belgian police issued the ID card photos of the two new suspects

along with apparent security camera pictures of them at an unidentified location.

“These men are armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees those men, is asked not to undertake any initiative and to contact immediately the police,” it said in its wanted notice.

Last month Belgium issued an international arrest warrant for mohamed Abrini, 30, who was filmed along with Salah Abdeslam at a petrol station in Ressons, France on the motorway to Paris, in a Renault Clio which was later used in the attacks.

Since Belgium opened its investigation last month it has charged eight people and been through a major terror alert that put Brussels on lockdown amid fears of a new Paris-style attack. AFP

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WORLD editorial@thestandard.com.ph

US CHAIRS MEET ON TERROR FINANCING US TreaSUry Secretary Jacob Lew will chair a first-ever summit of the finance ministers of the UN Security Council this month, to discuss combating terror group finances, the Treasury said Friday.

There will be a particular focus on the jihadist Islamic State group.

The December 17 meeting at the United Nations in New York is expected to adopt a resolution designed to choke off terror groups’ sources of finance, the Treasury said in a statement.

It will be the first such meeting of finance ministers specifically from Security Council member nations, the Treasury said, calling it a demonstration of “the increasingly specialized work needed to combat terrorism.”

Cutting the Islamic State group off from the international financial system and disrupting its financing “are critical to effectively combating this violent terrorist group,” Lew said in a statement.

“A united international front is vital to achieve that goal.”

The Treasury has undertaken extensive efforts since the terror attacks of 2001 to trace and combat the financing of violent extremist groups around the globe. AFP

heavily-armed police keep watch at los angeles international airport (laX) as security is increased for the thanksgiving holiday and after threats from iSiS against the united States, in los angeles, california on november 25, 2015. president barack Obama sought to reassure jittery americans traveling home for thanksgiving that they face no credible and immediate terror threat and said that security services are working around the clock to keep the uS safe. AFP

Ship carrying Obama renewS call FOr tighter gun cOntrOl pRESIDENT Barack Obama nuclear waSte insisted that the United “will not be terrorarriveS in auStralia States ized” and renewed his call for A ShIp carrying 25 tonnes of radioactive waste arrived back in Australia on Saturday, met by activists who warned against the vast nation becoming a nuclear dumping ground.

About a dozen Greenpeace protesters, some carrying signs such as “Don’t waste Australia”, stood near the entrance to port Kembla south of Sydney as the BBC Shanghai arrived in a wellpoliced operation.

Environmentalists have raised concerns about the safety of the ship, which left the northern French port of Cherbourg in October, with one French lawmaker describing it as a “dustbin ship”.

“This is not the kind of ship you would want to see transporting nuclear waste,” Greenpeace campaigner Emma Gibson, who was on board a boat following the BBC Shanghai on Saturday, told AFp. But the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), which has previously stressed that the ship’s seaworthiness had been certified by French officials, said there was no credible chance of an incident during the transport.

“This container is so well shielded that you could sit

on it for five hours and receive no more of a radiation dose than you would on a flight to Singapore,” said general manager for nuclear security paul Jones in a statement.

“It is a feat of engineering that is made from forged steel, and could withstand a drop of 9 metres, temperatures of 800 degrees Celsius or even a jet plane strike.”

ANSTO would not comment on the transport operation while it was underway but there was a strong police presence at port Kembla as the bulk carrier arrived.

Australia sent spent nuclear fuel to France for reprocessing in the 1990s and early 2000s over four shipments, and it has now been returned for long-term storage.

Reprocessing involves the removal of uranium and plutonium, stabilising the remaining substances in glass, and placing it all in a container suitable for transport and storage.

The waste will initially be housed at the Lucas heights reactor in southern Sydney, which is used for science and research, until a nuclear waste dump site is selected and built. It is expected to be trucked there from port Kembla overnight. AFP

tighter gun control measures in a weekly address Saturday that focused on the deadly attack in California.

As it became increasingly likely that the San Bernardino shooting spree that left 14 people dead was inspired by the Islamic State group, Obama vowed that investigators would “get to the bottom” of how and why the rampage occurred.

“It is entirely possible that these two attackers were radicalized to commit this act of terror,” Obama said in remarks that expanded beyond his initial singular focus on gun control.

“We know that ISIL and other terrorist groups are actively encouraging people— around the world and in our country—to commit terrible acts of violence, often times as lone wolf actors,” he said using an alternate acronym for the Islamic State group.

“All of us—government, law enforcement, communities, faith leaders—need to work together to prevent people from falling victim to these hateful ideologies.”

The attackers, US-born Muslim Syed Farook, 28, and his 29-year-old pakistani wife Tashfeen Malik, were killed during a police manhunt.

The FBI is investigating possible links to groups outside the United States and said

people gather around a makeshift memorial to the victims of a mass shooting, by suspects Syed Farook and his wife tashfeen malik, on December 4, 2015 in San bernardino, california. the Fbi said Friday the mass shooting in california was being investigated as “an act of terrorism,” amid reports the female assailant had pledged allegiance to the islamic State group online. AFP

the rampage is being probed as “an act of terrorism.”

Obama used the address to renew his calls for this latest mass shooting to prompt a rethink on gun laws that allow virtually any adult to buy deadly weapons and munitions.

“This tragedy reminds us of our obligation to do everything in our power, together, to keep our communities safe,” Obama said.

“We know that the killers in San Bernardino used military-style assault weapons—weapons of war—to kill as many people as they could. It’s another tragic re-

minder that here in America it’s way too easy for dangerous people to get their hands on a gun.”

Obama again touted measures, which he may yet try to introduce by executive order.

Such a move would prompt a political and legal storm in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election.

“Right now, people on the No-Fly list can walk into a store and buy a gun. That is insane,” Obama said.

“If you’re too dangerous to board a plane, you’re too dangerous, by definition, to buy a gun.”

Officials have seized thousands of rounds of ammunition from the home of the couple, who were armed with assault rifles and handguns—all legally purchased.

Republicans who vehemently oppose gun control measures have accused Obama of politicizing a tragedy that was the result of radicalism.

“As president, my highest priority is the security and safety of the American people. This is work that should unite us all—as Americans —so that we’re doing everything in our power to defend our country,” he said. AFP

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SPORTS

ARMAN ARMERO EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

FOTON EXPLODES, RIPS PETRON TO WIN TITLE

Foton Tornadoes celebrate their championship amid a rain of confetti. Also in photo are (4th from left) ABC 5 Digital Sports chief Chot Reyes and (center) PSL president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara.

By Arman D. Armero Photos by Roman Prospero

WHEN setter Ivy Perez sneaked in a drop shot on Foton’s second ball at matchpoint, she put an exclamation mark to the Tornadoes’ 25-18, 25-18, 2517 title-clinching victory over the Petron Blazers in Game 3 of the Philippine Super Liga finals on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

It also triggered a wave of celebration from the team’s supporters and fans, most of whom stayed until the final festivities highlighted by the awarding of trophies and medals to the winners.

The victory capped a long and difficult ride for the Tornadoes,

who stunned the Blazers with a 14-25, 25-21-25-19, 25-22 victory in Game 1, but failed to sustain their momentum in Game 2, losing by a close 25-13, 25-21, 23-25, 26-24, decision that set up the allor-nothing match yesterday.

But the Tornadoes proved to be the hungrier and steadier squad

Foton import Kathleen Messing scores a point at the net against a pair of Petron defenders.

in Game 3, taking the Blazers to school in the first two sets and sustaining their fire in the third set.

Foton import Lindsay Saltzer, who was later named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, anchored the Tornadoes’ offense, scoring a total of 20 points, 18 off attacks on the net.

Saltzer was ably backed by fellow import Kathleen Messing, who had 14 points, and Perez, who fed her teammates with flawless sets.

Perez was named as first Best Setter, while Petron’s Erica Adachi was awarded as Best Second Setter.

Other awardees include Best Outside Spikers Ariel Usher from Cignal HD and Bojana Todorovic of Philips Gold, Best Middle Blockers Alexis Olgard of Philips Gold and Jaja Santiago of Foton, Michelle Gumabao and Frances Molina as Best Opposite Spikers and Petron’s Jen Reyes as Best Libero.

Petron Coach George Pascua, who steered the Blazers to backto-back championships this year, was named as Coach of the Year after.

But despite losing the best coach plum to Pascua, Foton coach Vilet Ponce De Leon, was happy with the result, and at straight sets at that, which she said she did not expect to happen in Game 3 of the finals.

“No, we did not expect that. Sa amin naman e, we just want to play every point, every set and every game. Wala kaming target na mag 3-0 siya. We just want to make more points to bring us into a position to win,” De Leon said.

She added that the key to the win was teamwork.

“Teamwork talaga. Kasi lahat naman ng players dito sa liga magagaling. They’re seasoned players and they know what to do inside the court. But sa amin kasi naging maganda ang samahan ng mga players. They learned to play as a unit, kahit na we’re still a young team. At ‘yung mga imports namin, very coachable sila,” she added.

Petron was led by Aleona Denise “Dindin” Santiago,who finished with 14 points, and import Rupia Inck Furtado, who added seven.

VALDEZ, PLDT SEEK V-LEAGUE PLUM VS ARMY PLDT Home Ultera hopes to draw strength again from Alyssa Valdez as it goes for the clincher against an Army team expected to bounce back strong today (Sunday) in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Reinforced Conference Finals at The Arena in San Juan City.

Spiked by the power-hitting Valdez’s 25-point performance, the Ultra Fast Hitters came back from two sets down to pull the rug from under the Lady Troopers, 16-25, 20-25, 26-24, 29-27, 18-16, and move on the cusp of clinching their second championship this season after ruling the Open Conference crown of the league where it all started “She’s very eager to play after missing so many games.

She’s doing it for the problem during the Games today fans,” said PLDT 12:45 p.m. – Navy vs UP course of her beach (for third) coach Roger Gorvolley campaign, 3 p.m. – PLDT Home ayeb of the player Ultera vs Army (for crown) forcing her to take long considered as more rest to heal the face of the sport who didn’t the injury. She was actually not see action from the elims to the scheduled to play in Game One semis to honor a previous com- of the title series but came into mitment with Ateneo in the the match all geared up, leaving UAAP beach volley.

Gorayeb no recourse but to field Gametime is at 3 p.m. follow- her in from the second set on. ing the 12:45 p.m. clash between The rest is history. The twoUP and Navy with the Lady Ma- time UAAP MVP played like she roons also eyeing for a sweep didn’t miss a beat, firing 22 kills after scoring an 18-25, 25-19, 25- and finishing with a 25-hit game 22, 25-10 victory in Game One. to power the Ultra Fast Hitters to Both matches will be shown live a dramatic come-from-behind on GMA News TV Channel 11 victory last week. and via streaming on www.vBut the Lady Troopers are league.ph, according to the or- also raring to atone for their ganizing Sports Vision.

Game One meltdown with coach Valdez sustained a minor back Kungfu Reyes expecting an ex-

plosive collective performance from his star-studded crew led by former MVP Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aby Maraño, MJ BalsePabayo, Nerissa Bautista, Joanne Bunag, Honey Royse Tubino and ace setter Tina Salak.

“Breaks of the game,” said Reyes, referring to their first and only setback in the seasonending conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

“We had so many chances but we just couldn’t cash in on our opportunities,” he added.

Gretchel Soltones, the reigning NCAA MVP, also made a good account of herself in the title series’ opener win, coming off the bench to fire 12 points, the bulk of which she delivered

in the last two sets that helped the Ultra Fast Hitters weather the Lady Troopers’ spirited fightback.

But what could spell the difference between victory and defeat are Home Ultera imports Sareea Freeman and Victoria Hurtt, who are expected to have finally blended well with the local aces and better their combined 13-point output the last time out.

“We used this whole week to fix the problem,” said Gorayeb, referring to the team’s cohesion following the arrival of the two reinforcements. “I will stick with the same starting six and if it didn’t work out well, I could go back to my local players again.”

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SPORTS

ARMAN ARMERO EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

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ROCKETS SLIP PAST MAVS, 100-96 JAMES Harden hit a step back jump shot with 7.4 seconds to go as the Houston Rockets continued their winning streak with 100-96 over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.

James Harden (#13) of the Houston Rockets shoots a jumper against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. AFP

Harden also had nine assists and eight rebounds for the Rockets against their NBA Southwest Division rivals.

Harden scored 11 points in the third quarter after just three-of-12 shooting in the first half. He then turned it on down the stretch with two clutch baskets and a timely assist as the Rockets improved to 9-11 to move another step closer to .500 on the season.

Houston also won for the first time this season when Harden did not take at least 10 free throws.

Dallas’ defense limited Harden to just five free-throw attempts, while also holding him to just one-of-six from beyond the arc in front of a crowd of 20,300 at Dallas’ American Airlines Center.

Houston won without center Dwight Howard who was given the night off.

Guard Deron Williams led the Mavericks with 22 points and six assists.

German forward Dirk Nowitzki had 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in the loss. He gave the home fans a bit of a scare when he headed to the locker room with a left ankle issue before returning halfway through the fourth.

Pelicans snap losing streak -Forward Anthony Davis shook off an injury to his lower left leg to score six of his 31 points in overtime as the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-108 at the Smoothie King Center.

“This is the game where we get our mojo back,” said Davis. “It was tough ... We just stayed together, stayed poised until we hit a big three.”

Davis added 12 rebounds and four steals as the Pelicans snapped a four-game losing streak and recorded their fifth consecutive home victory over the Cavaliers.

The Pelicans survived in overtime after the Cavaliers rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

James erupted for 23 of his game-high 37 points in the fourth, including a go-ahead layup against Davis with 30 seconds left.

Bradley Beal scored a season-high 34 points and host Washington Wizards fought back in the second half to beat Phoenix 109-106.

John Wall had 17 points and nine assists for the Wizards, who had lost five of their previous six games. Eric Bledsoe scored 22 points and guard Brandon Knight had 19 for the Suns.

Al Horford scored 16 points to lead five Atlanta players in double figures as the Hawks dominated the hapless Los Angeles Lakers 100-87.

Atlanta got off to a quick start and led by 19 points in the second quarter.

Kobe Bryant, who scored 31 points Wednesday at Washington to help the Lakers snap a seven-game losing streak, scored 14 points in the third stop of his farewell road tour while shooting only four-for-19, including twofor-10 from behind the three point line. AFP

THE TRAVEL CITY RACING FESTIVAL SET

THE second edition of the “Pasay – The Travel City” Racing Festival promises bigger prizes and more excitement as it blasts off thiˇs Sunday at the MetroTurf in MalvarTanauan, Batangas.

More fun and surprises await the day-long racing festivities organized by the host Metro Manila Turf Club for the premiere city of Pasay as it celebrates its 152nd anniversary with a big bang.

More than P3-million is up for grabs in the 13 very exciting races highlighted by the two centerpiece event – the 2nd Pasay – The Travel City Cup and the 2nd Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto Cup. Both Cup races boast a total of P700,000 each for the top four placers, in which each champion gets the top prize of P420,000. The runnerup picks up P157,500 while the third

and fourth placers receive P87,500 and P35,000, respectively.

The official runners here together with their respective owners and breed are the following: 2ndPASAY – THE TRAVEL CITY CUP (1,600 meters) : Don Albertini (Quaker Ridge-Bumper To Bumper) of Atty. Narciso Morales; Silver Sword (Ready’s Imagine-Skirmish Point) of Henedino Gianan; Strong Champion (Stromberg Carlson-Mine Counter) of Divina Dy; Eugenie (Stratum-Crystal Event) of SC Stockfarm Inc.; Lucky Nine (Northern Meteor-Sienna Gold) of Lamberto Almeda Jr.; Basic Instinct (Deputy Bodman-Magical Mark) of Mayor Manny Alvarez; and Be Humble (Quaker Ridge-She’s No Princess) of Ruben Dimacuha.

2nd PASAY CITY MAYOR

TONY CALIXTO (1,200 meters) : Garlimax (Jazz Club – Tennis Player) of Abet Alvina; Show The Whip (Manhattan – Shadow Grove) of Erwin Dy; He He He (Keep Laughing – Cleft) of Coun. Ferdie Eusebio; Guatemala (Kangoo – Western City) of Felizardo Sevilla; and Spectrum (Golden Pharaoh-Celestial) of Atty. Narciso Morales.

These two will be ably supported by 11 Trophy Races that has a guaranteed prize of P150,000 plus a handsome trophy going to each winner. These are the: Pasay City Cong. Emi Calixto-Rubiano Trophy Race; OIC Mayor Eduardo ‘Duay’ Calixto Memorial Trophy Race; Pasay City Administrator’s Trophy Race; Pasay City Treasurer’s Office Trophy Race; Pasay City Engineer’s Office Trophy Race; Pasay City Officials’ Trophy Race ;

Pasay City Sangguniang Panlungsod Trophy Race; Pasay City Barangays’ Trophy Race; Pasay City Senior Citizens’ Trophy Race.

Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto, a true-blue horse-lover, is very thankful to MMTCI Chairman & President Norberto Quisumbing Jr. for organizing once again a major club race that highlights Pasay City as the country’s premiere “Travel City.”

“In behalf of the people of Pasay City, we are very grateful to Dr. Quisumbing for organizing this racingfest which is now on its second edition. We would like to express our gratitude for honoring Pasay City, which is celebrating our 152nd anniversary, with this major event. Not a single centavo was spent by the city government for this event but, just like last year, certain proceeds from this racing-

fest have been given to us to fund our various social activities,” Mayor Calixto said.

“I am a horseracing fan myself and I am very happy to see that MMTCI has come up with a wellbalanced races that are expected to generate a lot of excitement and bigger sales that will definitely benefit the players of the industry,” Mayor Calixto added.

As a bonus to all the winning grooms (sotas) for the day, Mayor Calixto announced that they will also be given one sack of rice each.

The first race for the day will be sent off by 2 in the afternoon, although operations at the various off-track betting stations (OTBs) will be opened by 12 noon to accommodate the racing aficionados that are expected to watch and enjoy the whole-day festivities.

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REUEL VIDAL EDITOR sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Alaska Football Cup organizers led by Alaska Milk President and CEO Fred Uytengsu (center), Alaska Milk VP for Marketing Blen Fernando (2nd from left) and Tournament Director Tomas Lozano (2nd from right) kick off the tournament through a ceremonial kick during opening ceremonies.

ALASKA FOOTBALL CUP TEACHES MORE THAN JUST SOCCER

By Reuel Vidal

HOPING to teach the youth positive values and adopting a healthy lifestyle as well as developing the sport Alaska Milk held the 20th Alaska Football Cup at the Alabang Country Club last weekend.

Alaska Milk President and CEO Wilfred Uytengsu said it was a privilege to hold the biggest and most successful grassroots-development program in the local football scene.

He said Alaska Milk encourages sports engagement, as it instills positive values during the early stages of a child’s life.

“Alaska Football Cup is more than just discovering elite players.

It’s about promoting teamwork, commitment and dedication. We hope that as players you will keep those characteristics in mind. It’s a privilege to be here to open the 20th Alaska Cup,” said Uytengsu.

The Alaska CEO also recalled the modest beginning of the program which has grown to become the biggest football tournament of its kind.

“In 1986, we had 350 players and 25 teams. Today in our 20th anniversary, we held a three-day event in 26 football fields with 6,150 players in 410 teams. In those 20 years we’ve had 12,159 teams of over 58,000 players play 13,800 games with over 40,000 goals scored. We’ve come a long way,” said Uytengsu.

He also praised the dedication of tournament organizer Tomas Lozano and his role in not only growing the tournament but also in discovering some of the best football players in the country who eventually went on to play in the Azkals national football team.

“Over these 20 years we’ve also had the opportunity to have some really fantastic players participate in the event. We are proud to say that many in the ranks of the Azkals have come through the Alaska Cup including Ali Borromeo, Roel Gener, Chieffy Caligdong and Amani Aguinaldo,” said Uytengsu.

Alaska Milk VP for Marketing Blen Fernando recalled the program’s start 20 years ago.

“When Tomas (Lozano) approached us 20 years ago to hold this Football Cup we were just learning how to make it sustainable. Parang ang bilis ng panahon. We never thought it would become this big.

At the time we just wanted a football program that was better-organized. In fact it was not that big. We only had over 20 teams and over 300 players. But

there was no other football cup of comparable size at the time for children,” said Fernando.

“For us we only wanted something for the children that will

complement our basketball program. And it became bigger and bigger over time, although it was a lot of hard work.

Along the way Alaska Milk President and CEO Fred Uytengsu leads the celebration of two decades of partnership between Alaska Milk and football, the most popular sport in the world, through the 20th Alaska Football Cup. JAMIL BUERGO

A player of the ABC Stars from Naga, CamSur balances a football on his head during a game in the 20th Alaska Football Cup held at the Alabang Country Club last weekend.

there were a lot of adjustments we had to make.”

The past Alaska Football Cup was the country’s biggest football event for young athletes which attracted players of all ages, from as young as six years old. They gathered in one venue to participate in one of the longest-running and most successful grassroots-development programs in the local football scene.

The Alaska Football Cup is the most highly anticipated annual football tournament for today’s young athletes with school teams and football clubs from all over the Philippines including Masbate, Baguio, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Davao, Palawan, Legaspi, Laguna, Batangas, Bukidnon, Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Ilocos, Bicol, Romblon, Davao Sur, Compostela Valley, Quezon, Cavite, Albay, Pangasinan, Bacolod, Iloilo, Mindoro and Metro Manila participating.

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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

S U NDAY L IF E

LIFE

A NIGHT OF VISIONARIES PHOTOS AT THE BOOTH SET-UP BY DIX PEREZ EVENTS PHOTOS BY LINO SANTOS AND MANNY PALMERO

Hindy Weber Tantoco, awardee for Sustainable Living

Rachel Harrison, awardee for Autism Awareness and Education with son Julyan

John Paul Maunes, Visionary for Social Entrepreneurship for his dedication in Empowering the Deaf

SLIM's Fashion & Arts school's Sandy Higgins received the award for Fashion Education category together with her brother Mark Higgins who wasn't able to grace the event

Zark Varona, Young Visionary for Entrepreneurship

Siblings Aisa and Raphael Mijeno who were the Young Visionary for Science and Technology awardees

Awardee Casimiro Olvida for Watershed Protection

Charie Villa, awardee for Citizen Journalism

Waya Araos Wijangco, awardee for Special Needs Culinary Arts Education

Jason Buensalido, Young Visionary for Architecture

Awardee Jaafar Kimpa for Muslim Rights

Cristina Liamzon and Edgardo Valenzuela, Social Entrepreneur awardees for OFW Empowerment

T

he Standard’s 2015 Visionary Awards was successfully held last December 4, 2015 at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Manila Hotel. It was, in a manner of speaking, a historic event for this paper as it ushers in what hopefully will be a tradition of recognizing visionaries – inspiring men and women who are fueled by passion and a sense of purpose to drive change

and make this country a better place – even if a little at a time – for Filipinos.

As The Standard Chairman Philip Romualdez noted in his welcome speech, “we are a nation of visionaries.” The Philippines is a country at a crossroads, and the people need individuals who can inspire all of us to see beyond ourselves, to envision a better world.

Continued on C2

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

A NIGHT OF VISIONARIES From C1

They are individuals imbued with passion and a sense of purpose, unafraid to take a stand.

In the words of The Standard president and CEO Arnold Liong who toasted the 2015 Visionary awardees, the individuals we honored embody what being a visionary is all about – passion, dedication, an out-ofthe-box perspective, unafraid to take a stand and willing to work hard to achieve a goal and a vision. These are the same qualities that define The Standard as a newspaper – we dare to be different, and we present the news from a fresh perspective.

Along with talented photographer Dix Perez, the editorial team of Life at The Standard traveled to various parts of the country including Mindanao to chronicle in photos the work and advocacy of our awardees. Some of our awardees who had to fly in to Manila to receive their award were ferried from the airport and arrived in style at The Manila Hotel courtesy of Chevrolet.

It was heartwarming, and certainly gratifying, to see such an amazing group of people celebrating the event, proudly holding aloft the trophies specially designed by their fellow awardee Jason Buensalido, our Young Visionary for Architecture.

The Manila Hotel’s Rigodon Ballroom buzzed with excitement, with the impressive hosting job of Rex Flores that made the program virtually seamless, while the rich vocal talent of Jon Joven of Primo elicited warm applause from the guests.

The awardees with photographer Dix Perez and The Standard editorial and production team

Jon Joven of Primo serenades the guests

Awardees Xyza Cruz Bacani and Jaafar Kimpa arriving in style courtesy of Chevrolet Philippines

Awardee Kevin Lee alighting from the white Chevrolet that brought him to The Manila Hotel

Siblings Raphael and Aisa Mijeno flanked by Tatum Ancheta and Chevrolet’s Jona Loren Atienza

Continued on C3

Actor and director Ricky Davao

Waya Wijangco (center) with family

The Body Shop’s Doly Cruz and Jun Bernabe

Chef Rosebud Benitez and Mike Velasco

InterContinental Hotels Group PR manager Karmina De Ungria and Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria PR and marketing communications manager January Leron The Standard president Arnold Liong with wife Janet, The Standard Publisher Rolando Estabillo and Jam Jamila Aguilar

Young Visionary for Architecture Jason Buensalido with wife Nikki

Awardee Quintin Pastrana with sister Maricar

Dr. Adrian and Joy Buensalido

Le Monet Hotel director of Public Relations Ana Mendoza

Zalora marketing director Tolian Gjika

From left: Jannette Velasco, Precy Roda, Lizette Santos and Marie Young

Myrna and Noe Cortes

Celebrity photographer Sara Black

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

The Standard’s Arnold Liong (leftmost) and Jocelyn F. Domingo (rightmost) with the second batch of awardees: Quintin Pastrana, Mrs. Lenora Cabili, Sandy Higgins and Roberta Dans Thomas

Mrs. Len Cabili (center) receives the award on behalf of her daughter and namesake Lenora from Arnold Liong (left) and Jocelyn F. Domingo (right)

Rolando Estabillo hands the award to JP Maunes.

Also presenting the award is Wacoal business development manager Masaki Kasuga

From left: Charlene Tan, Eric Ho representing Cristalle Henares, Charie Villa, Tatum Ancheta, Hindy Weber Tantoco, Aisa Mijeno, Raphael Mijeno, Xyza Cruz Bacani, Zark Varona, Jason Buensalido, Brielle, Ava and Quinto Oreta representing Maiki Oreta, with Jona Loren Atienza

JP Maunes, Edgardo Valenzuela, Luzviminda Lee and Cristina Liamzon check out the photo exhibit

The Standard chairman Philip Romualdez shares a toast with Keith and Rachel Harrison

Awardees Mer Olvida, Rachel Harrison, Jaafar Kimpa and Waya Wijangco flanked by The Standard’s Philip Romualdez and New San Jose Builders marketing manager Jerrey Jun Oris

The Standard Life contributor Malou Rosal Diamond Hotel PR supervisor Chel and Jose Badelles, Hyatt City of Dreams Francisco and Cignal TV content Manila Marketing Communications Manager marketing supervisor Vince Custodio

Mrs. Len Cabili and son Immanuel

SSI marketing communications manager Malu Francisco, awardee Rachel Harrison Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder and Jose ‘Pepe’ and Chroma Hospitality vice president for sales and marketing Carmela Bocanegra Rodriguez with The Standard’s Arnold Liong

Philippine Wacoal Corporation’s marketing and merchandising manager Elmira Cadungog and business Keith Harrison and Ogilvy president for development manager Masaki Kasuga Southeast Asia and India Andrew Thomas

A NIGHT OF VISIONARIES From C2

In our special supplement published last November 29, we fully featured the 21 individuals whom we recognized in last Friday’s event, but perhaps our readers will indulge us if we name them all once again and briefly explain why the Life editorial and marketing team of The Standard deemed them worthy of recognition: Charie Villa for Citizen Journalism, whose Tao Po!” social platform is empowering Filipinos to demand better service from public and private companies, and making government leaders accountable; Waya Araos Wijangco for Special Needs Culinary Art Education whose Open Hand School for Applied Arts trains developmentally challenged children to acquire culinary and other skills; Rachel Harrison for Autism Awareness and Education, who utilized her talent as an artist and architect to create Zambawood, a haven where individuals with special needs can be trained and given a sense of purpose; Casimiro Olvida for Watershed Protection who oversees a huge reforestation project within the Siguil and Kamanga watersheds in Maasim, Sarangani province; and Jaafar Kimpa for Muslim Rights who goes around far-flung areas in Mindanao to register undocumented Muslims and provide them with identification.

Continued on C4

Gippy and Hindy Tantoco with Lourd Ramos

Xyza Cruz Bacani accompanied by brother Arom and award-winning photographer Rick Rocamora

Gabby dela Merced, Tedrick Yao, Pia Reyes, NJ Torres, Kai Magsanoc, Ria Intia, and Rodel Intia

The Standard’s big three: President and CEO Arnold Liong, Chairman Philip Romualdez and Publisher Rolando Estabillo

SM Fashion Forum assistant vice president Ailene Co, The Standard Life columnist Kai Magsanoc and Jodie Ricohermoso

From left: Abbey Bravo, Kai Javines, The Standard Life columnist Karmi Palafox, Cecille Punzalan, Bea Jose and Katrina Palafox

Ricky Davao, Mary Chan, The Standard’s Beth Mendoza and Cesar Padilla

From left: Noe Cortes, Ben Mangawang, Ricardo Pingol, Kenneth Go, Erick Velasco and Rick Adorable

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

A NIGHT OF VISIONARIES From C3

We also honored SLIM’S Fashion and Arts School’s Sandy and Mark Higgins for Fashion Education. These siblings are continuing the legacy started by their mother Salvacion Lim Higgins whose school has produced some of the most notable names in fashion today. And then there is Lenora Luisa Cabili, also a Fashion category awardee, whose clothing brand Filip + Inna is carving out a remarkable niche in the global fashion industry and providing livelihood opportunities for weavers from the different tribes in Mindanao; Maiki Oreta for Children’s Advocacy whose Kiddo-preneur is empowering children to become business savvy individuals while developing the values of hard work and perseverance; Quintin Pastrana for Reading and Literacy Advancement whose Library Renewal Partnership has built over 100

libraries including one in the New Bilibid Prison; Hindy Weber Tantoco for Sustainable Living whose Holy Carabao Farms delivers organic produce from farmers; Roberta Dans Thomas for Arts and Culture who is helping a lot of Filipino artists break into the international scene.

The Standard also gave recognition to Social Entrepreneurs who are driving change in society: Cristina Liamzon and Edgardo Valenzuela who are empowering OFWs by weaning them away from a lifestyle of debt; Kevin Lee whose A Single Drop of Safe Water program enables many communities to receive quality water, sanitation and hygiene systems; John Paul Maunes who is empowering the hearing impaired through Gualandi Volunteer Service Program, now known as Philippine Accessible Deaf Services, Inc.

which helps battle sexual abuse against hearing impaired individuals; and Ines Fernandez, a breastfeeding advocate whose Arugaan educates mothers in marginalized communities about proper breastfeeding, health practices and relactation counseling.

And finally, the Young Visionaries: Jason Buensalido for Architecture who builds unique structures that are responsive to our climate and cognizant of our heritage; Xyza Cruz Bacani for Photography whose compelling photographs on human trafficking and domestic worker abuse has caught global attention; Rolandrei Viktor Varona for Entrepreneurship whose successful chain of Zark’s Burgers has exponentially grown since 2009; Cristalle Belo Henares, also for Entrepreneurship, whose Belo Essentials business is making beauty accessible to all Filipinos; siblings

Aisa and Raphael Mijeno for Science and Technology whose Sustainable Alternative Lighting or SALt project impressed even US president Barack Obama as it provides a sustainable and cost-effective source of light for impoverished people from far-flung areas; and Charlene Tan for Community Shared Agriculture – a young woman whose Good Food Community educates people about sustainability and connects organic farmers with enlightened citizens through a “Community Shared Agriculture” program.

To our friends and supporters, our heartfelt thanks for helping make The Standard 2015 Visionary Awards night a huge success!

Watch the live stream coverage of the awards night and read more about The Standard Visionaries 2015 on our news portal www.thestandard.com.ph.

Charlene Tan, Young Visionary for Community and Agriculture

Kevin Lee, Social Entrepreneur awardee for his work in delivering safe water for poor communities

Lenora Cabili receives the award on behalf of her daughter and namesake Lenora Luisa Cabili, awardee for Fashion

Quintin Pastrana, Visionary awardee for Reading and Literacy Advancement

Maiki Oreta and daughter Brielle (Children’s Advocacy)

Nanay Ines Fernandez, awardee for Breastfeeding and Motherhood Education

Roberta Dans Thomas, Visionary awardee for Arts and Culture

Xyza Cruz Bacani, Young Visionary for Photojournalism

The Standard Visionary for 2015's official photographer Dix Perez with Lifestyle editor Tatum Ancheta

The first roster of The Standard Visionary awardees

MST Management Finance Officer Ron Ryan Buguis, Lifestyle Associate Editor Bing Parel, Digital head Judith Albano, chairman Philip Romualdez, Director of Operations Jocelyn Domingo, president and CEO Arnold Liong, and Lifestyle editor Tatum Ancheta

And they all deserved a fun selfie!

SUNDAY : DECEMBER 6, 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C5 Scene from Alvin and The Chipmunks The Road Chip

The bOys are back in ‘alvin and The chipmunks: The rOad chip’

O

ne of the most successful family movie franchises, Alvin and the Chipmunks presents a new road to chip in the latest kiddie and family adventure movie Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip bringing in a mix of the new and classic Chipmunks’ mischievous humor and heartwarming moments that fans adore about the franchise.

In the latest movie, Dave’s (Jason Lee) career as a musical artist manager has taken off, thanks to the Chipmunks. He also has an exciting new client – a rising young pop star, named Ashley, played by actress/singer/author/ model Bella Thorne. Despite her popularity, Ashley has remained “sweet and down to earth,” says Thorne. For example, she notes, “When we meet Ashley, she’s being stormed by paparazzi, but she makes sure that the ‘Munks aren’t

Little boys on the hood: Alvin and his friends are back in yet another kiddie and family adventure movie

trampled.” Ashley also provides emotional and musical support to the ‘Munks when they reunite with Dave in Florida.

While Dave is busier than ever, he has opted to temporarily sideline the boys, so they can live as “normal” a life as possible. “Dave is bit more comfortable with the idea of everything being as normal as possible,” says Lee. Dave is also becoming more of a parent to the boys, a big step forward from serving as

In the latest installment of the Chipmunk franchise, Jason Lee as Dave sees a better career as a musical artist manager

their beleaguered guardian. “The parenting moments are important to the evolution of this franchise,” notes director Walt Becker.

But in the Seville/Chipmunks household, striving for normalcy, and actually achieving it are, well, a continuing challenge. The boys miss their status as pop star icons and aren’t shy about letting Dave know about it. Moreover, Dave’s frustration with his young charges continues to bedevil him, and fans

will rejoice that his signature manifestation of said frustration – a full-throttle bellowing of “Alviiiiin!!!” – will again tax Dave, as well as the Dolby-ized sound system of your local theater. “That yell is just kind of second nature, now,” says Jason Lee, “for me and for Dave.”

Dave’s life takes an additional turn, thanks to Samantha (she prefers “Sam”), an ER doctor (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) with whom he’s enjoying a blossoming roman-

tic relationship. In fact, Dave and Sam are growing so close that the ‘Munks are beginning to wonder if he’s about to pop the question.

The idea of Dave tying the knot doesn’t thrill the boys; in fact, they fear it’ll uproot their lives – and maybe uproot them from Dave’s home. Further complicating matters is Sam’s teenage son, Miles (Josh Green), who has an instant dislike of the Chipmunks, who feel the same way about Miles.

The ‘Munks quickly learn that Miles is going to be a tough adversary because he can out-Alvin, Alvin. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving them not only from losing Dave but also possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip opens on Jan. 20, 2016 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Gerphil Flores sinGs in ‘Art 2 Art’ ChristmAs speCiAl ART 2 ART offers inspirational stories in its series of Christmas specials airing this month. Host Lisa Macuja talks to artists who have overcome various challenges to pursue their dreams in their respective fields.

Produced by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Art 2 Art is aired every Sunday, 3:30 to 4 p.m., on DZRH (666 khz on the AM band), on cable television via RHTV (carried by Cignal) and online through DZRH Live Streaming.

Today, Art 2 Art showcases the success stories of Project Ballet Futures, a scholarship program that gives disadvantaged but talented youth a chance at a dance career.

Jessa Balote and Jamil Montibon, who were once scavengers, along with public school student Rissa

Project Ballet Futures scholars and now Ballet Manila company artists Jamil Montibon, Jessa Balote and Rissa May Camaclang join their mentor Lisa Macuja in Art 2 Art.

May Camaclang, were all pioneering PBF scholars mentored by Macuja and now company members of Ballet Manila.

On Dec. 13, playwright Paul Dumol recalls how he came to write Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio – regarded by critics as the first modernist work in Philippine theater – while still a high

Art 2 Art host Lisa Macuja shares a light moment with playwright Paul Dumol.

school student. Dumol has written other plays on subjects from Philippine history such as Kabesang Tales, Ilustrado and Aguinaldo: Ang Pagpatay kay Luna.

On Dec. 20, Asia’s Got Talent third placer Gerphil Flores shares how she coped with the pressures of joining an international competition. With her soaring vo-

cals, the classically trained singer became an audience favorite. As a special Christmas treat, Flores sings “O Holy Night” and “Speak Softly Love” in Italian.

On Dec 27, the producers of Heneral Luna – Eduardo Rocha and Fernando Ortigas of Artikulo Uno Productions – relate the long journey of what is now

Art 2 Art host Lisa Macuja welcomes Gerphil Flores, the golden-voiced stunner of Asia's Got Talent, to the program.

regarded as the breakout film of 2015. Buoyed by the success of the historical epic, they will proceed with two other films on Filipino heroes.

For inquiries, please e-mail art2artdzrh@gmail.com.

On Facebook, check out the account Ballerina ng Bayan for updates on Art 2 Art episodes.

SUNDAY : DECEMBER 6, 2015

C6

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

SInag MaynILa fILMS MakIng WavES OvERSEaS

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ndependent film festival Sinag Maynila was born from the vision of Solar Entertainment Corporation, CEO Wilson Tieng and renowned filmmaker Brillante Mendoza’s wish to have a festival that not only inspires but also educates and enlightens Filipino movie audience. Made up of five homegrown filmmakers handpicked and closely collaborated with by Tieng and Mendoza, the festival produced feature films that presented social issues currently faced in Filipino culture. After a successful run last March, the films have gone on to garner attention both in the country and abroad thanks to their compelling narrative.

Winner of the Best Picture Award at Sinag Maynila, Imbisibol by Lawrence Fajardo was invited for a screening at the Stockholm International Film Festival in Sweden on Nov. 11. It also premiered at the 40th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) at the Scotiabank Theatre in downtown Toronto as it vied to win in the Contemporary World Cinema Programme in September. A screening was also held at

the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival and Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival in Japan. The film trains the spotlight on four undocumented Filipinos in Japan and their plight to escape deportation. JM De Guzman, Ces Quesada, Bernardo Bernardo, Allen Dizon and Ricky Davao star in the film. It will be screened in Iloilo on Dec 1-6; Davao on Dec 15-20; and Baguio on Dec 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 30.

Another Sinag Maynila film Balut Country by Paul Sta. Ana was invited for a screening at the All Lights India International Film Festival in India last month. It also premiered at the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival in October attended by the film’s main actor Rocco Nacino. He stars as an heir to a duck farm left to him by his late father. The movie follows his difficult decision between selling the property for his own financial peace or keeping the land and sparing the farm’s loyal caretakers from displacement.

Bambanti by Zig M. Dulay recently won best film at Festival international du film

Sinag Maynila films representatives with Direk Brillante Mendoza (top row middle), Lawrence Fajardo (top row right), and Paul Sta. Ana (top row left)

de Brussels. It was invited to compete in various film festivals in November— Ourense International Film Festival in Spain, the Asian Panorama film competition of International Children’s Film Festival in India where actor Micko Laurente won The Golden Elephant Trophy for Best Actor, Festival Des 3 Continents at Nantes, France, and in the Ajyal Youth Film Festival in Doha Film Institute, Qatar. The film bagged the Best Film award at the recent Festival International du Film de Bruxelles.

Bambanti looks at the bias of the rich towards the poor as mother and son embark to uncover the truth behind a missing watch. It stars Alessandra de Rossi, Micko Laurente, Julio Diaz, Shamaine Buencamino, and Lui Manansala.

Invited to the recent Minsk Internation-

The team behind the film Imbisibol by Lawrence Fajardo (middle) at the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival

al Film Festival in Belarus was Swap by Remton Zuasola. This film was the only Asian film to be invited for screening at the Zabaltegi section of the 63rd San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain on Sept. 18-26. Swap is also poised for another international screening in Japan for the upcoming Tokyo Filmex. Shot continuously with no cuts, the movie narrates the tale of a young father who is torn between solving a crime and committing another crime in order to save the life of his kidnapped son.

Dionne Monsanto, Matt Daclan and Mon Confiado star in the action-drama.

The 2nd Sinag Maynila Film Festival will run in May 2016. For more updates, look for Sinag Maynila on Facebook (SinagMaynila), Twitter (@sinagmaynila), and Instagram (@sinagmaynila).

SantoS-ReCto leadS opening of ala eh! feStival in Sto. tomaS, BatangaS

B

atangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto led the opening of Ala Eh! Festival on Dec. 1 in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, part of the province’s 434th Founding Anniversary.

The week-long celebration started with a fun run followed by a Eucharistic Celebration, opening of a trade fair, agri fair, photo contest and exhibit, lantern parade, street party and music festival plus a Globe night.

A drum and lyre competition took

Vilma Santos

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 74 76 77 78 81 82 83 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 96 97 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Pie shell 6 Monks’ hoods 11 “— Gantry” 16 Smithy’s block 21 Where to celebrate Tet 22 Kind of conifer 23 Bete — 24 Tenet 25 — box 26 Rust or patina 27 “Blowin’ in the Wind” singer 28 Raspberry stems 29 Glamorous corsages 31 Rubber city 33 Forest mom 35 Mao — -tung 36 “— Gratia Artis” (MGM motto) 37 Remove a renter 38 Be in control 39 Others’ suggestions 41 Wheel buy (2 wds.)

42 44 46 51 52 53 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 66 67 68 69 71 72 73

Safari boss Adviser Winter sport Joke response (hyph.)

Hong Kong abode Turn down Long-legged waders Brand name Garage contents Hire a lawyer Brought to ruin Virginia caverns Lopsided They’re full of dates PBS “Science Guy” Hoosier hoopster Oh, for — sake!

Like crepes suzette Zingy taste Gouda cousin Made war Tawny predator

98 99 100 102 103 104 105 107 109 110 112 113 115 118 119 121 123 125 127 129 131 132 133 134 135 136

Watering places His and hers Cake-pan type Beirut locale Divas’ offerings Rope fiber Fitness centers Spews lava Commit to memory Boring tool Potential perch or pike Observes Mr. Yeltsin Cheers Off-the-wall Banned bug spray Ignited the pilot again Attractive one Sitting Bull’s territory Scallion kin Castaway’s refuge Arm bone Old pro Wakens rudely Wouldn’t hurt —— “My Gal” of song Process ore Dele canceler Civil wrongs Air rifle ammo Architect’s wing Explosive letters Dalai Lama’s city Cares (3 wds.)

Alpine moppet Customary Kiwi language Vows venue In the blink of — — Bloodhound’s clue Young raptor Tough-talking coach Founded

place on Dec. 2 and on Dec. 3; there was an LGU (Local Government Unit) night. On Dec. 4, the TM Astig Bingo was held and on the following day, Dec. 5, by the grand coronation night of the Mutya ng Batangas.

A downhill competition will be held today.

The grand celebration will also witness the VSR (Voices, Songs & Rhythms) grand finals with contestants coming from all over the province. Guest singers and performers provide additional enter-

tainment to the contest.

Capping the weeklong festival on Dec. 8 will be a Eucharistic Celebration, festival dance competition and awarding and closing ceremonies.

This year’s Ala Eh! Festival is especially memorable as it is Santos-Recto’s last activity as governor.

Supporting her in the endeavor is Sto. Tomas Mayor Edna Sanchez.

Santos-Recto’s arch political rival, the late Governor Sanchez, is from Sto. Tomas.

“Ngayon ay magkabalikat kami

ni Mayora Sanchez sa Foundation Day ng province. Pagpapakita lamang na sa serbisyo ay walang pulitika. At sobrang pasasalamat ko kay Mayora Edna Sanchez at mga taga-Santo Tomas sa pagtanggap at pagsasama-sama namin sa Batangas Foundation Day. My last Foundation Day as Governor ng Batangas,” said Gov. Vilma.

The governor-cum-Star for All Seasons invited everyone, saying, “Mamiyesta na dine sa Batangas!!!

All here. So near!”

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015

137 Kind of pool 138 Thick with cattails 139 Soothed DOWN 1 Madrid miss 2 “M*A*S*H” clerk 3 Volts or watts 4 Flue buildup 5 Deed 6 Mawkish 7 City near Monte Alban 8 Watch site 9 PC screen, maybe 10 Former Queens ballpark 11 Gridiron ploy (2 wds.)

12 Jesuit founder 13 Tigger’s creator 14 Big Band — 15 Rip apart 16 Twang or drawl 17 Hunter’s org.

18 Daring 19 That is (2 wds.)

20 Forfeits 30 Dale or Linda 32 African village 34 Porkers’ plaints 40 Herd of whales 42 Storybook elephant 43 Curds’ companion 44 Softens 45 Aplenty, to poets 46 Switch a freight car 47 Where Nairobi is 48 Shakespeare’s forest 49 You, to Yvette 50 Midwest st.

51 Sultan’s menage 52 Feinted 54 Gives Novocain 55 Oui and da

57 58 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 70 72 73 75

“Star Wars” director Autumn flower Fraught Protection Galumph Declaims violently Acapulco cash Joyous outburst Less coarse Freak out (2 wds.)

Fan sounds Troubadour instruments Cookout intruders

76 77 78 79 80 81 82 84 85 86 88 89 92

Genetic factor Call, as an elk Ivan of tennis Crumble away Some monarchs Hawk’s lair “Pretty Woman” of films Earlier Major artery Hardtop Lounges around Hartford competitor Most desirable

93 94 95 97 98 99 101 104 106 107 108 109 110 111

Festive log Angkor — Barely scrape by Above the horizon Splinter groups Silt deposit Colorful carp First-string team Loosened Within reach (2 wds.)

Vassal’s oath Flew high Fixed-up building Ms. Verdugo

112 113 114 115 116 117 120 122 124 126 128 130

Fishtailed Oar fulcrum Hue Quilt stuffing Truck stopper Rare viol.

Boar’s tooth Love, to Claudius Director — Kazan Do batik — -fi flick Dazzle

SUNDAY : DECEMBER 6, 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

AlDeN richArDs, rOchelle PANGiliNAN iN cAsiNO FiliPiNO cONcert tOur From c8

POPULAR TV star Alden Richards of the phenomenal “AlDub” love team brings an exciting yuletide treat to Casino Filipino (CF) patrons as he tours various CF branches and satellites for a nationwide concert tour.

Richards, the “Pambansang Bae” who rose to unparalleled fame because of the phenomenal “Kalyeserye” of the longest-running noontime show Eat Bulaga will be joined by former Sexbomb dancer Rochelle Pangilinan in highly anticipated gigs.

Richards and Pangilinan was at CF Tagaytay yesterday, but fans can look forward to watching him at CF Pavilion (Dec. 9), CF Cebu (Dec. 12), CF Malate (Dec.15), Talisay Satellite (Dec.17) and CF Davao (Dec. 18).

Although it will be his first time to perform at Casino Filipino, Richards promised that his concert tour with Pangilinan will be full of surprises.

“I’m sure that those who will come to see the shows will be thrilled with the surprise numbers we prepared for them. They will certainly enjoy and have a good time,” Richards said.

Pangilinan, meanwhile, is excited to perform again at Casino Filipino. “Medyo matagal na nang huli akong mag-show sa Casino Filipino. I’m really looking forward to entertain the casino crowd lalo na’t makakasama ko pa si Alden sa shows namin.

Alden Richards is set to turn Casino Filipino concert stage ablaze

The boys of Hashtags are a rocking mix of young and talented singers and dancers

HasHtags adds spiCe to ‘it’s sHowtime’

i Maraming salamat sa PAGCOR sa patuloy na pagpo-promote ng local talents tulad namin.

Inilalapit nila kami sa mga tao na hindi makapanood ng mga shows namin na may bayad o ticket selling,” Pangilinan said.

According to Bong Quintana, PAGCOR assistant VP for Entertainment, this special Christmas treat aims to provide CF patrons with one-of-a-kind entertainment. “Casino Filipino’s celebration of the Christmas season is going to be joyous and extraordinary. By featuring prominent

2 Kims and a roCKstar

e

very woman, whether she admits it or not, has that one who got away. He’s the one she thinks of as she watches the steady rainfall from her window, his scent of smoke and flannel fleetingly haunting her.

Only she knows why she made those choices that make him all but a memory; her recurring what if on the nights she stays awake.

It is love’s what ifs that drive the two central characters in Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG)’s staging of The Bridges of Madison County, the 2014 Tony Award winning musical based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, a story of love’s perseverance and victory against the odds.

Interestingly, life imitates art for ATEG producers Bobby Garcia, Tony Tuviera and Bobby Barreiro who, with their passion for highlighting Filipino world-class talent worldwide, are pulling out all the stops fresh from the success of Saturday Night Fever’s first recently concluded Asian Tour, the productions of Shrek, Rock of Ages and Ghost; The Musical all within a year of coming together.

This time, ATEG raises the bar with the first international pro-

duction of The Bridges of Madison County and a stellar cast that features no less than two Kims and a Rockstar.

Set in the mid-60s, it is about the poignant love between Francesca Johnson, an Iowa farmer’s wife and Robert Kincaid, a traveling photographer and their unexpected four-day whirlwind romance that changes their lives forever.

Joanna Ampil, who plays Francesca, rose to stardom in London’s West End as Kim in Miss Saigon. Carla Guevara-Laforteza, who plays the dual role of Marian and Chiara, is one of Philippine musical theater’s most brilliant performers and has also played Kim in London’s West End’s Miss Saigon. MiG Ayesa, who plays Robert, performed the role of Stacee Jaxx in Rock Of Ages on Broadway and in Manila.

The two time Tony-Award winning Broadway musical of a tale both erotic and bittersweet features beautiful, soulful music by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years). The New York Times lauds Brown’s score as “sumptuous” and The Daily News hails it as “one of Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.”

artists like Alden Richards and Rochelle Pangilinan, we bring our entertainment shows to a higher level,” he added.

Admission to the CF shows of Alden Richards and Rochelle Pangilinan is free on a first come, first served basis. Open to 21 yrs old and above. All shows start at 9:00 p.m.

For more details, please call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046 or (02) 526-0337 locals 2401 to 2403 or visit www.facebook. com/pagcorartists.

t’s Showtime brings kilig to the afternoon habit of the madlang people as the all-male group Hashtags joined the spreading of fun and good vibes.

Hashtags is a group of young, vibrant, talented boys expected to impress and make the madlang people giddy with their cool and hip dance moves.

Zeus Collins, one of the housemates of the recently concluded Pinoy Big Brother 737 leads the group.

Dubbed as the “God of the Dancefloor,” Zeus joined several dance competitions to be able to provide to his family before entering showbiz.

Also joining the kilig fest is PBB 737’s Teen Big winner Jimboy Martin. He is known

for having the wit and speed in rapping but his dance moves will surely make the madlang people groove.

Other PBB housemates that will add spice to It’s Showtime are the sporty Tom Doromal and the young charmer Jameson Blake.

Aside from the previous housemates, Hashtags is also composed of Star Magic stars McCoy De Leon, Paulo Angeles, Jon Lucas, Ryle Santiago, Ronnie Alonte and grand finalists of “Gandang Lalake” segment of It’s Showtime, Nikko Natividad and Luke Conde.

Watch out for Hashtags in “It’s Showtime,” Monday to Saturday noon on ABS-CBN. For more information, follow It’s Showtime on Facebook and Twitter (@ItsShowtimena).

GMA 7’s sNBO Airs ‘DiNGDONG DANtes PreseNts 2°: PANAhON NA kAsAMA si JiGGy MANicAD’

01

02

03

01 Mig Ayesa 02 Carla Guevara 03 Joanna Ampil

ATEG together with Metrobank Card Corporation opened The Bridges of Madison County on Nov. 20. Tonight is its farewell performance at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Don’t let this be the one that got away. Get your tickets now!

Tickets for The Bridges Of Madison County are available at Ticketworld at 891-9999.

VOICES of three loving fathers will appeal to the viewers’ sense of urgency tonight in GMA Network’s Sunday Night Box Office (SNBO) via the documentary Dingdong Dantes Presents 2°: Panahon Na kasama si Jiggy Manicad.

The documentary focuses on the lasting effect and current manifestation of climate change.

Although much has been said about the risk of this natural phenomenon, only a minute value of concern and action is being observed by most of us.

Hosted by Dingdong Dantes, this documentary answers all the questions that each of the fathers have about the causes of the most devastating natural calamity that struck the Philippines this decade—Typhoon Yolanda.

As they share the experience of having their entire province destroyed, lives of loved ones washed away by muddy waters, and different livelihood resources shattered, GMA News personality Jiggy Manicad

Dingdong Dantes

will also look into the needed preparation to avoid the imminent danger of climate change.

This is the right time to be informed. Learn more about climate change and realize the pressing need to take action with this special documentary tonight, after Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA.

SUNDAY : DECEMBER 6, 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ girl bonding and making everyday speCial tHrougH Color ISAH V. RED TV 5 star Shaira Mae says that nail polish is one of the things that make girls go gaga and make girl bonding easy.

Ask any girl about the fun activities that she loves doing with her girl friends and chances are, nail painting would be in the top five of their list.

By painting each other’s nails with the right color depending on their mood for that day, they also get the chance to catch up on their colorful stories and build beautiful dreams together.

Apart from being an effective tool for girl bonding, nail polish can actually make a woman feel beautiful and confident and could give you that boost of energy and relief in an extremely stressful day.

Well-manicured hands (and feet) also give a great impression to others on how you treat your body. It is part of the first impression that you give to others, therefore, beautifully polished nails show a girl who knows how to take care of herself.

For most ladies, nail polish is their single, most affordable tool to be confident, to look pretty, to make their ordinary day special and escape the monotony. Essentially, it helps them become an “it girl.”

The real “it girl” knows that they do not have to wait for a special event to show off their uniqueness and inject color in their lives every single day!

It just takes a simple flick of the brush- the nail polish brush to be exact!

Caronia, the Philippines’ go-to brand of nail polish has consistently been proving to girls that the seemingly simple act of putting on nail polish can actually make your day more special.

With its wide array of shades you’re sure to find a color that represents you best! Big presentation today? How about some Caronia Pussy Red? Date night tonight? Pop on some Caronia African Plum!

Because Caronia offers such vibrancy, high quality, and affordability, you can change up your polish as often as you’d like! How does this get even better? Share the experi-

ence with your gal pals!

This same concept of women bonding over their love for keeping things colorful is showcased in Caronia’s newest set of promotional videos uploaded on YouTube. From spooky sisters to star-crossed ladies, Caronia’s colors gloss over any differences and instead highlight the beautiful similarities these gals have!

The funny and heartwarming videos are starred in by none other than up-and-coming TV5 ingénue Shaira Mae! Refreshingly honest and bubbly, Shaira proves that sisterhood is important and essential for any girl making her way in the world.

An “It Girl” in her own right, Shaira isn’t what you’d expect of a showbiz personality. Despite her polished exteriors, she loves playing computer games with her family and even owns her own business that sells popular grilled food such as Isaw. Beautiful inside and out, this humble Caronia girl shows us all that “It Girls” come in all shapes and sizes.

To further encourage girls to celebrate color and sisterhood, Caronia will be holding a dance contest featuring the dance that Shaira Mae happily demonstrates on each YouTube video. Contest details will be announced soon, so stay tuned to Caronia’s official Facebook page for more information.

Caronia is more than a nail polish—it’s vibrancy, excitement, and sisterhood in every bottle! So make your everyday special with Caronia.

HHHHH House of Cards maratHon viewing Starting tomorrow until Friday at 6 p.m., watch House of Cards from its first season pilot to the end of season 3 on RTL CBS Entertainment (SkyCable HD) Ruthless and cunning, Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire (Robin Wright) stop at nothing to conquer everything. Underwood has risen from House Majority Whip to President of the United States of America. His wife Claire plays the dutiful wife with her own political ambitions. This wicked political drama penetrates the shadowy world of greed, sex and corruption in modern Washington D.C. Catch up on all three seasons to prepare for season four coming in early 2016. ➜ Continued on C7

Up-and-coming TV5 ingénue Shaira Mae stars in a series of YouTube videos as the latest endorser of Caronia