The Standard - 2015 December 13 - Sunday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 304  3 Sections 24 Pages P18  SUNDAY : DECEMBER 13, 2015  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

DONAIRE BAGS WBO TITLE IN 12 ROUNDS

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DUTERTE, ROXAS EXCHANGE BARBS

By Rio N. Araja and Francisco Tuyay

AFTER Liberal Party presidential bet Manuel Roxas II criticized him for promoting a “mythical” image as crimebuster, independent candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte lashed back at the LP bet and depicted him as an inexperienced manager who has to call on his wife to take hold of a situation.

DUTERTE

ROXAS

“Mar has no experience in local governance. He cannot handle stress,” Duterte said during a speech in Taguig City late Friday after Roxas publicly dismissed as a “myth” Duterte’s claim that Davao became a safe city under his leadership.

The remark drew negative reactions from Davao residents, spurring the anti-crime group Volunteers

Against Crime and Corruption suggesting that the Davao City council declare Roxas “persona non grata.”

The 70-year-old Duterte, who had just been reelected mayor at the time, explained that he went to the Eastern Visayas when Typhoon “Yolanda” struck the region in November 2013 because he was born in Maasin City in 1945.

He said he witnessed how Roxas reacted to the situation in Tacloban City after Yolanda flattened the city and killed thousands of people.

“He was looking for firemen and engineers. So I called him aside and said ‘you are looking for officials who are also victims’,” Duterte said, noting that Roxas, who was then interior secretary, even fired the Eastern Visayas regional police chief for publicly saying fatalities could reach several thousands.

“He would even consult his wife Korina Sanchez sometimes while we were inspecting places in Leyte,” said Duterte, who lived in Eastern Visayas until he turned six years old and his family had to move to Mindanao.

Next page

‘NOYNOY’ BECOMES ‘NONA’: LPA THREATENS

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE state weather bureau admitted on Saturday that it had to change the pre-determined name of the next storm to enter the country because the one submitted to the World Meteorological Organization sounded a bit too similar to the nickname of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration had announced on Friday that if the low-pressure area hovering over the Pacific on Thursday turned into a storm, it would be named “Melor” in accordance with the WMO list.

However, Pagasa has a separate list using Filipino names for cyclones entering the country and the next name on the predetermined list was “Nonoy.”

But, “due to its landfalling characteristics and in respect to President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s name,” the name Nonoy was changed to “Nona,” the state-run Philippines News Agency reported, quoting Pagasa weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar.

But Pagasa officials said there was nothing unusual in the name and sex change because Next page

NEW DESTINATION. People have begun to flock to the Blue Bay Walk at the reclamation area near the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The promenade has become a popular destination for families and couples looking for new destinations in the metropolis. LINO SANTOS

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BACK ON THE STREETS. Hidden from view during two important international events this year, homeless Filipinos are now back begging for alms with children in tow on the streets of Metro Manila ahead of the Christmas season. EY ACASIO

AQUINO GOVT WELL TRAINED—PALACE

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

THE government again assured the public that the country’s storm “frontliners” are well trained to handle calamities even as it warned that Filipinos, particularly those in the Bicol region, should remain vigilant for any eventuality.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte made the assurance as Tropical Storm “Melor” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday and was renamed “Nona,” according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Nona, the 14th tropical cyclone to affect the country this year, entered the

PAR around 4 a.m. when it was 1,110 km east of Maasin, Southern Leyte, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

It is forecast to move west northwest at 25 kph, but is not expected to directly affect the country until Sunday night when it is forecast to affect the eastern side of Luzon and Visayas.

DUTERTE...

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The VACC, on the other hand, wanted Roxas declared “persona non grata” for the “below-the-belt” remark that the group described as a “very, very big lie.”

“Davao City should declare him as ‘persona non grata’ for spreading a very, very big lie,” said VACC founding chairman Dante Jimenez, adding that the group’s Davao chapter has already initiated the process of sanctioning Roxas.

“Mar Roxas did not only shamed

The storm is expected to make landfall in Bicol region

by Tuesday night even as the northeast monsoon continues to affect Northern Luzon.

The northeast monsoon, or “hanging amihan,” is the cold wind from China and Siberia that blows into the country from late October until mid-February. It is usually associated with the Christmas season.

Meanwhile, Valte said President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council to coordinate with local agencies in monitoring the situation as Typhoon Nona made landfall to the eastern side of Luzon and Visayas.

Valte also said that the country’s frontliners, in-

Davao to the world but the Philippines as a whole,” said netizen Angelo Lopez of Roxas’ remark.

He also hit Roxas for his “uncalled for” attack on presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay as an “expert in graft and corruption.”

“That is also below the belt,” Jimenez said. “Why, what does he think of himself? Never mind, he’s at last place in the surveys anyway.”

Roxas made the controversial remark at a forum in the Ateneo de Manila University Friday when he claimed Davao actually has the fourth highest number of crimes in

cluding the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and Department of Public Works and Highways have already prepositioned necessary relief, medicine and heavy equipment.

Disaster councils across the Bicol Region were also on standby alert on Saturday after Nona entered the PAR. The RDRRMC on Friday reactivated the Office of Civil Defense Operation Center and placed its personnel on 24/7 duty to monitor and advise local disaster councils in the six provinces and disaster agencies on weather updates and disaster preparation scenarios, Bernardo Alejandro, RDRRMC chairperson and OCD regional director, said.

the country, contrary to the crimebusting image that Duterte wanted to project to voters.

But the Davao City police issued its own rejoinder on social media on Friday and charged that the Roxas camp was glossing over the facts about criminality in the city.

“They are not showing the true facts on this issue. Please share,” the Davao City police said on their Facebook page.

Citing statistics from the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Roxas said Davao City logged a crime volume of 18,119 in 2014.

‘NOYNOY’...

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the weather bureau periodically changes or “retires” names depending on some criteria.

Escullar explained that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had something to do with it, too.

She said Arroyo herself had nothing to do with the name change, because the name “Gloria” was already on the preset list of names since 2002, but it was replaced with “Glenda” in 2006 since Arroyo was the president at the time.

According to international conventions, the names of storms in the Asia-Pacific region are chosen from a list submitted by 14 countries with each country getting three names that rotate over a period of four

The Davao City police clarified that the 2014 crime volume of 18,119 incidents that Roxas mention included “police-initiated operations that yielded positive results especially on anti-drugs and other special laws.”

DCPO said only 6,548 of the 18,119 incidents, or about 36 percent, were index crimes, or crimes against persons and properties, and the remaining 11,571 (64 percent) were non-index crimes.

Duterte also slammed Roxas for calling him a human rights violator and retorted that the former senator never mentioned that claim when he

years.

But there are instances when member-weather bureaus decide to retire a certain name because of the deaths and damages it has caused.

In the Philippines, Pagasa retires a storm’s name if it has caused at least 300 deaths or P1 billion in damages, like in the case of “Yolanda” in 2013.

In fact, Yolanda was the third storm name to be retired in 2013 following the deaths or damage cause by Typhoon Labuyo in August and Typhoon Santi in October.

Before Labuyo, at least 10 other names were retired by Pagasa due to the same reasons. The retired names are Pablo (2012), Sendong (2011), Pedring (2011), Mina (2011), Juaning (2011), Bebeng (2011), Juan (2010), Pepeng (2009), Ondoy (2009) and Cosme (2008).

sought the Davao City mayor’s support in previous elections. “[But] now that I am running against him, I am a bad boy for him,” Duterte said.

“The same is true with [Senator Grace] Poe. I was not a human rights violator when she asked me to be her vice president. Now, she is telling everyone that I am a human rights violator,” he said, referring to Poe’s claim that she never asked Duterte to be her running mate.

“She is lying,” Duterte insisted, adding that Poe even invited him to her Corinthian Garden home to discuss the matter.

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NEWS

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PALACE RESPONDS TO POE’S RAP

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

AFTER the camp of presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe blamed the Palace for the Commission on Elections’ adverse ruling on her candidacy, the Aquino administration again denied it had anything to do with the poll body’s decision.

STREET SMARTS. Skipping shopping malls for the day, a woman inspects the merchandise of bargain stalls at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on Saturday. JANSEN ROMERO

NATIONS DRAFT CLIMATE ACCORD LE BOURGET, France—French hosts submitted to cheers and applause Saturday a proposed 195-nation accord aimed at curbing emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreck Earth’s climate system.

Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, on the brink of tears after presiding over nearly a fortnight of talks in Paris that ran into overtime despite all-night negotiations, delivered the accord to ministers who must now decide whether or not to approve it.

“The world is holding its breath and counting on all of us,” said Fabius, his voice occasionally breaking with emotion.

Describing it as “an historic accord,” Fabius said the agreement would aim to limit warming of the planet since the Industrial Revolution to “well” below 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) and strive for an even more ambitious goal of 1.5C (2.7F).

The deal would also mean mobilizing a minimum of $100 billion (92 billion euros) a year from 2020 to help the developing world cope with global warming, he said.

Importantly, a new figure for the financing would be set by 2025, Fabius said.

Fabius said the overall agreement would be “legally binding.”

Observers said that as the draft document had yet to be unveiled, it was not immediately clear if the financing would be a legal commitment, which the United States had been resisting.

UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon pressed the world’s envoys to approve the pact. “The end is in sight.

Let’s now finish the job. The world is watching. Millions of people depend on your wisdom,” he said.

French President Francois Hollande urged ministers gathered in Paris Saturday for UN climate talks, to take the “decisive” step in adopting what he termed an “historic” pact to rein in global warming. AFP

LAWMEN SUSPECT 2 GROUPS BEHIND NGCP TOWER BLAST SECURITY forces suspect that the bombing of a power line tower of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines on Thursday were probably committed by two groups.

Supt. Alexander Tagum, North Cotabato police chief, said the bombing of NGCP Tower No. 68 in Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, North Cotabato could be the handiwork of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and extortion gangs.

A series of arrests were carried out by the police and military in North Cotabato that dismantled a crime syndicate with the arrest of suspected bombers.

The two groups were suspected of mulcting the power distribution firm.

Covert and overt operations continue to neutralize the group, police and military leaders said.

Following a 15-hour power interruption caused by the bombing, electricity was back in Cotabato Light and Power Company franchise area and nearby provinces Friday through an alternate source.

An NGCP advisory issued at 12:30 p.m. Friday said: “At 12 noon, NGCP energized the Tacurong-Sultan Kudarat 69kV line to serve as alternate route of the bombed KibaweSultan Kudarat 138kV line to serve Cotabato Light, Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) and Maguindanao Electric Cooperative [Magelco].”

It added: “Reports show that the alternate line failed to energize this [Friday] morning due to vegetation hanging on the lines causing a permanent fault. NGCP has since cleared the vegetation. NGCP continues to assess the damages of the bombed tower along the Kibawe-Sultan Kudarat line.”

The 9:28 p.m. Thursday attack in Aleosan caused a 15hour blackout in dozens of towns in the adjoining North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces and in all of the 37 barangays in Cotabato City.

Affected areas were six towns in North Cotabato, the whole of Maguindanao and Cotabato City.

Melfrance Bambi Capulong, speaking for the NGCP

Southern Mindanao, said today’s scheduled preventive maintenance of KabacanSultan Kudarat substation was cancelled.

Capulong said the schedule was to clear trees and branches along the power lines and would have shut off power from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday. “But due to the bombing incident, NGCP field workers will attend to the toppled tower,” she said.

She said NGCP is doing its best to prevent similar incident in the future and improve power distribution activities to better serve its clients.

Despite the restored direct power from NGCP, Cotabato Light communications officer Arlene Hepiga said a 2-3 hours power rotational brownout has to be implemented in its franchise area.

She said the power provided by the Tacurong substation is still not enough to energized all areas of the Cotabato Light franchise which includes the city and parts of Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat, both in Maguindanao. PNA

“In what came out of the disqualification case, there was a dissenter who is also an appointee of President [Benigno] Aquino. So how can they say the commissioners were controlled or influenced?” asked Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte.

“I think the facts will bear themselves out that these allegations are mere allegations and do not have any basis in fact,” she added.

Valte claimed the administration’s critics cannot even claim that the people who filed the complaints were encouraged by the Palace in order to support the candidacy of Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II, who is lagging behind in all opinion surveys.

Valte said two of the complainants, former Senator Francisco Tatad and De La Salle University professor Antonio Contreras are not LP allies because they have been severely critical of the administration.

Another petitioner, lawyer Estrella Elamparo, was a former GSIS employee who eventually left and is in no way connected to the administration.

Valte then appealed to the administration’s critics to stop connecting the involvement of the administration with the petitioners.

“They have their own reasons so let us not connect them to the administration because that’s a bit of a hard sell,” Valte said.

But the Poe camp, continued its campaign sorties in the provinces and found herself in Isabela province, a known bailiwick of the LP. “Nothing has changed. We will not allow these political cases to distract us from our true reason for pursuing higher office, which is to bring economic growth to every Filipino in every part of the Philippines,” Poe said in a statement.

Isabela Gov. Bojie Dy, who had earlier expressed support for LP bet Mar Roxas, invited Poe to be the special guest at the Christmas party of the province’s barangay leaders.

Poe’s counsel George Garcia said their camp will soon file a motion for reconsideration before the Comelec en banc to seek a reversal of the First Division’s ruling. A similar review has been sought for the ruling of the Second Division.

Poe’s camp had presented more than 400 pages of evidence to prove that she meets the citizenship and residency requirements for president, and has expressed confidence that they would win the legal battle, should it reach the Supreme Court.

Garcia reiterated that “the Supreme Court will have the final say and unless the Supreme Court renders a decision, the fight will go on.”

She said she will remain focused on her work in the Senate and in bringing her platform of government to Filipinos, especially the marginalized who have been deprived of the benefits of economic growth.

REACHING THE UNREACHED. Members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. call on Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos after they distributed relief packages to the victims of a big fire in the city last month. The relief team was headed by FFCCCII vice president Domingo Yap, FFCCCII vice president Alex Yap Cho Ty, FFCCCII vice president William Yap Castro, FFCCCII board member Enrique Chua, FFCCCII board member Antonio Cosing, FFCCCII Welfare committee member Ang Cho Lim and FFCCCII president John Lim.

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

WHAT THE PARIS CLIMATE DEAL MUST GET RIGHT WHATEVER agreement to lower greenhouse-gas emissions emerges from the Paris climate talks, it probably won’t be enough on its own to stop the Earth’s atmosphere from warming to dangerous levels. If the deal gets certain things right, however, it can at least put that goal within reach.

Last week, negotiators had reached agreement on one important detail: committing to meet again in 2020 to submit new targets for 2025, and to revisit their plans at five-year intervals after that. That schedule is much faster than India and other developing countries had wanted. Of course, there’s no guarantee that future meetings will bring significantly more aggressive emissions targets. But the easiest way for countries to avoid increasing the targets is to not even talk about them.

That leaves one essential provision to be worked out: a transparent mechanism for measuring and verifying each country’s emissions.

Unless there is a standard by which countries demonstrate that they are reducing greenhouse gases, their pledges will be mostly meaningless.

And unless all the countries know which ones are succeeding and which ones are falling short, peer pressure—the motivating principle at the core of climate negotiations—can’t work.

Countries that lack the resources to accurately measure and verify their emissions should be given help to do so from richer nations. No country should consider stricter monitoring requirements an intrusion on sovereignty; transparency is a price the entire world will have to pay for progress.

Another point of contention in Paris that is less important to the final outcome is the Green Climate Fund—that is, the $100 billion a year that richer countries have pledged to provide poorer countries to finance their efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. Negotiators should not let the agreement get bogged down over this. India and other developing countries argue that money should come entirely from governments, while rich countries say private investments should count toward the total.

That debate misses the broader point: Private money is already funding a great deal of cleanenergy technology in the developing world. In fact, more than half of all clean-energy investment now goes toward projects in emerging markets, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance; in 2014, the total reached $126 billion. Almost two-thirds of that came from other developing nations.

The beneficiary countries should focus first and foremost on making the most of that money, by providing the legal and regulatory framework investors need. Getting more public money into the Green Climate Fund would help, but if governments don’t kick in the entire amount, that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

That’s not to say developing countries’ concerns aren’t legitimate. Industrialized nations have been largely responsible for the greenhouse gases already emitted. Even if fairness weren’t an issue, let’s face it: Richer countries are going to have to help poorer ones adapt. But all can benefit from an agreement that leads to the greatest possible amount of emissions cutting—in this round of talks and beyond. Bloomberg

[ EDI TORI A L ]

POE’S WOES SENATOR Grace Poe was once the darling of the surveys. The surprise top performer in the 2013 senatorial elections also used to be the preferred candidate of those asked whom they would vote for, if elections were held the day they were asked.

The public could not help taking note of the diminutive senator, almost always clad in white with her hair pushed back in a no-nonsense ponytail. She once fell in line at the MRT North Avenue station as research for the Senate investigation into the train mess. Her photo was in sharp contrast to the press releases of Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya who boarded the train while an aide held an umbrella for him.

Poe was also praised for her handling of the hearings on the Mamasapano killings early this year, and the resulting committee report.

Even the Palace took note of the drawing power of the supposedly independent senator. President Benigno Aquino III and then Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II met with Poe numerous times to convince her to be the latter’s running mate. She was one of the few who could continue the straight and narrow path of this administration, they said.

All these were before she said no and decided to take her own path. Now, the public is told she willfully lied in her documents just so she could qualify in the race for the highest position in the land.

Two separate divisions of the Comelec say she misrepresented the facts pertaining to her citizenship and her residency.

The senator is putting up a brave front saying that the cases are still up for decision by the Supreme Court. We can just imagine how rattled she and her team are by these developments. To be branded as a liar is a serious matter.

Poe’s fall from grace happened as fast as her rise to fame. Now, another candidate has overtaken her in the surveys.

Unfortunately, voters are rarely afforded the opportunity to evaluate candidates’ merits—their backgrounds and what they can potentially deliver. They fall prey early on to the ugliness of politics in this country. So much for elevating the level of discourse.

AT HOME IN A HIDDEN PLACE IF, AT FIRST, you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t give up.

It’s not in that mid-rise building with the convenience store. Not in any of the crowded structures on the sides, either. Don’t look for signages because there isn’t one.

There is only a nondescript, nearly run-down, two-story house along what used to be Main Avenue near Cubao, on the right side if you’re headed south, staying obscure if not for the heady jazz music that’s piping from its speakers.

Welcome to Tago Jazz Cafe,

named precisely because it does not announce itself the usual way.

Open the door and find yourself in a makeshift bar where a crowd of 25 is considered a full house; 40 an SRO. There is a couch by the door that looks as though it has been slept on by generations of musicians. There are a few bar stools and a sprinkling of wooden tables. The lights are makeshift; a drapery and a giant Philippine flag line the walls.

One can imagine how common this place looks in the daytime.

Then again, what happens at Tago is always anything but common.

The ground floor is an intimate, if not cloistered, bar with just a few tables. Upstairs on the second floor, right above the stage, live an old woman (the owner’s mother) and

What happens at Tago is always anything but common.

some children (his nephews and nieces).

Yes, for different reasons, many people call this home.

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Nelson Gonzales runs the place—“running everything with nothing.” These days, he is the owner, janitor, security guard, bouncer, cook, guest relations officer, accountant/bookkeeper, doorman, busboy.

He is also the default drummer during open jam sessions.

“I don’t have the funds to employ many,” Gonzales, 40, says. So on the business side, the challenge is not even to make money but simply stay afloat. On some nights, the customers are very few. “I’m not some rich guy who owns a jazz bar.

I am just a simple and penniless cat who likes to stand up for what I believe in.”

“There are a lot of amazing individuals who have passed through our doors,” Gonzales says. He refers to

both local and foreign artists, famous and obscure, young and old, who have played and still play at the cafe.

Gonzales compares the local artists who play at Tago to young cats and heavy older cats. “Here you can freely express yourself, and even be challenged by newer ideas on playing...to have a venue for exploration, and have someone beside you while you find the answers, and then to have someone mess it all up and question your theories, beliefs, and application. It is the bond that keeps us all together. Here, you have people who can understand you.”

Juni Sitaca, the 26-year-old pianist for RSDC who just recently graduated from the UST Conservatory of Music agrees: What draws him to Tago are 1) jazz itself and 2) the community.

Twenty-two-year-old Tim Dadivas, a drummer and graduate of the Jazz Department of the UST conservatory, says that holding jazz events in public places would help people hear and appreciate new music.

Elitist—not!

Gonzales will be the first to tell you that the only thing that makes jazz exclusive is the claim of others that they, and only they, can understand jazz. These are the people who believe they are almighty, and all-knowing jazz geniuses.

Sure, jazz is not easy. “It takes years of hard work and practice to

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be able to play a single honest note,” he says. Still, this is not the time for selfish, egoistic and backward attitudes. “We must unite, support each other, survive, and thrive.”

Despite Tago’s unassuming setting, it has its fair share of regular customers who appreciate what the artists are doing. “This is just overwhelming and humbling,” Gonzales says. He wishes, though, that more people would be able to see jazz for what it is. Education is key.

His vision? That people are able to appreciate jazz “regardless of race, creed, color, religion, and

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social standing...it speaks of life, struggles, trials, tribulations, and the triumph of the human spirit.”

But how can talent thrive and appreciation grow when there is not much support? “The government and big companies don’t support arts and culture in the Philippines anymore. More would rather sponsor novelty and tasteless forms of performances.”

Hot, live, and in-your-face Jazz is a paradox. It is as universal as it is intricately individual. In his letter as Unesco ambassador, Herbie Hancock says jazz is “more

than just a musical art form. It is an affirmation of our ability to peacefully collaborate and cooperate in spite of profound differences—to speak with our unique individual voices while still respecting the collective.”

Gonzales adds: “Each artist is different, the identity and voice of an artist is his own. His will, actions, tone, execution, taste, and life concepts should be respected and recognized. He, in turn, must reciprocate.

We try to support and challenge one another’s view on many subjects.”

In the end, and though he wish-

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

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es he could do more, Gonzales is happy that he has helped create a home for the stray jazz cats. “As simple as it is, we boast some of the first-grade and the most amazing artists here.”

So if you’re not one to be distracted by big doors, a spacious stage, fancy bar furniture and a complete wait staff, find and get to know Tago. Revel in unadorned, unpretentious music—and you may just feel as though you’ve come home, yourself. 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

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

WHAT THE PARIS CLIMATE DEAL MUST GET RIGHT WHATEVER agreement to lower greenhouse-gas emissions emerges from the Paris climate talks, it probably won’t be enough on its own to stop the Earth’s atmosphere from warming to dangerous levels. If the deal gets certain things right, however, it can at least put that goal within reach.

Last week, negotiators had reached agreement on one important detail: committing to meet again in 2020 to submit new targets for 2025, and to revisit their plans at five-year intervals after that. That schedule is much faster than India and other developing countries had wanted. Of course, there’s no guarantee that future meetings will bring significantly more aggressive emissions targets. But the easiest way for countries to avoid increasing the targets is to not even talk about them.

That leaves one essential provision to be worked out: a transparent mechanism for measuring and verifying each country’s emissions.

Unless there is a standard by which countries demonstrate that they are reducing greenhouse gases, their pledges will be mostly meaningless.

And unless all the countries know which ones are succeeding and which ones are falling short, peer pressure—the motivating principle at the core of climate negotiations—can’t work.

Countries that lack the resources to accurately measure and verify their emissions should be given help to do so from richer nations. No country should consider stricter monitoring requirements an intrusion on sovereignty; transparency is a price the entire world will have to pay for progress.

Another point of contention in Paris that is less important to the final outcome is the Green Climate Fund—that is, the $100 billion a year that richer countries have pledged to provide poorer countries to finance their efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. Negotiators should not let the agreement get bogged down over this. India and other developing countries argue that money should come entirely from governments, while rich countries say private investments should count toward the total.

That debate misses the broader point: Private money is already funding a great deal of cleanenergy technology in the developing world. In fact, more than half of all clean-energy investment now goes toward projects in emerging markets, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance; in 2014, the total reached $126 billion. Almost two-thirds of that came from other developing nations.

The beneficiary countries should focus first and foremost on making the most of that money, by providing the legal and regulatory framework investors need. Getting more public money into the Green Climate Fund would help, but if governments don’t kick in the entire amount, that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

That’s not to say developing countries’ concerns aren’t legitimate. Industrialized nations have been largely responsible for the greenhouse gases already emitted. Even if fairness weren’t an issue, let’s face it: Richer countries are going to have to help poorer ones adapt. But all can benefit from an agreement that leads to the greatest possible amount of emissions cutting—in this round of talks and beyond. Bloomberg

[ EDI TORI A L ]

POE’S WOES SENATOR Grace Poe was once the darling of the surveys. The surprise top performer in the 2013 senatorial elections also used to be the preferred candidate of those asked whom they would vote for, if elections were held the day they were asked.

The public could not help taking note of the diminutive senator, almost always clad in white with her hair pushed back in a no-nonsense ponytail. She once fell in line at the MRT North Avenue station as research for the Senate investigation into the train mess. Her photo was in sharp contrast to the press releases of Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya who boarded the train while an aide held an umbrella for him.

Poe was also praised for her handling of the hearings on the Mamasapano killings early this year, and the resulting committee report.

Even the Palace took note of the drawing power of the supposedly independent senator. President Benigno Aquino III and then Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II met with Poe numerous times to convince her to be the latter’s running mate. She was one of the few who could continue the straight and narrow path of this administration, they said.

All these were before she said no and decided to take her own path. Now, the public is told she willfully lied in her documents just so she could qualify in the race for the highest position in the land.

Two separate divisions of the Comelec say she misrepresented the facts pertaining to her citizenship and her residency.

The senator is putting up a brave front saying that the cases are still up for decision by the Supreme Court. We can just imagine how rattled she and her team are by these developments. To be branded as a liar is a serious matter.

Poe’s fall from grace happened as fast as her rise to fame. Now, another candidate has overtaken her in the surveys.

Unfortunately, voters are rarely afforded the opportunity to evaluate candidates’ merits—their backgrounds and what they can potentially deliver. They fall prey early on to the ugliness of politics in this country. So much for elevating the level of discourse.

AT HOME IN A HIDDEN PLACE IF, AT FIRST, you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t give up.

It’s not in that mid-rise building with the convenience store. Not in any of the crowded structures on the sides, either. Don’t look for signages because there isn’t one.

There is only a nondescript, nearly run-down, two-story house along what used to be Main Avenue near Cubao, on the right side if you’re headed south, staying obscure if not for the heady jazz music that’s piping from its speakers.

Welcome to Tago Jazz Cafe,

named precisely because it does not announce itself the usual way.

Open the door and find yourself in a makeshift bar where a crowd of 25 is considered a full house; 40 an SRO. There is a couch by the door that looks as though it has been slept on by generations of musicians. There are a few bar stools and a sprinkling of wooden tables. The lights are makeshift; a drapery and a giant Philippine flag line the walls.

One can imagine how common this place looks in the daytime.

Then again, what happens at Tago is always anything but common.

The ground floor is an intimate, if not cloistered, bar with just a few tables. Upstairs on the second floor, right above the stage, live an old woman (the owner’s mother) and

What happens at Tago is always anything but common.

some children (his nephews and nieces).

Yes, for different reasons, many people call this home.

•••

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Nelson Gonzales runs the place—“running everything with nothing.” These days, he is the owner, janitor, security guard, bouncer, cook, guest relations officer, accountant/bookkeeper, doorman, busboy.

He is also the default drummer during open jam sessions.

“I don’t have the funds to employ many,” Gonzales, 40, says. So on the business side, the challenge is not even to make money but simply stay afloat. On some nights, the customers are very few. “I’m not some rich guy who owns a jazz bar.

I am just a simple and penniless cat who likes to stand up for what I believe in.”

“There are a lot of amazing individuals who have passed through our doors,” Gonzales says. He refers to

both local and foreign artists, famous and obscure, young and old, who have played and still play at the cafe.

Gonzales compares the local artists who play at Tago to young cats and heavy older cats. “Here you can freely express yourself, and even be challenged by newer ideas on playing...to have a venue for exploration, and have someone beside you while you find the answers, and then to have someone mess it all up and question your theories, beliefs, and application. It is the bond that keeps us all together. Here, you have people who can understand you.”

Juni Sitaca, the 26-year-old pianist for RSDC who just recently graduated from the UST Conservatory of Music agrees: What draws him to Tago are 1) jazz itself and 2) the community.

Twenty-two-year-old Tim Dadivas, a drummer and graduate of the Jazz Department of the UST conservatory, says that holding jazz events in public places would help people hear and appreciate new music.

Elitist—not!

Gonzales will be the first to tell you that the only thing that makes jazz exclusive is the claim of others that they, and only they, can understand jazz. These are the people who believe they are almighty, and all-knowing jazz geniuses.

Sure, jazz is not easy. “It takes years of hard work and practice to

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be able to play a single honest note,” he says. Still, this is not the time for selfish, egoistic and backward attitudes. “We must unite, support each other, survive, and thrive.”

Despite Tago’s unassuming setting, it has its fair share of regular customers who appreciate what the artists are doing. “This is just overwhelming and humbling,” Gonzales says. He wishes, though, that more people would be able to see jazz for what it is. Education is key.

His vision? That people are able to appreciate jazz “regardless of race, creed, color, religion, and

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social standing...it speaks of life, struggles, trials, tribulations, and the triumph of the human spirit.”

But how can talent thrive and appreciation grow when there is not much support? “The government and big companies don’t support arts and culture in the Philippines anymore. More would rather sponsor novelty and tasteless forms of performances.”

Hot, live, and in-your-face Jazz is a paradox. It is as universal as it is intricately individual. In his letter as Unesco ambassador, Herbie Hancock says jazz is “more

than just a musical art form. It is an affirmation of our ability to peacefully collaborate and cooperate in spite of profound differences—to speak with our unique individual voices while still respecting the collective.”

Gonzales adds: “Each artist is different, the identity and voice of an artist is his own. His will, actions, tone, execution, taste, and life concepts should be respected and recognized. He, in turn, must reciprocate.

We try to support and challenge one another’s view on many subjects.”

In the end, and though he wish-

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

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

es he could do more, Gonzales is happy that he has helped create a home for the stray jazz cats. “As simple as it is, we boast some of the first-grade and the most amazing artists here.”

So if you’re not one to be distracted by big doors, a spacious stage, fancy bar furniture and a complete wait staff, find and get to know Tago. Revel in unadorned, unpretentious music—and you may just feel as though you’ve come home, yourself. 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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S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

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OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

INTERVIEW WITH AN ASSASSIN

By Florence Panoussian MEDELLIN, Colombia—When I first mentioned to my kids that I was going to Medellin to interview Popeye, they were a bit taken aback. Popeye? The spinach Popeye? In Colombia?

My children have only been in Bogota for three months and are too young to know the bloodsoaked “narcoterrorism” era that wreaked the country in the 1980s and 1990s, when drug lords fought the government and each other with ruthlessness and force.

I explain to them that Popeye is a nickname for Jhon Jairo Velasquez, the hitman for drug kingpin Pablo Escobar who has admitted to killing “250 people, maybe more” and plotting or ordering another 3,000 murders.

When they hear this, my kids stop laughing. My adopted daughter, who grew up in a notoriously violent township of Johannesburg exclaims: “You’re not going alone I hope?”

“Of course not,” I tell her, saying that I’ll be accompanied by our photographer Raul Arboleda as we seek to interview Popeye at the grave of Escobar, his friend and patron.

The cemetery of Itagui couldn’t be more appropriate for such an interview. It lies in the hills surrounding Medellin, overlooking the city that was soaked in blood and violence at the end of the last century.

When I get there the day before, I’m a bit nervous, not sure whether the interview will take place at all. Raul shares my anxiety—Popeye had already delayed the interview several times, including the day before, and we’re not at all certain that he’ll end up talking to us.

Just to be on the safe side, we arrive way ahead of time on the morning of Dec. 2, the 22nd anniversary of the death of Pablo Escobar, who was killed by police in 1993.

Raul had already seen “Pope” in a mall to schedule the interview and says he is a wary man who always arrives ahead of his

interviewers, scans the surroundings and never sits with his back to a potential enemy. When he met Raul, he took the battery out of his cell phone, to avoid being tracked. Conscious that a relative of one of his numerous victims can one day take revenge, Jhon Jairo Velasquez thinks he has been followed since he was freed from prison on Aug. 26, 2014, after serving some 22 years of a 30year sentence. As part of his early release, he is under police surveillance until early 2019.

When we get out of our taxi at

lombian warmth and friendliness.

I expected to see a cynic with a cold stare, a caricature from a gangster movie. Instead I see a charming, smiling, amiable man, who is fascinated by firearms but who has also learned to manipulate and seduce to survive in the jungle of the drug lords and what he calls the “hell of prison.”

Still I remain skeptical. We sit on a stone bench, just steps away from the graves of three other bodyguards of Escobar.

The 53-year-old Popeye is dressed in a black polo shirt and

deal drugs a bit, to hide knives at the school. He was fascinated by weapons and at first wanted to go the military route, joining the Marines. While there, the shape of his chin—which he disliked so much that he had it operated on in Miami in later years—earned him the nickname of Popeye.

He then switched to a police academy. But got disillusioned when a superior painted to him what his future was likely to be: “One day the narcos will offer you a 4X4.”

“That was really demotivating.

faded jeans, with his gray hair closely cropped. I ask a first series of questions to try and understand the complexities of this man. Where was he born? What was his childhood like? When and why did he turn to crime? And of course how did he meet the man who would become his mentor?

He describes his childhood in the village of Yaromal, where he was born on April 15, 1962. His father, a cattle rancher, was very strict and young Jhon wasn’t allowed to ride a bike or play with a ball on the street. He says that he didn’t want for anything except “freedom and affection.”

In middle school, he began to

I wanted to become an officer, not for someone to buy me a car!”

One day, he accompanied a local beauty to a party at Escobar’s house.

“He came out to talk to me. He had the air of a leader about him, they all know how to act around ordinary people and around animals.”

The ruthless drug lord Escobar loved animals so much that he would transform his Los Napoles hacienda into a veritable zoo. After he was killed, the hippos that he kept there would escape. They have since multiplied and haunt the surroundings of Rio Magdalena. But that’s another story.

Popeye was 23 years old when

Popeye at Escobar’s tomb.

(AFP)

the cemetery, Popeye is already waiting for us, standing in front of the Escobar vault, the final resting place for the drug lord, his parents, his younger brother, uncle, nanny and his bodyguard who was killed with him. Unlike the grave of the so-called “queen of cocaine” Grisella Blanco Trujillo, who initiated Escobar to the trade and who was killed in 2012, which has only a handful of wilted flowers, Escobar’s family vault is overflowing with splendid bouquets.

Popeye comes with a bouquet of sunflowers. Later we will see him kneel to kiss the stone.

He greets us with typical Co-

he was first hired by Escobar, a man so rich that he at one point proposed to pay off Colombia’s debt if the government would leave him in peace to ply his trade.

“Pablo Escobar Gaviria was an assassin, a terrorist, a drug trafficker, a kidnapper, a racketeer, but he was my friend. He had incredible magnetism,” says his former hitman, who spent seven years working for the most feared man in Colombia.

Popeye says he doesn’t remember how many people he had killed during the “brutal war” against the rival Cali drug cartel, the Americans who wanted the druglords extradited, and against the Colombian state.

“When you reach that level, you don’t count any more. I didn’t mark a notch every time I killed someone.”

He says that at one point he was very rich, but has since lost everything and today lives alone. He has a 21-year-old son in New York City, who was conceived when he was in a prison where detainees could meet with women.

He says that he has long been separated from the love of his life, who led him to “choose life” in July 1992, leave Escobar and turn himself in to the police.

“I am alone, waiting for death.

But I believe in redemption,” he says, kissing the cross around his neck. He says his greatest pleasure in life at the moment is to go to a corner store to buy a cold beer or an ice cream without having to account to anyone.

“I wasn’t free before. First I was with Pablo Escobar, then in prison. Today, I am the master of my own fate.”

He says that when inspiration strikes, he works on a novel. “I already have the title ‘The Parc of the Damned,’” he says.

He then picks up a copy of his memoirs “Sobreviendo a Pablo Escobar” (Surviving Pablo Escobar) that I brought with me and that I had placed on the bench.

He writes “For journalist Florence Panoussian, who today at Medellin interviewed me with firmness but respect” and signs: “Popeye, the Angel of Death.” AFP

IT’S HARD TO PUT A HAPPY FACE ON 2015

By Leonid Bershidsky THE Oxford Dictionaries’ selection for 2015 Word of the Year—the “Face with Tears of Joy” emoji—suggests that UK linguists live in a rather carefree world. In other countries, the selections were not as upbeat.

On Friday, the Society for the German Language, or GfdS, published its list of the year’s top 10 words. “Fluechtlinge”— “refugees”—was No. 1. In Russia, a group of academics, writers and journalists led

by Mikhail Epstein chose the same word (“беженцы” in Russian). In Austria, a recent popular vote organized by Graz University’s Austrian German Research Center picked “Willkommenskultur” (“welcoming culture”). Refugees were on many minds in other ways, too: the Austrian No. 2 word was “Intelligenzfluechtling,” or “refugee from intelligence”— a neologism for some-

one dumb, probably also born of the migrant crisis.

“Flyktningdugnad,” or “refugee volunteer,” is second on the top-10 list of the Norwegian Language Council, and “vluchtelingenhek” (“refugee shelter”) has been shortlisted by the Dutch dictionary group Van Dale (the voting is still going on). “Refugiado” is on the short list of the Portuguese publishing group Porto Editora.

Russia says it has taken in 300,000 refugees from the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine, bringing the total to 1.1 million.

The refugees who dominated the public debate in Germany—the country has accepted 1 million asylum seekers—have mainly passed Russia by, though some have made their way across the vast country on trains and then crossed the Norwegian border on bicycles. The right-wing Norwegian government doesn’t want them—it has begun

an advertising campaign to deter them and it’s even offered to pay asylum seekers to leave. Austria, which receives refugees who have endured hellish journeys by sea to Greece, on foot across former Yugoslavia and then through hostile Hungary, tries to provide some relief. Portugal hasn’t had much of an influx, but even there, there are pro-refugee and anti-refugee demonstrations.

Another recurring theme in the “word of the year” selections is terrorism and its implications. In France, the Festival du Mot’s votepicked “laicite” and “liberte d’expression” (“secularism” and “freedom of expression”), the rallying cries after Islamist terrorists attacked the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo in January. On the German list, “Je suis Charlie” is No. 2, even though it’s in French. The Dutch shortlist has “cyberkalifaat,” a reference to the Islamic State’s Internet success. And Portugal

simply has “terrorismo” on the shortlist.

Things seem tougher than last year, when Germany’s top word was “Lichtgrenze”—the memorable line of litup balloons placed along the former Berlin Wall to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its destruction.

The Oxford Dictionaries picked the happy emoji because it accounted for 20 percent of all the emojis used in the UK and 17 percent of those sent in the US. The UK judges also picked lumbersexuals, denoting a metrosexual who goes for a rugged lumberjackish look. There were fun neologisms elsewhere, too: “pappakropp” (that’s “dad bod” in Norwegian), and “Flexitarier” (German for a vegetarian who sometimes eats meat).

Even so, crises apparently are where the linguistic evolution is happening most. Political leaders have a lot of work in 2016 to change people’s preoccupations. Bloomberg

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MARCOS, ESTRADA TACKLE DRUG MENACE

By Joel E. Zurbano

FOOD FEST. With the theme #MaginhawangPasko, the annual Maginhawa Food Festival along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, attracts people from all walks of life including this female resident who opts for painting among the many activities to mark the event. JANSEN ROMERO

CONSPIRACY EYED IN ECIJA RICE MESS

By Ferdie G. Domingo

CABANATUAN CITY—The National Food Authority is looking into the possible conspiracy between agency executives and employees and some unscrupulous businessmen in the misclassification of 32,695 bags of unmilled rice (palay).

NFA Region 3 director Amadeo de Guzman said it is possible that some of those being investigated may have conspired with some businessmen from whom they bought the poor quality grains and classified them as good quality.

“We are looking into the criminal aspects of this case because they may have bought palay from some businessmen who sold poorquality palay and later made them

appear as good quality,” he said.

He said such practices constitute graft, gross negligence and dishonesty.

Earlier, De Guzman, on orders of NFA administrator Renan Dalisay relieved two top officials, five procurement officers and five employees of the agency in Nueva Ecija in connection with the misclassification of palay.

Relieved were Nueva Ecija NFA

provincial manager George Roca, assistant provincial manager Daniel Valenzuela, solar dryer engineer Edmar Torres, quality control officers Cesar Paul C. De Guia and Adam B. Rayo; pest control officer Leo Thereso G. Ramos, acting provincial quality assurance officer Jimmy M. Mallari and and five other employees whose identities he withheld.

De Guzman said four more employees are being investigated by the four-man probe team led by Marcelino Villar Jr. If found guilty, they could face automatic dismissal from the service, he said.

Dalisay has appointed De Guzman and assistant regional director Marciano Alvarez to replace Roca and Valenzuela, in concurrent capacities.

Aside from Villar’s probe team, also conducting separate investigations are the security and investigation services department (SSID), the internal audit services department (IASD) and the technical research and services department (TRSD).

De Guzman said the 32,695 bags were not typhoon-damaged but misclassified. He explained that instead of being declared as wet with a moisture content of 15-30 percent, they were made to appear as dry and clean.

Because of the misclassification, the procurement officers made it appear that the procurement costs reached P27.8 million when the actual cost was only P17.9 million, or an over declaration of P9.9 million, he added.

VALINO, 71 RAUL Bernardo Valino, 71, a veteran journalist, passed away on Dec. 9, 2015. He was business section editor of the defunct Times Journal, editor of The Manila Chronicle, deskman of the Manila Bulletin and columnist of Business Mirror, among his numerous jobs in the media which included Business Day, Evening News, Asahi Shimbun, Sunstar and Graphic Magazine. His bereaved wife Celia, children Allen and Donna, Aileen and Dondon and his grandchildren Ian, Jan, Yna, Milo, Pepper, Aidon, Nique, Kaylie and Mico request the pious readers to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. His remains lie in state at Rizal Funeral Homes, Libertad St., Pasay City. His interment is to be announced later.

ZAMBO HEALTH HUB. BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the country’s largest bank, has completed the rehabilitation of Doña Isabel C. Climaco Main Health Center in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur. To commemorate the completion of the project, the foundation inaugurated and turned over the structure in an event led by BDO Foundation president Maureen C. Abelardo, BDO Foundation program director Rose Espinosa, BDO Zamboanga-Canelar branchhead Rogelio Francisco, BDO Zamboanga-Rizal Street branch head Amabelle Sun, BDO Zamboanga-Veterans Avenue branch head Marillac Castillo, BDO Zamboanga-CityMall Tetuan branch head Annie Wong and BDO Zamboanga branch head Allan Bacalla. Guests included City Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco-Salazar, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and city health officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos.

TWO prominent politicians on Saturday took on the drug menace and called for intensified campaign against drug syndicates to prevent the spread of prohibited drugs.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his disappointment with the government’s campaign against drug syndicates although the identities of big-time drug dealers have been unmasked.

For his part, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada promised to wage an all-out campaign against the banned drugs.

“We all know who they are— these drug lords. The PDEA [Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency], they may not say it in public, but if you sit down with the officers they will give you a list of who they [drug lords] are,” Marcos said during a meeting with officers and members of Rotary Club of Pasay.

“Why are we not arresting them, putting them in jail and throwing the keys away?” he said.

“The PDEA 2014 annual report shows that out of the total of 13,792 drug personalities arrested that year two were manufacturers of illegal drugs, and another two were financiers of the illegal drug trade.”

The senator said lawmen should continue to pursue their normal anti-drug campaign against pushers and drug dens and increase their efforts in neutralizing bigtime drug lords and drug syndicates operating in the country.

To bolster the government’s antidrug campaign, Marcos proposed additional support for lawmen in terms of funding, facilities, equipment and better training.

Estrada expressed alarm over the spread of prohibited drugs in 92 percent of villages in Metro Manila.

“I am prioritizing the construction and rehabilitation of sports centers so that Manila’s youth will not experiment with illegal drugs. I am appealing to you stay out of drugs for those will bring will you no good,” said Estrada telling thousands of young skaters during the opening of the country’s very first free skate plaza in Paco.

Estrada cited a study by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency that 92 percent of barangays in the National Capital Region have recorded cases of involvement of youth in the use of illegal drugs, an issue that he is seriously worried about as a parent and as the father of the city.

Estrada and son Jake Ejercito led the grand opening of the country’s very first free skate plaza which offers a safe public venue for skating and BMX enthusiasts and alternative sports-loving youth.

The 1,700-square meter plaza, located in Paco, Manila, is funded by the city government and open to anyone who would want to use the facility free of charge. It is equipped with customary skating obstacles like a 6-ft bowl, China Gap, FunBox, Quarter Pipes, stairset, ledges, Snake Run, Wall Ride, Pyramid, banks and handrails, where aficionados can practice their skate and bike tricks, and also has a covered court and stage where shows could be held.

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SUNDAY: DECEMBER 13, 2015

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

2 MAJOR PROJECTS PROBED

By Maricel V. Cruz

A MEMBER of the House Independent Bloc on Saturday called for a congressional probe into the alleged irregular and anomalous arrangements in the competitive bidding for the Central Luzon Expressway and the new national prisons projects.

MOKA AWARD.

Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda (left) congratulates Mrs. Juliette Gomez-Romualdez (center), mother of senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez after receiving the Most Outstanding Kapangpangan Parenthood Award during the 444th founding anniversary celebration of the province of Pampanga at Holiday Inn Hotel Clark Freeport. VER NOVENO

ROMUALDEZ BILL ON PWDS LINED UP FOR BICAM MOVE

MMDA TAPS SOCIAL MEDIA TO KEEP AN EYE ON TRAFFIC

HOUSE Independent Bloc leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Saturday said he looked forward to enactment of a measure exempting persons with disabilities from the payment of 12-percent value added tax (VAT) on certain goods and services after the completion of seven lawmakers who will make up the bicameral conference committee to work on the final version of the measure.

Romualdez, a senatorial aspirant, appealed to the House and Senate leaders to immediately approve the bicameral conference committee report on the measure as Congress is scheduled to adjourn next week for Christmas break.

“The Aquino government and Congress leaders can further show its care and compassion to PWDs by finally approving the bill upholding the rights and promotes the welfare of PWDs in the country,” Romualdez, principal author of the House version that was approved on third and final reading by 201 members of the House of Representatives, said.

“I appeal to the national government to consider my proposal so that we can extend additional genuine assistance to PWDs. This is very important to help their plight,” Romualdez said.

The members of the bicameral conference committee for the House contingent were Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, who chairs the House committee on ways and means; Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu, Baguio City Rep. Nicasio Aliping, and Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrellita Suansing, Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon, An Waray party-list Rep. Victoria Isabel Noel, and Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz as bicameral conferees.

Maricel V. Cruz

CHAIRMAN Emerson Carlos of the Metro Manila Development Authority on Saturday urged the public to cooperate and report illegally parked vehicles and other obstruction on major roads through its newly created website Netizens Watch.

“Motorists can take pictures of illegal vendors, basketball courts, gambling tables and other structures, including road diggings and they can post and upload them on our social media,” said Carlos.

The agency launched the social media reporting system in a bid to muster the public and private sectors in reporting to the agency all traffic obstructions on all roads in Metro Manila, especially the 17 Mabuhay Lanes.

Carlos said the report should

By Joel E. Zurbano

include the name of the sender and the actual picture including the detailed location where the illegally parked vehicle or the obstruction was spotted and the time it was taken.

The MMDA team tasked to monitor the reports will immediately verify all the information and forward it to the Agency’s Traffic Discipline Office under the supervision of director Crisanto Saruca.

Saruca will then dispatch personnel to clear the area, or instruct contractors to patch the road diggings.

Carlos said the DO will also entertain complaints of extortion committed by erring traffic personnel.

Records showed that traffic volume usually goes up by 25 percent during the holiday season.

A composite team from the

MMDA and Highway Patrol Group is scheduled to comb through the Mabuhay Lanes from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily to ensure the routes are free of traffic obstructions.

Based on the regulations, the Mabuhay Lanes should be cleared of any kinds of obstructions 24 hours a day.

The 17 Mabuhay Lanes are alternative routes to the 23.8-kilometer Edsa. These cover the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City. It also include secondary roads going to shopping destinations in Metro Manila such as Baclaran in Parañaque, Greenhills in San Juan, Divisoria, and Carriedo in Manila.

Last Friday, Carlos thanked officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who pledged to provide assistance to help ease traffic in Metro Manila.

In House Resolution 2491, Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz, member of the Bloc headed by senatorial bet and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, urged the House committees on public works and highways, and good government and public accountability, questioned the participation of the Obrascon Huerte Lain SA (OHL), an Spanish construction company, in the bidding for the Japanese ODAfunded Central Luzon Expressway project by the DPWH Bids and Awards Committee and by the DOJ- BAC in the New National Prisons Project in Nueva Ecija.

Dela Cruz, in the resolution, said he received reports the company has questionable track record, having been involved in a number of rigged bids and anomalous transactions in Spain, United States and Mexico.

He said the company had a long history of anomalous transactions and unethical practices involving big-ticket, high-impact infrastructure projects such as the bribery of Spanish and Mexican officials resulting in the resignation of the treasurer of the Spanish ruling party, Partido Popular.

“Other anomalous transactions include the termination of a number of multi-million dollar projects in Mexico including its reported exaggerated costing and spending for the Mexican toll road project, Cicuito Exterior Mexiquense, defrauding investors and the government of 20 billion Mexican pesos as well as its having engaged in unethical practices and misdeclaration of capacity to undertake the US$246-million Librameinto Norte Highway toll road project leading to the cancellation of the concession agreement,” Dela Cruz said.

M/V STARLITE PIONEER, the first brand new state-of-the-art roll on, roll-off vessel manufactured in Japan that will soon ply the Mindoro-Caticlan route is formally inaugurated and blessed on Thursday at Pier 13, South Harbor. Officiating the blessing rites is Father Iwao Ikegami (second from right), joined by Alfonso Cusi, chairman (left), his wife Anne Cusi, and Patricia Ramos (right). ROY DOMINGO

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 13, 2015

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

BUSINESS

B1

MOBILE APP EMPOWERS 100,000 FILIPINO SELLERS A NEW mobile app, introduced just five months ago, has elevated the social media experience in the Philippines to another level, with many users becoming instant entrepreneurs by buying and selling items online.

Shopee, a consumer-to-consumer social mobile market place developed

by Garena Group of Singapore, has helped more than 100,000 Filipinos sell items online, even before the platform was formally launched in Makati City on Dec. 9, 2015.

Available for free on Apple App Store and Google Play, the Shopee app is equipped with a secure payment service and features that allow fast and easy shopping and selling transactions. Currently, it has millions of users across Southeast Asia, with half a million in the Philippines alone.

Shopee regional managing director Terence Pang, a Singaporean, says Shopee now has more than 500,000 users in the Philippines, and a quarter of them are sellers.

“If you think about it, we have half a million users, and roughly 25 percent of them are sellers,” Pang says in an interview at Makati Shangri La Hotel in Makati City.

Shopee is a mobile platform that allows users to buy or sell items in as fast as 30 seconds. It was softlaunched in Singapore in June and is now available in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan.

It has a user-friendly interface with an in-app Live Chat function that enables users to shop and communicate with one another. It also integrates social features, including hashtag functions, allowing users to easily search for the most popular trending product or keep up with the latest trends.

Shopee also features a seller assistant that guides individuals on how to manage their retail businesses on the platform. Sellers can use it to organize inventory and measure store performance.

“We believe that what we provide is a social focused, mobile-focused C2C market. We believe that it is quite a nobel, unique proposition,” says Pang, a UK-educated executive who used to work for Rocket Internet’s Zalora.

Garena Online, the company behind Shopee and established by Singaporean entrepreneur Forrest Li, is considered Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest growing Internet and mobile platform company, with Shopee as one of its most successful ventures.

Mobile shopping exploded in 2015, but mobile selling appears to be a bigger phenomenon in 2016. Shopee Philippines alone now has over 400,000 product listings, with beauty and fragrance, fashion and toys being the most popular categories.

The Shopee app has been up since June and has quickly drawn 500,000 users in the Philippines because it is easy to use, says Justin Daniel Arcenas, head of business development at Shopee Philippines.

Arcenas says Shopee’s mobile platform allows everyone to be a seller.

“Just download the app. Register, snap a picture of any item, put the price details and the description.

Then, you are good to sell,” he says.

“From the buyer’s side, just scroll the app, go to a category, sub-category and chat to the seller and maybe negotiate. Then go to the bank, make a deposit and wait for the shipping by whatever courier like LBC,” he says. “We actually have seen some sellers deliver the items by themselves,” says Arcenas.

For his part, Pang says the number of Shopee sellers is expected to further increase in the coming weeks, as the mobile platform introduces new features.

“We believe that as the percentage of users grow, the number of sellers will also increase to between 30 and 40 percent. We believe it, because it is so easy for anybody to start selling with Shopee,” he says.

Pang says the Philippines is now one of the seven markets served by Shopee, where it has local offices.

“It has a huge potential in the Philippine market because there is a very strong entrepreneurial spirt in the Philippines. Everyone is excited to do his or her business here. We see a very good opportunity in the Philippines,” says Pang.

On why he is optimistic about the Philippines, he says the country will see a quick jump towards the mobile side. “The penetration of mobile is going to be very strong and that will help us as a mobile focused business,” he says.

He says Shopee focuses on growing its user base and developing more features to enable all sellers of all types.

“That is something we focus on-breaking down the barriers, increasing the safety and security, for us to enable all sellers,” he says.

Shopee employs 60 Filipinos at its local office at Fort Bonifacio, where it has heavily invested in marketing. “We can definitely say we had a lot of investment. If you look at the size of the team, 60 is quite sizeable,” he says.

On why Shopee chose to build a large Philippine team, Pang says the company believes in localization.

“We don’t believe it is going to be the same model in Thailand or Singapore. A lot of decisions that we make

Shopee regional managing director Terence Pang

Shopee regional managing director Terence Pang, Shopee Philippines head of commercial business Macy Castillo and Shopee regional marketing head Agatha Soh at the official launch of Shopee Philippines. are very local in nature,” he says.

Pang says the users themselves are promoting the mobile e-commerce platform among their peers on social media. “What we see is that the users are also doing marketing for us. That is something we find very unique. The sellers are driving buyers to come,” he says.

Shopee is currently in talks with local logistics companies to facilitate the shipping of the products sold through the mobile platform.

“This will happen in the next two

months,” says Pang.

At present, Shopee sellers use couriers such as LBC to deliver the products to their buyers, after the payment has been settled through the banks.

Pang says the focus of the company at present is to grow the user base, with the financial model to come later. This is the same strategy being followed by Internet startups today.

“Of course, where you have buyers and sellers, you will have orders and revenues. But for us, that is not

the focus right now. The focus is how you build the ecosystem in the fastest way possible,” Pang says.

“For 2016, we are going to focus on bringing more features, have more comprehensive logistics options. There is a lot of development work that we aim to do on our product,” he says.

Pang says Shopee addresses common issues faced by users on other existing marketplaces such as fraud, transaction risks and the hassle of face-to-face meetings.

Shopee Guarantee, the platform’s secure payment service, ensures that if products are not received in the previously agreed-upon condition, payment will be refunded to the buyers in full.

Pang says the platform currently has 3 million product listings across seven markets. He says the goal is to become the region’s mobile commerce destination of choice.

Simply put, he says Shopee aims to build a community of “individuals who are passionate about online buying and selling.”

Roderick T. dela Cruz

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 13, 2015

B2 KENNETH Cobonpue, the Cebu-based furniture exporter who designed the unique chairs where the most powerful leaders in the AsiaPacific region sat for a Manila dinner in November, is selling six pieces of the so-called Yoda chairs to raise fund for children.

“These six chairs are the original ones sat on by the Apec [Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation] leaders,” Cobonpue says in an interview at his posh showroom at The Residences in Makati City.

He says to get the best price possible, the limited edition chairs will be sold in an auction on Dec. 16, with a starting bid of P75,000 for each chair.

“When I was selling these chairs, everybody wanted the one sat on by [US President Barack] Obama. That’s when I got the idea that it is better that I put this up for auction for the children,” he says.

Cobonpue teamed up with the United Nation’s Children’s Fund to auction off the chairs used Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Asked why he chose the six chairs, Cobonpue says: “They are the ones that are auction worthy.” Proceeds from the auction will benefit Unicef ’s 1,000 days campaign.

“The one with Obama would probably fetch the highest bid,” says Cobonpue.

Cobonpue says true to its name, the chairs were named after the Jedi character in Star Wars movies. “The original design of that was inspired by grass and it is called Yoda after the Jedi,” says Cobonpue, whose mother is also a designer.

Cobunpue says he took inspiration from blades of grass to design the Yoda chairs, which are made of high-quality rattan reeds. The special edition of the Yoda chair for Apec is wider and taller. It also has armrests and a swivel mechanism that enables one to turn effortlessly in both directions.

“I come from Cebu, I live in Cebu. All natural materials are from Cebu. Our main market is the export market.

We opened the [Makati] showroom two years ago. Before I opened this, most people were going to Cebu,” says Cobunpue, who made a name for himself after several Hollywood celebrities bought his furniture.

Cobunpue says while his pieces are admired for their

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

WHY COBUNPUE

SELLS OBAMA’S CHAIR

Yoda chair designer Kenneth Cobonpue

designs, they remain a part of a business. “It is business. Art is just one piece, but this is for mass production,” he says.

Cobunpue, however, says the Apec chairs will not be reproduced to maintain the exclusivity of the design.

Unicef country representative Lotta Sylwander, a Swedish national who is married to a Filipino, says proceeds from the auction will be donated to Unicef, specially to promote the 1,000 days campaign.

“These chairs were used in the Apec meeting, with six presidents sitting in these chairs.

They are unique not only in terms of designs, but the fact that presidents sat in these chairs. They have a plaque on each side, to know who sat in these chairs,” Sylwander says.

“We also want to use this opportunity to talk about the first 1,000 days of child’s life and how important that is and how that really gives a base for the

rest of the child’s life,” she says.

“If the child is malnourished during the first 1,000 days, the child can never catch up. It is a damage which is permanent.

They will be forever behind in development. We are talking about one third of the Filipino children. This is a serious business. We think that the loss to the national economy in terms of GDP is P3.5 billion [annually]. If we look at the loss caused by typhoon Yolanda, it is roughly the same,” she says.

Sylwander says the Philippines is one of the ten countries in the world with this kind of malnutrition rate. “There is no reason why it should happen in the Philippines. It is a combination of poverty, but it is also very much related to information and knowledge,” she says.

Sylwander says the best way to promote the health of the child in the first 1,000 days is through breastfeeding. “We inform health personnel to make sure that all children are actually breastfed straight after birth,” she says.

She says proceeds from the Yoda chairs auction will be used specifically for the 1,000-day campaign. “We will focus on hotspots in the Philippines with high malnutrition rate like Mindanao, Bicol, Samar and Leyte.

We need to do a national breastfeeding campaign,” she says.

The auction is organized by Unicef special advocate for children Daphne Oseña-Paez.

“Giving children the best start in life is one cause that I staunchly advocate for. Having such historic design pieces contribute to that cause embodies the perfect marriage of creativity and social consciousness that Auction for Action was founded upon,” says Paez.

This is the fourth installment of Unicef ’s Auction for Action, which was initiated in 2011, with the first three auctions raising P8.2 million for children’s programs.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

Unicef Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander, world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue and Unicef special advocate for children Daphne Osena Paez

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 13, 2015

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

MANULIFE CEO BULLISH ON PH OPERATIONS Ryan Charland, the president and chief executive of Manulife Philippines, is optimistic about the Canadian company’s operations in the country next year, given the growing economy and the opportunity to expand the domestic insurance market.

Manulife Philippines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corp., a Canadian financial conglomerate considered one of the world’s largest life insurance companies.

“The prospects here in the Philippines are incredible. You have good demographics and low insurance penetration rate, which means insurance has so much room to grow here,” says Charland who joined Manulife Philippines in January 2014.

Charland, who has a degree in Computer Science/Actuarial Science from the University of Toronto, had been assigned to Hong Kong, the United States and Canada, before he was appointed the top executive of Manulife Philippines, one of the oldest financial companies with 108 years in the country.

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, the company’s first name, began operations in the Philippines in 1907.

Charland has worked for Manulife Financial in various leadership functions in product development, finance and corporate risk management for more than 10 years.

He says despite the stock market slump which affects the performance of the equity fund, Manulife believes that there is an opportunity in the present situation.

“We notice that people deferred their investments, but we think it is a good time to buy.

You buy low and sell high. So, it is really a buying opportunity

Manulife Philippines launches its latest investment-linked product called Affluence Builder Plus in Makati City. Shown are (from left) Manulife Philippines chief product officer Jasper Cheng, president and chief executive Ryan Charland and chief marketing officer Melissa Henson.

right now,” he says.

Charland describes the 2016 prospects as good. “We focus on expanding our distribution, specially in the Visayas and Mindanao, through our partnership with China Bank and Plantersbank.

By the end of this year, we should have 41 branches,” he says.

Charland believes that the partnership with China Bank and Plantersbank for the socalled bancassurance business will expand the reach of Manulife to the Visayas and Mindanao.

“We opened 10 branches this year. We expanded...in Visayas and Mindanao,” he says.

Charland says Manulife’s new investment-linked product called Affluence Builder Plus is also a reason for optimism. The product encourages investors to start big to reach financial goals sooner.

“Whether it is a bond fund, or equity bond, all the major funds we already have are available on this product,” says Charland.

“We also have flexibility. You can withdraw your money if needed in particular point in time.”

Charland says Affluence Builder Plus is the most competitive investment product in the market today. “There are a lot of products like this in the market, but none of them is as competitive. I truly believe that this provides the best long-term investment for customers. We are very excited about this product,” he says.

Affluence Builder Plus, the latest in Manulife’s roster, allows policyholders to build up their funds early on. Through a low entry fee fully paid within the first year, customers are ensured that they are fully invested by the second year.

Affluence Builder Plus gradually builds up wealth through periodic premium payments.

Clients can choose to pay smaller amounts with a longer pay period, or larger amounts over a more flexible timeframe. It also has added protection benefits that cover policy owners financially for accidental death or payment of premiums in case of disability.

“We started selling this product last month and we already had a lot of initial success, so we are quite excited about it,” says Charland. “This is truly the best product in the industry. It is very competitive. We are very excited about it.”

Charland says through Affluence Builder Plus, clients can make premium payments over a five-to-ten year period, and at an amount and frequency they are comfortable with. “Affluence

Builder Plus will help our clients fund their dreams – whether its for retirement, a home, education or any other large future expense,” he says.

Charland says Affluence Builder Plus is expected to be a big contributor to overall sales volume of Manulife Philippines.

“The lowest minimum investment is P100,000 [per year] if you do a five-year payment, or P50,000 a year in 10 years,” he says.

He says the yield of the fund will depend on the performance of the financial markets chosen by the investor. “We have a peso growth fund that is invested in equities, we have a bond fund or you can get a mix,” he says.

Manulife’s investment team manages the fund for investors and places the fund in the stock market or the bond market.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

TOP MINES GET HIGH SCORES IN ‘GREEN’ SCORECARD THREE of the country’s biggest mines that voluntarily submitted their operations to third-party scrutiny by an environmental non-government organization posted near-perfect scores in a special ‘green’ scorecard, according to the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship.

The Padcal mine of Philex in Benguet, the mine of Taganito Mining Corp., a Nickel Asia Corp. subsidiary in Surigao del Norte and the mine of Carmen Copper Corp., Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp.’s subsidiary in Cebu all scored above 200 out of a possible 210 points based on PBEST’s

environmental performance tracking program.

“Last year we gave businesses a venue where an independent evaluator can assess their compliance with relevant environmental rules and regulations, and we’re glad that these companies answered our call,” said lawyer Ysan Castillo, PBEST secretary general.

Big businesses should take a lead role in environmental stewardship, a field where industries’ resources and culture of innovation can be useful, Castillo said.

Developed by renowned geologist CP David, the EPTP was based on the Mining Act of 1995 and its implementing rules and

regulations.

The instrument is not intended to compare companies and mining operations because inherent differences exist among each mine, PBEST said.

Instead, the site and its operations are evaluated based on their unique environmental situations and their best practices and innovations would serve as models for responsible mining.

The first batch of EPTP subjects, three of the longest and most successful mining operations in the country, showed “ample evidence” of reforestation and rehabilitation efforts and development of the surrounding

communities in areas like health, education and livelihood.

Other specific findings include: Carmen Copper mine reporting “no incident of effluent quality violation and employing the most number of Pollution Control Officers;” the Padcal mine having the highest ratio of employees engaged in environmental related projects at 3 percent; and Taganito’s mine having the largest contingent liability and mine rehabilitation fund at P7.3 million.

Philex also has an ISO 14001 accreditation, the only one of the three mining companies, the report saud.

PBEST also announced that the country’s first and oldest mining company, Benguet Corp. has also volunteered to join the EPTP project and has started the first phase of the scorecard’s evaluation process, the results of which will be announced at a later date.

Castillo said that it is very encouraging that four of the biggest legitimate large-scale mining companies have joined the EPTP as another platform for the mining industry to come clean and show to the public that “responsible mining is being done.”

“This as an important step towards self-regulation in the extractive industries,” he said.

B4

WORLD

SAUDI HOLDS FIRST EVER ELECTION OPEN TO WOMEN

British soldiers from the NATO coalition carry the body of victim after a car bomb attack near the Spanish embassy compound in Kabul on Dec. 12. AFP

FOUR AFGHAN, TWO SPANISH POLICEMEN KILLED BY TALIBAN

KABUL—At least four Afghan policemen and two Spaniards were killed in an hours-long Taliban siege near the Spanish embassy in Kabul, the latest highprofile insurgent attack.

Multiple blasts and gunfire rocked Kabul’s diplomatic quarter after the brazen raid began Friday evening, just hours after President Ashraf Ghani voiced optimism that a peace process with the Taliban would resume within weeks.

“Afghan special forces have killed four attackers who were involved in the terrorist attack in Kabul,” interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told AFP. “Unfortunately four policemen were also martyred

in the attack.”

The government in Madrid confirmed that two Spanish policemen were also killed in the assault, which began when a huge car bomb struck during rush hour on Friday evening.

The powerful blast, which sent a thick plume of smoke into the sky, was followed by multiple explosions through the night along with sporadic bursts of gunfire.

Security men near the embassy ducked from gunshots as they

hauled away a limp body and two wounded men through the dark to a waiting ambulance— one bleeding from the head, the other a policeman with a gunshot wound to his leg—an AFP photographer saw.

Sediqqi said the last of the four assailants was killed in the early hours of Saturday.

The attack follows a deadly 27hour Taliban siege of Kandahar airport this week as the militants ramp up attacks despite the onset of the harsh winter season, when the fighting usually calms down.

The Taliban also claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack, saying the target was a foreign guest house.

The Spanish embassy was earlier reported to be the target of the attack, but Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy clarified that the assault was nearby and not on the compound.

“It was an attack against some guesthouses very near the embassy,” Rajoy said, confirming that all embassy staff had been evacuated as Afghan special forces cordoned off the area in Sherpur district in central Kabul.

Sherpur is home to several foreign NGOs and the residences of senior government officials, including controversial former warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, Afghanistan’s first vice-president. AFP

RIYADH—Voting began on Saturday in Saudi Arabia’s first elections open to female voters and candidates, a tentative step towards easing restrictions that are among the world’s tightest on women.

Men and women vote separately in the kingdom, where the sexes are strictly segregated.

The absolute Islamic monarchy, where women are banned from driving and must cover themselves from head-to-toe in public, is the last country where only men were allowed to vote.

More than 900 women are running for seats on municipal councils, the kingdom’s sole elected public chambers.

They are up against nearly 6,000 men competing for places on 284 councils whose powers are restricted to local affairs including responsibility for streets, public gardens and rubbish collection.

Gender segregation enforced at public facilities meant that female candidates could not directly meet the majority of voters—men— during their campaigns.

Women also said voter registration was hindered by bureaucratic obstacles, a lack of awareness of the process and its significance, and the fact that women could not drive themselves to sign up.

As a result, less than one in 10 voters are women and few, if any, female candidates are expected to win.

But one-third of council seats are appointed by the municipal affairs ministry, leaving women optimistic that they will at least be assigned some of them. AFP

MIGRANTS DESPERATE TO LEAVE GREECE

ATHENS—Guylo is a musician, looking for a place of peace to play his guitar. Fares wants to study. Mohammed is waiting for news of his wife and child after becoming separated from them en route.

All are migrants trapped in Greece after being barred from continuing their odyssey through Europe -- and are desperate to get out.

“We are looking for (smuggler) networks, do you know someone?” asks Guylo, 37, who fled fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I will do anything to get

somewhere where I can be at peace, do my business, play my music,” he says, adding that Paris would be his first choice.

In recent weeks, thousands of migrants have been blocked in Greece following a decision by several European nations to only allow transit through their borders to refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Earlier this week, over 2,000 mainly African migrants were taken to Athens from the Greek border with Macedonia to the north, and lodged in a former Olympic taekwondo hall in the south

of the capital.

Conditions are poor in the facility that authorities say can nominally accommodate 300 people in an emergency.

“We sleep on the floor, there are no mattresses, there is no hot water,” says Mohammad, a 36-year-old Palestinian who became separated from his wife and child on the Macedonia border.

The migrants receive three meals a day from humanitarian agencies, but they sleep on a concrete floor, sanitation is basic and brawls are common. Used pasta and soup cartons lay strewn about. AFP

A man kisses a girl as refugees and migrants arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey. More than 886,000 migrants have arrived in Europe by sea so far this year, according to the latest United Nations figures. AFP

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B5

WORLD editorial@thestandard.com.ph

US vowS Stepped Up fight on iSiS Washington—the United states will intensify its efforts to destroy the islamic state extremist group in syria and iraq, secretary of Defense ashton Carter pledged over the weekend.

HOLIDAY PARADE. cape penguins, also known as african or jackass penguins, dressed in christmas costumes, walk beside guests during a christmas event at the hakkeijima sea paradise in yokohama on dec. 12. AFP

Two Koreas hold second day of high-level SEOUL—North and South Korea held a second day of highlevel talks Saturday, aimed at easing cross-border tensions just months after a flare-up pushed them to the brink of an armed conflict.

The vice-minister-level talks, with a mandate to address a broad but unspecified range of interKorean issues, are the first of their type for nearly two years.

While no substantial breakthrough is expected, there is room

for tangible progress with both sides seeking the resumption of stalled cooperation projects that have significant symbolic and financial value.

The talks, held on the North Korean side of the border in the jointly-run Kaesong industrial zone, were a key element of an accord reached in August to end a dangerous military standoff.

At the height of that crisis, fuelled by high-decibel bellicose rhetoric, both Koreas went on a

virtual war footing after a brief artillery exchange across their land border.

The Kaesong talks began Friday and ran over three sessions between South Korea’s chief delegate Hwang Boo-Gi and his North Korean counterpart Jon Jong-Su. “The two sides had a broad discussion of pending issues and exchanged views in a sincere manner,” the Unification Ministry in Seoul said.

They met again for 40 minutes

on Saturday morning, before adjourning to consult with their respective capitals.

“I think it will take time,” Hwang said when asked how long the talks would continue for.

Previous efforts to establish a regular dialogue have tended to falter after an initial meeting—reflecting decades of animosity and mistrust between two countries that have remained technically at war since the end of the 1950-53 Korean conflict. AFP

A US-led coalition began bombing the group in both countries last year, after the jihadists overran large areas in a brutal campaign of beheadings and forced religious conversions.

The White House is, however, under growing pressure to do more, with President Barack Obama’s administration criticized by opponents for what they say is a lack of discernable progress in eliminating the extremists.

“We are taking a number of steps... and we intend to take more to strengthen the execution of our strategy and hasten the defeat of ISIL,” said Carter, speaking at a news conference in Washington alongside Michael Fallon, his British counterpart and ally in the bid to defeat the IS group.

“I expect in a week and two weeks and six weeks and so forth for us to be doing more and building more capability, and having more and more impact every week. That’s the whole idea. That’s what President Obama has asked to us to do, that’s what we have been able to do and we will continue to do,” he added.

Obama will travel to the Pentagon Monday to take stock of the ongoing military efforts in Iraq and Syria.

The president will hunker down with his National Security Council and then make a statement, said his spokesman Josh Earnest. However, it is not expected to herald a major change in strategy. AFP

son of laTe libyan dicTaTor ‘freed afTer Kidnapping’ BEIrUT—Hannibal Kadhafi, the high-living businessman son of the late Libyan dictator, was freed late Friday, several hours after he was kidnapped in Lebanon by an unknown armed group, security sources told AFP. Lebanese police freed Kadhafi and were set to question him, one source said, without specifying where the businessman had been released.

A second security source told AFP Kadhafi had been “kidnapped by an armed group in the region of Bekaa while he was travelling from Syria, before being released on Friday night in the same region.”

Bekaa is an eastern stronghold of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said Hannibal Kadhafi’s kidnappers had demanded “information on Mussa Sadr,” a Lebanese Shiite leader

who went missing in 1978.

Beirut blamed the disappearance on the longtime Libyan strongman, and the Kadhafi family was branded persona non grata by Lebanon, especially among members of the Shiite Muslim community.

A former Libyan envoy to the Arab League, Abdel Moneim al-Honi, told the panArab newspaper Al-Hayat in 2011 that Sadr had been ordered killed during a visit to Libya and was buried in the southern region of Sabha.

Late Friday, the Lebanese private television channel AlJadid broadcast a video purportedly showing Kadhafi.

In the video he appears to have been beaten up and has two black eyes, but he says that he is “well” and calls on “all those who have evidence about Sadr to present it without delay.”

It was not clear when or

where the video was filmed.

The lavish lifestyles of Kadhafi’s family and entourage helped fuel the anger in Libya that sparked the protests that led eventually to the strongman’s ouster and killing in 2011.

Hannibal, born in 1975, was among a group of family members—including Kadhafi’s wife Safiya, son Mohammed and daughter Aisha—who escaped to neighbouring Algeria after the fall of Tripoli.

In 2008, Hannibal and his wife, the Lebanese model Aline Skaf, sparked a diplomatic incident with Switzerland when they were arrested in a luxury Geneva hotel for assaulting two former servants.

The Libyan regime demanded that no charges be brought and an apology be made over the allegations that Hannibal had assaulted the pair, a Tunisian and a Moroccan. The case was dropped. AFP

EXPLOSION. Thai bomb squad members inspect the site of a motorcycle bomb attack targeting a police patrol in the Takbai district of Thailand’s restive southern province of narathiwat on dec. 12. AFP

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

SPORTS

REUEL VIDAL EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

ONE HOUR IS ALL IT TAKES

By Peter Atencio

ONE Championship, the biggest sports promotion in Asia, answered the call of Pangarap Foundation to help street children.

Evolve coach Heath Sims and ring girl Mel Tan enjoy a game of dodge ball with the young wards of Pangarap Foundation during the visit of ONE Championship officials. PETER ATENCIO

The foundation provides a safe haven for male street children who have suffered malnutrition, abandonment and other forms of abuse. One Hour seeks the support of corporations and their employees by asking them to donate an hour’s worth of their annual earnings to their projects.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, executives of ONE Championship and their sponsors LG Philippines Electronics found their way to a residential compound located beside the Libertad Public Market in Pasay City.

For an hour or so, they interacted with 78 boys

Three-time world MMA champion and now vice president of ONE Championship Rich Franklin works up a bit of sweat with former street children as they play a game of dodge ball during the visit of ONE Championship officials to Pangarap Foundation. PETER ATENCIO

Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU

Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU

Tel. No. (+632) 928-8642/928-8937 Fax No. (+632) 920-1635 E-mail: central@mgb.gov.ph

Tel. No. (+632) 928-8642/928-8937 Fax No. (+632) 920-1635 E-mail: central@mgb.gov.ph

North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Philippines

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID One (1) Lot Drydocking/Repair of 500GRT Research Vessel (RPS Explorer) P.R. No. 2015-12-954 1.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2016 intends to apply the sum of Six Million Pesos (PhP6,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for One (1) Lot Drydocking/ RepaiJ- of 500GRT Research Vessel (RPS Explorer). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during opening of bids.

North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Philippines

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID One (1) lot Information Technology Parts and Peripherals P.R. No. 2015-12-952 1.

The MGB now invites bids for Procurement of One (1) Lot Drydocking/ Repair of 500GRT Research Vessel (RPS Explorer).

The MGB now invites bids for Procurement of One (1) lot Information Technology Parts and Peripherals.

Delivery of the Goods is required within sixty (60) days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP). Bidders should have completed. within Five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II (Instructions to Bidders)..

2.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Delivery of the Goods is required within forty five (45) days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP). Bidders should have completed, within Five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II (Instructions to Bidders).

2.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

3.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from MGB and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours, from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

3.

Preview of specifications can be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Phil-GEPS).

4.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on January 6, 2016, Wednesday, on or before 1:30PM. Late bids shall not be accepted. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Securing Decl aration or any other bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

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

8.

For further information, please refer to: ENGR. ROBERTO D. CASEROS Head, Secretariat Bids and Awards Committee North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone No. 6676700 loc. 153 E-mail: bacems_minesbureauco@yahoo.com Website: www.mgb.gov.ph

(TS-DEC. 13, 2015)

(SGD)ENGR. JUANCHO PABLO S. CALVEZ Chairman, BAC

The MGB will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 16, 2015, Wednesday at 2:00PM, at the Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on January 6, 2016, Wednesday, on or before 1:30PM. Late bids shall not be accepted. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Securing Declaration or any other bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on January 6, 2016, Wednesday, on or before 2:00PM, at the Office of the MGB-Bids and Awards Committee. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.

7.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from MGB and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours, from 9:00am to 4:00PM. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from December 9, 2015 to January 5, 2016 at the address below and upon payment of a non- refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Four Thousand Pesos (PhP4,000.00).

Preview of specifications can be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Phil-GEPS).

The MGB will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 16, 2015, Wednesday at 2:00PM, at the Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from December 10, 2015 to January 5, 2016 at the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Four Thousand Pesos (PhP4,000.00).

4.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2016 intends to apply the sum of Thirty Three Million Nine Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP33,950,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for One (1) lot Information Technology Parts and Peripherals.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during opening of bids.

Bid opening shall be on January 6, 2016, Wednesday, on or before 2:00PM, at the Office of the MGB-Bids and Awards Committee. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.

5.

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

6.

For further information, please refer to: Engr. ROBERTO D. CASEROS Head, Secretariat Bids and Awards Committee North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone No. 6676700 loc. 153 E-mail: bacems_minesbureauco@yahoo.com Website: www.mgb.gov.ph

(TS-DEC. 13, 2015)

(SGD.) Engr. JUANCHO PABLO S. CALVEZ Chairman, BAC

who have been plucked from the streets. Former street children being taken care of by the Pangarap Foundation.

Rich Franklin, a threetime world champion and now the vice president of ONE Championship, enjoyed a game of dodge ball with the kids, with local fighter Eugene Toquero, Evolve coach Heath Sims and ring girl Mel Tan. LG Philippines Electronics, through corporate marketing head Mayan Salapantan, was there as the company donated a 40-inch LED TV. Their advocacy, which is to support institutions who take care of needy children, came on the occasion of Friday’s ONE: SPIRIT OF CHAMPIONS at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Brandon “The Truth” Vera beat Paul “Typhoon” Cheng for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight World Championship.

Franklin vowed to donate proceeds of the fight and its supporting bouts in support of the Reach for the S.K.Y. program.

The program is a project of Children’s Hour, a group which supports the Pangarap Foundation.

“We had fun here today, playing dodge ball, broke a little sweat, got active and brought some snacks. It’s our plan is to do community service every time we come here,” said Franklin.

The project has three aims, which is to provide caring services, healing services and teaching services.

“We are glad this happened. We were able to support them with a TV set,” said Salapantan.

She said more such activities have been planned with One Championship next year.

Children’s Hour executive director Net Garcia said they have been faithfully seeking help for the street children through the program for the past 15 years.

“We are happy with the support that ONE Championship has given to Children’s Hour.

With the proceeds of the ticket sale, the kids can be provided with medical assistance, feeding and nutrition care,” said Garcia.

She added that the support of companies have helped the program become successful.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

BULLPUPS SWEEP 1ST ROUND NATIONAL University used a strong second half to turn back defending champion Ateneo, 73-60, and complete first round sweep in the UAAP Season 78 juniors basketball tournament yesterday at the Blue Eagle gym.

Justine Baltazar imposed his will in the paint with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks while John Lloyd Clemente also had 18 points as the Bullpups went perfect in seven starts but not after overturning a three-point deficit at the half.

Jolo Mendoza was not a factor for the Blue Eaglets, as the last season’s Finals MVP went scoreless in only 15 minutes due to a knee injury.

Ateneo dropped to 5-2 in a tie with De La Salle-Zobel, which absorbed a 66-79 loss to Adamson University.

EJ Agbong played his best game of the season with 20 points and 15 rebounds for the Baby Falcons, who improved to 4-3 card.

Adamson moved in a tie with Far Eastern University-Diliman, a 6140 winner over University of Santo Tomas, in joint fourth heading to the second round which starts on January 9 after an almost-month long Christmas break. In the curtain raiser, UP Integrated School entered the win column with a 10469 overpowering of University of the East.

The Tiger Cubs finished the round with a 2-5 slate, the Junior Maroons are now at 1-6, while the Junior Warriors remained winless in seven outings.

“BIKE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE” SET MIKE Tampengco, president of the Philippine Collegiate Cycling, had organized a cycling event dubbed as “Padyak para sa Kalikasan,” set on Feb. 7, 2016 in Gapan, Nueva Ecija.

The event aims to generate awareness on the catastrophic effect of climate change and to promote preparedness among Filipinos in case of powerful earthquakes.

Aside from the event, also slated are different category competitions prepared by the PPCI such as OpenTeam event, Masters, Amateur, Mountainbike, Executive, Women and National Collegiate, where the top 3 winners for each category will receive medals and cash and free meals.

Tampengco said the fun Bike event is a timely project for all who love cycling as their means of physical fitness and sports, as discussed during the meeting with former ICFP Secretary General Manding Bautista.

“The bigger portion of the event is the fun bike, that’s why we had to add additional event which will tap all the diffferen cycling clubs in the country,” Tampengco said Tampengco said that the event will be handles by Noel Vicencio. president of Nueva Ecija cycling club, in preparation for next year’s World University Cycling Championship in Tagaytay City.

All interested participants, may text or call Mike Tampengco at 0917 890 3240.

WARRIORS EDGE CELTICS TO STRETCH WIN STREAK

THE Golden State Warriors stretched their sensational season-opening NBA winning streak to 24 games on Friday with a hard-fought 124-119 double-overtime victory over the Celtics in Boston.

NBA scoring leader Stephen Curry drained two free throws with 13.4 seconds left in the second overtime, and Warriors swingman Andre Iguodala added two more foul shots with 5.4 seconds remaining as Golden State held off the tenacious Celtics.

The reigning champion Warriors notched their 28th straight win in a streak stretching back to last season.

Their 27th straight win had already tied for the second-longest streak ever, and now they trail only the 33 in a row won by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.

But it was a close-run thing for a Warriors team missing injured starters Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes.

They trailed by five points with 2:07 left in regulation and Boston had two chances to wrap it up in the waning seconds of regular time.

It was tied 103-103 with 2.9 seconds remaining when Warriors guard Shaun Livingston blocked a shot by Boston’s Isaiah Thomas.

After Golden State’s attempt to score on an inbounds play failed, the Celtics had the ball with 0.7 seconds to play, but Kelly Olynyk’s jumper wouldn’t fall.

“It hurts. We were there the whole time,” said Olynyk, who came off the bench to score a season-high 28 points.

In a contest that was close throughout, the Warriors appeared to be taking control when they stretched their lead to 11 points in the third quarter.

But it didn’t last long, as Curry struggled through his worst-shooting night of the season.

Curry, who went into the contest leading the league with an average of 32.2 points per game, made just nine of 27 shots from the floor.

Fiercely defended by the Celtics, he made eight turnovers and his two free throws were his only points of

PLAYING THE EDGE. Stephen

Curry of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 11, 2015 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP

the second overtime.

“Nothing was pretty about this game,” said Curry, who did make six of 13 three-point attempts and all 14 of his foul shots en route to 38 points.

“But we got stops, everybody contributed ... considering all the injuries we had and this being the end of the road trip—huge win for us.”

Draymond Green contributed 24 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and a season-high five blocks for the Warriors.

Iguodala scored nine of his 13 points in the two overtimes.

“We continue to fight,” Green said. “We believe in ourselves. We believe in each other and we trust each other. So, nothing new. The same old same old, which has made us who we are.”

The Warriors close out a sevengame road trip at the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. They are trying to become the first NBA team to go 7-0 on a single road swing.

The drama in Boston dominated a day that also saw venerable veterans Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan clash in San Antonio, where Duncan’s

Spurs defeated Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers 109-87.

The Indiana Pacers, hammered by the Warriors on Tuesday, bounced back with a 96-83 victory over the Miami Heat.

Pacers guard Monta Ellis scored 24 points with six assists and six steals and forward Paul George added 23 points—surpassing the 5,000-point mark for his career.

Heat star Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and passed Gail Goodrich for 48th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

DONAIRE WINS WBO TITLE AFTER 12 ROUNDS OF HELL

By Ronnie Nathanielsz FORMER five-division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire added another WBO super bantamweight belt to his trophy room, but not after 12 rounds of veritable hell against No.1-ranked Cesar Juarez before an enthusiastic crowd at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Saturday.

Donaire, the 2012 “Fighter of the Year” and No. 5 in the poundfor-pound rankings at that time, looked like re-asserting his mastery of the 122-pound division as the No. 2-ranked Filipino dominated the early rounds with excellent counter-punching behind a stinging jab, a thundering left hook and a wicked right hand.

A heavy favorite to win, Donaire dropped Juarez twice in Round 4 with a thundering right and then moments

later with a vicious left hook, before he appeared to ease off in Round 5, allowing the rugged Mexican to slowly claw back into the contest. Juarez then decided to brawl, pushing Donaire against the ropes and hammering him to the body, turning the tide in what turned into a brutal Donaire waterfront brawl.

Through the middle rounds, Donaire suffered a deep cut on his right eye, which required several stitches and had a welt under his left eye, while his left thumb was also swollen as he began to dramatically fade. Juarez threw caution to the winds and went after Donaire, in the process leaving himself open for some telling counter-punches by “The Fili-

pino Flash,” who appeared willing to get hit provided he could land one big counterpunch.

A slip in Round 6 when Donaire tripped over referee Ramon Pena resulted in twisting his ankle, which seemed to hamper his movement.

ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo, who was at ringside, said Nonito told her he couldn’t get off the ropes because he couldn’t move, stressing that he was not tired. Castillejo quoted Donaire as saying that at one point in the later rounds, he felt like giving up because Juarez was like a bull and was relentless in his aggression.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum paid tribute to Donaire for his unbelievable courage.

Although Donaire rocked Juarez a couple of times with telling right and left hooks, his foe continued to storm forward in the typical style of a Mexican warrior and appeared to overcome an initially hostile Puerto Rican crowd with his gallantry and readiness to fight, no matter what the consequences.

Juarez, who had been knocked down before but never knocked out, maintained that reputation as he not only survived the early hammering he received from Donaire. He even had Donaire in deep trouble himself in Rounds 8 and 9, before the Filipino dug deep into his courageous heart in the 11th and 12th rounds, with some telling flurries to win a lopsided decision on the scorecards of all three Puerto Rican judges, but which certainly did not reflect the closeness of the fight—a “Fight of the Year” candidate.

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ReUel viDAl EDITOR sports@thestandard.com.ph

sports

Members of the Leyte RTR All Stars boys, the football team to beat in Eastern Visayas, flash the no. 1 sign.

LEYTE RTR ALL STARS

InspIred to wIn GROWING up, kids are thought of aiming high, setting goals and overcoming their fears. As they move along, they learn these things and they gain a good perspective on how to deal with the obstacles that they encounter. Some are quite incomprehensible and unbeatable. But then, through their persistence and their mentors’ continuous teaching, these children become prepared for greater things.

The Leyte RTR All-Stars boys, the football team to beat in Eastern Visayas, is a prime example of these children. These boys come from different areas across the region (i.e. Tacloban, Ormoc and Biliran), all of which was badly hit by typhoon Yolanda way back in 2013. They survived the devastation from two years ago and they continue to, day by day through their determination and their parents’ relentless efforts to make ends meet.

Last Nov. 24, these boys travelled all the way from Tacloban to Manila to join this year’s Alaska Cup, scheduled on the 28th until

the 30th. It was the first for many of them. They were motivated to compete and claim victory against other participants from various parts of the country.

Through the generosity of the Priests of Rogationist Seminary College of Philosophy in Paranaque, the boys had a place to stay for a week. They started and ended each day of their journey with a thanksgiving prayer. They jogged every morning with their Coaches and had tune-up games in the afternoon.

They took their training by heart. As Alfer or Ping, the Team’s Under-13 year-old defender said:

A member of the Leyte RTR All Stars in action during the Alaska Cup.

The boys come from different areas across the region (i.e. Tacloban, Ormoc and Biliran), all of which was badly hit by typhoon Yolanda way back in 2013.

“The kids from the rest of the competing teams would be bigger than us, for sure. They can afford to eat more meat so we have to show them that we maybe small but we are terrible.”

The boys also had the chance to spend an evening with their idol, Chieffy Calingdog , a former Azkal player and now, Coach to the La Zalle-Zobel football team. He shared to them how he was able to fulfil his dreams as one of the nation’s best players.

Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, the President of the Philippine Daily Inquirer has seen the boys’ play in the past. She is amazed of their determination and skills, hence, to show her support, she took the time from her busy schedule to meet them. As an early Christmas gift, she gave each of the boys a new pair of cleats or soccer shoes, the very pair that they used during the weekend games.

When game weekend came, the Under-14-year-old players were excited to compete with the rest of the Teams. They were no privileged kids so, they knew who they

were up against but, instead of getting intimated, they gave it their best kick.

Lennon, the “off-the-shoulder” striker uttered, “We can do this!

With our passing and defense skills, we can win this.”

True enough, the Team won against Brent International School and ended up with a draw in their succeeding matches with Ateneo de Manila and Ateneo de Cebu.

Jared Troy, the RTR Leyte All Stars’ captain kept the team together. The coaches were all behind him. They knew they were up for a good fight. Overall, they placed ninth among the 36 competing Teams.

The next day was no different; the Under-13-year-old boys were inspired to win. They wanted to make everyone proud. Even if their opponents were seasoned players, they weren’t faint-hearted. They fought to prove themselves.

In the end, their hard work paid off as they secured the 10th spot, out of the 30 teams in their category with three wins against La

Salle Greenhills, South Ridge and Puzakal FC. For a first-timer Team, RTR Leyte All Stars showed everyone in Alaska Cup that they are no underdogs. They are capable of accomplishing as much and they are willing to go far for their dreams.

The boys’ journey in Manila came to an end last Dec. 1. Their last day was just as memorable.

Special thanks to Boot Camp Football Shop in Bonifacio Global City, thru Andrei Mercader, for the balls and gears, Juiet GomezRomualdez, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Romualdez and family for opening their home and hosting the celebratory dinner.

The boys had a fun-filled experience and are surely looking forward to next year’s tournament.

They still have a long way to go, but with the right coaching and steadfast training, sooner than later, the Philippines just might have its own Lionel Messi or David Beckham.

But of course, none of these would have been possible, if not for the benevolent donations of the institutions and individuals mentioned below: RTR Medical Foundation Tacloban City, Mission Tacloban, Office of Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, First District of Leyte, Medical Teams International USA, Energy Development Corporation / Calidad Humana, PASAR Foundation,Team Socceroo Football Club, MediaVest Philippines Inc., Stratuscast, St. Bernard School for Boys, NY USA, Association of Philippine American Organizations of Greater Cleveland Ohio, Henry Moran Foundation, Leyte Football Association, Tingog Sinirangan, Land Rover Club Philippines, Upsilon Sigma Phi, UP Mens Football, UP Womens Football The Extra Mile Productions, Oplan Hatid Volunteers, Messy Bessy, Counc. Richie Brown of Pasig City, Gabriel Aguilar, Pat and Maricris Joson and Ramon Gueco Siopongco

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 1 3 : 2 0 1 5

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

S U NDAY L IF E

LIFE

Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa developed the Amilbangsa Instruction Method that gives equal emphasis on technique and creativity to preserve knowledge and skills about the pangalay dance style

I

Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa’s gift of dance

f you are from Marikina or have had occasion to visit the city, you might have seen these banners proclaiming the Marikeños’ pride at having one of their own receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award for her “single-minded crusade in preserving the endangered artistic heritage” of southern Philippines, in particular, the pangalay, an indigenous dance of Sulu.

The daughter of the late Marikina mayor Gil Fernando Sr. and the older sister of former Marikina Mayor and Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando, Ligaya Amilbangsa – a 1962 Far Eastern University alumna – fell in love with the dance form during a visit to Jolo, Sulu in the late ’60s where she saw a group of dancers perform. Her marriage to the late Datu Punjungan Amilbangsa (of the prominent clan in Sulu) whom she met at FEU and the subsequent move to Bongao in Tawi-Tawi introduced her to the rich cultural heritage of Mindanao.

For more than three decades, Ligaya immersed herself in the rich cultural life of the Muslim South, recording its performing arts, visual arts, and other traditions that are now endangered. She developed the Amilbangsa Instruction Method, a mode of instruction that gives equal emphasis on technique and creativity, to preserve and propagate knowledge and skills of the dance style, pangalay.

The continuous support of institutions like her alma mater, FEU, has helped Ligaya keep alive

At 72, the Ramon Magsaysay awardee is as graceful as ever

the artistic expressions that link Filipinos to their past through her unwavering tenacity and passion. Among the initiatives that Ligaya and the FEU have embarked on include screenings of “Ang Pagbabalik sa Tawi-Tawi,” a documentary of the 72-year-old lady’s works that have contributed to the preservation of the Muslim South’s culture and tradition.

“I am grateful to FEU for being a steadfast supporter of my life’s purpose of preserving the cultural and historical relevance of indigenous dance forms,” she said, adding that FEU continues to be a venue for academic discussion on this topic.

It also provides various forms of assistance in the publication of our dance researches. It was at the FEU Institute of Arts – where she took up her major in 1959 – that gave her a deeper understanding of the craft.

“The world is quickly becoming assimilated and borderless. To have a better appreciation of other cultures, we have to be aware of our own. This is why the support of institutions like FEU is important, so that future generations may continue to understand our artistic traditions,” Ligaya stated.

To further support her continuous campaign on safeguarding artistic traditions, FEU is collaborating with Ligaya to publish an interactive edition of Pangalay: Traditional Dances and Related Folk Artistic Expressions, a book on the Southern Philippine cultural dance of the same name, which will include video demonstrations of the dance steps.

“FEU has long been a bastion of Filipino culture and arts. More than having one of our alumni receive one of the highest honors in Asia,

Marikeños take pride in Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa’s accomplishments

it gives us even greater pride seeing our students continue to uphold the university’s values as they pursue their own vocation. That is why we give our constant support to our alumni and their worthwhile endeavors,” said FEU president Dr. Michael Alba.

Ligaya Amilbangsa is the second FEU alumni to receive

the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award. In 1980, Francisco Sionil Jose – who studied in the Far Eastern University High School from 1939 to 1941 – was recognized for his “intellectual courage and his concern for and encouragement of Asian and other writers and artists.”

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S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 1 3 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

THE GIVING WAY TO HAPPINESS If you want happiness for an hour – take a nap. If you want happiness for a day – go fishing. If you want happiness for a month – get married. If you want happiness for a year – inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime –help others.

– Chinese Proverb

CAROTID ARTERY

BY TATUM ANCHETA

“I

wish I had more money so it’s easier for me to heal my heartache and go back to being happy,” I jokingly told my friend while pouring my heart out over dinner. “No, whether you have money or you don’t, a heartbreak is a heartbreak,” she said, then continued to tell me that everything is simply just a distraction: money, going somewhere, buying things, or if I want to emote like Julia Roberts and do an Eat, Pray, Love in Bali. “By the end of the day you will go back, and you will cry still feeling the empty hole that someone used to fill, so deal with it,” she continued.

Umm… okay. Friends – they tell you the truth and smack you in the face when you still won’t get it. Maybe I’ll take the Chinese proverb’s advice, a nap will do for now.

Distractions. Sometimes you need those, too, especially when you are dealing with something in your life – letting go, changes.

For almost a month during the photo shoots for The Standard’s Visionaries project, I forgot I was nursing a broken heart. Coming out of a three year relationship does take its toll, but work is a good place to focus and pour out my energy. Seeing and meeting so many amazing Visionaries made me forget about my heart. Besides the occasional heartburn from my acid reflux, I forgot it was there. But then, as my schedule went back to normal, there it was again, knocking like an endless replay of Eternal Sunshine of

a Spotless Mind. It’s true, distractions help but they’re temporary, you have to look within yourself and go through the process. Again, a nap would be good, lol!

My friend messaged me and told me to check out Jenny Santi’s book The Giving Way to Happiness.

I borrowed her book and after a few pages I was hooked. She then introduced me to Jenny for a quick email chat since I didn’t get to meet her during her book signing. The book is an enlightening read on the power of “giving.” It features stories of her personal journey and the many stories of the people she had worked with as a philanthropy advisor. It features personal stories of Academy Award

best way to recover from worst tragedies, it gives greater pleasure than the creation of wealth, it can heal, and give inner peace among many others. “In my career as a philanthropy advisor, I have heard so many stories from people who are involved in charitable work – whether they are major donors, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, idealistic young students, or volunteers,” says Jenny.

“I observed something that they had in common. It wasn’t that they had a lot of money to give away – no. Some of them were not giving money, but their time and their talents to something that mattered deeply to them.” She continued,

Jenny Santi during her book signing in Manila

winner Goldie Hawn, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, supermodel and now maternal health advocate Christy Turlington Burns, and philanthropist Richard Rockefeller, among other notable names – successful celebrities, the world’s most generous philanthropists and some Forbes listers.

Everyone has certain things they need to fill in their lives to feel happy – health, money, relationships, even prestige. It depends on each person on what weighs more. “Giving is the most satisfying thing you will ever do,” Jenny mentioned in the book, and itemizes what it can do to a person. Giving can be the source of true happiness; it’s the

studies show that even children feel happier when they give than when they receive.

Giving. Shall I process my grief and learn how to give – maybe not about money, but what can I give?

I turned the pages and slowly got myself immersed in the world and science of “giving.” But then as I reached chapter four, From Trauma to Triumph,, she gently reminds to “Take care of yourself first,” and that finding happiness through “giving” doesn’t necessary mean to jump on the first chance to help after going through a rough patch. (Hmm… shall I take back all the clothes I gave away after my break up? Just a thought, I really

Jenny Santi

“What struck me was that these people radiated with purpose and joy. I observed that while giving yields obvious blessings for the receiver, the act of giving holds a wealth of benefits for the giver which are seldom discussed and arguably greater: a sense of purpose, empowerment to overcome trauma, careers that blossom to callings and success elevated to significance.”

Jenny cited scientific studies on how the power of giving activates the same pleasure centers of our brain that are stimulated by food, sex, and drugs. She also cited what scientist’s call the “helper’s high,” the euphoric feeling people get when they help others. Apparently,

loved that jacket. Hmm… again, just a thought.)

She narrates what Thich Nhat Hanh (Zen master and peace activist and human rights advocate) told her, “We have to take care of ourselves before we take care of others… if you are not capable of taking care of yourself, of nourishing yourself, of protecting yourself – it is very difficult to take care of another person.”

Most of the successful personalities whose stories are shared in this book started out with an achievement for themselves, and then eventually shared what they had after they’ve accumulated wealth, fame and power.

I asked Jenny what she could advice for ordinary people and what she

could suggest for them to start with to be able to give the gift of giving for others. “Same advice that I would give anyone. Find your passion, and make that the foundation for your giving. It is not how much you give but how much love you put into it,” shares Jenny.

“While giving can make us feel good, giving can also make us feel depleted,” the author explains. “In the Philippines, we like to guilt-trip people into giving. That doesn’t result in a happy feeling, because people just give to avoid humiliation, to avoid being called ‘cheap’.” She adds, “We need to be proactive – not simply reactive – about our giving.

Set aside the time to think about what your options are, and find the best way to give that is aligned with your passion, your capacity, and your personal preferences.”

Jenny Santi wrote The Giving Way to Happiness to inspire and “to tell these stories of what giving does to change the life of the giver.” In a way, the thoughts printed in her book are also a means of “giving” a part of her. It is an inspiring read, and hopefully anyone who leafs through the pages will get some enlightenment. I sure did.

“Give not until it hurts, but until it feels great,” closes Jenny.

For comments, suggestions and violent reactions, you may email me at tatum@thestandard.com.ph.

For my crazy life’s adventures follow me at @tatumancheta on Instagram and Twitter.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ONE CUP FOR ZERO HUNGER

Yum! Brands Inc. delivers hope to underfed schoolchildren

Y

um! Brands’ fast food companies Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Philippines make it easier for many Filipinos to join the fight against hunger with its Deliver Hope fundraising campaign, ongoing until January 15 next year.

Customers buying their favorite pizza and tacos can help in the campaign, now on its eighth year, by dropping cash donations to the coin banks, or buying either a postcard featuring Deliver Hope ambassador Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (P40) or a limited-edition Deliver Hope cup (P50) at any of the 174 Pizza Hut outlets and Taco Bell branches nationwide.

The funds raised by this yearly campaign will go directly to World Food Programme’s ongoing feeding program for schoolchildren in conflict-affected Central Mindanao. Deliver Hope is part of Yum! Brands World Hunger Relief Programme 2015, the world’s largest private-sector hunger relief initiative spanning more than 125 countries and territories.

“The participation of Manny Pacquiao as campaign ambassador adds a special dimension to our Deliver Hope initiative this time around, because we have a world-renowned athlete who was born and raised in Mindanao to help us reach our goal of eliminating hunger in the Philippines,” enthuses Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Philippines chief operating officer Teck Huack “TH” Lim. Being a Mindanaoan, Pacquiao immediately agreed to be the face and the voice of the campaign. “I chose to join the

2015 World Hunger Relief Programme because I would like to help our countrymen in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao who have little to eat,” Pacquiao says.

“I find it sad that children go to school everyday with almost nothing in their stomachs. With the help of the World Food Programme, they become excited to go to school because food motivates them to study well,” adds the Filipino world champion boxer.

According to WFP Philippines representative and country director Praveen Agrawal, the meals provided through the school feeding program have helped increase the retention rate of students in WFP-assisted schools by over 90 percent – “a testament to how school feeding helps these children stay in school.”

WFP’s feeding program targets 65,000 school children from conflict-affected communities in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao every school year. WFP provides the children with hot and nutritious meals which consist of rice, mung beans and vegetable oil during regular school days on-site. A meal for one child costs only P10.

“We would like to commend and thank Pizza Hut and Taco Bell for eight years of a strong and continued partnership, making sure that nutritious meals are provided to the children that need it the most,” says Agrawal.

Since 2008, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell have helped raise P27 million for WFP’s school feeding programme in the Philippines.

Customers of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell can help in Deliver Hope 2015 campaign to end hunger by buying a limited-edition cup at any Pizza Hut or Taco Bell outlet nationwide

POVERTY REDUCTION THROUGH EDUCATION C

CFC ANCOP president Jaime Ilagan and Caritas Manila executive director Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual sign an extended Memorandum of Agreement to help fund Caritas’ Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program

aritas Manila and Couples for Christ ANCOP Global Foundation, Inc. both believe that education is the best way to liberate individuals from poverty. Hence, the two non-profit organizations strengthened their partnership in educating youth from poor families.

CFC ANCOP president Jaime Ilagan and Caritas Manila executive director Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual recently signed an extended memorandum of agreement. Through the partnership, CFC ANCOP will help fund Caritas’ Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program or YSLEP. CFC ANCOP and Caritas Manila have been partners since 2013 as both their education programs, YSLEP of Caritas and Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) of CFC ANCOP, are both geared towards using education to reduce e poverty incidence in the country.

With studies showing that attaining a college degree reduces the Filipino

household’s poverty incidence by a staggering 98 percent, the strengthened partnership allows YSLEP scholars to finish college in the identified communities in Pasay City and calamity-stricken areas in Leyte, Western Samar and Compostela Valley. CFC ANCOP will then pave the way for parents of the scholars to participate in and attend the various activities of Couples for Christ.

To date, there are over 5,000 youth scholars nationwide under Caritas Manila’s YSLEP. The beneficiaries of YSLEP undergo various values formation modules and leadership workshops which focus on three core values: self-discipline, moral integrity and social responsibility.

To donate to Caritas Manila’s YSLEP, visit www.caritasmanila.org.ph or call their DonorCare lines at (02) 563-9311, (02) 564-0205, 0999-7943455, 0905-4285001 or 0929-8343857.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Club Bulakeño’s founding members and presidents (from left) Lydia and Gene Reyes, Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco, Shelly Lazaro, Atty. Jonas Cabochan, Ofelia Trinidad and Tess Castro

A dance number with Club Bulakeño’s lady president Shelly Lazaro and president Jonas Cabochan

‘Huwarang Anak ng Bulakan’ awardees (from left) Obet Pagdanganan, Cheche Lazaro, Jessie Sincioco, Roman Reyes and Donnie Tantoco

IN HIGH SPIRITS PHOTOS BY LORNA LLANES

I

Jowee Mathay, Roman and Polo Reyes, Chechel and Bernard Tiongson

Jun and Chit Bautista

Noy Ayson and Ellaine Villar

Sonny Tanchanco, Atty. Lorna Kapunan and John Gaddi

Chuchi Villar and Lydia Reyes

Noy Ayson and Ellaine Villar

True to the theme were Bert and Nonie Basilio with Gyngyn Ponce Quizon

Dance participants Tess Castro, Jun and Baby Perez, and Sonny Tanchanco

David Lim, Mayenne Carmona, Francis de Leon and Richard Tiu

Ann and Atty. Jonas Cabochan Edwin Medalla, Marian OngNuguid and Mari Lacson

Gerard Ramirez, Berna Lomotan Lolet Carillo, Florence and Neneng de Ocampo Defensor and Gov. Baby Luat

have been feeling the this, we’re able to raise spirit of Christmas a huge sum to cover at with profound joy least 70 percent of our these past few weeks. scholarship subsidies.”

First, I volunteered with During the event, a group of civic minded they also recognized and philanthropic the “Huwarang Anak ladies headed by Tina #INTHEMOMENT ng Bulakan” – a Cuevas and Linda Ley

BY FRANCIS DE LEON salute to outstanding for a unique gathering to Bulakeño achievers, make the wish of cancer ward patients of namely: Che Che Lazaro for Media; the Philippine Children’s Hospital and Roberto M. Pagdanganan for Public National Children’s Hospital come true. Service; Roman Felipe S. Reyes for Through a collaboration with Make- Accounting; Josefina “Chef Jessie” A-Wish Foundation, they were able Sincioco for Culinary Arts; and to grant the wish of two kids (who are Bienvenido “Donnie” V. Tantoco III patients of the aforementioned hospitals) for Entrepreneurship and Retail. for a thematic Princess Party held at the Following the formal awarding leading events place in Quezon City, The ceremonies, the jovial spirit was Sulo Riviera Hotel. absolutely felt with the unity of the For a day, Cherdelyn and Kyla were Club Bulakeño community and their beautiful princesses – a simple wish that friends as they participated in a fashion has given heartfelt joy to their parents and extravaganza and an energetic dance little guests who were also struggling with medley that kept the crowd rolling cancer. There is strength in the smiles of with excitement. these children that I find truly inspiring.

Most essentially, I have observed that The selfless love and generosity of the through this fellowship, they were all hosts were much appreciated and will be impassioned to come together (through forever etched in the hearts and minds of dance) with a common mission to raise those who came and celebrated. funds for their beloved province.

Secondly, I was personally invited by “We aim is to have a bigger revenue the lady president of the Club Bulakeño, this year so we can support more scholars Shelly Lazaro, to attend their annual and at the same time, extend assistance affair held at the Makati Shangri-La to other communities through livelihood Manila. The black tie charity ball was programs and skills training,” explained attended by nearly 400 guests from the Lazaro, one of the movers and shakers province of Bulacan and their friends. (literally and figuratively) of the 27th The ball was dubbed as the Club Bulakeño Charity Ball.

“Celebracion con Erte” and its In a message, the spirit of Club inspiration was an ode to the Russian- Bulakeno’s annual fund raising ball born French artist, Roman de Tirtoff was aptly described: “The Annual Ball (more popularly known as Erte). True reminds us that the good that we do to the theme, most of the women today is a seed planted for a brighter attendees wore 1920s- and 1930s-era tomorrow. May we never become weary inspired gowns and the men were in doing good,” said Bienvenido R. dapper in their tuxedos. The milieu Tantoco, Sr., recognized as an “Ama was reminiscent of the movie The ng Bulacan” by the Club Bulakeño for Great Gatsby. his many accomplishments and support And as with every charity ball, the for their home province of Bulacan.

“Celebracion con Erte” was organized Their continuous work and to raise funds for those in need in their persevering service spanning 27 years, home province of Bulacan. all for the common good of those who “For the last 27 years, we’ve been are in need of aid, is truly noteworthy giving educational assistance to a and inspiring. lot of deserving students in Bulacan, And that, in my opinion, should put aside from our medical and dental us all in high spirits! outreach programs,” expressed Shelly Cheers to Club Bulakeño!

Lazaro to this columnist.

She added, “Our annual ball is our Follow me on Twitter or Instagram biggest fundraising activity. Through @francis_deleon8.

Home for the Holidays: Why a Century Home should be yours for all Christmases to come

Acqua Private Residences is on the border of the vibrant cities of Makati and Mandaluyong.

For most Filipinos living abroad, the Yuletide season is the time to go back home. It is the time for reunions and rekindling of ties that matter.

Coming back home is also a chance for them to fully realize their own aspirations for their loved ones. And to many, a home is the single most important reflection of that better life. A home represents that new beginning.

Even more rewarding is that there is now a chance to own not just any home, but a Century home.

District (CBD), the multi-tower community offers nature-infused amenities designed to rejuvenate and enliven each resident.

A few minutes away from the Makati CBD and other major establishments, Acqua is ideal for professionals and families who prefer to be at the center of the action, but at a lesser price. Acqua showcases the harmonic fusion of nature and modern conveniences through the pocket gardens within its towers, the Pebble (a country club by the water exclusive for residents), and the retail and dining strip Home for the Holidays called the Riverwalk Promenade below.

For years, Century Properties has If you want the experience of a committed to enhancing many Filipino branded residence, then look no furlives by providing them ther as Acqua has two with quality homes that signature towers: Acalso symbolize their life’s qua Livingstone with successes. It has partinteriors designed by nered with the world’s the vivid colors and best in design and inpatterns of Missoninovation, creating fresh Home and Acqua Iglifestyle concepts for uazu, featuring the detoday’s progressive and signs of yoo inspired by global Filipinos.

Starck.

This Christmas, you can A few kilometers now give your family a away from Acqua but home they truly deserve still within the city is the through Century Propercountry’s first resort-inties’ Easy to Own Home spired enclave, Azure for the Holidays program.

Urban Resort ResidencWith available es. Here, every day is a Ready-for-Occupancy An Acqua Iguazu unit inspiration vacation as the 9-tower units and special discounts residential community for the season, you and your family can features magnificent water components move in immediately to the home you’ve including cascading waterfalls, swimalways wanted. ming pools, a man-made beach covered Whether you want a home that’s near in fine sand, and the breathtaking Paris the city or an abode that caters to your Hilton-designed Beach Club. The six hectevery need, Century Properties has it all are community in Bicutan, Parañaque laid out for you. is also near schools, retail centers, and Relax in a tropical rainforest right major roads with direct access to transwithin the heart of the bustling met- portation, perfect for yuppies, students, ro as Century brings the country’s first growing families and even retirees. residential Eden in Mandaluyong City, Meanwhile, the Residences at Comthe Acqua Private Residences. Located monwealth in Quezon City not only right across the Makati Central Business provides accessibility, convenience and

Paris Hilton enjoys the breathtaking views of Azure Urban Resort Residences; (Inset) A studio unit at Commonwealth by Century

comfort but also promotes a healthy and holistic approach in life through indoor and outdoor amenities that develop and nurture one’s talent and skills.

The community’s creatively designed multi-level amenity area features amenities that go beyond the usual clubhouse facilities. It has a fitness center, a basketball and badminton court, an athletic bootcamp, yoga and Pilates deck, an arts and crafts studio, a cooking studio and kitchen, study and library, screening

room, and a crèche and kindergarten. These activity areas allow residents to enjoy and foster their own recreational pursuits.

With Century Properties, there are simply countless ways to live a better life.

Wouldn’t you want to spend every Christmas holiday from here on with your family in a brand new Century home?

For details on the Easy to Own Home for the Holidays promo and its special deals for you this season, visit www.century-properties.com or call 0917-5555274

S UNDAY : DECEMBER 13, 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

WaRnER TV UnVEiLS hOLiDay PROgRamming

MunaTo MusiC FesT in sarangani

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arangani Province, home to the wellloved tasty tuna which abounds on its waters, sizzled with the recent MunaTo International Music Festival to mark its 23rd Founding Day anniversary.

Now on its 13th edition, the celebration captured the many facets of Sarangani through a world music-inspired extravaganza at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Alabel.

Taking center stage was celebrated traditional sape player Mathew Ngau Jau and the Living Heritage of Malaysia. The sapeh, a short-necked lute, is the indigenous instrument of tribal peoples living along the rivers of Sarawak state of Malaysian Borneo.

Ngau Jau of the Ngorek tribe is one of the few professional sapeh players and is recognized as the undisputed authority on the instrument.

The group also conducted lectures and cultural exchanges with Tboli indigenous musicians in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato who are known for their age-old “kudyapi” string instrument.

Adding ethnic beat was international performer Rodelio “Waway” Saway and his Talaandig Band who mesmerized the crowd with their tribal music reflecting the soul of the lumad tribes of Mindanao. The

W

arner TV gets into the holiday spirit for the final month of the year, offering its Filipino viewers with an entertaining mix of movies coupled with a rich bunch of Christmas specials from alltime favorite series until Dec. 27.

Its line-up boasts the world’s biggest franchises, first-run exclusives for the region and fan-favorites across a wide range of genres from action, comedy and drama.

‘Tis truly the season to be jolly, with shows such as The Big Bang Theory, Friends, Arrow, and The Flash airing their best Christmas episodes on Dec. 25, starting the entertainment from 2 p.m. onwards.

As for movies, Warner TV offers a wonderful blend of blockbusters, busting out The Dark Knight Trilogy for those with the case of the Monday blues, with The Dark Knight on Dec. 14, and The Dark Knight Rises on Dec. 21, all airing at 9 p.m.

For the weekends, each Saturday is an enchanted one, with the magical world of Harry Potter, every Saturday, at 9 p.m. – catch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Dec. 12, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts 1 and 2 on Dec. 19 and Dec. 26, respectively.

As for Sundays, the epic trilogy of The Lord of the Rings leads the charge – visit Middle-Earth alongside Gandalf, Aragorn, experience the epic battles and rich landscapes, and more, every Sunday at 9 p.m., with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring airing on Dec 13, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on Dec. 20, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on Dec. 27.

Warner TV is available on SKYcable Channel 77, SKYcable HD Channel 197, Cignal HD Channel 119, Destiny Cable (Digital) Channel 77, Destiny Cable (Analog) Channel 80, and Cable Link Channel 30. For more updates on the best in action, comedy and drama, follow on facebook.com/WarnerTVAsia

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Romantic expedition 6 Looks after the hens 11 Fast-talked 16 Steam or fog 21 Needless 22 Go at it 23 Jane Eyre’s charge 24 Napoleon’s fate 25 Less cordial 26 Sing door-to-door 27 Stadium hoverer 28 Needle or rib 29 Affection, briefly 30 Do a comedian’s job 32 Tag 34 Bout ender 36 Beatty of films 37 Lays the table 39 Prince Val’s wife 41 Vice — 43 Long-legged waders 45 Goes no farther 47 Surf sounds

49 51 54 55 56 60 61 62 64 65 66 67 68 70 71 73 74 75 77 78 79 80 82 83

Bushed Galore Tennis great — Hart Golfer Grace — Idyllic spot Finds new tenants “Don’t Be —” Take aim (2 wds.)

Forum hello Video-game pioneer Authority (hyph.)

Lyrics More skillful Ka-pow!

Taper Smudges and stains Gofer’s task Butcher block Fuddy-duddy Singing cowpoke Liars’ practices Taos dwelling Kid who rode Diablo Prize money

84 87 88 89 93 94 95 97 98 99 100 101 103 104 106 107 108 110 111 112 113 115 116 117 120 122 124 128 129 131 133 135 136 138 140 142 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151

Like a wild party Lord Vader —, vidi, vici Pocket change Open a scroll Is in accord Union man Extinct bird Charred Hopping mad All things Sci-fi regular Weeks per annum?

Motto Cheerful Fix a gash Vulcan’s forge Future turtles Cake-pan type Lots Clothes horse Witch’s hex Heavy rain Empty Wax melodramatic Fast-moving snake Martha of dental ads Pub pint Instant lawn It may be false New moon to new moon Fussy dresser Hungarian-born conductor — rings Polish a poem Sit still for D-sharp alias (hyph.)

“No Man Is an Island” penner — when?

Fallen-rock debris Meaning of “litho” Is a good dog Augmented Loaf ends

Bukidnon-based visual artist was among the 10 winners in the 2012 Gawad Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino Award from the Visayas-Mindanao area.

Provincial officials led

by Governor Steve Solon, Vice-Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, and Congressman and “Pambansang Kamao” Manny Pacquiao, and provincial tourism council president Michelle Lopez-Solon opened the two-day fete.

Solon said that Sarangani has reformatted MunaTo Festival into an international musical extravaganza to capture the province’s 2,000-year old history and showcase its cultural kaleidoscope.

MunaTo is a Blaan word or “first people” referring to the pre-historic primitive inhabitants who dwelt in the remote caves of Maitum town.

Other special events were the Dalangen, which displayed the province’s ethnic cultural heritage through authentic song, dance and apparel. Sarangani is home to Maguindanaoan, Blaan and Tboli communities who live harmoniously.

Meanwhile, the Pearl of Sarangani pageant selected the province’s ambassadresses of tourism and goodwill, which was topped by Juvel Odiano, a charmer from Glan town.

Concluding the festivity was Aegis band, known for their

Rock band Aegis provided entertainment to festival goers

Dalangen Sarangani Indigenous People’s Show

Mathew Ngau Jau and Living Heritage, a cultural ensemble from Malaysia

Waway Saway of Bukidnon

Pearl of Sarangani winners with Gov. Steve Solon

birit notes, which rocked the night away in an open party with local bands joining the jamming sessions.

MunaTo is inspired by the sought-after Rainforest World Music Festival, regarded as the “Woodstock of Asia”, which gathers the globe’s best ethnic-inspired musicians in Kuching, Sarawak and draws tens of thousands of enthusiasts.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015

DOWN 1 Packs it in 2 Cousin’s dad 3 Law 4 “A Boy Named —” 5 Trillion, in combos 6 Professors 7 Destroys data 8 Snowy-white bird 9 Couple 10 Bear’s advice 11 Speaks rapidly and incoherently 12 Slackers and loafers 13 Conceals 14 Freddy Krueger’s street 15 Cabinet div.

16 Governor, at times 17 Guitar, slangily 18 Frontier saloon plus 19 Folger’s Mrs. 20 Cattails 31 Soda fountain treats 33 Do the trick 35 Tough fabric 38 Gauzy 40 Stir to action 42 Trophies 44 Reuben bread 46 Mischievous prank 48 Hydrox rival 50 Winged god 51 Haik wearers 52 Scent carrier 53 Alpaca kin 54 With caustic humor 55 Chipper 57 The One-L Lama 58 Javelin or marathon 59 Techies 61 Mooch 62 Masked swordsman 63 DEA agents

66 67 69 72 73 74 76 78 79 81 82 83 84

Haughty types Keep an eye on Multiply Run — of (cross) They’re not optional A bit creepy — Rouge Broadcast Slam — (NBA shots) Airheads Mountain retreat Piggy bank coin Ivan’s dollar

85 86 87 88 90 91 92 94 95 96 99 100

Arctic dweller Utah’s — Hatch Met celebs Boast about Saturate Roger of 007 fame Wolfed down Bounce Thataway Blow, as a volcano Balcony section Creatures of habit?

102 Mink cousin 105 Caused (2 wds.)

106 107 109 111 112 114 115 116 117 118 119 121

More certain Chic “I — — Rock” Lighter fluids Capsized Kind of inspection (hyph.)

Group of ants Chandelier alternative Florists’ supply Sky-high Musical instrument Lobster source

123 125 126 127 130 132 134 137 139 141 143

Change a bill Like a house — Matterhorn echo “En garde” weapons Feathered has-been Oater backdrop Diner special Neutral color San Francisco hill Central Prior to yr. 1

S UNDAY : DECEMBER 13, 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

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JoNalyN’s New chapter IN her career From c8

Fearless diva Jonalyn Viray moves on to the next chapter of her amazing and awe-inspiring career as one of the industry’s top female performers and recording artists.

Jonalyn was catapulted to mainstream prominence 10 years ago after she emerged as the first grand champion of GMA-7’s top-rating singing competition Pinoy Pop Supertsar, which was hosted by Asia’s Songbird Regine Valsquez in 2005. She eventually belted her way to the hearts of millions of Filipinos as one of the resident young divas of GMA-7’s Sunday musical variety shows SOP, Party Pilipinas, and Sunday All Stars. Jonalyn’s massive television exposure paved the way to numerous and consistent sold-out shows and concerts both here and abroad.

As a recording artist, Jonalyn recorded two full-length studio albums – On My Own in 2005 which was released by GMA Records and a self-titled album in 2013 under Creative Media Entertainment.

Her successful recording career spawned such hits as “If We Just Hold On,” “Close To Where You Are,” Nakita Kang Muli,” and “Help Me Get Over You” which was part of the official soundtrack of GMA7’s groundbreaking primetime series My Husband’s Lover, among many others.

This year, her colorful, decade-long journey as an exclusive artist of GMA-7 reached its bittersweet conclusion. “My contract with the network expired last May,” reveals Jonalyn. “I owe GMA so much I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for the nurturing of the network and its management. It really is a bittersweet feeling because GMA has been my home for 10 years and I will never forget everything they did for me, but at the same time I’m excited with what the future has in store (for me). The

Alden Richards as Dr. Jose Rizal in Ilustrado

Jonalyn Viray

good thing is I could still appear in GMA shows and other networks as well. I am now officially a freelance artist and I’m looking forward to the new phase of my career.”

Today, Jonalyn recently mounted an SRO solo concert at Music Museum titled Journey Into My Heart, which chronicled her musical influences and the certified hits she recorded. She is also gearing up with the official launch of her 5-track EP titled Heart Of Glass under Creative Media Entertainment, which is set

for release in 2016. The EP’s carrier single, which is also titled “Heart Of Glass,” was produced, arranged, and recorded in the US, and is now available for digital downloading.

As for the next steps of her career, Jonalyn beamed and simply smiled as she humbly said, “My management team is preparing a number of projects and I’m open for anything. One thing is certain though, I am not closing any doors. Instead, I am maintaining my past relationships and build-

NiCole debuts as reCordiNg artist

N

icole Laurel Asensio is a rare breed – she has the blood of music legends.

Soprano Fides Cuyugan Asensio is her grandmother and singer/actor Cocoy Laurel is her uncle, where she got her love and passion for music and being a singer/songwriter herself. Growing up from a family of classical and Broadway singers, Nicole happened to found herself the sane genre with a mixture of modern rock.

From the all-girl rock band General Luna, who is now a solo artist and performer, Nicole is ready to show her pure talent alongside with the release of her new solo album Schizoprano, under MCA Music.

Nicole admits that she’s doing a total overhaul from being in bands most of her career and it has been life changing. “There’s a part where you need to step out of your comfort zone and learn from other musicians. And when it comes to supportive musical

friends, I am blessed. Musically, I feel more free to collaborate and venture off sound wise – so that’s a plus,” Nicole shared.

Schizoprano came from the word schizophrenic plus soprano, which was made possible by Nicole’s friends who are the best in the music industry. “The term “schizoprano” seemed to suit me and my voice just fine. I still sing classical when the occasion calls for it. I don’t think I can remove that from my system.” she said.

Her music in this new album will give listeners a unique musical experience, combining classical and rock performance, where Nicole’s voice is perfectly made for. “I also feel thankful for this opportunity and the support from my collaborators, production, and MCA. I look forward to the doors God will open with this new ticket.” she added.

The tracks from her Schizoprano album include her carrier single, “Leader For A Day” with lyrics

taken from replies Nicole’s Facebook status: “What would you do if you were leader for a day?” Other tracks in the album are collaborations just like with WilabaliW’s Ian Tayao on the love song “All In All”, rapper Mike Swift on “Huwag Mo Na Ako Mahalin”, and her Philpop song “A Song On A Broken String” and more songs originally composed by Nicole and her friends.

Another track named “Walang Anuman” whose piano arrangement was created by an Italian composer and friend Diedonne Russo, giving her, who gave her a piano riff with a note, “This is my gift to you. Write something in your language.” Nicole teamed up with JC Magsalin of Manila Philharmonic Orchestra to create an orchestral arrangement for the song and emailed to Diedonne Russo with a note, ‘This is my gift back to you.”’

Schizoprano by Nicole is now out in CDs at Astroplus and Astrovision outlets and is available through

ing new ones.”

For updates and more information like Jonalyn Viray Official on Facebook and follow her on Twitter and on Instagram at @jonalyn_viray.

HHHHH Ilustrado wINs back-to-back GMA’s Ilustrado, the first-ever bayaniserye on Philippine primetime TV, has been sweeping awards both here and abroad.

Alden Richards, played the role of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Ilustrado, which won the Silver Award for the Best Program Opening Sequence in the recently concluded PromaxBDA Asia Awards 2015 held in Singapore.

A few months ago, it was also a finalist in the PromaxBDA Global Excellence Award in New York.

The groundbreaking bayaniserye, produced by GMA News and Public Affairs, utilized complex video graphics to recreate a 19th

century European milieu.

Earlier this year, the historical drama series received a Certificate for Creative Excellence from the prestigious U.S. International Film and Video Festival.

Ilustrado has also earned the nod of Philippine award-giving bodies. It very recently won as Best Drama Mini Series at the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television, with the series’ lead star winning Best Drama Actor.

The series was also recognized at the 37th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) as the Best Drama Series/Program in November.

This is the third year in a row that GMA News and Public Affairs took home the Best Drama Series Award from the CMMA. Highly-acclaimed TV miniseries Bayan Ko and Titser won the said award in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

GMA Records is set to release the DVD edition of Ilustrado this month.

Classically trained Nicole Asensio releases solo album

digital downloads via Spinnr and iTunes. It can also be streamed at Spinnr, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, VEVO and Guvera.

For bookings and inquiries, contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 and +639209682991 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com or mcabookings@umusic.com. For updates on Nicole, log on to the following sites: www.facebook. com/mcamusic or www.twitter. com/mca_music or follow mca_ music at Instagram.

Album cover of Nicole’s debut album as a solo artist

S UNDAY : DECEMBER 13, 2015

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

MMFF entry “Walang Forever” features Jennylyn Mercado and Jericho Rosales arguing whether or not there’s “forever” in love and relation ship

Will Jericho and Jennylyn pull a box office surprise?

ISAH V. RED Unusual pairings become box office surprises. Well, sometimes. Take for example last year’s Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay. The tandem’s English Only Please was the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival’s sleeper. It started slow when it opened and by the end of the festival it had become one of the biggest earning films, its run extending beyond the festival’s official dates.

Now, the same producer has a new film with another unusual pairing – Jennylyn Mercado (again?) and Jericho Rosales (who took over the role originally intended for JM de Guzman who for some inexplicable behavior ended up a cast-off from the film).

The film’s producers of the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Walang Forever are adamant they did right in choosing Rosales (as a replacement to the wayward De Guzman as Mercado’s leading man).

English Only, Please won for Mercado an MMFF best actress award.

Will Mercado be a back-toback winner for her role in Walang Forever? Well, that’s for the jurors to decide.

But, the producers are positive the team up will result in good critical notices and favorable box-office results.

Rosales is Ethan, a Tai-

Jennylyn Mercado

wan-based website developer who falls for Mia (Mercado), a well-accomplished and famous romantic-comedy writer.

The director and producers chime that the actor fits the role to a “T” and they are glad the actor accepted the role despite being the second choice.

“I don’t mind being a second choice, but what is important is I am playing the role and the film has been completed and you are not going to see anyone else but me and Jen,” he said during the

Jercho Rosales

press conference at Kuya J’s restaurant in Megamall last Tuesday.

Echo and Jen have an undeniable chemistry, and the producers say the tandem will set the screens on fire with their initial team-up. The two actors, the agree, gave justice to their respective roles in the film.

Rosales and Mercado have each a different take on love in Walang Forever. In addition to this, 2014 MMFF best director Dan Villegas, who is at the helm of the film has a fresh twist on the romantic comedy.

In the movie, Mia’s screenplays begin to suffer from her personal problems after breaking up with boyfriend Ethan. They agree to part ways due to differences in priorities.

Mia’s family comes first while Ethan’s world revolves around Mia. After the breakup, Ethan decides to work and start a new life abroad.

Just like his ex-girlfriend, Ethan no longer believes in the concept of “forever,” and so, he chooses to stay far away from home.

Years later, however, Ethan is

forced to return to work on a few things.

He crosses paths with Mia. in one “barkada night.” The encounter turns ugly as the ex-lovers blame each other for the failure of their relationship.

In the end, though, Maita admits to not fighting for her love for Ethan. And they end up in bed.

But the question remains: Are they going to give the relationship another chance at forever or should they just leave their love behind?

Other love teams join the film as characters in flashback scenes reenacting Ethan and Mia’s happy moments as a couple.

So far, the teaser and full trailer of the film together have scored almost six million views on social media.

Do you know that some scenes were shot in Taiwan for some authenticity in the film’s geography?

Atty. Joji Alonso, producer, explains the choice of title. “The message of the film is wala naman talagang forever. Forever is how you live each day. When you share it with somebody, the memories will always be there forever. Gaya rin ng istorya sa movies ang Walang Forever. The stories will linger forever.”

Whether or not you believe in forever, you would want to watch Rosales and Mercado as Ethan and Mia on Dec 25 in theaters nationwide. And then decide if there’s forever in love. Well, my parents died married to each other, and if that’s not forever for the them, I don’t know what I’d call it. ➜ continued on c7