The Standard - 2015 December 27 - Sunday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 318  3 Sections 24 Pages P18  SUNDAY : DECEMBER 27, 2015  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

DQ CASES WON’T DELAY MAY POLLS

A3

‘END SEA DISPUTE’ FILIPINOS WANT FEUD WITH CHINA SETTLED SOON

MAJORITY of Filipinos agree that it is important to foster “strategic partnerships” with Japan and Vietnam and even approved of joint military exercises with the Japanese, but a majority also want a peaceful settlement of ongoing maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

China’s intrusions in the West Philippine Sea, or South China Sea, remained the Filipinos’ top foreign policy concern, but they are also worried about bombings and bomb threats initiated by foreigners and the growing influence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria on the local Muslim community.

This was the result of The Standard Poll survey on Philippine foreign policy, conducted among 1,500 biometrically-registered Filipino voters from 76 provinces and 38 cities from Dec. 4 to 12.

Seventy percent of the respondents

agreed it is important for Manila to have a strategic relations with Tokyo while only 23 percent disagreed. The remaining seven percent said they don’t know enough to have an opinion.

The survey was conducted only days after Japan agreed to transfer defense equipment, including large maritime patrol vessels, to the Philippines at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit late November.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the equipment transfer months after Tokyo and Manila held joint military

exercises in the South China Sea last May. The Philippines’ strategic partnership with Japan dates back to 2011 when President Benigno Aquino III and then prime minister Yoshihiko Noda announced the improved cooperation during Aquino’s first visit to Japan.

Manila later publicly backed Abe’s proposal to revise its constitution and allow the Japanese government to send Self-Defense Force overseas.

Sixty-two percent of survey respondents also approved of the joint military exercises Next page

BRISK BUSINESS. A fruit stall vendor at the Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City arranges her produce as a man tries to beat the usual New Year’s Eve rush and gets a head start in buying fruits for the celebration. JANSEN ROMERO

TETANGCO: PH TO KEEP GROWING BEYOND ’16

B1

HUNT FOR BIFF RAIDERS STEPPED UP CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao— The military here has condemned the atrocities carried out by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in three areas in Central Mindanao on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day even as it vowed to intensify its manhunt against the bandits.

Capt. Joanne Petinglay, spokes-

person of 6th Infantry Division, said pursuit operations against the bandits would continue. She also appealed to peace-loving citizens to help authorities thwart destabilization attempts.

On Thursday, about 300 BIFF simultaneously attacked Christian villages in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat and three communities in Datu Abdullah Sangki

town in Maguindanao, killing eight civilians they took as hostages when government forces responded.

Four BIFF rebels were also killed when government forces chased the attackers in the mountains of adjoining towns of Esperanza and Abdullah Sangki. Four firearms of slain bandits were recovered by pursuing forces.

Next page

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news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

POE: SC WILL FAVOR 2016 BID

By Vito Barcelo

The lawyer of Senator Grace Poe will challenge the Commission on elections before the Supreme Court for the disqualification case it rendered against the leading presidential candidate, and expressed confidence that the SC will favor Poe.

‘END...

From A1

with the former enemy that occupied the country from 1941 to 1945 while only 31 percent disapproved.

Fifty-six percent of respondents also agreed on the importance of having a strategic relations with Vietnam, which also has similar partnerships with the United States and Japan.

Only 37 percent disagreed while seven percent said they did not have an opinion.

The strategic partnership agreement with Vietnam was also signed by President Be-

HUNT...

From A1

Army bomb disposal teams also defused four improvised bombs left by BIFF in and around the area where the civilians were killed.

Lt. Colonel Ricky Bunayog, 33rd Infantry Battalion Commander, said around 300 men carried the attacks and are now the subject of massive manhunt.

“We already warned the civilians in areas identified to be vulnerable to BIFF atrocities, I hope they will cooperate with the security sectors,” Petinglay told Radio DXMS-AM. Almost simultaneously, separate band of BIFF attacked Barangay Simsiman, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Christmas Eve. Led by Commander Alamada Abonawas, the BIFF fired a

nigno Aquino III and Vietnam President Truong Tran Sang at the sidelines of the Apec summit in Manila two weeks before the survey.

Respondents’ positive view of the country’s strategic partnerships with Japan and Vietnam reflected Filipinos’ continuing concern with Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said they considered China’s activities the most important foreign policy concern while 18 percent said they were concerned about the threat of war or disorder in other countries, including the Middle East.

A growing number of Filipi-

nos have also expressed concern at the growing influence of ISIS in the country with 15 percent of respondents saying it is one of the country’s top foreign policy concerns and 24 percent said they were worried about bombings by jihadists.

More specifically, 64 percent were “very concerned” at the possible entry of ISIS in the country through the Abu Sayyaf group while 31 percent said they were “somewhat concerned.” Only four percent said they were “somewhat not concerned” and one percent “not at all concerned.”

The respondents expressed their concern only days after the military reported on Nov. 27

that an Indonesian terrorist was killed along with seven Filipino jihadists in a four-hour battle with security forces in Central Mindanao.

A few days later, a Malaysian jihadist, known to be part of a terrorist group in Malaysia, was killed in an Abu Sayyaf camp in Basilan.

The survey was conducted while the military and Malacañang repeatedly denied that there was any evidence to suggest that ISIS already had a presence in the country, although Kuala Lumpur had already asked Filipino officials for assistance in capturing jihadists who fled Malaysia.

rifle grenade toward the house of Robert Lerado, village councilman of Barangay Simsiman, killing him on the spot, raising the death toll to 13, nine civilians and four BIFF. After attacking villages in the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, the BIFF also stormed the village of Malagakit, also in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, firing at a Catholic chapel where a midnight mass was ongoing.

Churchgoers scampered for safety but nobody was hurt.

Also on Dec. 24, at around 9 p.m., another group of BIFF stormed a detachment of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Barangay Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao. No casualty was reported.

Colonel Bunayog said government forces had difficulty retrieving the remains of slain farmers due to improvised

bombs planted by BIFF before fleeing.

“One of the field commanders of the BIFF was killed that is why they were so brutal on civilians,” Bunayog said.

Bunayog said the fatalities were all civilian farmers and not paramilitary troops as claimed by the BIFF. Capt. Petinglay said the national highways linking Cotabato City to Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City to Davao remained passable and safe.

Professor Miriam CoronelFerrer, chief government peace negotiator, in a statement, expressed solidarity with the families of the slain civilians.

“We commiserate with the families of the nine civilians who were summarily executed by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in separate incidents over the last few days,” she said.

“The BIFF’s sporadic attacks indicate an attempt to gain momentum for their bid to destabilize the situation in these areas and garner attention for themselves and their flagging cause,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said she felt sad that the soldiers had to cancel celebrating the holiday season to respond to situations. “We pray for the safety of our soldiers who, instead of humbly celebrating the holiday season in their remote posts, have been mobilized to prevent the hostile group from wreaking more harm on the populace.”

Ferrer said prayers are offered for strength and safety of civilians who are exposed to the danger of ongoing hostilities.

Ferrer also asked the BIFF “to reconsider their violent ways and take heed of the people’s desire for peace and normalcy in their lives.” PNA

“The Supreme Court would decide in favor of genuine democratic elections that allow foundlings like her to run once it sees the evidence to be presented by her camp,” Poe’s lawyer George Garcia said.

Poe, whose Certificate of Candidacy was cancelled by the Comelec during the holiday break, said she trusts the court to act swiftly on the petition that her legal team would submit after Christmas.

Garcia said he will file the petition on Monday, Dec. 28.

Poe herself expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would decide on her favor, saying that the high court would decide in favor of genuine democratic elections that allow foundlings like her to run once it sees the evidence that her camp would present.

“We are confident that, giving due consideration to the strong evidence, jurisprudence and pertinent principles and precepts, the Justices will uphold our cause and the right of the people to a genuine choice in the elections,” Poe said.

The Supreme Court will be on recess until Jan. 10 but under Rule 7, Section 7 of the SC Internal Rules, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is empowered to act on urgent cases and issue temporary restraining orders or status quo ante orders without holding a session of the justices.

Such reliefs, however, must be confirmed by the majority of the justices when sessions resume, which is on Jan. 11 for the divisions and Jan. 12 for the full court.

“I assure everyone that I am still a candidate for president. Let us fight for genuine democratic elections, where Filipinos are allowed to choose their leaders. The ambitions of a few should never be allowed to subvert the will of the majority,” Poe said.

The Comelec en banc decided to grant the four petitions seeking to remove Poe from the presidential race on Dec. 23, or after government has taken a break for the Christmas holidays. Following the promulgation, Poe’s camp has only five days to seek relief from the Supreme Court.

The poll body, however, said that Poe’s name will remain on the ballot.

Chief Justice Sereno has earlier told media that she does not see the election-related cases as just a contest for 2016, saying the impact of the High Court’s decision will have long-term consequences for the country and will gauge the Philippines’ ability to be a modern democracy.

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘mother teresa’s canonization inspires filipinos’

By Vito Barcelo

PeoPle’s Park. a family joins thousands of other filipinos in spending the holidays at the luneta park in manila on saturday.

VICe President Jejomar Binay said the canonization of Mother Teresa will bring great inspiration and hope to millions of Filipino Catholics.

“Mother Teresa was very close to the Filipino people. Her visits to the country left us with renewed faith and her dedication to the poor inspired us to do more for those in need,” Binay said on Saturday.

“As an undying symbol of mercy and compassion, I pray that her canonization reminds us of her passion to service and that it further inspires us to show genuine concern for the sick and the needy,” the Vice President added.

Mother Teresa is the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order that today operates in 133 countries

and runs hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis, as well as soup kitchens, mobile clinics, orphanages, and schools.

She was born to Albanian parents in Skopje, Macedonia on Aug. 26, 1910, but spent most of her life in India caring for the poorest of the poor.

The Vatican earlier announced that Mother Teresa, who died in 1997, was on her way to sainthood after being beatified in 2003.

Pope Francis earlier approved a decree that the nun had performed a second miracle 11 years after her death. The miracle involved the healing of a man in Santos, Brazil who was suffering from a serious viral brain infection.

She is expected to be officially canonized in Rome on Sept. 4, 2016.

dq cases won’t delay polls By sara susanne d. Fabunan

The Commission on elections expressed confidence that the 2016 automated polls will proceed as scheduled on May 9 amid concerns raised by a former Comelec official.

“We are okay on the schedule. While we appreciate the concern, ultimately it is about how quickly the Comelec commissioners will act when they need

to do so,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.

He said poll officials and employees will work even during the holidays, and especially during Holy Week in April.

Jimenez made the statement after former Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal warned that the poll body may run out of time if they wait for the resolution of pending disqualification cases against Senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte before printing the ballots.

“They are running out of time.

There’s only a little time left to resolve

it,” Larrazabal said.

“It’s going to be tight, unless they have a decision within the week after [Dec. 28]. It’s gonna be very tight,” he added.

Jimenez, however, insisted that Comelec is on track with its preparations.

On Dec. 22, the Comelec en banc cancelled the Certificate of Candidacy of Poe on the grounds that she committed material misrepresentation on her claim that she met the 10-year residency requirement for presidential candidates.

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista

said Poe has only five days to bring her case to the Supreme Court before the poll body excludes her from the official list of candidates.

Poe’s camp is expected to file an appeal before the High Court on Monday, Dec. 28.

Duterte, on the other hand, is still facing three disqualifications.

“I think what will happen is that there will be no holiday for us in Comelec,” Jimenez said.

Comelec has failed to release its final list of candidates on Dec. 23 and moved their self-imposed deadline to Jan. 8 instead.

sss assists typhoon victims VICTIMS of Typhoon “Nona” who are members of the Social Security System can avail of a calamity relief package that includes early renewal of salary loans, advance disbursement of pensions and preferential terms for house repair and improvement loans starting on Jan. 4.

SSS assistant vice president for member loans department Boobie Angela Ocay said the calamity relief package will cover areas hit by the typhoon under President Benigno Aquino III’s Proclamation No. 1186 declaring a state of national calamity.

“In this time of need, we offer our assistance to our calamity-stricken members and pensioners so that they

can cope and move on faster from the effects of this recent disaster,” Ocay said.

The first program under the calamity relief package is the Salary Loan early Renewal Program, which waives the required 50 percent completion of loan payment as a qualifying condition for loan renewal.

The SSS is also waiving the one-percent service fee normally charged on SSS salary loans to increase the loan proceeds of members availing of the SLeRP. The SSS grants one-month and two-month salary loans of up to P16,000 and P32,000, respectively, which are payable in two years.

“The heavy rains and floods caused by Typhoon Nona had

damaged thousands of houses.

To help our affected members to restore their destroyed homes, the SSS is providing a lower interest rate of six percent for home repair and improvement loans as part of the calamity relief package,” Ocay said.

Under the SSS Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan Program offered under the calamity relief package, eligible members can borrow funds of up to P1 million, with payment terms at a maximum of 20 years for locally-employed members and 15 years for overseas Filipino workers.

Pensioners residing in the declared calamity areas can also apply for advance three months worth of pension.

Medical Mission. the federation of filipino-chinese chambers of commerce and

industry inc. held a free medical mission, including dental services, medicine and vitamins, in calamba city in commemoration of the second death anniversary of francisco Guevarra. leading the medical mission at the crossing elementary school were calamba city mayor Timmy Chipeco, FFCCCII officers led by vice president William Yap Castro and External Affairs Committee chairman Nelson Guevarra, and Barangay Uno officials.

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

FIGHT POVERTY FROM THE RADICAL CENTER

[ EDI TORI A L ]

SHEDDING APPEARANCES

THE main casualty of Washington’s endless partisan squabbling is a pragmatic approach to policy— meaning one that prefers results to noise. Ideological warriors of left and right say centrism of this kind is mere cover for cynical deal-making, splitting the difference and substituting platitudes for principles. They’re wrong, and proof is at hand.

A working group convened by the (conservative) American Enterprise Institute and the (liberal) Brookings Institution has just produced an excellent report on poverty.

Its recommendations don’t take a weak-willed average. They combine the strongest parts of what Democrats and Republicans in Congress think on this issue.

Crucially, the group began by accepting three general truths that often derail debate before it begins: Able-bodied adults should work, two committed parents are better than one, and schools must do more to prepare students for careers. In each of those areas, the group managed to reach consensus on policy. To encourage work, the group endorses some traditionally liberal ideas: modestly raising the minimum wage, increasing state payroll taxes to fund paid medical and family leave, offering child-support debt forgiveness for fathers who work, “banning the box” that is used to screen out job applicants with criminal records, and subsidizing wages for low-income workers and the hard-to-employ. Traditional conservative ideas also won support: creating stronger incentives for workers not to claim disability benefits, tying housing benefits and food stamps to work, and expanding “workfare” programs for those unable to find jobs.

IN his Christmas homily, Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, exhorted the faithful to act soberly in a society “intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism.”

He defined acting soberly as living in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential.

Ironically, it is the holiday season that occasions people’s attempts at extravagance, consumerism and keeping up appearances. In weeks past, the sight of people rushing, shopping, going from one place to another and doing too many things at the same time has become common.

It is a competition, against others or against ourselves, to see who can make the most money, who can afford the nicest things, who can take vacations more often or even who can make the most interesting—enviable—social media posts.

The Pope’s words are timely and sobering. It is a reminder from a parent, stern and loving at the same time, to slow down and separate what is truly important from what is mere noise.

Regardless of one’s religion, Pope Francis’ call rings true. Every person and every institution has fallen prey to the temptation to appear perfect and infallible. How many times have we bent the truth a little, or a lot, just to appear more polished than we really are?

How many times have we spoken words authoritatively even as we know that we ourselves violate the values and principles we preach?

How many times have we taken the high road in denouncing others, and making ourselves appear better than they are, when in fact we know nothing about their situation?

The papal exhortation works for both our personal and collective lives. As a nation, we greet the coming year ahead with high expectations because of the 2016 elections.

On the surface, it is an opportunity for change. Finally we can act on the things we are unhappy about and install leaders who would bring meaningful change to our town, city, province or nation.

But note what happens during the campaign. Again, appearances. Each candidate packages himself or herself as a product, to be evaluated depending entirely on how the lines are rehearsed and the image is portrayed. Thus you have the tough-talking crime buster, the foundling everybody is picking on, the man of the masses, the foreign-educated ilustrado, and even the woman with the sharp tongue who willed her ailment out of her body.

Certainly, though, there is more to it beneath these descriptive labels. The public must be given the opportunity to see more so they can think critically. This is, after all, their future.

Appearances eventually wear out. It is best for everybody to shed appearances and become people they themselves would like and respect. And then, there would be no more need to mislead.

Turn to A6

INVISIBLE SNOWFLAKES

TAKE a group of four women, all pushing 40, with last (maiden) names starting with either B or C. They have known each other since grade school, where they were often seated next to or beside each other, for obvious alphabetical reasons. They belonged to the same group of friends, knew each others’ families and visited each others’ homes.

Make no mistake about it: They

were miles apart in temperament.

Class Number 9 was bubbly and always had a story to tell—if she can do so without first bursting into laughter. She was brought to and from school by her uncle in an owner-type jeepney, which they also used for their tableschairs-balloons catering business. The caldereta was mean; she would bring a serving or two if there happened to be any leftovers, much to the delight of her friends.

Number 13 was already into Mills and Boon in Grade 6 when everybody else was giggling about Sweet Dreams of Sweet Valley High. She liked Johnny Depp and everything Hollywood when

It’s all magical, even if it’s just virtual, and even when we don’t see it at the same time. most of the others were subsisting on Ang TV or That’s Entertainment. She knew names and series

A5

her peers did not know about.

Number 14 was the quintessential good Catholic student. The class president, she was always very early in class, and always mindful of what her parents—simple folk who sent their two daughters to the best schools through a bakery they ran—would say or feel.

Number 15 was the daughter of a cancer-stricken newspaper reporter. She lived with her grandmother and gay uncle in a small apartment. Even then, she had always felt her life was charmed, turning out for the best despite early adversity.

They attended different universities: 9 pursued a business degree along Taft, 13 studied broadcast in

Diliman, 14 went into industrial pharmacy in Faura, and 15 took literature in Loyola Heights, getting married in haste just a year after their high school graduation.

Over the following years, life took over: careers and relationships, children and parents, homes and travel, technology advances—social media, specifically.

The four had been Facebook users for many years, but it was only this year that their longestrunning chat conversation began.

They themselves forget what had started the chat, but it has remained, containing conversations from the mundane to the catty to the silly to the profound.

They have not stayed where

they began: 9 is a BPO manager who works strange hours; 13 is now a Canadian citizen working at a public library in Ontario; 14 is with Big Pharma, living in a southern subdivision with two children; and 15 is a journalist and a mom to four nearlygrown kids.

Despite these, the four friends have never been as constantly in touch as they are these days. Because one can go on Facebook anywhere, one can articulate any

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

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random thought or vent about an episode at work or talk about the growing pains of children or issues they want to raise with their partners. Sometimes they gossip.

Every time, they have a guaranteed sounding board.

They post pictures of the room they are organizing, their cluttered desks at the office, the pile of dishes they must wash, their Ijust-woke-up hair, or take crazy selfies lying on their beds.

The feedback is instant, too.

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You are told you are being a fool or get comforted or obtain a better perspective of your situation.

You get chided for the crazy things you did in your youth.

You get sound advice on a life crisis. With this chat, it’s like one always has the three others behind her. Voices of the kumares in the background.

This holiday season, Facebook has added cute features to its chat functions. You can change the color of the text boxes contain-

ing your conversations. You can have a heart or a Christmas tree or yet others on the lower right side of the conversation box. Press the heart, for instance, and a slew of floating hearts invades your screen. Press the tree, and snowflakes fall—ah, Christmas magic!

But 14 gripes she cannot see a single snowflake; 13 says she would fly to the Philippines to help with the phone settings. 15 tries to change the color to pink—making everybody wince. 9 sometimes

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

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

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

says nothing but presses the tree in succession, making the snowflakes fall. It’s all magical, even if it’s just virtual, and even when we don’t see it at the same time.

We say thanks for many things at Christmas. One of life’s greatest blessings is the gift of lasting friendships. What distance? What packed schedules? In things like this, yes, there is #forever. It’s truly magical. adellechua@gmail.com

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

A4

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

FIGHT POVERTY FROM THE RADICAL CENTER

[ EDI TORI A L ]

SHEDDING APPEARANCES

THE main casualty of Washington’s endless partisan squabbling is a pragmatic approach to policy— meaning one that prefers results to noise. Ideological warriors of left and right say centrism of this kind is mere cover for cynical deal-making, splitting the difference and substituting platitudes for principles. They’re wrong, and proof is at hand.

A working group convened by the (conservative) American Enterprise Institute and the (liberal) Brookings Institution has just produced an excellent report on poverty.

Its recommendations don’t take a weak-willed average. They combine the strongest parts of what Democrats and Republicans in Congress think on this issue.

Crucially, the group began by accepting three general truths that often derail debate before it begins: Able-bodied adults should work, two committed parents are better than one, and schools must do more to prepare students for careers. In each of those areas, the group managed to reach consensus on policy. To encourage work, the group endorses some traditionally liberal ideas: modestly raising the minimum wage, increasing state payroll taxes to fund paid medical and family leave, offering child-support debt forgiveness for fathers who work, “banning the box” that is used to screen out job applicants with criminal records, and subsidizing wages for low-income workers and the hard-to-employ. Traditional conservative ideas also won support: creating stronger incentives for workers not to claim disability benefits, tying housing benefits and food stamps to work, and expanding “workfare” programs for those unable to find jobs.

IN his Christmas homily, Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, exhorted the faithful to act soberly in a society “intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism.”

He defined acting soberly as living in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential.

Ironically, it is the holiday season that occasions people’s attempts at extravagance, consumerism and keeping up appearances. In weeks past, the sight of people rushing, shopping, going from one place to another and doing too many things at the same time has become common.

It is a competition, against others or against ourselves, to see who can make the most money, who can afford the nicest things, who can take vacations more often or even who can make the most interesting—enviable—social media posts.

The Pope’s words are timely and sobering. It is a reminder from a parent, stern and loving at the same time, to slow down and separate what is truly important from what is mere noise.

Regardless of one’s religion, Pope Francis’ call rings true. Every person and every institution has fallen prey to the temptation to appear perfect and infallible. How many times have we bent the truth a little, or a lot, just to appear more polished than we really are?

How many times have we spoken words authoritatively even as we know that we ourselves violate the values and principles we preach?

How many times have we taken the high road in denouncing others, and making ourselves appear better than they are, when in fact we know nothing about their situation?

The papal exhortation works for both our personal and collective lives. As a nation, we greet the coming year ahead with high expectations because of the 2016 elections.

On the surface, it is an opportunity for change. Finally we can act on the things we are unhappy about and install leaders who would bring meaningful change to our town, city, province or nation.

But note what happens during the campaign. Again, appearances. Each candidate packages himself or herself as a product, to be evaluated depending entirely on how the lines are rehearsed and the image is portrayed. Thus you have the tough-talking crime buster, the foundling everybody is picking on, the man of the masses, the foreign-educated ilustrado, and even the woman with the sharp tongue who willed her ailment out of her body.

Certainly, though, there is more to it beneath these descriptive labels. The public must be given the opportunity to see more so they can think critically. This is, after all, their future.

Appearances eventually wear out. It is best for everybody to shed appearances and become people they themselves would like and respect. And then, there would be no more need to mislead.

Turn to A6

INVISIBLE SNOWFLAKES

TAKE a group of four women, all pushing 40, with last (maiden) names starting with either B or C. They have known each other since grade school, where they were often seated next to or beside each other, for obvious alphabetical reasons. They belonged to the same group of friends, knew each others’ families and visited each others’ homes.

Make no mistake about it: They

were miles apart in temperament.

Class Number 9 was bubbly and always had a story to tell—if she can do so without first bursting into laughter. She was brought to and from school by her uncle in an owner-type jeepney, which they also used for their tableschairs-balloons catering business. The caldereta was mean; she would bring a serving or two if there happened to be any leftovers, much to the delight of her friends.

Number 13 was already into Mills and Boon in Grade 6 when everybody else was giggling about Sweet Dreams of Sweet Valley High. She liked Johnny Depp and everything Hollywood when

It’s all magical, even if it’s just virtual, and even when we don’t see it at the same time. most of the others were subsisting on Ang TV or That’s Entertainment. She knew names and series

A5

her peers did not know about.

Number 14 was the quintessential good Catholic student. The class president, she was always very early in class, and always mindful of what her parents—simple folk who sent their two daughters to the best schools through a bakery they ran—would say or feel.

Number 15 was the daughter of a cancer-stricken newspaper reporter. She lived with her grandmother and gay uncle in a small apartment. Even then, she had always felt her life was charmed, turning out for the best despite early adversity.

They attended different universities: 9 pursued a business degree along Taft, 13 studied broadcast in

Diliman, 14 went into industrial pharmacy in Faura, and 15 took literature in Loyola Heights, getting married in haste just a year after their high school graduation.

Over the following years, life took over: careers and relationships, children and parents, homes and travel, technology advances—social media, specifically.

The four had been Facebook users for many years, but it was only this year that their longestrunning chat conversation began.

They themselves forget what had started the chat, but it has remained, containing conversations from the mundane to the catty to the silly to the profound.

They have not stayed where

they began: 9 is a BPO manager who works strange hours; 13 is now a Canadian citizen working at a public library in Ontario; 14 is with Big Pharma, living in a southern subdivision with two children; and 15 is a journalist and a mom to four nearlygrown kids.

Despite these, the four friends have never been as constantly in touch as they are these days. Because one can go on Facebook anywhere, one can articulate any

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

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random thought or vent about an episode at work or talk about the growing pains of children or issues they want to raise with their partners. Sometimes they gossip.

Every time, they have a guaranteed sounding board.

They post pictures of the room they are organizing, their cluttered desks at the office, the pile of dishes they must wash, their Ijust-woke-up hair, or take crazy selfies lying on their beds.

The feedback is instant, too.

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You are told you are being a fool or get comforted or obtain a better perspective of your situation.

You get chided for the crazy things you did in your youth.

You get sound advice on a life crisis. With this chat, it’s like one always has the three others behind her. Voices of the kumares in the background.

This holiday season, Facebook has added cute features to its chat functions. You can change the color of the text boxes contain-

ing your conversations. You can have a heart or a Christmas tree or yet others on the lower right side of the conversation box. Press the heart, for instance, and a slew of floating hearts invades your screen. Press the tree, and snowflakes fall—ah, Christmas magic!

But 14 gripes she cannot see a single snowflake; 13 says she would fly to the Philippines to help with the phone settings. 15 tries to change the color to pink—making everybody wince. 9 sometimes

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

says nothing but presses the tree in succession, making the snowflakes fall. It’s all magical, even if it’s just virtual, and even when we don’t see it at the same time.

We say thanks for many things at Christmas. One of life’s greatest blessings is the gift of lasting friendships. What distance? What packed schedules? In things like this, yes, there is #forever. It’s truly magical. 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

A6

S U N D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

JOURNEY TO A VANISHING WORLD

By Greg Baker TSAGAAN Nuur, Mongolia—I went to photograph reindeer herders in sub-zero temperatures in a remote corner of Mongolia as my holiday. Eight of the 12-day trip was spent traveling, much of it in the wilderness.

It was an amazing journey.

My girlfriend and I are both photographers so when we had time off recently, we searched for somewhere to go in Mongolia that would be both visually interesting to shoot, and an adventure. After some research we came across stories about reindeer herders in the remote north. The herders are among the last groups of nomadic reindeer herders left in Mongolia, and they face numerous challenges in maintaining traditions that go back thousands of years.

They are from the Dukha ethnic minority— known in Mongolian as Tsaatan, which means “those who have reindeer” and depend on the animals for milk and for transport, but climate change is affecting their habitat and government restrictions aimed at conservation mean some of the areas they traditionally roamed are now off limits. A new ban on hunting wild animals has forced them to buy meat instead of hunting it, so they are no longer self-sufficient.

And then there is the lure of modern living for the younger generation.

But first we had to get there. The herders graze their animals in the taiga in the north of the country, the part that juts into Russia. The middle of nowhere would not be an inaccurate description.

What we didn’t know ahead of time was that getting there would be as amazing as the place itself.

When you head into such a remote place, preparation is everything. AFP’s stringer in Mongolia, Khaliun Bayartsogt, had set up the logistics. But we had to stock up for the trip— four days of travel, much of it off-road, to get to the herders’ remote camp, then the time there and the journey back. After we flew into the capital Ulan Batar we spent the rest of that day buying provisions.

You’re staying in tents most of the time, you take your sleeping bag, so you take simple stuff.

Korean noodles and Korean packaged food that’s so popular in Ulan Batar these days, rice, pasta.

We bought enough for ourselves and also to give to the people there, because we knew they had a need for it. In the end, we had a large carry case that took two of us to carry.

The first leg of the trip was a 13-hour bus ride to the city of Murun. From there, a driver picked us up in a Russian UAZ 4-wheel-drive. It was one of the coolest cars I’ve ever been in. It looks like a very dull, basic van, but it can go anywhere and is a real workhorse.

Once you get to the area north of Murun, there are hardly any roads. We had a two-

hour drive to Khatgal, on the shore of Khovskol lake. We got there at midnight and it was an off-road drive the whole way. The van had a sunroof and during the drive we saw a meteor fly over the top of us, at what looked like a very low level. It just flashed past. Anywhere else in the world it might have been news, but in remote Mongolia it probably

WHEN SANTA WAS A BANK

By Stephen Mihm IT’S bonus season, and while many in the junk bond market should expect coal in their stocking, the rest of Wall Street remains hopeful that Santa Claus remembers them this year. Given the Fed’s rate hike, though, more than a few financiers are losing faith.

It would help, perhaps, if Wall Street had a direct line to Santa Claus. Once upon a time, it did.

For much of the 19th century, Santa Claus had a branch office at No. 12 Wall Street. This was the “Saint Nicholas Bank,” established in 1853 and capitalized at $500,000.

The origins of the Saint Nicholas Bank are a bit murky. Aside from the fact that it built a safe that Bankers’ Magazine described in 1854 as “the largest in the United States, if not the world,” the new institution attracted very little notice.

At this time, state-chartered banks in the United States issued their own currency, in denominations and designs of their choice. This system of private money creation flourished before the Civil War, with nearly 2,000 banks printing their own currency by the end of the 1850s.

The Saint Nicholas Bank printed money illustrated with—who else?—Santa Claus. The $1 and $3 bills showed Santa popping out of the fireplace to tend to children’s stockings. The big man was depicted in various poses in his reindeer-drawn

to what the herders themselves go through. We had maybe minus two or three degrees. In winter, it can get to be minus 40 or lower at night.

The next morning, I got up and was looking around as the herders were preparing to take their animals out. One of them, as soon as he saw me with my cameras, started gesturing for me to follow him. His name, I later I found out, was Ganbat. He took about 20 of his reindeer out. The herders take them into the forest to forage for food, looking for a fresh place each day. We walked into the forest and he would make sounds, between a grunt and a woosh, to control their direction.

We went at dawn, around 8:00 a.m., and walked for about an hour. Ganbat tied their legs in a way that they can still walk around freely, but they can’t run. They’re so domesticated, that they generally stay together anyway.

I took photos as they grazed. Then Ganbat went back to camp, leaving the reindeer to forage. He would go get the animals around noon.

On our last day we saw Ganbat and his sons ride out of camp on their reindeer, as they headed to Tsagaan Nuur where the boys would spend the week at school.

It was a long journey, but an amazing experience to be in such a beautiful, remote place, and to see the lives of a people struggling to maintain their traditions. AFP

Incidentally, one of these recommendations—increasing the value of the earned income tax credit for single adults—has been backed by both President Barack Obama and House Speaker Paul Ryan. That’s great. The question is why the entire program hasn’t been backed by both.

On education, the group’s approach was no less catholic: It called for increasing and improving pre-kindergarten and early learning opportunities, as liberals want, and expanding school choice and teacher evaluations, as conservatives want. The group wants more focus on “social-emotional learning”—standards of behavior that are essential to workplace success. It calls for expanding career and technical-education opportunities by encouraging community colleges to offer more employment-oriented classes and businesses to offer more apprenticeships.

Even on policy toward the family, where disputes over values can get heated, the group was able to agree.

It called for expanding programs that offer counseling and birth control to young men and women, childrearing guidance to low-income parents, and employment opportunities and parenting support to fathers.

The group also backs a monumental endeavor: changing cultural norms around single parenthood, recognizing that children raised in single-parent families are far more likely to end up in poverty and prison than those raised in a home with married parents. Up to now, government efforts to promote marriage haven’t amounted to much, but the group notes correctly that campaigns to change public opinion on smoking and other health issues have worked. Given the stakes for children, it’s worth a try.

Taken in isolation, each of these policies is likely to arouse opposition from one party or the other. Bundled together, they form a package that both sides can support. This new report, excellent in its own right, makes an even larger point. The most effective way to make policy is not from the left or the right, but from the radical center. Bloomberg

ing him Sint Nikolass.

New York City, of course, began its existence as the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam. There was no cult of Santa Claus in the colony. But in 1809, Washington Irving published his famous satire, Knickerbocker’s History of New York, which suggested that the connection between New York and Santa Claus did in fact date back to the founding of the Dutch colony.

Irving’s associate, Clement Clarke Moore— the probable author of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” better known for its opening words, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”—built on Irving’s stories. In the process he helped create the modern Santa Claus, complete with reindeer, sleigh, and home invasions via chimney.

By the 1830s, New York City had become the capital of the Santa story that rested on a largely fabricated genealogy that paid homage to the city’s Dutch founders. Credulous readers learned that the first church in New York City was named for Saint Nicholas, and that the first Dutch ship to land had a figurehead of Saint Nicholas.

All of this made a certain amount of sense. A city founded on mercantile wealth and maritime trade would look toward St. Nicholas for protection of valuable cargoes. Indeed, it would be no exaggeration to say that St. Nicholas had become an informal patron saint of New York by the 1830s.

The notes of the Saint Nicholas Bank combine all of these elements. In addition to Santa Claus himself, several of the notes depict ships and the docks of New York; others show New Amsterdam’s famed governor, Peter Stuyvesant. Likewise, some

of the buildings shown on the notes as a backdrop to Santa’s sleigh have the crow-stepped gables characteristic of Dutch architecture.

The people who founded the Saint Nicholas Bank are less well known. After a couple of years of high turnover, one man in particular stands out: a prominent New York merchant named Caleb Barstow, who became bank president in 1856 and remained in the position until 1874.

In an obituary from 1880, Bankers’ Magazine reported that his “deeds of charity were many and unostentatious”—strange behavior, perhaps, for a Gilded Age banker. Indeed, in its obituary, the New York Herald described him as “in some respects a very peculiar man,” even as it praised him for his “generous nature.”

In fact, it seems that Barstow took to heart the ethos of St. Nick, believing it better to give than to receive. He contributed heavily to charities and handed out food and clothing to the poor. And though he accumulated a large fortune in his lifetime, he died penniless. The Bankers’ Magazine noted that “to his great benevolence and his kindness to friends is due the fact that he became financially embarrassed in his old age, and eventually lost all of the property which had so honorably accumulated.”

Not long afterward his bank perished, too. A few days before Christmas in 1893, the State of New York declared the Saint Nicholas Bank insolvent. It closed its doors, never to reopen. In the canyons of Wall Street, a vision of Santa lingers.

He’s dressed in a business suit, a bundle of bonuses flung on his back. Bloomberg

had such a rough night that they all left.

The herders had set up a tent for us. It was called an ortz, a sort of a teepee. Unlike a yurt, it wasn’t insulated. We’d feel that in the mornings. When we’d go to bed, with the stove still burning, it was toasty warm. But by about three o’clock the fire would burn out and it would get really freezing cold. But it’s nothing compared

A Tsaatan woman with her reindeer. Madoka Ikegami/AFP

went unnoticed by all but a few people. We spent the night in a ger, a round Mongolian tent that is also known as a yurt. It was very well insulated, so it was very warm inside, despite it being around zero outside.

We spent the next day and night at the lake to have a rest and a look around at the spectacular scenery. Then the next day we were back in the van for a nine-hour off-road drive, which was incredible. We were climbing through mountain passes at crazy angles, going over piles of rocks, and through river streams. At one point, we drove 15-20 kilometers in a dry river bed. It was actually the smoothest part of the trip. For one river crossing we needed to float the van across on a raft.

The oxen provided some tricky moments.

Our cameras were packed into the bags on their backs. And occasionally, they would run off to the side. So we had to watch as all of our gear dragged through the trees. Fortunately we had padded the cameras well and there was no damage.

When we got there, it was quite crowded.

This place is known to tourists and there were probably about 12 to 15 foreigners already there, which is an unusually large number.

The one stroke of luck that we had was that our first night there it got very cold. Plastic water bottles were frozen in the morning. So all those tourists left the next morning. They

sleigh on the $2, $5, and $10. The $20 and $50 showed the jolly old elf popping out of another fireplace, with sleeping children tucked into a bed a few feet away. (The rarely seen $100 note, by contrast, showed the US Capitol building—so much for holiday cheer.)

Still, why would Santa Claus adorn a bank note? The answer lies with the deeper history of New York City business and finance, and possibly, the man who would loom the largest over the bank’s reputation.

The very distant ancestor of Santa Claus was the real-life Saint Nicholas, for whom the bank was undoubtedly named. Born in what is now Turkey, the original Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of sailors thanks to his alleged ability to calm storms. His benevolence toward children made him the patron saint of that set, too.

While Saint Nicholas vanished through much of Europe during the Protestant Reformation, the Dutch and others kept his legend alive, call-

FIGHT... From A5

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

6 WOUNDED IN N. SAMAR CHRISTMAS REVELRY CHRISTMAS revelry has wounded six children in typhoon-hit Northern Samar, the only province in Eastern Visayas that has posted firecrackerrelated injuries as of Saturday morning.

“We don’t know why all reported injuries are in Northern Samar. Our appeal to all victims is to immediately seek medical attention because firecracker injury victims are very prone to tetanus infection,” said Roderick Boyd Cerro, chief of the Department of Health regional epidemiology and surveillance unit.

Five of the six victims suffered blast injury after igniting piccolo.

A lone victim suffered eye injury after using lantaka (bamboo cannon), a popular alternative to firecrackers.

Young victims are from the towns of Pambujan, Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Catarman and Laoang, all in Northern Samar, which was battered by typhoon “Nona” on Dec. 14.

The government has launched its monitoring of Christmas and New Year revelries on Dec. 16, 2015 and will conclude on Jan. 5, 2016.

Operation centers have been activated in different provinces to monitor firecracker-related injuries.

The DoH encouraged the public to stop exploding firecrackers and instead use other noisemakers such as party horns, car horns and loud music to celebrate the holidays. Mel Caspe

By Francisco Tuyay

RED TIDE ALERT STILL UP, WEAKENING SIGNS SHOW

By Mel Caspe

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has been seeing signs of weakening red tide that plagued several bays in Eastern Visayas since September.

BFAR regional director Juan D. Albaladejo said typhoon-induced rains and cooler weather in the past few weeks have contributed to lower water temperature and salinity, which are not friendly to the toxic organisms.

“Toxicity level in both shellfish meat and seawater has been going down, but shellfish ban is still up in affected bays. Red tide should be consistently negative for three readings before we can declare that an area is

red tide-free,” Albaladejo said.

Since October this year, Eastern Visayas region has been threatened by what the BFAR described as the biggest red tide bloom that had not been seen in more than three decades.

The fisheries bureau blamed the prolonged dry season this year and sudden downpour as the major factors that triggered the bloom in eight bays and coastal waters, considered as

the region’s major source of shellfish.

From late November until early December, the infestation was alarming since the color of water turned to copper red with a depth of six to nine meters, stretching up to a kilometer from the shoreline, according to Albaladejo.

The discoloration of seawater is triggered by massive population growth of few species of a type of algae that produce toxins.

BFAR has raised a shellfish ban over Carigara Bay in Carigara, Barugo, San Miguel, Capoocan, and Leyte towns in Leyte province; Biliran Strait in Naval, Caibiran, Cabucgayan, Culaba, Kawayan, and Almeria in Biliran province; and coastal

waters of Leyte, Leyte.

Red tide alert is also up over Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan, Samar; Irong Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar; Villareal Bay in Villareal, Samar; and Maqueda Bay in Jiabong, Catbalogan City, Motiong, Paranas, Pinabacdao, Hinabangan, San Sebastian, and Calbiga, Samar.

In the past five weeks, paralytic shellfish poisoning had killed a seven-year-old boy in Carigara, Leyte and a 62-year-old man in Caibiran, Biliran, according to BFAR. At least 18 people were hospitalized after eating shellfish with red tide toxins.

BFAR hopes that red tide will completely dissipate early next year.

We

CHEAPER FARES. An elderly woman and her son spend Christmas Day at the Universal Studios in Singapore’s Sentosa Island. Thousands of Filipinos flock to Singapore lured by cheap airfares offered by airline companies. OMAR MANGORSI

MILITARY PUNCTURES COMMUNISTS’ BOAST

THE military on Saturday said that the half-century existence of the Communist Party of the Philippines was laden with crimes perpetrated by its armed wing even as leaders of the communist group boast expanding reach in Northern Mindanao.

Both contending forces traded accusations and counter-claims on the eve of the 47th anniversary of the CPP Saturday with the communist front citing strategic achievement that the military claimed was full of deceit to advance their cause.

Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, spokesman of the National Democratic FrontMindanao, claimed that the guerilla fronts established from 40 during the first year of President Benigno Aquino’s regime, have risen to 46 in five regions in Mindanao, citing that “not one was dismantled despite the ferocity of the attacks” under the govern-

ment’s counter-insurgency program “Oplan Bayanihan.”

In a statement, Madlos said that NPA rebels in Mindanao have expanded in the southern island despite facing 60 percent of the military strength.

Madlos said that “from the more than 200 towns and cities where [the rebels] operate, from only 1,850 villages in 2010,” they have expanded to 2,500 villages, with a number of “organs of political power” established up to the “municipal level.”

He cited the rebels mass base growth from 120,000 in 2010 to the current 200,000 that the military disputed countering that the strength of the NPA has dramatically reduced to about 6,000 as a result of the intensified anti-insurgency operations nationwide.

Madlos said that growth occurred despite the military deployment of about 60 battalions or more that 60 percent of the total strength of the

AFP, not including the police and various militias organized by the military, such as the BULIF, Alamara, Gantangan, Bagani, Magahat and the Calipet group.

Fighting in Northern Mindanao, particularly in tribal areas in Caraga, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte and Bukidnon has increased following the reported atrocities committed by the NPA and the military’s retaliatory attacks to restore peace and order in the region.

So far, several dozens of lumad leaders have been killed by NPA but the CPP said it was the military that was responsible for the killings.

Capt. Jose Patrick Martinez, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the CPP/NPA/ NDF to project their existence, sowed threat which I was paramount for them to pursue their armed struggle, in a civilized society they already lost

their “ideology” because they shifted to banditry.

The NPA’s glaring banditry, Martinez said, was the recent exploitation of two minors and students of the Tribal Indigenous Filipino People School in Surigao del Sur and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development Inc., who were saved with the help of local authorities and officials.

“Their parents have pursued and filed cases against Madlos including Genasque Enriquez,” Martinez said.

“Based on the accounts of the two minors, they have been radicalized by their teachers in TRIPFPSS and ALCADEV and forced to hold firearms and kill people,” he added.

Martinez said that NPA top leaders such as Jorge Madlos a.k.a Oris, Myrna Sularte a.k.a Malaya, and their cohorts are all facing multiple charges of murder, frustrated murder, kidnapping, exploitation, illegal possession

of explosives and firearms and other forms of criminalities.

With the NPA shifted to banditry, the military recorded a down trend on NPA Initiated Violent Incidents from 168 NIVIs in 2011 down to 153 NIVIs in 2012 and dwindled further to only 119 NIVIs towards the ends of 2015.

“This can be attributed to the NPA being captured/apprehended with the help of the civilians (most of them are NPA victims) and have surrendered because of realization of futility of armed struggle. Record shows that a total of 269 NPA have surrendered and apprehended in 2015 alone,” he cited.

MGen Oscar T. Lactao, Commander of 4th Infantry Division, said, “The de-romanticized existence of the NPA is irreversible.

Even if they will fight another decade or century, they will not win the war because people no longer believe in their failed ideology.”

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

A8

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

FIL-AMS SLAM COMELEC RULING, BARE EVIL PLOT LOS ANGELES—A group of Filipino-Americans denounced the Commission on Elections for its ruling on Grace Poe that smacked of criminal abuse of discretion even as the Fil-Ams exposed a sinister plot being conducted by political enemies against the frontrunning presidential bet.

“We denounce in unequivocal terms the Comelec en banc decision on Grace Poe as tantamount to criminal abuse of discretion and a clear case of criminal discrimination against inno-

cent and powerless citizens of society, “ the Grace Poe for President Movement-USA led by Jun Caringal said.

With the Comelec en banc decision, there is a clear and blatant disregard for evi-

EXPRESS BUS LINE UP FOR EXTENSION

By Joel E. Zurbano THE government is considering extending the operation of non-stop bus service along the congested Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

Transportation and Metro Manila Development Authority officials will meet next week to discuss the plan extending the scheme initially carried out from Dec. 6, 2015 until Jan. 6, 2016 to decongest Edsa during the holiday travel rush.

“Yes, we are planning to extend the operation,” said lawyer Emerson Carlos, MMDA chairman.

He said the government came up with the scheme to encourage private motorists to use the express buses as their alternative mode of transportation.

Express bus fare was recently reduced to allow more passengers to make use of the service.

Passengers from SM North Edsa in Quezon City to Glorietta in Makati City only pay P64 instead of P80 while those from Trinoma to Park Square, Ayala Center pay P60 instead of P80.

Carlos urged motorists to try using the non-stop bus service as their alternate mode of transportation, saying the scheme is one of the medium-term solutions to improve traffic on Edsa and a way of increasing efficiency of the use of the streets.

He reiterated that with the 120,000 new private vehicles in Metro Manila this year, it would be necessary to improve the travel time of commuters.

National treasure. Children play at the ground of the ruins of Cagsawa Church in Daraga, Albay. The National

Museum has added the old church to the country’s national treasures and important cultural properties. The ruins are the remnant of an 18th century Franciscan church built in 1724. On Feb. 1, 1814 about 1,200 people died when Mayon Volcano erupted. DANNY PATA

dence, law, jurisprudence, precepts, principles on the matter favorable to Senator Grace’s cause.

Caringal said that the disqualification cases filed against Poe affect Fil-Ams particularly those voting as dual citizens and registered voters whose voices will be heard and exercise their right to choose the best candidates.

He told the media that the “politics of exclusion being employed by the Comelec” will have a bearing on Fil-Ams who have the same predicament as Grace Poe or have the passion to serve our motherland and come back to enter the polical process there as a candidate in the future.

“Imagine, we will be subjected to the same ordeal and expect the same difficulties as Grace Poe is facing now,” said Caringal.

As stated by Grace Poe that she will elevate her case to the Supreme Court, the GPPM–USA decided to field a legal team of experienced Fil-Am lawyers led by Roman Mosqueda to bolster Poe’s legal battle up to the Supreme Court.

Caringal said that to show their strong resolve to support Poe’s presidential bid, his group has already identified 15 major US cities and to be activated with Fil-Am leaders/coordinators in USA and Canada.

The Caringal group also revealed that the black propaganda Oplan PaPOEtok is “the art and strategy of coordinated and systematic attacks to create a general perception that Poe is not worth electing as president.”

They also explained several Implementation Plans or Implans that the enemies of Poe will unleash within the next seven weeks leading to the elections of May 2016.

‘PETS SUFFER IN SILENCE AMID ’CRACKER BLASTS’ THE Philippine Animal Welfare Society and the EcoWaste Coalition jointly urged the public to have mercy on animals who suffer a lot from the deafening sounds of firecrackers and fireworks to welcome the New Year.

The animal and environmental rights groups deplored the “acoustical violence” inflicted upon pet and stray animals such as cats and dogs, especially during the last hour of the outgoing year.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

“Our four-legged friends, particularly cats and dogs, suffer in silence as firecrackers and fireworks of varying intensity are ignited in the belief that such practice can shoo away bad luck and pull in good energy and fortune,” said Anna Cabrera, executive director, PAWS. “Cats and dogs are specially gifted with acute sense of hearing.

Pyrotechnic explosions can cause acoustic trauma to animals that humans often take no notice of,” she added.

Such traumatic exposure to earsplitting sounds and noxious fumes can stress animals and cause appetite loss, upset stomach and confused sense of direction making animals to go astray or get injured, said PAWS. “We appeal to all New Year revelers to be wary of the safety and wellbeing of our animal friends and to act compassionately by not lighting firecrackers and fireworks, which are damaging to human, animal and ecosystem

health,” said Aileen Lucero, coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

PAWS and EcoWaste Coalition urged the public to consider the following steps to make the New Year’s revelry a less painful experience for cats and dogs: 1. Persuade members of your household to make your home a “no firecracker” zone.

2. Politely tell your neighbors not to light or throw firecrackers near your home.

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 27, 2015

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

BUSINESS

B1

TETANGCO: PH TO KEEP GROWING BEYOND 2016 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. (left) together with Deputy Governors (from second left) Diwa Guinigundo, Vicente Aquino and Nestor Espenilla Jr.

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., who is credited by a number of businessmen and economists as one of those responsible for the Philippine economy’s recent gains, believes that the growth trend will continue in 2016 and beyond.

“The economy is expected to continue on a solid growth path.

While the elections would bring a change in leadership, such a change at this time is not seen to detract from the positive momentum of the economy, for a number of reasons,” Tetangco says in an e-mail.

Tetangco, who is recognized as one of the world’s best central bankers, says despite the challenges, economic fundamentals in the country are strong, with record-low inflation rate and sustained growth making 2015 a good year for the country. This economic dynamic, he says, will likely be sustained in 2016.

“First, we are beginning from a position of strength. [We have] positive growth-inflation dynamic and sound macroeconomic fundamentals... The buffers we have built [i.e., in the form of sound macrofundamentals, solid external liquidity position and safe banking system and improved market surveillance] should help us withstand external shocks,” he says.

“Second, many of the significant reforms have been institutionalized either by legislation or administrative orders. For instance, good governance in government agencies, tax administration [i.e., sin taxes], liberalization of foreign ownership of banks, K to 12 pro-

gram, etc.,” he says.

“Third, the country enjoys the confidence of a number of multinational companies, which have been here for quite some time and which have benefited from the economy’s 67 consecutive quarters of economic growth. The latter is a fact that has transpired despite changes in the political setting,” he says.

Tetangco says the fourth factor is the country’s demographic window, a period when a significant portion of the population is of working age. “Studies have shown that countries that have entered this have enjoyed an average GDP growth rate of 7.3 percent within the first 10 years of their entry to the window. Together with the economy’s strong fundamentals and investments in human capital, we expect the country’s entry to the demographic window to help accelerate growth in 2016 and succeeding years,” he says.

“Most importantly, and I am sure this is something you would agree with. There is now a true, earnest and general desire among Filipinos to avoid sliding back to where the economy used to be and to continue moving forward… And that conviction is not something that can be legislated or mandated. That is something that each citizen reck-

ons within himself and this gives me hope,” says Tetangco.

Tetangco has been leading Bangko Sentral since 2005. The Management Association of the Philippines has recently selected Tetangco as the MAP Management Man of the Year 2015, for attaining unquestioned distinction in the practice of management and for contributing to the country’s progress.

Bangko Sentral has issued a wide array of enhancements to improve rigor in the conduct of monetary policy, as well as put in place regulations benchmarked to global standards that are meant to further strengthen the banking sector, including a greater emphasis on risk management and governance practices.

MAP specifically cites Tetangco for his expert and steady guidance of the Philippine monetary and banking system as a strong foundation for the current dynamism of the Philippine economy as well as for his exemplary leadership in embarking on banking reforms, insulating the Philippine banking system from global volatility, and providing a resilient and responsive financial system that is conducive to a balanced and sustainable economic growth.

Tetangco is also recognized for pursuing finance education for the youth and for providing a world-class regulatory framework for micro-enterprise development; for his contribution to re-shaping national values; and for setting a global standard by his courage to transcend politics in asserting the independence of the BSP and consistently preserving BSP’s integrity as a monetary

authority and institution.

Tetangco says in 2015, the economic performance of the Philippines can be described as resilient with sustained non-inflationary growth amid global and other challenges. “Our economy has been resilient in the face of a challenging external environment in the aftermath of the GFC [global financial crisis] and through the series of domestic natural disasters that befell us.”

He says over the period 2010 to 2014, average GDP growth in the Philippines stood at 6.2 percent, while inflation averaged 3.7 percent. “That kind of favorable growth-inflation dynamic has been sustained through this year, with average GDP growth at 5.6 percent for the first three quarters and average inflation at 1.4 percent for the first 11 months of the year. The official forecast is for the economy to grow by at least 6 percent for the full year of 2015 and inflation to settle at 1.4 percent,” he says.

He says even as the economy continues to be driven mainly by consumption [which in turn is supported in part by remittances from overseas Filipinos and increasing incomes in the services sector, e.g., IT-BPO and tourism], investments, which speak of renewed investor confidence exhibited over the last few years, continue to rise. “At the same time, we have seen resurgence in manufacturing recently. With the fiscal space afforded by fiscal prudence, public spending on infrastructure and social services is also increasing,” he says.

Tetangco says the country’s growth story is complemented by a strong and stable financial sys-

tem as banks are now lending more while maintaining sufficient capitalization and low exposure to bad debts. There is also ample domestic liquidity in the system, he says.

“Our external liquidity position also remains robust, with GIR [gross international reserves] able to cover over 10 months worth of imports and payments for services and external debt at manageable levels,” he says.

Tetangco says the main challenge for the economy is to make growth more inclusive. “On the part of the BSP, we have endeavored to create a macroeconomic and regulatory environment that is conducive for financial inclusion. Our financial inclusion strategy is three-pronged: 1. improving access to credit, including to SMEs; 2. broadening financial education and literacy; and 3. enhancing financial consumer protection. We believe financial inclusion is a critical component to ensuring inclusive economic growth. All these should help provide the solid base for a sustained upward economic growth trajectory,” he says.

Tetangco says he looks forward to a sustained growth in 2016. “We are a resilient people. That is not false idealism, or empty words…. There will remain external vulnerabilities and natural and man-made disasters, but we have passionately institutionalized reforms and worked hard to build buffers against external and domestic shocks. Let us therefore continue with this mindset focused purpose, so we may truly be on our way to a prosperous and wealthy 2016 and beyond,” he says. Rodeerick T. dela Cruz

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 27, 2015

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

TOURISM REACHES MILESTONE

DESPITE ‘TANIM BALA’ SCARE

DESPITE the so-called “tanim bala” scare, or the alleged extortion scheme where bullets were found inside the luggage of passengers at the airport, the Philippine tourism industry reached a milestone this year, as international visitor arrivals topped the 5-million mark for the first time on record.

“The short answer to the question whether it [tanim bala] has affected tourist arrivals is no,” Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. says in a news briefing in Makati City.

“We are grateful that Philippine tourism, despite all the challenges, is still able to grow at a higher rate than what you see in most Asian countries and the global average,” says Bengzon, who led the welcoming of the 5 millionth international visitor at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport this month.

Bengzon, who is in charge of tourism development, says while the full-year official figures remain to be released, the Tourism Department believes that 23-year-old Filipino-American Gabby Grantham became the 5 millionth visitor in the country this year when she arrived at Naia Terminal 2 from New York at 3:48 a.m. on Dec. 21.

Bengzon, a veteran in the Tourism Department, says the tourism industry would likely end the year with 5.2 million to 5.3 million visitor arrivals, up by 8 to 10 percent from 4.83 million arrivals registered in 2013.

Officially, data show that in the first 10 months of 2015, international visitor arrivals increased 11.1 percent year-on-year to 4.396 million, on the back of a 14.9-percent growth in October alone, when the ‘tanim bala’ scare began to hog the headlines.

Earnings from tourism activities also grew 8.2 percent to P186.89 billion in the 10-month period from P172.66 billion recorded a year earlier. The full-year data are expected to be released in February.

“It is a milestone in many ways when you talk about the key performance indicators such as revenue, visitor arrivals, employment and contribution to GDP [gross domestic product]. This is what you can immediately quantify. What you cannot quantify is the deeper appreciation and pride among Filipinos,” says Bengzon.

“In simple terms, the 5 million foreign visitors is the result of collaborative and sustained efforts of all players in the tourism industry. We saw a number of activities throughout the year which resulted in the spike in visitor arrivals,” he says.

A number of factors such as the ‘tanim bala’ scare, hostage taking in Mindanao and negative advisories issued by several countries has threatened to derail the Tour-

Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr.

ism Department’s major campaigns such as ‘More Fun in the Philippines’ and ‘Visit the Philippines 2015’. Bengzon says despite these issues, arrivals jumped 14.9 percent year-on-year in October, representing one of the fastest growths in Asia.

“Despite incidents such as hostage taking, Balintang Channel [shooting incident], occasional advisories, typhoon Yolanda, you begin to realize that we probably faced more challenges than any other countries did. When you talk about the [annual] growth rate of 8.5 percent from 2010 to 2014, which is above the curve, compared to global and Asian figures, then you begin to have a deeper appreciation of the strategy that went behind it. Even if we had a huge drop in Hong Kong arrivals because of the black travel alert, we were able to compensate this with growth coming from new opportunity markets,” says Bengzon.

“When you talk about advisories and domestic issues, when you consider all these challenges, and we are still growing at a faster clip, then we must be doing something right as far as strategy is concerned,” he says.

Bengzon says the numbers speak for themselves. “If there was an advisory issued in May, or there was ‘tanim bala’ in October, people always asked if it has affected tourism. You look at the big picture and that provides the answer. If we are growing at 11.5 percent in the first 10 months despite all these things that are happening, then the strategy must be working,” he says.

He says the industry achieved the milestone on the back of greater air connectivity both to the gateway and secondary airports, expanding capacity of the accommodation sector and upgrading of the quality of services provided by industry frontliners.

“On the demand side, we make sure that we create a stronger awareness of the Philippines as a whole and as a matter of strategy create a greater demand for specific destinations. The secretary [Ramon Jimenes Jr.] has mentioned that the approach has been very deliberate.

When we rolled out the campaign in 2012, the idea was to create a country branding, a higher level of awareness of the country as a whole and we have achieved that,” he says.

“The campaign ‘More Fun in the Philippines’ has changed the way

Filipinos look at the industry and changed the way global travellers look at the Philippines. We have developed a culture of tourism. I cannot think of anybody who is against tourism,” Bengzon says.

Among the specific destinations supported by the tourism campaign are Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan, Davao, Iloilo and Siargao.

“It is a part of the strategy of DoT to present the country as multiple gateways and destinations. We have that unique advantage over the others because many countries in Southeast Asia at best would only have three or four destinations. We are able to simultaneously push the eight destinations. This is why air connectivity is very important. On the part of private sector, this also provides them with the tools to do their own marketing promotions,” says Bengzon.

Bengzon says air arrivals in the Philippines are now comparable to other Southeast Asian countries.

“The Philippines has the highest percentage of foreign visitors arriving by air. Out of the 4.8 million foreign visitors that we had last year, 99 percent took planes,” he says.

Bengzon says in comparison, Thailand had only 81 percent of

visitors arriving by air in 2013 and Vietnam, 79 percent. “Malaysia had 26 million visitors but if you analyse this, you should look at air arrivals, instead of just border crossing. If you want to get real tourists, we should count the air passengers.

The tendency of those arriving by air is for them to stay longer and spend more. That is why air connectivity is important. We need air connectivity more than any other country in Southeast Asia. That is why we adopted a more liberalized civil aviation. We have stepped up our bilateral air negotiations because we need it more than other countries,” says Bengzon.

He says that in terms of air arrivals, the Philippines was just slightly behind other Southeast Asian countries based on 2013 data. “If you look at air arrivals in absolute figures in 2013, the Philippines had 4.6 million. Thailand was the leader with 21 million; Vietnam, 5.9 million; Indonesia, 6.4 million; Malaysia, 6.77 million air passengers. If we can add 2 or 3 million air arrivals, we will be at par with them,” he says.

Bengzon says the DoT, however, is looking at Australia as its model for tourism development. “Down the line, the better way of looking at performance indicators is how they do it in Australia. Australia is regarded as one of the strongest brands or most popular destinations. Yet, when you look at the figures, you are talking about no more than 8 million foreign visitors. The focus is not so much on the headcount. That might be a better model for the Philippines,” he says.

He says despite the scheduled change in administration next year, the tourism industry would likely attract 6 million foreign tourists in 2016. “If we get 5.2 million to 5.3 million visitors [this year], then we are looking anywhere between 15 and 20 percent growth in 2016,” he says.

Employment in the tourism industry is also expected to increase to a range of 6 million to 8 million direct and indirect jobs in 2016 from a range of 5 million to 6 million this year. The tourism industry’s contribution to GDP is also forecast to improve from the current 8.5 percent to 12.5 percent in the medium term. “It is heading that way,” he says.

He says the Tourism Department will have a working budget of P3.6 billion to support its goal of attracting 6 million foreign tourists to the Philippines next year. The Philippines will host major events next year, including the Asean Tourism Forum at Sofitel Hotel and SMX Convention Center on Jan. 18 to 22.

He says the advances in the tourism sector are expected to be sustained towards the next administration as the tourism campaign has reached national awareness. “I have been asked a number of times on continuity and my answer has been the same. The transition that you will see in 2016 will be smoother than what we experienced in previous changes in administration,” says Bengzon, a career executive with a 30-year experience in the Tourism Department. Roderick T. dela Cruz

SUNDAY: DECEMBER 27, 2015

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

THERE are many thriving businesses today but not all have managed to create significant contributions in the country, let alone build an enduring legacy that touched the lives of many Filipinos.

Villarica Pawnshop is one of the family-run businesses in the country that has successfully embraced innovation and expanded through the challenges of time. Giving people in dire need and emergency situations a lease of hope for three generations, the growing Villarica enterprise celebrated 60 years of service and commitment in 2014.

Today, Villarica Pawnshop is proud to pave the way for a lot of innovations in the industry. It is among the first to open multiple branches, to professionalize the system, and to highlight its “Safe, Sure and Special” brand of caring to customers. Add to that, it was able to expand to more than 500 branches that are not only offering regular pawnshop services, but also offer money remittance, bills payment, cash withdrawal service, and e-loading, among others.

While Henry Villarica, president of Villarica Pawnshop and the bar topnotcher with a grade of 92.4 percent in 1971, is the gentleman behind the growth of the pawnshop chain, it was Paz Villarica, the family’s first-generation matriarch, who pioneered a humble business model that became one of today’s highly successful service-oriented enterprises.

Paz and her husband Quirino opened the original Villarica pawnshop in 1954 at 616 P. Paterno St. in Quiapo, Manila. At the time, pawnshops were traditionally familyowned -- usually with only one to two outlets.

“First-generation pawnshop owners were not keen in opening branches as it is their way of keeping the business management within the family,” Atty. Villarica said.

To pursue income growth even with limited funding, he vividly remembered his mother’s astuteness and creative business sense.

Paz, who was once a councilor in the Villarica’s Meycauayan hometown, navigated through it all, juggling her responsibilities as a wife, a political figure, and mother to three children.

THE BULACAN COUPLE

BEHIND VILLARICA PAWNSHOP

Villarica Pawnshop president Henry Villarica and wife Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth

“I credit my mom, she was the valiant spirit, the ‘brilliant diamond’ behind the pawnshop that many Filipinos have grown to trust.

She was a pioneer woman-entrepreneur at a time when women were not given much opportunity.

It’s from her guidance and example that I learned greatly and developed my passion for the business,” Atty.

Villarica recalled.

Diamond in the making After acquiring full ownership and management control of the

business after the passing of his mother, Henry Villarica incorporated the business in January 1981.

He leveraged the pawnshop’s potential with a fresh vision – through multi-branching. At that time, it was considered an ambitious plan

ONLINE JOB BECOMES A WEAPON FOR GROWTH UNEMPLOYMENT remains a perennial issue despite the promise brought by the country’s rapid economic growth in recent years.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, unemployment rate in the country stood at 5.7 percent as of the third quarter of 2015.

Even in the face of such challenges, Filipinos still prove to be among the best talents in Southeast Asia. Thanks to their impressive communication skills, technical knowledge and dedication to work, many of the country’s professionals have shown great capability in excelling across a diverse range of fields including customer service, manufacturing and production, information technology, health, and so forth.

Because of these Filipino qualities, many foreign companies have chosen the country to invest in infrastructure and build offices, opening up employment opportunities not just in Metro Manila, but also in Baguio City in Benguet,

Angeles City in Pampanga and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental to bring work closer to where people live.

However, these developments are not happening fast enough and are still concentrated in major cities. This means that many Filipinos still find it necessary to relocate or commute long distances just to find and secure stable employment.

Outside the usual offices of the metro, a new breed of independent professionals is reaping incomes in foreign currencies right at the comforts of home. These online freelancers are not only bringing profits to their doorstep; they also get to enjoy growth in their careers and personal lives thanks to the greater freedom they have to pursue their desired lifestyles.

Perhaps the most important benefit that comes with online freelancing is that it has the potential to bring global opportunities to any place in the world,

including areas where work is scarce. According to 2015 data from freelance talent marketplace Upwork, some of the top cities in the Philippines in terms of freelancer earnings include Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and other locations beyond Metro Manila. Based on the data, the customer service category is among the leading categories for online work in these locations.

“It’s not only because of their proficiency in English that makes online work ideal for many talented Filipinos. It’s also because of their hard work and dedication, along with their ability to communicate easily with companies from around the globe, that enable them to find success in online freelancing,” says Ron Cirujano, Upwork country manager. “With Internet connectivity becoming more and more available nationwide, it has become possible for Filipino talents to find career opportunities no matter where they are in the

country.”

With the power of Internet connectivity, talented Filipinos can now find income opportunities without having to relocate to another city, which has long been the case in the Philippines. For talents in the provinces, this offers a means to receive the same income that workers enjoy in metro cities.

From a larger perspective, this also helps reduce unemployment rates by immediately connecting skilled independent professionals to potential clients abroad.

As the world becomes all the more digital, it only makes sense for the Philippines to follow suit.

With the current Internet infrastructure still below standard, policy makers and municipalities are urged to support the development of communications technology not only to allow more Filipinos to tap into global opportunities, but also to encourage more inclusive growth across the nation.

but he nevertheless proceeded to open Villarica Pawnshops in strategic locations in the metro. The next year witnessed how his business strategy took off and it forever changed the pawnshop industry.

“With the population explosion and the emerging urban centers across the metro, we realized that we had to expand by opening various branches. It was challenging at first but we were ready to bring Villarica to a competitive level,” he said.

Thus in 1982, Atty. Villarica with the able assistance of his wife, now 4th District of Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth “LV” Villarica, opened a second pawnshop outlet located in Makati inside their jewelry store called Tiffany House of Jewels. Rep. Villarica had no prior experience in the pawnshop industry but through hard work, perseverance, and the guidance of her husband who taught her the ins and outs of the business, she was able to become a valuable asset in the expansion.

She also learned from the virtues of her mother-in-law who was very hands-on in the business.

Soon, after seeing the success, the couple then opened the third and fourth branches in Araneta Center in Cubao and in Caloocan, consecutively. Since then, business growth was unprecedented with more than 500 branches to date.

Fully committed to bring the company forward, the Villaricas supported the expansion ventures by professionalizing the business.

They hired the best people, trained and invested in them. Soon, services were standardized, new hires were trained with the Villarica values, and a system of incentives for outstanding employees was put into place. Also with the advent of technology, the company improved its system of check and balance.

After 60 years, Villarica continues to serve as an inspiration and motivator. Together with 1,600 employees in over 500 branches all over the Philippines, the pawnshop chain has successfully diversified its operations.

“The company was able to grow stronger through the years because of our people. In fact, most of our employees are like ‘extended’ families to us, having been with the company for decades,” Henry Villarica said.

“There’s no better way to foster and cultivate trust, confidence and loyalty to the business than to understand the needs of your customers. A lot of our clients are under stressful conditions, so we try our best to treat each one of them with dignity, respect and a lot of patience,” he said.

As for the brand, Henry Villarica is proud to institutionalize company best practices which led to its consistent trustworthy reputation. “I believe Villarica’s continued success comes from good operations as we do not have any unfinished or unresolved transactions. We offer the highest, fair amount of appraisal for their items. We don’t short-change our customers,” he said.

Shining beyond its 60 years, Villarica said he is confident to pass the baton to his children who are armed with fresh ideas, knowing that they will steward the business to greater heights in the future.

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world

chIna arrests thIrd Japanese, detaIns another for spyIng TOKYO, JAPAN—Japan has confirmed Chinese authorities have arrested a third Japanese citizen and detained another on suspicion of spying.

The series of arrests and detentions could strain already tense ties between Asia’s two largest economies.

Tokyo’s top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Friday that a Japanese woman, who had been detained in Shanghai in June, was formally arrested in November.

He also said a Japanese man has been under criminal detention after being held in Beijing in June.

In September, China said it had arrested two Japanese citizens for suspected spying.

A total of four Japanese are now being held by Chinese authorities on suspicion of espionage.

“Japan does not engage in such (spying) activities in any countries,” Suga told reporters, without elaborating.

Japan and China have taken steps over the past year to improve ties but relations remain shaky.

Tokyo is particularly wary as Beijing becomes increasingly aggressive in pressing its various sovereignty claims, including a dispute with Japan over ownership of a group of islands. AFP

rescue workers are pictured at the site of a landslide on december 26 in hpakant, kachin state, the war-torn area that is the epicentre of myanmar’s secretive billion dollar jade industry. AFP

landslide sweeps through reMote MyanMar jade Mine YANGON, MYANMAR—Rescuers were searching through mud and rubble Saturday after a new landslide buried workers in a remote jade mining region in northern Myanmar, the second such incident in just over a month.

The landslide took place on Friday afternoon in Hpakant, Kachin State, the war-torn area that is the epicentre of Myanmar’s secretive billion dollar jade industry.

“The rescue process has now started and we are searching for dead bodies but we can’t tell the numbers yet,” Nilar Myint, an official from Hpakant Administrative Office, told AFP. Local media reported as many as 50 people might have been buried

by the debris.

But a second official involved in the rescue operation downplayed that number.

“According to what officials from nearby villages have told us, just three or four people are missing at the moment,” Myo Htet Aung, also from the Hpakant Administrative Office, told AFP. “We have not yet found any dead bodies in the process,” he added.

The same area was hit by a mas-

sive landslide last month that killed more than 100. Locals says dozens more have died throughout the year in smaller accidents.

The region is remote, with little phone coverage and poor roads making it difficult to obtain precise and swift data after such incidents.

Those killed in landslides are mainly itinerant workers who scratch a living picking through the piles of waste left by large-scale industrial mining firms in the hope of stumbling across a previously missed hunk of jade that will deliver them from poverty.

Myanmar is the source of virtually all of the world’s finest jadeite, a near-translucent green stone that is enormously prized in neighbouring

China, where it is known as the “stone of heaven.”

The Hpakant landscape has been turned into a moonscape of environmental destruction as firms use everlarger diggers to claw the precious stone from the ground.

But while mining firms -- many linked to the junta-era military elite — are thought to be raking in huge sums, local people complain they are shut out from the bounty.

In an October report, advocacy group Global Witness estimated that the value ofMyanmar jade produced in 2014 alone was $31 billion, adding the trade might be “biggest natural resource heist in modern history.”

Much of the best jade is thought to be smuggled directly to China. AFP

IndIa welcomes rule-breaker modI’s surprIse pakIstan vIsIt NEW DELHI, INDIA—Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagrantly broke with diplomatic protocol to pay a surprise birthday visit to Pakistan leader Nawaz Sharif, betting his personal brand on his ability to revive a troubled relationship, Indian media and analysts said Saturday.

Spurning official talks in the capital Islamabad, India’s leader chose to make an intimate trip to Sharif’s ancestral residence near Lahore Friday, where he was celebrating his birthday and the wedding of his granddaughter.

A source present in the meeting said the leaders of the nuclear-armed arch-rival nations “chatted like old friends” as they ate vegetarian food, with the Indian premier telling Sharif, “Your sincerity is beyond doubt.”

Modi’s stunning decision to drop in for talks with Pakistan’s leader—something ex-

premier Manmohan Singh failed to achieve in ten years of power—was roundly welcomed in India where it was seen as a highly calculated personal gamble.

“Modi has made clear he is willing to risk political capital to make peace,” the Indian Express newspaper said in a largely glowing editorial.

The visit, announced by Modi on Twitter, gave the appearance of being spontaneous, with Sharif ’s foreign affairs adviser not able to reach Lahore in time. However, a senior Pakistan official told AFP that security had been planned several days in advance.

While Indian media suggested Modi was the driving force behind the visit, a Pakistan official told AFP it was Islamabad’s idea to arrange a meeting ahead of formal diplomatic talks set for January. AFP

For clean air. protesters wear anti-air pollution masks during a demonstration demanding the taiwan government for reductions in air pollution in taipei.

S U N D AY : D e c e m B e R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

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WORLD editorial@thestandard.com.ph

reCord 12,000 Candidates for iran eleCtions TEHRAN, IRAN—More than 12,000 candidates have signed up for Iranian parliamentary elections due to be held in February, the most since the Islamic revolution in 1979, official media said Saturday.

The number of people who registered to stand before a Friday deadline was up nearly 70 percent compared with the previous legislative polls in 2012, the interior ministry said.

Women accounted for 11 percent of the hopefuls for the 290 seats available in the February 26 vote, up from eight percent last time.

The proportion of candidates below the age of 50 increased from 67 percent to 73 percent.

The number of candidates is however expected to drop after the Guardians Council vets applications. The final list will be published on February 9.

Voting will be held on the same day as the election for the Assembly of Experts, which monitors the work of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 76, and would be responsible for picking a replacement if he dies.

President Hassan Rouhani, who took office in 2013 on the platform of more social and political freedom, has largely dedicated the first half of his four-year term to nuclear negotiations that culminated in a July deal with major powers.

The agreement will see punishing economic sanctions rolled back in exchange for Iran curtailing its nuclear programme.

Rouhani, who faces a re-election battle in 2017, plans to devote the rest of his term to economic and social reforms.

To achieve that, he is hoping for the support of a majority of lawmakers in the next parliament.

Rouhani has faced vocal opposition from conservatives in the current parliament, including on the nuclear deal. afp

Air strike kills syriA rebel chief AheAd of peAce tAlks BEIRUT, LEBANON—Powerful Syrian rebel chief Zahran Alloush was killed in an air strike claimed by the regime on Friday, dealing blows to both the nearly five-year uprising and a fragile peace process.

Alloush, 44, was the commander of the Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam) movement, the predominant opposition faction in the Eastern Ghouta rebel bastion east of Damascus.

Hours after Alloush was killed, leading members of Jaish al-Islam elected Abu Himam al-Buwaydani as a replacement, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP. Buwaydani is a 40-year-old businessman and fighter from Douma who hails from a family with strong ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Alloush and five other commanders were killed “in an air strike that targeted one of their meetings in Eastern Ghouta” on Friday, the Observatory said, adding that it was unclear whether the regime or Russia had been behind the raid.

A senior member of Jaish al-Islam confirmed Alloush’s death to AFP, saying three planes targeted a “secret meeting” of commanders.

The Syrian government and its media regularly refers to Jaish al-Islam as “terrorists,” and state television did so again in the news alert announcing Alloush’s death, saying that Syria’s army command had conducted the “special operation” that killed Alloush as part of its “national mission.”

A Syrian security source told AFP “dozens” of rebel fighters were killed in the raids, carried out by Syria’s air force with newly-provided Russian missiles.

The jets launched two rounds of strikes on the meeting with four missiles each, the source said. At least 12 Jaish al-Islam members and seven from the Islamist Ahrar al-Sham group were killed.

Jaish al-Islam is the most prominent rebel faction in the Eastern Ghouta region, an opposition bastion east of the capital frequently bombarded by regime forces.

Backed by Riyadh, it recently took part in landmark opposition talks in Saudi Arabia.

It was known to have extremist views and to have supported the establishment of an Islamic state before recently moving towards a more moderate position.

The news of the air strikes killing Alloush spread like wildfire among activists and rebel groups online.

“May God accept Commander Zahran Alloush among the martyrs... and may the factions of Ghouta join forces to bridge the gaps and complete the mission,” wrote Khaled Khoja, head of the opposition National Coalition, on Twitter.

Analysts expect Alloush’s death to have profound ripple effects on Syria’s fragmented rebel movement as well as budding peace talks. afp

Zahran alloush, head of the Jaish al-islam (islam army) syrian rebel group, speaks during the wedding of a fighter in the group on July 21 in the rebel-held town of Douma, on the eastern edges of the Syrian capital Damascus. Alloush was killed along with five other commanders on december 25. afp

Christmas wildfire Claims more than 100 homes in australia

Shake it up. salsa dancers perform during the salsodromo parade in the Colombian city of Cali on december 25. afp

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA —A bushfire which flared on Christmas Day has destroyed more than 100 homes in southern Australia, officials said Saturday, as they warned the losses could have been worse.

The blaze hit two towns southwest of Melbourne, Wye River and Separation Creek, where many of the 116 houses lost were believed to be holiday homes.

As about 500 firefighters worked to battle the blaze, aerial shots showed buildings razed to the ground in the tree-filled coastal area along the Great Ocean Road tourist drive.

“It’s kind of confirmed for us just how hot, just how volatile, just how intense this

fire was, burning right to the water’s edge,” Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Andrews welcomed the fact that no lives were lost in the state which endured horrific bushfires in 2009, in which 173 people perished.

“We can rebuild houses, of course. Things can be much worse than that,” Andrews told a press conference on Saturday.

The fire near the coastal town of Lorne was started by a lightning strike on December 19 but flared up Friday due to hot weather and winds pushing embers over fire control lines.

Victoria’s Emergency Management commissioner

Craig Lapsley praised the community for heeding the evacuation warning just before lunchtime on Christmas Day to avoid the possibility of fatalities.

“They walked away from the fire that had every potential to be a killer,” he said at a joint press conference with Andrews.

In a statement, Lapsley confirmed 18 dwellings at Separation Creek and 98 at Wye River were lost and noted that rain and cooler conditions had reduced fire activity.

But he warned there were “still many hotspots within the fire area so the change in conditions and the rain that fell this morning does not mean the threat posed by this fire is over.” afp

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S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

REUEL VIDAL EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

NADAL, GLOBE HELP CHILDREN BECOME BETTER TENNIS PLAYERS

By Reuel Vidal

ALWAYS looking for ways to help the Filipino youth become better athletes and members of the community, Globe pressed Rafa Nadal into service by conducting a clinic to teach the finer points of the game.

Nadal came to the Philippines not just to play tennis to entertain his fans, but also found the occasion teach young Filipino tennis players how to become world class players.

Rafa’s coach and uncle Toni Nadal led the tennis clinic, with

Rafa Nadal sprints after the ball as he prepares to unload a forehand smash at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Globe Vice President for Postpaid Business Erli Magtubo-Valdez, beside Rafa Nadal, explains the Globe sports advocacy to teach young Filipino tennis players the fundamentals of the sport and become world class players like Rafa Nadal.

60 youthful Filipino tennis players participating, at the Colegio de San Agustin in Makati.

Globe Vice President for Postpaid Business Erli Valdez said Globe exerts every effort to bring the pub-

lic’s passions closer to them, from music to movies and sports.

“We’d like to give our customers who are

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan

INVITATION TO BID SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND COMMISSIONING OF 45 UNITS OF INVESTIGATIVE/ SURVEILLANCE KITS (Re-Bid) Bid Ref. No. 2015-14-1 1.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) with office address at NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City invites registered PhilGEPS suppliers to bid for the following item;

Quantity

Item/Description

Approved Budget for the Contract

Price of Bidding Documents (Nonrefundable)

Delivery Period

45 units

Investigative/ Surveillance Kits

P 5,570,500.00

P 10,000.00

30 Calendar Days

2.

A prospective bidder on each of the projects should have completed within 2010-2014 from the date of submission and receipt of bids, at least one (1) single contract of similar nature amounting to at least 50% of the ABC for the said project.

3.

The Schedule of Bid Activities shall be as follows:

Activities Issuance and Availability of Bid Documents

Pre-Bid Conference Deadline of Submission and Opening of Bids

also major tennis fans the best access so they can meet and see live their favorite players.

Through the Rafa Na-

Venue BAC Secretariat c/o Ms. Aroceli E. Sonido or Ms. Jerishria C. Samson PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, 1100 Quezon City Conference Room, PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, 1100 Quezon City

INVITATION TO BID PROCUREMENT OF DRUG INVENTORY SYSTEM Bid Ref. No. 2016-04 The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) with office address at NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City intends to apply the sum of THREE MILLION TWO HUNDRED NINETEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS ONLY (PHP 3,219,500.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the PROCUREMENT OF DRUG INVENTORY SYSTEMS under Annual Procurement Plan (APP) for Capital Outlays CY 2016; Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the Bid opening andlate bids shall not be accepted.

1.

The PDEA - BAC now invites PhilGEPS registered providers for the PROCUREMENT OF DRUG INVENTORY SYSTEM.

2.

A prospective biddershould have completed within the last Three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, at least one (1) single contract of similar nature amounting to at least 50% of the ABC for the said projects.

3.

Open competitive bidding will be conducted using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as “Government Procurement Act”. All particulars relative to this bidding including Eligibility Checking, Bid Security, Evaluation and Post Qualification Procedures and Award of Contract shall be governed by R.A. 9184 and its Revised IRR.

4.

The bidding is open 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.

Date/Time

December 16, 2015

The Invitation to Bid and Checklist of Requirements may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov.ph. The complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of nonrefundable fee indicated below. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective Bidder or his duly authorized representative upon presentation of proper identification of document.

January 13, 2016, 11:00 AM January 25, 2016, 11:00 AM

4.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

5.

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.

6.

Complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from the PDEA-BAC Secretariat (see Address Below) and upon payment of non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents, in amount pursuant to the schedule, The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective Bidder or his duly authorized representative upon presentation of proper identification of document.

For purpose of having a legal personality to raise or submit written queries or clarification in the PreBid Conference relative to these bid projects, Bidder must first pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents on or before the date of Pre-Bid Conference.

5.

For purpose of having a legal personality to raise or submit written queries or clarification in the PreBidding Conference relative to the bid project, Bidder must first pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents on or before the date of Pre-Bidding Conference.

8.

PDEA 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.

9.

Bidders may obtain further information from thePDEA-BAC Secretariatc/o Ms. Aroceli E. Sonido orMs. Aileen B. Del Coro, at thePDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PMonly, Mondays to Fridays starting December 16, 2015 at Tel No. (632)920-8082/ (632)927-9702 Loc. 127.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids.

(Sgd) ASEC. RENE M. ORBE Chairman, Bids & Awards Committee

The Schedule of Bid Activities shall be as follows:

NOMENCLATURE 1.SALE & ISSUANCE of Bid Documents

2.PRE-BID CONFERENCE (open only to parties who have acquired bid documents)

The Invitation to Bid and Checklist of Requirements may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www. pdea.gov.ph.

7.

dal Tennis Academy Clinic, not only will our customers see Nadal live, they also get to be a part of a worthy cause by supporting our young tennis talents,” said Valdez.

Former world no.

1 tennis player Nadal, dubbed as King of the Clay, has won 14 Grand Slam Singles titles. He is currently ranked 5th in the ATP Singles ranking.

Nadal, who competed in the International Premier Tennis League for the Micromax Indian Aces, said he was happy to

VENUE DATE/TIME BAC Secretariat 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM only, c/o Ms. Aroceli E. Sonido PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Mondays to Fridays, starting December 22, 2015 Road, National Government Center, 1100 Quezon City Php 10,000.00 Conference Room, PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, 1100 Quezon City

3.SUBMISSION and OPENING OF BIDS

January 14, 2016 (1:00 PM) January 26, 2016 (1:00 PM)

6.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/o Ms. Ria C. Samson or Ms. Aroceli E. Sonido at the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PMonly, Mondays to Fridays startingDecember 22, 2015 at Tel No. (632) 920-8082.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids.

7.

PDEA 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.

(Sgd) ASEC. RENE M. ORBE Chairman, Bids & Awards Committee

(TS-DEC. 27, 2015)

(TS-DEC. 27, 2015)

personally teach Filipino children about the game he loves and about life as well.

“In life it is important for people to have you. To be with them.

To be an example to everybody. Just to help a little bit. To help and work and give opportunities to the kids,” said Nadal.

Participants to the clinic included the most promising Filipino players six to 16 years old. Joining them are homegrown tennis champions, siblings Miko and Alexandra Eala who have won championships in competitions such as the Casely International Tennis Championship and the Little Mo International Grand Slam Championship.

The participants got an advance experience of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Nadal’s hometown in Manacor (Mallorca), Spain which will officially open its doors in May 2016.

The academy combines tennis and education to help students continue on to become professional tennis. Its main objective is to maximize the potential of every player so that they have the opportunity to become professional players without abandoning their studies.

As a primer for the fans before the live tennis clinic, Globe earlier held a Nadal fan-night Vamos Rafa where Nadal fans participated in an exciting quiz night for a chance to win tickets to meet and see Nadal live during the tennis clinic.

“It truly is gratifying for us to see our customers happy with activities like this.

This further inspires us to pursue similar partnerships that will bring them closer to what they love,” said Valdez.

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS

ARMAN ARMERO EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

WARRIORS DOWN CAVS IN NBA FINALS REMATCH STEPHEN Curry provided a late fourth-quarter lift as the defending champion Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 89-83 Friday in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Curry sank back-toback driving layups in the final minutes to answer consecutive slam dunks by LeBron James, and shut down a Cleveland rally as Golden State improved the best start in NBA history to 28-1.

“We don’t believe we’re going to make a statement with one game,” Warriors interim coach Luke Walton said. “Overall, we’re 28-1. That’s more of a statement.”

Curry scored 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds and passed out seven assists while Draymond Green had 22 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists for the Warriors.

“We want more,” Curry said. “We tasted a little bit of success, won a championship, but we have such potential on this team we want to accomplish more. Having the record (start) is great but we want to do a lot more.”

The Warriors are on pace to have the winningest record in NBA history, and Curry is on pace to break his own record from 3-point baskets in a season.

In other Christmas games, Jimmy Butler scored 23 points to power Chicago over Oklahoma City 105-

96 and Chris Bosh’s 30 points sparked Miami over New Orleans 9488 in over-time.

At Houston, James Harden scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half to lift the host Rockets over the San Antonio Spurs 8884 while Chris Paul scored 23 points leading the Los Angeles Clippers over the Los Angeles Lakers 94-84. ]In a grinding contest that produced their lowest-scoring game this season, the Warriors improved to 14-0 at home this season with their 32nd overall home victory in a row. They shot only 41 percent from the floor but held Cleveland to 31 percent, including 5-of-30 from 3-point range. ]“That was a big win,” Curry said. “We came out defensively and did what we were supposed to do. We were a little off offensively but if we can continue to do that, we’ll be fine.”

Curry missed part of the second quarter after aggravating a right calf injury he suffered Wednesday, but said he would not miss any games. ]James scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds but the Cavaliers fell to 19-8, 6-7 on the road, and saw their six-game win streak end-

OAKLAND -- LeBron James (#23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Andrew Bogut (#12) Brandon Rush and Draymond Green (#23) of the Golden State Warriors during their NBA basketball game at Oracle Arena on December 25, 2015 in Oakland, California. AFP

ed by the same team that beat them four games to two in last June’s NBA Finals.

J.R. Smith had 14 points for Cleveland while Kyrie Irving added 13 and Kevin Love and Australian Matthew Dellavedova added 10 points each.

“There were a lot of little things as far as the shots were concerned... that did catch up with us,” Cavaliers coach Dave Blatt said.

At Houston, the Rockets improved to 16-15 while the Spurs, with the second-best record in the NBA, fell to 25-6.

“We’re a really good

team. We just hadn’t been playing well,” Harden said. “It’s a growing process for us.

We just have to keep going. We’ve gained confidence these last couple weeks. We’ve got to build on it and see where we can go.”

At Miami, the Heat won a seventh consecutive Christmas outing despite shooting a woeful 39.8 percent from the floor.

“We showed a lot of resiliency,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

“We’ll take this win.”

A week after saying coach Fred Hoiberg was being too soft and laid-

man of Malaysia to tie WGM Nguyen Thi Mai Hung of Vietnam on four points apiece.

Another Pinay bet, 19-year old WIM anelle Mae Frayna, drew her games in round 4 and round 5 against WCM Azman and WIM Bernadette Galas, respectively.

The draws dropped her in a tied for 3rd to 4th places together with WIM Chelsie Sihite of Indonesia. Galas, meanwhile, is currently tied for 5th to 7th place to remain in contention for the championship with still six rounds to go.

The Filipino campaigners were earlier greeted by NCFP President Prospero A. Pichay Jr. and NCFP Vice President for Luzon and committee Chairman for grassroots development and pro-

motions Cong. Neri Javier Colmenares, who sent their greetings and congratulations through Executive Director GM jayson Gonzales, who is the coach and head of delegation for Team Philippines.

Garcia, meanwhile, beat IM Zaw Htun Wynn in the fourth round, while drawing with top seed GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia after only 12 moves of an English Defense. The results put Garcia in a tie for the lead with Fide Master Yeoh Li Tian of Malaysia.

But GM Darwin Laylo was not as lucky, as he was upset by 18-year old IM Wishand Cuhendi Sean of Indonesia in their Caro Kann Defense.

IM Paulo Bersamina, 17, has five dreaws in as many rounds for 2.5 points to stay tied for 6th place to 8th places.

back on the Bulls, Butler helped end a threegame losing streak.

“It wasn’t part of a plan but whatever works works,” Butler said. “I’m going to play with all my might.

We’ve got a great group of guys. If we play hard together, we can do anything.”

Butler hit 9-of-20 shots from the field and added six rebounds and four assists for the Bulls, who had 21 points and 13 rebounds from Spanish big man Pau Gasol as Chicago improved to 16-11.

Kevin Durant scored a game-high 29 points with nine rebounds and seven assists to lead Oklahoma City, which fell to 20-10.

At Los Angeles, the Clippers survived their lowest scoring quarter of the season with only nine in the fourth as the Lakers reserves rallied once the Clippers went to their bench.

“You’ve got to stay ready,” Paul said. “You just never know. Guys are going to make runs.”

Retiring Lakers guard Kobe Bryant had 12 points to lead his team’s starters in his final Christmas game.

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

INVITATION TO BID PROCUREMENT OF EIGHT (8) UNITS MOTOR VEHICLE Bid Ref. No. 2016-01 The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) with office address at NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City intends to apply the sum of EIGHT MILLION PESOS ONLY (Php8,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the PROCUREMENT OF EIGHT (8) UNITS MOTOR VEHICLE under Annual Procurement Plan (APP) for Capital Outlays CY 2016; Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the Bid opening andlate bids shall not be accepted.

1.

The PDEA - BAC now invites PhilGEPS registered motor vehicle providers for the procurement of EIGHT (8) UNITS MOTOR VEHICLE.

2.

A prospective biddershould have completed within the last Three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, at least one (1) single contract of similar nature amounting to at least 50% of the ABC for the said projects.

3.

Open competitive bidding will be conducted using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as “Government Procurement Act”. All particulars relative to this bidding including Eligibility Checking, Bid Security, Evaluation and Post Qualification Procedures and Award of Contract shall be governed by R.A. 9184 and its Revised IRR.

4.

The bidding is open 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.

MENDOZA, GARCIA KEEP PH BID GOING AFTER taking a Christmas Day break, Filipino campaigners stayed sharp, with Woman International Master Shania Mendoza scored four wins after five matches to share the lead in the women’s side even as 20year old Jan Emmanuel Garcia also tied for the lead in the men’s side after five rounds in the 3rd ASEAN JAPFA Chess Championship in Bakasi City in Indonesia.

The 17-year old Mendoza played the black pieces of the French Defense opening with precision to crush WFM Dita Karenza of Indonesia, who quit after 65 moves on the face of the Pinay WIM’s relentless attack.

Mendoza, however, settled for a draw in the 5th round against Woman Candidate Master Nur Nabila Hisham Za-

B7

The Invitation to Bid and Checklist of Requirements may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov.ph. The complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of nonrefundable fee indicated below. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective Bidder or his duly authorized representative upon presentation of proper identification of document.

For purpose of having a legal personality to raise or submit written queries or clarification in the PreBid Conference relative to these bid projects, Bidder must first pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents on or before the date of Pre-Bid Conference.

5.

The Schedule of Bid Activities shall be as follows:

NOMENCLATURE

1. SALE & ISSUANCE of Bid Documents

2. PRE-BID CONFERENCE (open only to parties who have acquired bid documents) 3. SUBMISSION and OPENING OF BIDS

VENUE BAC Secretariat c/o Ms. Aroceli E. Sonido PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, 1100 Quezon City Conference Room, PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, 1100 Quezon City

DATE/TIME 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM only, Mondays to Fridays, starting December 22, 2015 Php 10,000.00

January 14, 2016 (9:00 AM) January 26, 2016 (9:00 AM)

6.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/o Ms. Ria C. Samson or Ms. Aroceli E. Sonido at the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PMonly, Mondays to Fridays startingDecember 22, 2015 at Tel No. (632) 920-8082.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids.

7.

PDEA 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.

(Sgd) ASEC. RENE M. ORBE Chairman, Bids & Awards Committee (TS-DEC. 27, 2015)

B8

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

RIERA U. MALLARI EDITOR sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Andrea Guardini proved unstoppable in a bunch sprint when the Astana Pro Team rider took his third win of Le Tour de Langkawi in Stage Four of the 2015 Le Tour de Langkawi from Kota Baru to Kuala Berang. Filipino riders will be taking part in the coming LTDL.

PH RIDERS RETURN TO LANGKAWI

By Peter Atencio

AFTER a 10-year wait, the Philippines is again sending a team to the Le Tour de Langkawi, a prestigious multi-stage bicycle race held in Malaysia.

Team 7-Eleven Sava Roadbike Philippines will field a six-man national squad to join the 10-day bikefest set to be held from March 3 to 13 in the island of Langkawi, Malaysia.

General Manager Rick Rodriguez said they are preparing to send the country’s top riders Mark Galedo,

Ryan Cayubit, Dominic Perez and Jay Lampawog to the Malaysian race, considered as Asia’s toughest.

“It’s been 10 years since we last sent a team to Langkawi. This is considered as the biggest race in Asia,” said Rodriguez.

He added that another rider will be named and in-

cluded in the team.

While the route changes every year, the Genting Highlands climb, is said to be the toughest in the tour, said Rodriguez.

The races are sanctioned by the International Cycling Union as a 2.HC road race in the UCI Asia Tour calendar.

Around 22 teams are usually selected to take part in the race, including veterans who take part in the Tour de France and Giro d’ Italia.

Last year, four UCI World Teams joined, along with seven professional continental teams.

Among the world teams who joined were Astana, Team Sky, Orica-GreenEDGE and Tinkoff-Saxo.

Rodriguez said the race is important for the Roadbike 7-Eleven team because it will measure the Filipinos’ mettle not only against their Asian neighbors, but with the best of the world as well.

“It will be a perfect opportunity to test how far Philippine cycling has gone,” said Rodriguez.

The last Filipino team that took part in it was the PAGCOR-Casino Filipino squad.

PHILRACOM GRAND DERBY CAPS 2015

Mark Galedo, shown here winning a local race, will banner the 7-Eleven team joining the 2016 Le Tour de Langkawi.

THE Philippine Racing Commission will hold its last major race for the year on Sunday at Metroturf racecourse in Malvar, Batangas.

The 2,000-meter Philracom Grand Derby features four elite 3YO - Honorato Neri’s Court of Honor, Mayor Benhur C. Abalos’s Gentle Strike, Joseph Dyhengco’s Hook Shot, and Patrick Uy’s Mr. Minister.

Three of these runners did well in the Philracom Chairman’s Cup held last Dec. 20 at Santa Ana Park. The

race held in honor of former Philracom chairman Angel L. Castaño was dominated by Gentle Strike, ridden

by Jonathan Hernandez. Court of Honor placed second, followed by Money Talks and Mr. Minister in third and fourth.

The time for the 1,600-meter race was 1:40 (26.2-24-24.2-25.6).

The Philracom Grand Derby caps an eventful year that saw the emergence of powerful runners among the 3YO fillies, with longshot fillies

Superv, Court of Honor, and Miss Brulay winning a leg each of the 2015 Philracom Triple Crown.

“We invite racing fans to end their racing year by watching this exciting event,” said Philracom chairman Andrew A. Sanchez. “We also thank them all for their continued support of Philippine racing, and all our other stakeholders in the industry as well for their cooperation and enthusiasm in supporting Philracom and its programs.”

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

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

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HOLIDAY BLUES – WHAT ARE PEOPLE UP TO FOR THE HOLIDAYS? CAROTID ARTERY

I

BY TATUM ANCHETA

t’s my first time staying in Manila for the holidays as I got my entire family to visit me here for a change. Every year, I would be on a grueling five to six hour (depends on the road congestion) road trip back to Nueva Ecija to spend Christmas with my family. For the first time, I do not know exactly what to do in Manila for the break. At this time, I would have been visiting my relatives house to house, and doing the annual gatherings until I return before the New Year.

My friends are all out of town and I’m itching to be somewhere

outside of Manila but I might just use this break to reflect and rest, and take care of some detoxing from my life that I have to do before the start of the year. So what do people really do during this holiday break? I could hear the animated gif of Selena Gomez that my friends posted online, “Eat, eat more, sit on the couch…”

I guess that’s the mantra for some.

“So what do people do in Manila after Christmas?” I asked my friend. “Well, after eating noche Buena… ummm, Facebook,” then she laughs. Yes, Facebook.

People who are not somewhere in the Bahamas, Africa, or some exotic foreign place are watching other people’s vacation and living vicariously through other people’s lives… and judging them.

“I’m studying humans in social media,” I remember my friend telling me one time over lunch.

“Look at how people post – is this really what makes them happy?” I

laughed as he related the content of his friends’ FB feeds. Check your feed now; what do people post?

“What a lovely scenery amidst the mountainside! #blessed #vacation #freshair” then a picture of them almost contorted trying to get the best selfie shot with the background.

Or “So happy to be finally in your arms this Christmas break #mayForever #booboofinallyhome #pleasedontletitend” accompanied by a photo of her and boyfie lying down in some hammock. Then a lot of photos of family outings in Tagaytay, Baler, Baguio, Boracay, Palawan and other frequented spots in the Philippines during the holiday.

Then there are those stuck at home, “Opening some remnant

gifts from Christmas, there’s just so many!” then a photo of paper bags, boxes, and other gift items.

Sure, people love you, or need you, whatever is the case, sure #pagbigyan #damingnagmamahalsayo. Then there’s the TV series marathoner, “Guys, what are other TV series that’s good to watch? I’m done with Narcos, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Dexter, Hannibal, Orange Is The New Black, Scandal, Homeland, The Walking Dead, Heroes Reborn, Two Broke Girls, New Girl, Bates Motel, Castle, Suits, pati Devious Maids…” and the list goes on. Girl, you have so much time, I bet you haven’t slept yet and been binging on the couch for days. While some who are so late in the game and just

discovered, “OMG I can’t believe Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner! Did you guys see all the videos in the backstage? Mean girls! #sorryhulisabalita,” while other feeds are reposts of some Elite Daily articles on New Year’s resolutions, moving on, etc., etc.

Whatever people are doing this Christmas break, whether exhausted from their travel adventures or rejuvenated from resting, in a few days we will welcome 2016 – let’s try to make the most of this year.

Drop me a line at tatum@thestandard. com.ph. For my crazy life’s adventures, follow me at @tatumancheta on Instagram and Twitter.

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Take five with ExpressPay’s ‘Balik P5 Kada Bill’ promo

O

ne of the most tedious things people do month after month is to pay bills, bills and more bills. It’s a neverending responsibility, and since we pay an average of three to six bills in a month, any amount saved, when added up, would make a difference especially during the holidays with all our inaanaks waiting for their aguinaldo.

To make bills payment less of a drag, ExpressPay launched its latest promo dubbed, “Balik P5 Kada Bill” – its own aguinaldo version as customers get to receive a P5 voucher for every bill in any of its payment centers.

“As this is the season of giving, Balik P5 Kada Bill is our own way of giving back to our customers, for their continued trust and support, which has allowed the center to constantly branch out and expand its offerings to communities all over the Philippines,” said ExpressPay marketing director David Mascenon, reminding everyone to “Pay your bills at ExpressPay and redeem your vouchers, just in time for Christmas.”

The voucher, which is valid for one year from date of issue, can be used for any of

ExpressPay’s services, such as money transfer, courier service and cellphone load – all the better to greet your loved ones a Merry Christmas. Or you may opt to use the value of the vouchers to deduct from your next bill.

The latest promo is aimed at making bills payment easier for the community through the rebates given, said Mascenon. “Simply visit any of our branches to pay your bills, and get a P5 voucher for each and every bill paid,” Mascenon reiterated.

The “Balik P5 Kada Bill” promo will run until February 29, 2016.

Established in 2011, ExpressPay aims to provide secure, cost-efficient, technologydriven financial services conveniently available in the community. It currently has over 800 branches nationwide. It also recently won the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence 2015 as the “Best Payment Center Franchise” for having the best services in the industry.

For more information on the promo, visit Balik P5 Kada Bill sa ExpressPay page on Facebook or their official website at www. serbisyongexpresspay.com.

MAAGA ANG PASKO CARAVAN BRINGS EARLY CHRISTMAS CHEER TO CHILDREN IN PGH

J

ollibee’s Maaga ang Pasko caravan brought holiday cheer to the 200 pediatric patients of the Philippine General Hospital as the first in line for the Maaga giftgiving caravan. Now on its 21st year, the longest-running toy and book donation drive in the country once again spread happiness to kids in different parts of the Philippines this Christmas season.

The pediatric patients received toys and books from the generous customers of the country’s leading fast food chain as early Christmas presents handed over by Jollibee employees led by Jollibee Philippines president Joseph Tanbuntiong. The kids were also treated to a special performance by Jollibee and had their fill of their favorite langhapsarap treats.

During the event, Jollibee executives also officially turned over the company’s P1 million donation to the PGH Foundation to bring hope and relief to the patients. The funds will be used for the purchase of eight infusion pumps, devices that help deliver fluids such as nutrients and medication to patients, for the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Isolation ward. Other parts of the fund will be used for the Charity Patients Medical Fund to provide financial assistance to the sick and enable them to purchase medicine, special laboratory tests and medical supplies.

“We hope that this simple gesture of generosity, made possible by our customers, employees and our campaign partners, will help

Jollibee and several Jolly Toy Scouts personally handed kids’ early Christmas presents donated by generous Filipinos through Jollibee’s Maaga ang Pasko toy and book donation drive

bring the spirit of Christmas to these kids. This is what Maaga ang Pasko is all about, to bring the joy of the season to more kids across the country through the magic of toys and books,” says Tanbuntiong.

Throughout the holiday season the Maaga ang Pasko caravan will be making several stops to carry out its annual gift-giving activities for many child beneficiaries. Jollibee also teamed up with Philippine Toy Library, an organization that transforms idle spaces in barangays and schools into fun and educational playrooms, to give Christmas cheer to more kids, including those in far-flung areas.

The P1 million donation was handed to the Pediatrics Hematology and Oncology Isolation ward. Participating in the check turnover ceremony are (from left) Jollibee, Regional Business Unit head for Metro North Mike Castro, Jollibee Global Brand chief marketing officer Francis Flores, Jollibee Philippines president Joseph Tanbuntiong, PGH Medical Foundation chairman Dr. Gregorio Alvior, PGH Medical Foundation treasurer Essem Perez, PGH Medical Foundation vice president Dr. Alfonso Doloroso, PGH Medical Foundation executive director Dr. Dione Suter, head of PGH Pediatrics Dr. Juliet Sio-Aguilar, Executive Committee member Erlinda Cambia, and Jollibee franchisee Andrew Ng

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Corporate social responsibility is a core initiative of CCAP

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF CARING

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CCAP HELPS RESIDENTS IN IMPOVERISHED CEBU COMMUNITY

any of us have been blessed with good homes and creature comforts that we sometimes take these things for granted. But in the outskirts of Carmen, Cebu is a humble coastal community that can only be reached by a one to two-hour tricycle or motorcycle ride from Cebu City. The homes

are made of discarded galvanized iron sheets, plywood, and other scrap materials, the sparsely wooded area surrounded by patches of grass and vegetation.

Open slots boarded up at night serve as makeshift windows, and inside the one- to two-room houses is a woven mat or banig where a typical family of six sleeps together.

CCAP’s Alex Ilagan (extreme left) with the ICM Cebu team and representatives of the coastal community

These homes have no running water and no toilets, and the residents rely on fishing and subsistence farming for their livelihood, earning less than P3,000 a month or around $2 per day, barely enough for food and other basic necessities – evident in the frail and stunted bodies of the children.

This was the scene over a year ago gave resolve to the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) to provide the residents with an opportunity to uplift their lives by partnering with the International Care Ministries (ICM), a non-profit organization that provides access to health care for people living in extreme poverty. The initiative was started in December last year, with CCAP’s 15 member banks providing financial assistance for ICM’s Transform program which aims to promote values formation, health education and livelihood development through a series of lectures and skills training.

ICM used the amount donated

by CCAP to fund a feeding program for participants in the community, totaling 30 families with six ICM counselors. This was especially critical as those who would participate in the Transform program had to cut short their time earning a living.

And the efforts have been paying off. When representatives of CCAP visited the field office of ICM in Cebu City and the Carmen community to follow up on the joint project, the improved health of the participants was evident.

The residents also acquired additional skills and know-how that would help improve the quality of life for residents in the coastal community. The visit was also timely as it coincided with the graduation of the Transform program participants, who were noticeably healthier, and were now armed with additional skills and know-how that hopefully will translate to the improvement of

quality of life in the coastal town.

“During the home visit and casual conversations with the members of sponsored families, we were able to see and confirm for ourselves how deserving they were of the assistance provided by both CCAP and ICM. We were also able to try out some of the livelihood products produced by these families during the program,” said CCAP executive director and spokesperson Alex Ilagan.

The seeming success of the ICM tie-up has encouraged CCAP to pursue more corporate social responsibility projects in the country.

“CCAP is planning to continue the partnership with ICM but we are still exploring other ways we can support them, in addition to making cash donations,” Ilagan disclosed.

The Carmen project is a continuation of the CSR initiative of CCAP, with the association and its 15 member banks having previously donated to the Red Cross for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

SOFITEL BRIGHTENS UP CHRISTMAS WITH P750,000 CHECK DONATION TO VIRLANIE FOUNDATION

I

t is said that Christmas is for children, and Sofitel Philippine Plaza helped make Christmas brighter for children through its donation of P750,000 to the Virlanie Foundation.

Founded in 1992, the Virlanie Foundation has been reaching out to Filipino street children for more than two decades, providing protection to those who are most vulnerable – the abandoned, abused, exploited, neglected, orphaned and the poorest of the poor.

During the check turnover ceremony which coincided with the lighting of the 30-ft. Christmas tree at the Sofitel, Virlanie founder Dominique Lemay received the check from Sofitel Philippine Plaza resident manager Alfredo Denage.

Guests were also delighted by the Virlanie

Children’s Choir who sang Christmas carols, filling the air with the joyful spirit of the season. The songs added to the magical quality of the occasion which was made more festive by the backdrop of lights – evoking the atmosphere of Champs Elysees.

The hotel has been a supporter of the foundation since 2007, in keeping with its advocacy of creating a brighter future for less privileged kids of Manila.

Over the years, Sofitel Philippine Plaza has undertaken several projects to raise funds for the NGO, among them “Teach to Reach” and “Adopt a Child” program. This year, the biggest project implemented was the fun run Sofitel Half Marathon, the proceeds of which will be used for the benefit of nine community shelters in Makati City.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s resident manager Alfredo Denage (right) hands over a check for P750,000 to Virlanie founder Dominique Lemay

S U N D AY : D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

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@LIFEatStandard

Rebecca ‘Becky’ Verzosa-Santos (middle) was the guest honor during the Philippine Airline’s return to New York in March 2015. She was welcomed by (from left) PAL chairman Lucio Tan and wife Carmen and PAL president Jaime Bautista

Becky serving inflight meal

A PAL icon has gone home Remembering Rebecca Verzosa-Santos, PAL’s first international stewardess

BY JONATHAN GESMUNDO

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ake use of all your faculties while you are going toward your golden years, because you want to be of service. To give yourself, to love – this is why we are on earth.”

Rebecca “Lola Becky” Verzosa-Santos, the first flight attendant on the trans-Pacific flight of Philippine Airlines, was quoted as saying in a New York coffee table book.

On December 14 of this year, PAL and our country said goodbye to an icon. Lola Becky is survived by her children – Fr. Caesar (one of the chaplains at the University of Asia and the Pacific), Gary (who works at the stock market), daughter Rebecca (who works at the United Nations International School in New York), son-in-law Tim Murry, and granddaughter Alex whom Lola Becky had looked after since birth.

The former PAL fight stewardess passed away in New York due to complications from a heart attack she suffered in September 2015. She was 92 years old.

Lola Becky played a huge role in the history of the country’s flag carrier. She was one of PAL’s first domestic cabin attendants

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Becky with her three children

at the resumption of operations in February 1946 after the Second World War. She was assigned to train the first cabin crew of Japan Airlines when it was a startup carrier. She wrote PAL’s first manual for flight attendants, the basis for today’s cabin crew training manuals. After training other cabin crew, she became the first head of PAL’s baggage handling unit – the Baggage Claims Department.

But her claim to fame was the 41-hourlong flight on July 31, 1946. The flight of the four-engine DC-4 plane, with 40 US

Lola Becky and her granddaughter Alex

soldiers on board, made stopovers in Wake Island, Guam, Johnston Atoll and Honolulu before landing in Oakland, California.

During that historic trip, Lola Becky looked after the homesick US soldiers, manually pumping air on mattresses for them to sleep on during the long flight, while she “slept on the bucket seats.”

For passenger meals, she prepared coffee using hot water from thermos bottles and provisions of sandwiches.

Lola Becky was only 22 when she became a PAL stewardess, passing the minimum

height requirement of five feet (she was 5’1”). After her studies at the University of the Philippines, she briefly worked at the US Air Force before applying at PAL. “I applied not so much because I would get to travel but because I thought the work was exciting and fun and challenging,” she said.

She has left volumes of memories and a trailblazing record (41 years to be exact) in local commercial aviation history.

In recognition of her contributions, Lola Becky was invited as a special guest at the star-studded dinner-reception in Manhattan during PAL’s return to New York in March 2015. PAL president Jaime Bautista cited her valuable contributions to the 75-year history of the airline, after which she was given a standing ovation.

PAL chairman Dr. Lucio Tan, who was humbled by the presence of a PAL pioneer that night, gifted Lola Becky with two roundtrip Business Class tickets – New YorkManila-New York – so she could come home.

However, she did not have the time because even at her age she continued to travel with friends. But Lola Becky is finally home – in the arms of her maker.

MAKATIMED PRESIDENT AND CEO IS CITI’S DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

iti Philippines gave distinct recognition to Makati Medical Center president and CEO Rosalie R. Montenegro who was named as Citi Philippines’ 2015 Distinguished Alumni Awardee for Leadership and Ingenuity.

The award is bestowed on Citi Alumni who have distinguished themselves in their business and/or personal endeavors through exceptional leadership or ingenuity. One of only 23 global awardees, Rose, as the MakatiMed chief is joining “an elite group both here in the Philippines and across the world in receiving this award,” said Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.

Montenegro, who joined Citibank in 1991 as Service and Quality director, received the award during a gathering of Citi Alumni and Citibank senior management led by Ahmed at the New World Hotel.

The Citi Alumni Awards recognize the accomplishments of the organization’s former employees in the areas of Leadership and Ingenuity, Network Development and Community Involvement. Citi has approximately 200 million customer

accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions.

Citi credited Montenegro for leading the bank when it set up the first call center for bank and credit cards customers in the Philippines while serving as Service and Quality director. Montenegro actively supported Asia Pacific CitiPhone Banking and Service Quality Regional Councils where she was considered as a subject matter expert and trained other Citi executives in countries such as India, Australia, Turkey, and Hungary.

Montenegro showed the same leadership qualities again when she was hired by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company where she built PLDT’s outsourcing business ePLDT from the ground up, with five international and two domestic call centers that has over 7,000 agents handling a variety of verticals in the entertainment, healthcare, credit cards, hotels and first-level desktop support for hardware and retail business.

Montenegro retired from PLDT in 2007, but was called back by MVP Group chief and PLDT chair Manny Pangilinan to serve as president and CEO of Makati

Makati Medical Center president and CEO Rosalie R. Montenegro, Citi Philippines’ 2015 Distinguished Alumni Awardee for Leadership and Ingenuity, is flanked by Bea Teh-Tan, Consumer Banking head for Citi Philippines and Aftab Ahmed, Citi Philippines CEO

Medical Center. MakatiMed provided Montenegro with another vehicle to pioneer many innovations not common to this industry, overseeing major changes in the hospital’s IT and telecoms infrastructure, improving facilities,

advocating service quality orientation of staff at all levels, and overhauling the hospital’s human capital. It comes as no surprise then that Montenegro is credited for bringing MakatiMed back to profitability.

SUNDAY : DECEMBER 27, 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Ricky Lee receiving his award with the officers of The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA

Best Male Personality for Radio (AM) Anthony Taberna (Dos Por Dos / DZMM 630)

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Best Male Radio Personality (FM) Chris Tsuper (Tambalan / 90.7 Love Radio) Best Female Radio Personality (FM) Nicole Hyala (Tambalan/ 90.7 Love Radio)

1sT ALTA MediA icon AwArds

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he University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, in celebration of its 40th Founding Anniversary, recognized outstanding individuals, programs, and other entities in the field of mass media during its first ever ALTA Media Icon Awards, a Student’s Choice award-giving body, held on Dec. 11at Ernesto Palanca Crisostomo Hall, Perpetual Las Piñas Campus.

In a 1970s-inspired awards night, with the theme “The Perpetualite Rock: 40 Years of

Rocking the Nation through Quality Education and Media Partnership”, awards were given to winners in different media categories – television, radio, print, film, advertising and public relations, social media, and recording.

Special recognition were likewise given to media icons in the last 40 years or more in the industry – Tina Monzon – Palma Iconic Media Personality for Broadcast Journalism; Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia, Vilma Santos, Tirso Cruz III, and Ricky Lee as Iconic

TeLeVision ProGrAMs

Media Personalities for Film and Television.

Chairman of the Board and CEO and founder Dr. Bgen Antonio L. Tamayo said the ALTA Media Icon Awards aims to honor outstanding media programs, personalities and entities that contributed to the country’s social development and promoted Filipino values anchored on the Perpetualite philosophy of “Character Building is Nation Building”.

The winners were chosen by college students of University of Perpetual Help - Las

Piñas, the largest of all Perpetual DALTA campuses with a 10,000-strong college student population. A separate screening committee comprised of esteemed administrators and educators judged the nominees for the Media Icon awards.

The winners were awarded by UPHSD President, Anthony M. Tamayo; Co-Founder and Board of Director, Dr. Daisy M. Tamayo; and Board Secretary and UPHDMC President , Maj. Richard Tamayo.

TeLeVision PersonALiTies

§ Best Talk Show Host Boy Abunda (The Bottomline / ABS-CBN 2) I Juander (GMA News TV 11) § Best Male News Personality for TV Atom Araullo (TV Patrol / ABS-CBN 2) Tapatan ni Tunying (ABS CBN 2) § Best Female News Personality for TV Jessica Soho (State of the Nation / GMA News TV 11) Eat Bulaga (GMA 7) § Best Actor for TV (Drama Role) Coco Martin (Ikaw Lamang / ABS-CBN 2) ASAP (ABS-CBN 2) § Best Actress for TV (Drama Role) Kim Chiu (Ikaw Lamang / ABS-CBN 2) I-Witness (GMA 7) § Best Actor for TV (Comedy Role) John Lloyd Cruz (Home Sweetie Home / ABS-CBN 2) Forevermore (ABS-CBN 2) § Best Actress for TV (Comedy Role)

Toni Gonzaga (Home Sweetie Home / ABS-CBN 2) Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN 2) § Best Child Actor (TV) Zaijian Jaranilla (Hawak Kamay / ABS-CBN 2) Home Sweetie Home (ABS-CBN 2) § Best Child Actress (TV) Jana Agoncillo (Dream Dad/ ABS-CBN 2) State of the Nation § Most Promising Male Star

Enrique Gil (GMA News TV 11) § Most Promising Female Star Janella Salvador § Best Lifestyle Program Ang Pinaka (GMA News TV 11) § Best Love Team

LizQuen (Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil) § Best Educational Program Matanglawin (ABS-CBN 2) § Most Influential Male TV Personality Daniel Padilla § Best Reality/Talent Show The Voice PH (ABS-CBN 2) § Most Influential Female TV Personality Sarah Geronimo § Best Public Service Program Wish Ko Lang (GMA 7) § Best Public Service Program Host Ted Failon (Failon Ngayon / ABS-CBN 2) § Best Game Show Kapamilya Deal or No Deal § Best Documentary Program Host Kara David (I-Witness / GMA 7) (ABS-CBN 2) § Best Educational Show Host Kim Atienza (Matanglawin / ABS-CBN 2) § Best Morning Show Umagang kay Ganda (ABS-CBN 2) § Best Magazine Show Host Jessica Soho (Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho / GMA 7) § Best Travel Show Biyahe ni Drew (GMA News TV 11) § Best Morning Show Host Atom Araullo (Umagang Kay Ganda / ABS-CBN 2) § Best Youth-Oriented Show Wansapanataym (ABS-CBN 2) § Best Lifestyle Show Host Rovilson Fernandez (Ang Pinaka / GMA News TV 11) § Best Reality Show Host Toni Gonzaga (Pinoy Big Brother / ABS-CBN 2) FiLM § Best Travel Show Host Drew Arellano (Byahe ni Drew / GMA News TV 11)

§ Best Game Show Host Luis Manzano (Kapamilya Deal or No Deal / ABS-CBN) § Best Film The Trial (Star Cinema) § Best Child Performer (Film) Miggs Cuaderno (Asintado) rAdio § Best Actor for Film Coco Martin (Feng Shui 2) § Best Actress for Film Kathryn Bernardo § Best Radio Station (AM) DZMM 630 (She’s Dating the Gangster) § Best Radio Station (FM) 90.7 Love Radio

§ Best Male Personality for Radio (AM) Anthony Taberna (Dos Por Dos / DZMM 630) recordinG indUsTrY § Best Female Radio Personality (AM) Karen Davila (Pasada Sais Trenta / DZMM 630)

§ Best Male Radio Personality (FM) Chris Tsuper (Tambalan / 90.7 Love Radio) Best Female Recording Artist Janella Salvador § Best Female Radio Personality (FM) Nicole Hyala (Tambalan/ 90.7 Love Radio) Best Male Recording Artist Bamboo § Best Radio Public Service Program Failon Ngayon (DZMM Radyo Patrol 630) Best Music Video “Ikaw” by Yeng Constantino § Best Radio Music Program Tambalan (90.7 Love Radio) Song of the Year “Sabado” by Eraserheads § Best Magazine Show § Best Talk Show § Best Noontime Variety Show § Best Musical Variety Show § Best Documentary Program § Best Drama Series § Best Drama Anthology § Best Comedy Program § Best News Program

The besT of ‘Kapuso Mo, JessiCa soho’ A few days before 2015 ends, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho takes its viewers back to the meaningful stories that left a mark in everyone’s heart.

Tonight, the award-winning TV news magazine show recounts the year’s events that made watching KMJS a Sunday habit among Filipino households.

Every week, KMJS never fails to trend—a proof of the show’s relevance to its viewers even after more than a decade of being on Philippine television.

One of the things viewers look forward to every Sunday is KMJS’ one-on-one interview with prominent personalities. In April, Jessica Soho sat down with Willie Revillame a few weeks before the latter’s television ccomeback. The TV host and comedian opened up more about his life—from becoming one of the country’s most successful people to facing life’s difficulties and getting back up again.

KMJS has also been a venue to showcase Filipinos’ innate talent. Dancing to the

tune of “Twerk it like Miley”, the Bukidnon linemen wowed the viewers with their balancing act on top of electric posts.

The show also sent audience down memory lane with its weekly throwback segments. One of the stories that trended this year was the retro episode in March.

KMJS relived our growing up years with childhood foods such as Lala, Sergs chocolate, Ice Buko, and Mikmik. Viewers also learned the stories behind their favorite brands Spartan slippers, Good Morning towel, and Liwayway Gawgaw (cornstarch).

Stories that went viral and trended online did not escape KMJS. Even before he

became part of Eat Bulaga’s Dabarkads, Baeby Baste has been featured in KMJS. Social media love team Norbing and Lourin met in person through KMJS. True to its slogan “I-KMJS na ‘yan!”, the show never failed to dish out topics that are truly informative. The Antique Rice Terraces, for one, was first featured on Philippine television through KMJS. And what is 2015 without AlDub? KMJS goes back to what the AlDub Nation considers as “the best interview so far” with Philippines’ hottest love team to date—Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza. #KMJS2015, The Best of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho after Ismol Family tonight on GMA 7.

SUNDAY : DECEMBER 27, 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

‘HEnERAL LUnA’ PRODUCERS in ‘ARt 2 ARt’

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rt 2 Art caps its series of Christmas specials with the producers of Heneral Luna – Eduardo Rocha and Fernando Ortigas of Artikulo Uno Productions – in today’s episode.

Rocha and Ortigas tell Art 2 Art host Lisa Macuja about the long journey of Heneral Luna to the big screen, now regarded as the breakout film of 2015.

Buoyed by the historical epic’s

commercial success and critical acclaim, the producers also share the news that they will proceed with two other films on Filipino heroes.

Produced by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Art 2 Art is aired every Sunday, 3:30 to 4 p.m., on DZRH (666 khz on the AM band), on cable television via RHTV (Channel 18 on Cignal Cable) and online through DZRH Live Streaming.

A JBL portable is good anywhere

Art 2 Art host Lisa Macuja with Heneral Luna producers

Amplify HolidAy CelebrAtions witH Jbl’s portAble speAkers

H

Gray JBL portable blends perfectly anywhere

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 77 80 81 82 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Cheddar type 6 Bass or alto 11 Pulls over 16 Desperado’s fear 21 Excessive speed 22 — salts 23 Woo 24 Levels out 25 Stage platform 26 Sourpuss 27 Fire of the mind 28 Jeweler’s unit 29 Bastille Day season 30 Move in the breeze 32 It may be upright 34 Blackberry stem 36 Compete for 37 Furry friends 39 Bikini sporters 40 Singer — — King 41 Underwater shockers 42 — Dawn Chong 43 Heaps

44 Guess the outcome 46 Popular ski resort 49 — in the woods 50 Recited 51 Flirted with 55 Edit out 56 More cagey 57 One kind of rake 58 Garage or tent 59 MPG monitor 60 Eavesdropped 61 Fossilized plants 62 Mild expletives 63 Suffix for forfeit 64 Wreath adornment (2 wds.)

66 Athlete 67 Swerve 68 Hieroglyphics bird 69 Gossipy paper 70 Ottoman 71 Watermelon part 72 Rx amounts 73 Rank above maj.

74 Important event 76 Wine cask

occasion into worthwhile gatherings with its loud and eargasmic sound quality. The perfect outdoor companion, these speakers carry a splash proof design that allow users to enjoy the music – without the thought of getting your speakers wet or dirty.

Music lovers wishing to experience great sounding music with a more portable gadget, can look forward to the JBL Charge 2+ and JBL Flip 3 Speakers.

These handy speakers also utilize the same splash proof design to make parties beachside or poolside parties possible.

Redefining music on the go are JBL’s ultra-portable speakers with its clear sound quality. Stay motivated to push further and keep your energy pumping music in check, wherever your adventures lead you, in just one clip with the JBL Clip+. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy,

oliday celebrations are spent with family and friends, under the warm yet breezy December atmosphere. Whether we enjoy it at the comforts of home, or going on a road trip, music will always be key in making things more interesting and memorable. Helping everyone in spicing up and amplifying their Christmas and New Year celebrations is JBL. Sporting eye-popping colors and modern designs, JBL’s newest portable speakers are sure to amplify life and celebrations with its high-definition sound quality – with the right bass and tremble combination, to keep you dancing and singing all day.

Revolutionizing your traditional outdoor boom-box celebrations, JBL Xtreme speakers can definitely turn any

97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 106 107 108 111 112 113 117 118 119 120 121 122 124 126 128 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137

Go around the world Too suave Come in second Fit to drink Pay attention to Territory Berlin single Deep well So! Horse’s gait Be an omen of Pop-ups Morse click Kidnappers’ demand Freeway strip Purple fruits Earl — Biggers Take in Knights’ titles Alpaca kin Rice field Tipped the scales Laments loudly Volcanic dust Hannibal’s route Mythical archer Border state Funny — Diller Electrical unit 11th-grade exam Sponsorship File folder label Toronto’s prov.

Kon-Tiki material Room Misbehave (2 wds.)

Realty listing Asimov or Hayes Seattle’s Sound Hold the floor PC chipmaker Ouija alternative Hide away More current Hindu stratum

the JBL GO speakers can be the best fit for you and your mobile phones, as it turns spontaneous gatherings into a habit, while enjoying your favorite tunes.

Those wanting to make musical statements at night can find good pulsating comfort with the JBL Pulse 2. Coupled with the same splash proof feature and JBL’s signature sound quality, the Pulse 2 takes your parties and musical experience - a notch higher, with its eyecatching color and patterns that dance to the beat of your music.

With these line-up of portable speakers, having eventless and boring gatherings are now a thing of the past.

Take your celebration to the next level, wherever you are, and be the life of the party with the JBL speaker that fits your lifestyle and taste.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015

DOWN 1 Fiona’s fella 2 West Indies nation 3 Stock or bond 4 Rural addr.

5 Xerxes subject 6 Gambling mecca 7 “Grand Ole —” 8 Ames inst.

9 Anthologist 10 Dominions 11 Flips through 12 Pamplona runner 13 Middle Eastern lute 14 Move ahead 15 Hair piece?

16 Lap dog, slangily 17 Caviar, actually 18 Dish up the food 19 Aquarium scavenger 20 Mr. Kefauver 31 Pint-size 33 Unser and Pacino 35 — fish nor fowl 38 Coat rack 39 Taunted 40 Camembert cousin 41 Footnote abbr.

(2 wds.)

43 Check endorser 44 Ringo’s colleague 45 High notes 46 Skillful 47 Brown-tinted photo 48 Fallback strategy (2 wds.)

49 Like some alleys 50 Steep 52 Injures a toe 53 Like a wolf’s howl 54 Sheath or sack 56 Go bad 57 Scree source 58 Canary’s dinner 60 Hightail it

61 62 65 66 67 68 70 71 72 74 75 76 77

Geologic sample Cowboy — Autry Heston role (2 wds.)

Fireworks time Tarzan’s transport Specks Bath decor Romantic offering Goes with Dig this!

Firm up Yea and nay Maureen of movies

78 79 80 82 83 84 85 87 88 89 91 92 93 96

Fixed-up building Burrito morsels Uh-oh!

— donna Waited awhile Clan leader Admission The undead Practically forever Grads Folk wisdom Troubadour Custards Farm females

97 98 99 101 102 103 105 106 107 108 109 110

Is prone Delight Wonka’s creator Field event (2 wds.)

Dictionary Clairvoyant Fathoms Toga-party order Happy sighs Scope Buddhist sacred city Of the Arctic

112 113 114 115 116 118 119 120 123 125 127 129

Comb projections Hamelin visitor Boors Map within a map Archaeology find Treaty Poker pair Silent — Tome Famous Khan Playing marble Off — — tangent

SUNDAY : DECEMBER 27, 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

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martin romualdez meets sHowBiz press ISAH V. RED Politicians aiming for a position in the government, whether local or national, have found a new way to reach out to the general public.

And guess what? It’s not in media forums with political or business reporters, but in meeting with members of the showbiz press.

Recently, Congressman Martin Romualdez of the 1st congressional district of Leyte, had a Christmas get together with some of the media’s busiest members of entertainment press.

Romulaldez, to the unfamiliar, is the face you see on TV adds with the tagline “malasakit” while talking about how Tacloban, his hometown, rose from the ravages of super typhoon Yolanda through “malasakit’ for those badly affected by the howler.

He is espousing “malasakit” as the trademark of his service if voters elect him to the Senate next year.

Young and energetic, Romualdez is a lawyer who is dedicating his life to public service. Not surprising though being the son of former Governor Benjamin “Kokoy” T. Romualdez and Juliette Gomez.

His father was also the ambassador to the US, China, and Saudi Arabia.

His great-grand-uncle, Martin Lopez Romualdez was once Mayor of Manila.

Politics came to Romualdez’s consciousness early in life having been introduced to it via Kabataang Barangay (KB) in which he was the president of his hometown Tolosa.

He later became the Provincial Federation President.

So, how is he able to relate with the showbiz writers as he is not even a producer, never been in a TV show or moviesa?

Martin easily talks of his relatives who in one way or another have had some kind of business and creative connection with the entertainment industry, like his cousin Imee Romualdez Marcos, Governor of Ilocos Norte. His wife, Yedda Marie M. Kittilsvedt, was Binibining Pilipinas-International in 1996.

They have four kids – Andrew, Marty, Minxie, and Maddy.

In facing the nosy showbiz press, Romualdez seems to have been able to link with them immediately.

He said the first get together at Victorino’s last week in Quezon City wouldn’t be the last, albeit, it would be just the beginning of more bonding with the showbiz press, for which the future senator earned loud cheers from the press.

HHHHH Heart, CHiz spent first CHristmas as Couple Actress Heart Evangelista and Senator Chiz Escudero were very excited as they spent Christmas together as husband and wife for the first time.

Heart and Chiz with the twins Chesi and Quino was a portrait of one happy family. Heart even uploaded a photo to her

Martin Romualdez with showbiz press

Chiz and Heart with the twins

Instagram account several days before Christmas.

The 30-year-old actress in the photo was radiant and looked very happy with her married life, as well as enjoying her role as step-mom of the senator’s twins.

The twins’ smile in the photo was evidently proof of their being very close to their “Tita Heart.”

According to an interview, the family has been very excited for the holidays as they would be spending it together.

But the leading independent vice-presidential candidate said he had only one wish this, Christmas – three more kids – and he’d like two girls and one boy.

The actress said recently that she is ready to welcome motherhood.

“I do feel it now (ready to have a baby). I never used to feel that, na when you look at a baby’s fingers parang there’s something in your

heart that moves you. It excites me because I have never felt this way before,” Heart said.

Well, is the couple ready to have a baby? Won’t it get in the way of Chiz’s plans for his 2016 campaign?

HHHHH Happier iBiliB The New Year will be happier with Chris Tiu, James and Roadfill of Moymoy Palaboy with Kapuso sweetheart Janine Gutierrez.

The New Year episode of I-Bilib will have explosive segments today.

First is in the segment Discover Science with the Mighty Glass experiment. Can a 275-pound sumo wrestler lift a glass? We will see from I-Bilib’s friends in Discover Science.

Also watch the startling “Ping Pong Pasabog Experiment” where a hundred ping pong balls will bounce from mouse traps using

iBilib hosts Chris with James, Roadfill and Janine tape New Year special

Albert and Liezl Martinez

only one ball.

Watch out, too, for the animated “Fireless Pasabog Trivia” where James and Roadfill will show how one bottle of soft drink can be used for the New Year’s revelry.

Chris Tiu also explains how “Indoor Fireworks” work.

I-Bilib airs Sundays on GMA &.

HHHHH liezl endorses sen. poe to alBert That’s what the late Liezl Martinez did before succumbing to cancer in March. She told her husband, Albert Martinez, to support Grace Poe in whatever political decisions she’d make.

Albert revealed this recently and after vocally declaring his unequivocal support for Poe. “Siyempre she’s a good friend. I know her very well,” Albert said when asked why he’s supporting Grace. “Of course, I will support

naman at saka ibinilin sa akin ni Liezl si Senator Poe,” Albert added.

Liezl passed on in March after a battling cancer for several years.

Albert is among showbiz personalities expressing their support for Grace Poe. The others are Eddie Garcia, Superstar Nora Aunor, Carmina Villaroel, Zoren Legaspi and Joey Marquez.

“I’m very proud of the movie industry and the television industry.

Iyon naman ang kinalakihan ko.

Iyan naman ang nagpa-aral sa akin, iyong mga tumataguyod ng pelikula kaya I’m proud of that,” Grace said in one interview.

HHHHH BaCk witH a vengeanCe Katrina (Angel Aquino) makes sure she gets back what’s rightfully hers as she surprises Alfonso (Tonton Gutierrez) with her return in the afternoon series And I Love You So. After years of being apart, Alfonso now grabs the chance of marrying his true love Michelle (Dimples Romana). However, their celebration is cut short as Katrina comes back and puts all her plans to work. What will Alfonso and Michelle do to get Katrina out of their way? Can Trixie (Julia Barretto) easily accept her mother after years of being away?

Don’t miss the thrilling scenes in And I Love You So, weekdays on ABS-CBN.

SUNDAY : DECEMBER 27, 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ A yeAR of suRPRises in PhiliPPine shoWbiZ

by JAo gAvino

W

ith 2015’s final days upon us, the time has come, once again, to take a look back upon the year’s biggest events in Philippine showbiz – a year full of surprises – a year where a lip-syncing app boosted a young girl from Bulacan into stardom, a year where enough voices were heard on social media to launch a historical biopic from a box office blunder into one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time.

Without further ado, here are the highs and lows of Philippine showbiz for 2015: HHHHH The AlDub Phenomenon You’ve seen the billboards, you’ve read the countless Facebook posts, and you’ve heard people from across the nation (and abroad) shriek with delight and groan with sadness at the year’s biggest showbiz spectacle – the unlikely love story of a Yaya Dub (Maine Mendoza), a lady who communicates via Dubsmash, and one of the country’s biggest heartthrobs – Alden Richards.

Filled with kilig moments, laughout-loud jokes, exciting twists and turns enchanting the Filipino nation, and with the Eat Bulaga kalyeserye recently undergoing new and interesting developments, we’re just as excited as the legions of AlDub fans to see what comes next for

2015’s largest showbiz phenomenon, into 2016, and perhaps, beyond.

HHHHH PoPoy AnD bAshA ReuniTe foR A seconD chAnce The long-awaited sequel to one of Philippine cinema’s most unforgettable romantic movies, A Second Chance once again focuses on Popoy and Basha, now struggling with the hardships and intricacies involving married life.

The film is packed with memorable hugot lines that you’re sure to see on Facebook, and genuinely tear-jerking scenes that’ll have you reaching for the nearest box of Kleenex. A Second Chance is one of the year’s biggest releases, earning rave reviews from critics and unseating 2014’s The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin as the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, to the tune of P556 million (and counting) worldwide.

HHHHH heneRAl lunA Beset on all sides, threatened by foreign films, Heneral Luna, like its titular character, charged forth from what seemed like oblivion, turning back the tide, smashing box office records, rushing forward and turning into one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time, earning more than P250 million. It also broke most of the rules in conventional cinema, relying more on word-of-mouth and the Filipino

AlDubyou from Pambansang Bae and Dubsmash Queen

netizens on social media instead of a massive advertising campaign.

Combining a compelling story, remarkable cinematography, an amazing musical score, fantastic visual effects, great acting, humor and a deeper, underlying moral to boot, Heneral Luna stands alone atop the Filipino movie landscape for this year, victorious amongst a sea of rom-coms and rehashed horror films, unique in its achievement as an indie film.

HHHHH felix mAnAlo’s RecoRD-bReAking lAunch The biographical film dramatizing the life and struggles with religion of the titular first Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo broke two Guinness world records upon launch – one for the largest audience in a film premiere, and another for the largest audience in a film screening – with 43,624 people attending the film’s launch.

HHHHH foReveRmoRe’s finAle One of the year’s highest-rated teleseryes, Forevermore stars Liza Soberano in her very first leading role as the hardworking strawberry farmer, Maria Agnes Calay, paired with the feisty child of a hotel magnate, Alexander Grande III, played by Enrique Gil. What follows is a tale of an unlike-

ly romance, with plenty of comedy, tender moments, and hardships for the young couple to overcome. And, as with all great love stories, the ending was one of the most-awaited of the year, with the finale becoming one of the highest-rated endings for 2015, earning a 27.6 percent ratings from the data gathered by AGB Nielsen Philippines.

HHHHH PAngAko sA’yo The KathNiel loveteam star in this teleserye remake’s tried-and-tested formula – Kathryn Bernardo is Yna Macaspac, a simple but beautiful young lady, while Daniel Padilla is Angelo Buenavista, the rebellious son of a powerful politician.

What makes Pangako Sa ’Yo different, however, is that it draws parallels between the KathNiel loveteam’s characters and another couple 20 years back from the series’ timeline, in an interesting twist that sets into motion a chain of events that changes the characters’ lives. The series has since become a force to be reckoned with, peaking at a 39.7 percent rating from the Kantar Media National TV Ratings, and earning up to two million tweets bearing “#PSYUnangHalik.”

HHHHH on mARRiAges The year also saw actress Toni Gonzaga and Senator Chiz Es-

cudero tying the knot with their significant others, – director Paul Soriano and actress Heart Evangelista – respectively.

HHHHH bAby Z One of the nation’s biggest showbiz couples, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera turned into one of the biggest showbiz parents on Nov. 23, when Marian gave birth to Maria Letizia Gracia-Dantes, nicknamed “Baby Z.” Dingdong and Marian were married on Dec. 30 2014, in a grand ceremony dubbed “The Royal Wedding.”

HHHHH in memoRiAm With the year welcoming the likes of Yaya Dub and Heneral Luna into the ever-growing family of Philippine showbiz, the time has also come to say goodbye to some of the beloved members of the business – this year saw the likes of actress Liezl Martinez, comedienne Elizabeth Ramsey, and child actress Julia Buencamino take their final bows.

In Conclusion, with 2015 slowly fading away, and with the curtain slowly drawing to a close, the time has come to take a bow and say goodbye to a wonderful year of entertainment – and look forward to what the ebb and flow of fate brings to Philippine showbiz for 2016.

Felix Manalo film also made cinema history

Earning more than half a billion pesos, Bea and Lloydie starrer A Second Chance shatters local box office records

John Arcilla rises as Heneral Luna in the blockbuster historical biopic