ONGOING supply issues and potential secondary effects may still cause high commodity prices despite expectations of inflation settling within the target of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, according to analysts.
In the highlights of the Monetary Board’s meeting on the monetary policy stance on June 27, 2024, released Thursday evening, analysts project “within-target inflation over the policy horizon,” or between 2 and 4 percent.
External forecasters surveyed by the BSP for June 2024 said their expectations for inflation will stay near the upper end of the target range for 2024. The mean inflation
forecast for 2024 remained at 3.7 percent.
For 2025 to 2026, analysts said inflation has eased further toward the midpoint of the target range. The mean inflation forecasts for 2025 and 2026 declined to 3.4 percent (from 3.5 percent) and 3.3 percent (from 3.4 percent), respectively.
As ‘Carina’ devastated Luzon, DOST, DILG were leading ‘Handa Pilipinas’ Visayas leg on climate, disaster fixes
also came on the heels of the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon in Central Visayas.
By John Eiron R. Francisco
CEBU CITY—As Super Typhoon Carina, in tandem with the southwest monsoon (habagat), was lashing Luzon on Wednesday, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led on Wednesday the “Handa Pilipinas” Visayas Leg exposition to address the urgent need for enhanced disaster awareness, preparedness, and technological innovations. The Cebu conference that facilitates sharing of disaster “fixes”
“Science, technology and innovation is crucial to addressing the challenges and disaster prevention and staying ahead of the curve in disaster management,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said in a video statement during the opening ceremony that drew over 400 participants from various local government units (LGUs) in the region and
affiliated agencies.
Solidum said this initiative aims to fulfill the government’s vision of fostering a community, republic, region and nation that is well-prepared for hazards.
He stressed the need to assess the current condition of cities in the face of rapid urbanization and unregulated development. These factors, he noted, increase the vulnerability of cities and municipalities to
Tinfrastructure expenditure and other capital outlays as of end-May 2024 grew by 21.7 percent to P472.1 billion from P387.8 billion recorded in the same period a year ago.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) fasttracking of completion of ongoing projects, particularly those started in the previous year, drove higher infrastructure spending, the DBM said.
DBM also cited the processing of payment claims, as these are all in line with the directive of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
This is to “ensure the timely submission of all necessary documentation from contractors to avoid delays in processing and payments, and to enhance the coordination between different units within their department to improve the efficiency of project implementation and disbursement procedures,” the DBM added.
For May 2024 alone, infrastructure spending and other capital outlays also increased by 31.4 percent year-on-year to P136.4 billion from P103.8 billion.
“The expansion was mainly credited to the sizeable disbursements recorded in the DPWH for the construction of roads, bridges, flood control structures, hospital buildings, and multipurpose building projects,” the DBM explained.
4 Japanese firms in FPIP ecozone looking for over 1,000 new workers
By Andrea E. San Juan
JAPANESE firms with manufacturing facilities inside the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) economic zone in the cities of Santo Tomas and Tanauan in Batangas said they are hiring over a thousand additional workers.
In a statement on Friday, John Carlo Navalta, FPIP external relations manager, said the four Japanese companies—Brother Industries Inc., Canon Business Machines Inc., Ibiden Inc., and Philippine Manufacturing Co. of
Murata Inc.—need at least 1,430 new workers.
Navalta also noted that close to a thousand of the new openings are for engineers, accountants, nurses, human-resource personnel and other office-based workers. So far, 457 of the job applicants, most of them fresh or recent Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) graduates, have hurdled the initial screening and will undergo the next stage of evaluation and screening, including interviews. With this, roughly a thousand jobs
FIRST Philippine Industrial Park in Batangas. FPIP.COM
The implementation of capital outlay projects of the Department of National Defense (DND) under its Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP) and the direct payments made by development partners for the South Commuter Railway Project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) increased infrastructure spending in May 2024.
Overall, state spending stood at P2.257 trillion from January to May 2024. This is higher by 17.6 percent or P338.7 billion from the P1.919 trillion recorded in the same period in 2023.
Meanwhile, total allotment releases reached P5.114 trillion as of end-May, equivalent to 88.7 percent of the P5.767-trillion national budget for 2024. Releases for May 2024, largely composed of big-ticket items, amounted to P88.6 billion, according to the DBM.
The DPWH was allotted P46.9 billion to cover the loan proceeds requirement of foreign-assisted projects for the second to fourth quarters of FY 2024, while a P6billion additional funding for routine maintenance of national roads and bridges nationwide was also released in May 2024.
“Disbursements in the coming months will continue to be supported by the growth of infrastructure and maintenance expenditures,” the DBM said.
Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
Israeli president hails Pinay caregiver who saved ward during 10/7 attack
IBy Malou TalosigBartolome
SRAEL President Isaac Herzog praised Filipina caregiver Camille Jesalva for her bravery in saving her elderly Israeli ward during the October 7, 2023, terror attacks by Hamas fighters.
On July 16, Herzog hosted an event for the writer and publisher of the bestselling book One Day in October.
The book chronicles the stories of 40 heroes from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 civilians, including women and the elderly. The attacks also involved the rape and mutilation of women and babies, and the taking of more than 250 people as hostages.
One of the heroes featured in the book is 31-year-old Jesalva, whose story inspired the Israeli and Filipino communities with her extraordinary act of bravery in the face of Hamas terrorists.
“Still, I can’t believe that [a] ‘NOBODY’ like me will be a part of Israel’s history. A mother…will do everything for [her] son’s future, even to spare and beg our life to death. I will do anything just to survive!” Jesalva wrote in her Facebook post.
Jesalva and at least two other heroes featured in the book joined the event at the President’s House.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Jesalva told the Israeli president that she is a Filipino and “proud to be one.”
“The President then praised Camille for her quick thinking,
which helped them keep safe during the ordeal,” the Philippine Embassy said.
Jesalva was taking care of 95-year-old Nitza Hefer when Hamas terrorists entered their house in Kibbutz, situated near the Israel-Gaza border.
She pleaded to the militants to spare them and not to take her passport and other documents as she was about to leave for the Philippines in two days. She offered her $370 savings and mobile phone instead.
After ransacking the house,
Inflation outlook...
Order 62 on June 20, 2024, to lower rice tariff rates.
However, analysts still cited upside risks as supply-side pressures and potential second-round effects will continue to influence their outlook.
In the same report, the BSP cited the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) climate outlook declaring the onset of the rainy season with a high probability of La Niña conditions to develop by the second half of 2024.
Super Typhoon Carina, which enhanced the southwest monsoon, recently hit the Philippines, causing heavy rains and floods in 611 areas in Central Luzon, the National Capital Region, Calabarzon and Mimaropa.
An estimated 189,014 families or 910,536 people were affected by the typhoon, according to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).
the attackers took her offer and fled. Jesalva and her ward locked themselves inside the safe room, crying and shaking, until they were rescued by the Israel Defense Forces seven hours later.
“Camille’s display of courage as well as compassion and malasakit in the face of extreme personal danger brings both inspiration and pride. More importantly, her story strengthens the emotional link and deep friendship that bind Filipinos and Israelis,” the Philippine Embassy said.
Handa…
Continued from A1 climate-related disasters, largely due to insufficient adaptation measures and the absence of crucial preventive actions.
While he recognized the high cost of certain technologies, he emphasized their value in saving lives.
“If you prioritize prevention and mitigation, building resilience also means developing sustainability,” Solidum said.
He framed this effort as an opportunity, rather than a sacrifice, to create solutions and enhance resilience in communities, thereby preventing future risks for both current and future generations.
With a budget of P29 million allocated this year for Handa Pilipinas across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Mabborang said several commitments were made for LGUs to adopt and utilize new technologies. These include assistance with planning, promotion, and ensuring the preservation and appreciation of innovations developed by Filipino inventors.
“You will be surprised that these technologies and the inventions that they made are also worldclass and very competitive,” Mabborang said.
Asked whether the department’s innovations and advanced solutions are adequate to achieve its disaster preparedness and awareness goals, DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacocol responded, “We can’t be 100 percent prepared for disasters. It’s not possible, but we are significantly faster now compared to 20 or 30 years ago.”
DILG: Engage communities
MEANWHILE , DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan highlighted the critical role of engaging local communities to understand their needs, ensure ongoing innovation and identify areas for improvement.
He stressed that LGUs are the primary frontliners in disaster preparedness and resilience efforts. Thus, outreach to the community and local governments is essential to ensure these tools are effectively utilized and that preparedness initiatives succeed.
The overall economic impact of the typhoon has not been assessed yet, but a report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2019 said more intense typhoons could reduce local economic activity by 3 percent while low-damaging typhoons will cause a reduction by around 1 percent.
Meanwhile, the BSP also said national average retail rice prices went down in May due to an increase in domestic supply during the summer harvest season.
Domestic retail prices of imported rice are estimated to decline by 14.8 percent or P6.67 per kilogram based on the landed cost of imported rice with a 15-percent tariff after the signing of Executive
“The LGUs are the pillars of national resilience. You provide strength to the national framework of disaster risk reduction and response,” Solidum said.
While the DOST provides valuable tools, Iringan said their effectiveness depends on the capability and commitment of the people using them.
Mobile Command Vehicle
ONE highlighted innovation supported by the department is the Mobile and Command Control Center Vehicle (MOCCOV), which costs around P19 million. This vehicle features three air-conditioned rooms: a command room, a control center, and a medical or rescue room that can accommodate up to 20 people. It also includes an independent bathroom, an integrated power management system, renewable energy and portable generators, heavy-duty equipment, and the latest communication and rescue technology.
According to Alexandra Kirsten Abella, the marketing representative for Metro Asia Exchange and Creation Company, more than 20 MOCCOVs, which can be assembled in just 20 minutes, have been deployed nationwide, with approximately five vehicles in the Visayas region. Abella said the MOCCOV can be tailored to handle the challenging terrain of the Philippines. It is equipped with two solar panels, each generating 200 megawatts, and a wind turbine that also produces 200 megawatts. Additionally, it is supported by a generator to meet operational and consumption needs while using the mobile and command control center vehicle.
While there are no alternative solutions to the MOCCOVs due to their cost, Abella said that, so far, they are the most affordable option available in the market.
The exhibit also showcased various technologies, including the Agrometeorological Station, Flood Early Warning System, and Tsunami Early Warning System by the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI). Other highlights were the AugmentationReality Terrain-Flood Simulator with Kinetic Sound, Satellite Rainfall Extremes (SatRex) by Pagasa, and the Georisk Ph and PlanSmart Ph tools from Phivolcs.
The BSP said the lower tariff on rice is one of the primary contributors to the downward revision in the inflation forecasts for 20242025 and the shift to the balance of risks towards the downside.
Moreover, the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, higher-for-longer US interest rates and the possible unwinding of voluntary production cuts by several OPEC+ members beginning in the last quarter of 2024 caused the decline in global oil prices in the first half of June, the BSP added.
In the utilities sector, the BSP said the overall electricity rate declined by 17.2 percent to P9.4519 per kWh in June 2024 from P11.4139 per kWh in May 2024. The overall rate decreased as Meralco implemented a staggered collection of generation costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and Power Supply Agreements, the BSP said.
Inflation slowed to 3.7 percent in June 2024 due to lower energy prices, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
However, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said “it’s not yet time to declare victory,” as there is still a 50-50 chance that inflation could breach 4 percent in July.
Remolona said should inflation stay within the 3- to 4-percent target in July, this bodes well for the BSP’s plan to cut rates by August. However, he said this will not lead to larger rate cuts (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/08/ neda-bsp-worst-not-yet-over-on-inflation/).
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remain open for job seekers. Lopez-led FPIP said it posted the employment opportunities during the “Sulong Buhay Job Fair” that FPIP and the local government unit of Santo Tomas City, along with other local stakeholders, held on July 18 inside the PUP campus also in Santo Tomas City.
Santo Tomas Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan said the LGU and other stakeholders in the city regularly hold the job fair to match the search among companies in Santo Tomas City for new workers, with the need among Santo Tomas residents for gainful employment.
“This is one way for us to help the locators hire professionals who are home-grown talents in Santo Tomas and the province of Batangas. At the same time, it gives Tomasinos opportunities to get decent and high-quality jobs,” Marasigan said.
Santo Tomas City Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez underscored the importance of collaboration among local stakeholders like FPIP, its locators and the PUP for the benefit of the city.
FPIP is a joint venture between local conglomerate First Philippine Holdings (FPH) and Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corp. FPIP is a 520-hectare ecozone located in Calabarzon, providing employment to almost 70,000 Filipinos. It hosts global firms in diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, medical devices, and office equipment, among others.
Brother Industries, one of the four firms hiring workers, manufactures and markets communications and office equipment.
Canon Business Machines includes the wholesale distribution of computers, computer peripheral equipment and computer software.
Ibiden Philippines produces semiconductor packages for computers, communications, and other application-specific devices.
It also focuses on plastic packaging, printed circuit boards, and related products, FPIP noted.
Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc. manufactures and sells electronic modules and components.
More low-income Pinoys don’t see better days ahead but rely on digital funds–study
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
DESPITE being less optimistic that their financial situation would improve, more Filipinos are now leaning towards credit-based products and bank accounts, according to a study by TransUnion.
One expert found it “a bit concerning” that more low-income people do not see their lot improving despite the Philippines’s economic growth (GDP) being among the highest in the region. Cost of living conditions and high interest rates were cited as a reason.
TransUnion’s annual Credit Perception Index (CPI) for the Philippines showed 38 percent of Filipinos estimated their total wealth amounting to P250,000 and below, while 27 percent considered themselves to be in the low-income class.
However, the study indicated a noticeable shift towards digital financial tools such as the use of e-wallets at 79 percent, and virtual bank accounts at 29 percent.
More Filipinos are also leaning towards owning credit-based products and bank accounts, including a higher incidence of opening a savings account at 75 percent, having a debit and credit card and obtaining personal loans.
Over 70 percent of Filipinos surveyed said they will explore or
consider new digital products and fintech services while 35 percent will borrow or use credit to make purchases in the next 12 months.
Financial education
MEANWHILE , 72 percent of Filipinos are also willing to access more educational materials to improve their finances in the future in the next 12 months.
“Filipinos are very different from other developing markets. They are willing to learn. They are willing to improve their situations through learning...that talks a lot about sustainable growth for the financial services market as a whole,” Weihan Sun, TransUnion’s Principal of Research and Consulting for Asia Pacific, said in a virtual launch on Friday. There is also an uptick among the unbanked Filipinos having ewallets at 74 percent, while 20 percent still do not own any financial products.
Sun said digital payments teach the unbanked population to apply and transact for products digitally
once they get accustomed, improving their understanding of financial products and preparing them to later delve into more traditional products as well.
Seeing themselves poor FILIPINOS who also expect their financial situation to improve in the next year dropped by 6 percent to 84 percent from 2023.
Unbanked Filipinos are struggling the most, with 71 percent finding themselves with limited money at the end of the month compared to the general population at 62 percent, and those in the financial technology (FinTech) sector at 46 percent.
Meanwhile, Filipinos who perceive their household income to increase in the next 12 months also went down by 9 percent to 74 percent; and those who can easily afford their daily necessities slipped by 4 percent to 68 percent.
Sun said it is “a bit concerning” considering the country’s economic growth (GDP) is one of the highest in the Southeast Asia region and other Asian countries.
“So why is the low-income segment not really improving the financial situation in comparison to the prior year? It’s due to the fact that cost of living conditions remain quite high but also interest rates,” Sun noted.
Filipinos don’t see an improvement in their financial situation as they are unlikely to take on the loans offered by the market due to the cost, Sun added.
“[The] economy is growing great but [there are] certain segments
within the consumers who are not seeing that positive impact and that’s very important,” Sun said.
Risks still seen in credit products
THE study also saw a spike in digital transactions and perceived fraud, with 46 percent of Filipinos concerned with being scammed while using credit products despite the lesser association of credit cards with risks.
About 56 percent of the general population and 50 percent of the unbanked population expressed concerns about scams and fraud.
“From a financial services standpoint, we need to understand that we need to prioritize more transparency, information, symmetry and more importantly, address security concerns, establish stronger guardrails in terms of the entire credit application and digital payments and transaction processes that we’ve established,” Yogesh Daware, TransUnion Philippines Chief Commercial Officer, said in the virtual launch.
Filipinos prefer more information about products such as clear terms and conditions and transparency on hidden charges, enhanced security and reliability measures such as automated threat detection and incident response, and established reputation and trustworthiness of an institution.
The CPI study aims to gauge Filipinos’ current attitudes and future receptivity towards credit, rating their knowledge, trust and favorability of credit and other financial products.
BOC to destroy ₧11 billion worth of fake luxury items
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Friday it is set to destroy a huge stash of counterfeit goods, worth about P11 billion, that it intercepted in an operation in Binondo, Manila on June 14, 2024.
In a statement on Friday, BOC said the Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) seized fake items imitating the brands of Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Rolex, Apple, Hermes, Guess, Vans, Santa Cruz, and Dior.
The BOC said the owners of the seized items were allotted a 15-day period to provide proof of payment of correct duties and taxes and evidence of legitimate importation.
The period lapsed on June 28, 2024, prompting the BOC to issue a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the counterfeit goods for failure to present the required documents.
The BOC said the issuance of a WSD is pursuant to Sections 214 (Persons Exercising Police Authority) and 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to RA No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The BOC added the IPRD coordinated with brand owners to
confirm that the seized items were counterfeit and infringed upon their intellectual property rights.
The fake goods will be shredded and rendered at facilities accredited by the BOC to destroy the illegal products.
This is to “ensure these illegal products are permanently removed from circulation and preventing further harm to the economic and proprietary of legitimate brands owners, not to mention the innocent public consumers,” the BOC noted.
Customs Deputy Commissioner Juvymax R. Uy said the BOC will not tolerate any form of counterfeiting. “This successful operation sends a clear message
to counterfeiters that we are committed to upholding the law and protecting our markets.”
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said counterfeit goods undermine legitimate businesses, leading to financial losses and weakening consumer trust.
“They also present health and environmental hazards and damage brands by associating them with subpar quality materials. Therefore, we remain steadfast in our efforts to combat intellectual property rights infringements,” Rubio said.
The BOC has collected P455.5 billion in revenues from January to June 2024. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
No sign of leak–yet–from oil tanker that sank in Manila Bay
THERE is no indication that a big cargo of industrial fuel oil stored in a tanker that sank in stormy weather in Manila Bay has started to leak, the Philippine coast guard said Friday, and plans are being firmed up to try to siphon off the highly toxic shipment to prevent a major spill that could reach the bustling capital.
The tanker Terra Nova had left Bataan province en route to the central province of Iloilo with about 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil stored in watertight tanks when it got lashed by huge waves and took on water. The crew struggled to steer the tanker back to port but it eventually sank shortly after midnight Thursday. The coast guard rescued 16 crewmembers but one drowned, coast guard spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said.
“We’re racing against time to siphon off the oil to avoid an environmental catastrophe,” Balilo told reporters, adding that the plans could be hampered if the weather turns bad.
Malaysian palm oil makers explore opportunities in PHL tourism, food
By Andrea E. San Juan
ALAYSIAN palm oil
Mproducers aim to “redefine” business operations with the Philippines’s private sector as they explore opportunities in the country’s tourism and food industries which they said could pave the way for higher consumpion of palm oil in the country.
“Although palm oil is mainly used for food manufacturing in the Philippines, there are other areas where you can expand it and this is what I think it’s important,” Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said at the Trade Networking and Business Matching hosted by the Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC) in Makati City on Friday.
Castelino said the private sectors of Malaysia and Philippines could explore “various” opportunities to “redefine our business operations and to ensure that we form strategic alliances and discover new ways of how to expand the market both in terms of product and in terms of technology.”
The Malaysian ambassador said palm oil opportunities could be explored in the tourism and food industries.
“The increasing number of hotels, chains and restaurants will boost the usage and demand of palm oil and cooking oil which will pave the way for higher consumption of palm oil refinery in the country,” said Castelino. Castelino said these as 10 Malaysian palm oil suppliers, representing all sectors of the industry including bulk exports, packed products, and finished products, have flocked to Manila to participate in a Trade Networking and Business Matching session to look for more opportunities in the Philippines.
Rina Mariati Gustam, Regional Manager of Asia Pacific Region at Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), revealed that in 2023, the Philippines imported around 441,000 metric tons (MT) of palm oil from Malaysia, which she noted is equivalent to 11 percent of Malaysian palm oil export to the Asia Pacific region or around 4.08 million MT.
Citing Oil World, Gustam said palm oil is the main imported oil in the Philippines with the share of 83 percent from the total oils and fats import in 2023.
“Import of palm oil is influenced by the production of local coconut oil,” she added, noting that the Philippines is the number one producer of coconut oil in the world with a share of 39.5 percent. With this, she highlighted that the Philippines is poised for “rapid economic growth” should there be growth in the middle class, saying this will increase “discretionary spending.”
“This spending boost will benefit the hotel, restaurant, and catering industries,” Gustam noted. Highlighting the market potential of palm oil in the Philippines, Gustam noted the Filipino consumers’ demand for food and beverages is expected to continue to increase year by year. “Hence, palm oil also has bright growth in the development of food sectors in the Philippines.”
She added that the savory snacks market in the Philippines is forecasted to increase to US$1.2 billion in 2026, with compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 11.9 percent from 2023 to 2026. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) official also unveiled opportunities for palm oil growth in the country which could rely on: packed edible oil market; growth in baked goods; growth in packaged food and growth in food service.
Exiled Myanmar leader asks PHL: Engage Asean to end junta abuses
By Estrella Torres
AN exiled minister of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) called on the Philippine government to engage the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to end the escalating rights atrocities and massive displacement in his country, following the forced military takeover in 2021.
An oil slick about 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) long near the rough seawaters where the tanker sank, about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) off Bataan province’s Limay town, came from the fuel tank that powered the tanker and not from its cargo, which was stored in watertight tanks, Balilo said.
The sunken tanker’s owner has contracted a private company to undertake the oil siphoning, which could take a week, Balilo said.
Philippine coast guard officials would get the detailed plan from the company Friday to allow the coast guard to brace for contingencies during the delicate undersea operation, he said.
Three coast guard ships with personnel and equipment for oil spill containment have been deployed to the area where the tanker sank.
“There’s a big danger that Manila would be affected, its shorelines, if the fuel leaks because this happened within Manila Bay,” Balilo said, “We’re preparing for the worst.” AP
Aung Myo Min, NUG minister for Human Rights said the Philippines will be part of the Asean troika next year, a body tasked to put political pressure on Myanmar’s junta to adhere to the five-point peace plan. Next year’s troika comprises Malaysia as chair for 2025, Laos as chair for current year, and the Philippines as chair for 2026. The nine Asean leaders and Myanmar’s junta agreed on a fivepoint peace plan in 2021 which calls for the immediate cessation of violence, but the death toll from military crackdowns remains on the rise.
“Asean passed the chairmanship to the Philippines for 2026, and not Myanmar, and we hope the Philippines will be leading the call to address the atrocities in Myanmar,” said Min in an interview with BusinessMirror on Tuesday.
Khin Ohmar, chairperson of Myanmar’s Progressive Voice, said there were already 46 massacres which killed over a hundred people in the last four months.
Violence in Myanmar, which includes frequent airstrikes, escalated since the military junta led by Min Aung Hlaing forcibly took over the government in February 1, 2021. The junta has also been accused of killing more than 4,000 people and arresting 24,730. She also said that the num -
ber of Myanmar’s refugees fleeing over the last three years has ballooned to 6.5 million. These include 5 million in Thailand, around 500,000 in Malaysia and 1 million in Bangladesh. Other refugees may have also moved to other Asean countries.
NUG is a political party founded by supporters of democracy icon and Nobel laureate Aung Suu Kyi, who led the National League for Democracy. The NLD had won 83 per cent of the available seats in the parliament in November 2020 elections, but the military refused to recognize the results.
The military launched a coup in February 1, 2021 and arrested government figures, including Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, other cabinet ministers, politicians and activists. Ethnic leaders joined elected officials in April 2021 to form the NUG to seek the ouster of military junta and restore democratic institutions.
The situation in Myanmar also serves as a roadblock in establishing an Asean economic community (AEC), according to Ohmar. “The AEC cannot move from within Asean unless there is a cessation of violence, restoration of rule of law, and reconstruction of economy in Myanmar.”
She added that the military junta does not have the capacity to manage the economy, and even harasses businessmen and groups opposed to its rule.
Rights advocates from Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) and Burma Solidarity Philippines recently hosted a solidarity dialogue for the exiled NUG members who were elected members of parliament ousted in the 2021 military coup.
Seniors, PWDs protection against scammers pushed
By Zaldy De Layola
AmeAsure that will better protect senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) against scammers and syndicates is being pushed at the House of
representatives.
The bill, dubbed “An Act Protecting the Integrity of the Electronic Transactions of Senior Citizens and PWDs, Defining for the Purpose the Crime of Internet and Telecommunications Phishing and Fraudulent
Practices Against Senior Citizens and PWDs and Providing Penalties Therefore,” aims to provide robust protection for senior citizens and PWDs by clearly defining and penalizing Internet and telecommunications fraud targeting these vulnerable citizens.
The bill will be filed on Monday, according to a news release from House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo.
“My office has received complaints regarding our senior citizens being scammed by some heartless individuals,” Tulfo said.
The bill would not only safeguard
unsuspecting senior citizens and PWDs’ financial assets but also make them confident in using digital platforms for communication and business transactions.
The proposed penalties include imprisonment from three months to six years or more, depending on the amount involved, and a fine of at least P500,000.
“Seniors only rely on their pension or little savings and then they are milked or even robbed by scammers,” Tulfo said. “We also included the PWDs in this measure, so that if you swindle them, you will end up in jail”. PNA
Colombian family’s genes offer new clue to delaying onset of Alzheimer’s
By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer
ASHINGTON—Scien -
Wtists studying a family plagued by early-in-life Alzheimer’s found some carry a genetic oddity that delays their initial symptoms by five years.
The finding points to novel ways of fighting the mind-robbing disease—if researchers can unravel how a single copy of that very rare gene variant offers at least a little protection. “It opens new avenues,” said neuropsychologist Yakeel Quiroz of Massachusetts General Hospital, who helped lead the study published Wednesday. “There are definitely opportunities to copy or mimic the effects.” The first hint of this genetic protection came a few years ago. Researchers were studying a huge family in Colombia that shares a devastating inherited form of Alzheimer’s when they discovered one woman who escaped her genetic fate. Aliria Piedrahita de Villegas should have developed Alzheimer’s symptoms in her 40s but instead made it to her 70s before suffering even mild cognitive trouble.
The big clue: She also harbored something incredibly rare, two copies of an unrelated gene named APOE3
that had a mutation dubbed Christchurch. That odd gene pair appeared to shield her, staving off her genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s.
Quiroz’s team then tested more than 1,000 extended family members, and identified 27 who carry a single copy of that Christchurch variant.
But would one copy be enough to offer any protection? Those Christchurch carriers on average showed their first signs of cognitive trouble at age 52, five years later than their relatives, concluded a collaboration that includes Mass General Brigham researchers and Colombia’s University of Antioquia.
The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine,
are encouraging, said Dr. Eliezer Masliah of the National Institute on Aging.
“It gives you a lot of comfort that modifying one of the copies could be really helpful,” at least in helping to delay the disease, he said.
Already some very early work is beginning to explore if certain treatments might induce the protective mutation, he added.
More than 6 million Americans, and an estimated 55 million people worldwide, have Alzheimer’s. Less than 1 percent of cases are like the Colombian family’s, caused by a gene passed through generations that triggers the disease at unusually young ages.
Alzheimer’s usually is a disease of
By Nick Tayag
I’M now in my early 70s. Next month, I will be renewing my driver’s license.
One of the preliminary requirements is to take a driver’s test and get a passing grade. Just to be sure I would pass it, I am going through a reviewer. One of the important topics are road signs, the visual markers designed to guide a driver safely toward his destination.
But there are also metaphorical road signs that we seniors should watch out for. They shouldn’t be ignored because they help guide us along the way to our final stop. There are a lot of road signs to know, but allow me to ruminate on at least three significant ones, which I personally keep in mind.
1.Observe speed limits I remember the time when my wife and I were traveling on the expressway aboard our 1.5 hp engine beat-up car. The open highway was so inviting, I got carried away I pressed the gas pedal so hard that the car accelerated to over 100 kph. It began to shake. Immediately I eased my foot on the accelerator and the car immediately stabilized. It was a rude realization: our car couldn’t take that level of speed. It’s the same with us. We need to heed our internal speed limit signs. At a certain age, our bodies can no longer keep up as fast as we want them. You can’t force an old horse to quicken its pace no matter how you beat it.
I have met people who, even after 60, refuse to slow down on activities that would wear down a body, like bad habits such as smoking, alcohol drinking, over eating and under sleeping.
One video producer friend had a heart attack and died at 65. He had been working on a video project for three straight days, hardly sleeping, taking nothing but coffee and delivered food. Trying to live up to his reputation for delivering projects with impossible deadlines, he thought he could still do work at the same maniacal pace as a youthful video producer.
people over age 65 and while simply getting older is the main risk, the APOE gene has long been known to play some role. It comes in three main varieties. Carrying one copy of the notorious APOE4 gene increases the risk—and recent research found that having two copies of APOE4 can actually cause Alzheimer’s in seniors. Another variety, APOE2, seems to reduce the risk while APOE3 has long been considered neutral.
Then came discovery of the Christchurch variant’s seemingly protective role.
Silent changes in the brain precede Alzheimer’s symptoms by at least two decades—including buildup of a sticky protein called amyloid that, once it reaches certain levels, appears to trigger tangles of another protein, called tau, that kill brain cells. Earlier research has suggested something about the Christchurch variant impedes that tau transition.
Wednesday’s study included brain scans from two people with a single Christchurch copy and autopsy analysis of four others who’d died. Quiroz cautioned there’s still a lot to learn about how the rare variant affects the underlying Alzheimer’s process—including whether it affects the common old-age type— but said tau and inflammation are among the suspects.
A moment ago, my wife was telling me about her 70-year-old friend on social media who is now in the hospital because of fractures in her knees and hips. The cause? She accidentally slipped and fell with her face down while doing her regular zumba dancing exercise. At her age, she ought to know better than to over exert herself, I told my wife.
Vanity o vanity...
Think of your aging body as a vehicle.
It can’t take more than its estimated service life or engine capacity. Some people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are out there running marathons and becoming body-builders. Well I know my body and its limits. By all means condition your body by exercising. But it’s important to choose exercises that match your ability.
2.Keep a safe distance
There once was a piece of advice that I always remember. The words were roughly painted at the back of a truck but still easily readable: “Distancia amigo!” (Distance, friend.)
In short, avoid tailgating. It’s a good advice because a little distance allows you to step on the break in the nick of time to prevent you from accidentally bumping into the vehicle in front of you.
Keeping your distance helps you gain space for a better perspective of the road. For instance, have you found yourself driving behind a big bus or cargo truck?
You can hardly see what’s ahead because the big truck obstructs your view.
When I was still in the advertising business, there were times when our creative brainstorming session would get stale and boring, with nothing fresh coming into the mix. So we would
all break out and take the time to pull away, and sure enough the next time around, there’s always something new and exciting that someone would bring to the table.
Try this next time you have a heated argument with your wife. Distance yourself, and more often than not you would see things more clearly. Just don’t stay away for too long. Learn also to distance yourself from certain people who prove to be too toxic for your sanity and peace of mind. You need to draw the boundaries with overbearing relatives, friends, and even people you love.
To my friends and business associates, I now have a set of rules: Not to call me after 9 p.m., to message me first before calling, or better yet, to just send a text message instead of calling me. I have nothing against them. I simply want to create more space as a gift to myself. With distance, it’s easier to find time to appreciate the world around us, as well as the peace, clarity, and renewed energy that we deserve in our golden years.
3.Keep to your lane How do you feel if you are driving and a car ahead refuses to stay in its own lane, weaving back and forth trying to inch ahead? I find it annoying that the driver would be so selfish and inconsiderate, not to mention inviting dangerous accidents.
Since my reflexes are no longer as sharp as before, I now prefer to stay in one lane (for slow-moving vehicles) except when I have to overtake. I am, after all, not in a hurry. I like to drive at a leisurely pace and enjoy the passing scenery.
But take the phrase on another level. Google tells me that “staying in your lane” means “minding your own business” or “sticking with what you know and what you’re good at.” It is used as a term of admonishment or advice against those who express thoughts or opinions on a subject about which they are viewed as having insufficient knowledge or ability. Remember that colleague or in-law who thinks he knows it all (KIA) or he knows better?
This is sensible advice for seniors. I get unsolicited advice many times from well-meaning friends who try to get me into ventures outside my area of interest or expertise. During the pandemic, I was lured into going into online marketing, about which I was clueless. I tried to make a go of it but my heart was not in it. Now another associate wants me to be a partner in doing content for digital streaming channel, which he said would rake in a lot of money, but my mind is still in the analogue era and I can’t keep pace with him. Maybe the old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is true after all.
Now I realize that I just have to “stick to my knitting” as another old saying goes. Instead of trying to shift to something new outside your area of knowledge and expertise, just focus on enhancing the expertise that’s natural to you. When you recognize you are in a lane of your own, you can focus more on putting energy into things that are more meaningful, such as deepening your inner life, healing from your past, sharing yourself by writing, and so on. More importantly, you grow in appreciation about who you are and where you are in life.
So when I encounter road signs along the way, I see meanings beyond the visual cues or symbols they represent. They serve as comforting inner guideposts on my way to my final destination. Whatever the trip brings, I take it as it comes. The best thing about it all is that wherever I go, I still have my beloved wife beside me.
Senior citizens queue for their social pension distributed by the DSWD. PNA file Photo
in this undated photo provided by Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Francisco Lopera, left, of the University of Antioquia, a neurologist who has spent decades caring for a large Colombian family plagued by early-in-life Alzheimer’s, confers with fellow researcher Yakeel Quiroz of Massachusetts General Hospital. MAssAchusetts GeNerAl hosPitAl viA AP
Cooperation is needed to hone kids’ passion for reading–IBBY
By Roderick l. Abad
DEVELOPING children’s love for reading is the way to boost their critical-thinking skills, said the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Philippines.
“It has to be a [total effort from civil] society and government,” said Kristine Mandigma, who is the president of IBBY—an organization dedicated to promoting international understanding through kid’s books—during the sidelines of their puppet show and storytelling activities at the celebration of National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) held at the SM Aura Book Nook last July 16.
According to her, such cooperation is needed to help improve the country’s ranking in a global benchmarking test conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development for 15-yearold learners. The 2022 cycle of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has the Philippines at 77th spot among the 81 countries. It produced the lowest proficiency for young pupils in reading, mathematics, and science.
In reading, specifically, Filipino learners’ literacy score increased by seven points from PISA 2018 to 347 points, yet they are still below the global average reading score of 476.
“At IBBY, we want to work with local governments to run target literacy programs through classroom intervention with teachers, or…concrete methods to improve reading because if there’s no grasp of read -
ing, critical thinking is difficult to achieve,” Mandigma said. “Before critical thinking, there should be the ability to read and understand text. And then, from there, interpret text critically.”
She revealed that they are working on a literacy initiative in partnership with a local government unit in Metro Manila: “It’s really focused on Grades 1 to 3 students, because that’s really the formative stage. It’s called in DepEd [Department of Education] as ‘Key Stage One.’”
“The program is really meant to make sure that kids in that age range have the ability to understand text—to read, and then interpret,” she explained. “It’s not yet finalized. But I hope it will be launched in the Manila International Book Fair, within Metro Manila in September.”
A community to promote reading AS most children have become digital natives nowadays, insofar as learning or gaining information is concerned, Mandigma called for the public and private sectors, as well as parents, to partner and develop the youth’s passion for reading.
“It’s something we need to address. That’s why we really want to make sure that with SM Book Nook and activities like the NCBD, kids
still understand and appreciate the power of the written words using books,” she said. “I think if you expose them at an early age, that won’t fade away among them.”
Marked every third Tuesday of July, the NCBD celebrates the publication of Jose Rizal’s “ Un Mono y Una Tortuga (The Monkey and The Turtle). This occasion promotes the joy of reading and the importance of kids’ literature in the country. This year, IBBY Philippines has tied-up with the Quezon City Public Library, SM Book Nook, SM Cares, and Barangay East Rembo in Taguig City as they treated some Grades 4 to 6 students to a puppet show, storytelling, and read-aloud sessions.
Since kids seemed more familiar to Western children’s books that mostly incorporate cartoons or other enticing visuals, the IBBY Philippines president believes that the activities they conducted could encourage the youngsters to read more local stories by Filipino authors.
“I think, in terms of familiarity, as long as they see it in media, they
also remember the book,” Mandigma said. “In Philippine children’s literature, we need to synchronize media and literature in order for them to read and, at the same time, see or watch the story.”
On the part of book publishers and authors, she recommended for their active participation to more activities that foster reading, in cooperation with the national government, LGUs, nonprofit and nongovernment agencies to reach out to parents and their children. She suggested that the love for reading should start at home to inspire and educate children. This passion must be honed not only digitally, but also through physical books.
“Screen time is unavoidable. Exposure to social media or video is inevitable. The message really is to balance the proportion of screen time and book time. It’s important for parents to read aloud, especially to younger kids,” Mandigma pointed out. “Based on research, reading [a story aloud for children is also a bonding moment, and it gives them good memories and experiences].”
THE Department of Education’s (DepEd) Division of City Schools-Manila and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) have partnered to develop programs for the Filipinos who are hearing impaired. DLS-CSB, through its School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) and Center for Deaf Esteem and Formation (CDEAF), will work with DepEd on programs focused on social awareness, concern for the environment, volunteerism, leadership, management and self-advocacy, service learning, community education, outreach programs, and National Service Training Program deployments. Through these leads, hard-ofhearing learners are prepared for modern challenges, as they earn an understanding of current social and global situations.
ELEVATING EDUCATION IN B.A.R.M.M.
Universitas Islam Darul Ulum rector Dr. Muhammad Hafidz Nasrulla (second from left) and Minister of Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Mohagher Iqbal (second from right) sign the memorandum of understanding on July 18 strengthening the Madrash education system in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afif Hasbullah (left) and MBHTE director general for Madaris Education Tahir Naig stood as witnesses. BERNARD TESTA
UP-Min summa cum laude laments to elders: ‘No one’s listening to us’
DBy Manuel T. Cayon
AVAO CITY—”No one seems to be listening to us.”
This was the straightforward message of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Mindanao’s fourth summa cum laude graduate, whose valedictory address pointed at today’s adults and their perceived cold-shoulder treatment to the youth’s entry into the grownups’ world.
“What now? We were all raised on the idea that ‘the youth is the future...’” rhetorically asked Kyndra Lei B. Yunting of the Bachelor of Arts’ English’s creative writing program, who led the UP-Mindanao Class of 2024 as valedictorian.
“And now, here we are, in the future… and no one seems to be listening to us.”
Yunting did not elaborate or identify who or which groups she was referring to. But in her speech during the 26th Commencement Exercises on July 19, she talked about the youth’s role, specifically UP’s “Iskolar ng Bayan,” and dedicating herself in service of the Filipino people.
“When you understand that you are here and you are a product of the labor of other people, it sharpens your focus. At least, it did for me. Because I knew that I was here because of the taxes of my fellow Filipinos, and because of the sacrifices of my parents, [and] the sacrifices of their parents,” the top graduate said. “We wouldn’t be here if it [weren’t for the people. So, we have to do our best for them].”
She observed, however, that the world outside the academe appeared to be cold and unwelcoming: “What now? We were entrusted with the hope of changing the world; but whenever we try, the world resists change.”
“For the rest of our lives, every time we get up in the morning, we have to remind ourselves of the people that got us here, and what we owe to them,” she urged her fellow graduates. “And every day, we have to do our part [to ensure that we leave this world better than we found it].”
Among her 303 fellow graduates, a horde of other Latin honorees were waiting in the wings to fulfill the challenge of being sent to the best public-education system in the country through people’s taxes. Sixty-nine were bestowed magna cum laude honors, with cumulative weighted average grades (CWAGs) that ranged from 1.021 to 1.45, as Yunting earned 1.1170—well within the range of 1.000 to 1.2000. They were followed by 116 cum laudes , with CWAGs between 1.4501 and 1.75.
She also received the “Best Thesis in
Fiction” award for her collection: God and Other Villains , and the “Commission on Higher Education-Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education [CHED-UniFAST] Academic Excellence” award given to a graduating student who demonstrated exemplary leadership, met the highest standards of academic excellence, with impressive co-curricular and community involvement, as well as other noteworthy skills throughout her academic tenure. The commencement speaker, Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose Banzon-Bautista, told the graduates that “your purpose in life is always bigger than yourself, and it involves serving others. For UP’s Iskolar ng Bayan, a deep sense of mission, the call to serve our people, the resolve to give your all in any circumstance, and the perseverance to strive for excellence despite extreme challenges is reflected in UP’s maxim of ‘excellence and honor’ not for oneself, but always in the service of others.” Dr. Banzon-Bautista was the former vice president for Academic Affairs of the UP System, and is currently a distinguished member of the Advisory Council for the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM 2. UP-Mindanao chancellor Prof. Lyre Anni E. Murao shared her joy by stating that, “from only six students last year, we have pinned 45 Ugnayan ng Pahinungód volunteers this year—one of the largest cohorts in the entire UP System. This is a testament to [the university’s] commitment to transformative education, upholding honor and excellence in the service of the nation.”
“Ugnayan…” is the university’s volunteering program for students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
In his message, UP president Angelo Jimenez echoed the theme of service: “Your journey ahead is not just about personal success, but about lifelong service. Serve the people, especially our people here in Mindanao. As ‘Iskolar…’ graduates of the national university, this is our calling and our commitment.”
Globe joins Grab in empowering Filipino women via digital upskilling
GLOBE has joined Grab in equipping Filipino women through the “Misiskolar” program, which provides digital upskilling opportunities and opening new livelihood paths for spouses of Grab driver-partners.
Deaf students are likewise trained to become teachers and advocates of literacy and numeracy. They are set to serve as inspirations as they guide the younger deaf schoolkids and out-of-school youth. The alliance was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed by DepEd’s Division of City Schools-Manila superintendent Rita E. Riddle CESO V, Manila Curriculum Implementation division chief Ebenezer A. Beloy PhD, Schools Governance and Operations division chief Virgilio A. Santos, Special Needs Education and Kindergarten Education Program supervisor Amcy Esteban. With them were Benilde’s vice chancellor for Academics Marco
Angelo U. Lacson, SDEAS officer in charge Dean Marian Patricia Bea U. Francisco PhD, CDEAF OIC-director Agnes C. Canayon, and External Linkages director Oscar Sherlo S. Reyes.
“Benilde SDEAS offers opportunities for students and associates to join and serve in deaf and hearing communities where their presence and assistance are shared, skills, talents, and gifts are honed through the different collaboration programs,” CDEAF Social Responsibility and Outreach program coordinator William I. Sidayon Jr. stated.
“One of our goals is to promote the mission and advocacy of the school, which is [by] creating more venues to provide support and sharing educational programs with our networks and affiliate partners,” Sidayon added.
For more information about Benilde SDEAS, visit sdeas.benilde. edu.ph/.
Under the linkage, the telecommunications firm will sponsor “Essential Skills and Virtual Assistance” courses developed in partnership with education-technology firm KodeGo for an initial group of 100 Grab drivers, delivery-partners, and their spouses. The scholars will receive full access to their selected courses, such as virtual assistance and basic skills training focused on building in-demand digital know-how.
“[This partnership with Grab and KodeGo aims to provide women with access to digital skills that will boost their employability, inspire entrepreneurship, and boost] access to sources of livelihood,” said Crisela Magpayo-Cervantes, Globe’s vice president for Marketing Communications. “By equipping women with digital skills, we…help raise their confidence, and empower them to realize their potential.”
“[We are] thrilled to be part of this amazing initiative to open doors for Filipino women,” said KodeGo venture builder Patricia Gaw. “Our career programs are designed to make digital skills training affordable and accessible. With end-to-end support, we equip our students with the knowledge and skills to launch successful careers in tech.”
A study by the Department of Information and Communications Technology on gender perspectives and “e-Livelihood” noted that non-Internet users
cited the lack of knowledge and high cost of subscription and equipment as barriers to use. Recognizing how this digital divide impacts Filipinos’ ability to improve their lives and livelihood, Globe is collaborating with partners like Grab and KodeGo in bringing digital skill-building programs that will open up new opportunities for people to uplift their daily lives.
“Our goal is to make every Filipino an active and thriving participant in the digital economy,” said Grab Philippines head of operations CJ Lacsican. “Among the thrusts that [move this mission forward is our inclusive capacity-building focus].” He added that “‘Misiskolar…’ is geared at making a transformative impact on the livelihood and social progress of our driver-partners and their families through accessible digital upskilling. We are glad to partner with Globe on this program as we share the vision of creating a brighter digital future for Filipino communities.”
The initiative is part of Globe’s efforts to use digital technology to address social issues, with special focus on education and women empowerment, said Yoly Crisanto, who is Globe’s chief sustainability and corporate communications officer: “[The partnership with Grab reflects our commitment to providing tech-enabled education that will] uplift lives and make a real difference. This program is also aligned with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, prioritizing the advancement of women as integral to our corporate agenda.”
Editor: Mike Policarpio
DEPED Division of City Schools Manila Special Needs and Kindergarten Education Program supervisor Amcy Esteban (from left) and Assistant Schools Division superintendent Aurelio G.
IBBY Philippines president Kristine Mandigma reads for young kids at the storytelling sessions during National Children’s Book Day. NONOY LACZA
UP Mindanao’s Kyndra Lei B. Yunting
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
IS MANILA SAFE FOR WALKING?
Seasoned tour guide on the nation’s capital being safe for tourists
Way back in high school, I cut classes to go to Chinatown. Just like any ‘70s kid, I was mesmerized by Bruce Lee so I had to get those nifty black kung fu shoes that he wore, whatever it took.
I had no idea where Binondo was so I just walked from España to Quiapo and asked for directions. When I saw the Chinese arch in Ongpin, I knew I was in the right place. Amid the chinoiserie, I found what I was looking for. I continued walking until I got another surprise—a big Spanish Catholic church at the end of the road! It was the Binondo Basilica which seemed out of place in Chinatown.
Urban Explorer
Th AT episode started my love for urban exploration. I experienced my first time watching a movie alone at the Times Theater in Quiapo. Bruce Lee had just died and what was being shown was a six-hour Bruce Lee festival featuring 3 movies. Of course, I didn’t know that Times was an excellent example of an art deco design and was owned by the Aranetas. Not contented with just one movie house, I ventured to Avenida and Recto which had many movie houses. I chose State Theater because it was the most beautiful and it had a complete line-up of Swedish movies which was the craze at that time.
Again, of course, I wasn’t aware that it was a Juan Nakpil art deco masterpiece. Walking and movies were a deadly combination and I never told my parents that I was getting an extramural education at the expense of regular classes. I was warned by conservative circles that walking in downtown Manila was fraught with danger but nothing untoward ever happened to me.
Heritage Walking Guide FAST forward to 2015, I was no longer a truant student but a heritage walking tour organizer. Intramuros and Binondo were established walking destinations but my adventurous streak brought me to Quiapo -- home of pickpockets and snatchers.
But Quiapo was irresistible with its lively local color from Quiapo Church, h idalgo St., and the gothic San Sebastian. And then there was the Muslim Quarter which was a no-man’s land. Pirated DVDs and Class A ripoffs enticed many but some wanted a legitimate Quiapo h eritage Walk. It became a third choice after Intramuros and Binondo.
Many groups joined the bandwagon and started promoting Quiapo walks. Still, I wanted to bring things to another level not because I wanted to be different but because I wanted to prove the point that fear overwhelms and prevents us from doing activities that are unfairly tagged as dangerous. I explored the narrow streets and never felt unsafe.
The narrow streets became narrower until it became an esquinita winding through a smelly estero. A century ago, these esteros were navigable and were used to transport goods. Some houses in Quiapo had small piers at the back of their house.
Nobody stared at us, nobody noticed us as we walked single file. One participant aptly called it “the bowels of Manila.”
Other tours followed such as Ermita and Malate. Night walking tours were doubly challenging but except for an aggressive street waif, night walks were actually more pleasant because of the cooler environment. I also ventured outside Manila like Makati, Quezon City, and Pateros but never encountered any problems.
Vigilance
B EFORE any walking tour, I would advise my participants to be vigilant
but not paranoid. Being discreet is the key. Blend with the crowd and don’t act like a tourist (EDITOR’S NOTE: This rule actually applies to any other city).
No fancy jewelry and gadgets and put your bag in front of you.
Personally, all my back pockets are velcro-enforced and belt bags have mini locks. I also follow a Neapolitan pickpocket’s advice—put your wallet in a horizontal position in your back pockets or just place them in your front pack. Invest in an RFID-blocking wallet to protect your credit cards. As a prepper/survivalist has said, “Be a Gray Man, watch your stuff, disappear and you will be safe.”
With all these precautionary measures on hand, I have safely navigated and guided hundreds of tourists in the streets of Manila for nine years. Manila is just as safe as any other city in the world with the correct mindset and ample preparation. Let the walks begin!
JP Ordoña (Manilakad) leads Manilakad Walks in Intramuros, Binondo, Quiapo and more. Let him guide you (safely, if we may add) to several walking destinations in Manila. Manilakad (Jing Ordoña) can be reached on Facebook Messenger or through text at 0916-3597888 and Viber (George Ordona) at 0960-6975930. BALI’S NUSA ISLANDS Remote, rustic, yet reachable
BALI is undisputably one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. In 2023 alone, over five million tourists visited Bali, and even with a Foreign Tourist Levy of IRD150,000 (roughly P540.00) imposed as of February 2024, tourism arrivals continue to surge. The deluge of tourists in Bali has resulted in many areas being very busy, overly developed, over commercialized and congested. But this is not to say that Bali is not a great place to explore—there are still lots of areas that offer the laidback, unplugged feel. And if you’re willing to go beyond Bali, there are three neighboring islands that are a bit off the radar, but certainly worth the trip—Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan—or the “Nusa Islands.”
Located southeast of Bali Island, there are regular boat trips to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan from the Sanur port—the latter being the closest. Since I only had three days for the Nusa Islands, I zoned-in just on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
(Tip: While it’s just 15 kilometers from Bali Island to Nusa Lembongan, it’s best to take the boat in the morning as the sea can get rough in the afternoons)
Nusa Lembongan: Bali’s rustic neighbor Nu SA Lembongan boasts of a more ‘island life’ vibe—repeat visitors and long-time expat residents said it’s what the main island felt like decades ago. There is no port—the boats either park right on the beach or on a makeshift floating dock; many of the roads are unpaved, riddled with potholes. There are also less cars on the island while many of the resorts are quaint, boutique properties which give a laid-back, homey feel. I stayed at The Tamarind Resort, a quaint, hillside property just steps from Jungutbatu Beach. The resort gets its name from the 300-year-old Tamarind tree that looms over the resort. Oddly though, despite the number of these trees that are endemic to Nusa Lembongan, the locals don’t really use the Tamarind fruit for any food or drink. The suites and villas at The Tamarind Resort boast of sandstone walls, hardwood floors, and neutral tones to keep the rooms cool even during hot weather. Three outdoor pools—including one with a swim-up bar, are steps away from the rooms, the sound of flowing water echoing across the hallways. The staff at the hotel can arrange for tours and transport at affordable prices. Sometimes, it makes sense to book tours on-the-ground as it gives more income to locals. Plus, you get local intel on what to
do and where to go. Most of the beaches in Nusa Lembongan are not made of fine sand. But several are framed by dramatic lava rock formations, or are home to comfortable beach bars spread along a long shoreline. The rock formations around Nusa Lembongan are even more dramatic away from the shore. u nder water, you’ll find vibrant marine life—possibly even manta rays and turtles swimming around. It’s fairly easy to rent a boat to get around, or join a snorkeling trip where you can meet people from all over the world.
Devil’s Tears: Bali’s most dangerous IG spot We’ve all heard and read about people doing all sorts of things for the ‘gram. Devil’s Tears has claimed several lives over the past few years—tourists losing their foothold, swept away by massive waves while posing for photos. Of course I had to check it out.
Devil’s Tears is a stretch of natural cliffs, tide pools and blow holes formed by hardened lava. The combination of crashing waves, strong winds and vacuum from the rock formations create loud sounds and dramatic scenery that is truly a sight to behold, especially at sunset.
Marveling at Devil’s Tears must be matched with caution. The winds and waves can be unpredictable—even if you are well within the designated viewing areas. Just last June, an Australian tourist was knocked into the sea by a massive wave. The tourist survived the fall, but suffered serious injuries.
I hiked close to the edge of the cliff, but away from where the waves crashed. Luckily, the winds waned just enough for me to enjoy one of the most majestic sceneries in this part of the world.
Cross the yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan R IDIN g a scooter is not my favorite thing to
do, but in the Nusa islands, it’s the best way to get around. Hitching a ride, I crossed the iconic, 100-meter bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan.
Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the three islands. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery and seascape. The beaches in Nusa Ceningan boast of fine, white sand; its cerulean waters teeming with corals and vibrant aquatic life.
A must-see in Nusa Ceningan is the Blue Lagoon. Contrary its name, the place is for swimming or diving. Rather, it’s a dramatic cliff where violent waves crash against the rocks and the waters are always blue. For the more daring, there are areas near Blue Lagoon like Mahana Point with organized cliff jumping points. It’s easier to get back up after you jump from here as there are ladders directly in the water. Like Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan also has a
in the 1980s,
Photos by Charo Logarta
Story & photos by George Ordoña
FooD Stalls
SHoPPING at 168 Divisoria
SHoRT Ferry RIde INTRAmURoS
STREET market in Quiapo
oNGPIN, Chinatown
Korean artist Xiumin, Filipino stars shine in Galaxy AI Festival
TO mark what it calls the “new era of creativity, connectivity, and self-expression across the Galaxy ecosystem,” Samsung staged the Galaxy AI Festival with performances from top Filipino artists and a big Korean idol, singer and actor on July 13. The Korean tech brand also featured experience zones for the public to try the new gadgets—Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.
Bonifacio Global City’s 5th Avenue was turned into festival grounds with a main stage and a Galaxy Voyage Experience Space set for concertgoers to try out the new phones’ AI features, such as Circle to Search with Google, Transcript Assist, Composer, Sketch to Image, Portrait Studio, Dual Screen Mode Interpreter, Flex Cam Auto Zoom, and Flex Cam Wallpapers.
A total of 45,000 people came to attend the Samsung Galaxy AI Festival.
Onstage, Filipino artist Maki kicked off the night with the hit song “Dilaw” followed by an electrifying performance by Nation’s girl group BINI with their best hits and featuring the trendy summer hymn “Pantropiko.” This was the first time I ever watched BINI perform although I met them at a beauty event earlier this year. I must say that they aren’t just lookers. They’re amazing performers with great personalities. They were second to perform instead of second to the last (before the headliner) because they had to catch a flight. The energy of BINI was electrifying and this was considering that their schedules are packed. They were in a concert the previous night but the way they performed seemed like each of the members got eight hours of sleep. Stacey celebrated her birthday with a cake and a birthday song from the members and fans. Mikha sat this one out because of an injury.
Juan Karlos then took to the stage and I finally got to hear his hit song “Buwan” live. South Korea-based Filipino group Hori7on performed their hits, “Lucky,” “Dash” and “Hit Me.” Hori7on is a very promising
group and the members are very personable. I hope they get good songs with adequate promotions and, of course, support from their fans. By the way, may I mention that Hori7on’s fans were the nicest? Some of them had food and drinks for the concertgoers.
The festival was proof that Filipino artists can shine on the global stage alongside Korean superstars.
The headliner was EXO member, singer and actor Xiumin, who has been my favorite since 2012. The last time he was here was for a concert with other Korean artists in 2022. Before that, he was here with EXO in 2018. I know that Xiumin’s fans like to say he looks like a teenager but I’d like to think he has matured, both in looks and as a performer, and I’m so proud of him for this.
When Xiumin came out, the eribongs (fan lightsticks) were turned on and the cosmic latte ocean gave him the warmest welcome from Phixos.
After performing “Feedback” and “Serenity,” he said hello to his fans.
“I am glad to attend the Galaxy Festival in the
Philippines where I got to see you.”
Xiumin is a Samsung user. His current phone is an S24 Ultra. He also had a Flip, a Fold, and, I believe, an S23 Ultra.
Known for having little tolerance for heat and humidity, Xiumin took off his outer shirt midway through the his third song “Love Letter,” treating all of us to a view of his biceps. He ended the song on his knees, extending his arms and his fingers forming a heart. Indeed, he is still K-pop’s aegyo king.
Xiumin also performed “Brand New” and “Beyond” doing an excerpt from the EXO hit “Don’t Go.”
As Xiumin’s fan for a long time, I could say that he has really come into his own. His vocals are more stable. His dancing is impeccable and is so extra (that’s his trademark). I am excited to see how else he will continue to showcase his talents, both as a solo artist and an EXO member.
Xiumin recently hosted an idol survival show and he was in his element there too. Perhaps I am biased when I say this but he really can do anything. ■
WHERE ARE ALL THE SCAM AND SPAM MESSAGES COMING FROM? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
LATELY, you’ve probably been receiving spam or scam texts. This, even while telcos like Globe have ramped up security measures to block these messages. So, where are all these scam texts coming from, and how are they evading detection? Here’s what you need to know.
■ The shift in scam tactics. Scammers are now bypassing traditional cellular networks by using internet-based messaging platforms. This shift began after telcos like Globe started blocking all person-toperson SMS with links in September 2022 and then restricted app-to-person SMS. The crackdown on traditional SMS scams has pushed fraudsters to seek alternative methods and they’ve found ways to get around telco filters.
■ Internet-based messaging platforms. With the increased security measures on SMS, scammers are now using internet-based messaging platforms to target mobile phone users. Through these apps, they evade cellular networks and even get to use foreign mobile numbers. These platforms include: over-the-top (OTT) media services or chat apps; rich communication services (RCS) chats for Android users; iMessage for Apple users. To be safe, never engage with or click links in chat messages with suspicious links, and ignore unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, both foreign and local.
■ Spoofing. Another sophisticated method
scammers use is IMSI catchers, or fake cell towers. These portable devices mimic real cell towers to
intercept mobile communications. Scammers can then send messages using spoofed sender IDs through the 2G network, making their messages look like official communications from reputable sources.
Spoofed messages often hook you with enticing offers and then instruct you to click links, which then direct you to malicious websites. This is how fraudsters collect your information to pry open your bank accounts or e-wallets.
This technique, known as spoofing, makes it extremely difficult for you to detect the fraud. To help its customers distinguish real customer SMS from spoofed messages, Globe no longer uses links in its official customer advisories.
Anton Bonifacio, Globe chief information security officer and chief AI officer, emphasized that the fresh wave of spam and scam messages do not pass through the cellular network and hence are outside the scope of telco filters.
“Clever fraudsters continue to find ways to get around our security measures. As scammers adapt their tactics, it’s crucial for you to be extra vigilant and stay informed,” said Bonifacio.
Thus, you should always double-check the authenticity of messages, especially those with links, and report any suspicious texts to your mobile provider. You may also activate the spam filter in your device.
By staying vigilant, you can help combat the rise of scam texts and protect yourself from fraud.
To keep you safe from scammers, Globe proactively blocks spam and scam SMS and fraud-linked SIMs in its network.
It also continues to invest in the latest technologies and forges strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders to better protect customers from persistent threats. If you receive any suspicious message, file a report via Globe’s #StopSpam portal. More information is available at www.globe.com.ph.
BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES
SAMSUNG Electronics Philippines Corp.’s (Sepco), the Philippine subsidiary of Korean technology juggernaut Samsung, is optimistic that its artificial intelligence-powered televisions will dominate the local market.
“With AI emerging as one of the most powerful technologies, Samsung once again redefines premium by harnessing the possibilities AI has to offer,” shares Chris Almazan, Sepco head of audio and video, in a recent press briefing during the launch of Samsung AI TVs and audio devices designed to upscale every moment held at the Bonifacio Global City. Almazan says Sepco is now aiming to develop bigger screen sizes to enable Filipino consumers to experience higher quality home entertainment. Right now, Sepco is aiming for bigger screen sizes such as a 65-inch TV because the quality is getting better. Almazan says it would be a huge shift from the pixelized quality before televisions were pixelized towards AI-powered televisions.
During the event, Samsung presented various AI zones to highlight the different features of their 2024 products. This includes the latest 2024 Neo QLED 8K AI TV. Further, the Neo QLED 8K creates an immersive journey thanks to the 8K AI Upscaling Pro technology that automatically enhances any content to the nearest 8K picture quality, providing an extraordinary viewing experience.
Almazan says equipping its televisions with AI is going to benefit Filipinos in terms of energy savings, connectivity and greater quality time toward a healthy lifestyle.
“AI enables a 4K and an 8K upscaling quality no matter what the content. It gives a better picture, better entertainment experience without having that natural 4K and 8K video.”
Almazan also debunked the perception of some consumers that the Samsung brand caters only to the upper middle and upsclae markets. Being a respected brand in research and development, he points out that Samsung actually caters to different markets. “Somehow some other people will think we’re more expensive than others,” says Almazan.
“As the global leader for TV, Samsung is driven to
BusinessMirror
TCL’s 115-inch screen �lex: Bring the ‘IMAX’ experience home
Netflix’s subscriber and earnings growth gather more momentum as password-sharing crackdown pays off
BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press
NETFLIX’S subscriber and earnings growth accelerated in its latest quarter as the video streaming service benefits from a crackdown on freeloading viewers, an expansion into advertising and an acclaimed programming lineup.
The results announced on Thursday painted a portrait of a company still gathering momentum after a jarring decrease in subscribers during the first half of 2022 prompted a change in direction.
Netflix added 8 million subscribers during the April-June period, marking a 37 percent increase over the same time last year. It was the sixth-consecutive quarter of that Netflix’s subscriber gains have increased from the previous year, a trend triggered by the 2022 downturn that served as a wake-up call for the Los Gatos, California, company.
And Netflix is still financially thriving. The company’s profit in its latest quarter rose 44 percent from last year to $2.15 billion, or $4.88 per share—a figure that exceeded the estimates of analysts polled by FactSet Research. Revenue climbed 17 percent from last year to $9.56 billion, also eclipsing analysts’ projections.
But management predicted its revenue for the JulySeptember period would rise at a slightly slower pace of 14 percent from the same time last year, lagging the 18 percent growth that analysts had been anticipating. The forecast contributed to a muted reaction from investors who have driven up Netflix’s stock price by 32 percent so far this year. After initially falling by 3 percent in extended trading after the second-quarter report came out, Netflix shares recovered and were up about 1 percent.
Given that the competition in video streaming seems to be ramping up again, Investing.com analyst Thomas Monteiro called “the lowering of guidance an intelligent strategy for keeping excitement put amid sky-high expectations.”
As part of a shakeup that began in mid-2022, Netflix has been blocking the previously widespread practice of sharing subscriber passwords with friends and family living in other households. It also introduced commercials for the first time as part of a low-priced version of its service.
Since those moves began rolling out two years ago, Netflix has picked up nearly 55 million more paying customers, pushing its worldwide subscriber count nearly 278 million through June.
But Netflix is bracing for the gains from the password-sharing crackdown to taper off, prodding the company to sharpen its focus on selling more ads for its low-priced option, which the company said ended June with a 34 percent increase in total subscribers from March. It didn’t detail precisely how many of its worldwide subscribers have chosen to watch ads for the cheaper price.
Despite the widening audience for commercials, Netflix said it doesn’t expect advertising to be a major source of revenue growth until 2026 at the earliest.
“Ads are going to be a bigger piece of the puzzle, but it won’t be in 2024 or 2025,” Spencer Neumann, Netflix’s chief financial officer, told analysts during a conference call on Thursday.
YES, you read that right—TCL just launched its biggest screen yet: the 115-inch TCL X955 Max. The Titan of Immersive Display arrived in style as TCL Electronics, the Philippines’ No. 1 Panel TV Brand and the second-largest in the Global TV market, partnered with Abenson, the No. 1 Appliance Store in the Philippines, to introduce the TCL 115” X955 Max with a grand launch held at Abenson’s flagship store on Quezon Avenue. When we installed our 65-inch TV at home, it instantly transformed our small room into a director’s club theater. I was happy and content until I saw the TCL 115” X955 Max. This TV is in a league of its own. You might think a 115-inch TV is too much, but after seeing the X955 Max in real life...well, let’s just say it will make you want a bigger house. Standing at 2.5 x 1.5 meters and weighing almost 100 kilos, this screen is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. The only thing more impressive than its colossal size and ultramodern features is the whopping P400,000 discount TCL is giving away until July 31.
The TCL X955 Max will transform your house into your own private “IMAX” cinema and would perfectly complement your movie library. This isn’t just a TV; it’s a home theater powerhouse that promises to turn any room into a cinematic paradise.
With stunning 4K resolution, 20,000 local dimming zones, and 5000 nits of peak brightness, the X955 Max delivers an immersive viewing experience that rivals professional cinemas. Once you experience its grandeur and cutting-edge features, you won’t just want it—you’ll need it. The TCL X955 Max redefines luxury and cinematic immersion as the world’s first 115-inch consumer TV. Its 115-inch screen utilizes QD-Mini LED technology, combining quantum dots with mini-LEDs to provide exceptional brightness and color accuracy. The TV’s 20,000 local dimming zones ensure precise light control, producing deep blacks and vibrant highlights that make HDR content truly shine. With a peak brightness of 5000 nits, the X955 Max excels in both dark and brightly lit environments. For gamers, the TCL X955 Max offers an extraordinary experience. The 144 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion for fast-paced games, while features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) optimize performance, reducing input lag and screen tearing. The TV also supports 120Hz gaming with Dolby Vision HDR, making it compatible with the latest gaming consoles and providing a visually stunning gaming experience.
Audio quality is equally impressive, thanks to the Onkyo 6.2.2 surround sound system. This setup includes up-firing, side-firing, and subwoofer channels, delivering immersive audio that complements the TV’s visual capabilities. The system supports Dolby Atmos and DTS, ensuring that the soundstage is as expansive and detailed as the picture. It also comes equipped with TCL’s AiPQ Pro Processor, which uses artificial intelligence to enhance picture quality. This processor analyzes content in real-time, adjusting color, contrast and clarity to provide the best possible viewing experience. The result is a picture that is vibrant, detailed and true to life.
Smart features are integrated seamlessly, with Google TV providing a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of streaming services and apps.
Voice control via Google Assistant adds convenience, allowing users to control the TV and compatible smart home devices with simple voice commands.
Despite its colossal size, the TCL X955 Max still has a sleek design and an ultra-slim profile that will make it an attractive addition to any room, while features like side-mounted USB 3.0 ports and a cable management system help keep the setup clean and organized.
The TV is designed to be easy to install and use, making it a practical choice for any home.
“There’s no stopping us now. We’re finally introducing the TCL 115” X955 Max Premium QD-Mini LED TV. It’s the most anticipated moment among TV fanatics, and it’s finally here,” TCL brand manager Joseph Cernitchez said during the launch.
The TCL 115” X955 Max is an exceptional choice for those seeking the ultimate home entertainment experience. Its massive size, advanced technology, and superior audio quality make it a standout option for creating a home theater that rivals the “IMAX” experience.
The limited-time discount and additional perks make it an even more compelling investment. Visit Abenson’s website or TCL’s official site for more details and to take advantage of the promotion.
PLDT HOME’S STREAMTV
IF a ginormous TV is too much and if you just want to upgrade your entertainment setup, then you should check out PLDT’s new offer. Taking the next level in smart home entertainment, StreamTV streamlines the way Filipinos stream content, play music, and control their smart home devices. This Android TV device is a game-changing, all-in-one solution that seamlessly blends the capabilities of an Android TV device, an AI-powered smart speaker, and a virtual assistant.
StreamTV lets you transform any TV into a smart TV. Enjoy a smart viewing experience on your screen within seconds just by plugging the device into the HDMI port. Watch your favorite shows and series in ultra-high definition 4K resolution. Binge-watch from the world’s biggest streaming platforms with YouTube, HBO GO, Lionsgate Play, Viu, and NBA League Pass available on the device.
Offering an enhanced audio experience through its Dolby-supported speakers, StreamTV also allows you to listen to top-trending songs, podcasts, or any mood-setting background music in crisp quality. Play and control the audio from anywhere at home with your smartphone or tablet via a Bluetooth connection. With your newly upgraded “smart TV” you can both work and play as StreamTV also allows you to cast from your smaller devices through Chromecast and Screen Mirroring. The versatility of the device enables you to display your slides, play games, and more in full screen. Simply just plug in a camera, joystick, or any other Bluetooth-enabled accessory for next-level entertainment. Additionally, you can join virtual meetings and video conferences from your StreamTV using the Google Meet app—allowing you to stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family without leaving your living room. According to the Philippine Statistics Agency,
about two and a half million families and over 98 percent of Filipino internet users aged between 16 and 64 have subscriptions to video streaming services in 2022.
In the same study, music streamers were projected to increase by 1.7 million between 2023 and 2028. Despite only 42.2 percent of internet users having a smart TV, these numbers suggest that these Filipinos are seeking to enhance their home entertainment experience amid challenging economic circumstances.
“We’re thrilled to unveil StreamTV that will truly revolutionize how Filipinos are entertained right from the comforts of their own homes,” says PLDT Home vice president for digital services Evert Chris Miranda. “This groundbreaking product from a telco will allow families watch in rich resolution, listen in beautiful surround sound, and control other smart home devices through voice commands.”
“This product is just one of many more entertainment offerings that will benefit PLDT Home customers in a fun way this 2024. As our homes continue to advance each day, there will be even more opportunities to make the most of our fiber-fast internet for a more enjoyable and fulfilling life with our families.”
StreamTV is available for only P229 per month for 24 months to be charged to your monthly PLDT Home bill. More information is available at www.pldthome. com/streamtv. ■
CONTINUED FROM A8
innovate and design products geared toward a new standard of home entertainment for consumers.” Almazan says Samsung AI TVs also come with AI Energy mode that effortlessly provides energy savings for users. He points out that the devices can detect and analyze their environment and automatically adjust their settings to be more energyefficient.
Almazan says Samsung continues to dominate the TV market through its mastery of design and technology, as exhibited in its Samsung AI TVs plus its newest lineup of products.
A10 Saturday, July 27, 2024
Nadal, Djokovic on course for 2nd-round clash in Paris
PARIS—Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could meet in the second round of the tennis tournament at the Paris Olympics—which might end up being the last event of Nadal’s career.
Djokovic was drawn Thursday against Australian Matthew Ebden in the first round, and Nadal faces Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, with the winners of those matches meeting next. The Summer Games’ tennis competition begins Saturday at Roland Garros, and Djokovic’s opening singles match is that day. Nadal is scheduled to play doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday night, but he won’t get started in singles until Sunday. The 38-year-old Nadal won a record 14 of his 22 major trophies at the French Open. He has won two Olympic gold medals—in singles at Beijing in 2008, and in doubles with Marc López at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
“Roland Garros, as everybody knows, is the most special place in tennis for me. I am enjoying the fact I am back for the Olympics,” Nadal said Thursday. “I am just trying to enjoy every single moment.” He has played sparingly over the past two seasons while dealing with hip surgery and abdominal muscle issues. It’s possible he will retire after the Olympics, although Nadal has not said exactly what his plans are.
French Open champion Alcaraz takes on Lebanese player Hady Habib in the first round of singles on Saturday, before teaming up with Nadal later on Day 1. Djokovic, a 24-time major champion from Serbia, and Alcaraz could meet for the singles gold in Paris, which would be a rematch of their contest in the Wimbledon final this month. Alcaraz won that one for his fourth Grand Slam title.
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek of Poland faces Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in the first round of the women’s draw, with second-seeded American Coco Gauff taking on Australian Ajla Tomljanović, who defeated Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open in the 23-time Slam champ’s final match. Gauff is the reigning US Open champion and is making her Olympic debut. She is a flag bearer for the US team at Friday’s opening ceremony along with basketball star LeBron James. She will be the first tennis athlete to carry the US flag.
Djokovic and Swiatek have not
bronze at Beijing 16 years ago.
Swiatek has won the French Open four of the past five years on the same clay courts at Roland Garros.
Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka of Japan takes on three-time major champion Angelique Kerber of Germany.
Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini of Italy, who is seeded fourth, returns to the courts where she lost the French Open final to Swiatek and takes on Romanian Ana Bogdan. No. 5-seeded American Jessica Pegula plays Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland.
Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic— seeded ninth—is drawn against Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo. The 2022 Wimbledon champ Elena Rybakina—seeded third—plays Romanian Jaqueline Cristian. No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, who won the French Open here in 2017 for her only major, faces Colombian Camila Osorio.
Men’s and women’s first-round play begins Saturday, and the top-ranked man won’t be playing. Jannik Sinner, a 22-year-old from Italy, pulled out on Wednesday because of tonsillitis.
Eighth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 2021 French Open runner-up to Djokovic, takes on Belgian Zizou Bergs, and three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland is up against Pavel Kotov.
Wimbledon semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, seeded 11th, plays French veteran Gael Monfils. Twotime French Open runner-up Casper Ruud of Norway, the No. 6 seed, takes on Taro Daniel of Japan.
Also, it’s No. 4 Daniil Medvedev of Russia vs. Rinky Hijikata of Australia, and No. 7-seeded American Taylor Fritz vs. big-serving Kazakh Alexander Bublik.
Tokyo Games champion Alexander Zverev of Germany plays Jaume Munar of Spain.
Two-time Olympic champion Andy Murray has withdrawn from singles but will play in men’s doubles alongside Dan Evans in his adieu from tennis. They face Japanese pair Japan’s Daniel and Kei Nishikori.
The 37-year-old Murray, a threetime Slam champion, won gold in singles at London in 2012 and Rio four years later. Since having hip replacement surgery in 2019, he has struggled with various injuries and withdrew from singles at
By Josef T. Ramos
Yulo, Delgaco open Olympic campaign
back from his medal-less Olympic debut three years ago in Tokyo as he competes at Bercy Arena in Paris in the qualification round of men’s individual all-around starting at 9:30 p.m. (Philippine time).
YMNAST Carlos Yulo and rower Joanie Delgaco plunge into action on Saturday after the Paris Summer Olympic Games opening ceremony at the Seine River. Yulo, a two-time Olympian,
“Carlos is ready for tomorrow’s qualification but he’s still practicing and perfecting his vault skills,” Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion told BusinessMirror through an internet call.
“He is absolutely 100 percent ready for the individual all-around qualification.”
Gold in the floor exercise and vault plus a possible medal in the men’s individual all-around are Yulo’s
main targets, saying: “There’s a big chance for me to win the gold. I’m targeting to get it from floor exercise, parallel bars and vault.” He will be performing in six apparatuses—floor exercise, vault, parallel bars, rings, pommel horse and horizontal bars—in the men’s individual all-around qualification.
The final of floor exercise and vault will be on August 3 and 4 followed by the parallel bars on August 5. Meanwhile, rower Joanie Delgaco is all-primed up for the 2000-meter women’s singles sculls race against five competitors in heat 2 at the Vaires Sur Marne, National Stadium.
She needs to finish in the top three in her first heat to advance.
Marcial draws bye, Villegas first Pinoy pug to see action
She will battle fellow first time Olympian Slovenian Nina Kostanjsek, Algerian Nihed Benchadli, Dutch Karolien Florijn, Swiss Aurelia-Maxima Katharina Janzen, and Moroccan Majdouline El Allaoui in six-rower heat 2. A total of 32 rowers in six heats slug it out to reach the 24-rower quarterfinal round.
“She’s ready to perform in the morning heats. The top 3 will advance in the quarterfinal. But if you fell to No. 4 to 6 you will go to repechage the following day,” former Olympic rower Edgardo Macabitas
Galido and Mitchell Martinez. Ruivivar overcomes health scare
TOKYO Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial drew a bye in the light heavyweight class opening round and will face his first opponent on Wednesday at the Paris Summer Olympic Games men’s boxing in the Round of 16 at the North Paris Arena. Marcial, 28, will fight 20-yearold 6-foot-1 Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan in his weight category featuring 18 boxers led by two-time Olympic champion and three-time Pan American champion Arlen Lopez of Cuba.
First boxer to compete for the Philippines is Olympic debutant Aira Villegas, who faces Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki in the women’s round of 32
Cardel says Dyip can reach semis or better with Standhardinger, Pringle leading way
THE arrival of 6-foot-8 big man Christian Standhardinger and veteran combo guard Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma was an offer the Dyip absolutely could not refuse, according to head coach Johnedel Cardel.
“How can you say no to the secondbest player in the PBA after June Mar Fajardo? We are happy to get them, and they are practicing with us for more than one week,” Cardel told BusinessMirror on Thursday. “Pringle is also a good talent that you can’t refuse.” Standhardinger and Pringle landed at Terrafirma before the Rookie Annual Draft on July 14, with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel sending the two players in exchange for last year’s top overall selection and rookie of the year Stephen Holt and 2022 top pick Isaac Go.
“Christian and Stanley are absolutely leaders, they are leading our young players in practices,” he said. Terrafirma also traded its third overall pick to the Gin Kings, and with the 10th pick drafted Mark Nonoy. The Dyip also selected CJ Catapusan and Pe -
ter Alfaro and acquired Didat Hanapi and Paolo Hernandez also in a separate trade with Ginebra for a future draft pick.
Terrafirma’s face of the franchise Juami Tiongson and 6-foot-5 Louie Sangalang, Kemarck Cariño and Andreas Cahilig will be teaming up with the new acquisitions and hoping make a respectable finish this season.
“We believe these two veterans—Standhardinger and Pringle—could lead us to semifinals or greater than that. Their experience and skills are so high,” Cardel added. “We already started practicing with our import and we’re very excited.” Cardel also said they will have 6-foot-6 import
flyweight category on Monday morning. Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam will clash with Ireland’s Jude Gallagher in the Round of 16 on Wednesday after drawing a bye in the men’s featherweight class composed of 17 Olympians.
Nesthy Petecio, also a Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, begins her Olympic gold medal quest on Tuesday when she collides against India’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Jaismine Lamboria in women’s featherweight round of 32 class.
Hergie Bacyadan, competing for the first-time in the Olympics, meets China’s Li Qian also on Tuesday in the women’s
middleweight category, where a total of 16 fighters will vie for the gold.
Aside from the North Paris Arena, the Roland-Garros Stadium will host the boxing competitions featuring 249 boxers—125 men and 124 women— across 13 weights classes.
The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines is looking to surpass the two silver medals and one bronze it won in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 courtesy of Petecio and Paalam and Marcial.
The coaches are Ronald Chavez, Gerson Nietes, Elmer Pamisa, Reynaldo
on the par-5 No. 3 with a determined series of pars and birdies, securing a commanding lead and ultimately clinching the boys’ 16-18 category title by 10 with a 76 in the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series I at Apo Golf and Country Club Friday in Davao. The 18-year-old Gialon hit two birdies in the last six holes for nines of 40-36 following three rounds of 78 for a 310 total and a 10-stroke victory over cousin Adrian Bisera in the 72-hole tournament. Bisera closed with an 81, while Rainier Tagwalan placed third following an 85 in the premier division of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. featuring four age groups. Bisera stumbled with three bogeys in the final six holes and wound up at 320, while Tagwalan ended with a
GYMNAST Levi Jung-Ruivivar declared herself safe after a severe allergy and is now gearing up for Sunday’s women’s artistic gymnastics individual all-around qualification round at Bercy Arena.
“I just want to let everyone know that I am 100-percent safe and healthy. My muscles are fatigued, and it definitely took a toll on my body, but I am doing everything I can to recover and perform at my best possible level,” Ruivivar posted on his Instagram.
“I am slowly progressing back into
RAFAEL NADAL shares the stage with Andy Murray, Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina and Stan Wawrinka during the draw ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics tennis competition. AP
• Editor: Angel R. Calso
Vietnam Communist Party chief’s funeral draws thousands of mourners, including world leaders
By Aniruddha Ghosal The Associated Press
HANOI, Vietnam—Thousands of mourners gathered in Hanoi on Friday for the second day of the funeral of the man who dominated Vietnamese politics for over a decade, Communist Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
His death, at 80, last week in Hanoi marked the start of a succession struggle within the party that will likely to continue until the all-important National Party Congress of Vietnam’s Communist Party in 2026.
Trong’s coffin, draped in the red and yellow of Vietnam’s flag, was laid beneath his smiling portrait and dozens of medals at the National Funeral House in Hanoi on Thursday. All flags in the Southeast Asian nation flew at half-mast during the two-day period of national mourning, while all sports and entertainment were suspended.
He will be buried at Mai Dich cemetery, the final resting place for military heroes and senior party officials, later on Friday.
Top Communist Party officials paid tribute, including President To Lam, who took over as caretaker general secretary a day before Trong’s death was announced. Thousands of people, many of whom who had traveled from far-flung provinces, queued up in Hanoi late into Thursday to light incense and pay their respects.
Politburo member Luong Cuong said Thursday that his death was “an extremely huge, irreparable
loss to the Party, the state, the people and his family.”
South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo; Wang Huning, the fourth-ranked leader in the Chinese Communist Party; former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga; Cuban National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernandez; and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were
among those in attendance on Thursday.
US President Joe Biden had said earlier that Trong was a “champion of the deep ties” between Americans and the Vietnamese.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement on Telegram that Trong would be remembered as a “true friend” of Russia who made a “great personal contribu -
tion” to the improvement of ties between the two nations.
Trong, who studied in the Soviet Union from 1981 to 1983, was the first Vietnamese Communist Party chief to visit the White House. He advocated a pragmatic foreign policy of “bamboo diplomacy,” a phrase he coined that refers to the plant’s flexibility, bending but not breaking in the shifting headwinds of geopolitics.
Vietnam is unlikely to abandon that approach, under which it has pursued pragmatic cooperation with its much larger and more powerful neighbor China while maintaining good ties with other countries like the US, Japan and India, said Gregory B. Poling, who heads the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Trong, a Marxist-Leninist ideologue, viewed corruption as the single gravest threat to the party’s legitimacy. He launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign known as “blazing furnace,” which has singed both business and political elites.
Since 2016, thousands of party officials have been disciplined. They included former presidents
Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vo Van Thuong and the former head of parliament, Vuong Dinh Hue. In all, eight members of the powerful Politburo were ousted on corruption allegations, compared to none between 1986 and 2016.
The anti-graft campaign was led by then-top security official To Lam until he was made President in May after his predecessor resigned amid corruption allegations. Lam is likely to keep playing a dual role as the President and the caretaker party chief until 2026, said Poling. He added that Lam is the current favorite to get a full term as Trong’s successor, but there is no guarantee.
Also unclear is what direction the anti-corruption movement will take in the short term without Trong. “But in the long term, it does seem like it’ll inevitably wind down because it was so linked to his legacy, his program,” he said. Poling also said that without a leader of Trong’s stature, different factions in the party may struggle to resolve their differences.
“They’ll have to figure out what the future looks like, which is a necessary first step to passing on power to the next generation,” he said.
United Nations declares ‘extreme heat epidemic’ as Earth endures record-breaking temperatures
By Seth Borenstein & Sibi Arasu
The Associated Press
AFTER three of Earth’s hottest days ever measured, the United Nations called for a flurry of efforts to try to reduce the human toll from soaring and searing temperatures, calling it “an extreme heat epidemic.”
“If there is one thing that unites our divided world, it’s that we’re all increasingly feeling the heat,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday at a news conference where he highlighted that Monday was the hottest day on record, surpassing the mark set just a day earlier. “Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere.”
Nearly half a million people a year die worldwide from heat related deaths, far
more than other weather extremes such as hurricanes, and this is likely an underestimate, a new report by 10 U.N. agencies said.
“Billions of people are facing an extreme heat epidemic -- wilting under increasingly deadly heat waves, with temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius around the world,” Guterres said. “That’s 122 degrees Fahrenheit and halfway to boiling.”
The dire warnings came after a barely noticeable respite in back-to-back record global heat.
The European climate service Copernicus calculated that Tuesday’s global average temperature was 0.01 Celsius (0.01 Fahrenheit) lower than Monday’s all-time high of 17.16 degrees Celsius (62.8 degrees Fahrenheit), which was .06 degrees Celsius hotter (0.1 degrees Fahrenheit) than Sunday.
All three days were hotter than Earth’s previous hottest day in 2023.
“We are not prepared,” the U.N. report said.
Guterres urged countries of the world to adopt several proposals aimed at reducing heat deaths, starting with help to cool and care for the most vulnerable people — the poor, elderly, young and sick.
The U.N. also called for better heat wave warnings, expanding “passive cooling,” improved urban design, stronger protections for outside workers, as well as greater efforts to tackle human-caused climate change that’s worsening weather extremes.
But officials said most work will have to be done by countries, with the U.N. offering aid and coordination, especially when it comes to beefing up weather warning systems.
If countries adopt the United Nations heat-fighting recommendations, “these measures could protect 3.5 billion people
by 2050, while slashing emissions and saving consumers $1 trillion a year,” Guterres said, citing a U.N. Environment Program estimate.
Better heat-health warning systems in 57 countries could save 98,314 lives per year, the report said, based on World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization estimates.
“Crippling heat is everywhere, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally,” Guterres said. “Extreme heat amplifies inequality, inflames food insecurity and pushes people further into poverty.”
More than 1,300 people died during this year’s annual Haj pilgrimage after walking in scorching heat.
Earlier this year, India’s prolonged heatwaves resulted in the deaths of at least 100 people. However, health experts say heat deaths are likely undercounted in India and
potentially other countries.
Last year, the United States had its most recorded heat deaths in more than 80 years, according to an Associated Press analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. The death certificates of more than 2,300 people mentioned excessive heat, including 874 deaths in Arizona.
Deadly heat is not new, but scientists say it has been amplified in scale, frequency and duration with climate change.
“Many things are being done, but too little, too late,” he said. “The problem is that climate change is running faster than all the measures that are now being put in place to fight it.”
Before July 3, 2023, the hottest day measured by Copernicus was 16.8 degrees Celsius (62.2 degrees Fahrenheit) on August 13, 2016. In the last 13 months that mark has now been beaten 59 times, according to Copernicus.
Borenstein reported from Washington, D.C., Arasu from Bengaluru, India.
Extreme heat, wildfires, floods, droughts and ever more fierce hurricanes are symptoms and “we need to fight the disease,” Guterres said. “The disease is the madness of incinerating our only home. The disease is the addiction to fossil fuels. The disease is climate inaction.”
16. XU, JINZHONG
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Brief Job Description: Recommending cost-effective solutions to operational challenges.
21. ZHENG, JUNFENG Mandarin Finance Supervisor
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EXCELLENT JNGR RESTO FOOD CORP. (ROYAL INDIAN CURRY HOUSE)
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53/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati
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Brief Job Description: Actively participate as a key member and trusted adviser within the leadership team.
Qualification: At least 10 years of professional experience.
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JHUYFRUIT MARKETING INC. 701 B 2nd Flr Syp Bldg, Sto. Cristo St, Barangay 271, San Nicolas, City Of Manila 26. MEKHJANG, SUTTHINEE Territory Sales Manager Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing the import and export of agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables. Shall also be responsible for generating the sales report to the Operations Manager and Managing Owners of the company.
