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PHL, U.S. LEVEL UP DRIVE VS TERRORISTS FIRST COUNTERTERRORISM CENTER IN SOUTHEAST ASIA TO RISE IN SILANG, CAVITE

IN this December 18, 2017, file photo, Philippine Marines march at the Gregorio Lim Marine Base, in Ternate, Cavite. In September last year, the US provided more than five million rounds of ammunition worth P117.4 million to the military for its specialized units’ counterterrorism training. AP/BULLIT MARQUEZ

By Rene Acosta

HE Philippines and the United States are ramping up their cooperation and joint effort in fighting terrorism as the country struggles to deal with the effects of violent extremism and radicalism in Mindanao.

More than a week ago, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the US Embassy in Manila broke ground for a regional counterterrorism center at the compound of the PNP Academy in Silang, Cavite, with the center expected to rise before the end of this year. The training facility, the first of its kind in the region, will not only benefit the country, but even other states in Southeast Asia which, like the Philippines, are also coping with problems posed by Islamic militancy.

The center, which will train and capacitate members of lawenforcement agencies in the Philippines and even from its neighbors, is a much-needed boost for the government, which is dealing with the Islamic State (IS) and its continuing recruitment in the country. The Philippine government and the people of Marawi still have to rebuild from the damage wrought by homegrown but IS-inspired terrorists who wreaked havoc on the onceprogressive Islamic City in 2017, putting it under siege for months.

On the ground, the IS operates through the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) under Hadjan Sawadjaan in Sulu, the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur and the three factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Central Mindanao, particularly in the province of Sulu.

Multimillion-dollar facility

THE center would be built and equipped from a P350-million ($6.7 million) funding, which is part of the P520-million ($10 mil-

lion) US counterterrorism money obtained to establish and jointly operate the facility with the US. The US Embassy said the US Department of State secured the $10 million in the form of counterterrorism partnership funds to construct and jointly operate and maintain the facility. The initialization of the project was made before former PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde gave up his post as top policeman of the country. He considered putting up Continued on A2

Chinese snooping tech spreads to nations vulnerable to abuse

By Dusan Stojanovic | The Associated Press

ing concerns about the privacy of millions of people in countries with little power to stand up to China. “The system can be used to trail political opponents, monitor regime critics at any moment, which is completely against the law,” said Serbia’s former commissioner for personal data protection, Rodoljub Sabic. Groups opposed to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic say police are leaking video of protests to pro-government media, which publish the images, along with the identities of participants. Vucic himself has boasted the police have the capability to count “each head” at anti-government gatherings. During a recent rally, protesters climbed up a pole and covered a camera lens with duct tape scrawled with the word “censored.”

ELGRADE, Serbia—When hundreds of video cameras with the power to identify and track individuals started appearing in the streets of Belgrade as part of a major surveillance project, some protesters began having second thoughts about joining anti-government demonstrations in the Serbian capital. Local authorities assert the system, created by Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, helps reduce crime in the city of 2 million. Critics contend it erodes personal freedoms, makes political opponents vulnerable to retribution and even exposes the country’s citizens to snooping by the Chinese government. The cameras, equipped with

facial recognition technology, are being rolled out across hundreds of cities around the world, particularly in poorer countries with weak track records on human rights where Beijing has increased its influence through big business deals. With the United States claiming that Chinese state authorities can get backdoor access to Huawei data, the aggressive rollout is rais-

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 51.4860

No police abuse IN this photo taken September 25, 2019, high-tech video cameras hang from an office building in downtown Belgrade, Serbia. AP

SERBIAN police deny any such abuse of the Huawei system, which will eventually encompass 1,000 Continued on A2

n JAPAN 0.4739 n UK 66.3758 n HK 6.5634 n CHINA 7.2749 n SINGAPORE 39.1976 n AUSTRALIA 37.7353 n EU 57.2833 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.7270

Source: BSP (October 18, 2019 )

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Chinese snooping tech spreads to nations vulnerable to abuse Continued from A1

cameras in 800 locations throughout Belgrade. Huawei said in a statement that it “complies with all applicable laws and regulations” in Serbia and anywhere else it does business. While facial recognition technology is being adopted in many countries, spurring debate over the balance between privacy and safety, the Huawei system has gained extra attention due to accusations that Chinese laws requiring companies to assist in national intelligence work give authorities access to its data. As a result, some countries are reconsidering using Huawei technology, particularly the superfast 5G networks that are being rolled out later this year. Still, Huawei, which denies accusations of any Chinese government control, has had no trouble finding customers eager to install its so-called Safe Cities technology, particularly among countries that China has brought closer into its diplomatic and economic orbit. Besides Serbia, that list includes Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Angola, Laos, Kazakhstan, Kenya and Uganda, as well as a few liberal democracies like Germany, France and Italy. The system is used in some 230 cities, exposing tens of millions of people to its screening. In a promotional brochure, Huawei says its video surveillance technology can scan over long distances to detect “abnormal behavior” such as loitering, track the

movement of cars and people, calculate crowd size and send alerts to a command center if it detects something suspicious. Local authorities can then act upon the information they receive. In one case advertised on its website, the company says a suspect in a hit-and-run accident in Belgrade was later discovered in China with the help of face recognition data shared by the Serbian police with their Chinese counterparts. In view of the cybersecurity accusations leveled by the US and international rights groups against Huawei, the relationship between China and countries that use the company’s technology is coming under renewed scrutiny.

deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to track citizens, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The group says at least 75 countries are actively using AI tools such as facial recognition for surveillance—and Huawei has sold its systems in 50 of those countries, giving it a far wider reach than competitors such as Japan-based NEC and US-based IBM. “It’s very unclear what safeguards are being put in place,” said Steven Feldstein, a Carnegie Endowment fellow who authored a report on the issue. “Where are images being stored? How long are they being stored for? What kind of accountability procedures will there be? What type of operations will be linked to these surveillance cameras?”

Gateway to the continent

CHINA’S influence in Serbia, a European Union candidate that Beijing views as a gateway to the continent, has significantly expanded in recent years through Beijing’s global Belt and Road investment programs. The populist Serbian regime has been keen to develop closer ties and the country’s fragile democracy allows China’s economic interests to grow relatively unchecked, without raising too many questions about human rights, environmental standards or transparency. China’s state investment bank has granted billions of dollars in easy-term loans to build coalpowered plants, roads, railroads and bridges. Chinese police officers even help patrol the streets of Belgrade, a security presence officially billed as assisting the growing

No Big Brother society IN this photo taken September 25, 2019, a young Serbian rights-group activist has her face painted to confuse the Huawei surveillance video cameras with face-recognition software installed in Belgrade, Serbia. With public authorities disclosing little about how the cameras work, the group has set up a tent to ask pedestrians whether they know they are being watched. AP/DARKO VOJINOVIC

number of Chinese tourists who visit the city. It’s a similar story in Uganda, where China has invested heavily in infrastructure like highways and a hydropower dam on the Nile. When longtime President Yoweri Museveni launched a $126-million project to install Huawei facial recognition systems a year ago, he

said the cameras were “eyes, ears and a nose” to fight rampant street crime in the sprawling capital, Kampala. Opposition activists say the real goal is to deter street protesters against an increasingly unpopular government.

For public safety, security?

“THE cameras are politically motivated,” said Joel Ssenyonyi, a spokesman for the musician and activist known as Bobi Wine who has emerged as a powerful challenger to Museveni. “They are not doing this for security. The focus for them is hunting down political opponents.” In neighboring Kenya, the government has also renewed its

focus on public safety after a spate of extremist attacks. It has been pushing to register people digitally, including by recording DNA, iris and facial data. To do so, it turned to China, which helped finance the installation of surveillance cameras in Kenya as far back as 2012. The Kenyan government wants to pool into one database all the information from public and private CCTV cameras, including those with facial recognition technology, a move that activists warn would vastly expand its surveillance powers in a country that does not have comprehensive data protection laws. A growing number of countries are following China’s lead in

HUAWEI said in an emailed statement that it “complies with all applicable laws and regulations in our countries of business. This is the most fundamental principle of our business operations. We are dedicated to bringing people better connectivity, eliminating digital gaps, and promoting the sustainable development of our societies and economies.” In Belgrade’s bustling downtown Republic Square, high-tech video cameras are pointed in all directions from an office building as pedestrians hurry about their everyday business. With public authorities disclosing little about how the cameras work, a rights group has set up a tent to ask pedestrians whether they know they are being watched. “We don’t want to be in some kind of Big Brother society,” said rights activist Ivana Markulic. “We are asking: Where are the cameras, where are they hidden, how much did we pay for them and what’s going to happen with information collected after this surveillance?”

PHL, US level up drive vs terrorists

PHILIPPINE Navy SEALS make their final assault as they simulate a rescue operation during the 120th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy, May 22, 2018, in Pasay City. AP/BULLIT MARQUEZ Continued from A1

the regional training center as another expression of support by the US in its counterterrorism commitment to the country. “For years, the US government [has] always [been] ready to help the PNP’s campaign to strengthen our mechanism for our counterterrorism efforts,” he said. The US Embassy said that once the facility is constructed, it will provide counterterrorism training for law-enforcement units and other personnel from the country and from regional partner nations.

Complementing effort

THE operation of the center is seen to back up the current initiatives of the government in dealing with the problems of terrorism, violent extremism and even radicalism in Mindanao, which, since last year, has recorded at least four cases of suicide bombings, one of which was perpetrated by a local Moro. Other than conducting military operations in Western and Central Mindanao against IS-allied local groups and allowing the Moros to exercise a semi-independent government through the Bangsa moro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the government

has put forward the National Action Plan on Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism. Government officials hope that the action plan would stop radicalism in southern Philippines. The establishment of the modern regional counterterrorism center in the country came following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PNP and the US Embassy in August this year. “We believe this program will enhance and boost our capabilities to address threats posed by domestic and transnational terrorism,” Albayalde said. “The establishment of this center reflects the US’s enduring commitment to support Philippine counterterrorism efforts and work together to address threats to peace and security in the region,” the US Embassy, on the other hand, said.

Other counterterrorism support

THE creation of the state-of-the-art facility was but part of the assistance that the US had been providing the country in an effort to boost its counterterrorism capability. In September last year, the US provided more than five million rounds of ammunition worth P117.4 million to the military for its specialized units’ counterter-

rorism training. The ammunition, funded as a grant through the US Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program, was provided primarily for the use of the Army’s Light Reaction Regiment and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Joint Special Operations Group. In July this year, the US also announced that it will provide $26.5 million for the next two years to boost the counterterrorism effort of the Philippine government. The money will fund assistance to a wide array of projects that include training, equipment and other support to build “comprehensive law-enforcement capacity within a rule of law framework to deny terrorist operations, funding and movement.” It will also support programs, including boosting the capability of Filipinos to investigate and prosecute terrorism cases and counter violent extremism and radicalization. “This support for non-military rule-of-law approaches to addressing terrorist threats will complement our sustained commitment to building the counterterrorism capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” it said.

www.businessmirror.com.ph · Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Mayor Sara: Davao City on way to surpass I.R.A. reliance for funds By Manuel T. Cayon Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY is in the middle of a transformational process, as more vertical constructions are literally and noticeably sprouting like mushrooms in the downtown area, as well as in its suburbs. At the pace by which investment inquiries and actual investments are coming in, the reconfiguration of the urban scenery is likely to go on for years ahead. Just how the massive flow of investment going into the city is summed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in her State of the City Address on Monday (October 14, 2019). “As in the past years, Davao City’s economy continues to show a steady rise as evidenced by the increased number of registered businesses and capitalization. Together with our neighbor-provinces, Davao region’s economy remained the second fastes-growing economy in the entire country when we posted an 8.6-percent growth in 2018,” she said, in a report attended by the four consul general of Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and the People’s Republic of China. While the growth is already splendid enough to place the Davao region as the second fastest-growing region after the Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblom and Palawan (Mimaropa) region, it was 2.1 percentage points lower than that of 2017. Duterte said investments continued to grow the past three years with a total investment portfolio of P230 billion in 2016, P272 billion in 2017 and P279 billion in 2018. This would position Davao City to a comfortable platform to attain the $6 billion-economy within striking distance.

On the road beyond IRA

Local economies, including Davao City, are relying on the financial subsidy, called Internal Revenue Allotment, from the national government to prop up respective budgets with cities enjoying advantageous edge over the municipalities, due to the sheer size of population, which is the main criterion in computing the amount of the IRA. Through the years, the local tax collection has demonstrated an increasingly healthy and robust economy that Duterte-Carpio said would allow the city to wean itself away from heavy dependence on the IRA. Last year, the city surpassed revenue collections of the previous years, when it collected P8.5 billion. It was “continuing upward trend since 2016,” she added. In 2016, the total collection was P6.3 billion, which increased to P7.2 billion in 2017. By June this year, “we already saw an 11-percent increase with P5.5 billion compared to P4.9 billion of the same period last year.” “In effect, more local taxes are collected, and the city is on its way to surpass the Internal Revenue Allotment as the main fund source to finance projects. The goal is to limit our dependency on the Internal Revenue Allotment, or IRA, so that we can finance more programs that are not among those restricted for IRA use,” she reported. The Office of Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairman of the council committee on finance, ways and means, provided the B usinessM irror with the IRA received by the city. In 2016, it received P3.6 billion, and this increased in 2017 at P4.167 billion, and further up last year at P4.47 billion. This year, the city IRA was at P4.9 billion. Duterte-Carpio ascribed the increased total collection to the implementation of Ordinance 0291-17, Series of 2017, otherwise known as the 2017 Revenue Code, last year and the decrease in fines and penalties “that positively translated to the taxpayers’ compliance with their obligations to the city government.”

Debt-free regime by 2022

Private investments have been pouring as multistorey structures multiply and grow limited only on the height set by the Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Philippines to avoid blocking the path of aircraft that land and take off at the Davao International Airport in swarms. From a trickle of big investments coming in two decades ago, the field has widened tremendously for big players. Early this year, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) gave a glimpse of the extent of investments already here, based on the actual requests for water connection filed at its office. Lawyer Bernardo D. Delima, DCWD spokesman, said the upcoming operation of the bulk water supply agreement with the Aboitiz-owned Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. would be adequate enough to meet the city’s needs and the surge of demand from high-rise residential structures and new subdivisions. He said water connection applications were filed by owners and operators of new 66 condominiums and high-rise structures, and 58 housing subdivisions. Delima said the water connections for these new applications would entail an estimated supply of 82 million liters of water daily for the condominiums and 119 million liters daily for the 158,200 units of housing subdivisions. Delima said the demand is expected to come in gradually, with the bulk of the demand to come by 2021 due to the length of time needed to construct these projects. Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio said the increasing

economic activity year-on-year translates to more employment opportunities and increased purchasing power for the Dabawenyos. “Furthermore, the healthy fiscal condition of Davao, along with the constant support of the private sector, paved the way for the funding various programs and projects,” she added. The City Engineer’s Office completed 517 projects, such as the construction of 679 buildings, drainage systems, roads, bridges, and water systems amounting to P1.3 billion. In the next period would be the finishing touches, or construction, of new buildings for the city library, Museo Dabawenyo, City Investment Promotion Center, City Tourism and City Social Services Development Office. The rehabilitation work at Agdao Public Market is currently being undertaken. In the past three years, the city constructed 112 classrooms across all levels and sites, with 77 classrooms under the Special Education Fund. The 2017 constructions were 90 percent complete and last year’s projects were 78 percent completed. “For the year 2020, we will continue to put funds for the construction of more classrooms that will help us in attaining zero backlog for our children’s classroom needs. In the coming weeks, the Local School Board is set to approve a budget of P650 million, and approximately P270 million will be used to further fund classroom construction in the different areas of Davao City,” Duterte-Carpio said. She acknowledged the foreign assistance initiated by the consular offices here. Last year, the embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines allocated funds for the construction of 13 modern two-story, fourclassroom buildings, of which, 11 were completed and are now being used by the students. The Department of Education here also received assistance in putting up five school buildings with four classrooms each from Emcor, an electronics and appliance company, that had its beginnings in Davao City. Four of the five buildings were scheduled for turnover later this month.

Health infra projects

Health was not far behind. Some P87.5 million under the Health Facility Enhancement Program 2017 was allotted for the construction of 30 new health facilities in the city. As of May this year, 14 barangay health stations and rural health units were completed under that 2017 project. Six other RHUs were renovated, while 10 were still in the construction phase. For the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of 2018, four facilities were completed, two were renovated, and 12 were still constructed. The completion of the health centers in Buhangin, Agdao, and Panacan were currently being planned, and the Paquibato District Hospital was already at 15 percent into the construction, she added. In addition, we have also provided ambulances to 16 Barangay Health Stations and health centers around the city. In her city address, Duterte-Carpio listed some 38 major infrastructure projects in the pipeline, many of them for social services of the city constituents, but mainly for the indigents and the need for shelter and services during disasters. She allayed fears of rising debt to finance these projects saying that “debt servicing is nearing completion, which will basically make the city debt-free in 2022.” This assurance came with the sterling performance of the city during difficult times. While last year’s growth was lower by 2.1 percent from the previous year’s growth, even the National Economic and Development Authority praised the performance of the region, bannered by Davao City, for coming up with a significant growth while the whole country was struggling with one of the worst inflation period in a decade.

The big ‘advantage’ Detractors have also dismissed the spike in the growth as short and fleeting, linking the trend to please the current administration of President Duterte, who comes from this city of more than 1.6 million residents, the fourth most populous after the three big Metro Manila cities. Investors though see a more grounded business opportunity and still untapped resources way beyond politics, local business leaders would say. The Anvil Group of young and moneyed FilipinoChinese businessmen and women, for example, pointed this out during their first-ever venture in July 2018 of holding their annual meeting here outside of the capital in Metro Manila. Key leaders said they were astounded by reports of huge potential of raw materials across many provinces, and by the increasingly improved transportation infrastructure like widened roads from Davao City going to the satellite areas where the resources and production areas abound. City officials though agreed that the ascension to Malacañang of President Duterte, a mayor for 22 years here, helped a lot to propel interest in the city. That factor, according to Arturo Milan, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, “Is an undeniable fact, and advantage that we have to capture also.”

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PHL sees around 6% growth in 2019 on fiscal stimulus

he Philippine economy will probably expand around 6 percent in 2019 as the government ramps up spending after a slower growth rate in the first half. “ We’re h it t ing ou r spending targets now and we def initely w i l l ma ke a ver y good ef for t in catc h ing up,” Finance Secretar y Carlos Dom i ng ue z I I I s a id i n a n i nter v ie w w it h Bloomberg Telev ision’s K at h leen Hays at t he sidel ines of t he Inter nat iona l Monet a r y Fu nd meet ings in Wash ing ton. The government’s so-called spending catch-up plan will act as a “fiscal stimulus” for

the economy, Dominguez said. The Philippines has a 6-percent to 7-percent GDP growth target for the year and posted a 5.5-percent expansion in the first half. The transport and public works agencies have called for 24-hour construction on infrastructure projects and broken big-ticket deals into smaller contracts so they can be bid out faster. Lawmakers have also agreed to extend

the validity of any unused funds to 2020 to make up for the four-month delay in the approval of this year’s national budget, the finance chief said. The Philippines is lining up a record $27-billion borrowing plan for next year on expectations that the government’s spending program, particularly for major infrastructure deals, will get back on track. It will keep its program to raise as much as $3.7 billion offshore, despite seeing “higher than expected” interest rates in the market because of the USChina trade war uncertainty, Dominguez said. T he Sout heast A si a n nation could offer dollar bonds around Januar y or Febr uar y, fol lowed by y u a n- a nd eu ro denom i n ated debt papers, a nd t he n a s a mu r a i of fe r towa rd Aug ust, he sa id. No

ne w of fshore m a rket s a re being considered. While some countries test budget-deficit limits to shield their economies from a possible globa l recession, t he Philippines faces a problem of being unable to spend the money it has. The spending comes as the Philippines faces more headwinds with the US-China trade war. Electronic shipments to China, where they are packaged for the US market, have pulled down export growth, he said. Foreign direct investments have also fallen 39 percent as of July. “Definitely the trade war has increased the uncertainties in the market,” Dominguez said. “Although the Philippines is well-positioned, we are still feeling ill effects of the trade war.” Bloomberg News

Uproar over ‘Abominable’ movie’s map of China spreads in Asia

reamWorks Animation’s Abominable has drawn calls for boycotts and censorship in Southeast Asia as it shows a map of China with maritime claims the country’s neighbors dispute. The map shows Beijing’s so-called nine-dash line encompassing about 80 percent of the South China Sea as Chinese territorial waters. Universal Pictures, which released the film worldwide, and its partner and co-producer China-based Pearl Studio declined to comment. The uproar adds DreamWorks to the list of big global brands hit by geopolitical crossfire in Asia over issues from sovereignty

to maritime boundaries and political unrest. The National Basketball Association saw broadcasts of its exhibition games in China canceled after a team official in the US expressed his support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong in a tweet that was later deleted. Abominable tells the story of a teenage girl named Yi, who finds a yeti on her roof in Shanghai. She names him “Everest” and sets off to help him get home to his family in the Himalayas. The movie also opened in US theaters late last month and in China on October 1. Vietnam has ordered a halt to screenings

of Abominable, while the Philippines’s foreign secretary called for a boycott of all DreamWorks movies. Censors in Malaysia have ordered the scene showing the map removed from the movie, Reuters reported on Thursday. “For me, call a universal boycott of all DreamWorks production here on,”Teodoro Locsin, foreign secretary for the Philippines, said in a tweet this week. Locsin’s post came in reaction to one by a maritime-law professor calling for the movie to be banned in the Southeast Asian country. The Philippines hasn’t imposed any restrictions on the film. Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, have

been disputing China’s sovereignty claims over islands and waters between them. President Duterte, in a rare rebuke of China earlier this year, told the country to lay off an island in the disputed waters. Manila has also protested the presence of more than 200 Chinese vessels near the area. At the same time, President Duterte is pressing ahead with a plan to explore for oil and gas in the sea jointly with China, which has promised 60-40 revenue sharing favoring the Philippines. The US estimates the region has $2.5 trillion in unexploited hydrocarbon resources. Bloomberg News

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China’s economy slows on weak investment, testing global growth

hina continued its grind to more moderate growth in the third quarter as investment slowed, providing little upside for a global economy flirting with its first recession since 2009.

Workers operate in the mineral selection shop of the Donghuashan Copper Mine, operated by Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Co. Ltd., in Tongling, China, on January 17, 2019. Bloomberg

Gross domestic product rose 6 percent in the July-to-September period from a year ago, the slowest pace since the early 1990s and weaker than the consensus forecast of 6.1 percent. On the upside, factory output improved and retail sales held up, but slowing investment growth remained a concern. Policy-makers appear to be allowing the world’s second-largest economy to drift lower as they seek

to clean up the financial system and curb excessive credit growth while they fight a confidence-sapping trade war with US President Donald Trump. With a drop off in exports to the US expected to continue as long as tariffs remain, the economy is likely to keep struggling as deflationary pressures hit company profits. Even with the slowdown, year to date growth of 6.2 percent sug-

gests the government can hit its target of an expansion of 6 percent to 6.5 percent for 2019. Until now, officials have focused on limited, targeted measures such as reserveratio cuts and credit support, wary of expanding the nation’s already heavy debt load. A meeting of the Communist Party’s top leadership due in the coming days may present an opportunity to review stimulus settings. “China’s economy is g rap pling with both external and internal headwinds,” said Frederic Neumann, cohead of Asian economics resea rc h at HSBC Holdings Plc. in Hong Kong. “Ex por ts star ted to contract of late amid wobbly global demand and rising tariffs in the US. Despite some stabilization in retail sales and industrial production in September, overall demand continues to soften, ref lecting still relatively tight credit conditions.” Further details from the report: Factor y output rose 5.8 percent in September, retail sales expanded 7.8 percent, while investment gained 5.4 percent in the first nine months; Inf rastr uct ure investment growth picked up to 4.5 percent in the nine months to September; The contribution of net exports to gross domestic product (GDP) growth picked up to 19.6 percent in the nine months through September. That’s not necessarily an indication of economic strength though, as it was likely led by a pullback in imports; Consumption’s contribution

increased to 60.5 percent from 55.3 percent; Investment’s contribution slowed to 19.8 percent from 25.9 percent; T he su r ve yed jobless rate rema ined at 5.2 percent; a nd Stocks pared earlier gains after the data, with the Hang Seng slipping 0.1 percent and the Shanghai Composite falling 0.6 percent. The offshore yuan was largely flat at 7.0791 per dollar. As China slows, it is buying less from the rest of the world, pushing its trade surplus higher and dragging on global economic growth. That’s having a knock-on effect on trade partners, from developed economies like Germany to commodity suppliers. Global policy-makers including People’s Bank of China Governor Yi Gang are meeting in Washington this week for the International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings. The IMF set the tone for the gathering, making its fifth-straight cut to its forecast for 2019 global growth, which is on pace for the slowest expansion in a decade. The long-term slowdown underlines the challenge for companies doing business in China now, where high sales growth had once been a given. French distiller Pernod Ricard SA said growth in China slowed to 6 percent in the latest three months, less than one quarter of the yearearlier rate. Nestle SA said sales in the country were flat for the first nine months, while Unilever said business there “slowed a little” in the latest period. Bloomberg News

After hemorrhaging $100B, Europe is staging a comeback

rowth remains slow, the Brexit saga is far from over and yet, European assets are gaining favor with investors. The reason? There are several, including optimism that a no-deal Brexit is off the table and that the US and China are making progress in trade talks. But in Europe’s case, it’s also a contrarian call on buying a market that has been largely avoided by investors this year. “We saw that the positioning was particularly poor and Europe was one of the more unloved and under-owned areas of the world,” said Nathan Thooft, head of global asset allocation at Manulife Investment Management, which has been buying European stocks in October. “As soon as people start to see positive signs, they come running back and the opportunity for the upside is still there.” Just this year alone, European equity funds have lost about $100 billion to outflows, even as the returns have been comparable to those of the S&P 500 index. Fund managers see Europe as the region with the least favorable profit outlook among major markets, according to the latest Bank of America Corp. fund manager survey. And they have a point since Germany on Thursday slashed its 2020 growth forecast and is flirting with recession. But the October moves in key European markets are signaling that bears may be giving up some of their positions. The euro, which last month hit a two-year low, is the best-performing major developedmarket currency after the pound this month, while the Euro Stoxx 50’s 2.9-percent gain in US dollar terms is three times that of the S&P 500. And Europe’s primary bond market jumped back to life on Thursday and may set a new annual

record by the end of next month. Strategists from JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America turned bullish on European stocks earlier this month, saying that economic data are hitting lows and can only get better from here, whereas low investor positioning creates ample room for entry. “Given the strong consensus underweight and fading political uncertainty, some international investors view Europe more positively now,” said Ulrich Urbahn, head of multi-asset strategy and research at Joh Berenberg Gossler & Co. “There is a bigger chance now that Europe can attract more inflows in the coming months.” And now that Boris Johnson managed to bridge a deal with the European Union, all eyes are on his ability to get it through Britain’s Parliament. Success would be a major positive catalyst for European and UK assets. European stocks are unlikely to jump 5 percent overnight if a deal is passed, but it’ll fuel further upgrades in investor positioning, according to Manulife’s Thooft. Reports that the EU and UK were closing in on a draft deal sent the Stoxx Europe 600 to the highest level in 17 months on Tuesday. The likes of JPMorgan said that euro-area stocks would be a key beneficiary of increased political clarity. “Europe has been left behind and it is proving to be a wrong choice already,” said Alberto Tocchio, chief investment officer at Colombo Wealth SA, who has bought call options on European stocks on expectations of a Brexit deal. “A potential resolution of the Brexit issue could be the spark that would lead to some major inflows into Europe over the next months.” Bloomberg News

Joko Widodo, Indonesia’s president, speaks during a National Batik Day event in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, on Wednesday, October 2. Muhammad Fadli/Bloomberg

Jokowi looks to reboot Indonesia’s economy a revamped Cabinet

ndonesian President Joko Widodo is set to revamp his economic team in a new Cabinet that may include key opposition figures and industrialists, enabling him to push through difficult business reforms. Widodo, 58, will be sworn in for a second term Sunday, with his Cabinet likely to be announced soon after. He’s expected to broaden his coalition by luring the opposition with Cabinet posts in a bid to secure support for his policy agenda. Jokowi, as the president is known, heads into his final five years in office having pledged to lift economic growth, overhaul labor laws and boost investment at a time when trade tensions between the US and China are hammering demand. “The team of economic managers in the Cabinet will be more crucial than ever before given the immediate challenges of navigating an uncertain global backdrop,” said Euben Paracuelles, an economist at Nomura Holdings Inc. in Singapore. Here’s a look at the key possible Cabinet names doing the rounds in the media and among Indonesia watchers:

Chatib Basri

Sri Mulyani Indrawati

Misbakhun, a member of the parliament’s finance committee during Jokowi’s first term, is considered a possible candidate to be trade minister, a post currently held by Enggartiasto Lukita. Misbakhun is a politician from the Golkar party, which has been a key member of the ruling coalition and is the secondbiggest party in the parliament.

Jokowi has given few details about his new Cabinet lineup, aside from guaranteeing in a recent interview that Indrawati, currently the finance minister, will remain in his team. It’s possible she may be promoted to the post of coordinating minister for economic affairs, a position currently held by Darmin Nasution, according to one document prepared by Jokowi’s presidential campaign. A former World Bank managing director, 57-year-old Indrawati has been credited with stabilizing the government’s finances and winning the country multiple credit-rating upgrades.

Perry Warjiyo

Currently governor of the central bank, Warjiyo is a possible successor to Indrawati if she’s promoted to a more senior Cabinet post, according to a list compiled by Jokowi’s presidential campaign team. Warjiyo was Jokowi’s sole nominee for governor when he was appointed to the post in May last year. He’s built his career at the central bank, dealing with a number of financial crises during his time. He led an aggressive policy response to counter last year’s emerging-market rout, raising interest rates by 175 basis points to help stabilize the currency.

The former finance minister is also seen as a possible successor to Indrawati. Basri served under Jokowi’s predecessor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also known as SBY, and is an advocate of labor market reform and policies focused on lifting investment. Former Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowardojo and Mirza Adityaswara, an ex-senior deputy governor, have also been cited as possible replacements for Indrawati.

Nadiem Makarim

The founder of Indonesia’s first start-up unicorn Gojek is touted as a possible minister in charge of either education or small- and medium-sized businesses. His addition to the Cabinet would be in line with Jokowi’s publicly stated preference to include professionals and millennials in his team. Makarim, 35, has built Gojek into a $10-billion company offering everything from ride-hailing services to food delivery and digital payments. The company counts Google, JD.com Inc. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. among its investors and is seen as an icon for aspiring Indonesian entrepreneurs.

Mukhamad Misbakhun

Prabowo Subianto

Jokowi’s heavy reform agenda has seen him reach across the aisle to opposition parties, including to Prabowo, the head of Indonesia’s main opposition party, who the president defeated for a second time in elections earlier this year. The pair have held a number of very public meetings in recent months, boosting expectations Prabowo, a former general, could bring his Great Indonesian Movement Party into the ruling coalition, and that his party could also be rewarded with several Cabinet slots.

Sandiaga Uno

Uno was Prabowo’s running mate in the 2019 presidential race and is being touted as possibly joining the new Cabinet. A graduate of George Washington University, Uno is a successful businessman with big political ambitions. SBY ’s son Agus Yudhoyono has also been named as possibly joining the Cabinet. Bloomberg News

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Vinta sailboats at Santa Cruz Island

Don’t you go, don’t you go to far Zamboanga

‘No Te Vayas de Zamboanga’ T Story & Photos by Bernard supetran

HERE is a Chavacano folk song titled “No Te Vayas de Zamboanga,” which tells about a young lady warning her fiancé not to go to the charming city—not because of the physical danger, but by the thought of being snatched by its lovely maidens.

Zamboanga Golf & Country Club

Merloquet Falls

Weavers at Yakan Village

Then regarded as the “City of Flowers” because of its flowerlined paseos, its deep Hispanic influence, and its regal Iberian-inspired language, Zamboanga has the ingredients of snatching away a visitor from his hometown. This urban legend next came alive once more in the recent annual Hermosa Festival, one of the country’s most pioneer cultural events long before street dancing became a craze. The month-long festivity coincides with the patronal feast of the Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilar and reflected the city’s rich cultural heritage, as well as the unity and diversity among Christians, Muslims and indigenous lumad tribes. But beyond the pomp and pag-

eantry, Hermosa is an attempt to put the tourism spotlight to this under-the-radar destination, which often encounters image reputational issues on its peace and order situation. Dubbed as “Asia’s Latin City” because of its Spanish-based tongue, it has a unique and enigmatic pull to those who have seen it up close and experienced its genteel lifestyle. Its most iconic tourist landmark is Fort Pilar, one of the country’s biggest Spanish-era fortresses, which houses the regional branch of the National Museum. Its outer wall serves as the Shrine of the Our Lady at the Pillar, which is believed to have protected the city against armed attacks during the colonial era,

Stilts, swallows and a little egret Bob Natural

and draws tens of thousands of Marian pilgrims the whole year round. A zestful destination is the Merloquet waterfalls which is becoming a favorite getaway for locals and visitors alike because of its multi-tiered cascades which can provide an icy and relaxing hydro massage. Situated in the outskirts, it is also one of the city’s most-photographed tourist spots because of its mesmerizing visual effects. Off the mainland is Santa

Cruz Grande Island which is sought-after for its crystal-clear water and powdery pinkish sand which is caused by crushed red pipe corals, the only one of its kind in the archipelago. At its core is a lagoon which boasts of a rich wetland ecosystem evident in the wild birds hovering in the area which have lured birdwatchers from all over Southeast Asia. After years of rehabilitation, the island has somehow restored its aquatic life and is now ideal

for scuba diving or snorkeling. Santa Cruz is also the heart of a chain of islets called Once Islas which is frequented during island-hopping excursions. As among the top birding sites validated by the Department of Tourism and bird-watching groups, Zamboanga plays host to the annual bird-watching festival which usually takes place in the first quarter of the year. For a glimpse of Islamic culture, swing by the outskirt barangay of Taluksangay which is home to a majestic and historic mosque. Closer to the city is Yakan Village which has displays of exquisite hand-weaving, ancient weaponry, musical instruments and brassware of this colorful and exotic tribe from Basilan. Golf aficionados can perfect their swing at the fairways of the panoramic government-owned Zamboanga Golf and Country Club overlooking the sea. The city also takes pride of its well-manicured public parks, such as the newly spruced up Plaza Pershing with its dancing fountain, the postcard-pretty Plaza Rizal across the 112-year old city hall building, and Paseo del Mar, a nocturnal dining and recreation colony by the bayside

which also hosts the Centro Latino, the city’s civic and cultural center. Also within the pueblo or city proper is the Bank of the Philippine Islands Museum which was restored from the Barrios family ancestral house, and served as home to Gen. John Pershing, American governor of the Moro Province. Come chow time, Zamboanga is a haven for seafoods, especially the luscious and expensive “curacha” or the deep-sea spanner crab caught in the waters of Sulu Sea. Steamed and dipped at the Alavar sauce popularized by a restaurant of the same name, this fingerlicking food is a must-taste and is perhaps a most defining moment of a visit to the city. For your fix of retail therapy, the Canelar barter center won’t disappoint with its wide range of colorful Islamic textiles, native crafts and souvenirs, and household goods traded from Malaysia and Indonesia. And when it’s time to hit the sack, the city has a wide range of boutique accommodations catering to different budgets, the most noteworthy of which is Garden Orchid Hotel, a four-star facility located just outside the airport. Just like in the olden days, Zamboanga dreams of reclaiming its status of its reputation preceding itself—that of elegance, charm and allure. And just as the folk song goes, you would never want to leave the city once you’re there.

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Riding on the wave of strong tourism sector

HE country continues to gain prominence among many international travelers and tourists. With more than 7,000 islands offering numerous, yet, distinct flavors and thrilling adventures, it is not at all surprising to see the country’s tourism sector steadily thriving and consequently fueling progress across regions. As Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat herself said, Philippine tourism is at its “most exciting times and is currently among the soughtafter destinations by many foreign travelers.” In fact, recent reports have shown that international arrivals reached an all-time high of 7.2 million in 2018, up from the 6.62 million recorded the previous year. This is a clear indication that world travelers have already started to take notice of the Philippines and deem it to be a part of their own bucket list. As the Department of Tourism remains optimistic of hitting its goal of 10 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2022, Philippine realestate developers are, meanwhile, encouraged to take a more active part and look into creating resort facilities and accommodations that would allow for the perfect vacation for tourists. “Santa Lucia Land believes in the country’s strong potential to become one of the preferred destinations of many thrill seekers, vacationers and backpackers from all over the world, and hence, we have diversified our portfolio to meet such a growing demand. In fact, we have long recognized the need to build such facilities and developments, that’s why we have ventured and invested early on in resorts, condotels and hotels. We can say that we have long prepared for the steady influx of tourists,” said Santa Lucia Land President Exequiel Robles. “These are world-class destina-

tions providing a relaxing, memorable stay, which help us make that favorable first impression among tourists,” he further said. Santa Lucia Land has various resort development projects and hotels that serve as the ideal second home for travelers. It has the Splendido Hotel, situated in breezy Tagaytay that offers scenic views; Aquamira Resort in Tanza, Cavite; Arterra Resort and Residences, which offer stunning views of Magellan Bay and Vistamar Resort, both located in Cebu; Club Morrocco in Subic; and a number of Sotogrande Hotels spread across the country. These projects are poised to provide travelers a really good time while exploring other thrilling activities that the country has to offer. “We see our resort and leisure developments as a strong contributor to our business portfolio, that’s why we also make sure that we continue to improve on our offerings. The recent influx of tourists in the country and the sustained interest of many travelers to go to the Philippines have encouraged us to further strengthen this side of our business. Through our resorts and hotels, we also hope to give travelers the most genuine form of hospitality we are famous for,” Robles said. “As the government continues to entice travelers to come to our country, we, at Santa Lucia Land, will also make sure that we do our part well. After all, we build our resort and leisure developments the same way we build our homes and communities and thus, guests are assured to have only the best and most memorable experiences. Our hotels serve as a perfect second home and a perfect jump-off point to many enjoyable and fun adventures in the country,” he concluded.

Sotogrande Iloilo

Arterra Resort and Residences offer stunning views of Magellan Bay

Sotogrande Davao

Urban-country living is more than just a trend

ESPITE being smaller than Manila in size and population, Cebu is the second-most important urban center of the country and the trading convergence for Visayas and Mindanao. It also continues to cap the list of the best cities to explore for travel, business and permanent or secondary residence. Capturing the best of the metropolitan life in a place surrounded by natural wonders, Cebu City

entices with its pristine beaches and underground caverns, while exuding chic urbanity with stateof-the-art structures. Best of all, investors have taken notice of the city’s high potential for talent, infrastructure and business environment, catering to higher standards of living that mirrors Manila’s urban flair. Cebu’s rich and diverse culture is embodied in famous landmarks like the Mactan Shrine and the Cebu Taoist Temple, not

to mention the Cebuano’s signature gastronomic experience. The city’s booming economic climate has pinned down famous names in various industries, and most recently, even the iconic hotel, Marco Polo. The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu has always been a go-to destination for its legacy, city views and highend flair. With the success of the hotel came the first-ever branded luxurious residential tower in the city, the Marco Polo Residences.

The makings of a local landmark

The four-tower Marco Polo Residences, atop the exclusive Nivel Hills district, successfully married the brand’s trademark of world-class experience with Cebu’s provincial charm. With a fifth tower, Parkplace, on the way, Marco Polo Residences is set to be the ultimate residence of this ever-progressive city. For developer Federal Land Inc., Cebu’s perfect blend of urbanity and natural beauty makes it effortless for the Marco Polo brand to widen its presence down south. General Manager Thomas Mirasol shared, “Cebu is a hub for tourism and commerce in the region, and it reflects in the rapid development of the province. The influx of residents from Manila and neighboring cities, foreign investors, and expatriates into Cebu is creating a dynamic environment for the economy to flourish and the culture to deepen. Marco Polo Residences and the upcoming Parkplace Tower echo this inevitable economic rise in a very upbeat and naturally beautiful environment.” While Cebu has long been known for its historic landmarks, structures like Marco Polo Residences envision the future of this progressive city. Marking Cebu City’s skies with unique architecture and innovative design, Parkplace Tower is set to create a new standard of urban-country living. https://federalland.ph/.

Party in the dark with Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge

T’S that time of the year again! Come with friends to play spooky dress up and party the weekend away as Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge hosts its annual Halloween bash with the Black Party on October 25, 2019, (Friday). The celebration begins at 8 p.m. This Halloween season, lots and lots of spellbinding cocktails are up for toast as night owls party the night away over the stunning views of the Metro. Dressing up this season has never been this exciting as the

Sky Bar is set to award the best dressed partygoers with special prizes. Entrance fee per person is at P499++. Reservations may be made via (02) 7720 7720 or http://bit.ly/ReserveVUs. Please log-on to www.marcopolohotels.com for more details on the Hotel’s ongoing promotions. Subscribe to updates via social media through the Hotel’s official social-media accounts: facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila and @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter and Instagram.

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Philippines lands starring role in film tourism

HE Philippines’s cinematic arts industry is a vital part of the growth of the nation’s wellbeing because it promotes, enriches, and disseminates Filipino values, culture and heritage.

Citadines Cebu City opens its doors

F you’re Cebu-bound and looking for comfortable, stylish accommodation to serve as your home, away from home, you’ll be delighted to know that Citadines Cebu City is now opened. The first Citadines Apart’ hotel in Cebu City promises to bring travelers’ experience several notches higher with its warm, personalized services and its well thought-out serviced residences that combine the best of home and hotel living. Citadines Cebu City is the Ascott Ltd.’s first property in the queen city of the south and was undertaken in collaboration with Cebu Landmasters Inc., the recently recognized best developer in the Philippines by the Philippine Property Awards. Situated within Base Line Center, which houses several lifestyle conveniences in the best possible location in the heart of Midtown Cebu’s serene surroundings. “Ascott Ltd. is thrilled to welcome guests into the newly opened Citadines Cebu City to elevate the Cebu experience. This is Ascott Ltd.’s first property among the four with Cebu Landmasters Inc. The strategic alliance will focus on properties in key cities in the Mindanao and Visayas regions—such as Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Dumaguete and Iloilo,” said Daniel Wee, the Ascott Ltd.’s country general manager for the Philippines. The Citadines staff accommodated everyone with their famous Cebuano hospitality, as evidenced by their warm smiles and welcoming grazing table set by their partner food and beverage partner, the Abaca Baking Co. Guests marveled at the art pieces in Citadines Cebu City’s lobby area, an architectural gem that creates a homey atmo-

sphere and makes guests immediately feel right at home. Done in vibrant colors, it showcases works and accent pieces by local craftsmen and renowned Cebuano artists, such as Kenneth Cobonpue, Bobby Lagdameo and Inky Livie. Envisioned to be functional yet cozy at the same time, Citadines Cebu City offers 180 serviced residences that marry the conveniences of a modern home and the services of a hotel. Travelers have a choice of studio queen, studio twin and one-bedroom suite. Citadines Cebu City’s rooms are a study in functionality and efficiency. Each serviced residence comes with its own kitchen, wireless Internet access, home entertainment system, individual air conditioning, and even a built-in washer and dryer in each unit. At the same time, it offers concierge and housekeeping services, a 24hour reception and guest service team to ensure safety and security, and a gym to help tenants stay fit and healthy. The property also features, The Abaca Group, for its food and beverage services as the partnership includes running the serviced residences’ daily breakfast, banquet facilities and in-room dining. Citadines Cebu City is close to famous tourist spots, such as Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo Museum, Fuente Osmeña Circle, the Taoist temple and the Provincial Capitol. Several restaurants offering Cebu delicacies, including its world-famous lechon, are close by. Moreover, Ascott’s hosts are on hand to guide guests in planning their trips, whether it is to visit the whale sharks of Oslob, or to check out the danggit at Carbon Market.

For the past hundred years, Pinoy Cinema has been the vessel of various voices and an agent of change, so much so that no less than the President acknowledged its importance by proclaiming September 12, 2019, to September 11, 2020, as the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema. In support of this cultural milestone, the Department of Tourism (DOT) broke yet another barrier in marketing the Philippines by linking hands with Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in its filmmaking support program aimed at local and foreign film production partnership. Under DOT’s Branding and Marketing Communications department together with FDCP’s Film Philippines office, the agencies crafted and launched the “Let’s Cre-

ate Together” campaign to promote film tourism in the Philippines. “The campaign aspires to feature the country’s cinematic spots and talents through the screens around the world—boosting international awareness of the Philippines as a premier tourist destination while generating tourism-driven income for the local creative work force in the process,” said Howard Uyking, DOT’s assistant secretary for branding and marketing communications. The program shall offer two incentive options for foreign producers, provided that they work with duly registered Philippines based line producers or coproducers. These are: (1) Film Location Incentive Program, where feature films in any genre, television series, and Web content may be ap-

plied for; and two International Co-production Fund, applicable for feature films in any format (live action, documentary, or animation). To qualify, production cost in the Philippines must be at least P8 million ($155,000). Upon approval, as much as P10 million ($193,000) cash rebate may be availed through FLIP or ICOF. “There is no better way to underscore the celebration of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema than to finally give our Filipino filmmakers and the Philippines the leverage that it needs to be globally competitive,” FDCP Chairman and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra said. The Let’s Create Together campaign was officially launched during the Busan International Film Festival this October. The possibilities are endless for creative content—from reality series, animation, and even documentaries, this campaign anchors on seven key reasons why the country is a premier choice for international producers. They are: (1) Composed of more than 7,000 islands and diverse cultural wonders, the Philippines is a broad spectrum of settings for practically every story, inspiring hits then and now from Apocalypse Now to The Bourne Legacy; (2) English-speaking talent and

crews—blessed with a supreme English literacy, the local work force promises better understanding, teamwork and rapport; (3) one-stop shop for permits, visas, and tax-free importation—ease of doing business has never been better with integrated services, thereby saving time and energy; (4) Skilled artists and technicians—a newly instituted National Registry, a database of film professionals, provides a broad selection of film industry manpower; (5) available and dependable equipment and facilities—smooth planning, coordination and execution of all production activities while in the country shall be ensured with the assistance of accredited Filipino line production companies; (6) enhanced security in cities and countryside—assurance in safety is well coordinated whether they be in urban or rural areas; and (7) a location incentive that cuts your costs—a financing grant designed to optimize the potential of a film project whether it’s undergoing preproduction, production, or postproduction phase. With all these in place, there’s no wonder why it’s more fun to film in the Philippines. For more information, visit http://www.filmphilippines.com/.

F1 Hotel Manila’s winning dishes now available on hot deals!

he new set menu reflects the rich gastronomic traditions of Philippine cuisine with ingredients sourced locally from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Dining guests and foodies alike will delight in Imbaliktad—a quick seared beef tenderloin with Ilocos vinegar, Sinigang na Pata sa Catmon ug Dilang Baka or fried pork knuckle in Catmon sour broth, Utan Ala Piyanggang—local vegetables in spiced coconut cream and the Sangag na Kan-on sa Bubok Itum—fried rice with dried shrimp in burnt coconut. Executive Chef Angelo Timban, known for his impeccable skills when it comes to modern-traditional Filipino cuisine wants his guests to experience an authentic Filipino dining experience. He improvised and focused on the delicate flavors, the essence of the dish with a commitment toward freshness that reflects the growing appetite and demand of customers and food connoisseurs for authenticity. Also, be a “ghostbuster” this Halloween Season, get to experience a

Halloween celebration like no other at F1 Hotel Manila. Have a chance to be one of the ghostbusters during the season as ghosts will take over the hotel with its amazing promotions perfect for your family or barkada bonding! In this mysterious time, “Who you gonna call?” Encounter Oth-

erworldly activities as F1 Hotel Manila invites children of all ages and those who are a kid at heart to save the world and become a ghost buster this October 26, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ghostbuster Halloween Party, in partnership with Columbia Philippines. Party with us as your own favorite char-

acter in the movie at the Infinity Ballroom and get a chance to win prizes from us in honor of Ghostbusters 35th Anniversary celebration. Celebrate the Halloween Season full of activities and fun at “The Home of Happy Experiences” for only P1,800 net per person. To give you an exceptional Halloween Staycation at F1 Hotel Manila, enjoy a wickedly awesome overnight stay in a City Suite Room inclusive of free breakfast buffet for two persons and 20-percent discount on Ghostbusters Halloween Party. Get this exclusive package for only P5,800 nett per night from October 29 to November 4, 2019. Make F1 Hotel Manila your home this Halloween Season with our drop-dead promotions. Located at 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, guests may call 9087888 or follow @f1hotelmanila on Facebook and Instagram for inquiries and reservations. For restaurant reservations, please e-mail reservations@f1hotelsandresorts.com.

TPB puts a spotlight on the Philippines for MICECONnect 2019

he Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is set to further strengthen the Philippine MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibits/Events) industry by gathering local MICE suppliers under one roof to showcase the country as a premium destination for international events and conferences. Happening on October 21 to

28, 2019, MICECONnect will offer trade and business opportunities for Philippine MICE sellers through business-tobusiness sessions with foreign MICE buyers. The event will also feature an experiential familiarization tour to select Philippine MICE destinations for the invited buyers composed of MICE organizers from corporations, associations,

incentive houses and independent planning companies from the Americas, Europe and Asia. MICECONnect 2019 is a continuation of the long-standing Philippine MICE Conference. The two-year program, which began last year, provides not only comprehensive educational programs for local MICE stakeholders to learn new and effective global trends, approaches, and meth-

ods, but also business networking opportunities to help further develop the MICE industry in the country. This year, MICEConnect will be held in conjunction with the 18th Philippine Travel Exchange. To know more about MICECON 2019, visit https://www. micecon.ph,https://www.tpb.gov. ph/, or https://www.facebook.com/ tpbphl/.

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Investing in a sustainable and secure tourism industry T

THE TOURISM ADVOCATE

OURISM has always been central to national development. It contributes heavily to three high-priority goals of developing countries—the generation of income, employment and foreign exchange earnings. A country can only truly prosper if it has a healthy, growing tourism industry.

Dr. Samie Lim talks about the three “soft A s” of tourism during the partners and media briefing.

That said, a dynamic, effective and innovative national tourism strategy that considers the country’s continuously evolving physical landscape and the everchanging preferences of travelers is needed if the Philippines is to develop a sustainable tourism industry that can withstand local and global challenges. Although I have always believed that tourism is a truly resilient industry here in the Philippines—having overcome many economic, societal and political challenges that the country has faced and coming out swinging with nary a scratch—the industry still needs more support from both the public and private sector in order to flourish. The good news is that the country’s tourism industry seems to be in good, capable hands today as friends from both the government and business have come out to do their share.

eign and 40 million domestic tourists. The potential number of tourists translates to a potential revenue of P30 billion once the project is completed. “San Vicente is the longest beach in the whole of the Philippines. It is 14.7 kilometers long and it has been master planned carefully in the last few years by world renowned Filipino Architect Jun Palafox,” Lim shared. “We foresee 1,000 hotels to be put up on this long beachfront in the next 15 years.” he added. Once completed, the SVFTEZ will feature attractions, such as cottages and cabins along the beachfront for the first cluster; a retail development hub for the second cluster; low-density accommodations and coves in the third cluster; and high-end beach accommodations on the fourth. Poised to be the next big thing in Palawan, San Vicente is turning out to be a very interesting investment haven. The real advantage of San Vicente as an investment

Dr. Samie Lim speaking during the Investour Forum.

Just recently, I moderated the Investour Forum partners and media briefing organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) at the Manila House. In the partners and media briefing, I saw passionate individuals from different lines of work speak of their vision for sustainable tourism in the country.

San Vicente: A tourism hub for the future

One important point of discussion during the media briefing was the proposed tourism hub in San Vicente, Palawan, which is expected to generate at least $30 billion in tourism receipts in the next 15 years. Dr. Samie Lim, PCCI director for Tourism, Retail and Franchising, revealed that the San Vicente Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (SVFTEZ) of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) is seen to attract around 6 million for-

opportunity, though, is that it is already designated as a Tieza zone with a 10-year incentive package for investors and a master plan that makes the whole project sustainable.

Safety and security as vital cogs in tourism

An interesting part of Lim’s presentation during the media briefing was the three “soft A s” of tourism, which are: Advertisement, Academe-Industry Linkages and Assurance of Safety. While both advertising and linkages to the academe and industries are crucial to a vibrant and active tourism industry, the assurance of safety is what will truly keep the visitors coming. Indeed, the success or failure of a tourism destination depends on how a destination is able to provide a safe and secure environment for its visitors. Picking up where Lim left off, then-National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj.

Gen. Guillermo Eleazar talked about tourism security during the media briefing. “As in all business investment endeavors, peace and order is a prerequisite to the success of our tourism industry,” the general stressed. “The support toward the tourism industry sectors provided by the police is therefore critical and essential,” he added. The former NCRPO chief noted that one of the most dreaded pronouncements that a country can get is a travel ban which is generated by two factors: The peace and order situation of the area and health concerns in epidemic proportions. “With a basic strategy of increasing police presence in identified critical areas, we have had a successful and healthy circulation of foreign and domestic tourists, including balikbayans,” Eleazar revealed. “From January to August of this year, the Department of Tourism and our police districts have tallied 38,183,193 tourists here in

The author (from left), P/Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar and Dr. Samie Lim

Metro Manila alone,” he added. Eleazar attributed the vibrant tourism industry in Metro Manila to a robust peace and order situation. “Compared to the last three years of the previous administration, the Duterte administration has recorded a 58-percent decline in the volume of major crimes, such as murder, homicide, rape, theft, robbery, kidnapping, carnapping, motornapping and serious physical injuries.” Eleazar ended his talk by emphasizing that the NCRPO cannot sit on their laurels. “The quest for the ideal peace and order situation is a never-ending grind for any nation, especially in a developing country like ours,” he stressed. The Investour Forum partners and media briefing served as the announcement of a bigger event, dubbed as the “Investour Forum on Tieza’s Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones,” which was held at the Centennial Ballroom of the Manila, Hotel, Manila last October 15.

Faith www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Lyn Resurreccion

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: ‘Luke 17:11-19’

Pray and do not get discouraged Msgr. Josefino S. Ramirez SUNDAY GOSPEL IN OUR LIFE

he gospel of today contains the parable of the judge who was being pestered by a poor widow to do her just ice. A lt hough t he unjust judge did not do it because of his sense of justice, he nevertheless avenged the poor widow because of her insistence. The lesson that Our Lord added to this parable is quite explicit: “Pray always and do not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). God a lways l istens to our prayers. And since He is a loving Father, He not only listens, but He wants to give us the best. However, at times we pray for things that, in the all-knowing mind of God, He knows are not the best for us. And so it seems that our prayers are unanswered. In fact they have been answered, better than we could have suspected. At other times, God wants us to pray some more before He grants us what we are asking for. That is because prayer is in itself something very good for us. Prayer makes us more aware of our condition as creatures and our dependence on God. The First Reading of today is a wonderful illustration of this. Moses watched the battle going on. As long as he had his hands raised, the Jews had the upper hand in the fight; when he got weary and rested his hands, the tide of battle would change. Although the Israelites and Moses were doing their part, it was really God that was doing the battle for them. And it was good for them to realize this. After that memorable battle, I am sure that none of the Jews, not even Moses, wou ld have

attributed the victory to their own merits, even if they got and weary. It was clearly God ’s work. When we pray hard for something good and it seems that it is long in coming, perhaps God wants us to realize that we cannot attribute this good thing to our merits. That is why one of the qualities of a good prayer is perseverance and constancy. It is, after all, a request. It really depends on the good pleasure of God to grant it. Persevering prayer makes us realize this. Therefore, we should never get discouraged in turning to God for help. Let us always remember that He is a loving Father. And He, Himself, said that He will never forget us. Even if it were possible that a mother should forget the child that she has borne in her womb, yet God will never forget. He loves us more than all the fathers and mothers in the world can love their children. Let us, therefore, pray with undaunted confidence. One of the things we should pray for is the needs of the missions. There are still so many persons who have not heard the Word of God and the saving doctrine of the Church. There are countless silent and industrious workers for the Lord, spending their lives for this work. The patroness of the missions is Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. She never went out of her Carmelite cell, yet her prayers were a real support to countless missionaries all over the world. We can imitate her in that apostolate based on the communion of the saints.

Venezuelans seek strength, healing from mythical goddess

Sunday

Prelates back bill on mandatory Bible reading in public schools

embers of the clergy last week gave their support for a bill seeking to make Bible reading mandatory in public elementary and secondary schools. Sorsogon Bishop A r turo B a s te s e x pre s s e d ho p e t h at House Bill 2069, filed by Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr., would be approved. Abante, a pastor, f i led t he bill seeking to make Bible reading a par t of t he cur r icu lum of public schools. “This [mandatory Bible reading] is very good. I hope this gets approved. A good news for us to read the good news of God,” Bastes added. Fr. C o ne g u nd o G a r g a nt a , Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) executive secretary, noted that the bill would support the declaration of the significance of the Bible, which the countr y celebrates every January. “This is great news and [a] relevant act. This will support the presidential proclamation on the significance of the Bible, which we celebrate every year, especially

during the month of January,” Garganta said, referring to Proclamation 124, issued by President Duterte in January 2017, declaring the month of January every year as “National Bible Month.” “ It w i l l he lp s up p or t t he churches in [their] task to help the faithful to be rooted in the Word of God,” he added. While expressing support for the measure, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said other students’ religions should be considered. “I wou ld understand ma king Bible reading mandatory in schools run by Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, etc. [But] it will not be right to make Bible reading mandatory for students in public schools who are Muslims, Buddhists or Animists,” David said in a statement. David noted that though the intention of the bill in Congress is good, it should respect other students’ religious beliefs. “It would be [a] great idea to

The Holy Bible Wikimedia Commons

include an elective [meaning optional] subject on the Bible in junior or high school, if only to get students to appreciate how most, if not all, our good human values are drawn from this sacred book,” he said. “There is nothing wrong about religious instruction being allowed in public schools, if it is done in a manner that is respectful of the students’ religious affiliations,” he added. David, meanwhile, acknowledged that the country’s public education system has not yet been influenced by the ideology

Son and Holy Ghost—and my holy mother, Queen Maria Lionza.” A man also in the circle bit into a stick of glowing embers, while yet another wearing a red cape summoned a Viking spirit. Adopting a strange, gruff voice and speaking a mythical language, he shouted words to heal those around him. Maria Lionza is looked to by many across the country. She is memorialized in a salsa song popular among Venezuelans. A statue of her, naked and sitting astride a wild tapir, stands in the center-divide of a Caracas highway. As Venezuela has sunk deeper into economic and social crisis after two decades of socialist rule, devotees say their numbers have swollen as people look for answers to their daily struggles outside the political system and churches. In various healing ceremonies, a man who had summoned a spirit slashed at his tongue with a razor and jabbed it into his bare chest. Blood smeared his face and dripped down his chest, while those gathered around cheered. Other men lay motionless and face up in the dirt amid candles and elaborate drawings in white power as onlookers pass through them and step over their bodies. Jenny Campos said she is a true believer. A shaman once performed a ceremony over her at Sorte before a major surgery on her ovaries and she credits that with a quick recovery. “He told me you won’t need to spend much time in the hospital after having surgery,” Campos said. “It was a big operation, but after two days my stitches were already healed.” AP

of western secularism. “ We are a countr y that respects religious freedom. We are happy enough that our public education has yet to assume the ideolog y of western secular ism, which totally forbids religion in public spaces and institutions,” he said. “Proof to that is the fact that Catholic students are allowed to receive religious instruction [catechism] in public schools, just as Muslim students are allowed to receive instruction in the Muslim faith through the Madrasa,” he added. Ferdinand Patinio/PNA

Pope Francis names new Sorsogon bishop

ope Francis has appointed Fr. Jose Alan Dialogo to head the Diocese of Sorsogon. According to an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news web site, outgoing Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes made the announcement during the ordination of three men to the priesthood at the Sorsogon Cathedral last week. Bastes reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 last April. He served the diocese for 16 years. The appointment was supposed to be announced in Rome, but Bastes sought permission from Papal Nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Caccia to announce it earlier.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle also announced the appointment during a clergy meeting at the San Carlos Seminary in Makati City. On the other hand, the Holy Father has appointed Bastes as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the diocese until his successor formally assumes his new post. The bishop-elect is currently director of the Jaime Cardinal Sin Welcome Home in Sampaloc, Manila, a facility for retired priests of the city. No date has been announced for Dialogo’s episcopal ordination and installation as the fifth bishop of Sorsogon. Ferdinand Patinio/PNA

Pope Francis appoints Fr. Jose Alan Dialogo as the new bishop of Sorsogon on October 15. Dialogo will replace Bishop Arturo Bastes who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 in April. CBCP

A girl lies surrounded by candles and designs of white powder during a ceremony on Sorte Mountain where followers of indigenous goddess Maria Lionza gather annually in Venezuela’s Yaracuy state. Believers make an annual pilgrimage to pay homage to the goddess, seeking spiritual connection and physical healing. AP/Ariana Cubillos HIVACOA, Venezuela—Every year, thousands trek to a mountainside in Venezuela for rituals played out with fire, blood and smoke to pay tribute to the indigenous goddess Maria Lionza, who is revered across the crisis-stricken South American nation. Devotees come to the week-long observance at Sorte Mountain seeking spiritual connection and physical healing. The traditions are hundreds of years old and draw on Roman Catholicism, the Afro-Caribbean religion Santeria and indigenous rituals—all set to a pulse of constant drumming. According to legend, Maria Lionza came from the mountain at Sorte, which is near the northwestern town of Chivacoa. The main day is October 12, observed by many Latin Americans as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but many participants camp in tents among the oldgrowth forest while dedicating several days to the spiritual ceremonies. Those immersed in the old rituals say they are put into a trance that allows them to channel spirits and escape injury from otherwise dangerous feats. At this year’s opening event, Francisco Verdaguer hurled his body through flames and danced across red-hot coals. He circled the flames through the night, striking his forehead with a smoldering club. None of that left a single mark on his flesh, he said later. “I feel good, thank God,” Verdaguer said. “My feet are fine and my body is free of any burns. Above all, I thank the divine trinity—the Father,

Sunday, October 20, 2019 A9

Notre Dame Cathedral is pictured on October 15 in Paris. French Culture Minister Franck Riester said the melted, twisted scaffolding atop Notre Dame Cathedral will be removed “in coming weeks” to allow restoration work to begin. It’s been six months since fire gutted the medieval structure. AP/Michel Euler

Removal of Notre Dame’s scaffold to begin ‘in weeks’

ARIS—Melted scaffolding atop f ire -ravaged Not re Dame Cathedra l w i l l be removed “ in the coming weeks” to allow restoration work to begin next year, France’s culture minister said last week. It’s been six months since an April 15 fire gutted the medieval Paris structure, which was under renovation at the time and crisscrossed with scaffolding where its spire once stood. The twisted metal remained in place after the fire as engineers

tried to determine whether removing it would exacerbate structural weaknesses from the blaze. French Culture Minister Franck Riester said that before rebuilding can begin, several more months of conservation work done in parallel with an evaluation of the cathedral’s soundness need to be completed. “Our Notre Dame de Paris is not yet totally saved,” Riester told reporters. P re s i d e nt E m m a nu e l M a cron prom ised in Apr i l t hat F r a n c e ’s b e l o v e d l a n d m a r k

wou ld be restored w it h in f ive yea rs. Cr it ics say h is t imel ine is overly a mbit ious. The culture minister offered few hard deadlines. He told reporters that the French government prioritizes quality over speed, though he said the fiveyear timeframe represents the state’s “ambition to mobilize.” “For us, the top priority is to do a quality restoration that captures the height of what our history represents for our country, for Paris, for the Catholic religion,

for Notre Dame,” Riester said. The government has not settled on a particular path for reconstruction. Riester promised wide consultation and debate. As head of state, Macron has the final word because the French government owns Notre Dame. “We are determined to do things in a totally transparent manner,” Riester said. The budget for the project also remains undecided. Some 350,000 donors have given or pledged a tota l of €922 million ($1.02 billion), according to Riester. The Notre Dame Foundation has received €104 million ($114 million) to date. Riester also addressed public criticism that French officials were slow to recognize the potential harmful effects of melted lead from the cathedral’s roof that drifted into the air and onto surfaces below. He said health officials take regular samples from areas around Notre Dame to check for lead, and that workers on the site take appropriate precautions. Authorities ran 877 lead tests on people in surrounding neighborhoods at risk of exposure to lead pollution from the fire and only 10 showed dangerously elevated levels, Riester said. AP

Science

BusinessMirror

A10 Sunday, October 20, 2019

Sunday

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Lyn Resurreccion

Demystifying fish kill, shellfish mortality in Manila Bay

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

“It is not possible because the dumping of swines in the rivers were isolated cases and could not possibly result in that level of pollution in Manila Bay,” he explained. However, because the fish kill and shellfish mortality “was not that massive,” he said the DA-BFAR is not yet considering financial support or subsidy to the affected fishermen. “What we are doing right now is continuous monitoring the water bodies in the Calabarzon, including the Laguna de Bay,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.

uring the celebration of World Food Day on October 16, fishermen belonging to the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya (Pamalakaya) highlighted the importance of Manila Bay as their primary source of income and livelihood. The group underscored the need to protect and conserve the historic bay—which stretches from Cavite to Bataan—a traditional fishing ground of small fishermen in Luzon and a major source of food that helps fill the country’s food basket. No less than the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) identified Manila Bay as “a spawning area of sardines” and one of the major fishing grounds of small fishermen. However, the call to protect Manila Bay against destructive development projects came amid a massive fish kill in Las Piñas and Parañaque, and the shellfish mortality affecting mussel farms in Bacoor and Sangley Point, Cavite, on October 9. The fish kill and shellfish mortality occurred at a time when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) claimed that water quality in some areas have improved significantly, heralding the success of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts to save Manila Bay.

Rich biodiversity

Manila Bay remains to be a rich fishing ground that is able to support the livelihood of small fishermen if protected against illegal fishing methods and other destructive development activities like a massive land reclamation that threatens coastal areas, including Manila, Pasay, Las Piñas, Parañaque and Navotas. The ocean conservation advocacy nongovernment organization Oceana Philippines recently cited the discovery of a new sardine species, called Sardinella pacifica as a reason to protect Manila Bay and other areas in the country against land reclamation also called dump-and-fill. However, in a news release on October 14, the DENR said over 200 sacks and over 5,000 kilograms of various marine, species, such as fish, shrimps and crabs were collected from the shores of Las PiñasParañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). At least 33 marine species, including tilapia, talakitok, sapsap, lapu-lapu, eel, malakapas, crab and shrimp, were among those found dead.

Suspected cause of death

Mystery shrouds the fish kill and shellfish mortality in the areas. The Las Piñas and Parañaque portion of Manila Bay, which is close to LPPWP, is known to be polluted. Many areas near the shore, particularly along Roxas Boulevard, have a high concentration of fecal coliform even before, yet assorted fish species thrive in these areas.

The LPPWP, formerly known as the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, is a Ramsar Site or wetland of international importance. According to reports released by the DA-BFAR, the fish kill in Las Piñas and Parañaque could have been caused by poor levels of dissolved oxygen and higher levels of ammonia and phosphates than the standard level. The report was based on water quality test conducted by the DA-BFAR Fishery Law Enforcement-Quick Response Team a day after the fish kill was reported. For dissolved oxygen, the standard parameter is >5.0 (greater than 5.0) ppm, but the three sampling areas—one in San Dionisio and two in Bay City— showed dissolved oxygen the lower level of 0.70, 2.0, and 0.70, respectively. For ammonia, the standard level is 0.05 ppm but laboratory tests showed they were way above standard—San Dionisio was 3.59 ppm; Bay City, 1.29 and 1.68, respectively. For phosphate, the standard parameter is <0.5 (lower than 0.5) ppm, but the laboratory test results were at extremely high levels—San Dionisio was at 6.45 ppm, and 7.11 and 8.28 ppm in the two Bay City sampling sites.

Fatal chemicals

The DA-BFAR Information and Public Relations Group said ammonia is a chemical compound produced naturally from decomposing organic matter, including plants, animals and animal waste. The ammonia in the water samples, however, might have also come from agricultural, domestic and industrial wastes, the report says. Phosphate, on the other hand, is one of the primary nutrient sources for many forms of algae, and could come from sources like domestic sewage and runoff from agricultural land, urban areas and green areas. “These chemicals, at high levels, may cause detrimental effects to the fish which may result in fish kill,” the report said. Meanwhile, based on the scientific examination conducted by BFAR-4A Regional Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (BFAR4A-FPLEG), the fish mortality was not caused by blast or dynamite fishing.

Dead ‘tahong’

On October 14, the DA-BFAR said that based on initial laboratory report, the salinity level in the areas, which ranged from 19 ppt to 25 ppt, is lower than the required level for shellfish to survive, which is 27 ppt to 35 ppt.

“The heavy rainfall in the past few days might have triggered the water salinity to drop,” the report revealed. The tests were made by the BFAR4AFPLEG, the BFAR National Fisheries Laboratory Division, and technical personnel from BFAR-4A in Bacoor and Sangley Point. The laboratory tests also showed that dissolved oxygen levels in the sampling areas were low, but high concentrations of ammonia and phosphates were detected. Like in its report on the fish kill in Las Piñas, the DA-BFAR said high levels of ammonia and phosphates may cause detrimental effects to fish and other marine life. Yet, despite the shellfish mortality affecting mussel farms, consumption of shellfish from the said fishing ground is safe, the DA-BFAR said. However, it advised that only live shellfish should be collected and washed properly before cooking.

Natural phenomenon

DA-BFAR-4A Regional Director Sammy A. Malvas said their interviews in the affected areas revealed that fishermen are not oblivious to fish kill or shellfish mortality. “When it is hot and it suddenly rains, mussel dies. This normally happens,” he said. Supporting the laboratory findings, he said the excessive rainfall in the past few days led to the decrease in the level of salinity, resulting in

shellfish mortality. “Mussel, or shellfish, in general, does not survive in low salinity,” he said. He believes that for the shellfish mortality, salinity is the main issue, not pollution. “Mussels are very sensitive to salinity,” Malvas said.

Culprits in fish kill Meanwhile, the culprits in the fish kill in Las Piñas and Parañaque based on laboratory tests on water samples, were the levels of ammonia and phosphates, as well as low levels of dissolved oxygen. This means, Malvas said that the water pollution, which could have been triggered by natural occurrence, worsened in these areas. He said while the water pollution could have been caused by chemicals used in farms like fertilizers, on top of agricultural runoffs, excessive industrial waste discharge and domestic wastes, which include untreated wastewater that causes fecal coliform to spike, were also prime suspects. However, he said the decomposing organic matters in the waters, including decaying dead plants and animals, and the excess feeds used in aquaculture farms could have aggravated the problem. Nevertheless, he ruled out the possibility that this could have been caused by the dumping of dead swines in rivers in areas currently affected by the African swine fever.

Many Nobel winners endured initial rejections

E W YOR K— Some of t he world’s most innovative ideas and creations have started out in a rejection pile. One of this year’s Nobel Prize winners for medicine previously saw his findings on how cells respond to changes in oxygen levels turned down for publication. In 1992, the journal Nature rejected Peter J. Ratcliffe’s article, telling him that “we have sadly concluded, on balance, that your paper would be better placed in a more specialized journal, particularly given the competition for space.” Twenty-seven years later, judges praised Ratcliffe and fellow winners William G. Kaelin Jr. and Gregg Se-

menza for discoveries that could lead to “promising new strategies to fight anaemia, cancer and many other diseases.” Ratcliffe’s vindication is an old Nobel tradition, and not just for medicine. Several science winners, from Enrico Fermi to Murray Gell-Mann, had their findings initially rejected. Hans K rebs was infor med by Nature in 1937 that there was no space for his paper on the citrus acid cycle, now better known as the “Krebs Cycle,” and the basis for his 1953 medal. Rosalyn S. Yalow, winner of a Nobel in 1977, was informed years earlier by The Journal of Clinical Investigation that her landmark findings on insulin

Second opinion Sought for expert opinion, Jimely Flores, a marine and fisheries science practitioner at the Environmental Defense Fund, said the shellfish mortality could not have been caused by low salinity. “Mussel thrives in less saline areas,” she said. According to Flores, most mussel farm areas are in bays near big mouths of rivers like Bataan Bay, Manila Bay and other inland seas with river outlets. She said hence, it is not likely that the shellfish mortality in Bacoor and Sangley point could have been caused by low salinity. “Salinity in Manila Bay fluctuates a lot and never kill a massive amount of fish and tahong. No, it can’t be the reason,” she said. “What kills marine organisms is low BOD [biological oxygen demand] but never high BOD,” she said. For the fish kill, she said the low level of BOD could be one of the reasons but not in the case of mussels. “Mussels are super resilient,” she said. But ammonia being the cause of the fish kill may be inconclusive. “It is important to know how they conducted the test because sampling time is critical. Also, phosphates are not observed to kill marine organisms. Manila Bay is expected to be super high in those [chemicals] already given its polluted state,” she said. While low BOD could be the possible reason for the fish kill and shellfish mortality, it is interesting to know what is the cause of the low BOD in the waters, she said. “They [investigators] need to look deeper than mere BOD. Ammonia and phosphates are not conclusive,” she said. Natural causes of low BOD includes local warming anomaly, plankton bloom, chemical and nutrient pollution, which could also be man-made when dumping happens, she said. Observing the result of the laboratory test released by the DA-BFAR, she said the 19 ppt to 25 ppt salinity could not kill fish and marine organisms. “That is still normal,” she said.

Candinato said the fish kill and shellfish mortality amid the on-going rehabilitation effort of the government in Manila Bay only proves the water quality has not improved, and even worsened. She said deadly chemicals that accumulated in the waters of Manila Bay clearly caused the mortality of the fish and mussel in their farm. “I am afraid that they will again blame coastal communities for the fish kill. As always, we are being blamed for the pollution when in fact these are chemicals dumped by industries,” she said. Pamalakaya National Chairman Fernando Hicap earlier called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He said the fish kill and shellfish mortality only proved the Manila Bay rehabilitation effort, instead of improving, caused the water quality to worsen. Antiporda belied this. He said the DENR is still conducting a thorough investigation and it is too early to jump to such conclusion. He insisted that water quality in Manila Bay has improved as far as reducing fecal coliform levels is concerned. He said the DENR, which is leading the Manila Bay rehabilitation, has imposed corrective measures among commercial establishments, including hotels and restaurants, earlier found to be illegally discharging untreated wastewater. The DENR is also requiring these establishments not connected to proper sewer line to put up their own sewage treatment plants to ensure that wastewaters are treated before being disposed to the environment. A ccord i ng to A nt ipord a , t he campaign to rehabilitate Manila Bay, including rivers that directly f low out to its waters, w ill be a continuing process. In the meantime, small fishermen affected by the fish kill and shellfish mortality may have to endure a little longer. And they are asking: What help can they get from the government?

With the source of chemicals that were believed to have caused the fish kill and shellfish mortality remaining unknown, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda, for solid waste management and the local government units, nixed the possibility of chemical dumping. However, he sa id a t horough investigation is being conducted.

Tahong (mussel) farmer Pamalakaya

and antibodies were “dogmatic” and “not warranted by the data.” In literature, some of the most celebrated writers were once considered too strange, too limited or just too boring. Several publishers turned down Toni Morrison’s first novel, The Bluest Eye, and she was chastised for years by white critics for focusing too much on black characters. The novelist Reynolds Price would cite her for “the understandable but weakening omission of active white characters,” an opinion he later withdrew about the 1993 laureate. Ernest Hemingway was at the center of American letters when he won the Nobel, in 1954, but at the start, he was criticized for his minimalist

style and libertine characters. In turning down The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s landmark novel about the 1920s “lost generation,” Moberley Luger of publisher Peacock & Peacock called Hemingway’s work “both tedious and offensive.” “You really are a man’s man, aren’t you?” Luger told the author in 1925, the year before Scribner’s released his book. “I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that you had penned this entire story locked up at the club, ink in one hand, brandy in the other. Your bombastic, dipsomaniac, where-to-now characters had me reaching for my own glass of brandy.” Other literature winners enduring initial discouragement were Pearl

Impact on small fishermen

The twin incidents were sure to affect the livelihood of small fishermen in the affected areas. Myrna Candinato, president of the Alyansa ng mga Magdaragat sa Bacoor Bay, said small fishermen will likely suffer the consequences. Every time there is a fish kill or shellfish mortality, consumers are sure to avoid buying fish or mussel from the affected areas. “Naturally, it means loss of income for us,” she explained.

Still unknown source, origin

Laboratory test results

While saying that the values on ammonia and phosphates are high, she said it could cause mortality only in fishponds and aquarium where water is stagnant. In the case of Manila Bay, the water current is strong. “The question should be why is the ammonia and phosphate levels were so high? Marine organisms could die when exposed to high ammonia long enough to reduce their resistance to diseases. It still does not explain the massive death,” she said.

Buck, Isaac Beshevis Singer and 1983 laureate William Golding, whose Dystopian classic Lord of the Flies was rejected numerous times. Faber & Faber editor Charles Monteith described the book as an “Absurd and uninteresting fantasy.” It was “Rubbish and dull. Pointless.” That was Monteith’s reaction after the first chapter. He then kept reading, suggested that he and Golding meet and worked on some revisions. “I have just finished reading the galleys of Lord of the Flies and I’m even more enthusiastic about it than I was before,” he eventually told the author, whose book was released by Faber in 1954. “ T hough I must have read it through four or five times by now, I still simply couldn’t put the proofs down until I had finished them. It’s had precisely the same effect on

Worsening water quality?

William G. Kaelin Jr. speaks at a news conference on October 7 in Boston, after he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. AP/Elise Amendola several other people here; indeed, in two cases I have had complaints that it resulted in nightmares! What a terrific book it is,” Monteith said. AP

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Sunday, October 20, 2019 A11

East Meets West:

The Cities Born from Trade Ultimate staycation at Quest Plus Clark

taying in is the new going out and Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark takes the simple getaway to the next level by providing homebodies and their families a gratifying and memorable experience. Situated at Clark Freeport’s most coveted location with its vast greeneries, the hotel gives vacationers a place to disconnect online and reconnect with loved ones with its wide array of fun activities for guests of every age. Explore the sprawling tree-lined Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure Estate on a bamboo bike, chill by taking a dip in the resort-style swimming pool and stay fit at the Equinox fitness center’s modern gym.

SAINt George’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia, and the memorial pavilion to Francis Light, the founder of George Town.

Malacca’s Dutch Square containing the oldest church built in Malaysia and the best preserved Dutch Stadthuys (town hall) in Asia.

Toko Merah (Red house) and other historic buildings along Cali Besar, Batavia’s main canal that was built by the Dutch.

Story & photos by Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero

he Age of Trade (16th to 19th century) brought about massive and unprecedented cultural and technological exchanges between the East and the West. Driven by desires to get shares of the riches of the Orient, from spices, silk, gold to even free labor, competing European powers took control over various territories on strategic commercial crossroads in East and Southeast Asia. During this period, the Spaniards held much of the Philippines, in the same way that the Dutch did to present-day Indonesia and the Portuguese, to Macao. While the colonial grips to these former strongholds have already long ceased, and for good reasons, some of the best results of these contacts would be the few colonial and multicultural cities that still dot the region.

Macao

While Macao enjoys a reputation as the Casino Capital of Asia, its rich history, however, tends to be overlooked by many. The Portuguese established it as the earliest Western-controlled territory in the region, and this is wellreflected in its colorful churches, mansions, formidable fortifications and other civic buildings. The Historic Centre of Macao Unesco World Heritage Site comprises 22 key monuments that best illustrate the Chinese and Iberian origins of the port city.The fusion also manifests in Macao’s cuisine, with the pasteis de nata or egg tarts as the most popular. While the oldest monument in Macao is a temple, the A-Ma temple, the most recognizable one is the ruins of the baroque-Manueline styled Portu-

guese-built Saint Paul’s church. Interestingly, despite being the first colonial territory in Asia, Macao was also the last, handed back under Chinese sovereignty only in 1999.

Batavia

The Dutch East Indies colony, now Indonesia, was considered as the “Jewel in the Dutch Crown.” Its role in driving and shaping global commerce at that time was so immense that possession of the archipelago was to the envy of other European fortune-seekers. Its capital, Batavia, now Jakarta, saw the biggest volume of trade that ever took place in the world when it was under the VOC or the Dutch East India Co. The ancient port of Sunda Kelapa still thrives today, sheltering the same kinds of vessels (called pinisi) that were used by local and Dutch merchants back in the 17th century. It also contains warehouses and the Harbormaster Tower. Furthermore, running through the city are man-made canals that are, in turn, traversed by wooden drawbridges (but only one remains), which are unquestionably Dutch touches.

Vigan

The historic trading city of Vigan, formerly Ciudad Fernandina, is tagged as the best surviving example of a Spanish-planned city in Asia, retaining much of its colonial texture from its urban layout to its commanding earthquake baroque cathedral. A true

Vigan’s streets are lined with well-preserved heritage stone houses where calesas or horse-drawn carriages still roam around.

cultural melting pot, the city is a synthesis of various heritages: Spanish, Latin-American, Filipino, and Chinese. Its collection of bahay na bato, or stone houses, is the most extensive and diverse, and is a clear result of the application of Western construction techniques to a genuinely Filipino dwelling, the bahay kubo. Surrounded by two rivers, the island-city was the most strategic base for trading with the northern communities that are rich in loom-woven textiles, tobaccos, and natural indigo color dyes, making it a principal galleon trade destination. Local initiatives to preserve Vigan’s old buildings and traditions have been recognized by Unesco in 2012 when Vigan was accorded with the world’s best managed heritage city award.

did not last long as the Dutch entered the picture, almost doubling its commercial capacity under their control. Malacca’s Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shop houses are enduring testimonies to the scale of trade that once flowed. When the British caught interest in engaging trade with Southeast Asia, they did what any decisive challenger would: raid Malacca, tear down its walls and leave it powerless. They then chose another base to oversee their activities, the port of George Town—named after their king—in the island of Penang. George Town blends Georgian architecture, Peranakan culture and cuisine, and Indian influence all together creating an urban fabric like no other.

Malacca and George Town

These cities may not be as sizable, grand and even intact as their counterparts in continental Europe, and it is inherently unfair to compare them. Instead, they must be appreciated in their own category: as unique European colonial trading port-cities in Asia that once propelled worldwide trade that eventually made Portugal, the Netherlands, Spain and Britain the influential nations that they were/are.

Malaysia’s location as the gatekeeper of the Straits of Malacca, the main access to the rest of East and Southeast Asia from the Indian subcontinent, produced two trade hegemons reflecting two different periods in the country’s colonial past. Malacca, also known as Melaka, was a local fishing settlement until the Portuguese laid their eyes on it and captured it. However, their control of the city

The right perspective

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AirAsia unveils sprawling RedPoint office in the Philippines

irAsia, the world’s best lowcost airline, has unveiled its newest and vibrant office, RedPoint, in the Philippines. RedPoint features transparent and modern open plan design and technology, meeting rooms themed according to seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn), collaboration zones and creative lounges. The new headquarters becomes home to AirAsia’s 2,100 Al-stars based in Manila and will foster open communication, creativity and innovation as the company embarks on a transformation journey to become more than just an airline. The opening was attended by Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero, AirAsia Group Berhad Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia Philippines Chairman of the Board Atty. Jomar Castillo, AirAsia Philippines Vice Chairman of the Board Sheila Romero and AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricardo Isla at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 in Pasay City today. Isla said “A s A sia’s largest low-cost carrier, the opening of RedPoint signifies a new era for AirAsia in the Philippines. It’s new and stylish working environment has been specifically designed to break down departmental silos,

inspire collaboration and foster creativity. The new office space is an expression of AirAsia’s core values, especially of putting people first, as they go about delivering what our guests want and expect.” Isla added that the unveiling of RedPoint also celebrates AirAsia’s recognition as the world’s best low-cost airline for the 11th consecutive year by Skytrax, the global benchmark of airline excellence. The new Philippines headquarters also includes hammock and swing areas, as well as a gym. The company moves to RedPoint from the Salem Complex near Naia Terminal 4. AirAsia Philippines operates a fleet of 24 aircraft on more than 500 weekly domestic and international flights from its hubs in Manila, Clark, Cebu and Kalibo. Attending the AirAsia Philippines RedPoint office launch were Castillo (from left), Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Congressman Enrico Pineda, Meranun, Romero, Tugade, Romero, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Jinkee Pacquiao, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General Capt. Jim C. Sydiongco, Isla, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal, and Civil Aeronautics Board Executive Director Atty. Carmelo Arcilla.

A12 Sunday, October 20, 2019

ractice is over and Boston Celtics Assistant Coach Kara Lawson is still working. She stands under the basket rebounding and giving feedback to rookie guard Carsen Edwards as he shoots from different spots on the court. After swishing his final three attempts he jogs over to her. “Thanks, coach,” Edwards says before exchanging a high five with Lawson. Welcome to the new-look National Basketball Association (NBA), in which women’s footprints are directly impacting every aspect of the game—from broadcasting booths, to officiating, coaching on the sidelines, front-office executives to ownership. Lawson is one of a record 11 women serving as assistant coaches in the NBA this season. While former WNBA star Swin Cash and Sue Bird are working in NBA front offices. “It’s not a fad,” said Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman. “It’s opportunities going to very accomplished women who have given their life to the game.” While it may not be a fad, it is a recent trend. Lieberman remembers a time when the presence of women was hard to spot, or at best found only behind the scenes. The 61-year-old—who has broken barriers as a player, as a coach in the WNBA, head coach in NBA G League and in the NBA as assistant— learned quickly that building relationships was the skeleton key to erasing gender hurdles and opening opportunities in the league. That, along with an occasional assist from forward-thinking men like former Coach Don Nelson, who, in 2009, hired her as the head coach of the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks’ G League affiliate. Several have continued Nelson’s vision, including San Antonio Spurs Gregg Popovich, who made Becky Hammon the NBA’s first fulltime assistant in 2014; current Mavericks’ Coach Rick Carlisle (he hired Jenny Boucek as assistant in 2017) and the Sacramento Kings organization, which has been responsible for hiring three women as assistants (Lieberman, Boucek and Lindsay Harding). Even the Big 3, spearheaded by founder and entertainer Ice Cube, is helping

normalize the idea of women leading men, Lieberman said. “I remember Donnie did an interview and he said, ‘Maybe the best man for the job isn’t a man at all.’ He had a list of criteria he wanted to hit for his head coach. And I hit those,” Lieberman said. The women who have broken into the NBA ranks are garnering respect from players for their experience and basketball knowledge. Celtics guard Gordon Hayward said Lawson has already made her presence felt. “She’s been good as far as just the experience she has as a basketball player,” Hayward said. “Reading the game and kind of little things she sees coaching on the sideline. Having somebody that well-versed in basketball, that experience is good.” Earlier this month, Wizards assistant Kristi Toliver was on the court helping the Mystics win their first WNBA championship. On the sideline, Washington NBA All-Stars John Wall and Bradley Beal were wearing the Wizard assistant’s WNBA jersey and dancing from the stands. NBA players are treating the feedback from Toliver and the other women in the league with the same reverence they give their male counterparts. “The biggest thing I learned is to share your voice and what you’ve learned,” Toliver said. “Doing that has helped me communicate with my guys.” Toliver is in a unique salary situation since she coaches for the Washington Wizards and plays for the Washington Mystics—both owned by same franchise. She was only paid about $10,000 with the Wizards last year because of WNBA salary cap rules. WNBA teams can only pay all their players a combined $50,000 in offseason to supplement pay and Washington only had $10,000 left to pay Toliver. There are no such hiccups in New Orleans, where Pelicans guard Frank Jackson said he always expected to benefit from Cash and Teresa Weatherspoon, who was hired as a New Orleans assistant this season. “They were ballers,” Jackson said. “They were good at their craft and I’ve taken a lot from both of them.... I’ve always had

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Editor: Jun Lomibao | mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

WOMEN MAKING IMPACT IN NBA CELTICS Assistant Coach Kara Lawson passes the ball at the team’s training facility in Boston as Sarah Kustok, television color analyst for the Brooklyn Nets, prepares for one of the team’s games. AP

open eyes and open ears to anyone who plays this game.” The 21-year-old Jackson knows of the women’s exploits because he has witnessed it firsthand. And he is not alone. The WNBA has been around since most players were teenagers, and is older than others; the league was launched in 1996. “As the years go on, they’re going to get more and more recognition,” said Jackson, in his third year out of Duke. “Girls can hoop, too.... I just think as times change, you’ll see more and more.” Cash believes the NBA is realizing having more women is important to growing the league’s overall brand, business and bottom line. “The reality is and the statistics prove it, is that having women included in your business helps you get more inclusion, helps you get

the diversity you need,” she said. “Diversity of thought, not just Black, White, Asian, Latino, whatever.” Stephanie Ready, a former assistant in the then D-League, said a big factor in the opportunities women are getting are coming because the younger generation of NBA executives, such as 76ers General Manager Elton Brand. She said the new crop of hiring managers are doing a better job of recognizing what women bring to the table and as the older generation retires, it will get even better. “Some people will age out,” said Ready, one of the first women to be a men’s assistant on the collegiate level with Coppin State and a former broadcaster with the Charlotte Hornets who now currently covers the NBA for TNT and Yahoo. “By that I mean the old regime of men who thought that only men could do these jobs.” Richard Lapchick, who tracks racial

and gender hiring numbers for the NBA, National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball, has long lauded the NBA as being the leader in gender hiring practices. He credits the leadership of Commissioner Adam Silver, who said the league needed to increase the number women coaches and referees in the NBA. Along with the record number of female assistants, five women referees will be working NBA games this upcoming season. Lapchick also believes the NBA will soon have its female head coach. Whether that is Hammon in San Antonio remains to be seen. But whoever it is, Lapchick said the move would go a long way in putting even more women in position to make basketball decisions. “I’d be surprised if it doesn’t happen before the next season,” he said, “or during the next season.”

Speedy recovery could help Froome at Tour de France

Chris Froome (fifth from left) attends the presentation of the Tour de France 2020 race in Paris on Tuesday. AP

ARIS—Four months after a careerthreatening high-speed crash left him with multiple fractures, Chris Froome has resumed training in the hope that he can compete for a record-equaling fifth Tour de France title. Still a bit shaky on his feet, the Team Ineos leader attended the 2020 race presentation on Tuesday alongside teammate Egan Bernal, the 22-year-old prodigy from Colombia who became the Tour champion while Froome was in his sick bed. “I’m on the road to recovery still,” Froome said. “I’ve made it back onto the bike in this last month, which has been fantastic. I’m heading in the right direction.” In June, just a few weeks before the Tour start, Froome hit a wall during a training ride as he geared up for cycling’s biggest race. He underwent a six-hour operation after breaking his right femur, elbow and several ribs in the crash that ended his season. “I’ve still got a plate on my hip that needs to get removed soon, and once that comes off, I think things will start to improve a little bit faster,” Froome said. Froome, who won the Tour de France

in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, could join an elite club of four riders with five Tour victories, including Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain. But time could be a factor for the Kenyan-born athlete. Now 34, Froome has no guarantees he will be able to fully recover, and he is facing strong competition within his own team with Bernal and Geraint Thomas, the Welshman who dethroned Froome at the 2018 Tour. “We’ve got an amazing lineup, an amazing roster of riders to select from,” Froome said. “There

is nothing decided, yet. For me, personally, I have obviously to get myself back to that level before even discussing leadership, or anything like that. At least, for now, everything is going the right direction. I’m optimistic.” In his quest for a fifth title, Froome won’t be helped by the race route, which features only 36 kilometers of time trials, a specialty he excelled at before his crash. “But there will be a lot of opportunities, really, for the general classification to play out,” he said. “It should be an exciting Tour.” AP

MERCKX HOSPITALIZED

RUSSELS—A Belgian newspaper reported Monday that cycling great Eddy Merckx sustained head injuries in a crash while bike riding with friends. The Het Nieuwsblad newspaper said the 74-year-old Merckx crashed Sunday and was admitted to a hospital in Dendermonde. Merckx is regarded by many as the

greatest cyclist ever. He won five Tour de France titles and a record 34 stages. The 2019 Tour de France began in Brussels in July and feted Merckx to mark the 50th anniversary of his first Tour victory. Known as “The Cannibal” for his appetite for winning, Merckx also won five Giro d’Italia titles, one Spanish Vuelta and a string of one-day classic races. AP

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Age is just a numberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A global study revealed that, in terms of aging, the youth are now more fearful and the old more fulfilled.

‘Age is just a number’ A global study revealed that, in terms of aging, the youth are now more fearful and the old more fulfilled. By Pauline Joy M. Gutierrez

eople in their 20s and 30s are most anxious about aging, while older people are happier and more content. A new global study by McCann Worldgroup, titled “Truth About Age,” showed that agebased assumptions about people’s attitudes and macro-cultural trends are changing dynamically, prompting advertisers to find ways to rethink age-led demographics. “We’re at a pivotal moment in human history, where traditional age norms are being challenged across every age group and marketers must respond to this new reality,” said Suzanne Powers, global chief strategy officer, McCann Worldgroup. “It’s time to rethink the playbook with regards to the way brands approach age across the spectrum—not just when it comes to marketing to ‘seniors’—so they can play a more meaningful role in people’s lives at every life stage.” “The way we look at it,” added Earl Javier, strategy director of McCann Worldgroup Philippines, “age is becoming a less reliable indicator of just about anything. While there is some truth behind age stereotypes, this study shows that bigger opportunities await brands that choose to see people beyond the number.” For instance, youth advertising hinges on the strong association between youth and carefree vitality. The study suggests, however, that advertisers are hurting themselves in peddling such clichés, showing that people across the age spectrum are not adhering to the expectations traditionally associated with their life stage. Case in point: two-thirds of people in their 70s believe “you’re never too old to casually date,” while it’s young people in their 20s who express greater fears of an unknown future. In the Philippines, 63 percent of the twenty-something respondents fear death than the global average of 57 percent. “Part of it has to do with career anxiety and societal acceptance,” Javier said. “Young people are typically expected to perform the same responsibilities [as their older colleagues].” He also pointed to the increased competition for higher education and better-paying jobs among the challenges faced by millennials and Gen Zers. Younger people, he added, are being more dependent on their parents as compared to previous generations, leaving little practice into being an adult on their own. “Add to that the pressures of social media, which show some of their peers fresh out of college seemingly having it all figured out,” Javier said. “This, of course, isn’t exactly reality.” The study analyzed data collected from 28 quantitative markets with nearly 24,000 respondents, aged 20 through 70, globally. Ac-

Earl Javier, strategy director of McCann Worldgroup Philippines Courtesy of McCann Worldgroup cording to Google Philippines Industry Analyst Geia Lopez, the trends have already been identified in the market behavior in recent years, as marketers restructure their segmentations. “There’s currently a 66-percent year-onyear growth in healthy skin aging,” she said. “For the longest time, that was the hardest thing to sell because everyone just wanted to have white skin and less acne, but now it’s great to see that people are looking more into skin aging regimen.” Lopez also highlighted that while brands by and large still have an outdated view of age, there are a few who are starting to get it right. One of which is L’oréal, which tapped 74-year-old Helen Mirren as endorser, as

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well as Kate Spade with Iris Apfel, 98. “One thing we also noticed is in the financial services sector, wherein the average age of investors is getting younger in the last three or four years in the country,” Javier said. “The trend is quite new because we’re one of the least financially literate countries in the world and we have the least penetration of depositors. The real-estate sector is able to capitalize on this phenomenon quite well, too.” He also discussed how marketers should respond to these trends by introducing McCann’s new “Age Marketing Playbook,” based on the following four principles: n Start young Traditionally, the “aging” conversation is reserved for the over 50s, October 20, 2019

but data indicates that brands may be missing a trick. Young people constantly reflect on the process of aging and the passage of time. Given the level of anxiety and misunderstanding experienced by those in their 20s and 30s, smart brands will find ways of beginning and reframing the age conversation much earlier. n Celebrate the gains Too often, the broader cultural conversation focuses on the “losses” associated with age (from reduced cognition to limited physicality), and aging is primarily framed as a negative process. McCann’s data indicates that lives mostly get happier over time, and there is an opportunity for brands to shift perspectives and focus on the gains at every age. This could come by developing new language and imagery to connect with different age groups. The loss-oriented language associated with the second half of life—using terms such as “retirement,” “empty nest,” and “downsizing”—is particularly in need of a reevaluation. n Go beyond the number In general, age has become a less useful predictor of behavior. The fact of the matter is that everyone thinks about aging differently, regardless of their numerical age. Brands need to interrogate their own consumer segmentation in new ways to ensure that they are consistently going beyond the “number.” n Promote intergenerational connections Overall, there is one consistent theme that transcends markets when it comes to aging well: Spending time with people of different ages. The data shows that the old consistently misunderstand the young and vice-versa. There is a rich opportunity for brands to drive a dialogue between the generations and cocreate an age-positive future. According to Javier, “this research helps us do away with the concept of age as a marker of who we reach out to, and go back to what really makes more meaningful to people regardless of their age.”

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YOUR MUSIC OUR BUSINESS

Pinoy Music Icons Rico J. Puno, Rene Garcia of Hotdog and Joey “Pepe” Smith (Rodine Teodoro/PHLPost)

COLLECTOR'S ITEMS

PHLPOST TO UNVEIL STAMPS OF PEPE SMITH, RENE GARCIA AND RICO J. PUNO

By Edwin P. Sallan

O honor the distinguished careers of Joey “Pepe” Smith, Rico J. Puno and Rene Garcia of Hotdog that transcend generations and continues to resonate with music fans of all ages, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) will issue limited edition stamps to launch their Pinoy Music Icons series. In a recent interview with SoundStrip, Maximo Sta. Maria III, Officer-In-Charge at the Office of the Assistant Postmaster General

of PHLPost said their Pinoy Music Icons concept began to take shape following the demise of the three pillars of Original Pilipino Music.

“Late last year, news broke out regarding the passing of Rene Garcia of Hotdog then it was followed by the demise of Rico J. Puno and early this year, Pepe Smith. We initially thought of paying tribute to them. When the U.S. issued commemorative stamps featuring soul music legend Marvin Gaye as part of its own Music Icons series, we thought this would be the perfect time to issue our own,” Sta. Maria revealed. Launched in 2013, the Music Icons series in the US have honored popular music artists such as Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin and John Lennon. When the idea of issuing stamps Continued on page 6

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YOUR MUS

SLOWING DOWN WITH LIGHTS FOLLOW

Grady Griggs and Matthew Heath of the Atlanta duo, Lights Follow

By Rick Olivares

TLANTA, Georgia duo Lights Follow scored a massive hit with the song, “Slow Down” aided by its use as the theme on the Japanese reality television show, Terrace House, for three seasons.

Both the song and the Netflix series have taken the world and the Philippines by storm. For the Lights Follow – Matthew Heath and Grady Griggs – it has given them the opportunity to showcase their talent and their deep and catchy songs that also includes their latest hit, “FLT RSK”. We spoke with Heath about how “Slow Down” came to be a hit, their new hit, “FLT RSK”, and

the possibility of performing in Southeast Asia. “The song comes from a super personal place for me,” bared Heath. “My wife and I recently had our first child and I was just to the point where I was doing music production and writing full time. Up until then, it was a huge struggle – working in restaurants at night and writing and producing by day. I had been doping music full time for five

months and felt this overwhelming need to hustle so I would not go back to working in restaurants. ‘Slow Down’ was a note to myself kind of song. It was me preaching that I needed to be careful and to step back why I was working so hard. I was losing sight of what was important – my family.” Then Netflix came calling through Lights Follow’s licensing company, 5 Alarm. “We had written the song prior to Terrace House and then someone called and said, ‘Congrats on the Terrace House theme,’” added Heath. The duo hadn’t heard of the fly-on-the-wall reality television show that follows the life of three female and three male strangers -- all who are Japanese -- who live in a beautiful home in Japan. Terrace House, now on its fifth season, used “Slow Down” as its

theme song for Season 2 (Boys and Girls Next Door), Season 3 (Boys and Girls in the City), and Season 4 (Aloha State, shot entirely in Hawaii). “Grady and I were blown away,” admitted Heath when contacted about the use of the song. “We couldn’t believe that our song was the theme for a television show. I wish I could say that it was written specifically for the show but I do think there is a bit of serendipity involved because it fits the show like a glove.” “Fans of Terrace House have been amazing. They are the kindest and most considerate group of fans we have ever encountered. The song still has a steady following on Spotify and Apple Music because of the show.” “Slow Down” is also used as a walk up song by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda who has been a guest commentator on the show and helped turn his baseball teammates into fans of the show. And that helped propel their new single “FLT RSK” (read as flight risk). Ordinarily, the term has a negative connotation as it is someone who is deemed to likely leave the country before a trial or a hearing. The band flipped the idea to turn it into something positive – about people who are not supposed to succeed in life but do so anyway. “We love the idea of using conflict and extracting something positive from it,” summed up Heath. “The tension between conflicted verses lyrics and resolved chorus lyrics is just something very satisfying.” The deeply personal nature of Lights Follow’s songs have seen them acquire a fan base all over the world – something Heath describes as “mind-boggling” – including Manila. As for performing in the Philippines, Matt did say that both Grady and himself are open to the idea. “Neither of us have been to Manila, but we would love to visit,” enthused Heath. “We are open to all possibilities.”

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SIC OUR BUSINESS

SINGAPORE SLING

Zadon on working with Filipino artists and Akasha. “I gotta admit I learnt something from it too.” Other than creating and singing his own material, Zadon also writes for other artists. Although he had collaborated with other Singaporean artists in the past, he revealed his willingness “to work with more Fillipino artists.” He stated that the audience in the Philippines is “immense”, and can “help grow the industry and artists.” Compared to Singapore, he

Zadon (center) flanked by Akasha and Iñigo Pascual

By Stephanie Joy Ching

IKE most artists, Singaporean singersongwriter Zadon expresses his thoughts and feelings through his art. His latest song “为什么”, which means “why” in Mandarin, displays frustration at the challenges life throws at him. He says that “music and melody is a universal thing that can be enjoyed by people who speak different languages.”

Despite language barriers, he believes that his songs can speak volumes about the human experience. Zadon’s 2017 hit single “Adios” was recently reworked for a Filipino market. An upbeat dance number about leaving a toxic relationship, was rewritten into English by Jonathan Manalo of Star Music and recorded by Filipino singer Iñgo Pascual and Singaporean rapper Akasha. With Pascual’s crisp clear vocalizations and an extra verse for Akasha, “Adios” soared anew and found an even bigger global audience. Characterized by brightly colored neon lights illuminating its

performers, the new music video for “Adios” has garnered over 38,000 views so far on YouTube while a live performance of the same song on the Wish 107.5 Bus elicited more than 65,000 views. Although Zadon was not personally involved in the process of rewriting “Adios” and the filming of its music video, he was able to received snippets of it from Pascual and Manalo and was very impressed with the parts he has seen. He expressed his pleasure at the new version of his song and called it “impressive” and “fresh”. “It is always amazing to see other artist’s take on your song.” he said, praising the vocalizations of Pascual

describes the Philippines as “a good place to grow and learn” with its “very diverse range of artists that are doing different genres of music.” “There are also a lot of music shows on the TV network,” he added as he also expressed his hope to see more venues for Singaporean music in the near future. “There are a lot to look forward to,” he said, “and I am really excited for this journey.” (With interview by Edwin P. Sallan)

OCTOBER 20 , 2019 | soundstrip.businessmirror@gmail.com

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YOUR MUSIC OUR BUSINESS

ALL ACCESS By Annie S. Alejo

Any which Engel you look at it

hen it comes to music, I subscribe to the thought that music chooses you. And when it does, like they say, it lives in your car, your room, in your Spotify playlist and so on. Sometimes, you walk down the street and the music plays in your head—or from your Bose earphones— like a soundtrack to your strut and you feel like you can take on the world.

That said, what I hope to be able to share here are instances of epic coolness from people we expect, or even least expect, with their career milestones a backdrop of what could be, at the very least, a charming story. Let me start off with Engelbert Humperdinck. Who, you ask? Born Arnold George Dorsey in India back in 1936, his family moved to Leicester, England when he was 10. He originally wanted to become a sax player, but fate made him a recording star instead. In his five-decade career, he sold more than 140

Collector's...

from page 3

for Smith, Garcia and Puno was first presented to the Philippine Stamp Committee composed of representatives from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Philatelic Federation (PPF), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and PHLPost, it was unanimously approved without any objection. The families of the three icons were likewise thrilled with idea. Sta. Maria has in fact acknowledged Hotdog founding member Dennis Garcia and brother of Rene Garcia, as among those who were

million records when albums were still a thing, had 64 gold albums and 23 platinum ones when sales of physical albums were still a big deal (even then that was a feat), four Grammy noms, a Golden Globe, and apparently, stars in both the Hollywood and Las Vegas Walks of Fame. Mr. Humperdinck still recalls getting a last-minute slot on Sunday

Night at the London Palladium in 1967 as his life-changing moment. He sang “Release Me,” a song some of your gramps may have belted out during family Karaoke hour, and he said this pushed the record to No. 1—keeping the Beatles off the top of the same chart at the time. To me, though, more than memories of lazy Sundays with the family his songs like “The

Last Waltz” or “Cuando Cuando Cuando” evoke, he gets a huge Like emoji because he has a sense of humor about himself and can dish out selfdeprecating jokes. He even appeared several times on MTV back when the music channel was still a pop culture gem. At 83, he still performs, and will return to Manila for a concert on November 12 at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City. Crazy enough, I met this superstar a few years ago at a private dinner in the OMG-thishouse of this prominent tycoon. Mr. Humperdinck was gracious enough to talk to the guest, including us—the room fillers. He even let me take a selfie with him. At that dinner, the host told us about this couple who was such a fan of the singer’s they named their kids Engelbert, and Humperdinck. Somehow they managed to get this family backstage after Mr. H’s show. Tired and probably raring to retreat to his presidential suite, he nevertheless gratefully met with the family, and they were gushing with delight. I love it when stars take a moment out of their precious lives to make others happy. Pretty awesome going for someone in his stature; other celebrities require security to clear the entire backstage of every single person (yes, even the crew) or they would not come out of the limo! No matter how cool you think you are now, let’s see where you’d be over age 80. Look at it from any angle, classy never goes out of style.

instrumental in the issuance of the stamps. “I’m proud as hell and happy that OPM heroes are finally being honored,” Garcia told SoundStrip in a separate interview. Queenie Haze Smith, daughter of Pepe Smith, admits that while she has mixed emotions and still haven’t moved on from her father’s demise, she is nonetheless overwhelmed by the PHLPost gesture. “I can’t thank them enough. Giving this recognition to my dad is such a wonderful experience. And they made sure that I am with them during the whole process as a respect to my family,” she said. The Pinoy Music Icons stamps

of Smith, Garcia and Puno designed by PHLPost creative artist Rodine Teodoro will be launched this November 15 as part of the PHLPost’s celebration of National Stamp Collecting Month. Like the previously released stamps of Pope Francis, Manny Pacquiao and Miss Universe Catriona Gray, the stamps will be available in limited quantities and should be considered as collector’s items. As part of the stamp’s launch, PHLPost will mount an exhibit of memorabilia items from the three icons courtesy of their respective families. The exhibit will take place at Manila Central Post Office building in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.

“They were very excited and offered us whatever we need for the exhibit so we’re very excited not just for the fans of these three artists but also for fans of Pinoy music to see the stamps and the coming exhibit,” Sta. Maria enthused. For his part, Garcia said Hotdog will perform with Mar Dizon’s The Hermit band at 19 East Bar & Grill at Muntinlupa on November 27 in a special concert that will pay tribute to the three icons. “He offered the idea of performing the songs of these legends and highlight these personalities at their concert so that should be exciting to see as well,” Sta. Maria concluded.

Engelbert Humperdinck

Choosing both, not between, passion and pay By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

ike Advincula is a man of plans. He knows what he wants and pursues it with courage and determination, no matter the volume or variety of his dreams. An industrial engineering management graduate from De La Salle University, Advincula had his sights on entrepreneurship and heart in swimming. He was a member of the varsity swimming team that topped the 2009 and 2011 University Athletic Association of the Philippines, or UAAP, competitions. After graduation, he shifted to water polo and was eventually named to the Philippine national team, where he represented the country until 2015. Competitive sports, however, was not in the long-term plans. “At that time, I was passionate to represent the country in water polo competitions, but the allowance I got was not enough for my expenses,” he said. The athlete focused on life after college and sports, and worked as a freelance swimming coach and a part-time model. At the same time, his entrepreneurial senses unfolded as Advincula established a group of swimming coaches, called SwimKo, with three fellow Lasallian

Manulife Philippines senior financial adviser Mike Advincula receives the Million Dollar Round Table award swimmers as his partners. “I developed a different market from the traditional swimming schools. What we have done was we approached the clients and so they don’t have to go to the venue,” he said. Advincula crossed out an entry from his checklist by putting up his own business, but he knew that wouldn’t be enough to support him financially. He continued to

explore his options. He researched about jobs that would best fit his qualifications. He wanted one that would allow him to become an entrepreneurship, while having the time to pursue his other interests, such as water polo. He came across the title “financial advisor,” or an insurance agent. “I thought this was a good job to pursue because it gives a lot of flexibility,” he said.

Advincula landed with Manulife, wherein he appreciates the opportunity of being able to work and still be involved with sports. Aside from having control of his time, Advincula also had the opportunity to be involved with several businesses, such as restaurant bars in the southern part of the Metro. As far as his financial advisor hat goes, Advincula’s clients are baby boomers and millennials. He updates the former about how insurance policies have grown over the years, and teaches the latter the importance of financial literacy for a stable future. “It is my job to create awareness and tell them there is no such thing as over insured,” he said. “We are creating the extra legacy for their children and loved ones.” Advincula is now on his seventh year with Manulife and continues to excel. He has received the Million Dollar Round Table Award for two years, as well as the top senior financial adviser title. Despite the success in his corporate career, Advincula continues to teach swimming with his pool of young instructors from DLSU. “I teach them and train them,” he said. “Our goal is to create a drown-free Philippines.” As he finds the time to pursue his passion while advance his corporate career, Advincula looks back and says becoming a financial adviser was not in his career road map, but turned out to be a bigger blessing than he could have ever hoped for. “There are other millennials who wanted to pursue their passion but passion does not pay,” he said. “You need to do something else.”

A program for young, aspiring IT professionals

he opportunities for innovations in today’s technological world call for qualified and driven people who will lead the Philippines’s shift to Industrial Revolution 4.0. To ensure that the country has the talent to succeed in the coming industrial revolution, Globe, in partnership with Yondu, created the Accelerated Cloud Cadetship Enablement Program program. AC2E is a cloud capability build initiative that offers a holistic technical and professional development plan to aspiring young IT professionals. “Globe is providing an opportunity for the next generation of IT professionals to be exposed in Cloud Technology with AC2E program at a young age,” said Pebbles Manalang, Globe chief information officer. AC2E targets to produce 25 highly skilled cloud practitioners who are deployment and future-ready. The first-of-its-kind initiative

will launch in November with a series of events until December. Official onboarding and start of the program will be in January 2020 until August 2020. Fresh graduates from March 2018 onward of a two-year associate course or four-year bachelor’s course in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, Mathematics, or any STEM-related courses can apply for the program. Aspiring applicants should have a high propensity to learn new things, be immensely curious, a team player, and willing to work in a hyper-fast environment. All qualified applicants will take an online technical assessment that will measure each applicant’s technical competency. Onehundred qualifiers will be short-listed and will undergo paper screening. The top 50 will be chosen, and will attend a two-day workshop. Applicants will then be narrowed down to the top 30 who will continue with HR assessment and final deliberations.

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Selected applicants will be hired by Yondu Inc. as a probationary employee with a competitive salary. They will be reporting in the Globe office at BGC, Taguig, for the duration of the program. For regional hires, a temporary relocation package for the duration of the program will be provided. Those who pass the selection process will receive an e-mail and SMS. October 20, 2019

An exciting, intensive, and rigorous program awaits selected cadets. They will develop technical skills through learning sessions and immersions, as well as leadership and professional skills—making for a holistic experience. They will also be mentored and coached by a pool of experts in the IT industry. At the end of the program, the cadets will have the opportunity to work for a high-performing organization and get certification/s in different cloud platforms. The program is set to open numerous job opportunities for the cadets, particularly in the fields of architecture, operations, development and business. Examples of these roles include Enterprise Architect, Solutions Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Infrastructure Operations, Application Developer, DevOps Engineer, Finance Analyst, and Cloud Finance Manager, to name a few. For further inquiries on the AC2E program, contact globeAC2Eprogram@ yondu.com.

Hunger on campus: How college students can get help By Anna Helhoski

NerdWallet

hen college students paying their own way have a financial hiccup, they have to make hard choices about how to spend their limited funds—and some turn to their food budget to close a gap.

Gina Higgins, a mechanical engineering student at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, has paid for school with a mix of scholarships, loans and part-time jobs. She planned every penny of her budget, cutting corners by shopping at discount grocery stores and commuting to campus. Then, her car broke down and her family couldn’t help. Higgins needed her car to get to classes, but couldn’t afford to pay for repairs on top of rent, utilities and food. She knew that she could only cut back on her food budget, so she turned to her school for help. “It’s a stereotype for a reason that college students survive on ramen and free snacks from club meetings—we don’t tend to eat well because we can’t afford to eat well,” Higgins says. Almost half of 86,000 students at twoand four-year institutions in the United States surveyed in fall 2018 by Temple University’s Hope Center for College, Community and Justice said they were food insecure—without reliable access to healthy food—at some point in the previous year. More than a third of those students said they cut the size of meals or skipped meals because they didn’t have enough money for food.

GETTING HELP FOR FOOD INSECURITY Nearly 40 percent of college students are

In this March 14, 2019, file photo, students walk on the Stanford University campus in Santa Clara, California. When college students paying their own way have a financial hiccup, they have to make hard choices about how to spend their limited funds, and some turn to their food budget to close a gap. AP considered low income, the biggest risk factor for food insecurity in college, according to a 2019 report by the Government Accountability Office. Food insecurity isn’t only about lack of food; it’s also about quality, says Alicia Powers, community health coordinator at Auburn University and managing director of the school’s Hunger Solutions Institute. “If you’re choosing it because it is the only thing you can afford, then we need to address that,” Powers says about instant ramen meals. Resources at Higgins’s university got her through the crisis. She had help signing up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program government benefits. She also received an emergency grant to cover the cost of car repairs and some meals at the dining hall. Here are food resources that may be available for students in need:

UNUSED MEAL SHARE PROGRAMS College meal share programs allow students to donate their unused meal credits, or swipes, to other students, who claim them for campus dining. Meal share programs are often studentled efforts, aided in part by nonprofit organizations like Swipe Out Hunger and Share

Meals. In the 2018-19 school year, over 70 percent of students at the 80 colleges that Swipe Out Hunger serves reported less stress and anxiety about where they would get their next meal after receiving meal swipes. More than half who received swipes also reported higher class performance.

CAMPUS FOOD PANTRIES On campus food pantries provide nonperishable items and some may offer fresh options like fruit, vegetables and dairy products, as well as frozen food. “Just because you’re low income or struggling doesn’t mean you should only be able to eat food in packaged form or cans,” says Marissa Meyers, a senior department research associate for the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice. The campus food pantry at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, partners with the Thurston County Food Bank to receive weekly deliveries of fresh produce and refrigerated items. Use the College and University Food Bank Alliance’s search tool to find campus food pantries.

SNAP BENEFIT ENROLLMENT Students with part-time jobs may be

eligible for SNAP benefits, which they can use to buy food at grocery stores, convenience stores and some farmers markets. But it can be difficult for students to qualify, since most will have to work about 20 hours a week to use the program. Some colleges, like Portland State University in Oregon, bring farmers markets that accept SNAP benefits to campus.

FINANCIAL AID APPEAL Students who don’t receive enough financial aid or who have a serious change to their financial situation midyear can appeal their aid offer. Students should be ready to provide their financial aid office with the amount they’ll need, details of their circumstances and relevant documentation.

EMERGENCY GRANTS A one-time emergency aid grant from a college can also help students bear the burden of their expenses—and that doesn’t just mean food. Insecurity with food often goes hand in hand with housing insecurity, says Mary Haskett, a psychology professor who led a food and housing security study at North Carolina State. Students should visit their school’s financial aid or student affairs office. AP

Young people are starving for classes on finance, tips on taxes

en Z is veering into the world of student loans, first apartments and financial burdens—and they’re hungry for help in figuring it all out. Three out of 4 recent high-school graduates said they wish a class on personal finance had been a mandatory part of their education, according to a study released this month by Experian. Young people were mostly keen to learn how to save money, manage expenses and file taxes, the consumer-credit reporting company found in a survey of 18- and 19-year-olds. Financial literacy skills have declined

for all Americans in the past decade, most noticeably for those ages 18 to 34, according to a recent Finra study. This is especially worrying as young people pile on debt to pay for college and living expenses. Young people would benefit from both a structured learning environment and technology-based tools explaining the basics of school loans, credit cards, car buying, taxes and renting an apartment, according to Rod Griffin, director of public education for Costa Mesa, Californiabased Experian. “It can take years to recover if you

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learn by making mistakes,” Griffin said. Some areas already have educational standards in place. Nineteen states require students to take classes in personal finance before they graduate high school, up from 17 last year, a study by the Council for Economic Education found. Benefits of an early financial education extend over a lifetime. “College students who took a personal finance course in high school were more likely to save and pay off their credit cards and less likely to max out credit cards,” the Financial Literacy and Education Commission said in its 2019 study. October 20, 2019

Even Hollywood has taken notice. A 10part series from executive producer Ashton Kutcher called Going From Broke will focus on the financial struggles of Los Angelesbased millennials. The TV show began streaming on October 17 on Crackle, with the aim to teach young people to “become the CEO of their own lives.” There’s definitely a market. Some 49 percent of the young adults in Experian’s survey said they found financial topics interesting or somewhat interesting, while 11 percent said they loved learning about them. Bloomberg Opinion