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DTI RIZAL

Rizal Trade official wants a slice of the profit-making creative sector, the province being first in the region to host ‘FiestaKucha,’ a bid to boost the local creative industry and entrepreneurship.

cept that the Philippine government through the DTI is focusing on the creative industry, the creative sector as an industry,” Duran told the BusinessMirror. She said 2023 is the inaugural year of the program, with funds roughly P1.4 million being disbursed in the last quarter. Duran points out the distinction “when the DTI takes the lead” as “it creates an economy, and it triggers the economic development.” She underscores the importance of other government entities like the Creative Council or the Arts and Culture Council. Duran said these play an important role “for the soul of the country; for the creative one.” “It [creative] is promoted and developed as an industry. It’s a big deal when DTI leads the creative industries and the development,” she added. With the recent enactment of Republic Act 11904, or the Phil-

“We’re really for money, for profit. DTI mukhang pera [is really looking for money].”—Cleo Marco-Duran, DTI Rizal Provincial Director DTI RIZAL

By John Eiron R. Francisco

“We’re really for money, for profit. DTI mukhang pera [is really looking for money],” Cleo Marco-Duran told around a hundred people at the Creative Rizal Conference on December 12, 2023. Some stood upright, particularly owners of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and representatives of arts and creative organizations; attempting to dissect the trade official’s thesis. “Did we really hear that? Did we hear that right?” some may have mumbled to themselves. Duran argues that profit is good, not only for the MSMEs but also because the money helps workers and generates more jobs as profit is plowed back to the business and the economy. “That’s what we need now, to create more entrepreneurs,” she said. Duran envisions a ripple effect where supporting local enterprises, even vendors of sweetened bananas on a stick or fishballs, amplifies economic activity. She emphasizes that as MSMEs profit, they expand and, thereby, generate employment in communities, particularly in rural areas. This may be Duran’s hat tip to Joseph Alois Schumpeter, the Austrian-trained economist who posited that entrepreneurs propel innovation, a vital force for a capitalist economy. “Not everybody can be an entrepreneur. But, the rest can be workers for enterprises within a community,” she emphasized, highlighting the significance of entrepreneurship in generating a cascade of job opportunities.

DTI RIZAL

ONEY doesn’t grow on trees. It’s the fruit of the creative sector. So says the Rizal Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Antidote to poverty

DURAN didn’t stop there. She forwarded a Keynesian view on government’s role in economic growth. “The DTI should be looking not only at MSMEs, but larger [enterprises],” she said. More people sat upright, seemingly hanging on her every word. Particularly in rural areas like Rizal, “there are still pockets of rural areas that we need to develop these MSMEs to create employment, to generate income opportunities for everyone.” Duran asserts that “MSME development is the antidote to poverty.” As it is at the grassroots level, she underscored the pivotal role played by MSMEs in uplifting communities and fostering economic resilience. However, in her analysis, Duran also sheds light on the formidable challenges that individuals face when entering to es-

ippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), the DTI assumes a leading role as the implementing agency that promotes and strengthens the creative sector in the country, notably through the implementation of “FiestaKucha: Philippine Regional Creative Festivals.”

Abundant talent

A GOOGLE search unveils that Kucha is an oasis city in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China. Launched in September, “FiestaKucha” is inspired by a fusion of Filipino fiesta traditions and the Japanese storytelling style called PechaKucha. The term “PechaKucha” is a Japanese onomatopoeia for “chit-chat.” “We want them to know that there is such a program,” Duran said, her arm sweeping toward the rows of people attending the conference. Continued on A2

tablish and operate a business or enterprise independently. Yet, “if you have the DTI to assist you,” from addressing labeling requirements to enhancing product design and overall improvement, it enables local businesses to compete in the export market, she said. Duran highlighted successful cases where simple enterprises, with government’s (DTI) help, elevated products to meet the standards of high-end markets that attract sophisticated buyers. She cited the “One Town, One Product” policy, which was designed to enhance product designs and broaden market appeal.

‘FiestaKucha’

THE DTI-Rizal was the first among the five provinces in Region IV-A Calabarzon to host “FiestaKucha,” a bid to boost the local creative industry and entrepreneurship. “Our goal here is to promote the con-

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 55.6860 n JAPAN 0.3919 n UK 70.6767 n HK 7.1317 n CHINA 7.7980 n SINGAPORE 41.9923 n AUSTRALIA 37.8720 n EU 61.3214 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.8452 Source: BSP (December 22, 2023)

A2 Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

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THE EAST IS GREEN

DTI RIZAL

ON December 12, 2023, the FiestaKucha CREATIVE (Creative Related Efforts and Assistance Transforming into Viable Enterprise) Rizal Conference, organized by DTI Rizal, successfully convened over 100 participants, including representatives from the national government, MSMEs, arts and creative organizations, educational institutions, and the private sector. The event, spearheaded by notable figures like DTI Competitiveness Bureau Director Lilian Salonga, DICT Regional IVA April Rose Clemeno, Department of Tourism Region IVA Marvin Malacaman, IPO Regional Specialist Marlo Carag, and DOST Rizal Provincial Director Fernando Ablaza, focused on fostering collaboration and networking opportunities in the creative industry while promoting local culture and arts. The conference was graced by the presence of DTI Assistant Regional Director Region IV-A Revelyn Cortez, DTI Rizal OIC Provincial Director Cleo Marco-Duran, Antipolo City First District Councilor Doc Rico De Guzman, and Rizal Provincial Government’s Rhea Ynares. DTI RIZAL

Continued from A1

While admitting that the full realization of creating industries specifically tailored for the creative sector may not have materialized yet, Duran said she wants local entrepreneurs to understand that the government is actively exploring the potential of this industry and “having a strategic plan for it.” Asked by the BusinessMirror about the role of the creative industry in contributing to the local economy, Duran stressed its importance, particularly in Rizal province, where traditional businesses often “require substantial capital for assets and infrastructure.” However, she said that in the creative industry, “having artistic talent allows individuals to indulge without extensive capital investment,” whether it’s through painting, performances, or blogging, one can engage as an individual with minimal financial outlay. “You have to link [up] with the government for wider support, for where to look for your market,” Duran said. She underscored the importance of the creative industry given the abundant talent within the province, which is just about 16 kilometers east of Manila. “[The] trend now is collaboration with other government agencies. We join, we pool our resources to encourage our businesses to do more, to create more,” she said. “That’s where we come na dapat talaga mukhang pera tayo [that we should seriously be

looking for money]. You should really aim for that, because that is the need at the present.”

Shift in perspective

ACCORDING to Duran, DTI Rizal believes that the creatives were not given priority: “parang pang-dekorasyon lang, for appreciation lang [they’re like props only]. ” However, she emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective. “We need to realize that they have a value,” urging for recognition of the value that artists contribute to the community. “We can earn from it,” Duran notes, expressing concern about the prevailing perception of artists as under-appreciated or marginalized. She believes that in certain countries, artists are revered and looked up to, “hindi ’yung pag namatay ka, atsaka doon ka palang i-re-recognize [and it’s not a case of being recognized only when you’re dead].” In advocating a profit-centric approach, Duran stresses the necessity of viewing financial success as a means to contribute to the community and stimulate economic growth. She said DTI Rizal believes that pursuing profit becomes problematic only “when you do not share it.” “But if you share it with your community, that’s how the economy grows,” Duran said.

DTI Rizal’s vision

DURAN said that DTI Rizal will

propose more projects for the promotion of the creative industries of the province. She emphasized that, at the moment, DTI Rizal “really needs government funding for this project.” According to Duran, the initiatives haven’t reached a stage where they can operate independently without state support. Nonetheless, she remains optimistic that, through programs like the FiestaKucha, “hopefully, grants and loans will be coming in for the creatives, for the creators so that they can engage in” more entrepreneurial activities. She also expressed hope that funds would flow next year, and early enough so that agencies like the DTI and entrepreneurs would have the opportunity to plan comprehensively for the entire year. She pointed out that, “we realized a lot of things” despite the current focus on four municipalities. “But every municipality has their own creative talents” who present numerous unseen opportunities, Duran added. In emphasizing the potential within these areas, Duran underscores the wealth of creative potential waiting to be explored and developed in various communities. She describes the creative industry as “an exciting industry to look at,” and emphasized the collective effort needed to make these initiatives successful, “so, we will have to assist everybody” in the creative sector.

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

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Mindanao bus drivers told: No pax boarding outside terminals By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

AVAO City—Drivers of interprovincial buses across Mindanao were reminded to refrain from picking up passengers beyond designated bus terminals for safety and security reasons. In a Philippine Information Agenc y news d ispatc h, A isa Sau m ay Usop, general manager of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), issued the appeal in the aftermath of the December 3 bombing of an early Sunday morning Catholic mass at the gymnasium of the Mindanao State University in Marawi City. Four persons were killed and scores were wounded in the explosion that investigators blamed to a local terror organization. Usop said provincial bus drivers were prohibited from picking up passengers along the highways to and from Davao City. She said loading and unloading of passengers should be done only at the DCOTT based on City Ordinance No. 110. Usop also called on the bus drivers, conductors, and passengers to exercise self-discipline. She said bus drivers and conductors must keep their doors closed to block boarding, while passengers must avoid hailing buses at the roadside within the city limit. Passengers must go to t he DCOT T for the buses to take them to their destination in the south or

north-bound areas. “We are encouraging our passengers to start their journey at the DCOTT as we encourage the bus operators to inform the bus drivers not to pick up passengers along the highway for security reasons,” she said. She said violators of this policy would be penalized. “We will be strict in the implementation of this ordinance to guarantee the safety of the passengers.” She met officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI, Land Transportation (LTO) XI, the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) XI, the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Davao City Police Office, and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office and agreed among themselves to implement this ordinance. Usop said that traffic enforcers are bound to implement the law by issuing traffic violation tickets to the bus drivers who might violate the ordinance because the government must see to it that the safety of everyone is achieved. Two explosions rocked two buses only hours apart on May 26 last year, one in Koronadal City in South Cotabato and another one in Tacurong City, both from unattended baggage and believed deliberatedly planted to explode. On November 6, also last year, another explosion damaged a bus in Cotabato City from a planted improvised explosive inside the bus.

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

edge tech’ AFP nearing total victory vs ‘Cutting to hallmark AFP all threat groups–Brawner modernization program in ‘24 T A By Rex Anthony Naval

RMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday said the military is nearing the attainment of total victory against all threat groups in the country. “In keeping with our legacy and valor in the face of countless challenges both internal and external the AFP has consistently risen to the occasion towards attaining total victory against all threat groups, your AFP has worked in unity with various partners and stakeholders to attain significant headway on our campaign,”

he stressed in his speech during AFP’s 88th founding anniversary on Tuesday, December 21. Brawner said the AFP’s victories are highlighted by the improved peace and order situation in former-influenced areas as shown in the declaration of the local government units as insurgency free. He added that this has helped in the boosting of tourism, investments and productive interaction all over the country. The AFP earlier announced that it neutralized 2,658 New People’s Army members and their supporters from January 1 to August 17, 2023.

Of this number, 124 were killed during encounters with military forces, while 87 were arrested and 2,447 surrendered to the government. As this developed, Brawner said the AFP has also strengthened its territorial defense operations by “ heightening our presence in our key maritime domain[s] and intensifying our maritime security operations as a response to the increasing challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He added that the AFP is now in a pivotal juncture where enhancing its capabilities becomes not just an option but also a strategic imperative.

Senate sets probe into SMNI suspension as Sen. Padilla hits ‘lack of due process’

ENATOR Robin Padilla, deploring “lack of due process,” decried the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) hasty imposition of the 30-day suspension slapped on Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI). Pa d i l l a , w h o c h a i r s t h e S e n ate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, confirmed plans to formally file a resolution as soon as the Senate resumes session work in January. The senator indicated the network has been “instrumental” in assisting the government in its anti-terrorism campaign through its programs seeking to educate the public against “communist propaganda and recruitment strategies.” The NTC, in its “show cause” and

suspension order, failed to indicate the need to suspend the operations of SMNI, much more express how this is necessary to avoid serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or to private interests, he noted in the resolution the senator is set to formally file. “In the absence of proof of serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or private interests that may be caused by SMNI’s continued operations, the general rule shall apply wherein the NTC shall have the power, upon proper notice and hearing, to issue a suspension order pursuant to the Public Services Act,” Padilla added. He noted that while the NTC has the power to suspend or revoke any certificate issued

when the holder violated any of its regulation or any provision of Republic Act 11659, a proviso in RA 11659 states that the NTC may suspend for up to 30 days “to avoid serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or to private interests.” Moreover, Padilla recalled the Supreme Court had ruled in 2008 that administrative proceedings are “not exempt from basic and fundamental procedural principles, such as the right to due process in investigations and hearings.” “The baseless issuance of a 30-day suspension order is a transgression of SMNI’s right to due process, which will result in serious and irreparable damage to it and its employees no less,” he noted. Butch Fernandez

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be utilizing “cutting edge technologies” as its modernization program proceeds. This was stressed by AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. in his message, as the military celebrated its 88th founding anniversary Thursday. “[We will] pursue the AFP Modernization Program to leverage cutting edge technologies and strategic partnerships, while bearing in mind our pledge to keep the peace and remain as your partners for progress on the ground,” he added. Brawner said this is needed as the AFP stands “at the pivotal juncture where enhancing our military capabilities becomes not just an option but a strategic imperative.” “Thus, the AFP will continuously strengthen the reserve force hand-in-hand with our regular force as we sustain our territorial defense operations...by building a strong presence in the cyber realm with the establishment of the AFP Cyber Command,” he added. Brawner also said they will also create the AFP Joint Special Operations Command, reorganize the AFP Presidential Security command, and reestablish the AFP CounterIntelligence Group in a bid to further beef up their capabilities. “With the statement of our Commanderin-Chief, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. saying the Philippines will not give up a single square inch of its territory, we will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our institution and with international law,” he added. Rex Anthony Naval

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Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

Economy to grow 5.6% in 2023–FMIC-UA&P By Cai Ordinario @caiordinario

IGHER infrastructure and consumption spending as well as slower inflation could allow the economy to post a growth of 5.6 percent or better, according to a local think tank. In its latest Market Call report, First Metro Investment Corp.-University of Asia and the Pacific (FMIC-UA&P) Capital Market Research maintained their 5.6 percent GDP forecast for the economy, with an upside bias. The local think tank estimated that the economy would benefit from better employment data and slower inflation that will lead to an average of 6 percent by yearend. “The economic outlook has brightened as economic data releases revealed the weakness in Q2 (second quarter) proved transitory as near record inflation YoY (year on year) earlier in 2023 bore down on consumers. NG (national government) has shown robust infrastructure and current spending growth

from August to October and will likely continue to the end of 2023,” FMIC-UA&P Capital Market Research said. The think tank said the national government’s current and capital expenditures in October grew 22.3 percent YoY, the third consecutive month of over 20 percent uptick, while Manufacturing PMI hit a 10-month high of 52.7. The peso, the think tank said, appreciated in November by 1.7 percent on a month-onmonth basis due to the weakness of the US dollar caused by falling interest rates. FMIC-UA&P Capital Market Research added that with no further auctions after December 13, they expect the debt-to-GDP ratio to fall to 60.3 percent by end-2023. This will widen the national government’s fiscal space. “With few surprises from economic data releases in the rest of December, we confirm our 5.6 percent GDP growth outlook for 2023, with an upward bias, and inflation rate should remain fairly stable in the low

4 percent path. Thus, we put more focus on the year ahead,” the think tank said. FMIC-UA&P Capital Market Research said the Services sector is expected to lead the economic gains in the last quarter of the year and in 2024. This growth will be driven by major subsectors like Trade, Transport & Storage, and Accommodations & Food Services. These sectors are expected to see significant increases in employment as locals and foreigners increase their leisure spending. On the inflation front, the local think tank said the weakness in international crude oil prices might offset any increase in rice prices. Oil prices are expected to be low on the back of a global economic slowdown, particularly in advanced economies and

China.

LAST week, the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) decided to maintain key policy rates during its last meeting for the year.

DBM data show 93 percent cash allocation spending as of end Nov

HE state’s use of its cash allocation slowed slightly to 93 percent in endNovember from 94 percent a year ago, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Latest DBM report showed that as of end-November the total notice of cash allocation (NCAs) reached P4.033 trillion, slightly higher than the P4.006 trillion released in the same period last year. Of the total NCAs released, the national government utilized P3.758 trillion or equivalent to 93 percent utilization rate. This meant that state agencies, government- owned and - controlled corporations as well as local government units had P257.946 billion in unused NCAs.

The DBM defines NCAs to the disbursement authority it issues to cover the cash requirements of the operations, programs, and projects of government agencies. “A higher NCA utilization rate demonstrates the capacity of line agencies to timely disburse their allocated funds and implement their programs and projects,” according to the DBM. DBM data showed that the NCA utilization rate of the national government departments stood at 91 percent at the end of November. DBM data showed that there were seven line agencies during the reference period that posted an NCA utilization rate of above 95 percent led by the Commission

on Audit (COA). The COA registered a 100 percent NCA utilization rate as of end-November, the lone state agency to do so, based on DBM data. It was followed by the Department of Foreign Affairs with a 99 percent NCA utilization rate and the DBM itself at 98 percent level. The other agencies that posted above 95 percent NCA utilization rate were the Commission on Elections (97 percent), National Economic and Development Authority (96 percent), Department of Public Works and Highways (96 percent) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (96 percent). The DBM data showed that the Department of Information and Communications

In a briefing, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the Monetary Board decided to keep the BSP’s Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) Rate unchanged at 6.5 percent. With this, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities will remain at 6 percent and 7 percent, respectively. With the latest decision of the Monetary Board, the country’s key policy rates increased by a total of 100 basis points this year. The Monetary Board raised key policy rates in January 2023 by 50 basis points, bringing the key policy rate to 6 percent. This was followed by a 25-basis-point increase in March 2023, bringing the rates to 6.25 percent and another 25 basis point increase in an off-cycle meeting in October, bringing key policy rates to 6.5 percent. The BSP said its overall outlook for inflation remained unchanged. For 2023, the risk-adjusted inflation was maintained at 6 percent. For 2024, BSP said the risk-adjusted forecast declined to 4.2 percent from 4.4 percent in the previous meeting in November, while the risk-adjusted inflation forecast is unchanged at 3.4 percent for 2025. Technology had the least NCA utilization rate at 37 percent followed by the Department of Migrant Workers at 39 percent at the end of November. The other agencies with lower NCA utilization rate than the state average were the Department of Agriculture (62 percent), Department of Tourism (77 percent) and Office of the Vice President (77 percent), based on the DBM data. The DBM data further indicated that government-owned and -controlled corporations were able to utilize 98 percent of the NCAs released to them during the reference period. Meanwhile, local government units posted a 100 percent NCA utilization rate at the end of November, according to the DBM. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Bizwoman-philanthropist distributes gift, cash, toys to hundreds of families in Manila

BUSINESSWOMAN played the role of Santa Claus to hundreds of poor families and children in Manila by

distributing gifts, cash and grocery items to bring joy and happiness to indigent families in the city this holiday season.

The distribution of Christmas gifts, led by philanthropist Virginia Rodriguez, was held in San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila for impoverished families Rodriguez was assisted by Fr. Douglas Badong of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Manila Parish, in providing happiness to around 500 families who were given cash aids worth P5,000 each, along with grocery items and toys to children. Known for being a philanthropist, Rodriguez is the author of the book “Leave Nobody Hungry” that presents innovative technologies and organic farming methods to fight hunger in the country. According to Rodriguez, she wanted to help the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to make the price of rice affordable to the poor Filipino people, prompting her to write and produce the said book. Rodriguez, who is also the leader of the newly organized group, Agri Kaagapay, expressed confidence that the book she wrote

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

PHL on track to achieve single-digit poverty rate by 2028–Neda chief

HE national government must lift some 14 million Filipinos out of poverty to attain its goal of slashing the country’s poverty incidence rate to a single digit, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). In a briefing on Friday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said by 2028, there would be around 130 million Filipinos. A single-digit poverty incidence rate of 9 percent means there should only be around 11 million poor Filipinos by the end of the President’s term. Based on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are 25.24 million poor Filipinos in the first semester of 2023. This was lower than the 26.14 million in the first semester of 2021 (https://businessmirror.com. ph/2023/12/22/number-of-poor-filipinos-declined-in-1h-of-2023-neda/) “Yes, with the positive number that’s come out in the first half of 2023, the possibilities are now even higher that we will be able to achieve that single-digit target by 2028,” Balisacan said. Balisacan also said he is optimistic that the second semester poverty data will also reflect a reduction in the number of poor Filipinos. The second semester and full year 2023 poverty data will be released next year. Historically, Balisacan said the first semester poverty data is higher than the second semester poverty numbers. This is also part of what drives his optimism for the second semester results of the poverty data. “I’m quite optimistic about the second half. Number one, inflation has come down and you know purchases, expenditures are very sensitive to inflation. Number two, the labor market conditions as you have seen are quite robust with unemployment and underemployment continuing to decrease,” Balisacan said. “Number three, while there is still instability around, the kind of uncertainty that we see now is not as bad as the beginning of the year. And I think that while many of the major economies are still on a tight policy mode, many of them are now revisiting and seeing a better future ahead,” he also said.

will help millions of farmers in the country to increase their harvest, including rice, corn and other crops. “We organized this event so that every Filipino who are poor can experience the Christmas spirit, and that they can look forward to a brighter future,” Rodriguez said with a smile. Rodriguez said her organization’s top priority is support for the most neglected agriculture and fisheries sectors, which left Filipino farmers

Drought, prices

NATIONAL Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa also said the latest data showed there was an improvement in the country’s gini coefficient. The Gini coefficient is a measure of inequality where perfect inequality is 100 and perfect equality is zero. Based on the computation of PSA, the country’s gini coefficient improved to 0.4185 in the first semester of 2023, better than the 0.4368 posted in the same

BALISACAN added that not even the threat of El Niño will dampen the country’s prospects of further reducing poverty. Balisacan said the government is doing everything in its power to ensure the drought will not lead to problems, such as high prices and energy issues, among others. The Neda chief said this is the primary purpose of the President’s decision to create the El Niño task force. He said programs will be implemented to “minimize the negative effects” of the drought and “address all the dimensions of the issue.” Par t of these effor ts include the recent decision of the Neda Board, the highest policy making body of the Neda, to extend the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates for rice, pork, and corn. This, he said, will help keep inflation at bay, especially next year. “We know very well that prices are rising, and to raise the tariff when prices are rising is suicidal for your poor,” Balisacan said. “That’s part of the adjustments that we have to make to ensure that prices are moderated.” Cai U. Ordinario

and fishermen among the poorest. “Despite being a resource-rich country with an abundance of land and water resources, the country remains poor, and food security continues to threaten the population,” Rodriguez said. “Aside from providing education to poor

but deserving children, we will also provide health care assistance,” she added. Rodriguez said farmers are the most neglected sector that the government should be prioritizing, and any policy or law that it should be enacting should bear meaningful and impactful changes to improve their lives.

Inequality

BUSINESSWOMAN and philanthropist VIRGINIA RODRIGUEZ

period of 2021. Apart from the gini coefficient, the ratio of the income of the first decile or the poorest Filipinos and the 10th decile or the “richest” Filipinos or the upper 10 percent of the population narrowed. Mapa said in the first semester of 2023, the income of the richest Filipinos is only 7.6 times that of the income of the poorest Filipinos. This is lower than the 9 times recorded in the same period of 2021 and 10.1 times in the first semester of 2018. The country’s national statistician said this narrowing of the income difference as well as the reduction in the number of poor Filipinos was made possible by significant increases in income of the Bottom 30 percent. The first decile or the poorest Filipinos saw a 21.4 percent increase in their income; the second decile, 19.4 percent; and the third decile, 18.3 percent. “I think that’s a very significant trend because the improvement in the distribution of income, our poverty reduction is also very sensitive to improvement in the distribution of income,” Balisacan said. “So, as the gini ratio and relevant ratios indicate that shows us that growth is indeed becoming inclusive. That’s how you look at inclusivity in growth and the lower income groups, particularly the poor are participating more in the growth process as you can see from the faster growth in their incomes relative to the upper income groups,” he explained.

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By Nick Tayag

my sixty-zen’S WORTH

DSWD to harmonize programs for senior citizens and PWDs

A 2,000-year-old story well told

belong to a vanishing few who are still fascinated by the nativity story as told by Luke and Matthew, even after more than 2,000 years. Why? Their combined tales contain many of the hallmarks of good story writing. I say this as someone who has spent most of his active years as a writer. Not only is their account set historically (era of Caesar Augustus) and in a particular place (Bethlehem) but it also draws the reader in with its rich emotion and strong dramatic content. And most importantly, there’s the human element. In the nativity story, we not only have the virtuous heroine and hero, Mary and Joseph, we also have villains in the persons of unsympathetic owners of lodges and inns, wicked King Herod, hell-bent to destroy any threat to his throne. Then there are the supernatural angels, the lowly, marginalized shepherds, and the wealthy and the learned Three Wise Men whose names we know. The nativity tale is a very simple story and yet it has spawned what we can call the longest running show on earth. In the Philippines, for instance, we celebrate Christmas beginning in September and never seem to have enough of it. It has even inspired some of humankind’s most melodious and moving pieces of music, such as “O Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “Joy to the World,” “Adeste Fideles,” and Bach’s “Jesu, the Joy of Man’s Desiring,” just to mention a few. It has brought out the best in countless artists from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance with their magnificent painting masterpieces depicting the birth of Jesus in significantly different styles. In fact, one can make a book containing the many interesting stories behind some of the most known nativity masterpieces in history. But over the millennia, we have strayed away far from the original story. This year, just two years after the pandemic shutdown, the over-commercialized culture of Christmas is back, with a vengeance. Parties here and there, glittering lights brighter and more blinding than ever, with credit card and G-cash fueling our shopping sprees and eating binges. I’m beginning to think that Christmas has become a “pagan” holiday, devoid of Christian elements, marked by an increasing focus on the secular, physical and whimsical aspects of Christmas, which even non-Christian countries such as Japan, China and Taiwan have adopted. For crying out loud, even in Senegal, a Muslim country, Christmas is a popular holiday. We’re all so wrapped up in the temporal and material aspects, such as what gift to give, what food to serve and what clothes to wear at the Christmas party, where to spend the Christmas vacation, that we lose track of the bigger story of Christmas which goes all the way back to two millennia. As I was watching how Christmas is celebrated in Tokyo, the kaleidoscope of lights all over the city mesmerized me. Everything is

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

so “kawai” as the Japanese would say. Metro Manila is so “merry and bright” at night. But something is terribly missing. I asked myself: where is the nativity in all this? What happened to the simple “belen” tableaux? Are we forgetting the focus of our celebration, which is the nativity story: God becoming fully human—the turning point of which was in a manger in Bethlehem? This is pure froth. Where’s the substance in all this? I believe it’s time that we went back to the original story. That’s the real deal, so to speak. This is why during this season, it is important for us to find solitary time and space to read the accounts of Luke and Matthew again. While their combined accounts can be appreciated as a straight welltold story, the nativity can also be read on another level. Try to ponder not only the narrative, but discern the lessons they bring us as well. Don’t just read the words but listen, attend, observe, and even use your imagination to internalize a lesson or two meant distinctly for us. Consider how Luke paints a scene at the stable: Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger...” A manger was a trough in a stable set up to feed animals, especially large ones, such as cows and mules. It would have been filthy, uncomfortable, odiferous and hardly a place for a newborn king. Then who are the first ones to see the newborn infant? They are the poorest of the poor, the marginalized shepherds, who heed the angels’ proclamation to go to the manger. The essence of the nativity story then is the simple setting and the deep humility of the main characters: Mary and Joseph and the newborn infant. Not the garish, glittery, almost bacchanalian celebrations we now prefer to associate with Christmas. For instance, in Luke, when Mary hears the shocking news that she has been chosen to bear a child, “Son of the Most High,” she reacts in a very human way: “How can this be since I am a virgin?” It’s a perfectly reasonable question for any woman to ask, at any age. My personal take is yes, we are allowed to question unexplainable happenings in our life, even the path chosen for us by the Almighty. In our humble openness and human ignorance, we might be rewarded with an answer by an understanding God. Like Mary, we may not understand, but our strong faith tells us that God has “got this” (“sagot kita”) and if it is OK with Mary, it’s should be OK for us. There are lessons not only on trust and acceptance but also on sympathy, patience, as well as greed for power and status. Read the words with a careful eye, an open heart, and a soul begging to be informed. As a Christian, it is part of the difficult yet precious process of passing on the faith. Let’s be grateful to Luke and Matthew. Without their nativity story, what would our lives be in December? Welcome them into our “inns” and let their nativity story touch us anew in a deep way.

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has signed an agreement with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and two other government agencies that will align their efforts to harmonize programs and projects for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, as stipulated in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs and co-spokesperson Irene B. Dumlao said the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) are the two other signatory government agencies in the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, S. 2023 that will ensure that government funds are judiciously allocated for the elderly and per-

sons with disability. “The JMC will strengthen the government’s planning and monitoring mechanisms to guarantee that a specific portion of the total budget of all government offices will be utilized for the welfare of older persons and persons with disability,” Dumlao, who is also the DSWD data protection officer, pointed out. Section 36 of the General Provi-

in the review and evaluation of the agency’s budget proposal for the succeeding year. Under the JMC, the NCSC and NCDA are also mandated to utilize their existing grievance mechanisms, such as setting up of information or grievance/complaint desks and the development of a system for web-based complaint management to gather feedback or complaints from their concerned sectors. The JMC covers all national government agencies, executive departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, commissions, state universities, and colleges including government financial institutions, government-owned and/or -controlled corporations and local government units. Among the listed programs, projects, activities, and services that can be utilized to address the concerns of the priority sectors are human resource development and capacity building programs; promotion and provision of employment opportunities; protection and safety programs; information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and advocacies; policy development; research activities; and, improvement and maintenance of centers and facilities.

sions (GP 36) under Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 (GAA) states: “All agencies of the government shall formulate plans, programs, and projects intended to address the concerns of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability, in so far as it relates to their mandated functions and integrate the same in their regular activities.” According to Dumlao, one of the main provisions of the JMC is the creation of a technical working group (TWG) composed of representatives from the DSWD, the NCDA and the NCSC that will come up with the consolidated annual evaluation or year-end assessment report on the implementation of GP 36 under FY 2023 GAA and equivalent provisions years thereafter. “It will also serve as a basis for future policy development since the JMC can be adopted in future legislations regarding the formulation of plans, programs, and projects intended to address the concerns of our vulnerable and marginalized kababayans,” Dumlao said. The JMC mandates the NCSC and NCDA to submit their Agency Plan of Action for CY 2024 and years thereafter to address the concerns of their respective sectors. The DBM will use these reports

NCSC asks elderly to check PhilHealth registration By Marita Moaje

ANIL A—The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on Monday reminded the elderly to check their registration with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), as well as the accredited diagnostic laboratories and clinics in the country. During the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing aired over state-run PTV, NCSC Chairperson Frank Quijano said that despite the assumption that everyone is covered by PhilHealth under the Universal Health Care Law, records should still be checked to make sure they are active. “This is one thing that should be done by all senior citizens. To check if they are registered, especially those who are retired. They might be confident that they need not register anymore, only to find out later that they have been classified in the records as a dormant account. That is why we should remind everyone that they should be registered with PhilHealth,” Quijano said. “Secondly, there are accredited PhilHealth diagnostic laboratories

National Commission of Senior Citizens Chairperson Frank Quijano Screengrab from PTV4

and clinics. That is where we should go for our annual physical, medical, dental, optical, even geriatric examination,” he added. Quijano said he wants to ensure that senior citizens will be able to benefit from the government programs crafted for them, especially now that the law allocates 1 percent from the budget of each agency specifically for the elderly and persons with disability (PWD). On December 15, the NCSC, Department of Social Welfare and

Development, Department of Budget and Management, and National Council on Disability Affairs signed Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No.1, Series of 2023, that provides the guidelines on the proper reporting, monitoring, and utilization of funds for projects, programs, and activities for senior citizens and PWDs. It also states provisions on the reporting and monitoring process of all agencies of the government toward the judicious implementation

Elderly access to govt app pushed By Filane Mikee Cervantes

ANILA—Senior Citizens Partylist Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes on Friday proposed integrating the application and issuance of senior citizen identification card through the eGov PHL Super app system. In filing House Bill 9704, Ordanes, who chairs the House Committee on Senior Citizens, said establishing a senior citizen ID application within the eGov PH Super app is a convenient and accessible means for the elderly to obtain ID cards that grant them access to various government services and discounts. “This bill recognizes the importance of inclusivity in digital governance by ensuring that senior citizens, as valued members of society, are provided with the necessary tools and access to government services,” he said. Through the eGov PHL Super App, Filipinos gain access and avail themselves of highly desirable government services such as valid personal identification in digital format; essential day-to-day core government services; e-tourism and e-travel services; e-payments and banking services; and, even access to useful news and information about various subjects. The bill proposes a dedicated section within the eGov PHL Super app platform specifically designed for senior citizens, which shall include an application

process for the issuance of senior citizen ID cards that can be completed through the app, as well as access to various government services tailored to the needs of senior citizens, such as healthcare and social services. The section shall also contain informational resources on senior citizens’ rights, benefits, and relevant legislation; and a user-friendly interface with adjustable text sizes, voice assistance, and other accessibility features to accommodate the diverse needs of the elderly population. “Including senior citizens’ concerns within the eGov PHL Super app signifies a commitment to digital inclusivity and accessibility. The application’s dedicated section caters to senior citizens’ specific needs by offering tailored services, information, and resources, empowering them to navigate through available government offerings independently and confidently,” Ordanes said. The elderly lawmaker pointed out that the eGov PHL Super app will only serve as an “alternative means” for senior citizens to apply for their IDs and access any government services. Ordanes said senior citizens who do not have access to any digital devices and systems shall still have the right to visit their respective local government units (LGUs) for necessary assistance in availing themselves of government services physically or via their e-LGU systems. PNA

of Section 36 of the General Provisions under Fiscal Year 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA). “All agencies of the government shall formulate plans, programs, and projects intended to address the concerns of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability, in so far as it relates to their mandated functions and integrate the same in their regular activities,” the JMC read. The JMC mandates collaboration among the four government agencies to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the provision of the GAA, which requires all agencies of the government to coordinate plans, programs, and projects that will address the concerns of senior citizens and PWD. Quijano said the JMC applies to all national government agencies, executive departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, commissions, state universities, and colleges, as well as government financial institutions, government-owned and/or controlled corporations, and local government units. He said the NCSC will closely monitor the implementation of the agreement. PNA

70-year-old Ugandan gives birth to twins

AMPALA, Uganda—A 70-year-old woman in Uganda has given birth to twins after receiving fertility treatment, making her one of the world’s oldest new mothers. Safina Namukwaya gave birth to a boy and a girl on Wednesday via cesarean section at the hospital in the capital Kampala where she had been receiving in vitro fertilization treatment, said Arthur Matsiko, spokesman for the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Center. “She’s healthy. She’s talking. She’s walking around if they tell her to walk around the hospital,” Matsiko said, speaking of Namukwaya, who had a daughter at the same facility in 2020 following IVF treatment. Namukwaya is the oldest woman to deliver a baby at the hospital, whose proprietor is a prominent gynecologist in the East African region. The hospital specializes in helping couples that struggle to have children. AP

A6 Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

Education

GIVING IT A TRY A student tries her hand in operating a switchboard at the Radio-Television Malacañang or RTVM booth during the second leg of the CommUNITY Campus Caravan at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, City of Manila on December 12. At the event, students joined an information literacy-training session, creative contests and games, panel discussions, the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), and broadcasting auditions. JOEY RAZON/PNA

BusinessMirror

BACK FROM THE QUAKE Learners at the Piedad Central Elementary School in Davao City returned to school on December 11 after the city government lifted the suspension of in-person classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in all public elementary and secondary schools. Classes were paused after the Magnitude 6.9 earthquake on December 2. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PNA

Cambodia-based OFWs hurdle licensure exam for teachers

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

IXTEEN overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Cambodia successfully passed the Philippine Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) in Thailand.

De Vera said. “Their success is a testament to the quality of our internationalization initiative with Cambodia, [as they support] their families and friends.” “We thank our embassy in Phnom Penh for assuring that the DGFT program has reached all 1,006 Filipino teachers who are not licensed professional teachers, [so that they could boost] their competencies to qualify for better teaching positions and higher salaries in Cambodia,” the CHED official added. “With our joint efforts, Filipino teachers are continuously flourishing in the Cambodian education system.” Filipino teachers in Cambodia, Ambassador Amelia Aquino said, are extremely delighted that the commission is supporting their professionalization. T hey are sought after in Cambodia as they go beyond just teaching and educating; they also nurture their students.

“Thank you to CHED for piloting the DGFT…in Cambodia,” Aquino remarked. With the program’s success, De Vera vowed to expand the same to Filipinos in other parts of the world: “[We] will work with our foreign-service posts so that we can reach more overseas Filipino teachers.” The DGFT—a collaboration among CHED, the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh, and Philippine universities like Saint Paul University, Cebu Normal University, and Philippine Normal University—aims to assist overseas Filipino teachers in Cambodia, including professionals who have yet to graduate from a formal teacher-education program, inservice teachers, graduates who failed to pass the Philippine licensure examination, and teachers who are engaged in TESOL, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

As the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) made the announcement on Monday, Chairman Prospero De Vera III said the achievement showcased Filipinos’ enhanced competencies in qualifying for better international teaching positions. Six out of the 16 passers have completed the “CHED Developing Global Filipino Teachers (CHEDDGFT)” pilot program implemented through a memorandum of cooperation signed between

the commission and the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh in October 2020. It seeks to equip, capacitate and enhance the competencies of Filipino teachers in Cambodia so that they could qualify for better teaching careers. “The commission congratulates the 16 OFWS for their outstanding performance in the recent [LEPT] in Bangkok. I commend their hard work, dedication, and perseverance in pursuing their dreams,”

DLSAU grad lands 8th in 2023 Agriculturist Licensure Exams

PHLPost chief of staff is CEU-Malolos’ top alumni

E LA SALLE ARANETA UNIVERSITY’s (DLSAU) Bachelor of Science in Agriculture alumnus Matthew Rae C. Licudine secured a spot among the Top 8 in the recently concluded 2023 Agriculturist Licensure Exams (ALE). The outstanding overall passing rate of DLSAU BS Agriculture examinees was 61.11 percent—almost double than the national passing average of 34.18 percent, thus adding luster to Licudine’s exceptional performance in the ALE. His remarkable achievement also shines a spotlight on the commitment of the university to fostering excellence in the field of agriculture. It is particularly significant, considering the challenging nature of the said licensure exam. The Professional Regulation Commission announced that only 3,423 out of 10,014 passed the testing conducted by the Board of Agriculture in 19 testing centers in the country last month. DLSAU said it remains steadfast in its commitment to producing highly competent and skilled agriculturists who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s agricultural sector. The successes of Licudine and his peers reflect “the collaborative effort of the DLSAU administration, faculty, staff, and students, underscoring the institution’s role as a key player in shaping the future of agriculture in the Philippines,” according to a statement from the university. Sheila Cabidog

PHILIPPINE Postal Corporation (PHLPost) official was cited as an outstanding alumni of the Centro Escolar University Alumni Foundation Inc.Malolos Chapter. PHLPost’s chief of staff Marcos Ryan P. Laurente received the award from CEU Malolos dean Dr. Maria Flordeliza Anastacio and Joseph R. Ventura, who is CEU AFIMalolos Chapter’s president and chair during their Grand Alumni Homecoming. “Laurente’s exceptional achievements and contributions in public and government service…truly set him apart, making him a shining example of the values and excellence CEU’s ‘Science and Virtue’ stands for. The CEU Alumni honors and highlights your remarkable journey,” Ventura said. The PHLPost official’s citation for the awardee read: “A recognition for the priceless years of Escolarian loyalty, career achievement, and vir-

LAURENTE

tuous altruism.” Laurente was recognized for his notable initiative in the “Sulat Mulat Postal Awareness Caravan:” an advocacy campaign by PHLPost to rekindle the efforts in the art of letter writing among the youth. He also spearheaded the “National Letter Writing Day” in celebration of World Post Day which promoted handwritten letters’ enduring appeal. “Thank you CEU Malolos for honoring me through this award,” said Laurente. “I am deeply grate-

ful to my mother Mama Libay, my father Papa Rafael, and especially my grandmother Nanay Onor, for sending me to this institution; and to my wife Mary Ann and kids Joaquin and Athazia for their unwavering support. This award isn’t just mine; it’s a tribute to the love and strength they’ve given me.” He added: “In gratitude, I extend this recognition to my PHLPost family. Together, we’ve woven a tapestry of achievements, and I am honored to share this milestone with you all. Thank you for being my pillars of strength and inspiration.” In 2019, the CEU alumnus transitioned to the Philippine Statistics Authority, where he took on the role of officer in charge of the Government Sector Use Case Division for the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys. This was before his second call up to serve PHLPost as the chief of staff with the rank of Director III of the newly appointed postmaster general Luis D. Carlos.

Japan donates rice to Pateros Elem. School

HE Embassy of Japan’s minister for Economic Affairs Daisuke Nihei led the ceremonial turnover for the donation of 20 metric tons of rice to Pateros Elementary School (PES). The donation is under the “School Distribution Programme” (SDP) of the Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR). The SDP is initiated by the government of Japan under APTERR’s Tier-3 program, with a primary

objective of providing food assistance to actively enrolled school children. It extends support to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) “School Feeding Program,” which also aims to contribute to the nutritional well-being of vulnerable students while empowering them to pursue their education with improved health. PES is the first beneficiary of SDP in the Philippines. About

1,953 kindergarten and preparatory students are set to benefit from the program, with each expected to receive a 10-kilogram pack of rice. Nihei reaffirmed the Japanese government’s steadfast support for initiatives, and pledged further collaboration with the National Food Authority, Department of Agriculture, DSWD, and the APTERR Secretariat to ensure regional food sufficiency.

Editor: Mike Policarpio

EDUC AID Rep. Gus Tambunting (in green barong) of Parañaque City’s Second District and Managing Director Djon Nacario (to Tambunting’s right) of Lalamove Phils. on November 22 joined 100 partner-drivers who each received P20,000 in educational assistance during the awarding ceremony of “BiyahEdukasyon”—a transformative educational-financial assistance program designed to empower partner drivers’ families by providing their kids or siblings with the means to pursue higher education as well as achieve their academic and career aspirations. JOEY RAZON/PNA

Philippine labor market, students require upskilling for future jobs-readiness By Roderick L. Abad

RTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is now a global reality that is forcing the local work force to enhance its core competence. Same goes for students who will soon enter the labor market to meet the requirements of future jobs. “AI has landed in the Philippines, and we are scaling. I know it sounds like [there is a huge skills gap, but] it is real,” President and Country General Manager (GM) Aileen Judan-Jiao of IBM Phils. told reporters in a briefing held at their office in Taguig City. “But we have AI [to help].” Citing the “Future of Jobs Report 2023” of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Judan-Jiao said that 44 percent of workers’ core skills are expected to change in the next five years. This parallels the “IBM Institute of Business Value” global CEO survey on the implications of AI in the global skills gap, which shows that the AI and automation evolution will disrupt 85 million jobs between 2020 and 2025, while creating 97 million new job roles. As such, Filipino executives surveyed by IBM estimate that 38 percent of their human capital will need to reskill for AI implementation and automation in the next three years. “We have to reskill whatever we know today,” the IBM official said. “I tell business leaders: Please, let’s find new roles in your community. Let’s not be in the 85 million—we need to be in the 97 million.”

Learning investments

PER WEF’s report, 75 percent of companies are likely to adopt big data, cloud computing and AI. To become adept on these latest trends, 60 percent of workers will require additional training by 2027. Good thing is that 80 percent of the firms are likely to invest in learning and training, as shown in the same study. So as early as this year, the most vital skills for workers to imbibe are analytical and creative thinking, agility, technology literacy, and lifelong learning. Aware that the future job market needs reskilling, IBM is committed to educate and train 30 million people globally and upskill them by 2030, shared the top executive. But due to the rise of AI, she added that they have also pledged to train 2 million just in AI alone in the next two to three years. Doing so, the multinational has launched “IBM SkillsBuild:” a program that includes an online platform with customized practical learning experiences available for high-school students and

educators, academia students and faculty, as well as adult learners. This initiative offers accessible work-place skills and training on tech-based topics such as AI, cyber security, data analytics, programming, project management, and sustainability. It offers more than 1,000 courses available in 20 languages. Finishers can obtain a certificate after. SkillsBuild is rolled out through partnerships worldwide. In the Philippines, IBM has already shared this free platform with the Commission on Higher Education, as well as referred it to the Department of Labor and Employment and PhilJobs.net. “We’ve had it [already] for some time. But this year, we [doubled down] to share it locally,” Jiao said.

‘Never fear AI’

THE call for reskilling or upskilling is not meant to scare the work force, the IBM Phils. president and country GM assured: “AI won’t replace people—but people who use AI will replace people who don’t.” The same goes for businesses, especially small-scale enterprises that are still quite uncomfortable with AI without knowing that they will be left behind by their competitors who have already embraced this innovative technology. The IBM Institute for Business Value study showed that 75 percent of global CEO respondents think that an enterprise armed with the most advanced generative AI will have a major competitive edge in the market. Fortythree percent of the participants have already rolled out generative AI to inform strategic decisions, 36 percent use it for operational decisions, and 50 percent are integrating it into their products and services. Half of Southeast Asian CEOs, including those from the Philippines, pinpoint technology modernization as a top priority for their organization; followed by improving productivity and customer experience—both at 48 percent—as their second concern among their top challenges. AI is seen to be a vital business game-changer in 2024. In fact, it is projected to unlock an astounding $16 trillion in value by 2030. In the Philippines, Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba even said in a previous report that generative AI can unlock $79.3 billion in productive capacity in the country. “For business leaders, we need to figure out how we can embrace AI, but in different ways. It requires a change of mindsets,” Juban-Jiao pointed out. “There are many use cases, and you have a way to really trust it. If you do not get the context of this, there are risks…but there are also ways to mitigate the risks.”

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023 A7

SOUTHEAST ASIA’S ‘OLD FOUR’ Sri Ksetra and its Contemporaries Story & photos by Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero

efore the world saw the rise of Angkor, Ayutthaya and Bagan, three powerful empires that dominated mainland Southeast Asia, there were other kingdoms that existed that we hardly hear of. The great civilizations did not just suddenly appear from thin air after all, so there must be predecessors that set the construction frenzy and served as their models. Across the region, the period prior to the 9th century is largely not a topic of discussion and their relics are hardly appreciated, let alone visited. They simply are treated as trivial footnotes of the greater, the bigger, and the more famous. This year, I have finally accomplished visiting the four ancient sites commonly referred to as the best preserved and and most historically-rich of the earliest city-states and capitals in Southeast Asia. I was in My Son in Vietnam in 2017, and in the last two months I picked up the last three: Si Thep, Sri Ksetra, and Sambor Prei Kuk. Over the years of traveling, there has always been the excitement in visiting places like these, especially the off-the-beaten-track ones, and the joy in learning more about them. Eventually, the pieces of information and the intimate experiences one gets from each complete the bigger picture of a by-gone age.

Pyu City of Sri Ksetra. There were several Pyu city-states that dotted along the Irrawaddy river in Myanmar. Among the handful remaining ones, Sri Ksetra, which rose to power from the 3rd to 9th century, is the best surviving and most illustrative of the earliest Buddhist civilizations

Root-embraced temple in Sambor Prei Kuk

Khmer-style Song Phi Nong temple in Si Thep

in Southeast Asia. The Pyus developed the first known stupas in the region. The most iconic of them is the cylindrical Baw Baw Gyi stupa, which once housed a relic that was moved to Bagan when the latter became the capital of the unified Burmese empire. Together with the identical-looking Payama and Phaya Gyi stupas, they laid the foundation for the Burmese style which culminated with Yangon’s shining jewel, the Shwedegon Pagoda. Sri Ksetra is walled, moated and planned, and several sections of its ramparts with their gates still stand. It also became a laboratory for the birth of other temple forms that became the models for those erected in Bagan later. Pyu architecture’s influence did not stop there and went further into Southeast Asia.

An octagonal temple with flying palaces in Sambor Prei Kuk

My Son Sanctuary. The archenemy of the Khmers are the Champas of southern Vietnam. The maritime Champa kingdom’s religious and political center was My Son, which is easily accessible from Hoi An. It is a vast ensemble of ruined Hindu temples constructed from the 4th to the 13th century, making it the oldest and longest inhabited urbanscape in Southeast Asia. Nestled in the mountains, most of

My Son’s temples depict the abode of the gods, the legendary Mount Meru, and other images from Hindu mythology. Although spared from Champa’s wars with Angkor, Java and Dai Viet, My Son was eventually heavily bombed during the Vietnam-American War. Despite this, there are still a lot to see that demonstrate superior craftsmanship in the use of burnt brick and sandstone. No mortar was even used in the construction. Some architectural fea-

Preserved ramparts and marker of Sri Ksetra

A Hindu temple complex in My Son

A carrying dwarf in Khao Klang Nai in Si Thep

5th-6th century Baw Baw Gyi stupa in Sri Ksetra

tures that developed on this site were also mirrored in early Angkorian arts as can be observed in some temples on Phnom Kulen.

a peek into the unique artistic forms of 6th to 9th century Cambodia. The octagonal Hindu temples have no known prototypes even in India, and, therefore, are unique to Sambor Prei Kuk. There are only 11 of these octagonal temples still standing, and later Angkorian kings did not adopt these building forms therefore making them exceptional from that period. Another feature only to be found there are the “Flying Palaces,” richly decorated

Sambor Prei Kuk. The Chenla kingdom preceded the Angkorian empire, of which its capital Ishanapura still lies hidden in the forest of Kampong Thom north of Phnom Penh. Now known as Sambor Prei Kuk, meaning “Many Temples in the Forest,” it offers

carvings on the outer walls that take the place of windows. They depict remarkable Hindu iconographies that even make experts wonder if the artisans behind them were imported from India. It is also the site where large decorative medallions first appeared in Cambodia, later to be replicated in smaller scales in Angkor but more elaborate. The jungle setting is stunning and some temples have been elegantly overtaken by strangling figs; some even beat those in Ta Prohm, the “Tomb Raider” temple.

Si Thep Ancient Town. Little is known about the Dvaravati kingdom that covered much of present-day central Thailand between the 7th to 11th century. The culture largely corresponds to the Buddhist Mon that originated in Myanmar. Si Thep is located three hours north of Bangkok. Previously ignored, it became a sensation overnight upon its enlistment as a UNESCO World Heritage Site last September. The remains of the town and the artifacts recovered represent the apogee of Dvaravati art. One of the highlights is found at the southwestern corner of the crumbling remains of Khao Klang Nai. This section houses well-preserved “Carrying Dwarves” stuccos that have no parallel in other comparative sites. The other is the Khao Klang Nok situated two kilometers away. It is another brick stupa in excellent condition and is the largest from the period, albeit lacking in reliefs. In Si Thep, three Khmer-style towers were constructed much later. The Dvaravatis were succeeded by Sukhothai, the first Siamese kingdom. The Modest Old Four. Along with Si Thep, the sites of Sri Ksetra, My Son, and Sambor Prei Kuk are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each of them has allowed me to appreciate the intriguing precursors to the outstanding and valiant civilizations of Southeast Asia.

Bicol’s best kept secrets Story & photos by John Eiron R. Francisco

ICOL REGION—Mayon Volcano has long been a beacon for tourists with its nearperfect cone, but recently, the “Experience Bicol” caravan led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) has unveiled the region’s lesser-known gems, particularly in Sorsogon and Albay provinces. From historical landmarks to breathtaking natural landscapes and thrilling adventure trails, this region has something for every traveler’s taste.

Cultural treasures

Among these treasures, the ruins of Barcelona Church and the Barcelona Ruins in Sorsogon stand as a testament to the region’s rich history, with their centuries-old architecture narrating stories of resilience and faith. Interestingly, the name “Barcelona” may evoke thoughts of Spain’s second-largest city, but it’s a local community with a unique heritage. Despite sharing its name with the famous Spanish city, this Barcelona originated from a small tribal settlement situated at the Danlog River’s delta, flowing into the Pacific Ocean. The settlers, predominantly hunters and fishermen, built a bustling trade hub known as “Danlog” where they exchanged valuable goods using the river and coastal waters for transportation. Meanwhile, visitors to the area are greeted by a prominent marker “BARCELONA SORSOGON,” set against the backdrop of the Philippine Sea to the east and Gubat to the north, with Bulusan to the south and Casiguran to the west. Every angle and area is perfect for every shot. As the place is incredibly tranquil, with a refreshing breeze in the air and the soothing

sound of waves lapping at the shore. One more destination that tourists ought to include on their “Bicol Experience” itinerary is the Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church, also known as Daraga Church. This church is renowned for its distinct baroque architectural style, featuring a facade and walls constructed from volcanic rocks. If you’re looking for a serene spot to contemplate while being captivated by Mayon’s beauty, consider the Daraga Church positioned atop a hill, offering a sweeping panoramic view of the majestic Mayon Volcano.

Adventure and Thrills

Once you’ve immersed yourself in the region’s rich history, the Bicol Experience wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some adventurous activities to elevate your visit into a more thrilling and unforgettable adventure. One of these exhilarating experiences that you simply can’t miss is the Mayon ATV Trail. This is tailor-made for those with a passion for adventure, but it’s also perfect for beginners who want to immerse themselves in adrenaline. Local instructors provide a practice session to help participants become familiar with controlling the ATV from basic driving. This ATV trail offers an adrenaline-pumping journey through the rugged terrain that surrounds the iconic volcano. As you navigate the challenging path, which includes negotiating large rocks and crossing creeks, you can relish approximately 30 to 45 minutes of driving from the starting point to the last point near Mayon Volcano as well as the return trip, with the duration depending on your driving speed. On the opposite side of Legazpi, where you can explore the exciting Mayon ATV trail, you’ll find the historic Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga.

These renowned ruins are the remnants of a church that was buried by the destructive eruption of Mayon in 1814. Beyond the historical significance, upon reaching this site, you’ll encounter an array of food stalls and souvenir shops offering local delicacies and souvenirs. These souvenirs range from keychains, magnets, and home decorations crafted from volcanic ash originating from the mighty Mayon and some vendors offer handicrafts created from dried coconut leaves. No visit here is complete without trying the iconic “trick shot” with the tower or the Mayon volcano itself. Tourists and visitors frequently strive to capture photos that give the illusion of holding up the tower or even the majestic Mayon, depending on their creativity.

Nature’s bounty

Following your adventure and the thrill of it, you can unwind and bask in the Bulusan Volcano Natural Lake Park. It provides a relaxing and reveling in the pristine beauty of nature and the Bulusan Volcano, which is an active stratovolcano and a popular attraction in the area, surrounded by lush forests and the serene lake. The park has added features: a massage spa, a souvenir store, a recently opened outdoor coffee shop, a restaurant, and opportunities for boat rides and kayaking to explore the lake. Another ideal location to spend time at is Sumlang Lake in Camalig, which is ideal for both daytime and nighttime visits. This picturesque lake is an excellent spot for unwinding and having picnics. While visitors can enjoy a tranquil boat excursion while appreciating the breathtaking views. They offer various activities such as balsa tour, kayaking, aqua biking and the floating

Barcelona Ruins: A glimpse into history in Sorsogon Province.

Misibis Bay Resort: Where luxury meets tropical paradise in Albay.

Bulusan Lake: Nature's serene oasis in Bicol Region.

Cagsawa Ruins: Echoes of the past amidst natural beauty.

cottage in the lake. One of the highlights here is that visitors can witness and fully engage in the process of abaca striping, weaving and preparing Pinangat, a local dish.

Hidden Gems

Luxury and Leisure

If you’re looking for a lavish place to indulge in leisure activities at the highest standard, then the ideal choice is Misibis Bay Resort. Situated on Cagraray Island within Albay, this resort provides a luxurious getaway complete with pristine golden beaches and top-tier facilities. It’s the ultimate tropical paradise for those in search of an opulent escape. In addition to the premium beach experience, they also provide a range of water activities, including windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and wakeboarding.

Nestled in the heart of Guinobatan, Bambusetum Park, which invites visitors to delve into the wonders of bamboo, which holds a deep-rooted significance in local culture. The towering bamboo groves, thoughtfully curated gardens, and educational exhibits showcase the versatility and eco-friendliness of bamboo. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of Bambusetum Park, making it the perfect spot for leisurely walks, nature photography, and even picnics. The park’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability aligns perfectly with the global trend of eco-tourism, making it a must-visit destination for those who care about the planet. For food enthusiasts and those looking to indulge their taste buds, Farmplate Daraga is

Discover the tranquil beauty of Bambusetum Park, where lush green bamboo forests create a serene for nature lovers.

a culinary haven that celebrates the region’s unique flavors. This charming restaurant, located in Daraga, offers farm-to-table dining experiences that highlight the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. With a sprawling 1.7-hectare developed area within a 2.4-hectare general landscape, Farmplate Daraga provides a spacious and picturesque setting for dining. But Farmplate Daraga is more than just a place to eat. It also offers various recreational activities, such as kite flying, providing entertainment for both families and friends. One of its unique attractions is the smallest chapel in the country, spanning a mere 14 square meters. This tiny chapel holds a distinct charm and provides a tranquil spot for reflection and prayer. Bicol has more to offer than meets the eye, and these hidden gems and experiences are waiting to be explored.

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

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Vibal group forms tech affiliate

AAA was graced by over 50 stars, including Stray Kids, Kim Seon-ho, New Jeans, Seventeen sub-unit BSS, Lee Jun-ho, Won-young of IVE, Kang Daniel, and Sung Han-bin of ZEROBASEONE. IMAGE

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES

COURTESY OF DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ

Highlights of the Asia Artist Awards at the Philippine Arena

ECEMBER 14 was a night that Hallyu fans in the Philippines have dreamed of for years. The stars aligned and landed in Bulacan, with over 50 artists making their appearance at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) at the Philippine Arena. One year ago, after Seventeen’s Be The Sun concert at the same venue, I swore I would not come back there. The venue was just, for lack of a better word, challenging. But guess what? I took back my words and returned for the AAA. It was still challenging. In fact, it was even more so now because it seemed that security was aware K-pop fans were bringing in interesting items like power banks, perfumes, and such, and they wanted in on the action. But that’s a story for another time. There is so much controversy about how Pulp organized and handled the AAA but my take is that they did their best. Disclaimer: Pulp didn’t give me a media pass or ticket to the event. I was a guest of Smart, one of the sponsors, and in no way did Pulp entertain me or make my life better. In fact, I had an encounter (a bad one) with some of their people but I will be fair. Pulp handled the event as best as they could. I already said this on my Instagram: The show

was worth it for someone like me who has been a fan of K-drama and K-pop for years. So here are, in my opinion, the highlights and my favorite moments. Another disclaimer: If your favorites are not on this list, it doesn’t mean I hate them. So here it goes: NewJeans walking the red carpet and performing three songs, including their monster hit “Super Shy.” When I was posting updates on Instagram, everyone was asking, “Are they pretty?” Yes, NewJeans members are exceptionally pretty but, more importantly, they all have that quality that turns trainees into superstars. Filipino group SB19 performing “Gento” with &Team was a wonderful way of opening the show. I’m not an SB19 fan but during this number, I was tearyeyed because I never imagined that the day would come when Korean stars would be vibing to Filipino artists. It’s not that I want validation from foreigners. The group is very talented in all aspects. I am just happy that they’re getting the recognition they deserve. By the way, SB19 also performed “Bazinga,” “Mana” and “Crimzone.” Seventeen sub-unit BSS, composed of Dokyeom, Hoshi and Seungkwan, won Performance of the Year, and dazzled on the red carpet with their quirky suits. I love it when men are dressed in variations of a suit. It was also a treat to watch them sing “Fighting” live. I read somewhere that people thought Melai Cantiveros going viral because of her acceptance speech was contrived. Trust me, I was there: Melai was so funny. I have always said that she’s hilarious when she’s just being herself and this was proof of that. The funniest part of Melai’s speech was when she said, “If someone (questions) why I have (an) award, don’t worry. I question too. I just receive an award all my life from my mother and father when they are

angry with me. Tonight, my heart is kuan. I think it’s because God moves in mysterious ways.” My daughter was with me at that time and I am glad that she got to see former TVXQ member and now solo artist Kim Jae-joong perform and receive an award. Jae-joong and two other members left TVXQ in 2009 and they were blacklisted for a long time. Suho of EXO being emotional as he received his award was a highlight of AAA for me. I think as idols grow older, they want to explore new avenues for artistic growth and I think Suho found it in acting. “From now, I’ll continuously stay stable like how I was till now so I can move your emotions. I’ll continuously act and sing well and live well so I won’t be an embarrassing idol,” said Suho. I loved Kathryn Bernardo’s gown and I was so proud of her when she made her speech. “I’m Kathryn Bernardo and I’m a Filipina actress,” she said, all smiles. I appreciate how well-spoken and poised Kathryn is. It was great seeing so many groups like Lapillus, STAYC, AKMU, ATBO, DinDin, HORI7ON, Kard, Kingdom, LUN8, Le Sserafim, Tempest, ZEROBASEONE, NMIXX, Kep1er, and so many others perform before the predominantly Filipino crowd. Singer Lim Young-woong’s fans, who aren’t your typical fans of Korean artists because they’re much older, stole the show because of their enthusiasm. Holding light sticks, banners and signs, they were a delightful addition to the crowd. These days, going to another country for an event such as a concert is nothing new but these are older ladies and for them to take on the challenges of Philippine Arena is really amazing. The 2023 Asia Artist Awards ceremony was made possible through the efforts of StarNews, TONZ Entertainment, and Pulp Live World. ■

Samsung, Versatech open first AV experiential hub in PHL BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor SAMSUNG Electronics Philippines Corp. and Versatech International Inc. have launched the 7AV Experience Center for business end-users to actually sample the former’s latest audio visual (AV) technologies fit for their own requirements. “Samsung always provides the cutting-edge technologies and leading products in the market, and Versatech is one of our most trusted partners to provide the solutions to all business owners and industries. So we are very much delighted to open up this space and expand this partnership to make it even stronger,” Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. president Minsu Chu told reporters during the recent opening of the newest facility located at the 5th floor of ALVA Building along C. Raymundo in Pasig City. For their part, Versatech International Inc. president Stephen Yu expressed his gratitude to the electronics giant for trusting them to bring its latest innovations closer to enterprises in the country which are now back in the business post-pandemic. “I want to thank Samsung for their generous

support on helping us with not just our Experience Center here, but in all of our initiatives since we started our partnership with them. We’re very honored to be chosen as a distribution partner of Samsung,” he noted. According to him, their vision for 7AV is to start a movement or advocacy that would propel AV technology beyond being a niche product. He said: “We want to propel AV as the only experience that is more inclusive to partners and the people. It’s really to demystify the technology and make it available and democratizing for everyone. [We want them to know that] AV technology is not complicated. It’s very simple. It has a very profound impact on the user’s experience.” The 7AV Experience Center showcases various cutting-edge display solutions catered to various entities such as retail, hospitality, office, residential and restaurant, among others. These include the Samsung-branded technologies such as the Video Wall, a 24x7 operating display panel; Flip, an interactive whiteboard that is compatible with digital devices; Smart Monitor, a high-definition display and a monitor with built-in apps and Office 365; Smart Signage, an intelligent

digital tool for visual merchandising and promotional contents; Kiosk, an off-the-counter ordering and payment technology; Hotel TV, which provides not only superior in-room entertainment but also a decent welcome page and personalized greetings to guests; and The Wall, the only top-of-the-line, all-inone display product in the market that is combined thru the LTE technology to deliver new avenues to create unparalleled visual statements. Among these offerings, Chu bared that The Wall is the most sought-after, together with the Kiosk that is in-demand for both homegrown and international quick service restaurant providers in the country. Given this, he said that their display solutions portfolio is a “growing business” that is “getting bigger” in terms of its contribution to their overall revenue. “So we see a huge opportunity in the Philippines,” Chu said of their positive prospects that led their kick-off of the 7AV Experience Center. As technologies and products evolve, we will have more collaborations to deliver our products and services to the customers to make their lives easier and convenient. So this is just a start. We are expecting much more collaborations moving forward.”

AFTER over a decade of delivering innovation to its partners, Vibe Technologies, an affiliate of the famous Vibal Publishing, was recently launched signifying the group’s entry into developing technology-based solutions for modern times. Vibe, which stands for Vibal Interactive Book Engine, has come a long way from spearheading numerous initiatives that respond to the needs of today’s generation. Further, Vibe Technologies has been developing solutions that serve and transform the way Filipinos act with technology—whether they’re in school, at work, or within their barangay. “We’re practical people with an innovative mindset. We are early adaptors of technology, open to trying new things to keep the vitality and excitement for learning within our communities,” said Vibal Group and Vibe Technologies CEO and President, Kristine Mandigma during a press interview held in Quezon City. From its earlier stages back in 2011-2013 until today, Mandigma said Vibe Technologies has been developing solutions that complement the shift of various industries and communities towards a more technologically driven path. In the field of education, Vibe Technologies has developed a platform where teachers, trainers and learners can avail of and share educational resources, and has been designed to provide a self-paced learning system for those seeking for professional development tools. Fully customizable and collaborative, Mandigma said this web-based system informs and inspires teachers and learners alike to share what they know and learn as they go. “Courseware was initially created for schools but has also become a platform for private companies to conduct and share their training modules for their employees. It’s a trackable experience that awards them with certifications that can give them leverage in their careers,” shared Marc Francis Esplana, Vibe Technologies’ Front-end, UI/UX Developer. “But what makes this platform standout is the fact that teachers and trainers can conduct online webinars in real time and have these recorded for publishing on the platform for those who would like to re-watch it.” For the local communities, Vibe Technologies has also developed the Barangay Management System which aims to encourage a progressive, efficient and transparent management system for the most basic government units in the country. With a customizable design and features such as resident filing, barangay operations, and utility management, Mandigma said the leaders of the barangay can track and manage essential information with utmost convenience. The BMS also allows barangay leaders to resolve disputes, access critical data, and generate insightful reports to make informed decisions all in one centralized platform. From small and medium enterprises to full-blown corporations, Mandigma said the intuitive and user-friendly HRIS (Human Resources Information System) was developed by Vibe Technologies. An initial internal effort to systematize Vibal Group’s own HR ecosystem, she said the HRIS has evolved into a foundational technology for HR professionals and companies to acquire to experience more seamless and efficient operations and transactions. “HRIS has an existing base platform ready for use, but what we do is we present all that HRIS can do for our clients, ask and assess what our client needs and wants, then we find ways to meet halfway before customizing and building the system that works best for their company. We also offer training assistance for the company to help them in shifting from traditional to more technologically driven HR operations,” Vibe Technologies’ senior developer, Peter Williams Mendoza explained. According to Mendoza, centralized timekeeping records, leave request application and approval, official business filing, payroll generation, and corporate and employee information management are just some of the features end-users can efficiently experience once their HR operations have shifted toward Vibe Technologies’ HRIS.

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

A grown-up’s Christmas list: The essential gi�t guide for adulting

J Apple to stop some watch sales in US over patent dispute CUPERTINO, California—If two of the latest Apple Watches are on your holiday shopping list, don’t dawdle for much longer because the devices won’t be available to buy in the US later this week if the White House doesn’t intervene in an international patent dispute. Apple plans to suspend sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 versions of its popular watch for online US customers beginning Thursday afternoon and in its stores on Sunday. The move stems from an October decision by the International Trade Commission restricting Apple’s watches with the Blood Oxygen measurement feature as part of an intellectual property dispute with medical technology company Masimo. The White House had 60 days to review the ITC order issued on Octpber 26, meaning Apple could have kept selling the two affected models in the U.S. through Christmas. But the Cupertino, California, company said in a Monday statement that it is pausing sales early to ensure it complies with the ITC order. If the ITC’s sales ban isn’t overturned, Apple pledged to “take all measures” to resume sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US as soon as possible. The Apple Watch SE, which lacks the Blood Oxygen feature, will remain on sale in the US after Christmas Eve. Previously purchased Apple Watches equipped with the Blood Oxygen aren’t affected by the ITC order. AP

UST when you thought you had all the time in the world, adulthood sneaks up on you. One day you’re carefree and the next, you’re wondering why you’re so excited about a sale on housewares. That’s adulting for you—it arrives not with a bang, but with a whisper. Suddenly, you find joy in the mundane, from relishing a wellorganized pantry to feeling a sense of achievement in paying bills on time. And it’s not just about reaching a certain age; it’s the subtle shifts in preferences, responsibilities and joys that signal you’ve entered a new phase in life. You know you’re adulting at Christmas when you realize that the holiday spirit is less about what you get and more about what you give and that you’re actually the one who has to make the magic happen. Welcome to a Christmas where whimsy meets wisdom, and gifts are not just delightful but decidedly practical. In our Adulting Christmas Gift Guide, we celebrate the season by embracing the art of giving gifts that matter—gifts that simplify, enhance and elevate everyday adult life. With the help of our friends from Cherry Home, our guide features a curated selection of smart appliances like smart bulbs, security cameras, and versatile kitchen gadgets that promise to be the heroes in any adult’s daily routine. ■ Smart Multi-Color Bulb (P285)—I must have bought 10 of these to replace the lightbulbs we have at home. The Cherry Home Smart Bulb is a must-have for modern living. Easily controlled via the Cherry Home App, this bulb offers features like scheduling, 16 million RGB colors, and adaptive lighting to music rhythms, perfect for setting the mood or energysaving routines. Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo, it provides smart Wi-Fi control, dimming options (1 percent-99 percent), and an impressive lifespan of up to 20,000 hours. With its 806 lumens and energy-efficient 11W rating, it’s an ideal upgrade for both ambiance and functionality. ■ Smart Swivel Camera S4 (P1,759)—I also decided to upgrade our home security with Cherry’s range of outdoor and indoor cameras, allowing me to keep an eye on deliveries and our pets when I’m away. The Swivel Camera S4 stands out with its 3MP full HD video, intelligent auto-tracking, broad viewing angle, 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi, two-way audio, and 128Gb microSD support. Installation is straightforward, and with the Cherry Home app, monitoring home activities becomes effortless. The camera’s new PIR Person Detection Notification alerts you to any movement in your home, ideal for those with elderly relatives or children. Additionally, I also installed the Smart Windoor Sensor to further enhance security on windows, doors and other entry points, providing real-time tamper alerts and customizable notification settings for complete peace of mind. ■ Smart Pet Feeder Plus (P5,029)—For

furparents with busy lifestyles, this innovative feeder blends convenience with care. It features programmable meal scheduling via the Cherry IoT Solutions app, ensuring your pet never misses a meal. In the event of a power outage, a built-in backup battery ensures continuous feeding. It also comes equipped with a 3MP camera offering a 110-degree wide view and night vision, allowing pet owners to keep an eye on their furbabies from anywhere. The live stream feature and two-way audio with echo cancellation enable real-time interaction, reducing pet anxiety. For added fun, it includes a voice recorder to play comforting messages or training commands. ■ Dust Mite Vacuum (P2,490)—Enhance your home’s hygiene with this powerful tool that offers a strong 10,000Pa suction, guaranteeing 100 percent mite removal and maintaining the freshness of your carpets and furniture. Featuring a UVC lamp, it eradicates 99.99 percent of germs and deactivates harmful viruses, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment. The vacuum’s visible dust box conveniently collects and displays the accumulated dirt for easy disposal. Lightweight and user-friendly, this 350W vacuum is an essential addition to any home, promoting a healthier, allergen-free living space. ■ Folding Electric Mosquito Killer (P500)— When you want to be proactive in taking care of those pesky flying insects, equip yourself with this Electric Mosquito Killer. This device features an LED light that lures mosquitoes and other flying pests, ensuring your outdoor spaces remain comfortable and bug-free. With its versatile design, you can set it up in three different modes: normal, hanging, or standing, adapting to any outdoor situation. Whether you’re relaxing in your backyard or embarking on a wilderness camping adventure, its lightweight and sleek design makes it the perfect companion. Don’t let mosquitoes spoil your outdoor enjoyment any longer. ■ Air Circulation Fan (P2,299)—Enhance your living space and add some aesthetic to your room with this Cherry Fan. The fan boasts a sleek design and a robust motor made from pure copper, housed in high-quality PP plastic. Its dimensions (300 x 230 x 850mm LWH) and light weight make it a perfect fit for any room. It is equipped with three 7-inch blades, and delivers a concentrated cool breeze up to 6 meters, adjustable through three wind speed settings and controlled via an easy-to-use touch screen. The fan’s 35W power rating ensures energy efficiency. Enjoy the convenience of a timer function and a low-noise operation, allowing for uninterrupted use throughout the day. Its height is adjustable from 859 to 1100mm, and it offers a 90-degree automatic left and right oscillation, as well as a mechanical up and down oscillation, ensuring maximum air circulation. The remote control operates up to 8 meters, allowing you to adjust settings from anywhere in the room. ■ Food Cleaner (P3,439)—You’ve probably seen a similar version of this on TikTok being used by a woman to help her quickly prepare for dinner. This compact and portable cleaner utilizes advanced hydroxyl purification technology to achieve a remarkable 99.99 percent sterilization rate, effectively disinfecting and cleaning your vegetables, fruits and meats with just the press of a button. Designed for convenience, it offers a user-friendly, one-button operation, and is equipped with wireless charging, along with a Type C charging port for

its charging pad. The cleaner is IPX7 waterproofcertified, making it durable for prolonged use in water, and has a water cleaning capacity of 3-6L. ■ Multi-Pan Electric Hot Pot (P3,499)—For the aspiring home cook, this Multi-Pan Electric Hot is a versatile and innovative addition to your kitchen essentials. This multi-functional cooker, featuring four detachable pans, is perfect for hot pot, grilling, baking, and making Takoyaki, providing endless culinary possibilities. With five adjustable heat settings and a convenient keep-warm function, it’s designed for ease of use and versatility. The hot pot boasts a generous 2.5L capacity and is equipped with Teflon non-stick pans, ensuring healthy, low-fat cooking and effortless cleaning. Its durable diecast aluminum pot offers excellent heat distribution, making cooking efficient and enjoyable. The compact and premium design of the Cherry Multi-Pan Electric Hot Pot fits seamlessly into any home kitchen, making it a must-have for food enthusiasts and home cooks who love to experiment with different cooking styles for any meal of the day. ■ Smokeless Bbq Grill (P6,999)—Enjoy grilling without filling your house with smoke with its advanced smoke-free technology, ensuring your cooking space stays fresh, odorless, and safe from flare-ups. Savor perfectly cooked, moist and flavorful dishes every time, thanks to the grill’s state-of-theart infrared heating, ideal for everything from juicy chicken to tender roasts. Grilling becomes effortless with the Smartmatic Rotating Grill, which auto-adjusts for optimal results, and the easy-to-clean, non-stick frying pan. Navigate your cooking with ease using the user-friendly touch control system, offering dual heat settings (750W and 1500W) for precise temperature control. Prioritizing safety, the Cherry Smokeless BBQ Grill integrates a powerful cooling fan in the lid to prevent overheating, ensuring your meals are cooked evenly and safely. The non-stick pan includes an oil drip box, promoting healthier eating and simplifying cleanup. ■ Portable Juice Blender (P1299)—If your new year’s resolution involves living healthier, then the Cherry Portable Juice Blender will be your best buddy. This sleek, lightweight blender is your perfect travel companion, thanks to its comfortable rubber handle and compact dimensions of 100x100x250 mm, weighing only 0.39 kg. Boasting an ergonomic design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use, the blender is ideal for anyone seeking health and convenience on the move. It features a 300 ml capacity, 40 Watts power, and operates on a 3.7 rated voltage with a 1200 mAh rechargeable battery, easily charged via micro-USB. Equipped with four robust 304 stainless steel blades, it effortlessly mixes, crushes, and purees fresh fruits into nutritious drinks at the touch of a button. Remember, embracing adulthood doesn’t mean letting go of fun and excitement. It means merging them with practicality and purpose. So, whether you’re picking out a gift for a loved one or treating yourself, these selections are more than just presents; they’re a nod to the art of living well as an adult. As we move forward into the festive season and beyond, let’s carry the spirit of thoughtful, practical gifting, and celebrate the little victories and joys of adult life. Here’s to making each day, in its own way, a little bit more special. Happy adulting, and happy gifting. ■

Science Sunday BusinessMirror

A10 Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

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

DO YOU EAT WITH YOUR EYES, YOUR GUT OR YOUR BRAIN?

Neuroscientist: Listen to your hunger during the holidays

HE holiday season is upon us, and with it, opportunities to indulge in festive treats. The proverbial saying “you eat with your eyes first” seems particularly relevant at this time of year. The science behind eating behavior, however, reveals that the process of deciding what, when and how much to eat is far more complex than just consuming calories when your body needs fuel. Hunger cues are only part of why people choose to eat. As a scientist interested in the psychology and biology that drives eating behavior, I’m fascinated with how the brain’s experiences with food shape eating decisions. So how do people decide when to eat?

Eating with your eyes

FOOD-RELATED visual cues can shape feeding behaviors in both people and animals. For example, wrapping food in McDonald’s packaging is sufficient to enhance taste preferences across a range of foods—from chicken nuggets to carrots—in young children. Visual food-related cues, such as presenting a light when food is delivered, can also promote overeating behaviors in animals by overriding energy needs. In fact, a whole host of sensory stimuli—noises, smells and textures—can be associated with the pleasurable consequences of

eating and influence food-related decisions. This is why hearing a catchy radio jingle for a food brand, seeing a television ad for a restaurant or walking by your favorite eatery can shape your decision to consume and sometimes overindulge. However, your capacity to learn about food-related cues extends beyond just stimuli from the outside world and includes the internal milieu of your body. In other words, you also tend to eat with your stomach in mind, and you do so by using the same learning and brain mechanisms involved in processing food-related stimuli from the outside world. These internal signals, also called interoceptive cues, include feelings of hunger and fullness emanating from your gastrointestinal tract. It’s no surprise that the signals from your gut help set the stage for when to eat, but the role these signals play is more profound than you might expect.

Trust your gut

FEELINGS of hunger or fullness act as important interoceptive cues influencing your decisionmaking around food.

detection of nutrients is not restricted to the stomach. They also involve areas of the brain important for regulation and homeostasis, such as the lateral hypothalamus, as well as centers of the brain involved in learning and memory, such as the hippocampus.

What happens in vagus

LECHON, or roast pig, is among the favorite dishes during the Christmas holidays and other celebrations in the Philippines. The image of lechon being roasted in Cadiz, Negros Occidental, was taken on April 16, 2006. ARCADE/WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

To examine how interoceptive states shape eating behaviors, researchers trained laboratory rats to associate feelings of hunger or satiety with whether they receive food or not. They did this by giving rats food only when they were hungry or full, such that the rats were forced to recognize those internal cues to calculate whether food would be available or not. If a rat is trained to expect food only when hungry, it would generally avoid the area where food is available when it feels full because it does not expect to be fed. However, when rats were injected with a hormone that triggers hunger called ghrelin, they approached the food delivery location more frequently.

This suggests that the rats used this artificial state of hunger as an interoceptive cue to predict food delivery and subsequently behaved like they expected food. Interoceptive states are sufficient to shape feeding behaviors even in the absence of external sensory cues. One particularly striking example comes from mice that have been genetically engineered to be unable to taste food but nevertheless show preferences for specific foods solely by caloric content. In other words, rodents can use internal cues to shape their foodrelated decision-making, including when and where to eat and which foods they prefer. These findings also suggest that feelings of hunger and the

THE gut-brain axis, or the biochemical connection between your gut and your brain, shapes feeding behaviors in many ways. One of them involves the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve that helps control the digestive tract, among other things. The vagus nerve rapidly communicates nutr ient infor mation to the brain. Activating the vagus nerve can induce a pleasurable state, such that mice will voluntarily perform a behavior, such as poking their nose through an open port, to stimulate their vagus nerve. Importantly, mice also learn to prefer foods and places where vagal nerve stimulation occurred. The vagus nerve plays an essential role in not only communicating digestive signals but also an array of other interoceptive signals that can affect how you feel and behave. In people, vagal nerve stimulation can improve learning and memory and can be used to treat major depression.

Benefits of interoceptive awareness

YOUR body’s capacity to use both external and internal cues to regulate how you learn and make decisions about food highlights the impressive processes involved

in how you regulate your energy needs. Poor interoceptive awareness is associated with a range of dysfunctional feeding behaviors, such as eating disorders. For instance, anorexia may result when interoceptive signals, such as feelings of hunger, are unable to trigger the motivation to eat. A lternatively, the inability to use the feeling of fullness to dampen the rewarding and pleasurable consequences of eating palatable food could result in binge eating. Your interoceptive signals play an important role in regulating your daily eating patterns. During the holidays, many stressors from the outside world surround eating, such as packed social calendars, pressures to conform and feelings of guilt when overindulging. At this time, it is particularly important to cultivate a strong connection to your interoceptive signals. This can help promote intuitive eating and a more holistic approach to your dietary habits. Rather than fixating on external factors and placing conditions on your eating behavior, enjoy the moment, deliberately savor each bite and provide time for your interoceptive signals to function in the role they are designed to play. Your brain evolved to sense your current energy needs. By integrating these signals with your experience of your food environment, you can both optimize your energetic needs and enjoy the season. Alex Johnson, Michigan State University/The Conversation (CC) via AP

Searca leads in workshop on carbon farming

L THE proposed Pili Icon is unveiled during the 2023 Pili Fiesta opening ceremonies. REINIER JOSEPH D. ABAGAT, ACD DOST-PCAARRD

Fiesta unveils researches, technologies on pili in Bicol

DIRECTOR Marita A. Carlos of the DOSTPCAARRD Applied Communication Division delivers the keynote message during the opening ceremony of 2023 Pili Fiesta. REINIER JOSEPH D. ABAGAT, ACD DOST-PCAARRD

ESEARCHES and technologies on pili production were focused during the 2023 Pili Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (Fiesta) in Bicol on December 18 and 19. Held at the Proxy Convention Center in Legazpi City, Albay, the activity touched base with farmers and the industry in promoting pili as a flagship commodity using science, technology and innovations in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources in the Bicol Region. With the theme, “Celebrating Pili: People, Propagation, Processing and Mechanization,” the event was led by the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, and funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

PILI nuts are displayed at the exhibit during the 2023 Pili Fiesta at the Proxy Convention Center in Legazpi City on December 18 and 19. GIAN CARLO D. CAMACHO, ACD DOST-PCAARRD

“We hope that the 2023 Pili Fiesta will be able to inspire participation from local government units, investors, entrepreneurs and policy-makers with the goal of further improving the pili industry and achieving food security, which is also our goal at DOSTPCAARRD,” said Director Marita A. Carlos of the DOST-PCAARRD Applied Communication Division in her keynote message. Highlighted during the Pili Fiesta were the research and development outputs of the Pili R&D Center. The Pili R&D Center is a three-year project of the Bicol University together with Central Bicol State University of Agriculture and Partido State University. It was established through the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D Program funded by the DOST and monitored by the PCAARRD. Pili processing machines and various pili-based products were showcased through an exhibit during the activity.

Moreover, technology pitching and forum were also conducted to further promote pili technologies that are ready for commercialization. A proposed Pili Icon for Bicol was also unveiled during the opening program of the Fiesta. It was designed by Architect Leo del Rosario, director of the Bicol University Institute of Design and Architecture. Prior to the opening ceremony, the Pili Fiesta team has been conducting the Pili Roadshow in Sorsogon, Albay, and in Camarines Sur to promote and bring pili technologies to farmers and other major stakeholders. Fiesta is an Intellectual Proper ty Office-registered technology promotion and commercialization platform initiated by DOST-PCAARRD. It aims to empower farmers and fisherfolk to improve on their livelihood as well as match technology generators to target adopters. Gian Carlo D. Camacho/S&T Media Services

OS BAÑOS, Laguna—Agriculture, including rice farming, emits greenhouse gases (GHG) that contributes to global warming. To provide information on the available platforms on carbon emission and carbon farming, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) conducted the second installment of the training-workshop on Carbon Wise Rice-based Farming. It was in collaboration with Newfields Consulting Ltd. (NFC) and Macon Ltd., and was held at Searca headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, on November 21 and 22, said Searca’s Kim Louisse Patagnan and Ma. Christina Corales. The training-workshop was attended by 28 participants from the Provincial and Municipal Agricultural Offices of Laguna, faculty and researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Central Luzon State University, and the private sector. The activity provided an indepth discussion on the importance of the available platforms for monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of carbon emissions. It introduced the Carbon Wise Rice Information Management System (CWRIMS), a web-based application that allows farm-level data collection of carbon emissions. In their messages, Searca Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio and NFC Managing Director Dr. Eero Nissila emphasized the significance of carbon credits and green funds, highlighting the Southeast Asian initiatives advocating carbon farming practices. They also highlighted the importance of disseminating climate-smart agriculture technologies at the grassroots level. In his presentation on the principles of carbon-wise farming systems, Nissila expounded on the potential of out-grower co-op systems and consolidation of farms

THE resource persons, participants and facilitators during the two-day training-workshop on Carbon Wise Rice-based Farming that was led by Searca at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, on November 21 and 22. SEARCA PHOTO

to increase access to financing, processing, marketing resources, technologies, and training. He also introduced the Carbon Wise Information Management System, a general platform for managing various carbon emission data applications. The system aims to streamline data collection, facilitating the transition to decarbonization, enhancing profitability and aligning with the objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Atty. Eric Reynoso, program head of Searca’s Emerging Innovation for Growth Department, presented the center’s current initiatives on carbon emission measurement and reduction. These include implementing a program on carbon farming as one of the nature-based solutions to reduce GHG emissions in agriculture. T he prog ra m i s c u r rent ly benchmarking policies and methodologies related to carbon farming in selected Southeast Asian countries. Reynoso also shared the Carbon Footprint Project of Searca, which intends to measure the Center’s baseline carbon footprint and develop a carbon footprint calculator to estimate the carbon footprint for succeeding years. Macon Ltd. CEO Mikko Ahokas and Sanna Taskila discussed the transformative potential of bioand circular economy in community development. They emphasized its significant

contribution to environmental sustainability, economic growth and innovation, social benefits, and cultural integration. They also established an interlink between the two economies, encompassing standard measures for enhancing energy efficiency, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, implementing climate-related initiatives, and exerting influence through urban planning, land use policies, and support for renewable energy initiatives. Ten best practices of municipalities were presented, showcasing notable accomplishments, such as emission reduction, heightened energy efficiency, and positive community impacts. Nikki Carumba, senior software engineer at NFC, introduced the CWRIMS, a web-based application developed by NFC. She presented its advantages in terms of MRV. The participants shared their individual experiences, feedback, and suggestions on the web application’s usability and functionality to enhance the web application. Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, deputy director for programs, reiterated the crucial significance of collaboration among local government units, the academic community, and the private sector. Nur announced the possibility of organizing the third trainingworkshop in 2024 to present the improved version of CWRIMS and explore the potential of implementing the app in field trials.

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Pope: Nativity scene teaches simplicity, joy

N his final General Audience before Christmas, Pope Francis on December 20 returned to the image of the creche or Nativity scene, and specifically, the first Nativity scene inaugurated 800 years ago by Saint Francis of Assisi.

“What was the saint’s intention in organizing a living Nativity in the small Umbrian town of Greccio?” the pope asked. Saint Francis, he explained, wasn’t trying “to create a beautiful work of art, but through the Nativity scene, to provoke amazement at the extreme humility of the Lord, at the hardships He suffered, for love of us, in the poor grotto of Bethlehem.” The pope focused on the word “amazement,” saying that in the face of the mystery of the incarnation of the Word, of the birth of Jesus, we need this religious attitude of amazement.

Simplicity and joy

POPE Francis went on to identify two chief characteristics of the Nativity scene: soberness and joy. The first characteristic con-

trasts with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season the consumerism that too often marks Christmas. Instead, “the Nativity scene was created to bring us back to what truly matters: to God Who comes to dwell among us,” he pointed out. He went on to consider the characteristic of the true joy inspired by the Nativity scene. The joy of Christmas, he said, does not come from sumptuous presents or lavish celebrations, but instead is “the joy that overflows from the heart that has tangibly experienced “the closeness of Jesus, the tenderness of God, Who does not leave us alone, but stands with those who are alone.”

Source of hope and joy

POPE Francis compared the Nativity scene to a well from which we

POPE Francis reflects on the first Nativity scene, created 800 years ago by Saint Francis in the Italian town of Greccio. VATICAN NEWS

can draw the nearness of God, “the source of hope and joy.” The Nativity scene, he said, “is like a living Gospel, a domestic Gospel.” And like the well in the Bible, it “is a place of encounter where, we bring to Jesus the expectations and worries of life, just as the shepherds of Bethlehem and the people of Greccio did.” And if, the pope said, when we stand before the Nativity scene, “we entrust to Jesus all we hold dear, we too w i l l ex per ience ‘great joy.’” “Let us go before the Nativity scene,” Pope Francis said, encouraging everyone to look upon the scene in the manger and to allow themselves to feel something within.

‘Think about the Holy Land on Christmas’

MEANWHILE, Pope Francis has once again reiterated his closeness to all the people suffering the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. During a recent audience with a group of actors featured in a Living Nativity Scene at the Patriarchal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, he called on Christians to turn their thoughts and prayers this Christmas to the Holy Land.

Praying for all those suffering the war

“WE know the situation, caused by the war, the consequence of a conflict that has lasted for decades,” he said, remarking that for Palestinians living in Bethlehem

too this Christmas will be marked by suffering and grieving, with no pilgrims and celebrations. Because of the conflict in Gaza, and rising tensions also in the West Bank, in Bethlehem tourism has halted and pilgrimages have been suspended, while all public celebrations have been cancelled, resulting in further hardships for its inhabitants many of whom live on tourism and pilgrimages. “We don’t want to leave them alone,” said Pope Francis, urging for prayers and tangible support.

Historical connection between Bethlehem and Saint Mary Major

IN his speech, the pope recalled the close connection of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to Jesus’ birthplace which goes back to the first centuries of Christianity. The ancient Roman church has a precious relic of pieces of Christ’s crib sent from Bethlehem by Saint Sophronius, then the Patriarch of Jerusalem, to Pope Theodore I in the seventh century. For this reason, it was also referred to as “the Bethlehem of the West.”

Living Nativity scenes are not mere folkloric facts

ALSO, its underground Chapel of the Nativity once displayed the first known nativity scene figurines, sculpted by Arnolfo di

Cambio in the late 13th century for Pope Nicholas IV, who was inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, creator of the first Living Nativity in Greccio, Italy, 800 years ago. Referring to this detail, Pope Francis remarked that living nativity scenes must not be reduced to mere folkloric facts. Their purpose, as intended by Saint Francis, he said, must “be to reawaken wonder in the heart, before the mystery of God who became a child.” “Francis wanted to represent in life the birth of Jesus to inspire, in friars and in the people, emotion and tenderness toward the mystery of God born of Mary in a stable and laid in a manger,” the pope said. “He [Saint Francis] wanted to give substance to the representation: not a painting, not statues, but people in flesh and blood, in order to highlight the reality of the incarnation,” he added.

Suffering of Bethlehem, an open wound for the world

CONCLUDING his address, Pope Francis reiterated his call to think about the Holy Land at Christmas, noting that the Living Nativity Scene in Saint Mary Major will help remind everyone “of how the suffering of Bethlehem is an open wound for the Middle East and for the entire world.” Christopher Wells and Lisa Zengarini/Vatican News

CBCP endorses Vatican document allowing pastoral blessings for same-sex couples

HE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has released an advisory endorsing the Vatican document allowing pastoral blessings for couples in same-sex relationships and other “irregular situations.” In an advisory on December 20, Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, CBCP president, said the declaration of the Vatican’s doctrinal office “speaks for itself and, therefore, does not require much explanation.” “For those interested to know and understand what the document itself is saying,” reads David’s advisory linked to “Fiducia Supplicans,” that was issued by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on December 18. It was signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the prefect for the doctrinal section of the Vatican office. David pointed to paragraph 41, which said that the dicastery

would not issue more specific regulations on such blessings as the declaration in itself would be “sufficient to guide the prudent and fatherly discernment of ordained ministers in this regard.” The declaration made a distinction between liturgical rites or ritual blessings on one hand, and pastoral, nonritual and spontaneous blessings on the other. The latter type of blessings may be bestowed upon anyone asking for it, such as during pilgrimages or even on the street when laypersons happen to meet a priest, according to the new Vatican declaration. David also pointed out that the declaration reaffirmed the Church’s teaching on marriage as a sacrament and indissoluble union entered into by one woman and one man. He quoted Fernandez’s introduction, which states that “this declaration remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any

type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion.” “ W hat Cardinal Fernandez considers as unique value of this document is that ‘…it offers a specific and innovative contribution to the pastoral meaning of blessings, permitting a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings…,’” the CBCP chief said. David also quoted five paragraphs from the declaration pertaining to: n Pastoral charity, avoiding being judges and excluding people, and broadening the understanding of blessings (paragraph 13); n Doing away with the need for an “exhaustive moral analysis” of people asking for blessings (paragraph 25); n Bestowing blessings on those who, “recognizing themselves to be destitute and in need of [God’s] help, do not

claim a legitimation of their own status, but who beg that all that is true, good, and humanly valid in their lives and their relationships be enriched, healed and elevated by the presence of the Holy Spirit” (paragraph 31); n The need for the Church to express closeness “to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing,” without the need for a ritual (paragraph 38); and n A qualification that such blessings “should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them. Nor can it be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding” (paragraph 39). David said the advisory was issued for the “information of the Roman Catholic faithful in the Philippines.” Felipe F. Salvosa II/CBCP News

Dominican Laity chapter unveils statue of St. Catherine of Siena By Edwin P. Galvez

HE Holy Rosary Chapter of the Dominican Laity in the Philippines unveiled a life-size stone statue of Saint Catherine of Siena on December 12. The event was part of the yearlong celebration of the chapter’s 75th establishment anniversary under the Dominican Province of Our Lady of the Rosary. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace S. Barbers led the ceremonies with Rev. Fr. Raymond Mi, OP, Vicar of the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary, and Evelyn M. del Rosario, OP, Holy Rosary Chapter member and donor of the statue. Rev. Fr. Matthias Nga Reh, O.P., parish priest of Santuario del Sto. Cristo, presided over the blessing rites at the event held at Saint Dominic de Guzman Garden of the parish in San Juan City. The inauguration of the statue

of Saint Catherine of Siena—one of only four women Doctors of the Catholic Church and the third from the Dominican Order—was the first major activity of the Dominican Laity Holy Rosary Chapter’s 75th establishment anniversary. The groundbreaking for the statue was held on September 5, 2023. “Saint Catherine was bullheaded in pursuing what she thought was the truth, and so God blessed us today with the presence of her image beside Saint Dominic because she and our Holy Father would not leave me without deciding to pursue this dream of the Dominican Laity,” del Rosario said. The statue of Saint Catherine of Siena came about because of visions and manifestations of Saint Catherine to del Rosario for six days in June this year, prompting her to heed her bid to build the statue.

THE Holy Rosary Chapter of the Dominican Laity in the Philippines unveils a life-size stone statue of Dominican Doctor of the Catholic Church, Saint Catherine of Siena, on December 12. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace S. Barbers (holding the string) leads the ceremonies together with Evelyn M. del Rosario, OP (right), chapter member and statue donor; and Rev. Fr. Raymond Mi, OP, Vicar of the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary (second from right). Rev. Fr. Matthias Nga Reh, OP (left), parish priest of Santuario del Sto. Cristo, presides over the blessing rites as witnessed by Dominican priests.

THE “100 Nativity Scenes” exhibit in the Vatican showcases various Christmas crèches from 22 countries, including the Philippines. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FR. CARLO DEL ROSARIO

Filipino Nativity scene among ‘100 cribs’ on exhibit in Vatican

PHILIPPINE-INSPIRED Nativity scene, depicting the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger, is being featured among the “100 cribs” exhibition held at Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Br. Christoffer Denzell Aquino’s piece, titled “Pamilyang Pinag pala,” was crafted from materials sourced in Naples “ but given the Filipino treatment.” The scene, according to the young seminarian of the Congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate, portrays the Holy Family as a typical Filipino family in a rural setting. Aquino said the main focus of his work “is Saint Joseph, [who] serenades her beloved ‘Mag-ina’ [Mother and Child] with the guitar after a day’s work. “The family celebrates the gift of life in the person of the child Jesus,” he said. The work also depicts angels in the heavens celebrating, while the opening notations of “Missa de Angelis” Gloria are flashed in the banner above the celestial choir. “I tried my best to inculturate and translate the concept and the dynamics of the famed Presepe Napoletano [nativity scene from Naples] into Filipino,” said Aquino, who is studying at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. “It is practically a celebration on heaven and earth for the humble coming of the almighty Emmanuel, God who chose to be like us so that we may become like Him,” he said. Aquino’s work represents the Philippine Embassy to the Holy See in the “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican,” a cultural initiative by the Dicastery for Evangelization for the “Jubilee is Culture” series, in preparation for the Jubilee 2025. This is not the first time an entry from the Philippines has been featured in the 100 Presepi exhibit. In 2013, the embassy showcased artist Albert Dancel’s work, when the event was still held at Piazza del Popolo. For the sixth year, the exhibition was inaugurated on December 8 and will remain open to the public until January 7, 2024. The exhibit unites the works of various artists from at least 22 countries, each portraying different interpretations of the scene of Jesus’ birth. This year’s edition also celebrates the 800th anniversary of the Greccio Crib, the first depiction of the Nativity, which Saint Francis created at Christmas in 1223. Roy Lagarde/CBCP News

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THE PHILIPPINES IS A BEETLES COUNTRY

2 Philippine beetles discovered By Jonathan L. Mayuga

searchers who found the new species on Mount Nacolod in Southern Leyte. Another unique beetle species, the flightless Madayaw beetle was added to the growing list of Mindanao’s described beetles.

EETLES can be found in almost all habitats, including in both terrestrial and freshwater environments, where they play crucial roles in the ecosystem. The Philippines has plenty of beetle habitats, but they are also disappearing so fast that their destruction is pushing a lot of species to the brink of extinction.

Opportunistic gathering SHE explained that even with enthusiasm, study on beetles is more of opportunistic gathering in areas where researchers are working. “It is really more of an opportunistic gathering. It is not part of big projects, that is why we are pushing to have funding for these [researches]. We don’t have funding from the government to study beetles,” she lamented. “Sadly, beetle study is not a priority,” she quipped. “Hopefully, the government will start funding research for equally important species like the beetles.” According to Cabras, there’s a big gap in beetles study in the Philippines, particularly weevils. “I cannot speak for the entire insects in the Philippines because my expertise is beetles. But for weevils probably 60 percent remain undescribed,” she said.

Discovery of new species DR. Analyn A. Cabras, a Zoology Division Research Associate at the National Museum of the Philippines and the leading expert on beetle study in the country, along with some peers, is pursuing more beetle species discovery to catch up with the “ backlog.” The National Museum announced the recent discover y of two new species by Cabras and a team of researchers, who were able to identify the creatures, making them finally known to science. One of the beetles was described more than three decades after it was collected. Cabras, along with fellow experts Dr. Milton Norman Medina, Dr. Maurizio Bollino and National Museum Researcher Perry Buenavente, made the groundbreaking discovery after studying beetle specimens, including those found in the Entomology Section of the Philippine Zoological Collections. Beetles, particularly weevils, are recently getting the much-needed attention they deserve, she said. A weevil is distinguished by its long beaklike projection with its longer mouth part. No beetle has this morphological property, Cabras explained.

Peer reviewed report THE recent discovery was published in the journal Zootaxa, where the two new Pachyrhynchine species were described, which means the research and study are reviewed by peers who are equally experts in the field. The first of the two new species, Metapocyrtus baltazarae Cabras, et al., 2023, was named after National Scientist Dr. Clare R. Baltazar, in recognition of her tremendous contribution to Philippine entomology. The specimen was originally collected by the late National Museum Entomologist Venancio Samarita in May 1989 at a hot spring in Baggao, Cagayan. T he second spec ies, M. si a rgaonon Cabras, et al., 2023, sp. nov., was found in the collection of Maurizio Bollino and was described in recognition of Siargao Island,

Big opportunity

THE images of the two new beetle species that were recently discovered—Metapocyrtus baltazarae (left) and Metapocyrtus siargaonon by a team lead by National Museum of the Philippines expert Dr. Analyn A. Cabras. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DR. ANALYN A. CABRAS where the beetles were discovered,.

Race against time CABRAS said not many researchers or scientists are attracted to the study of insects, or beetles and weevils, unlike of other iconic species, such as the Philippine eagle, the Philippine crocodile or the tamaraw. Thus, studies of these fascinating creatures are lagging behind other species. Insects or beetle species, in particular, are endangered because of numerous factors, including habitat loss, pollution, massive land use conversion and human encroachment of their habitats. According to Cabras, their discovery of the beetles highlighted the pressing the taxonomic impediment, given that the species has only been described 34 years after their initial collection. “Col lecting voucher specimens for ta xonomic and scientific workers enables us to shed light on the other creatures we share the planet w ith, which are a lar mingly being

pushed to the br ink of destr uction,” the Nationa l Museum said in its announcement. The majority of the beetle species are already threatened by habitat destruction, and most have not yet been discovered, leaving the possibility that these can never become known to science, Cabras said in an interview with the BusinessMirror via Zoom on December 16.

Important ecosystem function BEETLES are pollinators and decomposers that help nurture the soil, and they are also prey to many animals. Scientists believe that because of the interconnectedness of ecosystems, their extinction could lead to the extinction of another. These fascinating creatures are one of the most diverse groups of insects with over 40,000 species known to man. Beetles can be as small as 1 millimeter, while some can grow like giants in their own right, reaching a length of 15 centimeters. Little is known about beetles in the Philippines. It is only in the last

decade that new species are again being discovered or described. Nevertheless, some of these little creatures that play big roles in the ecosystem have earned a place in the Philippine stamps as early as 2010.

On threatened list JUST recently, seven additional Philippine endemic beetle species have been added to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) List of Threatened Species. These include the Gina Lopez Weevil that was named in honor of the late Environment Secretary Regina Paz Lopez; Doliops barsevskisi, Agelasta mindanaonis, Callimetopus lumawigi, Doliops ageometrica, Doliops daugavpilsi and Doliops huruki. Cabras and her team believe that the IUCN assessments underscored the urgency of conserving the endemic beetles. “Most of these beetles have a narrow geographic range, making them easily susceptible to anthropogenic threats,” she said.

A matter of priority, expertise “IN beetles’ study, or of majority of

the arthropods, many species are being extinct even before they are discovered because we are losing our forest,” Cabras explained. She said this makes the study more pressing, but pointed out that lack of funding and enough expertise to do the job is a challenge. Funding, she said, is lacking in the study of beetles and other insects, because funding for research is usually eaten up by studies for bigger, iconic and charismatic animals. “What happened was that in the study of beetles in the Philippines, the last [discovery] was in the 1930s and it has gone into hiatus for almost a century,” she noted. “It has gotten additional attention just recently. And [with] the capability. It matters that there’s a scientist that will focus on this,” she explained. “The cause of surge and increase [of discovery of beetles], for the Philippines is a matter of expertise. You can’t discover a species just like that. There are now experts that is why recently, the study of beetles began again,” she said. Recently, two weevils were described by Cabras, along with other re-

“THERE’S a big opportunity to discover new species. Right now, I am getting help from colleagues and some students. It will be good if they start to develop their expertise on weevils or beetles because we lack the researchers to do it,” she said. According to Cabras, roughly between 2,000 to 3,000 beetles have so far been described or made known to science. There are still around 6,000 to 8,000 left to be described or discovered and named by researchers or scientists. To help budding researchers identify beetles, the National Museum is currently building a reference collection, wherein students, researchers and even faculty members can use as a reference in the identification of beetles. Cabras is leading the project to build the reference collection for weevils while another expert is working on another beetle group. This, she said, is important as it will save researchers and scientists time, money and effort in ascertaining the discovery of a new beetle species. “It is costly and time-consuming, although I am fortunate enough to get grants and study in other countries for this. Right now, we are building a reference collection in the National Museum,” she said.

Endangered species list grows by 2,000–climate change is part of the problem

LIMATE change is worsening the planet’s biodiversity crises, making environments more deadly for thousands of species and accelerating the precipitous decline in the number of plants and animals on Earth, according to an international organization that tracks species health. Species of salmon and turtles are among those facing a decline as the planet warms. Atlantic salmon isn’t yet threatened with extinction, but its population dropped by nearly a quarter from 2006 to 2020, said the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which tracks biodiversity around the globe. It is now considered near threatened. They live in fewer places and face human-created hazards like dams and water pollution. Climate change is making it harder for the fish to find food and easier for alien species to compete, according to the group.

Although there are some signs of hope: their numbers ticked up in Maine this past year. The news was announced at the United Nations climate conference in the United Arab Emirates on December 11. Leaders of the IUCN updated their Red List of Threatened Species, a tracker of biodiversity around the globe. It was mainly bad news. The list includes information on 157,000 species, about 7,000 more than last year’s update. The IUCN said just over 44,000 species are threatened with extinction. That’s roughly 2,000 more than last year. “Species around the world are under huge pressure. So no matter where you look, the numbers of threatened species are rising,” said Craig Hilton-Taylor, head of the Red List unit at the IUCN. Climate change is worsening conditions for about 6,700 species threatened with

GREEN sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) make their way into the ocean upon their release at Kuta beach, Bali, Indonesia, on January 8, 2022. The IUCN released their new Red List of Threatened Species on December 11 at the United Nations climate conference in Dubai. Amphibians are particularly at risk, with 41 percent under threat of extinction and the Central South Pacific and East Pacific green turtle is at greater risk because of climate change. AP/FIRDIA LISNAWATI

extinction. The Central South Pacific and East Pacific green turtle is at greater risk because of climate change, for example. Fewer turtles hatch as higher seas inundate nests. Warming waters can harm its food supply

of seagrasses. The update includes the first broad assessment of the health of freshwater fish species. One-quarter of species—just over 3,000—face an extinction risk.

As climate change raises sea levels, salt water is traveling further up rivers, for example. And these species already face tremendous threats from pollution and overfishing, the IUCN said. Frogs, salamanders and other amphibians are suffering the most. About 41 percent of these species are under threat. “They are climate captives because of higher temperatures, drought—whatever happens amphibians cannot move out of harm’s way and are directly impacted by climate change,” said Vivek Menon, deputy chair of the IUCN’s species survival commission. There was a bit of good news. Two antelope species are fairing better, although they still have a long way to go before their long-term survival is stabilized. For example, the scimitar-horned oryx, a light-colored animal with curved horns,

had previously been categorized as extinct in the wild but is now endangered. It faced a lot of threats: poaching, drought and car accidents all played a role in largely eliminating the species by the turn of the century. But recent efforts to reintroduce the species in Chad have helped and there are now at least 140 adults and more than twice as many calves on a large nature reserve. IUCN’s director general Grethel Aguilar said it’s clear humans need to act to protect biodiversity and when conservation is done right, it works. To combat the threat posed by climate change, she said fossil fuels need to be phased out, a contentious focus of this year’s COP28 negotiations. “Nature is here to help us, so let us help it back,” she said. Michael Phillis/Associated Press

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Saturday-Sunday, December23-24, 2023

Gold mine in Jala-jala: HD kids grab spotlight H By Josef Ramos

IDILYN DIAZNARANJO is now a proud daughter of Jala-jala, but her second home’s even prouder and so is the entire province of Rizal. Diaz-Naranjo’s young wards at in her Hidilyn Diaz Academy Jalajala helped win for Rizal seven gold and two bronze medals at the close of weightlifting competitions on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex’s covered tennis court. It’s seven golds that glittered brightest in the sport with Jalajala now earning it’s niche in the Philippine sports map—not only in weightlifting. “Finally, we put Jala-jala on the weightlifting map,” Diaz-Naranjo told BusinessMirror. “Jala-jala’s not known for the sport, so we are happy right now because our kids delivered.” Jala-jala contributed three gold medals to Rizal Province’s haul— Diaz-Naranjo’s 12-year-old nephew Matthew Diaz (37 kgs) and Renz Memoracion (61 kgs) in boys’ action and Cristelle Sarcauga (55 kgs) in girls’ category of Batang Pinoy. Angono, on the other hand, added four gold medals through Ma. Victoria Añosa (30 kgs) and Cyrinne İnan (45 kgs) in the girls’class and Jeric Icon Castro (55 kgs) and Jericson Castro (61 kgs) in the boys’ division. The two bronzes came from DiazNaranjo’s ward Adonis Ramos (boys’ 55 kgs) and Augusto’s Princess Castro (girls’ +40 kgs). “After this, we’ll hold a Christmas performance test then we will have our Christmas Party to keep them training…we cannot afford to stop,” The Tokyo Olympics gold medalist said “Kids are so hard to motivate, but I’m so happy every time I see the kids smiling—those are the things you cannot buy—seeing them happy.” Diaz-Naranjo’s hometown of Zamboanga City remained a stand-alone weightlifting power by winning 11 gold, eight silver and four bronze medals. Her Mampang Hidilyn Diaz Gym handled by her cousin, coach Allen Diaz, bagged six of those golds as well as two silvers. Cambodia Southeast Asian Games kata queen Sakura Alforte, meanwhile, had her hands full before pulling off a thrilling win over veteran and former national

champion Rebecca Torres in Philippine National Games karate action at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City late Thursday night. Both products of the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo club of the late former karate chief Pocholo Veguillas, Alforte, also the SEA Karate Federation women’s champ, scored 23.90 points, a mere .20 of a point over Torres in the meet organized by the Philippine Sports Commission. Samantha Veguillas, daughter of former national standout Chino Veguillas, bagged the bronze medal with a score of 22.70 points in the sportsfest also backed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, Philippine Basketball Association, Milo, Pocari Sweat and Chooks to Go. World championship quarterfinalist Jeremy Nopre ruled the men’s kata with 23.50 points, Felix Calipusan settled for silver (22.90) and Giovanni took home the bronze (22.50) of the competition also supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and Department of Education. “It is always nice to have a challenge, which only means you strive to perform better than you. I think Ma’am Rica is an important rival for me at the local level,” said the Tokyo-based Alforte, 21, of their close duel. “This faceoff with Sakura felt great since I think this is just the first time we competed against each other since the Covid-19

Completing a golden treble at the nearby Philsports oval was Davao City’s Lyca Catubig, who topped the women’s under-20 5,000-meter walk in 28.21.82 while Pasig’s Justin Santo Macuring added his second mint in the men’s under-20 of the same event in 26:26.23. Also adding a third gold to her collection was Woman International Master Kylen Mordido, carrying the colors of Dasmariñas City, who secured the blitz women’s plum over Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia by the tiebreak after both finished with six points each.

SEPAK takraw action gets intense between Mandaue (yellow) and Catbalogan (white). NONIE REYES

Ohtani named AP’s Male Athlete of the Year

NAHEIM, California—Before Shohei Ohtani stepped into the bright lights of Hollywood and signed the most lucrative contract in professional sports history, baseball›s two-way superstar put together yet another season of unparalleled brilliance from Tokyo to Anaheim. What can this singular talent possibly do next? The Los Angeles Dodgers are eagerly paying $700 million to see for themselves. But what Ohtani already did in 2023—both for the Los Angeles Angels and for Japan’s team in the World Baseball Classic—is the reason he was selected as The Associated

Press’ Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in three years. “Shohei is arguably the most talented player who’s ever played this game,” said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, after signing Ohtani to a 10-year contract last week. Ohtani edged Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi and tennis great Novak Djokovic for the AP honor in voting by a panel of sports media professionals. Ohtani received 20 of 87 votes, while Messi and Djokovic got 16 apiece. Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals MVP, got 12 votes.

After winning his first AP Male Athlete of the Year award in 2021, Ohtani has joined an impressive list of two-time winners of the honor, which was first handed out in 1931. Multiple-time winners include Don Budge, Byron Nelson, Carl Lewis, Joe Montana, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps and fourtime honorees Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong. Four-time winner LeBron James is another generational superstar who chose Los Angeles as a free agent, while two-time honoree Sandy Koufax remains one of the greatest players to wear Dodger Blue.

Ohtani has upended decades of conventional wisdom during his six years in the majors, even surpassing most achievements of Babe Ruth while playing in an infinitely more difficult era. Most new frontiers in sports are crossed incrementally and gradually, but Ohtani has toppled barriers that stood for a century with peerless skills, confidence and hard work. AP

Pagdanganan rebounds with 70 in Jakarta; Thitikul nears crown

IANCA PAGDANGANAN gained 10 spots from joint 18th with a two-under 70 but stood too far behind Thai Atthaya Thitikul, who threatened to rip the field with a blistering seven-under 65 in the second round of the Asia Pacific Cup in Jakarta Friday. As Daniella Uy squandered a strong start of two birdies and faltered with 73 after a gutsy 72 Thursday, Pagdanganan mounted

her charge with an early birdiebinge at the backside of the Pondok Indah course in Jakarta. She then rebounded from a string of mishaps with two birdies in the last eight holes to card a pair of 35s. With a 143 aggregate, the International Container Terminal Services Inc.-backed ace, who recently re-claimed her Ladies Professional Golfers Association (LPGA) Tour card, joined Korean Youmin Hwang, who

Tapales in enemy territory: I’m not afraid of ‘Monster’

HIDILYN DIAZ is all smiles after her nephew, Matthew Diaz, wins the boys’ 37 kgs gold medal. NONIE REYES pandemic,” said Torres,30, who showed the fruits of her recent four-day training camp with Tokyo Olympic kata gold medalist Sandra Sanchez in Talavera, Spain. Over at the PhilSports pool, Bulacan’s Rafael Barreto failed to sweep his five events after winding up fifth in the boys 18-over 50-meter breaststroke in 29.60 seconds in the event narrowly won by Santiago City’s Jalil Sephraim Taguinod (29.02). A member of the national team, Barreto had earlier bagged his fourth gold in the boys 18-0ver 200-meter freestyle in 1:53.05 while Ormoc City’s Atasha dela Torre secured her third mint in winning the girls 18over 100-meter butterfly event.

fought back with a 68, Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and India’s Diksha Dagar, who matched 71s, and Aussie Robyn Choi, who carded a 72, at eighth place. But they remained considerably behind Thitikul, who showcased exceptional shotmaking and putting skills to put in a five-under frontside card. She then closed out with three birdies against a bogey in the last seven holes for a 31-34 as she broke away from a four-way tie for the lead

and zeroed in on the top purse of $100,000 with an 11-under 133 haul. From a tight start, the 20-year-old two-time LPGA Tour winner pulled ahead by five over Korean Dayeon Lee, who shot a 70 for 138, with Thai amateur Eila Galitsky firing a 69 to grab solo third at 139 heading to the final round of the 54-hole championship staking a total purse of $550,000 in individual competition and $200,000 in team play.

A13

Representing Taguig, Mejia had earlier secured the women’s rapid gold with six points. The Mandaluyong squad of Francoise Marie Magpily and Ma. Elayza Villa swept both the women’s rapid and blitz events. Baguio City provisionally topped the medal standings with 18 gold, 11 silver and six bronze medals, followed closely by Pasig City in second (15-2126) while Mandaluyong and Davao City were third (11-11-17) and fourth (7-12-7), respectively.

Kinaadman nips Olivarez, wrests Dagitab crown

ARLON “THE NIGHTMARE” TAPALES is in enemy territory in full harness for one of his biggest fights. He’s showing no fear. “I’m not afraid of him,” said Tapales of Naoya Inoue, the Japanese “Monster” whose unbeaten in 25 fights, 22 of them he won by knockout. Tapales landed in Tokyo on Tuesday from a six-week training camp with trainer-coach Ernel Fontenilla in Baguio City and is now at the tailend of his preparations at the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers. Their unification fight at 122 lbs is set Tuesday at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena. “I’m very thankful to God for giving me this opportunity to fight the best, now I’m going for Naoya Inoue,” the 31-year-old former World Boxing Organization [WBO] bantamweight champion said. “It’s a different Tapales in this fight,” he said, referring to the split decision victory that gave him Uzbek Murodjon Akhmadaliev’s belt last April in San Antonio, Texas. Tapales owns a 37-3 win-loss record with 19 knockouts. Tapales and Inoue would be presented to the media on Sunday with the official weigh in set on Christmas Day. Sean Gibbons, president of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, meanwhile, told BusinessMirror via internet all that many Japanese are keenly awaiting how Tapales would deal with Inoue. “Japanese reporters appear to be more interested in Marlon Tapales because they know how Filipino fighters fight,” Gibbons said. Gibbons expects Tapales to upset Inoue and the Japanese fans. “He’s very confident, feeling it’s time to shine and upset the Japanese Monster,” he said. A victory by Tapales would give him four world titles—WBA, WBO, IBF and WBC—in one weight class. Josef Ramos

OSSHUA KINAADMAN mounted a remarkable comeback against doubles partner Eric Jed Olivarez for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory to clinch the Dagitab Festival National Open Tennis Championship crown at the City of Naga courts in Cebu last Thursday. The fourth-ranked Kinaadman kept his nerves in check coming off an early stumble, staging a resurgence in the second frame then unleashing a strong finishing kick in the third to turn back the recent Rep. Edwin Olivarez Cup winner and snare the hotly-disputed title worth P60,000. But Johnny Arcilla and Rolly Saga foiled Kinaadman and Olivarez in the Open doubles as they toppled the fancied duo in a marathon duel, 0-6, 7-6(6), 18-16, in the P330,000 event sponsored by Mayor Val Chiong. Arcilla and Saga pocketed P50,000. Despite his failed sweep bid, Kinaadman’s triumph in the singles was a testament to his tenacity and skill with the victory also avenging his final loss to Olivarez in the Hagedorn Open last August. Kinaadman and Olivarez traded serves in the first four games and exchanged breaks in the next two before the latter broke the former again in the seventh and took the next two games to wrest control. But Kinaadman didn’t flinch, pulling off a break in the third game in the second set then battled Olivarez to a hold-hold game the rest of the way, forcing the decider with a shutout win in the 10th game. The Lapu-Lapu City native then

overcame a 0-30 deficit in the first game of the third, winning four of the next six points to open with a break, only to concede his serve in the fourth to set the stage for a tightly contested decider. Kinaadman broke Olivarez in the fifth, held serve in the next and won the last two to complete the come-frombehind victory and lead the winners in the week-long Group A tournament wrapping up another successful season of the country’s longest-running circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro. In other results, Ormoc’s Kenzo Brodeth routed local bet Jonathan Largo, 6-1, 6-1, in a duel of unranked bets to capture the boys’ 18-and-under grand slam juniors, while Lapu-Lapu City’s Tiffany Nocos took the girls’ trophy with a 6-3, 6-2 reversal over No. 2 Kate Imalay from Bato, Leyte. Cebu’s Juvels Velos and Samantha Ortega topped the consolation pool with victories over Nicholas Ocat, 4-1, 4-1, and Donna Diamante, 4-2, 3-5, 11-9, respectively, with Velos and Brodeth later teaming up to bag the 18-and-U boys’ doubles title in the tournament, which also staked Unified Tennis Philippines and Universal Tennis points. Other winners were (Classified doubles) Jonito Crisosto and Danny Sajonia (B), Erolito Remedio and Virgilio Vidal (C+), Renante Repunte and Joveno Garcia (C-), and Francis Aclan and Galeos Columbus (D). Leading the Legends category champions were Mark Alcoseba (men’s singles 35s), Celestino Solon (45s), Alcoseba and Noel Salupado (doubles 30s), JD Benitez and Solon (doubles 40s) and Benitez and Elmer Yac (doubles 50s).

Thitikul also primed herself for a “double” as she and partner Jaravee Boonchant, who matched par 72, pooled a 10-under 278 for Thailand I to seize a commanding four-stroke lead in team competitions with a 10-under 278. Korea 3 assembled a 282 while Korea 5 had a 283. The Philippines’s two teams lay at joint 12th with Thailand 1 with 294 totals.

JOSSHUA KINAADMAN (right) holds his trophy with doubles partner Eric Jed Olivarez.

A14 Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Editor: Angel R. Calso • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza seen as among deadliest, most destructive in history, experts say By Julia Frankel

for up to 365 meters (1,200 feet). In an October 31 strike on the urban refugee camp of Jabaliya, experts say a 2,000-pound bomb killed over 100 civilians. Experts have also identified f rag ment s of SPIC E (Sm a r t, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective) 2000-pound bombs, which are fitted with a GPS guidance system to make targeting more precise. Castner said the bombs are produced by the Israeli defense giant Rafael, but a recent State Department release first obtained by The New York Times showed some of the technology had been produced in the United States. The Israeli military is also dropping unguided “dumb” bombs. Several experts pointed to two photos posted to social media by the Israeli Air Force at the start of the war showing fighter jets stocked with unguided bombs.

The Associated Press

ERUSALEM—The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, experts say, now sits among the deadliest and most destructive in history. In just over two months, the offensive has wreaked more destruction than the razing of Syria’s Aleppo between 2012 and 2016, Ukraine’s Mariupol or, proportionally, the Allied bombing of Germany in World War II. It has killed more civilians than the US-led coalition did in its threeyear campaign against the Islamic State group. The Israeli military has said little about what kinds of bombs and artillery it is using in Gaza. But from blast fragments found on-site and analyses of strike footage, experts are confident that the vast majority of bombs dropped on the besieged enclave are US-made. They say the weapons include 2,000-pound (900-kilogram) “ bunker-busters” that have killed hundreds in densely populated areas. With the Palestinian death toll in Gaza approaching 20,000, the international community is calling for a cease-fire. Israel vows to press ahead, saying it wants to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities following the militant group’s Oct. 7 cross-border rampage that triggered the war, in which it killed 1,200 people and took 240 others hostage. The Biden administration has quietly continued to supply arms to Israel. Last week, however, President Joe Biden publicly acknowledged that Israel was losing international legitimacy for what he called its “indiscriminate bombing.” Here’s a look at what is known

so far about Israel’s campaign on Gaza.

How much destruction is there in Gaza?

ISRAEL’S offensive has destroyed over two-thirds of all structures in northern Gaza and a quarter of buildings in the southern area of Khan Younis, according to an analysis of Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data by Corey Scher of the CUNY Graduate Center and Jamon Van Den Hoek of Oregon State University, experts in mapping damage during wartime. The percentage of damaged buildings in the Khan Younis area nearly doubled in just the first two weeks of Israel’s southern offensive, they said. That includes tens of thousands of homes as well as schools, hospitals, mosques and stores. UN monitors have said that about 70 percent of school buildings across Gaza have been damaged. At least 56 damaged schools served as shelters for displaced civilians. Israeli strikes damaged 110 mosques and three churches, the monitors said. Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths by embedding militants in civilian infrastructure. Those sites also shelter multitudes of Palestinians who have fled under Israeli evacuation orders. “Gaza is now a different color from space. It’s a different texture,” said Scher, who has worked with Van Den Hoek to map destruction across several war zones, from Aleppo to Mariupol.

A VIEW of the rubble of buildings hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on October 10, 2023. After 11 weeks of war in Gaza, the Israeli military campaign against Hamas now sits among the deadliest and most destructive in history. The Palestinian death toll is approaching 20,000 and satellite data shows that one-third of structures across the tiny enclave have been destroyed. AP/FATIMA SHBAIR

How does the destruction stack up historically? By some measures, destruction in Gaza has outpaced Allied bombings of Germany during World War II. Between 1942 and 1945, the allies attacked 51 major German cities and towns, destroying about 40-50 percent of their urban areas, said Robert Pape, a US military historian. Pape said this amounted to 10 percent of buildings across Germany, compared to over 33 percent across Gaza, a densely populated territory of just 140 square miles (360 square kilometers). “Gaza is one of the most intense civilian punishment campaigns in history,” said Pape. “It now sits comfortably in the top quartile of the most devastating bombing campaigns ever.” The US-led coalition’s 2017 assault to expel the Islamic State group from the Iraqi city of Mosul was considered one of the most

intense attacks on a city in generations. That nine-month battle killed around 10,000 civilians, a third of them from coalition bombardment, according an Associated Press investigation at the time. During the 2014-2017 campaign to defeat IS in Iraq, the coalition carried out nearly 15,000 strikes across the country, according to Airwars, a London-based independent group that tracks recent conflicts. By comparison, the Israeli military said last week it has conducted 22,000 strikes in Gaza.

What types of bombs are being used?

THE Israeli military has not specified what it is using. It says every strike is cleared by legal advisers to make sure it complies with international law. “We choose the right munition for each target—so it doesn’t cause unnecessary damage,” said

the army’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. Weapons experts have been able to draw conclusions by analyzing blast fragments found onsite, satellite images and videos circulated on social media. They say the findings offer only a peek into the full scope of the air war. So far, fragments of Americanmade Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) bombs and smaller diameter bombs have been found in Gaza, according to Brian Castner, a weapons investigator with Amnesty International. T he JDA M bombs inc lude prec ision- g u ided 1,0 0 0 - a nd 2,000-pound (450-kilogram and 900-kilogram) “bunker-busters.” “It turns earth to liquid,” said Marc Garlasco, a former Pentagon defense official and a war crimes investigator for the UN “It pancakes entire buildings.” He said the explosion of a 2,000-pound bomb in the open means “instant death” for anyone within about 30 meters (100 feet). Lethal fragmentation can extend

Is the strategy working?

ISRAEL says it has two goals: Destroy Hamas and rescue the 129 hostages still held by militants. Eleven weeks into the war, Israel says it has destroyed many Hamas sites and hundreds of tunnel shafts and has killed 7,000 Hamas fighters out of an estimated 30,000-40,000. Israeli leaders say intense military pressure is the only way to free more hostages. But some families of hostages worry that the bombing endangers their loved ones. Hostages released during a weeklong cease-fire last month recounted that their captors moved them from place to place to avoid Israeli bombardment. Hamas has claimed that several hostages died from Israeli bombs, though the claims could not be verified. The level of destruction is so high because “Hamas is very entrenched within the civilian population,” said Efraim Inbar, head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, a think tank. He also said intense bombardment of Hamas’ tunnels is needed to protect advancing Israeli ground forces from attacks.

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No.

3D ANALYZER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7-8/f Double Dragon Plaza, 255 Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City NGUYEN, QUOC HUY Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in mandarin format.

BUI, VAN Y Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 2.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. CAI, XIAOMEI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. CHEN, LINGLING Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. DAM, VAN SU Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. DAO DUC PHIEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. DUONG, VAN TOAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

FAN, LICHENG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 9.

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Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

HOANG VAN TUAN ANH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

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Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. KYEIN THET CHAUK Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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KWAN SHOUT LAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. JIANG, WANGUO Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. HOANG, VAN MINH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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HOANG, VAN HOA Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. LAM, PHUONG NGOC Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

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Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

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LANG, THI HOAI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 23.

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LUONG, THI NHAT Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 32.

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Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

LI, ZHI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

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Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

LANG, VAN TRONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. LANG, THI YEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. LY, THI HUONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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A16 A6 Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LY, VAN THU Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. MOHD NOOR EDRY BIN ABDULLAH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. MY, THI LIEU Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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NGUY, QUANG THIEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 37.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. NGUYEN THANH TIEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. NGUYEN THI HONG NHUNG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. NGUYEN THI TRONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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NGUYEN, DINH PHUC Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 41.

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NGUYEN, THI MAI HANH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 45.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. NGUYEN, THI THANH THAO Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

46.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

No.

NGUYEN, VAN DIEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 47.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

53.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. VU, NGOC TRUONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

54.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. VUONG, THI THU TRANG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

55.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. YIN MIN HTWE Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

56.

ZHANG, BOTAO Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 57.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. ZHENG, QINZHAO Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

58.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

TRAN, VAN PHUC Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. QING, SANQIANG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

NGUYEN, VAN NAM Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. NGUYEN, VAN HOANG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. ZHU, SIYU Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

59.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

No.

ZHUANG, YELING Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 60.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

WEN, XIAONING It Technical Mandarin 61.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

62.

63.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

CAO, CHANGCHUAN Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

LI, XIAOHUA Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

CHEN, BOFAN It Consultant 64.

Brief Job Description: Advice, plans, designs, and installs information technology for their clients.

LIANG, ZHIHUI It Specialist 65.

Brief Job Description: Identifies issues with new hardware or software and works with users or on the the back end of servers to quickly resolve those issues and prevent delays.

XIE, YIFAN It Specialist 66.

Brief Job Description: Identifies issues with new hardware or software and works with users or on the the back end of servers to quickly resolve those issues and prevent delays.

67.

68.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: With a degree in Information Technology Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With a degree in Information Technology. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WANG, JIAWEI Mandarin Human Resource (hr) Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Develop a strategy.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIEW MAY TEAN Mandarin Team Leader

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Develop a strategy.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

AM-PRO IMPORTS MARKETING CORP. 16e Residenza Suites, 429 Shaw Blvd., Addition Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

CHEN, MENG Pricing Analyst (freight Forwarding)

69.

Brief Job Description: Pricing analysts help businesses determine competitive pricing strategies to gain market share and achieve revenue goals. They analyze data from multiple sources, develop complex pricing models, and collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop sales strategies.

Basic Qualification: In-depth knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis. Ability to keep abreast of industry trends and develop dynamic pricing tools. Advanced ability to present pricing analysis reports to relevant stakeholders. Excellent analytical and communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CAI, YANYUN Procurement Specialist

70. Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

Brief Job Description: A procurement specialist facilitates purchases from outside suppliers to keep a business running. Their primary responsibilities include researching key suppliers, negotiating purchase agreements, and ensuring all products and materials meet company standards.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CHEN, MIN Procurement Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

ALPHA CENTURY CONSULTANCY INC. 15/f Tower 2 Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialects spoken in other parts of China.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

AIG BUSINESS CONSULTING OPC Unit 1406 Trade And Financial Tower, 7th Ave Cor 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

AB LEISURE EXPONENT, INC. 5/f Sm Megamall Bldg. D, J Vargas, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

66 GLOBAL SOLUTIONS INC. 9th & 11th/f Ssk Building, Block 7 Lot 5 Kennedy Road Corner Mindanao Avenue, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

71.

Basic Qualification: Strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to plan, delegate and evaluate progress toward goals is necessary for managing these projects. Must have strong problem-solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION MOCHAMMAD IBNU MAULADI Procurement Specialist

72.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to plan, delegate and evaluate progress toward goals is necessary for managing these projects. Must have strong problem-solving skills.

No.

86.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 87.

WANG, PINGJIAN Procurement Specialist

73.

WANG, XIUHUA Procurement Specialist

74.

75.

Brief Job Description: Completion, filing and reporting of all required business forms, licenses and other legal documents require in the establishment and conduct of the business entity. Build all channels to generate sales pipelines and longterm customer relationships to foster revenue generation and growth opportunities.

76.

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

CHEN, YUMIN Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

JASVEER SINGH Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

JIANG, XIANJIE Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

LU, GUIPAN Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

PAN, JIESI Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

SHI, JUNJIA Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

WANG, HONGPING Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

XIE, DONGYAN Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

XU, FENGFENG Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

ZHU, DINGYING Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

SEO, HYEMI Sales Executive Consultant 88.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of relevant work experience in international moving/ freight forwarding services industry. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

Brief Job Description: Set sales target and goal metrics and their effectiveness. Interact with clients and identify their objectives and goals. Maintain a vigorous relationship with the new as well as existing clients.

ZHANG, YONGLIANG Mandarin Reclamation Quality Controller 89.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Reclamation Quality Controller will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

YAN, JUN Department Supervisor 90.

91.

92.

Brief Job Description: leading and managing a team within an organization.

YANG, HAORONG Site Technician Brief Job Description: monitors and install various substation equipment.

LIU, HUAYANG Technician Brief Job Description: monitors and install various substation equipment.

DURAISAMY, SWETHA Associate 93.

Brief Job Description: To analyze the business requirements and prepare test plan documents by defining test strategy, assumption, scope, and schedule.

KINUGAWA, HIROHIDE Sales Director 94.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

95.

EDOTCO TOWERS, INC. 11/f Phinma Plaza, 39 Plaza Drive, Rockwell Center, Poblacion, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin site officer, familiarity, knowledge, and awareness of Machinery and heavy equipment used by the company, and demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plans.

WIJEMANNA MOHOTTIGE DON, MALINDA NALAKA WIJEMANNA Power System Planning And Operations Specialist 98.

Basic Qualification: experience in management/fluent in Chinese and English.

99.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Establish strategic goals.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

100.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

GAO SHOU TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 52/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati BOONCHUAY, YANISA Thai Customer Service Representative 101.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

LY HOANG KIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 102.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: experience in handling site equipment/fluent in Chinese and English. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

PHAM DUY TINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 103.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Have 4+ years of Healthcare and IT experience with working on STLC and Agile testing methodologies. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

QI, RUIXIN Mandarin Manager

LYU, KUN Mandarin Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: experience in handling site equipment/fluent in Chinese and English.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the operations and maintenance of power related equipment of access sites and core locations. Management of repair orders and process update for the effective maintenance of the power system network.

Basic Qualification: Holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. With at least 10 years of managerial experience and expertise in power planning and operations field.

FLYING FUTURE SERVICES INC. 21/f Yuchengco Tower 1 Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati

PHAM THI SANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 104.

Brief Job Description: Leading and motivating staff to improve customer service with clients. Designing and implementing strategic plans to reach sales target. Cultivating lasting relationships with customers to grow customer loyalty.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of managerial experience in a related industry. Fluent in Japanese.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

ADRIAN, HORIA-CIPRIAN President And Chief Executive Officer (ceo) 105.

HOANG TRONG HOAI BAO Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Provide effective and inspiring leadership; Ensure financial viability and sustainability

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls,, chats and emails.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHANG, KANGBO Solution Cloudification Project Manager 106.

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St., Barangay 289, Binondo, City Of Manila

HUANG, YANXING Senior Marketing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Expertise and experience in setting strategic goals for the company and leadership Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. 53/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

Basic Qualification: Holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. With at least a year of relevant work experience. Fluent in English and Korean languages.

Brief Job Description: Looking after the budget of the marketing department and making sure the budget spend is delivering a return on investment. Managing the design and production of promotional materials, such as websites and brochures.

Basic Qualification: Can work harmoniously with executive team to set the marketing strategy for the business. Must be willing to manage junior marketing team that includes PR and creative staff. Able to speak and communicate using mandarin is an advantage.

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2001-a, 2602 & 2603 20/f & 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

97.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

HOLCIM PHILIPPINES, INC. 7th And 8th Floor Two World Square, Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

SHI, JINFENG Senior Marketing Specialist

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DAIKIN AIRCONDITIONING PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd Flr. Two Orion Bldg., 88 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Ugong Norte, Quezon City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg., Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE CORPORATION Unit 2605, 2607, 2608, & 2609, High St. South Corporate Plaza, Tower 1, 9th Avenue Corner 26th St. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

No.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year experience in the same field.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Section E Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

ASPIRE STANDARD SOLUTION SERVICES INC. 208 B 2/f Mtf Bldg., Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Isidro, City Of Parañaque

CAI, JIAHAO Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: Study company profile, conduct market research.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ASIA RELOCATION, MOVING AND STORAGE INC. Unit 2a D’metyangs Building, 5064 P. Burgos Cor P. Guanzon Sts., Poblacion, City Of Makati DEOLAL, GRESHAM Country Manager

YAN, ZHAOKUN Marketing Consultant

A17

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

CBS TOTAL CONSULTANCY CORP. 3f Ech Bldg., 100 Jupiter St., Cor. Makati Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to plan, delegate and evaluate progress toward goals is necessary for managing these projects. Must have strong problem-solving skills.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

96.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the migration and online delivery of public cloud products and solutions.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

HYUNDAI ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. Unit 803 8th Floor, The Bonifacio Prime, Lot 14 Block 2 Mckinley Business Park,, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

JEONG, GYEYOUNG Construction Manager 107.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring of compliance with construction and safety regulation.

Basic Qualification: With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway construction. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

BusinessMirror

A18 A6 Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION JI, JUNGUK Construction Manager

108.

Brief Job Description: Review work progress on a daily basis of all construction project planning process works, prepare internal and external reports pertaining to job status, manage team, subordinates, labors and disseminate works in order to complete as per site plan, forecast activity to ensure equipment and material availability for the work execution, initiate immediate and appropriate actions required for all defects to be implemented on site, manage the submittal of inspection request, drawings/shop drawings, materials, method statement, ensure the project is constructed and documented in accordance with the contract documents, oversee all onsite and offsite constructions and monitor compliance with building and safety regulations, ensure quality construction standards and the use of proper construction techniques. And implement and coordinate schedules and activities.

KIM, KWANGSU Construction Manager 109.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring of compliance with construction and safety regulation.

LIM, YUNMYUNG Construction Manager

110.

NOH, HYEONGSEOK Construction Manager

111.

PARK, JISOO Construction Manager 112.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring of compliance with construction and safety regulation. PARK, SANGMIN Construction Manager

113.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring of compliance with construction and safety regulation.

SHON, KI RAE Construction Manager

114.

SON, HYEOKJOON Construction Manager

115.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions, with good leadership and managing skills, strong work ethics, familiar in budgeting and keen understanding of industry specific terminology, rules and regulations, good communication skills and can comprehend both english and korean writings, must know how to interpolate plans written in korean, leadership and human resources management skills and familiarity with construction management software packages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

No.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions, with good leadership and managing skills, strong work ethics, familiar in budgeting and keen understanding of industry specific terminology, rules and regulations, good communication skills and can comprehend both english and korean writings, must know how to interpolate plans written in korean, leadership and human resources management skills and familiarity with construction management software packages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions, with good leadership and managing skills, strong work ethics, familiar in budgeting and keen understanding of industry specific terminology, rules and regulations, good communication skills and can comprehend both English and Korean writings, must know how to interpolate plans written in Korean, leadership and human resources management skills and familiarity with construction management software packages Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

116.

117.

118.

119.

120.

121.

122.

123.

124.

125.

126.

Basic Qualification: With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway construction.

127.

128.

129.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions, with good leadership and managing skills, strong work ethics, familiar in budgeting and keen understanding of industry specific terminology, rules and regulations, good communication skills and can comprehend both English and Korean writings, must know how to interpolate plans written in Korean, leadership and human resources management skills and familiarity with construction management software packages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Answering phone calls and emails, responding to customer questions and complaints. BUI, THI THUY HANG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. DINH, DUC HANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. HUYNH, NGOC HAI Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. KIM, THI THANH XUAN Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Answering phone calls and emails, responding to customer questions and complaints.

Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

MAI, THI NGOC VANG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Answering phone calls and emails, responding to customer questions and complaints. NGUYEN THI HAU Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. NGUYEN, BAO QUOC Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. NGUYEN, DINH CHI Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. NGUYEN, HOANG ANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Answering phone calls and emails, responding to customer questions and complaints.

NGUYEN, HOANG ANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

BUI, HOANG ANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

LAM, THI CHEO Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Basic Qualification: With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway construction. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

KNW TECHNOLOGY INC. 103 Equinox Plaza, Sierra Madre, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

Basic Qualification: With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway construction. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

130.

131.

132.

Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

NGUYEN, NGOC KIEU TRINH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

NGUYEN, THI HONG RIEM Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

PHAM PHU NGHIA Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

PHAM THI MY NHAN Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

TRAN HOANG PHUC Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (VietnameseEnglish).

133.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 134. Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 135. Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 136. Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (VietnameseEnglish). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking.

137.

138.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TRAN MINH THONG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Answering phone calls and emails, responding to customers questions and complaints. TRAN VAN HOI Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. TRAN, THI NGUYEN THAO Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. TRAN, VAN HAO Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them. VU, VAN HUONG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

139.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Assist customer with all travel related services & customer enquiries

140.

Brief Job Description: Establish sales strategies and develop annual sales volume and profit for the existing and new Industrial Machineries of the company.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in verbal and written communication skills especially in Korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Excellent communication skills, particularly in Japanese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

MEAD JOHNSON NUTRITION (PHILIPPINES), INC. 2309, P. Tamo Ext, Magallanes, City Of Makati

HUSSAIN, MUHAMMAD ABBAS Head of E-commerce 141.

Brief Job Description: Lead and inspire the E-Commerce team by engaging team and building bench of worldclass talent. Develop and achieve the short-term and long-term development strategies for the E-Commerce team.

Basic Qualification: International Business Management graduate. With proven leadership skills and experience in leading, engaging and developing diverse teams. With strong business acumen and project management skills. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg., 133 Quirino Ave., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

142. Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking.

HAO, LIFENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

143.

HUANG, LONGHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking.

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking

Brief Job Description: Assist in matters regarding payment processes

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Degree in relevant field

HAMADA, TAKURO General Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking.

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking

KIEU CHI NGUYEN Payment Specialist

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (VietnameseEnglish).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MARUKA ENTERPRISES, INC. U401&402 La Fuerza Plaza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave., Bangkal, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking.

LUFTHANSA SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 8th Floor Aeon Center, Northgate Cyberzone, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KIM, JIHYUN Customer Service Consultant

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (VietnameseEnglish).

Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (VietnameseEnglish).

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

144.

JIA, BIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking.

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

145.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

146.

LIU, BO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

LYU, SHAOWEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

147.

148.

149.

150.

151.

152.

153.

154.

155.

156.

157.

158.

159.

160.

161.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

NING, SIMIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

QU, HUICHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

SHAO, CUICUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

SHI, FENGHUA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

SONG, QINGYUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

SUI, XINCHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

WU, DI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

XIONG, CHONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

ZHU, ZHENBIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

FIONA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

GABRIEL YOGA ADI WICAKSONO Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

HERMAN Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

IVAN GUSTIANTO Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

VANESSA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHOI MING KIAN Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

No.

162.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

163.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

164.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

165.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

166.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

167.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

168.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

169.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

170.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

171.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

172.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

173.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

174.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

NG MING SOONG Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

KYI KYI PHYU Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

MOE HLAING Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

PYAE PHYO AUNG Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

FANG, JOU-YI Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

DIEP THUY TINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

DINH XUAN THANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

DO, HONG SON Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

HO THI DIEM HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

LUU, DUC TAI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

LUU, THI THU PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

NGUYEN THI DIEM MI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN, THI HUYEN TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

175.

NGUYEN, THUY DUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

176.

NONG THUY LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

A19

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

No.

177.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

178.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

179.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

180.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

181.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

182.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

183.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

PHAM, KIM LE Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

THI TUYET MAI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

TRIEU VINH NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

TRIEU, DINH MANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

TRIEU, THI THAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

TRUONG THI THUY NGA Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

VO LE HOANG MINH TU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

184.

185.

186.

187.

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

VY CON LIN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services.

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ONE BORDERLINE CREATIVES INC. Unit 11-ij3, 11/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VONG PHI HONG Vietnamese Customer Service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

188.

CAI, RUI Mandarin Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales records.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIN, JINGYONG Mandarin Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales records.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHU, ZIGUI Mandarin Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales records.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

OOKII SALON CORPORATION (OUKA HAIR SALON) Unit G07 G/f The Centrium Building, Lot 19 A&b, 3 & 4 Aseana Avenue, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

LI, SHIXIN Marketing and Sales Assistant 189.

Brief Job Description: Developing and sustaining long-lasting relationships with customers. Preparing, reviewing and finalizing sales proposals.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 2 years of work experience in a related industry. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A20 A6 Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHAO, YANQI Marketing and Sales Assistant 190.

Brief Job Description: Developing and sustaining long-lasting relationships with customers. Preparing, reviewing and finalizing sales proposals.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 2 years of work experience in a related industry.

No.

OONA INSULAR INSURANCE CORPORATION (OONA AND OONA INSURANCE) Mapfre Insular Corp., Ctr. Acacia Ave. Mbp, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

ARORA, ASHISH Chief Marketing and Digital Partnerships

191.

Brief Job Description: Lead the charge in identifying and cultivating lucrative opportunities, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to transform them into thriving ventures. Formulating and executing comprehensive strategies across all online channels.

LUO, FEIFEI Mandarin Manager 192.

Brief Job Description: Maintain a safe, secure and legal environment while developing personal growth opportunities. Accomplishes staff results by communicating job expectations.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language. With excellent communication and computer application skills. With previous work experience in a similar industry. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

200.

Brief Job Description: Leading, monitoring and supervising the Korean Visa Team to achieve company goals. Assigning and delegating duties to team members based on their skills and talents.

201.

Brief Job Description: Construction facade installation.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing and leading a team of qualified team members.

194.

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participates in the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of electronic, electrical, mechanical, scientific instrumentation, and other various systems.

WANG, HAISONG Chinese Technical Works Supervisor

195.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both in written and verbal With working knowledge in the field of construction Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both in written and verbal With working knowledge in the field of construction

203.

CHOW SOON MENG Malaysian It Specialist Brief Job Description: Manages daily operations of the IT department.

YOTSAN, PANICHA Thai Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Manages daily operations of the IT department.

204.

LE HOANG THANH TRUC Vietnamese Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Manages daily operations of the IT department.

LI, ZHI Mandarin Speaking Sales & Trading Consultant 205.

206.

196.

LI, HONGJIANG Multilingual Business Manager 197.

Brief Job Description: Oversees the activities of other workers. Hires, trains, and evaluates new employees.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both in written and verbal With working knowledge in the field of construction.

198.

Brief Job Description: Oversee financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, etc.

Basic Qualification: Ten (10) years back office/call center operations experiences as an operations manager.

211.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in multilanguages.

Brief Job Description: Define a region-specific marketing plan that supports the regional sales strategy

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TVS SCS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 1806 18/f Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower, 2210 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain. Logistics Management or related field preferred.

CHOO TZE WEI Managing Director 212.

Brief Job Description: Develop and execute company’s business strategies to attain the goals of the board and shareholders.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

UNICORN TELECOMMUNICATION CORP. 4/f Pcci Corporate Center, 118 L.p. Leviste St.,, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Preferably have vast knowledge and experience in related field.

LIAO, YOUHONG Project Manager 213.

Brief Job Description: Leads a team through the project life cycle by planning, budgeting, scheduling and tracking a project plan.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Preferably have vast knowledge and experience in related field.

ZHANG, CHUHAN Project Manager

Basic Qualification: Ability to speak, write and communicate in their respective language.

Brief Job Description: Leads a team through the project life cycle by planning, budgeting, scheduling and tracking a project plan.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Ability to speak, write and communicate in their respective language.

WAYSEER CONSTRUCTION INC. 333 Juan Luna St., Unit 801 State Centre Bldg., Barangay 287, Binondo, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in construction, business, engineering, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree programs in constructionrelated majors often include courses in project control and management, design, construction methods and materials, and cost estimation.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: at least 19 years old, Ability to speak write and communicate in their respective language.

ZHUANG, MINGJUN Construction Manager 215.

Brief Job Description: Plan, coordinate, and manage every aspect of a building project from start to finish

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Oversee buying and selling of financial products to provide liquidity to their investors.

Basic Qualification: Fluency in English, Mandarin, and any multilingual language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JIA, XIANFENG Mandarin Technical Support 216.

Basic Qualification: Fluency in English, Mandarin, and any multilingual language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

217.

207.

Brief Job Description: Analyzing local, national and global trends that impact both the organization and the industry.

208.

Brief Job Description: Ensure technical equipment and machinery are operational and efficient.

OKA, TAKUMA Bilingual SEO Officer 209.

Brief Job Description: Work with the development team to ensure SEO best practices are properly implemented on newly developed code.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in bilingual languages. YUE, YING Mandarin Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 219.

XIE, HAO-CHENG Bilingual It Support

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.

TIAN, XIAOLIN Mandarin Technical Support 218.

TAN LOO YONG Bilingual Data Analyst

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

NGUYEN DUY AN Mandarin Technical Support

TOTAL CREST BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 26/f & 27/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Skills and experience in Finance roles, Expertise in financial analysis, budgeting. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Utilize product knowledge to augment sales and resolve customer objections.

SHIBATA, KAZUHIKO Multilingual Marketing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUIPPER PHILIPPINES INC. U-a & B L/g Glass Tower, 115 C. Palanca St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

SAKAI, TATSUHIKO Finance Director

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in foreign language.

WIKITECH SERVICES INC. 10/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Avenue Ext. Corner Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both in written and verbal With working knowledge in the field of construction.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language and with previous work experience in a related industry.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TOP ACCESS INFINITY INC. 27th Floor The Curve Building, 32nd Street Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

XING, LE Mandarin Speaking Sales & Trading Consultant

ZHANG, ZHENDONG Chinese Technical Works Supervisor

210.

214.

POWERCHINA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2101 21/f Bdo Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

CHEN, XIANGDONG Chinese Technical Works Supervisor

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

WATANABE, TAKANOBU Multilingual Customer Service Specialist

TIAN XIA TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 6/f Filinvest Cyberzone Bldg. B, Superblock A Central Business Park 1 Bay City St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a similar role. Fluent in Korean and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

WANG, XINMING Bilingual Project Consultant

HARDY, GLEN DOUGLAS Vp Of Business Operations And Country Manager

202.

193.

Brief Job Description: Respond to customer queries in a timely and accurate way, via phone, email or chat. Identify customer needs and help customers use specific features.

No.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Indian, Nihongo, English language both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of aircraft and aviation.

SUPPORTWARE PHILIPPINES INC. 20th Floor Picadilly Star Building, 4th Avenue Corner, 27th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

PHILIPPINE HANATOUR INC. 9th Flr. (zone 2) & 10th Flr. Brittany Hotel, Block 2 & 4, Lot 15222 , C, D & F Mini Park Mckinley Parkway, Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

KIM, YUHYEON Junior Korean Visa Team Leader

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SLL BUILDER AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION U-2c 4/f One E-com Ctr. Bldg., Ocean Dr., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

PANMANILA CONSULTANCY CORP. Unit 2l Kensington Place Condominium, 1st Ave Cor. 29th St. Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DINH HONG HIEP Multilingual Customer Support Specialist 199.

Basic Qualification: Holder of a Master’s Degree in Management. With at least 15 years of marketing experience in the general insurance field. With deep expertise in the strategic use of planning and execution of digital marketing channels.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

SKYWAY AIRLINES INC. Unit 209 2/f Salud Dizon Building, 5 Mia Road Corner P. Mayuga St., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in bilingual languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Dec 22, 2023 Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Basic Qualification: Expert in bilingual languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

December 23-24, 2023

Why are so few people born on Christmas Day, New Year’s and other holidays?

BusinessMirror DECEMBER 23-24, 2023

YOUR MUSI

AT IT AGAIN|

SB19’s Josh Cullen gets it right with new single

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Josh Cullen talks about his new single “Get Right” during the music video launch on December 15. PHOTO BY REINE ALBERTO/BM.

T’S been a hot minute, but Pinoy pop (P-pop) sensation Josh Cullen is at it again. This time, SB19’s rapper and vocalist Josh is on his own, and he’s off to make waves again with his new electro hip-hop banger “Get Right.” Fresh from his group’s electrifying performance at the prestigious Asia Artist Awards 2023 showcasing Filipino talent with their iconic “Gento” and “Bazinga,” which happened a day before his launch, there’s no stopping this man’s dedication from making his own statement. “[Get Right] is a declaration of my return in my solo journey,” he said, responding to SoundStrip’s question during his music video launch on December 15. Focusing on the track, Josh noted, “It’s one of the hardest EDM pop that you’ll ever hear in the Philippines--that’s what sets this apart from my previous releases.” The song, he said, has a similar vibe to Wild Tonight, which is more pop, but this one, he focused more on how EDM should feel in a song. With the other members of SB19 forging their own paths as well, Josh shared: “I always take the chance to explore whenever we are not doing something especially right now... so I’ll take this opportunity to grow as an artist.” And he did get it right.

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Concept Y2Z Editor SoundStrip Editor Group Creative Director Graphic Designers

: T. Anthony C. Cabangon : Lourdes M. Fernandez : Aldwin M. Tolosa : Jt Nisay : Edwin P. Sallan : Eduardo A. Davad : Niggel Figueroa Anabelle O. Flores

Contributing Writers

: Tony M. Maghirang Rick Olivares Patrick Miguel Jill Tan Radovan Reine Juvierre Alberto John Eiron R. Francisco Pocholo Concepcion Francine Y. Medina

Photographers

: Bernard P. Testa Nonie Reyes

Y2Z & SOUNDSTRIP are published and distributed free every Sunday by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing Inc. as a project of the

The Philippine Business Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd Floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025 Advertising Sales: 893-2019; 817-1351,817-2807. Circulation: 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. www.businessmirror.com.ph

Fusion, collaboration

“GET Right,” which sounds relatively different from his previous releases such as the R&B-driven “Pakiusap Lang” and rap-EDM hybrid “Wild Tonight,” is Josh’s way of exploring new greater heights. Josh shared that he’s always been interested in EDM music and noticed that not a lot of Filipino artists are producing music in that genre. He thought of doing one and it started with “Wild Tonight.” In “Get Right,” he admitted “pressuring” his cousin, Ocho the Bullet, to collaborate with him. Written by himself and produced in collaboration with his cousin and UK-based indie artist No Rome, this is his first song written in the English language, to which he admitted he’s not fluent since it wasn’t his native language unlike his cousin’s. By exchanging references and influences with each other, the song became a “fusion” of the American and Filipino cultures. During their intensive brainstorming and songwriting sessions, where he pushed Ocho the Bullet a bit hard, Josh said it exceeded all his expectations. “Ang ganda lang ng collab namin. Besides sa stru ggles, having fun was the most important thing na nagawa namin. Sobrang hype na hype kami after nung narinig na namin siya,” he added. [Our collab was beautiful. Besides the struggles, having fun was the most important thing that we did. We were so hyped after we heard the track.] The music video, on the other hand, was shot in Los Angeles, California during the North American leg of SB19’s ‘PAGTATAG! World Tour.’

California boy

IN the music video, the backdrop of the blue waters

the locals and with his grandma under the sun. The transitions of the clips, with different elements such as texts, illustrations, and effects popping out of nowhere, create a visual treat and a feast for the eyes. Josh also took control of the visuals he had in mind since they started making the song to life, “I just went with the flow and let my creativity run wild during those times,” he said. Despite being a three-man team in LA to make this all happen, he said they managed to make it look like a full-blown production with their dedication, imagination, improvisation, and hard work.

EP dropping soon Josh Cullen’s new single “Get Right” cover art

“Get Right” video shot in Los Angeles, California

of the beach, the Hollywood sign, and lines of palm trees scream California vibes. Sharing his favorite part of the music video, he said it was the moment where he was “burning” the wheels of the car for it to accelerate faster as if he was part of the movie franchise “Fast and the Furious.” As he cruises along the streets of Angel City, Josh’s undeniable swag is perfectly balanced with the laidback attitude in the States as he dances playfully with

WHEN asked by SoundStrip how the year 2023 turned out for him, Josh quipped: “Rollercoaster ride. Maraming panget, maraming magandang nangyari pero sa totoo lang, I’m so thankful sa lahat ng blessings. Finally, we’re back on track.” [A lot of ugly and beautiful things happened but truthfully, I’m so thankful for all the blessings.] Talking about his brothers in SB19, A’TINs could expect “a lot stronger SB19” and that individual members will be doing their own things as well. “Mas malakas na version namin,” he added. [A stronger version of us.] As for himself, Josh urged: “Titigan mo naman ako dito ngayon. Tuloy-tuloy lang and you’ll be expecting a lot from me.” [Look at me right now. I just keep on going and you’ll be expecting a lot from me.] “I’ll be releasing my EP soon. Malay niyo hindi lang isang EP ang i-release ko next year,” he teased, adding that he’s looking forward to releasing it early next year. [You never know, but maybe I won’t just be releasing one EP next year.]

soundstrip.businessmirror@gmail.com | DECEMBER 23-24, 2023

BUSINESS

REDISCOVERED, REIMAGINED, REINVENTED A new way to appreciate Christmas songs

BEYOND traditional Yuletide carols, hymns and Jose Mari Chan, here’s a sampling of newer, more contemporary celebration of Christmas by Filipino music makers here and abroad.

MARVIN QUERIDO “Ang Pangarap Kong Regalo”

ARVIN QUERIDO is an A-list musical director, arranger and keyboardist, sought after by many OPM recording artists. His new Christmas song is titled “Ang Pangarap Kong Regalo” because as he says, “nowadays, this world could use some more peace, not just on Christmas.” On his inspiration for the song, Marvin told Soundstrip, “I’ve always liked David Foster’s “Grown Up Christmas List,” taken from the point of view of an adult talking to Santa. I wanted to make a Tagalog version, this time, about a man talking to baby Jesus. “It seems very timely, with the war between Israel and Palestine, but the truth is, I finished the song several days before the attack on Israel. ‘Ang Pangarap Kong Regalo’ would rather make one think it’s a gift I want for myself, and yet the last line “ang pangarap kong regalo sa iyo” reveals the real intention of the song. I dream (the gift of) a peaceful world that loves Jesus Christ.”

CLARA BENIN “Can’t Wait To See You On Christmas Day”

YGIG and PLUUS “Maligaya Ang Pasko”

ITH her new single “Can’t Wait To See You On Christmas Day,” multi-awarded Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin warms up the holiday season on a blissful note. The sweet little tune expresses the joy of returning home in the company of people who matter. “I wrote the song thinking of my family and the heart-warming feeling of our Christmas reunions, where all our worries melt away, replaced by thankfulness and joy.” According to Clara, the song holds a special place in her heart as it started out as a collaborative effort with her fans in her Patreon community. In a statement, she shouts out to Patreon member Stephen Duma, whose shared line ‘all the longing finds hope in the faces we call home’ deeply resonated with her.

UST in time for YGIG’s first anniversary and PLUUS’ recent love song release comes an early aginaldo for fans through the rising P-Pop groups’ collaboration in a Christmas song titled “Maligaya ang Pasko.” The song’s title literally translates to “The Christmas is happy/ merry,” and it’s also a word play on “Maligayang Pasko” which means “Merry Christmas!” A much larger context of the song is that it tells how a guy desperately aims to win her heart and spend Christmas with the girl he likes. However, his attempts all end in a climactic rejection. But don’t fret because YGIG and PLUUS are here to bring you laughter and joy. It’s all part of their powerful sibling dynamics so despite their heartbreaking song, “Maligaya pa rin ang Pasko,” in the end.

FILIPINO PRESS GROUP SYDNEY “A Christmas Offering album”

OFFSHORE MUSIC “An Offshore Christmas album”

GRENTPEREZ “Christmas Starts Tonight”

T’S December and the Filipino-Australian rising star grentperez is back with a delicate new song titled “Christmas Starts Tonight.” Grentperez elaborates on the significance thus, “Christmas, the time for presents, laughter, gatherings and greetings, and is a time that I love very dearly. ‘Christmas Starts Tonight’ is about the excitement that comes with the season, the feeling of wonder and cheer with every passing day that leads to Christmas night. In a way, you can make Christmas Day every day if you really want to.” “Christmas Starts Tonight” arrives on the heels of the release of the artist’s highly anticipated EP ‘When We Were Younger’, a seven-song collection centered around the concept of nostalgia.

HRISTMAS spells joy, cheers and love being shared around. This is exactly what the Filipino Press Sydney group, which is comprised of writers, radio broadcasters, photographers and others involved in media, is trying to achieve once more. In 2012, members of the Australia-based group sang Christmas carols under the guidance of Oliver Gadista who arranged, recorded and produced “Christmas is On The Air.” Sales from the album were earmarked for the survivors of the Typhoon Haiyan. This new album “A Christmas Offering” aims to raise funds for the family of slain Filipino radio broadcaster Percy Lapid.

PTLY titled “An Offshore Christmas,” the nine-track album features holiday-themed tracks from enamori, Mt. Lewis, Elton Clark, and Sansette, among others. As Offshore Music CEO Ely Buendia puts it, “The album is a kaleidoscope of emotions, from melancholy to euphoria, as well as a feast for anyone who enjoys all kinds of music. There’s a joyful hymn that brims with life and humanity, a vodka-induced downer who revels in the sentiments of missing home, and a sad song that barely keeps up with the season’s booming, optimistic energy.” Offshore Music general manager Audry Dionisio captures it best when she says, “We also made sure that people from different walks of life would not feel left out. Every song on the album can be played way past the Christmas season, that’s for sure.”

Why are so few people born on Christmas Day, New Year’s and other holidays? By Jay L. Zagorsky

Boston University

hristmas and New Year’s are days of celebration in many parts of the world when people gather with family and friends. One thing many typically don’t celebrate on those days is a birthday. That’s because December 25 is the least popular day in the US, Australia and New Zealand to give birth. In England, Wales and Ireland, it’s the second-least popular, behind December 26, when Brits celebrate Boxing Day. So why do people have fewer babies on holidays like Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s—the second-least popular birthday in the US? I am personally interested in the question because my wife was a New Year’s Day baby. And as an economist, I find these data puzzles fascinating.

Least and most popular birthdays All of the least-favored days in the US are

Photo by George Dolgikh on pexels.com

tied to holidays, whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, Fourth of July or Thanksgiving. Depending on the year and place, between 30 percent and 40 percent fewer babies are born on December 25 than on the peak day of the year. One reason why these days have so few births is almost no cesarean births are scheduled by doctors to happen on public holidays or weekends. About one in three American babies are born this way. And even in the case of vaginal births, doctors can induce labor, which helps control when babies are born. Inductions also typically don’t happen when doctors want to be out

of the office celebrating the holidays with family and friends. One reason why births on Christmas and New Year’s plummet is that for many people time management and scheduling is paramount. Interestingly, in England, Wales and New Zealand, relatively few babies are born on April 1. While that date is not a national holiday, mothers might avoid giving birth on April Fools’ Day for fear of their children being taunted or bullied. As for the most popular birthdays, they tend to happen in the fall. In fact, the top 10 days to have a baby in the US are all

in September, while in England, Wales, Ireland and New Zealand they’re in that month or October. Fall birthdays make sense since many babies are conceived during the colder winter months. Conception is tied to shorter days and lower outside temperatures. So if you are born on a holiday like Christmas, New Year’s or even April Fools’ Day, take some comfort in knowing the relative rarity of your birth makes you even more special than you already are. The Conversation Cover photo by Pixabay on pexels.com

On turning 25 and learning to try By Trixzy Leigh Bonotan

sudden realization hit me. It’s from a line I read a year ago before starting my job. “You’ll never see growth if you don’t try.” I was never one to put my foot forward when I wanted to do something. I would rather stay in my little bubble, content with the things around me and whatever’s going on with my life. It’s like I’m at a standstill, while everyone buzzes past me at 10x speed. This is why it feels like people my age have already reached their goals, from working in a different country to being able to travel the world. I understand they faced their fair share of hurdles and setbacks along the way, and that they put the work

in to get to that point in their lives. Still, I cannot help but wonder that if I were brave enough, would I be like them? If I allowed myself to flourish, would I succeed? But, hey, to each their own. I have come to understand that we grow at our own pace. Their time has already come, and I feel that mine is coming, too. I just have to be more aware. nnn They say the age of 25 is an important time in a person’s life. I believe that now, having turned 25, as I try to allow myself to do things that I thought were way beyond my reach. With the loving nudge of the people whom I consider my “moms,” I took on tasks that seemed daunting. I also learned

4 BusinessMirror

to explore, to go out of my comfort zone. I am proud of accomplishing these things that made me go, “Woah, I did that,” but I want more. If I want to write, I’ll give it a try. If I want to try a new hobby, I’ll learn more about it. If I want to travel, I’ll prepare to fulfill the desire to see the world. nnn Despite the uncertainty, I have learned to explore new terrain, for growth often comes from discomfort. I have also learned to remind myself that it’s okay to fail, for failure is an integral part of learning and growth. From today on, I promise to embrace every opportunity that comes my way— to pursue the things that make me feel like the best version of myself, even if

December 23-24, 2023

they might be scary at first. There is power in patience and perseverance. I should remember not to compare myself with others or even my past self. The focus should be on my personal growth, now. At 25, I have my whole life ahead of me. Every day is a new page, waiting to be filled with fresh experiences, lessons, friendships, and opportunities, as I remind myself of that pivotal phrase that served as my wake-up call a year ago, “You’ll never see growth if you don’t try.” I want to embrace my potential, hoping to look back someday proud of the person I have become—someone who took the risk, tried, and thrived. I am 25, and my time starts now. Let the adventure begin.

BusinessMirror

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023 C1

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Condiments to help customers enjoy the hotpot experience.

Sichuan Fried Chicken

Fried Lamb BBQ Skewers

The complete hotpot experience.

The author enjoying his Chairman FU experience

What’s not to love about Chairman FU Hotpot Bar? By Brian Ong (@briankingong)

the appetizers. However, there are others that might be worth indulging in like the Century Egg with Roasted Peppers (P350), Mala Corn Ribs (P350) made from sweet corn and mala beef butter, the Cumin Steak Smashed Cucumber (P480), or tasty BBQ steak bites topped on a salad or the Stir-Fried Fresh Mushrooms (P480). “To us, hotpot is more than just a meal. It’s an experience,” says Chef Francis. Together w ith your broth of c hoice, you c a n pic k f rom a n assortment of meats (from Japanese Wagyu Rib-Eye A5 priced at P4,800, to Australian Wag y u Brisket at P2,000, to imported Pork Belly at P750), seafoods, mix of balls (cheese dumpling, fish tofu, lobster ball and mushroom ball), noodles and vegetables (mushrooms and fresh leafy greens) to put in your hotpot. For rice lovers, you must also try their Mala Beef Fried Rice, or even their Egg Fried Rice; both are worth every grain. Leave room for dessert, as they also serve Chinese Halo Halo (Php150) with mochi, popping boba, tapioca and goji berry syrup.

L E G A N T LY s t u n n i n g interiors, coupled with topnotch fresh ingredients, are what Chairman FU Hotpot Bar is all about. This relatively new hotpot place in Metro Manila takes the best parts of hotpot joints all over the city, bringing a fresh take on the authentic Chinese hotpot experience to Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. Chairman FU Hotpot Bar is said to be Manila’s first hotpot bar—a hotpot restaurant with a decent drinks list featuring an assortment of wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails (from Sichuan Sangria, Jasmine Spritz, Crimson Express, to Lotus Peak). From their plush and comfy red booths to a lush tree in the middle of the restaurant, a focal point of intrigue for the diners, they ensure to provide Instagramworthy interiors that are worth the hype and experience.

Who is Chairman FU?

THE restaurant began when seven friends came together to celebrate the joys of food and friendship. What was once an idea is now a true-to-life concept. When they were trying to come up with a restaurant name, they asked all the partners to list down words they found compelling or words that resonated with “luck, happiness, wins, and blessings.” Afterall, they were “located in a casino hotel.” “Chairman FU could be any person in the room,” says Kate Katigbak, one of the partners of the restaurant. “It can also be YOU,” she said. “In every table or group, the real Chairman FU is the person who initiates the get together. He shares his blessings or wins, big or small, by treating everyone for lunch or dinner,” Kate continued. Chairman FU aims to celebrate the roots of Chinese culture through By Rory Visco Contributor

F you’re looking for a place to dine in the southern portion of Metro Manila that offers everything “big” in terms of food portions and quality of taste, except of course the price, then put Joe’s Big Plate, the All-American Bistro, as a potential dining destination. Located at the popular Molito L i fest yle Center i n A l aba ng , Muntinlupa City, Joe’s Big Plate is a good place where people can go and dine with its wide array of food options like hearty sandwiches, bulky meals, mouth-watering desserts, refreshing drinks, beers and cocktails. Jonalyn Agrazada, Managing D i re c t or of A RC B i s t ro a nd Marketing, Inc., said Joe’s Big Plate was developed because they noticed Molito did not have an allAmerican dining place. “We even went to the US to check on the latest trend there because we don’t want to copy the other players here. Molito is a known food hub where families and big groups normally converge so we highlighted ‘big plate’ concept, where delicious food can be shared but more importantly, the service is good. We believe that no matter

What’s next for Chairman FU? Chairman FU Hotpot Bar is said to be Manila’s first hotpot bar.

cuisine, offering traditional hotpot dishes with a contemporary twist. At the helm of the restaurant is owner and chef Francis Lim, who is not new to the F&B world since before Chairman FU he was more known for his resto bar Tipple and Slaw. “We believe that food is more than just fuel. It is a way to connect with others and create lasting memories. A cozy and welcoming space awaits, where customers can enjoy a fun and interactive meal with friends and family,” Chef Lim said.

What sets Chairman FU hotpot apart from the rest?

AT Chairman Fu, diners get individual hotpots, so you can enjoy your hotpot broth of choice just the way you like it. It’s definitely a great choice for those who love flying solo. Bigger groups, though, can opt to take the restaurant’s mezzanine level, which can comfortably sit 10 guests, or the more secluded and private rooms across the hall, which collectively can sit around 30 persons. The spotlight is really on the hotpot,

an ideal celebratory feast or a treatyourself moment. The menu boasts an impressive array of flavorful broths, ranging from the fiery Mala Beef Cube Broth (P280) to the soothing Wild Mushroom Collagen Broth (P280). Other varieties include the Sweet Corn and Chicken Collagen Broth (P250), the Satay Broth (P280), and the Laksa Curry (P280), my personal favorite. These options cater to diverse tastes, ensuring a personalized hotpot experience for every diner.

What sets Chairman FU apart is not just its hotpot offerings, but also its delectable appetizers. There is a whole page just for this. We tried three kinds of appetizers, all worth every bite. These are the Sichuan Fried Chicken (P380)—Deep fried boneless thigh, dry chilies, spiced salt; Fried Lamb BBQ Skewers (P380)—Crisp, tasty bite-size meat, spiced salt and Fried Lobster Sichuan Salt and Pepper (Php550)—Deep fried then wok-fried. These three are a must-try among

Going All-American bistro in Alabang

Baked Salmon

how good a place looks, if food and service quality are not good, people won’t come back,” Agrazada told the BusinessMirror. And to be able to sustain and maintain high standards of food taste and quality, Agrazada revealed that very soon, they will put up their own commissary. ARC’s Managing Partner, Kiel Cabusao, said they’ve been wanting to create their own brand since they started with franchises. They thought of going all-American because they believe that Filipinos are fully “Westernized” and have embraced

Cobb Salad

Frozen Margarita

Nachos Overload

that concept of loving stuff that’s “Western.” The staples in Joe’s Big Plate, says Cabusao, are the steaks, the favorite barbecue ribs, chicken, burgers, and milk shakes. By doing an allAmerican diner/bistro concept, he said, they can cater to the Filipino palate, and also the foreigners based there, especially Americans. At Joe’s Big Plate, Cabusao said people can hang out, have a beer or onion rings, or choose from their wide range of cocktails. They also offer traditional American dishes that Filipinos may not know of like

the Three Sisters Soup, a native American tomato-based recipe and comes with chickpeas, and best served with bread with cheese. “Then we have the usual mozzarella cheese balls, we also incorporated some pasta that are US favorites like Spaghetti with Meatballs, plus pasta with white sauces as well.” When they were brainstorming, Cabusao said they realized that Filipinos are focused on specific cuisines like Filipino, Italian, Chinese and American food. They decided to create a restaurant concept that will be competitive not just in serving size

IN THE realm of hotpot dining, Chairman FU Hotpot Bar stands out as more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, a journey of tastes, and an experience that promises to leave a lasting impression on Manila’s culinary scene. Chairman FU Hotpot Bar is located at the 2nd Floor, Grand Wing of the Newport Mall at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. Despite being open for only nearly a year now, Chairman FU has quickly established itself as an institution, or foodie haven, waiting to be discovered. Beyond their first branch at Newport World Resorts, we wish to see Chairman FU expand to BGC or San Juan, maybe sooner than later? or taste but also affordably priced for its quality and quantity. “We will make sure that most of our dishes, if not all, are portioned in a big plate, and can be shared so there’s value for money. More importantly, all our food is made from scratch, all hand-made by our chefs, all highly trained having come from big hotels so they have the expertise.” From a team such as A RC Bistro and Marketing, Inc., made up of experienced hoteliers and restaurateurs, the group is already planning their next move. In the pipeline next year, Cabusao said, is putting up another Joe’s Big Plate in Poblacion in Makati, where there are also lots of foreigners and is a favorite hangout place, and ein Timog or Tomas Morato area in Quezon City. “We also want to create Joe’s Big Plate Express that can be found in malls, food courts, expos so it’s not just going to be a full dining bistro but also an express diner concept.” Joe’s Big Plate can be found at Unit 1, Building 3 inside Molito Lifestyle Center in the heart of Alabang in Muntinlupa City. They are open Mondays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

BusinessMirror

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

By John Eiron R. Francisco

XPLOR ATION, relaxation, cultural immersion are the three words that describe a vacation and, wait for it, flavors that set your taste buds on a dancing spree. For what is a vacation without adding a culinary adventure, right?

Nowadays, various restaurants and cuisines have popped up to cater to different diners’ preferences and tastes. For instance, in this tropical paradise of Boracay, a restaurant serves as the linchpin of what a memorable getaway should be because it’s all about authentic local food. Enter La Fiesta, a gastronomic gem located at the beachfront of Mandarin Bay & Spa in Station 2 and with a name that resonates, according to La Fiesta chef Jessie Salazar, with festivity and mirrors “not just the Filipinos who will be having a fiesta but different regions from different countries.” From the freshest seafood straight from the bay to carefully crafted dishes that give a nod to local traditions, La Fiesta transcends mere dining but it’s an experience that immerses you in the essence of Mandarin Bay. Here is the secret sauce: Chef Jessie keeps it real. “My Filipino cuisine, I stick to what the moms cook. I don’t modernize it, I don’t add anything, and I want it to be as authentic as possible.” As you waltz into La Fiesta, you can feel that it’s not just a restaurant but it’s your comfort place. Warm greetings? Check. Infectious smiles? Double check. Spacious areas that can host your whole squad? Triple check. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just eat but you can savor every bite while soaking in the ambiance.

Elevated local flavors

HAVE you ever been caught in the dilemma of choosing the perfect dish amid a sea of culinary options? Well, this buffet restaurant offers a mix of local flavors and international inspirations. The appetizers, soup and salad, steaks, and the iconic local dessert “halo-halo” beckon you to try this culinary space. In the Philippines, breakfast often consists of separate servings of rice and smoked fish like “tinapa.” However, La Fiesta introduces a twist with its dish tinapa rice, where the smoky flavor of the fish blends with the rice, a taste you’ll surely crave for even after your vacation. For f irst t imers, C hef Jessie recommends diving into the local soup known as “Kansi,” famed for its rich broth made from beef shanks and bone marrow, complemented by local herbs and spices. Another culinary gem is “Binakol” which prepared using bamboo tubes to instil the smokiness that enhances the overall flavor. One must-try dish that showcases traditional Filipino cooking is “Tuna sa Banga.” This method involves preparing tuna in a clay pot, or “banga,” that gives a unique flavor that sets it apart. The slowcooking technique over an open flame allows the tuna to absorb the richness of spices, creating a tender and flavorful delight. “I’ll be offering a lot of grills on it and a lot of Ilonggo foods,” Chef Jessie highlighted. So, if you’re in Boracay, you’ve

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Why La Fiesta, Hakuna Matata should be on your Boracay bucket list got to make it a mission to try those signature dishes before you pack your bags. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for this one.

Hakuna Matata

NOT to be overshadowed is Hakuna Matata, a restaurant ensconced within the Mandarin Nest. The very name, derived from the Swahili phrase meaning “no worries,” encapsulates the carefree essence of a vacation that promises a dining experience where worries dissipate in the face of gastronomic delight. Dining at this restaurant is a double treat for diners as it not only serves up elevated local delights that tingle the taste buds, but also boasts of a vibe that is all about less being more. The minimalist ambiance here is like a breath of fresh air in a world often cluttered with excess. As I sit there enjoying my meal, I can’t help but appreciate the clean lines, the neutral tones, and the unassuming elegance that surrounds me. Each dish is a masterpiece, a combination of flavors that elevates familiar tastes to a whole new level. Take, for instance, their Creamy Coconut Chicken Soup (Binakol na Manok), where the coconut meat, with its tender texture, might be mistaken for chicken skin, an unexpected twist that adds to its unique appeal. Then there is their Smoking Flame Pork Baby Back Ribs, adorned with gold f lakes that not only enhanced its tenderness and f lavor but also brougth a touch of elegance. Moreover, their iconic Festive Boodle Set, available in two options: Seafood or All Meat, is ideal for a “kamayan” dining experience. Imagine this spread on a big wooden

La Fiesta

boat, a mix of boiled and grilled seafood, sweet mangoes, grilled corn, and atsara that creates a feast for the senses. Top it off with their signature LuzViMin sauces, each inspired by the diverse flavors of different regions. But here’s the thing. It’s not just about trying their signature dishes but it’s also about capturing the moment. I’ve noticed fellow diners, just like me, reaching for their phones before the

first bite. The presentation is so on point that it’s practically a call to snap a picture for Instagram and memories. So, if you’re craving more than just a meal, if you want an experience that exceeds taste and takes you on a visual and mental journey, this place is your ticket. Minimalist charm, mouthwatering menu, and a beach escape—who knew one restaurant could offer so much in a single sitting?

From left, Arnel Almira and Jesus Cham of Meat International Traders Association; Dustin Yang, Minister of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines; Jennifer Chang, Commerce Development Research Institute of Taiwan and Paul Wu of HCG Philippines Inc.

Savor the flavors of Tinapa Rice’s smoky richness and Binakol’s tropical essence at La Fiesta.

La Fiesta’s Tuna sa Banga

Sailing into a sea of flavors on Hakuna Matata’s grand wooden platter

Hakuna Matata’s Smoking Flame Pork Baby Back Ribs

Family traditions, celebrations, great meals continue at the new Rustic Mornings

FTEN, we measure the milestones of our lives with meals suffused with a warm glow, whether that’s a cheeseburger with a side of fries or an inch-thick steak cooked medium rare. Food has an undeniable way of etching itself into our most cherished memories. For many residing in the East of Metro Manila, these dishes from key moments in our lives lead us to Rustic Mornings, that restaurant in Marikina City, which was so much more than somewhere to eat out; it’s a fixture in our mental map of the city. However, you’ll have to adjust the pin ever-so-slightly as the restaurant has moved to a bigger area, with more parking, just right across the street. Helmed by Portia Baluyut-Magsino, Rustic Mornings continues to serve truly satisfying comfort food that doesn’t just fill the stomach but also delights the senses, even after more than a decade. It’s that place in Marikina. Portia, a self-taught cook, identified a gap in the local culinary scene, realizing that Marikeños often ventured outside the city to celebrate special occasions. This realization sparked the idea for Isabelo, a private dining place she established in her garden in 2008. The restaurant’s success led to its expansion from a single table to nine. In 2012, Portia’s entrepreneurial spirit brought forth Rustic Mornings, a breakfast

Taiwan Pork: A culinary delight connecting cultures through exceptional quality, taste

restaurant complementing Isabelo’s dinner service. Recognizing the lack of dedicated breakfast options in the area, Portia envisioned Rustic Mornings as a haven for those seeking comforting morning meals. The venture proved to be an even greater success, surpassing Isabelo’s popularity. Portia subsequently decided to focus her efforts on Rustic Mornings, closing Isabelo to completely embrace the concept of serving deeply satisfying breakfast food. Since its inception, Rustic Mornings has been a bustling establishment, a testament that the person leading the kitchen is simply sodden with passion, talent, and good taste. Its unwavering commitment to comfort food has garnered a loyal following, making it a

well-deserved crowd favorite. It’s that place that fully deserves to be very busy indeed. Now in its 11th year, Rustic Mornings continues to spread culinary joy from its new location. While comfort food remains its signature offering, Rustic Mornings distinguishes itself by understanding that true comfort food is a dish that genuinely warms the cockles of one’s heart at that particular moment, providing solace when needed. The restaurant’s extensive menu caters to this concept, ensuring that you find that perfect dish to lift your spirits, just there and then. It’s that place you head to with no one else’s needs to satisfy other than your own. The Brunch Platter (P1,220) is the first

sign that very good things lay ahead. Alongside waffle churros and pancakes are the fluffiest scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, and a pile of golden hashbrowns. The dollop of whipped butter and the home-made syrup keep everything very happy company. The Filipino Platter (P1,150) is complete gustatory happiness, thanks to the generous portions of Tapa, Tocino, Bangus, Fried Rice, and Eggs—a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami notes, shot through with nostalgia for home. No knife needed. Fork it away. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza (P580) is good for two; but really, it’s so engrossing one can easily wolf down the entire pie. The creamy richness is perfectly balanced with the subtle tanginess of artichokes, making it an indulgence that’s hard to resist. Rustle up the Sardine, Sweet Sundried Tomato, Buttered Bread Crumbs, and Lemon Pasta (P460) with care. A plate of properly blistered sardines, whorls of al dente pasta, and sundried tomatoes, shiny like ruby jewels, sends you well on your way to satisfying what your tastebuds really fancy. Don’t leave bread crumbs behind—literally. An array of beverages awaits to complement every meal or satiate any craving, Continued on C3

AIWAN, known for its rich culinary heritage and commitment to quality, recently introduced its premium pork products to the Philippine market. Under the sponsorship of the Taiwan Ministry of Agriculture and led by the Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI) of Taiwan, the Taiwan Pork initiative aims to bring high-quality Taiwan pork products to Filipino consumers and businesses, and to establish a strong presence in the Philippines. This campaign is set to create new opportunities for importers and strengthen bilateral trade relations between Taiwan and the Philippines. Taiwan is renowned for its commitment to quality assurance throughout the entire production process—adhering to rigorous standards and employing advanced technologies to ensure that its pork products meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks. Chang Hwang-Jen, Vice President of CDRI, expressed enthusiasm about this endeavor in the Philippines, stating, “We are excited to bring Taiwan Pork’s legacy of quality and innovation to the Filipino market. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our understanding of local preferences, positions us to become a trusted partner for Filipino households.” To enhance its local presence and better connect with Filipino consumers, Taiwan is actively seeking partnerships with local distributors, retailers, and other key stakeholders. These collaborations will contribute to the growth of the local economy while ensuring efficient distribution of Taiwan pork products. The CDRI is working with various meat suppliers to offer a diverse array of pork products to cater to the varied preferences and needs of Filipino consumers. From pre-

Pan fried pork sausage

mium cuts to specialty products, Taiwan Pork is committed to providing a wide range of options that meet the discerning culinary needs of the Philippine market. These suppliers include Black Bridge Foods, founded in 1957, which is well-known for the solid taste and juicy aroma of its processed meat products; Cha I Shan, a wellknown pork processing company, integrating modern equipment and technology to produce top of the line fresh pork; Chia Nan Food, provides an end-to-end service and the creation of the final best products; Du Hsiao Yueh, best known for their traditional dan tzai noodles, one of the traditional Taiwanese signature cuisines; Food Lee, a multi-awarded food company, known for its remarkable contributions to traditional Taiwanese food; Hairei, founded in 1948, a leading company in providing high-quality meatball products; Jin Tian Foods, known for their bestselling Taiwanese meatballs; Odiva, an established brand that produces top-quality Taiwanese black pig pork, and; Way Fong, recognized as one of the leading brands in the pork jerky and pork floss market. To kickoff the Taiwan Pork campaign in Manila, Taiwan Pork has partnered with Spiral, Sofitel Manila’s flagship restaurant and award-winning dining destination, to incorporate Taiwanese pork products in the Spiral buffet menu until January 29, 2024. Some of the dishes featured in this partnership include Taiwanese style deep fried pork chop, braised minced pork with rice, BBQ pork with osmanthus and honey sauce, pan fried pork sausage, and meat ball noodle soup. Through the Taiwan Pork campaign, Taiwan looks forward to a successful venture in the Philippines and is eager to contribute to the culinary landscape of the country with its premium pork products.

Deep fried Pork Chop Taiwanese style

BBQ Pork with Osmanthus and Honey Sauce

BusinessMirror

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023 C3

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Heavenly Sinful: Wagyu Ramen memorializes

Ramen Nagi’s 10th anniversary in the PHL By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

S the spirit of Christmas lingers in the chill and crisp air, a bowl of rich and steaming authentic ramen to devour after a long day is a good idea. Global ramen chain Ramen Nagi, celebrating its 10th anniversary, served up its special limited bowls of The Wagyu King, which were only made available for two days. During the special event, “Ramen Nagi X: A Decade of Excellence,” held at their first-ever store at the SM Aura Premier in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, a culmination of their milestones throughout the years were memorialized through a hearty bowl of The Wagyu King. As part of its Limited King series, such as the No. 11 Jiro Ramen, Antcicada Cricket Ramen, and Inosho Tsukemen, the Wagyu Ramen is the last among the series that got its founder Satoshi Ikuta flying to the Philippines just to prepare its star ingredient—the A4 Japanese Wagyu.

Melts in your mouth

THE high-quality A4 Japanese Wagyu was brought from Miyagi, the birthplace of Wagyu, to the Philippines to ensure authenticity in every serving of ramen. Chef Ikuta shared with the diners that it took hours for him to boil the Wagyu slowly to make the chunks of meat softer and delectable in every bite. True enough, when the Wagyu Ramen was finally served to me after taking bites of their refreshing Nagi Star Salad, a bowl of salad with green ice lettuce, shredded cabbage, c r ispy ra men nood les, c her r y tomatoes, topped with Japanese mayonnaise and served with a side of vinaigrette, the huge steaming bowl surprised me.

Family traditions... Continued from C2

ranging from heartwarming hot chocolate and robust coffee to refreshing fruit smoothies and indulgent milkshakes. It’s that place where eating feels like self-care. As Rustic Mornings settles into its new home, it is introducing new items on the menu, starting with the Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup (P550). Picture this: golden, buttery bread encasing the siren song of gooey melted cheeses, dredged through a velvety, rich tomato soup. Supremely comforting even if you’re not under the weather. The Burrata Pizza (P650) is a masterpiece in its simplicity. Crisp, oven-baked crust topped with the creamiest burrata cheese, hand-torn to reveal its luscious interior, succulent tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves elevate traditional flavors to new heights. Danish pastries and cakes like Ube, Carrot Walnut, Coffee, and S’mores Chocolate are delightful new additions to the dessert list and the appropriate bookend to your unforgettable feast. During this festive holiday season, Rustic Mornings is excited to present a selection of special offerings including Brunch Cocktails, Christmas Brunch, and a delectable Christmas Breakfast Board to add a touch of flair to your dining experience. It’s that place where you can elevate your festivities. For truly unforgettable gatherings, Rustic Mornings takes it further by introducing the Isabelo Events Hall, designed for your special occasions. With a capacity for up to 120 guests, this spacious venue boasts a lofty ceiling adorned with foliage and stunning chandeliers, ideal for grand celebrations such as wedding receptions and birthdays. It’s that place where you can heighten your revelries. n Rustic Mornings is located at 11 I. Mendoza

Street, San Roque, Marikina City. Contact +63 2 8425 8610 0r +63 917 7005 810 and isabeloeventhall@gmail.com for reservations. Rustic Mornings is open Monday to Thursday from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. and Friday to Sunday from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.

By looking at it, I immediately thought, “I cannot eat this all. The serving is big.” But that’s what I just thought because in the end, I was able to finish the entire bowl. The Wagyu Ramen combines two of Japan’s renowned delights: ramen and Wagyu. The mouthwatering symphony consists of the bold and rich mixture of beef and pork tonkotsu broth, hand-made noodles and high quality A4 Japanese Wagyu. The broth was heavenly sinful because of the oil sitting on top of the soup which came from the fats of the meats. As I dip my spoon into the bowl, the hot soup swirls gathering all the bits of fats and slices of green onions. The depth of flavors coming from the slow-cooked meats marry into the broth with the right amount of saltiness to it. They never leave the broth on idle and constantly stir it to release its umami flavors. The hand-made noodles were different from their usual thin round noodles. This time, wide and flatter noodles were used, giving each bite a firm and chewy texture on the mouth. The star of the dish, the A4 Japanese Wag yu brought from Miyagi, was divine. The moment I took a bite of its tender luscious slice, it needed no chewing for it just melted right into my mouth. That’s how soft it is, like a leche flan. The Wagyu Ramen is priced at P1,010. The limited bowls were made available for two days with only 150 bowls served per day at its first-ever branch in the Philippines at SM Aura Premier from December 13 and 14, 2023. Last December 15, Ramen Nagi, in all their branches nationwide from 6 p.m. onwards, also offered a special treat featuring the well-loved Butao Ramen priced at only P10 for any one ramen purchase for their first 100 customers.

From Japan to the world

The Wagyu King Ramen

Ramen Nagi Philippines’s team

Chef Satoshi Ikuta shows to diners the A4 Japanese Wagyu he brought from Miyagi, Japan and prepared himself.

Twin Lakes Hotel launches Wine Gallery

SINCE 2013, Ramen Nagi has served over 10 million bowls of ramen when Chef Ikuta’s vision reached the Philippine shores with Erickson and Roxanne Farillas, Winnie Chua—Go and Michael Kho teaming to open the first branch in SM Aura to bring authentic Hakata ramen to the country. Bringing Ramen Nagi to the Phi l ippines, Er ic k son Fa r i l l as ex pressed the brand ’s 10 -year journey: “Over the past 10 years, Ramen Nagi has witnessed diverse stories of people. We have seen fami lies, f r iends, and couples bonding over and shar ing the comfort of our warm bowls of ramen. We have been a part of birthdays, anniversaries, and even proposals, playing a small but meaningful role in people’s lives.” “But our journey is far from over. Ramen Nagi stays committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of ramen creation and exceeding expectations,” he added. Today, the brand has grown to over 60 locations worldwide, including 41 shops in the Philippines, 20 stores in Japan, and 15 stores all over the United States, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Chef Ikuta’s passion for ramen began during his youth which led him to train for over a decade in different classic Hakata ramen shops. By honing his skills, developing a rebellious spirit seen in his “aida k ar i ” practice, and hav ing an entrepreneurial spirit, it propelled him to win in a contest for a spot in Tachikawa Ramen Square, Tokyo’s famous place for ramen shops. This led to the opening of other successful shops in Shibuya and Shinjuku Golden Gai. will host regular food and wine pairing classes led by partnered sommeliers. These immersive sessions are crafted to expertly guide both enthusiasts and novices into the world of Sherry. From expert-led classes to exclusive private discovery sessions, guests will embark on an enriching journey delving into the nuanced depths of this exquisite wine.

Canvas for celebrations

Petite Cut Filet Mignon—best paired with Harveys Palo Cortado Sherry

Exclusively available at the Twin Lakes Wine Gallery – The Harveys Sherry

Paying homage

BUILT, dressed, and furnished in French industrial architecture, the Wine Gallery transports you to that familiar Euro trip. Conceptualized and brought to life by the visionary Design & Planning Team of Global Estates and Resorts, Inc. (GERI), spearheaded by PIID Idr. Mairelle Capistrano, the gallery’s design inspiration harkens back to the elegance of the 1900s luminaries: Alexandra Dumas, Victor Hugo, and

GROUNDED in a harmonious synergy with Emperador Distillers, the wine gallery is poised to become a home of Harveys sherries planted with a European-inspired culinary experience. While Harveys Bristol Cream may have already become a familiar sight over the years, the entirety of the esteemed and award-winning Harveys Sherries collection will be exclusively accessible at the wine gallery. The selection includes the Harveys Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Fino, Oloroso, Pedro Ximenez, Medium Dry, and the distinguished V.O.R.S., or also know as the Very Old Rare Sherries.

Perfect Pair

Discover a world of Sherry by the Twin Lakes vineyard starting this December 2023.

HERE’S a new destination you should visit while in Tagaytay. Twin Lakes Hotel, located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway in Laurel, Batangas, excites you with a first peek of their French inspired Wine Gallery. Oenophiles, wine lovers or simply guests looking out for new things to experience this holiday season, should come and visit this new secret destination waiting to be unveiled. The gallery is located at the basement level which leads you to the estate’s sprawling private vineyard. The hotel welcomes you to sit, look out the vineyard, and enjoy a moment with a bottle of their best Harveys Sherries collections.

WITH seating for a total of 65 guests, including a lounge area, bar, al fresco dining, and a private room, the thoughtfully designed space is an ideal backdrop for intimate gatherings. Beyond celebrations, the wine ga l ler y we lcomes e x h ibit ion s and diverse events. Imagine art showcased against the vibrant portraits and fixtures, or discussions unfolding in an ambiance that stimulates creativity. With its meticulously curated ambiance and an exc lusive col le c t ion of H a r ve y s S her r y waiting to be explored, this gallery sets the stage for gastronomic adventures. More than a mere dining space, it is a sanctuary where kindred spirits will gather, sharing stories and forging connections over a shared love for wine. Twin Lakes Wine Gallery is open every Thursday to Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. starting December 16, 2023. It is located at Lower Level 6, Vineyard Deck of Twin Lakes Hotel, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Laurel, Batangas.

an unforgettable escape for the discerning palate.

Straight from Jerez

In the photo are, from left, Twin Lakes Hotel General Manager Rowena Relucio-Samonte, Department of Tourism Region IV-A CALABARZON Regional Director Marites Castro, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, Laurel, Batangas Mayor Lyndon Bruce and Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ Cluster General Manager for NCR Plus Jun Justo.

Gustave Eiffel. Their essence is elegantly captured in the meticulous meta lwork, exquisite mold ing , subt le yet impactful embellishments gracing every corner. The ambiance is further elevated by the imaginative touches like liquor bottles adorned with Toile de Jhoy shades, infusing a sense of whimsy and sophistication, while adding depth to the opulent setting are the artworks sourced directly from the Fundador bodegas in Spain.

As for its piece de resistance, the Twin Lakes Wine Gallery has a grand window reminiscent of Victor Laloux’s Musee d’Orsay clock. Fitting into the whole rustic European concept of the township, the wine gallery is perfectly situated on the vineyard deck of Twin Lakes Hotel, where the view of the Taal Lake, sprawling greens, and blooks, and beautiful east skies greet you as you descend the staircase. A hidden gem in Laurel, Batangas, offering

THE menu, crafted to complement the nuanced flavors of Sherry, promises a gastronomic adventure. Enjoy staple tapas like Patatas Bravas, Caracloes, Bocadillo de Chorizo to hot entrees like Pompet Florentine, and HerbCrusted Lamb Chops. To cultivate a profound appreciation for Sherry, Twin Lakes Wine Gallery

For table reservations, guests may contact (043) 302 1515, +63 917 549 9150 or send an e-mail to reservations@twinlakeshotel.com. ph. For more information and updates about Twin Lakes Wine Gallery, follow their Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/TwinLakesWineGaller y) and Instagram (https://www.instagram. com/twinlakeswinegallery/) pages.

BusinessMirror

Saturday-Sunday, December 23-24, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Experience Japan in Manila at Kiwami By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

OW would you like to experience all the best Japanese food under one roof? And this is not just one but four restaurant brands brought together so that Filipinos no longer have to travel all the way to Japan to savor its cuisine. Kiwami, which means “master” in Japanese, recently opened its second branch in Alabang Town Center. Kiwami unites Yabu: House of Katsu, Ippudo Ramen, Hannosuke Tempura, Yakitori Hachibei and Hokkaido Soft Ice Cream in one space. More than a place to dine, it is where every kitchen is a masterclass in authenticity and culinary excellence. W h at m a kes K iwa m i t r u ly exceptiona l is that there is a dedicated master kitchen for each brand. The kitchens have their own unique set of ingredients, specialty equipment and dedicated chefs who are focused solely on perfecting their dish and refining their craft with individual brand training. At Kiwami, it is about delivering an experience that is genuinely Japanese, every time you dine. “The whole idea behind this is that I have always believed in one dish. So Yabu will be serving katsu, Ippudo will serve ramen, Hannosuke Tempura will only serve tempura while Yakitori Hachibei will serve only Yakitori,” explained John Concepcion, founder of Standard Hospitality Group.

Kiwami Baked Miso Hokkaido Oysters which were Fresh Hokkaido oysters baked with Japanese mayo, yellow miso paste, and togarashi garnished with green onions.

creamy and tangy flavor. It was then time for each of the restaurants to show off their dishes. For the second course, guests were served Hannosuke Tempura with Cold Soba or Cold Soba with a variety of tempura featuring Ebi and Scallop Kakiage, Shrimp Mushroom Tempura and Nori Tempura. This tastes really good and is a must try for those who are into cold soba. Hac hibei Ya k itor i ser ved a Butabara Platter which included Sukiyaki Spinach, Enoki Skewer with Cured Egg Yolk Tare. Yabu prepared a special dish for the occasion: Yabu Kurobato w ith Katsudon Risotto or Kurobuta Black Berkshire Pork Katsu served over savory katsudon-inspired risotto.

The dishes that were showcased at the media event.

Full-service restaurant

HE ADDED that Kiwami is a fullservice restaurant where the waiter will take and deliver their customers’ orders. The meal will then be paid after the customers finish their meals. “This it so unlike the ordinary food court where you order your food at the stall, pay for it and then you carry your food to your table. This is a full dining experience with service,” Concepcion added. To celebrate the opening of the second branch, Kiwami held an exclusive media event which was graced by the Japanese Master chefs and founders who flew in from Japan for the occasion. Present during the event were K a zuya Ta ked a, Mic hel in Bib Gourmand Katsu Chef of Yabu; Tomo Yamane, CEO and Chikaranamoto and Yota Shiiba, general manager, By Candy Dalizon Contributor

ORE than just a bowl of no o d le s , r a me n i s a n experience. From simmering broths to delicate toppings, each layer tells a story, culminating in a comforting embrace for the soul. Ramen is among the comfort foods we seek especially on cold or rainy days. Amidst the sea of ramen options, a select few stand out, drawing in a loyal following of quality-conscious foodies. Two of these ramen havens are Nippon Hasha’s Ramen Yushoken and Mendokoro Ramenba. Nippon Hasha Inc. launched the RamenYushokenbrand,whichtranslates to “House of Ramen Champions,” and opened its first branch in 2012 in Molito, Alabang. Two years later, Nippon Hasha opened the first ramen bar concept in the Philippines, Mendokoro Ramenba in Salcedo Village, Makati City. Mendokoro and Yushoken are best known for their shio (salt base), shoyu (soy sauce base), and tantanmen (chili and sesame base) ramen. In February 2022, the group launched their latest brand, Marudori, at 8 Rockwell Center. Marudori serves rich chicken ramen and a number of delectable Japanese side dishes. To date, Mendokoro boasts five branches located in Makati, BGC, Alabang, Pasay, and Cebu City, while Yushoken has restaurants in Ortigas, Alabang, and Mandaue City in Cebu,

Dessert

The master chefs flew all the way from Japan to grace the occasion.

Global LC Partners Division General Manager for Ippudo; Katsunori Yashima, Global Yakitori Chef of Hachibei and Kazuhito Sato, general manager for Overseas Brand Development of Hannosuke.

Yabu Kurobato with Katsudon Risotto or Kurobuta Black Berkshire Pork Katsu served over savory katsudon-inspired risotto.

Omakase style meal

MEMBERS of the media were treated to an omakase style meal which showcased a number of new dishes that would soon hit Kiwami. The meal started with Goma Q

(Pickled Japanese cucumber, sesame dressing and chili flakes) which helped stimulate the appetite and was a sign of things to come. This was followed by the Kiwami Baked Miso Hokkaido Oysters which were

Fresh Hokkaido oysters baked with Japanese mayo, yellow miso paste, a nd toga rashi ga r nished w it h green onions. This was probably my favorite dish of the evening with the oysters well cooked and

ROUNDING off the main dishes was Ippudo Zero Ramen, again another dish that was served only for this occasion. Dessert was Hokkaido Soft Cream Maple Honeycomb Sundae or Hokkaido Milk soft serve topped with crispy chunks of maple honeycomb and freshly made lengua cigar. It was truly the best sampling of Japanese food that I have tried and according to Concepcion, there are plans to open another Kiwami outlet next year in Greenhills. “We will also be opening two more concepts which will be led by foreign chefs. Basically, what we will be doing is that we will be creating our own brands but using foreign chefs,” Concepcion said.

Ramen Yushoken opens its first branch in Quezon City

A true classic, shio ramen’s rich pork broth is elevated by a traditional savory salt tare.

Yushoken’s most popular dish, shoyu, is flavorful and brimming with umami, yet light on the palate.

Ebi tonkotsu, another off-the-menu dish. Ebi Tonkotsu features a milky pork bone broth mixed with rich roasted shrimp head oil, and topped with prawns, scallops, squid, kani and bok choy.

along with their newly opened branch in Quezon City.

open a Mendokoro branch near Quezon City universities in mid-2024.

City of Stars

Fan favorites, must-try dishes

FOR Quezon City residents and ramen enthusiasts in the north, the wait is over. Ramen Yushoken opened its doors last December 12, 2023 at Panay Avenue Corner Scout Albano, South Triangle. Yushoken Panay is a 70-seater fullservice restaurant. A high ceiling and earth-hued minimalism define the restaurant’s serene Japanese-inspired ambiance. Its eye-catching mural pops with color, injecting the space with youthful energy. The restaurant caters to all, with cozy tables for couples and big groups and a lively kitchen-bar setup for front-row culinary action. “This is our first stand-alone branch and we’re very happy about its great

Vibrant mural by award-winning Filipina street artist Kookoo Ramos. The mural features a phoenix among others which according to Ramos “in Japanese, signifies the start of a new era/a new beginning, represents the brand’s first ever stand alone branch in Metro Manila—also first in the north.”

location. You can access it from so many sides, from Skyway, EDSA, Cubao, or through New Manila. We’re really

excited to be here,” said Ryan K. Cruz, founder and CEO, Nippon Hasha Inc. Cruz likewise disclosed that they will

SHIO and shoyu tonkotsu ramen are among Yushoken’s bestsellers. A true classic, shio’s rich pork broth is elevated by a traditional savory salt taste. Yushoken’s most popular dish, shoyu, is flavorful and brimming with umami, yet light on the palate, leaving you wanting more. Shoyu is soy saucebased and has a bolder flavor than shio. If you love spicy ramen, a bowl of TanTanMen will have you slurping with satisfaction. Enjoy ramen with sesame paste base topped with seasoned and tossed ground pork and finished with a drizzle of chili oil. Ramen Yushoken’s Tsukemen is created by one of its chefs, Kozuo Yamagishi. Chilled thicker noodles are

served with a savory dipping broth. “Separating the noodles from the broth allows for each bite to be as bright and fresh as the first.” Another must-try, maze soba, is a dry noodle dish drizzled with seasoning and topped with a variety of ingredients, including a raw egg yolk. Available in shio, shoyu, and karai variations, this soba is sure to satisfy any craving.

Refreshing alternative

IF YOU want a refreshing alternative to the common hot ramen, try hiyashi chuka, a cold ramen that is close to a salad topped with seafood, meat, and vegetables. The dressing includes a sesame and shoyu dressing and mustard. Pan fried on one side and steamed on the other, Yushoken’s gyoza is a sidedish sensation, bursting with flavor and texture. Other delectable side dishes include ajitsuke tamago (marinated half-boiled egg), karaage (marinated boneless chicken thighs), and chahan (Japanese-style fried rice). There are also dishes off-the-menu that are worth a try to spice up your ramen experience. One of these is super chashu ramen made with a fusion of soy sauce and pork bone broth, fat noodles, and a thick slab of roasted pork belly as a topping. If you’re craving pure, unadulterated ramen bliss, try Ramen Yushoken.