Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 1 • Issue no 25

ILOILO

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

metropolitan VOL. I ISSUE NO. 25

times July 21 - 27, 2013 Php 12.00

developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

DOWTOWN ILOILO AT NIGHT. The restored Eusebio Villanueva Building, sparkling with lights at night time, is one of the notable edifices in Calle Real that is being rehabilitated by the Iloilo City local government and the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHC). Calle Real is known as the metro’s historic city center. (Photo by Mary Pauline Balmes/IMT)

No reserve parking - “good for business”

BY RHODERICK M. TECSON

Iloilo City-The Iloilo Business Club (IBC) has no objection and is only asking for consistency in the implementation of the Regulation Ordinance 2011-458 or much popularly known as the No Reserve Parking Ordinance of Iloilo City.

This is the reply of Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava when asked of how the business community reacted on his aggressive campaign against the proliferation and the excessive tolerance of the city government in the use of the outlawed no parking signs in front of several business establishments around the city Close to 150 makeshift “Reserve Parking” signs have already been confiscated by the Traffic

Management and Transportation Regulation Office (TMTRO) and the Task Force on Anti – Squatting and Illegal Structures (ASIS) under the supervision of Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava.

The campaign which started on July 11, 2013 aims to help de-clog the congested roads within Iloilo City.

Nava said he is acting on his supervisory powers as sponsor of the ordinance back 2011 and at the same time the current chairman of the Committee on Transportation of the city council.

He declared that he has already asked the city mayor of additional executive powers to widen the scope of his campaign in order to improve the road traffic condition of the city.

He explained that the traffic problem in the city has not been resolved even with both the TMTRO and Task Force ASIS empowered to execute the necessary course of actions because the personnel of the said offices fear of possible retaliation from the Chinese-Filipino owners of the business establishments who are close to the people in the city government.

Nava believes that by strictly implementing the No Reserve Parking Ordinance, the on-road parking problem will be minimized. On-road parking is another traffic-related problem in Iloilo City.

The councilor is confident in saying that business owners instead of reacting negatively on his campaign should be thankful instead because

Suweco pledges 20-year power supply in Antique

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES

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NFA ensures region’s rice sufficiency

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES

The National Food Authority (NFA) stands firm that despite the escalating pattern of rice prices in the country there is no shortage in the supply of rice.

In a press release from the NFA head office, administrator Orlan Calayag said the public should not panic or even worry over the supply

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the purpose of it is to provide convenience among the people and at the same time ease among their clients.

He warns that the ordinance has a corresponding penal clause of PhP1, 000.00 for 1st time offenders, PhP2, 000.00 for 2nd time offenders and PhP5, 000.00 for 3rd time offenders and a corresponding imprisonment of up to five days once the complaint is elevated and proven in the courts.

Nava has also started his campaign against on-road parking and will soon submit a comprehensive evaluation for policy revisions and additional implementations of road related ordinances of the city. IMT

The Sunwest Water and Electric Co. Inc. II (Suweco) has inked a deal with the Province of Antique for a 20-year power supply.

The agreement between Suweco and Antique Electric Co. Inc. (Anteco) requires the former of supplying all of the generated power of its Villasiga1 and Guiamon-San Ramon hydropower

plants to Bugasong and Laua-an towns in Antique.

Anteco General Manager Ludovico Lim said in an interview that the signing of the agreement is a response to their need for a sufficient, reliable and sanitary power source distribution to their consumers.

Suweco pledges /p9

METRO NEWS

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July 21 - 27, 2013

Teenage pregnancy on the rise

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN Cases of teenage pregnancy in Western Visayas are on the rise and have been considered ‘alarming’ by the Commission on Population -6 (PopCom-6).

PopCom-6 information officer II Maria Xenia Serio said the early pregnancy they have recorded aged 12-year old which is from Iloilo province but the data for the whole region was not available during the interview.

She said to address this problem, they are coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) to integrate PopCom education to all the high schools through their eight subjects.

‘Every year, we conduct two training skills for young educators and in-school youth so that they are aware how to take good care of themselves while they are on their adolescence stage”, Serio said.

Serio also said the Philippines ranks number 2 in Southeast Asia in the incidence of teenage pregnancy based on the National Youth Commission (NYC).

She said the incidence of teenage pregnancies in the country doubled from 125, 270 in 2000 to 206, 574 in 2010.

Of the 206, 574 teenage women who got pregnant in 2010, 132, 000 are aged 14-year-old.

She added the leading causes of teenage pregnancy are due to lack of communication to parents like those that are working overseas or abroad; child abuse and internet.

As a result, Serio said most complications from pregnancy and child birth continue to be the leading cause of death among adolescent girls aged 15-19 in low and middle income countries.

Also, 14 to 15 mothers die every day due to pregnancy – related complications. Leading causes of maternal deaths are hypertension, hemorrhage and unsafe abortion.

Recently, the Iloilo Provincial Population Office conducted a half-hour symposium at the lobby of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol in the observance of the World Population Day. The symposium dubbed “Kabataan, anong say mo?” is an interactive intervention strategy for the adolescent health and youth development.

Provincial Population Officer Ramon Yee said the symposium has focused more on the awareness on the adolescents’ crucial role to stop if not to prevent teenage pregnancy.

Yee said among the invited participants are 100 fourth year high school students of Oton National High School in Oton and Pavia National High School in Pavia, Iloilo. IMT

BIR aims to meet July target

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is positive it would meet its collection goal of P97.6-billion this July with the additional payments to be received from individuals who opted to pay their taxes on installment basis.

This month’s target is 18.89 percent higher than last year’s P83.53-billion.

BIR said there would be no more extension of the deadline and corresponding sanctions will be imposed on those late payments.

The bureau is eyeing to raise a total of P306.87-billion from tax collections in the third quarter and P321.43-billion for the fourth quarter. It also aims to collect a record P1.25-trillion, which is 18 percent higher than

the actual collections of P1.057-trillion in 2012.

BIR accounts more than half of the government’s revenue collection. The bureau intensified its crackdown on tax-evading selfemployed professionals according to its target of enhancing tax collections.

The bureau vigorously pursues its Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) and Oplan Kandado program to accomplish its goal.

BIR is establishing an automated facility on excise products that allows excise taxpayers to electronically submit the official registry books for monitoring and reconciliation purposes to expose discrepancies on declarations that will boost revenue collection. IMT

BY REYMAR LATOZA One of the largest secular youth service organizations in the world, Junior Chamber International (JCI) will hold its National Convention in Iloilo on October 10 to 13.

Over 3, 000 of JCI members from all over the country will gather together for the annual event, the “65th JCI Philippines National Convention” National President Ryan Ravanzo said in a press conference, that this 4-day event will contribute to the economic and tourism boost of the city and the province of Iloilo.

JCI is a membership-based nonprofit organization of 200,000 young people ages 1840 in 5,000 communities and more than 100 countries around the world. It aims to provide

development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

JCI World President Chiara Milani from Italy said that JCI is about active citizenship, it’s about social responsibility, and she believes that JCI Iloilo had been an active organization that helps develop communities.

“Be solution providers for your country, this is the only way to create positive change through sustainable solutions, if you will create among the three pillars of society, if we dare to act, we can create positive change, this is how JCI members work as volunteers all over the world,” she said.

The said national convention is open to all young adults age 18 to 40 even non-JCI members as long as they believe in positive change.IMT

JCI Iloilo to host the 65th JCI National Convention

Guv gives old capitol restoration contractor July 31 deadline

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. has ordered the contractor of the Php14.5-million restoration project phase I (exterior design) of the old Provincial Capitol to finish its contract before July 31 or else their overdue contract with the Iloilo provincial government will be rescinded.

On the letter sent by the governor addressed to Andres Tacolod, owner of Tacolod Enterprises, Inc. based in this city, he informed that the company has only accomplished 95 percent and there are still remaining works to be done like retrofitting of beams, girders, slabs and columns at the portico of the building.

Defensor revealed that there are 204 days delay on the actual contract which is equivalent to P 1.45-million liquidated damages or P 7, 112.41 a day based on the province’s computation by July 17.

The governor cited that based provision of item 8.5 of Annex “E” of the implementing rules and regulations of the Republic Act No. 9184 stating that “in no case however, shall the total sum of liquidated damages exceed 10 percent of the contract price, in which event the contract shall automatically be taken over by the procuring entity concerned or award the same to qualified contractor through negotiation and the erring contractor’s performance security shall be forfeited. The amount of the forfeited performance security shall be aside from the amount of liquidated that the contractor shall pay the government under the provisions of this clause and impose other appropriate sanctions.

“With this, you (Tacolod) are directed to finish the project on or before end of this month otherwise, we will impose the mandatory sanctions provided by the IRR”, he said.

Defensor also said the contractor must take this last warning seriously because it has serious consequences on their part.

Once the company could not comply before the deadline period, the province will deduct liquidated damages from its claim, forfeit their performance security and blacklist them in any

PHASE II The P 19-million worth of old Capitol building restoration for the Phase II (interior design) will start next month after the restoration plan has already finished by the Provincial Engineer’s Office and it is about to be presented to the governor for approval.

Once approved, Engr. Isagani Baldeviso, chief of Planning Division of the Provincial Engineer’s Office said the project and its construction will be advertised to the national newspaper and then proceed for pre conference and bidding.

Baldeviso said the Phase II includes architectural design for interior, structural, electrical and mechanical planning.

Also, part of its plan include function room or ceremonial hall that could be rented for smalltime occasion like wedding, and birthday parties to generate additional fund for the provincial government and a bridge connecting from new building of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol to old building.

Meanwhile, Defensor stressed only few have been changed outside and even to be changed inside the building to preserve its heritage structures.

“We want to preserve the old capitol by its name for it’s a heritage and symbol for Iloilo. This will become a tourist attraction”, he stressed.

Defensor said that once finished the construction, some provincial departments will be transferred there to hold regular office. IMT

Iloilo’s seaports are possible illegal drugs entry

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

PHOTO RELEASE: First-time Senators (L-R) JV Ejercito, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay and Juan Edgardo “Sonny’ Angara attended their orientation on legislative proceedings, Senate protocol and other rules and guidelines at the Senate 3 July 2013.

project conducted by the provincial government and other government agencies.

The governor also announced that whether they will complete the project or not before the deadline, the province will advertise for public bidding on its second phase restoration.

The Phase I restoration was started April 17, 2012 and supposedly to complete on September 13, also last year. The project, which covers the exterior of the old Capitol building, includes the demolition of the front canopy and the side offices constructed during the 1960s.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. has ordered the strict monitoring of all the seaports for possible entry of illegal drugs in the province.

Among these Iloilo’s seaports are Estancia, Dumangas, Carles, Culasi in Ajuy and neighboring ports of Iloilo City and other provinces in Western Visayas.

In a close-door-meeting held at the Capitol’s conference room Tuesday, Defensor tasked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA6) and Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) to eliminate illegal drugs in the province after he received information that illegal drugs had already penetrated in 10 municipalities.

Although, the governor refused to enumerate these 10 towns so not to jeopardize the ongoing operation but he emphasized that the problem on illegal drugs in the province is not yet alarming.

“The drugs situation is not yet alarming but this is everybody’s concern. I have already some specific instructions, plans and actions to those leading agencies on how to address this problem”, the governor said.

Defensor also asked the cooperation of all the 41 municipal mayors including one

component city of Passi who are present during the conference, except Barotac Nuevo Mayor Hernan Biron, Sr. who was not around and Anilao Mayor Ma. Theresa Debuque, who only sent a representative on her behalf.

Meanwhile, the PDEA-6 is now verifying the validity of the information on illegal drugs in Iloilo.

PDEA-6 officer-in-charge Atty. Ronnie Delicana said the reported illegal drugs in the province are less than 10 percent only but they don’t want to neglect the figure before getting it worse.

Delicana said the order of the governor for them to eliminate illegal drugs in the province is not far to happen as long as all the mayors especially those towns included on the drug list will cooperate with them.

The officer added the continuing operation of its office has resulted to the rise in the prices of illegal drugs. Prices are rising because the supply is getting scarce due to the anti-drug campaign of their team and teams around the country.

Currently, the street value of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu now range to P 3, 500 per gram while price of marijuana is P 14, 000 per kilo. IMT

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METRO BUSINESS

July 21 - 27, 2013

DTI-6 launches SME Roving Academy

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN The Department of Trade and Industry-6 (DTI-6) launched its Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Roving Academy recently at the Days Hotel for easy tracking of businesses which underwent capacity enhancement and training program from them.

Director Jerry Clavecillas, officer-incharge of the Bureau of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BMSMED) said this SME Roving Academy is a continuous learning program for the development of SMEs to become competitive in the domestic and international markets.

He said through this academy it helps integrate several strategies like business development services for Small-Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) at the national and local levels, establish the Provincial, Regional and National Entrepreneurship Development Networks and manage an inclusive promotion program.

Clavecilla said all these SMEs will undergo learning stages from Stage 1: start-up and capability building stage, Stage 2: market awareness, Stage 3: market readiness, Stage 4:

export readiness, Stage 5: export market entry, Stage 6: export sustainability and Stage 7: export readiness.

However, Clavecillas stressed that not all SMEs will undergo all the seven stages because some of them have all ready started or established their businesses, marketing and exporting.

“Others are lack of several stages like readiness and exporting that’s why they don’t need to complete these seven stages. We are giving certificate of completion if they have complied with all the requirements”, he said.

Clavecillas also said under this academy, SMEs will also be taught on how to manage and increase their production and efficiency for competitiveness and to reduce production cost.

“We are encouraging them to take part in nation building and how to lessen gap between the poor and the rich”, he said.

SMEs are being classified through their capital like micro with asset size of P 3 million below, small with capital from P 3 to P 5 million, medium- P 15-P 100 million and large from P 100 up.

In Western Visayas, there are about 11, 000

For the year 2014, the government is proposing a lower borrowing plan, with the bulk still be financed domestically in a bid to benefit from the huge domestic liquidity.

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon noted that a total of P714.6-billion will be borrowed next year, 2.78 percent lower than P735-billion borrowed this year.

“The borrowing will be in favor of domestic borrowings, with 87 percent to 13 percent”, de Leon said.

Funds to put up in the domestic market will amount to P620-billion, which is 7.44 percent drop from this year’s P669.8-billion.

De Leon added that they are still expecting stronger appetite for the government securities with regards to tenor.

“Definitely, we see strong demand in the long-end of the curve,” De Leon expressed.

The national treasurer further declared that inflation is foreseen to remain benign, which will Philippines seeks comeback to foreign market by 2014

drive investors to look for higher yields that can be found in longer-termed papers.

A total of P94.6-billion on the foreign market, which is equal to $2.2-billion, can be raised through bond flotations and official development assistance (ODA) from multilaterals. Of these total foreign financing, $1B may be from offshore bond issuances while the $1.2B may come from World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

The proposed external borrowings for year 2014 denotes the Philippines’ comeback in the foreign market after sourcing all its financing needs locally this year.

De Leon emphasized that the plan will also depend on the market appetite, market conditions and the government’s cash flow.

“We want to keep our options open,” said De Leon.

Aquino’s administration is enhancing revenue collections next year to restrict the budget deficit to two percent of economic output. IMT

Philippines seeks comeback to foreign market by 2014

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA

DSWD’s supplemental feeding nourish 180, 335 day care children in WV

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

The Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 (DSWD-6) through its supplemental feeding program has been providing hot and nutritious meal for 180, 335 children enrolled in different day care centers in Western Visayas as of this year.

Beneficiaries of the program are those three-year-old and four-year-old children; and those five-year-old children not catered by the Department of Education but enrolled in day care.

Rhycel Demetillo of Brgy. Buntatala, Leganes, Iloilo whose three-year old daughter Rhycell Jae is currently enrolled in Buntatala Day Care Center thanked the department’s program on the positive effects brought to his child’s growth and development.

“Since the program has started, my daughter has a good appetite because they enjoyed eating together with their classmates. Aside from that, she used to eat vegetable and fruit as always served by their day care teacher”, she said in vernacular words.

Salvacion Gayoma, the program’s regional focal person stressed that the hot meals served to these day care children are being recommended by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), which is ready to be served during break time or between 9:30 to 10: 00 a.m. every morning.

She added the program will last up to 120 days and aims to improve and sustain the

nutritional status of all target children and refer to health units medical and nutrition-related problems of children.

“It really helps improve the knowledge, attitude and practices of children in proper eating. Our parents are also oblique to help the day care teacher prepares the scheduled menu for that day”, she said.

Aside from addressing hunger, Gayoma stressed this program is targeted to improve parent effectiveness.

She said before the implementation of the program, parents will be organized into working committees as assigned by the day care teacher. She also said the day care workers with the Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Health Workers shall do weighing of children before implementation.

Gayoma added the day care workers shall maintain a permanent growth monitoring record for each child that contains the name, age, birthday and the baseline and monthly weight record of the child.

In the region, Negros Occidental topped the highest record of target number of children with 65, 353 follwed by Iloilo with 46, 791; Antique, 19, 848; Capiz, 14, 578; Aklan, 12, 749; Iloilo City, 9, 819; Bacolod City, 4, 556; Guimaras, 4, 226 and Roxas City, 2, 415.

Gayoma said the department has already release more than P 816 million since the program started in 2011. IMT

enrolled SMEs which are under closely monitoring by the DTI-6.

DTI-6 director Dominic Abad said most of them enrollees are engaged in micro businesses. IMT

GSM and WiFi services now on aircrafts

BY REYMAR LATOZA

With the new service of Philippine Airlines (PAL), called PAL iN AiR, mobile and internet activities can now be enjoyed by the passengers while inflight.

PAL installed GSMConneX, the first inflight connectivity hardware on a PAL Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that flew from Manila to Vancouver.

GSMConneX provides passengers with GSM and WiFi services during the flight. The special connectivity equipment will progressively be fitted in all B777 and Airbus A330-343 aircraft of PAL. Aside from connectivity, the GSMConneX platform was designed to host a wide range of software application modules, including

entertainment and non-flight-critical cockpit applications.

PAL is the first commercial airline installed with the GSMConneX equipment supplied by TriaGnoSys, while OnAir is the supplier for the GSM and WiFi connection.

PAL President Ramon S. Ang said it is another first that only a legacy carrier like PAL can offer. The new service is part of their strategy to provide only the best to their customers.

“PAL is the first GSMConneX commercial airline customer. We designed our hardware and software portfolio to be highly flexible, so we were able to move very quickly to meet the airline’s specific requirements, which in this case included the addition of WiFi capability.” Dr Axel Jahn, Managing Director of TriaGnoSys, said.

Drilon wants GSIS benefits for brgy officials

BY REYMAR LATOZA

In recognizing the efforts of barangay officials to the community as the ground government service provider, Sen. Franklin M. Drilon has re-filed the Senate Bill No. 467, amending the Presidential Decree No. 1146 to expand and increase the coverage and benefits of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and include elected and appointed barangay officials.

“As the basic political unit, the barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community,” said Drilon.

He added, despite this evident importance, the officials of the barangay have not been recognized as government employees, particularly.

Drilon wants GSIS benefits to cover brgy

official insofar as membership in the GSIS is concerned.

If it will be implemented, 42,027 barangays in the GSIS will be given the opportunity to qualify for retirement benefits and other kinds of loans such as housing, salary, education and calamity loans, among others which the insurance agency is providing to state workers.

Drilon further explained, the compensation, honoraria and other emoluments being received by the barangay officials should be the basis in computing their contributions to GSIS. The proposed measure also instructs the GSIS to work with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the league of barangay captains and officials to formulate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the Act. PNA/IMT

DOT releases new star rating to raise standards

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA

A new star rating system will be released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) this coming November to further enhance standards in the country’s tourism industry.

The rating system is in accordance to Republic Act 9593 or Tourism Act of 2009 which authorized DOT to enforce a system for the mandatory accreditation of primary tourism enterprises and voluntary accreditation of secondary tourism enterprises according to tourism accreditation division officer-in-charge Maricor Guerrero.

The implementation of the new star rating system for classifying hotels, resorts, and apartment hotels will include a third party audit invited by DOT – practitioners from tourism and hospitality sector.

“We would like to engage the services of a third party coming from the tourism industry to conduct the physical audit of the establishments to ensure integrity of the rating results. This will also ensure an impartial and competent rating system,” Guerrero said.

The said practitioners will aid DOT in the conduct of inspection/on-site audit of accommodation facilities.

DOT classifies hotels, resorts and apartelles as deluxe, first class and standard. The new system will rate facilities based on criteria with corresponding points.

“They will now be classified as five, four or three stars,” she said.

The government agency expects to undergo the physical audit of the establishments for two months after selection and training of thirdparty audit team.

After the pilot test, Guerrero added that establishments will be charge with higher fee.

At present, hotels, resorts and apartments are charged P2,700.

Around 737 establishments nationwide will be audited. .

The DOT said some 65 private sector auditors with expertise and relevant background in the hospitality industry shall be engaged for the pilot program. IMT

METRO TOURISM

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July 21 - 27, 2013

Banate’s Best

By BOMBETTE G. MARIN Photo by Clinton Clyde Belleza The fisherfolks of Banate are lucky living and fishing in the area; it may be a little slower in pace than some of its neighboring towns but the community is blessed with kilometers of coastline that, even in times of declining fish stocks, fisherman have bountiful rewards.

If there is two species that reaches iconic status in Banate it is the succulent blue crab and whiting. These are much sought after species caught in good numbers right along their coastline.

And it is just lucky for the blue crab and whiting-mad public Banate’s fertile, and nutrient rich waters ensure that blue crabs and whiting continues to live, breed and thrive.

Banate has long been known for its bounty of blue crabs popularly known as kasag in Hiligaynon. A major Ilonggo seafood resource, blue crabs are most notably associated with this town. The town is among the highest contributors to the blue crab industry of Iloilo. Crabbing is part of this town’s heritage, and a local favorite that is why the local festival is even named after it.

In spite of their colorful name, blue crabs are mostly grayish to bluish green. Only the claws are

blue, and the claws of mature females also have bright orange-

red tips.

Banate Maxwell Seafoods in Barangay Carmelo is the most popular crab processing plant in the area. From the catchers, the crabs are brought to the plant where they are steamed and their meat is picked out and packed for shipment to Cebu for canning and export. Presently, the processing plant employs 50 pickers. It produces 30 boxes of crabs with 15 kilos of crabmeat a day.

The crab meat is shipped to Cebu and sold to exporters for the international market.

Another popular seafood resource in the

The Sulu Garden

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Look into its heart, and you’ll see the beauty that will add radiance to the whole view.

Miag-ao Iloilo, known for its baroque style and UNESCO World Heritage Site Miag-ao Church and the vibrant cultural celebration of the Salakayan Festival, has a lot more to offer to locals and tourists.

In its core, lies a very comforting bistro often visited by students, couples, families and cliques who are fund of nature-tripping and who enjoy gastronomic activities.

Sulu Garden of Miagao, Iloilo is a project of Athena Bioventures and Sulu Explorers Club initially for the purpose of cataloguing the butterfly biodiversity of Panay island.

The year 2011 saw the transformation of Sulu into a garden to attract butterflies and the development of unique laboratory facilities to propagate various species of interest.

The Tea House. The Asia House reminds one of a floating world, with garden ponds, water lilies, kois and Japanese water structures. Built in our version of the Japanese gardenscape, this tea house allows you to experience a little bit of Japan and Korea, with low tables and the expected sitting on the floor, of course. With selected Japanese and Korean dishes prepared by our young chefs, enjoy a new experience of the other side of Asia.

The Woodland Hall. “The Woodland Hall” is an enclosed area whose walls are planted with ferns, climbing plants, bamboos and bordered by rocks and rye grass. Sunshine comes in during the day in parts of the roof that had been replaced by transparent roofing to keep the plants alive and room lighted. It is a great place for group events, such as weddings, parties, shows and special occasions.

Fondly called the ‘hobbit door,’ this round door made of mahogany opens to another garden area (still under construction), work stations and support facilities for the garden operations.

Woodland Hall can accommodate up to 60 guests in a garden ambiance of an indoor forest that will surely liven your special occasion.

area is the whiting fish popularly known as Asoos in Hiligaynon. It is a slender fish found mostly along the beaches. They are small and often weigh less than 10oz.

Whiting fishing is a favorite and one of the most popular among fishermen because they are plentiful, it is common to find schools of over 100 fish feeding in an area.

They are also easy to catch since they are found even on sand and mud-bottom areas.

Aso-os is a cheap fish that is why it is regarded as food for the poor or for pets. But it is now more highly valued especially by the fisherfolks.

A study on the acceptability of a powdered milk candy popularly known as polvoron from Aso-os was made. The study found out that it was the best fish species due to its acceptable color, flavor, odor, and texture.

Polvoron is a Philippine dessert or snack popular for “pasalubong” or homecoming gifts. Bay’s nutrifood polvoron is a semi-sweet concoction made of fish protein concentrate, flour, buttermilk, sugar and iodized salt. There are several polvoron recipes available today.

There are the cookies and cream polvoron, peanut polvoron, chocolate polvoron, and many more.

The protein rich fish polvoron produced

by BAY’S Nutrifood is a product of the project financed by the Japan International Cooperation

Following the concept developed by Prof. Jumalon in Cebu, the Sulu Butterfly Sanctuary is designed as a haven for indigenous butterflies and for visitors to experience a unique world we often take for granted.

Come see us in Miagao and experience the unique beauty of nature.

Previously a bakery building, this open space was transformed into a party room, a restaurant and a developing butterfly garden abundant with different species of butterflies and hanging plants. (www. suluexplorers.com) If you want to take pleasure in solitude with nature, this place is best for you! Come and see yourself!

Agency (JICA) in 2009. A processing plant was constructed along with the financial aid given through the Banate Bay Integrated Small Fisherfolk Multi-purpose Cooperative.

Though production stopped in 2011, concerned individuals along with the aid extended by the Iloilo Provincial Government managed to support its operation.

Presently, it employs 3 fisherfolks for its operation producing 250 pieces of dark and white chocolate coated fish polvoron daily. It has a selling price of P6.00 per piece. A box for 4 dark chocolate and 4 white chocolate-coated polvoron is also available. The chocolate coated polvoron has a life span of 3 months.

Banate is a town 50 kilometers north from Iloilo City. To get to Banate, one can take a bus or van at Tagbak Terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City.

For more information, please contact Miss Roselle Bactung at 09164002420 or at 3620068 or call the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government at telefax (033) 3384910.

July 21 - 27, 2013

METRO ENTREPRENEUR

Selling Expedition of Balots and Penoys

BY MECHEL VELASCO

WEESAM EXPRESS

ILOILO - BACOLOD - ILOILO DEPARTURES 6:30 am 8:10 am 9:50 am 11.30 am

FARE:

One Way

He falls to life’s circumstances but he rise s up by dodging out of the shell. The taste of his success can be sketched out in eating that infamous Filipino delicacy- Balot. Moroy Balutan and Rex Salted Eggs in Rizal Pala-Pala,

1:10 pm 2:50 pm 4:45 pm

(All charges in)

Zone 2 at terminal market, is Non-aircon (W3 only) P250 ECO. aircon P340 now in control of the business FC. aircon P435 aligned to Balot, Salted, and ROUND TRIP PROMO ECO. aircon P585 Penoy Eggs.

FC. aircon P665 It was their father’s hard Schedule subject to change without prior notice. work, persistence, and the For details please call: eight Balot with ILOILO (033)337-3282 / 09228660338 BACOLOD (034)709-0630, 433-9125 four Penoy Eggs, that started it but they do not have any materials to be use. all. Like any other businessmen, being The shrewd ideas of his father adhere all to their one, is not always through formal needs.

“My father finds it hard to sell those training or education, it needs coherent understanding and clever choice of the Kalamansi in 5pesos per kilo that time, so he chose to sell Balots instead. For him, it is more products or services you sell.

“When he gained profit from his profitable than Kalamansi, so he continue it.’’

Instincts are innate character of a person you 8 Balot and 4 Penoy, he used it again to buy another set. At the end of the can consider as successful businessman someday. day, he can go back until three times to The attitude of their father was being ratified where he buys. He wakes up early and to them, since four out of seven in the family starts his selling journey by walking became a businessman.

Moroy Balutan and Rex Salted Eggs started from Tanza Baybay up to the District of Jaro. Because of this hardship, we venturing to Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, and until had the chance to the Province of Iloilo. Here in the city, the transfer from Tanza eggs being sold to malls came also from them to Brgy. Bolilao, through their sub-dealers. Without those high and build our own technologies being used to determine Balot from Penoys, like Penoy-Balut Egg Classifier, their house there. ’’ Mr. Gerry father is expert in determining one from the Dalida, one of other.

Studies would tell us that balut is a the owner’s sons told us. The trials hardboiled duck eggs with a partially developed continue, for they 16- to 18-day old duck embryo have the space to inside, while penoy is an build their house infertile incubated duck egg or

NFA Ensures...frompricepage 1 which has an equivalent of 483,840,000 sacks. patterns, and at the same “This registered available rice supply is good to last for 71 days based on the country’s daily domestic requirement of 34,000 metric tons or an equivalent of 680,000 sacks,” he added.

NFA Region 6 public information officer Marianito Bejimeno said the reason for the increase of the rates is due to the lean season factor.

“This is actually a perennial trend in the rice industry. Because there is no production in the months of June, July, August, there is a tendency of price increase,” he said.

Meanwhile, as per ordered from the central office, the regional and field offices are required to ensure that there will be no speculations to drive the price of rice in the markets.

“We are strictly monitoring rice movements,

time conduct inspections on warehouses and rice mills to ensure not only the quantity but also the quality of rice,” added Bejimeno.

As the Philippines targets to be rice self-sufficient by the end of the year, Western Visayas aims to produce 2.4 million metric tons (MMTs) of rice from the country’s total target of 20 MMTs. The regional price of rice ranges from 18-20 pesos before July and is expected to increase up to 21-22 before or within August.

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with dead embryo.

“With the capital in your hand, blend with conscientious, and staying humble in every endeavor will make you a better person in the field of business. Be decided always and give your word!”

Eggs does not represent zero as we were telling each other, when someone got zero in exam, because in business, Eggs represent also 8 and 4- Eight Balots and Four Penoys!

METRO OPINION

6 EDITORIAL

The Oscars of Politics A feast of accomplishments will be p r e s e n t e d . Si g n i f i c a n t p e o p l e w i l l j a m - p a c k t h e w h o l e a s s e m b l y. C l a p s w i l l b e n u m b e r e d .

St a n d i n g ov a t i o n s w i l l b e t a l l i e d . Re d c a r p e t s will be rolled out for head-turner and eyec a t c h e r g ow n s a n d s u i t e s . W h e n e v e r y t h i n g is settled, a man in a dirty-white barong approaches the stage and stops on an elevated rostrum. Light here. Lights there. All eyes are set. All ears are lent. And the Oscars of Po l i t i c s w i l l b e g i n i n 4 , 3 , 2 , 1 . T h e n , s i l e n c e .

Another significant day will mark a n o t h e r m i l e s t o n e f o r u s Fi l i p i n o s . T h e state of the nation will again be assessed.

If you find yourself submerging in an a r r a y o f w o rd s f o r t h a n a n h o u r, w h e r e p ow e r i s m e a s u r e d t h r o u g h a c h i e v e m e n t s , p r o m i s e s a r e r e c o l l e c t e d , b r o k e n v ow s a r e reconsidered, and new short-term and long-term platforms are added; then you should probably be listening to the most awaited day in the Philippine politics, t h e St a t e o f t h e Na t i o n s Ad d r e s s ( S O N A ) .

T h i s y e a r, o n t h e f o u r t h S O N A o f Hi s E xc e l l e n c y Pr e s i d e n t B e n i g n o Si m e o n A q u i n o III, what are we expecting to hear? And what a r e t h o s e w e d o n’t w a n t t o h e a r a n y m o r e ? W i l l there be clichés? or will there be something fresh to add up in our politics vocabular y?

If you read this newspaper before the SONA, then you should prepare yourself w i t h p e n a n d p a p e r t o t a k e d ow n n o t e s t o m o r r ow. I f y o u h a p p e n t o r e a d t h i s l a t e b u t h a v e l i s t e n e d t o t h e Pr e s i d e n t’s s p e e c h , then you might have a lot of questions in y o u r m i n d n ow - s o m e a r e a n s w e r e d , o t h e r a r e l e f t u n r e s o l v e d . Bu t i f y o u d i d n o t h e a r a s i n g l e w o rd f r o m t h e d i s c o u r s e a n d d i d n’t even find any way to figure out what was it all about , then you are probably one of t h o s e w h o’l l w a i t f o r t h e n e x t S O N A t o c o m e .

Ye s , t h e r e w i l l b e p e o p l e l i k e t h a t . Pe o p l e w h o d o n’t c a r e a b o u t w h a t t h e Pr e s i d e n t w i l l s a y o r h a v e s a i d o r w h a t t h e g ov e r n m e n t w i l l do or has done to them. Because for them, e v e r y t h i n g i s b u t a s o l i t a r y j o u r n e y. We c a n’t b l a m e t h e m f o r t h a t . C i rc u m s t a n c e s m a d e t h e m t h a t k i n d o f a p e r s o n . B U T w e c a n e m p ow e r t h e m . We c a n a c t u a l l y c h a n g e t h e i r v i e w s .

L e t’s a s k o u r s e l v e s : How d o w e a s s e s s the countr y? Are we happy with what is h a p p e n i n g ? Is t h e f u t u r e n o t v a g u e f o r u s ? O f course, it will all vary depending on certain factors like age, civil status, educational attainment, and earnings.

All these contribute in shaping our opinion about the s o c i o - p o l i t i c a l s t a t u s o f t h e c o u n t r y. Bu t f o r as long as we voice out our sentiments, it m e a n s t h e r e i s m ov e m e n t , t h e r e i s f r i c t i o n , there is result. After all, people will never be contented with what they see or what they h e a r. Bu t i f d i s c o n t e n t m e n t w o u l d o n l y m e a n s t r i v i n g f o r t h e b e t t e r, t h e n t h e r e i s n o t h i n g wrong with having to share our sentiments.

July 21 - 27, 2013

Of Vendettas, Attitude and Vibrant Business

I

LOILO C i t y C o u n c i l o r P l a r i d e l Na v a re c e n t l y m a d e h e a d l i n e s a f t e r h e d e c l a re d t h a t h e w i l l s h ow t h e c i t y what political will is by implementing to its letters Re g u l a t i o n O rd i n a n c e 2011-458 or the No Re s e r v e Pa r k i n g O rd i n a n c e including Re g u l a t i o n O rd i n a n c e 2009-216 o r A n O rd i n a n c e Re Establishing Pa r k i n g A re a s f o r A l l Ve h i c l e s i n Iloilo City as chairman of what he describes as noni n t e re s t i n g Committee o n Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d Communications.

T h e c o n t r ov e r s i a l c i t y legislator made true of h i s p r o n o u n c e m e n t . He i m m e d i a t e l y c o o rd i n a t e d w i t h t h e Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Ma n a g e m e n t a n d Tr a f f i c Re g u l a t i o n Office ( T M T RO ) t o h e l p h i m i n h i s d r i v e a g a i n s t “re s e r v e p a r k i n g s i g n s” a n d o t h e r i l l e g a l s t r u c t u re s d e s i g n e d t o re s e r v e p a r k i n g s p a c e s for the business saints and demi-gods around t h e c i t y.

While the business

c o m m u n i t y i s re l a t i v e l y s i l e n t a s o f n ow a n d t h e I l o i l o Bu s i n e s s C l u b w e i g h i n g i t s w o rd s o n t h e m a t t e r, the people and the middle class seem h a p p y. Jo h n n y Sa l a z a r, a re s i d e n t o f Ja r o I l o i l o C i t y a n d a re a d e r o f this paper commented that finally the effect of the midterm elections i s t a k i n g i t s t o l l i n a s l ow d e a t h m a n n e r. A n o t h e r re a d e r m e n t i o n e d that traffic congestion is indeed a problem caused by the rich.

In d e e d o n l y t h e r i c h p e o p l e c a n a f f o rd t o b u y c a r s b u t t h e p o o r i s a l s o g u i l t y. T h e t r i k e s , t r i c yc l e s a n d m o t o r c yc l e s a r o u n d t h e c i t y a re f a s t becoming a malignant cancer of the t r a f f i c f l ow a n d c o n g e s t i o n i n t h e heart and even around the perimeter o f t h e c i t y.

Call the attention of the rich and they will tell you that it is not their problem if they have worked h a rd e a r l y a n d h a v e b e c o m e c a p a b l e o f b u y i n g n u m e r o u s c a r s . Re m i n d t h e p o o r a n d t h e y w i l l t h re a t e n y o u that they will be forced to commit crimes and worst sell illegal drugs because you will be depriving them of their source of income. Both though complains that the traffic f l ow i n t h e c i t y i s t o o h e a v y a n d i s not managed well.

T h e c i t y g ov e r n m e n t b e c o m e s inutile.

Re g u l a t i o n o rd i n a n c e s , r u l e s a n d e f f o r t s a re j u s t re m e d i a l s o l u t i o n s i n re s o l v i n g t h e t r a f f i c f l ow p r o b l e m . T h e p l a i n a n d s i m p l e

Contraception

T

h

e

d e b a t e rages on.

The constitutionality of Re s p o n s i b l e Pa re n t h o o d and Re p r o d u c t i ve He a l t h L a w ( R A 1 0 3 5 4 ) is still unsettled in the Su p re m e C o u r t .

We a w a i t w i t h re s p e c t t h e d e c i s i o n o f t h e Su p re m e C o u r t , b u t w e k n ow t h a t the battle does not stop t h e re . W h e t h e r i t w i l l b e d e c l a re d constitutional or not, o u r re s p e c t i v e stand on the law - for or a g a i n s t i t – w i l l re m a i n , re g a rd l e s s o f o u r re a s o n s .

We s t a n d b y o u r re s p e c t i v e a r g u m e n t . T h i s i s h ow m u c h w e l ov e i t s p a s s a g e a n d h ow m u c h w e a b h o r it.

We d o w h a t e v e r i t takes to give life to it, o r t o k i l l i t . T h i s i s h ow d i v i s i v e t h i s l a w.

Bu t what is my personal stand on this l a w ? It i s a b a n a l o n e .

Fr o m t h e v e r y s t a r t , I am against the law because of the big business aspect involved, particularly for condoms and contraceptives – “ h e a l t h p r o d u c t s” t h a t no good Catholic or Mu s l i m businessman has the enterprise to m a n u f a c t u re .

At one t i m e , s o m e h ow, I was l u re d t o l i k e t h e l a w when one of its main proponent Edcel Lagman said in an interview t h a t t h e re w o u l d b e n o budgetary allocation for the g ov e r n m e n t to buy condoms and contraceptives. The end

re s u l t , h ow e v e r, i s d i f f e re n t . T h e l a w mandates the allocation of funds for these condoms and contraceptives.

Un d e r t h e i m p l e m e n t i n g r u l e s a n d re g u l a t i o n s o f s a i d l a w, t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f He a l t h w i l l s e c u re re s o u r c e s , p r o c u re a n d p r ov i d e t h e s e condoms and contraceptives to the l o c a l g ov e r n m e n t u n i t s ; a n d t h e l o c a l g ov e r n m e n t u n i t s w i l l d i s p e n s e these condoms and contraceptives to their constituents, and will re s u p p l y t h e m w i t h t h e s e c o n d o m s and contraceptives.

In o t h e r w o rd s , t h e l a w h a s i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d t h e p r o c u re m e n t , d i s t r i b u t i o n , s u p p l y a n d re s u p p l y of condoms and contraceptives.

T h e re i s a n a s s u r a n c e o f b u d g e t a r y allocation for condoms and contraceptives.

So l o n g a s t h i s law is effective, this will be the c yc l e . I d o n’t t h i n k , h ow e v e r, t h a t t h i s i s e s s e n t i a l l y a re s p o n s i b l e p a re n t h o o d a n d re p r o d u c t i v e h e a l t h re q u i re m e n t .

Ju s t i m a g i n e h ow m u c h m o n e y w i l l b e s p e n t b y t h e g ov e r n m e n t f o r t h e s e “ h e a l t h p r o d u c t s” .

Bi l l i o n s of pesos for condoms, and billions of pesos for contraceptives. This is made justified and probable under this law and this can happen for a period less than a year once it is i m p l e m e n t e d . L e t m e s h ow y o u .

Let us say that only ten percent o f t h e Fi l i p i n o p o p u l a t i o n o r t e n ( 1 0 ) m i l l i o n p o o r Fi l i p i n o m e n w i l l b e p r ov i d e d w i t h c o n d o m s at P10.00 each. If the end-users w i l l u s e c o n d o m o n l y o n c e a d a y, t h e g ov e r n m e n t b u d g e t re q u i re d would be in the total amount of P 1 0 0 m i l l i o n . Fo r 1 0 0 d a y s f o r t h e s a m e p o p u l a t i o n , t h e g ov e r n m e n t is expected to allot P10 billion; P20 billion for 200 days; and P30 billion for 300 days. This can be t h e g ov e r n m e n t’s e x p e n d i t u re f o r condoms only in just a matter of less than one year .

Fo r o r a l c o n t r a c e p t i v e s t h e s a m e

key is the attitude of the people re g a rd l e s s o f t h e i r e c o n o m i c s t a t u s .

I f o n l y t h e I l o n g g o s a re re s p o n s i b l e and disciplined enough, if only those w i t h b u s i n e s s e s a re n o t g re e d y o f t h e spaces which belong to the public, i f o n l y t h o s e w i t h c a r s a re h u m b l e enough to park their vehicles even i f i t’s f a r f r o m w h e re t h e y i n t e n d t o go, if only the PUJ and taxi drivers c a n e xe r c i s e s e l f - re s t r a i n t , i f o n l y t h e p o o r a re n o t a r r o g a n t o f t h e i r status and trikes, traffic will cease to become a problem.

A s f o r C o u n c i l o r Na v a , re a d e r M r. Sa l a z a r h a s a p o i n t w h e n h e said that the effect of the midterm e l e c t i o n s i s s l ow l y t a k i n g i t s t o l l .

Ta l k s t h e n o f t h e w i f e o f I l o i l o C i t y Re p re s e n t a t i v e Je r r y P. Tre ń a s c a m p a i g n i n g a g a i n s t Na v a a re s o deafening and a bit insulting after all they belong to the same political p a r t y. To d a y, m o s t o f t h e a f f e c t e d businesses in the implementation of t h e No Re s e r v e Pa r k i n g O rd i n a n c e a re t h e p o l i t i c a l p a t r o n s o f Tre ń a s .

W h i l e Na v a i s c u r t i n d e n y i n g this, the effect of his supervisory campaign in the implementation of t h e s e t r a f f i c - re l a t e d o rd i n a n c e s b y t h e T M T RO a n d Ta s k Fo r c e A s i s w i l l e v e n t u a l l y re s u l t t o c o n v e n i e n c e a n d vibrant business and trading around t h e c e n t e r o f t h e c i t y.

The political angle could only b e p r ov e n i f Na v a w i l l n o t f i n i s h h i s campaign to the end. a m o u n t o f e x p e n d i t u re f o r c o n d o m s c a n b e e x p e c t e d . How m u c h m o re w i l l t h e g ov e r n m e n t s p e n d i f t h e contraceptive is injectable.

W h e n g ov e r n m e n t f u n d s a re spent for these products by virtue o f t h i s l a w, t h o s e w h o u s e n a t u r a l m e t h o d s o n l y, l i k e t h e Bi l l i n g s Me t h o d , d o n o t b e n e f i t f r o m t h i s .

I submit that those who choose to use condoms or contraceptives pay for their price and buy them in t h e m a r k e t . T h e b l i s s re s u l t i n g f r o m sexual intercourse is incomparably m o re t h a n e n o u g h re t u r n f o r t h e amount paid by the end-user for t h e p r i c e o f t h e s e “ h e a l t h p r o d u c t s” .

Those who use natural methods pay for these methods with their personal sacrifices and patience – n o g ov e r n m e n t f u n d re q u i re d t o h a v e s u c h b l i s s f u l re t u r n . T h e g ov e r n m e n t h a s n o b l i s s f u l re t u r n i n paying for these health products for a v e r y p r i v a t e e n g a g e m e n t . Pu b l i c funds must be used for public purpose, not for this very private a c t i v i t y.

Fu r t h e r, t h e re i s n o a s s u r a n c e t h a t w h e n t h e g ov e r n m e n t d i s t r i b u t e s t h e s e p r o d u c t s t h e re w o u l d b e n o i n c re a s e o f i n c i d e n c e o f s e x u a l l y transmitted diseases, like HIV and AIDS. We d o u n d e r s t a n d t h a t p o l i t i c s a n d e c o n o m i c s a re i n s e p a r a b l e . We c a n s e e t h e i r f a c e s i n o u r l a w s . We s e e t h e m n ow.

I cannot help to think that this l a w, s o m e h ow, h a s b e e n a p r o d u c t o f the marketing efforts of those who a re i n t h e b u s i n e s s o f c o n d o m s a n d contraceptives.

Their marketing strategy and tactics have worked.

T h e y h a v e s u c c e e d e d n ow, b u t f o r h ow l o n g ?

I w i s h Se n a t o r Ko k o Pi m e n t e l will still hold his position against t h i s l a w a n d m ove , a m o n g o t h e r s , to scrap the institutionalization of budgetary allocation for condoms and c o n t r a c e p t i ve s , e ve n b e f o re t h e Su p re m e Court settles the constitutional issues o n t h i s l a w. # Se n d f e e d b a c k t o : a r n o l d c a re s @ y a h o o. c o m

METRO OPINION

July 21 - 27, 2013

Jogja On My Mind

For the third time within the past six months, I was back in Jogja to teach Indonesian farmers on food security measures.

Jogja (also Yogyakarta or Jogjakarta) is a city and capital of Yogyakarta special region in Java, Indonesia. Yogya and karta are Indian words which altogether means “a city that is fit to prosper.”

Strolling down Jalan Malioboro, I was enthralled by the vibrant tourism industry in Jogja. I saw throngs of foreign tourists patronizing the various items sold by street vendors and frequenting the nearby shops, malls, and restaurants. Further north is Jalan Solo, a shopping district preferred mostly by locals. After Bali, Jogja ranks as the second most popular foreign tourist destination in Indonesia mainly because of its nearness to the world-famous Borobudur

and Prambanan temples.

The foreign population is also boosted by international students enrolled at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta State University, Sunan Kalijaga Islamic State University University, Indonesia Arts Institute, and many other prominent private colleges and universities. Most of the students are of Javanese descent but Jogja has progressed into a center of culture due to enrollees from other ethnicity in Indonesia.

My two colleagues, Martin Luther Purba from Medan and Adi Muda from Jakarta, brought me to a popular food stall in Jalan Pariwotaman where we savored the tastes of bakso, bakmoi, and sate (satay) with nasi putih and lots of sambal. My palate has finally adjusted to spicy foods after countless taste of cuisine from Southeast Asian countries where our organization

What makes you excited?

Other than writing subjects and ideas that possess me? I’d say, the experience of the theatre, which I attend a lot in L.A., and movies, which I watch a lot on the big screen and on DVD. I still enjoy sex, but it’s not really number one on my list. It never was. If at all, I enjoyed flirting more than the actual sex. But I’m married now, so the flirting is all just play.

I like writing for an audience, so I’m also very visible online, especially on Facebook.

I think the diva in me is still excited by the Facebook ‘likes.’ In this world drowning in misery and negativity, who can blame me if I seek and bask on constant affirmation?

Some people need coffee, some people need compulsive sex, I just need people to like me, is that such a crime? But don’t get me wrong. I have a healthy understanding of myself. I will not die if people don’t like me, but if they do, it’s like having diamond earrings and a pearl necklace.

achievement. What else can a person want?

I know that being liked is not a priority in others because they can hardly eat. For example, the petty thieves, well, they don’t need to be liked because their bigger need is to survive. The corrupt politicians, they are corrupt because they need financial and job security. I’m way above these people. In the hierarchy of needs, what motivates me is self-actualization. If I just like to be liked, I can pander to your needs and write only what you want to hear, or read. But I like to be liked, and adored, for my philosophy and achievements. I like to influence people positively. It’s not like I’m going to stop doing that just because three people do not agree with me.

Why is being liked so important to you?

Uhmm, because I am not a hypocrite?

Let’s see. I have my basic needs covered.

I can afford food, shelter, and clothing.

I have a job and family security. I have sex and intimacy. I have confidence and

Tell us more about your desire to “influence people positively.”

I think that it is naïve for most people to think that I’m only writing in the newspaper to aggrandize and promote myself. I mean, what’s the point? I’m not even living among you in the Philippines!

Kikinyodalag! But, if you expand your thoughts beyond your sheer envy and jealousy of my media clout, then perhaps you will see that I am using my star power to effect society change. I write about my wretchedness so you can identify with me and get in touch with your fallen nature.

It’s already done J

ust last night, I was able to watch a movie entitled “The Call”. It was about a 9-1-1 operator whose life was changed after receiving calls from two different women who was abducted by the same man; the other was unfortunately murdered while the other one is still fighting to survive. The movie starred Halle Berry.

It just came up to me why don’t we have that kind of system here in the Philippines.

Well, obviously the answer will be lack of budget and advanced technology. My say is that, why don’t we give priorities to these kind of programs? We can all see how rampant crimes are in the country. Justice cannot be served right away for reasons like lack of evidence, lack of witnesses, etcetera.

If we can fight these crimes, I am sure, more and more investors will be interested to invest in our country, which will be a great opportunity to boost the economy.

If you ask me, CRIME is one of the top problems here in our country. You can see news of robbery, kidnapping, drug selling, carnapping, theft, murder, homicide, and hostage-taking everywhere. But what do authorities do about it? On the last SONA of President Aquino, he announced that crime rates decreased, but the statistics shown by PNP said otherwise. And it’s sad to know that crimes happen even inside the government – corruption.

As a Mass Communication graduate, we were taught how to distinguish a worthy movie among others. We were taught to observe both what is good and what the flaws are. We watched indie films and documentaries, which for me is better than mainstream. Why? It’s because they exhibit reality and tackle social issues. Every indie film is an eye-opener, if you only have time to watch them.

I’m a movie watcher, believe me, but watching Filipino action movies are not my

TRUE OR FALSE

BY VARVIN HOPE SIMON “Mama Monyeka” HINOLA

As I was about to start my article on what topic I have to tackle, “true or false” popped up into my mind. True or False were usually a part of examinations, interviews and the like. This kind of question doesn’t really require us too much thinking rather we usually answer it according to our understanding and sometimes just with a mere feeling. But then there are questions that

we really need to answer with conviction like “true or false” you have to make a stand on. The irony of saying true when you feel it is false and vice versa will only lead you to confusion.

Hey, I tell you even in our own personal lives we also experienced to be true and false.

Please try to ponder on these: HONESTY. We are usually asked of this but until now being true or not boils down to a person’s upbringing and value of being true.

That, there would be times when we deceived

7

operates.

Sate is considered one of the national dishes of Indonesia. It can be traced back to kebabs introduced by Indians to Java centuries ago. The diced meat is marinated in spicy seasonings consisting of pepper, onion, tamarind, palm sugar, soy sauce, and salt. It is then punctured with skewers and grilled on charcoal fire. Meat could be beef, pork, chicken, mutton, goat, tempeh, fish, or variations in between. It is traditionally served in banana leaves with soy sauce, peanut sauce, and plenty of chili to give it a spicy sensation.

Jogja is a hub for batik fabric due to its proximity to Kota Solo, the acknowledged batik industry capital of Indonesia. It is also popular for its silverworks and fine filigree jewellery, traditional leather puppetry for shadow plays, traditional music, and visual artists.

The site, royal court, colonnial

building, and air force museums are mustsee for anyone interested in the rich culture of Jogja. The kraton or palace which is no longer used by the sultan is a developing tourist attraction.

Nothing can beat, however, the call of Borobudur the world’s largest Buddhist archeological site.

Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century but was abandoned during the 14th century when the Javanese converted to Islam.

It gained worldwide fame when re-discovered in 1814 by explorers sent under instruction from Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java. Camouflaged by thick jungle growth, the temple was almost buried by layers of volcanic ash. After several restoration efforts, Borobudur is back to its resplendent glory and is now listed as UNESCO world heritage site. It draws 2.5 million tourists every year, 80% of whom are domestic tourists.

I self-congratulatorily write about my successes so that you can join me celebrate not mine, but your possibilities. I write about my travails, even if I know that most readers are turned off by victimizations, because you need to see that there is hope.

That change and transformation is possible.

That self-reinvention and self-actualization is achievable. Do you think I enjoy harping on the injustices done to me when I am better off remembering only my triumphs?

Angsudnyobahu! I’m doing it for you, idiots! So really, only the truly ungrateful get tired of liking me!

my life as an immigrant in the USA. So, why do I even care about your miserable lot in this part of the world? Because I receive notes and messages, letters and personal thanks for my unique role in preserving our Hiligaynon literature and Ilonggo art, the joy and inspiration that I bring to our youth, and the comfort and understanding that I extend to the rest. I bet you haven’t worked in a suicide hotline as I did. So, simhutinyoutotko!

Have you any proofs that you have influenced people positively?

Now, that question provokes me to boast. I will not dignify that with a specific answer even if I am tempted to sing of my glorious and saintly deeds. But this much I will tell you: If I did not think that I helped people with my writing in the last fifteen years, I would have given up already.

If I think that there was no need to help Hiligaynon literature and Ilonggo arts, I would not have bankrolled the creation of The Peter Solis Nery Foundation. If I did not think that people were unhappy, I wouldn’t have blogged about happiness. If I did not have faith in my positive influence on people, I would have silently enjoyed

What is The Peter Solis Nery Foundation?

It’s a promise delivered. It’s my way of giving back to the community. The official name of the foundation is The Peter Solis Nery Foundation for Hiligaynon Literature and the Arts, Inc. Its purpose is to promote, preserve and propagate Hiligaynon literature, and Filipino art and culture, through research, publications, productions, education and dissemination in such various forms and means as, but not limited to: workshops, lectures, symposia, theatre, dance, film, fashion, music, photography, animation, digital imaging, visual arts, performance, literary and cultural competitions, and online presence.

It was founded on September 6, 2012 and was incorporated by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2012.

thing. The plot is always the protagonist puts justice on his own hands because the authority cannot give him what he wants. The policemen either die or late on responding to crimes. Whenever I watch them, I start to think, if all policemen were like the protagonist in movies, there will be no more criminals in the country. Come to think of it, only one man can kill all the bad guys.

The image of policemen remains the same both off and on-cam – they cannot help. I think someone needs to do something to lift up the image of policemen. They were supposed to be the hero not the supporting actors. They were trained to save lives and fight crimes, not to “kotong” and be traffic aides.

I’m always wondering why there are no actions being taken to change how citizens look the authorities. They were trained to be the heroes of this country and protect the people. I know, I may sound absurd but why can’t the police be like those in the movies who are 24/7 patrolling over their territory so they can immediately respond

to unfortunate events?

This coming July 22, President Aquino will once again have his SONA and showcase everything he has done in the past 3 years of his administration. We will once again count the number of claps the President will receive from his colleagues as well as the number of criticisms from his critics.

We will hear the status of the economy, the crime rates (if we are lucky), and the infrastructures built, and so on and so forth.

However, this time, I won’t listen nor count the number of claps. I want to listen to the plans the President of the Philippines has for the betterment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Navy and the militaries. I will count the number of strategies that the government has come up in order to aid those uniformed men in reducing the rates of crimes and giving justice to those who are waiting for almost half of their lives. For once, I want those people who are craving for change, looking for hope and crying for help hear the words, “IT’S ALREADY DONE”.

ourselves just so we can take advantage of others.

True or False?

BEAUTY. We all love to pretend that we we are into all natural beauty. That despite advancements in scientific enhancements of the human body, we all would love to broadcast that we are all natural when in fact the products we are using are not, or we undergo procedures yet deny that fact. True or False.

MONEY. We all love money to a safer extent that it does not control us. Perhaps for some yes.

But we deny this fact. Who does want to have money after all, True or False?

REALITY. The only constant thing in this world is change. Yet, we deny ourselves this fact.

We refuse to accept harsh reality yet, live with those which conforms with our comforts. True or False?

To make us realize all of these, let us accept the fact that human as we are, we tend to be confused of something so easy yet very hard for us to accept. We make simple things complicated.

Or should I say we decline to make it really real because that wasn’t a choice, it just happened.

Now tell me, Whoever said it is easy to answer True or False? It isn’t. It never was.

July 21 - 27, 2013

BY MARY JANE UBAY

METRO AGRICULTURE

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Oton farmers boost production of black rice

Oton’s municipal ordinance number 2011231 that promotes organic farming catches the attention of Department of Agriculture (DA) Region6. Seven (7) farmers of Oton, including the Municipal Mayor Vincent Flores, planted and successfully harvested black rice stated Celsa Suarez, municipal agriculture officer. Ordinance 2011-231 encourages people to collect all biodegradable waste as raw material for organic fertilizer that is useful for production of black rice. Unlike other rice varieties, black rice has stronger stalks that is resistant to pest, and don’t

need commercial insecticide making it a much healthier source of complex carbohydrates.

Organic farming has been in practice for quite some time and many countries have now realized the positive effects of this. Organic farming has some definite plus points from whichever angle it is considered. As the population is increasing day by day and farmlands are giving way to real estate lands, it is imperative that people turn to organic farming more to satisfy the food demand.

Considering from the consumer’s point of view, organic products are rich in nutrition content.

As the soils where they are grown are free from

What Mangrove Environmentalists Say

BY CRYSTALE MAY DE GUIA

“Environment versus Development”, this has been an issue for so many years that mangrove conservationist fights for.

What is the role of mangroves in our environment and in our economy? Why is in it that it should be protected? Is there any law that can prove that mangroves should be given importance and protection?

Mangroves to our environment According to the Chief Mangrove Scientific Advisor of the Community-based Mangrove Rehabilitation Project in the Philippines, Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, mangroves can sequester up to five times carbon in the tropical forests. Mangroves store a large amount of CO2 in its branches (upper ground) and roots (lower ground) than any other trees.

Basically, mangroves have a lot to do with our environment especially in helping it to be sustainable and preparing our future generations to have a “greener” community as what we wanted it to be.

Mangroves to the economy Mangroves represent a valuable renewable commodity for coastal communities and are vital sources of forest products and aquatic resources according to the SEAFDEC/AQD Institutional Repository (SAIR) from the citation entitled “The use of mangroves for aquaculture: Philippines” authored by Romeo E. Dieta and Florida C. Arboleda, Extractives derived from mangrove barks include tannin and dyes. There has been a local industry for extracting tannins from mangrove bark. National returns for tanbarks harvested averaged 337mt/yr over the period 1969-87 (NRMC-NMC 1986).

Tannin is also used as adhesive material necessary in laying and gluing-up stages of plywood/particle board manufacture.

According to reports, tannin also serves as an important constituent of ink, rust preventives and insecticides. Other minor products derived from mangroves are cellulose xanthate, oil, medicine, resin, tea and livestock supplements.

Nipa palm sap are extracted and fermented for vinegar, local wine and alcohol. Nipa shingles are used as roofing materials.

Several important aquatic resources such as fishery products like fishes, shells (clams andmollusks), crabs, shrimps, and other crustaceans thrive in mangrove ecosystem (DENR 1994).

Mangroves as Fishery Resource According to the SEAFDEC/AQD Institutional Repository (SAIR) from the citation entitled “The use of mangroves for aquaculture: Philippines” authored by Romeo E. Dieta and Florida C. Arboleda, the dependence of fisheries, both inshore and offshore, on mangroves as natural habitats has become widely accepted. Mangrove swamps serve as feeding, nursery and breeding grounds for commercially valuable fish species. They are also rich sources of fish fry, which contribute a great deal to the country’s fry gathering industry.

the harmful effects of artificial fertilizers, the food is healthy and tasty. The main USP of organic products is that they are free from the negative effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We have been fed with chemically grown foods for all of our lives and hence face so many diseases.

Other than diseases, children also face problems in eyesight, hair fall and chronic stomach problems. Since organic crops are grown with manuring and through crop rotation, they thus do not require that much of an investment. As chemical free foods they are more resistant to rotting and formation of moulds. The result is that these can remain fresh over longer periods.

Being grown organically, these are resistant to pests and so there is no loss of products. As the crops or vegetables are not provided with any sort of chemical fertilizer, they are thus tolerant to the thirst for water and can resist droughts.

This means that they can be grown in parts where there is low rainfall. Conventionally grown crops

are not that much resistant to water demands.

Due to no usage of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, organic crops do not contribute to toxic emissions in water, soil and the atmosphere.

It thus reduces pollution and helps Mother Earth.

Due to prolonged usage of artificial chemicals the fertility of the soil in the long term decreases to a great extent. In organic farming, however there is absolutely no use of artificial substances and so the productivity of the soil increases. As a result, organic farming is beneficial to the environment.

Organic farming encourages farmers as it is cheaper and is also profitable to maintain.

Organic farming promotes bio-diversity as it helps thriving of beneficial animals and insects.

It also helps in maintenance of a natural balance. (http://organic-foods-and-shops.blogspot.com.)

Department of Agriculture supports the eagerness of Oton farmers in planting black rice not only for the reasons stated above, but for more production that will be making it affordable in the market. IMT

MOPA to hasten titling of public land in Antique and Iloilo, signed

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA

Mangroves Status in Iloilo City Seven years ago, the Iloilo City government represented by Former Mayor Jerry P. Treñas (now Congressman Trenas) together with the Iloilo City agriculturist Jose Gil Parreñas, Bernard Garnace of DENR and Dr. Jurgenne Primavera of the Pew Fellow Program in Marine Conservation signed the Iloilo Greenbelt Project memorandum of agreement. This MOA states the rehabilitation and conservation of the mangroves in Iloilo City. But after two years of frequent inundation with high mortality and anthropogenic which includes the garbage, digging up of substrate and trampling by fishers, Dr. Primavera found out that mangroves survival in their planting project was only 5-10%.

It was then suggested to have an upper intertidal elevation where mangroves will survive and to adapt to the sea level rise and there should be a greenbelt around the city protecting the coastal areas.

A greenbelt should compose mangroves and beach forest for coastal protection especially from flooding and climate change mitigation.

“A lot of coastal places here Iloilo that was not protected and doesn’t have a greenbelt especially in Iloilo City. We have a lot of abandoned ponds that according to the law it should be converted to rehabilitation and protection of mangroves”, Dr. Primavera added.

Her advocacy is in line with sustainability.

Earlier this year, Dr. Primavera’s group- the Save the Bubog Grove Iloilo Botanical Garden Movement, plead to city government and property developers to preserve the 10 clustered bubog groves or calumpang trees located at different business areas in the city.

“These trees were believed to be more than 10 years old that usually grows in riverbanks and reach as high as 40 meters with trunks measuring up to 1 meter in diameter,” said Dr. Primavera.

The city government represented by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that they have already appealed to the lot owners not to cut those trees and hoping they would listen.

Mangrove forests provide homes for several species of plants and animals and a good source of sustainability.

They are needed not only in maintaining the sustainability of bird and animal species in the area but they are also the kind of trees that can truly withstand typhoons and hold on to the ground during floods.

If planting native trees is not yet prevalent today, the urgent thing to do is to preserve the existing ones. It can start by saving a grove of 10 bubog trees “calumpang” near SM City in Mandurriao according to Dr. Primavera.IMT

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) along with the ten municipalities in the Provincce of Antique and one town in Iloilo Province signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) to speed up the implementation of labeling on public lands.

The DENR PENRO in Antique held a simultaneous MOPA signing with the local chief executives of Valderrama, Anini-y, Patnongon, San Jose, Sibalom, San Remegio, Laua-an, Belison, Culasi and Libertad. On the other hand, the Municipality of Tubungan held the MOPA signing in Tubungan, Iloilo.

DENR Regional Executive Director Adeluisa G. Siapno is positive that all municipalities in the region will soon voluntary show their support to sign MOPA with the DENR. “MOPA is very important in the realization of land titling”, Siapno said.

Under the MOPA, DENR and LGUs engage in a partnership to rush the disposition and processing of public land titles, particularly in residential free patent, agricultural patent, and homestead patent.

“The Agreement gives the LGUs the responsibility in accepting public land titling

applications. Although the final approval is still with the DENR,” as explained by Land Management Service Land Management Division Chief Hector S. Garrido.

In DENR procedural requirements, issuance of patents for five hectares (ha.) and below, the signing authority is the PENR Officer, over five ha. but not exceeding 10 ha. is signed by the Regional Executive Director, and patents more than 10 ha. is signed by the Secretary.

DENR Memorandum Circular 2011-06 prescribed the guidelines for the implementation of “Public Land Titling” which likewise carried out the partnership with the local government units.

“The MOPA is one of the innovations to fast-track the processing of targets on patents processing and issuances for agricultural and residential land,” Antique PENR Officer Ruel L. De Los Reyes said.

Garrido further explained that with the issuance of patents, the municipality will boost its revenue generation through real property taxes to include possible social and economic gains and spill-over effects such as increase on income and projects; higher land value; empowered property owner; and, higher investments in land. IMT

Suweco Pledges...from page 1

Ludovico said they will still vend service at reasonable electricity rates in the long term.

“The Antiqueños look forward to the solution on their perennial frequent power interruptions due to power shortage” Anteco president Vicente Painaga Jr. said.

The Villasiga 1, an eight-megawatt hydropower plant, is considered to be the first hydropower plant in Panay Island. The project is partly financed by Banco De Oro (BDO) with a total investment of P1.6 billion.

The Villasiga hydropower project is an eight-megawatt plant, which would be the first hydropower plant in Panay Island. Partly financed by Banco De Oro (BDO), the project has a total investment cost of about P1.6 billion, officials said.

Suweco 2 is a subordinate firm of Suweco, part of the Sunwest Group of Companies, aimed at becoming a major supplier of clean renewable energy in rural areas not reached by the national grid.IMT

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METRO SPORTS

July 21 - 27, 2013

CPU, Pototan under fire to get the championship crown

BY REYMAR LATOZA The final battle inside the hard court is set for Central Philippine University (CPU) and Colegio de Imaculada Concepcion (Pototan) Sunday, July 21, 2pm, Mandurriao covered gym.

The two basketball teams stood out among

BY REYMAR LATOZA She is a 3-time most valuable player (MVP). She conquered the challenges in every competition she joined. She garnered medals and trophies since elementary. She is fanatical.

She is passionate. Whatever you describe her, Sandra Ruth Sta. Ana, 20, is just deeply in love to her sport, volleyball. Sandra stands 5’3’’ and weighs 50 kilograms. Sandra graduated with bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting at the College of Communications (formerly College of Mass Communications) of West Visayas State University. Now she is studying law at University of San Augustine. Some of the competitions she joined were Mayor’s cup 2010 (3rd place) and PRISAA 2010 (4th place). Aside from volleyball, she was also engaged in track and field. She was a gold medalist in long jump secondary girls, triple jump secondary girls, and 4by1 kg, 4by4 relay (PRISAA 2009). She harvested Silver medal in long jump secondary girls, gold medal in triple jump secondary girls, gold medal in 4by1 kg 4by 4 relay (PRISAA 2010).

Here’s the complete interview of IMT with Sandra Why volleyball? What makes it special to you?

“I started playing volleyball when I was in elementary. Since then, I learned to love it. I was a member of a volleyball team in my elementary school for two years and as far as I can remember, we won 3rd place (bronze) during the PRISAA. Then, I continued playing volleyball in high school.

I got in in the varsity team and I was chosen as

five teams in the ‘under-14’ category of the Developmental Basketball Tournament (DBT) sponsored by Iloilo Basketball League (IBL).

The elimination and semifinal games became exciting and thrilling as the five teams were eagerly fighting to move up and get a slot

for the championship game.

However, only two teams from the city and the province of Iloilo survived the tough and intense games, CPU and Pototan defeated their opponents.

Three other teams were Iloilo National High

School (INHS), Children’s Integrated School of Altatiera (CISAT),and team Cougars.

Meanwhile, IBL is preparing for the ‘16-under’ category of DBT scheduled to start on July 28. IBL president Alfie Lagman said there will be 8 teams to battle in the said category. IMT

The die-hard player the team captain for 3 consecutive years. At first, I never thought I’ll stay long playing volleyball because I have a congenital heart defect, and I had an accident before that broke my bone on the right leg, but then it didn’t stop me from playing the sports I love. Among the sports, volleyball is the closest to my heart. I enjoy playing it with my teammates Volleyball is so special to me that I would spend the rest of my night crying over my pillow everytime we lost in the competition.”

How did you learn playing volleyball?

“I learned playing volleyball when I was in elementary, but I became good and knowledgeable of the game when I entered the volleyball team in high school. I learned to play volleyball by putting effort in every practice and of course through Coach Frankie. Without the help and proper training he gave, I wouldn’t be good and competitive volleyball player, “na inlove gid ako sa volleyball!”.

Unfortunately, when I was in college, as much as I wanted to join, but my parents didn’t allow me to be part of college volleyball team because of many concerns.”

What kind of volleyball player are you?

“I am a tosser/setter in the team. As a setter, my role is important. I make the play and I lead the team.

I always get the 2nd ball.

Without me they couldn’t execute the play practiced.

As a player, I can describe myself a warrior and not a quitter! No matter how tough the other teams are, no matter how tall and and they are, I’m not allowing myself to be threatened. I always put effort every game. Im not saying that I am so good, but I can say I am competitive enough to make my team win. Ina bala nga Go lang ng Go! Bira lang nga bira.

Bilog ang bola and above all, God will provide. “ How do you prepare yourself before competition?

I have four answers for this question. 1. Practice (dedication to win the game) 2. Healthy diet (strictly no softdrinks and alcohols to be physically fit) 3.

Enough sleep (instead of going out at night to party, better sleep!) 4. Pray ( have faith in God) Challenges you had encounter before and how did you survive it?

“We lost in the game during my last year in my high school. That game was supposedly the key for us to advance to the top, but unfortunately we lose in the game. I kept blaming myself for not making it because after 4 years of striving hard during trainings, it ended up to nothing. “sakit batunon nga grabe gid pursige mo para makahatag man lang dungog

sa skwelahan mo kag bag.o kaman lang tani mag graduate bala pero wala mo nahimo kag at the same time, mapalipay ko man tani c coach ko nga ng effort gd tudo pra sa amon”. But then, I couldnt turn back time. Only if I could triple my effort during that game. But its okay, During that time I just prayed and think that maybe something better will come my way. Acceptance is the key.”

What are your learnings?

“I learned and finally agreed that Patience is truly a virtue and true hard work beats talent. Bisan ano pa ka sagad sang isa ka tawo sa isa ka bagay, kng wala malang siya gapangabudlay,wala mana gihapon. Mas ma appreciate ni Lord ang tawo nga gapangabudlay kaysa naga salig kag gpa hapos lang. ;) “ What can you advice to those playing volleyball?

“Stay focus and dedicated to whatever you love to do. Practice seriously and properly. Perform well during trainings. Listen and obey your coach. Respect your teammates, and above all love your sport.” IMT

MetroMisc

Feline’s and the American Plus

BY MECHEL VELASCO Change is constant as time would pass by so swiftly. A thing that would still stay in focus is one that has established a name- proven and tested. It applies to all entity or objects, and talking with our primary needs, we always have to switch on something with innovative elements.

List down the style of clothing you wear every day, you might not know it all along, but you had wear an American Plus Shirt.

American Plus (A+) Shirt was introduced in the T- shirt Industry by Feline’s Gift Shop, Inc., in the year 2003. Feline’s Gift Shop was chosen as one of the Top Distributor here in the Philippines, since it has been in the T- shirt Industry for 32 years providing excellent quality Shirt and Superb Services.

American plus (A+) T- shirts are tagless, 100% cotton with an elastic polyurethane fiber, special sewing like other top brands, and a lot of different colors to choose from. They also cater regular sizes and baby tees with special cuts made for girls.

Cotton shirts are made from highest quality yarn.

It is exclusively designed and manufactured with superior quality for class A and class B market.

A+ types of Shirts are Round Neck, V- neck, A+ with collar cotton and pocket, A+ with collar honey comb, A+ special combination shirt (e.g Raglan and the like), Muscle Shirt and Sando.

Almost 85% of schools, colleges, and

universities wears American Plus (A+) shirt due to its excellent quality and good price. Almost 70% of Government Organizations, NGO’s, Foundations and the like uses A+ Shirt due to its Comfy Texture.

It was the American Annapolis back 17th century, delivery port workers, who wears one kind of tea shirt, where people from the English tea “TEA” borrowed a “T” word to call it.

In 1960, T- shirt developed a broader commercial value, as dyeing and screen printing technology matures. Companies began to realize that selling T- shirt logo or photo can have more revenue.

T-shirts became the medium of promotional merchandise. Source: (http://lisamer.over-blog.com/ article-plus-size-t-shirts-origin-118561479.html) From this time onwards, plus size t-shirts became the dwelling place of people to communicate themselves. The diverse culture of a certain country or city, the beauty beneath nature’s best, the advocacies we want to hear, the schools or students arena, and our favorite characters on television, be it cartoons or not, can now be printed on our chosen size of (A+) Shirt.

Wear that American Plus Shirt of yours!

Visit Felines Gift Shop (American Plus- tees and prints) - the Exclusive Distributor of American Plus Shirts. Located in #48 Delgado St.,Iloilo City.

Contact #s: 337- 0352 or 336- 8313.

“A+ Simply the Best!”

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