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WALANG HIMALA! Aquino junks Nora’s National Artist bid PAGE 5 SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014 VOL. 32 NO. 173 ISSN 0116-3973 HHHHH

SHOWN above is a scene from the movie, ‘Himala,’ where Nora Aunor won numerous best actress awards for her potrayal of a fake healer.

No air cooler for Bong

Teacher, husband abducted

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Iraqis gear up for battle

Direktor, inihian ng aktor

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It’s samba time!

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SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Revilla denied use of air cooler

Detained Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. will have to bear with the intense heat at the Custodial Center for now as the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is not the proper authority to approve the request for air coolers.

Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, chief police information officer, said it is only the Fifth Division of the Sandiganbayan that has the sole authority to either remove or add something already inside the detention room of Revilla at the Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

“Clearly, the court has just entrusted Sen. Revilla to us. All the requests will have to be decided by the Sandiganbayan and we will follow whatever the decision of the court,” said Sindac.

Yesterday after his surrender, Revilla had a migraine attack due to the intense heat inside his detention room that has only one ceiling fan.

It was exacerbated by the concrete wall surrounding the detention area that is estimated to be 12 feet tall. The room, 32square meters in size that includes a comfort room, has no provision

for an airconditioner.

This prompted Revilla’s wife, Bacoor City Rep. Lani Mercado, to request the PNP for at least an air cooler inside to ease the burden for her husband.

“This has to be approved by the Sandiganbayan. If it is approved, then there is no problem with that, we will comply. But if it’s not, then we cannot do something about it,” said Sindac.

Such policy, according to Sindac, will also cover any request of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, if in case an arrest warrant is issued against him and if the Custodial Center is designated as his detention facility.

Earlier, Estrada said he may request for a television set inside to keep in touch with what’s happening outside the Custodial Center and his favorite soap operas.

Sindac also said that he was

told that Revilla was “okay” during his first overnight at the Custodial Center. His first meal was served at 6 p.m. on Friday. It was fried fish, rice, and sautéed munggo beans with amplaya leaves.

Yesterday, breakfast served was lugaw with egg while paksiw with rice was served for lunch. It was not clear, however, if Revilla took the food being served for inmates at the Custodial Center, noting that the PNP allowed his family to bring food for him.

As a matter of policy, Sindac said all inmates of the Custodial Center, including Revilla, are given at least 30-minutes sunning time for them to get enough Vitamin D. Cellular phones and other gadgets are not allowed inside and the visiting hours are between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday is scheduled for conjugal visit. (Aaron B. Recuenco)

‘Life in jail for those guilty in pork scam’ A Catholic prelate wants lifetime imprisonment for those found guilty in the “pork barrel” fund scam.

“They must be punished by lifetime incarceration for their heinous crimes,” Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said.

Several lawmakers have been implicated in the R10-billion pork barrel fund scam allegedly masterminded by businesswoman Janet L. Napoles.

Among those implicated in the pork barrel fund scam were Senators Juan Ponce-Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Bong Revilla Jr., who are all facing plunder and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan.

Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz is leaving up to the court who should be incarcerated.

“Who are those who should be incarcerated, that is something that has to be defined by the judicial

system,” Cruz said.

“But practically all human laws, all civil laws also accept exceptions.

That’s why for example you have the former President GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) who is in hospital arrest, which is practically like a house arrest because of sickness, so even civil law, criminal law has humane dimension and that should be considered also,” added Cruz.

Bastes asked the public and the supporters of those implicated in the pork barrel fund scam to respect the process of the law.

“They must follow the process of the law. If they are found guilty, their followers must exhort them to repent and return the stolen money,” he said.

Other prelates also echoed what Bastes said on respecting the law.

“We have a good justice system in the country. The law should

BASTES be respected. Let justice take its course,” Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said.

“Let truth and justice take their course,” said Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo. (Leslie Ann G. Aquino)

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Kevlar inventor dies

STEPHANIE Kwolek poses for a photo holding a spool of Kevlar in this June 20, 2007 file photo taken in Brandywine Hundred, Delaware.

Her friend, Rita Vasta, told The Associated Press that Kwolek died last Wednesday in a Wilmington hospital. She was 90. (Photo by AP) WASHINGTON – Stephanie Kwolek, a US chemist who invented the Kevlar fiber used in body armor and other bulletproof gear, has died, her former employer said Friday.

She was 90.

Kwolek, who worked for DuPont when she invented Kevlar, died in a hospice, media sources said, citing her friend and former co-worker Rita Vasta, who did not give a cause of death.

“We are all saddened at the passing of DuPont scientist Stephanie Kwolek, a creative and determined chemist and a true pioneer for women in science,” DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman said in a statement.

“She leaves a wonderful legacy of thousands of lives saved and countless injuries prevented by products made possible by her discovery.”

Kwolek invented Kevlar, an ultra-strong and extremely lightweight fiber, in the 1960s in what she called “a case of serendipity,” The Washington Post reported.

She was looking for a material that could be used to reinforce car tires that was lighter and more fuel-efficient than the metal previously in use.

The liquid crystal polymer she created became Kevlar, which is five times stronger than steel and extremely lightweight, DuPont said on its website. (AFP)

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Iraqis gear up for battle

BAGHDAD – Dozens of men crowd shops in central Baghdad, perusing military equipment, including helmets, boots, and camouflage uniforms, that they will need after volunteering to fight against a major militant offensive.

Some leave with plastic bags of camouflage fatigues, while others buy gear, including pocket-laden vests that may or may not actually protect them against bullets, but nonetheless look the part.

Urged on by a call from top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, thousands of Iraqis have volunteered to fight against Sunni Arab militants who have overrun swathes of northern and central Iraq.

For those trading in military gear, business is good.

“From the beginning of the crisis, there was an increase in sales... of about 200 percent, 300 percent,’’ while prices have risen as well, said Osama, the owner of one shop in central Baghdad.

H e s e l l s e ve r y t h i n g f r o m uniforms, boots, helmets, and vests to grips and sights for assault rifles, military patches, and rank insignia.

Previously, “all sales were to the army and the police,’’ but that changed with Sistani’s call and the worsening situation in the country, Osama said.

Now, everyone from young men to those with grey in their hair are flocking to buy military equipment in the Bab al-Sharji area of Baghdad.

“We do not have military experience, but God willing, we will gain military experience from people older than us,’’ said Walid

Najm, a young man wearing sunglasses and a hat with a digital camouflage pattern who decided to volunteer to fight the militants.

“I am a barber, but I left this career because the country needs me,’’ he said, later trying on a camouflage-covered helmet and protective goggles.

Hamza Zora, a short man with a grey-flecked black beard, carries a folded camouflage uniform he bought.

Unlike Najm, Zora has five years of military experience from Saddam Hussein’s forces, and is now ready to use his skills against militants who include supporters of the ousted dictator.

Abbas Sadiq, who is accompanying Zora, said he wants to “defend the innocent people,’’ whether they are Sunni, Shiite, or Christian.

He is volunteering with Saraya al-Salam, a force announced by powerful Shiite cleric Moqtada alSadr that is to include members of his officially inactive Mahdi Army.

Sadiq has already bought his uniform, and said the total cost of necessary equipment is roughly 100,000 to 150,000 Iraqi dinars ($83 to $125).

The area of Bab al-Sharji in which the military shops are located is strung with coils of barbed wire and guarded by police and soldiers. (AFP)

A VOLUNTEER in the newly formed ‘Peace Brigades’ trains near the Imam Ali shrine in the southern holy Shiite city of Najaf, Iraq last Friday after calls by the radical Shiite cleric Muqtatda al-Sadr to form brigades to protect Shiite holy shrines against possible attacks by Sunni militants. (Photo by AP)

China urges peaceful sea development SHANGHAI – China, involved in a growing dispute with its neighbors over the energy-rich South China Sea, wants to promote peaceful development of the oceans, Premier Li Keqiang said, warning conflicts in the past had only brought “disaster for humanity.”

China claims almost the entire ocean, rejecting rival claims to parts of it from Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei in one

Ugly dogs compete

IN this Friday, June 26, 2009 file photo, ‘Pabst’ competes in the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. The toothy four-year-old Boxer mix won top honors. The 25th running of the World’s Ugliest Dog contest took place last Friday at the Sonoma County Fair in Petaluma. (Photo

by AP)

PETALUMA, California – It’s that time of year again when dogs with unusually large heads, hairless bodies, and other oddities compete to be the World’s Ugliest Dog. The contest in California, which is in its 26th year, was scheduled to start Friday evening.

Ka re n S p e n c e r, t h e fa i r ’s marketing director, said the dogs are scored by a three-judge panel in several categories, including special or unusual attributes, personality, and natural ugliness.

The winner will get $1,500.

(AP)

of Asia’s most intractable disputes and a possible flashpoint. It also has a long-running dispute with Japan in the East China Sea. “China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and firmly oppose any act of hegemony in maritime affairs,” Li said at a maritime summit in Greece on Friday in comments carried by China’s Foreign Ministry website on yesterday.

“Developing the oceans through cooperation has helped many nations flourish, while resorting to conflict to fight over the sea has only brought disaster for humanity.”

Concern over China’s motives has risen in the region after China sent four more oil rigs into the South China Sea, less than two months after it positioned a giant drilling platform in waters claimed by Vietnam around the Paracel Islands.

The lack of any breakthrough in the dispute suggests China and Vietnam are far from resolving one of the worst breakdowns in relations since they fought a brief war in 1979.

Among the obstacles is Beijing’s demand for compensation for anti-Chinese riots that erupted in Vietnam after the drilling platform was deployed at the beginning of May. (Reuters)

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SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

More Pinoys claim difficulty in buying food, says survey

By ELLALYN B. DE VERA

More Filipino households claimed that they have difficulty buying enough food and paying for basic necessities in the first quarter of 2014, a survey conducted by Ibon Foundation showed.

In the survey conducted last April 24 to 30 among 1,500 respondents, six out of 10 or 59.3 percent of Filipinos said they experienced difficulty in buying enough food for their families in the past three months.

This is 4.5 percent higher than the 2013 last quarter survey with 54.8 percent of Filipinos that said they have inadequate resources to buy food.

The respondents were particularly asked, “In the past three months, how did your family meet the following expenses?”

Meanwhile, at least 38.9 percent of Filipino households said they did not experience trouble buying adequate food.

Also during the same survey period, it showed an increasing number of respondents who had difficulty paying for their children’s schooling (from 43.7 percent previously to 46.4 percent in April), transportation (from 43.6 to 46.9 percent), and water (from 36.1 to 43.5 percent).

About 26 percent said they did not feel difficulty in paying for their children’s schooling, 40.3 percent said they have enough money for transportation, and 30 percent said they have sufficient resources to pay for water.

Meanwhile, the share of respondents who had had trouble paying for their electric bills remains at a high 66.4 percent. Only 24.9 percent did not find it difficult to pay electricity.

The survey respondents were aged 18 years and above. The April 2014 round is a non-commissioned survey conducted across various sectors in 16 regions in the country.

Revilla allies in Cavite helpless IMUS CITY, Cavite – Provincial officials and others close to Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. could not help but watch the developments on the plunder and graft charges filed against him in connection with the R10-billion “pork barrel” fund scam before the Sandiganbayan.

Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. admitted that the provincial government is “powerless” insofar as help is concerned with the case now at Sandiganbayan and the embattled Revilla detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Quezon City.

“It is now a legal issue in the Sandiganbayan, we are powerless to help,” the 46-

year-old governor said when asked about the reaction of the provincial government on the ongoing proceedings following the senator’s surrender to the Sandiganbayan last Friday.

Revilla is one of the beloved personalities in Cavite, considering that he is an action star who became a governor and vice governor of the province.

The 47-year-old Revilla and the 46-yearold Remulla are allies and friends. They both belong to the opposition group. Remulla was one of the officials who visited Revilla and his family on Thursday, the day before the senator gave himself up to Sandiganbayan.

Revilla showed up at the Sandiganbayan after the anti-graft court ordered his arrest for the scam that he and Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, and some other personalities were allegedly involved.

Revilla’s surrender came as Bacoor is holding its week-long second cityhood anniversary. Bacoor is the Revilla family’s hometown. It became a city on June 23, 2012.

Meanwhile, Revilla’s wife Bacoor Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla is worried about the health of the senator at the PNP facility.

The congresswoman said that Revilla complained of migraine due to the extreme heat inside the cell.

“Tumataas ang BP (blood pressure) niya kapag mina-migraine siya. Yun ang problema, so we have to control that,” the congresswoman told radio dzMM. Rep. Revilla said that she has also requested the PNP, through legal counsel Joel Bodegon, to allow the senator to have air cooler inside his cell.

The congresswoman also asked that that her husband be allowed to be checked-up by a doctor.

This reporter went to the Revilla residence on Aguinaldo Highway in Barangay Panapaan VII, Bacoor, for an interview yesterday morning but the congresswoman and their children, including Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla III, were not around.

Compound entrance gate security guard Dennis L. Caspe said that the family had not returned home overnight from Quezon City. (Anthony Giron)

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

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Why Nora wasn’t named nat’l artist

Actress Nora Aunor apparently failed to make it as national artist this year due to her alleged illegal drug use several years ago.

President Aquino was reportedly hesitant to confer the Order of National Artist on Aunor due to her alleged drug involvement.

It might taint the credibility of the distinguished award, according to a source who was privy to the selection process.

The source, who requested anonymity for lack of authority to speak on the matter, claimed that the President preferred that this year’s National Artists have not only contributed to the development of Philippine arts but also could be good role model for the nation.

The President earlier chose six individuals as National Artists this year, excluding Aunor. She was the only reported nominee recommended by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) who did not make it to the list.

Aunor reportedly pleaded guilty to a felony of possession of illegal drugs in Los Angeles, California. The criminal case against the actress

was dismissed on October 2007 after meeting court requirements, including a drug treatment program.

“It was not a light offense. Had she been charged and convicted for possession of shabu in our country, she would have served 20 years or more in prison. It is hard to overlook that, especially given the government’s anti-drug campaign.

What message does it send if on one hand, you step up efforts to find and destroy shabu labs, then on the other, you honor an artist, no matter how talented, who was caught using shabu?” the source said.

The source noted the exclusion of Aunor was not meant to undermine the capability of the NCCA-CCP but to protect the intent of the award and strengthen its credibility.

While she was endorsed by the NCCA-CCP, the source said it was not unanimous. Among those in the final tier were current National Artists.

This year’s National Artists are Alice Reyes for Dance; Francisco

Coching (Posthumous) for Visual Arts; Cirilo Bautista for Literature; Francisco Feliciano for Music; Ramon Santos also for Music; and Jose Maria Zaragoza (Posthumous) for Architecture, Design and Allied Arts.

The Order of National Artist is the highest national recognition given to Filipinos who have made distinct contributions in the field of arts and letters.

The criteria for the Order of National Artists are artists who are Filipino citizens, who have contributed in building a Filipino sense of nationhood, who pioneered in a mode of creative expression or style, and who created a substantial and significant body of work and displayed excellence in the practice of their art form.

Another criteria is the artist must enjoy broad acceptance through prestigious national and or international recognition, critical acclaim of their works, and respect and esteem from their peers.

(Genalyn D. Kabiling)

Teacher, husband seized in Lanao Norte Armed men allegedly seized a public school teacher and her husband in Lanao del Norte, the military said yesterday.

Capt. Franco Suelto, spokesman of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division (ID), said the abduction occurred late Wednesday afternoon in Barangay Poblacion, Pantao Ragat.

Suelto identified the victims as Ashlaine Limpao Pangadir, teacher at Pantao Ragat Central Elementary School, and her husband Zacaria Pangadir.

According to reports, the victims were onboard a motorcycle on their way home when they were blocked by armed men riding in a maroon Toyota Tamaraw FX. The gunmen forcibly took the couple and fled towards Baloi, Lanao del Norte.

Suelto said one of the suspects in the abduction, Madid Umbra alias “Mactan,” was arrested Thursday in Barangay Lumidong, Pantao Ragat.

Suelto said witnesses claimed to have observed Umbra’s presence in the area for three days prior to the incident.

NEWS ROUNDUP 6 cars collide on EDSA Six vehicles collided in the northbound lane of EDSA in Quezon City yesterday, causing traffic for one hour.

The incident occurred at 4:30 a.m. on Dario Bridge near Munoz Market, Supt. Ely Pintang, chief of the Quezon City Police District-District Traffic Enforcement Unit (QCPD-DTEU) in Camp Karingal, said.

A Mitsubishi Montero, a taxi, a minibus, an SUV, a Toyota Highlander, and a Toyota Revo were involved in the collision.

Pintang said that based on their initial investigation, Hanz Go, 23, of Grace Park, Caloocan City, was driving his Mitsubishi Montero (JG-022) going to Balintawak, Quezon City when he avoided a man who suddenly crossed EDSA. Pintang said as a result, Go hit a Mitsubishi tourist bus (RNB494) driven by Enrico Mendoza, 46, of Bulacan. The bus then hit an Isuzu Hilander (XKK-174) driven by Jafet Tutanes, 27, of Valenzuela City; that rammed into an R&E Toyota Vios taxi (UWH-257) driven by Teodoro Ugay, 48, of Caloocan City.

The taxi then bumped into a Toyota Revo (RLS-333) driven

by Reynaldo Escosio, 57, of Valenzuela City. The Revo then slammed into a Mazda Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

“Pag-iwas sa pedestrian, tumama sa side portion ng tourist bus ang sasakyan ni Go. Dun na nagkarambola mga sasakyan,” Pintang said. “Sumampa pa ang Montero sa center island. Iniimbestigahan pa ang nasabing insidente,” he added.

Pintang said no one was hurt or killed in the collision. (Francis T. Wakefield)

Dead in Cebu shootout CEBU CITY – A suspected drug lord was killed when he engaged elements of the Criminal Intelligence Branch (CIB) of the Cebu City police in a shootout during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Duljo-Fatima here Friday night.

The suspect, Lloyd Cabahug, whom the police described as a big-time drug lord in the barangay, died on the way to the hospital after the shootout.

Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, CIB chief, said Cabahug first fired at the policemen after he noticed that the person he was dealing with was a policeman who acted as a poseur-buyer.

“He pulled out his .45 caliber gun and started shooting at policemen who were stationed near his house. Our men fired back,” Santander said.

A resident, Eduard Adaza, was hit by a stray bullet but survived.

Santander said a buy-bust operation was launched against Cabahug Friday night after the CIB received information from residents linking the suspect to the illegal drug trade in the area.

The CIB seized 28 packs of shabu valued at nearly P1 million, several drug paraphernalia, a .45 caliber pistol, and three empty shells. (Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)

Cops hunting ex-councilor

MAP of Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte.

Upon verification, it was learned that the suspect is facing a string of criminal charges, including multiple murder with attempted frustrated murder and double attempted murder.

(Elena L. Aben)

BINMALEY, Pangasinan – Police are now hunting a former barangay councilor who allegedly killed a mentally ill neighbor in Barangay Camaley here.

A report from Supt. Ryan Manongdo, spokesman of the Pangasinan police, identified the victim as Dennis Bautista, 32, jobless.

Manongdo identified the suspect as Jojo Lagatao, married. Lagatao served as barangay councilor from 2004-2007.

Police said the incident occurred at 9:30 p.m. last Wednesday.

Bautista was sleeping inside his house when the suspect forcibly entered through the main door and shot the victim several times in the body.

The suspect fled onboard a Honda TMX tricycle with license plate PNR ZB-1038 towards the Barangay Naguilayan here.

He disembarked at the Star Fuel Gasoline Station and boarded a Victory Liner bus bound for Dagupan City.

The victim was taken by police to the Lingayen District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by doctors. (Liezel Basa Inigo)

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SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014 15, 2014 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY

Reflections Today

Jesus, the living bread Gospel Reading: Jn 6:51-58 ESUS said to the Jewish crowds:] “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

The gift par excellence No matter how wonderful a gift may be, it still pales before the very source of the gift.

When Jesus ascended on high, he gifted men and women. To the community of believers, he gave some people as apostles, and others as prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (cf Eph 4:8, 11). But the greatest gift that Jesus gave – as he himself revealed – is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is “the source of all our store, the soul’s most welcome guest, giver of sevenfold gifts” (Sequence of Pentecost). Moreover, as a divine person, the Spirit is the source of spiritual gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, mighty deeds, prophecy, discernment, gift of tongues

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(cf 1 Cor 12:4-10).

From another perspective, the greatest gift of Jesus is his very self. This is made possible through the sacrament of the Eucharist. Pope John Paul II underlines this in his encyclical letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia: “The Church has received the Eucharist from Christ her Lord not as one gift – however precious – among so many others, but as the gift par excellence, for it is the gift of himself, of his person in his sacred humanity, as well as the gift of his saving work” (n 11).

Today’s Gospel speaks of the mystery of Jesus’ person. The crowd, including his disciples, cannot accept that Jesus is from God, the bread come down from heaven. When he draws out its Eucharistic dimension – “My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” – this troubles most of his listeners, and many of them no longer accompany him. This, however, leads Peter to express the faith of the other apostles and of the Church throughout history: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68).

The Eucharist is a mysterium fidei – a mystery of faith. More than any other sacrament, it makes demands on our faith. The Eucharist is the mystery of Christ’s “real” presence because he becomes substantially present, whole and entire, in the reality of his body and blood. But it is through his complete hiddenness that he becomes a mystery of light, if only we open ourselves up to the dimensions of the mystery. *** SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www. stpauls.ph.

EDITORIAL

PH, US holding naval exercise near Scarborough Shoal T

HERE are two hotspots in the world today and the United States is deeply involved in both of them – Iraq, where the government set up after US forces did away with Saddam Hussein is threatened by invaders from the north, and the South China and East China Seas where China is involved in territorial disputes with neighboring nations, notably the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan.

US President Barack Obama the other day pledged to take “precise” military action if necessary to stop the Sunni forces that swept out of Syria in the north towards the capital city of Baghdad, threatening the Shiite-dominated central government of Iraq.

But far from reassuring the Iraqi government, Obama is sending only a number of Green Berets and other special forces, along with the deployment of an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf and is considering the use of drone strikes against the invading forces. The US has just sent home the combat troops that have long occupied Iraq and is not about to bring them back. It appears Iraq is largely on its own.

Meanwhile, in the South China Sea, near Scarborough Shoal, which we call Bajo de Masinloc near Zambales province, Philippine and American troops will hold naval exercises later this month. A US guided missile destroyer is joining two Philippine warships for the drills, officially announced as intended to strengthen the capabilities of the two forces in amphibious and special operations along with information sharing.

Last April, during his state visit to the Philippines, President Obama declared his country has an “iron-clad commitment” to defend the Philippines. While this was reassuring to some people, it must be taken in the light of the fact that it does not cover the ongoing territorial dispute over shoals and reefs in the South China Sea. And the US has already declared it is not taking sides in the disputes and is asking both sides to avoid any action that may add fuel to them.

This is sound advice to all concerned. We have already filed our case with the Arbitral Tribunal in the Hague for a ruling on our claims in the South China, which we now call West Philippine Sea. We have also called, along with our fellow ASEAN nations, for the early drawing up of a Code of Conduct in the disputed area. We hope the naval exercise which we will be holding this month with the US will not be mistaken as a threat to anyone.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Word Alive Fr. Bel R. San Luis, SVD

Neglected spiritual food

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OME of you might have seen the movie “Survive,” based on a book entitled “Last Survivors of the Andes Mountains.” T h e true story relates about how 16 out of 45 passengers, mostly rugby players from Uruguay, survived a plane crash in the freezing Andes Mountains for 70 days. *** When they ran out of food supplies, they ate their clothes, rubber shoes, and even the flesh of their dead companions in order to live. Two of the 16 ventured to walk through the howling snow mountains to get help, and after nine days, rescue came.

The story tells dramatically, among other things, that we need food for our body to live.

But as Christians, we need another kind of food for our souls in order to live. *** Today is the feast of CORPUS CHRISTI, a Latin term which means literally the Body of Christ. The feast reminds us that the food par excellence

which our spirits need is the Eucharist.

One might ask, “Why does the Church put so much importance on the Eucharist or the Mass where Christ’s body and blood are offered? Why not try other kinds of worship like finding God in nature or praying while c o m m u t i n g i n t h e L RT o r jeepney? *** Obviously that’s all fine.

God, after all, can be found everywhere. Still, what Jesus asked us to do, as recorded in the New Testament, is to come together at the Eucharist doing it “in memory of Me” (Lk 22,19-20; 1 Cor 11,25). *** The Eucharist, therefore, is not an invention of the Church nor an idea of the popes. It’s simply and clearly the mandate Jesus bequeathed to his disciples before He died.

TRANSUBSTANTIATION. But Christ wanted to remain present, too, to be with us physically-not just to be remembered.

This brings us to the specifically Catholic teaching called the “Real Presence” of Christ in the Eucharist or “Transubstantiation.” *** It is unfortunate that many Catholics fail to appreciate the value of this special gift. Sunday after Sunday, people come to Mass but refrain from receiving

Holy Communion. The words of Jesus are clear: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life and I will raise him up on the last day” (Jn 6,55). *** There you have it. Jesus says this kind of bionic bread gives us not only strength but also eternal life.

As intense as the 16 survivors of the Andes Mountains were to live so should we be intense in keeping ourselves alive and healthy spiritually. *** ASK YOURSELF: Do I really believe Christ’s presence in the Eucharist? Do I appreciate its importance by receiving it whenever I attend Mass?

Remember: The food that we eat for our body perishes, but the Food Jesus gives lasts to eternal life. *** THE LIGHTER SIDE. Priest tells Johnny who’s not been attending Sunday Mass, “How about joining the Army of God in church on Sundays?” Johnny replies, “Ok Father, I promise to join.”

After the succeeding Sundays and the priest didn’t see Johnny in church, he asked him: “Why didn’ t I see you in church among the Army of God as you promised?” His reply: “Father, I’m in the secret service.” (God doesn’t need ‘secret services’).

Solemnity of Corpus Christi today

By CHRISTINA I. HERMOSO Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle will preside over a high mass at 3:30 p.m. today at the Santa Cruz Church in Plaza Lacson, Manila in commemoration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

The Eucharistic celebration will be preceded by a silent prayer before the Most Blessed S a c ra m e n t a n d t h e s o l e m n exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 2 p.m.

It will be followed by a talk by Bishop Teodoro Bacani. The grand

Eucharistic procession to the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila will be held after the mass.

In Rome, Italy, Pope Francis will lead the traditional public procession of the Blessed Sacrament from St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to the streets of Rome. Bishops from across the world will join the Holy Father during the hour-long Eucharistic Adoration.

Observed 60 days after Easter Sunday, the Catholic Church marks the Solemnity of Corpus

Christi in commemoration of the institution by Christ of the Holy Eucharist to His apostles during the Last Supper.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos said, “The Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted as a testimony to the faith of Catholics in Jesus Christ, living and truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist. This is a time when we can show our love for Jesus in the real presence by honoring and giving thanks as a community in a very public way.”

Our Times Susan V. Ople

Manila is reflection of nation’s evolution

M

Y father, the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople, was a working student in Manila, and worked as a stevedore at the North Harbor. He was a tall, skinny young man trying to eke a living to feed his growing family. When he became a journalist, he was among the more rowdy ones when drunk and stories abound about his liquor-induced adventures. The legendary Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson allegedly gave instructions to the city cops not to apprehend my father when under the influence of alcohol. Those were the days when journalists were tough guys, street-smart and hard-hitting in both a literal and physical sense.

Ka Blas loved Manila, and knew it like the back of his hand. When we were growing up, and he was Labor Secretary during the Marcos era, I remember going to the old Army & Navy Club where he held meetings with department staff. The Club had a library filled with all kinds of books, and that was where I discovered Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys.

My love for reading arose from those afternoon visits, straight from school, just so I could spend some time with my ever-busy father.

My first job at the age of 23 was at the Executive House Building when the Senate was resurrected by virtue of the Freedom Constitution. Then Senator Ernesto “Boy” Herrera took me in as a researcher and later on, as his media relations officer. The Senate then under Senate President Jovito Salonga was vastly different from the Senate now. Those days,

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the Senate media used typewriters, with the few lucky ones having access to computers with MS-DOS, with stories saved on floppy disks.

Discourse was lofty courtesy of such intellectual giants as Ka Turing Tolentino, Sotero Laurel, Wigberto Tanada, and Rene Saguisag.

I remember senior reporter Olaf Giron of Manila Bulletin walking from Intramuros to P. Burgos, with his black briefcase, showing up with beads of perspiration on his face. I remember Arnold Clavio, still with DWIZ, commuting to the Senate and Neil Ocampo, already with DZMM as a beat reporter, covering the Senate beat, oblivious of the popularity and fame that would greet them years after. I remember the time when Joseph Estrada became a senator, and would wear shades inside the session hall. One afternoon, noticing a GMA-7 camera man shooting in his direction, Senator Erap lifted his shades and quipped, “Akala niyo tulog ako, no?” (“You thought I was sleeping, huh?”)

Fast-forward to today’s Manila where traffic has improved tremendously, and waiting sheds have free WiFi. Manila where new hotels are up and running, and media coffee chats are frequently held in various hotels and restaurants.

Malacañang is along the Pasig River but firmly in Manila, and so all foreign dignitaries must traverse the length of Roxas Boulevard to reach the presidential palace. Rizal Park and all other historic shrines dwell in Manila, and so history lives in its every nook and corner.

Manila will always be the cradle of political history, the reflection of nationhood in constant evolution. I salute Manila, and wish its leaders and residents the very best – after all, the city’s progress will always be linked to the national state of affairs. Manila is the Philippines, warts and all.

Businessman loses motorcycle A businessman allegedly lost his motorcycle while parked on a street in San Juan City the other day.

The victim was identified by police as Jamalodin Marukom, 34, of Block 47, Lot 8, Jolo St., Barangay Maharlika Village, Taguig City.

Marukom told investigators of the San Juan City police that he found

out that he lost his motorcycle at around 8:20 p.m.

He said that he parked his motorcycle, a Yamaha Mio, on Connecticut St. in Greenhills at 2:55 p.m.

However, the victim, when he reported the incident, forgot the license plate of his motorcycle.

(Rizal S. Obanil)

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SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

tempoen@gmail,com

Direktor, inihian n9 aktor SA question-and-answer portion sa presscon ng "Dading," ni-reveal ni direk Ricky Davao na noong bata pa lang si Gabby Eigenmann ay kinakarga pa niya ito. About three years old pa lang noon si Gabby at naihian pa siya nito.

How time flies! Ngayon ay

magkatrabaho pa sila at tatay na rin si Gabby sa apat nilang anak ng misis niyang si Apples. Mga teenager na ang mga ito. Si direk Ricky naman ay 1010 na. May apo na siya sa panganay nilang anak ni Jackielou Blanco na si Kenneth. May dalawa pa silang anak na babae, sina Arabela at Ricki Mae

na mga teenager na.

Natanong si direk Ricky kung may nanligaw bang bading sa kanya noong kabataan niya. Aniya, marami ang nanligaw sa kanya simula noong high school pa lang siya. Pero hindi niya sinabi kung may nakarelasyon siyang bading. (Rowena Agilada)

Enterta

8aduy noon, sopistikadc Timing Rowena Agilada

ANDA-GANDAHAN at

G Richard plays dark role in 'Overtime' Highspeed Ronald Constantino AD BUT - Richard Gutierrez

B

is back at GMA - not in a soap, but in a movie.

And not for good. Must be said though that no one has replaced Chard as the undisputed primetime king of the Kapuso netrwork.

The movie is the suspense thriller "Overtime," where Chard plays a dark character. Well, not really totally bad, with a good trait or two.

On television, Chard is cast in heroic roles - action, drama, comedy, fantasy.

• DARING, A BIT BARING - On the big screen, Chard can be more daring. Think of his movie with Sarah Lahbati, "Seduction," where he portrayed a "bombero," fire fighter with lots of passions and frustration.

Sarah, of course, is the mother of his cute son Zion, baptized recently with pomp and circumstance, coinciding with the child's first birthday. And Father's Day, too.

But that is neither here nor there.

• LEADING LADY - Chard's love interest in "Overtime" is Lauren Young, getting the biggest break of her career.

Lauren is no "decoration" in the movie, sharing most of the suspenseful scenes with Chard, some kind of partner in crime.

Yes, Chard and Lauren have rather torrid encounters in "Overtime," shot during the last few days of work. By that time, the two were already comfortable with each other.

It was Lauren's first time to engage in such love scenes, prompting colleague Jun Nardo to joke, "Chard, ikaw pala ang nakadivirginize kay Lauren ."

Lauren is the younger sister of reigning Miss World Megan Young ... as if you didn't know.

Lauren's glad her "first time" was with Chard. "He brainstorms with our directors, giving new ideas. He's quite a joker, too."

• HACKERS REVENGE - The plot in brief.

"Overtime" revolves around the lives of a hacker and its victim.

Richard, as he returns to the big screen, portrays Dom GarCia, the hacker who seeks revenge against a pharmaceutical company.

Lauren, on her first mainstream field as a lead, plays Jody Amistoso, the executive assistant working at the pharmaceutical company and the one who was sent by Richard's character on a deadly mission: To wear a bomb to a press conference.

Thus, a deadly game between the two transpires as the bomb ticks down to zero.

Under the direction of Earl Ignacio and Wincy Ong. Moviegoers can expect an interesting and exciting storyline.

"Overtime" will definitely keep the audience on the edge of their seats and at the same time will have a fun time watching.

• NO TYPICAL PINOY MOVIE - "Moviegoers will come out of 'Overtime' feeling na kakaiba ang genre na ito, medyo may bale from the usual films na romantic-comedy or horror. Also, what's interesting about the story is there are no clear good guys and bad guys. 'Yung roles nina Richard at Lauren ay parehong mabait at masama. Hindi mo alam kung sinong kakampihan mo. I think medyo bago yung ganoong approach when it comes to Filipino movies," said director Wincy Ong .

For director Earl Ignacio, "Overtime" is not a typical Pinoy movie. "Hindi siya love story, hindi slapstick comedy. May mga parts na nakakatawa pero hindi dahil pinilit naming magpatawa. We tried to do something different but at the same time ay accessible pa din with this film and I believe we have achieved that."

"Overtime" also stars Mitch Valdes, Bearwin Meily, Roadfill, Renz Valerio, and Roi Vinzon. With special participation of William Martinez, Yayo Aguila, Edwin Reyes, Ruby Ruiz, Frencheska Farr and Elle Ramirez.

GMA Films "Overtime" opens in theaters nationwide beginning July 2.

seksi-seksihan si Glaiza de Castro sa presscon ng "Dading," kaya tinanong siya ng press kung may nagpapaganda ba sa kanya. "Wala, ah!" naka-smile na sagot ni Glaiza. Bumagay sa kanya ang fuchsia pink sleeveless dress na hapit sa kanyang katawan at labas ang kanyang legs.

Pansin pa ng press, ibang-iba na ang aura ni Glaiza na sophisticated na ang dating at may taste na sa pananamit. "Baka may stylist na siya ngayon," sabi ng isang reporter. "Dapat lang dahil baduy siyang manamit noon," sabad ng isang reporter.

Si Gabby Eigenmann ang gay boyfriend ni Glaiza sa "Dading", kaya natanong siya kung posible bang sa tunay na buhay ay ma-in love siya sa isang bading. "Why not?" aniya. "Choice mo na 'yun kung gusto n'yong magsama 0 hindi," May nanligaw na ba sa kanya na bading? "Wala pa namang nagpanggap (laughs)," saad ni Glaiza.

In any case, aniya, sobrang sarap ng pakiramdam niya na katrabaho si Gabby. Ani Glaiza, isa ito sa mga hinahangaan niyang aktor at feeling niya, hindi siya umaarte kapag kaeksena si Gabby. "Ang galing-galing niya," sam bit ni Glaiza.

Umiwas Nagtaka ang ilang malalapit na entertainment writers kay direk Ricky Davao noong presscon ng "Dading."

Dati kasi, kapag nakita niya ang mga ito, agad-agad lumalapit siya at nakikipagtsikahan.

Ferrell, McCarthy and ~ lead Walk of Fame hon COMEDY stars Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy and Seth MacFarlane are among the latest crop of honorees receiving stars on Hollywood's landmark Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said on Thursday.

Ferrell, who starred in the movie "Anchorman," McCarthy, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the movie "Bridesmaids"; and "Family Guy" creator MacFarlane will be joined by "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson, "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe, Oscarwinning actor Christoph Waltz and animated cartoon dog Snoopy.

Actors Paul Rudd, Jennifer Garner, Amy Poehler, "The Big Bang Theory" television star Jim Parsons, celebrity chef Bobby Flay and "The Simpsons" long-running producer James L. Brooks will also receive the terrazzoand-brass star plaque.

Crime fiction writer Raymond Chandler, best known for 1953's "The Long Goodbye," and comicbook artist Bob Kane, the co-creator of Batman, will be given posthumous

WILL Ferrell (AP Photo) plaques.

R&B artist Pharrell Williams, rapper Pitbull, dance-funk group Kool & the Gang and music producer Dr. Luke will get stars in the music category, while veteran radio personality Larry Elder will receive a plaque in the radio category.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has honored influential figures in the entertainment industry since 1960.

· men t In

Editor

I na ngayon K!lY~ Pero noong presscon, pagkatapos niyang bumeso, layo agad si direk Ricky nang sabihin ng isang reporter na may itatanong ito. Iwas-pusoy ang actor-director.

May isyu kasi kay direk Ricky noong dumalo ito sa binyagbirthday party ni Baby Zion (anak nina Richard Gutierrez at Sarah Lahbati). 'Andun din kasi ang estranged wife niyang si Jackielou Blanco at ang isang society girl na na-link sa kanya. Gusto sa nang tanungin ng reporter si direk Ricky tungkol sa pagkikita nilang tatlo sa naturang event. Pero 'yun nga, umiwas ito noong presscon ng "Dading."

Game show Si Ogie Alcasid na ang host ng "Let's Ask Pilipinas" sa pagbabalik nito sa ere next month. Daily game show ito ng TV5 na pwedeng manalo ng f>500,OOO araw-araw at pwedeng maglaro sa bahay gamit ang computer at Internet. Hindi na kailangang pumunta sa studio para pumila at sumali.

Pati ang mga Pinoy na nagtatrabaho abroad ay pwedeng mag-audition, mag-log-on lang sa http://www.tv5.com.ph/show/ letsaskpil ipi nas.

~

NESTOR CUARTERO SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

.IIII/PII

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G_erms, binigyan

n I Willi eng =6=500 r .. 000

HINDI inaasahan ni German Moreno na bibigyan siva ni Willie Revillame ng kalahating milyong piso.

Nagulat pa si Kuya Germs nang abutan siva ni Willie ng tseke na may nakalagay na ?500,OOO. Nagkita ang dalawa sa binyag at birthday party ni Baby Zion (anak nina Richard Gutierrez at Sarah Lahbati). Nagkakuwentuhan sina Willie at Kuya Germs sa mga bagaybagay nang bigla na lang siyang abutan ni Willie ng tseke. "Para saan ito?" tanong ni Kuya Germs.

"Para 'van sa mga project mo," sabi raw ni Willie.

Ayaw sanang tanggapin ni Kuya Germs ang tseke dahil baka raw kung ano'ng isipin 0 sabihin ng ibang tao. Last year pa niya gusto ilagay ang pangalan ni Willie sa Walk of Fame Philippines (WOFP) sa Eastwood City, pero hindi 'yun natuloy sa hindi malamang dahilan.

Sa December this year ay magdadagdag na naman si Kuya Germs ng mga pangalan sa WOFP at isa na roon si Willie. Nag-aalala

ang Master Showman na baka mabigyan ng kulay ang pinansiyal na tulong ni Willie. Baka raw isipin 0 sabihin ng ibang tao na binayaran siva ni Willie.

Sa kapipilit ni Willie at sinabi niyang wala siyang ibang intensiyon 0 hinihinging kapalit kay Kuya Germs, kundi gusto lang niyang makatulong, only then tinanggap ni Kuya Germs ang tseke.

"Naku, huwag akong pagisipan 0 paghinalaang ibinulsa ko ang pera, ha? I1alaan ko 'yun sa mga project ko sa Walk of Fame Philippines sa Eastwood City, sa Paradise of Stars sa Mowelfund at sa labas ng GMA Network Center sa Timog," maigting na pahayag ni Kuya Germs.

GERMAN Moreno

Dagdag pa niya, mula sa sarili niyang bulsa ang ginagastos niya sa kanyang mga proyekto, kava

nagpapasalamat siva kay Willie sa financial support nito. (Rowena Agilada)

Gina, nagsalita sa breakup nina Geoff at Carla

By NITZ MIRALLES

JlacFarlane orees

MELISSA McCarthy (AP Photo) The plaques which are cemented into the sidewalk can be purchased for $30,000 by the sponsor of a nominee, who is approved by Hollywood's Chamber of Commerce.

The money goes to the Hollywood Historic Trust.

More than 2,500 plaques line the pavements along a mile-long strip of Hollywood Boulevard.

(Reuters)

KINUMUSTA namin kay direk Gina ang anak na si Geoff Eigenmann na hurting dahil sa breakup nila ni Carla Abellana.

"He's okay. Hindi masasabi if totally moved on na siva, I think he's trying his best way to move on.

Hindi siva nagsasalita at nirerespeto ng family kung kailan siva magiging komportable na magsalita about the breakup."

Nalulungkot si direk Gina na hindi nagkatuluyan sina Geoff at Carla dahil sabi nga nito, "nakikita ni Geoff ang sarili na he'll grow old with her. Para malinaw, siva ang iniwan, hindi siva ang nang-iwan."

Walang nabanggit na rason si direk Gina sa breakup nina Geoff at Carla, vague raw ang reason at ang alam niya, walang major na pinag-awayan ang dalawa at wala ring third party.

"Bigla na lang sumabog, nagkapatung-patong siguro. I think one reason is religion. Devout Catholic si Carla at Christian si Geoff. Ayaw magbigay ng isa't isa. I felt hindi na mare-resolve ang conflict nila. For her, it's a major thing. Masyadong malalim ang sugat para magkabalikan sila," pahayag ni direk Gina.

Isa pang tanong kay direk Gina ay kung may katotohanan ang isyu kina Geoff at Kylie Padilla na inakala ring

nakadagdag sa conflict nina Carla at Geoff?

"I don't think that's true.

Friends lang sila at nagkasama lang sa trabaho.

Separate ang issue nila.

Nakakapikon at nainis nga ako sa isang taong nagpalabas ng isyung sina Geoff at Kylie raw."

Hindi nagbanggit ng pangalan si direk Gina, pero obvious na si Aljur Abrenica ang tinutukoy.

Kaya tinanong namin ito kung papayag siyang i-direk ang "taong 'yun?"

"Hindi" ang mariin nitong sagot.

Ang sunod na tanong ay kung galit siva sa taong tinutukoy niya?

"Hindi ako galit sa taong 'yun, pero galit ako sa ginawa niya na wala namang pruweba, ginawang guilty ang anak ko."

Paano kung mag-sorry ang taong 'yun?

"I'll cross the bridge.

Puwede naman akong magpatawad, pero pagsasabihan ko siya," sagot ni direk Gina Alajar.

Si Gi na Alajar ang director ng "Yagit," ang remake ng "Mga Batang Yagit" at mapapanood sa GINA Alajar GMA-7 simula sa September, kapalit ng "The Half Sisters".

Sa July 2, naka-schedule simulan ng director ang taping ng teleserye.

Ang napiling location? Ang oil depot sa Pandacan.

Hindi pa man nagsisimula ang taping at wala pang airing, ang wish ni direk Gina ay magtagal sa ere ang "Yagit" at sana raw, mas magtagal sa "Villa Quintana" na siva rin ang

director at inabot ng eight months.

Katulong din si direk Gina sa audition na naghahanap sa apat na batang gaga nap sa mga karakter nina Tom-Tom, Ding, Elisa at Jocelyn.

Siva ang in-charge sa second level ng audition na nagsimula noong June 20.

Ang iba pang schedule ng audition ay sa SM Iloilo (June 27); SM Bacoor (June 27); SM Cebu (June 28), Magic Mall Urdaneta (June 29); at sa GMA Network Studio 6 (June 29).

Ang mag-o-audition ay magdala ng authenticated NSO copy at photocopy ng kanilang birth certificate, photocopy ng dalawang valid ID, isang whole body picture (3R), at isang close-up picture (3R).

"I'm so excited sa paghahanap ng apat na batang magbibida.

Big challenge ito dahil wala silang experience. Sana makakuha kami ng mga batang artista at gusto namin mga bagong mukha," pahayag ni direk Gina.

Bida sa "Yagit" sina Yasmien Kurdi, James Blanco, Wowie de Guzman, Kevin Santos, Renz Fernandez, at LJ Reyes. Kasama rin sina Raquel Villavicencio, Rich Asuncion, Joana Marie Tan, Maricris Garcia, Chariz Solomon, Buboy Villar, Gene Padilla, at Frank Magalona.

··• ••

·• ~ •

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SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Entertainment

Jason at Melai, nag-mature, thanks kay baby

MELAI Cantiveros and Jason Francisco

By GLEN P. SIBONGA

MALAKI raw ang nabago sa mag-asawang Melai Cantiveros at Jason Francisco sa pagdating sa buhay nila ng kanilang first baby na si Amelia Lucille o Baby Mela. Mas naging mature daw sila lalo na pagdating sa pera upang mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang baby.

“Talagang parang mature ka na about sa pera. Kaya nga kami sa Cavite na tumira para makaipon ng over-over,” sabi ni Melai.

Dagdag pa ni Jason, malaki raw ang nase-save nila mula renta kumpara noong nagre-rent pa sila noon sa Quezon City. “Mga sixteen thousand ‘yung parang natipid,” ani Jason.

Ito nga ang naging pahayag ng mag-asawa kina Boy Abunda at Kris Aquino sa interview nila sa “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” noong Hunyo 18.

Inilantad din nina Melai at Jason na malilipat na sa Hulyo at hindi na ngayong Hunyo ang binyag ni Baby Mela. Sabi ni Melai, “’Di ba June,

Ms. Kris. Tapos ngayon July na lang kasi ‘di ba nga may mga alis tayo Ms. Kris, trabaho. So, unahin na lang muna ‘yun bago muna ‘yung binyag.”

Mismong si Kris na ang nagbunyag ng sinasabing pagsasamahan nila ni Melai. Ayon kay Kris, “Kasi makakasama ko si Melai sa Macau as part of the third anniversary celebration of Kris TV. So, ikaw ang aking travel buddy.”

May napili na raw sina Melai at Jason na simbahan para sa gagawing binyagan. Nakapili na rin daw sila ng magiging mga ninong at ninang.

Dahil nag-iipon nga sila para sa binyag, natutuwa si Melai na may

trabaho na ulit na dumarating sa kanya. “Gusto kong i-announce ang June 28, “Maalaala Mo Kaya”, directed by Eric Quizon. Ang mga artista diyan ay sina Shaina Magdayao at Ejay Falcon. Ako ‘yung bestfriend ni Shaina,” sabi ni Melai.

Tanong naman ni Boy kay Jason, kung gusto ba nitong mapabilang sa isang sitcom o sa isang teleserye? “Ako kasi parang mas gusto ko seryoso kasi sineseryoso ako ng mga tao talaga eh. At saka ang totoo kong personality, seryoso talaga ako. So, sa totoo lang nahihirapan akong magpatawa kasi hindi talaga ako marunong. Kagaya niyan may kontrata pa naman kami sa ABS, parang mas gusto ko seryoso talaga,” pagtatapat ni Jason.

Dahil mag-asawa naman sila, natanong din sina Melai at Jason kung kumusta ang sex life nila?

Pagbubunyag kasi ni Kris noong nagpunta siya sa lugar nina Melai sa General Santos para sa taping ng isang episode ng Kris TV, sinabi

‘Ismol Family,’ huwag ismolin GMA’s new sitcom “Ismol Family,” which will premiere on June 22, will take the viewers on fun and inspiring adventures that families will enjoy.

It encourages the viewers to advocate that “gaano man kaliit ang laman ng bulsa, kaya mong maitawid ang buhay nang masaya ang iyong pamilya.”

Leading the cast of “Ismol Family” are Ryan Agoncillo and Carla Abellana who will portray as Jingo, a responsible and loving husband to his pretty and strong-willed wife Majay.

Joining the cast are Carmi Martin as Mama A, Majay’s mother; Mikael Daez as Bernie, Jingo’s bestfriend; Mike “Pekto” Nacua as Bobong, Majay’s older brother; Kevin Santos as Lance, Mama A’s young boyfriend; Miguel Tanfelix as Tan-tan, Yumi’s classmate; Bianca Umali as Yumi, Bobong’s daughter; Marc Justine Alvarez as PJ, Jingo and Majay’s only son; Natalia Moon as Natalia, Jingo and Majay’s techie house help.

Directed by Dominic Zapata, “Ismol Family” airs every Sunday after 24 Oras Weekend on GMA.

RYAN Agoncillo

ni Melai na ayaw muna niya.

Bago pa sumagot si Melai, hinawakan ni Jason ang kamay ng asawa at siya na ang umako sa pagsagot. “Alam mo kung iisipin mo mas may mahalaga naman kaysa sa kerengkeng (sex). Kasi minsan pag nag-kiss ka sa isang tao, naghug ka sa isang tao, parang nararamdaman mo nang husto (‘yung pagmamahal),” sabi ng aktor.

Pero kontra ni Kris, bilang lalaki meron din daw needs si Jason.

Pagtatanggol naman ni Melai sa asawa, “Ms. Kris, I’m so proud

kasi hindi siya masyadong needs (naghahanap).”

“Minsan alam mo nagagawan naman ng paraan. Alam mo ‘pag minsan nalalayo, eh di gagawin na. Napakadaling kumalabit naman eh,” biro ni Jason.

Pero kung si Melai raw ang tatanungin ayaw pa niyang sundan si Baby Mela. “Pero kailangan huwag munang gumawa, Ms. Kris, dahil nakaka-trauma ang panganganak, alam mo naman iyan. Basta ngayon kung kayang pigilan, pigilan muna ang init ng katawan.”

Rising Kapuso singer releases debut album FRESH Kapuso singer James Wright has just released his five-track debut album under GMA Records.

The 18-year-old’s selftitled record includes his lead single “Sana’y JAMES Ikaw”, which was used Wright as theme song for the primetime series Carmela. The album contains four other songs composed by Vehnee

Saturno.

Wright, a FilipinoAustralian upstart from Hong Kong, finished fifth place in GMA Network’s reality talent show “Anak Ko ‘Yan”.

His debut album is now available at record bars nationwide, and can also be downloaded in digital format via iTunes and Amazon.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

11

Pageant for singles, single moms launched

By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA

A BEAUTY pageant for singles and single moms was launched recently in Manila.

The 2014 Miss Global Philippines beauty contest will embrace both singles and single mothers who possess not just beauty, but also the passion to serve and the commitment to make a difference for the country and its people.

“I know many single moms out there dreamed of becoming a beauty queen, but it was cut short by motherhood. Now is the time to reclaim their dreams,’’ said young businesswoman Pauline Laping, who heads the Miss Global Philippines Foundation Inc., at the launching of the new beauty contest in Manila.

Miss Earth Air 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz, co-partner of the same beauty pageant, said the advocacy of the 2014 Miss Global Philippines is tourism.

“Through the Miss Global Philippines pageant, we hope to help our government’s initiative by staging a grand beauty event that is dedicated to promoting Philippine tourism,’’ said Stefanowitz. She added that the beauty pageant will focus on local destinations that have not been widely promoted.

“We’re here to provide support to government initiatives, both on national and local levels, in promoting Philippine tourism through concert-

ed efforts of the organization and the pageant’s eventual winners,’’ said Stefanowitz.

Laping added that tourism is a lucrative industry and has helped a lot of Filipinos in many ways especially those living in the countryside.

Miss Global Philippines 2014 is open to singles and single moms but never been married aged 18- to 27-years-old, at least 5’6” tall, and reached college level.

Organizers are eyeing some 30 candidates for this year’s contest.

The winner will receive R300,000 cash and other prizes while the four runners-up will each get R50,000 cash and other prizes.

Registration for the pageant is ongoing, with the official press presentation of the candidates expected to be held sometime in July.

Coronation night will be held in August.

This year’s winner will represent the Philippines in the 2014 Miss Global beauty contest that will take place in the prestigious stage of the Crown Princess cruise sailing from Los Angeles, California to Mexico with excursions in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas from December 12 to 20. Emily Kiss of Canada is the reigning Miss Global.

Selena stalker sentenced to treatment Woman kills, cooks husband’s genitals NANCY – A 71-year-old Frenchwoman is to undergo psychiatric testing after killing her husband and cooking his heart, nose, and genitals.

A judicial source said the woman was arrested on May 22 in the northern French town of Longwy, describing her as “the female Hannibal Lecter,” after the fictional cannibal in thriller “The Silence of the Lambs.”

The woman killed her 80-year-old husband with a kitchen mortar she used for grinding spices then “cooked his heart, nose, and genital organs in a pot but we don’t know if she ate them,” the source said.

(AFP)

LOS ANGELES – A tress and her homeless man has home for 10 been ordered to unyears.

Authorities said dergo psychologiCruz went to the cal treatment after home of Gomez pleading no contest twice and was arto stalking Selena rested in March Gomez. for breaking into Los Angeles County her guesthouse. prosecutors said Che He pleaded no Thomas Cruz entered contest in April the plea Friday and to a misdemeanwas told to spend six or trespassing months in a residencharge. tial treatment facility SELENA Gomez (AP Photo) Cruz spent two days in jail, but followed by a year of psychological hours after his release, he jumped treatment.

He’ll also have to stay 200 yards a fence at Gomez’s home and was (meters) away from the singer-ac- rearrested. (AP)

12 SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014 AGOS

Comics RICHEL G. DOROTAN/LOUIE CELE-

Sports

Chabon tops qualifier but birdied the fifth hole before dropping a stroke on the next.

She, however, held on with pars in the last 12 holes to beat local bets Tsai-Ching Tseng, who made a 74, Jasmine Lew, who turned in a 75, and Abigail Wiranatha, who hobbled with a 76.

Sam Green, also a member of Team ICTSI, struggled with a 77.

Chabon’s victory came on the heels of Princess Superal’s topping of the US Girls’ Sectional Qualifying in Missouri that assured the reigning SEA Games individual champion a spot in the US Girls’ Championship also set next month in New Jersey.

Feeling rusty but ready to play again, Tiger Woods said Friday he would return to competition next week at Congressional in the Quicken Loans National.

Woods last played on March 9 at Doral, where he dealt with pain in his lower back and closed with a 78 for his highest final-round score on the PGA Tour. He had back surgery March 31, forcing him to miss the Masters for the first time. He also missed the U.S. Open last week at Pinehurst No. 2.

Inter-gov’t female sports meet July 8

aims to promote unity, camaraderie, harmony, and sportsmanship among government employees.

“There are many female employees working in various government agencies. They have the chance to showcase their skills in their favorite sports,” commissioner and tournament-in-charge Gillian “Akiko” Thomson-Guevara said.

Thomson-Guevara, a decorated swimmer, is set to welcome guests from various public agencies in-

cluding Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Melita Thomeczek, Ronaldo Joves, Danilo Montillano and Josephine Panes.

“Our goal is to win the overall title. We can only achieve it by fielding our best female athletes,” said PSC chairman Ricardo Garcia.

“Our athletes will have the opportunity to use the facilities in their preparation for the competition,” added Garcia. (Clyde Mariano)

TIPSTER B - R1: Oh Oh Seven/Sliotar; R2: Ikaw Ha Ikaw Ha/Monte Napoleone; R3: Kid Molave/Malaya; R4: Dream Supreme/Don Ronaldo; R5: Windy Wind/Gintong Biyaya; R6: Sa Totoo Lang/Yes Beauty; R7: Par Exellance/Onerockwell; R8: Eurasian/Seni Seviyorum; R9: Square Deal/Yona; R10: Dome Of Peace/Madam Rhea; R11: Tito Arru/Wild Monashee; R12: Fields Of Gold/Pilyo; R13: Apo Express/ Damansuria.

TIPSTER C - R1: Oh Oh Seven/Divine Eagle; R2: Bondi Junction/Ikaw Ha Ikaw Ha; R3: Kid Molave/Low Profile; R4: Don

Ronaldo/Dream Supreme; R5: Windy Wind/Speed Affirmed; R6: Yes Beauty/Pearlescence; R7: Par Exellance/Stone Rose; R8: Queen Ramfire/Eurasian; R9: Fairy Star/ Yona; R10: Dome Of Peace/Handsome Hunk; R11: Tito Arru/Hot Gossip; R12: Fields Of Gold/One Bahamas; R13: Super Elegant/ Damansuria.

BEST CHOICE - R1: Oh Oh Seven; R2: Ikaw Ha Ikaw; R3: Kid Molave; R4: Dream Supreme; R5: Windy Wind; R6: Yes Beauty; R7: Par Exellance; R8: Eurasian; R9: Yona; R10: Dome Of Peace; R11: Tito Arru; R12: Fields Of Gold; R13: Damansuria.

RACE TIPS Today’s Races (Santa Ana) Starting at 2:30 P.M. TIPSTER A - R1: Oh Oh Seven/Divine Eagle; R2: So So Lucky/Ikaw Ha Ikaw Ha; R3: Kid Molave/Malaya; R4: Don Ronaldo/Dream Supreme; R5: Windy Wind/Speed Affirmed; R6: Yes Beauty/Sa Totoo Lang; R7: Par Exellance/Renaissance Lady; R8: Eurasian/Queen Ramfire; R9: Yona/Papa Joe; R10: Dome Of Peace/Wen Wen; R11: Tito Arru/ Bahala Na; R12: One Bahamas/ Fields Of Gold; R13: Damansuria/ Apo Express.

13

Tiger sets return

Sofit Chabon toughened up at the backside and carded a oneover 73 to top the Junior World Golf Championships qualifier at the Menifee Lakes Golf Club in Menifee, California Friday.

Chabon, a mainstay of Team ICTSI, fumbled with two bogeys against a bogey in the early going but parred the last nine holes to turn in a 37-36 round and best a big field chasing the lone slot in the 13-14 division of the Junior World slated next month in San Diego.

Chabon, coming off a victory in the 15-and-under section in the Royal Selangor Junior Amateur Open last April, bogeyed No. 3

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will lead all participating government agencies in the 3rd Inter-Government Agency Female Employees sports competition on July 8 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The month-long competition

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Answer yesterday

The announcement on his Facebook page delivered a jolt of good news to golf. Woods has been the game’s biggest draw since he turned pro in 1996, and with limited information about his recovery, speculation was starting to build that he might not make it to any majors this year.

“After a lot of therapy, I have recovered well and will be supporting my foundation next week at the Quicken Loans National,’’ Woods said on Facebook. “I’ve just started to hit full shots, but it’s time to take the next step. I will be a bit rusty, but I want to play myself back into competitive shape. Excited for the challenge ahead.’’

This is the first year for a new title sponsor at the PGA Tour event that donates its charity money to the Tiger Woods Foundation, and the tournament earlier this year secured an agreement to return

to Congressional every other year through 2020.

Woods on Thursday announced that he signed a new endorsement deal with MusclePharm, which will display its logo on his golf bag.

“He has been the face of golf for the last 15, 20 years, and golf is a better sport and a better place with Tiger Woods in it,’’ two-time major champion Rory McIlroy said last week at the U.S. Open.

“So hopefully, he has a speedy recovery and he gets back on the course soon, because any tournament where Tiger Woods is a factor, he creates a big buzz.’’

This is the second-longest break Woods has taken from golf because of injury. He missed the second half of the 2008 season when he had reconstructive surgery on his left knee just a week after winning the U.S. Open for his 14th major.

SILIP JOHNNY DECENA

A

2nd Leg Triple Crown

LL roads lead to the Santa Ana Saddle & Clubs Leisure Park this Sunday to witness the staging of the much-awaited 2nd Leg Triple Crown Championship Series.

Only 8 horses were able to sweep the Series in the 77-year history of the event which begun un 1978.

They were, it’s nice to remember, Fair & Square (1981), Skywalker (1983), Time Master (1987), Magic Showtime (1988), Sun Dancer (1989), Strong Material (1996), Real Top (1996) and Silver Story (2001).

This year, only the 1st Leg winner Kid Molave can duplicate the feats of the past Triple Crown Champions mentioned above.

I would like to make mention that when the series begun in 1978 the winner was Native Gift, ridden by “El Maestro” Elias “Eleng” Ordiales who also won the 2nd Leg but was frustrated in the 3rd Leg

by Majority Rule.

This Sunday the entries here are: Mr. E.A. Santos’ Kid Molave (J.A. Guce), H.S. Esguerra’s Macho Machine (F.M. Raquel, Jr.), Jade Bros.’

Matang Tubig (C.V. Garganta), R.B. Dimacuha’s Low Profile (M.A. Alvarez), Benhur Abalos, Jr.’s couple entry Malaya (J.B. Hernandez), and Kanlaon (Val Dilema) and L.M. Javier, Jr.’s couple entry Kaiserlautern (A.B.Alcasid, Jr.) and Tap Dance (J.B.Guce).

Set to be disputed a distance of 1,800 Meters, the winner here gets R1,800,000, while the 2nd thru the 4th placers shall receive R650,000, R375,000 and R150,000, respectively. Breeder’s purse: R100,000 to the breeder of the winning horse (Local Horse only), sponsored by Philracom.

We have 13 Races today na kinapapalooban ng 2 sets each ng WTA Pick-5 at Pick-4 events at 1 set ng Pick-6 bukod pa sa mga exotic events like the now very popular na Daily Double plus 1 event or DD+1.

Habang isinusulat ko ito ngayong Sabado, ongoing naman ang 2014 Philracom-sponsored Hopeful Stakes race.

Samantala, tinamaan na kahapon at San Lazaro ang Super Six carry over amount of R213,372.15 at ang mga nagsitama rito ay nakabahagi ng premyong R7,877.00 each kung saan nanalo ang Standing Strong.

See you guys at Samson’s Billiard or/at Obet dela Paz Momay’s Carinderia OTB in Marick, Cainta...Good Luck!!

14

Sports

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Samba party for Americas

HONDURAS’ Brayan Beckeles, left, challenges Ecuador’s Jefferson Montero during the group E World Cup soccer match at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil. Ecuador won, 2-1. (AP)

Wie leads at Pinehurst PINEHURST, United States (AFP) – Michelle Wie capped her second straight 68 with back-to-back birdies on Friday to seize a three-stroke lead halfway through the US Women’s Open golf championship.

Wie had a 36-hole total of four-under par 136, and was the only player under par when she walked off the course.

By the end of the day, she was three strokes clear of 19-year-old compatriot Lexi Thompson, who also posted a second-round 68 at Pinehurst for a one-under par total of 139.

World number one Stacy Lewis shared third place after a 73 for 240. She was tied with Australian amateur Minjee Lee, who carded a 71, and South Korean Amy Yang who posted a 69.

“End of the day yesterday, I was thinking if I just did this again, that

would be nice,’’ Wie said.

“Finishing with two birdies is always great,’’ the American added. “It’s a grind out there. It’s not easy. Really grateful for the par putts that I made and some of the birdie putts that I made. I can’t complain. I’ll take it.’’

Thompson teed off on 10 and rebounded from a bogey at 18 with three birdies in a row at three, four and five.

“Today went very well for me, I stayed within my routine and went one shot at a time,’’ Thompson said. “That’s what the US Women’s Opens are all about, you just have to stay patient.

“There’s not as many birdie holes on this golf course,’’ Thompson added of Pinehurst No. 2, where the world’s top men battled in the US Open last week.

“Out here you have to put your

ball on certain parts of the greens and take your par and be happy with it. Sometimes out here even bogeys are good.’’

Lewis, the defending Women’s British Open champion, has already posted two wins this season at the North Texas LPGA Shootout and ShopRite Classic.

But she found the going tough on Friday, with her three birdies countered by six bogeys.

Even so, the American welcomed the challenge heading into the weekend.

“I like it when you have to hit good shots and think your way around the golf course,’’ Lewis said. “The USGA will keep switching things up, and I think it’s fine when they make the golf course harder.

“I think being four shots back on a hard golf course is a good place to be.’’

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – The World Cup of surprises is turning into a sweet samba party for teams from the Americas.

Having already stunned one former world champion, little Costa Rica shocked another on Friday and sent a third one home.

Then the French exploded with five goals against their Swiss neighbors. In the evening game, Ecuador downed Honduras 2-1.

The story so far: Two European powers – Spain and England – are out of contention after just two games. European teams have played eight teams from the Americas and won just twice. The nine teams from Africa and Asia have contrived to win just one game between them.

But for teams from the Americas, their record as of Friday against nations from other regions: played 12, lost just two.

Ole! In short, the new world is embarrassing the old one.

None of the previous seven World Cups in the Americas were won by teams outside Latin America. On current evidence, this one looks increasingly unlikely to be the exception.

Although the score was just 1-0, Costa Rica was a convincing winner Friday over four-time champion Italy in the coastal city of Recife. Having also won its first match, 3-1, against twotime winner Uruguay, Costa Rica is now guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage.

Costa Rica’s win also killed off England’s faint hopes of advancing. Italy and Uruguay will play each other Tuesday to determine which of them joins Costa Rica in advancing from Group D and which will join 1966 champion England and 2010 winner Spain in phoning their travel agents.

Costa Rica, with just 5 million people, was seen as the easy opponent in the group – the first ever with three former world champions. Instead, the Ticos have looked the hungriest team of the four, and are already preparing for a knockout game.

The only two European nations to have beaten Americas teams so far in Brazil are France and Switzerland, which overcame Honduras and Ecuador, respectively, in their first Group E matches. On Friday, France and Switzerland played each other in Salvador, also on the coast. The French were rampant winners, 52, all but guaranteeing they, too,

will advance to the last 16 for only the second time since they won the title in 1998.

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld tipped France to go “very far in this tournament” after it shredded his team’s defenses and reputation as tough to break down. Five different players scored for France.

If it stays on top of Group E, it will likely face Iran, Nigeria or Bosnia in the last 16. They should all be manageable opponents for the talented French who are rebuilding their reputation ruined by a training ground strike by players at the last World Cup. Friday marked the fourth anniversary of that debacle in South Africa.

Attackers Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema each scored one goal and created another against the Swiss. Benzema went 15 games without scoring for France in 2012-2013. He now is among just four players to have three goals in Brazil.

“Karim is confirming that he’s in very, very good form. He’s in great shape athletically,” said France coach Didier Deschamps. “Having such an efficient player is very important in a competition like this.”

The outcome of Group E remains undecided even after Honduras’ loss in Curitiba to Ecuador, its second defeat of the tournament. France, with two wins and most goals scored and fewest allowed, is best placed to go through.

Costa Rica had never beaten Uruguay in eight previous attempts or Italy in their only meeting in 1994. If it beats England in the teams’ first-ever encounter next Tuesday, Costa Rica will complete a hat-trick of victories over those former champions with seven World Cup titles between them.

Their victory over the Italians was no fluke. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made several diving saves. But he couldn’t reach Bryan Ruiz’s pinpoint header in the 44th minute off Junior Diaz’s long, curling cross from the left.

Costa Rica ground to a standstill as government employees took the day off to watch the game and many schools shut down shortly after the victory to allow children to join celebrations.

Crowds shouting: “Yes, we did it!” blocked streets of downtown San Jose, the capital. In Brazil, players began to receive photos of the party on their smartphones.

Sports

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

15

Nietes to fight in US in November

NBA superstar Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks during a press conference for the Master Gameface All Star at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City Friday night. (Photo by Tony Pionilla)

Cavaliers gamble on Europe’s top coach CLEVELAND (AP) – David Blatt went overseas to chase his basketball dreams. He’s coming back to fulfill them.

One of Europe’s top coaches, Blatt was hired Friday by the Cavaliers, who ended a sweeping, 39-day search with an out-of-thebox selection they hope changes their fortunes.

American-born, Princetonschooled and considered one of the game’s brightest offensive minds, the 55-year-old Blatt has long been interested in coaching in the NBA and the Cavs will give him his first shot.

The club signed him to a three-year deal that includes a team option for a fourth year and could be worth $20 million.

Cleveland contacted high-profile college coaches and interviewed

both retreaded head coaches and on-the-rise assistants before zeroing in and landing Blatt, who won several European titles while coaching in Israel and guided Russia to a bronze medal at the London Olympics two years ago.

“David Blatt is going to bring some of the most innovative approaches found in professional basketball anywhere on the globe,’’ Cavs owner Dan Gilbert said. “Time and time again, from Russia to Israel and several other prominent head coaching jobs in between, David has done one thing: `win’. He is not only an innovator, well-trained and focused on both sides of the court, but he is always learning and always teaching.’’

Blatt will be introduced by the team Wednesday.

‘Learn and Play’ The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has organized Learn and Play program, a free weekly event that hones young children who aspires to become athletes in different fields.

Grade two pupil Rommen Orpilla of Cavite City travels to Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit every Saturday with her mother to learn taekwondo for free under Palarong Pambansa veterans Joseph Arana and Kimberly Dones.

“Gusto kong gumaling sa taekwondo para makapaglaro sa bansa paglaki ko,” said the eightyear-old Orpilla.

Joining Orpilla were Jerine Rae Samaco, Cydie Garcia and siblings Aaron and Lainan de Guzman, who all wanted to represent the country in the future.

“Walang pasok sa eskwela tuwing Sabado kaya pumunta kami dito para mag-aral ng taekwondo.

Hilig namin ang taekwondo,” the de Guzmans told.

Meanwhile, Renzie Mae Cuevas and Kurt Layegan played badminton with Ronald Napalan.

Aside from taekwondo and badminton, the Learn and Play also offers aerobics and volleyball. (Clyde Mariano)

DANAO, Cebu—Donnie Nietes, the crown jewel of the ALA Boxing Club, is set to make a splash on US shores when the fast-rising Cebu City-based promotional outfit stages its first event in America in November.

Nietes will be defending the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight crown for the fifth time against a Mexican opponent to be determined later with Los Angeles as venue.

A few weeks ago, ALA Boxing was awarded a promotional license in California and the company’s big boss, Michael Aldeguer, is currently working on a big show that will be headlined by Nietes.

Nietes, 32, cemented his status as the world’s premier 108-pounder with a crushing ninth-round knockout of Moises Fuentes of

Mexico last month in Manila.

While Aldeguer is busy attending to their promotional needs with the help of his right-hand man Dennis Canete, Nietes is preparing to head back to training camp.

A group of Manila-based scribes and ring officials gathered Friday night in Aldeguer’s classy beach house with Nietes in attendance and Canete said the Los Angeles will be the perfect venue for Nietes’ fight owing to the large concentration of Hispanics there.

Nietes said he has more than enough time to get ready for his US debut and intends to rekindle the ferocity and ring savvy he displayed in dismantling Fuentes, who came into the clash as the division’s mandatory challenger.

“Kahit saan, kahit sino,” said

Nietes when asked about his next bout.

Nietes is actually a two-division titleholder as he had previously been a champion at minimumweight (105 lbs).

Since winning the WBO 108-lb crown in October 2011, Nietes has defended it four times, beating Mexicans Felipe Salguero and Sammy Gutierrez and drawing with Fuentes in March 2013 and defeating him in the rematch held last month.

Nietes said he is right on track in his bid to get back to training mode as his weight remains in check.

“122 lbs,” said Nietes when a handful of scribes asked him what’s his weight when he is not training. “No problem.” (Nick Giongco)

Langley up

He was one stroke in front of South Korean K.J. Choi and Americans Michael Putnam and Harris English.

Putnam’s 63 was the best round of the day, while English carded a 64 and Choi a 65.

“I just had really good tempo,’’ Langley said. ‘’The name of the game out here is putting. I putted quite well. I feel confident on the greens. My speed is pretty well dialed in.’’

First-round leader Brendan Steele was in a group on 131 af-

ter a second-round 69. He was joined by fellow Americans Ryan Moore (68), Eric Axley (67) and Jamie Lovemark (63).

Dustin Johnson was alone in ninth place after his second straight 66 for 132.

Through the first two rounds, Johnson has missed just six greens in regulation and made a dozen birdies.

“I’m hitting the ball well, I’m getting good looks at the hole, making some putts,’’ Johnson said.

CROMWELL, United States (AFP) – American Scott Langley had eight birdies in a five-under 65 on Friday to grab the secondround lead in the US PGA Tour’s $6.2 million Travelers Championship.

Langley, a 25-year-old seeking his first victory on the US Tour, had an 11-under par total of 129 after two rounds on the TPC River Highlands Course.

Monterubio, Albo bag silvers Kenneth Monterubio and Nicole Albo fell short of their respective title bids as they dropped straightset loss to fancied foreign aces in the FDG Cup Open and Invitational badminton tournament at Powersmash Badminton Center in Makati yesterday.

Monterubio put up a tough stand against top seed Des Adirangga of Indonesia but lost steam and yielded a 19-21, 18-21 setback in the Open men’s singles finals while the young Albo succumbed to the power-hitting Lili Wang of China and absorbed a 6-21, 10-21 loss in the women’s singles side.

Still, it was an impressive finish for the PBA-Smash Pilipinas bets with the No. 14 Monterubio upending No. 10 Ros Pedrosa,

21-18, 16-21, 21-10, to seal a title clash with Adirangga, who thwarted local ace R-Jay Ormilla, 23-21, 21-16, in the two-weekend ranking tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association and held in honor of Robinsons Land Corp. president Frederick D. Go. Monterubio earlier stunned No. 8 Kevin Cudiamat with his power game, 21-11, 21-11, to advance to the semis against Pedrosa, who subdued Kevin Dalisay, 2112, 21-15.

Albo wore down joint No. 2 Asifa Nur Farisma of Indonesia, 21-16, 12-21, 20-12 (ret.), to gain a crack at the crown in the event held in partnership with Smart Live More, Smash Pilipinas, the PNRS and Partners

Cup with Li-ning as the official shuttlecock.

Wang also scored an abbreviated win over top seed Chiang Pei Hsin of Taiwan, who retired after taking the first set and the first point in the second frame, 18-21, 0-1.

Meanwhile, Chinese former world No. 1 Wang Lin and Wang Xin showcased their world-class skills before local fans in exhibition matches highlighting the 11th staging of the annual event with the former teaming up with Go and the with Philippine Badminton Association sec-gen Rep. Albee Benitez.

Go later partnered with Xin as they mixed it up with Lin and former national standout Kennevic Asuncion.

SPORTS

Samba party for Americas

Editor: REY C. BANCOD

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

•

14

Assistant Editor: TITO S. TALAO

Aces go for 2-0 lead vs Painters

By TITO S. TALAO

Game Today (Smart Araneta) 5 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Alaska Suddenly for the Alaska Aces, a 51-point nightmare now seems just like a bad dream. They still wake up in a cold sweat, but no longer are there demons to haunt them.

The Aces got a measure of revenge from the muck-raking humiliation they absorbed from Rain or Shine two weeks ago, shocking their tormentor, 97-93, Friday night, in Game 1 of their semifinal showdown in the PBA PLDT Home Telpad Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska hopes to push the Elasto Painters closer to the cliff today when its shoots for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 series, a development that could set up the Aces for one of the biggest comeback stories in PBA history.

Gametime is 5 p.m. also at the Big Dome.

Though he didn’t say it out loud, Alaska coach Alex Compton must be thanking the gods for sending the Aces back to earth with a heavy thud.

“It’s good that everywhere we go, we’re reminded of that 51point loss,” he said. “Finally we got them (Rain or Shine). But this is just the first game. Nobody’s won a five-game series in Game One.” Nobody has lost it either by dropping the opener.

Rain or Shine, however, will come to rue a crucial turnover by inbounding Paul Lee, whose chest pass to Jeff Chan, curling out of a stack formation, was swiped by Henry Wallker in the closing seconds. Walker went on to hit two free throws after getting fouled in transition to give Alaska a 97-93 lead with three seconds remaining.

The Elasto Painters had a 9388 lead with 3:59 left following an Arizona Reid jumper. But the E-Painters went on an icy funk, missing wide open 3s by Lee and Chan and opening the door for the Aces’ return.

Reid led Rain or Shine with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Lee contributed 19 points on 5of-7 shooting from three-point range. He also committed six of the team’s 15 turnovers.

Walker had 14 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead jumper that made it 95-93 and the defensive gem that sealed the outcome.

“I thought Henry was great down the stretch. He used his size to his advantage,” said Compton.

Alaska extended its winning run from the elimination to five while halting the Elasto Painters’ streak at six. Still, redemption is still two wins away for Alaska which suffered a 123-72 blowout loss to RoS last June 4, shattering their image and precipitating a couple of negative reports..

“This gives us confidence,” said Compton. “Hopefully we can build from this.”

Meanwhile, Game 2 of the series between Grand Slam-seeking San Mig Super Coffee, ahead 10, and Talk ‘N Text was ongoing at presstime, with both teams looking to either make or thwart history in their revenge-colored semis.

The Mixers are gunning to become only the fourth team after the Crispa Redmanizers (1976 and 1983), San Miguel Beer (1989) and Alaska Milk (1996) to complete a three-conference sweep of a single season, while the Tropang Texters are seeking payback for an excruciating Game 7 loss to San Mig (then known as B-Meg Llamados) during the 2012

ALASKA’S Gabby Espinas (right) tests the defense of Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga during PBA semifinal action Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Aces won, 97-93. (Photo by Tony Pionilla) Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

San Mig coach Tim Cone is also eyeing his second Grand Slam after leading Alaska during the Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa and Bong Hawkins era 18 years ago.

Scores: ALASKA 97 – Walker 31, Thoss 16, Manuel 14, Casio 7,

Jazul 7, Abueva 7, Espinas 5, Hontiveros 5, Baguio 5, Dela Cruz 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 93 – Reid 27, Lee 19, Chan 14, Tiu 8, Norwood 6, Arana 5, Belga 4, Almazan 3, Ibanes 3, Cruz 2, Nuyles 2, Rodriguez 0.

Quarters: 19-24, 46-45, 7374, 97-93.

TREAT Huey

Huey, pal win title on grass Long-time tennis partners Treat Huey and Dominic Inglot triumphed twice on Friday to capture the Aegon International doubles title at the grass court in Eastbourne, Great Britain.

The Fil-American Huey and British Inglot first edged British wildcard pair Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins, 7-6 (2), 6-3, in a continuation of their semifinal affair after play was suspended due to darkness on Thursday before stunning top seed and defending champion Alexander Peya of Austria and Bruno Soares of Brazil, 7-5, 5-7, 10-8, to take home the crown.

It was Huey and Inglot’s first title win on grass as they aim to use it as a springboard to their Wimbledon campaign this week.

They made it to the third round -- their best feat so far -- in last year’s edition of the said Grand Slam.

“They’re a really tricky team,” said Inglot in an interview to ATPWorldTour.com. “We’ve played them numerous times and we’ve pushed them to three sets but have never won. To come through on a final was really satisfying and a big confidence-booster going into Wimbledon.”

En route to their victory, Huey and Inglot upset second pick Leander Paes of India and Aisam Qureshi of Pakistan, 6-4, 6-3, in the quarterfinals, and Great Britain’s Jaime Murray and Australian John Peers, 6-3, 7-6 (4), in the 16-pair draw.

Huey and Inglot also claimed their third crown as a tandem following title victories in the 2013 Swiss Indoors Basel in Switzerland and the 2012 Citi Open in Washington DC. With the win, Huey and Inglot are expected to improve their respective Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) doubles rankings of Nos. 26 and No. 22.

(Kristel Satumbaga)