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MARCH 2018

Duterte to build city for workers

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housands of government workers are to be moved from Manila to a new city that is being built in a former US military base, as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration seeks to ease a traffic gridlock in the capital.

The government and private companies are investing more than 50 billion pesos (US$973 million) to build an administrative center in New Clark City. Within five years, the area is expected to have at least eight mid-rise government towers, 8,000 housing units and a train connecting it to Manila about 100km away.

“The vision is to build a new thriving city outside Metro Manila that’s well-planned, future proof,” said Vince Dizon, president of the state-run Bases Conversion Development

Authority, which is overseeing the 9,450 hectare development. “We will slowly move some government activities to Clark to pumpprime the city.”

The project is part of Duterte’s plan to decentralize state offices away from Manila’s gridlocked streets.

The capital, home to 13 million people and accounting for about one-third of the nation’s economy, will become a “dead city” within 25 years, Duterte said in a speech last month supporting the development of the city, whose name is derived from the former Clark Air Force Base that was closed in 1991.

About 1 million people in the capital region work for the government, adding to traffic congestion that a 2014 Japan International Cooperation Agency study said costs the

NGO to launch app for OFWs

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he Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Watch, a non-government organization looking after the welfare of the workers abroad, is set to launch an OFW Watch mobile application at Amya Building along Quimpo Boulevard, Matina, Davao City, Friday, February 2.

OFW Watch founder and head Myrna Padilla, in an interview, said the OFW Watch mobile application is a software program designed to link OFWs in distress, those in need of assistance anywhere in the world, anytime of the day, via mobile gadgets.

“Because of the rapid changes of the community and the use of the Facebook app, the future is the mobile, our team developed this app as a tool to empower OFWs to help themselves and the agencies supporting them,” Padilla said.

She said the app is a one-click process for workers abroad who are in distress and/or in trouble, a data sharing, and other means of internet application made easy via mobile phone for the welfare of the OFWs anywhere in the world.

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economy about 2.5 billion pesos a day in lost productivity. That is expected to climb to 6 billion pesos a day by 2030.

Bases Conversion is to start moving to Clark this year. The Philippine Department of Transportation transferred its office to Clark last year.

The first phase of the 200-hectare administrative center also involves the development of back-up offices for government agencies to ensure continuity in case of disaster. An aquatics and athletics center that is to serve as the venue for the 30th Southeast Asian Games late next year is also planned, Dizon said.

An expansion of Clark Airport is scheduled to be completed by the first half of 2020, enabling it to handle 12 million

passengers a year and double the number of domestic flights from about 240 weekly.

Bases Conversion, the manager of former military properties, is to this week publish the bidding terms for the contract to operate Clark Airport.

At least 12 billion pesos of roads and bridges are to be built in the next two years, while an industrial park planned by Filinvest Land Inc might have an initial investment of at least 10 billion pesos, Dizon said.

To help fund the Clark City development, Dizon said Bases Conversion is to sell up to 60 hectares of real estate in Taguig City near the financial district of Makati, where land prices are at a record high. —Taipei Times

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OFWs ask for more seats on Overseas Filipino Bank’s board

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isappointed that the much-ballyhooed Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB) only has one seat for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on its board of directors, a group of OFWs are urging President Rodrigo Duterte for action.

Representing 65 organizations from various countries, the 1st OFW Global Summit is spearheading efforts to urge the president to add more seats for OFWs on the bank’s 9-member board to ensure that the labor sector’s rights and welfare are upheld and protected.

The group said that allowing only one seat for OFWs on the board is disturbing considering that the bank was formed for them. “Ang banko na iyan ay ipinatayo para sa mga OFWs,” Yusoph Admain, chairman of the group told The Filipino Times in an interview from Manila.“Nararapat lamang na ang magkokontrol nyan at magpapalakad ay mga OFWs!” (That bank was created for OFWs. So it is only appropriate that OFWs control and operate it.)

“Tayo pa rin ay nagpapasalamat sa mahal na pangulo na minadali na ipatayo ‘yan although hindi tayo 100% satisfied dahil may kulang pa. Isang seat lang sa board is unfair.

Hihimay-himayin natin para mapasa-atin yang OFW bank,” Admain added. (We are

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“I believe any technology can be developed to solve a problem and any businesses, if you think about it, exist because of the problem. So, because I was a domestic helper for 20 years, I believe the

still thankful to our beloved president who expedited the creation of the bank, but we are not 100% satisfied as it’s still lacking. Only one seat for OFWs on the board is unfair. We will look into this and see how this bank can be ours.)

Admain said they have started their advocacy campaign regarding the issue, having held meetings with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief, Hans Leo Cacdac to explore solutions.

Admain, who also chairs the nongovernmental organization, OFW Migrant Policy Institute for Development, said they will also lobby in the House of Representatives and Philippine Senate their call for additional OFW seats on the board.

According to Admain, 250 leaders of 65 OFWs organizations and Filipino community leaders from the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and other countries attended the 1st OFW Global Summit convened in Taguig, Metro Manila on January 7 to iron out a plan of action.

Agnes Tibor, an OFW from Dubai working as an assistant manager for logistics and banking at a trading company, told The Filipino Times that a petition-signing is under consideration. Tibor, who represented The

OFWs need this kind of app,” she said. Padilla said her personal experience of being alone in countries where she earlier worked as domestic helper and led a federation has awakened her subconscious to get connected with her family back home through the social media.

The OFW Watch mobile app includes an SOS (Save Our Soul) and Journal that is useful

Filipino Patriotikos Dubai at the summit, said that what was actually created was a bank that caters to all migrant Filipinos, not just OFWs, contrary to the president’s promise in the campaign.

She said the OFB will function as a lending company with other services that regular banks offer, not as a workers’ cooperative as was envisioned by President Duterte. “What is the essence really of putting up an OF bank if OFWs could not be partakers?” Tibor said, stressing that having OFWs as shareholders was lost in the process of opening the bank.

“Yun ang nawawala sa creation nung banko,” she said. (That’s what was missing in the creation of the bank.)

She said with about 2.5 million OFWs around the world putting in a minimum of $25, the OFW bank could easily have at least $6.2 billion in seed money to run an OFW cooperative. “Kinonbert lang ang Postal Bank into an OF bank and subsidized by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP),” Tibor said.

(What government merely did was convert Postal Bank into an OF bank subsidized by Land Bank.)

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III first announced the OFB in December 2016, and said that it would be partly owned by

for the workers abroad, Padilla said, adding that workers can easily reach the Philippine Consulate and other governments agencies for their concern. OFW Watch, in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), will work together in operating technological solutions to address OFWs’ concerns. Padilla said

OFWs. This is why, Tibor said, a move is being considered by the group to petition the government to appoint OFWs or former OFWs to the board so they could share their experience and wisdom in shaping the bank.

Tibor said plans are afoot for The Filipinos Patriotikos Dubai to meet with Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes and Labor Attaché Felicidad Bay in the coming days to explore ways on how disseminate the ongoing discussions about having more OFW seats on the bank’s board ahead of a scheduled visit by Land Bank representatives in April.

Executive Order 44, signed by President Duterte last September 28 to create the OFB, requires a 9-member board of directors with the following composition: Landbank-designated OFW president as vice chairperson4 Landbank-designated directors or officers s members — A member representing the Department of Labor and Employment — A member representing the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration — A private sector member representing overseas Filipinos Bello said he directed Cacdac to be OWWA’s representative to the board. – Rappler

concerned government agencies will work together to give OFWs access to Owwa-related services through appropriate Application Programming Interfaces to make it OFWfriendly courtesy of OFW Watch.

The OFW Watch also urged OFWs to download the OFW Watch mobile app and be connected.

—SunStar

4 NEWS

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Spain names Madrid street after Dr. Jose Rizal

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street in Madrid, Spain has been renamed after Dr. Jose Rizal following a city hall resolution that approved changing the name of certain streets, squares and crossings, and replacing them with names suggested by the Commission on Historical Memory.

What was formerly Calle de Algabeño in Barrio de Hortaleza will now be officially known as Calle de Jose Rizal, joining the well-known Rizal monument as tourist destinations that pay homage to the Philippine national hero, who once lived in the Spanish capital.

“We welcome the renaming of a street in Madrid to Calle de Jose Rizal. It goes to show that Rizal´s heroic deeds for his country are recognized universally,” said Philippine Ambassador to Spain, Philippe Lhuillier.

Consequently, 52 plazas and streets in Madrid were renamed. Rizal´s name was in the list of illustrious Spanish and foreign historical figures and events that conformed with the criteria set by the Commission.

While the actual street signs have yet to be changed, the new street names are now being used by the local government and in many business addresses.

“The renaming of a street in Madrid to ‘Calle Jose Rizal’ is not only an honor but also a show of respect and great admiration of the City of Madrid to our national hero.

NAMES Continued on Page 6

Pinay nadama ang masidhing damdamin habang nakasakay sa bus

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SSS contribution hike seen in April

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he planned increase in and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill. members’ contribution

Dooc said the rate to 14 percent from commission also sought the present 11 percent is to increase the minimum expected to be implemented monthly salary credit to in April as top officials of the P4,000 from P1,000 at state-run Social Security System present as well as the (SSS) expect President Duterte maximum cap to P20,000 to approve their proposal soon from P16,000. to compensate for the impact of “If we succeed in getting all last year’s pension hike on the these requests approved fund’s life. by the President, we will Emmanuel F. Dooc SSS president and chief SSS president and chief be able to collect more or executive Emmanuel F. Dooc told less P45 billion in additional executive reporters on January 30 that the contribution revenues starting Social Security Commission sent a letter to the from April to the end of this year,” Dooc said.

President through Finance Secretary Carlos G. The higher contribution rate will allow Dominguez, requesting a 3-percentage points the SSS to extend the fund life to 2044 from increase in the contribution rate to cover the the current 2032, which Dooc said would be years 2017 and 2018. “even better” than the prevailing fund life of

The SSS was unable to implement the until 2042. contribution rate adjustment as initially President Duterte had ordered that the scheduled in May last year as it awaited SSS members’ contribution rate be raised in passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration increments of 1.5 percentage points a year

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until 2020 to reach 17 percent from the current 11 percent.

The contribution rate increase is necessary because the SSS’ actuarial life will be reduced by 14-17 years to 2025-2028 if members’ contributions will not be increased.

President Duterte in January last year approved a two-stage monthly pension increase of P2,000, of which P1,000 a month was already being disbursed to pensioners since March.

The latest SSS data showed that its net income plunged to P9.69 billion as of endNovember last year mainly because of the pension increase.

Dooc said the implementation of the contribution rate hike was expected to be “faster” if the President or the Executive Secretary would issue a circular or memorandum similar to the one issued by Mr. Duterte last year to implement the pension increase.

Also, another way that the SSS can raise the contribution rate is through the amendments on the pension fund’s charter currently pending in Congress, which

include a provision empowering the Social Security Commission to implement it without presidential approval, Dooc added.

Dooc earlier said that the SSS was concerned that the implementation of reforms needed to sustain the fund’s life following a pension hike last year, specifically the planned increase in contribution rate, might be delayed to the second quarter as Congress prioritizes other matters, including the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

“The committee report is now being prepared but it has been stalled by the ongoing Senate investigations that have occupied our senators’ priority. We have full trust in Sen. Richard Gordon’s legislative skills and leadership that he would successfully steer it through the plenary and the bicameral conference. We also expect the same support from the leadership of the House [of Representatives], which passed the counterpart measure early last year,” Dooc said —Inquirer

NAMES Continued from Page 5

We Filipinos here in Spain would like to express our gratitude to the Spanish people for this great honor. This strengthens once again the ties that bind Spain and the Philippines,” said Florencio Aliganga, Vice Commander of the Knights of Rizal - La Solidaridad Chapter in Madrid.

Although the Philippines and Spain commemorate 70 years of formal diplomatic

relations this year, Rizal and the interest in him from Spaniards and Filipinos alike, are proof that the relationship between the two countries and its peoples has been longer, deeper and more dynamic than what is formally acknowledged.

Indeed, Rizal did not just leave his footprints in Madrid. He also galvanized his place in Spain´s history as an inspiring figure whose ideals continue to resonate up to this time. —Philstar

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ilitant groups have vowed to continue staging antigovernment protests in the face of President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to go after “legal fronts” of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Duterte told reporters in Davao City on January 26, the day of his return from a trip to India, that he would Members of various militant groups join together to form the go after left-wing organizations, Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) – Metro Manila. adding that he ordered a crackdown against “enemies of the state.” Amira Lidasan, spokeswoman for the newly-launched Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) Metro Manila, said Duterte’s threats of a “political crackdown” demonstrated the “dictatorial and tyrannical rule” of his administration. The movement consists of activist groups and organizations such as the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, National Union of Students of the Philippines, Bayan Muna, Anakbayan and Kabataan Partylist, among others.

“President Duterte seems to be disillusioned in thinking that he can silence the growing dissent and clamor against his tyrannical and dictatorial rule by implementing his iron fist on the people,” Lidasan said “This government cannot bow us down as we remain unfazed and determined to oppose Duterte’s draconian and Marcosian style of leadership. He must brace himself for more and growing series of protests and mass actions in the days to come,” Lidasan said.

Malacañang airs concern over growing hunger in PH

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alacañang expressed concern over the increase in the number of Filipinos who experienced involuntary hunger in the last quarter of 2017, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. He said that the Duterte administration was dealing with the matter. An estimated 3.6 million Filipino families said they experienced hunger last December, about 900,000 families more than the previous quarter as hunger rose in all geographical areas, according to Social Weather Stations (SWS). An average Filipino family has five members. According to an SWS survey, conducted last Dec. 8-16, 15.9 percent of the respondents said they experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months, 4.1 points higher than the 11.8 percent, or 2.7 million families, last September. The incidence of involuntary hunger in the fourth quarter was the highest since the 17.2 percent recorded in December 2014. Roque said the administration was working hard to reduce the vulnerabilities of families. “We’re expanding economic opportunities in agriculture, forestry, fishery sector to address the challenges of food security, while improving our people’s income earning ability, enhancing workers’ employability through Tesda’s skills upgrade program,” he said in a press briefing. The administration has also been providing educational, livelihood and health assistance to the poor and marginalized sectors, and a social pension for senior citizens and the indigent. There is also a supplementary feeding program for poor students, he said. SWS said hunger was 14.7 percent (457,000 families) in Metro Manila last December from 11.7 percent (364,000 families); 17.7 percent (1.8 million families) from 13.8 (1.4 million) percent in the rest of Luzon; 13.3 percent (589,000 families) from 9.7 percent (427,000 families) in the Visayas; and 15.3 percent (802,000 families) from 9.7 percent (506,000 families) in Mindanao.

DSWD waives conditions for release of 4Ps fund to Mayon victims

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on January 29, the temporary suspension of conditionalities for the release of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) funds to beneficiaries affected by the Mayon volcano eruptions in Albay. Volcanic threats, such as lava eruptions and catastrophic mudflows on the slopes of Mayon Volcano, have put 23,434 families or 90,183 individuals at risk. (READ: Phivolcs warns of lahar flow from Mayon after rainfall) “We decided that we will call for the suspension of the conditionalities for 4Ps so that our beneficiaries can receive their cash grants without having to meet the conditions for the program,” said DSWD Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco. Among the conditions for cash transfer that have been waived are: temporary employment for those staying in 76 evacuation centers in Albay to relieve immediate economic difficulties. As of January 30, the DSWD had provided a total of P18,927,024 in assistance to affected families.

PCSO donates P30M to aid Mayon evacuees

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Militants vow more anti-Duterte protests despite ‘crackdown’

l Children’s regular school attendance l Health check-ups l Attendance at Family Development Sessions Leyco, also DSWD Officer-in-Charge, announced the government would implement Cash-for-Work

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he Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has appropriated P30 million from its calamity fund to help the evacuees affected by Mayon volcano in Albay. PCSO Chair Anselmo Simeon Pinili said the donation is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to augment the assistance during his recent visit in Albay. The additional donations will be used for relief operations and calamity assistance for the provinces in the Bicol Region heavily affected by the eruption of Mayon volcano, Pinili said. Under the PCSO Charter or Republic Act (RA) No. 1169, PCSO is mandated “to provide and raise funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character.” In a statement, Pinili said the donations will be sourced from their yearly P100-million calamity fund approved by the Department of Budget and Management for natural and man-made disasters. “Our office maybe undergoing some challenges right now, which I know we can overcome with everyone’s help, but I assure you we will uphold our commitment to the public in bringing health-related activities as part of the President’s Universal Healthcare Program,” said Pinili. “I hope everyone keeps supporting PCSO and let’s try to make PCSO grow and be an office of the people.” Early this year, PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan sent P5 million to the Province of Palawan for the victims of Typhoon “Vinta” which killed dozens of residents in the southern towns of the province. In 2017, PCSO donated P6 million for typhoon Urduja victims in Biliran province; P2.5 million to Davao City; P1 million to Davao del Norte; P500,000 to Tagum City; P200,000 to Davao Occidental; P600,000 to Davao Oriental; and P600,000 for typhoon Vinta victims in Compostela Valley, and P5 million to Marawi City victims.

2017 record-low common crimes rate shows Duterte admin’s success

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he 2017 “record-low” common crime victimization average as shown in the latest survey pollster SWS demonstrates the success of the Duterte administration’s campaign against crime and illegal drugs, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. A dip of 3.7% in June resulted in the lowering of the annual average of people victimized by common crimes to an estimated 1.4 million, said the survey.

“These survey findings, which reflect the sentiment of the public, is a clear validation of the success of the Duterte administration’s anti-crime and anti-drug campaign where residents of Metro Manila feel safer in the streets because of fewer addicts in the neighborhoods. This survey is thus a big boost to the morale of our policemen,” Roque said in a briefing. Roque mentioned that the previous record-low annual average, 6.8%, was registered in 2015.

The survey also shows that a “recordlow” property crime rate in June 2017 resulted in a record-low annual average of 5.6%, and according to Roque, it is the lowest in 28 years.

“While we are encouraged by these

figures, we assure our people that authorities continue to work double-time to ensure the safety of the public in all parts of the country. We vow to continue our efforts to maintain a crime-free community and we extend our thanks to the community for their unrelenting support,” he added.

Over half, or 57%, also said they felt their family was safer in the last six months of the past year, SWS shows.

However, the survey also recorded a rise in the number of people victimized by common crimes in the last quarter of 2017 by about 300,000. Around 1.7 million people, or 7.6%, reported victimization by any of the common crimes, which include property offenses like street robbery, break-ins, car theft, as well as physical violence in the last three months of 2017.

The survey was conducted from December 8 to 16, 2017, where 1,200 adults distributed evenly across Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao were asked through face-to-face interviews.

The survey had an error margin of ±2.5 percent for national percentages, and ±6 percent in each region. —GMA News

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The DFA said this will help them “meet the huge demand for 10-year passports.”

This initiative comes as the DFA draws flak for delays in processing passport applications.

The OCA is found in Aseana Business Park, President Diosdado Macapagal Avenue corner Bradco Avenue, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Read the DFA’s full public advisory below: — Rappler.com

DFA opens Aseana office for Saturday passport appointments

he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced it is opening its office in Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City, for Saturday passport appointments starting February 10.

In a public advisory issued Friday evening, February 2, the DFA said that its Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) in Aseana “shall be open to passport applications every Saturday, starting February 10, 2018, from 8 am to 5 pm.”

DFA-OCA in ASEANA to Open on Saturdays

In our effort to meet the huge demand for 10-year passports, the Office of Consular Affairs in ASEANA shall be open to passport applications every Saturday, starting February 10, 2018, from 8 am to 5 pm.

— Everyone is encouraged to make an appointment via the DFA’s Online Appointment System.

— Strictly NO walk-in applicants shall be entertained.

— NO Courtesy Lane facility shall be made available.

— Other services such as Authentication and — — Consular Records are likewise NOT available.

However, non-passport services and courtesy lane facilities shall continue to be offered at all mall-based DFA Regional and Satellite offices every Saturday.

— The passport application fee of P1,200.00 applies.

— DFA-ASEANA’s new Saturday operations complement the Passport on Wheels, which has been launched on January 15. The weekly Mobile Passport Service is also ongoing.

— DFA will soon open additional 8 consular offices in key cities and provinces, and implement an e-payment system.

Boost in tourism seen as Ilocos Norte becomes cruise destination

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alacañang Palace lauds the province of Ilocos Norte as it welcomed tourists through the Star Cruises’ Superstar Virgo. The international cruise ship company had established a port at Currimao in 2017, docking in March for its maiden voyage. The three-story luxury liner can accommodate over 2,800 passengers plus 1,100 crew members.

The Philippine News Agency reported that on January 14, Superstar Virgo carried 1,300 passengers safely to Omnico Natural Resources Inc. Port located within the boundary of Badoc and Currimao towns.

“We are thus confident that we can

surpass last year’s 99,147 foreign travelers in Region I, according to the Accommodation Establishments Data of the Department of Tourism,” the Palace said in a statement.

Governor Ma. Imelda Marcos in the Philippine News Agency report said that they are putting together a package that would benefit both the government and investors as more boats arrive.

Star Cruises on its websites describes Ilocos Norte as an ultimate destination for photography enthusiasts, highlighting its natural landscapes by the sea and Baroquestyle architecture.

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Dengvaxia seen behind 3 deaths in the Philippines

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he Philippines said the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia may be connected to three deaths in the country, according to a government-ordered inquiry, and that the drug is not ready for mass immunisation.

Sanofi revealed in November that Dengvaxia — the world’s first dengue vaccine — might increase the risk of severe disease in people who had never been exposed to the virus The news prompted an uproar in the Philippines, where more than 800,000 schoolage children had been vaccinated in 2016.

“We sympathise with all the families who have suffered the loss of a child. Sanofi Pasteur’s mission is to reduce or eliminate suffering for millions around the world through vaccination, including in the Philippines,” a spokesman for the French drugmaker said in an emailed statement.

The Philippine Health Ministry halted Dengvaxia immunisations in November.

— It formed a 10-member panel of experts to determine if the drug was directly connected to the deaths of 14 children after they were given the vaccine.

— It found the vaccine may have been connected to the deaths of three.

“Three cases were found to have causal association. They died of dengue even (though) they were given Dengvaxia. Two of them may have died because of vaccine failure,” Health Undersecretary Enrique Domingo told a news conference.

“These findings strengthen the decision of the Department of Health to stop the vaccine. It has failed in some children.

“Dengvaxia is not ready for mass

vaccinations and we would need three to five more years to watch and monitor if there would be other adverse reactions from the vaccine.”

Mosquito-borne dengue is the world’s fastestgrowing infectious disease, afflicting up to 100 million people worldwide, causing half a million life-threatening infections and killing about 20,000 people, mostly children, each year. Domingo said the panel’s findings would be shared with the justice department, which is considering cases against those responsible for the mass immunisation programme.

Paediatrician and panel member Juliet Sio-Aguilar, from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), said the team was recommending further studies as it was difficult to directly connect the three deaths to Dengvaxia.

No vaccine has a 100 percent success rate, she said. The dengue death rate in the Philippines was 60 times higher than global rate, Sio-Aguilar said.

Sanofi said the UP-PGH’s findings confirmed there is currently no evidence directly linking the Dengvaxia vaccine to any of the 14 deaths. “In Dengvaxia clinical trials conducted over more than a decade and the over one million doses of the vaccine administered, no deaths related to the vaccine have been reported to us,” the company said in a statement. The Philippines spent 3.5 billion pesos ($68 million) on the Dengvaxia programme to reduce the 200,000 dengue cases reported every year. Sanofi said clinical evidence confirms dengue vaccination in the Philippines will provide a net reduction in dengue disease, including severe dengue.

—Gulf News

Dengue vaccine row wreaks havoc on war on disease

W

idespread fears over a controversial dengue vaccine that some blame for child deaths are wreaking havoc on the Philippines’ war on preventable diseases, with many parents refusing to get their children immunised, a senior health official said.

Immunisation rates for polio, chicken pox, tetanus and other diseases are significantly down from previous years since the government suspended the sale and distribution of the Dengvaxia vaccine in December, Health Undersecretary Enrique Domingo told reporters. The government is also investigating Dengvaxia’s alleged role in the deaths of at least 14 children who were among the 830,000 who got the vaccine as part of the world’s first public dengue immunisation programme in 2016-2017.

“Our programmes are suffering...

(Filipinos) are scared of all vaccines now,” Domingo said, adding that immunisation rates for some diseases are down to 60 percent, significantly lower than in recent years and below the target of 85 percent.

The Philippine government is concerned about the potential for epidemics because of lower immunisation rates, he said.

Dengue -- a mosquito-borne disease -infects 400 million people each year and kills 9,000 globally, the health department said, citing World Health Organization data.

The Philippines has one of the highest dengue fatality rates in the world, with

732 deaths last year, it added. Dengvaxia’s manufacturer Sanofi disclosed in December, two months after the vaccination campaign was completed, that it could worsen symptoms for people who had not previously been infected with the virus.

The disclosure sparked nationwide panic, with some parents alleging the vaccine caused the deaths of their children.

“When you go to the communities, all the paediatricians are really heartbroken because all the patients -- the parents (and) the children -- feel that they are going to die,” Domingo said. Sanofi says no one has been proven to have died from the vaccine, but last month the French pharmaceutical giant agreed to reimburse the Philippine government for leftover doses.

The health department said an inquiry into the deaths of 14 children injected with Dengvaxia found no direct proof it had caused any of the fatalities. “(Three children) died from dengue even though they were given Dengvaxia -- vaccine failure was the possible cause in two of them,” the department said in a statement. Nine others died of reasons unrelated to dengue, while the cause of two other deaths could not be determined. Asked if the vaccine itself caused the three deaths, Juliet Sio-Aguilar, the head of the inquiry, told reporters on Friday that while it could be possible, “we cannot categorically say.”

Further studies on tissue samples are needed, she added.

—Philstar

Duterte only telling UP students not to waste taxpayers’ money —Roque

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte said lumad students would only meant to tell still have to apply to get into protesting University of the university, but added the Philippines students not to he was sure there could be waste the taxpayers’ money by a way for the university’s walking out of their classes, said administration to prioritize his spokesperson Harry Roque. them. Duterte “encouraged” Duterte is only against walkouts, protesting students to stay in and was not repressing the the streets and said he would students’ rights to free expression enroll “bright lumad” in UP. Harry Roque Duterte and to peaceful assembly, claimed Malacanang Spokesperson This is in contrast to his Roque at a press briefing in previous threat to bomb Laoag, Ilocos Norte. lumad schools for supposedly teaching

He was explaining Duterte’s statement students to rebel against the government, that he would replace UP students who walk a point that student activists raised in out of their classes—a common protest action condemnation of the President’s recent in the state university—with “bright” lumad, remarks. Rallyists on that day had been or indigenous peoples from Mindanao. speaking out against the “US-Duterte regime” “Ang sinasabi lang ng Presidente [ay] in a protest action that was scheduled ‘wag naman nating sayangin ‘yung mga pera by youth group Anakbayan after Roque ng sambayanan na ginugol natin para sa free “ridiculed” communist leader Jose Maria tuition ng lahat ng state universities and Sison’s call for youth protests against Duterte. colleges,” said Roque, touting that Duterte “Hindi po ipinagbabawal ang malayang signed the free tuition law against his pananalita. Hindi po ipinagbabawal ang economic managers’ advice. rallies,” said Roque. “Ang ayaw lang ni “Kung talagang nais mag-walkout ng mga Presidente [ay] ‘yung mga walkouts dahil estudyante ng UP [ay] karapatan niya ‘yan, sayang naman ‘yung kaban ng bayan pero kaya nga sabi niya, papalitan niya ‘yung na binabayad ng mga ordinaryong mga mga nagwo-walk out ng mga intelihenteng mamamayan kung sasayangin lang ng mga estudyante galing sa mga lumad,” he mga estudyante ‘yung binayarang tuition added. ng gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng kanilang

Himself a former UP professor, Roque pagwa-walkout,” he added. —GMA News

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MARCH 2018

“Panibagong Pagsibol”

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arito na ang panahon ng pagsibol (Spring) sa Taiwan! Wow, makikita nanaman ang magagandang at makulay na bulaklak gaya ng Plum Blossom kasama na ang halimuyak nito sa mga pasyalan at kabundukan sa Taiwan. Para sa nakakarami ay masayang panahon ito hindi gaya ng Taglamig (winter). Subalit sa kabila na ang panahon ay maganda, para sa iba ay tila hindi na makararanas ng Tagsibol o pamumulaklak sa buhay. Pakiramdam nila ay parating Taglamig. Upang maunawaan ang kalagayan ng mga nawalan ng matirhan sa New York, iniwan ng news anchor woman na si Pat Harper ang mamahaling East Side Apartment na tinitirhan. Dala lamang niya sa bulsa ay 80 sentimo at limang araw nanahan sa lansangan ng New York. Naglibot siya sa nagyeyelong ulan. Natutulog siya sa tabi ng mga pintuan, stasyon ng tren, at mga pampublikong tahanan. Natanto niya na ang mga walang matirhan ay wala namang kinaibahan kaysa sa kanya. May mga tao na tumutulong at binibigyan siyang pagkain at payo paano mamuhay ng walang salapi.

Sa kanyang pailalim na inbestigasyon, natanto niya na ang mga walang matirhan ay mga pangkaraniwang tao na tinamaan ng problema sa pananalapi kung saan hindi na sila naka-ahon. Subalit hindi lamang ang mga homeless ang dumadanas ng Taglamig sa buhay. Ganuon din ang nararanasan ng mga nasiraan ng loob. Mga nawalan ng asawa’t mga anak. Mga nawalan ng trabaho at pamilya.

Mga hikaos at itinakwil na ng tadhana. Mga inabuso o inaabuso at pinagsasamantalahan ng kapwa. Maaring ilan sa kababayan at kamag-anak natin ay dumadaan sa ganitong Taglamig na kalagayan. Maaaring ikaw din ay nasa ganitong kalagayan. Paano muling makaranas ng Tagsibol? Ng Pag-ahon sa lamig ng buhay? Pag-ahon sa kinasasadlakan?

Ang mabuting Balita ay may isa na iniwan ang karangyaan sa kinalalagyan at lumakad sa nilalakaran ng mga mga itinakwil ng tadhana at pinatay na ng kawalang pagasa. Dala niya ang kaloob at kapangyarihang makabangon muli. Dala niya ang tugon paano mapagtagumpayan ang kawalan ng pag-asa, pagkabigo, pagkabagbag. Dala niya ang pagasa para sa mga taong nadurog ang panaginip at may kabigatang hindi makayanan.

Tunghayan natin ang babaing tumanggap ng tugon sa pangyayari sa kanyang buhay. Ganito ang nangyari, “Kinabukasan, nangyari na siya (Jesus) ay pumunta sa isang lungsod na tinatawag na Nain. Sumama sa kaniya ang marami sa kaniyang mga alagad at ang napakaraming tao. Nang papalapit na siya sa tarangkahan ng lungsod. Narito, may isang taong patay na at binubuhat papalabas. Ang lalaking patay ay nag-iisang anak ng kaniyang ina na isang balo. Maraming mga mamamayan ng lungsod ang kasama ng ina.” (Lucas 7:11-12). Ang namatay ay ang batang lalaki na inililibing ng ina. Iniwan na ang nag-iisang ina, at nauna pa rito’y namatay na rin ang asawang lalaki kung

kaya’t balo na ang ina. Dala ang pinagsamang lungkot sa pangungulila sa yumaong pamilya kasama na rin ang pag-aalala sa mangyayari pagkatapos ng libing. Sa kultura na kung saan ang mga lalaki ang naghahari, ang mga balo na tulad ng naiwang ina ay kaawawa. Wala silang opportunidad na hinaharap para sa pang kabuhayan. Paano mabubuhay ang ina sa gitna ng kalalagayang ito? Nawala na ang tanging pag-asa niya na bubuhay sa kaniya?

Gaya ng ina sa storya, maraming ina, anak, ama ay namatayan din. Hindi namatayan ng kamag-anak kundi namatayan ng pag-asa sa buhay. Pinatay na ng kakulangan sa buhay.

Pinatay na ng sakit na hindi na magamotgamot. Pinatay na rin ng napasukang masamang relasyon o bisyo. Pinatay ng mga pangit na karanasan. Tulala sa hinaharap.

Sa gitna ng kaalagayan ay nagtatanong kung paano makakahulagpos sa kinasadlakang na unti-unting ngumangat-ngat na parang anay sa buhay at humihila sa kanila sa hukay ng libingan. Para na rin silang inilibing bagama’t buhay pa. Nauubusan ka ba ng pag-asa?

Mayroon ka bang mabigat na karamdaman?

Nasira na ba ang pagsasama ninyo ng iyong asawa at pamilya? Ikaw ba ay alipin at nasira na ng masamang bisyo? Gaya ng nabalong ina, nais ni Jesus na makabangon ka muli sa lamig ng iyong buhay. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit pumarito si Jesus para sa iyo. Nahahabag si Jesus sa iyo.

Na-ikuwento ni Catherine Marshall sa isa niyang aklat tungkol sa kung paano siya na–pinisala ng magpa- routine physical examination. Na-abiso na may tuberculosis siya. Hindi siyang handang tanggapin ang balita. Inutusan siyang magpahinga dalawamgpung oras araw- araw. Dumaan ang isang taon at kalahati. Walang napansin pagbabago. Nagsimula magkaroon ng pagdurusa sa isip si Catherine. Inisip niya kung mayroon ba siyang pagkakasalang nagawa? May nagawan ba siya ng masama?

Bakit hindi siya sinasagot ng Diyos? Humingi siya ng tawad sa lahat ng kasama sa buhay.

Ano pa ang gagawin? Hanggang sumuko na siya sa pagkatalo. Lumaban siya, nakibaka, nag-alala hanggang wala na talaga. Habang nakatayo sa bintana, nanalangin siya. Isinuko niya ang lahat lahat sa Diyos. “Panginoon, tulungan mo ako!” Hindi na siya humadlang pa kung ano ang kalooban ng Diyos. Sa loob ng 6 na Linggo, umayos ang kanyang kalagayan hanggang nakalakad siya. Nakapag hardin, nakagawa ng jelly, at hanggang nanumbalik ang normal niyang buhay.

“Nang makita siya (ang ina ng namatay) ng Panginoon, siya ay nahabag sa kaniya.

Sinabi niya sa kaniya: Huwag kang umiyak.

Lumapit si Jesus at hinipo ang kinalalagyan ng patay at ang mga bumubuhat nito ay tumigil. Sinabi niya: Binata, sinasabi ko sa iyo, bumangon ka.” -(Lucas 7:13-14) Nahahabag ang Diyos at gagawa sa iyong buhay ngayon, kung ipahihipo mo sa Kanya ang iyong patay na pag-asa. Pumarito si Jesus upang bigyan ka ng panibagong pagsibol sa buhay. Panibagong halimuyak ng Bulaklak ng pag-asa. Ibabangon ka niya. Kailangan mo lamang na magtiwala at pahipo sa kanya. Huwag mong itanggi.

Ipahipo mo ang iyong situasyon kay Jesus ngayon din. Paano? Manalangin ka at hingin sa Panginoong Jesus na hipuin ang buhay mo ngayon din mula sa kaibuturan ng iyong puso. Gagawin mo ba?

A Blessed Spring Time Indeed!

--------------------------------------------------------If you need me to pray for you or you have question, simply send an email message to: paul@launchpoint.cc

Buko Batchoy

Original Batchoy The origins of Batchoy and the birth of a new favorite, Buko Batchoy

P

iping hot and bursting with flavor, Batchoy is a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating.

La Paz Batchoy, named after the district in Iloilo, has been giving much joy to diners since the 1940s and a mural at Netong’s documents a bit of its history.

Netong’s current owner, John Patrick Guillergan, explained that his grandfather Leonito adapted the recipe from the noodle soup served by Chinese vendors near where they sold meat.

“Yong mga tira-tira [na karne], ‘yon ‘yong, parang ginawang, ano, recipe na ininnovate nila ‘yong... inincorporate nila [lola at lola] ‘yong noodle soup,” Guillergan said in an interview with Pinas Sarap.

At the heart of the dish is the stock, which is made hearty by meat and innards.

Batchoy actually comes from the Chinese term “bac qui” meaning shredded meat.

The soup is prepared three or four hours

before the shop opens, which guarantees that it’s packed with flavors.

Batchoy is usually served with pancit miki, but diners may also opt for bihon, miswa, or sotanghon. Trivia: “Pancit” comes from the Chinese term “pian e sit”, which means food that’s easy to cook.

Aside from the meaty soup, pork, liver, bone marrow, spring onions, fried garlic, and chicharon are added to make the dish even more filling. The taste is classic, but a restaurant in Mandurriao has added it’s own “fruity” twist to Batchoy. At Lar’s, the soup is served with coconut.

Head cook Primerose Uy came up with the idea to add coconut to the recipe.

The noodles are placed inside a freshly cut coconut, along with pork liver and meat, chicharon, and coconut strips. The stock made from the bones is mixed with coconut juice, too, giving Buko Batchoy a slightly sweeter soup.

—GMA News

TAIWAN

Taiwan, Philippines sign MOU on aerospace industry cooperation The Taiwan Aerospace Industry Association (TAIA) and the Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines (AIAP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Singapore Wednesday on promoting industrial exchanges and cooperation for mutual benefit.

TAIA Chairman Anson Liao said that Taiwan’s aerospace industry has seen gradual growth over the past few years, with its value of output registering an average 8 percent growth and breaching the NT$100 billion (US$3.48 billion) mark over the past two years. In 2017, its output value was close to NT$110 billion.

TAIA has demonstrated its support of the government’s defense autonomy policy by developing intelligent manufacturing systems to promote indigenous aircraft production, Liao said.

It has also endeavored to establish links with 18 countries targeted by the government’s New Southbound Policy,

which covers those in Southeast Asia and South Asia, as well as New Zealand and Australia, according to Liao.

Given that major aeronautic manufacturers in the Philippines focus on assemblage, manufacture of flight controls and avionics systems, while Taiwan’s aerospace industry mainly concentrates on the development of airframe and engine components, the forging of partnership ties between TAIA and AIAP will help the industries on both sides to integrate resources and complement each other, Liao noted.

The MOU was signed during the Singapore Airshow 2018, which started Tuesday and will run through Feb. 12.

This year, Asia’s largest aerospace and defense event has gathered 1,062 top aerospace companies from 50 countries around the world, showcasing their latest technologies, solutions and developments.

It is expected to attract over 100,000 professionals from the industry, including many from Taiwan.

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11 FEATURES NEWS

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MARCH 2018

A Pinay’s journey: From selling fish to owning a college in England Nova Fossgard is living proof that working hard to better one’s life happens if one perseveres.

“Don’t be afraid. Follow your instinct. Gawin mo lahat ang gusto mo sa buhay. If you keep holding back with

F

ossgard, 46, had humble beginnings.

Born in Tukuran, Zamboanga Del Sur to a fisherman father and stay-at-home mother, she started to peddle fish at the age of five. She still recalls how she would sell fish in the market.

“You are in the market and you have to shout – fish, fish, bente, bente… Isda, isda, bariles, bariles. Bente, bente,” Fossgard said.

She also vividly remembers how she would play mischief at her aunt to get a portion of fish to be sold in the market.

“Nangawat ko isda sa auntie ko (I stole fish from my aunt). That’s a secret, but I will tell you. Because I was starving. I had this little girl, I gave it to her and passed it on to the market. This little girl gave me the money and I gave her commission,” she explained.

Fossgard credits early exposure to business and her knack for selling for the success of her family-owned business, a language college she runs with her husband Jan. Fossgard is now director and her husband is principal at Purley Language College in Purley, 25 minutes away from London. “I’m sure that coming from a family that had a small business themselves it must have helped her a lot. She had to work at a very young age. She must have felt what it’s like not to have a lot. That (is) probably what has driven her to better things through the

your fear, you think may mangyayari? You have to overcome (your fears). Takbo ka, don’t crawl. Always run.”

Nova Fossgard

years,” said her husband.

STARTING THE BUSINESS

In 2006, the opportunity came at an unexpected time when Fossgard and her husband lost their jobs. Jan was a journalist and finished both his undergraduate and master’s degrees at University of Oxford.

He applied for a job at the college, which offers English language courses, and was asked if he wanted to take over the business.

The former owners already wanted to retire.

“It was just by coincidence really. My husband applied to teach English here. Then my husband was approached if he wanted to buy out the school,” said Fossgard.

The couple embarked on a new challenge. Fossgard then juggled between her newfound job while running the business with her husband. Work for her was 24/7, until she became full-time at the college. She took care of administrative matters, accounts

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and student registration, among others.

From one student, the college now has more than 3,000 students enrolled every year from different parts of the world.

“In the beginning, we borrowed so much money. We remortgaged and it tested us, our relationship, financially and emotionally. It wasn’t easy,” she said.

Jan believes his wife’s business acumen drove the college forward. He said they also complement each other’s personalities.

“She’s got a bubbly, magnetic personality.

She is bold enough or confident enough to speak to people in different levels. She enjoys travelling as well, so she can operate in many different countries. She is able to relate to people and negotiate and close the deals,” said Jan. FROM DOMESTIC WORKER TO ENTREPRENEUR

Fossgard finished a degree in accounting

at Southern Mindanao College in 1991.

Desperate to help her parents send her younger brothers to the university, she worked in Hong Kong as a domestic helper right after graduation. “I went through as a domestic helper first, cleaning. Even during day off, I worked part-time,” she said.

While working in Singapore as a domestic helper, her former boss made an offer that she could not resist: to be the companion of his octogenarian mother in England.

“They had a housekeeper, a gardener. I just sat down with her, just to be a companion.

I learned so much from her. She educated me a lot: taught me [how] to cook, read a lot of newspapers and books,” she narrated.

It was in Oxford where she crossed paths with her husband.

VALUE OF EDUCATION

Fossgard wants to inspire those in the provinces to reach for their dreams and never give up. For the former fish vendor who managed to finish university and set up a college in the United Kingdom, getting education is the surest way forward.

“How can you be successful without education? I kept telling my brothers, education is the best capital for you. Then once you have education, look for what you are passionate about. Then focus on that one thing,” she said.

For those who often doubt themselves and their abilities, she has this advice:

“Don’t be afraid. Follow your instinct.

Gawin mo lahat ang gusto mo sa buhay. If you keep holding back with your fear, you think may mangyayari? You have to overcome (your fears). Takbo ka, don’t crawl. Always run.”

— ABS-CBN

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Cocon Gummy Candy (2) Max Mallows Fat Free Vanilla 150g Mariani California Raisins 1.13kg Spam Luncheon Meat (2) 77 Dark Chocolate Lux Soap 85g (6) Yoko Spa Salt (2) Mr. Brown Coffee Cappuccino Stuffed Toys worth NT$300-NT$500

Dove Beauty Bar Soap 100g (6) Armour Vienna Sausage (2) Mixed Beans and Nuts (2) Snickers Chocolate Minis 1.13kg Kirkland Sliced Peaches Kirkland Golden Sweet Corn Aijia Milk Chocolate Bar (2) Elastine Shampoo Yoko Spa Salt (2) Nescafe Granules 500g Wasuka Wafer Stick Locksy Vaccum Plastic Container (2) Stuffed Toys worth NT$300 - NT$500

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NEWS Filipino photojournalist wins big at White House Awards

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Manilab o r n

photojournalist has triumphed over other contestants at the “Eyes of History” contests

by The White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA).

In an historic win, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Cheryl Diaz Meyer swept all the awards in the International News category. Diaz Meyer’s heart-tugging photos of the Rohingya refugees clinched her the First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and two Awards of Excellence for the said category, WHNPA said on Facebook.

WHNPA’s “Eyes of History” is an annual event held since 1941 to celebrate its “members’ creativity and competitive spirit in the still, video and multimedia disciplines. The group is composed of still and video photographers designated to cover the White House and other news events in Washington and beyond.

In a Twitter post, Diaz Meyer thanked WHNPA for the “immense” honor.

‘Thank you to the judges of the White

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MARCH 2018

House News Photographers Association for this immense honor. May this increase awareness for the plight of the Rohingya refugees, who Bangladesh wants to repatriate to Myanmar. #RohingyaCrisis’ “May this increase awareness for the plight of the Rohingya refugees, who Bangladesh wants to repatriate to Myanmar,” she said.

The Rohingyas, a stateless Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, have long experience persecutions as they are believed to be illegal immigrants.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh to escape murder and destruction of villages in the Western state of Rakhine. They are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world, according to Amnesty International.

Born in Quezon City, Manila, Diaz Meyer is currently a freelance photographer, visual editor, videographer and producer, writer and public speaker based in Washington D.C. Her work has been published in top outlets worldwide such as the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, among others.

Diaz Meyer is best known for having won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography with colleague David Leeson for their coverage of the Iraq war. As a visual editor for McClatchy’s Washington Bureau, their team was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for their work on the Panama Papers last year .

—Philstar

B

Dayondon conquers South America’s highest peak

ukidnon pride and top Filipina mountaineer Carina Dayondon has reached the summit of Mt. Aconcagua last Thursday, January 25 (Argentina time) to move closer to complete the Seven Summits, a rare feat in climbing the highest peaks in the world’s seven continents. In her Facebook account, Dayondon stated that her group which included local guides Gaston Molina, Gustavo Casseli and Japanese climber Go Euno reached the summit at 2:00pm Thursday, Argentina time. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America and highest outside Asia at 6,960.8 meters (22,837 feet).

With the feat, only Mt. Vinson in Antarctica stands in her way to accomplish the rare feat of conquering t h e S e v e n Summits.

Dayondon who is a graduate of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City and formerly a member of XU-Ateneo Mountaineering Society (XU-AMS) is also an enlisted personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard.

From her Facebook account:

Thank you God.

Thank you everyone for the support, love and prayers.

Yes we did summit yesterday 2pm at Mt.Aconcagua(360 route Vacas Valley),ealier than our scheduled summit day because weather for the next few days will be strong wind, thanks to our realible guides for their wisdom. It was a long long hard day but three guys were with me all the way to the summit, our lead guide Gaston Molina , 2nd guide Gustavo Caselli Guide and my very gentlemen and strong co-climber GO Ueno (Japan), they never give up on pushing me when i almost gave up. It was a clear sky but windy and felt very very very cold. And of course i will not forget the greatness of Lito Sánchez(70 times summit on Mt.Aconcagau)and be thankful for him, who is the legend himself but very humble and supportive on my Mt.Aconcagau first attempt Austin Douglas Gregorio Galati .

Thanks to Mon Dysangco also for giving tips on climbing Mt.Aconcagau.

Thank you Primer Group/Columbia Nirvana Time Sulivan Estiva Kristine Villaflor

Thank you Inka Expediciones.

Thank you Sir Valdez, Sir Montinola, Sir Perez, Everest Team( Leo Oracion Fred Jamili Janet Belarmino Noelle Wenceslao Ted Everest Doc Esguerra), Balangay team and PCG Family Foeg Gra Geof Thagie Ricafrente Thank you all!

—CDODev.com

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MARCH 2018

Philippines wins 1st runner-up at Miss Intercontinental 2017

Ann Ong exhibits designs in NYC

L

ess than a decade into her career, self-taught accessories designer Ann Ong has won international and local awards. She received three consecutive Katha Awards for Best Product Design in Manila FAME. Her first award was for a woven, mesh metal minaudière. When typhoon “Pablo” struck the Philippines in late 2012, Ong salvaged wood from fallen trees and transformed them into another minaudière with a 3D flower. It became a landmark design, defining the Ann Ong signature organic look.

Her third award was for a purse made from buko twigs. The Ann Ong brand has been associated with minaudières with trademark gold-plated grasshopper and semiprecious stone clasps, and bold cuffs and dramatic necklaces in natural, organic shapes.

In 2016, she became the first Filipino to win the Best Designer Award in the New York Now show for her Sustain Ability Clutch, a handcrafted clutch made of coconut wood circles that revealed their natural grain. They were purchased from a roadside vendor in Mindoro and framed in gold. The purse was topped with a gold-plated ant and

an aventurine jade clasp.

Ong’s pieces have attracted a cult following from New York’s social set. Her minaudières fetch $1,000 to $1,500, while the cuffs start at $400. On Feb 4-7, Ong will hold an exhibit at the New York Now at Javits Center. She will exhibit minaudières made from her signature material, mahogany, with 24k plated yokes; hammered gold clutches with freshwater pearls; cast-metal cuffs with citrine and tourmaline; and black mother-of-pearl purses.

Also on exhibit will be minaudières with metallic tree root designs and 24k goldplated fish clasps. One of the most striking designs is a golden cast-metal minaudière, the richness of which is set against a bamboo branch and a Buddha clasp. “I’m not just about bold details. I mix fashion and art. Some of my new clutches, such as the bamboo with the Buddha clasp, can be used as home décor. The clothes I wear are timeless to complement my jewelry. As a maximalist, I like to don layered pearls and mix them with other pieces encrusted with jade. My cuff has a tourmaline to ward off negativity. Wear something that makes you happy,” she said.

—Inquirer

T

he Philippines’ bet, Katarina Rodriguez, wins as 1st runner-up and as Miss Intercontinental Asia and Oceania at the Miss Intercontinental 2017 pageant held in Egypt on January 24.

“Hi, everybody, sa lahat ng Filipinos, okay lang ito. Okay, okay? I miss all of you, I miss my country. It was a tough ride. It was a lot of work, a lot of hours, and mabuhay ka! Mahal kita!,” a teary-eyed Katarina said in her Facebook message to her fellow Filipinos, as posted in the pageant’s page.

This is the highest place a Philippine candidate has reached in the international competition. Miss Philippines Christi Lynn McGarry also finished at 1st runner-up and as Continental Queen of Asia and the Pacific in 2015.

Katarina was close to getting the Philippines its first Miss Intercontinental crown, only lagging behind Veronica Salas Vallejo of Mexico, who was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2017. Katarina also landed at the third place of the competition’s online poll and in the top 5 of the dance contest.

Other winners are Cathelijne Heppenhuis of Netherlands for 2nd runnerup; Amanda Cardoso of Brazil as third runner-up; Lizeth Villanueva of Colombia as 4th runner-up; and Lee Su Jin of Korea as 5th runner-up.

At the question and answer portion, Katarina was asked what is the most important thing she learned from joining in

Katarina Rodriguez

the pageant.

Katarina then answered: “The most important thing that I have learned in joining Miss Intercontinental is an Arabic word named after one of the Sunrise Resorts and that is Meraki. It means to do all things with passion, soul, and creativity.

When I heard this word and its definition, it resonated with me ‘til now and I think it will for the rest of my life. Therefore, that is the most important thing I learned while participating at Miss Intercontinental - that is to do all things with soul, passion, and creativity.”

Prior to joining pageants, the 24-yearold Katarina was in the second place of the reality TV show “Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2.”

—Philstar

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15 TAWA NEWS MUNA

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MARCH 2018

Almusal Donya: Bilang bagong katulong, tandaan mo na ang almusal dito ay ala-sais emprunto!

Maid: Walang problema, donya, kung tulog pa ako sa oras na yun, mauna na kayong mag-almusal!

Maid: Ma’m, ni-rape ako ng magnanakaw kagabi...

Madam: Bakit di ka sumigaw?

Maid: Eh, akala ko po si Sir, pero nung makadalawa, nagduda na ako!

Juan: Pare, noong mayaman pa kami, nagkakamay kaming kumain.

Ngayong mahirap na kami, nakakutsara na.

Pedro: Baligtad yata?

Juan: Mahirap kamayin ang lugaw, pare!

Pangarap Toto: Pangarap ko, kumita ng P250,000 monthly gaya ni daddy!

Juvy: Wow! Ganyan kalaki ang kinikita ng daddy mo?

Toto: Hindi! Yan din ang pangarap niya!

Usapan ng dalawang mayabang...

Tomas: Ang galing ng aso ko! Tuwing umaga, dala niya ang dyaryo sa akin.

Diego: Alam ko.

Tomas: Ha? Paano mo nalaman?

Diego: Ikinukuwento sa akin ng aso ko.

Siling Labuyo Ate: Musta date mo, sis? Epektib ba payo ko, siling labuyo sa nipples mo para di ka galawin ng bf mo?

Sis: Hay naku, ate, palpak! Ginanahan pa lalo, eh, uragon pala!

Naalala mo pa ba noon na: 1. P0.10 lang ang pamasahe, kandong libre pa.

2. Ang babae lang ang may hikaw.

3. Ang preso lang ang may tattoo.

4. Si Erap, Jinggoy, Bong Revilla at Lito Lapid ay sa showbiz section lang ng dyaryo nababasa. Ngayon headlines na.

5. Ang intindi mo ng LOL ay ULOL imbes na Laughing Out Loud.

6. ARCEGAS at GOODEARTH Emporium ang shoppingan sa bansa.

7. Diyes lang ang isang basong taho at kailangan mong magdala ng sarili mong baso, kasi wala pang plastic cups noon si Manong

na magtataho 8. Chocnut, Tarzan Gum at kending Vicks ang pinag-gagastusan mo ng sinko mo.

9. Sarsi with egg ang pampataba at star margarine, at matamis na bao sa umaga.

10. Nagkaka-kalyo ka dahil sa manual type-writer pa ang ginagamit mo para sa school paper mo 11. Kaya uso pa noon ang carbon paper.

12. Tancho. 3-Flowers o Superman Pomade ang pang-ayos ng buhok mo.

13. KLIM ang tinitimpla ng nanay mo para sa’yo para inumin mo bago matulog.

14. Nakakapag-grocery ka na! 20 piso lang ang dala .

15. Anim na numero lang ang kailangan mong tandaan para tawagan ang kaibigan mo.

16. May Party Line pa noon “hello party line, paki baba. Emergency lang” --------------------------------------------------------Lumindol ng malakas noon... Nagkagulo ang lahat at nag panic!

Sumigaw ang isang lalaki...’Katapusan na!

Katapusan na!’

Sumagot ang isa pang lalaki... ‘Tanga! A-kinse pa lang!’

--------------------------------------------------------Pupil: Ma’m, bumubukol po ba ang utot?

Teacher: No! Definitely not! Kasi hangin lang yun! Remember, hindi bumubukol ang utot...

Pupil: Naku, patay! Tae na to!

--------------------------------------------------------Sa isang mumurahing airline...

Stewardess: Sir, would you like some dinner?

Passenger: Ano ba ang mga choices?

Stewardess: ‘Yes or No’ lang po.

-------------------------------------------------------Walang Syota Pare1: Pare, ba’t naman hanggang ngayon wala ka pang syota? Wala ka pa bang napupusuan?

Pare2: Meron... Manhid ka lang!

--------------------------------------------------------Sa Isang Ospital Lola (may cancer): Doc, anong gagawin niyo sa akin?

Doc: Che-chemo, lola.

Lola: Tit*mo rin! Bastos ka! Walang modo!

--------------------------------------------------------Boy: Nay! Muntik na ako maging top one sa klase!

Nanay: Ba’t mo naman nasabi?

Boy: Ini-announce kasi kanina yung top one sa klase. Ang tinuro ni Ma’am yung katabi ko... Muntik na ako!

--------------------------------------------------------Ang Maangas Na Professor Isang maangas na professor ang nag travel by a boat, habang nasa biyahe tinanong nito ang bangkero.

“Do you know Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Geography, and Physiology?”

Ngunit ang bangkero ay walang alam sa mga tanong kaya sumagot lang siya ng “NO” Professor: What the hell do yo know on this earth? mamamatay ka ng mangmang!

Tahimik lang ang bangkero di siya kumibo.

Maya maya nung nasa gitna na sila ng paglalakbay, ANG BANGKA AY NASIRA AT NAGSIMULANG LUMUBOG Kaya tinanong ng bangkero ang maangas na professor: “Do you know swiminology and escapology from sharkology?”

Sumagot ang professor... “NO” Bangkero: “Well sharkology and crockodilogy will eat your headology and bodiology and you will dieology because of your MOUTHOLOGY” --------------------------------------------------------Black Eye Isang babae ang nagpunta sa doctor, meron itong black eye!

Babae: Doc Binubugbog po ako ng aking asawa sa tuwing siya ay umuuwi ng lasing! I love him and I can’t let him get arrested! Can you help me?

Doctor: Ok... Pag muli siyang nalasing, uminom ka lang ng tubig at wag mong lulunukin.

Umuwi na ang babae at hinintay ang kanyang asawa. Sinunod niya ang instruction ng doctor.

Mayamaya dumating na ang asawa lasing nanaman siya. Ngunit sa tagpong iyon tahimik itong dumiretso sa kama at natulog.

Kinabukasan bumalik ang babae sa doctor...

Doctor: Sinunod mo ba ang instruction ko?

Babae: (Nakangiti) Yes! Effective po doc kasi di man lang niya ako hinawakan eh.

Doctor: Good! Ngayon alam mo na mangyayari pag ang iyong bibig ay nanatiling nakatikom!!! Kaya pala --------------------------------------------------------Tunay Na Batang Pinoy Ka Kung 1. Nauuna pa ang paglalaro mo kesa sa paghihilamos mo.

2. Uuwi ka lang pag nakaramdam ng gutom.

3. Nilalagay mo sa magkabilang braso ang tsinelas kapag tumatakbo.

4. Pinagtripan mo yung dahon ng makahiya.

5. Ginawa mong pera perahan ang candy wrapper (White rabbit, Viva, Kendi mint,

Snow bear, Storck. etc.)

6. Nasabugan ka ng bazooka bubble gum sa mukha.

7. Naniniwala kang wala pang 5 seconds pag nahulog yung pagkain mo.

8. Natutuwa ka pag nakikita mo yung malaking ajinomoto sa highway.

9. Patago mong pinapapak yung ovaltine at milo para di makita ng Nanay mo.

10. Nanghuli ka ng baboy babuyan/kurukya sa buhangin minsan gamit mo pa ang hibla ng buhok.

11. Gumamit ka ng doble karang pamato sa teks.

12. Gumawa ka ng alakansya gamit ang lalagyan ng polbo.

13. Yung tipong huhulugan sa umaga kukunin din sa hapon.

14. Pinaglaruan mo yung kalembang ni manong habang busy siya sa pagsalok ng ice cream.

--------------------------------------------------------Kutsara May 3 magkakapatid na nagpunta sa tabing dagat may dala silang masasarap na pagkain at nung kakain na sila napansin nung kuyá ng naiwan nila ang kutsara kaya inutusan niya ang makulit na bunso na umuwi para kumuha ng kutsara pero sumagot ito nang.

“No way! Alam kong kaya moko pinapauwi para ma-solo nyo ang pagkain. Lumang style na yan kuya!”

Kuya: “Loko ka, Hindi.! Hihintayin ka namin at sabay sabay tayong kakain.”

Tumayo si bunso at naglakad na. Ater 1 hour nagtaka ang dalawa kung bakit di pa nakakabalik ang kanilang kapatid gayong malapit lang naman ang bahay nila. After 2 hours, nagutom na ang dalawa sa kakahintay kaya naisipan na nilang tikman ang pagkain at nung binubuksan na nung kuya ang lalagyan nakarinig sila ng kaluskos sa damuhan mula sa kanilang likuran at maya2 pa ay nagulat sila ng biglang lumabas si bunso at galit na galit na isinigaw ang...

“MGA MANLOLOKO.SINASABI KO NA NGA BA UUBUSAN NYO KO.!!”

--------------------------------------------------------Noong di pa uso ang facebook, may mag textmate na nag decide na mag eyeball sa SM. Girl: Magsusuot ako ng yellow shirt.

Boy: Sige, Magsusuot naman ako ng blue shirt.

Sa araw ng eyeball, dumating ang pangit na lalake sa venue, naghanap ito ngunit walang naka Yellow. Nilapitan niya ang nagiisang babaeng naka white shirt.

Boy: Excuse me, Are you my textmate?

Girl: Luh! Haller! Bakit naka Yellow ba ako!

Book International Ticket Singapore

Hong kong

Macau

Canada

Vietnam

Philippines

Thailand

Malaysia

Japan

...and other international destination 1. One day ticket for exit purposes.

2. We also assist visa application to the Philippines for Taiwan Passport holder.

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First batch of direct-hiring OFWs from Davao arrives in Taiwan

T

he first batch of direct-hiring Overseas Foreign Workers from Davao, Mindanao island in the Philippines, arrived at the I-Mei Foods Co. factory in Taoyuan on morning of February 1 and received a big warm welcome from the staff of the company.

After a nap and a lavish meal, the workers participated in their job orientation at the auditorium of the factory and received their employee badge, officially joining the big family. In their job orientation, the coordinator educated the newcomers about the values, history, and managers of the company.

As Taiwan’s longtime role model in food safety, the coordinator also reiterated the importance of food safety and emphasized the personal hygiene of each staff working in

The arrival of the group marks a milestone in successful cooperation between MECO, POEA, Davao City, and I-Mei Foods Co. POEA​, Davao City, and I-Mei Foods Co. The the frontline with food products.

The arrival of the group marks a milestone in food company held a series of direct-hiring the successful cooperation between MECO, interviews and orientations in November

2017 in Davao City, which is the first of its kind by a Taiwanese company in the city on the southern island of Mindanao.

Besides sparing the OFWs the burden of hefty brokerage fees, the company also offers to cover their tickets and visa fees which is rarely heard in the food industry across Taiwan.

To carry out corporate social responsibility, I-Mei CEO Luis Ko decided to set up a foothold in Davao in the hope of offering job opportunities to the southern islanders as well as narrowing down the urban-rural gap in the Philippines.

The second batch of OFWs from the direct-hiring program is expected to arrive in early March in succession, and according to I-Mei Foods, the next direct-hiring plan is already on the way. —Taiwan News

Taiwan’s shops giving support to ban on free plastic bags

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T

Two Filipino suspects in robbery at trade fair held incommunicado

aipei prosecutors obtained court approval to hold two Filipino suspects in a cash robbery incommunicado, following their arrest at Taiwan’s main airport as they tried to reenter the country.

The two suspects were on a police list of five Filipinos wanted in connection with the theft of 300,000 Japanese yen (US$2,760) in cash at the 2017 Taiwan Jewelry and Gem Fair last November in Taipei.

The money was in handbag of a Japanese jewelry trader, who was attending the fair, police said.

By the time investigators managed to identify the five suspects in the robbery, they had already left Taiwan, but were then put on

A

a wanted list, according to police.

Immigration authorities informed police that two of the five suspects had entered Taiwan again, and the pair was arrested at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, police said. During interrogation at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, the two Filipino suspects confessed to stealing the money, the Taipei District Court said in its ruling on prosecutors’ request to hold the suspects incommunicado. The court said it was approving the prosecutors’ request, based on evidence that the suspects had engaged in aggravated theft and the likelihood that they would flee, collude with the other three suspected accomplices, or destroy evidence.

ome shops in Taiwan are not subject to the government’s new ban on giving out plastic bags for free, but are nonetheless offering discounts to encourage customers to bring their own bags or containers to carry purchased goods.

The restriction against offering free plastic shopping bags to customers came into effect on January 1 and is an expansion of an earlier ban. It raises from seven to 14 the number of retailers that are now banned from giving customers plastic bags for free. These businesses include pharmacies, medical equipment retailers, electronics stores, bookstores and stationery shops, laundries, beverage shops and bakeries.

The earlier restriction introduced in 2002 banned government facilities, schools, department stores and shopping centers, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, hypermarkets, supermarkets and other establishments from offering free plastic bags to customers. The new ban, however, does not include some shops, such as breakfast eateries, but some of these businesses have begun offering discounts to encourage customers to bring their own containers or bags.

Chen Yu-chen, a breakfast shop manager, said that his store usually uses five to six bags of plastics bags each day. In support of the ban, he launched special discount offers to spur customers to bring their own containers or bags and raise public awareness about the importance of environmental protection.

It’s not clear whether more shops will follow suit. Many business owners fear customers would complain or be put off if they are not given plastic bags for their

purchases. But there is support for the measure even among shops that are affected by the ban.

Peng Chih-cheng, owner of the beverage shop Mao Tou Ying Cha Sen Lin (literally, Owl Tea Forest), said he donates to charity the money that customers pay to purchase plastic bags, to show them that his shops do not benefit from the ban and to encourage them to bring their own bags.

Brucevil Chen, CEO of HiiN studio, which promotes marine education, said shoppers do not have to prepare a new shopping bag, but can start by reusing their old plastic bags.

It remains to be seen what effect the new ban will have on reducing the use of plastic bags in Taiwan. The ban still allows stores, such as bakeries, to continue providing bags that are used to wrap individual food items, even if they cannot give out bags for free to carry all the purchased goods. —Focus Taiwan

CWB ‘can’t rule out’ an even bigger quake in Taiwan soon

fter eastern Taiwan’s Hualien County was struck by a deadly 6.0 magnitude earthquake last Feb. 6 and as the area has been plagued by hundreds of smaller quakes throughout the week, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) cannot rule out the possibility that even larger earthquake is coming soon. On Feb. 5, after a magnitude 5.8 earthquake hit Hualien the day before, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) counted 94 aftershocks, 40 within the first three hours after the main earthquake struck, and three of which measured over 5.0. The largest aftershock measured at 5.4. The CWB initially

reported that the aftershocks from Feb.4 quake would decrease in size, however from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6 the opposite occurred.

The aftershocks gradually increased in size and began to measure a magnitude of 4 then 5, eventually resulting in yesterday’s magnitude 6.0 quake. By 3 p.m. today, 153 aftershocks had struck the same area, 18 of which were substantial enough to be felt.

Both the 5.8 temblor and the 6.0 quake were preceded by magnitude 5.1 earthquake. The epicenter of the magnitude 6.0 earthquake was also in the same vicinity of both 5.1 quakes.

Director of the CWB Seismological Center,

Chen Kuo-chang, pointed out that generally after a powerful quake such as the one that occurred yesterday, it usually marks a turning point, after which aftershocks will occur, but will gradually trail off. However, Chen said to CNA that the flurry of aftershocks seen before and after the deadly magnitude 6.0 temblor was, “unprecedented and not a normal release of energy.” When asked by reporters if the magnitude 6.0 quake was a foreshock of an even bigger earthquake, Chen replied, “It can’t be ruled out, however the probability is relatively small.” Lee Chyi-tyi, a professor at NCU’s Graduate Institute of Applied Geology,

said that earthquakes are cyclical and in the last century in Taiwan there were two quakes with a magnitude over 8: one in 1910, which was centered off the coast of Yilan and registered 8.3 on the Richter Scale, while and the other in 1920, which also registered a 8.3, was centered off the coast of Hualien. The country has already reached the centennial of one of the 1910 temblors and will soon reach the other in two years. Lee told ETtoday, “For the next 10 years in Hualien, The probability of a magnitude 8 earthquake occurring is high, and I predict that there will be another earthquake (similar in size) in 2025.”

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17 FINANCE NEWS

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MARCH 2018

Where to invest this 2018

2017 continues to be stellar year for the local economy. After all, we are riding on the momentum of 72 consecutive quarters of economic growth—with the third-quarter growth at 6.9 percent, beating analyst’s estimate. Toward the last few days of the year, the much awaited Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) was finally signed into law. Interest rate remains stable as inflation falls within the limits. All these point to even brighter prospects in 2018 Given that, shouldn’t we all take advantage of the upbeat economy and invest our hard-earned money? Frankly, no one knows how long this optimism will last. Ten years ago, we saw a different story. No telling what will happen in the next few years. But, while the iron is hot, it’s good to strike.

What are the top 3 assets that we can make money from?

Cryptocurrencies

As of this writing, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are starting to gain traction and recognition here in the Philippines.

A year ago, it was barely in the radar of investors and traders. Now, dedicated groups have been formed to analyze, study and share

a wealth of information on these. Even our own Central Bank is considering regulating Bitcoin. I myself have dabbled in Bitcoin in the middle of last year. The question I often get aside from “What is Bitcoin?” is “Is it safe?”

Frankly, even I can’t answer the question if it is safe or not. It has boom and bust even if it is only about a year. The volatility of cryptocurrencies is overwhelming for newbie investors. But, overall, the trend has been up since, well, its inception. But Bitcoin is just one of the many cryptocurrencies to invest in. There are others out there are also worth looking at.

Ethereum made 4,276 percent, Ripple made 3,415 percent and NEM made a mind-blowing 8,662 percent. Those who held them had a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Will the uptrend last? No one really knows.

It has been making money for the investors, and it’s also worth risking a bit of fund and going for it. Always remember, though: invest only the money you can afford to lose.

things in perspective, had you invested P100,000, you would have earned P25,000.

But that’s just the main index. A handful of stocks outperformed the main index by leaps and bounds. Macroasia Corp. (MAC), Ayalaowned Integrated Micro-electronics, Inc., Waterfront Philippines, 2GO Group Inc. and Harbor Star Shipping just to name a few. Even the giant SM made double what the index did!

The low-interest rate environment is conducive to growth. After all, bank deposits earn even lower than inflation so it’s natural for the investing public to seek higher yield for their money. Stocks may prove the best option. Sentiments continue to be bullish.

For those afraid to invest directly in equities, pooled funds such as Unit Investment Trust Funds and the mutual funds also present an alternative. Ideal for those who don’t have much time studying and analyzing individual stocks.

Just last year, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index made several record highs and even hit 8,640 before settling at 8,558—a good 25-percent gain for the full year. Putting

Just when the property markets can’t get any rosier, 2018 ushers in an even more upbeat sentiment. Real estate continues to be a darling investment for most Filipinos. After all, owning one’s home is a dream of every

Filipino. And that dream is not going to fade away anytime soon.

Low interest rates plus rising disposable income, especially after the passage of the TRAIN, allow accessibility to affordable home ownership. The “golden age of infrastructure” of the current administration should give rise to land values outside Metro Manila since the objective of decongesting traffic would allow previously hard-to-access areas to be more accessible.

Another advantage of investing in property is its ability to generate passive income through rental income. Property rental yields stand at 7 percent to 8 percent.

That’s four times higher than time-deposit rates. Capital appreciation is also another benefit of investing in real estate. According to the Global Property Guide, residential real-estate price index grew by 9.2 percent in 2016. So you not only earn through rental income but the value of your property continues to rise, as well.

2018 should prove to be an exciting year for us in terms of wealth. Don’t be left behind.

Find the most suitable asset for you, and start investing.

—Business Mirror

other information that may be required by the Secretary of Justice in relation to Batas Pambansa Blg. 185.

Meanwhile, the OFW shall submit the following documents for the transfer of title to a condominium unit in his name: (a) BIR CAR or TCC; (b) deed of absolute sale; (c) management certificate; (d) owner’s duplicate copy of the title to the unit; (e) realty tax clearance; (f) certified true copy of tax declarations; and (g) transfer tax receipt or clearance.

The subsequent registration of the condominium unit or land in the OFW’s name does not operate to vest ownership upon him of the subject land.

In Wee v. Mardo, the Supreme Court held that registration of a piece of land under the Torrens System does not create or vest title because it is not a mode of acquiring ownership.

The Supreme Court further held that a certificate of title is merely an evidence of ownership or title over the particular property described therein.

Such title cannot be used to protect a

usurper from the true owner, nor can it be used as a shield for the commission of fraud.

Neither does it permit one to enrich himself at the expense of others.

Its issuance in favor of a particular person does not foreclose the possibility that the real property may be co-owned with persons not named in the certificate, or that it may be held in trust for another person by the registered owner.

Failure to cause the transfer of title to the land or condominium unit in the OFW’s name under the Torrens system may cause conflicts of title to real estate and will not prevent innocent third persons to whom said real property may be fraudulently sold from claiming their ownership thereto.

In Spouses Peralta v. Heirs of Abalon, the Supreme Court held that the main purpose of the Torrens System is to avoid possible conflicts of title to real estate and to facilitate transactions relative thereto by giving the public the right to rely upon the face of a Torrens certificate of title and to dispense with the need of inquiring further, except when the party concerned has actual

knowledge of facts and circumstances that should impel a reasonably cautious man to make such further inquiry.

The Supreme Court likewise held that every person dealing with registered land may safely rely on the correctness of the certificate of title issued therefor. Moreover, the law will in no way oblige him to go beyond the certificate to determine the condition of the property.

As may be agreed upon by the parties, the OFW shall pay the following taxes for purchasing the land or condominium unit: (a) capital gains tax, which is 6 percent of the purchase price, within 30 days after such sale; (b) documentary stamp tax, which is 1.5 percent of the purchase price or fair market value, whichever is higher, within five days after the close of the month when the taxable document was made signed, issued, accepted, or transferred, or upon remittance by collection agents of collection from the sale of loose stamps; (c) transfer tax, which is 0.5 percent of the purchase price; and (d) registration fee, which is 0.25 percent of the purchase price. —Inquirer

“The handbook aims to serve as their ready reference if and when they need to assert their rights as overseas employees,” Pacquiao said.

The measure, was passed with 18 affirmative votes, zero negative votes and zero abstention by the 24 member Senate recently. Pacquiao said it is the obligation of government to take care of the millions of OFWs all over the world, “by providing them with standard printed information.”

Under the measure, it will be the obligation of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to publish and regularly update the handbook.

It will be written in simple language with translation in native dialects that the OFWs

can readily understand.

Pacquiao said the OFW handbook, which is awaiting a counterpart measure in the House of Representatives before it can be sent to President Rodrigo Duterte for approval, could help curb human trafficking, noting many OFWs had fallen prey to abuse abroad because the victims were unaware of their rights.

Senator Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Human Resources Development and coauthor of the measure, cited the importance of the OFW handbook especially to Filipinos employed as domestic workers.

“In the face of increasing numbers of abuses against OFWs, perhaps, we can go

back to the basics by equipping our workers abroad with the right information at the right time, and in the right way,” Villanueva said.

Aside from Pacquiao and Villanueva, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Senator Richard Gordon are also as coauthors of the measure.

Under the bill, the POEA would be mandated “to develop, publish, disseminate and update periodically a handbook on the rights and responsibilities of migrant workers as provided by Philippine laws and the existing labour and social laws of the receiving country that will protect and guarantee the rights of migrant workers.”

—Gulf News

Stocks

Properties

The OFWs’ purchasing power over real properties

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he Land Registration Authority (LRA) requires the submission of the following documents to cause the transfer of the registration of the real property under the Overseas Filipino Worker’s (OFW) name:

Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) or Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue; Deed of absolute sale; Clearance from the Department of Agrarian Reform; Owner’s duplicate copy of the title to the registered land; Realty tax clearance; Certified true copy of tax declarations; and Transfer tax receipt.

If the OFW were a naturalized foreign citizen, he shall likewise be required to submit to the LRA a sworn statement showing the following: (a) date and place of his birth; (b) names and addresses of his parents, spouse, and children, if any; (c) area, location, and mode of acquisition of his land-holdings in the Philippines; (d) his intention to reside permanently in the Philippines; (e) date he lost his Philippine citizenship; (f) country of which he is presently a citizen; (g) such

Special guide for overseas Filipinos gets Senate approval

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proposal requiring the Philippine government to publish a guide for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) has been approved in the Senate.

The proposed handbook for OFWs, under Senate Bill 192, will contain important information that serves as a guide to being a Filipino migrant worker.

“We want to equip our OFWs with the necessary information they can access once they are out there in the global marketplace,” Senator Manny Pacquiao, a proponent of the measure, said.

The handbook will serve as a reference for OFWs in addressing their problems and concerns so that they will not be in the dark when they go out of the country.

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Former Super Sireyna winner now lives as a man: “God changed me.”

I

kinagulat at ikinatuwa ng lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community ang pag-anunsiyo ng Super Sireyna Queen of Flowers winner na si Sabel Gonzales na siya ay nagbabalik-loob na sa pagiging lalaki. Si Sabel ay kilala sa gay community bilang “Julia Barretto” at ito rin ang screen name na gamit niya nang sumali sa tanyag na pakontes ng noontime show na Eat Bulaga, ang Super Sireyna Queen of Flowers, noong 2014.

Ang Super Sireyna ay beauty contest para sa gays at trans women.

Si Sabel din ang kumatawan sa Pilipinas sa Miss International Queen 2017 sa Pattaya, Thailand.

Nakapasok siya sa Top 10, ngunit ang nakapag-uwi ng korona ay ang transgender candidate mula sa host country.

Kasabay ng pagbabalik bilang isang lalaki ay ang paggamit na niya ng kanyang tunay na pangalan—Mark Estephen.

Sa kanyang Facebook account noong January 23, sinabi ni Mark na nahanap niya ang totoong kaligayahan sa buhay sa pamamagitan ng pagbabalik-loob sa Poong Maykapal.

audience favorite at ang matatanggal kada linggo. Matapos naman ang eliminations, panibagong singer ang ipakikilala upang makipangtunggali sa kantahan.

Kakalabanin ni KZ ang Taiwanese pop singers na sina Angela Chang at Sam Lee ngayong season. Kabilang naman sa mga naging contestants ng patimpalak ang Chinese-American pop star na si Coco Lee at Hong Kong singer na si Sandy Lam.

Kasalukuyang napapanood ang Pinay singer sa top-rating Sunday variety show na “ASAP” kasama ang pinakamagagaling na mga mang-aawit ng bansa. Nagkaroon na rin siya ng dalawang albums sa ilalim ng Star Music.

Matapos ang pagkapanalo sa “The X Factor” Philippines, nakilala na si KZ bilang “Soul Supreme” dahil sa angkin niyang talento

sa pag-awit at pagko-compose. Nakapaglabas na rin siya ng mga awiting tumatak sa puso ng Pinoy gaya ng “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako” at “Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak.”

Natunghayan na rin ang kanyang galing sa iba’t-ibang palabas ng ABS-CBN gaya ng “Your Face Sounds Familiar” at “We Love OPM,” kung saan nagsilbi siyang mentor at judge. Bukod sa pagpe-perform sa iba’t-ibang panig ng bansa, nakapag-perform na rin ang 25-year-old singer sa Japan at Dubai, at nagkaroon ng rin ng kanyang sariling digital concert sa online music platform ng ABS-CBN na One Music PH noong 2017.

Mapapanood si KZ sa “Singer 2018” sa Hunan TV ng China ngayong Friday (Pebrero 9) nang 8 pm. Magtatapos naman ang season ng kumpetisyon sa Abril 13.

Sabel Gonzales, Super Sireyna Queen of Flowers winner

Mensahe ni Mark, “It’s 2018, and I found my true happiness in life from Our Lord Jesus Christ. “Only God can change to you and to me... So accept and follow Jesus now as our savior and repent from our sins.

“He is the only way , the truth and the life to be with the Father and to be in heaven.”

Bumuhos naman ang suporta at positibong komento mula sa kanyang friends at followers sa Facebook.

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Soul singer, composer, and recording artist KZ Tandingan marks her debut on the global stage as she goes up against international music stars in the hit Chinese singing competition “Singer 2018” on Friday (February 9) at 8pm.

The season will culminate in a live finale on April 13.

Sagot ni Mark sa kanila: “Thank you for all the support. Only God can changed us.

“God is transforming me for His will in my life and I know that I was born as a man, that’s the creation of God…

“I realized that I just created an idol in my own desire but not God’s desire. Now, I surrender my life to Him. All glory to God.”

Si Mark ay mula sa Anda, Pangasinan, at nakatira ngayon sa Arizona, USA.

Tinanong ng isang follower si Mark kung bakit siya nagbago, at kung mayroon ba siyang problema.

Tugon dito ni Mark, “God changed me. He is the only one who can change us for His will.

“His love for us is eternal and everlasting.

I’m just doing the right thing in my life with His guidance.

“Now, that I know the truth and following Jesus in my life, it’s a new life, new creation of God, it’s not my own desire anymore but it’s a God’s desire for my life.

“(John 14 :6) ‘Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’

“To accept Jesus Christ as our savior and declare that He is our Lord, to confess our sins, ask forgiveness, to repent, surrender our life to Him and to obey His commandments, and we will be SAVED.” Sa ngayon, nahanap na raw niya ang tunay na kalayaan.

Aniya, “I am free and I found my real FREEDOM, LOVE, EQUALITY, RESPECT , and ACCEPTANCE for being who I am and what I am because of JESUS!” Hindi pa sumailalim sa sex reassignment surgery si Mark.

KZ Tandingan, itatayo ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa ‘Singer 2018’ ng China

apatunayan ni KZ Tandingan ang galing ng Pinoy pagdating sa kantahan dahil siya ang kakatawan sa Pilipinas upang makipagtapatan sa international singers sa sikat na Chinese singing competition na “Singer 2018” ngayong Pebrero 9.

Kalahok ang kauna-unahang kampeon ng “The X Factor Philippines” sa ikalimang episode ng kumpetisyon, kung saan natunghayan din ang British singer na si Jessie J na naging audience favorite sa tatlong magkakasunod na linggo sa palabas. Linggo-linggong tinututukan ang “Singer 2018” dahil sa kaabang-abang na pagtatapat ng singers mula sa iba’t-ibang panig ng mundo na naglalaban-laban para sa boto ng live audience.

Ang husga ng mga manonood ang magdidikta kung sino ang mananalong

Vlogger Wil Dasovich now cancer-free

“

You’re excellent. You can celebrate.”

Ito ang mensahe ng doktor na nagsagawa ng operasyon upang tanggalin ang isang bahagi ng large intestine ng vlogger na si Wil Dasovich.

Bago pa man matanggap ni Wil ang tinawag niyang crucial “one phone call” kung saan ibabahagi ng kanyang doktor ang resulta ng huli niyang operasyon, nag-post muna si Wil sa kanyang Facebook, February 2, na may inihanda siyang meaningful video para sa kanyang journey laban sa cancer.

Aniya, “It’s been a rough week sitting and waiting for the news regarding the pathology if they found cancer in my colon/lymphnodes which they removed. It all comes down to this and things have been feeling heavy for me as if the rest of my future will be determined by this one phone call. This is the longest i have ever gone without releasing a vlog since i started 2+ years ago but tomorrow i am finally releasing a video regarding everything that has happened in the last 6 months. This is the most meaningful video i have produced to date so be sure to look out for it tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone!”

Kasunod nito, ibinahagi na ng 25-year-old model and vlogger sa kanyang YouTube channel ang magandang balita.

Sabi niya sa caption ng kanyang vlog na may pamagat

na Life Determined by a Phone Call (EMOTIONAL), “It’s been a long and challenging 6 months since the diagnosis occured last August of 2017.

“After completing all treatments including chemotherapy and surgery, everything has come down to this. A phone call that will reveal the results of the pathology analysis determining the presence of remaining cancer cells or if my body is completely rid of the disease.

“However, the bigger picture of all of this is the concept of challenge and volition. Life is filled with ups and downs and part of living is finding a way to past past as many obstacles thrown on your course. “If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. We all have our own challenges ahead of us but its how you respond to these challenges that will define.

“Share this video with someone trying to overcome their own personal challenge and maybe it will inspire Hope. And thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. You have been a powerful motivation and reason i have made it this far.” Sa dulo ng video, mapapanood ang emosyunal na si Wil kasama ang dalawa niyang kapamilya habang pinapakinggan ang magandang balita ng kanyang doctor.

Ayon sa kanyang doctor, “There’s a little bit of residual

cancer left... This is a good outcome because all the lymph nodes were negative.

“The read would be there’d be no need for any further treatment. At this point, you will be just under surveillance.”

Sa kanyang Facebook, bumuhos naman ang saya ng mga tagahanga ng dating Pinoy Big Brother housemate.

August 2017 nang madiagnose si Wil na meron siyang colon cancer.

Dito na niya sinimulang i-dokumento ang bawat kilos niya, mula sa pagpapao s p i t a l , chemotherapy sessions, at kung anu-ano pa na may kaugnayan sa kanyang laban sa cancer.

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MARCH 2018

A.F.A.C.E Next Top Model 2018

Give Toy, Share Double Joy

The 54 candidate of AFACE Next Top Model in Taiwan pose for the photoshoot.

A.F.A.C.E (Arts and Fashion A Charity Event) lead by Mr. Mario Subeldia, a Filipino Sand Artist in Taiwan in order to give a chance for the OFWs in Taiwan to showcase their talents on the catwalk to fulfill their dreams and ambitions in the world of fashion, will be holding a Modeling competition on March 18 at Hsinchu Big City and will start at 2PM. Mr. Mario and James Paul, a Filipino Designer will showcase some of their designs.

There will be a total of 54 contestants 27 (female) 27 (male). For this special occasion A.F.A.C.E has invited celebrity guests’ actor and UMD dancer Mr. Wowie de Guzman, and Mr. Mark Kramer, a Zumba sensation and former Streetboys, with special participation from Mr. Alexander Hoffman, who hailed from Germany, as well as some journalists from TAIWAN Media. A.F.A.C.E has also lined up an amazing panel of judges: Mr. Alexander Hoffman German Actor, Taiwan freelance model / actor James Lo, Film and Dai-Ai News producer Vivien Chen and TV Host

DaAi New Mr. Andrew Ryan, and James Paul a Filipino fashion designer owner of Casa De Moda, who hailed from the shoe capital of the Philippines, Marikina City. The competition will also showcase Mr. James Paul’s Filipino contemporary designs.

The TOP 6 who will make it to the final cut will be the BRAND AMBASSADORS of CASA DE MODA by James Paul and one of them will get the chance to be the First Filipino Ambassador of Goodwill of A.F.A.C.E to help our kababayans who lives in SHELTERS in Taiwan.

Grand winners will receive: GRAND WINNER will receive 10,000nt + trip to HONGKONG /certificate ,sash, CROWN and Trophy 1st RUNNER UP will receive 7,000nt + trip to Philippines /certificate, sash, CROWN and Trophy 2nd RUNNER UP will receive 4000nt + trip to Philippines /certificate, sash, CROWN and Trophy

Get to know more about Mario Subeldia How did you start sand painting?

“I draw this kind of art seven years ago, every day I practice and I learned it by myself. It takes 5 days to know this art, because I need to know the angles and the moving of sand into our hands, so you must master it first, so I just have to move by my hands for five days on how to handle the sands. If you see this kind of art you might say it’s easy but when you touch the sand you will know that it takes time to know this art.”

What obstacles have you encountered with your art and how did you overcome it?

Mr. Mario Subeldia, the first Filipino license “I encounter ups and downs because when Artist in Taiwan and organizer of the I start to perform in the street because you upcoming AFACE Next Top Model 2018 cannot please everyone, but I really love this “I want also to help the Filipino art because it touches my heart so I push myself to do more, so every day I practice to Community here in Taiwan like OFW, master this kind of art, to show that they’re especially those who have potentials in wrong about their impression for this kind modeling, photography, painters that the of art. But I need to improve my speed reason I make the costumes for them and because the audience will get bored, before I help build their dream come true. The it took 5 days to master to draw the face but incoming event is about Runway / Painting for a cause, I want to expose their talents now it took only 5 minutes.” and make their dream come true. I used How do you give back or show rug or old outfit to make a new costumes, gratitude for your talent?

“Before when I was young I always I’ll make something new like cutting. In the encounter recycled material and it’s really Philippines they make income out of rugs. helpful to me to think how people survive in As an artist you always make something different ways like foods, people waste foods, new out of the things around you.” Some of that’s why I make customs like Mc Donalds , the proceeds of his works are sent back to because McDonalds in known around the the Philippines to help the street children, world and you know to how to interact with home for the aged and public schools. the people, everyone can relate. I also make His family love helping those in need and costumes out of cigarettes to let them know that is what motivates Mario to help his kababayans. that we’re concern about their health.”

The first volunteer project of Market America-Amazing Grace Team (MA –AGF) and FIC Connections donating used toys and English book for kids held last Jan. 27, 2018 at 八國 商務Zhongxing Road, Section 2, Sanchong, New Taipei City. Half day activity of kids and parents includes playing of the toys, book scrapping and even Zumba dance for the parents. After having fun with toys, kids and parents repacked the toys and books into cargo boxes that will sent to the Philippines for more kids to enjoy. The event was organized by the members of Market America- Amazing Grace headed by Brenda and Romeo Chua.

Showbiz

Sunshine Cruz to undergo surgery to correct serious eye trauma

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inaghahandaan na ni “Oculoplastic surgeon ang Sunshine Cruz ang gagawa, hindi lang basta pagpunta sa Amerika plastic surgeon... kasi para sa gagawing operasyon eyeball talaga. sa kanyang mga mata.

“The eyeball needs to be Planong lumipad ng pushed back [sa kanan] aktres sa Abril, pagkatapos and this one [sa kaliwa] ng graduation ng kanyang lumubog, kailangang anak. lumabas.”

Ano ba ang problema sa Ayon sa www. kanyang mata? eyehealthweb.com, Sunshine Cruz Tugon ni Sunshine, “Oculoplastic surgery is “Hindi mo ba nakikita? a general term used to Yung isa nakalabas, yung isa nakapasok, represent a variety of procedures that because of the trauma before.” involve the orbit, eyelids, tear ducts, and Ipinakita sa amin ni Sunshine sa the face. Ocular reconstructive surgery, kanyang cell phone ang larawan kung saan aesthetic eyelid surgery, facial plastic makikita ang pagkakaroon ng black eye sa surgery, and cosmetic procedures fall isang bahagi ng kanyang mata. into this category.” Ipinagpapasalamat

Anya, “Eto yung naging trauma ko ni Sunshine na hindi naapektuhan ang before, talagang lumabas yun, e.” kanyang eyesight sa naidulot na uneven Tumanggi si Sunshine na sabihin alignment ng kanyang dalawang mata. kung ilang taon na niyang dinadala ang Sasailalim daw muna ang aktres sa mga nangyari sa kanyang mga mata. “Huwag na test at isa-isa niyang itong inilahad. nating anuhin, basta that happened to me.” “Merong mga CT scans na kailangan ko

Hindi rin nilinaw ng Kapamilya munang gawin and then… actress kung saan niya nakuha ang “Magkakaroon muna ng consultation, black eye, pero makahulugan ang facial which is expensive, four hundred dollars. expression na ipinakita sa amin nito. Sabi “Nakakatuwa nga, e, kasi ipinagdasal lang niya, “Nagiging bother for me as ko ‘yan kay Lord na I really need that badly. an actress, kailangan ang iyong mata ay “Sabi ko, ‘Lord, bigyan niyo po ako pantay. ng project para panlipad sa States at

“O, matagal na, dinadaya, dinadaya, pampagamot.’ “Wala pang isang linggo, pero lumalabas pa rin kahit dayain sa ibinigay sa akin ang Century Tuna, so makeup, e. nakakatuwa lang.” Patuloy ni Sunshine, “Sa pag-aartista ang bread and butter ko, “Hindi ko na kayang mag-therapy. Pagkaya kailangan pantay…” Maglalaan nga uwing-uwi ko dito, I need to work. raw ng malaking halaga si Sunshine sa “Kailangan ko lang talaga I need to be buong proseso ng pagpapagamot niya sa healthy and in tip-top shape to be able to mata. work properly. “And to be able to provide

Paliwanag niya, “Kasi eyeball ‘yan, e. for the kids. Yun lang naman ang aim natin

“I prepared at least a million [pesos] sa buhay.” for that, sana kasya na yun.

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5

6 7 5 1 6 8

2

Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces.

Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3 x 3 square.

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3 x 3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive

Solution to last issue

4 4 6 2 8

4 7 1 6 8 2 9 5 3

2 9 8 3 4 5 1 7 6

5 3 6 9 7 1 2 4 8

3 5 7 2 6 9 8 1 4

1 6 9 4 3 8 7 2 5

8 2 4 5 1 7 3 6 9

7 1 5 8 9 6 4 3 2

9 4 2 1 5 3 6 8 7

6 8 3 7 2 4 5 9 1

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MARCH 2018

EEC Elite Express

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31 NEWS

32 NEWS

eec-elite.com

EEC Elite Express

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MARCH 2018